Chapter One: Helpless

She sat beside him in his Mustang, shyly looking at him through the corner of her eye. She was nervous, alone with a boy in his car after a nice date of dinner and a movie. Now, they were looking over Park Lane, where all their schoolmates parked for some affection.

“I really like you, Buffy.” Parker Abrams was one of the few desired at Sunnydale High, with his big blue eyes, and shy but sweet persona.

“I like you, too, Parker.” The words came out a whisper, and she shivered as he moved closer. It was her first date since her break up with Angel Locke a year before, and she was hesitant to Parker’s persistence.

His hand set on her bare thigh, just below her jean mini. Her breath caught in her throat from the contact, and he smiled at her reassuringly.

“I’m not going to hurt you.”

Angel had said the same thing before he left her for another girl. She’d given him her heart, her soul, and her virginity, and three months later, the two years they spent together went down the drain. She had spent her junior year alone, with only her friends to comfort her. She figured it was safe to take a chance this year, her last year of high school, but she was wrong.

“I-I can’t do this.” Buffy stuttered, reaching for the door handle.

“Don’t be a tease, Buffy. Look at you, in that little skirt. You want it just as much as I do.” His voice was husky, as he roughly reached for her breast.

“Parker, don’t!” She ordered, smacking his hand away.

Parker took hold of her arm, pulling her back to him, and forcing a kiss on her cherry red lips. She was trapped between the seat and his body in no time. She pushed against him, in an attempt to get him off of her, but he was stronger. His hand forcefully made its way up her skirt, pulling at her panties.

“Stop!” She shouted the words over and over, but he wasn’t listening. With a swift kick to the groin, and a punch to the nose, he slammed against the driver’s door, holding the parts that had been harmed with each hand.

Frightened and frail, Buffy escaped the confines of the car, and rushed for the woods. Tears burned her face, as she blindly made her way through the thick brush, unable to find a trail. Twigs seemed to reach out from the bushes and nick her sensitive legs, arms, and face. She stumbled on a rock, and fell to her knees.

Crying out in pain, she sat on the ground and leaned against a tree, looking over her knees. They were cut up and bloody, along with other little cuts along her body that stung. Buffy sniffled, and was startled by the hoot of an owl. She suddenly wished that she hadn’t forgotten her cell phone.

In a million years, she never would have guessed that Parker was a hormone driven boy, that took girls out on nice dates, and attempted rape. She cried at the thought of what would have happened if she hadn’t escaped on time. In the distance, the sound of a tree branch breaking alerted her.

“Who-who’s out there?” She called out in a small voice, hugging her knees to her chest.

A flash of bleach blonde hair was seen through the moonlight, and Buffy suddenly wished she had been left there to be eaten by wolves.

“Summers…what are you doing out here all by your lonesome? I didn’t figure you for the outdoors type.” William Giles, better known as Spike, stood before her, a cigarette in his mouth.

“What are you doing here, Spike?” She spat his name, as she struggled to stand, leaning against the tree. She could feel the blood trickle down her legs.

She had despised him since he first entered Sunnydale from England, with his bad boy image, a black t-shirt, jeans, combat boots, and a leather duster. He tortured her through junior high. He used to put gum in her hair, and trip her when she walked through the hall. The only reason high school had been bearable with him around, was because Angel had kept Spike off her case.

“I asked first, pet.” He was irritating to her, and he knew it. Part of him lived for it, but she was in bad shape.

She reached up to straighten her long blonde hair, and pull out the leaves and twigs that had gotten caught in it by her fall. “What do you care? Shouldn’t you be with your high and mighty girlfriend, drinking blood and torturing helpless people?”

She may have hated him, but she hated his girlfriend, Drusilla Hawke, even more. The girl was weird beyond weird, and gave Buffy the creeps. When Buffy passed the tall girl, she swore she hissed at her.

“You’re looking pretty helpless yourself. I saw you run from Parker. I was parked near with some beer, having a bit of alone time when you headed for the woods. I knew you’d get lost, so I figured I should come and help you.” His explanation was unfathomable.

“You’re kidding, right? You want to help me?” She questioned.

“Come on, my Desoto is parked on the lane.” He began walking, and Buffy reluctantly followed.

He easily found his way to the car, and got in. It was a black, dented, and looked as though it could barely drive. He looked out of the open passenger’s side window, and up at her. “You getting in, then?” He flicked his cigarette past her.

She looked around at the unfamiliar cars to see that Parker was gone. With a sigh, she got in, and slammed the door. The car was just as filthy outside as it was inside, littered with beer bottles and cans.

“We’ll go to my house, and get you patched up. Your mum would have a fit if she saw you like that.” He started the engine before Buffy could protest.

The blonde duo’s dislike may have went far, but Buffy’s mother worked with his father, Rupert Giles, at the art gallery in town. They’d been forced to attend showings together, but Buffy avoided him at all costs. Her mother wouldn’t be pleased with what happened with Parker. The funny thing was, Joyce seemed to like him.

Spike looked over at the petite girl, as he pulled onto the road. He’d made life hard for her those years ago, but it was due to a schoolboy’s crush. He wondered if she knew. He had only confided in Angel with such information, and the poof took her away, first chance he got. They were friends before that, but now it was a distant memory.

Not only had Angel stolen Buffy, but Dru was new under the brooding man’s thrall. Just that afternoon, she’d dumped him, saying that she had been cheating on him with Angel for over a year.

“You okay?” He questioned, and Buffy jumped slightly in her seat.

“I just want to get fixed, and go home. Then we won’t have to speak to each other ever again.” She kept her arms crossed over her chest, and stared straight ahead.

 

Chapter Two: Fixed

They pulled into the driveway of Spike’s house, and it seemed like no one was home. It was walking distance from Buffy’s house, just two blocks away.

Buffy looked up at the gloomy house illuminated by the moon, as she stepped out of the car. “Is your mom and dad home?” The last thing she needed was her mother getting on her case about being in Spike’s house when she was supposed to be on a date with Parker.

“No, they’re out for a little alone time.” Spike made his way to the front door, and Buffy quickly followed. He turned on the foyer light upon entrance. “Go sit, and I’ll get some Band-Aids to patch you right up, Luv.” He pointed toward the living room.

She did as told, grimacing at the term of endearment he used. He wasn’t supposed to call her things like that; they were supposed to be sworn enemies. She made her way to the mantle above the fireplace, to see Spike in a light she could never think of him in.

He was smiling happily, at the age of ten, wearing a tie, a brown Afro on his head, and gold-framed glasses perched on his nose. He looked so sweet and innocent, and the Spike that was in that house with her seemed like an alien compared. She giggled a bit.

“Having yourself a little laugh at what a pathetic poofter I used to be.” Spike came into the room, placing the supplies on the coffee table. “Come sit. Let’s get this over with, as you said.”

She sat on the couch, and Spike leaned before her on his knees. “I can’t believe that’s you.” She whispered.

It was hard concentrating on her wounds, and not of her long tanned slender legs. They led to the mini skirt, which he could barely look up without getting caught. “Most people can’t. This may sting.” He said, earning a small flinch from her as he pour peroxide over each scrape. Then, he took a piece of medicated cotton and swabbed the little nicks and cuts on her arms, and calves. “Fell pretty hard. That pretty boy Parker just wanted to take a poke, and sent you running in the other direction.”

“I was stupid to think I could get out there again, and trust.” Another amazement, she was making conversation with the big bad.

He paused at her face, and gently wiped a small gash on her left cheek, looking deep into her hazel eyes. “I understand how you feel.” He said softly as he quickly looked away and wiped her knees with paper towel. “These are pretty bad.”

“How can you? You’ve been with Drusilla since you got here?” It came to her that he wasn’t as bad as he seemed.

“My first bloody love…my dark princess. But now, she belongs to your bloody ex. That fucking poof.” He gave her an apologetic look, when he roughly applied antibacterial ointment in anger.

“Angel and Drusilla?” She was a bit shocked by the news. “That’s interesting.” She mumbled. She was over Angel, but it did bother her some.

“The way I see it, they deserve each other. He’s been digging into her for a while, I’m thinking before you and him broke up.” He put the Band-Aides on her knees only, and stood. “That should be good. Don’t need to cover the others, they’ll be gone by Monday.”

“Is that why she hated me so much?” Buffy asked, those hisses in her head.

“Part of it, I guess. Ready to get home to your mum?” He didn’t want to dwell on the subject that was Drusilla. He knew she disliked Buffy because he used to fancy her.

“Sounds like a plan.” She said softly, following him to the door.

They got into the car, and he began driving slowly. “You don’t like me much.”

