Name: Deceptive Cadence

Rating: pg-13 (for now)

Author: Rema Wolf

Summary: Sequel to Into the Play. A song bird is in trouble. She’s being hunted by unknown demons. It’s up to the Scoobies and Angel Investigations to save her life. Little do they know that what they are hunting is really hunting two of their own.

Disclaimer: I own everything; the rest of the world is just in denial.

Author’s note: Due to popular request, I present to you Family Ties, the sequel to Into the Play. It takes up not to long after Into the Play ended. For those of you wondering about time line, everything is pretty much canon up to BTVS season 4, ep 12 “A New Man” and from then on it’s all mine. Same goes with AtS. Oh, except for Spike not living at Giles’ anymore. I let him out early. Also with reference to the characters, there is no Tara. Now don’t get me wrong I love her to bits but for reasons you will see, she just doesn’t fit in the story line. At least for the moment she doesn’t fit, we’ll see if she fits later. ;-)

It had been days since their conversation in the graveyard, almost a week actually, and Spike hadn’t seen her since. Buffy had finally gone back to Giles’ apartment after laughing over Spike’s apparent relation to her former watcher. It wasn’t long after she’d left that he’d decided they really did need to hash things out. He’d made it to the apartment not long after she had, just in time to see her walk off hand in hand with Riley.

Spike hadn’t seen her since. He told himself he just hadn’t run into her that he wasn’t avoiding her…but he was. In all honesty, he felt a little betrayed. But then, what had he expected? Did he really think she would tell Riley to piss off and then run into his cold, waiting arms?

“Hell yes,” he grumbled.

Spike nursed his beer as he nursed his ego. He looked around at the crowd of college co-eds that filled the Bronze. It hadn’t been that long ago when he would have chosen some sweet morsel out of the crowd, seduced her, taken her outside, and then drain every last ounce of blood from her body. Now he looked into the crowd and all he saw was Buffy. She was everywhere, he was drowning in her.

~*~

As it had happened so many times since their conversation in the graveyard, Buffy found her thoughts drifting towards Spike. She hadn’t seen him in nearly a week. She’d looked for him when she was out patrolling but never saw him. After a day or so she’d tried to push him out of her mind, but some how he always found a way back in.

Her last class had gotten out late and she felt drained, like some sort of demon had sucked her brain right out of her head. She opened the door to her room and decided to crash for a bit before heading out to patrol. She saw her leather coat lying on her bed and sighed. She’d have to hang it up because it was too expensive to just kick onto the floor, or hell, even lay on, though the thought crossed her tired mind. When she picked it up, the memory of holding onto Spike as he ran through the woods eased its way into her mind. That was followed quickly by the memory of his strong arms and firm chest. Of the way it felt to be held so close without feeling crushed like she did sometimes with Riley. This was where her memories began to merge though; memories of the soft touch of Spike’s lips, the taste of his skin, the smell of him making its home on her flesh and clothes.

Buffy shook her head, clearing her thoughts. It was bad enough she still dreamt of him, she didn’t need him filling her mind while she was awake as well! But then did that go the same for when she recalled certain dreams at certain times late at night? A devious smile found its way to her lips and she made her way over to her night stand to retrieve her other “Mr. pointy”.

~*~

“Hello?” Giles’ said answering the phone.

“Giles, it’s Wesley.”

“Wesley, yes. How are you?”

“Fine, thank you,” Wesley replied.

“Is there something I can do for you?” Giles inquired.

“Yes, well that is to say, I hope so. We’re trying to find a symbol, a crest actually, and what it’s for. I was rather hoping you could see if it’s referenced in any of your books, as so far I’ve not had any luck.”

“Yes, of course,” Giles picked up a nearby pen and pad on the desk. “If you’ll just give me the description, I’ll see what I can do.”

Giles carefully drew the symbol that Wesley described; a small triangle overlaying a sword.

“Hmmm, it seems a bit familiar. Do you have any idea what this is in reference to?”

“Cordelia had a vision of a young woman being abducted by cloaked demons with that crest embroidered on the lapel.”

“Good lord, were you able to find the girl?”

“Yes, thankfully, but we still feel there is something after her.”

“Yes, well I’ll look through my books, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

“Thanks very much. Good night, Giles.”

“Goodnight, Wesley.”

