AN: I'd like to shout out to Dreaming Haven and Geliot99 for your continued support and kind words. You two rock! Thank you!

Chapter 21 Our Expert

The two vampires made their way down to the front entry hall. Spike bounced on the balls of his feet while Angel leaned against the wall with his arms across his chest. Angel eyed Spike with annoyance, "So I see you found her alright. Did she even really need your help?"

"I managed to get to her in Paris before it did. We took care of the nasty together. Sort of solidified the bond between us."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Thing's blood had certain mystical properties, we both got completely drenched in it."

"That sucks."

"Not as much as you might think. Turns out that back in old times they used to use this thing's blood for marriage rituals as a test of true love. Couples that shared real true love got over a weeks worth of seriously incredible sex and the couples that had anything less than the real thing just went completely mouth-foaming mad. Normally ended up with the unhappy couple killing each other before morning according to Little Red. These folks would do it on purpose as a test of love and fidelity. It just sort of happened to Buffy and I, we didn't find out about the strings attached until well into the next day when Wil called to tell us about it."

"And since neither one of you is dead or insane…"

"Course, Buffy and I hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. We just thought things were amplified because we'd been apart for so long. Couldn't keep our hands off of each other, you see. Didn't really leave the room much that week… or the next. Nothing quite like Paris in spring," he smiled serenely, gloating.

"Are you done? You got that out. Played your little mind game and had your fun?"

Spike grinned, "Not just messing around, Angel-cakes. Every word is true. Best. Sex. Ever. And I do mean, ever. Not to mention it seems to have left this sort of connection between us. Like a psycho-sexual thing, hard to make out sometimes if we're not actually touching or in the act, but it's coming along, getting stronger. Growing. That one wasn't in the books, we've been figuring it out on our own since it happened."

"Bet you're loving this."

"Damn right I am."

"You're twisted."

"Yeah, a bit. At least I know how to have a good time."

Buffy came jogging down the stairs dressed for fall in jeans, a sweater and running shoes. Her hair was pulled back into a severe braid. When she got there she pulled a messenger bag down from a hook by the door and slung it around her neck.

"Ready boys?"

Spike smiled at her fondly while Angel looked like he might be sick. She shifted her gaze between the two, "You told him about Paris didn't you?"

"You know I couldn't resist."

"I thought we agreed we were going to wait to tell him about that."

Angel looked at the two of them, "Seriously?"

Buffy sighed and opened the door leading the way in across the lawn towards the duplex, "Nope, it's all a figment of your imagination and you're going to wake up soon. What the hell do you think we are doing here anyway?"

"Each other apparently…" he grumbled as he followed them across the lawn, "I don't know, I assumed training Slayers. But you two seem more like honeymooners than teachers. So you tell me."

"We wanted to take a trip together but thought we should come up here first. Do a little actual work and take things from there—"

"Then Giles broke his leg, and we decided to stay on a bit longer. Had planned on a little sightseeing tour of Edinburgh this weekend, and now we're entertaining out of town guests," Spike interjected.

Buffy shot Spike a quick nod, "Right now we're just sort of rolling with it."

"You always did like rambling didn't you, Spike?"

"Figured the lady deserved a bit of fun for once; before we decide to settle down for good," Spike rested a hand on her shoulder as Buffy stopped to unlock the front door. The three of them stepped inside without any resistance. For now the two vampires still didn't need an invitation.

"So what is this place anyway? Looks like you're starting renovations in here," Angel said as he looked around the living and dining rooms and followed Buffy through the kitchen and into the basement.

"Yup. We just got the place cleaned out, renovations will be starting soon."

"Are you going to start keeping the girls in here?"

"Not exactly," Buffy said, dismissively as she pulled out a map, "look this is where Wendy said she and her girls found the baby."

"Don't you think maybe we should've brought her with us, Love? The redemption bit?"

Buffy frowned a little, "Honestly at this point, I don't know if that would be a good idea. She's been seriously off since it happened. Obviously it's important for her to have a role in fixing this, but maybe just not tonight."

