Chapter 10

"Hey Buffy. Hello Spike.”



"Hey Mrs. Summers I brought Buffy home.”



"Will you be staying?”



"I can’t…Sorry luv. I promised my Da.”



"Well alright then. Have fun,” Joyce said before disappearing into the kitchen.



"I'll call you, when I get a chance.”



"Alright. Tell Dru I said congrats,” Buffy said as she walked him to the door.”



"Are you goin’ to be alright luv?”



"Yeah,” she said as she looked into his cerulean eyes. "Have fun... I’ll try to miss you.”



He dramatically put a hand over his heart and said, "You wound me with your words Summers” He gave her his trademark smirk and took her hand, kissing her knuckles. "Later...Goldilocks.”



She smiled and watched him walk away until he disappeared into the night.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



One week later



The week was dull and Buffy was tired and crabby. Nothing was going her way.



"What’s wrong Buff,” Willow asked setting her tray of food next to hers.



"Oh... Nothing I'm just really tired.”



"I can tell...Wanna talk about it.”



"Well...I’ve just been having a bad day and I didn’t get much sleep yesterday and I fell asleep during second period and missed all my notes for the test tomorrow. Then Parker and his bloody gang of prats thought it would be funny to make me miserable.”



"Who’s making who miserable?” Tristan said as he and Angel walked over.



"Parker,” Willow answered.



"What did he do now?” Cordy said as she sat down across from her.



"He kept hitting on me. Seeing Angel and Tristan’s face she quickly added...Not in the literal sense. His buddies too...They’re horrible,” she said as a shiver went through her.



"Well don’t look now, but here they come,” Cordy said through narrowed eyes as she watched Riley, Graham and Parker approach their table. Angel and Tristan turned in their seats so they could watch them also.



”Hey Summers. Thought we could continue our...discussion after school,” Parker said with a sinister look in his eyes as he licked his lips. Graham and Riley chuckled. Parker sat down next to her, placing his hand on her knee. He whispered in her ear, "I can show you a lot of possibilities.”



Buffy rolled her eyes and tried to remove his hand from her knee, but his grip only tightened. Angel and Tristan got up, but were blocked by Parker’s friends.



"I don’t think she likes you touching her mate,” said an unmistakable British accent.



Parker was about to reply, but was yanked away from Buffy before a sound escaped his mouth.



"Hey Spike we were just talking.”



Spike rolled his eyes and shoved Parker towards his buddies.



"Come near her again and you’ll walk away missing something,” he threatened.



Parker threw his hands up in defeat, then turned and walked away not wanting to piss Spike off further...Not yet anyway.



"You ok Summers,” Spike said as he sat down and gave her a small peck on the cheek as the entire cafeteria looked on.



"Yeah. Thanks. So how was L.A.?”



"Well we weren’t going to come back till tomorrow, but my Da had to work. And I missed you,” he said batting his eyes. "L.A. was ok I guess...Heard Dru and their band play at the Sunset Room.”



She smiled and got up as the bell rang grabbing his hand.



"We’ll see you guys later,” Spike said as they left the cafeteria.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



"Mr. Giles, will you please be quiet," the teacher warned.



Spike rolled his eyes and sat up in his chair turning away from Buffy.



"Sorry.”



"Thank you Mr. Giles.”



Spike sighed and jotted down a quick note. He quickly passed the paper to Buffy.



"How was your week?”



"Terrible,” she mouthed.



He smiled as she handed the note back to him, then jotted down another note and handed it back to her.



"I have a surprise for you.”



She smiled. "I thought I got to pick.”



"You can…You can pick if you want it or not.”



She grinned and threw the paper at him.



"Oi!” he yelled.



She started laughing.



"That’s it! Mr. Giles and Ms. Summers out!”



They looked sheepishly at each other and gathered their stuff and quickly headed out to Spike’s car.



"I was thinkin’ I could teach you some self-defense moves.”



"Really?”



"Yeah.”



"Cool,” she said as she got in.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



"Now I want you to copy everything I do,” Spike said as he demonstrated a left hook.



Buffy quickly followed his move with her own.



Spike then followed the left hook with a low kick.



She followed with the same.



After working with Buffy for about an hour on some basic moves Spike decided to see what she knew.



"Come on Buffy give it to me. Give it to me good,” he said as he bounced on the balls of his feet.



Buffy smirked. "Ok Captain Peroxide. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”



Spike looked up shocked as she delivered a series of moves. First came a roundhouse kick which was quickly followed by a sucker punch. He fell to the floor and didn’t move as she stood over him.



"Come on Spike I know I didn’t hit you that hard,” she said unsure.



After a beat she kicked him softly with her foot, but he still didn’t move.



"Spike...Spike...Ssspppiiikkkee!,” she looked down at him and saw him open his eyes. Before Buffy had a chance to react he made a sweeping motion with his leg knocking her off her feet and climbed atop her holding her hands above her head.



"Cheater!” she growled.



‘Damn, Goldilocks stop moving’ Spike pleaded to himself. Unfortunately she wouldn’t and his body began to betray him.



‘What the hell‘! She asked herself. ‘Omg’



"Uh Spike....”



