Oh What a Night: Part 1

Earlier that evening before they set out for the club; Giles grinned a little sheepishly as he watched Angel close the door and go back down stairs to join the others. As far as he was concerned, the hulking, sulking vampire deserved a night out. Especially after the successful return of the Minch child. Just as much as he deserved a night in with Zara.

It was true they had known each other years ago at university. He had been a closer friend to her husband, then boyfriend, than her really but he had still gotten to know her fairly well. She had been more prim back then, or so he thought. With a pang of retroactive guilt he remembered the drunken night he had tried to kiss her at a party while his friend had been on a liquor run. He recalled how he had drunkenly put out a cigarette and grabbed her roughly, throwing caution to the wind and giving in to his baser instincts. He had wrapped his fingers in that ebony hair and held her soft form to him with a strong hand to her back. For a moment she had melted into him, returning the kiss. Just for a moment. She had pulled back from him realizing with a jolt that it wasn't her boyfriend kissing her. She'd slapped him of course, and they never spoke of it again.

However that night had played back in his mind from time to time. He had always kept in touch with the couple throughout his watcher career. He had been devastated when he found out her husband, his friend, had died suddenly the same year he had moved to America. He felt almost like it was some sort of sacred duty to keep an eye on his friend's wife and daughter, no matter how distant. He kept in touch with a phone call here and there, usually birthdays and what not. He had forged a long distance friendship with her, not really realizing the significance of it.

He never gave too much thought to it really. Until he'd found out about the castle. He and Willow had discovered several properties that would have made a perfectly suitable headquarters for them. But when he realized this one with its spacious rooms and seemingly perfect proximity to the town he knew his friend and her daughter resided in; it seemed clear this was the right choice.

When he had first called to inform her of his move, he had been surprised when she invited him to the shop for tea. He hadn't seen her in years. Emotionally he knew those years hadn't all been kind, and prepared for the worst. But when he saw her for the first time in many long years he had discovered that she was still beautiful, sexy and confident. What was more, she was embracing her independence in a way he had never seen her before. He suddenly felt like that dumb kid who had tried to kiss his friend's girlfriend all those years ago. Except that this time she was free.

They had grown close over the past year or so. However it was only recently that they had decided to take the step from friends to the possibility of lovers. He wasn't really sure what that meant for them really. Should he tell her about the school, the girls, what his role really was? Would she even understand? It always seemed to come out in the wash in the end except that this time it hadn't yet. But how long would that last?

This broken leg had given him an excuse to invite her over instead of always going to her shop to spend time together. He hadn't felt right going to her house with her daughter still living at home. Despite the fact that said daughter was at least the same age as Buffy.

He certainly had his reservations about inviting her to the castle even now but justified that they would be staying in his private quarters and all of the Level four and most of the level three girls were legally adults. He found his thoughts to be a messy cycle of contradictions where she was concerned. Yet he found himself thinking about her in ways he had never imagined.

They kissed on a number of occasions now and flirted heavily. They'd even flirted a little in front of Buffy and Spike. Heaven only knew what they and Faith thought was going on between them. If Buffy, the most important person in his life, already thought he was sleeping with Zara and who's biggest objection was an ick-factor based on a somewhat juvenile view of his love life. Then why hadn't he acted? Especially when the exceptionally lovely lady in question had dropped a number of heavy hints that she was interested in taking their relationship to the next stage. Then what was he waiting for? He decided he was done waiting. Zara had eagerly accepted his invitation, if she was willing then so was he.

He would deal with Buffy later if it came to it. He could only assume that his hesitation sprung from the fact that it had been exceedingly awkward when Buffy had found out about the magically induced tryst between himself and her mother. Joyce had been a wonderful lover. Unbeknownst to Buffy, the band candy incident hadn't actually been their only time together. However ill advised they both knew it was, they had on very rare occasions, turned to each other since then. They were only human after all.

In many small ways he really had loved Joyce. He regretted not telling her so before she passed. He had been too worried about what Buffy would say or how it would affect their relationship. Joyce's death had been a hard blow to him even though they had stopped seeking each other out long before her death.

