I Think You Want Me
Disclaimer - Joss still owns em. unfortunately.
recap - Buffy is in Spike's body, Spike is in Buffy's, due to a spell by Willow. Spike in Buffy is still called Spike, Buffy in Spike is still called Buffy.
anywho, Spike's in love with Buffy, and Buffy knows it. Buffy wants Spike, and Spike knows it. But they haven't talked about it yet. hehe.
*just remember - spike never told buffy he's in love with her. she doesn't know, and there never was a buffybot, so she never kissed him.*
**** Chapter 4 - Confrontations ****
Buffy sat on a bench and waited for Spike to return. She nervously looked down at the clothes she had just bought. She had decided to wear the black pants and blue shirt, but had been forced to keep on Spike's old, dirty boots.
Spike rounded a corner, and saw himself sitting on a bench. Wearing dressy clothes. Shock flashed across his face, but was soon replaced with acceptance. After all, he had completely made over Buffy...
He held his head up, and strode to the bench, sitting himself down next to Buffy.
Buffy ignored the blonde girl that sat next to her, busy looking for Spike in her body.
Spike grinned. Buffy didn't even recognize him. He cleared his throat. Looking for someone, pet?
Buffy's eyes widened as she turned to face Spike. Her jaw dropped as she looked her body up and down. What are you wearing?! She exclaimed.
I should ask you the same. Spike answered, laughing.
But... but what are you doing?! How could you?! Her eyes shone with anger as she stood up and continued her rant, pacing back and forth in front of the bench. A few curious onlookers gathered and watched as the nicely dressed platinum blonde man yelled at the gothic/punk blonde girl.
You become me for, what, like, eighteen hours, and already you've given me the makeover from the Hellmouth? What were you thinking?!
Spike got up and stood directly in her path, looking her straight in the eyes. So it's like that, eh? It's okay for you to dress me in whatever you want, but it isn't okay for me to do the same with you? You know Slayer, you really are a hypocrite sometimes!
What's that supposed to mean?!
You know exactly what it means! You think you're so much better than the rest of us, luv! Just because you're the high and mighty Slayer, that must mean that you can do anything you want! Must mean you know everything about what's right and wrong! Because I certainly couldn't know!
What are you talking about? Her voice dropped dangerously low in anger.
Spike stopped yelling. You barely gave me a second thought. Until that Glory chit came around, and suddenly, I'm the only one who can protect the Bit and your mum. And after that, you still barely treated me with any respect. It wasn't until that battle that you finally accepted me. Why then? I've been helping you for so long, Buffy... He trailed off.
But I'll never be good enough to fit into your world, now will I? He whispered. I'll always be something evil to you. Just something that can help you patrol, and that's it. This goodwill' to the vampire will last maybe another week or two, and then, luv, you'll get it in your head that I'm not good enough anymore. You'll threaten to stake me if I don't stay away from you and your chums!
Buffy's face had softened during Spike's speech. That's not true...
Isn't it, Slayer? Spike asked angrily. Isn't it? It's obvious the lot of you don't really trust me, with maybe the exception of Dawn! The rest only accept me because after Glory, you finally thought it was okay to talk to me. Well I've had it, pet. I'm tired of your games, I'm tired of everyone looking at me like I'm a charity case, and I'm tired of trying to win your approval. Once I get my body back, I'm leaving Sunnydale for good.
Buffy panicked. You can't leave! How could you even think about it?!
Spike eyed her. You saying you would miss me, luv?
I... I... No, I mean... you promised you would protect Dawn! It's only been a week or so since Glory! Who knows what's out there still waiting to get her?!
You can protect her well enough. Spike shrugged. You don't need me.
Buffy said, upset. I don't care. Just make sure you say goodbye to her. She stalked off towards the parking deck, leaving an angry Spike to follow.
****
Dawn looked up from the magazine she was reading when the bell signaled that someone had entered the Magic Box. Her jaw dropped to the floor.
Woah, what's with the new look you guys? I mean, different much? The teen laughed. But she couldn't help but marvel at just how good Spike's body looked.
Xander turned around to face the blondes. So, judging by the new clothes, I'm gonna guess that you two are still all not-your-body having? Nice look, Spike. This new body come with a new decade? Maybe the 80's?
Both Slayer and Vampire scowled, Spike moving to sit at the table by Dawn, and Buffy hopping up on the counter. The entire trip to the shop had been made in silence, neither wanting to speak to the other. Buffy was upset that Spike would even think about leaving her. Spike was upset that Buffy hadn't made an effort to stop him.
Spike had meant what he said. As hard as it would be, he would leave Sunnydale. Even if that meant leaving the woman he loved. Even if the dream were true, and she did want him, she would never admit to it, and certainly never love him. He glared at his body.
Buffy sent the glare back to him. She was furious with him. She knew the dream was true. She'd had enough prophecy dreams in her life to know when something was real, and when something was just weird mental stuff. His love for her was definitely real. But he was going to leave, just like the others. Angel, Riley, her dad... they had all left her, even though they said they loved her. Spike would just be the latest.
Of course, they weren't together, and she hadn't done anything to let him know she wanted him too...
She sighed. Her stubbornness was one of her biggest problems. She knew that Spike wouldn't leave if she told him how she felt, but her pride had gotten in the way earlier.
Everyone in the shop could feel the tension between the blondes. Xander wisely backed off the jokes while Tara looked nervously back and forth between the pair.
Giles entered the store from the training room in the back, and upon seeing everyone's grim faces, he immediately feared the worst.
What's wrong?
All attention was directed to him, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Buffy spoke first. Uh, nothing, Giles. You need us here? I didn't sleep too well last nite. Vampire and all.
