Chapter 31

“Hello?”

“Still alive I see.”

“What do you want?” Angel asked angrily into the phone.

“Oh, just thought I’d check on how you were doing,” Ken laughed.

“Piss off,” Angel snarled, pulling the phone from his ear and attempting to hang up when he heard his friend yelling.

“Not so fast, lover boy,” Ken grinned. “Just thought I’d let you in on what half the school knows right now.”

Angel sighed heavily, shifting his weight and grimacing as his broken ribs protested the move. “This better be good. Idle hallway gossip never interested me.”

“Well, I’d say it is,” Ken smiled as he looked down the hall. “How does the vision of your sweet, innocent little Buffy engaged in a major lip lock with one bleached outcast strike you?” Ken waited, his smile only widening when he heard Angel’s breathing get louder. He wanted so bad to see the look on his face but imagined it looked every bit as distorted and angry as he guessed it would.

“When?” Angel practically growled.

“Oh, right now my friend,” Ken replied. “Full contact - and what’s more amazing? She started it. Ran down the hall to him and threw herself into his arms. Looked like some sappy harlequin romance.” He laughed.

Ken waited for a reply and laughed again when the line went dead abruptly. He lowered his cell phone, looking down the hall and grinning again as he saw Buffy and Spike pull away from each other. “Can you say ‘dead man’ Spike?” He mumbled to himself after giving the couple one last look and turning on his heels. Whistling as he exited the building, Ken’s smile was still present. This was one time Angel would have to fight to keep what was his.

<><>

When Buffy pulled away and broke the kiss, Spike opened his eyes and saw tears running down her cheeks. He looked at her confusedly, leaning his head to the side slightly when she looked up at him.

“I don’t want to hurt you anymore, Spike,” Buffy whispered out as more tears spilled from her eyes. “I don’t want to be responsible for that look. I can’t be her anymore. I can’t hurt you like that and not hate myself.”

Spike was confused. Shocked. Amazed. When Buffy’s head lowered and her silent tears were join by a small sob, his arms tightened around her. He sighed heavily when she buried her head in his chest and her arms wrapped around his waist. He didn’t know what to do other than hold her as she cried.

Buffy saw it all in crisp clarity. All the hurtful words she had ever spat at him. All the beatings she had given him willingly. Every look of disgust she had ever shot his way. The reminders only cut into her deeper and her hold on him tightened. How could she have ever been so cruel? She knew there was a difference between this Spike and the one she had known, but she had treated them as if they were the same person. The man before her was nothing like the Spike from her world and the fact that she had treated him as if he were only made things worse. This was a human and she treated him like a “thing.”

Spike heard the murmur of whispered comments as the other students in the hall looked on with fascinated interest. As much as he was enjoying his current position, being on display for all of Sunnydale High wasn’t high on his list of priorities. “Hey, let’s get out of here,” Spike told her softly. “No need for the entire student body to be in on our personal life.”

Buffy lifted her head slightly and glanced to her left and saw what Spike was referring to. She nodded her head before he grabbed her hand and headed for the door. Once they were outside, Buffy raised her free hand and wiped her face. Her eyes were burning and itching and the sun caused her to squint against the light. As they made their way down the front steps, she looked up when she heard Xander call their names.

“You two not going?” Xander asked as he approached them.

“Going where?” Spike asked, looking from Xander to Jesse.

“Food? Video games? Ring a bell to either one of you?” Xander asked them both, looking from one to the other. “We discussed this during lunch. Were neither one of you paying attention?”

“Oh yeah, sorry,” Spike smiled. “Slipped my mind.”

“Apparently,” Xander grinned back at him. “Well let’s go.”

Buffy glanced over at Willow when they all started walking and couldn’t help but wonder what the big grin on her friends face was all about as they all started down the sidewalk. As they turned the corner, it dawned on her. Spike was still holding her hand.

They walked like that all the way into town and Buffy had to admit it felt nice, if not slightly awkward. She wondered if Spike even realized he was still holding her hand. When they reached the pizzeria, she smiled as he held the door for her and let go of her hand. The loss of contact caused a small sigh to escape her as they entered the building.

As they made their way inside, Buffy had to force herself not to roll her eyes when she saw Sandy already there and smiling at them as they walked to the back booth. If she had known the brunette was going to be joining them, she would have bowed out. She still hadn’t spoken to her and didn’t know if she wanted to. As the gang all took their seats at the large oval booth in the back, Buffy’s mood improved drastically as Spike slid in next to her.

“I was beginning to think you guys weren’t coming,” Sandy said as everyone settled.

“Well some of us forgot,” Xander grinned as he threw Spike and Buffy a look.

Sandy couldn’t help but smile as she looked over at Spike. The pleased look on his face as he sat next to Buffy was enough to let her know something had happened. Something positive.

When their food had been ordered the guys all left as usual, attacking the video games in the corner as the girls just sat in silence watching them. Willow sighed as she glanced at Buffy. The uncomfortable silence was nerve wracking as she watched Buffy look at anything but Sandy. Willow remembered all too vividly what Buffy said she’d like to do to Sandy for her involvement in the “make Buffy jealous campaign” and she smiled as Sandy looked over at her and smiled.

“So Buffy, I heard you got flowers,” Sandy said quietly as she tried to ease some of the tension, knowing Buffy was still upset with her. “Did you like them?” She smiled.

“How did you know about that?” Buffy asked curiously as she turned her head to look over at her.

“Oh, um…Spike told me,” Sandy laughed nervously as she looked from Buffy to Willow.

Buffy’s brow scrunched as she looked at Sandy before turning to glance at Willow. The redhead shrugged her shoulders in response to the silent question before all eyes turned back to Sandy.

“I didn’t tell anyone Angel sent me flowers,” Buffy told her as she turned back to her. “Are you sure Spike told you?”

Sandy felt her face flame as she stared at Buffy. Angel? Did he send flowers too? “Oh. Angel sent you flowers?”

Buffy was getting more confused by the minute as she looked at Sandy. The brunette’s face had turned from blushing pink to ghostly white in a matter of a few seconds and as Sandy started twitching in her seat the questions only compiled. “Yeah. Who do you think sent them?”

Sandy knew her face gave away her confusion because the longer she looked at Buffy, the more Buffy’s face reflected her own thoughts. Something had just gone seriously wrong in this conversation. “Oh, doesn’t matter,” Sandy said a bit to chipper. “So, you wanna hear some music?” She asked quickly as she stood and headed for the jukebox.

Willow turned questioning eyes to Buffy when she looked over at her and both girls just sat there staring at each other before Willow grinned big. “You don’t suppose Spike is the one who actually sent the flowers, do you?”

“I don’t know what to think,” Buffy told her. “To hear Sandy tell it, she known about them for a while, but that’s impossible.”

“Maybe not,” Willow smiled. “If Sandy and Spike were in on this plan, why wouldn’t she know about him sending you flowers?”

“But, Angel said he sent them.”

“Yeah, and Angel telling a lie is so unlike him,” Willow said rolling her eyes. “The card wasn’t signed. You didn’t say anything about the flowers until after he asked you about them and we were out of the room for a while. He could have easily looked at the card.”

