Chapter 8: Close Encounters
A/N: So sorry for the long overdue update. School, rebuilding the webpage and a writer's block has all taken it's time lately. I promise a new chapter will come really, really soon now that the webpage is complete and I passed my writer's block.
The sun had started to set, and long shadows from the tall buildings on the construction site gloomed in his path. Late in the Wednesday afternoon, Xander slowly made his way out of the grounds, straightening his tie, which had been loosened hours ago. This was the fifth construction site he had inspected that day. Shuffling his feet towards his car, he felt gloomy. He wasn't unhappy, but a bit unsatisfied.
Five months ago, when Xander was offered the promotion from site foreman to corporate supervisor from Mr. Williams, he had been thrilled. It meant a huge leap in his paycheck, free cell phone, and an-all-expenses-paid-for SUV. Too good to be true, he had thought, and boy, was he right.
Xander had truly believed he was a nobody headed straight down the path to nowhere, and he took the offer without thinking of the consequences. Five months in the game, he had learnt that now he didn't get to be part of making anything, like he was when he actually ran the construction sites. He missed it. He wanted to contribute to make the decisions, not just simply follow them. He wanted to be part of a creative team
It wasn't like his boss wasn't great and all; he just felt too intimidated to speak up and tell Mr. Williams of his ideas. While he drove to the main office to hand over his reports to Mr. Williams, he dialed Riley's number, but didn't get an answer. He was worried about his buddy. He had spoken once to Riley since Friday, and when he did, Riley had sounded depressed and sort of absent. When Anya told Xander about the whole lunch scene on campus, he concluded that Riley's mood could once again be based on Buffy's actions. Although he sympathized with Riley, he was happy that his childhood friend had managed to move on.
Getting out of his car, he pondered why exactly she was going out on a date with Angel, and not Spike. Xander had seen the attraction between Buffy and Spike clearly. He liked both Angel and Spike, and they seemed cool enough, but Xander had to get to know Angel a little bit better if Angel was going to date Buffy. Xander would do serious damage to Angel if he found out she wasn't treated right.
He knocked on his boss', Jason Williams, door before entering. The round and slightly bold man sat in his big leather chair, puffing angrily on a cigar, while speaking to someone on the phone. Xander flinched when Mr Williams started yelling to whoever it was on the other line.
"I don't care! I want those building permits at my desk first thing tomorrow morning! And, you give my regards to the mayor and ask him when he's gonna stop letting that bastard, Wesley, make his decisions!" He hung up the phone and sighed as he tried to regain his composure.
"Harris. How do the work sites look?" He asked, stomping out his cigar.
Xander cleared his throat before speaking. "Most of them are going good, sir. Most of them are even going great and are ahead of schedule. There seems to be a problem on the site over at Crawford Street, though. It seems the cement mix we used on the foundation is less than standard. The foreman suggested that we start all over. Anyway, it's all here in my report," Xander said, handing over his reports.
Mr. Williams shook his head and sighed. "Start over? That would seriously place the project way over budget. We can't do that."
"If I may suggest, sir? If we drill steel wiring into the fundament, and just coat it with good cement, we might save a lot of money," Xander offered.
"That's a really, really good idea, Harris. I'll tell the engineers to look into it," Mr. Williams said, thoughtfully. Xander got up and headed to the door before Mr. Williams stopped him. "Kid, I've been thinking. You contribute a lot around here, and I don't want competition snatching you up with their filthy claws. How would you like to become a board member? You'll get to be a part of the decision making, and you'll get a two- percent share in the company. Would you like that?"
Xander smiled broadly and thanked Mr. Williams. He had to keep himself from running up to the man and hugging him for giving him this opportunity. However, this was a very masculine environment, and hugs were probably inappropriate. He then left and drove off to Riley's place.
Xander rang Riley's doorbell twice before he heard someone ruffling with the lock. The door opened, and Xander was hit with an unpleasant smell, and met by a fading version of Riley.
"What do you want?" Riley asked, his voice raw and croaking from lack of use, and too much drinking.
