Need by Addie Logan

1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 :: 11 :: 12 :: 13 :: 14 :: 15 ::

Chapters 11 & 12

Chapter 11

William stared at the door in front of him in fear, wanting nothing more than to turn and bolt. "Remind me again why I agreed to this?"

"Because I had your cock in my mouth at the time," Buffy replied perkily.

"Oh. Right. Now I remember." William trembled for a second as the memory came rushing back.

"Go inside, you big baby," Buffy said. "You're just getting your hair done, not having a limb amputated."

"I…"

"I'll let you spank me again."

"Right then," William said, pushing open the door. "Stylist it is."

Buffy rolled her eyes. Men were so damn easy.

"Buffy! Cupcake!" exclaimed a man wearing what William was sure was the brightest green suit he had ever seen as he ran up to the pair, arms outstretched. He embraced Buffy, the two of them air kissing beside each cheek.

"Oh, and this must be William," the man said. "You were right, honey, he is completely scrumptious."

Buffy giggled. "Isn't he? William, this is Lorne, my stylist."

"Pleasure to meet you," William said.

"And polite, too!" Lorne said, shaking William's hand. "Why oh why are all the good ones straight?"

"And here I thought they were all gay," Buffy replied with a smirk.

"Only the truly magnificent ones," Lorne said. "Like moi ." He clapped his hands. "So, what did we have in mind for William today?"

"I was hoping maybe we could discuss it," Buffy said, "I have some ideas, but I'm not sure. I wanted your advice."

"I don't have any say in this, do I?" William asked.

"No," Buffy and Lorne replied in unison, ignoring William's whimper.

Lorne reached out and started inspecting William's hair, a serious look now on his face. "It's got potential. These curls are going to give us some trouble, but I am a miracle worker, as you know, and I have no doubt that I'll be able to make them be nothing but an asset. How do you feel about some color?"

"Color?" William asked, swallowing.

Buffy and Lorne both ignored him again. "I was thinking about it," Buffy said. "Maybe a little lighter?"

"William, go have a seat in that chair right over there while your sweetie pie and I explore color choices," Lorne said, pointing. William sighed, but did it anyway, knowing there was no way he was going to convince both of them to just let him go.

He could see Buffy and Lorne reflected in the mirror in front of him, huddled over a stack of fashion magazines discussing what to do to his head as if it were as important as the Invasion of Normandy. William attention moved to his own reflection, and he frowned at what he saw. He didn't really think much could be done about him, but he supposed he was willing to let Buffy try.

Then a new fear entered his mind and he almost panicked. What if Buffy and Lorne did whatever makeover they were cooking up behind him and Buffy saw how it didn't make him look any better? What if she'd only been putting up with him for the time being because she thought she could make him attractive?

Suddenly, Lorne was up and on his way to the back. "Where's he going?" William asked as Buffy walked over to him.

"To mix up the stuff for your hair. We're gonna bleach it."

William blanched. "You're going to what ?"

"Not all of it. Just the tips," Buffy said, patting his shoulder. "Lorne and I agree it'll look damn sexy on you."

"Isn't that a little…extreme? And I don't think my mother would like it."

"If you don't like it, I'll tell Lorne to fill the color back in, okay?" Buffy said. "But do this for me? Please?" She gave him her sexiest pout.

William sighed, knowing he couldn't resist that lip of hers. Apparently she knew it, too… "Fine. But if I hate it, it's going back to normal."

Buffy's pout immediately changed into a smile. "Great!" She kissed his cheek. "You're going to look hot, Will. I promise."

"I doubt it," William grumbled. "Unless Lorne's back there mixing some magic potion that's going to turn me into an entirely different person."

"Hey. Would you knock that off?" Buffy said. She gestured towards the mirror. "Look at yourself. Can't you see what you are?"

"A complete loser?"

"Stop it! Dammit, William, you've got to have some confidence in yourself. I can't have all of it for both of us, okay?" Buffy said. "You're not a loser. You're a kind, smart, handsome man."

"And might I add just plain tasty?" Lorne announced walking back into the room. "If I didn't think our little Buffykins would put me in a world of hurting, I'd be all over you like frosting on a cupcake."

