Chapter Twenty-Eight: She Does Now

A/N ~ Please remember that this is a slowly evolving story. Any questions you have may be answered in the next chapter, or in the sequel. As for Buffy jumping Spike on the bus - to quote Buffy to Willow in Chapter 18 . . ."I completely lose all control the second I touch him; all rational thought leaves my brain. It's kind of scary." Everything in the story is connected - don't forget that. Thanks again for the feedback and support in the polls. Silver, Flames and Lady Anne continue to kick ass.

DAY 11

After dinner, Buffy spotted Spike standing by the steps of the cafeteria. She had missed the meal because she had been working on finishing up the choreography for the 'Somewhere Ballet.' The piece was extremely long, and she knew that if she wasn't completely prepared, the kids would trample her the next morning. "Hey!" Buffy said, jogging over to where Spike was standing. He gave her a dirty look and began walking away. 'What's going on? He seemed to be ok this morning. Granted, we didn't really speak; but things weren't tense and all 'eeee!' like the last time.' She ran after him and tapped him on the shoulder. "What's up, mopey? Didn't you hear me?"

Spike turned around and glared at the petite woman. He fished in his pockets and pulled out a smoke; knowing that if he didn't keep his mouth occupied he’d be shouting at her again. As angry as he was, he didn't want a repeat of the horrible fight they had the week before. "Yah, I heard you."

Buffy's face fell. "Oh." She stared at him with wide eyes when he started lighting a cigarette. She pushed him into a hidden area, so he wouldn't be seen by any campers' prying eyes. "So. . ." she started slowly, "how's your day been so far."

He inhaled his cigarette sharply, blowing out a long stream of smoke. "Look, I'm not one for small talk, al'right?" He eyed her body up and down. She was wearing one of her cute dance outfits, with the tank top and dance pants hugging every curve. "What do you want?"

Buffy frowned. "Nothing, I just wanted to see how you were." She lowered her eyes from his, and started to fidget with the edge of her shirt.

Spike held out his arms and spun in a slow circle. "I'm fine. . .Never been better." He stared into her eyes intently. "Now, why don't you tell me what you really brought me back here for?"

She swallowed down the large lump in her throat. "Really, that's all. I thought that . . ." 'We were going to be able to work through this. Maybe, build up a friendship . . .start fresh.'

He chuckled low in his throat. "Thought what? That you'd get me alone for a little outdoor playtime?" Taking in another drag of his cigarette, he breathed out as he spoke. "I thought we covered that one already?"

She lifted her eyes to his, and put on a brave face. "Spike, I'm not going to fall for your tough-guy act this time. It won't work."

"Is that right?" He smirked and snuffed his cigarette out on the heel of his shoe. "You mean to tell me, you're not thinking of jumping my bones right now?" Off her glare, he laughed. "Maybe not RIGHT now; but the thought had crossed your mind."

Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and stood her ground. "It doesn't have to be this way."

"What way?" he asked, innocently.

She sighed and took one of his hands in her own. "Do you think maybe we can get together later on? Maybe talk a few things over?"

He looked up at the sky and laughed loudly. "NOW she wants to talk?" he asked to the heavens. Spike fixed his blue eyes back to her green ones. "Sorry, luv, you're going to have to take a number." He pointed past her to where Drusilla was standing.

"Drusilla?" Buffy laughed. "You're not seriously getting together tonight with that whack-job?"

"Takes one to know one, pet."

"Point taken." She nodded her head slowly. "But just remember that I tried." She gave him a pointed look and turned to walk towards her cabin.

Spike pulled out another smoke and lit it. She seemed so sincere. . .he’d almost given in to her request. He looked over at Drusilla, who was now waving in his direction. He sucked in on his cigarette. 'Well, Spike, there's no getting out of it now. I just hope she doesn't start talking about burning fish again.'

-------------------

Later That Evening

". . .fish."

"Huh?" Spike asked, snapping out of his thoughts.

"I said - Go Fish." Drusilla said with a giggle. "That is the game we're playing, right? Unless, you were interested in something with a li'l more . . . action. . ." She gave him a sideways smile and placed her cards on the table between them.

Spike shook his head, completely missing her come-on. "No. . .this is good. I needed somethin' a little low-key tonight." Drusilla sighed and picked up her cards, resuming the game. "Besides, with all the pennies in the kitty, I might be able to double my salary before the night is through."

Drusilla chuckled, knowing exactly what he meant by the statement. The money they made at Sunny-D would barely cover the cost of a Tube ride when they got back home. She picked a card from the deck and let out a sharp squeal. "Oooo . . .King of Cups!"

Spike looked at her skeptically. "That's a club, princess."

She pouted; annoyed that he didn't want to play along. "I know, silly. It's just that my tarot deck is so much more fun." She gathered up all the cards and placed them under the table. "This is rather dull. Don't you think we could find something else to keep us busy?"

Spike leaned back against the couch, and watched warily as she flounced over to sit beside him. "Like what?"

Next thing he knew her lips were on his. Out of pure instinct, he responded and deepened the kiss. Snapping out of it, he wrenched his mouth from hers and lightly pushed her away. "I'm sorry, Dru." She pouted and crossed her legs under her body. "I thought you said you wanted to get together as friends? You know. . .feel closer to home for awhile?"

She thought about it for a moment and nodded slowly. "That is wha' I said." She leaned in closer to him. "But you know how we could feel even closer . . .?" She ran her fingers up his arms and across his lips, only to have him stop her abruptly.

"Not tonight. What I need is a friend." He looked her directly in the eyes as he spoke. "Do you think we could try that?"

She sighed and moved back to the floor. "Fine." She picked up the cards and began dealing again, before adding, "I just thought you might want to move on, is all, considering that's what Buffy's doin'."

Spike's head snapped up at her remark. "What did you say?"

Drusilla shrugged. "You know, since she's snoggin' Angel, an' all that . . .I thought you might be ready to move on as well." She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, and went back to dealing the cards, an evil smile spreading across her face.

"Where'd you hear that?" Sure, he had seen Angel kiss her, but after his brief run-in with Buffy he had convinced himself that it was just a misunderstanding; that it would blow over in no time.

The raven-haired girl picked up her cards and began organizing them into pairs. "Darla. According to her, Buffy and Angel have been goin' behind her back for some time now."

Spike felt his skin start to burn and grabbed the cards from the table. "Well, why would I care about that?"

Drusilla smiled innocently and pulled a card from the deck. "No reason."

-----------------

DAY 13 - After In-Time

"Get up!"

Buffy lifted her head from her pillow and looked drowsily towards the girl standing above her. "Huh?"

"I said, GET UP!" In one swift motion, Willow pulled Buffy out of her bed. "We're into the second week of camp and you haven't been out to The Bronze once since before the kids got here."

Buffy yawned and sat back down on her bed. "I'm sorry, Wills. I kinda wanted to stay in tonight."

Willow shook her finger in her friend's face. "Not a chance, missy." She grabbed her friends hands and lifted her up once more. "Now I want you to march over to that closet and pull out something sexy!"

"But . . ."

