Chapter 19

“Yeah, so I asked out this girl,” Riley was telling his teammates as Buffy approached.

“Uh, dude,” Doyle, one of his teammates, tapped him on the shoulder and gestured for him to turn around.

“What?” Riley asked, turning around to meet his eyes with Buffy’s beautiful green ones. She had an unreadable look on her face.

Of course, Buffy overheard exactly what Riley had said. “Buffy!” Riley exclaimed standing up suddenly. “How are you? What brings you to this neck of the cafeteria?”

“Oh. Um, I’m fine thanks,” Buffy mumbled quickly, “I just came to um, wish you guys luck tonight!” She quickly turned around to head out of the cafeteria.

“Thank you!” Riley yelled, to a retreating Buffy’s back. He was about to follow her, when the bell rang for them to head to their final class of the day.

‘Wish you luck tonight? Could I be anymore lame? But he asked someone else out. Oh well, I guess I didn’t expect him to wait around for me. Crap. He’s going to follow me. Whew, the bell. Thank god. I guess Zack Morris was right, you really can be saved by the bell.’

---

After an annoying period of American History, with Mr. Dinebeck, Buffy was finally freed from school with the sound of the final bell ringing through the halls.

She headed to her locker. ‘24-77-18.’ She thought in her head, as she turned the dial each way of the combination, to unlock the locker. When she saw the contents inside, she gasped. Insider, there were rose petals spread along the bottom, and a single white rose place in them.

Picking it up to smell it, Buffy noticed a tiny card that was located underneath of it. Grabbing it and ripping open the envelope that had no writing on it, Buffy pulled out the tiny card, that read on the front, “I’m Sorry.”

Inside, written in an elegant cursive handwriting, none other than Spike’s, were the words. “Please forgive me. I love you, pet.”

Buffy smiled. She wasn’t sure if it was happy or sad one. A million thoughts were racing through her head, but most importantly, all she felt was confusion. In her heart, she knew she should forgive him, but in her mind, she was afraid of opening up to him, for fear that he might hurt her again.

Deciding to forget about it and that she just wanted a relaxing evening filled with a bubble bath, soft music, a good book, and her two favorite men: Ben and Jerry. Her survival kit that temporarily relieves her worries. Getting the books she would need to do her homework that night, Buffy shut her locker, and headed out of the school, to start her walk home.

---

Of course, things don’t go as planned. Buffy should’ve known that Spike wouldn’t give up that easily.

Sitting outside of the school, was Spike’s DeSoto. No, that wasn’t all, Spike was looking hotter than ever, leaning against it smoking a cigarette. Buffy sighed and rolled her eyes. Deciding that two could play his games, she chose the coward’s route. Ignoring him, like he did to her earlier.

She walked down the steps and began to walk the sidewalk, right in front of him. Spike watched her walk down the steps, still entranced by her beauty. He hoped she got the message in her locker.

Buffy had no idea what she was doing. Her body was aching to run up to him and be enveloped in his arms, but she strutted her stuff right by him, without looking his way, and keeping her head held high. She figured that she could pretend like she didn’t go to her locker, and he could’ve been waiting for anyone.

“Buffy! Buffy, luv! Wait!” Spike called after her, when she realized she wasn’t stopping for him. He flicked his cigarette to the ground and stomped it out, then quickly ran to catch up to her.

“Oh, hey Spike. Where’d you come from?” Buffy asked innocently. She had no idea what she was doing, the words were just coming out of her mouth.

“Ha bloody ha. I know you saw me, luv. Don’t play the dumb blonde routine on me.” Spike told her.

Hurt flashed quickly over Buffy’s face, but she quickly erased it, and placed her hard, determined look back. “I’m not playing anything but your games, Spike.” She informed him, flipping her hair, and turning to walk away from him.

‘Woah, what happened to me? Where am I and who is this new Buffy?’ She asked herself inside her head, which was spinning, mainly from Spike’s scent and nearness.

“Pet! Wait, I didn’t mean that. Look, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I assume you went to your locker at the end of the day like you usually do, and I know I can’t buy your happiness or love, but I want it. I don’t want Drusilla’s and I don’t want her to have mine. I love you, you’re in my gut, and you’re in my throat. I’m drowning in you.” Spike proclaimed all of his love and feelings into her.

When she didn’t respond, Spike became desperate, and put his lips to hers in a passionate, yet desperate kiss. Buffy was surprised at first, but she quickly allowed his tongue entrance.

They kissed for what seemed like forever, until they both had to part, due to that pesky breathing issue. They let their foreheads rest against each other’s. Finally getting her breathing under control, Buffy removed her head, and looked into Spike’s eyes. Seeing all of the feelings in them, that he put into the kiss, knowing they can’t lie, Buffy instantly felt relieved. She could finally see how much she meant to him, and that he loved her.

“Buffy, princess. All I’m asking is for another chance. Please. Tonight let me take you to the new drive-in Movie Theater they opened. The one that’s supposed to bring back the 50’s? Please?” Spike asked.

Buffy acted like she had to think about it, but inside she was thrilled. “I guess that would be okay.” Buffy calmly said, playing it cool.

Spike released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Great!” He exclaimed, a smile lighting up his face. “I’ll pick you up at 7. Now get in the car and let me give you a ride home, pet.”

