*~*A Touch of Jealousy*~* By Echidna

Author's Note: Thanks to Ali for betaing this fic and for supporting it! ;)
Chapter 1:


“Honey! I think Willow is here!” Mrs. Summers called out from the kitchen.

“I’m on it!” Buffy bellowed back as she hopped down the stairs taking two steps at a time. “Hey, Wills!” She greeted the redhead with a huge grin as she opened the door.

“Hey! Xander, Cordy and Oz are waiting in the van. Ready for some Bronzing?”

“Sure!” The blond grinned wildly. She loved Saturday night outings. “Just let me get my coat.”

She walked briskly into the living room and picked up her leather coat that was draped over the coach.

“Angel’s meeting us at the Bronze. Let’s g-“ Buffy was cut off as the phone rang. “Hello?” She started as she picked up the receiver. “Angel, we were just talking about… What? What’s the matter? You’ve got the flu?” she paused and Willow watched as the smile on her face quickly crumbled. “Oh… Ok, then. Sure, don’t worry, just stay at home and… drink lots of fluids. No, I’ll stay home too; don’t really feel like going out if you can’t. Don’t worry, ok? Night.” With a disappointed sigh she put down the receiver.

“He’s not coming?” Willow dared to ask.

“No. Apparently he’s got the flu.” The blond answered disheartened.

“Really? He looked fine yesterday at football practice.” Willow noted.

“Must have gotten it from the guys in the locker room or something. You know, sweating and all, then cold showers and such.” Buffy tried to justify.

“Yeah… must be it.” The redhead replied unconvinced.

“Well, I’m staying then, but you guys go.” The blond said, head bowed and her lower lip jutting out for a pout.

“No way! You’re coming with.”

“Willow, I really don’t feel lik-“

“I don’t care, you need to have some fun. You know, relax through major, all night partying.” Willow stopped when she saw Buffy’s eyebrow cock up. “O-Ok, maybe not all night, seeing as we are seniors in high-school and all but… you know, partying till curfew time.” As she finished her enthusiastic speech, the redhead set her lips in a straight line to emphasize her resolve.

“Willow, I-“

“I won’t take no for an answer.”

Buffy took a deep breath and sighed loudly before speaking:

