Buffy looked out the window at the passing trees, counting the seconds until they reached the hospital. It was still dark out, as was her mood. She felt completely numb inside. Was this what it felt like to lose someone?

No, Buffy. Stop it. You haven't lost him and you're not going to.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by a gentle voice. She flinched slightly at the intrusion.

"How long have you known each other?" Officer Gabriel wondered, glancing over at the quiet blonde.

She sighed, her breath quivering, as she faced him.

"Practically my whole life," she confessed, turning her head back towards the window.

He nodded to himself, as he followed the ambulance in front of him. He could practically feel the pain radiating off the young girl as she sat beside him, hands folded tensely in her lap.

"We weren't always close though," she continued, her eyes still fixated out the window.

"No?"

"We sort of became enemies when high school started. It was this whole popularity thing. He was, I wasn't."

He nodded again. "I get that."

"But it's different now."

"Are you two... dating?" he asked, hoping he wasn't making her feel uncomfortable.

"No, no. It's not like that. We're just..." She thought about it. "Good friends."

"I see."

She swallowed. "Yeah."

Uncomfortable silence washed over the vehicle for a moment, before Buffy spoke again.

"Can I ask you something, Officer?"

"Anything," he said, briefly taking his eyes off the road to spare her a glance.

"What's it like having to go through this all the time? I-I mean, the death and... suffering," she told him softly, hoping she was making sense. "Isn't it depressing?"

He gave her a sad smile. "Always."

"How do you do it? All these different people, all this pain?"

"You become an emotionless shell," he told her honestly. "You push the pain aside and do your job. Because that's what it is. A job. When it becomes personal, you lose yourself. It'll make you crazy."

Buffy nodded, trying to understand.

"It's just, I've never gone through this before. I don't have a really big family, so I don't have to experience this sorta stuff very often, you know? But I couldn't imagine having to go through it everyday."

"Yeah, well, you get used to it. Just keep your faith in God and you'll be alright," he smiled.

Buffy studied the dark haired man and let a smile slip herself. She'd never really believed in God before and she never had a lot of faith. But if this man could still smile after seeing what he sees and doing what he does... then maybe she could too.

This new revelation gave Buffy a sense of hope, as they pulled into the hospital's parking lot. Spike was going to make it.

~~~

Her heart race picked up, as she held the hospital's phone to her ear.

"Hello?" came the frantic voice on the other line.

"Mom? It's me."

"Oh, my god, Buffy! Where the hell are you? I've been worried sick!"

"I-I'm fine. Mostly. Is Mr. McAlister back from New York?" she asked nervously, unsure of how to break the news.

"Why, yes. He got in a few hours ago. We've been looking all over for you two! You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady."

"Mom, listen to me. I'm at the hospital right now."

A beat.

"Honey, is everything alright?"

Buffy's voice cracked a little. "Um, no, Mom. Spike got hurt. He... he's in surgery right now."

Silence.

"Mom?"

"I'll be right there."

And the phone went dead.

~~~

Buffy was sitting in one of the big red chairs, nervously twirling her thumbs, when her mother and Scott McAlister breezed through the double doors, worry etched upon their faces. Buffy quickly stood up and approached them, tears forming in her eyes.

"Oh, Buffy..." Joyce sighed, taking her daughter in her arms and giving her a comforting embrace.

Buffy closed her eyes for a moment, just losing herself in her mother's loving arms. But she quickly stepped away, and walked towards Spike's father. He just stared at her in shock.

"My son... is he..."

"We don't know yet," she admitted, wishing she had better news. But the doctor had yet to emerge with any new information. "He's still in surgery."

He took in a deep breath, rubbing his hands over his face.

"God... how did this happen?" he asked, taking a seat in one of the waiting room chairs.

"We, um, sort of got stuck inside Wal-Mart. I had forgotten to get Grandma a birthday gift, so Spike said he'd swing by," she explained. And at that moment she realized that this never would have happened if it wasn't for her. If she had just gotten the gift after school like she was supposed to...

Her guilty thoughts took her over for a moment before she proceeded with her story. "Anyway, we missed the five minute warning and ended up getting locked inside."

Joyce was outraged.

"How could they lock two teenagers inside of a store?" she demanded, incredulously. "Don't they have the decency to check for stray customers?"

"I know," Buffy agreed. "But they did and we had no choice but to stay. So we took out some sleeping bags and just crashed there in the camping department. Well, I woke up a few hours later because I heard a noise. The noise ended up being people. Burglars."

"Oh god..." Joyce interjected, her hand over her mouth.

"Well, it turned out they weren't just your run of the mill burglars either. They were also psycho killer guys. Spike and I hid in the waiting room for a while, but one of the guys ended up finding us..." Again, her fault. "... and they tried to kill us."

Mr. McAlister looked completely shaken by her tale. She gave him a sympathetic smile.

"Spike was very brave," she said, looking in his direction. "He saved my life."

"But not without a price," he bit out, wanting whoever tried to kill his baby boy dead and buried.

"Right. Not without a price," she repeated. "One of them... he-he stabbed Spike. In the stomach."

God, that was harder than she thought. The looks on the adults' faces were enough to make her want to crawl under a rock. She was about to add something else--a positve little "he'll probably be okay"--when a doctor suddenly approached them. They stood up immediately.

"Mr. and Mrs. McAlister, I presume?" he greeted, holding out his hand. "I'm Doctor Leonard. Would you mind sitting down?"

Her mom didn't bother to correct the man, and instead sat down with the rest of them. The doctor took a moment to study the three of them before proceeding.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news."

That did it. All the faith and hope and prayers she was holding onto vanished in that moment. Her heart sunk to the deepest, darkest part of her being that she didn't even know existed. Spike was dead.

"It's not that," Doctor Leonard immediately corrected, off their reactions. "Your son. He's alive."

Alive? Spike's alive? How is that bad news? Excitement overtook her and she blurted out, "Can we see him?"

"Buffy," Joyce scolded, like she was a young child asking for a lollipop. She silenced and the doctor continued.

"But I'm afraid I have to tell you that he's in a coma. Luckily, no major organs were damaged and the wound was not fatal. But he lost a lot of blood... which is what triggered the coma."

"What are the odds that he wakes up?" Mr. McAlister asked, his voice dangerously calm. This had to be harder on him than anymore. First his wife... now Spike.