~*~

Wesley set the phone down in its cradle and looked around the small office. Angel and Cordelia were out with the young woman they had rescued. As it turned out, the young woman, Brenda Galahad, was a rising star in the music industry, and since she couldn’t lock herself away until they found out who was after her, she’d hired Angel Investigations to protect her. Cordelia couldn’t have been happier if someone had offered her, her own TV show.

Wesley heard laughter right before the door to the office opened. Cordelia walked in, followed by Brenda and Angel.

“I take it you had a good time,” Wesley smiled.

“It was amazing!” Cordelia exclaimed. “Brenda was amazing! She had that audience eating out of the palm of her hand.”

“Yeah and I think the press got enough shots of Cordy that she should be able to wallpaper her apartment,” Brenda laughed. “Well, I really should be getting back to the hotel; I’ve got an interview with Rolling Stone early tomorrow. Plus, I’m kinda hungry and I think room service is in order.”

“You shouldn’t go back alone,” Angel said.

“Yes, I agree,” Wesley said standing up. “One of us really should go with you.”

“You’re staying at the Beverly Hilton, right?” Cordelia asked.

“Yes.”

“I’ll go!” Cordelia smiled.

“Alright,” Brenda laughed. She slipped the leather coat off that had been draped around her shoulders and handed it back to Angel. “Thanks again. This outfit wasn’t really designed for warmth.” She gestured at the wine-colored tank top she wore.

It was hardly more than a large square cloth that covered her chest that was held in place by a tie around her lower back and a silver ring that went around her throat like a necklace. Her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail. Long waves of her raven-colored mane trailed down her shoulders and back; the long tresses almost blending into her black leather pants.

“Pfft,” Cordelia waved a hand at Brenda. “Who needs warmth when you’ve got style?”

“If you say so,” Brenda laughed. Her laugh was like her voice, warm and rich. It was the kind of voice that seemed to wrap around you like your favorite childhood blanket.

Cordelia slipped her arm around Brenda’s and they said their goodbyes to Angel and Wesley before making their way back outside.

“Did you call Giles?” Angel asked.

“Yes, he’s looking into it.”

“See if there’s a connection to the crest and large black dogs.”

“What?”

“There was a huge black dog following us tonight.”

~*~

Across the street from the Beverly Hilton, a large black dog with a thick leather collar sat waiting for his owner. He shook his massive head, causing the round disk nametag to jingle. A white van pulled up next to the hound and the side door slid open. A hooded demon stepped out from the van and called to the great beast.

“Gabriel,” the demon’s voice rasped.

The hound looked up once more at the hotel before leaping into the van.

~*~

Willow ran into the dorm room with such exuberance, Buffy shot right out of bed.

“What? What’s going on?” Buffy asked panicked.

“She’s coming! She’s coming here! Well not her, but to the Bronze!” Willow exclaimed.

“Again with the huh?” Buffy wiped sleep from her eyes.

“Brenda!” Willow held up a flyer. “She’s going to be playing at the Bronze this weekend! Oh…were you asleep?” Willow asked as she finally noticed Buffy’s rumpled appearance.

“Just taking a nap before patrol. So who is coming to the Bronze?”

~*~

Spike swallowed the last bit of his beer and slowly started to make his way out of the Bronze. When he reached the door, a large poster caught his attention. The poster proclaimed in huge letters that LA’s rising star was going to be performing this weekend. An image of a young woman, no more than 25 stood on a stage singing to the masses. She wore a tight, black mini skirt, knee-high black leather boots, and a blood red corset. Spike looked at the girl’s face and her long wavy black hair and had his heart been capable of beating it would have stopped right then.

“It can’t be,” he whispered.

The poster said her name was Brenda Galahad. Spike looked back up at the girl’s face and wondered. He would make sure to be at the Bronze that weekend…he had to be sure.

“Mavelle,” he whispered.

~*~

“We’ve got trouble,” Cordelia said as she entered the small office.

“What is it? Where’s Brenda?” Wesley asked as he walked around the desk towards her.

“She’s at her interview with Rolling Stone. That’s not the problem. The problem is her show this weekend.”

“Why, have there been threats?”

“Oh there’s a threat alright, but it’s not against her. And if you’d be quiet for a minute, I’d tell you!”

Wesley shook his head and walked over to pick up a doughnut.

