A/N: I am so sorry about the delays. I just got really angry because Concerts, another of my stories, was taken off because I used the lyrics of a song. Think about it – how stupid is that! So, now I'm making a website to put all my fictions on, and also to possibly host others… if you're interested in making the layout of the website, or being involved in it, review at the end and tell me (yes, I am also trying to scab reviews)
You are all champions for reviewing! Thank you!
death lies2: When I get my website up and running I'm gonna put all the songs from all my fictions on a page so that you can listen to them. I have huge expectations of this webpage…
General Mac: Sure
Spuffy2008: This really wasn't the soonest update, huh? Glad you liked the last chapter.
Pulchra Nex: Thanks! I'm glad you thought it was okay! I was kind of unsure of how to squeeze it into the story.
pinkyblue-ice: Thank you!
Adainya: And have fun with it I shall, thank you! I'm really sorry I didn't update before now! I've been slagging in the way of writing…
LoveHiei-Rine: Haha thanks! I'm glad you like it!
the name is heather: End! That wasn't the end! That was only the beginning, my friend. Sing a little song has many, many chapters until the end even comes CLOSE. And I gotta say, I loved MAKING that kid run into the bathroom door… I'm so mean.
Katie: I'm really glad that you've enjoyed reading it so far. As you may have noticed, I'm definitely a spuffy shipper.
AmethystDragon81:I gotta say, I'm more obsessed with the character of Spike than the actor of James… Did you know James was 42? That's a little over 20 years older than me! I almost cried when I heard. And when you said to write in the 'British style' for Spike, I say that I accept your challenge willingly! Thank you for all your reviews! They were brilliant to read!.
aww something bad happen?
"I'm really sorry that I have to go with ma…" Spike whispered softly, his arms around Buffy's waist.
Buffy simply sighed and rested her forehead against his chest.
"You're going to have the time of your life babysitting though. Not a dull moment to be had with the troops. Although, Alex is probably able to take care of them by himself now…" he thought about that for a moment, "oh yeah… ma got mad at him last time he sat for 'em because he was too bloody strict."
She giggled and snuggled closer to his chest. He tightened his arms around her, glancing wearily at the lock on his door. It wasn't locked, so Natalie or Ally could come barging in at any second.
He looked down at her, kissing her lightly on the top of her head before pulling away. "I'd better get going with mum now. I can hear her yelling at Joey."
Buffy smiled. "Spike. I don't think your mum knows how to yell."
He chucked and turned to pick up his bag, pausing momentarily and turning back to face her. "Kiss for the road?" he asked, smirking.
"I'll kiss you down there. Get your bag."
"You may kiss me down there. But it won't have the heat, love. 'Sides. You'll lose your confidence in front of mum. It won't be any fun." He pouted slightly at her.
She closed her eyes as she smiled, and lent in closely to him. Her nose brushed his softly, her lips whispering promises against his as they also brushed. She breathed in, inhaling his scent from their close proximities.
Spike stood, eyes fluttering closed, allowing her to take control.
Little by little, her lips pressed against his, giving him a kiss of innocence. A kiss of passion, that had not been there only days before.
A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she began to kiss him. Soon, it became too much to simply stand there, and her arms wound around his neck, hands going to his hair, rustling his job of slicking it back.
His arms found their way back to her waist, and his mouth opened in a moan.
She took advantage of it, and slipped her tongue out of her mouth and into his. Spike's tongue eagerly met hers, circling it at first, creating a dance for hers to follow.
Together, they kissed in slow motion, each feeling a passion deeper than anything fast.
Her tongue slowly withdrew, and she began soft kisses all over his lips. He smiled, swallowing and feeling her pressed against him. Soon, she stopped and pulled back, staring at him softly.
"So… are we having fun yet?" she asked.
"Pet, there ain't a moment with you that isn't fun," he chuckled, opening his eyes.
She laughed and pulled away from him, nodding at his bag. "Now get your damn bag and let's get downstairs."
Natalie looked up from the driveway into William's room as they waited for him to come and put the bags in his DeSoto.
She saw his and Buffy's silohette as they kissed.
She smiled and tilted her head as she watched them. She'd have to remind Will to close his curtains later…
Spike hoisted the bag over his shoulder and pecked Buffy on the lips.
"Have a great time, honey," Buffy said, laughing. "And don't get home too late!"
