CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Date Night
Spike and Buffy met the Scoobies back at the Magic Box sometime later that afternoon. Spike still had the furniture blankets with him but Anya made him leave them out in the alley.
"You're not keeping those smelly things in here!" Anya insisted. "They'll drive the customers away." It was a busy day for her and she wasn't in the mood to be patient. They had a fair amount of customers. So, she had to scoot back and forth between the cash register and the Scoobie meeting in the training room.
Everyone sat along the wall except for Buffy. She stood in front of them, feeling a bit like a general instructing her troops. In essence that's what she was. "The wall illusion was definitely magical," she said, directing herself to Tara and Willow. "Spike thinks it might be a simple spell. But the fact that it was only visible from one side made it seem more complicated to me."
"Not really," Tara said. "It could be simple. It's hard to know without seeing it."
"Well, believe me," Buffy said, "you don't wanna see it. It's seriously yucky down there."
"What did I miss?" Anya said, running in looking harried. The blond hairstyle she had so carefully put together that morning had fallen out completely. And the stylish shoes she had on were making her limp.
"Buffy was up to recap mostly," Xander answered. "She was saying there was this optical illusion of a wall leading up to the turnoff where they found the Fire demons."
"Really? A magical illusion?" Anya asked
"Had to be," Tara said.
"Fire demons don't go in for magic," Anya said. "Did you get to see any actual Fire demons?"
"A small swarm," Buffy answered. "And they shot out jets of fire."
"Jets?" Anya asked, confusion furrowing her brow. "Jet's of fire?"
"Oh, yeah."
"Are you sure they were Fire demons?"
"Absolutely," Spike said. "Orange and gray scales, lizard tongues, and small white claws."
"Then something must have changed them somehow," Anya said.
"Magic you think?"
Anya breathed in heavily as she considered this. "Could be. Someone could be upping their ability to shoot out fire, like the Shadows said."
"But who?" Buffy said.
"It sounds like we have to start watching this building," Willow said. "I mean, to see who goes in and out."
"Most evil is afoot at night," Anya said. "So maybe we should take turns spying on the place then."
"All right," Buffy said, "Starting tomorrow. Spike and I will take the first watch."
"Xander and I can do Monday night," Anya offered.
"I really don't think Tara should do anything dangerous for a while," Willow said. "And I think I should stay with her to keep an eye on her."
"I'm not a china doll," Tara said. "I'm fine. You don't need to be so overprotective."
"No," Buffy agreed. "She's right. You two keep an eye on Dawn for me. Then the following week if you're feeling OK, you can go back into the fray."
Willow nodded in agreement.
"Really, guys," Tara said," I'm all right."
"We're just making sure," Buffy said. "The rest of us will change off nights."
At the point, Anya saw a customer moving toward the cash register through the open door of the training room. She started running immediately. "Gotta go," she called behind her.
"I better get out there and be supportive," Xander said, rising to his feet.
"Yeah, and we've gotta be getting home," Willow said. "I'm taking Tara out to an early dinner tonight. Sort of a welcome home thing."
"OK," Buffy said. "Dawn's gonna be out too. It's her first official date with Zachary tonight. But she promised to be home early."
"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot." Willow's eyes lit up at the thought. "If you guys have to go on patrol, we can see them off. And we'll be home early too. Tara shouldn't stay out too late either." Willow reached out to help Tara up from the bench.
"I'm not an old lady!" Tara said, slapping her lover's hands away. She tidied her skirt and headed for the front door of the shop.
"Tara! Wait up," Willow said, rushing after her. "I was just trying to be helpful."
"So," Spike said, advancing on Buffy, lust in his eyes. "That just leaves you and me alone in the house."
Buffy pushed him against the wall. "It has possibilities," she agreed in a low voice. "But . . . you have to take a shower first. Those blankets made you stink to high heaven. And, we have to go on at least a quick patrol first." She turned and walked away. "Bring the blankets. Those'll get the demons running. Phew!"
- - - - - - - - - -
Dawn was just about ready for her date when Tara and Willow got home. She'd dressed carefully and was nervously waiting for the doorbell to ring.