"Well, it's hard to say. The longer a patient stays comatose, the less likely it is that they ever awake. The most we can do for him now is wait and hope for the best."

What? That's it?

"Wait," Buffy interrupted. "You're saying just leave him lie there and see what happens?"

"I'm afraid--"

"You're afraid? That's my friend in there! You're telling me there's nothing you can do? Th-that he might stay that way... forever?"

"Miss, I tried to explain--"

"Well, explain better," she bit out, rage coating her words.

The doctor sighed. "Would you like to see him?"

Buffy glanced over at Scott. He nodded his head.

"Go ahead," he told her. "I'll see him next."

She swallowed hard and followed the doctor down the hall. She walked by many rooms, all containing a different story. People passed her, some in wheechairs, some on stretchers. She wrapped her arms around herself, as a shiver made it's way down her spine.

Before she knew it, she was at Spike's door. Doctor Leonard opened it for her, ushering her inside. Buffy gulped, fear suddenly taking over. Pushing it aside, she found her resolve, and stepped tentatively inside the white-walled room. Spike lay in front of her, IVs sticking him in various places, and a steady beeping sound that let her know he was still alive. She heard the door click shut behind her and she stepped hesitantly towards his bedside. He looked so peaceful.

With a deep breath, she pulled over a small chair and sat down next to him. She just stared for a while, taking in every detail upon his handsome face. She wondered what he was thinking about, if anything.

His mother, she decided. That's what he's thinking about.

With a shaking hand, she lifted it off her lap and reached over to touch his face. She ran a tiny finger across his pronounced cheekbones and then along his jawline. He didn't move. When she finished her journey, her hand made it's way down to his own hand, holding in a comforting grip.

"Hi, Spike," she finally said, massaging his hand with the pad of her thumb. "How are you?"

Could she be anymore dumb? With a bitter laugh, she leaned back in her chair, not knowing what to do. What do you say to a man who can't hear you?

Everything, she thought numbly.

With a deep breath, she sat up straight again, gathering her thoughts. When she found them, she opened her mouth to speak.

"It's me," she told him, her voice on the verge of breaking. "It's Buffy."

He lay there motionless.

"I'm probably the last person you want talking to you right now, considering I'm the one who got you into this whole mess. But I want you to know, I'll never forget what you did for me. You saved my life and I'm forever grateful for that. Even if... even if you never wake up, I'll still be here. I promise I'll come visit you everyday and tell you about what happened in school or-or how life is going in general. It's hard to believe we're going to be graduating this month, huh? Prom is only like two weeks away..." She sighed at this. "It'll probably be totally lame though. I doubt you'll miss out. And the gradution ceremony? Way boring."

She squeezed his hand tighter.

"Remember that time we were talking about graduating? I think it was sometime in seventh grade. I dared you to show up naked," she chuckled, tears now falling from her tired eyes. "You said you would in all of your macho-ness. It would have been funny."

She glanced up at the clock. It was already almost six in the morning. It was hard to believe that she was sleeping soundly in Spike's arms just a few hours ago. Life had a funny way of screwing itself.

Buffy let out another defeated sigh and let go of Spike's hand. Her pointless stories weren't helping anyone. She stood up solemnly, the chair squeaking against the tile floor. She spared a final glance at the sleeping blonde, wiling him to open his eyes and tell her he was just faking it. But he didn't and she was foolish to think he would.

Spike was in a coma. She knew he wouldn't be waking up. Not for her, not for anyone.

And it was all her fault.

Willow sat next to Buffy on her bed, silently watching as her friend ran a comb through her long, blonde locks.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" the red head offered, a solemn look on her face.

"Talk about what?"

Buffy continued to brush her hair, never sparing Willow a glance.

"You know what."

She stood up and set the comb back on her dresser. Then she began rummaging around her drawers for a suitable nightgown. Willow sighed.

"Buffy, you can't keep all these things inside anymore. It's been almost a week and you've barely said a word to anybody," she reasoned, her heart reaching out to her best friend.

"I'm fine, Will. Thanks."

"But... but if you don't let it out soon, you're gonna break. And a broken Buffy is a hard-to-put-back-together Buffy."

"I'm not gonna break."

"Yes, you will! You will break. You're human, just like the rest of us. No one can go through what did and honestly say they're fine. I'm your best friend, Buffy. You can tell me stuff."

Buffy finally turned around to face the girl sitting on her bed.

"Listen, Willow. I know you mean well, but talking about it isn't going to change it." She turned back around and pulled out her Sponge Bob Square Pants pajamas. Then she added, "Nothing will."

"No, not change it. But it'll help. Trust me, Buffy. I went through the same thing when I lost my grandfather last year. You saw me. I was a wreck. A big wreck. A head on collision with a semi kinda wreck."

"I remember," Buffy exhaled. "I still don't know how you got through it. Grandpa Georgey was your world."

Willow finally stood and kneeled down beside Buffy.

"I had you," she smiled, putting her arm around her friend.

Buffy finally glanced up at Willow. Who was she kidding? She was suffering. Terribly. And keeping all these emotions bottled up inside of her was only going to make things worse.

"I know, Wills. I'm sorry I've been shutting you out," she apologized, tearfully. "It's just... if I talk about it, I have to think about it. And when I think about it, I..." Her voice trailed off and she put her head down. "It's been so hard these last few days. Seeing him lay there, knowing he might never wake up... it's just so hard. I mean, when I look at him, I just see a sleeping Spike. Like if I call his name, he'll open his eyes and everything will go back to the way it used to be." She sighed. "I think I'm in denial or something. I've never done anything like this before."

"I know, sweetie. You shouldn't have to. No one should. But we do, and you just have to get through it the best you can."

Buffy shook her head. "That's just it--I don't know if I can. I mean, I've known Spike since we were in footie pajamas. We used to have tickle fights and eat baloney sandwiches together. Of course, we became mortal enemies for a portion of that time, but still. Having someone in your life for so long and then... not--it's just unreal. And I don't know if I can do it." Buffy's bottom lip began to quiver and tears sprang to her sad, green eyes.

"Oh, Buffy..." Willow sighed, taking the crying girl in her arms. "You know I love you, right?"

Buffy nodded against her shoulder, coating it with her warm tears.

"I love you too, Willow. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The red head smiled and held her closer. Then a new thought entered her mind.

"Buffy?"

"Hmm?" she sniffed.

