A Glimpse of Heaven

Chapter 21

Buffy was so lost in thought, that she barely managed to look up as the loud blaring of a car horn broke the silence around her and alerted her to her position in the middle of the road. Her eyes widened as she sidestepped the car and turned her head to glare at the driver as he shouted obscenities at her as he passed. Sighing deeply, she looked up and realized she was home.

Taking the steps very slowly, Buffy climbed to the porch and was met at the door by her father. He didn’t look happy and as he ushered her in, she had to wonder what she had done.

Seeing her mother in the living room waiting only caused her anxiety about what was to come heighten as her father told her to take a seat.

“How is William doing, Buffy?” Joyce asked as Buffy took a seat in the armchair and prepared herself for the worst. “Rupert said he hasn’t been out of his room but a few times.”

“He’s better, I think,” Buffy told her, surprised. She wasn’t even aware that her parents knew, but seeing how her mother had mentioned Giles, she suspected they must talk more than they let on. “He’s still in pain and the bruises are still there, but he seems to be getting around a little better.”

“Well that’s good,” Joyce smiled before looking up at Hank.

Buffy followed her mother’s gaze and watched as her father took a seat beside Joyce before looking at her. He didn’t say anything at first, which just added to the worrisome thoughts running through her mind, but when he straightened in his seat and locked eyes on her, she couldn’t help but swallow the lump that formed in her throat.

“We had a visitor tonight,” Hank told her, smiling slightly at her distressed features.

“Oh. Who?” Buffy asked him before glancing over at her mother.

“That so-called boyfriend of yours,” Hank said distastefully.

“Hank,” Joyce whispered, nudging him with her elbow before smiling over at Buffy.

“What?” He snapped, throwing Joyce a hard look. “I told you that boy was up to no good.”

Buffy sat watching in amazement as a small argument broke out between her parents on Hank’s tact before they settled down and returned their attention to Buffy. She watched them both and wondered what had happened while she had been gone. When her father stood and looked like he could burst at any moment, Buffy shrank into the cushion of the chair when he turned to her.

“I know we promised to never interfere in your social life unless it became a problem, Buffy,” Hank started as he paced the length of the living room, “but seeing how that person showed up on our doorstep spouting lies, I can’t just sit by and let you continue to see him without knowing what he really is.”

“And that would be what exactly?” Buffy asked, confused.

“A no good, lying piece of…,”

“HANK!” Joyce yelled, standing up from her seat and glaring hard at him.

Hank stared at his wife, shaking his head before he sat down hard on the end of the couch. “Fine. If you think you can handle this better, then be my guest.”

Joyce huffed at him before turning back to Buffy and giving her a small smile. “Why don’t we take this up to your room?” Joyce suggested to Buffy before turning to glance at Hank. “I think someone needs to cool off before they get into the conversation.”

Buffy nodded her head before standing and following her mother to the stairs. She glanced back at her father and watched him mumble to himself before she climbed the steps behind her mother. She didn’t know what had happened tonight, but was glad for the distraction. The less time she had to worry about Spike and her growing feelings for him the better.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Willow smiled as she looked down the hall at Buffy before a frown creased her face. Her friend had been acting peculiar of late and today was no exception. Walking the length of the hall, Willow stopped behind Buffy and tapped her on the shoulder.

Buffy screeched and jumped before turning frightened eyes to Willow. Her hand had automatically latched onto her shirt over her heart and the thumping the organ was now doing left her dizzy. “Geez Will, don’t do that!” Buffy chastised. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry,” Willow told her, frowning slightly as Buffy huffed at her and poked her head back around the corner of the hall. “Um, who are we spying on?” Willow whispered as she tried to see what Buffy was looking at.

“Not spying,” Buffy whispered. “Just watching.”

“Okay. Watching who?” Willow whispered back, trying again to look over Buffy’s shoulder.

“Angel and his buddies,” Buffy told her before ducking back around the corner with wide eyes. “Shit! I think he saw me.”

Willow watched as Buffy looked around the corner again before she grabbed Buffy’s arm and started to drag her away. “Okay missy. I want to know what is going on. You didn’t call last night and I know for a fact you saw Spike and now you’re making with the spying and stuff. What is going on?”

Buffy sighed heavily before pulling her arm free from Willow and looking at her friend. “It’s a long story.”

“So, I’m a good listener.”

