Chapter 51

Los Angeles-Few Hours Later

“I think we should go shopping.” Buffy stated as she bounced up and down on the bed.

“What!?” Spike asked in shock as he looked up from the notepad he was writing on.

“I can’t wear the same clothes all weekend, and I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to go walking around naked with you here.”

“Why not?”

“Because!”

“Because?”

Buffy stood up and walked over towards Spike and knelt down in front of him. “Please. . .”

Spike smiled down at Buffy. “Need a real reason Pet.”

Buffy huffed and stood back up. “It’s been forever since I was in L.A. last and I want to go shopping.”

“I don’t.”

“You’re no fun.”

“None at all.” Spike said as he turned back towards the notepad.

“Please? I’ll buy you anything that you want.”

Spike turned to face Buffy again. “How?”

A small smile crossed Buffy’s face. “Daddy gave me a new credit card with unlimited funds when he and my Mother got back from their latest trip. It was their way of saying thank you for looking after Dawn for them. Most kids get love and time with their parents, I get as much money as I want and expensive trips to Europe or The Bahamas.”

A memory of her talking about her childhood and how she would give up the expensive lifestyle if she could just have a normal life with her parents and kid sister popped into his head. How she didn’t want all the maids or personal drivers, just her and them.

“What are you planning on buying?” Spike asked, knowing that he just gave up a day to hang out at the mall.

The smile on Buffy’s face grew bigger. “I don’t know. A few pairs of jeans, a couple of skirts, maybe some shoes. . .a few new bathing suits.”

At the words ‘bathing suits’ Spike’s head shot up. “Bathing suits?”

‘I knew that would work.’ “Yeah. . .”

Spike stood up. “Two pieces?”

Buffy nodded her head. “Of course.”

“Right.” Spike said as he grabbed his coat and then her arm and dragged her out of the motel room. “Let’s go.”

“You never change.” Buffy giggled as he locked the door behind them and ushered her to his car.

*****

UC Sunnydale Campus- Riley and Angel’s Dorm

“What did you say about Buffy?” Angel questioned.

“Faith.” Cordelia warned.

Faith shot a glare at Cordelia then turned back towards Angel and Riley. “I said that Buffy had an affair with a married man.”

“Who’d thought she had it in her.” Angel stated with a slight chuckle.

Cordelia glared at him. “Don’t you have some place to be?”

“I’ll be late.”

Riley finally came out of his shock at that moment. “You’re lying. Buffy would never.”

“Ask Cordy if you don’t believe me.”

Riley turned towards Cordelia. “Cordy?”

Cordelia looked at Riley with wide eyes. “Of course not. This is just another one of Faith’s lame attempts to get you back Riley.”

“It is not. Buffy had an affair with a married man. I’ve seen them together on campus, and also at her parents mansion.”

“What were you doing at her parents mansion?” Angel asked.

“Really Faith. Buffy would never let you in any of her homes.” Cordelia quickly added.

“One of the maids let me in.”

“What were you doing there?” Riley asked.

Faith took a deep breath before she continues. `There was no going back now.’ “I was hired to blackmail Buffy and the man she was having the affair with.”

“Who hired you?” Cordelia demanded.

“His wife.”

Cordelia’s eyes grew wide once again. “WHAT!?”

“His wife hired me to make sure that Buffy would never be able to look at him the same way.”

“Who’s the husband?” Angel asked, both Cordelia and Riley in to much shock to form any thoughts of their own.

“Professor Winthrop.”

*****

Los Angeles- Shopping Mall

“I don’t see how shopping helps us figure out who Dru’s got workin’ for her.” Spike said as he followed Buffy into another shop with two armfuls of bags already.

Buffy turned to face Spike. “Shopping puts me in a good mood.”

“So?” Spike asked as she walked over towards a rack filled with different colors of the same shirt.

“I think better when I’m in a good mood.” Buffy stated as she began to skim through the different colors.

“I see.” Spike mumbled to himself.

“What color?”

“Bla. . .”

“Other than black.” Buffy cut in.

“Red.”

Buffy looked away from the shirts and up towards Spike. “I’ve already bought three red things, pick a new color.”

“How ‘bout this one?” Spike asked as he held up a emerald green shirt with gold hues.

“Really?”

“Yes. It brings out your eyes.”

“Ya think?” She asked as she took the shirt from his hand, brushing her fingers over his.

“I know.”

“Okay. I’ll get it.”

Spike released a sigh of relief. “When do you model the swim suits?”

A small smile crept across Buffy’s face. “Soon.”

“How soon?”

“It’s the next store.”

“‘Bout time.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 52

Sunnydale-Carter and Deacon’s Apartment

“Deacon can we talk?” Carter asked as he walked into the kitchen.

Deacon turned to face Carter. “Sure man, what’s up?”

“I have a question to ask you.”

“Shot.”

Carter took a deep breath. “I need to know what you would do if you knew something that could change people’s lives for both better or worst.”

Deacon sat down on top of a counter. “Depends on who’s involved, and who would be effected in what way.”

“You know everyone that’s involved.” Carter stated as he took a seat in one of the kitchen table chairs.

“Who are they?”

“I can’t tell you.” Carter said as he ran a hand through his hair, a trait that he had picked up from spending so much time with Spike since they were in high school.

“Then how am I suppose to help you?”

“Just tell me what you would do.”

“I can’t tell you what I would do unless I know the people that are involved.”

“I can’t tell you that.” Carter yelled.

“You’re involved with this aren’t you?”

All Deacon had to do was look at Carter to know that he was involved with this some way.

“It involves Buffy and Spike too doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” Carter finally answered.

“And Drusilla?”

“She’s the head of it.”

Deacon nodded his head as he placed things together.

“You’ve been helping Drusilla keep Buffy and Spike apart. Who else is involved?”

“Her Father and some student at UC Sunnydale named Faith Wilkins.”

