Chapter 1



Buffy couldn't resist and took anther glance at her closet, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything. It was almost empty. Except some old clothes, she wasn't wearing any more and wouldn’t want to be caught dead in. My dorky era she thought to herself.

Old memories of the time, at the beginning of high school came rushing back. She was always so isolated. The one who sat in the cafeteria all alone, head sticking inside a book, never looking up, always cutting herself off, because she felt no one was really worth the trouble.

However that all changed, she couldn't put her finger on the exact moment it happened. Somehow, she found her way to a group of people who cared as little about school as she did. They were never really her friends, but they gave her what she needed. She wasn't the sweet blond with the shy smile anymore, she became hardheaded and tough. She always walked the halls with the most determined expression, The "don't mess with me” expression. Truly, nobody did for a very long time. Nobody except one…and now she had to spend a whole day with him.



"What's the hold up Summers?!...I'm bloody dying in here,"



Spike came from the living room and stood by the doorway, frowning at her heavily.



"This idea sucks!" Buffy snapped and approached him.



"Yeah, well I'm not so pleased about it either… I'm doing this as a favor to Harris and that's it. So I don't want to hear you bitching about it."



"Fuck you!"



"Now, now… if you gonna keep this attitude, I might just leave you in the middle of the road. We wouldn't want that, would we?"



"I can find some other way to get there," She said, raising her chin.



"Well if you hadn't waited until the last minute…"



"It's not my fault Xander’s car got broken." Her face fell.



"Well that's the rub innit. I'm surprised you didn't wreck it, like you do with everything else,"



"Go to hell, Spike!"



"Feels like I'm already there," he murmured, gazing away.



"What's the matter? Did Dru dump you again?" Buffy teased.



"I'm not with Dru. Haven’t been for a long time, you bint!"



"Like I keep track with your bimbos,"



"Let's hit the road Summers. The sooner you get out of my sight the better." Spike turned quickly to leave.



"Now we are agreeing on something," She took her bags and followed him.

"Three rules," Spike gazed at her before he started the engine.



She scoffed



"One- you don't trash my car. Two- you don't talk or make any other noises except breathing in my car. Three- you don't touch my car. That means the glove compartment, the radio, the wheel or anything else that can disturb the driving process. Now is that clear?" He narrowed his eyes at her.



She glanced back at him contemptuously.



"Good," Yeah this is going to be one hell of a ride he thought before pulling out of the driveway.

It didn't take long for Buffy to feel uncomfortable in Spike's car. The silence almost drove her crazy. She knew it would be like this, extremely and utterly depressing. They’d never gotten along, ever since her brother Xander had met him in high school. He used to come to her room and tease her, always saying how nerdy she was. When she became older, it didn't change. He just said her tough act didn’t fool him and that she was the same silly girl who couldn't stand up for herself.



He knew that provoked her most, him questioning her as if he was some big shot, with his leather coat and Billy Idol hair and stupid accent… hate him, hate him, hate him… Buffy cursed mentally and began to breathe hard, letting out each breath with a loud sigh.



"Stop that," Spike said without looking at her.




She ignored him.




"That's very mature Summers, really."



God, what has he gotten himself into? She was impossible, everything about her made him completely insane. Every time he saw her, she gave him the most infuriating feeling, as if she was better than everybody else was. She was always doing whatever she wanted with no consideration for anyone around her.



Thank God, she's off to college he thought to himself. Though he couldn't believe she wanted to live that far from home, where all her freaky friends were. Ever since her brother opened his own pub, living together wasn't the best arrangement, but how could she stay away from the only person she called family? He wondered…



"Alright summers…one time deal, tell me what you want,"




Buffy hesitated and then looked at him.




"I want to hear some music,"




"Fine," he reached over to the radio "but nothing like the shit I heard in your room the other day,"




"Xander put that on …I don't listen to that stuff,"




"Yeah so what do you listen to?"




Buffy knew it was a trick question, one of Spike's many ways to mock her. She hesitated before answering.



"I listen to a lot of stuff, like that band with the brother and sister… stripe something," she mumbled.




"The white stripes,"



"That's the one,"



"Please, you don't listen to the white stripes. You didn't even know what they were called,"



"I did too!"



"Did not,"



"Did too,"



"Bloody hell Summers, can't you act like an adult sometimes?! I know that acting like a woman is too much to ask, but at least-"




"What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Act like a women?!"




"It means that you’re a bloody mess. Look at you, no man in a sane mind want to be with a freak like you. You are the rudest person alive. You curse like a sailor. Your hair has different colors and you never shut up for Christ sake!"



"Oh and that is compared to your Harmony- babble mouth- Kendall? Yeah some track record you got!"



"I thought you weren't keeping score pet,"




"I'm not. Just couldn’t ignore the stupidity pouring from that thing you call a woman. You two are just made for each other,"




"Oh like peaches was Nobel prize material," he mocked.




