(A/N: Sorry for taking forever to update this fic. I've had author's blocks and decided to write new fics that I've been wanting to do for months. Don't worry, I'm not going to neglect this one. In fact, the next chap will be coming shortly if you review me *snickers*)

Chapter 24: Forgive and Forget

Both blonds froze on their feet as they stared at each other, one eyeing the other. What'd she say, what'd she say? She should say something, right? As soon as she ran off from his house yesterday, she realized that her words might hurt him. Might, Buffy? After he brought you the most amazing sex not to mention lil' naughty, you thought that your words just 'might' hurt him? Her mind scolded.

Buffy still stared at him, she shifted from one foot to another. The silence that fell into the space became deafening. Spike sighed in exasperation. He shoved his hands into his duster pockets and walked towards her…passing her.

"Wait," Buffy impulsively grabbed his arm by the time it brushed against her own arm. He simply looked down to her hand, then to her eyes. Say it, Buffy! You know you should. She opened her mouth slightly.

All Spike wanted to hear from her was two words, or one certain word even. Better yet, she should have talked to him about why she reacted that way last afternoon.

"I'm sorry." Buffy said softly. There, she said it. That wasn't so bad, was it? She pursed her lips together as she looked down to her feet. Spike's features softened instantly. He wanted to demand some explanation but the look on her face was enough to say that she had really meant what she just said. His hand reached a strand of hair that hid her beautiful features from him and tucked it behind her ear. He leaned down and kissed her forehead tenderly.

"Forgiven, luv." Buffy closed her eyes, sighing softly in relief at his mumble. She looked up to him and smiled genuinely.

"Thanks." As she looped her arm around his, they started walking down the school hall, her head rested on his shoulder.

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"Tell me again why I chose this class?" Buffy grimaced at the poor animals that were about to be dissected. Spike turned his head to her, a wicked grin plastered on his face.

"Because you can't be far away from me and because you can't keep your hands away from my hot tight little body." He answered in a husky tone as he leaned forward to capture her lips. Miss Brown's voice immediately interrupted him.

"Mr. Giles, this is still a lesson time. So if you could just put the lecherous side of yours aside until the class finishes, please." She said in a flat tone. Buffy blushed furiously as everyone giggled. Spike only nodded his response but couldn't help being embarrassed.

"So, what do we have to do again?" She asked, trying to concentrate on the lab task.

"Well, we need to dissect this lil' frog right in the middle." Spike replied. He lifted a knife, ready to do some operation. Buffy crinkled her nose disgustedly.

"Okay, first of all, eww!...Second of all, yikes!..." She shook her arms on her sides to express her repugnance and that she did not want to touch the displayed creature on the lab bench. "...Third of all, gah!" Spike dropped the knife on the table and raised his eyebrows up to his hairline.

"And your point is...?"

"Oh, that's just me expressing my disgust. Carry on." She shrugged indifferently. Spike stared at her in amusement. Yep! This was his girl! A beautiful, sassy, caring, smart, witty and funny person, all wrapped into one petite blond girl. He just wished he realized that sooner. Breaking his gaze off, he slapped his hands together and rubbed them against each other.

"Right. Now let slice and dice this bloody animal 'ere, shall we?" He grinned from ear to ear. Buffy rolled her eyes.

"You're really loving this, ain'tcha?" Spike gave her a seductive smirk.

"Well, what can I say, I've always been baaaadddd, baby." He bent his head again to claim her mouth. Another interruption arose.

"Again, Mr. Giles. Please put your lecherous side away. We still have twenty minutes left." Everyone burst out laughing while Buffy once again ducked her head and flushed feverishly. Spike hung his head down as well, holding one hand on the back of his head.

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"Wanna go to my place after school?" Spike asked, leaning against the locker next to Buffy's. The girl in front of him was busy putting books inside her bag. She looked at him, suppressing her amused smile.

"You mean your crypt?"

"You enjoy making fun of me, don't you?" He frowned, throwing her a look.