"Sorry luv,” he said moving off her and helping her up.



"I gotta go,” she said and rushed out of the house not even getting her extra set of clothes and books.



"Later then.”



``````````````````````````````````````````````````



"What’s wrong Buff?” Willow asked sitting next to her friends on her bed, Buffy was staring at her hands not even looking up when she said,



"Nothing, I-I’m just a bit confused,” Willow’s brow fussed together.



"What about?” Willow asked.



Buffy finally looked up. "I like Spike,” she whispered.



"Is that a bad thing?” she asked confused.



"Yes…no, I don’t know. I mean I have always liked him it’s no secret but I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship,”



"Does he want a relationship?” Willow asked getting up and going to her closet.



"I don’t know,” Buffy answered putting her head in her hands.



"Well maybe you should see if he does or maybe go on a date or maybe he could show signs,” she said her voice muffled inside the closet.



"That’s too many or's Will,” Buffy answered as she got up. What are you doing?” she asked.



Willow emerged with an emerald halter dress and a huge smile on her face. Willow answered,
"I have a date with Tristan,” as she walked over to the bed and laid it out.



"Are you serious?” After she confirmed her suspicions with a nod Buffy launched herself at Willow embracing her in a hug.



"I’m glad,” Buffy said as she stepped back.



"Me too. I-I think I really like him,” she said blushing Buffy giggled.



"Well I better be going. I don’t want to keep you.”



"Are you sure I mean-” she shook her head and cut her off.



"I’m fine Will besides I need to get home it’s already 9:00,” Buffy said walking over to the door. After saying their goodbyes she walked out and downstairs thanking Willow’s mom and headed out the door.



The night air was cold and stale. Buffy drew her arms around her and began walking home. She was thinking of Spike and what it would be like if she acted upon her feelings towards him when she head footsteps behind her. She quickened her pace not daring to look behind her. Her heart was hammering in her ears and adrenalin was pumping in her veins. She heard heavy breathing and started to run. She could hear the stranger behind her slowly getting closer. She turned her head and saw Parker.



"Shit!” she breathed and ran faster. Spike’s house was closer than her own so she headed there.



"Buffy!” Parker called only feet away from her. She could see Spike's house in the distance and she ran faster, her legs pumping, and lungs burning.



"Stay the hell away from me,” she choked out now only feet from the door. Parker tightened his jaw and grabbed her arm. She jerked away from his grip, but was knocked off balance. She fell to the ground as her brain registered pain. Parker grabbed her hair forcing her head back.



"I just wanted to talk,” he whispered in her ear.



She shivered before grabbing a fistful of dirt and throwing it in his eyes.



"Stay away from me,” she said as she elbowed him in the stomach.



He let go of her and she ran to Spike’s door and opened it. ‘Thank God it wasn’t locked’ she thought and shut it behind her.



"Spike!” she called out. "Spike!” she yelled this time more urgent.



Spike walked out of the kitchen a sandwich in hand, taking in her flushed face, disheveled hair, and dirty clothing he rushed to her side.



"What happened?” he asked.



"Parker,” she said as she desperately tried to catch her breath.



Spike growled. He moved her out of the way before grabbing a bat and then opening the door. There was no one there.



"There isn’t anyone there luv,” he said stepping outside.



"I swear Spike he was chasing me,” she said leaning on the wall.



"Parker if you’re there I swear I’ll kill you before you have a chance to hurt her again,” Spike swore to the empty air. He looked around before then shutting the door with a bang.



Parker came out from his hiding space in the bushes and looked at the open window where Buffy was now being hugged by Spike.



"If I have to kill you I will,” he swore to Spike’s figure in the window before turning and stalking off into the night.



``````



"Do you want me to walk you home luv?” Spike asked.



"If it’s ok I’d like to stay here,” She asked trembling slightly.



"Anything pet,” Spike said as he pulled her into a hug.



"Will, who were you hollering-” Giles didn’t finish as he saw Spike holding a still trembling Buffy.



"Buffy dear is everything alright?” he asked concerned.



"Yeah Giles I’m fine,” she answered her voice muffled by Spike’s chest.



Spike pulled back to look at his dad not letting go of Buffy. "She’s staying the night Da.”



Giles nodded and took off his glasses cleaning them before leaving the room.



"Are you hungry?” Spike asked leading her to the kitchen.



"N-no. I don’t think I could keep any food down anyway. I’m not feeling so good. I just wanna sleep.”



He nodded, then turned around and climbed the stairs. He entered his room with Buffy directly behind him. Spike walked over to his dresser and picked out a pair of boxers and one of his black t-shirts and then handed them to Buffy.



"Here, change into these,” he ordered.



She took the clothes from him and waited for him to turn around before stripping off her clothes.



"I’m finished,” she told him.



Walking over to his bed he sat down and picked up the phone and handed it to her.



"Call your mum,” he ordered.



She took it from him and dialed her phone number. After letting it ring she placed it back on the holder.



”Mom left a message that she went to L.A,” Buffy told him as she climbed over him and laid down facing the wall. She closed her eyes and relaxed into his touch. As Spike spooned against her back she melted into his form.