"Do you..." She wasn't quite sure how to ask, so she just did. "Do you love Spike?"

Buffy pulled back, a confused expression on her face.

"No, I-I..." What did she feel for Spike? "I just care about him. A lot. But, it's not like that. We're not... together."

"Oh, I know that. But sometimes when you care about someone enough, your feelings about them get stronger. You know, like I love you, you love me. I just thought maybe that's how you felt for Spike."

Well, in that case...

"Maybe," she decided. "Maybe I care about him that much. I never really thought about it before. He was just always... Spike. Bleached hair, leather clad, really cute, Spike."

Willow's eyes lit up.

"He is really cute, huh?" she grinned.

Buffy let a smile slip.

"Yeah. Little bit."

"You know, I think he still cared about you even when you were all bad vibey with each other. Sometimes I'd see him pass you in the hall. You'd completely look away, of course... but, there was always something in his eyes. I always knew that if you gave each other the chance, you'd be friends again."

"Really?" Buffy sniffed, glad she let some stuff out to Willow.

"Yeah. I-It's like fate, you know? Some higher power working its high-tech mojo on unsuspecting souls. Kinda creepy if you think about it."

Buffy's eyes filled with sadness again.

"Oh, no. I said something, didn't I? Something that best friends keep to themselves?" she asked worriedly.

"It's just... if what you say is true, fate must really hate me. If it wasn't for my stupid procrastination, Spike wouldn't be in a coma right now."

"You're right," Willow said calmly.

Buffy whipped her head up, stunned.

"Hey, you're not supposed to agree with me!"

"I'm just saying... you're right. Spike wouldn't be in a coma right now. He'd be dead."

She frowned. "Huh?"

"You saved his life, remember? That whole fast car/save Spike scenerio? You talked about it for days!"

Okay. Point.

"I suppose that's true. I guess I don't completely suck."

"Nope! Only partly," she smiled, jokingly.

Buffy huffed and tossed a pillow at her friend.

"Bitch," she muttered.

"Ooh, exit Buffy--enter inner dominatrix."

She then tossed the pillow back at Buffy for good measure.

"Ouch!"

"You big baby! It's all fluff and sorts."

"I bruise easily!" she whined, throwing it at Willow again.