“Brenda and I were talking last night and she mentioned her show this weekend. She asked if we were going to go with her since it wasn’t going to be in town.”

“Where is it going to be?” Wesley asked.

“Sunnydale.”

“Oh dear.”

“You can say that again. There’s no way Angel can go back there. I mean after what happened last time I don’t want to go back! I’ve gone through a lot of horrible things but nothing compares to being married to Xander!”

“Yes well, your complaints aside, it’s understandable that you think Angel shouldn’t go back, but we can’t just let her go alone. Something is still after her.”

I know that. I’m not saying we flake on our client; a very well paying client at that. I’m just saying Angel shouldn’t go.”

“Go where?” Angel asked as he emerged from the back office.

“Angel,” Cordelia turned in surprise. “I didn’t hear the elevator.”

“Is there any coffee?” Angel asked.

“It’s brewing,” Wesley replied.

Angel nodded and turned back to Cordelia.

“Where shouldn’t I go?” he asked again.

Cordelia looked at Wesley for help.

“Sunnydale,” Wesley answered.

“Wesley,” Cordelia snapped.

“Well, what did you want me to say?” Wesley asked annoyed.

“Anytime you guys want to fill me in would be great,” Angel sighed.

“Brenda’s show this weekend is in Sunnydale,” Cordelia explained.

“And while we feel we shouldn’t leave Ms. Galahad unguarded, it may not be best for you to go with her,” Wesley added.

“You go,” Angel said to Wesley.

“What?” Wesley and Cordelia asked in surprise.

There was a slight beep from the coffee machine, and Angel turned to make his way towards it.

“You can talk to Giles while you’re there. See if you can find out what’s after Brenda. If you need help you can call Buffy.

Wesley and Cordelia stared at Angel in utter confusion.

“What?” Angel asked as he picked up a coffee mug.

“You’re not going to argue about not going?” Cordelia asked suspiciously,

“If Wesley needs anything, he can call us,” Angel continued.

“Alright, who are you and what have you done with Angel?” Cordelia asked.

“Call when you get there,” Angel said ignoring Cordelia’s question. He poured himself a cup of coffee and made his way back to his office.

“Okay, that was just weird,” Cordelia said.

“Indeed…well, I should call Giles and fill him in.”

~*~

“Hey, Giles,” Buffy smiled at her watcher when he opened the door.

“Good morning, Buffy,” he replied with his own smile.

“Got your message, what’s up?”

Giles stepped aside so Buffy could enter.

“Wesley called last night and asked if I could look into something for him.”

“Wesley? Hey, did I tell you that Spike was a Pryce? Can you believe that? Think they’re related?” Buffy rambled.

“Buffy,” Giles sighed, “please try and focus…wait, what did you say?”

“Mind blowing, I know. You should have seen me when I found out.”

“Yes…well, as I was saying, Wesley called and asked me to find any reference to a certain symbol. Apparently, there are some sort of demons using it as a crest. The demons are after a young woman; thankfully the woman is safe for the moment, though they still feel she is in danger.

“Any luck figuring out what kind of demons are after her?” Buffy asked.

“Not as yet, but it might have something to do with black hounds.”

“Dogs?”

“This isn’t why I asked you to come over, of course. Willow will be over soon to help with research. I needed to tell you that Wesley will be here later today. As it would happen, the young woman they’re protecting is a singer and will be performing here this weekend.”

“Brenda Galahad?”

“Yes, do you know her?”

“Not really, but you might want to wear ear plugs when you tell Willow.”

“Yes, well I’ll keep that in mind. Wesley’s asked if we could help watch out for her while she’s here.”

“Angel isn’t coming?” Buffy asked.

“No, it would seem he’s elected to remain in L.A.”

To her deep surprise, she wasn’t as sad about that as she would have been a few weeks ago.

“Well, it’s been a slow week on the Hellmouth front. Don’t see any reason not to help out.”

“I suggest you find Spike and see if he’s heard anything about these demons.”

Giles turned and picked up a sheet of paper with a symbol drawn on it.

“This is the symbol the demons wear on their cloaks,” Giles explained.

“Spike…right,” she sighed as she took the paper.

“Is everything alright?” Giles asked, his brows furrowing in concern.

“Yup, no problem here.” Buffy gave Giles the same smile she usually saved for her mother when she was trying to hide injuries she’d gotten during patrol. Buffy made her way out into the bright California sunshine before he could ask any more.

