Title: The Bet
Summary: Buffy is the outcast at Sunnydale High. She's like by no one, except for her best friend Willow. Once upon a time Buffy used to be friends with the most popular guy in school, Spike Giles. But that was before he got his spotlight. Since then the two have barely spoken, and cant stand the sight of one another. Until Spike makes a bet with his friends that he can get Buffy to fall for him. What he doesn't plan, is that old feelings are brought back and he starts to fall for his childhood friend. The future of the existence of the two's relationship all relies on if Spike can keep the bet a secret. Will things turn out the way he wants? Or will he lose everything that makes him truly feel happy again?
Disclaimer: They all belong to Joss. Cept for Dean (and people like him), he's mine =o)
~~**~~
Buffy opened her arms and yawned. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up and looked around at her surroundings. She wasn't in her room, nor was she in Spike's living room. 'His bedroom?' Buffy thought. 'How'd I get here?' She removed the covers from the lower part of her body and sat so her legs were dangling from the bed. 'What time is it? What day is it?'
The bedroom door opened and Buffy lifted her head. She let out a small sigh when she saw Spike quietly closing the door behind him. He walked over to her and sat down next to her on the bed after planting a kiss on her forehead.
"You're awake," he said.
"What gave it away?" she asked sarcastically. "How'd I get in your room? I don't remember climbing stairs of any sort."
"You didn't luv, I carried you. You fell asleep in my arms and I thought you'd be more comfortable in a bed. I guess I should've woken you, but you looked so peaceful."
"Its fine. Its not like I have anyone at home waiting for me. What time is it? Don't we have school?"
"Its nine am, and its Friday. But we don't have school today, remember? It's a teacher's . . . Day . . . Thing. You know."
"Oh yeah. Are your parents home?" she asked, lying back down.
He fell back next to her. "My mum. But she's asleep. I made you some breakfast if you're hungry pet."
"Mmm, food sounds good."
"Come on then," he said, standing. "I'll go get it ready and then once you're done I can take you home if you'd like."
"Thank you Spike," she said as he left.
~~**~~
When Buffy got home that afternoon, she walked into the kitchen to find her mother sitting there, along with a strange looking man. One that Buffy wasn't familiar with.
Her mother turned and smiled when she saw Buffy. She got up and quickly walked over to her and pulled her in for a hug.
"I was worried when I came home and you weren't here. I called Willow, but she hadn't seen you," Joyce said, pulling back.
"I-I was at William's. I feel asleep and I didn't think you'd mind because I didn't think you'd be home. I would have called or something . . . When did you get back? I thought you were staying longer? Who is he?"
"Thing's changed once again, and they let me come home early because they knew I had you home alone," she said, and then took a deep breath. "This is Mark, honey."
"Mark?" Buffy asked, confused.
"We met at an art showing and well . . . It was love at first sight," Joyce said, wrapping her arms around his waist. "He has a son your age and he's been dying to meet you Buffy."
"Boyfriend? But . . ."
"Its nice to meet you Buffy," Mark said, stepping forward. His hair was longer then normal, close to his shoulders and was a gray colour. He didn't have a beard, but he had a few whiskers around his chin area. Buffy was still confused and in shock.
'Boyfriend?' she thought.
"I thought you'd be happy," Joyce said. "I'm getting out there, meeting new people."
"I am. I'm happy," Buffy said. "I'm happy for you mom, really. It's just a lot to . . . Take in. I have to go to my room. I need to do some homework that I have," Buffy said before running up the stairs.
"I'm sorry," Joyce said. "I should have known it was too early. Its been a while since my last relationship and. . . I just thought she'd take it better."
"I understand. Jason's the same way when I bring home new people."
"I'll go talk to her," she said, starting for the stairs.
"No, leave her be. What she needs is to soak it in, maybe then she'll be ready to talk," Mark said, sitting her down on a stool.
"I guess you're right."
