Chapter Fourteen

"A magazine article? You really think that's going to have any effect on Peaches? He doesn't care-" Spike began.

"What people think about him? Oh come on, Spike. You know that's not true. Angel cares more about appearances than anyone I know. This will be what he least expects," Buffy interrupted as she flipped through an old photo album of happier times with Angel. "Ooh. How about this one? He looks deceitful in this picture, wouldn't you say?"

She held up a picture of Angel handing a toy to a smiling autistic child at a charity benefit. It was probably the most angelic Angel had ever looked. Spike shook his head.

"It's like he's luring the kid with the toy. Don't you think?" Buffy asked, ignoring Spike's disbelieving reaction.

"For God's sake, Buffy! You're not trying make the world believe he's a child molester. And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You really think you're ready for this Summers? Just a couple days ago you were crying your eyes out right here in my apartment. Why don't you give it some time?"

"Time? So, he can move on to his next victim? I don't think so Spike. I need to act now and catch him off guard. Not really sure if Anya will go for it, but she is all about stuff that sells and I have no doubt next month's issue will be a winner with this article in it."

"I just don't think you're thinking this through."

"I've thought it through completely. Now either make yourself useful, or get out of my way."

Spike really couldn't argue with her further. She was set on this plan of action and there was no reasoning with her now. He watched as she continued to look through old photos, humming a cheery tune, which he new was only a front to how she was feeling inside.

"Right, then. How about I order us some dinner love?"

"Sounds good. Chinese?"

"Sure thing love."

When the food arrived, Spike was barely able to pry Buffy from the old photo albums. He noticed that her eyes were beginning to tear as she gazed at a particular picture of her and Angel at a circus performance. It had taken Buffy months to even convince Angel to take her, but they had had so much fun that night. The more Buffy stared at the photo, the more she wondered how things could have possibly gone wrong in what appeared to be such a perfect relationship. But it wasn't, was it? It appeared that way on the outside, but Buffy ignored the signs. Angel's late hours at work meant only that he was trying to better himself and move up in the business. This may have been part of the reason, but it wasn't the only reason. How many women had there actually been? She didn't think she wanted to know, but a part of her was actually yearning for a comparison. Were they prettier than her? Were they better in bed? What made them so special? Why wasn't Buffy enough? She knew what Anya would say at a moment such as this. All men are scum, Buffy. They always have been and always will be. They're only good for two things: sex and money. I also recommend that if you can't get money from them, you don't have sex with them. Having Anya's words in her head made her almost made her chuckle. If only everyone had Anya's view of the world, Buffy internally joked.

"You're not eating," said Spike.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I guess I was zoning a bit."

"Right."

The awkward silence continued on through the entire meal. After, the two finished their meal, Spike decided he was ready to go to bed, but Buffy insisted that she would continue working on her plan of revenge by torturing herself with old photographs. Spike shook his head. And before Buffy could say a word, he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight, Goldilocks."

Buffy's surprise was quite evident in her widening eyes and small gasp, but Spike didn't seem to notice. He was as good of a friend to her as Willow, Xander, and Cordelia would be if they hadn't already left for California. It was funny how Spike could so easily fall into the category of friend and…bad Buffy! No more naughty thoughts.

"The guest room is all set for you, love," he said as he pointed down the hall, "It's just through there."

Buffy nodded, which was all Spike needed to get into his bedroom. This made Buffy chuckle. Spike, who seemed like such a rebel, had been awake past his bedtime. She remembered how much she had hated him when they'd first met. She had been so sure of her life then. It seemed unfair that all of it had been taken away from her. On the other hand, she felt she had a freedom now that she hadn't had since high school. It was somewhat exhilarating, but partly scary because it had been away from her for so long. She wasn't sure how she let it get away from her. She knew it had a lot to do with Angel and the death of her mother. But it was mostly just Angel. He was just the kind of boyfriend, who seemed to trap a girl and make her feel like she had to be submissive and acquiesce with his every wish. She hadn't ever been able to be that kind of girl, and yet, Angel had kept her for so long. It must have been that feeling of safety she felt when she was around him. But Spike also provided her with a feeling of safety among other feelings that she couldn't really explain, though she was sure they were familiar.