"No buts! Well . . .except for yours in those cute leather pants you love so much." Buffy stared at her friend blankly. Willow pointed to her own face. "You know what this is. . ." Buffy nodded slowly, furrowing her brows in recognition. "That’s right, it’s my resolve face. Now go make yourself look hot. I don't want to see you in anything even closely resembling the depression overalls, my dear."

Buffy gave in and walked over to her closet and slowly began looking through her wardrobe.

Willow snapped her fingers. "Come on! The guys are already there. . .get a move on!"

Buffy's heartbeat raced and she turned to look at her friend. "Will . . .I'm not feeling so well. Do you think I can sit this one out? Maybe we can go out tomorrow night. . ."

"No way, chicka! I'm on grounds tomorrow. Plus, it's going to be fun." She walked towards her friend and squeezed her cheeks like an aunt would do to a toddler. "You'll see."

Buffy rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine . . .but you have to protect me from Angel. He hasn't left me alone for the last few days. He's such a . . ." she thought for a moment before finally giving up. "I don't know; but something really clingy and annoying . . . that slobbers. A lot."

Willow laughed happily, glad her friend finally had seen the light about Angel. "My pleasure. . ." She sat down in Buffy's desk chair. "But what about another sexy soccer stud?"

Buffy zipped up her pants and pulled a black v-neck shirt over her head. "Who knows. . .I haven't talked to him since yesterday. I know we . . .er . . .HE decided that we shouldn't see each other. But, he's been really distant. Like the King of Avoid-o-Land."

"Oh, sweetie," Willow stood up and patted Buffy on the head. "Afraid your title is being threatened?"

Buffy smacked her hand away, and laughed at the remark. "A little. . ." She paused and then continued. "But seriously, he's been really weird."

Willow shrugged and watched as Buffy applied her make-up. "I don't know what's up with him. He hasn't been around much lately. But he'll be there tonight."

Buffy sighed and pulled her hair into a knot, securing it with a pair of painted chopsticks. She turned to her friend and twirled in a circle. "How do I look?"

"Stunning, my darling." She drawled in a posh accent.

Buffy smiled. "Considering it took me all of five minutes to throw this look together . . . I think I look damn good." She grabbed her purse from the dresser and started towards the door, only to stop when Anya rushed into the room, heading straight for her dresser. "Hey, Anya. We're heading to The Bronze. Wanna come?"

Anya opened her drawer and started fishing for something that was apparently extremely important. "No, go ahead!" she shouted from practically inside the drawer. "I have my own plans." She pulled out a lace bra and matching panties, smiling widely at them. Remembering she wasn't alone she turned to the girls behind her and waved them off. "Run along!"

Buffy was about to confront Anya about her nightly secret rendezvous, but Willow had her out the door before she could say a word.

--------------------

"All right. I think it's about that time," Xander said, rubbing his hands together. He looked around the table at Cordy, Oz and Spike. "I'm going to kick it into hyper-drive."

Cordy pulled him towards her, giving him quick kiss. "Kick some ass."

He grinned happily. "Oh I plan to."

Cordelia watched him make his way to the Karaoke stage. She turned back to two pairs of eyes, staring at her curiously. "What?"

Oz and Spike shrugged; they still couldn't get over how open Cordy had been about her relationship with Xander.

"I'm going to get another pitcher," Spike said, rising to his feet. "Anyone want anything."

Oz shook his head. "I think I'm going to wait till Will and Buffy get here."

Spike looked at Cordy, who just shook her head. "Fine, more for me then. . ." He approached the bar and set a ten dollar bill and the empty pitcher on the counter. "Hey, barkeep. Another pitcher of Sam Adams and a shot of Tequila - no training wheels." The bartender nodded and went to fill the order. When his drinks arrived he quickly slammed down his shot and walked back to the table, wobbling slighly from the amount of alcohol in his system. After he sat down, he immediately filled his pint glass, and took a large gulp, finishing nearly half the glass.

"Woah . . .slow down there tiger," Cordy said, as she watched him down the beer. "Do you really think . . ."

Cordelia snapped her attention over to Xander, her mouth dropping wide. He continued speaking in a high-pitched voice, with one hand on his hip, the other on his head.

Cordelia dropped her head to the table in embarrassment. Xander then switched immediately into his deep rapper tone.

The whole crowd began cheering. Cordy, slowly lifted her head and looked around the room. Besides Spike, who was busy refilling his glass, every person in the room was on their feet. She couldn't hold anymore and got up to join them. She let out a loud yell and started dancing to the music.

"MAKE ME SO HORNY!" everyone yelled along with Xander.

Spike rolled his eyes and took another large gulp of his beer. He turned towards the door just in time to see Willow enter, Buffy following closely behind. "Bloody hell," he muttered, before rising to his feet. He stalked over to the bar and lay a five down. "Two more shots of Tequila!" he shouted over the screaming customers. He downed them in rapid succession, and then returned to the table.

**A word to the thick soul sistas
I wanna get with ya
I won't cuss or hit ya
But I gotta be straight when I say
I wanna . . . Uuuhh
Til the break of dawn
Baby, I got it goin on**

Spike sat down, and felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey hot stuff!"

He turned to see Willow behind him. He placed a quick kiss on her cheek and took a sip of his beer, ignoring the blonde standing on his right.

"Hi," Buffy said, trying to get his attention.

He nodded at her and re-filled his glass for the third time. Well, for the third time for THAT pitcher.

Buffy sighed and took a seat on the stool beside Spike. She told Oz what she wanted, and watched full of envy as he went to go fill her and Willow's orders, before turning her attention to Xander.

"My anaconda don't want none unless you've got buns hon!" Buffy yelled as she bounced up and down in her stool. Spike looked at her and couldn't help but grin at how happy she seemed. Buffy felt his eyes on her and turned to return his smile; but the minute she faced him, he immediately returned to his beer. A frown crossed her face, and she turned back to Xander's show.

When Xander finally finished the song, the crowd cheered for a good two minutes. He took a bow and made his way back to the table, where Cordy greeted him with a huge kiss. He smacked her playfully on her backside and took a seat. "Ladies . . .welcome." Turning to Buffy, he said, "Well Miss Summers, I haven't seen you here lately. Glad to see you could join us."

Spike snorted and took another sip from his beer. Buffy shot him a worried look out of the corner of her eye. "Yah, I've been really busy with rehearsals and my girls. They've been all about causing trouble lately."

Spike laughed loudly and muttered under his breath unintelligibly.

"What was that?" Buffy asked, leaning towards him.

He sat up straight and raised his voice. "I said-" He stared directly into her eyes. "-where's the poof tonight?"

Buffy furrowed her brows. "How should I know?" She leaned towards him and inhaled deeply. His usual scent was masked by the over-powering smell of liquor. "Take a tequila bath before you came out, Spike?" she asked snottily, trying to cover her concern.

"Sorry, I'm not some Drakkar-wearing nancy-boy, like ole Angel."

She shook her head, "What is with this Angel talk? I have no . . ."

Spike cut her off and stood from the table, struggling to find his footing. He raised his pint. "Let's have a toast." The entire table, besides Buffy, lifted their own glasses warily. "To Miss Buffy Summers, the heir to the Sunny-D throne. May she rein high and mighty above us. . .like a little Angel in the sky."

"Hear hear!" Xander exclaimed, taking a sip from his drink. Cordy smacked him, making him cough. He looked up to see everyone staring at Buffy, who was frozen in her seat.

