Not even Drusilla had captured his attention like this.  It was different with Dru though.  Her dad owned another large law firm and their parents were overjoyed when they’d started dating.  His mum had practically been seeing orange blossoms, white tulle and hearing church bells.  At the time, William thought that he was ready for that; thought Drusilla was the one for him, his match.  Now, he was definitely having doubts.  Dru’d never inspired such feelings in him.  That line of thought brought him full circle back to Buffy.

This is getting me no where.  I have to see her again.  William thought, and then forced his attention back to the files on his desk.  Blah, blah, blah, how stupid are these wankers?  The door to his office flew open and nobody other than Drusilla Catherine Gardner Chapman strolled in, head high and eyes glittering.  His secretary Margaret ran in after her, looking both fearful and frazzled.  William smiled at Margaret and motioned for her to leave.  Margaret gave a sigh of relief, and then discretely closed the door behind.  The two former lovers faced each other until Drusilla broke the silence.

“William, my darling, the birds have told me that you’ve been naughty,” she said in her musical voice.  William rolled his eyes and sighed.  Xander was right.  What did I see in her?

By all rights, Drusilla was a stunning woman.  She was tall and thin, a pale ballet dancer body with long limbs and small breasts.  Her long hair was deep brown and her eyes a crystalline blue.  Her voice was a smoother, more cultured version of his.  All in all, they seemed to be a perfect pair, both British, beautiful and wealthy as sin.  Needless to say, the breakup cause quite shock thorough not only their families, but their peers as well.  William didn’t give a shit, but his mum and dad were livid.  God, what did I do to deserve this?

 “Ello Dru, what can I do for you?” he asked.

“My Spike, are you still angry with Princess?” Drusilla asked and moved toward him.

“Well you are definitely not my favorite person at the moment, so why don’t you tell me what the hell you want or bugger off,” William replied.  He waited for a moment, and when she said nothing, he shrugged and picked up a file, “You know the way out.”

“I’m pregnant Spike,” she said quietly, all trace of madness gone from her voice.  Spike looked up sharply and narrowed his eyes.

“So, what the hell do I care for?” he asked. 

Drusilla sighed.  “There’s a possibility that it might be yours.”

William, who had been en route to his liquor cabinet, froze and slowly turned around.  “What the hell do you mean possibility?  How far along are you?”

Dru had the decency to drop her eyes. “Six weeks,” she replied.

“And yet, six weeks ago, we were practically engaged.  Are you telling me that you were fucking someone behind my back?” William asked in a deceptively calm voice.

Drusilla nodded and then whispered “Angel.”

“WHAT!” William roared and threw his glass across the room.  It hurt, oh how it hurt inside.  She had been cheating on him with that bloody bastard.  Hot tears burned up his throat and threatened to spill over.  “Get out.”  

“But Spike,” she started and he interrupted her. 

“Get the fuck out, NOW.  FUCKING LEAVE!” he screamed and Dru quickly ran out. 

William collapsed and felt tears course down his cheeks.  The pain tore at him and he wanted to die.  Get out, need to leave. 

William stood up and wiped his face, a destination clear in mind.  He was heading to Frankie’s Bar to get belligerently drunk.  Maybe after a few drinks, the raw feeling eating at his stomach would disappear.  Maybe he would forget that Dru was a cold and ruthless bitch.  Maybe visions of a golden goddess would stop their torment of his mind.

“Maybe I’ll just pass out and wake up with amnesia,” he muttered, and then strode out of the office. 

Ten minutes later, William walked into Frankie’s.  He sat at the bar and ordered a scotch from the bartender. 

“Hey, pal, you ok?  ‘Cause you don’t look so good,” the bartender said as he served the drink. 

“Thanks, mate, but I’m just gonna sit here and drink awhile.”  Spike swirled the ice in his glass as he spoke. 

The bartender shrugged. “Ok then, I’ll be here if you want another.”

Soon, William was ready for another, then another and another.  He had just started his fourth drink when he spotted a short blonde head moving toward the bar.  William couldn’t see the face, but he knew it was her, Buffy. 

“Bloody hell,” he muttered.  Feelings of excitement and dread coursed through him.  What the hell am I going to do if she spots me? 

Two minutes after the thought, William felt a tingle skate down his neck.  He slowly turned around and met Buffy’s gaze.  She was sitting at the bar, smiling slightly.  Although she was smiling, there was a panicked look in her eyes.  She’s looking like you probably do, mate.  William deliberately rose from his stool and slowly walked to where she was sitting.  The closer he got, the wider her eyes did.  By the time William had reached her stool, her eyes were so wide William thought that they might pop out of her head.

“Hello again, pet,” William said with cockiness that he did not feel.  Right now he was so nervous that he feared his knees would give out on him.

“Hi, Spike,” Buffy replied and then William did sit for fear of falling.  Her voice was slightly husky and sounded like she’d just come from the bedroom.  

“What brings you to Frankie’s, luv?” William asked.  He wanted to touch her so bad, just reach out and rub his thumb over her bottom lip.  She had the most adorable habit of nibbling on it when she was nervous.  William wanted to nibble on it for her. 