"Don't you talk about Angel like that,"




"What's the matter luv? Has tall dark and handsome left you for a cheerleader?"




How does he know that?



"Shut up!"



"Nice comeback pet,"




"And stop calling me that,"




"What…pet?"




"Yes and don't call me luv either,"




"No worries goldilocks," he smirked.



Buffy just glared at him.

Across town, Xander's Pub was almost empty. He stood behind the counter and watched Willow working. She was scowling every time their eyes met and doubt began to overcome him.



Willow approached the counter and put the tray down, giving him another scolding gaze.




"Will you stop doing that? You’re scaring the customers,"




"It's my unhappy face,"




"Well…un- un happy it, if you may,"




"I can't believe you did that to your sister,"




"Believe me Will; it's for the best,"




"How is Buffy and Spike killing each other is for the best?"




"They won't kill each other,"




"If Spike finds out what you did..."




"He won't… unless you tell him,"



Willow paused.



"Does that mean your car is out of the garage?"




"What garage?" Xander grinned.

"So what's her name?" Spike asked after a long moment of silence, glancing at Buffy for a moment. He saw her gazing at the road blankly.



"She must be pretty, prettier then you I mean…did your poncy Angel get tired from your perky attitude…let me guess he chose a brunette,"



Buffy’s eyes opened wide thinking of Cordelia



Spike noticed her reaction and smiled inwardly.



"What happened to that stinky coat of yours?" Buffy changed the subject.



"Why do you ask pet…you want it?" Spike made a big deal looking at the mirror as if he was busy.



"No... Though it is a woman's coat you know…but the whorish type…definitely your thing,"



"And she came back swinging," Spike grinned pleased that Buffy broke her silent treatment; things were much more interesting that way.



"The all I am a stock broker thing…it's a joke right?" she provoked him.



"No ducks, it's the real deal,"



"So what? you all Pacey-like?"




"Pacey-what?"




"Didn't you ever watch Dawson's creek?"




"I don't watch stupid shows,"




"Said the man who didn't miss one episode of passions,"




"I'm gonna kill Xander," Spike muttered.



Buffy chuckled lightly



"I know all your dark secrets Spike…well except I wouldn't call them dark…you're really quite pathetic,"




"Are still a virgin?" Spike shot out and saw Buffy's face froze.




"What's the matter pet…cat got your tongue?"




"I don't think it's any of your business,"




"Oh come on luv, humor me…it's a long drive…I might have to spend the night at some cheesy motel… the least you can do is share information,"




"Just because you’re a couple of years older… it doesn’t make you superior in that area,"




"Is that right…so is that your way of telling me you’re not-"




"I'm not telling you anything,"




"Oh…don't be like that now…it's just getting interesting," he put his tongue between his teeth.




"You’re so juvenile…yes; I’ve had sex, so what?"




"With dark and broody….how was it?"




"I'm so not answering that question," Buffy crossed her arms.



"You know you wanna…and besides what happened to the dashing attitude of yours…you’ve proven me right Summers you are just a scared little girl,"




"You’re just trying to provoke me into telling you…it's not gonna work,"




"Did he even look at you when you did it? Did he make you lay naked in the dark and wait for him…how would peaches like it I wonder…did he play shy and then afterwards leave like stallion?"




A chill went through Buffy's body as Spike continued talking shamelessly.




"…Men like that don't know what to give a woman. They just take, take, and take,"



Spike glanced at her.



"Did he melt to a puddle when you went down on him, cried like a baby?" he chuckled.




"Stop it," Buffy muttered.




"Am I pushing your buttons luv?"




"That's disgusting,"




"What…oral sex?"




"You and yes," Buffy moved uncomfortably in her seat.




"You mean you haven't-" Spike raised a brow and glanced at her direction.




"No and I never will," she said determinedly.




"What a surprise," Spike said unimpressed.




"What exactly is that supposed to mean?"




"You, being the self centered girl I know you are,"




"I'm not self centered!" Buffy snapped.




"You didn't love him then," Spike stated calmly, already sure of his words.




"You don't know what you're talking about," Buffy shook her head and looked away, out of the window.




"When you are in love with someone as deeply as you claimed you've been, you want to give him everything…every pleasure…especially that,"




"I will never love somebody that much," she muttered.




"That's too bad," Spike said in the same tone.




They both continued their drive in silence.

"I think they belong together," Willow stated while cleaning the counter.





"They don't belong together." Xander counted the money in the register "They are too different,"





"Too much alike you mean,"





"Umm," Xander raised his head to her and stopped what he was doing "I never thought about it like that,"





"It's natural, when two strong individuals meet in a stressful situation. Sure they'll have difficulties communicating,"





"Yeah well… I still think Kate likes Jack, not Sawyer" Xander shrugged and continued his counting.

"I'm gonna stop here for a second," Spike said as he slowed down the car.




"Why?"





"Need to use the men's room," he said as he parked the car in the tavern driveway.




"Are you coming?" he asked, about to open the door.




