Buffy pulled up to Sunnydale High School in her black convertible Audi TT and got out of her car, sliding off her sunglasses and grabbing her tote bag. Her best friend Willow Rosenberg got out on the passenger side and looked at Buffy.

“Not going to put the top up?” she asked curiously, grabbing her backpack.

“There’s not a cloud in the sky,” Buffy replied, starting to walk towards the front doors of the school. “So I don’t anticipate it raining. Plus, everyone knows it’s my car, so it’s doubtful anyone will touch it. Everyone should know by now that they will incur the wrath of my father, the lawyer.”

“What about Spike?” the redhead asked as they walked inside.

“I’ve lived next door to Spike for the last fifteen years, and after having that car for two of those years, he’s never laid a finger on it, even though I’m sure he’d love to mess with it,” Buffy said, heading towards their lockers. “Why would he pick today of all days to do something to it?”

“Be careful, Buffy,” Xander Harris said, catching up to his friends. “You don’t want to jinx yourself.”

“Knowing my luck, I probably did,” Buffy replied, shrugging. “I’m not worried.”

“You could easily wreck his car, too,” Xander pointed out. “You’re neighbors- it’d be perfect to have your fun with it, and the awesome part is that you’d probably get away with it.”

“He’d suspect it was me,” Buffy said, opening her locker. “And you know what? I think it’d be worth it to be caught for ruining his car. That bastard deserves it.”

“I can’t believe that Spike the social deviant used to be William the nerd,” Xander said, leaning against the locker in between Buffy’s and Willow’s. “You two used to be best friends, Buff. What happened?”

“We grew up,” she answered, shrugging. “He changed, I hated the new look, and here we are today.”

“You two are the most popular people in school,” Willow said, smiling. “Usually that’s reserved for a power-couple or something, not two completely different people.”

“Not for enemies,” Buffy agreed, looking at her friends as the bell for first period rang. “Don’t want to be late. Let’s go.”

* * *

Spike pulled up to school in his black convertible Mustang at eight o’clock sharp, not caring that he was going to be late. His friends Charles Gunn and Lindsey McDonald climbed out of the cars parked beside him while his cousin Wesley Wyndham-Price got out of his car on the passenger side.

“Ready to start the day off, boys?” Lindsey asked, looking at the three guys.

“Sure,” Spike smiled, lighting a cigarette. “What did you have in mind?”

“Buffy Summers’ car,” Gunn answered, looking at the convertible on the other side of the parking lot. “Seems our favorite dumb blonde left the top down, giving us an all-access pass to have ourselves some fun.”

“What’re we going to do to it?” Wes asked, looking at his cousin.

“We already hit the grocery store,” Lindsey said, extracting a plastic bag from his car. “Gunn and I bought eggs and shaving cream. That should be sufficient, right?”

“Bloody brilliant plan,” Spike said, taking a carton of eggs out of the bag. “These are going to bake into her leather seats. She’s going to have a fit.” He grinned. “We better be outside to see it.”

“That means you can’t skip 7th hour,” Gunn replied, chuckling.

“Sure I can,” Spike said. “I could just come back to see her reaction.” He sighed. “But sitting through Miss Calendar’s lecture on computer viruses will be a hell of a lot better knowing that I get to see Princess Buffy freak out as my reward for going to class.” The three guys all shared a laugh before walking towards Buffy’s car. Spike opened the carton and grabbed an egg. “This is definitely going to be worth it.” He threw the egg fast-pitched at her windshield and grinned as it shattered. “The stage has been set, mates. Let’s kick off today right.”

* * *

“So, are you guys excited for Homecoming?” Cordelia asked as she sat down at the lunch table. Buffy looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Homecoming isn’t for another month,” she answered. “I’m not thinking about it for at least another two weeks.”

“But submitting nominees for Homecoming King and Queen starts as of Monday next week,” Cordelia replied, opening her water bottle. “And as seniors, this is our last year to claim the crown. Who’s with me?”

“No thanks,” Xander replied, stealing a fry off of Willow’s tray. “That’s for the losers who need proof that they’re popular.” He grinned and stretched out in his seat. “I don’t need proof, thanks.”

“And I do?” Cordelia asked, crossing her arms. “I’m more popular than you, Harris.”

“So we can expect to see you on the ballot?” Buffy asked, looking at Cordelia, who nodded. “Good luck. I hope you win.”

“Thank you,” Cordelia replied. “It’s nice to know who my true friends are.”

“You know I’m going to vote for you,” Xander replied. “We’ve got to stick together, now don’t we?”

“Friends ‘til the end,” Buffy agreed, and Willow smiled at her. “Now, who feels like shopping after school?”

“I thought your mom took away your credit card,” Cordelia said, and Buffy nodded. “Window-shopping then?”

“I’ve got cash,” Buffy replied, shrugging. “But I miss that card. I had unlimited spending, you know.”

“I adore mine,” Cordelia said, grinning. “Never leave home without it.”

“You two could be in a commercial for Visa or Mastercard,” Xander replied, taking another fry from Willow. “Two rich girls who spend their parents’ money daily on frivolous stuff.”

“You’re just jealous because we’re spoiled rotten,” Cordelia replied, laughing. Buffy smirked and looked at Willow.

“Feel like shopping?” she asked. “It’s a perfect day to go out for a drive and spend some money.”

“Sure,” Willow said. “I’ll meet you outside after school, okay?” Buffy nodded and grabbed her books as the lunch bell rang.

“See you later,” she said, heading towards her fifth-hour class.

* * *

After school, Lindsey, Wes, Gunn, and Spike were all waiting outside in a prime spot to witness Buffy’s reaction to the decorations they had left on her car.

“Did you see how the eggs look?” Lindsey asked. “They seriously are baked onto her car. That’ll be a bitch of a clean-up.”

“Too bad we don’t have a camera,” Spike said, lighting a cigarette. “I’d wager this will be a bloody Kodak moment.” He chuckled as Wes pulled a digital camera out of his backpack. “You’re brilliant, Wes.”

“I plan ahead,” he replied, handing the camera to his cousin. “Be ready. She’s on her way outside as we speak, and I believe Rosenberg is right behind her.” The four guys watched as the two girls walked to Buffy’s black convertible, patiently waiting to see Buffy’s face as she saw what they had done to her precious car.

When she stopped beside her car and surveyed the eggs and remnants of dried shaving cream covering both the inside and outside of her car, she crossed her arms and nodded.

“I really did jinx myself,” she said to herself. “You were right, Will. Both you and Xander were right.”

“Don’t flip out,” Willow said quietly. “I have a feeling that Spike and his goons are watching us and waiting for you to panic.” Buffy looked at her friend and smiled softly.

“I’m not going to panic,” she replied. “We’re going to get in my car, acting as if nothing happened, and we’re going to take it to a car wash. Then, we’ll go shopping, buy some supplies, and return to my house to do a little damage of our own. What do you say?”

“I’d say that I love the way you think,” Willow answered, grinning. The two girls exchanged high-fives before getting in her car, a move that all four guys noticed.

“What was that all about?” Gunn asked, confused. “Why didn’t Buffy explode? It’s almost as if nothing is wrong.”

“She must’ve known we’re watching,” Lindsey said. “And judging from that little high-five we saw, the games are only just beginning.” Wes, Gunn, and Lindsey looked at Spike. “And I have a feeling you’re on her hit-list first, buddy.”

---

A/N I decided to post this a day early because so many people seemed excited to read it LOL I hope you liked this first chapter, and any reviews would be appreciated! Thanks!:)

That night, Willow and Buffy sat in her kitchen, waiting for Spike to come home and to go to sleep. When he pulled up at eleven, they watched him go inside his house and up to his room before they began to finalize their plans.

“So you’re going to disconnect the battery?” Buffy asked, looking at her friend.

“Yep,” Willow answered. “That way, when he tries to start the car in the morning, it won’t have any power to do it.” Buffy smiled.

“And since he doesn’t know anything about cars, he won’t be able to fix it himself,” she replied. “That’s a fabulous idea. Knowing him, he’ll get it towed.”

“And what are you going to do while I’m under the hood?” Willow asked, noticing that Spike was pacing around his room as she looked out the window.

“I’m going to strategically place the books,” Buffy said, putting them on the counter. Willow looked at the stack and read off the titles, grinning.

“‘Sexually Transmitted Diseases’, ‘Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Homosexual Men: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research’, and ‘The Gay Teen: Educational Practice and Theory for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescents’.” Willow raised an eyebrow. “Why did you pick these?”

“Because I once saw a book in Mr. Giles’ bookshelf that was titled ‘A Parent’s Guide to Preventing Homosexuality’,” Buffy answered, shrugging. “Besides, I’ve heard him talk to my mom a couple of times about Spike, and I remember him expressing his concerns about Spike possibly being gay. This way, if he sees these books, he’s not only going to question it more, but he’ll freak out over the whole STD thing.” Willow giggled and high-fived Buffy.

“You are a genius when it comes to revenge,” she said, smirking when she looked outside and saw that Spike’s light was off. “I think we’re good to go. All set?” Buffy nodded and grabbed the books. “We should wait a few minutes, though, just to ensure he’s asleep.”

“You know, it’d be mightily funny if Wes or one of the guys saw the books,” Buffy said, looking at them. “I bet that would raise a pretty big coo amongst his group.”

“How are we getting into his car?” Willow asked, realizing that she couldn’t just pop open the hood of his car without unlocking the doors.

“The moron leaves it unlocked,” Buffy replied. “Since Giles parks behind him when he returns from the bookstore after midnight and leaves before Spike goes to school, he’s never been worried about someone trying to steal his car.” She smiled and sighed. “You’d think he’d be worried about someone sabotaging it, though.”

“You weren’t,” Willow said, looking at her friend.

“True,” Buffy agreed. “I’ve learned my lesson now, and it’s time to return the favor.”

* * *

The next morning, Spike arrived at school around nine o’clock, thoroughly pissed off that his car had to be towed. Wes had picked him up and taken him to school, even though Spike had no intention of actually going to his classes.

“That bint had to have done this,” he said as his friends walked to the cafeteria for lunch a couple of hours later. “I don’t understand how it could run just fine last night and was dead in the water this morning. It doesn’t make sense.”

“And what would Buffy have done to it?” Lindsey asked, sitting down at their table. “She’s not exactly smart, Spike, and I doubt she has a clue about cars. You can’t just look at an engine and know how it operates.”

“Yeah, but you can start pulling wires or removing plugs,” Spike replied. “It had to have been her.”

“Why don’t you ask her?” Gunn asked, watching as Buffy and Willow walked into the room, going to their table.

“Or how about I just mess with her car some more?” Spike suggested, looking at his watch. “I’ve got twenty minutes…anyone have a knife?”

“What’re you going to do?” Wes asked, looking at his cousin. “Tear the upholstery?”

“Slash her tires,” Spike answered, looking at his friends. “I know you guys carry pocket-knives, at least.”

“I’m not contributing more to your delinquency, man,” Gunn replied. “Doing some innocent modifying to her car was fine yesterday, but hacking someone’s tires is a serious offense.”