Buffy glanced down the hall as the bell rang before turning back to Willow. “Guess I’ll have to spill later. Time for class,” she said.

“Oh no you don’t,” Willow said, grabbing her arm and leading her toward the girls’ bathroom and going inside. Once they were safely behind closed doors, Willow stared at Buffy and crossed her arms over her chest. “Okay, now spill.”

“You’re going to be late for class,” Buffy reminded her.

“I don’t care,” Willow said, sternly. “I want to know what’s going on with you. First you’re all over Angel and making with the Spike hating only to reverse that little drama by kissing him. Now you’re spying on Angel and worrying over Spike like he’s the most important thing in the world. I just don’t get you Buffy.”

Buffy let out another long sigh before placing her book bag on the floor and leaning back against the sink. How could she explain everything to Willow and not look like a total head case? “It’s a really long story Wills.”

“I said I don’t care. Now why are you spying on Angel?” she asked.

Buffy sighed heavily, wondering just how much she should tell Willow before looking up at her friend’s resolve face and giving her a tight smile. “Well, he came by the house last night when I was over at Spike’s,” Buffy told her. “Apparently Dad let him in and he said some things about Spike that weren’t true.”

“What kind of things?”

“Well, he told dad that the reason Spike was beat up was because he was dealing drugs or some such nonsense and a whole list of other things that I can’t even remember. Apparently the only reason he came over was to rub Spike’s name in the ground.”

“Wow,” Willow said, shocked. “What did your dad say?”

“He didn’t believe him of course,” Buffy told her. “Mom said they had talked to Giles earlier in the week and they knew the whole story. Angel showing up only put one more nail in the coffin that Dad was building for him.”

“So why do you think Angel would go to so much trouble?”

“To throw the suspicion off of himself over Spike’s beating.”

“So you still think Angel is the one who beat Spike up?” Willow asked.

“I’m more convinced now than ever.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

“Here come our beauties now,” Jesse grinned as he saw Buffy and Willow walking toward their usual lunch table.

“Hey guys,” Willow grinned as she and Buffy took their seats.

Friendly greetings were exchanged between the four friends and conversations were started just like any other day as Buffy had immediately started searching for Angel. She hadn’t seen him around much today and wondered if it had anything to do with him showing up at her house the night before.

She had told Willow everything short of the “dying and ending up there” part and about the sudden change of heart where Spike was concerned. She still hadn’t figured that one out for herself and didn’t think telling would help. She was still confused where he was concerned and the more she thought about it, the more her mind ran away with her.

She could only imagine what Spike thought when she ran out on him the night before but knew if she’d stayed, she would have make a complete fool out of herself. Why she had been fantasizing about kissing him in the first place was a puzzle in itself. The normal icky feelings she would have got at the mention of it made her skin tingle and her desire to see if it would have been as wonderful as she hoped it would just wouldn’t go away.

“Is that okay with you Buff?” Xander asked, looking across the table at her.

“Huh?” Buffy asked, completely missing the whole conversation.

“Friday night? Movie? Ring any bells?” He joked.

“Oh yeah. Sure. Whatever you guys decide is fine with me,” she told them.

“Great then. We’ll pick you ladies up at six,” Xander told them just as the bell rang.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Giles smiled as he walked down the hall toward Spike’s room, knocking on the door before opening it. “I see you’re up.”

“Unfortunately,” Spike grumbled. He was still in a foul mood from Buffy leaving so abruptly the night before and had spent the entire day trying to figure out what had happened and seeing the happy, smiling face on his uncle wasn’t helping matters.

“Well, come then,” Giles told him as he approached the bed. “I have a surprise for you.”

“What is it?” Spike asked as Giles leaned down and grabbed his arm, trying to help him up. “Better not be another one of your black and white flicks ‘cause I’m not in the mood to try and figure those things out tonight.”

“It’s not,” Giles chuckled, helping Spike to his feet before reaching over to the bedside table and grabbing his glasses.

Spike rolled his still swollen eyes as Giles handed him the spectacles before slipping them on his face and started out of his room. Any other day he would have protested to leaving his confined space but the more time he spent alone, the more his thoughts turned to Buffy. A little change of scenery might just be good.

Rounding the corner of the hall and stepping into the small sitting area, Spike had a flurry of mixed emotions run through him before a tiny smile covered his face. There, sitting in his living room was all his friends and more importantly, Buffy.

