Chapter Ten
“The cavalry has arrived,” Buffy announced when Willow opened the door. Cordy stood next to her, a garment bag slung over her arm. Willow grimaced at that and the large makeup case that Buffy was toting.
“Is all that stuff necessary?” she asked, moving to let them in.
“For maximum allurability, absolutely,” Buffy said, grabbing her arm and dragging her up the stairs. Cordy followed closely behind, shutting the bedroom door when they got there. She then turned and hung the bag on the hook on the back of the door.
“What’s that?” Willow asked as Buffy steered her to a chair.
“The ultimate ‘take me’ outfit,” Cordy answered, turning to join Buffy.
“What?!” Willow exclaimed, starting to get up, only to be held in place by two firm hands. “There will be no taking!” Her face had colored to a bright red, making Buffy scowl because she had been in the process of putting on foundation.
“Willow, calm down. It’s only a figure of speech,” she said, trying to get her friend’s color to return to normal, so she could finish.
“Oh,” Willow said, frowning. “Can I see it?” Curiosity overcame her better judgment. She just KNEW it was going to be scandalous.
“Not until your makeup’s done,” Cordy said, plugging in her curling iron. This one was different than her portable, the barrel large, almost as round as an orange juice can.
“Nervous?” Buffy asked, dusting powder across her porcelain skin.
“Actually, terrified, would probably be a better word,” Willow replied, feeling her heart pounding in her chest, and the butterflies swarming in her stomach.
“You’ll be fine,” Cordy assured, pulling the clip out of her bright hair, and separating it into sections.
“You think? I don’t know. He’ s. . .”
“Hot?” Buffy offered helpfully, much like Willow had during their conversation on Sunday.
“Yeah. I mean, what could he possibly see in me?”
“Nyah. Between you and Xander, I am going to scream from all the insecurity issues,” Cordy said, rolling her eyes. She wrapped a strand of hair around the iron and held it in place before continuing. “He asked you out, didn’t he?”
“Yeah,” Willow said, smiling.
“Then, he obviously saw something. Just relax, and have a good time tonight. Don’t worry about anything else.”
“That’s easy for you to say,” the redhead told her. Buffy exchanged a glance with the prom queen, before going back to working on Willow’s eyes.
“Why do you say that?” Cordy asked, moving onto the next section of hair.
“You’re Cordelia Chase. You know you’re beautiful, and why guys want to go out with you.”
“No, I don’t.” Willow twisted around to look at the brunette, and Buffy rose to a standing position. Cordy sighed, and forced Willow to look at Buffy again. “I mean, most of them just want to go out with me because I’m rich or pretty. And they all try to make me feel like it’s because I’m so ‘special.'” She rolled her eyes, and wrapped another strand around the barrel. “The only one that ever made me believe it was Xander.” She shrugged a slim shoulder, and finished the curling.
“That’s sad,” Willow breathed. Until Cordy had started dating Xander, she and Buffy had just assumed that the prom queen was as shallow and self-absorbed as any other rich person. She sure hadn’t done anything to make them feel otherwise, before. But, after the brunettes got together, it was like a whole other person evolved. She’d had no problem blending in with their group, and could banter with Spike for hours. She’d defied her parents, daily, by continuing to see Xander, and she had the amazing ability of being able to cut right to the heart of the matter. But, it was times like these, when she let the vulnerability show, that they really realized how wrong they had been about her.
“Yeah. I guess. It doesn’t matter anymore, though,” she said, taking a brush to Willow’s hair.
“How is Xander? He’s been all avoidy the last few days.” Buffy asked, waiting until Cordy was done brushing to finish Willow’s eyes.
“Well, he’s doing better. You know he doesn’t really like to admit what happens at home. Plays Mr. Funny Guy to cover it up. But, he’s going to be okay. Especially now that he’s out of there.” Cordy walked around to appraise Buffy’s work, nodding in satisfaction.
“How are thing’s on the Spike front?” she asked, biting back a smile. Buffy rolled her eyes, but couldn’t keep HER smile at bay. After her meltdown about her father on Sunday, he had kissed her softly before he left, not pressuring her. Then, they had spent every night on the phone, often causing Buffy to get the ‘do you know what time it is?’ glower from her mother. He would sit next to her at lunch, casually touching her in any way possible, an arm around her chair, hand barely touching her shoulder. Or he would casually push a stray strand of hair away from her face. She couldn’t say that she didn’t like it.