The phone rang, bringing him out of his thoughts and Giles picked it up. After a brief conversation with Zara letting him know she was leaving for the castle. He turned off the record player and reset the needle. He gave his tidy room one more furtive look before making his way down to the next floor. He made his way through the training room and out to the hall before taking the elevator down to the entryway. He knew without a doubt that the girls, his girls, were off for a night of fun with the two vampires. An oddly comforting thought.

Giles stood with the door open, breathing in the night air while he waited for Zara. It was a beautiful, clear night. If he didn't think it would be anything other than awkward with his crutches, he might seriously consider asking her on a night time stroll. Perhaps the roof? The elevator went to the fifth floor after all. He had planned on simply spending the night in his suite with the record player, but it seemed like a crime to waste such a beautiful night indoors. He eyed the large red blanket they kept by the door for Spike's daytime use. He pulled it down and folded it carefully while balancing on one foot. He could always make the suggestion.

While he waited for Zara to arrive, Ursula and Addison came in through the entryway.

"Oh hello, good evening girls. I hum, I thought you might be out tonight."

The girls looked at each other and back at Giles, "Maybe later."

"We thought maybe a movie or two and then maybe go patrol. It's a really nice night."

"That it is," Giles felt the color in his cheeks as he remembered Zara wouldn't be far off. He didn't think he would mind her coming over while the girls were otherwise occupied. But, he wasn't sure if he was too keen on the idea of them knowing he had a friend of the romantic variety over for an overnight visit. Fortunately the two girls didn't seem to notice his discomfort. The girls went into the kitchen, grabbing sodas and popcorn and settled down in the living room per usual. Giles was relieved when he heard the movie start just before he saw Zara's headlights come towards the castle.

He certainly wasn't ashamed of his relationship with Zara. He found her to be a fascinating woman. She knew more about music than he did, which was saying something. He could talk to her for hours on that and many other subjects.

He opened the door wider, smiling as Zara got out of her car wearing a bright blue ankle length fitted sundress that nearly matched the blue streak in her glossy black hair, which was pulled up in an elegant bun with a single bejeweled hair stick sticking out of it. The racer back of the dress showed off the record player tattoo on her shoulder that he found so alluring.

She greeted him with a smile, "A bit anxious are we?"

"Much better now you're here."

"You're normally so guarded, I was surprised you asked me over."

"Yes well Buffy and Faith are out. They have a friend in from out of town and thought they'd show him around a bit before he has to leave. The girls have the night off of course and I'm rather on my own so I thought perhaps tonight was as good a time as any."

"I'm glad that you called. I've been looking forward to it. So Rupert, what exactly did you have planned for me now that you have me all to yourself?" she asked in a sultry tone as she stepped towards him. She placed a kiss on his lips.

Giles cleared his throat, "Oh yes, well something along those lines to be sure."

Zara laughed, "Are you a naughty librarian?"

He smiled, "Yes well, I haven't been a librarian for several years now."

"Might be able to take a librarian out of the library but he's still there. I can see him," she ran a hand over his chest, "Still amazes me that the same boy I knew in university became an American librarian. How in heaven's name did that happen?"

"Life does tend to take its twists and turns doesn't it?" he smiled at her a little nervously. Giles picked the blanket up from the small bench by the door, "I thought perhaps we would venture up to the roof. Do a little stargazing; if you like."

Zara eyed the blanket and looked back at him, "Well aren't you a romantic old fool?"

Giles smiled a little, "I did have other plans but I figured it's such a beautiful night why waste it? A little stargazing, then see how the night goes," he said in a hushed tone.

Zara pressed into him carefully, being sure not to throw him off balance and gave him a kiss, "I think that sounds like a wonderful evening and you're right, it is a lovely night you can see the stars quite wonderfully out here. And it works nicely with the surprise I brought with me," she held up a bag, "I brought wine. I even have a corkscrew. Now, you can either tell me where the glasses are or we can just say sod it and drink straight from the bottle like we used to when we were kids. What do you say?"

"Sod the glasses "

"Alright then I'm liking this plan. How's the leg feeling?"

"Quite well actually. Won't be allowed to put any weight on, but at least the elevator goes up to the fifth floor and then it's only a short distance to the roof. Shouldn't be a bother."

