Chapter 9

Riley’s parents were gone for the weekend, leaving a perfect opportunity to throw a party. Everyone was dancing and drinking when Conner and Jesse walked in. Jesse flitted about, going from girl to girl trying to start a conversation, but failing miserably. Conner looked at Jesse in amusement, holding back laughter as Jesse bounced up and down trying to dance. Conner looked around anxiously, looking for Dawn. They continued walking through the house. Jesse stopped next to a girl.

“Hey there, I’m thinking about getting a Tercel. That’s a Toyota.”

The girl looked at him rolling her eyes and walking away.

“Its got dual side airbags and a spacious backseat!” he yelled after her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy walked up the stairs to the second floor, with Spike following close behind. A drunken girl crashed into Spike, leaving him momentarily distracted. Buffy continued walking and went into another room.

‘Maybe he’ll stop following me.’ Buffy thought to herself. She cringed when she heard a voice behind her.

“Sweet.”

Angel circled her.

“Looking hot tonight, Buffy.”

Buffy rolled her eyes and stepped around him. Angel followed.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“Away.”, she told him.

“Your sister here?”

Buffy glared at him.

“Stay away from my sister.”

“Oh, I’ll stay away from your sister, but I can’t guarantee she’ll stay away from me”, he grinned.

Angel walked away leaving Buffy glaring after him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Everyone was gathered in the living room watching and cheering as Gunn and some other guy crashed through a window. Buffy made her way into the living room.

“Hey Buffy. Look who found me”, Angel grinned.

Buffy looked at Dawn as Angel led her away.

“Dawn, wait.”

“Please do not address me in public.” Dawn told her.

“No. There’s something I need to tell you.”

“I am busy enjoying my adolescence. Why don’t you go and do the same?” Dawn said as she stormed off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike watched as Buffy confronted Dawn. When Dawn walked away, Spike walked over. A boy walked by with a tray full of shots. Buffy grabbed one and drank it, making a face at the taste. Spike smirked.

“What’s this then? I’ve been looking all over for you, pet.”

Buffy coughed.

“Don’t call me that. I’m getting trashed, man. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do at these parties?”

Spike shrugged.

“I dunno. I say do what you want to do.”

Buffy shook her head.

“Funny. You’re the only one. Later.”

Buffy walked away, grabbing more shots as she headed up the stairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jesse bounced his way into the room. He went over to two girls who were dancing.

“Lord of the Dance!”

The two girls walked away. Jesse shook his head.

“Should’ve kept the tie.”

Conner walked up and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Hey. Have you seen her?”

Jesse stopped bouncing.

“Relax.”

“Relax? I’m fine.”

Jesse pointed at Dawn and Cordelia coming down the stairs.

“Follow the love.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Conner walked over to Dawn.

“Hey Dawn.”

Dawn looked up.

“Oh, hi Conner.”

Cordelia looked at Dawn curiously. Dawn stuttered. She grabbed Cordelia’s arm and pushed her towards Conner.

“So, Conner. Have you met Cordelia?”

Conner nodded.

“Uh, yeah. I think we have art together.”

Cordelia looked at him.

“Neat.”

Conner looked at Dawn.

“So, you, uh, look amazing.”

“And we all know I look amazing.” Angel walked up behind the girls.

The girls laughed. Angel turned to Dawn.

“Come on, Dawn. Everyone’s gathering in the living room.”

He pulled Dawn away. Dawn looked at Conner.

“I’ll see you around ok?”

They walked away, leaving behind a very disappointed Conner.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Angel and Dawn were walking through the house. Angel was going on and on about his modeling gigs. Dawn was bored out of her mind.

“And then I have this Sears catalog gig. Oh, and the tube sock gig is going to be huge. And I am up for a hemorrhoid cream next week. I know, it sounds kinda gross, but I get to do some acting.”

They walked over to a pyramid of beer cans. Angel set his down on top, doing a ridiculous pose. Dawn sat down in a chair.

“Hey, did you see that?” he asked Dawn.

Dawn looked up.

“Oh, uh, yeah.”

“That was for the underwear ad. I’ll show you the bathing suit one.”

He posed again.

“See the difference?”

Dawn looked at him, rolling her eyes and turned around. Angel shrugged and turned to a group of girls behind him.

“Fine. I’ll show you guys.”

Dawn grabbed Cordelia’s arm as she walked by.

“Does this party all of a sudden suck, or is it just me?”

Cordelia looked at her like she had grown another head.

“Um, no. What’s your problem?”

Spike was looking for Buffy. He stopped at a couple making out.

“Hey, have you seen Buffy?”

The boy looked up and shook his head. Spike sighed and continued looking. He found her downstairs getting another drink. She swayed, momentarily losing her balance and falling into Spike. He grabbed her and helped her regain her balance. Then he grabbed her drink.

“Hey, Buffy. Why don’t you let me have this one, alright?

Buffy snatched her glass back.

“No! This one’s mine!”

Buffy walked off. As Spike was getting ready to go after her, Angel stopped him.

“Hey man, how did you get her to do it?”

“Do what?” Spike asked, looking for Buffy.

“Act like a human.”

Spike was going to reply, but both guys looked over when everyone started cheering.

Buffy stood up on the dining room table and started to dance. Angel looked at Spike, then back at Buffy. He ran into the room, and Spike followed.

“See this?” Angel asked him, pointing to Buffy.

Buffy kept dancing, and Spike watched. As she dipped down, she came up too fast and hit her head on the chandelier and passed out. Spike caught her as she fell off the table. She woke up and looked at Spike.

“Are you ok?” he asked her, standing her on her feet.

“I’m fine.” she told him, falling again.

Spike shook his head and put his arm around her to support her.

“You’re not fine. Come on.”

He led her outside.

“I just need to lie down.”

“No, you don’t. You’ll just go to sleep.”

Buffy grinned.

“Sleep is good.”

“No, it’s not. Especially if you have a concussion.”

He sat her on a bench outside.

“Sit here. We need to talk.”

Conner walked up.

“Hey, can I see you for a second?”

“I’m a little busy right now.” Spike said pointing to Buffy, who was holding her head.

“Just a second, ok?”

“Fine.”, he told Conner.

They walked away and Spike looked at Conner.

“What?”

“Look, the whole thing is off, ok?”

“What are you talking about?” Spike asked him.

Conner sighed.

“She never wanted me. She wanted Angel the whole time.”

“Conner, do you like the girl?”

“Yeah.”

