— У меня правильнописание хромает. Оно хорошее, но почему-то хромает...(с) Винни-Пух.
читать дальшеChapter Eight
Buffy was on the dance floor with Kate and Abby. The music had finally changed to an up-tempo beat and the moment it had the two friends had dragged her up to dance with them. Buffy had just laughed as she willingly went with them. Now, William found himself staring at her as her body swayed and turned with the heavy beat of the music. She glowed with pleasure as she moved, her golden hair bouncing around her smiling face. It was like her spirit had been liberated from some oppressive darkness and she was finally free. It was like…her bag was ringing. William dragged his eyes away from Buffy’s provocative image to look for her purse. That has to be Joyce checking in, he decided.
Not wanting to disturb Buffy when she was obviously having a good time, William unclipped her purse and grabbed the phone from inside. He looked at the caller ID; not surprised when it said HOME. He answered it. “Hello Joyce.”
“Who is this?”
He could tell she was already panicking; having expected to hear Buffy answer the phone. “It’s Will. How are you this evening?”
“Oh William. I’m fine. Where is Buffy?”
“Currently?” He smiled as he glanced at Buffy and saw her raising her arms into the air in sheer abandon as she lost herself to the music. “She’s gettin’ jiggy with it.”
“Excuse me?” He could practically see her frowning at his words.
“She’s dancing. We’re at Freestylers. It’s a club on Chat Street.”
“Oh. So everything’s okay then?”
William looked up to see Buffy coming toward him. She’d obviously seen him talking on her phone.
“Everything’s fine. Here’s Buffy now.” He handed her the phone. “It’s your Mum.”
“Thanks.” She smiled gratefully and moved a short distance away from the table to use the phone.
“Okay man, time to spill.”
William turned to see Zac sitting in the chair beside him. “Spill about what?”
Zac just rolled his eyes. “About you and Buffy doofus. What’s the story with you two?”
William considered his words carefully before he spoke. “It’s like we said earlier. We’re old friends. She’s just moved back to town and we’re catching up. End of story.”
“So you aren’t dating?”
“No.”
Zac just shot him a knowing look and chuckled quietly. “You will be.”
William looked up sharply. “Why do you say that?’
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Abby declared as she and Kate rejoined them. “The way you look at her. The way she looks at you. It’s not rocket science Will.”
William looked at Buffy just as she was hanging up the phone. When she walked back over to them he asked, “Everything okay love?”
“Yeah.” She smiled but he could see the tension in her eyes. “But I should probably be getting home. Is that okay?”
“Of course.” Spike rose from the table. “We’ll be off. Night all.”
“It was great to meet you all,” Buffy added with a bright smile. “I hope to see you again soon.”
A chorus of nods and murmurs of ascent followed them out the door.
**********
William rubbed his palms together in agitation as he walked Buffy to her door. He took a sidelong glance at her, trying to gauge her mood. He wanted to kiss her goodnight. He really wanted to kiss her. But did he dare?
She’d been through so much recently. So many changes. It had to be overwhelming. Their relationship was just a small part of that and the last thing he wanted to do was push her. They were only just reconnecting as friends. Hell, this wasn’t even a real date. Was it? Damn it, he cursed to himself. I feel like I’m right back in high school.
“Thanks for tonight Will,” Buffy said softly, breaking into his jumbled thoughts. “I had a really good time.” She smiled up at him with those sparkling green eyes and William felt like he’d been gut punched. God she was beautiful.
“You’re welcome,” he croaked, forcing what he hoped was a pleasant ‘I’m not picturing ravishing you up against that door’ smile. “I had a good time too.”
“Great.” Buffy looked pleased by his comment. “I really like your friends. Thank you for taking me to meet them.”
“No problem pet.” He shrugged. “I want you to be a part of my life so…”
They stood a little awkwardly for a moment. Then a thought suddenly occurred to William and he latched onto it. “Oh hey, I was going to ask you if you’d meet me for coffee tomorrow. I’d like to talk to you about something.”
Though she was obviously baffled by the invitation, Buffy nodded without hesitation. “Sure. What time?”
“Say about 11 o’clock? At the store?”
“Okay.” She looked down into her purse for a moment, pulling out her keys. “Well…I guess I should go inside.” Despite her words she made no move to open the door.
William fought back a grin. Well if you wanted a signal, he told himself, that’s it.
Taking a step forward he closed the distance between them until they were almost touching. Gently stroking one finger along her jaw and under her chin, he tilted her head back. He saw the confused mixture of fear and excitement in her eyes and knew he had to tread lightly.
Leaning in he pressed his lips to hers. He slid one hand across her cheek, trailing it slowly down her neck. With great difficulty he forced his other hand to stay by his side, knowing that if he wrapped his arms around her, he’d be lost.
He pulled back slightly when he felt her mouth open to deepen the kiss. Allowing his lips to whisper across hers, he spoke. “Goodnight Buffy.”
She whimpered quietly and, though every fibre of his being urged him to stay, he turned and walked down the steps.
He was halfway to his car when he turned abruptly to see Buffy still standing on the porch where he’d left her. “Hey Buffy?”
She made a questioning sound, obviously still distracted by their kiss.
“See you tomorrow.” He grinned, throwing her a wink before hopping into his car. As he pulled away he couldn’t help the ear-to-ear smile that spread across his face. If his idea worked out the way he hoped, he and Buffy would be seeing a lot more of each other from now on.
Back to index
Chapter 9: An unexpected offer
Author's Notes: I hope you enjoy the new chapter guys. Leave me some love?
Chapter Nine
Buffy was just pouring sugar into her latte when William suddenly spoke.
“So I guess you’re wondering why I asked you here.”
Apprehension stirred in Buffy’s stomach but she squashed it firmly. Everything’s fine, she reminded herself. He just wants to chat. “Yeah, I am kind of curious.”
He looked nervous and, despite her assurances to herself, Buffy found she was bracing herself for what he was going to say next.
“Okay here goes,” he said with a deep breath. “You know how you said last night that you want to get a job?”
“Yeah,” she replied cautiously.
“Well I’ve been trying to talk the owner of the store into hiring an extra person for a good three months now. That place is busy and I know we’re losing customers because I can’t get to everyone in time. So, when I told her that I have someone who would be perfect for the job, she finally agreed.”
Buffy’s mouth dropped open in shock. Of all the things she’d imagined he might say to her, that didn’t even remotely resemble any of them. “You’re offering me a job?”
He smiled excitedly. “Yeah pet. If you want it.”
Wow, Buffy thought. A real job; like a normal, sane person. And not a single double meat medley in sight. “And you think I’m perfect for the job huh?” She raised one dubious eyebrow.
“Okay, okay, so you’d have some reading to do to acquaint yourself with the most popular authors and stuff but still…what do you think? Are you interested?”
Buffy smiled as she thought about it for a moment. “Yes. I think I am.” She nodded, warming up to the idea. “So what…do I go for an interview or something?”
Raising his arms with a flourish William smiled happily. “This is your interview. I am the manager after all.”
Buffy laughed at his excitement. “Are you sure about this? I don’t know anything about working in a bookstore and I don’t want to hurt your reputation with your boss.”
“Don’t worry about it. You’re a smart woman Buffy; you’ll pick it up in no time. Plus it will give you something to put on your resume when you decide what you want to do next.”
Buffy heaved a huge sigh of relief as she slumped back in her chair. He wanted to talk about a job, she thought, shaking her head in wonder.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” William asked, a bemused expression on his face.
Unable to help the small laugh that escaped her Buffy replied, “Oh it’s nothing. I just…I was worried that maybe you were going to give me bad news or something.”
He frowned. “What kind of bad news?”
“Oh like maybe you didn’t want to be friends anymore. Or didn’t want to spend as much time together.”
Obviously taken aback, William asked, “What on earth would make you think that? I did ask you to coffee before I kissed you, you know.”
Buffy grinned, remembering their all too brief but unforgettable kiss. “I know,” she groaned, embarrassed now that she’d even brought this up. “I guess finding out you’ve been living in la-la-land for a good portion of your formative years isn’t a great confidence builder.”
“I thought we were past all that.”
William’s words were quiet and Buffy realised that she’d hurt him. Reaching out she covered his hand with hers, her eyes meeting his. “I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He shrugged, as if dismissing the whole conversation. “I got something for you; in case you did say yes.” He picked up a bag from beside the table and handed it to her.
Reaching inside Buffy pulled out a copy of The Divinci Code. She looked up with a grin. “This is the start of all that reading I have to do hey?”
“Oh yeah baby,” he teased, a mischievous light in his eyes. “This is just the beginning. I’m gonna work you like there’s no tomorrow.”
“Hmmm,” Buffy couldn’t help but tease back. “That sounds oddly…exhilarating.”
William gave a low chuckle and Buffy felt a pleasant shiver trickle down her spine. Turning to a more serious topic for a moment she said, “Thanks Will. For believing in me. For giving me this chance.”
He smiled broadly. “Anytime.”
**********
It was a stormy Tuesday afternoon and no customers had come into the bookstore since lunchtime. Buffy and William were stacking the shelves with new stock while a Nickelback CD played in the background.
“I never did like dummies. Syd did not make me change my mind about them.” She shivered. “Wiggins, every time.”
The sight of William nearly falling down with laughter made her pause in her stacking with a pile of books still tucked into the crook of one arm. “What’s so funny?”
Trying desperately to catch his breath William gasped, “I’ve just got this image in my head of you getting hit on by a two foot wooden dummy. Gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘getting a hard on’.” Then he dissolved into laughter again.
“Oh that is so sad.” Shaking her head at his levity Buffy found herself laughing with him. “He did have some pretty bad pick-up lines.” She giggled suddenly. “At least he never mentioned having a woody.”
William cringed dramatically as he headed for the back of the store. “Buffy Buffy Buffy. And you said my joke was sad.”
Buffy affected a tone of complete superiority. “Well, you know, I didn’t want to make you feel bad by pulling something uproariously funny out of thin air.”
A loud snort came from the back room. “Liar,” he yelled.
Spying him coming back toward her Buffy grabbed a nearby sheet of paper and scrunched it up into a ball.
Twack.
William’s head snapped up in surprise. “You threw that at me.”
Buffy looked innocently up from her work. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
An evil glint appeared in William’s eye as he pulled some paper out of the folder he was holding and scrunched it up. “I am so going to get you for that.”
Buffy’s shriek of laughter was so loud it could be heard all the way out in the street, even over the sound of the pouring rain.
Back to index
Chapter 10: The ups and downs
Author's Notes: Thanks for all the great reviews guys. They really make my day. I hope you enjoy the new chapter. A big thanks to Megan for betaing it for me.
Chapter Ten
“I think I’m going to die,” Joyce groaned loudly as she sank into a kitchen chair.
Buffy laughed and heaved a dozen different shopping bags onto the table. “Don’t worry too much. I know the perfect cure for shopping overdose. One cup of tea coming up.”
Sighing dramatically, Joyce relaxed into her chair. “You are a godsend.”
“I know,” Buffy replied with mock arrogance.
As they drank their tea, Joyce practically beamed with delight over their day out together. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into that red dress.”
“Are you kidding? You look fantastic in that dress,” Buffy assured her. “Now you just have to insist that Dad take you out on the town so you can wear it.”
Joyce perked up at the idea. “It has been a long time since we went out.”
“See?” Buffy grinned sheepishly. “I know children are supposed to be grossed out by the thought of their parents being romantic. But I believed you guys were divorced for so long that I kind of get a kick out of it.”
Seeing a flash of disquiet cross Joyce’s face, Buffy could have kicked herself for mentioning anything to do with her time in Sunnydale. She’d been trying very hard not to bring it up lately because she knew it only upset her mother.
“Well, we’re not divorced and we have no plans to get divorced. We’re happy now so there’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Buffy frowned. “Wait a minute. What do you mean you’re happy now? Mom, was there a time when you weren’t happy?”
“Buffy, every couple has ups and downs, especially when you’ve been married for as long as your father and I have.”
Unconvinced, Buffy prodded a little further. “Were you and Dad going to get a divorce?”
For a long moment Joyce sat staring at her, as if deciding how she should respond. Then she took a sudden deep breathe, looking down at her empty tea cup. “We talked about it a long time ago. But we decided to try again, and here we are.”
“When?”
The reluctant look on Joyce’s face told Buffy everything she needed to know. “Oh God. It was my fault, wasn’t it?”
“No.” Joyce’s suddenly vehemence tone made Buffy jump. Her mother’s eyes held hers firmly as Joyce spoke. “It absolutely was not because of you. It was around the time you went to the hospital, yes. But what happened between your father and I was absolutely not your fault.”
“Then what—”
“I’d really rather not talk about it Buffy.” Her eyes were downcast; her voice quiet. “Some things are just…private.”