“Bossy men,” Buffy whined, rolling her eyes. Her smile gave away that she was playing though.

Together they got into Spike’s DeSoto and headed towards 1630 Revello Drive.

---

TBC!!!

Chapter 20

7:00 could not come fast enough for Spike. Like before, he was early. On the flip side, 7:00 came too fast for Buffy, but what do you expect? She’s a woman.

Spike smiled as the door opened, and he saw the littlest Summers woman standing in front of him. “Hey Nibblet, big sis ready?”

“Hi Spike!” Dawn beamed at him. “Yeah, she’s just grabbing her purse I think.”

Spike smiled at her. “So how are you?”

“GREAT! We’re having this school dance this weekend, and Janice said that Bobby said that Jeremy was going to ask me to it. But oh my god, you’re never going to believe who Susan is going with!” Dawn rambled.

Spike resisted the urge to roll his eyes and was about to answer when he saw a flicker of gold from the top of the steps. Adverting his gaze from Dawn to the stairs, Spike saw his golden goddess walking down them.

She was dressed in everyday clothes, a tight pair of hip huggers, a tank top that says “Will Work for Shoes”, and a light sweater for the outside cold. Her make-up was done light, and she was wearing knee high stylish, yet affordable boots. What really caught his eye, was that her hair was done in two bitch braid pigtails. ‘Cor, everyone knows that a grown man cannot resist a woman in pigtails!’ Spike thought to himself.

Tearing his eyes away from her body, he looked her into the eyes when she reached grown level with him. “Ready to go princess?” He asked her.

“Yup,” She replied popping the ‘p’. Turning to Dawn she added, “Mom won’t be home until 12 from the gallery. No opening the door for strangers, no going through my stuff, and no inviting strangers in the house.”

“Yes mother,” Dawn replied sarcastically.

“Come on princess, your chariot awaits,” Spike ushered Buffy out of the house.

Giving a small wave to the gracious Dawn, Spike pulled the door shut behind Buffy and himself.

---

“Spike, this isn’t your beat up DeSoto,” Buffy said, stopping on her sidewalk and starring at the red Mustang convertible in front of her.

“I know, Queen obvious. I borrowed a friends car,” Spike told her.

“Whose? And why?” She asked.

“A friends. And because only the best for my girl to be seen in at a drive-in.” Spike informed her.

“Oh,” Was all she could say. She didn’t even correct him. Spike took note of that as he opened the door for her and got into the car.

Spike jogged around to the other side, and got in, jumping over the door instead of opening it, causing a giggle from Buffy. A genuine smile lit up Spike’s face at hearing her laugh. He started the engine with a roar, and sped off down Revello Drive.

---

“Angel, Gunn let us out!” Xander whined, banging on the inside of the trunk of Angel’s car.

After a few more minutes, Angel opened the trunk, freeing Oz and Xander from their prison.

“Never knew sneaking into a drive-in would be that bad,” Xander muttered.

“Pussy,” Gunn cursed, earning a flip of the middle finger from Xander.

---

“Hold my money!” Cordelia ordered Anya. “No wait, on second thought, Willow, hold my money!”

“Hey,” Anya pouted.

“Okay, but why?” Willow asked.

“Cause I can’t go near the refreshment stand, I’ve been getting sick all week.” Cordelia half told her, half moaned.

“Are you okay?” Tara questioned.

“Yeah, probably just a 24 hour bug, you know how those thing are,” Cordelia told her, brushing it off.

“Sure,” Willow agreed.

---

Spike, deciding that the beginning of the movie was as good of a time as ever, inched closer to Buffy. When he grabbed Buffy’s hand, she pulled it away. “Luv, what was that for?”

“No reason,” Buffy said, keeping her eyes glued on the movie. Dawn had told her, yes she had taken her little sister’s advice, that if she gave the cold shoulder, she’d get more respect from Spike.

“Aww, sweetheart, I thought we covered it yesterday that I was sorry,” Spike sincerely said. “I’m sorry, you know it.”

“I know you are,” Buffy agreed.

“Well you do believe me, don’t you?” Spike asked her, hope shinning in his eyes.

Buffy still wouldn’t turn and look at him. “Yeah, but I still think you and Drusilla went together.”

“We didn’t go together Buffy. We just... went together,” Spike admitted.

“It’s the same thing!” Buffy screeched, turning to finally look at him.

“No it bloody isn’t,” Spike countered.

Buffy sighed, then turned back towards the movie, making it obvious that she was done talking about it.

Spike sighed as well, then looked down to the skull ring on his pinky finger. He won it in a bar fight. It was the ring that caused the scar over his left eyebrow. The ex-owner of it, punched him in the eye, nearly knocking him out cold. But of course, Spike won in the end, and took this ring of as a trophy.

After making a decision about the tight ring on his pinky finger, Spike begin to twist it, trying to get it off of his finger. Running his hand through his slicked back, gelled hair, Spike hoped it would help lose it. Frustrated, he began to yank and pull at the ring.

“OW!” Buffy screamed, when Spike finally got the ring off of his finger, and his elbow flew into her body, between her shoulder and breast.

“Oh! Oh Buffy! I’m sorry honey! I didn’t mean to!” Spike apologized repeatedly.

Buffy forced a smile while holding her hand over her sore spot.

