Chapter 12: Misunderstandings
Buffy flipped through her closet. She needed something nice, but not too sexy for tonight. She was dreading the evening. This wasn’t going to be easy. She finally found a dress she thought was appropriate. It was black, always a good color, or non-color. Long and fairly form-fitting, with a high neck and long sleeves. She always thought it made her look very grown-up. But it didn’t seem suggestive, just sophisticated. Should be perfect for the upscale crowd sure to be at the restaurant. She pulled her hair up into a French twist and started applying her makeup as Willow came in.
“Oh, it that what you’re wearing tonight? Very pretty, sort of classic looking. Sorry I wasn’t here last night. I’m getting over my annoyance at staying at Xander’s. Was everything okay with Jenny?”
Buffy pursed her lips as she applied her lipstick. “I think so. It’s a long story, but I think it will have a happy ending. I’ll just say that Giles made a mistake, fortunately not a very serious one, and he’s doing some groveling right now to make up for it.”
Willow starting rummaging through her own closet for an outfit for the picnic Xander was taking her on. “So has Angel asked you to the formal yet? I assumed you guys were going. Apparently he’s already got the tickets, and he and Xander have booked us rooms at that cute little bed and breakfast down by the lake, you know Cumberland’s B & B? The really pretty old house? The formal’s at that pavilion built out over the lake, so it’ll be nearby. They’ve really gone all out on their plans.”
Buffy stopped mid application of her mascara. She’d had no idea Angel had made all these plans. She remembered some talk about the KET fall formal, but it had slipped her mind. Could it be worse timing? She hated to break up with him right before this. Angel could probably get another date if he wanted, but it might put him in a difficult spot. Maybe she should wait. A few more weeks wouldn’t hurt and it would give her a little more time to sort through what she was feeling for Spike. Jenny’s crisis last night had really shaken her confidence in herself and her ability to have a solid relationship.
She realized she was finished with her primping, so she sat down to wait and found herself looking at the roses again. Maybe she should just tell Angel adios this evening. He’d find another girl, another date. But her guilt over what happened with Spike popped back up. She was the one who messed up what little relationship they had, he shouldn’t be hurt by it in any way, if she could help it. She really owed it to him to wait until afterwards, just so things were less complicated. Her thoughts bounced back and forth like a ping-pong ball as her emotions warred within her.
There was a knock at the door and startled out of her inner conflict, she jumped to open it. Angel stood in the hallway, looking handsome in a dark suit, roses, as predicted by Willow, held in his hand. She accepted the light kiss on the cheek and the flowers, and then panicked as she remembered the other fragrant bouquet around the corner, shielded from view by the door.
“Um, Willow, we should probably go, would you put these in water for me?” Buffy titled her head slightly in the direction of the other flowers out of Angel’s line of sight.
Willow caught her look and realized Buffy didn’t want to explain the “congratulatory” flowers to Angel. She shrugged and took them.
“Sure, you crazy kids have a good time tonight.”
They reached the restaurant and as promised, they were seated with speed at one of the outdoor patio tables. Angel seemed at his most engaging tonight, charming her with funny stories of the coach at practice earlier that day, which drew her out in spite of herself. She soon relaxed. She couldn’t break up with him in the middle of dinner; she might as well enjoy the ambiance.
<><><><>
As Buffy warmed to Angel’s conversation, Spike watched from across the street, feeling anger and a sense of hopelessness build inside him. He’d headed over to Buffy’s dorm tonight; sure she must have talked with Angel by now. He’d found her note on his pillow and taken it as a sign. He was going to see if maybe he could surprise her and take her out tonight. He’d driven over and had just pulled into the small parking lot when he’d seen them coming down the steps, her all dolled up in a beautiful dress that hugged her curves lovingly, smiling up at Angel as he helped her into his car. Spike saw red for a minute and had to control himself from getting out of the car and demanding to know what was going on. He’d ended up following them into town, feeling like a stalker, as he watched the woman he loved enter the restaurant and settle in for a romantic date.
He’d been sure she was going to call things off with Angel. How could she be there with him like this, smiling and laughing? Spike took one last look and walked away, his dreams of the last forty-eight hours falling to pieces. A quick stop at the liquor store and he was fortified for a night of wallowing in self-pity. He made it home, opened the first bottle of whiskey and proceeded to drink away his troubles.