Buffy nodded, understanding her mother’s need to keep the details to herself, despite the face that she was desperate to know more.
“Besides,” Joyce said cheerily, as if shrugging off the sombre mood of the previous conversation. “As I said, we’re happy now. That’s all that matters, right?”
“Yeah. It is.” After a moment she added, “I’m really glad you’re still together.”
Joyce smiled. “So am I honey. So am I.”
**********
A week later, Buffy skipped down the stairs shortly after dinner, shrugging on a light jacket.
“Mom? Dad? I’m heading out for a while.”
Hank quickly rounded the corner. “Buffy, can’t you stay home tonight? You know how much your mother worries when you go out at night.”
Resisting the urge to groan in frustration, Buffy headed for the living room, her father following behind her.
“Mom? I’m just going to go to Freestyler’s with Will and some friends.”
Joyce frowned, concern etched deeply on her face. “Do you really have to go out again?”
Buffy was perplexed at the emphasis her mother put on the last word. “Mom, I haven’t left the house, except to go to work, since we went shopping last week.”
“I just don’t like you wandering around the streets at night. It’s not safe.”
Taking a deep breath, Buffy tried again. “I’m hardly wandering the streets. I’m going to have a few drinks with friends and then I’m coming home.”
“You’re drinking?” Hank’s voice suddenly sounded behind her. “Do you think that’s wise honey?”
“Right now?” She rounded on him in exasperation. “It’s sounding better and better all the time.”
Joyce jumped up from the couch. “Now Buffy, you’re too young—”
“Enough!” They both fell silent at her sudden shout. Seeing that she’d gotten their attention, she continued in a quieter voice. “I know that you’re just trying to protect me, but I’m not sixteen anymore. I’m a grown woman now and I’m capable of making my own decisions.”
Joyce’s concerned expression quickly turned to a glower. “Oh don’t pull that age argument on me. You may be twenty-two but you’ve been in that hospital since you were sixteen. You don’t have any experience—”
“Yes I do!” Buffy glared at her parents, her control snapping as she felt anger flood her body. “When I lived in Sunnydale, I was forced to make life and death decisions everyday. I’ve faced more messy ethical dilemmas and borne more responsibility than you could possibly imagine. Do you really think deciding whether to have an extra shot of vodka is going to stump me?”
She saw the apprehensive looks on their faces at her outburst but she didn’t care anymore. She wasn’t going to collapse under the first sign of pressure and it was time they realised that.
Her father stepped forward then, his hand held out in front of him in a protective manner, as if he was suddenly scared of what she might to. “Now Buffy honey. Please, you have to remember that none of that was real.”
Rolling her eyes, Buffy threw up her hands with a load groan. “I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me that they didn’t ‘really happen’.” She drew quotation marks in the air to emphasis her last words. “Those experiences, real or not, are a part of who I am. No one can take them away from me. Not you, not the doctors, no one.”
The sound of knocking on the front door startled all three of them.
“That’ll be Will,” Buffy told them quietly. “I’m leaving now. I have my phone if you need me. I won’t be late.”
Turning away from them before they had a chance to reply, Buffy left the house.
Back to index
Chapter 11: Just another girl
Author's Notes: I generally don't like to give anything away with my stories but I feel a warning is necessary for this one. So here it is...
WARNING: ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT OCCURS IN THIS CHAPTER.
It is not graphic and is only used to further the storyline. I hope you like it. Many thanks to Megan for betaing for me.
Chapter Eleven
“I feel so much better now,” Buffy declared as she and Abby made their way off the dance floor and to the table they were sharing with William and Zac.
“Tell me about it,” Abby replied. “This was exactly what I needed after a rotten week at work. I’m so glad you came tonight Buffy.”
“Thanks.” Buffy smiled. “So am I. But speaking of work—” She looked down at her watch. “Oh damn, look at the time.” Buffy drained the last of her drink and grabbed her purse. “If I’m going to open the store tomorrow I have got to go home and get some sleep.”
“Come on Buffy,” Zac argued. “You can’t leave yet. The sun has barely even set.”
Buffy laughed incredulously. “Zac, it’s nearly midnight!”
“Uh-huh!” Zac pointed an excited finger in the air. “The witching hour is at hand. If you leave now you’ll be devoured by witches and vampires and all manner of nasty things.”
Momentarily startled by his choice of words, Buffy glanced sideways at William, who simply shrugged. “Yeah well,” she said, deciding to play along, “my best friend where I used to live was a witch. And vampires are easy; you just have to know where to put the stake.”
William burst out laughing at the baffled look on Zac’s face. “Come on love,” he said, coming out of his chair. “I’ll walk you home.”
“No, that’s okay.” She waved him back down. “You should stay and enjoy your night. It’s not that far. I’ll be fine.”
William frowned. “Are you sure?”
She smiled at his thoughtfulness. “I’ll be fine,” she said again. “Bye everyone.” With a quick wave she left and started down the street toward home.
She’d barely cleared the block when she heard a voice in front of her. “Hey honey, you need a ride?”
Buffy looked up and saw a large, rough looking man leaning casually against a beat up old car. A cigarette dangled carelessly from his long fingers. His eyes roamed her body lustfully and Buffy felt her stomach roll at the look on his face.
“No thanks,” she said firmly and began to walk passed him.
“Oh come on baby,” he drawled, falling into step just behind her. “I saw you dancing in there. I know what you need to satisfy the fire between those skinny legs.”
Without thought, Buffy turned and punched his leering face. Barely flinching at her strike, he grabbed her by the wrist and wrenched her body up against his. “Why you little bitch,” he snarled. Grabbing her other wrist he forced her arms behind her back till she was pressed hard against him. “Somebody needs to teach you a lesson, little girl.”
Buffy could smell whiskey on his breath and almost retched. Struggling hard, she cried out in frustration when she was unable to break free of his ruthless grip.
“That’s right honey,” he laughed cruelly. “I like it when you struggle.”
Stilling immediately Buffy drew a deep breath, but when she opened her mouth to scream for help he crushed his mouth against hers. Gagging as his tongue thrust into her mouth, she bit down hard.
Roaring with pain he shoved her away, but before she could make a move to run a thick beefy arm appeared out of nowhere. She felt like her head exploded as she fell to the pavement. The taste of blood filled her mouth and suddenly, one thought erupted in her mind. I can’t stop him.
There was an angry shout in the distance, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps and she cried for help, the word getting mangled by her injured tongue. She heard her attacker curse violently before he jumped into his car. The sound of shrieking tyres signalled his hasty departure.
“Buffy!” The sound of William’s voice made her look up. Relief filled her as she saw him kneel down beside her. He drew her into his arms and the feel of his warmth surrounding her broke the last of her self-control. With an agonised cry she collapsed against him, sobs wracking her body.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” he asked when at last her tears stopped.
“I-I couldn’t stop him,” she whispered, staring into space. “He was too strong. I fought back but…I couldn’t stop him.”
“He was a big guy Buffy. I’m not surprised,” William tried to reassure her.
Pulling away from him she looked up into his face. “No, you don’t understand. I couldn’t stop him!”
William stared at her, realisation slowly dawning on his face. “Buffy—”
“I’m used to protecting myself Will. Now I can’t even fight off some random asshole?” She shook her head forcefully in denial and wrenched herself up from the pavement. Limping slightly she began to march toward home, with William following at a quick pace. “I don’t know how to do this — how to be weak like this. Just another girl. I don’t know how. I’ll end up hiding under the bed.”
“It’ll be okay Buffy.”
“Will it?” She halted abruptly to stare at him with agonised eyes. “I’m used to going where I want when I want and not thinking twice about it. I was afraid of demons and hell gods, not people. Not pathetic drunks who don’t know how to take no for an answer.” She started to sob as the reality hit her anew. She couldn’t protect herself anymore. She was no slayer; she was nobody.
“Oh God.” She sank back down to the ground as she felt her world crumble around her. “I really am crazy. Thinking I was so special. Chosen! In truth I can’t even throw a decent punch. I’m completely defenceless.”
“Buffy, love. Please, you’ve got to calm down.”
Buffy was beyond hearing him. “The doctor called it ‘delusions of grandeur’ and he was right. I’m nobody. I’m nothing.”
“Hey!” Fear streaked through him at the way she was talking and he grabbed her by the arms until she was forced to look him in the eye. “You are still Buffy. Do you hear me? You may not be a slayer. You may not be some mystical Chosen One. But everything else about you is real. You are real! Don’t ever let me hear you say differently.”
Snapped from her despair Buffy stared at him, shocked by the emotion behind his words. She nodded, tears still trailing down her face. Wishing he hadn’t seen her like this, she dropped her head onto his shoulder to hide her face. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as he buried his face in her hair.
After a time she calmed down and he loosened his hold so he could pull back to see her face. Her eyes were red and her cheeks were still wet with tears. Brushing her hair back from her face, he whispered, “You okay?”
Nodding, she swiped at the wetness on her cheeks. “Someday,” she replied.
Unable to help himself, William pressed a gentle kiss to her full lips, then rested his forehead against hers, savouring the feel of her in his arms. Moving away, he took her hands in his and began to back down the road, pulling her with him. “Come on. I’ll walk you home.”
Back to index
Chapter 12: Promises
Author's Notes: Hi all. Thank you so much for the reviews. They really make my day. And I'm feeling pretty crappy today so they'll mean even more.
This chapter was supposed to be all Buffy and Spike but the moment Joyce opened the door she took over and wouldn't let go till she'd said her piece. I think she was a bit ticked off at the flack she's been copping. : ) I hope you enjoy it
Chapter Twelve
William felt the full weight of Joyce’s glare as he came through the door the next afternoon. “How is she?” he asked quietly.
For a moment Joyce looked as if she would crumble before his eyes, her bottom lip quivering slightly, but then she seemed to get a hold of her emotions. “She’s barely said anything all day. She just sits up there staring out the window. She won’t eat; she won’t even look at me.”
He winced. This was what he’d been afraid of. She’d been so quiet on the way home last night; barely acknowledging his offer to open the shop for her before she went into the house and closed the door.
“Where were you?” Joyce’s curt question brought him abruptly back to the present. “When this happened to her. Where were you?”
“I was still in the club. I was worried about her walking home alone, even though she insisted, so I went after her. I was only a minute behind her I swear.”
“I told her she shouldn’t go out; it’s not safe. But she just wouldn’t listen.” Joyce wrung her hands as she led William into the living room. “You shouldn’t let her run off like that William. I need to know I can trust her with you.”
Hurt by her words, William felt his ire rising. “I’m not her keeper Joyce. She’s a grown woman and she wants to stand on her own two feet. She should want to!”
“Do you think I don’t know that?!” Joyce suddenly exploded in anger. “Do you think I want to smother her and stop her from having all the wonderful experiences a girl of her age should have? Do you?”
Deflated, William flopped down on the couch, rubbing his face with tired hands. “No, of course not.”
Joyce stood with her arms crossed protectively over her chest. “Before all this started, Buffy was a happy, beautiful girl. She was such a joy to be around. I had no idea what was ahead for her; what was happening in her mind. If only I had known…maybe I could have helped.”
William shook his head. “Joyce I don’t think anyone—”
“The point is no one saw it coming. You can’t guarantee that it won’t happen again; no one can. If it does, I need to be there.” She paused for a moment; staring at him intently, as if trying to convey to him the importance of her words. “She might have gone off to some fantasy land where she was a superhero and fought Gods in her mind. But her body stayed here. Her physical body was completely vulnerable. Have you already forgotten what it was like to see her just sitting there, day after day? Mumbling to herself one minute; comatose the next.”
Sighing heavily, William stood and crossed the room to stand in front of her. “I remember.”
A single tear finally escaped Joyce’s watery eyes to slide down one pale cheek. “I visited her almost every day. I read to her. Told her what was happening in the world. I kept her hair that beautiful golden colour that she loved so much.” She was sobbing now and William gathered her into a comforting embrace. “I know that she can make her own decisions. I know that she is strong inside. But if she goes away again I need to be there to protect her.” She looked up at him with solemn eyes. “I’m her mother, William. She trusts me to make sure she always has a body to come home to.”
“Mommy?”
Joyce and William gasped as they turned to the doorway, startled by the quiet voice. Buffy stood there in her pyjamas, Mr Gordo clutched tightly in one hand. Her right cheek was marred by a large purple bruise and her bottom lip was swollen. She walked slowly toward them, her eyes focused unblinkingly on her mother.
“I’m so sorry.” Her voice was still quiet, but clear and unwavering. “I never thanked you, did I? For taking such good care of me.”
Joyce was silent, an almost imperceptible shake of her head her only answer.
Buffy stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck, holding her close. “Thank you.”
Joyce hugging her tightly, weeping softly into her daughter’s hair.