Willow laughed, continuing the pillow fight. Hours went by before both girls lay sleeping soundly in Buffy's bed, smiles on their faces.

~~~

Buffy entered school for the first time since the "incident". Her mother had let her stay home the first few days, and Buffy had just refused to get out of bed for the rest of them. Luckily, her mother didn't pry, for the combination of her being a straight "A" student and for obvious reasons. It took some major begging on Willow's part and also promises of chocolate flavored ice cream. She finally obliged.

It was weird walking into the familiar--yet strangely unfamiliar--building. It somehow looked smaller and less comforting. Buffy used to love going to school. She hadn't missed a day since her encounter with Mono in the seventh grade. But now the tan walls and chatting teenagers were no longer welcoming. She just felt awkward and out of place.

With a determined sigh, she walked briskly to her locker, careful not to make eye contact with anyone. She was sure everyone knew by now and she wasn't in the mood to answer questions or be in the spotlight.

As soon as that thought crossed her mind, Xander came jogging towards her, with Tara by his side.

"Buff!" he called out.

Buffy cringed behind her locker door, but quickly shut it and plastered a fake smile on her tired face.

"Xander," she greeted, casually.

"Jeez, Buff. I can't believe what happened. How you holding up?"

She shrugged.

"Aside from the frequent panic attacks and suicide attempts... swell," she joked, trying to make light of the situation.

"I get ya," he agreed. "That's how I feel everytime I see Cordelia."

Buffy frowned. "A-Anyway," Tara interrupted. "W-We just wanted to let you know, that we're here. If you ever need anything."

"Thanks," she smiled. "I appreciate it."

Suddenly, an all-too-chipper voice appeared behind her and she turned around. There stood Cordelia Chase and her pack of minions.

"Well, Buff... nice talking to ya, hope you don't go through with the whole suicide thing, and I'll see you later... bye!"

He scurried off, leaving Buffy to deal with the Queen of Bitchdom.

"Suicide, huh?" Cordelia wondered.

"It was a joke," Buffy bit out, trying to keep her calm. This was the last thing she needed right now.

"Neat. Probably the first funny thing you've ever said that was actually funny."

The group snickered. Buffy just glared.

"Anyway, I heard about what happened last week. You getting Spike stabbed and all," she explained, producing a flinch from the aggravated blonde. "We all warned him, you know. That hanging with you was trouble. And look where it got him..."

"I didn't--"

"Still holding grudges Buffy? He can't turn you down again if he's in a coma," she smiled sweetly.

Buffy's hand came flying out of nowhere, smacking the brunette hard across the face. Cordelia's mouth hung open in disbelief, as she stared at the infuriated girl.

"Do you have anything that even resembles a beating heart?" she asked, incredulously. "How can you talk like that? Spike is in a coma! A coma. Can't you understand that? He might never wake up and you're acting like this is some big joke. Well, it's not, Cordelia. This is life. This is real." She stopped for a moment to calm herself. "Look, I don't know where you come from, but here, we take this kind of stuff pretty seriously. I care about Spike more than you can ever imagine and the pain I'm feeling is probably more than all of you combined. So if you want to make this out to be one big joke that gives you some sort of cheap high, then fine. Do it on your own time. Because from now on, I'm not putting up with your bullshit anymore. Create your own little world where you're the only person that matters, but leave me out of it. Because I have to live in this one."

And with that, Buffy stormed off, not looking back. She should have felt proud of herself for finally telling Cordelia what she needed to hear. But she didn't. She didn't feel anything. All she knew is that she had to get out of this building. Fast.

As she hurried towards the two doubles doors, planning on a quick escape, her history teacher rounded the corner. Buffy came to a stop, before they could run into each other.

"Mr. Giles," Buffy said startled, disappointed that she might have to stay afterall.

"Ms. Summers," he greeted back, taking off his glasses and cleaning them with his tweed jacket. "May I question where you're off to in such a rush?"

"Oh. Um, bathroom. You know girls and their minutely potty breaks," she laughed, covering up.

"So you haven't seen her, I presume?"

"Seen? Seen who?"

"Oh, well, you're mother's waiting in the office for you. I was actually on my way to fetch you."

"My mother?" she asked, her heart rate quickening. "I-Is something wrong?"

"I'm not quite sure, actually. Although she did seem rather distressed..."

Oh god... Buffy thought. She didn't even spare her teacher a second glance before she was running down the hall at record speed. She was at the office in no time, and she spotted her mother sitting in one of the rust-orange chairs. The look on her face said it all. This was a bad news visit. Very bad news.

"Mommy?" she gulped, afraid to even hear what she had to say.

"Honey, you might want to sit down for this," Joyce confessed, gesturing towards one of the chairs.

Although Buffy's legs felt like they couldn't hold a dust particle, let alone her 110 pounds, she declined.

"No," she said. "Just tell me."

"Buffy..."

"Is it Spike?"

Joyce took a cautious step forward, placing a loving hand on Buffy's shoulder. Suddenly, the look of utter dispair left her face and was replaced with the widest grin Buffy ever saw grace her mother's features. She gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before uttering the following words:

"Spike's awake."

"Mom, go!" Buffy demanded, on the edge of her seat.

"Honey, there's a train."

"Your point being?"

Joyce rolled her eyes at her daughter and Buffy growled in frustration. A train! Of all times...

"We'll get there in no time. And I'm fairly certain Spike won't be going anywhere," her mother smiled.

Oh god. Spike. He was awake! She couldn't believe it. When her mother told her, the news just didn't sink in. She stared in disbelief for a good minute straight, just trying to comprehend the two simple words. But when her brain finally un-mushed, she ran out the doors and to the car, faster than she ever thought possible.

"Do you think he'll remember me?" Buffy wondered, the thought suddenly coming to mind. What if he lost his memory or something?

"Do I think? Buffy, you're the first thing he asked about."

Buffy was so happy, she almost started to cry. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him and never let go.

Being so wrapped up in her thoughts, Buffy didn't even realize they were pulling into the hospital's parking lot. The sound of her mother taking off her seatbelt brought her back to reality.

"Now remember, sweetheart--Spike is still very weak. You might want to give him some space and..."

Her words trailed off because Buffy was already dashing towards the building. She sighed with a smile and followed her daughter inside.

"I'm here to see Spike McAlister," the excited blonde chirped to the woman at the front desk, nervously pulling at her shirtsleeve.

The dark skinned lady smiled thoughtfully, standing up from her chair.

"So, you're the infamous Buffy I take it," she noted, looking the girl up and down. "Your friend's been asking about you. You're all he talks about."

Her face lit up.

"C-Can I see him?" she asked, hopefully.

"Of course you can. Right this way."

Buffy followed the woman down the familiar hallway, looking back to see her mother sit down in one of the chairs. She chewed on her bottom lip, suddenly wondering what she was going to say to him. She didn't get much time to think though, as the door opened, and the woman ushered her inside.

She gulped, taking a hesitant step through the doorway. Spike was laying in his bed, a magazine in front of his face. He didn't see her come in. Unsure of what to do, she cleared her throat, immediately getting his attention. He put the magazine down and glanced up.

"Hi," Buffy greeted, giving an awkward little wave.

A smile lit up his face, as he drunk in the sight of her. She was just as beautiful as he remembered.

"Buffy," he said, his voice low and raspy. "C'mere, love."

She stepped forward, holding back her tears. It was almost unreal seeing him like this. She honestly never dreamed he would wake up...

With a trembling lip, she ran the rest of the way, practically throwing herself into his arms.

"Bloody hell," he groaned out, the weight of the small girl almost crushing him.

She jumped back quickly, embarrassed for hurting him.

"I-I'm sorry," she apologized, unable to contain her tears for any longer. "It's just... I can't believe you're really awake."

He just smiled at her and pulled her back to him, this time revelling in the feel of her flushed against him. He ran a hand through her golden locks, closing his eyes in contentment.

Buffy sighed, nuzzling her face against the crook of his neck. Just to touch him, smell him, hear his voice--it was wonderful. And there was nowhere else she'd rather be.

