Chapter 7.

Starting a new.

Buffy did not feel well.

Not only was she running a slight fever and struggling to fight the oncoming nausea but she had aching joints and was house bound. The doctor had reassured Jenny that is was only a 48 hour bug and that with a good night’s rest and some chicken soup, she would be as good as new.

Jenny and Giles had wanted to postpone their weekend away to L.A but Buffy had insisted that she would be fine. Cordy, William and Xander were there should she need anything and if anything went wrong they where only a few hours away.

So finally, after much protest, they had left for their romantic weekend away, leaving William and Xander in charge. Jenny had made a fuss and insisted that they keep a list with all their contact numbers should they need them.

Cordy was itching to get out of the house and spend some time alone with Xander, so when William left the lounge room to go get a drink she jumped out of her seat. She almost ran across the room to Buffy, who was laying on the lounge wrapped up in a doona.

“I need a favour.” Cordy whispered quickly.

“What?” Buffy asked.

“I need you to help me convince William that Xander and I should go to the movies.”

Buffy felt panic rise up inside her, a night alone with Spike? No! They hadn’t said a word to each other since he’d told her that their time together was a mistake.

“What? No! Please Cordy, I can’t be alone with your brother.” Buffy replied, sounding panicked.

“Please Buffy,” Cordy’s lower lip formed a pout. “You said you’d help me get time alone with Xander and they’ve been here two weeks and we haven’t spent even two seconds alone yet.”

Buffy sighed, feeling guilty for not keeping to her word.

“I know what I said Cordy and I’m sorry I haven’t kept my word but I made that promise before I realized William was Spike.” She whispered.

“I know and I understand but please Buffy,” Cordy grabbed Buffy’s hand and met her gaze. “I’m begging you. They’re playing New Moon at the cinemas in town and you know I’ve been waiting for it to come out and William knows for a fact that Xander has been dying to see it too,” her eyes lit up. “It’s the perfect cover.”

Sighing, Buffy knew she wasn’t going to win this argument.

“Okay,” she nodded, startled when Cordy jumped up and let out a silent squeal of delight before embracing her in a hug.

“You are the best! I love you.” Cordy squealed, practically jumping up and down.

“Oh don’t squish me so much,” Buffy groaned. “I feel like I’m going to puke already.” Cordy quickly let her go.

“Sorry, wait I can’t go out with you feeling sick.” Cordy instantly felt bad for not putting her best friends needs first. Buffy was about to reply when Xander and Spike walked in, cutting her off.

“Who’s going out?” Spike asked, confused.

“Cordy and Xander are,” Cordy’s eyes widened. “G-going to see New Moon.” Buffy stuttered, startled by Spikes sudden appearance. Cordy sighed in relief and smiled brightly.

“Why would Xander want to go to the movies with my kid sister?” Spike asked, sounding so arrogant that Buffy wanted to stand up and smack him in the face.

“She’s not a kid, she’s seventeen years old.” Buffy raised an eyebrow. “And maybe because they both love and have been dying to see New Moon. They’re friends too you know.” Buffy replied smartly, feeling proud when she noticed the shocked look on Spike’s face.

Arrogant jerk. I’ll show him he can’t walk all over me. she couldn’t help but think.

“Hey, I’m keen.” Xander quickly piped in. Spike spun to face him a strange look on his face. “I love The Twilight Saga dude, you know that.” he quickly explained.

“Fine, but be home by midnight.” he almost growled.

“Yes dad.” Cordy laughed, giving Buffy a kiss on the check before she and Xander headed out.

Buffy stood, ready to go to the kitchen when Cordy popped her head back inside.

“And Spike,”

“Hmm?”

“Take care of Buffy for me please?” she smiled at him.

“Of course.” He nodded, watching as she spun and left. Buffy and Spike stood there for a moment, rooted in the same spot unsure of what to say or do. Spike was hoping this wouldn’t happen, that they wouldn’t be forced into an uncomfortable “Alone with each other” situation. Sighing, Spike figured he better do as his sister asked and take care of her. He ran a hand through his curls and turned to face her.

“Do you need anything?” he asked but the question and the look on his face made it seem like she was an inconvenience.

“I can take care of myself.” Buffy snapped, annoyed, she brushed past him and towards the kitchen to get a soda.

Spike regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. He followed her into the kitchen and grasped her arm, turning her around to face him. His shoulders sagged in defeat when she pulled back like he had burnt her.

“Look,” Spike sighed. “I’m sorry I know I’m coming off as a jerk but this isn’t easy for me.”

“And what?” Buffy raised her eyebrow. “It is for me? I’m trying to be grown up about this and you’re acting like you’re the seventeen year old.” She couldn’t help but snap.

“Ouch! Kitty’s got claws.” he thought but he knew she was right, he was acting like a brat.

“You’re right and I’m sorry… Maybe we could wipe the slate clean and start again?” He offered. “I’m William, Cordy’s older, annoying over protective big brother.” he said extending his hand, Buffy laughed and took his offered hand.

“I’m Elizabeth, Cordy’s best friend.”

They stood in an awkward silence for a few minutes before she turned and headed for the kitchen again, Spike not far behind. He watched as Buffy opened a can of lemonade, taking a few sips before speaking.

“You know I meant what I said before about Cordelia… she’s not a kid anymore. She’s seventeen years old, old enough to date.” Spike raised an eyebrow. “End of next year she’ll be heading off to college, old enough to have sex.” Spike’s head shot up.

“Over my dead body!” He snapped. “How old where you when you started having sex Spike?… I mean Will-”

“Spike’s fine luv and that’s irrelevant.”

Buffy couldn’t help but laugh.

“No it’s totally relevant. How old?” he sighed, giving in.

“Sixteen.” he answered honestly.

“Younger then what Cordy is now.” Buffy took a few more sips from her can. “So why is she so different?”

“She’s my baby sister.”

“No, she was your baby sister. Now she’s a teenager heading into adulthood… I only say this because I know she worries. Your opinion matters to her and she holds back because of it and she’ll end up missing out on some great stuff.” She informed him.

“Like what?”

“The peace and freedom to do what she wants, with whomever she wants, without having to hide it.” She finished off her can and placed it on the bench. “You should think about that.” She whispered, before moving past him and back into the lounge room.

Spike stood in the kitchen stunned, how was it that this girl was only just seventeen? She was so mature for her age and he knew she was right about Cordelia. He needed to start giving her some freedom, he just didn’t want to see her hurt like he was with Drusilla but he knew it was up to her to make her own choices good or bad.

Spike moved through the house and came to stop across from Buffy, she was laying back on the lounge with her eyes closed and her breathing steady. She was clearly asleep.

He still had feelings for her, even more now since their talk, she may only be seventeen but she was mature for her age and wise. He didn’t know how he was going to get through the holidays without touching her.

Spike wanted her in every way possible, wanted to touch her, hold her, love her, fuck her but he knew it was never going to happen, it couldn’t. Buffy was still only seventeen no matter how mature or wise she was. Running a shaky hand through his curls he knew he needed to put some space between them and fast, heading up stairs he moved towards the bathroom.

He needed a cold shower and fast.