"Sorry, I'm not much for toasts myself," Spike slurred.

"But he can sure get toasted," Cordy whispered to her boyfriend.

Spike slammed down the rest of his drink, and began pouring another. "I don't think you want that one," Oz said, placing his hand on Spike's arm.

The blonde looked up and grinned at the smaller man. "You're right! I want to sing!" Willow looked around nervously. Spike leaned in towards Buffy and whispered huskily in her ear. "I remember how hot it got you last time." He licked her ear lightly, as she refused to respond.

Spike ran towards the Karaoke machine and thumbed through the selections. He had a specific song in mind and remembered seeing it the last time he was here. He was so shocked that The Bronze had it on their list, since it was relatively new, and one of his favorites. He picked up the microphone and pointed towards Buffy. "This is for that special lady out there."

Willow placed a comforting hand on Buffy's shoulder. "Maybe it won't be that bad? Maybe he's going to sing you something really nice?" Buffy looked at her in disbelief.

The sounds of a guitar were heard through the speakers, then Spike began singing in a low, gruff voice.

"Or not," Willow said to Buffy, as they both watched him on the small stage.

**In a trap, trip I can't grip.
Never thought I'd be the one who'd slip.
Then I started to realize
I was living one big lie. **

Spike's voice became louder as he went into the chorus.

All eyes were on Buffy at her table; the rest of the crowd was cheering Spike on.

Buffy desperately tried to control herself. The tears were forming in the corners of her eyes, and she swallowed down the large lump in her throat. She didn't know whether to feel hurt, angry, sad, confused - or all of the above.

The men in the crowd were now on their feet, screaming along with the angry man - all having felt the same way before. Spike raised his voice to its full volume and let it rip.

During the instrumental break, Spike started making his way through the audience; stopping to shake hands with a few of the guys and snuggle some of the ladies. When he reached his table it was time to start singing again. He stopped in front of Willow and sang directly to her, more softly this time.

He shot one final look at Buffy, who had let a few tears fall at last, and then he started jumping up and down with the crowd.

**She fucking hates me!**

He held the microphone out to a man at a nearby table who eagerly yelled - "TRUST!"

**She fucking hates me!**

He then held the microphone out to Xander, who instead of saying 'La la la love,' just sat completely still and stared at his drunken friend.

Spike shrugged and went back to his song.

** I tried too hard
and she tore my feelings like I had none
and ripped them away! **

He let the crowd finish the song, went over to his seat and lifted his pint glass, finishing the last drop.

He stared directly at Buffy and growled out the last line.

**She fucking hates me! **

They stared at each other for a few moments. Finally, after the last beat sounded, she grabbed her purse and ran out of the bar. Willow shot him a wounded look and followed after her friend.

Spike's face fell as he watched them go. "So, you're not staying then?" He looked down at the microphone in his hand and dropped it to the table. He felt a wave of nausea sweep through his body. He looked around at the three pairs of eyes, now staring back at him in shock, and took off towards the bathroom before he blew chunks all over the floor.

The table was silent. Cordelia finally sighed, and spoke up. "Well . . .if she didn't before - she sure does now."

Chapter 29: First Steps

Thanks again for all of your support! "Summer Nights" won Fic of the Week (Week 7) over at Spuffy Archives, and it's up again for Week 8!!! So, go show your support over at www.spuffyarchives.com and check out the other great fics. I mean it . . .go vote. . . or no more chappies for you!!! Yes, I mean YOU!! I get over 500 hits per chapter, and yet, not so many votes? Hmmmm. . .are some of you NOT VOTING? Or NOT REVIEWING. Shame on you! Kidding. . .I still love you!

Thanks again to Flames, Lady Anne and Silver.

Read and review away!

Willow chased Buffy down the street outside of The Bronze. "Buffy stop! Buffy. . .please!"

The blonde finally slowed and felt her body begin to shake uncontrollably. Willow reached her and pulled her into a tight hug, petting her hair gently. "Don't let it get to you. He's just drunk."

Buffy pulled away, and shook her head rapidly. "No . . .I'm evil."

Willow chuckled and gave her friend a sympathetic look. "Buffy, you're not evil."

Buffy felt the tears start rolling down her face. "Yes, I am! I'm evil!" She took a deep breath. "And worse than that - I'm not JUST evil. I'm like the thing that created all evil. The first! May all lesser evil bow down before me!" She choked on her tears and began to cough.

Willow moved behind her friend and patted her on the back. "Can you breathe now?" When Buffy nodded, the redhead burst into giggles. Buffy stared at her friend incredulously, giving her a dirty look through swollen eyes. "Are you listening to yourself? 'I'm evil! Boohoo!' Do you realize how lame you sound?!"

Buffy realized just how ridiculous she was being and joined her friend in laughter. When they finally regained control Buffy spoke again, "But really-"

Willow looked at her with one eyebrow cocked. "-you're evil?!"

Buffy chuckled a bit. "No. Well, yes . . .but that's NOT what I was going to say," she said, pointing at her friend. "I was going to say, that Spike wasn't all wrong back there."

"Come on, Buffy," Willow said, taking her friend's hand to walk back to campus, "Spike's just a bad drunk. A REALLY bad drunk." She thought about it for a moment. "Yet, at the same time, can still kick a little Karaoke ass." Off of Buffy's death stare, Willow held up her hands protectively. "Stopping now."

The blonde sighed. "I know, he's a really bad, angry drunk. But, if you knew the things I did . . . I don't think you could look at me the same way again." Buffy avoided her friend's eyes.

"You mean like screw on a laundry table?"

Buffy froze in her tracks and turned to her friend. "What?!"

"Duh! It was way obvious. The way you two responded to Cordy's little story."

Buffy nodded, they really weren't being all that smooth that day in the van. "But there's more than that." The two began walking again. "That night in the day-off room, after we watched 'When Harry Met Sally,' I practically attacked him. He wanted to talk, and I wouldn't let him."

"What did you do?" Willow asked as she wrapped her jacket tightly around her body.

Buffy pulled the chopsticks from her hair, letting her locks fall loosely around her shoulders. "Nothing . . .I just-" she began twirling the wooden sticks between her fingers, "kinda . . .blew him."

Willow burst out laughing again. "No way!! You are so the guy!"

"What?"

"You know - he wants to talk, you want to screw - that's some major role reversal."

Buffy sighed and opened the gate for her friend. "Yup, and I blew it."

"Literally!" Willow shrieked, earning her a smack on the shoulder from her friend.

"Whatever." Buffy rolled her eyes. "He wanted to start a real relationship, and I just wanted to jump his bones."

"They are nice bones though," Willow said, thinking of Spike's tight body.

"Stop!" Buffy commanded.

"What?"

"Imagining my drunken, asshole, potential boyfriend, naked."

"Fine. . ." Willow walked with Buffy towards Revello. "What was with all that Angel talk?"

Buffy shrugged. "I don't know, maybe he's harboring some latent hostility towards him for the last time. Unless . . ." Buffy trailed off.

"Unless what?" Willow asked, curiously.

Buffy shook it off. "Nothing . . .it's not important. Besides, Spike's been hanging around with Drusilla a lot lately. I don't see why he would care about Angel, or even ME for that matter."

