You're going to have to bear with me on this chappy. I don't know all that
much about soccer - so I just made Spike as sexy as possible - which is not
that difficult.
Thanks for the great feedback and the support in the polls. Remember, "Summer Nights" is up for Fic of the Week, again, so head over to www.spuffyarchives.com and show me some love!
You're the best!!!
Anyway, thanks again to Flames, Lady Anne, and Silver.
Read and review away!
30. Game On
Buffy ran towards the soccer field; the game was supposed to have started fifteen minutes earlier, but she had to change out of Spike's clothes. She hated taking off the t-shirt that smelled so much like him, but it wouldn't be appropriate attire for the game. Plus, her girls, who were all obsessed with him, would totally notice that the black t-shirt belonged to the bleached-blonde. Buffy slowed to a walk when she saw the players milling around. 'Thank you Anya!' Whatever her co-counselor had done to stall Giles must have worked, because she didn't see the older gentleman anywhere. She spotted Willow in the stands and made her way to her friend. "Hey!"
Willow waved happily to Buffy and scooted over to allow room for her to sit down. "You're late." The redhead noticed her friend's damp hair. "Something happen that I should know about?"
Buffy blushed and shook her head, pulling her hair into a knot, using the elastic from around her wrist. "Nope. . .I just had to make sure our team wasn't short its star player," she said, giving her friend a pointed look.
Willow's eyes went wide with understanding. "Oh . . .so you forgave him so soon?"
"Well, I didn't forgive him exactly," Buffy replied, fixing her tanktop. "I kind of whipped his ass into shape . . .didn't want to see the poof pummel him - that's MY job."
Willow laughed at Buffy's use of Spike's nickname for Angel. "I see. . .so it had nothing to do with you wanting to see him in little soccer shorts. . .all sweaty and glistening in the summer sun?"
Buffy smirked and turned to face the field. "Absolutely not." She turned to Willow and gave her a conspiratorial grin before looking back to the players. "Where is he, anyway?"
Willow shrugged and searched the crowd for Spike. "Must not be over that hangover just yet. . . Maybe you should have tried OTHER means? Like how you cured him the last time?"
The blonde's face turned a bright shade of crimson as she remembered the day in the lounge after her first kiss with Spike. "Tried that route once before; it ended badly." Willow nodded, and patted her friend's hand supportively. Buffy let out a large breath of air. "If he wants to develop something deeper, then I'm willing to try."
Willow squeezed Buffy's hand tightly, "I think that's for the best - take it slow."
Buffy nodded and tried to convince herself that it was the right tactic to take with Spike. Although, she still couldn't help but be afraid of what would happen when he left. Plus, with Drusilla around all the time, making her intentions perfectly clear, to her at least, she didn't want to chance losing him. 'But if you rush things again, you're sure to lose him for good this time. So, take it slow, and leave it to fate. If he's serious about starting something real with you . . .he'll wait.'
"Hot damn!" Janice exclaimed from behind Buffy. She began whispering something to Dawn and the two girls burst into giggles.
Buffy turned around to reprimand them, then saw what they were pointing at. Spike was walking onto the field in the Adidas shorts she had picked out and the Manchester United t-shirt she loved so much, because it showed off his pecs so well.
Spike walked over to the benches and began tightening the laces of his soccer shoes. When he finished, he searched the stands for Buffy. Finally spotting her, he gave her a little wave and a quick salute.
Buffy smiled back and gave him a little wave, then frowned when she saw Drusilla, who was sitting a few rows in front of her, wave as well. 'Wait, was he waving at me or her?
Dawn poked her counselor in the back and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Someone looks happy to see you this morning."
Buffy grinned to herself and smacked Dawn's ankle. 'Yup, definitely for me.' A large smile crossed her face that was quickly replaced by a frown. 'That little wench is trying to steal my man AND my wave!'
"Hey kids!" Anya exclaimed breathlessly as she squeezed into the seat next to Buffy.
"Hi," Buffy responded, giving her a quizzical look. She pulled a small leaf from her co-counselor's hair and twirled it in her fingers.
Anya smiled and smoothed her hair down. "How'd that get there?" She let out another deep breath and stood up to inspect her shorts, wiping off a few stray pieces of grass that had accumulated on her backside. "That stupid trick step at the back of Revello. . .DAMN!"
Their entire section of counselors turned to stare at Anya, and she held up her hands and mouthed a silent: 'Sorry.'
"So Anya, how DID you. . . "
Anya cut off Buffy before she could finish. "Oh look! The ref's here - let the games begin!!!" she yelled, over-enthusiastically.