Buffy thought about the day the flowers had arrived and the more she thought about it, the more suspicious she became. She glanced over at Sandy and folded her arms in front of her on the table when she saw Sandy glance over at them and turn away quickly. Someone was acting way too nervous to not know something.

<><>

“So, is there any particular reason why you and the Buffster took so long in joining us?” Xander asked as he looked over at Spike.

Spike grinned as he looked at Xander out of the corner of his eye before he went back to his game. He knew what his friend was after. “Maybe.”

Xander grinned before chuckling softly and shaking his head. “No need to play games Spike. It’s written all over your face.”

“Then I guess there’s no need for me to say anything, now is there?”

Xander sighed and looked over to where they had left the girls when Spike started laughing. “She said anything about Angel? Buffy I mean. She talking yet?”

“No. Hasn’t mentioned him other than saying she hasn’t talked to him,” Spike told him before cursing softly to himself as he lost his game.

“I wonder if she will?”

“I suppose so,” Spike told him as he glanced over his shoulder at Buffy. “The sooner the better if you ask me.”

“Yeah, hard telling what that psychopath will do when he finds out you took his girl,” Xander replied with a lopsided grin.

“Didn’t exactly take her, now did I?” Spike asked as he turned and leaned against the video game and stared at the girls. “More like, she finally came to her senses. And besides, it’s not like we’re dating. We haven’t even talked about dating.”

“Well, what are you waiting on?” Xander grinned.

<><>

Willow nudged Buffy on the arm and motioned to the guys with her head. “What do you suppose those two are talking about?” She asked with a grin.

“Hard to tell,” Buffy smiled as she saw Spike and Xander staring over at them. The smile on her face only widened when she met Spike’s eyes and when he winked at her, she knew her face flushed as she suddenly felt very warm.

“Aww, that’s so cute,” Willow said, giggling. “Buffy’s getting all blushy.”

“Am not,” Buffy protested and forced herself to look away from Spike.

“Yes you are,” Willow laughed. “Your face is beet red.”

“That’s because it’s hot in here,” Buffy lied as she rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, and a certain bleached blonde has nothing to do with that?”

“No,” Buffy said, grinning as she glanced back up at Spike. He was still staring at her and she felt her heart skip a beat. She had no idea what he and Xander were talking about but judging from the goofy grin on Xander’s face, it had to be about them.

Sandy had been watching Buffy as she scanned the songs on the jukebox. She knew Buffy was still upset with her and the flowers conversation had been confusing. She wasn’t sure what had happened there and didn’t intend on finding out. She wasn’t about to screw this up for Spike, no matter what. Selecting a few songs, Sandy made her way back to the table just as their food arrived and she sighed in relief as the guys came back. Hopefully with them all there, things wouldn’t be so tense.

Buffy smiled when Spike slid into the booth beside of her. Thoughts of Angel didn’t take long to surface as the pizza slices were distributed and Buffy knew she had to do something about Angel and quick. She wasn’t sure what Spike’s intentions were, but she knew what she wanted. She wanted him and that wouldn’t happen as long as Angel was in the picture. Looking up as she heard her name, Buffy smiled when she saw everyone looking at her. “What?” She asked, looking to each of them.

“Still with us?” Xander smiled. “You looked a little zoned for a minute there.”

“Yeah, just have a lot on my mind is all,” Buffy told him.

“Oh,” Xander smiled before looking quickly to Spike. “So um, what are you going to do about Angel now that…owwwww,” Xander screamed as he reached for his leg and glared across the table at Willow.

“Sorry, my foot slipped,” the redhead grinned.

“It’s okay guys,” Buffy told them. “You can mention his name. And I do need to talk to him. Just don’t know how is all.”

“You want one of us to be with you when you do?” Willow asked.

“I’m not sure,” Buffy told her. “It’ll be hard enough without having someone there.”

“You don’t need to do it alone,” Spike said quietly as he looked over at her.

“I know,” Buffy replied, smiling slightly as she looked at him. “But I really don’t want to think about it right now.”

“Fair enough,” Xander smiled. “I don’t particularly want to ruin my digestion by talking about him either.”

A round of soft chuckles made their way around the table as everyone started eating and for once conversation was light. Buffy knew Angel was on everyone’s mind and she had to admit she hadn’t given talking to him much thought. She knew she had to, but that was one conversation she wasn’t looking forward to.

Willow smiled as she watched Jesse. He had yet to say a word to anyone and he was barely even touching his food. Wiping her hands, Willow leaned across the table and grinned. “What’s wrong Jesse?”

Jesse looked up and stared at Willow before looking at the others. He swallowed hard before shaking his head. “I was just wondering what sort of twilight zone I had fallen into.”

“What do you mean?”

Everyone had stopped eating and was presently just sitting there staring at him. He smiled nervously before a huge grin split his lips. “Well, I asked someone to the Winter Formal and she accepted.”

“Oh, that is weird,” Xander laughed. “Who was it? The new lunch lady?”

“NO,” Jesse said rolling his eyes as everyone laughed. “It was Cordelia.” Jesse was the one laughing now as everyone at the table sat frozen in their seats staring at him.

Xander was the first to recover and smiled before he once again started laughing. “Okay, got me there,” he laughed. “Who was it really?”

“Cordelia,” Jesse once again said. “I didn’t think she’d go, but I asked anyway.”

“And she agreed?” Willow asked, stunned.

“Yeah.”

“Okay, now why is it that Jesse gets the prom queen and I get Willow?” Xander asked before yelling again as Willow kicked him.

“Listen here mister, you will be going with your cousin Robin if you keep that up,” Willow glared.

“No offense Will,” Xander wheezed out as he rubbed his leg. “But this is a pretty big dance.”

“And I’m not worth a really big dance?”

“Well, yeah, but you’re not exactly, girlfriend material now are you? You’re like my best friend.”

Spike chuckled before shaking his head. “If you want to keep that leg attached you may want to stop now,” he told him as he saw Willow’s face becoming redder by the minute. “There’s nothing wrong with inviting your best friend to the dance.”

“And you’re such the expert,” Xander said amused. “You haven’t asked anyone either.”

Buffy stared at her plate and tried her best not to move. She had been wondering whom Spike was taking to the dance and now she knew.

“And what about you Buffy?” Xander asked. “I guess Angel isn’t your date of choice now or is he?”

“No, can’t say that he is,” Buffy replied softly before glancing up and smiling slightly. Her heart was racing in her chest when she saw that Spike was looking at her out of the corner of her eye. Would he ask her now? A girl could only hope.

To Be Continued……

Chapter 32

Buffy waved goodbye to her friends before going into her house. She was greeted by her mother and her eyes widened slightly when she smelled dinner cooking and saw the look on her mother’s face.

“Where have you been?” Joyce asked quickly as she walked toward Buffy.

“Oh, the guys wanted to grab a pizza. I guess I forgot to call. Sorry,” Buffy said quickly.

“Buffy, you know better than that,” Joyce told her. “I was worried sick about you.”

“Sorry.” Buffy didn’t know what to say. She really hadn’t given much thought to call her mother and tell her she would be late. When she saw her mother smile, she relaxed slightly before Joyce engulfed her in a big hug.

“It’s okay sweetie,” Joyce smiled. “I was just worried.”

“I know mom and I’m really sorry.”

“I know. Just try not to let it happen again, okay?”

