Chapter 18
Willow got out of the car hurriedly followed by Spike and Buffy.
"Will slow down." Buffy said.
"I can't, I'm gonna miss my flight." Willow said backing up towards the entrance. "I'll see you when you come back." Willow said as she turned and started walking faster.
"Red wait. You have to tell us." Spike said loudly as a plane came close to landing.
"Tell you what?" Willow said trying to leave.
"Who is he?" Spike yelled louder.
"What?" Willow said to herself before realizing what they were talking about and started laughing.
"Okay, if you have........" Was all they heard as a plane flew over head.
They saw her lips moving and then her waving goodbye as she turned and ran through the doors trying to make her flight.
"Bugger." Spike said as they watched her disappear through the crowd.
"No, we're going to find out now." Buffy said grabbing his hand as she ran into the airport dragging him behind her.
"Dammit. Which gate?" Buffy said looking around.
"I think it was twelve." Spike yelled as they ran through the airport.
"There she is." Buffy said as she spotted her red hair. "Dammit she's showing her ticket." Buffy said running faster.
"WILL." Buffy screamed. "WILLOW."
Willow turned around as she was about to go through the doors.
"What?" Willow said as an out of breath Buffy and Spike panted trying to catch their breath.
"It's really sweet that you're gonna miss me guys. But I have to go." Willow said giving them a last quick hug. "See ya soon." Willow said as she turned and ran through the doors.
Buffy and Spike panted heavily, all the while holding their hands up trying to get her attention. They dropped their hands when they saw her disappear through the doors.
They leaned against each other until they regained their breath.
"That so did not go the way I planned." Buffy said dumbfounded.
Spike just nodded as his brows furrowed even more.
They stared at the closed doors in disbelief before turning around and walking deflatedley out to the car.
Buffy dialed the phone as Spike came into the diningroom.
"Willow, you didn't..............dammit." Buffy said hanging up the phone.
"It's really getting to you isn't it?" Spike said laughing.
"Well........yeah." Buffy said dropping herself into the chair. "Damn answering machnes.
"Why not just leave her a message." Spike suggested.
"I did. She returned the call when I was out shopping with Cordy a couple days ago." Buffy pouted. "She's hard to get ahold of."
"I bet I can find out." Spike said moving to the phone. "I don't know why I didn't think of this before."
"Hello dad. How's things?" Spike asked. "Yeah yeah yeah, whatever." Spike said not letting Giles really talk. "Look who's the bloke Red is seein?"
Spike rolled his eyes. "Dad......dad, quit talking to nancy boy there and answer my question. Who's Willow dating?"
Spike stood there for a couple rubbing his temple.
Spike dropped the phone back in the cradle.
"Who is it?" Buffy said practically jumping up and down.
"Well first he ripped into me for being short with him, then he kept barking orders to people then he set the phone down while he went over and yelled at someone. He never came back to the phone." Spike said as he leaned against the wall.
"We're destined to never find out." Spike said as he went over and poured himself a coffee.
"Seems that way." Buffy said.
"Do you have any idea who it could possibly be?" Spike asked.
"No, we met a large number of your friends. Could be any one of them." Buffy said sinking back into her chair.
"B, Spike. You guys here?" Faith said as she walked through the front door.
"In here Faith." Buffy said.
"Come on. Got something I want to show you." Faith said as she led the to the living room.
Faith turned on the tv and put a disc in the dvd player.
"What is it?" Buffy asked.
"Grab a seat and watch." Faith said as the disc started.
Their began smiling when they saw the band on stage. The song was the one Spike had written for Buffy.
Faith had complied clips of him and Buffy and all of them together during the bbq, back stage and clips he wasn't even aware that Faith had her camera going.
The closing scene was the kiss Spike had given Buffy backstage after the first show she had gone to.
"What do you think?" Faith asked.
"Oh my god Faith. That was amazing. I think you found your calling." Buffy said smilins widely.
"You captured it perfectly Faith. Tell you what. You'll be the only person who does our videos." Spike said. Every band does them. Just a matter of time." Spike said.
"Really. You think it was good." Faith said.
"Not good. Bloody fantastic." Spike replied.
"So maybe I could do a few more for when the album is released and you get airplay." Faith said.
"Have at it." Spike replied.
"Good. Cause I already have another one done and I'm halway through the third. I need more clips though so it may be a little longer." Faith said as she removed the disc from the dvd player.
"I should go, just wanted to show you. This is your copy." Faith said handing it to Spike. "I'll make you a copy tonight." Faith said as she walked past Buffy. "See you later." Faith said as she left the house.
Spike and Buffy looked at each other before they put it in to watch again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Okay. I'll tell her to call. Bye Willow." Joyce said then started to hang up the phone.
"I'm here, I'm here." Buffy yelled as she finished closing the back door and dropped her purse on the counter.
"Sorry, she already hung up." Joyce said.
Buffy grabbed the phone and started dialing.
"She won't be there. She was just on her way out but wanted to return your call." Joyce said. "She said to call her at three pm our time tomorrow, that she'd be home."
Buffy hung up the phone scowling.
"You two have been playing phone tag for almost two weeks." Joyce said smiling.
"Eventually I'll get ahold of her." Buffy said determined as she grabbed her bag and went upstairs to her room.
Buffy grabbed her bikini out of her drawer and started changing her clothes.
Spike walked by and opened her door and stood there staring when he saw her pull up her bikini bottoms, her chest still bare.
Buffy grabbed the top and started putting it on. She was doing up the last strap as she turned around to see Spike standing there watching her.
"See anything you like." Buffy said as she brought her hand to her hip and rested it there as she smirked at him.
"That's my line." Spike said smiling. "And the answer is yes." Spike said moving closer.
"We're going to the beach........obviously. Want to come?" Buffy asked.
"A chance to see you running around, practically naked. Let me think." Spike said as he nuzzled her neck. "I'll get my suit." Spike said quietly as he moved back and went to his room to change.
Buffy put on a pair of shorts and rooted through her closet for her flip flops.
"I'll wait downstairs for you." Buffy said as she went out to the hall.
"I'm ready." Spike said as he grabbed his keys off the dresser and left the room.
"Nice legs." Buffy said winking as she turned to go down the stairs.
"Nice...........everything." Spike said back following her down.
"Compliments will get you everywhere." Buffy said as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Your mums okay with you going out of town for the weekend right?" Spike asked.
"Yeah, she's fine with it." Buffy said. "I would have gone anyway. I like watching you play." Buffy replied.
"Just have a few more tracks to record, plus the two clubs this weekend." Spike replied.
"Ooh. Maybe I can help Faith. Bring an extra camera. We could both take shome footage, then she's have lots to choose from." Buffy said.
"That's a great idea. I'm sure Faith wouldn't mind the extra help." Spike said as he opened the door ushering her through and out to the car.
Buffy grabber her cell out of her bag when she sat down in the car.