“And isn’t she worth all of this trouble?”

“I thought she was…”

“Either she is or she isn’t. See, first of all, Angel isn’t half the man you are. And second, don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want. Go for it.”

Spike turned to walk away, and Conner started chuckling. Spike looked at him.

“What?”

“When did you get so wise?” he asked him.

“Hey, I’ve always been wise.” Spike said looking hurt.

“Whatever, man. Uh, you might wanna-“

Conner pointed to Buffy, who was slowly falling over. Spike ran over and quickly stood her up.

“Come on, luv. Let get you away from here.”

Spike led Buffy over to a set of swings in the yard, and away from everyone else.

“This is so patronizing.”

Spike laughed.

“Leave it to you to use big words when you’re smashed.”

“Why are you doing this?” Buffy asked him.

“I told you, you might have a concussion.”

“Huh. You wouldn’t care if I ever woke up.”

“Yes I would. I wouldn’t have anyone to follow around all the time, now would I? Besides, then I would have to start taking out girls who actually like me.”

He sat Buffy down in a swing. Buffy looked at him and grinned.

“Like you could find a girl that likes you.”

Spike chuckled.

“See? That there. Who needs love and affection when I have blind hatred?”

Spike stood next to her as she sat there. Buffy lost her balance and fell backwards. Spike caught her and sat her up.

“Whoops.”, Buffy said, laughing.

Spike sat down in the swing next to Buffy.

“So, why did you let him get to you?”

“Who?” Buffy asked in confusion.

“Angel.”

“I hate him.”

“Well, you’ve chosen the perfect revenge- getting smashed.”

Buffy laughed.

“Well, you know what they say.”

“Yeah, what do they say?”

Spike looked over at Buffy, who had passed out again. He leaned over and grabbed her face.

“Buffy? Wake up, luv.”

Buffy opened her eyes and looked at him.

“Wow. You have really beautiful eyes.”

Spike chuckled. He leaned over a little more, getting ready to kiss her, when she shoved him out of the way and started to throw up.

He shook his head, sat down on the swing, and patted her on the back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cordelia looked at Dawn.

“I don’t know if we should go. I really don’t wanna leave.” Cordelia whined.

Dawn was going to reply when Angel walked up.

“Hey, a bunch of us are going over to Gunn’s beach house. You coming?”

Dawn looked at her watch.

“Um, I have to be home in twenty minutes.”

Cordelia looked at Angel.

“Well, I don’t have to be home until two.”

Angel nodded and looked at Dawn.

“One more chance.”

Dawn pretended to look upset.

“I can’t. Damn.”

Cordelia grinned.

“That’s a shame!”

“You wanna go?” Angel asked Cordelia.

“Sure.”

Angel put his arm around Cordelia and started to leave.

“Cordelia!”

Cordelia smirked at Dawn.

“Hey, you passed.”

They walked away leaving Dawn.

“Bitch.”

Conner walked by.

“Hey. Have fun tonight?”

“Tons.”, Dawn said sadly.

Conner kept walking.

“Hey, Conner?” Dawn yelled after him.

He stopped and turned around.

“Um, do you think you could give me a ride home?”

Chapter 11

Spike drove Buffy home. They were both silent, listening to the radio. Spike pulled up in front of Buffy’s house.

“So…” Spike said trying to break the silence.

“Uh, thanks for driving me home.” Buffy told him.

“No problem, luv. How are you feeling?”

“Tired. Sick. Tomorrow will be hell, with the hangover and all.” Buffy chuckled.

“Yeah, well, that tends to happen.” Spike laughed. “Buffy, I’ve been meaning to ask you, uh, would you like to go out with me sometime? To a movie or something?”

‘Oh my God! He’s asking me out!’ Buffy thought.

“Uh, yeah, I guess.” she answered nervously.

“So, what’s up with your dad? Is he a real pain in the ass?” Spike asked, changing the subject.

“Sometimes. I know he means well, but, he just wants me to be someone I’m not.”

“Yeah, who?”

“Dawn.”

“Oh, Dawn. Well, if it helps, I don’t really think she is as perfect as everyone thinks she is.”

Buffy looked at Spike and smiled.

“You know, you are not as horrible as I thought you were.”

Spike smiled and leaned towards Buffy. He leaned in to kiss her, and then remembered the reason why he was with her in the first place: money. He felt guilty, so he pulled away.

“Maybe we should do this another time.” he said, not daring to look at Buffy.

Buffy looked at him, tears coming to her eyes.

‘Not again. How could I be so stupid? Why did I think he would be different than the others?’ she thought, fighting the tears that threatened to spill.

Buffy opened the car door and got out, running into the house and slamming the door. Spike got out of Buffy’s car and got into his own.

‘Bloody hell. Good going dumbass.’ he thought.

On the way home, he was busy thinking of ways to make it up to Buffy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Conner drove Dawn home. He pulled up in front of the house.

“You never wanted to go horseback riding with me, did you?” Conner asked Dawn.

“Yes I did.” Dawn answered.

“No you didn’t.”

“Ok, not really.”

“Well, that’s all you had to say.” Conner told her. “Have you always been this selfish?”

Dawn looked guilty, and answered softly, “Yes.”

“Just because you’re beautiful doesn’t mean you can treat people like they don’t matter. I mean, I really liked you. I defended you when people called you conceited, I helped you when you asked me to, I learned French for you and then you just blow me off so you could just-“

Conner was cut off when Dawn reached for him and kissed him. When she pulled away, she looked at him shyly and smiled.

“I should go. Thanks for driving me home, Conner.”

Dawn got out of the car and walked up the sidewalk with a huge smile on her face.

Conner sat in the car, momentarily stunned. He blinked, and then slowly smiled.

“And I’m back in the game!” he yelled, driving off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy woke up the next morning, exhausted from crying herself to sleep. She heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Willow walked in.

“Hey Buffy. I came by to see how things went last night.” She looked at Buffy. “Wow. It must’ve been some party.”

“Oh god, Will. I got completely wasted last night.” Buffy told her.

“Buffy, why did you get drunk?” Willow asked, shaking her head.

“Angel.”

Willow nodded, somewhat understanding.

“Ok. So what did he do?”

“He keeps coming on to Dawn. She doesn’t need to mess with him. He’s bad news. And when I tried to tell Dawn about him, she just blew me off. Hence the tequila party.” Buffy told her, smiling sadly.

“I’m sorry, Buffy. Maybe you could try to talk to her later.”

