Spike sat for some time in his booth, melting into the pleather cushions and into the recesses of the shadows. So consumed was he with thoughts of his Slayer, her lips that gently touched is, her confident shoulders and her laugh that warmed him to the core, the scowl that turned him cold, that he failed to sense the woman who was now behind him. He just continued to think of her, what she was doing with Colin Travers. He was so insecure about their current status that his jealousy grew all the more. He knew Buffy's had as well. He forgave that, but it still didn't squelch the feelings of dread that sat in his chest when he thought about the two of them.

Never would I wish such sorrow in those eyes.

Spike didn't even afford her a glance. Not in the mood for your poetry, Leila.

What are you in the mood for? she cooed as she slinked into the seat across from him.

He looked up at her from under his lids. he said.

Easy to cheat in that game.

I cheat life daily so this will be a piece of cake.

Why so glum, Spike? Leila stretched out, letting one of her legs slowly rub along the inside of Spike's.

Damn it, Leila, I said I wasn't in the mood, he warned, kicking her away. So, why don't you go on your merry way and leave me be before I decide to haul you into the Council.

Leila pouted and crossed her arms over her full chest. Why don't you?

Not in the mood for that either, he said with a sigh. He roughly ran his fingers through his hair, causing the curls to spring up.

Why don't you tell me why you want to see me then? Really, this conversation is rather dreadful when you don't want to talk about anything.

How did you find me? he asked, switching the focus of the conversation. Leila simply shrugged her shoulders. I want to help you, Leila, he confessed, leaning over the table.

Help me with what? she wanted to know. I'm fine since I got out. I don't need saving.

And I'm no sodding savior. That's not what I meant.

Then what do you mean? she asked, bending forward until she was eye to eye with him.

I don't want anything to happen to you.

Spike, you know as well as I, you are the only one who has had the good fortune to beat me. A childish grin played on her face. Spike was taken aback at this, her face glowed with youth.

Good fortune my ass. I can take you any time I want to.

That you can, love, that you can, she agreed, her voice thick with innuendo. But, you won't. She sat back and observed the vampire. It was all very touching, wanting to protect her. She knew he meant it, but she didn't want to be one of his charity cases. She wasn't just one of his damsels in distress; she wasn't distressed at all, she was in control and she loved it. Do you remember when we first met?

It wasn't that long ago, pet.

No, I suppose it wasn't, well, not for someone with an unlimited life span. But, to us mere humans, it's longer.

You are no mere human, Leila.

Then what am I?

A Gemini, Spike answered.

Leila let out a hard laugh, almost a cackle. Yeah, Gemini, two halves fighting to be whole. She reached over and snagged Spike's drink, taking a healthy swig before placing it down again. What are you?

Spike rolled his eyes and finished what Leila started with his Guinness. The glass made a loud bang as he slammed it down, the hollow sound resonated through the wooden table. He hated this part of the conversation. Why did she have to get philosophical when he was just in the mood for good quality banter. He was getting tired, very quickly.

He stood up and threw a few notes down on the table. I'm a vampire, nothing more, nothing less.

He left Leila there and welcomed the cool London fog, knowing full well he was being watched.

You are so much more, Spike, Leila called out to him.

Spike looked into her haunting violet eyes. It was such an unnatural shade, one that demanded as much attention as Leila herself. Spike had seen her transfer from good girl to bad before. This vixen in front of him was trying to be both. It didn't fool the Master Vampire, very little did. This girl was not as comfortable as she thought. But, she was a beauty. Too bad she was so young and so crazy and he was so in love.

I don't know what delusions you are sporting. I'm just a master Vampire going about his own business.

Leila chuckled at his surmise. She stepped into him, the familiar scent of Spike invaded her senses. She drank him in. No one is fooled by you, Spike, least of all me.

Spike had had enough of people trying to decipher him. It was as if he was under a bloody microscope. I'm done for tonight, pet. Run along; I'll find you later.

How can you be so sure? She took her bottom lip between her teeth and grinned.

You want me to find you. You like the dance as much as I do.

It's the vampire in me I suppose. Or maybe I just like seeing you.

Can't imagine why, when you know I'll win in the end.

Till then. She quickly took hold of him and smashed her lips to his. They were soft, firm and so cool.

Spike knew her intentions and gently pressed back into her warmth. Their lips tangled with each other for only a moment before Spike pulled back. He leaned against the pub wall and fished out his cigarette. He put one in his mouth, letting it dangle from his full mouth. Till next time then.

Leila laughed, the eerie music broke through the otherwise quiet night. Without saying a word, she turned and vanished into the black.

Spike slowly lit his smoke and waited. It wouldn't be long now.



*If you can't make your mind up
We'll never get started*



One......Two.....Three......

What do you think you are doing?

Spike looked up at the brassed off Slayer. Waiting for you to come over here.

Buffy ripped the offensive white object out of Spike's mouth. She smashed her shoe on it. You said you weren't interested in her.

Spike pulled out another cigarette. I'm not.

Buffy took that away as well, grinding the unlit cylinder beyond recognition. You kissed her!

Damn it, Slayer! These do cost money you know. And besides, she was kissing me. If you're gonna spy at least get it right.

You didn't push her away, Buffy countered.

Spike just gave a chuckle and walked towards the flat, Buffy hot on his heels.