“Alright.”
“Only alright?” The two other girls exchanged a look, their expressions telling her they didn’t believe her.
“Yeah. I mean, he’s sorta still in the doghouse right now with his father until summer starts. It’s not like we can do anything together right now.”
“But he IS meeting you at the Bronze tonight, right?” Willow asked.
“Yes. He is,” Buffy assured her, lining Willows lips with red.
“Good, we’ll all be there. Just to make sure Mark treats you right,” Cordy said with a grin. Willow groaned.
“Oh, great. Nothing quite like a group of friends to humiliate you on your first date.” She went to drop her face into her hands, only to have them yanked away.
“Don’t. You’ll smudge,” Buffy told her.
“Well, Ms. Summers, I must say. Excellent job,” the brunette praised, going to get the garment bag off the door. Buffy had chosen to sweep a smoky grey over her lids, setting off the clear green of her eyes. Black eyeliner was used to make them seem slightly larger, and an easy hand with the mascara had been applied to lengthen her lashes. A gold toned blush made her skin glow, and her lips were painted a dusky red. Cordelia had only curled the ends of her hair, giving her straight tresses volume. Willow turned and looked at herself in the mirror, not recognizing the girl staring back at her.
“Wow,” she sighed, reaching up to touch her hair, and to run a finger over her face.
“Definitely. And if Mark is still able to speak after he sees you in this, then he’s gay,” Cordelia said with a decisive tone. Willow turned to look at the treasure that had been hiding in the bag. Her eyes widened at the slim column of emerald that the brunette was holding. Before she could reach to it, Buffy was nudging her to pull off her clothes, so she could slip the dress on. After a few minutes, she was turned towards the full length mirror.
“Wow,” she said again, wondering who this person was. The shimmery green material clung seductively to the curves she didn’t know she had, the hem falling to just above her knee. The top portion of the dress gathered slightly in the middle, to enhance her cleavage. Thick straps clung to her shoulders, holding the whole thing up. A slit was cut up the side, exposing her to mid thigh. Buffy tapped her, and urged her to push her feet into the matching sandals, the straps crossing the top of her foot to hook behind her ankle. After a few minutes of the redhead standing there in stunned silence, Cordy and Buffy started to get a bit nervous.
“She doesn’t like it,” Cordy said, frowning a little. She had been sure that the dress was killer. And she knew she wasn’t wrong. One look at the girl, and any man would be salivating. She had wanted to go shorter, but Buffy stopped her.
“Willow? You okay?” the blonde asked, coming up to place a hand on her friend’s shoulder. Willow blinked, and turned to her. A huge smile bloomed across her mouth, making her look breathtaking.
“Okay? I think I’m more than okay. Who is this girl you found?” she said, gesturing towards the mirror. Buffy smiled and turned to look in the mirror herself.
“Anybody you want her to be. This is who you are on the inside, Will. We just enhanced the shell.”
“Thanks,” Willow said, blinking back tears. Not good looking like a raccoon on your first date.
“What are friends for?” Cordelia replied, flanking her on the other side. The three girls stood, looking at their reflections in the mirror, the night ahead causing a thrum of excitement to fill the air.
~*~*~
“So, how should we play this?” Xander asked, leaning back in his seat. For once, they weren’t over at the pool tables, choosing instead to wait for the girls at a table close to the stage. Spike looked at him, brow raised in question, smoke from his cigarette curling around his head.
“Play what?” he asked, straightening his shirt. He had actually put on something that wasn’t ripped or cut up, and he hoped Buffy liked it. *Poof,* he scoffed at himself, glancing down at the blue button down shirt and black jeans. He’d even left the duster at home. But that was more because it was hotter than hell inside the club.
“You know. When Mark comes over to take Willow on their date,” Xander said, crunching on ice. His wounds from the beating his father had doled out were almost healed. Spike was afraid it would take quite a deal longer to heal the internal ones.
