Sweetest Revenge
Parts 1-8
 


Written by: Cariann

Summary: Spike takes Angelus up on his advice that in order to kill the Slayer, you gotta love her. But things don't go as planned.
Disclaimer: The show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all of it's characters belong to Joss, Mutant Enemy, & Fox Prod.
Feedback: lostangel52577@yahoo.com




PROLOGUE

"You know very well you eat this late," Buffy plunges the stake into the vampire, "you're going to get heart burn. Get it? Heartburn?" The vampire turns into dust, and Buffy asks to no one in particular, "That's it? That's all I get? One lame ass vamp with no appreciation for my painstakingly thought out puns. I don't think the forces of darkness are even trying. They could make a little effort here, you know. Give me something to work with."

Spike stands a top a building watching the slayer. "Watch your mouth little girl. You should know better than to tempt the fates that way, cause the big bad is back. And this time things are going to be different."

Spike watches Buffy walk away until she disappears. He pulls out a smoke, and lights it. He inhales deeply before turning to leave. He still has planning to do. **This time, I'm going to follow my plan, and I'm going to make them pay. My dear old sire, and his little whore are going to regret the day they crossed me. I'll see to that.*


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part One


Spike walks into his old lair, and finds Harmony lying on the bed reading a magazine. She glances up at him when he enters. "Spike?" she asks hesitantly.

"Right kitten, I'm back," Spike says grinning at her. Spike walks over to her, and pulls her into his arms. He kisses her roughly. Harmony tries to fight him off, but eventually gives in to her own desire, and lets him attack her. Spike pushes her back onto the bed.

"Spike, why'd you leave me?" Harmony asks through pouty lips.

"Shhh, we'll talk later." Spike commands, as he crawls on top of her.

Harmony pushes him onto his back, and demands,"No, we'll talk now."

Spike groans, "Harm, I'm home, for good." Spike sits back up, and smiles seductively at her. "We'll have plenty of time to talk later." Spike runs his hand up her stomach, and caresses her breast through the material of her shirt, and continues, "Right now, I want to make up for lost time. I missed you."

Harmony sighs, but gives herself to the vampire she loves.

Spike awakens just before sunset. He rolls over, and is thankful that Harmony is sound asleep. He carefully, so as not to wake her, gets up, and puts his clothes on. Without a glance in her direction, Spike walks out of the lair, and through the tunnels. He travels by the underground tunnels for a while, until he's sure the sun has set. He carefully lifts the manhole, and when his hand doesn't start to fry, he hoists himself out of the tunnel. He's near the Bronze. **Perfect, bloody perfect.** He quickly heads towards the cemetery. Once at the cemetery he waits.

Ten minutes pass before he's approached by four vampires.

"It's about bloody time you got here," Spike shouts.

"Sorry, the slayer is at the Bronze. I didn't want her to see us," one answers.

"Right, okay then here's the plan." Spike tells the vampires what he wants him to do,and the vampires stare at him in fear.

"She'll kill us if we attack her, and her friends," one of them protests.

"No, she won't, because there's going to be four of you blokes there. I'll also be there hiding, and when the times right,I'll come and help. In the process I'll kill the slayer. She won't know what hit her," Spike answers.

"What do I get for doing this?" one vampire foolishly asks.

Spike vamps out, and grabs his head. He rams the vampire's head into the wall of a crypt. Spike holds his head there, and growls into his ear, "How about, I won't kill you, mate."

"Okay, I'll do it," the vampire whimpers in fear.

"Good," Spike answers, letting go of the vampires head. The vampire falls to Spike's feet. Spike stares down at the fallen vampire, before shrugging,and stepping over him. He faces the remaining vampires, and menacingly asks, "Any one else have a problem?"

The vampires shake their heads in terror.

Spike's demon face vanishes, and he evilly smiles. "I thought as much, now let's go before the slayer leaves."

When they reach the Bronze, Spike orders,"Okay,you guys wait here. I'm going to wait over there." Spike points to an alley, and starts walking to his hiding place, but turns around and threatens, "Don't screw up, or I'll have to kill you. And remember boys, the slayer's mine."

Spike disappears, and waits anxiously in the alley.

**I have to stay here. I have to follow the plan. I can't get impatient this time.** Spike lights a cigarette as he impatiently waits in the alley for the slayer to appear.

Eventually, Buffy, Xander, and Willow leave the Bronze.

"That was fun," Buffy says cheerily. Buffy looks over at Willow, who is moping over Oz's departure.

"Will?" Buffy asks with concern in her voice.

"Yeah, lots of fun. So much fun," Willow sarcastically answers.

"Okay, so it's not the complete solution to your mopiness, but it's good to get out."

"Yeah, Will. You can't stay in your room forever," Xander offers trying to help.

"I know, but I'm just not in fun mode now. I'm in depressed mode," Willow answers, sadness falling onto her face. The vampires approach, two in front, and two behind.

"Uh guys, we have company," Buffy states, and pulls out a stake.

Willow, and Xander each pull out crosses.

"Run you guys," Buffy yells, attacking the two in front of her.

Willow, and Xander turn, but are grabbed by the two vampires coming from behind. Xander fights with one of them, but the other grabs Willow, and she screams.

Buffy turns around, and panics. She is knocked down by the other two. She quickly gets up, but can't help her friends. The other two vampires are keeping her occupied.

The vampire that has Willow pulls her head back, and is about to bite her when his head is yanked back by his hair. He quickly turns to dust, and Willow sighs in relief, but then screams when she sees who appears when the dust settles.

"Spike!" Willow screams.

"Hello, Red," Spike sneers.

Buffy sees Spike, and quickly dusts one of the vampires, before hurrying over to the others. The second vampire she is fighting gives chase. She tries to kick Spike, but he ducks. The second vamp grabs her from behind.

Spike quickly grabs the stake from Buffy, and reaches around and plunges it into the vampire that is holding her. Without pausing, he pulls the last vampire off of Xander, and stakes him. The three friends stare at Spike in shock. Spike just shakes out his clothing.

"Now wasn't that fun," he says before walking away. He disappears into the night before Buffy can make any sense of what just happened.


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Two


Buffy, Xander, and Willow are sitting in Giles' house discussing the night's events.

"Giles, Spike dusted three vamps that were attacking us," Buffy explains.

"Are you sure?" Giles asks in shock.

"I was there Giles. I saw it," Buffy answers.

"I still can't believe it. Maybe it wasn't Spike?" Xander suggests.

"Know any other badly bleached, blood suckers?" Buffy responds.

"Maybe he has a soul now," Willow suggests.