"Shall we then?" she asked, taking the blanket from him.

Zara pushed him gently up against the wall of the birdcage elevator kissing him tenderly. It was slow and sweet and Giles kept his hands on his crutches studying himself as they reached the top of the castle. They headed down a short hallway past the door leading to the level four girls bedroom. Giles pressed a finger to his lips indicating that she should be quiet as they passed by as Zari and Wendy were most likely to be asleep. Giles opened the heavy door leading out to the roof, closing it behind them. The view from here was breathtaking and the stars shining above them made it even more so.

They found a spot where they could look out over the battlements and Zara laid the blanket down on one of the flatter surfaces. Giles fumbled with his crutches as he clumsily managed to sit down on the blanket. Zara sat next to him and pulled the wine from the bag she had brought. Giles took it from her along with the corkscrew and opened the bottle.

He tilted it towards her, "Lady's first?"

She took a swig from the bottle, "You can be so stuffy sometimes."

"So I am told. Often multiple times a day," he accepted the bottle from her and took a drink.

"Rupert, what is the matter with you? You seem a bit on edge tonight. Are you worried about the girls?"

"I suppose it's more vain than that. I'm afraid of not living up to this professional persona I've built for myself," he said honestly.

Zara nodded while taking another drink, "I know a little about that. You're the first man I've seriously thought about being with since Jonathan passed. I've been worried about what sort of message I'd be sending Gemma. Which is ridiculous, I know. She is her own woman and has had a few lovers of her own now and yet here I am," she placed a hand on his bicep, "Are you worried about what Buffy and Faith would say? Buffy seemed, perhaps a little put off but not completely opposed to the idea of you moving on."

"I should have known you'd be so understanding. I- the truth is, Zara… Buffy's mother and I were— well we—"

"Were never actually married?" He looked at her a little mystified. She continued, "Joyce Summers. The name of the school… you're a bit traditional Rupert. But you did love her, that much I can tell by the way you never talk about her."

"I humm, well, yes. She was an amazing woman. Incredibly smart, beautiful, funny, a quick wit. Buffy is very like her," he accepted the bottle back and took a drink.

"A 'class-act' I believe Spike said?"

"She really was."

Zara leaned back onto her elbows and threw her head back to look at the stars, "He's a bit of an enigma isn't he? Spike."

"More than you know. He loves her, he makes her very happy," he took another drink.

"Oh aye, you can see it with blind eyes."

Giles coughed, "Yes, I'm quite sure."

She thumped him on the back, taking the bottle from him and taking a long drink, "Then what is still bothering you? Are you worried about the girls being out at the club tonight?"

"Oh heavens no. No, those girls can certainly take care of themselves and besides they are with Spike and Angel. They'll be more than fine."

"Here, take the bottle for a bit."

"Thank you my, dear," he said, taking it from her and drinking.

"Rather odd nicknames. They aren't part of some gang or some such are they?"

"Heavens no. In fact Angel is a Private Investigator. Spike worked with him before coming here to be with Buffy."

They paused looking at the stars and they each took another drink. Zara set what was left of the wine down next to the blanket and pointed towards a shooting star. Giles laid down next to her and she curled into him. She reached out to him, pulling him in for a kiss, before saying, "He's going to ask her to marry him, you know. It might not be for a good long time but you can see it etched on him."

"He's practically my son-in-law as it is."

They watched the stars a moment before Giles leaned into her for another kiss. He rolled over on to her as the kiss deepened and suddenly he felt like his teenage self again. Until his cast clunked heavily on the roof and sent a shock of pain up his body.

"Bloody hell!" Giles hissed with a grimace.

"Oh! Rupert!" She tried not to laugh. It had hurt she knew. She placed her hands on either side of his face, soothingly. He kissed her as she began running those thin strong fingers slowly down his neck and shoulders. She added gentle pressure as she settled him back down onto his back, "Allow me, you silly fool," she murmured as she pressed a firm but tender kiss to his mouth.

Zara ran a hand through his graying hair as she inched a leg over him. Her movements were slow and tender but decisive. She didn't show any signs of hesitation, just gentleness allowing him to pull back if he wished. He didn't. Giles let out a little huff of frustration as he pulled at the bejeweled hair stick that sent her silky long hair falling around them. The scent of her shampoo rolled over him like strawberries and jasmine. He wanted to drink her in.