William blushed bright red, starting down at his hands.

Buffy patted William on the shoulder. "Lorne's really good at this. I was thrilled to find him when I moved here. I was afraid my hair would totally suffer once I left L.A,"

"As if I'd allow that to happen to someone with hair as gorgeous as this," Lorne said, running a hand over Buffy's head. "Your girlfriend's got amazing hair, William."

"I know," William said, his tone becoming almost reverent for a moment. Buffy realized then that it was something he'd already noticed about her, a trait he'd secretly admired. She'd always assumed men noticed her obvious body parts, but her hair? Aside from when she flipped it, how much attention did they give it?

The look William was giving her right now was telling her that he'd given it quite a bit.

Lorne set down the bowl of dye he'd mixed in the back, "Okay, we're going to give you a little trim before I start with the color. And then I'll teach you what to do with these curls of yours, honey cakes."

William nodded, knowing even if he tried to argue, Buffy would just give him that pout, and he'd be agreeing to anything.

"Great!" Lorne exclaimed with a smile. "Let's get this show on the road."

*** *** ***

"What do you think, lemon drop? Aren't I a miracle worker?"

William stared at himself in the mirror, running his hand through his hair. It was shorter, though not too much, and Lorne had used some sort of gel to "add definition to the curl." About two inches from the tips of his hair were bleached blond, and he found that, surprisingly enough, he liked it. "It looks good," he said.

Lorne grinned. "And how about you, cupcake? Do you approve of your man's new look."

Buffy wrapped her arms around William's waist from behind, kissing his shoulder. "Oh yeah. You did an amazing job, Lorne."

"Well, I am the best," Lorne replied. He pulled a bag off the counter, handing it to William. "This is shampoo, conditioner, and styling gel. Style it like I showed you, and get Buffy to help you if need be. Don't be a baby about it. Remember, real men do style their hair. And as for the shampoo, don't you dare use anything else. You don't want to face the horrors of brassiness. Got it, lamb chop?"

William nodded, taking the bag. "Yeah. Thanks."

Buffy linked her arm with William's. "Thanks so much, Lorne. I knew you'd do a great job."

"But of course. You two kids off for some shopping now?"

"Yep," Buffy replied. "I can't wait to get William into something that shows off that lickable ass of his."

William sputtered his blush quickly returning. "Buffy…"

"Well, it is!" Buffy said. "Wouldn't you say so, Lorne?"

"Oh yeah. I can tell even in those slacks he's wearing now that you could eat a meal off that thing."

William looked down. "Thanks," he mumbled, not knowing what else to say.

Lorne patted Buffy's shoulder. "Well, you two crazy lovebirds head on out, why don't you? Have a good time."

"We will," Buffy said with a smile, her arm still hooked with William's as she led him out of the shop. As soon as they were outside, Buffy stopped, turning to look William in the eye. "You do really like it, don't you? Because if you don't, you don't have to say you do just to make me happy."

"I do," William replied. "I'm surprised that I do, but yeah, it looks good."

Buffy grinned. "I'm happy. It looks great, baby. And I told you it would."

"You were right."

"Always am," Buffy said, giving him a quick kiss. She took his hand, pulling him towards the car. "And now it's off to wardrobe…"

*** *** ***

William trailed behind Buffy as she pulled things from racks, periodically holding them up to him before making her decision of whether or not to keep them in the pile or put them back. She said nothing, only making either a face of approval or extreme distaste. Finally, she seemed to be satisfied with what she had as she led him over to the dressing rooms, sifting through the pile of clothes she'd made until she thrust a few articles at him. "Go put these on."

"Yes, dear," William muttered, earning him a slightly dirty look from Buffy. He sighed and took the clothes from her, going into the dressing rooms. When he came back out, Buffy was sifting through the clothes again, focused on the task of putting together possible outfits. William cleared his throat, and she turned around quickly.

Buffy's jaw dropped, her eyes widening. His normal loose slacks and button-down shirt combination had been replaced by tight black jeans, a black t-shirt, and a dark blue silk overshirt , perfectly complimenting his eyes. The t-shirt looked almost painted on, outlining every one of the muscles on his chest, and Buffy had to fight to keep from swooning.