"Spike! I don't think so," Buffy laughs.

"This is most strange. It could be a trap," Giles warns.

"What kind of trap?" Buffy asks curiously, the idea never occurring to her.

"Maybe to get you to let your guard down around him," Giles suggests in total watcher mode.

"That's sneaky, too clever for Spike," Buffy dismisses with a shake of her head.

"Maybe he was jealous, because he wants to kill you for himself," Willow offers.

"That's a happy thought," Buffy scolds.

"Well, it could be that he's claimed you as his. I mean for killing, and he doesn't want any other vampires to get his prize," Willow explains a little too happily at her own genius.

"Great, so now you have me claimed by Spike as his. I'm not property," Buffy responds disgusted.

"Well, what other explanation is there?" Willow defensively asks.

"Buffy, what Willow says makes some sense. Spike is arrogant, and quite full of himself. Not to mention he has a great hatred for you. He obviously sees killing you as his revenge, and therefore he doesn't want anyone else to do it," Giles adds to Willows argument.

"Great, so I shouldn't fear any vampires, but Spike, because if they attack me, he'll kill them. Life just keeps getting better and better," Buffy grumbles.

"Well, at least we didn't die tonight. I really thought I was a goner," Willow says relieved.

"Spike didn't try to kill any of us though. What's the deal with that?" Buffy asks.

"He may have a plan," Giles suggests.

"Spike? A plan? Mr. I couldn't wait two nights to kill you when I would have been at my strongest. He doesn't have the patience for plans," Buffy answers laughing.

"Maybe he's getting better." Willow suggests.

"Wouldn't that technically be getting worse, since it involves killing Buffy" Xander contemplates out loud.

"Spike's not going to kill me. He's tried for like two years, and fails miserably every time. Why doesn't he just go away?" Buffy asks annoyed.

"He hates you, and wants to eat you," Willow innocently answers.

"Thanks for the imagery Will. I say we just play it cool. If Spike wants to help us kill vampires, and demons, let him. But I don't care how much he helps, if I get the chance, I'm going to bury a stake in his heart," Buffy declares before standing up.

"Be careful, Buffy. You may have avoided any harm from Spike until now, but he still is a very dangerous vampire," Giles warns.

"I know, and I'm going to show him just how dangerous of a slayer I am. He may have killed two of them, but he ain't killing me," Buffy confidently proclaims.


*~*~*~*~*~*



Spike returns to the lair after his encounter at the Bronze. He is in a great mood after the nights events. He enters his room whistling, but stops when he is faced with a fuming Harmony.

"Where have you been?" she angrily asks with her hands on her hips.

Spike sighs, annoyed that his good mood is being disturbed by Harmony.

"Out. I had work to do," he answers pushing past her.

"You think you can just come and go out of my bed," Harmony demands chasing after him.

Spike whips around, and grabs her around the waist. He pulls her to him so that their mouths are inches apart.

"What do you think?" he asks, trailing his free hand down her neck.

Before she can answer, Spike grabs her by her neck yanking her into a kiss. He lets her go, and looks at her wickedly. "Let's go out and have some fun," he suggests seductively licking his lips.

"Aren't you scared of the slayer?" Harmony asks.

Spike controls his anger. **It's only for a little while longer that I have to put up with her.**

"The slayer's taken care of for tonight," Spike evenly answers.

"You killed her," Harmony squeals in delight.

"Not yet, luv, but in time. Right now, I want to have a party. A party with lots of blood."

Harmony pulls him over to the bed. "Later, let's have a party here first," she suggestively says.

Spike arches his eyebrows at her, before pushing her onto the bed. "All right pet, for now."


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Three


Spike is sitting on a headstone waiting. He keeps searching the area for Buffy, but she hasn't arrived yet. Spike made sure her watcher knew that two vampires will be rising tonight, and he is positive that the slayer will come.

Bored, Spike pulls out a cigarette, and lights it. He inhales slowly. He jumps off the headstone, and starts pacing. **Bloody hell where is she?**

Almost as if she can hear his thoughts, Spike hears her approaching. He quickly tosses aside his cigarette, and ducks behind a crypt. He watches as she searches for the appropriate graves. When she finds them, she hikes herself up on a headstone, and waits.

Spike waits as well. He starts getting impatient, but forces himself to stay put. **Follow the plan. It'll be soon enough that I'll taste her blood, and see Angel destroyed, but right now I have to follow the plan.** Spike grins at his thoughts. He waits patiently a little while longer, and than after glancing around, he puts his plan in motion. He circles away from the slayer, and approaches her from behind.

"Well, well if it isn't Sunnydale's very own little slayer," he calls out to her.

Buffy jumps up, and faces him. She grips the stake in her hand tighter as she wearily eyes him.

"What do you want Spike? To get your ass kicked again?"

"Funny, pet. Actually, I'm quite sick of getting my ass kicked," he replies glancing at the stake in her hand.

Buffy stares at him in shock, and Spike fights the urge to attack her. **Be cool. Suck in your pride. Soon you'll be dancing on her grave.**

"Really, then why don't you leave?" she asks feigning being bored.

Spike slowly sits on the vacant headstone. "Because I like it here," he simply replies.

He lights another cigarette, and Buffy loosens her grip on the stake.

"What do you like here? Getting your ass kicked by me daily, or is it Harmony?" Buffy asks trying to get a rile out of him.

"Yeah, I can't leave that air head," he sarcastically replies. "I'm so sick of her. No substance, no fire. Just a little kitty that'll do anything I say."

"I thought you'd like that," Buffy replies, somewhat unsure of the direction this conversation is going.

"Think about me a lot, luv?" Spike asks amused.

"NO," Buffy shouts back.

"Well, I don't. They're good to shag, but what can I say I'm looking for more."

"You want a fulfilling relationship?" Buffy mockingly asks.

Spike refuses to take her bait, and calmly replies, "It'd be nice. Have someone I can talk to. I like to talk, if you haven't noticed. And I like to shag, but it's so much more fun to shag someone with power, beauty, and intelligence."

"What was your trip with Dru than, because she has none of those things," Buffy replies, venom dripping from her words.

Spike loses his delicate grip on his control at the mention of Drusilla. "You shut the hell up. She was a bloody goddess, my goddess," he shouts, as he angrily stands up to face the offending slayer.

"But she doesn't want you anymore. She'd rather be with a,..what was it? A fungus demon?" Buffy replies with an amused smirk on her face. She knows she is hitting him where it hurts the most.

Spike moves towards Buffy, and she responds by holding up her stake. He retreats, and shoots back, "Well at least I'm not the only one in this cemetery with this problem, because if I remember correctly Angel would rather be anywhere but here with you." He says this with a mean smirk on his face, glad that he can inflict just as much pain with the right words.

