Chapter 15

Buffy threw her head back, laughing with Scott as they remembered a hilarious incident back in college.

"The poor guy couldn't show his face after you embarrassed him like that!"

"He should know he shouldn't mess with you like that", Scott said.

"To be fair, he was just an immature little overconfident boy. He was really harmless".

"Doesn't matter. Harmless or not, he hurt my girl so he needed to pay", Scott smiled.

Buffy's smile momentarily vanished, suddenly slightly uncomfortable with Scott calling her his girl. She scoffed, telling herself not to be overly sensitive. Scott meant it in good humour. This was the sixth? Or perhaps seventh time the old friends met over four weeks, usually over drinks but tonight, they decided to start off with dinner at one of their old haunts and thereafter, for drinks at one of the bars they used to frequent in college.

It was nice, retracing their old steps and remembering their time together. Buffy had thoroughly enjoyed the time catching up with Scott. She was reminded that despite their rather risqué past, underneath all the intimate affairs, they had tremendous fun together and genuinely enjoyed their friendship.

Suddenly, a familiar song came on and Scott raised his eyebrows, catching Buffy's attention. They exchanged a knowing glance and Scott stood up, holding out his hand.

"Erm…I don't know", Buffy hesitated.

"Come on, it's our jam", Scott pleaded, trying to convince her.

"I'm a little drunk so probably not the best for me to be on my feet now".

"I've seen you danced way more drunk than you are now and you were quite a show".

Buffy blushed recalling how even inebriated, she could still hold her groove.

"I don't know, Scott".

"Come on, for old time's sake", giving her his best pout.

Against her better judgement, she took his hand and allowed herself to get pulled off her seat. Victorious, Scott grasped her hand and led her to the dance floor.

Connor was crying, totally uncomfortable that his nose was stuck and that his throat was sore. Angelus carried him, trying to calm him down. Connor had been sick for three days now, starting with a fever which included a flu and cough overnight. They had brought him to the doctor's and was told that Connor had caught the flu virus, probably from his school seeing that there was a bug making its rounds to the children with several of his classmates also falling ill. Angelus had taken some time off work to care for him, seeing that Buffy had been caught up with cases the past few weeks.

Earlier this morning, Connor was actually getting better and both parents were relieved, thinking that he was on the path to recovery. Angelus even brought him out to the nearby park thinking some fresh air would do him good. But around dinner time, when Angelus tried to feed his boy some soup which he refused after four sips; the sickness seemingly returned, making him lose his appetite. Angelus then tried giving him milk which was slightly better, with Connor managing to finish the whole bottle. Relieved that his son had some sustenance, Angelus gave him medication at the stipulated time and managed to put him to sleep only for Connor to wake slightly over an hour later to vomit all the contents of his stomach.

After giving Connor a quick shower, and changing his bed sheets, Angelus tries to put him to sleep again but his son has become overly cranky. Although his fever had cooled slightly, it seemed that his cough had intensified and from the looks of the mucus forming on his nose, it seemed that the flu had gotten worse too.

"Mummyyyyy", Connor called out wanting his mother to soothe him.

"It's okay, bud. She'll be home soon", Angelus said rocking him, trying to calm him down.

But Connor was far from calm. If anything, he cried louder, willing his mum to come sooner. Glancing at the clock on the wall, Angelus noted that it was close to 11. Perhaps, it was time for Buffy to come home. She has been having quite a number of late nights and seeing that their son was calling for her, it was probably a good time for her to call it a night.

"Okay squirt, let's try and call Mummy ok?"

The boy's cries stopped momentarily hearing that his dad was going to call his mum but distress returned and he conversed the only way he knew how; through tears. Angelus rocked him with one hand, trying to soothe the boy while his other hand speed-dialled Buffy's mobile and waited for her to answer.

The dance started rather innocent but as the music went, Scott began to pull her closer and closer and closer. Soon, he was so close that Buffy could feel his alcoholic breath on her face.

A part of her wanted to pull away, telling herself that this isn't right. The man holding her close isn't Angelus, the arms, the warmth felt wrong and yet, the other part, the one who remembers Scott's touch, his body, how sensuous he feels against her, didn't push him away. Alcohol rendered her careless, a sort of familiar desire coursing through her, urging her body to betray her heart and mind, which were clearly telling her the man holding her intimately wasn't the man she loves.

