“Aren’t you a bit young to have a sword?” the shopkeeper said.
“It’s for my sister,” Dawn replied.
“She’s a lucky girl. This is a very special sword. I wish it was mine,” he said, “Do you wish that?”
“No,” Dawn said, “I wish someone would spend some time with me. My sister has been busy with guests for two weeks.” She sighed. She picked up the sword and left. As she left, the only other customer in the shop said, “Done.”
~*~
The door bell rang again. Spike said, “It’s probably Clem.”
“I’ll get it.” Buffy got up with a groan. When she saw who was at the door, she swallowed hard. “Hi, dad,” she said.
“I was just in town,” he said, “and it’s almost your birthday. I figured I’d stop by.”
“I’m having the party today,” she said. She was disgusted with herself. He hadn't called for years or even come when her mom died, but she still wanted him to stay and celebrate her birthday with her.
“I’ll stay then, if you don’t mind.” Spike had come to the door to see what the fuss was about. “Who’s this?” her dad asked.
Spike glared at him with cool disdain. He had no respect for Hank Summers. Hank had left Joyce, Bit, and Buffy. It had hurt them. Spike made miserable the lives of those who her his girls. “I’m Spike, Buffy’s boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you, Hank,” he said. Buffy closed her eyes and winced.
“I see you’re in a bad boy phase. I hope you grow out of it in a few months,” Hank said to Buffy.
“Dad,” she said in a sweet voice, “You have barely spoken to me for the past six years. You have no right to judge how I live my life.”
Just then, Both Clem and Dawn arrived. “Hi,” Clem said, “Sorry I’m late.”
“Dad,” Dawn said, “how are you?” Hank’s eyes lit up. He pulled his youngest into his arms and hugged her.
“I missed you so much, Dawnie,” he said.
“Missed you, too,” Dawn mumbled.
Buffy was grinding her teeth together in frustration. Spike slipped inside. He went up to the guestroom, where, sure enough, he found Angel. “I hate you,” he said.
“Yes,” Ngel said dryly, “We’ve already established that the feeling’s mutual.”
“I’m calling a truce. Let’s work together tonight. Buffy’s pop just showed up and he’s already making her miserable,” Spike said.
“That bastard,” Angel said, “After all he’s put her through…let’s give him hell.”
“Count me in,” Dawn said from the doorway of the room, “He deserves it.”
~*~
When Spike walked into the kitchen, he found Buffy pouring herself a glass of wine. She drained it in one gulp. He grabbed the bottle and said, “There are much better ways that we could spend tonight…almost anything would be better than barfing into the toilet while I hlod your head.” She smiled at him waekly. “I promised you that tonight would be fun, didn’t I?” He hugged her. “I’ll take care of eveything,” he said. She stayed in his embrace for a moment. She felt so safe when he held he held her. She didn’t have to pretend anything or be anything she wasn’t.
“I’m ready to face everyonr now,” she said. Spike care fully put away the wine.
“I think it’s time for you to open presents,” he said, knowing that that would cheer her up.
“Horray!” she said, “Presents!”
~*~
“It’s a portable vibrator. Good for taking care of all you’re little aches,” Willow said.
“Thanks, Will,” she said. Spike was leering at her from across the room. It made her uncomfortably wet to think of all the things he could do to her sing the vibrator. She quickly put it aside.
“Open mine next,” Dawn said. She handed Buffy a large box. She opened it and gasped.
“Thank you so much, Dawn. It’s beautiful!” She pulled out the leathe rcoat.
“I knew you’d like it,” she said beaming.
“Time for my present, pet,” Spike said. He handed her two boxes, one large, one small.
Buffy opened the small one first. She stared at the necklace with a delighted look on her face. It was beautiful. She couldn’t believe Spike had gotten this for her. It was so shiny and there was a little star light in the middle. “Do you want me to put it on you?” he asked. She nodded. As he leaned over he to fasten the clasp, she gently ran her lips over his. He smiled and gently kissed her back. When he was done, she opened the big box. She pulled out a beautiful sword. The sheath itself was georgeous. When she drew the sword… She looked up to see Spike beaming. It wasn’t a smirk or a grin, it was his true smile. It made his whole face light up. “The runes on the sword are for protection and strength,” he said.
“I love it. Thank you so much.” This proved it. Spike knew her better than anyone. His gifts appealed both to her woman side and her Slayer side. “Time for cake and games,” she said. As everyone filed into the dining room, she whispered to him , “Remind me to thank you better tonight.”
“It’s you’re birthday, “ he said, “So tonight, I get to worship you.”
“I’m definetly not objecting,” she said.
~*~
“Are you ever going to date humans?” Hank asked Buffy, “I mean, you’re dated two vampires. Why areey both here?”
“Hank,” Angel said mildly, “It would be very wise to keep your mouth shut. May I remind you that there are two vampires and two demons at the table.”
“Why would I listen to you? I could take you on any day,” Hank said.
“You don’t have the balls,” Angel said with a laugh.
Hank didn’t say anything.
Buffy looked down. Spike rubbed soothing circles on her leg. She moved her chair closer to Spike’s. Spike glared at Hank. “You know,” Dawn drawled, “A father has every right to tell his daughters what to do. He’s always there and always knows what is going on in their lives, right? Oh wait, you’re never here. Guess what, daddy, I have a boyfriend, too. He loves me and spends time with me. Fancy that, I didn’t think it could be done.”
Hank looked like he had been slapped. “These men are bad influences on you, girls. I just want what’s best ofor you. For heaven’s sake, there’s a green guy at our table.”
“Dad, shut up and eat cake,” Buffy said. Lorne, who was serving the cake, promptly gave him a piece. Spike and Angel’s eyes locked. Each gave the other a barely perceptible nod. It was time to take drastic measures.
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