Disclaimer: Songs used are Genie In A Bottle by Christina Aguilera - Christina Aguilera 1999 & Beautiful Stranger by Madonna - Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me 1999
Notes: Thanks to my wonderful beta Jill
Note2: Also note that I will be using the shows from the 4th season of BTVS throughout this fic with minor changes of course. All of the Hush scene white board stuff is meant have short cuts like r instead of are or 2 instead of to/too.
Taken By Surprise
Chapter 9
Part 41
"In my entire Slaying career, I never thought I would be helping a mortal enemy feed a baby strained carrots." Buffy popped the top of the Gerber can and set it down on the table.
"Well you invited yourself over Slayer, so bloody right I am gonna put you to work." Spike turned and looked at Buffy as he handed Niya to her.
"Well I was waiting for you to invite me over." Buffy looked over him as she settle Niya into her high chair.
You would have been waiting a long time, Spike thought picked up Mr. Gordo and set him down in the play pen.
"Well I know that my mom was here already I was just kind of hoping…"
"Slayer, we are mortal enemies. We aren't suppose to mix. You Slayer - - Me vampire it's just not right."
"But you came to me for help." Buffy was shocked by this change in him.
"No-no-no I went to Joyce for help. You just burst in and attacked me and never left." He said mater of factly.
Buffy wiped off some of the strained carrots from Niya's chin and turned toward Spike. "You have been in a crap mood ever since I got here maybe I should just go."
Buffy threw down the towel, in the process knocking over the jar of baby food which was sent crashing to the floor. Niya's face turned red at the loud noise and she started crying. "Oh I am sorry sweetie." Buffy picked her up and cradled her in her arms.
Spike passed his fingers through his hair watching Buffy lull the baby down. "I'll get you another bottle and clean up this mess." He half groaned and resigned to the fact that the Slayer would probably never tell him the truth about Niya so why fight about it every time she was near him.
* * *
Part 42
Buffy was dreading going to class it was the day she had to hand in outline for her major essay in psychology. She hoped it would be good enough since she spent the whole night doing internet searches finding sources to cite.
As soon as she entered the class with Willow she practically fell asleep.
* * *
Even after her brief encounter with Riley she was feeling a bit creeped out by her dream the little girl's voice haunted her.
'Can't even shout. Can't even cry…'
And that box in her hand seems to be important. Buffy couldn't shake it out of her mind so she decided to call Giles.
* * *
Harmony looked at Giles annoyed as he continued to talk on the phone, "Ehmm HELLO! I need to use that phone sometime today."
Giles fluttered his hand dismissing the annoying vampiress who huffed and plopped herself on the sofa flipping through a magazine. "Ooooo Ten Ways to Make him Moan Your Name. I love Cosmo." Harmony settled into the chair making herself comfy.
"Can't even shout; Can't even cry; The gentlemen are coming by. Um, it sounds vaguely familiar. You're sure it's - nothing you heard when you were a child?… Oh all right. Nothing else?… Well I-it could definitely be one of your prophetic dreams or it could just be the eternal mystery that is your brain. But I-I'll check it out and um; I'll let you know if I find something…. All right. Bye bye."
Xander and Anya walked through the door.
"What's up G-Man? Some new big bad in town?"
"No I need you to take Harmony for the weekend."
"WHAT?!?" Xander, Anya and Harmony all exclaimed in disbelief.
"I am having a friend over and she…"
"Oooh an orgasm friend." Anya stated making Giles blush.
"Yuck!" Harmony shuddered.
"If she comes to my house she's getting chained up again. She is not walking around free."
"Is that how you want me Xander all chained up and helpless for you?" Harmony said playfully loving the reaction on Anya's face.
"If she comes to your place I am staying the night too."
"Anya she's just goading you."
"Does it look like I care? I wasn't a successful vengeance demon for over a thousand years without knowing the stupid things men do when possible orgasm might be involved. So it's final Xander, if she's at your place then I am too." Anya folded her arms over her chest just daring Xander to disagree. H looked to Giles for help.
