Thanks for the wonderful feedback. I actually thought I lost some of you during my hiatus.

Anyway, big thanks to everyone for the great support. You've made writing my first fic a truly enjoyable experience.

Thanks to super-beta Flames (and all my little helpers – you know who you are)!

Now. . .go read and review!!

43. Bring It On Back

DAY 23

Buffy rushed the girls into Revello. "Come on ladies. I know rehearsal ran long, but you still have 40 minutes to get ready for the banquet tonight - so get a move on!" Buffy ran into her room and tossed her dance bag on her bed. Remembering that she had forgotten to mention something very important, she stepped back into the hallway. "And try not to overload the outlets!! Alternate the hairdryer usage!" Satisfied that she had given them enough warning she popped back into her room. She poked around in her closet for a few moments then pulled out the black dress she had brought up from home especially for the banquet.

"I like it. Very nice - not too slutty. . ."

Buffy jumped at the sound of an extra voice in the room. She turned around to see her co-counselor standing in front of the mirror, her hair a newly dyed shade of blonde. "Oh, Anya, I didn't even know you were here."

Anya turned to face her roommate. "That's ok. I know I've been gone a lot lately. But seriously, I like the dress. Very good for easy access." As she said the last statement she gave Buffy a knowing wink and returned to her make-up application.

"Um, thanks. I think." Buffy added softly before pulling together her toiletries. Once she had everything together in her shower-caddy, she stripped and wrapped a clean towel around her body. As she stepped out of the room she shouted a quick "Love the new hair!" to her co-counselor.

Buffy eyed the line for the showers in horror. Almost ten girls had lined up for the only two showers in the cabin. Deciding to take advantage of her authority she pushed her way to the front. Through the resulting whining she exclaimed, "Sorry ladies. Staff has to go first. You know the drill."

Not ten minutes later, she was back in her room blow drying her hair straight. Glancing at the clock she noticed she only had twenty-five minutes before the banquet dinner - and that didn't include the picture time before the meal! She had to get a move on! Removing the last drop of water from her hair, Buffy tossed the dryer aside and pulled on her dress and shoes. "Are you sure this is ok?"

Anya let out a deep sigh and turned towards the nervous blonde. "Yes. Like I said, very sexy. Now go do your hair and make-up and other things that will drive Spike crazy!"

Buffy shook her head at Anya. "No. This is not for Spike. We are soooo over. You have no idea."

Anya chuckled as she applied her lipstick. "Yeah, like we all haven't heard that one before."

Buffy rolled her eyes and turned to face the mirror. "Whatever. I still need to look hot. . .for me!" she added to her roommate.

Buffy set a new record for herself. It only took 10 minutes to do the makeup and the hair. And she had to admit. . .she looked damn good. "Whattaya think?" she asked, turning to show Anya the final product.

Anya eyed her co-counselor appreciatively. "Very nice. I'd do you. . .that is if I didn't like penis so much." She took a step towards Buffy and patted her shoulder apologetically. "You understand."

"Of course," was the only reply Buffy could muster. She picked up her small black purse, tossing her small digital camera inside, along with a few make-up necessities. "All right ladies. Anya and I are heading out. If you're ready, let's go!"

-----------------------------

Spike pulled at the button at his throat, finally releasing it from the clasp. Dressing up like a big poof was definitely not on his top ten list of things to do, but Xander insisted that the banquet was a very important evening, so he had to suck it up. He had decided on a black suit jacket and slacks, and a royal blue button down shirt. Conner said the shirt went well with his eyes, and would make the girls swoon. Spike really didn't care about swooning girls. . .well, except one. Tonight was the night that he'd make his grand gesture. Hopefully, she would accept his "apology" and not think he'd completely lost his mind. He took a deep breath and led his boys towards the large group of counselors and campers mingling outside the cafeteria. No sooner than he stepped within ten feet of the crowd was he assaulted by screaming teenagers demanding he pose with them for photos.

-----------------------------

"Hey Wills."

Willow turned around to face her friend, giving her a quick hug, so not to ruin her up-do. "You look amazing, Buffy! Spike is going to flip when he sees you!"

