Chapter 9

Buffy couldn’t get any sleep all night, knowing that she had to apologize to Spike. She hated when he was mad at her, especially over something so stupid. It was ridiculous of her to be jealous of him spending time with Harmony. She understood that Spike only felt sorry for the female vampire, he could never actually fall for someone like her. Buffy quietly entered the crypt, assuming that he was asleep since it was daylight out, but she couldn’t wait any longer to talk to him. A quick look around had her worried when she didn’t spot Harmony anywhere, but then figured that maybe he finally came to his senses and kicked her out. With that thought in mind, she headed down to the lower level, gasping in shock at the sight before her.

Spike was lying in bed with Harmony, both sound asleep. He was turned away from her, but the blonde had her arm draped over his naked back. Buffy couldn’t take anymore and ran out of there, not looking back once.


* * * * *


Spike awoke from yet another fantasy of his Golden Goddess, but when he turned over, it wasn’t the blonde he was hoping to see. He shot out of bed, noticing that his movement seemed to have woken her as well.

“What the fuck are you doing in here?”

Harmony stretched, giving him a seductive smile. “I was lonely up there by myself, and it looks really comfortable down here. I didn’t think you would mind, you were so sweet to me last night.”

He groaned. “That didn’t mean anything, you irritating bint. I told you this part of the crypt was off limits; I’m not interested in you.”

She pouted. “It’s Buffy, isn’t it? What could you possibly see in her? She kills our kind, and she was an even bigger freak in high school.”

Spike was about to make a retort, when he suddenly caught a familiar scent in the air. He immediately knew what it was. “Bloody hell, she was here. She must have seen,” his voice trailed off as he shut his eyes, opening them a moment later to glare at her. “That girl means more to me than anything in this world and if I lose her because of you, I won’t hesitate to put a stake through your heart. I want you gone when I get back,” he spat as he quickly got dressed, then hurried out of the crypt.


* * * * *


“Is she here?”

Joyce sighed and let him into the house. “Upstairs, she’s very upset right now.”

Spike nodded. “I’m sure she told you about what happened, but you have to understand, it wasn’t what it looked like. That bloody bitch snuck into my bed, I didn’t even know she was there. Believe me; I know what that sounds like…”

Joyce held up her hand, cutting him off. “I can honestly say that I have no idea what you’re talking about. Buffy’s upset about Parker; I thought that was why she went over to your place this morning. I guess she didn’t tell you.”

Spike shook his head, now more concerned about what that wanker could have done to her. He ran up the stairs, knocking softly on Buffy’s door and letting himself in when there was no answer. He found her lying in bed, clutching her stuffed pig to her chest. She looked so young and innocent, which made him want to protect her all the more. He joined her on the bed, not knowing how to start a conversation. “What happened?” he began, figuring that was good enough.

Buffy took in a deep breath, sitting up and giving him a look. She showed him a piece of paper, watching the mixed emotions that clouded his features when he read it. “He took off last night, left this at the door. I knew Parker wouldn’t be able to handle being a father, but to just leave like that? I should be used to guys leaving town by now, but what am I going to tell Dawn when she gets older? That her father just walked out on her? She’ll be heartbroken.”

Spike shook his head, crumbling up the paper and throwing it into her garbage can. “No, she won’t. As far as Dawn will know, I’m her father. I’m not going anywhere.”

Buffy wiped her eyes, not even realizing that she was crying. “How do I know that? I saw you with Harmony. I went over there to apologize for last night, and I saw you with her. There I was trying to convince myself that you would never fall for someone like that. I feel so stupid.”

“It didn’t mean anything, Buffy. She snuck in my bed while I was sleeping, I didn’t even know she was there and as soon as I woke up, I told her to get lost. If she knows what’s good for her, she won’t be there when I get back.”

Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. “Really?”

He smiled. “Of course, why would I ever choose that halfwit over you?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know, I guess I just let my insecurities get the best of me. Parker leaving was pretty much the last thing I could take, even though a part of me saw it coming.”

“He’s a bloody git, and he’s going to regret it for the rest of his life. Honestly, I think you’re both better off without him.”

Buffy had to agree with that, but he wasn’t finished.

“I know I haven’t said it for a while now, but I love you. It’s important that you never forget that, all right? I came back here for you and I understand that you’re not ready yet; I meant it when I said I would wait for as long as you needed.”

Buffy pressed her lips to his; effectively cutting off anything else he would have said. “I think I’m ready now,” she whispered against his mouth, kissing his lips sweetly once again.

Spike wrapped his arms around her, turning the kiss more passionate, not letting go until breathing became an issue. He touched his forehead to hers, a genuine smile on his face. “So, does this mean I can call you my girlfriend now? The whole friend thing is great, but it was bloody torture.”

She laughed. “Sure, if you don’t mind having a very insecure girlfriend, who has a habit of running men out of town.”

“Not this time, love. I’m here for the long haul.”

She smiled, kissing him again. “I could definitely live with that.”