Chapter 23: The Right Thing to Do

Buffy was shocked as Spike dragged her towards the door. He didn't even look back as he opened the front door taking him and Buffy out of that house. When he finally got into the car ignoring the fact they were both drenched with rain, he finally turned towards Buffy, "I'm tired of Dru suffering. She made a mistake by sleeping with Angel while dating me but it's not her fault she got pregnant. She was too young for such responsibilities and now he will hopefully deal with them too. I'll give him a bleeding call in the morning to see if he remembers."

Buffy nodded as she yawned slightly. Spike smiled as he drove her to the airplane and on the ride back to Sunnydale, Buffy dozed off twice. Spike knew she would be sleeping once they got home in no time. He wasn't even sure she had enough energy to make love to him but that was ok. He would see her in February anyway in just 3 weeks. The break from February until May would be much longer.

Landing in Sunnydale, he lifted Buffy into his arms and carefully set her down in her convertible. Once she was home, she barely stirred until he set her down in the bed.

She smiled at him placing her palm against his cheek, "I love you Spike. You're a good man. Don't ever let anyone tell you any differently. What you did for Dru today was amazing. You're an amazing person and I'm so proud to be dating you."

Spike smiled feeling good at her words. He whispered, "I love you Buffy Summers and I thank you for your patience, pet. Few women would deal with what you have dealt with and still be gentle. Now sleep. I'll stay until you are sleeping and I'll call you in the morning when I arrive. Sleep sweet my luv."

Buffy closed her eyes clinging to Spike as she slept. Spike finally kissed her forehead and slipped out down the tree to land on the ground.

Giles watched as Spike disappeared into the taxi that would bring him to the jetport and then off to London for the next 3 weeks. He felt a little less angry about the fact they were still together but he didn't wish them all the happiness in the world. Spike still had done wrong by Dru and until that was corrected, Giles couldn't see him as anything other than a deserter. He was scared for Buffy's safety and didn't trust Spike at all. He closed the door slipping into bed with Joyce with his mind heavy in thoughts.

Giles decided the right thing to do would be to have Dru followed. He paid for an investigator to follow Dru and to find out as much information about her and Spike that he could.

Since this was a new year, Giles was determined to make this new year into a good thing. It was a year for changes including after 2 and half years of Buffy and Spike dating, perhaps a change was in order for them as well. Knowing a personal investigator was hot on her tail allowed Giles go back to enjoying his days not worrying about Spike or Dru or his daughter Buffy.

Buffy started spending her time still on the phone and now the computer but Buffy had to admit, it was getting to be tiresome. It wasn't that she didn't want to spend so much time with him but it was the constant needs he had.

He had to go during conversations. Even during their netsex at night sometimes he would be interrupted leaving Buffy to her own devices. She hated that and longed for better days. She was having a bit of second thoughts as to joining him in England.

This job seemed to be too demanding on him leaving her without a boyfriend that was active in her life. Of course the fact he was on a different time schedule didn't help matters much. He had to sleep while she was in her day and she had to sleep while he was in his.

It made things tough as his schedule changed. Buffy didn't let it get to her too much. She had a lot on her plate this semester. She was filling out forms for college, paying tuition and taking placement tests. She took the SATs twice and spent her spare time when Spike was busy, with her friends and even family.

Giles seemed to be in a better mood lately and she couldn't help but want to spend time with him. She didn't know what had put him in such a good mood but she was thinking it might be Dawn.

Dawn was at the cute age of 4 months old and was starting to recognize those around her. She couldn't do much at all but she would smile at certain people and cry at others. Whether it was real or just a reflex Buffy couldn't be sure but either way it added to their lives.

Even Buffy found herself babysitting at night sometimes while Joyce would have a gallery showing and Giles would have a late night at the library due to research papers being due.

The months flew and before Buffy realized it, three weeks had flown by. It was her birthday in just under 2 days and Spike hadn't made mention to come. She sighed as she hopped online to find Spike not there.

He had been always on time until these last two months. He just seemed so busy. She wasn't sure what he was up to but it definitely wasn't making Buffy happy. She sighed as her phone rang and she picked it up to talk to Willow. "Oz just called me. We have a gig to go this weekend. I'm sorry we won't be around for your birthday. Is Spike coming?"

Buffy bite her lower lip, "I'm not sure. I haven't really seen him but for a few minutes the last few days. I don't think he is. The original plan was he was to arrive today. He's not online but he's not here either. Willow things are changing…can we go somewhere to talk? I know I don't confide in you much anymore but I'm dying here."

Willow nodded then realized Buffy couldn't see it, "Sure. Oz is busy with something but no idea what it is. He seems to have a secret but I'm hoping it's something to do with when I graduate. Perhaps he's arranging off campus living for us or something cool like that. So where did you want to meet?"

Buffy glanced one more time at the screen before leaving an away message, "Chatting with Willow. Be back in an hour at 8. Miss you Spike."

She sighed as she closed the screen knowing the Away message would show up anyway. She replied to Willow, "I know it's dark but perhaps the beach. There's a great place there that you can see the stars while we talk. I just really need advice. That ok?"

Willow grinned, "Sure. It gives me something to do while Oz is busy. Want me to bring snacks? I got lots."

Buffy giggled, "I'll bring some sodas. We can make a party out of it. Shall I invite Anya too?"

Willow answered eagerly, "Sure. Let's make it into a girls' night."

Buffy grinned opening up her computer with another sigh, changing the message to, "Chatting with Willow and Anya. Be back in about 2 hours at 9. Miss you Spike."

Satisfied she closed the computer screen and grabbed her jacket to go meet her friends on the beach.