Chapter 4:
"Fred why can't you just talk to Judge Stevens. I'm sure you could convince him to move the trial up to an early date."
"I can't."
"Why the fuck not?"
"Hey lets keep the anger down a bit, k," Wes had been listening to the two people he cared most about argue for about twenty minutes. He hated it when they did that. Fred and Spike got along well enough, but they disagreed on things law wise. Spike was more of the defend the criminals type while Fred was more the put the criminals away type.
"No, Wes, I can handle this by myself. I'll tell you why the fuck not, because I can't just go around like a stuck up bitch asking other judges to move up trials for my friends."
"Well if the shoe fits."
That was enough. Spike was going to say, if not had already said, something that he would regret. Wes had to intervene.
"Look, Spike, I know you want to help but yelling at Fred isn't go to help. It will only end up that you two will stop talking. Let's not have a whole re-make of the OJ Simpson fiasco. You two didn't talk for a week." Both Spike and Fred mumbled what sounded like an 'I'm sorry' and then began to cool off.
"Ok, now can we get back to enjoying or dinner that Fred made for us? I know that it isn't as exciting as yelling at each other, but it's less painful to the friendship."
"Oh, Wes, you don't have to worry about us not being friends. Fred and I argue, but somehow we work things out. Ain't that right Fred." Spike flashed his big, fake, tooth, grin that always made Fred laugh. Fred in spite of her resolve laughed at her friend.
Fred hated it when her and Spike fought, but it seemed to happen a lot when they talked about their jobs. Spike had been an A.D.A when Fred won the position of judge. They had gotten along fine until Spike switched from being put the bad guys away to try to keep the bad guys out of jail. That was when all the disagreeing started. Fred will loved Spike as a friend. Spike had been the one to push her into pursuing Wesley. She would be in his debt for doing something like that for her.
Spike hated to make Wes and Fred unhappy, but this case mattered.
Not because of Buffy or anything like that. She isn't why I'm doing this, although it sure does feel like that is the only reason I'm doing any of this.
Spike put those thoughts out of his head. He wouldn't deny that he was attracted to her, but that was it. He was doing this because it was for the good of the case. Spike pushed his food around with his fork.
If she isn't why I'm doing this than why am I doing this, he wondered.
"Well if it means that much to you I guess I can try and see if Judge Stevens will move up the case. I can't guarantee anything, but I will true. There are you happy now."
"Ecstatic. No really I'm very pleased that you would even consider talking to him. I mean I can be a real piece of shit some times when I don't get my way."
Yeah well I've grown to accept your piece of shit ways."
"We all have." Wes said. Things were returning to there natural flow.
"Alright we've classified that I'm a piece of shit can we eat now?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wes and Spike sat outside on the porch smoking cigarettes and drinking some beers. Fred was washing the dishes and it was time for Wes to talk to his best friend. Spike had been his friend since they were little. At first, Spike helped Wes through some tough times, like when his parents divorced. Then it was Wes's turn to help Spike through troubled times. They had always been there for each other and both knew the other's moods pretty well.
Right now Wes could tell that his friend was in a bit of confusion. He watched as Spike took a sip of his Heineken and then slowly dragged on his cigarette until it was nothing but ashes. His eyes had that sparkle they had when he was in deep thought about things. Wes didn't want to interrupt Spike's thoughts but knew that he had to.
"Spike what are you thinking about?" it was a simple question that didn't have any hidden meaning. It was honest.
"How many cigarettes do you think I go through in a week?" Wes saw that either he was trying to change the subject or all those years of dying his hair blonde were finally going to his head.
"I don't know. Maybe a pack a week. Now that I've answered your question why don't you answer mine."
Shit, he was going to get off the subject anytime soon.
"Nothing just thinking about stupid shit. You know me. I was just thinking. I'm always thinking about fucking nothing in particular." It was an offhanded remark that didn't hold much truth and Wes knew it. His friend couldn't hide anything from him.
"That ain't what your dumb ass was thinking about and I know it. Why did you get so angry with Fred earlier? You've asked her tons of times to do things like that and accepted it. Why did you act like a bastard this time."
"This time is different. It is a very important case."
"It's not like the fucking president is getting a divorce and your defending Barbara Bush here. You don't even like that shitty job."
"I know, but this case is different."
"Fine if you don't want to tell me what the hell is going on that's fine. I will find out though. I always do. So you better tell me know so I can approve your dumb ass decisions before you make them."
"I'm old enough to make my own decisions."
"Old enough but not smart enough."