“I’ve been having kinda a rough day,” Buffy answered with a sigh.  “Why are you here?”

She spotted the shockingly-white blonde almost immediately after walking in, and had just about collapsed.  Somehow, she made it to a barstool and sat.  When she glanced at him again, Spike was facing away from her.  Then, ever so slowly, his body turned until he was looking right at her.

He looks so sad, she thought, and then inhaled sharply when she saw him get up and walk over to her.  Her eyes widened when he stopped right next to her.  She felt the familiar heat course through her, something that seemed to only happen when Spike was around.  Now is not the time to behave like a teenager, Buffy chided herself.

“Hello again, pet,” he said to her in his rough accent.  Her knees suddenly felt weak.  Does he know what he does to me? Buffy idly wondered.

“Hi, Spike,” she replied and then winced at her own voice.  She sounded like she had a cold.  Oh yeah, that’ll impress him, me with a head cold.

“What brings you to Frankie’s, luv?” Spike asked and Buffy nibbled on her lip in a nervous gesture. 

“I’ve been having kinda a rough day,” she told him.  “Why are you here?”  I can’t stop thinking about you, that night or that kiss. 

“Drusilla,” Spike replied.  The pain behind that single word was overwhelming, and Buffy instinctively reached out and took his hand.  Spike just stared down at their joined hands. 

“Are you going to be ok?” she asked.  She didn’t know what possessed her to act like this; Spike was virtually a stranger to her, after all.  Yeah, a stranger with the best-tasting lips ever.  Still, his pain was so evident that it struck a chord in Buffy.  She knew what it was like to have your entire world destroyed by a particular person.  It had happened to her before, years ago. 

“I’ll be fine,” Spike replied.  He didn’t sound too sure of his answer though.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Buffy asked.

It was like floodgates had opened.  Spike couldn’t even begin to fathom why he was spilling his guts to the petite pixie who sat across from him, but something felt right about it.  He told her about Drusilla and what she had done to him.  How she had just visited him in his office and dropped the bomb that not only had she been cheating on him, but was now pregnant.  He didn’t know who the father was, and didn’t know what to do if it was him.  He didn’t think he was ready to be a father, especially with someone like Drusilla as a mother.   The words just poured out and Buffy listened intently to him.

That bitch, was the prevailing thought in Buffy’s mind.  She didn’t know Spike, but he seemed like a nice man.  She couldn’t understand why Drusilla would do that to someone she claimed to love.  Buffy felt instant sympathy for Spike, she wanted to do something to comfort him, make him forget about Drusilla. 

“Hey, I’m meeting a friend for a movie, you want to come?”  Buffy asked.  Play it cool, don’t seem way too eager.  God, she felt like she’d fallen back into high school. 

Spike thought about it for a minute.  He could go home by himself and more than likely drink more, or he could go out this with intriguing blonde nymph, maybe get to know her better.  Maybe forget about Drusilla, his parents and his ghastly excuse of a life. 

He grinned.  “You’re on, luv, where’re we going?”

Buffy smiled back at him.  “Meeting my friend Willow for dinner at Al’s and then we battle over what movie to watch.  She usually goes for chick flicks and I like action.  After the movie, we either hang out or get a drink, or something.”  Yeah, keep it casual. 

“Sounds good, pet, what time are you meeting…Willow is it?” 

Buffy looked at her watch.  “Ummm…actually, about 10 minutes ago.”

Spike laughed.  “Well then shall we go?” 

Spike paid their tabs and they left Frankie’s.  They walked toward their cars and Buffy offered to drive.  Spike agreed and they got into Buffy’s old blue Ford Escort.  The paint was peeling and there were some dings and dents, but it ran good and it was paid for.  Buffy was slightly embarrassed for Spike to see it.  She could tell by the cut and style of his clothes that he had money.  She gave him a sheepish smile as she unlocked his door.  Spike just grinned back at him and went to the driver’s side.  She got in and headed toward Al’s.  Conversation in the car was nonexistent and Buffy felt awkward. 

“So, “she started, “your accent, you’re from England?” 

Spike grinned.  “Yeah, ducks, my family moved here when I was 5.”

“Oh, that’s nice.  Are you close with your family?  Do you have any brothers or sisters, or anything?” Buffy asked. 

Spike gave a harsh laugh.  “Not exactly, pet.  “M an only child, thank God for that.  Mum and dad aren’t exactly model parents.  Spent most of my childhood getting into trouble.”

Buffy’s eyes widened.  Even though life had given her some hard blows, she had always had A.J and her mom.  She couldn’t imagine growing up like Spike did.  “I’m sorry,” she said.

Spike looked over at her, “Not your fault, luv.  I made it through, just look at me today.”  He grinned at her. 

“So, what exactly do you do?” she asked him.  For some reason, Spike didn’t want to tell her. 

“Waiter at a friend’s restaurant.”  It just popped out.  He didn’t think about all the reasons that lying to her was wrong.  He just didn’t want her to think of him as another poor little rich boy with too much time on his hands, working for daddy. 

