Disclaimer: Don't own the characters. They belong to an evil genius named
Joss. Although I don't know if he's evil or not.
Distribution: Go ahead. Ask first
Spoilers: None
A/N: Okay so your onslaught of reviews saved this story from going bye-bye. I really want to see this story through so I decided it had to be important above all. So here's the next chappy and enjoy reading it.
Chapter 16:
Spike sat at his desk and angrily pounded on the keyboard of his computer. He was so frustrated. Why did this always happen to him? Did he have a 'kick me' sign on his back or something? That was the only way he could comprehend it. There had to be something seriously wrong with him.
Maybe it was karma from his wilder days. Then again that had seemed like karma as well. Maybe he was cursed. Maybe his great whatever had placed a curse on all Flannery's and there was no getting out of it. Sado-masochist who was just glutton for punishment every time he fell in love.
Whatever the reason he was totally in the shitter. Last night was the best night of his life. He enjoyed Buffy's friends. He had already liked Willow and Andrew. Warren and Oz were his kind of guys although they were totally different from each other. So everything had been great. Then Buffy has to invited him inside her apartment.
He could see the look in her eyes that said it wasn't just for coffee like it had been before. No this time it was about something more and he, being the Sado-masochist that he was, was stupid enough to go inside. Oh maybe it was just the women, but sometimes it didn't feel like it.
Was there something wrong with him. Was he so unlovable that women just didn't want him? Was he doomed to live his life alone and be the male version of that lady with all those cats?
All had been going so perfectly up until that point. Okay so after that point wasn't so bad. Who was he really kidding it was the best after that point. He just wished he could remember it so vividly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Flashback
Spike looked deep into Buffy's eyes and saw the lust that filled them. Yes she knew what she was doing and he could tell. It wasn't the two glasses of champagne that were making her do this although those helped out a bit. No she wanted him.
She really wanted him. Spike took a deep breath and then said, "Yeah I'd like too."
Neither was sure what to do at that point. This was the step. The defining moment that would decide all. Buffy took his hand in hers and held it tightly as she led him inside her apartment. When they were both inside Spike closed the door gently and turned back to face her.
The lust was definitely still there, but there was something else. Apprehension? Confusion? Doubt? Spike walked over to her and stared deeply into her eyes. At that moment the doubt was gone and all that was left was wanting.
She wanted him and he wanted her. Spike tilted his head slightly deciding it was his turn to initiate this kiss. Buffy was still unsure of herself. He had to reassure her that things were great. That all this was right. It was a slow sweet kiss, but it promised so much more.
Buffy pushed off his jacket and it fell to the floor making a small swishing noise. Her hands stroked along the planes of his back and couldn't seem to find one spot to stop at. Spike's hands remained wrapped around her waist pulling her closer as their kiss was deepened.
His hands traveled up her arms and to her shoulders to push of the small shaw she was wearing. Buffy broke the kiss to take a deep breath. She looked up at Spike and saw his eyes closed and his mouth parted slightly as he took shallow breaths. He opened his eyes and saw her looking at him.
"You sure about this. We could always wait you know." Spike said giving Buffy an out before he couldn't control himself.
"I've never wanted anything more." Buffy said pulling him closer to her.
They made their way, awkwardly, to her room discarding clothes as they walked along. They were down to their underwear when they had finally reached Buffy's room. Spike gently pushed Buffy onto the bed and crawled on top of her. He began to kiss her neck and found himself exploring her body with his mouth. He placed open mouth kiss on every area of her body that his mouth touched.
His tongue would occasionally lick a certain part when he just couldn't help himself. He expertly undid her bra and pushed it to the side and off of the bed. He experimented with her nipples sucking them and teasing them until they were hard little buds and Buffy was moaning loudly.
Spike's thumbs found their way to Buffy's underwear and slowly pulled them down her tanned legs throwing them over to where her bra lay. He looked at her face. Her eyes were tightly shut and she was biting her bottom lip to keep herself from moaning. There was a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead.
Spike ran his hand down the inside of her thigh and she parted them slightly allowing just enough room from him to slip between them. Spike quickly discarded his boxers and slid between her thighs. He slowly pushed inside of her until he was buried all the way.
Spike's lips reclaimed Buffy's in a bruising kiss. He set a slow pace and let his forehead rest on top of hers.
"Make it last. Please make it lasts. It's been awhile." Buffy whispered in his ear.
