She went into the kitchen to find something to make for breakfast, but a flash of color at the back door caught her eye. A beautiful red rose was stuck to the outside of the door. Curious, Buffy went over and opened the door to get the rose.

When she opened the door, she was even more surprised to see an envelope addressed to her in elegant handwriting attached to a large, flat white box lying at her feet. She got the rose off the door before stooping over and picking up the box, retreating back into the security of the house with her mysterious gift.

Buffy set the box and rose on the counter before freeing the envelope. Turning it over, she saw it was sealed with a wax stamp. She studied it for a moment before breaking it open and reading the note inside.

I’ve been watching you… Hope you like my present. I’ll see you tonight at seven to make sure you look good in green.

Buffy’s hands were shaking. As she dropped the letter, her dream from last night came back in a flash. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, feeling like it was going to pound its way out of her chest. Cautiously, Buffy put a hand on either side of the box and lifted off the lid. She gasped when she saw what was inside.

Inside laid the most gorgeous emerald dress Buffy had ever seen. Picking it up, Buffy held the dress against her body. There were two thin straps, and the dress was backless. It fell down to the floor and looked like even with heels it would still brush the floor. Inside the box she also found a pair of strappy black heels, a small clutch purse that matched the dress, and two other smaller boxes. Carefully draping the dress over a stool, she grabbed the smallest box, which contained a pair of contact lenses. She set the box on the counter before picking up the second box and opening it. Buffy gasped again. In the box she found the most beautiful necklace she had ever set eyes on. Emerald and onyx stones were set in white gold making an intricate design, along with a matching pair of dangling earrings.

He ran a hand through his all ready rumpled hair and sighed. It was only eleven in the morning, and he couldn’t do anything until seven at night. And worst of all, he couldn’t sleep to pass the time. So he kept pacing…

Last night he had been kept occupied by making his plans and getting her gifts. He’d even had to call her eye doctor to find out her prescription. That had been interesting as he pretended to be her father. Getting the contacts in such a short time had been even more difficult, but luckily he knew someone who owed him a favor.

Spike paused in his pacing to pick up a bottle of JD and went to take a swig before pausing. He looked at the bottle in his hand questioningly, and then gave another more long and drawn-out sigh and setting the bottle back down. Wouldn’t do to be drunk when he showed up tonight. He still had to figure out how to make her feel comfortable around him. Shaking his head he resumed his pacing.

It was insane. He, a master vampire, feared by many, was reduced to a nearly uncontrollable bundle of nerves because of this tiny, human girl. He had no reason to want her, to be seemingly ruled by some unseen power she had over him, but that seemed to be the case. He should have just killed her the first time he’d seen her, but something about her… sung to him. Her blood soothed him, relaxed him instead of calling up any bloodlust, as it should have. Spike growled in annoyance. This girl, this blonde who went so unnoticed by the rest of the world, had unknowingly taken hold of him and refused to let him go. Checking the time once more, Spike growled once again in aggravation. It was 11:08.

Buffy glanced around, still trying to find something to occupy herself with. She considered doing some homework, but it seemed that was all she ever really did. She was all ready about a week ahead in nearly all her classes. Suddenly, a photo caught her attention. Buffy smiled sadly as she walked over and picked it up, staring at the framed picture she now held in her hands.

“You would have been able to help me, mom. You always knew just what to do,” she said softly, emotion thick in her voice.

“Why’d you have to leave?” she asked, a tear finding its way down her face. Buffy continued looking at the picture of her mother and herself as she let the lone tear fall. They had been so happy that day. It was the day they’d moved here to Sunnydale from LA. Buffy’s mother had been her best friend, the only person who cared for her. They’d done everything together, up until her untimely death in a car crash two years ago. Buffy set the picture down, having decided it was time to go out.

Quickly changing from the pajamas she had put on after her shower, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a black tank top, quickly ran a brush through her hair, slipped on some sneakers, and went back downstairs.

Buffy walked through the sunlight, on her way to the cemetery her mother was buried in. When she arrived, she weaved her way through the graves with ease until she reached the one she was looking for. When Buffy left the house it was for school, to run some errand, or to come here to her mother’s grave. She settled down on the grass, crossing her legs as she sat in the shadow of a nearby tree.