Buffy nodded slowly. Willow looked at her curiously.

“Ok. What else happened?”

“What do you mean? I told you already.”

“I know, drunk because of Angel, blah, blah, blah. But something else is bothering you.”

Buffy sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to get out of this.

“Last night, Spike helped me walk to the car, and he drove me home. We talked for a few minutes, and we almost kissed, but he pulled away.” Buffy said quickly, a tear slipping from her eye. “You know, I thought he actually liked me. I guess I was wrong.”

“Buffy, maybe he was nervous. Or-or, maybe he wanted to take it slow. I’m sure there is a good excuse.”

“He better hope so.”, Buffy told her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was Monday. Buffy walked into English class, ignoring the taunts from the other students.

“Hey baby, why don’t you hop on this desk and give us another show.” Angel told her.

Buffy rolled her eyes and sat down. Giles walked in.

“Hello everyone. I trust you all had a good weekend.”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you ask Buffy?” Angel said, causing the class to snicker.

“Unless she kicked the crap out of your sorry butt, I don’t want to hear about it!” Giles told him. Angel’s smirk faded.

“Alright, turn to page 173 in your textbook, Sonnet 141. Everyone pay attention.

Giles stopped reading and looked at the class.

“Now, I want you to write your own version of the sonnet.”

Giles turned to write the assignment on the board. Buffy raised her hand.

“Yes, Ms.-I-have-an-opinion-about-everything.”

“Do you want this in iambic pentameter?”

Giles looked at her suspiciously.

“You’re not going to fight me on this?”

“No, I think it is a really good assignment.” she told him.

“You’re just messing with me, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m really looking forward to this assignment.”

“Get out of my class.”

“What?”

“Out. Get out. I will not tolerate sarcasm in my class. Go. See Ms. Addams. Go!” he told her, a bit flustered by the fact that she agreed with him.

Buffy shook her head. She gathered her things and walked out.

“Thanks, Mr. Giles.” Angel said.

“Shut up.”

Chapter 12

Conner was standing at Jesse’s locker talking to him. Jesse told a joke and Conner laughed. He looked up and saw Dawn walking down the hall. She smiled at him and kept walking.

“Did you see that?”

Jesse looked at Conner.

“See what?”

“She smiled at me! I mean, she actually smiled at me.” Conner said giddily.

Jesse chuckled.

“Yeah. Wow. Good for you. So anyway, the mouse said to the elephant-“

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Fred opened her locker. She was a huge Shakespeare fan, and had huge posters all over her locker. Jesse decided to take advantage of this, and tried to get some information on Buffy. He walked over.

“Hello. Wow, cool picture.” he said pointing to a poster.

Fred looked at him, not sure what to say. Jesse continued, quoting Shakespeare.

“’Courage to make love known.’” Fred finished, smiling.

“Macbeth, right?”

“Right.”, she answered, blushing.

Jesse nodded.

“So, I have this friend, and he likes your friend-“

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike, Conner, and Jesse sat on the bleachers in the gym watching Buffy practice. They watched as she viciously punched a dummy.

“What did you do to her?” Conner asked.

“I didn’t do anything. She would’ve been too drunk to remember, anyway.”

“But I thought the plan was working.”

Spike shrugged.

“What do you care? I thought you wanted out.”

“Yeah, well, I did. But that was until she kissed me.” Conner said smiling.

“Dawn kissed you?”

Conner nodded.

“Excuse me! Look out!”

They looked up and saw Jesse pushing his way through a crowd of basketball players. He made his way over and sat down.

“All right. I talked to Fred. I got the scoop.”

“And?” Spike asked.

“Well, she ‘hates him with the fire of a thousand suns’, and that’s a direct quote.”

“Thanks whelp. That’s very comforting of you.”

Jesse shrugged.

“Well, don’t worry. Maybe she needs a day to cool off.” Conner said.

They heard a loud crash and looked over. They watched as Buffy demolished a dummy.

“Better make that two.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy walked towards the quad where a couple of girls were taping up a Prom flyer. Buffy ripped it off the wall and threw it in a trashcan.

“Can you imagine? Who would want to go to that?”

The others looked at each other.

“Well, I would. But I don’t have a date.” Fred said.

“Me either. And it’s not like I have a dress anyway.” Willow added.

“But that’s not the point-“

“All right, all right. We won’t go.” Fred said, chuckling.

“But you guys are looking at this from the wrong perspective. We’re making a statement.”

“Oh yeah, something new and different for us.” Anya mocked.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Cordelia and Dawn were standing in the gym during P.E. Angel walked over to Dawn.

“Hey there.”

Dawn looked at him and pretended to be interested.

“Hey Angel.”

“I want to talk to you about Prom.”

“Look, Angel, you know the deal. I can’t go if Buffy doesn’t go.”

“Your sister is going.”

“Since when?”

“Let’s just say, I’m taking care of it.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Angel handed Spike two hundred dollars.

“Here. This should take care of the whole deal: tickets, tux, flowers, and dinner. Everything. Just make sure she gets to the Prom.”

Spike looked at the money for a second and gave it back to Angel.

“I’m not doing this anymore. I’m sick of it.”

Angel reached into his wallet.

“You sick of three hundred?”

Spike looked at him and sighed, snatching the bills out of Angel’s hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike followed Buffy through the bookstore, watching her through the stacks. He turned the corner and faced her.

“Excuse me. Have you seen The Feminine Mystique? I’ve lost my copy.”

“What are you doing here? Are you going to start following me again?” Buffy asked.

“Well, I heard there was a poetry reading.”

“You’re so-“

“Charming?”

“No, you’re-“

“Very manly?”

Buffy rolled her eyes and walked away. Spike followed.

“Wholesome?”

Buffy turned to him.

“How about unwelcome?”

Spike stepped closer to her and looked her in the eye.

“You’re not as mean as you think you are.”

“And you’re not as badass as you think you are.” Buffy retorted.

“Oooo, someone still has her knickers in a twist!”

“Don’t, even for one second, think you had any effect on my ‘knickers’”

Spike smirked.

“What did I have an effect on?”

“Other than the vomiting, nothing.”

Buffy shoved a book into Spike’s chest and left. Spike looked at the book she gave him: The Feminine Mystique.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike stood in the lunch line with Conner and Jesse.

You’re right. She’s still pissed.” he told Conner.

“Sweet love, renew thy force!” Jesse yelled.

Spike looked around to see if anyone heard Jesse, the turned to him.

