Silver Spoons
A/n: Yes, I know, I said I wouldn't be able to update in awhile. But I was spurred on by some fan-fucking-tastic reviews that you guys left. I love you, I really do. But I swear, after this installment, I don't know how fast I can do it. School sucks ass, but if I fail any courses I can promise you that any computer privileges I have on this computer, that isn't even mine, will be revoked immediately and swiftly. Damn you, Education Minister! This Riley-bashing is for you, all you Riley-haters, which includes me too. By the way, I also thank anyone who shares my pain with A/U fan fictions. I love them, but if you don't, I really don't wanna hear about it *starts weeping, sinking to the floor as she clutches her story, waving it furiously at self-righteous bastards* And, scene!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Buffy couldn't pinpoint the exact time she realized that she craved Spike's touch, ached for his kisses and all he could give her, but she knew it was vaguely around the time she broke up with Riley. It had been the morning after the scene in The Bronze, Buffy's lips still tingling and her heart still traipsing in her chest, when Riley had called her, asking innocently why she had ranted to his mother the day before. Buffy's eyes had grown huge, her mouth taking on a very snarl-like quality, and she had proceeded to give him a big piece of her mind.
"Well, Riley, why would I be not ranting if your mother practically asked me which of your girlfriends I was, dear boyfriend of mine," Buffy spat out. Riley answered nervously, his voice falsely cheery.
"Oh, I'm sure you're just over reacting a little bit, Buff. You're my only girlfriend, and I haven't been with anyone else since."
"Sure Riley. Funny, there's a rumor going around that you and Miss. Resident Skank, Lisa Taylor, had something going on for awhile. Now why, in the name of God, would someone start such a revolting rumor, honey?"
"Oh, um, well-"
"What is it Riley? You can't figure out a good excuse to worm your way outta this one? Looks like your luck has run out, because I won't let you use me anymore, and you can go cry to your new ho, sweetie pie." Buffy replied calmly, and she could hear Riley sputter some more, and she cold imagine his fish lips flapping unattractively as he tried to fabricate something, anything. The thought made Buffy's stomach lurch; she really hated fish, and the thought of fish mixed with Riley made her want to hurl, repeatedly, and then hurl once more.
"Buffy, this is insane. You know I love you, and me and Lisa are just really good friends-" Buffy's sarcastic laugh cut Riley off mid-sentence.
"Oh, good friends, yes, yes. Now I understand. She's a good friend you gives you the occasional hand job, and other sexual favors. Right, now everything's clear. Did I ever tell you that you're a stupid asshole with no neck?"
"What?"
"You heard what I said, Riley. You have no neck, and it's really disturbing. Besides that, you're a cheater, a liar, a chauvinist, and clingy. Plus, you make me wanna hurl lately, and that can't be good for anyone." Buffy stated clearly, and Riley started his annoying whining, telling her that she was wrong, that he loved her, that he didn't want her to leave him, and that she was going temporarily insane. Buffy snorted, her patience starting to wear extremely thin.
"Riley, shut your fucking mouth, you're starting to annoy the hell out of me. I know what has been happening, as I'm not blind nor deaf, and especially not stupid, and my sanity has nothing to do with this. I'm leaving you, and I'm aware of what a break-up entails."
"Buffy, please, I can make it up-"
"No, you can't, you fish-lipped tight-assed no-necked hulking bastard, because I don't take back guys that can't keep their goods in their pants. And especially small goods that are no prize to be won."
"Hey! My dick is fine, alright, humongous and oversized, actually, and you're the one who is gonna miss out on this action. It's the best you've ever had." Riley declared cockily, and Buffy snorted, starting to laugh mockingly at her now ex-boyfriend.
"Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that. I don't think we're even talking about the same thing anymore. Whatever Riley, I have to go. Just don't call me anymore, it's over, and that means I don't wanna see you again."
"Buffy, I love you, I do."