"Fair enough, I just work here."

"I'm not your boss, we're partners."

"Can we move this along?" Angel asked impatiently.

Buffy folded the map up and handed it over to Spike for safekeeping, "Ready to see something cool?" She asked Angel as she made her way down into the basement, stake at the ready. Once again the basement was empty. She went over to open the tunnel door and it swung open.

"Nice," Angel grinned approvingly.

"I know right?" Spike agreed as he pushed past him into the tunnel, "Dead convenient."

It didn't take them long to find the tunnels Wendy had noted on the map. Angel led the way until they came to a large curved room with a small altar in the middle. There was a single older looking demon standing near the altar. He had blue skin a little darker than the baby's and was wearing green robes with black trim. He had been lighting a series of candles on the altar. He was mostly bald, which made the three small horns on each side of his head seem larger than the ones on the stocky male demon they had seen in the tunnel before with the mother. The old demon in front of Angel had several eyebrow piercings and a large ring through his nose and a thick white beard.

Angel held up a hand signaling for Spike and Buffy to hang back while he took several more steps into the room. He waited a moment then cleared his throat before speaking in the odd language Buffy had heard the parents of the child speaking. The conversation seemed to be going well until the older looking demon suddenly tilted his head looking confused.

Angel fumbled for a second, "Spike? Help me out here."

Spike cleared his throat, "Ah well, I think you just told him you know the location of the missing cabbage."

Angel grimaced, nodded once, "Always get those words mixed up…" he said under his breath before he continued on.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present our expert," Spike murmured low into Buffy's ear.

Buffy glared at him and turned her attention back to Angel trying not to smile. Angel continued his conversation with the old looking demon. After a moment he bowed his head. Angel imitated him then turned around to Buffy and Spike. "This is Elric, he's one of the elders. He is willing to arrange a meeting with the other elders tomorrow night. The girls involved will have to be present."

Buffy stepped forward, "Do we trust this guy? How do we know they won't hurt them?"

"It's not part of the process. They wouldn't do anything until they talk to them first."

"Ah hum, ok… do we bring the baby?"

Angel turned back to Elric, asked Buffy's question and turned back to her, "The elders will need to see the baby, but they can not accept him at that time. If things go well tomorrow, then we can bring him back the next night when the girls will have to present the parents with gifts. If they accept their gifts then we can give them back their son."

"Ok. And if they don't?"

"Oh the usual."

"Great, I love the usual," Spike quipped.

"Speak for yourself," Buffy intoned flatly.

They had no more than got back into the kitchen at the duplex when Angel's phone started ringing. He checked the phone and held up a finger. "I'm going to have to take this," he excused himself walking away from them and into the empty living room area.

"Hey, is something wrong?" he asked quietly into the phone, "No, of course not. I don't mind."

Angel listened intently for several minutes before answering, "I'm in Scotland on business right now…" another pause, "It might be a few days but I can meet up with you if—" Angel stopped talking abruptly, "Yeah alright, sure. I'll be in touch. Hey, thanks for calling. It was really nice hearing from you. I'll see you soon."

He flipped the phone shut and looked up to find Spike and Buffy both watching him. "That the werewolf?" Spike drawled.

Angel looked at the phone and back up at them, "Wh— oh no, that was just— it's not important," he slipped the phone back into his pocket then rubbed his hands together. "Ready to get out of here?"

Buffy eyed him, "Sure, sun up isn't really that far off, probably a good idea."

As they made their way across the lawn Angel spoke up again, "By the way, where's Dawn? I'm surprised she's not here with you."

"Taking summer classes in Rome."

"And you're here, with him?"

"And she's almost eighteen, living with a super powerful witch and a Slayer; not some random guy. I have met most of her friends and she hangs out with at least one Slayer nearly all the time. Plus there's this thing called a telephone that's super handy for two people to communicate with."

"Hard to believe she's that old already."

"Yup…"

"Wait; Did you say Rome?"

"They're still in the same flat," Spike interjected.