“Hey! Don’t say shit like that to me! People can hear you.”

Spike turned and grabbed a plate of nachos.

“Look, you embarrassed the girl.” Conner told him. “Now you have to find a way to make it up to her. Sacrifice yourself on the alter of dignity and even the score!”

Spike shook his head and walked away. Jesse leaned over and whispered to Conner.

“Look, don’t say that shit to him! People can hear you.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike met up with Xander and Oz for practice.

“Hey. I’ve got a new song I want to sing tomorrow night.”

Oz nodded.

“Does this song happen to be for a certain someone you’ve been seeing a lot of lately?”

“Yeah, well, I made a fool of the girl, now I have to make it up to her.”

“Well, let’s hear it, then.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 13

Buffy picked up the phone after the fifth ring.

“Hello?” she said, annoyed.

“Buffy?”

“Oh, hi Willow.”

“Get dressed. We’re going to the Bronze. Anya and the rest of us will be at your house at 7.” Willow told her.

Buffy sighed.

“I don’t feel like going out tonight Will.”

“Buffy, you will get over Spike and come out and have fun with us.”

“But-“

Willow interrupted.

“What’d I say? You may not be able to see it, but I have my resolve face on. We’ll be there at 7. See ya then.”

Willow hung up before Buffy had a chance to protest.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy ran down the stairs when she heard Anya beep the horn. She grabbed her leather jacket, and put it on, completing her outfit: a hot pink lace-up top and leather skirt. She ran out to the car and climbed in. Willow turned around from the front seat and smiled.

“Hey Buffy. Ready to have some fun?”

Buffy smiled at Willow.

“Yep. Let’s go.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike put his guitar in Oz’s van and climbed in. Oz looked at him in the rearview mirror.

“You ok man?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

Truth be told, he was nervous about tonight’s gig. Tonight he was going to sing for Buffy. He was afraid of her reaction. Xander poked him, disrupting his thoughts.

“Don’t worry, Spike. She’ll love it.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“You are sure she’s coming, right?” Spike asked.

“Yeah. I asked Anya.” Xander told him.

“Willow said she was coming. She’ll be there.” Oz said.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Anya parked the car and the girls got out. They headed towards the entrance. Buffy laughed at something Anya said, but her smile quickly faded when she saw who was performing tonight.

Willow and Anya saw her hesitate. They grabbed Buffy’s arms and pulled her inside.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dingoes Ate My Baby were already set up and ready to go. They performed for the crowd. Spike scanned the crowd, looking for Buffy. He spotted her sitting at a table by herself.

Oz smiled when he saw Willow. Willow waved at him and smiled, and he nodded back. Xander watched Anya go over to Buffy and sit down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Hey Buffy.”

Buffy looked up at Anya.

“Hey.”

“Why aren’t you dancing? You should be out there with us.”

Buffy sighed.

“I don’t feel like dancing.”

“Buffy, we brought you here to have fun. Not mope over Spike. Now come on.”

She grabbed Buffy and pulled her over to the rest of the gang, who were out dancing. She joined the others, laughing at Anya’s comments about Xander, and soon she forgot all about her Spike problems.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The band finished the song. The girls walked over to their table and sat down. Willow looked at Anya and smiled. Anya looked at her, momentarily confused. Willow rolled her eyes and nodded toward the stage.

“Oh!” Anya yelled.

“What?” Buffy asked.

“Nothing.” Anya said, smiling sweetly.

Devon stepped away from the microphone and nodded at Spike. Spike took a deep breath and walked over.

“This is for a special girl I know.”

Buffy’s head snapped up.

‘He’s talking about me. Oh God, Oh God, Oh God.’, she thought.

She watched Spike as he started the song.

Chapter 14

Buffy watched as Spike started the song.

One day you shiver

Willow looked over at Buffy and saw her smiling. She leaned over towards Anya.

“See? I told you it’d work.”

Buffy listened to Spike with a smile on her face. She couldn’t believe he was singing for her.

‘Maybe I was wrong about him.’ she thought.

Spike looked at Buffy from the stage. He saw her watching him, smiling, and he grinned.

‘I think she likes it. I knew it’d work.’, he thought, and continued singing.

The song ended and the audience started clapping and yelling. The guys put their instruments down and walked off the stage.

“See? It worked.” Oz told him.

“And to think you were nervous.” Xander teased.

“I was not!” Spike said, trying to recover his dignity.

“Were too!” Xander argued.

“Was”- Spike started, but was interrupted by Oz.

“Shouldn’t you go talk to her?”

“Uh, yeah. I guess I should.”

Spike walked over to Buffy’s table. Buffy looked at him, not knowing what to say.

“So, luv, want to dance?” Spike asked just as a slow song started.

“Sure.”

Spike led Buffy out onto the dance floor and put his arms around her.

“So, Spike, I really liked your song.”

“You did? I knew you would.” he said.

“Humph.”

“Ok, I didn’t know if you’d like it. I was really nervous about it, actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. And if you tell anyone, I’ll get you.” he told her, chuckling.

Buffy giggled.

“Scared you’re Big Bad image will get destroyed?” she teased.

He didn’t answer, just watched her.

“What?” she asked.

“You look beautiful tonight.” he told her.

Buffy blushed and smiled.

“Did you really mean what you said in your song?” she asked nervously.

“Yeah. I like you.” he answered.

“Well, I like you too.”

The song ended and Spike let go of Buffy.

“Do you want me to walk you home?” he asked her.

“Sure. I’ll go get my things.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy walked over to the table. Willow was grinning at her and bouncing in her seat.

“So, what’d he say? What’d you say?”

“Calm down, Will.” she said, nonchalant.

She saw Willow bounce up and down again and giggled.

“He told me he liked Me.”, she said giddily.

Willow squealed.

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him I liked him too.

Willow squealed again.

“He’s going to walk me home. So, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Buffy told her.

“Ok. Call me then.”

Buffy went and told the others goodbye, and she left with Spike.

Chapter 15

Spike walked Buffy home. They were sitting on Buffy’s porch talking.

“Scott Hope’s testicle?” Spike asked.

Buffy grinned.

“True. But he deserved it.” Buffy said, chuckling.

“So, did you really eat a live duck once?” Buffy asked.

Spike laughed.

“No. But I had a pet duck.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow.

“And if you tell anyone that, I will hurt you.” he threatened.

Buffy giggled.