“Fine,” Spike replied dejectedly, sighing. “I guess I’ll find out what happened later on.”

“If it really was her, what’s her payback going to be?” Lindsey asked casually, looking at the blonde across the room.

“I’m sure I’ll think of something,” Spike said, looking at Buffy as she began to laugh at something Xander said.

* * *

“Son, can I speak with you for a moment?” Rupert Giles asked as he walked into the house after picking up Spike’s car from the mechanic. Spike nodded, grabbing a soda from the refrigerator. “Maybe we should have a seat.”

“Is it something serious?” Spike asked, becoming concerned. “What’s wrong?” Giles motioned for his son to sit down at the kitchen table before he sat across from him and set a pile of books down. Spike looked at them with a raised eyebrow. “What are these?”

“I was hoping you could tell me,” Giles replied, cleaning his glasses with a handkerchief. Spike looked at the titles and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” Spike asked jokingly.

“They were in the backseat of your car,” Giles said, putting his glasses back on and giving Spike a stern look.

“They’re not mine,” he replied, crossing his arms.

“Then why were they in your car?” Giles asked sharply.

“I don’t know,” Spike answered, standing up. “But they’re not mine. I’m not gay, I don’t have any sexually transmitted diseases, and even if I did, I sure as hell wouldn’t buy books on the subject. That’s what the Internet is for.” Giles looked at his son and then at the books.

‘Oh dear lord, he’s plotted out how to research the subject,’ he thought, trying not to panic more. ‘Let the boy explain, Rupert. If he says they’re aren’t his, then maybe he’s lying. Maybe.’

“These really aren’t yours?” he asked, and Spike shook his head. “Then why were they there? Do you think maybe they’re Wesley’s?”

“I’m fairly certain my cousin wouldn’t put books in the backseat,” Spike said. “And if he ever decided to actually bring books to class, I doubt they’d be of this variety.” He tensed up as he realized who had undoubtedly put them there.

‘That insufferable bitch,’ he thought as he grabbed the books.

“You know what, Dad?” Spike said, trying not to smile. “I probably shouldn’t say this because I promised her I wouldn’t, but I know who these belong to.”

“Whose are they, then?” Giles asked.

“Buffy’s,” Spike answered, fighting the urge to laugh. “She probably left them there when I drove her home the other day.”

“Buffy is a…she’s…” Giles trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

“Yes, she’s a lesbian,” Spike said, heading for the door. “But please don’t tell Joyce- the news would kill her.”

“Yes…quite right,” Giles replied, slightly stammering. “You might want to return them to her, then.”

“Oh, she’ll definitely get what’s coming to her,” Spike said to himself as he left his house and knocked on her door.

* * *

When Buffy opened the door, she couldn’t help but smile at Spike’s pissed off expression.

“I could kill you,” he said, walking past her into the house and putting the books on her kitchen counter. “Is it your mission to aggravate me daily?”

“You deserve it,” she replied, crossing her arms. “So, were you the one to find the books?”

“No, my father did,” he answered, and Buffy burst out laughing. “It’s not sodding funny! He thought I was gay and diseased!”

“Come on, Spike,” Buffy began, looking at him. “How can you not be gay? You dress like an 80’s British punk rocker and faithfully bleach your hair every other week, and honestly, when was the last time you had a date? And not only that, but Rupert has been worried about you being gay for years now.” Spike raised an eyebrow.

“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked. “I’m not gay! I like girls… well, all except for you.”

“Then why don’t you date anyone?” she asked. “You hang out with your gang of guys all of the time, so sorry if it seems like maybe you’re having some late-night romps with one of them.” He clenched his jaw and fists.

“Yeah? And what about you, Miss Prim and Proper? When was the last time you had a date?” he asked.

“I date quite often, thank you,” she replied, frowning. “I just haven’t been in a relationship in a long time.” She scoffed. “You just dislike me because I’m more popular than you.”

“That’s bollocks, and you know it, luv,” he said, sitting on one of her counters. “I’m a lot more popular than you.”

“No, you’re sadly mistaken,” she replied. “More people know and respect me than you.”

“Want to make a bet on that one, princess?” he asked, smirking. She raised an eyebrow. “I bet that I could be crowned Homecoming King this year over you being crowned Homecoming Queen.”

“And how does that prove who is more popular?” she asked, confused.

“Because it’s the obvious sign of who people like more- me or you,” he answered. “Are you in?”

“Fine,” she said, shaking the hand he extended to her. “You’re on.”

---

A/N Okay, before I do anything else, I have to thank PJ, my summary guru, for helping me come up with one for this story- sorry for not crediting you after chapter 1! Second, I’d like to thank everyone who reviewed the first chapter- it meant a lot, and I’m happy that people seem to be interested in this story. Third, I really hope I didn’t offend anyone with the homosexuality/disease books or the joke of Spike being gay- it wasn’t my intention to irritate/hurt anyone, and I don’t have a problem with gays or lesbians, trust me. Lastly, I hope everyone liked chapter 2, and chapter 3 will definitely be posted sometime tomorrow!:)

The following Monday afternoon during lunch, Buffy explained the bet between her and Spike to Cordelia, the one person who could potentially keep Buffy from being crowned Homecoming Queen.

“So you’re basically asking me not to run this year, aren’t you?” Cordy asked, crossing her arms.

“You’ve been crowned the last two years- do you really need a third plastic tiara to put on a shelf?” Buffy asked.

“Do you really need the ‘plastic tiara’?” Cordy countered, and Buffy sighed.

“Please do this for me, Cordy,” Buffy replied. “I’d really like to prove Spike wrong, and wouldn’t you feel a lot better knowing that you took him down a notch, too?”

“What happens if you both win?” Cordelia asked. “Is it a draw?”

“There’s no possible way he’s going to win,” Buffy replied, laughing. “He’s a jerk- no one will vote for him.”

“Well, you’ve got the three lunkheads that follow him around everyday,” Cordy said. “And all of the girls that he’s ever dated, or slept with, or-”

“Will you help me or not?” Buffy cut in, not wanting her friend to keep droning on.

“And what will I get out of it if I do?” Cordelia asked, opening her water bottle.

“The satisfaction of knowing that your friend is cooler than Spike Giles,” Buffy said.

“I already know you’re cooler than him,” she replied, sighing. “But fine, I won’t run this year.” Buffy grinned and hugged her. “But we need to start campaigning to make sure you win.”

“‘Campaigning’?” Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow. “This isn’t a presidential election.”

“No, it’s a popularity election,” Cordelia replied. “And I’m making damn sure you win, because if you don’t, then there was no point in me being nice and letting you run instead.”

“Alright, so how do we start this, then?” Buffy asked. “Posters, giving out free stuff, talking to people to spread the word?”

“That’d be a good start,” Cordy said. “Come over after school and we’ll come up with some plans, okay?” Buffy nodded, grateful that Cordelia would be on her side. “So, what are the terms of the bet? What do you get if you win?”

“I…I don’t know,” Buffy answered, frowning. “We didn’t actually discuss that yet.”

“Well, I’d find out,” Cordelia said. “Because if all you’re getting out of this is that crown, I’m going to be upset.”

* * *

“You know, Spike, I think this is a bunch of crap,” Lindsey said, looking at his friend during lunch. “How the hell do you expect to beat Buffy? She’s got a good portion of the school on her side. What makes you think people are going to vote for you?”

“Or maybe they’ll vote for both of you,” Wes suggested. “Wherein which, you’ll have to dance with her.” Spike made a face and waved it off.

“I highly doubt people will vote for the both of us,” he replied. “We’re two very different people.”

“Yeah, but most of us still remember how good of friends you used to be,” Gunn said. “How close you two once were.” Spike looked at him. “You made a damn cute couple in junior high- what’s saying you wouldn’t now, too?”

“Don’t even go there, Charlie-boy,” Spike replied. “We’re both not going to win.”

“But what happens if you do?” Lindsey asked, and Spike shrugged. “Then this was all a waste. I’m not devoting my time to helping you out if it’s just going to be a waste of time.”

“It won’t ‘be a waste of time’,” Spike said, crossing his arms. “Besides, don’t you think seeing Buffy’s shocked expression when I win will be worth it?”

“Yeah, but how do you propose winning the title of Homecoming King?” Wes asked. “Do you have any plans?”

“A smear campaign would probably do the trick,” Lindsey said, looking at Spike. “And charming the school’s less popular girls would get you fairly far, too.”

“You can use info from when you guys were younger against her,” Gunn said. “Anything embarrassing or ridiculous that would make people think twice about her.”

“So you guys are going to help?” Spike asked, looking at his three friends.

“Damn straight, we’re going to help,” Lindsey said. “It’s time to take Buffy down a peg or two.”

* * *

After school, Buffy and several of her friends went to Cordelia’s house to discuss plans to help Buffy win.

“Okay, but I’m still not hearing enough ideas,” Anya said, looking at the girls sitting in Cordelia’s living room. “Let’s think outside the box.”

“We’ve all known him for years, but you know him the best, Buffy,” Willow said. “Do you have anything you can use against him?”

“Are you saying I should play the game that dirty?” Buffy asked, looking around, noticing that everyone nodded. “Alright, I’m sure I can come up with some stuff.”

“You know he’s going to try appealing to the underclassmen,” Cordelia said. “Especially girls.”

“We all know how charming he can be, and young girls definitely will fall for whatever he says,” Anya said. “You should try working your magic on the guys.”

“The football team is already voting for you,” Cordelia said. “Riley is spreading the word.”

“If we can get their girlfriends in on it, too, that would be a pretty good amount of votes,” Buffy replied.

“I talked to Jonathon Levinson, and he said he’d come up with some really cool posters for you,” Willow said. “Andrew and Warren seem amp-ed to help you out.”

“Probably because Spike and his friends have picked on all three of them for the last three years,” Anya replied.

“Who else should we target?” Cordelia asked, looking around.

“The marching band,” Willow suggested. “There’s a heck of a lot of people in it.”

“And the cheerleaders,” Anya added. “There are tons of them, and you know that none of them like Spike a whole lot.”

“But shouldn’t we try going for the people who might vote for him?” Buffy asked. “Not just the people who will probably vote for me?”

“And anyone that would fit in the ‘swing-vote’ category,” Willow replied. Buffy ran her hands through her hair.

“This is a lot more work than I thought it’d be,” she said quietly.

---

A/N Once again, I’d like to thank everyone who has reviewed the last two chapters- you all blow me away:) I hope you enjoyed chapter 3, and chapter 4 will undoubtedly be posted tomorrow!

The next day at school, Buffy and her friends sat at a picnic table outside during lunch, planning out more details of the campaign.

“Did anyone else see Spike talking to the freshmen girls today?” Anya asked, frowning. “It made me sick.”

“He’s so charming, that’s why,” Cordelia replied. “The guy grins at you and you feel like bowing down before him.” All of the girls looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Not me, but I’ve seen it happen.”

“As long as he’s not promising to sleep with any of them or something,” Buffy said, writing down notes in a notebook. “‘Vote for me and I’ll shag you’- sounds like a promising campaign pitch.” Everyone laughed.