"Come and pick up Harmony by eight." Giles said ignoring Xander's pleading look.
"Fine." Xander grumbled not liking this idea one bit. Needless to say he wasn't the only one not liking this arrangement.
* * *
Even though there were no voices the noise never seemed to end. Car horns were blaring, dogs were barking. Willow and Buffy walked through town. The liquor store was doing brisk business. An ambulance siren blares turning a corner.
They noticed a man selling message boards for ten dollars. The two best friends looked at each other and quickly bought one.
Willow began writing immediately, 'We have 2 figure this out'
'I know' Buffy scribbled, 'I am glad that mom is out of town til tomorrow.'
'What about Niya n' Spike?'
'Oh my god he must be freakin not being able 2 hear Niya' Buffy wrote quickly and held it up for Willow to see then quickly erased it, 'I will go & see him after we get done at Giles'
* * *
Buffy opened the door to Spike's apartment slowly as the radio blared.
'It seems that Strangedale oh wait I mean Sunnydale has yet again another strange occurrence. Apparently everyone has become mute from some Flu vaccines. Many of the towns residences have been emailing use with requests so here is a request from, Hot Blond and Tempting, it's Genie In A Bottle.' The DJ accounted.
I feel like I've been locked up tight
For a century of lonely nights
Waiting for someone to release me
You're licking your lips
And blowing kisses my way
But that don't mean I'm gonna give it away
Baby baby baby (baby, baby, baby)
Ooooh (my body is saying let's go)
Ooooh (but my heart is saying no)
She walked into the living room hearing the pop tune playing but what stunned her even more was seeing Spike spinning around dancing with Niya.
I feel like I've been locked up tight
For a century of lonely nights
Waiting for someone to release me
You're licking your lips
And blowing kisses my way
But that don't mean I'm gonna give it away
Baby baby baby (baby, baby, baby)
Spike dipped the baby playfully and even from this distance she could see the smile on Niya's face. Even as Spike swivelled his hips to the rhythm, Buffy was in a state of shock.
Ooooh (my body is saying let's go)
Ooooh (but my heart is saying no)
If you wanna be with me
Baby there's a price to pay
I'm a genie in a bottle
You gotta rub me the right way
If you wanna be with me
I can make your wish come true
You gotta make a big impression
I gotta like what you do
Buffy held her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh as Spike mouthed all of the words. She couldn't even believe that Spike was listening to Christina Aguilera let alone dancing to her and knowing all of the words.
I'm a genie in a bottle baby
You gotta rub me the right way honey
I'm a genie in a bottle baby
Come, come, come on and let me out
The music's fading
The lights down low
Just one more dance
And then were good to go
Waiting for someone
Who needs me
Hormones racing at the speed of light
But that don't mean it's gotta be tonight
Baby, baby, baby (baby, baby, baby)
Ooooh (my body is saying let's go)
Ooooh (but my heart is saying no)
Spike spun around in time to see Buffy doubled over in laughter. He stopped abruptly for which Niya gave him a sour look.
Spike just scowled at the Slayer turned intruder.
If you wanna be with me
Baby there's a price to pay
I'm a genie in a bottle
You gotta rub me the right way
If you wanna be with me
I can make your…
Buffy stopped laughing once the radio was harshly snapped off. Spike watched as she stood up, complete with tears in the corner of her eyes.
'Very funny Slayer' He mouthed before settling Niya into her playpen.
Buffy lifted up her whiteboard, 'I'm a genie in a bottle, u gotta rub me the right way. HaHa'
'Bollocks.'
Spike picked up a pad and pen and wrote, 'Why r u here?'
'Just checkin up on how u r doing?'
'As u can see we are...' Spike stopped writing instantly and went Niya's cribbed and picked her up. Buffy looked at him strangely he then rubbed his stomach and then pointed to Niya.
Buffy smiled as she followed them into the kitchen. Buffy set down her board on the table and got a jar of strained bananas from the fridge as Spike set Niya down in her high chair.