"I know!" Buffy squealed, before quickly realizing what she had said. The blonde turned a bright shade of red and cleared her throat quickly. "I mean. . .whatever," she said with a shrug. "And Oz is going to die when he sees you in that dress. You look really beautiful."

Willow squished up her features at the mention of her absentee-boyfriend. "Yeah, if he even comes over to talk to me."

"Are you kidding? With that bod. . .in that dress?" Buffy grabbed onto Willow's shoulder and spun her around slowly, stopping to get a better view of her ass in the tight black velvet dress. Buffy whistled and stood upright, facing her friend once more. "He'd be crazy not to." She took her friend's hand and they walked together towards the crowd of Sunny-D campers and staff members. "So. . .where are 'the men who will not be named' anyway?"

Willow stood tall trying to get a better look at a large crowd that was forming near a far away tree. "We could try over there," she said, pointing towards the group, "seems to be a lot of people congregating."

Buffy sighed and held onto her friend's hand more tightly. When they got closer Buffy spotted Cordy trying to push her way through a group of young female campers. "Come on, staff first, little one," the brunette said sweetly as she tried to nudge them aside.

"I don't think so," one of the little girls shrieked before stomping on Cordy's foot.

Buffy and Willow ran towards their friend who was now balancing on one foot, while trying to keep her long turquoise dress from brushing the grass. "Cordy! What happened?"

Cordy brushed her hair from her eyes and leaned onto Willow's shoulder for support. "That little skank won't let me through!"

Buffy and Willow glanced to where Cordy was pointing and saw a cute little camper with blonde ringlets. "Oh, come on Cordy, she's just a little kid," Buffy said, laughing at the brunette. She turned back towards the little girl, who was now sticking her tongue out at them.

"See!" Cordy protested. "I told you. They're like vultures!!"

Willow lifted to her tiptoes in order to get a better view at what the fuss was about, but the group was too large and she couldn't see a thing. "What's the big anyway?"

Cordy sighed and limped along with her friends towards the cluster of campers. "That's what I was trying to find out when that menace nearly broke my foot."

"I think this calls for serious action," Buffy said, lifting her eyebrows in her friends' direction. With that she clapped her hands and yelled towards the kid. "Ok, counselors here now! Unless you want Ms. Summers to take away your candy privileges, I'd say you let us through."

That seemed to do the trick as about a dozen or so campers dispersed to allow the women through. Buffy smiled and shrugged at her friends. "What can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures."

"Buffy, you better-" Willow said softly, pointing over her best friend's shoulder.

"Willow, I'm sure it's not anything-" Buffy spun around to see what Willow and Cordy were gaping at and was completely taken aback by what she saw, "-special," she finally managed to squeak out after a long pause.

The three girls stood side-by-side awestruck. There, posing for the campers' cameras, were the male hotties of the camp, including Angel, Gunn, Xander, Oz, Conner, Giles and, of course, Spike.

"Wow," Buffy breathed at the beautiful vision. 'How am I supposed to stay mad at him, give him space, or not attack him when he looks like that! So unfair! 'Get it together, Buffy,' A rival voice sounded, 'It's not like he's *that* gorgeous in that blue shirt, that matches his sparkling eyes, that is open just enough for me to get a little peak of his smooth, rippling-'

"Earth to Buffy," Willow whispered, poking her friend in the ribs.

"Huh?" she asked in a breathy tone, still transfixed by Spike entertaining the crowd of campers.

"Drool much?" Cordy snarked, laughing at Buffy's current predicament.

Buffy shook her head, trying to clear the haze from her mind. "I'm fine. How are you holding up?" she asked, turning to her friends.

Willow and Cordy looked towards Xander and Oz, who were also posing for photos, then to each other, before responding in unison with a weary, "Fine."

"Sure," Buffy smirked and gave them a knowing wink. "Next time you guys make fun of me, remember that you're just as-"

Before she could finish, she was interrupted by an unnaturally hyper Molly, who was decked out in knee-length pink and purple dress. "Oooo, Buffy, you look so nice," the teen squealed, jumping up and down excitedly. "Can I get a picture of you and Spike? Please?" Without waiting for a response, Molly latched onto Buffy's arm, dragging her over in Spike's direction.