“There he is,” Xander said smiling brightly. “Though you might want to sit in on fabulous Friday movie night.”

“Yeah, the girls are fun but they can’t appreciate the violence of a great manly flick,” Jesse said grinning as he sat down in front of the coffee table.

Spike’s smile widened as Giles helped him into the room before he looked at Buffy. She was sitting on the sofa, looking at anything but him. He wasn’t sure what was up with her, but hoped before the night was out, he’d know.

To Be Continued…….

A Glimpse of Heaven

Chapter 23

"Why is my life such a joke?" Buffy asked as she leaned up against the headboard of her bed and looked over at Willow.

"It's not a joke, Buffy. It's just more complicated than most," Willow smiled. "All you have to do now is figure out how to deal with it."

"You think?" Buffy asked sarcastically as Willow giggled. "What am I going to do?"

"Well, exactly what you want to," Willow told her as she recapped the pink nail polish she had used on her toes. "It's pretty obvious from where I'm sitting."

Buffy groaned loudly and leaned her head back, lightly tapping it on the headboard. "Why didn't I just get sucked into a hell dimension?"

"What?" Willow laughed as she looked up at Buffy.

"Nothing," Buffy mumbled as she sat up straight and looked at Willow. "I have no idea what I'm going to do. I mean, what about Angel? What am I going to tell him? Not to mention Spike."

"And Sandy," Willow said, grinning before Buffy went wide-eyed, picking up a pillow and throwing it at her friend.

"I don't want her name mentioned," Buffy said, trying to hold back a smile. "I still can't believe the nerve of that girl."

Willow laughed as Buffy stood up from the bed and practically stomped across the room to the stereo. The two girls had crashed at Buffy's house with the promise that Buffy would tell all and Willow had a hard time dragging out the information she wanted about Buffy's feelings for Spike.

The small confession had been no surprise to Willow and after Buffy had finally admitted that she liked Spike the two girls had joined the others in Giles' living room. They both saw an immediate change in Spike and Sandy's behavior. No longer were they all cuddled up together or giggling like lovesick puppies and it didn't take Buffy or Willow either one to realize Buffy had been played.

It took everything in Willow to keep her laughter under control after seeing the look on Buffy's face and the guys had stopped the movie so Willow would let them in on the joke.

Gut wrenching laughter had Willow in tears before Buffy finally stormed out of the room and out the front door. The others just watched, completely lost as to what was going on and Friday movie night was cut short as Willow had to run to catch up to Buffy.

It had been the most colorful conversation Willow had ever heard and she wondered where Buffy had even heard most of the words she was using while she practically screamed all the way back home.

"Don't start," Buffy said, grinning as she turned and looked back over at Willow and saw the huge grin covering her face. "I'm not in the mood to rehash it all."

"Oh come on, Buffy. Lighten up."

"Lighten up?" Buffy asked incredulously. "You're kidding, right? Because I am going to deliver so much pain on those two they'll wish they had never met."

Willow giggled again, shaking her head as Buffy walked back across the room and flopped down on the bed. "Look, no real harm was done," Willow told her. "All they really did was make you see what you were trying to ignore. And besides, I don't think Spike was as much to blame as Sandy was in the whole thing."

"Yes he was! He went along with it didn't he? And for all I know, it was his idea!"

"Well, yeah but...,"

"But nothing," Buffy huffed. "The fact that the two even schemed the whole thing up is infuriating."

"Maybe, but you didn't see the look on his face when you stormed out," Willow said softly. "He looked like he had just lost his best friend."

Buffy sighed lightly, flipping over onto her back and staring at the ceiling before turning her head and looking at Willow.

"He looked completely miserable," Willow told her. "Actually, he looked more terrified than anything."

"Really?" Buffy asked quietly.

"Yeah. He probably thinks he lost any and all chances he had with you after the way you stormed out of there."

Buffy closed her eyes and it didn't take much to see the look Willow was referring to. She had seen it many times on the Spike from her own world and, in almost every instance, she had been the cause. Willing the images away, Buffy turned her head and gave Willow a tiny smile. "Mint chocolate chip?"

Willow smiled, breathing a sigh of relief before jumping off the bed with Buffy in tow as the two headed downstairs to raid the freezer. She'd have to think long and hard to try and figure out a way to fix this one. Maybe a good long talk with Spike would help, or a good whop upside the head. Either way, she'd make sure the two finally hooked up.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Spike was lying across his bed with his eyes closed tightly trying his best to figure out what he was going to do now. There was no doubt that Buffy knew what he and Sandy had been up to and if her hasty retreat was any indication, he had probably seen the last of her.

