Author's Chapter Notes:
I know, you all hate me for keeping this chapter away for so long.
Explanations in the end notes.
Hope you all enjoy this one!
His guilt and hidden shamefulness seemed to multiply. The remorse beat down on his back. His ribs. He felt it throughout his whole, he wasn’t sure if his body would quiver from the invisible weight but Spike wouldn’t be surprised if it did.



The frustration he felt quelled him and tightened its grip on his form every time his eyes managed to find Buffy’s smile. Every time her hair shone in a passing beam from a street light outside, or every time she kissed him chastely on the lips. She was killing him.



His guilt was killing him.



He’d already allowed himself this fate. He’d already decided that telling her would be anything but good- Keeping her safe and all that twaddle.



But he knew she’d loathe it, Spike read her too well. Buffy appreciated his kindness and his strength, she loved him for defending her when it was needed- but this wasn’t a Riley situation.



Spike knew his girl hated to be mollycoddled and sheltered. It was something HE had been trying to break her free of! That’s how this whole thing got started.



He’d wanted to allow her grittier feelings and naughtier essence to evolve into what it could be, essentially helping the girl truly know herself and know that her desires weren’t meant to be pushed down. He’d wanted to help her.



And now he’d gotten in deep, just like he’d known he would, and he was keeping something huge from her.



It was all so backwards and confusing. He’d hoped he would be able to forget about the secret and push it aside but… that hadn’t worked out so well. And now he was frustrated and angry.



And Spike knew he didn’t have a single fucking right to feel those ways.



***



“Are you okay?”



“Huh? Whas’that?”



“I said are you okay? You’ve been quiet for a long time now- and not the normal kind of quiet. You’re all… stiff.”



She poked his leg from where she rested against his side. They’d been sitting in comfortable silence now for a little while, but it soon turned less comfortable and more tensed. The first sign had been when Buffy noticed the arm Spike hung loosely around her frame go rigid.



“Yes, Buffy, m’fine. You’d think you were my shrink the way you keep askin me if I’m alright all the bloody time.”



She frowned up at him, taken off guard by his unkind tone. “Well sorry if I just don’t like you being upset.” The girl sat up a little straighter.



Spike remained silent but tightened his grip on the steering wheel, if only she knew why he was so wired.



Slinking away from him somewhat Buffy bit her lip before asking. “And I only asked twice, FYI.”



He didn’t respond.



A moment passed.



“Oh that’s a real good way to get me to believe that you’re okay. Ignore me.”



“I am not ignoring you, but I already said I was fine. Can’t you jus leave it alone?”



She swallowed hard and bit back a sigh. “Alright.” It was finality in her voice that she forced. If she let it alone, this conversation wouldn’t escalate and they would have a good time tonight instead of arguing or something stupid.



Hopefully whatever it was that was bothering her boyfriend would blow over, because if not then she would force him to tell her- And that would get messy judging by his stubbornness about the issue.



A part of her didn’t like that he was keeping something painful to himself. She didn’t like him carrying a burden all alone when she could comfort. But it was his choice, and maybe it wasn’t something important, just annoying, and he didn’t want to bring it up tonight.



Or perhaps it was something that he knew she couldn’t do anything about, or maybe he wanted to handle the problem by himself so he knew he could. Or it possibly could be a secret.



That last thought made Buffy tilt her head. A secret.



A secret?



Maybe one of his friends had a problem… But then didn’t Spike know he could trust her to be tightlipped? She wouldn’t say anything to anybody, besides who would she tell? Dawn? Xander? Willow?

Pfft! She was good with secrets. And hello! None of her friends knew Spike all that well. And as if Buffy would tell her little sister about something like this.



But if it was a secret… maybe he just felt too loyal to whoever he was keeping it for that he really simply didn’t want to betray a trust. She could deal with that.

She’d be curious, but she could accept it.



Loosely crossing her arms in front of her, the blonde leaned in towards him again and let out a calming breath. As her head rested on his shoulder she felt him go stiff again beneath her, but soon he relaxed and so, she did too. As much as she could anyway.



***



The car radio helped with a lot of things. And after a few good songs were played, none of which Buffy complained about, Spike felt a little bit better about everything.



He just kept telling himself over and over again that Joyce had put him in this position, and it wasn’t really his fault, and he was protecting Buffy from pain- which honestly did help to relieve some guilt if he kept saying it over and over… and over again in his head…



***



When the couple finally hit an off ramp and a few rumbling turns were made, Spike and Buffy found themselves less than a mile away from their destination.