Spike was laughing and having a great time striking silly poses with Xander and Oz for the fawning young girls. He couldn't deny that he loved the attention. Immediately following the final flash, he felt a persistent tap on his right shoulder. "Alright, who's next?" he asked with a smirk as he turned to face the next customer.

"You and Buffy!" Molly exclaimed, pushing the petite blonde into Spike's arms.

Spike wobbled from the impact of her body, and it took him a few moments to realize that Buffy was now nestled against his chest. He inhaled deeply, taking in her soft rose tinged scent.

Buffy lifted her eyes to Spike's and found herself mesmerized by the specks of royal blue flickering back at her. Clearing her throat, she extracted herself from his embrace and took a step backwards. "Sorry about that. I think she wants us to pose together or something."

Spike smiled shyly and nodded, allowing his gaze to linger over her beautiful form. "Fine. That is, if it's alright with you." His eyes fixed on the grass beneath his feet before traveling up again to search her own for a sign of approval.

Buffy grinned widely, before catching her "inappropriate" response. She removed the delighted expression from her features as quickly as it had appeared, replacing it instead with one of disinterest. "Whatever," she said with a shrug, shuffling over to Spike's side.

They stood beside each other for a moment, trying to find an appropriate way to arrange their bodies.

Buffy lifted her arm to place over Spike's shoulder, "What if I-" then quickly removed it. "Or maybe," she began again, circling her arm around his waist. She looked up at him, and was taken aback by the intensity behind his eyes. "No," she said, pulling away. "That's no good either."

"I don't care how you stand, just make it look good," Molly insisted impatiently. "We're running out of time!"

"Just get over here," Spike said, taking Buffy's left hand and gently tugging her towards him. When Buffy began to protest, he shushed her quietly. As she pouted, he turned her body to face his, and placed his right hand in the small of her back.

"Spike, I don't think this is the best-"

"You got a camera?" he asked, interrupting her objections once again.

Buffy removed her hand from his and slid her purse off of her shoulder. As she searched inside for her digital camera, she couldn't help but notice that Spike made no effort to remove his hand from her back to give her extra maneuvering room. She really didn't mind, as the warmth of his hand not only relaxed her, but excited her as well. "Here it is, why?"

Spike took the camera from Buffy's grasp and tossed it over to Molly. "Cause I want a copy." Spike sighed and acknowledged the large group of camper's that now lined up to snap their picture. "Besides, it's not everyday I have you in my arms for the whole world to see. . . well, atleast when you're NOT trying to hit me or disfigure me in some way," he added with a smirk in her direction.

"Hey!" She lifted her right hand to swat him on the shoulder, but before she could connect, Spike seized it with his own and placed them both to his chest.

"Now smile for the cameras," he said sweetly, grinning from ear to ear.

Buffy rolled her eyes and angled her face toward the line of cameras. She didn't know where to look, as flashes were popping from every which way. After a few moments she relaxed and really began enjoying herself. Her hand that had previously hung loosely between them had even begun petting his thigh lightly, her skirt blocking the campers prying eyes from this intimate action.

Spike responded by moving his thumb over her lower back, in time with her caresses. Who could say if either actually knew this was going on, their bodies responding to each other of their own volition.

"Over here!"

Spike and Buffy's eyes moved in time to catch Molly waving eagerly, trying to get their attention. "I'm using your camera now," she said, pointing at the small silver piece of equipment.

After she snapped the photo, Spike leaned forward to whisper in Buffy's ear. "Have I told you that you look beautiful?"

Buffy leaned back to examine his handsome features, afraid that he might be toying with her. When he squeezed her hand more tightly she relaxed again and smiled brilliantly up at him. "Not yet."

"Just checking," he said with a wink.

Buffy balked at his chosen response and pinched his leg sharply.

"Yeoww!" Spike yelped, and grabbed his throbbing leg.

"Serves you right!" Buffy said with a giggle, before swatting his head playfully.

Spike bolted upright and pushed her hand away, covering his hair protectively. "Hey, watch the 'do!"

Buffy laughed and shook her head. "I think that's enough for tonight," she said waving her hand at the already dispersing crowd. "Photo time is over," she proclaimed, as she went to retrieve her camera from Molly.