"I'll make it last as long as you want." Spike whispered back. They didn't waste anymore breath talking.
End Flashback
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yeah it had lasted all right. They had taken each other all night long only stopping to catch their breath or regain their composure. It was like living in heaven or so Spike had thought. It was great. It was pure bliss for as long as it lasted. To bad it had to end so soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy looked at Dawn. They were sitting on a seat in the public bus driving to Spike's law firm. Dawn had already asked why Spike couldn't drive them. She hated ride the bus and had pleaded with Buffy for them to just call Spike to pick them up. Not really wanting to go into the conversation Buffy told Dawn that Spike had an early appointment with one of his clients. It seemed much better then 'Your mother's a whore who just ruined the best thing she ever had. Now eat your breakfast.' Buffy was aware that that wouldn't sound good to a six-year-old.
She was also aware that she was very stupid. Extremely so, that she had ruined her chances with Spike. The great guy that she wanted so badly and had openly admitted to wanting her just as badly. She hurt him and how could he ever forgive her for that
. How could he ever just say 'That's okay. You were freaking out. Let's forget the whole thing and start at square one.' Not likely. Their friendship might be down the drain as well. If anything she valued his friendship more then his body. She could care less if he wanted her that way as long as they were friends.
But no. She more then likely screwed that up as well. Wasn't that just the Buffy pattern of things. Screw things up with the best guy she ever could find. Spike seemed so perfect in every way and he wanted her. Plain single mother her.
Just her and not in any other way. He had called her gorgeous and beautiful and perfect and made her feel that way. No one had ever made her feel that special. She screwed it up. She panicked.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Flashback
Buffy woke up with strong arms wrapped around her tightly and a strong body pressed against her back. She felt a little sore, but in that good satisfied way that came after the most amazing night of your life. She felt the body shift in his sleep and the strong arms leave her waist. She turned to face the body she had woken up next to. Spike's hair was sticking in weird directions and slightly returning to its natural curl.
The bed head thing looked so great on him. He was contently sleeping his chest heaving up and down as he breathed. His face, which was normally a bit hard and rugged, had riveted to a softer image. He looked younger in his sleep. He was so stressed out for such a young person and his facial features usually showed it.
Buffy lifted her finger to trace the planes of his face. He had such strong facial features that seemed to become relaxed as he slept. His jaw was no longer twitching with anger and his eyes held no black circles. He looked his age when he slept. He really was so very perfect. Okay so nobody was perfect, but he was really close to it. How long would it last though?
Riley was supposedly perfect before she married him. Buffy had a knack for picking the wrong guy. Why should this guy be any different? He presented a warm caring front, but what if it was just that. A front. What if he was really a monster?
Buffy began to panic now. She knew that her mind was playing trick on her. That she was setting up defense mechanisms, but what if it was true. This seemingly perfect guy could be putting up fronts. His kicked puppy dog look could be such an act.
His parent issues and his girlfriend issues could all be part of a plan to get her into bed. No, that couldn't be possible. How could he get his whole family in on the deal? That would be a little twisted of them. They didn't seem like they were that twisted and why go through all that work even if they were.
Then another thought dawned on her. if he really was this perfect then what were the chances that he'd stay with her. He would probably get bored with her after awhile. Sure he wanted a family and all those things, but he'd want to start them with someone who didn't already have a family. He'd realize that she was dull and not worth his time and then leave her. It was that fear that drove her to violently shake Spike awake.
"Spike! Spike! Spike wake up!" Buffy yelled as she shook him.
"Hum? Wha'." Spike said as he was shaken out of his sleep-induced haze.
"Whas' wrong." He asked with concern.
"You have to leave." Buffy said in a panicky voice.
"Why? Did someone call my cell phone? Is it Angel?" Spike asked his concern deepening.
"No you just have to go." Buffy said without further explanation.
"Why?" Spike said puzzled.
"Because I said. I don't do morning after well so you have to go. That's my way of dealing with things. It's less awkward that way." Buffy said hiding the really reason as best she could.
"It really doesn't have to be awkward. We could just you know start dating now." Spike said with a little more vulnerability in his voice then he would have liked.
"No that would be not of the good. You really should go." Buffy said pushing him off the bed.
Spike landed with a 'thunk'.
"I thought last night meant something?" Spike asked with a little more hurt then he would have liked.