"I wont let him get you,” he promised her before sleep claimed them both.



```````````````````````````
 

Chapter 11

Next day at the Sunnydale High School lunchroom



Buffy carried her tray over to where Willow, Tristan, Cordelia, and Angel were sitting.



"Have you seen Spike?” Cordelia asked Buffy.



"No, I haven’t seen him since morning, why?” she asked taking a seat next to Willow.



"Well, he seemed really pissed when I saw him in second period,” Cordelia answered leaning into Angel’s embrace.



"I’m sure he’s fine,” Buffy said with a hint of doubt in her voice. He did seem kind of in a rush to get to school. Buffy was brought out of her thoughts when Riley burst through the cafeteria doors yelling.



"FIGHT! FIGHT!”



Everyone immediately left their tables and rushed to the quad. Once outside Buffy, Cordy and Willow along with the guys pushed their way to the front. Buffy’s eyes widened when she saw who was fighting.



"Spike!” Buffy yelled as she ran towards Parker who had straddled Spike and was trying to punch him. Before she was able to reach them Riley grabbed her and held her back.



"Let me go! Angel a little help!” she cried seeing that no one was stepping in. Angel ran over to where Riley was and pulled Buffy away from him. Angel then shoved Riley to the floor where they soon started fighting. Buffy ran over to Parker and punched him in the face as hard as she could. He fell backwards on the floor, but soon jumped to his feet and narrowed his eyes at her.



"Need a women to fight for you Spike,” Parker spat as he wiped the blood from his nose. He had a cut on his forehead and a busted lip.



"At least I don’t have to attack them to feel all manly,” Spike spat back.



Angel had Riley out of action for the moment so he quickly went to back up Spike along with Tristan.



"I better not see you around Buffy or any of our girls again! If you so much as look at them I’ll rip your arms off and beat you with them,” Spike threatened.



Parker muttered something under his breath before stomping away, Riley, Forest and Gram followed.



"What the hell!” Buffy yelled as she hit Spike in the chest.



"Oi! What did I bloody do?!” he yelled back at her.



"You could’ve got hurt dumb ass,” Buffy said. Her face softened as she took in the damage to Spike’s face. His eye was starting to bruise and he had a cut on his lip.



"Let’s get you cleaned up,” Buffy said as she lead him away. Their friends following behind them.



``````````````````



"You’re lucky it’s only this bad,” Buffy stated as she put an ice pack on his eye. They decided to head to Buffy’s after the incident at school.



"Did you see him though? Broke the bloke’s nose,” Spike said with a smirk.



Buffy rolled her eyes pressing the pack harder on his sore spot.



"Oi! Oi!” he yelled "Bloody hell woman you’re goin' to make it worse.”



"Big baby.”



"Hey it’s more like the big bad,” Spike smirked.



Buffy walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a water bottle drinking some before handing it to Spike.



"When’s your mum comin' home?” Spike asked after taking a drink.



"In a week,” Buffy answered sitting on the stool next to him.



"Why’d you do it?” she asked.



"Do what?” Spike asked, knowing exactly what she was talking about.



Buffy rolled her eyes.



"You know what,” she answered as she removed the ice pack.



He smiled innocently at her. "I couldn’t let him get away with it Buffy.”



"That’s just it he didn’t do anything,” she said.



”He could’ve. He’s always been after you Buffy and one day he’s going to get you if you don’t do something about it.” He reached out and caressed her cheek. "I don’t want to lose you,” he said softly as he looked into her eyes.



"You’ll always have me,” she answered leaning into his touch.



He looked at her and then down to her lips as she innocently licked her bottom one. He suppressed a groan and looked back at her eyes not breaking eye contact until he could smell her perfume.



‘Omg, omg, omg, omg’ Buffy thought as he leaned down and his lips brushed over hers. He traced her bottom lip with his tongue before seeking entrance. He smiled into the kiss when she opened her mouth for his. His hand moved to the small of her back and she hooked her hands around his neck. When the kiss broke, they were both panting for air. She looked up at him and saw his eyes go from a crystal blue to almost black.



"I uh, that was…” she sputtered as she couldn’t find the words.



"Yeah,” he said looking at her again before he jumped off the stool. His hand on the back of her neck he pulled her to him and his lips crashed onto hers. She hungrily kissed him, then she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Feeling the bulge in his pants she felt womanly pride. They were brought out of their dream world when the door to the living room opened and she heard her dad enter as he talked on his cell phone. Buffy broke apart from Spike panting just as her dad walked into the kitchen.



"What are you doing here Buffy?” as he asked looked between the two.



"We had a problem at school so I came home. I-I was just getting some water then I’m going over to Spike’s to stay the week,” she answered looking anywhere but at him.



"Your mom didn’t say anything about this,” he said putting his stuff down.



"She called while you were out, right when I got in,” Buffy lied.



He eyed her but nodded.



"I’ll see you later,” she said grabbing Spike’s hand and heading upstairs, once in her room she closed the door and pulled out her duffle bag.



"You don’t mind do you?” she asked while taking out clothes and stuffing them into the bag.



"No. Not at all,” he said still in a daze from their kiss. ‘Gonna have to talk about that’.



