Moving On
Summary: Sequel to Weekend At Buffy's. Buffy is finally ready to move on... to someone other than Spike. How will he react? B/S *NEW*

Read my story Weekend at Buffy's first. It'll make more sense. Set in my . Midseason 5, but Joyce isn't sick or dying, and Glory isn't as big of a deal as she was... yet. muahahaha. ha.

A/N - I'm gonna make a series of stories set around Weekend'.
Also, I've suspended work on In Your Dreams' for now. I'm just having issues with sitting and writing it. I'll get back to it as time permits.

**** Chapter 1 - Moving On ****

11:07 AM.

That's what the clock read when Buffy cracked open an eye.

She yawned sleepily, pushing the blankets off of her. She hadn't slept so well in... well, since before Riley had left. It had been about a month since that night she had gone running after him, and every time she tried to sleep, she was plagued by what ifs. What if she had made it to the helicopter on time? What if Riley were still there with her?

The Slayer stood, stretching out her muscles and opening the blinds.

The pain had grown less and less over the days. She had spent her time reconnecting with the friends and family that she had sort of neglected ever since she had started dating the giant farm boy.

She giggled. When had she started thinking like Spike?

In truth, she hadn't seen much of the bleached vampire since that so-called party at her house. Since he had admitted that he loved her. Yeah, he had shown up at the Magic Box to help them with the odd demon or two, but mostly he had stayed out of her way.

She hadn't given him any indication to do anything otherwise, though. After their talk in the cemetery, he had dropped her off at her house, and gone back to his crypt. Buffy hadn't gone to see him, though he had come to her house to see the Summers' women. She had always been gone, though. At the Bronze, at Xander's place, at Giles'...

Mostly, Buffy was just trying to get back to normal. And knowing Spike was in love with her - and that she hadn't discouraged him - really wasn't normal. Truthfully, she was embarrassed about the whole conversation.

Afterwards, she felt guilty. A lot of what she had said to Spike had to do with the fact that she had drunk a ton of alcohol. Granted, she wasn't really drunk, but it was enough to make her tongue a little looser than usual. She didn't want to give him hope and lead him on, despite the fact that he was Spike.

Buffy straightened her tank top and headed downstairs to see if her mom had made breakfast.

A week after that party, she saw Spike for the first time at the shop. She had taken him into the training room and sat him down, explaining everything she had been feeling. He understood. But she could see the pain in his eyes, despite the smirks and cool demeanor he showed. Then he told her that it was okay. That he would still love her always. And then he disappeared out the back door.

He only showed up when Giles or one of the Scoobies went to get him, and only then when they really needed the help. He bantered with her, traded insults, and acted normal, but always left again before she could talk to him.

Sure, she was a little relieved. Without him there to distract her, she was able to concentrate more on getting having fun and not worrying about boys. But part of her was a little sad, too. She knew he wouldn't leave, but she missed him.

Look who's awake. Sleep well? Her mother's cheerful voice greeted her as she entered the kitchen.

Like a rock. Breakfast? Buffy slid onto a stool at the island in the center of the room.

Joyce turned around from the stove and smiled at her daughter, putting a plate of pancakes in front of her. I have to be at the gallery early, so I thought I'd get up and make you girls something. Is Dawn up yet?

Buffy shrugged. Don't know. She answered, mouth full.

Joyce sighed in frustration. I swear, that girl is harder to wake up than you.

There was a comfortable silence in the room for a few minutes, as mother sipped coffee and daughter ate.

So how are you, Buffy? I mean, since Riley... left? The older woman asked gently.

Buffy shrugged again, swallowing. Much better. It doesn't really hurt anymore. I mean, it still hurts, but... not so much, you know?

I know. Her mom smiled.

Anyways, we're going to the Bronze tonight after I patrol, so maybe I'll meet a cute guy or something...

I'm glad you're getting back into the swing of things, Buffy. Joyce glanced at the clock on the microwave. I'll see you later, maybe? For dinner here?

Dinner, here, check. Have fun. Buffy nodded.

