Chapter 7


Spike walked through his front door with a heavy heart. He had stayed at
Buffy’s for a few more minutes before she insisted that it would be best if
he left. He felt guilty for being the cause of putting Buffy through so
much pain, but she assured him Hank would have found something to say to
her regardless of whether he’d been there or not.

“Hi, honey,” Jenny said with a smile as she walked into the living room.

“Mum,” he said in a forced greeting.

“William, what’s wrong?” she asked as Spike sat down in a chair.

“Mum, I think…I think I have a friend who might be in trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?” Jenny asked, the worry evident in her voice.

“Trouble at home.”

“Can you tell me who this friend is?”

“No,” Spike said quietly, shaking his head. “I can’t…not right now, anyway.
I just…I’m worried, Mum.”

“Honey, is this friend in danger?”

“I don’t know,” he said softly. “I don’t think so…not yet.”

“Then be a friend,” Jenny said as Spike raised his eyes to hers. “Be there
for anything. Talk and listen and just be a friend. But honey, if this
gets dangerous, I want you to tell me.”

“Thanks, Mum,” Spike said, offering her a grateful smile as the front door
opened. Spike stood up as his father walked into the house. Walking over
to him, Giles jumped slightly at the unexpected hug his son gave him before
hugging him back.

“What was that for?” Giles asked with a smile as Spike stepped away.

“For being the dad that everyone should have,” he said quietly before
turning and going upstairs.

Giles turned to Jenny. “Do you know what brought that on?”

Jenny looked at the empty stairs, hearing Spike’s door close quietly.
“Rupert, I think we need to talk.”

* * * * *

“Buffy!”

Buffy turned around when she heard her name and was more than a little
surprised to see Spike jogging toward her. “Hi, Spike,” she said with
uncertainty.

“How are you?” he asked in concern.

Buffy glanced around before taking a deep breath and answering him.
“Spike, don’t treat me like glass- I’m not going to break.”

“I was just-“

“I know,” Buffy replied. “And I appreciate it…but the fact is, this has
been going on for a while, and there’s no reason for you to act different.”

Spike felt the guilt flood through him as he remembered past conversations
with the girl in front of him. “When do you want to work on the project?”
he asked, deciding it would be best to change the subject.

“Tonight’s fine, just…not at my house.”

“How about mine? I can drive us after school and then take you home later.”

“Okay,” Buffy said with a nod. “I’ll see you later.”

* * * * *

“Bye, Wills,” Buffy called as Willow walked away after their last class.

“Ready to go, luv?”

Buffy jumped at the voice behind her, turning around to face Spike.

“Sorry,” he said, looking guilty. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m okay. Let’s go,” she said with a soft smile.

Buffy felt a chill run up and down her spine when she felt Spike’s hand on
the small of her back, guiding her out of the building and into the parking
lot. She smiled when Spike opened the door for her. “Thanks.”

“No problem, luv.”

Both stayed quiet, listening to the radio as Spike drove. Buffy looked up
as Spike pulled into a driveway. As she got out of the car, she smiled
slightly as she followed Spike up to the front porch.

“It’s not much,” he said, opening the front door and leading her inside.
“But it’s home.”

Buffy looked around the house. It seemed to exude a warm, comforting
feeling. “It’s perfect,” she said softly, wandering around to look at the
pictures that seemed to cover every surface, of the family on vacations and
at birthday parties. Some showed Spike growing up, while others showcased
Giles and Jenny, whether it was at their wedding or more recently.

“See anything interesting?” Spike asked with a smile.

Buffy whirled around to face him. “Sorry, I was just-“

“It’s okay, Buffy. Mum likes to display every picture that’s taken. We’ve
finally talked her out some of them, but she still insists that it adds a
more personal touch to the house.”

“She’s right,” Buffy agreed softly.

Both turned when they heard a door at the back of the house close.

“William? Are you home?”

“It’s me, Mum,” Spike called, guiding Buffy toward the kitchen.

“William, I was wondering if you- oh! Buffy, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you
were here.”

“Hello, Mrs. Giles.”

“I told you, it’s Jenny,” his mother replied with a smile.

“We’re just going to work on our English project. Was there something you
needed?” Spike asked.

“No, you two go right ahead. It was good seeing you again, Buffy,” Jenny
replied with a warm smile.

“You, too, Mrs…Jenny.”

“We’ll be in my room, Mum.”

“Okay, dear, let me know if you need anything.”

Buffy followed Spike up the stairs, surprised by what she just witnessed.
She watched as Spike walked to a door at one end of the hall and motioned
her to follow him. She walked into the room, that was surprisingly clean
for a teenage boy to be living there.

“So…your mom doesn’t care that you bring a virtual stranger up to your
bedroom?” Buffy asked with a raised eyebrow.

“She trusts me,” Spike said, throwing his backpack onto his bed before
turning around to face Buffy with wide eyes. “Buffy, I’m sorry! I didn’t
mean-“

“Spike, it’s okay,” Buffy said with a shrug. “My father doesn’t trust me.
It’s not like it’s a big secret…well, not where you’re concerned at least.
Maybe we should…”

“Yeah, let’s get to work.”

Chapter 8


Buffy closed her notebook two hours later before running her fingers
through her hair and breathing out a sigh. Looking up to see Spike watching
her, she gave a nervous smile. “What?”

“Uh…nothing…it’s nothing,” Spike replied, shaking his head.

Buffy frowned, getting up from her chair to move over to the bed and sit
next to him. “What is it?”

Spike looked up into her emerald eyes, feeling himself getting lost in them.
“Can I ask you a question?”

Buffy glanced down at her hands, biting her lip nervously, before looking up
at him again. “I guess,” she said softly.

“What happened to your mum?”

Buffy paused a minute before answering. “Car accident,” she mumbled, wringing
her hands together as she looked down at them.

Spike gently reached out and tilted Buffy’s chin up to look at her. “I’m
sorry,” he whispered. He jumped slightly when he found himself with Buffy
in his arms but quickly wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on
the top of her head as he held her. Spike was relieved that she wasn’t
crying- she just appeared to be holding onto him.

After a few minutes, Spike maneuvered them to lay down side by side on the
bed. Pulling her close to him, he felt her shoulders begin shaking
slightly. “Don’t cry, luv,” he whispered, holding her tighter. “Please
don’t cry.”

A few moments later, Buffy pulled away from his embrace, wiping the tears
from her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she said softly, trying to move away from
him.

Spike wasn’t about to let her go when he knew she obviously needed someone.
Easing her back into his arms, he gently caressed her arm as he felt her
relax. “I told you, I’m here.”

“You’re definitely not who I thought you were,” Buffy said with a slight
smile. “You know you don’t have to do this, right? I mean…if you would
rather just work on-“

“Buffy, I want to do this,” Spike said, reaching for her hand and holding it
loosely to his chest.

“Why?” she asked quietly, looking up at him.

“Because, Summers…there’s something about you that keeps drawing me in,” he whispered.

Buffy blushed as she avoided his eyes. “I thought you didn’t like me.”

“I didn’t,” Spike said with a smile as he heard Buffy giggle.