“I just gotta know, Buffy, why are you working at a strip joint.  I mean, not that it’s not a nice place or anything, and there’s nothing wrong with stripping, but it just seems to me that you’re too nice of a girl to be a stripper.”  It all came out in a rush, like he was somewhat embarrassed to be asking her such a personal question. 

“Well, all I can say is that it pays well.  My mom was in the hospital and I had to find a job so I could take care of my brother A.J.  He’s still in high school, only a few years younger than me.  My mom got so sick so fast that I didn’t have time to finish school.  I just moved home from the dorms and looked for a job at anyplace that would take me.  So, here I am, taking off my clothes for money.”  Buffy was somewhat embarrassed by her outburst.  She was usually very reserved, something that drove Willow nuts.  You’re never gonna meet a nice guy if you never let them past the ice queen routine.  Buffy usually laughed and just brushed her off.  To her point of view, no one getting close meant no one to break her heart.  But with Spike, it seemed all her carefully reserved rules went out the window.  She’d already kissed the man without knowing his name, acted like a tramp and blabbed out half of her life story.  If Willow knew, she’d probably never let Buffy hear the end of it.  Buffy sighed at the thought, what idea was she going to get from her bringing Spike to their “girls night out”?

Spike heard her sigh and wondered at its source.  He’d felt sympathy for her when she told him about her life.  One thing he’d never had to worry about was money.  This poor girl was taking over not only as a sole caregiver, but as the source of income in the family as well.  By stripping, nonetheless.  A tiny thought crossed his mind, and he pushed it back until it could be properly considered.  He tried to turn his attention back to Buffy and the conversation, but his mind kept wandering back to that night.  That fateful night and that wonderful kiss.  He wondered if Buffy thought about it anymore.  Wondered if he should bring it up or just play it cool like he had been doing.  Acting like it never happened.  Only, he didn’t want to pretend that it never happened.  Sod it all. 

Buffy pulled into the parking lot of the diner and turned to talk to Spike. 

“Buffy,” he interrupted whatever she’d been saying, “Luv, do you ever think about that night?”

Buffy swallowed.  She’d been debating whether or not to bring up their kiss, and it looks like Spike wanted to hash it out.  “Honestly?  Yeah, I’ve thought about it.  I-I-I mean, a little, I mean, have you?” she asked desperately, trying to turn the subject away from her. 

Spike pursed his lips thoughtfully.  “Yeah, pet, I have.  I don’t know what came over me. I gotta say though, that’s been the highlight of my entire week.  What do you suppose that means?”

“I, uh, I’m not sure.  I-I mean, I’ve never in my life acted so impulsively and I just wanted you to know that I’m, um, sorry.”  Buffy stumbled to get the words said. 

“Ah hell, luv, don’t be sorry.  If anyone is, it should be me,” he said to her.  “Like I said, I just went bleedin’ crazy.  I’m sorry.”

Buffy half-smiled.  “So, we’re both sorry.  That’s good, I guess.”  Not really, considering I still want to jump your bones. 

Spike looked at her and reached out with a finger and traced her cheek.  “Friends, pet?”

She looked at him and smiled.  “Friends sounds good.”

Friends!  You bloody idiot!  You don’t want to be just friends with her.  Why did you say that, you stupid git!  Spike got out of the car and walked to the driver side.  He opened the door and offered Buffy his arm.  I’m gonna hafta change her mind about that. 

Buffy grinned and took it as she stepped out.  Friends?  Yeah right, you don’t want to be only friends with him.  Why did you say that?  Ohh, stupid bleached wonder, we’ll see how long you keep that promise. 

“Hi, honey,” she said and Buffy dropped a kiss onto Joyce’s cheek.

“Hey mom, how’re you feeling?” she asked.

“I’m ok, but Buffy, I really need to talk to you.”

“What’s up mom?” Buffy asked as she wandered into the little kitchen that branched from the living room.  She returned minutes later, munching on an apple.

“Sweetie, you know that I love you and I really appreciate everything that you’ve done this past couple of years.  I just think that you’ve taken too much time away from school and stuff.  Sweetie, I think you should really consider quitting you job and going back to school,” Joyce said, then sighed as she saw Buffy’s eyes fire up.  Great, now I’m in for it.

Buffy took a breath before answering her mom.  “We’ve talked about this before mom.  I’m not going to quit until I’m sure that you and A.J are taken care of.  There is no way that you can pay for all the bills on your salary alone.  I know that stripping is not the best job in the world, but come on mom!  You can’t ignore the fact that it pays quite well, well enough to afford this apartment and the bills that come with it.  Until you or A.J finds a job that does that, I’m staying here.  Besides, the overall club isn’t that bad.  I mean, sure, I’m stripping, but at least it’s at a nice club, and the men that go there aren’t all that bad.”

Joyce stood up and looked down at her daughter.  “Elizabeth Anne Summers, do you forget that I am your mother?  You may be in college, you may feel like you are an adult, but never forget that I am the parent in this household.  I raised you and I will continue to do so, same goes for A.J.  Now, I want you to listen to me when I say that stripping is an appalling job, beneath you and the values that I’ve taught you.  You should be in school contemplating a career, not taking off your clothes for middle-aged men who have nothing better to do than ogle women young enough to be their daughters.  I swear, what kind of girl would work in a place like that?”