Willow couldn't believe her best friend's apparent stupidity. "He's like totally butt-crazy in love with you, that's why!"

"I don't know. . .it just seems like over the past few days they've been inseparable."

Willow stopped at the back door of Revello, lowering her voice, so as not to wake the campers. "I wouldn't worry that much about it. Plus, he's going to have to grovel to you for a lot more than Drusilla after he wakes up tomorrow with the mother of all hangovers."

Buffy laughed, and crossed her arms. "Well, it serves him right!"

Willow yawned and gave her friend another hug. "Are you alright now?" She pulled back and eyed her friend up and down. "Cuz I'm beat, and want to rest up. Tomorrow's the big game!"

Buffy smacked her forehead. "Oh my god! I can't believe I forgot." She paused, realization hitting her. "I guess Spike forgot too."

They both giggled at the thought. "THAT's going to be an interesting game."

"Even though I hate him," Buffy said, receiving a skeptical look from Willow, "I still want him to kick Angel's ass."

"I wish. But, I'm not sure our boy stands much chance of winning anything tomorrow - except for maybe toilet-bowl gymnastics."

---------------------------

DAY 14

Buffy searched the cafeteria for Spike. ‘Where is he?’ She spotted Conner with Dawn and walked over to their table. “So, where’s bleach-boy this a.m.?”

Conner looked up at the counselor, with fear in his eyes. He hadn’t said much to her since she busted him in Dawn’s room. “I don’t know . . .please don’t hurt me?”

Buffy laughed, “I’m not going to hurt you Conner. I tried that tactic with Dawn - and it didn’t work too well; she’s still causing trouble.”

“Hey!” Dawn exclaimed, rising from her chair.

Buffy lightly pushed her back in her seat. “Don’t try to protest, honey, I know you and Janice short-sheeted Jonathan’s bed two days ago.”

Dawn’s mouth dropped open wide. “How did you . . .?”

“Been there, done that, remember? Anything you can do I have done better,” Buffy said, reminding the girl of the very first cabin meeting. She turned back to Conner, “So, you have no idea where Spike is?”

Conner shook his head, “I checked his bed this morning, but he wasn’t there.”

Buffy sighed, and thanked him for his help. She walked over to her co-counselor, who was sitting at a nearby table. “Anya, I have an errand to run, can you make sure everyone is quiet during the announcements?” When the woman nodded, Buffy continued. “I also have another huge favor to ask you.”

“Shoot.”

“Well, Giles is refereeing the big soccer game today. It’s supposed to start in a little over an hour, do you think you can stall him? Like ask him a lot of questions about the business or his time in England - you know how he is when he gets going; it’s hard to shut him up.”

Anya rolled her eyes. “Do I ever. . . As for the stalling part, I’m pretty sure I can think of something.” She grinning widely at Buffy and went back to eating her eggs. Buffy opened her mouth to speak again, but decided now was not the time; she had to find Spike.

Buffy slowly opened the door to Spike’s room and peered inside. Conner was right; the bed was empty. She took another step in and saw the door to the bathroom slightly ajar. Taking a deep breath she knocked lightly on the door. “Spike?” When there was no answer she let herself in. She gasped when she saw his half-naked body curled around the toilet, hugging it like a teddy-bear. She kneeled next to him and spoke softly, “Spike, get up.” When he didn’t respond she shook him gently, raising her voice slightly. “Spike, get UP.” When he still didn’t show any signs of waking, she screamed loudly, “I said GET UP!” slapping him sharply across the face at the last two words.

Spike slowly opened his eyes and peered at the two blonde women staring at him. “Mornin’ girls, how are you today?”

Buffy groaned and held him under the arms, attempting to lift him to his feet. His body was dead weight and she ended up toppling backwards, with him on top of her. He let out a shrill laugh and rolled to the floor, passing out once again.

“Oh no . . .I don’t think so!” She straddled his legs and shook his shoulders. “You have to sober up. The big soccer game is in about an hour.”

He grabbed her hips and pulled her down, so she was now sitting directly on his crotch. Buffy gasped as she felt his morning erection through her shorts. “I like this game better,” he said sleepily, his eyes still closed.

She gulped, and allowed her heartbeat to slow. “Well, according to the song from last night, I hate you, so . . .”

Spike opened one eye and looked at the girl above him. “Buffy?”

“That’s right,” she nodded, “unless there’s another girl who might be straddling you this early in the morning.” A picture of Drusilla entered her mind, but she shook it out quickly. She stood up and reached for his hand, helping him to his feet.

Spike put a hand to his head. “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.” He opened both his eyes, squinting from the florescent light. “What are you doing here?”

Buffy sat down on the edge of the tub. “I hate you, remember, so I didn’t want to miss a moment of your suffering. . .” she said with a smirk.

He looked at her wide-eyed, and slid back to the floor, putting his face in his hands. “Oh my god, I was so pissed last night.” He raised his eyes to her again. “You know I didn’t . . .”

“Doesn’t matter . . .” Buffy squatted in front of him. “Now we have to get you into soccer-playing shape, stat.” She smoothed his hair from his eyes and gave him a small smile.

‘Why is she being so nice to me?’ Spike thought as he watched her walk back to the tub, turning on the shower spray.

“Get over here,” she waved him over. He slowly crawled over to her, and lifted himself to his feet. He gave her a confused look, and without warning, found himself sprawled in the tub, ice water splashing over his body. Gasping for air, and shocked by the cold, he began thrashing around.

Buffy reached towards him to still his movements and only ended up slipping on the wet floor. She yelped as she fell into the tub with him, getting completely soaked in the process. Sitting up right, she smoothed her hair from her face and wiped the water from her eyes. Spike continued to struggle beneath her, so she grabbed onto his shoulders tightly, ignoring the icy chill spreading through her body. “You HAVE to sober up!”

Spike stared at her, and nodded his head slowly, his body shivering from the cold. Her clothes were now soaked through and he could see the outline of her breasts through her shirt. He watched in awe as she poured some shampoo into her small hand and lathered up his hair, massaging his scalp as she rinsed it clean. She repeated the action with his conditioner, while staring deeply into his eyes. He lifted a tentative hand to her face, but before he could touch her she stood up, avoiding him and the awkwardness of the situation. They weren't together anymore, and she knew that Spike and Buffy, in water, would only lead to badness.

“I’m going to go into your room and pull out some clothes.” She looked down at him, and then stepped out of the tub. “Strip and finish washing up.”

He watched her grab a towel from the door and enter the main room, closing the door behind her.

Buffy sat on Spike’s bed with the clothes she had picked out sitting beside her. Since her own were sopping wet, she had changed into one of his t-shirts and a baggy pair of flannel pj bottoms. The bathroom door creaked open and her mouth dropped open when she saw Spike clad only in a towel, chest shimmering from the water droplets. She stood up and slowly walked towards him, handing him the shorts and shirt she had selected. "Put those on, I'm going to get you some aspirin from the cabinet."

Spike nodded at her slowly and took the clothes from her clenched hands, brushing her fingers lightly. Her eyes shot to his at the contact, and they stared at each other for what seemed like hours.

Buffy cleared her throat and backed away. "Aspirin . . .now."