Deacon hopped off of the counter. “We have to tell Spike.”

“We can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because Dru’s got plans that go beyond breaking up Spike and Buffy for good.”

“What are you talking about?”

“If Spike doesn’t stay away from Buffy, then Dru’s going to make it so no one is around Buffy ever again.”

“What is she planning?”

“Dru’s willing to kill Buffy in order to keep Spike.”

“You can’t let that happen.”

“I don’t have a choice in the matter.”

“How can you let Drusilla kill Buffy, I thought you loved her?”

“I do. You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me.” Deacon demanded

“Dru will kill anyone who gets in her way.” Carter stated.

“We can let her get away with this. If you were ever Spike’s friend, or ever really loved Buffy you will help me find a way to stop Drusilla.”

After a few minutes Carter turned to face Deacon. “What do we do?”

“First we need to get a hold of Spike. Do you know where he is?”

“He’s in L.A.. . .with Buffy.”

“Okay, When is he coming back?”

“Probably Sunday night. He has class on Monday.”

“Fine, we’ll talk to him when he gets back.”

“He’s going to hate me, they both are.”

“Not as much as he would hate you if Buffy got killed and he found out later that you could have help stopped it from happening.”

“You’re right. I rather they both hate me then Buffy be killed.”

“I have a question for you.”

“What?”

“Why is Drusilla doing this, is it just hormones from the pregnancy?”

“She’s not really pregnant. It’s all part of the plan to keep Spike by her side.”
--------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 53

UC Sunnydale Campus

“Buffy and our English Professor?” Angel asked in shock himself.

“Yes.”

“No way. There’s no way!” Riley shouted.

“Why is this so hard for you to believe?” Faith demanded.

“Because Buffy would never do anything like that.” Riley simply stated.

“How do you know? How long have you even really known her?” Faith questioned.

“We’ve been dating for a few months.”

“And you think that just because you’re falling in love with her that you know her so well?”

That comment brought Cordelia out of her shock. “What!?” She asked as she turned towards Riley. “Riley you’re falling in love with Buffy?”

Riley nodded his head. “Yes. I am.”

“Does she know?” Angel asked.

“Kinda.”

Faith bit back a laugh. “Kinda? She either knows, or she doesn’t.”

“She knows that I’m willing to fall in love with her.”

“And how does Buffy feel?” Faith asked as she turned to face Cordelia.

“That’s none of your business Faith. Its between Buffy and Riley.”

“You’re not willing to tell us because you know that she doesn’t feel the same way about Riley as she does for our Professor.”

“Faith, once again you’re talking about things you couldn’t possibly understand.” Cordelia yelled.

“I understand if perfectly. Buffy is just using Riley to make herself feel better about what happened with Professor Winthrop.”

“Buffy is trying to move on with her life. That’s way she’s with Riley.”

“ENOUGH!!!!” Riley yelled at the top of his lungs.

“What!?” Faith asked in shock, she had never known Riley to be the type of person to raise his voice under any circumstance.

“I said enough. We are done talking about this. Buffy and I are together, and there is NOTHING you’ve said or plan on saying that is going to change that Faith.”

“What?” Faith asked still in shock by the way he was talking to her.

“I think you should leave now. I have to meet Graham and Forrest soon, and I thought Angel had plans.” Riley stated as he turned to face Angel and Cordelia.

“I do. I should probably get going.” Angel said. He had never seen this side of Riley in all the time that the two of them had been friends.

Cordelia was having the same thoughts as Angel when she placed a hand on his arm. “I’ll walk you out.”

Angel nodded his head to Cordelia and then looked over towards Riley. “I’ll see you later Riley. Say ‘Hi’ to the guys for me.”

“Sure, no prob.” Riley stated as Angel and Cordelia head towards the door.”

“Bye Riley.”

“Bye Cordy.”

“Faith.” Cordelia said as she glared at the brunette female.

“Cordelia.” Faith bit back.

Angel and Cordelia walked out of the room leaving the door wide open.

“Faith you can shut the door on your way out.” Riley said as he packed his gym bag.

“But. . .”

Riley turned to face Faith. “Goodbye Faith.”

“Fine. I tried to warn you. Don’t blame me when you end up with a broken heart.”

“Won’t be the first time.” Riley mumbled.

“Whatever.” Faith stated before slamming the door behind her.

*****

Los Angeles-Shopping Mall

“So what do you think?” Buffy asked as she stepped out of the dressing room in a small two piece bikini.

Spike eyes widened as Buffy walk towards him. He shifted in the chair he was seated in as his pants grew tighter the closer she came towards him. “I. . .I um. . .I. . .I. . .”

A grin spread across Buffy’s face as she watched the different ways that Spike was reacting towards her. “That good huh?”

Spike stood from his seat. “I. . .I um. . .”

Buffy stopped just in front of Spike and stood on her tip toes so that her lips just met his ear. “Do you want to see the black one?”

Spike pulled away a little and looked down at her. “Black?”

Buffy took a few steps back. “Yeah, it comes in dark red as you can see, and black. Do you want to see the black one now?”

Spike took hold of Buffy’s arm. “No. . .”

Buffy looked up at Spike in shock. “What! Why not?”

“This is why.” Spike said as he pulled Buffy into the dressing room, locking the door behind them and crashing his lips into hers while his hands touched every part of her body that he could.

Buffy managed to push Spike away just enough to get a few words out of her mouth. “Spike! What are you doing? You can’t be in here. . .”

“To bad. . .” Spike said as he worked the straps of the bikini top open and let it drop to the floor.

“Spike. . .” Buffy half protested and half moaned.

“Missed you. . .” Spike moaned as he pressed light kisses down her jaw line, running a hand up her thigh.

“Ahhh. . .” Buffy moaned as Spike place his hand inside the bottom of the bikini.

“Want you. . .” Spike said as he continued moving his hands over her body.