Buffy stopped chewing and carefully set her apple down.  “Plenty of nice, honest and hardworking girls work there.  You’ve met Willow, she works there.  Besides, aren’t you the one who taught me not to judge a book by its cover?”

Joyce stopped and closed her mouth and then opened it again.  “Well I suppose that I did but Buffy, think about it realistically.  What kind of man is going to want to be with a woman who strips?  Most of the people around here think you’re nothing short of a prostitute.  Have you ever stopped to consider alternative jobs?”

Buffy huffed out a breath.  “Yes mom, I have and I can tell you that it just won’t work.  Stripping gives me a flexible schedule and a lot of money for little effort.  As for your other question, I’m going out tonight with a very nice man who doesn’t consider me a prostitute.  And whoever does can kiss my rosy red ass.”  She turned on her heel and stomped out of the living room to her small bedroom.  Once inside, Buffy flopped on her bed and fought back the anger.  Dammit!  I am a fucking adult  and my mother still tries to push me around!  Shit, all this is for her and she can’t even appreciate it.  Buffy stewed in her thoughts for a minute until a soft knock sounded on her door. 

He mom poked her head in.  “Buffy, honey, I’m sorry.  I know that my being sick was hard on you and you came through admirably.  You stepped up even though you had to leave school and come live at home.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it or how proud of you I am.  It just seems to me that, at times, you forget that you are still a young woman.  You are not A.J’s mother but his sister, a college student.  You should be out having fun with your friends and meeting people, not caring for your mother and brother.  I worry that you’re missing out on your life.  I love you and I don’t want you to end up resenting me or A.J for pulling you out of your life.  As for stripping, would any mother be comfortable with her daughter doing that?”

Buffy got up and walked over to her mom and hugged her.  “Mom, I love you too and I’m not going to resent you, ever.  You and A.J are my life and I want you to be secure before I go back to school.  Don’t worry about me.  I’m going to go back to school and finish, I don’t plan on stripping for the rest of my life.  Please, mom, you just gotta trust me and let me take the lead until you can.”

Joyce sighed.  “That’s another thing, Buffy.  I was fired today.”

Buffy exploded.  “WHAT!”

Joyce nodded her head.  “Dan called me in and told me that one of our contributors just pulled out.  He can’t afford to keep any of his managers; we all got a pink slip today.”

Buffy was ready to kill.  “That little rat bastard.  I’m going to kick him in the nuts so hard he’ll be singing soprano for the rest of his short life.”

Joyce pulled Buffy away from the door and sat her down.  “Honey, although I appreciate and want to imitate the gesture, it really wasn’t his fault.  In fact, as I was leaving today, I saw the gallery owner, Mr. Giles, walk in and tell Dan himself that he has to be let go.”

Buffy’s smile was lethal.  “Good, little prick deserved it.  What’s going to happen to the gallery now?”

“Well, it seems that Mr. Giles has a brother that wants to convert it into an antique store of sorts.  Maybe I’ll see if he needs a good buyer.  Anyway, that’s what I heard, and it’s only workroom gossip.”  Joyce went into the kitchen.  Buffy followed her. 

“What are we going to do now?” she asked her mom. 

Joyce looked at her and gave a sad smile.  “Whatever it is, we’ll get through it, together.”

A.J walked in from school with a few of his buddies.  He saw his mother and sister sitting in the kitchen and immediately went in.  “What happened?”

“Nothing big, A.J, how was school today?” Buffy asked. 

“Fine,” he replied and dragged his friends upstairs.  They always wanted to come over and ogle his sister.  A.J didn’t know whether to be proud or angry, he was usually a little bit of both.  Most of them had always had a crush on her and now that she worked as a stripper, their adolescent fantasies went to newer heights.  A.J had reached new heights of popularity thanks to his sister.  All of the guys wanted to be his friend, but most of the time he shrugged it and them off.  Even though they thought it was cool, to A.J, Buffy was just Buffy, his older sister and oftentimes his confidant.  She was probably one of his best friends, though he would never admit that.  Buffy’d already gone through high school and she knew its trials and tribulations.  She gave him advice when he asked for it and held his secrets.  She had also, on more that one occasion, held his head over the toilet and covered for him from mom.  Yeah, Buffy was a pretty cool sister. 

A.J gave himself a shake and grinned evilly at his friends.  “So, who wants their ass kicked in Halo?”

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Xander was seriously considering bodily harm toward Spike.  Earlier, Spike had called and asked Xander if he could set up dinner for him and some friends tonight at the restaurant.  That wasn’t the problem.  Spike also asked that Xander pretend that Spike was a waiter at the restaurant and not a lawyer.  That also wasn’t the problem.  No, the problem occurred when Spike expected him to be there as part of a “double-date”.  It’d gotten to the point where Xander had to go to Spike house and barge in on his friend to get his point across.