He gave her a weak smile and turned towards the bed as she made her way into the bathroom. As he lifted the shirt over his head he asked her the question that had been plaguing him for the last fifteen minutes: "So, why are you helping me?"

Buffy sighed and closed the cabinet, having removed the bottle. She glanced into the mirror just as he dropped the towel. Letting out a sharp gasp she watched in awe as the muscles in his backside flexed while he lifted the shorts over his naked body. 'He is so beautiful, why can't I just . . .'

Buffy was ripped from her thoughts as he asked again. "Buffy? Why are you doing this?" She gulped and walked back into the main room. Thrusting her hand out to him, she gave him three white pills. "I feel kind of responsible for what happened . . .this was the least I could do."

After swallowing the pills down without water he looked at her seriously. "No . . .it was me. I was a complete wanker."

She held up her hand to stop him and went back into the bathroom to fill up a small glass of water for him. Smirking at him in the mirror, she continued her explanation. "Besides - I haven't seen you play yet, and didn't want my fantasy ruined by you barfing all over the field."

He chuckled lightly and accepted the glass of water, gulping it down quickly. "Fantasy, huh?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow in her direction.

She shook her finger at him sternly. "Nuh uh, mister. Don't even go there."

Spike shrugged and batted his eyes at her innocently. "What did I say?"

Buffy put her hands on her hips and shook her head. "It's not what you said, it's how . . ." She caught his eyes again and felt tingles shoot through her entire body. "Never mind." She walked past him and took a seat on his bed. Deciding to play with him a little more, she scrunched up her face at him. "Plus, since I'm with Angel now, that would NEVER happen."

Spike felt his jaw clench and the anger build inside of him. "That stupid poofter, how could you even CONSIDER . . ."

Buffy held up her hands at him. "Kidding!" Her face broke out into a wide grin, and she giggled as his body relaxed.

Spike felt the pounding in his head return and slumped to the bed, falling back to his pillow. "See what you do to me?"

She fell back beside him and stared at the ceiling. "Serves you right after your little serenade last night. . ."

He turned his body to face her and brushed her cheek lightly with his fingertips. "I'm an idiot." Spike touched her shoulder, moving her body towards him. "Everything's gone so crazy; I don't even . . ."

Buffy lifted a finger to silence him, and gazed into his sorrow-filled blue eyes. "I know." She leaned in closer to him, her lips mere centimeters from his. "I just really wish that . . ."

"Hurry up man. The game is going to start soon!"

Spike and Buffy shot up as they heard the young man's voice in the hallway. She looked at him, eyes full of fear and ran towards the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Spike stood up and looked around the room, spotting her wet clothing on the floor. He quickly kicked the items under his bed. "Damn!" he muttered under his breath, noticing the black lace bra lying next to his dresser. He hurried over to it and picked it up.

"There you are!"

Spike turned around to see one of his boys standing in his doorway.

"Nice lingerie, I didn't know you were into that sort of thing," the teenager said, pointing to the bra clutched closely to Spike's chest.

The blonde let out a weak laugh, "You know . . .practice."

The boy raised his eyebrows and chuckled before running back into the hallway. "Hey Conner! Sarah McLachlan AND black lace!"

Spike groaned and shoved the piece of material into his top drawer. He took a deep breath and walked over to the bathroom door, knocking quietly. "Coast's clear."

Buffy turned the knob slowly and peeked out at Spike, seeing for herself that they were alone once again. "I better get out of here."

Spike nodded and led her to the door, inspecting the hallway for straggling campers. "You run along then."

Buffy nodded and started the long walk out of The Crypt. When she heard him yell "Buffy!" she spun around quickly and shushed him harshly.

"Sorry," he whispered, before adding a sheepish "Thanks."

The petite blonde nodded, gave him a small smile, and ran out of the cabin.

Chapter 30: Game On

You're going to have to bear with me on this chappy. I don't know all that much about soccer - so I just made Spike as sexy as possible - which is not that difficult. Thanks for the great feedback and the support in the polls. It's wonderful to win something on my first fic and it's all because of you guys. You're the best!!!

Anyway, thanks again to Flames, Lady Anne, and Silver.

Read and review away!

Buffy ran towards the soccer field; the game was supposed to have started fifteen minutes earlier, but she had to change out of Spike's clothes. She hated taking off the t-shirt that smelled so much like him, but it wouldn't be appropriate attire for the game. Plus, her girls, who were all obsessed with him, would totally notice that the black t-shirt belonged to the bleached-blonde. Buffy slowed to a walk when she saw the players milling around. 'Thank you Anya!' Whatever her co-counselor had done to stall Giles must have worked, because she didn't see the older gentleman anywhere. She spotted Willow in the stands and made her way to her friend. "Hey!"

Willow waved happily to Buffy and scooted over to allow room for her to sit down. "You're late." The redhead noticed her friend's damp hair. "Something happen that I should know about?"

Buffy blushed and shook her head, pulling her hair into a knot, using the elastic from around her wrist. "Nope. . .I just had to make sure our team wasn't short its star player," she said, giving her friend a pointed look.

Willow's eyes went wide with understanding. "Oh . . .so you forgave him so soon?"

"Well, I didn't forgive him exactly," Buffy replied, fixing her tanktop. "I kind of whipped his ass into shape . . .didn't want to see the poof pummel him - that's MY job."

Willow laughed at Buffy's use of Spike's nickname for Angel. "I see. . .so it had nothing to do with you wanting to see him in little soccer shorts. . .all sweaty and glistening in the summer sun?"

Buffy smirked and turned to face the field. "Absolutely not." She turned to Willow and gave her a conspiratorial grin before looking back to the players. "Where is he, anyway?"

Willow shrugged and searched the crowd for Spike. "Must not be over that hangover just yet. . . Maybe you should have tried OTHER means? Like how you cured him the last time?"

The blonde's face turned a bright shade of crimson as she remembered the day in the lounge after her first kiss with Spike. "Tried that route once before; it ended badly." Willow nodded, and patted her friend's hand supportively. Buffy let out a large breath of air. "If he wants to develop something deeper, then I'm willing to try."

Willow squeezed Buffy's hand tightly, "I think that's for the best - take it slow."

Buffy nodded and tried to convince herself that it was the right tactic to take with Spike. Although, she still couldn't help but be afraid of what would happen when he left. Plus, with Drusilla around all the time, making her intentions perfectly clear, to her at least, she didn't want to chance losing him. 'But if you rush things again, you're sure to lose him for good this time. So, take it slow, and leave it to fate. If he's serious about starting something real with you . . .he'll wait.'

"Hot damn!" Janice exclaimed from behind Buffy. She began whispering something to Dawn and the two girls burst into giggles.

Buffy turned around to reprimand them, then saw what they were pointing at. Spike was walking onto the field in the Adidas shorts she had picked out and the Manchester United t-shirt she loved so much, because it showed off his pecs so well.

Spike walked over to the benches and began tightening the laces of his soccer shoes. When he finished, he searched the stands for Buffy. Finally spotting her, he gave her a little wave and a quick salute.

Buffy smiled back and gave him a little wave, then frowned when she saw Drusilla, who was sitting a few rows in front of her, wave as well. 'Wait, was he waving at me or her?'