“Uh-huh. Well, what did you really do last summer? There are a lot of rumors about it. And I know the porn career is a lie. I mean, come on!” Buffy said laughing.

Spike looked at her.

“How do you know?”

Buffy stopped laughing and looked at him in shock.

“No way!”

“No, I didn’t have a porn career. Nice to know you considered it, though.” Spike smirked.

Buffy scoffed.

“Hmph. What did you do then?” she asked.

“I lived in England with my uncle, working at a library so I could save up some cash to buy a motorcycle.”

“That’s it?” Buffy asked, incredulously.

Spike shrugged.

“Yeah. I mean, I did get into a lot of fights, but nothing really extreme, like eating a live duck or whatever else they say about me.”

“So, what other secrets do you have?” Buffy asked.

“I’ve pretty much told you all of my secrets, pet.”

“Ok. So tell me something that’s true. Something that no one else knows.”

Spike leaned towards Buffy.

“I eat peas.” he whispered.

Buffy looked at him for a minute before she burst out laughing. Spike looked at her and laughed.

“No, really. Tell me.”, she said.

“Alright.”

Spike leaned over and kissed Buffy on the cheek.

“You’re sweet.”

He kissed her neck.

“And sexy.”

Buffy sighed.

“You really mean that?”

“I sure do, luv.”

Spike kissed her, and pulled back to look her in the eyes.

“Go to Prom with me.”, he told her.

“Is that a request or a demand?” she asked.

Spike sighed.

“Come on; just go to Prom with me.”

“No.”

“No?” Spike asked.

“No. I don’t want to go.”

“Why not? People won’t expect you to go.”

“Why are you pushing this? Why is it so important? What’s in it for you?”

“Oh what? I have to have a motive to want to be with you now?” Spike asked.

“You tell me.” Buffy answered.

“You need therapy, you know that?” Spike told her, angry.

“Come on, Spike. Answer me. What’s in it for you?” Buffy yelled.

“I just want to go to the dance with you, pet. What’s the big deal?” Spike asked, taking out a cigarette.

Buffy glared at him.

“I don’t know. What is the big deal, Spike?”

Spike looked at her, cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Buffy yanked the cigarette away from him and threw it on the ground and stormed into the house.

‘Bloody hell. I pissed her off again.’ he thought as he left.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Conner and Dawn sat in the library for their study session. Conner flipped through the French book.

“’May I offer you a parsnip?’”, he asked her in French.

“’No you may not.’” Dawn answered, in French.

“’Where is my uncle’s pencil?’”, he asked her.

“’I don’t know. Maybe it is up your ass.’” Dawn said, glaring at him.

Conner looked at her, confused.

“Wait. That’s not on this page.” he told her, flipping through the pages of the book wildly.

“’Let me ask you a question, Conner. When are you going to ask me out?’”, Dawn asked, in French.

Dawn slammed her book shut and stormed away, leaving behind a bewildered Conner.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Fred trudged down the hall. Today had not been her day. First, she failed a huge math test. Then, she tripped in the cafeteria. She stopped at her locker, and opened the door. She gasped. Inside her locker was a beautiful green, Shakespearean-style dress. On the hook was a note. She picked up the note and read it.

Fred grinned. Her day had just gotten a whole lot better.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 16

Buffy met up with the girls after school.

“Hey Buffy!” Fred greeted cheerfully.

“Hey. Why are you so happy?” Buffy asked.

“I have a date to the Prom! And a dress!”

“Oh my gosh! Who?” Willow asked, excited.

“Jesse.”

“Cool. I’m going with Xander.” Anya said, smiling.

“And Oz asked me, so I’m going too!” Willow added.

“Excuse me? When did all of this happen? What about making a statement?” Buffy asked.

“Well, we talked about it, and we decided to go to our last high school dance and have some fun. Who cares what everyone else thinks? Besides, I really want to see Xander in a tux.” Anya told her.

"Amy and I are going together. Come on, Buffy. Why don’t you go with Spike?” Tara asked her.

“I don’t know. I guess I’ll think about it.” Buffy said.

“Good, cuz I think we should all go together.” Willow said, grinning.

They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

~*~*~*~*~

Dawn walked out onto the porch and sat down next Hank.

“Hi pumpkin.” Hank said, not looking up from his paper.

“Hi daddy.”

They sat in silence for a moment before Dawn spoke again.

“Daddy, as you probably already know, the Prom is this weekend. I was wondering if I could go-“

“Dawn, you know the deal. If Buffy doesn’t go, you don’t go.”

“But daddy-“

“No buts. I am not going to bend the rules for that hot rod Angel”

“What’s a hot rod?” Dawn asked confused.

“Never mind that, if Buffy goes, you can go too. End of discussion.”

Hank turned back to his paper. Dawn sat there for a minute, before getting up and stomping into the house.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy watched the conversation between Dawn and Hank. She decided it was time to talk to Dawn. She went upstairs and knocked on Dawn’s door.

“Come in!” Dawn said, angry.

Buffy opened the door and smiled hesitantly.

“Hi Dawn.”

“What do you want?”

“Um, I wanted to talk to you. About the Angel, Prom deal.”

“Yeah, what?” Dawn asked, huffily.

“Listen, I know you hate having to sit at home because I’m not Suzy High School.”

“Like you care?”

“I do care.”

“Then why won’t you go, so I can go too? I’m the only sophomore asked to Prom and I can’t go because you don’t feel like it.” Dawn yelled.

Buffy sighed.

“Angel never told you that we went out, did he?”

Dawn looked at Buffy shocked.

“No. So?”

“We went out in tenth for about six months.”

“Why?”

“Well, he was ‘such a babe’.” Buffy said, chuckling.

“But you hate Angel.” Dawn said, puzzled.

“Now I do.”

“What happened?”

“Well, we, uh“- Buffy stammered, not knowing what to say.

Dawn mouth dropped open.

“Oh my gosh! Please tell me you’re kidding!”

Buffy shook her head.

“It was just once. Right after mom died. I was in love with him, and I thought he was such a wonderful guy. Turns out I was wrong.”

“What do you mean?’

“He cheated on me with a girl, Darla. She went to another school. I didn’t find out until the night of the Homecoming dance. I found them in his car.” Buffy said, sadly.

“Why don’t I know about this?”

“I warned him that if he told anyone about it, I would tell the cheerleading squad how tiny his dick is.” Buffy said, laughing.

Dawn chuckled.

