Author-Valerie

Pairing-B/S

Disclaimer-It all belongs to Joss,ME,UPN etc. I'm just borrowing them and the characters in this fic have not been harmed in any way during the writing process.

Rating-G (will eventually be R)

Summary- AU _ Everyone's human. Buffy and Spikes parents enrolled them in an exchange program. Buffy goes to England and lives with Spikes father for a year, Spike comes to Sunnydale and lives with Buffys mother for a year. They never met before or during the exchange but commnicate through letters and phone calls.

Buffy wandered into Joyces office at the back of the gallery holding a stack of mail.

"Okay mom, the inventory is done. Here's your mail and I'm off to meet Willow." Buffy said dropping the mail on the desk.

"Thanks for helping out this weekend honey, I really appreciate it. I know there's other places someone your age would rather be then trapped here on a Saturday." Joyce said looking up from her paper work.

"I was happy to help. Besides it's still early, plenty of mall time left." Buffy said shrugging her shoulders.

"Well thanks anyway." Joyce went back to her paper work. "Oh do you have enough money to get something to eat?" Joyce asked as Buffy was just about to leave the room.

"Got it covered mom. I'm fine. See ya tonight." Buffy smiled as she turned and walked out.

Joyce looked at her paper work, then the stack of mail, then the paper work again.

"I could use a break." Joyce said to herself as she dropped her pen and grabbed the stack of mail.

Amongst the pile of flyers one stood out. Joyce put the rest of the mail down and read it.

After reading it she sat back for a few minutes toying with the idea before smiling and picking up the phone.

She dialed the number on the flyer and waited for someone to answer.

"Hello." A man said answering the phone after five rings.

"Hello, could speak to a Mr.Giles please?" Joyce asked politely.

"Speaking. How can I help you?" He asked curiously.

"My name is Joyce Summers. Your flyer just came across my desk today and I'd like to learn more about it." Joyce said candidly.

"Oh. Excellent. What would you like to know?" Giles replied happily.

"Anything and everything you can tell me." Joyce replied eagerly.

"Well this is a small cultural program that I as well as several other parents started. We wanted to enrich our childrens lives and we thought an exchange was a good idea. There are about one hundred famillies here in England that have put there children forward for this. That's including me of course." Giles said as Joyce leaned back in her chair and listened intently to every word he said.

Joyce loved the idea of Buffy learning another culture, spreading her wings or so to speak. By the end of Giles description of the program Joyce was hooked.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. I would love to have my daughter participate in this. Do you send me forms to fill out, or is there somewhere else I call for that?" Joyce asked.

"Each exchange is actually done between the parent of both children. This is very informal, done on our own. Basically we are a group of single or widowed parents just wanting to do something extra for our children. We have a list of phone numbers to each family, you pick which child you would feel comfortable living with for the period of one year. Since you have a daughter, I assume you would prefer a girl to stay with you." Giles replied.

"Actually I hadn't really thought that far ahead." Joyce said honestly.

"Oh. Of course." Giles replied.

Joyce listened as she heard a door slam on the other side of the phone.

Giles pulled the phone away from his ear as he turned to his son.

"William, must you slam the door every time you enter this house." Giles said chastising him.

"What? It slipped." Joyce heard him reply innocently. Joyce shook her head chuckling quietly.

"Can you please keep it down. I'm on the phone to the United States." Giles said exaperated. "And your late. Again." Giles added.

"Yeah, about that. Thing is..........."

Joyce couldn't hold back the laughter when she heard his very original excuse. She thought she had heard them all.

Giles came back to the phone.

"Ah Mrs. Summers is there a number where I can reach you and we can discuss this further. I have a situation that needs to be dealt with." Giles said.

"Sure." Joyce gave him her work number as well as her home number. "Call me anytime. I'm really interested in doing this." Joyce replied.

"Thank you and I will be in touch either tonight or tomorrow." Giles replied as they said their goodbyes ending the call.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

Six Months Later....................

"You signed me up for what?" Buffy said loudly as she followed her mother into the kitchen.

"A cultural exchange." Joyce said as she poured a cup of coffee.

"Why would you do that? I don't want to go to England. All my friends are here. I'd be living with a family I don't even know for four months." Buffy said as she sat at the counter.

Joyce ran her hand along the rim of her cup as she looked up through lowered lashed at her daughter.

"Actually it's not for four months." Joyce said quietly.

"Only a few weeks then. Maybe I can do it for a few weeks." Buffy said knowing she was going whether she wanted to or not.

"No it's not a few weeks." Joyce said quickly bringing the cup to her lips.

Buffy looked at her mother with trepidation. "How long?" She asked slowly.

Joyce cleard her throat. "One year."

"What?" Buffy yelled as Joyce closed her eyes sipping her coffee.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

"A whole year. A whole year Will. This is so not fair." Buffy said as she pulled at the strings on her throw pillow as she layed across her bed.

"Okay, a year.....long time, yes. But think of it Buffy. England, you get to go to England. Learn a new culture, the food, the people, traditions. It'll be great." Willow said comfortingly.

"But a whole year. I won't see you or Xander. I'll even miss Cordelia, that's something I never thought I would say." Buffy said solemnly.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves over the missing of Cordelia." Willow replied smiling.

"It's just next year we're the graduating class Will. I wanted to graduate with you and throw it in Snyders face." Buffy pouted.

"We'll have our own graduation party when you get back. I'll get Oz to play and everything." Willow said a little excited.

"Really?" Buffy brighted slightly.

"You bet. We'll hold it at the Bronze. It'll be great." Willow replied.

"I just wish you could come with me. Your my best friend, we're supposed to do everything together." Buffy slumped back down onto her stomach.

"I know. But you can bring me back something and take lots of pictures." Willow said quietly.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

Joyce backed away from Buffy's door and wandered downstairs to the phone in the kitchen quickly picking it up and dialing.

"Hello."

"Hello, is that you William?" Joyce asked.

"Joyce. You're the only one I let call me that." He said as he smiled and ducked his head.

"How's school?" Joyce asked.

"Same. How's the gallery doing?" He asked.

"It's doing really well." Joyce replied smiling. "Looking forward to crossing the pond soon." Joyce said smiling.

"Yeah." He replied quietly.

"What's wrong William? Joyce asked.

"I'm fine. Here's dad. Take care." He said as he handed the phone to Giles.

"Hello." Giles said into the phone.

"Hello Rupert, it's me." Joyce said.

"Oh. Hello Joyce. Good to hear from you. I trust everything is well and all set." Giles said.

"I have a problem. Maybe you can help me with it." Joyce said.

"What is it?" Giles asked.

Joyce told Giles of her idea and they spent the next couple of days getting everything set.

~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~

Buffy walked hurriedly into the cafeteria looking for Willow. She went over to the table quickly when she spotted her , Xander and Oz.

"Hey guys." Buffy said sitting beside Willow.

"You look like you're going to explode. What's up?" Willow asked sitting forward in her chair closer to Buffy.

"Oh nothing........just that I get to take a friend with me to England." Buffy said as she looked at Willow.

Willow jaw dropped as she looked at Buffy.

"So.......you in Will." Buffy said bursting at the seams with excitement.

Oz and Xander backed for fear of their lives when Willow and Buffy started screaming, jumping up and down and hugging each other.

"Looks like your losing your girlfriend." Xander said watching the two girls wiping away their tears as they continues laughing.

"It's only a year. I'd be willing to wait forever." Oz replied as he smiled watching how happy she was.

When the girls finally composed themselves they sat back down.

"I'll have to ask my parents, but seeing how they're never really around I can't see it being a problem." Willow said as she turned to Oz and Xander.

Willows smile fell when she looked at Oz.

Oz reached over and ran a hand through her hair.

"Go. I'll be here when you get back." He said as he placed a kiss to her cheek.

Willow smiled and nodded.

"At least you'll get away from Snyder." Xander said smiling.

Buffy and Willow just smiled brightly.

"Now that you're going Will. I'm really excited. I can't wait to go." Buffy exclaimed bouncing in her seat.

"So who's coming to live with your mom then?" Xander asked.

"Some guy. I think she said his name is William and his freind Liam." Buffy said absently as she and Willow went back to talking about the trip and what to pack.

Which Buffy had decided to take everything, she was after all going to be there for a year.

"When do we leave Buffy?" Willow asked asfter they settled down and were actually able to hold a caonvesation.

"Mom told me Mr.Giles said it was okay with him if we came up in the summer, to look around and get ourselves aquainted with our surroundings. So we leave at the end of June." Buffy said taking a bite from her apple.

"It's so cool he'd let us come early." Willow said happily.

"Yeah, I guess he's okay. Him and mom have been talking back and forth for six months. It started over this exchange, and then, I don't know I guess they became friends." Buffy said shrugging her shoulders.

"What's he do?" Xander asked joining in the conversation.

"Well.........I'm not sure. Something about a museum." Buffy said taking another bite.

"Well did your mom tell you what William was Like?" Willow asked curiously.

"She might have." Buffy said crinkling her brow.

"Did you pay any attention to anything your mom said about them?" Willow aske arching her eyebrow.

"I heard her when she said I was going to England. Then When she said I could bring you. What else do I need to know." Buffy replied.

"Aren't you the least bit curious as to what the person who'll be staying in your room.....for a year ...is like?" Willow said sitting back in her chair.

Buffy fell back in her chair.

"I never thought about him staying in my room. Sleeping in my bed." Then her eyes widened. "Going through my stuff. My very private stuff Will." Buffy closed her eyes and laid her head on the table.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

"She better not go through my things!" Spike shouted as he packed his last suitcase.

"Yes, I'm sure she'll have a hard time staying away from you're Ramones or Sex Pistols cd collection. As well as your many hair care products." Giles said as he rolled his eyes.

"You're right. And just for the record all the hair stuff belongs to brood boy." Spike said as he tured, grabbing his stacks of cd's and throwing them into his bag before locking it.

"Must you call your cousin that." Giles said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"It's true isn't it." Spike replied.

"Well he's a little down, but he has lost his parents. It's understandable."Giles said.

