Chapter 38

Loft Apartment- Tuesday Night

“So what did you find out?” Cordelia asked as she walked into the kitchen where Buffy was standing in front of the stove making pasta.

“I didn’t get a chance to ask him about it.” Buffy said never taking her eyes off the boiling water.

“What do you mean? You were gone until almost three in the morning. How could you have not found out?” Cordelia asked as she took a seat at the small table that was in the kitchen’s corner.

Buffy took the pasta off the stove and drained the water down the sink before placing the cooked pasta into a bowl and setting it in front of Cordelia.

“Other things kinda came up.” Buffy stated as she returned to the table with the marinara sauce.

“What kind of things are we talking about here Buffy?” Cordelia asked as Buffy took a seat across from her.

“What do you think Cordy?”

“You had sex with him?” Cordelia yelled in disbelief.

“No. Carter kind of walked in on us before it got that far.”

“Oh my god! What were you thinking? Wait, I know what you were thinking.”

“You know how it was raining last night?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, when I got over to Carter’s I was soaked. Carter offered to put my clothes in the dryer, and while I waited I could wear something of his.”

“Okay, go on.”

“Anyway, I went into the bathroom to dry off and fix my hair. Carter knocked on the door and I gave him my wet clothes, he told me I could find something to wear in his room while he was down stairs.”

“I don’t see how this leads to you almost having sex with Spike.”

“I’m almost there. So, I went into his room and got a pair of boxers and a shirt to put on. I had the boxers on when I heard a noise come from over by the door and without thinking about the fact that I didn’t have a shirt on yet I turned around and there was Spike.”

“Okay. Semi-wet Buffy standing in a man’s bedroom in only a pair of boxers and nothing else, and Spike standing in the doorway of that same room. What happened next?”

“Well, one thing lead to another which lead to both Spike and I naked and in Carter’s bed about to have sex when Carter came back up to the apartment and walked in on us.”

“Wow. What happened next?”

“After Spike and I were both dressed again we went into the living room where Carter was. I tried to tell him that I was sorry about what had happened. He got mad and started to yell at Spike about him walking into his room where Spike was about to have sex with the woman he loves.”

“Wait a minute, Carter loves you?”

“Yeah.” Buffy said in a low voice.

“How did Spike take that?”

“Not well. He asked how long Carter had been in love with me.”

“How long?”

“Carter said since over the summer. Then Spike asked if I had known about this, and I told him that I had.”

“What next?”

“He asked if Carter and I had slept together.”

“Have you?” Cordelia asked wondering why she didn’t already know the answer.

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Cordy, only three people knew about it before today.”

“Who?”

“Carter and me of course, and Deacon.”

“Deacon?” Cordelia questioned.

“The drummer of the band.” Buffy stated.

“Right. How’d he know?”

“He found us together the next morning.”

“What happened after Spike found out about you and Carter?”

“He told me to get out of the apartment.”

“Really?”

“Actually it was more of an order.”

“So, what happens next?”

“I talk with Parker tomorrow, and I do what ever it takes to keep Spike from losing his job here.”

“You’re really going through with this?”

“I have to.”
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Chapter 39

Wednesday Afternoon-The Espresso Pump

“You’re ten minutes late.” Parker stated as Buffy took a seat across from him.

“You’re lucky I came at all.” Buffy said before turning to the waitress. “I’ll have a tall Iced Mocha, with extra wiped cream.”

“That’ll be about five minutes.” The waitress stated.

“Thank you.” Buffy said before turning back to face Parker. “So?”

“So?”

“Don’t play dumb with me Parker. We both know the only reason I’m here is to make this deal.”

“Alright. I hope you’re free Friday night, lets say eight-ish.”

“Friday night at eight is fine. Where at?”

“You’ve heard of The Sunnydale Inn?”

“Isn’t that a little rich for you since your Father cut you off after our breakup?”

“Not at all. You’re the one who’s paying for the room.”

“You son-of-a-bitch.” Buffy stated through her fake smile as the waitress placed her drink in front of her.

“Now, now Buffy. Do you know where the hotel is or not?”

“I know where it is.” Buffy bit back.

“Good. It’s room 214.”

“Fine. Anything else I should know?

“Lets see. You know what day, and what time. You also know where and what room number. No I can’t think of anything else you should know.”

“Good, cause I have a class I need to get ready for.” Buffy stated as she stood up grabbing her bag and her drink getting ready to leave Parker at the table to pay the bill.

“Oh, one more thing.” Parker added.

Buffy turned to face Parker again. “What?”

“You have to stay the whole night.”

Buffy just put her fake smile back on her face and turned to leave. ‘I hope you get so drunk one night that you die in your own vomit you cock sucking ass wipe.’

*****

Drusilla’s House

“Dru, how are things today?” Ethan asked as he walked into the room that his daughter was standing in.

“Fine. Why do you ask?”

“I only ask because today and yesterday you had your T.A. teaching your classes, and now you’re in here.” He said motioning his arms around the pale blue room.

“I have to get this room ready for the baby’s arrival.” Drusilla stated as she continued to fold the new baby blankets and clothes that she had bought earlier that week.

“Yes, but shouldn’t you be concentrating on how you are going to get William back?”

“That’s already in motion.”

“You keep saying that, but William is living in another place, and from what you told me last night he is still in contact with the young Ms. Summers.”

Dru turned to face her Father. “Would you like to know how the plan is working?”

“That would be a start.”

“Alright.” Drusilla walked over towards the window seat and sat down. “Come sit.” She said patting the cushion next to her.

After Ethan was seated Drusilla began to talk about the plan. “The main point of the plan is to get ‘My’ Spike back and away from the nasty girl.”

“Yes, I know that much already. What I don’t know is what steps you are taking to make sure that happens.”

“The first part is to make sure that he doesn’t leave me, or think of leaving me again.”

“That’s what the child is for.”

“Yes, but that’s not enough anymore. Buffy has a stronger hold on him then I first thought. I also have to make sure that he no longer wants her.”

“And how are you doing that?” Ethan questioned.

“By making her no longer want him. To remove the temptation that is around Spike. You see, right now Spike is both mad and hurt by what happened between Buffy and Carter. Knowing ‘My’ Spike the way I do though he’ll forgive her for what happened in time. I have to keep that from happening.”

“How’s that?”

“By making Spike do something that Buffy will never be able to forgive him for, ever.”

“This is where Ms. Wilkins comes in?”

“Yes. If what Carter told me is true, Buffy and Faith seem to have an on going hate for one another.”

“And how does this make Ms. Summers no longer want to be with William?” Ethan asked still unsure that his daughter’s plan was actually going to work.

“Spike is going to sleep with Faith to keep her from telling anyone about the affair.”

Ethan looked at Drusilla as if she had lost her mind. “William is going to have sex with this young woman, and you’re okay with this?”

“Yes.” Drusilla simply stated.

“By Spike sleeping with Faith, Buffy will never forgive him. Spike will move back in with me and our child, and everything will be the way it was before we moved to this damned country.”

Ethan stood and drew his daughter into a hug. “I really hope this works out for you.”

“It will.” After Ethan left Drusilla turned to look out the window. “It has to.”
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Chapter 40

U.C. Sunnydale Campus

“Mary-Anne, is Professor Winthrop in his office?”

“Yes, who should I tell him is here?” The secretary asked never looking up from the paper work in front of her.