“I guess that’s fair,” she replied. “I wasn’t crazy about you, either.”

“You mean, you weren’t overwhelmed by my masculine charms?” Spike asked with a smile as Buffy giggled again.

“Oh, I was overwhelmed alright, but mainly because I kept getting run over.”

“Hey!” Spike said in indignation. “You were the one that was running over
me, Summers.”

“Spike, I’m five foot nothing,” Buffy said with a smile. “I couldn’t run
over you if I tried.”

Spike scoffed but didn’t say anything else about it. They lay in each
other’s arms for a few more minutes, both enjoying the comfort that the
other provided. Spike was also confused that a girl who was practically his enemy
the day before was now in his bed, and his arms, as if it was the most
natural thing in the world. Spike looked at Buffy, staring at her smooth
skin, full lips, and golden hair.

Buffy turned to look up at Spike, surprised when she met his gaze. Both
felt the electricity between them as they each leaned forward. Seconds
before their lips touched, Buffy jumped off the bed.

Spike looked at her in confusion, just as his mother opened the door.
“Buffy, would you like to stay for dinner?”

Buffy nervously smoothed her hair, trying to fight the blush that was
creeping into her cheeks. “Um…I-I think my father wants me home.”

Jenny watched her son at the mention of Hank Summers, noticing his
expression harden, before turning back to Buffy. “I already called him- he
said it would be fine if you wanted to stay.”

“H-he did?” Buffy asked skeptically.

“Yes, he said it was fine, if that’s what you wanted.”

Buffy stood, obviously stunned, before regaining her thoughts. “Um…that
would be nice…thank you.”

“You’re welcome, dear,” Jenny said with a smile. “Dinner will be ready in
ten minutes,” she finished as she walked out the door.

Buffy stared at the door in shock when she felt Spike approach her from
behind. “This is good, right?” he asked with uncertainty clear in his
voice.

“I don’t know,” Buffy whispered, almost to herself. “I don’t even know my
own father well enough to know what’s going on.” She turned around to face
Spike, her eyes wide with confusion.

* * * * *

Buffy sat at the dining room table, slightly apprehensive with the
unfamiliar surroundings. She looked across the table and saw Spike staring
at her, offering her a smile.

“Buffy,” Giles said. “How are you adjusting to school?”

“It’s fine,” Buffy said with a smile. “It’s been a much easier adjustment
than I would have expected, and I’ve made some good friends.”

Spike saw the look that she gave him and smiled, knowing that he was now
included as one of those friends.

“Where did you live before?” Jenny asked.

“Los Angeles. I lived there with my mom.”

Spike caught his mother’s eye and shook his head, silently telling her not
to ask. Jenny nodded slightly that she understood before turning back to
her meal.

“William, did you mention a party this weekend?” Giles asked.

Spike nodded. “I’m not sure if I’m going to go.”

“Maybe you should,” Giles said. “It might be good if you and Buffy were to
go together.”

“Oh…um…that’s okay,” Buffy said, shaking her head, looking from Giles to
Spike. “You have your own life, you don’t need-“

“No, I think it’s a good idea,” Spike said, looking at her.

Buffy frowned slightly. Sure, Spike had been nice to her, but she didn’t
expect him to willingly take her to a party where all of his friends would
be.

* * * * *

Spike rested his hand on the small of Buffy’s back as they walked up the
steps leading to her front door. Buffy turned to face him when they reached
the top.

“Spike, you really don’t have to take me to a party. I know you were just
trying to be nice.”

“I want to, Buffy,” he said in a husky voice that sent chills up and down
her spine.

Both locked eyes for a moment before Buffy turned to look at the door of
her prison. “I should probably…”

She trailed off as she gestured to the door.

Spike looked over her shoulder, biting his lip, before looking back at her.
“I don’t want you to go in there,” he said softly, taking a step closer to
her.

“That makes two of us,” she replied, trying to smile and lighten the mood.

“Come over tomorrow.”

“I don’t think I can,” she said, her voice getting more overwrought. “I
need to get inside…I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Buffy turned away, surprised when she felt Spike’s hand on her arm.
“Buffy-“

“Spike,” she whispered in a strained voice, not turning around. “Please
don’t make this harder than it already is.”

Spike let go of her, closing his eyes as she walked into the house, never
looking back at him.

Chapter 9 – Reflecting


Buffy walked into her house, surprised and grateful that her father wasn’t
waiting on her. She didn’t want to know what was going through his twisted
mind, and she had no intention of finding out. As quickly and quietly as she
could, Buffy jogged up the marble staircase, hurriedly making her way to her
room. Opening her door, she froze when she saw her father sitting in the
armchair in the shadows.

Buffy’s hand gripped the doorknob, her knuckles turning white with the
force. “Daddy,” she said quietly.

Hank never looked at her- he just continued staring out the window with his
scotch in his hand. Buffy thought about turning around and heading to one
of the guestrooms, but there was no use putting off the inevitable. Taking
a deep breath, Buffy stepped into the room, making sure to leave the door
open. Her father rarely drank, and if his violent tendencies when he was
sober were any indication, she didn’t want to know what he would act like
with a little alcohol in his system.

“I’m a horrible father, aren’t I?” Hank’s voice asked quietly.

Buffy stared at him incredulously for a few moments, not sure if she even
wanted to witness this little mood swing of his. “Why do you care?” she
asked quietly, not wanting to say anything to get her in trouble, but at the
same time, what could she say to him?

“My only daughter, and I can’t even stand the sight of you,” he said softly,
more to himself than to her. Buffy didn’t say anything- she already knew
this was true. “You already know I never wanted you,” he commented.

“Yeah,” Buffy replied in an indifferent tone.

“You’re a constant reminder of what could have been,” Hank continued in the
same soft voice. “Of the happiness I could have had with your mother if I
had stayed, but I didn’t want it. I wanted my freedom.”

‘Oh, you have got to be kidding me,’ Buffy thought, fighting not to roll her
eyes. ‘Alcohol makes some people crazy, some violent, and some tired, but
my father? It makes him sane.’

“You don’t want to live here, do you?” Hank asked, still not looking at her.

Buffy didn’t say anything, instinctively knowing that whatever response she
had could come back to haunt her.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” he asked, finally looking at her.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Buffy replied softly. “I told you, he was just
over here because of a school project.”

Hank stayed quiet, either not believing her or simply taking what she said
as the truth for a change.

After a few minutes, he stood on shaky legs and began walking toward her.
Stopping in front of his daughter, he stared at her for a long moment. “You
look like your mother,” he said in a voice that almost sounded depressed.

“Is that good or bad?” Buffy asked in an unreadable voice.

For a second, she could see the man that she knew as her father emerge from
his alcohol laden state, glaring at her. Buffy prepared herself for the
explosion and was surprised when he simply turned and walked out of her
room.

Buffy let out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding before walking
into her adjoining bathroom and turning on the faucet. A few minutes later,
as she was pulling her hair off her neck as she prepared to lower herself in
the tub, Buffy heard a humming sound coming from her bedroom. Frowning, she made her way back into her room and looked for the source. She noticed it
was her cell phone, quietly vibrating on the surface of her dresser.

Buffy picked up the phone and headed back into the bathroom, flipping it
open as she walked.

“Hello,” she said softly, stepping into the tub.

“Are you alright, luv?”

Buffy smiled at the concern in his voice. “I’m fine, Spike.”

“You sure, you’re not just saying that? He’s not there right now, is he?”

“No, Spike. I am most definitely alone,” she replied, immersing herself in
the steaming water as she leaned her head back, attempting to alleviate the
ever-present tension in her body.

“Where are you?”

“Taking a bath,” Buffy said, closing her eyes.

Spike had to suppress a groan as the image of her naked body entered his
mind.

“Spike? Are you okay?” she asked when he stayed quiet for a while.

“Uh…yeah…fine, Buffy. I’m just fine. So…when are we going to get to work
again?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Depends how long my dad’s mood holds out.”

“His mood?” Spike replied in a worried tone.

“Yeah, I came in tonight, and he was being all broody and reflective.”

“How long will that last?”

“I’m guessing until the effects of the scotch wear off,” Buffy replied.

“I’m worried about you, luv,” Spike said softly.

“Spike, you don’t even know me,” Buffy said in a gentle tone.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t be worried about you,” he responded, the tone of his
voice rising slightly.

“Are you saying you want to be best friends now?” Buffy asked with a smile
beginning on her lips.

“Is that all you want?” Spike asked in a rough whisper that sent chills up
and down Buffy’s spine. She stayed quiet for a moment, contemplating the
many different meanings of that simple phrase.

“It’s been a long day, Spike,” Buffy said, her own voice coming out in a
whisper. “Why don’t we save the decision making for another time, okay?”

“So that’s not what you want,” Spike said softly in a dismayed tone.

“That’s not what I said,” Buffy replied gently. “You’ve been amazing, I
just don’t want to have any more serious conversations for a while, if
that’s okay?”

“Okay, luv,” he said quietly. “What about Saturday? We still going, or do
you think your dad will object?”

“It should be fine. He’s usually out with his current flavor-of-the-week, so
I don’t think it will be a problem. That is, if you’re sure you want to go
with the new girl who you hate, as far as everyone else is concerned,” Buffy
said, smiling brightly.

Spike chuckled. “Yeah, I’m not sure if it will do wonders for my
reputation. Maybe we should just take a rain check…or better yet, call the
whole thing off,” he replied in a sarcastic voice.

“I figured you’d try and get out of it,” Buffy said with a smile. “I knew
you were just putting on a show for your parents' benefit.” Buffy giggled
when she heard him laughing on the other end of the phone.

“I better go, pet. I just wanted to check on you.”

“How’d you get this number anyway?” Buffy asked, suddenly realizing that
she never gave it to him.

“I’ll see you at school, Summers.”

“Spike, don’t you dare hang up! How did you-“

“I have many persuasive techniques, pet,” Spike replied, the smile obvious
in his voice.

“That’s not an answer,” Buffy said, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Well, that’s all you’re going to get tonight. Good night, luv,” he said
in low voice.

Buffy shivered at his tone. “Good night. And Spike?”

“Yeah, pet?”

“Thank you,” she whispered, bringing a smile to his face.

“You’re welcome, Buffy.”

Chapter 10


Buffy listened as her father walked out of the house on one of his many
dates. Saturday night was finally here, and Buffy was surprised how much
she’d been looking forward to it. Once the car had pulled down the long
driveway, Buffy made her way down the grand staircase.

“Oh, Buffy, you look beautiful.” Fred greeted her with a huge smile as she
saw Buffy approaching.

“Thanks,” Buffy said with a smile, nervously smoothing her black skirt. It
was longer than she usually wore, but it had two slits running along her
legs, compensating for the length. Her hair was loose and slightly curled,
and the golden highlights were set off by the shimmery silver shirt, she was
wearing.

Buffy worried her bottom lip as she paced the length of the house. She and
Spike hadn’t spoken that often, unless it was to discuss their English
project, and Buffy was worried that he was starting to regret asking her to
the party to begin with.

Looking in the mirror of the foyer for what felt like the thousandth time,
Buffy was about to head upstairs and change when she heard a knock at the
door. With a deep breath, she put a smile on her face and pulled it open.

Spike’s eyes lit up when he saw her, running the length of her body and
taking in every detail that he could commit to memory. “You ready to go,
luv?” he asked, offering his hand as she walked outside.

“Yeah,” Buffy said in what sounded like a shy voice. Taking his hand in
hers, she let him lead her to his car, surprised when he opened the door for
her. “Thanks,” she said, turning to give him a grateful smile.

“Not a problem, pet,” Spike replied with his own smile before shutting the
door and jogging around to his side of the car. “You ready for this?” he
asked, turning the key in the ignition as he looked over at her.

“Ready and willing,” she said, trying to sound more confident than she was
feeling. Spike wasn’t convinced.

“We don’t have to go, Buffy,” he said, his tone turning serious. “If you’d
rather not, I’ll understand.”

“No,” Buffy said quickly, her eyes getting wide as she shook her head. “I-I
mean…unless you don’t want to go, that is. It’s fine if you don’t.”

Spike smiled at her nervous tone. “Let’s have some fun, Buffy.”

Pulling up in front of the spacious house a few minutes later, Buffy took a
deep breath. “Spike?”

“Yeah, pet,” he responded distractedly, looking through his pockets and
around the car for his lost pack of cigarettes.

“Is this…I mean, are we…”

Spike looked up at her with a curious expression. “Are we what, luv?”

“It’s just…I was just wondering if this…if tonight was a date…or
something…you know, just forget I said anything.”

Spike stared straight ahead for a moment, not sure how to react. “Buffy,”
he said slowly, not wanting to blurt out the wrong thing for a change.
“Harmony just broke up with me, and I-“

“Say no more,” Buffy said with a generous smile and a wave of her hand as
she opened the car door. “I don’t know what I was talking about,” she
continued, hopping out of the car.

“Buffy, wait, luv, that’s not what I-“

Spike was cut off as the door closed on his reply. “Bollocks,” he muttered
with a sigh. “That’s not what I mean. I’ll straighten it out with her
later.”

* * * * *

Two hours later, Buffy was nowhere to be seen. She had disappeared about an
hour ago, and although Spike didn’t expect her to stay by his side all
night, he would have liked to know where she was. There were too many guys
milling around that would take advantage of a situation.

Scanning the area, Spike saw a blonde heading for him but groaned when he
realized it wasn’t the right one.

“Blondie Bear,” Harmony sing-songed as she danced up to him, a slight slur
in her words. “What’s my wittle Spikey up to tonight?” she asked in a baby
voice, wrapping her arms around Spike’s neck.

“Same thing as you, Harm,” he replied, trying to discreetly extract himself
from her grip. “You can go now.”

“Now, that wouldn’t be any fun, would it?” Harmony replied with a pout. The
same pout that she knew Spike could never resist. “I plan on staying here
until you’re in a much better mood, Spikeykins.”

Spike was shocked, although he wasn’t sure why, when he felt Harmony’s lips
on his. Making an effort to push her away at first, she simply dug her
claws into his back, pulling him closer to her as one hand came up to grip
his head.

