"Dawnie?" Buffy cracked the door open just a little bit to peek into the room. Dawn was lying down, as she usually did. Thankfully today was a day where she felt she could get up and walk. Dawn pushed herself up into bed and smiled.

"Hey Buffy, what's up?" Dawn looked forward to the time where Buffy and she would spend time together. That was until Buffy pushed the door open to reveal Conner standing right behind her. Inside, she felt the butterflies and inside she was rejoicing. On the outside, she frowned and turned to Buffy. "I thought I told you I didn't want to see him?"

"Daw-"

"No! I asked you not to let him come upstairs and you totally went against what I wanted! I don't want to see him!" She yelled, Dawn got up out of bed and walked towards her window, watching the snowfall. She heard the door close and figured Buffy had just walked in and closed it, to talk. She did that a lot now. "Look I don't want to talk to you Buf-"

"It's not Buffy." Conner replied as he walked up behind her. Turning around, Dawn looked at him through watery eyes.

"What are you doing here? I don't want you to be here." Dawn tried pushing him away as Conner wrapped his arms around her. "Get out of here!" She demanded, hitting him lightly on the chest. But Conner refused to move. He kept his arms around her tightly and kissed her forehead gently.

"Why?" Dawn looked up towards him confusion showing through her watery eyes. She wiped the tears away. He smiled at her and cupped her face lightly. "Why do you think you could ever push me away?"

"Because, I didn't want to put you through this. The last thing I wanted was for you to see me sick." Conner shook his head.

"You're crazy." He wiped away her tears with his thumb.

"No I'm not." Dawn argued. She sighed and fought back a small yawn. Conner slowly picked her up and carried her back to her bed. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm making sure the girl I care about the most," He laid her down, sitting next to her with his arm around her, "The girl I love, is taken care of. You're not going to get ride of me Dawn, and I would really hope that you don't want to get rid of me." Dawn shook her head and smiled as Conner pulled the covers over the two of them.

"I don't want to get rid of you. I just wanted to try and make your life better. I can't give you that."

"Don't talk like that. You're going to get better Dawn. Believe me. There's no other way besides getting better. Your sister needs you. Your mom needs you, and more importantly, I need you." He leaned down, kissing her softly. When they pulled away, his lips touched the tip of her nose lightly and she smiled.

"Do you really love me?" Conner nodded and she looked down.

"Then why won't you just leave me be?"

"Because. You need me right now, just like your sister needs someone too." Dawn shook her head.

"I have my family."

"You're not going to get me to leave, I will be here for you not matter what happens. No matter what you go through. I'll be there." Dawn bit her lower lip and looked up towards him.

"Why won't you just stay away?"

"Because, I could never go a day without being at your side. And I would hope that the same goes."

"Of course it does." She sighed and shook her head, "I never thought I'd feel like this." Conner raised an eyebrow and looked down to her.

"What do you mean?"

"I never thought I would care for someone so much, that I'd want to push them away so I didn't have to see the sadness in their eyes. I didn't want a reason to get mad at the doctors, I didn't want a reason to be mad at God." Conner nodded, running his fingers down the side of her face.

"Will you ever be mad at God?"

"Never. I just didn't want you to seem me like this."

"Like what?"

"Weak, powerless." Dawn looked down, toying with Conner's necklace between her fingers. He sighed and kissed her forehead lightly.

"Are you scared?" She looked up at him, her eyes beginning to tear up again.

"To death."

Spike sat in the living room of the Summer's home. Buffy still hadn't come downstairs and by now he had heard enough shouting to know that Conner had gotten into the niblet's room. He could only hope now that everything Conner had told him in the car on the way over, Conner was now telling Dawn. It's what the girl needed to hear. Looking outside he frowned. The snow was coming down harder. It never snowed in Sunnydale and now there was some freak storm? Leave it to that bloody El Niño.

"So, William, can I get you anything?" Joyce asked from the foyer that led into the Summer's dining room. Spike sat up straight and smiled.

"Well, what do you have?" Joyce smiled.

"Oh a whole bunch of things, but seeing the whether out there, I'd suggest hot chocolate." Spike's face lit up and he quickly stood up, walking towards Joyce he put an arm around her and grinned.

"You've just made me want to marry you." Joyce laughed softly and shook her head.

