A/N This fic revolves around events in the episode “Band Candy”, but it varies from what happened and only incorporates so many details. For the record, everyone already knows Angel is back from Hell, and Faith won’t play a part in the storyline.

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Chapter 1- Who Says Candy is Bad?

“I don’t want to sell anything for the marching band,” Xander said, looking at the box of chocolate bars he was holding as he exited Sunnydale High School with Buffy and Willow, who were carrying the same boxes. “Have you heard them lately? They sound horrible.”

“Says the guy who has no musical talent,” Buffy said, frowning. “Couldn’t they just have a car wash or something?”

“Do you really want to see any of the band geeks in bikinis?” Xander asked, raising an eyebrow. “I’m a horny guy, and even I don’t want to see that.”

“Play nice,” Willow said, nudging him. “So, are we hitting the Bronze tonight?”

“Count me in,” Buffy replied. “I don’t know if Mom will allow it, but I’ll find a way.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Willow said in an upbeat tone.

“I just need to offload some of this candy first,” Buffy said, looking at the box. “I wonder if I can sucker my mom into purchasing the whole thing and saving me time.”

“Right there with you,” Xander said. “Too bad my parents don’t ever listen to a thing I say unless it involves the words ‘schnapps’ or ‘liquor’.”

“Well, at least your parents listen to you in the first place,” Willow said, sighing as Buffy gave her a sympathetic look. “We’ll see you later.”

“Bye, guys,” Buffy said, watching her friends walk away before going back inside the school and heading to the library.

She let herself through the double-doors and smiled when she saw Giles pacing around, reading a book.

“Hey, Nerdy McNerd,” she said, getting his attention, giggling at his stern look. “Lighten up, Giles- I come bearing gifts.”

“I’m not buying any of that,” he replied, taking off his glasses and waving them around in the direction of the chocolate box. “Peddle them somewhere else.”

“Well, you’re no fun,” she said, putting the box down on the countertop. “So, what’re you studying up on?”

“Nothing of mass importance,” he answered, shutting the book. “What brings you here?”

“Felt like stopping by,” she said, shrugging.

“And to convince me to buy some of those chocolates?” he asked, not surprised when she nodded vigorously. “Fine. I’ll talk half of them.”

“Did I ever tell you you’re my favorite Watcher?” she asked, opening the box.

“I’m your only Watcher,” he mumbled, accepting the chocolate bars she handed him.

* * * * *

‘Stupid bloody town,’ Spike thought as he aimlessly walked through one of Sunnydale’s cemeteries. ‘Why did you come back here, you wanker?’ He sighed and looked around. ‘Oh, that’s right- Dru left you.’ He growled and kicked a gravestone, sending it crashing to the ground at the sudden impact.

“Sorry, mate,” he said, peering down at the grave marker. “I bet your eternal love didn’t leave you, did she?”

“Sir?” a voice asked a few feet away. Spike quirked an eyebrow and turned to look at the small brunette girl that was trying to get his attention. “Can I interest you in a candy bar?”

“Excuse me?” he asked, tilting his head, using his vampire senses to hone in on the sudden change in her heartbeat.

‘She’s scared of me,’ he thought, delighted. ‘And she looks a little like Drusilla.’ He grinned and took a few steps towards her.

“I suppose I could use a little snack,” he said, and she smiled.

“We’re selling them for the marching band,” she said, looking down at the box, not noticing when his visage changed, his eyes turning amber. “Our uniforms look-” She cut herself off as she raised her eyes to his, letting the box drop as she let out a blood-curdling scream.

Spike grabbed her shoulders forcefully and pulled her to him, pushing the hair off of her neck and sinking his fangs into the smooth skin of her neck. When he had his fill and felt her pulse slow to a stop, he extracted his fangs and let her drop to the ground.

“Stupid bint, selling candy in a cemetery,” he said, looking at her with a bemused expression. “She must’ve had a death wish.” He leaned down and picked up the box of candy. “Or was desperate enough to sell this to anything that moved.” He opened the box and grabbed a candy bar out of it before tearing the wrapper open and taking a bite out of it and smirking. “Well, this is actually pretty good.” He looked at the teenage girl laying at his feet, her eyes wide open, staring up at him in terror, even in death. “Thanks, pet.”

He walked away from her, continuing to eat the chocolate bar.

“Now, where’s my favorite Slayer?”

* * * * *

“Thanks, Mom,” Buffy said, handing her mother the half-empty box of chocolate bars. “I knew I could count on you to buy the rest of these.”

“Anything to keep my daughter from whining,” Joyce replied, smiling at her daughter’s narrowed eyes. “So, what are your plans for the night?”

“Willow and Xander want me to go to the Bronze,” Buffy answered. “Can I?”

“Yes, you may,” Joyce said, and Buffy smiled. “But I still expect you to come home at a reasonable hour. And if I find out you were with Angel instead, I won’t be too happy with you, young lady.”

“Why not?” Buffy asked, crossing her arms. “He’s one of my friends, too, Mom.”

“A friend who went evil last year and killed one of your teachers,” she replied sternly. “I know he has his soul again, but I don’t like the idea of you seeing him again, Buffy. Especially not as a couple.”

“We’re just friends,” Buffy said, looking down. “We know we can’t be together again.” She sighed quietly and looked at her mother once again. “But I’m not going to turn my back on him, either.”

“I’m not surprised,” Joyce said. “That’s why Mr. Giles and I are meeting tonight to talk about the state of things.”

“What?” Buffy asked, stunned. “Why would you do that?”

“You were gone all summer, Buffy, and I think it’s time he and I discussed that and all of the other stuff I want to know about Slayers,” Joyce answered. “Plus, your grades, Angel, and some other details need to be talked about before this year progresses more. It’s your senior year, honey- don’t start doing poorly now, not when colleges are paying so much attention to your transcripts.”

“Yes, Mom,” Buffy said, turning to walk away. “See you later.”

“Have a nice time,” Joyce said quietly, frowning as her daughter walked out of sight. “I just wish she’d be happy again.”

She heard a knock on the back door and answered it, surprised to see Spike standing there.

“Hello, Joyce,” he said, grinning. “Can I come in?”

Chapter 2- Two Morose Blondes, All Alone

“Can you believe the nerve of her?” Spike asked as looked into his mug of hot chocolate. “Our love was eternal.” He sipped from the cup in his hand and sighed. “Literally.”

“Well, she sounds very unreasonable,” Joyce replied, finishing her drink and leaning against the counter. “So you left Drusilla and returned here?”

“Didn’t really have anywhere else to go,” he said quietly. “Could have gone to London, but it didn’t sound all too appealing.” He drank more from the mug and looked down. “At least Angel’s here- I can make fun of the ponce and get my rocks back.” At Joyce’s raised eyebrow, he continued, “I’ll be in a much better mood after putting him down for a while.”

“You two aren’t exactly close, are you?” she asked, opening a chocolate bar, and he shook his head vehemently. “And you worked against him when he was Angelus, which surprised me. I would have thought you’d enjoy his presence more. You know, the whole evil thing.”

“Can’t like a guy who never understood me,” he said, shrugging. “And the fact he was shagging Dru when I was stuck in that bloody wheelchair didn’t exactly make me fonder of him.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, eating a chunk of chocolate, and he nodded, finishing his drink. “Maybe you should find yourself a nice, respectable woman to date.”

“She’d probably end up leaving me for a Chaos demon, too,” he mumbled, smiling appreciatively as Joyce refilled his mug. “You’re such a lovely woman, Joyce. You don’t seem to judge me even a fraction as much as your spitfire of a daughter does.” He looked around. “Speaking of which, where’s the Slayer?”

“Out with her friends,” she answered. “I believe they went out dancing.”