"It didn't. It was a stupid mistake. I can't believe I put are friendship in danger like that. It was just. . . it's been awhile and I needed some physical contact. You were there so, with my judgement impaired by a few drinks, invited you inside." Buffy said more to herself then to Spike.
"So you're saying I was just. . . convenient." Spike said.
"Yeah and I know that sounds awful, but that's what it was."
"So that's it. Just a one night stand and it's all over." Spike said the hurt reflecting in his eyes and words.
Buffy could see that she was making a huge mistake. It was like the really Buffy was floating over her head watching and listening to her stay stupid things and the real Buffy wasn't stopping it. Couldn't stop it.
"I'm sorry if you thought it was something more. I lead you on and that was terrible of me. I shouldn't have done that and I realize how wrong I was. I hope you can forgive me, but it will never happen again. Our friendship means more to me then a one night stand." Buffy said.
Spike looked at her with puzzlement and then hurt when she called him a one-night stand.
"Fine whatever. You missed out Buffy." Spike said picking up whatever clothes were in Buffy's room and going outside.
It took five minutes before Buffy heard the slamming of her front door and she was already crying silent tears.
End Flashback
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy had cried for a good long while before hearing the knock on her door. She remembered vaguely glance at her clock and seeing it was already eleven. She wiped her face and made herself looking as presentable as she could in her pajamas before going to the front door.
She had invited Cordy and the kids inside and played the nice host for a few minutes before Cordy said she had to go run errands. Then Buffy got dressed and ready to face Spike she knew she would have to. He was still her lawyer and if Spike was one thing it was professional. He wouldn't let what happened come between the case.
So here she was with Dawn clutching tightly to her hand and looking up at her with a big smile on her face. She had to face the music sometime. She had complained about awkward mornings after and her she was ready to see Spike again. She had to present a cool calm front. Dawn didn't expecting anything was up. Everything was fine in her little world. Oh to be young and oblivious.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey Spike you're here on a Sunday afternoon. That's new." Spike looked up to see Xander standing in his doorway.
"Well I have work to do." Spike said looking back at his computer.
"I thought the boss was only supposed to have work on Sundays. Its god's day you know." Xander said.
"Yeah I know, but I have to prep a witness." Spike said.
"You know you're still thinking like a criminal lawyer. We don't call it prepping we call it coaching. Big difference." Xander said taking a seat in one of the chairs that were in front of Spike's desk.
"Yeah I guess I do." Spike said not bothering to look up from his computer this time.
"You know I may seem like I have a lot of money, but if you break that keyboard I will take it out of your paycheck." Xander said.
"Oh sorry. Guess I am hitting the keys a little too hard." Spike said.
"I could here them from my office." Xander said.
"Your office is two floors up from here." Spike said.
"Okay so I exaggerated. I was down here to get a soda. Still doesn't give you an excuse to kill one of my keyboards." Xander said.
"Rough night last night." Spike said.
"No I think someone just had a bad morning. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Xander asked.
"Something like that." Spike said.
"Well look I know we've never been exactly good friends. We haven't been friends at all really. I think it's slightly petty looking back on it. So if you ever want to talk. . . I'll think that's amazing because we just started this little olive branch thing, but I'll be here. Right in this law office doing lots of paperwork." Xander said getting up from his seat and walking over to the door.
"Offer me a better position." Spike called out.
Xander looked at him skeptically.
"I thought you hate it here." Xander said slightly perplexed.
"I do, but offer me a better position." Spike said.
Xander could tell he was serious.
"Can't really do that Spike. People would call it nepotism. You know Burris is next on the list to be bumped up a position." Xander said.
"It's okay. Wasn't really thinking that you were going to do that anyway. Just a last minute ploy. Go ahead and get back to all your work." Spike said returning his gaze back to his computer.
"Spike are you okay?" Xander said with really concern.
"Yeah I'm good. Things are great. Now if you don't mind I actually have work to do." Spike said.
"Yeah okay. I'll see you later. Maybe as a peace offering I'll be you lunch or well in this case a snack of some sort." Xander said.
"Yeah that'll be great." Spike said.
Xander left and Spike only had to wait a few minutes before Buffy and Dawn entered the office.
"Hey, we're here." Dawn said.
"Yeah we're here." Buffy said.
"Great let's get started." Spike said easily slipping into his professional tone.