“Yeah, but wouldn’t you vote for him if he said that to you?” Anya asked curiously, looking at her friend.

“Knowing what I know, no, there’s no way I’d sleep with him,” Buffy said.

“I thought you two did…” Anya said, trailing off as Buffy glared at her. “Nevermind, no idea what I’m saying.”

“I was young, naïve, and incredibly stupid to fall for his tricks,” Buffy replied. “But that was years ago and a very different time.”

“You loved him,” Cordelia said, smiling softly, and Buffy sighed.

“I did,” she agreed. “But like I said, that was years ago. Everything has changed.”

“You two were the picture of perfection,” Willow said. “Everyone else thought so, too.”

“I think everyone was shocked freshman year when you broke up,” Anya said, looking down. “I know I was.”

“Can we not talk about this now?” Buffy asked. “I dated William, not Spike. They’re two completely different entities.”

“You’ve got that right,” a voice said behind her. She tensed up as she turned to see Spike and Lindsey standing there, looking at her. “Hello, Goldilocks.”

“Spike,” she said, nodding to acknowledge him.

“Can we talk?” he asked, and she looked at her friends before taking a deep breath and standing up.

“Yeah,” she answered, following him to a secluded spot a few feet over as Lindsey sat down with the girls. “What’s up? Calling it quits already?”

“We need to discuss the terms of the bet,” he replied. “What do you want if you win?”

“Such a good question,” she answered, crossing her arms. “Well, I suppose there’s a lot I want if I win.” He raised an eyebrow. “If I win, you have to be my slave for a month.”

“Excuse me?” he asked, choking on saliva. She smirked.

“You have to drive me around, do my homework, make me food, et cetera,” she answered. “And after the month is through, you never mess with me again. No more pranks, jokes, destruction of my car-”

“Fine,” he cut in. “I don’t expect you to win, but that’s acceptable.”

“What do you want?” she asked curiously. He sighed.

“You know, I had a fairly good idea before, but the idea of having you be my slave sounds pretty damn good all of a sudden,” he said, smiling. “But if I win, you’re going to do a lot more than just carting me around and cleaning up after me.” She froze as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“I am not sleeping with you, Spike,” she replied. “Once was-”

“Twice,” he corrected.

“But not again,” she said, turning on her heel and walking back to her friends. Lindsey walked back over to Spike and looked at him.

“Did you figure it out?” he asked, and Spike smirked.

“Yeah, I’d say it’s all figured out,” he replied.

* * *

As Buffy left after school that day, she saw Spike talking to a bunch of gothic girls, undoubtedly trying to convince them to vote for him. She watched him, noticing the way he grinned at them.

‘Cordelia wasn’t kidding about the power of his smile,’ she thought. ‘I remember how much I loved it when he smiled at me. It was like the world stopped and there was nothing around us.’ She sighed. ‘Things used to be good back then.’

Spike felt as if someone was watching him, so he began to look around, spotting Buffy by her car, studying him. He raised an eyebrow as she quickly looked away and got in her car.

‘I wonder what that’s all about,’ he thought.

“Thanks for your time, ladies,” he said, looking at the girls surrounding him.

“The pleasure was ours,” a girl named Drusilla said, smiling at him. He winked at her and walked away, heading towards the parking lot. He chuckled as he walked past Buffy’s car, noticing that her head was resting against her steering wheel.

“What’s wrong, luv? Starting to think you’re going to lose?” he asked, causing her to jolt and look at him.

“What?” she asked, shaking her head in an attempt to stop having flashbacks of them from when they were younger.

‘Those thoughts won’t lead to anything good,’ she admonished herself.

“I’m just tired,” she said, putting her key in the ignition. Spike frowned, leaning against her car door.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, trying not to sound concerned.

“I’m fine,” she said, rolling up her window. He frowned and took a step back as she sped off.

‘She’s not fine,’ he thought, heading towards his car. ‘But we’re not best friends anymore, so too bad for me.’

* * *

When Buffy got home from school, she was surprised to see her mother home early from work.

“Hi, Mom,” she said, walking into the kitchen. “What’s up?”

“I thought I’d offer to take you dress shopping for Homecoming,” Joyce said. “Since I hear that you’re running for Homecoming queen.”

“Who told you?” she asked, surprised.

“Rupert told me that both you and Spike were running for Homecoming King and Queen, but separately, of course,” Joyce answered. “When were you going to tell me?”

“When I was sure I’d be on the ballot,” Buffy said, shrugging. “But yes, I’m running against Spike.”

“It just seems so odd to me,” Joyce said, looking through the mail she was holding. “I used to think you two would get married some day.” Buffy made a face. “But apparently not.”

“Dating Spike was a mistake,” Buffy said, leaning back against the kitchen counter.

“He wasn’t Spike back then,” Joyce said, looking at her daughter. “He was William.” Buffy looked down and nodded. “And you loved him.”

“Did you talk to Cordelia or Willow or something?” Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow. “The girls and I had the same conversation this afternoon.”

“Then I guess that shows you how much we all wanted to see you and him be happy together,” Joyce replied. “Things were good between you two.”

“And then they weren’t,” Buffy said, heading out the back door.

‘But that doesn’t mean they can’t get better again,’ Joyce thought as she followed Buffy.

Spike saw Joyce and Buffy come home later that night, Buffy holding a dress bag. He raised an eyebrow as he watched her walk inside the house and up to her room.

‘Do I get a sneak peek of it?’ he thought curiously, thankful that their rooms were directly across from one another. ‘Maybe I can figure out a way to ruin it before Homecoming.’ He grinned. ‘She’d never forgive me for that.’ He lit a cigarette as he cracked the window open a little. ‘But then again, there are a lot of things she’ll never forgive me for, so why not add another one to the list?’

“Those things will kill you,” Buffy said as she walked past her window, smelling cigarette smoke. Spike smiled and fully opened his window, sitting on the ledge of it.

“I’m surprised you’re not supporting it, then,” Spike replied. She smiled and sat on the edge of her window, facing him. “So, I saw that you went dress-shopping.” She nodded, curious as to how long he had been watching her. “What does it look like?”

“Why would I tell you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged.

“I don’t see why not,” he replied. “It’s not like it’s your bloody wedding dress.”

“It’s dark green,” she said, looking at the dress that was now hanging in her closet. “Pretty simple, too. Doesn’t have anything on it- it’s just satin.”

“Sounds lovely,” he replied, and she looked at him, surprised. “I’m sure you’ll look good in it.”

“Are you okay?” she asked, quirking an eyebrow. “Because you almost sound nice tonight.”

“What? I can’t be nice to you sometimes?” he asked, smiling. She tilted her head.

“Seriously, do you have a fever or something? Or maybe you’re high,” she said, looking at him. “Have you been dabbling with illegal substances tonight, Spike?”

“Ha bloody ha,” he replied, exhaling a swirl of smoke. “Does it matter if I did?”

“No, I guess not,” she said. “If you want to screw your life up more, go right ahead.”

“Thanks ever so,” he said, flicking his cigarette outside. “Doesn’t this remind you of junior high school?”

“Don’t even start,” she said in a warning tone, glaring at him.

“Oh come on, luv,” he replied. “Can’t we talk civilly about our past?”

“Before you became a raging jerk who didn’t give a damn about me anymore? No, I don’t see how I can be civil about it,” she shot back, crossing her arms.

“You know that’s not how it was,” he said sternly, looking at her. “I cared about you until the last minute of our relationship.”

‘And still bloody do,’ he thought sadly.

“You were the one who ended it, Spike,” she said.

“No, I believe it was more than mutual,” he replied. “If not more on your end than mine.”

“Well what was I supposed to do?” she said loudly. “We slept together, you became distant, you changed your look and a lot of your attitude, we slept together again, and you told me as I was getting dressed that night that I didn’t fit your new persona anymore, so it was best if we called it quits.” He clenched his jaw. “Or have you forgotten all of that already?”

“I was a stupid kid,” he replied, looking down. “I’m sorry it ended like that.”

“And I’m sorry I ever let it get that far,” she said sharply. He looked at her, hoping that she couldn’t see the hurt in his eyes. “We were young, Spike- there’s not too much else to say.”

“Did you really love me back then?” he asked, and she looked down.

“You know I did,” she replied, and he nodded. “But it wasn’t enough, was it?”

“It…it was more than enough,” he said, looking down at his car. “Maybe subconsciously I just wasn’t ready for everything with us, you know? Like maybe it was too much too soon. I wasn’t prepared at 14 to just spend my life with one woman, Buffy, even if it was you. I wanted to try new things and experience everything I could.”

“In the process, devastating me,” she pointed out, looking at him, feeling tears forming in her eyes. He looked at her. “If that’s really how you felt, you could’ve talked to me about it.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you,” he replied, and she scoffed.

“Yeah, because you didn’t hurt me at all otherwise,” she said sarcastically, getting off the ledge of her window and standing up. “It was all daffodils and teddy bears.”

“Buffy-” he said, but she cut him off.

“You deserve all of the hell I’ve put you through over the last few years,” she said. “And sure, I deserve some of the stuff you’ve done to me, but I will never forgive you for hurting me the way you did. I loved you and trusted you more than anyone else, and it wasn’t enough for you.” She slammed her window shut and pulled down her shade, finally allowing a couple of tears to spill down her cheeks.

* * *

Spike lay in his bed that night, staring at the ceiling. She turned off her light sometime around midnight, but he couldn’t bring himself to sleep. His mind was racing, mostly with memories of his past with Buffy, from the most angsty to the sweet, loving ones.

‘I really fucked it up,’ he thought, running his hand through his hair. ‘I had something really good with her.’ He paused as he saw her light flick on at two in the morning. ‘Maybe it’s not just me that’s battling some inner turmoil right now.’

He quietly walked downstairs and grabbed a pair of scissors on his way outside, heading towards his father’s garden. He approached a white rose bush and chopped off the prettiest rose he could find before walking to Buffy’s car and sliding the rose through the driver-side door’s car-handle. He smiled to himself and went back inside.

The next morning, Buffy walked outside to her car and saw the rose. She gingerly grabbed it and sniffed it, smiling softly.

‘White is a sign of tranquility, peace,’ she thought. ‘And surrender.’

---

A/N Yet again, you all shocked me with the number of reviews for the last chapter, so thank you! I hope you stay tuned to see what happens in the next installment:)

Spike saw Buffy in the cafeteria with her friends that afternoon and studied her. Gunn noticed where his friend was gazing and clapped his hands in front of Spike’s face.

“Snap out of it, man,” he said, and Spike looked at him, confused. “You’re appraising the enemy.”

“I’m…trying to find her flaws,” he lied. “Something to use against her.”

“Bull,” Lindsey replied. “You’re making moon-eyes over the blonde bitch.” Spike tried to ignore the anger that began to flood him.

‘He has no right to call her that,’ he thought. ‘I don’t, either, half of the time.’

“Well, after you hear what she’s been telling people, I think you’ll pounce on the opportunity to fight back,” Wes said as he sat down. Spike looked at him, raising an eyebrow. “She told all of the cheerleaders that you’re a necrophiliac.”