Buffy nodded her head and smiled as Joyce let her go. “Is dad home?”

“No, he has to work late,” Joyce told her. “Just us girls this evening.”

“Okay. Well, I think I’m going to go on up,” Buffy told her mother. “I have some things I need to do.”

“Okay Buffy,” Joyce told her as Buffy turned and headed for the stairs. “Oh, by the way, Angel called.”

Buffy froze on the steps before turning to look back down at her mother. “He did?” She asked, softly. “When?”

“A few hours ago,” Joyce told her. “I thought you two broke up?”

“We did,” Buffy said. “Well, sort of.”

“And how do you sort of break up with someone?”

Buffy sighed heavily before sitting down on the steps and burying her face in her hands. “It’s so complicated.”

Joyce watched Buffy for a few minutes before sitting down beside her and wrapping her arm around her shoulder. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Buffy looked up and turned her head to look at her mother. This is what she missed most about her mother. Being able to talk to her about anything. She smiled before leaning her head on her mother’s shoulder. “Something happened and there isn’t anyway to fix it,” Buffy told her. “I haven’t exactly told him I want to break up but it should be pretty obvious.”

“Well some guys need a little more than the obvious,” Joyce chuckled softly.

“I know and Angel is apparently one of them,” Buffy sighed. “I just, it’s so hard, you know?”

“Yes, I do,” Joyce told her as she gave her a small squeeze. “Do you want to tell me what happened?”

Buffy’s mind went back over the night she was drugged, what she could remember of it that is, and she smiled before shaking her head. “It doesn’t really matter anymore,” she told her. “All that matters is that nothing can repair what he did. It’s over.”

“I see.”

“That’s not even the most confusing part,” Buffy almost whispered out.

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I have Angel to deal with and throw Spike into the mix and we have major loads of confusion.”

“Ah, so William does play a part in this after all,” Joyce smiled.

Buffy couldn’t help but smile when she thought of Spike before she took a deep breath and released it. “I really like him,” she said softly.

“Who? William?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know,” Buffy told her. “I mean I hated him for so long.”

Joyce laughed at that before shaking her head. “And what exactly did he do to make you hate him so much?”

Buffy snorted out a laugh before sitting up straight and shaking her head. “Oh how about following me around like some crazed stalker or irritating me to the point of wanting to tie him to the train tracks?”

Joyce chuckled before shaking her head. “You do realize that should have been your first clue, right?”

“First clue to what?”

“That you actually liked him. That’s the way it was for your father and me,” Joyce told her. “When I first met him I couldn’t stand the sight of him. Just looking at him made me mad.”

Buffy listened to her mother talk and images of Spike, version evil big bad, popped into her mind. Surely she wasn’t really feelings those sorts of things for him before all this happened. It wasn’t possible. Snorting out a laugh, Buffy shook her head before bringing her train of thought back to the current, pulse-having version and she smiled as she thought of him.

“So has anything happened?”

“What?” Buffy asked, realizing her mother had asked her something.

“With William?” Joyce asked. “Did anything happen between you two?”

“No. Well not really.”

“Just a breathtaking kiss,” Joyce grinned.

Buffy blushed at that before ducking her head slightly. “I still can’t believe I told you that.”

Joyce laughed before hugging Buffy again. “Well, I’m glad you did honey. William is a sweet boy and your father likes him so that’s a plus.”

“Yeah,” Buffy chuckled. “Getting dad’s approval isn’t an easy thing.”

“No it’s not,” Joyce said before standing. “Well I’m going to go finish dinner. We’ll talk more later if you want.”

“Okay,” Buffy told her before giving her a smile and standing. She watched her mother turn the corner before she turned and started up the steps. She was halfway up them before a knock on the front door stopped her. “I’ll get it,” she called out to her mother before bouncing back down the stairs.

She was still smiling from her conversation with her mother when she opened the door, but it vanished the minute she saw the smiling face on the other side.

“Miss me?”

Buffy stood there staring at him with wide eyes before she swallowed heavily and acknowledged him. “What are you doing here Angel?”

<><><><><>

“So, are you going to ask her?”

“You’re not going to let this go are you?” Spike asked as he and Xander walked back to his house.

“No,” Xander grinned. “Come on Spike. You can’t tell me you haven’t wanted to take Buffy to the dance since you first heard about it.”

“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean I have to tell you my every plan.”

“So, you have a plan then?”

Spike sighed heavily before shaking his head and laughing. “Actually, I haven’t given it much thought,” Spike told him. “Well, I mean I have, but nothing serious. She was going with the poof. No need to go getting all worked up about it, now was there?”

“No, I suppose not,” Xander smiled. “So, you going to ask her?”

Spike rolled his eyes and grinned as he let them into Giles’ apartment. He hadn’t thought of anything else but the dance ever since Buffy’s confession that she wasn’t going to be attending with Angel. Did Buffy want him to ask her? She would go if he did?

Making their way down the hall to Spike’s room, Xander knew by the look on Spike’s face that he wanted to ask Buffy to the dance. He had known that little piece of information from the minute the dance was announced. He grinned as he sat down on the bed and watched Spike take his coat off before sitting at his desk. When he turned to look at him, he smiled big. “So, when are you going to ask her?”

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

“What? I can’t come see my girl?” Angel asked with a smile.

Buffy shook her head before laughing slightly. “I’m not your girl,” she told him. “Not anymore.”

“And why not?” Angel asked, almost shocked.

“Why not?” Buffy practically shouted. She shook her head and bit her tongue to control her anger before she stepped out onto the porch and shut the door behind her. “How about the fact that you felt the need to drug me,” she spat out in a loud whisper so her mother wouldn’t hear her.

“I don’t know what those friends of yours told you Buffy, but I would never do anything like that to you. I love you,” Angel smiled.

“Yeah. That one I believe,” Buffy rolled her eyes. “You’re a liar and I don’t ever want to see you again. We’re through. Got it?”

“A liar?” Angel asked with slightly wide eyes. “What did I lie about?”

“Well the list is long. Do you want them randomly or in chronological order?”

“Buffy, I don’t know what your friends have put into your head, but you’ve got to believe me. I would never hurt you.”

“Just like I’m supposed to believe that Spike gets beat senseless by some random stranger the very same day you try to start something with him at school?”

“An unfortunate accident, but I didn’t have anything to do with that,” Angel lied. “I don’t care what he told you Buff, but you know me. You know I wouldn’t do anything like that,” he smiled slightly before taking a step closer to her.

Buffy stared at his smiling face and the more she looked at him the sicker she became. She had seen that look before and heard that tone of voice. It was like reliving a hell she had never wanted to visit again. “I don’t want to see you again Angel,” she finally told him. “If I ever catch you here again, I’ll have you arrested. Do you understand?”

Angel bit his tongue as he stared at her. How dare her brush him off like he didn’t matter. “Is he really that important?”

“Who?” Buffy asked.

“Spike,” Angel spat out. “Is that moron so important to you that you would throw what we have together away like day old-garbage?”

“What we have is exactly nothing,” Buffy said a little too loudly. “You’re a liar Angel. You’re evil and manipulative and I can’t even believe how stupid and blind I’ve been when it comes to you. I thought I loved you once but I realize that was just a fantasy. You aren’t the person I thought you were. Now leave.” Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. Her entire body was trembling from her anger and the longer he stood there smiling at her the more she felt a sense of déjà vu come over her. It was like looking into the face of Angelus and she felt sick to her stomach as he grinned back at her.