This should be fun. Spike and Buffy thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I think that's everything. You don't need to come in tomorrow. Just take a break tomorrow and try and relax. Testifying in court is a very stressful experience and I need you to be calm for Tuesday. You got that." Spike said as they ended the very long 'coaching' session.
"I got it. We can go now?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah you can go now." Spike said.
"Can you give us a ride home, Spike?" Dawn asked.
"Dawn I'm sure Spike has some work to do. Besides I already called Willow and told her to come pick us up." Buffy said.
She had spent the entire time outside of the office wondering around the huge law firm. She had called Willow and Willow sensed something was wrong, but didn't persist on the subject.
"Oh you could just call Willow and tell her that Spike could give us a ride. You can right Spike." Dawn asked hopefully.
"No I can't. Lot's of work to do and one of my friends is offering to buy me some lunch. I haven't eaten all day." Spike said lying as best as he could.
It wasn't really a lie. He planned to take Xander up on the offer of food, but that could probably what until after he dropped them off.
"Oh that's too bad. Well we'll see you Tuesday then right." Dawn said.
"Yeah that's right." Spike said.
"Cool." Dawn bounced out of her chair and out of the open door.
"Bye Spike." She called out from down the hallway.
"Bye Dawn." Spike called after her.
Spike's gaze stayed at the open door before going up to met Buffy's gaze.
"You should go." Spike said.
"Yeah I should go. Listen about this morning. . ."
"You don't have to explain. I get it. One nightstand. Let's just go back to being friends. Things were simpler then. You're free to do whatever you want. Now I have a lot of work ahead of me so if you please." Spike said motioning to the door.
Buffy felt a piece of her self burn out when she heard him say those words. She really had missed her chance all because she was scared.
"Yeah, I'm free." Buffy whispered as she exited his office.
A/N: Hey ya'll whatcha think. Yes I'm aware of what I did here and even though I'm huge on the Spuffy, I just couldn't make it happy. Not yet anways, because this will be a HAPPY ending story. There has to be a certain amount of angst to get the full affect. I just wouldn't know what to do if it was all fluffy after this. Sorry that it's pretty short. Shorter then most of my regular chapters anyway. It's one of those pesky transition-like chappies. Okay do you know what to do-ou. Post a review-ou. If you want the next chappy there's going to have to be some reviews. Just press the little GO button and submit that review.
Distribution: Go ahead. Ask first
Spoilers: None
A/N: Okay so your onslaught of reviews saved this story from going bye-bye. I really want to see this story through so I decided it had to be important above all. So here's the next chappy and enjoy reading it.
Chapter 16:
Spike sat at his desk and angrily pounded on the keyboard of his computer. He was so frustrated. Why did this always happen to him? Did he have a 'kick me' sign on his back or something? That was the only way he could comprehend it. There had to be something seriously wrong with him.
Maybe it was karma from his wilder days. Then again that had seemed like karma as well. Maybe he was cursed. Maybe his great whatever had placed a curse on all Flannery's and there was no getting out of it. Sado-masochist who was just glutton for punishment every time he fell in love.
Whatever the reason he was totally in the shitter. Last night was the best night of his life. He enjoyed Buffy's friends. He had already liked Willow and Andrew. Warren and Oz were his kind of guys although they were totally different from each other. So everything had been great. Then Buffy has to invited him inside her apartment.
He could see the look in her eyes that said it wasn't just for coffee like it had been before. No this time it was about something more and he, being the Sado-masochist that he was, was stupid enough to go inside. Oh maybe it was just the women, but sometimes it didn't feel like it.
Was there something wrong with him. Was he so unlovable that women just didn't want him? Was he doomed to live his life alone and be the male version of that lady with all those cats?
All had been going so perfectly up until that point. Okay so after that point wasn't so bad. Who was he really kidding it was the best after that point. He just wished he could remember it so vividly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Flashback
Spike looked deep into Buffy's eyes and saw the lust that filled them. Yes she knew what she was doing and he could tell. It wasn't the two glasses of champagne that were making her do this although those helped out a bit. No she wanted him.
She really wanted him. Spike took a deep breath and then said, "Yeah I'd like too."
Neither was sure what to do at that point. This was the step. The defining moment that would decide all. Buffy took his hand in hers and held it tightly as she led him inside her apartment. When they were both inside Spike closed the door gently and turned back to face her.
The lust was definitely still there, but there was something else. Apprehension? Confusion? Doubt? Spike walked over to her and stared deeply into her eyes. At that moment the doubt was gone and all that was left was wanting.
