Buffy rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling while she talked to Willow. Of all the people in the world that she knew would give her the support and advice that she desperately needed right now, her life long best friend would be the one to give it to her.
“So, any thoughts on what you are going to do with the whole Spike issue?” Willow asked cautiously. “When are you planning on seeing him?”
“Dunno. I guess sometime today. Angel said he would drive me home later and have Spike meet us there, but in all honesty I want to go home now and have some time alone to think. Of course, judging by the lack of appearances from my hosts, I don’t think I will be leaving anytime soon.”
“Well, I can come pick you up if you want. Tara ran out for some supplies, but when she gets back I can head over there.” Willow offered. Buffy could hear the sounds of a cash register as her friend helped a customer. “Are you hungry? We could get some grub and talk or whatever.”
“Ooh…food, my tummy has been growling. If you wouldn’t mind I would love to get out of here. They’ve got the whole no-baby thing going on and I don’t want to impose any longer than I need to.”
“No problem. Tara just walked back in, so I am on my way.”
Buffy hung up the phone and scooted of the bed, she stopped when she felt her feet hit something that was partially shoved under the bed. Leaning over the edge and lifting the comforter, Buffy found a bag…her bag, the one she had packed in order to stay the night at Spike. She had completely forgotten about it, having dropped it on the floor before heading out to talk to Angel. Grinning, she picked it up and announced, “Silly-Buffy! One too many drinks for you last night! But…Hey…at least you can put on some presentable clothes and brush your funky teeth!”
Quickly shedding the sweats she had slept in, Buffy pulled on her underwear and blue jeans, but stopped when she noticed what shirt she had brought. Yesterday when she was packing the black tank top with ROCK STAR emblazed on the front in rhinestones had seemed appropriate, but now that she was sporting a bright and shiny bruise across her bicep, the sleeveless tank seemed way too revealing. Grabbing her cell phone she quickly dialed Willow’s number. “Hey Wills, look I know you are on your way over here, but would you by chance have a jacket or pullover or something that I can borrow?”
“Um…let’s see, I think my purple zip-up jacket is in the store room. Would that be ok?”
Willow asked as she went back inside the store to get it for Buffy. “It’s pretty toasty out today; don’t really think you need a jacket.”
“You’ll see when you get here and thank you.” Buffy hung up the phone again and headed into the bathroom to brush her teeth. When she emerged from the bathroom, she found Angel leaning against the wall waiting for her.
“Thought I heard you moving around down here,” Angel said, following her back into the bedroom. “I guess you are ready to go, huh?”
“Yep, but no worries, Willow is on her way to get me and we are going to grab some lunch. As you know, Hungry-Buffy is a force to be reckoned with.” Buffy stopped and smiled when she heard Angel’s sarcastic reply. She turned and looked up at him. “Thank you for last night.”
“Don’t mention it, that’s what friends are for, right?” Angel said softly. Reaching out he brushed his hand across her arm. “You didn’t say anything about being hurt last night.”
“I honestly didn’t know it last night. Either these lovely bruises weren’t there or I just never noticed them. Pretty, huh?” Buffy muttered, fingering the multicolored bruise the encircled her upper arm.
“Probably didn’t show up until this morning. We should take a picture of it to put in the police file. That way there is some type of visual proof of what Riley did to you. Maybe it will make what Spike did to him seem more relevant or something. Anyway, the camera is in the living room.” Angel said as he turned and left the bedroom.
Buffy quickly gathered her things and followed him into the living room. “I didn’t even think about what could happen to Spike. Do you think he’ll get into trouble?”
“Dunno.” Angel said, shrugging his shoulders. “I guess it would depend on if Riley pressed charges or not. I’ll ask the investigator that showed up last night when I drop these pictures off to him later today.” Picking up the digital camera, Angel motioned for her to stand in front of the front door so that he could start documenting the bruises. Angel had snapped several pictures and was just putting the camera away when there was a knock at the door. Leaning around Buffy, he pulled open the door and found Willow standing on the other side.