“Ms. Summers.” Buffy stated.

Mary-Anne finally looked up. “Oh! Hello Dear.”

“Hello.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I need to speak with Professor Winthrop.”

“He’s in a rather foul mood today. Maybe you should come back another time Dear.”

“I’d be in a ‘foul’ mood any time that Ms. Summers showed up Mary-Anne.” Spike stated from the doorway of his office.

Buffy turned to face Spike. “I really think that we should talk.”

Spike locked eyes with Buffy. “Let me take a line out of your own vocab. ‘We have nothing to talk about.’”

“Yes we do.” Buffy stated, trying really hard not to yell at Spike with Mary-Anne in the room.

Spike turned to face his secretary. “Mary-Anne, would you be so kind as to show Ms. Summers out, and make sure that she doesn’t come back in the future.”

Mary-Anne rose from her seat. “Yes Professor Winthrop.”

“Damnit Spike, just talk to me.” Buffy pleaded.

“Ms. Summers.” Mary-Anne called.

“Spike.” Buffy yelled as he walked back into his office and closed the door behind him.

Mary-Anne placed one of her hands on Buffy arms and pulled her out of the office and into the hallway. “Ms. Summers, in about ten minutes I will be leaving for my lunch break.”

“Thank you Mary-Anne.” Buffy said full understanding what the secretary was implying.

Mary-Anne walked back into the office where Spike was waiting for her.

“Is she gone?”

“Yes.” Mary-Anne stated as she walked back over towards her desk.

*****

15 Minutes Later

“I thought that you were going to lunch Mary-Anne?” Spike questioned never looking away from the papers that he was reading as he heard the door to his office open and close again.

“She did.”

“What are you doing here?” Spike asked as still looking down at the papers having no need to look up at who was in his office.

“We need to talk.” Buffy stated.

Spike stood up from his chair and walked around his desk and towards the door that Buffy was still standing by. “Like hell we do.” He yelled as he placed a hand on the doorknob.

“Don’t bother, it’s locked from the outside.”

Spike removed his hand from the knob and turned towards Buffy. “Then unlock it.”

“Can’t.” Buffy simply stated with a small smile on her face.

“Why not?” He yelled.

“What part of ‘locked from the outside’ didn’t you understand? Was it the ‘locked’ or the ‘outside’ part?” Buffy questioned with a rather sarcastic tone to her voice.

“How are you planning on getting out then?” Spike asked with an equally sarcastic tone, thinking that he had stumped her in some way.

Buffy smiled at Spike. “Mary-Anne will be back to unlock the door for me in about an hour. But until then, you and I can talk about a few things.”

“Why do you want to talk so badly?”

“Because you need to know all the facts.”

“I already do.”

“No, you don’t.”

“What more is there to know about this? You slept with Carter; he’s in love with you. You always run to him when something goes wrong.”

“If I always run to him it’s only because that he’s always been there for me in the past.”

“Are you saying that I wasn’t?”

“No. Not when it matter the most.”

“Dru. . .” Spike whispered.

Buffy turned away from Spike. “That was the night I slept with him. It hasn’t happened after that night, we’re just friends. He knows that.”

Spike turned Buffy around. “He loves you.”

“But I don’t love him.”

“Do you love Riley?”

Buffy looked at Spike in totally shock. “What does he have to do with any of this?”

“Just answer the question.”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know, or you don’t want to tell me?”

“Honestly? I don’t want to tell you.”

“Buffy.”

“I have feelings for him, very strong feelings.”

“Do. You. Love. Him?”

“It doesn’t matter if I do or don’t. Faith wants him back, and in order to keep our affair out of the public life Faith is going to get what exactly what she wants.”

“What if I talk Faith out of wanting Riley back?”

“What!?”

“Hear me out first.” Spike pleaded with Buffy.

“No!” Buffy yelled back. “You can’t talk your way out of anything. There’s only one way that you get what you want.”

“And what’s that?” Spike questioned already knowing what she was going to say.

“Your sex appeal.” Buffy stated.

“That’s not true.” Spike said, even though he knew that it really was.

“Really? Did you want me?”

“Still do.”

Buffy ignored the last comment and continued on with her path of words. “And you used your sex appeal to get me.”

Spike nodded his head. “S’pose I did. That so wrong?”

“No, I just don’t want you to use it on Faith.”

“Buffy. . .” Spike said as he reached for her.

“I’ll give up Riley.” Buffy stated as she walked into Spike’s opened arms.

“It’s not that easy.”

“I’ll make it that easy then.”

“I still have to do this.”

Buffy pulled herself free of Spike. “What about ‘we’ll find another way’?”

“This is the only way.” Spike said as Buffy turned away from him. “Buffy…” He pulled her to face him. “This is the only way.”

Buffy looked up towards Spike. “I know this has to be done. I just wish that it wasn’t Faith.”

“We’ll get through this.” Spike stated as he ran his hand through her long hair.

“You don’t know that.”

“I have to believe it.”

Buffy pulled away from Spike again. “Okay, we get through this. You still go back to Drusilla when all is said an done.”

“She’s my wife.”

“And the soon-to-be mother of your child.”

“What do you want from me?” Spike asked as he ran a hand through his own hair.

Buffy turned away from Spike and headed towards the door. “Nothing. . .” She stopped and turned back to face Spike. “And everything. That’s the problem.”

Spike walked back towards Buffy. “Luv. . .”

“What time is it?” Buffy asked out of the blue.

“What!?”

“I have a class later.”

“Oh.” Spike looked down at his watch. “It’s a quarter past two.”

“I’ve got to go.” Buffy stated as she walked back towards the door.

“You can’t, Mary-Anne isn’t back yet.”

Buffy opened the door and turned back towards Spike. “It was never really locked.”
-------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 41

Drusilla and Spike’s House

Spike had be truly shock when Dru had called him at his office moments after Buffy had left. She had asked him if he could come over so that the two of them could talk some more.

Right now Spike was sitting in his living room looking up at Dru.

“I have something to show you.” Dru stated as she held out her hand towards her husband.

Spike stood and took his wife’s hand. “What’s that pet?”

“You’ll have to follow me.” Drusilla stated as she lead Spike out of the living room.

“You’re in a rather good mood today.” Spike stated somewhat in shock by how his wife’s attitude had changed since Monday.

Dru stopped walking and turned to face Spike. “Yes I am. I’ve taken the last few days off from teaching.”

“Is everything alright?” Spike with a panicked tone.

“Yes silly.” Dru stated pushing Spike’s shoulder playfully. “I just needed some time alone is all.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep. I’ve been able to clear my head, and look at things on a whole new level.”

“And how do you see things now Pet?”

“I see that it was wrong of me to ask you to leave. If we are going to get through this we really do need to be together.”

“What are you saying Luv?”

“I think that you should move back into the house. It’s so lonely without you in my bed at night.”

“Really? You want me to move back in?”

“You don’t want to?” Dru asked with a pout on her face.

“`Course I want to Pet, I just thought that you wanted more time s’all.”

“I did at first.” Dru took Spike’s hand and placed it on her expanded belly. “But we missed you.”

Spike pulled Dru into a loving hug. “I’ve missed you too.”

Dru looked up into her husband’s eyes. “So you’ll move back in?”

“ASAP.”

“Good.”

“So, what did you want to show me?”