KNOCK-KNOCK

Buffy’s eyes shot open as someone beat on the dressing room door.

“Sod off. . .” Spike snarled towards the person behind the locked door.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK

“Sir you can’t be in there. It’s against store policies.” The young sales person call through the door.

“Bloody Hell!” Spike yelled as he pulled completely away from Buffy.

“Sir if you and your lady friend don’t come out right now I will be forced to call security.” The person pleaded.

Buffy placed a hand on Spike’s arm. “Spike. . .we can go back to the motel.”

Spike looked at Buffy with puppy dog eyes. “Not as much fun though.”

Buffy took a step closer to Spike. “I’ll make it fun for you.”

“Really?” Spike asked as a smirk form across his face.

“Sir. . .”

Spike looked at the door then back down to Buffy who was starting to pull her clothing back on. “Alright, alright already. Give a couple a few minutes to get themselves together.”

After a few minutes the door to the dressing room opened and the blonde couple stepped out fully clothed and flushed.

“Thank you Sir.” The sales person stated.

“I’ll take both of these.” Buffy said holding up both of the suits.

The sales person turned to face Buffy for the first time. “Very well Miss.”

*****

Motel

“So?”

“So. . .”

“Where were we?” Buffy asked as she walked towards Spike.

Spike pulled Buffy into his arms and placed his lips on her neck. “I think it was somewhere along here. . .”

RING-RING

“Bugger. . .” Spike yelled as he stepped away from Buffy.

Buffy pulled Spike back towards her. “Just let it ring.”

“‘snot my phone this time Luv.” Spike replied as he move his lips towards hers, only to be pushed away.

RING-RING

“What happened to just letting it ring?” Spike asked as he watched Buffy make her way towards her purse.

“It could be important.”

“And if it was mine it wouldn’t of been?”

“No!” Buffy answered as she pulled her cell phone out of the bag.

RING

“Hello?”

“. . .”

“Riley?”

“. . .”

“Is something wrong?”

“Yeah, you callin’.” Buffy heard Spike mumble as he fell onto the bed placing an arm over his eyes.

“. . .”

“I just got done doing some shopping.”

“. . .”

“I’m out of town.”

“. . .”

“In L.A.”

“. . .”

“I decided to go alone.”

“. . .”

“Riley, what is wrong?”

“. . .”

“Faith spent the night with you. . .”

Spike sat up at hearing that and looked towards Buffy who now had her back facing him.

“. . .”

“What did she tell you?” Buffy asked turning around to face Spike with a worried look on her face as she listened to Riley talk.

“. . .”

“Riley I’ll come back to Sunnydale tonight and we can talk about this face to face.”

“. . .”

“I’ll meet you at my apartment around seven.”

“. . .”

“Bye. . .” Buffy said as she closed her cell phone.

“What was that about?” Spike asked as he stood up from the bed.

“Faith told Riley that you and I had an affair.”

“How’d he take it?” Spike asked knowing that Buffy was having a hard time with this.

“Cordy was there, she made it look like Faith was just trying to get Riley back.”

“Did he buy it?”

“I guess so. . .” Buffy said as she looked around the room then stopped at the bed Spike was standing by. “I have to get back to Sunnydale.”

Spike nodded his head. “Right.”

“I’m sorry about this.”

“No, probably shouldn’t have come back to the motel anyways.”

“You’re probably right. We would have ended up regretting it in the end.”

Spike pulled Buffy into his arms. “I would never regret anything that happened between us.”

Buffy kissed Spike on the cheek and pulled away from him. “I should get may stuff together.”

“You do that. I’ll go pay for the room and then meet you at the car so we can hit the road.” Spike said as he headed towards the door.

“Spike?”

Spike turned back to face Buffy. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 53

UC Sunnydale Campus

“Buffy and our English Professor?” Angel asked in shock himself.

“Yes.”

“No way. There’s no way!” Riley shouted.

“Why is this so hard for you to believe?” Faith demanded.

“Because Buffy would never do anything like that.” Riley simply stated.

“How do you know? How long have you even really known her?” Faith questioned.

“We’ve been dating for a few months.”

“And you think that just because you’re falling in love with her that you know her so well?”

That comment brought Cordelia out of her shock. “What!?” She asked as she turned towards Riley. “Riley you’re falling in love with Buffy?”

Riley nodded his head. “Yes. I am.”

“Does she know?” Angel asked.

“Kinda.”

Faith bit back a laugh. “Kinda? She either knows, or she doesn’t.”

“She knows that I’m willing to fall in love with her.”

“And how does Buffy feel?” Faith asked as she turned to face Cordelia.

“That’s none of your business Faith. Its between Buffy and Riley.”

“You’re not willing to tell us because you know that she doesn’t feel the same way about Riley as she does for our Professor.”

“Faith, once again you’re talking about things you couldn’t possibly understand.” Cordelia yelled.

“I understand if perfectly. Buffy is just using Riley to make herself feel better about what happened with Professor Winthrop.”

“Buffy is trying to move on with her life. That’s way she’s with Riley.”

“ENOUGH!!!!” Riley yelled at the top of his lungs.

“What!?” Faith asked in shock, she had never known Riley to be the type of person to raise his voice under any circumstance.

“I said enough. We are done talking about this. Buffy and I are together, and there is NOTHING you’ve said or plan on saying that is going to change that Faith.”

“What?” Faith asked still in shock by the way he was talking to her.

“I think you should leave now. I have to meet Graham and Forrest soon, and I thought Angel had plans.” Riley stated as he turned to face Angel and Cordelia.

“I do. I should probably get going.” Angel said. He had never seen this side of Riley in all the time that the two of them had been friends.

Cordelia was having the same thoughts as Angel when she placed a hand on his arm. “I’ll walk you out.”

Angel nodded his head to Cordelia and then looked over towards Riley. “I’ll see you later Riley. Say ‘Hi’ to the guys for me.”