“Not at all…with the exception of tonight.” She said, giving him a small smile.

“I’m sorry…about junior high. I had a hard time expressing my feelings for girls back then.” He pulled up to her house two minutes later, and he looked over at her, a smile dancing over his features.

“That was you crushing on me?” She questioned. ‘Please don’t tell me he still like me.’

“Was.” He replied. “But now, we’re two different people. I’m bad, you’re…annoying.”

“I am not annoying!” She yelled. “And you’re not bad…you’re like a stray puppy, all cute and stuff, but you don’t pet him because his bark is so loud. You’re all talk, no walk.”

“So you think I’m cute?” He asked with a cocky smile. His blue eyes sparkled when he saw the blush creep up her cheeks.

She opened the car door, and stepped out, slamming it shut. “Oh please…” She hugged herself, as the wind blew.

“I’m guessing the hint of pink in your cheeks is a yes, pet.” He smiled up at her.

“Don’t be so sure of yourself, it’s a bit chilly out here.” She said.

He reached into the back seat and threw an olive green sweater at her. “I’m guessing you’ll be climbing through your window.”

“How did you know?” She asked, appalled. ‘He knows too much, he should be shot.’

“Dru lives around the block. Spotted you a few times when I went to pick her up.” He explained. “Give the shirt back on Monday at school.” He said, putting the car in reverse.

“No problemo…and Spike,” she called out before he could get down the driveway, “thanks.”

He only nodded his head, and continued leaving. He got his last glimpse of her, making her way up the porch and pulling the sweater over her head.

She inhaled his scent off of the soft material, cigarettes and cologne. She tingle a bit at the aroma, then dismissed the butterflies in her stomach. ‘We’re two different people…I’d never.’

*

“I’m telling you Willow, he fixed me. Cleaned all my cuts, and even Band-Aides. It was sort of like Blast From The Past, when Brendan Fraiser does it for Alicia Silverstone, except no kissing, and he’s more from the ‘80s with his Billy Idol look.” Buffy explained the events of the night before with her best friend over the phone.

It was Sunday morning and when Joyce Summers awoke to see her daughters scrapes and cuts, she order the girl to take it easy and rest. She threatened to make a call to Parker’s mother, but with some convincing, Buffy was able to talk her out of it.

“But Spike? He used to torture you.” Willow Rosenberg said, a hint of shock still in her voice.

“I know, but he actually admitted to me that it was because he used to like me.” Buffy said.

“Oh…used to?” The redhead questioned.

Buffy began fiddling with her stuffed pig, Mr. Gordo’s tail. “Yeah…used to. Do you think I’m in any way annoying?” His comment was still on her mind.

“Annoying? No! Who would ever say anything like that, besides for Cordelia? It wasn’t Cordelia was it?” Willow asked worriedly, referring to the most popular girl in school. She wasn’t on bad terms with the group, but Cordelia Chase liked to pretend so in front of people.

“No one…just something that came to mind.” The other line clicked. “Will, I got someone on the other line, so I’ll see you tomorrow in school.”

“I’ll meet you by your locker.” Willow said, and Buffy pressed the flash button.

“Hello?” She questioned.

“Summers, its Spike.” His accent was appealing, his voice sexy, but Buffy pushed away the realization.

“What’s up?” She asked nervously.

“Just wanted to know if everything was okay with your mum, and your injury.” He actually seemed interested, but he was sure he only wanted to be nice.

“Yeah, she told me to tell you thank you so much for saving me, and she owes you and your family big time.” ‘Could I sound more like a loser?’

“So you told her the truth then?” He asked.

“Yeah, no use lying about it.” She stated.

“Alright, then. I’ll see you around.” He said.

“Yeah, and thanks again…for everything.” She quickly hung up with those words.

Spike laid on his bed, shirtless, one hand under his head; the other pressed the off button on the phone. He let out a long sigh. Since that night, Buffy Summers was a frequent thought on his mind.
 

Chapter Three: Changes

Buffy sat at the island in the middle of the kitchen Monday morning, eating a bowl of Fruity Pebbles with her younger sister, Dawn.

“How can you two eat that? Are you sure you don’t want me to make you eggs or pancakes?” Joyce asked, walking into the kitchen while putting on her earrings.

“Mom, it’s fruity goodness.” Dawn chirped, eating a spoonful.

“It’s all mushy, but it’ll do.” Buffy said pushing the multicolored substance around in her bowl.

“Hurry and finish, so I can drop Dawn off and than you.” Joyce said, put a hand over her youngest daughter’s long brown hair.

“I think I’m going to walk today.” Buffy said, giving her mother a small smile.

“Buffy, are you sure? After Friday-“

Buffy cut her mother off. “Mom, I’m fine. I took care of myself, except for getting lost in the woods, and Spike taking care of me.” She cringed at her own stupidity.

Buffy was healed with the small cuts, but her knees ached. She wore tight blue jeans to cover her legs, a gauzy white sweater with a black tank top underneath, and a pair of black Adidas sneakers. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, small wisps of hair surrounding her face. She felt refreshed from resting Sunday, and was ready to get things in order in case there was any gossip going around school.

“Can you walk okay? Your knees are pretty bad.” Joyce pointed out.

“I’ll be fine. Anya and Xander are coming to pick me up.” The doorbell rang and Buffy jumped up from her seat to answer, but Dawn beat her to it.

“Xander! What’s up?” Dawn asked, almost closing the door in Anya’s face.

“Hey, Dawnster. Where’s Buff?” He asked.

Anya stood beside him with a wide smile on. “Yes, we heard of her unfortunate date, and came to cheer her up.”

“Hey guys.” Buffy gave the couple a quick wave, then turned to her sister. “Dawn, Mom’s leaving, so you better go to the kitchen and finish your breakfast.”

“You’re not my mother,” Dawn crossed her arms over her chest, which was a Buffy stance.

“But I am your sister, your older sister. Now, go finish your breakfast.” Buffy ordered, pointing toward the kitchen.

“Who cares if you’re older, I’m still taller, and I’m still in the junior high.” Dawn spun on her heal and stomped toward the kitchen.

“God, I hate little sisters.” She mumbled, grabbing her backpack and Spike’s sweater from the living room.

“If you would like, I’ll trade you Andrew.” Anya offered excitedly, as they began walking. The sun was shining but the autumn chill was there. It was only two weeks until Halloween.

“No, maybe you can just have them both.” Buffy said with a sigh. She began putting Spike’s sweater in her bag.

“I don’t think my mother would like another offspring. She won’t even have sex with my father anymore. I think it’s because Andrew’s head was so big when he was coming out.” Anya babbled.

“Visual, Ahn.” Xander cringed. “So Buff, what’s with the sweater?” He asked referring to the one she was shoving in her bag.

“Spike lent it to me.” Xander’s eyes bulged out of his head at her reply.

“I’m surprised you got into a car with him. He’s dangerous, Buffy. He used to put my head in the toilet, and throw me against lockers in junior high.” Xander complained.

“He tortured us both, back then. He did it because he liked me, I have no clue why he did it to you.” Buffy scoffed.

“I think it was because Xander was a lot more of a nerd than he is now. I remember when he used to spend time with Jonathan and Warren, talking about Star Wars. That was when I was shallow, and used to spend much time with Cordelia.” Anya explained.

“That was last year.” Buffy pointed out.

“Yes, but now he sits with me during lunch, discusses Star Wars with my little brother, and we have a lot of sex.” Anya smiled at the thought.

“I’m sure Buffy could do without that little tidbit.” Xander said, nudging his girlfriend as she held his arm. “I’m just saying, Buff, you don’t know what Spike’s capable of. He’s a psycho.” He stated.

“Xander, he is not a psycho…he was actually nice to me. It was a little weird.” Buffy shrugged as they approached the school building, and Xander rolled his eyes at her back.

*

Buffy had gotten through three periods okay, without seeing Spike, until she saw Parker standing with him in the hallway. They seemed to be arguing, loudly.

Buffy made her way over to the two to stop them. “Spike, what the hell are you doing?” She questioned sternly as she got between them, and a crowd began forming.

“This bloody idiot has been going around, telling people he shagged you in the bloody car. When we all know he tried to take bloody advantage of you!” Spike shouted, hoping that it would clear the air a bit.

She looked at Parker, his nose bruised from her punch. “Is that true?” She asked.

“No, of course not…I mean, what does it matter?” Parker didn’t want to lie with Spike standing right there, he knew Spike was capable of bringing pain.

“The closest I ever came to your dick, was when I kicked you in the balls. Other than that, I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole.” She grabbed Spike’s hand, and pulled him toward her locker. The crowd behind her went wild.