"Hey Cordy. Yeah I'm getting a ride with Spike, you guys go ahead we'll meet you there..............yes I grabbed them on the way home. I did. They're in my bag. God Cordy, I'm not a total space case. Okay. Yeah see you in a few." Buffy said then put her phone away.
"What was the cheerleader going on about?" Spike asked as he turned the corner.
"Oh she wanted me to pick somthing up for her.......at the drugstore." Buffy said quietly. " Plus I got marshmellows for the fire later." Buffy said smiling.
"Oh." Spike said figuring out what Buffy was talking about. "So marshmellows."
"Yup. Sugary goodness." Buffy replied.
They made small talk all the way to the beach.
Spike, Xander and Angel sat on the towels while they watched Buffy, Faith and Cordelia splashing around in the water.
"Gotta love the water." Xander said as he watched the water caress every curve of Cordelia's body.
"Yeah." Spiks aid huskily as he watched Buffy jumping and splashing around.
Angel never said anything but never tore his eyes from Faiths bikini clad and very wet body.
"You gits can sit here if you like. But I'm going in." Spike said as he got up and kicked off his sandals and walked towards the girls.
"This has to be the most beautiful spot on the beach." Spike said as he came up to stand by the girls.
"Get your ass in her blondie." Faith said splashing him with water.
Spike sighed as if being put upon. "If you insist."Spike moved slowly like he had to put effort into wanting to be there.
Spike turned and looked back to Angel and Xander who were coming down the beach towards him.
"The girls want us to go in." Spike said smirking devilishly at them.
Angel and Xander looked at each other then to Spike.
Angel and Xander broke into a run as all three of them ran into the water and dived in, soaking the girls.
The girls screamed as they tried to run.
Spike grabbed Buffy around the waist. "What shall we do with our prisoners?" Spike said mimicking a pirate.
"Well we have no deck, so definately no swabbing." Xander said as he held a struggling Cordelia.
"And no plank, so no walking that either." Angel added tightening his grip on Faith as she squirmed trying to get away.
"Aren't we a pitiful excuse for pirates." Spike said as he loosened his grip, but Buffy stayed where she was.
"You know, they could always barter for their freedom." Angel said.
"Interesting idea." Spike said. "Or not." Spike said as he grabbed Buffy and lifted her up and tossed her into the water.
Cordelia and Faith quickly followed.
Buffy quickly got over and jumped on Spikes back knocking him under the water.
Faith had swam around and grab Angels legs and pulled him under the water before swimming out of his reach.
Cordelia had swam up behind Xander and grabbed him, pulling back as she jumped out of the way when he went down.
Spike came up from under the water laughing and grabbing Buffy around the waist and hugging her to him.
He pulled his head back and captured her lips in soft kiss.
Buffy's hands started to go up around his neck, but she stopped and moved them back down to rest on his arms.
Spike broke the kiss and looked into her eyes as he lifted her arms and put them around his shoulders. He dipped his head and captured her lips again, bringing her in tighter against him.
Buffy hand caressed the back of his neck, while the other fisted in his hair.
Spike moaned into her mouth as he deepened the kiss, making it more heated as their need grew.
Buffy broke the kiss when she needed air. She breathed deeply as she tried to steady herself.
"We should get back on the beach." Buffy said quietly.
"I'll have to join you in a few minutes." Spike said smirking as he tried to calm his breathing.
"Okay." Buffy said knowingly as she turned and went up to the towels where everyone else was already sitting.
They all sat in couple while they watched the flames dance around.
They talked and laughed for hours.
They had all brought snack of some sort, so they ate and listened to music, sometimes they danced around the fire.
When they saw the last embers of the fire going out, they threw sand all over it then packed up their belonging and headed home.
Buffy and Spike came into the house quietly. It was three in the morning and they didn't want to wake her mom.
Spike followed Buffy into her room and wrapped his arms around her, backing her up until she hit the bed with the back of her knees. Spike lowered her slowly to the bed, pinning her beneath him.
He grabbed both of her hand and moved them above her head, holding them there against the matress as he captured her mouth.
He plundered her mouth relentlessy, causing her to moan as her hips began to move instinctively.
Spike began grinding himself into her.
Buffy tore her mouth away as she moaned.
Spike pulled back breathing deeply.
"Can I sleep with you tonight?" Spike asked as he tried to regain control.
"You never have to ask." Buffy said quietly.
Spike nodded as he got up slowly and a little shakily and went to his room to change.
Buffy got up and changed and climbed into bed and waited for him.
Buffy reached over and turned off the light.
Spike came in a few minutes later and crawled into the other side of the bed and lifted Buffy over to lay on his chest.
"You looked beautiful today. Well you always look beautiful." Spike said.
"I though you looked pretty hot in those shorts." Buffy replied.
Spike chuckled at her comment.
"If put my hand on your chest, will it bother you?" Buffy asked.
Spike grabbed her hand and laid it on his chest leaving his on top of hers, caressing the back of it.
Buffy closed her eyes as she smiled.
"Night Buffy. Love you." Spike said as he closed his eyes.
"Love you too." Buffy said as she snuggled in closer.
They both drifted off and slept peacefully for what was left of the night.
Buffy woke up to Spike sitting up on the window seat having a cigarrette.
"Morning." Buffy said as she started to get up.
"Morning luv." Spike said as he watched her come over to him.
Buffy bent down and gave him a light kiss on his lips before sitting beside him.
"You're up early." Buffy said.
"Yeah." Spike said happily.
"What's going on?" Buffy asked as she started to smile.
"I didn't dream of her lastnight. I dreamt of you. Bloody amazing dream at that." Spike said as he raised his eyebrows.
Buffy blushed slightly. "So you had a good sleep then."
Spike nodded. "First time in a long time."
"Then this calls for a big breakfast. Come on. How does pancakes sound." Buffy said making him toss his butt out the window.
"Umm, is your mum making it?" Spike asked cautoiusly.
"I happen to be a good cook." Buffy replied.
"Well I agree with you, on most things. But I've tasted your pancakes luv." Spike said as his brows furrowed.
"Okay, get dressed. I'll take you out for breakfast." Buffy said heading back to their rooms.
"Okay." Spike said walking behind her. "But I'm paying."
"Of course you are." Buffy said as she snorted and went into her room to change.
"Damn, I thought she'd say no." Spike mumbled to himself as he went to his room. "See if I try to be chivalrous again."
Buffy and Spike enjoyed a large pancake breakfast, having an even better time when Xander and Cordelia walked in and joined them.
When they finished they all took off to the mall and caught the matinee.
By the time Buffy and Spike got home it was just after three.
"Damn it." Buffy said as she frantically dialed the number. "Pick up, pick up, pick up." Buffy gritted out quietly as the phone continued to ring.
Buffy winced and almost cried when she hung up the phone.
"Answering machine." Buffy said dejectedly.
"Could try dad again." Spike suggested before remembering his father ripping into him the last time. "Or not." Spike said as his brows furrowed.
"I'm gonna find out if it's the last thing I do." Buffy stated getting a little angry.