“This.” Dru said as she opened the door she was standing in front of.

Spike followed Dru into the nursery and looked around in amazement. “You did all of this in two days?”

“I had a lot of outside help from Daddy, and even Carter.” Drusilla watched closely at Spike to see the reaction he would have to hearing Carter’s name.

“That was nice of him.” Spike simply stated.

“Yeah.” ‘What the hell?’ Drusilla thought that was not the reaction that she was looking for at all. ‘I’ll have to try something else.’ “I thought that you could move back in Friday night.”

Spike turned to face Drusilla. “Why Friday?”

“Oh, I thought that it would be easier for you to move in after your classes are finished for the week.”

“I don’t have any classes the rest of the week, my T.A. is just handing out the notes for next week to the students and then they get to leave. I can get all my stuff from the apartment tomorrow and move back in then.”

“Oh.” ‘Damnit. What does a woman have to do to get a reaction out of you?’

Spike picked up on Dru’s tension. “Is something wrong Pet?”

Dru shook her head. “Not at all.”

“If you need more time to think about this you can have it. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“No, I want you here.”

Spike wrapped his arms around Dru’s waist as best as he could and held her back against his front. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Dru leaned into Spike. “I have an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“Why don’t we go out to dinner on Friday? You know, celebrate us working through things.”

‘I have plans with Faith Friday.’ “I can’t.”

Dru turned to face Spike. “Why not?”

“I have to rehearse with the band Friday night. We haven’t had a chance to practice at all with Deacon being gone all week, and he won’t be coming back till Friday afternoon, and we have a gag to get ready for on Tuesday.”

“Can’t you call it off until Saturday?”

“I wish I could Pet, but we really need the practice. You know how it is?” ‘Please believe me. Please believe me.’

“I know.” ‘Damn he’s a good liar. No wonder Buffy didn’t know about me to begin with.’

‘God. She believed me.’ “How about we have that celebratory dinner tomorrow night?”

Dru smiled at Spike. “Sure.”

Spike looked at his watch. “I should probably be going now. Get a head start on my repacking.”

“You don’t have to.” Dru said with a small grin on her face. “You could stay here tonight, and tomorrow I could go with you to the apartment to help you pack.”

“And where would I be sleeping?” Spike asked picking up on Dru’s playful tone.

Dru wrapped her arms around Spike neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. “With me.”
------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 42

Friday-The Sunnydale Spa

“Please tell me again what it is exactly that we are doing here?” Cordelia asked Buffy.

Buffy turned her head to face Cordy and pulled the cucumbers that she had over her eyes off. “We are here because I need a morning and afternoon of relaxation before tonight, and because we don’t have any classes today and you need to be pampered since Angel is obviously not keeping you happy in the bedroom any longer.”

Cordelia pulled her own cucumbers off and turned to face Buffy. “Angel has had other things on his mind lately, I’m sure that after mid-terms everything will go back to normal.” Cordelia stated trying her best to defend her absentee boyfriend.

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. Angel loves me.”

“I know he does.”

“I can’t believe that you are really doing this tonight.” Cordelia stated trying to get the conversation away from her relationship with Angel, or lack there of.

“It’s the only way.”

“Are you ready for tonight?”

“Physically? Yes. Emotionally? Not even close.”

“Physically?” Cordy questioned.

“Yep. I’m all waxed and ready to get this over with.”

“I don’t balm you. The thought of Parker even looking at me freaks me out.”

“Not helping with the emotional part of me.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“So, what’s the full plan for today?”

“Um. I thought that when we got finished here we could go shopping for a few hours, and then we could stop be The Bronze.”

“The Bronze? They’ll still be closed.”

“I know.”

“Then why would you want to go there?”

“Spike’s band is practicing there this afternoon, and I really need to talk with Deacon.”

“About Alyson?”

“Yeah, and I need to talk to Carter about something too.”

“Buffy I don’t think that is such a good idea.”

“I need to talk with him.”

“But. . .”

“I know Spike will be there. We talked about all of this already; he knows that I’m not in love with Carter, and that what happened between the two of us was a one time kinda thing.”

“If you’re sure about this.”

“I am.”

“Okay then. Let’s get this stuff off and head out of here.”

“Right behind you Cor. . . What the hell are you doing here?” Buffy demanded, while trying to fight the urge she was having to rip the woman in front of her apart limb by limb.

“I just got a Brazilian wax if you must know. I have big plans for tonight, and want everything to be prefect.”

Cordelia turned back to face Buffy. “Buffy what’s. . .Faith.”

“Hello Cordelia. Might I say that is a lovely shade of green you are wearing.”

“What do you want Faith?”

“I was just telling Buffy that I was finishing up my plans for tonight.”

“Faith the only reason that Spike will be with you tonight is to keep you from telling people about the affair.” Buffy stated.

“You keep telling yourself that tonight when you’re curled up in your bed trying to get to sleep, the whole time remembering that Spike is screaming my name as he cums.”

“Spike will never scream your name Faith.”

“We’ll see about that. I plan on being the best ride he’s ever had.” Faith said as a grin spread across her face.

“Well since I am the best ride he’s ever had let me tell you that it will never happen. If he screams anyone’s name tonight it’ll be mine.” Buffy turned a took Cordelia by the arm leaving a pissed Faith standing behind.

*****

An Hour Later-Sunnydale Mall

“I still can’t get over what you told Faith at the Spa.” Cordelia said as she ran her hand over the items that hung on one of the racks at Victory Secrets.

“Yeah, while she was pissing me off.”

“I could tell. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk about sex that way before.”

“I was only stating the truth. I could have her going in there with her hopes up so high. Really, who does she think she is?”

“What if he does scream her name tonight?” Cordelia asked.

“What color should I wear tonight?” Buffy asked not wanting to think about Spike screaming anyone’s name but hers.

Cordelia picked up on how uneasy Buffy was about the question and decided that she would leave it alone. “You can’t wear white.”

“No, I guess not.”

“What are Spike’s favorite colors?”

“Black and red.”

“Can’t wear those either then.”

“No I can’t.”

“How about pink or blue?” Cordy asked, holding up two.

“To babyish.”

Cordy put the clothes back on the rack. “I see your point.”

“How about a light green?” Buffy asked, holding up the in question. “It matches my eyes.”

“That’s good. Long or short?”

“Um, long. The more it covers the better.”

“Why are you buying something new for tonight?”

“Because I like everything I already own, and after tonight I plan on burning what I wore.”

“Oh.”

“Let’s pay for this and head to The Bronze.” Buffy said, heading to the cashier.
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Chapter 43

The Bronze

“Let’s take a ten minute break and then pick up where we left off.” Spike said as he put the microphone back in its stand. He was still having a hard time being around Carter, but the band really need to practice.

“So what happened in Sunnydale while I was gone?” Deacon asked noticing the tension between Carter and Spike.

“Not much, Dru and I got back together.”

“Yeah, after you and Buffy almost had sex on my bed.” Carter mumbled under his breath.

“What was that?” Deacon asked Carter.

“Nothing. Spike moved back into the apartment for a few days, but then he and Dru worked things out and he moved back in to his own house.”

“Well, that’s good for you and Dru.” Deacon said to Spike.

“Yeah. . .”

“What else did I miss?”

“You missed Carter walking in on Spike and I about to have sex in his bed for starters.” Buffy stated as she walked over to the stage with Cordelia closely behind.

