By Zarrah

The sound of voices woke Buffy from a restful nap and she smiled when she realized it was her parents, both of them.

She had wondered briefly before lying down if she would wake up and be right back at the tower, fighting off Glory’s minions and trying to save Dawn instead of being here with her parents.

Her smile increased when she heard Dawn’s voice and her heavy footfalls as she bounded up the steps.

“Buffy!” Dawn yelled before bursting into her room. “Supper’s ready.”

Buffy just stared at her, the face of an eleven year old Dawn looking back at her. She smiled before she finally sat up. “I love you Dawnie.” Buffy said, glad she was able to finally tell her again.

Dawn’s face scrunched up as she looked at her before she took a step back out of the room. “You’re not doing drugs, are you?”

Buffy chuckled slightly before she stood, walking towards the door. “No, I’m not doing drugs.” She told her. “I can’t tell my little sister that I love her?”

“Uh, only when you want me to hide one of your bad report cards from dad.” Dawn said grinning. “What did you do?” she asked happily, knowing Buffy had done ‘something’ wrong.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Right” Dawn said, drawing the word out. “This coming from the girl who set the living room on fire and blamed it on little green men.” She said grinning as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“I did not.” Buffy said chuckling as she walked through the door, following Dawn to the stairs.

“Did too!”

“Did not!”

“Did too!”

“Girls.” Hank said smiling as he looked up at them as they bickered back and forth. “Stop fussing and get down here and help your mother.”

Buffy bounced down the stairs, feeling more alive than she had in a very long time. She smiled big as she turned the corner, seeing her mother setting the table.

“Here, I can do that.” Buffy said, taking the plates from her mother.

“Why, thank you Buffy.” Joyce said smiling as she glanced over at Hank before returning to the kitchen.

“Suck up.” Dawn whispered, rolling her eyes at Buffy before she sat down.

“Am not.” Buffy said, laying a plate down in front of Dawn.

“Are too.”

“What is up with you two today?” Hank asked, smiling as Buffy and Dawn continued to grin at each other and banter back and forth. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two were actually getting along.”

Buffy looked up at her father, her smile increasing as Joyce walked back into the room. “I’m just feeling exceptionally happy today, that’s all.”

Buffy turned, smiling as Dawn made a gagging sound and rolled her eyes as she looked at her. She took a deep breathe, letting it out slowly as her family all sat down around the table.

“Aren’t you going to join us?” Hank said grinning, pointing to Buffy’s chair.

“I really love you guy’s, you know that…right?” Buffy asked, looking at her family.

“We love you too sweetie.” Joyce said smiling as Buffy finally took her seat.

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

“Are you sure this is the right house?” Xander asked Willow as they walked up the walkway towards Buffy’s house.

“Yes, for the hundredth time.” Willow said, rolling her eyes.

“Chill out Xander.” Jesse said grinning. “If it’s not, well just apologize and move on.”

Willow shook her head before raising her hand and knocking softly on the door. She shifted from one foot to the next as Xander and Jesse argued quietly behind her before the door finally opened.

“Can I help you?” Joyce asked, smiling brightly as she looked out at the three teens.

“Um, Hi.” Willow said smiling. “We’re looking for Buffy Summers. Does she live here?”

Joyce smiled bigger as she looked at them before stepping back. “Yes, won’t you please come in?”

Willow grinned, turning to look back at Xander and Jesse before turning back to Joyce. “Thank You.” She said, walking into the house.

“Um, I’m Willow and this is Jesse and Xander.” Willow told her as they all stepped inside. “We go to school with Buffy.”

“Oh, well it’s so nice to meet you.” Joyce said as she closed the door. “I’m Joyce, Buffy’s mother.”

“What do we have here?” Hank asked, walking in from the living room.

“These are some new friends of Buffy’s.” Joyce said smiling. “Willow, Jesse and Xander.” She told him. “And this is Hank, Buffy’s father.”

“It’s really nice to meet you.” Willow said. “Is Buffy here?”

“Yes, she’s doing a few chores. I’ll go see if she’s finished.” Joyce said, leading the trio into the living room. “Can I get you anything?”

“No thank you, we’re fine.” Willow said, sitting down on the sofa with Xander and Jesse.

“Alright then.” Joyce said before smiling and leaving the room.

