Chapter Eight: Unmixy Things

Her head was pounding, it felt like someone had dropped a cement block on it. And, Buffy cringed, her brain trying to function and register what was going on as she hesitantly opened one eye. She immediately regretted it, for the blinding white light assaulted her senses and the pain of the it shot right to her brain, giving her an even worse headache. She groaned.

"Buffy?"

She tried to register where the voice was coming from, but everything seemed to blur together, and made her head pound more. She groaned once again.

"Oh god, Buffy."

That voice...NOW it sounded familiar. And, she hesitantly tried opening an eye again, only to come face to face with Spike. And, that's when everything came back to her. The fight, Spike being a jerk...She turned her head away in disgust.

"Stay away from me." Her voice was horse, and speaking made her head pound worse. "And why the fuck am I in a hospital?" She spoke the last sentence, the familiar scent of Neosporin and disinfectant everywhere. She HATED hospitals.

"Riley. He bloody hit you-" Spike started.

"And YOU started the fight. Riley hitting me was an accident. I know it was." She spoke, groaning. "Someone turn off the lights."

"Buffy," He spoke. "Luv, I'm sorry. It's just, I mean around him in a skirt like that...I just..." Spike let himself trail off, leaning his head against the wall his chair was up against.

"Where's my mom?" She spoke quickly, her voice becoming shaky as she thought back to the last time she was in a hospital. It was when her cousin, her best friend, Cecilia had died.

The two had spent the first eight years of their lives always together, whether they were fighting or playing, they had always been together. Inseparable, as their mother's had called them. But, a few weeks after Cecilia's eighth birthday, she had caught a deadly case of the flu, leaving her hospital-bound until the night of her death a week later.

A sob caught in her throat at the thought of her dearly missed cousin, and Buffy turned more on her side, not wanting Spike to see she was crying. But, her sniffles and the motion of her shoulders shaking indicated right away that she was upset.

Forgetting about her question right away, Spike immediately put his hand on her shaking shoulder, she shrugged it off. "Luv, what's wrong..." He looked down at the petite blonde, concerned. "Please don't cry..." He never knew what to do when girl's cried. He even had a hard time comforting his own sister when she cried, so how should this be any different?

"I hate hospitals. Spike," She finally looked over at him. "I wanna go home. Please." She grabbed him by his overcoat. "Please take me home."

"Pet, shhh." He hesitantly patted her on the shoulder. "Calm down. It's okay. The hospital will make you better. Riley did a good number on your head. And your mum is on her way. Don't worry."

"I can't be here." She tried to sit up, only to fall right back down on the soft pillows while clutching her head in pain. "Get me out!"

"Buffy." He put his hand on her shoulder, stilling her. "Luv, it's okay. Calm down. Pet, please." He looked like he was also going to panic from Buffy's near-panic attack, not knowing what to do.

Tears were now streaming down her smooth cheeks, as she set her sights on the IV in her wrist, attempting to pull it out. Spike immediately grabbed her hand. "Buffy. Don't."

She looked up at him, her wide hazel eyes once again filling with tears, "I have to get out, Spike! Get me out!"

"Buffy," He grabbed her shoulder, stilling her. "Please. The hospital will get you better. Please calm down."

She collapsed into sobs once again, this time falling into his arms, her tears wetting his shirt as she cried. And tensely, Spike wrapped his arms around the sobbing girl, patting her on the back in which he hoped was a comforting gesture.

The door squeaking signaled that someone was entering the room, and Spike sighed, relieved, when he saw his best friend and bandmate, Oz, enter.

The bass player's eyebrow immediately shot up as he took in the sobbing girl on Spike's chest. The bleached-blonde just shrugged, rubbing his hand up and down on Buffy's back. And she hiccoughed, her sobs dying down a little.

And, realizing who she was crying on, she immediately pulled away, not even noticing Oz as she turned away from the bleached-blonde. And, Spike sighed, getting up to follow Oz out who had motioned for him to follow.

But before he left, he hissed a warning to the blonde, "Buffy, you try to hurt yourself. Rip IV's out of your arms or ANYTHING. I will personally take those IV's and shove them in your eyes."

And, with that he left the room, following the bass player whose newly blue- dyed hair made a dramatic appearance under the bright lights of the hospital.

"What happened in there?" Oz asked once the two reached the hallway, and Spike shrugged, not realizing his hands were shaking until he reached into his pockets for his cell-phone. He needed to call Joyce again. She HAD to get here soon. Also, realizing Spike was shaking Oz asked, "Are you okay, buddy?"

"Fine." Spike replied a little too quickly, swallowing heavily. "She just freaked in there. Trying to pull her IV's out. I don't know." He reached for his phone, trying unsuccessfully to pull it out of his pocket, for his hands were shaking too violently.

"Dude, I think you should sit down." Oz indicated to a chair sitting against the wall. Spike immediately dropped into the chair, running his hands through his now-curly bleached-blonde hair. He once again dug through his pocket, reaching in and grabbing the cell phone. And flinging it open, he pressed the redial button, home was the last place he called. But, he immediately hung up the phone when he saw his sister, his father, Joyce and Dawn coming towards him.