"It's only a cup of hot chocolate William, or, would you prefer to be called Spike?"

"Will's fine. But let it be known you're the only one who can call me that. 'sides my father that is. Hey, do you happen to have any of those little marshmallows?"

Buffy sat outside of her sisters room, crying. Even though the door to Dawn's room was closed, she could still hear really well. She listened quietly as Conner talked to her, told her there was no way he was going to leave her side. Then, he asked her if she was scared. And she replied, 'to death'. How could she say something like that? Buffy shook her head as she pulled her legs up and curled her body into a tiny ball. Her sister was only fifteen! Fifteen and she already had what Buffy had yearned to have since she herself had been fifteen. And now she was turning nineteen and she still hadn't known true love. She wanted to be jealous of Dawn. She wanted to hate Dawn, but she couldn't. Not with Dawnie being so sick. Buffy didn't hear the steps creak as someone walked up them. She felt the light touch of leather against her bare legs and as she looked up through tear flowing eyes, she saw Spike. She immediately looked away but he cupped her chin and forced her to look up.

"Now, I may not be the best of people but isn't eavesdropping a bit rude?" Buffy tore her face away from his hand.

"Just leave me alone."

"I'm afraid I can't do that luv. You see, now that my little brother is in there making with the nice to the girl that he's in love with, it seems only fair that the big brother makes nice with the niblet's big sis'." She frowned and looked up to him.

"What are you talking about?" He slowly grinned.

"C'mon, you and me, we're going out." He took ahold of her hand, which Buffy yanked away quickly.

"I can't leave. My sister needs me." Spike knelt back down in front of her and grabbed the sides of her face, forcing her to look at him.

"You, are going to sit right here and listen to me. Now what your sister needs is someone who's strong, who believes in her and is just as willing to fight for her as she is for herself and right now you can't bloody well do that."

"You bas-"

"Uh-uh, lets make with the honesty here pet. You've been crying your eyes out for weeks now and what goods it done? Nothing. Now, you look at your sister and tell me she's not better off right now with just your Mum and Conner. You need rest, you need to live your life. It's what Dawn wants, what she needs."

"How the hell would you know?"

"Because, my Grandmum died of leukemia." Buffy's eyes widened as Spike let go of her and backed towards the door. It took her a few moments before she could gather her words, before she could figure out what to say.

"Oh, Spike, I-I," He shot her a look.

"Don't say that you're sorry. My Grandmum lived her life to the fullest she wanted and when I was just a kid she took me out to the woods, showed me what life was really about. She showed me there's a fight worth going after. She didn't give up. And when she died, it wasn't because of the leukemia. It was because she had lived her life out the way she was supposed to. Now you're going to sit there and tell me that your sister's life isn't worth fighting for?"

"That's not what I'm saying and you damn well know it!" Buffy argued.

"Well then, Why don't you live your life? Show her that you're not willing to wilt away with her. That she needs to fight." Buffy sniffed, and looked towards the ground.

"Because I can't." Spike shook his head.

"Don't say that, you can't bloody well say that and then expect her to fight. The Buffy I know would have never said the words you just spoke. She doesn't believe in the word can't."

"You don't even know me Spike." He laughed.

"Oh really? You don't think I know you? How many times have you actually seen me Buffy? How many times have you actually noticed me watching you?" Buffy looked up at him, shocked.

"Y-you've watched me?"

"Of course I have. You're bloody hard to get out of a guys system. I've sat there and watched you with those kids, you have a light in your eyes when you're around them and now when one of them needs you the most you go off and you're letting that light die." He lifted her chin up as he walked closer to her. "Don't let it."

"How am I supposed to stop it? I don't know how."

"Then let me show you." For the second time since she'd known Spike, he took her breath away as his lips took hers. Feeling the need, the want and the care behind his touch and his kiss, she let herself wrap her arms around his neck, let her fingers find her way through his hair that he hadn't gelled back. As one hand traveled through his hair, she felt her other make her way down against his chest, around his waist, pulling him closer. She let her lips open to accept his probing tongue into hers. His warm hand caressed her neck and his fingers ran through her hair. As he pulled away, she had to hold onto the wall to keep from falling into his arms. Not that it would've been a bad thing right now. Slowly she looked up to him, her lips now swollen from his kiss. Looking down to his extended hand, she shakily extended hers and let it be enveloped into his. Quickly the two of them went down the stairs and through the front door as Joyce smiled from the living room, a cup of warm hot chocolate with the little marshmallows in her hands.