She wanted him and he wanted her. Spike tilted his head slightly deciding it was his turn to initiate this kiss. Buffy was still unsure of herself. He had to reassure her that things were great. That all this was right. It was a slow sweet kiss, but it promised so much more.
Buffy pushed off his jacket and it fell to the floor making a small swishing noise. Her hands stroked along the planes of his back and couldn't seem to find one spot to stop at. Spike's hands remained wrapped around her waist pulling her closer as their kiss was deepened.
His hands traveled up her arms and to her shoulders to push of the small shaw she was wearing. Buffy broke the kiss to take a deep breath. She looked up at Spike and saw his eyes closed and his mouth parted slightly as he took shallow breaths. He opened his eyes and saw her looking at him.
"You sure about this. We could always wait you know." Spike said giving Buffy an out before he couldn't control himself.
"I've never wanted anything more." Buffy said pulling him closer to her.
They made their way, awkwardly, to her room discarding clothes as they walked along. They were down to their underwear when they had finally reached Buffy's room. Spike gently pushed Buffy onto the bed and crawled on top of her. He began to kiss her neck and found himself exploring her body with his mouth. He placed open mouth kiss on every area of her body that his mouth touched.
His tongue would occasionally lick a certain part when he just couldn't help himself. He expertly undid her bra and pushed it to the side and off of the bed. He experimented with her nipples sucking them and teasing them until they were hard little buds and Buffy was moaning loudly.
Spike's thumbs found their way to Buffy's underwear and slowly pulled them down her tanned legs throwing them over to where her bra lay. He looked at her face. Her eyes were tightly shut and she was biting her bottom lip to keep herself from moaning. There was a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead.
Spike ran his hand down the inside of her thigh and she parted them slightly allowing just enough room from him to slip between them. Spike quickly discarded his boxers and slid between her thighs. He slowly pushed inside of her until he was buried all the way.
Spike's lips reclaimed Buffy's in a bruising kiss. He set a slow pace and let his forehead rest on top of hers.
"Make it last. Please make it lasts. It's been awhile." Buffy whispered in his ear.
"I'll make it last as long as you want." Spike whispered back. They didn't waste anymore breath talking.
End Flashback
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yeah it had lasted all right. They had taken each other all night long only stopping to catch their breath or regain their composure. It was like living in heaven or so Spike had thought. It was great. It was pure bliss for as long as it lasted. To bad it had to end so soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy looked at Dawn. They were sitting on a seat in the public bus driving to Spike's law firm. Dawn had already asked why Spike couldn't drive them. She hated ride the bus and had pleaded with Buffy for them to just call Spike to pick them up. Not really wanting to go into the conversation Buffy told Dawn that Spike had an early appointment with one of his clients. It seemed much better then 'Your mother's a whore who just ruined the best thing she ever had. Now eat your breakfast.' Buffy was aware that that wouldn't sound good to a six-year-old.
She was also aware that she was very stupid. Extremely so, that she had ruined her chances with Spike. The great guy that she wanted so badly and had openly admitted to wanting her just as badly. She hurt him and how could he ever forgive her for that
. How could he ever just say 'That's okay. You were freaking out. Let's forget the whole thing and start at square one.' Not likely. Their friendship might be down the drain as well. If anything she valued his friendship more then his body. She could care less if he wanted her that way as long as they were friends.
But no. She more then likely screwed that up as well. Wasn't that just the Buffy pattern of things. Screw things up with the best guy she ever could find. Spike seemed so perfect in every way and he wanted her. Plain single mother her.
Just her and not in any other way. He had called her gorgeous and beautiful and perfect and made her feel that way. No one had ever made her feel that special. She screwed it up. She panicked.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Flashback
Buffy woke up with strong arms wrapped around her tightly and a strong body pressed against her back. She felt a little sore, but in that good satisfied way that came after the most amazing night of your life. She felt the body shift in his sleep and the strong arms leave her waist. She turned to face the body she had woken up next to. Spike's hair was sticking in weird directions and slightly returning to its natural curl.
The bed head thing looked so great on him. He was contently sleeping his chest heaving up and down as he breathed. His face, which was normally a bit hard and rugged, had riveted to a softer image. He looked younger in his sleep. He was so stressed out for such a young person and his facial features usually showed it.
