The Sweetest Revenge Part 6
by CariannThe next night Spike heads towards Giles'. He isn't looking forward to this, but if he has to do it he will. **Just remember what this is all for. Just think of the pain, and agony you'll cause the two people who have ruined your life.**
He pauses at the door, and hesitantly knocks. **You idiot, there is nothing to fear. You have a plan, a good plan, just follow it.**
Buffy opens the door, and steps outside. She shuts the door behind her. "I told them already, and they're not happy. I've calmed them down, so don't rile them back up."
"Okay."
"Behave," Buffy warns.
"I will, dammit all to hell slayer, relax. You're making me nervous," he complains.
Buffy glances at him once more, dread overcoming her, and opens the door. Spike shoves down his fear, and follows her in confidently. **This is the turning point. The plan can't work if her friends don't trust you.**
"Guys, you all remember Spike," Buffy cheerily says.
Gathered around Giles' living room are Willow, Xander, and Giles. They cautiously stare at him, and Spike nervously shifts under their gazes. No one says anything. Xander clutches a stake, and Willow, and Giles are holding crosses.
"Well, the gangs all here I see," Spike says.
"Hello Spike. Buffy has told us about your desire to help her," Giles responds.
"That's right mate. No tricks," Spike says before taking a seat next to Buffy.
"Funny, but I don't believe you," Xander answers.
"I really," Spike starts to yell as he stands back up, but calms himself, and continues, "Right, well I figured you wouldn't. No harm really. You'll all see in time."
He sits back down. Buffy looks at Spike, and then at Giles. "I don't know what else to do, Giles, but let him help," she helplessly states.
"Kill him comes to my mind," Xander answers.
Spike growls, but doesn't respond, or move.
"I can't kill him. He's too pathetic, begging for help," Buffy argues.
"All right, hello I'm right here," Spike shouts.
"Sorry," Buffy offers before continuing, "we all might be dead if it wasn't for Spike, and Giles that's the truth."
"I understand that Buffy, and we are all appreciative of Spike's actions, but can you trust him?" Giles asks concerned.
"I think I can," Buffy says looking at Spike for reassurance, and he nods.
"Well, it's your decision, and if you feel you can trust him, then I'll support you, even though I must express again my reservations. A vampire, with no soul, wanting to help the slayer is an odd situation. You mustn�t rush into anything, and proceed with caution. " Giles says.
�I've helped her before," Spike butts in afraid her watcher will change her mind, and ruin all his work.
"Yes, and for your own benefit," Giles argues.
"I'm getting what I want out of this."
"Of course, but what do you want?" Giles asks.
"That's between me and the slayer."
"Giles, I trust Spike's motives, so I am asking you to trust me," Buffy answers.
"I'll always support your decisions, Buffy, just be careful." Giles replies.
"I'm behind you Buffy," Willow adds.
"Xander?" Buffy asks.
"I don't like him, and I don't like this, but I'm always behind you Buffy."
"Thanks guys."
Buffy looks over at Spike, and continues, "I think I need the help. I don't have someone to watch my back anymore."
"I'll watch your back pet, just watch where you shove those stakes," he says with a small smile on his face.
"And you better watch where you insert those fangs," she says smiling back at him. "Well, it's patrol time. Come on partner," Buffy says, as she grabs Spike's hand, and drags him towards the door.
They leave Giles' and head for the patrol route. They start in silence with. Spike contemplating what just happened, and Buffy nervously eyeing Spike's sudden silence.
"So, where did you stay last night?" Buffy asks trying to make conversation. She doesn't like where her mind goes when she's left to her own thoughts in his presence. She starts thinking he's not so bad, and he's definitely not bad to look at.
"I found a nice, little, dark, dirty crypt," Spike answers hoping to soften her up.
"Oh," she simply says.
This is not exactly the response Spike is hoping for. They continue in silence some more.
"Which crypt?" Buffy asks trying to get him to talk again.
"That little one with the lions out front. I'm sure you've seen it, all the way on the east side."