“What was that all about?” Spike asked, as Buffy handed him his sweater.

“What?” She questioned, getting out her calculus textbook, and closing her locker.

He casually leaned against her locker, and watched as Parker walked away with his friends, and the crowd scattered. “You defending that pillock.”

“I wasn’t defending, I was keeping you from getting suspended.” She said with a shrug.

He stood straight, and positioned himself in front of her, one arm going over her head, the other toying with a strand of her hair. She was trapped between him and the locker. “Didn’t know you cared so much, pet.” He whispered.

Her heart was pounding in her chest. “I don’t…I-I just don’t want to be involved in any melodrama.”

As though timing wasn’t on her side, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Angel with Drusilla hanging on his arm. She turned her head to watch them as they neared Spike and her. Spike turned his head to look, as well, then backed away from Buffy.

Drusilla stopped when they came upon the blonde couple. “Well, Spike, I never thought you’d find interest in this little ball of sunshine.” She looked over Buffy with disgust in her eyes.

“Come on, Dru, we have to get you to English.” Angel said, pulling the dark haired Brit away.

Spike just stood there with fire in his eyes, as though he planned on burning the couple with them. Buffy felt tears in her own, and she ran from Spike before they could fall.

“Buffy, wait!” Spike jogged down the hall and grabbed her arm as she emerged into the daylight. “What’s wrong?”

She sniffled softly, and turned to him. Looking up at him caused those tears to fall. “He didn’t even look at me.”

“Buffy, Luv,” he reached out and wiped the tears on her face, “he’s unworthy of your tears.” He was gentle as he took her into a hug and held her close.

For a second Buffy allowed his hands to travel up and down her back, soothe her with his sweater in his hand, but then she realized what was happening. The one man who made her teenage existence nearly impossible was trying to comfort her. She pushed hard against his chest, and he fell to the floor.

“Bloody hell, what’s your fucking problem, Buffy?” he asked, standing and rubbing his bottom.

“I know what you’re trying to do, and it’s not going to work.” She said stubbornly.

“What the fuck are you blabbering about?” He asked.

“You think I’m going to trust you, after everything you put me and a lot of people in this school through?” She asked angrily.

“That was a long while ago, pet.” His voice was gentle, his eyes filled with hurt.

“Just because you and Drusilla are broken up, it doesn’t make you’re a different person. You’ll always be the same, a bully, a liar, and a danger to the innocents in this school.” She turned without another word, and headed back inside.

Spike stood there, dumbfounded. The last time he picked a fight with anyone was months ago, that’s why he and Dru had fallen apart. He was changing but no one seemed to acknowledge it. He put the sweater up to his nose and inhaled her scent deeply. ‘Vanilla…’
 

Chapter Four: On Top

Buffy sat at her lunch table, Willow, her boyfriend Oz, Xander, and Anya surrounding her. She took three small bites out of her apple, and put it aside, then she began stabbing at her chicken with a fork.

“Usually when they give it to you, it’s already dead.” Oz said, knowingly. Every time he spoke, there was nonchalance in his voice, no matter what the subject. He always seemed to be in a mellow mood.

“Huh?” Buffy looked up from her holey chicken, and dropped her fork, pushing away her tray. “I’m not even hungry.”

“What’s wrong, Buffy?” Willow asked worriedly.

“Yes, you seemed so happy this morning, although somewhat depressed about Dawn. Did Dawn do something? Is she here?” Anya asked, looking around the cafeteria.

“It’s not Dawn. It’s him.” Buffy’s eyes were on the back of Spike’s head, and if looks could kill, he’d be a dead man.

“What did he do now?” Xander asked worriedly, preparing to make a trip to that table, even if it meant death.

“I thought he was all nice now…” Willow said, taking a bite of her banana.

“He tried comforting me.” Buffy whined.

“I can see how that can get a girl to commit murder.” Oz said, raising his eyebrows.

“What happened?” Willow asked, her mouth full.

“I saw Spike in the hall, and he was yelling at Parker because Parker said we did it. So I stopped Spike from killing him, and when the crowd left, Spike was at my locker with me. He got really close to me and started touching my hair, total invasion of my personal space. Then, Angel and Drusilla, the new couple of Sunnydale came walking by.” Buffy gritted her teeth in anger. “Drusilla stopped and called me sunshine, and Angel…he didn’t even acknowledge me.” She took a deep breath. “I kinda freaked and went running, but by the time I got outside Spike was there, hugging me.”

“Of course! When a man shows affection, we must all strike him down.” Anya said a bit loudly, and Spike peeked over at the table.

Xander gave him a death stare, while Willow and Oz seemed to be sending him their apologies. Buffy just ignored him, and kept her eyes on the holey chicken before her.

“That was sarcasm.” Anya said.

“I know it when I hear it.” Buffy gave her a small smile.

“Spike’s actually changed a lot since junior high. He’s not all grrr…anymore.” Oz said.

Buffy looked at Oz, in a bit of shock. “You’ve been hanging out with us for too long.” Oz nodded in agreement.

“Buffy, I really doubt he would have helped you on Friday if he was still grrr.” Willow pointed out.

Buffy glanced at Spike, who was sitting with Clem Thomas and Lorne Greene. They weren’t his usual group, but since he’d severed ties with Drusilla, he hadn’t been hanging with the same people. “I don’t know…Spike’s not my usual type of guy.”

“Spike and you?” Cordelia, as always, appeared out of nowhere. She would usually stop at their table to have small talk with Anya.

“Not like that…not even friends.” Buffy said.

“Yeah, right. It’s all around school how Parker’s a big sleaze bag, and Spike was defending you.” Cordelia turned her attention to the bleach blonde’s table. “It’s not like he’s low on the social chain, but he’s not in the same category as Riley and Angel.”

“There are categories?” Xander questioned.

“Of course there are. Angel’s on top with Gunn and Lindsey, because they’re the basic football and hockey team. They control the list, by dating certain girls. I would be considered their top pick if I dated guys my own age, but pretty much Buffy has taken that place by dating Angel. Then, Riley Finn, Graham, and Forrest are in the second section, basketball team. Just as popular, but they clash with the first section. Third and last section would be considered the outsiders who are date worthy group. This includes Oz, due to his guitar skills and nonchalance about everything, Lorne, due to the openness of his bisexuality, and Spike…the bad boy image is considered sexy.” Cordelia babbled.

“I’m on top?” Buffy questioned, unsure of whether to be flattered or scared.

“To some, except me.” Cordelia gave her a condescending smile, and walked out to her table of cheerleaders.

“What about me?” Xander asked, but his question was ignored.

Buffy sat, contemplating Cordelia’s words. “What if I don’t want to be one top? She asked her friends with wide eyes.

Spike stood when he heard her question, and approached her table with a cocky smile. “Well, Luv, there are many different ways that you can do it.” With that he walked out, in all his glory, as Buffy stared at him with rage in her eyes.

“Xander and I like to do it doggie-style. More penetration.” Anya said with a smile.

“Ahn! Private things!” Xander yelled.

“Did anyone else just get a visual?” Oz questioned. Buffy and Willow raised their hand, wide-eyed expressions on their faces.
 

Chapter Five: Lately

“Can you believe him, Willow? He was talking to me all…sexual.” Buffy lay on her best friend’s bed, staring up at the ceiling.

“And of course, you don’t find the tone he said it in at all appealing.” Willow stood by her fish tank, pouring flakes into the water.

Buffy sat up abruptly. “Appealing?”

“You have to admit Buffy, he is kinda sexy.” Willow said with a smile, as she sat beside the blonde.

“Yeah if you like blue eyes, high cheek bones-“

“Nice abs…” Willow shrugged when Buffy looked at her in shock. “When he plays in gym, he takes off his shirt.”

“And you watch?” Buffy asked.

“And you haven’t?” Willow questioned back.

Buffy allowed herself to drift to the image of Spike in gym, earlier that day. He was playing basketball with some of the guys, and quickly shed his Sunnydale t-shirt and tossed it to the side. Then he purposely looked for her in the stands and winked. A tingle came from below, and she quickly pushed it down.

“How about that calculus?” She changed the subject and earned a small swat on the arm from Willow. “Can you say, anger management?”

*

Torture…that’s what he was trying to do to her, Buffy decided when she entered her house after the study session at Willow’s to see Spike sitting on her couch in her living room watching The Simpson’s with her sister.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, slamming the front door behind her. Rage filled her eyes, as she watched him smile.

“ Was invited for dinner, pet.” He replied.

“Dawn, go to the kitchen really quick.” Buffy ordered.