"Yeah, whatever." Spike said quickly as he took a final glance around.

"I cleaned out the closet and put the rest of my things in boxes under the bed. She should have plenty of room for her stuff." Spike said as he grabbed his suitcase and stated walking out of the room.

"Is peaches waiting in the car?" Spike said as he started down the stairs.

Giles just sighed as he followed him down the stairs and out of the house to the car.

"Ready for the flight peaches?" Spike said as he sat in the front passenger side.

"Shut up Spike." Angel glowered.

"What's the matter forehead? Afraid to fly?" Spike said as he lit a cigarette.

"I'm not afaid to fly bleach boy." Angel replied heatedly.

"Whatever you say. When you toss your cookies....lean to the left." Spike said taking a long haul from his cigarette.

"I do not get airsick." Angel admonished.

"Yes you do. I remember mate, you spewed all over the stewardess as well as me. Took me a bloody week to get the smell out of my jacket." Spike muttered.

Spike and Angel continued to argue as Giles drove to the airport.

Giles rubbed his temple as he watched the road ahead.

"Joyce will never forgive me." Giles thought to himself.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

Joyce watched as Buffy brought her fifth siutcase down the stairs and put it by the front door.

"Buffy do you really need to take all that?" Joyce said wondering if there was going to be enough room for all the luggage as well as them in the car.

"Just bare necessities mom." Buffy replied as she ran back upstairs.

Joyce just closed her eyes and shook her head, before turning to answer the door when she heard a knock.

"Willow." Joyce said smiling. "Right on time. Where's your stuff?" Joyce asked not seeing any bags.

"Oh, I put them by the car." Willow said as she came into the house. "Is Buffy ready yet?"

"Almost, she forgot something upstairs." Joyce said as she looked over to her SUV. She noticed Willow had only brought three suitcases.....as well as four duffle bags.

*Well they brought them, thy can load and unload.* Joyce thought as she closed the door.

"Buffy. honey the plane leaves in an hour, we have to go now." Joyce yelled up the stairs as she grabbed her jacket and keys.

"Coming mom." Buffy said as she ran down the stairs with a backpack and another dufflebag.

"Hurry up and load the car." Joyce said pushing the girls out the door.

"Buffy, give me a couple of your bags." Willow said as they headed out the door.

Grabbing the last two suitcases and closing the door behind her she took a deep breath before going to the car.

"Poor Rupert he has no idea what he's gotten himself into." Joyce said to herself as she handed Buffy the suitcases.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

"Now William and Liam if you need anything just call me." Giles said as their flight was called.

"We'll be fine dad. Won't we peaches." Spike said slapping Angel on the back.

Angel glared at Spike before turning his attention to Giles.

"We'll be fine Uncle Rupert." Angel said offering him a small smile.

"Good. Good. But if you want to come back, just give a ring." Giles said to their retreating backs.

"Don't worry dad. I'll call you Saturday." Spike said as he and Angel turned and waived before walking out of sight.

"Right. Saturday." Giles sad to himself quietl as he watched them disappear.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

"Mom we have to go." Buffy said hurriedly as she tried to escape yet another embrace from her mother.

"Are you sure you want to go?" Joyce asked as she started to tear up.

Buffy just looked at her mom.

"I'm sorry. I know it was my idea." Joyce said as she wiped a tear away.

"Oh wait Buffy. Here. This is for you. Use it wisely." Joyce said as she handed Buffy a credit card.

"Really." Buffys smile widened.

"Yes and there is a limit. A monthly limit. So no going crazy with it." Joyce replied.

"Okay mom, don't worry." Buffy said as she put it in her purse.

"Well you better hurry, they're calling your flight." Joyce said as she was given a last hug from the girls before watching them hand over their tickets and then disappear.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

Joyce waited at the airport since William and Liam plane was due to land an hour after Buffy and Willows departure.

When she heard the announcement the plane had landed she walked over to meet them at the gates.

The minute she'd seen the white hair and black leather she new that was William.

She smiled brightly as she walked up to them while they stood there waiting and looking around.

"Hello William." Joyce said as she came closer. "Your father did a very good job describing you."

Spike looked over and smiled. "Bet he did." Spike said smiling. "Nice to finally meet you Joyce." Spike said as he pulled her into a hug. "Didn't know you were gonna be quite the looker." Spike said as he pulled back.

Joyce playfully batted his arm. "You must be Liam." Joyce said extending her hand.

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Summers." Angel said as he took her hand.

"It's Joyce. Come on let's get your thing then head home." Joyce said as they headed for baggage claim.

Joyce shook her head as she watched William cramming all his bags into the SUV.

"Did you leave anything back home?" Joyce smiled.

"Nothing that mattered." Spike replied as he close the back door, then came around to hop into the passenger seat beside Joyce.

Joyce keyed the ignition then started the drive back to the house.

~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~ * ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles pulled up in front of the airport and got out of his car quickly.

He had had a meeting to attend and was running late.

He was about to run through the doors when he saw two young women sitting outside burried in luggage, laughing and talking.

He walked up to them slowly listening to their accents.

"Buffy Summer and Willow Rosenberg I take it." Giles said as he looked at all their luggage.

"You must be Giles." Buffy said as she stood up extending her hand.

"Yes, Rupert Giles. I apologize for being tardy. I was in a meeting, couldn't be helpd." He said as he shook her hand.

"No big." Willow said as she too extended her hand.

"Yes well. Shall we go." Giles said as he too shook her hand.

"We shall." Buffy replied as they started grabbing their bags and carrying it to the car.

"Thank god I rented a bigger car." Giles said to himself as he dragged several bags to the car.

Once everything was loaded, Giles climbed behind the wheel and started the car.

Buffy and Willow sat in the back chatting happily.

Halfway home Giles was in dire need of aspirin. They had asked him every question possible, along with giggling and squeeling.

"Is it true we're old enough to drink in London?" Buffy and Wllow asked in unison.

*Okay I was wrong, apparently there are more questions.* Giles thought to himself.

After getting out of the car Giles grabbed a few of the bags as he waited for the girls.

Buffy and Willow grabbed a few bags as well as they turned then followed Giles into the house.

"Right this way." Giles said as he went straight through the livingroom to the stairs.

Buffy and Willow followed him up the stairs and down the hall only stopping when he did as he set the bags down in the hallway.

"Willow, you can stay in this room. It's been straightened up by Liam so you'd be comfortable." Giles said looking at the bags having no idea who's they were.

"He didn't have to go to any trouble." Willow said smiling as she walked into the room and set her bags down as she took in the very comfortable and clean room. She came back out into the hall and grabbed two of the bags Giles had crought up and put them on her bed.

"It was no trouble." Giles said as he bent down and picked up the remaining bag he brought up and started down the hallway.

"Buffy, you'll be staying in Williams room." Giles said as he came to a stop outside his door.

Buffy smiled widely as she followed him but it soon faded when she stepped into the room.

Her eyes widened as she looked around.

"Er...ah..William made an attempt at preparing the room for you." Giles said quietly as he shook his head in dismay.

"No. It's fine really." Buffy said plastering on a smile as she turned to face Giles. "Not too much different then my room at home." Buffy lied.

"Yes..well the bathroom is right next door. I'll go down and ........bring the rest of your's and Willow bags." Giles said slightly defeated.

"We can do that." Buffy said as she threw her bags onto the bed.

"No, I insist, you two should start unpacking and settle in." Giles said as he started down the hallway.

"Well then we can help. Get it done faster." Buffy said as she followed him.

As they were going down the stairs they passed Willow who had already gone out to the car and grabbed another bag.

"Only a few left." Willow said as she climbed the stairs.

Buffy and Giles continued to the car and grabbed the last of them.

Buffy slipped her backpack then grabbed a suitcase, Giles grabbed what was left and headed back into the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You guys can unload the car in a minute. First follow me and I'll show you where you'll be sleeping." Joyce said as they climbed out of the car.

Spike and Angel followed Joyce upstairs.

"Liam, you can have the guestroom. Spike you can have Buffy's room." Joyce replied pointing to the rooms.

Angel took a quick look then went down to start bringing his things up.

Spikes eyes widened in horror.

He stepped into the room and immediately felt the need to do something that involved alot of testosterone. The room was pink. Not bright, eye gouging pink, but still, it was pink. Fluffly pillows on the bed, boy band pictures on the wall, lacy curtains adorned the windows. 'Hey a window seat, might not be too bad, least I can have a smoke at night.' Spike thought as he took another look around. 'I think I need one now.' Spike thought as he walked out of the room going outside to the front porch, immediately lighting a smoke.

"Spike, butt it out and grab your bags." Angel said passing Spike as he was going back into the house with his bags.

Spike flipped him off while he sat down on the steps finishing his smoke.

He threw down his butt as he stood up, grinding the smoke under the heel of his boot, before going to the car and grabbing a few bags and heading to the house.

Spike had made another trip to the car before he had all his bags on top of the bed.

Casually he opened the closet, noticing it had been emptied except for the spare pillows and blankets.

He opened his bags and started hanging his shirts and jackets.

He opened the top drawer in the dresser to put his socks in then stopped and smirked as he stuck his hand in the drawer, and pulled out a red lacy thong hanging on the end of his finger.

"A souvineir to remember my trip." Spike said as he put it in his empty suitcase and zipped it up, storing it under the bed.

Spike finished unpacking and took a last look around. Shaking his head at the posters on the wall he turned and walked out to the hall to Angels room.

Angels room lacked personality. It had plain white walls with a bed, dresser, night table and trunk at the foot of the bed. But at least it wasn't pink.

Spike had already tried to talk Angel into switching rooms, but when Angel saw Buffys room he backed out of the room laughing at Spike.

"So...Peaches, wanna go out and see what's here?" Spike asked as he leaned on the door frame.

"Okay."Angel agreed as he got up off the bed and followed Spike down the stairs.

"Hey you two, all settled in?" Joyce asked as she came out of the kitchen.

"Yeah, all unpacked and what not." Spike replied with a smile.

"Supper will be here any minute, I ordered a pizza." Joyce said as they followed her to the livig room.