Chapter 19
Buffy and Spike sat outside the recording studio in the car during a break.
Buffy had just called her mom. Willow left a message and the number of her new cell. The other one had been lost before she went back to England. Buffy quickly ended her call to her mom as she dialed Willows number.
Spike and Buffy were impatiently waiting for her to answer.
"Willow." Buffy yelled as soon as Willow answered.
Buffy covered her one ear.
"Will, can barely hear you." Buffy said. "Will, who's the guy?" Buffy asked trying to make out what Willow was saying. "The guy you're dating." Buffy clarified.
"Will.........I......what?.........huh........I can't hear.........Willow.......Willow." Buffy said before dropping the phone in her lap.
"The phone died or something." Buffy said frustrated.
"Did you hear anything?" Spike asked as he laid his head back in defeat.
"A few words here and there." Buffy said.
"What were they?" Spike asked.
"All I got was Giles, sweet, good kisser and hot." Buffy said.
"Oh god." Spike groaned. "A mental picture I really didn't need."
"Yeah." Buffy said as she looked out the car window inwardly shaking.
"But she was right." Buffy said.
"Hows that luv?" Spike asked.
"Your dad is good looking. Sexy." Buffy said smiling as she turned to Spike.
Spike groaned and laid his head back.
"Runs in the family." Buffy said as she moved closer to Spike.
Spike chuckled as he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her over to straddle his lap.
"Sexy am I." Spike said quietly as he nibbled on her neck.
"Have you seen you?" Buffy said laughing slightly as she pulled back.
"Too busy looking at you." Spike said smirking as he pulled her down and kissed her hungrily.
"Breaks over man, lets go." Oz yelled from the window above.
Buffy and Spike pulled apart and sighed.
Spike opened the door to the car.
"After you luv." Spike said.
Buffy climbed off his lap and out of the car, quickly followed by Spike.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy and Spike walked into the house and straight upstairs, dropping their bags at the foot of Buffy's bed before falling onto the bed in an exhausted heap and quickly falling asleep with Spike wrapped around Buffy.
Joyce came upstairs when she got home. She saw Spikes car in the driveway when she pulled in.
When she saw them asleep on the bed she smiled and shook her head.
They hadn't even chamged, they were still fully clothed, even still wearing thier shoes, well boots in Spikes case.
Joyce just closed th edoor so tey had a little more privacy as she went to her room to change out of her work clothes.
Buffy and Spike slowly began to wake up as they looked around groggily before turning to each other.
"Slept the day away I think." Buffy said as she stretched.
"Looks like." Spike said as he glanced at the clock, it said almost five - thirty.
"Hmm. Comfy." Buffy said as she curled back into Spike's side and closed her eyes.
Spiked chuckled as he hugged her and placed a kiss to the top of her head.
"I'm gonna go have a shower." Spike said shifting Buffy so he could get up.
"Okay." Buffy said quietly but kept her eyes closed and continued to lay there.
Spike went to his room to grab some clean clothes then headed to the bathroom.
Spike grabbed the handle and opened the door and walked in.
"Oh god. Sorry, sorry." Spike said hurriedly as his eyes widened and he quickly closed the door on a towel clad Joyce.
Spike went back to his room and sat on the edge of the bed.
Buffy came in seconds later after hearing her mom let out a small scream.
"What happened?" Buffy asked looking to the closed bathroom door.
"I walked in your mum." Spike said red faced shaking slightly.
"It was horrible Buffy. I walk in, like the pratt I am without knocking. There she is, covering herself with a towel."Spike said embarrassed.
"Don't worry. Mom won't be upset. I did it to Giles." Buffy said smiling.
"You walked in on dad?" Spike asked.
"Yeah, only he wasn't covered by a towel." Buffy said as her face reddened.
Spike started laughing.
"Hey I'll have yu know I was traumatized for weeks after that. I couldn't even look at him without picturing..........you know." Buffy said.
Spike laughed even harder.
"Stop laughing." Buffy said as she stood up.
"No.'' Spike replied chuckling.
"Spike." Buffy pouted.
"Okay, I'll stop laughing. On one condition." Spike said.
"What?" Buffy asked.
"I want a kiss." Spike said smiling.
Buffy smiled as she leaned into him. "That's easy."
Spike pulled back causing Buffy to frown.
"I didn't tell where I wanted it." Spike said smirking.
Buffy gaped at him for a minute before a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Okay. Where?" Buffy asked.
Spike smiled wider.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey Buffy. We had a great time at the Opera the othernight. He was so sweet. He gave me a rose first thing this morning. Anyway, sorry I missed you. I'll try again later. Bye Buff." Willow said.
Buffy hit the button on the answering machine, a few times.
"It wasn't the machines fault, don't take it out in it." Spike said smiling.
"You have to learn to manage your time better." Spike added before jumping out of the way when Buffy threw a pillow at him.
"It's your fault you know." Buffy said glarng at Spike.
"How is it my fault?" Spike asked suprised.
"If you hadn't made me agree to do the kiss, I would have been here and we would be in the knowing of who she's seeing." Buffy said.
"You didn't want to kiss me?" Spike asked quietly.
"Yeah right like that's a problem. I always want to kiss you baby." Buffy said softening her tone.
"Good." Spike replied coming to stand beside her.
"It's killing me Spike. I need to know." Buffy said honestly. "Friends tell friends everything and so far I've gotten a big fat zero from Will." Buffy's brow scrunched. "Well not really I guess. I mean she did tell, but I never got to hear it." Buffy added before groaning in frustration.
Spike chuckled at hugged her and ran a soothing hand over her back.
"Don't worry pet, we'll find out sooner or later." Spike said.
"I'd rather it be sooner." Buffy replied.
"Come on. Let's get ready to go. We're all meeting at Faith's tonight. Pizza, movies and all that rot." Spike said sighing.
"Don't sound so enthusiastic." Buffy replied.
"I'd rather be spending time alone with you. You'll be leaving soon." Spike replied.
"I'll still be here for another couple of weeks." Buffy said.
"Not very much time." Spike said quietly.
"Quality, not quantity." Buffy replied.
"I'd rather have both." Spike replied smirking a little.
"So would I." Buffy answered.
"Let's get it over with so I can have you to myself." Spike said as they went up to change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey Buff, pass the popcorn." Xander said not taking his eyes off the tv.
"You should ease up there whelp. You're getting a spare tire there." Spike said as he looked at Xanders mid section.
"It's all solid." Xander replied patting his stomach.
"Like jello maybe." Spike replied.
"Whatever 'trapped in the eighties.'" Xander said as he turned back to the tv with the popcorn bowl on his lap.
"I'll have you know I'm damn sexy." Spike replied putting his arm around Buffy.
Buffy, Faith and Cordelia all rolled their eyes.
"You look like the undead." Xander replied.
"At least I don't look like the staypuff marshmellow man." Spike retorted.
"Hey guys, knock it off." Angel said stepping in.
