Long Way From Home - Chapter 16

"Why the hell not?" Spike put his mug back onto the table and frowned at her as though trying to understand what she was saying.

"My father believes I'm not doing as well as I should be, so he revoked my right to go home."

"Fucking bastard." Spike spat out and his mood visibly swung.

"Spike!" Buffy looked scared and bought both legs up onto the couch then hugged her knees, leaning her head against the back of the couch. She registered that Spikes hand was there and that it didn't bother her like it should have.

"Sorry love but its bollocks. Just because you aren't living up to his expectations doesn't mean you deserve to be punished. Sounds like my bloody father, the old bastard."

"Well it's done now." Buffys voice was quiet and she nursed her drink.

"What are you failing?" Spike stroked the locks of her hair that strayed onto the top of the couch near his hand; they were soft and cold under his fingers.

"Nothing, just not getting top marks. For some reason I can't concentrate." Buffy gave him a furtive look.

"Buffy, why didn't you fly home anyway and stay with lover boy?" He looked at her closely to gauge her reaction, she just sighed and closed her eyes.

"He works for my father, Angels a lawyer at his company." Her voice was a whisper and it pained Spike to see her so miserable.

"What? So he couldn't fly you home? That's fucking incredible of your sweetheart pet."

"Spike! It's complicated." Her voice was quiet but firm.

He threw his arms in the air and exhaled sharply, steadying himself. "It's none of my business I know."

Buffy bought her eyes to his and smiled. "You really should cut back on the sugar."

Spike looked over at the guitar couple that were staring at them, he smiled sheepishly and then turned his attention back to Buffy.

"I just think it's harsh and brutal. Didn't mean to lose my temper but it's a heartless thing to do to someone. Maybe it's my own personal issues I'm talking about now." He sat silent, letting his hand come to rest back on the stray waves of golden hair that spread across the back of the couch.

Buffy had her eyes closed and was thinking about what Spike had said. Why hadn't Angel offered to give her a place to stay? Was it because he felt her dad would be furious or maybe he didn't want her there? She opened her eyes and watched Spike; he was absorbed with watching his hand stroking her hair a little smile dancing on his lips.

Right now he looked so calm and sedated but a moment ago he had scared Buffy with a reminder of how quick his temper could change, Angel was never like that he was always calm and collected. She smiled as she compared them in her head, Spike was the type of man who acted on impulse and would jump into a fight if he were needed. Angel avoided rash behaviour and would probably prefer to discuss the issue rather than hit someone. They were total opposites.

Buffy realised Spike was staring at her, his eyes narrowed as he caught hers. He inhaled deeply and exhaled out of his nose, flaring his nostrils. She felt hot and flushed under his gaze, his eyes looked darker in the dim light, like deep cold pools of water and she could almost feel herself falling in and being swept along by a strong undercurrent.

Spikes breathing became laboured as he struggled with his emotions, he watched Buffy bite her lip hard under his scrutiny and saw a hint of passion flare up in her green orbs. He shot up off the couch and drummed his fingers on his leg.

"Stay." He pointed both his hands at her like pistols and shook them jumpily. Pressing his hand to his forehead he ran it firmly over his hair and around the back of his neck, he bit his lip as he looked at her. "Stay. I need a smoke."

Buffy watched him walk to the door and out into the night air, confused over what had just happened. He was pacing outside and then disappeared from view totally. She tried to figure out what was going on as she drank the remains of her coffee and took the mugs back to the counter. Spike was always edgy when Buffy mentioned Angel, maybe that in conjunction with their previous kiss and the look she had just given him had been enough to send him in need of clarity.

"Can I get two decaffeinated coffees? Thanks." She looked around and noted that she still couldn't see him.

"You the girl with Spike? You his girlfriend or something?" The guy Spike had been talking to earlier was smiling at her as she looked back from the door.

"No, just a friend, I think." Buffy watched the guy fill the cups up.

"Only he's never bought anyone here with him. He's a great guy, real passionate and writes the most amazingly deep poetry." He placed the two cups in front of her but Buffy was watching Spike who had appeared back in view, he flicked his cigarette away from him, exhaled the smoke and then sneered as he punched the wall.

"Passionate certainly is the word, thanks again." Buffy took the coffees and turned to head back to the couch.

"Hey missy." The guy caught her attention and she turned back to face him. "Be gentle, passionate men can be easily hurt, but whether or not they choose to show it is a different matter."

Buffy thought it over as she headed back to the couch, Spike certainly was passionate and she found it overwhelming even when he only directed a fraction of it at her.

Review This Story/Chapter!

It only takes a minute to send me feedback, but it makes my whole day. Simply fill in the form below: