Chapter Three – You Still Hurt Me

I was scared to fix what I had broke
It’s a lonely place to live with just a ghost
There is love left in my life, I will see
But you still hurt me
[…] I'm not comfortable with how the story ends
We were lovers and now we're not even friends
You were perfect and I guess I'm just a creep
But you still hurt me
William Fitzsimmons, “You Still Hurt Me”

That night, Buffy had decided to go patrolling with Gayle, to see exactly what the feisty brunette was worth. Willow had decided to move out that same day to go back to her parents’ place, closer to the hospital, and had started house-hunting already. Knowing the red-head’s determination when it came to matters of love, Buffy expected her to find something within a week, and have it settled for when Tara was released.

What Buffy hadn’t been expecting was the sight in front of her right now.

Gayle, sitting on a tombstone, a steaming cup of Starbucks coffee in one hand and reading a newspaper to the light of a lamppost.

“So…” she started casually, “what does your horoscope say about your love life? You shall meet a dark stranger that will try and go for your neck?”

“Nah, that was two weeks ago, and he’s dust now. But ‘Work’ says the same thing, ain’t that weird? There’s more to a paper than just fake fortune-tellers, Buff, and you should always keep up with the news.”

“Urgh. You sound like Giles.”

“Whoa, don’t know what I did wrong to deserve that!”

“Tell you what: you can be my official newsreader. You can read the paper and tell me what’s interesting in it!”

“Don’t you have a TV for that?”

“Pff, where’s the fun in that? So what’s interesting, official newsreader?”

“Major sales to start next week at the mall…”

“See? This is working out already!”

“Horror flick with super cute guy comes out tomorrow… gelatinous fluids of an unknown nature found in alleys… senatorial elections… Tony Parker scored again… fifth disappearance in a fortnight…”

“Wow, rewind! What disappearance?”

Gayle looked closer at the article. “’Kevin Martens was officially reported missing today after failing to return home following a night out with his friends. According to them, he decided to walk home instead of driving due this slightly inebriated state’. Smart guy. ‘This is the fifth in a series of missing young men since the beginning of the month…’ That relevant?”

“On the Hellmouth, it is. This, you should learn fast: anything that happens here, happens for a reason. Remind me to talk to the gang about that.”

“Checked. Does Spike have a girlfriend?”

“What?”

“Oh, like you haven’t noticed, he’s like real hot!”

Buffy couldn’t help herself. “Now, that’s not relevant, and you can’t be his girlfriend!”

“Huh? That’s not what I asked!”

“It’s what you meant!”

“Buff! Calm down! What’s gotten into you? I’m not looking for a boyfriend, I was just saying! Gee, PMS much?”

Yeah, Buffy, what’s gotten into you?

She shook her head. “Sorry. Guess I’m tired or something.”

“Do you want to go home and get some rest? I’ll patrol.”

“No, I’m okay. And you don’t know these parts like I do.”

“Maybe not, but it’s not like the place is buzzing with action.”

“Well, hello, girls. Should you be wandering alone at this late hour?” a deep voice asked.

The Slayers turned to find themselves with a gang of half a dozen vamps, in full game-faces and grinning at them.

“Ask and you shall receive”, said Buffy.

Gayle smirked. “I bet you I can take more of them than you can.”

Buffy chuckled. “As if. What’s the sta… the prize?”

“What are you interested in?”

“If I get more, that cute little pink sweater I saw you unpack is mine.”

Gayle gasped, but quickly recovered. “Alright, but if I win… I get that little silver chain with the star pendant I saw on your dresser.”

“What! That’s one of my favorites!

“Well, you can always forfeit, I guess…”

“Hey, no way! But this is my turf, missy, and we play by my rules!”

“My, my! Anyone ever tell you how bossy you can be?”

“Yeah, but that’s not the point!”

The vampires had been looking at each other, hardly believing what they were witnessing. Until one of them shouted “Hey!”

Both Slayers turned around. “What?” they said in unison.

“If we’re bothering you, just say so!”

“Oh, gosh, sorry…” whimpered Gayle.

“We were kinda caught in the moment, sorry.” Buffy added.

“Manners don’t cost a thing, you know” the lead vampire said, a bit miffed.

The Slayers looked at each other with amusement, then back at the vamps.

Gayle said in a low voice: “Come and get us, boys…”

With a snarl, the vamps charged forward. Buffy and Gayle stood their ground and let them arrive, stakes at the ready. Buffy landed a right hook on one of them and avoided a retaliation punch. She caught the vamp’s arm and drove her stake home before he recovered from surprise. As he exploded into ashes, she saw that Gayle had just dusted another one…

Damn. Oh, but I won’t make this easy for you, girl…

The fight went on, both girls holding their own more than efficiently. Buffy had to admit, Gayle had style! But she was still determined to win the bet. As the number of vamps diminished, she found herself side by side with the brunette.

“I had more!”