Buffy's face clouds over with seething hatred, and anger. She tries to kick Spike, but he ducks. She throws a punch, but he grabs her arm.

He twists her arm behind her, and holds her up against him. He whispers in her ear, "I saw my sire recently, and he didn't mention you, but I couldn't resist. Seems he doesn't care that you jumped all over the first guy who propositioned you."

Buffy throws her head back, connecting with his nose. Spike yelps, and lets her go. They face each other ready to go at it, when the newly risen vampire grabs Buffy from behind. She tries to throw him off, but the second risen vampire grabs her legs. Taken completely by surprise, they start to carry her off. She's screaming, and trying to free herself, but can't.

Finally, she screams, "Spike, help me."

Spike grins, and chases after the vampires, and slayer. He quickly grabs the one that has her feet, and shoves him to the ground. Deciding to have some innocent fun, Spike doesn't stake him right away, but proceeds to pummel him. Satisfied with his violent outburst, Spike stakes the vamp, and turns to see Buffy doing the same to the other one.

"Nice form, pet," Spike comments clapping.

Buffy stands up, and faces him. "Why'd you do that?" she asks confused, and angry.

"You asked me to," he simply states.

"And if I asked you jump on one leg, and flap your arms like a chicken, would you do that too?" she sarcastically asks.

Spike scowls, and answers, "Hell no, I may be crazy for helping you, but I'm not a bloody fool."

"That's still up in the air," Buffy shoots back.

"That's really nice considering I just saved your cute little ass."

Buffy pauses. **He just called me cute.**

Buffy turns serious, and asks, "You still haven't told me why?"

"Look slayer, I have nowhere else to go, and like I said, I like it here. Let's have a truce, like before. I'll help you stop the baddies, and in exchange you'll leave me alone." Spike nervously waits for her answer.

"Make a deal with you? Are you insane? You'll just keep trying to kill me," Buffy shouts in frustration.

"I saved your skin twice, slayer. I could have easily killed you both times. Look don't trust me right away, but give it a try," he pleads.

"You'll keep killing people. I can't stand by and let you," Buffy argues.

Spike smiles. **It's working perfectly. The only thing holding her back is me killing people.**

"Okay, fair enough, I won't kill anyone," Spike offers with a shrug.

Buffy laughs, "Yeah right, and I'll stop showering. You can't just stop, you're a killer."

Spike turns serious, and asks her, "If I stop killing do we have a deal?"

"How will I know you stopped?" Buffy asks just as serious.

"We'll become best mates. You can follow me around. We'll slay baddies, and talk about our hair," Spike jokes.

"No way," Buffy exclaims, but giggles at the thought of discussing hair with the bleached blonde vampire.

"Come on slayer, what have you got to lose?" Spike asks trying desperately to convince her.

Buffy contemplates it. **He's right. What do I have to lose?**

"I'll do it, but on one condition," she offers. "What's that, slayer?" Spike hesitantly asks. **What more does she want?**

"Tell me the real reason," Buffy demands.

Spike looks away before she can see the anger, and pain in his eyes. When he turns back towards her, he answers without emotion, "Because my whole world is Dru, and she's gone. I have nothing. There's no reason for me to live, but despite the despicable state of my life, I still like living."

"You're not really alive," Buffy interrupts.

Spike rolls his eyes playfully. "Fine, smartie, I like not living. There's still fun to be had, but I just don't have the same fire without Dru to constantly fight with you, thus the deal. I win you know. I may not get to kill humans, but I can still fight. That's what I like, you know, ending people, whether they be demons, or humans. So I still get to have my fun, and be a big bad ass vampire, and at the same time, I don't have to worry about the slayer. I'm tired of being on the losing end of our battles. So as they say, if you can't beat them, join them."

"I don't think I believe you," Buffy plainly states.

Spike panics briefly, but composes himself. "We had a deal," he says through clenched teeth.

"Fine, I'll hold off shoving this stake up your ass, and you will meet me here, at sunset, for patrol."

"Tomorrow then," Spike says relieved.

Spike turns to leave, but Buffy calls out to him, "Spike."

Turning around, Spike asks, "What pet?"

"Thanks, for you know," she shyly says with her head down.

Spike slowly grins, "Don't mention it, luv."


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Four


The next day, Buffy is sitting with Willow at school.

"You didn't tell Giles," Willow asks.

"Not yet. I'll see how it goes tonight, and then inform him of my new patrol buddy."

"Buffy this is too strange. Are you sure it's not a trap?" Willow asks concerned.

"There's no way to know unless I do it. I'll be careful. I'll have my trusty stake, and if he tries anything, it'll end up in his chest," Buffy confidently replies.

"Why do you think Spike is doing it?" Willow asks.

"Well, he said he was tired of losing, and didn't feel like fighting anymore. He said his life wasn't the same without Dru."

"Yeah, but to be on our side. If you think about it, you're the reason Dru left him," Willow comments without thinking.

"How is it my fault?" Buffy asks with hurt, and confusion.

"Well, because you made that deal against Angelus, and because well, Angelus took Dru away from Spike, and.." Willow stops when she realizes what she is implying.

"And I made Angelus. I know Will," Buffy says, pain in her eyes.

"Sorry," Willow says quietly.

"Sex is bad. I've so learned my lesson. Twice. I'm not sleeping with another guy ever. I'll be nun Buffy from now on."

"Come on Buffy. It's not always bad," Willow says, but rethinks her position, and continues,

"Well maybe it is. I mean, guys always leave."

Sensitive to Willow's pain, Buffy reassures her. "Will, you're relationship with Oz was great. At least you got to sleep with him more than once. I do it, and they turn evil."

"Yeah, well he still left," Willow sadly answers.

"He'll be back," Buffy confidently assures her.

"But he still left to begin with," Willow angrily argues.

"I know. I'm sorry Will," Buffy quietly offers. They sit in silence for a while. Riley walks by.

"What about Riley?" Willow asks hoping to change the subject.

"What about him?" Buffy asks.

"I bet he wouldn't turn evil afterwards," Willow replies giving Buffy a meaningfully look.

"Will, why would you think there would be an afterwards?" Buffy asks shocked.

"Because, I think he likes you."

"I don't think so," Buffy replies shaking her head.

"Come on Buffy. What do you think about him?" Willow urges.

"I don't."

"Because of Parker?"

"No," Buffy angrily shouts.

"Angel?"

"No."

"Spike?"