When she was finished packing they headed out the door. Buffy shouted, "Bye dad,” before they both walked out the door into the cold Fall streets. It was a nice day for her. The sun disappeared and that’s how she liked it.



"Looks like rain,” Spike said falling into step with her.



"Yeah,” she answered looking at the ground.



"What are you doin’ for Halloween?” Spike asked.



"You know I forgot Halloween was only a week away. *She chuckled*. I don’t know...We could go to Club Seventeen. They always have Fright Night,” Buffy said.



"I s’pose,” Spike answered as he pulled his keys out of his pocket as they neared his house.



He opened the door and walked in followed by Buffy. They went upstairs and put her stuff in the closet and then went to the kitchen to eat.



"I’m a bit puckish luv. How bout you?” Spike said running a hand through his bleached hair.



"Starved,” Buffy answered as she seated herself on one of the stools at the island. He went to the refrigerator and pulled out the makings for chicken salad. After making the salad he sat down next to her and placed a plate in front of her with a chicken salad sandwich and a soda.



"When’s your dad coming home,” Buffy asked with her mouth full of food.



"Around 8:00, but mum should be back in an hour or so,” Spike answered taking a drink of his soda.



"Thanks,” Buffy told him.



He looked at her brows fusing together. "For what?” he asked as he chewed his sandwich.



"For helping beat the crap out of Parker and just being you,” she answered.



He smiled and shook his head. "It was nothing pet. I'd do anything for you,” he said as he playfully pushed her.



She smiled and went back to eating.



” Want to go to Tristan's? He should be home already,” Spike asked after they finished eating.



"Sure,” she answered getting off the stool and taking the plates to the sink.



After a few minutes they headed over to Tristan’s as a light drizzle started.



"Oh great,” Spike muttered when he felt the rain drops.



"Come on Spikey. It's rain it won't hurt,” Buffy said as she quirked a smile at him.



"I don’t care and don’t call me Spikey,” he grumbled speeding up his pace. Buffy chuckled and tugged on his sleeve slowing him down.



"I like rain,” she stated as she began walking slower.



"Fine you walk in the rain,” he stated as he began to jog. At that exact moment the rain started to pour down harder.



Buffy chuckled then yelped when he picked her up and spun her around in the rain. "I thought you hated the rain,” She said laughing.



"Not when I’m with you,” he stated kissing her softly. When he pulled back she had a smile on her face. He put her down, then reached for her hand and held it as they ran the rest of the way to Tristan’s house.



When they got there Angel’s car was in the driveway along with Willow's. They went into the house and headed straight to the den. Tristan’s house was also Victorian. When you opened the door to the left there was a living room and that was connected to the kitchen. To the left of the kitchen was a small bathroom and in front was a hall. Through the hall was the master bedroom and on the right of it there was a door that led to the den. Next to that was a spiral staircase which led to Tristan’s bedroom, a master bathroom and two guest rooms.



Buffy and Spike walked into the den soaking the dark carpet. The walls in the den were red. There was a entertainment center, pool table and a door that led to a separate part of the house, the inside pool.



"Hey guys,” Willow called out to them. She was sitting on the couch in front of the TV next to Tristan. Cordelia was seated on the Lazy Boy and Angel was seated on the other Lazy Boy.



"We didn’t get to ask why you were in a fight with Parker,” Cordelia stated looking at the soaked blonde duo.



"Give us a chance to catch our breath Cordy,” Spike said pretending to be hurt.



"Fine,” Cordy said before dropping into her chair. "How bout now,” she said looking back up.



Buffy rolled her eyes and chuckled. "The guy just pressed the wrong buttons.”



"Well it’s not like he attacked any of us and that’s what you said happened.”



"He’s bragging bout getting to one of you,” he said, shrugging as he began to sit down, but was stopped by Tristan.



"Don’t sit down, you’ll soak my furniture. Spike you’ll find some sweats upstairs and Buffy I believe there’s a pair up there that will fit you and you can borrow one of my shirts,” Tristan instructed.



"I want details when you’re finished,” Cordelia said turning her attention back to the TV.



When they left Willow turned to Cordelia and whispered in her ear. "Do you think Spike and Buffy are hiding something?”



"No, I don’t think so. They would have said something. Right? Or at least Buffy would. She’s always told me everything,” Cordelia whispered back.



"I don’t know. It’s just her and Spike have been so secretive lately and I wonder if it has anything to do with why Parker and Spike got into that fight,” Willow said getting up from her spot and stretching.



"I’ve got to go. My dad’s going to be pissed if I’m late again,” Willow told everyone. She kissed Tristan lightly, grabbed her jacket, and headed out the back door.



After a few moments Spike and Buffy came back in and sat down on the floor.



"So the deal with you and Parker. Spill,” Cordelia demanded as she turned off game they’d been watching. Both Angel and Tristan groaned, but turned their attention to the blondes.



"It was nothing really,” Spike insisted.



"Well then what happened,” Cordelia demanded again a little eager.



"He was mouthing off bout you ladies. Didn't like it one bit. That was it...Now can we drop it!” he said almost yelling.