Buffy furrowed a brow at Anya and turned to see Giles approaching the field, fixing his clothing.
"Hey . . ." Buffy started to Anya, before the crowd shushed her. Giles was about to begin setting the rules, and no one wanted to miss the start of the game.
As soon as Spike took the field, Buffy forgot all about what she was going to say to Anya. He was magnificent! She knew he was good at soccer, that's why her mom hired him, but she had no idea he was THAT good! He handled the ball like a pro - dodging and weaving through the other players like they weren't even there. By the end of the first half of the game he had already scored four goals - it was like whatever problems he had off the field, his hangover being one, had completely disappeared the minute the little checkered ball was in sight. Even though they were only playing about half the length of a usual match, he never seemed to tire or fall short of a goal - she had no idea how he kept it up the way he smoked.
The players took a short break and Buffy watched mesmerized as Spike removed his t-shirt and poured the water from his bottle over his head. Willow was right, she really DIDN'T want to miss the way his chest glistened in the summer sun. And his muscular legs were just . . .
"Wow," the girls breathed in unison, at the beautiful sight.
The crowd cheered as the two teams took the field again. Angel had reorganized his team, so he was now at goalie. He couldn't believe the incompetent campers Giles had placed in his group.
With only a few minutes left in the game the score was nearly tied. Angel had blocked nearly every one of Spike's scoring attempts, leaving the blonde's team up by only one goal. Angel called a quick time out and gathered his team into a small huddle.
When the playing resumed, Xander passed the ball to Spike and watched happily as he took the ball in for yet another goal. Spike looked up into the stands to make sure Buffy wasn't missing this, and prepared to slide one past the poof. Right as he was about to kick the ball in for another score, one of Angel's players appeared behind him and stuck his feet between his legs, effectively tripping him. He felt his ankle give out beneath him and barely heard Giles' whistle over his own screaming.
Buffy watched in horror as Spike fell to the ground holding his ankle. The crowd let out a collective gasp as Xander and Conner assisted Spike to the bench. Buffy wanted to run to him, but knew it was not the time or place. She gave a silent prayer that he was going to be alright - knowing just how much, not only this game, but soccer meant to him.
"Bloody hell!" Spike screamed as he took a seat on the bench.
Giles leaned over to inspect the swollen ankle. "It's twisted. You should be back on it in no time - just not today."
Spike groaned and let his face fall into his hands.
"However, you do get a free penalty kick, and as the captain, you get to decide who takes it."
Spike looked around at his team and made his selection. "You."
"Me?" Conner asked weakly. "I don't think I can . . ."
Spike grimaced through his pain and rose to one foot, the injured one dangling behind him. "You've wanted a chance to stick it to ole Angel . . .now here's your chance."
Conner looked around at the expectant faces of his teammates, then stole a glance to the stands, relaxing when he caught a smile from Dawn. "Fine, I'll take it."
Spike sighed and fell back to the bench.
Giles blew his whistle and called the penalty. The crowd cheered and clapped wildly when he announced that Conner would take the extra shot for Spike.
The teenager took a deep breath and moved into position across from his ex- counselor.
"Come-on boy . . .what are you waiting for?" Angel asked through gritted teeth.
Conner angled the ball like Spike had showed him and aimed for the lower corner of the goal.
Angel dove for the left side, his eyes going wide when he realized Conner had faked him out, and the ball sailed past him on the right.
The crowd cheered again as Conner ran back to his team, receiving congratulatory hugs and handshakes. He turned back to Angel and gave him a small wave before resuming his position.
The next few minutes did not go as well for Spike's team. Angel was so angry that he had let the last one through, that he didn't let one single ball get past him. However, his team had scored two goals, tying the game at 8 - 8.
Spike called a time out and brought his team over, whispering softly so the fans and other team couldn't hear what he was planning.
Buffy looked to Willow, "What do you think is going on?"
The redhead shrugged and looked back to the field, gasping when she saw Spike limp towards his position at center. "What is he doing?" Willow asked. "He shouldn't play like that. He could get really hurt."
Buffy's face filled with worry and she took Willow's hand. "He'll be alright. He knows what he's doing." A twinge of doubt filled her voice, and she relaxed when she felt Willow squeeze her hand tightly in support.
There was only time left for one play and Spike was determined to be on the field when he kicked Angel's ass. He knew that Angel had instructed his players to take him out, and there was no way he was going to let him win that way. He took his place at center forward and stood tall, testing out his ankle, hopping back and forth from foot to foot.
