DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer - it
all belongs to Joss Whedon.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Again, sorry for the [longer] delay. . .I've been having damn end-of-term tests all week, therefore I've tried to restrict myself from using the computer, just making myself REVISE, even though I keep turning on the computer and adding stuff in. . .anyway, here's Chapter 3. Hopefully now that the holidays are coming up I'll have much more time to write more. Please review!
Chapter 3
The rest of that afternoon was spent in anticipation of Anya and Xander's return. Various ideas were flying around, most of which were so ridiculous that they proved as a type of entertainment.
'Maybe they bought a pet!' Willow suggested. 'Like a puppy, or a hamster-
'Or a bunny?' Buffy joked.
They laughed. Spike tried to hold Buffy's hand, but she pulled hers away. He was confused with what she wanted, so he said:
'Buffy, can I talk to you for a second?'
She nodded as they stepped out into the hallway.
'What's up?' she asked, oblivious to what was wrong.
'Just now. . .back there,' Spike pointed to where the rest of the group were sitting. 'Why did you take your hand away?'
'Oh,' she turned away for a moment. 'It's stupid really. . .I just wanna wait for everybody to be here so we can announce that we're together.'
Spike made a puzzled face. 'I think our speeches from last night and the fact that I went up to your room afterwards give it away slightly.'
'I know,' she touched his arm. 'That's why I said it was stupid. I just wanna make it official when everybody's here.'
Spike considered for a moment. 'It's true; I'd like to see the look on Xander's face - considering he hates me.'
Buffy smiled. 'Well, he'll just have to learn to love you like I love you.' She stood on her tip toes and kissed him deeply. He embraced her.
'Well, hopefully, not love me exactly like you love me.'
'Let's get back in there,' Buffy said, and they walked back into the dining room where they were all talking before. But just as they had walked in the room, the doorbell rang.
'That must be them!' said Willow excitedly, as she ran to open the door. And sure enough, there, holding hands stood Xander and Anya.
'Hey!' Willow stood back to welcome them in.
'Where've you guys been?!' Dawn asked in a slightly annoyed voice. 'We've been so worried!'
'And curious,' Kennedy added.
'Alright, everybody,' Xander waved his hands. 'Take a seat and brace yourselves,' he looked at Anya. 'We have big news.'
They all sat, and looked interestingly at them.
'We're married!' Anya burst out, not able to contain herself any longer, waving her hand with the ring around. Xander nodded.
'What?!' Willow said disbelievingly.
'We went to Vegas and got married!' explained Xander.
Nobody knew what to say, they just sat there with mouths wide open.
'Oh my G-d. . .' said Buffy.
'Wow!' Dawn shouted. She jumped up and hugged them both. 'I'm so happy for you guys! When did you decide to get married?'
'Last night, after everyone went to bed,' Xander said.
'That was. . .' Kennedy tried to think of the right word. '. . .quick.'
'So. . .' Buffy still wasn't clear on what had happened. 'You two are. . .husband and wife? As in, Mr. and Mrs. Harris?'
'It's actually Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins,' said Anya. 'He took my name.'
'Of course. . .' Buffy said, concealing a laugh.
'Yeah, I suggested a double surname for me, like Harris-Jenkins,' Xander said feebly, 'but she wouldn't have it.'
'Wait. . .' Spike said. 'You two went to the airport, bought a ticket and flew to Las Vegas, went to a wedding chapel, got married, and flew back in the space of - what,' he glanced at his watch. '14 hours?'
They nodded.
'I applaud you,' Spike commented, clapping his hands.
'This is so sudden though,' Willow said completely amazed.
'Not really,' Xander reasoned. 'We were engaged before, and we were meant to get married. So I figure, we can just pretend we were engaged this whole time.'
Anya had a confused face. 'Even while I was dead?'
Xander giggled nervously, putting his arm around her. 'We can pretend that never happened too, sweetie.' He turned to the gang. 'So, what did we miss while we were gone?'
Spike nudged Buffy, and realising what she had to say, opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Dawn.