Buffy nods, and Spike continues, "You should visit sometime. I don't get many guests."
Before Buffy can respond, she notices a vampire chasing a girl. "Come on," she calls as she gives chase.
The vampire tackles the girl, and climbs on top of her as she cries for help. Buffy runs up behind them, and yanks the vampire off of the girl.
"Run," Buffy orders.
The girl takes off. Buffy faces the vampire, and blocks a kick with her arm. The vampire counters with a punch that knocks Buffy down. She jumps back up, as Spike grabs the vampire from behind.
"Slayer," Spike shouts.
Buffy fumbles for a stake in her clothes, as Spike struggles to hold the vampire. Spike sees a perfect opportunity to test the slayer. He loosens his grip on the vampire, and the vampire instantly knocks him down. He kneels over Spike, and grabs the stake from Spike's waistband. He aims it at Spike's heart, but before he can plunge it into Spike's chest, he's turned into dust. Spike looks up, and sees the slayer standing over him.
"Score one for the slayer," she says before offering her hand to Spike. He grabs it, and she drags him to his feet. "Close call," Buffy says.
�Yeah, I thought I was dust there for a minute."
�Aren't you glad I'm around now?"
"Yeah, you're all right I suppose."
"Just all right?" Buffy angrily questions him.
"All right slayer, you're fabulous, wonderful, sensational, extraordinary, beautiful, magnificent, exceptional, you're bloody fantastic, and what ever would I do without you?" Spike sarcastically replies.
Buffy turns away from him. "Well, I did save your ass," she mumbles.
"And my ass thanks you," Spike playfully replies.
Buffy doesn't respond. Spike looks at her back, and sighs. **You're not supposed to tick the slayer off. You're supposed to make her like you.**
"Slayer, thank you."
"No problem," Buffy replies with a shrug.
"You are everything I said you were," Spike quietly says.
Buffy turns back to look at him, and is surprised to see him not laughing, or joking, but staring at his feet. Spike nervously stares at his feet waiting for the slayer's reaction. Somewhere inside his head he hears a voice telling him he meant what he said, but he pushes it away. When Buffy doesn't say anything, Spike looks up, and she smiles at him.
"I think I'm going to call it a night," she softly says.
"Yeah all right. I'll do a few more sweeps," Spike offers.
"Try not to get staked," Buffy playfully warns trying to ease the uncomfortable tension.
"Would you miss me?" Spike asks just as playfully.
"I'd miss doing it myself," Buffy replies with a wicked grin on her face.
"That's my little slayer," Spike answers with an amused grin on his face.
Buffy's heart does a summersault. **He just called me his.** Buffy lowers her head, and says, "Well, tomorrow I guess. We can start meeting outside my dorm at nine for patrol."
"See ya, slayer," Spike calls out before walking off.
Buffy watches as Spike walks off. Confused thoughts enter her mind. **I stopped Spike from being killed. I was scared when I thought he was going to get dusted. I actually enjoy patrolling with him. I actually like being around him. He called me beautiful. He called me his. He has a nice ass. God, stop it now Buffy.**
Part 7
Spike is standing outside of Buffy's dorm waiting for her to come out. He starts thinking about the plan as he waits. **It's working. She didn't let me die, not that I would have let that bloke stake me, but the point is she stopped him. She even told her mates she trusts me. And she did that quiet thing when I complimented her.**
Spike glances at a clock, and curses to himself when he realizes he's been waiting for twenty minutes. He waits at the door, and when a guy starts to enter Spike stops him.
"Hey mate, my girlfriend lives here, and I want to surprise her. Will you let me in?"
"Sure come on in," the boy offers.
Spike follows the boy in, and after walking the halls for a while he stops a girl. "Do you know where Buffy Summer's room is?" he asks.
"Sure second floor room 214," the girl replies.
Spike smiles at her, and says, "Thanks, luv."
He heads upstairs. He stands outside her door, and when he hears voices he stops to listen.