'U need help patrolling tonight?' Spike scribbled down on her board and held it up for her to read she popped the seal off the food, which she handed to him.
'Nope u better stay here & take care of Niya.' Buffy wrote down. Spike read it and shrugged his shoulders. 'Since u guys r fine I should head out now to patrol. Take care'
* * *
After the long scream, silence enveloped the old church once again. The dusty rafters were now covered in Gentlemen brains and other parts that Buffy dare not think about.
Nothing was said as they slowly left the abandoned building. They both looked at each other trying to figure out what the deal was with the other and decided that maybe this was not a good time as they went there separate ways.
* * *
Buffy walked down the bustling streets it almost seemed like Mardi Gras as people partied in the streets screaming and laughing and some even crying in joy.
Buffy's whole body ached and she could still feel blood seeping through her stab wound. Spike's place was only three blocks away while Stevenson was about ten blocks. Logic of course dictated and off she went to Spike.
* * *
Buffy was more surprised that the door still remained unlocked this time. The radio was on again.
"What is it with him and pop stations?" Buffy said shrugging her jacket off painfully.
Haven't we met
You're some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
I've had the taste for danger
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger
Spike could smell her blood as soon as she walked through the door. "Well I see you beat the baddies and got banged up in the process."
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song
"More like stabbed up with a scalpel"
"Let me see." Spike pulled out the first aid kit from the nearby drawer.
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
Buffy turned and showed Spike her back. He could see a trail a blood along her white sweater. He began to lift it off her…
"Hey hey hey…"
"How do you expect me to clean the wound with this bloody sweater on pet?"
Da-da-da-dum da-dum da-dum da da da-da dum
Beautiful stranger
Da-da-da-dum da-dum da-dum da da da-da dum
Beautiful stranger
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Haven't you heard
I fell in love with a beautiful stranger
"Well…I…um…"
"Right then." He carefully lifted the garment off of her. Her hair flowed down like a blond silk again her golden brown tan. He quickly pushed it off to her shoulder remembering what he was suppose to be doing and looked at the wound.
Buffy felt uncomfortable sitting in Spike's living in her bra but she really didn't have a choice there was no way she's be able to dress the wound.
I looked into your face
My heart was dancing all over the place
I'd like to change my point of view
If I could just forget about you
"It's not that bad it's already healing up but some hydrogen peroxide would help in case the baddies weren't very sanitary. So brace yourself pet." He soaked a cotton ball and applied it the wound. He watched as it bubbled.
I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song to you
Buffy felt the painful sting of the antiseptic. At least it wasn't iodine. She heard him tearing some tape and felt a bandage and then the tape cover the wound.
To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
"Thanks."
"No problem. So you want to tell me what happened."
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
"The question is where to begin. How about you get me a t-shirt and then we can discuss it then." Something about having a conversation with Spike in a bra made her nervous.
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride
"Right pet." Spike said before he dashed into the bedroom and came out with a Sex Pistols t-shirt.
"I expected Christina or Britney jeesh."
"Just tell me the bloody story." He scowled.
* * *
Part 43
As soon as she heard the knock on the door she knew who it was. Buffy invited Riley in; they both moved to the center of the room and sat down on opposite beds.
Riley started as he sat down on Willow's bed, "I guess we have to talk."
Buffy answered "I guess we do." Buffy then glanced at the floor. "Somebody should speak before one of us graduates."
"What are you?" even he wanted to kick himself in the mouth for really asking her that.
"Capricorn on the cusp of Aquarius. You?"
"Sorry. That came out a little blunter than I intended. - It's just... you are amazing! Your speed, your strength." He said completely enthralled with her.
"Also passionate, artistic and inquisitive. - Who are you?" Now it was Buffy's turn for the bluntness.
"You know who I am. The rest... what I do... I can't tell you."
Buffy stood up, "Well, then let me. You're part of some military monster squad that captures - demons, vampires; probably have some official sounding euphemisms for them, - like unfriendlies or – non sapiens."
"Hostile Sub Terrestrials."