The Brit knew he’d screwed up by snapping at his girlfriend before, but he made a promise to himself.



He was going to NOT act like an ass anymore. Buffy didn’t deserve it.



He turned down the music in the car and took her hand in his. When she didn’t pull away and let him entwine their fingers together, Spike took a breath.

“M’glad you wanted to come with me tonight.”



She smiled softly. “You know I was excited for this.”



He didn’t reply, just kissed her on the cheek and gave a quick squeeze to her hand.



“We’ll be there in a minute.”

Buffy nodded and mentally let out a sigh of relief. Tonight was going to be fun, for both of them.



***



The occasional word combined with the sweet silence in between was nice, but it was hardly enough to repress the sounds she heard in the distance through the open window.



The roar of engines revving and tires screeching in the atmosphere called to her before she even noticed the illumination. But once the bright shining of headlights and what seemed to be large temporary work lights, the type you see at construction sites, made themselves known, Buffy felt her pulse speed up.



Spike smirked at the sounds of racing engines and loud music breaking the quiet that permeated the air. The stress and worry of the day’s events rolled off his shoulders as he eased into the atmosphere he knew as home. This was his turf, his place, his life.



And he couldn’t wait to share it with her.



“Ready baby?”



She turned to him. Her green eyes were sparkling, a hesitant and kind of sloppy smile stilled on her face. “Huh?”



He grinned devilishly, unknowingly sending Buffy’s lust soaring. “Sit back and hold on.”



The Brit gunned the engine, flattening the gas pedal and sticking his arm out to stop Buffy from flying forward as he did so. The lights got brighter and the noises magnified, while the girl in the passenger seat breathed deeply in the air that was whipping her hair around her face and feeding her energy.



The acceleration was beyond immediate, the mood changed instantly and the surroundings of the outside world blurred to nonexistence.



Her heart hammered. She was terrified and wanting more. The energy singed her nerve endings and the belief that she could do anything sped through her veins at the same velocity as the car.



The Desoto’s engine vibrated. The two people inside the vehicle felt weightless, and both secretly hoped that the sensation encircling them would never end.



With a glance to Buffy, making sure she was okay and just LOVING the ecstatic facial expression she had on, Spike rocketed into the circle. The neighboring cars’ headlights shone everywhere, the revving of engines engulfed Spike’s black classic as he increased the speed. He shot through the open concrete arena and did two laps, hearing the cheers in the background. He knew he was being a showoff, but hey, he wanted to impress his girl. And besides, he was the best here, and everybody knew it.



Buffy’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the seat on the third lap. She couldn’t even hear herself think over the reverberations of the car and she loved it. Everything was so freeing and she was getting high off the speed.



Coming in off the side to center in the middle of the ring, Spike twisted the car around and made tire marks while he let the screeching sounds feed his good mood. Another quick look at his girlfriend showed that she had her eyelids shut, head against the headrest, and a delighted smile plastered on her face.



Not wanting to but still deciding to slow down, the Brit wrapped up the show and straightened his ride.



When she felt the change in her mood, followed by the immediate sense that they were slowing down, Buffy’s eyes popped open and all that she could think was…



“Wow.”



He heard the breathlessness in her tone and reveled in the noise. She’d loved it.

“You loved that didn’t you?”



She blushed, although wasn’t sure why, and beamed up at him before nodding vigorously.



“I knew it.”

Just the way he looked at her told her he wasn’t talking about the car ride; not exactly. “Knew what?”

“That you were my kinda girl.”



The Desoto headed towards a parking place near the other cars and people.



“You might not be able to drive, Summers, but you sure take to the speed.”



Buffy ducked her head and took a look out the window. He was right, she had felt so… alive; on the motorcycle and just now, too- when Spike had clearly been showing off for her and his friends.



Speaking of which…



The girl peered on and took notice for the first time of the crowd. There had to be fifty or sixty people out there.



The girls were all dressed, thankfully, like her; sexy and with edge. The males were dressed with their own sense of style, too; and they had better taste in clothes than most boys Buffy knew. There were couples making out against the sides of cars, girls laughing and dancing near the DJ stand, people placing bets, and guys chugging down cans of what, Buffy wasn’t sure.



Suddenly the nerves took over.



“That is a lot of people.” She said, just as Spike was pulling in. He traveled up to a group of individuals who seemed to know him because they all shouted out “Spike!” as he put the car in park.