'Buffy's got a job interview tomorrow at noon to become a secretary.'
'Wow, great!' Xander said. 'Good luck Buff.'
'Thanks,' she said weakly. Spike urged her on with a look. 'But there's also something else.'
They all looked mildly surprised.
'Um,' she began. 'Last night. . .Spike and I went to talk, and well. . .we're really in love.'
'We knew that,' Anya butted in rudely. 'What's the news?'
Buffy looked around at them all, trying to maintain eye contact.
'Well. . .I just thought I'd officially announce that. . .we're together. And also,' she turned to Spike. 'Spike, you don't know this yet but. . .I want you to move in with us.'
Spike's eyes widened.
'This actually works out well,' said Xander. 'Because Anya's gonna move in with me, now that we're married and all.'
Spike stepped closer to Buffy. 'You really want me to move in?' he said quietly.
'Absolutely,' she kissed him, and the rest of them looked on, happy to see them together (except Xander, who was quite disgusted).
'I guess we should start moving Anya's stuff out and Spike's stuff in,' said Kennedy.
'It's not like we have a whole lotta stuff to move in and out,' said Anya. 'We've only been alive a month and a half.'
'And that makes it even easier,' said Xander.
Dawn spoke: 'You guys have to admit, it's been a crazy 24 hours, hasn't it?' They all smiled darkly thinking.
'Yeah,' Buffy continued. 'Someone almost died, a dead person's soul visited us, 2 people got married, 4 are moving in together, and someone got a job interview.' She sighed. 'An average day in the Summers household, huh?'
They smiled as silence ruled over them.
'Hey guys,' Buffy said. 'This might sound incredibly selfish on my part, but I really need someone to prep me for my interview tomorrow. . .'
'Sure, I'll help you Buffy,' Willow piped in.
'Yeah, me too,' Kennedy added. Xander was about to join in the fun, but Anya shushed him.
'You're not spending our wedding night with her,' she said jealous.
'I'd love to help you pet,' said Spike. 'I just don't know how, what with no experience in modern employment.'
'Oh, don't worry Spike,' assured Willow. 'We'll give you something to do.'
**********
'When you said you'd give me something to do, I didn't know it would be this.'
Willow and Kennedy had organised the prepping for Buffy's interview to be as close to the real thing as possible, so they asked Spike and Buffy to describe to them what the man from the office looked like, and with their description, tried to make up Spike to look like him.
Willow had used magick to plump him up, and to give him balding brown hair. The suit they provided him with was one they had lying around, and now they had sat him behind a desk, with Buffy opposite. They had given her tips on how to behave and what to say, and now Spike was there to ask her the challenging questions.
'Do I really have to put on an American accent?' Spike protested.
'It must be as real as possible,' Willow explained, but of course the whole thing was a sham to make Spike look as stupid as they could, so she was trying very hard to stop herself from laughing.
Spike skimmed the piece of paper with the questions written down, and took a deep breath, putting on the worst American accent they had ever heard.
'So. . .Miss Summerrrs,' he said, exaggerating the r's. Buffy was giggling.
'Look,' he said. 'You're not going to get the job if you're going to laugh in the middle of the interview!'
'I know,' she covered her face with her hands. 'Sorry. . .' she lifted her head up, breathed, and feeling refreshed went on.
'Yes, sir?'
Spike glanced at the sheet of paper. 'What prrrevious job experrriences have you had?'
'Well,' she started off very cheesy, a huge grin on her face that somewhat resembled the Buffybot. 'I have worked in a catering establishment where I often dealt with the requests of many and some of the financial sides.'
Willow gave her a thumbs-up. She had told Buffy before that you always need to sweeten things, because in fact, Buffy had just said she had taken orders and given change to customers at a fast-food restaurant, but this way sounded better.
'You must realise sir,' Buffy went on, 'that I am quite young and have not had many opportunities, but that makes me even more ready to embrace the challenges you will offer me in the position of secretary.'
Spike was impressed. 'Wow, that was really good,' he said to Willow and Kennedy. He turned back to Buffy and took a look at the next question on the piece of paper.
