Chapter Three
“I can’t believe that I let you talk me into this.” Buffy grumbled, following Willow down the packed aisle. There were only a few seats left, and the red head was moving towards them quickly. “If mom finds out, she’ll skin us both. You better not get scared.” She sat down in the seat and leaned forward to glare around Spike at Dawn, who just rolled her eyes.
“Lighten up, pet. She’ll be fine. Won’t you Nibblet?” Spike looked down at the girl, smiling. Dawn nodded happily, glad that he wasn’t treating her like a little kid. And he had called her Nibblet! The fact that he had given her a nickname made her stomach tingle pleasantly. She settled back in her seat between him and Xander, determined no to get scared.
“Oh, great.” A snotty voice carried from their left. All heads turned to see Cordelia and the snot brigade standing at the end of the aisle, glaring. “The only seats left are these.” She told her cohorts, who sniffed. Willow and Buffy rolled their eyes and leaned back in their seats, ignoring the girls. Spike watched Xander as he shifted in his seat, trying hard not to look at the knock out brunette. She stood at the end, her hands on her trim, linen clad hips, her red skirt near illegal lengths. The simple white shell she wore hugged her generous curves, allowing Spike to see just WHAT Xander saw in her. He noticed the little blonde girl behind Cordy, sneaking peaks at him from around her shoulder. Decided to help his friend out, he smiled winningly at the girl. Sure enough, his plan worked. Harmony leaned up to say something to Cordy. The brunette rolled her eyes, but moved to flop gracefully into the seat next to Xander. He stiffened, and shoved a handful of popcorn into his mouth, wide brown eyes riveted to the screen. When the four finally settled, the lights dimmed, and the obligatory no smoking, and these are the exits in case of emergency announcements came on. Spike shifted to get comfortable, his hand brushing against Buffy’s on the armrest. A little thrill sang up his arm at the contact, and he stole a look at her in the dim light. He was struck again by how beautiful she was. She sat beside him, eyes riveted to the screen, occasionally whispering something to Willow. With a smirk, he shifted again, this time deliberately touching her knee. She stiffened, but she didn’t move away, and he left the backs of his knuckles resting against it. He smiled, then returned his eyes to the screen to listen to Drew Barrymore tell the phone caller what her favorite scary movie was.
~*~*~
By the end of the movie, Spike and Xander were in heaven. Several times, starting with the hapless boyfriend who was gutted while his girlfriend watched, their desired ladies had buried their faces in their shoulders to hide from the horror on the screen. Buffy fingers had continually dug into Spike’s arm, moving lower until she linked her fingers with his in a death grip. Cordelia had managed to forget that she was supposed to hate Xander, and had linked her arms around his, resting her forehead on his shoulder, letting out a little squeal every time something bloody happened, which had been like every two seconds. The two males shared a look of male pride over Dawn’s head, satisfied smiles in their lips. Dawn just watched the screen, her attention riveted to the gore, not noticing how her sister, who had a boyfriend, was draped across Spike. Willow did, however, and she smiled. She hated Angel/ She had heard some rumors before he left, about his cheating on Buffy, which was the main reason why she had rallied against Buffy sleeping with him. But, since she didn’t have any proof, she never said anything to the blonde. Just lent her ear when it was needed, and bashed the man every chance she got.
When the lights came up, realization settled on Buffy, and she quickly disentangled her hand from Spike’s, shooting him an embarrassed smile, before making a show of gathering up her stuff. Dawn caught the action, and a flash of hurt slid through her eyes. Cordy’s eyes widened in horror when she realized what she had been doing, and she rose quickly to retreat before any one else noticed. As she walked away, Xander saw the look she cast over her shoulder back at him, and he noticed it wasn’t as full of as much scorn as usual. Smiling smugly, he rose, and started the slow procession out of the theater.
Willow snagged Buffy, keeping her back with her.
“So?” She whispered, russet brows wagging.
