A/N Ok, I'm not sure why somebody thought that Chapter Fifteen was the last chapter because it's not. By current reckoning, Chapter 25 should be the last chapter or there about. And here's the next chapter by way of evidence. This one was hell to write, and I'm still not sure I'm 100 per cent happy with it, but hey.

Chapter Sixteen – Together

Buffy was glad to flip her last burger of the day. The long shifts had been made worse by the events that had followed the black out. It had been three weeks, but images of that morning continued to haunt Buffy's mind whenever it wasn't properly occupied elsewhere. She felt bad that she'd run out on him. Things had just seemed so messed up. She wanted to be his friend, but her stupid feelings always seemed to get in the way. Why couldn't she just stop liking him that way? She'd seen him since, but it was always awkward. Even Dawn had picked up on it. And on top of all the thoughts and emotions swirling around in her head, Buffy also had the images of Spike's naked back and bed hair as he made his way to the shower occupying her mind while she was at work. The monotony of the day spent flipping burgers just left her mind freer to indulge in these fantasies.

By the time she made her way home, she was mentally and physically exhausted. She opened the door at home and made her way upstairs, wanting nothing more than to take a long hot shower and then curl up in bed. She paused on the landing as she heard the low sound of Spike's chuckle accompanied by the giggles of Willow, Tara and Dawn coming from the Wiccas' room. She pushed the door open to find Spike sat on the bed watching as the girls held up different outfits.

"Sorry, Red, that is really not your colour. That would look better with a belt, Tara, and that skirt is Buffy's, put it back now, Dawn, before she gets back."

"Too late." Dawn squeaked. Spike stiffened up but turned to face Buffy with a smile.

"Good day at work, Buffy?"

"Don't ask." She replied lightly.

"That good, huh? Well it definitely sounds like you could do with some Bronze-therapy. We've rung round. Everyone is coming, even Richard." Buffy hardly even heard the words, just staring into his eyes for the first time in three weeks was enough for her to want to agree to anything.

"Sure, I'll come."

"Great, well grab your outfit and bring it in here for inspection." Spike said with a wink, a shadow of the sexy smirk that Buffy was beginning to miss. Then he turned back to the girls as Buffy left.

"That's better, Will, the green brings out your eyes. And if you want a second opinion; ask Tara, she can't keep her eyes off you." The girly giggles carried all the way up the hall. Buffy quickly chose an outfit, maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad after all.

Two hours later, everyone was sat in a booth at the Bronze, sipping their drinks and listening as Spike animatedly told a hilarious story about his boss at work. It was so bizarre to see him as the centre of attention, everyone listening and enjoying his story. Buffy tried not to be jealous. Nobody seemed to even notice she was there. When did this happen? When did Spike start getting on better with her friends than she did? Sure they'd been mad at her, but this felt like something more. Indifference. That was way worse.

Anya suddenly whispered in Xander's ear and they got up to dance. Willow and Tara soon followed them. Buffy looked at Richard, who was animatedly chatting with Spike and Sarah, hoping he'd want to dance, but he didn't notice.

"Do you mind if I go dance for a bit?" She asked him.

"On your own?" He smirked.

"well no, I mean, you could come with me." She asked with a small hopeful smile.

"Maybe later, Buffy." She sat down again, and Richard put his arm around her. No chance of sneaking off then. Instead she snuggled into his embrace, glad at least of the comfort it brought. She tried to pay attention to the conversation, something about architecture, but was distracted by the way Sarah kept flashing Richard little smiles. He quickly excused himself to the bathroom and Sarah, with a triumphant grin, whisked Spike away to the dance floor for some bump and grind.

"What a bitch!" Buffy jumped, she'd forgotten Dawn was still there.

"Don't Dawn. We have to get on with her for Spike's sake."

"Do you ever get tired of doing the right thing?" Dawn asked exasperated.

"He loves her, Dawn. That's all that matters."

"Whatever, she doesn't deserve him."

Their conversation was cut short by Richard coming back to the table followed by a mass migration from the dance floor. As Spike and Sarah stood there, lips locked and totally oblivious to the death stares they were getting from both Summers girls, Xander spoke up in an effort to break the tension.

"Anyone up for a game of pool?" He asked loudly. Spike looked up and Xander practically dragged him over to the pool table.

"What the hell is going on?" Xander asked urgently.

"What? Nothing's going on."

"Then what's with the public display? You're not winning many votes in the Summers camp." Spike sighed at that. He wasn't trying to hurt his girls. He was just trying to be a good boyfriend, and that meant being attentive and not spending all his time fantasizing about that glorious morning with Buffy. He offered Xander the edited version of his thoughts.

"I'm just trying to be a good boyfriend."

"You can be a good friend at the same time." They racked up the balls and began to play, while the others drifted over with fresh drinks. Spike quickly claimed his victory, and asked for another opponent.

"I'll play." Buffy said suddenly, everyone looked at her in shock due to the tension between them and their knowledge of her pool skills.

"Sure." Spike agreed with an easy smile. Sarah and Richard both scowled at Buffy, and Dawn had to stifle a giggle at the sight.

"So how've you been?" Spike tried to make casual conversation as he broke and potted one in off it.

"Not so bad." Buffy replied as she watched him pot another two before missing.

"Didn't see you at video night, last night." Spike commented off hand.

"I had to patrol." They both knew it was a lie. Since the black out, Spike had opened up video night so that everyone was welcome. Including Sarah. He was doing his level best to stop them spending any more one on one time together. Buffy knew she should just get over it, but it was just so awkward and painful that she generally preferred just to be on her own.

Buffy struggled to hold the cue and as she tapped the cue ball into the others Spike thought it was going to be an easy game. That is until it sped up and inexplicably hit three of her balls in. His head shot round to look at Willow and Tara, but they were busy whispering to each other. Odd. He thought. But Buffy missed the next shot so he let it go. Beginner's luck.

Buffy noticed Richard talking to Sarah, her hand on his forearm. Hadn't Spike noticed? Then she remembered. He couldn't get jealous. She sighed with frustration. Great, so this was her fault too. She zoned back in to realise Spike was one his last ball. She lined up her cue for the shot, closed her eyes and hit wildly. Again the white ball whizzed around of its own accord, potting her balls until she was level with Spike. She giggled as his mouth fell open. At least this was fun. She missed her next shot though. She watched amazed as Spike lined up the last ball perfectly only to watch it bounce straight back out of the pocket. She tried to keep a straight face as she miscued the white ball and it defied physics to find its way to potting her the final ball, winning her the game.

"Better luck next time." She smirked.

"You cheated." Spike scolded her, but his tone was light. He was sure of it. Another amusing wish. But Sarah interrupted him before he could call her on it.

"She probably wished you wouldn't be able to beat her at pool." Spike stopped. He had told her about the slaying and demons side of his life at Buffy's birthday party, but he still hadn't told her what he used to be, or anything about Buffy's wish. He let it go for the moment. He'd ask her when they were alone. Plus Buffy didn't look all that thrilled about the turn the conversation had taken.

"Xander, mate. I'm leaving it to you to restore my honour on the pool table." He grinned as Buffy gasped, only just realising that the winner had to play the next game. She stuck out her tongue at him and he brought his hand to his chest in fake shock. He would have continued the flirtation, but Sarah interrupted him by taking his hand and leading him to the dance floor.