Buffy glanced around "I think I'll wait here," she sneered.




"Suit yourself!" Spike opened the door and then glanced at her "but I don't want to hear you complaining afterwards Summers, because we aren’t doing more stops. This isn't a road trip, it's a delivery,"




"It will be a lot faster if you stop yammering," she narrowed her eyes at him




Spike gave her a hard glance and got out of the car, slamming the door. Buffy watched him go.




"Asshole," she mumbled.




Leaning back on her seat, Buffy shut her eyes trying to relax herself. She couldn’t believe how much Spike's presence affected her. He was stressing her out, driving her off the walls. It's a game, she figured. This new job and suit and changing back to his birth name, were just an act to the outside world. When he was with her, he was the same old Spike. The Spike that wouldn’t give her the upper hand, the Spike that always had to have the last word and always take his amusement at her expense.



She didn’t need this shit she realized…she was already stressed about getting back to college after the holiday break. She hated college…she wanted to be an artist. She could stay in NY with Xander and find herself place there, but the situation was too difficult. When she told Xander the news about college, Spike had said she wouldn’t make it there on her own…well now she had a chance to prove him wrong. She can make her own choices, even if they're the wrong ones…




"Hey lady! You’re blocking my exit,"




A loud voice cut through her thoughts.




She looked outside the window and saw a large man with a leather coat and an angry look, staring at her.




She opened the window.



"I-I'm sorry…it not my car-"




"I don't care, you’re sitting in it, so drive it away," he said harshly, glaring at her.




"Look," Buffy snapped, "I can't drive it, okay. I don't have the keys,"




"So what the fuck are those?" he pointed




Buffy gazed at the direction of the ignition and saw the keys inside




"Move now lady," the man leaned towards her “before I get in and move it for you,"




Alarmed by his tone of voice, Buffy quickly moved to the driver’s side and started the engine, staring at the man who was still gazing at her warily beside the car.




Putting the gear in reverse, she glanced briefly at the mirror and pressed the gas hard.
A little too hard she realized as she heard the sickening crunch of metal from behind her. Buffy looked at the mirror and saw a pylon she hadn’t noticed before. She couldn’t understand how she could have missed it.




Three rules…One- you don't trash my car




"Oops,"




tbc

Chapter 2


"What are you doing outside of the car?" Spike asked as he approached Buffy.




"Spike look-"




However, before she could say a word Spike already noticed the bump in the back of his car.




"Bloody hell!"




"It wasn't my fault…there was this guy, a large one and he yelled," Buffy stuttered "because I was blocking him and I said I would- not…" Buffy gazed at Spike and saw his eyes narrowing.




"So I had to, you se-"




"Shut up and get in the car Summers," he cut through her rambling.




Buffy obeyed and glanced at him as he sat beside her with an aggravated look on his face.




Spike sighed




"I'm taking you home,"




"What?"




"You heard me …I'm taking you home and that's it ….let your brother deal with this shit…I'm done…didn't need to do it at the first place,"




"But I have to get to college, I need to fix things and I don't have time-"




"I don't care," Spike, groused. "You should have thought about that before you wrecked my car,"




"I told you-"




"Save your breath pet, we're going,"




And with that he started the engine and drove through the exit.




"Oh bugger!" Spike heard a siren as he sped down the highway. He looked in the mirror and saw a police car right behind them.




"Bloody marvelous…just what I needed right now," he muttered sarcastically, and slowed down to a full stop at the roadside.




Buffy looked at him, he was clenching his teeth. This can't be good she thought.




An officer came to Spike's window.




"License and registration please,"




"What seems to be the problem officer?" Spike asked as he searched for the license in his pocket.




"There's a dent in the back of you car, did you know that sir?" the officer seemed occupied with his papers.




"Yes I did," Spike glared at Buffy angrily.




"Yeah, well that's not why I stopped you. You were speeding, please hurry with the license sir," the officer gazed at him warily as Spike continued looking through his pockets.





"Do you have your license with you sir?" the officer asked impatiently





"Maybe it's here," Buffy tried to help and leaned over to the glove compartment





"No!" Spike said harshly but didn't get a chance to stop her.





A bottle of scotch fell into Buffy's lap. Oops




"Have you been drinking sir?" the officer asked.




"No… I can ex-"




"Step out of the vehicle please,"





"Bloody hell," Spike got out of the car with Buffy following him.





"This is all you bloody fault," Spike glared at her from his side of the car.





"My fault… What were you doing keeping liquor in your car?"





"I knew it Summers! You're pure bad luck. Nothing turns out right when it comes to you,"





"Can you two be quiet please?" the officer groused while approaching Spike.





"This is your way of explaining things, me being bad luck? Why won't you look at yourself for a change asshole!"





"This wouldn't be happening if you hadn't wrecked my car at the first place, you bint!"





The officer looked at them in irritation. "If you two won't shut up I'll arrest you for disturbing an officer on duty,"




Buffy and Spike paused mid quarrel, to look at him.