All three men looked on in shock at the boldness in the tone that the petite blonde had just made that statement in.

“What are you doing here?” Spike asked locking eyes with Buffy.

“I heard that Deacon was back in town and I wanted to stop by and say hi to him. Is that a crime?”

“Of course not.” Deacon said as he walked off stage and pulled Buffy into a small hug.

“I’m glad someone is happy to see me.” Buffy said staring at the two remaining men on the stage before she turned her attention back towards Deacon. “How was L.A.?”

“It was great. You’d be amazed how much it can change when you’ve been away for five months.”

“How is Alyson?”

“You can ask her yourself. She’ll be here next week.”

“That’s great.” Buffy said not really sure how she was going to act around her once best friend after everything that had and was about to happen.

“Would you and your friend like anything to drink?”

“I’ll have a coke.” Buffy turned to towards Cordelia. “Cordy?”

“I’ll have a bottle of water.”

“One coke, and a bottle of water coming right up.” Deacon turned towards the stage. “Do you guy’s want something?”

‘Buffy’ Both Spike and Carter thought at the same time.

“I’ll have a beer.” Spike said instead.

“Me too.” Carter added.

“Okay. I’ll be right back.” Deacon said heading towards the bar.

“I’ll help you with that.” Cordelia added not wanting to be so close to the explosion that was granted to happen at any moment.

After the two of them where away from the stage Buffy turned to face both of the men that remained.

“So? How are things going?” Buffy asked.

“Dru and Spike got back together.” Carter practically yelled out.

“Really? When did this happen?” Buffy asked trying to keep how hurt she was from showing.

“Wednesday night.” Spike stated.

“Wow. You had a busy Wednesday didn’t you?”

“You could say that.”

“What about you Carter?”

“What about me?” Carter asked not knowing what type of game Buffy was playing.

“Well, I haven’t spoken with you since you told Spike about us. I’m just wondering how things are goin’.”

“Buffy.” Spike warned.

Buffy turned to face Spike. “What? I’m only trying to get things out in the open. You two obviously haven’t talked about this since I left.”

“That’s because there is nothing to talk about.” Carter stated.

“Sure there is. We could talk about lots of things.”

“Alright, lets talk about the real reason you’re here.” Spike stated.

“I already told you that. I came here to see Deacon, and I need to speak with Carter.”

“Running to him again.” Spike replied with a ping of jealousy running through him.

“It’s not like that. I just need to ask him something. Have a little ‘Faith’.” Buffy bit back at Spike making sure that he understood what she was really talking about.

“This is not the time nor place to talk about this Buffy.”

“Why not? Do they not know about your plans for tonight? I thought that they were your friends. They kept the fact that you were married a secret from me, why wouldn’t they keep what you have planned for tonight a secret from Dru?” Buffy asked.

Carter cut in. “What did you want to talk to me about Buffy?”

Buffy turned towards Carter. “It’s not important anymore.”

Buffy turned away from the stage just as Deacon and Cordy decided to come back with the drinks.

“Here we go.” Deacon called out holding up the drinks.

Buffy walked over and grabbed one of the beers out of his hands and gulped it down. She then turned back to the stage holding the now empty bottle in her hand. “Hope you have fun tonight.” Buffy stated before throwing the bottle against the stage causing pieces to fly everywhere. She turned back around and took hold of Cordy’s hand. “Lets go. I have to get ready for tonight.”

After Buffy and Cordelia were out of the club Deacon turned to face Spike and Carter. “What was that all about?”

“It’s not important.” Spike said as he stared in the direction Buffy had just left in playing the last words she had said over and over in his head. ‘I have to get ready for tonight.’

“BUFFY!” Spike yelled running out of the club after her.

*****

Parking Lot

Buffy had just made it outside of the club before she fell to the ground in a fit of tears.

Cordelia wrapped her arms around Buffy trying to get her to stop crying. “Buffy what was that all about in there?”

“Spike and Drusilla got back together.” Buffy stated through her sobbing.

“That’s good.”

Buffy looked up at Cordelia. “I know it is, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt.”

“You’ll get through this Buffy. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”

“Thanks.”

“Now, lets get off this ground. Who knows how many people have vomited here.” Cordelia stated as she help Buffy to her feet.

“Ew!” Buffy said with a small smile on her face.

“It’s true.”

Both girls were laughing when they heard Buffy’s name being yelled from inside the club.

Buffy looked back towards the door as Spike came running out.

“Buffy. . .” Spike whisper as he walked over towards her and pulled her into his arms.

Buffy struggled to get out of Spike’s hold. “Don’t touch me.”

“I’ll just go wait for you back in the club.” Cordelia said as she walked back towards the club.

“Cordy, no.”

“Buffy the two of you need to talk about this.”

“Thank you Cordelia.” Spike said.

“I’m only doing this for Buffy.” Cordelia bit back at Spike.

Buffy watched as her friend disappeared back into the closed club. “What do you want?”

“I know what you’re doing tonight Buffy.” Spike said as he turned her to face him.

“So?”

“Buffy, you can’t do this.”

“Why not? You are.”

“You have a history with Parker. He knows you, and what to do to you.”

“So do you.” Buffy stated.

“But I love you.”

“Still?”

“Of course. I would never use what we had to hurt you.”

“You hurt me every time you look at me, touch me. I hear your name and it hurts me.”

“Buffy. . .”

“No. I have to get ready for tonight, and so do you.” Buffy said as she pulled her keys out of her purse. “Tell Cordy to meet me at my car when you go back in.”

“Fine.” Spike said as he turned to head back into the club.

“Spike.” Buffy called after him.

Spike turned back to face her. “Yeah?”

A tear ran down her face. “Don’t scream her name.”

“Never.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Chapter 44

The Sunnydale Inn-Room 213

Faith went around the room making the finale touches to everything. From the looks of Spike he was one who could go all night, and that was just what Faith had in mind. She was lighting the finale candles when she heard a knock at the door. She stopped in front of the mirror and ran her hand down her blood red teddy before answering the door.

“Ready for the ride. . .Mrs. Winthrop what are you doing here?” Faith asked as she closed the door behind the raven hair woman.

“I came to make sure everything was prefect Ms. Wilkins.” Drusilla stated as she walked around the large hotel room.

“And?” Faith asked.

“It will do, just make sure that he stays the whole night. I have plans myself for this evening.”

“What type of plans?”

“That doesn’t concern you.”

“So, is everything okay? He should be here soon.”

“Everything is fine, especially the teddy you have on. Very nice.” Drusilla said as she ran her hand over the fabric.

Faith stepped away; not liking the way Drusilla was looking at her. “Look, I’m doing this for one reason, and one reason only. Don’t get any ideas lady, I like the person I’m fucking to have more in-between their legs.”

“I sure you do. I’ll be on my way then.”

Faith walked back over towards the door. “Thanks for stopping by.”

Drusilla opened the door and walked out. “All night.”

“Not a problem.” Faith said as she closed the door.

Down the hall a petite blonde watched as Drusilla and Faith talked and Drusilla walked away while Faith closed the door to the hotel room. ‘Those bitches. They’re working together.’

*****

The Sunnydale Inn-Room 214

Parker grabbed the ice bucket and was opening the door to his room when he saw Buffy getting ready to knock on the door across the hallway.

“Buffy.”