“Ok, fine. I’ll go.”


~~~~


A cloud of thick smoke engulfed them as the five teenagers walked into the club.

“Ah! The ever familiar and intoxicating air of the Bronze is entering my lungs. I can die a happy man now.” Xander sighed as he sat around the nearest available table.

“I hate this place.” Cordy protested as she practically coughed her lungs out.

“Oh, come on honey. It’s the Bronze. It’s where we-“

“One more word out of you and you’re a dead man Xander Harris.” The brunette threatened.

“Okay.” A small hissing sound came from Xander’s lips as he inhaled sharply, giving his girlfriend his best ‘you’re my queen and I shall do as you command’ look.

”Shutting up now and heading toward the bar to get some much needed refreshments. Orders.”

“Soda.”

“Soda.”

“Soda.”

“Coke.” Willow piped up with a huge grin plastered on her face.

“Three sodas and a coke coming up.”

“Oh, oh… Let’s dance.” The redhead said giddily as she took Oz’s hand and practically dragged him to the dance floor.

“Ok, I think for my best friend’s sake and for all of us present I’ll make that four sodas. No more caffeine for her!” Xander quipped walking away, leaving Cordy and Buffy behind.

An awkward silence filtered between the duo. The truth was that they didn’t really know each other all that well. They had belonged to completely different groups all through junior high. Cordy always belonged with the high and mighty *in* crowd while Buffy mingled with all the rest – mere mortals. It had been that way ever since she could remember, but it had changed during the last summer. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Xander and Cordy had announced that they were an item and ever since then they had been hanging out together. Buffy had come to realise that beneath her popular bitch/queen act, the brunette was actually someone worth knowing. Cordy seemed to have vague, fleeting episodes of humanity in her and that was always a plus. But even so, they had never really gotten a chance to ever have a normal conversation.

So there they were, sitting together, staring into the crowd, trying hard to ignore the screaming silence between them.

“So…” Cordy finally ventured. “Angel didn’t come?”

“No, he’s home, sick. He’s got the flue.” Buffy answered quickly.

“Really? I just saw him earlier today, he seemed fine to me.” Cordelia started.

“Maybe it wasn’t him.” Buffy offered.

“Oh, I go to cheerleading practice every week, I’m pretty sure I can identify the starting quarterback of our school when I see him.” Cordy countered.

Buffy was about to answer when Oz and Willow returned. A strange look was plastered on the redhead’s face. She seemed even paler than usual.

“Willow? Are you ok? What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Maybe we should all just go home.” Willow replied.

“Go home?” Xander’s voice hovered over them as he set the bottles on the table. “We just got here.”

“But, we should just go. I-I’m tired and… I need to go.” Willow’s mind searched frantically for an excuse.

“You’re tired, you were just jumping your ass off on the dance floor, giggling like a madman and suddenly you’re tired and you wanna go home?” Buffy asked.

“Exactly.”

“Willow, what’s wrong?” Buffy could easily read the fear and nervousness in her best friend’s eyes.

“Nothing, lets just go.” Willow insisted as she glanced out of the corner of her eyes.

“Wills, what-“ Buffy stopped in mid sentence as she followed Willow’s gaze. Everyone in the table did the same.

“Hey, isn’t that Angel? What’s he doing with that skinny ho? I thought you two were-“

“Cordy, honey…” Xander interrupted his girlfriend. “Shut up.”

“Angel?” Buffy felt as if the ground had been ripped from under her feet.

She didn’t want to believe her eyes. Angel, her Angel, the Angel that was supposed to be home, in bed, sick, was actually out on the dance floor, arms tightly wrapped around a tall, skinny woman, whose black hair cascaded down her back as she ground her hips against HER boyfriend.

“What…” She couldn’t speak as the lump in her throat grew to the point she thought she couldn’t breathe anymore.

“Buffy, I-I’m sorry… I…” Willow stuttered clumsily as she saw the pain plastered over her best friend’s face.



Chapter 2:



The petite blond watched as the skanky girl nibbled at Angel’s neck while he closed his eyes in a clear sign of pleasure. Slowly, Buffy recognized her; it was the odd vapid ho that hung out with that idiot, Spike and the Goth crowd in school – Dru. As the seconds melted away, the pain gave way to anger and rage.

In a flash, Buffy was up and crossing the dance floor. With all the strength she could muster she gripped Dru by her scrawny shoulder and threw her across the floor.

“What? Buffy? Wha-what are you doing here?” Angel stuttered like an idiot.

“That’s my line!” Buffy growled. “You were supposed to be sick, remember? In bed, with a fever. Not here, groping this trashy ho while she’s sucking on your neck.”

“Hey!” Dru objected. Before she could say anything else, Buffy’s small hands were on her throat.

The two fell to the ground in a violent catfight.

“Buffy!” Willow called out. “Xander, do something?”

“What…? Huh?” The young man snapped out of his daze as his brain overrode the ‘Girl fight, cool.’ sequence of his programming and entered the ‘Buffy’s in a fight, gotta help’ mode.

Grabbing Buffy by her waist, Xander pulled her off a very bashed Dru who could barely sit up.

“Let go of me!” Buffy yelled off the top of her lungs as she wildly kicked the air and her nails dug into Xander’s hand. “I’m gonna kill you!” She continued to bellow.

“Calm down Buffy, this isn’t the way!” Xander tried to explain, but the petite blonde would have none of it.

The rage cursed through her veins, her eyes flashed brightly with fury.

“You’re insane!” Dru screamed as she finally managed to stand up with Angel’s help.

“Get your hands away from-“

“From who? From him?” Dru asked, the arrogance building up in her sharp English accent as she pointed toward the tall quarterback. “He hasn’t been yours for a long time now, sweetie. Do you really think that he would be satisfied with a puny little thing like you. Please. He’s been coming to me, to *my* bed, for months now. Guess you were… how did you put it, Angel? Hum… Frigid!” She hissed. “Did you really think that he’d stay with you? The star quarterback with some insignificant loser. Ha! I had to bite my lip every time I walked by you in school, just so I wouldn’t start laughing at just how incredibly pathetic you are.”

Buffy felt as if the air had just been sucked out of the room and she couldn’t breathe. She opened and closed her mouth repeatedly as she tried to speak, but she couldn’t. All eyes were on her; she could hear the snickering and whispering in the background growing.

“Angel…” she finally managed to whisper.

He simply looked at the floor, never giving her a glance.

“I… I… I have to go.” Buffy breathed as she ran out of the club, tear threading down her cheeks.


****


The moment she passed the threshold of the large door she felt the burden of a hundred eyes on her. She felt like she was in one of those cheesy teen movies, walking in slow motion through the halls while everyone turned to gawk at her, a look of pity plastered on all those faces. She felt her stomach turn and her breakfast quickly crawling its way up her oesophagus.

She slammed her hand against her mouth and made a run for the girl’s bathroom. Once there, she entered the nearest available stall and threw herself into it. Dropping limply next to the toilet, she vomited.

“Uh… Gross!” A high pitch voice was heard from the next stall as the fairly recognizable sound of someone regurgitating filled the room.

Buffy breathed heavily, her head still hovering over the toilet as she waited for the next wave of nausea to take over. She stayed there for a few minutes, waiting for everyone to clear out of the restroom. The ringing of the bell sounded and she imagined having to face all those people again.

By now, the few students that hadn’t been at the Bronze to witness her total humiliation had already heard of all the sordid details.

“God… I hate my life.” She exhaled noisily as she banged her head against the door before standing up.

Slowly, she turned the faucet and let the water run for a while before splashing her face with the crystal liquid. She looked up at the mirror to see her pathetic, soaked expression staring back at her. She shook her head and closed her eyes for a second, searching for the courage to leave that bathroom.

“Let the slaughter begin.” She mumbled pushing the door open and walking down the hall.

“Why if it isn’t Miss goody two shoes?”

She felt the pain in her belly increase drastically at the sound of the familiar London accent. Buffy stooped dead in her tracks, but never turned to face him, instead she waited for the black clad figure to circle her and stand in front of her.

“Late for class are we? Now, what would good old mummy think of that, Betty?” The bleached teen mocked with fake concern in his voice.

“It’s Buffy! What do you want, bleach-boy?” she hissed at him.

“Me? Nothing. Just being polite.” He answered with a cocky grin.

“You? Polite? Ha!” she laughed forcibly as she restarted walking.

He followed her.

“So, what are you doing out of class?”

She stopped and turned to face him with a frown.

‘He doesn’t know?’ was the mantra in her mind as the cocky Englishman shoved his marble white hands into the pockets of his trademark black duster.

“Why don’t you ask your skanky excuse for a girlfriend?” She quipped.

“Hey! Don’t ever call Dru that!” Anger flashed in his eyes.

“Why? That’s what you call people who go around stealing other people’s boyfriends.” She held her chin up as she looked into his eyes.

“What are you talking about, you bint?” He hissed back.

“I’m talking about your *girlfriend* and my *boyfriend* having a major make out session in front of everyone at the Bronze on Saturday.” She talked quickly as the images of that evening flashed before her eyes and served to fuel her anger.

Suddenly, his hands were on her arms and she felt her back slam against the lockers. The bleached teen glared at her, teeth clenched tightly, highlighting his sharp cheekbones.

“You better take that back.” He hissed angrily.

She swallowed hard as she tried to calm her racing heartbeat.

“It’s true.” She never lost face, the words coming out washed in despise and rage.

“You’re lying!” he accused her.

“Apparently, you didn’t know your *sweet* girlfriend has been boning *my* boyfriend.” She answered back.

He closed his eyes for a second as he tried to get his nerves under control and stop himself from beating this girl into a pulp.

“You don’t believe me? Go ask your vampire wannabe of a girlfriend.” She gathered her courage, grabbed his hands and forced him to let go of her arm. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got classes to go to.”

And with that she whirled around and quickly made her way to her next class.



Chapter 3:



“We need to talk.” His voice was sharp and low as he grabbed Dru by her arm and dragged her to the nearest corner.

“Spike! What-“

“Is it true?” He interrupted her. “Please, tell me it isn’t true.”

“What isn’t true, Spike?” She asked with a soft voice as she ran her hand across his cheek.

He closed his eyes for a split second before gripping her hand and pulling it away.

“Answer me!” he ordered.

She took a deep breath and sighed. Making an irritated face she answered simply:

“Yes.”

“What?!” He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“I’ve been with Angel. I was going to tell you-“

“When? When everyone in school already knew about it and were laughing behind my back?” He growled.

“I knew you wouldn’t understand.” She sighed annoyed.

“Bloody right, I don’t! Dru? You’re *my* girl.” He said desperately.

“Not anymore.” She answered plainly.

“But-“

“It’s over Spike, I’m with Angel now. I’m sorry.”

She walked away, leaving him standing there.


~+~


Buffy dragged her feet as she walked.

“They’re all looking at me.” She grumbled.

“No, they’re not.” Willow lied.

“Willow, I’m not blind or deaf.” The blonde rolled her eyes and sighed as she plopped her tired body on the chair setting her tray on the table.

“It’ll all blow over in a couple of weeks, when they get another thing to gossip about.” Oz offered, looking at his plate and trying to identify which of the mounds were the mashed potatoes and which were the meatloaf. He had the feeling that by the end of high school all they would have would be a large puddle of unrecognisable organic matter for lunch.

“I really hope- Oh, God no!” She breathed as she saw Angel walking into the cafeteria, his arms draped across Dru’s skinny form.

“Buffy, just calm down.”

“God, I swear, by the end of the year I’m gonna break something off of him.” The blonde hissed between clenched teeth as she furiously pounded her fork into her food.

“Um… Buffy?” Oz called with his usual monotonic voice. “I’m pretty sure they don’t serve live animals in American high schools for lunch. It’s probably against a whole bunch of laws so, no need to kill it.”

“What?!” Buffy looked at her plate and realised that she had just spread the food all over the table. “Um... sorry. I think I’ve lost my ap-”

A loud banging sound was heard as the trio turned, just in time to see Angel crash into Jonathan, sending them both spiralling over the freshly waxed floor. A very pissed Spike hovered over them.

“You stay away from Dru.” He growled.

Quickly, Angel stood on his feet and towered over the shorter boy.

“Or what?” the quarterback shot back.

Spike’s answer came in the form of a punch and soon someone was yelling off the top of their lungs:

“Fight!”

Masses of testosterone driven teens screamed and cheered enthusiastically, coming to circle the fighting pair as the two exchanged hard blows.

“What is going on here?” A loud booming voice was heard and everyone turned to see principal Snyder standing by the door.

The crowd quickly dispersed to reveal two bloodied up boys frozen in position.

“You two…” He started, the intense pleasure evident as he spoke. “Are getting detention for a week. Now, move it. In my office.”

The two boys still had time to exchange a dirty look as they untangled themselves and walked after the short, bald man.


~+~


“Poor Spike.” Willow sighed as she sat on the bench next to Xander.

“Poor Spike? What about me? Publicly humiliated at the Bronze, remember?” Buffy protested as she walked around in circles in front of her two best friends. “Oh, you too, but…Spike, well… you know, he’s been crazy about Dru ever since I can remember and to see his long time girlfriend going around smooching with Angel can’t be giving him any happy, fuzzy bunny feelings.” Willow tried to explain.

“Who cares about Spike and happy, fuzzy bunny feelings? He’s an idiot and he probably got what he deserved.” Buffy grumbled under her breath.

“As much as I love to despise that bleached foreign freak I have to agree with Willow on this one. Spike’s always been head over heels for Dru; he worships the ground she walks on. No, actually any ground in the near vicinity of that girl!” Xander corrected himself.

Buffy’s response was a heavy sigh paired with an annoyed roll of her green eyes.

“They’ve been together ever since Spike moved here, like two years ago, and you and Angel have only been dating since this summer, you can’t comp-“ Seeing the deadly look the petite blonde was shooting at him, Xander quickly added: “Ok, shutting up now for fear of seriously irreparable head trauma.”

Exhaling sharply, Buffy plopped on the bench, between Xander and Willow.

“God, I hate this school.” She grumbled.

“Buffy, you…” Willow trailed off as she saw a fairly battered Angel walk out into the patio.

Buffy and Xander glanced in the direction of the redhead’s frozen gaze to see Dru running hysterically towards the tall quarterback, wet handkerchief in her hand, ready to nurse Angel’s bleeding lip.

“Kill, kill, kill, kill…” Buffy whispered the demonic mantra, which her friends easily picked up.

The entire patio came to a screeching halt as they saw the infamous bleached Brit walk out a few moments after the quarterback. Everyone froze to see what would happen. Those who expected a big scene or another bloody fist fight were clearly disappointed as Spike simply glance at the couple and walked away with a bowed head as he dug nervously into the pockets of his duster, clearly in need of an extra dose of nicotine.

“You can seriously tell me you don’t feel sorry for the poor guy?” Willow asked incredulous.

“Hum… No?” Was Buffy’s sarcastic answer. “I’m too occupied with hating Angel and that skanky ho to feel any sort of empathy for anyone, specially not that bleached idiot.”

“Why do you hate him so much?” the redhead questioned. She had never quite understood it.

“Ok, need I remind you the first time I met him was when he was pulling my pony tail and screaming off the top of his lungs ‘Fake blond ahead, danger, danger’ ?”

Willow’s eyebrows came together in a painful frown as she remembered the petite blonde’s humiliation.

“Plus he’s so full of himself, and cocky and annoying as hell with that ridiculous accent and stupid bleached head. And what’s with those absurd Billy Idol wannabe outfits? Plus those bizarre combat boots and old as hell duster and… stupid accent. He’s and idiot!” she finished her clearly negative description.

“You said ‘stupid accent’ twice.” Xander noted with a grin, but it soon crumbled as Buffy narrowed her eyes at him.

“I just don’t like him that’s all. He’s made my high school life a living hell since he first came here two years ago.” Buffy stated as the bell rang and the trio stood up and walked to their classes.



Chapter 4:



The days passed and eventually the looks thrown in Buffy’s direction lessened. She walked briskly through the halls, clutching her books against her chest as she looked at her watch. She sighed in relief when she reached her destination and stood quietly peeping through the hole between the large stands. She still caught the last 5 minutes of football practice, cursing under her breath the entire time as she watched the star quarterback run through the field.

“Buffy, there you are!” Willow sighed in relief.

The petite blond jumped up hitting her head on the stand above her.

“Ouch! Willow, what’re you doing here?” Buffy grumbled as she scratched the sore spot on her skull.

“Watching you torture yourself into insanity.” Willow stated tilting her head towards the field.

“I-I wasn’t… I…” She tried to explain but it was no use, she got caught.

“You’ve been following Angel around for weeks now, you have to move on.” The redhead pleaded.

“I’ll move on when I see him on his knees begging me for forgiveness.” Buffy set her mouth in a straight line to show her resolve.

“You still want him back, don’t you?” Willow asked.

“What? No!” The blonde teen answered truthfully. “I just want to seen him suffer and grovel at my feet so I can tell him ‘You’ve missed your chance.’” An evil revengeful glow sparkled in her eyes as she spoke, clearly envisioning her moment of triumph.

“Buffy…” Willow tried to reason with her, but Buffy started walking away.

“Don’t even try to talk me out of this one. I’ll find a way to get him, and until I do I’ll just follow him!”


****


She walked quietly several feet behind him so she would remain unnoticed. She already knew where he was going. It was Friday night, he was obviously going to pick her up. Bastard!

As the dimly lit house came into view, Buffy left the sidewalk and hid behind the tall bushes. She heard the unnatural rustle of leafs and looked up at the nearest tree.

“Oh, God! What a freak!” She whispered to herself at the sight of a bleached teen moving between branches, straining to see what was going on on the front porch of the house.

She picked up a long stem and reached up to poke the Brit on the ass. Startled, Spike lost his balance and tumbled down the tree, falling on his ass with a thud.

“What was that?” They heard Angel ask.

“Probably just the cat.” A clearly feminine voice answered. It was Dru.

Spike looked up to see Buffy cockily towering over him.

“You’re pa-“

A flash of anger coursed through him and in a blink of an eye he was up, his hand covering her mouth his body crushing hers against the tree he had just fallen off of.

They glared silently at one another till Spike felt a sharp pain in the palm of his hand and instinctively pulled his hand away from her mouth.

“Ouch!” He hissed as he checked his hand for any sign of injury. Sure enough he found a small, but deep and flaming red bite mark. “You bit me!”

“You’re pathetic, you know that?” She hissed at him. “Skulking in the dark and spying on your ex.

“I’m pathetic? You mean to tell me you’re not here because you’ve been following the big poofter back there?” Spike countered tilting his head towards the house.

“I-I…”

“You think I don’t know you’ve been walking around the school following him everywhere?” He asked with a cocky grin.

“Well at least I don’t go around climbing trees and making poor little lost puppy eyes every time I see my ex.” Buffy hissed triumphantly.

“I’m love’s bitch and I’m man enough to admit it.” He confessed proudly raising his chin.

Buffy had no quick comeback for that one, so she settled for a pathetic:

“Crazed stalker.”

“I love Dru, I’ve always loved her, ever since I can remember. I’m not gonna lose her to some Yankee ponce.” He stated .

“Oh, now that’s just sad.” The blonde looked at him with pity.

“Like you’re not dying to have you’re big, greased poof back. All he’d have to do is ask and you’d be parting your knees for him.” He growled. But he didn’t have much time to gloat at his not so witty comment as he felt an excruciating pain take over his entire body as her knee connected with his groin.

“Pig!” She snorted, seeing him fall limply to the ground, clutching his privates as he repressed a much-needed howl.

She turned on her heels and walked away.


****


Willow hugged her books against her chest as she walked side by side with Buffy and Oz. She took in a deep breath, exhaling sharply as she entered the familiar building.

“Ah… Monday! Don’t you just love it?” She asked with a huge satisfied grin on her face.

Under heavy eyelids, the blonde threw a glance in her best friend’s direction before shaking her head and sighed audibly.

“You’re in serious need of psychiatric treatment, you know that, right?”

“What? I like school, so?” The redhead shrugged.

“My point exactly. Liking school is one of the clear signs of a very obscure neurological dysfunction that destroys the part of your brain that enables you to distinguish between fun and hard, bad work.” The blonde theorized.

Willow’s right eyebrow cocked up and Buffy continued with a serious tone:

“It’s true. There’s a part of any teen’s brain where we have defined the following logical equation: fun equals good, school equals bad, bad and good are opposites therefore school is the opposite of fun. Hence,” Buffy shook her head emphatically “no happy faces and deep content sighs on Monday mornings, especially at nine am. It’s considered highly pathological otherwise.”

Willow’s brow furrowed further and she finally asked:

“Who are you and what have you done with Buffy?”

The blonde sighed heavily and replied:

“I couldn’t sleep last night. Again! So I stayed up late watching the Discovery channel. Big show on Psychology and Logics, hence the whole theory. Don’t worry, it’ll probably go away in- Spike!” Buffy stopped her explanations as a bleached teen stood in her way and blocked her path.

“Need to talk to you, Betty!” He said with a dry voice, throwing a glance towards Willow and Oz.

“It’s Buffy.” She hissed, rolling her eyes in annoyance. “And I can’t now, I have classes.” She tried to move around him, but he took a step and once again was towering over her.

“It won’t take long.” He grumbled.

It was clear he didn’t want to be there. He scanned the hall and saw the several frowns that surrounded them. It was easy to understand why. Everyone at that school knew the seething hatred that the blonde pair nurtured for one another. Obviously, they expected the usual shouting, swearing and occasional fists flying that usually developed within five minutes of the two being within five feet of each other. This time it wasn’t happening. Why? All the students wondered as they watched Buffy sigh and signal Willow and Oz to go on without her.

“What do you want, bleached-wonder?”

“Talk to you.” He explained.

“I’m here. Talk.”

“Not here.” He frowned, throwing evil glances at all the students that stared at them, before grabbing Buffy by her arm and dragging her out of there.



Chapter 5:



“Ouch! That hurts!” She protested, trying to pull her arm out of his grip but failing. “Let go!” she practically screamed as they rounded a corner and reached the back of the school.

He came to a halt and let go of her arm.

“That hurt, you troglodyte.” She grumbled rubbing her sore arm. She continued a string of curses as she realised that the next day she would have finger-shaper bruises on her bronze skin from his not too delicate handling. “Stupid, idiot, foreign, brainless oaf.”

“Are we done with the cursing, luv?” He asked annoyed.

“No! You’re also a Neanderthal and stop calling me luv.” She protested again. “What do you want?”

“Dru back.” He answered simply.

She paused for a second before speaking.

“Ok, I realise you’re a bit slow and all but…” She began to speak slowly, exaggeration in the articulation of the words: “I. Am. *Not*. Dru.” She tilted her head towards him, as if trying to ascertain if he had understood her.

“Oh, Dru you’re *definitely not*.” He said with a sarcastic tone, which made the petite blonde flinch.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Let’s not go down that road.” He quickly tried to change the subject. If he wanted Buffy’s help, offending her was definitely not the way to get it. “I think we can help each other. You want your big ponce back, I want Dru, we should join forces.” He concluded.

“Two things: I would never, ever join *anything*with you and I don’t want Angel back. I just want him to contract a very painful venereal disease that involves the decaying and falling off of his private parts.” She finished her statement with a huge plastic grin.

Spike couldn’t help but wince at the description. Shaking himself out of that bad place in his mind he spoke:

“You don’t want Angel? You’ve been following him everywhere since you broke up.” The bleached teen pointed out the obvious.

“Just until I find the best way to inflict maximum pain to that cheating bastard.” She explained harshly.

Spike paused for second, pondering the new development. Annoyed, Buffy sighed and began to walk away.

“How about having him head over heels for you again?” He offered.

She cocked an eyebrow, coming to a halt:

“I’m listening.”

“I can help you get him back. Even if you show him you don’t want him, he’ll be grovelling at your feet.” He started to explain.

“Grovelling is good.” She said simply as she waited to hear the rest of the plan.

“And at the same time I can get Dru back.”

“So what do I have to do?” She enquired.

“Pretendtobemygirlfriend.” He said in one breath.

“What?!” she yelped. “Has all that bleach finally sunk into your brain and caused irreparable damage?” She questioned incredulous.

“The moment the 2 of them see us together they’ll go nuts with jealousy. Dru still loves me I know it.” Spike quickly explained.

“What about Angel?” She cocked her head.

“He never could stand seeing me and Dru happy. That’s why he’s after her. If he sees me with you, he’ll want you.”

“You’ve hit your head recently, haven’t you?” She asked sincerely.

“No. I’m telling you it’ll work. Trust me. I know Angel.”

“Trust? You? Oh you’ve definitely lost it pal.” She laughed.

Growling, the bleached teen reached into his pockets and took out a pack of cigarettes, bringing one to his lips and lighting it.

“Hey, hey, hey! No smoking!” She grabbed the cigarette, which dangled from his mouth and dropped it to the floor twisting the sole of her shoe on it.

Spike gave her an evil look, and it was clear he was doing all he could to keep himself from ringing her pretty little neck.

There was a moment of silence. Buffy scanned the outlying football field recognizing the form of the quarterback. In the distance she saw a black clad figure clapping hysterically at each successful pass the teen performed. She felt her stomach twist in disgust. Without turning to look at the bleached boy behind her she asked:

“What do I do?”

“Hang out with me. People have to see us together, holding hands, hugging and such.” Spike explained.

“No, nooooo way it hell!” She shook her head emphatically waving her arms around in a clear sign of disagreement as she turned to face him. “I’m not touching you!”

“You don’t see me hopping around singing ‘oh, joy! Oh, joy!’ either, luv.”

“Ok, deal.” She agreed reluctantly. “But we hang out with *my* crowd.”

“What? No!” It was his turn to shake his head.

“I’m not going anywhere near your monochromatic, Goth pals. No way and that’s final. We do it my way or it’s off.” Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and set her lips in a straight line waiting for his answer.

Eventually, he gave up and shaking his head mumbled:

“Fine, we’ll do it you’re way.”

“Good. When do we start?”

“Hum… tomorrow?”

“Ok, tomorrow we’re officially a couple.”

“One more thing. No one can know about our little deal or it’s off.” He warned her.

“Sure. Otherwise it would defeat the whole purpose of it, now wouldn’t it?”

“Just making sure. No telling Red, or the whelp or anyone!”

“What? Willow’s not gonna tell anyone.”

“I don’t care. No one can know.”

“But…”

“No buts, blondie.”

“Fine!” She agreed looking at her watch. “Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” she cursed. “I’m late!” looking up at him with a deadly gaze she added: “This is all your fault. I hate you!”

“Same here!” He shouted after her, watching her run to her next class.


****


She exhaled sharply as she entered the house, dragging her aching feet on the floor plopping down on the couch with closed eyes and sighing. Her heavy eyelids shot open when she heard a deep male laughter coming from the kitchen.

“Mom…” she whispered to herself, forcing her tired body to stand.

As she reached the threshold of the tiled room her jaw fell to the floor. There, around the isle, sat her mom and…

“Spike?” She asked incredulous.

The Brit muffled his laughter at the sight of the petite blond.

“What are you doing here?” Buffy inquired as she noticed the mug of hot chocolate set in front of Spike.

“You’re friend William came by to get your notes from English class.” Joyce explained standing and walking toward the counter, picking up a kettle. “More hot chocolate?”

“William?” Buffy mouthed the name and could barely refrain from laughing.

The blonde shot her a dirty look before answering her mom.

“No thanks, Mrs. Summers. I’ll just get those notes from Buffy and I’ll be on my way.”

He stood up as he spoke, walking towards Buffy and discreetly, wormed his long fingers around her arm, dragging her to the hall.

“William?” She repeated, this time she wasn’t able to suppress the chuckle.

“What?” He grumbled.

“Sorry, just forgot you were William. It’s just such a…” Buffy pondered her words. “… delicate name.”

Spike forced a plastic smile on his lips for a glimpse of a second before snarling:

“What’s wrong with William?”

“Nothing. Just forget it.” Buffy shook her head. “What do you want, bleach boy?”

“We have to talk about tomorrow.”

Buffy looked over his shoulder and noticed her mom straining to hear what they were saying. She tilted her head toward the stairs and made her way up, with Spike following her close behind.



Chapter 6:



“Speak.” She said entering her bedroom.

Spike remained silent for a moment, scanning her room. A cocky grin settled on his lips as he saw a stuffed pig on her bed.

“What?” she asked annoyed.

“Nothing.” He mumbled, shaking his head.

“So, what about tomorrow?” She sighed audibly.

“We have to figure out the details.”

“Such as?”

“What do we tell your buddies?” he offered.

“That a piano landed on my head and suddenly going out with you doesn’t seem as revolting as it should?” She quipped looking up at him with a boastful grin.

“You’re cracking me up, luv.” He grunted sarcastically.

Sighing heavily, she let herself fall on her bed.

“I don’t know what to tell them.” She mumbled as she stared up at the ceiling.

“Well, we have to come up with something convincing.”

She turned her head towards him and made a face.

“I don’t think this is such a good idea anymore.”

“Oh, come on, Betty! You can’t back out now. It’s just for a few of days. If I can stand it so can you. I mean, don’t you want to have the poof grovelling and drooling over you. Just imagine him on his knees begging for you to come back to him and you telling him to get a life in front of the whole school.” Desperation was clear in his voice.

Images matching the description the blonde had made flashed before her eyes and she felt the overwhelming rush of power and vengeance course through her veins. She exhaled sharply and sat up on the bed.

“Ok! I’ll do it.” She agreed, causing Spike to sigh in relief. “But first you are definitely going to have to memorise my name. It’s Buffy. Get it through that bleached head of yours. Bu-ffy. It’s not that hard.”

He nodded and sat down on the bed next to her.

“Now… about the guys. I’ll just tell them that… I changed my mind. I don’t know. I’ll just say that…” She looked up at the ceiling as she pondered. “I got it!” She piped up triumphantly. “I’ll say that I was being mugged and that you came in the nick of time and saved me. Brilliant!” She congratulated herself.

“And you think they’ll buy it?” He asked a bit suspicious of their plan.

“They’ll have to.” She shrugged. “Now, one thing’s important, we can’t just announce all of a sudden that we are… you know…” Her index finger danced between them , alternating between pointing at him and at herself.

“Snogging?” Spike offered.

“Yeah.” Buffy rolled her eyes. “It’ll have to take time. Be gradual. Otherwise no one’s gonna go for it. I mean, everyone at that school knows we hate each other’s guts.”

“But that way it’ll take forever.” Spike protested.

“I know Willow and Xander, they won’t go for it if it’s any other way.” She insisted.

“Fine.” Spike reluctantly agreed. “So what do we do tomorrow.”

“We take it slow. You’ll sit with us at lunch. Something like that. No touching, no nothing. Just friendly talking.”

“What do we talk about?”

“I don’t know. We’ll figure it out as we go along.”


****


Joyce Summers let out a deep sigh as she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. They were out of her room, finally. Thank God! She was really starting to feel very uncomfortable with her daughter being in a room alone with a teenage boy.

“So, did you get the notes?” She tried to act nonchalant about it.

“What?”

“The notes you needed from Buffy?”

“Oh, those! Yes, Mrs. Summers.” Spike answered promptly.

An awkward silence filtered between the three and Buffy was the one to break it:

“Well, you gotta go do that… thing. Don’t you?”

“Hum… Yeah! I do. Gotta go. I’m actually late.” He said quickly heading for the door. “Thanks for the hot chocolate, Mr. Summers and good evening.”

Buffy closed the door behind him and turned to jog up the stairs when she heard her mom clear her throat in the international Mom-daughter code for ‘We need to talk’. Sighing audibly, the teen came down the steps and entered the kitchen after her mother.

“Buffy, what was your idea taking that boy up to your room. I mean, he’s a nice boy and all, but you know what I’ve told you about boys in your room. It’s strictly forbidden, I don’t-“

“Mom, calm down. We weren’t doing anything. I promise.” Buffy guaranteed. “We were just talking.”

“It doesn’t matter, you can’t have boy in your room. You never know what might happen and…”

“Believe me, nothing was or will ever happen between me and Spike. I guarantee you. I’m *definitely* not his type.” Buffy tried to explain to her mother.

“What do you mean not his type?” Joyce enquired.

“Just trust me on this one.” Buffy spoke as she recalled the strange affection the bleached teen had for Dru. She had never really understood it. It just seemed psychotic, he followed her everywhere, was constantly concerned with her well being, papering her and doing everything she asked of him. It seemed like an obsession. “I’m definitely *not* his type.”

“Oh!” Her mother brought her hand to her lips as a realisation struck her. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know he was…” Joyce pondered her words carefully.

“He is mom.” Buffy admitted, as she thought her mom was referring to his being totally head over heel over another girl.

“Oh, in that case it’s ok.” Joyce agreed as she returned to her dishwashing.

“What’s ok?”

“Him being in your room. If he’s gay he’s like a… girlfriend.”

Buffy’s eyes widened.

“What? Mom, he’s not-“

She was cut short as the phone rang. Quickly she went to pick it up, making a mental note to talk to her mom and make sure she got things straightened out.


****


Willow mindlessly shovelled her food around in her plate, her eyes scanning the cafeteria. Suddenly, they widened as she saw a certain bleached teen heading their way and eventually sitting next to Buffy, dropping his tray next to hers.

“Hey!” he greeted.

Everyone at the cafeteria froze, including Xander; his fork dangling from his lips.

“Hey!” Oz calmly replied.

Buffy braced herself as she noticed the questioning looks Willow and Xander were shooting at her.

“Hello, Spike.” She piped up in a low voice; her eyes never diverting from her plate. It wasn’t a very pretty sight, but at least it kept her safe from the hundreds of eyes that fell upon her.

“So…” The Brit tried to start up a conversation, but it seemed impossible considering the near catatonic state Willow and Xander were in.

“So…” Oz repeated. Outstretching his hand he introduced himself. “I’m Oz.”

“Spike.” Spike replied shaking his hand.

“I know.” Oz stated.

The silence at the table seemed heightened by the low whispering that now plagued the cafeteria.

“Why are you here?” Willow finally managed to snap out of her daze.

“Just felt like sitting with the damsel in distress here.” Spike answered shovelling the food into his mouth.

“Damsel in distress?”

“Yep. Betty-“ Spike winced as Buffy kicked him under the table. “Hum… Buffy, here was being mugged on her way home and…” Spike glanced towards Xander only to realise that a fork was still dangling from his mouth. “Ok! That” he pointed at the boy. “Is really starting to freak me out. Is it normal?”

Immediately, Xander pulled the fork out of his mouth and set in on the table.

“Anyway, I happened to be passing by and was her knight in shining armour.”



Chapter 7:



“You saved Buffy from being robbed?” Xander finally asked.

“Oh, he can speak.” Spike mocked sarcastically. “And yep. Beat him up real good. And he wasn’t small either. Big, beefy, six feet and a half. Huge, giant- Ouch!”

He winced as Buffy once again aimed the heel of her boot to the sensitive flesh of his shin.

“He’s exaggerating.” The blonde intervened giving the table a wide, plastic smile.

“No, I’m not. He was huge and he had a gun-“

“No, he didn’t!” She cut him off shooting fireballs from her green eyes.

“Yes, he did. You just didn’t see it.” Spike insisted.

“No, he didn’t.”

“Yes, he did.”

“No, he –“

“Someone please stop them.” Oz pleaded monotonically.

“I-I think that the important thing is that you’re safe and nothing bad happened.” Willow, ever the diplomat intervened.

The two blondes eyed each other in disgust, eventually returning their attention to their plates. The rest of the meal was spent in an awkward silence.

“Well, we better go.” Buffy suddenly stood up as the stillness finally got to her.

“Yeah. Classes and all.” Willow agreed following Buffy and leaving the three men alone to stare at each other.


~+~


“What were you thinking?” Buffy shrieked as she strode quickly down the road.

“I was just doing what you told me to.” Spike defended himself as he quickened his pace to catch up to her.

“Six feet and a half? And with a gun?” She stopped to look at him, incredulous.

“What? So I embellished.” He admitted.

“Embellish? You call that embellish?” She asked with a frown. “I think you should buy yourself a dictionary because *that* was definitely not embellishing.

Embellishing doesn’t even begin to cover it. I mean, do you honestly think that they would believe you. How dumb do you think they are?” She saw the cocky grin starting to spread over his lips and quickly added: “Don’t answer that.”

With a loud sigh she began walking again, her house coming into view at the horizon.

“I wanted to make the story a little more interesting.” Spike tried to explain himself.

“Interesting? I thought we were aiming for believable.” She snarled as she continued to make her way home without dispensing him a glance.

They walked briskly and reached the front porch of her house.

“Look, I’m sorry, alright?” He apologized.

“Sorry?” She started but he interrupted her.

“Ok, could you please stop repeating every word I say? It’s really starting to get to me.”

“Grrr…” She growled pushing the door open and entering the house.

She stomped her way up the stairs and into her bedroom with Spike trailing behind. Her hand automatically reached for the hem of her shirt when she glanced at him with an annoyed look.

“Do you mind? I’m trying to get undressed here.”

“Oh! Sorry, luv! I’ll just wait downstairs.” Spike said awkwardly heading down the hall.


~+~


Angry footsteps echoed through the house as she made her way down the stairs.

“What are you still doing here?” She asked as she saw the Brit sprawled on her couch, TV remote in his hands as he mindlessly flipped through the channels.

“You’ve got cable.” He noted without looking at her.

“I know that. It’s my TV; it’s my living room, my house. What are you still doing in it?” Her words oozed with sarcasm as she stood there, arms folded over her chest.

Spike turned his head and glanced at her before returning his attention to the screen.

“We don’t have cable at home. Da thinks TV is a bad influence. Wants me to read books instead.” He mumbled.

Buffy stomped her way to the middle of the living room, standing between the Brit and the TV.

“You’re blocking the view, luv.” He grumbled looking up at her.

“Glad you noticed, it was the point. What are you still doing here?”

Sighing audibly, Spike sat up and turned off the TV.

“Talk about tomorrow.”

“What about tomorrow? Spike, wake up. It’s over! It didn’t work.” She tried to make him see.

“Of course it did.” He disagreed.

“What reality were you in? Cause in mine people were staring at us like we were two green eyed freaks or something. Everyone knows we hate each other. It’ll never work.” She maintained.

“It’s going to work.” Spike insisted standing up.

“Ok. Which part didn’t you get? Cause I can explain it again if you need me to.”

“I need to make this work, Bet-“

“IT’S BUFFY!” she screamed waving her hands in the air and trudging her way into the kitchen, leaving him behind.

After a few seconds, the Brit was in the tiled room, leaning against the fridge.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled.

She just stood there, a warm mug of hot chocolate in her hands, watching him with an annoyed expression.

“I need for this to work…” he started after swallowing hard. “I-I need her back. I need Dru with me or…” The words chocked in his throat.

Somewhere, deep inside, she felt a hint of pity for the poor guy, but before she could stop herself, harsh words escaped her parted lips:

“You’re not gonna cry, are you?”

Spike froze, feeling as if someone had just punched him hard in the stomach. Looking up, he narrowed his eyes, instant anger flashing in them. Without a word, he turned on his heels and exited the house, slamming the door behind him.

She stood there for a second, a pang of regret causing her to ponder going after him. In took a few seconds, but eventually it disappeared and she turned towards the sink to wash the cup in her hands.



Chapter 8:



Buffy let her head fall limply to the desk, while in the background Mrs. Finch’s monotonic voice rambled on about the importance of mining being reflected in the prevalence of Crown rights over mineral wealth throughout much of Europe.

“God! Just kill me now and end my suffering.” She mumbled between clenched teeth.

As if someone had answered her prayer the bell rang out. In a flash, the petite blonde straightened up, looking wide eyed at the round clock up on the wall.

“It’s miracle!” she sang out, gathering her books and stuffing them into her backpack. “I survived! Thank God this Friday’s over”

“You really do hate history, don’t you?” The redhead asked as she waited for her friend.

“More than anything in the entire world.” Buffy answer as she walked out of the classroom followed by Willow. The small blond came to a halt as she saw the familiar bleached teen further down the hall. “Correction: it’s the second thing I hate most in the world.”

Willow sighed audibly as they made their way down the large corridor stopping by Buffy’s locker.

“So we are back to hating Spike?” The redhead asked.

“What?” the blond teen asked absentmindedly as she rummaged trough the contents of her locker.

“Hating Spike. Back on the priority list?”

“Oh, top priority! I’m definitely over my momentary lapse of reason on that one.” she nodded emphatically handing her books to Willow. “Hold these for a second.”

“Good, cause that little episode in the cafeteria yesterday just seemed… wrong.”

Buffy smiled reaching to take the books back from her best friend when the conversation going on a few feet away from them caught her attention.

“Come on, luv. Just for a second. I need to talk to you.” Spike’s begging tone made Buffy’s stomach crunch up as she turned to see the blonde teen leaning on the row of lockers lined up against opposite wall of the corridor.

She watched as the bleached Brit pleaded with an unyielding, black clad Dru.

“Please, just for a sec. I just need to talk to you, luv. Please!” He practically implored while the dark haired girl remained unaltered, arms crossed over her chest, staring annoyed into nothingness, occasionally letting out a disgusted sigh.

“Are you done yet? I told you Spike. It’s over I have nothing to say or hear from you. Get a life already, you’re starting to border on extremely pathetic.” She spat out turning on her heels to leave while everyone in the hall eyed the public humiliation of the Brit. But he didn’t care. He needed to talk to her, get some sense into that pretty little head of hers, so he grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.

“Please, luv…” He begged once again.

“Let go of me!” Dru bellowed freeing her arm from his grip. “I-“

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.”

The entire hall froze in place, watching the petite blonde snake her arms around Spike’s and give him a light peck on his chiselled cheek. Turning to Dru with a wide grin o her face Buffy greeted politely:

“Hey, Dru!”

The dark haired girl’s response was a deep frown, while Spike simply gawked at the small that now held hands with him.

“Well, we better go.” She said, practically dragging a dumbstruck Spike by his hand as she made her way down he hall. “Bye, Dru.” She waved lightly at Willow as she passed her by. “Bye, Willow. I’ll call you later.”

The redhead was left behind, gawking at the odd couple, her jaw glued to the floor along with everyone else’s.


~+~


Her arms snapped away from his the moment her feet touched the concrete on the other side of the street, away from prying eyes. She cringed a bit and doubled her pace as she noticed the bleached teen still staring at her. After a few painfully silent steps she came to an abrupt halt and turned to face him.

“What?” Buffy asked trying to sound as annoyed as she could, but the dominant emotion in her was definitely unease.

He cocked his head and his lips curled to one side for a light smile. Nodding, he said softly, setting his mouth in a straight line:

“Thanks, luv.”

She was a bit thrown by his reaction, it actually bordered on sincere. This was novelty. She shook her head nervously as if trying to push down the strange feeling that crept up her spine.

“You’re welcome, but don’t expect me to do that for you again anytime soon. I can feel a strange allergic reaction coming just from touching you.” She tried to sound convincingly disgusted but failed miserably and she could tell he wasn’t buying it as his trademark smirk crept over his lips.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and restarted to walk alongside her.

“Whatever you say, pet.”

“And don’t call me pet!” She snapped at him as a deep frown settled over her eyebrows in a frustrated attempt to emphasize her discontentment.

“Sure, luv.”

There it was again! On his face! That stupid, obnoxious, cocky grin that was making her… nervous? What?! No! Stupid, obnoxious, cocky grin was supposed to make her angry, disgusted not… nervous. Never nervous. Buffy kicked herself mentally as she realised too much time had passed since his last reply for her to come up with a successful comeback. “Stupid distracting grin!” she thought to herself as she kicked a pebbled that laid in her path.

Once again they walked in a nerve-racking silence, making her fidget with the straps of her coat. Suddenly, she whipped her head around to face him.

“Why are you here?” She asked out of nowhere.

“Because my da and mom were really horny about 18 years ago?” He offered with a smirk.

“Stupid, distracting… Concentrate!” She scolded herself mentally.

“Oh, you’re funny!” She replied sarcastically.

He smiled at her and eventually answered her question, matter-of-factly:

“Walking my girlfriend home.”

Somehow, that simple phrase made it impossible for her to control her breathing and swallowing at the same time and she was practically coughing her lungs out as she choked.

“Are you ok, luv?” He asked a bit concerned as he watched her bend over, trying hard to breathe.

At his question, she looked up at him, flushed face, shooting daggers at him.

“Don’t *cough*… call me *cough*cough*…”

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence as another onslaught of coughs took over her.

“Here. Drink some of this.” Spike handed her a silver flask and without thinking the petite blonde tilted into her mouth, spilling its contents down her throat. It took a few seconds for her brain to register the strong burning sensation that seemed to smoulder her entire oesophagus. Instantly, she dropped the flask and restarted another coughing fit. Spike watched in panic as the petite blonde’s face changed from red, to purple, to blue and finally back to infuriated scarlet as she began to scream at him:

“ARE YOU INSANE? WHAT THE HELL WAS IN THAT THING?”

“I-“

“Do you want to kill me? Is that it? I know we hate each other but…” The anger built so far up that she wasn’t even able to construct coherent, logical sentences anymore, so she simply started to march her way down the street and up the steps of her front porch with a panicked Spike trailing closely behind.



Chapter 9:



Spike watched with a deep frown over his eyebrows as Buffy, with her head tilted backwards, vigorously gargled before spitting into the kitchen sink. She turned to face the bleached teen with a disgusted look still plastered all over her face.

“God, I can’t-“ spit “get that horrible” spit “taste out of my mouth.” She whinged, moving towards the refrigerator.

She quickly picked up the first available bottle, tilted its content into her mouth, gulping loudly as the liquid passed her throat. Setting the glass on the table she waited for a second, smacking her lips together and cringing as she realised the awful taste was still in her mouth. It was no use and with a resounding sigh she plopped down on a nearby stool.

Spike remained at the doorway, leaning slightly into the wooden frame there. After a few moments, Buffy looked upwards throwing him a murderess glance.

“I hate you.” She grumbled as she smacked her lips together once more.

“Same here, Betty.” He answered, crossing his arms over his chest.

She opened her mouth to protest, but gave up half way. She was too tired. It was Friday afternoon and she’d had a full week, she just didn’t have the energy to spar with the annoying Brit. So she chose to remain there, perfectly still, occasionally letting out a sigh or two in the feeble hope that he might take a hint and simply leave. To her misfortune he did no such thing. On the contrary, in a sluggish pace, with the same exasperating grin plastered on his face, he made his way to the counter and took a stool opposite to hers.

“What do you want, bleach boy?” She grumbled as she held her head between her hands, her fingers buried in her blonde strands, her eyes staring down at the whiter counter. Before he had a chance to answer, she let out a heavy a sigh and looked up to stare at him under hooded eyes. “Why do you insist in torturing me? Just go. Go. Away. Be free.” She waved a tired hand at him, but he paid no attention to it.

“You know it’ll work. That’s why you helped me out today.”

“No, I helped you out because the spectacle was just so painfully pathetic, that it just wasn’t fun to watch anymore.” She replied, standing up, taking the bottle into her hand and placing it back in the refrigerator. She turned and leaned on its door as she continued: “Are you a masochist or something? Is that it? Cause I can’t understand why in God’s name you would put yourself through that embarrassing public humiliation just for her. What do you see in that skanky vapid-“

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence as the bleached teen was on his feet and towering over her small form in an instant.

“You hold your tongue when you talk about her.” He growled between clenched teeth.

A hint of fear sent a chill down her spine as she looked up at him, but her facial _expression never testified to it. Her strong, obstinate look was still on and it didn’t falter for a second, even though she couldn’t help letting out a small sigh of relief when he backed away moments after:

“Look, I’m sorry… I- Just don’t talk about Dru that way.” He finally managed to say as he moved back to the counter to lean on it.

With her hands held up in the air in a sign of surrender she moved away from him and replied:

“Fine.”

They stayed in an awkward silence for a few desperate minutes, both trying hard to find a topic that would put an end to their torment. Spike was the first to try:

“So…”

“So…” she replied.

“What about the plan? Is it back… on?” He dared to ask.

She couldn’t help but smile slightly.

“You really like her that much, huh?”

He simply nodded. It wasn’t necessary for him to say anything. Sighing once more, she shook her head as she couldn’t believe what she was about to say:

“Ok. Fine. I’ll do it.” She grumbled in a low voice.

An instant spark flashed in his eyes.

“What?” He asked incredulous.

“Are you deaf or something?”

He shook his head.

“I said I’ll do it, ok?”

In a flash he was off the counter and had his arms wrapped around her, smashing her small form against his chest in the process. Buffy froze, her paralyzed arms were glued to her sides, her blonde head popping out just over his elbows. She didn’t know what to say. She was in shock. Eventually, when she realised he wasn’t going to let go of her any time soon, she dared to pipe up:

“Hum... Spike? What are you doing?”

The simple question was enough to bring the teen down from his heightened emotions and in an instant he let her go, took a step backwards and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his duster in an awkward motion.

“Sorry. Wasn’t thinking.” He apologized.

“Next time you have an euphoria-induced brain spam, let me know, ok?” She said with a deep frown on her forehead.

He simply nodded and slumped back onto the stool.

“Why are you sitting down?” she asked, giving him a discontent glance, a perfectly shaped eyebrow cocking up.

“Hum...” He mumbled confused. “We have to plan.”

“Plan what?”

“What we are going to do tomorrow. You know. How we are supposed to act.” He tilted his head to emphasize that he was stating the obvious.

“Oh...” She frowned for a moment, pondering which would be the limits and finally answered: “We’ll walk together and hold hands.” And with that she turned around and concentrated on washing the two dirty dishes that her mom had left in the sink.

“Hold hands? That’s it?” He asked incredulous, coming to stand next to her.

Buffy’s eyes were fixed on the plate she held in her hands. Scrubbing it incessantly as the nervousness took over.

“Y-Yes.” She replied in a faltering tone.

“Oh, come on! Dru and Angel are never going to believe it if they don’t see some snogging.” He protested.

“Hey! I’m not going to-“ She struggled with the strange word as the jitteriness seemed to affect her ability to speak coherently. Finally, she managed to yelp as she shook her head emphatically: “There will definitely be no snogging. And there will be no one watching me and... you and... I- NO SNOGGING!” Her eyes dropped to the sink. ‘Damn it! No more dishes! What do I do now?’

Spike smiled as he realised what she was thinking.

“Snogging, luv. It means making out, french kissing. Nothing else.”

“Oh...” She sighed in relief when suddenly realisation came. “Wait! You want me and you to kiss? French kiss?!”

Spike nodded.

“Oooooh no! No way! I wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole, let alone let you stick your slimy tongue down my throat. Yuck.” Her face contorted and cringed in all sorts of ways as she walked about the room, nervously searching for something to ocuppy herself with.

“We’re just supposed to hold hands?! They’ll never believe it and you know it!” He insisted.

“I. Am. Not. Kissing. You.” She said flatly.

“But-“

“Take it or leave it!” She stood tall, her chin held high in a sign of resolve and he couldn’t help but sigh, shaking his head as he mumbled.

“Fine... We’ll hold hands...”

Chapter 10:



“What do you mean she walked away with him?” Xander asked incredulous, staring wide eyed at the redhead who walked alongside him.

“I mean she just slid her arm around his and dragged him out of school .” Willow explained for the 100th time.

“And you haven’t spoken to her the whole weekend?” The teen continued to question.

“Nope. Tried to call her but no one answered.”

“But-“ Xander trailed off as the subject of their discussion came up from behind the duo.

“Hey, guys.” Buffy greeted with little enthusiasm.

“There you are! Where were all weekend?” Willow questioned as they continued to walk down the hall.

“Don’t ask. My mom’s maternal instinct decided to kick in full force this weekend. End result, some major mother/daughter bonding overload. Had to spend the whole time going through family photo albums, cooking and baking lessons. God! She even felt the need to chit-chat about those little fornicating birds and bees. If I have to her my mom say the word penis one more time I swear I’ll shoot myself.” Buffy cringed as she remembered a few gory details.

“Sorry to hear that.” Willow gave her best friend a sympathetic look and Buffy sighed.

Suddenly, looking more closely, she realised everyone in the hall was gawking at her.

“Oh God! Do I have like a giant pimple on my face?” Buffy asked in a panic, to which Xander and Willow both shook their heads. “Then why is everyone staring at me?”

“Maybe because of the weird Spike-loving event back on Friday afternoon?” Xander offered with a hint of sarcasm.

“Oh, that...”

“Yes, that! I thought we were back to “hating Brit boy’s boney ass” mode.”

“Well, we-“

Buffy wasn’t able to finish her sentence as two strong, long arms wormed their way over her shoulders to settle over her waist and a hard chest now pressed against her back. ‘A definite male chest!’ Buffy mentally noted. Before her brain had time to question who it belonged to, a low, whispering voice in her ears gave her the answer.

“Morning, luv.”

Buffy’s froze, her heart seemed to leap up to her throat, while Willow and Xander’s eyes were just about to pop out of their sockets.

“Hey...” she greeted back with much less enthusiasm.

She could feel herself blushing, her skin heating up. ‘God, this is just so strange. WRONG! WRONG! Go away! Don’t touch me! Yuck!’ A squeaking voice screamed in her head, but she forced it into the background as she put on her best imitation of a smile.

“So, how are you?” She asked as she turned her head to face him, his arms still wrapped around her, her back still glued to his front.

“I’m fine.” The Brit answered.

Buffy was suprised to find a perfectly calm and cool Spike grinning back at her. For a second she seemed to zone out and when she was back to full attention the last thing she heard was:

“...do you have now?”

“Huh...? What?” The petite blond asked, shaking her head as she realised she was still staring up at the teen who was now idly playing with the edge of her shirt. ‘Stupid distracting smirk!’ She thought as she turned to face Xander while Spike repeated his question:

“What class to you have now, luv?”

“Hum...” Buffy struggled with her memory, but for some strange, disturbing reason, the feel of his chest and his legs pressing against her back seemed to block all her thinking abilities. Thankfully, a life-saving Willow intervened.

“We’ve got History.”

“Yes! History!” Buffy repeated as the bell rang.

“Well, see you in third period. We’ve got English together, right?” Spike enquired as his arms slid away from her and his body untangled itself from hers.

“Hum...” ‘Think stupid! Think!’ she ordered her brain. “Yes, I-I think we do.”

“See you later then.” He shouted as he made his way down the hall, leaving three dumbstruck teens behind.

“What. The Hell. Was that?” Xander tried to ask as calmly as he could manage.

“Uh... It’s... Hum...” Buffy struggled. “We better get going, don’t want Mrs. Finch on our cases. See you later, Xander.” She shouted as she quickly made her way to her next class, a confused Willow trailing behind her.

“But-“ Xander was left standing in the middle of an empty hall as the two girls sneaked into their class room.


~+~


Buffy stared at the small, crunched up piece of paper lying on her desk. Written in small black letters, she read:

“What was that all about?”

She looked up and to her right to find a wide eyed Willow staring back at her.

“Later.” The petite blond mouthed.

“Miss Summers!” Mrs Finch’s voice hovered over the class and everyone turned to gawk at the offending teen.

“Sorry, Mrs. Finch.”

The elderly woman nodded slightly and returned to her dull rambling about the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the social structure of the British society. When she realised she was off the hook, Buffy turned to whisper:

“I’ll tell you later, I promise.”


~+~


The bell rang and, in a flash, Willow was standing next to Buffy, books pressed against her chest, eyes staring widely at her friend, anxiously waiting for an explanation.

“What’s happening, Buffy?” The redhead asked as her patience ran out.

The petite blonde paused for a moment when she finished packing her books and looked up at her best friend. She really didn’t want to lie, but she had promised. The teen swallowed hard and, in one low and quickly breath, worded:

“Spikesmyboyfriend.”

With that she quickly made her way to the door.

“What?!” A stunned Willow shouted after her.

Buffy never had a chance to answer as she entered the hall she bumped into someone, her books tumbling to the floor.

“I’m sor-“ She stopped in mid sentence as she finished gathering her books and looked up to find a black clad Dru staring arrogantly down at her.

“Watch where you’re going!” She snapped.

“I said I was sorry.” Buffy apologized as she stood up straight.

With a chesty turn of her head, the black clad teen walked away, leaving the two best friends alone to talk.

“Explain.” Willow said simply.

“Spike and I are going out.” Buffy tried to sound as nonchalant about it as possible.

“Since when?”

“Since... Last Friday.”

“How?”

“We figured out that we have a lot in common.”

“Like what?!” Willow promptly asked.

“Like... I don’t know... A lot of stuff. Like...”

“An intense reciprocated loathing for one another?” Willow offered with a hint of sarcasm.

Buffy shook her head as she opened her locker.

“I can’t explain it to you. We’re together now. Things changed.”

Willow opened her mouth to say something, but Buffy cut her off.

“Just trust me, Willow. I know what I’m doing.”

And with that the bell rang and the two teens headed their separate ways.


~+~


Buffy nervously tapped her pencil on her desk as she heard the teacher read the same poem for the second time. Every once in a while she dared to throw a glance in the bleached teen’s general direction and almost every time she found him scribbling something on his notebook. What did he write in that damned thing. Every Monday morning was the same thing. He’d come into class, sit in his place and just scribbled away the whole time. Could he be taking notes? In English class? Buffy shook her head as the ringing of the bell snapped her out of her thoughts. She was putting her books into her backpack when she saw someone approaching her from the corner of her eyes.