Giles removed his glasses. Ah, no. You may leave, I suppose. There really is no reason for you to stay. We can't train, though I did hear that there is a small nest of vampires in a building not far from Spike's crypt. Perhaps you and Spike should do a short patrol tonight?
Buffy shrugged.
Hey, wait a minute, Slayer! I never agreed! Spike objected.
Buffy glowered. You don't have to go. I'll go by myself. I'll be sure to get beat up really good so you're in serious pain when we switch back.
Spike set his jaw. I'll come with you. He muttered, almost inaudibly. It was only for her new vampiric hearing that Buffy heard him.
****
Spike and Buffy made their way through the sewers back to Buffy's home without speaking.
Bolting from the safety of the underground shadows, Buffy ran to her front door, letting herself in. Spike rolled his eyes and slowly followed. Buffy was waiting for him in the foyer as he trudged up the front steps, having already taken off his heavy duster and carelessly thrown it on a chair in the living room.
We'll go at nine. That was all she said, half-turning on her heel to stomp up the stairs to her room. Spike sighed, and pulled a pack of cigarettes and his lighter from the coat's pocket, and went to sit on the back porch.
He didn't care anymore what Buffy would think of what he was doing to her body. He needed that cigarette. Pulling one out of the box, he studied it for a long time, thinking about what she would say if she knew.
Finally, he put it back.
*Bloody hell. I'm supposed to want to kill the Slayer. Not supposed to love her.*
He took a deep breath, and went upstairs to talk to Buffy.
****
Buffy groaned when she heard a knock on her door. Knowing that she and Spike were the only people there, logic told her who it would be.
Go away!
Buffy, please open. Spike tried to keep the frustration out of his voice. Yelling would get them nowhere.
The door was flung open, and Buffy returned to laying face down on her bed.
What do you want? She asked bitterly.
Just want to change clothes. Need something to wear.
The now-vampire got up and pulled a pair of cotton running pants and a tank top from a drawer. She handed them to Spike and crossed her arms, silently telling him to leave.
Spike nodded, and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Buffy let out a breath she didn't need when he left. It was so easy to just get angry with him, instead of facing what she felt.
Spike leaned against the wall outside Buffy's room, and rested the back of his head against it. It was easier to let her get to him, making him angry and sarcastic instead of just telling her how he felt about her.
****
Nine o-clock came too soon for Slayer and Vampire. Neither really wanted to face the other, but neither really wanted to let the other go out alone.
So neither was very surprised when they both entered the living room at the same time.
Ready Slayer? Spike asked.
They walked the short distance to the cemetery, neither speaking to the other.
****
The pair found the nest easily. There were only six of them, all fledglings. Buffy jumped right in, kicking and punching anything that came in her way, and immediately dusted two of them. Spike, however, stood back. He simply watched as Buffy fought all of them.
She dusted five, but the last on was giving her some trouble. He may have been a new vampire, but he was huge. He managed to pin Buffy, and just as he was about to shove the stake in her heart, Spike finally stepped in, slamming his own stake into the vamp's back.
Buffy stood, dusting herself off. Took you long enough!
I said I would come with you, pet. I never said I would help. And you were handling them fine on you own.
Then why'd you step in then? I could have gotten him myself. She huffed.
Spike rolled his eyes. He was about to stake you, luv. And if you remember, that's my body you're in.
So that's all you care about, huh? You.
Well, what can I say, Slayer? I'm a right good-looking vampire. No one else cares, and somebody should care about me. He smirked.
You think you're the only one who cares about you?! Buffy argued before she could realize what she was saying.
Spike stood in silence, a grin slowly spreading on his face. I think you want me, Buffy.
Buffy's eyes widened in horror as she tried to deny it. That's not... I don't... I... oh... Embarrassed, she hid her face in her hands.
Spike grinned even more. You want me! You want a vampire!
Buffy's eyes shot up to stare at him. Well... who are you to talk? You're in love with the Slayer! She taunted.
Now it was Spike's turn to act flustered. No! I... I... I do not! I... He fell silent and the pair stared at each other for a long while.
Buffy's gaze softened. So... you're really in love with me, huh? That's, um, interesting.
Spike chuckled softly. Yeah, pet. Right crazy, innit?
She laughed with him. Just as crazy as me being in love with you, I guess.
Spike's head shot up. You... you're in love with me?
Buffy tilted her head. Yeah. I guess I am. Funny. I didn't realize it until just now.
Spike slowly reached over and took her hand. So, uh, now what?
Buffy looked thoughtful. Well, traditionally, the guy would usually kiss the girl about now. She answered, smiling.
The heart in Spike's chest stopped beating for just an instant as the taller Buffy gazed down at him.
He laughed. Would that guy be you or me now, pet?
Just shut up and kiss me, Spike.
He didn't need to be told twice. Well, technically, he was told twice, but he didn't need to be told a third time. Two sets of lips came together in an earth-shattering kiss. Hands tangled in hair, were set on hips and faces, and the world fell away, leaving both weak-kneed and dizzy. The kiss was broken when Buffy realized she needed to breathe.
Wait, she needed to breathe?
Buffy stood, panting for breath, looking up at...
Spike opened his eyes. He grinned widely as he realized that he was back in his own body.
The smaller blonde squealed in delight as Spike picked her up and swung her around. He set her down and pulled her in for another bruising kiss.
Glad to be back? She smiled.
Absolutely, luv.
Are you still gonna leave?
Spike raised his scarred eyebrow. Leave this? Never.
Buffy sighed. I've really missed your voice with the accent and all. Did I ever tell you I love your voice?
Spike laughed, his deep baritone ringing through the night air.
Come on, pet. He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards his crypt.
Where we going?
I'm gonna show you what I love about you, pet.
Her eyes widened at the implications, and she obediently followed him.
********
A/N - *sigh* epilogue is up next. Ill try to put it up as soon as possible. :)