"Look I better go. It's pretty late and I have that case to work on tomorrow. Tell Fred I said bye, k."
"k" Spike sauntered off to his car as Wes watched with apprehension. Wes picked up the beer bottles and went inside wondering what was up with his friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike went to work early hoping to get some work done. He had been doing this for two days now. Fred had called and said that she got Judge Stevens to move up the date to the thirteenth of June, which was two days away. He had to work his ass off if he wanted to have a presentable argument. Buffy was to show up later that day to discuss everything before they went to trial. Spike hoped that he would be able to forget about his stupid crush on her and just be her lawyer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy had an appointment with Spike today. She knew that it was last one before they went to trial and that they needed to talk about what to expect. He had insisted that Dawn come along. He needed to make sure that Dawn really wanted to live with her before things went any further. Buffy sat waiting for Dawn to get home so they could go. Buffy had been anxious to see him again. She was very assured that nothing would happen, but she still could look. She was still married, but she wasn't dead. She could still think about other men and what would happen if she was in a room alone with one in particular.
A loud knock on the door shook Buffy out of her daydream.
"Who is it." She called out. She didn't want to open the door and see Riley there.
"It's Willow."
"Oh wait a minute, Wills." Buffy got up and opened the door.
"Hey, what are you doing here. I thought that you had a client with some sort of weird psychological disease today."
"Problem with psychos is that they some times forget appointments and take to much Valium the day before."
"Oh well Valium can do that to you."
"So can Demerol and Morphine. So what's up today."
"Meeting with Mr. Flannery. I'm just waiting for Dawn to come home so we can go. We have to get all of our "evidence" ready."
"Oh so you're going to see the hottie lawyer again. Yum."
"Willow. He's good looking, but Dawn will be there."
"Are you saying you would you know, if Dawn wasn't there?"
"No, I'm married. Well okay so not happily considering I'm getting a divorce, but still married."
"I know I'm just teasing. I was wondering if you still needed me to testify on your behalf?"
"I don't know. Will, I mean Mr. Flannery wasn't said anything about it."
Crap that didn't sound good.
"On a first name basis huh. Well isn't that. cozy?"
"He didn't want to be called Mr. Flannery so I happily obliged to call him Will. That's all."
"Sure." Willow was about to say something more when Dawn walked in the door. Willow looked at her. Dawn looked a lot like Buffy. She had the same green eyes and cute little nose. She acted like Buffy too. The only thing that made her seem different from Buffy was the hair color. Dawn had brown hair. It was virtually the only difference between the two.
"Dawn its time to go."
"Why do I have to go to this stupid meeting with this lawyer. I don't want to."
"Dawn come on. It won't be bad I promise."
"Okay."
"Why don't I go with you? I mean you shouldn't have to take the bus when I could give you a ride." Willow couldn't pass up this golden opportunity to see the guy that had Buffy a little more Buffy these days. Buffy glared at Willow for awhile before agreeing and then they all left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike had everything set up and ready for when she arrived. He would make this a short meeting because she was bring her daughter or at least that was what he kept telling himself. He knew that his really reason was so he didn't have to see Buffy for to long of a time. Spike was musing around some more when he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in." he said. When he looked up he expected to see Buffy and her daughter. Instead he was looking at a very petite woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. She was wearing a business suit. Spike was about to ask who she was when she yelled, "Buffy he is in his office."
When Willow opened the door she didn't know what she expected to see. An ugly man who was wearing glasses was not what she opened the door to. Buffy was right he was in fact very good looking. In fact he was more than just good looking he was handsome, even hot. Willow wondered if her cheeks were turning red because she felt like she was blushing. All she could do was yell Buffy's name from across the hall. Buffy came running instantly with Dawn at her side. Willow looked back at the man siting in his chair behind his desk. He was smiling at her. Willow gave him a nervous smile.
Buffy entered the office to see Will grinning nicely and Willow grinning like an idiot. She walked past Willow and took a seat in the usual chair she sat in during these meetings. Dawn came to sit in the chair next to Buffy. Willow stood in the doorway not sure of what she should do.
"If your friend wants she can sit down in that chair over there." Spike said noticing that the redhead was still standing in the doorway. Willow looked at the chair Spike had pointed to it. She felt like a total retard.
Not to be mean or anything, but who is she and why is she here?" Spike asked Buffy.
"That's Willow. She dropped us off and wanted to know if there was anything she could do to help with the case."
"Yeah that's right. Just wanted to be of some help."
