Chapter 7:

It was fifteen minutes past nine when the two arrived back at the Summers' home. Everyone was gathered inside for some kind of meeting. Neither Spike or Dawn wanted to go in, but knew that they had to eventually. Better to be in there and listen up, that way someone doesn't have to go over it all over again.

But, before Dawn could open the door, Spike had grabbed her and pulled her close, kissing her passionately, before letting her go and nuzzling her ear, "Love you, kitten." he murmured.

Dawn smiled blissfully. She felt like her knees were about to give out. I don't think I will ever get used to this...but I could definitely try! Spike opened the door to the house, and ushered her inside.

*~*~*

When the door closed behind him, Robyn Wood stepped out of the shadows, glaring heavily. So the younger one is screwing the vampire, now. I should have known it when she tried to kill me. She's a filthy whore, just like her sister. That girl needs to be taught a lesson. Wood thought, an evil grin playing on his lips.

*~*~*

As soon as they entered the house, Buffy came running up hugging Spike, "Oh thank God, you're back safe."

Spike just stood there, not even bothering to hug her back. After an exceedingly long couple of seconds he put his hands on her shoulders and lightly backed her up, "Very touching, Slayer, but I would think that you would be just a little more concerned with the well being of your sister, instead of with a vampire." he said glancing over to Dawn.

Dawn glared at her sister, feeling slightly jealous of her even touching Spike, but comforted that he didn't seem to like it, My, God...needy much? By the way...I'm here too and don't worry about me, I'm fine!

Buffy at least had the decency to look guilty, "I'm sorry, Dawn. Of course I was worried about you too, but I could see that you were fine, and then I saw him and I just..." she stammered.

"It's fine. I'm fine, he's fine. It's all good." Dawn intervened, hoping that she would just drop it. It was always a nice reminder that the vampire who she supposedly hated before, meant more to her than her own sister.

Buffy smiled guiltily, "Ok, well actually you both are back in time for the meeting." she said turning and heading back to the living room, barely registering that the entire room had just witnessed the embarrassing scene.

*~*~*

"If you don't fall in line, then we won't stand a chance against The First. We have to be together on this. Look, I'm still in charge here." Buffy said angrily.

Rona cut in, "And why is that exactly?"

"Because I'm the Slayer."

"And isn't Faith a Slayer, too?"

"Yes, but I'm the real slayer. Guys, it doesn't matter...I know I'm right about this." she insisted.

…

"I've gotten us this far."

"But, not without a price. I'm tryin' to see your point here, Buff. But it must be a little to my left, because I just don't." Xander said ruefully.

Everyone in the room had turned on her, the only person who hadn't was, "Spike? You know I'm right, don't you?" Buffy asked desperately.

Spike's head popped up, "What? Don't bloody well look at me. I, actually happen to agree with everyone here. You're not thinkin' clearly, which just might end up getting' all these girls killed. Probably will." he said matter of factly.

Buffy looked deeply hurt and humiliated, she never thought that Spike would turn on her, too. He was the one person who I could always count on. He had my back, no matter what. Even if he thought I was wrong, he would never say it in front of others. Buffy looked around the room. Everyone was glaring at her. How dare they question my leadership. Whatever...they will get what's coming to them.

"Fine. You guys want Faith as your leader? You got her. But when she leads all of us into disaster, remember, that's your own fault." She stalked out of the room and headed upstairs to her own bedroom.

*~*~*

Later that night, Buffy came down into the basement to talk with Spike. She found him sitting on his cot, with his back against the wall, and a thin sheet barely covering his obviously nude body. When Spike saw her, he immediately pulled the sheet up to cover his lower half a little more.

"Relax, nothing I haven't seen before...or done everything else to." she joked.

Spike just raised a scarred eyebrow, he was apparently not amused. "What do you want, Slayer?"

She stopped smiling, now. "Well...I just wanted to talk. It hurt that you didn't have my back, earlier, but it's okay. I forgive you."

Who the hell does this bloody bitch think she is? She forgives me? Oh, that's rich. "That so?"

"Yeah. But I also wanted to see if everything is okay with you. You seem distant, and you barely even talk to me anymore. Are you mad at me?" she asked confused.

Spike snorted, "No. Not mad at you." Just can't bloody stand you.

Buffy looked skeptical, "You sure?" at his nod, she continued, "I cannot believe that I let Faith be in charge. Every time she comes here it is to take everything away from me." she ranted, "I bet it pisses her off that she can't have you too." she said softly moving closer to him.

"Come again?" he asked perplexed, but she was done talking. She lifted her face up to his to kiss him. Spike moved backwards, "What the bloody hell are you doing?"

Buffy smiled, "What does it look like I'm doing?" she asked climbing on top of him.

Spike took a deep calming breath, "Looks like you're in need of some cold comfort, and I'm just the vamp to give it to you."

She leant into his ear, "Looks like..." she whispered in what she thought was a seductive manner.

"Get off." he said coldly.

"That's the intention." she laughed.

Spike vamped out and growled, "I mean it, Slayer. Get the bloody hell off of me!" he shouted, then tossed her to the side.

Buffy stared in shock, she felt like she had just been physically slapped, "Spike? What's wrong?"

The stupid bint really doesn't get it, does she? Spike let his human features return, "What's wrong? I'm not your sodding sex slave. Find someone else to use to make yourself feel better. It's not gonna be me this time."

"Spike, that's not what this was about. I just wanted to be with you tonight." for once she was actually being honest with him.

Spike shrugged, "Too bad, Slayer. Really rather be by myself, if ya don't mind." he said with a fake smile. Christ, take a hint and just leave, already.

Buffy nodded, "Ok, sorry. I'll go. You know where to find me, if you change your mind." she said on the brink of tears as she left.

*~*~*

Buffy didn't let the tears fall until after she had gotten out of the basement, not seeing Dawn standing in the darkness in the kitchen.

Dawn waited until she heard Buffy shut the door to her room, before going in to see Spike.

"Bloody hell! Can't you take a soddin' hint?" Spike hollered as Dawn entered.

Dawn jumped in surprise, "Sorry, I'll leave."

Spike shot his head in her direction, "Sorry, luv, didn't realize it was you. Come on in."