"Willow will you stop," Buffy shouts.
�Come on Buffy, he's a nice guy, and he likes you. Give it a chance."
"No. I'm through with guys after Parker."
"Not all guys are like stupid Parker."
"I know, but I just need a break."
"Okay, but think about it Buffy. Riley's not like Parker. Just talk to him."
Spike sighs. **This is going to be harder than I thought. Not only do I have competition, but the slayer doesn't want a guy.**
�I have to go meet Spike for patrol."
"Are you going to spend every night with Spike?"
"I have to. Not only is it nice to have someone to patrol with, but also I have to watch him. I trust him, but then I don't. It's all too weird."
"Be careful. He's still Spike."
"I know Will."
Spike has heard enough. **What more do I have to do to get her to trust me.** Spike knocks on the door.
"Come in," Willow shouts.
Spike opens the door, and steps into their room. "'Ello girls, are you ready slayer?"
"How'd you get in?" Buffy asks fear flashing on her face.
"Red just invited me in," Spike answers.
"Good job, Will," Buffy sarcastically replies.
"Hey, play nice," Spike defensively yells.
"Let's go," Buffy mutters. Spike follows the slayer out of the room, and they head downstairs. "Why couldn't you just wait outside?" Buffy asks annoyed.
"I got bored, and you were late," Spike points out.
"I wasn't that late," Buffy protests.
"Well I've never been the patient type."
"Tell me about it. Let's get this over with. I have a paper to write later."
Spike holds open the downstairs door for Buffy, and she looks at him in confusion before going through it. Spike follows, and they start to patrol in silence.
**I'm going to have to do this differently. Obviously, the slayer's not looking for another bad boy. Time to be sweet and cuddly Spike. She fell for that last night. Bloody hell! Just remember why you're doing this.**
"So what's your paper about?" Spike asks.
"Do you really care?" Buffy skeptically asks.
"I'm just curious. You know, maybe I could help you," he offers.
"Yeah right. Just because you're as old as the dinosaurs doesn't mean you know everything."
"Funny slayer, but I'm not that old. I have seen a lot of things, heard a lot of things, and read a lot of things though."
"I bet you have, but my paper is not about killing, maiming, and things that go bump in the night."
"Demons aren't the only things that go bump in the night," Spike suggests, seductively raising his eyebrows at her.
"Ewww perverted much?" Buffy shrieks.
Spike just grins at her. They continue in silence.
�Looks pretty slow tonight. Why don't you go write your paper, and I'll finish patrolling," Spike offers.
"It's okay, I'll stay."
"No really, I don't mind," Spike argues.
"Spike, I'm going to stay. I'm the slayer, it's my job."
"Suit yourself then. I was just trying to be nice," Spike grumbles.
Buffy stops, and throws up her arms. "But why are you being nice to me?" she asks.
Spike stops, and faces her. "I don't know. We had a deal. I figured we might as well get along."
"But I don't want to get along," Buffy protests.
The hurt look on Spike's face shocks Buffy, and she softens a little. "I'm sorry," she mutters.
"No big deal. I'll go," Spike starts to walk away.
�Spike wait," Buffy calls out.
Spike stops, and Buffy catches up to him. She turns him to face her, and rests her hands on his shoulder. She continues, "This is all just too strange. It's difficult for me to accept that you�re working with me, and not against me. I don't know how to act, except how I always have, but I like that your helping me."
"You do?" Spike hesitantly asks.
"Yes, it's strange, but nice."
Buffy stares into Spike's eyes. He returns the gaze, and they stand there staring into each other�s eyes for what seems like an eternity. Unable to take it any longer, Spike looks down.
"There's something you're not telling me." Buffy says softly.
Spike panics. **Dammit she knows something's up. Keep your cool. The plan is working. She's starting to like you.**
"What's that pet?" he quietly asks.
"You're sad," Buffy answers.
Spike is surprised by her answer. **Maybe this is easier than I thought.**
"Yeah, well I'm not exactly living the unlife of choice right now," he sarcastically replies.