“What?!” Spike asked loudly, trying not to explode. The two other guys started laughing as Wes continued to talk.

“And then she told the football team that you were the one who stole their uniforms last year,” Wes said. “So you’ve got most of them looking for you while the cheerleaders are rather sickened by the new info.” Spike instantly stood up and stormed towards Buffy’s table, grabbing her arm and wrenching her away from her friends, pulling her through the cafeteria and outside, not caring who saw them.

“What the fuck is your problem?” he yelled, looking at her and throwing his arms up. “I thought we were on better terms now- why the hell did you lie to people about me?”

“We’re still competing, aren’t we?” she asked, crossing his arms. He tilted his head, frowning.

“I thought the rose I left you was a good enough apology for the time being,” he said. “One that I hoped would’ve conveyed that I was done with this stupid bet we’ve got going.” She frowned.

“I took it as you surrendering to the challenge,” she said, confused. “So I figured I’d keep fighting to prove you wrong.” He glared at her. “But apparently that’s not what you wanted to happen.”

“Screw you,” he replied, turning on his heel. “The bet is still on.” She watched as he walked back inside before taking a deep breath.

‘Wow, you really are a bitch,’ she thought.

* * *

Buffy was bombarded after school by Cordelia, who dragged her into the girl’s bathroom, obviously upset.

“Why do people keep pulling me away from whatever I’m doing?” Buffy asked, rubbing her arm where Cordy had grabbed it.

“Do you know what Spike told the swim team?” the brunette girl asked, and Buffy shook her head. “He told them that you were born a hermaphrodite.” Buffy frowned, crossing her arms.

“And you really think they believed him?” she asked. “That’s ridiculous.”

“True, but still, this is bad publicity for you,” Cordy replied.

“‘Publicity’?” Buffy asked. “I’m not a celebrity- I’m just running for Homecoming Queen.”

“You can’t let stuff like this spread,” Cordelia said. “Any rumors, true or false, are going to screw you over.”

“Then I’ll just keep retaliating against Spike,” Buffy said. “I’ve got more ammunition than necessary.”

“Good,” Cordelia replied. “You’re going to need it.” They exited the bathroom and walked to their lockers, where Willow was waiting for them.

“Buffy, I just heard some more…gossip,” the redhead said. “Apparently, Spike’s been telling some people that you have your nipples pierced.” Buffy laughed at the absurdity of it. “And that you have a tattoo on your ass.”

“Of what?” she asked, shaking her head and giggling as she opened her locker.

“Spike’s initials,” Willow answered quietly, and Buffy raised an eyebrow as she looked at her friend.

“Yeah, because he apparently used to own your ass,” Cordelia said sarcastically, crossing her arms and leaning back against the lockers. “Buffy, you’ve got to put an end to this. Either that, or you have to start spreading lies about him like it’s going out of style.”

“I’ll get on it, chief,” Buffy said, giving Cordy a mock salute. “Don’t fret.” Buffy walked down the hallway with Willow while Cordelia watched them, frowning.

‘Oh, you can trust I will be,’ she thought.

* * *

Buffy and Spike arrived at home around the same time, both of them exiting their cars and glaring at one another.

“Your ass is grass, cowboy,” she said, leaning against her car. “I just spent the last half an hour doing damage control with a good portion of the underclassmen. Tattoos, piercings, once being a hermaphrodite? These are the lies you come up with?”

“How about my obsession with boffing the dead?” he asked sharply, crossing his arms. “That was bloody ridiculous, pet. At least the stuff about you is believable.” He chuckled. “Well, maybe not the hermaphrodite thing. That was just for my own amusement.”

“I could kill you,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Take your best shot,” he replied, shooting her a look. “I’d love to see you try.”

“You know, I think hating you is a lot better than befriending you,” she said, grabbing her tote bag.

“Hating you is better than loving you,” he replied, and she glared at him before going inside her house.

‘But either way, at least she’s talking to me, so that’s a plus,’ he thought, grabbing his backpack and going into his house.

“So, I couldn’t help but hear your conversation with Buffy,” Rupert said as his son came inside. Spike looked at him and frowned. “All of the windows are open downstairs.”

“She deserved it,” Spike muttered, getting a soda from the refrigerator.

“I didn’t raise you to act this way,” Rupert replied sternly. “I think this bet of yours between you and Buffy needs to stop.” Spike looked at his dad, surprised. “Joyce told me all about it. Buffy confided in her while they went shopping the other day.”

“I’m not stopping the bet,” Spike said. “She needs to see that she’s not the bloody queen of the world.”

“And you definitely are not a king,” Rupert said, cleaning his glasses. “I love you, William, but you’re walking a very dangerous line with her. If you still care about her, which I truly believe that you do, you’ll stop this before you hurt her even more, before she’ll never forgive you. You could lose her forever and irrevocably damage what little civility you two have left.” Spike looked at his dad and nodded, looking down.

“Sometimes you’re too bloody wise, old man,” he said before walking upstairs to his bedroom.

‘That’s why I run a bookstore,’ Rupert thought, smiling to himself.

---

A/N Yet again, thank you to everyone who left reviews for chapter 5. You really didn’t think the bet was over because of the rose, did you?:) There’s still more fun in store, so I hope you continue to read the story to see what happens!

As the days passed, both Buffy and Spike didn’t let up when it came to publicly belittling one another and spreading more lies. As far as Buffy was concerned, she was finally able to get back at him for being such a jerk to her years ago, along with completely breaking her heart.

Cordelia and Willow spent one afternoon polling their classmates, trying to see who was liked more, Buffy or Spike. Buffy was more than thrilled to see that she was in the lead, although not by much.

“So if you keep on going like you have been and don’t mess up at all-” Cordy began to say.

“And don’t allow Spike to keep spreading rumors about you,” Willow added, cutting in.

“You should win, Buffy,” Cordelia said, smiling. “I think the chances are very high right now.”

“Good,” Buffy smiled, relieved. “Are any of Spike’s contenders close to him, percentage-wise?”

“A couple of them are, yes,” Willow answered, looking at the chart she made to compare everyone’s statistics that were running for Homecoming Court. “The next closest is Riley Finn, with a 35% rating.”

“What is Spike’s?” Buffy asked curiously, looking at Willow’s chart.

“Spike has a 40% rating,” Willow said. “And you, my dear, have 49% of the votes for Homecoming Queen.”

“Who’s below me?” Buffy asked, and Willow sighed.

“Harmony Kendall,” she answered. “She has 39% of the votes.” Buffy raised an eyebrow.

“So Harmony could potentially keep me from being crowned?” she asked, and Willow nodded. “Should I maybe start campaigning against her, too? I mean, Spike’s not my competition when it comes to being crowned Queen.”

“I have complete confidence in you,” Cordelia replied. “Stop worrying about it- you’re going to win.”

* * *

“I’m actually getting worried about this,” Spike said as he ran a hand over his face, frustrated. “If Finn beats me, I’m screwed.” Wes looked at his cousin and took a deep breath.

“Maybe you should figure out another way to win votes,” he suggested. “It wouldn’t hurt.”

“This was all a very bad idea,” Spike replied. “Sounded good in the beginning, but not so much anymore.”

“Give it time, man,” Lindsey said, following Spike and Wes outside after school. “Besides, Homecoming isn’t that far away. You’ve got a week to prove people wrong about you.”

“Good point,” Spike said, nodding. “I’m not letting this stupid bet ruin my weekend. What’re we doing tonight?”

“I was thinking of going to the Bronze,” Gunn said, catching up to his friends. “I think we could all use some fun.”

“Yeah, and a flask of Jack Daniels,” Spike replied, unlocking his car doors. “Eight o’clock sound good?”

“See you there,” Gunn said before he walked away with Lindsey. Wes and Spike got in his car, and before he started the engine, he saw Buffy exiting the school with Willow and Cordelia beside her.

“You really are worried, aren’t you?” Wes asked, and Spike nodded. “Do you really believe that if she wins, you’re not equally as popular as she is?”

“It has nothing to do with popularity anymore,” Spike replied. “This is my way of proving to her that I’m better.”

“And do you really think that’ll get you in her good graces again?” Wes asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What the bloody hell are you talking about?” Spike asked sternly.

“I’ve seen you look at her, Spike, and I’m not as daft as you think,” Wes replied. “You can deny it as much as you want, but no matter what has transpired between you two in the past, you still love her.”

“I…shut up, you berk,” Spike replied, starting the engine and clenching his jaw as his cousin chuckled. “So what if I do? I spent a good portion of my young life head-over-heels in love with her, so I don’t see why I can’t still love her a smidgeon.”

“You’re lying to yourself if you think it’s only ‘a smidgeon’,” Wes said, rolling down his window. “But if you really do still have feelings for her, you’d stop this bet before it blows up in your face, William.” Spike raised an eyebrow as he looked at Wes, surprised by the formality of his tone. “Now stop looking at me like that and take me home.” Spike laughed slightly and sped off, beginning to wonder if maybe both Rupert and Wes were right.

‘I already tried to get the ball rolling for us to break off the bet, but she didn’t catch on,’ he thought. ‘Looks like I’m going to have another go at fixing things.’

* * *

Buffy walked out her back door around 7:45 and was surprised to see Spike leaving his house, also. The two looked at each other and stopped walking.

“Hi,” she said quietly, looking down when she saw him appraising her outfit.

“You going out somewhere?” he asked, pulling out his pack of cigarettes, taking one out and lighting it.

“I’m supposed to meet my friends at the Bronze,” she answered, looking at him. “You?”

“Same,” he said, opening his car door. “Want a ride?” She raised an eyebrow, shocked. “I don’t have all bloody night, luv. I’ve still got to get Wes.”

“Umm, okay,” she said, walking over to his car. “You’re not going to purposely crash or anything, are you?” He looked at her with a bemused expression. “Well, not on your side, of course, because you want to live, but you’re not going to smash into a tree on the passenger side, are you?”

“Get in the car, Buffy,” he replied, and she quickly obeyed him, catching the irritation in his voice.

Once they were seated inside and the car had been started, she looked at him, noticing that his jaw was clenched.

“Alright, what’s got you pissed off now?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“You really think I’d do that to you?” he asked, looking at her. “Try to kill you?”

“I was kind of joking before,” she answered, confused by how he was acting. “I don’t think you’d actually kill me, Spike.” She paused. “Well, probably not.”

“I wouldn’t hurt you,” he said, looking outside, and she scoffed. “What?”

“It’s funny you say that because you did hurt me,” she said, trying not to become too angry.

“Things were different then,” he said, looking at her. “I was a wanker- I admit it. And I think I’ve apologized enough for one lifetime, don’t you think?”

“After what you’ve put me through, I don’t know if that’s even possible,” she said, looking down.

