Chapter 1 - Fluffy Things And Introductions

"This is so not my day" Elizabeth was muttering to herself as she was walking through the school's corridor.

The classes have started over 10 minutes ago but she didn't really care anymore. She was soaked wet. Her white blouse, a part of her school uniform, was plastered to her tiny body, a white, lacy bra clearly visible through. Her stockings were hanging loosely at her muddy ankles, and she was leaving puddles of water on the floor as she continued to the girls' bathroom.

Once there, she put her books on the sink and sighed heavily. She was cold, wet and pissed off, and ready to rip things apart. Her makeup was smeared all over her face, streaks of black mascara running down her cheeks. She was staring at herself in a mirror for some time wondering how exactly did she get herself into this mess. Sighing again she reached to her backpack for a tissue. Her hand came in contact with something cold and gooey and she screamed out loud pulling her hand out in an instant and throwing her backpack in the far corner of the bathroom.

"Ewww...that's gross" she mumbled to herself inspecting her hand which was covered in mud. Why did she have mud in her backpack was beyond her. She decided not to worry about that now. Her headache was getting worse anyways without adding another tragedy to the list.

She washed her hands, then her face and looked around for something to dry herself with. Her still wet blouse was making her shiver and she wanted to get out of it before she catch something nasty. School was obviously out of the question for the day and the only thing on her mind was a hot bubble bath, pepperoni pizza and George Clooney movie. Upon not finding anything dry enough for her to dry herself with she pulled her skirt up to her face and wiped it in it. One of her earrings came loose and fell down the drain as she was doing it and she cursed out loud.

"Oh no you won't! " she yelled, sticking her finger inside and trying to get it out. "I've had a bad day today, mister sink, and you are NOT going to make it worse, got it?!" She brushed her finger over the earring and grinned. "I've gotcha now" she said and pulled, but the earring slipped out and fell further into the drain. "Damnit! That was my favorite pair!" Frustrated she kicked the pipe underneath the sink and it burst splashing the water all over the bathroom, soaking her completely wet this time. She screamed furious and grabbed her books and backpack and jumped through the open window outside. She ran to her car parked some yards away and sped away cursing the rusty pipes, cheap school sponsors and the whole world.

The leather seat beneath her squished as she was driving, but she was beyond caring at this point. She was so mad she wanted to scream bloody murder and pound things to a pulp.

It started to rain now and she slowed down a bit. As much as she loved to drive fast, she didn't really want to end up in a hospital for the next couple of weeks. She turned on the radio and decided to listen to some music. That always calmed her down a bit. Her favorite song was playing and she totally lost herself in it, imagining herself in a nice, warm jaquzzi with a glass of sparkling "Crystal" and scented candles scattered around, bathing her in a seductive vanilla aroma. She was so completely lost in her fantasy she almost ran over a rabbit trying to cross the street. She screamed and screeched to a stop, her hreat pounding in her chest like crazy. She looked around the empty road and let out the breath she wasn't aware she was holding.

"Oh God. Please tell me I didn't squashed the poor little thing..." She mumbled to herself, turning the radio down and resting her head on the wheel to calm down.

A knock on the window on her side brought her back and she turned her head only to meet the bluest of the blue eyes she's ever seen in her life. Her mouth dropped open when the stranger flashed her his smile and motioned to her to roll the window down. She shook herself from the trance and did what he asked her for.

"Are you OK, luv?" he asked her in his British accent, and she nodded her head, not being able to utter a word. He smiled at her again and she noticed for the first time now that he was standing there all wet, the rain pouring down on him, plastering his platinum white hair to his forehead. She thought he was beyond beautiful and she couldn't take her eyes off of him. His black T-shirt was soaked and clinging to his muscular body like a second skin, and she caught herself imagining how he would look like without the shirt on. Black jeans, commando boots and leather black duster completed his look, creating an image of a rebellious man (he looked like he was about 23 years old). She imagined herself putting her palm on his chest and sliding it down his abdomen to feel his six pack, which was now showing through the wet shirt. She mentally slapped herself, remembering that he was a stranger. She realized that he was talking to her again and forced her eyes away from his body up to his eyes and to concentrate on his words.

"You got me scarred there for a minute." He said again.

"I... I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..." she started. Then an utter panic took over her. "Oh. God. I didn't... umm... kill... the fluffy thing, did I?" She looked at him pleading him silently with her eyes to tell her the white bastard got away. He laughed. She almost melted into the seat. God, he had an amazing laugh...

"No, you didn't. Almost bloody got'im, though. A bit to the right and it would be a fluffy pulp now." At her terrified expression he laughed and she pouted. That was cruel, she thought, but decided to forgive him that slip-up, because he was gorgeous and gorgeous people can say what they want.

Before she even registered anything, he opened the door and pulled out his gun, pointing it at her.

"Now, if you don't mind, pet, I'm going to take your car. So, please. Kindly remove yourself from it." He said politely. She just gave him a blank look and he rolled his eyes. "I said: Pronto." He flashed his grin at her and pointed with a nod to his gun resting in his right hand. "My friend here is not as patient as I am, luv."

To his surprise, she started laughing at him, pointing her finger at him, clutching her sides and almost rolling to the floor. She thought he was joking?! That stupid little bint! He grabbed her by the elbow, but she wrenched it out of his grasp and looked at him shooting daggers. OK, he was gorgeous as hell, but sticking a gun at her was unacceptable.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOU MIND?!?!?" She yelled. "You think I'm gonna just get out and let you drive away in MY CAR?!? You must be either really stupid, or have a death wish or someting. You don't wanna mess with me, mister. I've had a bad day today. I am wet, cold, pissed and I lost my earring, which, by the way, was a part of a VERY expensive set, and I will NOT take any abuse from you, you... you... bleached... moron. You want to take it out with me?! Come and get me! I'm all game. If you're MAN enough... And stop pointing that thing at me. It's so rude." She finished and looked at him.

He was standing there looking at her like he was a deer cought in the lights, completely shocked and at a loss of words. Then he pulled himself together.

"Listen to me, you silly bint. I'm going to say it one more time: Get. Out. Of. The. Bloody. Car. Or I'll..."

" You...what? Tickle me to death? Ohhh... I'm shaking in my fashionable and expensive boots." She said in mock horror. "Besides, what's wrong with your car?" She asked pointing to the red BMW standing across the street. " It's right there, standing all alone and lonely. Why don't you get your butt there and drive away, and maybe I won't have to hurt you."

He looked at her. Damn, she was bitchy. A real challenge she was. He was standing there with a gun pointed between her pretty hazel eyes and she was mocking him?! Brave little thing, he thought. But he didn't really have a choice. He had to take her car. Driving in his started to be a bit risky.

"Bloody 'ell..." He mumbled under his breath. "Bitchy, little princess..."

"What was that?" She asked, but he shook his head as if saying 'forget it', sighed and lifted his gun at her again, this time unlocking it and pressing it to her forehead.

"Move to the passenger seat, pet." He ordered patiently.

This is getting old, she thought, and was about to say something, but he pressed the gun harder to show he was done with the games.

"And please. Shut your gob for 5 minutes. Can you do that, love?"

He was getting tired now. And she saw that. She nodded, and did as he asked, moving her books and her backpack to the back seat. He shoved his duffle bag to the back seat as well and got in the car, closing the doors behind him. He took a deep breath to calm down and then turned his head towards her. She was looking at him, waiting for him to say something. He noticed for the first time the school uniform she was wearing, and it dawned on him that she couldn't be more than 17-18 years old. Her long, wet blond hair was in a complete mess, partially covering her young face. She didn't have any makeup on, but she looked more adorable this way. She looked like a school girl she was. And he caught himself liking it.

She looked scared now and kept glancing at the gun he had pointed at her all this time. He sighed.

"OK, luv. I'm going to put it away now, but if you as much as try something funny, I won't be so merciful. Got it?" He asked her. She nodded. "Great. Glad that we have that clear. What's your name, princess?"

She looked at him pouting.

"It's Elizabeth. But friends call me Buffy. And don't call me 'princess'." She burked.

He nodded and started the car. He caught her staring at him.

"Didn't your mum tell you it's rude to stare at people?" He asked and she shrugged, but kept looking at him. He turned his head back to the road and concentrated on driving for some time, but he could feel her eyes on him, so he turned back.

"What do you want, pet?"

"You never told me you name. Or would you rather be called Mr. Kidnapper?" She answered and he laughed and rolled his eyes again. He happened to be doing that an awful lot lately.

"It's William. But friends call me Spike. And don't call me Mr. Kidnapper." he said and this time she rolled her eyes and turned her head back to the window she was looking through.

She heard him snicker and she pouted.

"Spike. pfft. What a stupid nickname..." she muttered under her breath loud enough for him to hear it. But he just kept on driving. If he heard it he was obviously ignoring her and she didn't like to be ignored.

"You know that's called 'kidnapping', don't you?" She said after a moment of silence. He smiled to himself at that and she scowled.

"You're going to be in big trouble, mister..." She mumbled, and he rolled his eyes. Because 5 minutes of silence was too much to ask. He thought to himself.

She didn't pay any attention to him now, completely lost in her thoughts, imagining him going through different kinds of torture, mumbling quietly to herself all the time about Spanish Inquisition and Chinese torture and prisons.

He just looked at her and rubbed his temples. Not more than 3 minutes in the car with her and he was having a headache of a lifetime. This is going to be a long day, he thought to himself, as he continued driving south towards the Mexican border.

Chapter 2 - Annoying Questions And White Panties

They were driving for no more than 20 minutes when Buffy decided that she didn't like the silence they were in now. Time to find out stuff about him, she thought.