~~**~~
Buffy closed the door behind her and fell down onto her bed. She ran her fingers through her hair as she thought about what just happened. 'She has a boyfriend? He looks way too . . . Rough to be her type. And he has a son, my age! I don't want a brother, especially not one my age. Who said anything about marriage Buffy? You didn't even give him a chance anyway. But giving him a chance would mean talking to him. And I don't want to talk to my mom's boyfriend, unless it's my dad. But that's never going to happen,' Buffy thought.
~~**~~
Daylight soon turned to moonlight and Buffy sat in her room, reading a book. Willow was busy that night, so she was stuck inside unless Spike called to do something. 'That was so sweet when he made breakfast for me,' she thought. 'He really does love me. Hopefully he'll call. Then I'll have an excuse to get out of this house, and out of a "family night" with Mark and his son.
*Ring Ring*
Buffy quickly rolled over on her bed and picked up the phone. "Hello."
'Ello Buffy.'
"Oh, hi Spike."
'Just thought I'd call to see if you wanted to do something.'
"Sure. Anything to get out of this house."
'What's wrong luv?'
"My mom has a new boyfriend. Even worse, he has a son. My age. We're supposed to be doing something tonight, but if I have plans I can't break, then I don't have to go."
'Maybe you should.'
"What?"
'It'd be good to get to know who your mum's dating.'
"Why?"
'Because you cant spend the rest of the time they're together, hating him. Then you'd miss out on a lot with your mum because chances are, she's going to want him to be a part of her life. And you are her life.'
"Why do you always have to be so right?"
''S a gift.'
"Yeah, an annoying one. So does that mean we're not on for tonight?"
'We're on. Just after you talk with your mum and her friend.'
"Fine. I'll call you when it's over then."
'Are you mad?'
"No . . . Okay so maybe a bit. But you can't expect me to like him 100%."
'No, I cant. But I can expect at least in the eighties.'
"Very funny."
There was a knock on her door and Buffy could hear her mother's voice from behind the door. "Buffy, Jason and Mark are here. I'd appreciate it if you'd come down."
"I'll be right there mom. I'm just on the phone," she yelled, then turned her attention back to Spike. "I have to go, I'll call you though."
'I'll be waiting.'
Buffy smiled and hung up the phone. Spike was right; she shouldn't hate him without even giving him a chance. That would just make not only her life miserable, but her mother's as well.
Standing up she slowly made her way down the stairs and into the living room. She stood in the doorway, taking in the picture. Her mother sat on the sofa beside Mark, while a young brown haired boy sat in a chair. He looked as cooperative as Buffy wanted to be. Neither of them wanted to be in this situation.
"Buffy, good. This is Jason, Mark's son," Joyce said, standing.
"Hey," he nodded.
"Hi," she replied. "Mom, I'm going out with Sp . . . William later, okay?"
"How later?"
"Late enough that they're gone and we're all happy."
"Buffy, could you try and be polite?" Joyce scolded.
Buffy just let out a sigh and looked down at her feet. She wished that she was elsewhere, somewhere with Spike and not sitting here with two people that she couldn't hate anymore. 'Give them a try Buffy,' she thought. 'At least then you'll have a reason to hate them.'
"Would you two like to go out for a late dinner?" Mark asked. "I know you haven't eaten Jason, and Joyce tells me that you barely touched your food."
"I wasn't hungry. I didn't know it was a crime," she snapped.
"Buffy Ann Summers, I am really getting sick of your attitude. You haven't even let Mark get out more than three sentences and all ready you're judging him. I know you still love your father, but you need to see that we're not getting back together. And I don't want to spend the rest of my life alone!"
"Mom I-," Buffy started, but Joyce walked past her. Mark followed her out and Buffy flopped down on the sofa they had abandoned. "Great," she mumbled under her breath.
"You know your mom's got a point," Jason said, and Buffy lifted her head.
"Maybe, but I don't see it being any of your business."
"It's more of my business then you may want to think. Whether you want to face it or not, our parents are together. I'm not all happy about it, but I'm at least trying to get to know you and your mother because my dad hasn't stopped talking about her since they met. As far as first impressions go, you need to work on yours."
Buffy let out a small grunt. 'He doesn't know me or anything about my life,' she thought. 'He may have a point, but I still don't like him.'