“If you think I’m just going to walk away and let that idiot take my girl, you’re sadly mistaken sweetheart,” Angel smiled. “No one walks away from me, that includes you. You’re mine,” he growled as he reached out and grabbed her shoulders.

Buffy gasped loudly as Angel grabbed her and pulled her to him. Her eyes widened as he crushed his lips to hers and she struggled in his grip to free herself. When his tongue pushed past her closed lips, she screamed into his mouth before pushing at him with her hands. He had her pressed against him and her struggles were useless as he kissed her roughly. He was too strong. Thinking quickly, Buffy bit down on his tongue as she punched him in the ribs.

Angel screamed in pain and wrapped his arm around his still bruised ribs as he released her and looked at her with wide eyes while she stared back at him. His fist balled at his side and the front door opening quickly was the only thing that stopped him from taking his anger out on her. Smiling as Joyce looked at him, he winked at Buffy before smiling big. “Evening Mrs. Summers.”

“Angel,” Joyce said coldly acknowledging him. “Buffy is everything okay?”

“Yeah mom. Angel was just leaving,” Buffy said shakily as she stared at him.

“Well, okay. Supper is almost ready. Come on inside,” Joyce told her and turned back inside the house after pushing the front door all the way open. As she walked down the hall to the kitchen, she paused as she rounded the corner.

“I don’t ever want to see you again Angel,” Buffy ground out hatefully. “You disgust me. If you ever come here again, I’ll report you to the police. Do you understand?”

“Loud and clear,” Angel said with a smile before taking a step backwards and turning toward the steps.

Buffy watched him walk slowly down the steps with her heart pounding in her chest. Dealing with Angelus had been the most frightening thing she had ever encountered. Dealing with him with no slayer strength was another. Would this version of Angel just go and do as asked or would he be up to the usual mind games his alter ego had loved to play? As he stopped at the bottom of the steps and turned back to her, the smile on his face gave her her answer.

“Oh, one more thing, Buff,” Angel grinned. “I ever catch you two together, you’ll wish you had never set eyes on him.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“He won’t walk away next time,” Angel smiled. “You’re mine and I have absolutely no problem reminding him of that.”

“Oh, what are you going to do?” Buffy laughed nervously. “Have your buddies beat him up again? Please. I think Spike kicked your ass well enough last time for you not to be stupid enough to try that again.”

Angel smiled up at her as she laughed slightly and shook her head. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, now won’t we?” Angel told her. “I’ll kill him before I let him take my girl.”

“I’m not your girl!”

Angel chuckled as he turned and started down the walkway. “See you soon, Buff,” he yelled back over his shoulder.

Buffy watched him walk away and her already pounding heart beat wildly in her chest. Surely he didn’t mean that literally, did he? As a new fear surfaced, Buffy turned back to the house and shut the door before leaning her head against it and closing her eyes. Her mother’s soft voice brought tears to her eyes before loving arms engulfed her.

“He’s just upset sweetie. Boys say that macho crap all the time. He’s just venting. He won’t hurt William.”

“He did it once before,” Buffy whispered out. “He’ll do it again.”

“Before?” Joyce asked as she tried to look at Buffy’s face. “What do you mean Buffy?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Buffy told her as she brought her hand up and wiped the few stray tears that had escaped her eyes away. “I think I’m going to go up to my room.”

Joyce watched her walk slowly up the steps before sighing heavily and going back into the kitchen. She checked on supper before leaning against the counter and staring at the phone. Why wasn’t Hank ever around when they really needed him?

To Be Continued……

A Glimpse of Heaven

Chapter 33

Spike stared at the clock in his room with one hand on the phone. It was almost seven and Buffy still hadn’t shown up for their tutoring session. She had missed school for the past two days and none of the others had heard from her. Repeated calls to her house had brought nothing as Joyce would only say she wasn’t there. He knew something was up by the sound of Joyce’s voice and her questions about his well fair. What, he didn’t know.

Sighing heavily, Spike abandoned the phone and finally stood up and walked across the room when he heard Giles in the other room. As he opened his bedroom door he froze when he saw Buffy standing there.

“Hey,” Buffy said softly as she looked up at him. “Am I too late?”

“No,” Spike told her before smiling slightly as he stepped to the side. He watched her walk in before pushing his door back shut and turning to her. She was standing by his bed unpacking her book bag and when she grabbed her notebook and sat down he finally moved. “So, is everything okay?” He asked as he walked back to his desk.

“Yeah. Everything’s fine,” Buffy said as she opened her math book.

Spike watched her for a few minutes until she glanced back at him. When she did, he could see that she wasn’t okay. There were dark circles under her eyes and she looked exhausted. “Okay, I’m only going to ask once,” he told her as he walked over to the bed and grabbed her book bag and sat it off on the floor. “And I want the truth. What happened?”

Buffy stared at her feet as Spike sat down beside of her and she let out a long breath before finally glancing over at him. “I talked to Angel.”

“When?”

“On Monday.”

“Is that why you’ve missed two days of school?”

“For the most part,” she told him. “I haven’t been able to sleep well since he came by.”

“He came by?” Spike asked as he looked at her. “To your house?”

“Yeah,” Buffy nodded her head. “The asshole acted like nothing had happened.”

“Typical,” Spike spat out. “So what did he have to say for himself?”

“Oh, just the usual,” Buffy said, sarcastically. “You’re my girl and don’t ever forget it,” she mimicked Angel before shaking her head.

“Are you?”

Buffy looked up at Spike’s softly asked question and could see the double meaning there. “No,”

“That’s good,” Spike said, smiling slightly.

“But, I’m not sure I’m ready to be anyone else’s girl either,” she almost whispered out.

Spike stared at her for a minute before smiling sadly. Somehow he knew that was coming. “Well, I guess asking you to the dance would be useless then, wouldn’t it?” he said as he grabbed her math book and flipped it open.

Buffy looked at him as he flipped through her math book and she could tell by the look on his face he was upset. Two days ago she had hoped he would ask her to the dance. Now she hated having to tell him no. She had bought her dress according to what she thought Spike would like and now she was kicking herself for even thinking they could go together. As much as she wanted to go to the dance with him, how could she say yes knowing what Angel might be capable of?

Spike was clenching his jaw as he flipped randomly through her book. The longer he thought about what she had said, the madder he became. What was she thinking? Why was she so hot and cold all the damn time! Turning to look at her he closed the book with a snap before turning his body slightly to face her. “Why?”

Buffy started as he slammed the book closed and was confused by his sudden question. She raised one eyebrow as she looked at him. “Why what?”

“Why aren’t you ready to be anyone else’s girl?”

“Oh,” Buffy said before looking down at her hands. “Well, it’s just…”

“No, don’t do that,” Spike told her, reaching out and lifting her head. “Look at me. I want an answer, Buffy. You’ve got me so bleedin’ confused I don’t even know what to think anymore! You kiss me then say it the worst thing ever, then kiss me again and apologize for…whatever in the hell it was you were rambling on about and now when you get rid of the poof you act all skittish again. Please, for the love of god, tell me what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours because you’re driving me insane!”

