Chapter 4: Moving In
Buffy breathed a sigh of relief as she cut the packing tape across the top of the last box of supplies to move to her dorm room on UC-Sunnydale’s campus. The move had been a topic of much debate between her and Giles over the last year. She knew he was in some ways reluctant for her to live on campus so quickly after returning. She suspected it was a little nostalgia for the days before she left for England.
But now, especially with his new open relationship with Jenny, she was glad she would be in her own space, well, her own space with Willow, to give them some privacy together. Giles was still a little bit of a fuddy-duddy and she knew he wouldn’t think it was appropriate to have Jenny sleep over while she was there. She giggled mentally, the image of Giles, Mr. Academic, in tweed boxers or something, seducing Jenny. Too strange to think of one’s elders that way.
Thoughts of Giles’ newfound love life made her briefly ponder her own lack thereof, something she been doing on and off for much of the past week. She was home now, she was twenty and she was, she could admit to herself, tired of being alone. She wasn’t sure exactly what had held her back from a serious romantic entanglement all these years, though she was pretty sure a lot was wrapped up in her insecurities about her parents and the horrible destructive relationship she watched slowly dissolve for half of her life.
And Giles, in his attempts to be what she supposed he thought of as a proper example, had studiously avoided appearances of romance with Jenny, devoting himself to their family. She was grateful for his concern for her, because the ache of losing her parents had been replaced by the security of his love, but the one area she’d remained unsure about was romance.
She knew that her teenage crush on Angel, Mr. Football Stud, never lacking for female attention, was probably largely due to the fact that he was never going to look at her romantically. So she’d been able to adore from afar and it felt safe.
Briefly she wondered if that was why she’d never really had romantic feelings for William, or Spike, rather, while they were growing up. He’d always been there for her, her playmate, her tutor, her friend. But she’d suspected, sometimes, when he thought she wasn’t watching, that he’d looked at her with something more in his eyes, especially in those last few months before she left.
It had been a little scary, because she could have seen herself becoming totally immersed in him, back then. They had been so much a part of each other’s life, that if she had started dating him, she almost thought they would’ve shut everyone else out and it would have been just them. And that would have been the problem. That had been her mother and father, so wrapped up together, until her dad broke their little world and started cheating and her mom began drinking and things went to hell.
She shook herself, breaking off the unhappy memories. Where had all these thoughts come from anyway? She had moving scheduled for today, not psychoanalysis. She picked up the box to carry downstairs and squeaked as she turned around and bumped into something hard.
“Ooff!”‘ she muttered as she staggered back.
“Sorry pet, didn’t know you didn’t realize I was here. You were all serious like there, taping up your boxes and I didn’t want to interrupt your deep thoughts.”
Spike waggled his eyebrows and grinned at her, surprised when she suddenly began to blush.
“Oh, what’s this, she’s blushing. Now what was running through your little head, hmmmm,” he teased.
He was surprised when she avoided his eyes and thrust the box at him, turning to pick up another.
“Nothing, I was just thinking about how glad I am to be giving some space to Jenny and Giles.”
He doubted that had brought her blush, but he dropped the topic and followed her down the stairs. Willow’s parents’ mini-van had been commandeered for the move and Spike supervised the loading as he fetched and carried the boxes with the two girls and Giles’ help. Soon they were all packed and he began the drive over to the campus and Stevenson Hall, where the girls would be living.
“Hey Spike, when do we get to see your bachelor pad we’ve heard so much about?” Willow asked. “Xander says it’s quite the place for taking the ladies.”
Spike found it was now his turn to blush.
“Well now pet, you shouldn’t listen to nasty rumors. Besides, my days as a secret hideaway for the brothers of KET are long gone. Let’s just say only a few lucky people still have keys.”
Willow immediately latched on to this. “Keys… can I have a set, cause you know, I might need a place to take my hook-ups to? So I won’t be shocking Buffy and all?”
Spike’s eyes grew large at thought of little Willow using his place for flings and then he noticed Buffy shaking with silent laughter in the seat opposite him.
“She’s just giving you a hard time, Spike. We just though it was funny when Xander told us you had the chick pad. We have a system worked out already, you know, scrunchie on the door knob and all.”
She giggled as he mulled this one over, clearly a little disturbed they had a system.
But…” She batted her eyelashes at him, “we are chicks and we do want to see your place.”
“Bloody hell, you bints are nuts.” Spike muttered as he pulled up at the entrance to Stevenson that had been cleared as an unloading zone. He pulled out his cell phone to alert Xander and Angel that they had arrived and the other guys arrived within minutes to make short work of the unloading of the van. Soon the room was covered with unpacked boxes, and other dorm life accouterments.
“Guys, thanks so much. This was a lot faster than we thought it would be. Maybe we’ll actually have time to unpack and catch some of these crazy pre-school festivities we hear you kids in the States indulge in.”
Buffy smiled at the guys as she handed them bottles of water.