"Did you have any dinner?" Tara asked falling back into the motherly role she'd held with Dawn before she'd left.
"No," Dawn said, shaking her hands out to get rid of excess energy.
"You should have something. Some soup or yogurt or . . ."
"No, no, no. I'm too nervous," Dawn said, jumping up and down. "I'd just throw it up."
"Oooh," Willow said, coming up behind Dawn and hugging her. "Our little Dawnie is going on her first real date."
"Would you just quit that?" Dawn said. "I'm nervous enough already."
"It's just such a big day!"
Dawn let out a frightened little whimper.
"There, there," Willow said, rubbing her back. "It's gonna be all right. The first date is always the toughest. But at least you guys have already become study buddies. So you should have plenty to talk about."
"Yeah. But that was different. This is more . . . official."
"Official or not, it's gonna be wonderful." Willow said.
"Where are you two going?" Tara asked.
"To a movie. And maybe for a snack afterwards. Buffy wants me in early."
"Sounds nice," Tara said with a loving smile.
Before they knew it, the doorbell was ringing and Zachary was standing there looking every bit as nervous as Dawn. Willow escorted him in momentarily until Dawn came out, tripping on her own feet just as she passed through the livingroom. Willow wasn't sure which of the young people was more embarrassed at this act of clumsiness, Dawn or Zachary.
"Are you all right," Zachary asked. He looked like he wasn't sure if he should ignore this little flub or if he should run to her to support her.
"I'm fine," Dawn said, wishing she could somehow fade under the rug.
"Well, you kids have a good time," Willow said, changing the subject.
"Yeah," Dawn said.
Zachary politely opened the door for Dawn and they finally started on their way.
"Oh, they're just so cute!" Willow said, after the door had closed behind them. She hugged Tara and petted the hair out of her face with a romantic sigh. "Were we ever that young?"
"Yeah, we were," Tara said. "Only for us, boys were just a phase."
- - - - - - - - - -
By the time Buffy and Spike got home, the house was empty. It hadn't been a very fruitful patrol. Nary a demon crossed their path that night. Buffy claimed they were all scared off by the smell of the warehouse blankets.
"I'm gonna put these in the wash," Buffy said, reluctantly taking the blankets. "I'll be sure to add extra soap and lots of perfumed water softener. You jump into the shower. I can't stand to be around you anymore."
"Thanks a load, Luv," Spike said to Buffy's back as she headed for the basement. He wasn't much in the mood for a shower just then, at least not alone. He'd been hoping to lure Buffy in with him. But it seemed she was more intent on laundry. There was nothing to do but follow instructions and hope that he could interest her in something afterwards.
He went to Buffy's room and hung his duster up on the back of the door. Then he stripped off his clothes and headed for the bathroom. The hot shower felt good against Spike's tight muscles. And he used Buffy's favorite scented soap to at least pretend that she was in there with him. Fortunately for him, he didn't have to pretend long. He'd been showering about five minutes when the door to the bathroom opened and Buffy came in, undressed for the occasion.
"I forgot that I can't run the washer till after you finish your shower. Doing both at the same time will empty the hot water tank." She pulled back the shower curtain and peeked in. "Mmm," she said, looking him over. "You don't mind if I join you in there. For the sake of conserving hot water, of course." And she slipped into the shower and into his arms.
There was some washing, lots of kissing and petting, but nothing serious. The little bathtub was just too difficult to maneuver in. So, after a short toweling session, they adjourned to her bedroom and made love, slowly and leisurely.
"I wish they'd all go out more often," Buffy remarked contentedly as she fell across Spike's chest.
"Mmm," was all Spike could answer. He was already asleep. But he was the first one to wake up later. At nine-thirty, he sat up as if an alarm clock had gone off and roused Buffy. "Come on, Slayer," he urged. "Time to get up. The Niblet will be home from her date soon. Gotta go downstairs and sit in front of the television, like an old married couple." He pulled on his jeans and started routing around for a fresh tee shirt. Buffy had given him a drawer in her bureau and a tiny corner in the closet.