He smirked. "You can say that when we're old marrieds, precious."
Buffy smiled. When.
Laurie came over to Buffy and wrapped her arms around her softly. "Call us if there is any trouble, dear. The hotel number is by the telephone. Thank you so much for doing this for us."
"It's no trouble, really. Being here with everyone is far better than scaring myself with horror movies at home alone," she replied, smiling softly, and glancing at the children who were lined up on the porch, waving.
"Alright then, we best be off," Laurie released Buffy and walked around the DeSoto to the passenger door.
Spike kissed her once more on the cheek before he smiled apologetically and hopped in the car, revving the engine slightly.
Buffy walked over and took Emma-Maye from Ally, holding up her arm and miming a wave at the car. Emma-Maye got the jest of it and started swinging her arm around excitedly.
Ally laughed and shook her head, turning around and walking back inside.
When the car was gone, Buffy followed the others inside nervously.
She held Emma-Maye on her side, sitting her on her hip.
She found everyone in the kitchen, having a small discussion. Feeling like the outsider, she stood in the doorway with Emma-Maye.
Natalie spotted her and smiled widely. "Buffy!"
Everyone else turned around at this, and Joey ran over to her, taking her free hand in his. "Hi Buffy!" he said happily. "Can we do art? Can we? Please?" he asked, his face lighting up as though it were his birthday.
"I don't really have any… art supplies?" she replied, placing Emma-Maye on her play mat and looking over to Alex for help.
"We have a box of stuff," Alex shrugged, "Somewhere… Don't really know when the last time was that we got it out."
Natalie subtly shot him a dirty look and he sighed. "I can try find it for you if you'd like."
Buffy laughed. "Nah, I'll go see what I can dig up. You never know what you can use for art these days. You don't mind looking after Emma-Maye for a while?"
Alex didn't smile. He just shrugged.
Natalie, on the other hand, kept her smile on her face and nodded. "Sure, Buffy."
Buffy smiled back weakly, turning off in the direction of the staircase.
Natalie kept smiling until she left. As soon as she was out of line of sight, Natalie scowled.
"Do you have to be so cold?" she snapped. "You were fine with her at dinner, and then all of a sudden… you're like bloody ice!"
Alex shrugged apologetically. "It's just… have you seen those cuts and bruises all over her? I mean, did she do that to herself or what? And…" he shrugged again, "Something's just… wrong."
"I'll ask if you want?" Ally suggested. "See what her story is."
"Are yous gonna do art with me?" Joey asked from his spot at the table. "Buffy's gonna do art with me."
Ally grinned. "Course we are."
"Art supplies…" Buffy mumbled to herself, avoiding the bedrooms. She didn't want to get on the wrong side of the doors. Bedrooms were private. Sheknew that. And she wasn't stupid enough to risk them finding her digging for things to do art with in any of their rooms. Not even Spike's.
She had already gathered a handful of crayons, pencils and erasers. Under her arm she held a few brightly colored sheets of cardboard and paper, which were pushing uncomfortably against a necklace of beads that she had wrapped around her wrist a few times as an accessory when she had come over the night before.
Walking around the corner, she bumped into the wall and dropped everything she was holding.
"Damn it," she whispered, dropping to her hands and knees and crawling around trying to pick up the crayons and pencils. She put them in a pile and picked up the paper, stacking it next to the crayons and pencils before she saw her necklace had snapped and beads had gone everywhere.
Her eyebrows raised and furrowed together helplessly, and her mouth formed an 'o' as she made a weak squeaking noise.
She lowered her head, sighing, before sitting on the ground and reaching for one of the hundred. She finally noticed a pair of legs stopped in front of her and looked skyward to see who it was.
Alex gazed back down at her, frowning. "Whatcha doin'?" he asked.
"I dropped… everything…" she whispered, trying not to let him see how nervous she was about babysitting.
"Noticed that," he said, squatting down in front of her. "You broke your bracelet…" he acknowledged. She nodded, eyes falling to the ground. Beadsthat were scattered everywhere.
Again, she reached for another bead, placing it in the palm of her left hand with the other that she had picked up moments before.
He watched, leaning forward and picking up another bead and handing it to her.
"Thanks…" she whispered, picking up a few more and dropping them in her palm.
"I think I have some stuff we can make things with in Joey and my room… you didn't see them there?" he asked, joining her in picking up the beads.