Buffy and Dawn were both in the middle of a dishwater fight when Joyce stuck her head into the kitchen. She smiled and shook her head as she watched the girls laugh. “Buffy.” She said, grinning as both Dawn and Buffy looked around, shocked they had been caught. “Your friends from school are here.”

Buffy smiled big, knowing it ‘had’ to be Willow and Xander. She throw her dishcloth at Dawn and scurried out of the Kitchen, making her way to the living room where she found them all engrossed in a boring conversation with Hank. “Hey Guys…what’s up.” She asked, plopping down on the arm of the sofa.

“Oh, hey.” Willow said smiling. “You left your books at school, thought you may want them.”

“Uh, not really.” Buffy said smiling as she reached out and took them. “I could have gotten them tomorrow you know.”

“Yeah I know.” Willow said, “But we were headed for the Bronze, and thought you may want to go with.”

“Oh, you mean have fun kinda stuff?” Buffy said almost bouncing on her seat. “Love to.” She told them standing.

“Ah, ah, ah missy.” Hank said, giving her a ‘look.’ “It’s a school night.”

Buffy was stunned. She hadn’t had someone tell her what she could and couldn’t do in so long, it was kinda…weird. She smiled and did the only thing she could think of….she pouted.

“Now don’t go giving me that look.” Hank said, trying to ‘not’ look at her.

“But Daddy.” Buffy whined, pouting as she walked over to him. “Pleaseeee…” she begged.

Hank finally looked over at Joyce who was having a hard time keeping a straight face as Buffy ‘played’ her father. “Don’t look at me.” Joyce said finally grinning.

Hank sighed heavily, looking over at the three teens littering his sofa before he finally shook his head. “Fine, but if we have any trouble getting you up in the morning…then this will be the last time.”

Buffy grinned big before jumping up. “Let me go change.” She said before running for the steps.

Buffy hadn’t felt so free since she couldn’t even remember. She rushed into her room, throwing open her closet doors and grabbed a light pink and white dress, throwing it on quickly.

She had a permanent smile on her face as she grabbed her brush from the vanity and her eyes widened as she sat down and looked into the mirror. The face of a sixteen year old girl stared back at her. She grinned, running her hand across her face before she giggled and brushed her hair.

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

Half an hour later, Buffy, Willow, Xander and Jesse were all entering the Bronze and headed for their usual table.

“Oh man, I can’t remember the last time I had fun.” Buffy commented as they all four sat down.

“Well, this IS fun city.” Xander said grinning. “Well, not really, but we can dream…right?”

Buffy chuckled slightly, glancing around the room and noticed so many faces from school. It seemed like the whole student body was there tonight.

“Would you care for a drink?” Xander asked as he stood from the table.

Buffy smiled over at him, tearing her gaze from the crowd of people hovering around the door. “Yes please. Diet soda is fine.”

“Gotcha.” Xander said, “You want the usual Willow?”

“Yeah.” Willow said, smiling at Xander as he winked at her.

Buffy leaned her head to the side, smiling as Willow watched Xander walk to the bar. “Is there something I should know?” she asked, giggling softly as Willow turned to face her and blushed slightly.

“No.” Willow said quietly, her head bowing slightly as she grinned big.

“Uh huh.” Buffy said, her own giggles increasing as she realized this Willow also had a crush on Xander.

Willow’s sharp gasp brought Buffy out of her thoughts and she turned to the dance floor where Willow was staring. Buffy’s breath caught in her throat as she saw Angel. He was dancing with Cordelia and Buffy instantly felt a wave of jealously run through her.

“Are they dating?” Buffy asked, knowing Willow was also seeing Angel.

“No, he doesn’t date anyone regularly.” Willow said, smiling dreamily.

“Oh, well that’s good.” Buffy said quietly as she watched.

“What’s good?” Xander asked, setting their drinks down before taking his seat.

“Oh, nothing.” Buffy said smiling as she turned to look at him.

Xander smiled back at her and looked out on the dance floor. “Ah, well the ‘nothing’ seems to be in full man mood tonight.” He said, watching Angel and Cordelia. “Why every girl on campus fawns over him is beyond me.”

“Because he’s so….”

“Willow, drooling again.” Jesse said, chuckling.

Willow sat up straight, glancing over at Xander before picking up her drink. “Sorry” she mumbled, stealing another glance at Angel.