"What school is she at?"

Buffy told him and then raised an eyebrow at him when he stopped dead in his tracks. "What's the matter with you?" She asked.

He shook his head, "Ah nothing, I just know someone else who is taking summer classes there," he hitched a thumb behind his shoulder gesturing towards the duplex, "Kind of a crazy coincidence… the phone call I got in there… just letting me know he's—"

"You gotta be kidding," Spike and Buffy said in unison as they both stared at him.

"I—"

"No seriously, you gotta be kidding me," Buffy repeated, "If you tell me your kid is at the same school as my little sister… that's some coincidence."

"What?"

"Oh right, so how many college-age kids do you know?"

"You expect us to believe that your kid just happens to be taking a summer semester at the same school her little sister is?" Spike asked.

"First of all, I don't have much contact with him. He calls every once in a while to give me updates. I knew he was planning on taking a summer trip somewhere in Europe. I didn't know he'd be in Rome. Or there. It's a big school, they might not even meet."

"They're taking summer classes at the same school, roughly the same age, both speak English, come from LA, and both exist because of some major cosmic rewriting. No, they won't stumble into each other at all."

"Probably shagging already," Spike said nonchalantly.

Buffy and Angel both glared at Spike, "What? Like you're not thinking it too? I know you are, Pet. Probably what Dawn has been so squirrely about."

Buffy turned to Angel, "How long has he been there?"

"Humm, I'm not sure, maybe a month? He had some trouble with housing, he was just letting me know that it finally got sorted out and he was settling in."

"Be funny if he's just crashing with Dawn. He knows Willow right? It's not that far of a leap, is it? Friend of dad's, bonus cute girl… just saying," Spike said.

Buffy rolled her eyes towards the sky, "William, Honey, please shut up…"

"Slayer, I'm just elaborating on what you already said. You know as well as I do, how this stuff works. I can't be the only one who's noticed how the Powers That Be, love to screw with anyone in the know. Sounds just like their brand of screwy. Your mystical sister getting it on with his mystical son. Both of whom shouldn't actually exist. You see what I'm getting at don't you?"

"That's just what we need…"

"I'm sure it's nothing. Connor is a good kid… now… Look, I was already thinking about heading down that way when I'm done here. That's what we were talking about. I can check in on Dawn at the apartment too if you want."

Buffy shot Spike a quick glance, "Yeah, I think I'd really appreciate that. As much as I don't want to think about it, Spike is right."

"Only if Dawn has started wearing leather and slaying," Angel mumbled under his breath.

Buffy caught it and looked at him strangely, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just that he, ehh… has a type… wears leather, can fight… and he may or may not have a thing for Slayers…" he trailed off.

Spike opened the castle door and let them all in, "Must be hereditary… but Dawn's not a Slayer," he pointed out.

"No, but I have taught her to fight and she does have full access to my closet…" she said grumpily as she hung up the messenger bag she had taken with them.

Spike smirked as he shrugged off his long leather jacket, "No telling what sweet delights are hiding in there."

"I'm going to see if Willow or Dawn emailed me back yet. Maybe they'll tell me something that cancels out this whole stupid conversation," She paused abruptly and shook her head, "You know what, no, I'm done worrying for tonight. Now we have a game plan for getting the kid back. I feel a little better, like I can breathe."

Spike and Angel exchanged glances.

"You have something planned for tonight, Pet? Letting go of worry and all…"

Buffy thought for a moment looking between the two handsome vampires. She had a brief daydream of the two of them standing in front of her shirtless on some tropical beach at sunset. Buffy cleared her throat, "Humm, not really. Maybe a glass of wine and a movie, then I can check my email."

"Switch wine for whiskey and I'm in," Spike shrugged. He brushed her hair behind her shoulder and ran his hand down her arm taking her hand in his.

Buffy smiled, "Movie night?"

Spike swung her hand once and smiled at her, "Alright, but not another chick flick."

"I was thinking of a comedy. I need a laugh. Get my mind off Dawn and all this baby stuff for the night," Still holding his hand, Buffy turned to Angel, "What do you think Angel, join us for movie night?"