"God Will. Why would you ask that? Where are getting these ideas? I don't need a man. I can be single, free Buffy," Buffy argues.

"Yes, but a man is nice."

"I know, but only the right one. I've surely learned that lesson. I'm really just ready to concentrate on school, and slaying. I rushed into things with Parker. I'm not doing that again."

"Good, and you'll have Spike to worry about."

"What do you mean?" Buffy asks confused.

"Well, with Spike tagging along, you're not going to have much of a social life," Willow answers.

"Oh God, I didn't think of that. Why'd I agree? He's going to ruin my life," Buffy moans.

"I don't know, cause you're a softie for miserable pathetic vampires," Willow suggest with a smile.

"He just gets under my skin. I get so mad talking to him, I forget how the conversation gets turned to what he wants, or how he gets me to agree to what he wants."

"Well, you could always tell him to scram tonight, and stake him."

"The sad thing is, I'd feel guilty cause we did make a deal."

"Sometimes it sucks being the good guy."

"Tell me about it," Buffy agrees.


*~*~*~*~*~*



Spike paces around the lair waiting for sunset. **This is the night the plan really goes into effect. I'm moving out, and leaving Harmony for good, thank God. Tonight everything has to go perfectly. The slayer has to trust me. She has to be comfortable around me. No slip ups like last night. Just please don't let her mention Drusilla.**

Harmony stirs in the bed, and calls out, "Spike, come back to bed."

Spike glances at the clock, and then at the scantily clothed Harmony. **I've got twenty minutes. Might as well give it one last go. Who knows how long it'll be before I get between the slayer's legs.**


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Five


Spike approaches the cemetery. He can see the slayer impatiently pacing around the headstone from last night. Spike pauses. He decides to let her wait a little while longer.

Frustrated, Buffy kicks the headstone, sending it toppling over. She scrambles to set it back up. Spike laughs. Buffy looks up to see him approaching with a grin on his face. "What are you laughing at?" Buffy angrily demands.

"You with your bum in the air," Spike replies amusement on his handsome face.

"Stop looking at my ass," Buffy demands growing annoyed.

"But it's such a cute little bottom," Spike comments while looking at her butt appreciatively.

"Spike," Buffy shouts.

"Sorry luv, let me help you." Spike grabs the headstone, and plants it firmly in its place.

"You're late," Buffy says with her hands on her hips.

"The sun, you know. It's unpredictable," Spike responds with a shrug.

"Let's go, so I can actually have a social life after this." Buffy starts walking, and Spike follows her.

"Hot date, luv?" he asks trying not to sound to curious.

"No, but I want to spend as little of my time with you as possible. Why'd I agree to this?" Buffy asks throwing her hands in the air.

"I think it's cause you fancy me," Spike arrogantly replies.

Buffy snorts, "In your dreams, Blondie."

"Now, now, let's not start throwing out names. I might have a few for you too," Spike playfully warns.

"Really like what?" Buffy asks stopping, and turning towards him.

"Let's not play this game yet," Spike warns.

"Fine, just keep your eyes open." Buffy starts walking again, and Spike follows, but he doesn't watch for vampires, instead he watches the slayer as she walks, swaying her hips.

They circle the graveyards, and head towards the campus. They are walking side by side. Every so often Spike gently bumps into her. She responds by glaring at him, and shoving him away from her.

"Just one sweep of the campus, and then I'm calling it a night," Buffy informs him.

"What am I suppose to do after that?" Spike whines.

"I don't know, whatever it is you vampires do."

"We kill," Spike answers, looking at her with a wicked gleam in his blue eyes.

"Spike," Buffy warns.

"Well, then you entertain me," Spike hopefully suggests.

"Not a chance. I have to study."

"Well I'll watch the telly, while you study."

"Watch it at your place."

"I don't have a place," he answers head down.

"What Harmony throw you out?" Buffy asks with an amused smile on her face.

"I left. I couldn't exactly tell her about our deal. Plus she was getting on my nerves."

"So, go stay in crypt somewhere."

"You're heartless," Spike yells at her.

"Me? Well at least mine beats," Buffy throws back.

"Low blow, slayer," Spike answers with hurt in his eyes, and voice.

"Yeah, well what do you want me to do about it?" Buffy asks on the defensive. She knows she is being mean, but she isn't comfortable with how much he is growing on her. She surely isn't going to let him see her soften.

"Let me stay with you," Spike suggests.

"Yeah right, so you can kill me in my sleep. Not a chance."

"Come one slayer, I promised. I have nowhere else to go," Spike desperately pleads.

"I live in a dorm, no chance."

"With your mum then."

"So you can kill her."

"I wouldn't. I like your mum," he protests.

"Forget it."

"Fine," he angrily shouts.

"Fine," she shouts back just as angry.

They continue walking in silence. Spike is pouting, and Buffy is thinking. **Why am I doing this? God, I must be going crazy.** After about ten minutes they arrive at Buffy's dorm.

"Well this is where I get off," Buffy says facing him. She continues, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Meet me at Giles'"

"Why there?" Spike panics. **The plan didn't include getting chatty with her friends.**

"I have to tell him what's going on, and you're going to be there," Buffy informs him.

"Slayer," Spike starts, but Buffy cuts him off.

"Tomorrow at Giles', or stake in heart," Buffy threatens twirling a stake between her fingers.

"Tomorrow then," Spike agrees defeated.

Buffy goes into her dorm, and Spike turns to leave. **This plan is getting harder, and harder. Is it worth it? Hell yes.** Spike walks slowly to the cemetery. He picks a crypt, and settles in for the rest of the night, and day.


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Six


The next night Spike heads towards Giles'. He isn't looking forward to this, but if he has to do it he will. **Just remember what this is all for. Just think of the pain, and agony you'll cause the two people who have ruined your life.**

He pauses at the door, and hesitantly knocks. **You idiot, there is nothing to fear. You have a plan, a good plan, just follow it.**

Buffy opens the door, and steps outside. She shuts the door behind her.

"I told them already, and they're not happy. I've calmed them down, so don't rile them back up."

"Okay."

"Behave," Buffy warns.

"I will, damn it all to hell slayer, relax. You're making me nervous," he complains.

Buffy glances at him once more, dread overcoming her, and opens the door. Spike shoves down his fear, and follows her in confidently. **This is the turning point. The plan can't work if her friends don't trust you.**

"Guys, you all remember Spike," Buffy cheerily says.

Gathered around Giles' living room are Willow, Xander, and Giles. They cautiously stare at him, and Spike nervously shifts under their gazes. No one says anything. Xander clutches a stake, and Willow, and Giles are holding crosses.

"Well, the gangs all here I see," Spike says.