She smiled as Spike sped down the streets on his motorcycle. Who would’ve known that William Giles owned a motorcycle? Well, that was an obvious answer, everyone would’ve assumed that but who would’ve thought that Buffy Summers would be riding on the back of it, her arms clasped tightly around his waist. She didn’t know where he was taking her but for some strange reason, she trusted him. Right now she needed him and she didn’t want to let him go.

“Conner?” Dawn said softly. She toyed with the cross he wore around his neck as the two of them lay in her bed, the sun starting to go down. When he pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head she looked up towards him, “Conner, do you know why I could never be mad at God?” He shook his head and she took a deep breath in. Looking back up towards him, she smiled, “I can never be angry with him, because he brought you to me. He gave me my knight in shining armor when I needed him the most.” Conner smiled as best as he could, running his fingers down the side of her face. She’d gotten so pale, and seemed so weak that he was scared that if he held her too tightly, she might break.

“Then I guess I can’t be mad either.” She glanced up at him, wonder in her eyes. He laughed softly, “He brought you to me. Brought me my princess.” She laughed softly and shook her head.

“You’re crazy.”

“Crazy in love.” She poked him softly along his stomach.

“How can we say we love one another? We’re only fifteen, well, I’m fifteen you’re sixteen.” Conner shrugged.

“I don’t know, but I’ve been talking to Spike about it, and he says that when you’re in lo-“

“You’ve been talking to Spike about me?” Conner grinned.

“He’s the one who convinced me to ask you out.” Dawn looked up towards him in disbelief.

“You needing convincing?” Conner tried looking innocent towards Dawn’s questioning glare.

“Well, yeah.” When she began to push herself away from him as if she was trying to push him off he laughed softly and held on tightly, “What can I say? I needed convincing because my ego had been shot down. When I said hi to you, you just glared towards me. Not even telling me a word back.”

“You said hi to me?”

“See! You don’t even remember!” Conner laughed softly and shook his head, “No, I didn’t even have the courage to say hi to you. I was, well it was intimidating. Seeing you doing all this stuff with your sister and your mom for the other kids at the club. I had to make sure I wasn’t going to make a fool of myself. And see, I talked to Spike and everything after I first asked you out is history.” Dawn nodded as Conner pushed the hair from her face. She knew it was thinning and it seemed like it didn’t even phase him. “But anyways, Spike always told me that when you’re in love you know it. Your stomach goes into knots whenever you’re around the person and when you’re away from them they always seem to find a way to be in your thoughts. And you know that you’d do anything to make them happy.”

“Anything?” Conner smiled.

“Yeah anything. Well, except stay away when you want them too.” Both teenagers laughed softly as the room continued to darken, and they just held one another. Joyce watched from the crack in the door after Conner had opened it up a little bit. Her eyes pooled with tears. Her little girl was sick and now she had someone that loved her and cared for her that was going to be there when Buffy couldn’t. Joyce just hoped, and prayed that she could be there for Dawn as much as she needed to be. Taking a deep breath in, Joyce turned and walked down the stairs, leaving the two teenagers to hold one another as Dawn slowly drifted off to sleep.

Buffy squealed with laughter as Spike took another turn tight and rounded the corner in record time. She held him tightly with her arms encircling his waist. She didn’t know where they were going or where he was taking her but it didn’t matter. She was having fun. When the bike began to slow down, Buffy tried looking around but the helmet was in the way. With a frown she waited until Spike stopped the bike and turned it off. Getting off the back he turned to her and smirked, laughter in his eyes.

“What?” Buffy asked as he untied the strap under her chin.

“Nothing at all luv, you just look a bit cute, that’s all.” Buffy let a frown appear, but the happiness shown brightly from her eyes.

“Cute? That’s all I am? Cute? I’ll have you know William Giles that I am much more than cute.” Spike wrapped his arm tightly around her and hoisted her off the bike, even though she didn’t need it. Holding her close, he continued the joke, growling a bit in her ear.

