Chapter 18
Buffy and Spike arrive at the Summers house, hand-in-hand. She pauses at the trashcan by the curb and tosses her ruined clothes into it. Then they start to walk up the sidewalk, but Buffy spots something out of the ordinary and stops in her tracks. Spike comes to a halt beside her and feels her tense. He looks at her face and sees she's staring at the car parked by the curb.
"What's wrong pet?"
Buffy continues to look at the car. No, no, no. Not now. Not when my life was just getting better. How dare he! How dare he come back for no reason just when things were looking up! Spike pulls her close and wraps his arms around her protectively, waiting for her to tell him what's wrong. He knows she will when she's ready.
"That…that car."
"What about luv?"
"Its…its Angel's."
At the mention of his grand-sire, he stiffens too and pulls Buffy closer. Of all times for a visit, why now? Just when I've got her. Buffy pulls back slightly and looks into his eyes, uncertainty shining through hers. He brings his hand up and strokes her cheek lovingly.
"It'll be alright luv. Just stay strong. Don't let him get to you."
"Stay with me?" She asks quietly, afraid he'll say no.
"Of course. Come on now. Time to join the party."
He grabs her hand in his and they slowly ascend the stairs. When they reach the top, Buffy turns to Spike and kisses him.
"For luck." She whispers.
Spike kisses her again, this time more passionately, letting his love for her shine through.
"For luck." He repeats.
Then Buffy lets go of his hand so she can use her hand to knock. She raises her hand, pauses for a moment in the air, and knocks on the front door softly. When no one answers, she hits it harder. Someone finally makes it to the door and opens it.