Author's Note: Once more thank you so much for all your kind reviews. Its nice to
know that someone is enjoying your work. Keep'em coming and I promise to write
faster:). Now we are getting deeper into the B/S relationship. It won't always be pretty
or uncomplicated but it will be intense. And yes, they will get to SunnyD soon enough
to face that other couple.

Phase 9

Bsmt. Apt. The Village, NY

Buffy awoke to the familiar feeling of pressure of being bound but this time something
was different. Her body was not held by her much-hated straight jacket or chains but
something softer and more pleasing to the touch. Without opening her eyes she
recognized her lover's now familiar weight. She was ensconced within his arms and one
of his legs was wrapped around her torso.

It was strange but she felt something akin to happiness settle on her. She guessed it was
the aftermath of having connected to another being in such a matter that there were no
longer any boundaries between their forms. Spike's body was now simply an extension
of hers. He'd given it to her last night.

After a moment her eyes opened and settled on the sleeping vampire. She was pleased to
see that he'd looked utterly exhausted. She'd done her best to wear him out and he'd
returned the favor.

With tentative fingers, Buffy touched a soft curl that had fallen across his brow. He
stirred a little but did not awaken. The Slayer pouted and tried to dislodge her body from
his. This succeeded in bringing her vampire lover back to life who almost immediately
wrapped her in a warm hug and a searing kiss.

Buffy loved the feel of his mouth and how he gave so much on himself with a simple
kiss. Spike seemed to appreciate them just as much as he carefully explored the recesses
of her mouth. The taste of her drove him crazy.

When they finally parted, the vampire gave her a goofy grin.

"So, what do you want for breakfast?" he inquired with a hint of amusement.

Buffy laughed out loud. It was such an absurd thing to ask a person after having spent a
absolutely wild night with them. Then again Spike was never predictable.

"You. I want you for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then some" her tone was light.

"My wish is your command" he promised while nibbling on her earlobe

"What? You are not going to chain me up again?" she asked teasingly.
"Don't need to" he answered in the same tone. "You're all mine now"

"And you are mine" she added.

" I'm your faithful servant and your willing slave. Chain me to your bed... to your body.
Don't ever let me be free. My Slayer and mistress" his words, although light, had serious
undertones.

His words thrilled her because their fledgling relationship had been all about his
controlling of her. She'd been his captive which he'd kept restrained like a disobedient
animal. This had goaded her pride but had also taken her out of the role of the Slayer and
by being deprived of her shield she'd relied of Buffy the woman to see her through. In a
way Spike had forced her to reconnect to herself and for that she was grateful. Still, she
did appreciate that he was willing to do the same for her. It did a lot for her damaged
ego.

They cuddled closer. Both were aware that this was going to be a challenging and
difficult relationship. He was a vampire and she a Slayer. They were from different
sides of life but they would find a way to resolve the conflicts or at least that's what they
chose to tell themselves for now.

#######

Sometime in the afternoon both the Slayer and her vampire left their bed. Buffy wanted
to get out after her long confinement and Spike would be accompanying her. Neither had
mentioned if she would return to her own home or simply move her things to his. Spike
was hoping for the latter but he didn't want to push her. He would let her set her own
pace even if he had to do without her for periods of time.

The Slayer took a long, invigorating shower while Spike ordered pizza for her. After
hanging up the phone he went to his own room to find suitable clothing for her amidst his
own. He'd cut of the clothing she'd come in and he had only bought her nightgowns.
Finally he located a pair of sweat pants that he'd placed in the dryer a bit too long and
had shrunk to Buffy size. He'd also provided her with one of his regulation black shirts.

When Buffy emerged from her shower she found the clothing laid up on the bed and was
very pleased to finally have something to wear that wasn't a frilly nightdress. She was
really going to take all of those and burn them as soon as she could.

Buffy entered the kitchen to find Spike setting the table. A steaming pizza had just been
delivered and was awaiting them in the counter. He held the chair out for him and she sat
down to enjoy. They ate their meal in comfortable silence. Spike alternated pizza bites
with swallows of micro waved pig's blood.

With one of their hunger's sated, they went to the living room and laid entwined on the
couch. There was a lot for them to discuss but neither wanted to break the mood that had
settled over them. After some time, Buffy broke the silence.

"I need to go home" she stated simply.

Spike nodded. He'd suspected as much but it still hurt.

"You could...stay here" he asked

The Slayer considered carefully. She could stay and settle into his life just as she had
been doing so far. This was very tempting but she really didn't want to push it for now.
She needed some time by herself to think things through and see how they were going to
fit together.

She told him as much and he seemed to understand her reasons. Maybe someday soon
she would be ready to move in with him but there needed to be a lot more discussions
before then.

At last it was nightfall and the Slayer and Vampire left the apartment together. They
were holding hands as if trying to stand together to face whatever fate had in store for
them. Both of them knew that whatever it was it wasn't going to be easy.



TBC Next stop Sunnydale.