She frowned and looked over at him. He gazed back at her with Spikes blue eyes. "I didn't go in your room…" she said, tilting her head softly.
"Oh… why not?"
She blinked a few times, trying to remember exactly why she hadn't gone into his room. "Well… because… it's… your room. Your… sanctuary. Everyone should have privacy, Alex."
Finally, he smiled genuinely at her. "Thanks."
She shrugged, "I think anyway."
"Well, how 'bout we go in there now, and get us some soddin' art supplies for Joey, and go down and have a helluva time making funny looking hats?" Alex suggested, handing her another handful of beads.
She collected the final few off the floor and cradled them in her hands.
"And I'll get you a bag to put the beads in," he offered, picking up the crayons, pencils, erasers, and papers off the floor.
"Thank you…" she mumbled, getting up and following him into the bedroom.
He pulled out a box from under Joey's bed labeled 'Art Supplies – '98' and lifted it up onto his own bed, opening it and examining the contents. "This has some stuff." He nodded to himself, putting the other supplies she had gathered in the box and handing her a paper lunchbag. "You can put the beads in here if you want… an' thread 'em onto an elastic or somethin' at home."
"Thank you…" she said again, sliding the beads into the bag.
Together, they walked down the stairs, Alex carrying the art box. He glanced at her, really looking at her this time, examining the huge red cut on her cheek, and the swollen, dark pink coloring that surrounded it.
She looked over at him with wide eyes. "What? Is there something on my face?" she reached up and wiped at her mouth, finding nothing. Her hand went to her cheek, perhaps a little roughly, as she winced when her hand came in contact with the cut.
"What did you do?" he asked softly.
She looked to the ground, lowering her hand. "Nothing…"
"Please…" he stopped on the stairs and turned to face her. "You can tell me. I'm not going to tell Will."
She focused harder on the ground. "He already knows half of it anyway. I can't completely lie, can I?" she whispered, finally meeting his gaze.
"He knows you like to beat yourself up?" Alex raised his eyebrows.
Her own eyes widened. "What! No!" she exclaimed quickly. Her voice lowered several volumes and she whispered again, "he knows it was Angel…"
"Angel?" it was Alex's turn to be surprised. "Angel?" he calmed slightly, still shocked nonetheless.
Buffy nodded softly. "Please. Don't tell him I lied about why. Please don't. Oh god… He'd kill Angel if he knew… I mean, if it's my fault, he can blame Angel for beating me, but he can't blame Angel for the reason… but if it's all Angel's crazy doing… he can… you know? I mean… It probably is my fault either way… After all, I did initiate the most of—"
"What?" Alex asked softly, genuinely concerned now. "I promise I won't tell Will. It'll be between whoever's in the house now. They have the right to know you aren't suicidal."
For a moment, she wasn't going to tell him. But he was almost the same age as her. He was male… perhaps he knew why exactly Angel had gotten so mad about her seeing Spike. "It's… because I'm seeing him. Not Angel… because I'm seeing Spike."
She cleared her throat. It had suddenly gotten all dry.
"He was angry that Spike was dating someone… 'below' him… so he tried to take care of the problem… violence against women or something. Maybe it's his pea-sized brain that initiated it. 'Buffy bad' 'execute Buffy' or something. I… I don't know… I don't know what I told Spike. Something about insulting his penis and him getting angry…" she said, blinking furiously as she searched the ground for answers, holding back tears.
"That's…" Alex shook his head, maneuvering the box so it was balanced on his left arm. He pulled Buffy closed, and hugged her with his right arm.
"I don't understand…" she sobbed into his chest, " I just… don't understand…"
"Shh…" he soothed, rubbing his hand over her back. "It'll be okay, yeah? Everything will be fine?"
She sniffed and breathed in deeply. She willed herself to stop crying. She was supposed to be taking care of him, and here she was, spilling her guts to him.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to… I'm sorry…" she mumbled, hastily wiping away her tears, and pulling back.
"Look, you're family okay? Or you may as well be over the weekend or we ain't gonna get along. So, come on. We'll go make some pretty little hats. We'll take some photo's with Will's new camera, because he forgot to take it and someone has to use it, and then we'll go dive in the pool. What say you?" Alex asked, smiling and tilting his head in a way that was so totally Spike, that it caused her to smile too.