“Spike’s cool, I’m not-“

“Now!” Buffy raised her voice an octave, throwing her backpack on the floor, and moving into the living room.

“Go on, nibblet. Big sis just wants to have a little chat.” Spike reassured the thin girl at he side, and with a grunt she was following his orders.

That just fueled Buffy’s anger. “Who gave you the right to come into my house, and get comfortable?” She asked angrily, pointing an accusing finger at him.

“Your mum. My dad and mum are in the kitchen with her, as we speak. I think we’re having lasagna.” He didn’t allow her to intimidate him. He just sat there, a conceded smile across his lips.

“You may be the big bad in school, Spike, but not here. Do me a favor and lets make this night worthwhile…don’t even look at me.” She requested.

Spike stood, and closed in on her as though he was an animal seeking his prey. She backed up leaning against the wall beside the entrance to the living room. “I'll think about it…Goldilocks.” He brought his hand up to her hair and twirled a strand around his finger.

All the air seemed to be sucked out of the room, and Buffy felt her knees go weak. He was suddenly leaning in, his lips coming close and her savior came rushing in.

“Mom said dinner’s ready so…” Dawn trailed off at the sight of the duo about to kiss. At the sound of her voice Spike jumped back, and Buffy was just startled. “Ew…please don’t tell me you were about to kiss her.”

Buffy rushed into the dining room in order to avoid her sister’s questioning and Spike’s lips. Her world was turning upside down. She was actually going to allow him to kiss her, she felt it, and disgust rose up to her throat.

“Buffy you know Rupert, and his wife Jenny.” Joyce said as Buffy sat down beside her. Dawn sat beside Buffy and Spike across from her.

Buffy gave them a sweet smile. “It’s so nice to see you again, Mr. And Mrs. Giles.”

“Please, just Giles.” He said, taking off his glasses to clean his lenses a grin on his face.

“And just call me Jenny. I’ve heard so much about you from Spike.” Jenny said, giving her son a smile.

“Spike…talks about me?” She was surprised, and Dawn gave her a dirty look. It was that moment that she realized her little sister was crushing on him.

“Mostly when he was in junior high, but ever since he saved you from Parker…” Spike shot his mother a dirty look. “You know…” She shrugged her shoulders and turned her attention to her food.

‘Even his mother is threatened by him.’ Buffy smiled wryly. “And I thank him for that.” She turned her attention to her mother. “May I be excused, I’m feeling a bit queasy.” She gave Spike a venomous look.

“Okay, Buffy. Do you need anything?” Joyce asked worriedly.

“No.” She replied. “Thanks for coming, I’m sorry I can’t stay.”

“I completely understand. We will be seeing you at the gallery tomorrow, right?” Giles asked.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Buffy helped out at the gallery. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Goodnight.” She gave Spike one more look, and made her way upstairs.

Spike bit his tongue to stop from yelling at the bint. Instead, he turned his attention to the oldest Summers. “Mrs. Summers, this is the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted.”

His mother shot him a dirty look, and he put his head down. “I’m afraid I’m not much of a cook. We usually have Chinese or pizza at out house.” Jenny said with a smile.

“Are you looking into adopting?” Dawn asked, earning a look from her mother. “That’s been going around a lot lately.”
 

Chapter Six: Predictable

Buffy had spent most of the school day, avoiding anyone who looked or seemed like Spike. She even spent her lunch period in the library, joined happily by Willow and Oz.

“I go where the redhead goes,” was Oz’s response to Xander’s questioning.

“I’d join you, but I promised Anya I would stay with her in the lunch room. She doesn’t really like the library.” Xander explained, shrugging his shoulders.

They sat at a rectangular table; Willow was on her laptop, as Oz listened to his CD player. Buffy felt as though she was dieing of boredom. She let out a low sigh, and the librarian, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, shushed her.

“There’s no one else in here!” She shouted at him.

“Ms. Summers, if you cannot respect the fact that this is not a social place, then I’ll have to ask you to leave.” He said.

Buffy stood and grabbed her backpack. “Will, I sighed, and he’s on my case. I’m out of here.”

“But Buffy, you invited me in here and I-“

“I’m sorry, Will, I’m just not in the mood to deal with bullshit.” Buffy gave the librarian one of her venomous looks.

“She’s been doing that a lot lately.” Oz noted.

“It’s Spike…he makes her all moody.” Willow whispered when the librarian began eyeing them.

*

She had no where else to go, and she didn’t want to take the chances of Principal Snyder seeing her in the hall, and giving her week’s worth of detention. She entered the smoke filled lady’s room, and saw the one person that she was sure felt more fucked up than her.

“Faith, good to see you.” Buffy said cheerfully.

“B, this is a surprise…cutting class to come into the bad girl’s bathroom. What gives?” Faith questioned curiously. She looked over Buffy’s outfit, and smiled.

Buffy wore gray turtleneck sweater, jeans, and a pair of white Adidas. “I have lunch.” She stated.

“Figures. How are Aunt Joyce and the little brat?” It was hard to believe the two were related. Faith was dark, a troublemaker to the bone. She was the female equivalent to Spike. Today, she sported tight black jeans, the usual cleavage and belly-baring black wife-beater, and her leather jacket.

“Mom’s great…Dawn’s still a brat.” Buffy replied. Not many knew that they were family, and she doubted anyone would believe it.

“She still pissed at me for stealing her diary and reading it?” A wicked smile played on Faith’s dark red glossed lips.

“I think the fact that you read it aloud to all her friends and crush, is what got her so mad.” Buffy replied, looking herself over in the mirror. She had bags under her eyes, and sleep wasn’t coming easy these nights.

“Payback’s a bitch. She fucking told your mom about the time I snuck out when mom went on that business trip.” Faith looked over at Buffy and could sense something was wrong.

“What time?” Buffy asked, knowing that Faith had snuck out every night when she stayed at the Summers’ residence.

“One of them…or the other…” Faith shrugged her shoulders. “I heard about Parker.” Her voice was low and menacing.

Buffy turned to her, with wide eyes. “You didn’t do anything did you?” Faith shrugged her shoulders. “Be honest!”

“All I did was have a little pep talk with him. Told him if he ever thought about touching you again, he’d eat his balls for breakfast.” A sly smile took her over at the thought, and she lit her second cigarette.

Buffy laughed with her, but it immediately turned into a frown, when Drusilla entered the bathroom.

Drusilla walked toward the petite blonde, her long red dress clinging to her thin body. “Hello, Sunshine. Are you having fun with my Spike?”

“Hate to break it to you, Dru, but Spike and me…are a no-no.” Buffy said, as Dru leaned toward her, too close for comfort.

“Back off, Elvira.” Faith said, pushing Drusilla away from her cousin.

Drusilla hissed, and then whimpered. She began touching her cheeks dramatically. “If you dare to take my boy, you’ll regret it…”

“As much as you have no need to worry about that, Spike’s not yours. He hasn’t been yours since you dumped him, and you lost him when you started fucking my ex.” Buffy felt good to let the words out.

Another whimper escaped Drusilla’s lips, and she glared at the two girls as she walked out.

“What the fuck was that all about? You and Spike?” Faith found it humorous.

“Why’s is that funny?” Buffy asked curiously.

“Face it, B, you’re a wound up tight ass and you’d never be able to look at a guy like Spike and think, ‘yummy.’ That’s why God made girls like me, and Dru.” Faith threw her cigarette in a corner, and walked out of the bathroom as the bell rang.

Buffy just stood there backfired. She hated being looked upon as the good one; she hated the fact that she was predictable. Thoughts of proving them wrong filled her head.

*

Spike sat in gym class, his eyes on Buffy. It was the last class of the day, and it was obvious that she had been avoiding him. She had cut lunch, and gotten a dismissal pass from English.

He put a hand through his tousled bleached curls, and sighed.

“What’s bugging you, Man?” Lorne asked, taking a seat in the bleachers beside him, Clem joining them as well.

Spike’s blue eyes were fixed on the girl across the gym, as she chatted with Willow. “Just got a lot on my mind, mate.”

“Would it happen to be Buffy?” Clem asked, following Spike’s gaze.

Spike averted his eyes for a minute to look at his two friends. “It’s just, I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Hard to understand why she’s not interested in me.”

“Poor baby, she bruised your ego.” Lorne said.

“Might have something to do with that time you put gum in her hair and the next day instead of the long locks that reached her ass, she had a bob.” Clem shrugged.

“I was a kid then, an idiot. I’ve changed. I’m not with Dru anymore, and I want Buffy.” Spike was frustrated. He didn’t understand why he was looked at as such a bad person…or he did, but he just wanted to make everything right.