Buffy stared up at him and knew he had to be getting tired of it all. She was too. She didn’t know what to think half the time and all the craziness the past few days had only made things worse. But Spike getting hurt wasn’t worth the risk.

“Tell me what you want Buffy.” Spike sat there staring at her and could see the fear and doubt she felt reflected back at him. He sighed heavily as she looked away from him before he stood up from the bed and walked back over to his desk.

“I want you.”

He wasn’t even sure how he heard her whispered reply but Spike smiled when he did. He turned back around and faced her. She was staring at her feet again and her face was hidden by her hair.

Buffy heard him move and she wanted to run. Why did he have to hear that? She swallowed heavily as she saw his feet come into view and she closed her eyes. “I’m scared.”

“Why?” Spike asked as he stopped in front of her. “What are you scared of?” When she didn’t answer Spike squatted down in front of her and tried to look at her. Her face was buried in her chest. He raised his hand and placed a finger under her chin before he lifted her head. “Look at me Buffy,” he told her with a tiny smile. “You know I wouldn’t hurt you or at least I would hope you do.”

“I know.”

“Then what are you afraid of?”

Buffy sighed as Angel’s words echoed in her head and she glanced away before looking back at Spike. “It’s just - Angel said that…”

“Let me guess,” Spike interrupted with a grin. “I catch you with that idiot Spike and you’ll both be sorry?”

Buffy couldn’t help the tiny smile that curved her lips at the look on Spike’s face before she looked back down at her feet and her smile fell away. How could they even joke about something like this? Angel was dangerous. She had no doubt about it.

“I’m not scared of him Buffy.”

“But I am,” she told him as she looked back up. “You have no idea how he thinks.”

“Sure I do,” Spike grinned before taking her hand in his. “He’s an egomaniac who just lost his girl. I know exactly how he thinks. Been there myself. Come on Buffy. It’s all talk, believe me.”

Buffy stared down at their joined hands and sighed heavily. “I wish I could,” she said quietly. “He was so mad.”

“Well of course he was,” Spike chuckled. “He just lost the prettiest girl in all of Sunnydale because he was a moron. Why wouldn’t he be pissed? Look Buffy,” Spike said as he stood back up and sat down beside of her. “I’m not going to push you into anything you don’t want. It’s no secret to anyone how I feel about you, well except maybe to you, but if you’re just holding back because of him then you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.”

“But what if he tries to hurt you again?”

“Well he can try all he wants,” Spike grinned. “He got lucky the first time. Caught me off guard is all. It won’t be that easy for him next time. He won’t be stupid enough to try anything like that again.”

“What if he does?” Buffy asked him softly as she looked back up at him

“Then that’s just a chance I’m willing to take,” Spike smiled. “I personally think you’re worth the risk.”

Buffy stared at him for a few minutes before she sighed and looked down at their still joined hands. He was running his thumb over the back of her hand and she wanted to believe that everything would be okay but she knew Angel would make good on his threats. He always did. Was it worth the risk?

“So what’s it going to be, Goldilocks?” Spike asked her. “Are you going to go to the dance with me or not?”

Buffy looked back up at his smiling face and couldn’t help but smile. He was apparently willing to take the risk if she was, no matter what. Isn’t that what love was all about anyway? Love? She asked herself before chuckling softly. Who said anything about love? He’s talking about a dance. “I don’t remember you actually asking me to the dance.”

“Yes I did,” Spike grinned.

“No,” Buffy smiled. “You said asking me would be useless. That isn’t exactly asking, now is it?”

Spike chuckled at her as she stared at him before he tightened his grip on her hand. “Suppose not,” he smiled as he leaned his head to the side. “So, do you want to go to the dance with me?”

Buffy felt her heart beat triple time in her chest as she looked at him before her smile widened. How could anyone resist that smile? “Under one condition,” she said softly.

“Anything you want,” Spike told her as his smile grew.

Buffy took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “Kiss me.”

Spike smiled big as he stared at her and forced himself from tackling her to the bed. A kiss? That’s all she wanted? “Been waitin’ months to hear you say that.”

Buffy wondered if he could hear her heart pounding in her chest or see how bad she was trembling. She glanced away from him for a second when he just sat there staring at her but looked back up when he leaned forward. His eyes were the brightest blue she had ever seen and she sighed lightly as he raised his right hand and cupped the side of her face. She wasn’t sure when her eyes closed but the minute she felt his lips on hers she knew. It was worth the risk.

Although they had shared a few kisses before, it felt like the first time. The butterflies were churning in Buffy’s stomach and a chill ran up her spine when she felt his tongue slide over her lip. She gasped softly before opening her mouth for him and it felt like she was melting as he slipped inside. Nothing could ever compare to this. Slow, lazy strokes of his tongue caressed every surface it could reach and she felt light headed as the hand resting on her cheek found its way into her hair.

He pulled back slightly and Buffy’s eyes opened slowly. She could feel his breath sweep across her lips and it felt like a warm embrace. Her whole body felt warm and she smiled slightly before leaning back towards him. “I’d love to go to the dance with you,” she whispered against his lips.

Spike smiled as she initiated another kiss and the hand that still held hers rose; bringing her arm up around his neck. He wanted to feel her against him and wrapped his arm around her waist before pulling her to him. She moaned softly and he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to keep things slow if she kept that up. She felt like heaven and he knew he was forever lost in her.

<><>

Giles smiled as he shifted the tray he held before turning the door knob and pushing the door open. “I thought you might…oh dear lord,” he practically yelled when he saw Spike and Buffy as his eyes widened and the tray fell from his hands.

Buffy jumped at his voice and quickly pulled away from Spike in time to see the tray of sandwiches and sodas hit the floor. Giles’ face was blood red and she couldn’t help but grin as he reached down for the spilled tray mumbling.

She and Spike both watched with slightly wide eyes as Giles hastily picked up everything from the floor and hurried back out of the room mumbling an apology before he quickly shut the door. They both sat there staring at the closed door before they turned to each other and burst out laughing.

Giles walked back to the kitchen, throwing the ruined sandwiches away before he sat the tray down and closed his eyes. He was breathing heavily and taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly before opening his eyes. He looked around him, turning his head back to the hall as he heard the laughter coming from the other room before he smiled and shook his head. “I’m getting to old for this,” he chuckled before walking to the refrigerator and pulling the sandwich makings back out, silently reminding himself to knock from now on.

To Be Continued…..

A Glimpse of Heaven

Chapter 34

Giles knocked heavily on Spike’s door, waiting for his invitation to enter before turning the doorknob and opening the door. He smiled at the two teens before clearing his throat. “Buffy, your mother is here.”

“Okay, thanks,” Buffy smiled before she started gathering her books.

Spike smiled at Giles when he caught his eye and saw his uncle blush for what seemed like the tenth time that night before Giles turned and pulled the door shut behind him. “Think he’ll ever be able to get over that?”

Buffy laughed as she put her things into her book bag. “I doubt it,” she told him. “He’s turned red every time he’s looked at us.”

“Yeah. Safe to say he’ll knock from now on.” Spike handed Buffy her math book and watched her as she packed everything up. Giles had yet to say anything to them about walking in on them but when he had returned a short time after his earlier intrusion with more snacks he had barely even been able to look them in the face. They had both shared a quiet laugh after that before more talk of Angel and the dreaded task of schoolwork had taken up their time.

