Not Long to Wait

Ch 56 – Vampire Beauty Shop

Dawn smiled as she watched her sleeping vampire stretch out and get comfortable. He flopped over onto his stomach and stretched his limbs to the four corners of the bed then heaved a giant sigh. *Guess he likes the blanket.* She checked the setting to make sure she wasn't going to have vampire flambé, then stuffed the wrapper into the small trash can. She carried the hair stuff into the bathroom and pulled everything out of the box, arranging it neatly on the counter.

Spike was sitting up in bed, smoothing out the toasty warm blanket covering him when she walked out of the bathroom. He looked up at her and grinned. "Thanks for the blanket, luv."

She smiled back as she lifted a box onto the other bed. "You're welcome, but you should thank yourself, it was your money that bought it. The Council hasn't paid me yet."

He chuckled, "So you're gonna be moochin' off me then, I take it."

She opened the box and took out a large piece of Styrofoam then chucked it at him. "I am not mooching, mister. By the way, thanks for the new laptop. You really shouldn't have."

He tossed the Styrofoam on the floor and climbed out of bed. "Well, that's just the kind of bloke I am. Love takin' care of my lady." He peered over her shoulder at the open box. "So what'd I get you anyway? Top of the line, of course."

She shook her head. "No, it's just a basic laptop. I'm only gonna use it for email and surfing, so I didn't need all the bells and whistles. As long as I can look at naked pictures of hot vampires, it'll do."

He growled in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her. "Better be lookin' at only one vampire, luv."

She turned in his arms and nibbled on his neck. "What, you don't want me to go to HotNakedVamps dot com?"

He chuckled, "No. If you wanna see a naked vampire, all you have to do is ask, pet."

She wrapped her arms around his middle and squeezed. "Ok, I'm asking. You. All naked. All the time."

He laughed, "Might have a little problem with the all the time bit, luv. Where would I keep my weapons and fags when we're out patrollin'?"

She giggled against his neck. "Ok then. You. All naked. All the time at home. Is that better?"

He nodded and kissed her ear. "Yeah, that I can do, but you have to be starkers too. Wouldn't be fair otherwise."

She pulled back and gave him a serious look. "So, we're agreed, then. Us. All naked. All the time at home."

He backed up and held out his hand. "It's not set 'til we shake on it."

She shook his hand then giggled. "I'm already breaking our contract. I have clothes on."

He chuckled, "S'ok, pet, I'll let it go this time, but next time I'll have to find a way to punish you."

She licked her lips as she looked him over. "And what will you do to me?"

He winked at her. "Guess you'll just have to wait and see, but I promise it'll feel good."

She smiled. "I just might have to break our contract a lot then." She turned back to the box sitting on the bed and pulled the laptop out of it then set it down next to the box. "Oh, guess what? I found out how far away I can get and still feel you."

"How far?"

"About half a mile, give or take. I could just barely feel you, but I couldn't feel the other vampire at all, probably 'cause you're older."

A growl rumbled through his chest as he grabbed her upper arms and spun her to face him then snarled, "What other vampire?" She looked down at his fingers digging into her flesh. He jerked then loosened his grip and dropped his hands. He backed away from her and looked at the floor.

"Geez, Spike! What's your deal?" She rubbed at the finger marks on one arm then walked over to him and lifted his chin so she could look into his eyes, frowning at the betrayal and pain she saw there. "Spike? What's gotten into you? Don't you trust me?"

He closed his eyes as his shoulders slumped then he nodded. "Yeah, I trust you, luv. Just old insecurities come back to haunt me, I guess."

"Angelus and Dru?"

He sighed, "Yeah. She'd forget all 'bout me anytime he walked into the room. I know he was her Sire, but it still hurt, you know? To always be second best."

She pulled him close and murmured against his ear, "You're not second best to me, Spike. You're the only one I want, vampire and man. You don't have to worry about anyone else catching my eye or taking my heart. I'm yours and only yours. Ok?"

He pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "I know, luv. I'm sorry for hurtin' you."

She pulled him into a soft kiss. "I'll let it go this time because I understand why you did it, but please don't do it again."

He murmured into her hair, "I won't, pet. I promise."

She leaned back and smiled at him. "So, was this our first fight?"

He shrugged. "Guess so, kitten. Hopefully it's the last. I don't want to fight with you."

She smirked at him. "You don't have to. You know I won't lie to you, Spike. If you want to know something, just ask and I'll tell you."

He nodded then let her go and took a deep breath. "So, who's this other vamp?"

She smirked at him. "See? That wasn't so hard." She pointed to her arm. "And look! No fingerprints!" He looked away shamefaced and she took his chin in her hand and brought his eyes to meet hers. "I'm just messing with you, Spike. I know you feel bad about it, and I shouldn't make fun. I'm sorry."

He mumbled something that sounded like, "It's ok."

She smiled at him. "Now, about the other vamp. Angel has someone tailing me. He's in a room on the first floor."

"How do you know he works for the poof?"

She held up her fingers one by one as she named the reasons, "California plates. Vamp-safe glass. Registration in the glove box says Wolfram and Hart."

He tilted his head and smirked. "You broke into the bloke's car?"

She smiled. "I didn't break in. I just… kinda… you know… opened the door. It's not like I stole anything, I was just looking for something to write on. I left him a note to come see me when it gets dark."

"Why's Peaches havin' you followed?"

She shrugged. "Who knows? I told you he's annoying like that. Thinks I can't take care of myself or something."

Spike frowned. "Guess he thinks I can't take care of you, either."

Dawn took his hand and started walking toward the bathroom. "We'll find out later, I guess. Let's get your hair done." She stopped in the doorway and waved dramatically at the bathroom. "Welcome to Dawn's Vampire Beauty Shop. Please come in. Your stylist is ready."