“I’m sorry about today. I just needed some time...to process everything. But I’m okay, I promise.” Pulling back she took her mother’s hands in hers and squeezed them reassuringly. “You don’t have to take care of my body anymore. I’m here to do that now.”
Joyce shook her head fiercely, obviously not placated by her daughter’s words. “You can’t promise you won’t get sick again Buffy. I know you want to but you can’t.”
Buffy wanted to deny her words but deep inside a small part of her was scared her mother was right. She didn’t choose to get sick the first time. How could she know it wouldn’t happen again? Thinking for a moment she offered, “What if I make you a promise that I’m pretty sure I can keep?”
Seeing Joyce’s questioning look she explained.
“Weird things were happening to me long before I went to Sunnydale. It started here in LA.” She looked steadily into her mother’s eyes, saying the words that she hoped would give them both some security for the future. “I promise you that if anything happens to me that doesn’t seem right, that doesn’t fit with the natural order of things, I will tell you. I will let you know. That way, if I can’t find a way to…” She found herself crying at the thought of leaving her mother again. She had missed her so. “If I can’t find a way to stay with you; you can take care of me till I find my way back to you.”
Gripping Buffy’s upper arms tightly Joyce pleaded, “You promise?”
Buffy nodded, surprised at the security she felt for having made such a promise. “Yes.”
Taking deep gulps of air Joyce seemed to deflate before their eyes, as if relaxing for the first time in years. “Okay.” She gave Buffy a tremulous smile. “I can learn to live with that.”
From his place at the side of the room, William stood watching them. He saw the deep love they shared for each other and decided that Buffy had been right last night. Someday. Someday everything would be okay.
Back to index
Chapter 13: Getting all physical
Author's Notes: Sorry about the long wait guys. The weeks got away from me a bit. The next three chapters are done in draft form so they won't be too far away.
Happy new year to all! I hope you enjoy the new chapter.
Chapter Thirteen
A week later Buffy and William were sitting on the back patio of Buffy’s house enjoying a glass of wine. Dinner with Buffy’s parents had been a more relaxed affair than usual. It seemed Joyce had taken Buffy’s promise to heart and was trying very hard to stop being over-protective; though she still insisted Buffy have her cell phone with her at all times — just in case.
Glancing at William, Buffy caught him opening and closing his mouth for the fifth time. He obviously had something he wanted to say and she decided she’d had enough of waiting. “What is it, William?”
“I can teach you to fight,” he blurted. At her surprised expression, he added, “If you want.”
Buffy was more than a little puzzled by this turn of events. “I didn’t realise you knew how.”
He shrugged. “I took up Tai Kwon Do in college. Now I teach a little.”
“You teach Tai Kwon Do?”
William cleared his throat, looking everywhere but at her. “Yeah. Just at the local gym. Tuesday nights. It’s no big deal.”
Buffy frowned at him. “That’s why you wouldn’t come to the movies with me last Tuesday?”
He nodded.
“Okay. So, if it’s not a big deal then why didn’t you just tell me?”
He didn’t look at her, obviously reluctant to explain. “I just...because of Spike alright?”
Baffled, she just shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
Suddenly rising from the seat, William started to pace. “He looks like me. He talks like me. He was a poet, I’m a writer.” His pacing stopped abruptly and looked at her with intense eyes. “I figured we already have enough in common. I mean, aren’t the lines blurred enough?” Turning away from her he leaned on the porch rail and spoke so quietly she had to lean forward to hear him. “Buffy, when you look at me. I want you to see me. Not him.”
“Oh.” Buffy stared out into the darkness, not sure how to react to his words. She understood what he was saying. She did still see Spike when she looked at him. How could she not? All the things that had made her care for Spike — his caring, his devotion to the people he loved, his bizarre sense of humour — was all still there. Inside of William. He was Spike. Why didn’t he understand that? Looking up into his face she knew she could never put voice to her thoughts. He hated Spike. It would hurt him too much to know that, to her, he was her Spike. In some ways he always would be.
Sighing, she stood up and walked over to him. “I don’t know what to say.”
He shook his head. “You don’t have to say anything.”
Buffy closed her eyes in a mixture of longing and frustration. He looked just like Spike did when he uttered those very words outside The Magic Box. Their first kiss.
Hoping to lighten the mood a little she asked, “Will you still teach me to fight?”
He glanced sideways at her, a smirk curving his lips. “Yeah. I’ll teach you.”
**********
Buffy screamed in frustration as she fell to the floor yet again. “Damn it! Why can’t I do this?”
William put out a hand to help her up. “You can. You just have to keep going.”
Even as she rose from the floor she attacked, using his distraction to her advantage. Lashing out violently she followed a fist to his jaw with a roundhouse kick directed at his stomach. Her foot met thin air as he dropped to the ground and swept the leg she was standing on out from under her, flooring her one more time.
“Slow down Buffy. Stop trying to force it.”
Lying on the floor still, Buffy took several deep breaths, trying to regain control of her raging emotions. She could beat him; she knew she could. She just had to stop ending up on the freakin’ floor!
“Up!”
At William’s barked command she sprang to her feet, moving immediately into a defensive stance.
“Close your eyes.”
Surprised, she just frowned at him.
He smiled that Spike smile that set her body to tingling. “Trust me.”
Reminding herself she was here to learn from him, not jump his bones like a big ho, she allowed her eyes to fall shut.
For a few moments she heard nothing but the sound of her own harsh breathing. Then his voice tickled her ear and she shivered. “I come at you from behind and try to grab you by the throat. What do you do?”
In her mind, Buffy saw herself grabbing his forearm, using his own momentum to pull him forward over her shoulder and down to the ground.
“Open your eyes.”
She blinked. When she felt the arm around her throat she moved instinctively. Suddenly William was lying on his back on the mat in front of her, a big grin plastered on his face. I did it, she realised suddenly. “I got you.”
“That you did love,” he chuckled as he rose.
He jumped forward then, his leg rising to kick her in the stomach. The movement was slow enough that she had a moment to recognise his intent and react to it. Grabbing his foot, she twisted it until he was forced to spin his body, again landing heavily on the floor.
Buffy felt a hysterical laugh rising in her throat. She was getting it.
“You can do this Buffy,” he said in a firm voice, coming at her again. “You know how in your head. You can see it in your mind’s eye.” She was deflecting his moves faster now, his words egging her on. “Every punch, every kick. It’s all there. Now you just need to let your body play catch up.”
“Then I can kick the crap out of you,” she gasped with an energetic kick that came much closer to connecting than it had last time.
Slipping behind her he yanked her back against him, holding her by the elbows. “That is the idea pet,” he purred into her ear.
Leaning her head back she looked up at him with a seductive smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll only make it hurt in all the wrong places.”
He practically growled as his mouth descended. Just as he was about to capture her lips with his own she threw her elbow back, jabbing him in the ribs. Delighting in his grunt of surprise she jerked around to face him, a wicked smile curving her mouth as she beckoned him forward to begin the sparring again.
Back to index
Chapter 14: The Monster in the Man
Author's Notes: Thanks guys for your wonderful reviews. You really do keep me writing. I hope you enjoy the new chapter.
Chapter Fourteen
“Is that all you’ve got?” Buffy gasped as she felt her fist connect with William’s jaw. “I never realised you were such a lightweight.”
He grinned evilly as he bounced on the balls of his feet. “Dangerous words, little girl.”
She gave a mock shiver. “Ohhh, scary.”
Her giggle was cut off when he attacked again. For the next few minutes the only sounds in the otherwise empty room were of their harsh breathing and occasional grunting.
Buffy had been attending William’s Tai Kwon Do class faithfully for over two months. The class, together with extra one-on-one tutoring from him afterward, saw Buffy’s fighting skills improve at lightening speed. Now she and William were close to being equally matched. She’d also taken to going to the gym several times a week to develop her strength, and was now almost as confident physically as she had been as the slayer. Though, now, she always allowed William to walk her home when they were out after dark.
Watching doggedly for any sign of weakness in William’s defence, Buffy lunged swiftly when she saw her chance. Sweeping his legs out from under him she launched herself on top of him as he hit the ground, straddling his thighs. Holding his hands in a firm grip above his head, she smirked down at him. “Loser.”
“Hey! I’m still your teacher, you know?”
She waggled her eyebrows at him. “I think you’ve taught me everything I need to know.”
A blink of an eye later Buffy was crying out in indignation as she found herself on her back, with William taking her place on top. He winked at her. “Not everything.”
She laughed up at him, delighting in the feel of his weight pushing her into the mat. She could feel the hard length of his arousal pressed against her and knew he was just as excited by their sparring as she was. When his eyes were drawn to the hard nipples that were visible beneath her sports top, she felt his heated gaze like a caress.
Giving in to temptation, she raised her head, capturing his lips with her own. It was like that simple act obliterated every ounce of control he had and he delved into her mouth eagerly. Suddenly his body was pressed against hers from breast to thigh. His knee nudged her legs apart so he could settle his body in the cradle of her hips, and she groaned aloud at the intimate contact.
They’d been dancing around each other for months now, with the innuendos, flirting, and the odd stolen kisses. But this…this is what she dreamed of when she laid in bed at night. The feel of him moving against her, his body hard and wanting. She hadn’t felt this way since…since…
“Buffy.” William’s voice, harsh with lust, interrupted her musings. “Who do you see?”
Still intoxicated by the feelings coursing through her body, Buffy found herself barely able to comprehend his words. “What?”
He held her gaze firmly, even as his hips continued to undulate against her, sending waves of heat rippling through her. “Tell me who you see.”
Her mind froze. She didn’t know anymore. He was William, but he was Spike at the same time. She was beyond differentiating between them. She opened her mouth but she didn’t know what to say.
It seemed her silence was answer enough. William’s head dropped into the crook of her neck and slowly his body became still on top of her. For a moment she just held him, trying not to squirm in arousal beneath him, still hot with need. Then, with a muttered curse, he was gone.
Aching and frustrated, she watched him pace back and forth across the room, his breathe deep and fast, before finally scrambling to her feet herself. She’d had enough of this jealously crap and was determined to deal with it once and for all. They’d avoided this conversation for long enough.
“I see you both, alright? It’s always you I’m with Will. Always. But I will always see Spike inside of you. He is part of you. Don’t you understand that?”
“No. You created him, he’s part of your delusion. I had nothing to do with it.”
“For fuck’s sake Will, where do you think he came from? I needed you in Sunnydale and you were there.”
“I was your friend Buffy. You drag me there and turn me into the enemy and you pretend it’s okay, but it’s not. I loved you and you turned me into a murderer.”
That’s it? Buffy realised with sudden clarity. That’s why he hates Spike so much? “I don’t know why you were a vampire there.”
“Because you hated me!” he shouted, his chest heaving with anger. “You begged me to keep your secret and I didn’t. I was scared for you and I told your mother. You might not remember, but I do. I remember the look on your face when they dragged you into that hospital. You hated me. You screamed at me for betraying you. You said that it was my fault you were there.”
Buffy’s heart ached at the anguish she saw on his face.
“You blamed me and you punished me by turning me into the evil monster that was trying to kill you. How do you think that made me feel, Buffy?”
Buffy shook her head, denying his words. “That may have been how it started but everything changed. Spike fell in love with me and it changed him.”
“Is that right?” His voice was quiet but edged with steel. “That’s why you snuck around behind your friend’s backs, ashamed to admit that you were slumming with old Spike. That’s why, even as you were fucking him, he was trying to drag you down; because he was a changed man.”
Tears slid unchecked down her cheeks as she was forced to face the reality of what she’d done to him. Every time Spike had acted wrongly, every time she’d rejected him and called him worthless, every time she’d denied his love, she’d pushed that knife a little deeper into William. It wasn’t a wonder he hated…her. Her breath hitched as understanding dawned painfully. “Oh God. You don’t hate Spike at all, do you.” It was more of a statement than a question. “I got it all wrong. You’re angry at me. You’re angry at me because Spike even existed at all.”
When William refused to look at her, she knew she had spoken the truth. Buffy felt pain explode in her chest, as if a weight was suddenly crushing her. She’d hurt him in ways she hadn’t even dreamed about. And she couldn’t ever take it back. Not ever.
Choking back a sob, Buffy grabbed her bag and ran for the door. She had to get out of there; needed time to comprehend this new devastating insight.
Two days later Buffy sat once again in a large comfortable chair in Dr Callahan’s office. She’d spent a lot of time thinking about everything that had happened, all the way back to her first meeting with Merrick, and she’d come to a decision.
Looking steadily at the doctor, she spoke with firm determination. “I want to know why I got sick.”