“I’m sorry I’m a bastard,” he replied sternly. “I’m sorry that I’ve treated you so horribly over the last few years. You deserve someone better than me, Buffy- we both know that. I wish things had been different, and I made a stupid mistake years ago, one that I will probably hate myself for until the day I die.” She looked at him, surprised by his words. “I don’t deserve you, pet, and I don’t think I ever really did. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to keep fighting you over pointless stuff because it’s not worth it. I care about you still, and frankly, seeing you hurting sometimes isn’t as much fun as I pretend it is.”

“Why are you saying all of this?” she asked, looking away before he could see how watery her eyes had become.

“Because it’s our senior year, and within the year, we’re graduating and going off to college, and it’s possible I may never see you again,” he said, shrugging. “I couldn’t live with myself knowing that I didn’t at least talk to you about this while I had a chance. It’d probably eat me up inside.”

“And you don’t think you deserve that kind damage?” she asked quietly, looking out the window.

“I know I deserve it,” he replied. “But I guess a part of me is hoping that you’ll find something deep inside of you that will at least let me try and make things up to you.”

“Is this your way of offering me an olive branch?” she asked, and he sighed.

“I don’t know what it is,” he mumbled, backing out of the driveway. “Disregard everything I’ve said tonight. It’s probably better for us both if you do.” She looked at him sadly.

“I don’t think I can,” she said, and he looked at her, seeing the conflicting emotions she was battling in her eyes.

“So where does this leave us, then?” he asked, saddened by the fact that she was obviously hurting once again.

“I don’t know,” she answered, looking down and wiping off the corners of her eyes.

“Can we try being civil at least?” he asked, and she smiled softly.

“How do you propose doing that when we’ve got one hell of a bet going?” she asked, looking at him. “One that I’m going to win.” He smiled slightly.

“Fat chance, sweetheart,” he said, driving towards his aunt and uncle’s house for Wesley.

“Okay, so besides the fact that everyone at the Bronze on Friday night saw you show up with Spike, have you gone completely insane?” Cordelia asked Monday morning while Buffy opened up her locker.

“Him and I talked some things out,” she said, shrugging. “We’re not getting back together, by any means, but I don’t think we actually hate each other anymore. Well, I know he doesn’t hate me, but I’m fairly sure that I don’t actually hate him anymore.”

“Do you know how negatively this could affect your chance of being voted Homecoming Queen?” Cordy asked, trying not to freak out over her friend’s decision to stop hating her enemy, the one she was technically running against.

“I don’t really care anymore,” Buffy replied. “If Spike wins, he wins. Good for him.” Cordelia gasped, outraged that Buffy would say such a thing. “And why is this bothering you so much? You’re not the one involved in the bet, and you’re not the one who could potentially be a slave for the next month.”

“Because I didn’t run this year so you could win,” Cordelia answered, crossing her arms. “And I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting your image and this campaign of yours. The least you can do for me is win this damn crown and beat Spike.” Buffy shut her locker and sighed.

“If Spike wins, he wins,” she repeated. “I’m not going to kill myself over it.” With that, she turned on her heel and walked to her first class.

‘What the hell is wrong with her?’ Cordelia asked herself as she watched Buffy disappear into a crowd of students.

* * *

“Thank god this will all be over on Saturday,” Spike said as he left the school with Wes, walking out to his car. “Maybe I can really start patching up things with her.”

“I’d say the fact she willingly got into a car with you on Friday night is a good enough sign,” Wes said, shrugging. “Besides, if you become her slave, then you’ll have a lot of time to prove yourself to her again.”

“Don’t even remind me about the terms of the bet,” Spike replied. “I can’t even fathom what she’d make me do if I lost.”

“Well, then don’t lose,” Wes said, opening his car door and noticing that Spike was focused on the front of the school. “What?” He followed his cousin’s gaze and watched as Willow and Buffy walked towards her car, which was only feet away from Spike’s. “You want to wait for her?” Spike looked at his cousin and frowned.

“Am I really that transparent?” he asked quietly, which caused Wes to laugh. “Hello, Buffy.” The two girls stopped beside Spike’s car, and Buffy smiled softly at him. “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” she answered, raising an eyebrow. “How are you?”

“I’m good,” he answered, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Can I speak to you privately for a moment?” Wesley asked, looking at Willow, who nodded and followed him away from the blonde couple.

“I wonder what that’s about,” Buffy said, surprised.

“I think he’s asking her to Homecoming,” Spike said, looking at Buffy, who smiled.

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea for her to get mixed up with your crowd,” she said, laughing at the look on his face. “I’m just kidding. I’d rather have her with Wes than Lindsey.”

“What’s so bad about Lindsey?” Spike asked curiously, lighting a cigarette.

“The urban cowboy look he’s got going right now isn’t that appealing,” she answered, shrugging. “Besides, he’s more of a dick than you used to be.”

“‘Used to be’?” Spike asked, intrigued.

“Well, you’re starting to be nicer to me, so you obviously aren’t as bad as you were over the last couple of years,” she answered, looking down when he grinned at her. “Okay, how long does it take to ask a girl to Homecoming?”

“Will you go to Homecoming with me?” Spike asked, taking a deep breath. She looked at him with wide eyes.

“That’s not a funny joke,” she replied, crossing her arms.

“And it wasn’t a joke,” he said, slightly hurt that she wasn’t reacting as well as he had hoped.

“You really were asking me to Homecoming?” she asked, and he nodded. “Seriously?”

“If you’re going to say no, do it quick, okay?” he asked, blowing out a stream of smoke. “Because the wait just might kill me.”

“No, those will kill you,” she replied, motioning to his cigarette. “But…I suppose that I can go with you to Homecoming.” His eyes lit up. “But you’ll be on your best behavior, you won’t figure out a way to ruin the night for me, and you’ll be nice to me after I win.” He chuckled and flicked his cigarette to the ground.

“Over my dead body,” he said, looking at her. She grinned.

“I think that could be arranged,” she said, and he playfully glared at her. “We’re going as friends, right?”

“Yeah,” he answered. “That is, if you even consider me a friend.” She shrugged.

“Can’t hate you forever,” she said, and he smiled.

‘Not that I actually hate him today, but it’s probably better if he doesn’t know that,’ she thought.

“So I can be your date on Saturday night?” he asked, trying not to sound as excited as he felt.

“As long as Willow and Wesley go with us,” Buffy replied, and Spike quickly nodded.

“Definitely, the more, the merrier,” he said, grateful that she was actually agreeing to go with him.

“And hopefully it’ll be better this year than it was the last time with us,” she said, smiling when a grinning Willow and Wesley began to walk back to them.

“I promise you that it’ll be better than it was,” he replied.

‘And I’m not talking just about Homecoming,’ he thought.

“Don’t promise me anything,” she said, looking down. “It won’t hurt as much later on if things don’t go right.” He frowned, hurt that she thought that way.

“So, did you say yes?” Buffy asked, plastering on a smile as Willow returned to her side.

“Yep, I’m going to Homecoming with Wesley,” she answered, smiling at him. “Now we just need to get you a date.”

“She already has one, Red,” Spike said, looking at her. “Me.” Both Willow and Wesley looked between Spike and Buffy, shocked.

“Oh,” Willow replied, managing a weak smile. “Well, then it looks like we’ll have a double-date on Saturday.” Buffy nodded and looked down when Willow gave her a questioning glance.

“Yep, a double date,” Spike said, smiling widely at his cousin.

---

A/N Thanks to those who've reviewed as of late- you all continue to make me smile with your enthusiasm and cute comments:) Second, I hope that everyone will vote to either keep the weekly poll or get rid of it on the homepage of this site. If you look, you'll see how I voted, and I know several of you know why. If you don't, e-mail me and I'll give you my reasons. But this is a legitimate matter to vote on, so please take a second of your time and write 'stay' or 'go'. Thanks!:)

“I can’t believe you agreed to go with Spike,” Willow said as the girls got ready in Buffy’s room.

“He was the only one who asked,” Buffy replied, and Willow frowned. “And I guess I kind of wanted to go with him. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“He hurts you even more than before?” Willow suggested, crossing her arms. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Buffy? I mean, you’re not falling for him again, are you?”

“A world of no,” Buffy said, curling her hair. “We’re trying to be civil… again.”

“I just don’t want you to get hurt again,” Willow said. “You’ve lived through enough already.” Buffy smiled softly. “But at least I’ll be around with Wesley.”

“Yes, good old Wes,” Buffy said, smirking. “Have a crush on him?”

“What? No,” Willow said quickly before blushing and looking down. “Yes, of course I do. He’s good-looking, intelligent, and not as much of a bad-boy as the other guys are.”

“So you think there’s some spark-age between you two?” Buffy asked curiously.

“I hope so,” Willow answered. “I guess I wouldn’t object to dating him.”

“Maybe he’ll ask you out tonight,” Buffy said, looking in a mirror. “That’d be sweet.”

“I just can’t wait until he gets here,” Willow said nervously. “Do I look alright?”

“You look beautiful,” Buffy answered, smiling. “And if Wes doesn’t fall madly in love with you, he’s stupid.”

“Okay, you’re making me even more anxious, but now you’re causing a hint of giddiness, too,” Willow replied, sitting on her bed.

“Don’t worry,” Buffy said quietly. “Everything is going to work out.”

‘I hope.’

* * *

“I think it’s safe to say that you are the most magnificent girl in the building,” Spike said as he looked around the decorated gymnasium, Buffy’s arm linked with his.

“You’re only flattering me so that I’m not too rough on you when I win,” she replied, nudging him before looking at Willow. “I wonder where Xander is.”

“Walking in with Anya,” Willow said, looking at them as they passed through the doors. “I can’t believe they’re here together. I didn’t think he liked her.”

“Everyone needs someone,” Buffy replied, shrugging. “They’ll be good together.”

“So, who wants punch?” Wesley asked, looking at his date and then at Buffy.

“Only if we’re spiking it,” Lindsey said, appearing beside them with a girl named Lilah on his arm. “Who’s got a flask?” Spike pulled one out of his jacket’s pocket and handed it to his friend. “This only reaffirms where you got your nickname from.” Spike smirked and looked at Buffy as she tugged on his arm.

“That could get us kicked out,” she said sternly, looking at him. “I thought you said you wouldn’t do anything bad tonight.”

“I’m not doing anything,” he replied. “I believe it’s Lindsey that’ll be doing the honors.”

“Fine, just make sure you’re sober when I’m crowned,” Buffy said, and he laughed. “What’s so funny?”

“Don’t you mean when I’m crowned?” he asked, grinning. She glared at him before looking at Willow. “So, what do you say we go find Cordelia and kick off the dance?”

“Who is she here with?” Willow asked, looking around.

“Riley Finn,” Buffy answered, smiling softly. “Spike’s competition.”

“I could break him like a twig,” Spike replied sternly. “Just because he’s a jock doesn’t mean I’d lose if we fought.”

“That’s because you fight dirty,” Gunn said, coming to stand beside his friends. Buffy smiled at Gwen, his date. “So, what’s first on the agenda?”

“Spiking the punch and dancing with my girl,” Lindsey said, smirking at Lilah.

“Amen to that,” Spike said, grabbing Buffy’s hand in his and pulling her out to the dance-floor.