Spike turned into his seat, so he was facing her. “Buffy, luv, look at me.” Spike asked of her, putting his finger under her chin and turning her head towards his. “I um, well, I was wondering if you’d wear my ring.” He asked her.

Buffy glanced at the skull ring, and remembered the story Spike told her in Hawaii of how important it was to him. Realizing what he must mean by giving her something so important to him, she said, “Spike, I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say yes, and make me that happiest man in the world,” Spike pleaded.

“Oh Spike!” Buffy exclaimed looking into his gorgeous blue eyes, “Of course it’s yes!”

His smile lit up his face, as he grabbed her hand, kissed the knuckles, then placed his ring on her right hand ring finger.

---

“Hey Cordy,” Anya called coming into the bathroom and bumping into some teenage girl who was on her way out.

“Watch it!” The girl yelled at Anya, before realizing who she was and quickly walking out.

“What’s with you tonight?” Anya asked, joining her at the mirrors to fix her makeup.

“I feel like a defective typewriter,” Cordelia complained.

“Huh?” Anya asked while putting on more mascara, clearly confused.

“I skipped a period,” Cordy confessed.

Anya dropped her mascara brush and gasped. “Do you think you’re preggers?”

“I don’t know, who really cares,” Cordelia lied.

“Is it Angel’s?” Anya questioned.

“Nah, you don’t know the guy,” Cordelia admitted, while fluffing her hair.

“Oh hey, Cordy, it’s okay,” Anya tried to soothe her, awkwardly patting her on the back.

“I know,” Cordelia blew her off, “Just listen. Don’t mention this to anyone, okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll take it to the grave. Cross my heart,” Anya promised, doing the “cross my heart” gesture.

Cordy smiled at her, and put her make-up back in her purse. Making their way out of the crowded bathroom together, Anya shouted, “Move it! Lady with a baby!”

Seeing Cordelia’s glare out of the corner of her eye, Anya flashed her an innocent smile. Walking quickly ahead of Cordy, Anya bumped into Gunn.

“Hey Anya, what’s happenin’?” Gunn greeted her.

“Cord’s got a bun in the oven, pass it on,” Anya whispered, moving quickly to catch up to Cordelia.

Gunn’s eyes went wide before he passed it on to the nearest person he knew.

---

Within 15 minutes, the news was at Angel, where his car was parked next to Cordelia’s. Angel gasped, finding out from Oz. He knew Oz was a good friend and wouldn’t lie about something like this.

Seeing Cordelia approaching the car alone, Angel walked over to her. “So I hear you’re knocked up.”

“Boy, news travels fast,” Cordelia muttered, turning to glare at Anya who was filing her nails on the hood of the car.

“Why didn’t you tell me about it?” Angel asked, pulling her to look at him.

“Why do you care?” Cordelia spat, glaring daggers at him.

Angel was taken aback, but quickly covered it with concern, “I thought I could do something about it.

“You’ve done enough,” Cordy rejected him.

“I’m a man, I don’t run away from my mistakes,” Angel informed her.

“Don’t worry Angelcakes, it was someone else’s,” Cordelia told him with venom in her voice.

Angel couldn’t hide the shock that covered his face that time. Cordelia turned and walked away, but not before flashing him a vicious smile. She had to protect her sadness somehow.

---

Spike faked a yawn, though he shouldn’t have had to. He was bored with the slow progress of everything. Stretching his arms above his head, he used the classic maneuver of putting his arm around Buffy’s shoulders.

Buffy was surprised at first, and had to resist the urge to pick up his arm and plop it back over towards his own body. She saw how he did it, and would’ve liked it better if he just put his arm around her. Eventually though, she realized this is where she belonged, and snuggled into his embrace.

That wasn’t all Spike wanted though. He had a raging hard-on and having her this close wasn’t helping. He made his hand into a cup, and started to stretch it towards her breast.

Feeling the strain of his arm, Buffy looked down and saw his hand. “Spike!” She yelled, jerking out of his embrace and turning to face him. She shot stakes at him with her eyes and if he were a vampire, he’d be dust.

“What Buffy?” Spike asked, with a mock innocent look on his face. All of his normal self was lost, as the teenage horny boy part took over.

“Oh Buffy! Buffy!” Spike moaned, laying her down on the seat, and laying on top of her kissing her jawbone down to her neck.

“What are you doing? Get off!” Buffy yelled at him. “Stop please!” She had tears fly into her eyes when she realized he wasn’t listening to her, and he began playing with her blouse buttons.

The tears fell and Buffy began sobbing as Spike started to actually undo her buttons. Something clicked in Spike’s head when he heard Buffy cry. He looked down, saw her tears, and froze. Everything he was about to do came running back to him and the guilt was heavy. He flew off of her like he’d been burn.

“Buffy, luv, I’m so sorry. I didn’t have control over my body,” Spike apologized.

Buffy was gasping in air trying to get her breathing under control. “More like you’re demon.”

“Pet, I thoug-, I thought I meant something to you,” Spike admitted.

“Mean something to me? You do Spike. Right now you mean ‘attacker’ to me and I have this neon sign flashing in my brain telling me to stay away. Which is exactly what I’m going to do!” Buffy yelled at him, getting out of the car door.

Spike moved to stop her, and she slammed the door on him, getting his package in the process. “And you can have this ugly piece of scrap metal!” Buffy screamed, tears streaming down her face. She threw his ring back at him, hitting him in his head.

