Chapter 13: Milestones

In the weeks that had passed since their night together Buffy had made a lot of decisions about her life. She had spoken to Spike and told him that she thought nothing else should happen until after she had broken things off with Riley. He had agreed knowing that it would be easier on them both in the long run. That was a month ago and it was the day before Spike's graduation. Riley thought things between them were going great and that she wasn't hanging around with Spike. He had no suspicions about what had happened. He was getting frustrated though, the furthest he ever got with her was kissing and he was sick of it. He had no idea she was going to Spike's graduation. The day before everyone was excitedly doing everything that had to be done. The group of friends were going to the Bronze the night of graduation to celebrate, just like nearly every other senior. Spike was grumpy because his father was making him wear a suit under his gown. Buffy thought it was hilarious watching him pout about it.

Anthony was getting bigger everyday, and every day Spike was becoming more and more attached to him. It had come to the stage where he and Buffy would sneak around to take him walks together, so naturally she was taking him with her the next day as opposed to having Jenny look after him, as she had offered.

The next day Buffy got Anthony dressed in a little pair of black cord trousers and a black sweater, he looked like Spike's own son. Buffy herself was wearing a knee length cream halter sundress, as the sun was shining brightly. She looked in the mirror before picking Anthony up and going downstairs. Giles was waiting to drive them to the graduation; Spike was already at the school as he was meeting Oz beforehand.

Riley walked along the street on his way to Revello Drive. He had decided to surprise Buffy by showing up and whisking her away for the day. He was going to pick her up, walk to the park where he had parked his car, then drive out of town, into LA, and see her parents. He walked up to the porch and rang the bell; he waited a few minutes and rang again, when there was no answer. There was still no answer and he was annoyed, she hadn't told him about any other plans. He decided to wait until she got back so he sat down on the perch step. And waited.

Buffy sat in the crowd and watched the ceremony with a huge smile on her. The ceremony had only just started and they were listening to the principal's speech. As she looked around at the students she could see Spike's blonde head sitting next to Oz, both looking very bored, as she was about to turn away he looked around and flashed her a smile and she responded with a small wave. She sat holding Anthony waiting for them to start handing out the diploma's. She got very excited when she heard them start to call out the names. She looked on as student after student crossed the stage. And then she heard his name.

Spike had been bored for the entire ceremony, he wanted to be sitting with Buffy, but he was happy when he caught her looking at him. He sat looking at her from the corner of his eye until they started handing out the diploma's, suddenly feeling nervous and then his name was called

"William Giles"

Buffy watched him walk across the stage and accept his diploma with a smile. He looked at her and smiled again as he returned to his seat. Watching the event had made Buffy feel like she was missing out on something. When she saw him smile it pushed her to make a decision, one she couldn't wait to carry out.

After the ceremony Giles and Buffy waited out front of the school for Spike and Oz. Buffy saw him walking down the steps and called out to him

"Hey, Spike" she walked towards him with a big smile

"Hi, luv"

"Congratulations" she said as she reached out and hugged him "how does it feel, you're all grown up now?" He smirked

"You're here, how could it feel anything but great luv" he answered Buffy blushed and smacked him playfully on the arm

"Come on, you have to see what Anthony's wearing" she said excitedly "oh, and your dad probably wants to see you" she added He smiled slightly as he followed behind her.

"Look" she squealed "doesn't he look adorable. Like a mini you"

"He looks great, pet"

She was about to reply when she saw Willow walk out of the school and walk towards them with Oz. When she reached Buffy, she squealed

"Oh my god. I have a boyfriend who's not in high school. Isn't it exciting" Everyone laughed at how giddy the redhead was.

Giles walked over with a smile on his face

"I'm very proud of you son," he told Spike honestly

"Thank you dad" Spike replied, feeling oddly emotional at his father's pride.

"Congratulations to you too Oz, to both of you" he said Oz nodded in thanks before Giles continued

"So, why don't we go for a bite to eat and celebrate? On me. I know you kids are going out tonight but this way I get to celebrate with you" he smiled

"Sure" all four replied at once. "Alright then lets go"

They turned and walked away from the school, none of them looking back.

When they reached the café, they sat down wit Spike seated next to Buffy on one side, with Giles, Oz and Willow on the other. The group were all talking excitedly about the boys' college plans and Willow's senior year. Buff sat quietly when they spoke of this and it did not go unnoticed by Spike. He leaned over and whispered in her ear

"What's the matter luv?" he asked

"I'll tell you later" she whispered back

Spike didn't like this plan so he turned to the other occupants of the table and told them

"Buffy and I are going to go out for some fresh air, we won't be long" He stood up and walked toward the door waiting for Buffy to join him. Once they were outside Spike turned to her

"Ok, what's going on?" he demanded gently

"I wanna go back"

"To LA" he said hurt "why?"

"Oh no, not LA, I wanna go back to school" she told him He broke into a wide smile "That's great luv"

"Yeah, except that I can't go back" she told him sadly

"And why exactly not?" he questioned

"Anthony" she told him

"Buffy, you've done a great job with Anthony, but if you want to o back to school you shouldn't let this job stop you. Legally he's not your responsibility," he said in a caring voice

Coming from anyone else, this statement would have stung, but Buffy knew he was only trying to help. It was her fault he didn't know. She wanted to tell him. No, she was going to.

"Spike I have to tell you something" she said

"What is it pet?"

"It's-" She was cut off then by Willow coming to the door

"Hey guys, food's here" After she went back inside Spike turned to Buffy

"You were saying pet"

"Doesn't matter now," she said, her confidence completely gone. They turned and went back inside. Both thinking about their earlier conversation.

As Giles' car drew up to the curb Buffy saw Riley sitting on the step. 'What's he doing here. We didn't have plans today' she thought

"Riley, what are you doing here" she asked as she got out of the car

"Well, I did come to surprise you with a day out, but you neglected to tell me you wouldn't be here" he said angrily

"Can we talk about this inside?" she requested

"Fine" he agreed stiffly

"We'll give you a moment" Giles called as they walked inside. Once inside Riley turned to Buffy, face red with anger "Where the hell have you been?" he yelled

"Out" she told him in a confident voice. She had decided that she wasn't going to give in to him. He would have to accept her as she was or not at all

"Out where?" he spat

"With Giles, Spike and Anthony"

"Well, I can see that. I want to know where" he said, becoming increasingly annoyed

She had had enough "At Spike's graduation, not that it's any of your business" she yelled

"You're my girlfriend," he screamed "but him and that brat always seem to come first" She lost it then and slapped him across the face

"You Bitch" he screamed as he backhanded her. Spike ran into the house at the sound of Buffy screaming and pounced when he saw Riley hit her

"You Bastard. Who the hell do you think you are?" he screamed as he punched him square on the jaw

"Fuck off bleach boy this has nothing to do with you" Riley retorted as he threw a punch, which Spike easily dodged

"When you hit Buffy it's my business"

"And why's that then?" he questioned "she been spreading her legs for you. Because she hasn't been spreading them for me" he said snidely. Spike flew at him as soon as the words left his mouth only to be stopped by Buffy.

"You asshole" she told riley, her voice cold but calm "I don't know who you think you are but you won't talk about me like that. You are a conceited, obnoxious bastard and I had no intentions of ever sleeping with you. You make me sick.

"And in answer to the question you asked Spike, yes. I slept with Spike, and do you know what? I would do it all over again. In fact, I intend to. You are worthless Riley, I feel nothing for you" she spat and looked at him like he had just crawled out of the sewer.

"You whore" Riley screamed

"Yeah, yeah big deal" she retorted "call me what you want, I really don't give a shit." She walked over to him and punched him hard on the nose and she heard the bone crack

"If you ever talk about Anthony the way you did again, it'll be worse. Now, we're through. Get out of my house" she said coldly. Spike smirked as he watched Riley walk towards the door holding his nose in pain. When he was gone, she turned to Spike and burst out laughing. She walked over to him, took his farce in her hands, and kissed him, hard on the mouth.

"Well, it's over" she said happily

"I can see that" he replied with a smile playing on his lips

"So, are you taking me out tonight? On a date I mean" she inquired

"Do you want to go on a date with me?" he asked back

"Yes"

"Well then, try and stop me"

He then leaned in and captured her lips in another kiss. Giles watched from the doorway smiling. It just looked so right.