"Is Buffy okay?" Joyce asked, obvious worry for her eldest daughter.

"She," Spike started, than paused swallowing, his voice wavering. "She panicked, trying to pull the IV out of her arm and..."

Joyce, obviously panicked, ran into the room where Buffy was being held followed by Dawn and Drusilla, but Giles stayed behind, his brow creased in worry for his son.

"William, are you okay?"

"Dad. I'm fine." He was shaking more violently now, and he stared straight ahead, not wanting to look at his best friend or his father.

"I think she freaked him out." Oz spoke, stating the obvious as he looked at his best friend in concern. "Should I get a nurse or something?"

"I'm fine." Spike snapped, looking over at his best friend, than his father. "I'm bloody fine...Just leave me alone."

And with that he stalked away to the waiting room, leaving a worried teenager and middle-aged man to stare after him.

****

Buffy stayed in the hospital another night, mainly left for observation by the doctors before being released the next day. She had received a mild concussion from Riley, nothing too bad thankfully, and she was back to her normal self by the time she came home, immediately rushing to the phone and calling Willow. Afterall, she had to plan for the big event which was only a week away: Her birthday.

Unfortunately, after the phone rang about twenty times, Buffy realized her friend was not home. And, she ended up in the kitchen instead, immediately pulling out a box of graham crackers and a glass of milk for a snack, only to be disturbed by her soon-to-be step-brother coming into the kitchen.

She ignored him as he looked at her, worry etched on his face.

"I must of apologized about 800 bloody times right now. Will you give it up, Buffy? I'm bloody fucking sorry, okay?" He hissed, opening a cabinet and grabbing a bag of Doritos, only to slam the cabinet shut once again, startling Buffy.

"Geez." She hissed. "Why are you so pissed off about this?"

"WHY?!" He turned towards her, the bag of Doritos being slammed onto the island in the kitchen. "RILEY hit you. And, who was the one who took you to the hospital? HE hasn't even fucking called to see if you're alright! DOESN'T that BLOODY say something!"

She shrunk back a little at his sudden outburst, her voice barely a whisper as she asked, "Were you that worried about me?"

His icy blue eyes softened at the innocent question as he took a seat next to her at the island, "Yes." There was no doubting he was telling the truth as his soft blue eyes searched her sea-green ones.

Yet, once the staring became too intense, Spike immediately dropped his head in his hands, running his calloused fingers through his curly bleached- hair.

And, for the first time that day she realized how tired he looked. His hair wasn't gelled and apparently combed all day, there were large bluish bags under his eyes, and his clothes were rumpled like he hadn't changed since yesterday.

"Did you get any sleep?" She asked, slowly taking a sip of her milk.

He looked away embarrassed, not understanding why he could be so worried about her. Sure, a little worry should of sprouted up from her head getting banged up, but as soon as he found out she was okay, he should have felt better about it. Right?

"Did you?" She gently laid her hand on top of his own, and he quickly snatched it away, still not looking at her.

"No." He decided on the truth, as he got up, deciding he wasn't hungry like he originally thought he was. And, he busied himself with putting the Doritos away as she watched him.

"Are you okay?"'

His eyes snapped to hers as she asked this, "I'm BLOODY fine. What's it to you?"

She sighed, "William..."

He paused, his eyes narrowing as he hissed, "Don't call me that."

She stood up angrily after he said this, "I'm TRYING to be nice to you. Why are you fucking acting this way? Everyone else in the house calls you William. Why can't I?" She walked towards him, her green eyes narrowed into slits. "WHAT is your problem?!"

"YOU!" He yelled, flinging his hands up in the air in an angry gesture. "Are you happy now? Now you know the bloody fucking root of my problem. It's you, Summers."

She looked at him curiously, taking a step towards him, "What do you mean?"

"What do you bloody mean WHAT do I mean?" He hissed, taking a step closer to her. "You blame me for something that's not my fault. You..." He sighed, his eyes softening once more. "You scare me half to death. I mean bloody fucking hell, you were trying to rip the IV's out of your arm in the hospital."

"Hospitals and Buffy...kinda always been unmixy things." She said, looking down. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head, "It's fine, pet. Don't...just don't worry about it."

"I'm sorry I scared you so much. I didn't know...well I didn't even know you REALLY cared for me. I thought the whole Riley thing was just for fun, you know, to get your kicks. Ruin my life." She sighed. "Just, the Faith thing has made the negativity vibes go into overload, you know?"

He sighed, a half smirk appearing on his face, "Yeah I know. I broke up with the bint."

"I think it's the best choice you've ever made." She smiled.

He playfully punched her in the arm, "Bitch."

"Asshole." She responded quickly, a playfulness shining in her eyes.

"Whore."

"Loser."

"That the bloody best you can come up with?"

"Oh, you're asking for it. Aren't you?"
TBC...PLEASE REVIEW!