Motionless from the pain, Spike couldn’t do anything to stop her. He somehow managed to get his voice, and he yelled, “Buffy! You can’t just walk out on a drive in.”

Buffy of course heard him but didn’t stop. ‘Watch me.’ She thought.

---

TBC!

Chapter 21

Spike looked at her retreating form and sighed in defeat. ‘What the hell did you do you wanker?’ Spike mentally scolded himself. ‘Thinking with the wrong head mate.’ He got out of the car and slammed the door hard, making the rearview mirror rattle and shake.

Knowing that Buffy might never talk to him again, Spike wished he could turn back time. “I hurt the girl,” He muttered aloud.

Sighing again, he pulled out a cigarette from his coat pocket along with his Zippo. Lighting his cigarette, he put the Zippo back into his pocket, and started to stroll around.

---Stranded at the drive-in

Branded a fool

What will they say tomorrow at school?---

Spike sang his heart out, moving to stand up on the stage in front of the screen. Car horns blared and lights flashed; people were getting angry at his blocking of the movie. He didn’t care, his feelings were being poured into the song.

---Buffy, can’t you see I’m in misery

We made a start, now we’re apart

There’s nothing left for me

Love has flown, all alone

I sit and wonder why-yi-yi

Oh, why, you left me, oh, Buffy---

Deciding to get out of their way, because he wasn’t in the mood for another fight, Spike headed towards the park over looking the drive-in.

---Oh, Buffy, baby, someday when high-yi school is done

Somehow, someway, our two worlds will be one

In heaven, forever and ever we will be

Oh, please say you’ll stay, oh, Buffy---

Sitting on the swing set, and lightly using his legs to push himself back and forth, which he hasn’t done for many, many years, Spike still sang strong.

---Buffy, my darling, you hurt me real bad

You know it’s true, but baby,

You gotta believe me when I say, I’m helpless without you

Love has flown, all alone

I sit, I wonder why-yi-yi

Oh, why, you left me, oh, Buffy---

Realizing the movie was over, Spike began to climb back down the hill and walk towards his car.

---Buffy

Buffy

Why-yi-yi-yi

Oh, Buffy---

Spike sighed, got into his car, and drove off home, thinking of how he could make it up to Buffy what he did. He didn’t think it was possible.

“SHIT!” Spike screamed, as he was speeding down the highway. He banged his hand against the steering wheel causing the horn to go off but it didn’t phase him. “How the hell is she going to get home?”

Deciding that since he hasn’t seen her, she must’ve caught a ride home and there was really nothing he could do. The only thing that could ease his worries was that he would be calling each and every one of the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, as well as Buffy’s house, to make sure she got home safe and sound.

---

School could not come fast enough for Spike the next day. When he called Buffy’s house, Joyce told him that she came inside and ran straight to her room, claiming she was tired. Although Joyce asked Spike why her daughter seemed upset, he didn’t let that phase him, for he was just glad she was home safely.

Anyway, he was glad school came fast, because he would get to see Buffy, and maybe speak to her about what happened. Though actions speak louder than words, Spike didn’t think she’d be too happy with more ‘actions’ last now.

---

Buffy of course, didn’t show up for lunch. Spike didn’t know why he had been thinking that she would. When the bell rang to end lunch, Spike made his way to his last period of the day, auto mechanics.

---

“Let’s head on out, come on guys,” Spike ordered the group. It was now 20 minutes after the end of the school day, and the T-Birds were preparing Angel’s car for tonight’s battle at Thunder Road.

“Movie it out, push, push,” Xander ordered, as the guy’s pushed Angel’s car out of the garage and onto the street.

“Going to deliver a baby now Xan?” Gunn questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Ha,” Xander rolled his eyes.

“Oh! Well, the crate shaped up. And, it's as hot as the parts on it,” Mrs. Murdock congratulated her boys. “A’s all around!”

“Thanks! And, at least we didn’t steal it all, some of it was donated,” Xander commented.

“This baby’s going to kick Parker’s ass at Thunder Road,” Angel stated.

“Hell yea!” Xander agreed, the two high-fiving each other.

“You can still change your mind,” Oz said, slightly worried about the whole drag race.

“The flag goes down in 3 hours,” Mrs. Murdock announced with a glance at her watch.

“And Grease Lightnin’ kicks ass!” Gunn cheered, throwing his arm in the air as a symbol of victory.

“Mrs. Murdock, are you coming?” Oz asked the middle-aged woman.

“I don’t expect my boys to let me down, and I won’t let them down,” She promised with a genuine smile.

“Good, I have everyone I need now,” Angel said to the group.

“I don’t,” Spike mumbled, slipping away from the anxious group, to go find a girl.

---

Chapter 22

Spike ran his hands threw his hair as he walked quickly down the street toward his house. It was pointless to drive in this one Starbucks town. Not only that, but he didn’t want any of the guys to know that he was gone. He wanted them to figure he was inside messing around. If they knew how much of a wanker he was about to be...

Walking quickly into the house, Spike was a man on a mission. Ignoring anything and anyone that made its way into his path, Spike headed straight to his room. Once there, he grabbed the one thing he was searching for, and left as quickly and quietly as he came. He was now on his way to a certain blonde’s house on Revello Drive.

