Disclaimer: I like to take a walk in Joss' shoes every once and a while! I do not own the characters and I don't make any money from my literary strolls.

Author's note: I am thinking of switching from Buffy to Spike every other chapter, provided the plot does not necessitate something else. Let me know what you think.

Chapter Two

Spike was feeling murderous, as he sped down the motorway. He was a whirlwind of emotion: rage, hurt and pain.

"Fucking bitch," he thought furiously, "I hate that fucking bitch." The problem was, of course, that he did not. Despite everything, he still loved every molecule of Buffy Summers. It had been too good to be true, this life he had with Buffy. She had been pining for Angel all along, even with all the years they had together.

"She will get to have her perfect little life now," he reflected bitterly. What galled him most was that he had never seen it coming. He was completely oblivious to the fact that the woman he loved had shagged someone else. He was surprised to feel betrayed by Angel as well. It seemed deep down that he had trusted him too. Not two years ago they had a conversation about Buffy. Back then, Angel had claimed that he had accepted that Buffy was happy with Spike, although he did not understand it. Spike wanted to pummel his smug face into a pulp. That bastard was always stealing his birds, but then again all he seemed to get was leftovers in the first place. First, there was Dru, and then there was Buffy. He had thought that it was different this time. Fat chance! He had been deluded all this time. Buffy Summers was too good for the likes of him. Angel had always had a piece of her, which he could never touch.

"Buffy and Angel," He snorted, in disgust, "the fucking American dream and the two and a half kids with the white picket fence."

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the unwanted images of entwining limbs that had been permeating his brain since the revelation.

Later that evening, he parked at a country pub. He was in dire need of a drink. Drinking himself into oblivion seemed like a good idea right about now. A dark haired young man was manning the bar. He wore a name tag, bearing the name John.

"What can I get you?" John asked.

"I need something strong." Spike told him. "Actually you can make that a double, mate."

"Bad day?" asked the barman.

"Something like that" the vampire muttered, but his tone dissuaded John from attempting to engage in any further small talk. John returned with some whiskey and Spike downed it in one gulp.

"Another one, when you are ready, mate," Spike asked. His cell phone rang. Buffy had been calling on and off for the last couple of hours. Each time he had hung up. He was not able to speak to her yet. He reached into his pocket wearily and took out his phone and checked the caller id. He was relieved to see that it was Dawn. Still, he was in no mood to talk to anyone. He sighed but he decided he had better answer the call. It was not Dawn's fault after all.

"Hello, Bit."

"Spike, Buffy told me what happened." Dawn said, softly.

"Did she?" he asked, irritably. "Look I really do not want to talk about the Slayer!"

"Spike, I get that." She replied apologetically. "I just want to know that you are ok."

She quickly realised the stupidity of her question

"I am sorry." Dawn apologised yet again. That was a stupid question! I am worried about you."

"No need, Nibblet." Spike answered. "I just needed some time away to think about things."

"To get drunk, you mean!" she replied.

"I might be in a pub, yeah" he admitted, with a feeble smile.

"You know you can talk to me!" Dawn said.

"I know" Spike said, but the truth was that he would not feel right talking about this with her. She was Buffy's sister after all.

"Don't worry about me, pet." He tried to reassure her. "I will cope." Both were silent for a moment. The vampire was about to say goodbye and hang up when Dawn spoke once more.

"Please, Spike, don't do anything stupid!" she pleaded.

"You mean beat the shit out of Angel!" He felt better even thinking about thumping the large fore headed lug.

"That is one of those many stupid things that I am worried about."

"Kinda hard, Bit. That ponce is over the other side of the pond!"

He was dodging her question. He could not promise that. If he did meet the git, then Angelus would find himself walking into the fists of William the Bloody. He smirked malevolently.

"Just promise you will keep in touch." She pleaded. "You do not want to answer Buffy's calls. I totally understand that, but I just want to know how my friend's doing."

Spike felt his heart swell in affection for his Little Bit.

"No matter what happens with Buffy, I will be your friend. Buffy was completely in the wrong here, and as much as I love my sister, I am completely on your side here."

Dawn always knew what to say. Likewise, he felt the need to reassure her that their friendship would survive despite Buffy's actions.

"You won't get rid of me that easy." He assured her. "I promise I will be back."

"Good!" Dawn said. "I will see you soon, then."

"Bye, Dawn" he said.

Spike's heart felt much lighter, hanging up the phone. Dawn was the sister he never had and he vowed to never the let the situation between Buffy and himself to affect his friendship with Dawn.

To be continued...

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