“No problem at all,” she sighed.

~*~

Spike sat in a large, moth-eaten green chair that he’d scavenged from the dump the night before. He looked around the crypt he’d claimed as his home and sighed. He would never admit it to anyone, but here, alone in the crypt he could admit to himself that he missed the comfort of Giles’ home.

Spike reached into his packet and pulled out the folded flyer he’d taken from the Bronze. Taking a deep breath he unfolded the paper and looked heartbreakingly at the singer’s face. Frustrated, Spike threw the paper across the crypt. He watched as it spun to the floor.

“It couldn’t be her,” he thought to himself. Spike closed his eyes as he repeated that thought; that the girl in the flyer couldn’t be the same one from his past.

Someone touched his shoulder and shook him.

“Spike,” a voice called.

Spike’s eyes shot open as he leapt from the chair. He spun around to see who had woken him and saw Buffy standing behind his chair.

“Whoa, down boy,” she laughed.

“Slayer,” Spike growled. “How did you find me?”

“Usual ways; dusted some vamps, killed some demons, broke Willy’s nose. You must have been having some nightmare. I heard you before I got to the door. What was it about?”

“Don’t remember,” Spike mumbled.

“You were asking someone to forgive you,’ Buffy said as she walked around the moth-eaten chair.

“Was there something you wanted, Slayer? You didn’t go to all the trouble of finding me just to eavesdrop on my dreams. I mean if you want to watch me sleep something could be arranged,” Spike leered.

“Pig.”

“That’s me, the other white meat. Wanna bite?”

“Have you ever seen this?” Buffy, choosing not to rise to Spike’s bait, held out the sketch Giles had given her.

Spike took the paper and glanced down at it.

“Tridék warriors,” Spike answered and gave the paper back to Buffy.

“You know them?” Buffy asked surprised.

“Yeah. Secret society of demons. But I wouldn’t call them warriors. Thugs for hire, brawn without the brain.”

“Wow.”

“What?”

“Well…it’s just that Giles and Wesley have been trying to find out about them for awhile now, but they haven’t been able to come up with anything.”

“They don’t advertise. Thus the ‘secret society,’” Spike mocked.

Buffy rolled her eyes and walked over to a dusty sarcophagus. She wiped her hand across the surface before hopping on the lid, causing a few thousand layers of dust to rise into the air.

Spike watched the gentle swing of her legs as she sat on the cold stone and remembered the last time he’d seen her like that. It had been a few hours after the incident at the theater and Buffy had come across him in the graveyard. That, of course, was followed by seeing her with Captain Cardboard. Spike closed his eyes and ground his teeth at the memory.

“What’s with you? You drink some bad blood? Do vamps get indigestion?”

“Was there something else you wanted, Slayer?” Spike growled.

Buffy watched Spike in confusion. He hadn’t moved much since she came in, and that was odd for him. He stood there, not really facing her; with his eyes were closed and he ground his teeth. She watched the muscles in his face tighten and once again marveled over how a man could have such great bone structure. He opened his eyes and for a moment Buffy could see the depth of his emotions. But as soon as he realized she was looking at him, he schooled his face features and Buffy was shut out.

“No,” she whispered. She shook her head and jumped off the sarcophagus. When she spoke again her voice was much stronger. “No, that’s all I needed from you,” she said with venom.

She’d almost made it to the door when Spike called out to her.

“Buffy,” Spike didn’t move, not even to turn and face her.

“What?” Buffy responded, she too without turning to face him.

“The Tridék won’t work for just anyone. They have to be afraid of whoever is in control. They don’t scare easy. What or whoever is pulling their strings now has to be something powerful.”

“Right,” she said and made her way back outside.

A woman dressed in tight black leather and a long, black hooded cloak that hid most of her face stood across the cemetery, hidden in the shadows of a tall oak tree. She watched Buffy leave with shock. The woman clenched her fist and punched the old oak, causing the tree to tremble and nesting birds to fly away in fear.

“I’ll kill him. That’s what I’ll do,” the woman growled as she made her way out from the shadows.

The large black hound that had been sitting beside her stood up and grabbed the hem of the woman’s cloak in his massive jaws.

“No, Gabriel, I don’t care. Screw the plan, I’m just going to kill him,” the woman said looking down at the black beast. “She was right there and he just let her go!”