“Hey, mom,” she whispered quietly as she traced the lines carved into the headstone.

“How you doing? It’s been a few weeks,” she carried on her conversation with her mother’s grave. She let out a little sigh.

“I don’t know what to do, mommy.” A tear rolled down her cheek again, this time she brushed it away.

“Cordelia and them… School’s gotten worse. Last night, Cordelia called and said Angel was gunna ask me out. Angel! How could I have possibly believed her? I mean, he’s the most popular guy in school! Like he’d ever want me,” she hung her head. “And he did call,” she said, looking up. “Invited me to the Bronze and everything. So I went. The Bronze is kinda… I dunno. I didn’t really get a chance to enjoy it or anything. Parker dumped a bucket of mud on me. They all laughed; that’s when I ran home. I don’t know if I can take it anymore. School sucks, and dad’s always gone on some business trip, same as it’s always been. Remember how we thought that would change when we moved here? But he was just gone more. He’s gone even more now that you’re gone, too, mom,” Buffy ranted. She continued telling her mother about everything going on at school: teachers, classes, and peers. She kept up for about twenty minutes before taking a pause.

“And then… there’s one other thing. Something… I dunno. It’s really weird. Kinda scary. I had such a weird dream last night before Cordelia called. I was in the house, and I heard this tapping. I followed it to the back door, and when I opened the door and looked out, I saw this shadow start moving. Well, it kept getting closer, and I couldn’t move. Then it was right in front of me, and this hand reached out…” Buffy shivered. “That was when I woke up. But then, I felt like someone was watching me. I know, it all sounds really silly, but maybe not ‘cause this morning when I woke up, I went down to the kitchen to get some breakfast, and there was a rose stuck to the outside of the back door. When I opened to get the rose, I saw this big white box lying by the door. There was this gorgeous dress in it, and contacts, and jewelry, and shoes, and a matching purse and just… Oh, mom, it was all so amazing! It was better than Christmas!” Buffy gushed, an excited smile on her face. But then the note came back to mind and a frown settled on her face.

“But as if the whole random gifts thing isn’t weird enough, it had a note… The person said they’d been watching me, and they’d see me tonight. I’m really freaked out. If I could, I’d go somewhere for the night, but really, where am I gunna go? And if they’re really watching me then… Oh, God,” Buffy gasped as she realized the very real possibility that they could be watching her right then. She began to look around frantically, rising from her spot on the ground. She spun around as she heard something behind her, but it was just the wind moving a tree branch. The soft breeze carried its way over to her and soothed her. Buffy let out the breath she’d been holding as she relaxed a little. It didn’t feel like anyone was there… Cautiously, she settled back into her previous position on the ground.

“I don’t know what to do. I mean, maybe I should go? But… stalker. Or definitely stalker-like. I thought maybe it was Cordelia and them again, but they would never waste money on me. So, that leaves stalker. And stalkers equal way dangerous and possible rapists and murderers and, and…” Buffy trailed off as her slightly panicked babbling came to a halt. She leaned forward, bringing up her hands to drop her face into them.

“I don’t know,” she mumbled through her hands. She brought her face up and rested her chin in her hands. “Maybe I could go to a motel for the night? But then they may just come back tomorrow, or they may even just find me wherever I go.” She sighed. “I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do, mommy. Should I go to the police? I’ll bet they wouldn’t even believe me though. What can I do? I wish you were here,” Buffy said the last part in a sad voice.

Suddenly, another breeze picked up. She turned her face into it and smiled softly as she was enveloped in a warm feeling. With a little sigh, she stood and let her fingers trail across the top of the headstone one last time.

“Thanks, mom. You’re the best. I’ll see you later,” she said with a smile as she left, a slight bounce to her step for the first time in a long while.

On her way home, Buffy decided to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few things, glad she had grabbed her purse before leaving the house. Walking down one of the aisles with a basket in hand, Buffy inspected the various boxes before her, debating what cereal she wanted to get when it happened. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn’t see the person that she ended up walking straight into.

“Ohmigosh! I’m so sorry!” Buffy said as she looked up towards the person.

The redhead smiled at her. “It’s ok. I’m Willow. I’m visiting my aunt here in town,” she smiled as she held a hand out to the blonde. Buffy smiled back.