---

“Oh but Willow, you know I can’t go,” Buffy told her as they sat down on Buffy’s bed. Willow was trying to persuade her to head to Thunder Road and watch the race.

“But Buffy, why not? All of the gang will be there,” Willow assured her.

“That’s just it. You know what Spike did, I just don’t think I’m ready to face him,” Buffy argued.

“Buffy, you have to let him know you’re stronger than him. You can’t let him bring you down,” Willow reasoned.

“Willow, he only wants me for what he thinks I’ll give him. I’m not like that. He should just get one of the little whores lined up for him to put out, cause I’m not ready for it. When I am, I want it to mean something,” Buffy informed her.

Willow sighed. It was useless trying to get through her skull. She knew that the only one that could fix this would be Spike, and he was probably with the guy’s right now, not giving a damn.

As if on cue, music started playing from outside, floating into her room through her open window.

“Buffy do you hear that?” Willow asked, getting up off of her bed.

“Yeah, it’s probably just someone with the radio on while doing yardwork,” Buffy said with depression in her tone as she played with the threads of her bedspread. She was lost in her own thoughts about Spike and where it went wrong.

Willow looked out the window and her eyes widened with shock. “I don’t think it’s just someone with the radio on,” Willow stated, “Buffy you should come see this...now.”

Buffy was reluctant, but eventually gave in sighing. She got up off of the bed and looked out the window. What she saw caused her to gasp quickly and her heartbeat quickens. Her eyes also widened in shock and a small blush crept to her cheeks.

Standing against the tree below her window, was Spike, holding none other than a black acoustic guitar. He gave her a small smile when his eyes met hers, and he noticed her watching. This song he wrote specially for her. He felt that words didn’t work for him, so maybe pouring his feelings into music and lyrics would work. Spike didn’t want to start singing until he got her attention. Now that he had it, he let the lyrics flow from his lips.

--- This romeo is bleeding

But you can’t see his blood

It’s nothing but some feelings

That this old dog kicked up

It’s been raining since you left me

Now I’m drowning in the flood

You see I’ve always been a fighter

But without you I give up---

Buffy couldn’t bring eye contact with him as he sang. His voice was deep and...perfect was the only word that seemed to be able to describe it. He held her in a deep trance, and for now, she didn’t want to leave.

---Now I can’t sing a love song

Like the way it’s meant to be

Well, I guess I’m not that good anymore

But baby, that’s just me

And I will love you, baby - always

And I’ll be there forever and a day - always

I’ll be there till the stars don’t shine

Till the heavens burst and

The words don’t rhyme

And I know when I die, you’ll be on my mind

And I’ll love you – always---

Tears popped to Buffy’s eyes as she heard the words being sung to her. Breaking eye contact with Spike, she glanced at Willow and saw tears in her eyes too. Buffy didn’t even bother to wipe the tears as their wall broke, and they flowed down her flushed cheeks. Quickly, she went back to staring at Spike, not wanting to miss a single word.

---Now your pictures that you left behind

Are just memories of a different life

Some that made us laugh, some that made us cry

One that made you have to say goodbye

What I’d give to run my fingers through your hair

To touch your lips, to hold you near

When you say your prayers try to understand

I’ve made mistakes, I’m just a man

Yeah, I will love you baby - always

And I’ll be there forever and a day - always

If you told me to cry for you

I could

If you told me to die for you

I would

Take a look at my face

There’s no price I won’t pay

To say these words to you

Well, there ain’t no luck

In these loaded dice

But baby if you give me just one more try

We can pack up our old dreams

And our old lives

We’ll find a place where the sun still shines

And I will love you, baby - always

And I’ll be there forever and a day - always

I’ll be there till the stars don’t shine

Till the heavens burst and

The words don’t rhyme

And I know when I die, you’ll be on my mind

And I’ll love you – always---

Spike strummed out the last few beats on his guitar. When the song was over, he was still looking at Buffy’s window. Clapping was heard from around him, and he looked toward Buffy’s front yard. He whipped his head around and noticed that he apparently attracted quite a crowd with his soothing voice and great guitar playing. Giving a polite wave and a sexy smirk, Spike turned back up to Buffy’s window, and noticed that neither Willow nor her was there.

---

Willow stayed in Buffy’s room as Buffy ran down the stairs to go outside. She figured the two needed a little time alone to work things out.

Buffy ran downstairs and out the door. “Spike?” She timidly called, standing on the front porch. The crowd had left, so her yard was pretty much back to normal.

Spike’s head jerked towards the front yard when he heard her sweet voice call to him. He had yet to move from his spot on the tree, because he hoped Buffy would return.

Quickly jogging around to the front, he smiled at Buffy standing there. She looked so fragile with her arms wrapped around body, but she looked like his beautiful golden goddess. The way that the sun shone on her at this angle, made her look like she was glowing.

“Hey pet,” He greeted her, standing on the sidewalk, not wanting to push her by climbing the steps.

“Hi Spike. Why...why did you do that?” Buffy asked him.

“Luv, incase you didn’t get it from the song. I love you. I wrote that song to put into words how I feel. I guess it didn’t work,” Spike explained.

“No it did. I just, it wasn’t expected,” Buffy told him truthfully.

“What can I say? I’m a surprise in itself,” Spike smirked.