"Oh well I guess we could use all the back up ammo we can get. I was just thinking that it should be kept simple. The only terms that will be under negotiation will be the hours that Mr. Finn gets to spend with Dawn. I'm pretty sure that if we can prove the abuse than you'll be rewarded the hours you want, Ms. Summers." There was that word again. If. It was a small word with a big price. Buffy couldn't let Riley get custody of Dawn. The only way he would be able to see Dawn was if it was during a supervised visit.
"You do think that we can prove the abuse right?"
"Of course. There aren't just your statement, but the hospitals, police departments, and your friend Willow's testimony. We also have Dawn who can testify to some of the abuse, although I don't want to have to use her."
"What if Dawn doesn't want to testify against her own father." Dawn said startling everyone in the room.
"What if she just wants everything to go back to the way they used to be. Can they go back to the way the used to be?"
"Dawnie, I don't."
"Can they go back to the way they used to be!" Dawn was practically screaming. Buffy and Willow were a little nervous. Spike decided that he should speak up. He always had a way with kids.
"Dawn, you don't have to testify, but I don't think that things can go back to the way they used to be."
"Why?" Dawn's voice was pleading and her eyes were big with suppressed tears.
"Because your mommy and daddy don't want things to go back to the way they were. It's not because of you, it's because they can't be around each other anymore. They aren't the same people anymore and they want different things. But the one thing they both want is for you to be happy. If there is anything you want just speak up and I'll make sure that I discuss the best way of doing whatever it is you want out of this mess." Dawn calmed down and answered Spike's question.
"I want to be able to go with my dad to get ice cream once a month like we used to. Do you think that's okay?" Spike looked in Buffy's direction to see if there were any objections. There were some, but Spike thought it would be better to just tell Dawn that he would try.
"I'll try to see what I can do. Now, why don't you go to the day care center that is just a few doors down from here and wait for your mom. I think that they are serving some sort of snack right now. Tell them Spike sent you." Dawn looked at her mother to see if she would let her. Buffy nodded her head and Dawn happily skipped off.
Willow was amazed at how well Spike had just handled that. He sounded like a professional. He didn't say anything about Riley being a bad man, which was a good thing. Dawn needed to think her dad was a good man even if he wasn't. She wondered how he knew exactly just what to say. Even she didn't know what to say to Dawn to make her feel better and she was paid to do that kind of stuff. Buffy was angry at Spike for telling Dawn that she might be able to see Riley once a month to get ice cream. What surprised her most was that she was also impressed by his genuine sincerity. Those were beautiful words that he just said to Dawn to make her feel better. He was definitely a lawyer who cared a great deal about his clients.
" Spike." Was what Buffy finally managed to say.
Spike blushed. She had found out his nickname because he let it slip.
"Yeah, it's just a nickname I picked up. So let's get to the business at hand." Willow's pager went off after he said this. She looked down at it.
"Great, remember the psycho I was telling you about?" she told Buffy.
"The chic on Valium."
"Yeah well she just got up and now I have to go over there and deal with her. Will you be alright getting home?"
Sure."
"Okay then bye." Willow practically ran out of the office. Spike cocked an eyebrow.
"Do I even want to know what that was about?" he asked in a suspicious voice.
"Willow is a psychiatrist. She deals with crazy people all the time."
"Oh that would make a lot more sense then the theory I had worked out in my head." Spike said jokingly. Buffy laughed at the joke. Again he was making her laugh; it was uncanny.
"Well I think we've wasted enough time on small talk, so lets try to focus on why you came here." He stared at into her eyes as he said this.
Buffy wondered why he had to do that. Didn't he know that he had the most beautiful eyes in the world? They were like tiny little pools to his soul. She tried to look away, but her effort was only half-hearted. He was the first person to pull away from their little staring contest.
"Well, like I was saying I don't want to make Dawn testify. Mr. Finn is her dad after all and it would be a draining experience. I also wanted to talk to you about being a little more understanding with the hours. I think that it would be good for the visits to be supervised, but maybe a few more times a month. Like two maybe three Saturdays a month instead of just one. There has to be a little wiggle room."
Buffy only half listened to him. She was looking at his face. He was very handsome. He seemed to get more handsome every time she saw him. It seemed like he did it on purpose.
"I know that I'm probably being a little unreasonable, but I just feel that Dawn is so young and impressionable. I don't want her to get hurt."
"And you don't want her to act like him." Spike finished for her. It would be hard for her to admit that so he did it for her.