<><><><>
The evening flew by and they had just ordered dessert when Angel brought up the formal. She was about to try to explain why she couldn’t go when two of his frat brothers showed up at the table with their dates to say hello.
“Hey guys, I was just telling Buffy about the formal. Penn’s the head of the planning committee and he’s done a great job. Buffy and I very excited about the dance, Penn, we’ve got big plans.” He gave a quick wink at Buffy that seemed to be an inside joke she didn’t quite catch.
Buffy miserably realized she was being backed into a corner. She couldn’t turn Angel down now, all of his friends would wonder why she dumped him so close to the formal. The fact that Spike was a member of the same fraternity only made things more complicated. Angel didn’t deserve any ridicule for her infidelities. She sighed, and resigned herself, she could make it through another few weeks, go to the dance and then call things off. They’d finished their meal soon after that and left the restaurant.
Angel drove her home and accompanied her back up to her room. She let him in, not surprised that Willow was still missing. He sat on her bed and patted the spot next to him and she sat nervously beside him. She glanced over and realized that Willow must have put Spike’s flowers away, as Angel’s were now the only ones visible.
Angel leaned in for a kiss, skating his lips across her jaw gently and slowly reaching her mouth. She tried not to stiffen. It just didn’t feel right. She pulled back a little.
“Angel, I’m so sorry. It’s been a lovely evening, but I’m not feeling very well.” She used the old standby, the headache, and he agreed to go without anymore encouragement. She thanked him again for the dinner and flowers, then locked the door behind him.
<><><><>
Angel left Stevenson, whistling. He was a little disappointed that Buffy had been headachy tonight. He felt like they were far enough along that a little groping would be in order and she had looked incredibly hot tonight. That dress had just screamed to be removed and reveal all it covered up.
Still, it was probably for the best he was sticking with his plan. Things were working just as he’d hoped and he thought moving to the next stage was just right around the corner. Getting the room at that quaint B&B out by the lake for the night of the fall formal had been genius, a perfect place to seduce her. Very romantic. He give her a fabulous memory, she’d feel they were soulmates, and then he move things up a notch.
He thought popping the question to her in the spring would work, and they could get married after he graduated. He’d have to be sure they avoided any nasty prenuptial agreements or anything like that. He probably needed to find out a few more details about that trust she was coming into, wanted to be sure what he was he signing up for. Still, he could hardly ask for a prettier package. Buffy was sweet, beautiful and rich beyond his dreams. He was just glad he happened to be charming and attractive enough to snag her and her money, ensuring life on easy street.
He looked at his watch, realizing he was going to miss his rendezvous with Cordy if he didn’t hurry. She should be back from her date with Wes pretty soon. She hadn’t showed up last week, claiming she got to talking with Spike about some girl he was interested in. He’d been a little upset, but he figured they’d make up for it this week.
<><><><>
Her heart was hurting. She didn’t think she could do this, play the attentive girlfriend to Angel for two more weeks. She realized she suddenly wanted to talk to Spike, to see him, more than anything in the world. She owed him more of an explanation about what was going on and she hoped he’d understand. Almost without thought, she grabbed her jacket and headed for his apartment, hoping he’d be home.
She stalked along the little path in the woods that gave her access to Spike’s place, realizing she should have taken the time to change clothes. It was dark and she couldn’t see well without her flashlight. She tripped, ripping her hose and gouging something painfully in her leg and she cursed herself for not changing as she continued to totter on the rough path in the high heels of her stylish shoes.
She almost turned back, knowing Spike would probably chew her out for coming to his place after dark, but she just really needed to talk with him, explain what was going on. He’d understand, he always did. The glow of the street lamp appeared through the trees and she quickened her steps, to the street and up the stairs that led to his apartment, to knock at his door. She looked at her watch, it was after midnight now. Was he home? She waited.
The door opened to reveal a tired looking Spike clad only in jeans. “What the sodding hell.Buffy, pet are you okay?” She frowned, realizing there was a slight slur to his words.
He pulled her into the room, looking at her ripped hose, dirty shoes and disheveled state. “What happened to you? Did he do something to you? Did he?”
He grabbed her arms and looked her up and down for signs of damage.
“Spike, I’m fine.”
He looked at her again, then led her to the couch. “All right pet, then what the bleeding hell are you doing here in the middle of the night, wandering about the woods? Shouldn’t you be with Angel?”
She blinked, confused by his animosity.
“Spike, have you been drinking?” She sniffed delicately; he had a very distinctive aroma.
“What’s it to you, Blondie? Saw you out with Angel tonight. All dolled up and pretty. What, he not doing it for you? Need a real man to get you off?” He sneered and flung himself back on the couch, watching her with narrowed eyes.
His words sunk in, and she realized he must have seen them at dinner tonight. And then proceeded to go get completely smashed. He was as bad as Jenny at leaping to conclusions.
“Spike, we just had dinner. He asked me like a week ago. I couldn’t cancel without being rude. It didn’t mean anything.”
Suddenly, she found herself desperate to prove to him that he was the one she cared about.
She knelt next to him, running her hands up his bare arms. “Spike, you’re wasted, come to bed. You’re going to feel horrible tomorrow.”
He opened one bleary eye and stared at her.
“What’s that princess? You want me to come to bed with you? Did you just come from his? Thanks, but no thanks, I don’t do leftovers.”
She controlled her impulse to slap him. She remembered how angry she’d been with him at the party when she’d thought something was going on with Cordelia. He was just drunk and upset. So much for the talk tonight.
“Spike, honey, don’t be that way.” She reached for his arms again and tried to tug him up. Maybe she could coax him to the bathroom and throw him in a cold shower, though she doubted that would improve his disposition.
He shrugged her off again. “I’m not your honey, Goldilocks. If I was, you wouldn’t be having dinner with bleeding Angel O’Connor.”
He stood up and staggered back to his bed. “You can let yourself out, you clearly have no problem coming and going as you like.”
That did it, he’d told her she could come when she wanted. He was being ridiculous. She jumped off the couch to follow him and stopped in her tracks at the sight of Spike shucking his jeans before he climbed into bed. Spike went commando. She felt her mouth go dry as she watched his very attractive backside disappear under the covers.
She watched as he pulled the covers over his head, completely ignoring her. This was silly. She was sorry she’d hurt his feelings, but she’d told him she needed a few days. He shouldn’t be so upset that she’d had dinner with Angel. She wasn’t leaving here until they talked this out.
She stalked to his dresser and grabbed a t-shirt, glanced defiantly over at the lump on the bed as she stripped off her dress, not bothering to go into the bathroom. She hastily unhooked her bra, realizing the bravado in her little strip tease would evaporate if he popped out from under the covers. She glanced in his direction and realized he was still buried.
She shrugged on the t-shirt, shook her dress out and hung it in his closet. She double-checked the lock on the door and turned out the lights before finding her way back to his bed. Buffy crawled up beside him and found he must be clutching the pillow she liked to sleep on. She reached under the covers and tugged. She heard his muffled voice from under the depths.
“Go away, Goldilocks.”
“No. I’m staying right here until you are sober enough to talk about this like an intelligent person.”
“Fine, but if you try to steal my covers, I’m gonna be a mean bear and eat you up.”
He released the pillow and rolled away from her.
Buffy sighed. This was not the way she had anticipated her next time sharing Spike’s bed when she’d snuck over here yesterday. But things would be better in the morning.
<><><><>
Angel stared at Cordelia in disbelief. Two women were blowing him off in one night? What was going on? Cordelia had been waiting when he’d gotten there, but she’d not been as welcoming as he had hoped.
“Angel. I can’t do this anymore.”
“Cordy, baby, what are you talking about? We had a deal. I’d help you get Wes, you’d help me with Buff, we’d see to each other in the meantime.” He paused, “Cordy, did you sleep with Wes?”
Cordelia looked away.
“Not yet. We’re getting closer; he’s started to try a little more each time we go out. I try to act shyly excited, yet reluctant at the same time. You were right Angel, he’s definitely got a Madonna/whore complex, and so far I seem to still be on the Madonna side with him. He invited me to go home with him for the Thanksgiving weekend to meet the parents. I think he really likes me, even without sex.”