“Spike, man, like I told you about a million times over the phone, I have plans tonight, I can’t make it for your pseudo-date thing you got going on,” he told him while Spike got dressed. 

“Who is bloody lame enough to make plans with your poofy ass?” Spike asked him, holding up two different shirts.

Xander pointed to the blue one and Spike continued to dress.  “I told you yesterday that the new waitress, Anya Jenkins, and I are going to the movies.”

Spike raised his scarred eyebrow.  “Hitting on the help, huh?  Really Xan, isn’t that a no-no?”

Xander rolled his eyes.  “Actually, she asked me out.  Said that she appreciated a man who made copious amounts of money and that she believed we should go out so she could decide if I was ‘orgasm worthy’.”

Spike laughed.  “Well, at least she’s straightforward about it.  But come on Xan.  I told you that they’re girls from the club, right?  The redhead and the blonde, Chaos and Calypso, Willow and Buffy?  Ring a bell?”

“And while I appreciate the extreme skillfulness it probably took to getting two such extraordinary ladies to even look at you, my answer is still no.  I’m going out with Anya,” Xander said firmly. 

Spike ran a hand through his hair.  “Bollocks, now what am I gonna do?”

Xander thought about it while Spike applied his cologne and put on his shoes.  “Why don’t you see what Oz or one of the guys are doing.”

Spike brightened considerably.  “That’s a bloody good idea, hopefully one of them will be free.” 

He grabbed his phone and called Oz.  Daniel ‘Oz’ Osborne was a man of few words and fewer facial expressions.  Spike had met him at the Bronze where he played with his band, Dingoes Ate My Baby.  They weren’t very good, but Oz, Xander and Spike became fast friends.  Oz was somewhat of a drifter, never settled in one place too long.  Spike, using his name and influence, got the Dingoes a permanent gig at the Bronze, so Oz and his band settled down. The eclectic haired man shared not only a broken past but a love of punk bands and vintage cars.  Often, the three of them would cruise the car shows and separately wish for the time and opportunity to restore a car themselves. 

“Hey, Oz, whatcha doing tonight, mate?” Spike paced as he spoke into the phone.  “I got a favor ta ask you.  I know, I know, I already owe you, but believe me, mate, this is worth it.  ‘M going out with some girls tonight and I could really use another guy.” Spike shot Xander a dirty look while he said this.  “What’s that?  Oh yeah, they’re both bleedin’ fantastic.  No, it’s not a pity date. Please Oz, do this for me?  You will!  That’s great man; I’ll swing by and pick you up in a few.  We’re just going out for dinner at Xander’s place.”  Spike laughed into the phone at looked at Xander.  “Yeah, I’ll be sure to watch out for cockroaches, see ya soon.”  Xander punched Spike in the shoulder for his comment, and then looked at his watch. 

A door slammed downstairs and Edward Giles called out “William, where are you?”

Spike sighed and rolled his eyes.  Why do I have to deal him right now?  God must hate me. 

He turned to Xander.  “I’ll go talk to him; you can sneak out the back door.”

Xander smiled.  “Thanks, man, I’ll call you later to see if there’s been any bloodshed.”

Spike gave a half laugh and walked downstairs.  Edward Giles did not like to be kept waiting, especially when it came to his son.  He was a striking man, tall with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, much like his sons.  However, unlike his sons, Edward’s eyes held no warmth or life in them.  They were cold like the ice they mirrored. 

“Hello, father, how are you today?” Spike asked when he got downstairs. 

“Honestly, William, I would be doing a lot better if you would stop being so damn stubborn and call Drusilla to work out this little setback.  She’s from a good family, son, just imagine if our two firms merged!  We’d have more power and influence than the governor, not to mention it would quadruple our holdings.  I know she has been behaving quite dreadfully, but she told her father today that she was sorry and wanted to talk to you.”  Edward paced the spacious living room as he spoke, picking things up and putting them down in different place. 

Spike couldn’t believe his ears.  The bloody bitch had broken his heart and now she was sorry?  “Well, father, you can tell Drusilla and her father that she is nothing but a bleedin’ whore and I want nothing to do with her.  She can rot in hell for all I care.”

Edward whirled around, his face red with anger.  “You watch your mouth boy.  Talking like a low class thug.  I know that I’ve taught you better than that.  You will accept Drusilla’s apology and you will be a father to this child.  This is your responsibility and duty, would you shirk your duty?” he asked incredulously. 

Spike just smirked.  His father had long ago stopped intimidating him.  “Drusilla is a rotten slut and I’m not even sure the child is mine.  I will not even consider taking another man’s responsibility, no matter the cost.  Now, father, please let yourself out.  I have plans tonight.”

Willow wasn’t so busy chatting with Oz that she didn’t notice the tension emanating from Spike, or Buffy’s miserable expression.  Willow tried to get Spike to talk, but he only grunted out a few responses or nodded her head.  That left the other three to make conversation, and Oz didn’t talk a whole lot.  That left Willow and Buffy, but Buffy was unhappy, so she didn’t say much either.  It ended up being Willow talking and Oz listening while the two blondes sat silent.  When they finally pulled up to the restaurant where Spike said he worked, Willow pulled Buffy into the woman’s room. 