Back to index
Chapter 15: What happened in my head
Author's Notes: Thanks so much for the reviews. A special thanks to Tara, tis-kit and Dirktavian for their wonderful comments. Plus, a big welcome to new reader Ashley Granchester. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Chapter Fifteen
Once again Buffy stood outside William’s door. She took a deep breath, trying to ward off the butterflies in her stomach. For the past few weeks she and William had still seen each other at work, but not socially. They’d both been polite, friendly even, but that easy camaraderie that they’d enjoyed was noticeably absent. It was killing her.
During that time she’d attended extra sessions with Dr Callahan. She’d worked hard on figuring out what everything she’d been through meant. She’d had no luck figuring out why she’d gotten sick in the first place — yet, she insisted to herself with grim determination — but she’d had quite a few break throughs in other ways. And now it was share time.
Abruptly, the door opened and William was standing in front of her in a pair of old blue jeans. And nothing else. Gulp. Buffy tried not to stare at the gorgeous expanse of muscular chest. Talking Buffy, she reminded herself. You’re here to talk.
“Hello William,” she greeted him cheerily. “May I come in?”
Slowly he stepped back, opening the door wider. “Of course.”
She entered with a determined stride, heading straight for the living room. “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay.” Following her into the room, he sat stiffly on the couch, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He kept his eyes cast downward as an awkward silence filled the room. A dozen butterflies made yet another energetic lap in Buffy’s belly.
“Okay,” she echoed him, trying to figure out how to begin. She’d had it all planned out perfectly when she was preparing for this conversation. But now that she was sitting in front of him — and he was all shirtless and distracting — her whole speech had gone right out the window.
Finally, she knelt in front of him. She wanted to touch him, take strength from his presence, but knew that it would be unwelcome. “William, I’m so sorry for what I’ve put you through. When I came back I had no idea how much I’d hurt you. How much Spike hurt you.”
He just sat there silently, looking down at the hands he’d clasped in front of him, so she continued. “I’ve tried to work it all out over the last few weeks and I want to tell you what I think happened in my head. I know six years is a lot to cover with a few words but…” She shrugged. “I have to try.”
When he still refused to respond she swallowed heavily. “I guess I was angry at you when I went to Sunnydale. So angry that I denied you even existed for nearly a year. Then when I did let you back in it was as a vampire. As the enemy.” Unable to take his guarded silence any longer she stood, moving to look out the window, though she saw nothing beyond the glass. Instead she saw Spike standing in a darkened alley vowing to kill her. She’d been so scared that night. A part of her had been sure he would succeed.
“I fought Spike so many times. We vowed to kill each other every time we met. But we never did.” She almost smiled as the memories washed over her. “We had so many chances, but…neither of us ever could deliver that final blow.”
She turned back to look at him. “I tried to make you leave you know, but you wouldn’t stay away. You just kept on coming back. I wished you’d just leave me alone to get on with my life but you refused.” She stared hard at him, trying to gauge his reaction to her tale.
“Then one day you started to change. You looked at me differently, you kept showing up every time I turned around.” A bark of laughter escaped her. “You said I had stupid hair.”
She saw William raise his eyebrows in surprise and was glad to know that at least he was still listening.
“With every change you became more like you are now. Here. More like William, but with Spike still in charge, you know? Then one day you confessed that you were in love with me.” She found herself pacing around the room, unable to keep still as it all poured out of her. “You did it in the most ridiculous way possible, but you still did it.”
“I pretended to be shocked but I wasn’t really. I fought against your love even more fiercely than I’d fought you physically and yet you still wouldn’t leave.” Almost as an afterthought, she murmured, “The one man that I refused to accept, and you were the only one that didn’t leave me. You were the only one I could count on, no matter what.”
Out of the corner of her eye she saw William’s head lift to look at her and she quickly swiped at the wetness on her cheeks.
“Then I died for like, three months. Mom tells me I was completely comatose then, they worried I’d never come out of it.”
“I worried too.” William’s voice was quiet, strained. They both paused for a moment as their eyes met.
“I think maybe I’d given up. Given up on life, given up on Sunnydale. But something pulled me back. And there you were, waiting for me. You kept me sane. You were there every time I needed you.”
She’d finally gotten to the hard part and she found herself trembling, terrified of what would happened when she was done.
“When I started sleeping with Spike I was desperate. I felt so numb inside. The only time I felt anything was when you were…with me.”
She saw him shiver, he eyes closed tightly, and she wondered what he was thinking.
“Before long I was completely dependent on you to make me feel alive. I was withdrawing from everything else around me. Nothing felt real anymore. When you begged me to go into the darkness with you and leave everything else behind I was so tempted. The thought of being at peace, in your arms…forever. I wanted…” She gave herself a mental shake, determined to get to the end of this. “I realise now what was happening. You weren’t dragging me down. You were bringing me back, William. You were helping me let go of everyone and everything in Sunnydale, so I could come home.”
William shook his head, obviously unconvinced. “I didn’t bring you back. You came back on your own.”
Buffy dropped to her knees in front of him once more. This time she gripped his hands tightly in hers; no longer caring if he objected. “I was scared Will. I didn’t understand what was happening and I thought you were trying to take me away from life. So I found another way. I found a way back on my own terms. But it was still you, Will. If it wasn’t for you, for Spike, I’d still be there. I’d still be struggling just to get through each day.” She clasped his head in her hands. “You brought me back to life William.”
Suddenly, tears were streaming down his face, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly. “I thought I was hurting you. I thought you hated me and that I was killing you.”
She shook her head fiercely. “No. For nearly six years you were my only link to the real world. Every step closer to you was a step closer to home.”
“But you were using him. You hated yourself and you took it out on him — on me.”
Her eyes closed, forcing tears to slip down her cheeks. “I know. I’m so sorry. I wish I could take it back. Treat you better.”
Holding her head in his hands he rested his forehead against hers with a small smile. “You already are treating me better. I just want you to be okay.”
“I am okay. I promise.” She smiled sadly, her bottom lip trembling as she asked, “William, can you ever forgive me?”
He sighed, dragging her against him as he buried his face in the softness of her hair. “There’s nothing to forgive, baby. Just don’t ever leave me again.”
A relieved laugh escaped as she held him tightly. “Oh believe me, there is no way you're getting rid of me now.”
Back to index
Chapter 16: The evil clutches of ignorance
Author's Notes: A big thank you to sixstringbaby for taking a look at this chapter. You're encouragement is such a help sweety.
For the Aussies out there, the character of Rachel is very loosely based on model Chloe Maxwell. She was a funky chick in the 'Jeans West Fits Best' ads in the 90s. I had a crush on her in high school. *wink*
One more thing! I made a picture for this story. It's my first so please let me know what you think.
Wow. This is my longest author's note ever. Guess that means I'm rambling.
Chapter Sixteen
Buffy turned from the enrolment desk with a cringe as she looked at the list of books and materials she would need to begin her night classes. After much thought she’d decided to bite the bullet and enrol in the courses she would need to get her High School Diploma through the local community college. It still grated that she remembered doing all this work before, graduated even, but there wasn’t much else she could do. Somehow I don’t think they’ll give me the diploma just for being a whack-job, she mused resentfully.
“Hey, watch it!”
Before Buffy could even look up she ran smack into the owner of the rather irate voice, causing the young woman to drop the books she was carrying.
“Oh God. I’m so sorry,” Buffy apologised as she bent down to help the woman retrieve her books.
“Yeah, well you should watch where you’re going,” she snapped.
Taken aback by the harsh tone Buffy raised an eyebrow. “No kidding. You never know when a minor accident will cause the world to fall on its ass.”
The dark head whipped up, revealing an attractive face with large, caramel eyes. With a weary sigh she said, “Look, I’m sorry I bit your head off like that. It’s just the thought of going back to school gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
Buffy couldn’t help but smile in commiseration. “Right there with ya.” She held out her hand as they both picked themselves up off the floor. “I’m Buffy. Buffy Summers.”
“Rachel Fallon,” the other woman replied shortly.
They stook awkwardly for moment before Buffy asked, “Do you want to get a cup of coffee? There’s a half-decent café just down the street.” When she saw Rachel hesitate, she added, “I just figure it might be nice to know someone when we walk in the door for our first class.”
Rachel seemed to consider her for a moment before finally nodding. “Sure,” she replied, stuffing her books into a large knapsack. “Why not.”
On the way to the café Buffy found out that Rachel was just a year older than her and was also going to be studying for her High School Diploma, so they would be in a number of the same courses.
“What grade did you get to before? In high school?” Rachel asked, taking a long pull on her giant glass of Coke.
“I was still a freshman,” Buffy answered, looking up from stirring sugar into her latte. “You?”
“About tenish I guess.”
“What happened then?”
Rachel stared at Buffy for a long moment, as if weighing her up, deciding how much to say. “I, ah…I got distracted.”
Good answer, Buffy thought, understanding the other girl’s desire to keep her past private.
“I kind of suck at the whole academic thing,” Rachel continued. “Never had the patience for it.”
Curious, Buffy found herself asking, “So then why go back?”
Rachel shrugged dismissively, avoiding Buffy’s gaze. “Just seemed like the thing to do I guess,” she murmured. “How about you? Why didn’t you finish school?”
Buffy allowed a smirk to drift onto her face. “I got distracted too.”
**********
Buffy did a little dance in front of William when she entered the shop later that afternoon. “You are now looking at a fully enrolled student.”
William chuckled at her antics. “Good for you love.”
“Yeah. Now all I have to do is survive till graduation.” A thought occurred to her and she pointed at him excitedly. “And this time I don’t even have to worry about getting eaten.”
“Eaten?”
“Yeah, the mayor was totally evil and he turned into this big snake and tried to eat the whole class.”
William leaned on the counter with his chin resting in one hand, giving her his undivided attention. “I take it he failed?”
“Well duh. I was the slayer you know.”
“Oh, but of course.” He grinned in amusement. “So how did you defeat this great evil?”
“Oh, it was so cool.” Buffy started to get all animated as she retold the daring tale. “We got all the students involved. They had bows and arrows and axes and all sorts of things. They fought the vamps that were stopping people from getting away. Then I lured the mayor into the school, but I jumped out the back window.” A smug smile appeared as she concluded, “Then we blew it up.”
William was rapt in her excited recitation. “I heard you blew up a school. That’s just…neat.”
Buffy gave a satisfied sigh. “I know. I lived every high school student’s dream. It was very cool.” She giggled then. “Plus Harmony got eaten by a vamp that night. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person. It’s just a shame they turned her; even dead she was still annoying.” She poked out her tongue with a ‘bluck’ sound at the thought of the undead glamour queen.
Pretending to be appalled by her attitude, William queried, “Wasn’t the slayer supposed to be a little more…caring?”
“Yeah. But now that I know she wasn’t real I get to pick on her all I like.” Buffy jumped onto the counter, swinging her feet against the wooden base. “Plus she ended up sleeping with Spike so that doesn’t exactly endear her to me.”
“Hmph,” William replied. Looking up at her, he asked, “Was she cute?”
Buffy rolled her eyes, though inwardly she was cheering at the fact that he hadn’t tensed up when she mentioned Spike the way he normally did. “In a ‘looks vaguely like Buffy but way more vapid’ kind of way.”
He chuckled at her less than kind description. “Careful kitten. You’re showing your claws.”
Scoffing, Buffy slid off the counter, deciding it was time to turn the conversation away from her penchant for jealousy toward non-existent people. “God, school. This is gonna be a shocker.”
“You’ll be fine. You’ll be graduating before you know it.”
She turned to him flashing a million-watt smile. “Course I will, what with you tutoring me and all.”
William stopped what he was doing to look up at her with a raised eyebrow. “I’ll be what?”
Buffy immediately launched into beg mode, glad that he hadn’t turned her down flat. “Please, please, please. You’ve done all this before and I haven’t actually studied in years. I’m sure to fail without you.”
“I doubt it’s that bad love. But…” William crossed his arms over his chest with a mischievous leer. “What do I get out of it?”
Without thinking Buffy blurted, “Anything.”
That oh so sexy eyebrow crept higher. “Anything you say. How very interesting.”
Buffy put her hands on her hips. “Will, are you being a perv?”
“God yes,” was his unrepentant reply.
Laughing, Buffy dropped to her knees in front of him. Clasping her hands together she gave him her best puppy dog eyes. “Will you help me? Will you save me from the evil clutches of ignorance?”
William felt himself harden the second she hit the ground. Biting back a groan, he tried to shrug off the erotic image running through his mind of her doing other things on her knees and quickly choked out a reply. “Oh alright. I’ll help you.”
Buffy jumped to her feet with a happy squeal and threw her arms around him. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Happy just to see the smile on her face William returned her hug eagerly. “You’re welcome, love.” When she finally pulled away, he had to force himself to let her go. “Now about the sexual favours I’ll be getting in return...”
Buffy whapped him over the head. “Down boy,” she said with a laugh before heading for the back to dump her bag and begin work.