“Hello, earth to Spike.”

“What?” Spike asked as he turned to face her.

Buffy laughed quietly as she stood by the door. “I said I’d see you tomorrow.”

Spike smiled before standing up and walking the short distance to where Buffy stood. “I’ll be looking forward to it,” he said as he stopped and stared down at her. They both stood there for what seemed like forever before Spike reached out and took Buffy’s hand. “Can I kiss you?”

Buffy smiled at his soft-spoken request and felt her heart nearly skip a beat. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” Her smile remained as he leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against hers. She could hardly believe how things had turned out. She had spent the last two days deciding what she should do and had made up her mind to not get involved with him but once the initial conversation had ended, things had progressed nicely. Small glances and smiles had been shared and Buffy had to keep herself from giggling like a lovesick twelve-year-old every time their hands brushed. When he pulled back, Buffy smiled up at him before he opened the door for her and said his goodbyes. She sighed happily as she bid Giles farewell and made her way outside.

Her mother was smiling big as she approached the car and Buffy had to wonder what the look was about. She barely even sat down before the questions started.

“So, what happened? I want to know everything. And don’t you dare say nothing,” Joyce grinned. “I can tell by the look on your face that something did.”

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh before she shook her head and fastened her seatbelt. Who would have thought her mother would be so excited about what happened between her and Spike? “We talked.”

”Is that all?”

“No,” Buffy blushed. Her mother’s quiet laughter made her ears burn before the car finally started to move. “And I find it weird to talk about this to you.”

“Why? You never did before.”

“Well, I don’t think getting a crush on some boy when I was twelve is the same thing as now.”

Joyce chuckled again before shaking her head. “Okay, I won’t pry,” she said before turning the corner. “So, did he kiss you?”

Buffy laughed before burying her head in her hands and groaning loud as Joyce continued to laugh. And I thought Willow was impossible.

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

Willow stood with her back against the lockers staring hard at Buffy. The blonde had yet to speak and the grin on her face was beginning to become irritating. She knew something happened and all the secrets and stupid grins was beginning to grate on her nerves. “Are you going to torture me all day?”

“Torture?” Buffy said with a huge grin. “What on earth are you talking about?”

“Come on Buffy,” Willow whined. “I know something happened last night. Now just spill already.”

Buffy laughed as she shut her locker door and rolled her eyes as she looked at a pouting Willow. “You’re such a baby.”

“I know,” Willow laughed. “So, what happened?”

Buffy turned her head when commotion in the hall caught her attention and she wasn’t surprised to see the source of it was Xander, Jesse and Spike. Her smile widened when she caught Spike’s eye and Willow clearing her throat loudly finally, caused her to turn back around.

“All right. That’s it,” Willow said as she glared at Buffy. “I want to know what happened and I want to know right now missy!”

Buffy once again laughed before she glanced behind her quickly to see where the guys were before turning back around to face Willow. “Spike asked me to the dance.”

Xander, Jesse and Spike all stopped when Willow screamed and started doing some sort of dance in the middle of the hall while Buffy seemed to be trying to calm her down. Smiles bloomed across the guys’ faces and all eyes turned to Spike. “You asked her, didn’t you?” Xander grinned.

“Asked who what?” Spike asked, smiling.

“Buffy. Dance,” Xander grinned. “And when exactly did you plan on telling us?”

“Wasn’t aware I had to tell you everything.” Spike grinned before he started walking again. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene before him. Willow was still dancing. Buffy’s face was bright pink and the other students in the hall were looking on in amusement. He shook his head as he made his way down the hall while Xander and Jesse ran to catch up to him.

“God, would you shut up?” Buffy laughed. “You’re making a scene.”

“But it’s so great!” Willow beamed. “Two of my best friends are dating.”

”Dating?” Buffy asked. “No one said anything about dating. It’s just a dance.”

“Oh, just you wait,” Willow said as the guys finally approached them. “Xander! Walk me to class,” Willow smiled as she grabbed his arm and started to pull him away. “You too Jesse.”

Buffy watched as Willow pulled the reluctant teens away amidst their protests and smiled when she turned to look at Spike.

“Red seems to be in a good mood today,” Spike said as he finally turned his attention back to Buffy.

“Yeah. Seems so.” Buffy stared at him and they both seemed to be at a loss for words. The minutes ticked by and the longer they stood there, the more fidgety Buffy became.

“This is ridiculous,” Spike finally grinned and shook his head before he reached out and grabbed Buffy’s hand. “Come on goldilocks.”

“Where are we going?” Buffy asked as her smile widened.

“I’m going to walk you to class,” Spike smiled down at her.

“Oh.” Buffy couldn’t help the smile that curved her lips as they made their way down the hall. As much as she had been looking forward to seeing him again, once she laid eyes on him she didn’t know what to say. As they rounded the corner and approached her homeroom, she chuckled when she saw Willow standing in the doorway to her room a few doors down.

“See you at lunch?” Spike asked as he stopped in front of Buffy’s class.

“Yeah,” she smiled as she looked up at him and her smile grew when he leaned down and placed a soft chaste kiss on her lips.

“See ya then,” he said with a smile before winking at her and turning to leave.

Buffy watched him walk away and she leaned back against the wall as she clutched her book bag to her chest. Wow.

“Buffy!”

Buffy turned her head and looked down the hall at Willow. The red head was bouncing and her smile was as big as Buffy knew hers had to be.

“I want full details!” Willow yelled before the bell rang and she ran inside her classroom.

Buffy sighed deeply, trying to get her smile under control before she also turned and went to class.

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

“Oh my god. I wish I would have seen that,” Willow laughed as her and Buffy sat around the lunch table.

“His face was so red and I’ve never seen him move that fast,” Buffy chuckled as she told Willow of Giles’ reaction to walking in on her and Spike the previous night.

“I wish you would have called me last night,” Willow again pouted before smiling.

“I tried,” Buffy told her. “Getting mom to let up on the whole thing was impossible. I didn’t think she’d actually care that much about it really.”

”Well, she likes Spike,” Willow said as she pushed the food around on her tray. “Only natural she’d want to know.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Buffy smiled. “Still wigs me out though.”

“I bet,” Willow laughed before smiling big as she glanced over Buffy’s shoulder. “Don’t look now but here comes your new honey.”

Buffy rolled her eyes as Willow laughed again before she could hear Xander’s very animated laughter. She turned her head just as Spike approached the table and pulled a chair up next to her before sitting down.

“How are you ladies doing?”

“I’m good Spike,” Willow grinned. “You?”

“Never been better.”

Buffy smiled as conversation quickly took over the group and she couldn’t for the life of her figure out why she suddenly felt so tongue-tied. She had never really been the shy type and talking to Spike shouldn’t have ever been a problem but here she sat, fingers tapping the table lightly and the only thing she could think of was what was she going to say? Should she start a conversation with him or just wait for him to say something to her first?

Spike watched Buffy and he couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as she sat there almost fidgeting in her seat. She had yet to say anything and the longer he stared at her the more she squirmed.

Buffy saw him shift out of the corner of her eye before she felt his arm brush against her back and she turned her head when he leaned over to her.