* * *

When it was time to announce Homecoming King and Queen, Buffy took a deep breath and looked at Spike.

“If you win, I’ll be happy for you,” Spike said, looking back at her. She smiled softly.

“Same goes for you,” she said. “Even though I want a pretty tiara.” He chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist as a girl named Amy Madison walked up to the microphone, holding two envelopes in her hands.

“Good luck,” Spike said, kissing Buffy’s temple softly. She smiled and leaned into him more.

“I’ve been asked to announce the winners tonight, so let’s get right to it,” Amy said, opening up one of the envelopes. “Our Homecoming King is…Jonathon Levinson.” Spike froze and stared at Amy and then at a shocked Jonathon as he walked to the stage.

“What?” Spike asked, stunned. “How did he win? If it wasn’t me, it should’ve been Finn.”

“People wanted to vote for the underdog,” Cordelia said, coming to stand beside Buffy and Spike. “Seems like people got sick of both you and Riley.” Buffy frowned and looked at the stage again. “Excited?”

“I don’t know,” Buffy said quietly, becoming nervous.

“And the new Homecoming Queen is…Harmony Kendall,” Amy said cheerfully. Spike looked at Buffy with a surprised expression.

“Apparently they were sick of me, too,” she said quietly, surprised.

“Are you kidding? That skank won?” Cordelia asked, outraged. “I demand a recount!”

“Cordy, settle down,” Buffy said, giggling, looking at her friend. “It’s not a big deal. Harmony won- let her dance with Jonathon.”

“This is probably the best night of the ponce’s life,” Spike said. “Let’s not ruin it.”

“Are you saying that I’d ruin it if I had to dance with him?” Buffy asked, crossing her arms.

“No, I’d ruin it because I’d take you away from him,” Spike replied, smiling at the girl beside him. She smiled and looked down. “Want some punch?”

“Please,” she answered quickly, and he pulled her towards the snack table.

* * *

When the last song played that night, Buffy and Spike slow-danced together, something they hadn’t done in years.

“This seems kind of surreal,” Spike said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. “I never thought we’d go to another dance together.”

“And it didn’t turn out too shabby,” she replied. “Not like freshman year.” He frowned.

“I’m sorry it was that bad,” he said, looking into her eyes. “I’m sorry these last few years have been like that, as well.”

“I don’t want to talk about it right now,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I just want to enjoy this moment.” He smiled and kissed her bare shoulder as they continued to dance.

“So, what’re we going to do about the bet? I’m assuming neither of us win,” he said. She sighed.

“Nope, it would appear that we both are unpopular losers,” she replied, and he smiled.

“People voted for Jonathon out of pity- you’re the one who is unpopular,” he joked. She glared at him.

“Take that back,” she said in a warning tone.

“Sorry, only kidding, luv,” he said, smirking. “What happens from here, then?”

“I don’t know,” she answered. “I guess we’ll figure it out as time passes.”

“Okay,” he agreed, nodding. “We’ll wait and see.”

---

A/N All of you who guessed that neither of them would win were correct:) I've always had a soft-spot for Jonathon, and I guess I thought it'd be better if he could dance with a girl like Harmony. That way, Spike and Buffy could continue on their path to patching up their relationship...maybe.

“I can’t believe Cordelia invited all of us over,” Buffy said as she looked at Spike. “Your group and mine don’t typically mix.”

“She’s being nice,” Spike replied as they walked to Cordy’s front door. Buffy watched as Willow, Wesley, Gunn, Gwen, Lindsey, and Lilah got out of their cars and headed towards them. “It’s just a lot of bloody people to fit in a house, even if it is a mansion.”

“Hey, did you guys see Harmony slap Jonathon after the dance?” Willow asked as she got closer to them. “Apparently he got a little feely while they were dancing.” Everyone laughed.

“Poor sod,” Spike said, ringing the doorbell. “At least the tiny bastard got to cop a feel. It’s probably the most he’ll ever get.” Buffy looked at him, outraged. “What?”

“That was really mean, Spike,” she replied sternly. “Jonathon’s a very nice guy and deserves a girl in his life. More than you, even.” He raised an eyebrow, amused.

“Is that right?” he asked, and just as she was about to speak, Cordelia opened the door, stopping her from commenting.

“Ah yes, the badass crew has shown up,” she said, smiling. “Please come in.” Everyone walked in, but she stopped the guys from walking further into the house. “If anything is destroyed or stolen, I’m coming after every single one of you, got me?”

“Loud and clear, Queen C,” Gunn said, mock-saluting her before walking past her. She narrowed her eyes at his retreating form, and Buffy laughed as she pulled Spike along into the house.

“Tonight’s going to be a hoot, isn’t it?” Willow asked as she followed them with Wesley.

“It’s been a hell of a ride already,” Spike said, looking at Buffy. “But yeah, I think it’s just about to get interesting.”

* * *

“Want to go sit outside, luv?” Spike asked an hour later. Buffy nodded vigorously and followed him out to the back porch.

“It’s getting way too warm in there,” she said, finding the cool night air refreshing. “I think almost everyone from the senior class showed up.”

“I’m sure Cordelia is having a fit,” he replied, lighting a cigarette. “I thought this was supposed to be fairly hush-hush.”

“Yeah, but I’m sure word spread like wildfire that she was throwing an after-party,” Buffy said, sitting on a bench. He sat beside her and looked at the glowing pool.

“How about jumping in with me, princess?” he asked, smirking. “Completely starkers, perhaps?”

“You’re insane if you think I’m jumping in,” she replied, frowning. “It took a long time for me to get this pretty tonight.”

“You always look pretty,” he said, smiling. “Besides, it’s only water.”

“I think I’ll just sit by and watch you have your fun,” she said. “But you will not be ‘starkers’.”

“Come on- it’d be funny,” he said, pouting slightly. She grinned and nudged him, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, looking at the water.

“Do you remember the last time we swam here?” she asked quietly.

“The July 4th before freshman year,” he answered, flicking his cigarette aside. “Was a pretty fun time.”

“You held me under until I nearly passed out,” she muttered, and he chuckled. “It’s not funny, Spike.”

“No, but remembering how pissed off you were after I let you up is pretty hilarious,” he said, and she elbowed his ribs. “Hey! I’m being nostalgic.”

“Nostalgically evil,” she replied. “But it was a good night. Swimming under the fireworks…”

“Kissing under the fireworks,” he said, looking at her.

“Going to the park and messing around under the fireworks,” Buffy said, smiling softly.

“Lying to our parents about why we got home so late,” he said, chuckling.

“Things were good back then,” she said, looking down. He nodded and looked away.

“And I threw it all away over nothing,” he replied. She looked at him, tilting her head.

“Do you really regret it?” she asked, and he looked into her eyes.

“Yes,” he answered. “I’ll regret it forever.” She grazed his cheek and began to slowly lean over to him, but the sound of the back door opening stopped her. Both Spike and Buffy looked over to see Anya and Xander coming outside. She scooted away from him a bit as her friends drew nearer, a move that upset Spike.

“Were you guys getting sick of the heat, too?” Xander asked, running a hand through his hair.

“It’s like a sauna inside,” Anya replied. “Except no one is naked.” She smiled. “Now that would be enjoyable.” Xander smiled at her. “Mind if we join you?”

“Join away,” Buffy said, motioning to a bench across from her and Spike.

“Wasn’t tonight fun?” Anya asked, sighing. “I’m going to miss these school dances after we graduate.”

“Yeah, everything was great,” Buffy agreed.

“Except for maybe the punch,” Xander said, making a face. “That was definitely gross.”

“Can’t handle a little Jack D, whelp?” Spike asked, smirking. Buffy nudged him in the ribs again, and he raised his hands in surrender. “Just a comment.”

“There was liquor in it?” Xander asked, an eyebrow raised. “Maybe that explains why I feel kind of wacky. I had about seven cups of it.”

“I don’t think there was enough alcohol in it to make you loopy,” Buffy said.

“Unless you’re that much of a lightweight,” Spike replied, and Buffy nudged him again. “Will you stop that?”

“Not until you stop being such a jerk to my friends,” she said. “You don’t see me going up to Lindsey and telling him to change his wardrobe, do you? Or telling Gunn that it’s unnatural for a guy our age to be bald? Or that Wes is…”

“Don’t even start on a member of my family,” Spike said sternly, looking at her.

“Then lay off my friends,” she replied, crossing her arms. Anya and Xander watched the two with amused expressions.

“Still bickering like an old married couple,” Anya said, looking at Xander, who nodded in agreement.

“Excuse me,” Buffy said, looking at them before getting up and walking away. Spike stood up quickly and followed her back inside the house.

“Think he still loves her?” Xander asked, looking at Anya.

“I’d bet my lucky necklace on it,” she answered, smiling.

* * *

Spike caught up to her and grabbed her shoulder, turning her around.

“What’s wrong, luv?” he asked loudly, over the music.

“I thought things were getting better, but clearly they’re not,” she replied. “I’m going home.”

“Then let me get our stuff,” he said. She shook her head and walked to the door. “Pet, wait. What’s got you so pissed?”

“Were you not outside a moment ago?” she asked sharply. “Did you not hear what we said to each other?”

“We had a little argument- not the end of the bloody world,” he replied. “We argue all of the time.”

“But I thought that was going to stop!” she said, angry. “I thought that the situation between us was improving.”

“It is,” he said, crossing his arms. “Buffy, you and I are going to fight for the rest of our lives, no matter how much better things get. We’re two very stubborn people- that’s what we do.” She looked down. “I’m sorry if I made you upset and was mean to the boy, but I’m not letting you walk away from me, from this. Once was enough for one lifetime.”

“Can we just go home?” she asked, looking at him. He took a deep breath and nodded before they both went to get their stuff. They left quietly, getting in his car and going home. After pulling up in his driveway, he walked Buffy to her back door.

“Will you forgive me for being a wanker tonight?” he asked quietly, looking at her. She smiled softly.

“Why should I?” she asked, tilting her head. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

“Because I care about you,” he said, looking into her eyes.

“I’ll have to think about it,” she replied, smirking and opening the door. He grinned and watched as she walked inside.

‘And maybe if I learn to bite my tongue and make my girl happy, all of this will work out,’ he thought as he walked to his door.

The next day, Spike walked over to Buffy’s house and knocked on her door. She opened it and raised an eyebrow.

“What’re you doing here?” she asked, surprised.

“Hello to you, too, luv,” he said, smiling. “I’ve come to collect my prize.”

“‘Prize’?” she asked. “What prize? We both lost the bet.”

“Yes, but I was hoping that maybe I could get a condolence prize or something,” he said, putting his hands in his pockets. “Because it’s obvious that people voted for Jonathon out of the goodness of their hearts.”

“Don’t say that,” she replied. “I voted for him, after all.”

“Because you didn’t want me to win,” he said, smiling. “And you didn’t think anyone would vote for him, so it was a pity vote.”

“No it wasn’t,” she said, crossing her arms. “He helped me with my campaign- it was the least I could do for him.” He raised his hands in surrender.

“Fine, I’m not arguing over this,” he replied. “I want a prize.”