The animal woofed out a puff of air through his nose and the woman sighed, reaching down to the dog to stroke his broad head.

“Well how about her? I mean she saw the look in his eyes; saw what he tries so hard to hide and she still left!”

The hound tugged lightly at the woman’s cloak.

“Alright, Gabriel, alright. I won’t kill them.”

The dog released her cloak and sat back on the ground.

“I’m just going to break his nose,” she added, and once again turned towards the crypt.

The dog barked and the woman looked down at the beast in shock.

“I am not impatient.”

The dog let out another puff of air from his nose and shook his head. The woman gave the hound a menacing look that would have sent any other animal, or human for that matter, running for the nearest bomb shelter. This beast however stood up and lowered its massive head.

“That’s better,” the woman said. “You’re right, of course. We must wait. But so help me, Gabriel,” the woman looked over her shoulder towards Spike’s crypt, “I wonder if it’s worth it.”

~*~

“Hey guys,” Buffy greeted.

She shut the door to Giles’s apartment and smiled at Xander and Willow.

“Hey, Buffster, where ya been?” Xander asked from his place on the couch.

“Giles had me track down Spike to see if he knew anything about those demons,” Buffy explained as she made her way over to the chair across from Xander.

“And how much did neutered-boy squeeze out of you for that info?” Xander asked.

Buffy stroked the arms of the brown chair she’d come to think of as hers. Of course it had nothing to do with the fact it was the same chair that she’d shared with Spike when they were married. Nope…that had nothing to do with it at all.

“What?” Buffy asked absent-mindedly.

“Moola, denero, greenbacks. How much did Spike want before he’d cough up any dirt on the demons?” Xander asked again.

“Nothing,” she answered.

“Just beat it out of him, did ya? That’s my Buffy,” Xander smiled.

Buffy thought about it then shook her head. He hadn’t asked for anything. She didn’t realize it when it was happening, but now…it just wasn’t like Spike. He didn’t give anything up for free; everything had a price.

“So you hear the news? Ain’t it grand?” Xander beamed.

“I know! I can’t believe Brenda Galahad’s coming here!” Willow chimed in.

“I was talking about the fact that Dead Boy Sr. wasn’t coming back, but huzzah to Brenda gracing our presence as well.”

“Xander,” Buffy sighed.

“Buffy,” Giles said as walked down the stairs from his loft bedroom. “Did you have any luck with Spike?”

“Yeah, actually. Spike says the demons are called tri-tip. No…Tri-duck? Triptych?”

“Tridék.” Giles supplied.

“Yeah, that’s them. Spike says they’re big with the secrets and the scary, though not so much with the brains.”

“Tridék Warriors... good lord, I thought they were a myth.” Giles removed his glasses and polished them with a cloth he produced from his pocket. “Well, at least now we know where to focus our search, though I’m not sure how much we will find. As I said, by all accounts Tridék Warriors have been thought of as myths.”

“Maybe Spike knows more,” Willow suggested.

“Oh, do we have to bring the fangless wonder into this?” Xander whined.

“As much as I dislike the idea,” Giles sighed and pushed his glasses back in place, “if we don’t find anything in our research, Spike could prove useful.”

“Hmm…heavy research or dealing with William the Annoying. Why don’t we ever have any fun decisions like chocolate syrup or caramel on our sundaes?” Xander complained. Willow reached over from her place on the couch next to Xander and patted him sympathetically on his arm.

There was a series of short knocks at Giles’ door and the watcher made his way over to see who it was. He opened the door and Buffy, Willow, and Xander could hear him greet Wesley and a young woman. They all looked over at the door and watched their visitors enter.

“Hello, everyone,” Wesley smiled as he entered.

Buffy nodded while everyone else returned the greeting.

“I’d like to introduce you to Brenda Galahad,” Wesley gestured for the young woman to come closer.

“Hello, everyone,” Brenda smiled.

Xander stared in stunned silence at the beautiful woman in front of him. She was simply radiant, that was the only word for it. She was wearing a red ribbed sweater with and overly large turtleneck that was folded to fall open and show a hint of her sun-kissed skin. Her long, black curls were pulled back into a loose ponytail. Her jeans flared out at the bottom to give room for what had to be calf high, high heeled boots. The jeans grew snugger as they reached the soft swell of her hips.