“Hey now, don’t you be callin’ me William. It’s Spike.” Buffy’s throaty laugh had Spike’s gut in knots but he couldn’t let her know about it. Letting his grip loosen he pushed the hair out of her face. “What do you say we see a movie?” Buffy smiled.

“What movie?” Spike shrugged and taking her hand in his, he began walking towards the theatre. Buffy looked around, it was still early in the evening and people kept running by wearing odd clothing. She became more and more confused as they walked up towards the ticket booth. She let go of Spike’s hand and turned her attention back to him just in time to hear,

“Two for the Harry Potter marathon please.” After he paid and got the tickets, Spike turned around to see Buffy who was trying her hardest not to split at the seams. He looked towards her and grinned, taking her hand. “What now?”

“Nothing,” Buffy started, shaking her head. Giving up the fight she started laughing hysterically, “It’s just, H-Harry P-Potter?” She said between fits of giggles. Spike looked towards her, acting as if he didn’t see what exactly was so funny. When Buffy noticed the frown on his face, she tried stopping her laughter but that only made her laugh twice as hard. “I’m sorry. I just, I never thought you to be the type to be into this stuff.”

“What stuff?”

“Kid movies.” Spike glared and pulled her close.

“I’ll have you know that this isn’t just a kids movie. This happens to be the third installment of the seven part series. It’s a great book and just because you haven’t read the books doesn’t mean you need to criticize.” Buffy frowned.

“I’ve read them.” She said softly.

“What?” Spike said, leading her towards the line of people, some of who were dressed for the movie and some who weren’t.

“I said I’ve read them.” Buffy looked down to the ground as they took their place in line. “There’s no need to yell at me for laughing.” Spike smiled, this time he was the one trying to hold his laughter in. Pushing underneath Buffy’s chin, he forced her to look at him.

“Hey now, I was just pullin’ your chain luv. There’s nothing wrong if you hadn’t have read the books, just goes to show you I’d have to teach you about something else. Now, tell me you haven’t watched Passion’s and I’ll have you tied to a chair every day for telly-time.” This time both shared in the laughter and as they began to quiet down, they both turned into eager little children as the doors swung open to the theatre. They were going in to see Harry Potter. All three movies and neither of them could contain their excitement.

“Reading? I didn’t know you could read.” Buffy smiled as she walked out of the theatre, arm and arm with Spike. They had just spent over six hours watching all three of the Harry Potter movies, beginning with The Sorcerer’s Stone, followed by the Chamber of Secrets, then they both anxiously awaited the premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Spike shook his head, appalled at her horrible attempt at a British accent.

“No luv, you’ve got to know how to do it correctly. Besides, that quote’s over and done with. By far, one of the best had to be, ‘Once again Severus you’ve taken that brilliant mind of yours to the task and come to the wrong conclusion’.” Buffy frowned.

“Hey, I think I did a damn good job and are you sure that’s how the quote goes?” Spike looked towards her and thought for a moment.

“You know what, I have no bloody clue. Maybe we should go watch it again?” Buffy’s eyes lit with excitement.

“You mean it?”

“Of course I do, but, not tonight, I don’t think I could sit for that long again.” Buffy nodded as she casually slipped her hand into his, walking with him. She shivered.

“Yeah I know, my ass is killing me.” Spike stopped, causing Buffy to be jerked back after she continued walking. “Okay, what was that for?”

“First of all, I’ve never heard you say a damn blasted cuss word before and second of all,” He took his hand away from hers which caused a momentary look of disappointment on her face. But he quickly redeemed himself when he took off his duster and put it on her shoulders. She smiled again, “And second of all, you’re freezing that arse off that I happen to like so much.” He smirked.

“Alright, well thank you for the jacket and I’m not sure what to say about the ass comment and I guess you’re just a bad influence on me William.” Spike winced.

“No, not the name, never the name. And if I’m such a bad influence Miss Summers, maybe you should get away from me.” Buffy shook her head as she moved a bit closer to him, biting her lower lip, feeling a bit more confident.

“No way, I’m not letting you go anywhere. You keep me grounded. And that’s exactly what I need. A grounded type person who’s job it is to keep me, well, grounded.” She looked up towards him, with a slight movement of her face; she pushed her offending strands of hair out of her eyes, “Besides, I kinda like you. I think you’re cute.”