“Ready to work on your acting skills, pet? Cause you sure as hell are long way from an award winning performance. What was all that staring about back in the halls, by the way?” He asked.

“What staring? I don’t stare.” Buffy said simply as she continued to stuff her things into the bag, before turning to leave the classroom.

“Whatever.” The teen sighed as he snaked his arm around her waist.

“Hey!” she instinctively slapped his hand away from her.

“You better get used to it, luv. Our overnight passion won’t look very believable if you keep jumping up every time I come near you, now will it?” He asked tilting his head.

Buffy rolled her eyes and sighed, taking his hand in hers she dragged him out of the classroom and into the hall where everyone turned to look at the odd couple.

“They’re staring. They’ll never believe this.” Buffy said between clenched.

“They’ll believe it. Trust me, pet.” He answered her in the same fashion.

“This is a stupid plan. It’ll never work.” She grunted stopping in front of her locker and opening it.

“Will you stop being so- Your palls are coming our way.” He warned her as he watched Willow, Oz and Xander coming down the hall.

“Oh, great! More questions. God, I hate my life!” She grumbled as she closed the locker and turned to smile at her friends. “Hey, guys!”

“Hey!” Xander greeted back, eyeing Spike as the bleached teen once again wormed his hands around Buffy’s waist.

“How was Math?” Buffy asked as she tried to break the odd silence that began to form between the group.

“Painfull.” Was Xander’s short answer.

“Oh...”

Silence. Incredibly uncomfortable silence. Oz was the only one who didn’t seem affected by the strange situation. He idly played with one of Willow’s auburn strands as he scanned the hall. It wasn’t hard to realise everyone was staring at the small group, especially the blond couple that was now holding hands.

A general sigh of relief was heard as the bell rang.

“Well, see you at lunch.” Buffy said as she tried to walk away from the Brit but he held onto her hand:

“I’ll walk you to your class.”

Xander threw the Brit a look. This was just... Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! And it was making him extremely nauseous. He swallowed hard as he watched the duo walk away.


~+~


They sat in silence, the entire cafeteria stared at their table.

“So...” Cordelia was the one to break the stillness. She had been waiting the entire day to ask a question, ever since Xander had told her the news it had become an itch she was just dying to scratch. So, being Cordelia, she did: “Since when are you and Buffy here going steady?”

The food that had been in Xander’s mouth was suddenly splattered all over his tray. The boy practically coughed out a lung as he heard his girlfriend’s blunt question. “I didn’t think the food here could look more disgusting than it already did. I was wrong.” Oz stated monotonically as he looked at the mess displayed in front of Xander.

Spike frowned watching the teen sitting oposite to him, who continued to have a coughing fit. With the most serious tone in the world the Brit asked:

“Are you sure he’s house broken?”

Buffy couldn’t help a smile as a bright red Xander looked up to shoot daggers at the bleached teen. After a few moments, after drinking about a gallon of water, the brunette was able to sit up straight and actually breathe. He stood up, picking up his tray and handed it to one of the cafeteria ladies before coming back to take his place between Cordy and Willow. The growingly familiar silence was back, until:

“You and Buffy are an item, huh?” Cordelia’s voice hovered over the table, closely followed by a loud thud.

Everyone turned to see Xander repeatedly bang his head against the table, muttering something unintelligeble between clenched teeth. But this time the distraction wasn’t enough and Buffy was forced to answer:

“Yes.”

“Why?” Cordelia promptly continued her interrogation.

“Why?!” Now that was a smart question. Everyone who had dared to enquire about her choice of ‘boyfriend’ had asked something along the lines of – How, not why. “Well... He and I... and...” Buffy struggled for an explanation.

“It’s physical!” Spike aka Night in Shining Armour stepped in. “She just couldn’t resist my darn sinister attraction.” He said with the most serious tone in the world. “I think she fell for me when I saved her.”

“From being mugged?” Cordelia asked as she recalled her conversation with Xander on the subject.

“Yep.”

Buffy just sat in her place, trying hard not to roll her eyes. ‘God! The nerve of some people!’ In her mind a string of curses was directed at the Brit, who now stretched his arm across the back her chair.

Cordelia frowned a little but decided to accept the explanation, especially since her boyfriend was currently kicking her in the shin under the table and the resulting ache was starting to make itself known. They continued their lunch and this time the stillness between the group didn’t seem as dreadful or as uncomfortable as before.

Suddenly, extreme silence took over the entire room as all the kids gawked at the entrance to the cafeteria. Buffy and Spike turned around to find the object of everyone’s attention and the two blondes couldn’t help but gulp as they watched Dru and Angel walk into the room. The two couples exchanged electrically charged glances as they remained perfectly still for a second. Everyone watched as the quarterback crossed the room towards the blond duo, his heavy arms draped over Dru’s shoulders. He came to a halt and looked down at the sitting couple.

“Buffy.” He greeted dryly. Turning to look at the bleached teen sitting next to the petite blond he practically spat: “Spike.”

“Angel. Dru.” The Brit greeted back with a plastic smile as he possessively put his arm around Buffy.

Silence. Everyone waited and watched.

“Buffy, I have some of your notes back home.” Angel started. “When do you want them back.”

“Keep them.” Buffy answered dryly as she felt her stomach turn at the sight of Dru pressing herself against the quarterback’s large chest. Her hands traced suggestive patterns on his stomach as she shot Buffy a dirty look. “I don’t need them.”

The teen was taken by surprise by her cold and distant tone, but soon recovered. He stood up straight and mumbled:

“Fine. Suit yourself.”

And with that he turned on his heels and left, dragging Dru with him.




Chapter 11:



As soon as she could, she made her way out of the cafeteria and ran as fast as she could to the nearest bathrooms, locking herself in the stall furthest from the door. She sat on the covered toilet, waiting for the adrenaline in her system to reach acceptable levels. The confrontation in the cafeteria had been too much, but she had to admit she was pretty proud of her reaction to the dark haired couple. She felt her stomach flip-flop at the memory of Dru haughtily clinging to Angel, trying as best as possible to let her know that he was now *her* property.

“Arrogant little...” Buffy began between clenched teeth when she heard a light knock on the door.

Frowning, the petite blonde bent down to peep from under the door to find to a large combat boot tapping the tiled floor impatiently. In a flash, she opened the door. “What the hell are you-“

She was cut off as the Brit covered her mouth with his hand.

“Do you want to get me into trouble?” He asked, but before she could answer him she was being dragged by her hand out of the bathroom, down the hall and out the side door of the building to reach the back of the school.

“Why did you drag me here?” She snapped annoyed.

He ignored her and grinned wildly at her.

“Did you see Dru’s face? And the poof? God, I never thought it would work this fast. This is just bloody fantastic!” He exclaimed as he walked around in circles, rubbing his hands together.

Buffy scratched her head as she observed the bleached teen ramble on and on about how the plan was amazing and was working perfectly.

“Pretty soon Dru will be so jealous she won’t have a choice but to come back to me. God! I miss her so much!”

Something about the way he said it, the sincerity in his tone maybe, made her stomach turn and she had to fight back the urge to kick him.

“Did you drag me here to listen to your pathetic love struck ramblings, Romeo?” The petite blonde grumbled, crossing her hands over her chest and leaning on the wall.

“Listen, Betty.”

At that, Buffy made an attempt to protest, but he never gave her a chance:

“No matter what you say, or how nasty you are right now, you are *not* going to ruin my good mood. I guarantee you.” Spike promised, a goofy smile still plastered over his lips and an annoying sparkle brightening his blue eyes. “I saw what happened back there. She still loves me, I know it!”

“She practically glued herself to Angel!” Buffy retorted.

“Because she was jealous.”

“Men really like to fool themselves.” She sighed loudly.

“She loves me!”

“She doesn’t care about you! Get it through that thick skull of yours, you big oaf.” She insisted, but he wouldn’t hear of it.

“I know Dru.”

“Right. That’s why you knew she was boinking the star quarterback of the school.”

At that, the smile on his face crumbled, quickly being replaced by a strange empty look in his eyes. She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed hard. Without a word he turned to leave, but her small hand gripped him by his arm.

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-“

Before she could finish he was in her face, raw anger flashing in his eyes.

“You are a the most self-centred, heartless, stubborn little brat I’ve ever met in my entire life.” And without another word he stormed out of there, his long black duster swaying in the breeze as he left.


~+~


She sighed heavily, letting her fingers thread between her long blonde strands. She stared blindly ahead at no particular object or person. The feel of a light tap on her shoulder made her jump up to attention.

“Willow!” She greeted as the redhead took a seat next to her on the bleachers.

“Hey!”

The two sat in silence watching the empty football field, until the taller girl spoke:

“So...”

Buffy cut her off before she had a chance to speak any further:

“Willow, am I self-centred?”

She slowly rocked herself back and forth, hugging her denim-covered legs against her chest.

“Of course not. Why do you ask?” Willow frowned.

“Nothing.” Buffy shook her head and returned her gaze to the green field that spread before their eyes.

“What happened?” The redhead enquired.

Buffy rested her chin on her knees; her eyes never leaving the grass as she spoke:

“What about heartless and stubborn?”

“Where did you get that from?”

Finally, she turned to look at Willow.

“Be honest.”

“Well…” The redhead girl hesitated for a moment. “You can be a bit... harsh sometimes. Especially if you’ve been hurt.” Willow admitted.

Buffy closed her eyes for a few moments and then stood up.

“I gotta go. See you in Spanish, Will.”


~+~


She looked for him in the entire school; the only place left to search was the library. It was useless. He had left. Even so, she decided to give it a try. Her eyes widened as she entered the room and found the familiar black-clad teen sitting at a table scribbling in his notebook.

“Hey.” She whispered as she approached him.

He jumped up and immediately slammed the notebook shut.

“What do you want?” He grumbled.

Taking her time, she prepared to sit next to him, but the moment she bent down he was up and walking over to a wall covered with books. She sighed and walked after him.

“Ok, I deserved that.” She grumbled apologetically, but he wouldn’t hear of it as he moved along the corridor, apparently looking for a book. “Spike!” She called out a bit too loud and was immediately shushed by the resident librarian. “Sorry!” she whispered as she turned to walk after the bleached teen. “Spike!” she hissed pulling at his duster, but he continued to pretend she wasn’t even there, staring up at the shelves.

Having no choice, she moved between him and the bookcase. She held her breath as she realised that her simple motion had put her in a very precarious situation - her back pressed against the shelves and a thin 2-inch thick veil of air separated her from the boy standing in front of her.

“Will you please move?” He asked looking straight through her.

“Not until you talk to me.” She managed to say as she stared up at him.

She nearly gasped as he looked down at her, never moving away from her.

“What do you want?” He asked with a distant tone.

Buffy blinked wildly for a few seconds as she tried to get a hold of herself. ‘What the hell is happening to me?’ A voice asked in her head.

“I-I’m sorry.” She managed to stutter.

He eyed her suspiciously from under frown.

“I realise that I can be a pain sometimes.” She started.

“Just sometimes?” He questioned sarcastically, raising his scared eyebrow.

“Hey! I’m apologising here. Give me a break, ok?”

The blond teen nodded and waited for her to continue.

“And you just caught me in one of those… sometimes. So, I’m sorry for saying what I said, ok?”

She waited for an answer but he simply stared down at her. The closeness between them was becoming unbearable and she held her breath as her heart raced. Finally, having had enough of the brain splitting tension she spoke up:

“Ok. Could you just step back a little? My oxygen blood levels are becoming an issue here.” She meant to sound haughty and sarcastic, but it came out in an awkward and faltering voice.

Nodding slightly, he stepped back but remained silent.

“So…” she started, trying hard to break the nerve-racking stillness between them, but failing miserably at it. Eventually, she gave up and let out a loud sigh before asking: “Are you giving me the silent treatment? Cause it’s really starting to freak me out.”

“You talk too much, pet.” He said simply.

“Hey!” She protested as they started to move down the corridor.

Spike continued to search the shelves for a particular book.

“What are you doing here, anyway?” She finally asked after a few moments.

“You just can’t keep quiet, can you?”

“I don’t like silence. It makes me uncomfortable.”

At that, Spike frowned.

“What?” She asked defensively.

“Nothing.” He shook his head and continued his search.

It wasn’t long before she spoke once again:

“You never answered my question. What are you doing here?”

“Reading.” Spike stated the obvious, his eyes still wandering over the mountain of books displayed before them.

“You read?”

“Ever since I was six. Isn’t that just amazing?” He asked with sarcastic enthusiasm.

Buffy forced a plastic smile on her face which instantly crumbled. They continued slowly making their way down the corridor, until he reached for a book and started skimming through it. She simply leaned on the bookcase and waited for him to find what he was looking for when they heard two whispering voices coming from the corridor next to theirs.

“What do you mean you don’t believe it? Of course they’re together.”

“No, they’re not. I mean, one minute they hate each other and the next they’re walking down the halls holding hands, and sitting together at the cafeteria. Come on, it’s so fake. It’s like that episode in…”

“It’s Jonathan and Andrew.” Buffy mouthed at Spike, who had put down the book and was now listening in on the conversation.

“No way. They are so together. They’re like Princess Leia and Han Solo. The incessant sparring and banter? All a façade to conceal the undeniable animal attraction that pulls them together.” They heard Jonathan argue. “And now that they’ve realised it, they’re down major make-out lane.”

Buffy cringed at the statement, her facial muscles contorting in disgust.

“A-ha!” Andrew noted triumphantly. “There was no make-out. Ever. And that is my point. If what they have is the classic Princess Leia and Han Solo storyline then we should have witnessed some major smooching by now. But all we got was pathetic holding hands and sitting together at lunch.”

“Maybe Buffy wants to take it slow. You know, maybe she’s still hurt because of Angel.”

“Buffy? Taking it slow? Ha!” Andrew laughed. “I bet you she is just doing it to make Angel jealous. That girl’s completely head over heels for the beefy quarterback. She’d do anything to have him back. It’s pathetic.”

Buffy’s eyes widened and raw anger flashed in them.

“Why that little weasel!” She growled between clenched teeth.

She balled up her fists and began to storm down the corridor, when Spike’s strong hand caught a grip on her arm.

“Calm down.” He hissed, pulling her closer. “Beating the crap out of those whelps is not going to solve anything.”

“They think I’m… I’m… easy!” She retorted.

“Believe me when I say that you are *not* easy. There is nothing easy about you.”

Buffy stopped for a second trying to figure out if what he had said was a compliment or not.

“I told you no one would believe it. I mean, we didn’t even fool the chess club back there.” Spike titled his head towards the bookcase that separated them from the nerdy couple.

Buffy let out a deep sigh, pulling her arm out of his grip and massaging it as she pondered.

“What do you suggest we do?”

Spike paused for a moment, even though he already knew the answer to her question, he just hadn’t figure out the best way to inform her of it.

“We kiss. In front of the whole school.” He finally managed to say.

Buffy’s eyes widened.

“I can’t kiss you. If I kiss you I’ll…. I’ll probably throw up!” She replied in disgust.

“Thanks, luv.” His words dripping with sarcasm.

“But…” Her eyebrows came up her forehead in a painful frown and they remained in silence.

“She’s not dating Spike. It’s all a scam to get Angel back.” They heard Andrew insist on the other side of the bookcase. His voice was becoming clearer and it was obvious that he was rounding the corner to enter the same corridor she and Spike were in.

Without a word, Buffy grabbed Spike by the lapels of his duster and slammed him against the shelves before crushing his mouth with hers.

Spike gasped, suddenly out of breath. Her tiny hands traced erratic patterns on his chest as her lips viciously captured his, pulling and pushing in a demanding and urgent kiss. His brain went on complete overload at the feel of her small body pressing against his, her legs entwining with his as she now nibbled on his lower lip.

A high-toned squeak announced Jonathan and Andrew’s presence and Buffy pulled away to look at the dumbstruck duo. She ran the back of her hand over her moistened lips as she looked the two boys up and down. She smiled inwardly as she realised she had achieved her goal. She grabbed Spike’s hand and dragged the stunned teen out of there.

The moment she exited the library she jumped up and let out a satisfied yelp.

“Did you see their faces? Oh, God it was hilarious! Did you see it? Did you see it? Spike? Are you ok?” Buffy came down from her euphoria as she noticed the dazed Brit simply gawking. “Spike?”

“Huh? What? Oh! Yeah, yeah I saw it.” He managed to say as he shifted uncomfortably.

“It was just so cool!” Buffy returned to her celebration. “That’ll show them.”

She smiled wildly, but it crumbled as soon as the bell rang.

“Oh! Damn it! I’m late! See you later.” She yelled as she ran down the hall, leaving a bleached teen to gather himself.


~+~


Buffy dragged her tired feet across the floor as she entered the house. Plopping on the couch she picked up the remote and turned on the TV. It wasn’t long before she had dozed off in front of the flickering screen. She jumped up as she felt a soft hand run over her cheek.

“Mom!” She blinked wildly as she tried to figure out were she was. “I must have dozed off. What time is it?”

“It’s eight thirty.” Mrs. Summers informed her as she took her place next to her daughter. “How was your day?”

“Uh… a mess. I’m just so tired.” The blonde teen confessed as she leaned in to rest her head on her mother’s lap.

“How is William?”

“Who?” Buffy frowned at the name.

“William, that nice young man who was here the other day.”

“Oh, you mean Spike! He’s ok.”

“Good. I hope he hasn’t been having too much trouble in school.” Mrs. Summers wished, running her hands through her daughter’s thick hair.

“Why would you think that?”

“You know… Kids your age can be really hard on… different people.” The older woman stuttered.

“Yeah we can. But he’s not having any problems because of it.” The teen explained.

“Good.”

A moment of silence filtered between mother and daughter as they watched the screen still turned on in front of them.

“He only has problems with Angel.” Buffy spoke out of nowhere.

“Angel? You mean your boyfriend?” Mrs. Summers enquired.

“Ex-boyfriend mom. Emphasis on the ex part.” The blonde girl noted. “Yep. I never really understood why, but they never got along. They used to hang out together when Spike first moved to Sunnydale. But then, all of a sudden they started hating each other. Go figure.” Buffy shrugged as she finished speaking.

“Hum… Strange.” Mrs. Summers mumbled as her mind drifted over the various possible explanations for the occurrence.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by a sharp ringing sound.

“Hello?” Buffy greeted as she picked up the phone. “Wills! Hey!” Pause. “Next Friday? Sure! Ok then. It’s a date. Bye. Goodnight Wills.” Putting down the receiver she turned to face her mom. “That was Willow. She was inviting me to go out to the Bronze next Friday. Is it ok?”

“You’ve been going out too often young lady.” Mrs. Summers noted.

“Oh, mom… Please!” Buffy begged.

“Ok, fine. But be home by midnight.”

“Thanks mom, you’re the best.”

Giving her mother a quick peck on the cheek she prepared to go upstairs when she heard Mrs. Summers call her name.

“I’ll be going out tonight. You’re dinner is in the microwave.”

For the first time since she’d woken up she realise her mother was dressed up and… wearing make up?

“Mom! You’re going on a date?” The teen asked surprised.

“Yes, I am.” Mrs Summers answered simply, as she moved to put on her coat.

“With who?”

“With whom.” She corrected as a honk was heard. “That should be him. Goodnight, honey. And don’t stay up late.”

“Mom?” Buffy was left speaking to herself as she watched her mother waltz out of the house.


~+~


“Come on, pick up!” Buffy repeated over and over again into the receiver. “Damn it, Willow!” she cursed slamming the phone down.

She paced nervously around the living room. Her arms folded over her chest as she tapped her nails on her sweater.

“My mom. On a date?” Her mind was swirling. She knew it would eventually happen, and she always thought she would be ok with it, but apparently, she was wrong. Her stomach turned at the though of her mother and some stranger going out together, holding hands, kissing… Erg! “Not going there. That’s just… scary!”

She continued to walkabout the room. Occasionally picking up the phone and dialling either Willow’s or Xander’s number, but every time she had no answer.

“Where is everybody? It’s a school night for Christ sake.” She talked to herself as she looked at the living room clock. “It’s nine pm; they should be at home by now.” She protested to the walls when the phone rang. “Finally!” she breathed in relief as she picked up the receiver. “Where have you been? I have been calling you for hours. You won’t believe what happened!” she said in one breath.

Her face turned bright red when she heard from the other side of the line:

“Hey, pet. Didn’t know you wanted me that bad. That kiss in the library left you craving, huh?”

She felt her stomach flip-flop in disgust and the anger start to boil up in her veins.

“Spike!” She hissed between clenched teeth.

“The one and only, luv.”

She could actually hear him smirking. Grrrr.

“What do want?” She growled.

“I think the question is what do you want. You were the one telling me you were calling me for hours.” He answered cockily.

“I thought you were someone else.” She answered dryly.

“Who?” The question was out of his lips before he could suppress it.

“No one.” She barked.

“Come one now, luv. I thought you were supposed to tell me everything.” He replied smugly.

“Since when do I have to tell you anything?”

“Since you became my girl.” He answered directly.

“I’m *not* you’re girl, Spike.” She growled once more. He was really starting to get on her nerves.

“Of course you are.”

“What do you want?” She asked again.

“Just wanted to know how my goldilocks was doing.” He continued with a slurred tone.

“I’m fine!” She said slamming the receiver.

Seconds later the phone was ringing again.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Not nice to slam the phone in someone’s face, luv. Especially not your boyfriend.” He started.

“You are *not* my boyfriend, Spike.” She practically yelled into the receiver.

“No need to shout love.”

Buffy sighed audibly. The sound of his voice the next second caught her off guard. Gone was the cocky, slurred voice to be replaced by a serious and almost concerned tone.

“Are you ok, luv?”

“I’m fine.” She said exasperated.

“You don’t sound fine.”

“Spike. Just leave me alone. I’m not in the mood for another one of our sparring contests. You win ok?” She was almost begging him.

There was a moment of silence before he said:

“I’ll be there in a two minutes.”

“What? Spike? No!” Before she could say anything else she got the dead signal from the other side of the line. “Oh, God no…”

Chapter 12:


She groaned when she heard the doorbell ring. She forced herself up and dragged her feet across the hall to answer it. Rolling her eyes and in a tired, annoyed tone she asked when she saw the bleached teen standing at her doorstep:

“What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” He was already stepping across the threshold before she had a chance to answer him.

“Be my guest.” She replied sarcastically.

“Are you ok?” He questioned turning to face her.

“As you can see, I’m fine, so if you would just leave...” She said opening the front door, but he didn’t even seem to hear her, entering the living room instead. “Or make yourself at home. Whatever.” She sighed audibly.

“Cookies and cream?” He said picking up the half empty cup of ice-cream. “That bad huh?”

“I like cookies and cream.” She replied gruffly, grabbing the box from the teen’s hands.

“I bet.” Without asking, he plopped down on the couch and started to flip through the channels.

“You’re just here for the cable, aren’t you?” She questioned.

But he wasn’t listening as he intently watched the flickering images on the screen. She sighed loudly and flopped down next to him. After a few seconds she grumbled:

“That’s a stupid game.”

“Stupid? How can you say that? It’s football.” He protested, clearly offended.

“That’s not football, it’s soccer.” She corrected.

“Excuse me. This… magnificent game happens to be played using one’s foot while the ridiculous thing you yanks call football is played with everything *but* one’s foot.” He countered.

“We use our feet!” it was her turn to complain.

“Right.” He piped up sarcastically.

“American football is way cooler than this crap.” She grumbled.

“This crap, as you put it, is the number one sport in every country in the world. This crap is the *real* king of sports.” He continued to argue. “American football, on the other hand, is just a cheap rip off of rugby. Just a bunch of sissy, padded up poofs running around the field trying to get a weird shaped ball through a giant… fork thingy while banging each other’s heads together. And you call that a manly sport, ha!”

Buffy frowned and looked up at him.

“For your information, football is more than trying to get the funny shaped ball through the… giant fork thingy.” She tried to sound convincing, but failed miserably at it. It was clear that she knew nothing about the sport in question.

Spike chuckled.

“What?!”

“You know less about this sport than I do.” He burst out laughing.

Buffy frowned for a second. He was laughing? Spike does something besides smirking and grinning? Snapping out of her thoughts she continued:

“Well, I was never good at any sport so I just never got into it.” She tried to excuse herself. “But I’m sure that our football is better than your English crap.”

He didn’t say anything, simply cocked up a scared eyebrow.

“Oh, alright. So I don’t know anything about sports. Angel tried to explain football to me, but I just didn’t get it.” She confessed.

“Well, I don’t know what I can do about American football, but I think we can remedy your knowledge on soccer if you want to.” He offered.

At that, Buffy simply shrugged. Soon, and after some long and confusing explanations, the duo laid back and watched the match.

“Hey! That referee is cheating. He didn’t do anything.” Buffy shouted at the screen.

“He’s right, luv. Remember about the offside rule?” Spike asked.

“Oh… right.” She pretended to understand.

“You don’t remember, do you?” He chuckled.

“No.” She confessed in a low voice.

“It’s when the ball is passed to a player who is closer his opponents goal line than any other member of the defending team, except for the goal keeper, of course.”

“Oh, yeah. Now I remember.”

They continued to silently watch the game until it was over.

“So… What do you think about football now?” Spike asked, sprawling on the couch.

“It’s ok.” Buffy admitted.

“There is another game on in half an hour. Wanna watch?” The Brit questioned.

“Is Manchester United playing?”

“Nope.”

“No, thanks then.”

“So you became a fan of good old Man U, huh?” Spike said with a smirk.

“Not really. More like a fan of David Beckam’s legs.” Buffy answered with a huge smile.

“Should’ve figure that much. You chits always seem to go for him.” Spike sighed spreading his arms over the edge of the couch.

“Well, you should be going…” She said after an awkward moment of silence.

“What’s the hurry, luv?”

“The fact that my mom should be coming home any minute and even though she thinks you’re gay, she won’t be-“

“You’re mom thinks I’m GAY?!” Spike jumped off the couch and looked at her wide eyed.

“Well… Yes.” Buffy hesitated a bit.

“Why?!” He continued to ask outraged.

Buffy’s mouth moved, opening and closing, but her voice seemed to refuse to leave her throat.

“Well?” A flaming red Brit stared down at her, waiting for an explanation.

“She might have gotten the wrong idea when I told her I was *definitely* not your type.” She finally managed to say.

“You told you’re mom I was gay?” He started to walk around in circles.

“I didn’t tell her you were gay! She just… thought you were… you know…”

“Know what?” He stopped his circling to stare at her.

“Well, you know. The bleached hair…” she waved her hand in the direction of his head. “…and the black nail polish, kinda give out a… certain look.” She stuttered.

“Yeah! A bad ass look, not a GAY look!” He shouted.

“It’s not *my* fault that my mother thinks you’re gay!” she suddenly counterattacked, standing up to defend herself.

“You told her something!” he insisted.

“Or maybe your fashion statement is just screaming: ‘repressed drag queen in the making’.” She snapped, raising her head up high and jutting out her chin in the process.

Spike’s eyes widened, his faced quickly gaining an unhealthy scarlet shade.

“I am NOT gay.” Was the only thing that he could think of to say.

“You shouldn’t lie to yourself.” She started with a mocking tone. “Deep down inside you, you have the real you just screaming to be let out. You will feel better if you embrace your true nature.” At this point Buffy had to pinch herself to stop from bursting out laughing. The panicked look in his eyes was just priceless.

“I’ll show you my true nature.” He growled as he began to chase after her.

They went around the couch a couple of times before switching to the table, jumping over a few chairs and vases. Buffy was chased up the stairs, in and out of her mother’s bedroom, to finally end up in her own room on one side of the bed while her attacker was on the other.

“You-“ She panted wildly, with a huge grin on her flushed face. “…should be-“ Gasp “true to yourself.” She managed to say breathless.

She quickly leaped onto the bed as she saw Spike coming towards her. His arms waved around trying to catch her, but she jumped to the floor, landing on the spot where he had been just moments before. She smiled as she saw him in hers, on the opposite side of the bed.

“Those cigarettes are taking their toll on you, huh?” She asked as he started to couch.

“When” cough “I get my” couch “hands on you, Summers.” He threatened.

Her response was simply to stick out her tongue at him. She restarted running as he suddenly jumped at her across the bed. After a few moments, they were back in the same position on opposite sides of the mattress. Spike stood on the window side having, what looked like, a serious coughing fit.

Buffy panted violently as she watched the Brit turning frightening shades of purple.

“Are you ok?” she managed to ask as she pondered closing the distance between them to help him.

He continued to cough, clinging to his throat as he did so and she decided it was best to move closer. The moment she was in arms reach, he grabbed her.

“You cheating-“ She let out a loud yelp as she felt his grip around her arms. She struggled like a wild cat causing them to lose their balance and end up tumbling onto the bed. “Cheating, bleached bastard.” She said between pants as she let out a small giggle.

“All’s fair in love and war, luv.” He replied, miraculously recovered from his coughing attack.

They remained laying in bed, Spike on top, Buffy beneath him, staring at each other, both panting from the recent exertion. He smiled down at her while she pouted, having been caught.

“That’s cheating!” She repeated, still breathless.

A rebellious blonde strand found its way to cover her face and mouth and she wiggled a little trying to move it. Instinctively, Spike raised his hand and pulled it out of the way while making sure that her arms remained trapped under the burden of his chest.

Out of nowhere, realisation came to them and their closeness became uncomfortably evident. Buffy swallowed hard as she looked up at the boy laying on top of her, whose gaze alternated between her eyes and her pouty lips. Suddenly, breathing became an issue. Her breaths now came in short, difficult pants, not because of the exertion but as a direct consequence of his proximity. Her heart seemed to want to leap out of her chest and her stomach was making those strange flip-flopping motions it usually did when…

In a flash, she was up, pushing him away and causing him to fall flat on his ass in the process. Nervously, she ran her fingers through her hair, pushing it away from her flushed face. Once all the strands seemed to be in place, her hands moved toward her clothes to give them the same erratic treatment.

“You- You better go. It’s late and my-“ She started with an unease tone when she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. “My mom!” She whispered as she immediately went for the door and slammed it shut. “You gotta hide!” She warned him as she frantically looked around to find a place to keep him out of sight. In the meantime, the footsteps became clearer. “The bed! Get under the bed! Now!” she ordered.

She didn’t have to tell him twice. A fraction of a second before the clicking sound of a door being opened was heard he was under the bed and out of sight.

“Hey, honey! You’re still up?” Mrs. Summers asked as she entered the room.

“Yeah!” Buffy answered as she tried to get her breathing under control. “I-I was just getting ready for bed.” She explained nodding as she pressed her lips together. At that her mother frowned.

“Are you ok, honey?” A hint of concern was evident in Mrs. Summers voice.

“I’m fine!” Buffy replied a little too enthusiastically. “I’m fine!” she repeated with more calm.

The teen held her breath, carefully watching the changes in her mother’s facial expressions as she walked around the room. Finally, a soft, understanding smile settled on the older woman’s mouth.

“I know why you’re acting like this.”

“You do?” Buffy asked incredulous as she dared to throw a glance in the bed’s direction to check if Spike was still out of sight.

“Yes.” Mrs. Summers started as she sat down on the bed and patted the mattress next to her for Buffy to take a seat. When the petite blonde did, she continued:

“You’re upset about me going out on a date.”

The teen let out a sigh of relief.

“I know it feels weird now, but you knew it would happen sooner or later. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it and just kind of announced it without any previous warning, but I was worried about how you’d react and I just didn’t know how to tell you. I tried to talk to you over the weekend but… I couldn’t.” Mrs. Summers confessed.

“Oh, that explains the mother/daughter bonding overload.” Buffy realised.

Mrs. Summers smiled and nodded.

“I hope that you can understand that I’m a single woman now. I’ve been alone ever since your dad and I got divorced and I think it’s time to move on now.”

“Don’t worry mom. I’m ok with it.” Buffy said after a moment of silence.

Under the bed, Spike held his breath and tried as hard as he could not to make any noise. He watched as a pair of legs moved away from the bed towards the door. They stopped for a second and he heard Mrs. Summers’ voice:

“Goodnight, Buffy!”

“Goodnight, mom!”

The door was then opened and she was gone.

The teen jumped up as, out of nowhere, Buffy’s head popped under the mattress.

“You gotta get out of here.” She stated as he crawled his way from under the bed.

“No kidding, Einstein.” He grumbled as he patted his duster.

Buffy moved towards the window and opened it.

“Go!” she ordered.

“You want me to jump out the window?!” Spike asked incredulous. “You do realise we’re on the second floor, right?”

“Use the tree, genius.” Buffy replied with an annoyed tone.

“In case you haven’t noticed, the branches have been cut. And unless I’ve miraculously acquired some major Carl Lewis skills, I’ll never make that jump.” Spike countered sarcastically.

Buffy popped her head out the window and noticed that, in fact, the branches had been cut. ‘Damn winter trimming.’ she thought.

“Well, you can’t go through the stairs. My mom will hear you.” She noted as she started pacing around the room.

After a few moments of silence she plopped down on the bed exasperated.

“We’ll just wait for you’re mom to fall asleep.” Spike suggested.

“You don’t know my mother.” Buffy forced a smile on her lips. “Ever since my rebellious pre-teen, middle of the night escapades she has become a true watch dog. She hears *everything*. And I mean everything. One noise from me and she’s at my door.” She sighed as she let her tired body drop from the sitting position to a sprawled out one on top of the mattress.

“I guess I’ll just have to spend the night here.” He said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“You wish!” She spat.

“I don’t actually. With my luck, you probably snore.”

“I do *not* snore!” She replied outraged sitting up on the bed and furrowing her eyebrows.

He simply smirked and leaned on the window as he shoved his left hand into the pocket of his duster and fished out a pack of cigarettes.

“What-“ realising she was speaking a little too loudly she rephrased in a hissing voice: “What are you doing?”

“Having a smoke?” He stated the obvious with the cigarette dangling from his lips as he prepared to light it.

Instantly, Buffy was up and stomping her way over to him, but before she could take the small cylinder from his mouth he grabbed it.

“Oh, no you’re not!” she protested as she jutted out her chin in defiance, looking up at him.

“Oh, come on. I have been smoke-free for two hours now. I need a fag!” he pleaded as he brought his eyebrows together for a painful frown.

“No!” she insisted.

“But-“

“You will not smoke that crap in *my* room, and that’s final.” She was unrelenting.

“Just one, please. I won’t be able to sleep otherwise.”

“That’s your problem.” She snapped, turning around and making her way to her bed.

“Bitch.” He murmured.

“I heard that.” She said as she pulled the sheets.

Turning around she eyed him.

“What?” He asked with a furrowed eyebrow.

“Do you mind?” She questioned drawing circles in the air with her index finger signalling him to turn around.

Sighing audibly, the Brit faced the window as he waited for her to get unto her pyjamas. He heard a series of sounds, shuffling and shambling until Buffy’s whisper reached his ears:

“I’m done.”

He turned to catch a glimpse of Buffy’s Yummy Sushi pyjamas as she tucked herself under the sheets and turned off the lights.

Frustrated, he shoved the cigarette into the pack and placed it on her table as he took off his duster. Buffy remained in her bed, eyes partially closed as she pretended to sleep. She watched as he unbuttoned his shirt, murmuring a string of curses under his breath. He sat on the nearby chair and started to unlace his boots. The socks were off and he was up again, his fingers finding their way under the cotton fabric of his white t-shirt and pulling it over his shoulders. Buffy held her breath as she observed the semi-naked boy under the dim moonlight. She gazed, as if entranced, committing to memory every lean curve and arch of his chest and abdomen. She drew hard breaths into her lungs as he walked in circles for a few seconds, his hand running trough his now dishevelled blond hair, down his shoulder for a quick hug and then settled over his belt and started undoing it. When he continued to unbutton his trousers, Buffy jumped up.

“Wha-What do you think you’re doing?!” She asked in a faltering tone.

“Getting ready for bed?” He once more stated the obvious, raising his eyebrows in confusion.

“You’re not gonna get naked in my room!” She protested but, somehow, her resolve didn’t seem very convincing.

“I always sleep naked.” Seeing the straight line of her mouth he shrugged. “Fine, it’s your bed.”

Buffy didn’t even have time to process what he had just said as he made his way to her and started to pull on the covers.

“WHAT do you think you’re doing?” She repeated loudly as she grabbed as much of the sheets as she could and covered herself.

“Once again – getting ready for bed.” He answered her as he reached for the covered once more.

Quickly, she moved back, dragging the fabric with her.

“Not in *my* bed!” She replied wide eyed.

“I’m supposed to sleep on the floor?”

“Of course!”

“Bloody hell!” He protested. “I’m not-“

A clicking sound was heard followed by footsteps.

“My mom! Quick! Under the bed!” She ordered.

Instantly, Spike dropped and started to crawl under when she hissed:

“Your clothes! Spike!”

He was up and gathering all his things including his boots which he managed to shove under the bed, but by the time he tried to crawl under it himself, the doorknob to the room was being turned. Without a second thought, he threw himself onto the bed. He glued his body against the petite blonde’s in the desperate hope that her mother wouldn’t notice the extra volume under the fluffy covers. Buffy gasped and immediately held her breath she watched the door open and her mom’s head pop in.

Chapter 13:



“Buffy, are you ok?” Spike heard a worried voice ask.

He held his breath, drawing himself nearer to Buffy’s now trembling form as the sound of footsteps let him know that Mrs. Summers was coming into the room.

Buffy froze, her stomach seemed intent on doing those distracting flip-flops as she felt his body cling to her form.

“I-I’m fine!” she managed to say in a nervous stutter.

“I heard a noise. What happened?” Mrs. Summers enquired taking a seat on the mattress next to her daughter.

The teen swallowed hard, her mind a haze as her heart raced in her chest and her hands became sweaty.

“N-Nothing happened. Must have been from outside.” She answered tilting her head towards the window.

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of red on her table. ‘Oh my God! The cigarettes!’ Her mind screamed at her as she watched her mom get up and walk over to the opened window.

“Mom!” She instinctively shouted.

Mrs. Summers stopped in her tracks and turned to face her child.

“What, honey?”

“Leave the window open, I’m kinda hot.” She made up the excuse in a moments notice.

In the meantime, Spike remained frozen under the covers. His bare chest glued to Buffy’s right thigh, his legs twisted around the rest of her leg, positioning her foot in a very, very awkward place. His arms wound around her waist while his head rested on her partially bare stomach.

“You’re not coming down with something, are you?” A concerned Mrs. Summers asked walking back over to the bed and placing her hand on Buffy’s forehead.

“You do feel kind of warm…”

“I’m fine!” She piped up nervously. “I-I’m fine.” She repeated with a little less anxiety.

“Are you sure?”

Buffy felt Spike move under the covers, his hand brushing over the inside of her thigh as he tried to make himself a little more comfortable. It took all of her strength to keep from gasping, her facial muscles contorting as she tried to repress the urge. Her mind seemed to drift for a second. All she could think about was that she had a semi naked boy in her bed, clinging to her right leg under the covers.

“Buffy?”

Her mother’s voice finally seemed to penetrate the thick fog surrounding her brain.

“Ah! What?!” She mumbled as she was snapped out of her daze.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to get you anything?” Mrs. Summers repeated.

“I’m sure, mom. I’m fine.” The last word came out in a high-pitch tone as she felt his warm breath on her stomach.

She closed her eyes to prevent her mom from seeing her rolling them back in their sockets.

Under the covers, Spike tried to push back the little voice in his head that beckoned him to touch her or maybe just to brush his lips over the exposed flesh of her lean stomach, just once… ‘Concentrate, concentrate…’ He kept repeating in his thoughts not realising he was starting to pant.

Buffy thanked whatever gods there were out there that her mother had her back turned to her when Spike’s breath became more evident on her tummy. She tried to repress the urge to move abruptly, but eventually ended up wiggling her toes in the process.

Spike’s eyes widened as he felt something quickly brush over his groin and couldn’t help letting out a deep groan.

Buffy froze when she felt something hard against her toes.

“What was that, honey?” Mrs. Summers stopped at the door and turned to face her daughter.

“Um… I-I said: Goodnight, mom!” Buffy lied.

With a soft smile, Mrs. Summers turned the knob, opening the door. Before she exited the room, she whispered:

“Goodnight, honey.”

And she was gone.

Buffy and Spike remained frozen in place until they heard the clicking sound of another door opening and closing. Complete silence filled the room only broken by the quick and short pants coming from the petite blonde.

She held her breath as she felt him crawl his way from under the covers, his arm lightly gliding across hers.

“That was close.” He breathed sitting next to her, on the bed, his legs still under the sheets.

She stared wide eyed at him, sometimes daring to throw a glance at his bare chest.

“Are you ok, luv?” He finally asked.

Then, something unexpected happened. Actually, considering it was Buffy, it wasn’t unexpected at all. She brusquely pulled at the sheets, shoving him off the bed with her shoulder, causing him to topple off the mattress onto the floor.

“Hey!” He protested.

“Stay out of my bed!” She hissed in a low voice, careful not to wake her mother once again.

The Brit remained on the floor, staring wide eyed at the petite blonde who looked back at him with a defiant chin jutting out.

Anger flashed in his eyes as he got up and grabbed the edge of the covers and pulled them off her, then proceeded by snagging one of Buffy’s pillows.

“I get the covers.” He said laying down on the floor next to her bed and pulling the sheets over himself while he rested his head on the pillow.

Without a word she got up and snatched the covers from him, setting them on the bed.

“Those are mine, I’ll get you something else.” She explained as she turned on the light and opened her wardrobe.

She looked through it for a few second and grabbed something. Walking back to him, she dropped them on his lap.

“There.” She grumbled, climbing onto the bed and covering herself.

“Are you kidding me? Scooby-Doo sheets?” The Brit protested in a low voice.

“It’s all I’ve got. My mom keeps the covers in a cupboard in the hall.” She explained as she closed her eyes and turned her back to him.

Reluctantly, he picked up the sheets. He gasped when he spread them out. They were miniscule, reaching as high as his waist. If he wanted to cover his shoulders he would have to keep his feet in the cold or the other way around.

“Bloody hell! This thing’s baby sized.” He complained.

“What did you expect? Those were my sheets when I was a kid.” She grumbled never bothering to face him.

“Bugger all!” He grumbled as he covered his legs with the small fabric.

A few moments of silence managed to filter between them before Spike’s whispering voice was heard:

“Are you still up, Betty?”

“It’s BUFFY!” She hissed between clenched teeth.

“Sorry.” He said with little conviction.

Silence.

“Buffy…” He called again.

“What?” She grumbled.

“What do we do about tomorrow?” He enquired as he stared up at the ceiling, his hands resting on the back of his neck as he laid on his back.

“What about tomorrow?” She replied with an annoyed tone.

“You’re mom, if she walks in… won’t be a pretty sight.”

“I’ve set the alarm. We wake up before she does, wait till she’s out of the house and then we can leave and end this nightmare. By the way, you are never setting foot in my house ever again.” She grumbled, her back still turned to him.

Minutes later…

“Buffy…”

“Spike?” She mumbled.

“Yeah?”

“Go to sleep.”

“I can’t. All I can think about is having a fag.” He lied.

“Think about something else, cause you’re *not* smoking in my room.”

Silence…

“Luv?”

“What!?” She exhaled sharply, turning around to face him. “What do you want this time?” She moved to the edge of her bed and looked down on him. She couldn’t help biting her lower lip at the sight of his bare chest bathed in moonlight.

“What about school?” He enquired looking up at her.

“What about school?” She sighed trying to sound as exasperated as possible.

“You know…”

“It’s one in the morning, Spike. Trust me, I don’t know.” She grumbled as she glanced at her alarm clock.

“The library… what we agreed on?” He managed to say without giving away his unease.

Buffy felt her whole body tense up at the recollection. She ignored it and replied:

“We already did it, so… no need to talk about it anymore.”

She quickly lay back on the bed, facing the ceiling.

“Oh, come on. You know it’s not going to work. We might have convinced the nerdy kids, but not the rest of the school.” He protested, turning on his side and propping up his head on his left hand.

When he heard no answer he called her name.

“I’m here.” She mumbled. “I’m thinking.”

Minutes passed and Spike grew impatient.

“Buffy? You done thinking?”

“Fine! We’ll do it. Tomorrow. During lunch break. Now go to sleep.”

Buffy tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach and settled down to sleep. But slumber never came. She tossed and turned in bed, the strange sensation of anxiety strangling her, making it hard to breathe, to move, to think, to do anything at all. She moved to the edge of the mattress and glanced down at an apparently sound asleep Spike. She returned to her nervous flipping over under the covers until she heard him mumble in a low voice.

“What’s the matter, luv?” He asked as he realized he wasn’t going to get any sleep if he didn’t make her stop moving around.

“Nothing.” She quickly lied.

“Then why are you tossing and turning?”

“I’m just… trying to get comfortable.” She retorted.

“You’ve been trying to get comfortable for an hour now.”

“I-… It’s just that… maybe it’s not such a good idea.” She dared to say.

“What is?”

“The… plan… and kissing.” She hesitated.

“You chickening out?” He chuckled.

“I *am* not!” She sat up on the bed to look down at him, pulling the sheets around her small form.

“You’re chickening out.” He teased.

“I AM not!” She insisted.

“What is it luv? Afraid if you kiss me you won’t be able to keep you hands off of my tight little body?” He continued his mockery.

“Ha! As if!” The anger growing in her helped her get over the nervousness racing through her.

“That’s it, isn’t it? You’re afraid you won’t be able resist me.” He continued to tease.

“Spike, I could kiss you anytime, anyplace, if only I could repress the intense urge to hurl I have every time you are within two feet of me.” She snapped. But her harsh words lost most of their sting at the sight of her nervous pulling and pushing of the sheets.

Spike smiled and sat up on the floor.

“Prove it.” He challenged her in a low voice.

Buffy’s eyes widened as he crawled his way into the kneeling position and set his hand on the mattress on each side of her. She gazed at him, cocky grin over his lips, a defiant sparkle in his eyes.

“Ha!” She managed to snap out of her daze. “Nice try! I’m not that easy.” And she forced a plastic smile on her lips.

“Believe me luv, I’m not trying to trick you into kissing me. I’m just afraid that tomorrow you’ll go all Al Gore on me, in front of the whole school.” He retorted.

Buffy widened her eyed and furrowed her eyebrows, clearly offended.

“Come on, pet. You gotta admit, every time I try to touch you or even go anywhere near you, you freeze up.”

“It’s because of the hurling factor. I told you.” She pouted.

“Get over it if you want to fool anyone.” He snapped a bit offended.

They looked at each other for a few moments, in silence, until Buffy broke it. With a loud sigh and patting the mattress, signalling him to sit.

“Come here.” She mumbled reluctantly.

“What for?” He grumbled.

“If I’m supposed to not freeze up, I better get used to having you near me.” She stated the obvious.

He stood up and plopped down on the bed with a loud, annoyed sigh. They sat once more in silence until Buffy spoke:

“Well… are you just gonna stand there? Touch me.” She ordered.

“What?!” Spike choked.

“I’m supposed to act natural when you touch me, so…”

A mischievous grin spread over his lips as he eyed her suggestively.

“Not *that* kind of touching!” She immediately stepped in.

He pulled his mouth to one side in a wicked version of a smirk and then nodded. Slowly, his fingers ran over a strand of hair which fell over her face and neatly placed it behind her ear. They then proceeded with making their way down to her shoulder, over her collarbone to reach her neck and cup her cheek. He moved his whole body closer to hers, as his other hand traced circular pattered over her right arm, down to her hand. He felt her tense up when he sneaked it around her waist and drew her closer to him.

“See? This is what I’m talking about.” He complained, dropping his arms to his sides and sighing audibly.

“I’m sorry.” She said with a pout. “It’s just…” She took a long deep breath, closed her eyes and continued: “Ok! I’m focusing. Try again.”

It took a few moments, but she soon felt him move around her and take his place behind her, spreading his legs on either side of her. His hand brushed over her golden locks, pulling them over her left shoulder, exposing her neck. Instinctively, Buffy tilted her head baring her right shoulder to him. She felt his arms encircle her, bringing her back closer to his chest, until she was leaning on him. His hands rested on her waist idly playing with the edges of her shirt. Buffy couldn’t help but smile as she remembered him doing that just the day before. But the smirk soon crumbled and she froze as she felt his lips lightly brush over her shoulder. He stopped as he felt her tense up, and waited for a few seconds. Silently, she gave him permission to continue and he returned his mouth to the tender flesh at the crook of her neck. At first it was soft and almost imperceptible, but it soon grew in intensity as he lightly suckled at her skin, his teeth nibbling as he made his way up to her earlobe. He took it into his mouth and his grip immediately tightened around her waist. Lost in the feeling, she relaxed and her own hands came into play as she caressed his bare arms. A low sigh escaped her parted lips as he continued his ministrations and she leaned against him for support. His lips left her ear to trace the edge of her jaw as she turned around to face him when suddenly he backed away.

It took a second for her to perceive the loss of his touch, but eventually she did. She blinked wildly as she tried to focus her foggy eyes on him.

“What?” She breathed.

“I heard a noise.”

They sat in silence, waiting for another sound, but it never came. They exchanged a quick glance and all the awkwardness of the moment came flooding in. Buffy frantically ran her hands through her hair as she struggled to find something to say.

“Well… I-I guess… we’re… done.” She managed to stutter.

“Yeah.” Spike desperately tried to sound nonchalant and calm about the whole situation but all of a sudden what do to with his hands became an issue as he tried shoving them into the back pockets of his black jeans, awkwardly stumbling out of the bed.

“Well… Goodnight then.” She stammered as she watched him laying down on the floor.

She pulled the covers over her shoulders, nuzzling against the pillow. She held her breath as she recognized a strange scent over her sheets and all around her – his scent. Once again, she struggled to find slumber, but this time she wasn’t alone. On the floor, lying spread-eagle, Spike stared up at the ceiling, his mind wandering in the clouds, unable to fall asleep.

It was going to be a long night.




Chapter 14:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Author’s Note: The song in this chapter is Elisa’s Dancing and I’d really recommend you to download it and listen to it while you’re reading this chapter, especially the part where it’s mentioned. ;) Plus it’s a cool song!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffy repressed a groan when she eyed the alarm clock and it read: ‘Four a.m. It’s 4 am and I’m still up.’ She thought. For the third time that night, she carefully rolled over to the edge of the bed to check on her uninvited guest. ‘Sound asleep. Bastard!’ She cursed in her mind. She cleared her voice loudly and glanced at the pale boy. He never moved.

Spike kept his eyes closed, in the vague chance that sleep might come to him, but it didn’t. He was still wide awake, his mind plagued with indecent thoughts of the obnoxious blonde sleeping just a few feet from him. ‘Get yourself together, man. What the hell are you thinking? Sure, the chit’s not bad, but not worth losing a night’s sleep over.’ He mentally scolded himself as he felt his body start to react at the mere recollection of what had happened earlier that night. Sighing, he turned on his side, making sure to rest his back against the freezing wall. Maybe that would cool him off.

“Bloody hell!” He jumped up into sitting position as he felt something metallic sting his lower back.

Looking at the floor, he found a remote and picked it up. He didn’t have much time to inspect it as the lights were flipped on and an apparently sleepy Buffy moaned: “What was that?” She forced her voice to sound drowsy and hoarse.

Spike blinked a couple of times as his eyes adjusted to the strong light that now filled the room. Before he could answer, Buffy snatched the remote from his hands and piped up, suddenly wide awake:

“That’s where it was.” She said as she placed the remote on her nightstand. “I was looking for that.”

Gradually, the sound of a piano filled the room. The two blondes turned to see the stereo - it was lit up.

“Must have turned it on.” Spike explained as slowly a soft female voice flowed in key with the instrument:

Time is gonna take my mind
and carry it far away where I can fly
The depth of life
will dim
my temptation to live for you.

The two blondes stared at each other for a glimpse of a second and then Buffy jumped and reach for the remote.

“No!” Spike called out.

She stopped and turned to face him. She found him with a serious look on his face.

If I were to be alone
silence would rock my tears
'cause it's all about love
and I know better
How life is a waving feather

“I wanna hear it.” He said.

Buffy cocked up a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“You? Wanna hear this?” She asked suspicious, pointing at the stereo with the remote in hands.

“Why not?” He questioned innocently.

“Mr.-Bad-Ass-Billy-Idol-wannabe wants to hear a sappy song?” She chuckled.

“I can do sappy. There are many layers to me, luv.” He explained.

“Oh! Tons, heaps of layers!” She said sarcastically shaking her head.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Come on, Spike. You’re a guy! You only have layers when you wanna convince girls that you’re sensitive.” She mocked while the song grew in intensity in the background.

So I put my arms around you
Around you
And I know that I'll be leaving soon

Spike furrowed his eyebrows in a clear sign of hurt.

“I’m just being honest.” She said with a smile.

“Ok, so maybe you are right.” He finally admitted with a grin of his own.

My eyes are on you, they're on you
And you see that I can't stop shaking

The two blondes froze, staring intensely at each other, as they realised that they were having a civil conversation without the usual banter or sparing. The music continued to play in the background and a chill ran down Buffy’s spine. She shook her head as the moment became too much and looked down at the sheets avoiding his piercing gaze. She regretted it the moment she did it as the lyrics wheeling around them described her actions.

No, I won't step back but I'll look down to hide from your eyes
'cause what I feel is so sweet and I'm scared that even my own breath
Oh could burst it if it were a bubble
And I'd better dream if I have to struggle

Awkwardly, Buffy sat up straight and started playing with the remote in her hands while the frail voice coming from the stereo soared haunting heights.

So I put my arms around you around you
And I hope that I will do no wrong
My eyes are on you they're on you
And I hope that you won't hurt me

“So…” She started never daring to glance up at him. She froze when she realised he was standing up and coming to sit on the bed next to her. She remained still, holding her breath has he reached for a loose strand of her hair and slowly pushed it behind her ear.

I'm dancing in the room as if I was in the woods with you
No need for anything but music
Music's the reason why I know time still exists
Time still exists
Time still exists
Time still exists

As he leaned in something inside of her snapped. She jumped up and was standing by the bed in a flash, her voice over enthusiastic and high-pitched: “Ok! I think we’ve practiced that enough for tonight!”

The Brit teen stared at her under a furrowed brow until he understood what she meant.

“Well, we-we better get some sleep, tomorrow being a school day and all. And-“ She spoke quickly and awkwardly as she searched for the remote, which had somehow slipped from her hands and was lost between her sheets. “Ha! Found it!” She said triumphantly, standing up straight and holding her prize.

So I just put my arms around you around you
And I hope that I will do no wrong
My eyes are on you they're on you
And I hope that you won't hurt me-

Silence once again filled the room as she pushed the off button. Buffy set the remote on the nightstand and stood beside the bed looking at him with a plastic smile on her face. Clearly embarrassed, Spike stood up to take his place on the floor once again.

“Well… Goodnight.” She piped up as she snuck under the covers, but she had no answer.

She felt something tug at her racing heart, but ignored it, closing her eyes and forcing herself to fall asleep.

The hours passed and soon it was seven am and the alarm clock rang. Buffy’s hands reached up and pressed the off button. She yawned audibly, pretending to have slept the entire night, as she moved to the edge of the bed. There he was, laying on the floor, curled up into a little ball pulling at the blanket to cover himself as much as he could.

“Spike…” She called softly, but had no answer. “Spike…” She whispered once again, this time reaching for him and lightly pushing him.

“Hum…” She heard him mumble as he turned his back to her.

“Spike… Wake up… My mom’s gonna be here any minute.” She said climbing off the bed and sitting on the floor next to him.

Her hands rested on his arm, pulling at him to turn him around as she spoke. Eventually, he did but he was still fast asleep. She watched as he nestled his face against her thighs. He looked so peaceful, so… non obnoxious.

Instinctively, she ran her fingers over his sharp cheekbones leaving her thumb behind to caress the amazingly soft skin there. She caught her breath as he nuzzled against it, his lips curling slightly up for a lazy smile. She heard him mumble something in his daze and she leaned in to hear him whisper in a drooling tone: “Dru…”

Her eyes grew wide as she felt her stomach twist in disgust. In a flash, she was up and shaking him gruffly: “Wake up!”

“Hum… What?” The Brit blinked wildly as he tried to ascertain where he was. A deep furrow marred his eyebrows as his sight focused on the petite blonde violently walking around in circles. “Oh, God… It wasn’t a nightmare.” He grumbled with a hoarse voice.