“Ladies, take this as a personal invitation to our little soiree tonight. There’ll be fun had by all. We’ve got to get back and start setting up soon, but one of us can come and take you over later, or maybe you guys can hook up with Cordy, I know she’s coming tonight.”
Xander finished his bottle of water and tossed it in the recycling bin by the wall.
“Hey, maybe we can even get our frequently missing brother to make an appearance at this shindig if you guys come – huh Spike?”
Spike nodded, “Yeah, yeah, told you I’d come and work crowd control tonight, didn’t I? I’m coming back with you guys to set up. Buffy, Willow, if you want to come and Cordy’s not around, call my cell and I’ll walk you over to the frat around ten. Don’t come by yourself though, I don’t mind coming for you.”
The three guys rose and left together to the calls of thanks from the girls, leaving Buffy and Willow to unpack and settle in. Within a few hours, clothes were sorted and put away, pictures hung, their rug put down and books shelved. Slightly exhausted, each girl collapsed on her bed to rest. Both had started to nap, when they were startled by the knock on the door.
Buffy staggered over to answer and found Cordelia standing outside.
“Buffy, you look rough. Move-in day huh?” Buffy stood aside, allowing Cordelia to enter.
“Hey to you too, Cordy.”
“Oh, hey Buffy, Willow. I just wanted to stop by and talk with you guys, see how you are settling in, that sort of thing. I like what you’ve done with the room. It’s very cool.”
Odds and ends from their travels had made the room unique, with some well-placed lamps with colored shades to give off a soft glow, brightly colored scarves adorning the windows and coordinated comforters in jewel tones. Cordelia admired the look for a moment, then plopped down on Buffy’s bed.
“So are you coming to the party tonight? Looks like it’ll be fun. Xander called and told me you guys might want to go with me. It’s just on the edge of campus, so I’m walking over, that way there’s no need for a DD. Are you guys game?”
Willow propped herself up on one elbow. “Sounds good to me. Assuming I can get in a nice hot shower and a nap between now and then. I’m beat after all that moving. You up for it, Buffy?”
“I’m in, assuming Willow’s assumptions. Okay, that sounded strange, but you know what I mean.”
Buffy sat down next to Cordelia on her bed.
“So Cordy, what’s up with you? We haven’t had a chance for the girl talk lately. How’s school, how’s life, what happened to that Devon guy you were dating?”
Cordelia flipped her dark hair back and picked some imagined lint off her linen shorts.
“Well, Devon, that was a mistake. I have to avoid the musicians. No drive, not going anywhere in life. But he did know how to make me sing, if you know what I mean.”
She smirked a little as Buffy and Willow laughed at her smugness.
“But no new guys since then. I’m thinking I’m gonna play the field this year. Otherwise, I don’t know. Let’s see. I’ve picked a major finally, Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Dramatic Arts. I’m doing an internship with a retailer in Sunnydale, small potatoes, but it’s a start to learn the biz. Then there’s cheerleading for football. That takes a lot of time in the fall. And I’m secretary of my sorority this year, which is the other thing I wanted to talk with you guys about. Are you going to rush? We’re starting in a week.”
Buffy leaned back on her pillows. “I don’t know Cordy. I’m not sure Greek’s for me. Besides, I kind of hate to go through all of those formalities.”
Cordelia laughed. “Buffy, get real, you and Willow are shoo-ins. I’ll vouch for you both and I know you’ll get voted into to Gamma Gamma Phi. It would just be that, formalities, no pressure. And it would be fun to have you guys as sisters. I’ve missed both of you. Remember those junior high sleepovers and the make over parties? I guess I just hoped you’d both join. What about you Willow?”
“Probably. My mom thinks I should, she goes on and on about her sisters and all the fun she has in college with her chapter. I’m kinda with Buffy though, do you think I’ll fit? I mean geeky Willow here, computer nerd and bisexual to boot.”
Cordelia fell off the bed.
Willow and Buffy both laughed.
Cordelia gingerly sat up, and maneuvered to lean back against the bed. “Next question I was going to ask was about the hotties in your lives, but I see there is more going on than I knew. Well, well, well, Willow… I never would have guessed. Do tell.”
“I came out while we were at boarding school, you know all girls, all the time. One of the other students, Tara, was also from the States, and we hung out a lot, common connection and all. We just gradually realized there was an attraction and went with it. It was very special, but by the end of our last term we realized it wasn’t the long-term kind of thing.”
Cordelia paused, taking this in. “But you’re bi? How do you know for sure?”
“Cause there have been a few guys along the way as well. But no one special, just some hook ups, here and there, but nice.”
Cordelia looked up at Buffy. “So how about you, Buffy? Any stories to tell? Should I stay on the floor?”
Buffy smiled. “No, Cordelia, no big surprises from me, other than the lack of surprises. I guess I’m just picky or something. I just haven’t found the right one yet and I’m just not willing to settle for less, well at least not yet. The older I get, the more of a freak I feel like, you know? But it’s fine. Mr. Right’s out there.”