“Oh, you mean, do we act like the cool, mature men we are and say have a nice time? Or give him death glares that say, try anything and we’ll rip your lungs out?”
“Yeah,” Xander affirmed, nodding. Spike considered for a moment.
“I’ll take choice B.”
“Yeah, me too.” They both grinned, knowing that the girls would rip THEIR lungs out if they did anything to embarrass Willow. They’d just have to wait until they weren’t looking.
“What’s so funny?” Buffy asked, sliding into the seat next to Spike. Cordelia sidled herself onto Xander’s lap, wrapping an arm around his t-shirt clad shoulders.
“Guy stuff,” Xander answered, looking around for Willow.
“Where’s Red?” Spike asked, stabbing out his cigarette. Before Buffy could answer, he looked up, and saw a vision in emerald coming their way. Several heads turned as the beauty walked past, and Spike felt shock hit him when he realized it was Willow. He stared, amazed, much like he did the night she emerged from the bathroom. This was different. It was more than the make up and the clothes. Something inside of her had seemed to change, and it made her glow.
She smiled nervously as she sat down, blushing at the looks on Spike’s and Xander’s faces.
“Well, you’ve struck them both speechless, Will. I’d say that deserves a plaque,” Buffy quipped, slapping Spike on the shoulder.
“Wha? Oh. Sorry to stare, pet. You look bloody amazing.” Her smile was large, and she ducked her head a bit.
“Amazing,” Xander agreed. This was the girl he had grown up with, who was suddenly. . .grown up.
“Thanks. But they did all the work,” she said, waving a hand between the other girls.
“And we take our kudos with appreciation. But, all we provided was the makeup and clothes. You already had the rest,” Buffy said with a smile. Then, she punched Spike in the arm. “I’m thirsty,” she said with a coy smile. He rolled his eyes.
“So, go get something.” A pretty pout replaced her smile, and she had to fight it’s reemergence as he sighed.
“Bloody hell. Goddamn nancy-boy, I am,” he groused, getting up. “What ya want?”
“Diet coke, please,” she answered sweetly. His nose turned up at her choice, but he went to go get it.
“Whipped already. How’d you do that, Buff?” Xander asked, chuckling at his friend. That is, until he saw the look on Cordy’s face. She didn’t pout, she seduced. She blinked her large, brown eyes and angled her head so her lips nearly brushed his ear, her warm breath tickling the sensitive skin there.
“Xander,” she breathed. “Would you get me a drink?” Xander’s eyes widened at the sound of her voice in his ear, and the look in her eyes. He nodded dumbly, getting up when she moved off his lap. They waited until he was out of earshot to start laughing.
“God, how do you DO that?” Willow asked, impressed.
“Oh, don’t worry. Every guy has a thing he can’t resist. Spike’s is the pout. Xander’s is the breathy, ‘Oh you big manly man you’ thing. You’ll figure out Mark’s, and then you’ll have him turning into a warm puddle of goo at your feet,” Cordy said, still chuckling.
“Do you think we could get past the first date before we start talking about goo?” Willow asked, her face flaming as soon as the last word was out of her mouth. They burst into laughter once more at the unintentional innuendo that had slipped from the redhead’s lips.
“Why? You guys keep insisting I do, even though me and Spike haven’t even HAD a first date.”
“But you’ve kissed already. Completely different set of rules,” Cordy established. Buffy snorted as the guys came back to the table, each holding two drinks. Spike set one down in front of Buffy and Willow, barely allowing the blonde to take a sip before pulling her out of the chair and into his arms. The others watched with fascination as he dipped his head and captured her mouth, cutting off her surprised squeak. Her fingers gripped desperately the smooth material of his shirt, as his tongue swept inside to plunder. Heat exploded through her body, and stars shot off behind her eyes, her limbs turning to jelly as he kissed her senseless. When he released her, she slid bonelessly back into her seat, eyes wide and cloudy.
Spike smirked down at her, his own eyes darkened to sapphire.
“Feel up to relieving some of these college kids of their money?” he asked, managing not to let on how the kiss had effected him. He had seen their little burst of giggles, and the looks of female superiority they had given each other, and had felt the need to get a little ground back. The flushed look of Buffy’s skin, and the desire raging through her eyes made him feel better. At least he wasn’t the only one being left frustrated.