“I think you’ll find I did!”

As they started to bicker, a vampire came close, and in reflex, they landed him with a side-by-side hook.

They started giggling: “That was sooo cool!” exclaimed Buffy.

“This should be our signature move!” Gayle added.

The vamps tried to get to his feet, just as Buffy bent down and staked him.

“Hey, no fair!” Gayle protested. “You cheated!”

“Did not! I showed initiative! Pink sweater’s mine!”

Gayle made a noise somewhat resembling a growl, but then smiled and conceded.

“So… did I pass your test?”

“Oh, yeah! You can totally patrol with me from now on! Maybe you’ll even get as good as me…”

Gayle laughed.

They decided to call it a night and started to walk home. They never noticed the shadow observing them from behind a mausoleum, with eyes shining within a pool of darkness shaped like a human body.

“This should make things… interesting…” it spoke in a deep sensuous voice, barely above a whisper…

__…-==-…__

Days passed, and Buffy came to a dramatic realization regarding Gayle.

She was FUN!!!

Every night, Buffy and Dawn would come home to a kitchen smelling so good their mouths would water from the front porch. The three of them then would spend the evening joking, talking about their day like it actually mattered, and having an altogether good time.

“I’ve seen you both just get a pack of junk food and go to your rooms or in front of the TV with just that. That’s not good for either of you, but especially for Dawn! She’s a growing teen, she need protein, lots of it, and vitamins and carbs, the good ones, and any allergies I should know about?”

Not only was Gayle an incredible cook, she was an amazing shopper and a great listener. The fact that she was a former nurse also meant she always knew what hailed them, and they could even talk to her about their “ladies’ troubles” among others. On patrol, she and Buffy would talk for ages while kicking demon ass (and boy, could Gayle kick ass!) about boys, movies and shopping.

Gayle knew all the good internet plans to get great clothes for a few cents, and after a week in Sunnydale, she already had located all the great discount shops that sold fantastic fashion at cut-down prices. Buffy herself, after six years in the same city, had no idea such shops even existed… She also managed to get the electricity bills cut down by half and though the food bills had diminished as well, the fridge had never been so full. “It’s easy, really: you take the second to cheapest of any product. It’s the same quality as the big brands and healthier than the bottom price ones. Also always hunt for package deals and never underestimate the power of frozen food!”

“Have I mentioned I love you?” said Dawn once.

“So many times I tune it out now…”

It was like having a mother, big sister and best friend all rolled into one!

One night, Gayle was getting dinner ready for Dawn as Buffy was selecting movies for later. The Scoobies were due later for movie night. Xander was bringing a pizza and Willow popcorn. Buffy had invited Anya, but God only knew what she was bringing. She had mentioned the disappearances to the gang a couple of days earlier, but the only common factor between the victims was that they were all males under twenty-five. Not enough to go on with.

That night being a school night, Gayle had decided that Dawn should have a proper meal and go to bed early. Buffy had agreed, all too amused not to be a single parent anymore…

“This is unfair!” she cried out “I’m way mature for my age, and I always have movie night with you guys!”

“Yeah, I’ll believe that,” answered Gayle, “and hence the shadows under your eyes and those grades in algebra!”

Buffy chuckled.

“Buffy! You’re supposed to defend me!”

“Sorry, Dawn, I’m relinquishing power for a while. And it feels gooooood!”

“Still! Why can’t I get pizza like the rest of…”

Gayle placed a plate of Cajun chicken and grilled vegetables in front of Dawn.

“… okay, this looks absolutely scrumptious, but the teenager in me is still rebelling! For good form!”

Gayle smiled softly. “I thought you were ‘way mature for your age’? Oh, and by the way, I’ve done your laundry too, I’ve folded everything on your bed, but you’ll have to put it away.”

“What are you? Martha Stewart on crack?”

“Martha can only wish to ever look this good. Sit, eat. Don’t make me feed you.”

“Seriously, how are you doing all this? I swear, it’s like having Mo…”

She stopped before the rest of the M word passed her lips, but both Buffy and Gayle knew how that sentence almost finished. An uneasy silence settled between the three girls. Buffy and Dawn were suddenly washed over with memories of Joyce. Her voice, her smile, her love… And Gayle felt awkward. She had never meant to replace their Mom. She sure hoped they were not going to take it that way. She just wanted to take care of them as much as they were taking care of her.

“Hum… your veggies are getting cold, darling. I’ll get you some juice to go with that.”
Dawn sat down and stared at her plate. Slowly, she picked up a fork and started eating.

Forty-five minutes later, the mood had thankfully lightened as the Scoobies arrived. Turns out Anya had decided to bring chocolates, to everyone’s delight. They were settling down when the doorbell rang.

“Ha!” exclaimed Gayle. “I was wondering if he was ever going to turn up!” Before anyone had a chance to ask, she was opening the door. “Hi, Spike! You’re late, you know!”

“Sorry, pet, had a bit of a scramble on the way.”

Buffy gasped, and Xander almost growled: “What’s Evil Dead doing here?”

Spike stepped in as Gayle started to laugh at the moniker, but stopped when she saw Xander’s look. “Erm… well, I invited him… I shouldn’t have?”

“No, you shouldn’t have! What were you thinking?”

“B-but… he’s always helping and…”

“You’re not welcome here, Spike!”

Spike considered him for a second, then looked at Buffy who had yet to say a word. “Do you want me to leave, Buffy?”

Buffy opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Xander: “Yes, she wants you to leave! Of course she does! It’s bad enough she had to see you at every fight and meeting! Can’t you leave her alone in her own home?”

“I asked Buffy, not you, whelp! And since my invite has not been revoked yet, I’m officially still welcome!”

“Guys!” Buffy intervened. “’Buffy’ is standing right here!”

“Sorry pet. Got carried away.”

“’Carried away’?” Xander snorted. “Way to minimize the facts! You’re not going to get back into Buffy’s bed that way, bleach boy!”

Buffy shot him a dark look that he missed. How dared he make decisions for her? Or spread out her private life this way in front of everyone.

Gayle gasped. “Oh my gosh, you two have history? I had no idea…”

Spike growled. “Harris, I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: you talk too much, and that’s gonna get you into trouble…”

Xander walked towards Gayle. “Gayle, you wanna know what kind of ‘history’ we’re talking about? Well, Captain Peroxide here tried to rape Buffy, that’s what happened!”

“XANDER!!”

Everyone turned towards Buffy and the anguish in her scream. Her face was a mask of rage and she was fighting back tears. “Out. Both of you. Just get out.”

Xander looked sheepish. “Oh God, Buffy, I’m sorry…”

“I said out! Now! Movie night is over. Just… just get out!”

Making her way through the foyer, she made for the stairs and went to her room. The silence amongst the Scoobies was deafening. Without a word, Spike went through the kitchen and through the back door.

The remaining girls glared at Xander. Realizing his own stupidity, he grabbed his jacket and left the house too.
Willow, Dawn and Anya went upstairs to comfort Buffy.

Gayle was left alone in the foyer.

“Boy, have I opened a can o’ worms…”

She hesitated for a second, but then followed after Spike. She found him sitting on the back porch steps, silent and smoking. She sat next to him.

“Come to give me another earful, have you luv?”

“Actually, I was kinda wondering if I could steal one of these…?” she said pointing at his cigarette. “And please don’t lecture me about how it’s gonna kill me or something like that. I mean, come on, in my line of work, I risk death at the hands of something much worse every night.”

Spike looked at her and arched an eyebrow. Then he smiled.

“Not such a goody two shoes as the other ones, are you luv?”

She smiled back as she took the cancer stick he was handing out. She placed between her lips and the blonde vampire lit it for her with his faithful Zippo.

“Everyone has a dark side as well as a light one”, she said between puffs. “You have two choices: either you ignore one of them and suffer, or you accept both and find balance. Easy.”

“Is that right.” asked a skeptic Spike.

“Yep. So… unrequited love, huh? Or is it just ‘complicated’?”

He gawked and tried to find something to answer that, but couldn’t. So he just stared at his shoes.

Gayle kept going. “Look, I ain’t gonna sugar-coat it. I ain’t gonna tell you it’s gonna be ok, that all will work out in the end, or any of the rom-com crap. Because I’m not a fortune teller and I have no idea what will happen. All I can say is… you’re not alone.”

He glared at her. “Wha’ d’ya mean? Did you even hear what was said in there?”

“Yeah, I heard. I’ve got good ears. Good eyes too.”

She stared at him, trying to convey a message through the silence.

“Look… I’m known to be a good listener, and my shoulder is trained for receiving tears. And people seem to be comfortable around me. It’s like I send out a signal that only hurt people and stray dogs pick up on. Maybe I should have been a shrink. And I know from personal experience how much of a bitch love can be. So, before this turns into another word-vomit, y’know… if you need to talk about your shit… y’know. I’m here.”

Spike could hardly believe what he had just heard. The girl barely knew him and had just discovered the worst about him, and yet she was offering him comfort? And a Slayer at that? When had he slipped into Opposite World?

“Thanks for the offer, pet, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Okay, cool. So, I’ve been here for a few days now. I got most of the good addresses for essentials, like food and clothing, but… any good bars or clubs around here? Like, with pool tables and decent music?”

This time, Spike was just gob smacked. Oh, that soddin’ does it: I bloody like that one! “What kind of a nurse are you?” he said with a wide grin.

Gayle winked. “The cool kind.”

End of chapter three.

Okay, so not much happened here… still… please send me some love, it make my life worth living.

A disclaimer? Sure, here it goes: I own it all! Buffy, Spike, the Scoobies, all mine! … until I wake up tomorrow…