The telephone at the Xander's pub rang and rang, but Xander was too busy in the back room. "Will, can you get that?" he yelled but there was no answer.





"Fine I'll get it myself," he mumbled and went to pick up the phone on the counter.





"Hello?" he answered loudly trying to hear the person on the other end of the line through the deafening voices of the customers.





Willow came to stand beside him and noticed he was frowning.





"Spike slow down," Xander said.





Willow came closer to the phone and heard Spike's yelling, but all she could catch was him saying "sodding police station"





Xander put down the phone with a confused expression.





"What happened?" Willow looked at him puzzled.





"We got disconnected,"





"What did he say?"





"Something about a pole, Buffy, his car, a bitch and a flask,"





"There was a bitch with a flask?"





"No," Xander raised an eyebrow at her question.





Willow gazed at him for a second until it dawned on her what Spike was obviously referring to.





"I heard him mention a police station?" she continued interrogating





"Yeah," Xander paused gazing blankly at her.





"So..?" Willow asked impatiently





"I don't know Will," Xander snapped. "There was a lot of yelling and cursing," he shrugged turning to leave.





"I told you this was a bad idea," Willow followed him to the storeroom





"They'll be fine…from what I heard the police don't have a reason to keep them there,"





"So, what more did Spike say about Buffy?" Willow leant casually on one of the boxes and glared at him.





"You don't wanna know," Xander said with a sideways glance, before returning to his work.

"You stupid bint," Spike put his jacket on as he and Buffy finally got out of the police station





"You're a pig Spike," Buffy walked beside him, following him to the car.





"You're so lucky we cleared the thing with the police or I would have ripped your little throat out,"





"You know what Spike, you belong behind bars. They should have arrested you for being the most disgusting, repulsive person alive."





"They should have arrested you for your stupid hair," he said getting in the car.





"Look, who's talking," Buffy sat beside him, her face reddening with rage.





"Shouldn’t you have like dyed it black or something …for your new job?"





"At least I have a job," he muttered.




"Yeah one where you have to lie about your personality and hide behind a suit…you're worst than a wannabe rebel … you're an hypocrite-"





"I'm a hypocrite?" Spike took his hand from the steering wheel and watched her face closely "You’re the phoniest twit that I ever met Summers. You put on this tough girl act, but you're just a lost little lamb who doesn't fit anywhere and has no one to love,"




"Me! I'm lost? Look at you, you idiot…poor Spiky can't find a job as a legal villain. Can’t be a stock broker who isn't hammered 24/7 …where the hell do you fit in?"





Spike started the engine, revving it loudly to drown out her words.




"Is it a burden Summers?" he asked as they got out the driveway.





"Is what a burden?" she asked bemused.





"Being you," Spike gave her a sideways glance while driving "being right all the time or at least thinking you are," he said firmly.




"Maybe you should ask yourself that question," Buffy murmured not looking at him.





They drove in silence until Buffy noticed they were driving in the wrong direction.




"Where are taking us?" she gazed at him with a warning tone.





"I was thinking about the long run," Spike explained calmly "how much peace and quiet I'll find not seeing you every day, every time I turn around, like being hunted by an annoying ghost,"





"It's not my fault you spend most of your time at Alex's pub,"





"Xander is my friend, it's not his fault he has you as his stepsister,"





"So, you’re driving me to college," it was a statement more then a question.





"That or drive us off a cliff or something 'cause God help me Summers, I rather be taken from a world that has you in it,"




And with that, they continued the drive in silence.

"What is this place?" Buffy asked as she came in through the door





"What doest it look like ducks? It's an inn…" Spike walked beside her.





"We're not staying here," Buffy folded her arms and looked daggers at him.





"Look Summers, it's been a long day. We could have made it before it got dark if you hadn't wasted so much bloody time on packing your awful clothes, and should I mention the accident and the mess you got us in with the police,"





"Gee dramatic much?" Buffy groused and looked around at the pub. She noticed the people sitting at the tables and then something else caught her eye-





"Oh music," Buffy approached the jukebox standing across the room.





Spike clenched his teeth and followed her after taking his keys from the counter, standing next to her, he watched as she looked at the list of songs.





"Summers-"





"Oh U2…you like U2…don't ya Spikey?" She said with a leer





Spike opened his mouth to speak but before he could say a word, she took a few coins out of the back pocket of her jeans and pressed the button. Buffy turned to him as the song began playing, watching his hard expression she got closer, giving him a sly smile.





"What are you smiling about?" Spike asked in a husky voice, seeing her eyes sparkle. A warm feeling washed over him. Bloody bint…what's that about?





Buffy opened her mouth and closed it.





Licking her lips, she paused and gazed at his face.





"Hi," a voice suddenly broke the silence.





Buffy turned to the voice and found a guy standing next to her, smiling.





"Me and the guys," he pointed at his table where his friends were "We were just wondering if you want to join us?"