“Get up, get under the bed and don’t get out of there until I tell you!” She said simply before she opened the door and walked out of the room, leaving a dumbstruck, sleepy teen behind.


~+~


The moment the front door closed and she was sure her mother was out of the household, Buffy raced up the stairs. She stopped abruptly when she reached her bedroom. Taking in two deep, long breaths, she turned the doorknob and entered the room.

“Spike?” She asked when the bleached teen was nowhere in sight. “Spike?”

She walked in and headed for the bed, bending down to check under it. Nothing.

“Spik-“

“Bah!” Two jabbing hands were on her waist as a loud voice filled the room.

“AHH!” She screamed off the top of her lungs, twisting around suddenly, her right knee hitting its target right on the spot.

It was Spike’s turn to howl - in throbbing pain. Buffy’s fingers automatically went for her mouth, her eyes widening as she watched the bleached teen laying on the floor wailing while his hands were buried between his legs.

“I-I’m sorry.” She stuttered, frozen in place, her eyebrows wrinkled in a painful frown.

“Bloody hell, woman!” He yelled, still lying on the floor, his face the picture of agony.

“I-I..” She stammered as she kneeled next to him.

Immediately, he jumped back, fear coming over him.

“Just stay away from them!” He ordered between howls.

“Well… “ She said outraged as she stood up. “You-you shouldn’t have grabbed me like that.”

“It was a joke.” He protested as he tried to get up to his feet but failed. “I think I’ll just stay down here for… a while.” He said as he sat back down, leaning on her table.

“Suit yourself. I’m going to take a shower.” She replied as she stalked out of the room.


~+~


Spike waited patiently on the floor, still nursing his sore parts when he heard the door squeak. He turned to see Buffy’s drenched head pop in.

“Turn around.” She ordered.

“What?! I can barely move here, luv, and you want me to turn around?” He asked, cocking up an eyebrow.

“Well then… Close your eyes.” She insisted.

“It’s not like I haven’t seen a girl wrapped up in a towel before, you know?” He said sarcastically, annoying smirk on.

“Do you wanna get kicked again?” She questioned innocently as she put on her sweetest, fake smile.

A hint of fear flashed in the teen’s eyes before he closed them. He heard sloppy footsteps entering the room and a faint scent of vanilla hit him. Instinctively, he inhaled a little deeper and the aroma surrounded him. He was about to attempt to open his eyes when he heard: “You open your eyes and I swear you will leave this room with a vocal tone higher then ten Michael Jackson’s put together.” She threatened.

Swallowing hard, he kept his eyelids closed shut, patiently waiting for her signal. He listened carefully to the shuffling; the sound of the wardrobe door opening and closing a few times and then there was silence.

“Buffy?” He asked as a frown settled on his eyebrows.

“Keep your eyes closed.” She commanded..

“They’re closed!” He replied shrugging.

He heard more shuffling and then felt heavy covers being dropped on him.

“Hey!” He protested.

“Don’t peep!”

The minutes crawled by and nothing.

“Are you ready?” He finally asked.

“No.”

“You haven’t even picked out your clothes, have you?” He questioned, a hint of exasperation in his voice. There was a pause. “Buffy?”

“No, I haven’t.” She finally said in one breath and the teen under the covers groaned.

“Will you hurry up, woman?”

“Stop calling me that!” She snapped.

“What? Woman?”

“Yes! I have a name, it’s Buffy!”

“Whatever, pet.”

“Grrrr…” He heard her growl.

Another ten minutes passed and Spike restarted the conversation.

“So… What was that whole thing with your mom?”

Silence.

“Buffy?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” She growled.

“Her first date after your da?” Having no answer he continued. “It’s ok to feel kinda weird about it.”

A furious stomp broke the silence.

“It was kinda strange for me too when my da first started going out.”

The stillness returned and Spike was about to continue when Buffy mumbled: “You’re parents are divorced?”

“My mom died when I was a kid.”

“Oh…”

An uncomfortable silence returned but was soon broken by the Brit still hidden under the covers.

“It’s normal, you know? For your mom to want to go on with her life.”

“I know.” Buffy admitted reluctantly.

“You’ll get used to the idea. Who knows, you might even like the guy.”

“Never!” Was the petite blonde’s immediate response.

Spike couldn’t help but chuckle.

“It’s not funny!” She protested with a pout.

“You’ll-“ cough “You’ll-“ cough “Can I come out from under this thing? Breathing is becoming a problem.”

His answer came when the covers were swiftly lifted off him. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light, after a few seconds his sight focused on the short blonde girl standing in front of him. She wore low cut jeans and a light-blue turtleneck sweater.

“All that time for that?” He frowned as he got up.

“What’s wrong with this?” She protested as she opened the wardrobe door and looked at herself in the mirror.

“Nothing. It’s fine!” He immediately jumped in between her and the mirror. “Let’s go!” He continued as he dragged her out of the room by her arm.

The first thing the bleached Brit did when he stepped out of the house was light up a cigarette, which immediately earned him a look from the short blonde who walked next to him.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He warned her as the smoke flowed out of his mouth.

“That’s disgusting.” She retorted, making a face. “I’m not kissing you today.”

“A-ha! I knew you’d chicken out! Gotta say- good excuse, luv.”

“It’s not an excuse, I just don’t want to have a bad taste in my mouth.” She explained as she looked down at her feet.

“How do you know it tastes bad?” He asked her with a smirk, his eyes on her.

“It smells bad, it tastes bad. That’s my motto.” She replied pushing her lips together. The weight of his stare starting to get to her.

“You’ll never know till you actually taste it.” He said as he suggestively ran his tongue over his lips.

“I already did, remember!” Her face contorted for a disgusted look.

“Tell you what, I’ll buy a pack of breath mints before lunch. Happy?” He suggested as they continued to walk down the street.

“How about we just postpone the kissing scene for tomorrow and you don’t smoke till then?” She looked up at him with hope in her eyes.

“Nice try, pet. It’s today or never.”

“Hum… Never?” She quickly opted giving him a plastic.

“Come on, luv. We’ve talk about-“ “Ok, ok. No need to bring on the whining skills, I know you’ve got them..” She grumbled.

“That’s my girl.”

“I’m not your girl, William.”

“Don’t call me William.” Seriousness dawned in his voice.

“Don’t call me pet or luv or woman.”

“Deal.” He agreed.

They continued to walk in silence for a couple more minutes till Buffy sighed and grumbled: “Why didn’t you bring your bike?"

“It’s in the shop.” He answered.

“I hate walking.” She continued to protest as the high school finally came into view.

“Gotta say I agree with you on that one, pet.”

“Thanks… William.” She said with a fake smile as he looked at her from under a frown.

They walked up the steps to the main door of the teen-filled building and entered the halls. They reached class 209 and the two teens stopped.

“This is me.” She said as she played with the cover of her history book.

Spike awkwardly nodded as he shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. Buffy’s gaze bounced off the walls and scanned the entire hall as she tried to avoid the bleached teen standing in front of her. She froze as she saw Angel and Dru walking towards them, the quarterback’s heavy arms draped over the black clad teen. Spike followed her eyes and swallowed hard as the couple quickly approached them.

“Well… bye.” She uttered quickly as she turned around to enter the classroom, when she felt herself being pulled backwards by her left arm.

Before she could register Spike’s arms around her or her chest pushed against his, his lips came down to crush hers in a demanding kiss. She froze, feeling his hands slip under her sweater to caress her lower back for a split second before he pulled away from her.

“Didn’t taste that bad, did it, luv?” He whispered in her ear before he walked away.

Buffy was left behind, completely dumbstruck, staring at the parting teen as he strolled pass Angel and Dru.

“Dru. Angel.” She heard him greet them before Mrs. Finch’s high-pitched voice pierced its way through the haze that engulfed her.

“Miss Summers are you planning on joining us anytime soon?”


~+~


Buffy yawned loudly as she walked out of the classroom after Oz and Willow.

“Buffy, I knew you didn’t like Spanish, but I had no idea the subject bored you so much.” The redhead noted as they walked down the hall.

“I just didn’t get much sleep last night. That’s all.” Buffy explained in a low voice.

“Bummed over your mom going out on a date, huh?” Willow gave her best friend a sympathetic look.

“I’m adjusting.” Buffy mumbled.

“Hey guys!” They heard Xander’s booming voice as he approached.

“Xander, you don’t have to shout.” Cordelia grumbled as they all walked towards the cafeteria, suddenly, Buffy stopped.

“What’s up, Buffster?” Xander asked.

“I-I don’t think I’m hungry.” She stuttered awkwardly.

“Are you going on one of those stupid ‘eat nothing and get anaemia’ kind of diets?” The boy questioned.

“No, you guys just go along and I-I’ll join you later.”

“Buffy, you really should-“

Before Willow could say anything else, Buffy had whirled around and was steadily walking down the hall. Willow and Xander exchanged a concerned look.

“What’s up with the Buffster?”

“It’s her mom.” Willow began as they entered the cafeteria. “She- Spike!” The redhead jumped up as the bleached teen appeared in front of her out of nowhere.

“Hey, red. Where’s Buffy?”

“She wasn’t feeling well. She doesn’t want to have…” She wasn’t able to finish her sentence as the Brit turned around and left. Willow instantly pouted. “Why’s everyone running from me?”

“I won’t.” Oz piped up, worming his arm around his girlfriend.


~+~


Buffy walked idly down the hall as she made her way to the football field when someone grabbed her by her arm and dragged her into an empty classroom.

“Spike.” She jumped when she saw him and asked nervously: “What are you doing here?”

“You’re not getting off the hook that easy..” He said tilting his head as he leaned on the door, blocking her way out.

“Wh-What are you talking about?” she stuttered.

“Buffy…”

“Well… We already kissed, so… no need to do it in front of the whole student body anymore.” She blurted out.

He remained silent giving her a disapproving look, watching as she tried to excuse herself: “I-I mean, we’ve achieved our goal, right? We kissed, people know we kiss. We are officially perceived as a kissing couple. Goal achieved. No more kissing required. End of kissing talk.” She ended her rambling taking a deep breath and waited for his reaction.

Without a word, he walked over to her and she instinctively stepped back until the back of her legs hit the edge of a desk and he was able to close the distance between them. He towered over her as he questioned in a low voice, a smirk on his lips: “Why does the thought of kissing me make you so nervous?”

She froze for a split second, before jumping up and awkwardly slipping away from him to quickly put the table between them.

“Nervous? I’m not nervous.” She tried to sound as sure of herself as possible, but failed as her voice came out in a squeak.

“Just admit it.” He said plainly, leaning over on the desk.

Buffy immediately stepped back.

“Admit what?”

“That you’ve got the hots for me, pet. It’s only natural.”

“Ha! You’re funny!” She chuckled, but the uneasiness was still clear in her voice.

Spike remained in place, just smirking at her.

“Stop that!” She protested.

“Stop what?”

“That grinning thing. It’s disconcerting.”

“Oh! A big word!” He mocked widening his eyes while she narrowed hers.

She stood up straight, crossing her arms around over her chest.

“What do you want?” She grumbled.

“Why are you afraid to kiss me?” He finally asked seriously.

“I’m not afraid, just disgusted.” She retorted.

“Come on, Buffy…” He sighed audibly plopping onto a nearby desk.

“Oh, fine, let’s do it.” She said crossing the room and sitting on the table opposite to him, her eyes closed as she pushed her lips together.

She waited and nothing. Finally, she opened her left eye to find Spike shaking his head at her.

“What?” She asked bringing her shoulders together.

“You…” He started pointing at her, before turning his finger on himself. “Kiss me.”



Chapter 15:



Buffy’s eyes widened at his short statement.

“What?!” She exclaimed as her legs dangled off the desk.

“You heard me, Summers.” He gave her a cocky smile and his scarred eyebrow rose up high on his forehead.

She was about to protest, her mouth opening and closing a couple of times as a frown settled on her forehead, but soon realised it was no use.

“Fine. Let’s get this over with.” She exhaled sharply as she jumped off the table and closed the distance between them.

“It’s so nice to feel wanted.” He said with a sardonic tone, which earned him a forced smile from the blonde teen that now stood in front of him.

A moment of silence filtered between the two of them and Buffy took in a deep breath, closing her eyes and pausing before opening them again. She slowly moved in, leaning into the bleached teen who still sat on one of the desks when suddenly, she backed away.

“What?!” The bleached teen gasped, with a frown as he watched her walking around in circles.

“Still haven’t gotten over the ‘yuck’ factor.” She mumbled as she stopped to face him.

He simply looked at her with an annoyed expression plastered on his face.

“Take your time, Betty.” He grumbled, emphasizing the last word.

In a flash, she was standing in front of him, cheeks flushed and anger flashing in her green eyes.

“It’s Buffy! How many times do I have to tell you? Buffy, Buffy, Buffy!” She almost screamed. “God! You know, I don’t know why I’m doing this.” She waved her hands in the air as she started rambling. “I don’t think seeing Angel grovel at my feet is worth all the effort. You’re just so… so…” She struggled to find the right word.

“Sexy?” He offered with a grin.

“Grrrrrr…” She growled in his face. “I hate you.” She said between clenched teeth.

“Ditto.” Spike answered with a plastic smile.

Once again, she sighed audibly as she frantically struggled with her hair, pulling it away from her face and curling it behind her ears. She shook her arms at her side as if preparing for a race. Spike simply smiled. Closing her eyes once more and inhaling sharply she tried to calm herself. After a few moments of silence she was able to do so. Her eyelids fluttered open and she looked down on him for a few seconds before quickly running her tongue over her lips to moisten them and leaned in. She could feel her heart slamming violently against her ribcage, her knees threatening to buckle from under her, the palms of her hands soaked as she tilted her head sideways and closed her eyes. Her mouth barely brushed over his bottom lip, for a first innocent contact. She pulled away, just a bit, to breathe in before she returned to her task. This time, she parted her lips, taking his lower one between hers, pulling lightly at it as the kiss built up.

He remained frozen, his arms at his sides, partially supporting his weight on the desk, while she kissed him. He let out a deep groan as she sucked his lower lip into her mouth as if wanting to devour it and instinctively wrapped his arms around her, gruffly pulling her towards him until she was between his legs, her arms crushed against his chest. His left hand slowly made its way from her lower back to the crook of her neck, cupping her face to deepen the kiss.

Buffy’s heart skipped a beat when she felt his tongue gliding over her mouth, as if asking permission to enter. Before she could even process the information, she was parting her lips, letting him in. A moan escaped her as they fought for dominance and the kiss intensified.

They pushed and tugged at each other’s clothes as teeth and hands came into play. Buffy’s fingers curled around the collar of his shirt, bringing him closer to her while she leaned into him. They battled away and light moans occasionally filled the empty and silent classroom. Eventually, as lack of oxygen started to become an issue, Spike was forced to pull away from her. He looked at her from under hooded and dazed eyes, his forehead resting on hers as he tried to speak coherently:

“Think you’re…” gasp “Over…” pant “the ‘yuck factor’?” He managed to ask her between gasps, his gaze alternating between her eyes and her swollen lips.

“Not sure…” She inhaled sharply closing her eyelids, trying hard to control her breathing before uttering: “Better make sure.”

“Better safe than sorry…”

Buffy nodded in agreement as his hand hungrily snaked under her ear to pull her toward him for another kiss.

She had time for a short breath before he once more crushed her lips with his; his tongue slipping inside of her mouth with ravenous urgency. His hands slid down to her thighs, hooking under them and pulling her skywards as he stood up; her legs instinctively wrapping themselves around his waist.

Buffy was so lost, she didn’t even notice she was being carried across the classroom and set on a hard surface. She partially opened her eyes to quickly glance down and realised she was sitting on the teacher’s desk with Spike nestled between her legs. She let out a deep groan as he nibbled his way across her jaw, towards the sensitive spot just below her earlobe.

Spike inhaled sharply and buried his nose in her turtleneck sweater for a second as her scent surround her him. The sound of her gasping sent chills down his spine and his grip on her thighs tightened as his tongue caressed the tender skin of her neck.

Suddenly, a sharp, high-pitched sound pierced through their combined haze.

“Wha…” Buffy tried to ask, but it seemed impossible.

“Hum…” She heard him moan as his mouth glided across her chin to reach her lips once more.

“Sp-“ She wasn’t able to finish the word as he kissed her once again. “Spike…” She gasped when she had a chance. “The…” kiss “Hum…” kiss “The… ah…” She gave up and leaned in to deepen the kiss.

Once again, their moans and gasps filled the room and they were lost in a blinding haze when, suddenly, loud, gossiping voices broke the stillness. The noise lasted for a few moments before coming to an abrupt halt. Buffy opened her eyes for a split second and they grew wide when she saw the door to the classroom wide open and a crowd of teens standing dumbstruck at the threshold. It took a while for her to recognize them but, eventually, she did. The short, gawking boy, whose hand still rested on the doorknob, was Jonathan, the teen next to him Andrew. The girl, who was still too shocked to close her mouth, was Harmony and the black clad figure right behind her? Who could it be, if not – Dru!

Buffy froze, wide eyed, staring back at the mini-crowd gathered at the door. She was still too flabbergasted to realise a certain bleached teen was still nibbling at her ear.

“Spike!” She called out, pulling at his duster.

There was no answer besides a deep groan.

“Why are you guys standing there like a bunch of idiots?” Angel’s voice hovered into the room as he made his way through the crowd. “Dru, honey, what going-“ He stopped in mid sentence as he witnessed the same spectacle as the others.

“Spike!!!” Buffy screamed pushing him away with such strength that the Brit stumbled backwards and only didn’t fall flat on the floor thanks to a desk behind him.

“Wha’?” He asked with a husky voice.

There was no need for Buffy to answer his question as he soon turned to see the group of teens standing at the door.

“Oh…” He managed to say; his gaze flying from the crowd to the flushed blonde still sitting on the desk.

“I… We… I and- I” Buffy struggled with the words, trying to find an explanation for the event. “I…” She tried once more, but was unsuccessful.

Her heart raced as everyone eyed her. She felt exposed, dirty. God, she felt… She had to get out of there. In a flash, she jumped off the table and was running out the door, pushing her way trough the teens, trying hard to ignore the look on everyone’s faces.

Spike was left behind, being now the centre of attentions. In complete silence, he stood up straight, shoved his hands into his pockets and started to leave the room when a strong hand gripped his arm. He turned around to see a seriously pissed off quarterback staring down at him. Angel was about to say something when Dru leaned into him and whispered something into his ear. The dark-haired teen remained still for a few seconds, pondering what to do.

“Got something to say, mate?” Spiked asked between clenched teeth.

Without a word, Angel let go of his arm and the bleached Brit stormed away while the small crown started to disband.


~+~


“Buffy!” He shouted as he watched her run down the hall.

Her response was to increase her speed as she opened the main door and exited the building.

“Buffy, stop! Buffy!” He yelled after her.

She didn’t answer, just continued to jog her way down the street.

“Buffy! We need to… talk!” He began coughing as he was almost catching up with her when she suddenly stopped dead in her track and faced him with a murderess look on her face.

“What?!” She snapped while she watched the bleached teen bend down and rest his hands on his knees as he gasped and panted violently.

“I-“ cough “Why are you running?’”

“Why?!” She yelled. “Did you see their faces? Did you?”

“Yeah! I thought that was the point!” He said between gaps as he stood up straight, his hand resting on his stomach.

“The point?” She practically screamed.

“Yeah! Make them believe that we’re together.”

“And that I’m some kind of kinky slut that likes doing it on the teacher’s desk.” She shouted.

“Come on. They’re not going to think-“

She cut him off:

“Of course they are!” She howled. “I mean, everyone was there! By now the whole school knows!”

“You’re exaggerating, luv. There were just a half a dozen kids there.”

“Half a dozen? Did you even see who was there? Every group in that stupid high school had a representative there. The nerds, the fashionably, bubbled-gum-brained cheerleaders, the jocks… God, even Dru was there to represent the freaky black-clad outcasts. But that’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?”

“What?!” He asked confused as the blonde teen continued to scream off the top of her lungs.

“You probably planned the whole thing. God! How could I be so stupid?” She gasped as she brought her hand to her forehead. “You planned the whole thing! God! I hate you, so much, I-”

“Ok.” Spike decided to step in. “First of all - will you stop shouting for a bloody second, woman? I think you’ve just pierced my eardrum.” He protested, sticking his finger into his ear as he cringed. “And second, how the hell would I plan the whole thing? I didn’t even know you weren’t going to eat at the cafeteria.” He pointed out, but she was so enraged, she couldn’t even see straight.

“I know you did. Just admit it and I won’t have to kill you; just cause you enough physical harm that will leave you paralysed from the neck down.” She threatened with a flame in her eyes.

“Buffy, listen to yourself. I could have never done that. Even if I was *that* much of a prick, I wouldn’t be able to do it.” He tried to explain when she whirled around and started to walk away. “Buffy…” He breathed as he walked after her, but she came to a halt once again.

“Don’t come anywhere near me, ever again.” She hissed between clenched teeth and walked away.


~+~


Buffy entered the house and, without a word, stormed up the staircase and entered her bedroom. Slamming the door behind her, she flung herself on the bed. In a few moments, a light knock on the door was heard.

“Honey…?” Mrs. Summer’s soft voice filled the room as she entered it. “Are you ok? What are you doing home so early?” She questioned as she came closer to the bed and realised her daughter was crying. “Oh, honey, what happened? Buffy…”

“It’s ok, mom. I just wasn’t feeling so good so I came home.” Buffy quickly answered as she sat up straight and hastily wiped the tears from her flushed face.

Mrs. Summer’s looked at her from under a frown.

“It’s true, I’m fine. I just have this horrible headache.” Buffy lied rather convincingly.

“I knew you were coming down with something.” The older woman exhaled sharply as she rested her hand on her daughter’s forehead. “You’re kinda warm.”

“I’m fine, mom. I’m fine.” The teen insisted, running her hands across her face and pulling the rebellious strands of her hair behind her ears as she leaned on the headboard of the bed.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to catch something.”

Buffy nodded with a weak smile and Mrs. Summer’s stood up and walked over to the door.

“Well, I’ll get you an aspirin and some vitamins, just to make sure. Do you want some hot-cocoa?” She offered as she stood at the threshold.

“That’d be great, mom.”

The moment the door was closed Buffy slammed her head against the headboard as she let out an audible sigh. She ran her fingers over her face as she contemplated what had happened only half an hour ago. ‘God, how could I be so stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Now everyone in school’s gonna think I’m a slut that does it on the teacher’s desk.” She let out a deep groan, closing her eyes and trying to erase the thought from her mind. ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid!’ she continued to insult herself in her mind.

“It’s all *his* fault!” She finally said between clenched teeth. “God, I hate him soooo much! I’m gonna kill that bleached idiot! Kill, kill, kill…” She continued as the anger built up inside of her. “You kiss me.” She said with a mocking tone. “I’ll give him the ‘you kiss me’. Grrr….”

She slumped down on her bed and curled herself into the foetal position as she stared out the window. Soon, the screeching sound of a door opening was heard and light footsteps followed.

“Thanks, mom.” Buffy started as she turned around. “I don’t know- Spike!” She exclaimed as she saw the bleached teen standing by her bed holding a tray. “Get out!” she immediately hissed.

“Now, luv don’t want to-“

“I don’t want to hear it. Put the tray down and get out!” She raised her voice slightly.

He obeyed to the first part of the command, setting the tray on the nightstand, but ignored the second.

“Are you hard of hearing?”

“I’m not leaving until you tell me why you’re acting this way.” He replied in a low, calm voice that made her nerves act up.

“Because… I… Hum…” She struggled for an explanation and finally hissed: “Cause the entire school thinks I’m a ho and it’s all you’re fault.”

“My fault? How is it my fault?” he asked defensively.

“You were the one who caused it. You with you’re ‘You kiss me’ speech.” The last sentence was said with a high-pitched semi-whining tone.

“No one forced you to do anything, luv. Actually, as far as I can remember you seemed more than willing.” He replied with a mocking tone, but the partial grin on his face soon crumbled as he saw the rage flare up in her green eyes. “Look, so they saw us snogging, it’s not like the entire world is going to fall apart.”

“You just don’t get it, do you? People will-“

“Will what?” He interrupted her. “We weren’t doing anything wrong!” He sighed audibly.

Buffy remained still, trying to find a reason for her rage, but couldn’t find any. He was right; there wasn’t anything wrong with what they had done. Sure it bordered on the kinky, but so what? They were teenagers; they were supposed to do dumb things.

“Luv, just calm down and-“

“Don’t call me that.” She warned him.

“Sorry.” He apologized sincerely.

They exchanged a look of truce and silence filtered between them. Finally, Buffy spoke:

“Did you see the look on Angel’s face?” She said with half a smirk.

“Yeah, the wanker looked like he was about to have a fit.” Spike replied with a grin of his own as Buffy’s smile grew.

“I never knew a person could turn that green.” She chuckled as she started to relax.

“Did you see Dru? Man, she looked like she as about to pop with envy.” He laughed out loud.

Something about the way he said it, maybe the sparkle in his eye as he spoke her name, made the subject a lot less funny to her. But, she ignored the sinking feeling in her stomach and continued in a low voice:

“Guess, the plan is working, huh?”

Spike’s smile seemed to dim at her question: “I guess.”

“Who would have thought they would fall for it?”

“Yeah…” Spike breathed as the tension between them grew.

“Well… I guess you’ll have Dru with you in no time.”

“Yeah.” He paused for a second and swallowed hard before forcing the words out. “And you’ll have Angel.”

“My own personal slave.” She said with a mocking tone and a smile. “Let the good times roll.”

Spike simply smiled, shoving his hands into his pockets. After a few moments of silence he finally decided to speak:

“Hum… Summers?”

Buffy looked at him as his gaze travelled from the floor to meet hers.

“Are you still…” He paused, waiting for her to answer, but it was clear she didn’t understand the incomplete question. “Are you still… in love with him?”

Buffy frowned a bit and tilted her head, but didn’t answer.

“Hum… I’m sorry; I shouldn’t be asking this, I’ll just be going.” He spoke quickly and awkwardly as he headed for the door. “You’re mom’s probably going to worry about you having a boy in your room all this time and-“

“She thinks you’re gay, Spike.” She said with a devilish grin.

“Don’t remind me.” He grunted as he turned the knob and prepared to leave when Buffy spoke:

“Hum… Spike?”

“Yeah, luv?”

“Me and the guys are going to the Bronze on Friday. Wanna come with?” There was a hint of insecurity in her tone and when he didn’t answer immediately she quickly added: “Totally on a ‘make Dru and Angel face the green-eyed monster’ basis, of course.” He remained silent. “Dru will probably be there… would be fun to see if she pops this time.” She continued with a weak smile. “Or maybe not, it’s your-“

“I’ll be there, Summers.” He interrupted her with a low, calm voice.

“Oh…” She breathed. “Good.” She said shoving her hands into the back pockets of her jeans as her feet fumbled with the edge of the carpet.

“See you tomorrow, Betty.”

“See you tomorrow, William.”

She watched as the bleached hair disappeared behind the closing door and held her breath. A sharp ringing tone snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Hello?” She asked as she picked up the phone.

“Buffy?”

“Hey, Willow!”

“Are you ok?” An extremely anxious and nervous redhead questioned from the other side of the line. “I mean people are talking that you and Spike were doing the nasty on Mr. Gulliver’s desk. Is that true? What happened? Are you ok? Did Spike do something-“

“Willow, Willow. Slow down. Breathe. That’s it. Inhale… exhale… inhale… exhale.” Buffy coached. “And no, I wasn’t’ doing the *nasty* with Spike. We were just… you know…”

“No, I don’t. That’s why I’m calling. Oh, and by the way, Xander had a heart attack when Harmony told him that she had walked in on you and Spike stark naked in-“

“What?! God, I’m gonna kill that bleached airhead.” Buffy grumbled between clenched teeth. “I wasn’t doing anything. We were just kissing, Willow. That’s all.”

“A-are you sure?” Willow hesitated.

“I’m pretty sure. I mean, I *was* there and all, you know?” Buffy replied sarcastically.

“So-sorry, I-I didn’t mean to-“

“It’s ok, Wills. No need to go on stutter mode.”

“So, you’re ok then? I was just worried about you. You left school and didn’t say a thing, I thought…”

“Nothing bad happened. I promise. I was just a bit… embarrassed out of my mind! Couldn’t really take the whole Gestapo-like inquiring and gawking.”

“I understand. Will you come to school tomorrow?”

“Yes, don’t worry. Ok?”

“Ok. Bye.”

“Bye, Willow.”

Chapter 16:



Buffy lay quietly on her bed, eyes closed, lost somewhere between hazy consciousness and deep slumber. She turned on her back and draped her arms over the warm blankets resting them on her chest, when a soft noise broke through the sleepy mist that surrounded her mind. She tried to open her eyes, but her lids seemed to hold the weight of the world, so she kept them closed, but when she felt her mattress move, she quickly opened them. Her sight was foggy and it took a while for her to focus on the approaching figure that climbed onto her bed and cat-like crept its way up her body. She didn’t need to see him to know who he was; the clear scent of alcohol and cigarettes surrounding her was evidence enough. She held her breath as he crawled all the way up and hovered over her frozen form, his weight resting on his forearms that lay on either side of her.

“Spike, what are you doing here?” She tried to sound angry and outraged, but to no avail, as the word came out like a fragile whisper.

“Shh….” She heard him say before he buried his head in the nape of her neck, lightly kissing his way up to her earlobe.

She gasped as she felt him rest his weight on her, one of his legs between hers as his left hand wormed its way under the covers, pulling them off of her before tugging at her nightgown.

“Sp…” She tried to speak but the words got caught in her throat as his fingers dug into the outside of her thighs hitching up the nightdress.

She heard him moan, as he thrust his pelvis against hers and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips. Her hands pulled and tugged at his red shirt, trying to drag it over his head, but he wouldn’t let go of her. His arms wrapped around her, one resting on her thigh, the other on her neck as he pulled her towards him for a bruising kiss. She felt him rub against her and let out a muffled cry into his mouth, running her nails over his clothed back.

He pulled away abruptly to stared down at her, their breaths coming in short urgent pants.

“You’re beautiful, Summers.” He whispered, before diving for her neck once more.

She arched up letting out a moan as she felt the hand on her thigh move between her legs to tug at her panties.

“God… Buffy.” She heard him gasp as his fingers pushed the elastic band to the side.

“Buffy… Buffy, wake up!”

Her eyes snapped open to meet the figure of her mother standing by her bed, lightly shaking her out of her dream.

“Mom?!” Buffy asked confused as a frown settled over her eyebrows.

“You’re going to be late for school, missy.” Mrs. Summers warned her daughter. “Now, get out of bed. I’ll come up before I leave to check if you’re up.” She said as she left the room.

Buffy propped herself on her elbows, her hazy stare scanning the empty room. Her eyes widened as the memories of her dream assaulted her mind.

“Oh… my God.” She whispered to herself but, as a couple more images flashed before her eyes, she repeated with a high-pitched tone: “OH, MY GOD!”


~+~


She quickly scurried down the hall, through the multitude of teenagers with her head bowed and her books tightly clenched against her chest, trying hard to avoid the places where she thought he might be.

“Hey, Buffy!” She heard Willow’s familiar voice and turned to see the redhead standing by her locker next to Oz, waving her hand.

The petite blond smiled and was about to go meet with her when she saw a flash of white hair and black leather turn the corner and head towards Willow. Buffy’s eyes widened and she quickly shouted:

“I can’t now. I’m late for class.” And with that she whirled around and continued down the hall.

Willow frowned at her best friend’s statement.

“Late for class? The bell hasn’t rung yet. And since when is Buffy paranoid about being on time… And for English lit to top it?”

Oz simply shrugged.

“Hey.”

Willow jumped up as she heard the deep male voice coming from behind her.

“Hey, Spike.” She quickly replied while Oz gave him a light nod.

“You guys seen Buffy?” He asked.

“We just saw her on her way to class.” Willow explained.

“Already?” Spike furrowed his brows.

The two redheads gave Spike a shrug.

“Well, I’ll see you guys later then.” The bleached teen said as he quickly sprinted down the hall on his way to class.


~+~


Buffy scurried down the corridor, looking through her books to find her class schedule. She was so engrossed in her current task, she didn’t even notice the curious glances thrown her way, or the incessant whispering that seemed to affect every student she passed by. She let out a satisfied sigh as she found what she was looking for.

“Wednesday… Wednesday…” She muttered as her finger ran over the table printed on the small piece of paper. Why couldn’t she remember what class she had? “Stupid dream!” She mumbled, returning to her search. “English lit.” She said before looking up to see where she was. “That way.”

As she reached the classroom, she looked both ways before turning the knob and entering. She closed the door behind her and let out a deep sight of relief, closing her eyes.

“Safe. Good old English lit, ah.”

Suddenly, her eyes snapped open.

“English lit? That’s with-“

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence as someone opened the door she was leaning against and sent her sprawling to the floor. She groaned as she hit the hard surface, her hair coming to cover her face but she quickly scrambled to her feet. Exhaling sharply, she sent her blonde strands flying away from her face. She had to suppress a high-pitched squeak when she saw who was standing in front of her, holding the door open.

“Spike.” She groaned, rolling her eyes as she turned on her heels and made her way to her desk, by the window.

“Hey, luv! Nice to see you too.” He mumbled sarcastically, closing the door behind him.

“What are you doing here?” She asked with an annoyed tone, trying hard to repress the memories of her dream, which seemed intent on flashing before her eyes.

“Question would be: why are you here, luv? Class hasn’t started yet.” Spike noted coming to lean on the desk next to hers.

Buffy ran her fingers over her tired eyed, pushing back the nasty images and groaning.

“Are you ok? Is it because of yesterday? Cause I thought-“

“No, I’m fine.” She grumbled.

“Oh, yeah, you’re just peachy, luv.”

“Can you please quit calling me that?” She practically begged.

Spike melted down to his seat and stared at her.

“Is it cause of you’re mom? Cause-“

“Spike, stop trying to analyse me. I told you – I’m fine. I’m just tired. Had a really, *really* bad dream.” She moaned as she rested her head between her hands, her elbows on the desk.

“Sure that’s just it?” He asked and couldn’t help letting a hint of worry filter through to his tone.

“Spike, why are you asking me all these questions?” She groaned finally looking up at him.

He was about to answer, when the classroom door was opened.

“How’d you kids get in here?” Mrs. Kennedy’s voice hovered into the room and the two teens quickly turned to face her.

“Hey, Mrs. Kennedy.” Buffy greeted awkwardly.

“Ms. Summers.” The 30-year-old woman nodded, resting her things on her desk. “Never thought of you as someone to come early to class. I thought you hated English Literature.”

“I- I… don’t… I…” Buffy stumbled over the words.

“No need to stutter, Buffy, I’m glad to see you’ve taken an interest in my class.” Mrs. Kennedy smiled and winked at the petite blonde from under her glasses.

Buffy let out a sigh of relief while Spike stood up and strolled over to speak to the teacher. Buffy frowned as she watched the two quickly exchange a few words, with Mrs. Kennedy nodding before the bleached teen turned on his heels and took his place next to Buffy.

“Why are you smiling? I don’t like it when you do that. It’s a sign of bad things to come.” Buffy grumbled, raising her eyebrow.

The school bell rang and Mrs. Kennedy opened the classroom door to let in a flood of pimpled teens. A wave of gossip and whispering soon filled the room as everyone eyed the blonde couple now seated together.

“Aren’t you going to take you’re seat?” Buffy questioned.

Before Spike could answer, Mrs. Kennedy called out:

“Ms. Kendal.” She had no answer as the blonde teen enthusiastically chatted with a fellow student while eyeing the infamous couple. “Harmony Kendal!” Mrs. Kennedy called once more and this time the girl acknowledged her. “If you wouldn’t mind, I would like you to change seats with Spike.”

Buffy’s eyes widened, staring at Spike while he wiggled his eyebrows at her and smirked.

“What?! Why?” The teen whined.

“Because from now on, Spike will tutor Buffy in her English Literature studies. And it would do you good not to be so close to your cheerleading colleges. You seem to have a great deal of difficulty concentrating when you’re near them.” Mrs. Kennedy answered as she turned to write something on the board.

“But-“

“Not another word, Harmony.” Mrs. Kennedy warned, not bothering to turn and face the teen.

Reluctantly, the blonde teen picked up her things and mumbled as she dragged her feet across the room to reach her new desk:

“Tutoring, my ass…”

“I heard that, Ms. Kendal.” Mrs. Kennedy warned before starting the class.

An hour later, the school bell rang once more and a combined sigh of relief coming from the students was heard, as instantly the teens began packing their books and preparing to leave.

Spike leaned on his new desk watching as Buffy awkwardly stuffed her things into her backpack.

“Are you nervous, pet?” He finally asked, cocking up a curious eyebrow.

She had spent the entire class avoiding him, frantically scribbling on her notebook. If he didn’t know her better he would have thought she was actually trying to learn something. Every time he’d glance at her or call her, she’d turn bright red and would just stare down at her books.

“I’m fine.” She breathed, putting her bag over her shoulder.

“Well, you look kinda jittery to me.” He insisted as they walked out the door together.

“I’m just busy. I-I gotta go.”

And with that she was sprinting down the hall, leaving behind a dumbstruck teen.


~+~


Two days passed and Buffy continued intent on avoiding him, being quite successful at it. She had only seen him once, on Thursday, and she had managed to hide before he saw her.

She let out a content sigh as she entered the house and dragged her feet up the stairs. She plopped down on her bed, lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling, when the phone rang. She grunted as she reluctantly crawled her way up her bed to her nightstand and picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Buffy.” Willow’s peppy mood was heard from the other side of the line.

“Hey, Wills.” The blonde teen mumbled, rolling onto her back and closing her eyes.

“So, what time tonight?”

“Tonight?” Buffy frowned as he mind drew a blank. “What about tonight?”

“The Bronze… remember?”

“Oh… right.” Buffy uttered with little enthusiasm.

“Don’t tell me you’re not coming.” Willow begged as she knew her best friend all too well.

“Well… I’m kinda tired and my mom-“

“Oh, come on, Buffy! You said you’d come, you promised.” Willow whined.

“Why do you want me to come?” Buffy wondered.

“Well, I-I… you’re my best friend and-and… it wouldn’t be any fun if you didn’t come.” The redhead stammered.

“Right… Now, let’s try this once more, and without the pathetic attempt to lie.” Buffy mumbled, pressing her fingers against her shut eyelids.

“I-I’m not lying.”

“Come on Wills. You couldn’t lie if your life depended on it. Now out with it!” Buffy ordered with a light tone.

“Oh, alright!” Suddenly, Willow’s tone became giddy with childlike excitement. “I’m not supposed to tell you this but…” There was a moment of pause before the hysterical redhead shouted into the receiver: “Oz’s band it playing tonight!”

Buffy jumped up, letting go of the phone to rest her hand on her ear. A string of curses passed through her clenched teeth before she picked up the receiver.

“Buffy, are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here. I’m bleeding from my ear, but I’m here.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry! It’s just that… OZ IS PLAYING TONIGHT!” Willow yelled once more causing Buffy to jump up again.

“Ok, Willow, which part of ‘I’m bleeding from my ear’ didn’t you get? Was it the ‘ear’ or ‘the bleeding from’?”

“I’m sorry.” Willow said in a small voice. “It’s just that I’m so excited.”

“The constant ringing in my ear is definitely proof of it.”

“I’m sorry.” The redhead begged.

“It’s ok, Wills. No biggy.” Buffy said as she stuck her finger into her ear and cringed.

“So you’re coming right?”

There was no answer.

“Oh, come on! You gotta come. I’m bringing a video camera and all!!!” Willow’s excitement was evident in her high-pitched tone.

“I…”

“Pleeeeease.”

“I can’t promise anything. But I’ll try, ok?”

“Ok. I gotta go now. Gotta pick my least non-sexy outfit.” Willow giggled.

“Bye Wills.”

“Bye.”

Buffy remained lying on the bed, on her back, letting the busy signal from the receiver echo in her ears for a few seconds before putting it back in place. She closed her eyes and was slowly drifting to sleep when she heard the door to her room swing open.

“Honey?” Her mother’s voice filled the room.

“Mom? What are you doing home?” Buffy asked as she slowly propped herself up on her elbows. She frowned when she saw what her mother dressed up and… “You’re wearing make up!”

“Yes.” Mrs. Summer nodded, tightening her grip on the peach-coloured shawl that was draped over her slender shoulders.

“You never wear make up. Not even on your last few dates.” Buffy noted suspiciously as she sat up straight.

“That’s true.” Another annoyingly peaceful nod was thrown Buffy’s way.

“Why are you wearing make up?”

“I’m going on a date.”

“Again?! You’ve gone out on dates every night this week.” Buffy noted a bit outraged by her mom’s behaviour.

“Buffy, I’m a grown woman and I have the right to go out as much as I please.”

Buffy sighed in frustration as she stood up.

“I know mom, but… “ She paused, choosing her words. “Is it serious?”

“What is, honey?”

“The person you’re going out with… Is it serious? I mean if it’s make up worthy, it’s probably serious.” Buffy stated.

Mrs. Summers pressed her lips together. She really didn’t want to talk about this right now.

“Honey… I don’t know.”

“Am I going to have to meet him?” Buffy questioned with a hint of desperation.

A soft smile crept over the older woman’s lips as she shook her head.

“Not just, yet.”

“Good.” Buffy sighed in relief walking back to her bed while her mother stayed at the doorway.

“Are still going out tonight?” Mrs. Summers asked.

“I don’t know. I might.” Buffy mumbled as she plopped down on the bed.

“Well, have fun.” Her mother started to leave, when she stopped and her face gained a light shade of red. “I-I might be late tonight.”

Buffy tilted her head and cocked a suspicious eyebrow before she asked:

“How late?”

“Late.” Mrs. Summers clearly tried to avoid the subject.

“How late, mom?” Buffy insisted.

“I might not come home tonight.” Mrs. Summer’s blurted out, finally finding the courage to word it out. But before her daughter could say anything, she closed the door, sprinted down the stairs and out the front entrance, leaving Buffy sitting on her bed, trying to pick up her jaw.


~+~


She walked around in circles in her room, clenching and unclenching her hands at her sides, her nails digging into her sweaty palms.

“My mom is having sex with a stranger?” She mumbled the words in disbelief for the 100th time that evening. “My mom. Is having sex. With a stranger.” Her stomach turned, doing a couple of painful flip-flops. “Oh, God… I think I’m gonna be sick.” She managed to word out as she ran her way down the hall and into the bathroom, kneeling in front of the toilet to throw up.

After the nauseating deed was done, she let her body fall limply to the white tiled floor and leaned on the cold wall, closing her eyes tightly shut. She grumbled under her breath as she heard the doorbell and contemplated just letting it ring. She really didn’t feel like getting up right now. Eventually, the clear resonant sound started to dig into her brain causing a major migraine and she forced her tired body into the standing position, sluggishly making her way down the stairs while the ringing became incessant.

“I’m coming, I’m coming. For Christ sake will you just hang on a sec?” She shouted just as she swung the door open. She rolled her eyes as she was greeted by the familiar peroxide blond.

“You’re not dressed yet.” He noted as he saw the thick, white robe she was wearing and the cute bunny shaped slippers.

“No? Really? You have such cunning observational skills. You amaze me!” She uttered with fake enthusiasm as she dragged her feet to the living room.

Spike frowned as he walked in, closing the door behind him and followed the petite blonde.

“I see you’re in you’re usual peppy mood tonight.” He said watching her plopped down on the couch and idly flip through the channels.

“Don’t push me Spike, I’m not in a good mood.” She grumbled, her eyes never leaving the flickering images coming from the TV.

“Oh… that’s new.” He retorted.

Rolling her eyes once more, she turned to look at the black-clad teen and realised he had his hand conveniently concealed behind his back.

“What are you hiding?” She asked, trying to sound uninterested.

“Nothing.” He answered with a grin.

“What is it?” She insisted sitting up straight.

“Nothing.”

Without a word, she stood up and walked over to him. He immediately stepped back.

“Come on. What’re you hiding?” She repeated.

His grin grew wider as she tried to circle around him, but he kept turning, never giving her the chance to see what he was concealing. They played the cat and mouse game for a while, and eventually, Buffy was trying to keep from giggling as she attempted to reach his back, pushing and pulling at him. Suddenly, she violently tugged his forearm, causing him to lose his balance and, instinctively, he brought both arms to his front to find support on the coach, revealing a single red rose in his left hand.

Buffy frowned:

“A rose? For me?” She asked a bit confused.

“No. It’s for your mom.” He quickly answered, seeing the sparkle in her eye die out.

“Oh…” She mumbled embarrassed.

He felt a pang in his heart and quickly told the truth:

“I’m kidding, luv. It’s for you.”

She didn’t say anything, just looked up at him with a puzzled expression on her face.

“Why?”

“It’s our one week anniversary. I was going to bring you a bouquet but I thought you’re mom might get suspicious.” He explained.

Buffy narrowed her eyes. Was he blushing?

“One week anniversary?”

“Yeah. We agreed to our fake dating scheme a week ago, remember? ‘We’ll hold hands?’”

“Oh… right.” It was her turn to blush as she picked the rose from his hands.

“I-I know, it’s stupid. I-I shouldn’t have-“ Spike started awkwardly.

“No-no. I-I like it.” Buffy stuttered as she went into the kitchen to get a glass of water and put the rose in it.

“If you don’t like it, you can just throw it away. I don’t care. It was just…” Spike nervously began to ramble.

“No, I like it.” Buffy repeated with less hesitation.

A moment of unbearably awkward silence filtered between them as they stood together in the kitchen. Buffy was the one to break it.

“Do you want something to eat?”

“No, thanks. I already ate. And we’re going to be late anyway, if you’re still going to get dressed and all.”

“I don’t think I’m going.” She replied.

“What do you mean? You’re not going to short stick’s gig?” Spike question frowning.

“Short stick?” Buffy cocked up an eyebrow.

“Oz. Red’s boyfriend.”

“Short stick… right. Look who’s talking.” Buffy grinned as she eyed the bleached teen up and down.

“Hey!” He protested.

Buffy smiled triumphantly, but it soon crumbled as realisation came.

“Wait a second. Willow told you about it? I thought it was supposed to be a secret.” Buffy said with a pout.

“Wasn’t her. Was Oz. Told me while we were playing football.”

“You and Oz play soccer together?”

“And the whelp.”

“And Xander?”

Spike nodded.

“And Oz told you about the concert.” Another nod. “Since when are you and Oz buddies?”

“What can I say? People are just naturally drawn to me.” He shrugged. “So are you getting dressed or not?”

Buffy sighed forcibly before, nodding and sprinting up the stairs.

“Give me 5 minutes.” She shouted back.

Chapter 17

Half an hour later he sat on the couch, sprawled out as he idly flickered through channels. Every once in a while, he’d throw a glance at the staircase in the feeble hope of finding her there. Sighing audibly, he stood up and sprinted up the stairs. Reaching her bedroom, he raised his hand and knocked on the door.

“You ready yet?”

“Just give me two more minutes.” He heard her shout from the other side.

“Oh, come on luv, we’ll be late for short stick’s show.” Spike grumbled.

There was silence for a few moments.

“Luv, we-“ He stopped in mid sentence as the door swung open to reveal her limping form.

Buffy clumsily hopped on one foot as she tried to get her other one into her high-heel boots while, at the same time, attempting to put on one of her spaghetti earrings. He gawked noticeably at her as she limped her way back to her dresser. She wore a short, black miniskirt and a lustrous silver top that tied up around her neck and left her pale back exposed. The outfit was completed by the pair of knee-high black boots.

She stared at the mirror, frowning as the earring refused to go through her pierced earlobe.

“Stupid earring.” She grumbled, while continuing to stick her foot into the boot. After a few moments, she was successful in both her tasks and she stood up straight in front of the mirror, pulling her skirt down as she turned to examine her back. “How do I look?” She asked without even glancing at the boy.

Spike’s mouth opened and closed several times, like a fish out of water, but the words refused to come out as he simply gawked at the girl in front of him. He repressed a groan as he saw her lean into the mirror to apply her lipstick.

Minutes later, she stood up straight once again, tugging at her miniskirt and flattening her top as she turned sideways to see herself on the mirror.

“How’s the war-paint?” She asked, finally looking at him.

Spike jumped up in surprise, snapping out of his daze to gaze up at her face.

“What?” He managed to word.

“The make-up. Is it ok?” She questioned, turning to the mirror and smacking her lips together.

“It’s ok.” He mumbled, his gaze returning to her exposed legs as she leaned over the dresser.

At his statement, she immediately stood up straight.

“Just ok?” She frowned.

“You look gorgeous, luv.” He corrected himself.

“I better.” She said with a light pout. “I wanna see Dru foaming from her mouth and Angel kicking himself unconscious for dumping me.” She uttered devilishly as she picked up her coat and walked out of the room, quickly followed by Spike.

She frowned as she finished locking the door and turned to see Spike walking over to a car parked in front of her house.

“What’s this?”

“My baby.” He answered with a proud tone, opening the door for her.

“You’re baby?” She questioned, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“Yep.”

“Since when do you have a car?” She asked as she entered the vehicle.

She waited till he was in before they continued their conversation.

“I’ve had this baby for ages.”

“Then why don’t you drive it to school?” She questioned, but immediately raised her hand and continued: “Don’t answer. Stupid question. You’re ashamed to be seen in this junk.”

“Hey!” He protested. “This ‘junk’ is a classic.”

“Right. That’s why it’s about to fall to apart. Are you sure you don’t wanna just walk?”

He gave her a plastic smile which crumbled in seconds as he started up the car.

“I love this car. Don’t make fun of it. Consider yourself warned, pet.” He grumbled as he drove off.


~+~




Buffy stepped out of the vehicle and waited for Spike to lock it up before heading for the teen infested club. She stopped dead in her tracks when she reached the door.

“What’s the matter, pet?” He asked, cocking up a scarred eyebrow.

She didn’t answer, merely inhaled sharply, letting her chest rise and fall a couple of times before shaking herself off.

“Do you always have to do that?” He asked as he remembered her doing that exact same exercise before their make-out session three days before.

“I’m preparing myself for the battle.” She replied, opening her eyes and walking into the Bronze.

Spike simply shook his head and followed her.

It didn’t take long for them to spot an extremely juiced up Willow practically jumping on her seat as she waved at the approaching couple. Cordelia and Xander sat around the small table, the former trying very hard to remain unnoticed by the crowd.

“Hey, Buffy! You made it!” A very peppy Willow greeted as she threw her arms around the petite blonde’s neck.

“Ah, Will… Need oxygen here.” Buffy managed to breathe.

“Oh, sorry!” Willow piped up, letting go of her.

“She’s been like this for an hour now.” Cordelia grumbled.

Buffy smiled as she tried to reach for a stool but Spike was faster, pulling it out for her to sit. She frowned a bit, but said nothing, nodding and sitting down. She moved to take off her coat, and again, to her surprise, Spike was right there to help her with it. She swallowed hard and gave him a weak smile before turning to the group:

“So… When’s it gonna start?” Buffy asked, scanning the room and realising the evil couple of death wasn’t there yet.

“In half an hour.” Willow quickly answered clapping her hands.

“Half an hour? You said we were going to be late.” Buffy protested glaring at the leather clad boy sitting next to her.

“Was the only way to get you here on time, pet.” He winced as Buffy’s heavy hand hit him in the arm. “Hey!”

“That’s for lying.” She grumbled.

“You’re off easy, man.” Xander spoke up. “You should see what happens to me when- Ouch!” He wasn’t able to finish his sentence as someone kicked him hard, under the table. “See what I mean.” He murmured.

Spike gave him a light sympathetic grin and turned to face Buffy.

“You want something to drink, luv?”

“Soda.” She answered as her gaze hovered over the thick crowd.

“Anyone else?”

“I’m fine.” Xander answered.

“I wanna get out of here.” Cordelia grumbled.

Spike turned to look at Willow, but she seemed completely out of it. Without a word he headed for the bar.

“Wow, the place is really packed, huh?” Buffy noted.

“Yeah, isn’t it wonderful?” Willow squeaked bringing her hands together for another hysterical clapping session, but found it impossible as Cordelia held her tightly by her wrists.

“You clap those hands one more time; I swear I’ll bite them off.” The brunette threatened with a murderous glare.

“Gee!” Willow’s eyes widened for a second as she pulled away from the cheerleader’s death-grip.

“Why are you in an even worst mood that usual, Cordy?” Buffy asked.

“Because Miss ‘I suffer from psychoneurotic hysteria’ here has been clapping her hands like the energizer bunny on speed for the past hour.” Cordy grumbled.

“Here you go.” Spike said as he set the soda on the table.

Buffy frowned as she saw the bottle he held in his hands.

“You’re *not* planning on drinking that, are you?”

“Why not?” He furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the label.

“You’ll get beer-breath.” She answered.

“So?” He questioned confused.

“You’re not gonna get anywhere near me tonight if you drink that.” She stated.

“But-“

She simply shook her head.

“Bloody hell.” He grumbled setting the beer down and sticking his hands into his pockets.

“Whipped.” Xander coughed, getting a glare from the peroxide teen as he fumbled with a red and white pack.

“No smoking either.” Buffy said, eyeing the cigarette box.

“But, pet…”

“No.”

“Bugger all.” He snarled shoving the pack back in his pockets and before Xander could say anything he growled: “Sod off.”

Xander gave him a wicked grin, but refrained from making any comments, especially considering he wasn’t exactly a free man himself.

“Where’s Oz?” Buffy questioned.

“He’s backstage getting ready.” Willow tried, but couldn’t help her jitteriness slipping into her voice. “I’m just so excited!” She went to bring her hands but managed to repress the impulse as Cordy shot her another one of her dagger spitting glares.

Buffy smiled, bringing her drink to her lips as the conversation started up.

“So, since when are you, Oz and bleach-boy over here soccer-buddies?” She asked tilting her head towards Spike.

“Since Wednesday.” Xander answered simply. “He asked us if we wanted to play after school. Soccer isn’t that bad actually.”

Buffy grinned glancing at the teen sitting next to her, his hand draped across the back of her stool.

“I’m slowly exorcising you all from the evil that is American Football.” He smirked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“But I still say American Football kicks ass.” Xander piped up.

“Give it time. You’ll come around.” Spike said as his fingers idly began to play with the edge of Buffy’s top.

“I gotta say I’m pro-soccer.” Cordelia joined in on the conversation.

“And another one sees the light! Halleluiah, my brothers!” Spike shouted lifting his arms up in the air, earning a series of glances from the surrounding tables.

“Don’t. Ever. Try to do the American accent, Spike.” Buffy mumbled as she cringed. “It’s just sad… and wrong. Oh, so wrong!” She mocked.

“Ha, ha. Very funny luv.” Spike said with fake enthusiasm as his fingers left her top to massage Buffy’s bare back.

She froze for a second, her muscles contracting at the feel of his rough fingers lazily running up and down her spine, but she soon relaxed as the touch became familiar and even pleasant.

The conversation went on for a few more minutes until the background music was turned off and the lights dimmed down to focus on the small stage at one end of the club.

“Oh, my God! This is it!” Willow squealed while hysterically clapping her hands.

“Someone *please* give this girl a Valium. For my sake.” Cordy begged as a deep male voice was heard coming from the loud speakers:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for ‘Dingoes Ate My Baby'!”

A roaring sound filled the packed club for a few moments before total silence came and then the first cords of the song were heard. A sharp light focused on the band and Oz finally came into view.

“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! Oz!” Was all that Willow could say before bringing her hands to cover her mouth and just stare at her boyfriend on stage.

The song played out for a while as the group sat around the table. Spike’s hand idly wandered over Buffy’s back and he held his breath as he felt her lean in against him. He froze for a second, but soon brought his arms around her slender form, bringing her closer to him; her head resting on his chest. He closed his eyes for a split second, inhaling her vanilla scent and letting it seep into his brain. God she smelled wonderfully! When the song finally finished, she stood up straight and clapped noisily, along with a very enthusiastic Willow and a moody Cordy. Xander on the other hand, brought his index fingers to his mouth and issued a loud whistle that seemed to pierce the eardrums of everyone around him… including Cordelia. This earned him another strong kick in the shin.

“Ouch!” He protested as he massaged his sore leg.

Spike remained oblivious to his surrounding, for as soon as the music started once more, Buffy leaned back against him in the same fashion she had done moments before. He didn’t know why, but this seemed so… right. He sighed as his arms circled around her once again and he fingered the edge of her top.

The next song was a slow, rock ballad and as a few couples moved to the dance floor, Buffy turned to ask Spike:

“Wanna dance?”

“Sure, pet.” He quickly answered standing up and setting her coat on his stool before leading her to join the dancing couples.

As they reached the dance floor, they came to a dilemma as they awkwardly tried to drape their arms around each other. Eventually, Spike took the lead, worming his arms around her and pulling her towards him as she rested her head over his right shoulder.

A few seconds passed before he heard her whisper:

“Have they seen us yet?”

“What?” He asked frowning.

“Dru and Angel.” She insisted and suddenly he realised she was eyeing someone across the room.

He glanced in the same direction to find the infamous couple having a major make-out session.

“Oh.” He mumbled as he felt a pang in his chest. He couldn’t quite tell if it was due to the pathetic spectacle displayed in front of him or because of the realisation that the girl in his arms had only reciprocated his tender behaviour as part of a façade. He feared it was the latter.

“So are they looking?” She asked anxiously.

“Hum… I don’t think so. Angel’s too busy sticking his tongue down my ex’s throat to notice us.” He answered as he felt revulsion start to boil up in the pit of his stomach.

“Damn it.” She grumbled as she reluctantly moved along with the song’s sluggish beat. “Well, we’ll just have to *make* them notice.” She murmured, slowly turning in his arms, so her back was resting on his chest.

Lazily, her hands grazed over his, making their way from her hips to his shoulders and then across his neck to finally hover in the air above her head. She swayed her hips in small elliptic motions, in time with the slow, soothing rhythm, flexing and stretching her legs to move up and down his body.