"Spike you don’t need to yell. She just wanted to know,” Angel replied calmly.



"I know peaches. Sorry Cordy. It’s just been a rough day.”



"Don’t call me peaches, Billy,” Angel said.



"You guys wanna go to Fright Night at Club Seventeen for Halloween.”



"Sure,” Cordelia said.



"Well I don’t know,” Angel said earning a glare from Cordy. Alright, alright,” he said. She smiled and kissed him softly.



"I need to get home,” she said pulling Angel to his feet.



"So why do I have to go,” he protested.



"You drove me here and-,” she whispered the rest in his ear which caused him to grin like a Cheshire cat.



"See you guys later,” Angel said as he pulled Cordy out the back door grabbing his coat on the way. After Angel and Cordy left Buffy spoke up.



"Two guesses at what they're gonna do.” The boys chuckled as they sat in comfortable silence.



It was well past 8:30 when Tristan’s grandma came in to announce dinner. Buffy had fallen asleep during the movie they were watching. Her head resting on Spike's lap and her legs draped over the end of the couch.



"We should get going. My mums probably worried,” Spike said gently shaking Buffy awake.



"Go away,” she mumbled swatting Spike away. They chuckled and Spike nudged her again whispering in her ear, "Pet, wake up we need to go,” He smiled when she opened one eye.



"I hate you,” she whispered.



He put on a fake hurt expression. "And why would that be.”



"You could have let me sleep and just carried me,” she said matter-of-factly.



Playfully growling he narrowed his eyes and lifted her up. Shrieking she clung to him. When he set her down she wobbled but stayed up.



"We’ll see you later Tristan,” Buffy said pecking him on the cheek. She and Spike exited through the back door.



It stopped raining but it was still really cold. They’d practically ran to Spike’s house trying to escape the cold. Opening the door they ran right into Jenny knocking her down.



"Sorry mum,” Spike said helping her off the floor while Buffy closed the door.



"Where were you? Hi Buffy,” Jenny said smiling.



"Hi Mrs. Calendar,” Buffy answered.



"I just finished dinner, are you guys hungry?”



"Starved,” they answered in unison.



"I just set the table so you’ll have to bring out an extra plate for Buffy,” she stated as she climbed the stairs. "I’m just going to wash up.”



They walked into the kitchen and Spike pulled a plate out for her before taking a seat with her at the table. After fixing both of their plates they fell into comfortable silence as they ate.



‘I kissed Spike. Spike kissed me. He has soft lips... lovely lips and so soft’ Buffy thought sighing.



"You ok Buffy?” Spike asked when he heard her sigh and noticed the far away look in her eyes.



"Huh, oh yeah. Just thinking,” She said smiling.



Spike shook his head and went back to eating.



‘Lips of Buffy. She's so sweet. I’m such a git. I’m taking advantage of her. She shouldn’t be in a relationship right now’.



"You ok?” Buffy asked seeing his look.



"Yeah thinking is all.”



"Bout what?” She asked taking a bite of food.



"Nothing.”



"Come on you don’t have a ‘nothing face’. You’ve got a ‘something face’. So spill,” She said smiling.



"I was just thinking about nothing,” he answered taking a bite of food.



"Please.”



"No.”



"Please.”



"No.”



"Ppllleeeaaazzze,” she said pouting.



‘I’m a sucker for a pout’. He rolled his eyes and she smiled, clearly knowing she had won.



"I was thinking about the kiss we shared,” he whispered.



"Oh. Well what about it?” she asked taking a drink of her soda.



"I don’t know...I mean...*He sighed and ran a hand through his hair*. Did you wanna...Well take it any further?” he asked.



”I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship right now Spike.”



Spike nodded.



‘You know you want to. Why are you doing this’ she yelled at herself.



"I’m sorry everything’s so weird this morning. I really wanted you...I did…but now just isn’t a good time,” Buffy said.



He nodded. "It’s alright luv,” Spike said giving her his trademark smirk.



She smiled sadly at him and went back to eating.
 

Chapter 12: Confrontations

Saturday a week later



Spike and Buffy fell into their usual friendly pattern, though at times it became strained. Willow and Cordelia lost the idea that Spike and Buffy were hiding something when Tristen assured them they weren’t hiding anything. Tristen still didn’t know exactly what happened with her and her father. He didn’t want to pry so he resigned himself not to say anything unless Buffy or Spike came to him with an explanation.



***



"Buffy," Spike sing songed as he shook her. She opened one eye and scowled at him.



"What?" she growled.



"Wake up pet, time to go."



"Go where," she mumbled rubbing sleep out her eyes.



"I have to go out of town today, remember. You are going home. Your mum just called. She said she needs you there cause she has something to share with you," Spike said as he pulled the covers off her.



She groaned and sat up. "Why can’t she need me at a decent hour?" she stated.



"Goldilocks, it is 2:00 in the afternoon," Spike said chuckling.



Buffy hopped out of bed and grabbed some clothes. "Why didn’t you tell me!" she yelled and waited for him to close his eyes before slipping on a white halter and denim skirt. She sat on the bed and gave him confirmation that she was dressed. She slid on her white k-swisses and then grabbed her brush and French braided her long hair.