"Look I think everything should be fine. Just be truthful tomorrow and everything will run smoothly. This whole new hours thing is just in case. I think you want to end this as soon as possible and the only way of doing that would be to compromise a little."
"Yeah I understand. Well if that's it I think that Dawn and I should be going home."
"Is there a way you can get home?"
Bus."
"Why don't you let me drive you guys home. I have nothing better to do today."
"It might be out of your way."
"Where do you live?"
"Revello Drive."
"Well, that isn't to far away from my place. I live on Hemory."
" Oh I guess that isn't to far away. Alright then, just let me get Dawn."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The drive to Buffy and Dawn's apartment was made on total silence except for the occasional comments made by Dawn about Spike's car. Buffy had imagined that Spike drove a small sports car, but he surprised her when he motioned to a very big, black SUV. It was a very nice car and not what she expected a single twenty-eight year old to have. Dawn instantly feel in love with the car.
They were parked in front of the apartment complex were Buffy and Dawn lived. No one moved for about a minute after Spike turned off the car. Buffy finally spoke up. " Dawn why don't you go inside and get started on your homework. I have one more question to ask Mr. Flannery." Dawn pouted, but decided it wasn't worth the breath. She opened her door, got out and yelled, " Bye Spike."
"Bye Dawn," Spike said back as Dawn shut the door. He then turned his attention to Buffy.
Buffy was sitting quietly staring out the window. She finally realized that Spike was staring at her.
"Oh right. I was just wondering if there was any way that you could pick me up for the trial tomorrow. I'm afraid I'll be late if I take the bus."
"Sure." He expected her to say all right and jump out of the car. When she didn't he was curious to know what was up.
Buffy wanted to move away from the car, but her legs weren't moving. She wondered what was up with her. Sure he was a handsome man and he knew how to talk to kids, but this whole dance was insane. She was still married albeit to a man she hated with passion, but married nonetheless. She couldn't just go off and start dating and sleeping around.
Not that that was what she wanted to do with Spike. Her relationship if you could call it that was more based on respect. Her attraction to him was about his ability to be so open. She hated all this confusion. She didn't even know the man on a more personally level. Although she could if she wanted to. Buffy cleared her throat and was about to talk.
Spike couldn't keep debating this in his mind anymore. She seemed like the type who wouldn't admit to things easily. Stubborn. That was just what he needed, someone who was just as stubborn as he was. He didn't know Buffy as more than a client, but he figured that knowing what he did, he could conclude that she hated to take no for an answer. He knew he had to say something. Buffy was getting ready to talk, but Spike didn't notice.
He spoke faster than she did, "You know I'm having this debate in my mind as to why you aren't moving."
Buffy didn't know what more to say then, "And?"
" Well it's one of two reasons. One either your legs suddenly don't know how to work and you can't move."
"That one is unlikely."
"Or we can go with option number two."
"Which is?"
"That you have the insatiable need to say thank you are something to that affect."
Buffy wasn't sure which one she liked better. Obviously the whole leg thing wouldn't work, but it might be better than admitting to him that he was right. She wanted to say thank you, but it had to be much bigger than that.
"Well." she began
"I was wondering if, as a thank you for helping with Dawn today, you would consider letting me take you to lunch?" Spike pondered the question in his mind. Saying yes would be like setting himself up for defeat. He already felt an attraction to this woman, but going to a meal, even lunch, with her would most likely overwhelm him. Although saying no might crush her. She really needed to have a lot of friends around. She had already admitted to not having to many friends. Friends.
That was what Spike could be. A friend. He had girls who were just friends. Okay so he only had one and she was married to his best friend, but before that they were good friends. He hadn't wanted to be with her or anything. He could build a friendship with Buffy and have nothing happen. After hearing yucky awkward teens stories he probably wouldn't think of her that way anymore.
"Sure I would love lunch."
Buffy let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. He hadn't answered her right away and she wondered if maybe she was to forward.
"Okay then. Lunch it is."
"Are you going to tell me were this lunch will be at and maybe when?"
"After the trial tomorrow. I know this quaint little deli that is located pretty close to your office. I think that you'll enjoy it." Spike wasn't a deli man, but a meal was a meal. Besides it was a meal that would include Buffy which was a plus for it.
"Okay then, well, I think I better get going. Big day tomorrow and I want to be prepared." Buffy said this as she started to exit the car.
"Okay then see you tomorrow." Buffy closed the door and Spike turned on the car. In the back of his mind he wondered what he had just gotten himself into. He shook of the looming feeling of that he had made some sort of mistake and drove away.