"Hello Spike. Buffy has told us about your desire to help her," Giles responds.

"That's right mate. No tricks," Spike says before taking a seat next to Buffy.

"Funny, but I don't believe you," Xander answers.

"I really," Spike starts to yell as he stands back up, but calms himself, and continues, "Right, well I figured you wouldn't. No harm really. You'll all see in time." He sits back down. Buffy looks at Spike, and then at Giles.

"I don't know what else to do, Giles, but let him help," she helplessly states.

"Kill him comes to my mind," Xander answers.

Spike growls, but doesn't respond, or move.

"I can't kill him. He's too pathetic, begging for help," Buffy argues.

"All right, hello I'm right here," Spike shouts.

"Sorry," Buffy offers before continuing, "we all might be dead if it wasn't for Spike, and Giles that's the truth."

"I understand that Buffy, and we are all appreciative of Spike's actions, but can you trust him?" Giles asks concerned.

"I think I can," Buffy says looking at Spike for reassurance, and he nods.

"Well, it's your decision, and if you feel you can trust him, then I'll support you, even though I must express again my reservations. A vampire, with no soul, wanting to help the slayer is an odd situation. You musn't rush into anything, and proceed with caution. " Giles says.

"I've helped her before," Spike butts in afraid her watcher will change her mind, and ruin all his work.

"Yes, and for your own benefit," Giles argues.

"I'm getting what I want out of this."

"Of course, but what do you want?" Giles asks

"That's between me and the slayer."

"Giles, I trust Spike's motives, so I am asking you to trust me," Buffy answers.

"I'll always support your decisions, Buffy, just be careful." Giles replies.

"I'm behind you Buffy," Willow adds.

"Xander?" Buffy asks.

"I don't like him, and I don't like this, but I'm always behind you Buffy."

"Thanks guys." Buffy looks over at Spike, and continues, "I think I need the help. I don't have someone to watch my back anymore."

"I'll watch your back pet, just watch where you shove those stakes," he says with a small smile on his face.

"And you better watch where you insert those fangs," she says smiling back at him. "Well, it's patrol time. Come on partner," Buffy says, as she grabs Spike's hand, and drags him towards the door.

They leave Giles' and head for the patrol route. They start in silence. Spike contemplating what just happened. Buffy nervously eyeing Spike's sudden silence.

"So, where did you stay last night?" Buffy asks trying to make conversation. She doesn't like where her mind goes when she's left to her own thoughts in his presence. She starts thinking he's not so bad, and he's definitely not bad to look at.

"I found a nice, little, dark, dirty crypt," Spike answers hoping to soften her up.

"Oh," she simply says.

This is not exactly the response Spike is hoping for. They continue in silence some more.

"Which crypt?" Buffy asks trying to get him to talk again.

"That little one with the lions out front. I'm sure you've seen it, all the way on the east side."

Buffy nods, and Spike continues, "You should visit sometime. I don't get many guests."

Before Buffy can respond, she notices a vampire chasing a girl.

"Come on," she calls as she gives chase.

The vampire tackles the girl, and climbs on top of her as she cries for help. Buffy runs up behind them, and yanks the vampire off of the girl.

"Run," Buffy orders.

The girl takes off. Buffy faces the vampire, and blocks a kick with her arm. The vampire counters with a punch that knocks Buffy down. She jumps back up, as Spike grabs the vampire from behind.

"Slayer," Spike shouts.

Buffy fumbles for a stake in her clothes, as Spike struggles to hold the vampire. Spike sees a perfect opportunity to test the slayer. He loosens his grip on the vampire, and the vampire instantly knocks him down. He kneels over Spike, and grabs the stake from Spike's waist band. He aims it at Spike's heart, but before he can plunge it into Spike's chest, he's turned into dust. Spike looks up, and sees the slayer standing over him.

"Score one for the slayer," she says before offering her hand to Spike. He grabs it, and she drags him to his feet. "Close call," Buffy says.

"Yeah, I thought I was dust there for a minute."

"Aren't you glad I'm around now?"

"Yeah, you're all right I suppose."

"Just all right?" Buffy angrily questions him.

"All right slayer, you're fabulous, wonderful,sensational, extraordinary, beautiful, magnificent, exceptional, you're bloody  fantastic, what ever would I do without you?" Spike sarcastically replies.

Buffy turns away from him. "Well, I did save your ass," she mumbles.

"And my ass thanks you," Spike playfully replies.

Buffy doesn't respond. Spike looks at her back, and sighs. **You're not suppose to tick the slayer off. You're suppose to make her like you.**

"Slayer, thank you."

"No problem," Buffy replies with a shrug.

"You are everything I said you were," Spike quietly says.

Buffy turns back to look at him, and is surprised to see him not laughing, or joking, but staring at his feet. Spike nervously stares at his feet waiting for the slayer's reaction. Somewhere inside his head he hears a voice telling him he meant what he said, but he pushes it away. When Buffy doesn't say anything, Spike looks up, and she smiles at him.

"I think I'm going to call it a night," she softly says.

"Yeah all right. I'll do a few more sweeps," Spike offers.

"Try not to get staked," Buffy playfully warns trying to ease the uncomfortable tension.

"Would you miss me?" Spike asks just as playfully.

"I'd miss doing it myself," Buffy replies with a wicked grin on her face.

"That's my little slayer," Spike answers with an amused grin on his face.

Buffy's heart does a summersault. **He just called me his.** Buffy lowers her head, and says, "Well, tomorrow I guess. We can start meeting outside my dorm at nine for patrol."

"See ya, slayer," Spike calls out before walking off.

Buffy watches as Spike walks off. Confused thoughts enter her mind. **I stopped Spike from being killed. I was scared when I thought he was going to get dusted. I actually enjoy patrolling with him. I actually like being around him. He called me beautiful. He called me his. He has a nice ass. God, stop it now Buffy.**



*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Seven


Spike is standing outside of Buffy's dorm waiting for her to come out. He starts thinking about the plan as he waits. **It's working. She didn't let me die, not that I would have let that bloke stake me, but the point is she stopped him. She even told her mates she trusts me. And she did that quiet thing when I complimented her.**

Spike glances at a clock, and curses to himself when he realizes he's been waiting for twenty minutes. He waits at the door, and when a guy starts to enter Spike stops him.

"Hey mate, my girlfriend lives here, and I want to surprise her. Will you let me in?"

"Sure come on in," the boy offers.

Spike follows the boy in, and after walking the halls for a while, he stops a girl.

"Do you know where Buffy Summer's room is?" he asks.

"Sure second floor room 214," the girl replies.