"I look bloody ridiculous," William muttered. "This stuff's too tight."

"No!" Buffy said, surprised she was able to get her mouth to work. "You look…wow. William, you look great. I mean, I knew you would, but…whoa. If I didn't think it would get us arrested, I'd so have sex with you right here."

"I don't know, Buffy. It all seems like such a radical change," William said.

"But isn't that what you wanted? A change?"

She had him there. He had said he wanted a change, and this certainly was one. But he couldn't shake the feeling that it didn't look right on him, like he'd slipped into someone else's skin. "I feel like I'm playing dress up, and that's what everyone's going to see. Stupid wanker William trying to act like he's something other than a git."

"Um, no," Buffy said. "You look like a really hot guy in some damn sexy clothes." She moved closer to him, pressing her hands against his chest. "Clothes I really wanna rip off."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. You look good, baby. Really, really good. Trust me on this one."

"Somehow I doubt that's even possible."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "There you go again, completely unaware of your own hotness. But then again if you did know, you might go out and find someone better than me anyway, so maybe it's good you're all clueless."

William frowned. "Buffy, I wouldn't do…"

"Here," she said, handing him another stack of clothes. "Go try these now."

"I wouldn't cheat on you, Buffy," he said softly. "You don't…you don't really think I'd do that, do you?"

"Of course not," Buffy said, though the look in her eyes did little to convince William that she meant it. "Now go. Try on clothes."

"Kitten…"

Buffy put her hands on her hips. "I'm getting impatient. That makes me cranky. And believe me, you do not want a cranky Buffy on your hands."

William decided not to push it. Buffy had a tendency to shut down on him, avoiding certain topics, and this seemed to be one of them. But it didn't matter now, not really. He wouldn't cheat on her, so it was a non-issue. He kissed her softly, trying to reassure her the best he could without words. "I'll be out in a minute, pet."

"I'll be here," Buffy replied with a smile.

William kissed her one more time quickly before going into the dressing room.

*** *** ***

"You're going to blink them right out."

William froze, giving Buffy a look of worry. "Is that possible?"

Buffy shrugged. "I don't know. I've never worn contacts. But the way you're blinking like crazy, it wouldn't surprise me." She reached across the table, taking his hand. "Just don't think about them. You'll get used to them."

"I didn't expect to walk out of there today with the things. Figured he'd have to order them."

"Apparently you have a common prescription," Buffy replied. "And hey, he gave you those kind you can just wear for a few weeks and then trash, so you won't even have to think about them for a while. Instead, you can just think about the fact that you've finally got your gorgeous girlfriend on an actual date."

William smiled at that. "Yeah, I guess I do." He'd been thrilled when Buffy suggested they stay in town after they'd finished their shopping and have dinner together. As much as he loved spending time in bed with her, the idea of an actual date excited him, too. It made their whole relationship seem more real, as if she really was his girlfriend.

Buffy ran her thumb over the top of his hand. She'd had a good day with William, enjoying his company. He looked amazing, her top rate makeover skills certainly being put to good use. She'd still found him attractive that afternoon when they'd set out, but now… His new look seemed to fit the man she'd been discovering in her bed so much more. She'd watched him come out of his shell, transform from the shy, stammering virgin who she'd practically had to drag to bed to the man who had held her over his knees the day before. The way he looked now reflected that, and she was proud of herself.

"Stepping out on William already? That was quick, Buffy."

Buffy turned quickly, Cecily's voice pulling her out of her thoughts. She glared at the brunette now standing beside their table. "Okay, first off, who the hell told you you could interrupt our dinner, and secondly, this is William, you idiot."

William turned towards Cecily and her jaw dropped. "You look…different," she said

"Yeah," William said with a disinterested shrug. "You look about the same. Any reason you came over here?"

Cecily tried unsuccessfully to hide her embarrassment. "It just…appeared as if Buffy was being unfaithful. I was merely looking out for you, William."

William arched an eyebrow. "How thoughtful," he said flatly. "She's not and you're interrupting."

"I'm…I'm sorry," Cecily said, backing up. "Well, enjoy your dinner."

Buffy gave Cecily a saccharine smile and a tiny wave, and Cecily turned around in a huff, walking off. As soon as she was gone, Buffy started laughing, unable to contain it any longer. "Oh my god, that was hilarious."

