Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing except the plot. If I did own any of it, Joss Whedon would have some serious explaining to do but seeing as how I don't. Well then. I own nothing. Nada. Zilch. I'm a college student are you getting the idea?

A/N: Okay, this is my first try at Spuffyness. Its completely about Buffy and Spike although there is some Spike and Drusilla moments because well, she was his first 'love'. Anyways, please tell me what you think. Honestly. But don't do it with cruel and malice (although I have yet to see that) I'm just a college girl trying to exist in the harsh harsh world. I did take the basic idea from "A Walk To Remember" for those who haven't seen it. This is NOTHING like it. However, I won't promise that no one will die. Hope you like.

William 'Spike' Giles smiled as he and his friends drove up to the pier. It was after Homecoming and it was barely twelve-thirty as he took another swig of beer. Leaning against his car he smirked as Drusilla walked up to him, kissing him softly. Wrapping one arm around her he kissed back, keeping his beer in his hand. Watching their friends dance around like idiots was the funniest thing Spike had seen in awhile. He and his friends Zach Montoya, Angel O'Riley, and Michael Jacobs had been together since freshman year and now they were in their senior year of high school. Spike's thoughts shifted as Drusilla kissed him on the cheek lightly.

"Come on luv.let's play under the stars." She whispered to him. Spike held back a chuckle, Dru was the crazy type.always wanting to play under the stars and thinking they talked to her. Keeping his feet firmly planted he shook his head.

"Not right now luv, I don't dance, you know that."

"Mmm, naughty little boy. The stars want you to dance and you won't listen to them." Spike rolled his eyes.

"Dru, you know I don't believe that."

"Then what do you believe?" Spike chuckled, pulling Drusilla close as he kissed her.

"I don't believe in anything. Not a single thing." Kissing Dru hard on the mouth he dropped the beer on the ground, not really caring about it much more. Slowly his mind went from having fun with his friends to just having fun with Dru. Smirking as their kiss broke and he noticed his friends had the same idea with their girls he and Dru made their way into the back of his jeep...

Spike awoke to the sound of sirens. Looking up he sighed and pulling up his pants he zipped them and grabbing his shirt he shook his head and took out a cigarette.

"Bloody 'ell."

"You were arrested for hanging out with those boys I told you not to and to make things worse you were drinking?" Anya Giles exclaimed as she got her son home. Shaking her head she gave him one look that Spike knew all too well. It meant he was supposed to sit down. Sighing he sat down and shook his head, rubbing his eyes. He had one hell of a hang over and his step- Mums voice wasn't helping. His father, Rupert Giles, was a well-known businessman that like most famous ones, traveled around a lot. He had met Anya (then Jenkins) during one of his trips and since then they had been inseparable. Usually, Spike liked Anya but right now her voice was the last thing he wanted to hear was her voice. "Are you even listening to me William? Honestly.just wait until Rupert hears about this."

"He's not going to do a bloody thing Anya.you know that." Spike mumbled leaning back. Anya sighed, shaking her head running her fingers through her hair.

"William.don't start with me. Just because he's not here right now doesn't mean he hasn't been there for you. You really need to forgive him." Spike stood up, rolling his eyes.

"The day I forgive that bastard Anya is the day you quite bloody naggin' me. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed." Beginning to walk out of the room he rubbed his eyes.

"I don't think so Will. You have somewhere to be in one hour." Spike stopped, and turned towards Anya, confusion on his face.

"What are you bloody talking about?" Anya crossed her arms, looking him in the eyes.

"You have to get to church. We're going and you're not going to get out of it because you were stupid enough to go out drinking the other night." Spike groaned as he held his head in despair. Sighing he made his way up the stairs to his room. Instead of punishing himself by looking at the bed he immediately walked to his closet and grabbed his button down blue shirt. Walking to the bathroom he ran cold water onto his face, his silver necklace that he always wore hung down and as he looked up into the mirror seeing how shitty he actually looked he shook his head. Getting the shirt on he grabbed a pair of clean pants and slipping them on he made his way back down stairs. Sliding into the car he leaned his head against the door and closed his eyes. He fell asleep as Anya drove off and didn't even realize the thirty minute drive had passed until Anya smacked him on the side of the face lightly.

"Wake up sleepy head." She said, grabbing her bag she took her keys out and got out of the car, adjusting her skirt. Spike rubbed the sleep out of his eyes once again looking out the window he squinted as the sunlight attacked his eyes. Slowly getting out he adjusted to the light and as he pulled down his shirt he looked towards the church entrance.

"I see you've finally been able to make it.Spike." A small, feminine voice said behind him. Turning around he looked towards the familiar blonde head he had teased since his first day at his new high school.

"Nice to see you too Summers.now what brings you here? I mean after all, its not every day that you get a Bible-hugging broad to talk to a low life like myself." Buffy Summers frowned. Sighing she looked up to Spike and tried a smile but it wouldn't come to her.

"Bible-hugging? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term.but if you mean I do attend church every Sunday you're right Spike.I do." Spike smirked.

"Course I'm right pet. But, then again.it's not that hard to see that you are a girl who goes to church.I mean with that sweater that you always wear and everything." Buffy took a deep breath in, trying to keep her composure.

"You know Spike.God teaches us to have faith and to befriend our enemies. I'm just doing what God asks of me. You don't need to throw it back in my face."

"I'm not throwing a bloody thing in anyone's face pet. Besides.God has nothing and wants nothing to do with me."

"I think you're wrong Spike, and hopefully you'll soon realize it for yourself. Now if you'll excuse me." Spike watched as Buffy walked past him, holding her previous Bible and wearing that same stupid sweater she always did wear. Searching his pockets for his cigarettes he groaned as he remembered he had left them on his bed.along with his lighter.

"Bloody 'ell."

Chapter 2:

"Well, Mr. Giles, since this is your first offense I'm glad we've gotten you now before you could do anything worse. Because you were the individual that not only bought the beer, but you were the one that gave it to everyone else.you are the one getting in trouble. Do you understand me?" Judge Copeland asked. Spike sighed as Anya stood next to him in the juvenile court. He couldn't believe it! He was eighteen and they were all upset about a few cases of beer! Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by Anya's jab into his arm. He cleared his throat.

        "Uh.yes sir. I do understand and I'm willing to accept any punishment that you see fit." The judge smiled and sat back in his chair.

        "Now that's what I want to hear Mr. Giles and I'm sure you'll agree that the punishment given to you is justified. So, starting as of three-o- clock this afternoon you are to help the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Foundation and you will become a big brother to a young man named Conner Johnson." Spike suppressed his groan as Judge Copeland continued, "You will also participate in the tutoring service your school has in helping the younger students in the middle schools around the city. Each week you will report to a Mrs. Joyce Summers, she's the one that runs both the places I'm sending you to; that is Big Brothers, Big Sisters as well as the tutoring, and she will report to me. Do you understand this Mr. Giles?"

