A/N: So, so, so, so sorry for the long wait. I gave this chapter to my
beta, but sadly she has to quit because of school. So I had to go over this
chapter again and make sure it was ready. Don't get angry with her. She's
been a great beta and I hate to see her go, but other things got in the
way. Thanks for sticking it out this long Anyanka0705; you were a great
beta. Okay so enough with the sad stuff on with the story. Sorry that it's
only one chapter, but I have to go over the other one and make sure it's
good. I was going to wait, but thought that this story needed some
updating. Read and review. I re-formatted the other chapters to make them
easier to read. Thanks to Destinysfate for the title and the review that
the formatting was hard to read. Thanks to all the reviewers!
Chapter 11:
Andrew had just gotten to Buffy's house. It was a small apartment building that wasn't nearly good enough for his stepsister and niece. He wanted to kill Riley for doing this, but thought better of it. He would do anything to keep Buffy safe. He knew that Buffy wasn't his real sister, but he still cared for her deeply. That was why he had rushed to Sunnydale. Getting off from work wasn't hard considering that he owned the medical practice. Getting away from his live-in boyfriend was another story. He could still here his talk with Warren in his head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Andrew was packing his bags to go straight to Sunnydale right after he got off from work. He had been postponing telling Warren that he was leaving for a little while, but now he had to do it. He heard Warren get out of the shower and start to walk to their room. It was now or never Andrew thought. Warren saw the bags on the bed with clothes in them. He had always been a little afraid that Andrew would leave him, but he never really thought that he would.
"What's going on, Andy?"
"Um. I have to go to Sunnydale for a little while. It's Buffy she kinda needs me to go there." Andrew didn't look up at Warren when he said this. He was afraid that Warren would be a little upset at this news.
"Oh that's it. I thought that it was something life altering."
"Like what?"
Warren visibly tensed up. "Oh I thought that you were leaving or something."
"You don't think that I would leave you do you?"
"Well sometimes. it just seems that maybe. I don't know that you get irritated and want to leave."
"I get frustrated sometimes. All the work things and stuff."
"No it isn't just that. You get irritated with me."
"No, I don't."
"Don't try to deny it. I know you do. I know why also. It's because of my friends. It's because I won't tell them I'm gay." Andrew was silent for a little while. Warren knew that he had hit it right on the nose.
"Look, I don't really want to discuss this now. I have to leave now if I want to get in Sunnydale before dark. I promise that we can talk about this when I get back."
"Fine just leave."
"Warren don't do this."
"Do what? Act like you're just leaving in the middle of a discussion."
"You know what, why don't you come to Sunnydale tomorrow? We can talk this out more. I just have to leave. I'll see you later. I love you."
"Yeah sure."
Andrew just left after that. Now he wished that he had stayed and talked it out. He needed to know that Warren was okay, but Buffy had been top on his priority list. He got out of his car and walked the distance to Buffy's small apartment. He thought about how much of a change this had to be for both Buffy and Dawn. They had lived in a nice house and now they were living in a little apartment. Andrew got to apartment number 6 and knocked on the door.
Buffy had been waiting for Andrew to show up. It was already past the time that he said he would show up and that kinda bothered her. When she heard the knock at the door she hurried to answer it.
"Andrew, you're here thank goodness you made it."
"Where's Dawn?"
"Oh, she's asleep now. It is nine o'clock and she has school tomorrow. So how have you been?"
"Good actually. Things have been a little hectic, but I've been handling them with pace."
"You haven't changed much." Buffy looked at her stepbrother. He still had the same blonde hair and brown eyes. He hadn't changed anything in his appearance.
"What did you think that because I decided to come out of the closet that I would do it wearing some outrageous outfit and a new hair color?"
"I wasn't sure how the gay community worked. I thought that you all had to become hairstylist or something."
"No, but we don have to take an oath to stay gay for as long as possible." Buffy laughed.
"So are you nervous?"