“Must be nice,” Spike replied. “Being a normal teenager for a night.” She studied his expression for a moment before her gaze shifted to a nearby clock.

“Well, I need to go meet up with Rupert,” she said, grabbing her purse. He stood up, but she ushered him to sit back down on a stool at the island in the center of the kitchen. “Stay and finish your cocoa while it’s still warm.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, surprised, and she nodded. “Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, going to the back door and opening it. “Have a good night.” He watched her walk out, closing the door behind her.

She got to her black Jeep and grabbed the door-handle, shutting her eyes as a weird sensation ran through her.

‘What was that?’ she thought, looking around for a moment before shrugging. ‘Probably just a chill or something.’ She got in and started the car before backing out of the driveway and driving towards Rupert’s house.

Meanwhile, Spike was muttering something to himself about Drusilla when he felt a chill run through him, similar to the feeling that Joyce had experienced a minute before.

“That was odd,” he said quietly, picking up the mug and a bar of chocolate as he stood up and walked into the living room, sitting down on the couch and making himself comfortable.

* * * * *

“This place is dead tonight,” Buffy said as she looked around the Bronze, Willow standing at her side. “Maybe we should go home.”

“It’s still early,” her friend replied. “Let’s go sit with Oz and Xander. Maybe it will liven up soon.”

“Yeah, might as well,” Buffy said, walking upstairs to the balcony. “Nothing else to do tonight.”

“Except we have a History test tomorrow,” Willow said, and Buffy made a face. “You forgot?”

“Kind of,” she answered, sitting down next to Xander as they reached the table he was sitting at. “Where’s Oz?”

“Getting us sodas,” he answered. “We were too thirsty to wait.”

“Sorry,” Buffy replied. “I went to Willow’s to get ready, which added to our lateness.”

“I’m going downstairs to find Oz,” Willow said. “Want a drink, Buffy?”

“No thanks,” she answered. “I don’t know how long I’m going to stay. I should probably study for that test.”

“The History one?” Xander asked, and she nodded. “You’ll be fine.”

“I skipped most of last week’s classes,” she said, and he smiled. “So I highly doubt I’ll do okay.”

“Just do your best,” Willow said, patting Buffy’s shoulder before she walked away.

“I wonder what the deal is tonight,” Xander said, looking around. “Usually this place is crowded.”

“It’s quiet enough up here to hear a pin drop,” Buffy replied. “Are we missing something? Is it not cool to come here anymore?”

“This is the only moderately fun place in a thirty-mile radius,” he said.
“Maybe everyone’s studying,” she said, sighing. “I wish Willow told me sooner than tonight about it- maybe I could’ve studied a little last night during my worthless patrolling session.”

“Perk up, Buff,” Xander said, smiling. “Wouldn’t you rather get your groove on than look at a textbook?”

“Yes, but I don’t see grooving in my near future,” she replied, smirking. “The DJ is playing classic rock songs, and I don’t typically enjoy those.”

“Well, maybe we can put in a request,” he said as Willow and Oz appeared, sitting down at the table.

“We miss anything?” Willow asked. “Besides you two looking bored?”

“Nope,” Xander answered. “That’s about it.”

“We’re a lively bunch tonight,” Oz said, looking at his friends, who were all sporting blank expressions. “Anyone else want to get out of here?”

“Yeah,” they all said in unison, standing up.

“At least we didn’t have to pay a cover charge or anything tonight,” Xander said. “Every dollar counts when you’re unemployed.”

“You’ll find a job soon,” Willow said, smiling. “And then you can start paying us back for all of the times we’ve loaned you money.”

“When haven’t I paid you back for something?” he asked, and she shrugged. “That’s what I thought.”

They walked downstairs and outside, seeing a couple of cars leave the parking lot.

“Well, I think I’m going to do a quick patrol before I go home,” Buffy said. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“You don’t want us to go with you? Or drive you home later?” Willow asked, and Buffy shook her head.

“But thanks for the offer,” she said, turning around and walking away.

“Is it just me, or does she seem unusually melancholy?” Oz asked, and Willow sighed.

“It probably has to do with Angel,” she answered before the three friends got into Oz’s van.

* * * * *

Buffy walked home from one of the local cemeteries, angry that she hadn’t seen any demonic activity.

‘If I had known tonight was going to suck so much, I would’ve stayed home,’ she thought. ‘Didn’t have fun at the Bronze, didn’t stake anything, and now I get to study for a test I don’t have any notes for.’ She sighed. ‘Maybe it would help if I went to class and read the book once in a while.’

She saw a car drive erratically down the road and raised an eyebrow until it was out of sight.

“That’s the third one tonight,” she said quietly, tilting her head. “Was there a party or something that I didn’t hear about?” She shrugged it off and continued walking.

When she arrived at her house, she let herself in and stopped in her tracks as she saw Spike sitting on her couch, scribbling something fiercely in a notebook she recognized to be hers.

“What the hell are you doing here, Spike?” she asked sharply, crossing her arms. He looked at her with a confused expression.

“That is not the proper way for a lady to speak,” he said, closing the notebook and standing up. “And my name is William, miss.”

Chapter 3- Ripper, the King of Shagging

“What?” Buffy asked, very confused. “First of all, why are you here, in my house? How did you get in? And since when are you back in town?” She paused and raised an eyebrow. “And what’s this about your name being William?”

“I arrived a while ago and spoke with your lovely mother,” he answered, standing up and ducking his head as she continued to stare at him. “She’s a very nice woman.”

“Yes, I know she is,” Buffy said, growing increasingly more thrown by the situation. “But why are you here?”

“I was in need of conversing with someone who would listen to me,” he answered quietly. “And I knew that your mother would be very compassionate.”

“Okay, Spike, either you’re very drunk or something’s wrong here,” she said, looking around the room. “Did you do something?”

“I do not know what you are talking about,” he said, tilting his head. “And I can assure you that I have not indulged in drinking any type of liquor tonight. That’s highly improper.” He clasped his hands in front of him and studied her. “And again, I must insist that you call me William. I do not know who this Spike is.”

‘This just keeps getting weirder and weirder,’ she thought, watching as he returned to sitting on the couch, once again opening her notebook.

“Alright, William, tell me something,” she said, sitting on a chair that was across from the sofa. “What year is it?”

“I believe it is 1998, correct?” he asked, and she nodded, frowning. “Is something the matter, miss?”

“My name is Buffy,” she said, and at his surprised expression, she continued, “It’s a nickname. My real name is Elizabeth.”

“A beautiful name for an equally beautiful woman,” he said before quickly ducking his head. “I am sorry for being so forward. Please do not think ill of me for saying such a thing.” She giggled quietly, which caught his attention.

“I didn’t mind it,” she replied before looking down, trying to think things through.

‘If it’s 1998 for him, too, then what’s going on?’ she asked herself. ‘He obviously is not himself, but the question is why? Actually, there are a lot more pertinent questions than that one, but if it’s the same year for him, why is he acting like he’s his pre-vampire self? Shouldn’t he be confused by technology and why he’s in Sunnydale and not in England?’ She watched him write something down in the notebook before raising his eyes to hers. ‘I can honestly say I’m beginning to wig out.’

“You do not look well, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, sounding concerned. “Would you like to sit down?”

“I think I need to talk to someone first,” she replied, quickly walking to her telephone and picking it up.

‘Is this being caused by a spell?’ she thought. ‘Who would make a mistake like this?’ She paused and began dialing a familiar number. ‘Willow.’

“Hello?” a cheery voice asked on the other line.

“Hi, Will, it’s me,” Buffy said. “Have you done any spells since you came home tonight?”

“No,” Willow answered, sounding confused. “Oz and Xander came over to watch a movie. Why?”

“Because there’s something very odd happening right now,” Buffy said, looking at Spike again. “Very odd.”