Dawn poked her counselor in the back and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Someone looks happy to see you this morning."

Buffy grinned to herself and smacked Dawn's ankle. 'Yup, definitely for me.' A large smile crossed her face that was quickly replaced by a frown. 'That little wench is trying to steal my man AND my wave!'

"Hey kids!" Anya exclaimed breathlessly as she squeezed into the seat next to Buffy.

"Hi," Buffy responded, giving her a quizzical look. She pulled a small leaf from her co-counselor's hair and twirled it in her fingers.

Anya smiled and smoothed her hair down. "How'd that get there?" She let out another deep breath and stood up to inspect her shorts, wiping off a few stray pieces of grass that had accumulated on her backside. "That stupid trick step at the back of Revello. . .DAMN!"

Their entire section of counselors turned to stare at Anya, and she held up her hands and mouthed a silent: 'Sorry.'

"So Anya, how DID you. . . "

Anya cut off Buffy before she could finish. "Oh look! The ref's here - let the games begin!!!" she yelled, over-enthusiastically.

Buffy furrowed a brow at Anya and turned to see Giles approaching the field, fixing his clothing.

"Hey . . ." Buffy started to Anya, before the crowd shushed her. Giles was about to begin setting the rules, and no one wanted to miss the start of the game.

As soon as Spike took the field, Buffy forgot all about what she was going to say to Anya. He was magnificent! She knew he was good at soccer, that's why her mom hired him, but she had no idea he was THAT good! He handled the ball like a pro - dodging and weaving through the other players like they weren't even there. By the end of the first half of the game he had already scored four goals - it was like whatever problems he had off the field, his hangover being one, had completely disappeared the minute the little checkered ball was in sight. Even though they were only playing about half the length of a usual match, he never seemed to tire or fall short of a goal - she had no idea how he kept it up the way he smoked.

The players took a short break and Buffy watched mesmerized as Spike removed his t-shirt and poured the water from his bottle over his head. Willow was right, she really DIDN'T want to miss the way his chest glistened in the summer sun. And his muscular legs were just . . .

"Wow," the girls breathed in unison, at the beautiful sight.

The crowd cheered as the two teams took the field again. Angel had reorganized his team, so he was now at goalie. He couldn't believe the incompetent campers Giles had placed in his group.

With only a few minutes left in the game the score was nearly tied. Angel had blocked nearly every one of Spike's scoring attempts, leaving the blonde's team up by only one goal. Angel called a quick time out and gathered his team into a small huddle.

When the playing resumed, Xander passed the ball to Spike and watched happily as he took the ball in for yet another goal. Spike looked up into the stands to make sure Buffy wasn't missing this, and prepared to slide one past the poof. Right as he was about to kick the ball in for another score, one of Angel's players appeared behind him and stuck his feet between his legs, effectively tripping him. He felt his ankle give out beneath him and barely heard Giles' whistle over his own screaming.

Buffy watched in horror as Spike fell to the ground holding his ankle. The crowd let out a collective gasp as Xander and Conner assisted Spike to the bench. Buffy wanted to run to him, but knew it was not the time or place. She gave a silent prayer that he was going to be alright - knowing just how much, not only this game, but soccer meant to him.

"Bloody hell!" Spike screamed as he took a seat on the bench.

Giles leaned over to inspect the swollen ankle. "It's twisted. You should be back on it in no time - just not today."

Spike groaned and let his face fall into his hands.

"However, you do get a free penalty kick, and as the captain, you get to decide who takes it."

Spike looked around at his team and made his selection. "You."

"Me?" Conner asked weakly. "I don't think I can . . ."

Spike grimaced through his pain and rose to one foot, the injured one dangling behind him. "You've wanted a chance to stick it to ole Angel . . .now here's your chance."

Conner looked around at the expectant faces of his teammates, then stole a glance to the stands, relaxing when he caught a smile from Dawn. "Fine, I'll take it."

Spike sighed and fell back to the bench.

Giles blew his whistle and called the penalty. The crowd cheered and clapped wildly when he announced that Conner would take the extra shot for Spike.

The teenager took a deep breath and moved into position across from his ex-counselor.

"Come-on boy . . .what are you waiting for?" Angel asked through gritted teeth.

Conner angled the ball like Spike had showed him and aimed for the lower corner of the goal.

Angel dove for the left side, his eyes going wide when he realized Conner had faked him out, and the ball sailed past him on the right.

The crowd cheered again as Conner ran back to his team, receiving congratulatory hugs and handshakes. He turned back to Angel and gave him a small wave before resuming his position.

The next few minutes did not go as well for Spike's team. Angel was so angry that he had let the last one through, that he didn't let one single ball get past him. However, his team had scored two goals, tying the game at 8 - 8.

Spike called a time out and brought his team over, whispering softly so the fans and other team couldn't hear what he was planning.

Buffy looked to Willow, "What do you think is going on?"

The redhead shrugged and looked back to the field, gasping when she saw Spike limp towards his position at center. "What is he doing?" Willow asked. "He shouldn't play like that. He could get really hurt."

Buffy's face filled with worry and she took Willow's hand. "He'll be alright. He knows what he's doing." A twinge of doubt filled her voice, and she relaxed when she felt Willow squeeze her hand tightly in support.

There was only time left for one play and Spike was determined to be on the field when he kicked Angel's ass. He knew that Angel had instructed his players to take him out, and there was no way he was going to let him win that way. He took his place at center forward and stood tall, testing out his ankle, hopping back and forth from foot to foot.

Angel's players watched in fear as Spike demonstrated that he was not only ok to play, but that he was in fine condition to take the ball to the goal. They rearranged themselves to be in perfect position to block him. As soon as the whistle sounded, the blonde took the ball straight out, swerving through the defense.

Angel stood his ground at the goal as Spike approached. "I don't think so roller-boy," he said when Spike prepared to kick it in. At the last moment, Spike passed the ball to Xander, who easily tapped it into the net.

As Angel pounded his fists into the grass, Giles blew the whistle and called the game. Spike hobbled towards the fuming man and met up with Xander, who offered his shoulder for support. The two young men leaned down and waved at Angel. "Psych." They laughed as he shouted expletives at them and turned to head back to the stands where people were on their feet in a deafening roar.

Buffy and Willow pushed their way through the crowd to offer congratulations. They watched happily as Cordelia ran to her boyfriend and pulled him into a huge hug. "I'll save your real prize for later," she whispered into his ear, before letting him rejoice with his campers. The brunette made her way over to Buffy and Willow. "I'm dating a player on the winning Sunny-D soccer team." She giggled and went back to join her campers.

Buffy and Willow smiled at each other and tried to find Spike through all the people. "Spike!" Buffy yelled, when she saw the top of his platinum head. "Spike you big . . ." she stopped in her tracks when she saw him hugging Drusilla. His back was turned to her so all she could see were the woman's cold dark eyes. Drusilla lifted her head from Spike's shoulder and whispered something into his ear, before giving Buffy a wicked smirk.

Buffy felt her heart drop in her chest and pushed her way past her friend, running towards Revello. "Buffy, wait!" Willow yelled after her.

"Hey Red, aren't you going to congratulate me?" she heard a familiar British voice ask from behind her.

