A/N: You guys have been really cool with the reviewing and all. I so owe all of you major hugs. Now sit back and relax with this chapter. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 10
"I need immediate sugar. Heavy on the immediate," Buffy announced as she entered her kitchen the next morning, Tuesday. She wore a short, black skirt and a crisp, white shirt. Black, thin-heeled boots covered her feet. "Mom? Mom!" No answer.
It was another one of those mornings. Buffy would wake up, all the sweet perkiness in the world in her voice, and Mrs. Summer wouldn't be there. More than likely she was out with one of her gentlemen callers, men she saw often ever since she and Buffy's father got divorced.
The back door, which led into the kitchen opened abruptly.
"Oh, Buffy," Mrs. Summer's smiled at her gently.
"Morning," Buffy greeted lightly. "Um, are you just getting in?"
"What?" Mrs. Summers realized it. "Oh, no, sweetheart. Bill wanted to meet me for an early breakfast. You looked so peaceful sleeping that I didn't want to wake up for something like that."
"Oh…" Buffy nodded her head as if she understood. "No chance of their being any sweet, sweet breakfast bagels for me?"
"Sorry, honey," her mother apologized vaguely as she slipped off her purse and sat it on top of the kitchen counter. "I thought you could handle breakfast on your own. And if you're not up to cooking I think we have some of those hot pockets you like in the freezer. You just need to heat it up."
Buffy just nodded. "You know what? I think I'll just go to Gunn's place. He's always got food on hand."
"OK. Well, I'll see you after school then?"
"Sure." Buffy grabbed her jacket and headed out towards the front door, then turned back. "Mom, did Daddy call? We're supposed to be hanging out this weekend."
"No, he didn't call, honey, but he did send you a new credit card so that you could shopping. I don't think he can make it this weekend. Unexpected business trip."
Buffy lowered her head and whispered, "He promised he'd call…"
"What was that, Buffy?"
Buffy shook her head and offered her mother a smile. "Nothing. I'll just… see you after school." She opened and closed the front door and was gone.
Meanwhile, over at the Gunn household, Gunn stood over the stove, busily cooking away. His father's nose led him into the kitchen. The tall black man went to stand next to his son.
"You making breakfast again?" Mr. Gunn asked.
"Yeah," Gunn replied then smiled at his dad. "Shoot. Who else go cook? 'Lonna?"
"I really need to start looking for a new maid," Mr. Gunn said as he picked up his newspaper.
"Don't waste the time, Dad. I got this."
"That's my boy." Mr. Gunn sat down at the table and began to read.
Alonna walked in then. "Hey."
"Would a "good morning" kill you?" her father asked.
"Good morning, family," Alonna said with an eye roll.
"Don't be cute," Mr. Gunn chided lightly.
"Morning," Buffy greeted as she entered their kitchen.
"Oh, hey, Buffy," Gunn returned the greeting.
"Bet he doesn't say anything to him," Alonna muttered.
"Good morning," Mr. Gunn addressed Buffy, not at all surprised to see the girl, as she and Wesley were over frequently.
Gunn picked up a magazine and swatted his sister's arm with it. "Alonna, your slow self. Why ain't you tell me Buffy was here?"
"Oh. Buffy's here," Alonna said dryly before turning and walking out.
"Fun, family morning I see," Buffy said.
"As always." Gunn went back over to the stove. "I know you hungry, girl. Sit down and I'll get you some eggs. Now you want pancakes or waffles?"
Buffy pouted and replied, "Both?"
"You got it," Gunn smiled at her.
Later that morning, in Darla's claimed mansion, Dru sat in the living room. Spike lay across the couch, his head resting on her lap. The sun didn't have a chance of shining its radiance down on them, as the windows were covered by thick, maroon drapes.
Spike began to stir and opened his eyes. "Hmm… hmm? Where am— Dru?"
"Shush," Dru hushed him gently. "It's all right, baby."
Spike slowly sat up and touched his head. "What-what happened?"
"I see you don't remember," Dru said. "Don't worry. Things will be clear soon"
"Why do I feel so… so…?"
"Powerful, indescribable, utterly fantastic?"
"I'd say all of the above, pet."
Dru laughed lightly. "And just think, we'll always be together."
"Something's wrong. I have this… unbelievable hunger."
"Oh, and don't worry. We'll be sure to get you fed tonight," Dru assured him. She worked her finger down between his eyes and made a circular motion around his lips.
Spike leaned in and kissed her.
Dru hugged him around the neck and pulled him in tightly. Things were surely working out.
A/N:I don't know why but I have a weird craving for marshmallow cereal. I'll go get some while you guys review.