“Hey, Buff, you alright?” she asked and pulled out some pressed powder. 

“I was, but I don’t know what’s up with him.  I mean, he’s obviously pissed off about something, I don’t know him well enough to know what to do,” Buffy said while Willow fiddled with her makeup. 

“You want to go?”  Willow looked at Buffy with pleading eyes.  Please say no!  I still want to talk to Oz. 

Buffy sighed.  “No, Willow, you can turn off your puppy eyes, I know something’s up with you and Oz, besides, we have no way to leave, considering Spike drove us here.”

Willow smiled.  “Thanks, Buff.  Oz is great, isn’t he?  I have never seen blue hair look so good before, and his eyes are greener than green.  And he likes to just listen to me talk!” 

Willow’s smile widened and Buffy grinned at her exuberance.  “Looks like we spent too much time on me and not enough on the girl who may actually end up with a guy.”  She turned and looked in the mirror over the sinks. 

At Willow’s insistence that Buffy not dress like an old maid, Buffy wore a red shirt and a black skirt.  Her shirt was high in the front and crisscrossed openly in the back.  Her skirt went to just above her knees and her strappy black heels tied around her ankles.  Willow was wearing black hip hugger slacks and an emerald green halter top.  Her black sandals revealed red toes and multiple toe rings.  They both wore light makeup little jewelry.   Willow grinned at their reflections in the mirror and slung her arm around Buffy’s neck. 

“We look yummy, now let’s go bug Spike until he lightens up,” Willow said and they left the bathroom. 

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When the girls headed to the bathroom, Oz reached over and punched Spike in the shoulder.  “What the hell is up with you?”

Spike was thrown by Oz’s uncharacteristic display of emotion.  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, mate.”

“First of all, you could have told me we were going out with strippers.  Second of all, you’ve been acting like a jackass, what’s going on?” Oz asked as he sat at their table.  

Spike rolled his shoulders.  He knew he was behaving badly, but his father had put him into a bloody awful mood.  “Sorry ‘bout that, my dad and I went a round before I left to pick you up,‘s all.”

Oz rolled his eyes.  To him, Edward Giles was a tyrant and should to the world a favor and disappear.  “Well snap outta it, you’re hurting Buffy’s feelings and making it awkward as hell to hold a conversation.”

Spike looked at him.  “Oz, you don’t have conversations.”

Oz smiled and nodded.  “True, but I could listen to Willow talk all night.”  After he said this, Spike was treated to another first, Oz blushing. 

“You like the bint?  That’s good, I like Willow.  You two’d be perfect, she talks and you listen.  As long as dating a stripper doesn’t bother you,” Spike said.  He thought about it for a minute.  It did bug him that Buffy stripped and that other men were privy to parts of her body that should be his and his alone.  Hold on a minute, mate, when did she become yours? 

Oz shrugged at that.  “Not much bothers me, I’ve seen worse.”

Spike waited and Oz didn’t elaborate.  Now, that was like the Oz he was used to.  The girls returned to the table, makeup freshened, eyes bright and mouths quirking.    

Spike was immediately on edge.  Oh hell, something’s going on. 

Willow sat down next to Oz and Buffy sat across from her, next to Spike, neither saying a word.  The waitress showed up and took their orders, pasta for the girls and steak for the boys.  Spike also ordered a bottle of wine, and the waitress disappeared.

Willow looked at Buffy, then at Spike and asked bluntly “So, Spike, you gonna tell us what crawled up your ass and died, or do we have to hold polite conversation around you all night?”

Spike’s eyes widened and he laughed at her. “Once again, Willow, you manage to put things in perspective.  Nothing, as you so delicately put it, crawled up my ass and died.  I just had a bit of a run in with my father, ‘s all.  Please, allow me to throw myself at you feet and beg for forgiveness.”

Willow grinned.  “I didn’t think you were the begging kind.  I’d be happy for you to prove me wrong, but I’m not the person you need to be begging,” she replied.

Spike smirked at her and then turned to Buffy.  “I’m sorry, luv, forgive me?” he asked softly, kissing the knuckles on her hand. 

Buffy’s knees were feeling weak again.  How in the hell does he do that? It’s like I’m in a trashy romance novel or something.  Ok, keep cool, he doesn’t need to know that I’m about two seconds away from jumping his bones.   “I suppose I could, this time.  Try and not let it happen again,” she joked and flicked him in the nose with the same hand he kissed. 

Spike smiled at her and Buffy’s heart did a slow flip in her chest.  Ohh, this could be dangerous. 

The conversation flowed around them after the initial bump.  The girls learned about Oz, including his continental travels and his band.  Willow bored everyone to tears with an in depth description of her thesis project for her mathematical honors class.  Buffy revealed that she was a psychology major and had two semesters left until her graduation.  The only person who didn’t contribute a lot of personal information was Spike.  He told some stories about him and Xander from high school, as well as his first meeting with Oz.  Anything past that, he either deflected the question or altered the truth to fit.  Oz’s eyebrows rose slightly when he heard some of Spike’s answers, but he said nothing.  Spike didn’t know why, but he still didn’t want to come clean about his family and his real job.  He knew that, eventually, he would have to tell the truth, especially to Buffy.  Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too mad at him when he told her. 