Buffy turned around to face the direction that her name was being called from. ‘Not now.’ “Parker.”

“Did you forget what room number?” He asked as he pointed to the door with 213 on it then back to the door that had 214.

“No, I need to speak with the person in this room.” Buffy said getting ready to knock again.

Parker grabbed her arm and pulled her into his room. “That can wait.”

“It really can’t.” Buffy said trying to get out if his hold.

“It’s going to have to.” Parker said as he placed his lips over hers in a violent kiss.

*****

KNOCK-KNOCK

Spike had his back to the room he was waiting to get into and was staring at the door across the hallway. ‘Something isn’t right.’ Spike thought, and was about to knock on that door when the one behind him opened and he was pulled in and pushed onto the bed.

“So glad you could make it.” Faith said as she closed the door.

“Didn’t really have a choose in the matter, now did I?” Spike said as he sat up.

“Sure you did. You could come here, or I could tell everyone that you like to sleep with your students.”

“One student, and she wasn’t a student of mine when we were together.”

“But you were married.”

“Yes I was. And Drusilla knows all about Buffy.”

‘She knows more then you think.’ Faith thought but instead said: “Are you sure she knows everything?”

“She knows the important stuff.”

“Which is?”

“I thought I was here to fuck, not be asked twenty questions.”

“We’ll get to that part soon enough.”

“Fine. Dru knows that what happened with Buffy is in the past. She knows that I’m dedicated to her and our child.”

“That’s sweet.” Faith said as she took a seat on the bed next to Spike. “What if your wife wasn’t pregnant?”

“She is.” Spike simply stated.

“Right. But what if?” Faith asked, really wanting to know the answer.

“I would have stayed with Buffy.” Spike whispered.

“What is it about B. that has every guy standin’ in line for a piece of her?” Faith demanded as she stood up from the bed. “I mean come on, she can’t be that great in bed.”

Spike stood up as well. “Not everything is about sex Faith. How people feel for Buffy is more then just sex.”

“You really love her.” Faith stated in shock.

“Yes I do.” Spike walked over towards the door and opened it. “Which is why you can tell whoever you want about the affair Faith. The deals off.”

Faith sat back down on the bed as Spike shut the door behind him.

*****

Once in the hallway Spike pulled out his cell phone and dialed Buffy’s apartment.

“. . .”

“Is Buffy there?”

“. . .”

“Cordelia?”

“. . .”

“Where’s Buffy?”

“. . .”

“I don’t care what she told you damnit, just tell me where she is.”

“. . .”

“I told Faith she could tell who ever she wants about the affair and I need to find Buffy before it’s to late.”

“. . .”

“I’m at The Sunnydale Inn.”

“. . .”

“She’s here?”

“. . .”

“What room?”

“. . .”

‘214’ “I’ve got to go.”

“. . .”

“Thanks.”

Spike closed his cell phone and looked up at the door that he was getting a bad feeling from earlier. ‘I hope I’m not to late.’
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 45

The Sunnydale Inn-Room 214

Parker now had Buffy pinned to the king sized bed and was trailing kisses along her neck and jaw.

“Tell me you want me.” Parker demanded.

“I want you.” Buffy stated in a low whisper as a tear ran down her cheek.

“Say it like you mean it.” Parker yelled tightening the grip that he had on her wrists.

Buffy turned her head and locked eyes with Parker. “I. . .I.”

“Say it!” Parker yelled.

“I want you.” Buffy said in an even voice, not wanting him to know have scared she was at that moment.

Parker pulled himself away from Buffy and stood from the bed. “Take your clothes off.”

Buffy sat up on the bed and slowly began to remove her shirt when there was a knocking at the door. ‘Thank what ever god is up there.’

“Hold that thought.” Parker stated as he walked over towards the door.

The next thing Buffy knew, Parker was on the ground knocked out cold and Spike was holding his hand out to her.

“Come on Goldilocks.”

Buffy took Spike’s hand and grabbed her bag as he pulled her out of the hotel room and down the hallway.

*****

Once the two of them were out of the hotel and into the parking lot Buffy stopped walking and pulled her hand free of Spike’s.

“Are you crazy?”

Spike turned around to face Buffy. “What!?”

“I asked, are you crazy?”

“No I’m not crazy.”

“Then what the Hell did you do that for?”

“This is not the place to talk about this.”

“When Parker wakes up, and I’m no longer there he is going to come looking for me.”

“All the more reason to get out of her Pet.” Spike said as he reached for her hand again.

Buffy stepped away from him and started to dig through her purse to get her car keys out. “He’ll tell everyone about the affair.”

“Let him.”

Buffy looked at Spike in shock. “Let him? Are you out of your mind?”

“No.”

“If he tells then you’re going to lose your job at the college.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Yes it does. You love being able to teach, to be able to get through to a person in a way no one else can.”

“I love you more.”

“What about Faith?”

“I told her that she could tell whoever she wanted to.”

“Why?” Buffy asked.

“I thought I already covered that Luv. I love you.” Spike looked past Buffy and back to the main entrance of the hotel. “We really need to get out of here before he wakes up.”

Buffy looked back at the hotel, then back to Spike. “Where should we go?”

“We’ll think of something on the way.” Spike stated as he pulled her towards his car.

*****

Drusilla and Spike’s House

“Harder! Harder!” Drusilla yelled at the top of her lungs as the man on top of her pounded into her.

RING-RING

“Ahhhhh. . .almost there.”

RING-RING

Drusilla turned her head in the direction of the phone debating if she should pick it up or not in her head.

RING-RING

“DAMNIT!” Drusilla yelled as she pushed the man off of her and pick up the phone.

“This better be important.” Dru screamed at the person on the other side of the line.

“. . .”

“What!?” She yelled as shot up in the bed.

“. . .”

“What do you mean he told you that you could tell whoever you wanted?”

“. . .”

“And he just walked out the room?”

“. . .”

“He left with someone else?”

“. . .”

“Who?”

“. . .”

“BITCH!” Drusilla screamed as she threw the phone across the room and into the wall.

“What happened?”

Drusilla turned to face the man sitting in the bed nest to her. “My husband didn’t follow through with the deal.”

“What do you mean?”

“He left. He told Ms. Wilkins that she could tell whoever she wanted to tell, and then he walked out of the room.”

“You said something about Spike leaving with someone else. Who was it?”

“The love of your life.” Drusilla stated coldly as she wrapped the sheet around her and walked into the bathroom.

Carter sat on the bed in total shock. “Buffy. . .” He whispered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 46

On the Road

“Where are we going?” Buffy asked as Spike drove down the road.

“Not sure. Not like we can go to my place.”

“We can’t go to the loft because Tara is there, and Parker will probably go looking for me there first. What about your apartment?”

“Nope. Deacon and Carter are there and I really think we need some alone time.”

“Right. Can’t go to the mansion because my Parents are back in town.”

“Guess not.”

Buffy watched as the car passed the ‘Now Leaving Sunnydale’ sign. “You’re leaving town.”

“I know.”

“Why?”

“People can’t find you if you’re not there to be found.”

“So, where are we going?”

“How ‘bout the first place we meet?”

“L.A.? That’s a two hour drive.”

“It’s Friday night. No classes until Monday to worry about.”

“What about Dru?”

“She was going out of town with her Father this weekend because I told her that the band had to practice all weekend long.”

