"Yeah, I just figured you were one of those guys who's not really looking for companionship. And she's popular, she's pretty, she clearly adores you, not the worst deal." Not something he'd ever want for himself, but that would be why Spike could happily date someone he wasn't even dating and make out with them and Nicolas was essentially doomed to be single. He didn't mind that much, he didn't think he was ready to date again. Not just yet. Maybe never. Who knew?

"It worked too. Angel came to tell me to back off. Mind you, he just sounded as if he was hitting on me, but I figured out his intention eventually."