"Don't wanna get up," Buffy said sleepily.
"Have to. It's your job to look all parental when she comes in. Come on now, Slayer. Here." He threw her the clothes she'd been wearing earlier. Besides, you still have to wash those blankets."
"Oh, all right," she said in a cranky voice. "If I must, I must."
- - - - - - - - - -
With all the trailers they'd thrown in at the front of the movie, Dawn and Zachary ended up getting out later then they thought they would.
"You want to go have a snack?" Zachary asked as they walked out onto the street.
"I can't," Dawn answered. "I'd like to. But my sister wants me home by ten. I think she's going to be strict about things till my grades pick up again."
They came to a stop at the corner. Zachary had his hands in his pockets as usual. "I understand," he said. "I don't want to get you in trouble."
"Besides, we've still got plenty of popcorn from the movie." Dawn gestured at him with the half-filled tub of popcorn in her arms. "You want some more?"
"No. You can take it."
"I don't want it," Dawn said, with more feeling then she'd intended. She'd been hoping that Zachary would put his arm around her during the movie, or at least hold hands. But the ridiculous tub of popcorn had gotten in the way. Next time she was going to say no to refreshments. That is, if there was a next time. She was wondering if the fact that he hadn't even held her hand yet meant that he'd decided that he wasn't interested.
"Then, let's just dump it," Zachary said. He took the tub and deposited it in the nearest garbage basket. Then he thought for a moment. ". . . You're going to get better grades this semester, I'm sure of it. We'll go over those geometry theorems again next week. And work on that composition we're supposed to do for English."
"You wanna study together again next week?" The light of hope sparkled in Dawn's eyes.
"Yeah. Wherever you like. At your house or over at that magic shop. Wherever."
"OK," Dawn said with a shy smile.
Zachary returned her smile and took her hand as they walked back to her house.
Dawn didn't hear much of what he said after that. It was all about school. And that was something that she didn't care much about at the best of times. She was totally lost in the electric feel of Zachary's hand in hers.
"So, I'll see you next week," Zachary said as they finally came to a stop just in front of Buffy's porch.
"Yeah," Dawn agreed.
Zachary leaned in and kissed her, a sweet gentle kiss, from a sweet gentle boy. As he pulled away, he left his hand on her face and softly ran his fingers over her cheek. "See you on Monday," he said.
"Yeah," Dawn said.
"Good night," he said as he walked away.
"Night." Dawn watched him disappear down the street for a moment. Then she went dashing up the porch stairs and into the house, slamming the door behind her. "I'm in love!" she yelled flinging out her arms.
"What?" Buffy jumped up from the couch where she and Spike had been sitting watching television.
Dawn threw her arms around her sister for moment. Then she continued dancing around the room. "I'm in love! He's wonderful! I'm meeting him next week for studying again. Isn't it wonderful?"
Buffy looked perplexed. But Spike smiled.
"How can you be in love," Buffy wanted to know. "You've only just met him."
"I don't know, but I am!" Dawn screeched. "Aaah! I'm so happy!!!"
"I don't think you should be talking about love yet," Buffy continued on in a disapproving voice.
"Yes," Spike said wryly. "Being in love is something your sister takes very seriously. She won't even admit to loving me."
"You keep out of this," Buffy said. Then she turned back to her sister. Her attitude was that of a lecturing parent, complete with wagging finger. "Now, Dawn. Love is something that takes time and . . ."
"I don't care what you say!" Dawn said, hopping halfway up the steps in the hallway. "I'm in love and I'm happy. And you're not gonna bring me down. I'm just too happy!" And she danced and sang the rest of the way to her room, so her sister couldn't interrupt her happy thoughts anymore.
"What's happening to her?" Buffy said, staring after Dawn as if she were a stranger.
"She's growing up," Spike said simply. "It had to happen sooner or later, Slayer."
"I don't like it."
"Well, you'll just have to get used to it, because it's happening whether you like it or not."
Buffy stuck out her lower lip in a pout and plopped down on the couch next to him. "Don't like it."
"You'll get used to it," Spike said, pulling her against him. "You'll see."
