Chapter 9
Dawn marched back into the room, bursting to tell them all what she had just witnessed.
"So much for her saying she'd never start up with Spike again, I guess you always kiss the guy you don't want to be with," said Dawn.
"They were actually kissing?" asked Xander in disbelief.
"Lips, tongues and the inappropriate touching," said Dawn smugly.
"Well maybe it was a happy to see you kiss?" asked Willow doubtfully.
Dawn arched her eyebrow.
"He's been back nearly two days," she replied.
"What can she be thinking?" asked Xander.
Buffy entered the lounge.
"That it's none of your business," Buffy replied to Xander's question angrily.
"Where's Spike?" asked Giles.
"Still in my room, I knew you would react to Dawn's tidings like this so I told him I'd go face the lions," said Buffy.
"But Buffy forgot that I never stay put when told to," said Spike coming up behind her.
"Thought you were trying to live that normal life Buffy," said Xander sarcastically,
"Well maybe I have decided this is my life, it's been the normal for me ever since I was fifteen years old, being with Spike feels right to me, how about you and Anya? I don't want to hurt you Xander, but that wasn't exactly a normal couple," said Buffy.
"They're only looking out for you love," said Spike.
"Hey, who's side are you supposed to be on?" asked Buffy exasperated.
"I just think any relationships or potential ones should be put on hold until we see where all this changing is going where Spike is concerned Buffy, I wouldn't want to see you get hurt again," said Giles.
"Thanks for the fatherly concern Giles, but I'm all grown up now, maybe it's time to fly the nest, and as for the hurt factor, if you need reminding, what you and Wood did behind my back cut pretty deep," said Buffy angrily.
"Let's not make hasty decisions in anger," said Willow.
"The others are right love, come and sit down, I'll fix you a cuppa," said Spike leading her reluctant form to a chair.
Spike disappeared into the kitchen.
"Xander you are really gonna have to get past your issues where Spike is concerned, he's not the same guy you hated for all those years, surely you must have seen the changes when he lived at your place for awhile," said Buffy.
"I can't help it, every time I look at him, I see you crying and bruised in your bathroom," said Xander.
"Maybe I should get Spike an "I have a soul now" tattooed across his forehead just for your benefit," said Buffy.
"Buffy's right he did save us all, it's time to forget the past and move on for all of us," said Willow sadly.
Buffy looked at her friend, sensing some thing more behind her words.
"What is it Willow?" Buffy asked.
"I didn't want to say, with everything else going on, but this trip down to see you, it's more than bringing Spike, any of Angel's team could have brought him, but I volunteered," said Willow.
"Why?" asked Dawn.
"Because her and slay brat are no longer together," finished Spike, as he entered the room with the tea tray.
"You and Kennedy broke up?" asked Buffy.
"Thanks for putting it so bluntly Spike, guess you weren't as out of it as you pretended," sighed Willow.
"You're welcome, here Rupes, you can play Mother and pour the tea, done my bit," said Spike sitting down at the table.
"So what happened?" asked Buffy.
"We tried to make it work after the move to LA, but I think a lot of our relationship was built on the desperation of those last few months in Sunny Dale, I was, I am still coming to terms with my life without Tara, I'm just not ready for the sort of commitment that Kennedy wanted," said Willow.
"So where's Kennedy now?" asked Xander.
"She moved back with her family, a month ago," admitted Willow.
"Well why don't you move in with Andrew and I?" asked Xander.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Andrew had been out walking for over an hour, his cell phone had remained silent, he felt a little irritated that no one had even noticed his absence, he walked up the drive back to Giles's apartment and went in through the still open door, he was just in time to catch Xander's invitation for Willow to become a permanent resident in their home. He paled at the thought, and was unconsciously holding his breath as he entered the lounge.
"Really? That would be great, and I hear they have a fine educational system right here in Cleveland," said Willow enthusiastically.
Xander looked up noticing Andrew's presence.
"Where'd you get to, space cadet?" asked Xander.
"Out," said Andrew defiantly.
"What's with the boy?" asked Spike.
"Her," said Andrew sounding a little more brave that he actually felt, as he pointed at Willow.
"And I thought we were buddies," grinned Willow.
"If she's gonna live with us, I won't be her slave too, I only get paid to clean up after you, and she has to promise not to skin me alive or do any other kind of magiks on me," said Andrew.
"Aw come on can't you take a little joke, I was only playing with ya, and I am a very tidy houseguest," said Willow.
"Well that's all sorted," said Xander.
"You really okay Willow?" asked Buffy anxiously.