Chapter Nine: Birthday Surprises
It took her a total of two hours. Two hours of making herself up, that is, before she was ready. She had perfectly manicured purple nails, her toenails matching in color. Her eyes were done in a light purple with heavy mascara, and her lips were colored a light pink. She wore a light purple spaghetti-strap shirt, the front dipping low enough to show a little cleavage, her jean skirt came a little below mid-thigh showing off her perfectly tanned legs, leading to her tan-colored strap-on platform sandals. And lastly, her golden locks lay perfectly brushed over her shoulders.

She was ready for her party.

And, just as she had finished, the doorbell rang, and the blonde skipped down the stairs happily, opening up the door to come face to face with Anya, Willow, and Cordy who had all gotten a ride together.

"Buffy!" Willow threw her arms around her best friend immediately. "Happy Birthday!"

Buffy grinned, anticipating Willow's reaction for what she was going to say next, "You know, Oz is here. I got them to agree to play at my party."

The red-heads eyes grew wide at this, and she covered her mouth in excitement, before she started jumping up and down. "Are you serious?"

"As serious as seriousness can be." Buffy smiled, dragging her three friends into the living room. "You're the first one's here by the way."

"Who else is coming?" Cordelia looked over at Buffy.

"Hopefully not too many people. I really hope Gunn didn't get out of hand when I told him he could bring his girlfriend. You know how he is, if his girlfriend comes-"

"His whole neighborhood comes?" Anya finished the sentence for the blonde, raising a perfectly sculptured eyebrow. "I don't even know why you invited him in the first place. The only good thing about him is the orgasms he gives."

"Oh, gross Anya." Buffy made a face, Cordelia and Willow following suit from the imagery Anya put in their heads.

"What?" Anya shrugged. "I'm just telling the truth."

"Speaking of orgasms..." Cordelia looked around the living room. "Where's Spike?"

"Speaking of orgasms?" Buffy asked. "Cordy, you've had one too many fantasies."

Yet, just then, the bleached-blonde came running up the basement stairs, Oz, Angel, and Xander on his heels as the four of them raced to the kitchen. Buffy rolled her eyes.

"I don't know how they're getting ANY practicing done. They've been doing this every fifteen minutes."

Cordelia giggled giddily, and before Buffy knew what was happening, she was dragged into the kitchen by her three best friends.

Cordelia and Anya immediately started flirting with the guys, Willow doing some also, but holding back. Buffy rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over his chest in annoyance. But, what got to her even more was when she realized Spike was staring down the front of Cordelia's blouse. How perverted could he be?

She groaned in frustration as her friends continued to flirt with the bandmates, yet her eyes kept traveling back to Cordelia and Spike, the way he was undressing her with his eyes...

She groaned, annoyed, causing Spike and Cordelia to turn their heads for they were the closest to her.

"What?" Cordelia looked at Buffy.

"This is MY party...not some swinger party or some crap. Does everyone have to ignore me?" She tapped her foot angrily.

Spike smirked, raising a scarred eyebrow, "Didn't know you had so much in common with Faith...you know with HAVING to have someone pay attention to you 24/7-"

She cut him off, effectively punching him in the upper arm. He grabbed his arm in pain. "Ow! Bloody hell!"

She smirked, "Serves you right. I don't know if ANYONE can be as bad as Faith. I don't even know what you saw in her..." She smirked. "Oh yeah. A good lay."

He glared at her, grabbing her by the hair, and pulling.

"Ow!" She grabbed ahold of his upper arm, pinching him hard. "I just did my hair you bleached moron!"

By now, everyone in the room was staring at them. Some smirking, some just looking at them like they had regressed in age. And Buffy and Spike both blushed.

"Gee, suddenly I feel like I'm in kindergarten again." Oz spoke up, his face not relying whether he was teasing or not.

Spike rolled his eyes, "She's bloody annoying!"

"I'M annoying?! Look at you....with your bleached hair and assholeness! I mean....you're just an asshole!" She stomped her shoe-clad foot on top of his bare one, making him grab his foot in pain.

"Ow! Bloody hell!"

"Children. Children." Xander stepped between them, a slight smirk on his face. "There is no need to fight. Or be immature."

Spike snorted, "Oh you're one to talk Harris."

Xander looked over at Spike, "I am not immature!"

"Give it up little brother." Angel patted Xander on the back. "You're just well....an immature geek."

"I am fucking NOT!" Xander punched his fist into Angel's upper-arm making the broad-shouldered brunette wince in pain.

"Ow! You asshole!"

"And you're making fun of us?" Spike said, raising a scarred eyebrow, a slight smirk apparent on his lips.

"Ah, sibling rivalry. I remember those days." Oz suddenly spoke up, looking over at his bandmates.

"Oz," Spike spoke. "You're an only child, mate."

"I know. It was supposed to be a joke. Haha?" Oz looked over at Spike, the same neutral expression on his face he always seemed to wear.

"Well, you're joking voice remarkably sounds like your normal voice." Xander spoke up.

"Yeah, I've been told the same thing about sarcasm. Hmm." Oz shrugged his shoulders. "Oh well." He than proceeded to grab a handful of chips out of a bowl sitting on the island in the kitchen, shoving a few into his mouth.