Back to index
Buffy was on the dance floor with Kate and Abby. The music had finally changed to an up-tempo beat and the moment it had the two friends had dragged her up to dance with them. Buffy had just laughed as she willingly went with them. Now, William found himself staring at her as her body swayed and turned with the heavy beat of the music. She glowed with pleasure as she moved, her golden hair bouncing around her smiling face. It was like her spirit had been liberated from some oppressive darkness and she was finally free. It was like…her bag was ringing. William dragged his eyes away from Buffy’s provocative image to look for her purse. That has to be Joyce checking in, he decided.
Not wanting to disturb Buffy when she was obviously having a good time, William unclipped her purse and grabbed the phone from inside. He looked at the caller ID; not surprised when it said HOME. He answered it. “Hello Joyce.”
“Who is this?”
He could tell she was already panicking; having expected to hear Buffy answer the phone. “It’s Will. How are you this evening?”
“Oh William. I’m fine. Where is Buffy?”
“Currently?” He smiled as he glanced at Buffy and saw her raising her arms into the air in sheer abandon as she lost herself to the music. “She’s gettin’ jiggy with it.”
“Excuse me?” He could practically see her frowning at his words.
“She’s dancing. We’re at Freestylers. It’s a club on Chat Street.”
“Oh. So everything’s okay then?”
William looked up to see Buffy coming toward him. She’d obviously seen him talking on her phone.
“Everything’s fine. Here’s Buffy now.” He handed her the phone. “It’s your Mum.”
“Thanks.” She smiled gratefully and moved a short distance away from the table to use the phone.
“Okay man, time to spill.”
William turned to see Zac sitting in the chair beside him. “Spill about what?”
Zac just rolled his eyes. “About you and Buffy doofus. What’s the story with you two?”
William considered his words carefully before he spoke. “It’s like we said earlier. We’re old friends. She’s just moved back to town and we’re catching up. End of story.”
“So you aren’t dating?”
“No.”
Zac just shot him a knowing look and chuckled quietly. “You will be.”
William looked up sharply. “Why do you say that?’
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Abby declared as she and Kate rejoined them. “The way you look at her. The way she looks at you. It’s not rocket science Will.”
William looked at Buffy just as she was hanging up the phone. When she walked back over to them he asked, “Everything okay love?”
“Yeah.” She smiled but he could see the tension in her eyes. “But I should probably be getting home. Is that okay?”
“Of course.” Spike rose from the table. “We’ll be off. Night all.”
“It was great to meet you all,” Buffy added with a bright smile. “I hope to see you again soon.”
A chorus of nods and murmurs of ascent followed them out the door.
**********
William rubbed his palms together in agitation as he walked Buffy to her door. He took a sidelong glance at her, trying to gauge her mood. He wanted to kiss her goodnight. He really wanted to kiss her. But did he dare?
She’d been through so much recently. So many changes. It had to be overwhelming. Their relationship was just a small part of that and the last thing he wanted to do was push her. They were only just reconnecting as friends. Hell, this wasn’t even a real date. Was it? Damn it, he cursed to himself. I feel like I’m right back in high school.
“Thanks for tonight Will,” Buffy said softly, breaking into his jumbled thoughts. “I had a really good time.” She smiled up at him with those sparkling green eyes and William felt like he’d been gut punched. God she was beautiful.
“You’re welcome,” he croaked, forcing what he hoped was a pleasant ‘I’m not picturing ravishing you up against that door’ smile. “I had a good time too.”
“Great.” Buffy looked pleased by his comment. “I really like your friends. Thank you for taking me to meet them.”
“No problem pet.” He shrugged. “I want you to be a part of my life so…”
They stood a little awkwardly for a moment. Then a thought suddenly occurred to William and he latched onto it. “Oh hey, I was going to ask you if you’d meet me for coffee tomorrow. I’d like to talk to you about something.”
Though she was obviously baffled by the invitation, Buffy nodded without hesitation. “Sure. What time?”
“Say about 11 o’clock? At the store?”
“Okay.” She looked down into her purse for a moment, pulling out her keys. “Well…I guess I should go inside.” Despite her words she made no move to open the door.
William fought back a grin. Well if you wanted a signal, he told himself, that’s it.
Taking a step forward he closed the distance between them until they were almost touching. Gently stroking one finger along her jaw and under her chin, he tilted her head back. He saw the confused mixture of fear and excitement in her eyes and knew he had to tread lightly.
Leaning in he pressed his lips to hers. He slid one hand across her cheek, trailing it slowly down her neck. With great difficulty he forced his other hand to stay by his side, knowing that if he wrapped his arms around her, he’d be lost.
He pulled back slightly when he felt her mouth open to deepen the kiss. Allowing his lips to whisper across hers, he spoke. “Goodnight Buffy.”
She whimpered quietly and, though every fibre of his being urged him to stay, he turned and walked down the steps.
He was halfway to his car when he turned abruptly to see Buffy still standing on the porch where he’d left her. “Hey Buffy?”
She made a questioning sound, obviously still distracted by their kiss.
“See you tomorrow.” He grinned, throwing her a wink before hopping into his car. As he pulled away he couldn’t help the ear-to-ear smile that spread across his face. If his idea worked out the way he hoped, he and Buffy would be seeing a lot more of each other from now on.
Back to index
Chapter 9: An unexpected offer
Author's Notes: I hope you enjoy the new chapter guys. Leave me some love?
Chapter Nine
Buffy was just pouring sugar into her latte when William suddenly spoke.
“So I guess you’re wondering why I asked you here.”
Apprehension stirred in Buffy’s stomach but she squashed it firmly. Everything’s fine, she reminded herself. He just wants to chat. “Yeah, I am kind of curious.”
He looked nervous and, despite her assurances to herself, Buffy found she was bracing herself for what he was going to say next.
“Okay here goes,” he said with a deep breath. “You know how you said last night that you want to get a job?”
“Yeah,” she replied cautiously.
“Well I’ve been trying to talk the owner of the store into hiring an extra person for a good three months now. That place is busy and I know we’re losing customers because I can’t get to everyone in time. So, when I told her that I have someone who would be perfect for the job, she finally agreed.”
Buffy’s mouth dropped open in shock. Of all the things she’d imagined he might say to her, that didn’t even remotely resemble any of them. “You’re offering me a job?”
He smiled excitedly. “Yeah pet. If you want it.”
Wow, Buffy thought. A real job; like a normal, sane person. And not a single double meat medley in sight. “And you think I’m perfect for the job huh?” She raised one dubious eyebrow.
“Okay, okay, so you’d have some reading to do to acquaint yourself with the most popular authors and stuff but still…what do you think? Are you interested?”
Buffy smiled as she thought about it for a moment. “Yes. I think I am.” She nodded, warming up to the idea. “So what…do I go for an interview or something?”
Raising his arms with a flourish William smiled happily. “This is your interview. I am the manager after all.”
Buffy laughed at his excitement. “Are you sure about this? I don’t know anything about working in a bookstore and I don’t want to hurt your reputation with your boss.”
“Don’t worry about it. You’re a smart woman Buffy; you’ll pick it up in no time. Plus it will give you something to put on your resume when you decide what you want to do next.”
Buffy heaved a huge sigh of relief as she slumped back in her chair. He wanted to talk about a job, she thought, shaking her head in wonder.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” William asked, a bemused expression on his face.
Unable to help the small laugh that escaped her Buffy replied, “Oh it’s nothing. I just…I was worried that maybe you were going to give me bad news or something.”
He frowned. “What kind of bad news?”
“Oh like maybe you didn’t want to be friends anymore. Or didn’t want to spend as much time together.”
Obviously taken aback, William asked, “What on earth would make you think that? I did ask you to coffee before I kissed you, you know.”
Buffy grinned, remembering their all too brief but unforgettable kiss. “I know,” she groaned, embarrassed now that she’d even brought this up. “I guess finding out you’ve been living in la-la-land for a good portion of your formative years isn’t a great confidence builder.”
“I thought we were past all that.”
William’s words were quiet and Buffy realised that she’d hurt him. Reaching out she covered his hand with hers, her eyes meeting his. “I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He shrugged, as if dismissing the whole conversation. “I got something for you; in case you did say yes.” He picked up a bag from beside the table and handed it to her.
Reaching inside Buffy pulled out a copy of The Divinci Code. She looked up with a grin. “This is the start of all that reading I have to do hey?”
“Oh yeah baby,” he teased, a mischievous light in his eyes. “This is just the beginning. I’m gonna work you like there’s no tomorrow.”
“Hmmm,” Buffy couldn’t help but tease back. “That sounds oddly…exhilarating.”
William gave a low chuckle and Buffy felt a pleasant shiver trickle down her spine. Turning to a more serious topic for a moment she said, “Thanks Will. For believing in me. For giving me this chance.”
He smiled broadly. “Anytime.”
**********
It was a stormy Tuesday afternoon and no customers had come into the bookstore since lunchtime. Buffy and William were stacking the shelves with new stock while a Nickelback CD played in the background.
“I never did like dummies. Syd did not make me change my mind about them.” She shivered. “Wiggins, every time.”
The sight of William nearly falling down with laughter made her pause in her stacking with a pile of books still tucked into the crook of one arm. “What’s so funny?”
Trying desperately to catch his breath William gasped, “I’ve just got this image in my head of you getting hit on by a two foot wooden dummy. Gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘getting a hard on’.” Then he dissolved into laughter again.
“Oh that is so sad.” Shaking her head at his levity Buffy found herself laughing with him. “He did have some pretty bad pick-up lines.” She giggled suddenly. “At least he never mentioned having a woody.”
William cringed dramatically as he headed for the back of the store. “Buffy Buffy Buffy. And you said my joke was sad.”
Buffy affected a tone of complete superiority. “Well, you know, I didn’t want to make you feel bad by pulling something uproariously funny out of thin air.”
A loud snort came from the back room. “Liar,” he yelled.
Spying him coming back toward her Buffy grabbed a nearby sheet of paper and scrunched it up into a ball.
Twack.
William’s head snapped up in surprise. “You threw that at me.”
Buffy looked innocently up from her work. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
An evil glint appeared in William’s eye as he pulled some paper out of the folder he was holding and scrunched it up. “I am so going to get you for that.”
Buffy’s shriek of laughter was so loud it could be heard all the way out in the street, even over the sound of the pouring rain.
Back to index
Chapter 10: The ups and downs
Author's Notes: Thanks for all the great reviews guys. They really make my day. I hope you enjoy the new chapter. A big thanks to Megan for betaing it for me.
Chapter Ten
“I think I’m going to die,” Joyce groaned loudly as she sank into a kitchen chair.
Buffy laughed and heaved a dozen different shopping bags onto the table. “Don’t worry too much. I know the perfect cure for shopping overdose. One cup of tea coming up.”
Sighing dramatically, Joyce relaxed into her chair. “You are a godsend.”
“I know,” Buffy replied with mock arrogance.
As they drank their tea, Joyce practically beamed with delight over their day out together. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into that red dress.”
“Are you kidding? You look fantastic in that dress,” Buffy assured her. “Now you just have to insist that Dad take you out on the town so you can wear it.”
Joyce perked up at the idea. “It has been a long time since we went out.”
“See?” Buffy grinned sheepishly. “I know children are supposed to be grossed out by the thought of their parents being romantic. But I believed you guys were divorced for so long that I kind of get a kick out of it.”
Seeing a flash of disquiet cross Joyce’s face, Buffy could have kicked herself for mentioning anything to do with her time in Sunnydale. She’d been trying very hard not to bring it up lately because she knew it only upset her mother.
“Well, we’re not divorced and we have no plans to get divorced. We’re happy now so there’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Buffy frowned. “Wait a minute. What do you mean you’re happy now? Mom, was there a time when you weren’t happy?”
“Buffy, every couple has ups and downs, especially when you’ve been married for as long as your father and I have.”
Unconvinced, Buffy prodded a little further. “Were you and Dad going to get a divorce?”
For a long moment Joyce sat staring at her, as if deciding how she should respond. Then she took a sudden deep breathe, looking down at her empty tea cup. “We talked about it a long time ago. But we decided to try again, and here we are.”
“When?”
The reluctant look on Joyce’s face told Buffy everything she needed to know. “Oh God. It was my fault, wasn’t it?”
“No.” Joyce’s suddenly vehemence tone made Buffy jump. Her mother’s eyes held hers firmly as Joyce spoke. “It absolutely was not because of you. It was around the time you went to the hospital, yes. But what happened between your father and I was absolutely not your fault.”
“Then what—”
“I’d really rather not talk about it Buffy.” Her eyes were downcast; her voice quiet. “Some things are just…private.”
Buffy nodded, understanding her mother’s need to keep the details to herself, despite the face that she was desperate to know more.