Spike smiles at her, and says, "Thanks, luv."

He heads upstairs. He stands outside her door, and when he hears voices he stops to listen.

"Willow will you stop," Buffy shouts.

"Come on Buffy, he's a nice guy, and he likes you. Give it a chance."

"No. I'm through with guys after Parker."

"Not all guys are like stupid Parker."

"I know, but I just need a break."

"Okay, but think about it Buffy. Riley's not like Parker. Just talk to him."

Spike sighs. **This is going to be harder than I thought. Not only do I have competition, but the slayer doesn't want a guy.**

"I have to go meet Spike for patrol."

"Are you going to spend every night with Spike?"

"I have to. Not only is it nice to have someone to patrol with, but I have to watch him. I trust him, but then I don't. It's all too weird."

"Be careful. He's still Spike."

"I know Will."

Spike has heard enough. **What more do I have to do to get her to trust me.** Spike knocks on the door.

"Come in," Willow shouts.

Spike opens the door, and steps into their room.

"'Ello girls, are you ready slayer?"

"How'd you get in?" Buffy asks fear flashing on her face.

"Red just invited me in," Spike answers.

"Good job, Will," Buffy sarcastically replies.

"Hey, play nice," Spike defensively yells.

"Let's go," Buffy mutters.

Spike follows the slayer out of the room, and they head downstairs.

"Why couldn't you just wait outside?" Buffy asks annoyed.

"I got bored, and you were late," Spike points out.

"I wasn't that late," Buffy protests.

"Well I've never been the patient type."

"Tell me about it. Let's get this over with. I have a paper to write later."

Spike holds open the downstairs door for Buffy, and she looks at him in confusion before going through it. Spike follows, and they start to patrol in silence. **I'm going to have to do this differently. Obviously, the slayer's not looking for another bad boy. Time to be sweet and cuddly Spike. She fell for that last night. Bloody hell! Just remember why you're doing this.**

"So what's your paper about?" Spike asks.

"Do you really care?" Buffy skeptically asks.

"I'm just curious. You know, maybe I could help you," he offers.

"Yeah right. Just because you're as old as the dinosaurs doesn't mean you know everything."

"Funny slayer, but I'm not that old. I have seen a lot of things, heard a lot of things, and read a lot of things though."

"I bet you have, but my paper is not about killing, maiming, and things that go bump in the night."

"Demons aren't the only things that go bump in the night," Spike suggests, seductively raising his eyebrows at her.

"Ewww perverted much?" Buffy shrieks.

Spike just grins at her. They continue in silence.

"Looks pretty slow tonight. Why don't you go write your paper, and I'll finish patrolling," Spike offers.

"It's okay, I'll stay."

"No really, I don't mind," Spike argues.

"Spike, I'm going to stay. I'm the slayer, it's my job."

"Suit yourself then. I was just trying to be nice," Spike grumbles.

Buffy stops, and throws up her arms. "But why are you being nice to me?" she asks.

Spike stops, and faces her. "I don't know. We had a deal. I figured we might as well get along."

"But I don't want to get along," Buffy protests.

The hurt look on Spike's face shocks Buffy, and she softens a little. "I'm sorry," she mutters.

"No big deal. I'll go," Spike starts to walk away.

"Spike wait," Buffy calls out.

Spike stops, and Buffy catches up to him. She turns him to face her, and rests her hands on his shoulder. She continues, "This is all just too strange. It's difficult for me to accept that your working with me, and not against me. I don't know how to act, except how I always have, but I like that your helping me."

"You do?" Spike hesitantly asks.

"Yes, it's strange, but nice."

Buffy stares into Spike's eyes. He returns the gaze, and they stand there staring into each others eyes for what seems like an eternity.

Unable to take it any longer, Spike looks down.

"There's something you're not telling me." Buffy says softly.

Spike panics. **Damn it she knows something's up. Keep your cool. The plans working. She's starting to like you.**

"What's that pet?" he quietly asks.

"You're sad," Buffy answers.

Spike is surprised by her answer. **Maybe this is easier than I thought.**

"Yeah, well I'm not exactly living the unlife of choice right now," he sarcastically replies.

"It's something deeper than that," Buffy presses. "You don't have to tell me, but I'm here if you need someone to talk to."

"That's just it," Spike says sadly. "No one needs me. I need to be needed. Dru needed me, and I needed her to need me. Now she doesn't need me, and no one else does. I have no purpose. Why do you think I'm here? Here I have a purpose. Sure you may not need me, but I can delusion myself into thinking you do."

Buffy places her finger underneath his chin, and lifts his face so he is looking at her. She sees the tears behind his eyes. "I need you, Spike," she whispers.

Spike hesitates briefly before wrapping his arms around the slayer. Buffy reaches up, and wraps her arms around his neck as he cries. **You deserve a bloody Oscar for this. I should of known she would fall for the needy tortured vampire bit.**

Buffy holds onto Spike tightly. **What is going on? Why do I feel sympathy for him? He's Spike you idiot.**

Buffy slowly pushes him away. Spike stands back up, and looks at Buffy sheepishly.

"Not a word slayer, to anyone," he warns.

"Or what? You're going to kill me?" Buffy playfully asks.

"Maybe," he winks at her.

**Oh God, why'd my heart just skip a beat?** Buffy looks away, and starts walking again.

Spike silently follows her, and they finish the rest of the patrol in silence finally ending up in front of Buffy's dorm.

"I wish there were more patrols like this one," Buffy comments.

"Why? Cause you got to see me cry."

"No, I mean because there were no vampires," she explains.

"Except me," he says as a slow smile escapes his lips.

"Right, but you're a good vampire," Buffy teases him.

"Right, I'm a cuddly cute vampire," Spike says, sarcasm dripping from his words.

"Well I don't know about cute, but you're a vampire I don't mind seeing."

"If I'm not cute why do you want to see me?" Spike answers leaning closer to her.

"Because," Buffy stammers, "because you're not trying to kill me," Buffy finishes softly.

**At least not yet.** "Good night, Buffy," Spike whispers leaning dangerously close to her mouth with his.

**Oh God, he's going to kiss me.** Buffy's breathing increase, and she stares up into his eyes. Spike smiles at her, and slowly stands up straight before he walks off. **Dammit he didn't kiss me.** Buffy's eyes widen at her thoughts. **I really need some help. He's Spike. He has no soul.**

Spike walks off smiling. **Oh this is getting good. Soon, I'll have her, and her lover boy just where I want them, and then everything is going to explode.** Spike pushes away the nagging thoughts he's been having about the slayer. The thoughts that have nothing to do with the plan. The nice thoughts about the slayer like she's breathtaking, and fun to be around. Spike pushes the thoughts away, and instead focuses on the pain he is going to inflict. Spike practically skips the rest of the way across town.

