Chapter 5

One Dance Is Not Enough

Buffy continued to read from the alternative Universe Buffy's journal.

***

It had been almost two weeks since I have seen that British bad boy. Giles still has no idea who he is. Giles figured he had been passing through town and was long gone. He was probably someone with a little knowledge that didn't want to get involved. That is why I was surprised to see him at the Bronze last night. He was wearing the same long black leather coat. I happen to glance his way when Xander, Willow and I were talking. He was staring at me like I was the only thing in the room. It was so intense I had to look away. I got Willow's attention and told her "Don't look, but do you see the guy over by the pillar? The one in the long black coat with the bleached blond hair."

Willow tried not to look too obvious as she checked out the blond guy across the room. She asked me "Who is it?"

I told her it was my mystery guy. Xander thought he looked like a Billy Idol want to be, but Willow thought he was kind of cute. I told her he was if you like that bad boy type. I decided to go to him, because it didn't look like he was going to head my way.

His eyes never left me as I moved toward him. When I was a few feet from him he looked me up and down and made no pretense about what he was doing. I should have been insulted, but a part of me enjoyed the way he looked at me. I was the first one to speak," I didn't think I would see you again."

"Why is that luv?' he replied softly while drinking in my eyes.

"I don't know. You show up give me some vague information and disappear. I don't even know your name," I added like I didn't really care what his name was.

He smiled and tilted his head just a little and seductively told me "The last time we met I told you it was too bad we wouldn't get a chance a dance. Dance with me luv and I might be persuaded to tell you my name."

I took a moment to reply then said "Maybe I don't want to dance with you or care what your name is."

"Then why are you even talking to me? There are all these nice young boys you could be with, but instead your standing here with me," he replied a little brusquely.

I didn't know what to say so I started babbling, "You were staring at me and… I was curious. You know…about how you got your information… on the Harvest. It seemed to work out…I mean I kicked some vampire ass. Do you know what a vampire is?"

That got a little smile from him and he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You know my price?" With his words a shiver ran down my spine and I nodded yes. "So luv, do we have a go at it, or not?" he asked.

I shook my head yes and he took my hand and led me to the dance floor. The music was loud and hard and our bodies never missed a beat. He reminded me of a predator. Something I should fear, but I couldn't take my eyes off him. The fast song ended and a slow melody began to play. He slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. I'm sure he could feel me shiver as his hands caressed my back and arms. I was so lost in the feel of him I almost missed his question. "Do you like this song luv?"

I pulled away from him enough to look up into his beautiful face and say, "Its Buffy….my name and yes I love this song." He smiled and my heart melted. He tightened his hold on me and we continued to dance. Neither of us said a word as the music continued to play. When the song ended he pulled away saying, "I have to go lu…. Buffy." I didn't want him to go yet. It must have shown on my face, because his left hand came up and caressed my cheek and he said, "My name is Spike. And to answer your other question, yes I know what vampires are. And Buffy… thank you for the dance." He dropped his hand and gave me a pensive look as he turned and left the club.

I don't know what to think. Xander believes he is big trouble, with a capital B. He also asked me who would call himself Spike? However, Willow considers it romantic. All I know is I want to see him again. No I take that back. I have to see him again.

***

Buffy closed the book and looked up at Whistler. He had sat quietly while she read the passage. "Can I get you some coffee or something else?" she asked him.

"No I'm fine. I'm sure you have questions. I might even be able to answer them" he prompted her.

She shook her head, stood and got another cup of coffee for herself. Whistler waited knowing she needed the time. When she finally spoke she uttered " She is falling for him." She than unceremoniously plopped down in her chair.

"And you see a problem with that?" Whistler questioned her.

She glared at him spouting " Yes, just a bit. You know vampire and slayer moral enemies or did you miss that lesson in the flunky's for the Powers that Be school? It's Spike for crying out…"

She was cut off as the kitchen door flew open and Willow and Dawn came bustling in with a couple bags of groceries. "What did Spike do now and who is this?" her sister asked.

Buffy was caught off guard, but recovered quickly. "This is Whistler and Whistler this is Willow and my sister Dawn."

"Are you that demon friend of Angel's?" Willow inquired.

"One in the same" he replied giving both girls a friendly smile.

"Oh goddess does that mean…… trouble is coming? I'm not saying that you are trouble. But the last time you were here we had to stop an apocalypse. Buffy had to send Angel to hell than Buffy left. I'm recovering from a magic addition and…." Willow went on until Buffy cut her off.

"Willow no apocalypse. Just a little reading" Buffy said trying to put Willow's anxiety to rest.

"Ok, that tells me who he is, but what does it have to do with Spike? Don't tell me he has done something stupid again" Dawn demanded.

"Nothing, no Spike….it has nothing to do with our Spike" she said while looking at the book in her hand.

"What's with the book then?" Dawn inquired.

Buffy's eyes went to Whistler and he answered Dawn's question "It is a slayer's journal. I brought it for Buffy to read."

"Gee for a minute there I thought it might be something interesting. Giles had a lot of them. Spike showed me how to pick the lock and I read the ones….." Dawn stopped talking realizing what she had said. "Buffy it wasn't like he did anything wrong. You never know when picking locks will come in handy and ….I'll shut up now." Buffy glared at her.

Willow tried to redirect the conversation by asking, "Which slayer does the journal belong to?"

Whistler jumped in and replied "Buffy." Both Willow and Dawn gawked at him.

"It's not mine. It's a Buffy from another dimension" she told them. Both girls were all over her wanting to see what the book said, however Buffy wouldn't let them have it. "I don't want anyone to see it until I've had a chance to read all of it. I'm not sure I want anyone to see it even than."

"That is just like you. Little Dawn can't see or do anything. I guess I'll leave you with your precious book" Dawn screeched as she exited the room.

Buffy looked over to Willow and asked, "You understand don't you?"

"I don't know Buffy. Is it that bad? I already met my alternate universe self, the Skanky ho vampire. We all lived through that. You should trust us," Willow added as she left Buffy and Whistler alone in the kitchen.

"That didn't go well, or should I call it, three easy steps on how to alienate your friends and family?" Buffy asked Whistler. He didn't say anything, so she finally requested "Can I keep the book? I don't mean forever just for a few days."

"I'll be back in three day. Bye for now kid" he said as he exited the house.

Buffy sat clutching the book. Her own life was such a mess. She wondered if this other Buffy had managed to do any better.

TBC