“Besides,” Joyce said cheerily, as if shrugging off the sombre mood of the previous conversation. “As I said, we’re happy now. That’s all that matters, right?”
“Yeah. It is.” After a moment she added, “I’m really glad you’re still together.”
Joyce smiled. “So am I honey. So am I.”
**********
A week later, Buffy skipped down the stairs shortly after dinner, shrugging on a light jacket.
“Mom? Dad? I’m heading out for a while.”
Hank quickly rounded the corner. “Buffy, can’t you stay home tonight? You know how much your mother worries when you go out at night.”
Resisting the urge to groan in frustration, Buffy headed for the living room, her father following behind her.
“Mom? I’m just going to go to Freestyler’s with Will and some friends.”
Joyce frowned, concern etched deeply on her face. “Do you really have to go out again?”
Buffy was perplexed at the emphasis her mother put on the last word. “Mom, I haven’t left the house, except to go to work, since we went shopping last week.”
“I just don’t like you wandering around the streets at night. It’s not safe.”
Taking a deep breath, Buffy tried again. “I’m hardly wandering the streets. I’m going to have a few drinks with friends and then I’m coming home.”
“You’re drinking?” Hank’s voice suddenly sounded behind her. “Do you think that’s wise honey?”
“Right now?” She rounded on him in exasperation. “It’s sounding better and better all the time.”
Joyce jumped up from the couch. “Now Buffy, you’re too young—”
“Enough!” They both fell silent at her sudden shout. Seeing that she’d gotten their attention, she continued in a quieter voice. “I know that you’re just trying to protect me, but I’m not sixteen anymore. I’m a grown woman now and I’m capable of making my own decisions.”
Joyce’s concerned expression quickly turned to a glower. “Oh don’t pull that age argument on me. You may be twenty-two but you’ve been in that hospital since you were sixteen. You don’t have any experience—”
“Yes I do!” Buffy glared at her parents, her control snapping as she felt anger flood her body. “When I lived in Sunnydale, I was forced to make life and death decisions everyday. I’ve faced more messy ethical dilemmas and borne more responsibility than you could possibly imagine. Do you really think deciding whether to have an extra shot of vodka is going to stump me?”
She saw the apprehensive looks on their faces at her outburst but she didn’t care anymore. She wasn’t going to collapse under the first sign of pressure and it was time they realised that.
Her father stepped forward then, his hand held out in front of him in a protective manner, as if he was suddenly scared of what she might to. “Now Buffy honey. Please, you have to remember that none of that was real.”
Rolling her eyes, Buffy threw up her hands with a load groan. “I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me that they didn’t ‘really happen’.” She drew quotation marks in the air to emphasis her last words. “Those experiences, real or not, are a part of who I am. No one can take them away from me. Not you, not the doctors, no one.”
The sound of knocking on the front door startled all three of them.
“That’ll be Will,” Buffy told them quietly. “I’m leaving now. I have my phone if you need me. I won’t be late.”
Turning away from them before they had a chance to reply, Buffy left the house.
Back to index
Chapter 11: Just another girl
Author's Notes: I generally don't like to give anything away with my stories but I feel a warning is necessary for this one. So here it is...
WARNING: ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT OCCURS IN THIS CHAPTER.
It is not graphic and is only used to further the storyline. I hope you like it. Many thanks to Megan for betaing for me.
Chapter Eleven
“I feel so much better now,” Buffy declared as she and Abby made their way off the dance floor and to the table they were sharing with William and Zac.
“Tell me about it,” Abby replied. “This was exactly what I needed after a rotten week at work. I’m so glad you came tonight Buffy.”
“Thanks.” Buffy smiled. “So am I. But speaking of work—” She looked down at her watch. “Oh damn, look at the time.” Buffy drained the last of her drink and grabbed her purse. “If I’m going to open the store tomorrow I have got to go home and get some sleep.”
“Come on Buffy,” Zac argued. “You can’t leave yet. The sun has barely even set.”
Buffy laughed incredulously. “Zac, it’s nearly midnight!”
“Uh-huh!” Zac pointed an excited finger in the air. “The witching hour is at hand. If you leave now you’ll be devoured by witches and vampires and all manner of nasty things.”
Momentarily startled by his choice of words, Buffy glanced sideways at William, who simply shrugged. “Yeah well,” she said, deciding to play along, “my best friend where I used to live was a witch. And vampires are easy; you just have to know where to put the stake.”
William burst out laughing at the baffled look on Zac’s face. “Come on love,” he said, coming out of his chair. “I’ll walk you home.”
“No, that’s okay.” She waved him back down. “You should stay and enjoy your night. It’s not that far. I’ll be fine.”
William frowned. “Are you sure?”
She smiled at his thoughtfulness. “I’ll be fine,” she said again. “Bye everyone.” With a quick wave she left and started down the street toward home.
She’d barely cleared the block when she heard a voice in front of her. “Hey honey, you need a ride?”
Buffy looked up and saw a large, rough looking man leaning casually against a beat up old car. A cigarette dangled carelessly from his long fingers. His eyes roamed her body lustfully and Buffy felt her stomach roll at the look on his face.
“No thanks,” she said firmly and began to walk passed him.
“Oh come on baby,” he drawled, falling into step just behind her. “I saw you dancing in there. I know what you need to satisfy the fire between those skinny legs.”
Without thought, Buffy turned and punched his leering face. Barely flinching at her strike, he grabbed her by the wrist and wrenched her body up against his. “Why you little bitch,” he snarled. Grabbing her other wrist he forced her arms behind her back till she was pressed hard against him. “Somebody needs to teach you a lesson, little girl.”
Buffy could smell whiskey on his breath and almost retched. Struggling hard, she cried out in frustration when she was unable to break free of his ruthless grip.
“That’s right honey,” he laughed cruelly. “I like it when you struggle.”
Stilling immediately Buffy drew a deep breath, but when she opened her mouth to scream for help he crushed his mouth against hers. Gagging as his tongue thrust into her mouth, she bit down hard.
Roaring with pain he shoved her away, but before she could make a move to run a thick beefy arm appeared out of nowhere. She felt like her head exploded as she fell to the pavement. The taste of blood filled her mouth and suddenly, one thought erupted in her mind. I can’t stop him.
There was an angry shout in the distance, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps and she cried for help, the word getting mangled by her injured tongue. She heard her attacker curse violently before he jumped into his car. The sound of shrieking tyres signalled his hasty departure.
“Buffy!” The sound of William’s voice made her look up. Relief filled her as she saw him kneel down beside her. He drew her into his arms and the feel of his warmth surrounding her broke the last of her self-control. With an agonised cry she collapsed against him, sobs wracking her body.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” he asked when at last her tears stopped.
“I-I couldn’t stop him,” she whispered, staring into space. “He was too strong. I fought back but…I couldn’t stop him.”
“He was a big guy Buffy. I’m not surprised,” William tried to reassure her.
Pulling away from him she looked up into his face. “No, you don’t understand. I couldn’t stop him!”
William stared at her, realisation slowly dawning on his face. “Buffy—”
“I’m used to protecting myself Will. Now I can’t even fight off some random asshole?” She shook her head forcefully in denial and wrenched herself up from the pavement. Limping slightly she began to march toward home, with William following at a quick pace. “I don’t know how to do this — how to be weak like this. Just another girl. I don’t know how. I’ll end up hiding under the bed.”
“It’ll be okay Buffy.”
“Will it?” She halted abruptly to stare at him with agonised eyes. “I’m used to going where I want when I want and not thinking twice about it. I was afraid of demons and hell gods, not people. Not pathetic drunks who don’t know how to take no for an answer.” She started to sob as the reality hit her anew. She couldn’t protect herself anymore. She was no slayer; she was nobody.
“Oh God.” She sank back down to the ground as she felt her world crumble around her. “I really am crazy. Thinking I was so special. Chosen! In truth I can’t even throw a decent punch. I’m completely defenceless.”
“Buffy, love. Please, you’ve got to calm down.”
Buffy was beyond hearing him. “The doctor called it ‘delusions of grandeur’ and he was right. I’m nobody. I’m nothing.”
“Hey!” Fear streaked through him at the way she was talking and he grabbed her by the arms until she was forced to look him in the eye. “You are still Buffy. Do you hear me? You may not be a slayer. You may not be some mystical Chosen One. But everything else about you is real. You are real! Don’t ever let me hear you say differently.”
Snapped from her despair Buffy stared at him, shocked by the emotion behind his words. She nodded, tears still trailing down her face. Wishing he hadn’t seen her like this, she dropped her head onto his shoulder to hide her face. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as he buried his face in her hair.
After a time she calmed down and he loosened his hold so he could pull back to see her face. Her eyes were red and her cheeks were still wet with tears. Brushing her hair back from her face, he whispered, “You okay?”
Nodding, she swiped at the wetness on her cheeks. “Someday,” she replied.
Unable to help himself, William pressed a gentle kiss to her full lips, then rested his forehead against hers, savouring the feel of her in his arms. Moving away, he took her hands in his and began to back down the road, pulling her with him. “Come on. I’ll walk you home.”
Back to index
Chapter 12: Promises
Author's Notes: Hi all. Thank you so much for the reviews. They really make my day. And I'm feeling pretty crappy today so they'll mean even more.
This chapter was supposed to be all Buffy and Spike but the moment Joyce opened the door she took over and wouldn't let go till she'd said her piece. I think she was a bit ticked off at the flack she's been copping. : ) I hope you enjoy it
Chapter Twelve
William felt the full weight of Joyce’s glare as he came through the door the next afternoon. “How is she?” he asked quietly.
For a moment Joyce looked as if she would crumble before his eyes, her bottom lip quivering slightly, but then she seemed to get a hold of her emotions. “She’s barely said anything all day. She just sits up there staring out the window. She won’t eat; she won’t even look at me.”
He winced. This was what he’d been afraid of. She’d been so quiet on the way home last night; barely acknowledging his offer to open the shop for her before she went into the house and closed the door.
“Where were you?” Joyce’s curt question brought him abruptly back to the present. “When this happened to her. Where were you?”
“I was still in the club. I was worried about her walking home alone, even though she insisted, so I went after her. I was only a minute behind her I swear.”
“I told her she shouldn’t go out; it’s not safe. But she just wouldn’t listen.” Joyce wrung her hands as she led William into the living room. “You shouldn’t let her run off like that William. I need to know I can trust her with you.”
Hurt by her words, William felt his ire rising. “I’m not her keeper Joyce. She’s a grown woman and she wants to stand on her own two feet. She should want to!”
“Do you think I don’t know that?!” Joyce suddenly exploded in anger. “Do you think I want to smother her and stop her from having all the wonderful experiences a girl of her age should have? Do you?”
Deflated, William flopped down on the couch, rubbing his face with tired hands. “No, of course not.”
Joyce stood with her arms crossed protectively over her chest. “Before all this started, Buffy was a happy, beautiful girl. She was such a joy to be around. I had no idea what was ahead for her; what was happening in her mind. If only I had known…maybe I could have helped.”
William shook his head. “Joyce I don’t think anyone—”
“The point is no one saw it coming. You can’t guarantee that it won’t happen again; no one can. If it does, I need to be there.” She paused for a moment; staring at him intently, as if trying to convey to him the importance of her words. “She might have gone off to some fantasy land where she was a superhero and fought Gods in her mind. But her body stayed here. Her physical body was completely vulnerable. Have you already forgotten what it was like to see her just sitting there, day after day? Mumbling to herself one minute; comatose the next.”
Sighing heavily, William stood and crossed the room to stand in front of her. “I remember.”
A single tear finally escaped Joyce’s watery eyes to slide down one pale cheek. “I visited her almost every day. I read to her. Told her what was happening in the world. I kept her hair that beautiful golden colour that she loved so much.” She was sobbing now and William gathered her into a comforting embrace. “I know that she can make her own decisions. I know that she is strong inside. But if she goes away again I need to be there to protect her.” She looked up at him with solemn eyes. “I’m her mother, William. She trusts me to make sure she always has a body to come home to.”
“Mommy?”
Joyce and William gasped as they turned to the doorway, startled by the quiet voice. Buffy stood there in her pyjamas, Mr Gordo clutched tightly in one hand. Her right cheek was marred by a large purple bruise and her bottom lip was swollen. She walked slowly toward them, her eyes focused unblinkingly on her mother.
“I’m so sorry.” Her voice was still quiet, but clear and unwavering. “I never thanked you, did I? For taking such good care of me.”
Joyce was silent, an almost imperceptible shake of her head her only answer.
Buffy stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck, holding her close. “Thank you.”
Joyce hugging her tightly, weeping softly into her daughter’s hair.
“I’m sorry about today. I just needed some time...to process everything. But I’m okay, I promise.” Pulling back she took her mother’s hands in hers and squeezed them reassuringly. “You don’t have to take care of my body anymore. I’m here to do that now.”