* * * * *

Buffy wandered around the party, woozy from having too much to
drink. Stopping at the stairwell, she gripped the banister, trying to will
the room to stop spinning.

“Hi.”

Buffy turned at the unfamiliar voice, having to blink hard to focus on who
was talking to her.

“I’m Parker Abrams,” said a smiling brunette. “I don’t think we’ve been
introduced yet.”

“B-Buffy,” she mumbled, not even sure if that was her name at this point.
All she wanted to do was leave…or sit down.

Parker smiled, recognizing a trashed girl when he saw one. “So…would you
want to go upstairs and lie down for a bit?” he asked, putting on his most
concerned face.

“Yeah,” Buffy said softly, swallowing hard as she tried to focus on any
unmoving target in the room. She was surprised when she felt Parker’s hands
go around her waist, pulling her closer to him, and his lips were suddenly on
hers. After a minute of very sloppy kissing from Parker’s side, Buffy
succeeded in pushing him away.

“Come on, baby, you know you want it.”

“Does that line ever work?” she asked, proud of herself for sounding more
coherent than her foggy brain wanted her to.

“I’ve never had any complaints,” Parker said with a cocky smile. “Let’s
just go upstairs and relax a little, okay, honey?”

Buffy was about to shake her head when a flash of blonde caught her eye.
She could almost feel herself sober up as she watched Spike kissing Harmony.

‘He doesn’t owe you anything, Buffy,’ she reminded herself. ‘He was just
being nice by bringing you here tonight. It’s not like you’re together.’

Turning away from the sickening sight, Buffy began climbing the stairs, not
knowing that Parker was right behind her.

“Buffy!”

Buffy frowned at the familiar voice, turning when she was halfway up the
staircase. She watched in confusion as Spike jogged up to meet her. “What
are you doing?” he asked her, shooting a look Parker’s way.

“Why do you care?” Buffy retorted with far more malice in her voice than
she had intended.

“Come on, I’m taking you home,” Spike said, taking her elbow.

Buffy roughly pulled herself away, nearly falling from the momentum.
Gripping the banister, she stared at Spike. “Don’t you have a little floozy
to tend to?” she asked angrily.

Spike’s jaw ticked as he stared at the infuriating blonde. He didn’t
particularly care for Harmony anymore, but he did date the chit for most of
the school year and felt the need to defend her. He decided to keep his
mouth shut this time.

“I brought you here, Buffy,” Spike replied in a low tone. “I’m taking you
home now.”

“No,” Buffy said, crossing her arms, which was a complicated process for
her in itself, and staring back at him.

Spike glanced around and noticed most of the partygoers had stopped to watch
the display on the stairs. “Stop acting like a spoiled brat and come on,”
he practically growled.

“Go back to your tramp, Spike. I’m fine.”

“Don’t say that,” he replied with a warning tingeing his voice.

“Don’t say what? That you’ve been dating a whore? It’s practically common
knowledge, Spike.” Somewhere in her alcohol-laden brain, Buffy knew that
she had gone too far, but there was no taking it back now.

“You want to know common knowledge?” Spike asked, taking a menacing step
toward her. “How about the fact that you’ve slept with practically every
guy in Los Angeles and had to move down the coast to get away from your
reputation? That little bit of news arrived long before you did.”

Buffy fought the urge to slap him with everything she had. Her eyes
shimmering with tears, Buffy took a deep breath. “Well…if the shoe
fits…come on, Parker,” she said, grabbing the other boy by the hand and
leading him up the stairs.

Spike watched her go in shock. He stood there for several long moments as
she disappeared around the corner with Parker in tow. Swallowing the
sensations of jealousy and sickness that were creeping through him, Spike
began walking up the stairs a few minutes later with one thought in mind- he
had to get to Buffy.

* * * * *

Buffy pulled Parker down the hall with her. Suddenly remembering that he
was with her, Buffy’s eyes widened. She looked around the unfamiliar hall
and saw a smaller staircase that probably led to the back of the house. Her
only thought was going home…but now she had to deal with Parker.

Turning around, she roughly pushed him into a bedroom. “I’ll be right in,”
she said with a sweet smile as she closed the door in his face.

Buffy quickly turned and ran as fast as she could down the back stairs, sure
that she was going to lose her balance and break half the bones in her body.
She breathed a sigh of relief as her feet met the hard tile of the kitchen
floor. Looking around, Buffy spotted the backdoor and let herself outside.
She had no idea who Parker was or how he would react to being ditched, but
she didn’t want to risk him coming after her.

As she was met with the cool night air, Buffy let the tears fall as Spike’s
hurtful words filled her head again. Moving as fast as she could, Buffy
gasped as she crashed into someone, feeling strong hands grab her shoulders
and steady her.

“Whoa, are you okay?”

Buffy looked up and saw a pair of warm brown eyes.

“Buffy?” she heard a small voice ask as the man let her go. “It is Buffy,
right?”

She turned and nodded at the petite blonde that stood next to the man.
“Yeah,” she said softly, trying to control her crying.

“I thought so. I’m Darla, and this is Angel,” she said. “Are you okay?”

Buffy shook her head as the tears began falling again. “I need to go home,”
she whispered.

“We can take you,” Darla said with a nod as she gently wrapped her arms
around Buffy’s shoulders, leading her to a car parked further away.

“Thank you,” Buffy whispered.

“Wasn’t Spike bringing you tonight?” Angel asked as he walked next to his
girlfriend.

Buffy felt the lump in her throat as she nodded. “Please don’t tell him
about this,” she said softly. “Please.”

“Won’t he be worried about you?” Darla asked.

“No,” Buffy said, shaking her head. “He really won’t.”

Chapter 11


Spike slammed the door of his house long after he should have been home.
Jenny sat up, pretending to read a book, and breathed a sigh of relief as she
looked at her son. “You could have called,” she said softly as he entered
the living room.

“Sorry, Mum,” he mumbled.

Jenny raised her eyes to her son and noticed his rigid stance and clenched
jaw. “What happened?” she asked with empathy. “Did you and Buffy not have
a good time?”

“I’m sure Buffy did,” he mumbled, scuffing his shoe into the carpet.

“What does that mean?”

“It means I acted like a ponce, and she got mad. I never saw her again.”

“How did she get home?” Jenny asked worriedly.

“I don’t know,” Spike said quietly. “I’ve been driving around, making sure
she wasn’t walking, but I never found her.”

“William-“

“Mum, you don’t have to say it,” Spike interrupted. “I don’t think before I
act, I need to apologize, and I should make it up to her.”

“I was actually going to say you should probably call and make sure she got
home okay,” Jenny replied.

“She’s not answering her cell,” Spike said softly. “I didn’t want to try
her house and get her in trouble with…”

“I’ll call her house,” Jenny offered. “If Hank answers, I’ll just make
something up.”

Spike’s eyes shot up to meet his mother's. “You know,” he said quietly.

“Yes,” Jenny replied softly. “I know.”

“How?”

“I’m a mother, William. I just had to look close enough.”