“Sure,” Xander said, leaning in to brush a tender kiss across Cordy’s lips. The three girls watched them walk away in silence.
“Looks like he’s not the only one with a thing that turns him into goo.” Willow wagged her eyebrows, chuckling at Buffy’s flustered appearance. It took her a minute to collect herself enough so she could speak again.
“No, I guess not,” was all she could get out, her eyes still locked on the direction he had walked.
“Oh yeah. Somebody’s got it bad,” Cordy whispered conspiratorially to Willow. The redhead nodded, eyes turning to the stage when the lights dimmed. A huge smile brightened her face when Mark walked out, his gaze immediately searching her out. He returned her smile when he saw her, then turned to put on his guitar. The crowd hushed as the first chords filled the air.
~*~*~
Mark found himself only half concentrating on the notes he was playing, grateful that he had played these songs so many times, he could probably do them in his sleep. His black eyed gaze kept being drawn back to the woman who was watching him so raptly from the audience. He had noticed her the first night, sitting at the table with the blond that was with her now, wearing a pair of jeans and a long sleeved, striped shirt. He had thought her cute then, and had been immediately intrigued. He didn’t go for the girls that were obvious. He was extremely picky in who he dated, not liking the groupies, or the ones that thought that he could get them somewhere. Hell, he hadn’t gotten HIMSELF anywhere yet, what did they think he could do for them?
Then, she had approached him, blushing prettily, and stammering over her words. She relaxed after a few minutes, and they talked until he had to go back on stage. He found her to be intelligent and sweet, as well as very attractive. He wanted to get to know her better, a part of him feeling as if he already did. He was enough of an Indian to believe in soul mates. And enough of a romantic to think she might be his.
Now, sitting in that sheath of glimmering green, hair slightly curled and eyes mysterious, Mark compared her to a siren. An inner glow seemed to radiate from her, and he found himself draw to it, like a moth to a flame. He only hoped he didn’t get burned.
~*~*~
After the second set, Spike and Xander returned to the table, prepared to fulfill their duties as the male protectors of their Willow. It didn’t matter to Spike that he had only know her for a couple of months compared to Xander’s lifetime. He’d delightfully hurt anybody that treated her in a way that he didn’t deem proper.
Buffy and Cordelia rolled their eyes at the vibes the men were giving off, knowing full well what they were up to. Willow, however, was oblivious. She was too busy staring at the stage, as Mark jumped down and started towards them, ignoring the girls that were trying to get his attention. His eyes were only for her as he came to a stop at the table, a rakish grin splitting his face.
“Hi, Willow,” he said, his deep voice making her name sound like a caress. She barely suppressed the shiver it induced.
“Hi, Mark,” she practically sighed, rising to her feet to move over to him. For an instant, it seemed like they were the only two in the room, and it took Buffy loudly clearing her throat to break them out of it.
“Oh, uhm, Mark Lynch. I would like you to meet my friends. Buffy Summers, Spike Giles, Xander Harris and Cordelia Chase.” She quickly made the introductions, only then noticing the looks of menace on the other males’ faces. Her eyes widened fractionally, and she begged the girls silently to get them to back off.
“Pleasure,” Mark said, taking Buffy’s then Cordy’s hands in greeting. He suppressed his smile at the protective looks that he was getting from Spike and Xander, glad that Willow had such loyal friends. He then held his hand out to Spike, who took it, then Xander, who did the same.
“So, where are you two off to tonight?” Buffy asked, drawing the attention away from the pigheaded males.
“Wherever Willow wants to go. I’m still a little new to the hot spots around here,” Mark replied, glancing over at the redhead.
“Well, you’re standing in the biggest one. Sunnydale isn’t known for being the entertainment capitol of the world,” Cordy said, inconspicuously nudging Xander. He looked at her, the intimidating demeanor dropping immediately.
“That’s okay. I’m sure there’s something we can do,” he smiled at Willow, who blushed again and smiled back.
“We could go see a movie,” she said, that really being their only option at this late hour. “Or, we could just stay here, and. . .eat.”
“Food sounds good.”
“Okay, then.” An uncomfortable silence settled over the group, as nobody made a move. Finally, Buffy couldn’t take it any more and shook Spike.