"I missed you so much," she confessed, letting a tear spill onto his hospital attire. "I could never have lived with myself if you never woke up."

This time Spike pulled back, holding her at arms length.

"Don't tell me you feel responsible?" he wondered, hoping it wasn't true. She had nothing to guilty about.

Nevertheless, she nodded her head.

"Of course I feel responsible," she admitted. "I brought you there in the first place. I got us caught. I-I... got you stabbed. I--"

"Don't you ever blame yourself, you hear me?" he cut her off, shaking her lightly for emphasis. "This is not your fault."

"Spike, don't. You know it is."

"No." His tone was deadly serious. "Buffy, you're not to blame for any of this. Bad things happen sometimes, no matter what. And if you make yourself believe you could've stopped it, it'll eat you up inside. Understand?"

She looked down at her shaking hands and gave him a small nod.

"'Sides, it doesn't matter anyway. I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Thank god," she whispered, taking her hand and running it down the length of his stomach. She stopped at where his wound would be and looked up at him in question.

"Go ahead," he nodded, and watched in fascination as she unbuttoned his loose, white shirt.

Buffy pulled the material aside, and lightly touched the scar along his abdomen. It was perfectly stitched, with a rosy pink around the edges. She outlined it carefully with the pads of her fingers.

Spike sucked in a breath at her ministrations. Not because it hurt, but because her tiny hand was making him feel things he definitely shouldn't be feeling. Buffy was a friend--nothing more. But the lazy circles she was drawing on his taut flesh had his mind thinking otherwise. Just the feel of her warm fingers dancing across his skin sent a rebellious shiver down his spine.

He realized then that if she didn't stop what she was doing, he'd have her pinned beneath him in no time, regardless of his injury.

"Buffy," he quickly said, taking her hand in his.

She looked up startled, obviously lost in her own thoughts.

"Did I hurt you?" she asked, worry in her eyes.

"'Course not, pet. It felt good."

Well, it did...

"Oh," she blushed, swallowing hard. She decided to change the subject. "Do, uh, you know when you're going home yet?"

"Couple days, I reckon," he replied, letting go of her hand and stretching out his tired muscles.

"That's good. Just in time for Prom," she smiled. "If you're still going, that is. I mean, the whole almost dying thing might've taken away the fun factor of it all..."

"Rot," she shrugged. "I'll be there. Partially handicapped, of course, but there nonetheless. Gotta see you get the crown."

Buffy gulped.

"Right. One Prom Queen Buffy coming up."

"You are running?" he questioned, lifting a brow.

"Yep. Willow kinda convinced me. She can be pretty threatening when she wants to be."

"Is that so? Guess I got my work cut out for me then."

"Yeah."

Spike then looked at her.

"You got a date?"

"A-A date?" she muttered.

"Well, yeah. It's kind of routine with these sorts of things."

"Oh. Right. Yeah, I have a date."

He looked at her, unconvinced.

"Well, he might seem a bit... invisible when you first meet him. But he's real nice!" she covered up.

"Sounds charming."

"Mmm hmm."

Just then, Joyce poked her head in.

"Mind if I come in?" she smiled, stepping inside the small room.

"Sure, Mom."

"Hello, Ms. Summers."

She walked over to Spike and leaned down, kissing him gently on the forehead.

"I spoke with Doctor Leonard and he said you can go home tomorrow," she explained, sitting next to Buffy on Spike's bedside. "If you're feeling up to it, that is."

"Bleeding right I am. Couldn't spend another day here if I had to."

"I can imagine," Joyce nodded. "You can't do anything strenuous for about two weeks, but the doctor said you've healed up nicely so far."

"That's great," Buffy beamed, thrilled that Spike would be okay. Then she looked at her mother. "Is he allowed to go to school?"

"When he feels up to it," she replied. "But let's take things one step at a time for now."

She nodded in understanding, as Joyce stood up.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone again. I just wanted to fill you in on what was going on," she told them, making her way towards the door. "You take care Spike. It's great to have you back."

Spike smiled at the woman, as she exited the room.

"So," Buffy started, standing up from the bedside. "Have you seen your dad yet?"

"Yeah, came by this mornin' first thing. It was a bit awkward with the hugging and the crying," he decided.

Buffy smiled, imagining the manly display of kisses and tears. Then Spike caught her eye and she looked over at him.

"Did they, uh, catch the baddies?" he asked, shifting in his bed.

"Oh... no," she told him, solemnly. "I pulled the fire alarm and they skidaddled. But I'm sure they'll catch them..."

"They better. Otherwise, I'll gladly track down those buggers myself. What they did to you..." His jaw clenched in rememberance.

Buffy wrapped her arms around herself, pushing the memories from her mind.

"Yeah," she said, looking away.

"I didn't mean to bring it up," he quickly covered, noticing her reaction. "I was just curious is all."

"No, it's fine. I guess I'm still a little skittish about the whole thing. Definitely a memory of the repressing kind."

"I hear you," he sighed, laying his head back down on his pillow. "Although I'd do it again if I had to."

Buffy's head shot up at that. "You don't mean that."

"No? So you'd gladly just sit back and die, while I stood around and watched the whole thing like a bloody ponce? Not likely."

"Spike, you almost died."

"Better me than you."

She just stared at him, amazed. How could he say that? Did she really mean that much to him? She was about to argue, when she realized that she'd do the exact same thing if she were in his position. So instead she let a small smile slip.

"Thanks," she told him, softly.

"Anytime."

It was silent then for a while, but it was a comfortable silence. Buffy watched her friend as he closed his eyes, and she sighed contentedly. About five minutes went by before she spoke.

"I better go," she said, giving Spike's hand a light squeeze. "Willow's probably wondering why I didn't call her after school today."

"Well, you had a good excuse," he smiled.

She grinned. "The best."

"Send her my regards?"

"Absolutely. Although I'm sure you'll see her sometime this week."

"Right. Prom date and all."

"Yeah."

A beat.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then, pet. Wheelchair-bound, most likely."

"Understandable. I'll stop by."

"I'll be waiting."

She bent down and gave him another light hug. "It's so good to have you back," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.

"That it is, love," he replied, giving her a warm smile. "Toddle on then. Don't want to keep Red waiting too long."

"Okay. Talk to you tomorrow."

He nodded and watched as she scurried out the door. He sighed and threw his head back down on the pillow, counting the minutes until sunrise.

"Ahhh!" Willow screamed into the phone, forcing Buffy to hold the contraption at arm's length. When she decided that her friend was finished with the migraine induce-age, she brought it back to her ear and smiled to herself.

"Happy, Will?"

"Happy? Buffy, this is awesome! I can't believe it!" she squealed.

"I know. Me either," Buffy sighed, twirling the phone chord between her fingers. "I really didn't think he would wake up."

"But he did! Yay!"

The blonde smiled again.

"He's coming home tomorrow. I thought I'd drop by with some ice cream and have a movie-fest. Wanna come?" she offered, sitting down on her bed.

"Nah, sounds like you two need some alone time. Maybe another day," Willow replied.

"Are you sure? We had plenty of alone time at the hospital this morning."

"I'm sure! Besides, I really should finish up my Physics project. It's due on Monday."

"Crap! I totally forgot about it," Buffy realized, smacking her hand on her forehead. "Oh well. I'll work on it this weekend."

"Sounds like a plan. Did you find a date to the Prom, by the way?" the red head suddenly asked, making Buffy frown.

"No," she sighed, taking a moment to wallow in self-pity. "I'll probably just go solo."

"Nonsense! I'll find a date for you."

"Prom is like a week away, Wills. I'm sure everyone already has dates. I'm the only loser who doesn't."

"Buffy, stop. I know just the guy for you."

"You do?" she questioned, lifting a brow.

"Yep!"

Buffy waited for Willow to go on. She didn't.

"Well, who is it?"

"You'll see tomorrow. It's a surprise," she grinned, making Buffy a little more than worried.

"Oh god, is it that Andrew guy? Because, whoa, major geek alert. I mean, I know I'm way up there on the geek-o-meter, but this guy is like... well, have you seen his locker? He spray-painted the Death Star on it!"

"Death Star?" Willow wondered.

"Yeah, you know, from Star Wars?"

Silence.

"Somebody shoot me," Buffy sighed, falling back onto her bed.

Willow just laughed.

"Don't worry, Buffy. It's not Andrew. This guy is way cooler," her friend assured her.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