He turned to the slightly pale girl next to him and gently brushed a bit of hair behind her ear. “I know s’a lot to take in. Just give yourself a bit a time to get used t’it.”



The bleached boy leaned in closer to her, their noses touching with his hand cupping the back of her head. Smiling knowingly he said, “They’ll love you.”



“… Ya think so?”



He chuckled at her charming, worried expression. “I know these things, pidge. And if anyone says anythin to make you feel uncomfortable, you just lemme deal with em.”



There was the lip bite, followed by a soft laugh.



He smiled again and was just leaning in for a kiss when-



“Hey Billy! What’re you doin in there!?” The words bellowed out of Charles’ mouth and Spike groaned before sticking his head out the passenger window, half of his body held above Buffy’s form. “Keep your knickers on you pillock!”



He pulled back in and looked at Buffy once more. “What is a ‘pillock’? Is that even a word?”



The Brit shook his head. “Uh- Have you not yet noticed that m’English, pet?”



“Yeah I know but… ‘pillock?’ Really? I mean who writes your language over there anyway?”



He blinked a bit, tongue stuck in cheek. “This comin from the girl who uses terms like ‘majorly wigged,’.”



“Yeah but that’s Buffy-language, not a nationally known dialect.”

“A’right look, do you wanna argue or can I kiss you now?”

“I thought you liked arguing with me?” And she pouted just enough to get him to…



Spike swooped his arm around her waist and pulled her close so their foreheads were touching.

“Oh darlin you know I do.” And he kissed her.



Their tongues mingled instantly, their lips softening and pressing all at once. The taste of the other’s mouth fed the lust that never seemed to deplete between the two fiery individuals. Buffy wriggled into his lap and sat there contently until she had to pull away to catch her breath.



“Ya know something-” Gasp. “-I love you, even when you’re a jackass.”

He gaped. “Why am I-”



“ ’You’re my bloody shrink, blah blah blah.’ ” She imitated him, using her best fake British accent.



“That was the worst English accent I have ever heard.”



She promptly hit his head in a playful yet scornful manner. “Don’t make fun of me!”



“Yeah, like I’m gonna stop doin that- You sounded like Mary Poppins who’d taken one too many swigs of whiskey, love.”



*THUD*



The teens turned their heads to the windshield and found-

“FAITH!”

“Hey blondie, you gonna bring your chick out anytime soon or am I gonna have to steal her away from you?!”

“GET OFF OF MY BLOODY CAR!”



“Oh don’t be so whiny- And ya know what bad boy, we really don’t care about you right now! All we wanna do’s see this girl you said you’d be bringin with- so get her out here!” She was posed on the hood on all fours, supporting her upper weight with flattened palms and stiffened arms.



Buffy fought not to smile, her boyfriend’s nostrils were flaring and if her guess was right, this Faith chick was two seconds away from being forcefully thrown off the Desoto.

“FAITH-”

“Get OUT of the car, and I’ll get off the hood!” She challenged, with a smirk that could rival Spike’s own painted onto her lips.



Before the Brit could do or say anything another brunette came into view and planted herself next to the snarky girl, although her arrival was less dramatic.



“Hi there!” She said brightly, you had to talk loudly to be heard even with the car windows open. “You must be Spike’s girlfriend, I’m Fred!” And she waved.



Buffy smiled. “Hi! I’m Buffy!” She said and waved back while Spike groaned an agitated “Bloody hell” under his breath.

“Buffy?! Whoa, you musta put your mom through a lot a labor to get stuck with- Ow!”

“This is Faith!” Fred gestured to the girl she just elbowed.

Buffy laughed. “I know!”

“You’ll get used to her!”

“I’m sure!”



“Hey Annie! C’mere and meet Spike’s girlfriend!” Fred called out into the distance.



Not a second later a blonde girl was on the driver’s side of the car hood, leaning on it with her hands and peering into the Desoto. “Oh wow, you’re pretty! Hi Spike!”

“Will you batty chits get off of m’car!”



“See this is why we don’t include him in conversation!” Faith said.

They all ignored the aggravated male. “I’m Anne, but you can call me Annie!” The blonde girl spoke to the other female inside the Desoto.



“Oh- Thanks!” The Summers girl grinned; blushing from all the attention and the compliment. “I’m Buffy!”



“Buffy?!” The revving of surrounding cars and the DJ’s music made it necessary for everyone to continue yelling.