"You could use a bit of exercise to there peaches." Spike said smirking.
Buffy, Faith and Cordelia all got up and went to the kitchen and started putting pizza on plates to take in.
"Too much testosterone in one room for too long leads to badness." Cordelia said shaking her head.
"Why can't they be more like us. You don't see us fighting." Buffy replied.
"It's a guy thing." Faith said.
"It's annoying." Cordelia replied.
"Yeah, but we love them anyway." Buffy replied.
"Aren't we the pathetic ones." Faith said smiling.
They shook therie heads and grabbed the plates and headed back to the livingroom.
They walked back in to see Xander clenching his jaw, but watching tv.
Angel with his arms folded across his chest, lips tightened with anger.
Spike sat there casually as if nothing had happened.
The girls smiled widely. "Pizza." They said in unison.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike, Angel,Xander and Oz all sat at the table in Buffy's backyard.
They all ad thier arms crossed over their chests and the look of 'someone is invading our territiry' across their faces when they looked across the yard.
Buffy, Cordelia and Faith were standing at the barbeque. They had made the salads earlier in the day and just had to cook the meet.
They put the last of the chicken and steaks on then closed the lid.
They refused to move away from the bbq. They had already made that mistake when they first lit it and put the lid down.
When they came back out a minute later with the tray of meat. Spike, Angel and Xander had been at the bbq adding more lighter fluid so the flames were shooting up about a foot. Oz hadn't ventured over but had shouted it needed more.
They managed to get them away and made them all go sit at the table. They waited until the flames died down then covered it again, having to wait longer before adding the meat to the grill.
"They just don't know what they're doing." Spike said into his cell phone as he watched them add the meat to the grill.
"Did they add enough fluid?" Giles asked.
"No we had to go over and do it. Then they made us go back to the table." Spike said. "I can't even see a flame, not even a spark for christ sake." Spike said exitedly.
"The food won't cook all the way through." Giles said.
"I know. They won't listen to us dad." Spike said.
"You know what you have to do son." Giles said.
"Order a pizza." Spike replied.
"No, you eat it and tell them it was delicious. If you eat the chicken get yourself to the hospital with out them knowing in case of samenilla poisoning." Giles said.
"Okay, I'll do it." Spike replied.
"Keep a stiff upper lip and all that." Giles said.
"Right. Go it dad." Spike replied.
"I have to go so I'll talk to you soon." Giles replied.
"Okay, bye dad." Spike said hanging up the phone.
Spike had really wanted to ask about Willow but thought it was best not to since Oz was sitting beside him.
"He said we should eat it anyway." Spike said wearily looking at the bbq.
"God we're gonna die aren't we."Xander said.
They all just looked gravely at the bbq but smiled at the girls whenever they looked over.
They had to keep stopping themselves from going to go to the grill when ever the girls looked over.
The girls put all the food on the table and then sat int heir chairs and dished up the food.
The guys eyes their plates in horror when they were set in front of them.
Spike had a steak on his plate, so did Angel while Xander had chicken.
Spike and Angel gave Xander a pitiful look as Xander gulped and looked at his food.
"Hey it smells great." Joyce said coming out from the kitchen and sitting down.
The boys wanted to warn her but didn't want to hurt the girls feelings so they stayed quiet, but watched as Joyce made a large plate of food and took a peice of chicken.
Xander winced out land as she set the chicken on her plate.
They girls looked at him with scrunched brows.
"Mmm. This sure looks...........good." Xander said smiling.
"Great job on the chicken." Joyce said after taking a bite.
"The steak is awsome." Faith said shoving another bite in to her mouth.
"Yeah, good job Buffy." Cordelia said taking a bite of her chicken.
"Thank you. But you guys did a great job on the salads. And Cordy your marinade is great. I'll have to make sure and get the recipe from you." Buffy replied.
"Thanks Buffy. I'll give it to you before we leave."Cordelia said.
They guys sat there watching them eat and talk.
"They don't look like they're going to die." Xander whispered to Spike.
"I'm going in." Spike took a deep breath and picked up his fork and knife. He cut a small peice of steak and slowly brought it to his mouth and began chewing.
Buffy looked up as Spikes eyes widened in suprise.
"What?" Buffy asked.
"This is bloody fantastic pet." Spike said cutting another piece.
"Really?" Xander said as he picked up his fork and knife to and so did Angel.
The girls all just looked at them puzzled as they began cutting into their food.
"It doesn't taste anything like what we made." Oz commented.
"No. It's actually edible." Cordelia replied.
"What? We ate what we cooked." Xander said through a mouthful of chicken.
"You guys were the only ones." Faith said as she took a bite of salad.
"I wondered how Rupert and you boys never got sick. That was a lot of fluid you put on the bbq. I mean you even put it on the meat." Joyce said shaking her head.
"Yeah, I thought we might have to take you guys to the hospital." Buffy replied.
"It was fine." They said in unison.
"Whatever." faith said rolling her eyes.
Angel never commented he was too busy eating his steak to care what was being said.
Spike was doing the same as Angel and reached over for seconds when he empties his plate.
Angel, Spike and Xander sat there holding there stomachs and groaning.
"I knew it. Slow acting poison." Xander said in a panicked voice.
"As if. It's called being a pig." Cordelia said.
"What did you think was going to happen if you ate three huge plates of food." Buffy said chuckling.
"Look at Oz, he's fine." Faith said.
"Yeah, but I stopped at one plate." Oz replied.
"You really thought we were going to poison you?" Buffy asked looking at Xander.
"Not intetionally pet. You weren't bbq - ing the right way." Spike said holding his stomach.
"No. You guys weren't bbq - ing the right way." Faith said.
"You just can't handle the fact we can do it better than you." Cordelia replied as she started clearing away the dishes.
The guys just groaned more.
Late afternoon rolled around and Faith and Cordelia scraped Angel and Xander from their chairs and took them home, still moaning in pain.
Buffy sat down beside Apike and brought her hand up and rubbed his stomach.
"Feeling any better?" Buffy asked.
"A bit better." Spike said grabbing her hand and holding it, entwining thier fingers.
"Come on. Let's go for a walk. Help your food settle a little more." Buffy said as she helped Spike to his feet.
"Where to luv?" Spike asked.
"Nowhere really. Just around the block." Buffy said as they walked out of the yard.
Spike had his arm around her shoulder and she leaned into him as they walked around the corner.
They took their time and walked a few blocks before heading back to the house.
As they opened the door to the house and walked in closing it behind them, a car slowly pulled out and drove away.
tbc
THE EXCHANGE
Chapter 20
"Do you ever read your mail?" Willow said to herself as she added more to the stack in the drawer of the desk.
"You ready dear?" Giles asked as he came through the door in a hurry.
"Ready." Willow said grabbing her bag and jacket from the chair.
"Come on, we're going to be late." Giles said grabbing her hand and pulling her through the door.
Willow chuckled as the door closed behind them.
