Disclaimer: Well, I don't like to kiss and tell.....Let's just say, some promises were made amongst in the heat of the moment and then a certain platinum blonde said he would work on getting me the rights to everything BtVS from one Joss Whedon. And I would have gotten them to, if it wasn't for those meddling kids and their Watcher!!!

A/N: Thanks for the reviews all. Yes, it's explanation time, but how far will it get our dear friends? Like I'm going to tell you that :) And then, of course, we have our bad guys to contend with. Let me know what you think, okay? One more after this and then it's on to Chapter 13!
Enjoy!



Chapter 12: The Tempest (Part Two)



He's as sexy as ever, she thought as she walked home.

The heavy rain saturated her, but Leila kept smiling all the while. She loved the rain. She liked the lightning she sensed coming even more. Her hackles were up; it was going to be quite the storm.

Excitement shot through her nerves. Anticipation was getting the better of her. Her meeting with Spike left her unsatisfied, but she knew someone else who would help her. She needed to get home soon so she could take care of her pleasantly painful ache. The rain and her enticing thoughts were not helping. Cold wet rain against her skin. She sucked the droplets from her full lips. So clean, so cool, so wet. Leila quickened her pace. Visions of lying naked outside of the house on the soaked grass were dancing in her mind.

Maybe he'd like join me, she pondered. He better be there when I get home. Another wave of desire swelled in the pit of her stomach and ran lower still. Her vampiric speed kicked into high gear. How much fun would it be, the two of them, semi sated from round after round of love making, laying side by side watching the light show, feeling the thunder rumble through their bodies, letting the rain coat every inch of their fully exposed skin. Repetitious tapping of raindrops, sliding down her breasts, the coolness keeping her nipples painfully erect, gliding over her taut stomach, resting in her dark curls, mingling with her ever present heat, never cooling down, always hot. He would roll on top of her and pound her into the wet grass, the slight scratching of the blades only making her beg for more. Maybe the lightning would touch down too, set a fire to mar the night.

Oh, what a storm!



Spike held Buffy as she told her story. She started to relax as he timed his breathing with hers. Sure, he didn't need to breathe, but he loved the feeling of this unity, sharing in her calm.


He listened about Jackson, or Jack, about their first meeting, their first date. It was all very normal, average even. Buffy told him about being a Slayer. He fully accepted it, praised her for it even. They got engaged, everything was perfect. Spike was glad things went well for Jackson and Buffy. So, what went wrong? Buffy's sudden silence stirred him.

She didn't respond. Love, you okay? He felt her nod against him, her breath still even with his.

I'm fine, she sighed. She relished the rise and fall of his chest against her. She didn't know why she decided to tell Spike everything now. Maybe it was her nightmare that made her open up. Maybe it was him; she wanted to tell him about an important time in her life, one that he missed.

I was trying on wedding gowns when it first hit me. I tried on gown after gown after gown. Willow was so exhausted and all she did was watch. Meanwhile, ever time I looked in the mirror, I didn't feel anything. As tired as she was, my best friend was having more fun than I was. I was the bride-to-be and I felt as if I were going to a funeral.

That wasn't supposed to happen. I told myself it was nerves and left it at that. But, on the umpteenth day and the ten thousandth gown, I took notice. Well, I took notice of this cute guy and his sister as they picked up her dress. He checked me out, I checked him out, chatted for moment and then he was gone. I went back to the dressing room and cried.



~*~*~



Buffy? Buffy, are you alright in there? Willow poked her head into the large dressing room and saw her friend with red swollen eyes sitting in a pool of satin and lace. Oh God, Buffy, what's wrong?

I- I'm not happy? she managed to say.

Willow joined her on the floor. Buffy, talk to me. Why aren't you happy? Willow asked. You look lovely in the dress. Then again, you looked lovely in all the dresses.

It's not the dresses. Buffy violently rubbed her eyes and cheeks in a desperate attempt to stop the tears. All she got was a crimson face. The dress is fine.

Willow frowned. Those aren't joyful tears you're spilling, Buff. Buffy shook her head vehemently. So, tell me so I can help you.

Buffy eyed her companion as she gathered the courage to voice her next statement. I don't think I want to get married anymore.



~*~*~



And I didn't. I told to Willow about that guy before, telling her I was attracted to him and wondering if I missing out on someone else by getting married. And one flirty man turned into a few, the daydreams grew and you know how I feel about faithfulness. I'd rather leave it all than cheat on him, on anyone. It wasn't any guy in particular, it was what they represented, very handsome and their smiles made my heart flutter. Jack didn't do that anymore. It wasn't his fault; I didn't think he had any idea what I was feeling. Turned out he was feeling the same way.

We sat and talked and he agreed with me. He wasn't excited about the marriage either. It seemed like we were already like an old couple; marriage was just a formality.

So, the split was amicable then?

Buffy nodded. No big drama or lies or bloodshed. It was too normal.

Spike laughed at that. I remember when you craved normalcy.

Buffy squeezed Spike's arms and he tightened his hold. The smell of fear completely evaporated from around her. Spike smelled vanilla and powder and a faint scent of rain from an open window.

Normalcy is overrated, Buffy surmised. Jack was great and all, but I wasn't burning for him anymore. I loved him, I really did. He wasn't like Reily. Spike stiffened slightly at the mention of that jackass. I didn't love him. I loved Jack, almost immediately I loved him. But, I didn't want him as much anymore. Sex was just a means to a lack luster end.