“H-Hi,” she stuttered, unaccustomed to someone being so friendly with no ulterior motive. “I’m Buffy. I live around here,” she accepted the hand Willow held out to her. Willow shook her hand enthusiastically.

“Well, maybe we could, um, hang out sometime?” the redhead asked shyly, looking down as she scuffed the tile beneath her. Willow couldn’t believe how open she was being. It was so abnormal for her. Buffy grinned; she was glad she wasn’t the only shy person in the world.

“That’d be… really nice,” she smiled. “Um, maybe you could call sometime, or, I could, or we could just meet somewhere whenever you want, I guess…” the blonde trailed off. Willow grinned, glad to find someone who babbled as much as she did

“Sure. Here, let me give you my number, and you can give me yours.” Willow pulled a pen and scrap of paper out of her pocket. She wrote down her number, then ripped it in half and handed both halves along with the pen to Buffy. Buffy took the items and wrote her own number on the blank half of paper before handing that piece and the pen back to Willow.

Now she stood in front of the full-length mirror hung on the back of her door, staring at her reflection.

She couldn’t believe the absurdity of what she was doing. Buffy looked over at the clock. 6:59. She kept watching until it changed. 7:00. The sound of someone knocking rang throughout the house. Buffy froze. She turned her head to look at her doorway. She took a hesitant step towards it…

Buffy was creeping down the stairs when she heard knocking again. It was coming from the back door…

Turning into the kitchen, she saw a man standing with his back to the door. It was like she was in a trance as she moved towards the door and opened it. The man turned around to face her.

He was wearing nice black shoes, black slacks, and a black dress shirt. His hair was bleached, and he had the most amazing blue eyes…

“Hello, love,” he smiled at her.

She slammed the door in his face in fear, chest heaving.

He stared at her through the glass. He looked slightly angry and a bit… hurt?

Buffy turned and ran up to her room, slamming her bedroom door shut as well. She stood in her room, shaking in terror. Who was this strange man?

Suddenly, she heard a quiet tap. Her heart pounded against her chest as she remembered the tapping in her dream. She heard it again; it was at the window.

Going over to it, she looked out into the night. This time, Buffy saw the pebble hit her window. She slid it open and leaned out. The man stood in her yard.

“Wh-Who are you?” she called down to him.

“Name’s Spike,” he said calmly. She raised an eyebrow at the odd nickname.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“Just a date, pet. Thought you might like to go out to dinner. Cheer you up after last night.”

She was shocked. He knew about last night?

“Wh-What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean, love.”

Buffy was definitely getting freaked out now.

“Just come out with me. I promise I won’t hurt you,” he called up to her.

“What if I don’t?” she asked cautiously.

“Well, then I guess I miss a night in the company of a lovely lady, and you miss a delicious Italian dinner at a nice little restaurant,” he shrugged.

“And… what if I do?” she tilted her head to the side, studying him.

“Then I guess everything works out fine. I mean, you’re all dressed up, need somewhere to go,” he grinned.

She paused. It was tempting… But she had no idea who he was, or anything about him, and he seemed to have been watching her…

“Are you starting to feel like Juliet, because seems to me I should be goin’ on ‘bout how you’re the sun and all right now, pet,” he grinned up at her again.

She giggled. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad after all… She watched him a moment longer, then gave in. After all, what did she have to lose?

Without a word, Buffy pulled herself in and shut the window before going downstairs and out the front door.

Spike was waiting for her. He held out his hand.

“You trusting me?” he asked her.

“No,” she smiled. “But I’m going with you anyway.”

And with that, she put her hand in his, and he tucked it into the crook of his arm as they walked down the front walk. Buffy stared in awe at the limo sitting in front of her house, wondering how she had missed it up until then.

Spike opened the door for her, and Buffy slid in, Spike following her. Once the door was shut, the limo began to move.

“Where are we going?” Buffy asked, trying to hide the fear from her voice.

“To a restaurant I know of, the Ruby Lounge. It’s not too far from here,” Spike said.

“Isn’t that like, a members only place?” Buffy asked, tilting her head to the side, her nose scrunched up ever so slightly.

“Members and dates,” Spike nodded.

“And you’re a member? I heard it was like, impossible to get in,” she said skeptically.

“Nothing’s impossible, love,” he told her, his eyes dancing.