Spike had to smile at his mother’s explanation as she picked up the phone.
Spike quickly gave her the number before he began pacing the length of the
living room.

“Hello, this is Jennifer Giles, may I speak to Buffy, please?”

“Oh, she can’t? No, no, that’s okay, don’t tell her I called. Thank you.”

Spike felt like he was going to explode as he waited for his mother to hang
up the phone. “Well?”

“She’s home, William,” Jenny replied.

“But she didn’t want to talk?”

“No. Whoever answered, it was a woman, said that Buffy came in and went
right to bed. She didn’t want to talk at all tonight. What happened,
William?”

Spike clenched his jaw. “Believe me, Mum, it’s better if you don’t know.”

“Nothing bad happened, did it?” Jenny asked worriedly.

“Not that I know of,” Spike said softly as he turned and began walking up
the stairs.

Wandering into his bedroom, he shut the door, having to fight every instinct
he had to destroy his room. His ‘Spike’ side that he had established since
high school wanted to throw anything he could get his hands on. His
‘William’ side, which Spike considered his poncey side the majority of the
time, wanted to let a few tears fall that something he had said made Buffy
have sex with someone. Someone that she may or may not have wanted to sleep with to begin with.

Reigning in all of his emotions, Spike took a deep breath and closed his
eyes. His thoughts seemed to be flying in a million different directions.
He would definitely not be getting any sleep tonight.

* * * * *

Buffy hurried toward the Sunnydale High campus, hoping that she would make
it before the first bell rang. Breathing a sigh of relief when she saw
students still wandering around outside the building, she slowed down.

“Buffy!”

Buffy smiled when she saw Willow jogging toward her. The smile immediately
faded when she saw the worried expression on her friend’s face.

“Wills, what’s wrong?”

Willow didn’t answer as she grabbed Buffy’s arm and led her off to a more
secluded area. “Buffy,” she said, turning to face her friend. “There’s
something that’s going around school…”

“Willow, talk to me,” Buffy said, getting worried.

“People are saying…everyone’s saying that you slept with Parker,” Willow
said with a slight blush beginning to color her cheeks.

Buffy sighed. She should have known this would happen. In her haste to
make a stupid point to one person, she had inadvertently led the entire
senior class into believing that she and Parker had sex.

“Who told you?” Buffy asked, not even sure if she wanted to know the answer.

“Well…Xander, but Parker told him.”

This got Buffy’s attention. Her eyes snapped up to her friend's as she
stared in disbelief.

“Buffy, I didn’t believe it,” Willow said in a rush. “I mean, you would
never…you and Parker…well he…I mean if you did, that would be okay. I am
your friend after all, and if you wanted to…you know, with Parker, I would
still-“

“Willow! Calm down,” Buffy said with a smile at her friend’s rambling. “I
didn’t sleep with Parker.”

“Oh good,” Willow said in relief. “I mean-“

“Willow, it’s okay,” Buffy replied with a smile. “No Parker thoughts were
going through my head. I promise, but I need to go now.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Nothing much. I just need to go kill a doe-eyed pig who’s been spreading
lies about me,” Buffy said with a sweet smile.

Buffy searched where she could before the bell rang. When the students
began rushing to class, Buffy sighed. She would have to find (and torture)
Parker later. Right now, she still had to get to her locker.

The halls were empty as Buffy threw her backpack into her locker. She felt
a chill creep up her spine but ignored it.

“Hey, baby.”

Buffy tensed at the whispered words, cringing when she felt the breath on
the back of her neck. Turning around, she glared at Parker. “You bastard,”
she hissed in a low voice. “You’ve been spreading lies about me, as if I
would ever sleep with you to begin with.”

“Come on now, Buffy,” Parker said in what was supposed to be a seductive
tone as he played with the thin strap of her tank top. “You didn’t feel
that way the other night.” Buffy shied away from him as much as she could,
being backed up against a wall of lockers.

“Get a clue, Parker,” Buffy said, her anger erupting as she glared at him.
“You couldn’t even get me to have sex with you when I was drunk.”

Buffy jumped as Parker’s fist impacted the locker next to her head. “Let’s
change things then, shall we, Buffy?” he asked in a menacing tone as he
grabbed her arm.

Buffy struggled against him as he pulled her around a corner and out one of
the doors. “Let me go,” she cried as she tried to pull herself from his
grasp as he shoved her against the wall.

“Just a little kiss, Buff,” Parker said with a threatening smile.

“No,” Buffy said through clenched teeth. “Now let me go!”

“I believe the lady doesn’t want you here, Abrams.”

Buffy had never been so thankful to hear that voice.

“Stay out of this, Giles,” Parker said, turning to face Spike, who was
casually walking toward the two people.

“Get away from her, Parker,” Spike replied in a menacing tone.

Parker seemed to realize he would be better off backing down. “She’s not
even worth it,” he said as he passed Spike, never seeing the knee that
connected with his stomach. Spike opened the door to the school, shoving
Parker’s hunched figure through it before slamming it shut.

Buffy breathed a sigh of relief, leaning her head back against the hard
bricks, letting her body relax.

“I hope he was worth the harassment, Summers,” Spike said in a clipped tone
as he pulled out a cigarette. “You better be glad I needed the smoke.”

Buffy swallowed every smart remark she had for him. She was grateful that
he was there, even if he was acting so smug about it. “Spike, I…thank you,”
Buffy said softly.

Spike looked up, meeting her eyes with his. “Well?”

“Well…what?” Buffy asked.

“Was he worth it?”

Buffy looked down at the ground, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.
She had brought this on herself. “I didn’t sleep with him,” she said
softly.

Spike froze for a brief moment before advancing on her. Buffy felt her
breathing become labored as she once again found herself against the wall.
Except this time, she didn’t feel threatened.

“Why?” Spike asked softly, throwing his cigarette to the ground.

“Because I just wanted to make you mad,” Buffy said quietly, avoiding his
eyes.

“It worked,” Spike said softly as Buffy looked up at him.

“It did?”

“It made me mad,” Spike replied, lightly tracing his finger over her
collarbone to her shoulder and back again. “Furious actually…and
annoyed…frustrated…jealous.”

“Jealous?” Buffy asked, uncertainty mixing with her words.

“Insanely,” he whispered, his lips getting closer to hers as her breath
quickened. Spike could feel his pulse racing as their lips met.

Buffy’s hands wrapped around his neck, threading through his soft hair, as
she felt Spike’s arms go around her waist, pulling her closer to him, his
tongue gently tracing her soft lips. Buffy moaned as she opened her mouth,
letting Spike’s tongue slowly stroke against hers. She could feel the
evidence of his arousal as he pushed her into the wall, carefully
positioning his hands so the bricks wouldn’t hurt her. Buffy clutched at
him, her breath coming out in short gasps as they broke away. Spike
breathed heavily, his forehead pressed against hers, as he stared into her
eyes for a long minute.

Slowly backing away, Buffy closed her eyes and turned away as his words from
the other night came back to her.

“I think this changes things, luv,” Spike said softly.

“Why?” Buffy said, turning to face him. “I’m just the town slut, remember?”