"So you deliver these – HST's to a bunch of lab coats, who perform experiments on them, which among other things turn some into harmless little bunnies. How am I doing so far?"
"A little too well."
"Meanwhile by day you pretend to be Riley Finn, corn-fed Iowa boy. Ever been to Iowa, Riley? God, if that's even your name." Buffy was slowly getting angry everything she thought about him was a lie or at least a half-truth. She had trusted him. She especially trusted that he would a safe guy to be with. But now she didn't know.
"It is, born and raised. And hey! Bulletin: I'm not the only one who's been a little less than honest here."
"I thought a professional demon chaser like yourself would have figured it out by now. - I'm the Slayer." Buffy was surprised at his dumbfounded expression, " Slay-er? - Chosen One. She who hangs out a lot in cemeteries? - You're kidding. Ask around. Look it up: Slayer comma the." Now she was really pissed. Jeesh I need to get my name out there. How am I going to win Miss Slayer of the year award.
"And you fight demons. I mean, you wailed on those guys." Riley said intrigued and impressed
"You did pretty well yourself."
"But I'm a walking bruise today. You see me with my clothes off I look like… I mean... I have – bruises... I don't see a scratch on you."
"You're not looking hard enough." She replied gloomily
"I'm looking pretty hard." He insisted. Riley took a deep breath "So then... What do we do?"
"I don't know. - I just..." Buffy sighed, "I really thought that you were a nice, normal guy."
"I am a nice, normal guy."
"Maybe by this town's standards but I'm not grading on a curve. I have enough to worry about… I think we both need a little time to – process everything. Maybe then..."
"Yeah. Yeah, I think that's a good idea."
He slowly got up started to leave as he reached the door he turned back, "Oh, - I don't think I need to tell you..."
Buffy sat on her bed with her arms crossed, "I won't say a word."
"Good. It'll be safer for all..." His voice trailed off as he looked over at Willow's pet rat, who's squeaking like crazy in her cage.
Then the whole room began to shake, Riley pointed to the open closet door, "Over here."
They hurried and stood in the doorframe until the earthquake stopped.
"Wow. That was some ride. Sorry I'm so excited. This is my first earthquake." Riley slightly smiled but the look on Buffy's face quickly erased it.
"It's not mine."
* * *
Part 44
After dropping Niya off at Joyce's, Spike went off to Miksa's. He rounded the corner to run smack dab into one of his poker buddies Clem.
"Hey watch where…" Clem started until he realized who had run into him, "SPIKE! Hey Spike… you disappeared for a while."
"Yeah! I had business to tend too. How come you're running about this part of town?"
"Well there has been a scary influx of demons since the quake. And you don't want to be near the college since those body snatchers are, so being in town is the best solution." Clem smiled holding his basket close.
"Actually I got attacked near Miska's a couple of weeks ago. So be careful."
"Okies Spike. Thanks for the info." Clem smiled, "So when are we going to see you at poker again?"
Spike could see the blanket covering the basket moving around. "You have a good night at poker?"
"Oh yeah. I got a calico, a Persian, a pair of Siamese and four Blue Russians."
Spike smiled slightly impressed, "You were making a killing tonight then."
"Yup! Ehm Spike…" Clem's ear twitched a bit which Spike found strange, "There is talk of you having a baby. Well not you HAVING baby but you having a baby. Is it true?"
"Who've you been talking too?"
"It was just talk around the bar tonight." Clem shrugged, but his ear twitched again.
"What aren't you telling me, Clem?" Spike's voice was low and threatening.
"Nothing… I mean well... Nothing really. Well there was talk of some Council that was doing lots of digging in demon circles and then you disappeared and everyone thought it must be Spike, that was until Angel came here and then they left and you reappeared and Tinup was saying he thinks it's you. Man, I dunno Spike I was just asking. Cause well… I could baby-sit! Yeah I am good at that kind of thing you know." Clem babbled.
"Unfortunately Clem there is no baby to sit. So tell those busybodies to play poker and pool and drink their liquor instead of gossiping."