"Rupert?" she asked as she pulled back slightly.

He reached up to push her blue and black hair out of her face, "Yes, my dear?"

Her dark eyes searched his face, "Nothing. Absolutely nothing," she smiled and crashed back down to him. Her kisses and her movements growing more bold. Something clicked in Giles's brain as he realized that this was really about to happen. Right here on the roof of the castle. Just like a couple of randy university kids. He gasped as she nipped lightly at his ear.

He pushed up the thin fabric of her sundress looking for panties but only found soft skin. Making Zara chuckle, "I thought you might need some convincing."

"You cheeky little…"

Zara laughed a little, "Shall I then?" She asked rocking back a little to remove his pants.

"I think perhaps you'd better," he murmured.

She smiled as she freed him from the confines of his trousers and settled over him slowly, "I don't want to wait any longer."

"I've been afraid of doing this for almost thirty years."

"I remember," she grinned, "You're a better kisser now," she whispered into his ear as she slowly worked herself down onto him. Giles started to moan and Zara caught the sound with her mouth. She straightened one leg and rolled smoothly so Giles would be laying on his left side with his broken leg laying on the firm surface beneath them. She kept one leg wrapped around him allowing him to move within her and gasped.

Giles moved his hands tenderly under her dress, feeling her soft skin under his fingers. Calluses from years of playing guitar scratched lightly on her smooth skin. The two of them worked together. Rocking, gliding, loving every inch of each other under the stars.

They laid back looking up at the diamond studded sky panting as they caught their breath. Giles suddenly wished he had a cigarette but settled for reaching for the bottle of wine. He sat up a little to take a drink.

Zara grinned up at him, "I could go for a nip after a shag like that," she came up onto her elbow and reached for the bottle taking a long pull. The bottle was nearly empty now. She frowned at it, "Maybe I should have brought two bottles."

Giles chuckled, "I take it you're not done with me yet?"

"I'm hoping you got another one like that in you."

"Probably do better if it weren't for this ruddy thing," he said, gesturing to the cast on his leg.

"Perhaps a change of venue?"

"Roof is a bit hard on the hip, this blanket doesn't do much."

Zara sighed as she took another drink and passed the bottle back to him, "That's the last of it."

Giles downed the last sip and looked at the bottle, "I'm fairly certain Buffy has a few bottles in the kitchen. There is scotch in my suite. Lady's choice."

"Buffy wouldn't mind?"

"I'll replace it."

Zara grinned, " And here I thought I was bringing out the rebel in you," she teased.

"Didn't think you much cared for my rebellious side."

"It's all about balance. Besides, I think I got a little on the defensive side after that night we kissed. I think maybe you got a little bit more under my skin than I wanted to admit."

"I certainly never would've guessed you didn't really seem to want much to do with me after that. Not that I could blame you. I knew it was impulsive."

"You were drunk."

Giles suddenly looked very guilty, "Not that drunk if I'm being honest. Got blitzed after you slapped me."

"Rupert! I don't believe you," she chuckled almost angrily.

"I knew he was about to propose. I figured I'd never get the chance otherwise. I was almost relieved when you smacked me. Probably wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I'd hurt Johnny. As it was, the way I saw it, I did him a favor; making sure the girl he was about to marry really loved him. At least that's what I told myself after."

"We were engaged less than two weeks after. I did love Jonathan."

"I know. I was a cad for pulling a stunt like that."

"You were a great snog."

"Nice to know," he grinned.

"Better now."

"That right?"

"Ready to get that wine and try it again in comfort?" She asked as she stood up. Her dress fell back into place and she extended her hand to help him up.

"I'm definitely up for another go,"

He fixed his clothing and they gathered up the blanket and the empty wine bottle before heading back downstairs to the kitchen. Giles hung Spike's blanket back on the hook with a smug grin. 'Nearly got shagged', my arse, you berk, he thought with a smug grin. It was extremely petty, juvenile really and he knew it. Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the love of a beautiful woman, but he was feeling a bit reckless.