Bye honey. The woman started to leave. Oh, and if you see Spike, tell him he's more than welcome to come over as well. I haven't seen much of him since Dawn and I got back.

Uh, right. If I see him.

Okay. See you tonight. Joyce kissed the top of Buffy's head and left.

Buffy sighed. She really didn't want to see Spike, not when she was so close to feeling normal again... well, normal for her. And she so didn't want to think of what the Vampire would say if she mentioned she was ready to date again.

Sliding off the stool, she went upstairs to change. Maybe buying a killer new outfit would clear her thoughts.

****

Buffy exited the last store, frowning. *How dare that cashier act like she knows everything! I can so wear purple!*

Grumbling, she hefted the large bag holding her other purchases over her shoulder, and started walking home.

She passed by the UC Sunnydale campus, and debated going in to see Willow. She even started heading to the redhead's dorm when she remembered her friend was in class.

Sometimes she wished she hadn't dropped out of school. It was only two, and there was nothing for her to do. She didn't have a job, unless you counted slaying. All of her other friends were either working or in school. She was kind of starting to feel like Xander used to.

Kicking a pebble, she turned towards home.

****

Buffy smiled as she finished curling her hair so that it fell about her face in soft waves. She put the finishing touches on her makeup, before cutting the price tag off her new dress.

Dinner had been great, but patrol had been harder than usual. A new demon was in town, creating chaos as Sunnydale demons were known to do. That blonde, skanky woman had beat the Slayer up like she was nothing more than a rag doll. It was unnerving.

She had called Giles the second she got home, filling him in on all the details of her meeting with this new enemy. He, of course, had said he would look into it.

After a shower though, the sore muscles from her fight had started to fade. Sighing happily, she slid the dress on and zipped it up, relishing the feel of the fabric against her skin.

The dress was short, stopping an inch or two above her fingertips when they rested at her side. It was made of a black, silky material, and molded to her curves. Tiny satin spaghetti straps held it up, and the neck cut across in a straight line, as did the back. It had a high, empire waist, and all in all, she looked fantastic.

Pulling on black high heeled, strappy sandals to match the dress, she stood and stuck a stake in her handbag, which was made of vibrant red satin.

Satisfied that she looked good enough to get some attention, she pulled on a long black coat and left for the Bronze.

****

She entered the club, head held high as she searched for her friends. She beelined her way to them, making apologies and gently pushing people out of her way. Stumbling in front of their table, she smiled.

Hey guys.

Wow, Buffy, you look great! Willow grinned. New dress?

Xander, you can close your jaw. Anya not-so-subtlely whispered. Her boyfriend looked at the ex-demon in embarrassment and closed his mouth.

Buffy blushed and sat next to Tara. New dress. She confirmed. I just felt... you know, it's time to move on. And here I am, with the moving on.

Well, you will be moving on in a minute. Tara giggled. The blonde witch had become much less shy lately.

Buffy turned to where Tara was looking and saw an attractive dark-haired man coming towards her, smiling softly. When he reached the table, he held out his hand to Buffy and grinned.

Care to dance?

Buffy couldn't speak, opting to take his hand and follow him out on the dance floor instead.

****

Spike had been at the bar when Buffy walked in. He sucked in a breath he didn't need. She was beautiful. He watched her sit and chat with her friends for a minute, while he drank the last of his beer. He got up to ask her to dance, when she saw her take the hand and follow another man onto the floor.

****

Dancing... it was nice. Nice to do something normal, something that didn't have to do with demons or evil. She and Justin, the 22 year old she was dancing with, had talked a bit, learning the basics of one another, when a slow song came on.

Buffy leaned into his embrace, smiling. Then her eye caught something over Justin's shoulder.

Spike.

He was watching her, standing not twenty feet away, with a hurt expression on his face.

*****

A/N - dont worry, it'll be buffy/spike. Seriously, that's all i write. Anywho, go check out my other stories :) And feedback is good for the writing. lol. And there WILL be longer chapters, I promise.