Xander and Jesse had both left shortly after Buffy and Willow ran out and what had started out as a pretty promising evening had turned into a disaster.

"Come on Spike," Sandy said as she sat on the foot of his bed. "It's not all bad."

"How can you even say that?" Spike asked, his voice muffled as he lay face down on the bed. "She'll never speak to me now."

Sandy sighed heavily as she glanced around his room. She felt terrible and had been trying for over an hour to get him out of his stupor. As soon as the gang had left, he had slowly rose from the couch and walked back to his room without saying a word.

Overhearing Buffy and Willow's conversation when she had went to the restroom had thrilled her and the look on Spike's face when she told him what she had heard made her happy beyond words. Now it seemed as if it were all for nothing.

She had no idea what to do now and felt responsible. If she hadn't tired to help, maybe things would have worked out between Buffy and Spike on their own. Sighing heavily, she looked back over at Spike before a frown covered her face. She knew she had to make this right. Spike had had enough to deal with the last week without adding to it, so with a determined will, she stood and walked to the door.

"I'll call you later, okay?"

"Yeah, whatever," Spike mumbled.

Sandy stared at him for a few seconds before she turned and left his room, pulling the door shut quietly behind her. She didn't know how, but she was going to fix this. As she reached the front door of Giles' apartment she noted the time and made a mad dash for the street.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Girls, breakfast is ready," Joyce smiled as she peaked into Buffy's room at her sleeping daughter and Willow. The small grumbles at the intrusion made Joyce smile as she turned and started for the stairs.

"How can your mom be so chipper in the mornings?" Willow asked sleepily.

Buffy moaned, rolling over onto her back before finally opening her eyes. "Not sure," she said, yawning.

"Wish my mom was even half that chipper," Willow commented as the two girls slowly rose and made their way downstairs.

"Morning girls," Hank said as he looked up from his morning paper when Willow and Buffy made their way to the table.

"Good morning, Mr. Summers."

"Morning dad."

"So how did movie night go?" Hank asked, folding his paper as Joyce brought the last of the dishes in from the kitchen. "I really didn't expect you home so early."

Buffy stared down at her plate as the night before slowly replayed itself for her before she glanced up at Willow. The redhead smiled, remembering the lengthy conversation she and Buffy had had while stuffing themselves with ice cream and she stifled back a giggle as she remembered some of the things they had talked about.

"Xander didn't pick anything worth watching," Buffy quickly told him as she stared at Willow. She knew by the grin on her friend's face what Willow was smiling at. She still couldn't believe half of the things she had said about Spike the night before and now that they were out in the open she knew Willow would never let it rest.

"Oh, well that's too bad," Joyce commented as she finally sat down. "Is William feeling better?"

"Yeah," Buffy said quietly, busying herself with her plate.

"Well that's good," Joyce smiled. "Rupert is hoping he'll be able to get back to school soon. He said all the long hours secluded to his room are making William a bit cranky."

Buffy gave her mother a tiny smile, glancing quickly up at Willow as the occupants of the Summers home finally started in on their breakfast. Small talk was light and Buffy still wasn't sure what to make of the whole jealousy routine Spike and Sandy had cooked up. She knew she'd have to face Spike eventually and how she'd handle it was anyone's guess. She was still upset and even though she knew why he had done it, it still didn't make her feel any better.

Her thoughts were interrupted as a knock came from the front door and as everyone looked up from their plates, Dawn let out a startling squeal.

"I'll get it," Dawn practically screamed as she flew from her seat and ran for the door.

"Who could that be?" Hank asked, glancing up at Joyce. "You expecting anyone Buffy?"

Buffy looked toward the dining room door, trying to see who Dawn was talking to and looked over at Willow briefly as she heard her sister giggle. "No, or at least I don't think I am."

Willow gave a tiny shrug of her shoulders before all eyes fell on the doorway as Dawn came back in smiling. "Oh, Buffy. I love you so much," Dawn teased dramatically as she walked back into the room carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"See mom, I told you she was insane," Buffy grinned, looking over at her mother before returning her attention back to Dawn.