Ouch, pet, Spike winced for the stranger's manhood.

She just smiled. Well, at least my bad thoughts were reciprocated. And everything turned out for the best.

I'm glad for it.

They stood with each other watching the beautiful storm outside. Leaves whipped through the wind while the rain rapped on the glass. Buffy turned in Spike's embrace to face him. She couldn't make out his features well except for when the lightning flashed, casting a white blue coat over him. He was handsome, so perfectly handsome. His chiseled features looked as if some godly creature spent countless hours sculpting this flawless face. Buffy found herself wondering what William's parents looked like. They must have been striking to have such a son.

Why am I not scared anymore? she asked, mostly to herself.

Of what, love?

Buffy looked down at her body so intimate with his and she wanted to be closer still. Of this.





Leila burst into his study in the home they shared together. He sat behind his large desk, as per usual, books and papers were meticulously placed in front of him. Much to her delight, the patio doors were propped open, letting in the music of the rain.

What is it with that vampire? he asked, not looking at his consort.

How did you know? Leila asked, slinking around the desk.

You aren't the only one with connections, my dear. He dropped the book he was reading and looked at her. But, do enlighten me. What is it about that vampire?

He's legendary, she answered as she took a seat on his lap.

Very soon we will be as well. Will you then cease this childhood fascination with William the Bloody?

Leila wiggled in his lap, drawing her knees up to his chest. She cradled herself into his embrace and let one of her fingers play with the buttons on his shirt. She didn't undo them, she'd rip it off of him later. She loved ripping noises! You're jealous, she purred as she nuzzled his neck.

I am not jealous. I am irritated is all. I am a man of logic. If you are mine, as you claim to be, it is logical to me that there should be no other. Is that not sound?

Throughout his speech, Leila continued to nuzzle and nip his neck and ear. His voice was steady, but Leila felt his arousal almost as soon as she sat down. She did care for this man. His methodical mind be damned, he was as passionate as she, even more in some instances, when properly motivated. Like you said, lover, it's a fascination. I am yours. Besides, you are smart. Smart, stunning, sexy and warm. Her hand made its way into his shirt, stroking his chest, teasing the few fine dark hairs she found. Is there anything you've ever done that was not calculated or logical? She stopped her hand and looked into his dark eyes.

His fingers traced down her cheeks and over her lips. She closed her mouth over the digit, tasting him. He pulled it out and continued his trails down her throat to her chest. My passion for you could never have been foreseen, love.

So, maybe it isn't made to make sense. She sharply inhaled as he ran his tips along the swell of her breast, down the side and flicked her nipple through her shirt.

Matters of the heart rarely do. Matters of intellect, however, shall always be thoroughly sussed out. His gaze was fixed on her breasts. They were beautiful as he had seen many times, but he never ceased to be intrigued by this wonderful creature before him and how she responded to him. He loved to hear her ragged breath as he continued his caresses which were getting firmer.

Just so you can rest your...handsome head, she began, her voice breathy as she leaned into his touch, with Spike, it's always cerebral, the mental mindfuck; he's very good at convincing people. She moaned her displeasure as he removed his hand.

Are you going to continue your inquiries? he asked, coldly.

With Spike? Of course. This is his game and for once I think I know how to play along.

Never forget he is using you, he said before her captured her lips with his own.

Leila broke the kiss. Everyone is using me. One would think I'd be upset by it, but I'm not.

And why is that? He pulled her to him.

If I was in any of your shoes, I'd do the same thing.

He nodded his head at her logic. He liked it when she said smart things, it turned him on. And now, it was getting difficult to stay seated. Shall we to bed then?

Leila let a seductive smile spread across her face. She sat up and swung her legs around, one on each side of the chair. We could always stay here, she suggested, rubbing against him.

Leila, love, think of the mess we would make and what about my books, my papers and my glassware?

She grasped his lapels and tore his shirt open, reveling in the rip. Ahhh. Hasn't anyone told you that breaking noises can be an aphrodisiac? He just looked her incredulously. I'll help you clean up afterwards, she offered.

Without warning, he scooped her up and threw her to the floor. This is going to be fun! Leila thought as he quickly divested her of her clothes and ravaged her mouth.

She heard him groan loudly as she bucked her hips beneath him. He removed his mouth from hers and trailed kisses down her neck, down the valley between her breasts. She held him close as his tongue circled one of her aching rosy nipples.

Outside she heard the thunder and lightning rage on. A little sex inside, even more out in the rain. She could barely contain her anticipation. She ran her fingers through his soft dark hair and gasped as his teeth nipped at her skin. She needed more of them. Her panting urged him onward. Hard nips and grazes followed by the softness of his tongue. She loved that and he knew it. He was very aware what made her moan and what made her scream his name.

He stopped his attentions only briefly to remove his torn shirt and oh so tight pants. At the sight of his erection, Leila knew he would be up or anything whether it was a bubble bath or mind and body numbing sex in the storm. She just didn't want to be able to walk in the morning. Just waste the wee hours of the morning with him asleep inside of her, never leaving her with that wretched vacant feeling when he pulled away. The afternoon would be spent with her on top of him until she collapsed and the evening...well, that was work, but after work, they could start all over again.

So much fun!