Xander blinked disbelievingly. "Come on, Riley. What do I want? I haven't heard from you in days, and I'm worried about you," he said, while brushing past Riley's hulking frame. The apartment was dark and littered with garbage, empty pizza boxes, and liquor bottles. "You need to clean this place up. Come on, I'll help, and afterward, we can watch a game," Xander said, beginning to pick some of the garbage up.
"Get out. Leave me alone," Riley commanded.
"Snap out of it, Riley. Just because Buffy gave you the ol' dump-o-gram routine, it doesn't give you the right to give up on life. It's what cowards do, and last time I checked, you weren't one." Xander was fed up with Riley's 'poor me' act.
Riley grabbed Xander by his collar and tossed him out of the apartment. "I do not need one of Princess Buffy's whipped boys meddling with my life! Stay. Out. Of. It!"
Xander was struck dumbfounded, lying on the pavement. He couldn't believe Riley was acting like this. They used to be best buds.
********
Buffy walked over to the Giles-Calendar mansion, hoping to catch Angel to let him know she had to cancel their date. She had tried to find him on campus earlier, but couldn't. She knew it was awful to break a date two days prior, but somehow, she didn't care. Angel was so full of himself, and Buffy dreaded having to spend an entire evening listening to him talk about 'Angel this,' 'Angel that.' Besides, the last couple of days, she had realized it would probably do her good to stay off men for a while.
She rang the doorbell, but didn't get an answer. She was just about to leave, when she heard loud rock music pouring from the backyard. She made her way around the house and to the back where the music came from. She felt tingly from the sight that greeted her. Well, hello salty goodness.
Spike was swimming in the pool, doing broad strokes, his muscles rippling from the action. Buffy stood hidden by some rose bushes, enjoying the show. She was awarded with Spike leaving the pool, stepping up in all his glory, clad only in swim trunks. Buffy swallowed, and wanted nothing more than to let her hands run across his chiseled chest and firm looking abs. All thoughts on Spike being a pig and trying to corrupt her sister were completely forgotten.
Wiping his upper torso with a towel, Spike spoke up. "See something you like, pet?" He asked, eyes locked on the ground.
How did he know I was here? He couldn't possibly see me. He never even looked up! Buffy's mind raced in panic-mode. With a flushed face, she stepped out from behind the bush.
"You need to work on those strokes, Spike. I was looking for Angel. He around?" Buffy asked, trying to act cool, calm, and collected.
"The magnificent poof isn't in at the moment, but if there's any service I can provide, I'd be happy to oblige," Spike said suggestively, with a smirk.
Arms crossed over her chest, Buffy marched over to him. "Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about something. I do not appreciate my sister being corrupted by socializing with a guy dating a lunatic ho. Stay away from her."
Spike was confused. Was Buffy referring to him dating Dru? Please, I wouldn't touch her with a ten-foot pole, he thought, but couldn't help but tease Buffy a bit more.
"Sounds like someone's jealous of Drusilla. You offering me something better, luv?"
"And now I see why you and Dru are perfect for each other. You're both as sane as in a way that's not, and stop calling me 'pet' or 'luv.' My name is Buffy. Buf-fy. Got that, or do I need to write it down for you?" Buffy spat.
"'Buffy' is what everyone calls you. How about 'Precious,' 'Tiger,' or maybe 'Goldilocks?'" Spike purred, stepping closer, and taking a strand of her hair between his fingertips. So soft.
"Get away from me, you big bleached. stupid guy!" She spat, and pushed him away. Spike lost his balance and grabbed for the closest thing, which just happened to be Buffy's arm. They both tumbled into the pool with yelps.
Surfacing from the water, they were facing each other, only inches apart. Buffy suddenly became very aware of how close he was, and that the tiniest movement would make their lips touch. She instinctively licked her lips when she looked down at his, before looking up into his sapphire eyes and swallowing.
Spike moved in to kiss her. He kissed her gently, almost tentatively, before letting his tongue slide across her bottom lip, pleading entrance. He groaned when her lips parted, and he let his tongue enter her hot, wet mouth. She tasted sweeter than he had ever imagined, a mix of strawberry, and a taste that was unique. Buffy.