Spike closed his eyes, clenching his teeth together, making his sharp chiselled cheekbones more evident, as he searched for the control necessary to keep himself from grabbing her and pinning her against the nearest available hard surface.

Unaware of his reactions, she continued to dance, her eyes closed as she leaned the back of her head on his chest, her blonde hair clinging to the black leather of his duster. She slowly turned to face Spike, managing to throw a quick glance at the couple that stood in the shadows. A soft, triumphant smile curled the edges of her glossy lips as she saw the dumbfounded expression plastered on both their faces. Burying her cheek in Spike’s red shirt, she inhaled sharply. She shook her head, trying to escape the haze that seemed to surround her suddenly. Her stomach started doing those flip-flopping it did whenever she got too close to him. ‘What is this? It shouldn’t feel this way. It’s just… pretend.’ She reminded herself before looking upwards, her nose gliding across his pale, white throat before her lips connected with the sensitive skin there.

Spike gasped as he felt her teeth scrape over his neck on their way to capture his right earlobe. He heard her whisper as she nibbled and suckled the tender piece of flesh into her warm mouth.

“I guess…” kiss “we caught” lick “their attention.”

He felt her smile against his ear and it took him a couple of seconds to come up with a relatively coherent answer.

“Um…” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down a couple of times. “Yeah… I guess.”

“Are they still looking?” She breathed as she tried to ignore her galloping heartbeat.

His scent seemed to intoxicate her as she trailed butterfly kissed down his throat and nuzzled against the crook of his neck. Her hands developed a mind of their own as they snaked down to his waist and wormed their way under his shirt to caress his bare stomach.

Instinctively, he jolted up straight, his hand catching her wrist.

“Luv… what are you… doing?” He managed to ask between gaps.

“Making…” She kissed his neck. “them jealous?” She lied to herself. ‘It’s all part of the plan. Just a plan.’

Spike swallowed hard, once again, his eyes rolling back in their sockets as her tongue traced secret patterns over his neck, her body crushed against his.

“Is it… working?”

He was lost in the sensation to even hear what she was saying. After a while, he felt her whisper against his skin.

“Spike… are they still watching?”

He shook himself out of his daze and glanced at the couple to find them… fighting? He watched as much as he could under hooded eyes as the dark haired girl waved her hands in the air, and from the veins sticking out in her throat, he was pretty sure she was screaming off the top of her lungs.

“They’re… fighting.”

He was distracted as Buffy pressed her body against his and her hands travelled over his chest, instinct and craving causing him to close his eyes for a few seconds. When he opened them again, Dru was gone and only Angel remained, leaning against a wall, his arms crossed over his chest and a seriously pissed look plastered on his face.

“What…” Buffy cleared her throat as her breath came in short, urgent pants, making it hard to speak. “… are they doing now?”

He pondered for a few seconds whether or not to tell her the truth. His mind struggled to understand why the thought of her stopping her ministrations made his stomach turn.

In the meantime, Buffy kicked herself mentally as she found herself wishing Dru and Angel were still there, watching them.

“Spike… are they still looking?” She insisted, her mouth still teasing and nibbling at his earlobe. ‘God! He tastes so… Urg! Stop it!’ She screamed inwardly.

In a fraction of a second he made up his mind and, without a word, he nodded slightly and she continued to kiss him. His hands circled her small waist and gruffly brought her closer to him as he captured her lips with his. She let out a soft moan as his tongue plundered her mouth with ravenous urgency.

Her mind seemed to spiral into a dreamy state of consciousness, that place where you feel lighter than air, like you can just hover. The feel of his hands erratically running up and down her back, pulling her to his chest…

Buffy jolted away from him as a loud clapping sound vibrated through the entire room. It took a few seconds, for the blonde couple to realise that there was no music, Oz’s band had just finished their set and were now stepping down from the stage. The two awkwardly eyed each other, both pulling sharp pants from their lungs as reality dawned on them. She felt her heart violently slamming against her chest, a mixture of lust, nervousness and fear causing it to skip a few beats as she dropped her gaze to the floor.

“I gotta go to the bathroom.” She finally blurted out as the uneasiness between them became too unbearable.

Before he could say anything, she had turned on her heels and was currently scurrying her way to the ladies’ room.


~+~




She stared wide-eyed at her reflection in the mirror while a couple of giggling teenagers stood in the corner exchanging gossip. She knew them, from high school; two of Harmony’s brain deprived lackeys. She knew they were talking about the R rated show she and Spike had just given them a few minutes before, but she didn’t care. Right now she was more worried that her heart wouldn’t stop racing, her palms were sweaty and she couldn’t stop thinking about the annoying bleach-boy on the other side of the bathroom door. What was this all about? She wasn’t supposed to be having major erotic dreams with him, or be acting like a fourteen-year old girl with a crush every time he touched her.

She shook her head and ran her hand over her forehead as if to try to erase the images that kept flashing in front of her eyes. Taking a deep breath and adjusting her top, she turned to leave.

An instant cloud of smoke surrounded her as she re-entered the bar, causing her to have a mini coughing fit. When she calmed, she resumed walking, her eyes scanning over the crowed to find the familiar blonde. She felt her heart skip a beat, her entire body contract at the sight of him talking to… Dru?

Chapter Eighteen
Anger started to boil up in her veins as she watched the black-clad girl bluntly make her move on *her* Spike. All she felt like doing was striding over to her and ringing her neck until it snapped in two while screaming off at the top of her lungs: GET AWAY FROM MY BOYFRIEND! Yeah, that would teach her.

Then, suddenly, she realised: ‘He’s not my boyfriend. This is all a trick to get them back together’ she reminded herself as she watched Dru suggestively run her index finger over the lapels of Spike’s duster. Buffy had to inhale deeply to force the blood rage down. ‘And apparently it’s working. Good for him.’ She closed her eyes, shaking herself off before she resumed walking towards Willow, Xander and Oz who sat around a table.

“Hey, Oz!” Buffy said with fake enthusiasm.

The redhead simply nodded and gave her his version of a smile, which was pretty close to anyone else’s idea of a non-smile.

“Loved the show! You guys did great!” She continued.

“I’m amazed you saw anything, considering the major grope fest you and Spike put up on the dance floor.” Cordy mumbled. Never giving a chance for Buffy to answer she turned to Xander and whined: “I’m thirsty.”

Unfortunately, her boyfriend didn’t seem to be taught in the fine art of subtlety so she let out a loud grown before uttering:

“Xander, get me a soda.”

“Huh…? Oh, ok.” He said as he clumsily got off the stool. “You guys want anything?”

Everyone shook their heads except for Buffy who spoke up:

“A Daiquiri.”

Xander froze and everyone in the table turned to look at her.

“Are you sure?” Willow asked.

“Buffy you know how you get when you drink alcohol.” Xander muttered.

“Plus it’s illegal.” Willow piped up nervous and wide-eyed, sticking her index finger into the air.

“All the more reasons to do it.” Buffy said with a smile. “Come on Xander, I know you know the bartender tonight. Please, for me…” She begged, with a pout and batting her eyes lashes at him.

He couldn’t resist it. Somehow, after all those year of knowing her and working on getting over his crush on her, he still couldn’t say no to her when she asked him something. So he turned around and headed for the bar to make his order. Soon after he was back with a soda and a colourful glass with an umbrella sticking out of it in his hand.

“What about you’re no alcohol policy?” Cordy snorted as she saw Buffy tilting the glass into her mouth, taking huge gulps of the liquid inside.

“To hell with it.” She answered with a peppy smile before letting out a small hick-up. “Oops.” She giggled; placing her hand over her lips as her cheeks quickly became red.

“In my entire life, I have never seen alcohol have such a fast effect on anyone as her. You should be in the Guinness Book of Records.” Xander pointed out as he took his seat.




Spike ran his hand through his hair, trying hard to focus on what the girl standing in front of him was saying. He didn’t know why, but suddenly, Dru’s conversation just seemed plain and dull. Her half nutty routine he used to find gripping and enthralling now just seemed plain loony and boring. Pretty soon, he found her voice growing farther and farther away until it died out, being completely engulfed by the buzzing sound of the background. All he saw was a girl looking at him with hooded, pseudo-seductive gaze, moving her mouth in an excruciatingly slow pace.

“Huh?” He blinked a couple of times when he noticed she had stopped talking.

“I asked if you were going to the homecoming dance.” She repeated as she brought her body closer to him, her arms circling around his neck.

He instinctively took a step back, but she held a tight grip on him.

“I-I don’t know, Dru.” He answered as his eyes scanned the room for a certain blonde. ‘Where is she? What is taking her so long?’ He kept asking himself.

“I thought you hated that sort of thing. Said it was boring and…” She brought her lips closer to his ear as she whispered: “I’m sure we can find more interesting things to do. Couldn’t we, daddy?” She growled at the end of her question and ran her tongue over his earlobe.

“Um… Dru… What are you doing?” Spike asked, never moving, neither cheering nor discouraging her actions.

“What do you think? Grrr… You’ve been a very bad boy, going around playing with that little girly. Mommy doesn’t like it.” She said in a childlike tone, as her lower lip jutted out for a pout.


~+~




Buffy’s eyes grew wide and she felt every single muscle fibre in her body contract at the sight of Dru curling her arms around Spike and licking his ear. Without a word she tilted the bottle again and drank from it.

“Buffy, you shouldn’t be doing this.” Willow warned a bit concerned.

“And why not?” For some reason her words were coming out a bit slurred. Buffy smacked her lips together as if trying to get her tongue to untie.

“Because pretty soon you’ll lose all ability for coherent speech and you can’t go home to your mom like that.” Willow tried to rationalise.

“My mom’s not coming home. She’s gonna stay out all night boinking some stranger.” She pressed her lips together and nodded wildly, her hair coming to partially cover her flushed face.

“Oh, Buffy.” Willow’s eyebrows came together over the bridge of her nose as she watched the pain in her best friend’s eyes. So that’s why she was acting so strange. “Don’t you think we better get you home?”

At that Buffy violently shook her head, causing her hair to fan out around her.

“I like it ‘ere.” She mumbled. “It’s nice in ‘ere.” Her face lit up as she remembered something. “I get everything for free.” Singsonged and a wave of childlike giggles followed while Willow simply frowned in confusion.

Oz soon came to her aid:

“It’s the lyrics from one of K’s Choice’s songs.”

“Oh.” Willow raised her eyebrows for a second as realisation came.


~+~




Spike felt like he was suffocating. He couldn’t breathe. She was too close, clinging to him, making him feel like there was no room, not enough space. He just needed space. And to know where she… His eyes widened and a small sigh of relief escaped his lips as he saw her. She was sitting around the table with Oz and the rest of the gang. Well, it was more of a slouching over the table and occasionally standing up straight to wave her arms in the air like a mad woman sort of routine than actually sitting but, he’d found her. Dru continued to stick to him as she yapped on and on, while he absentmindedly watched the effusive blonde girl giggle and shout like a little girl. What was she holding in her hand? What was…

“Bloody hell…” He breathed. “Hum… Dru?” He began trying to pull himself out of the girl’s death grip, but it turned out to be a Herculean task. “Dru… Luv… Let go now.” She wouldn’t let go. “Dru!” He finally shouted and she stepped back; a look of amazement and pain on her face. “Look, pet, I’m sorry, but I gotta go.”

And he was off crossing the room with ground-eating footsteps until he reached his destination.

“Spike! Thank God you’re here.” Willow breathed in relief.

“What’s going on?” He questioned with a frown, looking at Buffy who now seemed to be sleeping with her head resting on the table, her arms dangling to the floor at her side. The moment he reached for her, she jumped up to attention.

“Hum… what? Where? Oh… Spike.” She drooled the words out as she plastered on a goofy smile. “The reunification didn’t go well? Do we need to pretend a bit more?”

Everyone around the table frowned, except for Spike, whose heart immediately jumped to his throat. He tried to ignore her questions and turned to face Willow.

“How many of these did she have?”

“Just that one.” The redhead pointed at the empty glass.

“And she’s drunk?” Spike asked in disbelief.

“Buffy’s body is not very alcohol-friendly.” Oz piped up.

“I can see that. Come on, luv, let’s get you home.” Spike said picking up her coat and putting it over her shoulders.

“What? So soon? I thought you’d want to stay and work on the plan and-“

“Alright, you need to go home… Now!” He noted, bringing his arms around her numb form and pulling her to her feet.

The moment he made a move to let her go, she began tumbling to the floor, but he quickly grabbed a hold on her and lifted her off her feet.

“Are you sure you can take her?” Xander asked.

“I’m fine, mate. See you later.” He answered as he made his way out of the busy club.


~+~




As they reached the car, consciousness seemed to dawn on Buffy. Her stomach turned as she felt herself being carried. She opened her eyes to meet black leather. Blinking a couple of times her gaze focussed on Spike’s face.

“We’re here, luv.” He said as he lowered her to the ground.

She stumbled a bit, but eventually was able keep standing long enough for Spike to open the car door for her. With a loud sigh she plopped down on the front seat; her legs still sticking out of the vehicle. Spike shook his head as he picked her feet up and pushed them into the car before closing the door.

They remained silent most of the drive home, with Spike occasionally throwing a worried glance at the slumbering blonde sitting next to him. He smiled as he heard her mumble something incomprehensible, while frowning and making a series of odd faces. She was just so strange.

Coming to a full stop in front of her house, he turned and gently ran his fingers over her exposed shoulder.

“Pet… we’re home.”

“Hum…” She grumbled opening her eyes and glancing up at him with a glassy stare. She swallowed dryly before looking around and frowning. “Where are we?”

“Home. Remember?” He answered with a soft smile before exiting the car to open the door for her.

He held out his hand and Buffy stared at it. The fresh images of what had happened at the Bronze flashed before her eyes – Dru… and him… snuggling. She felt her stomach turn and something inside her snapped. She stood up abruptly; dismissing his outstretched hand and trying to walk proudly over to her front porch. The task seemed simple enough, except her alcohol soaked brain seemed to have something to say about it and pretty soon she was sprawled out on the grass, face down.

“Buffy!” He called out, slamming the car door shut and coming to her aid, but as soon as he made a move to help her up, she pushed him away and scrambled to her feet.

“I’m fine.” She retorted.

“You’re drunk, luv.” He stated the obvious as he watched her zigzag her way to the front door eventually reaching her destination. Now… sticking the itsy bitsy key into that stupid lock… that was a serious mission.

She grumbled a string of curses as she scratched at the wooden door but was never able to get the key into the lock.

“Stupid lock.” She moaned letting the key fall to the floor. “Keeps moving. Stand still, damn it!” She ordered with a serious tone as she bent down to pick up her key.

Spike had to repress a growl as her miniskirt hitched up at her motion, exposing her thighs to him.

“Let me get that, pet.” He immediately shook himself out of his daze snatching the key from her hands and quickly opening the door before she could say anything. He entered the room while she stood in the threshold for a few more seconds.

“I could’ve done it.” She mumbled as she walked into the hall.

Clumsily, she tried to take off her coat, pushing and pulling at it, to no avail.

“Here, let me get that.” He made a move towards her and she jumped back.

“No! I’ll do it.” She insisted as she glared daggers at him.

“Are you ok?” He questioned raising a scarred eyebrow.

“I’m…” She struggled with the piece of clothing; it seemed like a straight-jacket. “Stupid… A-ha!” She said triumphantly as she found herself free from her restraints, letting the coat drop to the floor. She nervously pulled her hair out of the way and looked up at him with an arrogant sparkle in her eyes and a defiant little chin jutting out. “I’m fine.”

She crisscrossed her way to the living room and thanked whatever gods there were that the couch was right there.

“Good couch, nice couch.” She sighed, plopping down on it and caressing it.

“Buffy, you need to go to bed.” Spike explained coming to sit next to her.

She instantly jumped away from him, sitting on the opposite side of the couch.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” She growled.

“Are you mad at me?” He finally asked.

“Mad? I’m not made. I’m just…” She couldn’t find an explanation so she resorted for the feeblest of excuses. “You’re annoying and I don’t like you.”

Spike gave her a weak smile and they remained in an awkward silence for a few moments.

“So… Can we stop the plan already?” Buffy suddenly blurted out.

“What?”

“You and Dru are back together, right? We can quit pretending.” She tried to seem as unfazed as possible by the topic of conversation and was pretty successful in her attempt.

Her questions took him by surprise. It was true, Dru had come back to him, or at least was drooling all over him again, which was a positive sign, but they weren’t together yet.

“Me and Dru aren’t together.” Spike explained.

“Right, cause the whole bumping and grinding on the dance floor is just soooo normal amongst ex’s.” Buffy snarled, clumsily standing and making her way to the kitchen.

“We weren’t bumping and grinding.” He protested as he followed her.

“Whatever…” She said uninterested as she opened the various cabinets in the kitchen.

“We were just…” He stopped, looking for the right word.

“Dry humping on the dance floor?” Buffy offered with a hint of anger.

“I-“

“I don’t care Spike. You got what you wanted, Dru pawing all over you. Now can we please put an end to the stupid farce?” She asked raising her eyebrows as she found what she was looking for.

She reached for the bottle and took out the cork before quickly taking a big gulp from its content.

“What are you doing?!” He questioned as he grabbed the bottle from her hands. He turned it in his hands to read the label. “What is it with you and alcohol all of a sudden? I thought you hated this stuff.”

“Not anymore.” She grumbled snatching the bottle back from his hands and drinking from it.

Spike made a move to retrieve the object, but she clenched it against her chest as if clinging to dear life itself.

“It’s mine.” She grumbled, frowning and pouting at the same time.

God, she looked to cute, flushed and… angry? She was angry. Why was she…

“Are you jealous, pet?” He asked with a cocky smirk as realisation came to him.

Her eyes instantly widened as if he had said the greatest of blasphemies. Her mouth opened and closed a couple of time before she was able to stutter:

“J-jealous? Me? Jealous? Of what?”

“Of me and Dru.” He continued with that annoying smirk on his lips. Oh, how she hated that stupid smirk.

“Dream on, Brit-boy.” She snarled, gulping from the bottle.

“You’re jealous…” He singsonged.

“And you’ve lost it pal.” She drooled out.

He smiled and tilted his head sideways as he came closer to her.

“Just admit it, luv. You’re jealous… It’s only normal. I mean, being so close to me these last few days… touching… kissing…” He had to stop to take in some air as his own words started to bring back the memories of the past week.

Buffy stepped back and he continued to close the distance between them until she felt the edge of the kitchen counter rub against her back. She stared up at him and felt her heart race as he set both hands on counter on either side of her, successfully trapping her.

“Admit that you felt jealous when you saw me and… Dru-“

The simple mention of her name made her skin curl and gave her renewed strength. She quickly pushed him away and stepped away from the counter.

“You’re full of yourself, you know that? I would never, ever feel jealous of you. What I don’t want is for people in school to think that my current boyfriend is going behind my back to boink that skanky ho. Again!” She managed to word out even though the room seemed to start turning around her.

“That’s you’re problem?”

“You bet it is. Everyone at the Bronze saw you and her doing… whatever you were doing and I don’t really care. Except that everyone thinks that you’re my boyfriend and I so don’t need the entire student body to give me the pity look. I had enough of it last time. So you know what, Spike? This whole arrangement we had going? “ She pointed at herself and then at him. “It’s over.”

“But-“ A hint of desperation started to build up inside of him.

“No buts, you wanted Dru back, you’ve got her.” She snarled.

“I don’t have her back.” He answered without thinking and Buffy felt her blood start to boil.

“I don’t care! That’s your problem; I’m not going to be made the fool. Forget it.” She yelled as she tried to turn on her heels, but suddenly she seemed to lose all balance and stumbled to the floor.

With instant reflexes, he was able to grab her before she fell. His arms kept a tight grip around her waist crushing her against his chest; the bottle of wine, still in her hand, spilling against his shirt at the abrupt movement.

“Are you ok?” True concern echoed in his voice.

She shook her head slightly, closing her eyes for a brief second and then scrambled away from him.

“I’m fine.” She insisted, trying to keep her distance.

“Look, Buffy… I didn’t mean to… Dru was just there…”

“I don’t want to hear it. I told you, I’m out.” She insisted as the anger returned in full force at the mention of the black-clad teen.

“But-“

“Just leave, Spike!” She yelled slamming the bottle on the nearest available surface.

“I-“

“I’m not gonna continue this stupid charade just because your ex is playing hard to get. Get someone else to do it, cause I’m tired of it.”

“I didn’t do anything.” He insisted raising his voice.

“You were practically doing it on the dance floor!” She cried out as she waved her hands in front of her.

“We were just dancing.”

“Ok, next time, I’ll ‘dance’ with Angel like that, see how it makes *you* feel.”

Buffy never knew what hit her. She was being slammed against the refrigerator, Spike’s angered body crashed against hers as her hands were pinned at her side, near her shoulders.

“You don’t go near him.” He hissed.

“Or what?” She said breathless with a cocky tone, but deep inside she felt her heart skip a few beats as she felt his left leg pushed between hers. “You’re gonna do what?”

“Stay away from him.” He warned her as anger flashed in his eyes.

“You know what? I think I’ll go over there right now. I still look kinda cute, I doubt that Angel would say no.” She grinned as she made a move to leave, but he tightened his grip around her wrists.

“Don’t…” He growled.

Raising her chin and looking up at him she asked:

“Don’t what? You gonna stop me?”

“Damn right I am.” His voice was low and filled with rage.

“Doesn’t feel good when you’re on the other side, does it… William?” She mocked cocking up a perfectly shaped eyebrow as she instinctively rubbed her pelvis against his. Her grin crumbled in a flash, eyes widened for a second as she felt something hard pressing against her lower abdomen and before she could say anything else he smashed his lips against hers in a bruising kiss.

Caught by surprise, Buffy let out a muffled cry as his tongue pushed its way into her mouth, forcing it open. She struggled for breath as his hands let go of her wrists and started to frantically move over her entire body, pulling and pushing at her clothes as he thrust his hips into hers. She felt his fingers finally settle under her thighs, gripping them and pulling her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. Her arms came to drape around his neck, pulling him closer as she tilted her head to deepen the urgent kiss. They’re tongues battled for dominance, a series of hungry moans escaping the two as they erratically tugged at each other.

She felt him move, effortlessly carrying her with him. He settled her over the counter and stretched his hand over the cold surface, sending its contents to the floor. Buffy ignored the crashing noises as Spike spread her over the counter, his body coming to hover over hers as they never stopped kissing.

Her small trembling fingers curled around the lapels of his duster, pulling at it until it was scattered on the floor. Her hands ran through his dishevelled hair and she wrapped her legs around his hips, drawing him closer as she continued to hungrily kiss him. She gasped as she felt his fingers slide over the outside of her thighs pushing her miniskirt higher, until it was bunched up around her waist.

He pressed hard against her, forcing her to lay back down, while her legs dangled off the counter. His lips left hers to trace ravenous trails down her neck, over her collarbone and down between her breasts where he nuzzled his face, taking in her scent.

“God…” He heard her mutter.

He looked up to find her head thrown back, her neck exposed, her cheeks flushed; her breath coming in rapid urgent pants. He stared blindly at her when a sharp ringing sound pierced through their combined haze. She immediately looked up.

“What…?” Her gaze alternated between the phone and the breathless boy still trapped between her legs.

She felt her heart race as realisation came to her. Without a word, she pushed him out of the way, jumped off the counter and ran to the phone, picking it up.

Chapter 19



She nervously tugged at her miniskirt, pulling it downwards as she picked up the receiver.

"Hello? Oh, hi!" There was silence for a few seconds, her fingers tensely twirling around the cord while she walked around in circles next to the phone.

Spike leaned on the counter, his heart still racing, watching her from under an apprehensive frown as he listened in on the conversation, trying to discern who was on the other side of the line. He anxiously tapped his fingers on the white surface; his gaze followed her closely while the memories of what had just happened flashed before his eyes. 'What was that all about?' he continuously asked himself. 'Why did I…' He couldn't understand, but the simple thought of her being anywhere near Angel, having him touch her… just made his stomach turn, his skin curl; the way she had mocked him… He stood up straight as she started to speak into the receiver after the long pause.

"Ok, then… No, I'm fine. Don't worry. Bye." She waited a few moments, her mind racing as she finally set the phone down.

She really didn't want to deal with this now, not with this or with… She finally turned to see Spike, standing by the counter an anxious look on his face. 'God, what did I do?' She asked herself as she swallowed hard and re-entered the tiled room. An awkward moment of silence thickened the air between them, making it hard to breathe. Buffy's gaze erratically flew all over the place, trying to avoid meeting Spike's eyes and finally found what looked like her salvation - the bottle of wine. In a flash, she reached for it and turning on her heels headed for the living room.

A stunned black-clad teen soon followed her to find her sitting on the couch taking a long gulp from the bottle.

"Hum… Buffy?" He started.

She wouldn't look at him. Reaching for the remote, she turned on the TV and found her new source of distraction.

"Buffy…" He called again and this time she was forced to look up.

Her eyes were flooded in a dazed sparkle, giving them a glassy drunken aspect.

"Yeah?" She drooled.

He didn't know what to do. Was he supposed to say something about the scorching grope fest in the kitchen or was he just supposed to ignore it? Judging from the scared look on her face, he assumed she'd prefer the latter. Slowly, he moved to the couch and sat down.

"So… who was that?"

Buffy felt something tug at her heart at his question. 'So the plan is to ignore what just happened?' She asked herself.

"Hum…" She struggled with the words as the alcohol started swimming around in her brain. "My mom." She answered, turning back to the TV. 'You want to ignore it? Fine, I'll ignore it.' She shouted in her mind as the anger started brewing in her stomach.

"She went out tonight?" Spike asked as he noticed for the first time Mrs. Summers' absence from the household.

Buffy nodded and refused to speak as she took another gulp from the bottle.

"She called to check up on you, huh?" He continued to question. Someone had to make conversation, because he sure as hell wasn't going to be able to stay alone in a room with her in silence.

Another mindless nod, followed by a long gulp from the bottle.

"You're out on the piss tonight aren't you?" He asked with a hint of anger in his voice.

At this she frowned and looked at him.

"You're trying to get drunk, aren't you?"

"You think?" She said cocking up her eyebrow and returning her attention to the television set.

"Luv, you really shouldn't be drinking like this. You're not used to it." He tried to warn her.

Her answer came as she tilted the bottle once again and swallowed a few more gulps of its content. Angrily, he reached for the green bottle and yanked it out of her hands. She immediately jumped up in protest, her arms waving it the air as she tried to retrieve it.

"Hey, give it back. It's…" She began to stand up, to try and catch up to him and suddenly the entire room started to circle around her. She blinked a couple of times and then dropped like a stone on the couch, clinging to her aching head. "Oh… oh…. This is not good… Why is the whole room moving?" She asked with a liquid voice as she tried to focus on something but failed.

"Because you're completely sloshed." He answered as he set the bottle down on the coffee table and came down to sit next to her once more.

His hands settled on each side of her head, under her ears, framing her flushed face as he watched her blink wildly and cringe.

"I don't like this." She whined.

"It's gonna be ok. You just need some coffee." He explained as he moved to leave the room.

Her fingers instantly curled around his duster, pulling him to her.

"No! Don't! Don't leave me!" She begged panicky.

"I'll be right back I'm just going to the kitchen to get you some…"

He trailed off as he watched her vehemently shake her head.

"No. I don't wanna be alone. This is…" She stopped in mid sentence as she felt something quickly crawl its way up her oesophagus. "Oh, I think I'm gonna be-"

She wasn't able to finish her sentence as her mouth went wide open and she vomited all over Spike.

The Brit froze when he saw the greenish slobber plastered all over his favourite piece of clothing. The anger and disgust soon disappeared as he saw the distraught look on the petite blonde's face.

"Oh God, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" She begged, her hand resting on her mouth.

"It's ok, it's ok." He lied as he quickly took off his duster and balled it up so that the vomit wouldn't spread to the couch.

He let out a sigh as he saw the stains on his shirt and without another thought quickly discarded it too, leaving him in a black t-shirt and equally black jeans. His attention was back on Buffy, who was now sprawled on the couch; her facial muscles cringed up in a painful expression. His arms circled around her slender form and carried as he walked up the stairs. He stood in the corridor for a few seconds, debating over which door lead to the bathroom. He followed his most logical guess and chose the door at the end of the hall.

He opened it and after some struggled managed to find the light switch. The room lit up to reveal the white tiled bathroom.

"Luv…" He called her.

"Hum…" She mumbled semi-conscious.

"You've got to hold onto me so I can get you cleaned up."

She nodded and flung her arm around his neck, partially supporting herself as he turned on the faucet. Buffy jumped up as the cool water splashed against her face, causing her to cough a bit. She soon calmed down and he was able to run his wet hand over her mouth and cheeks, in an attempt to get her cleaned. His fingers slowly managed to get most of the green coloured vomit off her face and then proceeded with washing her neck. After a few minutes she was clean and he could tell that she was a bit more awake as she started to mumble something incomprehensible.

"You'll be fine." He reassured her.

But she continued to murmur something and soon tears began to thread down her flushed cheeks.

"Oh, God please don't cry…" He begged awkwardly as he set her down on the toilet.

But she wouldn't indulge him as she rested her head in her hands and suddenly burst out in loud and painful crying session.

"Please… don't… I can't stand to see girls… Please…" As he kneeled down beside her his hands suddenly seemed nothing more than embarrassing appendages as he struggled to figure out where to put them. They hovered over her shoulders, her arms, her legs and back up to her hair to finally awkwardly tap her on the head, in a typically male version of a comforting caress.

"Why…" Hiccup " are you" hiccup "hitting meeeee?" She whined in a babyish tone, looking down on him with blood-shot eyes.

"I-I…" He tried to explain, but it was no use as she returned to her crying. "Luv… wha-what's wrong?" He asked, deciding it was best not to touch her at all.

"Everythiiiiing." She bellowed.

"Oh, come on… It can't be that-"

"My mom is boinking an idiot." She whined as another onslaught of tears took over.

Taken by surprise, it took a few seconds for Spike to react, but eventually he managed to stutter:

"Sh-she's going out on a date, that doesn't mean she's…" He made a face as the mental picture flashed before his eyes causing his facial muscles to contract. "… boinking anyone."

"Yes, she is." She insisted between hiccups and snivels. "She was wearing make up."

His scarred eyebrow cocked up as he thought: 'And…?'

"And she just called saying she was going to be very late and-and…" She inhaled sharply as the tears continued to travel down her face. "…and she said if I needed anything for lunch tomorrow I could just order pizzaaaaaaa." And once more she was down the path of loud howls and incessant moans.

"Oh…" He noted giving her a sorry look. "Well… M-my da has been going out on a lot of dates too lately… it-it's only natural for divorced or widowed grown-ups to… you know…" He had to swallow hard to stop himself from heaving at the idea of his father ever having sex.

"Not my mom!" She bellowed, covering her face with her hands as she burst into tears.

"Hum… pet… please… just calm down… it's…" It was no use, she wouldn't stop.

Awkwardly, he straightened up, still on his knees and brought his arms around her, giving her a light tap on her back.

"There, there…" He murmured uncomfortably. God, he hated seeing women cry.

Slowly, she relaxed in his arms and eventually slumped off the toilet to sit on the floor, still wrapped up in his arms, her moist face buried in his t-shirt. He heard her mumbled and snivel as she wiped her eyes and nose on the black fabric.

"Go ahead… It's not my favourite anyway." He spurred her on as he ran his hand over her hair.

"My…"

"What's that, luv?" He asked pulling her to look up at him.

They stared at each other for a few seconds before she burst out.

"My mom is having sex… Buaaaa!" And her face was once again buried in his chest.

"It's ok… It's gonna be fine." He reassured her. "It's normal. You knew this would eventually-"

"No!" She suddenly, sat up straight. "You're not listening!"

"Tell me then."

"My mom is having sex…" She paused as she tried to push back the tears and finally burst out: "… And I'm not!" She protested with a loud cry as she continued to sob uncontrollably.

"Oh!" The bleached teen raised his eyebrows at the realisation as her face fell with a dull thud against his chest.

She cried and sniffed for a while longer, until she calmed down and was able to slowly sit up straight; her hands coming to wipe away the tears. They sat in silence, till Buffy broke it with a ghostly whisper:

"Am I repulsive?"

"What?!" He asked amazed.

"Am I repulsive?" She repeated.

"Of course not. What… Why would you say that?"

"Then why… doesn't Angel… want me anymore?" She managed to blurt out between sniffs and hiccups.

"Cause he's an idiot." Was Spike's direct response as his hands came to push her hair behind her ear.

She seemed calmer, but suddenly, her expression changed, turning hard and cold.

"What do you know?" She grumbled as she stumbled to her feet and zigzagged her way down the hall.

"What do you mean?" He asked as he quickly followed her into her room.

He jumped back a little as she unexpectedly turned on her heels and faced him.

"You're obsessed with that skinny vapid ho too." She snapped.

At his confused expression she continued:

"All of a sudden every guy seems to be head over heels for that black haired witch." She waved her arms in the air. "What does she have that I don't?"

Spike tilted his head and gave her light smile.

"You're jealous of Dru?"

"I. Am. Not. Jealous of that skanky ho!" She insisted, crossing her arms over her chest and flopping onto the edge of her bed.

Soon, her pout grew and, as the alcohol continued to heighten her emotions, she restarted crying.

"Luv… Come on… Not again." He begged falling on his knees in front of her.

"Why doesn't Angel want me anymore?" She whined.

He felt his stomach turn at the mention of the quarterback's name. Why was she so worried about him? God, he felt like strangling him.

"I'm ugly." She concluded.

"No, you're not!" He countered. "How can you think that? God, Summers do you have any idea just how beautiful you are?" He didn't even seem to be talking to her anymore as he stared blindly at her face, his fingers coming to brush over her cheeks. "You're amazing and…" He sighed audibly as he saw her pout. "God, you drive me insane every time you to that."

"What?" She frowned.

"When you pout. Jutting out that lower lip…"

"Angel liked it too." She replied absentmindedly.

That was it! His blood started rushing to his face as the anger boiled up inside of him.

"Will you just forget about that wanker for one bleeding second, damn it?" He growled standing up and pacing around the room in front of her.

She frowned, a drunken look still on her face, giving her a semi-idiotic expression.

"Why are you so angry all of a sudden?" She grumbled with a frown, following him with her gaze. "Will you stop walking around in circles? You're making me dizzy." She protested shaking her head a bit and blinking.

"Why are you so worried about what Angel thinks?" He tried to control his emotions as he came to an abrupt stop in front of her.

"I don't worry about what-"

"Bollocks! The whole time, you're going on about how Angel doesn't want you anymore, how you think you're ugly because he doesn't give a rat's ass about you. What is it with you women? You only like men that are complete wankers. Are you masochists or something? A guy devotes all of his attention to you and you go behind his back to boink the person he hates the most and when he ignores you, you immediately want him back." He let his arms fall limply at his sides as he finished his ramblings.

Buffy simply continued to frown sheepishly as she felt her entire body go numb from the alcohol in her system.

"You need some serious anger management classes, you know that right?" She mumbled.

"I need to get you bloody bints out of my head, that's what I need." He protested.

"You could always turn gay." She offered. "You already know that my mom has no problem with it."

Spike gave her a fake smile while Buffy cringed at the memory of her mother… Soon the tears started to fall again as the depression phase of her drunken state kicked in once more.

"Oh, will you just quit it?" He growled.

"No, I will not, you insensitive pig!" She shouted at him, throwing herself back on her bed and curling up into the foetal position.

He felt a pang of regret in his heart.

"Oh… Luv… I'm sorry… I didn't… Please…" He pleaded as he came to the left side of the bed and kneeled down next to it. "Look… I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout… Please, don't cry."

She never answered him, simply turning her back to him. He sighed and slowly stood up to sit on the bed, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder.

"Pet… I'm sorry I didn't-"

"Stop calling me that!" She finally yelled, curling up further.

"I'm sorry… I didn't…" He continued to beg as he lay down beside her, propping his head on one hand, while the other gently brushed over Buffy's naked arm.

She didn't make a move to push him away, standing still as he caressed her skin.

"It's gonna be ok… Don't worry." He whispered smoothly in her ear.

Sluggishly, she turned around to face him and without a word snuggled up against his chest. He froze for a second but soon relaxed, bringing his arm around her and pulling her closer. He slowly rocked her; sleep creeping up on him when her soft voice broke through the fog that engulfed his mind.

"What's that, luv?"

"Did you really mean it?" she repeated.

"Mean what?"

"That you thought I was amazing?" She asked in a low voice, looking up at him from his chest.

"You're amazing, Summers." He answered with a half smile.

"Do you think I'm cute?" She questioned with a pout, innocently blinking her eyes a couple of times.

"You're gorgeous." He replied.

She smiled at that, resting her head back on his chest for a while before looking up at him. His eyes were semi-closed as slumber started to take over him again. With one arm draped along the length of the headboard, the other protectively thrown around her he drifted into sleep.

His heart started to race though, as he felt something warm brush over the nape of his neck, a small hand curling around his waist to reach his back and worm its way under his t-shirt, thin legs pressing between his as she moved it under his arm.

He opened his eyes to find her nipping and kissing his neck and quickly closed them at the intense sensation that cursed through his veins. He gasped as she moved up and brushed her mouth against his, her hands pushing him onto his back and she crawled over him.

Her right leg moved over his stomach to settle on the other side, next to his thigh, while her tongue snaked its way into his mouth; the mint taste of the mouthwash and a hint alcohol spilling through. He let out a deep groan as she finally straddled him, putting all her weight over his, her hair cascading around his face to gently caress him.

Her hand continued to explore under his t-shirt, pressing hard against the contours of his abdominal muscles as it made its way down south, over his navel.

"Wha…" The words caught in his throat as her tiny fingers slipped under the waistband of his jeans and fondled the mass of curls beneath before finding their goal. "Ah…" He gasped as she carefully encircled him and began pumping while her lips parted to kiss him once again.

He rolled his eyed back in their sockets at the feel on her caressing him.

"Luv…" He started as she kissed her way down his check to his earlobe.

"Don't… Call me that." She gasped.

"What are you… ah…" He stopped in mid sentence as she squeezed him tighter. "…Doing? Please… Stop… we… Oh, God!"

He felt her smile against his neck at his broken voice and it seemed to give him enough strength to grab her by her wrist.

"Please… We can't do this." He breathed as his other hand dug into her hair and pulled her up to face him.

"Why not?" She pouted. "Don't you want it?"

"God, you have no idea how much!" He gasped and she restarted the pumping movements with her right hand.

"Good!" She smiled and dove for his earlobe, taking it into her mouth to nibble at it.

"Please… stop… you're drunk… you don't know… Ah!" He inhaled sharply as she gave him another light squeeze.

He seemed completely lost as she let go of him and proceeded with unbuckling his belt and then working on the buttons of his jeans until they were all undone.

She felt herself blush as she looked downwards at his crotch. The innocent smile that spread over her lips almost did him in. She looked breathtaking all flushed and sweaty, her dishevelled hair cascading around her. God, he wanted her so much.

"Pet…" He managed to whisper as he gathered all of his strength, but it seemed to crumble apart when she looked up at him. "We… can't do this."

Her answer was to reach into his pants once again, only this time he was fast enough to grab her and stop her.

"You're drunk, pet. I don't wanna do it this way. Not like this." He breathed.

"You don't want me?" She pouted.

"More than anything. But not like this."

Suddenly, anger flashed before her eyes and she was up and off him in a second.

"Get out!" She shouted with her back towards him.

He sat up and reached for her, lightly caressing her back and she snapped.

"Get out!" She yelled off the top of her lungs.

"Luv…"

With anger raving through her veins she stood up and flung the door open as she hissed between clenched teeth:

"Get out. Now."

Head bowed, he stood up and dragged his feet across the floor until he reached the hall and heard the door slam behind his back.


Chapter 20

She tossed and turned for what seemed like ages, eventually she tired of it and sat up on the bed, legs brought close to her chest and chin resting on her cotton covered knees. Slowly, she rocked herself as the thoughts meandered around in her still slightly intoxicated mind. Her face cringed up as she remembered…’More than anything. But not like this’. She shut her eyes, trying to control the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Inevitably, other questions invaded her reasoning. Was he still in the house? She hadn’t heard the front door open… She pressed her lips together as she pushed herself off the mattress and walked barefoot to the window. She paused for a second, before lightly tugging at the curtains. A wave of relief washed over her as she saw the old car still parked in her driveway. She frowned and mentally scolded herself as she found herself smiling at the rusted vehicle and quickly made her way back to her bed, plopping down on it. She sat for a few minutes, contemplating what to do next. He was still in her home… ‘How dare he? I’ll show him.’ Having found a perfectly good reason to leave her room, she stood up, put on her bunny shaped slippers and walked out the door. She slowly made her way downstairs and entered the living room.

She felt her heart skip a beat when she saw him. There he was, sprawled on the couch, dressed in a pair of jeans and his black t-shirt, one arm thrown carelessly over his face, the other dangling to the floor.

She cocked her head slightly, remaining perfectly still as she watched him sleeping in a pool of moonlight. He looked so… ‘No! He doesn’t look anything! Actually, he does look something… extremely annoying.’

With renewed anger she flicked the light switch on and shouted:

“What are you doing here?”

She watched as he jolted up into sitting position at the sudden noise, his arms instinctively coming to rest on his stomach. He blinked wildly as his eyes refused to adjust to the harsh light coming from the ceiling.

“What?” He managed to mumble in a hoarse voice.

“What are still doing here? I told you to go away… remember?” She gave him an exasperated sigh as she crossed her arms over her chest and angrily tapped her fur-covered left foot.

“Hum…” He inhaled deeply while he rubbed his eyes, his head resting on his hands for a few moments before turning to look up at her. He opened and closed his lips a couple of times, trying to wet his dry mouth as he inspected the apparently pissed off teen towering over him. He never said anything, simply glanced at the large clock on one of the walls and then looked back at Buffy: “It’s four in the morning, luv. Can we have our usual heart-warming banter some other time? Say in about… eight hours?”

“What. Are. You. Doing. Here?” She hissed.

“Apparently not. Oh goody!” He said with fake enthusiasm, standing up to hover over her nightgown-clad form. “I was sleeping.” He stated the obvious.

Rolling her eyes, she sighed and was about to say something when he started heading for the kitchen. Angrily, she followed him; the alcohol and the heavy, fluffy slippers forcing her to walk in a duck like fashion which caused Spike to chuckle as he leaned against the refrigerator door.

“What are you doing?” She tried to sound as mad as possible, but was extremely distracted as his hand reached under his t-shirt to scratch his chest and in the process pulled at the fabric, exposing his perfectly toned stomach.

“Trying to find something to drink.” He explained without even looking at her as he inspected the contents of her fridge. Eventually, he opted for some orange juice, picking up the bottle and setting it on the counter as he searched for a glass in the cabinets.

“This is *my* house!” She protested stomping her foot.

“And I think that after I cleaned and washed your-vomit-soaked-self I have earned the right to some orange juice.” He said raising his eyebrows as he sipped from the yellowish liquid.

“Oh…” Was Buffy’s embarrassed answer as she felt the redness creep up her neck to flood her cheeks.

They stood in awkward silence for a few excruciating moments until he finally spoke:

“You seem to be felling better.”

“Hum… Still kinda wobbly… but I’m slowly progressing toward complete control of my motor functions.” She answered, not daring to look at him ‘Please, God don’t let him mention what happened upstairs, please don’t let him mention what happened upstairs, please don’t-‘

“Hum… About what happened…”

‘So much for praying. Thanks a lot!’ She grumbled inwardly.

“I-“

“I don’t want to talk about it.” She quickly interrupted, raising her hand. “Let’s just file that under alcohol induced momentary stupidity, ok?”

Spike felt his stomach turn in disgust and anger.

“Fine.” He managed to hiss, slamming the orange juice on the counter and heading towards the living room.

She quickly followed to find him picking up his discarded duster and shirt before turning back to the hall.

“Where are you going?” She mumbled in a low voice.

“Home. Like you wanted.” He grumbled as he headed for the front door.

“Don’t!” She didn’t know what had possessed her to say it, but she did and she swallowed hard as she saw him turning around to face her with a frown over his eyebrows. “I mean…” She tried to hide her nervousness. “You don’t *have* to go if you don’t want to.”

“You asking me to stay?” he questioned with half a grin as he tilted his head.

“No!” Was her immediate answer but, as she saw him start to leave, she quickly added. “Yes!” She paused as he faced once again. “I-I’m asking.” Seeing the cocky smirk grow she continued with a nonchalant tone: “It’s just cause I’m not sleepy and I’m bored.”

“I’m flattered, pet.” He mumbled as he strolled back to the living room.

“Don’t be, *William*.” She mocked as she sat down on the couch next to him.

Picking up the remote, he flickered through the channels and – nothing. There was absolutely nothing on. He sighed loudly as he turned off the set and glanced at the white-clad girl sitting next to him.

“Now what?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged.

They paused for a few seconds until Buffy piped up.

“We could play cards.”

“Ok.” He agreed and she immediately jumped off the sofa and jogged her way to a nearby cabinet.

She searched for what seemed like an eternity finally giving up and waving her hands in the air.

“I don’t know where my mom put them.” She mumbled dragging her feet as she made her way back to the couch.

They sat in silence once more. It was starting to get just too awkward for her to handle when he offered:

“Wanna play a game?”

She eyed him suspiciously. He had that dirty look in his eyes and that annoying smirk plastered over his lips. He was up to something, but anything was better than the God-awful silence so… ok, she would bite.

“What game?”

“I don’t know…”

The sound of his voice told her that he knew exactly what game to choose, he was just stalling.

“Maybe… truth or dare?” He tried to sound nonchalant about it, but failed miserably at it.

“Oh, no. I’m not playing truth or dare with you.” She vehemently refused standing up to walk around the table.

“Why not?!” It came out as a half whine.

“Be-Because… because by Monday everyone in school will know all my darkest most twisted secrets, that’s why.” She answered wrapping her arms over her chest.

“I swear I won’t tell anyone. Plus you’ll be able to ask me questions too, remember?”

At that, Buffy stopped the incessant shaking of her head. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea… After a few moments of careful consideration she returned to her seat on the couch, folding her legs under her as she turned to face him.

“Shoot.” She said simply.

“Ok!” He exclaimed clapping his hands together as he sat sideways on the sofa, facing her. “Truth or dare, Summers?”

“Truth.” She answered with a strong voice.

He didn’t need to think too long, quickly asking:

“Do you still have feelings for Angel?” His tone was low, but a hint of unease filtered through as he spoke.

“Yes.” She answered promptly. “My turn. Truth or dare?”

His stomach turned painfully in his gut, twisting until he felt the acid crawl up to the back of his mouth. He swallowed hard and answered:

“Truth.”

“Have you ever loved anyone, and when I say love it’s not in any motherly, brotherly or friendly way. I mean love, as in Romeo-and-Juliet-tragically-bound-to-happen sort of love. And who was it?”

“Yes and Dru.” He responded.

Buffy couldn’t help but add:

“Do you still love her?”

“Na-na, pet you had your one question, it’s my turn now.”

Buffy twisted her mouth in sign of discontentment but didn’t say anything.

“Truth or-“

“Truth.” She interrupted.

“Eager little one, aren’t you?”

“Just ask the question Spike.” She rolled her eyes at him.

“Let me see…” His eyes suddenly gained a wicked sparkle and he lowered his voice as he asked: “Have you ever had a wet dream about me, pet?”

“What?!” She almost jumped off the couch at the surprise question.

“Sex, luv. Have you ever dreamt of having sex with yours truly?”

Buffy’s eyes grew wide and her cheeks turned bright red.

“I want a dare.” She said promptly.

“Hey! That’s cheating.”

“It’s not cheating. I changed my mind.” She complained with a pout.

“You can’t change your mind. The-“

“Fine. Then I quit.”

“Oh, you’re such a baby. If things don’t go you’re way you just quit, is that it?” He objected.

“Fine.” She said, crossing her arms over her chest and grumbling in a low voice. “Yes.”

“What was that, luv?” He pretended not to hear, inside his heart pounded furiously against his chest.

“Yes, alright?!” She shouted. “I’ve had a sex dream about you. But it was just one and I didn’t like it.”

She saw him raise a suspicious eyebrow at her and she insisted:

“I didn’t! Now, truth or dare?”

“Hey, hey not so fast. You didn’t tell me what it was.” He protested.

“You didn’t ask.” She said with a triumphant grin. “Truth or dare?”

Spike paused for a second, his brain still trying to get over the fact that she had had a wet dream about him. He swallowed hard as he tried to focus on what she was asking.

“Truth.”

“Ha-have you ever had… one of those dreams about me?” She scolded herself mentally for the faltering in her voice.

“Yes.” He answered looking straight into her eyes, forcing her to glance away.

Suddenly, his whole expression seemed to change, his eyes grew deeper and darker as he stared intensely at her.

“Ok, your turn!” She said a little too peppy as the nervousness started to get to her. However, it grew twice as big when she saw him move closer to her from the corner of her eyes.

She turned to look at him wide eyed as he leaned in, his face inching closer to her. Her heart raced wildly in her chest, her palms became damp with cold sweat as his lips lightly brushed over hers, his hand coming up to worm its way under her ear and cup her growingly red cheek. He tilted his head and pressed his mouth against hers, his lips parting as his tongue glided over hers. Suddenly, she felt something snapped inside of her. In a flash, she was up and off the couch, careful to put the coffee table between her and the bleached teen that now stared wide eyed at her.

“Ok! That was fun!” she exclaimed over enthusiastically, bringing her hands together for one quick clap. “I think I’ll go back to bed now. Tired! Awww…” She gave him her terribly unbelievable version of a yawn before she turned on her heels and started to head for the hall.

She never even managed to reach the bottom of the staircase before she felt a strong hand grip her arm and force her to turn around. She could swear she could hear her own heartbeat when she turned to meet his dark stare.

“We need to talk about this.” He said in a low, hoarse voice.

“Talk? About what?” She was amazed at how she was able to say the words so nonchalantly, considering her heart was now beating in her throat.

“You know about what. Don’t act dumb.” He insisted closing his eyes for a second.

She sighed loudly and freed herself from his grip to walk around him in the hall.

“So we had wet dreams about each other. It doesn’t mean anything.” She waved her arms around as she spoke, occasionally shrugging. “I mean, it was probably because of all the groping we’ve been doing lately because of… the plan. It just kinda rubbed off…” She tried to rationalize, but as she turned to see his scared eyebrow raised high on his forehead in a clear sign of doubt she exclaimed: “What?! It could be! You know… getting sucked into the part and all. I mean everyone else thinks we’re together. We probably were so good that we even fooled ourselves. It could happen!”

He continued to give her his cynical look.

“Look, what do you want me to say?” she asked exasperated.

“Why did you kiss me?” He questioned taking a step toward her.

“I was drunk!” She quickly defended herself. “And needy cause of my mom and all, it doesn’t count.”

“Fine! What about in there?” He tilted his head towards the kitchen.

“You kissed me!” Her finger travelled to point at him before pointing at herself. “It would be… impolite not to kiss back.”

“You kissed me back because it was impolite not to?!” He asked incredulous. “And the groping on the counter? Part of the politeness too?”

“Yes.” She answered raising her chin high, trying to sound as honest as possible.

“Luv, you hate me, remember? Since when do you care about being polite to me?”

She had no answer to that, she simply pouted and remained still as he closed the distance between them and towered over her.

“Tell the truth, pet… You wanted me just as bad as I wanted you, didn’t you?” He continued his questioning in a low, husky voice.

“Ha!” She’d wanted it to sound filled with contempt, but it came out weak, feeble as he came closer until he was mere inches from her. “Don’t flatter yourself.” She said in a low voice, not daring to look up at him, and staring down at her fluffy bunny-shaped slipper. ‘Oh, what interesting slippers I have. Hey, my left shoe is missing an eye! Funny, never noticed it. Funny, funny, funny.’ She tried all the diversions she could think of in order to calm herself, but nothing seemed to work as his scent hovered around her, intoxicating her. ‘Funny little slippers… Oh, for Christ sake stop shaking.’ She scolded herself.

She trembled as his index finger came under her chin to push it upwards, forcing her to look up at him.

“Ok, tell you what. I give you full permission not to be polite to me. So… if I kiss you right now you’re not obliged in any way to return the favour, ok?”

She didn’t answer; just stared up at him, waiting. Slowly, the hand that still rested on her chin moved behind her to stop on the back of her neck, his other arm snaking around her waist to pull her to him. With nerve-wracking laziness, he leaned in and after what seemed like an eternity, their lips came into contact. He brushed his lips over hers in small, excruciatingly innocent pecks, refusing to deepen the kiss. It was her move to make, but she never did. He could feel his body just begging him to grab her tighter and just crush her against the door and to hell with his male ego, but he fought the urge that was quickly becoming painfully obvious by the sudden lack of room in his pants.

‘Fluffy bunnies, funny fluffy bunnies. Don’t think about Spike, ignore Spike, don’t kiss back, think of fluffy funny bunnies… missing an eye.’ She ordered her body. But her resolve started to crumble as he slowly pushed her against the front door and pressed his entire body against hers. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt something hard pressing against her lower abdomen; his hand, which had until now rested on her lower back came up around her side *accidentally* brushing over her breast as it made its way to her neck.

That was it! Her brain just went into hormone-induced overdrive automatically shutting down, letting her body take over. Her arms flew around him to grip the back of his neck as she parted her lips and slipped her tongue into his mouth.

Spike let out a surprised groan as their tongues ravenously brushed against each other. His arms instantly dropped to her thighs and scooped her off the floor, her nightgown hitching up to her waist as her legs quickly wrapped around him.

As they hungrily kissed and battled, breathing became an issue and Buffy pulled away for a quick intake of air, giving Spike just enough time to say with a cocky attitude:

“I knew you’d cave in. I just-“

“Shut up, Spike.” She mumbled before crushing his mouth with hers.

They returned to their heated kissing and soon she was pushing and pulling at his t-shirt. They broke the kiss just long enough to get the black fabric over his head, quickly coming back to claim each others mouths.

His fingers dug into her pale thighs with bruising force, leaving bright red marks as they moved over the tender skin there.

“Mmmm… “ Buffy hummed into his mouth as she tried to speak, but he wouldn’t let her go.

Eventually, she pulled back and pointed up the stairs.

“Bedroom…” She managed to breathe.

Spike nodded before pulling her for another hungry kiss.

“Mmm… Spike!” She insisted avoiding his mouth

“What?!” He asked in a haze.

“The bedroom… Put me down?”

After the few seconds that were needed to rewire his brain into coherent thought mode, he tilted his head and asked her with a serious tone, "You’re not gonna change your mind are you?” He almost pleaded. “I mean, if you want to you can! It’s just that… “ He pouted slightly and gave her the lost puppy look as he begged: “Please don’t change your mind…”

She couldn’t help but smile as she shook her head.

“You sure?”

She nodded.

Apparently, satisfied with her answer he set her down on the floor.

“And they’ll be no answering the phone.” He suddenly remembered.

“I won’t answer the phone. We’ll just let it ring, even if it’s my mom telling me that she’s coming home.” She giggled as she made her way up the stairs.

“Ok, maybe we can answer the phone.” He changed his mind as he followed her.

Chapter 21



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s Note: In this chapter there’s one scene which is partially taken form one of my all time favourite movies. Anyway, it’s just this one line which I just LOVE!!! So if you find something vaguely familiar about it, it’s because it’s from that movie. See if you can guess which one it is… You get a cookie if you do! ;)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The moment they entered the room and she closed the door behind her, she found herself being snagged into Spike’s arms. Never giving her a chance to say or do anything, he pulled her close, bringing his mouth over hers in for another bruising kiss. His fingers dug tunnels through her thick hair as he desperately tried to have her closer to him. He stumbled slightly backwards as she pressed her palms against his bare chest, anxiously pushing him toward the bed. He toppled onto the mattress with a loud thud, Buffy tumbling right after him causing him to exhale sharply. Her hands immediately scurried down from his chest to the buckle of his belt, nervously fumbling with it while he tugged and pulled at her long nightgown.