'And what do you feeel you have to offerrr this company indeevidualee?'
'I have a very positive attitude that prepares me to tackle anything that awaits me. I feel this is a unique quality and I will be a valued employee here.'
Spike was taken aback. 'Wow, your answers keep getting better and better,' he said in his normal voice. She urged him to go on.
'Do you have anee medical historrree you feel we should know about?'
'Yes, I've died twice,' she said unexpectedly in her cheesy smiley voice.
'Buffy!' Willow moaned. 'That's not what you're meant to say!'
'I know, I was just teasing,' she said casually. She straightened herself up, and in a perfect voice said: 'I have no medical history that's affected me long-term.'
'Y'know,' Spike observed, 'if she answered these questions truthfully, I don't think she could apply for anything.'
'Except perhaps a place in a mental home,' said Buffy, slouching and pouting.
'Hey,' he reached over the desk and touched her hand. 'You'll always have us supporting you, never forget that.'
She smiled, but then frowned.
'What?' he asked curiously.
'Spike, I appreciate what you said, I really do, but there's no way I can let you sympathise with me looking like that.'
'Willow. . .' he shot her a warning look.
'Yeah, I guess she's as prepared as she'll be. . .' Willow waved her hand, disappointed, and Spike went back to normal instantaneously.
'I think I prefer you this way,' said Buffy. He smiled lovingly at her.
All of a sudden, the doorbell rang.
'Who could that be?' said Buffy curiously.
'Did Anya and Xander leave?' asked Kennedy.
'No, they said they'd stay in the house 'til late,' said Willow.
They went to the front door, where already Dawn, Xander and Anya were. They were hesitating opening it.
'Oh I'll get it!' said Buffy, throwing up her hands. She opened the door, and experienced a shock she certainly hadn't expected.
There, standing at the door, one suitcase in arm - and smiling - was Faith.
**********
A/N: In the next chapter you'll find out why Faith is visiting the gang, and just so you know, I'm making her a really nice character, but still with her edge, kinda like she was early Season 3, and I guess end Season 7.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Again, sorry for the [longer] delay. . .I've been having damn end-of-term tests all week, therefore I've tried to restrict myself from using the computer, just making myself REVISE, even though I keep turning on the computer and adding stuff in. . .anyway, here's Chapter 3. Hopefully now that the holidays are coming up I'll have much more time to write more. Please review!
Chapter 3
The rest of that afternoon was spent in anticipation of Anya and Xander's return. Various ideas were flying around, most of which were so ridiculous that they proved as a type of entertainment.
'Maybe they bought a pet!' Willow suggested. 'Like a puppy, or a hamster-
'Or a bunny?' Buffy joked.
They laughed. Spike tried to hold Buffy's hand, but she pulled hers away. He was confused with what she wanted, so he said:
'Buffy, can I talk to you for a second?'
She nodded as they stepped out into the hallway.
'What's up?' she asked, oblivious to what was wrong.
'Just now. . .back there,' Spike pointed to where the rest of the group were sitting. 'Why did you take your hand away?'
'Oh,' she turned away for a moment. 'It's stupid really. . .I just wanna wait for everybody to be here so we can announce that we're together.'
Spike made a puzzled face. 'I think our speeches from last night and the fact that I went up to your room afterwards give it away slightly.'
'I know,' she touched his arm. 'That's why I said it was stupid. I just wanna make it official when everybody's here.'
Spike considered for a moment. 'It's true; I'd like to see the look on Xander's face - considering he hates me.'
Buffy smiled. 'Well, he'll just have to learn to love you like I love you.' She stood on her tip toes and kissed him deeply. He embraced her.
'Well, hopefully, not love me exactly like you love me.'
'Let's get back in there,' Buffy said, and they walked back into the dining room where they were all talking before. But just as they had walked in the room, the doorbell rang.
'That must be them!' said Willow excitedly, as she ran to open the door. And sure enough, there, holding hands stood Xander and Anya.
'Hey!' Willow stood back to welcome them in.