"She actually didn't recognize me," William said, shaking his head. "I didn't think I looked that different."

"You don't," Buffy said. "She's just a total moron. Trust me, I have to see her every day. God, I bet she is so pissed off right now."

William chuckled. "She did look rather embarrassed." He smiled across the table at Buffy, feeling a great swell of joy that she was the one he was sitting with instead of Cecily. How had he ever thought that he'd had feelings for Cecily? Must've been because he hadn't yet met—and subsequently had his world turned upside down by—one Buffy Summers.

"She totally noticed your hotness, by the way," Buffy said, watching for William's reaction carefully to the observation that the woman he'd once pined for had been checking him out. It had been clear to Buffy that Cecily had not been surprised just to see that it was in fact William sitting there, but that it was William looking like that .

"She can notice all she wants," William said with a shrug. "She already missed her chance." He squeezed Buffy's hand. "I found someone better anyway."

Buffy gave him a shy smile that William was unused to seeing on her face but liked all the same. "Better, huh?"

"Much."

"And you admit that you're totally hot?"

William frowned. "What? I never said that."

"It was implied when you didn't argue that Cecily wasn't checking out your hotness."

William gave her a dirty look. "Oh, you're a tricky one."

"And this is news how ?"

He shook his head, chuckling lightly. "Guess it's not. Thank you, Buffy."

"For what? Tricking you into agreeing that you're a hottie?"

"No." William lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing it softly. "For thinking I am," he told her. "For treating me like I am. For just…well, for everything. This week has been the best week of my life, and it's all because of you. You make me so happy, pet. More than I can even begin to tell you."

Buffy looked down, the shy smile coming back. "You've made me really happy, too."

William kissed Buffy's hand one more time before setting it back at the table, smiling at her warmly.

From across the restaurant, Cecily Underwood watched the couple, her eyes narrowed.

Chapter 12

Almost as soon as they were behind the closed door of her bedroom, William and Buffy were on each other, kissing desperately as they tore at each other's clothes. They started towards the bed only to tumble to the ground, Buffy clinging to William as he surged inside of her, taking her there on the floor. She'd enjoyed spending the day with him, but she'd missed this so much, her body aching at being near him but not having him inside.

And the desperate way he moved above her now told Buffy he'd been feeling the same thing.

"Oh Buffy, my goddess…" William gasped as he moved in and out of her welcoming heat. "Spent all day wanting this…wanting you ."

"William!" Buffy cried as a hard thrust struck just right inside of her, making her tremble. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she lifted her hips to meet his every push down, grinding herself against him. "God, yes, like that. Just like that, William… make me come…"

"Buffy…" William panted, his muscles straining. Buffy thought he looked so beautiful like this, barely restrained, fighting to hold on to his last bit of control. She dipped her head down, latching her teeth on to his nipple, and he made a sound akin to a growl as he pushed her hips down into the floor with his, his cock jerking as he came inside of her. Buffy screamed his name, her orgasm coming seconds behind his.

William trembled against her, his head resting on her chest. Buffy stroked his newly-bleached hair, cooing to him softly, telling him how good he was, how he made her feel. She'd never wanted anyone with the intensity that she wanted William, never had any other man get under her skin quite the way he did. From that first moment, he'd had her entranced, had become the center of her world, what consumed her every thought. She couldn't get through the day without him, sometimes feeling as if she could die just from not having him there in her arms.

Buffy sucked in a breath as it hit her. She loved him . In only a week's time she'd managed to fall for this man who was so unlike anyone she'd ever met before. She'd let her guard down, and he'd made his way into her heart remarkably fast. Cold fear gripped her, and she held on to William tighter. What would he say if he knew the truth? Would he tell her they were too young, that he wasn't ready to be tied down and all her feelings could do was trap him? The thought of him leaving her made her ache deep in her heart, and she couldn't stand the idea of going through that pain again.

She hadn't wanted to fall in love, hadn't wanted to put herself in a position to get hurt again. But it had happened all the same, and she knew there was no going back. All she could do was hope that she did better this time, that she was able to keep William the way she hadn't been able to with the last man who had held her heart. She held on to William tightly, as if she could physically make him stay in her arms forever.