"So, is this William guy your boyfriend?"
Buffy looked up at him. "What?"
"I'm making conversation. You don't seem to be putting much effort into getting to know me, so I thought that I should try to get to know you," he said.
"Yes, he's my boyfriend. But he goes by Spike. My mom just wouldn't like it, so I haven't told her."
"Spike?" he laughed.
"Yeah, Spike. If you have a problem with it then stop making conversation."
"No problem," he said, putting his hands in the air. "Its just not a very common nickname."
"What about you, do you have a girlfriend?" she asked.
"Yeah, believe it or not, I do. Her name's Chloe, but she lives back in L.A."
"Long distance relationship," Buffy said. "That's got to be tough."
"It is. But I love her, and I plan on moving back there quite soon."
"And your father's just going to let you go?" Buffy asked.
"He's the one that's moving. I'm just tagging along," Jason said.
"But what about our parents? They seem so happy together."
"I thought that you'd be happy Buffy. You don't seem to like me or my dad very much," he said. "But then again, you never gave us a chance."
"I know it's my bad. You don't need to rub it in."
"Who's rubbing? I'm just stating the facts. You hated my dad the minute you saw him. And you hated me, the minute you heard I existed."
"How would you know?" Buffy asked.
"Because I felt the same way. Maybe we have more in common then you'd like to admit."
"Maybe," she said. "But we'll never know unless we get to know each other."
He smiled. "You're improving your first impression. Although its a little late, I think I can change the views my mind has made about you."
"And I think I can learn to like you . . . And your dad," Buffy said, smiling. 'So maybe this isn't as bad as I wanted it to be. He's nice and I guess he learned that from his dad. Maybe I have been a bit unfair. Okay a lot unfair.'
~~**~~
Buffy glanced up at the clock as she walked out of the living room. It was ten o clock and Mark and Jason were just leaving. Buffy had more fun that night then she'd probably admit. She'd made a new friend, Jason, and not only did she make up with her mother, but she apologized to Mark. 'What is wrong with me? Why am I so nice?' she thought.
"I'm glad you decided to give us a chance," Mark said, looking down at Buffy as he put on his coat. "You're a good girl."
"Yeah, well. Jason helped me realize how dumb and cruel I was being," Buffy said.
"It wasn't that hard," he said. "Once you get past the tough act, you're a pretty sweet girl."
"Same to you. Except, not a girl," Buffy said.
"I'll call you," Mark said to Joyce as he kissed her gently on the cheek. "C'mon Jason. Don't want to keep these girls any longer."
"Bye," she said, and closed the door once the two were gone. She turned to Buffy. "That wasn't so bad now honey, was it?"
"No, I guess not," she sighed.
"And you like Jason?"
"Yeah, he's a cool guy."
"He's starting at your school on Monday, you know?" she asked. "Him and his dad moved here yesterday from L.A."
"Are they moving back?"
"Not that I know of. And I sure hope not," she said. "He's the only man I've had these strong of feelings for since your father."
"That's good then, mom. I'm happy for you. They're nice people."
"They are, aren't they? Don't you have someplace to be?"
"Right," Buffy said and started up the stairs. She stopped and turned to face her mom. "Oh and mom, I hope you don't mind, but me and Jason made plans for the four of us to go to dinner on Sunday night."
Joyce smiled at her daughter and watched as she disappeared up the stairs.
~~**~~
"So you had fun then luv?" Spike asked. The two sat at a table in Eden. "It wasn't hell?"
"Definitely not. I liked them. And I wouldn't have found that out if you hadn't convinced me, or made me, stay. I owe you," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"No, you don't," he said. "Not after everything I've done. If anything, I owe you."
"I love you so much Spike."
"I love you too pet," he said, taking her hand. "Care to dance?"
"I'd love to."
~Yeah, I wrote this chapter yesterday, and planned on making it longer, but I'm having a writer's block right now, plus I'm sick, so this is what I'm putting up. I wasn't sure about the whole boyfriend/son thing. I have some thoughts about it in the future. But tell me if its wrong for this story, and I'll take it out.