"So. How come you're running away?"

He looked at her for a moment and then answered.

"Whatever gave you that idea, pet?"

"Oh, come on! You stole my car, and you kidnapped me! You obviously did something bad." She looked at him "So, what was it, huh?"

He didn't answered and she started speculating.

"Maybe you are a runaway prisoner... you were locked for years and now that you are out you're going to find a person who put you there in the first place and probably kill him. Or her..."

He rolled his eyes at her, but kept listening. This could be interesting, he thought.

"...And you didn't have a woman through all those years and you're probably going to try and take advantage of me..." She looked at him, trying to read his expression, wondering if this was the truth. She sucked her lower lip and bit on it lightly. "...and then, you probably kill me and dump me on the side of the road somewhere between New York and California..."

He laughed quietly under his nose and shook his head in disbelief. The chit was watching way too many movies.

"Sure, pet. That was my plan from the beginning. How did your pretty little head figure this out within 20 minutes is beyond me." He answered in mock astonishment. "Gosh. You must be, like, so smart and all."

She pouted and decided that he wasn't worth talking to, so she got back to what she was doing before: Staring out of the window and painting invisible signs in the glass.

~~~

A loud ring shook William out of his thoughts and he jumped startled.

"What was that?!"

She rolled her eyes at him.

"Just a phone, Sherlock." She leaned to answer it, but his hand stopped hers in midair. He was holding her rather tight and she winced a bit.

"Make it quick. And no details." he said and let her hand go. She breathed in slowly and picked up the receiver.

"Hey, Wills." She covered the receiver for a second. "It's my friend, Wills" She whispered to him and he nodded. "How's going? I'm fine. Yeah. Missed you to. Yeah, we should meet. The mall's fine. Umm... I don't know if I can make it today. What? Oh, I'm kinda being kidnapped as we speak..."

William rolled his eyes.

"...Nahh, some Billy Idol wannabe with a bad bleach-job. Aha. Aha. Hold on a sec. He's trying to tell me something." She covered the receiver with her hand once again. "What do you want?! Can a girl have a decent conversation without being interrupted, Mr. Manners?" She asked irritated.

He squirmed his eyes at her then without warning ripped the phone off and threw it out of the car. She just sat there looking at him stunned, still with the receiver in her hand. Then she calmly placed it back where it should be and turned to face him. She tilted her head to the side and observed him for some time. He appeared to be very much concentrated on his driving and trying very hard not to explode. Now, what on earth could upset him so much, she thought, but decided not to ask him about that now. Instead she gave him her most innocent smile.

"Willow says 'hi'." She added and grinned to herself when his jaw twitched and his knuckles turned white.

~~~

"How old are you?" She asked for no apparent reason.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Didn't your mom teach you not to answer with a question?"

"Didn't your mum teach you not to answer with a question?" he mimicked her in a squeaky voice.

"God, you're so annoying!" She exclaimed throwing her hands in the air. "I don't know what they taught you back there in England, but it surely wasn't manners"

"Well, pet. What can I say. I'm a bad, rude man." He smirked at her and she snorted. Now she was pretending to pick out an invisible lint from her skirt.

"So, you gonna tell me or what?" He smiled at her attempt to keep a conversation.

"You first."

"I'm 22."

At this point he laughed and she pretended to be offended by his actions. The ever present pout returned and he found himself staring at her full lips. Then she bit the corner of her lip again and he had to avert his eyes from her. She was a little vixen. And either she was doing it on purpose, or she was so inexperienced with men she had no idea what she was doing. After a quick glance at her, biting her lip and examining her nails he decided on the later one.

"Sorry, luv, but you don't look more than 17. In fact you don't even act like you're 22. More like you're 12."

"Hey!" She hit him hard in the arm "Watch it mister"

"Sure, kill the one who's tellin' the truth..." he muttered rubbing his arm with one hand while keeping the other one on the steering wheel.

"How old are you?" she asked again.

"Well, I'm not gonna tell you, 'cause you still didn't answer my question."

"Fine. I'm gonna be 17 in 2 weeks. Happy now?" He nodded, and smiled. So she was even younger than he thought.

"Sooo..." she prompted.

She was facing him now, one leg bent and stuck under her bum, second one dangling loosely from the seat. Her blouse was damp now, but he still could see through it. Of course it helped a great deal when she unbuttoned the first three buttons and undid the tie she had. Now he could also see her cleavage. Her short skirt was now dangerously high and because her left leg was bent, he could almost see under the material. Her long stockings were still at her ankles and he noticed that her legs were scratched and here and there a bit of blood was drying on her wounds. She kicked off her shoes too.

"...?..."

"Tell me!"

"Oh. That. Right." She rolled her eyes at him. "I'm 25, pet."

"You're lying" He rolled his eyes.

"And you would know that, becauuusee..."