It wasn't long before they managed to make their way up to Giles's room. Zara sat the bottle of wine down on the coffee table in his little sitting area next to the couch Angel had been sleeping on during the day. She noticed the extra pillow and blanket laying there along with Angel's bag.

"That friend of the girls staying in here?"

"He is, but he's out with the girls and I doubt he will be back until tomorrow morning. He's a bit of a creature of the night, if you will." Giles propped his crutches against the end of the bed where he normally put them while he slept.

"I wouldn't want to inconvenience your guest."

"Not at all, he'll be gone all night and he already said he planned on staying downstairs tonight," he held out a hand towards Zara. She stepped towards him several paces and took his hand.

Steading himself against the bed with the back of his good leg, he pulled her towards him eliciting a little squeal from her. Zara kissed him with a smile on her lips. The second bottle of wine sat forgotten on the table as they relinquished themselves to the heat growing between them.

Outside the club, Faith handed Spike her car keys, "I'm going home with Callum, he's going to bring me home tomorrow. I think we're in for some serious alone time after that little grope-fest."

"Look Faith, I'm really sorry about the whole—" Angel started.

"So you copped a feel, under a spell. Please, don't make a big deal out of it. That would just be weird man. Like hugging."

"I can do that."

Callum came out of the club, "There you are, Lass."

"Yeah we figured we'd better clear out. Everything good with those two?"

"Ehh yeah… I think so… Eddie is a little embarrassed but I assured her I kept prying eyes away from her and Marcus. Marcus said if they conceive after this they'll name the kid after me," his laugh was laced with embarrassment for his friends. "Not exactly the night I expected, hoping we can get back on track."

"I wouldn't worry about that," Faith said as she pulled herself into him.

"Glad to hear it, wasn't sure after all that."

"It's fairly standard stuff, you'll get used to it or you'll get out," Angel said flatly.

Callum narrowed his eyes a little, "Don't plan on being scared off so easy, and if I get an honorary niece or nephew out of the deal it'll be more than worth it," he said, pulling Faith a little closer to him.

Angel gave a little smile, "Ok then. I was a little afraid I scared you with the whole grrr arggg," he added pointing to his own face.

"Might have been nice to have that little disclaimer," he eyed Faith.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I sort of thought Spike had covered that one."

"Don't put that on me," Spike said, holding up his hands and Faith's keys.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm ready to get back to the castle."

Spike jingled the keys a little, "In you get, Pet. Angel?"

"I ehhh… Giles was…"

Spike raised an eyebrow, "Was what, mate?"

"He was listening to Pink Floyd and waiting for his ehh 'friend' to come over. He was setting up candles—"

Spike laughed, "Oh so that's why you came out with us! That's bloody brilliant," he actually had tears in his eyes from laughing, "Got to hand it to Giles, haven't had a proper shag until you do it to 'The Dark Side of The Moon', sodding revolutionary. Didn't know watcher boy had it in 'em," he laughed.

"Was that the rainbow one, you played that one time?"

Spike sobered up giving Buffy a mild glare, "God help me. Yes, that's the rainbow one. You know, just for that; I'm puttin' it on tonight. Wash out this techno bullocks and put it to you right."

Buffy grinned, "Might have to put it on a loop."

Angel watched as Spike opened the door to Faith's car for Buffy. She shook her head laughing, "Not hating the undead chivalry thing."

"Not done with you yet, Sweetheart," he purred into her ear.

Buffy slid into the car and Spike went around to the other side, "Oi, you coming, Peaches?"

"I'm driving."

"Sorry, Mate. Girl gave me the keys, makes me the responsible party, and you the backseat bitch," he jeered.

Buffy peeked her head out of the car window, "Strong but tiny woman, here. I can get in the back. It's no big, kinda like me," she offered.

"No, you stay there, I'll be fine."

"That's a good boy now," Spike intoned jovially.

Angel growled, "Shut it Spike."

"Not until you get in," he smirked.

Angel hesitated. He really didn't want to get in the car, he wasn't really sure if he even wanted to go back to the castle. He sighed and climbed into the cramped backseat of the little blue car. It definitely hadn't been built with anyone over six feet tall in mind. He huffed indignantly as he tried to make himself comfortable.