        "Yeah, I bloody do." Spike mumbled.

        "What was that Mr. Giles?"

        "Uh, yes sir.I understand completely." Spike replied, forcing the smile on his face. A slow smile came to Judge Copeland's face and he quickly set down his pen and took off his glasses to look directly at Spike.

        "You know Mr. Giles, I see a lot of teenagers like yourself each and every day and sometimes I lose hope in them but you Mr. Giles, you've restored my faith in most teenagers. I think that if you can do a complete turn around then maybe just maybe, my job as judge is being fulfilled. Best of luck to you Mr. Giles.case dismissed." With that Judge Copeland lightly hit his gavel on the desk and as everyone stood up as he left Spike gave the window to the outside a last look as he sighed.

        "Goodbye life. 'Ello hell." He muttered, following closely behind Anya. Walking into the lobby Spike pulled out his cell phone, ready to call his friends and let them know what hell he was really in but before he could make the call, Anya took the cell away from him.

        "Your father and I have decided that you're not going to have your phone and until we decide on other things, you're not going to have your Jeep."

        "What are you talking about? I'm going to need it to get to these idiotic things that nancy boy of a judge sentenced me to!"

        "Well you're just going to have to get a ride from me, ride the bus, or you're going to have to get a ride from Angel and I mean Angel only."

        "You mean to tell me that none of my other friends can give me a ride?" Anya turned towards him, putting the phone in her purse.

        "That's exactly what I'm telling you William. You screwed up this time and I'm not going to be here to allow you to just use me to do you're punishment. You need to learn that you're not all that and for once you're going to treat me with the respect I deserve." Spike scowled.

        "Why should I? You're not my bloody Mum." He turned and began to storm off.

        "No Spike, you're right. I'm not. Your mom ran out on you and your father when you were barely one year old and since then your father has had to raise you." Spike stopped.

        "You're right Anya, she was a bitch of a Mum and guess what, I don't care."

        "Spike, look. When I met your father and then I met you. I fell in love with both of you. You were the son that I could never have, and I didn't just marry your father to make you're life miserable Spike.I married him to help you. Now, come on, we have just enough time for you to get something to eat and then I'll drop you off at the Big Brothers, Big Sisters complex where you'll meet with Mrs. Summers." Leave it to Anya to make him feel like shit.

        "Alright, fine. Let's just get this over with." Spike mumbled, climbing into Anya's car. Anya sighed as she climbed into the car. Glancing once more towards Spike she shook her head and put the key into the ignition. Slowly they pulled out of the Metropolitan Court House parking lot and as they slowly drove off, Spike gazed out the window and rolled his eyes as he passed by his friends who were piling out of their car and walking into the local pizza hang out. Angel had seen him and gave him a wave as they passed by. Spike merely raised his hand to say hello to them and he watched as Drusilla looked after Angel's gaze and stared after Spike. Suddenly Zach came up behind Dru, wrapped his arm around her and kissed her hard on the mouth. Spike sat up, glaring towards Zach who, after his kiss, grinned towards Spike and mouthed, 'Your loss'. Clenching his fist, Spike used all his control to keep from hitting something. As they got further from the hang out, Spike's fist loosened. Finally, they pulled into the driveway and before Anya could say a word, Spike was out of the car, slamming the door he walked up into the house and up to his room he collapsed on his bed.

        "This is bloody hell. I'm in hell."

        "Spike. Spike come on wake up." Anya shook him lightly, trying to get Spike to awaken from his deep sleep. Finally, a groan emerged from the bleached blonde young man.

        "Mum, its two-thirty, I plan on sleeping at least another four hours." He mumbled. Anya shook her head as she kneeled down to his eye level.

        "I don't think so Spike, you have Big Brothers and Sisters. Come on, up you go." Anya pulled the covers off of Spike as he clenched his eyes, trying to keep from having to get up. With a groan, he felt Anya moving to the other side of his bed and the next thing he knew, he was flat on his ass in the middle of his room. Looking around, he winced as he caught Anya in the way of the light, but some escaped around her small figure.

        "Damn it all to hell."

        "Don't be using that language in this house young man. Now, I suggest you get up and get showered because I'm not letting you miss your first day." Anya replied as she brushed her hands off and threw a towel towards a disgruntled, mumbling Spike. "Get up now." With that, Anya pushed the rest of the curtains open and Spike tried covering his eyes with his towel. Starting to lay back down he was suddenly pushed up.

        "What the mot-"

        "Yes, I'm your step mother. Now I'm going to be evil, get up!" Spike looked up towards Anya and swore inside. Slowly he got to his feet and scratching his head lightly with one hand, he rubbed his eyes with the other.

        "Fine, I'm getting up now. You bloody happy woman?"

        "Yes, I'm very happy. But I suggest that you get into that shower before I smack you across the head for even daring to try and call me woman. Now, get!" Spike grumbled under his breath and slowly made his way towards the shower. It wasn't until Anya gave him a swift kick in the butt that he moved quicker. Minutes later he emerged from the shower, a loose towel around his waist as the water dripped from his hair to his body and slowly slid down. Walking to his dresser he placed the silver necklace around his neck once more and with a soft kiss to it, he let it rest against his chest. Slowly he leaned down and smiled as he picked up familiar photo. There in front of him was a nine year old Spike with a nine year old Angel and their dads on their annual fishing trip. That annual trip had slowly disappeared as Rupert Giles had gotten richer and richer. He had gotten busier and busier every day. Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and months, made the years disappear. Tossing the photo to the side, Spike refused to show any emotion. Quickly he got dressed and headed downstairs.

        Buffy Summers sighed as she waited outside the school gymnasium. He was late. On his first day he was late. Her mom wouldn't care but she sure did. How dare he leave these kids waiting! It was his fault he had to do this. The least he could've done was been on time. Crossing her arms she paced back and forth slowly. It annoyed her. She couldn't tell exactly what about Spike Giles bothered him but it did. Maybe it was his platinum blonde hair. There was no way that was a normal hair color! Or maybe it was because he treated her faith like a big joke. Yes. That had to be it. Having grown up with parents who were devoted to their religion, Buffy never really wanted to be anything more than a part of that. Maybe that was why Spike, what a silly nickname, but maybe that was why he annoyed her. Sighing, she knew that she should try and accept him for who he was but she wanted so badly to change him. Hopefully she'd be able to grab a hold of the real him inside. Then she'd definitely be able to rea-

        "Buffy? Hello? Earth to Buffy?" A hand waved in front of her. As Buffy shook the thoughts from her head, she turned to meet the emerald green gaze of her best friend Willow Rosenberg. A smile immediately appeared on Buffy's face.

        "Oh sorry Willow, I was just thinking. You know me, I start thinking and I go off."