"...You act like a 16 year old?..."

He laughed at that. She smiled. He liked when she smiled. Showed those pretty pearly white teeth.

"You don't look 25." she said, more to herself than to him.

"Why, thank you, sugar. I try to take my weekly beauty baths. They help a lot."

She shook her head at him.

"..."

"..."

"Have you killed anyone?"

"... .Yes"

"Why?"

"Because they asked too many questions."

"Oh my God! That was so funny I forgot to laugh." She said sarcastically. "Why?"

He sighed. Annoying little thing.

"Because they were trying to hurt what's mine."

"Oh. And what would that be?" She pressed.

"Not your bloody business." He snapped at her. This was getting really unpleasant. SHE was getting unpleasant. No. She was unpleasant from the BLOODY BEGINNING!!!

"Ohhh... Touchy, aren't we..."

"You have no idea." He said looking out of the window for a second. God, he needed a cigarette. Too bad he quit three months ago. Damnit.

"..."

"..."

"How many people did you kill?"

Here we go again, he thought.

"A coupla."

"And that would be...? She knew she was driving him nuts, but it was so much fun seeing him squirming and puffing and clenching his teeth. And she knew it was all her doing. She was so proud of herself. He dared to take her and her precious black Jaguar, he's going to pay for it, she decided.

"Obviously one too little..." he mumbled to himself, checking his duster pockets for at least one little fag. Note to self. Next time we stop, buy a pack... no. Scratch that. Buy 3 packs.

"I heard that."

"Great. Then you must know how I feel about you now."

"You wanna kill me?"

"If you don't shut up now I might."

"You wouldn't do that... would you?"

"Well, that's for me to know and for you to find out if you keep on talking."

"Fine. I was just trying to make conversation... " At that she pouted and turned away from him to face the window once again.

"..."

"I'm hungry."

"..."

"Can we stop somewhere. I need to get out of those clothes. They don't feel comfortable."

His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. Did she have ANY idea what she just said?! He decided to play with her a bit. Heck, two can play that game.

"Pet. I thought you'll be at least a bit innocent... You certainly don't waste time, you little minx, do you?" He waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively, dropped his eyes to her over-exposed clevelage, and licked his lips making sure she noticed that. She did, and now she was blushing furiously, and clutching her blouse to herself tightly.

"What I meant was, I'm all wet..."

Oh. This was even better. He turned to her fully now and started stroking his muscled chest in a circled motion. Her eyes grew even larger when he interrupted her.

"Ohhh, luv. Please. I love when you talk to me dirty..." He sighed dramatically and winked to her sending her one of his famous smirks. Her mouth fell open then snapped shut, then fell open again. It looked so comically, he thought, and he couldn't help but burst out laughing, still holding his hand to his chest. Her expression was priceless. Oh yeah. He was right about that. She was as pure and prude as a nun. Which only made things a lot more interesting now...

"What?!... I... Oh. My. God!!! You're such a pervert! I didn't mean... Arrrggghhh!!! Forget it!" She was now blushing like a virgin and he thought she looked beautiful.

He smiled to her, and she stuck her tongue at him and turned away from him at once.

"..."

"I'm cold..." She said after some time, and he noticed her pulling her knees up to her chin, trying to warm herself.

She was rocking a little back and forward and somehow all his anger towards her disappeared when he saw her like that. She looked so vulnerable and almost childish like. He sighed and reached in the back into his duffel bag, taking out a button down red shirt. He gave it to her.

"Here. You can change into this one for the time being."

She then looked at him like he just fell from the moon.

"Is there a problem?" he asked politely.

"You don't expect me to change in front of YOU?!"

The bitchy queen was back now and he snapped.

"Go on the back seat then, woman! Bloody Hell! Do I have to explain everything to you like to a 4 year old?!?!" He was snarling and growling and ready to rip her apart.

"You're going to be looking at me in a mirror!" She whined, clutching his shirt to her damp blouse.

He slammed his fists on the steering wheel and screamed. He ripped out the rear view mirror and threw it out of the window. God, that felt good. Somehow this throwing out stuff slowly started to be a habit of his, right there with eye rolling and snickering.

"Get. In. The. Back. NOW." He pronounced each word slowly, with clenched teeth so that she could understand him now.

She looked at him and shrugged. He was breathing deeply now repeating his calming mantra in his head.

"Geez. Don't have to be such a baby about it."

She muttered, and climbed over her seat to the back, in the process sticking her bum at him and flashing him properly. He pushed her ass out of his view and she scowled at him. Then she proceeded to unbutton her blouse and removing it, while keeping an eye on him, just in case if he decided to take a peek at her boobies. But he didn't really need to now. He still had the image of her white thong inches away from his face and he was grinning like an idiot to himself now.

"What are you smiling at?" She snapped at him.

"Huh? Oh, nothin' luv. Nothing at all."

"Nothing my ass..."