William felt Buffy trembling and pulled up, looking down at her to see tears in her eyes. "Are you okay, luv?" he asked softly.

Buffy nodded. "I'm…I'm sorry. That was just…intense," she said.

William kissed her forehead before pulling up, getting to his feet only to sweep her up into his arms and carry her over to the bed. He put her down on top of the blankets, climbing on the bed beside her, gathering her into his arms and holding her against him.

*** *** ***

Buffy watched William from the bed as he got dressed. "I wish you didn't have to go."

"Me, too, kitten, but I don't think my mother would take to it too well if I stayed out all night."

"Parents do tend to wig about that sort of thing." Buffy stretched. "Well, if they're the sort of parents who care, anyway, which I've gathered your mom is." She rolled over, propping herself up on her elbow. "So, do I get to meet her anytime soon?"

William paused, his boots in hand. "Maybe. She's…sick a lot. Not really up for company."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that…"

"She has good days and bad days," William said, sitting on the edge of the bed to put on his shoes.

"Well, if she has a good one, I'd like to meet her. If that's okay, anyway."

"I'll talk to her about it," William said, leaning over to give Buffy a kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow, pet."

"All right, William." She smiled softly. "I'll be dreaming about you."

William smiled back. "I'll be dreaming about you, too."

*** *** ***

William was surprised to see his mother sitting in the parlor when he got home. "I thought you'd be asleep by now," he told her.

"Got caught up in what I was reading," she said, patting the cover of her book. She regarded William for a moment. "You've changed your hair. And are those different clothes than you were wearing earlier?"

William looked down. "Buffy took me shopping and to get a haircut."

William missed the small smile that crept to his mother's lips. "Buffy must really like you then. Fixing a man up the way a woman likes is usually a sign she plans to keep him around."

"I…I don't know," William said, shifting uncomfortably. "We haven't really spoken about it."

"Trust a mother's intuition, William," she replied. "And Buffy did a lovely job. You look very nice."

"You aren't upset?"

"About what?" his mother asked with a frown.

"The hair…the clothes…" William replied. "I thought you might not like them."

"You look fine, dear. Nothing so radical as to cause your poor mother a heart attack." She smiled and patted the spot beside her on the sofa. "Come here. I have something I need to tell you."

William did as his mother asked , sitting down beside her. "Is everything all right? You aren't feeling ill again, are you?"

"Oh heaven's no. I've been feeling quite well recently. It's about your cousin Wesley. His wife Winifred gave birth to their first child this evening."

"That's wonderful," William said. "I'm sure they're quite happy."

"They are. But Winifred is nervous. You know how she is, always wanting to have everything perfect. She's afraid that she's going to do something wrong, and I agreed to come and stay with them for a few days, help her learn how to care for an infant."

"Are you sure you're up to it?" William asked. "Taking care of a baby can wear you down, and…"

"William, I just told you I'm feeling fine. And I'd love to spend some time helping Winifred and Wesley with the baby. It will only be for a few days—a week at the most. Will you be all right here while I'm gone? I'd rather not stop your lessons…"

William nodded. "I'll be fine, mother."

"Good," his mother said with a smile. "I'll be leaving in the morning." She kissed William's cheek before rising to her feet. "When I come home, I'd love to meet his young woman of yours."

William swallowed. "I'll…I'll ask her about it."

"Please do."

"You should get some rest, Mother, if you're going to be heading out in the morning."

"I'm going to bed now." She ruffled his curls. "You should be toddling off yourself. You were with Buffy until quite late—again. I'm sure you're tired."

The smile on her lips was almost teasing, and William blushed a little before shaking it off, deciding he was imagining things. "I'll go soon, Mother."

"Good. Sleep well, my darling, and I'll see you in the morning before I leave."

"All right. Good night, Mum."

"Good night."

*** *** ***

When William went over to Buffy's the next day he found her sitting on her bed, talking on her cell phone. She told whoever it was to hold on for a moment, covering the receiver as she addressed William. "It's my friend Willow from school. We're talking about a project we're doing together. Can you give me a few minutes?"

"Yeah, sure," William said.