Buffy was taken aback, this guy actually was cute. He looked like a nice guy, college guy like…





"I'm Gary," he held out his hand.





Buffy smiled and took it.





"I'm-"





"With me," Spike said and the two looked at him surprised





"Sorry," Gary said taking his hand back "I just assumed-" he examined Spike's suit






"No! I'm not with him…I mean he-he isn't-!" Buffy corrected immediately and narrowed her eyes at Spike who raised a brow playfully.





"Oh," The young man gaze wandered between the two.






The three stood for a few seconds until the confused stranger broke the silence






"Anyway…if you’re interested we’re right over there...at the table with all the beer," he chuckled nervously and then walked away, leaving the two still staring at each other.






"What the hell was that?" Buffy snapped





"You really think I'll let you get drunk with a bunch of strangers?"






"What do you care?"






"Frankly I don't…but I'm sure your brother will have something to say about that…among the other things you did today-"






"You wouldn't,"






"Oh I would," Spike stared at her.






"Fine I don't care," Buffy turned on her heels






"Where do you think you're going?" Spike quickly blocked her way.






"To cute guys and beer …and far away from you," she turned to leave again, but felt a hard grip on her arm.






"Are you really that clueless Summers…don't you know what these guys want from you?"






"According to you that will be nothing," Buffy freed her self from his grasp and stared at him.






"You know what, fine! Do what you want…I'll be at room-" he took his keys, said harshly “14”, and then turned to leave.





Buffy sighed and watched him leave then quickly she glanced back and looked at the table where the guys were sitting and smiling at her. She watched them as they put their glasses up inviting her to join them…umm beer good…,

"Balls!" Spike kicked at the chair as he paced in his motel room






"Always thought she's was pain in the arse… never thought she was that stupid,"





Spike stood and looked at the door in front of him "She’s just trying to get on my nerves…that annoying little bitch!" he told himself and then clenching his fists "Arggg…I could… just…Guh….kill her!"






Spike approached the door, put his hand on the knob, and took a deep breath.






"I'll just go there, and tell her party time is over," he tried to calm himself "and if that won't work…I'll just drag her here kicking and screaming," he smiled inwardly.






Right as he was about to open the door, he heard sounds coming from the hall.





There was giggling.






Someone's very familiar giggling.





Buffy.






"I don't even know you,"






Spike heard Buffy's voice. He could tell they were close by.






"You know all you need to know," a man's voice came to his ears.





There was a pause. Spike hesitated, not knowing if he should intervene





"No…I don't think so," he heard Buffy, her voice was nervous, more serious than before.






"Come on baby," the guy kept insisting






What is he doing to her? And what the fuck am I waiting for?






Spike was about to open the door as he heard Buffy's harsh voice.





"I said no,"




Spike walked out just as she pushed the guy aside.





"Everything alright?" he asked, watching her face. She looked shocked but he could tell she was acutely relived to see him. That's a first.





"Who is this?" the guy asked looking at Buffy.





Spike frowned and approached him slowly.





"I'm the guy who's gonna rip your heart out and make you eat it with a spoon if you won't scram in 5 seconds,"





"Dude-'





"1-" Spike started counting and before he knew it, he and Buffy were standing in the hall alone.






Buffy leaned on the wall behind her "That was very-"





"Quixotic," Spike said gazing at her.





"I was going to say disgusting," Buffy, returned the look.






They both gazed blankly at each other for a moment.






"Well… you’re welcome," Spike mumbled and turned his back





"Spike, wait!"






"What is it Summers?" Spike turned and saw Buffy holding her stomach in agony.






"Are you alright?" he came closer to her watching her lean her head down.





"Pet?"





Spike didn't know what hit him. He felt a warm fluid on his foot. When he looked down, he saw Buffy throwing up.





Buffy took a breath but didn't look up. She was in too much shock to react.





Only one word escaped her lips.





"Oops"











tbc

Chapter 3



"The car reeks thanks to you," Spike muttered and opened a window




Buffy had been quiet since they left the motel that morning. She had hardly said a word since last night. She’d told Spike she was sorry and had quickly got to their room and fell asleep on the couch. Spike stood in the hallway for a few minutes looking down at his shoes, then he started cursing, it felt like he hadn't stopped since.




"Awmm," Buffy mumbled rubbing her temples.




"Get used to it," Spike grinned at her "If you’re gonna party at college, you'll experience lots of hangovers possibly even memory loss of wild orgies, that is if you-"




"Could you just shut up?" Buffy snapped.




Spike chuckled, god he loved pissing her off. It was so easy and besides she really deserved it after everything she put him through.




"I don't even want to go," Buffy mumbled.




"What did you just say?"




"Nothing," Buffy shrugged.




"Why would you go to a college you don't want to go to?"




"Because of my dad," Buffy had no idea why she was opening up to him.




"Your dad isn't even here, how can he make that decision for you?"




"Just forget it Spike, you wouldn't understand,"




"Fine! I don't care anyway,"




"I wanted to study art in NY," Buffy said after a long pause.