Buffy smiled shyly. She moved down to steps and sat on the second one. Spike took his chance, and carefully sat down next to her, leaving a good amount of space between the two of them.

After a few minutes of silence, Buffy finally broke it, “So you wrote that song just for me?”

“Yeah, I wanted to sing it to you, just not under these circumstances. Buffy, you have no idea how sorry I am. I know I mucked it all up real bad, but I would do anything to make it up to you,” Spike apologized.

“That was an amazing song. Sweet. You have a great voice too,” Buffy complimented him.

Spike sighed, knowing she was just ignoring the subject. “Summers, you do realize that I’m sor-,”

“Don’t,” Buffy cut him off. “I know you’re sorry Spike. It’s just, it hurt me so much. I thought you were okay that I wasn’t...that I wasn’t like...that.”

“I know you aren’t Buffy! I don’t know what came over me luv. If I could take back any sodding thing in my life, it would be that,” Spike said exasperatedly.

“Spike, I just...I just don’t know if we work. Maybe we aren’t meant to me. All we seem to do is hurt each other,” Buffy said quietly.

“Buffy, luv, you don’t mean that. You know I love you. I’d do anything for you,” Spike assured her, slowly strumming his guitar.

“Please don’t make this any harder than it is,” Buffy asked of him, finally looking at him. All he saw in her tear-filled eyes were swirls of pain, regret, and a little bit of fear.

Spike sighed. He knew that it was no use to push the matter. “Well pet, I best better be going then, because it is obvious that you don’t want me here.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it lightly on the knuckles. “I just want you to know how sorry I am and that I love you.”

Not giving her a chance to respond, Spike walked down the remaining step and then the sidewalk, guitar in hand. Giving her one last look when he reached the street, he practically begged her to call after him. He continued walking when she didn’t.

---

Buffy walked back into her room slowly, her body trembling with sobs.

“Oh sweetie,” Willow got up and hugged her. “That bad?”

“Worse,” Buffy sniffled.

“Didn’t he want you two to be an item again?” Willow questioned.

“Yes,” Buffy answered.

They broke apart and Willow just looked at her. “Then what went wrong...oh. You didn’t want to?”

“No. I’m just...I’m so afraid right now. I don’t want to be hurt again,” Buffy admitted.

“Honey,” Willow told her grabbing her into a hug again.

Buffy put her head on Willow’s shoulder and sobbed, “I feel like I can’t breathe, Will.”

Willow just patted Buffy on the back, not knowing what to do. Why were they hurting each other and themselves when they both wanted the same thing?

Glancing at the clock, Buffy noticed that Willow should be at Thunder Road by now. “Willow, it’s okay, you can go,” Buffy told her.

“No Buffy, don’t even worry about it,” Willow told her.

“Willow, go,” Buffy ordered her, getting out of her embrace and wiping her eyes.

“Are you sure honey?” Willow asked.

“Positive,” Buffy smiled.

“Come with me!” Willow offered.

“No, I haven’t changed my mind, I don’t feel like going,” Buffy told her.

“Okay, well, I’ll call you when it’s over, and tell you who won,” Willow promised, heading toward Buffy’s door.

“Okay, thank you,” Buffy thanked her, and watched as Willow made her way into the hallway and showed herself the way out.

As soon as she heard the front door close, she let sobs consume her body once again.

---

TBC!

Chapter 23

Spike walked through the school parking lot, after his embarrassing encounter with Buffy, where he poured out his heart, and had her reject him. Glad when he saw Angel up ahead working on his car, Spike picked up the pace. Angel was alone, and Spike wanted to wish him good luck personally, without all the guys there to laugh it up. Students were still exiting the school because hey, who rushes home to their parents?

“Hey mate, how’s the car?” Spike asked, when he approached Angel who was polishing the hood.

“Spike! Buddy you disappeared on me, I was getting a little worried for a minute there,” Angel grinned.

“Ha bloody ha,” Spike rolled his eyes. “Look, I want to talk to you.”

“What’s up?” Angel asked, raising an eyebrow. Spike hardly ever seemed serious.

“It’s just...Parker and them guys at Thunder road, they don’t mess around,” Spike informed him.

“You want me to back out?” Angel half laughed half yelled.

“No, I’m not saying that. I’m just-,” Spike began.

“Spike, we’ve been friends for a long time, right?” Angel interrupted.

“Yeah mate, what of it?”

“Well, you remember the, the drive-in the other night, we went, and, and the movie, and there was like the duel, and the guy’s best friend went with him, and, and, and, like, uh, was his, like, his lieutenant, like a second, you know?” Angel muttered.

“So?” Spike said, confused.

“Well I thought maybe you could be my second at Thunder Road.”

“You want me to drive with you? What do you mean?” Spike asked, still confused.

“No,” Angel answered.

“Oh...hey!” Spike exclaimed when the light bulb in his head turned on.

“Hey!” Angel chuckled.

The two guys started out with a handshake then quickly embraced each other. After a second they realized how gay they must look, and they separated, running their fingers through their gelled hair.

“I’ll pick you up at 5,” Angel finally broke the silence.

“Sounds good,” Spike agreed, giving him a nod that resembled a goodbye, then turning and heading toward his home.

---

“Are you going to Thunder Road?” Anya asked Cordy as they passed in the hallway.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” Cordy asked.