“Spike, you and Dru broke up four days ago…if you want to show Buffy you’ve changed, you have to work it and give it time.” Lorne explained.

Spike looked at Buffy again, and she averted her eyes from him. She didn’t want to want him, but she did. “I can’t take this shit.” She said to Willow.

“What’s wrong, Buffy?” Willow was really beginning to worry about her. Since Spike stepped in and tried getting on Buffy’s good side, she’s been acting crazy.

“It’s him. He’s wrong.” Buffy raised her voice, and pointed her finger directly at Spike. “He found me when I was lost, he called me, he tried comforting me, and he came to my house for dinner. Has this world gone completely mad?”

Willow reached over and pulled down Buffy’s arm. “Buffy, you need to relax. You’re going a kinda wonky. Spike likes you, it happens.”

“It happens? Willow, this is Spike were talking about. Didn’t he sabotage your science fair project in the eighth grade?” Buffy questioned.

“Yeah…but my potato would have exploded anyway…he just made it go boom faster and all over the principal.” Willow said with a slight frown. “Plus, that was eighth grade. We’re seniors now. We’re practically adults.”

“This coming from someone who thinks Spongebob Squarepants is the best thing to happen to TV since Three’s Company.” Buffy smiled.

Willow giggled. “Gary is so cute…who’d ever think a snail that meows. But a lot of the things that happen on that show are impossible…a squirrel, snow, and painting underwater. It’s just so funny though.”

Buffy laughed with the redhead. She abruptly stopped, when she saw Faith walk up to Spike, and start flirting. “Do you think I’m predictable?” Buffy asked Willow, as she watched her cousin carefully.

“No, Buffy. Who would tell you something like that?” Willow asked sympathetically.

“I’ll give you one guess, she’s considered my evil twin, and shoving her boobs in Spike’s face right now.” Buffy hinted, glaring at the brunette, as Spike began chuckling. Jealousy was consuming her, and she couldn’t understand why.

Willow’s eyes drifted on Faith and became slits of anger. “That whore…no offense…but your nice. Faith is evil and she spreads her legs like the doors to 7-11.”

“Willow!” Buffy said in surprise.

“Sorry…I just don’t like her very much.” It was understood, since Faith took Xander’s virginity when Willow had a crush on him in tenth grade.

Buffy felt like walking up to Faith and snapping her wrist at the sight of her touching Spike’s chest. “She’s touching him! That slut!”

“Hate to break it to you, but you turned him down.” Willow shrugged.

“But if he likes me, he should be telling her that.” Buffy smiled when she saw Spike remove, said hand, from his chest.

“Sorry, Faith, but I’m interested in another Summers woman.” Spike said with a coy smile.

“Dawnie’s a little to young for you.” Faith teased, letting her hand travel over his six-pack.

Spike stood. “Not Dawn, Buffy.”

“I hope you know she’s out of your league. Girls like Buffy prefer guys like Riley, or Angel. You should know, didn’t he take her before you even got a chance to kick it to her? You were too busy playing kiddy games.” Faith said, her attitude pumping. Buffy was always the sweetest, the nicest, always getting the better-looking guys.

“Sorry.” Spike made his way past the fuming brunette, and looked over at Buffy. She was watching him closely, and once again, he winked at her.

Startled, she turned her attention back to Willow, and changed the subject. “So…how’s calculus going?”
 

Chapter Seven: Just Think About It

She went around the show room, dusting artifacts, when the bell on the door rang. She looked over at the latest customer, and wasn’t surprised to see Spike there. “Giles and Mom had to make a run to fix some painting…they’ll be back in an hour.”

“I’m shocked that you’re not throwing me out of here on my hide, pet.” Spike said with a smirk.

“Give me time. What do you want from me? Faith’s not here.” She turned her attention away from a statue of a fertility God and watched him.

He moved close, standing before her with his eyes shining, and his smile wickedly sexy. “I’m not interested in her, pet.”

“You know, you’re risking all of your parts being here.” The threat didn’t waver, as she spoke, and he knew she’d hit him.

He took a step back. “Going to do me in like Parker?” He asked, his lower lip jutting out into a pout.

Buffy could feel the sudden need to move close, and take his lip, but she yelled at herself to stop thinking such thoughts. ‘Bad, bad, Buffy.’

“No, but for three years you’ve paid me no mind, or if you did, it was to give me a look…why are you suddenly so interested?” She asked curiously. She didn’t trust his motives, nor did she want to give in to him.

Spike sighed, and looked into her eyes. They were deep, and green, like a raging sea.

“When I lost Dru, I lost my world. I had gone to the park to drown my sorrows, but when I saw you running…” He took a deep breath. “I didn’t need the beer, or Drusilla. I saw an opportunity that I had lost because I was so childish. I figured I’d help you, and see what you’re all about. You’ve got fire, Buffy.” He reached out as he always did, and touched a strand of her loose hair.

“You should be careful, Spike. You might get burned.” She quipped.

“I can handle myself. I like your attitude, the way you try to scare me off with words, but I know that you’re really the scared one.” He leaned in, and took the chance her was waiting for. His arm snaked around her waist, as the other slipped deeper into her hair.

He pulled her closer, and her breath caught. Her body became molded to his, as his lips sensitively, sensuously, touched hers. She was reluctant at first, until his hand began roaming up and down he back. She then opened to him, allowing his tongue to slide forward and taste her. Sighing within his mouth, dropped the feather duster she had in her hand, and her fingers traveled to his hair. She began tugging lightly, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. Her body tingled, wanted, needed.

Spike’s erection escalated, and throbbed in pleasurable pain. He pressed it to her stomach, and gyrate his hips slowly. She arched her back, trying to get closer to the throbbing limb in his pants.

She ached for him, as she’d never ached for anyone. With Angel, it was only ten minutes, and all about him. Spike’s mouth was more giving, and his hips were sending her over the edge. She had to stop, or she’d regret what was happening. Gently, but hard enough, she pushed against his sculpted chest.

“Spike…” She whispered, when he finally let go. She felt as though she’d awaken from a dream, displaced. The man that stood before her, that she had spent most of her time looking down at, was turning her into putty.

“Yeah, pet?” He moaned, his hips still moving, his eyes on hers. Desire was apparent in both.

“You have to stop.” She breathed. Her focus returned, and she distanced herself from him, reversing a foot.

“But you seemed to be enjoying yourself.” His voice was filled with yearning.

“I don’t like you.” The words snapped him out of his daze, and even took her by surprise.

“I see there’s no need to be gentle.” He crossed his arms over his chest, as her hands went to her hips.

“I don’t know you, what you’re about. We’re two different people, and I’m thinking the only thing we have in common besides for our parents owning the gallery and Angel and Dru, is the fact that we’re both horny. But sex is not what we need right now…sex only leads to trouble, and weird feelings.” She babbled.

“Your point being?” He asked, amused.

“My point is, if you want me…you have to get to know me.” It was simple, if he could be around her as a friend, she’d ease him into her life. She’d see past what he was, and look for him in a different light.

“You don’t like me, but you want me to be your friend?” His face was serious, and he seemed to be thinking of an answer to his own question.

“I’m attracted to you, William, but the things you’ve done, the people you’ve associated with…it’s just not as good. Yu got some sick enjoyment out of inflicting hurt on people, on me.” Her voice was soft.

“I’ve changed.”

“Getting dumped isn’t changing. Changing takes time, and you need that time before you try kissing me again. I think you should leave, and think about this.” She needed to think herself; she had no clue what she was getting herself into.

“Fine, pet. Have it your way.” Spike said turning on his heal, and heading for the door. He didn’t look back at her; he only repeated her words in his head. ‘You need that time before you try kissing me again.’

He had to get in good with her somehow, and an idea struck him. He rubbed his hands together evilly, when he saw Joyce, and his father coming down the street from Giles’ car.

*

“Your sun is just a treasure. I don’t know what I’d do without him. With Hank gone permanently, it’s so hard to find help.” Joyce said, as she entered the gallery.

Buffy’s ears were her mother’s conversation, while her hand concentrated on dusting the statues. She was feeling slightly uncomfortable due to her soaked panties. If she hadn’t stopped herself, she would have fucked Spike.

She wanted him, but a bigger part of her wanted love. ‘Love from Spike? Don’t think so, but his lips were nice.’ She relished in the thought, and snapped out of a daze when her mother called her name.

“Buffy,” Joyce called, “we can go now. I’m going to pick up pizza on the way home, and get Dawn from Janice’s.”