Buffy felt her prohibitions, to act out anything with Spike, crumble. She allowed her senses to open up and greet Spike. He smelled like a mix of tobacco, musk, and something she couldn't quite determine. He tasted surprisingly good, being a smoker and all. In fact, Buffy found the light tobacco taste to be a major turn-on.
Buffy swirled her tongue around his, and their kiss became demanding. Her arms reached around his neck, and his around her waist, both pulling the other closer. As the kiss intensified, he let one of his hands reach under the wet fabric of her top and cup her breast, while the other cupped her bottom, underneath the fabric of her skirt. He let his thumb play with her hardening nipple, and Buffy was amazed with the sensations it brought on.
Buffy moaned, and wrapped her legs around his hips, bringing 'parts further south' grinding together. Their mouths parted in desperate need for air. Spike looked into her lust-hooded eyes, thinking it was one of the most beautiful sights he'd seen. Come to think of it, the top five all had something to do with Buffy, lately. He was so hard, he thought he would burst any moment.
Buffy felt the erection rubbing against her, and was incredibly turned on, but a small part of her brain kept screaming at her that this was wrong. Spike had Drusilla, and she had accepted a date with his stepbrother. Think about the consequences, the moral part of her said, while the one she currently listened to said, Consequences, schmonsequenses. This feels good. So good, as she started kissing him again.
Spike felt dazzled by the sensations it all brought on. It felt to good to be true. Here she was, the girl he had a hard time stop thinking about, ever since he came to Sunnydale, in his arms, kissing him back. He left her mouth to trail wet kisses down her neck and up again, before sucking and nibbling at her earlobe. Buffy arched her back against the pool edge and gasped.
Spike wanted more. He couldn't possibly get enough of her. He decided to make another bold move and let his hand reache between them, underwater, and he let his fingers caress her sex through her panties. He was pleased when she heard her moan and even more so when she answered by pushing herself to his hand, desperately seeking more contact while mimicking his actions, placing kisses and nibbles along his neck.
They pulled apart and locked eyes. Buffy wondered, for a moment what had brought her so far, but didn't care, as she looked into Spike's dark blue orbs. It felt right, and they both wanted it.
Suddenly she stiffened, and her eyes became wide when she heard voices coming from inside the house. She pulled herself away from Spike abruptly, while he stared at her in confusion. She had just scrambled out of the pool when Angel, Connor, and Dawn stepped out on the deck.
"Buffy?" A chorus was heard. "What are you doing here, and why are your clothes wet?" Angel added. His brows were drawn together, partly in an amused and confused way.
"Um.I-I came to see you, and then I uh.then I sorta slipped," Buffy said, gesturing to the pool. Her face was flushed red, both from arousal and embarrassment. Dawn crossed her arms and quirked her eyebrows at her sister, not believing for one second that they were getting the full story.
"Well, that was clumsy of you. What did you want to see me about?" Angel asked.
"Um I- Well I" Buffy stuttered, pondering what she was going to tell Angel. Yes, she wanted to break off the date with him, but still wanted to avoid the mockery of doing it in front of all these people. That and the fact she had a hard time forming words because of her kiss swollen and numb lips.
All eyes were on her expectantly, Spikes face plastered with the most mischievous grin and she finally managed to put words together. "It can wait till after I get out of these wet clothes", she said as she began to leave, her head was bowed down in uncomfort. She felt accusatory looks from Spike pinning her back, as she left the backyard.
She didn't even get to cross the street before Dawn caught up with her. "Right, you fell?", Dawn said in a mocking voice. She grabbed Buffy's shoulder, forcing her to turn around. "Sing me another one, dear ol' sis."
"Dawn, not *now*", the blonde growled in return. She began walking off again and her sister shouted at her back; "This is *so* not fair! When are you going to stop shutting me out of your life! Every time I talk to you, you just ignore me! Well guess what?! I'm fed up!"
Buffy stopped in her tracks the truth of her sister's words sinking in, but she couldn't talk to her sister about it yet. She had to sort out her feelings towards herself first. She had a guilty conscience because of the kiss. Not to Angel, but to herself for not feeling more guilty about it. She stood her ground and didn't turn to face Dawn. She shook her head and sighed before she spoke softly; "I'm sorry Dawn. I don't mean to shut you out, but I need time."