Encouraged by her inability to push him away, Scott smirked and boldly grinded his stiffening shaft against her, missing her talented body and skills in bed. He cupped her face, staring into her eyes for a fleeting moment before leaning down and kissing her lips. Buffy didn't react, frozen from the confusion of the two warring sides within her. Scott relished in the taste of her lips which somehow tastes so much sweeter than he last remembered.

He slowly pushed her back to a nearby pillar and deepened the kiss, licking and nipping her lips. Suddenly, there was a sharp, breaking sound and it caught her ears making her turn away from his kiss. She sees shards of glass scattered on the floor and one of the patrons stepping back in shock, assuming that he had dropped the drink. Reason returned to Buffy and she moved away hastily.

"Ummm, I think I should get going. Thanks for tonight", and she zoomed towards their table to retrieve her belongings.

"Let me drop you home", he said trailing not far behind her.

"No!" she said quickly.

"I mean, I'll just call for a car service. We're both drunk. It's safer to get someone to drive us home", she explained.

"I'm not thaaat drunk. Come on, I'll drive", he said, pulling her by the elbow.

"No, Scott, it's fine really", she said, trying to pull her arm away.

Lucky for her, when they stepped out of the club, there were a few taxis by the curb, waiting for intoxicated patrons. Buffy quickly raised her hand, indicating her intent to hire and tugged her arm again, this time successfully pulling herself away from his grasp.

"I'll just take a taxi. Thanks again for tonight", she said and entered the cab without waiting for his reply nor sparing him another glance.

Scott stood there helplessly, watching her go but there was a smirk on his face. Scott never thought that he would live to see her like this, imagining that with the skills he imparted on her, she would be making her mark as an accomplished lover with men salivating after her. The woman he was presented with the past few weeks seemed different. She's a mother, had a very significant other and is a family woman. But tonight…tonight proved to him that his Buffy, the siren in bed was still in there somewhere and he was yearning to feel her warmth surrounding him, squeezing him for all his worth. She was fighting him, resisting his advances but Scott was undeterred, determined to lure her out.

Buffy was a nervous wreck, her mind boggled at what she had just let happen. Why didn't she push him away? She knew that it was wrong, her mind and heart recognized that it wasn't her mate but her body…her body felt as though she was split in two.

One side so badly wanted to shove Scott away, to tell him that he can no longer touch her that way and yet, the other side recognizes his touch, its reaction mostly to memory. She rubbed her face, feeling worse by the second. When the taxi drove up her porch, she frowned to see the house still lit. It was slightly over 2 in the morning and both Angelus and Connor should already be asleep. She entered the home and began to ascend the stairs. As she nears the third floor that houses the rooms, she hears water running.

Frowning, she followed the sound and it led her to the bathroom next to Connor's bedroom. She saw the door ajar and opened it further to see Angelus carrying Connor wrapped in a fluffy towel, rocking and shushing him. The bathroom was full of hot steam and the tub filled with warm water.

"Babe, it's 2 in the morning", she whispered, puzzled as to why he was giving their son a bath now.

Angelus didn't reply to her and continued the shushing sounds, walking in Connor's bedroom. He quickly worked to dress him and as gently as possible, he placed the dozing tot in the cot and waited a few moments, gently rubbing his small body, expecting him to wake.

When he didn't, Angelus was clearly relieved and signalled for them to leave Connor's bedroom, silently praying that he would sleep through the remaining night.

"He's finally asleep", Angelus told her as they walked to the kitchen.

"What happened?"

"His fever spiked earlier tonight…"

"What!"

"…but after I gave him the meds, he got cooler and managed to sleep for about an hour. But his cough got worse and he was wheezing. I called the doctor and he said to try and give him a warm bath and let him sit in the steam. It may help with the airway to let him breathe easier. The doctor offered to make a house call but I told him I'll try the bath and keep him posted. If his fever spikes again or if he seems to get worse, we'll do the house call", Angelus continued calmly.