“Okay, Mom.” Buffy said, as she went into the backroom to get her stuff. She gave Giles a quick goodbye, and followed her mother to the Jeep Liberty. “What were you saying about Spike?” She asked her mother curiously when she got into the passenger’s side.

“Oh, his a darling. I saw him on the way back, and he offered to work for me.” Joyce smiled, and started the car.

“Work for you?” Buffy questioned.

“Yeah, he’ll be tutoring Dawn in history on Wednesdays, and mowing the lawn on Saturdays.” Joyce replied.

“And who’s brilliant idea was that?” Buffy asked, knowing that Spike was only doing it to get near her. It was going to be hard to avoid him if her mother employed him.

“He mentioned he was looking for some scattered things to do for extra cash, so I offered…why don’t you look happy?” Joyce glanced at Buffy, as they drove toward Mike’s Pizza Palace.

“I’m fine…I just…we don’t click well, Spike and me. It’s a little unclicky.” Buffy tried to explain.

“Oh, nonsense. He’s a lovely boy.” Joyce smiled, and Buffy was lost in thoughts of Spike’s lips on hers.
 

Chapter Eight: Patience and Words



“He did what?” Xander sat on Buffy’s bed between Anya and Willow. He thought he was going to have a heart attack.



“Kissed me. Spike…William Giles, kissed me.” Buffy nervously paced the floor, nibbling on her nails. Spike was going to be there in a half an hour to tutor Dawn, and she was on edge. How would she act around him?



“Did you kiss him back?” Anya asked and Buffy nodded. “I would have, too.”



“You kissed him back!” Xander exclaimed.



“Did you like it?” Anya asked and Buffy turned her back to the trio.



“You liked it! I can’t believe this!” He threw his hands up in frustration.



“Xander, calm down.” Willow patted the brunette on the shoulder, knowing that he still had a few small feelings for Buffy from freshman year. “It seems like Spike’s changed. He’s a nice guy.”



“He’s very nice to look at.” Anya said with a wide smile, and earned a scowl from Xander. She just shrugged it off.



“Do you think I like feeling this way toward him?” Buffy turned back to her friends, her arms over her chest. She tried to deny the attraction she had for Spike, but it was next to impossible.



“I don’t understand why you’re so uptight about this.” Willow said.



“I do.” Xander stood, and took Buffy’s arm. “You’re a beautiful girl, Buffy. Guys want you, they desire you, and they would do a lot to have you. Do you want to give Spike the satisfaction of having you, or would you rather wait until you meet someone who can appreciate you the way the I-we do?” It was the sweetest thing he’d ever said to her, and for a second, he had her heart.



“Wow, Xander. That was so sweet, and sexy.” Anya came up behind him and he turned to face him. “You want to go to my house, and…you know.” With a little nod, Xander was dragging Anya away, without a goodbye.



Willow shook her head. “Those two…have problems. Xander has a point, Buffy. It’s not like you don’t have the opportunity to pick who you want.”



Buffy knew that was true, but with all the other guys she had the option of choosing, none made her ache like Spike did. “I know, but I don’t think I want to pick anyone else.”



“You mean, you like him?” Willow questioned. Buffy shrugged, and Willow knew the answer. “Than do what your heart is telling you.” She looked at her watch. “I’m supposed to head to the Bronze to watch Oz and the band practice. You could come with, or I can stay here. Keep you company, while he’s tutoring Dawn.” She offered.



“No, I think I’m going to just stay here. I have to keep an eye on Dawn, while Spike’s here. Mom’s going to be home late, and Dawn’s seriously crushing on Spike.” Buffy said, putting her hands in the pockets of her jeans.



“She’s not the only one.” Willow teased.



*



Buffy watched them from the stairwell, as Dawn sat across from Spike on the living room floor, her history books scattered on the wooden coffee table.



They laughed, and Dawn sent shy smiles his way. They also conversed in ways Buffy had never been able to herself.



“Yeah, well, my dad’s in Spain with his secretary…it was really hard on Buffy the most. She was always Daddy’s little girl.” Dawn said, when Spike inquired about the whereabouts of Hank Summers.



“She doesn’t seem like the type.” He spoke softly when her name was mentioned.



“You really are feeling her, aren’t you?” Buffy stiffened when she heard Dawn’s question.



“That I am, little bit. She’s a very special girl.” He put a hand through his tousled curls and sighed. “She’s also very complicated.”



“I know she can be so stubborn. But sooner or later, she’ll see what a great guy you are. If she doesn’t, you can have me.” The younger Summers joked.



“Thanks.” He smirked. He knew Buffy was listening, and hoped she’d say more than hi. She was awkward upon his entrance. “We’re pretty much done for today.”



The phone rang, and Buffy quickly picked it up. “Dawn, phone.” She went into the living room and handed the cordless to Dawn.



The fifteen year old grabbed it, and scurried off to her room. Buffy sat on the couch, and watched Spike as he stood and stretched.



“Going home?” She asked, her eyes on the history book that sat on the coffee table.



“Unless you’d like me to stay for other reasons.” He lifted his eyebrows provocatively.



“My time with you wouldn’t be complete without a good sexual innuendo.” She rolled her eyes, and smiled at him.



“I’m being patient for you, Buffy.” He said. “That kiss, the world fell from beneath my feet.” He looked into her eyes from his spot, and he could see that she felt the same way.



She wanted to tell him that she felt the same, but the words wouldn’t form. “That’s nice…I guess, I’ll just see you tomorrow in class?” She asked.



“You mean you’re done avoiding me, like you did today.” He asked.



“I wasn’t avoiding you…I had a pass.” She replied, standing to walk him to the door.



“I’m guessing, Mrs. Hall told you she’d call your mother if you cut again?” He asked, knowingly, as he stood at the open door.



“That, and I have detention.” She replied.



For a second, it seemed he was going to lean in and kissed her, but he didn’t. Disappointment crossed her features.



“You want time, Buffy, and I’m going to give it to you.” He said, reaching for her hand. He lifted it to his lips, and brushed them across her knuckles.



Her heart pounded, and she wanted more, her words were becoming nothing. She had to be strong. “You’re right.” She snatched her hand from his. “See you tomorrow.” She shut the door quickly, leaning her back against it. She was falling, and all she did was yell at him.
 

Chapter Nine: Get To Know Me

She could feel his eyes on her throughout English class. She sat in the front beside, Oz, while Spike spent his time in the back with Gunn.

“I see you scopin’ the girl. When you gonna holla?” Gunn questioned.

“I don’t feel that you need that information, mate. Last thing I need is that poof of a friend finding out.” Spike said, watching Buffy carefully.

“You know I don’t go back and tell him anything you tell me. He always finds out himself.” Gunn gave a little hint.

“He knows?”

“And he’s not happy about it. Besides for the fact that Buffy was his first…everything, he thinks you’re pulling the whole crush to get Dru on the fritz and…” The darker boy trailed off.

“And it’s working.” Spike finished.

“She’s been cursing you a lot. Says you’re too happy after she stomped on your heart. The girl is a bit loony.” Gunn replied.

“That what I miss most about her,” Spike said. “But just to set this straight, I genuinely like Buffy Summers. She’s so bright, and incredible.”

“Angel was an idiot to leave her for Drusilla.” Gunn said as the bell rang.

Buffy was the first one out of her seat, and on her way out the door. Spike had to jog to catch up with the blonde girl, after he put his books away.

“Buffy, hold on!” He called out to her, and she stopped in her tracks.

“What do you want, Spike?” She asked when he finally caught up to her. She made her way to her locker, and opened it to get out her calculus book.

“I…want to walk you to your next class.” He figured if he sent some time with her, she’d see him in another light.

A smile came across her features. “I’m…surprised, that you offered. I have calc next.” She hugged the book to her chest and shut her locker. She walked beside him. “I never got a chance to say thanks for helping Dawn yesterday. I’m not great with history myself, and Mom figured it would be better to have an A student give Dawn tutor time, instead of a C student.”

“You’re a smart girl, Summers. No need to bash your C. It’s a passing grade.” Spike said.

“That’s easy for you to say. How did someone with your past, become so smart?” She asked.

“My dad is intelligent, and Mum is pretty sharp, too.” He replied.

“Your parents are really cool. I wish I had a father like yours, and your mom is awesome.” There was a hint of sadness laced in her voice.

“He is a great man. My mother is too, although she’s not my real mother.” Spike informed her. She gave him a questioning look. “My real mother died when giving birth to me. Jenny met my father when I was ten, and became my surrogate mother.”

“She’s wonderful.”

“I’m very lucky.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?” She asked, as they approached the classroom door.

“Cause I want you to know me. All of me.” He replied with a smile, his head slightly tilted.