Spike watched him with amusement before slipping in behind the wheel and turning on the radio. A commercial came on identifying Faith's favorite rock station and Alice Cooper's 'Poison' came on as they pulled out of the parking lot.

Spike sang along and drummed to the beat,

"Your mouth, so hot

Your web, I'm caught

Your skin, so wet

Black lace, on sweat

I hear you calling and it's needles and pins

I wanna hurt you just to hear you screaming my name…" he sang, stealing a glance at Buffy with a sly grin plastered to his face.

Buffy relaxed back in her seat listening and watching him as he continued. He could be such a kid at times, but in a good way. So good. The words of the song washed over her and she imagined doing those things with Spike. The song reminded her of the best parts of their first "relationship" after she had come back from the dead.

As unhealthy and twisted as it had been, it hadn't been all horrible. Parts of it had been downright fun at times. She couldn't wait to get him alone.

"Do you have to do that?" Angel complained.

Spike turned up the radio and grinned at Buffy. He wasn't about to let the older vampire put a damper on his night.

Angel scoffed and sat further back in his seat. He could smell the slightest hint of Buffy's arousal in the confines of the car and it hurt knowing it wasn't for him. He wound down his window to let in the night air. This definitely rated in the top ten worst trips he had ever taken.

The next song that came on the radio was Billy Squire's 'My Kinda Lover'. Spike's grin widened uncontrollably, "Hear that, Pet? Sounds like they're playing our soundtrack tonight, first Cooper, now Squire. Not sure I'm feeling Floyd tonight. You don't like the stuff I normally listen to."

"I told you I'm warming up to the Ramones a little… a few songs… and I liked some of The Buzzcocks songs you made me listen to. Still not a fan of the Sex Pistols, sorry."

"You said 'Pretty Vacant' was alright."

Buffy hesitated, "For the Sex Pistols— I so did not say I liked it. I'm just saying that we don't always have to go with classic rock, it's just sort of middle ground-ish…"

"Just broadening your horizons, Pet."

Angel turned his face so he was nearly sticking his nose out of the window. As the two of them continued talking about music. The conversation rolled easily. Spike must have said something funny because the next time Angel looked up Buffy was laughing so hard she had started wiping away tears.

Once she had controlled herself, Buffy cast a furtive look towards the backseat and then turned back to Spike. She placed her hand on his and pushed her thoughts towards him, Babe, we all get it. You are the big bad sex-god, Alpha-male, sooo getting some seriously crazy sexy-time tonight. Lay off Angel. He did us a solid. He didn't have to help us, and he'll be gone soon. Just play nice a little longer.

Spike squeezed her hand and turned down the radio, but still continued to sing along to the next song.

Buffy turned to look at Angel again, she didn't really know what to say but figured she should probably make an effort. "Thanks for helping out with the Minch problem."

Angel glanced up, "No sweat. Glad I could help," he turned back towards the window. It was a remarkably clear night.

He wasn't in the mood for small talk. It was taking all of his self control not to lay into Spike after their fight earlier and yet he knew he had a point. He really just wanted to beat the shit out of the bleached little twerp and take Buffy for himself, just like the old days with Drusilla. No wonder Spike hated him. He hated himself for even thinking it. Especially since Buffy would probably drop him from the roof into the bright sunshine just for the thought.

Angel caught another whiff of her scent. He glanced towards them to realize she and Spike had their fingers locked together, resting near the gearshift. It was a perfectly innocent gesture and yet the looks on their faces told him a different story. Spike's face was set in a look of satisfaction as he continued to hum and occasionally sing along to the radio. Buffy for her part sat relaxed in her seat watching Spike with lust filled eyes and a little grin on her sweet face he'd never seen before. It hit him like an aluminum bat to the skull as he remembered what Spike said about the link that had been forged between them.

Angel cleared his throat when he saw the sign for The White Rabbit. He knew it was the pub Callum lived over. And also where he was probably doing things with Faith that he really, really didn't want to think about.

"Hey humm, the castle isn't far from here right?" He finally spoke up.

Buffy glanced instinctively in the rear view mirror, not surprised when she didn't see Angel there. She rolled her eyes anyway and turned in her seat, "Just down the street and to the right down the lane. Why?"