“Hey, there’s that new kid.” Jesse said, looking out across the dance floor. “Didn’t take him long to make friends.” He mentioned, smiling as Spike danced with two different girls.

Buffy looked back out across the dance floor, her eyes widening as she saw him. He was draped across two girls and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t break the gaze.

“Oh, that’s Sandy.” Willow piped in happily. “We have biology with her.” She said of the tall brunette with Spike. “She’s really nice, you’ll like her Buffy.”

“Uh huh.” Buffy said, still watching intently.

The fact that Spike was with two girls wasn’t what held Buffy’s interest. It was Spike himself. She still couldn’t figure out ‘why’ he was here and ‘why’ the mere sight of him gave her so many mixed emotions.

She leaned her head to the side, studying him. He looked so different. He wasn’t wearing the duster, that alone made it weird. The white, long sleeve shirt was the second. It was tight and molded to him and Buffy couldn’t help but watch as every move he made caused his muscles to wave.

Willow grinned as she watched Buffy and nudged Xander. All three friends smiled before they all giggled softly.

Buffy turned her head, looking at them. “What?” she said as their laughter grew.

“Oh, nothing.” Willow said, taking a sip from her drink.

“That’s not a nothing face.” Buffy said, wondering what was so funny.

“Well at least it’s not Angel this time.” Jesse said.

“Huh…what?” Buffy said confused.

“William.” Willow said, “Or Spike as you called him in class.”

“Yeah, how did you know that?” Xander asked curious. “I mean, the guys new, even I didn’t know that little nick name until two days ago. You just started today.”

Buffy stared at them and finally shrugged her shoulder. “Heard it somewhere.” She said, hoping her explanation would do before she looked back out to the dance floor. “So, who’s the other girl?” she asked, her eyes traveling back to Spike and his dance partners.

“Oh, that’s Rachel.” Willow said smiling, “She’s a sweetie too. They’re both in our Biology class. I’ll introduce you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, okay.” Buffy said softly, her eyes still glued on Spike. She couldn’t tear her eyes away. As much as she hated to admit it, Spike had helped out a lot with the whole ‘Glory’ thing and he never failed her. The fact that he was in love with her had always weirded her out just a little bit and seeing him devote so much attention to someone else was even weirder.

It wasn’t like she ‘liked’ him or anything, but after hearing ‘I love you’ from someone, it felt odd seeing said person with someone else…..or two someone else’s as the case may be.

“Would you like to dance?”

Buffy looked up, shaken from her ‘Spike daze’ as the voice beside of her made her head snap to the side. She smiled big as she looked up at Angel, the smile on his face as he stared at her giving her butterflies.

Her heart rate increased as she tried to calm the fluttering in her stomach. “I’d love to.” She said softly, her smile increasing as Angel held out his hand to her.

“Right this way.” Angel said, leading Buffy to the dance floor.

TBC………………..

A/N…Okay…..NO STONES!!!! You know the B/A stuff is going to HAVE to happen…right???  Please just remember one thing…SPUFFY RULES!!!!

Chapter 4

A Glimpse of Heaven

By Zarrah

Buffy tried in vain to hold back the huge smile covering her face as Angel led her to the dance floor, but the fact that she was there with him and he was HUMAN….now that was a dream come true.

“Oh man, I so can’t believe this.” Willow said, bouncing slightly in her seat as she watched Buffy and Angel step onto the dance floor.

Xander and Jesse both rolled there eyes, shaking their heads slightly, each one sighing loudly before standing.

“Come on Xan.” Jesse said as he stood. “Much more of this Angel worship and I think I’m going to puke.

Xander chuckled slightly as he followed Jesse. “Hey, you think we should tell Buffy about Angel’s…extra curriculum activity?”

Jesse laughed and shook his head. “Like she’s going to believe us. Best to let her find that out on her own.” Jesse told him as they walked over to the pool table. “And besides, Willow just about castrated you when you mentioned it to her…..remember?”

“Oh yeah.” Xander said, getting a pained and far off look on his face.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy’s smile was still present as she and Angel slowly swayed to the music. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so good.

“Hello, are you in there?” Angel asked, smiling as he looked at Buffy.

“What?” Buffy said, finally realizing he was speaking to her.