"Sure, nothing I can't handle, being in the company of good friends," said Willow.
The group of friends sat in reflective silence. Spike was the first to break the quiet.
"Nice sign in the kitchen," he said.
"Oh the "Welcome to Sunny Dale sign? That fell in the crater that was formerly Sunny Dale, after you, you know destroyed it," said Dawn.
"Third time lucky," said Spike grinning at his own private joke.
"What?" asked Giles.
"Nothing, so how'd you get it back?" he asked.
"They dangled me over the edge attached by rope, and lowered me down into the hole," said Andrew shuddering at the memory.
"Rough gig," said Spike.
"Used to it, otherwise why else would I hang around here," said Andrew.
"Oh I can think of a reason you're more likely to stay," said Willow motioning towards Spike.
Andrew shifted around in his seat uncomfortably and concentrated on a speck on the rug.
"Leave the boy alone, we have more important matters to discuss right now," said Giles impatiently.
"I wouldn't sweat it Giles, Spike explained a few things to me, in the bedroom, I'll fill you all in later, if that's okay with you Spike?" asked Buffy.
Spike nodded his agreement.
"Any chance, you could leave the lip locking out of it?" asked Xander.
"Wasn't planning on sharing that information with you anyway, even if little sis here was," said Buffy.
"I need to be getting back, if you want to eat tonight," said Andrew looking at his watch.
"Okay, I get the hint, but sometimes I wonder who's the real master of the Harris household, come on Wills let's get home and let Andrew work his culinary magic, " said Xander.
"Oh and what's that? Tater tots and instant macaroni?" asked Willow as she picked up her jacket.
"Sshhh! Or we'll be ordering take out," said Xander warningly.
"Would you guys like to join us? There's plenty to go around and I am sure we could cater for any special needs," said Andrew looking hopefully at Spike.
"Really? Anything beats Buffy's burnt offerings," said Dawn enthusiastically.
"Hey!" said Buffy, then a thought occurred to her, "Yes you go have dinner with Xander, what about you Giles? Didn't really have anything special planned for this evening," said Buffy.
"Well if you don't mind," said Giles uncertainly.
"You are coming with, right Buffy, Spike?" asked Willow.
"Not one much for the company just yet, maybe another time" said Spike.
"And I can't leave him here on his own, you lot go, we can catch up later," said Buffy handing Giles his jacket.
Buffy herded them all out into the hallway before they even knew what was happening.
"Bye see you guys later, much later, have a nice time," said Buffy closing the door.
"Ever get the feeling seven's crowd," asked Xander.
"Well now there's only two," said Dawn.
"That's what I am afraid of," said Giles, as he walked off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy walked back into the lounge, she looked at Spike, who was still seated at the research table.
"Alone at last?" asked Spike arching an eyebrow.
"That was my intention, yes," she admitted.
"Any particular reason?" he asked.
"I needed to talk to you, without interruptions of the annoying kind," said Buffy thinking of Dawn.
"Well we could have just gone out for a walk instead of throwing everyone out," said Spike.
"I wanted to talk about that kiss we shared," she said looking at the carpet.
Her answer had Spike's full attention.
"You want to chat out our kiss? now that's a first, when things like that happened between us in the past, the last thing you wanted to do is talk about it," he said wryly.
Buffy continued to look at the floor in silence. Spike sighed.
"Anything that has to be said about our moment in the bedroom, has to come from you pet, I've worn my heart on my sleeve too long to risk the hurt again, unless I know what you are feeling, tell me." He said firmly.
"Did you know there are five other slayers in the Cleveland area?" asked Buffy.
Spike frowned in confusion.
"Interesting, but a little off topic wouldn't you say?" he asked.
"I'm getting to it, what I am trying to say is that although Giles still thinks of me as the chosen one, I don't have to be anymore, you gave me that gift, I want a life that does not include demon hunting and vampire slaying, I want a home of my own with someone special I can share it with," She said.
"Anyone in mind?" he asked hardly daring to hope.
Buffy looked at him.
"I'm no longer cookie dough, I don't think I really was," she said.
"Nice, but you can start speaking in English anytime soon, that would be good for me," said Spike.
Buffy launched herself at Spike, taking him by surprise. She sat on his lap and put her arms around his neck.
"So what do you want? I need you to spell it out for me, not the brain of Britain," said Spike.
"I want you Spike, not that wild destructive sex of before, I want you to make love to me," she said breathily.
Spike looked at her open mouthed, the shock evident in his gaze.
"Are you sure love?" he asked.