Spike watched with a dismayed expression as she walked back into the school.
Clenching his jaw so tight, he thought it might break, Spike threw his
fist into the solid wall, feeling only mildly satisfied at the pain that
flooded through his arm. He knew he deserved it.

Chapter 12 - Apology


Spike couldn’t find Buffy the rest of the day. He only had one class with
her, English, at the end of the day. She hadn’t been to lunch, and he never
saw her walking with her friends.

Spike looked through the crowded halls, beginning to get worried when he
didn’t see her at her locker.

“If that pillock did something to her, I’ll…”

Spike trailed off with a sigh when he heard the bell ringing, turning to
walk to his last class. He froze as he stood in the doorway. Buffy was
already sitting in her seat and had, apparently, been there for a while.
Spike saw Willow on one side and an empty seat on the other. He took a deep
breath before heading her way.

Buffy looked up as the screeching of a chair being pulled back alerted her
to someone. A backpack was tossed down next to her, and as she turned, she had to fight the groan that threatened to come out. She settled on a heavy sigh before turning and focusing her attention on the teacher.

“I’ve been looking for you,” Spike whispered.

Buffy fought the shiver that raced up her spine as she felt his breath on
her ear. She tightened her lips and continued staring straight ahead as
Spike reached for her notebook and pen. Opening it up to a blank page, he
quickly wrote something down and slid it back to her.

Against her better judgment, Buffy looked at the note:

‘I’m Sorry’

She blinked away the tears in her eyes as she looked away. She knew that
she was being petty and selfish, but she couldn’t control her feelings any
more than she could control what Spike said to her the other night.

* * * * *

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Buffy hurriedly gathered her
books together, eager to get out of the close proximity of the man who
awakened so many emotions in her.

Unfortunately, Spike was too fast for her. As Buffy reached for her
backpack, her hand was met with nothing but air. She looked down in
confusion before letting her eyes travel upward. Spike stood above her,
holding her bag in one hand as he made eye contact with her.

“Thanks,” Buffy said softly, reaching for it.

“I’ve got it, pet.”

“No, that’s really okay,” Buffy said, trying not to look into his eyes. She
felt like he could look right through her when she stared at him. He
probably could.

“I said, I’ve got it,” Spike repeated as he held her bag out of reach.
“Lead the way.”

Buffy sighed before turning and walking out of the classroom. She didn’t
need to stop by her locker, so she walked through the closest exit doors,
not really caring if Spike was behind her.

“Let me give you a ride home, luv,” Spike said, gesturing to his car that
was parked a few feet away.

“I can walk,” Buffy mumbled.

“Don’t act like the spoiled little rich girl- it doesn’t suit you. Just let
me take you home.”

"I thought it did suit me,” Buffy replied, looking into his eyes and
realizing her mistake as they seemed to read every thought she had.

“I was wrong,” Spike said softly, stopping next to his car and grabbing her
arm in a gentle grip to stop her. “I shouldn’t have said it. I shouldn’t
have said a lot of things, but I open my mouth and they just come out.”

Buffy looked down at the ground, swallowing hard as she felt her emotions
rise to the surface.

Spike gently ran his hand along her cheek to come to rest on the back of her
neck, his fingers threading through her hair. “Forgive me, luv,” he
whispered. “I never meant to hurt you.”

Buffy felt tears spring to her eyes as Spike slowly lowered his head, his
lips barely brushing against hers.

“Please,” he whispered softly against her lips.

Buffy didn’t answer as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pushing her
lips against his, enjoying the opportunity to not think before she acted. Spike dropped everything he was holding as his arms went to encircle her waist, needing to feel as close to her as possible.

The kiss was passionate and consuming. Buffy felt herself clutching at
Spike’s shoulders as she fought to remain upright. Spike gently pushed her
against the car as his hands trailed over the slight curve in her hips.

Breaking away, Buffy gasped as his lips found their way down her neck,
softly nibbling on the tender flesh that was exposed.

“Spike,” she whispered breathlessly. “We can’t…we’re…we can’t do this
here.”

“I think we are,” he said in a husky whisper as his lips met hers again.
Buffy moaned as his tongue caressed hers, sweeping lightly against her lips
as she pushed herself against him.

After several long moments, Spike stepped away, breathless, and looked
into her eyes. Gently pushing her hair off her shoulder, Spike gave her a
gentle smile. “I want to be with you, Buffy,” he said softly.

Buffy’s eyes widened. “Spike, I-“

“No, not like that,” Spike said, shaking his head. “Well…yes, like that,”
he added as an afterthought. “But what I meant was…”

Buffy smiled at his nervousness. “You want to go out on a date?” she asked softly,
causing Spike to look into her eyes.

He stared at her for a moment before the smile spread to his lips. “God, yes. If you do.”

“Of course I want to, silly,” Buffy said with a giggle, causing Spike to
claim her lips again.

“Let me take you home, luv,” Spike whispered a moment later.

Buffy nodded as Spike opened the door for her.

* * * * *

Spike walked Buffy up the steps in front of her house. He didn’t want to
say good-bye to her, but he knew it wouldn’t help if her father was to come
home and find him in the house again (and this time, not working on a school
assignment).

“What about tomorrow night?” he asked, holding her hand as she turned to
look up at him.

“For what?” she asked curiously.

“Our date.”

Buffy smiled, liking the sound of that. “Sounds good,” she said softly as
Spike leaned forward to leave a tender kiss on her lips.

“You’re sure it will be okay?” he asked, pulling away after a moment as he
looked over her shoulder at the imposing house.

“It’ll be fine,” she replied with a nod, smiling as Spike gently squeezed
her hand in his.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven,” he whispered with a slight smile,
leaning forward to gently brush his lips against hers again. Slowly, he
pulled away, giving Buffy a long look before turning and walking to his car.

Buffy smiled and waved as he pulled out of the driveway. For the first time
in months, she felt happy. She just hoped it would last.

Chapter 13 - Feelings


“Spike…” Buffy giggled as his lips attacked her neck. “I thought you came
over to study.”

“Me, too,” he murmured, letting his hands trail up her body as his mouth
continued its assault. “I just can’t help myself.”

Buffy finally relented, laying back on her bed as his hands massaged her
lower back. The two had been dating for over a month, and every time they
got a moment alone, this was the end result. Not that Buffy was
complaining, but it was becoming more and more obvious that they might fail
their English project.

“Spike,” she whispered, her voice taking on a needy quality as her hands
threaded through his hair.

Spike pulled back, looking at her for a moment, before sealing his lips to
hers in a tender kiss.

The past two weeks, Buffy’s father had gone out of town on business, and
Spike was relieved that they didn’t have to worry about him. Now, as he lay
on top of his girlfriend, he felt his hips lightly rotate against hers,
almost testing her reaction. Spike’s eyes rolled back when her body arched
against his, making him grow almost painfully hard with her movement.

“Spike,” she whispered as he pulled back to look into her emerald eyes. He
frowned when he saw her worrying her bottom lip with her teeth.

“What is it, luv?” he whispered as he tenderly brushed the hair away from
her face.

“Can we…go farther?” she asked in a timid voice, averting her eyes.