Spike pulled her back to him to whisper in her ear once more. "If you had let me finish I was going to say that you don't look beautiful. . .you are beautiful." He placed a gentle kiss to her temple and headed towards the cafeteria for dinner.

Buffy watched him walk away, completely stunned by his admission. It was only when she finally noticed that he was slightly limping from her pinching his leg, that she finally broke into a grin.

"Here's your camera back," Molly said, shoving the camera into Buffy's hand. The teen skipped off towards the cafeteria, shouting over her shoulder, "Sorry! I'm a bit peckish!"

Buffy chuckled to herself and looked down at the photo window. She laughed aloud when she saw the photo looking back at her - it was of her smacking Spike on the head, while he rubbed his leg. "Classic!" she said, with a grin. She scrolled one photo back and smiled at the new image - they were gazing at each other lovingly while he held her hand in his. The final picture, or first chronologically, was of the two of them staring directly into the lens, like a perfect prom photo. Buffy placed her camera into her purse and walked towards the cafeteria. 'The ever-evolving Buffy/Spike saga caught on film forever. Gotta love it.'

-----------------------

"Ok everyone, take your seats. Please sit by cabin groups." Buffy and a few other counselors stood at the back of the theater ushering in campers. Dinner had gone on without a hitch, and they wanted to make sure the post-meal festivities went just as flawlessly. Truth be told, Buffy didn't have much time to eat at the cafeteria, considering she was constantly being shuffled from table to table signing signature books and posing for pictures with Willow, Xander, Cordy, even Drusilla. The kids really wanted photos of their dance teachers together, and they kindly obliged - and it wasn't even as awkward as Buffy had thought. There were no snide remarks about Spike; which both pleased and frightened Buffy simultaneously.

Willow had filled her in about what had happened while she was off posing with Spike. Supposedly, a bunch of the kids wanted Willow and Xander to pose together, considering they thought they were a couple. Cordy had gotten furious and pushed Willow out of the way to pose with her boyfriend. After snapping a few pictures of Willow and Oz, and Cordy and Xander, they begged for the couples to switch back. Hearing Willow tell about the crazy posing made Buffy want to drag her friend's camera over to a one-hour-photo shop immediately.

But now, she was busy getting everyone seated. When the last of the campers straggled in she noticed one missing. Buffy pulled her second, soon to be first, favorite camper into a corner. "Janice, where's Dawn? Or do I even need to ask?"

Janice just smiled and shrugged. "She's right behind me, I swear. Don't worry. . .it's not what you think."

Buffy watched the teen skip off and furrowed her brows at the girl's retreating form. "Everyone keeps saying that," she said softly, voice full of doubt.

The lights began to dim completely and she looked towards the stage. Giles had taken his place behind the mic and was beginning to address the campers and staff. "Welcome to the first session banquet. Tonight we have a number of surprises planned. But first, let's bring up Darla to announce this year's swimming junior lifesavers!!"

As the crowd applauded weakly, Buffy scanned the audience for an empty seat. As she had feared, there were no empty seats near her cabin. With a sigh she shuffled over to the staff section and took the empty seat next to her mother. It was Giles' usual seat, but since he was busy playing MC, he wouldn't need it for awhile. To Buffy's surprise, Joyce didn't even blink when she sat down. In fact, she didn't say a word. Buffy took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair, arms crossed beneath her breasts. 'Why does this always happen to me?' Her eyes roamed the room and finally landed on Willow. 'I guess it could be worse.' The redhead was sitting in the fourth row on the aisle. She was currently trying to keep her thirteen year-old monsters from climbing over their chairs into the boys' laps. Cordy was in a similar predicament, but instead of stopping her girls from attacking the boys and disrupting the ceremonies, she was fending off pre-pubescent boys. It seems that the pre-teen boys in the row behind her were peering between the seats trying to get a glimpse of her cleavage. Buffy could tell that the curvy brunette was ready to loose it.