* * * * *

After explaining everything she had come up with, Buffy got off the phone with Willow and dialed another number, giving Spike a warm smile as a worried expression settled on his features.

“You’ve reached Ripper, the King of Shagging,” Giles said, which caused Buffy to nearly drop the phone. “Press one for a night of romance, two for a round of the rough and tumble type of-”

“Giles?” Buffy asked, cutting him off before he could say something to make her blush more.

“That’s me, luv,” he replied, seemingly excited by the sound of a young female voice. “What can I do for you?”

“You can stop freaking me out, for one,” she said. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing wrong with me,” he answered. “Who is this?”

“Buffy,” she answered. “Do you remember who I am?”

“Sure,” he said, which served to calm her anxiety… until he continued to speak. “You’re that bird I shagged senseless, right? The one who requested I use handcuffs?” She shrieked and slammed the phone down, which caused Spike to flinch and stand up, quickly making his way over to her.

“What is wrong, Buffy?” he asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. She looked at him with wide eyes, fighting off the urge to hug him for the amount of concern he was showing.

‘Why can’t Spike be like this all of the time?’ she asked herself. ‘Oh, that’s right- he’s not Spike.’ She looked into his eyes and sighed. ‘He’s William.’

“Feel like taking a stroll?” she asked him, and he nodded, still worried about her. “It’s time to go find out what’s going on around here.” She grabbed her keys and a jacket before ushering him out of the house.

“If you would like to talk about something, I would be honored to be of some service,” he said with a hopeful expression, and she managed a small smile.

“Thank you for the offer,” she replied. “But right now, I just want to talk to someone who might have an inkling of how to fix whatever is going wrong.”

* * * * *

Buffy knocked on Giles’ door a while later and waited for him to open it. After knocking twice and not getting a response, she frowned and took a step back.

“I know you’re in there, Giles,” she said loudly. “I can hear you playing Led Zeppelin!”

“What does that mean?” William asked, looking at her with puzzlement playing on his features.

“I’ll explain it later, Sp-William,” she said, catching herself. “And what I’m about to do isn’t going to look right, but trust me- it’s okay.” Before he could ask her what she was talking about, she kicked down Giles’ door and took a step inside. He watched her with a stunned expression before she looked at him and grinned. “Going to come in?”

“What?” he asked, not registering her words until he stopped looking at the broken door, now lying on the ground in Giles’ house. “Oh. Yes, I will join you.” He took a few steps in, and they both looked around, trying to see if anyone was in the main part of the apartment.

When Buffy saw movement out of the corner of her eye, she was shocked to see Giles coming down the steps, only a thin sheet wrapped around his hips and a cigarette dangling from his lips, a furious look on his face.

“Who the bloody hell are you?” he asked loudly, over the music. “And what did you do to my door? Haven’t you heard of knocking?”

“I did knock,” she replied as she walked to his stereo and turned it off. “Maybe you would’ve heard me if you had the volume lower!”

“Ripper, I liked that song,” a familiar voice said. “Why did you turn it off?” Buffy turned around with wide eyes as she saw Joyce walk down the stairs in a similar state of undress as Giles.

“Mom?” she asked before her eyes rolled back and she fainted.

Chapter 4- Nudity Isn’t Always Appreciated

When Buffy opened her eyes, she was surprised to see beautiful blue eyes looking back at her. She blinked a couple of times until she began to sit up with help from Spike, who had knelt down beside her.

“Maybe you should rest for a moment,” he said quietly, his hand on her back. “You look very pale.”

“I’m fine,” she mumbled, turning her head to watch Joyce and Giles talk on the stairs, smiling at each other. “So that wasn’t a nightmare.” She sighed and slowly stood up. “Why can’t I be blind?”

“Are they married?” Spike asked, studying them. “I would hope that they are because partaking in fornication is a sin.” Buffy stared at him for a long moment before shaking her head and turning towards her mother and Giles.

“I’m going to overlook you two… doing whatever the hell you were doing,” Buffy said, hoping William wasn’t listening to her. “I don’t even want to know what you were doing, actually.”

“I was showing Joyce here what it means to be fuc-” Giles began, but Buffy quickly ran to him and slapped her hand over his mouth. When he licked her palm, she shrieked and took a quick step back, not amused when he grinned lecherously at her.

“Can I have a normal conversation with you, please?” she asked sternly, and he crossed his arms, which made the sheet around him fall. Her eyes widened as she was suddenly faced with a very naked Giles and turned away, noticing that William was disturbed by the sight just as much as she was. “And will you both get dressed? There’s something very wrong going on and I need to talk to you about it!”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Joyce said, smiling. “Everything feels alright to me.”

“That’s because I screwed you silly, beautiful,” Giles said, nuzzling his face into her neck. Buffy groaned loudly in frustration and grabbed Spike’s hand, pulling him towards the door-less entryway of the apartment.

“You two can get back to your grope-fest, even though I’m not going to support it in any way,” Buffy said, averting her eyes from them. “I’ll go to someone who can actually help me.”

“And be sure to knock next time!” Giles shouted after her as Buffy and Spike walked out, both in stunned silence after seeing such a disturbing sight.

“I’m so sorry you had to witness that,” she said after a while, looking at her feet as they walked. “I’m sure you’re not used to that.”

“Do you see a lot of people naked?” he asked curiously, and her eyes widened as she looked at him, instantly shaking her head.

“No, not at all,” she answered. “No nudity for Buffy. I like people fully-clothed, especially when they’re my mother and a man who’s like a father to me.”

“But they are not married?” he asked, and she shook her head. “Do you approve of such sinful acts?”

“What? No,” she answered, stopping mid-step and looking down. “I don’t approve of it when it involves Giles and my mom.”

“How about when it involves other people?” he asked, tilting his head. She frowned and looked up at the sky, shaking her head.

‘Why me?’ she asked herself. ‘I can’t believe it, but I think I’m beginning to miss the real Spike.’ She sighed. ‘He wouldn’t ask questions like this, especially since he’s committed more sins than naïve William will ever realize.’ She looked at the man beside her, who was watching her with a worried expression. ‘If Spike remembers this later on, he’s going to kick himself.’ She grinned as she looked down. ‘Or stake himself.’

* * * * *

“Willow, you need to help us now,” Buffy practically growled as Willow opened her front door. Over the time it took for Buffy and Spike to walk to Willow’s house, he continued to question her about relationships and issues of morality, which only served to irritate her more. “Can we come in?”

“Spike will be allowed to come in then anytime after tonight, though, won’t he?” Willow asked, and Buffy looked at her, frowning.

“I don’t know,” she answered. “He walked into Giles’ apartment without an invite. I mean, I told him he could come in, but that shouldn’t have mattered since I don’t live there.”

“How did it go with Giles?” Willow asked as she opened the door wider, allowing both Buffy and Spike to walk in, no invite for Spike needed to everyone’s surprise.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Buffy answered quietly as she walked past her friend. “Have you looked into any spells that could have caused something like this to happen?”

“I’ve come up with some theories, but nothing’s really fit together yet,” Willow answered before looking at Spike. “How are you doing, William?”

“I am a little flustered by things, Miss Willow,” he said. “I trust you are doing well, yes?”

“Yes, I am,” she replied, smiling. “This is kind of neat, Buffy. Are you sure you don’t want him to stay like this permanently? Maybe we don’t need a spell after all.”

“Yes, we do,” Buffy said quickly. “If you saw my mom and Giles, you’d agree with me.” She paused and looked around. “Are your parents acting weird, too?”

“No idea- they haven’t been downstairs since I came home,” Willow answered. “I sent both Oz and Xander out to see if anyone else has been affected. Maybe it’s a spell that’s focused on the people around you.”