“She isn’t joking!” Faith said.

“I like it!” Annie turned the upper half of her frame around to call out into the distance. “Cordy! Get your ass over here and meet Buffy!”



“Oh that is it! Get the HELL off-”



“Well if you hadn’t been busy getting a lap dance from your girl, and had gotten your ass OUTTA the car then we wouldn’t be ON it!” Faith countered, succeeding in making Buffy very aware of her position on Spike’s lap.



The blonde’s eyes bugged as she discreetly tried to squirm out of his clutches, but he just held on tighter and said, “Oh no ya don’t.” in her ear.



Then Cordy appeared. “Where is she?!” She asked Annie excitedly.

“A’right! That’s enou-”

“Shut up Spike- Oh there you are! Hi, I’m Cordelia!” The pretty, also brunette lady waved to the petite woman in the front seat.



“I’m-”

“She’s Buffy!” Fred spoke loudly to the most recent arrival.

“Buffy?!”

“Yeah!”

“Hey whatever floats your boat I guess- Nice to meet you Buffy!”

“You too!” And she smiled again. She’d never met such energetic people before, they were nice. Even though they kind of kept making fun of her name…



That was what Spike had first done, too.



“So you are his girlfriend right?! He didn’t just pay you to come with him tonight?!” Annie questioned, her eyes glittering with laughter.

Buffy bursted out laughing and shook her head in the negative.



“Alright, we’re done now! EVERYONE OFF OF MY DAMN CAR!” Spike roared. He opened the driver’s side door and slid out into a standing position.



“Jeez! Calm your tits bleach boy- We were just talkin to her!” Faith yelled, even though it was easier to hear now that there wasn’t a windshield in the way PLUS the sounds of music and engines in the background.



Buffy hopped out of the Desoto, the fresh air and the friendly people doing much to improve her previously nervous frame of mind. Taking her guy’s offered hand and snagging her purse, Buffy closed the car door and leaned against it.

“I’ll calm mine as soon as you put yours back in your shirt.” Spike almost growled.

“Ooooh, testy. Relax pal, it was just a joke!”



“Since when is Faith’s sense of humor ever ladylike, Spike?” Fred inquired from where she lay across the hood, her feet kicking playfully as she rested on her stomach with her hands posed under her chin.

“Yeah really, you should be used to it by now.” Cordelia said with a scoff.



“Hey, I can be ladylike.”

“Yeah, sure ya can.” Annie said in a tone that flaunted just how much sarcasm she was putting behind the statement, patting Faith on the shoulder as she walked by.



“All ya gotta do’s just dress me up in a little plaid skirt, some Mary Janes, and I will be as innocent and ladylike as you ask me to be.” She jumped off the Desoto and stood standing. “If the guy who asks is cute enough that is.” She said with a shrug and a wink.



“And insane.” Spike muttered.

“What was that?” Faith turned her eyes on Spike and cocked her head, arms crossed over her chest.

Spike was about to respond, Buffy was sure with a mouth full of truth and retort, so she slipped into the conversation before her boyfriend could swallow his own foot.



“Don’t mind him; he has a tendency to be an ass once in a while. Actually, weren’t we JUST discussing this in the car honey?” And the Summers girl turned her too sweet smile and glinting eyes onto the bleached male.



The giggles from Annie, Fred, and Cordelia echoed behind them. “Oh right. We were talkin ‘bout how crazy dames such as yourself tend to bring out the worst in me.” Spike smirked a little for good measure, he wasn’t angered by Buffy’s joke; on the contrary, he was glad she felt comfortable enough to make one. But he wasn’t letting her off the hook.



The girl was just ready to respond when someone’s voice broke through the atmosphere.

“Hey Bleach Boy! What’re you doing over there, man?!”



Spike turned his head in the direction of the call and then focused his eyes on Anne. “Will you go get your soddin better half, Annie? He keeps actin like he hasn’t seen me in a bloody year.”



Annie turned on her heels and shouted for her boyfriend. “Gunn, stop being lazy and WALK YOUR ASS OVER HERE!”



Buffy eyed the bellowing female, and, for the first time, noticed the other blonde’s outfit.



Anne’s tight, purple and black tank top fit firmly to her curves. Her jean shorts clung to her long legs and adorned a black leather belt. Her wrists held dark bangles; her hair, was long and straight and vibrant.