He nodded, "I think I'll get out here, clear my head."

"Sewers intersect with the tunnels if you get caught out."

"Be back by sunup Sonny-Boy," Spike said, stopping the car outside of the pub.

"Your concern is overwhelming."

Faith flopped down on the couch in Callum's living room, "Sorry about Angel… he can be seriously intense. I should have warned you about the vamp-face thing."

"No use rehashing all that, Lass. He's definitely intense though. What's his problem with having fun?"

"Ahh yeah… that's sort of part of his whole deal. See, where as Spike went on some soul quest to get his soul. Angel was cursed. I mean like he pissed off the wrong people and they put his soul back in by force. If he finds true happiness he loses his soul and out comes freaking Angelus and we have to call our mega witch to put it back in. So he doesn't go all kill happy or try to end the world. Hence the reason he is Buffy's ex."

Callum handed her a glass of whiskey, "Interesting friend."

"If you can get past the crazy intense-ness, he's not so bad. He's a good friend."

Callum shrugged and sat down next to her, "Everybody needs those. I imagine in your line of work having good friends is what makes the difference between getting home and getting you dead."

"Sometimes. Yeah."

"Although, I wasn't too keen about bumping into his hand under your dress."

"Humm yeah, one to many hands up there for me too. Until tonight I would have told you that would have never happened. Definitely the spell."

He chuckled, "I can't help but notice a certain physical resemblance between us, Lass. You sure that's all?"

"Oh I'm like 150% sure. Truth is that I'm a sucker for those blue eyes and that smile of yours. Besides, Angel comes with way too much drama for me. I come with my own drama, I don't need all that noise too."

"Everyones got drama, Lass. It's called family," he said, sipping his drink.

"I might not mind trying that kind of drama on for size. Probably better than the whole monster of the week hullabaloo at least."

"Dunno, I haven't been around for any of the wipe-out-the-world stuff you talked about but I have survived a few Ross Clan Christmases. Sometimes those can be pretty intense," he grinned.

"So not the same."

"No, I imagine it's not. I'm just—"

"Trying to relate?"

"Clumsily."

Faith drained her glass and set it down on the coffee table, "Hey I seriously can't say one way or another. Demons I can handle, people not so much. Be my luck I'd be halfway through dinner before I started wishing I had a freaking demon to stab."

He laughed, "Good heavens, the thought that that could actually happen," he gave a shudder, "Gives new meaning to; careful what you wish for."

"No kidding."

"Who would have thought a wish could have done all that tonight?"

Faith rolled a shoulder and shifted to her knees moving closer to him on the couch, "Could have been worse."

Callum spread his arms across the back of the couch still holding his drink in one hand. He watched her as she straddled his lap, "Suppose that's true. I certainly didn't mind what you were doing just before Angel broke us up," he grinned.

"Goes double for me."

Callum arched an eyebrow, "Sorry, I only got the two hands."

Faith chuckled, "Those two hands have more magic in them than any spell."

"That so?"

"Humm, huhh…" she murmured as she leaned in for a kiss.

Callum brought his free hand up to the small of her back holding her firmly in place. Faith grabbed a handful of his thick dark hair and pulled his head back roughly. Callum groaned into her mouth and deepened the kiss, wrapping his tongue around hers. Faith bit his bottom lip and pulled a little as she settled back from him. Callum gasped as he tried to close the distance between them again but she held him in place with the hand she still held in his hair.

"This mean I'm in for a rough night?" he breathed.

"Only if you want it."

"You know I do."

Faith reached out to take his whiskey glass, "You going to drink this?"

"Was planning on it," he pulled it back from her and downed it, "Like a refill, Lass?"

"Humm… could just taste it on you," she arched back to set the glass down, giving him an eyeful as she did so. She straightened up slowly leaning into him for another deep kiss, "Humm, that's good."

"God, yes," he grabbed her thighs, squeezing roughly.

Faith let out a little moan, "You're not going to break me. Give me what you got, boy."

Callum's eyes flew open burning with desire. He squeezed into her hips, digging his fingers into her soft skin. Faith rocked into him, she gasped as his fingers pressed into her sending little electrical pulses through her. He continued to massage roughly as he worked his way up her dress and around to her lower back making her scream in delight.