"For what? Making a complete fool out of yourself AND Buffy last night, risking a very serious injury from that stunt you pulled-" Spike stared at the ground sheepishly, knowing Willow was right, "-or cuddling with Morticia for the whole world to see."

Spike gave her a confused look, and shook his head not understanding what she meant. Willow rolled her eyes and pointed to Drusilla, who was now laughing with Harmony. She then grabbed Spike's shoulders and turned him towards the direction of Buffy's retreating form.

His eyes went wide. "She doesn't think . . ." Willow raised her eyebrows and nodded. "Oh, balls."

Chapter 31: Father Figures

DAY 14

Buffy splashed water on her face and examined her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy from crying, with mascara lines running down her cheeks. She chuckled at herself and wiped away the makeup with damp washcloth. Gathering up her things she headed down the empty hallway back to her room. 'The girls must still be out at the field,' she thought, sadly; wishing she could be celebrating with them . . .and Spike. 'Just suck it up and go talk to him. Maybe it's not what it looked like?' She quickly re-applied a small amount of make-up and lightly tapped the mirror. 'Stop making yourself miserable, there are things in life you can't control.'

Buffy exited Revello and headed to the one person she knew could help her out. 'There's only one thing I need right now-' Buffy paused in front of her mother's door. 'Mommy's hot cocoa with marshmellows.' She raised her hand to knock, finally noticing the note taped to the door: MEETING WITH BRIAN AT BOWL-A-RAMA - BE BACK SOON.

"Well that's just great," Buffy muttered under her breath. "The one time I really need her . . ." She was interupted by her own thoughts. 'What, you barely talk to her for a whole week, and you expect her to be here waiting for you to run into her arms like a little kid whenever you feel like it? Stupid, selfish Buffy hasn't changed all that much.' Buffy rolled her eyes at the voice. "God!!! I know this! Do you have to keep reminding me what a bad person I am!" She shuffled over to the couch in the lobby and slumped down. She tucked her legs under her body and curled up in the corner. "I guess I can wait five minutes." Realizing how exhausted she was, she let out a loud yawn and felt her eyes begin to close.

"Buffy?" She felt someone gently stroking her hair. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at the person above her. "Spike? What are you doing here?"

He took a seat beside her and took her hand in his. "I talked to Red, she told me you were upset about me and Dru."

Buffy sat up to face him. "Spike I-"

He lifted a finger to her lips. "Shhh, luv. It's ok. Dru means nothing to me."

Buffy's eyes filled with hope. "Really?" she managed to squeak out.

Spike let out a low laugh. "Of course not. You know you're all I bloody think about. . .dream about." He lifted his hand to her face and traced her features, the way he knew she loved. "I'm drowning in you Summers - drowning in you."

Buffy took his hand in hers and kissed his fingers lightly. "How did you know I was here."

He chuckled. "I didn't. I was actually coming to find your Mum for a warm cuppa."

Buffy giggled and playfully poked him in the ribs. "You're such a. . ."

He grabbed her hand and began tickling her. "What? Handsome devil? Irresistable hunk of man?" Buffy couldn't control her laughter, he had reached the ultra-sensitive part of her sides. She thrashed around trying to make him stop, which only made him continue the attack. Eventually she ended up underneath him on the couch, with his hands pinning her down. "Say it."

"Say what?" she feigned ignorance.

"Say that you want me, and that no one makes you feel the way I do."

"Sick, you mean?" she asked innocently, batting her eyelashes.

Spike increased the grip on her wrists and pushed his pelvis down to hers, grinding his erection against her, causing her to gasp at the contact. "Not quite, luv."

Buffy stared up into his shimmering blue eyes. "I thought that you didn't want . . ." she started softly, only to be interupted by his lips crushing against her own. She moaned into the kiss, allowing his tongue entrance. Tears sprang to her eyes at the wonderful feeling of having him above her, kissing her - she felt safe again.

He pulled his lips away, panting heavily. "I always want you." He leaned down, nuzzling his face into her neck, nibbling her skin gently. "I'm not going to resist this anymore . . .if this is what you're offering," he ran a hand down her side, into the waistband of her shorts, "I'd be a fool not to accept it."

Buffy felt a large sob break in her throat, tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. She clutched him tightly to her, never wanting to let him go. "Please stay - don't leave me. I need you," she whispered huskily into his ear.

He lifted up on one hand and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Never."

That one word was all she needed, and she lifted up, wrapping one arm around his head, and captured his lips with her own. Their tongues dueled fiercely for dominance, neither wanting to let the moment end. Buffy pushed against Spike's chest lightly, signaling that he should sit up. When he did, she manuevered him so his back was against the back of the couch. She gave him a wicked smile, which he returned with one of his own, and slid his soccer shorts part way down his legs.

"Buffy, are you sure about this?" he asked softly as she removed her own shorts.

"I've never been surer of anything in my life," she responded, before moving back to him. She straddled his legs and took hold of his erection in her small hands. Staring deeply into his eyes, she positioned him at her entrance. She paused above him, as the tip of his penis probed her opening. Resting her forehead against his, she strained to keep her eyes open. "I love you, Spike," she whispered before sinking down on his cock.

They grunted in unison at the feeling of being joined this way again, their bodies shaking from the intensity of the moment. Spike smoothed his hands down her arms and interwined his fingers with her own, bringing them between their bodies. He held her gaze and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I think you know that I'm desperately in love with you too, pet," he said, lifting his pelvis slightly, making her moan at the combination of words and feeling.

Buffy bit her lip lightly, and rose up on her knees, allowing him to slip almost completely from her body, before slamming down on him again. Their gazes remained locked as Buffy continued the slow pace of their lovemaking. She could have sworn that he was in her more deeply than ever before; they were joined as one - body, mind and soul. Buffy panted loudly as she felt the head of his penis graze that spot within her. "Oh god," she breathed out, desperately trying to maintain control.

Spike dropped her hands and wrapped his arms around her body tightly, pulling her flush against him. He placed open mouth kisses on her neck and nibbled gently on her earlobe.

She clutched him tightly to her and circled her hips, keeping him buried inside her. Their moans echoed through the empty lobby, not caring who could walk-in on the intimate moment. Buffy gasped for air as she pressed down on him forcefully, her clit firmly against his pelvis. Her body began to quake as her climax overtook her. "Ahhh. . .Don't leave me. . .please," she cried out, then buried her face into his hair, "uuuh. . .never leave me."

Spike grunted as he found his own release, his cock quivering inside of her. Holding her tightly, he began stroking her back gingerly, rocking her with him. He placed a tender kiss to her temple, and shushed her softly. "Never." He moved his kisses to her cheeks, her eyes, her chin, her lips - any place within his reach.

"Stay with me," she sobbed, "Don't go."

"Buffy-"

"Shhhh, don't say it," she pleaded, as she clung to him.

"Buffy, wake up."

"Not now, no," she cried out as she felt him begin to disappear.

"Buffy you're dreaming. Wake up."

Buffy shook her head and grasped onto the arm of the couch. "No, no, no."

"Buffy!"

The petite blonde shot up, and looked around the lobby. She was panting heavily, searching for Spike; but all she saw was a very worried looking Giles standing above her. "What . . .? Giles?" she asked, still not fully aware that it had all been a dream.