"Riley, shut up. I don't love you." Buffy said, and slammed the phone down with a satisfying slap. It started ringing a second later, but she ignored it. She didn't have to worry about her mother picking it up, because she was at work. Buffy felt as though a huge weight had been lifted of her shoulders, and it felt good to be free of Riley Finn finally, after all of this time of lying to herself constantly. Willow and Angel would be proud, she was sure. It was a shame Willow was unreachable today, and so was Faith. Buffy decided to call Cordelia, knowing that the pretty brunette would totally appreciate the Riley-degrading that had just been in abundance.
Buffy quickly dialed the number, and slouched back in her puffy chair beside her windows. She played with a loose thread on the red arm, and waited for someone to pick up. Finally, she heard a "Hello?" and was about to speak when she recognized the voice on the other end. Spike. She would know the low, sexy accented voice anywhere. Her heartbeat sped up, and she swallowed nervously. Scoffing at herself for being such a fool, she said, "Hi, can I talk to Cordelia?"
The voice on the other end paused, and Buffy could swear that Spike knew it was her. She was sure that he knew her voice, and she started praying feverishly that he wouldn't bring up the night before. She was still in disarray over it, and needed time to think things out. Holding her breath she waited, and the suddenly gruff voice said "Sure, hold on a minute." Buffy breathed a huge sigh of relief, shaking her head as she thought of her cowardice. Did he know that the sound of his voice sent shivers shooting down her spine? Of course not. And he never needs too. But you know you love it, and you wish you could go over there right now to show him how single you are. Maybe take up his offer about me begging for him to give it to me. Oh, bad thoughts Buff. Thoughts newly broken up girlfriends should not be thinking about.
Buffy sighed loudly, but brightened as she heard Cordelia's voice come through the line. Nothing cheered her up more then dissing Riley.
~*~*~*
Spike listened as his cousin laughed heartily at something Buffy had said to her over the phone. He nearly slammed his head against the nearest wall just to keep these overwhelming thoughts and feelings about Buffy from circling his mind. When he had heard her voice over the line, he nearly had a cardiac arrest, his heart seemingly stopping its beating altogether. But somehow he had composed himself and spoken to her like a civil person. It didn't stop him from craving her, from dreaming about the passionate kiss they had shared the night before in the dark club. Somehow, the sandwich he had been making didn't seem so distracting anymore, as Cordelia was constantly guffawing or shrieking "So true! So true!". All women can kiss my bloody arse.
Spike took his non-interesting ham sandwich into the living room, a bottle of beer accompanying the meal. He flopped down on the couch and started flicking through the many channels, hoping to find a sports game he could submerge into and distract him for the next couple of hours. It was hard not to need the touch of the blonde girl, but Spike wanted to believe that he was still mad at her. Inside, somewhere deep, deep inside, he knew that the kiss had sparked something strong, maybe something Spike didn't want to be feeling. Love wasn't something he expected at an early age, and especially not from a girl who he had called a slut and yelled at.
As Spike was channel-flipping, he came across a cheesy soap opera where a petite blonde girl was crying to a man, saying that she couldn't love him, but somehow did. Spike groaned, wishing he could poke his eyes out. He hurriedly changed, and settled on some safe football, where his favorite team, Manchester United, was playing. He was happily distracted until Cordelia poked her dark head into the room, and gave Spike a pointed look.
"Buffy just broke up with her boyfriend," she simply said, and then turned around and was gone, footsteps thudding as she climbed the stairs. Spike was stunned for a minute, until he gathered his bearings and looked blankly at the TV again. He was ecstatic inside, but his face was a mask of utter calmness. But he broke out into a smile, not even growling or throwing things at the TV when the opposing team scored on Manchester.
~*~*~*
Buffy was walking down the sunny street, hands full of shopping bags, when she heard a male voice calling her name. She turned around, shielding her eyes against the bright sun, groaning exasperatedly when she spotted the hulking form of Riley jogging towards her. He was dodging people as he made his way to her, seemingly ignore the look of distaste on her face. She turned back around and started walking again, starting to feel the anger simmer. She had told him to stay away from her, and what did he do? Go out of his way to find her and talk to her. He was making more of an effort then he ever had even when they were going out. Buffy rolled her hazel eyes at this thought, grinning wryly. But the smile slipped from her face when Riley appeared beside her, shoving his huge hands into his baggy pockets, giving her a hopeful smile.