Spike swallowed hard as his eyes widened, not sure if he heard the right
request. “Buffy…are you sure?”

“I am,” she whispered, raising her eyes to his as she nodded.

Spike watched as she gently pushed against his chest so she could sit up
before removing her shirt completely. He felt his mouth go dry at the
golden skin that was exposed, reaching out to lightly run a hand over her
bare shoulder and down her arm.

Any words that he might have articulated were silenced as Buffy’s lips slid
across his. Buffy moaned as Spike’s fingers interlaced through her hair,
pulling her even closer to him as the kiss deepened.

After a few minutes, Buffy broke away from him breathlessly as she flipped
them over, straddling his waist. Spike looked up at her, giving her a soft
smile as she slowly leaned forward, unhurriedly touching her lips to his.
Her tongue gently brushed his bottom lip, asking for entrance, as Spike felt
his eyes roll back at her tenderness.

His mouth opened for her as his hands gripped her hips, trying to control
his emotions as she lightly pushed against him. Buffy gasped when she felt
them rolling over once again before moaning as his hand traveled up her
stomach to graze the tender skin underneath her bra. Buffy squirmed around
underneath him for a moment as she released the clasp on her bra, letting
it fall to the floor.

Spike felt his breath catch as he stared at her exposed breasts, gently
running his hand along the side of one before letting his thumb lightly
tease one nipple. Buffy tried to keep her breathing as steady as possible
as they looked into each other’s eyes.

“Are you sure?” Spike asked again, his hands traveling lower until they rested on
the waistband of her pants. Buffy didn’t answer as she pulled him into
another kiss. As the kiss intensified, she could feel his hands moving,
slowly stripping her of her clothes before sitting up and practically
ripping off his shirt. She watched nervously as he looked back at her
before unhurriedly sliding his jeans down his legs. Buffy could barely
comprehend that he wasn’t wearing anything under his jeans as she looked at
his hardened length, her eyes widening at the size.

Buffy felt her face flush as he crawled up the length of her body before
she was lying beneath him, completely naked. Spike smiled at the delicate
blush as he ran his hands over her skin, putting her at ease. His lips met
hers in another kiss as one of his hands lightly palmed her breast.

“Wait,” Buffy said breathlessly, smiling when Spike immediately jumped away
from her as if he’d been burned. “Not that kind of ‘wait’,” Buffy said,
rolling over slightly to rummage through her nightstand, extracting a condom
a moment later.

Spike took it from her with a raised eyebrow as he looked from it to her.
“Buffy…didn’t I see some birth control pills in your bathroom?”

“Yes,” Buffy said quietly as she watched him. “This is for you, because…I
thought you might be more comfortable if you had…”

“So, this is for my benefit?” he asked skeptically as Buffy nodded.

“I thought…”

“Answer me,” he said gently.

“Yes.”

“Let’s get one thing straight, luv. You trust me, right?”

“Of course,” Buffy replied, her eyes widening.

“You know I got tested to make sure you stay safe whenever we decided to do
this?”

“You’re kinda killin’ the mood, Spike.”

“Answer the question.”

“I know you would never put me in danger.”

“And you feel the same way?”

“What?” Buffy asked, her mouth hanging open slightly. “Spike, I would never
hurt-“

She was immediately silenced as his lips fused with hers before
breathlessly pulling away, tossing the condom over his shoulder. “That’s
all I wanted to hear,” he said with a smile as she playfully smacked his
chest.

The mood immediately turned serious as his hand dipped between her thighs,
slowly inserting a finger into her body as her eyes fluttered shut and her
breathing became more labored.

Buffy felt her heartbeat skyrocket as he moved on top of her to settle in
between her legs. “I want to feel you,” he murmured softly, brushing his
lips against her collarbone as his shaft teased her entrance. Pulling back
to look into her eyes, he brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “I want to feel all of you…nothing between us.”

He entered her with an agonizingly slow pace, gently thrusting in and out
of her, getting deeper until he froze completely.

“Buffy?”

Spike stared at her in shock, his mouth slightly open, his eyes wide.

“I didn’t know if I should tell you,” Buffy whispered quietly, burying her
face in his shoulder.

Spike swallowed nervously. She was a virgin. He breathed heavily as he
pulled back to give her a soft kiss. “You still want to do this?”

Buffy nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. “If you still want me.”

“I always want you,” he said in a husky whisper. “It’s going to hurt for a
minute, baby.”

Buffy’s eyes squeezed shut at he tore through her barrier, her nails digging
into his back. She stifled a sob as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Spike stilled his movements as he tried to comfort her. “It’s over,” he
whispered, kissing her tears away, trying to fight his own emotions for
making her cry. “I’ll never hurt you again, baby, I promise.”

Slowly, her muscles began to relax around him as her hands released their
hold. “It’s better,” she whispered before arching her hips against his.

Spike closed his eyes before moving slowly, sheathing himself fully inside
her and gradually pulling out with long, sure strokes.

They moved together as if they were made for each other. Spike brought her
to her orgasm gradually as Buffy threw her head back as she cried out in
pleasure. Spike followed soon after, gasping her name as he pulsed deep
inside of her.

Minutes later she was laying in his arms as Spike gently traced his
fingertips along her arm. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he whispered.

“I didn’t think you’d believe me,” she whispered, averting her eyes. “You
were so sure that you knew who I was, and…”

Spike closed his eyes in shame as he pulled her as close to him as possible.
“I’m sorry,” he said softly, burying his face in her silky hair. “Will
you tell me now?”

Buffy took a deep breath. “I was dating a guy named Scott in L.A. We were
never really serious, but he always tried to push me to go farther than I
wanted to.” Buffy felt Spike’s arms tighten around her in a rigid hold.
“When I finally broke up with him, he got mad because I never…anyway, he
knew who my dad was, so he called him ‘anonymously’, telling him that his
only child was sleeping with anyone who would have her. And, as you said, the story made it here before I did.”

“So that’s where the hatred with you and your dad comes from?”

“No,” Buffy replied. “That’s where the name-calling comes from. We’ve
always hated each other.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered again.

“Hey, I’m starving,” Buffy said, changing the subject as she sat up. “What
do you say we head out for pizza?”

Spike had to smile at her suddenly chipper attitude. “I’d have to say, that
sounds great,” he replied, pulling her to him for a gentle kiss.

Chapter 14 – Rescue


Buffy held onto Spike as he walked her to her front door later that night.
She smiled as he pulled her into his arms, leaving a soft kiss on her
forehead.

“You’re amazing,” Spike whispered.

Buffy blushed, her smile fading as she looked over his shoulder.

“What’s wrong, luv?”

“I didn’t leave the lights on.”

“Maybe Fred or Gunn decided to stop by and check on you.”

“It’s their night off, Spike. They would call, not come over.” Spike
could feel the tension in her body as she stared at the front door. “He’s
back early.”

“You don’t know that,” Spike whispered, running his hands up and down her
arms, trying to put her at ease.