"Apparently someone thinks you're special," Dawn chuckled as she sat the large bouquet of flowers down on the table in front of Buffy. "Can't be anyone with half a brain though," she laughed.

"Shut up," Buffy sneered before rolling her eyes at her sister.

"Alright, behave you two," Hank said, smiling at their antics.

Buffy stared at the large assortment of flowers sitting in front of her and couldn't help the smile that lit up her face. Light pink roses were mixed with every spring flower Buffy thought she had ever seen and the fragrance coming from the colorful bouquet filled the room.

"Oh Buffy, they're beautiful," Joyce smiled, delighting in the look on her daughter's face.

"Yeah," Buffy said quietly before she glanced over at Willow.

"What did you do?" Dawn asked.

"What?" Buffy questioned, looking over at her.

"Well you had to do something," Dawn said as she sat back down. "You haven't received flowers before."

Buffy's mind flashed back to Spike and wondered if he had sent them before the "Doubting Thomas" in her quickly expelled the notion. A quick glance back over at Willow only made the thought resurface as Willow had a huge grin plastered on her face while mouthing the word "Spike."

"Well, who are they from?" Joyce asked, smiling.

Buffy smiled before reaching up and taking the small note card from the flowers and took a deep breath as she opened the envelope. A small glance over at Willow caused her smile to widen before she pulled the small card out and flipped it over.

All eyes were trained on Buffy and they all watched as her smile only widened before her face flushed slightly.

"Well, what does it say?" Willow asked excitedly.

Buffy grinned as she looked up before glancing back down at the note card. "It says, `A rose as rare as you is by far the sweetest find.'"

A collective "aww" came from Joyce and Willow both as Dawn made a small gagging noise and Buffy couldn't help but chuckle. She wondered how her feelings could change in an instant with only one small gesture but knew that when she saw Spike, she'd have no trouble forgiving him.

As the dishes were being cleared, Buffy felt as if things were finally going to start going her way for once. Her smile was still present as she carried the large bouquet of flowers into the living room and she only had one thing on her mind and that was Spike.

Sitting the flowers down, she looked up when she heard someone enter the room and she grinned big as Willow walked in and headed straight for the flowers.

"Oh wow, Buffy," Willow beamed. "Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?"

"They are great aren't they?" Buffy smiled.

"There's no way you can still be mad after these," Willow said. "So what are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Buffy told her as she sat down on the edge of the sofa. "Go talk to him I guess."

"You guess?" Willow grinned.

"Yeah. I guess he really does care, huh?" Buffy asked, looking up at Willow.

"Well of course I care," Angel said, smiling as he leaned against the doorframe of the room. "You're my girl aren't you?"

To be continued...

A Glimpse of Heaven

Chapter 24

Giles picked up his mug, blowing softly on the steaming liquid as he stared at Spike. His nephew had yet to say a word this morning and he didn’t think he had seen him take one bite of his food.

He had returned home the night before surprised to find the house quiet. He actually thought he would have to resort to running the teens off but no one had been there. Spike’s usual foul mood seemed to be subdued this morning and he couldn’t help but notice the sadness in his eyes as he stared at him.

“So, did you have a nice time last night?” Giles asked quietly, hoping he could find out what was bothering him.

“Not particularly,” Spike answered him as he pushed the food on his plate around with his fork.

“Oh. Did something happen?”

Spike let out a small chuckle as he shook his head before he dropped his fork in his plate and leaned back in his chair. “Why are girls so bleedin’ fickle?” He spat out irritably.

Giles smiled as he placed his cup back down on the table and pushed his plate away from him. “Are we talking about any girl in particular or just girls in general?”

“What’s the difference?” Spike muttered before crossing his arms over his chest.

“Well, depends on the girl I suppose,” Giles told him, smiling. He didn’t have to be told which girl Spike was talking about for he had seen the way he and Buffy reacted around each other. He knew Spike liked her and assumed Buffy returned his feelings, only they were both to stubborn too admit it. “Did something happen last night?”

Spike chuckled before shaking his head and glancing quickly over at Giles. He was surprised to see the concern covering his uncle’s face and he sighed lightly before he found a spot on the table to focus his attention on. “I think I may have made the single most stupid mistake of my life.”

“How so?” Giles asked him as he straightened in his seat.

Spike took a deep breath but found it hard to say the words. The only person to know about his feelings for Buffy was Sandy and he made a mental note to call her later and apologize for his behavior toward her the night before. Admitting his feelings for Buffy to anyone else was hard, especially seeing how he spent so much time and energy in hating her so much and making those around him believe the same.