"Well it was good that they gossiped cause they were paying too much attention." The loose-skinned demon laughed revealing the beautiful kittens and then covered them up quickly. "Anyways I better go before the Slayer or one of those other guys finds me. Later Spike."
"Bye Clem." Spike called as the demon took off down the alley.
He knocked on the trusted over door and was greeted by Miksa's son Hica.
"Mom's expecting you. Come in Spike."
"I've already been here at least three dozen times…"
"Why still invite you in?" Hica smiled his eyes looked demonic they were so black it looked evil. "Because all invitations to our store are broken once the demon leaves. Especially vampires."
Spike scoffed, "Just give me my items and I will be on my way."
"Not so fast. Mom wants to speak to you." Hica lead the vampire into a dark room that had one small table and two chairs. On the table was a lit candle, which made the whole room smell like strawberries. "Have a seat she will be in here shortly."
Spike did as he was told and impatiently waited until Miksa entered and sat across from him.
"Hello Spike. I have news for you."
Spike remained silent but rolled his eyes waiting for some dramatic foretelling of impending evil and death.
Miksa pursed her lips in annoyance at his attitude. "You little one is in danger."
Spike's attitude quickly changed, "I don't know what you are…"
"NO LIES! I know. She is the one to change the world. Everyone fears her. Even you should. She is very protected by you but others will interfere."
Spike sighed, "No offense but none of this means anything to me."
"It will once HE comes. He will worry the earth. He will destroy everything you have. Everything you want. I know this. I feel it in my bones. That is all. Hica will give you your package." Miksa rose from the table, leaving Spike completely at a loss for words.
* * *
Even when he reached Joyce's he was trying to analyze each sentence Miksa had said and still came up empty, "Bloody bint putting all this prophetic hogwash in my head."
He opened the door to see Buffy getting out weapons from the living rooms chest.
"What's going on?" He asked setting down his containers.
"An apocalypse as usual. Some demons are trying to get things to open up the hellmouth."
"Right then so where are we going?"
"Number one WE aren't going anywhere. I don't think it's a good idea."
"Look pet, that earthquake has got everyone shook up and I know what happened the last time there was an earthquake."
"Well maybe this time I won't die!" Buffy cringed, "I think I just jinxed myself huh?"
Spike nodded, "But if I helped you instead…"
"No! I don't want to put you in harms way." Buffy said harshly then her voice softened, "Plus if I don't defeat them I need for you to make sure that Niya and Mom make it out of Sunnydale."
Spike sighed and conceited to her request even though a part of him wanted to shake some sense into the girl but he wouldn't argue with her.
"Fine just be careful." Spike smiled, "See another one of those not allowed Slayer-Vampire moments."
"Hopefully I'll be seeing in you in a couple of hours. I am going over to Giles." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and then headed out the door. It took the blond vampire a while to finally let the realization sink in that she had kissed him.
* * *
Spike was busy pacing up and down getting stir crazy it had been over 5 hours and still no word from Buffy but there had been two small aftershocks, which made him worry even more.
Then the front door burst open. And it officially began.
* * *
"Thank god Riley was there." Buffy exclaimed to Willow.
"I know if he didn't have that device thing with the wire you would have been..."
"In hell. Again."
Spike was glad when Joyce brought down Niya at least he could leave and not hear about Riley anymore.
"She was such a good little girl tonight." Joyce cooed putting her in Spike's arms.
"Well I'm going to go Joyce. Tell Buffy ..."
"Tell Buffy what?" Buffy and Willow appeared out of the kitchen they had finally taken a breath from the soldier boy praise.
"We're leaving."
"Like you're leaving without an escort. The Initiative might still be looking for vamps."
"So tell your new boyfriend to skip over me and I'll be fine." Spike snarled and opened the door and was about to march out the house when a tall bulky figure stood in his way, "Just bloody perfect."
Spike passed Riley making sure to hit him in the side with the baby bag and went in his car. Riley flinched especially since his ribs were still sore from the fight.
"Spike what are...Oh hi Riley!" Buffy started just as she noticed the figure in front of her.