“Yes, I do,” Buffy replied, clutching at Spike. “I don’t want to go in
there.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

Buffy saw the light in her father’s office switch on and felt her body go
rigid before turning to face Spike. “I don’t want to go,” she whispered as
tears began streaming down her face. “I want things to stay the way they
are. I want to be happy…I don’t want to be here,” she cried as Spike pulled
her against his chest, feeling tears fall from his own eyes as she buried her
face against him, sobbing.

“I don’t want you to go either, luv,” he said in a choked whisper, not
willing to let her go.

The minutes seemed to fly by as Buffy slowly pulled away from Spike, wiping
her eyes as she turned to the door.

“Buffy,” he whispered. “You don’t have to go in there now.”

“I know,” she said, trying to be brave. “But the sooner I go in, the faster
it will be over.”

“I want you to call me later,” he said, tucking her hair behind her ears as
he held onto her.

“I will,” she promised, pulling him down for a long, tender kiss as she tried to control her tears. Stepping
away much too soon for either of them, Buffy managed to hold back the next flow of tears as she looked into
his bright eyes. “Tonight was the best night of my life,” she whispered
with a watery smile.

“Mine, too,” Spike replied, trying his hardest to smile against his tears.

* * * * *

Spike sat next to the phone for nearly two hours, waiting for Buffy’s call,
lunging for it when it finally rang.

“Spike?”

“It’s me, luv. What’s wrong?”

“I-I need to…”

“What? Buffy, talk to me.”

“I had to call…I can’t see you anymore.”

Spike felt as if his heart was about to stop. “Buffy-“

“I need to go.”

“Buffy, are you okay?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Is he there?”

“Yes.”

Spike held the phone away from his ear as the dial tone signaled that she’d
hung up.

”Damn it!” he cried, resisting the urge to throw the phone. “DAD! MUM!”

Jenny and Giles ran into the living room, both looking panicked at their
son’s outburst.

“What’s wrong?” Jenny asked, running over to Spike.

“It’s Buffy. Her dad came home tonight, and I think something’s wrong.”

“Like what?” Jenny asked worriedly.

“She said she couldn’t see me anymore.”

“Son,” Giles spoke up. “Are you sure she just-“

“Don’t even say it,” Spike interrupted. “She said she didn’t want to go in
that house when I dropped her off. She’s happy when she’s with me.”

“Rupert,” Jenny began. “We’ve talked about the possibility-“

“Say no more,” Giles said. “Jenny, stay here. Spike, come with me.”

“What possibility?” Spike asked as they practically bolted out the door.

“That Hank’s temper might get the best of him.”

“You know about Hank?”

“I knew his wife left him because he turned into an abusive bastard,” Giles
replied. “You’re mother and I have discussed the possibility that Buffy
might be in danger eventually.”

“And you didn’t think that maybe I should be included in any of these
conversations?” Spike asked angrily.

“As long as you were spending time with Buffy, giving her someone to listen
to or simply be with, we didn’t think it should be relevant. You were with
her when she needed someone. Your mother and I couldn’t do anything with our mere opinions.”

* * * * *

Five minutes later, Giles was coming to a screeching halt in front of the
Summers Mansion. Spike was out of the car before it stopped moving, running
up to the front door, and began incessantly knocking.

He glared when Hank opened the door. “Where is she?” he asked through
gritted teeth.

“I’m sorry,” Hank replied with false politeness. “She doesn’t want to see
you anymore.”

Spike’s hand shot out to block the door, seconds before Hank shut it in his
face. “I’m not leaving.”

“Then I’m calling the police to have you arrested for trespassing.”

“Yeah?” Spike asked with a smile, seconds before his fist connected with the
older man’s nose. “If I’m going to be arrested, it’s going to be for a
better charge than trespassing,” he replied, throwing another punch at his
stomach. “Like assault and battery.”

Spike raised his fist again and was surprised when it was caught in a strong
grip. Turning to face his father, he saw the look that he had only seen one
other time in his life. The look in his eye that he had a few years ago
when a co-worker turned stalker wouldn’t leave Jenny alone. Ripper.

“Spike, go check on Buffy. I’ll handle things down here.”

Spike wasn’t about to argue as he quickly made his way up the stairs,
practically running for Buffy’s bedroom. Opening the door, he scanned the
darkened area, finally seeing her curled up in her window seat, hugging her
knees to her chest. She didn’t see him as he slowly walked toward her.

Spike couldn’t tell anything was wrong as he looked at her. She was wearing
her favorite jeans and a dark green turtleneck sweater, but Spike knew she
wasn’t wearing that when he’d dropped her off a few hours ago.

Getting a few feet away, Spike stopped. “Buffy,” he whispered softly.

Her head snapped around to face him before she seemed to withdraw into
herself, cuddling her legs closer to her body. "You shouldn’t be here,
Spike,” she said hoarsely.

“I’m going to turn on a light, luv,” he said softly, reaching for the lamp
on her nightstand. The shadows seemed to diminish as the soft glow spread
through the room, bathing the young girl in a golden light. She was facing
the window again, and Spike could see her body shaking with the sobs that she was trying to
suppress.

“Look at me, Buffy,” he whispered, walking over to her. Crouching down at
her side, Spike reached up, slowly turning her head to face him. He felt
his jaw clench when he saw her split lip and swollen cheek. The cheekbone
already had a shade of purple spreading along her skin.

“You shouldn’t see me like this,” she whispered, fighting the tears in her
eyes. Spike didn’t say anything as he picked her up, only to turn and sit
down in the seat, letting her curl into him. “I tried to…I tried to get
away,” Buffy said softly as she clutched Spike’s strong shoulders.

Spike closed his eyes, feeling the anguish rip through to his soul as he
held her. “Are you hurt anywhere else?” Spike asked in a choked voice.

Buffy shook her head, trying to stop the flow of tears, hating herself for
being weak.

“You’re sure?”

Buffy sighed. “It’s just my shoulder,” she whispered. “I’ll be fine.”

“And he didn’t…”

Spike couldn’t even get himself to finish that sentence.

“No,” Buffy said softly.

Spike was about to reply when he heard a movement in the doorway. Both
turned to see Giles walking into the room. He seemed to pause when he saw
the tender display before his face hardened when he saw the damage
inflicted on his son’s girlfriend.

“Pack your things, Buffy,” Giles said. “We’re getting you out of here.”

Spike gave his father a grateful look as he glanced at Giles’ hands and
noticed his bruised knuckles. With a nod to his father, he turned to see the
shocked look on Buffy’s face.

“Wh-what’s going on?” she asked.

“You’re moving in with us,” Giles replied.

“But my father-“

“Is no longer a problem,” Giles said with a soft smile. “It seems he is
very agreeable to the fact.”

Buffy’s eyes widened as she turned to look at Spike.

“Go pack, Buffy. We’ll wait,” he said with a smile, kissing her temple
before she climbed out of his lap.

Spike smiled as Buffy walked over to Giles, throwing her arms around him.
“Thank you, so much,” she whispered, with tears evident in her voice.

Spike’s smile broadened at Giles’ flustered look. One second, Ripper would
be shining through, and the next, he was back to a bumbling librarian.

“Come on, luv,” Spike said, gently putting a hand on her back. “Let’s get
you out of here.”

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