Heading down a dark alley, he quickly ducks into an empty warehouse. He strides confidently over to the group of four vampires.

"Hello mates, where's my dinner?"

"Over there," one of the vampires point to a young girl chained to the wall.

Spike saunters over to her, and runs his finger down her jaw line. "Well you're a pretty one," he seductively tells her.

The girl whimpers, "Please don't hurt me."

Spike smiles at her wickedly, "Now what's the fun in that."

He grabs her by the hair, and sinks his fangs into her neck. The girl screams, but is soon drained to her death. Spike removes his fangs, and licks his lips.

"You taste good too," he says before unhooking the chains.

The girl falls to the floor. Spike steps over her, and points to one of the vampires. "Get her out of here," Spike orders.

The vampire scurries over to carry the girl out.

Spike sits down at the table, and faces the remaining three vampires. "Listen closely. Tomorrow night, I want you all to go to the cemetery to that crypt on the east side with the lions out front, do you know which crypt I'm talking about?"

The vampires nod, and Spike continues, "Meet me there at 9:45."

"What for?" one of them asks.

Standing up, and raising his voice, Spike shouts, "Just do it, and don't be late."

"Spike, there are rumors that you are helping the slayer," another of the vampires timidly says.

Spike raises his eyebrows, and gives him a menacing look. He picks a sword up off the table, and slowly moves it from one hand to the other. In one lightening quick motion, he slices the head off of the offending vampire.

He turns to the remaining two, "Anyone else have any doubts, or concerns they would like to express?"

Both vampires shake there heads, and back away from him.

"Tomorrow night, the crypt on the east side with the lions, 9:45. Don't be late, or you'll be joining your friend here."

Spike turns and walks out of the warehouse. He heads towards the crypt he has been staying in since leaving Harmony. **Bloody hell, it's getting harder to find vampires stupid enough to participate in my schemes. I hate small towns, everyone talks.**


*~*~*~*~*~*



Part Eight


Buffy waits impatiently outside her dorm. She glances up at the clock again. **9:20, where the hell is Spike?** Buffy panics. **Maybe something happened to him, or maybe he changed his mind.** Buffy starts walking towards the cemetery. **He said he's been staying in a crypt, the one with the lions, I think.**

Buffy heads towards the crypt. She really is worried that something might have happened to Spike, and even more scared that he changed his mind about helping her. Buffy didn't want him to change his mind. She didn't want to go back to fighting him. She wasn't sure what she was feeling, but it wasn't hatred anymore.

When she reaches the crypt, she scans the area, but sees nothing. She carefully opens the crypt, and peers inside. She gasps, and her heart starts racing. Spike is chained up in the corner of the crypt. He's arms are stretched above his head by the shackles around his wrists. His head is down, and resting motionless on his chest.

Buffy runs inside to Spike's side. She kneels next to him, and takes in his wounds. His lip is bleeding, and there are large slice wounds, and burn marks on his bare chest. She carefully lifts his head. His eyes are closed, as if he is unconscious. Buffy shakes with fear, and anger. Fear that Spike is really hurt, and anger at whomever did this to him.

"Spike can you hear me?" she quietly urges, gently stroking his cheek.

Spike's answer is an agonizing moan.

"Okay, I'm going to get you out of here," Buffy assures him.

Buffy grabs the chains, and tries to break them off of his wrists. When that fails, she stands up, and tries to yank them out of the wall. After a couple of tugs, the chains fall free. Buffy lifts Spike to his feet, and places her arm around him, supporting most of his weight.

"Slayer," Spike moans out in pain.

"I'm going to take care of you, but I need you to walk," Buffy gently tells him.

Spike groans again, but places one foot in front of the other. Just as they reach the crypt door, the door is kicked open, and Spike's three accomplices enter.

Buffy drops Spike, and he screams in pain. She kicks the first vampire, sending him back outside. She spins and plunges a stake into the second one. The third lunges at her, but she grabs his arm, and flips him onto his back. He lands on ground, and Buffy instantly stakes him.

She reaches behind her, and pulls a stake from her waistband, just as she's tackled from behind by the first vampire. The stake falls away. Buffy scrambles underneath the vampires body, but he's holding her down with his weight. Buffy throws her head back connecting with his mouth. She wiggles free, and grabs her stake. She kicks the vampire back down, and crawls over to him. She furiously punches him before slamming the stake into his chest.

Buffy crawls over to Spike. She lifts his head into her lap. "Spike, are you okay," she asks lightly running her fingers through his hair.

Spike makes a noise somewhere between a moan, and cough. Buffy scoops him up into her arms, and carries him all the way back to her dorm. She sets him down outside, hidden by some bushes.

"Stay here."

Spike, who had regained full consciousness on the way over, sarcastically replies, "I don't think you have to worry about me going anywhere."

Buffy weakly smiles at him, before going up to her room. She grabs an over sized t shirt, and a saw before heading back down to Spike. She's trying not to think about what happened to him, but the fear, and anger she felt was real. **I was scared for him. I was angry at whomever did this.**

When she reaches Spike's hiding place, she kneels next to him, and cradles his head in her lap. "Okay, I'm going to get these chains off," she says, and proceeds to use the saw to break the shackles around his wrists.

"Now lift your arms, so I can put this on. I don't need people asking any questions," she orders holding the t shirt over his head.

Spike does as he's told, and Buffy slides the t shirt over his head, and arms. Buffy gently pushes him into a sitting position. She stands up, and carefully helps him to his feet. She places her arm around him to support him.

"Now, you're going to have to walk upstairs to my room. Just hold onto me."

Spike nods, and they head inside. Once in her room, Buffy lays Spike on the bed. She pulls off the shirt, and he groans in pain.

"Sorry," Buffy apologizes looking at his wounded chest in the light.

"Those are some really nasty wounds you have there," she comments before removing his boots, and socks. "I'll get you all fixed up though,"  Buffy promises.

She opens her desk, and pulls out her first aid kit. She sets it next to Spike, and then pours some water from a water bottle on a wash cloth. She sits next to Spike on the bed, and gently wipes the wounds on his chest. Spike winces in pain.

"Stop being a baby," Buffy gently teases.

"Easy for you to say. I'm the one with gashes, and burns all over my chest."

Spike watches Buffy run the wash cloth over his chest. Her head is down, causing her hair to fall in soft wisps on her face. Spike reaches out, and brushes a loose strand away, tucking it behind her ear.