She didn’t want to admit that the feeling was mutual and that she was starting to care about Wesley to Angel, he’d probably make a joke of it or use it against her. She had to play this right.
She moved closer to him. “Angel. I am so going to miss you. But we need to call it quits while we’re ahead. Wesley and I are getting more serious and it’s really not fair, to him or Buffy. You’re planning on making your big play at your formal, right? And that’s just a few weeks from now. You don’t want to take a chance on someone finding out, do you, when you’re so close?
Cordelia looked up at him, hoping her words would sink in. The thing was, she wasn’t lying to him, she would miss their relationship. She’d always had mixed emotions when it came to Angel. She knew that he was an inveterate womanizer, probably always would be. Once, a very long time ago, when they’d first starting messing around, she’d thought she might could fall in love with him, but she hadn’t been stupid enough to open herself up to that prospect.
And she was glad now. Wesley was a sweet and thoughtful man, who seemed to genuinely like her. It was a novel feeling, the way he treated her, and she felt like she could be happy with him in the long-term. Whereas with Angel, he’d have been one hell of a ride, but it would have always been a roller coaster.
He reached down and kissed her softly. “I understand Cordelia. You’re probably right, don’t want to make it almost to the end zone and drop the ball. I’m going to miss you though, Wesley is a lucky man. I don’t suppose I could persuade you to stay with me tonight, one last time for the memories?”
Cordelia looked at him for a long minute. She knew better, she should just walk away now. When she didn’t respond, he dropped to her lips again and she returned his kiss, hating herself for being so weak. It was bittersweet, knowing this was the last time she’d share his bed. For all Angel’s faults, he’d been a considerate lover to her and she’d learned a lot from him. It was like closing the door on a part of her life she knew she couldn’t go back to, not if she was going to be with Wes. She shut her thoughts off and gave in.
“Last time, Angel. And I mean it.”
As they lay together afterward, she listened as he outlined his plan for the formal. She figured that sometime between now and then, they’d fall apart, because Spike must be making a move. She thought about the pretty yellow roses she’d gotten, with a card that just said thanks, from Spike yesterday. She hadn’t seen him or Buffy in the meantime, and she had clearly gone out with Angel tonight, but Spike must have something in the works. She was startled when she heard him say Spike’s name. Did he know what she was up to?
“I’m sorry Angel; I was drifting, what was that?”
He repeated his question. “Can you think of anyone I can set Spike up with for the formal? He’ll be there, and I’d rather he not be glowering and hovering over me and Buffy the whole time. I need to find someone who can keep him occupied. Who was this girl he was talking to you about the other night? Do you think she would go? “
“Oh, I don’t know Angel. This girl is, well she’s not from around here. I doubt he’ll ask her.”
“Well, is this something serious? Could I set him up with someone casual?”
“I really don’t know Angel. He sounded sort of serious, but who knows with Spike.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Cordelia pulled away from him.
“Listen, Angel, Spike’s a big boy, he can find his own date. I wouldn’t worry about it.” She reached for her top. “I really need to go. I drove over tonight, so I’ll be okay going home.”
She turned back to him, reached out and touched his cheek. “Angel, don’t sell yourself short. You can be a great guy. Think before you do this thing with Buffy, okay? Do you really care about her? Do you really want to be with her for the rest of you life? Is money worth that?”
He shrugged away from her touch. “Don’t get philosophical on me, Cordelia. I don’t see you fleeing from Wes’s arms. Are you in love with him? If he didn’t have a dime, would you still want to meet his parents?”
She pulled back, hurt, and he bit his tongue. He didn’t want to end things with her this way.
“Cordelia, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.” He pulled her close and kissed her one last time. “It’s been good, babe. No regrets, okay?”
She nodded. “No regrets.”
And then she was gone. Angel watched the closing door, feeling an odd gap at the thought of a life with much less Cordelia in it.