~~~

"H-Hi, I'm Jonathan."

Buffy shot Willow a deadly glare, before holding out her hand to the little person.

"Buffy Summers," she greeted, trying not to look too upset. This guy was like two feet tall!

"Yeah, I know. We once had a pretty interesting conversation about the anatomical structure of fire ants."

Buffy sighed.

"Well, it's nice to re-meet you, Jonathan. I'm sure we'll have a blast at Prom."

"Okay."

A beat.

"Well, uh... I better get to class!" she told him, with a smile. "I'll see you around."

"Bye," he said, and walked off.

Willow slipped her arm through Buffy's as they headed towards their lockers.

"What?" she asked, off Buffy's look. "Jonathan's real nice! He once stayed after and cleaned erasers for me when I went home sick."

"What a guy..."

"Oh, don't be like that. You guys will have oodles of fun!"

"Right. Talking about fire ants. Swell."

Willow just sighed. "Well, if you want me to find someone new..."

"No, Will. It's fine," Buffy told her. "I'm sure Jonathan's a great guy. Hey, maybe we can all get a limo or something?"

"Yeah, that sounds fun! I can look into if you want."

"Great," she smiled. "Well, here's me. I'll see you in history, okay?"

"See ya!" Willow chirped and scurried off to her next class.

Buffy just stood there for a moment, before doing the same.

~~~

School finally ended, after many torturous hours, and Buffy was now standing in Spike's bedroom.

"I panicked," she admitted, letting the array of ice cream containers spill onto his bed.

"I should say so," he smiled. "How did you even get up here with that arm full?"

"Years of practice," she smiled back, plopping down beside him. "So, we've got Moose Tracks, Oreo, Double Chocolate Fudge, Cherry Garcia, Mint Chocolate Chip, and the list goes on..."

"Hmm, Moose Tracks."

"Double Chocolate Fudge for me!"

She picked up her pint, snatched a spoon, and began to get comfortable. Spike did the same, and soon they were laying in bed together, stuffing their faces with chocolatey goodness.

"So, you're home at last," Buffy commented, after a few moments went by. "How's it feel?"

"Comfortable," he decided, sinking deeper into his pillows and blankets.

Buffy nodded in understanding, popping another spoonful into her mouth.

"I got a date, you know," she told him, pulling the covers up to her chin. "To Prom, that is."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yep. We're gonna get a limo. Is that okay?"

"Sounds nice. Who's the lucky bloke?" he wondered, praying it wasn't some football-tossing wanker.

Just a fellow dork. You wouldn't know him.

"A guy I know," she opted with.

"I see." A beat. "What's his name?"

"Oh, um..." Crap. What was his name again? Oh, yeah: "Jonathan."

"Oh, that short fella?"

Sigh.

"You know him?" she asked, sadly.

"Not really, no. He tried out for the basketball team last year though. Somethin' about a height limit..."

She giggled. "I'm afraid I'm gonna step on him or something! I mean, I thought I was short. But this guy can't be more than five feet tall."

Spike breathed in a sigh of relief. Nothing to worry about...

"Did he ask you?"

"Kinda not. Willow set us up," she pouted. "I would rather have gone alone."

"Why's that?"

She shrugged. "It's Prom. There's no point in going if you don't go with someone you actually care about. You're supposed to take your honey, make with the smoochies... it's a time-honored tradition."

"Bullocks," he countered. "Prom is just a cheap way to rip off out-of-work teenagers by playin' bloody awful music and handin' out some cardboard crowns."

"Gee. Make me swoon, why don't you."

"I'm just sayin'..."

"I suppose you're right," she agreed. "I never was much for the make and be merry scene. Big crowds equal Buffy tripping over her own feet and never living it down."

He chuckled. "Like the Spring Formal freshman year? You belly-flopped into the dessert table."

"Angel pushed me!" she blushed. "That was so not my fault."

"Still pretty funny though."

"Thanks. I'm glad you take such amusement in my complete and utter embarrassment," she said, wryly.

"Good times," he shrugged.

Buffy sighed, suddenly not hungry anymore. She set her ice cream down and climbed out of his bed.

"Wanna watch a movie?" she suggested, making her way over to his television set.

"Nothing girly-girly. I think you still have your Olsen twins movies in there," he noted, gesturing to his movie cabinet.

"Jeez! You kept those things?" she giggled, opening up the two small doors, and poking her head in.

"Sadly. Figured you might want 'em back one day."

She just smiled and thumbed through the large collection.

"Let's see... Dumb and Dumber, American History X, Training Day..." She paused, with a grin. "Sleepless in Seattle?"

Spike shifted uncomfortably on the bed.

"Uh, right. Wonder how that got in there..."

"Ooh! How abouts Bring it On?"

"That's not mine either," he tried to cover.

"No, I'm serious. I love this movie!"

She didn't wait for him to reply, and instead slipped it out of the box and popped it into his VCR. She smiled when the screen lit up, and jumped back into the bed next to Spike.

"Watch it," he reminded, as the water bed swooshed beneath them. "Still delicate here."

"Poor delicate Spike," she sighed, patting his hand with her own. "Oh, hey, where's your wheelchair?"

"Pfft. The bloody thing was a right pain the ass. I told 'em I'd foot it."

"Does it hurt to walk?"

"Not so much. It's mostly the stairs that do me in," he told her.

She nodded. "Well, if you need any help, just let me know."

"Will do."

It was then silent, as the movie began to play. Buffy was totally engrossed in the film, but Spike really only paid attention when that brunette was waving her Pom-Poms about. She was pretty hot.

By the time the movie was over, Spike stretched out his arms and glanced over at Buffy.

"Well, that was--"

But to his surprise, she was asleep. He smiled to himself, noticing the peaceful look on her face. Her head was turned towards him, her golden hair splayed out across his pillow. A slight smile graced her lips, as tiny snores made their way to his ears. She was beautiful.

He leaned into her, careful not to put pressure on his wound, and removed a rebellious strand of sun-kissed hair from her eye.

"Sweet dreams, love," he whispered, and bent down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Buffy stirred at the contact and her eyes fluttered open. Spike was above her, his hand in her hair and a question in his eyes.

"Spike?" she asked, her voice still soft and groggy from sleep.

"Yeah?"

"What are you--"

Before she could finish, Spike's mouth were on hers, kissing the breath out of her. Her eyes shot open in surprise and a sudden surge of excitement coursed through her body.

Spike didn't let himself think. All he knew is that he wanted to kiss this girl, no matter the consequences. Her, lying beneath him, lips parted and eyes glazed over from sleep--she was magnificent. And now the feel of her soft curves pressing up against him, and the way her small hands clutched at his shoulders--this was heaven. And at that moment he realized that she was kissing him back. This sent another wave of pleasure through him and he tasted her lips with his tongue, beckoning for her to let him inside.

Buffy parted her mouth for him, a moan escaping her when their tongues collided. Spike had kissed her before, but this was different--this wasn't a lesson or a favor or a game. This was the real deal and she couldn't get enough. She only then realized that Spike's mouth had left her own and was now traveling down the nape of her neck, lightly nipping at the sensitive flesh. She let out a tiny gasp when Spike moved and she felt his erection nudge her between the thighs. But it was when his hand made its way underneath her shirt and began to unhook her bra that a shock of fear hit her.

"Spike," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I-I can't."

He looked down at her, breathing heavily, confusion marring his brow. It hit him then what might have happened if Buffy didn't stop him. Although her face was flushed with desire, a hint of fear shown out through her wide green eyes, and that was all it took for Spike to quickly roll off of her.

Buffy swallowed hard and immediately jumped up, when Spike was on his own side of the bed.

"I-I should probably go," she muttered, snatching up her shoes and fumbling with the laces. "It's getting late. And Mom worries..."

Spike watched as she clumsily put her shoes on and headed towards the window.

"Buffy, wait," he stopped her, sitting up in bed.

She paused for a moment, but refused to look him in the eyes.

"I didn't mean--"

"It's fine," she cut him off, holding out her hand. "I'll, um, see you tomorrow."

And with that she was gone, making her way down the latter and disappearing into the night.

"Oh, shit," Buffy cursed under her breath, quickly climbing back into bed and pulling the covers up over her head.

"Honey? You're gonna be late for school," Joyce reminded, poking her head into Buffy's room. "Buffy? Is something wrong?"

"No, Mom!" she squeaked out from under her blankets. "I-I mean, yes. I'm sick. *cough, cough* I don't think I can go to school today."

Joyce smiled. "You know that doesn't work on me, sweetheart."

Buffy pulled the covers down a little, so they rested right below her chin.

"Why can't you ever just believe that I'm sick?" she whined.

"Because I know you too well. Now hurry up and get dressed or I'm going to be late for work."

She shut the door and Buffy kicked her covers off in a huff. She approached her mirror again and gulped, pulling her hair behind her shoulder. She had a hickey. A hickey! From Spike!

"I can never show my face," she pouted, quickly covering it again with her long hair.

"Buffy!" her mother shouted from down the stairs.

"I'm coming!"

With an exasperated sigh, she pulled on a pair of jeans and threw a bulky turtleneck over her head. With a quick comb of her hair and brush of her teeth, she was ready, making her way down the staircase.

Her mother noticed her appearance and frowned.

"Are you sure you're alright, dear? You're usually so enthusiastic about school."

"No. I'm sick, remember?" she told her, pulling her backpack over her shoulder.

Joyce just sighed and opened the door for her daughter.

"If you really feel like you need to stay home, then--"

"No, no. I'm fine, I guess. Besides, all dressed and ready to go, right?"

"If you say so."

Buffy stepped outside and let the warm sun wash over her. She briefly wondered if Spike was going to be at school today, but quickly disregarded the thought. No Spike on the brain for Buffy.

"I'm ready, Mom," she said, and strolled over to the car.