Angel's players watched in fear as Spike demonstrated that he was not only ok to play, but that he was in fine condition to take the ball to the goal. They rearranged themselves to be in perfect position to block him. As soon as the whistle sounded, the blonde took the ball straight out, swerving through the defense.
Angel stood his ground at the goal as Spike approached. "I don't think so roller-boy," he said when Spike prepared to kick it in. At the last moment, Spike passed the ball to Xander, who easily tapped it into the net.
As Angel pounded his fists into the grass, Giles blew the whistle and called the game. Spike hobbled towards the fuming man and met up with Xander, who offered his shoulder for support. The two young men leaned down and waved at Angel. "Psych." They laughed as he shouted expletives at them and turned to head back to the stands where people were on their feet in a deafening roar.
Buffy and Willow pushed their way through the crowd to offer congratulations. They watched happily as Cordelia ran to her boyfriend and pulled him into a huge hug. "I'll save your real prize for later," she whispered into his ear, before letting him rejoice with his campers. The brunette made her way over to Buffy and Willow. "I'm dating a player on the winning Sunny-D soccer team." She giggled and went back to join her campers.
Buffy and Willow smiled at each other and tried to find Spike through all the people. "Spike!" Buffy yelled, when she saw the top of his platinum head. "Spike you big . . ." she stopped in her tracks when she saw him hugging Drusilla. His back was turned to her so all she could see were the woman's cold dark eyes. Drusilla lifted her head from Spike's shoulder and whispered something into his ear, before giving Buffy a wicked smirk.
Buffy felt her heart drop in her chest and pushed her way past her friend, running towards Revello. "Buffy, wait!" Willow yelled after her.
"Hey Red, aren't you going to congratulate me?" she heard a familiar British voice ask from behind her.
"For what? Making a complete fool out of yourself AND Buffy last night, risking a very serious injury from that stunt you pulled-" Spike stared at the ground sheepishly, knowing Willow was right, "-or cuddling with Morticia for the whole world to see."
Spike gave her a confused look, and shook his head not understanding what she meant. Willow rolled her eyes and pointed to Drusilla, who was now laughing with Harmony. She then grabbed Spike's shoulders and turned him towards the direction of Buffy's retreating form.
His eyes went wide. "She doesn't think . . ." Willow raised her eyebrows and nodded. "Oh, balls."
Thanks for the great feedback and the support in the polls. Remember, "Summer Nights" is up for Fic of the Week, again, so head over to www.spuffyarchives.com and show me some love!
You're the best!!!
Anyway, thanks again to Flames, Lady Anne, and Silver.
Read and review away!
30. Game On
Buffy ran towards the soccer field; the game was supposed to have started fifteen minutes earlier, but she had to change out of Spike's clothes. She hated taking off the t-shirt that smelled so much like him, but it wouldn't be appropriate attire for the game. Plus, her girls, who were all obsessed with him, would totally notice that the black t-shirt belonged to the bleached-blonde. Buffy slowed to a walk when she saw the players milling around. 'Thank you Anya!' Whatever her co-counselor had done to stall Giles must have worked, because she didn't see the older gentleman anywhere. She spotted Willow in the stands and made her way to her friend. "Hey!"
Willow waved happily to Buffy and scooted over to allow room for her to sit down. "You're late." The redhead noticed her friend's damp hair. "Something happen that I should know about?"
Buffy blushed and shook her head, pulling her hair into a knot, using the elastic from around her wrist. "Nope. . .I just had to make sure our team wasn't short its star player," she said, giving her friend a pointed look.
Willow's eyes went wide with understanding. "Oh . . .so you forgave him so soon?"
"Well, I didn't forgive him exactly," Buffy replied, fixing her tanktop. "I kind of whipped his ass into shape . . .didn't want to see the poof pummel him - that's MY job."
Willow laughed at Buffy's use of Spike's nickname for Angel. "I see. . .so it had nothing to do with you wanting to see him in little soccer shorts. . .all sweaty and glistening in the summer sun?"
Buffy smirked and turned to face the field. "Absolutely not." She turned to Willow and gave her a conspiratorial grin before looking back to the players. "Where is he, anyway?"
Willow shrugged and searched the crowd for Spike. "Must not be over that hangover just yet. . . Maybe you should have tried OTHER means? Like how you cured him the last time?"
The blonde's face turned a bright shade of crimson as she remembered the day in the lounge after her first kiss with Spike. "Tried that route once before; it ended badly." Willow nodded, and patted her friend's hand supportively. Buffy let out a large breath of air. "If he wants to develop something deeper, then I'm willing to try."