"Buffy you dropped your necklace and I thought that I'd give it to you because.... uh...."
Buffy smiled at his awkwardness, "Thanks."
Joyce looked at the young man in her doorway and put on a polite smile, as Buffy introduced them.
"Can I talk to you for a minute Buffy?" Joyce asked in the motherly tone that really meant, I'm pissed and your about to know why' tone.
"Ahhh sure. Come on in Riley." Buffy invited.
* * *
"What are you doing?" Joyce started.
"Uhh??"
"Why didn't you go after Spike?"
"He didn't want me too. He left, not me."
"You're so blind sometimes. You were ranting and raving about Riley and Riley and Riley."
"Well mom he did . . ."
"Never mind you have to figure it out on your own." Joyce huffed as she left the kitchen.
"Figure out what?" What the hell was that all about? Buffy asked herself, before she returned to the living room.
* * *
Joyce watched day in and day out as Spike, Buffy and Niya bonded. She would sometimes look the three and wonder if Buffy wasn't a slayer and Spike not a vampire that they would be the perfect couple.
She sat on the stairway quietly watching as Buffy and Spike vied for Niya's attention. She saw some of the glances they stole at each other every now and then when the other wasn't looking. Joyce knew there was something stirring underneath the surface no matter how much they would deny it, in times like these she knew better.
She got up slowly trying not to be noticed by the trio. She went into the kitchen in time to hear the phone ring. "I'll get it." Joyce bellowed to the couple from the kitchen, "Hello."
"Ehmm… Hi Mrs. Summers. Can I please speak to Buffy?"
"May I ask whose calling?"
"Riley. Riley Finn."
Joyce cringed; she had thought that maybe Buffy had listened to her but apparently not since she had even given him her home phone number.
"Hold on a sec."
Joyce set down the phone and walked into the living room where there was an enormous amount of giggling from all three. Joyce hated to break up this moment. As soon as she told Buffy who was on the phone she could see Spike's whole demeanor change an icy look crossed his face as she left to answer the phone.
"I think I should go Joyce."
"Spike wait…"
"It's alright Joyce." Spike picked up Niya from the blanket and grabbed the baby bag and headed for the door quickly.
* * *
Buffy came bouncing out of the kitchen looking for Spike and Niya but they were gone. Joyce sat alone folding Niya's play blanket.
"Where did they go?"
"Left. Buffy I…"
"Oh well I better get back to the dorm. Oh yeah Riley asked me to another picnic tomorrow." Buffy beamed.
"Honey you and I were suppose to take Niya to the park tomorrow."
"Well you can take her mom she doesn't need the two babysitters anyways. I better go, I have a test tomorrow. See you later." With a quick kiss on her mothers cheek Buffy dashed out the door.
Joyce could tell that this Riley guy was going to be a problem.
* * *
Part 45
Spike and Niya sat in the dark watching all of the action on the screen, until they were interrupted by the rattling at the door.
"Great the Slayer!" Spike mumbled clicking off the movie.
As soon as the words left his mouth she was inside the apartment with a big duffle bag in tow.
"Finished patrolling already?" Spike asked when she flicked on the light.
"Yup, not much baddies out tonight."
"Your boyfriend and his goons probably nabbed them all." The blond vampire grumbled.
"Whadija say?" Buffy asked, setting down her bags in the living room. Buffy turned to Spike finally taking in his appearance. He was wearing navy blue tear-aways with a white fitted shirt. He was barefoot and sitting down on the floor while Niya was sitting up next to him.
"Nothing, Niya's been waiting for you all day."
"Really?" Buffy's face melted in a smile as she walked over and picked up Niya. Buffy looked at her in horror, "Spike what did you do to her hair?"
"I uhm tried bows." He said sheepishly. "Well Joyce normally does it. It looked easy enough."
Buffy couldn't help but laugh. The little girl had bows and hair sticking every which way with clumps of hair that Buffy supposed Spike would call ponytails. "Poor Niya." Buffy began to untangle the mess that Spike had created.