"Fred why can't you just talk to Judge Stevens. I'm sure you could convince him to move the trial up to an early date."
"I can't."
"Why the fuck not?"
"Hey lets keep the anger down a bit, k," Wes had been listening to the two people he cared most about argue for about twenty minutes. He hated it when they did that. Fred and Spike got along well enough, but they disagreed on things law wise. Spike was more of the defend the criminals type while Fred was more the put the criminals away type.
"No, Wes, I can handle this by myself. I'll tell you why the fuck not, because I can't just go around like a stuck up bitch asking other judges to move up trials for my friends."
"Well if the shoe fits."
That was enough. Spike was going to say, if not had already said, something that he would regret. Wes had to intervene.
"Look, Spike, I know you want to help but yelling at Fred isn't go to help. It will only end up that you two will stop talking. Let's not have a whole re-make of the OJ Simpson fiasco. You two didn't talk for a week." Both Spike and Fred mumbled what sounded like an 'I'm sorry' and then began to cool off.
"Ok, now can we get back to enjoying or dinner that Fred made for us? I know that it isn't as exciting as yelling at each other, but it's less painful to the friendship."
"Oh, Wes, you don't have to worry about us not being friends. Fred and I argue, but somehow we work things out. Ain't that right Fred." Spike flashed his big, fake, tooth, grin that always made Fred laugh. Fred in spite of her resolve laughed at her friend.
Fred hated it when her and Spike fought, but it seemed to happen a lot when they talked about their jobs. Spike had been an A.D.A when Fred won the position of judge. They had gotten along fine until Spike switched from being put the bad guys away to try to keep the bad guys out of jail. That was when all the disagreeing started. Fred will loved Spike as a friend. Spike had been the one to push her into pursuing Wesley. She would be in his debt for doing something like that for her.
Spike hated to make Wes and Fred unhappy, but this case mattered.
Not because of Buffy or anything like that. She isn't why I'm doing this, although it sure does feel like that is the only reason I'm doing any of this.
Spike put those thoughts out of his head. He wouldn't deny that he was attracted to her, but that was it. He was doing this because it was for the good of the case. Spike pushed his food around with his fork.
If she isn't why I'm doing this than why am I doing this, he wondered.
"Well if it means that much to you I guess I can try and see if Judge Stevens will move up the case. I can't guarantee anything, but I will true. There are you happy now."
"Ecstatic. No really I'm very pleased that you would even consider talking to him. I mean I can be a real piece of shit some times when I don't get my way."
Yeah well I've grown to accept your piece of shit ways."
"We all have." Wes said. Things were returning to there natural flow.
"Alright we've classified that I'm a piece of shit can we eat now?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wes and Spike sat outside on the porch smoking cigarettes and drinking some beers. Fred was washing the dishes and it was time for Wes to talk to his best friend. Spike had been his friend since they were little. At first, Spike helped Wes through some tough times, like when his parents divorced. Then it was Wes's turn to help Spike through troubled times. They had always been there for each other and both knew the other's moods pretty well.
Right now Wes could tell that his friend was in a bit of confusion. He watched as Spike took a sip of his Heineken and then slowly dragged on his cigarette until it was nothing but ashes. His eyes had that sparkle they had when he was in deep thought about things. Wes didn't want to interrupt Spike's thoughts but knew that he had to.
"Spike what are you thinking about?" it was a simple question that didn't have any hidden meaning. It was honest.
"How many cigarettes do you think I go through in a week?" Wes saw that either he was trying to change the subject or all those years of dying his hair blonde were finally going to his head.
"I don't know. Maybe a pack a week. Now that I've answered your question why don't you answer mine."
Shit, he was going to get off the subject anytime soon.
"Nothing just thinking about stupid shit. You know me. I was just thinking. I'm always thinking about fucking nothing in particular." It was an offhanded remark that didn't hold much truth and Wes knew it. His friend couldn't hide anything from him.
"That ain't what your dumb ass was thinking about and I know it. Why did you get so angry with Fred earlier? You've asked her tons of times to do things like that and accepted it. Why did you act like a bastard this time."
"This time is different. It is a very important case."
"It's not like the fucking president is getting a divorce and your defending Barbara Bush here. You don't even like that shitty job."
"I know, but this case is different."
"Fine if you don't want to tell me what the hell is going on that's fine. I will find out though. I always do. So you better tell me know so I can approve your dumb ass decisions before you make them."
"I'm old enough to make my own decisions."
"Old enough but not smart enough."