“Sure, no prob.” Riley stated as Angel and Cordelia head towards the door.”

“Bye Riley.”

“Bye Cordy.”

“Faith.” Cordelia said as she glared at the brunette female.

“Cordelia.” Faith bit back.

Angel and Cordelia walked out of the room leaving the door wide open.

“Faith you can shut the door on your way out.” Riley said as he packed his gym bag.

“But. . .”

Riley turned to face Faith. “Goodbye Faith.”

“Fine. I tried to warn you. Don’t blame me when you end up with a broken heart.”

“Won’t be the first time.” Riley mumbled.

“Whatever.” Faith stated before slamming the door behind her.

*****

Los Angeles-Shopping Mall

“So what do you think?” Buffy asked as she stepped out of the dressing room in a small two piece bikini.

Spike eyes widened as Buffy walk towards him. He shifted in the chair he was seated in as his pants grew tighter the closer she came towards him. “I. . .I um. . .I. . .I. . .”

A grin spread across Buffy’s face as she watched the different ways that Spike was reacting towards her. “That good huh?”

Spike stood from his seat. “I. . .I um. . .”

Buffy stopped just in front of Spike and stood on her tip toes so that her lips just met his ear. “Do you want to see the black one?”

Spike pulled away a little and looked down at her. “Black?”

Buffy took a few steps back. “Yeah, it comes in dark red as you can see, and black. Do you want to see the black one now?”

Spike took hold of Buffy’s arm. “No. . .”

Buffy looked up at Spike in shock. “What! Why not?”

“This is why.” Spike said as he pulled Buffy into the dressing room, locking the door behind them and crashing his lips into hers while his hands touched every part of her body that he could.

Buffy managed to push Spike away just enough to get a few words out of her mouth. “Spike! What are you doing? You can’t be in here. . .”

“To bad. . .” Spike said as he worked the straps of the bikini top open and let it drop to the floor.

“Spike. . .” Buffy half protested and half moaned.

“Missed you. . .” Spike moaned as he pressed light kisses down her jaw line, running a hand up her thigh.

“Ahhh. . .” Buffy moaned as Spike place his hand inside the bottom of the bikini.

“Want you. . .” Spike said as he continued moving his hands over her body.

KNOCK-KNOCK

Buffy’s eyes shot open as someone beat on the dressing room door.

“Sod off. . .” Spike snarled towards the person behind the locked door.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK

“Sir you can’t be in there. It’s against store policies.” The young sales person call through the door.

“Bloody Hell!” Spike yelled as he pulled completely away from Buffy.

“Sir if you and your lady friend don’t come out right now I will be forced to call security.” The person pleaded.

Buffy placed a hand on Spike’s arm. “Spike. . .we can go back to the motel.”

Spike looked at Buffy with puppy dog eyes. “Not as much fun though.”

Buffy took a step closer to Spike. “I’ll make it fun for you.”

“Really?” Spike asked as a smirk form across his face.

“Sir. . .”

Spike looked at the door then back down to Buffy who was starting to pull her clothing back on. “Alright, alright already. Give a couple a few minutes to get themselves together.”

After a few minutes the door to the dressing room opened and the blonde couple stepped out fully clothed and flushed.

“Thank you Sir.” The sales person stated.

“I’ll take both of these.” Buffy said holding up both of the suits.

The sales person turned to face Buffy for the first time. “Very well Miss.”

*****

Motel

“So?”

“So. . .”

“Where were we?” Buffy asked as she walked towards Spike.

Spike pulled Buffy into his arms and placed his lips on her neck. “I think it was somewhere along here. . .”

RING-RING

“Bugger. . .” Spike yelled as he stepped away from Buffy.

Buffy pulled Spike back towards her. “Just let it ring.”

“‘snot my phone this time Luv.” Spike replied as he move his lips towards hers, only to be pushed away.

RING-RING

“What happened to just letting it ring?” Spike asked as he watched Buffy make her way towards her purse.

“It could be important.”

“And if it was mine it wouldn’t of been?”

“No!” Buffy answered as she pulled her cell phone out of the bag.

RING

“Hello?”

“. . .”

“Riley?”

“. . .”

“Is something wrong?”

“Yeah, you callin’.” Buffy heard Spike mumble as he fell onto the bed placing an arm over his eyes.

“. . .”

“I just got done doing some shopping.”

“. . .”

“I’m out of town.”

“. . .”

“In L.A.”

“. . .”

“I decided to go alone.”

“. . .”

“Riley, what is wrong?”

“. . .”

“Faith spent the night with you. . .”

Spike sat up at hearing that and looked towards Buffy who now had her back facing him.

“. . .”

“What did she tell you?” Buffy asked turning around to face Spike with a worried look on her face as she listened to Riley talk.

“. . .”

“Riley I’ll come back to Sunnydale tonight and we can talk about this face to face.”

“. . .”

“I’ll meet you at my apartment around seven.”

“. . .”

“Bye. . .” Buffy said as she closed her cell phone.

“What was that about?” Spike asked as he stood up from the bed.

“Faith told Riley that you and I had an affair.”

“How’d he take it?” Spike asked knowing that Buffy was having a hard time with this.

“Cordy was there, she made it look like Faith was just trying to get Riley back.”

“Did he buy it?”

“I guess so. . .” Buffy said as she looked around the room then stopped at the bed Spike was standing by. “I have to get back to Sunnydale.”

Spike nodded his head. “Right.”

“I’m sorry about this.”

“No, probably shouldn’t have come back to the motel anyways.”

“You’re probably right. We would have ended up regretting it in the end.”

Spike pulled Buffy into his arms. “I would never regret anything that happened between us.”

Buffy kissed Spike on the cheek and pulled away from him. “I should get may stuff together.”

“You do that. I’ll go pay for the room and then meet you at the car so we can hit the road.” Spike said as he headed towards the door.