Summary: Buffy is the outcast at Sunnydale High. She's like by no one, except for her best friend Willow. Once upon a time Buffy used to be friends with the most popular guy in school, Spike Giles. But that was before he got his spotlight. Since then the two have barely spoken, and cant stand the sight of one another. Until Spike makes a bet with his friends that he can get Buffy to fall for him. What he doesn't plan, is that old feelings are brought back and he starts to fall for his childhood friend. The future of the existence of the two's relationship all relies on if Spike can keep the bet a secret. Will things turn out the way he wants? Or will he lose everything that makes him truly feel happy again?
Disclaimer: They all belong to Joss. Cept for Dean (and people like him), he's mine =o)
~~**~~
Buffy opened her arms and yawned. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up and looked around at her surroundings. She wasn't in her room, nor was she in Spike's living room. 'His bedroom?' Buffy thought. 'How'd I get here?' She removed the covers from the lower part of her body and sat so her legs were dangling from the bed. 'What time is it? What day is it?'
The bedroom door opened and Buffy lifted her head. She let out a small sigh when she saw Spike quietly closing the door behind him. He walked over to her and sat down next to her on the bed after planting a kiss on her forehead.
"You're awake," he said.
"What gave it away?" she asked sarcastically. "How'd I get in your room? I don't remember climbing stairs of any sort."
"You didn't luv, I carried you. You fell asleep in my arms and I thought you'd be more comfortable in a bed. I guess I should've woken you, but you looked so peaceful."
"Its fine. Its not like I have anyone at home waiting for me. What time is it? Don't we have school?"
"Its nine am, and its Friday. But we don't have school today, remember? It's a teacher's . . . Day . . . Thing. You know."
"Oh yeah. Are your parents home?" she asked, lying back down.
He fell back next to her. "My mum. But she's asleep. I made you some breakfast if you're hungry pet."
"Mmm, food sounds good."
"Come on then," he said, standing. "I'll go get it ready and then once you're done I can take you home if you'd like."
"Thank you Spike," she said as he left.
~~**~~
When Buffy got home that afternoon, she walked into the kitchen to find her mother sitting there, along with a strange looking man. One that Buffy wasn't familiar with.
Her mother turned and smiled when she saw Buffy. She got up and quickly walked over to her and pulled her in for a hug.
"I was worried when I came home and you weren't here. I called Willow, but she hadn't seen you," Joyce said, pulling back.
"I-I was at William's. I feel asleep and I didn't think you'd mind because I didn't think you'd be home. I would have called or something . . . When did you get back? I thought you were staying longer? Who is he?"
"Thing's changed once again, and they let me come home early because they knew I had you home alone," she said, and then took a deep breath. "This is Mark, honey."
"Mark?" Buffy asked, confused.
"We met at an art showing and well . . . It was love at first sight," Joyce said, wrapping her arms around his waist. "He has a son your age and he's been dying to meet you Buffy."
"Boyfriend? But . . ."
"Its nice to meet you Buffy," Mark said, stepping forward. His hair was longer then normal, close to his shoulders and was a gray colour. He didn't have a beard, but he had a few whiskers around his chin area. Buffy was still confused and in shock.
'Boyfriend?' she thought.
"I thought you'd be happy," Joyce said. "I'm getting out there, meeting new people."
"I am. I'm happy," Buffy said. "I'm happy for you mom, really. It's just a lot to . . . Take in. I have to go to my room. I need to do some homework that I have," Buffy said before running up the stairs.
"I'm sorry," Joyce said. "I should have known it was too early. Its been a while since my last relationship and. . . I just thought she'd take it better."
"I understand. Jason's the same way when I bring home new people."
"I'll go talk to her," she said, starting for the stairs.
"No, leave her be. What she needs is to soak it in, maybe then she'll be ready to talk," Mark said, sitting her down on a stool.
"I guess you're right."