        "Yeah, you go off to your lala-everything is wonderful-land. It's a wonder I can even get through to you now-a-days!" Willow slowly smiled and hooking arms with Buffy she began to start pacing with her. "Now, tell Willow whats wrong."

        "Nothings wrong." Willow turned to Buffy and looked skeptic. "Honest. Nothing. I promise, nothing wrong in Buffy-land."

        "All right. But only if you're completely sure that you're okay."

        "I'm fine. I'm just, annoyed okay?" Willow's brow furrowed.

        "Annoyed? At who?"

        "Spike." Buffy said, with a matter-of-fact answer. Willow looked confused so Buffy continued, "First of all, on Sunday he called be bible- hugging! What's that supposed to mean? And then to top it off he got himself in trouble on the night of homecoming so for the next, I'm going to say months, I have to help him out so he can get used to being a 'Big Brother'." Willow's eyes widened.

        "Oh. So you're afraid you're going to tell him how you feel?" Buffy's gaze snapped up towards Willow.

        "What do you mean how I feel?"

        "Well, I mean. I-I was just trying to." Willow stopped. "Oh look, there's Spike now!" Buffy turned around to see the blonde getting out of Anya's car. Anya said something to him and Spike nodded. Slamming the door shut he waited until Anya drove off before he started walking up towards Buffy and Willow. As he stepped onto the curb he put out the cigarette he had been smoking and crushing it under his foot he looked towards Buffy.

        " 'Ello pet. Are we just going to stand here or get on with this?"

        "You know, you don't have to be that pessimistic." Buffy replied as she adjusted her shirt, trying to keep her eyes from meeting Spike's bright blues.

        "Why not be? I mean, if I'm going to have to help out some pathetic kid when I have nothing better to do why not have a shitty attitude about it?" Buffy frowned.

        "I'll have you know Conner isn't some pathetic kid. He's, he's someone that needs someone to show they actually care for him. But apparently you're not capable of that at all. So, since you have no real motivation to actually HELP him, why don't you just leave?"

        "Can't do that. Besides, it's not like this kid really needs anyone. He can grow up just fine by himself."

        "That's the point Spike. He is alone, he's by himself. If you had taken the time to actually ask about Conner then you would've known that his parents were killed. You try dealing with that by yourself and come out of it normal. Or what you consider normal." Buffy turned to walk away but was shortly cut off as Spike grabbed a hold of her arm. Buffy glared towards him, anger behind her eyes. When she looked around for help, she noticed that Willow had conveniently disappeared. Buffy had no choice but to deal with Spike by herself.

        "What? You want to ridicule me now for my so called Bible-hugging ways?" She hissed. Spike sighed and looked down. Letting her go he immediately took back saying those words. Putting his hands in his back pockets he slowly looked back up towards her.

        "How can I help?"

Chapter 3:

************************* "You can start by trying to care for once. I know that's not something you're used to but.at least try." Buffy replied after a few moments. Spike nodded as Buffy turned around and walked towards the door. Putting her hand on the handle, she turned to Spike one last time. "I want you to promise me something."

"What?"

"I want you to promise me that once you meet Conner, if you don't plan on staying, don't tell him things that you can't make come true. Because if you do, I'm going to have to do something I've never done."

"And that is?"

"Hate you." Spike was slightly taken aback.

"Hate me? You couldn't hate me. It's not within your nature Buffy." Buffy nodded and took her hand off the handle as she walked up closer towards him.

"You're right, I couldn't hate you. But then again I've never had to. I could really dislike you and that would be a huge problem because I don't dislike people either but I promise you one thing. If you do anything to hurt him I will."

"You're dead set on making sure I help this kid aren't you?"

"Yes I am."

"Well then pet, lets get the show on the road then." Spike went to walk towards the door but Buffy reached a hand up and stopped Spike from walking much further as she put it against his arm. He looked down towards her, "What's this all about? I thought you wanted me to help luv."

"I do. But Spike, don't call me pet or luv. I know you don't like me, don't pretend like you do." Buffy turned and walked towards the door and opening it she walked in. Spike rolled his eyes and followed shortly after her. As he walked in he was suddenly attacked with the sounds of shouting, crying and complaining kids. Shaking his head he took a few seconds before getting fully adjusted to the sound. That's when; just as he turned he met the same blue eyes that he had only just looking into moments before, except these were older.

"Hello William, wonderful to see you here. Now I know that you're not here willingly but I'm sure you're willing to work hard, right?" Joyce Summers said.

"Uh, yeah. Sure thing."

"William? Are you feeling alright?" Joyce seemed suddenly concerned. Spike nodded. He was still trying to get used to the sudden name change. Only his father ever called him William, even Anya called him Spike for Christ's sake. What was it with stuffy older people insisting on using a name you hated? Shrugging it off he looked up towards Joyce and gave her a half smile.

"Yes Mrs. Summers I'm perfectly fine. Just getting adjusted from the drastic change from sunlight to, uh, gym light. Yeah, that's it." He waiting until Joyce smiled and laughed softly.

"Oh you're just the sweetest thing. It really is a shame about the circumstances that got you here, but that's in the past and I'm not here to judge. I'm just glad you're here; we could use all the help you can give William. Now, if you'll follow me, I'll introduce you to Conner." Spike looked around quickly, wondering which runt would be the one he'd have to deal with, or as Buffy put it, which was the runt he'd have to get to know and help.

"Uh, Mrs. Summers, where's Buffy?"

"Oh, she's helping fix the snacks for the kids who are here camp. But she'll be around later. I'm sure you'll get to see here."

"Um, that's not why I was as-" Spike shut up and decided to quite while he was ahead, "Just lead the way Mrs. Summers."

"Of course! Follow me then." Spike slowly followed behind Joyce as she weaved in between games, activities, singing, plays and who knows what else. It wasn't until they reached the far end of the gym that Spike actually looked up from the ground. There weren't anymore little kids running around so it was safe to look up. As he looked in front of him he saw a scrawny teenage kid who was sitting in the corner reading a book. The kid's jeans were torn at the knees and were badly torn up at the bottom. His black shirt was holy and his hair was long enough to shade his eyes and overlap his ears. The teenager didn't look a day over sixteen but maybe he was way off. As Joyce walked up towards him she sat down in front of him and Spike held a groan in as she motioned him over. He walked over just in time to hear the tail-end of what she was telling him.
        " So Conner, this is William and he's going to be your new big brother. I do hope the two of you can get along." Spike looked down towards the teenager who momentarily looked up from his book and glared into Spike.

"You expect that dork to actually be a big brother to me?" He asked. Spike immediately went on the defensive.

"Hey now, I'm not a dork."

"Could've fooled me." The teenager argued. Spike's brow furrowed.