~~~

Buffy walked into school, shocked to see the walls covered in pictures of herself, smiling innocently from ear to ear.

"Well, if it isn't Queen Buffster," Xander grinned, making his way over to her.

"Hey, Xand. What's with the school's new choice of wallpaper?" she frowned.

"Oh, that's Willow's doing. She's been putting up pictures and posters all morning for your campaign. You like?"

"It's nice. But I suppose I could be biased..."

"Buffy! You're here!" Willow squealed, a roll of tape and pair of scissors in her hands. "I'm totally making with the Buffy support!"

The blonde couldn't help but smile. She should have known Willow would be all over this.

"I can see that. But don't you think it's a little much? Especially for someone who doesn't have a chance with Cordelia and Cecily in the running."

"Don't be ridiculous! You completely have a shot. You're way cooler than both of them combined!"

"Maybe to you. But, Will, this is like a majority vote thing. And I'm not so much a majority kinda girl," she frowned. "When people hear the name Buffy Summers they immediately think dorko-palooza."

"C'mon, Buff. Don't be so hard on yourself," Xander told her, giving a strong slap on the back. "You've got my vote."

"And mine!" Willow piped in. "And Tara's, and Spike's, and Jonathan's..."

"What makes you think I have Jonathan's vote?" she wondered.

"Oh, nothing. There was no bribing involved."

Buffy arched a brow.

"Well, maybe a little. But that's okay! The more votes the better. And he's getting all his Star Wars friends to vote for you too!"

She sighed. "Neat."

"So did you and Spike have fun yesterday?" Willow asked, a smile lighting up her face.

Buffy's head shot up. "Wh-what?"

"I was just wondering if you and Spike had fun. Didn't you guys hang out and stuff?"

"Oh! Right. Um, yeah. I-It was okay."

Buffy's hand instinctively started rubbing her neck and Willow and Xander glanced at each other.

"Well, that's cool. Is he coming to school today?" she continued.

"What? Oh, no. I don't think so. Well, maybe," the blonde stuttered, heading towards her locker.

"Buffy, is something wrong?" Willow followed, as Xander skipped over to the water fountain. "Did something happen between you and Spike?"

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, well, I dunno. You just seem kinda flustered. Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine. I'm good. Totally great." She decided to change the subject for her sake. "So! Any news on the limo sitch?"

"Yeah, I got us a six-seater. For you and Jonathan, Xander and Tara, and me and Spike," she told her friend.

Buffy flinched slightly. Willow and Spike. Not her and Spike.

"Sounds good. But, uh, I should get to class," Buffy said, turning in the other direction.

"Right there with you. History, remember?" Willow frowned.

"Right."

The red-head sighed and grabbed Buffy's arm.

"Okay, what's up? I know something up," she probed, slightly hurt by her friend's sudden attitude.

"Willow, I said I was fine. I just don't wanna be late is all. Okay?"

