I'm at home and my html editor here is not very good - so there won't be
any italics. I will re-load the chapter on Monday. Sorry if it's really
difficult to read.
Thanks again for the reviews! You guys are the best!
Oh yeah - Lady Anne, Flames and Silver rock!
-----------------------
"Wake up man," Spike heard a voice say. A hand grabbed his shoulder and roughly shook him from his slumber. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Conner standing above him. Turning to his left he found the space next to him completely empty, like the rest of the bus.
"Quite a trip, huh?" the young man asked knowingly, raising his eyebrows at his counselor.
"What?" Spike was suddenly awake. 'Crap . . .maybe we weren't as discreet as we thought.' He bolted upright and looked at his young charge with wide eyes.
Conner laughed at his reaction. "Don't worry man. Your secret's safe with me."
Spike slumped back into his seat. 'Great counseling Spike . . .not even a week into the gig and you're already caught fornicating in public. Not to mention, that your partner in crime, is nowhere to be found.'
Conner pulled Spike to his feet. "I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who noticed something was goin' on with you two. Dawn wanted to pop back and talk to you guys about something or other, but I kept her otherwise occupied."
"I guess I owe you one," Spike breathed.
Conner shook his head as they made their way to the front of the bus. "No way. I owe you and Buffy big time for helping me out with Dawn." The teenager turned to face his counselor. "You did hear me say that I was keeping her occupied, right?"
Spike nodded slowly, the boy's meaning finally hitting him. "Good kisser that one?"
Conner blushed and kept walking. "A gentleman never tells."
Spike exited the bus and looked out into the empty night. Buffy and her girls must have already headed to Revello. 'Why didn't she wake me?' A look of dread washed over the young man's features. 'That stupid bint did it again.' He clenched his jaw tightly, feeling his suppressed rage come boiling to the surface. 'I am such a fool.' A calming voice sounded in his head. 'Maybe it's not what you think. Just give her a chance to explain before you blow another gasket.' Spike turned to walk toward Buffy's cabin, and then quickly changed his mind. His confusion and insecurity would probably lead to more name-calling and tears before she could get a word in edge-wise. He sighed and made his way back to The Crypt, leaving the discussion for the morning.
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DAY 8
Buffy woke up the next morning with only five minutes to get ready for breakfast. She was up all night tossing and turning, and didn't fall asleep until almost 6 a.m. She couldn't turn her mind off. Thoughts of Spike, Angel, Willow, and all the crazy things that had happened over the last few days, took control of her brain, keeping her awake.
Buffy walked over to the mirror and laughed at her appearance. Her make-up was smudged all over her face; black mascara forming raccoon-like circles around her eyes. The braids she wore the night before were now frizzy, with little hairs sticking out from her head at odd angles. She undid the elastics bands and let her hair fall free in crinkly waves. She then placed a multi-colored bandana over her head and smiled happily at her reflection. 'Not bad.'
Buffy decided that her sushi pajamas would be fine for breakfast. She walked over to her closet and selected her pink, fuzzy slippers. Tossing the clothes off her chair, she took a seat at her desk. As she began sliding her feet into the slippers, she took note of the shirt now lying on the floor in a crumpled heap. She leaned over to pick up the 'Sk8ter Girl' top and held it to her face. She took a deep breath, inhaling Spike's distinct scent that covered the material. She placed the tee over the back of her chair and went back to her dresser to retrieve her toothbrush and face wash. "Who are you?" she asked the tired face before her. 'A guy basically treats you like his whore, and what do you do? You hump his hand on a bus full of kids. Real nice Buffy.'
'But he seemed so sincere and sweet the entire night - was it just an act?' Buffy shook her head at her reflection. 'Does it really matter? It doesn't change the fact that he's still going to be on a plane to Europe come August.'
