With a Little Help

I need to really thank Isis this time. She helped me out enormously.


Chapter 5, Promising Developments

Multok and Shel followed the slayer and vampire to a second bar. Buffy noticed that this new bar had, at least, a better parking lot and appearance, attempting to look more modern than the previous bar’s 1960’s motif of olive and dirt brown. Immediately upon entering, Spike made a bee line for the back as Buffy took a seat at the bar.

Still a novice, Shel became very anxious as she watched the pair split up. “Multok, is Spike leaving? Shouldn’t one of us follow him?”

Multok shrugged. “Why don’t you see where the vampire has run off to, while I get a sample or two of the beverages served here at the bar?”

Since she was still developing her ability to pass through objects, Shel was thrilled to have a chance to practice. Concentrating very hard, she successfully passed through the wall and into the room that the vampire had disappeared…and immediately came flying right back out.

Multok chuckled as he watched his apprentice race toward him with her mouth hanging open and her eyes big, round circles, accentuating her shock. “Take a breath, missy, or you’re going to pass out, and it’s a long drop to the floor.”

“But…but he was…you know. And he was holding his…his…but he is dead!”

Multok had suspected the vampire had been off to take a piss, but he couldn’t resist a little practical joke. The girl was so naïve that he just couldn’t resist a practical joke or two. “What? You didn’t think vampires take a pi…relieve themselves? All that food and drink has to go somewhere, Shel. Ok, enough of fun time, he’s back. Let’s get to work.”

As they flew over close to the pair, Spike had already started up an animated conversation with Buffy. “Bloody fucking hell, woman, if my heart could still beat, I would’ve had a heart attack over your pitiful excuse for driving. As it was, you nearly scared the piss out of me.”

“Eewww. Much more info than I needed. But don’t say I didn’t warn you, and besides, my driving is not that bad. I just don’t practice much. Hey, I could borrow your car…”

Spike’s hand shot out and covered her mouth. “Don’t even think it, let alone say it. There’s not a mail box, light poll, or curb safe when you are behind the wheel.”

“Remember, it was *your* idea for me to be your designated driver tonight.” Buffy could tell Spike was teasing her, but he was also right. In all honesty, her driving was pathetic. On a scale of 1 to 10, her driving would score a three, which was generous. It was usually a one or a two, but the score was high tonight because she hadn’t actually hit anything. Just scared a couple of innocent pedestrians, but that didn’t count, did it?

Buffy’s and Spike’s attention was soon drawn to a loud game at the dart boards toward the back of the bar. A few people were gathered around the two men who were playing. Judging from the shouting going on, the short, beefy, brunette man was beating a thin man of average height, whose look of frustration was the biggest tip off as to who was losing. When the game ended, the loser paid the winner, and Buffy and Spike turned back to their drinks and conversation.

Buffy took a sip of her coke and was startled when a hand suddenly landed on Spike’s shoulder.

“Spike, good to see you here tonight. I needed to make some more money.”

Not bothering to turn around, Spike took another drag off his cigarette before answering. “Well, Nathan, that depends on how much money you plan to lose?”

“Come on back, and don’t worry, I’ll make it worth your while.” The short, buran can chuckled good-naturedly and headed back to the dart boards.

Spike looked over at Buffy with a cocky smile, “I never mind making more blunt.” As he shrugged out of his leather coat, he nodded his head toward the back, “Want to go with or stay here, pet?”

Torn between the two options, Buffy chose the safer of the two. “I think I’ll stay here.”

“Ok, this won’t take long,” he bragged as he laid his coat on the chair next to her. Buffy watched Spike make his way over to the dart board, but frankly, she wasn’t sure what shocked her the most. On one hand, she was amazed that the small crowd that had gathered to watch the game seemed to not just know Spike, but also welcomed him into there midst. On the other hand, she was amazed that he actually took his signature duster off to play, which he didn’t even do when he fought.

As Spike joked with the onlookers and threw some darts to warm up, Buffy’s attention was drawn to three women, who had been sitting by the door. Buffy watched as they moved to a table as close to the game as possible, without being on the receiving end of a sharp dart, attempting to gain Spike’s attention whenever possible.

However, the crowd quickly grew to the point that Buffy could no longer see the game from her seat at the bar. Her last, clear view was of Spike ordering a drink from a waitress, yet another female tripping over herself to flirt with him. The woman finally pulled herself away from Spike so she could turn in the order to the bartender before taking some other drinks to others waiting. Buffy drummed her fingers on the bar as she remembered Spike’s “favor” was for her to be his driver *and* be a bodyguard. ‘Silly me,’ she had thought. She had assumed that Spike was kidding her about the bodyguard part, but as she counted four different women presently vying for his attention, she realized that the conceited bleached-blonde vampire hadn’t been kidding at all.