"You needed some sleep Buff," Spike said shrugging.



She rolled her eyes and put her stuff in her bag. "I’ll call you later, or you call me, where are you going again?" she asked frowning.



He rolled his eyes. "I’m going to LA.” At Buffy’s blank expression he continued, “My cousin needs my help on the shop they have."



"Shop? What cousin?" she asked. Searching her brain she couldn’t come up with any cousins that she knew of that lived in LA.



"Hallie. Da cosigned on a note so that she could get a shop. And since we don’t have school Monday I wasn’t going to come back until Wednesday That way I only miss two days," Spike said smiling.



Buffy chuckled and shook her head. "Call me when you get back," she said before slipping out of his room and down the stairs. Hollering a ‘bye Giles, Jenny’ over her shoulder as she walked out the door she sprinted the block to her house.



"MOM!" Buffy called.



"Don’t shout," came the faint reply.



Buffy followed the voice to her Mom’s bedroom where she found her going through a box.



"You wanted me home," Buffy stated.



"Well yeah, I haven't seen you in a while. What kind of parent do you think I am?" Joyce said shaking her head.



"It’s ok I know you need to do these things," Buffy said.



"Where were you?" Joyce asked, but knowing full well where she had been.



"Spike’s" she said.



"Why did you lie to your father? He was worried sick when I told him I didn’t give you permission to go."



"He did" she defended.



"Only after you said I gave you permission," she said.



"Sorry Mom I just. I-" Buffy panicked slightly. What was she going to say?!



"Yeah," Joyce urged.



"...Spike was dumped by this girl he liked and he needed me," Buffy finally said.



"I didn't know he had a girlfriend," Joyce said frowning slightly.



"Yeah, it was one of those secret girlfriends," Buffy said nodding.



"Oh…well you’re still grounded…and next time I’m not here you’re to stay in. You spend too much time at Spike’s as it is. You are always over there. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were scared of your father," Joyce said.



"Mom! Why!" Buffy yelled, stomping her foot.



"No more Buffy. If I hear you snuck out again I’ll send you away to a boarding school. Now I know you’re a good kid, but you have been really sneaky lately. Your father thinks you don’t like him."



"Wonder why that is…Bloody Ponce?" Buffy muttered.



"Elizabeth Summers! Don’t talk about your father that way!" Joyce scolded. "I don’t want you around Spike for the time being."



"Mom!" Buffy shouted.



"You have to change Buff. Until further notice you are grounded and when I’m not here you’re to report to your father," Joyce stated.



"Mom I have always been an angel for you guys-" Buffy started but Joyce cut her off again.



"Buffy, I don’t want to be the bad guy here, but I have to teach you right from wrong. No going out, going to Spike’s included. I want you to come straight home from school. No phone and no TV," Joyce counted the things off on her fingers.



Buffy scowled and stalked out of her mother’s room slamming the door behind her.



She plopped down on her bed and took a deep breath.



‘What the hell am I gong to do? I can’t sneak out, cause then she’ll send me away, though the prospect of being sent away to boarding school seemed better than being stuck here with this badness. If worse comes to worse I’ll sneak out. But what if Dad abuses her?’ Buffy laid quietly in her bed tears rolling down her face as she contemplated her situation.



After an hour, there was a knock at her door.



"Come in," she called.



Her Dad walked into the room, smiling at her. "Hey Buff, Mom told me what happened. I’ll try my best to make the punishment go faster for you," he promised. He walked over to her bed and sat down, placing his hand on her knee. She pushed it away from her and scowled at him.



"Get out," she said levelly even though she was shaking inside.



"Elizabeth, I don’t want to fight."



"Then go, and if you come near me again…I’ll tell Mom what you and your friends did to me."



"I didn’t do anything…and my friends…well, you know you wanted it," he said with a smirk.



"Get out!" she yelled.



He shook his head before standing up. "I’m sorry Buff, but one way or another you will get over this," and with that he left.



‘Buffy’. She hated the way her name sounded when it came out of his mouth. Looking over at her clock, she noticed she had been lying there more than an hour. It was already 5:35. Sighing she got up and went downstairs where her mother was cooking dinner.



"What’s for dinner?" she asked avoiding her mothers gaze.



"Lasagna," Joyce answered taking it out the oven.



"How long am I grounded?" Buffy asked.



"Two weeks," Joyce answered.



" May I ask why?" Buffy said.



"I already told you-"



"I snuck out," Buffy finished for her.



"I’ve done it before…and, I was with Spike…you know…the son that you never had."



"Buffy it’s the principle that matters in this situation. You didn’t tell your father or me," Joyce said as she sliced the Italian food in squares.



"I told Dad."



"You didn’t ask. You just told him," Joyce said as she moved to a cupboard and took out some plates.



"Please Mom, I promise not to do it again. Please don’t ground me," Buffy pleaded tears coming to her eyes.



"I’m sorry Buffy, but I don’t want you out at night sneaking around. Discipline is the only way to get you to stop."



"I hate you," Buffy said before running out the kitchen and stomping up the stairs.