'Where've you guys been?!' Dawn asked in a slightly annoyed voice. 'We've been so worried!'
'And curious,' Kennedy added.
'Alright, everybody,' Xander waved his hands. 'Take a seat and brace yourselves,' he looked at Anya. 'We have big news.'
They all sat, and looked interestingly at them.
'We're married!' Anya burst out, not able to contain herself any longer, waving her hand with the ring around. Xander nodded.
'What?!' Willow said disbelievingly.
'We went to Vegas and got married!' explained Xander.
Nobody knew what to say, they just sat there with mouths wide open.
'Oh my G-d. . .' said Buffy.
'Wow!' Dawn shouted. She jumped up and hugged them both. 'I'm so happy for you guys! When did you decide to get married?'
'Last night, after everyone went to bed,' Xander said.
'That was. . .' Kennedy tried to think of the right word. '. . .quick.'
'So. . .' Buffy still wasn't clear on what had happened. 'You two are. . .husband and wife? As in, Mr. and Mrs. Harris?'
'It's actually Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins,' said Anya. 'He took my name.'
'Of course. . .' Buffy said, concealing a laugh.
'Yeah, I suggested a double surname for me, like Harris-Jenkins,' Xander said feebly, 'but she wouldn't have it.'
'Wait. . .' Spike said. 'You two went to the airport, bought a ticket and flew to Las Vegas, went to a wedding chapel, got married, and flew back in the space of - what,' he glanced at his watch. '14 hours?'
They nodded.
'I applaud you,' Spike commented, clapping his hands.
'This is so sudden though,' Willow said completely amazed.
'Not really,' Xander reasoned. 'We were engaged before, and we were meant to get married. So I figure, we can just pretend we were engaged this whole time.'
Anya had a confused face. 'Even while I was dead?'
Xander giggled nervously, putting his arm around her. 'We can pretend that never happened too, sweetie.' He turned to the gang. 'So, what did we miss while we were gone?'
Spike nudged Buffy, and realising what she had to say, opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Dawn.
'Buffy's got a job interview tomorrow at noon to become a secretary.'
'Wow, great!' Xander said. 'Good luck Buff.'
'Thanks,' she said weakly. Spike urged her on with a look. 'But there's also something else.'
They all looked mildly surprised.
'Um,' she began. 'Last night. . .Spike and I went to talk, and well. . .we're really in love.'
'We knew that,' Anya butted in rudely. 'What's the news?'
Buffy looked around at them all, trying to maintain eye contact.
'Well. . .I just thought I'd officially announce that. . .we're together. And also,' she turned to Spike. 'Spike, you don't know this yet but. . .I want you to move in with us.'
Spike's eyes widened.
'This actually works out well,' said Xander. 'Because Anya's gonna move in with me, now that we're married and all.'
Spike stepped closer to Buffy. 'You really want me to move in?' he said quietly.
'Absolutely,' she kissed him, and the rest of them looked on, happy to see them together (except Xander, who was quite disgusted).
'I guess we should start moving Anya's stuff out and Spike's stuff in,' said Kennedy.
'It's not like we have a whole lotta stuff to move in and out,' said Anya. 'We've only been alive a month and a half.'
'And that makes it even easier,' said Xander.
Dawn spoke: 'You guys have to admit, it's been a crazy 24 hours, hasn't it?' They all smiled darkly thinking.
'Yeah,' Buffy continued. 'Someone almost died, a dead person's soul visited us, 2 people got married, 4 are moving in together, and someone got a job interview.' She sighed. 'An average day in the Summers household, huh?'
They smiled as silence ruled over them.
'Hey guys,' Buffy said. 'This might sound incredibly selfish on my part, but I really need someone to prep me for my interview tomorrow. . .'
'Sure, I'll help you Buffy,' Willow piped in.
'Yeah, me too,' Kennedy added. Xander was about to join in the fun, but Anya shushed him.
'You're not spending our wedding night with her,' she said jealous.
'I'd love to help you pet,' said Spike. 'I just don't know how, what with no experience in modern employment.'
'Oh, don't worry Spike,' assured Willow. 'We'll give you something to do.'