“But that doesn’t quite explain why you aren’t acting odd and why Spike’s suddenly a very different… creature,” Buffy said, running a hand through her hair as Spike watched her with a sad look on his face. “I don’t know what to do.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Willow replied, putting a hand on Buffy’s shoulder. “I promise.”

“Maybe we should return you to your home,” William suggested. “You look exhausted.”

“I’m not going to sleep until I know that everything’s back to normal,” Buffy replied. “But thank you for being so considerate.” They exchanged smiles before she looked at her friend again. “We need to think about things, Will. Why would people change like this? Why is it only certain people? What’s different about today than any other day?”

Suddenly, Ira Rosenberg sprinted down the stairs in only a Speedo and exited the house through the back door before doing a cannonball in the pool. Everyone stared at him through the window with wide eyes, growing even more shocked when Willow’s mother Sheila followed her husband outside, completely nude.

“Oh my god,” Willow said quietly, feeling sick to her stomach as she turned away, trying to blink away the mental images that were filling her head.

“Now you know how I felt before,” Buffy said, managing a weak smile. “You alright, William?” He looked at her with a blank face and nodded slowly before walking to a chair and sitting down. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve never seen so much nudity in my life,” he replied. “You all must be very uncivilized people.” Before Buffy could snap at him, Willow grabbed her arm and shook her head.

“He doesn’t understand society or life today,” the redhead whispered. “Just go easy on him until we figure this out, okay?” Buffy mumbled something and sat down beside Spike. “Alright, let’s get back to our train of thought before my eyes were scarred for life.” She took a deep breath and looked around the room. “What’s different about today?” She saw a pile of crumpled-up chocolate bar wrappers and paused. Buffy followed her gaze and felt her jaw drop slightly.

“The chocolate!” they both said in unison.

Chapter 5- Rejecting Two Brits

“I found the address for the company that’s making the chocolate bars,” Willow announced triumphantly after looking it up on-line. “It’s near the old factory Spike and Drusilla were in.”

“Should I get Giles and my mom?” Buffy asked, standing up from her seat, not surprised when Spike copied her actions. “Or do you think I’ll be fine on my own?”

“You will not be alone, Elizabeth,” Spike said, lifting his chin proudly. “I will accompany you.”

“No, you won’t,” she replied, turning towards Willow and missing the hurt expression on Spike’s face. “I’ll call you when this is all over.”

“Sounds good,” Willow said, escorting them to the door. “Be careful, Buffy, and it was nice… to meet you, William.” He nodded curtly and walked outside, which surprised Buffy.

“I wonder what his problem is,” she said, and Willow smiled slightly at her. “What?”

“You said you wouldn’t let him go with you- I’m sure that hurt a little,” she answered. “He looked kind of sad.”

“I don’t want to look out for him when I get to the factory,” Buffy said, watching as he stood on Willow’s porch and stared at his feet. “I don’t know what I’m going to face there and don’t need him to distract me.”

“I’m surprised you’re willing to protect him,” Willow said quietly. “I mean, this is Spike we’re talking about.”

“No, it’s not,” Buffy replied. “It may be Spike’s body, but it’s William we’re dealing with.”

“Yes, but wouldn’t it be easy to stake him right now and have him out of our lives for good?” Willow asked.

“If I’m going to kill Spike, I want it to be a fair fight,” Buffy said. “I think Spike deserves that, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Willow said, shrugging. “Good luck at the factory. I hope everything works out.”

“Me, too,” Buffy agreed, walking outside and over to Spike. He looked at her with an angry expression and stormed off. She raised an eyebrow and quickly followed him until she was walking alongside him. “What’s wrong?”

“I heard what you were saying to Miss Willow,” he said sharply. “Every word.”

“I’m trying to protect you,” she said, confused. “Why are you upset about that?”

“Because I’m a man, Elizabeth- I am supposed to be the one protecting you, not the other way around,” he said, coming to a stop.

“Times have changed,” she replied, crossing her arms. “And I’m a lot tougher than I look. I can handle myself just fine, William, trust me.” He looked down, not wanting her to see how upset he was. “I’m going to take you to my house, and when this chaos is over, I’ll come back to make sure everything’s well and fine, okay?”

“Are you going to let the naked man from before go with you?” he asked, and she studied him, surprised to hear the jealousy in his voice.

“Yes, but that’s because he’s a fighter,” she answered, and he looked at her, frowning. “William, he knows how to handle situations like this- I need him with me.”

“Do you enjoy being around him more than me?” he asked, and she looked away, not knowing how to answer.

‘When he’s like this, it’s not difficult to have him with me,’ she thought. ‘But when he’s his usual jerky self, then I’d rather slit my throat than see him.’ She paused and was surprised by her next thought. ‘Well, sometimes I don’t mind Spike. But only sometimes.’

“I think you’re quite a nice guy,” she finally said. “But Giles has to be the one with me- I’m sorry.”

“You promise you’ll come back when you resolve the problem?” he asked, and she nodded. “Then I guess I can only wait to see you again.”

* * * * *

After dropping off Spike at her house and making sure he’d be fine on his own, she walked to Giles’ house and let herself inside, surprised to see that it had been cleaned up since she was there last. She looked around for a while and was confused when she didn’t see anyone in the living room or upstairs.

‘Where the hell are they?’ she thought, noticing her mother’s purse on an end table. ‘She’s still here, so where is she?’

She suddenly heard a loud groan and a string of British curses and followed the sound of Giles’ voice towards the bathroom, opening the door to see Joyce and Giles in his bathtub, obviously in the middle of having sex.

“Oh my god!” she shrieked, slamming the door closed and shutting her eyes, rubbing her temples. “Why does bad stuff always happen to me?!” She heard some of the bathwater move around in the tub and figured someone was getting out, which only served to make her more nauseous.

‘I don’t need to see either of them naked again,’ she said to herself. ‘Because I’m already going to need a hell of a lot of therapy after today.’

“Want to come in and join us, sexy?” Giles asked loudly, chuckling. “Because I think there’s room for one more in here.”

“No!” she shouted, disgusted at the thought. “Even if it wasn’t you, that’s my mother in there!”

“Well, she’s quite talented,” he said, opening the door while wrapping a towel around his waist. “You should see this thing she does with her hips- it’s bloody priceless.”

“I will pay you to stop right now,” Buffy said, taking a step back and glaring at him as he tried to move closer to her. “I need your help with something.”

“Well, if you want to have a go with me, just say the words and I’ll yank off this terry cloth,” he said, leering at her. “I’ll let you choose where and how you want me.”

“I do not want you!” she said loudly, pushing him against a wall. “Now will you shut up and let me talk?”

“There are better things you can do with your tongue, I’m sure,” he replied suggestively, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

“When you’re back to your usual stuffy self, I’m going to remind you of every word you’ve said to me today,” she said, crossing her arms. “I can’t wait to see how much you blush and clean your glasses during that conversation, buddy.”

“Fine,” he said, sighing. “What’s so important?”

“We need to go on a little trip to a factory on the other side of town,” she said. “The company that’s been making chocolate bars for the band to sell has been doing something to their products. I think there’s a spell or something on them to make people who eat them become… weird.”

“That’s why you interrupted Joyce and I?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I haven’t quite had my fill of her, so if you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to-”

“Go back in there and I’ll castrate you,” she said in a low tone, grabbing his arm and pulling him down the hallway and into the main part of the apartment.

“If you want to get near my manly bits, all you have to do is ask,” he said, and before she could catch herself, she balled up her fist and punched his nose. “Bloody hell!”

“That’s what you get for being a pervert,” she replied. “Now go get dressed so I can get you back to normal.”

“I think I liked you better when I thought you were the girl I handcuffed to my bed,” he mumbled, walking upstairs. She shook her head and sat down on a stool, waiting for him.