Monday



Buffy walked through the halls of their school, not really noticing anything or anyone. Her Mom hadn’t let up on her punishment yet and she still couldn’t talk to Spike unless it was in school and here she was waiting for him by her locker.



Willow and Tristen, who had a smile on his face, walked up to her. "Hey, who ya waiting for?" Willow asked.



"Spike," Buffy said sighing.



"Isn’t he out of town till Wednesday?" Tristen asked opening his locker.



"Oh yeah," Buffy slapped herself in the head.



"Forgot," Willow stated with a grin, as she took out her books.



"Yeah, my Mom grounded me, and I can’t talk to Spike until my ‘mother, or father’ decide to" she said in mock friendly voice.



"Why?" Willow asked as she closed her locker.



"I went to Spike’s for the week and I didn’t ask permission from either one of them. I’ve done it before but they just shrugged it off. Seems my ‘father’ was concerned when Mom told him that I didn’t ask her," Buffy said making air quotes on father.



"You and your Dad don’t get along," Willow stated with a grimace.



"That’s an understatement," Buffy and Tristen stated in union.



Willow looked confused but shrugged it off.



The bell rang and they shoved off from the lockers and walked their separate ways to their classes, promising to meet up at lunch.



***



Buffy walked into her English lit class and took a seat in the back. She looked up when she heard Snyder’s voice.



Snyder walked into the classroom and shut the door behind him. He picked up a ruler and quickly slammed it down on the desk.



"Sit down!" he yelled at everyone standing or sitting on a desk.



"Now, get out your literature books and copy down the whole first and second chapter. If you don’t finish it here in class, you will do it for homework. Turn it in to me tomorrow at P.E, and don’t think I’ll forget. I know each and everyone of you," he threatened.



As his eyes landed on Buffy, he gave a small snort. "Summers, up here please, I need to keep an eye on you."



"Oh joy," Buffy muttered moving to the front next to Graham. Graham gave her a small smile, which would probably have seemed cruel if he was around Riley and Parker. When he wasn’t around them he was a gentlemen...sometimes anyway.



"Hey," he said smiling at Buffy.



"Fuck off," she hissed.



"If I could do that I wouldn’t need you," he hissed back.



"Please, I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole. I’m not like those ho’s you have all over you. Let’s see…like Darla. I heard you got her pregnant. That true?" Buffy said.



Graham’s answer was to turn in his seat and face the board.



"Summers, do you want to share that with the class?" Snyder asked.



She rolled her eyes and stood up. "I said, Graham can go FUCK himself, and so could you, you little nazi troll!"



Snyder looked shocked. Suddenly he began to melt.



Buffy sighed and snapped out of her little daze to answer him. "No sir," she answered then lowered herself down into her seat after taking out her book.



***



"Hey guys," Buffy said as she sat on the edge of the fountain. Angel smiled at her, and Cordelia said ‘hi’.



"Where’s Willow and Tristen?" Angel asked.



"I don’t know," Buffy answered.



"How was class?" Angel asked.



"Boring. Had Snyder for first period. He made me copy the entire literature book word for word."



"Bummer," Cordelia said.



"That was after sitting me next to Graham."



"I’ll light a candle for you. Hopefully you didn’t catch anything," Cordelia said.



Buffy gave her a grin. “The rest was boring, but good," Buffy stated.



A short while later Willow joined them. "Hey guys, how’s everything?" said Willow as she let out a .



Buffy quirked a well-plucked eyebrow. "Why are you in dreamy mode Will?" Buffy asked curiously.



Willow sighed again and let a smile grace her lips.



"I’m going to go get something to drink," Angel said as he stood. "Does anyone else want anything?" he asked.



They said no. After Angel left Willow smile widened. "I think I’m in Love" Willow breathed.


Buffy smiled. "And why is that. I mean, you weren’t in love this morning," Buffy inquired.



Cordelia smiled as Willow blushed.



"Tristen so totally, stood up for me today. Parker was making jokes about me, and how I can’t ever get a guy, and Tristen said. She sighed. He said "I better not hear you talk about Willow ever again, by god I love her and I won’t let some jerk like you badmouth her," Willow quoted with a grin.



Cordelia giggled. "He did!" she squealed giving a hug to the redhead.



"Parker was so mad cause Tristen stood up to him," Willow said.



"Anyway enough about me. What’s going on between you and Spike?" Willow asked.



Buffy grimaced. "It’s complicated. We kissed, but that was it. I can’t get into a relationship yet. He took it ok, ya know, but I still feel-I don’t know," Buffy sighed.



"Why don’t you guys get together?" Cordelia asked puzzled.



Buffy shrugged. "There are too many thing happening in my life right now, problems at home and other stuff. I just can’t be in a relationship right now," Buffy answered.



"What kind of problems?" Willow asked.



"The ‘Mom grounded me’ kind of problems," Buffy answered quickly.



Cordelia arched a brow, "You’re grounded. Since when?"



"Yesterday, I went to Spike’s, and I didn’t ask permission from Mom or Dad. Dad flipped and told Mom. Mom grounded me," Buffy answered simply.



"That’s rough," Cordelia said.