**********
'When you said you'd give me something to do, I didn't know it would be this.'
Willow and Kennedy had organised the prepping for Buffy's interview to be as close to the real thing as possible, so they asked Spike and Buffy to describe to them what the man from the office looked like, and with their description, tried to make up Spike to look like him.
Willow had used magick to plump him up, and to give him balding brown hair. The suit they provided him with was one they had lying around, and now they had sat him behind a desk, with Buffy opposite. They had given her tips on how to behave and what to say, and now Spike was there to ask her the challenging questions.
'Do I really have to put on an American accent?' Spike protested.
'It must be as real as possible,' Willow explained, but of course the whole thing was a sham to make Spike look as stupid as they could, so she was trying very hard to stop herself from laughing.
Spike skimmed the piece of paper with the questions written down, and took a deep breath, putting on the worst American accent they had ever heard.
'So. . .Miss Summerrrs,' he said, exaggerating the r's. Buffy was giggling.
'Look,' he said. 'You're not going to get the job if you're going to laugh in the middle of the interview!'
'I know,' she covered her face with her hands. 'Sorry. . .' she lifted her head up, breathed, and feeling refreshed went on.
'Yes, sir?'
Spike glanced at the sheet of paper. 'What prrrevious job experrriences have you had?'
'Well,' she started off very cheesy, a huge grin on her face that somewhat resembled the Buffybot. 'I have worked in a catering establishment where I often dealt with the requests of many and some of the financial sides.'
Willow gave her a thumbs-up. She had told Buffy before that you always need to sweeten things, because in fact, Buffy had just said she had taken orders and given change to customers at a fast-food restaurant, but this way sounded better.
'You must realise sir,' Buffy went on, 'that I am quite young and have not had many opportunities, but that makes me even more ready to embrace the challenges you will offer me in the position of secretary.'
Spike was impressed. 'Wow, that was really good,' he said to Willow and Kennedy. He turned back to Buffy and took a look at the next question on the piece of paper.
'And what do you feeel you have to offerrr this company indeevidualee?'
'I have a very positive attitude that prepares me to tackle anything that awaits me. I feel this is a unique quality and I will be a valued employee here.'
Spike was taken aback. 'Wow, your answers keep getting better and better,' he said in his normal voice. She urged him to go on.
'Do you have anee medical historrree you feel we should know about?'
'Yes, I've died twice,' she said unexpectedly in her cheesy smiley voice.
'Buffy!' Willow moaned. 'That's not what you're meant to say!'
'I know, I was just teasing,' she said casually. She straightened herself up, and in a perfect voice said: 'I have no medical history that's affected me long-term.'
'Y'know,' Spike observed, 'if she answered these questions truthfully, I don't think she could apply for anything.'
'Except perhaps a place in a mental home,' said Buffy, slouching and pouting.
'Hey,' he reached over the desk and touched her hand. 'You'll always have us supporting you, never forget that.'
She smiled, but then frowned.
'What?' he asked curiously.
'Spike, I appreciate what you said, I really do, but there's no way I can let you sympathise with me looking like that.'
'Willow. . .' he shot her a warning look.
'Yeah, I guess she's as prepared as she'll be. . .' Willow waved her hand, disappointed, and Spike went back to normal instantaneously.
'I think I prefer you this way,' said Buffy. He smiled lovingly at her.
All of a sudden, the doorbell rang.
'Who could that be?' said Buffy curiously.
'Did Anya and Xander leave?' asked Kennedy.
'No, they said they'd stay in the house 'til late,' said Willow.
They went to the front door, where already Dawn, Xander and Anya were. They were hesitating opening it.
'Oh I'll get it!' said Buffy, throwing up her hands. She opened the door, and experienced a shock she certainly hadn't expected.
There, standing at the door, one suitcase in arm - and smiling - was Faith.
**********
A/N: In the next chapter you'll find out why Faith is visiting the gang, and just so you know, I'm making her a really nice character, but still with her edge, kinda like she was early Season 3, and I guess end Season 7.