She couldn’t help but return his smile. He was making an effort. “I can’t wait to hear more.” Her voice was soft, and she leaned in, brushing her lips to his. Then, she retreated into class.

Spike was in a slight state of euphoria, when he felt a large hand on his shoulder, turning him around. He was face to face with his only enemy.

“I don’t know what you’re playing at with Buffy, but I don’t like it.” Angel growled.

“Can’t handle the fact that your former may be interested, mate?” Spike questioned back.

“You better leave her alone.” Angel threatened.

“If you haven’t noticed, Buffy is no longer your girlfriend, and from what I’ve been told, you and Dru are pretty close. She told me, and I’ve seen it, so what ever is happening between Buffy and I, will remain, and will stay between she and I.” Spike pushed Angel’s hand from his shoulder.

Angel restrained himself from hitting the blonde. “Buffy and I may not be together, but she had my mark. I had her first; I know what her body feels like, her mouth, and her kiss. I won’t let you experience that.” His tone was serious.

“Where is your girlfriend? I’m sure she’d love to hear that you’re so curious of my relationship with Buffy.” Spike’s smirk remained, as Angel’s jaw tightened.

“Dru is none of your concern, and I’m serious. You do anything that I find inappropriate to Buffy, and I’ll hurt you. I’m not her boyfriend anymore, but she has a very special place in my heart.” With those words the spiky haired brunette walked away.

“Fucking ponce.” Spike felt himself craving a cigarette, and forgot about physics to go outside, and relieve his frustration of the encounter.
 

Chapter Ten: Over

“The Monday after Halloween, we’ll be starting our unit on self defense.” Mr. Hong, the gym teacher announced to a gym of thirty students. “With this quarter nearing it’s end, I suggest that you makeup the classes you’ve missed, or it will effect your grade.”

“But, that would, like, take up all my lunch and study hall periods.” Harmony Kendall wailed from her seat in the stands.

“Well, I’m sorry, Ms. Kendall, but missing class for emergency manicures and shopping sprees are not acceptable.” Mr. Hong said to the ditzy blonde, earning snickers from everyone in the stands, except for a pouting Harmony. “Now, enough of the jabbering, I need the guys on the floor for a little game of shirts versus skins. Girls, I suggest you just sit and cheer them on.”

Willow sat beside Buffy, chatting excitedly about the Dingoes’ practice the night before. “So, Veruca was all like, ‘Oz, you gonna introduce me to your groupie?’ and he’s all like, ‘This is my girlfriend, Willow.’ And he kissed me in front of her and she stormed out of the club all mad.”

“And who is this girl?” Buffy questioned, watching Spike as he took of his shirt. She began salivating slightly. Her stomach churned when she spotted Angel joining the team, and stripping off his shirt. She saw Spike glare at the brunette, and could see conflict.

“She’s the lead singer of Shy. They sound great, but she wants Oz and I can’t compare to her.” Willow noted that Buffy seemed to be somewhere else, and followed her stare. She saw the problem that was brewing, Spike and Angel playing on the same team in basketball. They could barely be in the hallway at the same time without having a scowling contest.

They watched the competition, which quickly went from shirts versus skins to Spike versus Angel. The duo was fighting over the ball.

“Pass it to me you ponce!” Spike yelled.

“Not on your life, Captain Peroxide!” Angel yelled back.

“Captain Forehead!”

“Bleached Wonder!” And they were at each other’s throat. Spike threw the first punch, and it was frenzy after.

Buffy rushed off the stands, toward the duo, and fought through a crowd to get to the two boys. “Stop!” She yelled.

Spike’s head swerved to her, and as his attention turned, Angel caught him in the eye with a right hook. “Bloody hell!” Spike retaliated, catching him with an uppercut.

Buffy threw herself in the middle, and at her bravery, an elbow hit her. Everything seemed to freeze once she hit the floor, and Spike was the first one at her side.

“Oh my God, pet, are you okay?” He asked worriedly, taking her arm and helping her to her feet.

“I think you’ve done enough.” Angel said, taking Buffy’s other arm and pulling her toward him. Spike pulled back, and soon, they were having a game of tug a war with Buffy’s body as a rope.

The side of Buffy’s face ached, and her temper was rising. “That’s enough!” She yelled, yanking her arms away from the two, as Mr. Hong finally approached.

“You okay, Ms. Summers?” He asked, and she nodded slowly. “We better get you three to the nurse, and then you two,” he pointed at Spike and Angel, “are going to be visiting Snyder.”

*

The three of them sat in the nurse’s office, Spike with an ice pack on his eye, Angel on his mouth, and Buffy on her cheek. Spike sat beside Buffy on the examination bed, while Angel sat in a chair.

“Buffy, Luv, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to involve you.” Spike apologized, rubbing her back with his freehand.

She leaned comfortably into his hand, enjoying his caress. “I know you didn’t.”

“Buffy, are you okay?” Angel questioned, as he glared at Spike.

“Listen Angel, I don’t know why you’re doing this. I know that you spoke to Parker before our date, and now you’re starting in on Spike. Are you going to do this every time I have a boyfriend?”

“Aha! Boyfriend!” Angel stood, pointing a finger at them.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Buffy gave Spike a small smile, “but he is my friend.”

Spike smiled appreciatively touched by her words.

“Mr. Giles, Mr. Locke, in my office.” Snyder’s words as always were cold and unfeeling. “Ms. Summers, as soon as you feel up to it, you may head back to class. Make the healing process fast, there’s only five minutes until the bell.”

*

Buffy stood before the mirror in her room, examining the bruise on her face. At the last minute, Snyder decided it would be best to suspend Buffy along with Angel and Spike, for interfering with the fight. Instead of the five the duo got, Buffy was given two. She wanted to strangle them, mostly Angel. She’d let go of their past, of all the pain he put her through. Now, he was jealous of her relationship with Spike. It was as though he didn’t want to see her happy, and that hurt most of all.

“Who the hell does he think he is?” She spoke aloud to herself, but received an answer.

“It took them both to fight, Buffy, and as much as I like Spike, he’s responsible for that too.” Dawn stood at the doorway, her arms across her chest.

Buffy turned to her with a nod. “I know, but things are just really complicated, right now. It’s not about the fight…they weren’t even fighting over me.”

“They were, Buffy. They have no other reason to fight. Angel wants to see you dwell over him, and you’re not doing that anymore. Don’t give him that satisfaction, like you were, and give Spike a chance.” Dawn came into the room, and sat on her sister’s bed.

“When did you become so smart about men? You’re only in the eighth grade.” Buffy sat beside her, smoothed a hand through Dawn’s long straight hair.

“Duh, I do watch TV.” They smiled at each other. “Angel always made you cry, and I didn’t like that. You seem all happy around Spike.”

“It’s not happy, it’s alert. I always have to watch my back and see if he’s going to try kissing me.”

“He already has, and you liked it.”

“Have you been listening to my conversations?” Buffy asked.

“Xander was yelling. He didn’t seem happy at all.” Dawn replied innocently.

“Spike had his share of victims.” Buffy clarified.
 

Chapter Eleven: Interruptions

She watched him from her window, as the sun caused the sweat to glisten on his bare torso. Her own body was becoming hot at the sight. She sighed, and went into her bathroom to shower. Spike would be there for another half hour. He still had the backyard to mow

Her mother was at her aunt Maggie’s, for a bachlorette party. Faith was going to have a new stepfather, her third, named Ethan Rayne. Dawn was sleeping over her friend, Janice’s. Buffy had the house to herself.

The water from the faucet was cold, and Buffy allowed it to cool her before putting on the hot. The bathroom fogged, and forty-five minutes later, she stepped out. She wrapped the towel around her body, and went into her room, to see the bleach blonde sitting on her bed.

His smile was wide, and his eyes roamed her curves with lust. “Morning, Luv.”

“What are you doing in here?” There was no anger in her voice, only curiosity.

He stood, closing the distance between them. His hand slipped in the opening of the towel, and gripped her bare waist. “I came in for water, and heard the shower. I have little resistance.” His shirt was still missing.

“You shouldn’t be here.” Her eyes soften, traveling down his sculpted chest, as his fingers massaged. She could feel the towel slipping, and quickly grabbed top.

“I know.” His voice was husky, his erection throbbing.

Her mind swirled, as his fingers went down the curve of her hip, to her thigh. His fingers tickled, and worked its way to her inner thigh. “What are you doing?” Her breath caught, as they roamed upward, toward ecstasy. His teeth nipped at her lips and she leaned in to kiss him.