Buffy was shaken by his explanation, worry coming over her. She was puzzled why Angelus hadn't called her. Wasn't this something she should know about?

"You should have called me", her tone clearly upset that she wasn't informed.

"I did. Check your phone", Angelus replied.

Buffy took out her phone and true enough; she had a missed call from him.

"I'm sorry. I was a little caught up".

"Where were you?" he asked calmly.

The moment Buffy walked in, he caught a brief whiff of liquor and cigarette smoke.

"I umm…I had a late night at the office and um, Scott came by and asked me out for dinner and a drink. I didn't know it would be so late. I'm sorry".

"Don't apologize. I handled it. He was just cranky and crying for you earlier."

Buffy stood to go to his room but Angelus pulled her wrist stopping her.

"Hey, let's have coffee".

"In a little while. I just want to see him".

"He's asleep and he'll be down for a while".

"Just a few minutes".

Angelus pulled her closer and cupped her face forcing her to look at him. He notes her hazel eyes were unfocused, not looking into his like they usually do. It was teary, clearly something was bothering her.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing".

"Why won't you look at me?" calling her out.

"What? Don't be ridiculous".

"Buffy..."

"Can I just sit with my son, please?" her voice exasperated.

Angelus removed his grasp and watched her quietly enter Connor's room. She was clearly distracted. Does she not know that it was hopeless for her to lie to him? He tells himself to give her space, her worry over their unwell son clearly clouding her muddled mind.

Buffy stroked her son's hair, the boy still in deep sleep. Her eyes shed tears, no longer able to withstand her tumultuous emotions. She cries for her son, feeling like the worst mother ever for not being there when her son needed her the most. She shed tears over her anger. Angry at herself for having fun the past few hours, eating and drinking, taking for granted that Connor's health had improved when she left for work in the morning. It was just dinner and a drink. It sounded innocent at that point of time. But above all, she's shedding tears over her guilt. Guilt over her infidelity, of letting another man hold and kiss her the way only Angelus could.

She focused on his breathing, hearing the laboured pace and she cried harder. How could she not be here when Connor was calling out for her? How could she cheat on the amazing man who was such a loving partner and doting father to their son? How could she allow all this to happen? She willed her tears to cease, knowing that if she goes out in this state, it will only further raise suspicions and he will start questioning. Buffy wasn't ready to tell him but she could never lie to Angelus so keeping herself composed would be the best case scenario.

She wiped her tears, leaned down to kiss her son's forehead and steeled herself to face her boyfriend she knew was waiting for her outside. Practicing her poker face a few more times, she took a deep breath and opened the door. She moved to the bedroom but realized Angelus wasn't there. She took the opportunity to shower, wanting to remove the smell of liquor and stale cigarettes and the memory of Scott's touch and forget everything that happened with him.

When she didn't come down after about an hour, Angelus grew restless. To distract himself, he had started the coffee machine, cleaned the kitchen after the mess made due to caring for Connor and raided the fridge realizing that in his need to look after Connor, he didn't have time for dinner and was famished. As he started to make some eggs, he took out cheese, ham and bread to make a sandwich. After plating the eggs and sandwich, he made a smaller portion for Buffy in case she got hungry and set their plates at the dining table to wait for her.

In the silence of the night, he thinks. He knew she needed space and he should give it to her but he couldn't deny the nagging feeling inside. He had half a mind to go up and demand she tell him what she was keeping from him and was about to make his way to do so but was surprised to see her descending the stairs.

Buffy smiled at him, determined to convince him that she was fine.

"You're eating now?"

Angelus looked at her, studying her moves, noting the flicker of her eyes, seeking to read her thoughts, wanting to know what she's keeping. He caught the brave front she's keeping, trying to convince him that she was fine. His gut wanted to call her out on it but then there was that glimmer, silently telling him to please not push this. He cupped her chin, making her look at him to read her eyes. She held the hand cupping her cheek and leaned forward kissing him, partly to distract him, partly to convince him she's fine but mostly, wanting to feel his love, reminding herself that this…this was the kiss and the touch of the man who loved her.

Helpless against her charm, he wrapped his arms around her petite frame and deepened the kiss. When they broke away, she apologized.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you".