At the mention of food Spike and Angel grabbed their stomachs when they started rumbling.

"I guess I am a little peckish." Spike said as his face reddened slightly.

"We were going out, but I think I can put a few slices away first." Angel said rubbing his stomach.

Joyce smiled at them as she got up when she heard a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." Angel said as he ran to the door.

Angel came back in carrying the pizza to the livingroom and setting it on the table.

They opened the box and grabbed a slice and began eating.

"Do you not want plates or napkins?" Joyce asked as she watched them inhale the food.

"What for?" Spike asked through a mouthful of food.

"We're good." Angel said as he took another bite.

"Okay." Joyce said as she went to the kitchen and brought herself a plate and napkin.

"So where are the hang outs here?" Spike asked as he grabbed his second slice.

"Buffy, Willow and Xander hang out at the Bronze." Joyce said as she sipped her drink.

"The Bronze?" Angel asked as he reached for another slice.

"Local club. Bands, dancing, run of the mill teenage fun." Joyce said smiling.

"Willow, she's the other bird at my house with dad right?" Spike asked.

"Yeah. I wonder how your fathers handling two girls?" Joyce said as a smile curved on her lips.

Spike and Angel snickered.

"I'm sure he's having a good time." Spike replied as his smile widened.

"He's probably wondering the same about you right now." Angel said with a smile as he looked at Joyce.

"Joyce. I have to ask. What made you decide to take me and Angel and not a girl?" Spike asked curiously as he looked up at her.

Joyce smiled as she looked at Spike.

"The first phone call. When I was talking to your father, you came in and slammed the door. But when I heard your excuse for being late, I had never laughed so hard. I knew right then I didn't want another girl, I knew it would be you." Joyce replied.

"Yeah, that excuse didn't go over with my dad." Spike replied snickering.

"But why both of us?" Angel asked curious as to why he was also here.

"Well Buffy was sad over beig separated from all her friends, especailly Willow. So I asked Rupert if it would be alright if she could bring a freind with her so she wouldn't feel so alone. He agreed. When I found out Liam had Just come to live with the two of you, I thought it might be good if he came here to, for the same reason. Rupert thought it was a good idea. Here you are." Joyce said as he patted Angels arm.

They talked a little more as they ate the remaining slices of pizza and finished their drinks.

Spike and Angel cleaned their mess from the table before they got ready to leave.

"Are you sure you don't want to rest tonight? Aren't you tired from your flight?" Joyce asked as they started for the front door.

"Not really. Flight wasn't bad. Pretty happy to not get puked on." Spike said as he looked pointedly at Angel.

"Shut up Spike." Angel replied hotly.

Joyce just shook her head. "Alright. Try not to be too late. Be careful out there."

"Yes mum." Spike said as he threw his most charming smile to Joyce before walking out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"God Willow." Buffy said as she sat in the middle of the bed.

Willow was sitting beside her loking around at the room.

"It's so...............creepy." Buffy added after a minute.

"It's not that bad Buffy." Willow said rolling her eyes.

"Not that bad. Are you looking at the same room I am?" Buffy said ahe took in the black walls.

"I'm sure if you open the curtains it won't look as bad." Willow said as she got up and went to the window.

Willow grabbed the black curtain and pulled it back bathing the room in light.

"See, not so bad." Willow said as she looked around.

"Okay, not as bad. But still, it's so dark." Buffy said as she plucked at the black and red bedding.

"Maybe we can paint or something." Willow said as she sat back down on the bed.

"I can't do that. This is his room." Buffy said diheartedly.

"We could change it back before we go." Willow said as she smiled. "He would never have to know."

Buffy smiled widely. "We could do that." Buffy said slowly before a frown came over her. "But I wouldn't feel right changing anything without at least asking him first." Buffy replied.

"Then ask him when he calls or when you call your mom."Willow said.

"You're right Will. No harm in asking right." Buffy said as she laid down.

"I'll see you in awhile Buffy. I'm a little tired from the flight." Willow said stiffleing a yawn.

"Okay Will." Buffy said yawning openly.

Buffy rolled on to her side and shoved her hand under the pillow as she closed her eyes. Only to open them when she felt a peice of paper against her fingers.

She raised her head and pulled out the paper.

It was an envelope with her name on it.

She opened the envelope and pulled out the letter and began to read.

Buffy.

First off. Is that really your name?

As you've probably guessed I'm Spike and this is my room you'll be staying in. I know it's not exactly brimming with femininity, so I give you full permission to do what ever you like. But if it's possible please no frilly girly stuff. I have a reputation to up hold when I get back. I don't think my mates would take me seriously if my room was all girly like.

You'll meet Wes and Dru, good friends of mine, they'll help you settle in and show you around. Dru's a little strange but don't be put off by her, she's a good person, she'll look after you two while you're there.

I found out one of your weaknesses while talking to your mom on the phone one night. Open the drawer to my desk and you'll find it.

Spike.

Buffy put the letter down as she stood up and walked to the desk.

"What's wrong with my name "Spike"." Buffy said to herself as she smiled happy at the fact she no longer needed to ask about the room.

But started laughing slightly at the thought of what he must've thought about her toom when he walked in the door.

She opened the drawer and smiled widely as she pulled out a box of chocolates.

She opened the box and plopped one into her mouth quickly, savouring it as it melted on her tongue.

She closed the box and put it back in the drawer.

Buffy went back to the bed and layed down, reading the letter again.

Buffy glanced around the room and back to the letter.

The guy in the letter didn't seem to fit with the appearance of the room.

Buffy laid her head back and closed her eyes as she put the letter back under her pillow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike and Angel walked into the house closing the door behind them.

Joyce looked up from the book she was reading.

"I didn't expect you back so early." Joyce said as she looked at her watch.

"Guess we were more tired than we thought." Angel said as he sunk into the chair.

"I'm not. The poof here was falling asleep at the table. Right in front of the ladies I might add." Spike said as he smirked.

"Can you honestly tell me you were even the slightest bit interested in either of them?" Angel asked as he looked at Spike.

Spike shrugged his shoulders as he sat on the couch beside Joyce.

"What was wrong with them?" Joyce said as she got up and headed to the kitchen.

"Well let's just say there wasn't much upstairs." Spike said as he followed her.

Joyce put the kettle on and pulled out a few mugs from the cupboard.

"Not genius material I take it." Joyce said as she spooned liberal amounts of chocolate into each cup.

"Not even close." Angel said as he and Spike sat on the stools on the other side of the counter.

"Why bother going out with someone if you can't hold a converstion with them that doesn't include the latest mall outing." Spike said as he sighed.

Joyce was just starting to pour the hot water into the mugs when the phone rang.

"I'll get that for you." Spike said as he jumped up off the stool.

"Thank you William." Joyce replied as she continued pouring.

"Hello." Spike said as he placed the receiver to his ear.

"Hello William....or should I say Spike?" Buffy said smiling into the phone.

Spike chuckled. "Buffy I take it."

"That would be a yes. I got your letter, and by the way thank you for the chocolates." Buffy replied.

"My pleasure luv. You settle in alright?" Spike asked.

"Yes, got all my stuff put away. And thank you for letting do something with your room. I was going to call and ask you about that." Buffy said honestly.

"No problem pet. About that, your room............" Spike started to speak but Buffy cut him off.

"Yes you can do what you like. Honestly, my mom decorated my room when I was younger and I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't like all the, what did you call it, frilly girly stuff." Buffy replied. "Please don't paint it black." Buffy added as an after thought.

Spike laughed. "Alright, no black. I'll tone it down."

"Oh one minute luv, hold on." Spike said as he pulled the phone from his ear. "Can I have those little marshmellows in it?" Spike shouted through the door way.

Spike smiled when he heard Joyce reply, bringing the phone back to his ear.

"Sorry luv." Spike said." I wanted to ask you about your books. I noticed you had a small collection on the shelf in your room. Would it be okay if I read some of them?" Spike asked.

"Sure help yourself. I have way more than that. Just not enough room on the shelf. There's a box on the shelf in the closet as well as under my bed. Lot's to choose from." Buffy replied.

"Great thanks." Spike said as he watched Joyce coming from the kitchen carrying the cups of steaming cocoa.

"Your mums here now, I'll pass you over." Spike said. "Nice talking to you luv."

"You too Spike." Buffy replied.

"Hi honey." Joyce said as she took the phone.

"Hi mom." Buffy replied as she leaned back into the chair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike and Angel sat out on the front porch, soaking in the sun and quietly talking back and forth.

"You must be William and Liam." Xander said as he and Oz walked up the sidewalk coming to a stop when they reached the steps.

"Yeah." Spike said looking at the two curiously.

"Oz." Oz replied nodding at the two.

"I'm Xander. Friends of Buffy and Willows. Thought we'd come by and meet you, see how you settled in. Maybe take you guys to the Bronze tonight." Xander replied.

"Actually it's Spike and we went to the Bronze lastnight." Spike replied.

"Oh. well you went on the wrong night. Thursday nights, you never go on Thursdays. Friday and Saturday however are the nights to go." Xander said as he sat down.

"Not like we have anything else planned for tonight." Angel said shrugging his shoulders.

"Not gonna fall asleep again are you Angel." Spike said smirking.

"Shut up Spike." Angel retorted.

"Spike and Angel?" Xander asked looking at them.

"Xander and Oz?" Spike countered.

Xander nodded conceeding his point.

"We were heading to the Broze now if you want to come with." Xander said.

"Pretty early mate." Spike said looking at his watch.

"Practice." Oz said as he walked back to his van.

"Oz is in a band and they're playing tonight." Xander clarified.

"What do you play?" Spike asked as he got up and followed Oz.

Angel got up as he and Xander followed the two back to the van.

They all climbed into the van as Oz started the engine and pulled away from the curb and drove in the direction of the Bronze.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This is so nice of you. Thanks for calling." Buffy said as she and Willow sat down at a table in the local coffee shop.

"Think nothing of it pet." Druscilla said as she and Wess sat down across from them.

"So how do you like London so far?" Wes asked.