TBC
Dawn marched back into the room, bursting to tell them all what she had just witnessed.
"So much for her saying she'd never start up with Spike again, I guess you always kiss the guy you don't want to be with," said Dawn.
"They were actually kissing?" asked Xander in disbelief.
"Lips, tongues and the inappropriate touching," said Dawn smugly.
"Well maybe it was a happy to see you kiss?" asked Willow doubtfully.
Dawn arched her eyebrow.
"He's been back nearly two days," she replied.
"What can she be thinking?" asked Xander.
Buffy entered the lounge.
"That it's none of your business," Buffy replied to Xander's question angrily.
"Where's Spike?" asked Giles.
"Still in my room, I knew you would react to Dawn's tidings like this so I told him I'd go face the lions," said Buffy.
"But Buffy forgot that I never stay put when told to," said Spike coming up behind her.
"Thought you were trying to live that normal life Buffy," said Xander sarcastically,
"Well maybe I have decided this is my life, it's been the normal for me ever since I was fifteen years old, being with Spike feels right to me, how about you and Anya? I don't want to hurt you Xander, but that wasn't exactly a normal couple," said Buffy.
"They're only looking out for you love," said Spike.
"Hey, who's side are you supposed to be on?" asked Buffy exasperated.
"I just think any relationships or potential ones should be put on hold until we see where all this changing is going where Spike is concerned Buffy, I wouldn't want to see you get hurt again," said Giles.
"Thanks for the fatherly concern Giles, but I'm all grown up now, maybe it's time to fly the nest, and as for the hurt factor, if you need reminding, what you and Wood did behind my back cut pretty deep," said Buffy angrily.
"Let's not make hasty decisions in anger," said Willow.
"The others are right love, come and sit down, I'll fix you a cuppa," said Spike leading her reluctant form to a chair.
Spike disappeared into the kitchen.
"Xander you are really gonna have to get past your issues where Spike is concerned, he's not the same guy you hated for all those years, surely you must have seen the changes when he lived at your place for awhile," said Buffy.
"I can't help it, every time I look at him, I see you crying and bruised in your bathroom," said Xander.
"Maybe I should get Spike an "I have a soul now" tattooed across his forehead just for your benefit," said Buffy.
"Buffy's right he did save us all, it's time to forget the past and move on for all of us," said Willow sadly.
Buffy looked at her friend, sensing some thing more behind her words.
"What is it Willow?" Buffy asked.
"I didn't want to say, with everything else going on, but this trip down to see you, it's more than bringing Spike, any of Angel's team could have brought him, but I volunteered," said Willow.
"Why?" asked Dawn.
"Because her and slay brat are no longer together," finished Spike, as he entered the room with the tea tray.
"You and Kennedy broke up?" asked Buffy.
"Thanks for putting it so bluntly Spike, guess you weren't as out of it as you pretended," sighed Willow.
"You're welcome, here Rupes, you can play Mother and pour the tea, done my bit," said Spike sitting down at the table.
"So what happened?" asked Buffy.
"We tried to make it work after the move to LA, but I think a lot of our relationship was built on the desperation of those last few months in Sunny Dale, I was, I am still coming to terms with my life without Tara, I'm just not ready for the sort of commitment that Kennedy wanted," said Willow.
"So where's Kennedy now?" asked Xander.
"She moved back with her family, a month ago," admitted Willow.
"Well why don't you move in with Andrew and I?" asked Xander.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Andrew had been out walking for over an hour, his cell phone had remained silent, he felt a little irritated that no one had even noticed his absence, he walked up the drive back to Giles's apartment and went in through the still open door, he was just in time to catch Xander's invitation for Willow to become a permanent resident in their home. He paled at the thought, and was unconsciously holding his breath as he entered the lounge.
"Really? That would be great, and I hear they have a fine educational system right here in Cleveland," said Willow enthusiastically.
Xander looked up noticing Andrew's presence.
"Where'd you get to, space cadet?" asked Xander.
"Out," said Andrew defiantly.
"What's with the boy?" asked Spike.
"Her," said Andrew sounding a little more brave that he actually felt, as he pointed at Willow.
"And I thought we were buddies," grinned Willow.
"If she's gonna live with us, I won't be her slave too, I only get paid to clean up after you, and she has to promise not to skin me alive or do any other kind of magiks on me," said Andrew.
"Aw come on can't you take a little joke, I was only playing with ya, and I am a very tidy houseguest," said Willow.
"Well that's all sorted," said Xander.
"You really okay Willow?" asked Buffy anxiously.