"Look I better go. It's pretty late and I have that case to work on tomorrow. Tell Fred I said bye, k."
"k" Spike sauntered off to his car as Wes watched with apprehension. Wes picked up the beer bottles and went inside wondering what was up with his friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike went to work early hoping to get some work done. He had been doing this for two days now. Fred had called and said that she got Judge Stevens to move up the date to the thirteenth of June, which was two days away. He had to work his ass off if he wanted to have a presentable argument. Buffy was to show up later that day to discuss everything before they went to trial. Spike hoped that he would be able to forget about his stupid crush on her and just be her lawyer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy had an appointment with Spike today. She knew that it was last one before they went to trial and that they needed to talk about what to expect. He had insisted that Dawn come along. He needed to make sure that Dawn really wanted to live with her before things went any further. Buffy sat waiting for Dawn to get home so they could go. Buffy had been anxious to see him again. She was very assured that nothing would happen, but she still could look. She was still married, but she wasn't dead. She could still think about other men and what would happen if she was in a room alone with one in particular.
A loud knock on the door shook Buffy out of her daydream.
"Who is it." She called out. She didn't want to open the door and see Riley there.
"It's Willow."
"Oh wait a minute, Wills." Buffy got up and opened the door.
"Hey, what are you doing here. I thought that you had a client with some sort of weird psychological disease today."
"Problem with psychos is that they some times forget appointments and take to much Valium the day before."
"Oh well Valium can do that to you."
"So can Demerol and Morphine. So what's up today."
"Meeting with Mr. Flannery. I'm just waiting for Dawn to come home so we can go. We have to get all of our "evidence" ready."
"Oh so you're going to see the hottie lawyer again. Yum."
"Willow. He's good looking, but Dawn will be there."
"Are you saying you would you know, if Dawn wasn't there?"
"No, I'm married. Well okay so not happily considering I'm getting a divorce, but still married."
"I know I'm just teasing. I was wondering if you still needed me to testify on your behalf?"
"I don't know. Will, I mean Mr. Flannery wasn't said anything about it."
Crap that didn't sound good.
"On a first name basis huh. Well isn't that. cozy?"
"He didn't want to be called Mr. Flannery so I happily obliged to call him Will. That's all."
"Sure." Willow was about to say something more when Dawn walked in the door. Willow looked at her. Dawn looked a lot like Buffy. She had the same green eyes and cute little nose. She acted like Buffy too. The only thing that made her seem different from Buffy was the hair color. Dawn had brown hair. It was virtually the only difference between the two.
"Dawn its time to go."
"Why do I have to go to this stupid meeting with this lawyer. I don't want to."
"Dawn come on. It won't be bad I promise."
"Okay."
"Why don't I go with you? I mean you shouldn't have to take the bus when I could give you a ride." Willow couldn't pass up this golden opportunity to see the guy that had Buffy a little more Buffy these days. Buffy glared at Willow for awhile before agreeing and then they all left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike had everything set up and ready for when she arrived. He would make this a short meeting because she was bring her daughter or at least that was what he kept telling himself. He knew that his really reason was so he didn't have to see Buffy for to long of a time. Spike was musing around some more when he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in." he said. When he looked up he expected to see Buffy and her daughter. Instead he was looking at a very petite woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. She was wearing a business suit. Spike was about to ask who she was when she yelled, "Buffy he is in his office."
When Willow opened the door she didn't know what she expected to see. An ugly man who was wearing glasses was not what she opened the door to. Buffy was right he was in fact very good looking. In fact he was more than just good looking he was handsome, even hot. Willow wondered if her cheeks were turning red because she felt like she was blushing. All she could do was yell Buffy's name from across the hall. Buffy came running instantly with Dawn at her side. Willow looked back at the man siting in his chair behind his desk. He was smiling at her. Willow gave him a nervous smile.
Buffy entered the office to see Will grinning nicely and Willow grinning like an idiot. She walked past Willow and took a seat in the usual chair she sat in during these meetings. Dawn came to sit in the chair next to Buffy. Willow stood in the doorway not sure of what she should do.
"If your friend wants she can sit down in that chair over there." Spike said noticing that the redhead was still standing in the doorway. Willow looked at the chair Spike had pointed to it. She felt like a total retard.
Not to be mean or anything, but who is she and why is she here?" Spike asked Buffy.
"That's Willow. She dropped us off and wanted to know if there was anything she could do to help with the case."
"Yeah that's right. Just wanted to be of some help."