"See, magic hands," she gasped.

"Need that drink, Love?"

"Later. I just want you."

"Good answer," he said as he untied the strings that criss-crossed across her back. The top of the dress fell down exposing her breast. He dipped his head, taking one into his mouth, biting slightly as he resumed kneading the taught muscles along her spine and her shoulder blades.

Faith writhed, grinding into him, "Oh God. Yes, Cal! Yes!" she screamed.

She let go of his hair and grabbed his shirt. She tore at it, sending buttons flying. Callum growled, released her breast and moved up to her shoulder. Biting and kissing a line up her neck and back over to her mouth. Faith brought her hands back to his shoulders forcing his shirt down. He let go of her long enough to free his arms from his shirt. Faith grabbed his hands pushing them up above his head. He moved his hips up and twisted his body in a snapping sort of motion to fall hard back onto the couch, taking her with him.

Faith broke the kiss, "That was hot."

He grinned, "I've got cuffs, if you don't want to hold me down. Not that I'm complaining," he said, nipping hard at her neck making her quiver.

"Cuffs? You are a naughty boy aren't you?"

"They're in the bottom of my sock drawer if you're interested," he said a little breathlessly.

Faith let him go and sat up. Grinning, she reached for Callum's discarded shirt. "I would, but I'm seriously impatient. Big character flaw," She said as she wrapped it around his wrist, securing it with a knot and pushed his arms above his head again. His muscles bulged as he adjusted himself a little.

She pushed herself up and off of him, her dress practically fell off as she stood up. She glanced down coyly at her nearly naked body. Then she started stripping Callum. He let out a gruff moan as she stripped him. When she was satisfied, she stood back up making a show of removing her little red panties as she slipped them down over her hips.

She sauntered a little moving closer to his head, and pushed a finger down between her legs, between her folds. "If you're a good boy, I'll let you have a taste."

"And if I'm not?"

She straddled him again, making sure she was poisoned so his erection was pinned between her hot center and his own abdomen. She ran a hand down to rub her fingers over herself rapidly as she made him watch. She let out a little moan and worked her hips, rubbing against him.

"You're trying to send me round the bend, Lass."

At that she simply bent down to kiss him. Hard. Callum brought his bound hands down over her head pulling her into the kiss. He bit her lip, pulling slightly. Faith let out a sigh and rolled her hips against him smoothly. Faith forced his hands back up, giving herself space to move. She reached down between her legs again this time taking his hard member in her hand. He let out a small whimper while she stroked him a few times. As much fun as it was to tease him, she was growing more desperate too.

She adjusted herself atop him, pushing her hips down in one strong fluid motion taking him in fully all at once. She didn't even bother giving herself time to adjust to his considerable girth before she started establishing a strong rhythm. She screamed as she did. Callum sat up smoothly, stomach muscles rippling and his hands still bound. He brought his arms up and down over Faith, working them down over her waist. She pulled her arms through, grabbing his hair in one hand and clawing at his back with the other. Callum let out a throaty yell.

Even bound as he was, he still managed to twist and press his arms down around her creating tension around her waist and hips. He bit into her shoulder and trailed his tongue across to the hollow of her throat dragging his teeth. Faith screamed his name as he pushed his hips up into her as hard as he possibly could. Faith continued to ride, pushing and pulling. She crashed her mouth down onto his neck and down his tattooed chest trailing her lips and tongue over his salty skin. He groaned onto her shoulder again.

He flexed his arms around her hard, the movement sent a shock through her and Faith felt her inner muscles latch down onto him. Pulling him in deeper. He bit the space between neck and shoulder sending her over the edge and rolling into wave after wave of pleasure and pain as he continued to nip at her pale skin and thrust deep into her. Her inner walls shuddered one more time and Callum released himself into her, filling her up and making her scream his name. She buckled under the pressure that was suddenly released. They continued to kiss as they pulsed together, neither one of them wanting to break contact. Faith pushed him down so they were both lying flat on the couch.

"Damn boy, even with both hands tied you get the job done."

"I like a challenge. That was seriously fun."

"I think I'll take that drink now."