‘I wonder who the girl was he handcuffed,’ she thought to herself before her eyes widened. ‘Bad thoughts, Buffy, very bad thoughts. Think of something else… Spike sitting on your couch and looking grumpy. Yeah, that’s a completely asexual thought.’ She hesitated and looked down. ‘Well, the part about Spike isn’t asexual because let’s face it- he’s sex personified.’ She shut her eyes and rubbed them as she frowned. ‘You need help, Summers. Severe psychological help.’

Chapter 6- Fancy A Spin?

“Thank God it’s over,” Buffy said as she walked down the sidewalk with her mother an hour later. “If that’s how you were as a teenager, I’m surprised you’d be so strict about the stuff I’ve done.”

“Can we please not discuss anything that’s happened in the last 24 hours?” Joyce asked quietly, looking down and blushing. “It was a spell, Buffy, and I don’t plan on being in a relationship with Mr. Giles.”

“Good,” Buffy replied. “Because I never want to see you two near each other again in a lusty capacity.”

“I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?” Joyce asked, looking at her daughter, who grinned in return.

“Nope,” she answered. “But if you buy me those shoes I saw at the mall last week, I might spare you for a while.”

“You’ve got a deal,” Joyce said, sighing in relief as they arrived in front of their house. “Have you ever seen Rupert blush that much at one time?”

“No,” Buffy answered, making a face as she remembered how he had been acting. “Do you remember any of the stuff he said to me?”

“Yes, and if I wasn’t so skittish of seeing him, I’d go over there and give him a piece of my mind,” Joyce said, frowning. “The way he spoke was outrageous and very out of line.”

“Says the woman who was sleeping with him only a short while ago,” Buffy said, going to their front door and unlocking it. “Besides, I’m afraid that if you talk to him again, you’ll be giving him more than just a piece of your mind.”

“Buffy!” Joyce said in a warning tone, which caused Buffy to giggle for a moment before her face fell, not seeing Spike in her living room as she walked inside. “Is everything alright?”

“Spike?” Buffy called out, looking around. “Are you here?”

“You brought him back here?” Joyce asked, noticing her daughter nod. “I’m sure he’s fine, Buffy. That spell wouldn’t have magically dusted him or something.” Joyce’s eyes widened. “Right?”

“No, it should’ve just made him resort to his evil self,” Buffy said, calling out his name once more before walking outside again.

“Where are you going?” Joyce asked, worried.

“To make sure he’s not going to stake himself,” she mumbled, walking away. Joyce closed the door and sat on the couch, running her hands through her hair and sighing.

“Today’s been a very, very bad day,” she said to herself as she turned on the TV. “Although, what happened with Rupert wasn’t exactly bad.” She smiled at the thought and shook her head. “Those are bad thoughts that won’t lead to anything good, Joyce.”

* * * * *

“You haven’t seen him?” Buffy asked Willy as she kept her hand wrapped firmly around his neck, keeping his back pressed against a wall.

“No,” he choked out, grateful when she let him go and took a step back.

“You aren’t lying to me, are you?” she asked, crossing her arms. “Because if you are, I’m not afraid to really hurt you, Willy. Cutting off limbs, poking out an eye- you name it, and I’ll be more than happy to do it.”

“He came in a few minutes ago to get a bottle of Jack Daniels,” Willy said, walking behind the bar and rubbing his throat. “But he left as soon as he got what he wanted and bailed. No idea where he went. For all I know, he skipped town.”

“We both know that’s doubtful,” Buffy said as she turned on her heel and stormed out of the building, back into the night air. “Damn it.”

“Looking for me, Slayer?” a voice asked from the shadows. She turned towards it and saw Spike emerge from behind a pile of crates, smoking a cigarette and smirking at her. “Miss me?”

“Wanted to make sure Ethan’s spell to fix things didn’t dust you in the process,” she said, surprised when he walked closer to her and didn’t stop until they were toe-to-toe. “What’re you doing?”

“Care about me that much to make sure I didn’t go poof?” he asked, flicking his cigarette aside. “I’m touched.”

“Don’t be,” she said sternly. “I think I’ve earned the right to kill you, not a stake.”

“Already dead, pet, or have you forgotten?” he asked, taking her hand and placing it over his heart, smiling when her eyes widened at the realization she was touching Spike. She pulled her hand away from him as if she had been burned and studied his expression.

“Get away from me,” she said in a low tone, walking away from him.

She wasn’t surprised when he caught up to her a minute later, walking beside her as they made their way through the town.

“This place seems kind of trashed,” Buffy said, looking around. “Stores broken into, cars deserted, garbage everywhere-”

“Always wanted to drive a cop car,” Spike said as he walked over to an empty one, all of its doors left wide open. “Fancy a spin, luv?”

“Are you insane?” she asked, almost wishing he was acting like William again.

“Nope, just ambitious,” he replied, leaning back against the car’s hood. “Besides, you didn’t seem to mind me all too much before, protecting me and all that rot.”

“That’s because you weren’t yourself,” she said, looking down. “You were actually nice to spend time with.”

“I’m still ‘nice to spend time with’,” he said in a hopeful tone of voice, and she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “I may be the Big Bad, but I’m a good man beneath this bad-ass exterior.”

“You’re not a man,” she replied, turning to walk away, but he grabbed her arm and yanked her to him, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her up against his body. She looked at him with wide eyes, her heart beating faster as he lowered his face to hers.

“More of a man than you think,” he said quietly, his eyes locking with hers. “You’d know that if you gave me half a chance.”

“I’d never do something that stupid,” she replied, her voice quivering slightly.

“Yes, I think you would,” he said, smirking at her. “Besides, I think I owe you a thank-you for helping me before.” She gasped as he reversed their positions and pushed her back against the cop car, his lips pressing against hers in a soft kiss before he let go of her and turned to walk away.

“If I ever see you again, I amgoing to stake you, Spike,” she said, loud enough for him to hear.

“No, you won’t,” he said, looking over his shoulder at her and grinning as he continued to walk away from her. She watched him until he disappeared from sight before running her index finger over her lips, still feeling as if he was kissing her.

“I really need to stop dealing with the undead,” she muttered before walking in the opposite direction of Spike.

A few feet away from the cop car, Angel walked out of an alleyway and stared at her retreating form.

“Yes, you do.”

Chapter 7- Dodging Advances

“So, Giles, who was the girl who liked handcuffs?” Buffy asked the following day at school. He averted his eyes from hers quickly and took off his glasses, beginning to clean them with a handkerchief. “Oh, come on- I’m over your weird advances.”

“That was Ripper, not me,” he muttered, putting on his glasses once again but still avoiding her gaze.

“Were you really that much of a stud when you were my age?” she asked curiously, tilting her head. “Because I can’t picture you being rebellious. All I see is a lot of tweed.” He glared at her and sat down, rubbing his temples. “You alright?”

“I’ve got a bit of a hangover,” he said, sighing. “I believe I drank too much yesterday.”

“So did Mom,” Buffy replied, noticing the blush that began to spread across his cheeks. “Giles, I saw you and my mother doing some very disturbing things, all of which I will never forget, but I’m willing to overlook them because I know it was a spell that was causing you to act that way.” He gave her a grateful look. “Can you answer a question for me first?”

“And what would that be?” he asked, folding his hands on his lap.

“Did those pick-up lines work in the 1970s? Because I can’t imagine you getting any action with some of those phrases,” she said, giggling when he stood up quickly and walked into his office, slamming the door. “So no training today?”

“No,” he answered loudly. She stood up and walked out of the library, soon coming across Willow and Xander.

“Hey,” Xander said. “How’s Giles?”

“Back to his usual self,” Buffy said, shrugging. “I think he’s trying to forget everything that happened yesterday, but I don’t blame him.”