"It's something deeper than that," Buffy presses. "You don't have to tell me, but I'm here if you need someone to talk to."
�That's just it," Spike says sadly. "No one needs me. I need to be needed. Dru needed me, and I needed her to need me. Now she doesn't need me, and no one else does. I have no purpose. Why do you think I'm here? Here I have a purpose. Sure you may not need me, but I can delusion myself into thinking you do."
Buffy places her finger underneath his chin, and lifts his face so he is looking at her. She sees the tears behind his eyes.
"I need you, Spike," she whispers.
Spike hesitates briefly before wrapping his arms around the slayer. Buffy reaches up, and wraps her arms around his neck as he cries. **You deserve a bloody Oscar for this. I should of known she would fall for the needy tortured vampire bit.**
Buffy holds onto Spike tightly. **What is going on? Why do I feel sympathy for him? He's Spike you idiot.**
Buffy slowly pushes him away. Spike stands back up, and looks at Buffy sheepishly.
"Not a word slayer, to anyone," he warns.
"Or what? You're going to kill me?" Buffy playfully asks.
"Maybe," he winks at her.
**Oh God, why'd my heart just skip a beat?**
Buffy looks away, and starts walking again. Spike silently follows her, and they finish the rest of the patrol in silence finally ending up in front of Buffy's dorm.
"I wish there were more patrols like this one," Buffy comments.
"Why? Cause you got to see me cry."
"No, I mean because there were no vampires," she explains.
"Except me," he says as a slow smile escapes his lips.
"Right, but you're a good vampire," Buffy teases him.
"Right, I'm a cuddly cute vampire," Spike says, sarcasm dripping from his words.
"Well I don't know about cute, but you're a vampire I don't mind seeing."
"If I'm not cute why do you want to see me?" Spike answers leaning closer to her.
"Because," Buffy stammers, "because you're not trying to kill me,� Buffy finishes softly.
**At least not yet.**
"Good night, Buffy," Spike whispers leaning dangerously close to her mouth with his.
**Oh God, he's going to kiss me.** Buffy's breathing increase, and she stares up into his eyes. Spike smiles at her, and slowly stands up straight before he walks off. **Dammit he didn't kiss me.** Buffy's eyes widen at her thoughts. **I really need some help. He's Spike. He has no soul.**
Spike walks off smiling. **Oh this is getting good. Soon, I'll have her, and her lover boy just where I want them, and then everything is going to explode.** Spike pushes away the nagging thoughts he's been having about the slayer. Those thoughts that have nothing to do with the plan. Those nice thoughts about the slayer like she's breathtaking, and fun to be around. Spike pushes the thoughts away, and instead focuses on the pain he is going to inflict. Spike practically skips the rest of the way across town.
Heading down a dark alley, he quickly ducks into an empty warehouse. He strides confidently over to the group of four vampires.
"Hello mates, where's my dinner?"
"Over there," one of the vampires point to a young girl chained to the wall.
Spike saunters over to her, and runs his finger down her jaw line. "Well you're a pretty one," he seductively tells her.
The girl whimpers, "Please don't hurt me."
Spike smiles at her wickedly, "Now what's the fun in that."
He grabs her by the hair, and sinks his fangs into her neck. The girl screams, but is soon drained to her death. Spike removes his fangs, and licks his lips.
"You taste good too," he says before unhooking the chains.
The girl falls to the floor. Spike steps over her, and points to one of the vampires. "Get her out of here," Spike orders.
The vampire scurries over to carry the girl out. Spike sits down at the table, and faces the remaining three vampires.
"Listen closely. Tomorrow night, I want you all to go to the cemetery to that crypt on the east side with the lions out front, do you know which crypt I'm talking about?"
The vampires nod, and Spike continues, "Meet me there at 9:45."
"What for?" one of them asks.
Standing up, and raising his voice, Spike shouts, "Just do it, and don't be late."