She walked down the hallway towards the bathroom, and took her place in front of one of the sinks. Brushing her teeth roughly her thoughts continued. 'If he's really just an asshole then it will be easy to kick him to the curb at the end of the summer. That way, I can keep makin' with the smoochies and yummy touchy-feelies without having to worry about falling for him in the process.' A tiny voice muttered in her head the words: 'Too Late.' She ignored the intrusion, and spit a large glob of toothpaste into the sink and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. 'But, am I the type who can base a relationship on sex and not get emotionally involved?' Remembering the way she sobbed over Parker, she found her answer. 'Not likely.'
She splashed her face with cold water and began rubbing the white cream into her skin. 'Maybe the bus ride was the last of it. Maybe he's finally done with me and I won't have to worry about making any decisions.' She scrubbed her face, thinking about that possibility. 'That would probably be the best-case scenario. Let him decide that it's finished, so I can move on.' She patted her face dry with her washcloth and smiled at her now clean appearance. As wonderful as the idea sounded in her head, she secretly hoped that it wasn't over between them. Even though he probably was just using her, she couldn't stop thinking about him. 'What is wrong with me?!'
She walked back to her room, signaling to the girls that it was almost time to head to the cafeteria. As she placed her toiletries back in the proper drawer, she was hit with a sudden realization. She hadn't seen Anya since she left for her day off the previous morning. 'I don't think she could have snuck-in without my seeing her. 'Plus, her bed is still made exactly like it was last night. Buffy furrowed her eyebrows, worrying about her co- counselor.' Giving it a second thought, she decided it was no big deal. 'She's probably just getting a few final orgasms in before she has to get back to work.' Buffy sighed and flicked off the light switch. 'Lucky girl can enjoy pleasure without goin' all schizo. Some people have all the luck.'
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Cordelia's mouth dropped open when she saw Xander take a seat at her table. 'He looks so cute in the morning; his poofy hair sticking up all over the place.' "Don't you have an elsewhere to be?"
Xander rolled his eyes at the young woman. 'That's my Cordy.' "Don't worry, my mission has a purpose, besides causing you great pain," he said, stealing a bite of her blueberry muffin.
'Xander lips. . .touching where mine just were. Why aren't we kissing now?' She quickly snatched it from his grasp and lifted her eyebrows at Xander. "So . . .?"
He sighed and turned his chair to face Cordy. 'She is impossible. But, that's what I love about her.' "I need to talk to you about the day after tomorrow." Off her blank stare, he continued. "Day off. . .remember?"
Cordelia was really happy that he was showing interest, especially after the bitch she had been the last few days. 'Don't let him know you're too eager to spend the day with him.' She shrugged. "What about it?"
'Hello . . .no kids. Some potential private time. That's right . . .you don't want anything to do with me.' He cut to the chase. "We're meeting at 5 o'clock in front of the main building to make arrangements. Discuss where we want to go. Figure out who's going to drive. That sort of thing. You in?"
'Of course dummy!' Cordy sighed, simulating disinterest. "I'll see if I can make it."
'Yes!' Xander cleared his throat, and snatched the muffin from her plate. "You do that." He scooted his chair back and walked back to his own table, not seeing the brilliant smile that formed on Cordy's face.
--------------------
Buffy filled her coffee cup to the brim. She needed as much caffeine as possible to help her make it through the day, especially after only getting about 2 full hours of sleep the night before.
"Hey," a quiet voice said from behind her.
She turned around and saw Spike standing there, looking very tired. 'Shit, I'm not ready for this.' Giving him a nervous smile, she moved out of his way to allow him to pour himself a cup of coffee. Avoiding his gaze, she reached for the half and half and began mixing her drink. 'What do I do? He expects me to say something. Don't leave me? No, definitely not a good conversation topic.' Thinking on her toes she grabbed a little blue packet from the basket on the counter. "Sugar?"
Spike shook his head at the offer. 'This is going well.' He continued pouring his coffee. 'Do I tell her that the bus ride was surprising and exciting and mind-blowing? Do I apologize again for my mouth.? Do I yell at her for running off? Do I let her know that I want to try again; make sure we get it right this time?' "Have fun last night?" Off her wide eyes he added, "Skating . . .I mean."