<><><><>
Angel woke up surprisingly early, given how late he’d been up with Cordelia. Despite her comments, he really wanted to make sure Spike was thoroughly occupied at this formal and no interference to his plans. He was ready to have Buffy in his bed, especially now that Cordelia was gone. He figured she’d need some encouragement and training at first, but he was looking forward to being her teacher. ‘Should be interesting.’ He’d made the reservations, Buffy was an affirmative. Now the Spike situation.
He pulled out his little black book and flipped through the pages until he found the number he was looking for. Faith. She’d be perfect for Spike, very hot, tallish brunette, maybe a little like Drusilla. Now he just needed to see if she’d be interested. She had something of a reputation for liking KET guys, their fraternity seemed to be her thing. He just hoped she hadn’t already hooked up with someone for the formal yet.
He dialed the number.
“Hey Faith, babe, how are you? It’s Angel.”
“Angel.” There was a long pause. “Long time, no call.”
“I’m sorry about that. You know how school gets, and the season has been really busy. How are you?”
Small talk was made, and then Angel moved to his point.
“Listen Faith, I was wondering if you might do me a favor. I have a friend who needs a date for our Fall Formal and I was wondering if you could maybe help him out?”
“Who is it Angel? It’s not like you KETs have a hard time finding women. I’m not going with one of your pledges.”
“No, no, no. You know Spike, right?”
“Spike?” He could hear the interest in her voice. “Are you serious? He’s like Mr. Unapproachable.”
“Well, yeah, but I think he might be a little more approachable right now. Anyway, I’m just playing cupid here, because I’ve recently found love and I just want everyone to be happy. I know you’re quite.special, and Spike’s not seeing anyone right now, so I thought I’d see if you were interested?”
“Well, I tell you what. Why don’t you give him my number and we’ll see. Thanks for the offer, Angel and have him call me, if he’s seriously interested.”
Angel hung up the phone. With the call to Faith out of the way, he just needed to get Spike on board to be sure everything was set.
He decided to just drop by and have a chat in person, maybe see if Spike wanted to go play a game of basketball or something. Sometimes he’d wondered if Cordelia had been right about Spike with Buffy. He’d been a little distant since he’d started dating her, clearly not entirely happy with the idea. But, he had to be used to by now. And besides, according to Cordy, he had some possible long-distance love interest. He started out the door and walked the few short blocks to Spike’s apartment.
<><><><>
A knock sounded on the door and Spike rolled away from the warm body curled against him, still groggy with sleep, his head pounding as the aftermath of last night’s activities hit him full force. Who was here so early on a Saturday? He peered blearily over at the clock. Okay, not that early, it was after 10:00AM. He rolled back against Buffy’s warmth and pulled the covers over his head. Whoever it was, they’d come back later. Suddenly the soft flesh beside him registered. Buffy was still here? In bed with him? They hadn’t, had they? He snuck a glance under the covers. He was naked, that was not good. He glanced over at her. She seemed to be mostly clothed in one of his shirts. Good, that meant they probably hadn’t. Surely he’d remember?
Buffy murmured and rolled closer to his warmth. “What was that?”
“I don’t know luv, they’ll go away.” She murmured agreement and cuddled back down, content to sleep longer. Spike decided this wasn’t a bad thing and curled back around her. They could talk when they’d both woken up and his head hurt a lot less.
And then Spike heard the sound of the key in the lock and Angel’s voice.
“Spike, get up, man. I’m coming in.”
Spike froze and he felt Buffy stiffen against him. She rolled over and stared at him, her eyes huge. Spike immediately clamped his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear.
“Buffy, I think the deadbolt’s turned, he can’t get in yet. Listen to me, luv. Go into the bathroom and get in the shower. I’ll get rid of him as soon as I can. Don’t make a sound and I’ll come get you as soon as he’s gone. Got it?”
She nodded silently, trembling slightly. This was not the way she’d planned to end things with Angel.
“Buffy, its okay. We didn’t do anything last night, right?” She nodded and he felt relived. When and if they had a first time, he really wanted to be able to remember it. “Okay, so nothing happened between us last night, you know that, I know that. It just looks bad and it would be hard to explain, so we just aren’t going to. Now hurry pet, before he gets suspicious.”
They both leaped from the bed and Buffy raced for the bathroom as Spike grabbed his jeans and yanked them on, yelling at the door, “Coming you wanker, keep your pants on.”