“Spike?”

Spike turned back to face Buffy. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 54

Sunnydale

“Spike?” Buffy asked from her spot in front of the apartment buildings door.

“Yeah Luv?” Spike said as he stopped walking back to his car.

“Will you come inside with me?”

Spike turned to face Buffy. “Do you think that’s such a good idea?”

Buffy looked down to the ground then back up at Spike. “Probably not. Please?”

Spike walked over towards Buffy and picked up her bags. “Sure Pet.”

Buffy pulled out her keys and opened the door for him. “Thank you.”

*****

Inside Loft Apartment

“Hello?” Buffy called out as she opened the door and stepped out of the way letting Spike step inside as well.

“Buffy where have you. . .Spike?” Cordelia asked as she walked over towards her friend.

“Ms. Chase.” Spike replied.

“He’s helping me with my bags.” Buffy said.

“So I see.” Cordelia stated sarcastically.

Spike turned to look at Buffy. “I’ll just go put these in your room for you.”

“Thanks. It’s on the second floor down the hall and to the right. You can’t miss it.”

After Cordelia was sure that Spike was out of hearing distance she turned back to face Buffy. “What the HELL is wrong with you, bringing Spike over to the apartment? The others are here.”

Buffy walked away from Cordelia and into the living room. “Good, then I’ll only have to do this once.”

Cordelia followed Buffy into the living room as Spike walked down the stairs. “You can’t tell them.”

“They’re my friends, they have the right to know.”

“What about Spike?”

“I told her to tell them on the way back here.”

Cordelia looked at Spike with a shocked expression on her face. “What! Are you out of your mind? The College is going to fire you.”

Spike took a seat on the couch next to Buffy. “The College is going to fire me no matter what. At least this way Buffy’s friends hear the truth from her instead of the rumors that will be going around when all is said and done.”

After a few moments a new thought popped into Cordelia’s head. “What about Riley?” Cordelia asked as she took a seat in the chair across from the couch. “Buffy, he’s falling in love with you.”

Buffy took a deep breath before answering Cordelia’s question. “Riley will be here in thirty minutes.”

Cordelia threw her heads up into the air. “I can’t believe you two are doing this. Do you really think that by tell everyone the two of you will be able to be together? Spike is still married weather the truth comes out or not. Mrs. Winthrop won’t let him leave her for you Buffy, she’s worked to hard.”

“What!?” Both Buffy and Spike yelled in shock at the same time.

“What did you say?” Buffy asked.

“What?” Cordelia asked, trying to go over everything she had just said.

“What did you just say about my wife?” Spike asked.

“Oh! Faith told us that she hired her to blackmail the both of you.” Cordelia stated.

“Did she say who else was working for Drusilla?”

“No. Is there someone else?”

Buffy nodded her head. “Spike and I think so, but we don’t know who yet.”

“Don’t know who yet?” Willow asked as she and Tara walked into the living room. “Professor Winthrop?”

“Hello Ms. Rosenberg, Ms. McClain.”

“Buffy is something wrong?”

Buffy stood up and made room for Willow and Tara to sit down. “No, nothing is wrong.”

“Are you sure?” Tara asked as she sat down next to Willow.

“Yeah. Where’s Anya at?” Buffy asked as she turned to face Cordelia. “I thought you said that she was here?”

“I did. She was. . .”

“Here.” Anya said as she walked into the living room and seat in another chair next to the one Cordelia was setting in. “I’m right here.”

“Okay, so we’re here. What is going on?”

“We need to wait for Riley to show up before I say anything else.” Buffy said as she paced back a forth.

*****

Thirty Minutes Later

Buffy opened the door to reveal a soaking wet Riley standing in the hallway. “Riley what happened to you?”

Riley walked past Buffy and into the apartment. “I was getting out of my car when the sky just opened up.”

“I’m so sorry. We should probably get you out of those clothes, don’t want you to get sick.” Buffy said as she led him into the living room. “Cordelia, do you have anything of Angel’s that Riley could change into?”

Cordelia stood up from her seat and turned to face Buffy and Riley. “Yeah, um. Riley why don’t you come with me.”

Riley started to follow Cordelia but stopped when he saw the bleached blonde sitting on the couch next to Willow and Tara. “What is he doing here?”

Buffy walked over towards Riley and placed a hand on arms. “Riley we’ll talk about this after you change into something dryer.”

Riley turned so that his back was to the room and was now only facing Buffy. “What is HE doing here Buffy?”

“What we are going to discuss involves him. He has a right to be here.” Buffy looked over towards Cordelia then back to Riley. “Now, go get some dry clothes on.”

“Fine.” Riley replied as he turned to follow Cordelia up to her room.

After Riley was out of the room Buffy turned to face Spike. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.” Spike said as he walked over towards Buffy and followed her into the kitchen.

“What was that about?” Anya asked to the only other people left in the room.

Tara’s gaze followed the couple as the disappeared behind the wall.

“I don’t know, but I think we’re about to find out the secret Buffy and Cordelia have been keeping from us.” Willow Stated as she looked in the same direction Tara was looking.

*****

Kitchen

“What’s wrong Luv?” Spike asked.

“What’s wrong? What’s not wrong?”

“Buffy.”

“No. I hate this. I hate that I have to hurt him this way. I hate that Cordelia was right about your wife, and I hate that no matter what I do I still love you.”

Spike walked over towards Buffy and pulled her into his arms.

Buffy looked up and locked eyes with Spike. “It would be so much easier if I didn’t.”

“For who?” Spike asked.

“For everyone.” Buffy said as she stepped away from Spike and over to the sink.

Spike walked over to the sink and leaned against the counter. “Not for me.”
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Chapter 55

Sunnydale

“Are you planning on telling us what is going on or not?” Anya asked as Buffy and Spike walked back in from the kitchen as Cordelia and Riley walked back down the stairs.

“Yes. But what I say stays in this room until I figure out what to do with some of the information I have received. Is that understood?” Buffy asked as she stood in front of everyone in the living room.

After everyone nodded Buffy took a deep breath then looked at Spike. “It’s now or never.”

Buffy nodded and looked at everyone else in the room. “I met Professor Winthrop, Spike over the summer before I moved here from L.A.”

“So then what Faith said was true?” Riley asked.

Spike stood up and walked over to Buffy. “She didn’t know I was married.”

“Buffy?” Willow asked in disbelief, while Anya and Tara looked on in shock.

“The affair ended when I found out he was married.”

“Faith said that she saw the two of you together on campus, and at your parents mansion.” Riley stated in an accusing tone.

“We were.”

“Then how did you end the affair if the two of you are still together?” Anya asked.

“I never thought I would see him again after his wife found us together. I had no idea that he was going to be the new English Professor at UC Sunnydale.”

“You knew about this?” Willow asked as she turned toward Cordelia.

“Yes. She only told me because I knew that she was hiding something about how she really knew Spike.”

“That doesn’t explain what he was doing at your parents mansion.” Riley yelled.

“It was after the Homecoming Dance. Do you all remember when Professor Rayne Winthrop went running out of the club?” Buffy asked. After receiving more nods from everyone she continued. “She ran out because she recognized who I was. After that I told you that I had a headache and was going back to my parents for the night because of the party that was going on here.”

“You didn’t go to your parents?” Tara asked.

“No, I went to help Spike and the other members of his band look for Drusilla. It was really late when Spike dropped me off at the mansion and I could tell that he was tried and shouldn’t be driving so I told him he could sleep in one of the guest rooms for the night.” Buffy locked eyes with Riley. “Nothing happened between us that night. Faith came over the next morning and he was still there because one of the maids was having his clothes cleaned and he was waiting for them to be done. So, while he was waiting I gave him some of my Father’s clothes to wear, and that was it.”

“Where were you this weekend?” Anya asked.

“I was in L.A.”

“With Spike?” Riley asked.

“Yes.” Buffy whispered, looking away from Riley.

Riley stood up. “I need some air.”

“There’s a balcony on the second floor you can go out on.” Cordelia stated.

“Thank you.” Riley replied before walking out of the living room.

“You should go talk to him Pet.” Spike said as he placed a hand on Buffy’s shoulder.

“I know. I just don’t know what I’m going to tell him.” Buffy said looking in the direction Riley had just walked away.

“Buffy maybe you should give him some space.” Willow stated.

Buffy turned to face Willow. “No, if I don’t talk with him now it’ll only make it worse.”

“Buffy you had an affair with a married man. I don’t see how it can get any worse.” Anya stated.

“Thank you Anya.” Buffy replied before walking after Riley.

*****

“Riley.”

“Don’t” Riley said still looking out over the town.

“I never meant to hurt you this way.” Buffy said moving closer towards Riley.

Riley turned to face Buffy causing her to stop her movement. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it was part of my past.”

“Why didn’t you tell me when he showed up?” Riley questioned.

“At first I was in shock. Then I was ashamed.” Buffy said looked away from Riley.

“Because he was a married man?”

“Yes.” Buffy whispered.

“That didn’t keep you from being with him after he showed up here. Faith said that she saw the two of you together in Professor Winthrop’s office.”

“She did. The way Spike and I feel for each other is overwhelming at times. We forget what’s right and what’s wrongs, and all that is left is just us.”

“Then why were you with me?”

“Because Spike and I could never be together, not with Drusilla finding out she was pregnant. Family is the most important thing to Spike; he would never leave her to raise their child on her own. I was with you because I was trying to move on with my life, let go of the past. I tried to tell you.”

“The day in my dorm when you were talking about having a past?”

“Yeah.”

“I was falling in love with you.” Riley stated turning away from Buffy.

“I’m so sorry Riley. I never meant for this to happen. You’re a wonderful guy, and one day you will make some woman very happy. Just not today, and not me.”

“I understand.” Riley said then turned and walked back towards the door.

“Riley.” Buffy called after him.

Riley turned back to face Buffy one more time. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thank you.”

“Goodbye Buffy.”

“Goodbye.”
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Chapter 56

Sunnydale-Loft Apartment

“Hey Pet, you’ve been out here for quite some time now I was getting worried.” Spike said as he walked over towards where Buffy was standing on the balcony.

“I’m sorry. I’m just not ready to face everyone yet.”

“I understand. How’d it go with Captain America?”

“Fine I guess. He was so hurt when he left. I never meant for that to happen.”

Spike pulled Buffy into his arms. “I know Luv. We’ll get through this somehow.”

“Buffy you have a phone call.” Cordelia said as she walked out onto the balcony.

Buffy pulled away from Spike and looked over towards Cordelia. “Who is it?”

“Deacon.”

“What does he want?” Spike asked.

“He said that he need to talk to Buffy about something involving the two of you.”

Buffy turned to face Spike. “Do you think he knows who’s been helping Drusilla?”

“Lets go find out.”

*****

Buffy hung up the phone and turned to face Spike. “He wants to meet with us at the apartment.”

“When?” Spike asked walking over towards Buffy.

“He said anytime tonight would be good.”

“Is Carter going to be there?”

“I think so.”

“I don’t want to go if he’s there.” Spike stated.

“Spike you have to get over this thing with Carter. Deacon might know who’s working with Drusilla, and what we need to do to stop this. If Carter’s there you will just have to deal with it.” Buffy said before walking past him and back into the living room where all of her roommates were still seated.

“Buffy what is going on?” Willow asked as she stood up to face Buffy.

“Spike and I have to go out for a few hours to figure out how to stop everything that is going on and then maybe we can get back to a somewhat normal life.”