"Now Conner, you promised to actually try this time. So please, just give Spike a chance." Joyce said softly. She stood up and walked towards Spike, "Just give him a couple days; he'll learn to love you." With that she walked away leaving a very confused Spike with a really snotty, unwilling kid. Spike let out a deep sigh and rubbed his sweaty palms against his pant legs and walking over towards the mats that Conner sat on, he put on leg up on them and looked down to him.

"Look mate, it's obvious neither of us wants to go through this but it's something we have to try out alright?"

"Why should I care about what you're saying to me? It's obvious you're just some stupid idiot who screwed up and got caught and now is serving time." Spike tried thinking of a witty comeback but shut his mouth. He was ready to give up on this kid. Then Buffy walked in with a tray and met his eyes. With a groan he rolled his eyes and sat down.

"Alright, you got me. I'm someone who really doesn't want to be here and the only reason I am is because I got caught. You're right. But just because I'm here now doesn't mean that we can't make the best of the situation you got that?"

"Yeah, I got it." Conner never looked up from his book, "But you might as well quit while you're ahead. I know your type. You'll be here until your term is up and then you'll leave." Spike couldn't believe what a shitty attitude this kid actually had.

"Hey, listen up mate. You're bloody right I'll leave if you keep treating me like you are now. If you'd actually take into some consideration my feelings then maybe I'd actually like to stay around when my sentence is over." Conner scoffed.

"Please, there's no use convincing me. There's nothing that's going to keep you here. It's already been planned out. You'll leave then some other stupid idiotic dumbass will come along and take your place. I'm sick of it and I'm not going through it." Spike was getting annoyed, and where on earth did this kid come from? Planet Huge Stick Up His Arse?

"You know what, with language like that an-and an outlook on the situation that way no wonder people have left you behind before. Well, you listen up you little...punk. Spike Giles isn't a stupid idiotic dumbass. Not only will I prove to you that I want to help you out but I will stay. I'll stay for as long as you're here." Conner looked up towards him and Spike actually saw a glimmer of hope in the teenage boys eyes.

"Really?"

"Bloody right!" It took an awkward moment of silence but then Conner shut the book and scooted up towards him, letting his legs dangle down.

"I thought Mrs. Summers said your name was William."

"It is, but my nickname is Spike. You can call me whichever you want."

"I like Spike, it sounds cool."

"I know mate, hence the fact it's my nickname."

"Can I have a nickname?"

"Maybe."

"How do you get a nickname?"

"I don't know mate, we'll see if we can figure one out for you."

"Why do you talk so damn weird?"

"Because, I'm from England. Now, there'll be no more of that language coming from you."

"You used it."

"I bloody well did not." Spike stopped and looked down towards Conner who eyed him skeptically. "Alright fine, I did, but Mrs. Summers would die if she heard you talkin' like me. So anytime we're around her or any other adults its well-mannered speaking. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Alright then. We're going to do all right kid."

"Hey Spike?"

"What?"

"Why are you doing this?" Spike looked down towards the ground and picked at his fingernails. Looking up he looked towards Buffy who was in the middle of helping some little kid with glue.

"Lets just say, I might be having a change of heart about a few things."

Chapter 4:

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

Buffy sighed as she walked into her room. It was almost midnight and she was dead tired but she still had so much she had to do. So much she wanted to see. But it was so late. With a determined sigh, Buffy shook her head and rubbed at the base of her neck. Grabbing her bag by the side of her bed she opened her window and carefully put it down outside on the roof. Slowly she made her way out of the room and closed the window till it was only a crack open. Putting the bag across her shoulder Buffy made her way down the tree. Hopping down she wiped her hands off and smiled as she looked inside to see her parents reading in their study. They always did that sort of thing. Quietly she walked down the driveway and down the street towards the cemeteries. Opening the gate to the cemetery she sighed as she let it close quietly behind her. Normally people came around but tonight it seemed unusually quiet. Shrugging it off she carefully stepped around the tombstones into a clearing. With a smile she put her bag down and pulled out a blanket. Two of them. Putting one down she wrapped the other one around her and looked up towards the stars. A smile planted on her face as she gazed up towards the twinkling lights above her. They seemed so far away yet so close. Hearing a rustle in the trees Buffy looked around. She grabbed ahold of her flashlight and looked around, seeing nothing. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind.

"Gotcha!" Buffy screamed out as Spike laughed as he pulled away. It wasn't until he saw the pure look of terror on his face that he really felt bad and just stopped laughing. "Whoa now, calm down. It's alright, Buffy, it's just me. It's just me." Spike sank to his knees beside her as she began to slowly regain a normal breathing pattern.

"Don't. Ever. Do. That. Again." She said, breathing with each pause. Spike nodded,

"Alright, alright, no need to freak out on me luv, now just breathe. Slowly. That's it. One after another. That's right, take it slow."

"Don't patronize me!" Buffy exclaimed.

"I'm not! Just calm down! Bloody hell!" Spike yelled as Buffy went to hit him when he tried to wrap an arm around her. "What the hell is wrong with you bloody women? You fly off the handle at the tiniest thing. Now I definitely know why I'm never getting married!" Spike said. Buffy turned and looked towards him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh! Now you're up for civil conversation! Well you can forget it missy! I try and help you out and you lung at me? Lord! And they thought Drusilla was crazy! Let me tell you something, at least she could understand a practical joke!" Spike leaned on a tombstone and rolled his eyes. Taking a pack of cigarettes out he took one out and put it in his mouth, letting it drape down while he patted at his pockets to find his lighter. Buffy frowned when he lit it.

"You know, those things are going to kill you."

"Yeah well I figure we've all gotta go some time. Why not make the best of it eh?" Spike smirked as he took a long drag of his cigarette. Slowly he exhaled and looked towards Buffy who didn't seem in her normal happy mood. He sighed, "Look, luv. No hard feelings eh? I just saw you out here and it's past midnight and I just couldn't let the moment pass up." Buffy scoffed and looked towards him.

"You know that's just something I'd expect from you because you can be so, so, well I can't think of a word but I know you're that."

"Well you could obviously go with charming, unbelievably sexy or even my personal favorite, absolutely perfect." Buffy smiled and shook her head.

"Nobody's perfect Spike."

"Oh really? You seem to think might high of yourself then. Because the way I see it," he took another drag, "You think you're better than everyone. So please, spare the lecture and give it to someone who actually cares." Spike said. Buffy sighed and shook her head.

"I'll never get you Spike. But," She smiled, "Number three is done." Spike's eyebrow rose.

"Number three of what?" He asked.

"My list of things I want to do before I die. Number three is befriending someone you normally wouldn't. I mean normally I wouldn't be friends with you but, I'm definitely going to try."

"Oh so now I'm just something on your stupid list? Great Buffy, thanks. Because you know it's my life ambition to befriend someone who only becomes a friend with you because of a list." Spike spat back.

"Spike, that's not what I meant." He crushed the cigarette.