The doorbell suddenly ringing, sent everyone back in their own directions, as Buffy, Cordelia, Willow, and Anya quickly headed for the door. The blonde threw it open only to find, Gunn and all of his friends standing at the door, some of them sporting dates. Buffy rolled her eyes, letting the lot of them in. Yet, her expression suddenly grew from careless to hard as she saw one of the people Gunn had brought with him: Riley.

"What is HE doing here?" Buffy pointed her finger at Riley, mad that after her little accident he didn't even seem to care if she was all right. "This is supposed to be MY birthday party." She turned towards Riley. "And you have to leave."

"I told you it was a bad idea to go out with him in the first place. But did you listen? No." She heard Cordelia mumble, a dramatic sigh following.

"Why would you want me gone baby?" Riley teased, a devilish smirk on his features.

"I thought the lady told you to leave." An unmistakable English accent spoke from behind Buffy, Willow, Anya, and Cordelia.

Seeing Spike, Riley backed up a little in fear. "Hey man. No harm done." He put his hands up in the air. "I was just teasing."

"Then leave." Spike's normally soft blue eyes were a stone-cold gray as he stared at Riley.

Riley was out the door in a flash, leaving a smirking Spike to watch him go.

Yet, before Buffy could thank him, a bubbly blonde, the voice of one of Gunn's friend's date's spoke, "Oh My God! Spike Giles! Oh My God!"

Buffy sighed looking over at Cordelia, "Who the HELL brought Harmony?"

Spike tried to not look annoyed as the bubbly blonde wrapped him in a hug before looking up at him, "I'm your biggest fan. I have all your CD's and T-shirts, and EVERYTHING the band has made. I even named my kitty after you! I love you Spikey! Can I call you Spikey-"

Buffy quickly grabbed Harmony's arm, pulling her off of the obviously uncomfortable bleached-blonde, "Okay Harmony, that's enough. I think you're scaring him."

Harmony turned towards Buffy angrily, "You are SO rude. How can you be like this? He LOVES me!" She looked at Spike. "Don't you love me Spikey?" She than quickly turned to Buffy. "And what the HELL is he doing at your party?"

Buffy rolled her eyes, "He lives here. It's kinda unavoidable. Speaking of," She looked over at Spike. "Where's Dawn, Dru, and my mom?"

"They went out to pick up the cake." Spike replied, turning around and starting to walk down into her room where Xander, Oz, and Angel now were. "They should be back soon."

Buffy nodded, turning back to her guests "Okay. I still need to put on some music. Someone can choose for me." She than looked back at Harmony. "Can you PLEASE leave."

"But I was invited!" Harmony said, looking at Buffy angrily.

"Not by me. And this is MY sixteenth birthday party." Buffy crossed her arms angrily. "And anyway, all you're going to do is cling to Spike like a dog. Just....please leave. You're REALLY annoying."

"I'm not leaving unless Spike wants me to go. Which he obviously DOESN'T!" Harmony looked at Buffy triumphantly.

"Uhhh...." Buffy groaned. "SPIKE!"
****

A half hour later all the guests, and some more, had arrived. The cake was even there, and most of the girls at the party were having the time of their lives flirting the Spike, Angel, Oz, and Xander, including Buffy's three best friends.

The feeling of someone sitting down next to her on the couch made Buffy turn her head. Drusilla was sitting down next to her, a can of Pepsi held in one hand and a few chips in the other.

"Enjoying your party?" The brunette asked, popping a few chips into her mouth.

"There's really not much to enjoy, considering half of the people are hanging off of them." She motioned with her hand towards Spike, Angel, Oz, and Xander.

"Yeah." Drusilla sighed. "Well, at least they look like their having a good time."

Buffy laughed, "Spike's probably trying to figure out which one to fuck tonight."

Drusilla smirked, "Wouldn't doubt it." Pausing for a moment before yelling, "William!"

Buffy looked over at Drusilla, "What are you doing?"

Drusilla smiled just as Spike started to walk over to her, excusing himself from the group of girls, "You'll see."

"What?" He asked, seating himself between Drusilla and Buffy.

"This is Buffy's birthday. Why don't you at least pay attention to her, that way everyone else will. No one's even talking to her." Drusilla spoke.

Buffy rolled her eyes, looking over at Drusilla, "I'm fine. Really." She looked up at Spike. "You can go back to flirting with my friends or whatnot."

"Oh come on." Drusilla spoke. "It's not fine. This is your party and you deserve to have some fun." Drusilla smirked, pushing Buffy up from her seat. "Go make some girls jealous."

She rolled her eyes as Spike wrapped his arm around her waist, dragging her back into the group of girls.

"Spike." She groaned. "You don't have to touch me."

He smirked, whispering, "I'm not."

"Oh you're such a sick fuck." She whispered, elbowing him in the side.

"Ooh, watch your language." He whispered back. "I might just have to tell Mummy."

She rolled her eyes, pushing his arm off of her as she started to make her way out of the crowd. Spike followed her, rolling his eyes. "What I do now?"

"Nothing." She shrugged, starting to make her way upstairs.

He followed her as she made her way into her bedroom, "What's wrong?"