"Oh well I guess we could use all the back up ammo we can get. I was just thinking that it should be kept simple. The only terms that will be under negotiation will be the hours that Mr. Finn gets to spend with Dawn. I'm pretty sure that if we can prove the abuse than you'll be rewarded the hours you want, Ms. Summers." There was that word again. If. It was a small word with a big price. Buffy couldn't let Riley get custody of Dawn. The only way he would be able to see Dawn was if it was during a supervised visit.
"You do think that we can prove the abuse right?"
"Of course. There aren't just your statement, but the hospitals, police departments, and your friend Willow's testimony. We also have Dawn who can testify to some of the abuse, although I don't want to have to use her."
"What if Dawn doesn't want to testify against her own father." Dawn said startling everyone in the room.
"What if she just wants everything to go back to the way they used to be. Can they go back to the way the used to be?"
"Dawnie, I don't."
"Can they go back to the way they used to be!" Dawn was practically screaming. Buffy and Willow were a little nervous. Spike decided that he should speak up. He always had a way with kids.
"Dawn, you don't have to testify, but I don't think that things can go back to the way they used to be."
"Why?" Dawn's voice was pleading and her eyes were big with suppressed tears.
"Because your mommy and daddy don't want things to go back to the way they were. It's not because of you, it's because they can't be around each other anymore. They aren't the same people anymore and they want different things. But the one thing they both want is for you to be happy. If there is anything you want just speak up and I'll make sure that I discuss the best way of doing whatever it is you want out of this mess." Dawn calmed down and answered Spike's question.
"I want to be able to go with my dad to get ice cream once a month like we used to. Do you think that's okay?" Spike looked in Buffy's direction to see if there were any objections. There were some, but Spike thought it would be better to just tell Dawn that he would try.
"I'll try to see what I can do. Now, why don't you go to the day care center that is just a few doors down from here and wait for your mom. I think that they are serving some sort of snack right now. Tell them Spike sent you." Dawn looked at her mother to see if she would let her. Buffy nodded her head and Dawn happily skipped off.
Willow was amazed at how well Spike had just handled that. He sounded like a professional. He didn't say anything about Riley being a bad man, which was a good thing. Dawn needed to think her dad was a good man even if he wasn't. She wondered how he knew exactly just what to say. Even she didn't know what to say to Dawn to make her feel better and she was paid to do that kind of stuff. Buffy was angry at Spike for telling Dawn that she might be able to see Riley once a month to get ice cream. What surprised her most was that she was also impressed by his genuine sincerity. Those were beautiful words that he just said to Dawn to make her feel better. He was definitely a lawyer who cared a great deal about his clients.
" Spike." Was what Buffy finally managed to say.
Spike blushed. She had found out his nickname because he let it slip.
"Yeah, it's just a nickname I picked up. So let's get to the business at hand." Willow's pager went off after he said this. She looked down at it.
"Great, remember the psycho I was telling you about?" she told Buffy.
"The chic on Valium."
"Yeah well she just got up and now I have to go over there and deal with her. Will you be alright getting home?"
Sure."
"Okay then bye." Willow practically ran out of the office. Spike cocked an eyebrow.
"Do I even want to know what that was about?" he asked in a suspicious voice.
"Willow is a psychiatrist. She deals with crazy people all the time."
"Oh that would make a lot more sense then the theory I had worked out in my head." Spike said jokingly. Buffy laughed at the joke. Again he was making her laugh; it was uncanny.
"Well I think we've wasted enough time on small talk, so lets try to focus on why you came here." He stared at into her eyes as he said this.
Buffy wondered why he had to do that. Didn't he know that he had the most beautiful eyes in the world? They were like tiny little pools to his soul. She tried to look away, but her effort was only half-hearted. He was the first person to pull away from their little staring contest.
"Well, like I was saying I don't want to make Dawn testify. Mr. Finn is her dad after all and it would be a draining experience. I also wanted to talk to you about being a little more understanding with the hours. I think that it would be good for the visits to be supervised, but maybe a few more times a month. Like two maybe three Saturdays a month instead of just one. There has to be a little wiggle room."
Buffy only half listened to him. She was looking at his face. He was very handsome. He seemed to get more handsome every time she saw him. It seemed like he did it on purpose.
"I know that I'm probably being a little unreasonable, but I just feel that Dawn is so young and impressionable. I don't want her to get hurt."
"And you don't want her to act like him." Spike finished for her. It would be hard for her to admit that so he did it for her.