“Ok. So why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to see you get hurt. Angel is not a good guy-“

“So you protect me from Angel by not letting me experience anything?” Dawn yelled.

“Not all experiences are good, Dawn.”

“It’s not like I’m stupid enough to repeat you mistakes.”

“You can’t always trust the people you want to.”

Dawn stood up and went to her door and opened it. She looked at Buffy and glared.

“Well I guess I will never know will I?”

Buffy looked at her, shaking her head, then got up and left the room. Dawn slammed the door shut, and sat down on her bed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy lay on her bed thinking. She stayed that way for a while, before reaching over for the phone. She dialed Willow’s number.

“Hello?” she heard Willow say.

“Hi Will. I’ve made my decision. Do you have a dress yet?”

She heard Willow squeal on the other end and giggled.

“No.”

“Let’s meet up and go shopping then. I’m gonna go. I need to talk to Dawn. Do you think you could be here in thirty minutes?”

“You betcha. See you then.”

They disconnected, and Buffy put the phone down. She got up and headed towards Dawn’s room. She knocked on the door.

“What?” Dawn yelled.

Buffy winced. This was not going to be easy. She opened the door and walked in.

“What do you want now?” she asked, glaring at Buffy.

“Um, how much money do you have?”

“What?” Dawn asked, confused.

“How much spending money do you have?”

“About two hundred, I guess. Why?”

“Good. Willow will be here in a few minutes. Meet us downstairs.”

“Buffy-“

Buffy left before Dawn could say anything else. She shook her head and headed downstairs where she was greeted by Willow.

“Hey Dawn!” Willow said, cheerfully.

“Hey. What’s going on?”

“Not gonna say.”

“You guys ready?” Buffy asked coming out of the living room.

“Yep.” Willow said.

“Let’s go then.”

Dawn followed, unsure of what was going on. They got into Buffy’s car and left.

~*~*~*~*~

Buffy parked in front of the mall. They got out and headed inside.

“Will someone tell me where we are going?” Dawn asked, almost hysterical.

Buffy and Willow didn’t say anything. They headed into a small store and walked over to the Prom dresses. Once Dawn realized what they were doing, she stood there motionless, until Buffy poked her.

“Are you going to stare at them all day? Pick one!” she told Dawn, giggling.

Dawn slowly smiled, then looked at Buffy and squealed. She gave Buffy a big hug, and ran off to find the perfect dress.

~*~*~*~*~*~

When they got home, Buffy went up to her room and called Spike.

“’Lo?” she heard Spike say.

“Hi. It’s Buffy.”

“’Lo, pet. To what do I owe this call?”

“Listen, um, I’m sorry about the other day. It’s just, I have a hard time trusting people, especially guys.”

“S’ok, luv.”

“So, I was wondering, um, if you would go to Prom with me. Unless, you already have a date. If you do, that’s completely understandable, because I refused you, and I would understand if you asked someone else, and I’m babbling so I’ll shut up now.”

Spike chuckled. ‘God, I love this girl.’

“Sure, luv. When do you want me to pick you up?”

Buffy covered the mouthpiece on the phone and squealed, and then she answered.

“How about seven?”

“Ok. Seven it is. See you then, luv.”

“Ok. Bye.”

They disconnected, and Buffy ran into Dawn’s room.

“I have a date!” Buffy yelled.

Dawn smiled.

“That’s great! Is it Spike?”

“Yep. You better have fun at this dance.” Buffy told her, smiling.

Dawn grinned.

“I’m going with Conner, so I will.”

“Good.” Buffy said.

She turned to leave, but stopped when Dawn spoke.

“Um Buffy?”

“Yeah?”

“I wanted to give you something. Well, it’s not really mine, but you should have it.”

Buffy watched Dawn open her jewelry box and take something out.

“What is it?” Buffy asked, confused.

“This.”

Dawn opened her hand and handed the item to Buffy. Buffy looked at her mom’s locket and smiled, tears coming to her eyes.

“I know how much you loved it, so you should have it.” Dawn said, smiling.

“Thank you, Dawnie. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Dawnie? You haven’t called me that since I started high school.”

Buffy smiled sadly.

“You didn’t want me to, remember?”

Dawn looked down at her feet, guilty.

“Yeah. Um, I’m gonna go take a walk. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Ok. Be careful.”

“I will.”

Buffy walked back into her room and sat down on her bed staring at the locket in her hand.

A/N: Sorry guys for the long wait. But…Cruel to Be Kind is now completed, and I will be posting the rest of the chapters soon.

~Ellie

Chapter 17

It was Saturday night; Buffy came down the stairs in her Prom dress. She wore a Titanic inspired gown: spaghetti straps criss crossed in the back, leaving her back exposed, and dipped low in the front, stopping just under her chest, and flowed down. It was gold, with a sheer black overlay. Around her neck was her mother’s locket. She wore her hair down and had it curled, and sprayed with glitter.

“Bye Dad. I’m going to the Prom,” she said, as she passed Hank, who was sitting on the sofa watching TV.

“Very funny, sweetie.” Hank said, never looking up from the television.

Buffy sighed and opened the door. Spike stood there, fist in the air, ready to knock.

“Hi.” Buffy said, smiling.

Spike stood there staring at her, fist still in the air. Buffy shifted uncomfortably, and waved her hand in his face.

“Spike?”

Spike shook his head, and lowered his hand.

“Hello, luv.” he said, kissing her cheek.

Buffy grinned.

“Oh, I have something for you.”

Spike moved his other hand from behind his back. In it was a corsage: a cluster of yellow daisies, tied with black and gold ribbon.

“They’re beautiful!” Buffy said, smiling.

“Not as beautiful as you, luv.”

Buffy blushed and held her hand out to Spike, who put the corsage around her wrist.

“Ready for the Prom?” Buffy asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Spike replied, offering her his arm.

Buffy looped her arm in Spike’s, and they walked to his car. He opened the door for her and she got in. He shut the door and went to the driver’s side and got in.

Just as they drove off, Hank walked towards the door. He watched as they left. He turned around just as Dawn came down the stairs. She was wearing a Cinderella style gown: strapless, and crystal blue with a sheer white overlay. She wore her hair up with a few tendrils hanging down, and a crystal tiara.

“What’s that?” Hank asked her.

Dawn stopped.

“A Prom dress.”

The doorbell rang, and Dawn opened the door. Conner looked at Dawn.

“Wow, you look amazing.”

“Thanks.” Dawn replied, blushing.

She turned to Hank, who was standing there, dumbfounded.