"Spike, there are rumors that you are helping the slayer," another of the vampires timidly says.
Spike raises his eyebrows, and gives him a menacing look. He picks a sword up off the table, and slowly moves it from one hand to the other. In one lightening quick motion, he slices the head off of the offending vampire.
He turns to the remaining two, "Anyone else have any doubts, or concerns they would like to express?"
Both vampires shake their heads, and back away from him.
"Tomorrow night, the crypt on the east side with the lions, 9:45. Don't be late, or you'll be joining your friend here."
Spike turns and walks out of the warehouse. He heads towards the crypt he has been staying in since leaving Harmony. **Bloody hell, it's getting harder to find vampires stupid enough to participate in my schemes. I hate small towns, everyone talks.**
Part 8
Buffy waits impatiently outside her dorm. She glances up at the clock again. **9:20, where the hell is Spike?** Buffy panics. **Maybe something happened to him, or maybe he changed his mind.** Buffy starts walking towards the cemetery. **He said he's been staying in a crypt, the one with the lions, I think.**
Buffy heads towards the crypt. She really is worried that something might have happened to Spike, and even more scared that he changed his mind about helping her. Buffy didn't want him to change his mind. She didn't want to go back to fighting him. She wasn't sure what she was feeling, but it wasn't hatred anymore.
When she reaches the crypt, she scans the area, but sees nothing. She carefully opens the crypt, and peers inside. She gasps, and her heart starts racing. Spike is chained up in the corner of the crypt. He's arms are stretched above his head by the shackles around his wrists. His head is down, and resting motionless on his chest.
Buffy runs inside to Spike's side. She kneels next to him, and takes in his wounds. His lip is bleeding, and there are large slice wounds, and burn marks on his bare chest. She carefully lifts his head. His eyes are closed, as if he is unconscious. Buffy shakes with fear, and anger. Fear that Spike is really hurt, and anger at whomever did this to him.
"Spike can you hear me?" she quietly urges, gently stroking his cheek.
Spike's answer is an agonizing moan.
"Okay, I'm going to get you out of here," Buffy assures him.
Buffy grabs the chains, and tries to break them off of his wrists. When that fails, she stands up, and tries to yank them out of the wall. After a couple of tugs, the chains fall free. Buffy lifts Spike to his feet, and places her arm around him, supporting most of his weight.
"Slayer," Spike moans out in pain.
�I'm going to take care of you, but I need you to walk," Buffy gently tells him.
Spike groans again, but places one foot in front of the other. Just as they reach the crypt door, the door is kicked open, and Spike's three accomplices enter.
Buffy drops Spike, and he screams in pain. She kicks the first vampire, sending him back outside. She spins and plunges a stake into the second one. The third lunges at her, but she grabs his arm, and flips him onto his back. He lands on ground, and Buffy instantly stakes him. She reaches behind her, and pulls a stake from her waistband, just as the first vampire tackles her from behind. The stake falls away. Buffy scrambles underneath the vampires body, but he's holding her down with his weight. Buffy throws her head back connecting with his mouth. She wiggles free, and grabs her stake. She kicks the vampire back down, and crawls over to him. She furiously punches him before slamming the stake into his chest.
Buffy crawls over to Spike. She lifts his head into her lap. "Spike, are you okay," she asks lightly running her fingers through his hair.
Spike makes a noise somewhere between a moan, and cough. Buffy scoops him up into her arms, and carries him all the way back to her dorm. She sets him down outside, hidden by some bushes.
"Stay here."
Spike, who had regained full consciousness on the way over, sarcastically replies, "I don't think you have to worry about me going anywhere."
Buffy smiles weakly at him before going up to her room. She grabs an over sized t-shirt, and a saw before heading back down to Spike. She's trying not to think about what happened to him, but the fear, and anger she felt was real. **I was scared for him. I was angry at whoever did this.**
When she reaches Spike's hiding place, she kneels next to him, and cradles his head in her lap. "Okay, I'm going to get these chains off,� she says, and proceeds to use the saw to break the shackles around his wrists.