"Yeah, what do you say, Mate? Bury the hatchet and try doing the old-friends bit. At least for tonight. Try it on for size," Spike said in a tone that dared Angel to refuse the olive branch.

Angel glared at him then glanced at Buffy. She was still holding Spike's hand. All she was asking for was a little civility and an escape. "It's been a while since I've watched a movie."

"I'll get the popcorn!" Buffy withdrew from Spike and shot off towards the kitchen.

Spike watched her for a second then turned towards Angel, "Come on then, let's find something to make the girl laugh."

Angel hesitated but followed Spike into the large living room. Spike immediately started rummaging through the extensive movie collection, pulling out a couple of Buffy's favorites along with some random ones she might be interested in and laying them down on the coffee table to give her the final say.

Angel eyed the movies, "I've never even heard of half of these," he said skeptically as he eyed the small stack of movies including, 'Death Becomes Her', 'Scooby-Doo', 'Men In Black', 'Dazed and Confused', 'The Burbs', 'Saving Grace', and 'Bedazzled'.

"Not surprising. You really got to get out more."

"When did they make a 'Scooby-Doo' live action movie?"

"It's pretty new. Haven't watched it yet. But look at the front. Daphne's never looked better, she's seriously hot."

Angel eyed the movie case, "Looks like Buffy with red hair."

"Like I said, seriously hot."

Angel looked at it again and set it back down. Buffy came in a minute later with a big bowl of popcorn and she set it down, "If you two want blood you can help yourself."

Spike raised a hand absentmindedly as he continued looking through the movies, "Just whisky for me, for now."

"That's what I forgot," she said as she went to retrieve her wine, and the whiskey and glasses for the guys.

She came back in, set down the glasses, a bottle each of wine and whiskey. Angel watched with interest as she stripped off the sweater she had worn out. Now they were inside, she was getting warm again. Buffy didn't notice his gaze and picked up the stack of movies. She threw one back down and handed the rest back to Spike to put away. He shifted through them before putting them back in the bin, noting which movie was missing from the stack and grinned.

"Go on, Pet. Let's see what happens when cartoons come alive."

Buffy got the movie started and went over to stand by the couch, "I'm honestly just hoping for a good laugh."

"Freddy looks like a real winner," Angel scoffed as he sat down.

Buffy looked almost offended, "Maybe not the hair, but I thought the actor was pretty damn cute." Both vampires looked at her, "What? I'm allowed to look," she said indignantly.

Spike stood up, suddenly wrapping his arms around her and pulled them both down onto the couch. Buffy let out a squeal as she landed on top of him awkwardly and laughed. She swatted him playfully and Spike loosened his grip, letting her up. He sat up a little with her. Their eyes locked as he pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, "As long as you know where home is."

"You know I do," she said low in his ear. Spike leaned down to her for a kiss. It was sweet and passionate and left them both wanting more.

Angel fought the urge to vomit. Instead he just reached for the remote and hit play on the movie, "Could you please not do that? Movie night was your idea, if you two need to go upstairs then go," his tone was grim and he said it without looking at them.

Spike smirked at Buffy, "What say you, Pet? Do we need some alone time?"

"Shhh, the movie is starting," she said in her most innocent tone. She pulled the popcorn towards herself and settled into the crook of Spike's arm leaning up against him comfortably.

The movie had barely started when Faith came into the living room carrying a glass of ice and stopped dead in her tracks at the sight before her. Spike and Buffy cuddled on one couch and Angel sitting alone, sullenly on the other.

"What the hell is going on in here? What happened tonight; did you meet with the elders?" Faith asked indignity.

"Movie night. We will go back tomorrow and the next night with Wendy's group and the baby," Buffy answered without turning towards her.

Faith sat down with a huff on the opposite side of the same couch Angel was on and grabbed the popcorn off of Buffy, "Nice of you to see if I wanted to join. Where's the love, B?"