"Hey Buff. How are you doing?" he asked, as though she hadn't broken up with him hours before. But the guy always had been a bit dim, and obviously he wouldn't make this break-up any easier. Buffy sighed, and refused to look at him as she stomped forward.
"Riley, leave me alone. Are you slow or something? I broke up with you. I told you to leave me alone. I don't want to see you anymore, so leave. Now." She said angrily, and Riley tried to adopt a lost puppy-dog look that didn't exactly hit the mark. He looked more like that annoying dog you just want to kick. Buffy scowled, but as usual, Riley seemed oblivious to her angry vibe.
"Buffy, I want to work things out. Lisa was a mistake, and I really do love you. Please, Buffy, reconsider this whole break-up."
Buffy just grew angrier, noting that after denying it he finally admitted he had been with Lisa Taylor. It didn't get him any brownie points, that was for sure. She just sped up her pace, and Riley started wheedling, his voice becoming slightly higher pitched and grating. Ignoring him, she pretended that he wasn't there, and he started to get angry himself. No girl had broken up with him before, especially not some little slut who tried to tell him who he couldn't do. Riley Finn was a man, and he was the one who controlled the relationship.
He snapped, harshly grapping her arm and spinning her around to face him, so quickly that her hair slapped her in face. His grip was tight and bruising, his face angry and possessive. Buffy tried to look calm and unaffected, but she felt a kernel of fear in her stomach. Riley looked as though he would strike her, angry enough to do it in the middle of the street. She tried to say something, but she stuttered, and decided it would be wise to keep silent.
"You are not gonna break up with me, Buffy. I say when the relationship is over, and I won't let a little bitch tell me what to do, and when I can do it. You belong to me, and I can see any other girl I want to. We are going to stay together, and you will be happy." Riley growled lowly, so that only she could hear. She heard the rage lacing hi words, and her fear grew, alongside her anger. She frantically tried to pull away, but he was strong, and had her arm in his grasp. Buffy could feel a hot tear trickle down her cheek, and once more she tried to pull away, Riley smirking at her discomfort.
"Is there a problem here, luv?" An accented voice asked, and Buffy turned her head to see Spike standing there, calmly smoking a cigarette as he eyed the scene. Buffy didn't know that he had practically sprinted to the other side of the street when he had seen the tall man grab Buffy. He was filled with a burning rage at the man who had dared to threaten Buffy, but his face was collected, and his voice was cool. Buffy felt the sweet relief flood through her, and her fear went out the window. Riley on the other hand seemed to grow angrier, his face set in a snarl when he spotted the platinum blonde daring to question him.
"Who the fuck are you?" Riley spat out, voice tight. He let go of Buffy's arm unconsciously, and she quickly moved to Spike's side, his eyes comforting and concerned. She gave him a small smile before he turned back to Riley, slowly throwing down his smoke and crushing it with the bottom of his heavy boots. His blue eyes were hard and angry, but still he remained perfectly polite.
"I'm Spike, mate. You must be Buffy's ex-boyfriend, right?" Spike asked, and Riley snorted, crossing his thick arms.
"No, that's wrong. Somebody lied to you, because me and Buffy are still together, 'mate'" Riley ground out, emphasizing his last word. Spike smirked widely, and Buffy was a little frightened of the look on Spike's face, so cold and ruthless. But Riley didn't seem to much care.
"Well, Meathead, it seems that the lady doesn't want to be with you. I think you should leave her alone and stay away from her." Spike suggested, his tone still light.
"Well, I think that you should shut the fuck up, asswipe. She's my girlfriend, and I tell her what to do. This is none of your fucking business, so step out of the way." Riley retorted, eyes blazing. Still, Spike stood there, chuckling softy. Buffy looked with wide eyes back and forth at the two, vowing that she forever hate Riley. She couldn't even believe that she had gone out with such a domineering asshole. Once she almost loved him, now she detested the sight of him.