“Well because the guy who gave you many orgasms is racing in it, and you two are no longer together,” Anya answered with a “duh” look on her face.

“True, yeah, there’s not a chance I’ll be there,” Cordelia finally admitted.

“Look, I know I’m not the most caring or giving person, but if there’s anything I can do,” Anya offered.

“Forget it. I can handle myself,” Cordelia rejected her.

“Okay, well, I’ll see you later,” Anya gave her a wave then headed to her car.

“Bye,” Cordelia waved as she headed down the front steps of the school.

“That’s the slut I was telling you about,” Harmony whispered a little too loudly to another cheerleader as they walked down the stairs past Cordelia.

Cordelia just sighed, knowing there was no use of getting into a fight.

---There are worse things I could do

Than go with a boy or two

Even though the neighborhood

Thinks I’m trashy and no good

I suppose it could be true

But, there are worse things I could do

I could flirt with all the guys

Smile at them and bat my eyes

Press against them when we dance

Make them think they stand a chance

Then refuse to see it through

That’s a thing I’d never do

I could stay home every night

Wait around for Mr. Right

Take cold showers every day

And throw my life away

On a dream that won’t come true

I could hurt someone like me

Out of spite or jealousy

I don’t steal and I don’t lie

But, I can feel and I can cry

A fact I’ll bet you never knew

But, to cry in front of you

That’s the worst thing I could do---

---

Both gangs got out of their cars at the same time, and walked up in lines to meet each other face to face.

After what seemed like hours of staring, Parker finally broke the silence. “So you guys think you have a winner with that piece of junk?”

“Damn straight,” Angel stood up for his car.

“Well it takes more than a coat of paint to make it at Thunder Road,” Parker informed him with a sneer.

“So then how do you expect to win?” Angel countered.

“Oh, you’re a wisecrack aren’t ya?” Parker challenged. “Aren’t thinking about changing your minds are you?”

“No way!” Angel and the T-Birds said simultaneously.

“Good cause we’re racing for pinks,” Parker explained.

“Pinks?” Spike asked confused.

“Pink slips, dumbass. Ownership papers,” Parker rolled his eyes.

Spike just rolled his eyes and laughed, figuring the guy wasn’t even worth the fight.

Angel shook his head, and turned away from Parker, dragging Spike along with him privately. “Don’t worry about it man, I’ll handle it.”

Parker burst out laughing at the scene in front of him. “Look fags, I don’t got all day, let’s get this show on the road. Turning around, Parker headed to his black convertible with orange and yellow flames up the side. Drusilla came up to him and pulled a lock of hair out of her bra under her old Victorian style dress.

“What did she just give him?” Tara asked Anya curiously.

“A lock of hair...from her chest!” Anya laughed.

“Poor Angel,” Tara stated, feeling sorry that her friend didn’t have his girl or his luck with him. “See a penny pick it up and all day long you’ll have good luck!” Tara picked up the shiny penny off the asphalt.

“Give me that,” Anya ordered, grabbing the penny out of Tara’s hands and holding it like it was a virus. Walking over to Angel and his car, she held out the penny towards him, “Hey Angel, I brought you a little something for good luck.”

“Gee, thanks,” He muttered.

“Don’t worry about it,” Anya said. As he held out his hand, she let go of the penny. “Oops!”

Angel watched the penny fall to the ground. “I’ll get it.”

“No, I’m sorry! I’ll get it,” Anya offered.

Anya didn’t bother attempting to get it since Angel just bent down. As Angel was getting up, the door to his car opened, and hit him hard in the head, knocking him to the ground, and practically knocking him out.

“You retard!” Gunn exclaimed to Xander, who had opened the door in the first place.

“Oh my goodness!” Anya exclaimed, as she dropped down to Angel’s side to see if he was okay.

“Angel?” Spike asked, who was also down by his side.

“Here put this under his head,” Anya offered taking off her Pink Ladies jacket, and placing it under Angel’s head as Spike lift it up.

“Zuko man, he’s out cold,” Oz stated.

“What are we going to do?” Gunn asked.

“Angel, mate, talk to me,” Spike ordered him, slapping his face with a little force.

“What?” Angel asked, fighting consciousness.

“You good?” Spike asked.

“Just fine,” Angel assured him. He tried to sit up, then quickly fell back down. "Oh god.”

“He can’t drive like this,” Mrs. Murdock said, stating the obvious.

“No really, I’m alright!” Angel swore. He then turned to Spike and looked at him, “I’m just seeing two of you man.”

“You want me to drive for you?” Spike asked.

Angel sighed. “Yeah.”

“Alright, you heard him. Let’s help him up,” Spike yelled to the gang.

They got Angel over to the side. He was situated, comfortable, and more importantly, out of the way.

“I’m sorry,” Xander apologized.

“It’s okay Xan,” Angel assured him, trying to remain awake enough to watch the race.

---

TBC!!!

Chapter 24

Spike was beyond pissed now. He wasn’t seeing red, but he was getting close. Carefully, he approached Grease Lightnin’ and shot one last glare toward Parker and his gang, before getting into it.

Parker reflected Spike, and got into his car as well. Giving Drusilla one last kiss, he pulled up toward the designated start line, about the same time as Spike.