"Sure, nothing I can't handle, being in the company of good friends," said Willow.
The group of friends sat in reflective silence. Spike was the first to break the quiet.
"Nice sign in the kitchen," he said.
"Oh the "Welcome to Sunny Dale sign? That fell in the crater that was formerly Sunny Dale, after you, you know destroyed it," said Dawn.
"Third time lucky," said Spike grinning at his own private joke.
"What?" asked Giles.
"Nothing, so how'd you get it back?" he asked.
"They dangled me over the edge attached by rope, and lowered me down into the hole," said Andrew shuddering at the memory.
"Rough gig," said Spike.
"Used to it, otherwise why else would I hang around here," said Andrew.
"Oh I can think of a reason you're more likely to stay," said Willow motioning towards Spike.
Andrew shifted around in his seat uncomfortably and concentrated on a speck on the rug.
"Leave the boy alone, we have more important matters to discuss right now," said Giles impatiently.
"I wouldn't sweat it Giles, Spike explained a few things to me, in the bedroom, I'll fill you all in later, if that's okay with you Spike?" asked Buffy.
Spike nodded his agreement.
"Any chance, you could leave the lip locking out of it?" asked Xander.
"Wasn't planning on sharing that information with you anyway, even if little sis here was," said Buffy.
"I need to be getting back, if you want to eat tonight," said Andrew looking at his watch.
"Okay, I get the hint, but sometimes I wonder who's the real master of the Harris household, come on Wills let's get home and let Andrew work his culinary magic, " said Xander.
"Oh and what's that? Tater tots and instant macaroni?" asked Willow as she picked up her jacket.
"Sshhh! Or we'll be ordering take out," said Xander warningly.
"Would you guys like to join us? There's plenty to go around and I am sure we could cater for any special needs," said Andrew looking hopefully at Spike.
"Really? Anything beats Buffy's burnt offerings," said Dawn enthusiastically.
"Hey!" said Buffy, then a thought occurred to her, "Yes you go have dinner with Xander, what about you Giles? Didn't really have anything special planned for this evening," said Buffy.
"Well if you don't mind," said Giles uncertainly.
"You are coming with, right Buffy, Spike?" asked Willow.
"Not one much for the company just yet, maybe another time" said Spike.
"And I can't leave him here on his own, you lot go, we can catch up later," said Buffy handing Giles his jacket.
Buffy herded them all out into the hallway before they even knew what was happening.
"Bye see you guys later, much later, have a nice time," said Buffy closing the door.
"Ever get the feeling seven's crowd," asked Xander.
"Well now there's only two," said Dawn.
"That's what I am afraid of," said Giles, as he walked off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy walked back into the lounge, she looked at Spike, who was still seated at the research table.
"Alone at last?" asked Spike arching an eyebrow.
"That was my intention, yes," she admitted.
"Any particular reason?" he asked.
"I needed to talk to you, without interruptions of the annoying kind," said Buffy thinking of Dawn.
"Well we could have just gone out for a walk instead of throwing everyone out," said Spike.
"I wanted to talk about that kiss we shared," she said looking at the carpet.
Her answer had Spike's full attention.
"You want to chat out our kiss? now that's a first, when things like that happened between us in the past, the last thing you wanted to do is talk about it," he said wryly.
Buffy continued to look at the floor in silence. Spike sighed.
"Anything that has to be said about our moment in the bedroom, has to come from you pet, I've worn my heart on my sleeve too long to risk the hurt again, unless I know what you are feeling, tell me." He said firmly.
"Did you know there are five other slayers in the Cleveland area?" asked Buffy.
Spike frowned in confusion.
"Interesting, but a little off topic wouldn't you say?" he asked.
"I'm getting to it, what I am trying to say is that although Giles still thinks of me as the chosen one, I don't have to be anymore, you gave me that gift, I want a life that does not include demon hunting and vampire slaying, I want a home of my own with someone special I can share it with," She said.
"Anyone in mind?" he asked hardly daring to hope.
Buffy looked at him.
"I'm no longer cookie dough, I don't think I really was," she said.
"Nice, but you can start speaking in English anytime soon, that would be good for me," said Spike.
Buffy launched herself at Spike, taking him by surprise. She sat on his lap and put her arms around his neck.
"So what do you want? I need you to spell it out for me, not the brain of Britain," said Spike.
"I want you Spike, not that wild destructive sex of before, I want you to make love to me," she said breathily.
Spike looked at her open mouthed, the shock evident in his gaze.
"Are you sure love?" he asked.
TBC