"Got wine and whiskey, get yourself a glass," Spike added.

"Already got one. Felt like having one on the rocks so I came down for some ice. Guess that explains why I couldn't find the bottle in the kitchen. Sounds like my kind of movie night. What are we watching anyway? Is that— is this Scooby-Doo? Are they getting stoned in 'The Mystery Machine', what the?"

"Everyone knows Shaggy's a stoner. Now shut it, watch the movie. Drink," Spike said simply.

Faith leaned forward to grab the whiskey off the coffee table. She poured herself a glass and glanced over at Angel. She caught him stealing a quick glance at Buffy and Spike, and filled his empty glass. Angel grunted a thanks and sat back looking dejected. Faith stretched her legs out on the couch, her feet not quite touching Angel's thigh. He didn't seem to notice. In fact he just sat there staring at the television rather than actually watching the movie. Faith rolled her eyes and directed her attention back to the movie where Scooby and Shaggy were doing something goofy.

Spike and Buffy both laughed at the antics on the screen. He murmured something into Buffy's ear that Faith couldn't hear and Buffy laughed again. Angel furrowed his brow and downed half of his glass of whiskey. He held the glass to his forehead as he glanced at them again.

Faith kicked him with one sock covered foot, "Let it go," she mouthed to him.

Angel let out a sigh and relaxed a little before finishing off the contents of his glass and poured another drink. He continued drinking, sipping slowly rather than pounding shots, throughout the rest of the film. Casting a glance at the happy couple nearly every time Buffy giggled.

The moment the movie ended, both Buffy and Spike practically shot off the couch. Buffy muttered something vaguely apologetic about going to bed early and she and Spike made their way up to their bedroom.

Faith got up, "How about another movie?" She asked Angel.

He turned his head back around to look at Faith, "As long as it's not based on a cartoon."

Faith rummaged through the movie bin and pulled out 'Lethal Weapon 3' without asking what he wanted to watch. As Faith sat back down with a fresh glass of whiskey in her hand. The movie started and Angel patted the top of her foot, "I know what you're trying to do…"

"Is it working?"

"I'll let you know."

Faith eyed him before taking a sip of whiskey and turning back to the TV, "You got to lighten up dude. I'm not saying get your happy on, just ease up a bit."

"Not sure that would help the situation."

"A little levity helps in like 80% of all situations. Maybe you should give it a shot."

"I can be funny. I make people laugh all the time," he said with a pout.

"Ah huhh, sure, whatever you say," she added as she rolled her eyes.

Upstairs in their bedroom, Spike pulled Buffy to him. She placed a hand on his chest, "Thanks for tonight. I think Angel is finally starting to come around," she said softly.

"No he's not. Just because he's playing nice doesn't mean he's on board with you and me shagging every chance we get. Might not be such a bad thing if he never does."

"Now that's just evil."

"I don't mean it like that," she gave him an angry look, "No honestly," he said defensively, "Think about it like putting an extra lock on Angelus's prison. Even if he does get back with his werewolf chippie or finds someone new, he can be happy without being TOO happy."

"So you're saying flaunting our happiness in front of him is for the greater good?"

"Basically, yeah. It's also a hell of a lot of fun. Throwing all that nonsense of his, back at him."

"Yeah I'm not sure how I feel about that. I get that he's put you through some shit but I refuse to be a pawn or worse, some ridiculous prize, in some kind of sick game between you two idiots."

"You know that's not how I think of you, don't you? You are so much more to me than some stupid prize, Buffy. I love you, all of you."

"I know. I just can't stand the stupidity of it all when you two get together."

"Not really much I can do about that, Pet."

She glared coolly at him. Spike sighed, "I'll do what I can. But only because it's you, Slayer."

Buffy let out a huff and dipped her head before looking back up to him, "I'll take the nice act for now."

"That right?" His tone was seductive as he let his hands roam over her body.

"What do you say to trying a little meditation?"

"Not exactly what I was hoping you'd say," he arched an eyebrow at her.

"Oh I think we could make it interesting if we try," she smiled wickedly.