“Bye Daddy.”

They turned to leave when Hank yelled.

“Stop! Explain please.”

Dawn sighed and turned to Hank.

“Well, Buffy found this guy who’s perfect for her, which is really perfect for me, because Conner asked me to the Prom and I really, really, really, wanna go. And since Buffy is going, I can go too, according the rule you made.” Dawn said quickly.

Conner smiled at Hank and held his hand out.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Let’s go.” Dawn said grabbing Conner’s outstretched hand.

Hank watched as they ran out the door, hand in hand, to Conner’s car. Hank sighed and shook his head.

“This is not good.”

He shut the door and went back to the living room.

Chapter 18

When Spike and Buffy got to the Bronze, they could hear the music. Other students were filing in, eager for a night of fun. Buffy looped her arm in Spike’s and they went inside. They found the others sitting at a table talking. Xander had asked Anya; Oz had asked Willow; Amy and Tara were together, and currently Fred was sitting there, arms crossed and a scowl on her face. Buffy and Spike sat down.

“Hey!” Willow said, excitedly.

“Hey.” Buffy replied, smiling.

“What’s wrong Fred?” Buffy asked.

“I think my date stood me up.”, she said.

“I’m sure he’s coming. Don’t worry.” Buffy told her.

Spike chuckled, causing Buffy and Fred to glare at him.

He pointed across the room to Jesse, who was standing there fidgeting.

Fred smiled.

“Go get your man.” Anya told her.

Fred walked over to Jesse. Buffy smiled when she saw them dancing.

“You wanna dance, luv?” Spike asked.

“Sure.”

The others got up as well, and they spent most of the night dancing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Angel pulled up in front of Buffy’s house in his convertible. He got out, adjusted his jacket, and walked confidently to the door. He rang the doorbell.

Hank answered the door.

“Hey, Mr. Summers. I’m Angel. I’m here to pick up Dawn.” he said, a smug look on his face.

Hank looked him up and down, before slamming the door in his face.

Angel stood there a moment, angry that he was stood up. He walked to his car. He got his cell phone and dialed a number. The person on the other end, answered.

“Hey, babe. You want to go to Prom with me? ----Ok. I’ll be there in a few.”

He smiled, and put his cell phone away and drove off.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy saw Dawn dancing with Conner a few feet away. She smiled, and Dawn smiled back, throwing her arms around Conner. Buffy turned back to Spike and kept dancing.

Spike smiled at Buffy, glad to see she was having a good time. He leaned over and kissed her.

“Having fun?” he asked.

“Lots.”, she replied.

She put her arms around him and they kept dancing.

Dawn excused herself to go to the bathroom. She was checking her hair in the mirror when Cordelia walked up. Dawn turned to Cordelia.

“What are you doing here?”

Cordelia rolled her eyes.

“Don’t think you were the only sophomore asked to Prom. Angel picked me up.”

“Ugh, well, he’s all yours.” Dawn said.

“Very generous, princess.”

Cordelia turned to leave, but turned back around to face Dawn.

“Oh, just so you know, Angel only liked you for one reason. He even had a bet going with his friends. He was gonna nail you tonight.”

Dawn stood there shocked, and Cordelia grinned evilly and walked out.

“Son of a bitch!” Dawn yelled, storming out of the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike was spinning Buffy around on the dance floor. She laughed as he spun and grabbed her dipping her. When they came up, Angel was standing there glaring at Spike. They stopped dancing and looked at Angel.

“What’s that asshole doing here with Dawn?”

Angel walked over to Spike and shoved him.

“I didn’t pay you to take out Buffy just so that dick could have her.”

Spike looked over at Buffy, who was standing there, tears forming in her eyes.

“Nothing in it for you, huh?” she asked, before storming away.

Spike glared at Angel one last time, before going after Buffy.

After witnessing the incident, Jesse and Fred danced over to Conner.

“I think the shit hath hitteth the fan-eth.”, he said, as Fred giggled.

Jesse separated from Fred and walked over to Angel, Conner trailing behind.

“Angel, my friend.”

Angel grabbed Jesse and threw him on the floor. Conner looked at Angel and glared.

“Hey! You can’t just do that to him!”

Conner walked over to Jesse and helped him stand. Angel followed.

“You’re gonna pay. You and that little bitch!”

“Take that back! She’s not a—“

Conner was cut off when Angel slammed his fist into his face. Conner fell to the floor, holding his nose. Angel grinned.

“Oh come on, you little bitch!” Angel yelled going after Conner.

By this time, everyone had gathered around them. Angel felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He smirked, and turned around to see Dawn standing there. Her fist slammed into his nose.

“Ow. Shit, Dawn. I’m shooting a nose spray ad tomorrow!” Angel yelled, holding his nose.

“That’s for making my date bleed.”

Dawn slammed her fist into his face again.

“That’s for my sister.”

Then, she kicked Angel in the groin.

“And that’s for me.”

Angel was sprawled out on the floor, moaning.

Cordelia ran up.

“Angel!”

Dawn turned to Cordelia.

“Hey.”

Cordelia looked at Dawn.

“I like your dress.”

Cordelia grinned.

“Thanks. I got it at—“

Cordelia was cut off when Dawn’s fist slammed into her face. Cordelia hit the floor, and Dawn grinned.

“Damn, that felt good.” Dawn said, turning to Conner.

Conner smiled, but winced when he felt pain in his jaw. Dawn helped him to his feet.

“Are you ok?”

“Never been better.” Conner said, kissing her.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike found Buffy standing near the bathrooms. Buffy glared at him and started to walk away.

“Would you let me explain?” Spike said, grabbing her arms.

“You were paid to date me by the one person I truly hate. I knew this was a setup. It was too good to be true. How could I allow myself to believe you were a good guy?”

Buffy ran off, and Spike followed her outside.

“It wasn’t like that.”

“Then what was it like, huh? Was there a bonus for sleeping with me later?”

“No! I didn’t care about the money. I cared about you!” Spike yelled.

“Then why didn’t you tell me the truth when I asked you? Why did you keep taking Angel’s money?”

Spike stood there, not knowing how to answer. Buffy shook her head and ran off. He heard footsteps behind him, and whirled around expecting Angel.

Dawn stood there, and gave Spike a sympathetic smile.

“She’ll come around eventually.”

Chapter 19

Sunday morning, Buffy sat on her front porch with her sketchpad. Dawn walked out with a mug of hot chocolate.