"Farmboy, I'll tell you once more, leave her the hell alone."
"Oh what, has she been giving you some, too? Is that why you're defending her, because she got on her knees for you? She's a slut, plain and simple. But she's mine, and I'm not gonna let some English fuckface tell me what to do." Riley sneered back, lewdly gesturing to Buffy. Spike felt his rage reach a blinding high, and he took a step forward, gazing up at the taller man with pure hatred. He cocked a fist, but before he could intercept it with Riley's face, he heard Buffy tell him not to. He looked back at her, and she was shaking her head, pleading with him with her eyes. Confused, he still dropped his fist, and Riley laughed loudly.
"Oh, now you're whipped. I see how it goes. She's got you wrapped around her little finger-"
Before Riley could finish his sentence, Buffy was in front of him, eyes blazing. Quick as a flash she had her knee raised and rammed it home, right between the legs. A sickening thud was heard, and Spike cringed, as he knew how much that hurt. But his face broke into a smile when he thought of that pain being delivered to the prick Riley, who was getting his ass kicked by a girl half his size.
"That's for Lisa Taylor," she said, as he slumped to the floor in pain, face twisted in agony, cupping his balls with his hands. Passerby looked in shock, but didn't interrupt the amusing scene. "That's for lying to me," Buffy stated, giving him a kick to the stomach, to which Riley groaned again. "And that's for calling me insane." She said once more, before leaning down to give him a sharp slap to the face, leaving the skin red and stinging. Spike looked on in utter happiness and joy, elation written all over his face. His smirk was huge, ear-to-ear, and he was silently cheering His Buffy on. Ah, there is justice in the bloody world after all.
Riley was moaning loudly, his face turning near purple, as Buffy turned to pick up her dropped shopping bags. Spike walked over to the slumped form, and bent down in front of Riley, flipping him the bird, and grinning hugely. Riley only gave him a dirty look, unable to do anything else, and he started groaning again.
Buffy felt smugly satisfied, and she had the feeling that Riley wouldn't be bothering her anymore. She smiled brightly, but the smile dimmed when she saw Spike standing in front of her, gazing intently into her eyes. Her temperature started to heat up, and the familiar tingle began to dance along her nerve endings. She swallowed, but the feeling just intensified, her thoughts telling her to kiss him, to tell him that she wanted him to be in her life. It was her simple fear and stubbornness that blocked the words from coming out. Instead, she ducked her head, and whispered "Thanks," to him, so low he almost didn't hear.
He nodded, and lifted her chin up with one finger, making it impossible for her to avoid the penetrating blue gaze, her need driving her crazy. It would be so easy to give in, just to tell him that she wanted him, but something held her back. He opened his mouth to say something, but she quickly covered his soft mouth with a trembling hand. He looked surprised, but he didn't try to speak again. She shifted on her feet, trying to remain strong and not just give in to the desire, to the burning want that made her dream of him.
"Spike, don't. I can't take this right now, and I need to think of what I want to do with this-us. I'm confused, and I need time to think. Don't make it harder than it already is. I care for you, though, I just don't know if I can deal with a relationship between us. I'm sorry, Spike." Buffy said sadly, heart sagging, her mind screamed at her foolishness, at her stupidity, but she ignored it all and somehow mustered the courage to walk away, to leave Spike giving her that sad look, when all she wanted to do was never let him go. She tried to pretend that his disappointed eyes didn't affect her, that she didn't want him.
And for someone so love struck, she was a fairly good actress.
*To be continued.