Buffy lifted her finger to trace the planes of his face. He had such strong facial features that seemed to become relaxed as he slept. His jaw was no longer twitching with anger and his eyes held no black circles. He looked his age when he slept. He really was so very perfect. Okay so nobody was perfect, but he was really close to it. How long would it last though?
Riley was supposedly perfect before she married him. Buffy had a knack for picking the wrong guy. Why should this guy be any different? He presented a warm caring front, but what if it was just that. A front. What if he was really a monster?
Buffy began to panic now. She knew that her mind was playing trick on her. That she was setting up defense mechanisms, but what if it was true. This seemingly perfect guy could be putting up fronts. His kicked puppy dog look could be such an act.
His parent issues and his girlfriend issues could all be part of a plan to get her into bed. No, that couldn't be possible. How could he get his whole family in on the deal? That would be a little twisted of them. They didn't seem like they were that twisted and why go through all that work even if they were.
Then another thought dawned on her. if he really was this perfect then what were the chances that he'd stay with her. He would probably get bored with her after awhile. Sure he wanted a family and all those things, but he'd want to start them with someone who didn't already have a family. He'd realize that she was dull and not worth his time and then leave her. It was that fear that drove her to violently shake Spike awake.
"Spike! Spike! Spike wake up!" Buffy yelled as she shook him.
"Hum? Wha'." Spike said as he was shaken out of his sleep-induced haze.
"Whas' wrong." He asked with concern.
"You have to leave." Buffy said in a panicky voice.
"Why? Did someone call my cell phone? Is it Angel?" Spike asked his concern deepening.
"No you just have to go." Buffy said without further explanation.
"Why?" Spike said puzzled.
"Because I said. I don't do morning after well so you have to go. That's my way of dealing with things. It's less awkward that way." Buffy said hiding the really reason as best she could.
"It really doesn't have to be awkward. We could just you know start dating now." Spike said with a little more vulnerability in his voice then he would have liked.
"No that would be not of the good. You really should go." Buffy said pushing him off the bed.
Spike landed with a 'thunk'.
"I thought last night meant something?" Spike asked with a little more hurt then he would have liked.
"It didn't. It was a stupid mistake. I can't believe I put are friendship in danger like that. It was just. . . it's been awhile and I needed some physical contact. You were there so, with my judgement impaired by a few drinks, invited you inside." Buffy said more to herself then to Spike.
"So you're saying I was just. . . convenient." Spike said.
"Yeah and I know that sounds awful, but that's what it was."
"So that's it. Just a one night stand and it's all over." Spike said the hurt reflecting in his eyes and words.
Buffy could see that she was making a huge mistake. It was like the really Buffy was floating over her head watching and listening to her stay stupid things and the real Buffy wasn't stopping it. Couldn't stop it.
"I'm sorry if you thought it was something more. I lead you on and that was terrible of me. I shouldn't have done that and I realize how wrong I was. I hope you can forgive me, but it will never happen again. Our friendship means more to me then a one night stand." Buffy said.
Spike looked at her with puzzlement and then hurt when she called him a one-night stand.
"Fine whatever. You missed out Buffy." Spike said picking up whatever clothes were in Buffy's room and going outside.
It took five minutes before Buffy heard the slamming of her front door and she was already crying silent tears.
End Flashback
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy had cried for a good long while before hearing the knock on her door. She remembered vaguely glance at her clock and seeing it was already eleven. She wiped her face and made herself looking as presentable as she could in her pajamas before going to the front door.
She had invited Cordy and the kids inside and played the nice host for a few minutes before Cordy said she had to go run errands. Then Buffy got dressed and ready to face Spike she knew she would have to. He was still her lawyer and if Spike was one thing it was professional. He wouldn't let what happened come between the case.
So here she was with Dawn clutching tightly to her hand and looking up at her with a big smile on her face. She had to face the music sometime. She had complained about awkward mornings after and her she was ready to see Spike again. She had to present a cool calm front. Dawn didn't expecting anything was up. Everything was fine in her little world. Oh to be young and oblivious.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey Spike you're here on a Sunday afternoon. That's new." Spike looked up to see Xander standing in his doorway.
"Well I have work to do." Spike said looking back at his computer.
"I thought the boss was only supposed to have work on Sundays. Its god's day you know." Xander said.
"Yeah I know, but I have to prep a witness." Spike said.