“Oh. . .”

*****

Los Angeles-Two Hours Later

“Pet we’re here.” Spike said as he turned of the engine to his car.

Buffy looked up from where her head was resting on Spike’s leg. “Where’s here?” Buffy asked trying to wake up completely.

“The motel.”

“Motel?” Buffy asked fully sitting up now.

“While we needed a place to stay for the night, and I didn’t think there was a need to spend a great deal of cash for just one night. If you want to stay the weekend we can find a better place tomorrow.”

Buffy stepped out of the car. “This is fine.”

Spike joined Buffy outside of the car and headed towards the main office. “I’m glad.” Spike took hold of her hand. “Let’s get us a room and get settled in.”

“Sure.” Buffy said following Spike close behind, not liking the way that some of the men in the parking lot were looking at her.

Spike noticed Buffy’s tension and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder. “You’re safe with me Luv.”

Buffy leaned into his hold. “I know.”

*****

Sunnydale-Drusilla and Spike’s House

“Where could they be?” Drusilla asked as she paced back and forth in her living room.

“How the hell should I know? You’re the one that is suppose to know Spike’s every move.” Carter stated from his spot on the couch.

“I do.”

“Really? Then were is he and Buffy for that matter?”

After a few moments silence Drusilla turned to face Cater.

“This is all your fault!” Dru yelled.

Carter smiled at Dru’s outburst. “How’s that?”

“‘Cause you said there was no need to follow him tonight.”

“He was suppose to be at the hotel until tomorrow morning Dru.” Carter stated in a higher tone then before.

“While he’s not.” Dru yelled back. “He’s off some place with your whore.”

Carter stood from the couch and walked over towards Dru and grabbed both of her arms. “Buffy is NOT a whore! If anyone is a whore here Dru it would be you.”

“You didn’t seem to mind it to much a few hours ago.” Drusilla bit back as she pulled herself free of Carter’s hold.

“It’s was just sex.”

“Please, I’m the best you’ve ever had.” Drusilla said as she ran her hand over Carter’s chest.

Carter grabbed hold of Dru’s wrist and pushed it away. “You’re good I’ll give you that, but you are no where near the best. Now I understand way Spike was planning on leaving you over the summer.”

“And way’s that?” Drusilla questioned.

“You’ve got all the moves down to a ‘T’, but you’ve got none of the emotions.”

“You Bastard!” Drusilla yelled as she slapped Carter across the face.

“Now, now Dru. No need for name-calling. I wouldn’t want Spike to find out about that bundle of joy you’re not really carrying.”

“You wouldn’t.” Dru stated in shock.

“Are you sure about that?” Carter asked with a grin on his face.

“You’ll lose Buffy forever.”

Carter nodded his head. “Can’t lose something you never had to being with.”

Carter turned from where Drusilla was standing in shock and headed towards the front door.

“CARTER!” Drusilla yelled as he open the door.

“Talk to you later Dru.” Carter called over his shoulder before slamming the door shut behind him.

“CARTER!!!!!!!”

*****

Los Angeles-Off Road Motel

“Here you go Pet.” Spike said as he handed Buffy a glass of water.

“Thanks.”

“No prom. Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m fine.” Buffy simple replied.

“Are you sure ‘cause I. . .” Spike asked as he nervously paced back and forth in front of the bed that Buffy was sitting on. Which also happened to be the only bed in the room.

“Spike. I’m fine.”

“Right.” Spike said nodding his head.

“Maybe you should sit down.” Buffy said as she pointed to the chair across from the bed.

“S’pose you’re right.” Spike stated as he pulled the chair away from the wall and sat down.

After a few moments Buffy decided to ask the question that had been on her mind since Spike has knocked Parker out.

“Tell me what happened earlier.”

“Not much to tell really. Went to the hotel, talked with Faith, told her the deal was off and came to rescue you from that nightmare you call an ex-boyfriend.”

Buffy ignored the last part of his statement. “What did you talk to her about?”

Spike locked eyes with Buffy. “You.”

“What about me?”

Spike looked away from Buffy. “That I would have stayed with you if my wife wasn’t pregnant. That I love you.”

“Still?”

Spike relocked eyes with Buffy. “Always.”

Buffy stood up from the bed and walked over towards the window. “We’ll see if you feel the same way after I tell you hear what I’m about to tell you.”

Spike stood up from the chair and walked towards Buffy, turning her around to face him.

“What is it?”

Buffy stepped away from Spike. “First, I don’t think we have to worry about Faith telling her Father or the college about the affair.”

“Why’s that?”

“Cause I think Faith is working for someone else.”

“What!?” Spike asked in disbelief.

“When I got to the hotel I saw her talking to a person outside of her room.”

“Maybe it was someone who worked for the hotel. The room was pretty much ready for a long night.”

“I really don’t think that was the case.”

“Who was it?”

Buffy took a deep breath before looking at Spike. “Drusilla. . .”
------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 47

Los Angeles

“Drusilla!?” Spike questioned in utter and complete shock.

“I saw her leaving Faith’s room right before Parker pulled me into his room.”

“What reason would Dru have to be there?”

“I don’t know.”

Spike looked at Buffy. “But you have an idea.”

Buffy nodded her head. “I think Faith is working for Drusilla.”

“That’s insane.” Spike yelled. “What could Dru possibly gain from Faith working for her?”

“You.” Buffy whispered

“She already has me.” Spike yelled again.

Buffy looked away from Spike for a moment then turned back to face him. “Maybe she doesn’t see it that way.”

“Then what way do you think she sees it?” Spike bit back.

“That I have you.”

The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence once again as Spike tried to figure out if what Buffy was saying could really be true.

“This is crazy.” Spike finally stated.

Buffy walked over to Spike and placed a hand on his arm. “Spike just hear me out.”

“Why should I?” Spike yelled as he pulled away from Buffy’s outreached hand. “Dru has nothing to do with this.”

“She has everything to do with this.” Buffy yelled back.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Why is it so hard for you to believe that your wife is actually capable of doing something like this?”

“Because she’s my wife damnit. I’ve known her all my life.”

“Maybe that’s the problem.”

“What!?”

“You’ve known her to long, you’re not thinking with a clear head.”

Spike nodded his head, knowing that Buffy was right, and that she would never lie to him about something this important.

“What do you think?”

The question caught Buffy by surprise. “‘Bout Drusilla?”

“Yeah, about Dru.”

Buffy took a deep breath before tell Spike her theory about his wife and who was working with her. “I think that she found out somehow that you were having an affair before she walked in on us together, and that you were planning on leaving her for the other person. I think that the deal with Faith was a way to keep me from ever being able to be with you again.”

“How’s that?” Spike asked not fully understanding why Faith would be the key person keep them apart.

“Faith and I hate each other, everyone know it. What they don’t know is the real reason behind the hatred.”

“I thought that she hated you because she feels that you keep taking things away from her. Her more popular friends started to hang out with you when you first moved here. You beat her for the spot on the varsity cheerleading squad. Even her ex-high school sweet heart.”

Buffy nodded. “That’s what everyone in Sunnydale thinks. The truth of the matter is that Faith and I go back to when she was living in L.A. and we were both starting middle school together. The hate we feel for one another have had years to grow into what it is today.”

*****

UC Sunnydale Campus-Dorms

KNOCK-KNOCK

The door to the dorm room opened to reveal a somewhat shocked person standing in the doorway. “Faith? What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” Faith asked in a low whisper.