“Buffy you don’t have a normal life.” Anya stated. “You slept with a married man, who happens to be one of your college Professor’s and now his wife is out to get you. Not to mention that you broke the heart of one of the star football players for UC Sunnydale not two hours ago. I really don’t see how you can go back to a normal life after all of this.”

“I’ll fine a way, even if it mines that I have to transfer to a new college in the spring.”

“What about your family?” Tara asked.

“I’ll deal with that when the time comes.” Buffy replied.

“You should tell them before they find out some other way.” Cordelia told Buffy.

“Dawn already knows; she’s the only one I’m really worried about.” Buffy stated.

“What happens when your parents find out?” Willow questioned.

“My Mother tells me how disappointed she is with the fact that I would be the other woman, and ask me how I could do something like that. My Father acts upset about the whole thing while my Mother is around but the moment she leaves he’ll tell me to have my fun while I’m still young.”

“Why would your Mother be so upset and not your Father?” Tara asked.

“Because my Mother knows what it feels like to have her husband cheat on her with a younger woman. Actually it more like several younger women.”

“And you really don’t care what your parents think?” Anya asked in astonishment as to what she was hearing. She always thought that Buffy had the perfect rich loving family.

“Why should I? I was raised more by our maids then I was by them.” Buffy stated in her defense.

Spike could see that Buffy was getting upset by all of the questions that where being thrown at her and decided it was time to get out of there. “Buffy, we should get going.”

Buffy turned her head towards Spike and nodded, then looked back at the group of girls. “Please don’t tell anyone yet.”

“We won’t.” Anya, Willow and Tara responded.

*****

Deacon and Carter’s Apartment

“Buffy and Spike should be on their way by now.” Deacon told Carter as he looked up at the clock hanging on the wall.

“I don’t think I can do this.” Carter stated as he started to pace the room they where in.

“You have to.”

“They’re going to hate me.”

“They’ll hate you more if they find out some other way. And if Drusilla is as crazy as you make her sound and she really does go through with her plan and kills Buffy, then Spike will have an even bigger reason to hate you.”

“You’ve already said this to me.”

“I just want to make sure that it get through to you.”

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Oh god they’re here.” Carter said filled with panic.

Deacon placed a hand on Carter’s arm. “It’ll be okay. We’ll tell them the easy stuff first.”

“And what’s that?”

“That Drusilla is faking the pregnancy.” Deacon said before heading to the door to let Spike and Buffy in.

*****

The Magic Box

“Dru, Darling you can’t be think what I think you’re thinking.” Ethan said as he placed a glass of water in front of his daughter.

“I very well can.” Drusilla stated back.

“You’ll never get away with it.”

“Of course I will.” Drusilla stated with a smirk across her face.

“How? How do you think you’ll get away with it?”

“Because I have the prefect person working for me.”

“Who?”

“Carter.”

*****

“So what did you call us here for?” Spike asked as he and Buffy walked into the living room where Carter was pacing again.

“Carter has some things that he needs the two of you to know.” Deacon said as he guided Buffy and Spike over to the couch.

After they were seated Carter took a deep breath and turned to face them. “What I’m about to say neither of you are going to like, and you may never forgive me for what I’ve done to the both of you.”

“What is it?” Buffy asked.

“Okay here goes nothing. First, Drusilla isn’t really pregnant.”

Spike shot up from his spot on the couch. “What!?”

“She’s been faking the pregnancy in order to keep you from leaving her.”

“How do you know this?” Buffy asked with wide eyes.

“That’s the second part. I’ve been helping her keep the two of you apart.”

Spike crashed Carter into the wall and started punching over and over again.

“SPIKE! SPIKE STOP!” Buffy yelled as Deacon tried to pull his band members apart from one another. Buffy wrapped a hand around Spike’s wrist and pulled him to face her.

“WHAT?” Spike yelled as he was turned around. “What?” He asked in a lower voice when he saw the tears in Buffy’s eyes.

“You beating the living shit out of Carter isn’t goin’ help us with our problem.” Buffy said as she released the hold she had on Spike’s wrist and walked over to the wall that Carter was now using for support.

“Are you okay?” Buffy asked.

Carter nodded his head yes.

“Good.” Buffy said before slapping him hard across the face. “YOU FUCKING BASTARD!”

“I’m sorry.” Carter whispered.

“You don’t get to be sorry.” Buffy yelled. “How could you do this to us? To me?” Buffy asked as the tears she was fighting back began to fall.

“I never meant to hurt you.” Carter stated.

“You didn’t think that keeping me from the person I love would hurt? I trusted you.” Buffy said as Spike walked over to her and pulled her into his arms, he then looked over towards Deacon. “Do you know everything?”

Deacon nodded his head. “He told me everything.”

Spike looked down at Buffy then back up at Deacon. “I need to get her out of here. Can we talk about this tomorrow?”

“Sure. Where do you want to meet?” Deacon asked.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Spike said as he led Buffy to the front door and out of the apartment.

*****

Sunnydale Inn

“I’d like a room for the night please.” Spike said as he placed his credit card on the counter.

“That will be $500 dollars for the night.” The receptionist stated.

“That’s fine.”

“Here you go.” The receptionist said as he passed the key to the room to Spike along with his credit card. “It’s room 274.”

“Thanks Mate.” Spike said before turning away to go get Buffy from his car and take her to the room they would be sharing for the night.

*****

Room 274

“Here we are Luv.” Spike said as he push the door open, careful not to drop Buffy’s sleeping form. After closing the door behind them he walked over an placed Buffy on the only bed in the room.

“Are you hungry Luv?”

Buffy shook her head no.

“You haven’t had anything since this morning, you need to eat something.” Spike said as he took a seat next to her on the bed, slowly running his hand through her hair.

“I’m not hungry. I’m hurt.” Buffy whispered.

“I know you are.”

“What are we going to do?”