So, I let her kiss me. It will help us.

How is having your tongue rammed down her throat helpful? She's just going to go nuts when she realizes what you are doing.

Spike groaned. Why was she being so thick? Like we hoped, Leila still fancies me. She kissed me once, now she can't wait to do it again.

You think that well of yourself?

Yes, I do, his answer clipped. I also know Leila. She's impatient.

They walked home, silence crept over them for only a few blocks before Buffy grumbled.

I don't like this.

You've made that abundantly clear, Slayer.

And yet you don't listen.

Spike cocked his head to the side and stared at her. What are you afraid of?

I'm afraid you are going to screw this up and have only a few lip locks to show for it! Buffy's chest heaved with her ragged breath and her eyes shone with intensity.

Are you jealous?

The Slayer scoffed at that. Why would I be jealous of you making smoochies with some child?

You tell me. He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets as he waited for an answer.

I'm not jealous. It just bothers me. Is this how you get your kicks now? Seducing unsuspecting psychopaths, trying to relive Druscilla?

Spike stopped dead. He couldn't bare to look at Buffy, afraid he would smack her. He trained his gaze into the ever present gauze surrounding them. Count, Spike, he told himself. One blow to her face. Two kicks to the gut. Three roundhouse kicks, knocking her to the ground.....and endless kisses to make up for the damage. Bloody hell, I'm such a soddin' poof! God damn it!

If memory serves me, Slayer, he began, finally settling his stone cold gaze on her, I turned down Dru years ago. Tried to kill her, for you actually.

Not the most enticing gift I've ever received from a man, she said, deadpan.

Spike stepped away from her. Never had to give you material gifts to entice you.

Buffy's hand swung at his face, but he deftly caught it millimeters from his nose. Buffy watched awestruck as Spike took her hand to his lips. He gently placed light kisses on each of her knuckles, lingering above every one before moving on to the next one. His eyes stayed with her, daring her to react.



*And I don't want to wind up
Being parted, broken hearted*



Is it always about sex with you? she asked. It was meant as an insult, but it her breathy voice did little to offend.

Spike laughed to the skies and released her hand. I'm not some cheap nymphomaniac, Buffy, contrary to popular belief. But, I haven't been celibate for the past five years, neither have you I might add. For Christ's sake, Buffy, you were engaged to be married. Married! You don't see me hassling you about that, do you?

I've been waiting for you to bring him up.

I'm not. Spike started up the street once more, the house was in sight now. Soon, he'd be inside and away from her. She was upset and confused. Buffy loathed confusion. But, as long as she was going to revert to her defense mechanism, which was insulting him, he didn't want to be around her. She needed to get over herself and trust in him. There's nothing more I want to know.

Buffy jogged to catch up to him. You've got to be kidding me. I know you want to know what happened.

No, I don't, he replied, flatly. I know all I need to know.

You know nothing. Buffy's voice coated with acid as she said the words. He had no idea what she went through.

I know you didn't marry him. She had no comeback for that. The simple sentence spoke volumes.

Don't you want to know why? she whispered.

Spike had an answer, but he didn't voice it. Of course he wanted to know! He always wanted to know what happened to prevent the culmination of Buffy Summer's perfect family dream. Bit didn't know and he didn't push, much. Dawn apparently pushed more though. All Spike knew was she ended it, or he ended it; it was ended. Spike was curious what he was like. He wouldn't like him, that was a given. Dawn seemed to tolerate him well enough. When asked if he was good enough for her, Dawn replied, I'm a little biased. Did she love him? She says she does. Is she smiling? Yes, she's smiling. That satisfied him. Until one day, she wasn't smiling and the engagement was off. Spike never felt such a cocktail of sadness, relief and guilt over that relief.

What a silly question! Yes, he wanted to know every detail, but he didn't tell her that.

What if I wanted to tell you? Buffy ventured after more deafening silence. Would you listen?

I always listen, Buffy.

She nodded, her anger disappeared and she now seemed, dare he think it, embarrassed. She didn't look directly at him and her voice was low and shaky. Good to know.

They stood toe to toe outside the house. Spike felt like a schoolboy dropping off his girl at the door, waiting for a sign she wanted to see him again. A smile, a kiss on the cheek, kiss on the lips, or a slow back step as she made her way up the stoop, never taking her eyes off of him until she had to turn and go greet her parents. As a human, William never had luck with courtships, even as a young and foolish child. As a result, he began to fidget, his booted foot repeatedly tapping the stairs.

Buffy watched his display with earnest. He looked adorable, trying to figure out what to do next. His honest face showed her all the uncertainty he felt and she was sure hers did the same. They eventually locked eyes. Buffy nibbled on the side of her mouth. Spike's mouth hung openly slightly, his tongue making an appearance ever few seconds to rewet his drying lips.



*So if you really love me, say yes
But if you don't, dear, confess
And please don't tell me
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps*



The tension was getting unbearable and both had decided it needed to end someway. They slowly leaned into each other, their lips getting closer and closer-

There you two are!

Blue and green eyes widened and turned to the door. They had been caught...by the father.




Okay, that was Chapter 11. Chapter 12 is a three parter WooHoo! And will be installed indiviually. Reviews, though, always make me want to post faster and faster!