“You want?” she asked.

“Sure.”, Buffy said, taking the mug from Dawn.

Dawn looked at Buffy for a moment.

“Look, I just wanna say thank you for going last night. It really meant a lot to me.”

“I’m glad.” Buffy answered, and smiled.

“Are you ok?”

Buffy looked up at Dawn.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Conner ran up onto the porch. Dawn turned to him and gave him a hug.

“Conner and I are going to his house. They have a stable and horses. Do you wanna go riding with us?” Dawn asked.

“Yeah, you’re welcome to come.” Conner added.

“Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. Maybe another time.” Buffy answered, smiling a little.

“Ok. Well, I guess I’ll see you later.” Dawn replied.

“Ok. Be careful you two.”

Dawn and Conner turned to leave. As they were walking away, Conner turned to Dawn.

“Is she ok?”

Dawn sighed.

“I hope so.”

Buffy watched them leave, a small smile on her face. She looked up when Hank walked out.

“Where’s your sister going?”

“To a bar. With bikers. Full of sperm.” Buffy answered smirking.

Hank shook his head.

“So, tell me about this dance. Was it hoppin’?” Hank asked, trying to sound hip.

“Parts of it. Mostly the ones when Dawn beat the crap out of some guy.”

Hank looked shocked.

“Dawn did what?”

Buffy chuckled.

“Are you afraid that I’m starting to rub off on her?”

“No, impressed actually.”

Buffy looked at Hank. He sat down next to her.

“You know, fathers don’t like it when they realize their daughters are capable of running their own lives. It means we become spectators. Dawn still lets me play, but you- you’ve had me on the bench for years. And when you go to Columbia, I won’t even be able to watch you.”

Buffy looked at Hank for a moment, and then realized his last sentence.

“Wait, when I go?”

“Oh no. Don’t tell me you changed your mind. I already sent them a check.”

Buffy looked at Hank and grinned. She threw her arms around him. Hank sat there for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy ran inside to call Willow.

“Willow?”

‘Hey Buffy.’

“Guess what? My dad sent a check to Columbia. I’m going to college with you!”

‘Oh, Buffy. That’s great!’

“I know!”

‘How are you?’

“I’m fine.”

‘Yeah, right.’

Buffy sighed.

“Fine, I’m still upset. Spike was a great guy. I can’t believe he did that to me.”

‘It’ll be ok. Maybe you should talk to him.’

“I guess. I don’t think I can face him anytime soon.”

‘I better go. My mom is calling me. See you at school tomorrow?’

“Yep. See you later.”

‘Bye.’

They disconnected. Buffy sat on her bed for a while, before remembering her English assignment. She took out her book and got to work.

Chapter 20

Monday morning, Buffy sat in Giles’s English class.

“Alright, everyone. I assume everyone has had enough time to complete their poem, except for Mr. O’Connor, who has a somewhat valid excuse.” Giles said, chuckling at Angel.

Angel glared, and touched the bandage on his purple nose.

“Alright, is anyone brave enough to read theirs out loud?”

The students looked at each other.

“I will.” Buffy said.

“Anyone at all?” Giles said, ignoring Buffy.

No one spoke up, so Giles walked over to the side of the room.

“Lord, here we go.” he said.

Buffy walked to the front of the class with her notebook. She took a deep breath and started.

“I hate the way you talk to me and the way you dye your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car, I hate the way you stare.

I hate you big dumb boots, and the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick, it even makes me rhyme.”

Spike watched Buffy from his seat in the back of the room.

“I hate it when you’re always right; I hate it when you lie.

“I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry.”

Buffy started to cry.

“I hate it when you’re not around, and the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly, I hate the way I don’t hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.”

Buffy slammed her book shut and ran out of the room. Spike put his head down.

~*~*~*~*~*~

After Buffy ran out of the room, she got her things out of her locker and headed towards the parking lot. She got to her car, and pulled her keys out. She opened the door to the car door and gasped when she saw a box tied with black ribbon placed on the seat. She threw her things in to the car and picked up the box and opened it. In it was a brand new black leather jacket.

“I thought you might like it. If I remember correctly, you puked on your other one. Besides, I had some extra cash, you know.”

Buffy spun around and looked at Spike.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” Buffy sat the box in the car.

“Yeah, well, some asshole paid me to take out a really great girl.”

Buffy smiled.

“Is that right?”

Spike shrugged.

“Yeah, but, I screwed up. I fell for her.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Spike leaned over and kissed Buffy. Buffy pulled away and pointed her finger at him.

“Don’t think you can buy me a leather jacket every time you screw up.”

“Oh, I know. But there’s always pretty jewelry, new shoes, and maybe even one day a black lace thong.” Spike said, smirking.

Buffy gasped. Spike chuckled and kissed her again. Buffy pulled away and started to say something else, but Spike pulled her back, crushing his lips against hers.

Epilogue

Buffy and Spike pulled up in front of Conner’s house. They were going horse back riding with Dawn and Conner.

It was the end of the summer, almost time for college. Buffy was going to Columbia with the girls, and Spike applied so he could be with Buffy.

Conner and Dawn were still together. Conner was still friends with Jesse. Dawn had dumped Cordelia and Harmony, and now had a new group of friends.

They met Conner and Dawn at the front of the house. They walked to the stables together, discussing college and friends.

Xander and Anya were still together. Their relationship had been rocky at times, but they eventually worked out their problems. Anya was going to attend Columbia. She and Xander were going to rent an apartment so she could attend college and he could work.

Willow and Oz began dating shortly after Prom. They broke up once in the middle of the summer, due to a girl who was a singer for a rival band. They solved their problems also, and got back together. Willow and Oz were both going to attend Columbia.

Jesse and Fred started dating shortly after Prom, also. They are still dating. Fred is also attending Columbia, and Jesse will be going to a community college near the area.

Amy and Tara are still together. They will be attending Columbia also.

Angel got fired from his modeling job the day after Prom due to the fact that his nose was purple. He is still pursuing modeling jobs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy sat in front of Spike on the horse. They rode along slow, stopping to watch the sunset.

“So, you ready for college?” Spike asked.

“Yep. It’s gonna be so much fun. I’m glad you’re gonna be there.”

“Well, I couldn’t stand to be away from you that long.”

“I know.”

Buffy turned her head towards Spike and kissed him.

“I love you.” Spike said, after he pulled away.

Buffy looked at him, shocked.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“I love you too.” she said, pulling him in for another kiss.