“Afternoon! Somebody call for a ride home?” The redhead announced exuberantly as she crossed the threshold. After giving Buffy a quick hug and thoroughly inspected her “boo-boo” she handed over the purple jacket. “I know its mean, but I am so glad that Riley got his butt kicked. Big meanie.” The look on Willow’s face was enough to bring on a fit of giggles from Buffy and a smile from Angel.
“Totally with you on that one, Wills. Although, I wish last night had of went a lot different.” Buffy grabbed her bag and purse from the bottom of the stairs and gave Angel a quick hug, muttering her thanks again. “Ok, Wills, let’s go get some grub. Hungry-Buffy is threatening to emerge!” Willow gasped and grabbed Buffy’s hand and exclaimed, “Oh Dear! Can’t let that happen!” Buffy looked over her shoulder at Angel and waved goodbye before climbing into Willow’s compact car.
A short while later they were sitting in a booth at the nearest fast food restaurant. Willow was happily slurping down a large chocolate milkshake while she munched on her French fries. Buffy, who had insisted that ice cream was the only food item that could make the day better, was pushing the rapidly melting scoop of double chocolate fudge around the bowl. Willow eyeballed her friend suspiciously; wondering what was going on in her mind. “So, Buffy…whatcha gonna do about the Spike situation?”
With a heavy sigh, Buffy pushed her bowl away and said, “I don’t know. I thought about just chucking it all and give up all together…” Not really knowing how to finish her sentence, Buffy paused and started fidgeting with her hands.
“But?” Willow pressed her friend for more information.
“But…then I realize how much I…would…miss him.” Buffy looked up into Willow’s knowing eyes and continued, “I would miss him, like a lot! Wills, would you mind dropping me off somewhere instead of taking me home?”
“No prob, Bob.” Willow said, quickly grabbing her purse as she scooted out of the booth and took off after Buffy, who was already heading out the door. “Where to?” She asked even though she had a feeling she already knew the answer.
“Spike’s apartment.” Buffy announced as she climbed back into the car and buckled up. “Step on it!”
About fifteen minutes later Willow whipped her car into the parking garage attached to Spike’s apartment building. Buffy was glad to see that Mr. Rayne was on duty and knew he wouldn’t mind letting her go up to his apartment unannounced. Thankfully, she was right and after a brief discussion at the guard’s booth he raised the gate and let them pass through.
“So, you want me to wait her for you or what?” Willow asked as she pulled into a parking spot next to Spike’s row of cars. “He may not be here, ya know.”
Buffy glanced down the row of cars and mentally tried to recall which cars had been parked there the other day. “No, that’s all right. I think he’s here. Thank you for…well, everything.” Leaning over the console, Buffy gave Willow a quick hug before climbing out of the car.
Buffy walked over to the doorway and stood there nervously, wondering what to do next. Taking a few deep breaths, she went ahead and entered hallway leading to his door; which she was surprised to find partially opened. Worried, she poked her head around the edge of the heavy door and looked around before quietly entering the foyer. “Spike?” She called out, making her way into the empty living room. “Hello? Spike…are you here?” Panic started to build deep within her as she slowly began to search the apartment. After checking the front rooms, she headed towards the back to check the bedroom. Pushing open the bedroom door, Buffy sighed with relief when she spotted Spike sprawled across the bed asleep. She quickly crossed the room and stood beside the bed; where she reached out and lightly nudged him.
Groggily, Spike opened his eyes and it took his eyes a moment to adjust before he realized that Buffy was standing beside him. In a flash, he was off the bed and on his knees with his arms wrapped around her waist. “God, Buffy…please forgive me.” After a long night of wallowing in self pity and regret, Spike’s nerves were shot and he broke down. With tears streaming down his face, he held onto Buffy and muttered, “Please…you have to know that I would never hurt you. Please, baby…love you so much…never gonna hurt you.”
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Author's Chapter Notes:
Enjoy...since the site was down over the weekend, this was already posted on several other sites. Sorry you guys had to be last! Please, read and review!