“We’ll figure something out. We always do.” Spike said as he pulled Buffy into his arms and they both drifted to sleep.
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Chapter 57

The Next Morning- Room 274

“Mmmm. . .” Buffy moaned as she began to awake from her sleep.

“Morin’ Luv.” Spike said placing kisses along the inside of her thigh.

“What a nice way to be woken up.” Buffy stated looking down at Spike.

“Thought you might like it.”

Buffy reached down and pulled Spike up to her and kissed him on the lips. “Like this much more.”

“Are you sure? ‘Cause I know a lot of other pleasurable ways to help wake you up.” Spike said placing kisses along Buffy’s throat.

“Really?” Buffy asked with an evil grin on her face.

“Just say the word.” Spike stated.

“The word.” Buffy said as her grin turned into a smirk that could revile Spike’s.

*****

The next few hours were spent wrapped in each other’s loving embrace as they made up for all of the lost time. Neither caring about what was going on around them anymore, only knowing that from this moment on there was no real reason to hold back on what they felt for each other. They both knew that everything wasn’t prefect but they no longer cared, all that mattered was that they were together now and they would find a way to stay together from now on.

*****

Faith’s Apartment

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Who is it?” Faith asked as she made her way out of her bathroom and towards the door.

“Riley.”

Faith tightened her hold on her towel and opened the door. “What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” Riley asked.

“I guess.” Faith said stepping away from the door to allow Riley some room to enter.

“Thanks.”

“So, what are you doing here?” Faith asked again closing the door.

“I came to apologize to you.”

“Apologize?” Faith asked sarcastically.

“Yeah. I shouldn’t have treated you the way I did. You were just telling me what you thought I needed to know, and I had no right to react the way I did.”

“You talked to Buffy.” Faith stated.

“I did.” Riley replied looking out the apartment window.

“And?” Faith questioned.

“She told me everything.” Riley answered keeping his back to Faith.

“I think I should get dressed before we talk about this any more.” Faith said heading towards her bedroom.

“Good idea.”

*****

After a few minutes Faith reemerged from her bedroom dress in a pair of low-rider jeans and a black tank top. She had pulled her hair up into a messy ponytail and applied a light amount of male-up to her face.

“All dressed.” Faith told Riley who was still looking out the window. “See something you like out there?”

“It’s weird how so many thing can change in a few days. Earlier this week I was just a guy who was fallin’ in love with his girlfriend. Today I’m just a guy.”

“What happened?” Faith questioned moving closer to Riley.

“He was there.” Riley stated with an even tone.

“Professor Winthrop?” Faith asked making sure she had the right ‘he’ in her mind.

“Yeah. He was there when she told me, along with her roommates.” Riley chuckled about the last part.

Faith placed a hand on Riley’s back. “Tell me what happened.”

Riley turned away from the view so that he could face her. “Not much to tell really. Told me she had an affair with him and then said she was sorry that she hurt me.”

“Yeah right.” Faith mumbled to herself.

“I believe her.” Riley stated hearing what Faith had mumbled under her breath.

“Why?”

“You didn’t see her face when she was telling me this. She was truly hurt by the fact that she had hurt me.”

“She didn’t look hurt anytime I saw them together.”

“Don’t.” Riley simply said.

“What?” Faith asked in shock.

“Don’t talk about her that way. You can’t help whom you fall in love with. She knew it was wrong to be with him and after she found out he was married she did her best to move past her feelings for him.”

“How can you stand there and defend her? She lied to you.”

“So did you.” Riley stated.

“This isn’t about me.” Faith bit back. “Why is it that no matter what Buffy does no one will blame her for it. She could fuck every guy on this campus and she would still be seen as the innocent virgin she pretends to be.”

“She’s never pretended to be that innocent Faith. You’re just jealous of the fact that she doesn’t have to whore her way around to get attention.” Riley yelled back at Faith.

Faith looked at Riley with shock, and hurt in her eyes. “Get out.”

Once Riley saw the pain in her eyes he wished he could take back what he had just said. “Faith. . .”

“GET OUT!” Faith screamed cutting off his attempt to apologize.

“I’m sorry.” Riley whispered as he made his way out of her apartment.

*****

Loft Apartment

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Coming.” Willow called out as she made her way towards the front door.

KNOCK-KNOCK

“I said I was coming.” Willow called out again before opening the door to reveal a woman she had never seen before on the other side. “Can I help you?”

“Is Buffy here?” The woman asked.

“Not right now.” Willow responded.

“Oh. Do you know where she might be?”

“Last I heard she went to talk to some guy named Deacon.”

A smile spread across the woman’s face at hearing that name. “Could you tell her that Alyson stopped by?”

“Sure.” Willow replied.

“Thanks.”

*****

Few Hours Later-Sunnydale Inn

“So, what’s the game plan for today?” Buffy asked as she pulled her shirt over her head.

“I think I’ll be paying my loving wife a visit this afternoon.” Spike stated as he also redressed.

RING-RING

“Is that my cell or yours?” Buffy asked looking around the room.

“I think it’s mine.” Spike replied moving towards the nightstand that his phone was on.

RING-RING

“Who is it?” Buffy questioned, moving closer towards Spike.

“Dru.” Spike answered looking at his caller I.D.

“Well, don’t just stand there. Answer it, find out what the bitch wants.” Buffy told Spike.

RING-RING

“Hello.”

“. . .”

“Everything went well.”

“. . .”

“I should be back in a few hours.”

“. . .”

“How are you and the baby doin’?” Spike asked knowing that if he did Dru would know something was wrong.

“. . .”

“Do you need me to pick up anything for you before I come home?”

“. . .”

“Alright then Luv, I see you soon.”

“. . .”

“Bye.”

Spike hung up the phone and turned to face Buffy again. “That was harder then I thought it was going to be.”

“You did good.” Buffy told him pulling him into a tight hug.

“I just want this over with.” Spike stated.

“It will be.”
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