“What?” Buffy asked, confusion marring her smooth brow. Willow rolled her eyes an pointed to Spike’s black clad back.
“Getting the warm and fuzzies for a certain British blonde?” She asked hopefully. Buffy looked aghast at the suggestion.
“God, Will. Of course not. I don’t cheat.” She snapped.
“I didn’t suggest that you start, either. You and Angel haven’t been getting along really well for a while now. Plus he’s so far away. I was just thinking that maybe you were ready to move on. He is cute.” Willow told her. Buffy felt her temper rise. She didn’t really know why, but she hated it when she heard her own inner thoughts spoken out loud by someone else. She glared at the bleached blonde in front of her, what ever he was saying to Dawn making her smile.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I LOVE Angel. I’m not going to throw that away just cause I think a guy is cute. If that were the case I would have dumped him along time ago for Xander.” She huffed, scowling.
“Okay. Sorry. Just, don’t settle, Buffy.” Willow said, a little hurt by her friends tone. She moved off to fall into step next to Xander, ready to tease him mercilessly about having to sit next to Cordy. Dawn moved up to help, and Spike slowed to walk with Buffy.
“Great movie, huh?” Spike asked, pulling out a cigarette as they walked outside into the early evening.
“Yeah, if you like the blood, and horror.” She sniffed, shifting her bags nervously in her hands. Despite her objections to Willow, she couldn’t’ deny her reaction to his presence. It hadn’t even happened this quick with Angel. She didn’t lose her capability to form speech when Angel looked at her the way Spike was.
Spike chuckled, the sound deep and soft, causing her skin to tingle. She looked up into his eyes and immediately felt like she was in quicksand, sinking fast. They were bottomless, and perfectly blue, seeming to straight through to the very heart of her.
“It’s not real. That’s all you have to tell yourself.” He said, taking a deep drag. She thought briefly about telling him her opinion on smoking and second hand smoke, but, he looked so sexy with it dangling out of lips, that she forgot what she was going to say. Now she understood why all the censors were going nuts about cigarettes being aimed towards teens, cause, in the right person, it did look cool.
“Yeah. I guess my imagination is just too good.” She said with a little laugh. He chuckled again as well, then they fell into a comfortable silence. Buffy found she liked it. With Angel, she always felt like she should say something, anything to break the tenseness that always seemed to surround them when they were quiet.
About ten minutes later, the small group came to a stop in front of their house on Revello Drive. “Thanks for the movie guys. I had a good time.” Dawn said, smiling brightly at Spike. He returned her smile, and ran a finger down her cheek.
“The littlest one was the bravest of them all.” He said, smiling. She smiled again, her tiny face radiant at the compliment. “Goodnight, Nibblet.”
“Goodnight.” She said, turning and running up the steps so she could write it all down in he diary while it was still fresh. Willow and Xander stood away from them, hoping that the sparks that were flying around the blondes would catch and smolder.
“You know, she’s got a little thing for you.” Buffy told him, turning to face him.
“Yeah. Kinda hard not to notice, the way she was sending you death looks and all.” He said, searching her face. She blushed, and bit her lip, eyes widening comically.
“I don’t know what you mean.” She said, indignant.
“Yeah.” Was all he said, shifting ever so subtly closer to her.
“Uhm, you ready to start school, on Monday?” She burst out, desperate to change the subject.
“Yeah. I guess. Can’t be that much different than the schools in London. Least I won’t have to wear a Nancy boy uniform.” Buffy chuckled at the image that popped into her mind, of Spike, his bright hair tousled, wearing a dark blue blazer and pants, with one of those little emblems on the pocket, white shirt and striped tie. The thought was a bit more appetizing than it should have been.
“I. . .I wanted to say that I’m sorry about your mom.” She immediately regretted it when his face seemed to shut down. His eyes that were dancing only a moment before got a guarded look in them, and his once relaxed posture turned rigid.
“Thanks.” he bit off, digging for another cigarette.
“I didn’t mean o upset you.” She started, only be cut off by a wave of his hand.