Date Night
Spike and Buffy met the Scoobies back at the Magic Box sometime later that afternoon. Spike still had the furniture blankets with him but Anya made him leave them out in the alley.
"You're not keeping those smelly things in here!" Anya insisted. "They'll drive the customers away." It was a busy day for her and she wasn't in the mood to be patient. They had a fair amount of customers. So, she had to scoot back and forth between the cash register and the Scoobie meeting in the training room.
Everyone sat along the wall except for Buffy. She stood in front of them, feeling a bit like a general instructing her troops. In essence that's what she was. "The wall illusion was definitely magical," she said, directing herself to Tara and Willow. "Spike thinks it might be a simple spell. But the fact that it was only visible from one side made it seem more complicated to me."
"Not really," Tara said. "It could be simple. It's hard to know without seeing it."
"Well, believe me," Buffy said, "you don't wanna see it. It's seriously yucky down there."
"What did I miss?" Anya said, running in looking harried. The blond hairstyle she had so carefully put together that morning had fallen out completely. And the stylish shoes she had on were making her limp.
"Buffy was up to recap mostly," Xander answered. "She was saying there was this optical illusion of a wall leading up to the turnoff where they found the Fire demons."
"Really? A magical illusion?" Anya asked
"Had to be," Tara said.
"Fire demons don't go in for magic," Anya said. "Did you get to see any actual Fire demons?"
"A small swarm," Buffy answered. "And they shot out jets of fire."
"Jets?" Anya asked, confusion furrowing her brow. "Jet's of fire?"
"Oh, yeah."
"Are you sure they were Fire demons?"
"Absolutely," Spike said. "Orange and gray scales, lizard tongues, and small white claws."
"Then something must have changed them somehow," Anya said.
"Magic you think?"
Anya breathed in heavily as she considered this. "Could be. Someone could be upping their ability to shoot out fire, like the Shadows said."
"But who?" Buffy said.
"It sounds like we have to start watching this building," Willow said. "I mean, to see who goes in and out."
"Most evil is afoot at night," Anya said. "So maybe we should take turns spying on the place then."
"All right," Buffy said, "Starting tomorrow. Spike and I will take the first watch."
"Xander and I can do Monday night," Anya offered.
"I really don't think Tara should do anything dangerous for a while," Willow said. "And I think I should stay with her to keep an eye on her."
"I'm not a china doll," Tara said. "I'm fine. You don't need to be so overprotective."
"No," Buffy agreed. "She's right. You two keep an eye on Dawn for me. Then the following week if you're feeling OK, you can go back into the fray."
Willow nodded in agreement.
"Really, guys," Tara said," I'm all right."
"We're just making sure," Buffy said. "The rest of us will change off nights."
At the point, Anya saw a customer moving toward the cash register through the open door of the training room. She started running immediately. "Gotta go," she called behind her.
"I better get out there and be supportive," Xander said, rising to his feet.
"Yeah, and we've gotta be getting home," Willow said. "I'm taking Tara out to an early dinner tonight. Sort of a welcome home thing."
"OK," Buffy said. "Dawn's gonna be out too. It's her first official date with Zachary tonight. But she promised to be home early."
"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot." Willow's eyes lit up at the thought. "If you guys have to go on patrol, we can see them off. And we'll be home early too. Tara shouldn't stay out too late either." Willow reached out to help Tara up from the bench.
"I'm not an old lady!" Tara said, slapping her lover's hands away. She tidied her skirt and headed for the front door of the shop.
"Tara! Wait up," Willow said, rushing after her. "I was just trying to be helpful."
"So," Spike said, advancing on Buffy, lust in his eyes. "That just leaves you and me alone in the house."
Buffy pushed him against the wall. "It has possibilities," she agreed in a low voice. "But . . . you have to take a shower first. Those blankets made you stink to high heaven. And, we have to go on at least a quick patrol first." She turned and walked away. "Bring the blankets. Those'll get the demons running. Phew!"
- - - - - - - - - -
Dawn was just about ready for her date when Tara and Willow got home. She'd dressed carefully and was nervously waiting for the doorbell to ring.