"Well we haven't really seen much other than the ride from the airport. Giles seems to work alot." Buffy replied. "He does try though." Buffy added smiling.

"Well we'll change that. You can come out with us tonight. Nothing exciting just going to a club." Druscilla said.

"Sounds fun." Buffy replied smiling.

"What's wrong luv?" Wes said as he looked at Willows face.

"Nothing." Willow replied.

"Boyfriend missage." Buffy said.

"Oh." Wes replied quietly, not sure of what to say.

"So tell me what it's like where you're from." Druscilla said.

Buffy and Willow began talking about Sunnydale and their friends.

They all sat together laughing and talking until it was time to go to the club.

They got up and slowly made their way to the club, enjoying the sights on the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike rolled his eyes as he quickly walked through the club to find Angel.

"Don't like her either?" Angel said smiling as Spike came back and sat down.

"Real charmer that one." Spike said as he sat down heavily.

"Hey blondie. Wanna dance?"

Spike looked up to see who was talking to him. He took in her doe eyes, long dark hair and fit body.

Spike smiled at her as he started to get up.

"Alright. Names Spike." Spike said as he led her out to the floor.

Buffy reached over to her night table and picked up the phone bringing it to her ear as she put her book down on the bed.

"Hello." Buffy said as she stretched.

"Hello luv. How's London treating you?" Spike asked.

Buffy smiled as she got herself comfortable. "Spike, everything is great. I really like it here, well it's kinda wet.......alot, but really nice."

Spike chuckled into the phone. "Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself pet." Spike replied.

"Yeah I am. How's everything going with you and Angel? Drove my mom insane yet?" Buffy asked smiling.

"Not yet, just give it some time." Spike replied. "Is dad around? Told me to call on Saturdays."

"No. Giles had some sort of dinner or something to go to and Willow went out with Dru and Wesley." Buffy answered.

"You didn't feel like going out?" Spike inquired.

"Not really. Thought I'd sit back with a book and relax." Buffy replied.

"I didn't mean to interrupt." Spike said.

"The whole idea of it sounded better than actually doing it. You're saving me from extreme bordom right now." Buffy said putting the book on the night stand marking her page.

"Mind if we chat a bit then?" Spike asked.

"I'd like that." Buffy replied.

"I'm kinda here by myself too at the moment." Spike said as the kettle whistled.

"Everyone had plans too?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah. Your mum had a shipment come in, so she went to the gallery. Peaches is taking out some bird for a late lunch. Fourth time this week. Faith. I beleive you know her." Spike said as he poured his water.

"Fourth lunch date of fourth time with Faith?" Buffy asked.

"With Faith. Why?" Spike asked stirring his hot chocolate.

"Faith never goes out with anyone more than once. He must be something to keep her interest." Buffy replied.

Buffy heard him take a drink.

"What are drinking right now? Hot chocolate?" Buffy asked raising her eyebrow as she smiled.

"Yeah. Why?" Spike asked cautiously.

"You see I found out one of your weaknesses from you father the other night. I called mom and asked her to pick something up at the store. Go to the pantry and look on the third shelf to the right." Buffy said as she got up from the bed and wandered down the hallway making her way to the stairs.

"Alright." Spike said slowly as he walked around to the other side of the kitchen and opening the pantry door.

"Do you see it?" Buffy asked smiling as she walked into the kitchen.

"Maybe if you told me what I was looking for." Spike said as he scanned the shelf.

Buffy put the kettle on as she pulled the hot chocolate and marshmellows from the cupboard and got her cup ready.

"I think you'll know it when you see it." Buffy said as she waited for the water to boil. "I think I'll join you in a hot chocolate though."

"Add an extra spoon of chocolate, much better that way." Spike replied. "Still don't see anything." Spike mumbled.

"Are you looking on the shelves to the right?" Buffy asked.

"Bloody hell." Spike mumbled as he turned to look at the shelves to his right.

"Third shelf, far right corner." Buffy sang.

"I don't see anyth...........Oi, marshmellows, the tiny ones." Spike said smiling as he pulled them off the shelf walking out of the pantry.

"Thank you luv." Spike said tearing open the bag and throwing some into his cup as well as a few into his mouth.

"You welcome." Buffy said pouring the boiling water into her cup.

"Are you really joining me in a cuppa?" Spike asked smiling.

"Tossing in marshmellows as we speak." Buffy replied.

Spike chuckled. "Good, drinking alone can only lead to badness."

"Very true." Buffy replied as she took a drink. "Mmm, extra chocolate, you were so right." Buffy said as she licked the marshmellow from her upper lip.

"So.... no luches for you?" Buffy asked.

"No. Haven't really met anyone yet." Spike replied.

"I'm sure that's not true. New guy, sexy accent, small town, wouldn't have taken long." Buffy replied.

"I mean yea, I met some, but...........I like to meet some one who can talk." Spike quipped into the phone.

Buffy snickered. "It can't be that bad."

"Yeah, it really can." Spike snickered back.

"Well school starts next week, it'll be different. New faces...all matriculating." Buffy replied.

"What about you? Any....lunches?" Spike asked smirking.

"No, no one interesting." Buffy sighed.

"Well same for you then. School starts soon and all that rot." Spike said.

"Gee, you're great at pep talks." Buffy said smiling.

"Much better at other things." Spike said raising his eyebrows as he took a drink.

Buffy rolled her eyes as she carried her mug into the livingroom and stood looking at the pictures on the mantle.

"How did you get that scar on your eyebrow?" Buffy asked as her finger brushed over his photograph.

"Your looking at pictures I take it." Spike replied.

"Yeah, the ones on the mantle." Buffy said.

"Nothing much to tell pet. Just got into a fight is all." Spike replied in a strained voice.

"Oh." Buffy said knowing by the sound of his voice there was more to it, but left it alone.

"I saw you pictures, the ones on your mirror in you room. That's Willow, the red head right?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, that would be Willow." Buffy replied glancing at the rest of the photos.

"How's she liking London?" Spike asked.

"Are you kidding. She's at the museums and any other place she can think of everyday. She loves it. She does miss Oz, but she deals." Buffy replied.

"Do you miss being here?" Buffy asked.

"Miss my mates and my dad. Don't ever repeat that, I'll just deny it. But other than that, I'm enjoying it here. How about you?" Spike asked.

"Same. Miss my mom...and my friends, but Giles is really nice." Buffy replied.

"How come you call dad Giles?" Spike inquired.

"Don't know. Did from the minute I met him. Just seemed to fit." Buffy said as she shrugged her shoulders.

"I really like you mum. She's a good woman." Spike spoke honestly.

"Thank you. I think so to." Buffy replied.

Buffy and Spike continued to talk a Buffy went upstairs and back to her room.

Buffy crawled onto the bed and palyed with a string on the throw pillow she had bought.

Buffy yawned intot he phone as she stretched.

"You tired pet?" Spike asked.

"I didn't think I was. I came upstairs and laid down a little while ago. I guess laying down has made me a little sleepy.

"I have to admit I'm a little knackered myself. Your bed is too soft I think." Spike replied.

"I like your bed. Very comfy." Buffy said as she closed her eyes.

"I hadn't realized it but we've been on the phone for almost two hours." Spike said.

"Has it been that long? Didn't seem like it." Buffy said knowing the call was coming to an end.

"Yeah. Time flys when you're having fun. Which I did, thank you Buffy." Spike said as he looked at the ceiling.

"So did I." Buffy replied.

"Would you mind if maybe we did this again sometime?" Spike asked.

"Yeah. I'd like that." Buffy replied smiling widely.

"Me too. Well I guess this is it. I'll talk to you soon." Spike said.

"Okay. Bye Spike." Buffy replied.

"Bye pet." Spike said as he listened until the dial tone came on before hanging up.

Spike got up and walked over to the mirror and looked at the pictures.

His fingers gently brushed over Buffys face.

Spike looked at the phone in his hand and smiled.

"I just had lunch." He said to himself as he looked back at Buffys image.

Spike looked at her picture before pulling it off the mirror and going back over to the bed. Spike reached over and put the phone down on the nightstand, bringing his hand back to rest on his chest as he stared at her picture. His eyes scanned every inch of her face until his eyes began to feel heavy. He set her picture on the nightstand and and then closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Spike bolted up in bed when he felt something hit his chest.

Spike looked up to see Angel hovering over him smiling.

"Little early for beauty sleep ain't it." Angel said chuckling.

"Stuff it peaches." Spike said as he grabbed the bag with the burger in it Angel had thrown on his chest.

"We were't out that late lastnight." Angel said as he sat down in the chair across from him.

"Wasn't really tired. At least I hadn't thought I was." Spike said as he reached in and pulled out the burger.

"Your welcome for the food by the way." Angel said as he watched Spike take a bite.

Spike just nodded and mumbled incoherantly as he ate.

"So all you did was sleep all afternoon. You never left the house."Angels stated rather than asked.

Spike shrugged as he swallowed his bite.

"Talked on the phone for a bit, then fell asleep." Spike said shrugging.

"Well just thought I'd see if you wanted to go to the bronze tonight?" Angel asked as he stood up and moved to the doorway.

"Guess so." Spike answered quietly, busing eating his food.

"Okay, see ya ." Angel said as he walked out of the room and into his own closing the door behind him.

Spike finished his burger and threw the wrapper into the garbage.

He stood up and saw the picture he had been holding on the nightstand. He picked it up and smiled as he glanced at his watch.

He moved to the mirror and put the picture back before he went downstairs to the livingroom, bringing the phone with him.

He quickly set the phone down on the desk and went over to the television and sat down as he turned it on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy turned off the television and put the remote on the table. She sat there looking at the dark screen for a minute before glancing around the room.

"Good idea Buffy. Stay home, read a book and relax." Buffy scolded herself quietly.

It was now just after nine pm, Giles was still out with Olivia and Willow was out with Dru and Wes. Neither was expected back until the early hours of the morning.

Buffy got up and scanned the shelf of movies for awhile before sitting back down empty handed.

Buffy looked around again before getting up and grabing the picture from the mantle she had been looking at earlier.

