Catch Me When I Fall

Summary: This happens somewhere between Season 6. Buffy decides she has had enough of life. Good thing Spike came along...

NOTE: Spike is a bit OOC, and the fic switches POVs in between, hope you're not too confused. Thoughts are in italics.

Disclaimer: I don't own squat.

Chapter 1

"But Buffy---"

Buffy stopped, feeling anger rise inside her chest. "You see!? There you go again. Interrupting me when I'm trying to tell you something important. Well you know what? I'm sick of this. Sick of all of you. I don't even know why I tried talking to you! You'll never understand. You never did..."

"Buffy," Willow said. "Buffy calm down. I'm sure there's a way to work this out("

"Oh, just shut up, Willow," Buffy said, malice dripping from her words. "Stop being such a do-gooder. This was your fault in the first place! If you haven't dawdled with magic, or wanted to show off so much, this would never have happened! You would have moved on with your lives, and I would have been happy... in..." She trailed off when she saw the hurt look on Willow's face.

"Hey Buffy, c'mon," Xander said. "You know Willow was only trying to help. I mean... we thought you would be happy..."

Buffy glared at him. "Well, you know what? I'm not! I'm more unhappy than I've ever been in my entire life. And it's all thanks to you guys." She grabbed her jacket. "I've had it. I'm leaving," and ran out of the house.

"Buffy, wait!" Dawn cried out.

But her sister was already gone.

--- Buffy's POV---

I ran out the door, not wanting my so-called friends to see the tears streaming down my face. I just snapped. I was at the end of my rope. I had to get out of there.

I ran into the woods, not even thinking for a minute where I was going. I just kept thinking how mad I was at them. They don't even know what I'm going through. They just go about their lives like nothing happened. Like nothing's changed. But everything has. Me. Them.

I stopped running, trying to catch my breath. Then I looked around. Where am I? I've been to the forest before but I don't remember this part. I sighed and walked on.

------ I collapsed under a big tree, exhausted from my efforts. I've been walking for hours, and it was beginning to get dark. I was even beginning to feel a bit dizzy.

I fidgeted. God, does my body hurt. Then I remembered the fight with my friends. Tears began to fall down again. Why did this happen? When did we become like this? We uses to be so happy... I sighed and remember the times when we were together. We might have some difficulties, but we always got through it. Because we were together. But now... I don't know how I'm going to get through this.

I wonder what would have happened if they haven't brought me back. My friends would have moved on by now. They would lead normal, happy lives. Free of demons, vampires, and other supernatural thingies. If only Willow had failed in bringing me back. If only they could accept the fact that I was gone. If only... If only...

So many regrets. So much pain. So much suffering. Too much, I'm afraid. I want it to end.

I looked up, the cool breeze bringing chills to my spine. It was already night time. I stood up, trying to find my way home again.

Then I saw it. The answer. I smiled.

End of Chapter

Authors notes: What do you think Buffy saw? Could it really be a solution to her problems? Where's Spike. Well, all that's going to be answered on the next chapter. So until then! Please review!!!