Chapter 3. Short Circuits.

I know, everyone wants a Spikebot. Go to this website

http/ You'll find this site really funny. Another does not exist, so don't go there. LOL. Enjoy.

"Did I do something wrong?" says Buffybot to Spikebot.

"No, you didn't, love," says Spikebot, shaking his head. "Your Spike's a bloody idiot, but I'm not."

"Spike makes me feel satisfied. I can't resist him, but you are Spike. Does that mean that I can't resist you, too?"

"This is very confusing."

In the cemetery, Xander catches up to Buffy.

"Wait up, Buff," says Xander.

"Xander, I don't want to hear it," says Buffy. "I know what you're going to say." Buffy's eyes get teary. "That I'm so gross to make a robot out of Spike. Out of all people I wanted a Spike robot. I should have gone with that musician guy that Warren mentioned, James Marsters. He looked more appealing."

"Buffy, I just…" Xander passes his hand through his hair. "I don't blame you for what you did, but you know you've got us, your friends. We love you, Buffy."

"I know you do and that's my problem. Unfortunately, death is my gift. That's what the guide told me."

"Death?"

"I don't get it either. She said I was full of love and something else that confused me about that."

"Buffy, you don't have a problem with love."

"I do. I can't say it when I really mean it, or when it's really needed. I'm so shut down…I just wish that I can love someone truly and be loved back."

"Well, that's not me, but let's not talk about me now. Buff, I know this is a long shot and I'm very grossed out for letting myself think this, but maybe you love Spike."

"No…I don't."

"Can I say denial?"

"Xander, I didn't want a Spikebot to be loved. I only wanted it for companionship."

"Companionship plus boyfriend, equals love, and sex. You didn't have sex with that thing, did you?"

"No." Buffy avoids eye contact with Xander for a second.

"Look, go talk to Spike."

"I can't do that. I feel so embarrassed."

"He should, too. He did the same thing you did. That should mean something."

"I wouldn't know what to say."

"Well, at least you should get the bot back and I promise we'll keep this to ourselves."

"But you and Anya saw that thing that looks like me with Spike."

"Right, and I told Willow and Tara. Thought you were insane."

"I think you got that right." Buffy turns away.

"No, Buffy." Xander pulls her back. "You are not insane. You're just confused. That's it, confused."

Buffy tilts her head and folds her arms over her chest. Xander gives her a smile.

"Come on, Buff. Deal with it."

"I can't go back there." Buffy shakes her head and turns away. "You think you could…"

Xander rolls his eyes, "Fine."

"Thank you, Xander." Buffy hugs him and kisses him on the cheek.

Xander heads over to the crypt. He sees the two bots talking to each other and they both look at Xander when he enters the crypt.

"Spikebot," says Xander. "Come on. I'm taking you back to Buffy's."

"Alright," says Spikebot as he walks over to Xander and exits the crypt. Spikebot smirks at Buffybot, who gives him a big smile. Xander sees that, but ignores it.

When they arrive at Buffy's, Xander leads the Spikebot inside. Buffy comes downstairs and meets up with them. She goes over to Spikebot.

"Thanks, Xander," says Buffy.

"Welcome," says Xander. "I'm going to go now."

"Xander, wait."

"What?"

"What are you going to tell…?"

"I'll think of something." Xander waves at Buffy as he opens the door.

"Thanks, Xander, for not judging me and not thinking that I'm crazy, even though I am."

Xander nods his head as he is half way out the door.

"Goodnight, Buff."

"Oh, Xander?"

"Yeah?" Xander looks at Buffy.

"Don't tell Dawn about this. I want to tell her."

"Alright, I won't."

"She's okay, right?"

"Yeah, sleeping."

"Good."

After Buffy closes the door, she walks over to Spikebot, who has been standing in the same place in the living room during Buffy and Xander's whole conversation. Buffy looks at Spikebot as he follows her with his eyes. She sits down on the sofa.

"Could you sit down here with me?" says Buffy.

Spikebot obeys and sits next to Buffy. He looks at her attentively and Buffy knew what she is about to do is not going to be easy.

"You're a robot and I had you made so that I won't be lonely anymore, but the fact is that I was never alone because I have my friends." Buffy sighs. "My friends, who I love very much and who are always there for me. They would never leave me."

"Buffy, I kind of figured the robot thing when I saw the other Spike," says Spikebot. "I do however treasure all the time we spent together."

"Laundry has never been funnier." Buffy laughs.

"Yes, it was a party."

"I know you're not real and I get that you get that, I was using you just like the other Spike was using that robot that looks like me."

"I didn't mind, you know."

"That's sweet." Buffy pushes some hair strands behind her ears.

Spikebot touches Buffy's face and Buffy closes her eyes. Buffy touches his hand and imagines that it is the real Spike touching her face.

"I'll never leave you."

Buffy opens her eyes and looks at him. She lowers her head and gives him a little pout. Spikebot moves in closer.

Back at the crypt, Buffybot goes down to the cavern, where Spike is drinking and pacing back and forth. He spots the bot, but doesn't say anything to her.

"Spike," says Buffybot.

"Please, don't speak," says Spike in a low tone. He has his eyes closed and faces away from the entrance of the cavern.

Buffybot walks over to him and sees him facing the wall.

"I was lonely."

"What?" Spike turns to the bot.

"I need you."

"No, you don't." Spike passes by the bot and heads over to the exit of the cavern.

"She does."

Spike stops when he heard her say that. He shakes it off and continues to climb back up. Buffybot follows him.

"You don't know her. You're not her."

"I'm Buffy and you're a dope."

"What? I didn't program that."

"I'm leaving, so you better come after me if you know what's good for you." Buffybot exits the crypt and starts to run through the cemetery as fast as she can.

"No, wait." Spike runs after her.

Back at Buffy's, someone knocks on the door. Spikebot and Buffy look at the door. Spikebot decides to get up and answer it. Buffy is too out of it from his touch and his kiss on her forehead. Spikebot opens the door and sees Spike. Spikebot exits for a second, pulls Spike's duster off, and pushes him into the house. Then he closes the door.

Spike stands in the middle of the hallway, confused why Spikebot did that. He sees Buffy looking around the room, but not at the doorway. Spike walks slowly to Buffy. She finally hears his footsteps and looks at him, who is standing right next to her.

"Who was it?" asks Buffy, looking up at him.

"Um, no one," replies Spike. He sits down next to her.

"I have to tell you something."

"You do?"

"It's about the other Spike."

"Really? I'm all ears."