"Don't be...already forgotten", he leaned and kissed her lightly before cupping her face and asked, "Are you okay?"

Buffy knew saying that she's okay wouldn't work so she decided to be somewhat honest.

"No, I hate that I wasn't here when Connor needed me. I hate that I was out having fun with a friend when my son is…"

"Hey, it's okay. We both thought he was getting better so please don't feel guilty."

"How can I not?...He was crying for me and I…"

"Shhh…he's fine. Yes, he was crying for you and yes, it'd be nice for you to be here but he's a sick boy crying out for his mummy, just like any other kid would. Besides, he had me. Baby, he's our son. I'm just as much as responsible for him as you are. You were working. How can you blame yourself for it?"

"I was having dinner and…"

"You did nothing wrong. Stop beating yourself over it", Angelus cupped her face, telling her firmly.

Buffy nodded silently.

"I'm going to sit down and have a bite. Will you sit with me?"

She looked at the table and saw two plates of sandwiches and nodded again. Angelus kissed her chastely before pulling her along with him and sat at the table.

"I know you said you ate dinner so I wasn't sure if you wanted some but there's no fun in eating alone", he smiled at her. She thanked him and began conversation like they always do at dinner, eager to resume their routine, wanting to forget the episode with Scott completely.

Connor's cries calling "Mummy" woke her up and she was on her feet, shuffling into his room, scooping him up and cradling him to her chest.

"Hey shhhh….it's okay. I'm here", rocking him side to side.

His sobbing subsided almost immediately consoled by his mother's warmth and the cooing tone of her voice. He snuggled into her chest, taking the comfort which he sought for the day before. Angelus walked in a minute later, also having woken up and taken out the thermometer, coaxing Connor to take it. The boy opened his mouth obediently having learned that whenever that long thing was presented to him, he was to open his mouth and put it in.

The thing beeped and Angelus looked at the numbers, relieved that his fever was gone.

"36.8. His fever is gone", he told her.

Buffy was relieved and continued to rock him.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"Slightly after 5", Angelus yawned.

"I'm taking the day off. If they need me, I'll just work from home", she told him

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I want to be here with him. If you need to, you can go into the office today. I'm sure you have a lot to catch up on".

"The office will be fine without me. I'd like to stay home too", Angelus smiled and rubbed Connor's back.

"He's back asleep", Angelus told her, seeing the boy's eyes closed and suckling his thumb.

After a few more rocks, she gently lowered him to his cot and made shushing sounds, continuing caressing his body as the boy grumbled a little at the loss of Buffy's warmth before succumbing back to sleep.

"Come on, we can use a few more hours of sleep too", Angelus said, tugging her back into the bedroom.

They settled in bed with Buffy on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her waist, nuzzling her forehead. When he was about to doze off, he felt his lover was nowhere near joining him to sleep.

"What are you thinking?" he asked softly.

"Nothing", she replied dazedly.

Now slumber was quickly fading for him too and he cupped her chin to look at him.

"I've got you…always", he tells her. It was something he says every time he senses her need for his strength despite not verbally telling him.

Buffy leaned down kissing him, seeking his warmth. The kiss was intended to be chaste and innocent but when they broke away, there was the unspoken hunger that exchanged between them. With Connor sick, they barely had any intimate time the whole week and they didn't even realise it, both too caught up with their responsibilities.

But right now, the realization came back tenfold and like soulmates, they understood the mutual desire and need for the other. Angelus sat up bringing Buffy along and moved her to straddle him. This would be more than just sex…it wouldn't just be fulfilling a need, it would be about one lover wanting to show just how much the other meant, about two souls becoming one..making sweet love.

Buffy's hand caressed his face, her fingers dancing on his forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks before her thumb stroked his lips. He kissed her thumb before pulling her close and kissing her passionately. Her tongue met his halfway, duelling with the appendage loving his masculine taste. When they broke away, his fingers found the buttons of his shirt she donned.

Never tearing his eyes off hers, he unbuttoned each fastening, hungry for her golden perfection. Buffy's heart raced at his loving gaze despite the guilt burdening her shoulders. She is enamoured with the man and eagerly wanted him to wash the memories of last night and cleansed herself with his touch, his kisses and love.