Her eyes roamed over his face taking in everything. His light brown curly hair, brilliant blue eyes, very defined cheekbones. He was definately good looking Buffy thought as she sat down examining the picture further.

Her fingers traced the scar on his eyebrow slightly as she looked at his eyes, noticing they seem sparkle with mischief, especailly with that smirk he was wearing.

Buffy smiled as she got up and went over to the desk and pulled out a peice of paper and pen from the drawer as she sat down in the chair.

She set the picture down in front of her as she began to write, periodically stopping to glance at his image.

Buffy was in te kitchen making a hot chocolate when Giles walked into the house, coming to the kitchen when he heard the kettle whistle.

"Buffy, how was your evening?" Giles said smiling as he leaned against the door.

"Kind of a snore. Didn't really do anything." Buffy said as she stirred her drink.

"It's almost two in the morning, you should be sleeping." Giles said.

"Well I kinda fell asleep earlier in the evening, so not really tired yet." Buffy replied shrugging her shoulder.

"So you stayed home all evening then?" Giles asked.

"Yeah. Well I did go out once to mail a letter but that's it." Buffy replied casually. "Are you tired?" Buffy asked as she looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Giles smiled as he grabbed a mug from the cupboard. "I think there's a few hours left in this old dog yet." Giles replied as Buffy smiled and grabbed his mug and spooning the powder into his cup.

"How was your evening?" Buffy asked.

"Fine. It went quite well." Giles answered as he took a sip.

"I really like Olivia, she's really nice Giles. How long have you two been together?" Buffy asked.

"Oh." Giles said as he gestured for them to go to the livingroom. "We've been together on and off, maybe two years." Giles said as they sat down on the sofa.

"I know it's none of my business and you don't have to answer if you don't want to. Are you ever going to make it a permanent thing between the two of you?" Buffy asked quietly.

Giles shifted on the sofa while looking into his cup. "It's complicated. I don't really have an answer for that." Giles said, speaking softly.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." Buffy replied looking down.

"No, don't be sorry Buffy. You asked something I've been asking myself for a rather long time, but never came up with an answer." Giles said as he placed a comforting hand on Buffy's shoulder.

Buffy looked up and smiled back when she saw a small smile curve on his lips.

"Maybe she's not the one." Buffy said.

"How do you mean?" Giles asked watching her as he took another drink.

Buffy shrugged one shoulder. "It's just it's been basically two years, and don't get me wrong, I really like her. I enjoy spending time and going places with her. But if she was the one, you wouldn't have to ask yourself that question, cause you'd already know the answer." Buffy said quietly.

Giles leaned back against the sofa. "I do care about her a great deal."

"But you're not having the....I need her like I need the air to breathe kind of feeling." Buffy replied.

Giles sat there for a moment before shaking his head. "No. I'm not." He said very quietly.

"Have you ever felt that way about anyone?" Buffy asked.

"Yes. Once, a very long time ago. It was Williams mother." Giles said as his face clouded over.

"What's it like? Being in love I mean." Buffy asked curiously.

"It's rather difficult to put into words, but your earlier definition comes close." Giles said smiling.

"I've been here two months now, and I already know I'm gonna miss it when I leave." Buffy said.

"I'm glad you like London. It's still a long way off, you don't have to leave until June." Giles stated.

"I know. It's not London I'm going to miss. It's you." Buffy replied.

Giles smiled and looked down at his cup.

"I shall miss you a great deal. As well as Willow. I've been enjoying having you here very much." Giles replied.

"I really like that I can talk to you about anything. Our late night talks like this, they mean alot to me." Buffy said.

"To me as well." Giles replied.

Buffy smiled as she started to yawn.

"You should get some rest." Giles said as he grabbed her mug and stood up and started walking to the kitchen.

"You're right." Buffy said rising to her feet.

"Same time tomorrow night?" Giles asked as he stepped through the kitchen doorway.

"Maybe a little earlier." Buffy said smiling.

"Good night Buffy." Giles said with a warm smile.

"Night Giles." Buffy replied as she started up the stairs.

Giles rinsed the mugs then shut off the lights. He was just about at the stairs when the phone rang.

"Who on earth would be calling at this hour." Giles mumbled as he quickly picked up the phone.

"Hello." Giles said as he picked up the phone.

"Hey dad." Spike replied.

"William, how could you be sure anyone would be up at this hour?" Giles said shaking his head.

"Took a chance and called. Knew you were out with Olivia, your usual Saturday, getting home bout this time." Spike replied.

"So how are things?" Giles asked.

"Fine. Joyce is great dad. Not much to do in this town, but everyone seems okay." Spike replied.

"How's Liam doing?" Giles asked.

"Angels got himself a bird." Spike said chuckling.

"Do tell." Giles said smiling.

"He's stopped with the broody bit. I guess she's good for him. You'd be suprised if you seen her." Spike said as he laughed.

"Why?" Giles asked curiously.

"Leather pants, tops, not the kinda girl you picture him going for." Spike replied.

"What about you? Have you met anyone?" Giles asked.

"Haven't met her yet. But I'm definately interested." Spike said quietly.

"What's her name?" Giles asked as he leaned against the wall.

"Doesn't matter. So are the girls driving you right around the bend yet?" Spike asked changing the subject.

"Heavens no. I quite enjoying having them here. I'm going to hate to see it end." Giles replied.

"You'd rather have them there than me?" Spike asked smiling.

"Don't be daft. You know better than that." Giles scolded Spike.

Spike chuckled into the phone.

"It's still early there isn't it. I thought you'd be out." Giles said.

"Well I did go out, but wasn't really enjoying myself so I came home." Spike replied.

Spike and Giles talked for about a half hour before hanging up.

Giles walked to his room closing the door behind him, changing then crawling onto his bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike walked into the house, returning from his first day at school, dropping his bag on the chair and going to the kitchen. When he came back in carrying a can of diet coke he saw a letter sitting by the phone addressed to him.

When he looked at the envelope he noticed it was from London.

He tore the envelope open as his brows furrowed.

He pulled out the paper and scanned the page at the bottom, he smiled when he saw Buffy's name.

He looked back to the top as he went to his room, closing the door and laying on the bed smiling as he read the letter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike,

First thing. How did you get the nick Spike?

I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed the phone call earlier tonight. The hot chocolate too, extra scoop, I will definately remember that.

So Faith and Liam huh, that's gotta be interesting. From what Giles has told me about him they don't seem to match. But I guess you can never tell about these things.

Willow has toured most of the city already. I'm trying to pace myself. I figure I'll be here a year, don't wanna see it all to early.

Your friends Wesley and Dru are pretty nice. They're always taking us to clubs and shopping.

I have to admit, I'm kinda nervous about starting school here. Just wondering if the courses they teach are different, and what if I can't do it. Willow's all super smart girl so I doubt she'll have any problems. I on the other hand actually have to work hard to pull off the grades I get.

How are Xander and Oz doing?

Willow is on the phone every other night calling him. Poor Giles, his phone bill is going to be so high. I wonder if it's came in yet? I'll have to make sure I'm not around on that day.

Well I should go, but I'm really looking forward to our next phone call.

Until then.

Buffy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike reread the letter again. He sat up and pulled out paper and a pen from the night table. He grabbed a book from the shelf then sat back down on the bed.

Willow ducked as Buffys pencil went sailing through the air, just missing her head.

"Something wrong Buffy?" Willow asked casually as she went back to her calculas homework.

Buffy just winced as her face fell into her book on the table.

"I'm never gonna get this Will." Buffy said slightly whining.

"You say that every year, and every year you pass." Willow said calmly writing down her answer.

Buffy just moaned in frustration.

"Why don't you take a break Buffy. Go for a walk, or get a snack or something." Willow said only half paying attention, used to Buffys theatrics.

"A snack sounds good." Buffy said as she got up and went to the kitchen.

Buffy grabbed a yogurt from the fridge and sat at the table.

Buffy grabbed a letter from the stack of mail sitting on the table that was addressed to her.

She set her yogurt down as she began opening the letter.

She smiled widely as she started reading the letter.

Buffy,

I was pretty suprised when I spotted your letter in the stack of mail today. Nice to be thought of as letter worthy.

I really enjoyed talking to you that day as well. I'll make sure to call again so we can talk.

As to how I got the nick Spike... well let's just say it's better to show you than to tell you. A gentleman never kisses and tells.

Faith and the great Poof are still grabbing at one another...makes me want to heave. If I have to see them in a lip lock one more time I swear I'm gonna gouge out my own eyes. It's just more merciful all the way around.

Xander is spending all his time with his new girl. Don't see him much lately. Mostly as school, but he's alright.

Hard to say about Oz, he's not one for conversation is he. But he seems okay.

Has the phone bill come in yet? I'd love to be there to see his face. Nice too see him get angry and I actually had nothing to do with it. It'd probably be the first and only time mind you.

School there isn't much different.You shouldn't worry. Besides your mum showed me some of your report cards from school. Why are you worrying? You have excellent grades.

If you have any problems just give me a ring, I'll be more than happy to help.

I'm glad Wes and Dru are showing you around. When you see then next say hi for me.

I have to start getting ready to go out. We're heading to the Bronze soon. Oz is playing and I'm on guitar for them tonight.

Talk to you soon.

Spike.

Buffy smiled as she set the letter down. She looked up when she saw Willow come into the kitchen glancing at her watch as she went to the phone.

Buffy shook her head smiling as she got up to leave the kitchen.

"Oz? hey baby, I miss you."

Buffy heard Willow say as she walked out to the livingroom, her yogurt on the table forgotten.

Buffy sat on the sofa and reread the letter several times.

Buffy clutched the letter in her hands as she laid down and closed her eyes, quickly falling asleep.

Buffy opened her eyes when she heard Willow calling her name.

"What?" Buffy said trying to focus.

"Dru called and wants to know if we want to go out clubbing tonight. Do you want to go?" Willow asked hovering over Buffy.

"No Will, you go ahead. I'm just gonna stay in tonight." Buffy said as her insided did flip flops.

"Are you sure?" Willow asked.

"Very sure." Buffy said smiling.

"Oh, okay." Willow said as she went upstairs to change her clothes.

