Chapter 6

Spike got off of the couch the next day to answer the door when he heard someone knock. He was greeted by a dark haired man, with a smile on his face. "Hey, Spike." He said as he made his way by Spike and into the apartment. Spike only sighed as he closed the door.

"What are you doing here, Angel?" He asked and the other man shrugged.

"Just wanted to see how you were. It's really not fair that Hank gave you a week off, but at least I didn't have to baby-sit his kid. So, where is the little princess?" Spike laughed as he shook his head.

"She's hardly little. She's at school right now." He explained.

"How old are we talking here?" Angel wondered and Spike ran his fingers through his hair before he answered.

"She's 17." Angel didn't expect that.

"It's a good thing Hank didn't have me watch her then. If you know what I mean." Angel said with a wink and Spike rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. You would screw anyone, doesn't matter how old." He stated and Angel took offense to that.

"Hey, give me some credit. I was only kidding. You know I'm into older women." Spike nodded and sat on the couch as Angel remained standing. "So, what's your deal? You wouldn't be brooding, would you?" He wondered and Spike now looked offended.

"I don't brood, I'm just thinking." Angel nodded also and didn't say anything else about it. They both remained silent after that, until Spike spoke again. "Do you believe in love at first sight?" He asked suddenly and Angel raised his eyebrows at the question.

"I haven't even found love yet, so I really couldn't tell you. If you're talking about the Lieutenant's daughter though, I think you should forget about it." Spike looked up at him, with a confused expression on his face and Angel decided to clarify. "Hank is very protective of that girl, Spike. You can tell by the way he talks about her. He may like you now, but that would all change if you decided to get with his daughter." Spike sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"I wish it was that easy." Angel then sat on the couch next to him as he thought about what to say next.

"You haven't done anything, have you?" Spike avoided his gaze, which gave Angel the answer he needed. "Did you sleep with her?" Spike looked back at him and took a breath.

"It just happened." Angel then stood up as he stared at him.

"Spike, what were you thinking?" Spike shrugged and really didn't feel like arguing about it.

"I was thinking that I loved her. Nothing else matters when I'm with her. She makes me feel things that I never thought I could feel again." Angel calmed down when he saw the look on Spike's face.

"You love her? You hardly even know her." He told him.

"I know everything I need to know. I just have to start living again, Angel. I've been so shut down since Drusilla died. I can't live my life like that anymore. Buffy makes me want to live again. I can't give her up. Can we keep this between us for now? I'll talk to Hank when he comes back. I'm sure he would understand." Angel thought about it for a few seconds.

"Alright, I won't say anything. I do owe you my life after all." Spike nodded and gave him a small smile.

"Thanks," he replied and Angel nodded also as he walked over to the door. He looked at his friend one more time.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Spike. Take care of yourself." He said before he walked out of the apartment.

Spike was in his car waiting for Buffy to come out of school later that day. He finally saw her after a few minutes. She was talking with a red headed girl and a dark haired boy. Spike then started to feel a twinge of jealousy when Buffy hugged the boy. She waved goodbye to them before walking over to Spike's car. She gave him a smile as she opened the door and got in. He returned her smile and started up the car. "How was your day?" He asked her and she shrugged.

"Boring as usual." Spike nodded.

"So, who was that guy?" It took Buffy a moment to realize what he was talking about.

"Oh, that's Xander. He's a friend." She explained.

"Is he just a friend?" Buffy gave him a smile.

"Are you jealous?" She wondered and Spike looked at her.

"Should I be?" Buffy moved over and got closer to him. She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"You have no reason to be jealous. He's like a brother to me. I like you." She explained and he felt relieved as he leaned toward her and gave her a kiss on the lips.

"Let's get out of here." He told her as he finally pulled away from the school and headed for home.

Spike watched Buffy walk out of his room later that night in a short, black skirt and halter top. He raised his eyebrows. "Just where do you think you're going dressed like that?" He asked her and she looked at him as she finished putting her earrings in.

"I'm meeting my friends at the Bronze tonight." Spike didn't like the sound of that.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Buffy. It's not safe out there at night." Buffy rolled her eyes.

"I would be in a crowded club with my friends. I think I'll be fine." She replied and Spike shook his head.

"You never know what could happen. If you have to go, I don't think you should wear that." Buffy looked down at her outfit and then back up at him.

"There's nothing wrong with my clothes. I always dress like this when I go out." Spike was about to say something else, when Buffy held her hand up to stop him. "I'll make you happy and put a sweater on, dad." She said and turned to walk away, when Spike grabbed her arm and made her look back at him.

"Hey, what's that about?" He asked and Buffy let out a sigh.

"Spike, I'm not a kid. I already have to deal with this from my father. I don't need you treating me the same way, alright? If we're going to be together, you have to respect that." Spike nodded and knew that she was right.

"I'm sorry, love. I just worry about you." Buffy smiled and gave him a peck on the lips.

"I like that you worry, but you don't have to worry so much. I can take care of myself." Spike nodded again and Buffy then had an idea. "I know, how about you come to the Bronze with me? That way you could watch me if any bad guys decide to show up." Spike didn't think that was a good idea, even though he really didn't want her to go alone.

"I don't know about that. I'm not exactly a club person." Buffy rolled her eyes.

"That's the idea. Come on, Spike. You need to get out there and have some fun for once. You're a young guy. Staying inside all night is just not natural. I promise you'll have fun and you'll get to meet my friends. Pretty please." She said with a pout and Spike knew he was lost.

"Alright, but only for a little while. You have school tomorrow." Buffy smiled and gave him a hug.

"You're the best. I promise you a night of fun." She told him as she went to get a sweater to put on. Spike ran his fingers through his hair. That's what he was afraid of. He didn't think he knew how to have fun anymore. Spike really hoped that Buffy wouldn't change her mind and decide not to be with him. He didn't think he would be able to handle that.