"It's just....ugh....it's just annoying me that EVEN my best friend's aren't paying ANY attention to me. And sure I would of come into the crowd WITH you. But that's all they want to do. Flirt with you and the guys. And eerrrgh, I can't even be happy at my birthday party." She sat down on her bed. "I know, it's stupid."

"No it's not. They should at least pay some bloody attention to you." Spike spoke, placing himself next to her on the bed.

She looked up at him, and when she did she regretted it, for he was only mere inches from her, and for some reason, this made her EXTREMELY uncomfortable. Yet, she couldn't seem to look away as he looked down at her. And before she even knew what was happening....

His lips were on hers.
TBC
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Chapter Ten: Emotions
Small hands gripped onto a pale neck as the once chaste kiss quickly became passionate and demanding. His hands slipped around her waist to pull her closer to him, his tongue danced with hers in a sexual battle. Too soon, the need for air became a necessity and they pulled apart. As they did, reality dawned on them once again and the soon-to-be siblings jumped apart, frantically wiping their lips of stray saliva. Blue eyes met green, both pairs as wide as saucers.

The silence that descended upon the duo was an uncomfortable one, and Buffy started to nervously twirl the silver ring that was on her thumb.

"What the hell was that then?" Loud words broke the near-deafening silence, and Buffy snapped her head up to look at Spike.

"Why don't you tell me?" She didn't even realize how meek and mouse-like she sounded until the words slipped passed her lips.

"Well, you...you bloody kissed me." Spike spoke, blushing when the word "kiss" was mentioned.

"*I* kissed you?!" Buffy's low voice quickly became loud as the bleached teen tried to blame their tonsil-hockey on her. "*You* kissed me!" She practically screamed this time, standing up from her position on the bed.

"Don't yell." Spike hissed. "You want someone like Dawn, Dru, your mum or my da to hear?" He also stood up, towering a good eight inches above her. "And lying isn't going to help anyway."

"*LYING*?!" She stomped her foot angrily advancing a step towards him, her finger poking his chest as she spoke: "You listen. *I DID NOT* kiss you. I unexpectedly found your...disgusting...lips on mine and...EWWWWWW!"

His voice suddenly became low as he spoke again, "You didn't seem to think it was 'Ewww' at the time."

Her eyes grew wide and she opened her mouth to speak, but no excuse formed in her mind to his response. And the bleached teen turned away and started to walk out.

"Spike. Wait." She had spoken even before she had been able to form a coherent sentence in her mind.

He turned around slowly, raising his scarred eyebrow at her questioningly, and walked towards her slowly. "Yes?"

"I...." She honestly didn't know what to say, as he towered over her once more.

He leaned down a little until his breath was tickling her lips, "This what you want?"

She reached up to pull him down to her lips, but he was already walking away by then, the door firmly clicking shut behind him.

Shit.
****

She didn't know how long she stayed in her bedroom, but the minutes seemed to tick away like hours before she opened the heavy white door and started to make her way back downstairs and into the party.

Spike was how he had been before Drusilla had called him over, before the whole "kissing thing" had taken place, currently leaning back into the couch, a girl on either side of him, one of whom was Cordelia, while the other girls stood in front of the couch. All of them smiling and giggling at almost every remark he made.

Yet, her attention was quickly diverted from the girls as her eyes started to roam over his chest, the hard muscles showing through his tight black t-shirt. And her mind couldn't help but wander to naughtier places.

Her eyes quickly snapped away when she realized he was now looking at her, a smirk firmly planted on his face. She felt her face turn bright red at this, and walked the other way, heading towards the kitchen. Somewhere, ANYWHERE, where he wasn't.

How could she be thinking this way about Spike?

Once she got into the quiet, her mind started assaulting her with questions. She had gotten over him for christsakes! He was going to be her step brother soon, how wrong could this be?

She looked up when she heard footsteps approaching the kitchen, and she sighed in relief when she realized it was only Willow, not *him*.

"Hey Wills,"

"Hey Buffy!" The redhead chirped, her face beaming, as her smiled seemed to stretch from ear to ear. "How are you?"

"Truthfully?" Buffy sighed, turning towards the punch bowl and proceeding to pour herself a glass of the cherry-flavored liquid. "Bored."

"Bored?" Willow asked her, her smile quickly fading and being replaced by a look of apology. "Oh! I'm so sorry Buff! I didn't even think with Oz and all...oh goddess, I'm a bad person. Bad Willow! It's your party; I should've been paying more attention to you!"

"Wills, it's not your fault. I'd probably be the same way if I had a favorite star and he was paying attention to me." Buffy forced a smile onto her face. "It's alight, really."

More footsteps approaching the kitchen caused Buffy to turn around, only to find Spike and Cordelia enter the kitchen, her hand on his upper arm as she giggled at something he’d just said. The blonde rolled her eyes.

"Oh, hey Buffy!" Cordelia smiled, her eye's traveling to Spike. "Spike and I were just coming to get some snacks."

"Go ahead." Buffy stepped out of the way, purposefully avoiding Spike's eyes. "No one's stopping you."