A/N: So sorry for the long overdue update. School, rebuilding the webpage and a writer's block has all taken it's time lately. I promise a new chapter will come really, really soon now that the webpage is complete and I passed my writer's block.
The sun had started to set, and long shadows from the tall buildings on the construction site gloomed in his path. Late in the Wednesday afternoon, Xander slowly made his way out of the grounds, straightening his tie, which had been loosened hours ago. This was the fifth construction site he had inspected that day. Shuffling his feet towards his car, he felt gloomy. He wasn't unhappy, but a bit unsatisfied.
Five months ago, when Xander was offered the promotion from site foreman to corporate supervisor from Mr. Williams, he had been thrilled. It meant a huge leap in his paycheck, free cell phone, and an-all-expenses-paid-for SUV. Too good to be true, he had thought, and boy, was he right.
Xander had truly believed he was a nobody headed straight down the path to nowhere, and he took the offer without thinking of the consequences. Five months in the game, he had learnt that now he didn't get to be part of making anything, like he was when he actually ran the construction sites. He missed it. He wanted to contribute to make the decisions, not just simply follow them. He wanted to be part of a creative team
It wasn't like his boss wasn't great and all; he just felt too intimidated to speak up and tell Mr. Williams of his ideas. While he drove to the main office to hand over his reports to Mr. Williams, he dialed Riley's number, but didn't get an answer. He was worried about his buddy. He had spoken once to Riley since Friday, and when he did, Riley had sounded depressed and sort of absent. When Anya told Xander about the whole lunch scene on campus, he concluded that Riley's mood could once again be based on Buffy's actions. Although he sympathized with Riley, he was happy that his childhood friend had managed to move on.
Getting out of his car, he pondered why exactly she was going out on a date with Angel, and not Spike. Xander had seen the attraction between Buffy and Spike clearly. He liked both Angel and Spike, and they seemed cool enough, but Xander had to get to know Angel a little bit better if Angel was going to date Buffy. Xander would do serious damage to Angel if he found out she wasn't treated right.
He knocked on his boss', Jason Williams, door before entering. The round and slightly bold man sat in his big leather chair, puffing angrily on a cigar, while speaking to someone on the phone. Xander flinched when Mr Williams started yelling to whoever it was on the other line.
"I don't care! I want those building permits at my desk first thing tomorrow morning! And, you give my regards to the mayor and ask him when he's gonna stop letting that bastard, Wesley, make his decisions!" He hung up the phone and sighed as he tried to regain his composure.
"Harris. How do the work sites look?" He asked, stomping out his cigar.
Xander cleared his throat before speaking. "Most of them are going good, sir. Most of them are even going great and are ahead of schedule. There seems to be a problem on the site over at Crawford Street, though. It seems the cement mix we used on the foundation is less than standard. The foreman suggested that we start all over. Anyway, it's all here in my report," Xander said, handing over his reports.
Mr. Williams shook his head and sighed. "Start over? That would seriously place the project way over budget. We can't do that."
"If I may suggest, sir? If we drill steel wiring into the fundament, and just coat it with good cement, we might save a lot of money," Xander offered.
"That's a really, really good idea, Harris. I'll tell the engineers to look into it," Mr. Williams said, thoughtfully. Xander got up and headed to the door before Mr. Williams stopped him. "Kid, I've been thinking. You contribute a lot around here, and I don't want competition snatching you up with their filthy claws. How would you like to become a board member? You'll get to be a part of the decision making, and you'll get a two- percent share in the company. Would you like that?"
Xander smiled broadly and thanked Mr. Williams. He had to keep himself from running up to the man and hugging him for giving him this opportunity. However, this was a very masculine environment, and hugs were probably inappropriate. He then left and drove off to Riley's place.
Xander rang Riley's doorbell twice before he heard someone ruffling with the lock. The door opened, and Xander was hit with an unpleasant smell, and met by a fading version of Riley.
"What do you want?" Riley asked, his voice raw and croaking from lack of use, and too much drinking.