Willow squeezed Buffy's hand tightly, "I think that's for the best - take it slow."
Buffy nodded and tried to convince herself that it was the right tactic to take with Spike. Although, she still couldn't help but be afraid of what would happen when he left. Plus, with Drusilla around all the time, making her intentions perfectly clear, to her at least, she didn't want to chance losing him. 'But if you rush things again, you're sure to lose him for good this time. So, take it slow, and leave it to fate. If he's serious about starting something real with you . . .he'll wait.'
"Hot damn!" Janice exclaimed from behind Buffy. She began whispering something to Dawn and the two girls burst into giggles.
Buffy turned around to reprimand them, then saw what they were pointing at. Spike was walking onto the field in the Adidas shorts she had picked out and the Manchester United t-shirt she loved so much, because it showed off his pecs so well.
Spike walked over to the benches and began tightening the laces of his soccer shoes. When he finished, he searched the stands for Buffy. Finally spotting her, he gave her a little wave and a quick salute.
Buffy smiled back and gave him a little wave, then frowned when she saw Drusilla, who was sitting a few rows in front of her, wave as well. 'Wait, was he waving at me or her?
Dawn poked her counselor in the back and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Someone looks happy to see you this morning."
Buffy grinned to herself and smacked Dawn's ankle. 'Yup, definitely for me.' A large smile crossed her face that was quickly replaced by a frown. 'That little wench is trying to steal my man AND my wave!'
"Hey kids!" Anya exclaimed breathlessly as she squeezed into the seat next to Buffy.
"Hi," Buffy responded, giving her a quizzical look. She pulled a small leaf from her co-counselor's hair and twirled it in her fingers.
Anya smiled and smoothed her hair down. "How'd that get there?" She let out another deep breath and stood up to inspect her shorts, wiping off a few stray pieces of grass that had accumulated on her backside. "That stupid trick step at the back of Revello. . .DAMN!"
Their entire section of counselors turned to stare at Anya, and she held up her hands and mouthed a silent: 'Sorry.'
"So Anya, how DID you. . . "
Anya cut off Buffy before she could finish. "Oh look! The ref's here - let the games begin!!!" she yelled, over-enthusiastically.
Buffy furrowed a brow at Anya and turned to see Giles approaching the field, fixing his clothing.
"Hey . . ." Buffy started to Anya, before the crowd shushed her. Giles was about to begin setting the rules, and no one wanted to miss the start of the game.
As soon as Spike took the field, Buffy forgot all about what she was going to say to Anya. He was magnificent! She knew he was good at soccer, that's why her mom hired him, but she had no idea he was THAT good! He handled the ball like a pro - dodging and weaving through the other players like they weren't even there. By the end of the first half of the game he had already scored four goals - it was like whatever problems he had off the field, his hangover being one, had completely disappeared the minute the little checkered ball was in sight. Even though they were only playing about half the length of a usual match, he never seemed to tire or fall short of a goal - she had no idea how he kept it up the way he smoked.
The players took a short break and Buffy watched mesmerized as Spike removed his t-shirt and poured the water from his bottle over his head. Willow was right, she really DIDN'T want to miss the way his chest glistened in the summer sun. And his muscular legs were just . . .
"Wow," the girls breathed in unison, at the beautiful sight.
The crowd cheered as the two teams took the field again. Angel had reorganized his team, so he was now at goalie. He couldn't believe the incompetent campers Giles had placed in his group.
With only a few minutes left in the game the score was nearly tied. Angel had blocked nearly every one of Spike's scoring attempts, leaving the blonde's team up by only one goal. Angel called a quick time out and gathered his team into a small huddle.
When the playing resumed, Xander passed the ball to Spike and watched happily as he took the ball in for yet another goal. Spike looked up into the stands to make sure Buffy wasn't missing this, and prepared to slide one past the poof. Right as he was about to kick the ball in for another score, one of Angel's players appeared behind him and stuck his feet between his legs, effectively tripping him. He felt his ankle give out beneath him and barely heard Giles' whistle over his own screaming.
Buffy watched in horror as Spike fell to the ground holding his ankle. The crowd let out a collective gasp as Xander and Conner assisted Spike to the bench. Buffy wanted to run to him, but knew it was not the time or place. She gave a silent prayer that he was going to be alright - knowing just how much, not only this game, but soccer meant to him.
"Bloody hell!" Spike screamed as he took a seat on the bench.
Giles leaned over to inspect the swollen ankle. "It's twisted. You should be back on it in no time - just not today."