"You have no idea how much, luv. You have NO IDEA..."

Chapter 3 - Partners In Crime

Buffy had been sleeping soundly for some time now. She was lying curled on the passenger seat, with her head leaning on the window and her knees tucked up under her chin. She seemed almost peaceful when she slept, mumbling and making funny noises. Almost likeable, Spike mused silently. So adorable when quiet, so bitchy when awake.

"Pet. Pet. Wake up, luv. "

"whaa.. " she mumbled coming out of her slumber. Stretching her arms and legs, she yawned loudly.

"We're almost there." Spike said, as he turned a corner.

"There? Where's there?" She looked out the window her forehead was pressed against. It was dark already, probably around 8 pm or so. Looking around the neighborhood, a small voice in her head kept telling her it looked familiar. She rubbed her eyes again, forcing herself to wake up further and suddenly it all clicked.

"What the hell are we doing here?! Wait. How did you know?" The realization of what he had done hit her. "You went through my stuff!!!" She screamed, balling up her tiny fist and punching with all her strength in the shoulder.

"Oww. Stop it, luv." He rubbed his arm protectively. "Now get out."

"What? NO!" Buffy crossed her arms at her chest and put her foot down.

"pet..." he tried calmly.

"No! Don't 'pet' me, you... you..." she was shaking her finger at him now. "What kind of a kidnapper are you anyway? You are supposed to drive me to some god-forsaken place and whine about ransom to my parents, and... and... and make ridiculous demands to the police! Not drop me off at my house! God, you really are weird..." She pouted and shook her head at him.

"When will you get this through that tiny little brain of yours that you were NEVER kidnapped?! Did I force you into the car?! No. You were already in it and wouldn't get out. I just got in with you. So, theoretically speaking that's not kidnapping. That's giving a ride to strangers." Spike was getting frustrated now. She was so annoying. And he hadn't even had to spend 3 hours with her.

"WHAT?! Oh my GOD! I didn't give you anything! You forced yourself in... waving your stupid gun in my face..." she muttered.

"Listen, pet. It was fun, but it's over, OK? You've got school to attend to and folks who are probably ripping their hair out worrying about you. So get your pretty little ass out of the car and run along to your home and your bed. Hug your teddy bear goodnight and don't forget to say a prayer for mommy and daddy. Tomorrow, when you wake up, it'll all be just like a very exciting dream." He finished his explanation with a smile, then, leaned over her lap and flipped the door open.

She sat in her place for some time, her head hanging low, hands perfectly still on her lap.

"Whassat?" He inquired. He thought she was saying something, but it was so quiet he wasn't really sure.

"They don't care." She said again, this time a bit louder.

"Who?"

"My parents. They probably don't even know I'm not in my room." She staring intently at her skirt, twisting her fingers.

He sighed. "Oh come on, luv..."

"It's true!" She turned to him now, eyes glassy, threatening to spill the tears that were gathering there. "They are so wrapped up in what they're doing they hardly ever notice me. They are gone 8 months a year. Mom calls me twice a week to ask about school. We never talk for more than 5 minutes. She doesn't know how to talk to me. And dad... He tries to avoid me as much as he can. Like I have a measles or something. And for my last birthday he sent me a card saying: 'Happy Birthday princess. Love, daddy." Nothing else. I haven't seen him or talked to him in 7 months and that was all he had to say to me. Do you have any idea how lonely that feels?"

The tears were falling now, and she quickly brushed them off. She desperately didn't want him to think of her like of a 6 year old, crying over nothing. She swallowed the knot that was forming in her throat and sighed heavily. He was quiet for a moment.

"Believe me when I tell you: I feel your pain." He finally said, the sympathy he felt for this girl evident in his voice. It was no wonder she was so bitchy and annoying. She was just trying to get attention. He knew exactly how she felt.

"What's your story?" Buffy looked at him now. Her eyes were still watery, but she kept it under control.

"It's not very interesting"

"So? Neither is mine. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Don't have the time for that, 'm afraid." A sad smile crept on his face, and she nodded.

"Oh. With all the killing and stuff?" He raised an eyebrow at that remark.

"Mostly."

"You are very cryptic, you know. I wish you would tell me more. So that I wouldn't feel like a complete loser spilling my guts to you and all..." She was twirling the hem of her skirt in her fingers, and he found that very cute.

"Well, I'm glad you told me that. It was a pleasure to listen to you. And it probably did you good to throw it all out." He smiled when she answered him.

"Yeah, it did. And thanks for listening and not laughing in my face. No one has ever done that for me before."

"That surprises me. Don't you have any friends?"

"Not really."

"What about that Willow chit?"

"Oh, her. She's... she's... well, she's Willow. I don't know what she is. A pal. Someone who likes to shop with me. We never really bonded or anything. We just... shop."

"Boyfriend?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Well, it's really hard to meet someone when you attend an 'All Girls Catholic School' in a day, and have no friends to go out with in the evening."

