A/n: thanks so much. I love hearing from you all. O.k. to answer spuffygurl11's question: it's sort of made up. Everything that happened in season six happened, except I am pretending that Buffy and spike never got together. It is set sometime after the episode: gone. So, in my story Buffy is just stressed-out because of being back, having to deal with paying bills, and Dawn and the social worker, and denying her feelings for….oops. I said too much. Anyway, I am also going to use another character that doesn't appear until later episodes, but I will explain that later. And for this chapter anything in italics will be thoughts.

Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever own any thing having to do with Buffy.  (Now I am sad).

Chapter three:

As Buffy went to answer the door Dawn ran into the kitchen, not wanting to face the social worker sooner then she had to.

"Good luck", dawn said before she disappeared through the door to the kitchen.

"Coward", Buffy whispered.

Whatever Buffy had been expecting to be behind the door, was nothing to what she was faced with. It was in fact spike. But not the spike Buffy had grown no know over the years. He had lost his duster, boots, and black jeans, and shirt. Instead he was dressed in kaki pants, and a light blue long sleeved shirt, which made his electric blue eyes stand out even more then usual. His hair was not slicked back, but was left loose and curly. But the biggest difference was the look in his eyes. They looked so sincere, even a little afraid, but with a look of determination. Buffy stood shocked, and staring at this man who looked so different then the one she meet four years ago. He looked so calm, and innocent. But, then of course he spoke.

"See something you like?" he said with a smirk. Reverting back to his usual attitude. 'Oh great job, mate. Not even in the door yet and already pissing her off', spike thought.

Buffy was brought back to reality with his words.

"You wish", she shot back. Already feeling the anger rise inside of her. But it was more from the embarrassment of being caught staring then anything else. Her whole body was becoming tense. 'This is never going to work', she thought ' why does he bother me so much'. Deciding it would be better to leave before a fight started she turned to walk away, and just leave him standing in the door way. Then his hand wrapped around her wrist. She felt her heart speed up. He turned her around so they were just inches apart. Then he looked at her curiously for a while.

"You okay? He asked gently, stepping even closer. "If something is wrong, or you need anything, you know you can tell me, right?" He was so close she could feel his breath on her. 'Why does he breathe? He doesn't have to', a very random voice in Buffy's head asked. Buffy frowned, thinking about it. Spike saw her frown and backed away. He looked at her a little longer then turned and went into the kitchen. Buffy stood there, more then a little confused.

As she went to the kitchen she bumped into the table and knocked over a picture. It was of her and her friends. As she looked at it she started thinking about things. About everything that had happened since she got back. It was hard at first. Everyone asking if she was going to be okay, and always worrying about her. She smiled as she remembered the night. Just after she had gotten back. She had heard willow and Giles arguing. She stepped out side for some air. And there he was. Just standing there like he was waiting for her.

"Why are always around when I am miserable?", she had asked him.

Buffy smiled again. He always was. Always there to help, and even bring comfort. Who knew how many times he had saved dawn, especially over the summer. Spike and Dawn had formed a friendship. So had he and the Scooby's. Well not exactly a friendship, but an understanding. He was always helping them. He was at almost every meeting. Even xander had accepted him. Although he would never admit it. They enjoyed insulting each other. They got along.' Then why can't I', Buffy thought, 'why do all the little things he do annoy me so much. Why does he drive me crazy?'. She let out a frustrated sigh. Then it hit her. With such force it made her dizzy. She understood why she couldn't – no wouldn't accept him. Why she felt so funny when he was around. Why she was fighting this so much. Suddenly Buffy felt very weak. But before she could think about it more, spike and Dawn walked out of the kitchen.

"Buffy", dawn said, "spike wants to know where to put his stuff".

"Wha- oh, okay", said Buffy as she set the picture down on the table and walked to the stairs. She didn't look at him when she spoke.

"Follow me", she said going up the stairs with very weak legs. Buffy was so distracted with her thoughts she didn't see the way dawn was smiling. Nor did she notice as Dawn went over to the phone.

A/n: I have to tell you that I had a lot of trouble writing this chapter. Sorry if it is a little awkward. I have started on the next chapter and I feel a lot better about that one. Tell me what you think .oh and also I am not sure if those were exact words from the episode flooded. If I am wrong please tell me.