"Yeah sure luv, look, do me a favor and save it. What the hell are you doing out here anyway?" Buffy sighed and smiled slowly, shaking her head she looked up towards the stars.

"Dreaming."

"Dreaming? Of what?"

"Of what's out there. I mean its not every night that you can look up and actually see all the wonders that have been created. It makes you think you can do anything. And you know you can. Look at them Spike, all the stars, they're high up there and yet so reachable."

"Luv, you can't reach the stars."

"That's what you think." Buffy replied. She smirked and stood up, the blanket still wrapped around her petite body. "I'm going to touch the stars and I'm going to make them soar, you'll see." Looking towards him she took the blanket from around her shoulders and handed it to him, "You need this more than I do. Just return it till you figure out that you can reach the stars."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike groaned. He had his Algebra class in less than fifteen minutes and his homework was sitting on his desk at home. There was no way he was going to be able to turn it in late. Rounding the corner he began thinking of excuses on why he'd miss class that day. With a roll of his eyes he figured he couldn't think of one. 'Face up to what you didn't do.you blockhead.' Spike thought. Turning in the direction of his class he didn't see the familiar blonde head he'd seen the night before. Running into Buffy, her head collided with his chin.

"Ow." Buffy groaned, rubbing her head. Spike looked down to see Buffy, a sudden pain hit him in the chin.

"Bleedin' Christ Summers! Next time watch where you're going!" Spike exclaimed. Buffy sighed, and nodded.

"Yeah I know, I have a habit of looking at my feet when I walk. But I hope you can forgive me. I'm sorry Spike." She replied softly. Spike looked down towards Buffy once more and the anger he held slowly disappeared. How could he not forgive her? Cursing inside Spike shook his head.

"Nah, look, it's my fault luv. I was just pissed off cuz I forgot my algebra homework and its on my desk. I shouldn't be taking out anger on you." Buffy looked surprised.

"Wow, didn't think you had it in you."

"Yeah well there's a lot of things you don't know about me pet. A lot of things. Besides that, you never even hung out with me before so technically you don't even know me." Buffy smiled and shook her head.

"Quite the contrary Spike. I know you very well. You're William Giles, also known as Spike. You hang out with the likes of Angel O'Riley, Zach Montoya and Michael Jacobs. You had a girlfriend, though I haven't seen much of Drusilla and you don't eat lunch in the cafeteria because that is where all the rejects sit anyway." Spike smirked, then slowly began to laugh. Shaking his head he looked towards Buffy and adjusted his messenger bag on his shoulder.

"Well now, aren't you the observant one. I guess then I could say the same about you. I do know you quite well." Spike said, before Buffy could interrupt him he began, "You're Elizabeth Summers, also known as Buffy. You have exactly one friend maybe two from what I've seen at school anyway and that's little Willow Rosenburg. You attend church every Sunday and you're mom helps out with the little kids that have no one, which I must say is a good idea. Now, you're always taking things into the religious perspective and there hasn't been a time I have seen you cuss or even mention anything bad, not to say you couldn't.plus I haven't even seen you be a 'bad' girl so to speak, but then again.not to say you couldn't." Spike smirked seeing Buffy flustered was one thing he definitely wanted to see more of, "Am I getting warm luv?" Buffy swallowed and looked up towards Spike. This was exactly what she didn't want. She didn't want to be cornered but Spike was just so, so, unbelievably gorgeous. Why did he have to look to handsome all the time? And what was with that smirk. Did he actually have to walk around acting as if he was the top of the food chain? Well, he was, in a sense. Buffy shook her head. Concentrate. "Penny for your thoughts luv?" Spike said, interrupting her thoughts.

"Uh, um, we'd better get to Algebra." She quickly said. 'Better get to algebra? Stupid Buffy. Really stupid.' She thought. Spike looked at his watch.

"Guess you're right. But don't think we won't finish this conversation later." He laughed as he started walking with her towards the class. There was something about Buffy that interested him. He wanted to learn more from her, yet be the only one to teach her things. Shrugging Spike blew it off. There'd be time enough for that. Right now though, he had to deal with the devil. His algebra teacher.

"Now, when X equals Y plus six multiplied by two you simply take this equation and plug it in. You all should've done this on your homework so if you'll be so kind and turn that in." Mrs. Grey said in a high-pitched tone. Groans came from the classroom and Mrs. Grey grinned, she loved it when students were unprepared. Especially that bleached blonde kid in the back. What was his name? Oh yes, Willi-

"Mrs. Grey?" Buffy said softly as she raised her hand. "Mrs. Grey?"

"Yes Buffy?" Mrs. Grey replied as she smirked evilly towards those who were unprepared. Buffy Summers was the only one who ever came to class prepared and she adored the girl, simply adored her. There was nothing she wouldn't do for he-

"I forgot my homework Mrs. Grey. Well, in actuality, I didn't understand it so I was hoping I could ask you for a days extension." Buffy had never seen her teacher's eyes widen that much. Mrs. Grey looked as if she was about to have a heart attack. The young blonde woman got up from her seat and helped her teacher to her chair.

"You. You forgot your homework Miss Summers?"

"Yes Ma'am. I'm really sorry about this. I-I just, I didn't understand the material. I will understand if you don't want to give the extension but I just felt that since even I didn't understand the material that maybe you'd allow the class a day?" Buffy asked. She held her breath. What was she doing? Why was she suddenly lying? She knew damn well her homework was in her folder! That's when Buffy looked up towards the back of the class. Towards the familiar blue gaze of the person she had just befriended a couple days before. They were wide with shock.

"Of course Buffy, class can have a day extension we'll go over the material tomorrow. Be sure to read the pages of the chapter.

"Thank you Mrs. Grey." Buffy returned to her seat and refused to look back towards the back of the classroom. If she had, she would've seen a very grateful smile and she would've seen something in the blue gaze that would've scared her. The second class ended Buffy gathered her books and began walking out of the classroom. She was almost out the door when a strong hand clamped onto her arm. Turning around she saw Spike and almost let out a small laugh but she stopped herself from doing so.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you do that Buffy? Why'd you lie?"

"I didn't lie. What makes you think I lied?" Spike raised the stapled pieces of paper. Buffy could've cursed out but didn't. It was her homework; it must've fallen out of her binder when she was walking so fast. She sighed. "Alright, so I lied. What about it?"

"Why did you do it Buffy? You had your homework done. Why'd you lie and get a day extension for everyone?"

"Because I wanted to alright? I felt that you deserved a break for once. God Spike, I- I just wanted you to know that I would be there for you I guess."

"But why lie? There was no reason to lie at all."

"Yes there was. I mean you had your homework at home and well, for once I figured that everyone needed a break from Mrs. Grey. She can be really mean." Spike slowly smiled and shook his head.

"That she can. But the thing is Buffy, you're better than that. You're way better than that."