Cordelia looked equally amazed. “Wait a minute, Buffy. Am I hearing you right? You’re still a virgin?”
Buffy sighed. “Yes Cordelia, I’m still a virgin. It’s not the end of the world you know. I’m cool with it.”
Cordelia looked at her harder. “Sweetie, there’s seriously been no one? Are you sure you don’t need to try out Willow’s side of the tracks, well at least one of them?
“Yes, Cordelia, there has been no one, and no, I’m pretty sure I’m not gay. I’ve been with guys before and liked it, just not all the way. I mean, there was a group that Willow and I hung with at university and I got a little friendly with a few of the guys, but I just didn’t wanted to get pelvic. I want the first time to be special, you know, somebody who cares and really wants me, not just a slightly intoxicated fuck. Let’s just leave at that, all right?
“Whoa, Buffy, not trying to hurt your feelings, girl. I guess this is just my day for surprises. Willow’s bi, you’re a virgin and I guess I’m just your average college girl with a few, well maybe more than a few, notches in her lipstick case. Interesting. I’m not sure how we stack up against our big brothers you know, they are quite the BMOCs.”
Buffy and Willow both perked up, for slightly different reasons.
“Do tell, Cordy, give us the dish.” Willow sat up on the bed, giving Cordelia her full attention.
“Well, Xander’s sort of the serial monogamist of the group, near as I can tell. He keeps hooking up with these girls who are really persistent and then he’s in this “serious” relationship he doesn’t seem to know exists. It’s really funny to watch him trying to untangle himself from some of his women. We gave it a go, you know, right after I started college.”
Buffy caught Willow stiffening out of the corner of her eye. She had suspected Willow was still carrying the torch for Xander, but this certainly confirmed it, even if Willow was playing coy on the subject.
“But that flopped pretty fast. Xander and I nearly drove each other crazy, and we’ve just been friends since then. Now Angel, he’s the regular Casanova. Different girl about every week, he’s had quite a collection. I don’t think he’s ever going to settle down, he’s just loves playing the field. You’ll probably see him in action tonight.”
Willow watched Buffy as she listened to Cordelia’s update on Angel’s love life and was surprised at her lack of strong reaction to it. But as Cordelia moved on to the last of the gang, she noted Buffy’s sudden attentiveness.
“And then Spike? Who knows? That boy’s an enigma. The Drusilla chick his freshman year messed him up, but good. It was really pretty sad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy fall so hard.”
“Who’s Drusilla?” Buffy asked, nonchalantly.
“Oh, Drusilla was this skanky ho, she must have done half the campus. Spike just fell head over heels and for some reason thought she loved him too. You know, come to think of it, she was probably his first. Guys sometimes react like that and I don’t remember him with anyone in high school, he was always buddying around with you guys.”
Cordelia paused, trying to remember where she was in the tale.
“Anyway, he was with Dru for awhile and she was cheating on him right and left. I think everyone knew but him. He finally caught her in the act. You know the guys all used to have keys to Spike’s apartment? He has a pretty set schedule, with his swim practice and all, so they’d use the keys to bring women there when Spike was out, for a little privacy. Well, apparently Dru really got off on getting guys to take her to Spike’s place to do it. He came back early from practice one day and caught her in bed with one of his frat brothers, Riley. He went on a drinking binge and Angel and Xander had to find him and sober him up. He almost lost his place on the swim team and got really down, for a while there. But then he snapped out if it, joined that band and never mentioned Dru again. And neither do we.”
“What happened to Dru?” Buffy asked.
“Oh, she transferred away, I think to UCLA or someplace. Anyway, Spike’s pretty discreet about his relationships, so we don’t know who the lucky girls are. But there’s got to be some. You should have seen some of the girls that would come to see him play – let’s just say some undergarments made it on stage. So he’s the big mystery man.”
Buffy slowly let out the breath she’d been holding as Cordelia had finished her tale, trying to be unobtrusive. She couldn’t believe some girl had done that to Spike. He was the sweetest guy in the world. She was a little surprised he’d never mentioned this Dru or any of this to her in his letters and e-mails, but maybe he’d been too embarrassed.
Willow watched Buffy curiously. She’d often wondered if there was ever anything between Buffy and Spike beyond mere friendship. It certainly looked like maybe there was on the Buffster’s side at least.
She’d seen her friend be alone for way too long. Buffy had been really supportive of her when she’d begun her relationship with Tara and had been fairly confused about a lot of things. They’d had many talks about love and relationships and Willow knew Buffy was a little shy about getting burned without ever having been near the fire.
She’d wondered, at the time, if part of the reason Buffy hadn’t been able to actually have a fun little romp with Geoff or Henry or any of the other guys they’d hung with, had been because she was hung up on Angel. But she was going to have to reassess that now. Hmmm… Maybe Xander could be helpful with this, and it would give her an excuse to talk with him.
The chat obviously over, Cordelia departed and Buffy and Willow settled in for a few hours of sleep before heading out to party.