After about an hour of awards, songs, and lame hip-hop dance routines, Giles took the stage to dismiss everyone. "I would like to personally thank you all for a wonderful first session. I am sure the performances this weekend will be fantastic. Your parents, the staff, and your peers will be quite proud. That being said, I would like to-"

Without warning the lights went out and a new voice boomed over the loud speakers. "I would like to welcome the final performance of the evening-"

Buffy's eyes went wide when she recognized the voice. "Dawn?!?" she yelled the name as she jumped from her seat.

"Buffy, chill, it will be ok," the teenage voice responded through the speaker system. "Just ask your mom."

"Sit down dear," Joyce instructed, as she pulled Buffy back into her seat.

The campers giggled at the mother/daughter interaction they rarely got to witness between the two Summers women. Buffy sunk lower into her seat and blushed furiously. "This better be good."

"Now that everything is copasetic. . .please welcome-" deciding to avoid the entire spiel, Dawn skipped right to it. "Whatever, just sit back and enjoy the show!"

The theater was filled with hushed whispers, as the campers were just as confused as Buffy. Suddenly, one single guitar chord sounded. When the entire room was silent, one male voice crooned through the speakers, acapella.

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.

Buffy looked around the room, unsure of where the voice was coming from.

Another chord sounded.

And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.

Another.

You're trying hard not to show it

The male voice was suddenly joined in harmony by a few others.

But Baby.

The lights came up and there Spike stood in the middle of the stage, decked out in faded blue jeans, a tight white t-shirt, and sun-glasses - ala Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Xander and Conner flanked him on either side in similar attire, while Oz sat on the edge of the stage with his guitar.

The crowd cheered as Spike let the next line rip into the microphone.

Baby I know it!

Buffy sat stunned as she watched the boys complete simple, yet entertaining doo-wop choreography.

You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

Oh that Lovin' Feeling

Buffy looked around the room and spotted Cordy and Willow, who were both speechless, their campers hooting and hollering around them.

You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

Now it's gone gone gone oh oh oh.

Her eyes went to the wings and she finally realized what Dawn had been up to the last few days. There she was, cheering them on, ready to assist them if they forgot any of the choreography.

Spike jumped off the stage, cordless mic in hand, and approached the little girls on the opposite side of the theater from Buffy.

There's no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you

The kids were now standing on their seats, and Joyce was doing nothing to stop them. It was definitely a first.

And girl you're starting to criticize little things I do.

Buffy sat up in her chair, trying to get a better view of Spike, but there were too many kids in the way.

Ooh, it makes me just feel like crying (baby)

'Cause baby something beautiful's dying

Through the crowd of campers she couldn't see a thing and it wasn't fair!! Xander and Conner had even made their way into the aisles, so she didn't even have them to watch.

You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

Oh that Lovin' Feeling

You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

Buffy got up on her knees on the seat, straining her neck for a better view, but still nothing!

Now it's gone gone gone oh oh oh.

Then there it was. The voice. Right behind her. Buffy turned around slowly in her seat to find Spike standing right in front of her chair.

Baby baby I get down on my knees for you

To the sound of cheering campers he lowered to both knees and sang at the top of his lungs, one arm outstretched.

If you would only love me like you used to

As Spike sang directly to her, Buffy felt a huge lump form in the back of her throat, and her heart was going a mile a minute.

We had a love, a love that you don't find everyday

Spike rose to his feet once more and leaned closer so he was now in-between Buffy and Joyce.

So don't don't don't let it slip away

He abruptly stepped back and pulled Joyce from her seat, taking her to the center aisle to dance.

I said baby

Xander chimed in a step higher.

Baby

Then Conner, higher still.

Baby

Then from out of nowhere, Oz let out the last high-pitched -

Baby

The crowd went crazy as the guys continued the pattern with the next phrases.

I need your love - I need your love - I need your love - I need your love

So bring it on back - bring it on back - Now bring it on back - Now bring it on back

The men made their way back to the stage, flashes were going off everywhere. Boys and girls dancing and cheering in the aisles.

You've got to bring back that lovin' feeling

Oh that lovin' feeling Bring back that lovin' feeling '

cause it's gone gone gone oh oh oh

The music got quieter and the lights dimmed slowly as they danced off stage, still singing.

Bring back that lovin' feeling

Oh that lovin' feeling Bring back that lovin' feeling

'cause it's gone gone gone

Finally, the lights went out and it was over.