"Did you have any dinner?" Tara asked falling back into the motherly role she'd held with Dawn before she'd left.
"No," Dawn said, shaking her hands out to get rid of excess energy.
"You should have something. Some soup or yogurt or . . ."
"No, no, no. I'm too nervous," Dawn said, jumping up and down. "I'd just throw it up."
"Oooh," Willow said, coming up behind Dawn and hugging her. "Our little Dawnie is going on her first real date."
"Would you just quit that?" Dawn said. "I'm nervous enough already."
"It's just such a big day!"
Dawn let out a frightened little whimper.
"There, there," Willow said, rubbing her back. "It's gonna be all right. The first date is always the toughest. But at least you guys have already become study buddies. So you should have plenty to talk about."
"Yeah. But that was different. This is more . . . official."
"Official or not, it's gonna be wonderful." Willow said.
"Where are you two going?" Tara asked.
"To a movie. And maybe for a snack afterwards. Buffy wants me in early."
"Sounds nice," Tara said with a loving smile.
Before they knew it, the doorbell was ringing and Zachary was standing there looking every bit as nervous as Dawn. Willow escorted him in momentarily until Dawn came out, tripping on her own feet just as she passed through the livingroom. Willow wasn't sure which of the young people was more embarrassed at this act of clumsiness, Dawn or Zachary.
"Are you all right," Zachary asked. He looked like he wasn't sure if he should ignore this little flub or if he should run to her to support her.
"I'm fine," Dawn said, wishing she could somehow fade under the rug.
"Well, you kids have a good time," Willow said, changing the subject.
"Yeah," Dawn said.
Zachary politely opened the door for Dawn and they finally started on their way.
"Oh, they're just so cute!" Willow said, after the door had closed behind them. She hugged Tara and petted the hair out of her face with a romantic sigh. "Were we ever that young?"
"Yeah, we were," Tara said. "Only for us, boys were just a phase."
- - - - - - - - - -
By the time Buffy and Spike got home, the house was empty. It hadn't been a very fruitful patrol. Nary a demon crossed their path that night. Buffy claimed they were all scared off by the smell of the warehouse blankets.
"I'm gonna put these in the wash," Buffy said, reluctantly taking the blankets. "I'll be sure to add extra soap and lots of perfumed water softener. You jump into the shower. I can't stand to be around you anymore."
"Thanks a load, Luv," Spike said to Buffy's back as she headed for the basement. He wasn't much in the mood for a shower just then, at least not alone. He'd been hoping to lure Buffy in with him. But it seemed she was more intent on laundry. There was nothing to do but follow instructions and hope that he could interest her in something afterwards.
He went to Buffy's room and hung his duster up on the back of the door. Then he stripped off his clothes and headed for the bathroom. The hot shower felt good against Spike's tight muscles. And he used Buffy's favorite scented soap to at least pretend that she was in there with him. Fortunately for him, he didn't have to pretend long. He'd been showering about five minutes when the door to the bathroom opened and Buffy came in, undressed for the occasion.
"I forgot that I can't run the washer till after you finish your shower. Doing both at the same time will empty the hot water tank." She pulled back the shower curtain and peeked in. "Mmm," she said, looking him over. "You don't mind if I join you in there. For the sake of conserving hot water, of course." And she slipped into the shower and into his arms.
There was some washing, lots of kissing and petting, but nothing serious. The little bathtub was just too difficult to maneuver in. So, after a short toweling session, they adjourned to her bedroom and made love, slowly and leisurely.
"I wish they'd all go out more often," Buffy remarked contentedly as she fell across Spike's chest.
"Mmm," was all Spike could answer. He was already asleep. But he was the first one to wake up later. At nine-thirty, he sat up as if an alarm clock had gone off and roused Buffy. "Come on, Slayer," he urged. "Time to get up. The Niblet will be home from her date soon. Gotta go downstairs and sit in front of the television, like an old married couple." He pulled on his jeans and started routing around for a fresh tee shirt. Buffy had given him a drawer in her bureau and a tiny corner in the closet.