Spike groaned and let his face fall into his hands.
"However, you do get a free penalty kick, and as the captain, you get to decide who takes it."
Spike looked around at his team and made his selection. "You."
"Me?" Conner asked weakly. "I don't think I can . . ."
Spike grimaced through his pain and rose to one foot, the injured one dangling behind him. "You've wanted a chance to stick it to ole Angel . . .now here's your chance."
Conner looked around at the expectant faces of his teammates, then stole a glance to the stands, relaxing when he caught a smile from Dawn. "Fine, I'll take it."
Spike sighed and fell back to the bench.
Giles blew his whistle and called the penalty. The crowd cheered and clapped wildly when he announced that Conner would take the extra shot for Spike.
The teenager took a deep breath and moved into position across from his ex- counselor.
"Come-on boy . . .what are you waiting for?" Angel asked through gritted teeth.
Conner angled the ball like Spike had showed him and aimed for the lower corner of the goal.
Angel dove for the left side, his eyes going wide when he realized Conner had faked him out, and the ball sailed past him on the right.
The crowd cheered again as Conner ran back to his team, receiving congratulatory hugs and handshakes. He turned back to Angel and gave him a small wave before resuming his position.
The next few minutes did not go as well for Spike's team. Angel was so angry that he had let the last one through, that he didn't let one single ball get past him. However, his team had scored two goals, tying the game at 8 - 8.
Spike called a time out and brought his team over, whispering softly so the fans and other team couldn't hear what he was planning.
Buffy looked to Willow, "What do you think is going on?"
The redhead shrugged and looked back to the field, gasping when she saw Spike limp towards his position at center. "What is he doing?" Willow asked. "He shouldn't play like that. He could get really hurt."
Buffy's face filled with worry and she took Willow's hand. "He'll be alright. He knows what he's doing." A twinge of doubt filled her voice, and she relaxed when she felt Willow squeeze her hand tightly in support.
There was only time left for one play and Spike was determined to be on the field when he kicked Angel's ass. He knew that Angel had instructed his players to take him out, and there was no way he was going to let him win that way. He took his place at center forward and stood tall, testing out his ankle, hopping back and forth from foot to foot.
Angel's players watched in fear as Spike demonstrated that he was not only ok to play, but that he was in fine condition to take the ball to the goal. They rearranged themselves to be in perfect position to block him. As soon as the whistle sounded, the blonde took the ball straight out, swerving through the defense.
Angel stood his ground at the goal as Spike approached. "I don't think so roller-boy," he said when Spike prepared to kick it in. At the last moment, Spike passed the ball to Xander, who easily tapped it into the net.
As Angel pounded his fists into the grass, Giles blew the whistle and called the game. Spike hobbled towards the fuming man and met up with Xander, who offered his shoulder for support. The two young men leaned down and waved at Angel. "Psych." They laughed as he shouted expletives at them and turned to head back to the stands where people were on their feet in a deafening roar.
Buffy and Willow pushed their way through the crowd to offer congratulations. They watched happily as Cordelia ran to her boyfriend and pulled him into a huge hug. "I'll save your real prize for later," she whispered into his ear, before letting him rejoice with his campers. The brunette made her way over to Buffy and Willow. "I'm dating a player on the winning Sunny-D soccer team." She giggled and went back to join her campers.
Buffy and Willow smiled at each other and tried to find Spike through all the people. "Spike!" Buffy yelled, when she saw the top of his platinum head. "Spike you big . . ." she stopped in her tracks when she saw him hugging Drusilla. His back was turned to her so all she could see were the woman's cold dark eyes. Drusilla lifted her head from Spike's shoulder and whispered something into his ear, before giving Buffy a wicked smirk.
Buffy felt her heart drop in her chest and pushed her way past her friend, running towards Revello. "Buffy, wait!" Willow yelled after her.
"Hey Red, aren't you going to congratulate me?" she heard a familiar British voice ask from behind her.
"For what? Making a complete fool out of yourself AND Buffy last night, risking a very serious injury from that stunt you pulled-" Spike stared at the ground sheepishly, knowing Willow was right, "-or cuddling with Morticia for the whole world to see."
Spike gave her a confused look, and shook his head not understanding what she meant. Willow rolled her eyes and pointed to Drusilla, who was now laughing with Harmony. She then grabbed Spike's shoulders and turned him towards the direction of Buffy's retreating form.
His eyes went wide. "She doesn't think . . ." Willow raised her eyebrows and nodded. "Oh, balls."