"Look, why can't I just have one time where I want to do something that I feel it right? Huh Spike? Why can't I just do something that I want?" Spike looked down and shook his head and looked back up to her while he pushed her into the other hall.

"Why? Because Buffy. People will start using you. People will start wanting you to lie for them about other things. They'll start wanting you to.to." Spike slowly stopped as he ran his fingers down Buffy's face lightly and as they inched closer together. Their lips met and their arms encircled one another.

Chapter 5:

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

Buffy felt the warmth grow within her body. She felt like she knew this is what she wanted, this is who she wanted. Slowly, as their lips came apart and they regained control of their breath, Buffy looked up towards the now sapphire gaze of.of Spike? Buffy jumped back away from Spike's arms as if she had just seen a ghost. She turned pale. Shaking her head she slowly backed up towards the wall and brought her hand up to her lips. She hadn't. No she couldn't have. She hadn't kissed him back. She couldn't have kissed him back.

"No." She said softly.

"Buffy? Buffy, luv, are you okay?" Spike asked as he slowly walked up closer towards her. Buffy shook her head and tried moving away but being against the wall she really had no place to go.

"No, this didn't just happen." Spike took in a deep breath. Cursing inside he managed to keep back from yelling out. He decided to just help her as best as he could.

"Buffy, it did happen. But listen.listen to me Buffy." He said softly, taking ahold of her chin he forced her to look at him. "Buffy, you just say the word, and never again." She looked at him, confusion in her eyes.

"What?"

"You just say the word and what just happened here, because it did happen, will never happen again. I promise." Buffy took a second before she let everything register. Looking towards Spike she forced herself to look into his eyes. She knew it had just been a kiss.nothing more. But what she felt inside was.was something much more than just a simple kiss. Looking past his 'tough-guy' image she slowly nodded.

"Alright."

"Alright what?" Spike replied.

"Alright, I'll say it." When Spike looked at her, obviously needing for her to continue she looked away and then looked back, "I don't want that to happen again." Spike felt his stomach drop. If that was possible. For some reason that one kiss had, had shaken him up and now to hear Buffy say that she never wanted a repeat of it. He nodded, he had to. In order to keep her friendship he had to agree to what she wanted.

"Alright, I'll do my best to see that it doesn't." Spike moved away from her, no longer keeping her pinned towards the wall. Looking down he dug his hands into his pockets, "But Buffy, just so you know luv." Buffy moved closer towards him, looking back up towards her he slowly smirked, "It wasn't that good anyway."

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

"It wasn't that good anyway?" Angel O'Riley said as he chalked up his pool stick. Looking down towards the platinum blonde head that was focusing on the cue ball going for the break he shook his head. "Are you crazy? You never say that do a girl! Ever!" After breaking the rack and getting a solid in Spike went for another shot.

"Gimme a break mate. It was the last thing I could come up with. Besides," He paused as he took the shot, and winced as he missed, "It wasn't that great." Angel raised an eyebrow and looked towards Spike with disbelief.

"You mean to tell me you actually got little Miss-I-Go-To-Church-And-I'm-A- Good-Girl all pinned against the wall and you got her kissing and it wasn't that great?" He asked.

"Yeah, I did." Spike stopped, "Well actually, we kissed and then she backed up against the wall after we kissed. So technically, I didn't get her up against the wall." Angel shook his head.

"Same thing man! Honestly, you have a goodie-good. Don't you feel that a bit of.corruption is the best solution?" Angel smirked at the thought. A girl to teach exactly what you wanted out of everything, shaking his head he knew it wasn't right but a guy could dream. When Spike shot his next ball into the pocket he looked up towards Angel and glared.

"I hear you talk about her like that again and I'll kick your ass from here all the back to bloody England." Angel's eyes widened. Something was wrong. No. Something was weird.

"Uh, alright. Spike, let me ask you something." He leaned down and looked towards Spike who was setting up his next shot, "Did you by chance.cop a feel?"

"What the bloody hell are you talking about?" Spike exclaimed as he missed the cue ball entirely. Angel smiled and laughed softly.

"Just asking you a question man. Did you cop a feel?" Spike gripped the pool stick tightly.

"No I bloody well did not! Now if you don't mind I'd like to finish this damn game." Angel nodded and continued to laugh. He watched as Spike became more and more frustrated and shook his head.

"You've got it bad man." Spike missed the ball again. Standing up he glared towards Angel and dropped the stick on the ground.

"What the hell do you mean I 'got it bad'. You trying to imply something mate?" Spike said, walking closer towards Angel who was still laughed, except louder this time.

"Oh hell no, I'm not implying, I'm telling you Spike. You've got it bad towards, what's her name again? Oh yeah, Buffy."

"Listen up mate. I don't have anything towards the soddin' blonde. You got that?"

"Yep, got it Spike." Spike nodded. He was satisfied with what had just been agreed upon but as he lined up for his next shot he couldn't help but hear Angel sneaking a laugh from behind. Just as he turned around through, he didn't see Angel. All he saw was a huge fist connecting with his face.

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

Xander Harris stood above the now fallen Spike, fist still clenched. As Spike slowly got up, Xander backed away a little, fist still clenched. Spike touched his lip where it had been split open and as he removed his hand he saw the blood. Looking towards Xander he saw nothing but hatred in his eyes. Spike went to walk towards him but Xander backed up again. As Spike went to talk Xander held up his fist again.

"No! Shut up!" He paused, "Now I know you're probably going to kick my ass but, after spending time with a crying Buffy I had the strong urge to hit you. So, now you can hit me just remember.I bleed easily." Xander lowered his hand and closed his eyes. Spike sighed and looked around the room.

"C'mon mate, lets take this outside." Xander opened his eyes.

"Huh?" Spike rolled his eyes and then looked towards Xander as he grabbed his arm.

"You. Me. Outside. Do I need to explain it to you again?"

"No, no, I understood the first time." As Spike and Xander started walking out of the pool hall Xander looked towards Spike confused, "Why aren't you hitting me again?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"Because if I do I'm going have bloody well wasted my time. Besides that factor there's a lady you've been talking to on the phone and I'm wanting to know what was said." Xander's brow furrowed.

"So let me get this straight, you're not beating me up because you want information on Buffy?"

"Yeah."

"And if I don't talk to you about Buffy, then what?"

"Then I'm going to beat you to a bloody pulp now just start talking about Buffy. I don't have all night to just stand here and listen to you while you try and figure things out. Now what did Buffy call you about because it obviously involved me so I have a right to know." Xander stood there. Crossing his arms he looked towards Spike.

"Wow. You've got it bad for her." Spike clenched his hands together. There was that damn word again.

"What is it with you people? I don't have it bad for anyone! Bloody hell! You make it seem like I'm in love with the broad!"

"Are you?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Could be. Now are you in love with Buffy?"

"Of course not! I barely know the girl!" Xander laughed softly.