Willows going out, Giles is....well she wasn't sure where Giles was, but he wasn't there. She had the place to herself for awhile. Buffy looked at the letter in her hand again and smiled.

"I think I'll be calling you this time." Buffy said quietly to herself laying back down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hello." Angel said as he picked up the phone.

"Uh hi. Is Spike around?" Buffy asked chewing on her bottom lip.

"No he's out. Can I ask who's calling?" Angel replied as he grabbed a pen and paper.

"Uh sure. It's Buffy." Buffy replied as she smiled widely as a thought came to her. "Tell him I just bought some paint, It's not pink. I mean not really pink anyway. Just thought I'd let him know I was starting to redecorate the room. The area rug and pillows match the new drapes. They're kind of a ...well I hate to say pink cause it's not, but it's the only way I can describe the color. Anyway, can you pass on the message for me?" Buffy said.

All Buffy heard was the phone being set down and someone laughing.

"Okay I'll let him know." Angel replied still laughing into the phone as he wrote down the message.

"Thanks." Buffy said before hanging up the phone.

Angel hung up the phone and left the message on the table.

He shook his head as he grabed his jacket and headed for the front door.

Spike walked into the house and dropped his keys onto the phone table. He had been out driving all day in his latest purchase.

He had spent the entire day yesterday closing a deal with a car lot salesman.

His eyes saw the note laying on the table.

He picked it up and began to read it.

His eyes bugged put as his jaw dropped. "Bloody hell." Spike managed to sputter out as he grabbed the phone.

"Hello." Buffy said answering the phone.

"Bloody hell woman, I thought we agreed no pink." Spike yelled into the phone.

"I know. It's not pink don't worry. I figured if I left a message like that you'd definately call me back." Buffy said laughing.

Spike's heart rate slowed and his breathing became normal.

"Christ, you nearly gave me a heart attack. And just for future reference, you don't have to leave meassages like that for me to call you back. I'd call you back the minute I saw the message." Spike said as he fell onto the sofa.

"Okay, no more heart attacks, I promise." Buffy replied still smiling.

"So.........what exactly have you done to my room?" Spike asked as he closed his eyes.

"Oh don't worry. It's still all manly looking. I haven't changed anything. I guess it kind of grew on me, in a crypt keeper sort of way." Buffy replied.

"Thanks luv." Spike said smiling. "I didn't really change yours, at least not much. All I did was take all the posters down, got rid of those frilly pillows, and why exactly do you need all those tiny pillows on your bed? Oh I also changed your curtains, if you can call them that. They were full of hole and blocked no light what so ever." Spike said practically in one breath.

Buffy chuckled into the phone.

"Where did youput all that stuff?" Buffy asked.

"In a box and I took it down to the basement." Spike replied.

"Okay, maybe mom will forget about it before I get back. Unless the box can get damaged in some way. Accidentally of course." Buffy said subtley.

"I heard basements flood all the time." Spike replied non chalantly.

"Which can cause damage to all sorts of thing, like pillow and posters and any other frilly pink thing that you might have stored down there." Buffy said as she took a sip of her coffee.

Spike smiled. "I'm sure it'll be safe down there. I'll take a check tonight just to make sure."

"Thank you Spike, that means more to me than you will ever know." Buffy said smiling. "Actually I did have a couple little things I wanted to do to your room. Nothing big just maybe new drapes, and matching comforter. Is Red okay?" Buffy asked.

"Red fine. Really do whatever you like luv, it can always be changed back later.: Spike replied.

"No black is fine, just want to throw another color in the mix. Red goes great with black." Buffy replied.

Spike chuckled. "So how's school going?" Spike asked.

"Oh god." Buffy winced into the phone.

"What's the problem?" Spike asked.

"I'm having trouble in math." Buffy replied as she moved intot he diningroom to her books.

"With what in particular?" Spike replied.

"With the math." Buffy stated.

Spike chuckled again. "Okay tell me the problem your working on and I'll see if I can help." Spike said as he sat forward on the sofa and grabbed a pan and paper from the corner of the table.

Buffy read out the math equation as Spike wrote it down.

He told her how to solve it step by step. He did the math right along with her which made it easier to explain.

"See, looks more complicated than it really is." Spike said setting his pen down.

"It is as complicated as it looks." Buffy said scrunching her eyebrows.

"Are you pouting?" Spike asked as he smiled.

"What? No." Buffy said defensively.

"Yes you are. I can tell by your voice. You're pouting. Come on we'll do a few more until you're comfortable okay." Spike said.

"Okay." Buffy replied looking back to her books.

Spike and Buffy ended up doing her whole assignment. But by the end Buffy understood it and was able to do it on her own.

"So what are you going to be doing tonight?" Buffy asked as her stomach rumbled. She placed her hand on her stomach and got up wandering into the kitchen.

"Actually I'm staying in tonight. The Poof is out, your moms out and the Xander and Oz have other plans." Spike replied.

"I'm here alone too." Buffy replied. "Willows out with Dru and Wes and your dad called awhile ago, he's out with Olivia and won't be back until morning."

"Hate the idea of you being there alone luv." Spike replied worriedly.

"I'll be okay. Willow will be home around two, only a few more hours." Buffy replied.

Spike got up and wandered to the kitchen. "Join me in a cuppa then." Spike said as he grabbed the kettle and filled it.

"Sounds good." Buffy said doing the same. "But you have to eat to. I don't wanna eat alone." Buffy added.

"Sure thing luv." Spike said grinning from ear to ear. "Are we having..... lunch." Spike aske quietly.

"Maybe." Buffy answered quietly, a smile crossing her face.

"What are we having then?" Spike asked moving to the fridge.

"Well how about just a sandwich. I'm not really into cooking tonight." Buffy replied.

"Alright." Spike replied grabbing the fixings to make a sandwich from the fridge. "Do you know how to cook?"

"Sure it's easy." Buffy replied grabbing the kettle as it whistled.

"Well maybe we can do that some time. You can teach me how to cook something." Spike said.

"That would be fun. What would you like to try?" Buffy asked.

"Nothing fancy. I'd like to cook dinner for your mum sometime. Maybe a hearty stew or something, one that I can't possibly ruin." Spike replied.

"Tomorrow is Saturday and I know my mom will be at the gallery during the day. I can call you and walk you through it." Buffy stated.

"Okay. How's your cuppa?" Spike asked.

"Extra chocolate. Yours?" Buffy asked as he sat at the table.

"Extra marshmellows." Spike said smiling.

They continued to talk as they ate their snacks.

They had been on the phone for almost four hours before finally ending the call.

Spike had wrote down a list for the grocery store that he would need for tomorrow. He went and checked the cupboards and freezer to see if any of it was already here. He was able to scratch about three items off his list.

He grabbed his jacket and car keys as he headed for the door.

He looked at the car as he walked towards it. He kept wondering what he was going to do with it when it was time for him to head home. Maybe there was a way for im to have it brought to London. He just shook his head deciding there was lot's of time and not to worry about it right now.

He climbed in and started it up, pulling out of the driveway he drove down the street towards the grocery store.

He climbed out of the car and walked into the mall. He stopped when a store caught his eyes. He walked over and saw all the greeting cards on racks out front of the store.

One in particular made him smile. He grabbed it and went to the cash to pay for it, before going to the grocery store.

Spike walked back to his car loaded down with food. He went in for a few things and came out with almost the whole store.

"No wonder women are the one who usually do the shopping." Spike said to himself as he looked at the unneeded purchases in his bags shaking his head.

Spike pt the bags in the trunk before getting into the drivers seat and heading back to the house.

After putting all the food away he went up to his room, he stopped and smiled before going back downstairs to the basement.

He quickly found Buffy's box and put it directly under the window.

He went over to the sink and grabbed a pitcher of water before going back to the box.

He poured the water into the box as he smiled. Spike closed the box bak up and put the pitcher back on the sink.

"Terrible thing that. Water coming through the window like that. At lest it was only the one box that got ruined." Spike said to himself as he walked back up the stairs smirking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy woke up when she heard Willow come in. She glanced at her clock, frowning slightly when she noticed it was seven thirty in the morning.

Buffy grabbed her robe and tied it as she wandered down the hall.

"Hey Will." Buffy said as she came into the kitchen.

"Oh...hey Buffy. Why are you up so early?" Willow said a little fidgety.

"No, the question is why are you still up? Little later than usual Will." Buffy said worriedly.

"I...was out. Just lost track of the time. That's all." Willow said quickly. "Look I'm tired. I think I'm gonna get some sleep now." Willow said quietly as she brushed past Buffy and went up to her room.

Buffy's frowned at Willows reaction as she grabbed the orange juice out of the fridge.

"Good morning Buffy." Giles said as he came through the back door.

"Hey Giles. Must say this is a popular theme this morning." Buffy replied as she took a drink.

"What was that?" Giles asked confused.

"Nothing. How was your night lastnight?" Buffy asked pouring him a glass.

"It was fine. We sat up talking all night. It's over." Giles said as he bowed his head.

"I'm sorry." Buffy replied softly.

Giles smiled. "Don't be. We both knew nothing would really come of this. It was better to end it then continue on for another two years. She deserves better than what I'm capable of giving her." Giles said drinking his juice.

"You both deserve better." Buffy stated placing her hand on his.

Giles squeezed her hand affectionately.

"So what are your plans for the day?" Giles asked changing the subject.

"Well I'm teaching someone how to make a beef stew. Then the rest of the day.....let's see. Nothing." Buffy replied.

"Well I have a few things to go through at the museum today, but how about I take the two of you out to dinner tonight. Maybe catch a show as well." Giles said rising from his stool.

"Sounds great. Thanks Giles. Oh, what do I wear?" Buffy asked quickly.

"Formal wear. I would like to show off my two beautiful girls tonight." Giles said smiling.

Buffy smiled widely. 'Formal it is. Now you go get some sleep. Don't want you falling asleep during dinner." Buffy said nudging him towards the stairs.

"Alright, I'm going." Giles said chuckling to himself as he proceeded up the stairs.

Buffy rinsed her glass and went back to her room.