“I’m not being a slave for a month,” she said sternly.

“Don’t expect you to be,” he said. “I want a date.” She smirked.

“You want a date?” she asked. “Well, I think I know some girls that might go for you. I mean, there’s that Drusilla chic, and-”

“No, I want a date with you,” he said, smiling. “What do you say, Goldilocks?”

“I say you’re delusional,” she replied. He instantly frowned. “What’s in it for me?”

“Well, if you play your cards right, maybe you’ll get shagged good and proper,” he said, and she blushed before scowling at him. “Only kidding, pet. You’ll get to enjoy the pleasure of my company.”

“And what if I don’t enjoy it?” she asked, intrigued. He smirked at her.

“You can have whatever you want from me,” he said.

“That’s quite a loaded statement,” she replied, leaning against her doorframe. “‘Anything’?”

“Yep, anything,” he said, grinning. “Whatever makes you happy.”

“Fine, I’ll go out on a date with you,” she said. “And if your presence annoys me at any time, I get reciprocation for a night wasted.”

“No matter what, the night will not be wasted,” he replied. “I can promise you that.”

“Fine,” she said. “Take me out.”

“Good, I’ll be back at seven,” he said, turning to go.

“Tonight?” she asked, practically shrieking. “I have homework.”

“Since when do you actually do your homework?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, since… fine, seven o’clock,” she said, going back inside and closing the door.

‘Knew she’d say yes,’ he thought, humming as he walked back to his house.

* * *

“So, where are we going?” Buffy asked as she got in his car later that day.

“Dinner and a movie,” he answered, starting the car. “Sound okay?”

“A classic plan for a date,” she said. “There’s definitely nothing wrong with that.”

“Good,” he replied, heading towards town. “So, how’s your mum?”

“She’s doing well,” Buffy answered. “I think she’s still kind of surprised that we went to Homecoming together.”

“Did you tell her we were going out tonight together, too?” he asked, looking at her.

“Yeah,” she said, shrugging. “No point in lying about it.” He smiled softly. “And how’s Rupert?”

“In the same boat as your mum,” he answered. “But he’s happy I’m trying to patch up things with you.”

“I always liked your dad,” she said. “Very insightful man.”

“You’d be amazed how bloody wise he is,” he replied, smiling. “And Joyce is a hell of a lady- she makes the best hot chocolate in the world.”

“That’s just because she adds those stupid mini-marshmallows you like so much,” Buffy said, smiling.

“Dad won’t buy them for me!” he said defensively. “Your mum is the only one who’ll give me them.” Buffy laughed quietly. “It’s not funny.”

“It’s cute how simple things make you so happy,” she replied, looking outside.

“It’s better that way, isn’t it?” he asked, and she looked at him, confused. “There are a lot more little things in life to make you happy than complex things.”

“Get that from a fortune cookie or something?” she joked, looking outside once again.

“Hey!” he said loudly, chuckling. “I’ll have you know that I got that from Wesley, thank you very much.”

“So more of a fortune tart?” she asked, laughing. “Or a fortune crumpet?”

“Want me to have myself a good time redesigning your car, pet?” he asked, shooting her a look.

“Idle threat,” she said. “I think I proved that I can do more damage than you.”

“How’d you do it, by the way?” he asked curiously. “Disconnect the battery, and all. I didn’t think you knew a thing about cars.”

“I don’t,” she answered, grinning. “But my brain of a best friend does.” He frowned.

“Red did it?” he asked, shaking his head. “And she was the one I thought I could trust the most from your friends.”

“Well, best friends stick together,” Buffy said. “That’s usually the way friendships work.”

‘But not ours,’ he thought sadly.

“Well, at least she didn’t do anything worse to my car,” he said. “I suppose a disconnected battery is pretty trivial.”

“The fact you got your car towed was priceless, though,” Buffy replied. “I knew you’d have no idea how to fix it on your own.”

“I had to pay for it to get towed,” he said, somewhat angry. “I figure you owe me for that.”

“Don’t even lie- your dad paid for it, not you,” she replied. “I don’t owe you a cent.”

“No, but I’d settle for a kiss,” he said, smiling at her.

“Uh uh,” she said, wagging a finger at him with a faux stern look on her face. “I don’t kiss on the first date.”

“Bull,” he said, smirking. “You kissed me after our first date.”

“I was young and dumb,” she lied, looking down, hoping he didn’t see the smile forming on her lips.

“You thought I was the most gorgeous guy you’d ever seen before,” he said. “You couldn’t keep your hands off of me, if I remember correctly.”

“Liar!” she said indignantly. “You’re the one who touched me first.”

“I held your hand,” he replied, annoyed. “You’re the one who sat on my lap and drew random patterns on my abs.” She blushed and giggled as she looked outside. He smiled softly and looked at her. “That was one of the best nights of my life.”

“Mine, too,” she admitted, looking at him.

“Do you think it’ll ever be like that again?” he asked, tilting his head as he studied her.

“Maybe,” she answered. “Tonight’s a good stepping stone, if anything.” He smiled. “Can we eat now? My stomach’s growling.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he replied, waving it off. “How could I forget that you eat all of the bloody time?”

“Do not!” she said, frowning. “I have a high metabolism and can eat as much as I want, whenever I want. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“No, but those of us who pay for your food don’t find it amusing,” he said, smiling. She giggled and looked at him.

“So you’re paying tonight?” she asked.

“Yep,” he answered. “It is a date, after all.”

After leaving the restaurant, they began to walk around the downtown area.

“Do you remember when we used to ride our bikes to the movie theater and sneak in through the back door?” Buffy asked, looking at Spike with a smile on her face.

“That’s because we didn’t have any money most of the time,” Spike replied. “Joyce withheld your allowance whenever we got home after our curfew.” She laughed quietly.

“And Rupert didn’t support us seeing the movies they used to play here,” she added. “If it was PG-13, we weren’t supposed to see it.”

“Even after we were thirteen,” he replied, chuckling. “Been a long time, luv.”

“Yeah, it really has been,” she agreed, linking her arm with his. He smiled at her, surprised. “What?”

“It’s just funny to think that only a month ago, we were fighting like it was our last day on earth,” he said. “So much has changed.”

“Not really,” she replied, shrugging. “We still fight, but not as much as before.”

“That’s probably never going to change,” he said, smirking, and she nodded.

“We’re a lot alike,” she pointed out. “That has to be a major catalyst for it.”

“I think you’re right, pet,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “So, did you have fun tonight?”

“Yeah, it was nice,” she answered. “A lot better than slinging barbs around for hours on end.” He laughed as she smiled at him. “Thank you for this.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, sighing. “It’s the least I can do after everything we’ve been through.” She looked down. “And I know going out to dinner isn’t enough of a reimbursement for you, but I’m really going to try and make things better, Buffy.” She stopped walking and took a deep breath before turning to face him.

“Do you ever think it’ll be like it used to?” she asked. “Or do you think our time apart changed us too much?”

“I know it did,” he said, shrugging. “But I’m not going to let it keep us away from one another anymore.” She nodded and continued walking. “So, we’re friends again?”

“For now,” she answered, winking at him, causing him to grin.

“I can live with that.”

* * *

The next day at school, Spike was surprised to see Gunn and Lindsey waiting for him by his locker.

“What’s up, mates? Do we have a mission this morning?” he asked, opening his locker.

“No,” Gunn replied, smirking. “We just wanted to hear how it’s going with Little Miss Buffy.”

“What’re you talking about?” Spike asked, trying his hardest not to grin.

“We saw you out with her last night,” Lindsey answered, crossing his arms and leaning against a locker. “Are you two dating again?”

“What’s it to you?” Spike asked, looking at him.

“Well, if you’re dating her, I shouldn’t keep calling her a bitch,” Lindsey said, smiling. Spike chuckled and nodded.

“No, we’re not dating,” he answered. “Well, not officially. We’re trying the friends thing again.”

“And is that okay with you?” Gunn asked curiously. “Just being friends?”

“For now, yeah,” Spike said, shrugging. “But I have a feeling it’s going to improve.”

“And you won’t stop until she loves you again, right?” Wes asked, appearing beside him. Spike smiled.

“You know me too well, Wes,” he said, closing his locker. “Come on, let’s go to class.”

“Are you being serious?” Gunn asked, surprised, and Spike chuckled.

“Of course not,” he answered. “Since when do I go to first hour on time?”

* * *

“So, what happened after you left the party?” Willow asked as she walked inside the high school with her friend.

“Came home and slept,” Buffy answered, sighing.

“And you went out with Spike last night,” Cordelia said, suddenly beside them. Willow raised an eyebrow. “I saw you after I left April Fools.”

“You went out with Spike last night?” Willow asked, surprised. Buffy looked down, smiling. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It wasn’t a big deal,” Buffy answered.

“I’d say you hooking up with Spike again really is a big deal,” Cordy said, crossing her arms.

“Were there smooches?” Willow asked excitedly, grinning. “Come on, spill already!”

“No, there weren’t any ‘smooches’,” Buffy answered before giggling. “Well, he did kiss my cheek before I went inside my house, but that doesn’t count.” She paused. “Does it?”

“Were you going to tell us?” Cordy asked, frowning. “Or was it going to be a secret?”

“I was going to tell you,” Buffy said quietly. “Probably.”

“How was it?” Willow asked, tilting her head as she studied her friend. “You two alone again, going out?”

“It was nice,” Buffy replied, smiling as she opened her locker up. “It was like old times.”

“So are you dating then?” Cordelia asked, confused, and Buffy shrugged.

“We’re just friends,” she answered. “For now, at least.”

“So we should expect you two to be all over each other again soon?” Cordelia asked, managing a small smile.

“No,” Buffy said defensively, frowning. “Were we really that bad before?” Cordelia nodded vigorously.

“Yeah, but it was cute,” Willow said, smirking. “And it was nice to see you be happy.” Buffy sighed. “I hope it works out for you two, I really do.”

“Thanks,” Buffy said, grabbing her books. “Me, too.” She took a deep breath. “Come on, I don’t want to be late for first hour.”

* * *

When Buffy pulled up in her driveway after school, she smirked when she saw Spike sitting on her back porch. She got out of her car and slowly approached him.

“Something wrong?” she asked, studying him. He sighed and stood up, putting his hands in his pockets.

“No,” he answered. “Just wanted to see you.” She smiled softly, hoping he couldn’t tell that she was blushing slightly. “And to ask if you maybe want to go out this weekend sometime.”

“Is this going to be a habit?” she asked. “Us going out together to places on the weekends? Like a couple?”

“Do you want it to be?” he asked, a hint of hopefulness in his tone. She went to her door. “A habit?”

“What’s saying you won’t break my heart again?” she asked, taking a deep breath.

“I’m not stupid enough to let you go again, Buffy,” he said sincerely. “I really messed up before, and I’ve learned my lesson. In fact, if I ever hurt you again, I give you permission to do whatever you’d like to me.” She giggled quietly. “I’ll even leave castration open as an option.” She looked at him, smirking. “If anything, it’ll be you who breaks my heart next time.”