Their food came and Willow’s eyes widened at the vast amount of food.  “Holy cow, how am I supposed to eat all this?”

Buffy had no such problem; she grabbed her fork immediately and took a bite.  “Oh, wow!  This is incredible!  Mmmm.”  She closed her eyes in appreciation. 

Spike was sure that his food was delicious, he was sure that he should be eating right about now, but he was transfixed on Buffy and the vision she made.  Eyes closed, head tilted back and moaning low in her throat, she looked like an erotic pagan goddess. 

Somehow, Spike managed to eat and not choke.  After they ate, Spike and Oz decided that desert was necessary, so they ordered brownie sundaes.  Neither Buffy, nor Willow wanted a sundae, and conversation around the table resumed.  The club was brought up and Buffy blushed while Willow merely arched an eyebrow. 

“What do you want to know?” Willow asked.

“How did you end up there?” asked Spike.  He already knew Buffy’s story and was interested to know Willow’s as well.  His sundae came and he grinned when he saw how large it was.  While Willow talked, Spike grabbed his spoon and ate.   

“I needed a job that would be able to pay my school bills.  It isn’t cheap to go to graduate school, even with loans.  I have class three days a week this semester and so working nights fits in perfectly.  Its good money and not much skill involved, so why not?  I know most people look down on it, but what the hell do I care?  It’s not like it’s going to be my career, so why worry?”  Willow eyed Oz’s sundae, then just grabbed a spoon and stole some.  Oz fended her off with his own spoon, and pretty soon whipped cream and chocolate syrup were flying around the table. 

Spike laughed at them, and then offered Buffy some of his.  She thanked him and ate the bite off his spoon.  Watching her eat the vanilla ice cream was not the wisest thing for Spike to do.  She licked the spoon, then her lips and caught some at the corner of her mouth.  Spike almost growled as he hardened into steel and again began to contemplate hard surfaces.  Does she even realize what’s she’s doing?

Buffy finished the bite and moaned.  That was good, wonder if he’ll let me have some more.  She turned to ask him but the naked look in his eyes stopped her.  It was the same look he’d given her at the club the first time she saw him, lust in it’s purest form.  Uh-oh!  The familiar liquid pulls and urges assailed her system and she swallowed nervously.  Unconsciously, she moved closer to Spike until their mouths almost touched. 

I think I’m drowning.  Spike thought and dropped his eyes to Buffy’s lips and back up to her eyes.  He almost dove in when a throat cleared.  Both blonde’s looked up at Willow, who was two seconds away from laughing her ass off.  She saw the mutual lust and confusion in both sets of eyes and her own smile widened. 

“Um, yeah, Oz and I are going to go for a walk; we’ll see you guys later.”  Willow stood up, pulling Oz with her.  She looked at Buffy and almost laughed again.  Buffy’s eyes were wide with surprise and traces of fear. 

Willow’s leaving!  Oh no, what the hell am I going to do?  “You guys sure?  I-I-I mean, I thought we were hanging out, and stuff.”  Buffy couldn’t help the panic.  She was sure that a few minutes alone with Spike would break down any defenses she had.  Actually, she was positive of that, Spike had a way of making her forget anything but him.  “What about the movies?” she asked desperately. 

“Maybe another time,” Willow said.  She grabbed Buffy’s hand and pulled her up, “Let’s go grab my stuff from Spike’s car.”  The girls walked out leaving the men behind wondering why girls always had to do things in groups. 

Out at the car, Willow grabbed her stuff and, turning to Buffy, spoke quickly.  “You’re going to be fine.  Just relax and be yourself. Spike digs you, he’s not thinking about Priscilla or whatever her name is.  I can tell.  Every time you smile, so does he.  You laugh and his face lights up and when you move, he follows you with his eyes.  Don’t worry Buffy and don’t overanalyze or see hidden motives.  Not everybody is as bad as he-who-shall-not-be-named and for once in your life, take something that you want.  For you.  Not for your mom, your brother or even for me.  For you.  And enjoy yourself, because I know you like him, respect him, and want him, that’s all that matters.  Don’t let this chance go by.”  She hugged Buffy and walked back to intercept Oz.  They shyly grasped hands and walked away. 

Spike sauntered up to the car and smiled at Buffy.  “So, luv, what do you want to do tonight?”

Well, here goes nothing.  “Anything,” Buffy said. “Anything at all.”  

She reached over pulled Spike down for a soft kiss, pressing her lips against his ever-so-gently, a bare caress.  She planted light butterfly kisses at both corners of his mouth and then leaned against him kissing him again, firmer this time.  Buffy wound her arms around Spike’s neck, and one hand caressed his cheek.  Spike banded his arms around her waist and tried to deepen the kiss quickly but Buffy wouldn’t let him.  She slowly deepened it, letting herself sink down into the kiss, the taste, and the man.  When the heat became unbearable, when it threatened to consume and overtake, Buffy broke away and slowly they both rose. 