“I can’t imagine your mom sleeping with a guy like Giles,” Xander said, making a face.

“You’re not the one who saw it,” Buffy replied, wrinkling her nose. “Unfortunately, Spike and I both witnessed it.”

“That’s right- you played babysitter to our least favorite fang-boy,” Xander said, and Willow nudged him, shaking her head. “What? I don’t have to be nice about the guy, considering he’s not around to hear me.”

“He wasn’t that bad,” Willow replied. “If anything, he was a sweetheart.”

“Please never use the word ‘sweetheart’ to describe Spike again,” Xander said, frowning.

“She’s right- William was a pretty nice guy,” Buffy said, looking down, and Xander raised an eyebrow at her.

“He’s not a guy- he’s a member of the evil-undead population in Sunnydale,” he said. “Or have you forgotten that?”

“No, I haven’t,” she said, turning around and beginning to walk away. “And I won’t.”

“What was that all about?” Xander asked, looking at Willow.

“I don’t know,” she answered, watching her friend exit the high school. “She was acting weird yesterday, too, but I thought it was because of her mom and Giles.”

“She wouldn’t be dumb enough to consider befriending Spike, would she?” he asked, and Willow looked at him.

“I think all bets are off,” Willow said. “As long as Angel is around, Buffy will stay her distance, but if he ever leaves… I have no doubt in my mind that Spike will try to slip in and fill his grandsire’s spot.”

* * * * *

“Took you long enough,” Spike said as Angel walked into the crypt he was temporarily inhabiting later that night. “Would’ve thought you’d track me down last night after you saw me kiss your girl.”

“You knew I was there?” Angel asked, crossing his arms.

“Of course I did,” Spike answered, grinning. “Gave me an even better reason to do it.” Angel charged forward and pushing Spike up against a wall, his fists clenching the collar of the younger vampire’s shirt. “Lose your soul, Peaches?”

“If I did, you would already be dust,” Angel said, growling. “Why are you here?”

“Wanted to kill the Slayer,” Spike answered, tilting his head. “It’s what I do.”

“You left Drusilla to come here and attempt to kill Buffy again?” Angel asked, not believing him.

“Dru left me, you big ape,” Spike said, pushing Angel away and straightening out his shirt. “I had no reason to stay with her, so I came back to try and get some of my dignity back.”

“And how’s that working out for you, Spike?” Angel asked, scowling. “Failing miserably?”

“I got some of my rocks back after locking lips with your super-honey,” Spike answered, chuckling as he dodged a punch Angel aimed at him. “Why are you here, Dudley Darknight? Besides to annoy the hell out of me?”

“I have a proposition,” Angel said, and Spike raised an eyebrow. “We both know that having a relationship with a Slayer isn’t wise.”

“Especially one who could do a lot better than you,” Spike replied, smiling at Angel’s narrowed eyes. “Continue.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about leaving,” Angel said, and Spike raised an eyebrow, confused. “As long as I’m here, Buffy is going to want to try being together again, and deep down, I know that I can’t offer her everything she deserves.”

“And how do I relate to this decision of yours?” Spike asked.

“I know you, Spike, and I know that as long as she’s alive, you’re going to be gunning for her,” Angel said.

“In a manner of speaking,” Spike replied, shrugging. “I wouldn’t mind nailing her a few times before twisting her neck and sucking her dry.” Angel wrapped his hand around Spike’s neck and pushed him against the wall again.

“I’m going to make this simple, Willy,” Angel said in a low tone. “We both leave town, and if I ever find out that you return here, I’m hunting you down and staking you before you can blink.”

“Hold up there, old man,” Spike said. “You’re asking me to leave?”

“Yep,” Angel said, letting go of the blonde vampire. “We both leave and let Buffy try to live a normal life, one without things like us distracting her from the mission at hand.”

“Whoa, lunkhead, you’re confusing me even more,” Spike said, staring at Angel. “First of all, why wouldn’t you want to stay here and protect her?”

“I’m distracting her, Spike, and was before I went evil last year,” Angel said, looking away sadly.

“And why the hell should I leave? I have every right to be here,” Spike replied.

“Because I saw the way you looked at her last night and know you’ve got feelings for her,” Angel said, not surprised when Spike looked down, clenching his jaw. “I’m not as blind as you think, William. I know when you find women attractive, when you want more from them than blood. And if you stay here and try anything with her, I’ll take you off of this Earth once and for all, no second thoughts about it.”

“I think it’s for the girl to decide if she accepts my advances or not,” Spike said, smirking. “Because I know she felt something when I kissed her.” Before Angel could touch him, Spike punched him in the stomach, pleased when Angel clutched his stomach and groaned in agony. “The bint’s not yours, Angel.”

“She’ll never be yours, either,” Angel said, watching as Spike walked to the door of the crypt.

“Yes, she will,” Spike said, looking over his shoulder at Angel as he pulled the door open. “And I’ll have more of her than you ever did. You can count on that.” He quickly walked away, never noticing the look of anguish and pain cross over Angel’s face before he sank to the ground, thoughts of Buffy and Spike’s possible future filling his head and making him feel sick.

Chapter 8- William’s Always There

When Buffy opened her house’s door that same night after someone had knocked, she was surprised to see Angel standing there, absently running his hand over his stomach.

“Hi,” she said. “Come in.” He walked past her and into her living room, sitting down on the couch and looking at the open notebook sitting on her coffee table.

“That handwriting isn’t yours,” he said, confused. “And it seems familiar.”

“Spike wrote poems in my notebook,” she replied, frowning. “Well, actually it was William, but you know what I meant.”

“No, I don’t,” he said, and she raised an eyebrow. “For all I know, Spike’s been here since his mind-trip back to the 1880s.”

“And why would he come here?” she asked.

“Because I saw you with him last night, Buffy,” he replied sternly. “I saw you two kiss.” Her eyes widened. “Don’t say you’re sorry, don’t lie about it- I don’t want to hear it.”

“Then what do you want?” she asked quietly.

“I want to know if you have feelings for him,” he said, and she looked away. “Tell me, Buffy.”

“I didn’t mind him when he was William,” she said, sighing. “But I don’t have feelings for Spike.”

“So why didn’t you push him away faster?” Angel asked. “Why didn’t you stake him?”

“Because it wouldn’t have been right,” she answered, sitting down beside him. “I want to kill him in a fight, not when I catch him off-guard.”

“It shouldn’t matter,” he replied. “You should want to kill him whenever you have the chance to.”

“Did you really come here to fight about Spike?” she asked, and he stood up, beginning to pace. “Angel?”

“I’ve decided to leave,” he said, and she felt as if her heart had stopped beating.

“What?” she asked, not willing to believe a word he had said.

“We both know I’m a distraction to you, and I don’t want to be the reason something happens to you,” he said, looking down. “I can’t ever give you what you deserve, Buffy, not really. Marriage, children…”

“I don’t want those things!” she said loudly, standing up. “I’m not going to live past 25 as it is!”

“You might if you stop directing all of your attention towards me and making yourself a greater target to the things that are coming after you,” he said, looking at her. “I love you, but we can’t be together, Buffy. Not again.”

“So what’re you saying?” she asked, tears beginning to form in her eyes. “You’re leaving me?”

“Yes,” he answered, looking away again. “I’ll be gone as soon as the sun sets tomorrow.”

“Where are you going to go?” she asked, in disbelief that he was going to walk away from her and not be around anymore.

“I don’t know,” he said, shrugging. “I’ll find somewhere to stay and contact you if I find a permanent place.”

“You’re really going to do this?” she asked. “You’re really going to run off somewhere and forget about everything we had?”