"No not really. I just found out that my mom is going to testify against me. I didn't see that coming."
"Oh."
Buffy saw the look on Andrew's face saying that he knew that it must be hard, but also saying what was going to happen now.
"All we can do is just sit and wait. Riley's lawyer is letting us have all the witnesses we want with a get free card."
"What else can we do?"
"I don't know. Will, said that he had something up his sleeve."
"Oh the lawyer." Buffy heard the tone in Andrew's voice and looked at him with annoyance.
"Yes the lawyer."
"So have you tried to talk things out with him?"
"Yes, after that embarrassing kiss we had."
"Kiss!?"
"Yeah. It was actually quiet a good kiss. I told him that it didn't mean anything and he agreed."
"He only agreed because he thought that that was what you wanted to hear." Andrew said sensing that Buffy was disappointed with the fact that this lawyer guy didn't see her that way.
"Look, Buffy, I'm the first one to say when you've picked Mr. All-Wrong. I was the first to say it with Parker and with Riley. I haven't met this guy, but I can tell that he must be a good guy. He doesn't want to take advantage of you during this tough time. He thinks that not having a relationship is what you want and he is just trying to go by your wishes."
"I guess that you might be right. I just don't know for sure."
"Trust me. Now if you don't mind I'm really tired and would like to get some sleep. Can you show me where I will be sleeping."
"Right here on the couch, unless you would like to check into a hotel. The couch is all I got."
"It is perfect."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy woke up early with a feeling of uneasiness that she just couldn't shake off. She got up and walked all over her room. She didn't know what to do, but she knew that she couldn't go back to sleep. She looked at the clock that was on her bedside table. The red numbers flashed 5:30.
It was too early to start getting ready so she decided that it would be best to sit and wait. Wait until it was time to get Dawn ready and time to go to the courthouse. It would be a long wait, but she would have to do it. She decided that it would be okay if she went out into the kitchen and made some coffee. If she were really quiet then she wouldn't walk up Dawn or Andrew.
She silently made her way out into the living room and so Andrew sitting up with his hands rubbing his forehead. He looked tensed and stressed. Buffy took a step closer to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"What's wrong?" She said, her voice dripping with concern.
"It's nothing."
"Nothing wouldn't make you look all stressed out."
"Yeah well I guess it's everything then. I just. I think that I'm a little too young to be having so much anxiety."
"Well, is it a combination of things or is one major thing surround by little things?"
"The latter actually. Remember how I was telling you about Warren?"
"Yes."
"Well he actually thinks that I would leave him. I'm wondering if maybe I should. We don't have much in common. I mean he's the big tough guy and I'm more of the intellect that would rather go to the museum then watch a football game."
"Opposites attract."
Andrew looked at Buffy. She was trying to cheer him up and so far her effort was only half-hearted. He could see that she had her own problems to deal with and he didn't wasn't to give her more of a burden.
"Well, Warren is going to come here today, hopefully. I really want to straighten things out between us. I really do love him."
"Yeah well why don't I make us some coffee?"
"No I try not to drink the stuff."
"Well I could really use a cup. My nerves are all outta whack."
"Okay then I'll just have a coke or something."
"In the morning?"
"I have to substitute the caffeine some how."
"Okay." Buffy got up and headed to the kitchen when she heard Andrew calling her.
"Buffy."
"Yeah."
"I'm really sorry that I started to break down in front of you. It's just that things have been so shitty lately. Of course you probably know all about shitty."
"Yeah I got a whole bag of shitty sitting outside of the front door if you care to take some."
"No I think that I have enough."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy's hands were sweaty as she stepped inside the courtroom. Sure Andrew was there and things did seem a little easier with him there, but it was still nerve wracking. In the morning she had Dawn to take her mind off of the case, but now the butterflies were coming back even more. Willow had taken the day off to sit in the courtroom also. Then there was Spike. He was sitting on the plaintiff side of the courtroom shuffling through papers. He looked like he hadn't slept and was living on three cups of Starbucks coffee. Buffy and Andrew made their way to Spike.