“Well,” Spike started and had to clear his voice.  Cor, that was bloody amazing.  “Well, luv, what now?”  

“Now, let’s do something fun,” she replied to him and leaned into him.  He tightened his arms around her, relishing the feel of her in her in arms.  They stood like that for a moment, man and woman embracing in silence yet speaking volumes.  Spike squeezed and then released her.  “I have an idea, luv, get in the car.”  He unlocked her door and walked to the driver’s side. 

“Where are we going?” she asked as Spike slid into the car.

“You’ll see when we get there,” he replied.  Spike started his car. 

They pulled out of the parking lot and headed across town.  Buffy leaned back and watched as the city of Sunnydale flashed by her.  It was a unique place.  Not small enough to be considered a town, not large enough to be called a city.  The street divisions went from lower income at Chestnut Street to middle class at Hazel Street and upper class at Ivy.  The highest of the upper class were at the end of Ivy Avenue, bordering it and Cherry Avenue.  Buffy’s family was a firm middle class, right on Hazel and 4th.  She wondered where Spike lived and almost asked him, but noticed that they were almost downtown. 

Confused, Buffy asked, “Spike, seriously, where are we going?”

He gave her an evil smirk “Sorry, luv, still not gonna tell you, now relax.”

Buffy reached over and turned the radio knob until she found a station playing an old Ella Fitzgerald song.  Spike’s music was well and good, but how was anybody supposed to relax when listening to battle cries and screeching guitars?  Spike frowned at her action, but Buffy ignored him.  She sat back into the plush seat of the car, closed her eyes, and let out a little sigh.

Spike looked over at her, saw her smile of contentment, and that made his smile as well. “So, luv, what are your plans for your post-graduate life?”

“Oh, I don’t know.  I’m a psychology major, I would like to go to graduate school, get my masters.  After that, work as a counselor, maybe at a school,” she said.  “I like kids, and I think I could help.”

“Sounds good, ducks.  I think you’d make a great counselor,” Spike said to her.  He reached for her and twined their fingers together.  When Buffy looked at him and smiled, his stomach fluttered and dipped.  Something was happening to him, something unexpected and slightly nerve-racking.  This could be dangerous. 

“Spike,” Buffy said in a slightly high pitched voice. 

“Yes?” he asked.

“Um, are you going to look at the road sometime soon, ‘cause you’re kinda making me nervous,” she replied, darting her eyes between him and the road.

Spike chuckled, “Don’t fret, luv, we’re there,” he said as he pulled up behind a large, gray industrial building.  He stopped the car and helped her get out.  After locking the door, Spike slipped behind Buffy and put his arms around her, nibbling on her ear. 

“Pet,” he said against her throat and Buffy shivered. 

“Yes?” she asked.  Electricity was shooting up and down her spine.

“Do you trust me?” Spike asked and he turned her so that she was facing him.

Buffy looked into his cerulean eyes.  “Yes, Spike, I trust you, why?”

Instead of answering her, Spike pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and covered her eyes.  Suddenly stuck blind, Buffy flailed her arms until she felt grasp her hand. 

“Come with me, luv,” he said and gently pulled her forward. 

Buffy took a tentative step and then another.  When she realized that Spike wasn’t going to run her into a wall or anything, she walked in more confident fashion.  Spike stopped her for a minute, squeezed her hand and stepped away.  He returned and Buffy felt cooler air sweep around her and knew they had stepped inside the building.  New odors assailed her system, slightly salty and somewhat fishy. 

Spike continued to lead Buffy forward, their footsteps the only sounds echoing in the dark, cavernous hallway.  When they reached the end of the hallway, Spike turned Buffy to the right and walked her down another, shorter hallway.  When they reached the final destination, Spike turned Buffy toward him and removed her blindfold.

“Look right there, luv,” he said pointing ahead of them.  “I’ll be right back.” 

Spike disappeared for a minute, and suddenly a light flashed on in front of her and Buffy gasped.  Directly in front of her was a gigantic aquarium with two huge killer whales languidly floating in it.  They rolled and twisted in the clear water, playfully chased each other to the back and returned to the front. 

Spike slipped behind Buffy again and pulled her against him.  “The one on the right it Porgy,” he said, pointing.  “And the one on the left is Bess.”

“They’re beautiful,” Buffy whispered, leaning back against Spike. 

“I used to clown around here a lot when I was younger.  Finally, one day the manager, Karen, she had enough of me and she put me to work, mopping floor and cleaning aquariums.  I loved it; I always used to sit here and just watch Porgy and Bess.  Sometimes, I wished I could join them” This was the first real truth Spike had told Buffy all night.  He didn’t finish the story, however, and tell her that his father found out and forbid him to ever come back and do such “common” work.  When Spike disobeyed him, Edward threatened to get Karen fired. 

“Thank you for bringing me here, Spike,” Buffy said softly and turned so that she was hugging him.