The Summers girl scanned over the rest of the women’s ensembles and found that she was really glad she’d worn heels tonight.



Cordelia had on a tight jean skirt along with strappy 3inchers. The shoes matched her maroon colored, formfitting halter and her hoop earrings were silver like the pretty chain around her neck. Her wavy, coffee colored tresses reached all the way down to her lower back.



Faith stood tall and sexy in a grey crop top which showed all of her toned stomach and much cleavage. She had on dark blue jeans, black platform boots and a matching belt. Chestnut locks fell to her shoulders.



Fred, although had a face as sweet as her honey coated country accent, wore the sexiest little number in the group. A leather mini paired with black heels that tied up and around her calf. Her shirt was a red boat-neck which showed off her shoulders. The girl was tall and beautiful. The volume in her hair had Buffy gripping jealousy, and the vibrant brunette strands framed the girl’s deep red lips.



For a second the Summers girl felt under- erm, OVERdressed, not sexy enough; but then she gave herself a mental smack to the forehead as she looked down. With a small smile Buffy readjusted her boyfriend’s button-down and stood up straight. She looked good and she had to remember that.



As if on cue, Spike pinched her butt playfully just as Gunn walked up.



The tall smiling man pulled Anne close to him when she was within arm’s reach, and the blonde pecked him on the cheek lovingly. “‘Bout time.”



“I was expecting you guys to come over there.” He gestured with the beer in his hand to where he’d been standing before.

“Sure ya were.” Annie rolled her eyes. “Well anyway, this is Spike’s girlfriend- He FINALLY got a chick to go out with hi-”



“Hey! I’ll have you know I’ve been with plenty of-”



“Are you really gonna finish that sentence?” Buffy interrupted and raised her eyebrows at her boyfriend.



Spike sighed. “Balls.” Guess that whole not being an ass thing isn’t workin out too well, is it mate?



“Okay, everyone check your watches- how long did the relationship last before Spike screwed it up by sayin something dumber than his own hair color?” Gunn joked.



“Actually his hair is brighter than the sun so that comparison doesn’t really work.” Fred pointed out. “Oh shoot! Where’s Wesley, I want him to meet her too! Oh, and Cordy you should go get Oz.”



Cordelia nodded before walking off in search of the red haired man, and Faith mentioned that she thought she saw Wes a minute ago. “I’ll go find him for you.”



“Thanks Faith.” Fred smiled gratefully and turned back to the still scowling blonde couple. “Spike, stop frownin at her like she did something wrong- You’re the moron who mentioned sleepin with other girls.”



He broke eye contact with Buffy. “I did NOT say anything ‘bout sleepin with other dames!”

“Like that’s not what you meant.” Fred scowled.

“I didn’t even get to finish my sentence!”

“And you damn well shouldn’t have even started it!”



“Hmm, I like her already!” Buffy said, meaning Fred but still keeping her eyes locked on her boyfriend. To be honest she wasn’t mad, just a little too busy having fun seeing him sweat; which he was. Like a pig.



And Fred loved messing with him too, as she made it clear after she caught Buffy’s eye and winked. “Now apologize.” The southern belle ordered.



“Why do I always get bossed around by you birds, how come Gunn never gets his ass scolded like a bloody third grader’s!?”

“Because I’m smart enough to realize when they’re screwing with me.”



Annie smacked his arm. “Aw! Why’d you have to ruin it, I was just about to join in!”

“Wha-” And Spike turned to see a smiling Buffy and a smirking Winifred. The Brit narrowed his eyes and met his girlfriend’s smile with a look that made the grin waver. “Why you little…”



Just before he could move a step towards her and take the little pixie away to punish in the naughtiest of ways, Faith showed up with Wesley, who found his place next to Fred.



The couple shared a kiss before Wes pulled away and looked at the newcomer in the group. “This is Buffy.” Fred announced. “Buffy, this is my boyfriend Wesley. He’s gonna tell you his full name of course, even though no one ever uses it.”



Buffy shook Wesley’s offered hand and smiled. “Nice to meet you.”



“Wesley Wyndam Price, and yes, that is my full name; which I’m sure Fred is right, you will never use. Everyone here tends to have a habit in calling me ‘Wes’ anyhow; and you may too, of course.”

“Thank you, Wes.”

“Alright now all we need is Cordy to get back here with Oz and you’ll have met everybody.” Anne proclaimed.



“Oz?”