She looked at the clock then climbrd back into bed. It was barely eight oclock, she still had plenty of time before she actually had to be up.

Buffy laid down and pulled the blankets over her as she closed her eyes.

Buffy drifted off to sleep hearing faint murmerings coming from Willows room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike already had everything chopped, sliced and peeled before Buffy called.

Buffy told him what to do step by step.

Other than a few curses from Spike it went pretty well.

The stew was simmering on the back burner. He did it the way Buffy told him to and he had very little clean up. He covered the pot and then sat down at the counter drinking a cup of tea, enjoying the aroma permeating the house from the pot sitting on the stove.

He and Buffy had talked a little longer but Buffy had to start getting ready to go out with his dad and Willow.

"Something smells really good." Joyce said as she walked through the house to the kitchen.

Spike straightened up in his seat and smiled as she walked through the doorway.

"You've been cooking. I didn't know you knew how to cook." Joyce said taking the lid off the pot.

"Well I don't, not really. I had a friend walk me through it on the phone." Spike said ducking his head shyly.

"That's so sweet William. I can't wait to try some." Joyce replied putting the lid back on.

"I'm supposed to let it slow cook for a couple of hours. Uh...I think." Spike said as his brows furrowed.

"Sounds about right." Joyce said. "Well I'm gonna head upstairs and finish my paper work. Make sure to call me when it ready." Joyce said patting Spikes shoulder as she went through the doorway.

"Sure thing mum. Uh I mean ...." Spike stuttered.

"It's fine." Joyce said cutting him off in mid sentence. "I'm honoured you feel you can call me that." Joyce said turning back and cupping his cheek.

Joyce slowly dropped her hand then turned and went up the stairs.

Spike sat there a little stunned before a small smile came across his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giles, Buffy and Willow walked into the house talking happily about the nights events.

Giles had taken them to a very expensive restaurant and then a show right after. Then they just drove around for awhile as he showed them some of the lesser known historical parts of the city.

They all clammored around the kitchen table in their night clothes after changing quickly.

They sat there laughing and talking about things they've done since coming to London.

Around three in the morning they all started getting tired and slowly climbed the stairs and headed off to bed.

Buffy watched as Willow strolled through the house slowly ending up at the dining room table with her books.

Buffy got up and slowly came over to sit beside her.

She sat there for a minute but when Willow acted like she hadn't noticed Buffy was even in the same room with her Buffy broke the silence.

"Willow did I do something to royally piss you off?" Buffy said a little frustrated.

Willow looked up startled by Buffy's outburst.

"No. Why would you think that?" Willow replied a little stunned.

"You've been all avoidy for almost two weeks now. You don't really talk to me. You go out all the time with Wes and Dru. Don't get me wrong I like them, but I like it to be just you and me sometimes. I'm selfish." Buffy finished, her last sentence was spoken quietly with a shrug to her shoulders and a slight pout.

Willow smiled and grabbed Buffy's hand squeezing it affectionately.

"It's not you. I'm sorry Buffy, I didn't mean to make you feel that way. I've been going through some.....things and I just needed time to figure a few things out. For the record, I miss it just being us too. But you don't go out as much lately." Willow replied.

"I know, but once a week is plenty for me. It's the only way to keep up with my homework." Buffy said grabbing a banana from the bowl in the middle of the table.

"Senior year is a little more demanding. I think I'll be cutting back on the night outs too." Willow said.

"So are you ready to talk about it?" Buffy asked quietly.

Willow closed her books and shifted in her chair for a minute before replying.

"Oz and I broke up." Willow said her voice catching.

Buffy's jaw dropped as she moved closer and pulled Willow into a hug.

"Oh god Will, I'm so sorry. What happened?" Buffy said pulling back but carressing her arm.

"I called about two weeks ago. He seemed less talkative then usual and I thought I heard someone in the background. It sounded like a girl. He made an excuse that he had rehearsal or something. So I called back two days later and he wasn't the one who answered the phone. He's been seeing someone else for about a month. Veruca, what kind of name is that anyway. She's in a band, we have so much in common...blah, blah, blah. After 3 years it's over just like that." Willow said as she wiped a tear away.

"I never pictured Oz as the type to stray. He always seemed so solid." Buffy replied.

"I thought so too. Guess you can never really tell what a persons like." Willow replied.

"I don't think that's true Willow." Buffy said quietly. "There are some pretty descent men out there. But we all take the chance of broken hearts .... cause it's better than being alone." Buffy replied quietly.

"I don't think I can do that again." Willow said through tears.

"Not now, no. But in time you will." Buffy replied.

"But you haven't even dated since you broke up with Riley. That was almost a year ago." Willow said.

"Wasn't interested in anyone then." Buffy replied.

Willow looked up at Buffy. "Then? As in not then, but I am interested in someone now?" Willow asked curiously.

"Maybe." Buffy said ducking her head slghtly.

"Where was I when all this happened? Did you meet him here?"Willow asked looking for details.

Buffy wasn't quite sure how to answer that question. Instead she pulled Willow out of the chair and dragged her over to the pictures on the mantle.

"Him. William.......Spike." Buffy said quietly lifting his picture and handing it to Willow.

"But he's in Sunnydale." Willow said as her brows furrowed.

"I know." Buffy said.

"And you've never even met." Willow stated.

"This is true." Buffy replied.

"So you're interested cause you've seen his picture?" Willow asked as her brows crinkled even more.

"No. I've been talking to him on the phone. And there's been letters." Buffy replied quietly as she blushed slightly.

Willows eyes widened as she looked at Buffy. "So..Giles and all the yelling and cleaning his glasses over the phone bill, it wasn't just me." Willow said a little excited.

"Actually he calls here. I only called him once and left a message for him. I'd hate to be him when mom sees the phone bill." Buffy said snickering to herself.

Willow frowned slightly wishing she wasn't the only one to get blamed for the bill.

"So..... are you guys like....I don't know... seeing each other?" Willow asked.

Buffy was quiet for a minute as she thought about that.

"No, we're not seeing each other. We enjoy each others company. I like him." Buffy replied quietly.

"So you wouldn't say no if things maybe turned in that direction then." Willow said as she set the picture back on the mantle.

"Good question. I'm interested but.........I don't think he is, at least not in that way. If it doesn't happen I think I just made a freind for life though. That's something right." Buffy said with a small smile.

"Friends is good too." Willow said returning the smile.

"Yeah it is." Buffy said sitting on the couch dragging Willow with her.

"So what are your plans for Christmas?" Buffy asked changing the subject.

"Jewish remember, don't celebrate." Willow said.

"Oh I know that, I just thought maybe you were going back during the break." Buffy replied.

"I don't think so. I'm not really ready to go back there yet." Willow said lowering her gaze.

Buffy closed her eyes breifly for a moment. "Sorry Will, I didn't think about Oz being there." Buffy said quietly.

"It's okay. I'm going to have to go back and deal, just not right away." Willow said.

"I'll stay too." Buffy said perkily.

"Buff, you don't have too. I'll be fine. Really." Willow said.

"I want too. Then we can see how they celebrate it here." Buffy replied.

"And someone might visit for the holidays too." Willow said raising her eyes brows and smiling.

"I don't know....maybe he might come." Buffy replied.

Buffy stood up and pulled Willow too the kitchen. As they walked by the telephone table Buffy accidentally nudged it with her hip. Sending a few pieces of mail to the floor behind the table unnoticed as they continued on their way to the kitchen.

"There's a container of chocolate ice cream calling our names and we'd be very rude if we didn't answer." Buffy said as they walked into the kitchen.

"Is there chocolate sauce and whip cream." Willow asked quietly, hurting over Oz.

"Anything you want Will. Anything you want." Buffy replied as she began her search.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been three weeks since I sent the card and she hasn't mentioned it in her letter or the last phone call.

Maybe she's not mentioning it cause she's not interested. Spike thought as he flopped down on the bed.

"Bugger this." Spike said to himself as he got up and went downstairs to the phone. He picked it up quickly and dialed the number. He had to find out.

After the third ring the other end picked up.

"Hello." Willow said into the receiver.

"This has got to be Willow." Spike said smiling. "Heard all about you."

"Yes it is." Willow smiled hearing the accent. "This is William or should I say Spike?"

"Spike." Spike replied.

"Heard alot about you too. Well not until this morning, but alot got crammed in there." Willow replied.

Spike's face fell at hearing Buffy hadn't mentioned him until this morning.

"Listen pet, is Buffy around?" Spike asked.

"Actually you just missed her. She went to a movie with someone from school. Jamie I think." Willow supplied.

Spike looked down at the floor and closed his eyes. "Oh. Well I don't want to keep you then. I'm on my way out as well. Just wanted to give a quick ring is all." Spike said trying to sound cheerful.

"Oh, okay. Have a good time." Willow said hanging up when she heard the dial tone.

"Wow Buff, you're right he does sound sexy." Willow said as she went upstairs after writing down the message for Buffy.

Spike hung up the phone and went upstairs to shower.

He then dressed and grabbed his keys then took off down the street.

Spike parked in front the Espresso Pump shaking his head.

Not like in a place like Sunnydale there was a lot of places to go.

He went in and straight to the counter ordering a coffee.

After he paid the cashier he turned and started too walk through the cafe.

"Hey bleach boy." Faith said from the table he just passed.

"Bitch." Spike said nodding to her.

Faith smiled and kicked out a chair for him to sit.

Spike rolled his eyes and sat down. "What?" Spike asked hotly.

"Nothin, just look like you could use some company is all." Faith replied.

Spike didn't reply he just took a drink of his coffee as he stood up.

"Don't feel like sitting around." Spike replied as he turned to the door.

"Cool. Me either. So where are going?" Faith asked as she followed him out.

"Don't remember inviting you along." Spike said over his shoulder.

"Cause you didn't." Faith replied.

Spike shook his head and continued walking with Faith coming up and walking beside him.

"The Bronze isn't open for a couple of hours yet, but I know the owner. We could shoot some pool." Faith said.

Spike agreed and they walked back to his car, climbed in and drove to the club.