Turning away from the game and back to the bar, Buffy fumed as she watched the bartender make Spike’s drink. She wanted to move up closer to watch Spike play, but of course, she didn’t want to look like those bimbos drooling over him. As Buffy struggled with indecision, she watched the waitress “accidentally” rub her tits up against Spike as she delivered drinks to a table next to the dart boards. ‘Are you going to let that woman get away with that?’ a surprised, little voice asked her. Buffy made her decision and let her actions answer that question.

As soon as the bartender set Spike’s drink on the bar for wai waitress to serve, Buffy laid Spike’s coat over her arm, picked up her coke and grabbed Spike’s drink. However, as Buffy turned, she almost dropped their drinks when she almost ran into the overly flirtatious waitress. The two women squared off, sharing cold glances that were brief, but spoke volumes. The waitress’s look implied knowledge of the secret Buffy was trying to hide from herself and from the rest of the world, ‘You’re more interested in Spike than you want to let on.’ However, Buffy’s look was more concise and to the point, ‘Take your tits packing, slut.’

Over at the dart board, Spike saw the silent exchange and had to work hard to keep his gloating grin off his face so Buffy wouldn’t see and knock it off. For once, a plan of his was working as designed. He had carefully picked this particular bar because of the abundance of “friendly” women, especially the brunette waitress, Sharon. Spike had never taken Sharon up on any of her offers, but she always provided a boost for his ego. However, if Buffy thought Alyssa at the first bar was an outrageous flirt, then Sharon was worse. Sharon was one of those souls that if she was awake, she was flirting. If the bar was totally empty, she would make a pass at the nearest bar stool.

With this in mind, Spike used this setting to his best advantage. Knowing how territorial women can be, what better way to see if Buffy had any interest in him than to see how shacteacted to the waitress’s obvious overtures? And Spike thought Buffy’s reaction couldn’t have been better.

As Buffy approached, Spike grabbed an empty stool and put it at the tall table that he had set his previous drink. “Here you go, luv, a front row seat.”

Setting both drinks on the table, Buffy climbed onto the seat. She wanted to say that she couldn’t believe Spike had let that slut rub on him but decided that might sound like she was jealous or something. “I can’t believe…uh…you lost the first game.”

Not fooled, Spike could tell that sla slayer had wanted to say something else, but let it pass. Instead envying his coat, which was now lying across her lap, Spike gave her a wicked grin. “Well, the bet was a bit skimpy.” His eyes sparkled mischievously. “But now we are playing for double or nothing, which is much more interesting. Give me a few minutes, pet. I’ll be double and that wanker will be nothing.”

*****

“Oh, Mr. President, you look soooo handsome tonight.”

The “President” looked at Harmony lying on her side across the bed. Her blue dress was slit up high on the side, exposing her leg. He trailed his hand up her exposed leg, then up and across her hip. As he ran his fingertips across her ribs, Harmony giggled, but he didn’t stop until his hand rested on the back of her head. Wrapping his hand in her hair, he pulled Harmony’s head back so that she was looking up at him. His voice was calm andoth oth when he spoke. “You got here tonight before I did.” His hand slid into the low neck of her dress to firmly cup her breast. “You know you should have asked my permission.” His fingers closed on her nipple.

Harmony groaned as he pinched. “Oh, I’ve been a very bad girl, but I had to get ready for you.”

He gave her nipple another sharp pinch and then pulled as he leaned down to kiss her. “Monica, did you bring my cigar?”

“Yes, Bill. I’ve been keeping it warm for you.” Harmony put one of her fingers in her mouth and sucked suggestively.

He rolled her onto her back and walked around to the opposite side of the bed. Pulling her legs apart, he ran both hands up her dress, pleased to find that she wasn’t wearing any underwear. Nestled between the lips of her cunt, his fingers quickly found what he was looking for. As he slowly pulled the r our out of her, Harmony moaned. In replacement, he thrust two fingers, pumping them in and out of her cunt. Harmony lifted her hips up to eagerly meet each thrust.

When he pulled back and slipped the cigar in his mouth, Harmony sat up on her knees, changing from her human to her vampire features and giving him a toothy smile. “Mr. President, does my little present taste good?”

He smiled around the cigar while he unzipped his pants. “I’ve got something thicker for you to suck on, Monica.” He pulled out his hard cock, stroking his hand down the shaft. “Put your fangs away for now, but keep them handWe’lWe’ll need them later.”