He smiled at her. She was so pretty when she pouted. Suddenly an idea hit him.

"Pet. I'm going to ask you something, and I want you to please take a minute to think about it before you answer, OK?"

"O...Kay... What is it?" She was now fully listening to him.

"Are you happy?"

"You mean at the moment or in general?"

"In general, sweetcheeks. Are you happy with your life?"

"Well..." she started, but he cut her off.

"No. I said think about it. This is very important, please, kitten."

"OK." 'Am I happy?'. Buffy was wondering. Well, lets see. My parents don't care. My friends... pfft.

She was talking to herself now, trying to bring all the good times and the not so good ones to mind. Was she happy? There were times when she was, like her 5th birthday. Her daddy bought her a horse, and she had named him Furious. She loved him with all her heart, but... no... then they had to take him away. He was sick and they couldn't do anything for him. Not a happy day. And then there was her 7th birthday. It was great. She had clowns and dancing monkeys and her mommy was there and she was doing pictures. That was a happy day, no... wait... daddy wasn't there. He was flying to Zimbabwe to collect some piece of art for his gallery. Come to think of it, it was always like that. Her mom hardly ever there for her, her dad never there for her. No. She wasn't happy.

"No, William. I'm not happy. I'm lonely, and I'm sad, and my parents don't give a shit. Life sucks monkey balls. Anywhere would be better than here. So, there. Does that answer your question?" He sighed and nodded to her.

"Are you sure?" She turned to him, looking into his beautiful blue eyes.

Yes, I'm sure, William. I will never be happy in that family, she thought.

Her next words came out quiet but strong. "Completely, positively, one hundred percent sure."

He sighed yet again. "You are going to be the death of me, you know that? Close the door, pet. We're going for a ride." She grinned and did as he asked. "And please, call me Spike." He flashed her one of his sexy smiles and she laughed.

'This is crazy', he thought to himself as he put the car into drive again. Somehow this girl reminded him of himself so much. She was lonely and desperately begging for attention. He could see his young self whenever he was looking into her eyes. He knew how she felt. He went through the same thing when he was her age. Constantly trying to be better so that his father wouldn't see him as a black sheep of the family. But whatever he did, it never was enough for the old Englishman. He hated his dad. For not caring and ignoring him. Always comparing him to his brother. 'The perfect son', dad had always called him. And Spike was sick of it.

He couldn't let Buffy stay here and be unhappy. He knew that it was just a matter of time, before she too snapped and did something bad. The girl was hurting, and he was dammed if he let her stay here and let her slowly become the person he was. He will make it all better for her. Because she deserved it. No one was there to help him, but he sure as hell will be here to help her.

"Pet?" he suddenly remembered something.

She turned to him cocking her head to the side.