"Thanks," Buffy replied, going back to the phone call.

William looked around her room, making his way over to the book shelf, curious to see what sort of things his girlfriend liked to read. He noticed most of it was school books with a few fashion guides and other sorts of things he'd expect to see in a teenaged girl's room. On the top of the shelf was an assortment of trophies, mostly for cheerleading and gymnastics, while a few were—surprisingly to William—for ice skating. There was also a jewelry box sitting beside a pink, stuffed pig. He picked up the pig, frowning as he inspected it. It was obviously old, well worn. He wondered how long she'd had it, and then had his question answered as he noticed a framed picture of a little blonde girl holding a much younger version of the pig. Written beneath the picture in a child's scrawl was "Me and Mr. Gordo ." William chuckled at the image of little Buffy, noticing the same mischievous glint in her young eyes as was nearly ever-present now.

He put down the pig, his gaze trailing down to the first shelf. He noticed a book slightly larger than the others with a dark purple binding and the words "Hemery High School" emblazoned down the side in bright yellow letters. He glanced back at Buffy, finding her still engrossed in her phone conversation with Willow, and pulled the book from the shelf. He set it beside Mr. Gordo , flipping it open to the first page—a collage of high school students engaged in school spirited activities. Buffy was right in the center, a bright smile on her face as she stood on the apex of a pyramid of cheerleaders.

William flipped through, noticing that Buffy managed to grace a majority of the pages, seeming to be everywhere in the school at once. She was the Prom Princess…the Fiesta Queen…the organizer of the Spirit Week Parade. And by her side was almost always a tall boy with dark hair whose head was frequently encircled by a bright pink heart. William swallowed, realizing who it had to be. Angel …

He kept flipping through the book, learning that Angel was also the star player on the Hemery High football team as well as the frequent lead in school plays. Handsome, athletic, and apparently not afraid of the limelight. Everything William was not…

He found Angel's picture in the Juniors section, again circled by a pink heart, this one with an arrow poking out from either end. His full name was listed as "Liam Angelus," but the "Angel" in his last name had been highlighted—again in pink. His stomach turned, but he felt compelled to flip to the back, searching for what this other man had written in Buffy's yearbook. The message was simple, but it was enough to drive the point home to William that Buffy's heart belonged to another.

Buffy—my love forever and always. Angel

It stood out like a bright red stain amongst the myriad of wishes that Buffy "have a great summer" and promises of "see you next year." Love forever and always . William shudder, closing the book and putting it back on the shelf.

He didn't move again until he heard Buffy end her conversation and call his name. He turned towards her, hoping his pain wasn't clear in his eyes. Buffy was smiling at him, and he forced himself into the now, to hold on to the moment where Buffy was looking at him like he was her everything. It was just an illusion, something that wouldn't last, but it was something that he could remember when he was alone and she'd gone back to the man she really loved.

"Sorry about that," Buffy said. "The project isn't due for another two and a half weeks, but Willow's a super over-achiever. She has to have everything done way early, like she's afraid the apocalypse is going to hit before she gets it finished or something."

"It's all right," William said, forcing a smile. He ran his hand through his hair. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay." Buffy frowned suddenly. "It's not a bad something, is it?"

"No, it's not bad." He walked over to the bed, sitting beside her. "My cousin's wife just had a baby, and my mother agreed to go stay with them for a few days and help her out. I'm going to have the house to myself."

Buffy's first thought was to wonder why his mother was too sick to meet her but apparently not too sick to go visit relatives, but she pushed that away. It wasn't like William was purposely trying to keep her away from his mother. That was just her being paranoid. She moved closer to him, putting her hand on his knee. "And what exactly do you plan to do about that?"

"I was thinking maybe one or two of those mornings I could wake up not alone," he replied with a slow grin.

The look on his face made Buffy's insides turn to jelly. She wasn't quite sure how shy William had turned into the sexually confident man looking at her now, but she certainly wasn't complaining. "You can have me any morning you want me," Buffy said. "Same goes for the nights."

"Good," William replied, pulling her into his arms and kissing her hard. She was here with him now, not Angel. His was the bed she'd be sleeping in.

He just had to keep reminding himself of that…

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