Buffy let out the breath she was holding. "Yeah. My muscles are kinda achy though. Kinda wore myself out there towards the end of the night." Spike quirked an eyebrow at her. She gasped at her choice of words. 'Nice going Buffy. Way to make this even MORE uncomfortable.' "I mean with the limbo and skate races."
Spike picked up his mug and held it between his hands. "Yah, that would do it. I'm a bit knackered myself." He took a long sip of his coffee, and spoke softly. "I guess we need to learn how to pace ourselves." He gave her a pointed look. 'I want so much more than that. I want the kissing, the cuddling, the sex, the tears, the long-talks, the banter. I want it all.'
Buffy nodded slowly. "Pacing, yeah, definitely a good thing." 'So he doesn't want to screw around again? Or, he does, and wants to do it slow this time? I'm so confused.' There was a long awkward silence.
"So . . ." they said at the same time, causing them both to laugh nervously. Buffy indicated that Spike could speak first.
"I'll see you at five then?" Spike asked, looking deeply in her eyes, searching them for an answer to everything that had happened over the last few days.
Buffy felt her heart race. 'He wants to see me? At five? What do I say? Should I go?' The only thing she could spit out were a long string of unintelligible syllables that ended with, "Huh?"
He clarified the question. "We're meeting about our day off . . .you, me, Xander, Oz, Cordy, and Willow. Didn't Red tell you?"
'I am such an idiot. How could I forget that our day off is the day after tomorrow? Stupid Buffy. Why would he want to set up a secret rendezvous during the day? Then again, it didn't stop us last night when all the campers were there.' She laughed over-zealously, trying to cover her surprise. "Of course. Mornings and Buffy are un-mixy things." Spike gave her a small grin, and she responded with one of her own. 'That gives me only about eight hours to prepare for our next conversation. I can just imagine that one. 'I can't wait to spend an entire day with you, Spike.' Or - 'No hanky-panky on the day-off, Spike. After all, the kids won't be there to catch us; so what would be the point?' "Well, I better get back," she said indicating her table. Before Spike could respond she was gone.
He took down another mug and poured himself a second cup. 'Smooth man. Real smooth. Way to let her know how you feel.'
Thanks again for the reviews! You guys are the best!
Oh yeah - Lady Anne, Flames and Silver rock!
-----------------------
"Wake up man," Spike heard a voice say. A hand grabbed his shoulder and roughly shook him from his slumber. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Conner standing above him. Turning to his left he found the space next to him completely empty, like the rest of the bus.
"Quite a trip, huh?" the young man asked knowingly, raising his eyebrows at his counselor.
"What?" Spike was suddenly awake. 'Crap . . .maybe we weren't as discreet as we thought.' He bolted upright and looked at his young charge with wide eyes.
Conner laughed at his reaction. "Don't worry man. Your secret's safe with me."
Spike slumped back into his seat. 'Great counseling Spike . . .not even a week into the gig and you're already caught fornicating in public. Not to mention, that your partner in crime, is nowhere to be found.'
Conner pulled Spike to his feet. "I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who noticed something was goin' on with you two. Dawn wanted to pop back and talk to you guys about something or other, but I kept her otherwise occupied."
"I guess I owe you one," Spike breathed.
Conner shook his head as they made their way to the front of the bus. "No way. I owe you and Buffy big time for helping me out with Dawn." The teenager turned to face his counselor. "You did hear me say that I was keeping her occupied, right?"
Spike nodded slowly, the boy's meaning finally hitting him. "Good kisser that one?"
Conner blushed and kept walking. "A gentleman never tells."
Spike exited the bus and looked out into the empty night. Buffy and her girls must have already headed to Revello. 'Why didn't she wake me?' A look of dread washed over the young man's features. 'That stupid bint did it again.' He clenched his jaw tightly, feeling his suppressed rage come boiling to the surface. 'I am such a fool.' A calming voice sounded in his head. 'Maybe it's not what you think. Just give her a chance to explain before you blow another gasket.' Spike turned to walk toward Buffy's cabin, and then quickly changed his mind. His confusion and insecurity would probably lead to more name-calling and tears before she could get a word in edge-wise. He sighed and made his way back to The Crypt, leaving the discussion for the morning.