"Well you seem a little glum, pet." Spike smirked, looking at Buffy as he and Cordelia walked towards the snacks.

"I'm NOT glum, and NEVER call me pet again, or you'll wake up ball-less." She hissed, narrowing her eyes.

"Well that seemed a little harsh." Spike's smirked grew wider as Buffy's face turned a furious shade of red.

"You know what?! Shut up you....you mother fucker. Don't talk to me. I NEVER want to see you or your annoying ugly hair again. You asshole! Just DON'T talk to me!" She stomped out of the kitchen.

"I'll go after her." Spike said as he watched her retreating form, before following her. "Buffy!"

She turned around to face him, "I THOUGHT I told you NOT to talk to me! Do I have to SPELL it out for you?!" She hissed again, turning back around and starting to stomp up the stairs.

Spike followed her up and into her room, and shutting the door behind him, he sighed, "You think that kiss didn't bloody well confuse me as much as it did you?"

She stood up from her seat on her bed to face him, "I think you're just having 'bloody' fun playing with my emotions!" She yelled.

"I’m playing with YOUR emotions?" He practically yelled. "One minute YOU'RE kissing me, the next, you're yelling! How AM *I* playing with YOUR emotions?! You're playing with MINE!"

"Oh don't give me that BULLSHIT!" She screamed, forcing back the tears that suddenly stung her eyes.

He took a step closer to her, his voice low and calm when he spoke. "It's not bullshit." He took another step closer to her.

Suddenly, it was unbearably hot in her room.

And, just as he was about to lean down, the door flew open, causing Spike to jump back, startled, as his sister walked in the room.

"Are you okay?" Drusilla walked over to Buffy, ignoring Spike's presence. "Cordelia told me you were upset."

Buffy ground her teeth in frustration, "I'm fine. It's okay....really."

"Well anyway, it's time for cake." Drusilla turned to walk out of the room, looking over her shoulder at Buffy once more, "You sure you're okay?"

"Just peachy."

Drusilla nodded, stepping out of the room. Buffy looked up at Spike expectantly.

"So you want to get some cake then?" He asked, shoving his hands into his pockets nervously.

Buffy rolled her eyes, nearly groaning in frustration, "Whatever." She stomping out of the room, making her way downstairs, causing Spike to run after her, his voice carrying to her as he yelled:

"What did I BLOODY well do now?"
TBC....

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Chapter Twelve: Problems

She didn't know how long she sat there, or how long she cried. But, it felt like time had stopped as the salty tears had traveled down her cheeks. And, she wished more than ever that she could just be home.

Sniffling, she hesitantly opened the stall door, her head peaking out to made sure Cordelia or Drusilla weren't there, trying to comfort her. She really didn't need that.

No one was there, and the blonde sighed in relief as she made her way over to the mirror. She groaned at the mess her face was. It was absolutely red and her mascara had run down her cheeks, leaving a black watery line where it traveled.

Running the water, and letting it pool in her hands, Buffy splashed it over her face, scrubbing at the mascara so it would come off. She than re-applied her eye make-up quickly.

She desperately wished she could just leave. She wished she could just pull the covers over her head, go to sleep, and never wake up. That sounded so tempting right about now. Too bad she couldn't drive.

Sighing, she opened the door of the restroom, peeking her head out to make sure Drusilla, Spike, or Cordelia wasn't around. Thankfully they weren't, and Buffy made her way over to a secluded area where a lone table sat. She plopped herself down in a chair, running her hands through her hair.

"Hey,"

She looked up when she heard a rough male voice coming from next to her. And when she saw who it was, she tried to smile slightly, but her smile wavered when she saw Spike and Cordelia on the dance floor dancing close together.

"Hi, Angel." Her voice was quiet as she said his name. And she prayed she wouldn't burst into tears in front of him.

"Seems like there's not too many fans here tonight," Angel started to talk, trying to make conversation with her. "I was only stopped for an autograph twice, and that's literally a record." He smirked, but his smile quickly faded when he saw the look on her face. "Are you okay?"

At that simple question, Buffy felt like bursting into tears. But, she held herself back just nodding quietly, her eyes desperately trying to avoid Angel's.

His brow creased in worry, but he let it go, deciding she probably didn't want to get into whatever it was.

"Hey, here comes your friend and Spike," Angel spoke, seeing Spike and Cordelia approaching. Yet, instead of Buffy replying, she tensed up, and he could only guess her mood had something to do with them.

"Buffy," Spike didn't even say hi to Angel when he approached, immediately walking over to Buffy.

"Don't talk to me." She hissed, dangerously close to tears. "I never want to speak to you. Again." She than quickly stood up, walking off from the group.

"What was that about?" Angel asked once she was gone.

"It's nothing." Spike sighed, putting his head in his hands and taking a deep breath. "Just....nothing."

**** "Oh my god and then...." Buffy burst into another fit of giggles before she could finish her sentence, downing another glass of beer in one gulp. The three guys at the table smiling and nodding as they stared at her with hungry eyes.

"So hun..." One guy started.