"Now lift your arms, so I can put this on. I don't need people asking any questions," she orders holding the t-shirt over his head.
Spike does as he's told, and Buffy slides the t-shirt over his head, and arms. Buffy gently pushes him into a sitting position. She stands up, and carefully helps him to his feet. She places her arm around him to support him.
"Now, you're going to have to walk upstairs to my room. Just hold onto me."
Spike nods, and they head inside. Once in her room, Buffy lays Spike on the bed. She pulls off the shirt, and he groans in pain.
"Sorry," Buffy apologizes looking at his wounded chest in the light.
"Those are some really nasty wounds you have there," she comments before removing his boots, and socks. "I'll get you all fixed up though," Buffy promises.
She opens her desk, and pulls out her first aid kit. She sets it next to Spike, and then pours some water from a water bottle on a washcloth. She sits next to Spike on the bed, and gently wipes the wounds on his chest. Spike winces in pain.
"Stop being a baby," Buffy gently teases.
"Easy for you to say. I'm the one with gashes, and burns all over my chest."
Spike watches Buffy run the washcloth over his chest. Her head is down, causing her hair to fall in soft wisps on her face. Spike reaches out, and brushes a loose strand away, tucking it behind her ear.
Buffy pauses at his touch. She looks up at him, and softly asks, "What happened Spike?"
"The vampire community got wind of my helping you, and wanted to teach me a very painful lesson."
Buffy starts to apply bandages to his wounds. Spike watches as her hands move over his chest. His skin tingles under her light touch.
Spike continues, "I guess I'm lucky you came along."
Buffy laughs quietly, "I was going to kick your ass for being late."
"I guess I should be thankful for the those vamps tying me up. I think I faired much better under their wrath, than I would have under yours. Though I have to say I'd much rather be tortured by you, than by them,� Spike replies his eyes gleaming mischievously.
"I don't do the torture thing. I just pummel, and stake."
"Yeah, I can see your not into chains, and pain,� Spike answers slightly disappointed.
"Not my thing," Buffy answers.
"It can be fun though, pet. If done by the right person," Spike suggestively replies.
"I'll leave the sick perversions to you vamps."
"Your loss."
"I really don't think so."
Buffy finishes covering his chest wounds with bandages. She picks up the washcloth again, and gently wipes the blood from his lip. Spike closes his eyes, and sighs. Buffy sets the washcloth down, and gently caresses his sore lip with her thumb. Spike instinctively sucks her thumb into his mouth.
Buffy is shocked at first, but then gasps as Spike's tongue circles her thumb. Spike opens his mouth letting her thumb go. He lifts his head, so that he can look into her eyes. She is staring back at him with confusion, and desire. Spike decides to take a chance. He runs his hand through her hair, and lowers her lips to his. He tentively kisses her at first, not sure what her reaction will be.
Buffy responds instantly, losing all of her senses in the moment except the excitement, and desire coursing through her body. Buffy deepens the kiss to Spike's shock. He tosses out any reservations, and attacks her mouth with his. Buffy responds by pressing her body against his, and tangling her fingers in his short hair. Spike ignores the pain that shoots through his wounded body, and continues to kiss her, his tongue exploring her warm mouth. Spike trails his hands down her back. Buffy shivers as his cold fingers caress the bare skin of her lower back.
Before things can go any further, they hear a key in the door, and Buffy jumps up. She frantically looks from the door to Spike trying to compose herself, so it didn't look like she has been making out with a vampire. Spike looks at Buffy, disappointed that she had moved away from him.
Willow opens the door, and lets out a surprised squeak when she sees Spike in Buffy's bed.
"Willow, shut the door," Buffy hastily orders.
Willow shuts the door, and turns to her friend, "What's he doing here?"
"He's going to stay here for tonight. Some vamps decided to enact some revenge."
"Revenge for what?" Willow asks.
"Helping me. They got him pretty good."
"Hi Spike," Willow says nervously.
