I was hoping ya'll would think she had a crush on Spike, that's not really the case though even if it may seem like that right now. Everyone seems to have a crush on Spike and I like to do things a little differently. Well, all shall be revealed in this chapter. Hope you guys would still like it!

Chapter 12

The Bronze was packed when they finally got there. They all sat down at a table while Spike went to get drinks for everyone. Dawn grabbed Alyssa's hand as they both went to dance, seeing some guys from their school in the distance. Alyssa couldn't remember ever having so much fun before. Dawn then left Alyssa alone as she headed to the bathroom. She was just standing there minding her own business when she heard a voice next to her. "Well, if it isn't the freak. Trying to blend in with a normal crowd I see. Too bad it won't really help." Alyssa cringed as she turned to see Karen standing there with other popular kids from school. The same kids that always made her feel like a loser.

"I just came with some friends." Karen laughed at that like it was the funniest thing she's ever heard.

"You actually have friends? I guess that's something we would have to see to believe." They all laughed and Alyssa wanted to crawl into a black hole when she then felt someone put their arm around her and a voice that she was very grateful for.

"Is there a problem here? You wouldn't by any chance be messing with my girl, would you?" Spike said as he glared at the teenagers and Alyssa was trying not to smile. Karen looked like she was speechless for a change when she saw the gorgeous guy standing next to Alyssa. Spike smiled and turned his attention back to Alyssa, ignoring the rest of the kids. "Care to dance, love?" She nodded as she returned his smile. He just pulled her away from the popular crowd and started to dance with her as a slow song came on. Alyssa rested her head on his chest while Karen just stared at them in disgust and then walked away with her friends behind her. Alyssa looked up at Spike.

"Thanks for that." He shrugged like it was no big deal.

"Don't mention it, I hate kids like that." Alyssa agreed and rested her head back on his chest. Dawn came out of the bathroom and saw them dancing as she walked over to Buffy and the others.

"Did I miss something?" She asked and Buffy nodded.

"Spike just made Alyssa look cool in front of those popular kids that you're always complaining about." Dawn smiled as she watched them continue to dance.

"Yeah, he really does come in handy. I would have loved to see the look on Karen's face though." Buffy smiled back at her sister as she watched Spike. He really was very sweet and she wondered why it took her so long to realize it. She knew he would be a great father. They walked back over to the others when the song ended. Spike sat down next to Buffy and she placed a kiss on his cheek. He gave her a smile as they all started to talk over the music. They got home late that night. Xander and Anya headed back to their apartments and Willow headed up to bed. The girls were about to head up also when Spike stopped Alyssa saying he needed to talk to her. Buffy and Dawn wondered about that, but they just nodded and headed up to their rooms. Spike led Alyssa down to the basement where they were sure no one could hear them.

"What's up?" Alyssa wondered when they were down there.

"Are they always like that?" He asked and Alyssa knew who he was talking about.

"Pretty much, but thanks to you they might leave me alone now. I can hope anyway." Spike nodded and thought about what else he wanted to say to her.

"I noticed something before we left for the Bronze and I just wanted to talk to you about it. I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but I saw the way you were looking at Dawn. Are you interested in her?" Alyssa blushed a little and looked away before she looked back at him.

"I don't know, she's really cool and she was the first real person to ever be nice to me. I mean I've had crushes before, but it's different with Dawn. I really like her and it has me feeling kinda nervous sometimes. I know it's stupid and the last thing I need is for people to find another reason to think I'm a freak." Spike shook his head.

"You're not a freak. Dawn is a very pretty girl and she is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. Liking her would be understandable. Have you always felt that way? I mean have you always been attracted to other girls." Alyssa shrugged.

"I've noticed attractive guys before, but I always felt that I liked girls better. I've always been scared to talk to anyone about that, afraid of how they would look at me. I get that enough as it is. Why are you being so cool about this?" Spike shrugged also.

"Well, I know what it's like to be different for one. I've also had experiences with other males. It's not something I like to talk about a lot, but I've been there. Right now it's all about the women, well one in particular." He said with a smile and then continued. "You should feel okay about it, Alyssa. There's nothing wrong with it. Infact, Willow happens to be a lesbian." Alyssa seemed surprised by that.

"Really? I never would have guessed." Spike nodded.

"She realized it a few years ago and was afraid of how everyone would react, but it worked out for the best. I think she has become a better person because of it. What I'm trying to say is that it's who you are. It's what makes you special, among other things. You shouldn't try to hide what you feel. I'm not sure how Dawn would react, but you should talk to her. You should never hide who you are." Alyssa thought about what he said and nodded. She was scared to tell anyone because she didn't want them to act weird around her, but she realized she had a lot more in common with these people than she thought. It was who she was and she had to accept it. If she didn't then there was no way anyone else could. She was just glad that her father never found out, he probably would have been more horrible toward her if he knew. Alyssa walked over to Spike and gave him a hug which he returned. She pulled away and looked at him.

"Thanks, it seems that you're always trying to save me." Spike smiled at her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He was really becoming quite fond of the girl.

"It's what I do. Now get to bed." He told her with a wink and she smiled and headed out of the basement and up the stairs to the bedroom that she shared with Dawn. She opened the door to find Dawn already asleep. She tried to be quiet so she wouldn't wake her as she lay down also. She looked at Dawn sleeping next to her and again thought about how very beautiful she was. Alyssa then closed her eyes and fell asleep also.