~~**~~
Buffy closed the door behind her and fell down onto her bed. She ran her fingers through her hair as she thought about what just happened. 'She has a boyfriend? He looks way too . . . Rough to be her type. And he has a son, my age! I don't want a brother, especially not one my age. Who said anything about marriage Buffy? You didn't even give him a chance anyway. But giving him a chance would mean talking to him. And I don't want to talk to my mom's boyfriend, unless it's my dad. But that's never going to happen,' Buffy thought.
~~**~~
Daylight soon turned to moonlight and Buffy sat in her room, reading a book. Willow was busy that night, so she was stuck inside unless Spike called to do something. 'That was so sweet when he made breakfast for me,' she thought. 'He really does love me. Hopefully he'll call. Then I'll have an excuse to get out of this house, and out of a "family night" with Mark and his son.
*Ring Ring*
Buffy quickly rolled over on her bed and picked up the phone. "Hello."
'Ello Buffy.'
"Oh, hi Spike."
'Just thought I'd call to see if you wanted to do something.'
"Sure. Anything to get out of this house."
'What's wrong luv?'
"My mom has a new boyfriend. Even worse, he has a son. My age. We're supposed to be doing something tonight, but if I have plans I can't break, then I don't have to go."
'Maybe you should.'
"What?"
'It'd be good to get to know who your mum's dating.'
"Why?"
'Because you cant spend the rest of the time they're together, hating him. Then you'd miss out on a lot with your mum because chances are, she's going to want him to be a part of her life. And you are her life.'
"Why do you always have to be so right?"
''S a gift.'
"Yeah, an annoying one. So does that mean we're not on for tonight?"
'We're on. Just after you talk with your mum and her friend.'
"Fine. I'll call you when it's over then."
'Are you mad?'
"No . . . Okay so maybe a bit. But you can't expect me to like him 100%."
'No, I cant. But I can expect at least in the eighties.'
"Very funny."
There was a knock on her door and Buffy could hear her mother's voice from behind the door. "Buffy, Jason and Mark are here. I'd appreciate it if you'd come down."
"I'll be right there mom. I'm just on the phone," she yelled, then turned her attention back to Spike. "I have to go, I'll call you though."
'I'll be waiting.'
Buffy smiled and hung up the phone. Spike was right; she shouldn't hate him without even giving him a chance. That would just make not only her life miserable, but her mother's as well.
Standing up she slowly made her way down the stairs and into the living room. She stood in the doorway, taking in the picture. Her mother sat on the sofa beside Mark, while a young brown haired boy sat in a chair. He looked as cooperative as Buffy wanted to be. Neither of them wanted to be in this situation.
"Buffy, good. This is Jason, Mark's son," Joyce said, standing.
"Hey," he nodded.
"Hi," she replied. "Mom, I'm going out with Sp . . . William later, okay?"
"How later?"
"Late enough that they're gone and we're all happy."
"Buffy, could you try and be polite?" Joyce scolded.
Buffy just let out a sigh and looked down at her feet. She wished that she was elsewhere, somewhere with Spike and not sitting here with two people that she couldn't hate anymore. 'Give them a try Buffy,' she thought. 'At least then you'll have a reason to hate them.'
"Would you two like to go out for a late dinner?" Mark asked. "I know you haven't eaten Jason, and Joyce tells me that you barely touched your food."
"I wasn't hungry. I didn't know it was a crime," she snapped.
"Buffy Ann Summers, I am really getting sick of your attitude. You haven't even let Mark get out more than three sentences and all ready you're judging him. I know you still love your father, but you need to see that we're not getting back together. And I don't want to spend the rest of my life alone!"
"Mom I-," Buffy started, but Joyce walked past her. Mark followed her out and Buffy flopped down on the sofa they had abandoned. "Great," she mumbled under her breath.
"You know your mom's got a point," Jason said, and Buffy lifted her head.
"Maybe, but I don't see it being any of your business."
"It's more of my business then you may want to think. Whether you want to face it or not, our parents are together. I'm not all happy about it, but I'm at least trying to get to know you and your mother because my dad hasn't stopped talking about her since they met. As far as first impressions go, you need to work on yours."
Buffy let out a small grunt. 'He doesn't know me or anything about my life,' she thought. 'He may have a point, but I still don't like him.'