"Hi Red, don't worry, I promise I won't bite you."
"Okay, good," Willow responds with uncertainty.
After an awkward silence, Buffy says, "Well, I think it's bed time for slayer's and vampires."
"Slayer, I don't have bed time till sun rise," Spike complains.
"Well, today, you're going to sleep early, because I'm tired," Buffy orders.
Spike grumbles, but doesn't say anything. Buffy grabs a blanket, and spreads it on the floor.
"What are you doing?" Spike asks confused.
"Going to sleep," Buffy answers while looking at him strangely.
"Sleep in the bed," Spike offers scooting over.
"With you, I don't think so," Buffy nervously laughs trying to avoid both Willow's, and Spike's looks. The thought lingers in her mind, and she knows the thought appeals to her.
"Come on, don't be silly. I promise, hands, fangs, and other parts to myself."
Buffy nervously considers his offer. She doesn't really want to sleep on the floor, and sleeping with Spike wouldn't be that bad, but then again she doesn't want Willow to think something is up. **God, we kissed. We really kissed, and I liked it.**
"I don't know," Buffy says as she looks at Willow.
Willow shrugs, and Buffy turns to Spike. Spike grabs her arm, and pulls her into the bed.
"See that wasn't so hard, now was it," he whispers in her ear.
Buffy doesn't answer. She just climbs under the blankets.
"You might want to take off your shoes, luv. I don't fancy getting kicked by boots all night," Spike tells her.
Buffy sits back up, and removes her shoes.
"I'm going to go brush my teeth," Willow tells them before leaving.
Buffy gets up. She starts to change for bed, but notices Spike watching her.
"Close your eyes," she orders annoyed.
"Want to talk about what happened, pet?"
Buffy pauses. She didn't want to talk about what happened. She wanted what happened to happen again, and that thought scared her.
"No, nothing happened. We got caught up in the moment is all,� Buffy dismisses with a wave of her hand. She doesn't want to deal with this now. She can't talk to Spike about it. She is just too confused.
Spike looks at her with hurt in his eyes, "Is that all it was then?"
"What was it then?" she defensively asks. "Are you going to try to tell me that you like me?"
Buffy looks away from him. She knows she is being really mean, but what is happening inside of her is too much to deal with any other way. **Just put up the wall, and maybe it'll go away.**
Spike crawls under the blankets, and mutters, "Maybe I do."
Buffy hears him, and her heart skips a beat. She doesn't respond. She's too scared of what it would mean if Spike really did like her.
Buffy walks over to the bed, and Spike lifts the covers for her to get under. Buffy slides in, and pulls the covers to her chin.
"Remember keep your parts to yourself," Buffy warns.
Spike just rolls his eyes.
Willow returns, and looks at the pair, sensing something is up. The tension in the room is unavoidable. Willow crawls into her bed. "Night guys," she says.
"Night Willow," Buffy calls back.
Willow gives them one last look before turning off the light. Spike puts his arm around the slayer, and pulls her closer to him. "Goodnight, slayer," he whispers in her ear.
Buffy shivers at his touch, but doesn't pull away. **This is all too strange. It puts a new meaning on the phrase sleeping with the enemy.** Buffy chuckles at her own thought.
"What are you laughing at?" Spike whispers.
"Nothing, good night Spike," Buffy answers smiling to herself. **Just for tonight I'll let myself enjoy this. Tomorrow it has to stop. Spike is Spike, and I'm the slayer. It'll never be more. If it was it'll just cause pain to everyone.**
Spike lies there with the slayer curled up against him. Confused feelings overwhelm him. He looks at the slayer's sleeping profile, and sighs. **This would be so much easier if I didn't like her. I know I've always had a certain respect for the slayer. She's a tough little fighter, and her mouth is as sharp as those stakes she uses. Her mouth is so warm, and lovely. The plan, you idiot, remember the plan.** Spike shuts his eyes. He thinks of the plan less, and less in her presence, and that scares him more than anything he's ever faced.