"Buffy, are you alright?" Giles asked softly, taking a seat beside the very shaken girl.

Buffy took a deep breath and squinted at her uncle. "Giles? I don't . . ." Oh my god, I told Spike that I loved him and then he disappeared.' Buffy ran a hand through her matted hair and looked at Giles again. "Where's Spike?"

Giles placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Buffy, you were dreaming. I just found you on the couch asleep, muttering things about staying and going and . . .er . . .marshmellows, I believe it was."

Her eyes went wide with realization. 'Spike was never here. We never made love. I never told him I loved him. And he didn't tell me that he loved me too.' Buffy's face fell and looked up at Giles. "It was all a dream," she said, as more of a question than a statement.

"Yes, I believe it was." Giles said quietly.

Buffy dropped her face into her hands and felt the tears sting her eyes.

Giles took her hand and lifted her to her feet. "Come on. I'll fix you a nice cup of tea."

Buffy sniffled and nodded, as Giles led her to his room. She took a seat on his recliner while he boiled the water and fixed them each a hot cup of Earl Grey.

Giles took a seat on the couch and looked over to Buffy, who sipped her tea in silence. "Is everything all right?"

Buffy turned to face him. "Can I ask you something Giles? And you have to be perfectly honest with me. . ."

Giles removed his glasses and began rubbing them with his handkerchief. "Of, of. . .course," he stammered, afraid of what she might ask.

Buffy took a deep breath. "Why are guys so, completely. . ." she struggled to find the word, "confusing."

"I'm not sure I follow?" Giles asked, although he was relieved that the line of questioning wasn't about something else.

Buffy lifted her feet onto the chair, tucking her knees under her chin. "Well, like, one second you think you know exactly what they want-" Buffy paused for moment and then spat the rest of the statement out quickly, her anger rising. "-then the next they're pushing you away, singing rude songs to you in front of fifty strangers at a bar, and cuddling with vampire wannabes."

Giles cleared his throat, "Buffy, if I'm understanding you correctly . . .which I'm not sure I am . . .I think your main problem is one of communication; not the. . .er . . . 'vampire wannabes'. . .was it?"

Buffy shrugged, "I guess so. But why can't he just know not to . . ."

Giles pinched the bridge of his nose lightly and shook his head slowly. After a moment he lifted his eyes to her once again and placed his glasses into their proper place. "Buffy, you can't expect anyone to miraculously know what's going on in that head of yours. I've known you for years and can't even begin to grasp what you may be thinking at any given moment."

"But I-"

"And if this is about who I think it is, how can you expect him to understand you after only two weeks?" Giles took a sip of his tea. "Furthermore, from what your mother tells me, you do have a small habit of jumping to conclusions and overreacting."

Buffy opened her mouth to protest, but when she caught Giles' knowing glance, she just pouted and took a long sip of her tea.

"Have you talked to Spike about how you're feeling?"

Buffy's shook her head slowly, refusing to look Giles in the eyes.

"Don't you think that would be best?"

Buffy traced the outside edge of her mug and spoke softly. "What if I'm not prepared to hear what he has to say? What if it's not the answer I'm hoping for?"

Giles reached across to Buffy, and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Then that's just a risk you'll have to take." He gently wiped away the tear that she had let slip. "But . . .if you ask me. . .he'd be daft not to want a wonderful girl like you."

Buffy sniffled, and looked up to the man who had been like a father to her these last few years. "Why are you so good to me?"

"Your family has been very welcoming to me after your aunt and I separated. It's the least I could do." He rose from his place on the couch and moved beside Buffy, squatting next to the chair. "And without children of my own, you've become like a daughter to me."

Buffy burst into tears and pulled Giles into a tight hug. "Thank you," she sobbed into his shoulder. After a few moments she pulled back and looked into his kind eyes. "Why couldn't you have been my real father? Instead I got 'Hank the butthead.'"

Giles smoothed her hair, and wiped the wetness from her face. "Someone doesn't become a father because of genetics, Buffy. They become one through their actions, their love, and because they want to be." Buffy nodded in understanding. "So, I guess, in a small way, I am a father figure. . .of sorts." He chuckled out nervously.

Buffy shook her head rapidly. "No. Not 'of sorts' - of the real kind," she asserted, holding his hand tightly.

Giles blushed, and felt a huge grin spread across his face. "Er. . .yes . . .well then-" Feeling the moment could get more uncomfortable he rose to his feet. "Another cup of tea?"

---------------------

Buffy exited the main staff building, feeling much better after her long talk with Giles. She really was lucky to have a man like him in her life. He was like a reminder that all men aren't assholes, that there really are a few good ones left in the world.

"I know dad!" She heard a voice yell from around the corner. "You don't have to remind me. Never let my guard down. . .I KNOW!"

Buffy peeked around the building and saw Angel sitting on an empty bench, speaking loudly into a cell phone.

"Of course. . .soon. . .but what if I don't. . .yes, sir. . .ok." Angel slammed the phone closed, and threw it into the bushes in front of him. "Shit!" he screamed when he realized what he had done.

"Everything ok?" Buffy asked, quietly, not wanted to startle the angry man.

Angel looked up from the bushes and was about to yell at the intruder, but when he saw it was Buffy, his features softened. "Hey kid," he said as he pulled the small silver phone from the bush.

Buffy took a seat on the bench. "Is there anything I can do?"

He shook his head. "No, just my dad . . .being a prick as usual."

She nodded in understanding. "I get that."

He stalked over to the bench and took a seat next to her. "So, he calls me to find out about the game, and when I tell him my team lost, he goes off on me about my defense and never letting my guard down."

"You played a good game, don't let him get to you."

"It's just that-" he stopped himself, realizing that he was opening up too much. "Never mind. . ."

She patted his knee softly. "It's ok. I'm a good listener; well, I'm going to start trying to be."

Angel sighed, finally allowing himself to speak freely. "He's such an asshole. All I ever hear about is how I'm not good enough, or that I have to do better in school so I can join him at the studio. And there he is screwing around on my mom with twenty different secretaries, not to mention the little actresses who want to fuck their way into his next film." He turned to face her, "I'm so scared that I'm going to end up like that, you know?"

Buffy nodded, knowing that he was heading down that path. "You don't have to be. We're not all tied to genetics." Off of his blank stare, she tried to explain herself more clearly. "It's like the whole nature vs. nuture thing I studied in psych. You're not just a product of chromosomes and genes - other factors effect who you become."

Angel smiled, the first genuine smile she had ever seen cross his face. "That's smart. I like that about you Summers. . ." He leaned in towards her slowly.

Not wanting to give him the wrong idea, Buffy stood up. "I'm glad I could help, but I have to get back to my girls. I left them with Anya, and I have no idea what crazy things she's teaching them."

He nodded, sad that she couldn't stay longer. "So you want to hang out later, maybe talk or something?"

"That would be nice," she said softly. "But let me get back to you, ok?"

"Sure, we'll talk later," he said, rising to his feet. "I should go find my boys too. The younger guys are actually a kick."

Buffy laughed, "Well, I'm glad you're having fun with them. You take care of yourself, Angel."

"I always do," he said with a sigh as he watched her run off towards Revello. "I always do."

tbc...

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