“Have to say this shy bit is quite cute, Buffy.”

Buffy smiled as she looked at him. She could see the laughter in his eyes and that smile was surely going to kill her. “I’m not shy.”

“Yeah, then why haven’t you said anything to me yet?” Spike grinned.

“Don’t have anything to say,” Buffy told him softly. “It’s not necessary to speak to you every time I see you, is it?”

“No,” Spike chuckled. “We could just skip to the kissing part.”

Buffy’s smile widened and she realized how close they actually were. Just one slight move and she would be able to taste him. His smile was still present and it seemed like everyone in the room had stopped talking. She wondered how he could reduce her to mush with a simple look, but she felt herself melting as she stared at him. “Maybe later, if you’re a good boy,” she grinned.

Spike’s laughter caused a tingle to run up her spine before he leaned in. “I can be a very good boy,” he whispered in her ear and Buffy swallowed hard as she felt his tongue graze her ear.

Buffy sat there trying to control her breathing. She glanced over to her left and smiled as she saw everyone at the table sitting there grinning. No one was saying a word and she felt her face heat up as she blushed before she pulled back away from Spike. When she sat back in her seat, she heard Spike’s quiet chuckle before she felt his hand slide up her back to her neck. She shuddered at the contact and smiled as Willow grinned at her.

“So, what’s the plan for Friday?” Xander asked after getting everyone’s attention.

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

She wasn’t exactly sure when everything changed, but Buffy had been trying to pinpoint the exact moment her life had taken its u-turn and started leading her down a new path. Was it when Angel drugged her or did it start even before that? Maybe it had all been leading to this very moment from the very first day. It seemed like a dream to actually be happy and the source of her happiness was currently walking beside her with his fingers laced tightly with hers.

She smiled as she glanced up at him while he talked to Xander and she still couldn’t get over the irony of it all. Spike, the number one most irritating thing that had plagued her life was now the one thing that made sense. As they walked toward her house, Buffy gripped his hand a little tighter and smiled when he looked over at her. He smiled back and she wondered what he’d do if she just pulled him into the nearest bushes and had her way with him. She held back a chuckle as she thought about it and sighed contently instead. Things were finally as they should be. Her life was normal and she was happy. All the dreams she had ever wished for herself were possible now. Her future finally had a silver lining.

<><>

White knuckles griped the steering wheel and Angel had to force himself from stomping on the gas and running them over. He wouldn’t have thought she would be so dumb as to go ahead and start something with Spike, but the proof was right in front of him. His eyes were riveted to the group as they walked down the sidewalk without a care in the world. They were laughing and the sight of it made him sick. His Buffy had forced his hand and it was now time to make her see her mistake.

To Be Continued…….

A Glimpse of Heaven

Chapter 35

The theater was packed and Buffy sat nervously beside of Spike as she looked toward the front of the theater at Willow, Xander and Jesse. They had managed to convince some jocks to slide down a few seats to allow the friends to sit together, but still being one seat short, Spike had decided he and Buffy would find another seat. Not that she really minded, but now, as hushed whispers surrounded her the only thing she could really make out was the pounding in her chest.

When the lights went down and the voices faded, Buffy swallowed heavily as Spike slide down in his seat and threw his legs straight out in front of him before reaching across the armrest and grabbing her hand. He gave her hand a light squeeze before looking up at her and winking before turning his gaze back to the screen and Buffy smiled as she leaned back in her seat.

The mall had been its usual fanfare with childish pranks and dinner in the food court and Buffy didn't think she had ever laughed so much. Spike had spent practically the entire night holding her hand when his arm wasn't draped across her shoulder. She caught herself with a silly grin on her face more than once and she had to constantly remind herself that this was all real. That she was really sitting here. With Spike. In the dark and enjoying every second of it.

<><>

"So, what do you want to do?"

"Nothing."

"Okay," the sandy blonde haired teen sighed. "Are we just going to watch?"

"No. You are," Angel said as he stood from his seat. "Don't let them out of your sight."

Ryan watched as Angel walked out of the isle and left before his attention was drawn back to the couple sitting in the back of the theater. He sighed heavily as he shook his head and slide down in his seat when he saw Buffy look over at them. Following the group around all night had been fun when he thought Angel was going to do more than just follow and watch. Now as Angel left and he was stuck playing hide-n-seek with the couple, he groaned silently to himself as the movie started.

<><>

Buffy strained her eyes to see in the dark as she glanced around the theater. Seeing someone stand, her eyes widened slightly when she saw who she thought was Angel.

"What's wrong?" Spike asked when she squeezed his hand. Seeing the wide-eyed look on her face, Spike turned his head in the direction she was looking and saw what she did. He straightened in his seat when he saw Angel leave the auditorium and stood quickly before Buffy pulled him back into his seat. "Don't. Just let him go."

Spike stared over at her and could see the fear in her eyes. He smiled at her before he nodded his head at her and released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Buffy smiled before she sighed heavily when Spike pulled her to him and her eyes closed briefly before she laid her head on his shoulder.

<><>

"Awww. Isn't that the cutest?" Willow whispered as she looked over her shoulder at Spike and Buffy.

Xander glanced behind him before he shook his head and looked back at the screen. "Are you going to watch the movie or watch those two all night?"

"But it's so cute," she beamed. "They're all couple-y now," she giggled.

"Oh brother," Xander sighed as he shook his head.

<><>

Spike was having a hard time concentrating on the movie as Buffy's scent tickled his nose. Her head was resting on his shoulder and the soft flowing locks of her hair spilled out over his hand that rested on her back. He couldn't help but run his fingers through it and as she snuggled closer to him he inhaled deeply.

Buffy smiled when she felt Spike play with her hair and her eyes closed as she took in his scent. Seeing Angel had sent a panic through her but now all she could think of was Spike. She could see Willow look back at them every so often and her smile widened as she saw the wide grin on her friends face. She knew it matched her own. A loud scream caused her to jump and she looked at the screen before rolling her eyes. "Why did we agree to such a lame movie again?" She whispered.

Spike chuckled as he watched the half dressed girl on screen scream and run through the darkened woods before he leaned down. "Well, wasn't really interested in watching."

"Then why were you so persistent in seeing this one?" She asked looking up. The smirk on his face was all the answer she needed before his head lowered. When his lips made contact with hers she felt her body go limp as his tongue pushed its way inside her mouth. All thoughts gave way as he pulled her closer to him and the screams coming from the screen faded as the pounding of her heart drummed in time with her pulse.

<><>

Willow's eyes widened as she looked back over her shoulder and her smile was almost blinding as she nudged Xander. "Look."

Xander turned his head and smiled as he saw the two blondes engaged in a major lip-lock before he turned back to the screen. "Watch the movie, Will," he grinned.

Willow sighed happily before turning back to the screen.

<><>

Buffy moved her right arm, slipping it between the fabric of Spike's duster and the warmth of his skin. Her arm snaked around his waist as he turned to her slightly and she pressed herself against him as he kissed her breathless. His hand held her head to him and when he pulled away from her with a gasp she looked up into his eyes and smiled.

"Been wanting to do that all night," Spike whispered.

"What took you so long?" Buffy smiled.

"Just trying to figure out if it's what you still wanted."

Buffy looked up at him and could see the doubt shining in his eyes. She smiled at him before she leaned in and brushed her lips across his briefly. "What I want is you."