Xander blinked disbelievingly. "Come on, Riley. What do I want? I haven't heard from you in days, and I'm worried about you," he said, while brushing past Riley's hulking frame. The apartment was dark and littered with garbage, empty pizza boxes, and liquor bottles. "You need to clean this place up. Come on, I'll help, and afterward, we can watch a game," Xander said, beginning to pick some of the garbage up.
"Get out. Leave me alone," Riley commanded.
"Snap out of it, Riley. Just because Buffy gave you the ol' dump-o-gram routine, it doesn't give you the right to give up on life. It's what cowards do, and last time I checked, you weren't one." Xander was fed up with Riley's 'poor me' act.
Riley grabbed Xander by his collar and tossed him out of the apartment. "I do not need one of Princess Buffy's whipped boys meddling with my life! Stay. Out. Of. It!"
Xander was struck dumbfounded, lying on the pavement. He couldn't believe Riley was acting like this. They used to be best buds.
********
Buffy walked over to the Giles-Calendar mansion, hoping to catch Angel to let him know she had to cancel their date. She had tried to find him on campus earlier, but couldn't. She knew it was awful to break a date two days prior, but somehow, she didn't care. Angel was so full of himself, and Buffy dreaded having to spend an entire evening listening to him talk about 'Angel this,' 'Angel that.' Besides, the last couple of days, she had realized it would probably do her good to stay off men for a while.
She rang the doorbell, but didn't get an answer. She was just about to leave, when she heard loud rock music pouring from the backyard. She made her way around the house and to the back where the music came from. She felt tingly from the sight that greeted her. Well, hello salty goodness.
Spike was swimming in the pool, doing broad strokes, his muscles rippling from the action. Buffy stood hidden by some rose bushes, enjoying the show. She was awarded with Spike leaving the pool, stepping up in all his glory, clad only in swim trunks. Buffy swallowed, and wanted nothing more than to let her hands run across his chiseled chest and firm looking abs. All thoughts on Spike being a pig and trying to corrupt her sister were completely forgotten.
Wiping his upper torso with a towel, Spike spoke up. "See something you like, pet?" He asked, eyes locked on the ground.
How did he know I was here? He couldn't possibly see me. He never even looked up! Buffy's mind raced in panic-mode. With a flushed face, she stepped out from behind the bush.
"You need to work on those strokes, Spike. I was looking for Angel. He around?" Buffy asked, trying to act cool, calm, and collected.
"The magnificent poof isn't in at the moment, but if there's any service I can provide, I'd be happy to oblige," Spike said suggestively, with a smirk.
Arms crossed over her chest, Buffy marched over to him. "Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about something. I do not appreciate my sister being corrupted by socializing with a guy dating a lunatic ho. Stay away from her."
Spike was confused. Was Buffy referring to him dating Dru? Please, I wouldn't touch her with a ten-foot pole, he thought, but couldn't help but tease Buffy a bit more.
"Sounds like someone's jealous of Drusilla. You offering me something better, luv?"
"And now I see why you and Dru are perfect for each other. You're both as sane as in a way that's not, and stop calling me 'pet' or 'luv.' My name is Buffy. Buf-fy. Got that, or do I need to write it down for you?" Buffy spat.
"'Buffy' is what everyone calls you. How about 'Precious,' 'Tiger,' or maybe 'Goldilocks?'" Spike purred, stepping closer, and taking a strand of her hair between his fingertips. So soft.
"Get away from me, you big bleached. stupid guy!" She spat, and pushed him away. Spike lost his balance and grabbed for the closest thing, which just happened to be Buffy's arm. They both tumbled into the pool with yelps.
Surfacing from the water, they were facing each other, only inches apart. Buffy suddenly became very aware of how close he was, and that the tiniest movement would make their lips touch. She instinctively licked her lips when she looked down at his, before looking up into his sapphire eyes and swallowing.
Spike moved in to kiss her. He kissed her gently, almost tentatively, before letting his tongue slide across her bottom lip, pleading entrance. He groaned when her lips parted, and he let his tongue enter her hot, wet mouth. She tasted sweeter than he had ever imagined, a mix of strawberry, and a taste that was unique. Buffy.