Willow ran back into the house and grabbed her keys from the desk, leaving the drawer of mail open, then running back out, slamming the door behind her.
"Must you slam the door." Giles said as he stood by the car.
"It slipped." Willow said as she ran over and climbed in.
"Bloody hell." Giles muttered to himself as he climbed into the car.
"Reservations are for nine. We better hurry." Willow said as she buckled up.
"Yes dear." Giles said as he started the car and drove off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I spoke to dad the other day. He can't come back before the end of the summer. It's too busy at work, even with Willow working there with him, he still can't get away." Spike said.
"I'm sorry baby. Maybe you can come back with me and stay for awhile." Buffy said.
"I'll check with Oz. If we're not playing for a bit, then yeah." Spike said smiling.
"Wait. You talked to Giles. Did you find out about Willow?" Buffy asked.
"No. The two times I spoke to him Oz was around. Didn't feel right asking then." Spike replied.
Buffy groaned.
"Only another week than you can be there and ask her yourself. In the room where there's no planes overhead." Spike said smirking.
Buffy smiled.
"And if that doesn't work, we'll torture her." Spike said decidedly.
"Torture huh." Buffy said laughing.
"Well." Spike said pinning Buffy beneath him on the sofa. "There are many different kinds of torture luv." Spike whispered in her ear causing Buffy's heart to skip a beat.
"Show me." Buffy breathed.
Spike ground into her as he took her lips hungrily.
Buffy moaned as her hands fisted in his hair.
Spike broke the kiss when they needed to breath. He dipped his head again but stopped.
Spike closed his eyes. "Damn." He said sotly as he got up off of Buffy when he heard a car door close out front.
Buffy sat up and tried to control her breathing.
"Hi mom." Buffy called out when Joyce walked through the door.
"Hey honey, hi Spike." Joyce replied.
"What have you been doing today?" Joyce asked as she set her stack of papers on the table.
"Not nearly enough." Spike mumbled to himself.
"Nothing." Buffy said quickly, hitting Spike in the arm.
"Ow. Bloody hell pet." Spike said rubbing his arm.
"What was that?" Joyce asked turning around.
"Uh, said it was boring as hell." Spike said eyeing Buffy.
"Oh, well you could have come down to the gallery. I could always use some extra hands." Joyce said.
"Oh it really wasn't that bad." Buffy said quickly.
"Yes it was." Spike said smirking at Buffy.
"No, it really wasn't." Buffy said turning back to Spike clenching her jaw.
"You want some help tomorrow Joyce. I have band practice, but Buffy's free. I can pick her up when I'm done." Spike said smiling at Joyce.
"That would be great. Thanks Buffy." Joyce said smiling at her.
"Sure no problem." Buffy replied with a smile.
Joyce went onto the kitchen to start making dinner.
Buffy turned on Spike quickly.
"How could you do that?" Buffy asked angrily.
"Turnabouts fair play luv. You hit me, now you work for your mum tomorrow. Paybacks are a bitch." Spike said smirking.
Buffy sat there angry, then started to smile.
"Well with me spending the entire day at the gallery tomorrow and you at practice for what...... four, five hours. I guess we won't have the place to ourselves for you to show me." Buffy said.
"Show you what?" Spike replied.
Buffy leaned in and whispered in his ear. "The many different ways you could torture me." Buffy pulled back and looked at Spike.
"I'm going to help mom with dinner." Buffy said as she got up and left Spike sitting there.
"Bugger." Spike said to himself as he flopped back on the couch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy had ended up helping her mom for the nest few days at the gallery and Spike had been busy with the band.
They didn't spend much time together but Spike was going back to London with Buffy. He already chesked with Oz and they weren't playing anywhere for the next few weeks.
Buffy woke up, showered and dressed before going downstairs.
"Morning Buffy." Joyce said handing Buffy a coffee.
"Hey." Buffy said sitting down. "Where's Spike? He wasn't in his room."
"He was up and out early. Didn't tell me where he was going." Joyce replied hiding her smile.
Buffy nodded and drank her coffee, trying to wake up.
"Oh, Willow called......
Buffy held up her hand and stopped her mom from going any further.
"Yeah, got it mom. Call her back." Buffy replied rolling her eyes as she got up and headed out the back door.
"I'm going to meet Faith for breakfast." Buffy said as the door closed.
Buffy walked along the sidewalk heading to the Pancake House to meet Faith.
She had already decided to quit trying to find out who Willow was seeing. It was taking up too much energy and leaving her frustrated, so she decided to wait until she got to London and lock Willow in a room where there was no distractions and no one would interrupt them.
This way it didn't bother her her.....................much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy walked into the house after her breakfast with Faith and was immediatly pulled into a tight embrace.
"Finally got you all to myself." Spike murmered in her ear.
"You're the one who volunteered me for gallery duty remember." Buffy said melting into his arms.
"Yeah, kinda backfired on me." Spike said chuckling.
"Just a bit." Buffy replied laughing.
"Pack an overnight bag." Spike said as he pulled her upstairs.
"Where are we going?" Buffy asked.
"You'll see when we get there." Spike said smiling.
"What do I pack?" Buffy asked as she pulled out her bag.
"Nothing fancy, jeans or something." Spike said as he went across the hall and grabbed his bag from his bed.
Buffy grabbed a pair of jeans, t-shirt, undergarments and a sweater then sipped up the bag.
"Ready." Buffy said as she came out of the room.
"Let's go." Spike said as he grabbed her hand coming down the stairs.
"I should let my mom know." Buffy said.
"Actually I already asked her."Spike said as he pulled her to the door.
"Well aren't we full of suprises today." Buffy said as Spike closed the door behind him and led her to the car.
Spike grabbed her bag and threw it in the back seat along with his.
They climbed in and pulled out of the driveway and turned driving down the street.
"You're really not going to tell me." Buffy said.
"No, I'm really not." Spike replied with a smile.
Buffy just smiled as she moved over and leaned against him as he drove, closing her eyes.
"We're here luv." Spike said quietly.
Buffy opened her eyes and smiled.
"You brought me to the cottage." Buffy replied.
"Not the cottage. Our cottage. Bought it a couple weeks ago." Spike said.
"You bought it." Buffy said smiling wider.
"Yeah, dad wired me the money. They weren't asking alot, used my college fund. Not like I was going to use it for school." Spike said matter of factly.
"So this is yours now." Buffy smiled.
"No. This is ours." Spike replied.
They got out and grabbed their bags and walked down the beach to the cottage and went in.
Buffy looked around. "You've been fixing it up."
"Yeah, well practice tha last while has kinda been a cover. Been here alot." Spike replied.
Buffy looked at the newly sanded and stained wood. Freshly pained walls and the wood floors had been redone.
"It's looks amazing." Buffy replied.
Spike dipped his head and smiled.
"I wanted to spend some time alone with you. Thought this would be the perfect place." Spike replied.
"You were right. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Buffy said placing a light kiss to his lips.
