Title: Life-Like

Summery: Takes place in S5, after Joyce has died. Dawn doesn't exist and Riley has left. Buffy's life is falling apart and the only one to notice, is Spike.

Disclaimer: All Buffy goodness belongs to Joss and ME. All I own are the DVD box sets.

Rating: PG-13 to R... R to be safe.

A/N: My first published story EVER. I write a lot. I just don't usually let people read what I write... This chapter is REALLY short. But please read it anyway. Please?

Buffy sat alone at the table, slowly sipping her drink. She watched her friends dancing happily on the dance floor. So care free and happy. She wished so could do that. Join them, forget the world around her. Forget about all the things that go bump in the night. Forget about her life that was slowly crumbling around her. But she couldn't. Couldn't ever forget. She looked back at her friends before moving slowly up the staircase leading to the balcony over-looking the stage and dance floor.

In the shadows behind her, suddenly and tiny red light flared, followed by a steam of smoke. Icy blue eyes taking in the slinky black dress that clung to blonde beauty. He also noticed her bowed head and slumped shoulders. He took a step forward and watched as her back stiffened, sensing his presence.

"Go away Spike." She whispered, not even turning around.

"Free country, luv." He murmured, taking a few more steps toward her.

"Fine. I'll go." She turned and headed for the stairs.

Spike closed the distance between them in two quick strides. He wrapped his arm around her waist and turned her around so that she was facing him, but she kept her eyes carefully out of his gaze. He placed a cool finger under her chin, pulling her head up and forcing her to look at him.

They stayed like that for a few minutes. Spike's hands on her hips and Buffy's hands resting gently on his chest, both staring into each other's eyes, completely silent.

Finally, Buffy let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding, and took a step closer to Spike, closing the gap between them. She rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him. He had stiffened for a moment, but then relaxed and hugged her tightly to him, as if protecting her from some unseen evil. He placed a kiss into her hair, while gently stroking her lower back. Then, she began to cry.

"Sh, luv, it's okay. I'm here." He cooed gently.

"Oh God Spike. I... I... oh." She choked out. She was shaking now.

He had to get her out of here. The music had picked up in tempo and was pounding harshly in the background. Not the best place for an emotional Slayer.

He gently guided her down the stairs and out the back door. She made no attempt to get away or resist, just followed, clinging to his waist and sobbing uncontrollably.

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He thanked what ever Power that they managed to make it back to his crypt without running into anything or anyone. He steered her to the lower level of his crypt and into an over-stuffed chair. He then stripped his duster off before moving to his bed and pulling the covers down. Then he lit the few candles that decorated the room, creating a soft glow now illuminating the dark chamber. He walked back over to Buffy's huddled form and scooped her up into his arms, she immediately settled herself into his cool embrace. Taking a deep breath, he placed her in his bed, gently removed her heels, and then carefully pulled the thick comforter over her small frame. She curled into a tight ball, still shaking, but no longer crying. He stood there for a moment before turning around, heading for that same chair across the room.

Before he managed to take a step in that direction, a small hand encircled his wrist.

"Stay." She whispered. "Please."

He closed his eyes and swallowed before turning to look at her. She was still curled away from him, but she was looking directly at him. Her eyes, pools of the deepest emerald, looked sad, lost, and... lonely?

"Buffy..." He honestly didn't know what to say. He just looked at her.

"Can you just, hold me? Like before. Please?" She was so quiet; he had barely heard her. But when her request finally sunk in, all he could do was nod. She slowly let go of his wrist, but kept her gaze in his direction as he slowly made his way around to the other side of the bed. Along the way divesting himself of his boots and over-shirt.

He crawled onto the bed and lay down on his side, next to her, but not too close. She slowed worked her way over to him and curled herself into him, pillowing her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and slowly started to trace soothing patterns on her lower back.

"Thank you." She whispered into his neck, before slowly slipping into a deep sleep.

"Always, luv. Always." He murmured, a feathered kiss to her forehead, then he followed her into blissful slumber.

A/N: I know this first chapter is really short and doesn't really get into what is going on. But bear with me! This is my first fic, and I want to see how this first chapter goes over. Please let me know if you like it! I really need feedback! I will put up the second chapter no matter what, but please let me know about this story. As you can see, I have serious self-esteem issues when it comes to my writing... So, that's usually when I start to babble... As for example...