"Thank you… again…" she whispered, following him into the dining room. "And… sorry about making your shirt wet…"
He looked down at his 'Ramones' t-shirt, that was slightly damp at the front from her tears. He chuckled. "Will's gonna be jealous when he knows that those were from you."
She smiled. She knew he was joking. He wouldn't tell Spike that she had cried. Least of all to him.
Buffy placed the final bead on the white piece of cardboard, squinting to make sure it looked perfect.
She picked up the scissors and cut along the zig-zagged line of beads that she had made, leaving her with the map of a crown. She smiled and began to stick silver sequins over it.
Joey sat next to her, gluing feathers over an orange sheet of cardboard that Buffy had cut out for him. He picked up a green crayon and scribbled around the feathers before finding various buttons and beginning to glue them on as well.
Alex sat beside him, taking photo's of everyone at the table on Spike's instant-developing camera.
"Smile Buffy!" he said, aiming it at her. She looked up and him and grinned. He had told everyone the story about Angel, and they had changed their opinions about her for the better as opposed to the worse.
"Smile Buffy!" he repeated, aiming it at her as soon as it had shot out the other photo.
She poked her tongue out at him and he snapped the photo. She opened her mouth to protest when she was handed a video camera by Natalie.
"Here. Get us some good footage."
Buffy smiled brightly, "Thanks!"
She finished her crown by gluing and stapling one end to the other and making it a basic cylinder with a spikey top.
She turned on the camera and focused it on the cardboard-crown, clicking record.
"This, is a crown," she said, "I just finished making it for Natalie, seeing as she is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met…" she focused the camera on Natalie, "And here she is… smile Natalie!" she zoomed in on Natalie's eye and back out again.
Picking up the crown, she handed it over to her and giggled as she put it on.
"I'm a princess!" Natalie giggled, twirling around for the camera.
Alex laughed and snapped a photo of her.
"Can we go in the pool?" Ally asked, looking over to Buffy.
"If you go get in your swimmers it's a possibility…" Buffy shrugged, zooming in on Ally with the video camera.
Ally smiled and waved, "Hi, I'm Ally Marson, and I'm here in the Marson household under the care of Buffy. Say hi Buffy!"
"Hi! I'm Buffy Summers!" Buffy laughed, turning the camera around to focus on Alex, who had the camera. "And this, this is my new best friend. Alex, wave at the camera, will you please?"
Alex smiled and waved at the camera. "Allo. I'm Alex. I'm guessing you're gonna be watching this Will, so I gotta tell ya. Buffy's one helluva girl. She passes all of my tests. I say marry her and get it out of the way. She's so bloody perfect for ya."
Buffy laughed and turned the camera around to face herself. "Don't listen. There's no pressure."
Alex chucked, snapping another photo of Buffy and throwing it on the pile. "Good thing you came in your swimmers. You can join us in a modeling comp, ay Summers?" he suggested, grinning.
She smiled back and turned off the camera. "I'll save us some film then."
At that moment, Ally bounced into the room dressed in her swimmers with a towel around her waist. "You're all too slow! Last one in has to wear Joey's hat when Will gets home!"
Joey frowned and looked at Buffy, "Sn't my hat nice, Buffy?" he asked her, tilting his head.
"You're hat's gorgeous, mate. We'll make sure you're the last one in the pool so you can greet Spike with it on, hey?" she suggested, smiling and taking his hand. "Let's go get your swimmers on."
He smiled and followed her to the bedroom she had been in only moments before.
"You know what Buffy?" he asked as he slid his small swimmers on.
He had asked her to turn away, and she had.
She gazed over to the dinosaur patterned curtains and smiled to herself. "What?"
"I think Angel got it all wrong," he said in his cute little English accented voice. "I think that you are really really pretty. I don' think that Will deserves you."
She smiled softly. "Thank you, Joey."
A/N: Phew! wipes sweat from brow once I start writing, I can't stop, ay? My internet isn't working on my computer, so I'm going to take this to another computer and post it on FanFiction there. You know. I'm not as angry at them for taking off concerts anymore. Mainly because of my brainstorm to make a website for my fictions… oh yeah. Was anyone interested in making me a Buffy/Spike layout for my site?
Please review and tell me what you think! I promise that I'll write again before the end of March. I'm such a slacker, hey? It was a long chapter anyway. Sorry every one! I just got mad at FanFiction because of what happened with Concerts.