“athem fiff thum,” Xander mumbled incoherently.

“Nice to meet you, too,” Brenda smiled sweetly.

“Xander,” Willow whispered. “You’re drooling.”

“You’re lucky Anya isn’t here,” Buffy smiled.

Buffy stood from her chair and made her way over to Wesley and the woman he’d brought with him.

“Brenda, this is Buffy,” Wesley supplied.

“Buffy, hello,” Brenda smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I wanted to thank you for you’re help and I’m sorry if my being here is an inconvenience. I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than play babysitter to an L.A. songstress.”

“No!” Willow smiled as she stood from the couch to join Buffy. “We’re more than happy to help!” Brenda beamed at Willow.

“Yeah, it’s no problem,” Buffy added.

She studied with woman in front of her for a moment. Buffy couldn’t see what the big deal was.

“We’ve taken rooms with the rest of her band at the Sunnydale Inn,” Wesley said. “But I suspect for the most part, when ever Ms. Galahad-”

“Brenda,” she corrected with a smile.

“When Brenda,” Wesley smiled, “isn’t needed at the Bronze, we will be here with you.”

“Well, welcome to Sunnydale’s only amusement park: Rersearchland.” Xander, having found his voice, held up one of the large books he’d been searching through. “Grab some couch on jump on in. Though I warn you, if you have any heart conditions, back problems, are or may be pregnant, or if you value your sanity and only enjoy things that are fun, then we suggest you run now. Run fast and hard.”

Brenda laughed as she made her way over to sit next to Xander.

“Have you found anything?” Wesley turned to ask Giles.

“Actually, yes. Spike seems to know something about what’s after Ms. Galahad.”

“Brenda,” the songstress called from the couch.

“They’re Tridék Warriors,” Giles continued. “But we’ve yet to determine why.”

“Tridék Warriors,” Wesley repeated. “Well, of course I’ve heard of them, but it’s always been thought they were myths. What exactly did Spike say about them?”

“Big, mean, scary monsters, secret society, yadda yadda. Thugs for hire, basically, but they won’t work for just anyone. They have to be scared of who they work for,” Buffy answered.

“Thank you, Buffy. That was very…informative,” Giles sighed.

“Anytime,” she smiled and leaned against the back of the couch.

“Still, it would be helpful if we had more to go on,” Wesley stated. “All my knowledge of the Tridék is pure conjecture.”

“Already on it. I’ll find Spike tonight and see what else he knows,” Buffy said, her smile fading.

“Spike, yes. Angel and Cordelia told me that he was here. Is that really wise?” Wesley asked.

“Don’t worry about the fangless wonder,” Xander called from the couch. “That dog’s been neutered. Still say we should put him down.”

“He’s fine,” Buffy said.

“Wesley,” Brenda turned around to look at the former watcher. “I need to get to the Bronze. We’ve got sound check in an hour.”

“Oh, sure, leave us to do all the hard researching,” Xander joked.

“Well,” Brenda stood up an made her way to Wesley, “you guys are more than welcome to come too. Don’t know how exciting it will be.”

“I’m in!” Xander said as he sprang from the couch. “Sorry, Will,” he said as handed her the book he’d been reading. “You know me and research don’t get along.”

“It was great meeting you all,” Brenda smiled. “Thanks again for all your help. I’ll make sure your names are down on the list to get in tonight.”

Buffy watched Xander, Wesley, and Brenda leave. Brenda was smiling and laughing at something Xander had just said. When the door shut, Buffy had one overwhelming feeling: Brenda should not be trusted.

~*~

Buffy wasn’t able to find Spike while she was out patrolling. She’d gone by his crypt but there was no sign of him. She had made a quick sweep before heading back to the dorms to get ready for Brenda’s concert.

Buffy wasn’t sure why she felt Brenda couldn’t be trusted. It wasn’t anything she’d said or done; in fact, she’d hardly done anything. Perhaps it was that Brenda seemed so unconcerned about what was happening. Buffy couldn’t say for sure since she hadn’t been there, but she guessed that Brenda probably hadn’t even blinked when she found out demons were after her. Probably laughed it off with a smile that would have made Mary Poppins sick.

