A/N: Hi Everyone...I know it's been like a century since I last posted, but I was having a hard time trying to figure out where everything I wanted to be in the story would fit in (ex: romeo and Juliet play did you forget) and also I spent a lot of time on this chapter...but if it was lacking something I apologize. I tried my best before I wanted to post SOMETHING just so I could keep your interest. And all my Spuffy-ers...don't stop reading. I PROMISE..Spuffy will be here in about 3 Chapters (or sooner...if I really like to write a lot in one chapter) THANKS for READING! And plZ Review!

Chapter 11

While You Were Sleeping

Buffy is laughing extremely hard after Angel had told her a joke. She is about to spit her soda back out and runs to the bathroom, leaving Spike and Angel hysterically laughing as well.

In Spike's Mind 'Yes she and Angel are hitting it off, but it isn't really too bad. At least, every Friday I'm getting to spend time with her 'cuz of him.'

He sees Buffy emerge from the bathroom still giggling and comes and curls up next to Angel on the sofa. She leans her head on his shoulder as they resume watching the movie that they had unanimously picked to make fun of about how it was so unrealistic – "While You Were Sleeping".

In Spike's Mind Again 'Okay. I take that back. To be in the same room as her and see her, be able to smell her herbal shampoo, to see what is rightfully mine, in someone else's arms – YEA. It's worse than I can bare.

Spike almost has the urge to grab his coat and leave right then but restrains himself, not wanting to make his departure seem awkward and noticeable. Instead, he plops down on the other sofa, but then he gets up and jogs up the stairs.

Buffy, seeing Spike just walk out, lifts her head to look at Angel. Knowing exactly what she is concerned about, Angel simply shrugs.

Angel: Beats me. I have no idea what goes through that guy's head. One minute he's one way and the next he's totally the opposite...Don't worry about him. If you want to worry about something, think about why we haven't kissed yet.

With that 'romantic'(much sarcasm intended) line said, Angel leans his head down to kiss her. Buffy's reflexes make her lean in, but her conscience screams out to her not to kiss him. She suddenly jerks back, leaving Angel startled and disappointed.

Buffy: Angel, remember that we decided to start over a little bit. If we want this to work, we are gonna have to take things slow.

Not wanting to scare him off, not wanting to have another man leave her life, she strokes his arm as she says this.

Buffy: Is that okay with you? I am trying to be honest. I don't want to mess things up, like I did last time...can we be open with each other?

Angel, rather stiffly: Yeah, I guess so. I guess I'll accept your terms. Just let me know when you're ready yeah?

Buffy tries to lean her head back on his shoulder until she finds it stiff and uncomfortable. She looks back up at him, only to find his gaze focused on the television. She sighs and sits up, leaning her head back on the pillow. After a few minutes of watching Sandra Bullock, Buffy looks up to find Spike fly down the stairs and hop back down the couch. She mentally laughs at herself for being so concerned about him, but suddenly stops after realizing that she is actually laughing out loud. Spike was raising an eyebrow at her after changing into dark gray sweats and a wife beater.

Spike: Anything funny pe...Buffy?

Buffy quickly conjures up: oh nothing! It's just never seen you not wearing your jeans and that Tshirt. Well, I mean not of course- not wearing anything...

Her cheeks flush a dark crimson after saying that. She closes her eyes and starts over.

Buffy (smiling): How about... you look good in sweats?

Spike: Darn right, I do. It's not my fault I'm so athletic and devishly handsome.

Buffy couldn't resist laughing at that. She abruptly stops, wondering why Angel had remained so quiet throughout their whole conversation. She finds Angel fast asleep, snuggled up with all the blanket, and snoring like a baby. At first, she frowns at how she's going to have no blanket the whole night, but her frown turns into an adoring look when she sees how content, angelic (how ironic), and cozy he looks. She feels the urge to just be next to him...to hold him...he who had comforted her and supported her through out the year. She wanted to hold him too, support him, be there for him like he had been for her.

She tries to lay down next to him and go unnoticed by him and Spike, simultaneously (who is actually very well aware of what she is trying to do). Attempting to stay warm as well, she tries to cover herself with the blanket too. But as a result, Angel, who Buffy realizes is a stubborn guy while sleeping, shakes her grasp off the blanket and wraps it tighter around himself.

Suddenly, Buffy stops finding him so cute and adorable and frowns. However, she looks up to see Spike smirking back at her. She raises her eyebrows at him.

Spike, teasingly: You're lover fall asleep on you?...I didn't know you were such a bore...can't keep your man awake...

Buffy, taking this hard as to relating it to her ability to shoo off all the men in her life, is about to burst out into tears, but refrains from doing so. Spike was nice, but he could be such a jerk.

Buffy manages to choke out: You're ... a pig..Spike.

He sees the discontent on her face. For the past 2 weeks after she and Angel found out about each other, he had seen flashes of that sad face every now and then. He cannot bear to see her eyes filled with concern. But then he sees it...that one thing that kills him to see. He sees a tear roll down her cheek, her beautiful face stained with her own salt water. He takes one glance at Angel, who was still snoring, and at once is on his knees beside Buffy.

Spike: Buffy? Are you okay?

'What kind of git are you Spike? ...such a bleedin' obvious question to ask.'

Buffy: yeah..I'm just kind of cold...

Spike: Do you...do you want me to get you a blanket/

Buffy stares at the floor as she shyly responds 'yes' and he dutifully brings her one and wraps it around her. Their hands touch as she grasps the blanket and he is making sure she is covered in it. She doesn't notice. He does.

He kneels on the ground and cups her cheek, not caring about her reaction. Luckily for him, the reaction isn't a slap, but just eye contact. He looks into her water-filled eyes and speaks to her.

Spike: If there is something bothering you...you have me...as a friend...to talk to. ( He gives her a weak smile as it hurts him to just say 'friend' and not anything more). It's just that I can't bear to see you cry. (He wipes the tears off her cheeks). Don't cry Buffy, 'cuz I know that you're probably a hell of a lot stronger than you think you are. Just believe in yourself.

He sits back on his couch and resumes watching the movie, although his mind is not at all with him. He can feel her eyes on him, which only makes it harder to resist walking up to her and claim her lips- claim...what is rightfully his,

She lets the words sink in and gives a hint of a smile back at him. Spike's words reminded her of Angel, comforting, soothing, and giving her encouraging advice. 'I guess friends are alike' she thought. She sees the great guy Spike can be, like Angel. Scratch that 'bad boy' reputation and she saw the softy inside.

Buffy knows that he is hurting...for some reason. And she knows that he can sense that she's hurting too. Her mind further explores thoughts. She understands that Spike is the kind of friend who would stay by her side when she needed help.

'But I have Will and Xander for that...don't I?...But Spike knows Angel better than them. Angel trouble means that I can talk to Spike for help and encouraging words.'

Buffy interrupts her own thoughts by surprising even herself.

Buffy: Spike?

He is startled by her words, but coolly replies.

Spike: Yea?

Buffy: Thanks.

Spike: For what?

Buffy: For the blanket.

Spike: yea. Don't mention it. Get some rest now, Buffy.

Spike is soon asleep after that. Buffy finishes the movie and turns off the TV.

'Yea Angel...While You Were Sleeping...'

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