DISCLAIMER:

me: (tied to a chaair with wires on my arm)

officer: It's not your series! (pulls tape off arm)

me: what the hell are yo u doing?!

officer: pain therapy. you'll come to associate that which he love with pain. i saw it on Lizzie McGuire.

me: (fights to get free) I'm stuck with a Lizzie McGuire loving cop!!! help me!!!

A little show of kindness

Buffy walked forward towards the hugging duo. Dawn was the first to spot her. Breaking away from Spike, she ran to her sister and grabbed her in a tight hug. "Mom…" she began but Buffy cut her off.

"I know" she whispered. Buffy held her sister tightly to her and wiped away at the tears sliding down her cheeks.

Spike watched the sister's uncomfortably. He felt like he was invading their private moment. He turned away and was about to walk out but couldn't bring himself to do it. The bit needed him, Joyce needed him, and though she probably didn't know it yet, Buffy needed him. So, instead of leaving them, he walked to them and said in his most calm voice "The doctor said that she's in a coma. I've already told them to make her comfortable and all…" he trailed off.

Buffy gave a weak smile. "I know. Thanks."

The next day, Buffy walked into her mom's house emotionally and physically exhausted from her sleepless night. She made her way to the living room and smiled Dawn who lying across peacefully on the couch.

Buffy walked up slowly. She shook Dawn gently and watched as she stirred awake. "Hey" Buffy whispered.

Dawn stretched out leisurely, and gave a tired grin. "Morning."

"Want something to eat?"

"Sure" she asked unbelievingly. "Since when do you cook?"

Buffy smiled. "Since I discovered take-out breakfast."

Dawn nodded in understanding. "And the lazy get lazier." Messing up her hair, Buffy walked into the kitchen closely followed by her sister. Breakfast was served.

The phone rang for the millionth time that morning and Buffy couldn't help but sigh in aggravation. She rushed over to the phone trying not to think about the delicious food waiting for her.

"Hello?" she questioned.

"Hey Buff" came a male voice.

"Riley, hey" she said. From the corner of her eye, she saw Dawn begin to eat her breakfast.

"I just heard about your mom" he said sympathetically.

"Yeah" she said. "Um, this isn't a good time. Can I call you tomorrow?"

"Sure!" he exclaimed. "I didn't mean to interrupt whatever you're doing."

"Bye" Buffy added quickly and she hung up. The first thousand sympathy calls were enough. The last thing she needed was her boyfriend to start in too.

The doctor had called earlier that day in order to inform Buffy of Joyce's condition. Apparently, they had a little "scare" when she had an allergic reaction to some drug but she was okay now. He'd said it with such leisure that Buffy became increasingly aware of the fact that she was the only one, that care about what happened to Joyce. The doctor treated her like she was just another patient and Dawn couldn't really grasp extremity of the situation. And Spike, well he didn't care and she didn't expect him to. He had problems of his own and he didn't even like Buffy. Riley was just…lost. He just cared about Buffy and not Joyce so…she was alone.

Buffy walked onto the back porch with and sat down. She held her head in her hands and began to cry. She's waited until Dawnie was asleep to go out there.

She didn't notice someone come forward, until she felt someone sit beside her. Buffy looked up and saw Spike giving her a slight smile. She sniffed.

"What do you want?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

"Wanted to check up on you and the Bit" he responded with a shrug.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you pretending to care?"

"I'm not pretending luv." She gave him a doubtful look. "Look, we fight constantly."

"No denying that" she interjected.

"But it doesn't mean anything" he continued. "It's just our way of getting along. If I didn't insult you that would mean that I didn't care."

"That doesn't make sense."

He smiles and wiped away the single tear that fell down her cheek with his thumb. "Why would I bother insulting you if I didn't care? I mean I wouldn't give you the time of day if that were true."

"So, you're saying that fighting is your way of showing me that you care?" he nodded. "Can you sound anymore 'hallmark moment'?"

"How's this? I don't like you much but I do like your sister and mum."

"Closer to the truth." She smiled.

Pause.

"Why are you always there when everything in my life is terrible?"

"I'm usually the cause of it" he shrugged and bumped shoulders with her. Buffy gave a laugh.

"So true" she agreed.

Spike tilted his head to the side and let his face become serious. "You're gonna get through this" he whispered.

"How?" Buffy asked shaking her head. "I can't take care of my mom, my sisters, and the bills and the hospital stuff by myself."

"Who said you'd be by yourself?"

"Don't see anyone offering to help me out."

"I'll help you." Buffy began to argue but he cut her off. "And I won't take not for an answer."

"How about a thank you?"

"That I'll take willingly." They smiled at each other.

Buffy stood up and dusted herself off. "Come on" she said opening the back door. "I'll make you some coffee."

"Are you offering to make me some?" spike got up and followed her in.

"Don't let it go to your head" she said then added softly "Moron."

"Very mature…freak of nature."

"Idiotic loser…"

"Cheerleader…" his face went from that of disgust to a smile.

She smacked his chest lightly and returned the smile.

a/n: wow, so that's it for this chapter. Within the next two chapters we should meet Riley and the whole jealousy thing is gonna start. Oh! And I'm not sure if I should leave Joyce in a comma or what so please let me know what you want. R &R!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!!!