He reached the door; made sure the bathroom door was shut, then turned the deadbolt to find Angel standing on the landing.
“Hey Spike. Long time no see.”
“Angel. Man you’re out early for a weekend. Come on in.” He blinked against the harsh morning light.
“Spike, you look like shit. Did you get wasted last night?”
“Something like that. So keep it down if you will.”
“Sure. Listen I just wanted to stop by and talk with you. You’re coming to the formal, right?”
“Well, yeah. I don’t really have a choice, do I? All the brothers have to go. So I’ll be there.”
“Great. Well, I’m trying to get some stuff together, make it kind of a special evening, it being our last one and all. I’m booking some rooms at the little bed and breakfast out there for a little quiet after-party and thought you and I and Xander could take our dates out to dinner together before hand.”
Spike suddenly focused in on Angel. “Dates? Are you taking Buffy?”
“Well, of course. I asked her last night, in fact.”
“You asked her last night? And she agreed to go with you last night?”
Angel looked at Spike. What was his problem? “Yeah, last night at dinner. I took her to that new French place down town, for our anniversary, you know. We’ve been dating for two months, now.
“Is that a fact?”
“Sure is. So I’m taking Buff, and Xander will take Willow. Since it’s senior year and all, I just thought you might want to bring a date, too. Now I know you can find a date if you want to, but there’s a girl I know, Faith, and I think she’s interested in you. She said that she’d like you to call her.”
He stopped. Spike was still staring at him strangely, but he responded. “Faith, tall, dark hair and eyes. I know her. Likes KETs, a lot. She’s one of Cordy’s cheerleading pals, right? Speaking of which, how is the cheerleader, mate? Haven’t seen much of you or her since the party. Had a nice little chat with her then.”
Angel eyed him suspiciously. Did he know? How could he know? They’d been very discreet. He decided to bluff it out.
“She’s good. Got a new boyfriend, Wesley, she seems pretty serious about him. Thought you knew about that. Anyway, I was hoping we could all go together to the formal, with the dinner before hand? But I need to know how many reservations to make and if you’ll have a date.”
Something about the look of Angel, standing there so smug, Mr. Matchmaker, let’s find poor Spike a date, galled him. Knowing that the woman huddled in his shower, who’d shared his bed last night, was still involved with this prat tore him apart. Why had she come to him if she hadn’t called things off with Angel? Had she planned to just run from one to the other?
He’d really thought she felt something for him. He’d thought he knew her. She wasn’t the type to play people off against each other. And yet she clearly hadn’t ended things, wouldn’t make the leap and let go of Angel and take a chance on what could be the most glorious relationship either of them could ever hope to have. One full of passion and fire, with fights and making up and laughter and love. They might burn out fast, though he doubted it, or they might be together forever, but either way, he’d thought it was worth the risk.
But not anymore. He’d had it. His heart could not take it. She’d clearly made her choice. It was time he moved on and Faith was as good as any other.
Spike focused back on Angel.
“Sure, give me her number and I’ll give her a call.”
“Why don’t you call her now? That way I can go ahead and make the reservations.”
Spike rolled his eyes at the demand and snatched the scrap of paper, making his way to the phone. He dialed the number.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Faith, this is Spike.”
“Spike, hey, how are you. Angel said you might call.”
“Yeah, well, so I am. Faith, I’m not going to beat around the bush with you. I think we both know why I’ve called. Are you interested in going to the KET formal with me in a couple of weeks?”
“Well, Spike, I have to say I appreciate a man who’s direct. I’d love to go with you,” she purred.
“Fabulous pet. The formal’s the Friday after break. I’ll give you a call next week, when we have our reservations worked out and let you know when I’ll pick you up. Thanks for agreeing to go, Faith.”
“Thanks for asking, Spike.”
He hung up the phone, feeling a little hollow now that the step was taken.
“All right Angel, make the reservation for six, she’s going with me.”
“Cool man. I was going to see if you wanted to come play some B-ball with me?”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got some things I’ve got to get done today. Working on my applications and such. Deadlines getting close.”
Angel shrugged. “Well, I’m glad things worked out with Faith. I just want everyone to be as happy as Buffy and I are.”