"Why do you have mud in you backpack?..."

~~~

Some time later and quite a few miles away they were sitting in a diner munching on burgers and fries There were so many things that needed to be discussed. Hungry and cold, they had decided to stop and refresh.

Buffy, still in her partial school uniform, had now added Spike's red shirt to the ensemble and was now sitting quiet contently happily, listening to his plans. Spike had managed to change his wet clothes too, and was now wearing denim blue jeans and a white t-shirt. The shirt was that was so tight, Buffy wondered if he could actually breathe in it. Gone was his ever-present duster, drying on a back seat of what she now considered THEIR car.

This is great, she thought, sinking her teeth into a burger. Here she was, an unofficial outlaw, she hadn't really done anything bad yet, but she was intent about working on it.

She was aware of waitresses stealing glances at him, admiring his perfect body, beautiful face and giggling at his spiky hair, but didn't really mind. Because it was her sitting next to him, planning their big escape.

She smiled to herself and concentrated on what he was saying.

"OK. So the plan is to get the hell out of here before your folks notice you're gone. I have some stuff I need to take care on our way, but it shouldn't take more than a day or so to get there. Then it's the world, baby."

"What stuff?" she asked. The world sounded good, but 'stuff' usually meant trouble.

"Family stuff, pet. Stop asking so many bloody questions It's really annoying, you know."

"I'm sorry. But I thought that since we're partners and all, I should know." She pouted and lowered her eyes to her food.

"This is of no concern to you, luv. No need to worry your pretty little head about it."

He reached across the table and patted her head playfully. Loathe to be treated like a child, she shrugged him off.

"Why are you so mysterious. What exactly did you do? Who are you running from?"

Spike arched his brows and looked at her in disbelief.

"Hey. I'm not running from anyone, OK. William The Bloody never runs away."

To make it sound a lot more convincing he pounded his fist on his chest. She clasped her hand on her mouth and started giggling.

"William The Bloody? Oh my God! How lame is that?!"

Spike tried to sound hurt. He was done with his burger and was now playing with the napkin.

"I worked hard to earn that nickname and I would appreciate if you show a little respect."

"Oh, I'm so sorry for disrespecting you, Mr. Bloody. I will never ever do that again. Please don't gut me." She replied widening her eyes in mock horror.

" I'm laughing my bloody ass off , pet."

"What's with the nicknames. First Spike, now William The Bloody... That's so childish-like." She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Is not."

"IS TOO!"

"IS NOT!" He smacked himself in the head "Bloody Hell. What am I saying?! It's all your fault, you know. You send bad vibes. You're evil." He said decisively, pointing a finger at her.

"So, how did you get them? Care to share?"

"Not much to tell, really."

"Tell me, I wanna know."

"Oh, fine. See, luv. I did my share of... how to put it..."

"...Killing, maiming, gutting..." she offered

"More or less, thank you. And, well, by the some weird coincidence, they all tended to bleed…a lot. Don't know why. All of them were a clean shot. Anyway, the name kinda stuck with me: William The Bloody. End of story. Are you going to eat that?"

Before she even got the chance to answer he grabbed her fries and busied himself with dumping ketchup on them. She looked at his actions in disgust and twisted her face to show him what she thought of it.

"Ewww... you can have them all. What about 'Spike'?"

"Hmmm?" He looked up from his fries, his fingers and face smeared with ketchup. "What about me?"

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Why 'Spike'?"

"Oh. That's why." He said pointing to his platinum, spiky hair. She laughed out loud and he smiled at that.

"Oh my goodness, look at your face." She grabbed a tissue from the table.

"You are like a 5 year old."

She then leaned over the table, lifted his chin up and proceeded to clean the excess of ketchup from his face. He looked at her and smiled a bit and she found herself drowning in his eyes again. And then he was coming closer, his eyes still locked with hers, hypnotizing , pulling her deeper and deeper. The hand that was cleaning him up was now almost still, fingers gently caressing his cheek. The tissue slipped out of her grasp, but she didn't even notice. All she could see were his eyes, and his hand slowly making its way to her face. They were now so close to each other their mouths were almost touching. Neither of them dared to close their eyes. And then she felt the palm of his hand touching her face, massaging her, and it felt so good to be touched at last. Tongue darted out of her mouth moistening her lower lip before biting it lightly and he groaned.

"Want some more coffee?" The waitress decided to interrupt them, and they jumped away startled.

Buffy excused herself quickly to the ladies room, and Spike sighed and slumped back in his seat. He looked at the waitress for a moment then shook his head.

"Great timing, lady." He barked at her

"Anytime, handsome." She chuckled as she disappeared through the kitchen door.

~~~

They were walking out of the diner in silence and heading to the car when Spike stopped all of a sudden. Buffy bumped right into him.

"Owww? Watch where you're going." She said, rubbing her nose. But when she noticed him eyeing the car and then looking around nervously she worried.

"Spike. What's wrong?"

But he didn't answer her, just kept looking around watching the parking lot, as if looking for something.

Then he grabbed her hand and started walking fast in the opposite direction.

"Spike. Where are we going? The car's that way."

"We're not taking the car, sweetcheeks."

"Why? But my backpack is there, and my books... Spike." She tried to wrench her hand out of his grasp." You're hurting me."

They turned into an alley behind the building and stopped suddenly, where a group of three men stood before them.

"Friends of yours?" She asked.

Spike turned around only to find another group of four even larger men behind them. They were now trapped and Buffy was confused. The men pulled out their guns and pointed at them.

"I guess not." murmured Buffy.

Someone was approaching from the back of an alley and the men in front of them moved aside to let the person go through.

"William." The man greeted the blond.

"Peaches. What a nice surprise. So glad you dropped by. How's daddy?" Spike answered matter of fact. Buffy's confused gaze wandered from tall dark haired man to Spike and back.

"Daddy's good. He was asking for you. Wondering when were you coming back home. You're such a disappointment to him." The man continued.

Spike snorted. God, he hated that ponce.

"Yeah, well, you tell him I found a better hobby." He smirked.

Angel nodded eyeing Buffy, and she mentally shrugged. There was something in this man's eyes, that made her want to crawl under her bed and never come out again.

"So I see. Got yourself a treat, didn'tcha?" Angel smirked at Buffy and she momentarily hid behind Spike.

"Here, luv, hold this, wouldya?" He said giving her his duffel bag and stepping closer to Angel.

Buffy clutched his bag to herself and observed the two men eyeing each other. Their features never changed when they were standing opposite each waiting for some kind of foul move from the other.

"And whatever happened to Sloppy?" Spike offered.

As if on clue another man burst through carrying something in his hand. He tripped and fell, the object - a gun falling out of his grasp. He quickly stood up, picking up his weapon. With his brown curly hair, tiny oval glasses and brown tweed suit, Buffy thought he looked comical.

He adjusted his glasses and his gun fell out again. William and Angel rolled their eyes as the man picked up his weapon.