Buffy pauses at his touch. She looks up at him, and softly asks, "What happened Spike?"

"The vampire community got wind of my helping you, and wanted to teach me a very painful lesson."

Buffy starts to apply bandages to his wounds. Spike watches as her hands move over his chest. His skin tingles under her light touch.

Spike continues, "I guess I'm lucky you came along."

Buffy laughs quietly, "I was going to kick your ass for being late."

"I guess I should be thankful for the those vamps tying me up. I think I faired much better under their wrath, than I would have under yours. Though I have to say I'd much rather be tortured by you, than by them," Spike replies his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"I don't do the torture thing. I just pummel, and stake."

"Yeah, I can see your not into chains, and pain," Spike answers slightly disappointed.

"Not my thing," Buffy answers.

"It can be fun though, pet. If done by the right person," Spike suggestively replies.

"I'll leave the sick perversions to you vamps."

"Your loss."

"I really don't think so."

Buffy finishes covering his chest wounds with bandages. She picks up the wash cloth again,and gently wipes the blood from his lip. Spike closes his eyes, and sighs. Buffy sets the wash cloth down, and gently caresses his sore lip with her thumb. Spike instinctively sucks her thumb into his mouth.

Buffy is shocked at first, but then gasps as Spike's tongue circles her thumb. Spike opens his mouth letting her thumb go. He lifts his head, so that he can look into her eyes. She is staring back at him with confusion, and desire. Spike decides to take a chance. He runs his hand through her hair, and lowers her lips to his. He tentatively kisses her at first, not sure what her reaction will be.

Buffy responds instantly, losing all of her senses in the moment except the excitement, and desire coursing through her body. Buffy deepens the kiss to Spike's shock. He tosses out any reservations, and attacks her mouth with his. Buffy responds by pressing her body against his, and tangling her fingers in his short hair.

Spike ignores the pain that shoots through his wounded body, and continues to kiss her, his tongue exploring her warm mouth. Spike trails his hands down her back. Buffy shivers as his cold fingers caress the bare skin of her lower back.

Before things can go any further, they hear a key in the door, and Buffy jumps up. She frantically looks from the door to Spike trying to compose herself, so it didn't look like she has been making out with a vampire. Spike looks at Buffy, disappointed that she had moved away from him.

Willow opens the door, and lets out a surprised squeak when she sees Spike in Buffy's bed.

"Willow, shut the door," Buffy hastily orders.

Willow shuts the door, and turns to her friend, "What's he doing here?"

"He's going to stay here for tonight. Some vamps decided to enact some revenge."

"Revenge for what?" Willow asks.

"Helping me. They got him pretty good."

"Hi Spike," Willow says nervously.

"Hi Red, don't worry, I promise I won't bite you."

"Okay, good," Willow responds with uncertainty.

After an awkward silence, Buffy says, "Well, I think it's bed time for slayer's and vampires."

"Slayer, I don't have bed time till sun rise," Spike complains.

"Well, today, you're going to sleep early, because I'm tired," Buffy orders.

Spike grumbles, but doesn't say anything. Buffy grabs a blanket, and spreads it on the floor.

"What are you doing?" Spike asks confused.

"Going to sleep," Buffy answers while looking at him strangely.

"Sleep in the bed," Spike offers scooting over.

"With you, I don't think so," Buffy nervously laughs trying to avoid both Willow's, and Spike's looks. The thought lingers in her mind, and she knows the thought appeals to her.

"Come on, don't be silly. I promise, hands, fangs, and other parts to my self."

Buffy nervously considers his offer. She doesn't really want to sleep on the floor, and sleeping with Spike wouldn't be that bad, but then again she doesn't want Willow to think something is up. **God, we kissed. We really kissed, and I liked it.**

"I don't know," Buffy says as she looks at Willow.

Willow shrugs, and Buffy turns to Spike. Spike grabs her arm, and pulls her into the bed.

"See that wasn't so hard, now was it," he whispers in her ear.

Buffy doesn't answer. She just climbs under the blankets.

"You might want to take off your shoes, luv. I don't fancy getting kicked by boots all night," Spike tells her.

Buffy sits back up, and removes her shoes.

"I'm going to go brush my teeth," Willow tells them before leaving.

Buffy gets up. She starts to change for bed, but notices Spike watching her.

"Close your eyes," she orders annoyed.

"Want to talk about what happened, pet?"

Buffy pauses. She didn't want to talk about what happened. She wanted what happened to happen again, and that thought scared her.

"No, nothing happened. We got caught up in the moment is all," Buffy dismisses with a wave of her hand. She doesn't want to deal with this now. She can't talk to Spike about it. She is just too confused.

Spike looks at her with hurt in his eyes, "Is that all it was then?"

"What was it then?" she defensively asks . "Are you going to try to tell me that you like me?"

Buffy looks away from him. She knows she is being really mean, but what is happening inside of her is too much to deal with any other way. **Just put up the wall, and maybe it'll go away.**

Spike crawls under the blankets, and mutters, "Maybe I do."

Buffy hears him, and her heart skips a beat. She doesn't respond. She's too scared of what it would mean if Spike really did like her. Buffy walks over to the bed, and Spike lifts the covers for her to get under. Buffy slides in, and pulls the covers to her chin.

"Remember keep your parts to yourself," Buffy warns.

Spike just rolls his eyes.

Willow returns, and looks at the pair, sensing something is up. The tension in the room is unavoidable. Willow crawls into her bed. "Night guys," she says.

"Night Willow," Buffy calls back.

Willow gives them one last look before turning off the light. Spike puts his arm around the slayer, and pulls her closer to him. "Goodnight, slayer," he whispers in her ear.

Buffy shivers at his touch, but doesn't pull away. **This is all too strange. It puts a new meaning on the phrase sleeping with the enemy.** Buffy chuckles at her own thought.

"What are you laughing at?" Spike whispers.

"Nothing, good night Spike," Buffy answers smiling to herself. **Just for tonight I'll let myself enjoy this. Tomorrow it has to stop. Spike is Spike, and I'm the slayer. It'll never be more. If it was it'll just cause pain to everyone.**

Spike lays there with the slayer curled up against him. Confused feelings overwhelm him. He looks at the slayer's sleeping profile, and sighs. **This would be so much easier if I didn't like her. I know I've always had a certain respect for the slayer. She's a tough little fighter, and her mouth is as sharp as those stakes she uses. Her mouth, so warm, and lovely. The plan, you idiot, remember the plan.** Spike shuts his eyes. He thinks of the plan less, and less in her presence, and that scares him more than anything he's ever faced.


Continued...




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