“This girl,” Giles smiled slightly. “It’s Buffy you’re referring to, isn’t it?”

Spike glanced back over at Giles quickly, seeing the tiny smile on his face before slumping in his seat. “Is it that obvious?”

“Actually, yes,” Giles chuckled.

“Great,” Spike whined. “Not only am I an insensitive wanker, but I’m completely obvious.”

“Well, it was kind of hard to miss,” Giles grinned. “The way you two were at each other’s throats every time you were in the same breathing space was a dead giveaway.”

“And here I thought it was my seething hatred for the girl that caused that.”

Giles laughed as he stood up and collected the dishes from the table and carried them into the kitchen. “So, what happened this time? You didn’t hurt her, did you?” He asked, turning his head quickly to look back at Spike.

“Depends on how you look at it,” Spike told him, but shook his head when he saw the way Giles was staring at him. “I didn’t touch her. You should know me better than that.”

“Yes well, one can’t be too sure, especially the way you two went at it,” Giles said, breathing a sigh of relief. “So, what exactly happened?”

Spike stood up, pleased to find his body not protesting as much today as it had been earlier in the week before he walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Hearing Giles walk into the sitting area, he turned his head to him as he watched him sit. “I kind of did something, that at the time seemed like a good idea, but it backfired and I hurt her. I honestly didn’t mean to. I actually never thought it would work to be honest with you.”

“This doesn’t have something to do with a certain brunette that’s been seen around here, does it?” Giles asked, hoping his train of thought wasn’t what had happened.

“Yeah, Sandy and I thought if Buffy could see…”

“Could see you with another girl she’d come around?” Giles asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yeah,” Spike sighed. “Something like that.”

“William,” Giles sighed heavily while shaking his head. “You should know better than play with someone’s emotions like that. Did the whole Drucilla fiasco not teach you anything?”

“Yeah, it taught me to steer clear away from the insane ones,” Spike grinned. “And it wasn’t like that anyway. We just kinda…”

“Thought you’d make her jealous and see what happens?” Giles asked.

“Yeah, something like that,” Spike told him, leaning back and staring up at the ceiling.

“Well, I guess you’ve got a mess to straighten out then, don’t you?”

Spike turned his head to the side, looking at Giles before smiling. “Any ideas on how to do that?”

“Well, it’s been a while since I dated, but flowers and candy always seemed to work back in my day,” Giles smiled. “That and tons of groveling.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

Buffy’s head jerked to the side as she heard Angel’s voice and her earlier elation over Spike sending her the flowers vanished the instant she saw Angel’s smiling face. “Angel? What are you doing here?”

Angel smiled as he pushed off the doorframe and walked the small distance to where Buffy was sitting. “Came to see you,” he smiled as he leaned down and gave her a small kiss. “Thought we could spend the day together.”

“Oh,” Buffy said quietly before glancing over at Willow. “I kind of made plans already.”

Angel gave a strained smile before he straightened and looked over at Willow. “Girls’ day out?” He asked, looking back at Buffy as she stood up.

“Yeah, something like that,” Buffy told him. “I guess we could always do something later on if you’d like.”

Angel plastered on a smile, trying hard not to let his anger show as he looked from Buffy to Willow before smiling brightly and leaning down and kissing Buffy’s cheek. “I should have called,” he said softly as he straightened. “I just thought I’d surprise you.”

Buffy noted a hint of hurt in his voice and instantly felt bad as she looked at him. In all fairness, she hadn’t been a very good girlfriend of late and no matter how this Angel behaved, she couldn’t quite separate her feelings from the Angel she knew to this one. She still saw “her Angel” every time she looked at him and regardless of how many times she tried to tell herself he wasn’t the same, the fact remained, a part of her would always love him.

“I’m going to go see if your mom needs help,” Willow said quietly before turning and quickly leaving the room. Buffy and Angel both watched her leave before they finally turned to each other.

“So, are we on for tonight then?” Angel asked, smiling as he reached out and wrapped his arms around Buffy’s waist.

Buffy smiled and had to bite back the shudder she felt being in his arms as thoughts of what Angel had done came back to her. Even without proof she was completely convinced he was responsible for what happened to Spike and she planned on proving it.