"Alright, where do you want me?"

Buffy threw a couple of throw pillows on the floor and got out some candles. Once the candles were lit she sat down on one of the pillows. Spike kicked off his boots and mirrored her. They sat cross legged across from one other. Buffy held out her hands for Spike. His fingers glided over her palms. A subtle electric current passed through them both as their fingers intertwined. Buffy let out a small sigh.

"Ready for this?" She asked.

"Ready if you are."

She nodded, "Close your eyes and clear your mind. Focus on me. I'll do the same. We'll try sensing each other and sending thoughts back and forth."

"Sexy thoughts?"

"Let's try small and work our way up," she winked, "Although I wouldn't complain to a little sexy."

Spike cracked his neck and settled down. Closing his eyes he started picturing himself kissing Buffy dressed just as they had been. The kiss was slow and tender. Buffy pulled back from him a little.

So far so good, can you hear me okay? She thought.

Loud and clear, he responded.

A moment later the mind-scape shifted slightly. The kiss resumed and they were floating through space.

Spike? What just happened?

Just roll with it, Love. In his mind's eye he tangled his fingers into her golden hair and pulled her head back kissing along her neck and down to her exposed breast. They were both naked. Interwoven and floating. He imagined taking one of her breast in his mouth, nipping at the tip with a little more force than he normally would. He heard Buffy gasp and realized it must have worked. Buffy's eyes suddenly flared with desire.

Two can play that game, she thought. She ran her mouth along his neck and throat. Down towards his collarbone and back up to his ear as she ran her hands through his hair. She wrapped her legs around him, then ran a leg down the back of his thigh and hooked her ankle around the back of his knee. She ground down on him, rubbing herself against his hard member.

You're in for it now, Pet. Spike growled and his eyes flashed yellow as he reached a hand down working his fingers over her. Slowly he worked his way in. Buffy moved to take him into her warmth.

He had barely worked himself in all the way before Buffy pulled back and opened her eyes, breaking the connection. They were both still sitting in the middle of their bedroom on the throw pillows. Buffy was panting. Spike looked at her with a combination of lust and confusion on his face, "Why'd you break it? It was just getting good."

She rocked up onto her knees pitching herself into his arms, "Because as awesome as that was, I need you. The real you. I need to feel you inside me."

He smiled, "Bloody hell yes!" he pushed himself up to his knees to meet her lips. Buffy stripped his shirt from him and ran her tongue along the well defined line bisecting his amazingly chiseled torso. She bit at his hip. Spike's eyes flashed open turning from blue to yellow and back again.

He gripped his fingers into her hair pulling her up to kiss him again, "I love you, Buffy," his growl came out from deep within his chest.

She knew his demon self was hovering just below the surface and didn't care. She kissed him as she reached for the hem of her own shirt. Spike ran his hands up her smooth taught stomach and up over her bra. He pulled back to look at her as she pulled the shirt off revealing a pale purple bra.

"This a new one?"

"I held back a few surprises from our shopping trip."

"Keeping thing's interesting are we?"

"Always," she said as she shimmied out of her jeans.

They kissed again as Buffy pushed Spike back onto the bed. She unfastened his pants and slid them down. Spike sat up to remove his shirt, and she straddled him. Buffy took out the hair tie still holding her hair back in a tight braid and shook out her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders.

"God you're beautiful," Spike exclaimed softly. He ran his fingers lightly along her hips stopping when he felt little bows of ribbon on the sides of the little matching panties.

He looked down and grinned, "I like this set," he said as he pulled a ribbon on each side before pulling them off completely. She shivered as the fabric passed over the sensitive skin. Then he reached up until he found the clasp of her bra and undid it with a practiced hand. Buffy arched her back, letting the bra slip down exposing herself fully to him. Spike gazed at her atop him, feeling like the luckiest man in the world.

Buffy grinned at him, "What's that look for?"

"Just appreciating the view" he lifted a hand, trailing his fingers from her collarbone downward. She shivered in anticipation when he passed down over her breast. He brushed the soft toned skin of her abdomen and continued down her body, moving slowly and deliberately.