~*~*~*
A/n: See, I gave you Riley ass-kicking. Those are my favorite scenes to write. It just comes so freely, and the words seem to flow easily. Ah, truly excellent work. Anyways, I think that there will be one more chapter in this story, and then it'll be done. I'm not sure yet. I just hope that the long wait will make for a great, stunning, fabulous Chapter 5. Just don't hold your breath for that. Love you all to pieces, charisma
A/n: Yes, I know, I said I wouldn't be able to update in awhile. But I was spurred on by some fan-fucking-tastic reviews that you guys left. I love you, I really do. But I swear, after this installment, I don't know how fast I can do it. School sucks ass, but if I fail any courses I can promise you that any computer privileges I have on this computer, that isn't even mine, will be revoked immediately and swiftly. Damn you, Education Minister! This Riley-bashing is for you, all you Riley-haters, which includes me too. By the way, I also thank anyone who shares my pain with A/U fan fictions. I love them, but if you don't, I really don't wanna hear about it *starts weeping, sinking to the floor as she clutches her story, waving it furiously at self-righteous bastards* And, scene!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Buffy couldn't pinpoint the exact time she realized that she craved Spike's touch, ached for his kisses and all he could give her, but she knew it was vaguely around the time she broke up with Riley. It had been the morning after the scene in The Bronze, Buffy's lips still tingling and her heart still traipsing in her chest, when Riley had called her, asking innocently why she had ranted to his mother the day before. Buffy's eyes had grown huge, her mouth taking on a very snarl-like quality, and she had proceeded to give him a big piece of her mind.
"Well, Riley, why would I be not ranting if your mother practically asked me which of your girlfriends I was, dear boyfriend of mine," Buffy spat out. Riley answered nervously, his voice falsely cheery.
"Oh, I'm sure you're just over reacting a little bit, Buff. You're my only girlfriend, and I haven't been with anyone else since."
"Sure Riley. Funny, there's a rumor going around that you and Miss. Resident Skank, Lisa Taylor, had something going on for awhile. Now why, in the name of God, would someone start such a revolting rumor, honey?"
"Oh, um, well-"
"What is it Riley? You can't figure out a good excuse to worm your way outta this one? Looks like your luck has run out, because I won't let you use me anymore, and you can go cry to your new ho, sweetie pie." Buffy replied calmly, and she could hear Riley sputter some more, and she cold imagine his fish lips flapping unattractively as he tried to fabricate something, anything. The thought made Buffy's stomach lurch; she really hated fish, and the thought of fish mixed with Riley made her want to hurl, repeatedly, and then hurl once more.
"Buffy, this is insane. You know I love you, and me and Lisa are just really good friends-" Buffy's sarcastic laugh cut Riley off mid-sentence.
"Oh, good friends, yes, yes. Now I understand. She's a good friend you gives you the occasional hand job, and other sexual favors. Right, now everything's clear. Did I ever tell you that you're a stupid asshole with no neck?"
"What?"
"You heard what I said, Riley. You have no neck, and it's really disturbing. Besides that, you're a cheater, a liar, a chauvinist, and clingy. Plus, you make me wanna hurl lately, and that can't be good for anyone." Buffy stated clearly, and Riley started his annoying whining, telling her that she was wrong, that he loved her, that he didn't want her to leave him, and that she was going temporarily insane. Buffy snorted, her patience starting to wear extremely thin.
"Riley, shut your fucking mouth, you're starting to annoy the hell out of me. I know what has been happening, as I'm not blind nor deaf, and especially not stupid, and my sanity has nothing to do with this. I'm leaving you, and I'm aware of what a break-up entails."
"Buffy, please, I can make it up-"
"No, you can't, you fish-lipped tight-assed no-necked hulking bastard, because I don't take back guys that can't keep their goods in their pants. And especially small goods that are no prize to be won."
"Hey! My dick is fine, alright, humongous and oversized, actually, and you're the one who is gonna miss out on this action. It's the best you've ever had." Riley declared cockily, and Buffy snorted, starting to laugh mockingly at her now ex-boyfriend.
"Yeah, sure. Keep telling yourself that. I don't think we're even talking about the same thing anymore. Whatever Riley, I have to go. Just don't call me anymore, it's over, and that means I don't wanna see you again."
"Buffy, I love you, I do."