"Look I think everything should be fine. Just be truthful tomorrow and everything will run smoothly. This whole new hours thing is just in case. I think you want to end this as soon as possible and the only way of doing that would be to compromise a little."
"Yeah I understand. Well if that's it I think that Dawn and I should be going home."
"Is there a way you can get home?"
Bus."
"Why don't you let me drive you guys home. I have nothing better to do today."
"It might be out of your way."
"Where do you live?"
"Revello Drive."
"Well, that isn't to far away from my place. I live on Hemory."
" Oh I guess that isn't to far away. Alright then, just let me get Dawn."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The drive to Buffy and Dawn's apartment was made on total silence except for the occasional comments made by Dawn about Spike's car. Buffy had imagined that Spike drove a small sports car, but he surprised her when he motioned to a very big, black SUV. It was a very nice car and not what she expected a single twenty-eight year old to have. Dawn instantly feel in love with the car.
They were parked in front of the apartment complex were Buffy and Dawn lived. No one moved for about a minute after Spike turned off the car. Buffy finally spoke up. " Dawn why don't you go inside and get started on your homework. I have one more question to ask Mr. Flannery." Dawn pouted, but decided it wasn't worth the breath. She opened her door, got out and yelled, " Bye Spike."
"Bye Dawn," Spike said back as Dawn shut the door. He then turned his attention to Buffy.
Buffy was sitting quietly staring out the window. She finally realized that Spike was staring at her.
"Oh right. I was just wondering if there was any way that you could pick me up for the trial tomorrow. I'm afraid I'll be late if I take the bus."
"Sure." He expected her to say all right and jump out of the car. When she didn't he was curious to know what was up.
Buffy wanted to move away from the car, but her legs weren't moving. She wondered what was up with her. Sure he was a handsome man and he knew how to talk to kids, but this whole dance was insane. She was still married albeit to a man she hated with passion, but married nonetheless. She couldn't just go off and start dating and sleeping around.
Not that that was what she wanted to do with Spike. Her relationship if you could call it that was more based on respect. Her attraction to him was about his ability to be so open. She hated all this confusion. She didn't even know the man on a more personally level. Although she could if she wanted to. Buffy cleared her throat and was about to talk.
Spike couldn't keep debating this in his mind anymore. She seemed like the type who wouldn't admit to things easily. Stubborn. That was just what he needed, someone who was just as stubborn as he was. He didn't know Buffy as more than a client, but he figured that knowing what he did, he could conclude that she hated to take no for an answer. He knew he had to say something. Buffy was getting ready to talk, but Spike didn't notice.
He spoke faster than she did, "You know I'm having this debate in my mind as to why you aren't moving."
Buffy didn't know what more to say then, "And?"
" Well it's one of two reasons. One either your legs suddenly don't know how to work and you can't move."
"That one is unlikely."
"Or we can go with option number two."
"Which is?"
"That you have the insatiable need to say thank you are something to that affect."
Buffy wasn't sure which one she liked better. Obviously the whole leg thing wouldn't work, but it might be better than admitting to him that he was right. She wanted to say thank you, but it had to be much bigger than that.
"Well." she began
"I was wondering if, as a thank you for helping with Dawn today, you would consider letting me take you to lunch?" Spike pondered the question in his mind. Saying yes would be like setting himself up for defeat. He already felt an attraction to this woman, but going to a meal, even lunch, with her would most likely overwhelm him. Although saying no might crush her. She really needed to have a lot of friends around. She had already admitted to not having to many friends. Friends.
That was what Spike could be. A friend. He had girls who were just friends. Okay so he only had one and she was married to his best friend, but before that they were good friends. He hadn't wanted to be with her or anything. He could build a friendship with Buffy and have nothing happen. After hearing yucky awkward teens stories he probably wouldn't think of her that way anymore.
"Sure I would love lunch."
Buffy let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. He hadn't answered her right away and she wondered if maybe she was to forward.
"Okay then. Lunch it is."
"Are you going to tell me were this lunch will be at and maybe when?"
"After the trial tomorrow. I know this quaint little deli that is located pretty close to your office. I think that you'll enjoy it." Spike wasn't a deli man, but a meal was a meal. Besides it was a meal that would include Buffy which was a plus for it.
"Okay then, well, I think I better get going. Big day tomorrow and I want to be prepared." Buffy said this as she started to exit the car.
"Okay then see you tomorrow." Buffy closed the door and Spike turned on the car. In the back of his mind he wondered what he had just gotten himself into. He shook of the looming feeling of that he had made some sort of mistake and drove away.