He let out a ragged breath when she managed to unbutton his pants and reached inside, much like she had done a few hours before. Her small hand instantly encircled him while she looked up to find him with his head thrown back, his mouth slightly opened as soft moans came from it as she began to slowly pump him.

He swallowed hard and tried to push back his emotions, returning to the task of getting her nightgown off, but it proved to be extremely challenging under her ministrations.

Looking down on the girl straddling him, he tried to ignore what she was doing to him as his shaking hands travelled from her calves up to her tanned thighs, tugging at the white fabric that covered them in the process. He paused being momentarily disconcerted by the feel of her warm tongue on his neck. After a few seconds, his fingers finally found their way to her back and slipped under her cotton panties, pulling them down. His eyes rolled back as she let her entire weight rest on his chest, her small breasts crushed against his so he could push the white fabric all the way down her soft legs.

As soon as they were off, Buffy sat up straight and proceeded with tugging at his pants. She struggled with his large combat boots but soon they too, along with the denims, were discarded to the floor near her underwear.

She was about to straddle him again when he quickly flipped her over to pin her, hovering over her, strong arms on either side of her to support his weight. One of his hands abandoned the mattress to travel over her shoulder, around the side of her ribcage, down her thighs to reach the edge of her nightgown.

She held her breath as he lazily made his way back up her legs, his fingertips now under the white material, caressing her skin until they reached her hipbone.

His right leg dipped between hers and pushed them apart, opening her up to his fingers which slowly came to crawl on the inside of her thighs.

She let out a hungry groan as she realised he was avoiding the part of her that most ached for his touch. She mentally scolded herself for her needy reaction as she looked upwards to find his trademark cocky grin on his lips. But before she could say anything, one long index finger found its way to the spot where her legs came together.

“Ah!” She breathed as he pushed her lips apart and slowly traced unrecognisable paths over her swollen flesh. “Please…” She hated herself for asking, but she couldn’t help it.

Her regret soon vanished as he plunged his finger into her core, causing her to instinctively arch her back off the mattress. She moaned under his touch and he had to use all of his strength to stop himself from just skipping the whole foreplay session and just take her right then and there. Instead, he leaned in and took her mouth in a hard and ravenous kiss, while his fingers continued to rub, caress and tease her. He almost lost control as he felt her moan against his lips. God, she made such delicious noises! They just drove him insane!

Without thinking, she spread her legs wider in a clear inviting sign; her hips thrusting against his hand with desperate urgency. But she needed more, she needed… Her trembling hand reached for his and pulled it away.

Spike abruptly stopped kissing her to look at her from under a worried frown:

“Did I hurt you? A-Are you ok? D-do you wanna-“

He stopped in mid sentence as her miniscule hand grabbed his cock and placed it at her entrance.

“Oh…” He realised as he brought his arms to rest on the mattress symmetrically to his other one and bent down to kiss her once again.

“Do you have… you know?” She nervously broke the kiss to ask.

Spike froze. ‘Damn it! How could I forget? Stupid!’

“I-I’m not sure.” He stuttered as he got off the bed and bent over to pick up his discarded pants.

He anxiously shoved his hands into the back pockets and took out his wallet.

“Could you turn on the light?” He asked. God, he hated this part.

It was just so awkward. If he did have a condom, she would probably think he thought she was easy and that he was expecting to get some. If he didn’t have one… well, he’d pretty much be pissed at himself for the rest of his life. He didn’t know which of the options he preferred.

When she turned on the lamp he immediately started to nervously dig through his wallet, pushing his fingers into every available compartment. He couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief as he found the blue and white wrapper. Well, he guessed he preferred the first option then.

Buffy inhaled sharply seeing him opening the small package to take out the piece of rubber inside and quickly looked away, her face flushed as he proceeded with slipping the condom on. She turned back to face him when she felt the mattress shift under his weight.

She lay back as he crawled over her, his hands coming to frame her face as he took his place between her legs. He bent down and lightly kissed her as he slowly lowered his hips, the tip of his cock pushing past her folds to slip inside.

“Bloody hell!” He groaned into the nape of her neck, his eyes rolling back, his mouth gaping open as her heat enveloped him. “…Cor, you’re so… Oh, God! So bloody… tight” He had to force the words out as he was suddenly out of breath.

Buffy’s eyes went wide as he entered her, feeling herself being stretched out to her limits, the sound of his low, hoarse voice making her skin tighten with goose bumps. A strange mixture of hungry desire and womanly pride ranging through her veins at the sight of him hopelessly moaning and incoherently babbling on top of her.

Pretty soon, she was the one mewling as he slowly started to glide in and out of her slick channel. She held her breath, feeling him move inside of her, in a slow steady pace at first, but it quickly grew in intensity and speed, as he plunged deeper and harder into her with each thrust.

Her hands flew to the back of his arms, clawing and scraping at them as the strange sensation grew inside of her. She had never felt anything like this and it was overwhelming the ease with which he made her feel it.

Spike moved faster and harder, pushing his hips forward to meet hers as he drove into her. She was so tight, so hot… better than anything he could have imagined. He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he tried to focus on something other than the small creature moaning under him, clawing at his arms, his back. God, it seemed impossible! Closing his eyes he mumbled in his thoughts: ‘Think of something else! Think of something else you wanker, or this is definitely not going to last. Bad things! Lifetime without smoking, being naked in front of the whole student body, seeing my da naked, my da having-'

“Ah!” Her cry of pleasure broke through his cloud of thoughts and he found himself on the verge of… ‘If she keeps making those sexy noises and wiggling under me, I’m not-‘

He let out a deep groan as one of her hands came to cup his ass, his eyes shooting wide open to stare down at her. He almost came at the mere sight of her. She was flushed, her eyes shut, her neck arched back, exposing her beautiful neck to him, her mouth opening and closing as she panted wildly.

“Spike… Don’t stop… please, don’t stop… please… God, this is so-”

Spike’s hand came to cover her mouth.

“Please...” He begged her breathless as he continued to thrust into her. “Luv… don’t… I can’t- Ouch!” He cried out as he felt her bite into the palm of his hand. “Bloody hell-“

“Stop calling me that!” She grumbled slapping him across the arm.

“What?” He asked frozen inside of her.

“Luv and pet and… Betty.” The last word came out dripping with repressed anger. “I know it’s hard to remember my name with all the-“

He smiled and lowered himself to softly whisper in her hear:

“I know you’re name, Buffy.”

She froze at the sound of her own name on his lips. It felt so… Her mind stopped functioning as he restarted moving inside of her, pushing in and out of her in an excruciatingly slow pace as his teeth captured her earlobe and lightly nibbled at it.

Her legs hooked behind his knees as she felt herself growing tighter with each stroke. Her eyes shot open when she felt him sneak his hand between their bodies and… what was he- Oh God that felt…

“Ah, Spike… What are you…? Oh, God…” She mumbled. “I… never… Ah!” She cried out feeling the energy that had been building in her core shoot out to course through her entire body, making her arch her back off the mattress and she bucked uncontrollably.

“Bloody hell, Buffy… so tight! Buffy…” He growled, felling her inner muscles clamp down around him and thrusting hard into her a couple more times before he let himself come.

He collapsed on top of her in a pool of sweat, pulling ragged breaths from his lungs as he finally came down from his orgasm. When her soft moan reached his ears though, he forced his weight onto his forearms and stared down at the flushed girl laying under him.

“Are you ok?” He managed to ask between pants.

She simply nodded as her breathing prevented her from saying a word.

Slowly, he slipped out of her warm channel and rolled over to lie on his back next to her. They stared at the ceiling in silence, their combined gasps being the only thing breaking the stillness.

Buffy felt her heart race in her chest when he shifted on the bed turning his back to her. ‘What is he doing? Is he just gonna turn over and sleep? Why that little- Oh!’ She stopped her mental bashing as she realised what he was doing. ‘Condom… right.’

She calmed down when, out of the corner of her eyes, she saw him turn on his side, facing her. ‘Oh God! I think I liked it better with the turning away.’ She thought as he stared intensely at her. Swallowing hard she dared to look at him.

“So…” He started in a low, husky voice.

‘Oh God, what a voice!’ She suddenly noticed how every time he spoke she felt the goose bumps on her flesh grow.

“That was…” He tried to make conversation.

“…amazing!” It was out of her mouth before she could help it.

A proud smile curled his lips.

“Thanks, luv-Buffy!” He corrected himself in time as he swung his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

She slowly turned towards him, burying her face in his chest and inhaling his scent. Man, he even smelled good after all the sweating!

Seeing her close her eyes, he reached for the lamp on the nightstand and turned it off, the moon being the only source of light in the entire room. Slowly, the two drifted into sleep as Spike lazily drew small circles on her cotton covered back.


~+~




He let the smoke whirl around in his lungs for a long time before he exhaled. He leaned on the porch and looked dazed at the cars that passed by. Taking one last puff from his cigarette, he dropped the butt to the floor and crushed it with his boots before entering the house. He bent down for a moment picking up his balled up duster and shirt and jogged up the stairs.

A soft smile spread over his lips at the sight of Buffy’s sleeping form. Quickly, he discarded all of his clothes and slipped into bed, spooning against her.

Buffy awoke, under the covers, to the wonderful feeling of long warm arms entangled around her, a lean, hard body pressed against her back. Instinctively, she pushed her hips backwards trying to stretch out. A low growl reached her ears as she felt something harder poke her behind.

“Morning, pet.” A deep, manly voice breathed in her ear sending shivers down her back.

“Morning!” She answered with a sleep filled voice.

She felt her heart start to race as the memories of what had happened the night before dawned on her. ‘Oh, my God! I had sex with Spike! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!’

The feel of him drawing lazy circles over her cotton-covered belly broke through her incessant mantra. He slowly pressed against her back; the arm he had flung over her waist tightening around her while his free hand came to push her hair away from her neck. He snuggled his nose into the tender flesh there before his tongue darted out to lick her all the way up to her earlobe.

Without thinking, she let out a moan, her hand resting over his as their fingers entangled together. Her heat pounded wildly as she slowly guided his hand from her stomach over to her breast, encouraging him to cup the soft mound. He growled into her ear, squeezing it lightly as he pushed his hips into her backside, showing her hard evidence of the effect she had on him.

His hands abandoned her breast to travel downwards and pull at her nightgown before dipping between her thighs; long fingers pushing her moist lips apart to rub against the small bundle of nerves hidden there.

He bit into her earlobe as she squeezed her legs together preventing him from moving.

“It’s late…” She moaned looking at the alarm-clock on her nightstand through hooded eyes. “My mom…”

“She said she’d be late…” He mewled.

“But…” She tried to protest but her body seemed to have other ideas as her legs relaxed giving him room to move. “… she might…” Her mind drew a complete blank as she felt him drive his finger into her soaked entrance.

He slowly pushed in and out of her, the palm of his hand rubbing against her clit as he moved. His arm awkwardly tried to pull her nightgown upwards to uncover her back, without abandoning his ministrations. After a few tries he was successful.

Buffy struggled for breath when she felt him press against her ass, his hard member easily slipping between her cheeks to rest at her drenched entrance. A moment of clarity flashed in her mind and she managed to whimper as she felt him try to push himself into her:

“Wait!”

Spike groaned but immediately stopped.

“Do you have another one?” She felt the flush travel up her neck to flood her cheek.

“Bloody hell!” He cursed at himself and then turned to her with a weak voice: “No… that was the only one.”

Buffy let out a disappointed mewl.

“Don’t you have one?”

He felt his heart skip a beat when she shook head.

“Your mom?”

“Ew! No!” She immediately exclaimed twisting her face for a disgusted look.

“Just asking… I mean if she’s been going out-“

“Spike, you’re ruining any chance of getting laid today.” Buffy grumbled turning her head to face him.

“Is that so?” He asked cocking his scarred eyebrow as he moved his hand which still rested between her legs and pushed inside her again.

“Ah…” She moaned closing her eyes at the feeling.

He slowly crawled down her back, trailing soft kisses over her exposed skin. Buffy groaned when he slipped his hand away from her core causing him to smile into her flesh as his lips brushed around her waist to find her lower abdomen, turning her to lie on her back.

Buffy’s eyes grew wide when she realised what he was planning on doing. She looked down to find his platinum head move lower along her body until it was kissing the inside of her thighs.

“No… Spike…” She hesitated. “I don’t like… that.” She managed to say in a low voice.

Spike’s head popped up between her legs with a furrowed brow.

“You don’t like this?” He asked confused.

“No…” She answered shyly.

“Has anyone ever done it to you?” He continued to question, unaware of her unease on the subject.

“Of course! I wouldn’t say I didn’t like it if I hadn’t tried it.” The embarrassment of the situation quickly grew into anger.

“Are you sure? Cause most girls love-“ He started with a wicked tone.

“I’m not most girls!” She cut him off. The rage boiled inside of her at the thought of him doing that to any other girl. She started to sit up straight, shoving him away with her legs, but he was quicker, snaking his arms around her thighs and pushing them down against the mattress.

“No need to go into ‘gnashing mode’ on me.” He said with a cocky smirk.

“I’m not going into ‘gnashing mode’!” She grumbled pulling her nightgown downward to cover the apex of her thighs, her hand tucking the fabric against her core. “Now let me go!” She tried to pull her legs free from his grip but failed.

He pouted slightly, looking up at her from under heavy eyelids.

“Just for a while…” He started ruining his lips on the inside of her thighs. “If you don’t like it…” His mouth moved upwards until it reached her hand which was still resting between her legs. “I’ll stop…” He finished taking her pinkie into his mouth and suckling lightly.

“No…” Her denial came out feeble as she unconsciously moved her hand away.

Slowly, he let his nose glide over the inside of her thighs until it reached the edge of her nightgown. He dipped under it, pulling it up slightly with the help of one of his hands.

Buffy held her breath as she waited, her weight resting on her forearms. She let out a muffled cry when she finally felt his tongue dart out to lick her outer lips. Her entire body contracted in anticipation when she saw him move closer, his tongue pushing her soft folds apart then, suddenly:

“Buffy! Are you home, honey?”

Her mom’s voice carried through the hall and past her door.

“Oh my God! My mom!” Buffy squealed. “Quick, hide!” She ordered as the bleached teen quickly disentangled himself from her legs and stood up looking for his clothes.

“Honey! Is Spike here?”

“How does you’re mom know I’m here?” Spike stopped dressing for a second to look up at Buffy with a frown.

“How the hell should I know? Now get dressed!” She ordered. Her heart stopped in her throat when she heard her mother’s footsteps come closer and closer and then the doorknob slowly turned.

‘Oh, my God!’

Chapter 22



Mrs. Summers never knew what hit her. Suddenly, out of the blue, her daughter materialised before her.

“Buffy!” She exclaimed surprised.

“Hey, mom!” The blonde teen replied over enthusiastically while at the same time awkwardly trying to close the door behind her. “You’re home early!” She continued, with a plastic smile on her face.

“Early? It’s 12 o’clock.” Mrs. Summers frowned.

“Oh… Yeah, b-but you said you weren’t coming home for lunch.” Buffy stuttered, anxiously digging her nails into the palm of her left hand.

“I missed you.” Mrs. Summers gave her daughter a sweet smile before asking: “Why are you still in your nightgown?”

“Hum…” Buffy looked down at herself. “I stayed up late watching movies.” She lied.

“Oh, is Spike here?”

Buffy froze at the question. To lie or not to lie… Hum… Let’s play it safe:

“Why do you think that?”

“I saw his car parked out front.” The older woman answered tilting her head towards the lower level of the house.

“Oh…” Buffy nodded slightly, but then frowned: “How’d you know that was Spike’s a car?”

It was Mrs. Summers’ turn to blush and stammer nervously:

“I-I… I just assumed. A car parked in our driveway and you and Spike being so close lately.” She tilted her head slightly and held her breath waiting for her daughter’s reaction.

“Oh… Well… yes its Spike’s car.” Buffy answered vaguely.

“So he’s here? In there?” Mrs. Summers waved a finger toward the bedroom door.

“Yes… He’s… hum… He was… hum…” Her daughter struggled for an explanation and suddenly blurted out: “He was upset and needed to talk… you know. Teen stuff! Emotional problems, identity crises and all that… teen stuff!”

“Is he having problems at school? With the rest of the students?” Mrs. Summers questioned worriedly.

“Yes!” Buffy lifted her hand towards her mother. “That’s exactly it! He’s been having problems with the guys.” She blabbed in relief.

“Is it because of Angel?”

Buffy froze up again.

“Angel?!” She repeated wide-eyed.

“You know… Angel and he…” Mrs. Summers awkwardly tried to hint.

“Hum…” Buffy’s mind raced. ‘What the hell is she talking about? Does she know about Dru? How?’ “Yes…” She finally opted.

“Oh, Buffy I’m so sorry. Poor thing, he must feel awful.”

“Well… yes.” Buffy was still kind of edgy with the direction the conversation was taking. Since when did her mother know about the whole Dru and Angel story?

“I mean, being hurt by the person you love.” Mrs. Summers continued to sympathise and Buffy continued to nod under a furrowed brow. “You know honey… Boys at your age feel very threatened by people like Spike… they don’t understand it yet, and that might make them act… wrongly towards Spike.”

Now Buffy was lost. What the *hell* was her mother talking about? To play it safe she simply proceeded with looking intently at her mother, silently listening to every word.

“Angel will eventually learn how to deal with Spike… a-and Spike will find someone else… Someone worthy of his affection.”

‘Oh. My. God! My mom thinks Spike is in love with ANGEL? Oh, my God, oh, my God! Breathe, Buffy! Breathe!’ She commanded herself.

“But it’s good that he has someone like you to talk to.” Mrs. Summers reached out to caress her daughter’s suddenly pale cheek. “Well, I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”

Buffy watched unmoving as her mother walked down the stairs. She snapped out of her daze a few moments later and turned around to enter her bedroom.

“So? Are we dead yet?” Spike anxiously asked. He was now fully dressed, except for his duster and shirt which were still bundled up on the floor.

“Not yet.” Buffy answered calmly, with a strange sparkle in her eyes.

“What happened?” Spike insisted as he watched the blonde girl slowly walk over to her bed and sit on it.

“My mom…” She started with a mischievous smile on her lips.

“Yes…”

“She thinks… hum… how do I put this in a way that will not bruise your fragile male ego?”

“Summers!” Spike angrily exclaimed as the waiting began to dig into him.

“She thinks you’re in love with Angel and that Angel hates you!” She blurted out with a peppy tone as she cocked her head sideways. She had to swallow back the chuckles as she saw the bleached teen turn various shades of purple before crying out:

“What?!”

“She thinks you’re suffering from the gay blues because of your unrequited *love* for Angel.” She let the L sound roll off her tongue in a childish tease.

“What?!” He repeated, still frozen in place, eyes wide and mouth gapping open.

“Hum… Honey? We just covered the ‘what’ part, remember?” She mocked with fake concern.

“You’re mom thinks I’m in love with that wanker?” He finally snapped out of his lethargic state of mind.

“Yep!” She smacked her lips together for the P sound as she lay back on the bed, resting on her forearms.

“With that wanker?”

She nodded.

“Personally I thought you would be more concerned with the fact that my mom actually thinks you’re gay, and not with the particular detail that you want Angel to be your hot, sex slave.” She continued to joke, but regretted it when she saw the fierce look in his eyes.

She yelped when suddenly he was on her. His hands rested on her shoulders, pushing them gruffly against the mattress, his chest crushing hers making it almost impossible to breathe.

“I thought I made it clear who I wanted to be my hot, sex slave last night.” He snarled, running his tongue over his teeth.

Buffy caught her breath as his knee brusquely pushed between hers, forcing her to spread her legs. His hand never gave her the opportunity to make a move as it snaked under her nightgown, hitching it up to quickly find her core; expert fingers parted her lips, roughly caressing the tender nub they found.

Buffy’s eyes widened her mouth opening to let out a ragged moan.

“Maybe mommy dearest would change her mind if she heard you scream out my name right now.” He purred in her ear as his hand continued to work on her.

Buffy moved her lips trying to speak, somehow the sound refused to come out. Eventually she managed to whimper:

“Spike… don’t… Ah!” She arched off the mattress as he drove one long finger into her.

“Don’t what, pet?” He asked with a lascivious tone.

Buffy struggled with the words as she felt him move inside of her, exploring and rubbing just the right spot.

“Don’t what?” He repeated this time with a less cocky voice as his own desire grew at the mere sight of her contorting under his touch.

“My mother… please… Spike… Ah!” Her trembling hand travelled down her body to reach his, still buried between her legs.

She pathetically pulled at it, not really wanting the feeling to stop.

“Please stop… please…”

She gasped when he actually pulled out of her and sat up on the mattress. Shaking her head slightly, she droopily propped herself up on her forearms. She expected him to have that annoying smirk on his face but instead, she found him looking at her under hooded eyelids.

“Better stop now. Don’t think I could if we took it any further.” He said with a faltering voice as he stood up.

Buffy sat up straight on the bed, tugging her nightgown down to cover her legs as she pulled them against her chest. They stayed in silence for a while, until Spike broke it.

“So…” He started awkwardly. “What are we going to do on Monday?”

Oh, God! The talk. They were having the morning after talk. She wasn’t ready for the talk, not now that her hormones were still raging inside of her.

“I-I don’t know… what do you want to do?” She threw the ball into his side of the court, forcing him to make a decision.

“I don’t know, either.” Spike shrugged sitting down at the chair next to her desk.

Silence filled the room again. Bad, extremely uncomfortable silence. Suddenly, Buffy stood up and started pacing around the room in front of him.

“Do you wanna…” She began. God, this was hard! Why was this hard? “… I don’t know? Do you wanna…” She exhaled sharply, letting her arms fall to her sides. “What do you wanna do?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged again.

“You don’t know. So whatever I choose is fine by you?” A hint of anger started to creep in her voice.

“No… it’s just… It’s not like I planned this!” He sighed waving his hand at the bed.

“Fine! You know what? We’ll just go back to whatever we were doing before.” She hissed as she continued to walk around in circles. “We’ll pretend like none of this happened and-“

She stopped in mid sentence as she turned around to find him towering in front of her.

“No.” He said in a low, angry voice.

She looked up at him, swallowing as she waited for him to say something. She watched as he closed his eyes for a second, trying to gather himself, when he opened them again shaky fingers came to brush over her cheek.

“I don’t want to pretend it never happened.” He whispered.

Suddenly, a light knock on the door was heard. The two teens immediately jumped away from each other just as Mrs. Summers’ head popped in.

“Hey! Hi Spike.” She greeted.

“Hey Mrs. Summers.” He responded with little enthusiasm.

“I ordered pizza.” Turning to Spike she added: “You’re having lunch with us, right?” She asked.

“Hum…” He looked at Buffy, trying to read her expression. He was about to answer when she stepped in:

“Yes, mom.”

“Ok, pizza should be here any minute.”

“We’ll be down in a second.”

Mrs. Summers gave them a quick smile before closing the door.

Spike turned to look at Buffy as she nervously twirled her hair.

“Well… I better get dressed and… hum… take a shower.”

“Yeah… right.” He nodded awkwardly as he watched her move towards her wardrobe and take out a grey robe before closing it.

Her feet found their way into the fluffy bunny-shaped slippers she had been wearing the night before and she slowly walked towards the door.

“You can go downstairs to watch TV. I know how you love our cable.” She gave him a soft smile and left the room.


~+~




She rushed down the stairs, her wet hair framing her flushed face as she entered the kitchen.

“Hey!” She greeted a bit nervous.

Spike looked up from his cup of hot chocolate to stare at her. She was wearing old, worn out jeans and a red turtleneck sweater. His eyes widened as his stomach turned, it felt like he had a thousand butterflies flying around in it. Glancing at Mrs. Summers he quickly looked back down into the mug he held between his hands.

Buffy sat down on the stool next to Spike and nervously tapped her fingers on the counter.

“So… Did you have fun last night, Buffy?” Her mother asked when she finished putting away the groceries she’d bought on her way home.

Buffy swallowed hard and glanced at Spike for a second but he was still immersed in staring into his cup of chocolate.

“Yeah, it was fun.” She answered anxiously.

“Good.”

A ringing sound found its way into the kitchen.

“That would be the pizza. Be right back.”

And with that the older woman walked away leaving the two teens alone.

“Did you throw away the… thingy?” Buffy immediately asked.

“What thingy?” The Brit asked with a frown.

“My mom cleaned up my room and made my bed. Please tell me you threw out the…” She leaned in and whispered. “… the condom.”

A smirk settle over Spike’s lips as he answered:

“Don’t worry, luv. I was the one who made your bed. You’re mom stayed down here the whole time. Left my duster and shirt in a plastic bag under your bed. You gotta give me a backpack later to take them home without your mom noticing. And yes, I did take care of the…” He came closer to her, mimicking her actions in a jokingly manner: “…condom.”

“You made my bed?” Buffy asked surprised, ignoring his mocking.

“Sure.”

“You made my bed?” She repeated still not convinced.

“Yeah, what of it?”

“Nothing… It’s just so s…”

“Pizza’s here!” Mrs. Summers walked into the kitchen carrying two family-sized pizza boxes.

“Mom, why did you order so much. We’re never going to be able to eat that.” Buffy protested, self-consciously rubbing her stomach; it was still a little queasy as a result of her alcohol binge.

“Nonsense, of course we are. Now eat up.”


~+~




RING!RING!RING!

One heavy arm was flung out from under the covers to hit the irritating alarm clock into silence.

Buffy groaned as she sat up on the bed. She really hated Mondays. Especially the Mondays she had to go to school and face… Spike! Her heart raced at the thought of finding him in the halls. What was she supposed to do? Kiss him hello? Not kiss him? Ignore him? What? And if they did kiss, were they kissing because of the deal they had between them or was it something else?

“God, this is extremely frustrating!” She growled as she walked into the bathroom.


~+~




‘Hum… History class. Good old, boring as hell but safely Spikeless history class.’ She thought to herself as she tapped her pencil on her desk.

She had successfully avoided the dreaded encounter between them. It wasn’t as if she was hiding from him or anything. She was just intent on walking very quickly through the halls without looking up… ever again. She just wanted to get to class in time. ‘Right, keep telling yourself that…’

She felt her heart slam against her chest when the bell rang.

‘Oh, my God! I’ve got English next! Damn it!’ She grumbled mentally as she stood up and started shoving her books into her backpack.

“You ready?” Willow asked, coming to lean on the desk next to Buffy’s.

“Just a second.” She replied, throwing her pad into the large bag and flinging it over her shoulder.

The two teens walked out of the class together and down the hall. Buffy stopped dead in her tracks when she saw him. He was leaning against her locker, his eyes scanning the crowd, clearly looking for something or… someone. She didn’t know why, but the sight of him eagerly turning his head left and right, possibly looking for… her, made her throat close up, her heart rapidly race in her chest and in her stomach… ‘Oh my God! I’m having butterflies in my stomach over Spike? Since when? Oh right, since the scorching hot sex we had.’

She inhaled sharply and continued to walk towards her locker. ‘Time for the moment of truth!’ She thought as she reached him.

“Hey!” He jumped off the locker when he saw her.

“Hey, yourself.” She said with a smile trying to mask the panicky feeling that seemed to be eating her alive.

She watched out of the corner of her eyes and waited for him to move.

Spike took a step closer and she felt her heart jump to her throat. ‘Is he gonna kiss me hello?’ She thought hopeful.

But suddenly, he moved away and leaned back on the locker. He was about to say something when he felt a heavy hand come down on his back.

“Hey, bleach boy!” Xander’s enthusiastic tone carried through the entire hall.

“Hey, whelp.” Spike grumbled, his eyes never leaving the small girl that was now opening her locker.

“And how is our little Buffy? Hang over free?” Xander mocked.

“Don’t start, Xander.” Buffy answered with a little too much anger in her tone.

“Oh!” Xander put up his hands in a clear sign of surrender.

“She doesn’t want to talk about it.” Willow piped up.

“Thanks for the heads up, Will.” The brown haired boy replied sarcastically.

Buffy pushed her locker closed and leaned on it. She felt her stomach turn and the anger start to boil up inside of her. ‘He wants to ignore it? Fine. By. Me.’ She thought as she pressed her lips together.

“Hey, guys.” Oz showed up worming his arms around Willow’s waist before giving her cheek a light peck.

That only served to heighten Buffy’s growing rage.

“Hey, Oz. Buffy doesn’t want to talk about it.” Xander quickly warned him.

Oz simply gave him a nod and continued in silence.

“Where’s Cordelia?” Willow asked.

“Cheerleading practice. Big practice for big homecoming match.” Xander rubbed his hands together. “Are you guys going to the game? Please tell me you’re going to the game. I need company.” Xander practically begged.

“Xander, you know we hate going to the games.” Willow protested.

“Yeah, but it’s homecoming and… Cordy is gonna kill me if I’m not there to see her shake her moneymaker.” Xander explained with a pleading tone. “I thought this year you guys were gonna come, what with Buffy dating the star quarterback and all, but then there was the whole… hum…” Xander came to a conflicting stop, his mind racing to find a way to avoid the sensitive subject. One glance at the blonde duo gave him a clear message - nope, there was no way to avoid it, not now. He was dead meat, especially with the evil looks Buffy was currently throwing him. “You know what? Better not go to the game at all. Be my own man. Show Cordy who’s the boss in this relationship.” He suddenly changed the direction of the conversation, inflating his chest to hysterical proportions as he tugged at his jeans, pulling them upwards in a highly manly fashion. “Yep! I’m no woman’s man.” He frowned a little. “Ok, that sounded wrong. Worked much better for the bald Scottish chic.”

Willow’s brown furrowed.

“It’s from Sinead O’Connor’s song ‘No man’s woman’.” Oz explained before turning to Xander and adding: “And I think she’s Irish.”

“Oh! Good thing I have my musically-skilled boyfriend to help me out with the obscure song references.” Willow said giddily giving Oz a quick peck on the lips.

“She’s Irish?” Xander frowned. “Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure.” Oz replied monotonically.

As the debate went on, Spike desperately tried to catch Buffy’s attention, throwing various ‘what did I do wrong’ glances at her in a feeble attempt to find some eye-contact; Buffy simply crossed her arms over her chest and angrily stared at the floor. Everyone was oblivious to the tension building between the two of them as Spike nervously inched closer to her.

“Irish, huh?” Xander repeated. “I just saw the Behind the Music on Sinead O’Connor last night and she had like this weird accent. She’s gotta be Scottish.”

“The Irish have the weird accent too. Not the same, but still weird.” Oz replied.

“Are you-“

“Fascinating conversation guys, but I really have to go to class.” Buffy cut Xander off, letting her hands drop to her hips.

“The bell hasn’t even rung yet.” Willow noted.

“Buffy, you’re not becoming Miss ‘Responsible, have to be on time every time goody-two-shoes’, are you?” Xander asked cocking up an eyebrow.

“Yeah, that’s my role, remember? You’re the funny-hot-chic; *I’m* the funny-nerdy-chic.” Willow half whined.

Buffy was about to speak when she felt Spike’s hand worm its way around hers. She froze; her heart pounding erratically as he ran his thumb over her skin for a subtle caress.

“Hum… I…” She drew a blank, all of her nerve endings focussing on the circular motion of his finger.

Thankfully, the school bell rang and she was snapped out of it.

“We better go luv, don’t want to get on Mrs. Kennedy’s bad side.” Spike uttered tilting his head.

“What? Hum… Yeah… Right.” She mumbled confused.

“Bye, guys. See you later.” Spike called out as he walked down the hall dragging a stunned Buffy by the hand.

Chapter 23:
Buffy nervously tapped her pencil on her desk as she rapidly skimmed through the pages of her textbook. Occasionally, she’d throw a glance at the bleached teen sitting next to her, but she’d quickly look back down to bury her gaze in the small black letters in front of her.

They hadn’t spoken a word after they had left the gang to head for class. They’d simply walked down the hall; her small hand wrapped in his until they reached their destination and entered the room to take their seats.

Buffy jumped up when she felt something lightly brush over her shoulder.

Spike immediately retracted the offending hand and looked at her from under a frown:

“Are you ok, Summers?” He asked.

“I-I’m fine.” She quickly answered staring back down at her book.

The bell rang causing her to jolt up again.

“Oh, you’re just fine.” Spike mocked sarcastically in a low voice as all the students around them started standing and packing their things.

‘God, this is so weird. What the hell is this?’ Buffy wondered closing her book and placing it in her backpack. Standing up, she continued her mental babbling: ‘Is this like official? Are we dating? Or is this just… What the *hell* is this? What are-‘

Buffy’s thoughts froze as she felt a strong arm worm itself around her waist. She looked up to see Spike picking up his notepad and pencil before glancing at her.

“Ready?” He asked.

He looked so at ease, so comfortable. Maybe he knew what the hell it was that they had between them. Buffy swallowed hard and nodded before they walked out of the classroom together.

“So, are you gonna tell me why you’re all jumpy?” He questioned, tilting his head as he looked at her.

It took a while for Buffy to process the information as her mind still dwelled on the thumb that was hooked on her denim skirt and the arm, which came attached to it.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear- Ah!” She cried out as someone crashed straight into them.

When she regained her balance she looked down to see Andrew on the floor, desperately trying to scramble up to his feet.

“Are you ok?” Spike asked Buffy. When she nodded, he turned his attention to the nerdy boy that had already managed to stand up.

When he finished gathering his things, Andrew looked up at the blonde couple; a hint of fear in his eyes.

“I-I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to- I’m- I-I was running and I-“ He stuttered wildly.

“It’s ok. Don’t worry.” Buffy quickly reassured him. She frowned when she saw the fear in Andrew’s eyes was mostly directed at Spike. Her gaze travelled from the one boy to the other, trying to decipher what ever it was that they were silently communicating through their eyes.

Suddenly, Andrew was off, running through the crowd of teenagers, leaving a stunned Buffy behind. She looked up to find Spike still looking into the distance, after Andrew.

“What was that all about?” She questioned.

That seemed to snap Spike out of his thoughts. Shaking his head he looked down at Buffy and shrugged:

“Beats me, luv.”

Buffy furrowed her brow, not convinced by his answer. She was about to say something when he wormed his fingers between hers taking her hand into his and pulling her down the hall.


*****


Xander dropped his tray on the table and let out a frustrated groan.

“Meatloaf! Yummy!” He said with fake enthusiasm.

“God! That thing looks like it’s been rotting for weeks.” Cordelia said disgusted as she brought her hand to cover her mouth.

“I know this is gonna sound very weird, but I’m gonna say it anyway.” Willow warned. “I agree with Cordy.”

“Well, I’m hungry. I can’t just eat a bar of chocolate like you two.” He said pointing at Willow and Cordelia with his fork before digging into his food.

“Hey guys!” Buffy greeted as she and Spike took their seat on the table.

“You guys are risking eating that?” Cordelia asked pointing at Buffy and Spike’s plates.

“Don’t have a choice. Didn’t eat breakfast.” Buffy shrugged and inhaled sharply before picking up her fork. She jumped up when she felt someone kick her under the table.

She frowned and looked up at Spike when she realised the pleasantry had come from him. He simply glared at her with a semi-angry look.

“What?!” She quipped.

“You’re too skinny. You gotta eat better.” He mumbled before shovelling a piece of the meatloaf into his mouth.

Buffy frowned, but inside a tingling feeling took over her stomach. ‘He’s worried about my eating habits?’

“Where’s Oz?” Spike asked between bites.

“Rehearsing for the party on Saturday.” Willow answered brightly.

“Party?” Buffy questioned.

“Homecoming?” Xander tried to remind her.

“What about homecoming?” The petite blond continued in the dark.

“The party that Cordy gives every year after the homecoming dance. This year we get to go, since I’m dating the beautiful hostess.” Xander explained as he leaned in to give the brunette sitting next to him a quick peck on the cheek.

“And Oz’s band is playing.” Willow quickly added enthusiastically.

“Oh… right.”

“I really don’t feel like going to the dance. I mean, who thinks of those horrible decorations?” Cordelia cringed at the thought. “But I guess I have to be there to accept my crown.” She sighed audibly.

“Don’t worry, honey. It’s not your fault you’re so damn sexy.” Xander winked at her.

Buffy stared blindly at her plate, her face cringing at the sight of the ungodly mush.

“Quit shoving your food around and eat.” Spike said noticing she had barely eaten anything.

“Suddenly, I’m not that hungry.” She grumbled pushing her tray away from her.

“You have to-“ The Brit started but Buffy quickly cut him off.

“Spike! Forget it, I’m not eating *that*.” She said pointing at her plate with disdain.

“Buffy-“ Spike stopped in mid sentence when he felt someone run a finger down his chiselled cheek.

Everyone’s jaw practically fell off when they turned to see Dru leaning on the table right next to Spike.

After the initial shock, the bleached teen lightly nodded as he muttered:

“Dru…”

“Missed you at the Bronze on Friday. You took off so quickly. You silly bad boy. You know you shouldn’t run out on a girl like that.” She looked at him from under hooded eyes as she lightly slapped him on the forearm, her fingers lingering there afterwards.

“Hum… Sorry bout that, I…” Spike trailed off and simply started up at her.

“Well, I hope you don’t do that again at the Homecoming dance. I would be very-“

“Hey! Vapid ho! You wanted something?” Buffy’s angered tone cut her off.

“Oh… Hi, Buffy.” Dru practically spat the blonde’s name, giving her a dirty look. “I didn’t see you there.”

“Yeah, well - I’m here.” Buffy put on a plastic smile and tilted her head at the black haired girl.

Dru looked her up and down and then turned her attentions back to the teen next to her, ignoring Buffy.

“So, Spike… About homecoming…”

Buffy’s hand came flying out of nowhere and Dru suddenly found herself covered in a brownish mush which slowly dripped its way down her long raven hair.

“Buffy!” Spike quickly jumped to his feet.

“Oh, my God!” Dru cried out in horror as she desperately tried to get the thick, slimy mixture out of her hair.

“Buffy, what are you doing?” Spike asked as he awkwardly tried to help Dru by handing her all the available napkins.

“I’m doing what she was asking for.” Buffy growled as she began reaching for her tray once again.

Spike caught her action out of the corner of his eye and snatched her wrist in a tight grip.

“Stop it!” He ordered.

Buffy looked up at him in disbelief.

“You’re taking *her* side?”

“Buffy, I-“

She never gave him a chance to answer. With a violent move of her hand she freed herself from his grip and marched out of the cafeteria.



*****


Buffy furiously stomped her feet on the floor as she walked her way home. Four hours had passed since the cafeteria *incident* but she could still feel her blood boiling in her veins. ‘He took her side! I can’t believe he took her side. Bastard!’ She cursed him in her mind as she turned into Revello Drive. She was shoving her hand into the pocket of her backpack to grip the keys when she looked up to find *his* car parked in her driveway. She stopped dead in her tracks as the rage made her stomach turn. She took in a deep breath and continued to walk towards her house.

She ignored him when she saw him exit the car and start moving towards her.

“Buffy!” He called out when she walked past him and jogged up the steps of the front porch.

Angrily, she shoved the keys into the lock, blocking out his words, entering and quickly slamming the door in his face.

“Ow!” She heard him howl as the wood hit him right in the nose. “Bloody hell!” He grumbled opening the door and entering the house. “Summers!” He called out again.

But she refused to acknowledge him, climbing to her room, taking the steps two at a time while he quickly followed her. She entered her room and proceeded to do the same thing she had done with the front door of the house, but this time he was prepared, bringing his foot up to keep the wood from crashing into his face.

“We have to talk.” He stared.

“Do you mind? I’m trying to get dressed here!” She grumbled taking off her shoes.

“Oh, sorry!” He mumbled, quickly stepping out of the room and closing the door behind him.

He stood outside for what seemed like an eternity.

“Pet, are you done yet?” He asked exasperated, but had no answer. “Summers…?”

Once more there was silence. He swallowed hard and slowly moved to open the door, sneaking his head in. He frowned when he found her lying on the bed, idly flipping through a magazine, wearing the exact same clothes she had for school that day, minus her shoes.

“I thought you were getting dressed.”

“I was.”

“Then why are you wearing the same clothes?” He asked annoyed.

“They’re not the same. They just look the same.” She quipped skimming through the pages, never bothering to look up.

“You did it again.” He finally realised as he remembered her using the same ‘I’m getting undressed’ trick a few days before.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She replied apparently completely oblivious to him.

Spike sighed audibly, closing the door behind him and moving towards the bed.

“We need to talk.” He repeated.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” She said with a forced smile, her eyes still buried between the pages.

“There isn’t?”

“Nope.” She let the magazine drop to the floor as she stood up. “You’re an idiot.” She continued with a fake good humour as she walked around him and exited her room.

“I’m an idiot?” He asked raising an eyebrow as he followed her.

She never answered, simply went down the stairs and into the kitchen. “And pray tell, why am I an idiot?” He questioned as he leaned on the doorframe.

Buffy chuckled sarcastically as she took out a glass and poured orange juice into it.

“You shouldn’t have done it.” Spike tried to rationalize.

She took a sip from the juice and proceeded with ignoring him as she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room.

He groaned and rolled his eyes, searching for control as he trailed after her to find her sitting on the couch, flipping trough the channels.

“Summers, why are you acting this way?”

That did it. The anger which had been bobbling up in her finally spilled into her angered words:

“You took *her* side!” She cried out glaring daggers at him before looking back to the TV set.

“What was I supposed to do? Just let you pour your entire lunch down Dru’s shirt?” He exclaimed.

“That was an option.” She muttered between clenched teeth as her angry finger violently punched the buttons on the remote, her narrowed eyes glaring at the images coming from the TV.

“Buffy, will you just look at me? I’m trying to talk.” He exhaled.

“I don’t *want* to talk.” She replied, never so much as giving him a glance.

Suddenly, Spike snatched the remote from her hands and turned off the TV.

“Well, I do.” He growled.

“Give me that!” She ordered outstretching her hand.

“After we talk this through you can watch telly for as long as you bloody please. But now *we* are gonna talk about his.” He growled at her.

She stared angrily at him before standing up.

“Well you can just forget-“ She was yanked back down and forced to sit by Spike’s strong grip on her forearm.

“Buffy!” He snarled.

“Fine! Talk all you want. I’m not listening.” She replied crossing her arms over her chest.

“Will you stop acting like the spoiled little brat you are and just tell me what’s going on?”

“You took her side. *That’s* what going on! Why the hell are you even here? I’d think you’d be with the anorexic vampire wannabe right about now.” She started as she stood up and began walking about in the room.

“What are you talking about? I just did what I thought was the right thing. You were out of line, Buffy.” He augmented standing from his place on the couch.

“Was I? She was throwing herself at you and you were drooling all over her.” He was about to say something but she brought her hand up to silence him and she quickly continued: “And I know you are gonna say this is about me being jealous. Well, guess what? It’s not! It’s about me and the entire school seeing that you still have feelings for her an-and-“ She came to a halt as the anger seemed to erase all the words from her mind. “God, what the hell do you see in her? You talk about me and Angel and that I’m a masochist for still wanting him, but you’re the exact same thing! You’re even worse. You were actually drooling. You were- you were… God! I hate this! I hate not being able to say what I wanna say… I-I”

Spike slowly started walking towards her causing her to immediately take a step back. The few seconds that had gone by had helped her get a grip on herself and her thoughts. Her voice now was low and cold as she spoke.

“This is *not* about jealousy. *This* is about you and Dru making a fool of me in that cafeteria in front of *my* friends.” She paused looking up at him, taking deep breaths to keep from exploding.

“Buffy, I didn’t do anything. I was just talking to her. What was I supposed to do? Just ignore her.”

At his words the anger came crashing back down on her and she suddenly yelled:

“And what was I supposed to do? Just stand there while some skinny ho is batting her eyes and making the moves on my boyfriend?”

The two of them froze. She’d said it. The word they had danced around for the last couple of days – she’d said it.

“What did you say?” It was a mere whisper.

“Hum… My boy- I-I mean… You know, other people who-who think you and-and I are…” She tried to cover, bringing a trembling hand to brush away a few loose strand of her hair as she slowly backed away from him.

“Of course.” He agreed, but he continued to close the distance between them, his eyes narrowed.

“Right. So… “ She held her breath when she felt the wall against her back, her eyes glued to the floor. “… that’s why I… did the…” She was at a lost for words when she looked up at him.

“…Pouring of meatloaf all over Dru.” He completed her sentence as he took another step and closed the distance between them.

Her heart raced as if it wanted to leap out of her chest when he leaned in.

“Well!” She suddenly clapped her hands together, startling him for just long enough to slip away from him. “That’s all-“

She let out a small cry when suddenly she found herself being turned around as Spike held a strong grip on her arm.

“Why do you keep running?” He whispered.

“I-I’m not running.” She tried to laugh, but it came out as a forced chuckle when he gruffly pulled her closer to him; her chest crushed against his, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. “Let go…” She demanded unconvincingly.

“Are you sure that’s what you want, Summers?” He asked with a semi-cocky grin on his face, their closeness was getting to him and he didn’t know how much longer he would be able to restrain himself.

She opened her mouth to answer, but no sound came out, so she nodded weakly. Her heart sank when she felt him loosen his grip on her and step away. They stood there, in silence, looking at each other.

“Well, I guess we-“ She began, slowly turning away from him, when she heard him mutter.

“Oh, bloody hell!”

“Wha-“

Spike was suddenly all over her, never giving her a chance to finish. His arms wrapped themselves around her, his hands erratically moved over her back, her thighs in a desperate attempt to get her closer to him, while his mouth came down to claim hers in a demanding kiss.

After the momentary surprise she managed to push him away, just enough so she could ask:

“Spike…” She swallowed hard as his lips attacked her neck, placing a series of open-mouth kissed on the tender flesh there. “What are you… doing?” She breathed.

With his face still buried in her throat he answered her directly in a husky, low voice:

“What I’ve been wanting to do since Saturday.”

And then his mouth was on hers, never giving her a chance to answer as his tongue slipped between her lips to join hers in a tug of war. Spike pressed against her, backing her up against the couch until her legs reached the edge of the sofa and she was tipped over, bringing the black-clad teen down with her.

Buffy’s hands flew under the lapels of his duster and successfully pulled the item off him as they continued to kiss. Spike’s own fingers quickly found their way to the edge of Buffy’s denim skirt and tugged it upwards as they travelled up her tanned legs.

‘Oh, my God! What am I doing? We’re doing it again. Oh, God! Oh, God!’ she thought over and over again but, apparently, her body refused to follow her mind and all its doubts. Quite on the contrary, every fibre in her seemed to know exactly what to do as her fingers quickly unbuttoned his shirt, leaving his chest bare and exposed to her nails.

Spike let out a rough growl when he felt her graze her way down his abdomen to the waistband of his jeans. Her small fingers duelled with the belt buckle there while his own hand slipped under her sweater and pulled it upwards until it was over her head and discarded to the floor. He gasped when he saw her, laying under him, flushed face, glassy eyes focussed on the buttons of his jeans, her small breasts covered in nothing but a small lacy bra. Only then did he realise he had never seen her naked. The other night… she had managed to keep her nightgown on the entire time. ‘God, she looks-Bloody hell!’ He cursed in his thoughts, his eyes rolling back in their sockets when he felt her fingers encircle him. He braced himself on his forearms, on each side of her head as she began to slowly pump him.

She watched, amazed, as he occasionally let out small moans with his eyes closed and his teeth clenched only serving to sharpen his chiselled features. Slowly, he seemed to recover from the initial shock and was able to start moving.

It was Buffy’s turn to gasp when he leaned down and brushed his lips over her neck, while his fingers slipped between her legs. He languorously traced small circles on his way up her inner thigh until he reached the edge of her panties. Never giving her a chance to prepare he pushed the thin layer to the side and drove one long finger into her.

“Ah!” Buffy gasped closing her eyes and arching her neck into his mouth.

They both stopped for a moment and then began slowly moving their hands again. A mixture of moaned and muffled cries escaped them both as they rocked against each other’s fingers, pulling and pushing in a slow, mind-numbing pace.

As the desire grew inside of her, Buffy’s free hand came to push his away from her core, while the other lazily guided him to her entrance.

“Oh, God… Buffy…” Her name tumbled from his lips, when he felt her moist folds brush against the tip of his cook. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, pondering how to tell her…

When he refused to move his hips and slip inside of her, Buffy let out a frustrated moan and rocked her hips against his. Spike immediately rested his hands on her thighs pulling them down and away from him.

Buffy frowned and tried to look at him, but his face was still pressed against her neck. She patiently waited for him to gather himself, and remained still, watching him pull deep pants from his lungs.

“I don’t have any.” He grumbled frustrated.

“What?”

Spike moved to look down at her. “Condoms, luv… Didn’t get a chance to buy any.” He explained as he sat up and began tucking himself into his pants.

“But… We can…” Buffy started but trailed off.

They sat on the couch in silence, until Spike’s awkward voice was heard:

“I-I can go… buy some?” He half expected her to shout a string of curses at him or something, but when he didn’t hear a sound from her, he dared to look at her.

“You could…” She trailed off.

In a flash he was up and picking up his duster.

“Be back in a second.” He breathed, giving her a light peck on the lips before rushing out the door.

Chapter 24:

Buffy anxiously bit her nails as she looked out the window. What was taking him so long… Grrr! She let out a frustrated sigh and moved to plop down on the couch. The moment she reached for the remote, the roaring of a car engine reached her ears and her heart jumped up to her throat. She immediately scrambled to her feet and hurried to the door almost crashing into a breathless teen in the process.

“Spike!” She exclaimed taking a step back and gathering herself.

He flashed her a wicked grin and slid his way closer to her. Giving her a dazed look from under hooded lids he snaked his hand into the pocket of his duster as he slurred:

“I’ve got the con-“

“Hello, Spike!”

He froze when he heard Mrs. Summers voice coming from the kitchen.

“-tacts.” He made up on the spot as he finally realised that Buffy’s apprehension was due to her mother’s arrival and not his.

“Contacts?” The older woman questioned, while Spike turned to face her.

She stood in the kitchen, a plate in one had, a towel in the other and a sincere smile on her lips.

“You’re near-sighted or something?” She asked.

“Yes!” Spike answered just as Buffy piped up: “No!”

Mrs. Summers frowned.

“Which one is it?”

The two blondes exchanged a desperate look and Buffy quickly blurted out:

“Well, it’s… hum… You know how boys are. He… He’s always wanted to have brown eyes, so he decided to get contact lens, but… hum… he doesn’t want to admit it! So… hum… the right one would be…No, he’s not near-sighted, just vain.”

Spike cocked up a scarred eyebrow at her barely comprehensible babble.

“Oh…” Mrs. Summers frowned but returned to her dishes.

“What are you doing?” Spike mouthed at Buffy, but immediately stood up straight when the older woman turned to face him once again.

“You know, Spike… You don’t have to change just to please people. You should accept who you are and not let yourself be intimidated by what other people might think of you or your… choices.” Mrs. Summers spoke calmly, a hint of compassion in her eyes.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Summers. I know what I want.” He answered glancing towards Buffy, causing her to blush furiously.

“Well… good for you Spike.” Mrs. Summers gave him a soft smile and retuned to her dishwashing.

A moment filtered by before Buffy spoke:

“Well, Spike and I are gonna head up to my room for a while.”

“Ok, honey.”

The two teens began climbing up the stairs when Mrs. Summers’ voice reached them:

“Spike? Are you staying for dinner?”

“No, Mrs. Summers. My father wants me to be home early today. We’re going out for dinner, do some father-son bonding.” Spike explained.

Mrs. Summers simply nodded and the teen scurrying up the stairs after Buffy into her room.

She let herself drop on the mattress with a loud thud.

“What the hell was that all about?” The Brit asked still a bit rattled by the whole situation.

“My mom giving you gay-friendly advice.” She explained with a smirk, but it soon faded when she saw the not-so-happy look on his face. “What?”

“Do I give off some kind of… gay vibe or something?” He questioned with a serious face. When Buffy’s eyebrow furrowed he elaborated: “It’s just that even my da is starting with the same little speeches your mom just gave me back there.”

“Your father?”

Spike nodded as he slouched on the chair next to the desk.

“Well, I don’t know. Maybe it’s the black nail polish that’s giving off that vibe.” Buffy teased.

“Ha-ha, Summers.” He forced a plastic smile on his face. “I’m not kidding here.”

“I know… I’m sorry.” She quickly apologized.

“My da sat me down for two whole hours yesterday talking to me about the importance of finding out *who* I am and not letting my search be threatened by other people’s opinion of who I should be.” Spike grumbled resting his head between his hands and letting out a frustrated sigh.

“Ouch!” Buffy sympathised.

He mumbled something unintelligible between his lips before standing up straight and looking at Buffy’s alarm clock.

“Well… I better be going. Don’t want my da to think I forgot about him.” He started as he walked over to the door.

“But I thought that…” She trailed off as the flush started to creep up her neck to her cheeks, but then said in a frustrated attempt to sound nonchalant: “… it was an excuse… not wanting to have dinner with my mom and all.”

“Unfortunately, it’s not an excuse. I just remembered when I went out for… hum…” It was Spike’s turn to slightly blush.

“Oh, right.” Buffy replied with a hint of disappointment as she stood up and followed him.

She almost bumped into him when he came to an abrupt stop right at her door before turning on his heels to face her.

“I don’t look gay, right? Maybe I should lose the bleach.” He offered pointing at his hair.

“No!” Buffy answered straightaway and a little too enthusiastic. She blushed when she saw his trademark smirk curl the corners of his mouth as he took a step closer to her.

“No?” He slurred.

“I-I like the… hair.” She stuttered awkwardly. God, why was it that every time he looked at her like that it made it almost impossible for her to say a complete sentence without stammering like an idiot.

“You do?” He continued to speak in a low voice as his hand came to rest on her hips and began to make small circle shapes there.

She held her breath for a few seconds and then nodded.

“What about the duster? Want me to get rid of that?” He asked tilting his head sideways.

“No.” She breathed. “I like that to.”

“What else do you like, pet?” He muttered as he nuzzled his face against the crook of her neck, nibbling at it and leaving small bite marks on his way up to her jaw line.

“That.” She answered between pants.

She scolded herself when she felt him smile against her skin, but her thoughts soon pooled away in a hazy mist when she felt his hand worm down her leg to slip under her denim skirt before climbing back up her inner thighs.

“We never got to finish…” He whispered as he took her earlobe into his mouth to nibble at it while his hand teasingly brushed over the cotton fabric of her panties.

“We can’t… My mom…” she started with her usual denial.

She gasped for air and almost lost her balance when he stepped away and his hands and mouth abandoned her.

“What?” She breathed as she opened her eyes.

“You’re right.” He said with a cocky smile. “Better not do anything with mom here. I gotta go anyway. Bye, Summers.” And with that he was gone.

“What?” She repeated still stunned over the ease with which he had pulled away from her. This was wrong. She was the one supposed to pull away from *him*.

~+~

Spike winced when he took his place at the driver’s seat; the tightness in his pants becoming growingly painful. He wondered where he had gotten the strength to walk out on her and rolled his eyes before starting the ignition.

“Get yourself together. Can’t let her know she’s got you in the palm of her hand. Time for her to make a move.” He told himself out loud before driving off.

~+~

Buffy shoved her food around in her plate completely oblivious to the conversation going on around her at the table.

“What do you think, Buffy?” Was the only thing she heard as she was snapped out of her thoughts.

“Huh?” She shook her head for a moment, before she looked up at the redhead sitting opposite her.

“About going shopping today?” Willow repeated.

“Oh… sure.” Buffy answered unenthusiastically.

“Buffy, are you ok?” She asked a bit concerned with her best friend’s almost lethargic state.

“I’m fine.” Buffy replied returning her attention to her plate.

“Hey pretty ladies!” Xander’s familiar voice reached the table as he set his tray next to Willow’s.

Buffy looked up, uninterested and simply nodded.

“What’s up with the Buffster?” The boy asked Willow who simply shrugged.

“Nothing’s up, Xander. I’m just a bit…” Buffy frowned when she looked up, pass Xander’s shoulder, to see Spike talking to Andrew for a few moments before the two parted ways and the bleached teen walked over to their table.

“Hey.” He greeted taking his seat next to Buffy and giving her a light peck on the cheek.

“Hey, bleach-boy. Not serving as a guinea pig for today’s lunch experiment?” Xander asked bringing a fork full of the unrecognisable substance into his mouth.