Buffy felt her prohibitions, to act out anything with Spike, crumble. She allowed her senses to open up and greet Spike. He smelled like a mix of tobacco, musk, and something she couldn't quite determine. He tasted surprisingly good, being a smoker and all. In fact, Buffy found the light tobacco taste to be a major turn-on.
Buffy swirled her tongue around his, and their kiss became demanding. Her arms reached around his neck, and his around her waist, both pulling the other closer. As the kiss intensified, he let one of his hands reach under the wet fabric of her top and cup her breast, while the other cupped her bottom, underneath the fabric of her skirt. He let his thumb play with her hardening nipple, and Buffy was amazed with the sensations it brought on.
Buffy moaned, and wrapped her legs around his hips, bringing 'parts further south' grinding together. Their mouths parted in desperate need for air. Spike looked into her lust-hooded eyes, thinking it was one of the most beautiful sights he'd seen. Come to think of it, the top five all had something to do with Buffy, lately. He was so hard, he thought he would burst any moment.
Buffy felt the erection rubbing against her, and was incredibly turned on, but a small part of her brain kept screaming at her that this was wrong. Spike had Drusilla, and she had accepted a date with his stepbrother. Think about the consequences, the moral part of her said, while the one she currently listened to said, Consequences, schmonsequenses. This feels good. So good, as she started kissing him again.
Spike felt dazzled by the sensations it all brought on. It felt to good to be true. Here she was, the girl he had a hard time stop thinking about, ever since he came to Sunnydale, in his arms, kissing him back. He left her mouth to trail wet kisses down her neck and up again, before sucking and nibbling at her earlobe. Buffy arched her back against the pool edge and gasped.
Spike wanted more. He couldn't possibly get enough of her. He decided to make another bold move and let his hand reache between them, underwater, and he let his fingers caress her sex through her panties. He was pleased when she heard her moan and even more so when she answered by pushing herself to his hand, desperately seeking more contact while mimicking his actions, placing kisses and nibbles along his neck.
They pulled apart and locked eyes. Buffy wondered, for a moment what had brought her so far, but didn't care, as she looked into Spike's dark blue orbs. It felt right, and they both wanted it.
Suddenly she stiffened, and her eyes became wide when she heard voices coming from inside the house. She pulled herself away from Spike abruptly, while he stared at her in confusion. She had just scrambled out of the pool when Angel, Connor, and Dawn stepped out on the deck.
"Buffy?" A chorus was heard. "What are you doing here, and why are your clothes wet?" Angel added. His brows were drawn together, partly in an amused and confused way.
"Um.I-I came to see you, and then I uh.then I sorta slipped," Buffy said, gesturing to the pool. Her face was flushed red, both from arousal and embarrassment. Dawn crossed her arms and quirked her eyebrows at her sister, not believing for one second that they were getting the full story.
"Well, that was clumsy of you. What did you want to see me about?" Angel asked.
"Um I- Well I" Buffy stuttered, pondering what she was going to tell Angel. Yes, she wanted to break off the date with him, but still wanted to avoid the mockery of doing it in front of all these people. That and the fact she had a hard time forming words because of her kiss swollen and numb lips.
All eyes were on her expectantly, Spikes face plastered with the most mischievous grin and she finally managed to put words together. "It can wait till after I get out of these wet clothes", she said as she began to leave, her head was bowed down in uncomfort. She felt accusatory looks from Spike pinning her back, as she left the backyard.
She didn't even get to cross the street before Dawn caught up with her. "Right, you fell?", Dawn said in a mocking voice. She grabbed Buffy's shoulder, forcing her to turn around. "Sing me another one, dear ol' sis."
"Dawn, not *now*", the blonde growled in return. She began walking off again and her sister shouted at her back; "This is *so* not fair! When are you going to stop shutting me out of your life! Every time I talk to you, you just ignore me! Well guess what?! I'm fed up!"
Buffy stopped in her tracks the truth of her sister's words sinking in, but she couldn't talk to her sister about it yet. She had to sort out her feelings towards herself first. She had a guilty conscience because of the kiss. Not to Angel, but to herself for not feeling more guilty about it. She stood her ground and didn't turn to face Dawn. She shook her head and sighed before she spoke softly; "I'm sorry Dawn. I don't mean to shut you out, but I need time."