"Riley, shut up. I don't love you." Buffy said, and slammed the phone down with a satisfying slap. It started ringing a second later, but she ignored it. She didn't have to worry about her mother picking it up, because she was at work. Buffy felt as though a huge weight had been lifted of her shoulders, and it felt good to be free of Riley Finn finally, after all of this time of lying to herself constantly. Willow and Angel would be proud, she was sure. It was a shame Willow was unreachable today, and so was Faith. Buffy decided to call Cordelia, knowing that the pretty brunette would totally appreciate the Riley-degrading that had just been in abundance.
Buffy quickly dialed the number, and slouched back in her puffy chair beside her windows. She played with a loose thread on the red arm, and waited for someone to pick up. Finally, she heard a "Hello?" and was about to speak when she recognized the voice on the other end. Spike. She would know the low, sexy accented voice anywhere. Her heartbeat sped up, and she swallowed nervously. Scoffing at herself for being such a fool, she said, "Hi, can I talk to Cordelia?"
The voice on the other end paused, and Buffy could swear that Spike knew it was her. She was sure that he knew her voice, and she started praying feverishly that he wouldn't bring up the night before. She was still in disarray over it, and needed time to think things out. Holding her breath she waited, and the suddenly gruff voice said "Sure, hold on a minute." Buffy breathed a huge sigh of relief, shaking her head as she thought of her cowardice. Did he know that the sound of his voice sent shivers shooting down her spine? Of course not. And he never needs too. But you know you love it, and you wish you could go over there right now to show him how single you are. Maybe take up his offer about me begging for him to give it to me. Oh, bad thoughts Buff. Thoughts newly broken up girlfriends should not be thinking about.
Buffy sighed loudly, but brightened as she heard Cordelia's voice come through the line. Nothing cheered her up more then dissing Riley.
~*~*~*
Spike listened as his cousin laughed heartily at something Buffy had said to her over the phone. He nearly slammed his head against the nearest wall just to keep these overwhelming thoughts and feelings about Buffy from circling his mind. When he had heard her voice over the line, he nearly had a cardiac arrest, his heart seemingly stopping its beating altogether. But somehow he had composed himself and spoken to her like a civil person. It didn't stop him from craving her, from dreaming about the passionate kiss they had shared the night before in the dark club. Somehow, the sandwich he had been making didn't seem so distracting anymore, as Cordelia was constantly guffawing or shrieking "So true! So true!". All women can kiss my bloody arse.
Spike took his non-interesting ham sandwich into the living room, a bottle of beer accompanying the meal. He flopped down on the couch and started flicking through the many channels, hoping to find a sports game he could submerge into and distract him for the next couple of hours. It was hard not to need the touch of the blonde girl, but Spike wanted to believe that he was still mad at her. Inside, somewhere deep, deep inside, he knew that the kiss had sparked something strong, maybe something Spike didn't want to be feeling. Love wasn't something he expected at an early age, and especially not from a girl who he had called a slut and yelled at.
As Spike was channel-flipping, he came across a cheesy soap opera where a petite blonde girl was crying to a man, saying that she couldn't love him, but somehow did. Spike groaned, wishing he could poke his eyes out. He hurriedly changed, and settled on some safe football, where his favorite team, Manchester United, was playing. He was happily distracted until Cordelia poked her dark head into the room, and gave Spike a pointed look.
"Buffy just broke up with her boyfriend," she simply said, and then turned around and was gone, footsteps thudding as she climbed the stairs. Spike was stunned for a minute, until he gathered his bearings and looked blankly at the TV again. He was ecstatic inside, but his face was a mask of utter calmness. But he broke out into a smile, not even growling or throwing things at the TV when the opposing team scored on Manchester.
~*~*~*
Buffy was walking down the sunny street, hands full of shopping bags, when she heard a male voice calling her name. She turned around, shielding her eyes against the bright sun, groaning exasperatedly when she spotted the hulking form of Riley jogging towards her. He was dodging people as he made his way to her, seemingly ignore the look of distaste on her face. She turned back around and started walking again, starting to feel the anger simmer. She had told him to stay away from her, and what did he do? Go out of his way to find her and talk to her. He was making more of an effort then he ever had even when they were going out. Buffy rolled her hazel eyes at this thought, grinning wryly. But the smile slipped from her face when Riley appeared beside her, shoving his huge hands into his baggy pockets, giving her a hopeful smile.