------------------------
DAY 8
Buffy woke up the next morning with only five minutes to get ready for breakfast. She was up all night tossing and turning, and didn't fall asleep until almost 6 a.m. She couldn't turn her mind off. Thoughts of Spike, Angel, Willow, and all the crazy things that had happened over the last few days, took control of her brain, keeping her awake.
Buffy walked over to the mirror and laughed at her appearance. Her make-up was smudged all over her face; black mascara forming raccoon-like circles around her eyes. The braids she wore the night before were now frizzy, with little hairs sticking out from her head at odd angles. She undid the elastics bands and let her hair fall free in crinkly waves. She then placed a multi-colored bandana over her head and smiled happily at her reflection. 'Not bad.'
Buffy decided that her sushi pajamas would be fine for breakfast. She walked over to her closet and selected her pink, fuzzy slippers. Tossing the clothes off her chair, she took a seat at her desk. As she began sliding her feet into the slippers, she took note of the shirt now lying on the floor in a crumpled heap. She leaned over to pick up the 'Sk8ter Girl' top and held it to her face. She took a deep breath, inhaling Spike's distinct scent that covered the material. She placed the tee over the back of her chair and went back to her dresser to retrieve her toothbrush and face wash. "Who are you?" she asked the tired face before her. 'A guy basically treats you like his whore, and what do you do? You hump his hand on a bus full of kids. Real nice Buffy.'
'But he seemed so sincere and sweet the entire night - was it just an act?' Buffy shook her head at her reflection. 'Does it really matter? It doesn't change the fact that he's still going to be on a plane to Europe come August.'
She walked down the hallway towards the bathroom, and took her place in front of one of the sinks. Brushing her teeth roughly her thoughts continued. 'If he's really just an asshole then it will be easy to kick him to the curb at the end of the summer. That way, I can keep makin' with the smoochies and yummy touchy-feelies without having to worry about falling for him in the process.' A tiny voice muttered in her head the words: 'Too Late.' She ignored the intrusion, and spit a large glob of toothpaste into the sink and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. 'But, am I the type who can base a relationship on sex and not get emotionally involved?' Remembering the way she sobbed over Parker, she found her answer. 'Not likely.'
She splashed her face with cold water and began rubbing the white cream into her skin. 'Maybe the bus ride was the last of it. Maybe he's finally done with me and I won't have to worry about making any decisions.' She scrubbed her face, thinking about that possibility. 'That would probably be the best-case scenario. Let him decide that it's finished, so I can move on.' She patted her face dry with her washcloth and smiled at her now clean appearance. As wonderful as the idea sounded in her head, she secretly hoped that it wasn't over between them. Even though he probably was just using her, she couldn't stop thinking about him. 'What is wrong with me?!'
She walked back to her room, signaling to the girls that it was almost time to head to the cafeteria. As she placed her toiletries back in the proper drawer, she was hit with a sudden realization. She hadn't seen Anya since she left for her day off the previous morning. 'I don't think she could have snuck-in without my seeing her. 'Plus, her bed is still made exactly like it was last night. Buffy furrowed her eyebrows, worrying about her co- counselor.' Giving it a second thought, she decided it was no big deal. 'She's probably just getting a few final orgasms in before she has to get back to work.' Buffy sighed and flicked off the light switch. 'Lucky girl can enjoy pleasure without goin' all schizo. Some people have all the luck.'
------------------
Cordelia's mouth dropped open when she saw Xander take a seat at her table. 'He looks so cute in the morning; his poofy hair sticking up all over the place.' "Don't you have an elsewhere to be?"
Xander rolled his eyes at the young woman. 'That's my Cordy.' "Don't worry, my mission has a purpose, besides causing you great pain," he said, stealing a bite of her blueberry muffin.
'Xander lips. . .touching where mine just were. Why aren't we kissing now?' She quickly snatched it from his grasp and lifted her eyebrows at Xander. "So . . .?"