Buffy moved her hips, slowly rocking herself over his fingers as he rubbed her gently. Buffy was starting to feel desperate now. Her need for him growing. She raked her nails lightly down his chest as she went in for another passion laced kiss. Spike deepened the kiss as he adjusted himself and pulled Buffy down onto him in one fluid motion. Buffy let out a little gasp as he pushed his hardness into her completely. Giving her exactly what she wanted so badly. The connection between them intensified as they sensed each other's needs and deepest desires. Spike nearly lost control for a moment, feeling his fangs descend. Buffy watched. Then leaning down she grabbed his hands and using her strength she pushed his hands up over his head pinning them there. In retaliation Spike took one of her breasts in his mouth, teasing her with his tongue. Buffy gasped when he bit lightly. It sent a shock of pleasure and pain through her that had her right on the edge of release. After several minutes she let his hands go. However, he held them in place, reaching up to hold onto the headboard.

He watched her with hungry eyes as she pulled back, sitting up and rolling her hips sensually as she felt him gliding inside of her. They were both lost in a sea of sensation as they moved their bodies together in writhing synchronized motions. Suddenly it was as though they were connected in both the physical world and their shared mind-scape. The feelings were intense as they explored each other both inside and out. The mind Spike was the one in his vampire form, the demon inside him joining in the fun. She opened her eyes to look at the real Spike pressed into her, realizing his face hadn't actually changed at all. She kissed him and they kissed in the mind-scape too, in spite of his fangs. With a thrill Buffy realized she didn't mind either way and deepened both kisses.

When she opened her eyes again Spike really had let his face shift, "Are you sure this is what you want?" He rasped quietly.

"I want you, all of you. The monster and the man, inside and out."

Spike growled as she brought her mouth back down onto his, carefully keeping himself from hurting her with his fangs. She moved back over to his neck and ear, sucking and flicking with her tongue. Can you be gentle with those things? She asked inside her head without ever lifting her mouth from his ear.

"What did you have in mind?" He gasped aloud when she bit his ear with blunt teeth.

Buffy sat up a little, offering her other breast to him. He took it gleefully. As he rolled his tongue along the tip the way she liked. He gave a little nip with his teeth. She gasped. Little pinpricks of blood met his tongue making him shudder involuntarily. Did I hurt you? He thought to her.

"A little. Don't stop," she gasped again as he continued to tease. The sensation over took them both. He ran his tongue around soothingly, tasting the little hints of blood on her skin. He loved that taste but never wanted to hurt her. He thrust up into her as hard as he could and Buffy shuttered as the first orgasm hit.

Spike let go of the headboard. He grabbed Buffy's hips, suddenly lifting her up and pulling her forward towards him. He let his face melt back into his human form before grinning up at her. "Wouldn't want to damage your sweet spot, Pet," he growled low, "I want you."

Buffy grabbed hold of the headboard and pressed herself against it as he dipped his mouth under her. He teased her with his tongue relentlessly and dug his fingertips into her hips and thighs as she pressed herself to his mouth.

Buffy screamed as he continued to pleasure her. His hands wandered over her lower back and up to her breasts. She released her grip on the headboard and grabbed his hands signaling him to let go. She ran her fingers through his hair roughly. Spike let out a low sexy growl. Arching her back, Buffy reached behind herself rubbing her hand against him. He was still slick and wet from being inside her. Electricity shot through them both as Buffy screamed again, "William!"

Buffy moaned again, and gripped a handful of his hair, thus spurring him on harder. A scream escaped her lips again before lifting herself up. She swung her leg around so she could move to the side, going down on all fours. Communicating her need through their link.

Without saying a word Spike got up, and positioned himself behind her. She pushed back into him and he glided into her deeply once more, feeling her clamp down around him. Buffy straightened up, pressing her back against his chest as they continued moving in rhythm with each other. Spike growled and kissed her neck, tasting her salty skin. She moaned in appreciation and reached one hand to grab his hand on her hip, moving it down between her legs. Then she turned as she grabbed the back of his head and pulled him to her for a kiss. He bent towards her, accepting it like a living man might accept an oxygen mask.