*****

When Buffy pulled into the last stop on their pub crawl, Spike was pleased to see that the parking lot was not packed. He had picked this bar as carefully as the other. However, he chose this as their final destination because it was quieter than any of the others. Dark and cozy, with a small dance floor in the center, the bar was a perfect spot for lovers and romantic interludes. A good atmosphere always helped.

Again the pair sat at the end of the bar, and Spike quickly had her laughing at his stories about the crazier times with Drusilla and imitations of the Scoobies she couldn’t help enjoy. As they talked, they also watched the couples slow-dancing on the dance floor. One couple stood out as they kissed, staring into each other’s eyes, making sure that they were always touching as much as possible without becoming lewd. The couple’s love was obvious to any who cared to look. Buffy and Spike’s conversation fell off as they watched for a few moments. Then Spike looked back at Buffy, taking in her expression, which was entranced, wistful, and envious all at once.

Purposefully keeping his tone light, Spike teased, “So what is it about Captain Cardboard that keeps you going back for more?”

Buffy pondered the question a moment before answering, not realizing how much the pause spoke about the current state of her feelings for Riley. “He’s polite, honest, trustworthy…”

Giving an abrupt snort, Spike smirked, “A bleedin’ boy scout, no doubt.”

Ignoring his interruption, Buffy continued, “He’s handsome.”

Disgusted, but trying to still act nonchalant, Spike absently played with a book of matches. “If you go for that Jeffrey Dahmer, boy next door type. Just think, one day we will see him on a Court TV documey aby about serial killers, with some neighbor yapping to a camera crew, “I just can’t believe it. He was such a nice boy.”

“Killer! Look who’s talking, William the Bloody, Mr. “I’m the Scourge of Europe.” Grrh! What’s your body count?”

Even though he thought her Grrh face was distracting but adorable, Spike pressed on, “At least I admit what I am, but not soldier boy. He’s just a glorified demon serial killer. Never stopping to see if they are peaceful or not.”

Buffy knew Spike had a point. When Riley was with the Initiative, he had killed or captured any demon that was unfortunate enough to cross his path, disregarding whether the demon was dangerous or not. All done in the name of duty. But if Riley was a killer, what did that make her? But why was she even thinking about this? That was not an internal path she cared to travel down at the moment. Damn, him. Spike could effortlessly get under her skin. Buffy had no idea how someone could be so maddening, while so appealing at the same time.

She looked at him, up and down, trying desperately to think of a stinging comeback. “At least he’s …he’s… tall.”

Spike’s jaw dropped open as he gaped at her. “Tall? Tall is the best you could come up with? Right then, let’s talk about Willy Wanker’s excessive height.”

“It’s not excessive, but we can talk about it.” Buffy crossed her arms as an indication of her resolve, but her smile started to slip as worry set in. Spike was just too smug.

First taking a sip of his drink, Spike jumped into the fire with both feet, no matter the consequences. “He’s what? 6’2” or 6’4? And you are what, 5’2”? That’s about a 12 inch difference, Slayer, at best. Tell me, does he have to pick you up to snog?”

Buffy was shocked he would ask her such a question. “If you mean kiss…nooo, he just leans down, and I stand up on my toes…”

Spike raised an eyebrow, “What about when you f…shag, do you moan into his two chest hairs? Can you even do a proper kiss while doing the dirty?”

Buffy spit out the drink of her coke that she had just taken. On top of being shocked, Buffy now couldn’t believe that she and Spike were discussing her sex life with Riley. So not expecting this. “We kiss during…you know just fine.

“Ooohhhh, I believe you, Slayer.” However, Spike’s tone clearly said that he didn’t. Thinking about what he was going to try next, Spike thought he would probably get staked for it, but what the hell. He liked to live dangerously. “Kissing is much better with someone closer to your height.”

Buffy laughed, “Is not.”

“Is, too,” Spike countered.

“Not.”

“Is.”

“Not.”

“Is. Try it and see.”

“I did.” Spike’s skeptical look made Buffy add, “With Angel. He’s shorter than Riley.”

Now Spike was going to prove his point regardless whether he was right or not. Angel’s name paired with Buffy’s this particular night was just too much to bear. “No, the king of brood is still too tall, pet. Stand up, and I’ll give you a proper demonstration.” While Spike watched for Buffy’s response, he was thinking, ‘Damn, I really should have worn a bullet-proof vest.’