Buffy opened her closet door to pull out the skirt she’d planned to wear to the show. She stopped when she saw her leather jacket hanging on the back of the door. She ran her fingers slowly over the soft material and closed her eyes. She didn’t wear the jacket much anymore because it always reminded her of Spike. She didn’t want to think about him, but was getting more difficult everyday.

Buffy snatched her hand away from the jacket in disgust. She grabbed a short black skirt out of the closet and slammed the door. Spike had blown her off when she’d gone to his crypt, and she had no intention of thinking of him. And certainly not missing him…even though she did.

Part of her, the part she kept trying to squash, missed him. It wondered where he was, what he was doing, if he miss her too. It was the part that was hurt by his dismissal earlier that day. And that part was growing larger, growing stronger.

Buffy changed her clothes with quick, angry movements.

“Stupid vampire with his stupid hair, stupid cheekbones, stupid accent, stupid swagger and his stupid…stupidness.”

Buffy opened her door and jumped back in surprise.

“Hey, Buffy,” Riley smiled. “Sorry I startled you.”

“It’s okay. I just didn’t expect to see anyone when I opened the door.”

“So can I come in? I was hoping we could talk.”

Talk. That was all he wanted to do since they’d gotten trapped in the play. The last thing she wanted right now was have another long-winded conversation about their relationship.

“Actually, I was heading over to the Bronze. I’ve got to help watch over Brenda,” Buffy said, her voice full of annoyance.

“Brenda Galahad?” Riley asked.

“None other.”

“Great, I’ll come with you and we can talk on the way.”

“Great,” Buffy said with her best, forced smile. And with that they made their way out into the night.

~*~

Spike stood outside the Bronze and watched the people line up to get inside. They’d all come to see Brenda, to hear her sing. They’d come to dance and drink. Live their youth to the fullest. Spike had come to hear her too, come to see her for himself. He had to know if the only thing he’d ever regretted doing as a vampire had come back to haunt him. He made his way to the alley beside the club and the fire escape that would be his entrance to the club.

Once inside, he made his way to a dark corner of the catwalk and looked down on the forming crowd. He spotted Willow sitting at a table, laughing with the whelp. Xander stood up and went to the bar to get drinks. Spike watched the witch as she sat alone. She was special, that one. He’d known that for a long time. He wondered how her friends could be so blind to the power that waited inside the young girl.

Spike looked away quickly when a scent assailed him; the scent of a slayer. He saw Buffy walk in through the far door and had to control himself not to go to her. Of course, it became easier to control that urge when he saw who walked in behind her. He couldn’t believe she was still with the toy soldier, not after what had happened at the theater. Everything she’d said when she was Cinderella...everything she’d said afterwards. Spike shook his head in disgust. She really did have the worst taste in men.

~*~

Buffy walked over to where Willow sat as Riley went to join Xander at the bar.

“Hey, Buffy,” Willow smiled with her usual cheerfulness. “Nice to see you and Riley out together again.”

“Yeah.” Buffy thought her face would crack if she had to force one more smile. “Where’s Wesley?”

“He’s back stage with Brenda. Buffy you should have heard her sing! She’s even better in person!”

“I bet,” Buffy commented off-handedly. “Is Wesley going to stay back there?”

“No. He said he’d come out here when the show started. Why, what’s wrong.”

“Nothing. It’s just…have you noticed anything strange about Brenda?”

“Strange? What do you mean?”

“It’s probably nothing but…I don’t trust her.”

“Trust who?” Xander asked as he set the drinks down.

“It’s nothing.” Buffy looked out over the crowd and thought for a moment she saw a dark, hooded figure. But when she looked again it was gone.

~*~

Brenda stood in the shadows going over the set list they were to perform that night when she heard a soft sound coming from the darkness beside her. She stepped towards the darkness and looked around.

“Brenda,” Wesley called from behind her.

Brenda turned and smiled at Wesley.

“Brenda, I’m going to out the audience now. Is there anything you need before I go?”

“No,” she smiled. “Thank you for all your help.”

“Have a wonderful show,” Wesley smiled.

Brenda watched Wesley walk out onto the stage and down the stairs to the audience.

“Brenda,” a soft voice called from the shadows.

Brenda turned back to the darkness and saw a tall, hooded figure emerge with a large black hound.

“It’s time, Brenda,” the woman said.

Brenda looked back over her shoulder to the growing crowd.

“You know what to do.”

“Yes,” Brenda whispered.

~*~