"What would you like to do first?" Spike asked.
"We didn't bring our suits." Buffy said.
"I grabbed them from the dryer when I got home. They're in my bag." Spike said. "Even grabbed towels."
Spike and Buffy spent most og the afternoon swimming and walking along the beach. After that they just spread out a blanket and layed downd together soaking up the sun and enjoying their time together uninterrupted.
When the sun started to set they took a last walk along the beach, with their feet in the water. This part of the beach was really private, they hadn't seen another person since they arrived.
Spike led Buffy back to the cottage, grabbing their towels along the way.
"That smells great." Buffy said following the savory odor to the kitchen.
"Your mum made it. Just told me how long to leave it on for. Got an alarm sitting waiting to go off when it's time." Spike said.
"Roast?" Buffy asked with a smile.
"With all the trimmings." Spike said smiling. "Now a stew I can make. Learned it from a really good cook." Spike said in her ear.
"You did huh." Buffy replied.
"Yeah. She's also the most beautiful woman I've ever met."Spike said as he embraced her from behind.
Buffy leaned her head back against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"How did I get so lucky." Buffy said to herself.
"Wasn't luck. I think I was made to love you." Spike whispered.
"Than everything worked out. I couldn't imagine myself loving anyone but you." Buffy replied.
"Dinner will be ready soon. Right now I want to dance with you." Spike said leading her back to the living room. Spike turned on the small stereo he had brought in and set up along with the food before going home and bringing Buffy back with him.
As the slow melodies drifted through the small cottage they held each other lovingly as they swayed to the music.
They had been dancing for about twenty minutes when they both jumped when they heard the alarm go off in the kitchen.
"I guess dinners ready." Spike said chuckling as he went to the kitchen and turned the clock off.
Spike turned the crock pot off and grabbed the pltes and untensils from the box he had on the counter. He sliced the meat while Buffy put the food on the plates. Spike carried the plates and Buffy carried the drinks to the living room and sat then on the floor by the fireplace.
Spike went over and lit the fire then back over to sit by Buffy. They took their time eating while they talked about the last few days. Buffy told Spike about her working at the gallery and that she actually enjoyed it as much as she did working at the museum with Giles. Buffy listened as Spike told her about what he'd done to the cottage over the past couple of weeks, with Xanders and Angels help.
They talked about little things that couple talk about. They talked about their dreams and aspirations and what they hope to accomplish in life.
Mostly they just enjoyed being together.
When they finished dinner Spike tok the plates out to the kitchen and returned with a slice of chocolate cake, which they shared.
Spike had one sleeping bag layed out on the floor with two pillows and the other covering them. Spike layed behind Buffy as they watched the flames dance around.
Spikes hand that had been caressing her arm came up and lightly traced the side of her face, making it's way down her neck and her shoulder. When his fingers continued on down her arm, his lips lightly kissed and nipped at her neck.
His hand travelled down to her hips then her thighs as they started their return journey.
Buffy closed her eyes and let Spike set the pace, giving herself completely over to him.
Spikes hand came up her back and unties the bikini she was still wearing. The ties fell as he slowly pulled it off of her as he continued to place light kisses on her shoulder blade.
His hand slipped around to her front, cupping her breast and massaging it.
Buffy gasped as her head went back slightly.
Spike paid equal attention between both breasts gently cupping and sqeezing them, eliciting soft moans from Buffy.
Spike brought his hand up and slid it under Buffys cheek and turned her face around to his. He stared into her eyes for a minute before lowereing his head slowly and capturing her lips in an painfully slow, penetrating kiss.
Buffys body turned from her side to lay on her back stopping when Spike wouldn't let her move any further.
The kiss had lasted a long time, breaking only when his lips trailed kisses down her throat, then resting when he captured her nipple between his teeth. He teased and sucked it gently while his hand massaged the other, switching breasts after a few minutes.
Spike lowered himself further as he trailed kisses down her abdomen, resting at the apex of her thighs.
He placed kisses on the insides of her thighs as his fingers undid the ties of her bikini bottoms.
Buffy lifted herself briefly while he pulled them out from under her and tossed them to the floor.
Spike dipped his head and ran his tongue up her clit as he began to lick and suck, never rushing, his movements were always slow and precise.
Buffy moaned as her breath became ragged under his ministrations.
Buffy's hands fisted the sleeping bag as she felt herself coming to the edge.
Spike inserted his finger, turning and bending it so it would hit her G-spot everytime.
Buffy's hips bucked as her body shook, calling out his name as she orgasmed.
Spike lapped up her spendings before wiping his mouth and moving up to lay beside her, removing his swim suit.
Buffy looked into his eyes as he grabbed her hand and brought it over and laid it on his chest, guiding her hand down his abdomen and letting it rest on his groin.
Buffy began to rub and squeeze as Spike's eyes closed and he sucked in a deep breath. Spike opened his and dipped down capturing her lips again, still slow and deep, but more demanding this time.
Spike's hand reached down and grabbed Buffy's stopping her ministrations as he brought it up and rested it on her pillow, entwining thier fingers and squeezing tightly as he shifted his body to rest between her thighs. He brought her other hand up and did the same.
They stared into one anothers eyes as he slowly slid into her completely filling her, both of them moaning and tightening thier hands even more.
Spike's movements were still slow, pulling out entering her, burying himself to the hilt everytime.
They rarely broke eye contact, only when Spike would dip his head to steal kisses or to whisper word of love and devotion in her ear.
They rocked back and forth moaning each others names over and over as they came closer to the brink.
When he felt her walls tighten he dipped his head and captured her lips in a deep consuming kiss as they orgasmed simultaneously.
He broke the kiss when they were spent and wiped a tear that slipped down Buffys cheek, placing a kiss to her lips as he moved to lay beside her.
He rolled her on to her side and spooned up against her.
"Marry me." Spike said softly.
"Yes." Buffy replied just as softly.
"Before we go back to London. I want to marry you before we go back." Spike said still in a soft voice.
"I'd like your dad and Willow to be there." Buffy replied.
"You're right. Sorry. Wasn't thinking about that." Spike said as he kissed her shoulder.
"We could get engaged." Buffy suggested.
"Engagement it is." Spike said. "We'll get a ring tomorrow."
"You're getting one too. Don't want any one thinking your single." Buffy said hilding his hand tighter.
"There's no one for me but you Buffy." Spike replied.
They bothed layed there watching the fire until thier eyes drifted closed and sleep took over.
tbc
THE EXCHANGE
Chapter 21
Buffy and Spike had the car loaded and were just sitting on the beach watching the sunrise over the water.
"It's so beautiful here." Buffy said.
"It is when you're here." Spike said kissing the top of her head.
"Do we have to go back?" Buffy asked.
"Not if you don't want to." Spike replied.
"Have to, not want to." Buffy corrected.
"We should get some more rest. Long night lastnight. Think I wore you out." Spike said smiling.
Buffy chuckled. "I am pretty tired. I just wanted to see the sunrise."