“I’ll never forget about what we had,” he said firmly. “I love you, and I-”

“If you truly love me, you wouldn’t want to go,” she cut in, crossing her arms. “Go. If you don’t want to be here, then go. Maybe we’ll all be better off.”

“Buffy-”

“No, I don’t want to hear it,” she said, looking down as more tears began to escape her eyes. “Just go.”

“I won’t come back tomorrow and say goodbye,” he replied, and she wiped off her cheeks.

“Then this is it,” she said, looking at him. “Goodbye, Angel.”

“Goodbye, Buffy,” he replied quietly, taking one last look at her before walking out, ignoring the sound of her sobs as he shut the door.

* * * * *

Spike watched Angel walk away from Buffy’s house and waited for a long moment before going to the door and knocking. Buffy opened it, wiping off her cheeks once again and looking at him with red eyes.

“What do you want?” she asked sharply.

“Came to check on you,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry he’s leaving, luv.”

“You know about that?” she asked, surprised when he nodded. “How?”

“Because he asked me to leave, too,” he said, and she raised an eyebrow. “It seems he wants you to have a normal life, one that neither of us can ever give you.”

“What’re you talking about?” she asked, stepping back as he walked in and wrapped his arms around her, pressing his lips to hers. She pushed him back after a moment and looked at him, stunned.

“It’s obvious I like you, Slayer,” he said, smiling sheepishly. “Even to a moron like Angel.”

“You don’t like me, Spike- you want to kill me,” she replied, and he shrugged, wrapping his arms around her again, not surprised when she pushed him away for the second time. “Stop touching me like that! It’s creeping me out!”

“Sorry, but I’m trying to make a point here,” he said, looking into her eyes. “I like you, Buffy, and I’m not about to leave because a wanker like your ex wants me to go. I want to stay here and see if there’s ever going to be a possibility for us to try being together.”

“And what if I know that’s never going to happen?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“I don’t see why you’re denying you have feelings for me, even if they’re minute,” he said. “You wanted me to kiss you that night by the cop car, didn’t you?”

“Yes, but-” she cut herself off, quickly backing away from him as he began to move closer to her. “I don’t want you, Spike, and I don’t ever want to date you. You don’t have a soul.”

“So what?” he asked. “I didn’t have a soul when William was playing houseguest in my brain the other day. He’s a part of me all the time, even if you don’t see it. I can be him for the rest of my existence if that’s what you want, Buffy.” She looked away. “Give me a chance. That’s all I want is just a chance.” When he embraced her, he smiled when she didn’t try moving away from him. “I can be good for you, Slayer.”

“And what happens if you’re not?” she asked, looking at him. “Do I get to stake you?”

“Yep,” he answered, chuckling when her eyes widened. “Because if I can’t make you happy, then I have nothing else to live for.” He leaned down and kissed her again, happy when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

Chapter 9- Announcements to Make

“Hello, you two,” Joyce said as she walked through the front door, spotting her daughter kissing Spike, and held back a smirk. Buffy quickly pulled away from the blonde vampire, blushing. “Is there another spell I should know about?”

“Not that I know of,” Buffy said quietly, looking down.

“So you’re choosing to kiss Spike on your own free-will?” her mother asked, and Buffy nodded sheepishly. “Well, good for you.” Both Buffy and Spike looked at her, surprised. “It’s not a secret that you’re attracted to my daughter, Spike, and I’ve been able to tell that you aren’t completely against Spike, honey. I’m happy for you.” Buffy smiled before walking closer to Joyce and hugging her. “Now, Spike, what exactly are your intentions with my daughter?”

“To make her happy and protect her,” he answered, restraining himself from saying anything improper, even though he was thinking of some very naughty ways of making her smile.

“Well, I can’t hate a man who looks out for my daughter,” Joyce said, putting down her purse and keys.

“I’m not a man, Joyce,” Spike said sadly, looking down.

“Sure you are,” she replied, winking at him when he raised his eyes to hers. “Alright, it’s time for me to make a little announcement.” Buffy’s eyes widened.

“You’re not pregnant, are you?” she asked, frowning when Joyce laughed.

“No, of course not,” she answered. “But… Rupert and I have decided to start dating.”

“What?” Buffy asked, practically shrieking.

“Good for you, Joyce,” Spike said, moving closer to Buffy and wrapping his arm around her waist to help calm her down. “You deserve to be happy, too, and if Watcher-boy does that for you, then I fully support it.” He looked at Buffy, who was still upset. “Besides, it’s not like you haven’t slept with him already.”

“Spike!” both of the women said loudly, and he raised his hands in surrender.

“Sorry,” he replied, taking a step back. “Well, I should probably get going and let you talk about… things, so have a good night, ladies.”

“Night,” Joyce said, smiling when Buffy escorted him to the door and opened it.

“Will I see you tomorrow?” he asked, and Buffy shrugged, smirking. “I’ll hunt you down otherwise.”

“I’m sure you will,” she said, surprised when he grazed her cheek and leaned down to kiss her. “Night, Spike.”

“Night, Slayer,” he said, grinning as he walked out. She watched him leave before shutting the door and leaning back against it.

“So, you two are already in kissing territory?” Joyce asked curiously, and Buffy narrowed her eyes at her. “What?”

“You and Giles are already in sex territory,” she replied, giggling quietly when Joyce blushed and walked away.

* * * * *

“Do you love her?” a voice asked from the shadows as Spike walked down Revello Drive.

“What?” he asked, looking around until he saw Angel appear under a light-post. “Oh, it’s you. Why am I not surprised?”

“Answer the question,” Angel said, crossing his arms. “Do you love her?”

“I care about her,” he answered, not backing down as Angel walked up to him, stopping a couple of inches away. “And what’s it to you, pillock? You’re leaving her, so why shouldn’t someone stay and watch her back?”

“I’m sure that’s not the only thing you want to watch,” Angel said, looking away and clenching his fists when Spike chuckled. “I can’t force you to leave, Spike, but if I ever find out that you hurt her, I’ll come back instantly and stake you on the spot, got me?”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Spike answered, smiling when Angel looked at him. “So, you’re heading out tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” the older vampire replied. “If you want the mansion, it’s all yours.”

“Thanks,” Spike said, grinning. “I’m sure the chains you have in there will be put to good use.” When Angel tried punching him, Spike grabbed his wrist and stopped him. “You have nothing to worry about, Angel. I’m not going to do anything out of line with her.”

“Just remember what I told you,” Angel said sternly. “I have no qualms about dusting you, Spike.”

“And vice versa,” Spike replied. “So if you lose your soul, I have no doubts that Buffy and I will find you and take you off this planet… again.”

“I know,” Angel said, managing a small smile. “See you around, William.”

“Bye, Liam,” Spike said, watching as Angel turned on his heel and walked away, disappearing into the darkness.

* * * * *

The next day at school, Buffy walked into the library and saw Willow, Xander, and Giles all sitting down, talking. Buffy walked over to them and put down her bag.

“Giles, may I have a word with you?” she asked, and he nodded, knowing what she had on her mind. He stood up and led her into his office, shutting the door behind them.

“Buffy, I’d like to say first that Joyce and I-” he began, but she put her hand up to stop him.

“I know you like her, Giles, and out of anyone, I trust you the most with her,” she said, looking down. “I’m not going to lie when I say that it bothers me, but I consider you to be like a father to me, so I guess it only makes sense that you two date.”

“Thank you,” he said quietly, and she looked at him once again, exchanging smiles with him. “If you’re not okay with it, maybe her and I could-”

“Date in secret?” Buffy asked, giggling. “It’s not worth it- I already know something’s going on, and I can’t stop you. You’re consenting adults, not under a spell, and I’m… happy for you.”

“Thank you,” he said, hugging her. “Now, Joyce told me on the phone yesterday that you might have something to tell me, as well.”