Her mental rant went on for quite some time, until Buffy glanced at her watch and realized it was already past 3:00 in the morning. She gathered all the old albums and put them in a corner, shocked at how much time she had spent thinking about Angel and Spike and her life. She didn't hear the doorbell immediately. But when it suddenly rang out eight times in a row, Buffy glanced up with curiosity. Who could be ringing at this hour? It was clear that Spike was still asleep because she could hear loud snores emanating from his bedroom, so with uncertainty, she went to the door and opened it a few inches.

Standing in front of her, was a blonde girl dressed in clingy pink lingerie and carrying two pink suitcases. On one, the word Harmony was stitched in pink fuzzy letters. Buffy was unsure how to react. She had never seen this girl before, but from the expression she was being given, she was pretty sure the girl didn't like her. The girl's words seemed to confirm this theory.

"Who the hell are you?" she asked in a snobby tone.

"Pardon? But who-" Buffy started.

"Listen. I don't know who you are or why you're here. Just get out of my way," the girl stated pushing Buffy out of the way.

"How dare you!" Buffy exclaimed. Who did this girl think she was?

"BLONDIE BEAR? BLONDIE BEAR? BLONDIE-"

"Hey! If you don't stop shouting and get your crazy ass out of this apartment, I'm going to-"

"Harm? Is that you?" Spike had awoken. His hair was disheveled and his shirt was unbuttoned as he stumbled into the hallway. Buffy couldn't help, but stare. He looked amazing.

"Wait. You know her?" Buffy asked in confusion.

"Well, uh-" Spike began, but was quickly interrupted by the irritating blonde.

"Of course he knows me. Don't you blondie bear? I broke up with my boyfriend and I need a place to crash a while. Can I stay here Spikey? Please? I have nowhere else to go."

Buffy laughed. She couldn't believe this skank was actually asking to stay here. What idiot in his right mind would open his home to an obvious tramp like her. It was ridiculous, silly, nonsensical, and, uh, and not to mention, silly! Buffy knew Spike couldn't possibly be dumb enough to fall for her stupid little story.

"Sure, Harm. You can crash here a while."

"WHAT?! Are you serious?" Buffy exclaimed.

"She needs a place to stay, Buffy. I can't just throw her out onto the street. She's my ex."

"Your ex? I see. Well, that makes all the difference, doesn't it?" Buffy replied in a sarcastic tone.

"Um, yeah. Could you show me to your room now, Spike?" Harmony interjected.

"Actually, Harm, you'll have to take the sofa. That alright with you?" Spike asked cautiously.

"Eh. Fine. Whatever. You and your stupid little bimbo girlfriend have fun together," Harmony replied as she started unpacking her things onto the sofa.

"I'm not his-" Buffy started at the same time Spike began.

"She's not my-"

"We're not-" They both immediately started again at the same time.

They glanced at each other for one odd moment and looked the other way as quickly as possibly. Harmony didn't seem to notice or care.

"I'm going to go to sleep." Buffy stated.

"Wow!" said Harmony. "Good for you!"

"Goodnight, Summers," Spike said with a smile, but Buffy had already stomped angrily into her room.

"Goodnight, Spikey. Unless you want to stay here with me and have some fun."

"Sorry, Harm. I'm not interested," Spike replied, before going into his room and closing the door behind him.

Harmony sat on the sofa for awhile, wondering why Spike had refused her offer. Her Spikey had never turned her down before when it came to sex. It was all he ever thought about when they were together. She wondered if that snotty blonde had anything to do with it. Why was she here anyway? They were in separate rooms, so she new they weren't dating. Eventually, Harmony's tiny bubble-gum-filled brain became tired of thinking so hard about the mystery girl that was living with her Spikey and she nodded off on the sofa.