“No, I’m sorry. Still hurts, you know?” He gave her a tight smile, and took a deep drag.
“I’d like to hear about her, when you feel like talking. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to mom.” She said quietly, placing a gentle hand on his arm. His face softened once again, and he nodded, a more relaxed smile curling his lip.
“Okay.” He told her, turning to face her. Willow and Xander were still watching, hopefully inconspicuously, each cheering the blonde couple on.
“Do you think they’ll. . .”Willow left the question hanging, as they moved even closer to each other. Xander shrugged, a smile playing across his features.
“If they quit playing around, yeah.” He answered, watching Spike angle so his chest was flush with Buffy’s. They didn’t even seem to realize that they were doing it, their bodies instinctively seeking the others out. Buffy’s hand was still resting on his arm, and they were barely and inch away from each other now.
Buffy looked up into the slowly darkening eyes of the man in front of her. He was so handsome, her suddenly numb brain thought. Her hazel eyes drifted to his mouth, a sudden urge to taste those lips, and see if they were as soft as they looked hitting her. Spike raised a gentle hand to her cheek, gently rubbing his knuckles along the soft skin he found there. At the last second, before he dipped his head to kiss her, she seemed to jerk awake, pressing her hand flat against his chest.
“Spike, no. I have a boyfriend.” She whispered, regret tinging her words. Anger flared briefly in his cerulean eyes, but, he quickly doused it, reminding himself the he was here, while that jerk was in another city, probably shagging every girl that would spread her legs. He gave her a breathtaking smile.
“Alright. Friends, then?” He asked, dropping his hand. Buffy felt a painful stab of regret lace through her, but, she shook it off.
“I’d like that.” She replied, barely managing to stifle the urge to grab him and kiss him stupid.
Willow and Xander let out the breaths that they didn’t know they were holding with disgust. So close, yet so far, they thought, turning away to pretend like they weren’t looking when the blondes started over to them.
“Ready mate?” Spike asked, looking at Xander.
“Always. See you ladies later?” The brunette asked, itching to get to the track now.
“Yep. Have fun watching the cars go around in circles.” Willow said, turning to go inside with Buffy. She was spending the night, and planned on using the time wisely, yet sneakily. Wouldn’t do to get her best friend pissed off because she just happened to hate her boyfriend.
“Women. No culture.” Xander said, wondering where he had failed in his duty of educating Willow in all things male.
“See you guys later.” Buffy said, sending one last lingering look at Spike before turning to follow Willow.
“Definitely.” Spike murmured, flicking his cigarette away to watch the way her jeans molded to her butt. He jumped when Xander’s hand slapped him in the chest.
“Snap out of it. You have been shot down.” He reminded him as they started to walk away.
“Nah, not shot down. Just encountered a little speed bump.” Spike countered.
“Man, you work fast. You just moved here, and you already have your sights set on someone.” Xander said.
‘Seize the day.” Was all Spike said. “No need to hedge around what you want. Just go for it.” That what his mother always told him. She had wanted his father from the second she had seen him, and she got him. Spike was just enough of a romantic to want that for himself. A wicked smile spread across his face as he looked at Xander.
“I noticed one Miss Cordelia Chase was getting awful cozy with you at the theater.” He said, wiggling his brows. Xander couldn’t quite keep the smile from forming.
“Yeah, how about that?” Awe laced his words at the remembered feel of her pressing tight against his side, and the way her perfume had dazzled his brain.
“Told you she wanted you.” Spike told him with a smirk.
“You said you were just kidding.” The brunette accused.
“Just riding you, Xan. She’s looking to go slumming. Can tell by the gleam in her eye.”
“Hey!” Xander didn’t appreciate the ‘slumming’ reference. Spike rolled his eyes.
“Anyone living off of her street is slumming. Didn’t mean it personal.”
“Oh. Right.” Xander couldn’t fault the logic.
“So, seize that day. She interested, reel her in.”