Angel chuckled slightly, wrapping his arms around her waist a little tighter. “I asked where you were from.”

“Oh.” Buffy said smiling. “Um, LA…we uh, we just moved here.” She told him, amused at trying to live her life as a sixteen year old again.

“Really?” Angel asked smiling. “Used to spend some time in LA myself.”

~*~*~*~*~

Willow was smiling bigger than she thought she ever had as she continued to watch Buffy. She sighed lightly, giggling quietly to herself before standing and walking towards the pool tables where Xander and Jesse had went.

“Hey Wills, get tired of watching the Angel show?” Jesse asked smiling.

“Ha…ha.” Willow said, turning her head back to the dance floor. “I think it’s neat, I mean she just got here and now Angel of all people asked her to dance.”

“Please.” Xander said rolling his eyes. “If Buffy knows what’s good for her she’ll stay clear away from him.”

“Don’t even start with that whole Angel mess Xan.” Willow said, giving him a stern look. “I told you those were just lies.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Xander said, cursing quietly to himself as his intended shot missed.

“You’re aim is off.”

All three looked up, staring at Spike as he stood at the end of the table.

“Gotta know where your shot is going before you actually take it.” Spike said with a smile.

Xander stood up straight, smiling slightly. “You play?” he asked, motioning towards the table.

“Dabble a little.” Spike said grinning.

“Well, here you go, show me what you’ve got.” Xander said, handing over his cue stick.

Spike walked around the table, winking at Willow and smiling big as she blushed, as he passed her before taking the cue stick from Xander. “You’ve got to know where you’re aiming before you actually try to follow through.” He said, sizing up the table before leaning down and making his shot.

Xander and Jesse both stood shocked as Spike sank two balls at once, smiling slightly before they both moved closer to the table.

“So, Spike is it?” Xander asked, taking his cue stick back from him. “I’m Xander.” He said smiling. “This is Jesse and Willow.” He added, introducing the others. “So tell me, how do you like the fair town of Sunnydale?”

“Seen better.” Spike said, looking out over the crowd, “But the ladies are nice to look at.”

Xander chuckled slightly before once again cursing when his next shot missed. “Yeah well, the ladies are nice to look at, just don’t get too attached to any of them, especially if Angel’s around.”

Spike chuckled, shaking his head. “That poof?” Spike asked amused. “Why in the world any female would find him attractive is beyond me.”

“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with Angel.” Willow chimed in, trying to defend him.

“No, I guess not if you like thick necked social morons.”

Willow’s mouth flew open as she gaped at Spike. Jesse and Xander both smiled as they looked at him before chuckling loudly.

“You’re going to fit in just perfectly around here Spike.” Xander said, smiling brightly at the newcomer who shared their dislike of Angel.

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

Buffy walked as quickly as she could down the hall towards the bathroom, trying to make it back to Angel before he returned. He had invited her to his table and after leaving to get them a drink, she had decided a little trip to the ladies room in his absence was much needed. And besides, she knew she was sweating like a pig, wouldn’t do to have flat hair now.

She groaned loudly as it seemed every girl in the club was lined against the walls, fixing their make-up or waiting for their turn at the stalls. She pushed her way through the crowd, finally making her way to the sinks and her mouth flew open as she saw herself.

“Great, raccoon eyes.” She muttered as she took in her appearance. Buffy wiped at the smeared mascara under her eyes, trying to freshen up best she could. After fluffing her hair and checking her make-up once again, she turned to the stalls, groaning as the line was still slowly moving.

With a heavy sigh, she decided Angel was more important than her bladder. *I can hold it a little while longer* she thought to herself as she fought her way through the maze of girls to the door.

Finally getting past the last smiling face, she smiled in victory and shoved the door open.

“OW, Bloody Hell!”

Buffy went wide eyed as she heard the loud yell and the thud as someone hit the door, then the floor. Wincing slightly, she slowly peeked around the door and grinned when she saw Spike holding his nose, sprawled out on the floor.

“Ops.” She said, giggling softly. “You really should watch where you’re going.”

“Me!” Spike yelled, sitting up.

Buffy stepped out from behind the door, smiling big at Spike as he continued to sit on the floor and hold his nose. She almost felt bad, until she remembered ‘who’ it was.