"Don't wanna get up," Buffy said sleepily.
"Have to. It's your job to look all parental when she comes in. Come on now, Slayer. Here." He threw her the clothes she'd been wearing earlier. Besides, you still have to wash those blankets."
"Oh, all right," she said in a cranky voice. "If I must, I must."
- - - - - - - - - -
With all the trailers they'd thrown in at the front of the movie, Dawn and Zachary ended up getting out later then they thought they would.
"You want to go have a snack?" Zachary asked as they walked out onto the street.
"I can't," Dawn answered. "I'd like to. But my sister wants me home by ten. I think she's going to be strict about things till my grades pick up again."
They came to a stop at the corner. Zachary had his hands in his pockets as usual. "I understand," he said. "I don't want to get you in trouble."
"Besides, we've still got plenty of popcorn from the movie." Dawn gestured at him with the half-filled tub of popcorn in her arms. "You want some more?"
"No. You can take it."
"I don't want it," Dawn said, with more feeling then she'd intended. She'd been hoping that Zachary would put his arm around her during the movie, or at least hold hands. But the ridiculous tub of popcorn had gotten in the way. Next time she was going to say no to refreshments. That is, if there was a next time. She was wondering if the fact that he hadn't even held her hand yet meant that he'd decided that he wasn't interested.
"Then, let's just dump it," Zachary said. He took the tub and deposited it in the nearest garbage basket. Then he thought for a moment. ". . . You're going to get better grades this semester, I'm sure of it. We'll go over those geometry theorems again next week. And work on that composition we're supposed to do for English."
"You wanna study together again next week?" The light of hope sparkled in Dawn's eyes.
"Yeah. Wherever you like. At your house or over at that magic shop. Wherever."
"OK," Dawn said with a shy smile.
Zachary returned her smile and took her hand as they walked back to her house.
Dawn didn't hear much of what he said after that. It was all about school. And that was something that she didn't care much about at the best of times. She was totally lost in the electric feel of Zachary's hand in hers.
"So, I'll see you next week," Zachary said as they finally came to a stop just in front of Buffy's porch.
"Yeah," Dawn agreed.
Zachary leaned in and kissed her, a sweet gentle kiss, from a sweet gentle boy. As he pulled away, he left his hand on her face and softly ran his fingers over her cheek. "See you on Monday," he said.
"Yeah," Dawn said.
"Good night," he said as he walked away.
"Night." Dawn watched him disappear down the street for a moment. Then she went dashing up the porch stairs and into the house, slamming the door behind her. "I'm in love!" she yelled flinging out her arms.
"What?" Buffy jumped up from the couch where she and Spike had been sitting watching television.
Dawn threw her arms around her sister for moment. Then she continued dancing around the room. "I'm in love! He's wonderful! I'm meeting him next week for studying again. Isn't it wonderful?"
Buffy looked perplexed. But Spike smiled.
"How can you be in love," Buffy wanted to know. "You've only just met him."
"I don't know, but I am!" Dawn screeched. "Aaah! I'm so happy!!!"
"I don't think you should be talking about love yet," Buffy continued on in a disapproving voice.
"Yes," Spike said wryly. "Being in love is something your sister takes very seriously. She won't even admit to loving me."
"You keep out of this," Buffy said. Then she turned back to her sister. Her attitude was that of a lecturing parent, complete with wagging finger. "Now, Dawn. Love is something that takes time and . . ."
"I don't care what you say!" Dawn said, hopping halfway up the steps in the hallway. "I'm in love and I'm happy. And you're not gonna bring me down. I'm just too happy!" And she danced and sang the rest of the way to her room, so her sister couldn't interrupt her happy thoughts anymore.
"What's happening to her?" Buffy said, staring after Dawn as if she were a stranger.
"She's growing up," Spike said simply. "It had to happen sooner or later, Slayer."
"I don't like it."
"Well, you'll just have to get used to it, because it's happening whether you like it or not."
Buffy stuck out her lower lip in a pout and plopped down on the couch next to him. "Don't like it."
"You'll get used to it," Spike said, pulling her against him. "You'll see."