“So you think there will be a next time?” she asked, looking down.

“I kind of hope so,” he answered. “But I’m leaving the ball in your court, luv.” She nodded and looked at him after a moment. “Will you give me a second chance?”

“Well, as long as I have the option of castrating you if you hurt me,” she began, giggling. “Yes, I’ll give you a second chance.” He smiled and hugged her close to him. “You promise I can castrate you?” He chuckled and kissed her temple.

“I promise,” he said quietly.

---

A/N There is Spuffyness in the next chapter, I swear. The story is coming to a close with only 2 chapters left to go, but Ashlee and I are posting our newest fic under Goldilocks soon, so be on the lookout for that:)

Buffy ran her fingers through her hair as she looked in her mirror, smiling. Willow sat on Buffy’s bed, watching her.

“I love Halloween,” Buffy said, sighing. “It’s one of the best days of the year.”

“When is Spike coming over?” Willow asked, putting on a black pointy hat and looking at the rest of her witch’s costume. Both girls heard the doorbell ring.

“Speaking of the devil,” Buffy laughed, looking at Willow.

“I’ll go get it while you finish getting ready,” the redhead said, leaving the room and walking downstairs. Buffy closed her door and slid on a fuchsia, pleated mini-skirt, along with a matching bikini top and heels. She smirked as she put on a necklace that said ‘Barbie’ on it before applying lip-gloss and finishing her make-up.

‘I think I look damn good,’ she thought. ‘I may not look like Barbie, but hey- a girl needs an excuse to dress like this sometimes.’

She grabbed a purse and carefully walked downstairs, seeing Spike and Willow standing in her living room.

“Well, don’t you look gorgeous,” Buffy said as she approached Spike. He looked at her appraisingly, grinning.

“You know, the only reason I agreed to dress like a Ken doll tonight was to see how hot you’d look as Barbie,” he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. “And I’d say it was a good idea on my part.”

“I knew you’d be able to pull off the look,” she replied. “Spike in a white t-shirt, Hawaiian-styled board-shorts, and black flip-flops equals perfection.” He chuckled and leaned down to kiss her softly. Willow cleared her throat quietly, smiling slightly.

“Sorry, Red. We should be on our way,” he said, going to the door. “Wes will be happy to see you.” She blushed as she followed the two blondes outside to Spike’s car. “So, tell me, pet- when are you and my cousin going to hook-up?” Willow looked at Buffy, hoping that her friend would say something for her.

“How about we let them figure it out for themselves,” Buffy suggested, winking at Willow, who gave her a grateful look. They got inside his car, and he began to drive towards the Bronze. “So, I was thinking that maybe we could dye your hair back to its original color.” Spike nearly slammed on his brakes as he looked at her with wide eyes.

“Please tell me you’re kidding,” he replied, and she shook her head, smirking. “Why the bloody hell would I do that? I like my hair just the way it is.”

“If you love me, you’ll dye it back,” she said, and he frowned before looking out the windshield again.

“God, I really must be whipped to even consider it,” he said quietly, and both girls giggled. “You two are just messing with me, aren’t you?” Buffy smiled at him.

“Little bit,” she answered, putting her hand on his thigh and giggling when he jolted slightly from her touch. “Just get us there in one piece, please.”

“Maybe I’d be able to if your hand wasn’t where it currently is,” he said, grinning at her before looking in his rearview mirror and seeing Willow’s expression. “Wow, Red, I haven’t seen your cheeks that color since Xander kissed you in kindergarten.”

* * *

As Buffy and Spike slow-danced together about two hours later, he looked down at the girl in his arms and smiled softly.

“Do you really want me to dye my hair?” he asked, and she sighed.

“I want my William back,” she said quietly. “The one who didn’t bleach his hair obsessively.” He kissed her forehead softly. “But if you want to keep it the way it is, I won’t stop you. You look hot no matter what color your hair is.”

“What if I dyed it black?” he asked jokingly. “Or if I became a redhead?”

“Don’t you dare!” she replied, giggling. “If you keep messing with your hair so much, it’ll all fall out.” She laughed louder. “You’d look like Gunn!”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Gunn said, smirking, dancing only a few feet away with Gwen.

“It’s not a bad thing, Charles,” Buffy replied. “You’re a good-looking guy, but I’m used to my boyfriend having hair, is all.” Spike laughed and slowly dipped her back before pulling her hips closer to his. She looked into his eyes as she felt the evidence of his desire for her against her stomach. He saw mixed emotions begin to swirl in her eyes before she leaned up to kiss him softly.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asked quietly, and she took a deep breath.

“Okay,” she answered. He took her hand in his and led them out of the club and to his car.

* * *

They made their way into his house and up to his room quietly, both of them too deep in thought to speak. For the second time in a period of a couple of months, Buffy was grateful that Rupert came home so late at night, allowing her and Spike to be alone for a while. She looked at him as she sat on his bed, kicking off her heels. He sat beside her and took her hand in his, kissing the top of it as he looked into her eyes. She smiled softly at him.

“We don’t have to do anything tonight if you don’t want to,” he said, somewhat nervous. She nodded and looked down.

“I want to,” she replied. “I guess I’m just having a lot of flashbacks suddenly.”

“To the last time we…” he said, cutting himself off as she nodded. “Me, too.”

“It’s not going to end up like that again, is it?” she asked sadly. “You’re not going to have second thoughts about us and tell me to it’s over again, right?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said genuinely, squeezing her hand. “I’m never going to let you go again, luv. I was a stupid kid back then, and I need you far too much now- there’s no way I’m going to let you and I not be together.” She managed a small smile as he leaned over to kiss her.

“I believe you, Spike,” she said, grazing his cheek. “I guess I’m just a little worried.”

“I know,” he replied, looking down. “I can’t blame you, not after what happened last time.” She sighed and nodded.

“I need you, too,” she admitted, looking at him. He saw sincerity in her eyes and smiled as he pulled her close to him and kissed her.

* * *

About an hour later, Spike gently pulled out of her welcoming body as he laid beside her, both of them still slightly panting from the force of their orgasms. He looked at his ceiling with a smirk on his face before turning on his side, facing her, draping his arm across her stomach. She looked at him with a soft expression before pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

“I’ve never had it so good as with you,” he said quietly, looking into her eyes. “You’re my everything, Buffy. You’re practically my bloody salvation.” She giggled and curled up against him. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else in my life, pet, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change.”

“I know what you mean,” she replied, running her hand across his abs. “This feels right with us, Spike.”

“Call me William,” he said, smiling as she looked at him, surprised. “If that’s which version of me you want around, I’ll be him again. Anything for you, my love.” She smiled and leaned over to kiss him again.

“You don’t need to change back to him if you don’t want to,” she said. “And I was just becoming fond of Spike.” He chuckled and held her closer to his body as he kissed the top of her head. “I love both William and Spike equally.”

“I love you, too, Buffy,” he said, looking at her. “I’ll always love you.”

---

A/N I know, I know- I worked around the sex scene (again), but most of you know how much I hate writing them, so I'm sorry. The epilogue will be posted tomorrow, I promise:)

Buffy and Spike went to Cordelia’s house for her annual New Year’s Eve party and met up with all of their friends there. After mingling for a while and sitting around, waiting for midnight to approach, they decided to go outside to be alone and to talk. Spike held Buffy’s hand in his as they walked through the garden in Cordy’s backyard.

“Seems like we were just her last week, bickering over nothing,” Buffy said, smiling at her boyfriend.

“That’s because we were here last week, ‘bickering over nothing’,” he replied, chuckling.

“I was talking about Homecoming night,” she said, leaning into his side as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Seems like so long ago,” he said, sighing. She nodded. “I’m happy it worked out the way it did.”

“Both of us losing our pointless bet?” she asked, smirking.

“I still think I’m the more popular one,” he replied, and she elbowed his ribs playfully. “That bet brought us back together, didn’t it?” She sighed.

“Yeah, I think it did,” she agreed. “Could you imagine what would’ve happened if either of us would’ve actually won?”

“Yeah, you would’ve been my slave,” he said, grinning. “I would’ve made you dress like a French maid everyday.” She looked at him, scowling. “What? It would’ve been sexy as hell.” She giggled quietly. “What would you have made me do?”

“Tons of degrading things, I’m sure,” she answered, laughing at the hurt expression on his face. “You would’ve done the same thing to me, so don’t even look at me like that, mister.” He leaned over to kiss her temple. “I’m happy we both lost.”

“This is probably the only time we’ll both be happy that we’re the losers,” he said, chuckling.

“But we both kind of won something, didn’t we?” she asked, looking at him.

“I won the love of my life back,” he said, grazing her cheek. “I don’t think it gets much better than that.”

* * *

When they returned inside, they both were happy to see that midnight was only minutes away.

‘And then we can go back home and really kick things off right,’ Spike thought, inwardly excited.

They sat on an empty couch, watching a New Year’s special on TV and holding hands.

“Can we do this again next year?” Buffy asked, looking at him. “Be together on New Year’s?”

“Of course, princess,” he said, leaning over to kiss her softly.

“But aren’t you going to school in London?” she asked, confused.

“Even if I was, I’d still be home for the holidays,” he replied, smiling. She raised an eyebrow.

“Wait, you’re not going to move back to the mother country next year?” she asked, and he grazed her cheek.

“No,” he answered.

“Then what are you going to do instead?” she asked curiously.

“I was thinking of going to UC-Sunnydale with you,” he said, grinning as her eyes widened and her arms wrapped around his neck, kissing him intensely. When she pulled back to look at him, he chuckled at the surprised look in her eyes. “Sound okay with you, pet?”

“It sounds perfect,” she answered, still excited. “That’s the best idea I think you’ve ever had.”

“What do you think about us maybe moving in together into our own apartment?” he asked, trying not to sound anxious. She looked at him, smiling.

“You’re all about surprising me tonight, aren’t you?” she joked, kissing his cheek. “I’d love to.”

“Yeah?” he asked, smirking, and she nodded. “It sounds like we’ve got the next step of our future planned out, then, doesn’t it?” She sighed contently and rested her head on his shoulder.

“And it sounds perfect,” she replied.

They noticed that their friends began to quiet down before the one-minute countdown to midnight started. Buffy smiled softly at Spike, who returned the gesture as he took her hand in his.

“I love you, Buffy Summers,” he said sincerely.

“I love you, too, William Giles,” she said, squeezing his hand.

“Think you could love me for the rest of your life?” he asked, and she grinned.

“I know I’m going to love you for the rest of my life,” she said. “Does that work with you?”

“You have no idea,” he replied quietly before promising, “I’m going to love you for all of eternity.”

As their friends yelled “Three…two…one!”, Spike wrapped his arms around his girlfriend and kissed her, conveying how genuine his promise was through the simple gesture, and it was in that one moment when they both realized that what they had together was special- it was forever.


THE END

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A/N I want to thank everyone for the incredibly sweet reviews and support over the last couple of weeks for this fic! I hope this last chapter wasn’t disappointing and that you enjoyed it:) Ashlee and I will be posting “When The Price Is Right” soon, so be ready for that! Thanks again!