"William. It's nice to see you again, brother." The man approached and smiled at Spike.

"Sloppy. Always a pleasure."

"Oh for God's sake, can we please stop with the granny talk before I hurl!" Angel yelled. "Wesley, get back in the car. And STAY there this time."

"Yeah, of course Angel. My apology for disturbing you and William." Wesley said to him then turned to Spike and Buffy. "Madam." he bowed towards her. "William." He said, then turned around and was gone.

What a strange guy, Buffy thought. In the meantime Angel had came closer to Spike and pulled out the gun pressing it to his brother's chest.

"Now, lets get back to business, shall we? You have something that belongs to me, brother."

"Ahhh. And what would that be? Drusilla?" Spike put the finger to his chin and wondered loudly. "Nahhh. I've got tired of that one. Got something else I don't know of?" He leaned to Angel and licked his lips suggestively.

Angel snarled and hit Spike across the temple with his weapon. He fell to his knees clutching his head, which had begun to bleed. Buffy screamed and started to run towards him but he held out his hand to her and she stopped. Spike pulled himself to his feet. He shook his head, which was playing with him now, displaying colorful shapes and blending objects into one blurry mass. He looked at Angel and laughed in his face. Blood from his head wound now making its way down the side of his handsome face.

"Still can't get over it, can you?" Spike shook his head. "God, you were such a disappointment to her. No wonder she had to look somewhere else." He offered, mocking his previous words.

Angel was snarling now, his eyes clouded with pure hatred. He pressed the gun over Spike's heart.

"I'm going to blow your heart out, smash it into a million pieces. I'm considering it a favor to the world, your heart doesn't seem to be able to do anything but destroy those that are foolish enough to care." He clenched his teeth and swallowed loudly. Tears started rolling down his cheeks. "You broke my heart, William... And daddy's... And Dru's. And even Wesley's. He looked up to you, you know. Wanted to be like his older brother. And you mixed him with dirt. That's all you've ever done. We loved you. And you betrayed us. That's not what families do. And you're going to pay for it. You broke our happy family. And now you're going to die." He unlocked the gun. "Say goodbye to your lady..."

And then there was a shot, and Buffy was screaming putting her hands to her ears. This was not happening. Not now. Spike couldn't be...She was not going to say it. They'd bonded. People don't just go and die after they bond. She refused to acknowledge it. The tears were now running down her cheeks and she was sobbing quietly.

Someone was yelling. There were more shots coming. Something was not right. She slowly lifted her head. First thing she saw was Spike on the ground unconscious, blood all around him. His words from before ringing in her head: 'You're going to be the death of me...' She crawled to him, not registering anything else around her. All she saw was him laying there.

"Spike. Spike, can you hear me? Please, wake up. Please, Spike. Please..." She was shaking him, begging him to open his eyes. He did finally and she let out a sob of relief.

"Baby?" he managed then winced, as pain in his chest shot through him. "Oww bloody hell!" He pressed his hand to the bleeding wound inches from the heart.

"It's bloody, allright..." Buffy tried to crack the joke, to cover her panic.

"Bastard shot me. Didn't think he had the stones..." Spike tried to stand up, but fell down again screaming in agony.

Buffy looked around and noticed that a hell had broken loose. There were three police units parked not more than 20 feet away from them, policemen shooting from behind them. To the right of her Angel and his boys were hiding behind garbage cans returning fire. She realized that her and Spike were in the middle of it and she dropped next to him, taking his blood covered face in her hands.

"Spike. Spike! Listen to me!"

He managed to focus his eyes on her. Everything started to get blurry and he shook his head forcing it to go away. She was terrified beyond belief, but she had to remain calm if they wanted to get out of this alive. Panicking wouldn't do anything good now.

"We have to get out of here NOW! They're going to kill us soon, if we don't!"

He groaned and tried to move but the pain was to much for him. He has lost so much blood already he was getting weaker and weaker with every move.

She cursed, and tried to lift him up a bit.

"Come on, Spike. We gotta GO!" She then proceeded to drag him out the same way they came in, grabbing his duffel bag on the way.

She managed to drag him all the way to the car, and cursed again when she realized that all the tires were slashed.

"Damnit!"

Then she noticed another car, probably one of Angel's buddy's and she grabbed Spike again and proceeded to get him into the vehicle. He groaned again as she was putting him on the passenger seat, but with the last bit of strength managed to help her out. Then she ran around to the driver's side and drove away with a screech.

Once on the road, she allowed herself to let out a breath she was holding since the first shot, and glanced to her right to Spike. His white shirt was soaked with blood, the wound still open and bleeding. Another one on his forehead began to swell, but wasn't that bad looking. He was lying there with his eyes closed and she got scared but noticed the little movement of his chest and sighed in relief.

Things were going to be OK. They had to be. Spike still had to show her the world he promised, she thought to herself.

Things will be OK.