"Wait, wait!" Her hands flew up excitedly. "You have to hear about the time I-"

"Buffy?"

She looked up at the sound of her name, only to see Drusilla hovering over her. "Are you ready to go?"

Buffy giggled, "But I was just about to tell them about my experience at dance camp!" Buffy jumped up and down in her seat excitedly. "You have to hear this too! It's a great story! I mean-"

"Buffy, are you drunk?" Drusilla looked at the younger girl with worry etched on her features.

"Me drunk?" Buffy looked up at Drusilla with glazed eyes. "I'm not drunk!"

"Well you smell like beer, and you're acting like an insane person, so I'd gather you're pretty pissed." She grabbed Buffy by the arm, pulling her into a standing position, quickly addressing with the guys with an, "I'm sorry." Before dragging the blonde across the room where Doyle, Spike, and Cordelia were waiting.

"Well I found her...." Drusilla spoke once she had gotten to Doyle, Spike, and Cordelia. "But....she bloody had too much to drink."

"She's drunk?" Spike asked. "Who....I mean she's underage so who the bloody hell bought the alcohol for her?"

"I'm guessing them." Drusilla turned around to point at the four guys who Buffy had been chatting with, but they were already gone, another couple already occupying their table. "Or the people who were bloody sitting there before at least."

Spike sighed, "Lets just...." He looked down at the blonde, who was giggling once again. "Lets get her home."

**** She was pushed down into the chair, almost forcefully.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." He crashed through the cabinets, grabbing some saltine crackers. "Here." He slammed the crackers down on the table. "If you're hungry you're eating that. 'Cuz I don't want you bloody puking up something worse."

"But-"

"Buffy," She looked at her warningly, and she glared at him, shoving a cracker into her mouth. "I hate you."

"And getting drunk isn't going to bloody solve our problems." He sighed, running his hands through his hair as he started to pace back and forth.

"You know what will?" She had him pinned against the counter before he could say another word, her small hands holding his to the cool countertop. "Me."

"Buffy?" He swallowed hard as she pressed her body harder against him. And, he bit back a groan, his arousal already poking into her flat stomach. "Buffy....stop....You..." Mustering up all of his self-control, he pushed her off of him, "You're drunk."

"So?"

"SO ?" Spike asked. "You wouldn't be saying that in the morning."

"How do you know?" She lifted up an eyebrow, biting her lower lip seductively.

"Trust me. I know." He said. "Lets....lets just get you to bed."

"Why did you go out with Cordelia?"

The question stopped Spike dead in his tracks, as he decided to answer her truthfully, "You hurt me."

"I'm sorry."

He turned around as she said this. "You...." He shook his head. "You're drunk....just come on."

"No....I mean it." She spoke, and Spike could almost swear she was telling the truth.

He nodded, "Let's just get you to bed."

She nodded, suddenly covering her mouth. "Oh god I think...."

Spike quickly grabbed her, holding her head over the sink and pulling her hair back as she started to vomit. "This is what happens when you drink too much alcohol, pet."

"Ugh..."

"That's right." He replied. "Feels just great, doesn't it?"

She suddenly pulled her head up, grabbing a paper towel and wiping her mouth off on it, while Spike poured her a glass of water. He quickly handed it to her, and she gulped it down hungrily.

"I don't feel to good...."

"Well don't drink too fast. And let's get you to bed." He put his hand on her back and started leading her up the stairs, helping her into her room, and into bed. She didn't even bother thinking about pajamas once the soft pillow was under her head.

And, he started to head out, turning his head one more time to speak. "Oh and pet, you're going to have one hell of a headache when you wake up."

The only response he got was a groan before he shut the door.

TBC....PLEASE REVIEW

Chapter 13: Wanting

Her head was killing her.

That was the only thought that registered in her mind when she awoke. The massive pounding in her skull didn't seem to want to allow her any other thoughts but that.

Hesitantly, the blonde opened her heavy eyelids, and she immediately regretted it, for blinding pain shot right to her brain, making Buffy whimper, her eyes closing once again.

Why did her head hurt like this anyway?

One minute she was depressed and having a few drinks with some anonymous guys, and the next....Oh, the drinks.

She groaned, not wanting to know what she had done in her state of drunkenness. Very hesitantly this time, she tried to open her eyes once more....just to make sure she was in her own house. It really wouldn't be a good thing if she woke up next to some stranger. So, trying to push the pain away, though not exactly succeeding, the blonde took a quick look around the room she was in, breathing a sigh of relief when she realized it was her own.

Looking over to her left, she realized Drusilla was already up....which meant she must of slept extremely late. Which also meant her mom was probably already worried about her. She didn't have the energy or strength to get out of bed though, and she closed her eyes once again, squeezing them shut and trying to will away the blinding pain once more.

"Rise and shine, luv." she groaned when she heard his voice, barely seconds after closing her eyes. And she draped her arm over her eyes, giving him the hint that she wanted him to leave.

"Go away."

"I've got aspirin." he ignored her request, setting a glass of water and two pills down on her nightstand.

