A/N: Well, I managed to squish this little chapter in… I'm actually supposed to be typing up my French Project, but since when have I actually done my homework?! I'm sorry this is really short, but I've been having a heck of week, and it's only going to get worse. The play opens on the 28th, and I have a bazillion projects due before the end of the term. I haven't slept more than 5 hours a night for the last 4 days, and I'm gonna go crazy soon! ::pants:: well that was my little rant for the day…

I don't have time to write a response to each review like I normally do, because I'm really pressed for time. But I promise I will send you all thank you e-mails, once I get some free time…

So just a general THANK YOU to:

JAID SKYWALKER

LUNAR

MOONWHISPER

CHANCE

COWGIRL 13

BLOOKNABURG

VANILLAROSE

Arigato mas! You guys (and gals) are the best! I promise I'll make it up to you!!! =^.^=

Anyways, I don't know when I'll get the next chapter out. Probably Monday. I'm warning you, it's going to be short (like this one) but that's the best I can do for now… Sorry!

Luv and kisses,

Fallenangel

The limousine slowed to a gentle halt, and the chauffer hopped out, opening the door for them.

Spike climbed out and extended a hand to Faye, who accepted his help, and slid gracefully out of the car.

They stood in front of a huge mansion that towered above them, its yawning windows and smooth stone walls looking more forbidding than inviting.

Spike extended his arm. "Well? Shall we go in?"

Faye slid her arms through his. "We shall."

A butler opened the double doors, bowing respectfully. "Mademoiselle Hart. Come in."

They walked slowly in, as all the guests glanced up at them, before returning to their conversations.

A short but formidable-looking lady approached them, wearing a simple black dress, with graying black hair and fierce eyes.

"Mrs. Hart. I bid you welcome."

Faye smiled serenely. "Bon soir. Madame Breilloule, I would like to introduce you to Monsieur Spiegel, an associate of mine."

Madame Breilloule nodded primly, and extended a hand for Spike to kiss. He brushed her hand to his lips, bowing respectfully. "Madame."

The lady regarded him with level eyes. "What? No, 'charmed to make your acquaintance'? No, 'what a pleasure to finally meet you'?"

Spike met her gaze and held it. "To tell you the truth, I had never heard of you before today." Faye stomped hard on his foot. "Madame." He added obligingly.

The small woman's mouth twitched, and her eyes glinted. "So. Would you change your attitude if you knew that I have enough money to buy myself a planet, and I am looking for an heir?"

He did not look away. "Truly Madame, I would be more polite."

She raised an eyebrow. "You want my money."

Spike shook his head. "No. Faye has enough money to keep me happy." He ignored Faye's angry exclamation. "I just wouldn't want you angry at me. I'm not insane enough to want to get someone with your kind of power mad at me…Madame."

The woman laughed, a harsh sound, though she did not sound angry. "Well Monsieur Spiegel. I appreciate your honesty. Though telling the truth will not get you far in this world…" She suddenly smiled. "Well I have other guests to attend to, but I would like to speak with you and Mademoiselle Hart later." She strode off to greet another couple.

Spike smirked to himself, and towed Faye towards the food table. Faye herself was blinking with shock, and she allowed Spike to shove a glass of champagne into her hand.

"How…did you do that?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Do what?"

She shook her head at him impatiently. "Do what you just did. Get Madame Breilloule to open up to you. She actually likes you!"

Spike sipped his champagne. "Oh I wouldn't go so far as to say she likes me, but we're two of a kind. I bet she ate bell peppers at one point her life…"

Faye sighed. "Forever the mystery. Well, let's eat." She pointed out their places at the long banquet table, and Spike escorted her to her seat, dutifully pulling the chair out for her, and seating her, before attending to himself. This 'gentlemanly' stuff is inconvenient, boring, and damn hard!

As if reading his mind, Faye squeezed his knee under the table and smiled. "You're doing great Spike…" she whispered.

He grinned back at her. "How do I eat?" he hissed through teeth clenched in a smile.

She kept a neutral expression, though her eyes sparkled. Staring pointedly at him, she delicately slipped her napkin from its gold ring, and spread it over her lap, smoothing it gently.

Spike copied her, but his napkin ring knocked against his crystal wineglass with a harsh clang. He winced, but kept up his fake smile.

Faye nodded, and picked up the fork farthest away from her plate, as maids set plates of salad in front of them.

Once again, Spike followed her example, nearly dropping his fork, saving it only by grabbing it in a very undignified way with his other hand.

Faye cringed, but demonstrated how to take small bites of lettuce, chewing pointedly with her mouth closed.

Spike reddened, and heartily wished he could hide under the table until everyone forgot about him.

The next few courses were mostly uneventful, and mostly consisted of Spike uncertainly watching Faye, and correcting his mistakes.

When the main course arrived, Spike sighed with relief. Almost over…

"This is Coq au Vin." Faye whispered. "Chicken stewed in wine, with pearl onions, shitake mushrooms, and bacon. It's very good. I promise you'll like it."

Spike eyed her suspiciously, but hesitantly put a forkful in his mouth. He spit it out instantly, and sprang to his feet.

Faye looked up, mortified, as a hush settled over the room. "Spike…" she implored, blushing.

"Stop!" cried Spike. "It's been poisoned!"

A/N: Well? REVIEW!!! Please… I'm not doing so well now, and I need some encouragement…