<><><><>

“I still can’t believe he would say all those mean things about Spike,” Willow whispered as she and Joyce washed up the few remaining breakfast dishes.

“Well I’m afraid he did,” Joyce told her. “He’s very lucky Hank didn’t throw him out on his ear.”

Willow sighed as she grabbed the plate Joyce handed her before wiping it dry and laying it on the stack she had already cleaned before looking back up at Joyce. “I guess Buffy wasn’t exaggerating the fact that Mr. Summers doesn’t really care for Angel then, huh?”

Joyce chuckled as she shook her head and glanced over at Willow. “Let’s just say Buffy’s usually overactive imagination has nothing to do with it this time,” Joyce said smiling. “I’m not real sure what it is about Angel, but neither Hank or I trust him very much and I’d appreciate it if you would keep this between you and me,” she smiled. “The first time we met Angel, Hank immediately took a disliking to him and I wasn’t far behind him. He came in here putting on the charm and in the brief time he was here you could tell he was trying every trick in the book to get us to like him. I guess most young men do that when trying to impress their date’s fathers, but with Angel it just seemed, rehearsed.”

“Well, I have heard some things about Angel,” Willow said quietly as she stared down at her feet, “but I don’t like spreading rumors and I think most of these are.”

“Oh?” Joyce asked as she looked over at the small redhead. “Anything worth sharing?”

Willow smiled as she looked up, not sure if telling was a good thing or bad. The things she had heard were most likely false and there wasn’t any need in causing panic with Buffy’s parents, especially if they were all lies to begin with. “Well I’d rather not say,” she smiled weakly. “Spreading rumors only ends up hurting people in the long run.”

“That they do Willow,” Joyce smiled. “I’m sure whatever Angel is up to will make itself known before too long.”

<><><><><>

“So, you want to Bronze tonight or a movie perhaps?” Angel asked, smiling down at Buffy.

“Either is fine,” Buffy smiled back, knowing that either one would be hard to pull off.

Angel leaned down, giving Buffy another small kiss before straightening as Joyce walked back into the room. “Good morning Mrs. Summers.”

“Good morning, Angel,” Joyce replied before looking over at Buffy. “Can I see you for just a minute?”

Buffy nodded her head before giving Angel a quick smile and following her mother out of the room. She knew Angel being there had something to do with what her mother wanted and just hoped her father wouldn’t cause a scene before she had time to get back into the living room.

Finding Willow smiling brightly in the kitchen caused Buffy to wonder what was up before she stopped and looked at her mother. “Okay, what is it you wanted to see me about?”

“Well, Willow and I were just talking and I thought maybe some motherly advice may be in order,” Joyce told her.

Buffy glanced at her friend, panic setting in at Willow’s flushed appearance before looking back at her mother.

“Now don’t go getting upset with Willow honey,” Joyce smiled. “It’s not like we didn’t know already.”

“Who is ‘we’ and what did you know already?” Buffy asked worriedly.

“The ‘we’ would be your father and I and the ‘what we knew’ is about you and William,” Joyce grinned.

Buffy’s eyes widened as she stood staring at her mother before looking at Willow. “Please tell me what I told you in private didn’t leave your mouth?” She asked, glaring over at Willow.

“It didn’t! I swear,” Willow said quickly. “Mrs. Summers said she thought you two liked each other and I didn’t disagree. That’s all.”

Buffy stared at Willow’s panicked face before looking back at her mother. The smile on her face had Buffy rolling her eyes before she grinned. “And just what is it you think you know?”

“Well,” Joyce smiled. “I know that you and William both like each other more than either one of you is willing to admit.”

Buffy’s eyes widened before she turned her head and looked back into the other room where she had left Angel before turning back to her mother. “Keep your voice down,” she almost whispered. “Things are hard enough right now as it is.”

“Exactly why I called you in here,” Joyce grinned. “I usually wouldn’t interfere, but if you want, I can make Angel a thing of the past.”

“And how exactly would you do that?” Buffy asked.

“Oh just leave that up to me pumpkin,” Hank smiled as he leaned against the doorframe. “Just say the word and he’s history.”

Buffy turned and looked at her father, wondering how much of the conversation he had heard before she shook her head. All of this was happening so fast. She had only just admitted her own feelings for Spike and now the whole world seemed ready to make it common knowledge. Shaking her head, Buffy took a deep breath before looking back at her mother. “I have to do this myself,” Buffy told them. “I have to find some things out first before I can act on anything.”