Hearing his words, she quickly groped for the pills and water, not opening her eyes. Finding the pills, she shoved them into her mouth, grabbing the water and swallowing them down. She had to get rid of this headache. She felt so sick, she didn't even feel like acknowledging she was mad at Spike right now. And right then, she decided to label Buffy and alcohol un-mixy things.

Feeling the bed move by her feet, Buffy could only conclude Spike had sat down, and she groaned. Wouldn't he just go away?

"So I'm guessing you learned your lesson and aren't going to drink anytime soon again, huh pet?"

She groaned once again, covering her face with one of Drusilla's pillows, "Go away."

"Afraid I can't. I told your mum you had come down with something earlier, and she wants you to come downstairs because she's thinking about taking you to the doctors." Spike said.

"Tell her I don't wanna go."

He took the pillow off of her face, "Buffy? Do you remember anything about last night?"

A panicked look crossed her face, "We didn't.....we didn't....did we?"

Spike covered her hand with his own, "No worries. You tried but I wouldn't let you."

"Oh," she felt her cheeks turning red from embarrassment. "Sorry."

"It's okay," Spike reassured her. "You were drunk afterall." he sighed, suddenly, removing his hand from her own. "Buffy...."

She looked up at him, not talking, but waiting for him to speak.

"I told you this last night, but since you don't remember...." he took a deep breath. "I took Cordelia to the Bronze last night to make you jealous. I....I know it wasn't fair to Cordelia but I was just so bloody mad." he let a half, yet forced, smile appear on his face. "I'm sorry."

"Spike...." she let her voice trail off, her headache forgotten as she looked up at the bleached-blonde.

And slowly, oh so slowly, he started to lower his lips down to meet hers. The kiss was chaste, merely lips pressed against lips, but it meant more than any of their other kisses. He pulled away only after a few seconds, but she was already left breathless.

"I have feelings for you, Buffy."

She smiled, her breathing still a little heavy, "I have feelings for you too, Spike."

"Do you think we can make this work?" he suddenly asked, taking her small hand into his own larger one.

"I think we can try."

****

She finally made her way downstairs by 5 P.M., never actually making her way downstairs earlier to meet her mom like Spike had said Joyce wanted her too. Thankfully, her mom hadn't come up and made her go to the doctors either.

Her head was feeling much better, and she was grateful. She didn't know if she could even take another hour of the continuous pounding on her skull.

Quiet talking could be heard from the kitchen, and curious, Buffy made her way over to find her mother and younger sister. Dawn's hand was pressed firmly against Joyce's rapidly swelling belly.

"Hello, Buffy." Joyce spoke, not looking up from the youngest Summers and her own pregnant belly, when she heard Buffy come in the kitchen. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah." Buffy replied smiling at her mother's sixth sense. She always knew when one of her children was in the room. "Did you feel it kick or something?" Buffy asked, coming to place her hand besides Dawn on her mother's stomach.

"Her." Joyce quietly confirmed. "And yes, we felt her kick."

"When did you find out it was a she?"

"Today." Joyce smiled at her eldest daughter.

"Guess you have the fate of not giving birth to a son." Buffy grinned.

"Well I have an adopted son, and William's a handful as it is. I don't think I could handle another." Joyce smiled back at her daughter playfully.

"But mom...." Dawn whined, the eleven year old grinning the whole time. "It's too many kids!"

Joyce affectionately ruffled Dawn's hair, "Well at least you're not the youngest anymore."

"Hey, you've got a good point there." Dawn looked pointedly at Buffy. "Someone I can pick on after all the evilness Buffy put me through."

Buffy smiled at her younger sister, then quickly looked back at her mom, "So anyway, where is Spike?"

"He went out to host a private concert for a fan's birthday party. Giles drove the boys."

"Geez," Buffy spoke. "That must cost a fortune...I mean getting people famous to play at your birthday party?" Buffy shrugged. "Oh well. More money for us."

Joyce grinned, "You're one spoiled brat."

"I try to be."

****

It was 3 A.M. by the time Spike and Giles arrived home, and Buffy was still up, sitting on the couch and watching T.V. when the two men entered the living room.

"Well lookie who has arisen from the dead."

His voice startled her, and Buffy jumped, turning her head to look at Spike, "Shut up."

Spike grinned, plopping down on the couch next to her while Giles started walking up the stairs, throwing his jacket over the railing, obviously ready to crash. "So what are you watching, pet?"

"Punk'd on MTV." Buffy replied, snapping the gum she was chewing.

"Ah," Spike replied, draping his arm over the back of the couch.

"So how did your concert go?" she turned her head to look back at him, swallowing hard when she realized the look he was giving her.

"It went fine." he scooted closer to her on the couch, suddenly asking:. "Can I kiss you?"

She swallowed hard, nodding her head numbly, as his lips suddenly descended upon hers, his tongue quickly making it's way in between her parted lips. Buffy couldn't help but let out a soft moan.

Scooting closer, Spike pulled the blonde onto his lap, deepening the kiss, his hands coming to rest under her shirt and on her back. Buffy pulled at him, desperately trying to get him closer, as three simple words escaped her lips:

"I want you."

tbc...

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