"Oh god, you're so in love with her."

"You're nuts you know that mate? You're bloomin' crazy. How could you possibly think that I'm in love with Buffy Summers? You're out of your mind!" Xander laughed more, so much that he had to lean against the wall. Just as he did, Angel walked out to make sure everything was fine. Looking at Xander he raised an eyebrow.

"What's going on?"

"That idiot thinks that I'm in love with Buffy!" Angel grinned and nodded, looking towards Xander he leaned in.

"You think so to?" Both began cracking up laughing and depended on the wall and each other for support to keep from falling. Spike on the other hand continued to clench his fists to keep from hitting either one of them. Turning away he walked further away shaking his head.

"Dumbasses, thinking I'm in love with Buffy.ha."

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

"You don't really think that do you Willow?" Buffy said, sitting on the bed she pulled her pillow across her lap and took a handful of popcorn.
        "Think what?"
        "That, well that Spike meant what he said."

"I don't know Buffy. I mean I'm sure he wanted to kiss you. That's like well a given but I mean, him saying that it wasn't that good. He's been known to be with a lot of girls Buffy."

"So you're saying he did mean it." Willow's eyes widened and she quickly tried explaining.

"No! No of course not! I don't mean that at all. I just meant that, well maybe he thought kissing you would've been better, more special. Because you know, you've, well, you've never." Willow trailed off, "I'm not explaining this very well am I?" Buffy shook her head as she pushed tears back. "Oh god, no Buffy, don't cry. Please don't cry."

"I can't help it Willow. I mean, am I not kissable?"

"Of course not Buffy, you're very kissable." Willow stopped, realizing what she said, "Not that I would know in anyway! I mean, I guess you are kissable. I can't really answer that one for you Buffy. Only you can."

"Well I guess I'm kissable. I mean, who wouldn't want to kiss me right?"

"Right! I mean, well I wouldn't but then again I'm a girl so that just makes this conversation completely wrong but, you know what I mean right?" Buffy nodded. "Good, now let's watch this movie and then get to bed. We have important things to do tomorrow."

"Right." Buffy wiped at her tears. "Right, very important things to do." After a few moments Buffy smiled and looked towards Willow, "Hey Will?"

"Yeah?"

"What color shoes should I get?"

Chapter 6:

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

Buffy frowned. Sitting down on the couch in front of the TV she looked around for the remote. Not finding it anywhere she rolled her eyes and looked under the couch. It wasn't there. With a determined look on her face she searched the room for it. Finally, after tearing the couch apart, looking in every crack she could think of, Buffy still hadn't found the remote.

"Dawn!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.

"What?"

"Get your cute butt down here and find the remote!"

"You look for it!"

"I did, and I can't find it anywhere."

"So that's my problem because?" Buffy crossed her arms and let out a deep breath. Sisters. They were such pains.

"Because you were the last one in here." Buffy retorted. Buffy heard a door slam and moments later she heard the heavy footsteps slamming down onto the steps. With an annoyed look on her face, Dawn Summers walked into the living room holding her brown hair up with one hand. With a pony tail in her mouth she walked to the side of the fire place and took the remote down. Walking back to Buffy she shoved it in her hand.

"Happy now?" Dawn said. Buffy grinned.

"Yes, and thank you."

"Whatever." Dawn started back up the stairs.

"Hey Dawn."

"What?"

"I love you."

"Yeah, yeah, I love you too." Dawn replied as she slammed her door. With a satisfied look on her face Buffy sat back down and pulled her blanket across her legs. Clicking the remote on, she smiled as her favorite movie came on.

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

"Hey Spike?"

"Yeah."

"I-I kinda wanted to ask you something."

"Shoot." Spike replied as he lined up his shot and tossed the basketball up. He grinned as it sunk through the net without touching anything.

"I-I.well I wanted to know how you asked Drusilla out." Spike stopped and looked towards Conner.

"What?"

"I wanted to know how you asked Drusilla out."

"No, I understand that. But why do you want to know how I asked Drusilla out?" Holding the ball at his hip, Spike looked towards Conner who, in the few weeks Spike had known him, had gone through a sudden growth spurt and was now almost as tall as him.

"Well, I don't want to know like, Drusilla specifically, I just wanted to know.howyouaskagirlout." He mumbled. Spike raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"Howdoyouaskagirlout?"

"Huh?" Conner let out a frustrated sigh.

"How do you ask a girl out?" He exclaimed. Spike grinned.

"I knew what you were saying all along mate, just wanted to hear you say it loud." Conner frowned and glared towards Spike. He grabbed the ball as Spike went for the rebound. Spike slowly grinned and nodded, "Alright, I give. Now why do you want to know?"

"Well, there's this girl."

"Obviously mate, what's her name?"

"Dawn."

"Uh-huh, Dawn.?" Spike inquired. Conner shook his head.

"I don't want to tell you. There's got to be a little mystery to this thing. Right?" Spike looked towards Conner and just shook his head.

"Okay, so Dawn, no last name, has caught your interest. Why do you want to ask her out?" Spike smirked as he grabbed the rebound from Conner's shot. He began dribbling, waiting for Conner's response.

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Not really, maybe if you'd be so kind as to.tell me. I could let you know." Conner sighed and ran his fingers through his shaggy brown hair. He took a deep breath in.

"First off, she's beautiful. I mean not just like, looks wise, of course she's beautiful there but her personality. It's like; she doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. She has her beliefs and her standards and she won't let anyone change that." Conner began going off on what Dawn was like and Spike trailed off to his own little world. He knew someone like that. She was beautiful both inside and out. But what he liked the most, was the way she'd blush when he'd mention something. Or the way she looked at him just seconds after they had kissed. He still felt her lips on his. Reaching up he touched his lips softly. "Uh, Spike.you okay man? You're not like, getting sick on me are you?" Spike shook his head.

"Sorry, what?"

"Oh no way, I'm not falling for that this time." Conner shook his head. "Hell no." Spike smirked, the kid learned fast. Dropping the ball, Spike sat down.

"C'mon, sit down."

"What?"

"I said sit down, now you bloody well better do it." Conner quickly sat.

"Okay, now you say you like this girl right?" Conner nodded, "Alright this is what you need to do. First off, does she like you back?" Conner shrugged, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I don't know if she likes me or not."

"How can you not know? Have you asked her?" Conner shook his head, "Why the bloody hell not?"

"Because you don't just go ask a girl if she likes you or not."

"I did."

"Yeah," Conner snorted, "Well look at you." Spike frowned.

"What about me?"

"Well, you're, you're kinda."

"I'm kinda what?" Spike got up and looked down at Conner crossing his arms. "What am I eh?"

"You're.well you're kinda weird." Spike raised an eyebrow.

"Weird?" Conner nodded, "You think I'm bloody weird?" When Conner nodded again, Spike sat down in a fit of laughter. He was laughing so hard he had to hold his stomach.