She regarded him skeptically, more sure than ever that she had made a mistake.

“Relax. I’m not going to do anything to you,” Spike seemed to know her thoughts.

Buffy let her body relax a little, but not very much. She was regretting going with him. It was stupid. A stupid, stupid mistake she probably wasn’t going to live to regret for much longer. He was probably taking her somewhere to kill her right now…

The car stopped. Buffy’s breath hitched in her throat, and her eyes widened. Spike got out of the car and offered her his hand. Buffy slid over and placed her hand in his own, carefully getting out of the car. She looked up to see an elegant looking restaurant in front of her. Spike shut the door, and once again tucked her hand into the crook of his arm as they walked to the doors of the restaurant, Buffy unaware of exactly what she was allowing herself to get into.

As they entered the restaurant, Buffy decided to check her appearance before they ate.

“I’m going to the restroom really quick,” she said. Spike gave her a small nod..

“Sure, love. I’ll wait here.” He watched her disappear down the hall labeled “Bathrooms” before quickly approaching the maitre d’.

“Do you have reservations, sir?” the man asked.

“Spike,” he said. The man’s eyes widened.

“Ah, yes,” he said, raising an eyebrow as he gave a pointed look to Spike’s portrait hanging on a wall nearby. “Right this way.” He waved someone over to show Spike to a table.

“Just a second. Waitin’ for the, uh, date to get back,” Spike said. The maitre d’ nodded in understanding.

“Of course, sir.” It was that moment Buffy chose to make her reappearance. Spike smiled at her as she once again slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. They followed the waitress as she showed them their table, Buffy completely missing Spike’s picture.

A matter of moments later, they were seated at a quiet table, slightly set apart from the rest, but not enough to make Buffy truly uncomfortable. The place wasn’t too crowded considering it was a Saturday night, but there were more than enough people to make Buffy feel safe being out with a total stranger. The pair looked through their menus as the waitress went to fetch their drinks.

Spike had been a complete gentleman so far, opening doors, pulling out her chair, making sure she didn’t trip in the shoes she was so unaccustomed to… Buffy’s regret of going out was quickly fading as the night progressed.

“So, luv, what looks good to you?” Spike asked, looking across the table at her. He wanted to be sure she didn’t get something she wouldn’t like.

“Um, well, I was thinking maybe the Chicken Milano?” She said it more as a question, still wary of him.

He nodded. “’T’s bloody fantastic.” He looked at his own menu once again, glad she had chosen something she’d like.

Buffy watched him. He seemed so nice… “Um, what are you going to get?” she asked hesitantly. Spike looked up at her and smiled.

“Was thinking about the Linguine m’self. That’s pretty good here, too.”

“Do you, um, come here a lot?” she tried to keep the conversation going, not exactly sure why, but becoming slightly more comfortable with him.

“Every now and then,” Spike shrugged. “Nice to actually have company this time though,” he smirked. Buffy gave him a small smile in return.

Just then, the waitress returned. “Are you ready to order yet?” she asked, setting down their drinks.

“I think so. Buffy?” Spike checked with her. Buffy nodded, setting down her menu.

“I’ll have the Chicken Milano,” Buffy said.

“And I’ll have the Linguine with Clam Sauce,” Spike said, handing the woman their menus.

“The red clam sauce?” the waitress raised her eyebrow at Spike.

“Yeah, make it the good stuff.”

The waitress nodded, taking the menus. “It should be ready shortly,” she said before walking off. Silence settled over the table. Buffy fidgeted a little.

“Nervous?” Spike noticed.

Buffy nodded. “Um, how did… why… I mean… I don’t know,” she sighed, unsure of what exactly she was burning to ask him.

Spike smirked. “Wanna know why I’ve been watching you?” Buffy nodded, wide-eyed.

“Saw you walking home from the grocery one night. Thought you were pretty,” he shrugged. Buffy stared at him in disbelief.

“You… You thought that I was pretty?” she checked. Spike nodded. “So… You, what, stalked me? For how long?”

Spike tilted his head and looked off thoughtfully. “Oh, ‘bout four or five weeks now. Summat like that.”

Buffy’s eyes kept getting bigger. “How often?”

“Every night. Saw every little thing you did,” he stared straight into her eyes. Buffy gasped.

“E-Everything?”