"It is fun. I mean, where the hell did you get the idea for that name?" Buffy burst out laughing, her face was almost red as she was trying hard to keep a straight face. The bleached young man growled, then caught her by the waist. She yelped but soon shut herself up when his tongue slid in her mouth, exploring the taste of her. As they broke away, Spike looked down to her, a suggestive smile crept over his handsome features.

"So?" Buffy sighed and smiled apologetically.

"I can't. I'm working in gallery today."

"But aren't you working on weekend?" A frown was back on his façade. He was visibly not thrilled with her working in weekdays. It was bad enough that she worked during weekend and that they couldn't get together except during school days.

"Yeah, apparently the orders keep coming and coming and my mom needs to go out of town for few days. Hence, it's after school working days for Buffy until weekend." Spike tried to hide his disapprove.

"What about Cecily? She's still working there, right? Why couldn't she handle the orders?"

"Well, she's working in the morning until afternoon. She used to work until closing time but her doctor doesn't allow her to work for long hours due to her pregnancy." Buffy closed her locker door and zipped her bag. Giving another apologetic smile, she leaned up to him and gave a quick kiss. "Sorry, baby. I promise I'll make it up to you some time next week, kay?"

Spike heaved a sigh. Closing his eyes briefly, he nodded weakly. "Sure. Whenever it fits." She smiled before she turned her heels around and exited the school building.

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Spike entered the bronze wearily. The club wasn't crowded and he was grateful for that. He wasn't in the mood of pushing himself through masses of people and wasn't thrilled to wait forever to get himself a drink either. Finding an empty two-seated couch, he slumped his body onto it and guzzled from his bottle.

"Hey." A chirping voice addressed him. He sighed, clearly not looking forward to meet new people. Looking up to the person in front of him, he squinted his eyes as he began to recognize her. He tilted his head, his mouth open and was about to speak but she interrupted him. "Hey, I remember you." She pointed one finger to him, her eyes twinkled and her lips curved into a smile. Spike raised an eyebrow, then taking a gulp on his drink while the girl continued, "I remember you approached me all manly with your innuendo and I was thinking of how big your penis was." He almost spat his beer out but quickly forced it to go down to his throat, causing him to choke.

"Excuse me?" He asked while trying to abate his cough. The girl shrugged indifferently as she plopped herself next to him.

"Oh you know, when a guy walks towards you with all that pride, he must be proud of his penis." Spike only managed to quirk one eyebrow. His cough subsided but the shock on his face hadn't.

"Uh...I suppose you're right, luv. You're…Anya, right?" He scrutinized her as he tried to change the subject.

Her eyes lit up and she broke into a wide smile. "Yes, I am." She paused shortly before continued in a peeping voice. "So, are we going to have sex and have lots of orgasms soon?" Spike almost dropped his bottle.

Deciding it was best to put his drink away for now, he answered her with a chuckle, "Not bloody likely, pet." Anya didn't bother to hide her disappointment as she jutted her lower lip out.

"Why not? Is that because of my hair?" She patted her darkened hair, checking it out. Spike didn't answer her immediately. His eyes focused on her pouty lips, which instantly reminded him of Buffy. How he'd been missing her, missing being with her and talking to her.

Breaking out from his reverie, he replied, "No, no. The hair is absolutely perfect and I'm not saying you're not attractive, luv. But I have a girlfriend." Anya stood up immediately, her frown was replaced with anger.

"What?!? Do you think this is like a pep talk to you? Like a best friend chat?" She yelled, gesturing him and her back and forth. He flashed her a lopsided smile, looking at her guiltily.

"Uhh...no. I mean, yeah maybe. I'm sorry, I just really need someone to talk to tonight." He sulked, leaning back against the couch. He did need to have a best friend chat, especially with Buffy. He had been trying to call her or talk to her, but she was rarely available. And Xander? Well, let's just say, he'd been busy with Willow these days, especially after her beloved auntie recently died and he needed to be there to comfort her.

Anya gave a dramatic sigh, rolling her eyes as she took his pathetic look in with pity. She slumped back into the couch. "Alright, I guess I could have someone to talk to as well. But if you change your mind about the sex, I still wouldn't mind."

Spike looked up to her with a grateful smile and chuckled again, "Thanks for informing, pet."

to be continued.