"What's so funny?" Spike shook his head.

"You think I'm weird when you're the one who doesn't have the balls to just go up to a girl and kiss her!" Spike stopped. "Wait. That might not be." But Conner was already off on a dead run. Either the boy was pissed, which was one scenario.or he was going to take the advice Spike offered.

Either way.how was he going to explain this one?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 

Chapter 7:

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy stared at Xander, dumbfounded. She tried reasoning within her head what was going on and what Xander had just told her. Shaking her head she ran her fingers through her hair and walked towards the window seat. Sitting down she looked down toward the floor suddenly becoming very interested in the carpet underneath her feet. Taking a deep breath in she looked up towards Xander and Willow who were sitting just a few feet away on the couch.

"You mean to tell me that after I told you, in confidence, what happened between Spike and I you went to the Bronze and hit him?" Xander sat across from Buffy, hands clenched together.

"Uh.well yeah." Xander sighed, "I thought you'd be happy about that."

"Not really Xander, as a matter of fact it makes me really ticked off at you Xander. How could you do something like that? How could you interfere in my life like that?"

"I didn't mean anything by it! I thought I was doing the right thing by doing this for you! The asshole needed to," Xander stopped and slowly stood up walking towards Buffy who quickly got to her feet and walked away, "Buffy, listen to me please."

"What do you think I've been doing?"

"You just have to sit down and listen to me."

"I don't want to!" Xander sighed and shook his head.

"Fine. Then I'm going to tell you something that I probably shouldn't because it could mean that I'll be in a lot of pain or possibly a hospital bed once word gets out. He loves you." Buffy shook her head.

"Xander, I cannot believe you would do something like that. Honestly how could you even think of going down there and hitting him when you had absolutely no righ-" She stopped and turned towards him, "What?" Xander ran his fingers through his hair and tried looking away from her.

"Helovesyou." Buffy shook her head and she knew that she didn't understand Xander correctly. He did not just say that Spike loved her. Right?

"What did you just say?"

"Are you going to make me repeat it a hundred times or what?" Xander sighed, "Spike loves you. Do you get it? Will Giles loves you." He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms while Buffy stared at him.

"He loves me?"

~*~*~*~*~

"For the last bleedin' time, I don't love the bird!" Spike exclaimed. Standing in front of the mirror, half naked with a towel wrapped around his waist he glared at the image staring back at him. "I don't love her. I don't love Buff-" He couldn't finish the sentence. Rolling his eyes he walked towards his closet and pulled out his black pants. He sighed and leaned his head against the closet wall closing his eyes. When he opened them, a half-naked picture of Carmen Electra stared back at him. "I don't bloody love her. I can't."

~*~*~*~*~

"He can't love me. No way. There's no possible way that he can love me." Buffy paced back and forth as Willow watched on. Xander, luckily, had to go to work but Willow was determined to stay here and help Buffy work out her problems. She put another chip in her mouth as Buffy continued, "You don't really think that he can love me do you?" Willow shrugged.

"I don't know Buffy. I mean, Xander says that he talked to him."

"But what if Xander misunderstood what he was saying? I mean I wouldn't put it past Spike to brag that he got little miss church girl kissing him but to say that he loves me?" Buffy finally sat down but when Willow offered her a chip, she moved away and started pacing again. "And on top of everything else Dawn has been going out more and more lately and I just don't understand what is going on anymore." As if on cue, Dawn walked into the house, but she wasn't alone.

~*~*~*~*~

Spike sat on the bench, waiting for Conner to show up. Taking a cigarette out of the pack he slipped it between his lips and took his silver lighter out. With a small flick of the wrist the top half of the lighter swung to the side and just as he struck up the flame and moved it towards the cigarette, Conner ran up.

"Sorry. I know I'm late. There was just something I had to take care of." Spike rolled his eyes.

"Oh yeah and like I don't have important things to do. I'll tell you one thing mate, you're late again and don't you think I'm going to be helping you with that science project you supposed to be doin'." Conner frowned.

"But you thought of it." Spike growled softly.

"Alright, so I bloody thought of the damn thing. Doesn't mean I'm to be doin' all the work. You understand that mate?"

"Yeah, whatever. You know what Spike, if you're going to be such an asshole, I don't want to be around you." Conner shook his head and grabbed his basketball from underneath Spike's foot.

" 'ey now! What's that about?" Rolling his eyes Conner dribbled the ball.

"You're going to listen to me right now. I don't know what crawled up your ass and died but I'm not going to be a way to release your anger. You got that?" He waited a few moments. "Mate?" As Spike took a long drag he stared Conner down. Exhaling he slowly grinned and flicking the cigarette to the ground and crushing it with his foot he stole the ball from Conner and took off towards the court.

"Yeah I got it. Question is, where the bleedin' hell did that come from?" He tossed the ball up, and missed. Conner shrugged as he held the ball between his hands.

"I don't know. I guess just hanging out with you has finally made me realize that I should tell people what I'm thinking. Like you do." Ball hit nothing but net, swish.

"Oh really?" Spike grinned, puffing out his chest a bit, "Well then, best stick around for a little bit longer mate, 'cus there's a whole world out there that could use another like me." Conner stole the ball from him and grinned.

"Like you? Who said I wanted to be anything like you?" Spike scowled which only made him continue. "I mean, bleaching your hair blonde and stealing a look from Billy Idol? C'mon, what are you trying to say. I'm a big badass?" Spike took the ball back.

"I'm not trying to say it." He took a shot, swish. With a cocky smirk he tossed the ball back to Conner, "I am one."

~*~*~*~

"You're in one?" Buffy asked. Staring towards Dawn who was now sitting on her bed swinging her legs happy as could be. Looking up at Buffy Dawn smiled.

"Uh-huh. I'm in a relationship Buffy, you know one of those things where a guy takes you out to like a dinner, maybe a movie or if you're lucky both? That kind of thing." Buffy eyed Dawn warily.

"Does Dad know?"

"Yep, so does Mom. In fact, Mom encouraged me. Of course, you know Dad, he was totally against it to begin with. Then Mom said something along the lines of, 'Hank, I think that we need to take into consideration that the times are changing and we should probably change with the times.' Something like that anyway."

"Sounds like you memorized that." Dawn grinned.

"You know it. Besides, this is the first time I've actually gotten to, you know, go out. Something that you yourself haven't done." Lying back Dawn twisted a strand of hair around her finger. "I sometimes wonder what it would've been like to do the things you've done. You know, join the church groups, teach bible study, not have a life." When a pillow connected with her face Dawn was quick to throw it back. As the pillow fight began, Dawn jumped onto the bed. Smacking each other they laughed as they both started losing their balance. Suddenly, Dawn stopped. "Buffy." That was the last thing she said as she crashed to the floor, unconscious.

~*~*~*~*~

 

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