Buffy started to stand but caught herself. “As if, and besides, I’ve kissed you before, when Willow cast her “my will be done” spell.”

“But that time we were under a spell, pet. Not the same by half.” Spike’s smug smirk returned. “And the last one, when the spell was broken, we were laying down.”

What Buffy and Spike had not realized was that as their voices rose in their argument; their little “discussion” had been attracting quite an audience. Nonetheless, even if the pair was not arguing loudly, they would stand out in any crowd. Both had beauty and presence that always drew attention. Accordingly, the tables closest to Buffy and Spike were all trying to inconspicuously eavesdrop, while the ones farther away openly watched.

The bartender, however, was close to the pair but did not try to disguise his interest in the couple. He was obviously listening and chuckling from time to time. In his twenty plus years tending bar, Spike’s line had to be the most original he had ever overheard. And he had heard thousands. He would gladly have given a week’s paycheck to ensure he was ringside to watch this pair, and he would have bet a week’s tips that the pretty blonde girl would take the bait on the line Spike had cast.

Oblivious to their onlookers, Spike raised his scared eyebrow in a silent challenge and waited for Buffy’s next move.

Multok had to admit, to himself only though, that he would have never thought to use Buffy’s boyfriend to aid Spike’s seduction of Buffy. The vampire was truly brilliant. But now Multok was frantically trying to signal to Shel to see if they could help the vampire out. The two small, blue demons may have been invisible to everyone in the bar; however, if Multok yelled across to Shel, the jig would be up.

Across from her mentor, standing on Buffy’s shoulder, Shel tried to decipher Multok’s mime imitation with no success. She had always hated charades, which now seemed to have come back to haunt her. Finally giving up, Shell turned to Buffy’s ear and improvised. “Try it, you’ll like it.” Realizing that she sounded like a commercial, Shel cringed at her own lack of originality. Pulling herself back together, she tried again, “Just look at him. You want to kiss him. He wants to kiss you. Do it.” The second try wasn’t much better, but Shel was a little happier.

Regardless, unknown to Shel or Spike, Buffy didn’t need much coaxing. She was looking at him, and she did like what she saw. She did want to kiss, find out what he tasted like. And do it? Yeah, she was going to do it fast before she thought better of it.

When Buffy stood up, following her lead Spike also stood, confident that his gamble was about to pay off. But unexpectedly, Spike found himself nervous, and that was one feeling he never enjoyed. His and the slayer’s tentative partnership hunting Eloquaws was working rather well, enough that he had felt that they had gotten beyond that mortal enemy rot. But a kiss, a first kiss, changed their relationship, forever declaring an interest beyond their current provisional agreement. Yes, he ached to kiss her and much, much more. However, there were many obstacles to anything beyond a nig night-stand, and he was beginning to suspect that just one time would never be enough. The saying, “fools rush in,” came to mind, and maybe he was a fool, but looking at her, he knew she was worth the risks.

Spike took a step toward her, purposefully invading her personal space. Buffy held her ground, but her pulse soared when Spike reached out and lightly grasped her upper arms.

Not wanting to send her running before he had a decent chance, Spike leaned in and gently placed his lips on hers.

Feeling his cool lips on her warm ones, Buffy thought the kiss was sweet, unpretentious, and surprisingly nice but not nearly enough. She opened her mouth slightly and tentatively ran her tongue along his lower lip.

Surprised, Spike pulled slightly back to look into her face. As her eyelids slowly opened, Spike only saw desire. He was a little shocked but thrilled to see her sensual smile. Her desire, her smile was better than any aphrodisiac and instantly arousing. Spike’s hands quickly traveled up her arms to cup the sides of her face as he leaned into kiss the slayer properly.

Instead of feeling the coldness of his hands,fy ffy felt as if he had left twin paths of fire up her arms, up to either side of her face. Making her feel like she would melt down into the floor when he opened up his mouth on hers, allowing their tongues to meet. Such an intoxicating kiss, and the only places that they touched were their lips, tongues and his hands on her face. Very minimal but very erotic.

When Buffy finally pulled back to breathe, Buffy realized that the pounding she had assumed was her heart beating hard in her chest was actually applause. Looking around, Buffy saw every patron in the bar, the waitress and the bartender clapping their hands, cheering their intense kiss. Dismayed, she looked at Spike with wide open, shocked eyes and then rushed out the door.

Spike was not the least bit embarrassed, but amused at their audience. Before heading out the door to follow Buffy, Spike took a bow for his cheering fans. “Thank you, the next show will be tomorrow night at nine. Buy your tickets early. Thanks again and good night.”