She leans in and deepens their kiss, moaning at how much she ached for him, her fingers tugging the hem of his tank top. Momentarily breaking their kiss, he raised his hands as she pulled the material over his head, throwing it down to the floor. Thereafter, he copies her and immediately peeled his shirt off her body, chucking it away before pulling her close, seeking her lips to continue their sensuous tongue tangling kiss. Buffy was dizzy with want, she could feel herself shaking with desire and her core was dripping, craving for him to fill her.

Her fingers reached in his sweats, delighted to feel that he needed little encouragement as she stroked his swelling girth. Buffy's thumb swirled the tip, feeling the wetness seeping from him as he groaned against her lips. God, she wanted him...she wants his masculine scent and taste to permeate her. She nudged him to lie down and he hesitantly did so, clearly disapproving that he couldn't touch her but when she kissed his mushroomed head, he surrendered. Buffy began sucking him, slow and steady at first wanting to savour her man, embedding his unique delicious, powerful taste deep into her senses. It wasn't long before her hunger intensified and her need turned primal as she stroked him rigorously. Angelus hips helplessly thrusts into her mouth in tandem, lost in pleasure and chanting her name.

When she took him deeper, he cursed out loud and threaded his fingers in her hair, encouraging her efforts to devour him. Buffy was delighted at her prowess over her usually strong, somewhat intense, manly lover. How easily he was mush in her hands. She hummed as she continued sucking, creating a tantalizing sensation against his quivering girth.

"Baby, I'm coming", Angelus keened, gripping the bed sheets tight in his clasps.

Buffy continued her ministrations and it wasn't long before she tastes the warm seed hit the back of her throat and she swallows him greedily. She raised to her knees to see him panting, trying to calm himself but she couldn't wait. Her core was trembling and soaked for him so she shedded her panties and straddled him, immediately taking him deep inside her. He gasped in surprise but Buffy took him to the hilt and froze. He feels heavenly and her walls were squeezing him instinctively. Their eyes met and Angelus' hands cupped her breasts, pinching the hardened tips, making Buffy moan at the added sensation it made.

Angelus began to sit up, wrapping his arms around her waist and flushed her close to his body, resting their forehead together.

"God, you feel so perfect…" he whispered to her.

She smiled slightly before her hips began to rotate, grinding him slowly at first. Angelus hands roamed to her rear, squeezing it to encourage her. She of course needed little encouragement and hastened her pace...faster and faster and faster and faster...until the slicking and slapping of their joined parts echoed through the room. He stares into her beautiful face contorted in pleasure, her eyes closed, savouring his girth and strength as she rides him. She was close and he could feel it so he reached down for her pearl and rubbed and squeezed it in manipulation, making her scream. Mere moments later, she was in heaven and she cried his name in bliss before resting her head on his shoulder, trying to return to reality. Angelus stroked her back gently to assist.

"I love you", she whispered against his neck, telling him that she's back with him.

"I love you too", he replied, tightening his embrace around her body, kissing her temple lovingly.

As Buffy moved to release him from her, he didn't let go. "Oh no, you don't. I'm not done with you yet".

"You're not?"

"We haven't had sex in a week and you think that was enough?"

"You're a greedy man".

He pushed her down to the bed and hovered over her, gently thrusting his still embedded girth deeper inside her, making her gasp.

"Greedy for you?..Always..in fact, I don't think I will ever get enough of you".

"Really?"

"Uh huh".

"Even if I'm a senile, old lady with wrinkles all over and my boobs fall to my knees?"

He thrusts again before chuckling.

"If my boys are still working then and we're both on walking sticks and have no teeth, I'll still make love to you", he kisses her.

"What if I need breathing equipment?"

"Well, we better make sure the tank is topped up because we're gonna do it all night long".

"You're such a perv!" she laughed before sighing when he thrusts again.

"Only for you...always and forever, only for you" he whispered before kissing her deeply and continued his thrusts.

Gone was their playful banter as passion filled them and they made love again, over and over. As they both calmed themselves in each other's arms almost an hour later, Buffy held him tight as she allowed his love to wash all the guilt and unwanted thoughts of Scott, feeling his warmth and caresses lulling her to sleep.