She really needed to cut back on the comments and pay more attention to her game. Of course it was a nice solid tombstone that broke her fall. If it weren't for the quick healing that came with the slaying gig, things would really suck. Nothing a nice hot bath wouldn't fix. Dawn was out and Willow and Tara were otherwise occupied—so Buffy could count on some serious and much needed alone time.

It's odd when you're tired how something as simple as water running can capture you're complete attention. The tub was nearly full before Buffy realized that she wasn't alone. There was only one person who it could be.

"Spike, I'm really not in the mood for this tonight," she sighed, turning off the water.

The vampire lazed sullenly against the wall.

"Really, there is no point. We both know how this is going to end. So why don't you leave before either of us does something we'll regret."

"You know I can't do that, love," he walked over to her. "Besides it's all been done."

"Please leave. I don't want to go through this again."

"That's up to you, isn't it, Slayer?"

"I told you, Spike, I'm not in the mood for this. Can't you give me one night of peace?"

"It's not me who's disturbing it. You're afraid still, you know, to feel. You got scared the moment the numbness started to fade."

"I just want to take my bath."

"When are you going to stop running, Buffy? Aren't you tired yet?"

"I'm not . . . I can't . . ."

He put his hands on her shoulders. "Why are you making things so hard for yourself?"

She didn't pull away. "It's just easier this way."

"Easier for whom?"

"There's just less pain this way."

"You ended things, but you still got hurt."

"But I left you before you could leave me. They all leave me in the end. What's the point?"

"I'm sorry about everything, Buffy. Pain seemed to be the only way to reach you. I went to far, but I was desperate."

"It's all my fault," she began to cry. "I can't help feeling that I drove you to it."

"Maybe you did and maybe you didn't. It doesn't excuse what I've done."

"But haven't I done pretty much the same for you? All I do is try and hurt you because it's safer that way."

They stood there for what seemed like an eternity.

"I wish things were different," Buffy said sadly.