"Come on then. Let's get you back to bed shall we." Spike said helping buffy to her feet.
They went back to the cottage and layed down on the sleeping bags.
"You look tired too." Buffy said as she yawned.
"Yeah, spent the night with this insatiable woman. Couldn't get enough of me. Couldn't exactly say no." Spike said chuckling.
Buffy playfully batted his arm.
Spike kissed her lips then laid his head down.
"Sleep baby. I got you." Spike said tightening his hold around her waist.
Buffy closed her eyes and they quickly fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike carried the box of dishes and food into the house and Buffy brought in their bags.
After they threw their clothes into the washing machine they showered and dressed and then left to go shopping.
They had visited a couple of different jewelry stores before they found what they both wanted.
Neither wanted anything flashy or expensive. They picked out plain gold bands with two small diamonds embedded. It was simple and exactly what they wanted.
They stopped at the park and exchanged rings rings placing it on the others finger before going home.
"I guess this isn't home for you now." Buffy said as they walked back into the house.
"For now. When I can furnish it, I'll move in." Spike said.
"It won't take long. How about I get Giles to come here for Christmas and we can go pick out some furniture then. We'll both have some money saved by then." Buffy suggested.
"Sounds like a good idea." Spike said as they walked into the kitchen to grab a drink. "Not gonna be pink is it?" Spike said smirking.
"Not on your life. And I really have to thank you for my room. All that pink frilly crap gone. It actually looks like a room for someone my age." Buffy replied.
"Anytime pet. You're mom still hasn't found it by the way." Spike said clucking his tongue.
"Not that it really matters now." Buffy said.
"Why's that?" Spike asked.
"Other than Christmas, I'll be staying with you in our cottage when I come back." Buffy said.
"Damn right you will." Spike said smiling.
"Will what?" Faith said coming into the kitchen from the backyard.
"Move in with him." Buffy said grabbing a soda from the fridge.
"No shit." Faith said smiling. "But you already live together."
"Got us a place of our own." Spike said.
"How come I didn't know about any of this?" Faith asked scrunching her brows.
"I only found out lastnight." Buffy said taking a drink.
"Holy shit." Faith said her eyes widening. "You guys got married." Faith said spotting their rings.
"What?" Buffy said before remembering her ring.
"You got married?" Cordelia said loudly standing in the back door way.
"No." Spike said but couldn't be heard above Cordelia and Faith.
"They got married."Xander yelled as he and Angel came running in the door.
"What do you mean you got married?"Joyce said coming to the bottom of the stairs and into the kitchen.
Buffy and Spike closed their eyes and groaned.
"Everyone breath." Buffy said as she looked aound the room.
Everyone was too busy talking exitedley or not so happily in the case of Joyce.
"It's too soon Buffy." Joyce said.
"This is great." Cordelia screached. "I have got to call everyone I ever knew." She said as she went into the backyard and pulled out her cell phone.
"I'm gonna call Uncle Giles." Angel said.
"No, don't." Spike yelled but Angel already had his cell to his ear and walking out to the back yard.
Spike and Buffy just looked at each other and dropped their heads in defeat.
"What do you mean they got maried?" Giles said loudly.
"They got married?" Willow asked as she came over to the phone.
"Exactly that, Spike and Buffy got married. Lastnight." Angel said smiling.
"What in the bloody hell made them go and do a foolish thing like that?" Giles said irately.
"But I...................Uncle Ru.............But." Was all Angel could get in.
"But I wanted to be there." Willow said in the backf\ground. "How could she get married with out me there?"
"Where is William? Is he there? Come on man speak up." Giles said quickly.
"Yes sir, he's in the kitchen." Angel said swallowing hard.
"Well don't just stand there like I know you are, go and get him. Put him on the phone." Giles spit out.
Angel pulled the phone from his ear and went to the kitchen.
He made his way over to Spike who was arguing with Xander and Cordelia, who were not listening to him.
Meanwhile Buffy was being lectured by Joyce and Buffy wasn't able to get a word in straighten out this misunderstanding.
Angel tapped Spike on the shoulder then covered the mouth peice on the phone.
"Sorry man, thought he'd be happy. Turns out,not so much." Angel said handing the phone to Spike who was glaring daggers at him.
Spike took a deep breath then put the phone to his ear.
"Hey dad." Spike said before pulling the phone back and looking at Buffy who was watching him with sympathy.
"Love you." Spike mouthed to her.
"Love you." Buffy mouthed back with a small smile.
Spike turned bak to the phone and walked out of the kitchen.
"Dad.............dad...............DAD. Listen to me. Tell Red to cut back on her coffee intake." Spike said as he heard Willow talking in the background.
"Me and Buffy did not get married." Spike said loudly and clearly.
"You didn't?" Giles asked.
"No. We didn't. We did however get engaged. Rings and all." Spike replied.
"Oh. Well...........this is a bit of a misunderstanding then. Quite embarassing as well." Giles said.
Spike could almost hear him polishing his glasses.
"Would it have been that bad if we had have gotten married?" Spike asked slightly angry.
"She's a lovely girl Willam. I happen to adore her. I just think it's rather soon." Giles said.
"So you wouldn't have approved?" Spike asked curtly.
"No, but after I calmed down, I would have accepted it. But I'd always hoped I'd be there. When you were to marry that is." Giles said quietly.
"You can relax. It hasn't happened yet. You will be there when it does. Tell Willow to breath dad, sounds like she's going to pass out." Spike said as his brows crinkled.
"She does tend to get rather excited." Giles said.
"I better go and try and clear up this mess." Spike replied.
"Okay. William. I am sorry." Giles said quietly.
"It's alright. Now get Willow a paper bag to breath into."Spike said.
"Bye William." Giles said.
"Bye................Oh wait...." Spike said but it was to late."Damn." Spike said as he hung up the phone.
Spike walked into the kitchen to see Buffy almost on the verge of tears.
Spike went over and pulled her into his arms and laid her head on his chest.
"You okay luv?" Spike asked worriedly.
"I keep trying to tell them but nobody will listen." Buffy said sniffing.
Spike listened to all the raised voices and shook his head getting angry.
"Alright everbody. That's enough. All of you be quiet." Spike shouted above everyone causing them to stop and look at him and Buffy.
"We've been trying to tell all of you something but none of are listening. We did not get married." Spike said as he looked around the room. "We just got alot of grief from you all for nothing. I got yelled at by my dad." Spike said as he looked at Angel. "I think Willow burst a brain cell during my time on the phone. Buffy has gotten the third degree from mum over something we never did." Spike said as he pulled Buffy from the room. "We will be getting married though. The rings happen to signify our engagement if anyone is interested." Spike said as he pulled Buffy upstairs to thier room and closed the door.
"Shh, it's okay luv." Spike whispered as he sat her down on the bed and rocked her back and forth soothingly.
"Did you see mom. She was so upset. She wouldn't have approved if we had have done it." Buffy said as tears fell.
