Mrs. Giles

Thanks pixiecorn!

Buffy couldn't believe she did that! She just should have sat back and kept her big mouth shut. But she just couldn't help herself. That Xander was just being a big meanie. Besides, someone that closely related to Randy couldn't be all that bad. Maybe it wasn't as bad as she thought it was.

Knock, knock

"Oh boy." She muttered to herself as she went to answer the door. She was surprised to see Spike on the other side- with a plate of food.

"Heard you mention something about hunger. May I come in?" He asked in a low whisper, rightfully assuming the baby was asleep. Buffy gave him a little nod and motioned for him to come inside. He followed her to his side of the room and sat at one of the desk chairs.

"Sorry for that outburst down there. It's just that, well, he shouldn't have said those things about you and-"

"No, it's alright, really. Actually, that's why I came up here. To thank you for what you did. Everyone else would've let it slide as if he'd said nothing. Just cause he was Randy's friend and all." He said with a rueful smile.

"But you're his brother. I think if anyone were to be slinging around insults, it should be you. I mean, you deserve to be upset and angry now. Go ahead and vent; it's usually a great feeling." She said lightly. "Why does he not like you so much?"

"Oh, pet, he doesn't not like me, it's just he more or less hates my guts for some reason. Always been like that. Especially since I slept with his ex, but they were already broken up for like two weeks."

"So, this all started cause you slept with his girl?'

"No, he hated me before all that- when we were kids." Spike could feel himself opening up to her, and he didn't like it all. But he couldn't seem to stop himself. Huh. Guess it is easier when you talk your frustrations out to a complete stranger. He thought. He took a deep breath and continued to explain.

"Uh... Randy always got along with people. Anyone we hung out with were really his friends, not mine. Actually, he was the only friend that I ever really had; my 'in' to the social world. He never left me behind. Good brother, he was. But, after awhile, I guess he felt the need for change. We were both supposed to go and work for dad, and on our day of inauguration, he said he had to go to the bathroom and never came back. That was nearly two years ago. I was just so angry with him, for leaving me. I guess that's when I became tired of living in his shadow. I never thought of altering my appearance of any sort before, but shortly after he left, I got mugged. That's where I got this scar from." He said, pointing to his scarred eyebrow. He began to lightly touch as he got this far away look in his eye.

"After that, every time I looked in the mirror, I didn't see Randy anymore. I saw someone else. Then I dyed my hair. I sort of became my own man, you know? I thought that when he comes back, I can finally show him that I don't need to be his nancy boy follower anymore, that I'd be okay, but... He never came. Instead he died, and, I never felt so alone." He said in slightly above a whisper. He felt his eyes tear up and abruptly stood up, not facing her.

"I know what it's like, you know." She began as she stood up, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. "A few years ago, I lost my mom. I didn't have anyone either. But I'm sure that Randy can see you now, and I'm sure you're making him proud with all you've accomplished." Spike nodded at the comment and began to take long strides to the door.

"I'll uh, see you tomorrow." He said as he lightly closed the door.

"Okay, what just happened here?" Buffy asked herself, utterly confused at the enigma that was Spike.

************

"What the hell." Spike said as he paced in his room. He couldn't figure out why he had said all of those things, and it was really irritating him. So, he took out a cigarette and took a few puffs to calm his nerves. The wheels in his mind began to turn as he thought things through, his feelings, Drusilla, Randy... and something wasn't adding up at all. Randy had a thing for brunettes. The quiet, shy types and what all. Spike didn't have a particular taste, exactly. More like a medley of women.

"Oh, bugger it." He said as he left the house. He hopped into his viper and headed home, forcing all serious thoughts from his mind as he attempted to enjoy his ride to his apartment.

Ever since Randy's death, Spike spent most of his time at home with his dad. Even before that, he was still mostly there for work reasons. That's why when he got to his apartment, there was a ton of mail waiting for him.

"Bloody hell." He muttered as he riffled through the junk mail and looking for anything that was important. A whole pile of mail later, he finally came across a white envelope with familiar hand writing. It was from Randy. Spike stared at the envelope for several minutes in shock before he sat down. The whole time since Randy had left, the only letter he had received from him was a post card simply asking "How'd it go?" Spike opened the envelope with care and pulled out its contents. Inside were a letter and a photo of Randy with a brunette.

"Who's that?" He asked himself aloud. Then, he began to read.

Dear Will,

I hope you're not mad at me for leaving, but I just had to get out of there! That whole thing was suffocating. I would've asked you to come with me, but you seemed (actually) excited about it all. It was all too... confining for me. Anyway, I know that this is very late coming, but I am truly sorry.

How'd the old man take it? Not too well at first, I suppose. But you were the one who was always the one with the brains anyway. No patience or people skills, but still. You really should work on that part. Gotta be nice to the clients and all, right? I bet you and Dad make the perfect team. Don't let the fact that I didn't want to work with you two sway you, oh no. It's just not my thing, you know?

I'll be back soon, and I wanted you to know that you're still my favorite person, and I hope that I'm still yours. I mean, no matter what happens, you'll always be my brother, and I love you. Yea, I know how much you hate that word, but I do. And even though you won't say it aloud, I know you feel the same way too.

Before I go, what do you think of the brunette in the picture? Sexy huh? Well, she is now officially your sister in law! Okay, so I didn't invite anyone to the wedding, but that is the point of "spur of the moment" and what all. Her name's Drusilla. She's a kick, you'll love her! I know I do. Have you met anyone? I'd like some nieces or nephews sometime soon! Oh god, now I sound like mum. I miss her. See ya soon.

Love,

Randy

P.S.

Ease up on the drinks and ciggarettes. Not good for your health.

Spike sat there, rereading the letter over and over. He didn't know what to think.