"And?"




"And when I told my dad about it he freaked out. He told me I need a good job and that…" Buffy cut herself off




"That what? Spit it out summers,"



"That he doesn't want me turning out like Xander," Buffy murmured.




"That wanker,"




"He’s just trying to do what's best for me,"



"Yeah sure he is," Spike sneered "let me guess; he said he wouldn't pay for college unless you do his bidding,"




"I'm not agreeing with him," Buffy whimpered, "I had no choice,"




"There always a choice sweetheart," Spike glanced at her "you’re just not strong enough to stand up to him,"




"He’s my dad,"



"Is he? where was he over the years…where is he now...he and Xander's mom cruising all over the world, not even sending a postcard at Christmas...why do you think Xander cut them out of his life…he knows better!"




"I'm just a kid,"




Suddenly Spike stopped the car by the side of the road and turned to look at her.




"No you're not…you're not a kid and the sooner you realize that, your life will be a lot simpler,"




Buffy gazed down not sure how to respond.



"Look at me," Spike lifted her chin roughly. "Xander is the only real family you've got, you can learn a lot from him,"




"You think I don't know that?" Buffy replied harshly.




"You tell me," Spike tilted his head




Buffy looked away, feeling uncomfortable by his sudden concern "We’re wasting time, let's just drive," she muttered and crossed her arms.




Spike sighed and started driving.




"As you wish princess,"

"What are you thinking about?" Willow sat beside Xander at the bar.



"Buffy," Xander said quietly.




"Going to miss her huh?"




"Yeah,” Xander sighed




Willow rubbed his shoulder, thinking on ways she could comfort him but then she noticed him smiling.




"What's that about?" she asked curiously, as Xander gazed at her.




"She'll come back,"





"What do you mean?"




"She won't go through with the moving thing,"




"What makes you so sure?" Willow said intrigued.




Xander just smiled at her and kept drinking quietly.

"Bloody hell!"



"What, what now?" Buffy watched as Spike slowed down the car to full stop



Spike leaned back in his seat and sighed




"We're out of gas,"



"You've got to be joking,"




"Doest it looks like I'm joking,"



"So what now?' Buffy said when they got out of the car



"Stick your thumb out and show some cleavage," Spike smirked.




"You're a pig Spike,"




"Oink, oink, now show us some skin luv. We need someone to pull over and people aren’t generous by nature,"




"Not all people are like you," Buffy muttered.



Fifteen minutes later Buffy was standing at the side of the road and wearing a tiny skirt she found on her baggage.




"That looks good on you goldilocks," Spike glanced at her direction.



"I don't wear it anymore,"



"That's a shame," Spike stared at her legs




Buffy gulped, he wasn't really checking her out. Was he?




Her eyes widened when he didn't look away.



"Car!" she finally yelped in panic



Spike turned his head as saw a car driving their way,




Buffy took her earlier position but froze as the car came closer and stopped a few feet away.




"Oh god," she mumbled



"Say that again," Spike looked in shock at the car full of nuns,




"Oh god,"




"Don't use his name in vain," Spike smirked and Buffy narrowed her eyes at him.



A nun approached them and Buffy crossed her arms in shame




"Young man, is this lady under your supervision?"




"Yes sister," Spike came closer to talk to the old woman.




"Surely you know that kind of a public display isn't appropriate,"



"Yes sister," Spike gave her an attentive look and then turned to whisper to her "you see this young lady over there, she comes from a good catholic family but lately she has lost her way. She’s been having some problems, associating with the wrong crowd…partying…taking drugs," Spike emphasized each word as he watched the nun.




"Oh my." the nun glanced at Buffy




"I was just driving her back to her boarding school when we ran out of gas,"




"I see," the nun said "well we can give you all the gas you need, be right back," the nun turned to her car.




Spike smirked and turned to Buffy




"You lied to the nun didn't you?" Buffy frowned and crossed her arms.



Spike shrugged.




"You're going to hell Spike," she gazed at him, disgusted.

"Where are you going?" Willow asked as Xander rushed to leave the pub.




"I'm taking Anya on the weekend we planned,"





"You can't leave now!" Willow snapped, "what about Buffy and Spike? We haven't heard from them. Spike should have been here by now,"





"Will, relax they're just fine...I'm sure they'll be back soon…both of them,"





Willow shook her head "Okay then what about the pub?"





"I trust you Will," Xander patted her shoulder and turned to leave





"What!? I'm supposed to take over everything…you know last time I checked it said Alex's place on the sign not Willow's place!" she yelled as Xander went out the door





"I'll see what I can do about it," he winked at her, walking behind the glass window





"Oh boy," Willow sighed when he went out of sight.

"I can't believe you lied to the nun,"




"Could you just drop it…this was your fault,"




"How do you figure?"




"If you hadn't hurled all over my shoes maybe I would have remembered to fill up some gas,"




"Yeah like that's makes a lot of sense, me vomiting last night made you forget to fill up gas this morning,"




"I was in a hurry to get rid of you, you bitch,"




"I hate you, I hate you, I hate you,"




"Mutual,"




And they continued arguing for the rest of the ride.



tbc

Chapter 4




Spike just needed to make one more stop before dropping Buffy off at college. He needed some fresh air and time to relax. He also needed to find the strength to fight the urge to choke her to death.






He dialed Xander's number at the pay phone and tapped on it with his fingers nervously as the phone rang and rang…..and rang.






"C'mon, pick up the bloody phone Harris," he muttered under his breath.






Hi, you have reached Xander… and Anya, a familiar voice came from the background
We're not home right now, Xander said calmly and then Anya's voice cut in
We're busy having many orgasms please go away! Or leave a message…




BEEP!







"Bloody hell Harris, where are you?!" Spike shouted to the receiver "She wrecked my car, got us arrested and then got drunk and puked on my sodding shoes! I haven't slept in 24 hours and I'm gonna lose my bloody job thanks to you and your brilliant idea. When I get back there will be hell to pay! You hear me!"





Spike took a deep breath before speaking again, more calmly.






"I forgot my cell at home so don't bother call me. I'll call again when I get back, bye,"






Spike put down the receiver and turned around to find Buffy next to him






"Feeling better after telling on me?" she crossed her arms and glared at him.






"Hardly," Spike gazed at her and sighed.






"Why? It looks like you got off on it…she bloody wrecked my car boo hoo," Buffy sneered.






"I don't say 'Bloody' like that,"






"Yes you do…. bloody, bloody blah, blah, blah," Buffy stuck her tongue out






"Fine whatever…let's go," Spike walked passed her






"What? No scathing comeback,"





Spike turned to look at her






"Sure you want to fight me summers? Sure, you want to try me? Because I have no problem leaving you right here and driving back with a clean conscience,"






Buffy watched his hard expression and realized he was serious.







"You didn't have to say those things to Xander," she said quietly, gazing down.






"You knew I was going to tell him sooner or later, what's the problem?"






"I-I just don't want him to remember me like that," Buffy pouted.






"Kinda late for that luv," Spike looked at her closely.






"And besides Xander loves you no matter what kinda crap you pull," he added






Buffy looked up to him with hope in her eyes.






"I can't say the same for others," Spike send her a warily look






Buffy shook her head






"Let's go summers," Spike turned to the exit






"Before I lose my patience and just might try to kill you,"

Buffy was quietly for the rest of the drive. Spike glanced over at her and to his surprise, she wasn't sleeping. He wondered what had caused this change of attitude and when he looked at her, again more closely he noticed that Buffy was deep in thought.






Spike found a place to park and stopped the car.






"You're home sweetheart," Spike gazed at Buffy and saw her frowning.






"And now the slave will carry the princess's luggage up to her luxury dorm," Spike mumbled






"You don't have to do that…I can carry it by myself," Buffy said quietly before stepping out of the car.






Spike got out of the car as well and opened the trunk,






"Don't be a stubborn bint…and besides I need to clean up a bit so I'm coming with you,"






"Fine whatever," Buffy crossed her arms and glared at him as he took her bags out of the car.






Buffy led Spike to her dorm room; she opened the door for him and let him drop her bags on the floor.






"Where's you roommate?" Spike asked as he examined the small room with one bed.






"I don't have one," Buffy muttered and looked through her bags.







"How prestigious, I guess Hank has links after all,"






Buffy got up from the floor with a notebook close to her chest.






"Yeah, well dad said a roommate will be a distraction to my academic achievements,"






Spike took a long look at Buffy and noticed for the first time the sadness in her eyes.





"What's that?" Spike gazed at item in her hand.






"Nothing," Buffy shrugged and put it inside a drawer.






Buffy started taking out items from her bag "You don't mind if I'll take a shower first?" she looked up at Spike.






"You don't mind me crashing on your bed for a while?" Spike said and sat on the bed.






"Knock your self out," Buffy got up and headed to bathroom without giving him a second glance.






As soon as Buffy was out of the room, Spike got up and walked to open the drawer.






He assumed he'd find Buffy's drawings in there and since she never let anyone see them, he let curiosity get the better of him.






He looked at first drawing and noticed it was of a young man with dark hair.




Probably bloody Angel he muttered and examined it





"Ugly git," he grumbled and kept looking thought the pages.






He then noticed a drawing of Xander; he admired it for a moment.



"Well what do you know, the brat actually has talent," he then turn to look at the next drawing and froze.





It was a drawing of him, a perfect likeness.





Right from the cheekbones to the scar above his eyebrow






Spike stared at drawing for a few seconds before noticing some inscription at the bottom,






"Bring on the band of angels from the great divide
I'll never get to heaven so take me for a ride
Fruit on the tree is shaking my mind is in a daze
I just want a taste of your love
And learn your wicked ways"






Spike stayed frozen for a moment before hearing voices from the hallway that broke through his cloud of thoughts.