"You're not too bad." Faith said about a half hour later when she came back to the pool table with a couple of cokes.

"Same to you Pet." Spike said with a small smile.

"So what got you in such a bad mood?" Faith asked as she took her shot.

Spike shrugged. "Doesn't matter." Spike replied as he watched the table.

"Look, I've only known you a few months, but even I could tell something was bothering you."Faith said taking another shot.

Spike just continued to watch the table.

"Fine you don't have to talk. But if you want to I'm here. What ever you tell me stays here." Faith said backing away from the table so Spike could take his shot.

Spike watched as the black ball went into the pocket, causing him to lose the game.

He put the pool cue on the table and went over and sat down.

"I think I read a little more into something than was actually there." Spike finally said.

"So I take it this something was a girl." Faith stated.

"Yeah." Spike replied.

"Tell me what happened. Maybe I can help you sort it out." Faith replied.

Spike nodded and went on to tell Faith everything from the beginning.

"Then I call today and she's out with some nancy boy named, get this, Jamie." Spike said through a sneer.

Faith's eyebrows scrunched up at the name.

"So she wrote you first?" Faith asked.

"Yeah." Spike replied.

"She still writes?" Faith asked again.

"Yeah." Spike replied.

"Your calls last several hours everytime?" Faith asked again.

"Yeah." Spike said draining his glass.

"So you sent her a card with something you wrote, that needed a reply and she never gave you an answer?" Faith said.

"Uh huh. That'd be about it." Spike replied.

"You think maybe she never got your card?" Faith asked.

"Of cours she did. Mailed it a few weeks ago." Spike replied.

"Oh right, nothing ever gets lost in the mail." Faith replied sarcastically.

"You really think she never got it?" Spike asked.

"From everything you told me, she seemed pretty interested to me." Faith replied.

"But she went out with......

"Probably just a friend Spike. We're out right now, nothing going on between us right." Faith said shaking her head.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll give her another ring later and find out for sure." Spike said feeling a little better.

They both sat back and laughed a little bit, watching the club start to fill slowly.

"Hey guys."

Faith scowled as she stood up. "Unless you want my boot shoved up your ass go back to your little whore." Faith said as she crossed her arms.

Spike just looked on in confusion. He didn't really know Oz all that well, but he always seemed alright.

"Faith what the hell are you doing?"Spike asked.

"No man. It's cool. Maybe I'll see ya around." Oz replied as he turned and went backstage.

Faith turned and sat back down.

"What was that about?" Spike said as he joined her at the table.

"What? You didn't hear?" Faith asked.

Spike just shook his head.

"A few weeks ago me and Angel, Xander and Cordy were here having a great time, you know makin with the fun and all. Dingoes had a great set. We all went backstage to give our grats." Faith said but at Spikes confused look she explained.

"Grats, you know gratitude, congrats. Well anyway when we got back there we saw Oz laying on the couch with the singer from the previous band straddling him. Let's just say he wasn't putting up a struggle to get her off....at least not off of him." Faith said crossing her arms.

Spike sat back in his seat in shock.

"But they've been together....

"Forever." Faith finished nodding her head. "We told him to tell her or we would."

"At least she's not alone." Spike said.

"Yeah, Buffy will be there to help her out. I hate to see Oz when Buffy gets back." Faith said as he face lit up.

"Why?" Spike asked.

"Buffy and I are like two peas in a pod. I gave him a black eye before Angel pulled me back. She goes for the nose, everytime, never fails." Faith said happily.

"She's a spitfire is she." Spike said smiling.

"You know it." Faith replied.

"Know what?" Angel said coming up to the table and placing a kiss on top of Faith head.

"That you're dull as a table lamp." Spike said smiling.

"Shut up Spike." Angel retorted.

"Sure thing vomit boy." Spike said grabbing his jacket. "Been nice, see ya Faith. Peaches." Spike said walking around the table.

"See ya crypt boy." Faith said over her shoulder.

"I really don't like him sometimes." Angel said.

"Aww baby." Faith said as she captured his lips.

Spike turned and looked back at that moment and rolled his eyes feeling his stomach turn, he quickly left the club and headed home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thanks for inviting me. I had a great time." Buffy said as the pulled up in front of Giles house.

"Oh, no problem, was glad you accepted." Jamie said as Buffy started to open the door.

"Next time I pay." Buffy said smiling.

"Got a deal."Jamie smiled back. "Are you sure I can't interest you in going out with my cousin Jonathan?" Jamie asked.

"No, not really. There's someone I'm trying to get to know right now." Buffy replied. "But I'm flattered for the offer though."

"I'll see you Monday." Jamie said as she threw her purse onto the passenger seat.

"Kay, bye." Buffy said waving as she headed for the house.

Buffy went into the house and started to go to the kitchen but stopped as she saw the note by the phone.

Buffy smiled as she dropped her house keys on the table which slid off onto the floor.

Buffy bent down to pick them up when something white tucked behind caiught her eye.

She reached over and pulled out the papers and grabbed the keys as she stood back up.

Buffy leafed through the mail she pulled out from behind the table and smiled when she saw one was for her.

She was just about to open it when the phone rang.

Buffy picked it up thinking it was Spike calling back.

"Hello." Buffy said grinning.

"Is this Miss. Summers or Miss. Rosenberg?" The voice on the other end said.

"Yes. This is Bufy Summers." Buffy replied curously.

"I'm Mrs. Greer, a nurse at Our Lady of Victory Hospital.Our patient Mr.Giles gave us your name as a contact."
"Giles, is he okay? What happened?" Buffy asked worriedly.

"He's fine, recupperating quite well. He was mugged on his way to his car tonight. He's had some trauma to the head, but otherwise he fine." The nurse replied.

"Thank you. We'll be there right away." Buffy said to the nurse.

"WILLOW." Buffy yelled as she hung up the phone and throwing the card and keys into her purse.

"Buffy, What?" Willow said running down the stairs.

"Giles got mugged. He's in the hospital and you're driving." Buffy said quickly.

Willow grabbed the keys to the spare car and they both ran to the garage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy and Willow ran down the hospital corridors looking for Emergency.

"Is there an emergency here like back home?" Buffy said panicking.

"Buffy this way." Willow said dragging Buffy around the corner.

"Mrs. Greer. I'm Buffy Summers. This is Willow Rosenberg." Buffy said when she saw the nurses name tag.

"Ah Miss Summers, Miss Rosenberg. He keeps asking for you. Very stubborn man. Driving us right around the bend. Right this way." The nurse said smiling as she led them to a curtain at the back of the emergency room.

"Pillock, I told you I was fine."

Buffy and Willow visibly relaxed when they heard Giles complaint along with a few more colorful metaphors that followed.

"They're here, you can go now." The nurse replied smiling and shaking her head.

"Buffy, Willow." Giles said smiling. "How was your night?" Giles asked sarcastically.

"Better than yours apparently." Buffy replied.

"Come on Giles. Let's get you home." Willow said helping him off the bed.

"Anything we need to know?" Buffy asked the nurse.

"He had a few stitches just above his left eye, and seven stitched to his lower lip. Not much you can do. I already told him what he needs to know." The nurse said pointing to Giles.

"Yes, yes I remember." Giles said trying to leave.

"Slow down, not a marathon." Willow said to Giles.

"I'm fine, let's go." Giles said regaining his composure and quickly leaving the room with Buffy and Willow on his heels.

"I've been here several hours and they just called you now. Stupid cow." Giles said as he climbed into the car.

"Uh, actually they called quite awhile ago. We'weren't sure where the hospital was and we kinda....got lost. A few times." Buffy said mumbling the last part.

Giles just shook his head and smiled.

They pulled up to the house and in to the garage keying off the ignition.

Giles got out of the car slowly and they followed him into the house.

"Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat." Buffy said.

"I can make you a tea." Willow said.

"No thank you girls. I'm fine really. But I am tired. I think I'm gonna turn in for the night." Giles replied.

"Do you need help going up the stairs?" Buffy said as she and Willow grabbed his arms.

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Giles replied, thinking it would be easier to let them help than to tell them no.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy and Willow relaxed on the couch with some chips while they thumbed through the movies trying to decide on what to watch.

All of a sudden Buffy leaped off the couch and ran to the phone.

"What's wrong?" Willow said running to Buffys side.

"Spike." Buffy said as she picked up the phone and started dialing.

"Oh god, how could we forget to call him." Willow said hurriedly.

"I don't know." Buffy replied quietly.

Buffy ran with the phone as she grabbed her purse when she remembered her card.

Buffy sat on the couch as she dialed the number and pulled the card from her purse.

It rang five times and Buffy was just about to hang up when it was picked up.

"Hello." Spike replied breathing heavily.

"Spike, you okay?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, was trying to unlock the door when the phone rang." Spike replied. "You got my message I take it." Spike added.

"Yeah I got your message. Look Spike, the reason I'm calling, actually I was going to call you anyway, but the reason I'm calling has changed." Buffy said.

"Okay, tell me." Spike said nervously.

"Your dad was mugged tonight and we just brought him home from the hospital. He's fine, several stiches above his eye and on his lip. But he's good. He's upstairs resting right now. I just wanted to let you know what happened and not to worry. Me and Willow are looking after him."
Spike sat heavily onto the couch.

"Are you sure he's alright. I should come home. I can be there tomorrow." Spike said hurriedly.

"No Spike that's not necessary, really. We've got him okay." Buffy said reassuringly. "We go in and check on him every half hour. He's fine. Just tired."

Spike raked his finger through his hair.

"You're sure?" Spike asked quietly.

"Positive. If it was bad I'd be the first one to tell you to get your cute little ass home." Buffy replied smiling when she heard Spike chuckle.

"I also found your card tonight. I dropped my keys and when I bent down to pick them up, I found it on the floor behind the telephone table." Buffy said.

"You've read it then." Spike said holding his breath.

"No, I started to open it, but that's when we got the call about Giles. I'm just opening it now." Buffy said quietly.

Spike stayed silent and sat forward on the couch. His whole shook with nervousness.

Spike listened as he heard her tear the envelope and slide the card out.

tbc