Spike smiled against her lips as he looked down at her before his free hand wrapped around her waist. "I'm yours, goldilocks. For as long as you'll have me."

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

Buffy was smiling as the gang left the movie theater and she was still trying to catch her breath. She didn't think she had ever kissed anyone for so long and still remained clothed. Her hand was in Spike's as they all headed down the sidewalk through town and the conversation her friends were having fell on deaf ears. Her lips still stung and the pleasant little shock waves that had rippled through her body were still humming through her limbs.

A glance up at the night sky caused her smile to increase as the heavens winked at her through hundreds of bright stars. The moon was full and bright and when Spike's steps slowed, she turned her head to look at him.

"I'm gonna walk Buffy home," Spike told the others before he turned them in the other direction. "I'll see ya tomorrow."

Buffy smiled at Willow as she flashed her a brilliant smile before she said her goodbyes and fell into step with Spike. She could still hear her friend's voices as they faded away and her heart rate quickened as they walked in silence.

Spike wasn't sure what to do now that they were alone. He knew what he wanted to do, but the streets of Sunnydale weren't the place for that. Crossing the street, they cut across town on the way to Buffy's house and Buffy chuckled to herself when she saw where they were headed.

"A moonlit walk through the graveyard?" She asked, amused. "How romantic."

Spike turned his head to look at her before he grinned. "I aim to please, Ms. Summers."

Buffy giggled as they entered the graveyard and the surrounding stillness was almost a comfort. She hadn't stepped foot in a graveyard except for once since ending up here and for the first time she didn't feel the sense of dread come over her like it did in the past. The grave markers that lined the lawn stood silently as the moon lit up their surroundings and Buffy's steps were unconsciously leading them on a familiar path. When she saw the large stone structure, her steps slowed before they stopped.

It was Spike's crypt. A smile covered her face as she glanced over at him and she was walking again before she even had time to process why. The door creaked as it opened and the smell of dirt and dust assaulted her senses as she stepped over the threshold.

"Now who's being romantic?" Spike chuckled as he stepped into the crypt behind her. "Not exactly the Ritz, but I guess a bloke could do worse."

Buffy watched him through the filtered moonlight coming through the doorway as he stepped further into the crypt and the flicker of light from his lighter ghosted shadows across his face as he lifted his arm and lit one of the pillar candles that lined the window sill. She smiled as she looked at him. She never realized before how the rough interior of the crypt made him look so dangerous. He looked like walking death as he stalked the room and a shiver crawled up her spine before she snapped out of her musings.

"Well Ms. Summers. You've got me here. What do you plan on doing with me?"

Buffy could hear the innuendo in his words and she couldn't hide her smile. He was standing there with his thumbs in his belt loops and his head was cocked to one side. His leather duster flowed around his legs and she swallowed heavily as she let her eyes take in the sight of him. She stepped further into the dark space before she looked toward the sarcophagus and walked slowly to it. She could feel his eyes on her and the soft sounds of his boots hitting the floor sent a chill through her. What are you doing? She asked herself as she heard him walking around the room. Turning around to face him, she smiled. He was walking slowly toward her. Stalking her and the look on his face was one she had seen to many times. This was Spike.

"Are the rules changing?" Spike asked her softly, the baritone of his voice causing her breathing to increase as he slowly approached her. "Not that I mind, but I didn't picture you as the type of girl that was as easy as this. Especially on the first date."

"This is a date?" Buffy asked grinning as she looked up at him when he stopped in front of her. "And here I thought dates consisted of being alone with someone all evening. Not hanging out with a group of friends."

"Wasn't aware you wanted me alone, princess," Spike said as he braced both arms on the sarcophagus behind her, trapping her in place.

Buffy stared up at him and her smile widened when his tongue slid out to wet his bottom lip. "Maybe I did."

Spike stared at her before he chuckled lightly and shook his head. "You are a complete mystery, Buffy," he grinned. "Shy, quite girl by day. Minx by night. Any other little secrets you're hiding from me?"

Buffy's mind flashed hundred of things she dare not say before she backed up against the sarcophagus. She smiled before glancing at the pink expanse of his lips. "Plenty," she stated calmly.

Spike inhaled deeply, taking in her scent and memorizing the way the moonlight reflected off her hair before his eyes traveled across her face. She was smiling up at him and when the tip of her tongue darted out of her mouth to wet her lips, his eyes followed its movement.

Buffy could have sworn he growled before he lunged for her. His mouth crashed against hers and he wasted no time delving inside. His hands quickly found her waist and she moaned as he pulled her to him. Her pulse was racing as her arms found their way around his neck and she held on tight as her head spun. The small moans they were both making echoed off the stone walls and the flickering light from the lone candle danced their shadows across the room.

Gasping for air, Buffy pulled back, heaving in oxygen her lungs craved as Spike kissed his way across her face toward her neck. Her eyes were shut tight and she gasped as she felt his teeth scrape across her skin.

Spike tasted the salt on her skin and smiled against her flesh when she moaned and leaned her head to the side giving him better access. He flattened his tongue against her skin, running a trail up her neck to her ear before attacking the small appendage as she clung to him.

Buffy could feel his arousal pressing against her stomach and her legs trembled as her lust induced mind conjured images of him naked in the moonlight. She whispered his name into the still, quiet of the room and smiled as she definitely heard a small growl come from him. "If you don't stop that, you're going to see just how easy I am," she managed to get out, kicking herself the whole while for stopping him.

"Don't mind you being easy," Spike smiled against her neck. "Besides, this whole graveyard thing adds a whole new kink factor to everything."

Buffy laughed as he lifted his head to look at her before a brief kiss stung her lips. She looked up at him and had to remind herself she was suppose to be a virginal sixteen year old girl, not the experienced twenty year old she was. "Only you would think making out in a graveyard was kinky."

"You're the one that drug me in here, kitten," Spike grinned. "Not the other way around."

"Yeah, well - I was just curious."

"About what? If I was as sexy in the dark as I am in the light," he grinned.

Already know the answer to that Buffy smiled.

"Are you blushing?" Spike asked, seeing her duck her head slightly.

"No," Buffy snorted out a laugh as she shook her head.

Spike laughed before straightening and lifted his hand to her face. He pushed her hair away and tucked it behind her ear. "So, about this date you think we're not on."

"What about it?" She smiled.

Spike chuckled at her before dipping down to steal another quick kiss. "Well, how about tomorrow? A real one?"

"What did you have in mind?" She asked, smiling. The smile that spread across his face caused her to giggle before she shook her head. "Do I even want to know?"

"Um, probably not," Spike smiled.

"You're impossible."

"It'll only make you love me more." The words were out before he could stop them and he smiled to erase the uneasy feeling he got as her eyes widened slightly. "So, when and where?"

"When and where what?"

Spike rolled his eyes playfully before grinning down at her. "The date? Tomorrow?"

"Oh," Buffy laughed. "Um, surprise me."

"I'll see what I can do," Spike smiled before taking a step back away from her. "Well, lets get you home before Hank puts me on his `creeps to kill' list."

Buffy chuckled as Spike took her hand and led her to the door of the crypt. She gave the room one last look as they crossed the threshold and stepped out into the night.

To Be Continued...

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