Spike stifled a small snort as he walked Angel to the door and sighed as he finally turned the lock. Yeah, they were the happy couple all right. That’s why she keeps coming to me, mate. He went to the bathroom, knocking lightly before opening the door to a somewhat angry looking Buffy.
“So he’s gone.”
“Yeah, he never knew you were here.”
“And you have a date for the formal now.”
“Yeah, Goldilocks, just like you.”
He stared at her, his eyes cold. He hated this, hated feeling like he was betraying her somehow. But he couldn’t do it anymore. He’d bared his heart to her and she’d asked for time. And then she’d run right back to Angel, straight back into his arms. He wasn’t her brother, and he was far more than her friend. If she’d given him any bit of a chance, come to him alone, he’d be her lover. But she didn’t want him; he was clearly just the substitute for whatever she wasn’t getting from Angel. And it was ending now.
“Oh.”
She turned away so he wouldn’t see the tear in her eye. Spike was taking someone to the formal. Not her. Well stupid, that’s because your boyfriend of sorts was out there setting him up with someone. Her life was so messed up. He’d called that girl in an instant, with no hesitation. She wasn’t all that special. Despite what had happened the other night, the flowers, his anger at seeing her with Angel, he clearly wasn’t pining after her. It had all just been a pipe dream. She got herself under control and turned back to him, face drawn and composed.
“Well, that’s great Spike. I’m happy for you. I can’t wait to meet her.” She fought to keep the edge out of her voice. “Thanks for covering for me with Angel. You’re right, he wouldn’t have understood at all. I guess I need to get dressed and get home now. Don’t want to keep you from your applications.”
He nodded and left the bathroom, returning with her clothes, the dress she’d worn the night before on her date. She was going to look so morning after walking home in that. Almost as if he read her mind, he tossed her the outfit and told her he’d drive her home when she was ready.
He exited the bathroom and she turned on the shower, letting the falling water mask the gush of tears. Why hadn’t she just told him it didn’t matter this morning, that she didn’t care if Angel found her with him, that she wanted to be with him? She had come to tell him so last night, but he’d been too drunk and angry to listen to her. But he was even angrier now than he’d been last night, and there was no alcohol to cloud the issue. She’d hurt him by not breaking things off with Angel and he was clearly not interested in what she had to say. She finished her shower and dressed quickly.
They exited the apartment in silence and very little was said until they reached the dorm. She thanked him politely for the ride, almost as though he were a stranger. She mentioned that since they had Fall Break staring next Wednesday, she supposed they could skip the tutoring session this week. He agreed and she got out of the car and watched him drive off without another word.
She opened the door to her room and was relived to find that Willow was gone. Probably out with Xander, maybe over at the lab. She changed clothes quickly; throwing on a pair of old sweats, and curled up on the bed, clutching her William bear so tightly she was afraid the seams would split.
<><><><>
Willow shook her awake.
“Buffy, hey Buffy, wake up. You’ve been sleeping for a long time, you aren’t sick are you?”
“Sick? Oh, well, I’m, um, I’m not feeling very well. Maybe I’m coming down with something, the flu or something like that.”
“I’m sorry. I should have let you sleep. I just wanted to see if you were up for a trip to the mall to check out some dresses for the bash. Xander told me we are all set now to go as a group, Xander and I, you and Angel and Spike and some girl named Faith. It’s too bad Cordy won’t be there, it’s almost the entire gang. They made the reservations today for the restaurant and bed and breakfast. Cool, huh? Should be quite the weekend.”
Buffy stiffened. Was Spike getting a room with Faith? She stifled the jealous surge as she sat up.
“I’m fine, Willow, I think that nap did me a world of good. How about we hit the mall? I want to find a knock ’em dead outfit that’ll really wow everyone.”
Or more specifically Spike. Suddenly she knew what she had to do. She had to win Spike back. He had to give her a second chance. She’d screwed up yet again, but she could make it up to him.
“So does that mean Buffy and Angel are going to finally do the deed? I wondered when Xan told me about the hotel rooms.”
“I wouldn’t say that Will, but I intend to look good for this thing, no matter what. Let’s go shopping.”