He sighed and turned his chair to face Cordy. 'She is impossible. But, that's what I love about her.' "I need to talk to you about the day after tomorrow." Off her blank stare, he continued. "Day off. . .remember?"
Cordelia was really happy that he was showing interest, especially after the bitch she had been the last few days. 'Don't let him know you're too eager to spend the day with him.' She shrugged. "What about it?"
'Hello . . .no kids. Some potential private time. That's right . . .you don't want anything to do with me.' He cut to the chase. "We're meeting at 5 o'clock in front of the main building to make arrangements. Discuss where we want to go. Figure out who's going to drive. That sort of thing. You in?"
'Of course dummy!' Cordy sighed, simulating disinterest. "I'll see if I can make it."
'Yes!' Xander cleared his throat, and snatched the muffin from her plate. "You do that." He scooted his chair back and walked back to his own table, not seeing the brilliant smile that formed on Cordy's face.
--------------------
Buffy filled her coffee cup to the brim. She needed as much caffeine as possible to help her make it through the day, especially after only getting about 2 full hours of sleep the night before.
"Hey," a quiet voice said from behind her.
She turned around and saw Spike standing there, looking very tired. 'Shit, I'm not ready for this.' Giving him a nervous smile, she moved out of his way to allow him to pour himself a cup of coffee. Avoiding his gaze, she reached for the half and half and began mixing her drink. 'What do I do? He expects me to say something. Don't leave me? No, definitely not a good conversation topic.' Thinking on her toes she grabbed a little blue packet from the basket on the counter. "Sugar?"
Spike shook his head at the offer. 'This is going well.' He continued pouring his coffee. 'Do I tell her that the bus ride was surprising and exciting and mind-blowing? Do I apologize again for my mouth.? Do I yell at her for running off? Do I let her know that I want to try again; make sure we get it right this time?' "Have fun last night?" Off her wide eyes he added, "Skating . . .I mean."
Buffy let out the breath she was holding. "Yeah. My muscles are kinda achy though. Kinda wore myself out there towards the end of the night." Spike quirked an eyebrow at her. She gasped at her choice of words. 'Nice going Buffy. Way to make this even MORE uncomfortable.' "I mean with the limbo and skate races."
Spike picked up his mug and held it between his hands. "Yah, that would do it. I'm a bit knackered myself." He took a long sip of his coffee, and spoke softly. "I guess we need to learn how to pace ourselves." He gave her a pointed look. 'I want so much more than that. I want the kissing, the cuddling, the sex, the tears, the long-talks, the banter. I want it all.'
Buffy nodded slowly. "Pacing, yeah, definitely a good thing." 'So he doesn't want to screw around again? Or, he does, and wants to do it slow this time? I'm so confused.' There was a long awkward silence.
"So . . ." they said at the same time, causing them both to laugh nervously. Buffy indicated that Spike could speak first.
"I'll see you at five then?" Spike asked, looking deeply in her eyes, searching them for an answer to everything that had happened over the last few days.
Buffy felt her heart race. 'He wants to see me? At five? What do I say? Should I go?' The only thing she could spit out were a long string of unintelligible syllables that ended with, "Huh?"
He clarified the question. "We're meeting about our day off . . .you, me, Xander, Oz, Cordy, and Willow. Didn't Red tell you?"
'I am such an idiot. How could I forget that our day off is the day after tomorrow? Stupid Buffy. Why would he want to set up a secret rendezvous during the day? Then again, it didn't stop us last night when all the campers were there.' She laughed over-zealously, trying to cover her surprise. "Of course. Mornings and Buffy are un-mixy things." Spike gave her a small grin, and she responded with one of her own. 'That gives me only about eight hours to prepare for our next conversation. I can just imagine that one. 'I can't wait to spend an entire day with you, Spike.' Or - 'No hanky-panky on the day-off, Spike. After all, the kids won't be there to catch us; so what would be the point?' "Well, I better get back," she said indicating her table. Before Spike could respond she was gone.
He took down another mug and poured himself a second cup. 'Smooth man. Real smooth. Way to let her know how you feel.'