“No, thank you.” Spike winced looking at the plate in front of him. “I’ve got some things I have to take care of. Just came by to see what you guys were up to.”

Buffy watched as the two teens exchanged friendly banter but her mind was still fixed on the image of Spike and Andrew speaking. What was going on with those two?

She blinked a couple of times in surprise when Spike leaned in to give her a quick peck once again before standing up.

“See you guys tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Buffy frowned. “You’re skipping school this afternoon?”

“Told you. Got stuff to do.” He explained.

“What stuff?” She insisted, not letting him walk away.

“Just stuff, pet.” He leaned in pressing his lips against her forehead and left.

“What the hell was that all about?” Buffy wondered out loud wrinkling her forehead.

Xander was about to make some smart-ass comment, but was prevented when he felt Willow kick him under the table. She knew Buffy well enough to know this wasn’t time for jokes.

~+~

Buffy and Willow idly walked through the large corridors of the mall, occasionally throwing a glance at the passing shops.

“So…” Willow started with a bit of hesitation.

Buffy simply looked at her best friend and waited for her to ask whatever she had been trying to ask ever since they had left school.

“You and Spike… We-we never really got a chance to-to… you know… girl-talk about it.” Willow awkwardly stammered.

The blonde took in a deep breath, not knowing exactly what to tell her. She missed talking to Willow. Somehow, talking to her made everything so much clearer. She wanted to tell her about the whole arrangement but… she’d promised Spike – not a word.

“What do you want to know?”

“I-I don’t know. I mean, you hated each other just up to a couple of weeks ago and now all of a sudden you’re an item?” Willow said in one breath. It was clear she had practiced her questions about a million times before actually approaching Buffy on the subject.

“I know. Weird, huh?” There was a moment of silence. God, she really needed to talk to someone about this. “In the beginning… it was more about getting back at Dru and Angel, you know?”

Willow nodded and she continued:

“But then… I don’t know, it all happened so fast. Suddenly the extremely infuriating grin wasn’t that infuriating, the bleach wasn’t that unattractive, the accent was actually turning me on… I just don’t know.” Buffy rambled out loud.

Willow smiled looking at her friend out of the corner of her eyes. Buffy paused for a second, sitting down on a nearby bench; the redhead mimicked her action, waiting patiently for her to continue.

“Oh, what the hell!” Buffy suddenly exhaled and looked straight at Willow. “I can’t take it anymore. I mean you’re my best friend and I’m supposed to be able to tell you everything, right?” Willow nodded. “Ok, here goes…” She took in a deep breath before continuing: “Spike and I made a deal. A pact. We decided to pretend being together so that Dru and Angel would get jealous and decide to come back to us… Separately! You know Dru to Spike and Angel to me?” She blurted.

Willow looked wide-eyed at her best friend, her mouth opening and closing for a couple of times, unable to speak.

“You and Spike aren’t really together? It’s all part of a plan?” She finally managed to ask.

“No, see that’s my big problem. I don’t know.”

“Huh? I’m not quite following, Buffy.” Willow gave her an apologetic frown.

“We had the plan, right. First it was supposed to be just holding hands and normal, non-touchy stuff. But then we realised it wasn’t working and that we had to get a bit more… physical in order to fool everyone, and so eventually that lead to touching and kissing and groping and apparently we both developed some *major* pent up sexual tension towards one another.” Buffy paused for a second, giving Willow the time to register all the information.

“So all the kissing and moaning and getting caught doing *it* in a classroom was fake?”

“We weren’t doing *it*, Willow. We were just… trying to see if I could get over the ‘yuck’ factor of kissing him, which, unfortunately, I seemed to have surpassed quite easily.” Buffy nervously picked at her backpack which rested on her knees.

“Oh…” Willow suddenly realised. “And now you have feelings for Spike and he doesn’t… respond?”

“Not really.” Buffy hesitated. “He actually does *respond*… hum and little too well.”

Willow frowned: “Ok, you need to fill in the blanks now.”

“Remember the Bronze? Last Friday… when Oz played? Yeah, well… I was sort of...”

“Drunk?” Willow offered.

“Yes… So Spike took me home and-“

“Oh, my God, Buffy! He didn’t take advantage of you or anything, did he?” Willow squeaked a bit worried.

“Not exactly… He took care of me even though, even after I threw up on him.”

“Yew!”

“Yeah, not one of my best moments, I’ll admit. Anyway… things started… hum… evolving and…” Buffy hesitated throwing a glance at Willow before blurting: “SpikeandIslepttogether.”

“What?!” Willow exclaimed causing a couple of heads to turn and look at them. The redhead blushed furiously and leaning in to whisper: “What?”

“We did the wild thing, Willow.” Buffy muttered.

“Oh…”

A moment of silence passed before Willow dared to ask.

“Well, what about now?”

“That’s the million dollar question now, isn’t it?”

“D-do you… like him?”

Buffy paused for a second and then dropped her head to her hands, her fingers furiously running through her hair.

“I don’t know.” She answered exasperated.

“Well, does he… you know… like you?”

“Another big question mark for that one too.” Buffy grumbled into her hands.

“Well, didn’t you guys talk about it or anything? I mean… You have to have said something after the… hum… event.” Willow insisted.

“Not really. We were both so tired that we just fell asleep.”

“What about the dreadful morning after?” Willow enquired.

“Mom came home. You don’t want to know how we got out of that one.” Buffy looked up from her hands and with a smirk continued: “My mom thinks he’s my new gay-best-friend.”

“Your mom thinks Spike’s gay?” Willow asked with wide eyes.

“Yep.” She nodded sitting up straight and glancing around the mall. “So anyway, Monday came and we never got a chance to talk about it and then there was the whole Dru incident.” Buffy ground her teeth together at the memory.

“Were you jealous?” Willow uttered.

Buffy immediately shot her a dirty look.

“No!”

“Are you sure?” Willow insisted. “Then why’d you give Dru the lunch shower?”

“The two of them were flirting in front of everyone! They were making a fool of me!” Buffy exclaimed.

“Buffy… It’s me… Willow?”

“Ok, fine so I was a bit jealous…” Buffy grumbled burying her face in her hands once more. “God, I hate this! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it!”

“Why don’t you just ask Spike?”

“Ask him what?” Buffy frowned.

“If he likes you.”

“Oh, no! No way in *hell*, ever! No, no, no!” Buffy insisted standing up to tower over Willow, who was still sitting on the bench. “Why should I ask him?”

“Because it’s eating you up, that’s why.” Willow explained the obvious.

“Well, I’m not!” Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.

“It’s your choice, Buffy.”

“Yes, it is! Thank you. Now let’s go by those damn dresses and get out of here.” Buffy grumbled stalking off.

~+~

Buffy scurried through the hall, scanning the crowd looking for a familiar bleached head between the dozens of teens zooming pass her.

“Hey, Buffy!” Willow greeted falling into stride with her.

“Hey, Wills!”

“So, did your mom like your dress?” Willow questioned hugging her books against her chest as they quickly made their way down the corridor.

“She loved it. Said I looked beautiful in black and then started crying.”

“Huh?”

“You know, came down with the whole ‘You’re growing up so quickly and soon you won’t be my little girl anymore’ speech. If she’s like this over homecoming I can imagine how she’ll be for prom.” Buffy sighed as she continued down the hall.

“Hum… Buffy, why are we practically running around in circles through the entire school?” Willow finally managed to ask when she started getting a little out of breath. “Are we looking for someone?”

“No.” Buffy quickly answered coming to a halt next to her locker. “I just needed to get a few things from my locker.”

“Right and for that you always need to walk past it about three times.” Willow noted sarcastically, raising a suspicious eyebrow. “Come on Buffy, admit it. You’re looking for him.”

“I’m not- Oh, my God! What happened to you?!” Buffy immediately slammed the door to her locker and walked past Willow towards Spike.

Willow’s eyes widened when she saw the Brit. He had a small cut in the corner of his mouth and a purplish bruise over his left cheekbone.

“Fell down some stairs.” Spike winced when Buffy ran her hand over his wounded cheek.

“Does it hurt?” Willow asked the obvious.

“What do you think, Red? Ouch!” Spike cried out when he tried to raise his eyebrow, pulling at his tender muscle.

“You fell down some stairs? That’s the best you could come up with?” Buffy asked when the fear in her subsided and the anger started to replace it.

“What?!” Spike grumbled.

“What have you-“ She didn’t have to finish her question when, out of the corner of her eyes she saw a badly battered Angel slumped against the row of lockers; a very worried Dru running her hands over his marred face, much in the same fashion Buffy had just done to Spike. “You fought Angel?!” She asked in disbelief, her eyes going from one teenager to the other.

Spike never answered.

“What the *hell* is happening Spike?” Buffy demanded. “Why have you and Angel been fighting?”

When the bleached teen remained silent she continued:

“What were you guys fighting over?”

“Luv, I don’t want to get into this now.” Spike finally spoke.

“Well, when did this happen?”

“Luv, not now.”

“But-“

“Buffy! Just let it go, ok?”

She froze. It had been the first time he had ever raised his voice at her; the look in his eyes sending shivers down her spine. She was so shocked she didn’t even hear the bell ring. Her gaze remained fixed on the boy standing in front of her even as the rest of the teens began to disband and walk to their respective classes. She was snapped out of her daze by Willow’s soft touch.

“Buffy, we better go or we’ll be late.” She heard the redhead call her.

She narrowed her eyes at Spike and nodded:

“Let’s go.”

Turning on her heels she walked down the hall and into one of the classrooms after Willow.

“Bloody hell!” Spike growled kicking the locker he had been leaning on before stalking off.

~+~

Buffy leaned on the front door of the vehicle, patiently wanting for its owner to arrive. She felt her heart jump to her throat when she saw him.

Spike froze in mid stride when he looked up to see her. Taking a deep breath he continued his approach.

“Hey…” Buffy said in a weak voice as she stepped away from the door.

“Hey.” He greeted back.

A moment of silence passed between them but Buffy eventually broke it.

“I’m sorry for freaking out over the mashed face.” She said pointing at his face.

“I’m sorry I shouted at you.”

“Considering I’ve done that about a million times I guess you’re allowed one yell. But just one!” She quickly added raising her index finder.

“I’ll try and remember that, luv.” Spike tried to smile but quickly regretted it as he felt the wound on his lips start to open.

“Are you ok?” She asked worriedly stepping closer to him and resting her hand under his ear to turn his face towards her.

“I’m fine.” He answered trying to push back the urge to wince when she ran her finger over the gash.

“Did you even disinfect that?” She question with a disapproving look.

“Yes.”

“Liar.”

“I washed it.” He defended himself.

“Not quite the same effect as disinfecting it.” Buffy retorted as she walked around the car.

“Where’re you going?”

“You’re gonna drive me home so I can clean that up.” She informed him as she opened the car door and entered the vehicle.

Chapter 25:

They entered the kitchen in complete silence. Buffy pointed at the stool near the isle and Spike took a seat while she opened one of the top cabinets and reached for a first aid kit. She set in on the white surface and opened it; inside there were bandages, some cotton, a pair of scissors and three small bottles– a white, a brown and a red one; Buffy’s fingers reached for the white one first and tilted it into a piece of cotton before leaving it on the counter.

“This will sting a bit.” She warned as she brushed over his broken lip with the white fibre.

He winced for a second at the first contact, but didn’t say a word. As she worked on his injury, Buffy’s mind wondered over what had caused it. She wanted him to tell her, but she was afraid to ask, especially after his reluctance to talk about it at school.

“There. I don’t know if this will work, since it’s already infected…” Buffy muttered, her eyes never leaving the small gash on the corner of his mouth as she reached for the brown bottle and poured part of its content onto another piece of cotton, staining it blood red.

Once again she repeated the motions she had done just seconds before, slowly brushing over the wound.

“Oh, stop being such a baby.” She scolded him when he winced again.

“Hey! It hurts.” He protested, frowning.

“That’s what you get for getting into stupid fights.” She grumbled throwing the two pieces of cotton into the garbage and putting away the first aid kit.

When she was finished tidying up she turned to face him, leaning on the counter, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched him, still sitting on the stool next to the isle.

“Is that all the damage?” She finally asked, desperate to break the awkward silence between them. Why was it that there were some many disconcerting pauses between them?

“What?”

“You’re face. Was that the only damage?” She questioned.

“Why? You planning on nursing my other hidden wounds?” He started with a low voice and narrowed eyes as he let his tongue slide over his lips.

“Erg! You’re disgusting.” She mumbled looking down at the floor.

“So you keep saying.”

They looked at each other for a second before he spoke. His voice was low and serious:

“I’m sorry I yelled at you.” He apologised.

“It’s ok. I told you it’s fine.” She tried to sound nonchalant about it as she turned around to look at the sink.

In a flash, he was by her side, his fingers curled around her arms forcing her to face him.

“I’m sorry.” He repeated looking straight at her.

She swallowed hard and nodded. She felt her knees threatening to buckle beneath her when his hand travelled from her arm to her neck and over her cheek, resting there as his thumb lightly brushed over her growingly flushed skin.

“God, you’re so-“

The two jumped up when they heard the phone ring. Awkwardly, Buffy scurried toward the living room, picking up the receiver.

“Hello? Oh, hey mom. No, I wasn’t doing anything.” She lied, watching from the corner of her eyes as Spike walked into the room.

He sat on the couch and observed her as she twirled the cord between her fingers.

“Oh, ok… No, it’s… um it’s fine. Have a good time. Bye.” With a loud sigh she put the receiver back in place.

“Why the upside down smile?”

“That was my mom.”

“I gathered that much. She’s got a date, huh?”

“Yes.” She exhaled dropping on the couch next to him.

“Still haven’t adjusted to the dating system?” Spike wondered.

“Not, quite.”

Spike was about to say something when she cut him off.

“If you say I’ll get used to it, I swear I will cut something off of you.” She grumbled.

Spike’s eyes widened.

“I’m sorry.” She apologised unenthusiastically. “It’s just that I know I won’t.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No.” She immediately answered and then looked up at him. “It’s just so weird, you know? My mom, going out with some random stranger. I mean, he could be a psycho for all she knows… O-or a gigolo!” She offered, to which Spike cocked up and eyebrow. “Ok, so not a gigolo, but a psycho, he-he could be a psycho. Do you know the kind of people who exist out there? Very, very bad people. Oh, my God my mother is dating a psycho.” She said in shock.

“Buffy, calm down. You’re mom is *not* dating a psycho.” Spike reassured her.

“How do you know?” She looked at him accusingly.

“I don’t but-“

“A-ha!” She piped up triumphantly.

“Buffy…” He tilted his head sides and gave her a disapproving look.

“I don’t want my mom to have a boyfriend. It’s yucky!” She pouted.

Spike unconsciously wet ran his tongue over his lips as he watched her. She had no idea just how irresistible she looked when she did that.

“What?” She asked when the staring became too uncomfortable. “Oh, my God! Do I have something coming out of my nose?” Her right hand immediately came up to cover her face.

“No! You’re fine.” He calmed her. “I was just…”

“Staring?” She offered, letting her hand drop to her lap.

A soft smile curved his lips as he continued to watch her.

Buffy felt the butterflies flutter in her stomach under his heavy stare, when suddenly he was up.

“I better go.” He said all of a sudden.

“Go? Why?” She questioned confused.

“I got… stuff.” He lied, he knew that if he stayed in that house for one more minute he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from kissing her and he had decided it was *her* turn to come after *him*.

“Stuff? Again? What is it this time?” A hint of annoyance squeezed itself into her voice.

“Just stuff.”

“Fine!” She grumbled as she started to storm off out of the room.

“What do you mean fine?” He called after her.

“What is it with these secrets all of a sudden? And don’t tell me there aren’t any. You walk around school talking to Andrew and then you skip classes saying you have stuff to do and the next day you show up with a purple face.” She pointed at his cheekbone.

“Buffy…”

“What’s happening?” She insisted.

“I can’t tell you.” He answered truthfully.

“Why not?” She tried as hard as she could not to make it sound whiny and childish.

“I just can’t.”

Buffy stared in disbelief at him.

“I better go.” He said walking over to the front door and letting himself out, leaving a frozen Buffy behind.


~+~


“And he just left me there going all ‘how in the hell did this just happen?’. One moment we were talking and the next he’s out the door.” Buffy grumbled into the receiver. “I don’t know what’s happening. All of a sudden he’s gone all cryptic guy and-and…”

“Breathe, Buffy, breathe.” Willow coaxed.

“I just feel all grrr.” She growled into the phone.

“Do you want me to come over?”

“No thanks, Will. I’m sorry you have to listen to my constant moaning and groaning.”

“I like your moaning.” Realising the possible interpretations of what she had just said Willow quickly added: “In a very non-gay way, of course.”

“Of course. Well, I better go to bed then.”

“It’s ten o’clock.”

“I know, but there is nothing else to do.” Buffy yawned loudly just as she restarted saying her goodbye. “See you tomorrow, Wills.”

“Bye, Buffy.”


~+~


Buffy rolled to her side and smashed her hand against the alarm clock. Grumbling something unintelligible she sat up on the bed, clumsily brushing away the wild strands of hair that covered her face. She practically jolted off the bed when she realised someone was sitting on the mattress right next to her.

“God, mom! You scared me half to death!” Buffy yelled as she rested her hand over her racing heart.

“I-I’m sorry, honey!”

“How long have you been sitting there?” The teen questioned pressing her fingers against her eyelids and blinking a couple of times before focussing her gaze back on her mother.

“Not too long…” Mrs. Summers trailed off.

There was a moment of silence between the two as they watched each other. Buffy frowned when she saw her mother nervously fidget with the hem of her blouse.

“Mom…? What do you want to tell me?” Buffy began, tilting her head.

“Buffy, we need to talk about something.”

“Oh, my God! You’re pregnant!” Buffy exclaimed wide-eyed.

“What?!”

“You’re pregnant! I just knew it!” The teen continued without attempting to mask her anxiety attack.

“Buffy, calm down. I’m not pregnant.” Mrs. Summers reassured her.

“Oh, thank God!” Buffy exhaled sharply.

“It’s something else… It’s about… my… hum boyfriend…” Mrs. Summers paused when she heard a groan coming from her daughter. “Yes, Buffy, you are old enough to know that I have a *boyfriend*.”

“Oh, please don’t say that word…” she whined crunching up her facial muscles.

“Well, it’s what he is.”

“Fine… Whatever…” Buffy grumbled crossing her arms over her chest and waiting for her mother to continue.

“Anyway… we’ve been seeing each other for over two months now and-“

“Two months? Since when have you been going out for two months?” Buffy piped up in surprise.

“I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was afraid of how you would react.”

The two eyed each other for a while before Joyce carried on:

“We’ve been seeing each other for over two months a-and I-I’m very fond of him…”

“Fond of him?” Buffy cocked up her eyebrow, but seeing the dirty look her mother threw in her direction, she decided it was in her best interest to shut up.

“I like him Buffy… and I think it’s time… I think it’s time you two met.” She suddenly blurted out.

“What?!”

“I’ve arranged for us to have a nice, quiet dinner tonight so you two can… talk and get to know each other.” Mrs. Summers continued with a firmer tone.

“But, mom… I don’t want to meet-“

“Buffy, this is very important for me.” Joyce insisted. “And I would appreciate it if you did me this favour.”

Buffy pouted as she listened to her mother, but seeing the fear in the older woman’s eyes made her heart melt and eventually, she nodded and sighed:

“Fine… I’ll be a good little girl. I’ll meet him.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Buffy. I’m so proud of you, honey!” Mrs. Summers brought her hands together for one single clap before leaning in and placing a kiss on Buffy’s cheek. “I’ll see you after school.” She waved as she stood up and left the room.

“Great… just great.” Buffy mumbled as she climbed out of bed.


~+~


“So you’re gonna meet your mom’s boyfriend?” Willow asked as she sat next to Buffy on the bleachers.

“Don’t call him that, Will.” Buffy grumbled as she squinted, her eyes scanning the football field. She was sure Spike had gym class during that period.

“What? That’s what he is, right?”

“Yes. But it just sounds… *wrong*! Very wrong!”

“Well, what do you want to call him?”

“How about the evil he-man who wants to steal my mom away from me?” Buffy offered with a forced grin.

“That sounds good. But it’s kinda long.” Willow joined in the sarcasm.

“Yeah, but still better than *boyfriend*.” Buffy practically chewed the word out as she continued to search the field.

She felt her heart jump to her throat when she saw a herd of teenagers coming from the locker rooms to flood the field.

“Oh, there’s Xander!” Willow piped up and the teen slouched his way after the rest of the group. “Doesn’t he look yummy in his grey shorts?” She mocked as both girls cringed simultaneously.

Xander looked up at the stands and a huge smile lit up his face as he waved at them and they returned the greeting.

Willow watched from the corner of her eyes as Buffy scanned the small crowd on the field.

“He’s not there.” Willow said in a low voice.

“Huh? What?” Buffy shook her head and turned to face her best friend.

“Spike… I talked to Xander… He skipped classes today.”

“Oh…” Buffy tried to sound nonchalant about it.

“You worried about him?” Willow asked after a short pause.

“No.” The blonde answered straightaway, but seeing the smile on Willow’s face she grumbled: “Ok, so I’m a little worried.”

“I’m sure there is a good reason why he hasn’t been telling you stuff.”

“He better!” Buffy said with a threatening tone.

The two sat in silence, watching as Xander was barely able to do four sit-ups in a row.

“It’s just that…” Buffy started out of the blue. “He’s just been acting so strange and…” She trailed off feeling a bit silly. “He’s… hum… distant…”

Willow didn’t say anything. She knew her friend needed to talk and so she remained in silence, hugging her knees.

“Ever since… you know, *that* night… he hasn’t tried anything.”

“Has he been pulling away?” Willow had to ask.

“No… he just hasn’t been very… you know…”

The blank look on Willow’s face told her she would have to elaborate on the subject.

“He hasn’t tried anything…” Buffy grumbled. “Well, he does start… but we never get to finish.” Buffy said frustrated. “It’s either my mom coming home, or the phone, or an impending fight…”

“You want to get to… finish?” Willow questioned.

“I-I… Oh, who am I trying to fool – God, Yes!” Buffy exclaimed burying her flushed face in her hands.

Willow couldn’t help but giggle.

“It was amazing!” Buffy sighed getting a dreamy look on her face. “You know how I used to say that sex wasn’t all that was cracked up to be in the movies…” Willow nodded. “Well, I lied! It *is* all that’s cracked up to be!”

“So… it was good?” The redhead questioned.

Buffy bit her lip and then nodded enthusiastically. The two girls giggled wildly as they continued their conversation.

“What about you and Oz?” Buffy was finally able to ask once she regained control over herself.

“We’re still waiting for the right moment.” Willow answered with a low voice and a grin on her face.

“I’m sure it’ll be amazing for you too.” Buffy assured her leaning into her friend and giving her a light shove with her shoulder.


~+~


Buffy let out a deep sighed as she dragged her feet across the threshold and let her backpack drop to the floor on her way to the couch.

“Hey, honey!”

Buffy sat up straight to see her mother standing in the hall.

“Mom, you’re home early!” The teen noted.

“Yes, I wanted to make sure everything was perfect for tonight.” Mrs. Summers explained, unable to hide the anxiety from her tone.

Buffy stood up and walked over to her mother.

“Everything *is* going to be perfect. Don’t worry.” She assured her before wrapping her arms around her for a hug.

“I’m glad you are taking this so well.”

“Well, I have no choice, if you like him…” Buffy shrugged as she walked past her mother. “I’ll take a shower.”

“Ok, honey.”


~+~


She let the warm droplets race down her back as she leaned her forehead on the wall and inhaled sharply. Reluctantly, she reached for the faucet and turned it, the string of water cascading on her coming to an abrupt halt. While one small hand ran through her soaked hair, the other reached for the white towel.

A cloud of smoke flooded the hall when she opened the bathroom door and headed down to her bedroom. She let her tired body drop numbly onto the mattress as she stared up at the ceiling, her stomach doing strange flip-flopping motions at the thought of meeting… it. She cringed as she pictured a disgusting forty year-old, bald man wearing a myriad of golden strings around his neck as a black mass of chest hair peeked from a half open silk shirt.

“No… mom would never be that desperate.” Buffy tried to convince herself.

She was snapped from her thoughts by the sharp ringing sound coming from the phone on her nightstand. Rolling on the bed she reached for it.

“Hello? Hey, Wills.” She greeted.

“So, is he there yet?” An anxious Willow asked.

“Nope. But he should be here any minute now.” Buffy grumbled as she looked at the alarm clock.

“Well, you know I’ll be here waiting for you to call and tell me all about what an absolutely horrid person *it* is.”

Buffy couldn’t help giggling at the name they had finally chosen for the stranger who was dating her mother.

“Don’t worry! I’ll keep you in the loop. I’m sure after tonight I’ll really need to vent out a bit.” The blonde reassured her.

“I’ll be waiting.” Willow responded with a peppy tone.

A moment of pause filtered between them before the redhead asked:

“Any news on the British front?”

“No.” Buffy answered in a low voice. “I think he skipped classes all day.”

“Are you gonna call him?”

“No!” She answered immediately.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure, Willow.” Buffy grumbled.

“Ok... Talk to you later then.”

“Later.”

“Bye.”

Buffy let out a deep sigh as she set down the receiver and stood up to investigate her wardrobe.

“What to wear…” She wondered out loud as her fingers travelled over the sweaters and jumpers.

Eventually she settled for the casual look. If she was going to have to endure a night of seeing her mother making lovey-dovey eyes at *it*, she might as well feel comfortable.

She let the towel drop to the floor as she slipped on her panties, quickly followed by her old, worn-out blue jeans. Stumbling her way to the dresser, she searched the various drawers until she found what she was looking for.

With the blow-dryer in one hand she let her head fall and started brushing her hair. After a few minutes she stood up straight, watching in the mirror as her hair cascaded down her back. Satisfied with the end result, she put the dryer away and reached for her turtleneck sweater. A light knock on the door was heard.

“Yeah?” Buffy’s voice was muffled by the red fabric as it slipped past her jaw.

“Buffy? Hurry up, they’ll be here any minute!”

“Ok, mom!” She grumbled before her eyes lit up and she frowned: “They?” She asked out loud as she put on one of her shoes.

She mumbled something unintelligible when she looked around the room and failed to find the rest of the pair. She froze when she heard the doorbell ring.

“Oh, God! It’s here!” She braced herself before dropping to her knees.

She looked under the bed, the dresser and finally under the wardrobe:

“There you are.” She said triumphantly as she grabbed the missing shoe and put it on.

Taking in a deep breath she headed for the door and made her way downstairs. She almost tripped on the last step when she saw who was standing in the hall nervously running his hands through his hair.

“Spike? What are you doing here?” She asked as he turned around, a desperate look plastered on his face. “What happened?”

“Buffy, is that you?” She heard her mother call from the living room.

Awkwardly, she pulled at the sleeve of his duster, dragging him closer to the staircase and away from the living room.

“Hum… Spike this isn’t a very good time for this. My mom is expecting company and-“

She was cut off by the sight of her mother entering the hall.

“Mom!” She jumped up. “Spike was just leaving…” She trailed off when she saw a man walk in after Mrs. Summers. “Mr. Giles?” She frowned recognising him. Then turning to the blonde teen still standing in front of her she questioned in a low voice: “Spike? What’s you’re father doing here?”

When she didn’t get an answer she looked back at her mother. She watched as the older woman blushed furiously, her gaze buried in the wooden floor. She felt the air being pushed out of her chest when she saw Mr. Giles rest his hand over her mother’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Mom?” She managed to breathe as realisation hit her.

“Buffy… I-I would like you to meet Rupert Giles…” Joyce swallowed hard before she added in a faltering voice: “… my boyfriend.”


Chapter 26:



Buffy stared intensely at her plate, unable to look up and face the awkwardness that surrounded the dinner table and seemed to drain all the healthy air from the room.

“So…” Giles’ voice echoed off the walls, breaking the uncomfortable silence that engulfed all four of them. “I hear homecoming dance is tomorrow night…”

When Spike didn’t answer, Buffy found herself being pressured to do so in his place so she mumbled meekly:

“Yes…”

“You two must be really excited, no?” The older man continued enquiring as he nervously adjusted his glasses for the millionth time that night.

“Not really. Homecoming dance usually sucks, *big time*.” It was out of her mouth before she could help it.

She winced at the sound of her own voice. She hadn’t meant for it to sound so… arrogant and blasé.

“Oh… I-I see.” He stuttered, returning his attention to the plate in front of him.

The unbearable silence returned and Buffy, still feeling guilty over her retort quickly tried to make up by adding:

“But afterwards we’re going to Cordelia’s. She organises a party every year… to compensate for the lousy dance.” For the first time that evening, the petite blonde looked up in Giles’ direction.

“Is Spike taking you to that party too?” The question seemed only natural, but Buffy’s brain was stuck on the small word at the very end of it – *too*.

Truth was they hadn’t actually talked about the homecoming dance. It had been a hectic week and between Spike running off to God-knows-where and all the fighting, they hadn’t had anytime to discuss the subject. Were they going to the dance together? Were they going as a couple or as part of the ‘piss off Dru and Angel’ plan? She didn’t really know, but apparently, Spike’s father did. ‘Great! My mom’s *boyfriend* knows more about my private dilemmas than I do.’ She protested inwardly.

“I don’t know.” She answered. “We haven’t really had time to talk about that.” She spoke looking directly at Giles, trying hard to ignore the image she picked up from the corner of her eyes.

Spike sat next to her and had pretty much kept to himself and his plate for the entire night, but at her response he had suddenly looked up and was now apparently staring at her.

“Buffy…” Mrs. Summers stepped in as the motherly concern kicked in. “I don’t know if I want you going to these parties alone. I know how these things are… they’re all wild a-and dangerous…”

“Willow and Xander will be there to protect me from the wildness and the… hum… dangerousness.” Buffy frowned at the last word. Was that an actual word?

“Even so… I-I don’t-”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Summers, I’ll keep an eye on her.” Spike finally spoke, causing all three pair of eyes to turn their attention on him.

“Well… I-I guess that’s settled then.” Giles said with a content grin as he finished his dinner and set his fork and knife sideways on his plate before turning to Joyce. “Dinner was wonderful, hon-“ He stopped himself as he heard the two teens let out a simultaneous groan. “-Joyce.” He corrected himself.

“Thank you.” She replied in a low voice as her cheeks quickly gained a bright red colour. Turning to Spike as she began to stand, she asked: “Spike, could you please help me clear the table?”

Buffy’s eyes went wide. She was going to leave her alone in the room with Mr. Giles? Oh, no she wouldn’t!

“I’ll do it!” the blonde girl immediately pushed her chair back and prepared to stand when she felt Joyce’s strong hand lightly push her downwards.

“Spike can help me, can’t you?” She insisted, throwing a soft smile in the young teen’s direction.

“Hum… Sure.” Spike replied awkwardly standing up and gathering the remaining dishes.

Buffy felt her heart race in her chest at the prospect of being left alone with… *it*… who happened to be Spike’s father. 'Oh, God! The horrible silence!’ She thought as she watched her mother and Spike leave the room.

“So…” Giles started in a meek attempt to make small talk. “H-how’s school?”

“It’s ok.” She answered, her eyes glued to the striped towel.

“Good. A-And your friend… hum… what’s her name… Willow?”

“She’s ok too.”

“Good.”

‘God, kill me know and end my suffering.’

In the meantime, in the kitchen…

“How are things going in school?”

“’s ok.” Spike mumbled his response as he handed the older woman the dirty dishes he had collected from the table.

“Are you sure…? What about….?” Joyce pointed at his broken lip.

“Fell.” He answered dryly.

“Some fall. To bruise your right cheekbone and split the right side of your mouth without leaving so much as a scratch on your nose.” She wondered out loud. There was no threat or doubt in her voice, it sounded as a simple statement, without any reprehension.

“You know how things are...” Spike replied, leaning on the counter.

“I guess I do. Could you take the ice-cream from the freezer please?”

He nodded and did as she had asked him.

“Thanks.”

Joyce took a spoon into her hand and scooped an equal amount of ice-cream into four different cups, when she was finished she handed the container back to him and he placed it in the freezer. Taking two cups into her hands and signalling him to take the other two she stopped for a second before she went into the living room.

“I hope you don’t have anymore of those nasty falls.”

Spike couldn’t help but smile as he replied:

“I’ll try.”

~+~

“What about the other boy… the little one with colourful hair… hum? Osborne?”

“Oz?” Buffy questioned nervously tapping her spoon on the table.

“Y-yes! That’s the one.”

“He’s ok, too. He’s in a band.”

“Oh!” Giles replied.

Buffy practically pooled off her seat in relief when she saw her mother and Spike walk into the living room.

‘Thank, God! I was running out of friends to talk about.’

“Oh, chocolate cookie.” Giles piped up, clearly relieved also. “If you guys want, there is more in the kitchen.” Joyce explained as she took her seat next to Giles.

All four dug into their respective icecreams, trying to ignore the God-awful silence that spread all around them. Eventually, Joyce attempted to put them out of their misery:

“Buffy…”

The teen snapped her head to look up at her mom:

“Yes?”

“This party at Cordelia’s… What time is it?”

“Probably around eleven. We’ll try to leave the dance a bit early.” Buffy answered with a faltering tone as she gave her mother a pleading look. ‘Please. Don’t embarrass me in front of them… Please!’ She begged her telepathically.

“I-It’s a little late isn’t it? What time are you planning on coming home?” Mrs. Summers tried to hide the worry from her voice.

“I-I don’t know. Hum… four-ish?” Buffy tried, her eyebrows coming together for a desperate frown.

“Four in the morning?!” The older woman’s practically squeaked in amazement.

“Well, I-I could come… hum… I-I”

“I’ll look after her. Plus I’ll be driving her home and I promise I won’t drink.” Spike interrupted Buffy’s incoherent mumbling to everyone’s surprise.

There was a long moment of silence as the two teens waited for Joyce’s response:

“I don’t know…”

“It is homecoming and it’s their senior year…” It was Giles’ turn to step in.

Mrs. Summers looked at him for a few second and then sat up straight.

“Ok, then! But I want you in your room by four, young lady!” Joyce reassured her.

“Oh, thank you, thank you!” Buffy exclaimed as she came around the table to give her mother a bear hug before sitting back down.

She dared to look at Spike for a split second and she felt her stomach flip-flop when she realised he was staring back at her. Thank you. She mouthed before blushing furiously and burying her gaze back in the bowl in front of her.

“Who wants coffee?” Mrs. Summers asked standing from the table.

This time Buffy was faster than she could have expected and the teen was already on her feet with the four cups in her hands and heading for the kitchen before her mother could say anything.

~+~

“Mr. Giles is *it*?!” Willow squealed into the receiver, causing Buffy to grimace and pulled the phone away from her ear for a second.

“For the 1000th time, Willow – Yes!”

“I just can’t believe it! Mr. Giles and your mom doing-“

“Willow, if you have any wish for me to actually retain some sort of emotional stability in the future, please refrain from finishing that thought.” Buffy grumbled.

“Oh! Sorry!” Willow piped up. “It’s just-“

“Sick? Repulsive? Hideous? Hum…? Apocalyptic?” She offered.

“Come on Buffy. It’s not apocalyptic. Repulsive and sick – yes, but not apocalyptic.” Willow countered.

“Oh, and guess what? He wants me to call him Giles. I mean, he’s Spike’s father and I’m supposed to call him Giles? He goes to PTA meetings, for Christ sake.”

“I’m sorry, Buffy.” Willow sympathised.

“Not as much as I am.”

“It is kinda weird, huh?”

“Kinda? If my mom and *Giles* are together then that makes Spike and I what? Potential siblings! That’s what! Which means… Oh, God! I had sex with my potential stepbrother! I’m going straight to hell!” Buffy sighed.

“Well… if you put it that way…” Willow was forced to agree.

“I’m falling for my stepbrother…” Buffy pitied herself when suddenly her eyes went wide as realisation hit her.

“What?!” An equally astonished Willow asked.

“Nothing!” Buffy quickly replied.

“No… You said-“

“I didn’t say anything!” Buffy insisted frowning dangerously, but soon relaxed her facial muscles when she realised that Willow wasn’t able to actually see her threatening glare.

“Oh, come on Buffy! We both know you have wild ‘ravage me now’ feelings for him…”

“Willow!” Buffy exclaimed outraged.

“What? It’s true!”

“W-Well even if this was true… We’re talking about my potential stepbrother here. This is excommunication material we’re talking about.”

“Oh, so what? You never were very religious, anyway.” Willow mumbled and then added in a peppy tone: “So, when are you two gonna go back to the wild-monkey-love phase?”

“Willow!!!”

“Sorry…” Willow spoke, guilt pouring into her voice. “I’ve been Oz deprived for too long - band practice and all. Plus, I’ve been spending too much time with Xander.”

“I can tell.” Buffy replied rolling her eyes.

“I’m sorry…” Willow pouted.

“You’re forgiven.” Buffy couldn’t help but smile.

“So is Spike taking you to the dance?” Willow’s anxious tone was back.

“Yes. He’s picking me up at eight tomorrow.”

“Oh!”

“Willow…” Buffy warned.

“Not a word from me. I’m on good girl mode now, the nasty talking doppelganger is no more.” Willow assured her.

“I hope so.” Buffy giggled.

~+~

She nervously brushed her hair, sitting in front of the dresser, looking at herself in the mirror. As she rested her brush on the wooden surface her hands were free to roam over her long blonde threads.

“Up.” She mumbled to herself pulling her hair, twisting it on top of her head and exposing her neck in the process. “Down.” She continued, dropping the golden mass. “Up… Down… Up…”

“Buffy?” Her mother’s voice came from the corridor as she heard approaching footsteps followed by a light knock on the door.

“Come in.”

There was a small squeaking sound that came from the door as it slowly opened.

“Oh! You look amazing.” Mrs. Summers breathed as she saw her daughter stand up and turn on her heels.

The sleeveless black gown settled tightly around her chest and waist only to spread slightly when it reached her hips. Her tanned shoulders and collarbone seemed fragile and exposed as she slowly moved to get her grey scarf and twirled it around her slender neck.

“But you have to do something about your hair.” Mrs. Summers commented as she came into the room and her hands fell over Buffy’s blonde strands. “You should keep it up.”

“You think?” She wondered as she looked herself in the mirror.

“Definitely! Show’s off your beautiful neck.”

Buffy frowned when she heard the faltering in her mother’s voice.

“Oh, mom! You’re not gonna cry again, are you?” Buffy begged.

“I can’t help it. You just look so… grown up. My little girl, all grown up.” Joyce spoke, bringing both hands to cover her mouth and nose as she watched her daughter diligently working on her hair. “Everyone’s going to gawk at you all night. Spike’s gonna have a fit of jealousy. Well… maybe not jealousy since he…”

“Mom, I have to tell you something-“

Buffy was cut off by the sound of the doorbell.

“Oh! That’s Spike! I’ll go and get the door.”

And before Buffy could say anything, the older woman was out the door and down the stairs.

~+~

“She’ll be down any minute now.” Joyce reassured him for the third time that evening.

Half an hour had passed since he had arrived and there was still no sign of Buffy. Sighing audibly, he reached for the cup of warm chocolate and took a sip. He almost choked to death when his eyes looked up and found *her*, standing near the doorframe that lead to the kitchen.

“How do I look?” She asked blushing under his stare.

When he finally managed to get his coughing fit under control, he stood up and said in a low voice:

“You look wonderful.”

“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” She replied taking in his tuxedo-clad figure. ‘God, he looks yummy.’ She shook her head trying to push back the R rated images that instantly flooded her mind. ‘Bad Buffy!’ she scolded herself.

“Oh, honey you look amazing!”

“You’ve said that already, mom. Oh, mom please don’t… mom… D-don’t cry come on.” She begged coming to rest her hand over her mother’s back.

“I can’t help it.”

“Mom…”

“I’m sorry. You kids go and have a good time. I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?” Buffy questioned.

“I’m sure. Have fun, honey.” Mrs. Summers nodded and ran her hand over her daughter’s cheek before she watched her walk out of the kitchen. “Be home by four!” Buffy heard her mother shout as she closed the door behind her.

“Sorry about that. My mom’s kinda sensitive about all this growing up I seem to be doing.” Buffy said awkwardly, her eyes glued to the pavement as they walked towards Spike’s car.

“Don’t worry. My da’s pretty much the same. Uh, but in a more manly fashion obviously. He was all: ‘Son, come here.’ and quickly followed that with the unavoidable embarrassing hug scene.” He explained, opening the car door for her.

When he took his place in the driver’s seat he froze for a second, remaining in silence for a while.

“Uh… I know I shouldn’t talk, since I don’t have a driver’s licence and all but… I think it would work better if you put the key in that little slot there.” Buffy joked, but felt the air being sucked out of the small vehicle when he turned to face her and his eyes roamed over her body.

“You do look amazing tonight.” He said in a low voice, before putting the key in the ignition and heading off to the old high school.

~+~

The guitar sound echoed off the wall of the old gymnasium as they entered the teen packed room. Unconsciously, Buffy’s grip on Spike’s arm tightened as they made their way through the crowd and all eyes seemed to fall on the blonde duo.

“You should’ve been expecting this. Nobody’s gonna be able to take their eyes off you for one second tonight.” She heard Spike whisper in her ear and her knees turned into Jell-O.

Thankfully, an extremely peppy and energized Willow came to her aid.

“Buffy!! You look great!” She screamed over the loud music in the background.

“You look great too.” Buffy replied. Seeing the familiar redhead standing next to her best friend she added: “Oz!”

“Hey!” The teen greeted the newly arrived couple.

“When are you guys going on?” Spike asked.

“In about fifteen. I was just waiting for you guys to come. Didn’t want to leave Willow alone.” He explained, pulling his date for a small kiss on the lips before he turned to leave. “See ya.”

“Good luck!” Buffy shouted after him receiving a small nod from the guitar player as he disappeared into the crowd.

“God! I’m sooo excited! This is even worse that at the Bronze! Ah!!!” Willow screamed clapping hysterically.

“I’m gonna get something to drink. You ladies want anything?” Spike asked.

“Punch.” The two answered in unison as the bleached teen turned to attend to their requests.

“And where’s the soon to be Homecoming Queen?” Buffy questioned.

“You know Cordy, she’s probably waiting for the last minute to make her grand entrance.

“Yeah, I bet.”

“Oh! Speak of the she-devil!” Willow piped up pointing at the red-clad brunette that had just walked into the room, causing all heads to turn and gaze at her.

“She’s just loving this!” Buffy smiled contemplating the spectacle.

“Xander doesn’t seem too comfortable though.” Willow joked.

“Here you go.” Spike’s voice came from behind them, as he handed them their drinks.

“Thanks.” Buffy mouthed as the music grew to a crescendo.

“The whelp’s here. Thank God! Some testosterone company.” Spike sighed in relief as he watched the couple move towards them.

His eyes drifted back to the girl next to him to find her pouting. Leaning in, he whispered in her ear:

“She doesn’t hold a candle to you, luv.” He reassured her.

Ok, that was it! Standing up straight was definitely becoming an issue as she felt his warm breath on her neck.

“Hey, guys!” Cordy greeted unenthusiastically.

“Hey!” They greeted back.

“I hate this.” Xander grumbled pulling at his collar.

“Same here.” Spike said, joining in the tuxedo bashing.

“Oh, it’s just for a couple of hours. We’ll be out of here as soon as I get that damn crown.” Cordelia exhaled sharply, her eyes scanning the crowd. “I can’t believe I’m going to have to dance with that football meathead.”

“Hey! It’s tradition. Homecoming king and queen have to dance at least once.” Willow stated the unfortunately obvious.

Cordelia growled something unintelligible before Jonathan’s squeaky voice came booming from the speakers.

“1,2,3 testing…”

All eyes fell on him.

“Hum… Hi!”

“Poor guy, he’s gonna end up dehydrated if he keeps sweating like that.” Xander noted as a high-pitched sound came from the speakers, causing everyone to cringe.

“Feedback! Careful of the feedback!” They heard Jonathan scold Andrew who nervously worked the board. Eventually, the screeching stopped and the short teen was able to stammer:

“Hum… W-welcome to the Homecoming dance, everyone!”

A mixture of ‘yay’s and ‘boo’s were heard before he could continue:

“Now, please welcome the amazing band… ‘Dingoes Ate my Baby!’”

Loud cheering boomed across the room as the first cords were heard. Soon, the stage was completely lit, showing all members of the groups, Oz included.

“He looks sooo cool! I have a cool boyfriend! Ahhh!” Willow screamed.

“Oh, no it’s starting all over again.” Cordy grumbled between clenched teeth, before Xander wormed his hands around her waist and dragged her to the dance floor.

“Wanna dance, pet?” Buffy heard Spike ask her.

He frowned when he saw her shake her head, but then realised why, when she pointed at the lonely redhead jumping up and down next to them. Spike nodded, sliding his arms around her and pulling her back against his as they listened to the music.

~+~

Three or four songs went by before Cordy and Xander joined the trio sitting around a table. Well, Willow wasn’t exactly sitting, since she was constantly squirming in her seat, occasionally standing up and clapping her hands.

“God! I’m beat. And I thought I hated the tux… It’s nothing compared to the way I feel about these stupid shoes right now. Ouch!” Xander grumbled taking his seat next to Spike as Buffy had abandoned her chair in favour of the Brit’s lap.

“What are you doing?” Cordelia asked outraged as she watched her boyfriend lean over and stick his finger into his shoe.

“Taking them off?” Xander offered.

“Oh, no you’re not!” She shook her head, her eyes wide and her eyebrows raised high on her forehead.

“Oh, come on!”

“No!” She insisted, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Damn it.” Xander cursed under his breath as his eyes turned to the couple sitting next to him. “You guys gonna dance?”

“You guys gonna keep Red company?”

Xander nodded:

“I don’t think I could move right now even if I wanted.”

Both Spike and Buffy smiled at that, before the bleached teen looked up at blonde sitting on his lap and tilted his head toward the dance floor. In a flash, she was up and was leading him to the middle of the crowd.

“Ah! The joy of sitting down!” Xander breathed using Spike and Buffy’s chair to prop up his legs.

“Xander!” Cordy yelled with a disgusted face.

“What?!”

Chapter 27:
The fast pace pounding of the drums came to an abrupt halt and after a few moments of silence a new, soft beat replaced it. The two blondes eyed each other uncomfortably, not really knowing what to do as, all around them, various couples came together to dance to the sound of the slow music.

Buffy felt her stomach turn a couple of times as he stepped closer to her and his hands came to rest on her hips, pulling her against him. Instinctively, her own arms crawled up his shoulders while her head nuzzled against his chest. They moved in accord with the melancholic rhythm, sluggishly dragging their feet across the dance floor. Spike frowned when he felt her chuckle against his tuxedo.

“Something funny, luv?”

She looked up at him and then tilted her head towards the table they had just left. Soon a smile spread over the Brit’s lips as he watched Cordelia huff and puff at Xander, trying hard to contain her rage but failing miserably.

“What’s wrong with the Ice-Queen?”

“I guess she must have noticed that Xander pulled a Michael Jackson on her.” Buffy giggled against his chest, causing Spike’s eyes to roll back in their sockets for a second. God, he missed having her this close and her scent was becoming intoxicating.

“Come again?” He managed to ask.

Buffy smiled and pointed at Xander.

“Notice the incredibly white socks.”

“Oh…” He finally realised.

They continued to dance in silence for a while longer until Buffy looked up at him.

“This is nice.” She breathed.

“Very.”

“It’s… comfortable.” She started and then added with a sigh. “Too bad you’re gay.”

“Hey!” He protested as he watched her giggle.

“Kidding. It’s just that my mom must really think you’re gay or she would have never allowed me to go out so late and have a boy drive me home in the middle of the night.” She explained.

“Yeah, and she’s probably the one putting all that crap into my da’s head, too.” He grumbled.

“Hey!” It was Buffy’s turn to object as she lightly swatted him over the shoulder.

They eyed each other for a while. They hadn’t actually gotten the chance to talk about… it.

“So… When did you find out?” Buffy questioned.

“When my da parked the car in your driveway and said: ‘This is it. We’re here.’ “ He answered promptly.

“Ouch! Still, better than coming down the stairs and bumping into your dad. You could have told me.” She frowned, giving him a frowned look and a pout.

“When was I supposed to tell you? In the fifteen seconds it took my father to come after me?” He defended himself.

“Yes! You could’ve just said – ‘My father is your mom’s new boyfriend.’” She insisted.

He pulled his mouth to the side and tilted his head giving her an annoyed look.

“What?” She exclaimed. “Oh, alright! You couldn’t do anything about it. I just need someone to blame.” She grumbled.

“Same here, pet.”

“Kinda strange… isn’t it?” She tried after a few seconds of silence. “My mom, your dad, together. It just spells out WRONG.” Her eyes widened to emphasize the last word.

“It’s awkward. I was dying all the way through that dinner.” He admitted.

“Me too. God, you’re father was just so strange when my mom left us alone. He was all –‘How are you? How is Willow? How is Xander?’. You guys walked in just the nick of time. It was getting too painful.”

“Da’s just nervous about you liking him. He really seems to like your mom.” Spike explained.

“I guess. But it’s still weird.” She said as her head came to rest on his shoulder.

He felt her freeze, her entire body tense up and he frowned. He was about to ask her why the sudden change when he followed her gaze and saw Dru and Angel walking into the gymnasium. Without a word he tightened his grip around her small waist and brought her closer to him, while one of his hands crawled up her back to draw small, soothing circles on her exposed skin just below her neck. After a few moments, she relaxed and snuggled her face against the black material of his tuxedo to take in his scent.

Sluggishly, he let his head drop and buried his nose in her hair. A smile spread over her lips as she felt him mumble something unintelligible against her blonde threads.

“What was that?” She asked looking up at him.

Her breath caught in the back of her throat when her eyes met his. He looked so-

She was violently snapped out of her thought by the suddenly clapping and cheering that erupted around them. She blinked wildly, looking around and realising Oz’s band had finished their set and everyone was applauding them. Her gaze zoomed across the room, her mind still a bit hazy, but she was able to identify a very hysterical Willow jumping up and down, clapping incessantly as Oz came off the stage.

Soon, a still nervous and sweaty Jonathan came on, picking up a discarded microphone and lightly tapping it.

“A-and now, for the moment you have all been waiting for – the coronation of our very own Homecoming King and Queen.”

Roaring cheers filled the gym for a few seconds before the teen continued:

“Please welcome our principal… Principal Snyder!”

The entire crowd went silent as the short, bald man climbed on stage. Suddenly, a single ‘boo’, echoed off the walls. Principal Snyder immediately snatched the microphone from Jonathan’s hands and snarled:

“Give me that!” Turning to the crowd he growled: “Who did that?”

No answer.

The little man huffed a couple of times but then decided to ignore the insult, turning his attention to one of the two envelope he held in his hands.

“Alright, let’s get this pathetic show over with.” He grumbled ripping open one of the envelopes. “And the Homecoming Queen is… Oh, surprise, surprise…” He mumbled with fake enthusiasm. “Miss Cordelia Chase.”

Everyone clapped as the head cheerleader made her way onstage, tugging at her long gown as she climbed the small steps.

“Thank you.” She said with a plastic smile as she accepted the golden crown and the flimsy bouquet of flowers. “I would like to-“

“Alright, alright! No speeches.” Snyder interrupted, causing Cordelia to glare violently at the short shell of a man. “And the Homecoming King is…” He tore the piece of paper and took out the card concealed inside. His jaw practically dropped to the floor as he read it out loud: “William Giles?”

There was complete silence in the entire gymnasium. All eyes alternated between a seriously pissed off Angel and an incredibly dumbstruck Spike.

“Huh? What?” He managed to ask looking at Buffy who was equally surprised.

After the initial surprise the Principal was back to his usual unpleasant humour as he grumbled:

“Oh, don’t make us wait Mr. Giles.”

Still wide-eyed the teen reached the stage, unwillingly accepting the terribly garish golden ornament on his head.

“Ok. It’s done. I’m getting out of this teen infested excuse for a high-school.” Snyder snarled on his way off stage.

Nervously, Jonathan reached for the nearest available microphone:

“And now, as tradition deems it, the King and Queen will share a dance.”

Still a bit stunned, both Cordy and Spike eyed each other, remaining still on stage.

“Hum… Guys!” Jonathan hissed at the two. “Move it.”

“Oh…” Spike shook his head and took Cordelia by the hand, leading her to the dance floor. As a slow, cheesy music began playing in the background, the bleached teen wormed his arms around the cheerleader, pulling her towards him.

Buffy felt her stomach turn at the sight; her face instinctively grimacing at the strange feeling in her gut.

“Hey!”

She jolted up straight at the voice.

“Hey, Wills.” Buffy greeted awkwardly as her eyes returned to the duo alone on the dance floor.

“You ok?” the redhead asked.

“Fine.” She answered without looking at her.

“Same answer as Xander.”

“I’m fine, Willow.” Buffy reassured her, finally turning to face her best friend. “It’s just a dance. And it’s just Cordelia.”

There was silence as the two watched the ‘royal’ couple glide across the floor.

Buffy tapped her shoe nervously. She never realised this song was this long.

“Relax, Buffy.” She heard Willow say.

“I’m relaxed. I couldn’t be more relaxed. I’m the epitome of relaxation!”

Willow raised an eyebrow at that.

“I *am* relaxed.” She repeated, pausing before adding: “And I’ll be even more so once Spike gets his hands *off* her.”

Slowly, the song drifted into silence and the dancing couple quickly parted ways.

“Nice dancing with you.” Spike said awkwardly as he backed away from her.

“Yeah.” Cordelia nodded equally embarrassed as she made her way to Xander.

“Hey. That was weird, huh?” Spike said nervously as he approached Buffy, quickly taking off the metal crown.

The petite blonde simply nodded as she sat down around the table, along with to Willow, Oz, Cordelia and Xander. Even thought the music soared to a crescendo, filling the room, a nerve-wracking silence engulfed the six teens.

“That was a surprise. Spike, Homecoming King.” Willow piped up, trying to loosen the mood, but it was impossible.

“Real surprise.” Oz stepped in, in a hopeless attempt to help his girlfriend.

“Angel must have been pissed, huh?” The redhead continued, but had no reaction from the two couples.

Suddenly, Cordelia spoke up:

“I’ve got my crown. What do you guys say we head onto my place?”

“Good idea.” Willow immediately squeaked.


~+~


They drove in silence for the first five minutes.

“The dance was nice.” Spike tried to make small talk.

Buffy simply nodded and looked out the window.

“Oz’s band was amazing.”

Another nod, followed by a sigh.

“Something wrong, luv?”

“Nope.” Buffy answered, popping the ‘p’, staring through the glass.

“Then why the silent treatment?”

“What silent treatment? I’m just tired.” She replied. “Ah!”

She cried out in surprise when the car came to an abrupt halt, causing her to be projected forward; the seatbelt being the only thing keeping her from being thrown out through the windshield.

“Are you insane!?” She shouted turning to face him. “What the *hell* was that for?” She paused, waiting for a response. “Why are you grinning? Stop grinning! I don’t like it when you grin!” She watched as he tilted his head and narrowed his eyes; his trademark smirk still tugging at the corners of his bruised mouth. “What?!”

“You’re jealous.” He stated matter-of-factly.

“What?!” She cried out.

“You were jealous of me and the pom-pom queen.” He elaborated.

“Ego much?” She questioned raising her eyebrows.

“No. Just stating the obvious, pet.”

“Ha!”

“Come on. Admit it – You. Were. Jealous.”

“Not. In this. Lifetime.” She replied in the same manner.

“You were jealous.” His smile widened as he watched her blush furiously.

“Was not.”

“Were to.”

“Was not.”

“Were to.”

“Was – Oh, will you just shut up and drive, already?” She grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest and turning to face the road.

“Not until you admit you were jealous.” He stated.

He turned the key in the ignition and the steady murmuring of the car engine came to a halt as he pulled on the hand break.

“We’re in the middle of the road, Spike!” She noted looking back and forth.

“Not until you admit it.” He repeated, sloshing in his seat.

“Spike! Stop playing around, someone’s gonna crash into us.” A hint of fear slipped into her voice.

“Admit it.”

“No!” She shouted as she turned back and watched a car coming dangerously close to them. “Spike! Watch out!”

But at the last moment the driver spotted the car parked in the middle of the road and was able to avoid it, driving past them.

“You’re gonna get us killed!” She screamed. “This is not funny.”

“Admit it.”

“Will you stop saying that?!”

He complied and didn’t say anything, choosing to simply stare at her as another car raced past them.

“Spike, please pull over.” She begged and he shook his head. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Without warning, she moved over to his side, her left leg slipping between his as her hands came to rest on the steering wheel. She felt butterflies in her stomach as she wiggled in his lap and she heard him groan. Trying to ignore him, she turned the key in the ignition and the car engine roared but it refused to move.

‘Ok… Now which of the peddles makes the car move…’ She wondered.

She tried one but there was no result. Sighing she chose the one next to it, pressing it and suddenly the car roared loudly, causing her to jump in Spike’s lap and inevitably the Brit moaned as her backside pressed against this pelvis.

‘Ohgodohgodohgod!’ She thought to herself as she tried to get her breathing under control. She pressed the peddle again and, once again, the engine howled but the vehicle refused to budge. She looked right and left, up and down, trying to remember Spike’s movements when he had last started the car. Her eyes brightened when her gaze fell over the lever to her right.

In the meantime, Spike rolled his eyes back, grinded his teeth together, clenched and unclenched his hands to keep from grabbing the hot, little body that was wiggling in his lap. ‘Cor… She smells good! No! Focus, focus, Spike! Can’t let her win.’ He thought as he watched her. ‘She’s gonna destroy my car!’

Excitedly, she reached for the hand break and tried to push it down. She frowned when it refused to move. Spotting the button on the stick she pressed it and tried again. This time it worked and as soon as the break was down. She smiled when she realised that even though she wasn’t pressing any of the peddles, the car was gliding down the road.

With a goofy smile and a racing heart, she grabbed the steering wheel and turned it completely to the right causing the car to head straight against the rapidly approaching pavement.

“Ah!” She screamed hysterically as the car climbed the sidewalk and she turned the wheel hard left as she realised she was about to crash into a trash can.

After successfully avoiding the object, the car continued to move along the sidewalk, two wheels on the asphalt and the other two on the pavement. ‘Now… to get it to stop.’

Without a second thought she pulled at the hand break and the car came to a halt. The light humming still came from the engine, so she turned the key and it there was silence.

“Ah!!!!!” She screamed “I did it! I did it! Ah!!! I drove a car!” She shouted hysterically, clapping her hands and wiggling in Spike’s lap. “Did you see it? I drove a car.” She continued to yell, completely oblivious to the repressed groans than came from behind her.