Joyce shook her head fiercely, obviously not placated by her daughter’s words. “You can’t promise you won’t get sick again Buffy. I know you want to but you can’t.”
Buffy wanted to deny her words but deep inside a small part of her was scared her mother was right. She didn’t choose to get sick the first time. How could she know it wouldn’t happen again? Thinking for a moment she offered, “What if I make you a promise that I’m pretty sure I can keep?”
Seeing Joyce’s questioning look she explained.
“Weird things were happening to me long before I went to Sunnydale. It started here in LA.” She looked steadily into her mother’s eyes, saying the words that she hoped would give them both some security for the future. “I promise you that if anything happens to me that doesn’t seem right, that doesn’t fit with the natural order of things, I will tell you. I will let you know. That way, if I can’t find a way to…” She found herself crying at the thought of leaving her mother again. She had missed her so. “If I can’t find a way to stay with you; you can take care of me till I find my way back to you.”
Gripping Buffy’s upper arms tightly Joyce pleaded, “You promise?”
Buffy nodded, surprised at the security she felt for having made such a promise. “Yes.”
Taking deep gulps of air Joyce seemed to deflate before their eyes, as if relaxing for the first time in years. “Okay.” She gave Buffy a tremulous smile. “I can learn to live with that.”
From his place at the side of the room, William stood watching them. He saw the deep love they shared for each other and decided that Buffy had been right last night. Someday. Someday everything would be okay.
Back to index
Chapter 13: Getting all physical
Author's Notes: Sorry about the long wait guys. The weeks got away from me a bit. The next three chapters are done in draft form so they won't be too far away.
Happy new year to all! I hope you enjoy the new chapter.
Chapter Thirteen
A week later Buffy and William were sitting on the back patio of Buffy’s house enjoying a glass of wine. Dinner with Buffy’s parents had been a more relaxed affair than usual. It seemed Joyce had taken Buffy’s promise to heart and was trying very hard to stop being over-protective; though she still insisted Buffy have her cell phone with her at all times — just in case.
Glancing at William, Buffy caught him opening and closing his mouth for the fifth time. He obviously had something he wanted to say and she decided she’d had enough of waiting. “What is it, William?”
“I can teach you to fight,” he blurted. At her surprised expression, he added, “If you want.”
Buffy was more than a little puzzled by this turn of events. “I didn’t realise you knew how.”
He shrugged. “I took up Tai Kwon Do in college. Now I teach a little.”
“You teach Tai Kwon Do?”
William cleared his throat, looking everywhere but at her. “Yeah. Just at the local gym. Tuesday nights. It’s no big deal.”
Buffy frowned at him. “That’s why you wouldn’t come to the movies with me last Tuesday?”
He nodded.
“Okay. So, if it’s not a big deal then why didn’t you just tell me?”
He didn’t look at her, obviously reluctant to explain. “I just...because of Spike alright?”
Baffled, she just shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
Suddenly rising from the seat, William started to pace. “He looks like me. He talks like me. He was a poet, I’m a writer.” His pacing stopped abruptly and looked at her with intense eyes. “I figured we already have enough in common. I mean, aren’t the lines blurred enough?” Turning away from her he leaned on the porch rail and spoke so quietly she had to lean forward to hear him. “Buffy, when you look at me. I want you to see me. Not him.”
“Oh.” Buffy stared out into the darkness, not sure how to react to his words. She understood what he was saying. She did still see Spike when she looked at him. How could she not? All the things that had made her care for Spike — his caring, his devotion to the people he loved, his bizarre sense of humour — was all still there. Inside of William. He was Spike. Why didn’t he understand that? Looking up into his face she knew she could never put voice to her thoughts. He hated Spike. It would hurt him too much to know that, to her, he was her Spike. In some ways he always would be.
Sighing, she stood up and walked over to him. “I don’t know what to say.”
He shook his head. “You don’t have to say anything.”
Buffy closed her eyes in a mixture of longing and frustration. He looked just like Spike did when he uttered those very words outside The Magic Box. Their first kiss.
Hoping to lighten the mood a little she asked, “Will you still teach me to fight?”
He glanced sideways at her, a smirk curving his lips. “Yeah. I’ll teach you.”
**********
Buffy screamed in frustration as she fell to the floor yet again. “Damn it! Why can’t I do this?”
William put out a hand to help her up. “You can. You just have to keep going.”
Even as she rose from the floor she attacked, using his distraction to her advantage. Lashing out violently she followed a fist to his jaw with a roundhouse kick directed at his stomach. Her foot met thin air as he dropped to the ground and swept the leg she was standing on out from under her, flooring her one more time.
“Slow down Buffy. Stop trying to force it.”
Lying on the floor still, Buffy took several deep breaths, trying to regain control of her raging emotions. She could beat him; she knew she could. She just had to stop ending up on the freakin’ floor!
“Up!”
At William’s barked command she sprang to her feet, moving immediately into a defensive stance.
“Close your eyes.”
Surprised, she just frowned at him.
He smiled that Spike smile that set her body to tingling. “Trust me.”
Reminding herself she was here to learn from him, not jump his bones like a big ho, she allowed her eyes to fall shut.
For a few moments she heard nothing but the sound of her own harsh breathing. Then his voice tickled her ear and she shivered. “I come at you from behind and try to grab you by the throat. What do you do?”
In her mind, Buffy saw herself grabbing his forearm, using his own momentum to pull him forward over her shoulder and down to the ground.
“Open your eyes.”
She blinked. When she felt the arm around her throat she moved instinctively. Suddenly William was lying on his back on the mat in front of her, a big grin plastered on his face. I did it, she realised suddenly. “I got you.”
“That you did love,” he chuckled as he rose.
He jumped forward then, his leg rising to kick her in the stomach. The movement was slow enough that she had a moment to recognise his intent and react to it. Grabbing his foot, she twisted it until he was forced to spin his body, again landing heavily on the floor.
Buffy felt a hysterical laugh rising in her throat. She was getting it.
“You can do this Buffy,” he said in a firm voice, coming at her again. “You know how in your head. You can see it in your mind’s eye.” She was deflecting his moves faster now, his words egging her on. “Every punch, every kick. It’s all there. Now you just need to let your body play catch up.”
“Then I can kick the crap out of you,” she gasped with an energetic kick that came much closer to connecting than it had last time.
Slipping behind her he yanked her back against him, holding her by the elbows. “That is the idea pet,” he purred into her ear.
Leaning her head back she looked up at him with a seductive smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll only make it hurt in all the wrong places.”
He practically growled as his mouth descended. Just as he was about to capture her lips with his own she threw her elbow back, jabbing him in the ribs. Delighting in his grunt of surprise she jerked around to face him, a wicked smile curving her mouth as she beckoned him forward to begin the sparring again.
Back to index
Chapter 14: The Monster in the Man
Author's Notes: Thanks guys for your wonderful reviews. You really do keep me writing. I hope you enjoy the new chapter.
Chapter Fourteen
“Is that all you’ve got?” Buffy gasped as she felt her fist connect with William’s jaw. “I never realised you were such a lightweight.”
He grinned evilly as he bounced on the balls of his feet. “Dangerous words, little girl.”
She gave a mock shiver. “Ohhh, scary.”
Her giggle was cut off when he attacked again. For the next few minutes the only sounds in the otherwise empty room were of their harsh breathing and occasional grunting.
Buffy had been attending William’s Tai Kwon Do class faithfully for over two months. The class, together with extra one-on-one tutoring from him afterward, saw Buffy’s fighting skills improve at lightening speed. Now she and William were close to being equally matched. She’d also taken to going to the gym several times a week to develop her strength, and was now almost as confident physically as she had been as the slayer. Though, now, she always allowed William to walk her home when they were out after dark.
Watching doggedly for any sign of weakness in William’s defence, Buffy lunged swiftly when she saw her chance. Sweeping his legs out from under him she launched herself on top of him as he hit the ground, straddling his thighs. Holding his hands in a firm grip above his head, she smirked down at him. “Loser.”
“Hey! I’m still your teacher, you know?”
She waggled her eyebrows at him. “I think you’ve taught me everything I need to know.”
A blink of an eye later Buffy was crying out in indignation as she found herself on her back, with William taking her place on top. He winked at her. “Not everything.”
She laughed up at him, delighting in the feel of his weight pushing her into the mat. She could feel the hard length of his arousal pressed against her and knew he was just as excited by their sparring as she was. When his eyes were drawn to the hard nipples that were visible beneath her sports top, she felt his heated gaze like a caress.
Giving in to temptation, she raised her head, capturing his lips with her own. It was like that simple act obliterated every ounce of control he had and he delved into her mouth eagerly. Suddenly his body was pressed against hers from breast to thigh. His knee nudged her legs apart so he could settle his body in the cradle of her hips, and she groaned aloud at the intimate contact.
They’d been dancing around each other for months now, with the innuendos, flirting, and the odd stolen kisses. But this…this is what she dreamed of when she laid in bed at night. The feel of him moving against her, his body hard and wanting. She hadn’t felt this way since…since…
“Buffy.” William’s voice, harsh with lust, interrupted her musings. “Who do you see?”
Still intoxicated by the feelings coursing through her body, Buffy found herself barely able to comprehend his words. “What?”
He held her gaze firmly, even as his hips continued to undulate against her, sending waves of heat rippling through her. “Tell me who you see.”
Her mind froze. She didn’t know anymore. He was William, but he was Spike at the same time. She was beyond differentiating between them. She opened her mouth but she didn’t know what to say.
It seemed her silence was answer enough. William’s head dropped into the crook of her neck and slowly his body became still on top of her. For a moment she just held him, trying not to squirm in arousal beneath him, still hot with need. Then, with a muttered curse, he was gone.
Aching and frustrated, she watched him pace back and forth across the room, his breathe deep and fast, before finally scrambling to her feet herself. She’d had enough of this jealously crap and was determined to deal with it once and for all. They’d avoided this conversation for long enough.
“I see you both, alright? It’s always you I’m with Will. Always. But I will always see Spike inside of you. He is part of you. Don’t you understand that?”
“No. You created him, he’s part of your delusion. I had nothing to do with it.”
“For fuck’s sake Will, where do you think he came from? I needed you in Sunnydale and you were there.”
“I was your friend Buffy. You drag me there and turn me into the enemy and you pretend it’s okay, but it’s not. I loved you and you turned me into a murderer.”
That’s it? Buffy realised with sudden clarity. That’s why he hates Spike so much? “I don’t know why you were a vampire there.”
“Because you hated me!” he shouted, his chest heaving with anger. “You begged me to keep your secret and I didn’t. I was scared for you and I told your mother. You might not remember, but I do. I remember the look on your face when they dragged you into that hospital. You hated me. You screamed at me for betraying you. You said that it was my fault you were there.”
Buffy’s heart ached at the anguish she saw on his face.
“You blamed me and you punished me by turning me into the evil monster that was trying to kill you. How do you think that made me feel, Buffy?”
Buffy shook her head, denying his words. “That may have been how it started but everything changed. Spike fell in love with me and it changed him.”
“Is that right?” His voice was quiet but edged with steel. “That’s why you snuck around behind your friend’s backs, ashamed to admit that you were slumming with old Spike. That’s why, even as you were fucking him, he was trying to drag you down; because he was a changed man.”
Tears slid unchecked down her cheeks as she was forced to face the reality of what she’d done to him. Every time Spike had acted wrongly, every time she’d rejected him and called him worthless, every time she’d denied his love, she’d pushed that knife a little deeper into William. It wasn’t a wonder he hated…her. Her breath hitched as understanding dawned painfully. “Oh God. You don’t hate Spike at all, do you.” It was more of a statement than a question. “I got it all wrong. You’re angry at me. You’re angry at me because Spike even existed at all.”
When William refused to look at her, she knew she had spoken the truth. Buffy felt pain explode in her chest, as if a weight was suddenly crushing her. She’d hurt him in ways she hadn’t even dreamed about. And she couldn’t ever take it back. Not ever.
Choking back a sob, Buffy grabbed her bag and ran for the door. She had to get out of there; needed time to comprehend this new devastating insight.
Two days later Buffy sat once again in a large comfortable chair in Dr Callahan’s office. She’d spent a lot of time thinking about everything that had happened, all the way back to her first meeting with Merrick, and she’d come to a decision.
Looking steadily at the doctor, she spoke with firm determination. “I want to know why I got sick.”
Back to index
Chapter 15: What happened in my head
Author's Notes: Thanks so much for the reviews. A special thanks to Tara, tis-kit and Dirktavian for their wonderful comments. Plus, a big welcome to new reader Ashley Granchester. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Chapter Fifteen
Once again Buffy stood outside William’s door. She took a deep breath, trying to ward off the butterflies in her stomach. For the past few weeks she and William had still seen each other at work, but not socially. They’d both been polite, friendly even, but that easy camaraderie that they’d enjoyed was noticeably absent. It was killing her.