Buffy then turned around and left in a hurry, leaving Willow to stand alone in the hallway.

~~~

Buffy was on her way to lunch, when she crashed right into a large-framed body.

"Oh! I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean--"

But she cut herself short, when she realized it was Riley Finn standing in front of her.

"Buffy," he greeted, his voice void of any emotion.

"Riley," she responded, equally cold. She noticed a small scar on the side of his face that hadn't been there before. From Spike, maybe?

"You know, I was meaning to talk to you. You left in such a hurry that night."

Buffy's eyes went wide with rage.

"I beg your pardon? Sorry I didn't stick around for tea and chit-chat after you tried to rape me," she spat at him, her voice rising.

Riley looked around to see if anyone had heard, but no one seemingly had.

"Uh, yeah. Sorry about that," he apologized, not sounding too sincere. "I was drunk, and well... things got out of hand."

"I should say so," she bit back, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Right. But, um... yeah. I just wanted to apologize. I know you probably think I'm some major league jerk now, but I'm really not like that. As I said, I just had too much to drink is all. So, I'm sorry."

Buffy was semi-relieved that he had confronted her and apologized about the whole thing, but it didn't change her opinion of him.

"Alright," she said, dismissal in her tone. "I'll see you around, Riley."

He nodded and stepped around her, heading to his next class. She was about to do the same, when he stopped her again.

"Oh, Buffy?"

"Yeah?" she asked, turning to face him.

"Are you with Spike?"

She frowned, slightly taken off guard.

"No. We're just friends. Why?"

"Oh. 'Cause I was gonna say... I saw him macking on Cecily earlier outside, and thought he was seeing you. I just didn't want you to get hurt anymore than you already had."

He then gave her a small smile and took off. Buffy just stood there, her mouth slightly agape. Spike and Cecily? But...

Tears sprung to her eyes, unsure of why she was so upset. And why was Spike at school anyway? She hadn't seen him all day.

Maybe Riley was lying?

No. What would be the point?

Oh, god. This was bad. She was practically bawling her stupid eyes out over Spike and Cecily making kissy face with each other. And her and Spike weren't even together!

Exactly, Buffy. You and Spike aren't together, she reminded herself. He's free to makeout with whomever he pleases. Even if that happens to be you.

Then why did she feel like someone just ripped her heart heart out?

~~~

"Buffy! Phone call!"

As soon as Buffy had gotten home, she ran up the stairs and crawled into bed. She stayed that way for almost two hours straight, not wanting to talk to anybody.

With a reluctant sigh, she rolled over and picked up the telephone, not really in the mood to talk to Willow at the moment.

"Can I call you back later, Wills?"

There was a slight pause, before: "It's me, Summers."

Oh.

"What do you want?" she asked coolly, unsure of why he was calling her. They rarely ever talked on the phone.

"Just to see how you were doing, I s'pose. Mind if I drop by?"

"What? No."

"You don't mind then?"

"Of course I mind."

"You just said you didn't."

"No, I said you couldn't come over."

He sighed.

"Look, I won't stay long. I just want to talk," he told her.

"Then talk."

"I mean, in person."

"It's not a good time. I have homework," she lied.

"Alright then. Tomorrow?"

Buffy was silent for a moment before asking: "Did you go to school today?"

"Uh... no, why?"

Liar.

"Just curious. But I better go. I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow then."

"Wait."

Her heart beat picked up a little, anticipating his next words. But he said nothing.

"Bye, Spike."

Then she placed the phone back down on the receiver. But before she could give herself time to drown in self-pity, the doorbell rang.

She raced down the stairs and opened the door, eyes going wide when she saw who was standing behind it.

"Sorry, but I was already on my way," he told her, letting himself in.

Buffy rolled her eyes and shut the door behind him.

"I said I can't talk to you tonight."

"Can't or won't?"

"Spike, don't play games," she sighed. "Just go home."

"Honey, is that Spike?" Joyce asked from the other room, as she grabbed her purse.

"Yeah, he was just leaving," she replied, glaring in Spike's direction.

"Oh, don't be silly. He can stay as long as he wants," her mother smiled. "Unfortunately, I have a meeting to go to. But there's leftover pizza in the fridge if you get hungry."

She gave Spike another smile, before heading out the door and leaving the two teenagers to their budding argument.

It was silent for a moment before Spike continued.

"Listen, I know you're probably all skittish because of what happened between us, but it's not like I was the only willin' participant, you know."

Color rose to Buffy's cheeks, as she remembered the way his lips heated up her skin...

She shook her head. "Do we have to talk about this?"

"Well, yeah. We can't just pretend it didn't happen."

"Why not?"

Spike looked stung by this. "Is that what you want?"

"Maybe."

"Bloody hell, woman," he cursed. "Why are you being like this?"

"I'm not being anything! What we did is done. I just don't see why we have to make with the drama and turn it into some big thing."

"We kissed, Summers. To me, that is 'some big thing' as you so lightly put it."

Buffy looked at him incredulously.

"No, it's not. I was just there."

This time Spike was the one to look incredulous.

"Beg your pardon?"

"You heard me. And you know it's the truth. I don't mean anything to you, Spike. I'm just another girl who's pants you want to get into."

He stalked towards her then, fire in his eyes.

"Your daft," he accused, his fists clenching at his sides.

"No," she shook her head. "You know I'm right."

"Like hell you are! Buffy, I care about you more than anything. I almost died for you!"

She had the decency to put her head down. "I know."

"So how could you think I'd take advantage of you like that?"

Buffy took a deep breath, before replying.

"I know you were at school today."

He frowned. "What makes you--"

"You were with Cecily."

Spike swallowed. "It's not like that."

"So it's true?" she asked softly, tears welling up in her eyes. "You're back together with her?"

"Of course not! I was just..." He sighed. "I went to school for one period, but decided to leave early because the walkin' was too much on me. As I was goin' out to my car, Cecily was out there havin' a smoke. And we talked."

"You talked? That's not what I heard."

"Who told you otherwise?"

She raised her head. "Riley."

"Finn?" he laughed. "You've got to be bloody joking."

"Well, it's true isn't it?"

"We talked, yeah."

"He told me you kissed her."

"I didn't--" He paused, causing Buffy's eyes to go wide. "It was just one kiss. It didn't mean anything."

Buffy felt like she had been punched in the stomach so hard, all the air was leaving her. Riley had told her it happened, but part of her still believed it wasn't true.

Unable to suppress her tears, she turned around and faced the wall.

"I think you should go," she told him, her voice dangerously low.

"Buffy..."

She didn't answer him. Spike just stood there for a moment, guilty as charged, before turning around and dejectedly leaving the house.

As soon as she heard the door shut, she broke down, falling to the floor and burying her tear-stained face in her hands.