“Oh? Keeping me around because you like me then?” Buffy nodded.

“You could be my own, Buffy-slave.” She stopped, “Wait, that totally didn’t come out right.” Spike smiled and cupped the side of her face lightly.

“Luv, can I ask you a quick favor?”

“Sure.”

“Shut the bloody hell up.” He leaned forward, gently capturing Buffy’s lips with his own. He kissed her. He remembered what she tasted like and what her lips felt like and he didn’t want it to stop. So he continued the kiss, probing forward with his tongue and she let him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, after slipping them through his duster and her hand toyed with the bottom of his hair as they kissed.

Willow sat next to Xander. She looked over at him and when he turned towards her, her eyes shot back towards the television. They had both decided to watch a movie and since Buffy had a little more important matters at the moment they decided not to bother her. Willow didn’t like these kinds of movies, but she couldn’t convince Xander that watching a chick flick was a good idea. She jumped as a shadowy figure walked across the screen. When she looked up, she realized exactly where she had jumped, right into Xander’s waiting arms.

“Oh, hello.” She said softly. Xander looked down warily towards her, confused at what she was doing and what he should do. He kept his arm around her, but left it open enough to let her move if she wanted. He looked back towards the television, taking a deep breath in. “Xander? Are you okay?”

“Me? Oh yeah, fine. Perfectly fine. Why? Is something wrong Will?” She shook her head and then looking back up to him cautiously she gathered up her courage.

“Well, there is one thing that I think you can help me with.”

“Oh? What,” Xander swallowed a deep gulp, “What might that be?” Willow smiled slowly and leaned up, running her fingers along his face she gently took him by the back of the neck and lowered his mouth towards hers. When their lips met Willow suddenly felt warm and her entire body was going on overload, everything she was feeling was times ten and she was enjoying it. Xander was unsure of everything, he loved the kissage of Willow, that was obvious, but he wasn’t sure if this was taking it beyond the friend stage. What if she just wanted to kiss him for no reason? Girls did that right? He couldn’t think anymore as Willow’s tongue wandered into his mouth. She tasted like sugar, and a good kind of sugar. One thing was for sure, he was going to make sure this went further than the friends-only stage.

Conner watched as Dawn slept soundly in his arms. He wasn’t sure what he was going to have to do or what was going to happen with Dawn but he was sure that he loved her, and he’d do anything to make sure that she was happy. He kept as quiet as he could and let his eyes shut momentarily. He heard the door creak open and without much noise someone walked into the room. He opened one eye and smiled as he saw Spike with Buffy. He reached up with his other arm and placed a finger across his lips. They nodded and Buffy motioned for the door. Slowly, Conner slid his arm out from underneath Dawn’s head and when he climbed off the bed; he covered her back up and walked towards the door, following the two blondes. When the door was shut securely behind them Conner grinned.

“So did you two have fun?” Buffy’s eyes widened.

“You knew? He knew?” She turned towards Spike who smiled and shrugged casually.

“We had fun. How about you? Did you and the niblet get everything sorted out?” Spike watched Conner carefully, he might not have known the kid for very long but he did know Conner’s body language and right now, he looked and seemed relaxed.

“We talked. We agreed that I wouldn’t be staying away. But how about you two?” Conner grinned as he saw Buffy’s cheeks flush with pink. “Ah. You two talked and figured that it wasn’t good to stay apart either?” Spike smirked.

“You could say that. But we’d best be off, I do need to get you home.” Conner nodded and then looked up towards Buffy, who was still trying to recover.

“Mind if I say goodbye to Dawn?” Buffy shook her head.

“No, go ahead, I’m sure she’d like to know you got home safely too, so call when you get home alright?”

“Okay, I’ll meet you outside Spike.”

“Sure thing mate.” Conner walked back inside and as he shut the door behind him, Spike grinned and wrapped his arms around Buffy. “Now before I go do I get a fancy sweet goodbye too? I mean, I can’t be upstaged by my little brother now can I?” Buffy smiled and shook her head.

“No, we can’t have that.” Just as Spike leaned in, she sighed, “But Spike, I’m not sure that I want this.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I don’t know if I’m ready or willing to be in a relationship at the moment. That’s all.” Spike slowly backed up and nodded.