During that time she’d attended extra sessions with Dr Callahan. She’d worked hard on figuring out what everything she’d been through meant. She’d had no luck figuring out why she’d gotten sick in the first place — yet, she insisted to herself with grim determination — but she’d had quite a few break throughs in other ways. And now it was share time.
Abruptly, the door opened and William was standing in front of her in a pair of old blue jeans. And nothing else. Gulp. Buffy tried not to stare at the gorgeous expanse of muscular chest. Talking Buffy, she reminded herself. You’re here to talk.
“Hello William,” she greeted him cheerily. “May I come in?”
Slowly he stepped back, opening the door wider. “Of course.”
She entered with a determined stride, heading straight for the living room. “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay.” Following her into the room, he sat stiffly on the couch, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He kept his eyes cast downward as an awkward silence filled the room. A dozen butterflies made yet another energetic lap in Buffy’s belly.
“Okay,” she echoed him, trying to figure out how to begin. She’d had it all planned out perfectly when she was preparing for this conversation. But now that she was sitting in front of him — and he was all shirtless and distracting — her whole speech had gone right out the window.
Finally, she knelt in front of him. She wanted to touch him, take strength from his presence, but knew that it would be unwelcome. “William, I’m so sorry for what I’ve put you through. When I came back I had no idea how much I’d hurt you. How much Spike hurt you.”
He just sat there silently, looking down at the hands he’d clasped in front of him, so she continued. “I’ve tried to work it all out over the last few weeks and I want to tell you what I think happened in my head. I know six years is a lot to cover with a few words but…” She shrugged. “I have to try.”
When he still refused to respond she swallowed heavily. “I guess I was angry at you when I went to Sunnydale. So angry that I denied you even existed for nearly a year. Then when I did let you back in it was as a vampire. As the enemy.” Unable to take his guarded silence any longer she stood, moving to look out the window, though she saw nothing beyond the glass. Instead she saw Spike standing in a darkened alley vowing to kill her. She’d been so scared that night. A part of her had been sure he would succeed.
“I fought Spike so many times. We vowed to kill each other every time we met. But we never did.” She almost smiled as the memories washed over her. “We had so many chances, but…neither of us ever could deliver that final blow.”
She turned back to look at him. “I tried to make you leave you know, but you wouldn’t stay away. You just kept on coming back. I wished you’d just leave me alone to get on with my life but you refused.” She stared hard at him, trying to gauge his reaction to her tale.
“Then one day you started to change. You looked at me differently, you kept showing up every time I turned around.” A bark of laughter escaped her. “You said I had stupid hair.”
She saw William raise his eyebrows in surprise and was glad to know that at least he was still listening.
“With every change you became more like you are now. Here. More like William, but with Spike still in charge, you know? Then one day you confessed that you were in love with me.” She found herself pacing around the room, unable to keep still as it all poured out of her. “You did it in the most ridiculous way possible, but you still did it.”
“I pretended to be shocked but I wasn’t really. I fought against your love even more fiercely than I’d fought you physically and yet you still wouldn’t leave.” Almost as an afterthought, she murmured, “The one man that I refused to accept, and you were the only one that didn’t leave me. You were the only one I could count on, no matter what.”
Out of the corner of her eye she saw William’s head lift to look at her and she quickly swiped at the wetness on her cheeks.
“Then I died for like, three months. Mom tells me I was completely comatose then, they worried I’d never come out of it.”
“I worried too.” William’s voice was quiet, strained. They both paused for a moment as their eyes met.
“I think maybe I’d given up. Given up on life, given up on Sunnydale. But something pulled me back. And there you were, waiting for me. You kept me sane. You were there every time I needed you.”
She’d finally gotten to the hard part and she found herself trembling, terrified of what would happened when she was done.
“When I started sleeping with Spike I was desperate. I felt so numb inside. The only time I felt anything was when you were…with me.”
She saw him shiver, he eyes closed tightly, and she wondered what he was thinking.
“Before long I was completely dependent on you to make me feel alive. I was withdrawing from everything else around me. Nothing felt real anymore. When you begged me to go into the darkness with you and leave everything else behind I was so tempted. The thought of being at peace, in your arms…forever. I wanted…” She gave herself a mental shake, determined to get to the end of this. “I realise now what was happening. You weren’t dragging me down. You were bringing me back, William. You were helping me let go of everyone and everything in Sunnydale, so I could come home.”
William shook his head, obviously unconvinced. “I didn’t bring you back. You came back on your own.”
Buffy dropped to her knees in front of him once more. This time she gripped his hands tightly in hers; no longer caring if he objected. “I was scared Will. I didn’t understand what was happening and I thought you were trying to take me away from life. So I found another way. I found a way back on my own terms. But it was still you, Will. If it wasn’t for you, for Spike, I’d still be there. I’d still be struggling just to get through each day.” She clasped his head in her hands. “You brought me back to life William.”
Suddenly, tears were streaming down his face, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly. “I thought I was hurting you. I thought you hated me and that I was killing you.”
She shook her head fiercely. “No. For nearly six years you were my only link to the real world. Every step closer to you was a step closer to home.”
“But you were using him. You hated yourself and you took it out on him — on me.”
Her eyes closed, forcing tears to slip down her cheeks. “I know. I’m so sorry. I wish I could take it back. Treat you better.”
Holding her head in his hands he rested his forehead against hers with a small smile. “You already are treating me better. I just want you to be okay.”
“I am okay. I promise.” She smiled sadly, her bottom lip trembling as she asked, “William, can you ever forgive me?”
He sighed, dragging her against him as he buried his face in the softness of her hair. “There’s nothing to forgive, baby. Just don’t ever leave me again.”
A relieved laugh escaped as she held him tightly. “Oh believe me, there is no way you're getting rid of me now.”
Back to index
Chapter 16: The evil clutches of ignorance
Author's Notes: A big thank you to sixstringbaby for taking a look at this chapter. You're encouragement is such a help sweety.
For the Aussies out there, the character of Rachel is very loosely based on model Chloe Maxwell. She was a funky chick in the 'Jeans West Fits Best' ads in the 90s. I had a crush on her in high school. *wink*
One more thing! I made a picture for this story. It's my first so please let me know what you think.
Wow. This is my longest author's note ever. Guess that means I'm rambling.
Chapter Sixteen
Buffy turned from the enrolment desk with a cringe as she looked at the list of books and materials she would need to begin her night classes. After much thought she’d decided to bite the bullet and enrol in the courses she would need to get her High School Diploma through the local community college. It still grated that she remembered doing all this work before, graduated even, but there wasn’t much else she could do. Somehow I don’t think they’ll give me the diploma just for being a whack-job, she mused resentfully.
“Hey, watch it!”
Before Buffy could even look up she ran smack into the owner of the rather irate voice, causing the young woman to drop the books she was carrying.
“Oh God. I’m so sorry,” Buffy apologised as she bent down to help the woman retrieve her books.
“Yeah, well you should watch where you’re going,” she snapped.
Taken aback by the harsh tone Buffy raised an eyebrow. “No kidding. You never know when a minor accident will cause the world to fall on its ass.”
The dark head whipped up, revealing an attractive face with large, caramel eyes. With a weary sigh she said, “Look, I’m sorry I bit your head off like that. It’s just the thought of going back to school gives me the heebie-jeebies.”
Buffy couldn’t help but smile in commiseration. “Right there with ya.” She held out her hand as they both picked themselves up off the floor. “I’m Buffy. Buffy Summers.”
“Rachel Fallon,” the other woman replied shortly.
They stook awkwardly for moment before Buffy asked, “Do you want to get a cup of coffee? There’s a half-decent café just down the street.” When she saw Rachel hesitate, she added, “I just figure it might be nice to know someone when we walk in the door for our first class.”
Rachel seemed to consider her for a moment before finally nodding. “Sure,” she replied, stuffing her books into a large knapsack. “Why not.”
On the way to the café Buffy found out that Rachel was just a year older than her and was also going to be studying for her High School Diploma, so they would be in a number of the same courses.
“What grade did you get to before? In high school?” Rachel asked, taking a long pull on her giant glass of Coke.
“I was still a freshman,” Buffy answered, looking up from stirring sugar into her latte. “You?”
“About tenish I guess.”
“What happened then?”
Rachel stared at Buffy for a long moment, as if weighing her up, deciding how much to say. “I, ah…I got distracted.”
Good answer, Buffy thought, understanding the other girl’s desire to keep her past private.
“I kind of suck at the whole academic thing,” Rachel continued. “Never had the patience for it.”
Curious, Buffy found herself asking, “So then why go back?”
Rachel shrugged dismissively, avoiding Buffy’s gaze. “Just seemed like the thing to do I guess,” she murmured. “How about you? Why didn’t you finish school?”
Buffy allowed a smirk to drift onto her face. “I got distracted too.”
**********
Buffy did a little dance in front of William when she entered the shop later that afternoon. “You are now looking at a fully enrolled student.”
William chuckled at her antics. “Good for you love.”
“Yeah. Now all I have to do is survive till graduation.” A thought occurred to her and she pointed at him excitedly. “And this time I don’t even have to worry about getting eaten.”
“Eaten?”
“Yeah, the mayor was totally evil and he turned into this big snake and tried to eat the whole class.”
William leaned on the counter with his chin resting in one hand, giving her his undivided attention. “I take it he failed?”
“Well duh. I was the slayer you know.”
“Oh, but of course.” He grinned in amusement. “So how did you defeat this great evil?”
“Oh, it was so cool.” Buffy started to get all animated as she retold the daring tale. “We got all the students involved. They had bows and arrows and axes and all sorts of things. They fought the vamps that were stopping people from getting away. Then I lured the mayor into the school, but I jumped out the back window.” A smug smile appeared as she concluded, “Then we blew it up.”
William was rapt in her excited recitation. “I heard you blew up a school. That’s just…neat.”
Buffy gave a satisfied sigh. “I know. I lived every high school student’s dream. It was very cool.” She giggled then. “Plus Harmony got eaten by a vamp that night. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person. It’s just a shame they turned her; even dead she was still annoying.” She poked out her tongue with a ‘bluck’ sound at the thought of the undead glamour queen.
Pretending to be appalled by her attitude, William queried, “Wasn’t the slayer supposed to be a little more…caring?”
“Yeah. But now that I know she wasn’t real I get to pick on her all I like.” Buffy jumped onto the counter, swinging her feet against the wooden base. “Plus she ended up sleeping with Spike so that doesn’t exactly endear her to me.”
“Hmph,” William replied. Looking up at her, he asked, “Was she cute?”
Buffy rolled her eyes, though inwardly she was cheering at the fact that he hadn’t tensed up when she mentioned Spike the way he normally did. “In a ‘looks vaguely like Buffy but way more vapid’ kind of way.”
He chuckled at her less than kind description. “Careful kitten. You’re showing your claws.”
Scoffing, Buffy slid off the counter, deciding it was time to turn the conversation away from her penchant for jealousy toward non-existent people. “God, school. This is gonna be a shocker.”
“You’ll be fine. You’ll be graduating before you know it.”
She turned to him flashing a million-watt smile. “Course I will, what with you tutoring me and all.”
William stopped what he was doing to look up at her with a raised eyebrow. “I’ll be what?”
Buffy immediately launched into beg mode, glad that he hadn’t turned her down flat. “Please, please, please. You’ve done all this before and I haven’t actually studied in years. I’m sure to fail without you.”
“I doubt it’s that bad love. But…” William crossed his arms over his chest with a mischievous leer. “What do I get out of it?”
Without thinking Buffy blurted, “Anything.”
That oh so sexy eyebrow crept higher. “Anything you say. How very interesting.”
Buffy put her hands on her hips. “Will, are you being a perv?”
“God yes,” was his unrepentant reply.
Laughing, Buffy dropped to her knees in front of him. Clasping her hands together she gave him her best puppy dog eyes. “Will you help me? Will you save me from the evil clutches of ignorance?”
William felt himself harden the second she hit the ground. Biting back a groan, he tried to shrug off the erotic image running through his mind of her doing other things on her knees and quickly choked out a reply. “Oh alright. I’ll help you.”
Buffy jumped to her feet with a happy squeal and threw her arms around him. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Happy just to see the smile on her face William returned her hug eagerly. “You’re welcome, love.” When she finally pulled away, he had to force himself to let her go. “Now about the sexual favours I’ll be getting in return...”
Buffy whapped him over the head. “Down boy,” she said with a laugh before heading for the back to dump her bag and begin work.
Back to index
@темы: spuffy, fanfiction