“Come on, bleach boy. Walk me home,” she said, mouthing ‘Call me’ to Willow. “Nice meeting you Mark. Hope to see you again soon.”
“Me too, Buffy.” He gave her a wicked grin, which had her pulse racing. Spike scowled and started to pull her out of the club.
“Goodnight,” he called over his shoulder, moving quickly through the crowd.
“Well, I think we should call it a night too. Have a good time,” Cordy said, pinching Xander to get him moving.
“Yeah, have a good time,” he parroted, allowing his girlfriend to direct him away from the table.
“So, uhm. You wanna sit?” she asked, suddenly very nervous. All the empowerment she had felt earlier in the evening draining away now that they were alone.
“Sure. After you,” Mark said, following her to sit down. He could tell she was on edge, and he tried to think of something to soothe her. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” She felt her face flame, and she vaguely wondered if she had broken any world records.
“Don’t be nervous, Willow. Just think of me as one of your friends, and things will be fine,” he offered, pulling out a pack of cigarettes.
“Yeah, fine. Except I don’t have any romantic ideas about my friends.” She muttered, knowing too late that he could hear her. She flashed him a nervous smile, before dropping her eyes to the table, looking at the hands she had tightly clasped in front of her. She jumped when his long fingered hand closed over them.
“Well, that’s good. I’m the jealous type.” She giggled at that, looking up into his eyes, seeing the laughter that danced there. She felt her nerves slip away as she stared into his eyes, and she felt herself smiling easily.
“Let’s order. I’m starving,” she said with a laugh, tossing her hair back over her shoulder.
“Now, we wouldn’t want that, would we?” The tension was broken, and they settled back to start their date, each very aware of the electricity that flowed around them.
~*~*~
“Could you two have acted anymore like cavemen?” Buffy asked as they turned onto her street.
“I’m sure if we looked really hard, we could have found some clubs to bash you and Cordy over the head with, so we could drag you out of there like the proper Neanderthals we are,” Spike returned with a smirk. She rolled her eyes, then glared at him.
“Whatever.” They walked in silence for a minute, their movements slowing as they got closer to her house.
“So, Buffy. I was wondering…” he started, scratching his eyebrow with his thumb. “Wanna go out?”
“We are out,” she told him, hiding her smile when he growled in frustration.
“You know what I mean.” He huffed, reaching out and pulling her to a stop.
“Don’t you think we’re a little beyond the whole first date thing? I mean, we’ve kissed three times already.”
“Yeah, about that. . .” he started, only to be cut off by the firm pressing of her mouth against his. She gently teased his lips, giving back some of what he had done to her in the Bronze. With a moan, he tried to deepen it, but she evaded, wanting to take the time to explore him. She brought her hand up to cup his cheek, her thumb lightly playing along the sharp edge of his cheek bone, her tongue delighting in the taste of him.
When she pulled away, she kept her hand on his face, her touch gentle as she stared up at him.
“That’s four. I think we’re developing a pattern,” she murmured breathlessly.
“I want to be with you, Buffy,” he told her, emotion making his voice rough. He’d already accepted that he was half in love with her, he just didn’t want to fall the rest of the way if she wasn’t willing.
“Well, then I guess it’s your lucky day. Cause I want to be with you, too.” The look of awe that crossed his face staggered her. With a whoop he swept her up into his arms, and kissed her thoroughly underneath the glare of the streetlight, neither caring where they were, or who could see. All that mattered was the play of their mouths across each other’s and the feel of their bodies pressed tightly together.
Spike rested his forehead against hers when they pulled apart, his heart racing in his chest.
“So,” he started, after he had calmed. “Does this mean we’re a ‘thing’?” Her chuckle caused him to answer with one of his own.
“Yeah. But, don’t let it go to your head. I just really like the way you kiss,” she teased, pulling out of his arms and walking the rest of the way to her house. She cast a saucy look over her shoulder once she reached the door. Blowing him another kiss, she quietly slipped inside. Spike stared at the closed door for a long minute, his tongue darting out to slide across his lip, gathering her lingering taste from his lips. A slow smile brightened his features as he turned and started to walk home, whistling softly under his breath.