“Everything,” he gave a slight nod. Buffy looked ready to run now.

Spike sighed. “Look, it’s not like I’ve ever been in the house. Can’t until you invite me,” Buffy looked at him curiously at that. “That’s another story,” he quickly covered. “Just… Give me some kind of chance, huh, pet?” he asked. Spike wanted her. He wanted her, and he knew he was probably botching things up, but he didn’t care. After all, it would only get worse once she found out what he was. And he had almost let her know just a bit too soon all ready. He wanted her to be at least somewhat comfortable with him first.

Buffy calmed herself down a bit. “Ok, I’ll give you a chance. But one wrong move, mister…” she warned him. Spike nodded.

“So, want to relax and enjoy the food then?” Spike asked, taking a sip of his wine.

Buffy let out a long, slow sigh and nodded. “Ok. I think I can do that,” she said with an only slightly unsure smile on her face.

Spike smiled back. “Good.”

It was that moment that the waitress came out with their salads.

“Here’re your salads. Everything going okay tonight?” she asked, checking their drinks.

Spike looked at Buffy, the question written on his face asking her if anything was amiss. Buffy shook her head.

“Everything’s great, thanks,” she smiled at the girl. She grinned back.

“Good to hear. The rest of your meal shouldn’t be too long,” she informed them before darting off to another table.

Buffy and Spike began to eat their salads in a comfortable silence. After a few minutes though, Spike decided to break the pause in conversation.

“So, where’s your dad been?” he asked before taking another bite of his salad.

Buffy swallowed. “Well, right now he’s in Venice on some business or other. He’s gone because of work a lot. It’s almost like I’m living on my own sometimes. He’s supposed to be back in another few days,” she told him.

Spike watched her eating for a moment, but stopped eating his own food. He couldn’t understand how such a small, shy girl could be so ok with her life. Her father was rarely there, and she didn’t have any friends, only people who picked on her every second they could. Last night proved how far those people were willing to go just to get their own kicks, too. He couldn’t understand how she could simply ignore it all and carry on with her life. Buffy glanced up and noticed him looking at her.

“What? Something on my face?” A self-conscious hand involuntarily moved up to her face, trying to find whatever might be on it.

Spike smirked. “No, nothing on your face, pet.”

“Then what?”

“You’re beautiful,” Spike said instead of revealing his real thoughts as he studied her, finally able to see her up close.

Buffy blushed. “Thank you,” she said shyly. There was a slightly awkward silence, but it was broken by the waitress coming back to refill their glasses and check how they were once more.

Spike opened the door as the limo stopped in front of her house, and once again he offered her his hand to help her out. She smiled at him as she took the proffered hand. Spike didn’t let go of her hand as he escorted her up the path to her house. Instead he linked their fingers together, gently brushing his thumb over her hand in a caring gesture. They reached the front door and turned to face each other. Buffy shifted nervously.

“Um, the dinner was really nice,” she said. “Thank you,” she smiled shyly up at him.

Spike smiled back. “My pleasure love. Maybe we could do something again? Tomorrow?” he asked, trying to sound casual and keep the hope out of his voice. The dazzling smile Buffy gave him in response nearly knocked him off his feet.

“I’d like that,” she said, still smiling. Her stomach was doing flips in nervousness and excitement. Spike grinned softly.

“I’ll have another box at the back door in the morning, pet. See you tomorrow night, same time,” he said before leaning in a placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. Buffy smiled at him as he pulled away. His hand slipped from her grasp as he began to back off the porch, never turning or taking his eyes from her. Buffy locked her eyes with his, fumbling around in her purse for her house key. It took her a few tries to get it in the lock since she wasn’t looking, but she finally did and twisted it open just as Spike reached the limo. She opened the door behind her, and she stared longingly at him. He opened the door to the limo and gave one last wave before disappearing inside. Buffy watched the car drive off before going in the house.

She shut the door and leaned back against it, grinning uncontrollably. She let out a squeal of joy as she clutched her purse to her chest. She stepped away from the door and spun in a circle, holding her arms out to her sides. She couldn’t believe her luck! Today had been the best day of her life. She had made a friend besides her mother, and for the first time in her life she had gone on a date. An actual, real date! With a gorgeous guy who had promised to take her out the next night, too!