"Hey Buff. How are you doing?" he asked, as though she hadn't broken up with him hours before. But the guy always had been a bit dim, and obviously he wouldn't make this break-up any easier. Buffy sighed, and refused to look at him as she stomped forward.
"Riley, leave me alone. Are you slow or something? I broke up with you. I told you to leave me alone. I don't want to see you anymore, so leave. Now." She said angrily, and Riley tried to adopt a lost puppy-dog look that didn't exactly hit the mark. He looked more like that annoying dog you just want to kick. Buffy scowled, but as usual, Riley seemed oblivious to her angry vibe.
"Buffy, I want to work things out. Lisa was a mistake, and I really do love you. Please, Buffy, reconsider this whole break-up."
Buffy just grew angrier, noting that after denying it he finally admitted he had been with Lisa Taylor. It didn't get him any brownie points, that was for sure. She just sped up her pace, and Riley started wheedling, his voice becoming slightly higher pitched and grating. Ignoring him, she pretended that he wasn't there, and he started to get angry himself. No girl had broken up with him before, especially not some little slut who tried to tell him who he couldn't do. Riley Finn was a man, and he was the one who controlled the relationship.
He snapped, harshly grapping her arm and spinning her around to face him, so quickly that her hair slapped her in face. His grip was tight and bruising, his face angry and possessive. Buffy tried to look calm and unaffected, but she felt a kernel of fear in her stomach. Riley looked as though he would strike her, angry enough to do it in the middle of the street. She tried to say something, but she stuttered, and decided it would be wise to keep silent.
"You are not gonna break up with me, Buffy. I say when the relationship is over, and I won't let a little bitch tell me what to do, and when I can do it. You belong to me, and I can see any other girl I want to. We are going to stay together, and you will be happy." Riley growled lowly, so that only she could hear. She heard the rage lacing hi words, and her fear grew, alongside her anger. She frantically tried to pull away, but he was strong, and had her arm in his grasp. Buffy could feel a hot tear trickle down her cheek, and once more she tried to pull away, Riley smirking at her discomfort.
"Is there a problem here, luv?" An accented voice asked, and Buffy turned her head to see Spike standing there, calmly smoking a cigarette as he eyed the scene. Buffy didn't know that he had practically sprinted to the other side of the street when he had seen the tall man grab Buffy. He was filled with a burning rage at the man who had dared to threaten Buffy, but his face was collected, and his voice was cool. Buffy felt the sweet relief flood through her, and her fear went out the window. Riley on the other hand seemed to grow angrier, his face set in a snarl when he spotted the platinum blonde daring to question him.
"Who the fuck are you?" Riley spat out, voice tight. He let go of Buffy's arm unconsciously, and she quickly moved to Spike's side, his eyes comforting and concerned. She gave him a small smile before he turned back to Riley, slowly throwing down his smoke and crushing it with the bottom of his heavy boots. His blue eyes were hard and angry, but still he remained perfectly polite.
"I'm Spike, mate. You must be Buffy's ex-boyfriend, right?" Spike asked, and Riley snorted, crossing his thick arms.
"No, that's wrong. Somebody lied to you, because me and Buffy are still together, 'mate'" Riley ground out, emphasizing his last word. Spike smirked widely, and Buffy was a little frightened of the look on Spike's face, so cold and ruthless. But Riley didn't seem to much care.
"Well, Meathead, it seems that the lady doesn't want to be with you. I think you should leave her alone and stay away from her." Spike suggested, his tone still light.
"Well, I think that you should shut the fuck up, asswipe. She's my girlfriend, and I tell her what to do. This is none of your fucking business, so step out of the way." Riley retorted, eyes blazing. Still, Spike stood there, chuckling softy. Buffy looked with wide eyes back and forth at the two, vowing that she forever hate Riley. She couldn't even believe that she had gone out with such a domineering asshole. Once she almost loved him, now she detested the sight of him.