“I do, but I want Willow and Xander to hear it, too,” she said, opening the office door and walking into the main part of the library, him behind her. Willow and Xander both looked at her, concerned.

“Is everything okay, Buffy?” Willow asked, surprised when Buffy grinned and sat down beside her.

“Yes, everything’s great,” she answered, taking a deep breath before looking at Xander and Giles, knowing that they’d prove to be a problem when it came to the new development in her life. “I’ve decided to date Spike.”

When utter silence engulfed the library, she stood up and giggled, walking out of the library and going to her first class.

Chapter 10- Consummating Relationships

“Well, Xander’s not exactly happy about it, but he’ll get over it… eventually,” Willow said, on the phone with Buffy that night. “And Giles wasn’t pleased, but I’m sure your mom can convince him that it’s a good thing.”

“Yeah, I hope so,” Buffy replied, watching the sunset through her window. “Angel’s leaving me, Willow. Shouldn’t I be in mourning or something?”

“It’s the right thing for him to do,” Willow said quietly. “After everything that happened last year, I don’t blame him.”

“I don’t, either,” Buffy agreed, sighing and turning around, almost dropping the phone when she saw Spike standing in the doorway. “Will, I’ve gotta go.” She hung up the phone and watched as Spike crossed the room, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her, trying to show her how he felt without saying a word. She kissed him back, realizing how perfectly she fit in his arms and against his body.

‘This feels right,’ she thought. ‘It shouldn’t, but it does.’

“Hello, cutie,” Spike said as he looked into her eyes. “Miss me?”

“Maybe,” she answered, giggling when he pouted. “Yes, I did.”

“Good,” he said, grazing her cheek.

From the sidewalk outside, Angel watched them with a sad look on his face, knowing that she wasn’t his anymore and that Spike would be better for her than he could ever be, even though the other vampire still couldn’t offer her a normal life.

‘But Slayers aren’t meant to have normal lives,’ he thought, turning and beginning to walk away. ‘And he’ll protect her until the end of the world because that’s what he does, the love-fool that he is.’ He chuckled at the thought and continued walking until he passed the Welcome to Sunnydale sign and kicked it for good measure, never looking back as he left a place he had called home for a couple of years and the woman he loved more than anything else in the world.

Meanwhile, Spike took Buffy’s hands in his and looked into her eyes.

“Are you sure you want to try being with me?” he asked. “I realize there are a lot of things we have to talk about first, but-”

“Can’t we just skip it?” she asked quietly, giggling when Spike’s eyes widened before he leaned down and kissed her again, Buffy moving back until her legs hit her bed, sitting down on top of it and looking up at Spike’s stunned expression.

“We don’t have to do this, luv,” he replied. “We can wait.”

“I don’t want to,” she said, putting her hands on his hips. “I mean, we don’t need to. If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

“Of course I want to,” he said, cupping her cheeks in his hands as he dropped to his knees in front of her. “But I want to make sure that we’re on the same page.” He paused and raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t eaten any of that randy candy, have you?”

“The chocolate?” she asked, shaking her head. “Why?”

“Simply curious,” he answered, leaning forward and kissing her. “You’re sure about this?”

“Positive,” she said, taking his hands and pulling him with her as she lay back on her bed. He held himself up above her and studied her expression before kissing her, knowing inside that he was quickly falling in love with her.

* * * * *

“Thank you for such a nice dinner,” Joyce said as she opened the door of her house, walking inside with Giles.

“Thank you for accepting my offer,” he replied, smiling at her before leaning down to kiss her.

They pulled apart when they heard a loud growl from upstairs. Without stopping to think, Giles ran up the stairs and stopped outside of Buffy’s bedroom, tracking the noise to it.

“Are you alright, Buffy?” he asked as he opened the door, his eyes widening when he saw Spike on top of Buffy, both completely naked. He slammed the door and took several steps back until he hit a wall.

“Is everything okay?” Joyce asked as she reached the top landing of the stairs.

“It’s worse than I thought,” he answered, walking past her and going downstairs. Joyce looked at Buffy’s door and raised an eyebrow before following Giles again and catching up to him in the kitchen. “I need a drink.”

“I’m sure you do,” she said, going to a secret cabinet where she stored alcohol. “I’m assuming Spike was in her room?”

“How’d you know?” he asked, looking at her.

“Because you made a similar noise to that when you were Ripper,” she answered, surprised when he walked over to her and pulled her close, kissing her.

“Want me to make that noise again?” he asked in a low tone before kissing her neck.

“Oh, Rupert,” she said, tilting her head to give him more access.

Upstairs, both Spike and Buffy continued making out, ignoring Giles’ brief interruption. Spike settled between Buffy’s thighs and looked into her eyes as he slowly began moving inside of her. She tilted her head back, moaning in pleasure as he fully sheathed himself inside of her. He leaned down and buried his face in her neck, amazed at how it felt to be surrounded by her heat. She ran her hands over his back, feeling the muscles beneath his skin.

“Are you alright?” she asked quietly, and he nodded, looking at her again.

“Are you? Am I hurting you?” he asked, and she shook her head, leaning up to kiss him.

“But I’ll hurt you if you don’t continue soon,” she said jokingly. He groaned when she shifted her hips, taking him in deeper.

“Your wish is my command, baby,” he said quietly, beginning to gently thrust inside of her, not wanting to hurt her. They began moving together, both seeking their release.

“Oh, Spike!” Buffy cried out when she felt her body begin to tremble, her inner walls spasming around his cock. He quickened his motions as he began to come, nuzzling his face into her neck after he had finished, basking in the feel of her pulse against his mouth and her chest heaving to breathe underneath him.

“That was amazing,” he said, placing light kisses across her skin before lying beside her, holding her close.

“Yeah, it really was.”

* * * * *

Around midnight that night, Buffy exited her room after Spike had fallen asleep, only covered by a blanket, and gasped when Giles walked out of her mother’s room, in a similar state of undress.

“We shall never speak of this again, yes?” Giles asked, blushing. Buffy quickly nodded and turned, going back into her room, shutting the door, and walking back to the bed, lying down next to Spike and smiling when he instantly pulled her close to him, kissing her.

“I thought you left me,” he whispered sadly, pouting.

“Wanted to get some water, but I ran into Giles in the hallway,” she answered, making a face when he chuckled.

“Well, I’m glad both of the Summers women are getting some,” he replied, not surprised when Buffy slapped his arm. “What? Aren’t you happy you’ve got a sex-slave?”

“You’re more than that, Spike,” she said, running her hand over his arm where she had slapped him.

“Yeah?” he asked, amused. “And what am I?”

“You’re an incredibly sweet man inside of a rebellious vampire exterior who’s going to protect me and make me happy for a very long time to come,” she replied, kissing him.

“Thanks, kitten,” he said, grinning. “But it’ll never take you a ‘long time to come’ with me.”

“Perv,” she replied, giggling when he got on top of her, covering her with his body.

“Yeah, but you like it,” he said, kissing her roughly.

“Yeah, I do.”

On the other side of the door, both Giles and Joyce were listening and smiling.

“See? He’s going to be great for her,” Joyce said quietly. “Maybe a little rambunctious, but-”

“But she’ll be fine,” Giles said, sighing. “You’re right.” He took Joyce’s hand in his and pulled her into her bedroom, closing the door. “Let’s let them have some privacy and get back to where we left off.”

“Such a naughty man,” she joked, smiling at him.

“Well, it seems that’s who both you and Buffy are attracted to,” he replied, kissing her.

“Must be genetic,” Joyce replied, laughing.

‘Yeah, must be,’ Spike thought, hearing every word that Joyce and Giles had said and chuckling as he began to thrust inside of Buffy for the second time that night. ‘And I’m so bloody glad if that’s true.’


The End