"If we had have gotten married and your mom did that, would you have regretted it?" Spike asked quietly.
"I would never have regretted it Spike. Kinda makes me wish we had of." Buffy said curling into his chest more.
Spike chuckled.
Spike and Buffy looked up when a light knock at the door sounded and Joyce entered.
Spike kept his arms around Buffy.
"First thing I want to do is apologize. I'm sorry, I should have listened and I didn't. I was just really upset." Joyce said.
"I know, you don't want us to get married." Buffy said glumly.
"Not really." Joyce said.
Buffy and Spike looked down st their joined hands.
"Not yet anyway. I do think it's too soon. I was mostly upset because I thought you got married and I wasn't there to see my only child walk down the isle. I really want to be there when it does happen." Joyce said giving them a small smile.
Buffy and Spike smiled.
"Okay." Buffy said smiling.
"So. Engaged. How does it feel?" Joyce asked.
"Perfect." Buffy said giving Spike a kiss on the cheek.
Spike just closed his eyes and buried his face in her hair.
"I'll leave you two alone. But I should warn you. Everyone downstairs is getting an engagement party together for you for tomorrow night at the Bronze." Joyce said smiling.
"You're coming right?" Spike asked.
"I think I can make an appearance." Joyce said as she closed the door.
"Feel better luv?" Spike asked.
"Yeah." Buffy replied.
"Wanna lay down for a bit?" Spike asked.
Buffy nodded and they slid back on the bed and closed thier eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The party was in full swing as Joyce sat back and watched all the kids dancing on the dance floor.
"Is this seat taken?"
Joyce looked up in suprise to see Giles standing there smiling down at her.
"Rupert, why didn't you let us know you were coming? We would've picked you up." Joyce said as she stood up and hugged him affectionately.
"Couldn't miss this. Not when Liam called to let me know about it." Giles replied.
"Thank god. I thought I was going to be the only one here who didn't need to show ID." Joyce said as she sat back down.
Giles was about to sit down when a slow song started to play.
"If you'll excuse me. I think I shall like to have a dance with my future daughter in law." Giles said as he walked towards the dance floor.
"Buffy, Spike, congratulations." Willow said as she ran up to them on the dance floor.
"Willow." Buffy said suprised as they hugged each other.
"How did you get here, I thought you and dad Couldn't get away from the museum." Spike asked.
"We couldn't. But we left anyway. I couldn't miss this." Willow said.
"Oh Willow." Buffy said as she started to cry and hug Willow who lip was also quivering.
"Red, who's your mystery man?" Spike asked quickly, knowing Oz wasn't around at the moment.
"He's with Mrs. Summers." Willow said as she turned and went over to hug Xander and Cordelia.
"He's here?" Buffy asked.
"Well yeah, he want's to congratulate you guys too." Willow said as she started dancing with Xander.
Spike and Buffy looked over quickly, almost giving themselves whiplash.
They watched as Giles stood talking to Joyce.
Their brows furrowed as they watched from across the room.
"A slow song started and they turned and leaned into one another moving to the music.
"It's dad." Spike said. "I didn't want to beleive it. Thought it was just a misunderstanding." Spike said quietly.
"Do you think it's a bad idea? The two of them I mean." Buffy asked.
"I'm really not one to judge luv. It's just suprising is all."Spike said.
"They do have a lot in common. They both like books, are both into the museum and archeology. Both smart." Buffy replied.
"Yeah, I can see your point." Spike said.
Buffy and Spike closed their eyes as they continued to dance.
Spike turned when he felt a tap on bis shoulder.
"I wanted to give you my blesing and congratulations, as well as an apology." Giles said. "I really am sorry William."
"It's fine dad." Spike said they embraced then stepped back.
"I would also like to dance with my future daughter." Giles said smiling as he extended his hand to Buffy.
Spike stepped aside then Buffy took Giles hand as he pulled her closer and moved her around the floor.
Spike stood back and watched with a smile when he saw Buffy and Giles talking and laughing as they danced.
Spike hadn't seen his father smile and laugh much until he had begun talking to Joyce over the exchange a year ago. He can see how much his father cares about Buffy and Willow, he doesn't hide his affection for them at all.
As soon as Buffy and Giles dance ended, Giles took Willows hand and brought her to him, dancing with her.
Spike had to admit, they did seem to fit together, still suprised, but willing to accept it as long as his father finally found someone that would make him happy.
Spike stayed leaning against the railing as he watched Xander dance with Buffy. Buffy was lughing at all the little jokes Xander was telling during their dance.
"Spike. How are you doing honey?" Joyce asked smiling as she came up to stand beside him watching them all dance.
Spike smiled at her then looked at the dance floor.
Spike lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment before meeting Joyce eyes.
"Would you do me the honor? I'd like to have a dance with my future mother in law." Spike said quietly.
Joyce just looked at him, knowing this was a big step for him.
"The honor would be mine." Joyce replied as she accepted his outstretched hand.
Spike led her out to the floor, putting one hand lightly on her waist the other holding her hand as they began to move with the music.
Joyce made sure to keep a good distance, but not too far apart making sure to give a small birth.
Giles watched as Spike danced with Joyce and a small smile curved his lips. Whn he glanced at Buffy he saw her watching also, with a tear rolling down her cheek.
Angel had come over and was dancing with Buffy when they had noticed.
Angel brought the pad of his thumb up and wiped away the tear and gave her a light supportive caress on her back.
Buffy smiled up at Angel as they continued their dance.
Giles and Joyce and Willow were sitting at the table when Buffy and Spike were leaving the dance floor.
"What should we say? Maybe we shouldn't say anything unless they mention thier relationship." Buffy said.
"I'll go with option number two." Spike said chuckling.
"Mention what?" Xander asked as he and Cordelia danced behind the couple.
"Willow's new guy." Spike said smirking.
"Oh yeah, took us by suprise too when she told us when she was here." Cordelia said.
"You guys knew?" Buffy and Spike said in unison.
"Well....yeah. Me and Wills have been together since sandbox. We tell each other everything. I'm happy for her and he treats her right from what I can tell and I know he's crazy about her." Xander said.
"All this time and we could have just asked them." Buffy said rolling her eyes.
"They look so cute together Buffy." Cordelia said smilng.
"Well I could use a drink." Spike said.
"So could I." Buffy said following him.
Buffy and Spike grabbed thier drinks from the bar and returned to the table.
Buffy and Spike noticed immediately that Joyce and Giles were holding hands and Willow was talking animatedley to them both.
Their brows furrowed in confusion.
"Were we wrong?" Buffy asked as she leaned over and whispered in Spike's ear.
"It would appear so." Spike replied.
"Who is it then? I didn't see anyone else." Buffy asked frustrated. "Let's go back and aske Xander." Buffy added.
They started to stand and head back to where Xander and Cordelia were when Spike stopped when he saw someone approaching the table.
Spike smiled widely as he was pulled into a hug.
"I hear congratulations are in order."
tbc.