“Like you did with Buffy?” He couldn’t help getting the dig in. The blond scowled again.
“So, some women take a little more work than others. But, that’s usually the ones that are worth it.” His eyes were almost dreamy. Xander snorted.
“I guess so. But, I’m not really into getting my manhood eviscerated. And Cordy is good at it.”
“See, just what I said. All those nasty little barbs, and scathing looks? Just think of ’em like. . .foreplay.” Xander came to a dead stop at that.
“Foreplay?” The wicked smile was back at his friends shocked expression.
“Oh, yeah. Foreplay.”
~*~*~
“Rupert, what are you doing here?” Joyce asked, as she walked into the gallery. Giles was sitting at the small desk next to the door, looking over a ledger.
“Just thought I’d see if anything needed to be done. Will went out tonight, and I didn’t want to putter around an empty house.” He said, giving her a smile. Joyce felt sympathy flow through her at the very obvious loneliness that permeated the man’s soul.
“Well, lucky for you, there’s inventory that needs to be done. Come on.” She told him, slipping off her jacket and walking towards the back. He rose to follow her, happy for the distraction from his thoughts.
“Er, Mrs Summers. . .” He began, following her into one of the rear storage rooms.
“Joyce.” She corrected, moving to retrieve the thick book of packing lists.
“Right, Joyce. I was wondering, what sort of boy in Xander Harris? He and Will seem to have hit it off, and I just. . .well, er. . .” Joyce smiled as he faltered for words.
“You want to make sure he’s a good influence?” She finished for him, settling onto the floor next to a small crate.
“Yes, actually. William had some problems before we left London, and I really don’t wish for a repeat of them.” He said, settling on the floor next to her to help.
“I assure you, he’s a good boy. A little immature sometimes, but he doesn’t get into trouble, and he is loyal to a fault. He doesn’t have it easy at home, but, he doesn’t let it affect him.” She informed him, not getting into details.
“I don’t mean to pry. . .” Joyce smiled at the prim tone of his voice.
“No, I understand. I asked all the same questions. However, I do not suggest actually going to meet his parents. You will leave with such a feeling of disgust.” She pulled out a small statue of an African god, checked it against her list, then set it aside.
“I don’t understand.” Joyce sighed, and looked up at him, seeing the same parental worry that she lived with daily.
“Xander’s parents are alcoholics, and I’m afraid that they don’t care very much for him. It was a sort of, oops, let’s get married sort of situation. They took it out on him. According to Buffy, the hitting stopped when Xander got old enough to defend himself. Of course that doesn’t stop the verbal abuse, or his father going after him after he’s been drinking. Sometimes Xander wins. Other times. . .” Giles appalled expression mirrored her own when she had found out.
“Dear lord. Why haven’t the authorities stepped in.” His tone was slightly accusatory.
“I was going to call, get him out of there. But, Buffy found out, and told him. He came to me, begging me not to do it. He didn’t have anywhere to go, and he didn’t want to go into faster care at his age. He’s almost eighteen. He said he’s lived with it this long, and they usually don’t notice him anymore, since he’s hardly ever home. So, I gave in. He’s at my house almost all the time, anyway, only really going home to sleep and change clothes. I didn’t see any reason to go through with it. I would take him in in a second, but, he doesn’t want to impose on me.” She smiled a bit at that. “So, no Rupert, you have nothing to worry about with him.” She finished, then bowed her head back to her work. Giles sat back, and absorbed her words.
“Poor boy.” He finally said. He couldn’t comprehend a parent that didn’t love and protect their children in the way that God intended. They were gifts to be treasured, not tortured. He silently decided to do all he could to encourage the friendship, and give the boy another safe haven to go to.
“Yes. Both of them. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for William, after his mother died.” She said, handing him a stack of invoices.
“It was a difficult time, for both of us. I’m afraid that I didn’t handle it very well.” Rupert admitted, finding it good to have somebody to talk to.