"Farmboy, I'll tell you once more, leave her the hell alone."
"Oh what, has she been giving you some, too? Is that why you're defending her, because she got on her knees for you? She's a slut, plain and simple. But she's mine, and I'm not gonna let some English fuckface tell me what to do." Riley sneered back, lewdly gesturing to Buffy. Spike felt his rage reach a blinding high, and he took a step forward, gazing up at the taller man with pure hatred. He cocked a fist, but before he could intercept it with Riley's face, he heard Buffy tell him not to. He looked back at her, and she was shaking her head, pleading with him with her eyes. Confused, he still dropped his fist, and Riley laughed loudly.
"Oh, now you're whipped. I see how it goes. She's got you wrapped around her little finger-"
Before Riley could finish his sentence, Buffy was in front of him, eyes blazing. Quick as a flash she had her knee raised and rammed it home, right between the legs. A sickening thud was heard, and Spike cringed, as he knew how much that hurt. But his face broke into a smile when he thought of that pain being delivered to the prick Riley, who was getting his ass kicked by a girl half his size.
"That's for Lisa Taylor," she said, as he slumped to the floor in pain, face twisted in agony, cupping his balls with his hands. Passerby looked in shock, but didn't interrupt the amusing scene. "That's for lying to me," Buffy stated, giving him a kick to the stomach, to which Riley groaned again. "And that's for calling me insane." She said once more, before leaning down to give him a sharp slap to the face, leaving the skin red and stinging. Spike looked on in utter happiness and joy, elation written all over his face. His smirk was huge, ear-to-ear, and he was silently cheering His Buffy on. Ah, there is justice in the bloody world after all.
Riley was moaning loudly, his face turning near purple, as Buffy turned to pick up her dropped shopping bags. Spike walked over to the slumped form, and bent down in front of Riley, flipping him the bird, and grinning hugely. Riley only gave him a dirty look, unable to do anything else, and he started groaning again.
Buffy felt smugly satisfied, and she had the feeling that Riley wouldn't be bothering her anymore. She smiled brightly, but the smile dimmed when she saw Spike standing in front of her, gazing intently into her eyes. Her temperature started to heat up, and the familiar tingle began to dance along her nerve endings. She swallowed, but the feeling just intensified, her thoughts telling her to kiss him, to tell him that she wanted him to be in her life. It was her simple fear and stubbornness that blocked the words from coming out. Instead, she ducked her head, and whispered "Thanks," to him, so low he almost didn't hear.
He nodded, and lifted her chin up with one finger, making it impossible for her to avoid the penetrating blue gaze, her need driving her crazy. It would be so easy to give in, just to tell him that she wanted him, but something held her back. He opened his mouth to say something, but she quickly covered his soft mouth with a trembling hand. He looked surprised, but he didn't try to speak again. She shifted on her feet, trying to remain strong and not just give in to the desire, to the burning want that made her dream of him.
"Spike, don't. I can't take this right now, and I need to think of what I want to do with this-us. I'm confused, and I need time to think. Don't make it harder than it already is. I care for you, though, I just don't know if I can deal with a relationship between us. I'm sorry, Spike." Buffy said sadly, heart sagging, her mind screamed at her foolishness, at her stupidity, but she ignored it all and somehow mustered the courage to walk away, to leave Spike giving her that sad look, when all she wanted to do was never let him go. She tried to pretend that his disappointed eyes didn't affect her, that she didn't want him.
And for someone so love struck, she was a fairly good actress.
*To be continued.
~*~*~*
A/n: See, I gave you Riley ass-kicking. Those are my favorite scenes to write. It just comes so freely, and the words seem to flow easily. Ah, truly excellent work. Anyways, I think that there will be one more chapter in this story, and then it'll be done. I'm not sure yet. I just hope that the long wait will make for a great, stunning, fabulous Chapter 5. Just don't hold your breath for that. Love you all to pieces, charisma