“Yeah, sure. Angel’s out with Cordy. What can I do for you?” Riley asked as he stepped away from the door to let Faith walk in.

Once the door was closed Faith turned to face Riley. “I’m a bitch.”

“What!?”

“I am. I’m a heartless bitch.”

“Where is this coming from?” Riley asked still shock first at that fact that Faith was in his dorm room and second at the fact that she was calling herself a bitch.

“Did you love me?” Faith asked in a low whisper.

Riley walked closer to Faith and tilted her chin up. “What is this about?”

Faith stepped away from him. “We were together for almost four years. Did you love me any of them?”

“Of course I loved you.”

“Then why?”

After a moment of figuring out what it was that she was asking Riley started to shake his head. “Faith, we’ve already talked about this.”

“I just don’t understand. You say that you loved me. . .”

Riley interrupted Faith. “My loving you wasn’t the problem.”

“Then what was?” Faith asked somewhat angrily.

“You being to scared to let me.”

“That’s not true.”

“Really? The first time I told you that I loved you, you freaked out.”

“I did not.” Faith stated in shock.

“Faith, you ran out on me.” Riley yelled at her.

“We were to young. It was to soon in our relationship for you to be having those type of feelings about me.” Faith stated trying to make herself believe it as well.

“You didn’t think that we were to young to be having sex. And as far as to soon in the relationship, we were together for over two years before I told you how I really felt.”

After a few moments of an utter and complete silence Riley turned to face Faith. “What brought all of this on in the first place?”

“I was with a man tonight.” Faith said in a low whisper.

“Oh. . .” Riley stated not knowing why he was feeling jealous of this information.

“When he got there I asked him about a few things and it got me thinking. This man is willing to give up everything that means anything to him all for some women because he loves her. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about another human in my entire life.” Faith said as she walked over and sat down on one of the beds in the room.

“That’s not true.” Riley stated following Faith over to the beds and sat opposite of her.

“Yes it is. I’m heartless. Unable to love, or let myself be loved just like you said. I push everyone away because I don’t want to get hurt, but in the end I’m alone and hurt.” Faith finished as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Riley pulled Faith into his arms and ran his hand up and down her back slowly. “You’re not alone. I will always be there for you when ever you need me.”

Faith pulled away from Riley and looked up into his face. “What about Buffy?”

“I’m falling in love with her.”
----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 48

Los Angeles

“Faith and I knew each other before I moved to Sunnydale. We were actually really good friends until she went after my boyfriend.”

Spike gave Buffy an unbelieving look.

“I know what you’re thinking. ‘Poor little middle school girl got her boyfriend taken away from her. What a tragedy.’ But it has to do with more than just that.”

“I’m all ears.” Spike said as he sat down in the chair waiting for Buffy to continue with her tale.

“It started out as small things at first. She was jealous of my relationship with Alyson, and that I was always pick over her for anything.”

“Like what?”

“Any and everything really. From cheerleading to the guys I dated.”

“Guys?”

“That was what pushed her over the edge the most. She couldn’t understand why someone would want to be with me instead of her. And it didn’t help that I started to date the guy that she had a major crush on.”

“Really? That doesn’t seem like something you would do.”

“And neither was sleeping with a married man, but I some how managed that one.” Buffy said jokingly.

“Funny.”

“I thought so. Now back to the history lesson. Nick was the guy’s name, and he was the type of guy that every girl wanted for herself.”

“And you had him.”

“Yep.” Buffy said popping the ‘p’. “Faith tried everything in her power to get him for herself, but nothing worked.”

“Never settle for second best.” Spike stated proudly.

“Or so I thought.”

“What happened?” Spike asked knowing that the tale was about to take a wrong turn by the tone of her voice.

“We were at the last party of the eight grade year, and I walked in on Faith in bed with Nick.”

“Wow.”

“I wasn’t willing so Nick turned to someone who was.”

“Faith.”

“What can I say Faith likes sex. It’s no wonder she thinks that she’s so good at it, she’s been doing it long enough.”

“And what ever happened to good ole Nick?”

“I broke up with him at the party, it was a night packed full of drama. The couple that had been together the longest broke up, and everyone was once again was there for me, not Faith. Nick and his family moved to Indiana and I never saw him again. Faith moved to Sunnydale and continued to hate me.”

“So you hate Faith because she slept with your boyfriend?”

“Not as much as someone would think.”

“Then why?”

“I only hate her for blaming me for everything that has gone wrong in her life. I’m only one person, I don’t have that type of power.”

“And you think that Dru is using this in order to get me back for good?” Spike asked placing all the information together in his head.

Buffy nodded her head. “Yes, but I don’t think that it’s just Faith. I think that Drusilla has others helping her.”

“Like who?”

“Other than Faith? She has to have her Father’s help. He has got to be in on this, she spends all her time with him.”

“He would do anything to make sure that she stays happy. No matter who gets hurt on the way.”

“I don’t think that it’s just Faith and her Father though. There has got to be at least one more person in on all of this.” Buffy stated as she started to pace back and forth in front of where Spike was seated.

Spike stood up and stopped her pacing. “Who?”

Buffy locked eyes with Spike. “Someone we both know, and trust.”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 49

Sunnydale

After some time away Carter decided that it was best if he got back over to Dru’s to figure out how they were going to make everything work out.

“Where are they?” Drusilla asked for what felt like the thousandth time that evening as she looked out the window in the living room.

“I don’t know Dru. And if you ask me again I’ll leave, and let you figure out this all on your own.”

“Fine. What about that Parker guy that Buffy was suppose to be with tonight? Do we at least know what happened to him?” Drusilla asked as she turned to face Carter.

Carter ran a hand through his freshly washed hair. “Yeah, he’s held up at some bar.”

Drusilla turned back to the window and looked out watching as the moon disappeared making way for the early rays of a new day to come. “Everything was going so well until now.”

“Face it Dru, Spike love’s Buffy to much to just let her completely out oh his life, even for you and what he believes to be his child.”

Drusilla’s eyes flashed fire. “You’re wrong. My Spike will come back to me. He always does.”

Carter tried hard not to chuckle. “Not this time.”

“I’ll prove you wrong.” Dru yelled back as she walked over towards the phone.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m calling Spike.” Dru said as she picked up the phone.

Carter stalked over towards the phone and pulled it out of her hand. “You can’t.”

Drusilla pulled the phone back away from Carter. “I’m his wife and I refuse to lose him to that little whore.”

*****

Los Angeles

“Do you mind if I take a shower.” Buffy asked as she walked over towards the bathroom.

Spike looked up from the notepad he was writing on. “I thought we were trying to figure out who was working with Dru besides her Father and Faith.”

Buffy sighed and walked back towards Spike. “I can still feel Parker’s hands on my body, I need to take a shower.”

“Of course.” Spike answered not liking the fact that Buffy had brought up Parker’s name.

Buffy walked back towards the bathroom and stopped just outside the door. “Why don’t you order some food and after I’m all clean and we eat we can try to find out who our mystery person could be.”

Spike nodded his head. “Sure thing Luv.”

RING-RING

Both Buffy and Spike looked around the room and towards their own cell phones.

“It’s mine.” Spike said as he picked up his phone. “You go shower while I take this, then I’ll arder us some food. What do you want?”