“Looks like he’s trying to get you off.” Faith spoke, startling them. They jumped a foot apart. “Don’t let me interrupt the fun; I’m just here to watch.” She winked at Spike, and Buffy felt her jealousy rise.

“What do you want?” She asked, angrily.

“Do you really think my mother would let me stay at the house to enjoy the strippers? You know how uptight the “professor” can be.” There was a hint of bitterness on the brunette’s tongue.

“Right, I better…go.” Spike looked at Buffy, with apologetic eyes, and quickly made his way out o the room. He didn’t bother looking at Faith, but he could feel her eyes on him.

Buffy sighed in frustration. Her hands had the urge to wrap around her cousin’s neck.

“Sorry I ruined the moment. Better luck next time.” Faith chirped, talking a seat on the corner of Buffy’s bed. “How long has Spike been working the mojo on you?”

“There has been no mojo working, we’re just friends.” Buffy defended.

“Not likely. If I wasn’t mistaken, you were about to be given the ultimate pleasure.” Faiths eyebrows rose.

“It’s probably better that you came when you did. That would have been a mistake.” Buffy nodded her head, trying to convince herself to believe her own words. She went to her drawer and searched for her underwear. She grabbed clothes, and made her way back into the bathroom.

“Why don’t I believe those are genuine words, B?” Faith muttered the words to herself.

*

Although Faith was told to remain at Buffy’s, Faith had a prior engagement with a certain Lindsey McDonald.

“If all goes well, I won’t be back until the morning.” Faith said.

“Make sure you’re here, you have to be ready for the wedding by 10AM.” Faith waved off Buffy’s words, and made her way out the door.

Buffy curled up on the couch with Serendipity in the DVD player. Before she had the chance to press play, there was a knock on the door. She stood, and made her way to the front door, thinking it was Willow. She opened the door to see Spike, a coy smile on his face.

“Hi…” She said softly, her stomach somersaulting.

“Thought you’d like a little company for the evening. I knew Faith wouldn’t stay for long.” He tilted his head to the side and studied her. She wore gray sweatpants and a baggy white t-shirt, and her hair was up in a tight ponytail.

“I wasn’t expecting you.” She held the hem of the t-shirt, a bit embarrassed by her appearance.

“You look fine,” a wicked grin entered his features, “although I like the towel better.” His arms reached her waste, pulling her body to his, and her breath caught when his lips sought hers. His foot closed the door, as he pushed her further into the house.

After allowing their tongues to do battle for five minutes, nibbling, licking, tasting all that was offered, his hand smoothly began traveling up her shirt. When it ran up her belly, heading toward her breast, she stopped him. He abruptly pulled back, in question.

She was afraid for a second that he would attempt to pull a Parker. “We’re supposed to be friends first.” Her voice was soft, and a little scared.

He sensed it, and took a step back. “I understand…I’m sorry about earlier, and that kiss.”

“Don’t be sorry.” She smiled at him, and reached for his hand. “Just come and watch a movie with me. Serendipity.”

Spike groaned as he followed.

They cuddled together on the couch, and it wasn’t long before she fell asleep in his arms.
 

Chapter Twelve: Around

Faith slammed the door, upon entrance, and Spike jolted awake, luckily not waking Buffy.

“Well, well, well…what do we have here?” Faith questioned, crossing her arms over her chest. It was nearing 5AM, and the last thing she expected to see was Spike and Buffy, cuddled up on the couch.

Spike stood, careful not to wake Buffy. He adjusted her head on a throw pillow comfortably, and she didn’t notice the difference from his chest. He laid a gentle kiss on her forehead. He stepped around the coffee table, and came face to face with the evil version of Buffy.

“I don’t know why you waste your time with Buffy, when you can have someone more your status.” Faith said, indicating herself. She was attracted to Spike, but then again, she was attracted to most of the men that had a nice body and good face.

Spike’s gaze drifted from Buffy’s sleeping form, back to the girl before him. “I’m sorry, Faith, but I’m really not-“

She cut him off, as her mouth crushed his. He tried to push her away, but she seemed determined. As though an alarm was ticking in the blonde’s head, Buffy awoke to the scene, a shocked expression on her face. Faith finally pushed him away; a smile came to her features when she saw that Buffy witnessed the scene.

“Is this what you call getting to know me? Tonguing down my family after spending the night here with me?” Pain and anger laced her voice, as she stood. She shook with rage, aching to hit him, or her.

“It’s not what it looks like, Buffy. She kissed me.” Spike tried to explain.

“And you weren’t kissing her back?” She questioned, raising her voice. He shook his head, negative, but Buffy didn’t trust him. From the smirk on her cousin’s face, she was enjoying every moment of this.

“Get out.” Buffy ordered them sternly.

“Buffy, I would never-“

“GET OUT!” Buffy screamed in the manner Dawn always did when no one listened. She put a hand over her mouth, tears running down her cheeks. She ran from the living room, pushing past the duo, and running into her room.

Faith smiled wickedly. “I guess she’s little pissed.” She turned to go up the stairs, but Spike grabbed her arm. “Sorry, Spike, I don’t go the same place twice. It gets old.”

“You’re going to go upstairs and tell her that you did that on purpose.” His grip tightened, but Faith held her ground.

“I’ll tell her when I feel like it.”

“What have you got against Buffy? What has she done to you that you are trying so hard to make her miserable?” His own anger was consuming him, and he was sure his fingers would bruise her.

“Everyone loves Buffy. Angel loved her, her friends love her, her family, and now you’re falling for her. You’re not supposed to like girls like Buffy. Dru and I were the pick of the litter for you, both bad, and we would have done anything for you man. But you’re fucking around with little Miss Nice Girl up there, and it’s only going to cause you to lose the outer shell you’ve always held.” She knew from experience, and Buffy had no clue that Faith had been a playmate of Dru and Spike’s. It was only two years ago, that the three of them had shared a bed.

“That was the past. Buffy is my future.” He scowled, and looked down at his feet.

“If you don’t let her know what we’ve shared, and enjoyed…I will.” She got close and leaned in to whisper in his ear. “I think part of me just thinks Buffy deserves the truth…all of it.”

With her words, he shoved out of his way, and slammed the door behind him upon his exit.

*

Buffy stood between Faith and Dawn as the bridesmaids, her mother beside the bride as the maid of honor. Maggie was radiant, but Buffy was oblivious to the service going on around her. She was not in the wedding mood.

Buffy stared at the yellow rose bouquet in her hand, avoiding the eyes that were boring into her. She could feel Spike watching her carefully. She didn’t know that Giles was friends with Ethan, and that Spike was joining them. Once the service was over, everyone headed for the reception. Willow, oz, and Xander had drove to LA for the day, to see Dingoes Ate My Baby perform.

Buffy decided to bail on the reception, go home and hang out with Anya for a bit. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck in a room with Spike and Faith so close to each other.

“Are you sure he kissed her?” Anya questioned for the fiftieth time, as the walked to the reception hall. Anya’s little brother walked beside them. They were dropping him off at Anya’s house, and then heading to Buffy’s.

“Their lips were touching. That’s kissing.” Buffy said.

“Spike is like totally cool, and Faith is so totally hot. But she’s very evil.” Andrew chimed in.

“You’re a perceptive one.” Buffy rolled her eyes.

“You should have gone with Mom.” Anya muttered to her brother. “Faith is very evil. She has lots of sex, with many different men. She’s been around.”

“I know my cousin’s history, Anya. I just don’t understand how she could try to take him away from me. I actually thought Spike and I were going somewhere.” Buffy felt a tear come to her eye, and quickly rubbed it away, then wiped the wetness on her pale yellow sundress.

“Maybe she’s had Spike before.” Anya suggested.

“He’s been with Dru since junior high. I highly doubt it.” Buffy replied.

“But I’ve heard stories of Dru being very open in the bedroom. There was Cecily, Darla, and Kendra. Faith could be another on the list.”

Buffy didn’t want to think of Spike doing such a thing. She knew his past was wacky, but could she handle knowing that Spike had experienced things that she’d only heard of. “I think I need to keep away for a little while. I have to think.”

“Just don’t hurt your head. It happens to Anya all the time.” Andrew said.

“Monkey.” Anya called to her brother.

“Oh, a bunny!” Andrew shouted, pointing to the ground.

Anya screamed, nearly jumping into Buffy’s arms. “Thanks a lot Andrew!!! I’m going to have nightmares tonight. Fuzzy fuckers…they can’t be trusted.”

Buffy shook her head, a smile crossing her face at Anya’s freak out. Although the girl beside her was serious, Buffy found Anya’s uniqueness entertaining. She needed Anya to take her mind off of the bleached boy that almost had her wrapped around his finger.

 

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