Rolling down his window, Parker stuck his head out of it. “Listen, the rules are that there ain’t no rules. It’s to the second bridge and back. The one who gets back to this line first, wins.

“Haul ass kid!” Mrs. Murdock screamed from her spot on the sidelines.

“When Drusilla gives us the signal,” Parker told him, “Be prepared to eat my dust.”

Spike just clenched his jaw but kept his cool. He wasn’t going to give Parker any fuel to his fire.

Drusilla waltzed over to her spot slightly in front of the cars. She stood directly between them and took off her blood red silk scarf from around her neck.

In about 3 seconds, she waved the scarf down, and the race was on.

---

Buffy walked down one of the slanted walls, to a spot away from everyone and up high, where she could see the race take place. She was wearing a white sundress with little blue flowers on it. Slipping off her white flip-flops, Buffy watched the race. ‘No one even has to know I was here,” She thought to herself. For some reason, she couldn’t stay away.

---

“GO SPIKE!” Willow yelled, jumping up and down.

“Yeah, go Zuko!” Angel yelled, trying to keep from passing out.

---

Spike ignored all the screaming coming from Parker’s car. He ignored the metal spike’s coming from Parker’s car and damaging Grease Lightnin’. He drove on the thought that Parker has to cheat to even stand a chance. All that was going through Spike’s mind, was the goal. Keeping his eyes on the road, and his foot down hard on the pedal.

Finally reaching the second bridge, Spike made the sharpest U-turn imaginable in a VW beetle.

“Bite me Zuko!” Parker screamed from his car. He was pissed that Spike wasn’t getting angry or distracted from his little damaging stunts.

Ignoring the whole concept of the race and losing sight of the goal, Parker started chasing Grease Lightnin’. Spike started to slightly drive up the slanted wall, hoping to avoid Parker. Parker was persistent though, and following him. Picking up speed, he rammed into the side of Grease Lightnin’, letting his metal spike damage the car. He had a broad grin on his face.

Still not giving Parker the satisfaction of getting pissed, Spike saw his golden opportunity straight ahead. Using the last burst of energy the car had, Spike made a sharp turn toward the road, getting off of the slant and cutting Parker off.

---

“Come on baby!” Dru cheered on Parker, hoping that what she was seeing wasn’t a loss in the making for the Scorpions.

“FREAKS!” Some of the Scorpions yelled across the road.

“Your mother!” Willow screamed back, earning shocked looks from her friends. That wasn’t like her at all. Grinning sheepishly, she turned her attention back to the race.

---

After coming down in front of Parker, Spike stepped on the pedal as far as it would go. He floored it, heading toward a makeshift ramp a few feet ahead.

Grinning like a madman, Spike took the ramp head on. Flying in the air, and again cutting off Parker, Spike landed right on top of the finish line. Parker on the other hand, well he had to swerve off to the side to avoid a collision with Spike, and landed in a pothole full of water.

---

“YEAH!” Xander cheered.

“Alright Spike!” Gunn added grinning wildly as Spike stepped out of the car.

“You were awesome man,” Oz congratulated him, barely changing expression.

“Thanks,” Spike said graciously, looking around at the gang surrounding him, hoping for a head of blonde hair. Trying not to let disappointment take over his features at the lack of Buffy being there, he realized that he didn’t expect any differently. He hurt her. He hurt the girl.

“Spike, man! If I knew you were going to do that great, I would’ve let you drove in the beginning!” Angel joked, swaggering over to him. As he reached Spike to hug him, he ended up falling into him as a wave of dizziness crashed over him.

“Come on man, stay seated,” Spike ordered, helping him to sit on the ground.

Xander and Gunn looked at each other and gave a slight nod before bursting into song and dancing around Spike. “For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow…which nobody can deny!”

Spike just let a deep throaty chuckle leave his throat, shaking his head and rolling his eyes at his crazy friends.

---

Buffy smiled from her spot above, watching the celebration below her.

---Look at me, there has to be,

Something more than what they see.

Wholesome and pure, oh, so scared and unsure,

A poor man’s Buffy---

---

Willow didn’t miss the shining of blonde from up above on the wall. The way the sun reflected off of Buffy’s hair, she shined like an angel. Willow was surprised that no one else saw her.

“Buffy! Buffy!” Willow waved up to her. “Spike won! Isn’t that awesome?”

Buffy looked down at the frantic redhead waving up at her. Giving her a small smile, Buffy waved back. “Yeah, he did.”

Willow ran up the slant to meet her. “What’s the matter? Aren’t you happy?”

“No, not really Wills, but I think I know a way that I can be,” Buffy told her. “I need to go to the mall for some stores and the salon. Can you come with me?”

“Sure!” Willow agreed, slightly pondering what Buffy had in mind.

“Is now okay?” Buffy asked shyly.

“Definitely. We’ll take my car!” Willow offered, as she started to run down excitedly.

---

Buffy smiled at the happy redhead.

---Buffy you must start anew,

Don’t you know what you must do?

Hold your head high, take a deep breath and sigh…-

“Buffy are you coming?” Willow questioned after turning around and realizing Buffy wasn't running behind her.

Buffy just nodded her head and slipped on her flip-flops. Getting up and smoothing down her dress, she ran to join Willow. Willow took a hold of her hand and led her to her car.

---Goodbye to Buffy---

---

TBC!!!