“It’s short for Daniel Osbourne.” Spike said as he sidled up to Buffy and wrapped an arm around her middle.

She leaned into him and Cordelia approached the group, short redhead male in tow.



“Buffy, Oz- Oz, Buffy.” Cordelia quickly introduced the two strangers. “She’s Spike’s girlfriend and yes, I know it’s a shock. But your guys’ bromance had to end at some point- I was actually beginning to wonder a little bit about how close you two were getting.” She said with an inquisitive frown on her face.

“Yeah, so was I.” Faith stated matter-of-factly, and was quickly agreed with by Fred.



“What?!” Spike shouted.

Buffy was sure she’d never seen her boyfriend’s eyebrows go so high before.



“All good things must come to an end.” Oz nodded with an accepting smile on his face. “Nice to meet you by the way.” The redhead acknowledged the perky blonde whose good mood had just reached new heights.



“You too.” She smiled at him before directing her gaze back to Cordelia. “And please tell me you’re not joking about the Spike-Oz thing because that would be-”

“It would be NOTHING because she IS JOKING!” Spike urged.



Buffy laughed along with the rest of the group who couldn’t help reacting to Spike’s indignant outburst.



“Oh now that hurts man- I thought I meant so much more to you!” Oz managed between chuckles.

“Shove it, Osbourne.”

“Oh lighten up, Spike.” Buffy patted her boyfriend’s shoulder.



He looked down and as soon as he caught sight of Buffy’s carefree grin the man couldn’t help but smile in return. Her happiness made her eyes literally sparkle and his heart tighten a little.



Cordy turned and took a couple of cans out of a nearby cooler, handing one to Buffy.

“Here ya go.” She gave a bright yellow Rockstar energy drink to the petite blonde.

“Oh! Uh.. thanks.” Buffy tried a grateful smile.



“I thought you might want something to drink.” The brunette said. “There are tons of flavors but this is my favorite one. It’s like fizzy lemonade. Try it.”



Buffy popped open the can while the people around her kept talking and laughing. The carbonated liquid slipped down her throat and the taste settled on her tongue. It was yummy- really yummy actually.



“Thanks, I like it.” Cordy smiled at Buffy’s approval.

“No problem.”



“OH MY GOSH!”

Everyone turned to Fred at her outburst.



“What’s her deal?” Faith questioned to no one in particular.



“This song! Oz you used it!”



Oz smiled and returned the brunette’s sudden hug. “I had to make a remix of it but the chorus is all in there.” He spoke as she pulled away.



“Am I missing something?” Cordelia asked.

“I know I am.” Anne added.



“This song! The one that’s playing right now- It’s called “King of Apology” by Jana Kramer, I absolutely love it! Oz made a remix of it to play here just cuz I asked him to- Oh thank you so much!” And she left a big smooch on his cheek.



“It was nothing.” The DJ said, blushing slightly after the excited girl pulled away.



“C’mon y’all we’re dancing.” She grabbed Anne and Faith’s arms and tugged them toward the music. “Cordy, Buffy- You too!”



Cordelia smiled from ear to ear. "Finally! Someone other than me who actually wants to move to the music a little!” The tall beauty took Buffy’s drink and handed it, along with hers, over to Spike before taking Buffy’s hand and leading her away.



“Cordy, ya might wanna ask her if-” Spike started, but was interrupted by... his girlfriend.



With a giddy smile Buffy waved off the bleached boy’s concern. “Spikey it’s okay! I love this song- Great remix Oz!” She followed Cordy to the music and away from the boys.



“Glad I could be of assistance.” He said in a kind tone.



Spike looked on at his girl as she became one of many who were busy enjoying the melody. She and Faith started dancing together after Cordy joined Anne and Fred. The girls were laughing with each other, swinging closely, and looked like they were all old friends instead of new acquaintances.



Buffy seemed so excited and bubbly. Every time one of the girls grabbed her hands and shared in the fun with her she got more and more cheerful.



Gazing at her from where he stood, Spike realized how strange it was that one person’s happiness could affect his own in such tremendous ways.


Chapter End Notes:
A very very close relative of mine passed away and it's been super hard for me and my family. I was working on the story (which is difficult anyway) and then the death happened, so I haven't been great with the writing thing. I know this has been like a month in coming and I apologize. Please leave some reviews and I promise that i will set an alarm to make sure that every future chapter is no more than 2 weeks after the last. And I hope you guys like this one, i kept it a little bit longer to make up for the lack of postage.



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