“Or do you not just want to be in a relationship with me?” Buffy’s gaze shot up towards his face. He was angry and he was slowly backing away from her. When she tried to reach out to him, he pushed her hand away. “Answer me Buffy. Am I just supposed to go away now?” Her eyes pooled with tears and she shook her head.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I just don’t know if I can give you a relationship with Dawn being so sick. What I need right now, is a friend.”

“What if I don’t want to be your bloody friend?” Buffy shrugged.

“Then I don’t know. But if you walk away, I’ll understand.” She turned and began walking down the stairs. Spike stood there, his hands in his pockets and after a few short seconds, he growled and took off after her. He grabbed her arm, and pushed her against the wall.

“I’m here for the long haul luv. I told you,” He smiled and pushed her hair away from her face, “You’re hard to get out of a guy’s system. So I’m here, friend or more. Whichever you want is up to you.” A slow smiled crept across her face and before Spike could balance himself, she wrapped her arms around him and caused both of them to fall on the floor, laughing.

Buffy smiled as she walked through the halls of Sunnydale High. If anyone had looked at her within the past few weeks, they’d know one thing. She was truly happy. If anyone close to her really looked at her, they’d know that she was in love. She couldn’t go anywhere without a smile on her face and she rarely was seen outside of class without a certain blonde bad boy by her side. She sighed contently. Holding her books up against her chest she winced as she walked outside and was blinded by the sunlight. Shielding her eyes with one hand she looked around, searching for the one person that was the reason for the smiles for the past weeks.

“Are you looking for someone luv?” Someone whispered behind her. Buffy felt a sweet shiver run down her spine as she turned around and grinned.

“Hey you. Glad to see you found me.” Spike laughed softly and leaned forward, placing a light kiss across her lips.

“Glad I found you. Course, you didn’t seem to be looking really hard.” He laughed as Buffy frowned and hit him lightly on the shoulder.

“I was looking for you. Just because the evil sunlight decided to block my view doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have found you.” She looked up at him, seeing as how he was a good foot taller, and leaned up, kissing him again. “Besides that, you found me and that’s all that matters.” Spike grinned slowly, almost mischievously and he wrapped his arms around her tightly.

“We still on for tonight?” Buffy nodded.

“Yep. Mom’s gonna stay home with Dawnie and I think that Conner was planning on coming over to spend some time with her.” She grinned, “You have me all to yourself. Where you going to take me?” Spike shook his head.

“Uh-uh, not tellin’. It’s not fair since it’s supposed to be a surprise.” Buffy frowned.

“Oh please. You won’t even tell me a little bit?” Spike shook his head. “Okay. I’ll be a good Buffy. As long as you promise to give me a hint.” Spike smiled and kissed her forehead as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and began walking her towards her next class.

“Alright. I’ll tell you a hint,” Buffy eyes widened and she perked up, “After, I pick you up.” Buffy’s perkiness quickly deflated.

“Aww, no fair! But fine. You’re being a-a, well I don’t know exactly what to call you right now but the point is you’re not being very nice!” She said. Spike laughed and shook his head.

“You’re being silly luv. I just want it to be a surprise. That’s all okay?” Buffy slowly nodded and shook her head.

“Okay. I’ll behave then. See you after class?”

“Uh, no can do luv. We’re going to have to wait till our date. I have a few errands I have to run. But I’ll have my cell on me. That cool?” Buffy showed the disappointment on her face but she nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll see you tonight then.” She half-smiled and then leaned up and kissed him softly, “I’ll call you.” Spike nodded and watched as Buffy walked into class and adjusting his duster, he turned and walked right out of the school. The errands were a little more important then school at the moment.

Spike looked one more time in the mirror before he reached back and grabbed his duster. He hoped that his outfit would give Buffy some clue to where he was taking her. He was dressed in black jeans that hung low on his hips and were slightly baggy. His shirt, was a black button down that felt almost silk like to the touch. Putting the duster on, he searched his room quickly for his phone and keys.

“Where’s the bloody things where you leave them?” He growled to himself. Just as he found his keys, his phone rang and he rushed to grab it. “Hello?”

“Spike?” Buffy’s voice rang through the phone and brought a smile to Spike’s face.