“I know it’s to the same, but after the divorce, I was a wreck. I was so blinded by the grief of my marriage ending, that I couldn’t see what was happening to my girls. Their grades started to slip, and they became unruly. Nothing to drastic, thank god, because I snapped out of it in time to help them before they spiraled to far. Luckily, the move here was just what we needed. It gave us a fresh start. They’ve been doing really well, ever since. Dawn is still a little shy, but, I figure she will grow out of that as she gets older. And Buffy. . .well, Buffy can adjust to anything. She was always resilient. I’m sure William will be fine. He’s already made a very good friend, from what I can tell, and that’s always good.”
“Yes, I believe your right. I just. . .sometimes I don’t know how to talk to him. Rosemary never had problems with that sort of thing. She was very open. And William used to be the same way, until she. . .passed.” The word came out as a whisper. Joyce smiled at him, her heart clenching at the obvious pain he was in, still.
“I’m sure he’ll be alright. Just be there for him if he needs to talk, and be persistent. Let him know who the father is, and who the child is, but don’t go overboard. He is eighteen, and even though he is still in high school, he should be allowed a certain amount of freedom. Not to much.” She said with a smile. “He has plenty of time to do all the stupid things young men do when they are out on their own. Just love him, Rupert. That’s really what it comes down to. And never let him forget that you do.” Giles nodded, taking off his glasses to scrub them. He knew she was right, but, affectionate displays never came easily to him.
“Thank you Mrs. Summers. . .Joyce.” He corrected at the look on her face. “I will think about what you have said.” He then turned away, and went in search of the box with the number that was imprinted on top of the papers in his hand. Joyce went back to her list, hoping she had helped.
~*~*~
“Sh.” Xander said, touching a finger to his lips as he let them inside his house. Spike nodded, and followed him through. “Ill be right back.” He whispered, darting up the stairs. They had stopped by because Xander forgot the tickets they had purchased the night before. Spike rocked on his heels in the foyer, not liking the feeling that was settling over him. This wasn’t a happy house, he could tell. Dishes covered the coffee table and beer cans littered the floor. The furniture was old and worn, stuffing popping out from the cushions of the couch. Unlike his house, there were no pictures littering the mantle or the end tables. It had an almost cold feel to it, like the house was just a place to sleep, and not a home.
“What the hell are you doing, boy!” Spike’s head whipped around at the angry voice wafting down the stairs. He didn’t hear Xander’s answer, but he did hear the sickening thud of flesh striking flesh. Just as he turned towards the stairs to do what, he didn’t know, Xander came flying down.
“Come on.” He said, throwing open the door and walking outside. Spike followed, confusion mixed with fear on his face. Xander just rushed up the street, not slowing or looking back. The blonde broke into a trot and caught up with him, pulling him to a stop,
“What the hell was that?” He asked, trying to look in his eyes. Xander kept avoiding turning his face towards his new friend. He was so stupid, he never should have forgotten those tickets And he sure as hell should have never taken Spike to the house. But, as his father said, Xander wasn’t long on brains.
“Nothing.:
“That wasn’t nothing. I heard someone get punched, and I have suspicion that it was you.” His blue eyes flashed with anger at that. In all of his eighteen years, he had never been struck with anything other than a open hand on his butt. Never more than once, and it never hurt. It had stopped almost as soon as he could understand the lectures his father was so fond of doling out.
“Look, it was just my dad. I woke him up. No big. Let’s go.”
“Dammit, Xan. Level with me.”
“Fine, he punched me. Not the first time, probably won’t be the last. He was drunk, I know better than to wake him when he’s sleeping it off. Can we drop it now?” Xander turned to look at him, and Spike saw the dark bruise starting to form on his jaw.
“Xander. . .””I said, drop it. Do you still want to go or not? We’re going to miss the green flag.” Xander turned and strode away from him, his shoulder set in an angry slump. Spike stared after him for a minute, his mind warring over what to do. Finally, he just followed the brunette, deciding to talk to his father about it later.