RING-RING

“How about Tia?”

“Sounds good to me.” Spike answer as Buffy walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

RING-RIN. . .

“‘ello?”

“. . .”

“Dru?” Spike asked as he stared at the closed bathroom door.

“. . .”

“Is everything alright?” Spike asked with concern in his voice.

“. . .”

“I’m in L.A.”

“. . .”

“I have a meeting with a club owner tomorrow who is looking for a band to play the night of their grand opening.”

“. . .”

“No, Deacon and Carter are still in Sunnydale.”

“. . .”

“It’s just a meetin’ to give the owner a tape of us playin’.”

“. . .”

“I’ll be back before Monday.”

“. . .”

“Have fun with your Father this weekend.”

“. . .”

“Bye Luv.”

*****

Sunnydale

“Goodbye.” Drusilla said as she hung up her phone.

“So?” Carter asked as he stopped pacing back and forth.

Drusilla turned to face Carter. “He said that he was in Los Angeles.”

“Why?”

“Did he say that Deacon and I were with him?”

“No, he said that you two were still here.”

“When’s he coming back?”

“Before Monday.”

“What do we do now?”

“Think of a new plan.”

*****

Los Angeles

“Who was that on the phone?” Buffy asked as she walked out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around her body.

Spike took a deep breath as he took in the way that Buffy looked. “Dru.”

“Oh?”

“She was demanding to know where I was.”

“Did you tell her?” Buffy asked as she sat on the bed running a brush through her hair.

“Told her I was here in L.A. doing something for the band.”

“Did she believe you?”

Spike nodded his head. “I guess so. Seemed like she was only interested in where I was and when I’d be back in town.”

“And?” Buffy asked as she walked over towards Spike and stood in front of him noting the tone in which he was talking about his wife.

“I think you’re right about the whole Dru thing. I really was hoping that you were wrong, but after that phone call. . .”

Buffy place her hands on either side of his face and tilted up towards her. “Spike I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be right about this.”

Spike looked at her with laughter in his eyes.

“Alright, I kinda did. But not as much as you think.”

“S’okay Luv.” Spike said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“What happens next?”

“We find out how long this has been goin’ on and who’s all involved with it.”

“Then what?”

“We change the rules.”
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Chapter 50

Los Angeles-Next Morning

“Mmm. . .” Buffy mumbled as she moved closer to the warm body that was lying next to her with warm and welcoming strong arms wrapped around her lower waist.

“Mornin’ Luv.” Spike whispered as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Buffy’s eyes shot open at the voice she was hearing. “Spike?”

Spike ran a hand up and down her arm. “Yeah Pet, it’s me.”

“What. . .Where are we?” Buffy asked as she sat up slightly and looked around the room.

Spike propped himself up on his elbow. “In L.A., remember?”

Buffy lower her head back down onto the pillow. “Oh, yeah.” She then turned to face Spike. “What time is it?”

Spike looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall that Buffy had her back to. “Little after seven. You should go back to sleep.”

“Sleep is good.” Buffy mumbled as her eyes slowly closed. They shot back open when she felt the bad move. “Where are you going?” Buffy asked as she held onto his arm.

“To get us a few things.” Spike said as he pulled his shirt over his head.

“Stay.”

Spike turned to face Buffy and took in the site of her lying in a bed with only a thin sheet to cover up her nakedness. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

Buffy sat up and wrapped the sheet tighter around her body. “Please, I sleep better when you hold me. You make me feel safe.”

Spike walked back over towards the bed. “You are safe.”

“Then stay.” Buffy said as she held out her hand.

“Alright.” Spike said as he took Buffy’s hand and let her pull him back towards her.

After the two blondes were settled in the bed comfortably Buffy raised her head from where it rested on his chest. “Spike?”

“Huh?” Spike asked with closed eyes.

“Were watching me sleep earlier?”

Spike opened his eyes and looked down at her. “Yeah. . .”

“For how long?” Buffy asked remembering a time when he had told her that he could watch her sleep for the rest of his life and still think she looked like an angel.

“Not that long.” Spike responded remembering the same thing Buffy was.

“Spike.” Buffy said in a tone that she knew he was lying.

“An hour or so.”

“Spike.” Buffy said as she placed her head back down on his chest.

Spike sighed. “Alright, most of the night.”

“Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“Go to sleep.” Buffy said as she closed her eyes with a grin on her face.

“Right.” Spike stated as he closed his eyes and pulled her closer to his body.

*****

Sunnydale-Loft Apartment

“Cor. . .”

“Mmm. . .”

“Cordy. . .”

“Five more minutes.” Cordelia begged as she pulled a pillow over her head.

“Cordelia.” Angel yelled as he pulled the pillow away from her.

“Huh?” Cordelia asked as she shot up in her bed.

Angel ran a hand down her back to help her relax. “I have to get back to the dorm.”

“What time is it?”

“Almost eight. I need to pick up a few things before I head over to the mansion to have brunch with my Father and Connor.”

Cordelia looked around the room then nodded her head. “Okay. I’ll come with you.”

“You don’t have to. You could stay here and get some more sleep. I know you didn’t get much last night.” Angel said with a happy grin plaster across his face.

Cordelia shook her head and crawled out of her bed. “I can’t. I have things I need to get done before Buffy get home.”

“How long will you take?”

“Fifteen minutes tops.”

“Fifteen minutes.” Angel stated in a firm voice.

“You could join me in the shower.” Cordelia said as she ran a hand down Angel’s chest.

“That would take more then fifteen minutes, and you know it.” Angel stated as he looked down at Cordelia with lustful eyes.

“It’ll be worth the time.” Cordelia said as she pulled Angel into her bathroom.

*****

UC Sunnydale- Thirty Minutes Later

Angel stopped dead in his tracks as he pushed open the door to his and Riley’s dorm room causing Cordelia to run into him.

“Angel. . .Oh My God!” Cordelia yelled as she saw the couple wrapped in each other arms.

Riley shot up out of the bed causing Faith to wake up. “What?”

“What the HELL is going on? How could you do this to Buffy?” Cordelia demanded.

“This isn’t what it looks like.” Riley pleaded for Cordelia to believe him.

Faith was getting ready to say something, but Cordelia cut her off. “Shut up Faith.”

“Hey!”

“Cordy calm down.” Angel said as he placed a hand on her lower back.

Cordelia pulled away from Angel’s comforting touch and walked over towards Faith. “Have one guy who loves Buffy wasn’t enough for you last night, you had to go after Riley too.”

“What is she talking about?” Angel asked Riley.

“Not sure.”

“Do you really hate her that much?” Cordelia yelled.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about Cordelia.” Faith stated as she took a step towards Cordelia.

“You’re pathetic Faith. You’ve been trying to be better then Buffy ever since she moved to Sunnydale.” Cordelia moved closer towards Faith. “Well guess what Faith, you will NEVER be better than Buffy.”

“You BITCH!” Faith yelled as she let her hand slap Cordelia across the face.

“WHORE!” Cordelia yelled back as she grabbed Faith’s hair with all her might.

“Ladies, Ladies.” Angel stated as he and Riley pulled the two off of each other.

“If anyone’s a whore around here, it’s your better then thou Buffy.” Faith bit back.

“WHAT!?” Riley asked in shock.

Faith turned to face Riley. “She’s the one who had an affair with a married man.”
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