“Hey there luv, don’t tell me you’re callin’ me already. I’m only ten minutes away and I was just heading out the do-“

“Don’t come over Spike. I can’t go out with you tonight.” He frowned.

“Why not?”

“I had this huge paper assigned that’s due tomorrow. I’m sorry Spike.” He tried to hold back the emotions rising up. He wanted her to ditch the homework and come out with him but he knew this was Buffy he was talking about. She wouldn’t want to do that. Maybe next time. He cleared his throat.

“Oh. I see. Well then luv, don’t worry about it. We’ll try tomorrow night or something.” He paused, “Call me if you need any help.”

“Yeah. Sure thing. Talk to you tomorrow.” Buffy hung the phone up before Spike could reply and he frowned towards the phone. That paper had her really worried. With a sigh, Spike removed his duster and unbuttoned his shirt. Falling down on the bed, he ran his fingers through his hair and grabbed the remote, turning the television on.

The next day at school Spike looked around for Buffy, but when he found her. She went out of her way to avoid him. A frown marred his face for most of the day as he’d go to meet her outside of her first class but she’d have already left and gone to the next one. Without waiting for him. Nothing. He was beginning to get worried.

Two and a half weeks. It had been two and a half weeks since he’d gone to pick up Buffy for their romantic date and she’d called him and canceled. For two and a half weeks he’d been trying to reschedule the romantic night he had planned and for those days, she’d called him at the last minute and canceled. It was really pissing him off. Sitting in class Spike watched the clock carefully as his leg began to twitch. He wanted out of class. He wanted to confront Buffy and find out exactly why he was being avoided. Conner hadn’t talked to him in a few days but everything seemed fine with Dawn, he hadn’t mentioned anything. So it couldn’t be Dawn. He knew it wasn’t Dawn because if it had been, Buffy would’ve told him. The bell rang and Spike jumped out of his chair and was out the door as if the end of school bell had rung. He quickly made his ways through the halls and found Buffy exactly where he expected to. At her locker. Just as she grabbed her last book out and reached up to close it, Spike slammed it shut.

“Why have you been avoiding me?” Buffy looked up at him, acting confused.

“What are you talking about?” She questioned. Spike rolled his eyes and locked his jaw as he stared down at her.

“I want to know exactly what the bloody hell I did that is making you call me at the last minute to cancel our dates. Meaning I want to know why you’ve been walking the extra mile to avoid me in the halls. Why you won’t even talk to me.” Buffy sighed.

“Wow. Overreacting much?” Spike laughed, shaking his head.

“No. I don’t think I am. I want to know.”

“There’s no reason. I’ve just had more homework. It’s like I told you. Besides that, I have different classes than you. Mine have more homework in them.” Spike’s eyes widened.

“Are you trying to say that my classes don’t require as much?”

“No. What I’m trying to say is, my classes at least require more than showing up.” Buffy turned away from him, and went to walk away. Spike reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her into an empty classroom. As the door shut behind him, Spike reached out and pinned Buffy’s arms above her head. Suddenly, his lips were against hers, his body against hers. His tongue snaked into her mouth as his hands let go of hers and his fingers attacked the silky strands of her hair. When he pulled away, it was out of necessity to breathe. His stormy blue eyes stared into hers and as he slowly let go of her he licked his lips.

“Maybe that’ll remind you exactly why we started this relationship.” He muttered. Walking to the door, Spike opened it and glaring towards her, he slammed it behind him as he left. Buffy sighed as she watched him leave, touching her lips just slightly she felt the tears pull up into her eyes.

Spike watched as Buffy walked home, he had to at least make sure she got there okay. With a glare he quickly drove home the second she walked into her house. Slamming doors he brushed by a stunned Anya who tried asking how his day was but by the look on his face, he wasn’t talking to anyone. Not a single person. Slamming his bedroom door, Spike kicked the door, hard. Turning towards his dresser, his jaw locked into a firm frown. On the box sat the dark blue velvet box that had been sitting there for two and a half weeks. Walking towards he, he opened it, to reveal a beautiful silver charm bracelet. It was pure silver. Spike sneered. So much for really caring about her. Shutting the box, Spike threw it. The box made an affective ‘thud’ against the wall and fell to the floor.