"So, is this William guy your boyfriend?"
Buffy looked up at him. "What?"
"I'm making conversation. You don't seem to be putting much effort into getting to know me, so I thought that I should try to get to know you," he said.
"Yes, he's my boyfriend. But he goes by Spike. My mom just wouldn't like it, so I haven't told her."
"Spike?" he laughed.
"Yeah, Spike. If you have a problem with it then stop making conversation."
"No problem," he said, putting his hands in the air. "Its just not a very common nickname."
"What about you, do you have a girlfriend?" she asked.
"Yeah, believe it or not, I do. Her name's Chloe, but she lives back in L.A."
"Long distance relationship," Buffy said. "That's got to be tough."
"It is. But I love her, and I plan on moving back there quite soon."
"And your father's just going to let you go?" Buffy asked.
"He's the one that's moving. I'm just tagging along," Jason said.
"But what about our parents? They seem so happy together."
"I thought that you'd be happy Buffy. You don't seem to like me or my dad very much," he said. "But then again, you never gave us a chance."
"I know it's my bad. You don't need to rub it in."
"Who's rubbing? I'm just stating the facts. You hated my dad the minute you saw him. And you hated me, the minute you heard I existed."
"How would you know?" Buffy asked.
"Because I felt the same way. Maybe we have more in common then you'd like to admit."
"Maybe," she said. "But we'll never know unless we get to know each other."
He smiled. "You're improving your first impression. Although its a little late, I think I can change the views my mind has made about you."
"And I think I can learn to like you . . . And your dad," Buffy said, smiling. 'So maybe this isn't as bad as I wanted it to be. He's nice and I guess he learned that from his dad. Maybe I have been a bit unfair. Okay a lot unfair.'
~~**~~
Buffy glanced up at the clock as she walked out of the living room. It was ten o clock and Mark and Jason were just leaving. Buffy had more fun that night then she'd probably admit. She'd made a new friend, Jason, and not only did she make up with her mother, but she apologized to Mark. 'What is wrong with me? Why am I so nice?' she thought.
"I'm glad you decided to give us a chance," Mark said, looking down at Buffy as he put on his coat. "You're a good girl."
"Yeah, well. Jason helped me realize how dumb and cruel I was being," Buffy said.
"It wasn't that hard," he said. "Once you get past the tough act, you're a pretty sweet girl."
"Same to you. Except, not a girl," Buffy said.
"I'll call you," Mark said to Joyce as he kissed her gently on the cheek. "C'mon Jason. Don't want to keep these girls any longer."
"Bye," she said, and closed the door once the two were gone. She turned to Buffy. "That wasn't so bad now honey, was it?"
"No, I guess not," she sighed.
"And you like Jason?"
"Yeah, he's a cool guy."
"He's starting at your school on Monday, you know?" she asked. "Him and his dad moved here yesterday from L.A."
"Are they moving back?"
"Not that I know of. And I sure hope not," she said. "He's the only man I've had these strong of feelings for since your father."
"That's good then, mom. I'm happy for you. They're nice people."
"They are, aren't they? Don't you have someplace to be?"
"Right," Buffy said and started up the stairs. She stopped and turned to face her mom. "Oh and mom, I hope you don't mind, but me and Jason made plans for the four of us to go to dinner on Sunday night."
Joyce smiled at her daughter and watched as she disappeared up the stairs.
~~**~~
"So you had fun then luv?" Spike asked. The two sat at a table in Eden. "It wasn't hell?"
"Definitely not. I liked them. And I wouldn't have found that out if you hadn't convinced me, or made me, stay. I owe you," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"No, you don't," he said. "Not after everything I've done. If anything, I owe you."
"I love you so much Spike."
"I love you too pet," he said, taking her hand. "Care to dance?"
"I'd love to."
~Yeah, I wrote this chapter yesterday, and planned on making it longer, but I'm having a writer's block right now, plus I'm sick, so this is what I'm putting up. I wasn't sure about the whole boyfriend/son thing. I have some thoughts about it in the future. But tell me if its wrong for this story, and I'll take it out.