Spike looked up at her and started to yell, but winced as the small movement sent a sharp pain across his face. “You know luv, you could help me up instead of standing there gawking at me.” He said quietly, leaning his head to the side slightly as he lowered his hand, checking for sign of blood.

“It’s not broke you big baby.” Buffy said rolling her eyes, “And you’ve been hit worse than that…..I’m sure.” She added, remembering this wasn’t the Spike she knew.

Spike rolled his eyes at her before finally pulling himself from the floor and rubbing his nose again. “What’s your rush.” He asked as Buffy finally turned and started to walk off.

Buffy turned her head and gave him the best strained smile she could. “I have more important people to talk to than you.” She said smiling, crossing her arms over her chest. “And besides, finding myself in a dark hallway with you isn’t my idea of a pleasant evening.”

Spike grinned before chuckling softly. “You know pet, that would have been much more convincing if you would have said it like you meant it, and just for the record I’m sure you’d fancy me in the dark.”

“What?!” Buffy yelled, “You’re delusional.” She said before turning and walking away.

Spike laughed as Buffy stalked off down the hall before he slowly followed her out into the main room. Spotting Xander and his friends, he walked over to their table after he saw them flagging him over.

“Oh, what happened to your face?” Willow said, looking at him a little strangely.

“What’s wrong with my face?” Spike asked, his forehead scrunching up slightly.

“Well, you look a little…puffy.” Willow said, motioning to her nose as she looked at him.

Spike raised his hand, feeling of his nose and sighed loudly as pain shot through his face again. *Great* he thought as he felt the swollen flesh beneath his fingers.

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

Buffy stood near the table she had left Angel at, looking in all directions for him. She knew he should have been back way before her, especially after her unpleasant run in with Spike.

Turning in a complete circle once again, she felt her heart sink as she finally saw him on the dance floor, dancing with…Harmony!!

Buffy’s face scrunched up and she let out a disgusted gagging sound as she watched. *How can he dance that THAT ditz* she asked herself, sighing loudly before turning and heading back towards the table she left the guys at.

Willow smiled as she saw Buffy coming towards the table then frowned as she saw the disappointed look on her face and the slouch in her shoulders as she approached. She looked around and finally saw Angel with Harmony and sighed lightly, knowing what her new friend must be feeling.

“Hey Buff.” Xander said smiling as she finally made her way to the table.

“What’s he doing here?” Buffy asked irritated as she saw Spike, “And sitting in my chair?”

Spike turned, looking over his shoulder and grinning at the irritated look on Buffy’s face. “Well, technically it’s my chair now luv, you left.”

“I am so not in the mood for this.” Buffy said softly as she reached up and pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “And for the record, I’m not your luv or your pet or anything else you think you need to call me, my name is Buffy!” she said, beyond mad as her once pleasant evening was rapidly taking a turn for the worse.

“And such an elegant name it is.” Spike said, giving her a sideways smirk.

“What the hell is that suppose to mean?!” Buffy said loudly.

Jesse, Willow and Xander all watched, amused as Spike and Buffy exchanged comments and insults to each other. They snickered quietly, watching the display,

“Is this some sort of foreplay?” Jesse asked, leaning over towards Xander.

“Kinda looks like it to me.”

“Yeah, well…you have…stupid hair!” Spike yelled, now standing directly in front of Buffy.

“God, how lame!” Buffy yelled back, laughing loudly. “Like yours is any better!”

“You are the most infuriating little bitch I’ve ever met!” Spike yelled, his jaw clenching tightly as he stared down at the small blonde infront of him.

Buffy stared up at Spike, her breathing coming fast and labored as her blood pressure continued to rise. “I don’t even know ‘why’ I try talking to you,” she yelled, throwing her arms up in the air, “You’re always the same.” She said before she turned and stomped off towards the door.

Spike titled his head to the side, watching her walk out the door before he turned to the three at the table watching with keen interest. “What the hell was that all about?” he asked, not being able to figure out why this girl hated him so much.

“Well, I get the impression she doesn’t like you to much.” Jesse said, grinning.

“Yeah, well the feelings mutual.” Spike ground out, turning on his heel and heading for the door.

“Uh huh” Xander and Willow both said at the same time, giggling quietly as they watched Spike stomp out in the same manner Buffy had before they turned to look at each other. “Foreplay.” They both said, laughing loudly as the music blared throughout the club.

TBC………………