“Are you sure?” Hank asked her, ready to give Angel a heave off the front porch like he wanted to.

“Yeah, daddy,” Buffy smiled. “I can’t let things just stop without getting to the bottom of something first.”

“Alright,” Hank said, disappointed. “If that’s what you really want.’

“It is,” Buffy said looking from her father to her mother. “I guess I better get back in there,” she told them before turning as walking back into the living room.

Angel looked up from his seat on the couch when Buffy walked back into the room and Buffy had to bite her tongue when she saw he had taken one of the roses from the vase of flowers and was holding it. She still didn’t know what to think about them but forced a smile on her face as he stood up.

“Everything okay?” Angel asked as Buffy approached him.

“Yeah. Everything’s fine,” Buffy smiled.

“Good.” Angel smiled down at her before quickly stealing another small kiss as she stopped. “So, did you like the flowers?”

Buffy’s eyes widened as she looked up at Angel as he smiled. “The flowers?” She asked dumbly.

“Yeah,” Angel grinned. “You didn’t even thank me for them.”

Buffy felt her heart sink in her chest as she looked at Angel and the once elated thoughts of Spike sending them crumbled as she stared up into Angel’s smiling face. “Oh, they’re beautiful,” she said softly. “You should have signed the card.”

Angel chuckled before raising the rose he held in his hand and ran the sweet smelling petals across Buffy’s cheek. “Well, I didn’t think I had to sign it,” he smiled. “Who else would be sending my girl flowers?”

Buffy forced a smile on her face as she looked at him before shaking her head. “No one else would,” she said, trying not to sound as sad as she felt. “And thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Angel smiled as he wrapped his arms around Buffy’s waist and pulled her tightly to him.

Buffy felt smothered in his embrace and closed her eyes before wrapping her arms around him. She sighed heavily as she thought of Spike before she opened her eyes and looked at the flowers. She smiled sadly as she looked at them. She wondered how she could have assumed Spike had sent them so quickly and knew before the thought even had time to register that it was just wishful thinking. The disappointment she felt now let her know how much she really did care for Spike and the sooner she ended things with Angel the better.

<><><><><>

Sandy stood nervously at the door waiting as she heard someone moving around inside before smiling at Giles when he opened the door. “Hi Mr. Giles.”

“Hello Sandy,” Giles smiled as he stepped to the side and ushered her in. “William is in his room.”

“Thanks,” Sandy said, turning her head to Giles before she hurried down the hall to Spike’s room. She found him sitting by his desk staring at his notebook and a quick glance around at the books strewn across the bed had her shaking her head. “If you want to win her heart I suggest you don’t go writing her any of your poetry.”

Spike grinned as he turned in his seat and looked over at his friend while she sat down on his bed. “It’s not that bad, is it?” he asked.

“Uh, yeah. It is,” Sandy giggled.

Spike smiled back at her before turning back to his desk and looking at his notebook to reread what he had written. He sighed lightly as the words ran through his mind and he smiled as he shut the book. “Yeah, suppose you’re right. She’d probably never speak to me again if I handed her that,” he grinned.

“Yeah well, hopefully she won’t be mad for too long,” Sandy smiled. “At least not after today.”

Spike leaned his head to the side, knowing she had done something by the grin on her face before a slight panic ran through him. He knew Sandy was just trying to help but her last attempt had gone down in flames. “Please tell me you didn’t do something equally as stupid as our last attempt.”

“No,” Sandy said, shocked as she rolled her eyes. “I’m sure this will have her beating a path to your door.”

Spike groaned as he lowered his head, imagining a list of things Sandy could have done before her giggles caused him to look back up.

“Don’t worry so much,” Sandy told him. “There is no way she can still be mad at you. I saw to that.”

“What did you do?” Spike asked, almost dreading to hear the answer.

“Well, let’s just say you’re not the only one who can be poetic.”

“Is that right,” Spike asked, curious as he arched one eyebrow.

“Yes,” Sandy grinned. “I don’t think you could have done as well.”

“Really?”

“Yep,” Sandy grinned. She could tell Spike was getting worried by the look on his face and no matter how much she enjoyed prolonging his torture; she knew he’d been through enough. “Let’s just say a spring bouquet will brighten any girl’s day, especially when paired with a sappy little line that will melt even the hardest of heart.”

To Be Continued…..

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