"You know you're still thinking like a criminal lawyer. We don't call it prepping we call it coaching. Big difference." Xander said taking a seat in one of the chairs that were in front of Spike's desk.
"Yeah I guess I do." Spike said not bothering to look up from his computer this time.
"You know I may seem like I have a lot of money, but if you break that keyboard I will take it out of your paycheck." Xander said.
"Oh sorry. Guess I am hitting the keys a little too hard." Spike said.
"I could here them from my office." Xander said.
"Your office is two floors up from here." Spike said.
"Okay so I exaggerated. I was down here to get a soda. Still doesn't give you an excuse to kill one of my keyboards." Xander said.
"Rough night last night." Spike said.
"No I think someone just had a bad morning. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Xander asked.
"Something like that." Spike said.
"Well look I know we've never been exactly good friends. We haven't been friends at all really. I think it's slightly petty looking back on it. So if you ever want to talk. . . I'll think that's amazing because we just started this little olive branch thing, but I'll be here. Right in this law office doing lots of paperwork." Xander said getting up from his seat and walking over to the door.
"Offer me a better position." Spike called out.
Xander looked at him skeptically.
"I thought you hate it here." Xander said slightly perplexed.
"I do, but offer me a better position." Spike said.
Xander could tell he was serious.
"Can't really do that Spike. People would call it nepotism. You know Burris is next on the list to be bumped up a position." Xander said.
"It's okay. Wasn't really thinking that you were going to do that anyway. Just a last minute ploy. Go ahead and get back to all your work." Spike said returning his gaze back to his computer.
"Spike are you okay?" Xander said with really concern.
"Yeah I'm good. Things are great. Now if you don't mind I actually have work to do." Spike said.
"Yeah okay. I'll see you later. Maybe as a peace offering I'll be you lunch or well in this case a snack of some sort." Xander said.
"Yeah that'll be great." Spike said.
Xander left and Spike only had to wait a few minutes before Buffy and Dawn entered the office.
"Hey, we're here." Dawn said.
"Yeah we're here." Buffy said.
"Great let's get started." Spike said easily slipping into his professional tone.
This should be fun. Spike and Buffy thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I think that's everything. You don't need to come in tomorrow. Just take a break tomorrow and try and relax. Testifying in court is a very stressful experience and I need you to be calm for Tuesday. You got that." Spike said as they ended the very long 'coaching' session.
"I got it. We can go now?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah you can go now." Spike said.
"Can you give us a ride home, Spike?" Dawn asked.
"Dawn I'm sure Spike has some work to do. Besides I already called Willow and told her to come pick us up." Buffy said.
She had spent the entire time outside of the office wondering around the huge law firm. She had called Willow and Willow sensed something was wrong, but didn't persist on the subject.
"Oh you could just call Willow and tell her that Spike could give us a ride. You can right Spike." Dawn asked hopefully.
"No I can't. Lot's of work to do and one of my friends is offering to buy me some lunch. I haven't eaten all day." Spike said lying as best as he could.
It wasn't really a lie. He planned to take Xander up on the offer of food, but that could probably what until after he dropped them off.
"Oh that's too bad. Well we'll see you Tuesday then right." Dawn said.
"Yeah that's right." Spike said.
"Cool." Dawn bounced out of her chair and out of the open door.
"Bye Spike." She called out from down the hallway.
"Bye Dawn." Spike called after her.
Spike's gaze stayed at the open door before going up to met Buffy's gaze.
"You should go." Spike said.
"Yeah I should go. Listen about this morning. . ."
"You don't have to explain. I get it. One nightstand. Let's just go back to being friends. Things were simpler then. You're free to do whatever you want. Now I have a lot of work ahead of me so if you please." Spike said motioning to the door.
Buffy felt a piece of her self burn out when she heard him say those words. She really had missed her chance all because she was scared.
"Yeah, I'm free." Buffy whispered as she exited his office.
A/N: Hey ya'll whatcha think. Yes I'm aware of what I did here and even though I'm huge on the Spuffy, I just couldn't make it happy. Not yet anways, because this will be a HAPPY ending story. There has to be a certain amount of angst to get the full affect. I just wouldn't know what to do if it was all fluffy after this. Sorry that it's pretty short. Shorter then most of my regular chapters anyway. It's one of those pesky transition-like chappies. Okay do you know what to do-ou. Post a review-ou. If you want the next chappy there's going to have to be some reviews. Just press the little GO button and submit that review.