"Look at this we're one big happy family. A vampire–stay at home dad and a slayer-college student mum and a little baby whose hair looks like something that even a chaos demon would run from."
Buffy giggled but soon realized that she in Spikes mind was Niya's mother. Apart of her was happy but another part was kind of scared. This situation was something just thrown into life and even though fighting demons was a chore so was being a regular college student and now a pseudo mother.
"I think Niya is going to start talking any day now." Spike said as Buffy carefully took out the last bow.
"Really? Isn't it soon? She's only 5 months!"
"Not for my pumpkin."
"If Harmony got her way she's have Niya calling you Spikey." Buffy teased and she evenly parted Niya's thick black hair into two ponytails before she handed Niya over to Spike.
"Don't even go there. The other day she was saying ba-ba."
"Daaa." She jumped in his arms.
"What's that hon? Da-da. Come on say it!" Spike urged.
Niya looked at him strangely and then jumped again, "Daaa-daaa"
Spike grinned from ear to ear, "Didja hear that Slayer?"
"Hear what?" Buffy rolled her eyes, but she secretly smiled as she turned her back toward him.
"Say it again Ni. I know that you can do it for your Daddy."
Niya looked at him again strangely and then began to cry.
"Look at this you're pressuring her." Buffy reached for Niya, but Spike wasn't letting her go.
"Oh come on!" Spike urged and Niya stopped crying to scowl at him which made him laugh.
"I have to go soon."
Spike turned toward Buffy, "I thought you were done patrolling? Have a test or something in class?"
"No, other things. Can I use your bathroom?"
"Certainly, luv."
* * *
'As...you...wish...'
'Westley!'
"Now, hon I don't want you going all fanatic over some bloke like that. Rolling yourself down a hill. Puhlease."
'The Princess Bride will return after these messages.'
Spike heard the bathroom door open; he peered over the leather couch to see Buffy. He quickly placed Niya in the play pen and leapt off the couch.
"Where are you going pet?" Spike asked eyeing the Slayer up and down.
"On a date?"
"In that?" Spike asked waving his arm up and down at the slinky black strapless lycra dress.
"Yup."
"Pet that dress is ... is..."
"Well I hope that Riley has the same reaction." Buffy modeled the dress for Spike.
His eyes swept over every inch of her body. And then the thoughts that filled his mind were overwhelming, "You can't wear that."
"Beg your pardon." Buffy scoffed, "Hello?? I am and I will."
"Do you know what he'll think if he sees you that."
"Only what your thinking Spike. Therefore it couldn't be too bad! Could it?" Buffy watched him intently enjoying his reaction to her words.
Spike heard her cell phone ring. Buffy turned around and bent down to reach for her phone inside of her duffel bag. The dress rode up ever so slightly.
"That's such a cute mole right by your..." Spike tilted his head as Buffy still bending over turned to watch where his eyes were.
She quickly stood up straight and answered her phone, "Yes Riley I'll be down in a sec."
"Still have to fix my hair." Buffy quickly picked up a clip and shook her blond looks and pinned it up messily letting lose strands caress her neck and face.
Spike didn't think it possible but she looked even sexier, his eyes trailed her neck and stopped. He was glad that she was putting on her lipstick in the mirror so that she couldn't see his reaction.
"I'm going to leave this stuff here ok. I'll pick it up tomorrow." She told going over to Niya and kissing her on the cheek.
"You really shouldn't do that pet, the hair thing and the dress. I mean he might get the wrong idea."
"That's the whole point. Night Spike." Buffy replied dashed out the door.
Spike walked over to the playpen where Niya was smiling and playing with Mr. Gordo.
"If you even think that your going to leave the house looking like that all I have to do is show any chump that comes to the door this." Spike put on his game face and Niya went hysterical.
"Da--da." She smiled showing her little teeth sprouting through her gums.
Spike couldn't help but smile even though he was a bit angry at Buffy. He slipped off his game face and picked up Niya.
"Shoot we missed the part where they went through the swamp."
TBC…