He put the notebook back in the drawer and walked to sit on the bed.






Spike's mind started working over time, but nothing made any sense. He breathed deeply but he couldn't take out the image of Buffy's drawing from his mind




And the lyrics…what do they mean?





A feeling took over him and it was stronger then anything he ever experienced





This is crazy he thought before standing up





Right before he could walk out of the room the door opened and Buffy walked in with a wet hair wearing shorts and a small t-shirt.





"You alright?" she asked curious gazing at his weird expression.





Spike looked at her for a moment.





"Your hair," he then said sensing something was different.






"The red color yeah…it washed off," Buffy answered and then raised a brow.






What's up with him? Standing there like saw a ghost.






"And the make up," he added looking at her like he was seeing her for the first time.






"Ha-ah," Buffy closed the gap between them






"You look normal, goldilocks," Spike reminded himself to act like nothing had happened





"As normal as a freak like yourself can be,"





"*g* Spike thanks," Buffy turned her back to him






She looked in the mirror and started brushing her hair.






Spike gazed at her and sighed






"Buffy…"





"Look Spike I don't want to fight right now-"





"No, just listen," Spike turned her to look at him





Buffy saw his face and knew he want to talk on something serious.






"I've been thinking…" Spike gazed at Buffy's puzzled expression






"If you want to go back, go back home…I'll take you," Spike mumbled.






Buffy gazed at him for a moment.





"Is this a trick?" she raised a brow.





"No, no trick luv,"






"Why would you do that?"






"We both know you're not happy here,"






"I'm fine,"







Spike stared at Buffy for a long moment






"I'm gonna take a shower before leaving…If you change your mind, let me know,"






Buffy nodded






"Alright," Spike took a step back before turning to leave.






"Spike," Buffy called him as he opened the door.






Spike turned to look at her.






"Thanks," Buffy smiled at him






Spike smiled back and closed the door behind him






Buffy gazed at the closed door for a long moment before turning back to what she was doing. She
was surprised by Spike's change of attitude, but she knew he meant what he said. She knew Spike well enough to know when he cares about what happens to her,





Even if she's his biggest nightmare,





Buffy sighed and looked at the mirror. She brushed her hair and then noticed that her bracelet was missing.





Shoot, musta dropped it





She scanned the floor and couldn't see it anywhere, and then she got outside of the room and searched the hallway.





Before she knew it, she was standing outside the bathroom's door, listening to the water running.






It's the only place I could have dropped it…Buffy thought and then her mind wandered to something entirely different.






Spike's there and he's probably naked she gulped and got closer to the door






Part of her brain was screaming at her to walk away but that other part, the more eager, pervy part…told her she really should see him naked.






Where's the harm? She thought and leaned down to look thought the hole






Damn I can't see a thing Buffy almost sat on the floor trying her best to find an angle to look through








Suddenly the door opened, Buffy yelped in pain as the door hit her forehead and sent her falling on her bottom.






"Bloody hell, what are you doing summers?" Spike wearing nothing but jeans and dripping water glanced down at her.






"Getting a head injury apparently...ouch," Buffy nursed her head.






Spike helped her up and examined the bump on her forehead.





"You hurt yourself pretty bad there pet," he said concernedly






"I hurt myself?" Buffy said with a leer






"What were you doing down there?"






"I was looking for my bracelet," Buffy quickly looked away.






Spike gazed at her face and noticed she was blushing. He shook his head and gazed at her forehead again.





"Let's get you some ice,"






Five minutes later Spike held a can of cold coke against Buffy's forehead





"You could at least make it a diet," Buffy mumbled grumpily and sat on her bed




"Shush," Spike glared at her sitting next to her "besides the machine had run out of diet," he muttered.





Buffy winced as the cold can came in contact with her forehead and Spike couldn't help but smirk at her pouting face.





"Why do you always have something smart to say?" Spike watched her closely.





"You think I'm smart? That's milestone," Buffy watched Spike as he kept his face inches from hers.






Why is he so close? And were his eyes always that blue?







"I'm gonna ignore that,"






"Getting soft in your old age Spikey?" Buffy smiled







Spike just stared at her for a long moment his gaze moving from her lips to her eyes.






"Why are you looking at me like that?" Buffy asked quietly, unable to tear her eyes from his






"Like what?" Spike murmured, watching her intensely





With a ghost of a smile on her face, Buffy moved Spike's hand from her forehead before crashing her lips against his





Spikes responded quickly by moving closer and holding Buffy by her shoulders.





Suddenly Buffy realized what she was doing and broke the kiss. She stared at Spike and started panicking





"Oh god," Buffy gasped and got off the bed





"Buffy," Spike reached out for her but she took a step back.






"Oh god," Buffy mumbled again before storming out the door leaving a confused Spike behind.






tbc




*A/N-thanks for the reviews! and thank you spikesbint for the beta :)

*"Wicked Ways" lyrics by Deep purple

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