As their lips and tongues kneaded each other, Buffy felt herself building towards another release. The kiss deepened. Spike moaned into her open mouth as he continued to drive into her steadily. She let out another little cry of delight as he moved his other hand over her breast pinching gently. Buffy released her hands and moved slightly as she pressed them against the headboard for leverage. Spike increased his pace, sending them both over the edge.

He held her in place with his hands on her hips as Buffy steadied herself. She reached her arm back again pulling him into another kiss, this one slow and tender. They turned to face each other and resumed the kiss as they laid down on the bed. Buffy struggled to catch her breath as they lay there intertwined in postcoital bliss.

Spike rested his head against hers and smirked, "That was incredible."

"Yeah it was," She panted as she pulled herself a little closer to him.

"That's a mind game I don't mind playing."

-"Think we'll ever get the hang of that without the sex-apades?", she teased.

"I'm not complaining."

Buffy laughed, "Yeah, I didn't think you would," she passed the moment relishing in the feel of his arms around her, "I love you."

"Still getting used to hearing that," he said softly.

"I love you," she repeated earnestly.

"I love you too."

Buffy wiggled a little in his arms as she readjusted herself on the bed with him, "I know I don't say it enough… to anyone… I just really want you to know how much I really do, love you— you know, with Angel in town and all… I just want—"

"I'm gonna stop you. You don't have to prove anything, Love."

She took a deep breath, "Liar," she laughed, "You say that, but I know you. You wouldn't be so damn insecure around Angel if—"

Spike huffed, "You have no idea how much of that bloody nonsense isn't even about you, Pet. You're right about one thing, I'm still working through it a bit. Did a lot of that in LA but it's still there; a bit."

"You're sure that's all?"

"I'm sure. Think of it like serious daddy issues— except not— and way more twisted than the average."

"Yeah, I can't think of you two like that—"

"Like what? A freaking twisted family? That's sort of what we are, Pet. A little like the family you've built for yourself around here. Except way more buggered."

"I so don't need to hear this. Why not go with something less— icky than daddy issues?"

Spike chuckled, "Dru always called Angelus 'daddy'," he shrugged, "Then he wouldn't think twice about shagging her just to annoy me," he cleared his throat, "I see your point."

"Yup. That and it sounds like you're still hung up on Dru."

"Pfft, not bloody likely," he paused a moment turning his face towards hers with a wicked grin, "So what do you think, Love, round two? Or would that be three with the whole mind thing?"

"Oh yeah, color me totally reassured," she snorted delicately and grinned.

Still grinning, she tilted her head for another kiss and let herself melt into him. He pulled her hard against his naked body. Letting out a gruff moan, he kissed and gently nipped her neck. She ran her fingers in his hair and gripped hard. Setting up the mind-scape once more they dove in. The physical and the mental intertwining until they lost themselves in the other. There in that bramble of mind and body they found themselves and each other over and over again.

They moved against each other. Feeling, touching, and tasting every inch of one and other in slow sensual movements that consumed them both in sheer ecstasy. They let their minds wander in and out of each other, heightening the experience exponentially. The sun had risen long before they finally fell asleep, still intertwined in a tangle of limbs as they slept.

A/N: The references to the live action Scooby-Doo movie are direct references to SMG and her role in that film as Daphne playing opposite her real life now husband Freddy Prince Jr. as Fred. Hope you enjoyed the jokes in there.

To be continued... Please Read and Review! I love reading your kind words!

Attention gentile readers: I've made a decision regarding this fic. Seeing as I have written so far ahead, I have decided to split it up into a series. I will finish posting the rest of this story arch with Angel and a fun wrap up over the next few weeks (I'm just pacing myself) and then I'll be picking the story up in part 2. I'll let you know when I plan to do that but I'm just giving you a heads-up ;)