Spike’s fingers held a death grip on his seat as she unconsciously grinded her backside against his groin. He pressed his lips together in a feeble attempt to push back the grunts that built up in his throat but it was impossible. God! The way she moved, who could help it?

“Did you see it? I-“ She stopped in mid sentence when she suddenly felt strong hands on her thighs, gripping them.

She caught her breath when his hips bucked upwards, his hands pulling her down, pushing her hard against him. Buffy’s eyes widened as she felt something hard pressing into her. After the initial shock, she relaxed and slowly moved her hips in small circular motions.

“Cor… Buffy…” She heard him breath in her ear.

His lips slowly grazed over the back of her neck, his teeth scraping against her tender flesh there. Buffy’s head lolled back, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she continued to move.

“Ah…”

The sound of him moaning in her ear sent shivers down her spine as one of his hands blindly crept up her side to cup her clothed breast. It was Buffy’s turn to mewl as his finger roughly caressed her through the black fabric of her dress.

Her hand abandoned the steering wheel and came to wrap around his neck, pulling his face closer to hers. His lips glided over her jaw line and her cheek to finally find her mouth.

“Mmm…” Buffy moaned, parting her lips and allowing him to slip inside.

Their tongues moved erratically, desperate to deepen the kiss, as if they wanted to devour each other.

Spike groaned into her mouth as she wiggled in his lap, trying hard to get comfortable as her body faced forward while her torso twisted backward. She struggled to move in the small space, but her tight dress only served to restrain her movement even further.

Realising this, Spike’s hands reached down, his mouth never abandoning hers, as he tugged at the gown, hitching it up around her waist. Taking full advantage of her new found mobility she turned her body and in a few seconds she faced him, her legs on either side of him. One of her heels dug into Spike’s shin, but he was completely oblivious to it as he felt her thrust her hips against his, her small breasts bouncing slightly at the sharp motion.

They froze for a second as they gazes met. She was flushed; a few strands of her hair had come loose from the bun at the back of her head and now fell around her face, framing it.

“God, Buffy… You’re beautiful.” He couldn’t help breathing before he captured her mouth with his own.

The kiss was fast paced and ravenous. His hand came to the crook of her neck, pulling her closer, trying desperately to deepen the kiss when she once again pushed her hips against his. His lips moved over her jaw and down her neck to finally find the edge of her gown. Buffy arched her neck, letting her head fall to the side and allowing his fool access to her chest as his shaky fingers tugged at the black material and exposed one perfectly shaped breast.

He took a moment, looking up at her for permission, but she seemed lost, her eyes closed, her mouth slightly open. His lips brushed over her hardened nipple once, causing her to gasp just as his tongue darted out and began to encircle the tender bud.

“Woo-hoo!”

The two jolted to attention as a teen packed car slowly drove past them. Buffy brushed furiously, quickly scrambling to cover herself as she moved off of Spike and plopped back in her seat.

“Oh, God! They’re from our high-school!” She shrieked, pulling her dress down. “Ohgodohgod!”

“Shhh… Calm down, luv.”

“Calm down?! A car full of testosterone driven teenagers just saw my… my…” She awkwardly pointed at her now covered breast.

“Calm down. They didn’t see anything. Unless they have ex-ray vision that allows them to see through my head.” Spike explained, wiggling his eyes at her suggestively.

“Pig…” She mumbled, trying hard not to smile.

There was silence between them for a second as they eyed each other. Suddenly, Spike looked away from her and at the steering wheel:

“Hum… we better go.” He said as he turned the key in the ignition.

‘What? We’re going? What about the… sex?’ She wondered frowning a bit. What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he doing this? Was it because of their parents? Did it repulse him now that… Well, it sure as *hell* didn’t repulse him a moment ago. Plus, it was the second time he was doing it.

Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and pouted all the way to the party.

‘Breathe, breathe.’ Spike mentally commanded himself. ‘Can’t let her win. If she wants it, she’s gonna have to be the one to make the move. Let’s just hope she makes it soon or I’m gonna lose it.’

Chapter 28:


“There you guys are. I thought you’d lost your way or something.” Xander called out; walking up to the blonde duo who had just entered the household.

“We got kinda… stuck in traffic.” Spike made up on the stop.

“At eleven at night? Traffic?” Xander questioned, raising an eyebrow. “Alright kiddies, have fun and don’t make too much damage or Cordy is so gonna kick your asses. I’m off.”

With a goofy grin he walked away quickly being swallowed by the crowd of bouncing teenagers.

Buffy simply cowered behind Spike. The thought of finding the drunken groups of kids that had caught them just ten minutes ago in an extremely compromising position made her stomach turn.

“Oh, God! They’re here!” She squeaked when she saw the short brown-haired boy who had shouted at them. “I’m gonna die. Just kill me now.” She mumbled.

“Calm down, luv. Maybe they didn’t recognize us.” Spike offered.

The moment they fully entered the party, all heads turned to observe them. The wave of hushes and unintelligible whispers that soon followed was barely masked by the loud music.

“Oh, right… they didn’t recognize us at all.” Buffy spat sarcastically.

“I’m sorry, pet.” The Brit apologized.

“You better be.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Well, it was your bright idea to sit on my lap.”

“So what?”

“So what?” He repeated. “I’m a guy! You don’t wiggle around on a guy’s lap; especially not an eighteen-year-old-hormone-driven guy!”

Buffy simply rolled her eyes and leaned on a nearby wall, wishing for all the gossiping to cease. Unfortunately, ten minutes into the party the buzzing still hovered around them.

“God! Where’s Willow when you need her?” She mumbled, pouting.

“If they came in Oz’s van it’ll probably be a while.” Spike breathed scanning the crowd and throwing deadly glares at all the gossiping teens, but it was no use. There were just too many of them. He turned to face Buffy: “Wanna shut them up?”

“Yes, please.” Buffy begged. “What’s your-“

She wasn’t able to finish the sentence as, suddenly, he was on her, his mouth smashed against hers in a bruising and demanding kiss, while his body crushed hers against the wall she had been leaning on. His tongue pushed past her lips, greedily exploring her mouth while his hands gripped her thighs and crawled up the sides of her chest. Buffy eyed shot wide open in shock, but soon she relaxed in his arms and her heavy eyelids closed as she responded with a fervour that matched his.

Her mind swirled as her fingers gripped the lapels of his tuxedo, desperately trying to bring him closer, but he pulled away and turning to face the gawking and astonished heard of teens shouted:

“Liked the show?”

Everyone blushed, awkwardly squirming in their places as their gazes bounced off the wall in a pathetic attempt to appear oblivious to the blonde duo. Turning to face a panting Buffy, he grinned at her:

“Worked.”

She tried to answer him, but she was still a bit stunned by the intensity of the kiss and so she opted to simply nod.

“What something to drink, luv?” He asked as he swallowed hard, attempting to hide his lack of breath and his racing heartbeat.

Another wide-eyed nod was the girl’s response.

“Be back in a sec.” He said before turning on his heels and heading for the bar on the other side of the room.

Buffy stood there, still leaning on the wall and practically jumped up straight when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

“Buffy!”

She heard Willow’s perky voice.

“Oh, it’s you guys.” She let out a deep breath turning to face Oz and Willow.

“Buffy, are you alright? You’re kinda jumpy.” The redhead worried.

“I’m ok, Will.” Buffy assured her as she watched Spike return with one soda in each hand.

“Hey.” He greeted.

Oz gave him a slight nod while pushing his lips together.

“Where are Cordelia and Xander?” Willow questioned.

“Probably upstairs doing the old nasty.” Buffy offered.

“Yeah, the whelp did have a ridiculous ‘I’m-gonna-get-laid-tonight’ grin plastered all over his face.” Spike confirmed her suspicions.

“Ok, that’s so not the imagery I need right now.” Willow grimaced.

“Same here.” Buffy agreed.


~+~


The song ended and the couples began dispersing, but the blonde duo remained with there arms wrapped around each other as a more fast paced, energetic tune came on. They moved slowly, while the crowd around them jumped up and down in a strange, almost tribal, dance.

“I don’t think this is the way you dance to ‘It Smells like Teen Spirit’.” Buffy finally said with a smirk, looking up at him.

“Says who?” Spiked asked cocking up a scarred eyebrow.

“Everyone in this room.” She replied promptly.

“Pff. What do they know?”

They continued locked in an intimate embrace, swaying to a beat of their own, oblivious to the world around them.

After what seemed like an eternity, they let each other go and moved to join Willow and Oz on the couch.

“You guys not going to dance?” Buffy asked with a smile that spread from one ear to the other.

“Not really in a headbanger’s ball mood.” Willow said crunching up her nose.

“You can always ignore the music and slow dance.” The blonde countered.

“Not very imaginative tonight. Plus…” She pointed at her bare feet. “Sore.”

“Oh! I told you should wear high-heel shoes more often.”

“Can’t.” Willow said simply.

“Why not?” Buffy frowned.

“Height issues.” Willow whispered, looking from the corner of her eyes to make sure Oz was fully entertained talking to Spike.

“Oh…” Buffy nodded as realisation hit her.

“So, why were you all jumpy back there?”

“The rumours haven’t reached you yet?”

“No. I’m rumour free. You know how it is, I’m always out of the gossip loop. I’m loopless.” Willow brought her eyebrows together for a painful frown.

“Well, you won’t be loopless anymore.” Buffy assured, causing her to smile. “On the way over here Spike and I kinda got into a fight.”

“Again?”

“Don’t worry, we’re over it. Anyway, we fought and one thing lead to the another and, long story short, we ended up in a serious make-out session.”

“Oh!” Willow piped up with a grin.

“Yeah, well that was what the guys who drove past us said too. Well, sort of. It was more of a ‘woo-hoo’ thing.”

“Ouch.” Willow winced.

“It gets worse. It turns out they’re from our high school and they’re here as we speak. Hence the rumours and the constant glances at me and Spike.”

Willow smiled as Buffy continued, telling her about the Brit’s strategy to defeat the evil glares.

“What are you two giggling about?” Spike called out coming closer to Buffy and throwing a possessive arm over her.

“Nothing.” Buffy lied. “Girl stuff.”

Spike tilted his head and narrowed his eyes in a clear sign of disbelieve.

“What?” Buffy gave him an innocent look, leaning in for a quick peck before standing up.

“Where’re you going?” He questioned taking a hold of her hand.

“Lady’s room.” She answered before moving to leave.

“Want me to come with?” he asked as he scanned the crowd. There were already too many pissed teens at the party, he really didn’t want her getting into any kind of trouble.

“I think I can manage going to the bathroom on my own. I’ve been able to do it since I was two. I’m pretty sure I’ve got it under control.” Buffy joked.

“Just be careful.” He said letting go of her hand and watching her as she moved into the crowd.

“She’ll be fine.” Oz said, knowing perfectly well the fears going through the bleached teen’s head since he pretty much felt the same way about letting Willow wander around the party alone. Especially the upstairs.


~+~


Buffy climbed up the stairs, trying to avoid the various semi-naked couples that seemed to cling to every available surface. She had tried the two bathrooms downstairs but had found one occupied and the other was… well, not in the most sanitary condition. She reached the corridor where an even more degrading spectacle waited to greet her.

“Get a room.” She whispered, frowning as she tried to remember the drunken girl’s directions. ‘What did she say? Was it second door on the left or right? Or was it third? Damn that stupid loud music.’ She grumbled in her thoughts as she approached the first option. She didn’t need to go near the door to hear the series of ‘Oh my God’s’ that came from behind it. ‘Ok, so it’s not option number one.’ She decided to move to the other side of the hall, but once more loud moans and ungodly screams carried through that door. ‘I guess that leaves doors number three and four. Now, left or right.´

“I think I’d choose right.” She heard someone say.

She turned on her heels to see Angel slouching against the wall, beer bottle in hand.

“You’re looking for the bathroom, right?”

Buffy simply nodded, crossing her arms over her chest in a feeble attempt to cover herself. Damn! Why had she left her scarf downstairs? She really wasn’t liking the lascivious glances he was throwing at her breasts.

“It’s the third on the right.”

“Thank you.” She said quickly reaching to turn the knob.

It was locked. ‘Damn it!’ She cursed in her mind. She smiled nervously as she lightly tapped on the door.

“Hello? Anybody in there?” She asked realising Angel was still staring at her.

“It’s-“

Whoever was trying to answer never got a chance as a gag sound was heard followed by the unmistakable one of someone vomiting.

“Ew.” Buffy winced pressing her legs together. She really needed to go.

“There’s another bathroom in the pool area.” Angel suggested.

“Oh…” Buffy said, having no idea how to reach it.

“I can take you if you want.”

“I thought Cordy said the pool was off limits. She locked all the doors that lead to it.” Buffy explained.

“You forget I’ve been coming to this party for the last three years. I know this house inside out.” Angel smirked.

She didn’t like that. And it wasn’t in a ‘not-liking-Spike’s-gorgeous-smirk’ kind of way; it was in a ‘really-creepy-get-the-hell-away-from-me’ kind of way. Plus, he looked like he was kinda drunk. But what was she supposed to do? Hold it in?

“Ok.” She finally agreed as she followed him downstairs.

Instead of turning left and heading where most of the party was concentrated, they turned right, into the kitchen where a few drunken kids lay sprawled on the floor while others sat on the counter telling anecdotes. They crossed the tiled room and entered a small corridor with a door on each side, one of which lead to one of the bathrooms she had tried earlier. At the end of the hall was a window. Angel reached for it and opened it.

“You’re gonna have to go through here.” He explained.

Buffy waited for a few seconds, contemplating how she would be able to climb out. Tugging at her dress, she pulled just enough so she was able to swing one leg over and then quickly jumped out. She stumbled a bit but was able to keep her balance as her feet hit the grass outside. She watched as Angel easily made his way through the window.

“This way.” He pointed as they went around the corner and were met by the sight of a giant pool spread out in the middle of a garden.

“Wow.” Buffy could help uttering.

“I know. It’s great, isn’t it? Had pretty much the same reaction the first time I saw it.” Angel said sticking his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

Buffy eyed him waiting for him to point out the bathroom.

“Oh! Sorry! It’s over there.” He indicated the small house near the pool.

“Thanks.” She smiled and walked over to the white structure.


~+~


“Where is she? What’s taking her so long?” Spike asked for the fourth time as he nervously scanned the party.

“There’s probably a line. She’ll be down any second now.” Willow tried to calm him down.

“I don’t like this. I’ll go check on her.” He mumbled standing up and walking away.


~+~


Buffy ran her hands over her stomach, flattening the black fabric there as she watched herself in the mirror one last time before opening the door and exiting the bathroom. She looked around and frowned when she failed to find the quarterback.

“Angel?” She called out squinting as she searched the thick garden that surrounded the pool area.

“Gotcha!” He exclaimed as he grabbed her by the waist, causing Buffy to scream.

He immediately set her down.

“Sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you.” He apologized.

“I-It’s ok.” She stammered.

“So… You enjoying the party?” He tried to make small-talk.

“It’s nice. Leave it to Cordy to plan a party that can make up for the lousy school dance.” She let a soft smile spread over her lips as her eyes stared into the crystal water that mirrored the sky.

“Yeah! She throws the best parties every year. “ He agreed.

They remained in silence for a few seconds.

“Well, we better…” She pointed towards the main house. “…go.”

“Right.” He said nodding and following her.

Buffy wobbled over the grass as they made their way back to the window but, suddenly, her ankle twisted under her and she stumbled to the ground. Instinctively, Angel reached out; one strong arm encircling her waist was enough to stop her from failing.

“Oh… Thanks!” She breathed looking up at him.

Her eyes widened when Angel’s lips were suddenly on hers. She was shocked at first, but immediately pressed her hands against his shoulders and pushed him away.

“What the *hell* are you doing?” She spat angrily wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, not worrying about smudging her lipstick.

“Oh, come on Buffy. I know you want to.” He took a step closer to her, with his hands stretched out.

“Stay away from me!” She warned him and he stopped dead in his tracks.

“Is this about him?”

She frowned.

“Bleach-boy?” Angel explained tilting his head back towards the house.

“This-“ She started but was interrupted by the tall boy’s grotesque laughter.

“You’re all worried about what he’s going to think isn’t it? Good old Buffy! You would never think of cheating on your boyfriend.” He mocked; a hint of anger hiding behind his arrogant tone. “Well guess what? You should check if you’re *boyfriend* is on the same page as you are, darling, cause I’m not really sure if he would agree that yours is a monogamous relationship.”

Buffy glared at him as he paused and took in a deep breath.

“You’re drunk.” She spat tugging at the edges of her dress and preparing to storm away when she heard him call out.

“He didn’t tell you, did he? About why we fought?”

She froze in mid-stride.

“Didn’t think so. I mean, the way you were all over him, I figured he didn’t.”

Slowly, she turned to face him.

“Is this the scene in the movie where you make up some big lie to try and break me and Spike up? Cause that is just so cliché.” She sighed, apparently bored, but inside her heart raced against her chest.

“Just tell your boy to stay the hell away from her. She’s mine now!” He growled.

“Dru?”

“Yeah, Dru. Caught him trying to grab her.” He explained.

“You’re lying.”

“Why would I lie?” He stood up straight. “Why else would we fight? Because of you?” He let out a powerful chuckle. “Come on, honey. Do you really think I still want you? Do you really think I’m as pathetic as you are?” He asked rhetorically. “Not really. You’re…” He took his time, running his tongue over his bottom lip. “…used up.”

A smacking sound echoed in the empty garden as Buffy’s hand came out of nowhere to slap him across the face.

His reaction was a creepy grin and a chuckle as he fingered his now sore cheek.

“Ouch, Buffy. That really hurt.” He said sarcastically. Suddenly, his smile crumbled and he glared at her. “Go. Ask him. Let’s see what he tells you.”

And with that he stormed towards the window, slipping inside.


~+~


“She’s gone. I can’t find her anywhere.” Spike said worriedly as he came back down the stairs to find Oz and Willow still on the couch.

“Are you sure? I-I mean did you check everywhere?” Willow stuttered.

“I checked, believe me.” He grumbled scanning the crowd. His heart immediately settled when he saw the petite blonde entering the living room.

“Thank God, Buffy! Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.” He breathed in relief, bringing his arms to wrap around her small form.

She never moved, remaining perfectly still in his embrace.

“Are you ok?” He frowned.

“I-I’m fine. I’m just a bit tired.” She answered calmly, but he could tell something was wrong.

“What happened?” His eyes went wide at the idea of… “Did something happen? Buffy are you ok?”

“I’m fine.” She repeated. “I just wanna go home, please.”

“But it’s only one o’clock.” Willow noted.

“I wanna go home.” Buffy replied.

The redhead was about to protest, when she felt Oz’s light grip on her forearm telling her to just let it go.

“Ok, I’ll take you home.” Spike agreed putting his arms around her shoulders and leading her towards the door.


~+~


They drove the entire way home in silence. Even though Spike had miserably tried to make conversation, Buffy would simply answer him with either a nod or a monosyllabic reply. He let the car come to a full stop in front of her house before pulling on the hand break. The moment the vehicle stopped, Buffy opened the door and was on her way to her house.

“Hey, wait up.” He called out running after her, not bothering to lock the car.

When she didn’t answer, he wormed his fingers around her arm and forced her to turn and face him.

“What’s wrong?” He questioned with a serious tone.

“Why did you and Angel fight?” She asked simply.

“What? Where did that come from?” He frowned at her.

“It’s a simple question Spike. Why did you guys fight?”

He paused to a second, letting go of her arm and sighing.

“Buffy… I… I can’t tell you.” He finally managed to say.

She pressed her lips together and nodded once before she turned on her heels and climbed the steps to her front porch.

“Buffy?”

He went after her, leaning on the front door as she fidgeted with the keys.

“Why are you acting like this?”

She continued to try and fit the key into the lock. Angrily, he reached for her hand, pulling it away from the door.

“Buffy, what’s going on?”

“Was it about me?” A hint of hope shone in her eyes as she asked.

He paused for a second.

“No.”

“They why did you fight?” This time she wasn’t able to control the conflicting emotions inside of her, raising her voice.

“I can’t tell you!” He insisted.

“Why not?” She yelled.

“Shh… You’re gonna wake up your mom.” Spike warned her.

She breathed in deeply turning to face him.

“Spike… either you tell me why you and Angel fought or it’s all over.”

“What?!” he exclaimed with a hint of despair.

“You heard me.” She stood her ground firmly waiting for his response.

He narrowed his eyes, frowning at the same time.

“What is this about? Who have you been talking to?”

She ignored his questions.

“Choose.” She demanded.

“I-I can’t tell you.”

She swallowed hard, turning the key in the lock and pushing the door open.

“Goodbye, Spike.” Was the last thing she said as she closed the door in his face.


~+~


Buffy raced her way upstairs, storming into her bedroom and slamming the door behind her before throwing herself on the bed. Moments later a light knock was heard.

“Buffy…” Mrs. Summer’s voice carried through the wood.

Buffy scrambled to the sitting position, biting back the tears as she watched the door of her room opening slightly and her mother’s head popping from behind it.

“Are you alright? You’re home so early.” She noted stepping into the room.

“I’m fine mom.” The teen answered with a forced smile, squinting a bit when her mother turned on the lights.

“Are you sure?” Joyce insisted still not convinced.

“Yes. I’m fine. The party was just a bit dull and I got tired.”

“Alright then, goodnight honey.” Mrs. Summers whispered kissing her daughter on the forehead before leaving the room.


Chapter 29:


Buffy hugged her pillow, the tears finally spilling from her eyes as she lay on the bed still wearing the black gown. Her arm reached out for the phone as it rang.

“Hello?”

There was no answer.

“Hello?”

“Buffy?” The familiar voice was heard.

Without a second thought she slammed the phone down and returned to the pillowcase.

RING! RING!

She sighed and picked up the receiver.

“Buffy, we need to t-“

He wasn’t able to finish the sentence as a busy signal came on. He grumbled something unintelligible and dialled the memorized number again.

“Buffy, stop shutting the ph-“

Beep, beep, beep.

“God! I’m gonna kill that girl.” He growled, but was soon pressing the small plastic keys once again. He frowned when he got a busy signal. He tried once, twice and even a third time before he realised she had probably unhooked the phone.


~+~


“So we’re back to hating Spike’s guts?” Willow asked with a low voice.

Buffy simply nodded as she played around with her food.

“You better suit up for hating mode then.” The redhead warned her as she saw the approaching teen.

Buffy looked up as he set his tray on the table opposite her. The moment he made a move to sit down, she stood up and was out the door without a word.

“Bloody hell!” He grumbled as he scurried after her. “Buffy!” He called out.

But she continued to quickly make her way down the hall. He sprinted towards her, eventually falling into stride with her.

“Buffy, we need to talk.” He said looking at her as she stopped by her locker opening it.

She didn’t answer, simply opened her backpack and took out a few books.

“Buffy…”

“There is nothing to talk about, Spike.” She said never looking at him.

“What do you mean?”

She turned to face him with a plastic smile which crumbled in seconds.

“I mean, there is nothing to talk about. It’s over.”

“What? Because I wouldn’t tell you why Angel and I got into a fight?” He asked in disbelief.

“No.” She lied. “Because… this thing… between us…” Her index finger travelled from him to her and then back again. “Whatever it was, it was just… wrong.”

“What?!”

“We don’t really like each other. I mean, Spike, come on. Be serious. We always have and will always hate each other.” She tried to rationalize. She just wanted to hurt him so much. As much as he had hurt her.

“What are you talking about, Summers?”

She winced inwardly at the use of her surname.

“What we had was just… too many pent-up hormones, I guess.”

Spike simply stared wide-eyed at her. She was reducing what they had to hormones?

“You missed Dru, I missed Angel and one thing lead to another and…” She shrugged, speaking so nonchalantly, though inside she felt a sting at the sight of utter disbelief on his face. “Goodbye, Spike.”

She tried to walk away but he seemed to suddenly snap out of his initial shock and grabbed her by her arm pulling her against the lockers, setting both hands on either side of her.

“Why are you acting like this?” He said in a low voice.

“I’m not acting like this. I’m just tired of playing pretend with you.” She looked up at him.

“Playing pretend?”

“Yes, Spike. That’s all we’ve ever done. Just pretend. Cause the truth is…” She paused, swallowing hard before adding: “I don’t feel anything for you.” She managed to say before slipping under his outstretched arm and walking away.


~+~


“So… How was it?” Willow asked as she walked side-by-side with the Buffy.

“I told him.”

“Told him what?”

“That I didn’t want anything to do with him. That what we had wasn’t real.” Buffy explained kicking a pebble on the pavement.

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”

“What was I supposed to do? Just yell at him and act like the jealous girlfriend? No! I’m not gonna be that pathetic. If he’s still not over Dru, that’s his problem, but he’s so not gonna use me to get her back.” She said with resolve in her tone.

“It just doesn’t make any sense.” Willow started. “She was all over him, that day at the cafeteria. You know, the lunch-shower day?”

Buffy frowned as she remembered the scene.

“It was pretty clear that if he wanted Dru he could have her. There was no need for him to pretend that you and he were an item anymore. He could’ve just gone back to her.” Willow rationalized.

Buffy continued in silence wrapping her coat tighter around her waist as the wind blew harder.

“I don’t know, Willow. And I really don’t care. This is just too… difficult. I just don’t want to deal with it now. All I want is to go to the mall, do some Christmas shopping and just forget all about him.”

“But maybe you’re just blowing this all out of proportion.” Willow insisted.

“Then why didn’t he tell me, Will? What else do Angel and Spike have in common besides me and Dru?”

The redhead simply shrugged. She really didn’t have an answer. They continued in silence all the way to the mall until Willow spoke up.

“I just think I preferred the angry Buffy.”

The blonde frowned.

“You know. The way you act towards him. Like nothing has happened and you’re not angry… as if you just don’t care.”

“I don’t Willow. Not anymore.”


~+~


Buffy dropped her bags on the floor as she entered her room, plopping down on the bed. God, she was tired!

“Hey, Buffy!” Her mother greeted. “How was shopping?”

“Mom? You’re home early.” Buffy noted propping herself up on her elbows.

“Giles and Spike are coming for dinner.” Her mother announced.

Buffy swallowed hard.

“I already have plans.” She made-up on the spot.

“Plans?”

“Yeah. Willow and I. We were going out for pizza.”

“Well, you didn’t tell me anything about that?”

“That’s cause we just decided that this afternoon.”

“You better postpone it, then.” Joyce said.

“I can’t!” Buffy immediately piped up.

“Why not?”

“Because of… hum… Willow! She’s kinda down. She’s been having problems with Oz and she really needs someone to talk to. I can’t just leave her.” The teen lied.

“Well… why don’t you invite her to dine with us, then?”

“Mom. She’s having guy problems. She wants to talk, which she won’t be able to do with you guys around.” Buffy quickly excused herself.

Mrs. Summers paused for a second as she seemed to be trying to figure another alternative.

“Alright then.” She finally agreed. “But don’t stay out too late.” She warned her before closing the door.

Buffy immediately reached for the phone.

“Hello? Willow? Are you free for diner tonight? Yeah, something’s come up. Ok, I’ll come by your house in about half an hour.


~+~


“You can’t keep avoiding him forever.” Willow noted taking a large bite from her slice of pizza.

“I’m not planning forever. Just till the end of senior year. Just six and a half months and I’ll be home free.” Buffy forced a smile on her face. “Now, can we please change the subject?”

“Sure.”

“Where are you guys gonna spend Christ- Sorry, Hanukah?” Buffy corrected herself in time.

“At home, as usual. You?”

“Probably home, with my mom. It’s just the two of us.”

“At least you’ll be Spike-free for the Christmas holidays.” Willow reminded her.

“Thankfully!” She breathed. “Just two more weeks of extremely awkward situations and I’m off the hook.” She said with fake perkiness.

“I still think you should…” Willow caught her friend’s glare and quickly added: “Right! Changing the subject. Sorry!”


~+~


The door creaked as she pushed it open and slipped inside. The only light came from the kitchen.

“Hey, mom.” Buffy greeted letting the keys drop on the counter as she opened the refrigerator and explored its contents.

“Hey. How was your dinner?”

“It was ok.” She replied taking out the orange juice and pouring some for herself.

“Is Willow ok?” Joyce inquired.

“She’s fine now.” Buffy paused for a second, pondering whether or not to ask her mother about her evening. “And how was your dinner?”

“It was very nice. I made pot roast.”

“Yippy.” Buffy exclaimed with little enthusiasm as she sipped from her glass.

“Watch it young lady.” Joyce warned her.

“Sorry.” She said with a light smile.

“Spike seemed kinda down though.”

She felt a pang in her chest at the mention of his name, but her reply showed no sign of it:

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. He was very quiet and he didn’t eat much. Has he had problems at school?” Mrs. Summers wondered.

“Not that I know of.”

“Well, he asked about you.”

Buffy simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“He didn’t know that Willow and Oz had had a fight.”

“Yeah, it happened after school.” Buffy quickly lied.

“Buffy…” Joyce started with a more serious tone. “I’m very worried about him. I think he’s probably having a really hard time in school. I mean, you should have seen his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone that depressed. You two seem to be very good friends right?”

“Hum…” Buffy wondered what to say. “Well… sort of… yeah.”

“Well, could you talk to him? His father is really worried, but you know how the English are about these things. He doesn’t really know how to talk to Spike. He’s afraid he’ll say the wrong thing.”

“I… Hum… I don’t think I can…” Seeing her mother’s pleading expression, Buffy sighed and lied: “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you, honey.”


~+~


The days went by, growing shorter and colder by the minute. Buffy sat by the bleachers watching a group of kids having gym class as she waited for Willow. They had agreed to meet there during lunch. ‘What could be taking her so long?’

She jumped up as the sharp sound of a whistle nearly pierced her eardrums. She watched as the teacher herded the teens together pointing at the locker rooms. She looked skywards. Maybe he was right; maybe it was going to rain.

She hugged her legs and rested her chin on her knees, staring out at the now empty field.

“Hey.” She heard a familiar voice call her.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized it. Without turning to face him she breathed: “Hey.” As he sat down beside her.

They remained in silence for a long time before he spoke again:

“We’re gonna have to talk to each other eventually. It’s useless trying to avoid me.”

“I’m not avoiding you.” She quipped.

“You’re not? You ask Mrs. Kennedy to change seats; you leave the cafeteria every time I enter the room; you refuse to let me give you a ride home even though it’s been raining everyday and you still say you’re not avoiding me?”

“What do you want, Spike?” She questioned with a hint of annoyance.

“Just to talk.”

“About?”

“Us.”

She sighed and immediately stood up, walking away.

“Buffy!” He called out as the first drops of rain started to fall.

She continued to walk, jumping off the bleachers, completely oblivious to him.

“Buffy!” This time he practically shouted.

“What?!” She yelled back, turning on her heels to face him and jumping back a little when she realised he was right behind her.

“Stop running away from me.”

“I’m not running, Spike. I just don’t want to be anywhere near you.” She argued as the rain began to pour and she turned to race back to the main building.

“Well, what are you gonna do about Christmas? Just ignore me?” He cried out.

She stopped dead in her soaked tracks.

“What are you talking about?”

“Christmas?” He repeated as he came to stand before her again.

“What about Christmas?”

He frowned as he realised she didn’t know. Tilting his head sideways he stared at her for a while from under narrowed eyes as the drops of water marred his face.

“Spike! What about Christmas?” She insisted.

“Oh, nothing.” He lied. A wicked grin spread across his face as he started to sprint back to school.

“Spike!” She called out racing after him.

Buffy ran her hands through her sopping wet threads when she entered the building to see Spike standing there beside her. Equally soaked.

“What about Christmas?”

“It really should be your mom telling you.” He continued to with false worry.

“Spike!” She scolded him, swatting him across the arm.

“Well, since Christmas is a time of cheering and loving and all that crap…”

“Yes!”

“Our parents…”

“Spike will you just come out and say it already?”

“Decided we should all spend the holidays together.” He finally answered her.

“What? We? Who’s *we*?” She frowned wide-eyed as realisation slowly dawned on her. “Us we?!” She pointed at both of them.

“You, me, your mom and my da. One big happy family.” Spike grinned wildly at the growing rage in the petite blonde’s face. “It gets better, pet.”

“What?” She asked afraid of the answer.

“Guess where we are spending the holidays.”

She didn’t reply, simply stared up at him with a frightened look.

“At my da’s cabin up on the lake.” He answered for her. “One whole week. The four of us together. It’s gonna be wonderful.” He mocked sarcastically.

She stood there in shock as the bleached teen threw her a grin and walked away.


~+~


“MOM!” She yelled the moment she entered the house. “MOM!”

There was no answer. She wasn’t home yet. Buffy stomped her way upstairs, quickly changed her soaked clothes and came back down to sit on the coach. Two hours went by before she heard the jingling of keys at the door. She jumped off the sofa and was standing in the hall in a flash.

“Mom!”

“Hey, Buffy.” Joyce managed to breathe from under the pile of paper bags. “Honey, could you please help me with this?” Before she could answer, Buffy was holding two large stacks in both arms and watching her mother gingerly make her way to the kitchen.

“Mom!” She called after her, storming her way into the tiled room and dropping the bags on the counter.

“Thanks, honey.”

“Mom, when where you planning on telling me about your Christmas plans?” A fuming Buffy demanded.

Joyce stopped, turning to face her daughter.

“How did you find out?”

“Spike told me.”

“Oh! I wanted to surprise you last night, but you were already in bed by the time I got home. So aren’t you excited?” Mrs. Summers questioned with a huge smile and sparkling eyes.

“Excited is not the word for it. I think completely pissed off is closer to it.”

Joyce frowned.

“Mom, how could you do this? We always spend Christmas together. Just the two of us.”

“Yes, and you always complain about how we never go anywhere and how it’s always dull. I thought you’d be excited about spending Christmas with Spike. At least you’ll have someone your age to talk to.”

“I don’t want to spend Christmas with anyone else. I want to spend Christmas like we always do. Just the two of us.” Buffy argued stomping her foot and raising her voice.

“Well, I’m sorry Buffy. We’re going to spend the holidays at Giles’ place up on the lake and that’s that.”

Buffy stared wide-eyed at her mother before snapping:

“I’m not going anywhere.” She stormed up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door.

“Young lady, you come back down here this instant!” Joyce demanded, but it was already too late.

Buffy furiously looked through her dresser, picking her clothes as she prepared to take a shower when the door to her room swung open:

“Don’t you ever walk away from me again! You hear that?” Joyce scolded, her index finger pointing dangerously at her daughter.

Buffy stood her ground. Her arms folded over her chest, her chin raised up high.

“Don’t you look at me like that! You are going and that’s final.” Joyce snapped before turning on her heels, leaving a steaming-mad Buffy behind.


~+~


“I can’t believe my mom is forcing me to go!” Buffy growled stomping her feet as she stuffed a couple of sweaters into her luggage.

“M-maybe it’s not gonna be so bad.” Willow stuttered leaning on the desk.

“Not so bad!” The blonde repeated. “I’m going to have to spend an entire week in a lousy cabin in the middle on nowhere, with *Spike*!”

Willow’s eyebrows came together for a sympathetic frown as her mouth tugged to the left.

“I’m gonna have a miserable Christmas and all because my mom had the *excellent* idea to spend it with… them.” She spat the last word as she let her body fall to the bed.

“At least you’re gonna have more presents.” Willow tried to show her the brighter side of the issue.

“Oh, great! Presents. I didn’t get them anything. Was I supposed to, you know, get them something?” She wondered.

“Your mom probably took care of that.” The redhead suggested, knowing Mrs. Summers well enough.

“I hope so, cause I don’t have time to worry about that. We’re leaving in half an hour.”

“Mr. Giles and Spike are picking you guys up?”

“Yeah. My mom doesn’t wanna take the jeep.” Buffy said as she stood up and restarted packing.

“Well, I-I better go. Oz’s waiting.”

“Ok, Willow. See you in a week.” Buffy grumbled as she watched her best friend head for the door.

“Call me when you get there?”

“I don’t even know if there is a phone there.” She stood up straight when it dawned on her: “Oh, God! They probably don’t have a TV either. I’m gonna die!” She mumbled stuffing her jeans into her baggage.

Willow gave her another compassionate glance and was about to walk back into the room when Buffy brought her arm up:

“No, go! Go have quality Oz time!”

“You sure?”

“Go. Get out of here.” Buffy insisted.

“Ok, bye.” Willow agreed reluctantly.

“Bye.” Buffy mumbled closing her luggage and plopping down on the bed.


~+~


“Buffy, can you get that?” Mrs. Summers asked from the upstairs.

“Sure. Why not?” Buffy said sarcastically, pushing herself off the couch and slouched all the way to the front door.

“Hello!” An over enthusiastic Giles greeted her on the other side.

“Hey.” Buffy forced a smile on her face as she turned on her heels and went back to her place on the couch as the two men awkwardly followed her into the living room.

“Where’s your mother?” Giles asked a bit nervous.

“Upstairs.” Buffy retorted; her eyes never leaving the flickering TV screen.

“I’ll be right back.” The older man said heading up the stairs and leaving the two teens alone.

There was silence between them as Spike moved to sit on the couch next to her. Immediately, she squirmed to the left, away from him.

“I’m not gonna bite, luv.”

She didn’t answer.

“Are you gonna ignore me for a whole week?”

“That’s the plan.” Buffy mumbled between clenched teeth.

“Apparently you’re not too happy about spending Christmas up at the lake.”

“Whatever gave you that idea?” She asked sarcastically.

Stomping footsteps were heard coming down the stairs and soon, Mrs. Summers stood in the living room.

“You kids ready?” She asked with a huge grin.

“Dear God, what are you two taking with you?” Giles breathed as he rested the three large bags on the floor.

“Presents.” Joyce smiled.

“Are you sure those are gonna fit in the car?” Spike questioned, standing up and walking over to help his father.

“We’re just gonna have to try and fit it.”

“If there is no room left you can use my space. I don’t mind staying here.” Buffy offered with a hint of hope.

“You’re not getting off the hook that easily. Now, get up and let’s go.” Joyce demanded.

“Mom…” Buffy moaned.

“Buffy!”

The blonde teen stood up, dragging her feet towards the front door as she grumbled something unintelligible under her breath.

“I heard that.” Mrs. Summers called out as she locked the front door of the house.




Chapter 30:

“Is that the last one?” Giles asked hopeful as he stuffed the large suitcase into the backseat of the car.

“Yes, I think it is.” Joyce replied.

The vehicle was completely packed, its trunk half open with a strong rope tied around it to keep it shut, while the left side of the backseat was also crammed with two large suitcases.

“Hum…” Spike scratched his head as he looked at the car. “How are we supposed to fit in there?”

The four looked at each other for a few moments, pondering over the question.

“Well…” Giles started narrowing his eyes and frowning. “Can’t you two squeeze in there? You’re both very slim, it might do.”

“Squeeze in?” Buffy repeated in disbelief. “I’m not squeezing in anywhere with him.” She pointed at the bleached teen standing next to her.

“I guess we could take the jeep…” Joyce started a bit disappointed.

“Nonsense. They can fit in there.” Giles argued. Then, turning to face the two teens, added: “Isn’t that right?”

Buffy rolled her eyes and said nothing as she stomped her way to the back door of the car and entered. Spike soon followed, trying to squeeze in but finding it impossible.

“Ouch!” Buffy protested as he accidentally pushed her against the luggage.

“Sorry.” He piped up as he brought his other leg in.

After much turning and twisting they managed to settle in, sitting next to each other, their legs compressed in the tied space. Spike winced when Buffy moved in her stop, forcing him to bring his thighs together in a very painful manner.

“Do you mind?” He grumbled as he pushed her leg away from his and gave himself some much needed room.

“What? You have your legs all spread out!” Buffy protested.

“That’s cause I anatomically need them to be *spread out*!” Spike snapped back as Giles and Joyce got in the car.

“Are you kids alright back there?”

“We’re fine!” The two snarled in unison.

~+~

The trip up to the lake seemed to be lasting an eternity, even though it usually only took about thirty minutes. Spike flinched every time she moved by his side, forcing his legs together, but refused to say anything. He clutched his knees until his knuckles turned white but didn’t say a word.

Buffy on the other hand, sat with her arms crossed over her chest, doing the best to look completely oblivious to the boy’s continuous suffering.

As they drove on up the mountain, Giles was forced to make a very tight U-turn causing Buffy and the luggage at her side to slide on the seat, crushing Spike against the car door. That was it! The boy turned from red, to purple, to blue and eventually to a very terrifying shade of white that even caused Buffy to wince in sympathy.

“Here. Let’s try this.” She said, lifting her legs and swinging them over his thigh giving him room to move.

There seemed to be an immediate improvement of his pain, testified by the slight colour that seemed to brighten his pale cheeks.

“Thanks.” He breathed sincerely throwing a smile at her, but she turned away, suddenly finding the pattern of her suitcases extremely interesting.

He rolled his eyes and looked out the window. ‘What did I do to deserve this?’ He thought to himself, when he felt her legs idly move over his thigh, sliding downwards. He froze looking at her out of the corner of his eyes. Was she doing it on purpose? She certainly didn’t seem to be, as she still had the same bored/annoyed look plastered all over her face.

He clenched his teeth as Giles stepped on the gas, causing them to back up a bit in their seats, her leg now pressing against his crotch. He swallowed hard, trying to focus on anything other then feel of her brushing against him. Her scent suddenly seemed to come to life, surrounding him and only serving to heighten his emotions. He didn’t know what was worse, having his legs bunched together, or having her press against him like that. Buffy moved a bit, trying to get comfortable, apparently oblivious to the way her knee now rubbed against him and he couldn’t help but moan. ‘Cor… Bloody hell.’ He cursed to himself, closing his eyes and rolling them in their sockets as he clenched and unclenched his teeth. He didn’t know how much he could take of this before… He glanced down at his pants and: ‘Ok, so much for not knowing how much I can take.´ He thought as he saw the evident bulge there.

“We’re here!” Joyce’s perky tone broke through his hazed mind.

“Thank God!” He breathed, immediately opening the door before the car had come to a complete stop and stepping out.

“William! Watch out!” Giles warned as he saw his son stumble out of the car. “Are you insane?” He asked when he finally pulled the hand break.

“Sorry! My legs were kinda numb. Needed to get out of there.” He excused himself bringing his leather duster closer to his form to hide the effects of having Buffy so close to him.

“Just be careful next time.” Giles warned him stepping out of the car the same time Joyce and Buffy did.

“Oh, Rupert this place is beautiful!” Joyce exclaimed alternating between looking at the small cabin and the lake that spread out before them.

“I’m glad you like it.” The older man said with a hint of pride as he started to untie the rope that was wound up around the trunk.

~+~

He turned the key and pushed the door open allowing Joyce and her daughter to walk into the wooden cabin.

“How do you like it?” Giles asked, setting the keys on a shelf next to the door.

“It’s wonderful, Rupert.” Joyce breathed bringing her hands to cover her mouth as she entered the small living room to her right. “Isn’t it, Buffy?”

The teen simply shrugged even though her eyes immediately fell on the fireplace in far the corner of the room. Maybe that one actually worked. She was tired of not being able to use the one at home because of their stupid chimney that insisted on clogging up.

She glanced around to find a small kitchenette on her left, near a flight of stairs which stood directly opposite of the front door and lead to the top floor. The kitchen area was separated from the living room only by a small wooden counter and three or four stools.

“You want to see the rest of the house?” Giles asked as he walked over to the stairs.

“Oh, yes! Of course!” Joyce answered enthusiastically.

Reluctantly, Buffy climbed after the two, quickly followed by Spike. The bleached teen swallowed hard as he watched her walk up the stairs, her denim-clad behind swinging teasingly on its way up.

When they reached the top they were met by a narrow corridor with four doors, two on each side and a small window at the end. Giles opened the first door on the left, stepping inside.

The others soon followed to find a small bedroom, with a large double bed put up against the right wall and with two nightstands on each side. On the left wall there was a wardrobe and on the wall opposite the door they stood in there was a window.

“This is one of the bedrooms.”

“Oh, it’s very nice.” Joyce exclaimed walking in and examining it.

Buffy watched, with a disgusted look, as Giles stepped closer to her mother and whispered something in her ear, which made the older woman giggle a little before she walked out of the room and they were in the hall once again.

Reaching for the first door on the right, Giles opened it to reveal a smaller room which was arranged in a similar way as the previous one except, this time, there was a single bed and it was put up against the right wall, the wardrobe opposite it, on the left wall, near a door.

“This is one of the twin rooms.”

“Twin rooms?” Joyce asked with a frown.

“We call them that because…” Giles walked over to the door near the wardrobe, opening it to reveal a room exactly symmetrical to the one they were in. “…It’s exactly the same as this one.” He finished with a witty grin, as he took down his glasses and began cleaning them with a handkerchief.

Buffy looked from left to right and realised the two rooms were definitely *twin* rooms. Everything was identical, down to the covers on the bed.

“I-I was thinking the kids could stay in these rooms.” Giles offered, putting his glasses back on as he headed back into the hall and opened the last door. “And this is the bathroom. Only one I’m afraid.”

Buffy frowned. ‘Three rooms. One for me. One for *him*.’ She rationalized in her mind, narrowing her eyes at Spike in disgust. ‘One for… THEY ARE GONNA SHARE A BEDROOM? A ONE BED BEDROOM?!’ She realised in shock, her mouth wide as well as her eyes. She should have guessed it. The little whispered secret, the ridiculous grin. ‘God! I think I’m gonna be sick…’ She thought, swallowing hard as she followed the three back downstairs.

~+~

Buffy violently unpacked her things into the various drawers of the closet. She had ended up with the second twin bedroom.

“This has got to be the Christmas holiday from *hell*!” She muttered between clenched teeth. “I’m stuck in a stupid cabin, sleeping next door to stupid-bleach-boy and my mom is shacking up with stupid-bleach-boy senior. And there is *no* TV!” She finished waving her hands in the air.

She heard a door opening and stood up straight to see Spike leaning on the doorframe that lead to his room.

“You called?” He asked.

“No!” She spat straightening her hair and walking over to him with an outstretched hand. “And I want the keys to this door. It’s gonna be permanently *locked*, at least while I’m sleeping here.”

She waited for an answer, but he simply shoved his hands into the front pockets of his black jeans and shrugged.

“Never had one. When da bought this place the owner didn’t give us a key for it.” He finally replied.

“You’re lying.” She accused him, narrowing her eyes.

“Ask da if you want.” He shrugged again as he watched her furiously pound her way back to her suitcases and wardrobe as she continued to unpack.

“So… What do you think of the place?” He began walking in, but was immediately stopped as she looked up and outstretched a hand in his direction.

“You stop it right there, mister. You’re not coming into this room.” She warned, as she stalked towards him, forcing him to back up. “You just stay away from me while I’m here. You get that? I may be forced to live in the same miniscule house with you for a week, but that doesn’t mean I have to interact with you in any shape or form.”

“Oh, come on Buff-“

“Goodbye, *William*.” She growled between clenched teeth as she closed the door in his face and went back to her unpacking.

She sighed in frustration when she heard the doorknob turn and the door being flung open.

“What?!”

“I like the door open.” He answered her with a forced grin as he walked back into his room and lay on the bed.

Seconds later the door was being slammed shut and he heard her shout from the other side:

“I like it better closed!”

“Open!” He growled back at her when he swung the door and this time remained on the threshold, waiting for her to storm back to him, but she never did.

“Fine! Play your stupid childish game.” She mumbled as she finished unpacking and kicked the suitcase to the corner of the room, near the window. “I have to stand you for one week, and one week only. I’ll just ignore you.” She decided, crossing her arms over her chest.

“You are one stubborn little girl. You know that?” He said walking towards her, not caring about her ‘no entering my room’ policy as he backed her up against the foot of the bed. “Why are you acting like this? I didn’t *do* anything. I-”

“Spike! Buffy!” Mrs. Summers voice carried through the hall. “Dinner is ready.”

She had never been so relieved to hear her mother’s voice as she was in that instant. Her eyes dropped to the floor as she squeezed past the pissed teen towering in front of her and walked out of the room.

~+~

After dinner, the four sat around the fireplace; Giles occupied the couch while Spike laid on the white carpet spread in front it. Buffy on the other hand, reluctantly sat on a nearby armchair, pouting furiously as she stared into the fire.

“This is nice.” Giles began taking a sip from his brandy.

Joyce nodded as she took her place on the couch next to the older man.

“When are we gonna put the tree up?” Joyce asked, glancing out of the corner of her eyes at the pissed blonde on the armchair.

“First thing in the morning.” Giles answered.

There was silence between the four of them once more. It was still awkward, but not as desperate as it had been during their first dinner.

“Dinner was delicious.” Giles decided to break the stillness and Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Thank you, Rupert.” Joyce nodded once more, giving him a blushed smile.

“Erg!” Buffy growled in disgust earning a scowl from her mother.

The teen immediately sat up straight and dropped her gaze to the floor. She really didn’t like her mother’s glares.

Another excruciating ten minutes passed by, with a few occasional comments from Joyce and Giles, both teenagers remaining perfectly quiet during the entire time. Buffy looked at her watch for the tenth time that evening and grumbled inwardly when she realised it was only nine o’clock. Even so, she decided to follow through with her plan. Bringing her hand to her mouth she forced a yawn and outstretched her arms in a pathetic attempt to look sleepy.

“God! What time is it?” She started, looking at her watch again. “Just nine? It feels like midnight. I must be really worn out from… the trip and all. Well, I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”

“But-“

Before Mrs. Summers could finish her sentence, Buffy was already bolting up the stairs. She sighed audibly, looking at Rupert for support when Spike stood up.

“I’m kinda knackered myself. I’m off.”

And he was out of the living room in a flash.

“Don’t worry. They’ll adjust.” Giles reassured Joyce, bringing his arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Eventually.”

~+~

“Worn out from the trip? What? All thirty minutes of it?”

Buffy rolled her eyes as she turned around to look at the teen standing on the doorway.

“What do you want?” She growled.

“Nothing.” He said nonchalantly as he strolled into her room.

“Which part of my not wanting you in my room did you not understand?” She grumbled leaning against the wardrobe.

“What do you think about it?” He asked, ignoring her question.

“Think about what?”

“The two love birds downstairs.” Spike explained.

“Trying very hard not to think about that, thank you.” She retorted moving towards her bed, pulling at the covers and slipping between them to sit up against the metallic headboard. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to bed.” She said crossing her arms over her chest as she waited for him to leave.

“I don’t mind.” He answered her, tilting his head and leaning on the wall next to the bed, looking down on her.

“Well, I do! Leave. Now!” She ordered, pointing at the door.

“You look so cute when you’re angry, you know that?”

Buffy frowned at that.

“Leave. Now.” She repeated between clenched teeth.

“You don’t really want me to, pet.” He smiled down on her.

“Yes, I do.” Buffy retorted, raising both her eyebrows.

“Sure about that?” He asked pushing himself off the wall and coming to sit on her bed.

“Positive.” She insisted.

“Fine, if that’s what you want.” He agreed, but didn’t move.

“That’s what I want.” She assured him.

The two remained still, looking at each other. Spike stared blindly at her as if entranced.

“This is the part where you leave?” Buffy piped up.

“Buffy… I didn’t do anything.” He said in that low voice which made her stomach turn.

“I never said you did.”

“Then, why are you doing this?” He asked, a hint of hurt slipping into his voice.

She looked at him, a mixture of anger and pain building inside of her as she swallowed hard and replied:

“Goodnight, Spike.”

She let her tired body slip under the covers, her hands reaching for the light on her nightstand and switching it off as she snuggled between the sheets, her back turned to him. She felt her heart sink as the weight shifted on the mattress and then it was gone. The sound of slow footsteps leading away from the bed filled her ears, followed by the crack of the door being carefully shut.

~+~

She tossed and turned in her bed before deciding to turn on the lights to check her watch. She groaned when she realised it was only eleven o’clock. She wasn’t tired at all. It was too early plus, the knowledge that *he* was sleeping just on the other side of *that* door made her stomach do a couple of nervous flip-flops. She sat on the mattress, wondering if he was already asleep, or if he was up, thinking…

After much pondering, she let her legs fall to the floor as she swung them over the covers and stood up. Barefoot, she walked on the cold wooden floor towards the door that separated the two rooms and rested her ear on the surface, straining to listen.

There was complete silence. ‘Figures he would be sleeping like a baby.’ She grumbled in her thoughts.

“Pig.” She spat between clenched teeth as she began to move away but suddenly changed her mind.

She dropped to her knees so her face was lined up with the keyhole and squinted as she tried to see what was happening on the other side of the door. She felt her heart skip a beat when she realised the lights were on. ‘Not sleeping...’ She thought as she tried to make something out, but all she could see was a surreal painting of light and shadows. She let her weight slip to the floor as she dropped her head, gluing it to the floor as she tried to see something from under the door.

“Yes.” She whispered triumphantly as she identified a pair of feet walking about the room in circles. She giggled a little at the sight of them, but quickly covered her mouth when she saw him freeze. She remained perfectly still for a second, waiting to see what he would do and then he moved. He disappeared from her sight only to suddenly reappear right in front of her at the foot of the door, but when she realised it, it was too late. The crack of the door swinging open was the last thing she heard before the wood smashed her across the face and she fell backwards, sprawled on the floor.

“Buffy, are you ok?” A shirtless Spike cried out, realising what he had done as he entered the room.

“I-I’m fine.” She stuttered bravely as she stumbled to her feet, squinting wildly.

“Are you sure?” He asked as he saw her wobble backwards toward the bed.

“Yeah. Just having a little trouble focussing on any available object.” She explained as she continued to open and close her eyes. “Hum… Spike? Why won’t things stop moving?” She wondered as she suddenly lost all balance and dropped. Thankfully she had reached the bed and was now sprawled on it.

“Oh, God! I’m sorry!” Spike apologized as he came to lay next to her. “Just lay down.”

“I thought I was laying down.” Buffy frowned as a splitting headache began to spread, starting from the bump on her forehead all the way to the back of her neck.

“You are, pet. Just stay put. I’ll be right back.”

He left the room, but it only took about a minute for him to be back to sit on the bed, next to her, holding a pack of ice to her wound.

“That feel better?” he asked clearly concerned about her.

She nodded with a pout when her head started pounding. She finally opened her eyes and forced herself to sit up.

“What were you doing down there?” He managed to ask.

“Looking for, hum… my earrings.” She lied badly as the sight of his naked torso seemed to interfere with her ability to come up with a better excuse.

“They’re on your nightstand, luv.” Spike stated, tilting his head and frowning.

“That’s why I couldn’t find them.” Buffy gave him a weak smile and her gaze dropped to the floor.

He paused for a second before a wide grin spread over his lips.

“Were you spying on me?”

“NO!” She answered immediately; widening her eyes and standing up to nervously walk about the room.

“You were.” He insisted when her reaction clearly confirmed his suspicions.

“You are so conceited.” Buffy growled wobbling awkwardly around in circles, still a bit dizzy.

“You were trying to catch a glimpse of old-“

“Oh, please Spike. I’ve seen…” She struggled with a word and finally stuttered: “*it*. It’s not new anymore, remember.”

“Doesn’t have to be new for you to want to take a look.” He replied with a smug grin which made her blood boil.

“I wasn’t trying to take a look at anything, alright?” She spat raising her tone as she stopped moving and turned to face him.

“No need to get upset, pet.” He started, getting off the bed and closing the distance between them. “If you want…” He stood right in front of her, invading her personal space, but she refused to back away. “All you gotta do is ask, luv.”

“Erg, you’re a pig.” She replied pushing him away to put some much needed space between them.

“You never tire of saying that, do you?” He questioned turning around to see her getting into bed.

“Go to bed Spike.” She snarled as she let the covers drape around her after she turned off the lights. “Ah!” She screamed when she felt the mattress shift under her and the sheets being pulled away as someone snuggled into bed with her. She struggled, slapping his arms away as she stretched to reach for the light switch, fumbling with it for a few seconds, but eventually being able to turn it on. “What are you doing?! Are you out-“ Her shouting was cut short by one hand clamping around her mouth as two blue eyes stared down at her.

“You wanna wake them?” He asked.

Buffy’s heart raced as she took in the naked chest pressing against her, the strong hand resting on her increasingly dry mouth, the feel of his denim covered legs brushing against her bare ones.

“Plus, you told me to go to bed, remember?” He began with a smirk, but it soon crumbled when he became aware of her galloping heartbeat.

The two remained frozen for a few moments. Slowly, coherent thought filtered back into their minds as Spike moved his hand away from her mouth to lightly rest on the crook of her neck, his thumb running over her jaw line for a sweet caress. His head moved at its own accord bringing his lips closer to hers until they brushed together. The moment they touched, Buffy felt a string of electricity run through her body as she willingly opened her mouth, inviting him in.

He moved his chest to cover hers as his tongue dove into her mouth, exploring, battling with hers. Buffy moaned into the kiss as his leg pushed between hers and rubbed between her thighs in a slow, even rhythm.

She seemed to lose all ability to think. Her hands roamed