"What’s rough?" Angel asked as he came back over followed by Tristen.



"Nothing, just girl problems," Buffy said with a small smile.



"Whatever," Angel said as he sat down next to Cordy.



***




Buffy walked into her house and straight to her room. After putting her stuff away she went back downstairs and took down a note that was on the refrigerator. It read:




Dear Buff,



I’ve been having really bad headaches. Decided to go to the doctor’s office. Your father left on a business trip, but should be back in about an hour. You’re still grounded and I informed Mr. Giles you’re not to be over there.



Love Mom




Buffy sighed and opened the fridge pulling out sandwich stuff. She began to make herself lunch, but just as she was about to sit down she heard the phone ring. Cursing under her breath, she got up to answer it. "Hello," she said into the receiver. No one answered. Sighing she hung up the phone and was about to get back to her sandwich when the phone rang again.



"Hello." She sighed, again nothing. She slammed the phone back down and waited for it to ring again. When it didn’t she turned around and walked a few steps before the phone rang again. She paused, her heart jumped into her throat. She closed her eyes and turned around, went to the phone, and picked it up.



"Hello, who’s there?" she asked looking around her empty living room. She could hear cars in the background, but the caller didn’t say anything. She slammed the phone back down and ran a shaky hand through her hair. She unplugged the phone, walked into the kitchen, and saw the back door standing open.



She looked around. Stepping casually back into the kitchen she picked up a knife. As she looked around her eyes landed on the basement door.



‘This is too creepy’ Buffy thought as she walked towards the door. She was about to open it when a rock crashed through her kitchen window. She jumped back startled and dropped the knife. As she turned to run she bumped right into a hard chest and fell backwards with a yelp. She looked up to see a concerned Tristen standing above her. His gray eyes confused he reached down and helped her up.



"You ok?" Tristen asked as he looked at the window and down at the rock lying there. He went over and picked it up. I had something written on it in black ink. Tristen dropped it and took out his cell.



"What a-are you d-doing?" Buffy asked, eyes wide.



He didn’t say anything but picked up the rock and handed it to her. It read:



I’m watching you.



Buffy shuddered and dropped it. She rushed over to Tristen and grabbed his cell and quickly switched it off.



"What are you doing?" he asked.



"You can’t call the cops" Buffy stated as she began to shiver.



Tristen grew angry. "WHY THE HELL NOT!" he yelled.



Buffy stood her ground. "Because, you’ll make it worse," Buffy said calmly.



Tristen took a deep breath. "Make what worse. What have you and Spike been hiding?" he asked.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Chapter 13: Secrets

Author's Notes: Finally got a new chapter for you.


Tristan sat on the couch as Buffy explained what had happened. When she was finished he looked as if he was going to have an aneurysm.



"Say something," Buffy said looking on as Tristan took some calming deep breaths.



"Buffy why didn’t you say anything? We could’ve helped. Your dad could have been in jail instead of putting you through hell. And Parker…don’t even get me started on him. I’m going to kick his ass!" Tristan yelled.



Buffy jumped at his tone. Her eyes filled with tears. "Tristan…Tristan please…please don’t mention this again. Please," Buffy begged as tears poured down her flushed cheeks.



Tristan stood up. "Promise me you’ll talk to someone who isn’t just Spike," he stated as he stood.



She closed her eyes. "I can’t, but Tristan if you want me in your life you can’t tell. Not a soul," Buffy whispered.



Tristan drew her into a hug. "I won’t tell Buff. I’ll stay with you till your mom comes home," he said.



Buffy shook her head. "I’ll be fine. You can go. Besides my mom will kill me if I have friends over and then she’ll kill me again when she sees the window," Buffy stated forcing a smile.



Tristan nodded. "I’ll call Seth and get him to come over to fix the window," Tristan said.



Buffy nodded and sniffled wiping the tears from her eyes.



"Are you sure you want me to go. I mean your mom should understand. Why don’t you just tell her?" Tristan begged.



"Tristan, you don’t understand! My dad is one of the most influential men in the state of California. Do you remember when they tried to sue him?! He bought his way out of it. He’ll only buy himself out of jail. Then he’ll come after me, or worse he’ll come after mom!" Buffy yelled.



Tristan nodded in understanding as he remembered that incident. They were only thirteen when that had happened.



Buffy sighed in frustration and plopped down on the couch.



Tristan stared at her, before kneeling in front of her and taking her hands in his. "I love you Buff. I just don’t want anything to happen to you. I’ll call Seth and if he doesn't make it over here to fix the window before your mom get home then tell her that I broke the window. I’ll back the story up, ok," Tristan said.



Buffy sniffed and nodded.



He stood up to leave, but she stopped him and pulled him into a hug. "I love you Tristan," she whispered.



He smiled and got up. When Buffy closed the door he walked around the perimeter of the house making sure she was safe before walking home.



Buffy sighed as she walked into the kitchen. She looked at the window in disgust.



"How did I get sucked into this hell?" she whispered to herself. Getting a broom she swept up the broken glass and picked up the rock. Gritting her teeth in anger she walked over to the trashcan and threw it away. Then she made her way around the house and secured the doors and windows.

 

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