Spike was trying to distract himself by shuffling papers. He wasn't really looking for anything, but he was a little jittery. That was what café lattes would do to you. He knew that he would have to use Dawn as a witness and that didn't sit right with him. Of course he would have to get Joyce to say the right words. If she didn't then there would be no chance for a rebuttal witness. Spike heard footsteps coming towards him and he looked up to see who it was. He came face to face with Buffy and a guy that he assumed was Andrew.
"Hey, just looking for bit of information 'fore we get started." Damn it you can't let your accent slip right now. Calm down everything is going to be fine. You just need to breathe. Like Willow said. Breathing is good. Spike started to speak again.
"I think that we will do just fine. Free evidence never hurt anybody. Even if the lawyer is trying to work and angle." Buffy knew that he was also nervous.
" Sp.Will this is Andrew. Andrew this is Will." Buffy was about to say Spike, but thought that it would be more professional if she said Will.
"Nice to meet you. I think that we have everything in order. I know that I didn't get to prep you, but you should be able to use common sense. Besides, we are getting free shots here."
Andrew was eyeing the lawyer, appreciatively. He could see the attraction Buffy held for this man. He was pretty good looking, although the suit didn't really fit him right. It clashed too much with his hair that had platinum blonde tips. Of course Andrew was deeply in love, but that didn't mean he couldn't look.
"Um. yeah Buff told me about that. I can't believe that Joyce would go so low. I know that she didn't know Riley's violent side, but it is staring her in the face."
"Yeah, well, there isn't much that we can do for that. I'm just hopping that she says what I need her to say."
"You've got a trick up your sleeve?"
"Just a little one. For now we have to play it cool."
"Cool as ice." Buffy said. Willow had been looking from her seat and thought that maybe it might be a good idea to join them. She also had to speak with Spike about the therapy session.
"Hey guys." She pulled Andrew into a big hug and Andrew responded by hugging her back.
"Andy it's so good to see you."
"Same here Wills."
"Later you, Buffy, and I should go do something. After this whole court thing today."
"Yeah that would be fun. We could get lunch or something."
"Yeah I know this place." Buffy started to talk about a little café she knew about. Spike decided that he shouldn't listen to this conversation. It was of a personal nature and it didn't concern him. He sat down and continued to rummage through his papers.
"Hey, Spike, we were wondering if you wanted to come with us?" Willow said. Andrew had suggested it, to Buffy's annoyance and Willow thought it was a good idea.
"Huh?"
"To lunch."
"Oh I thought that it was more of a close friend thing."
"Well you're a friend of Buffy's and we want to get to know you," Andrew said, "You've helped her through this tough time and I think that I owe you a lunch."
"Well I can't so no to a free lunch. Why don't you guys start to sit down now? It's almost time to start." Andrew went to sit behind Buffy and Spike and Willow leaned in to speak with Spike.
"Look I really think that we made some progress yesterday. I won't charge you for more sessions so let's discuss a regular meeting time."
"Okay." Willow then left to sit with Andrew.
Spike and Buffy sat in silence until Dru and Riley walked in. Dru briskly made her way to her seat with Riley following close behind. She looked over at to Spike and a forced smile. Spike smirked at her and she went back to looking at some papers. It seemed that looking at papers was the thing that lawyers did when they had nothing else to keep them busy, Buffy thought. She looked at Riley.
He seemed to be holding up just fine. He was clean-shaven and his hair was cut short. He was wearing a nice suit. Buffy had noticed that throughout the whole trial Riley had made it a priority to look nice. Usually he would be dressed in a normal pair of jeans and a shirt with beer stains on it. Buffy looked at the judge and stood. It would be a very long day, she thought and then sat down.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike sat in his seat looking at nothing in particular. Andrew had just given a good testimony, but it wasn't like Dru was making it hard. Spike had been right about one thing Buffy had been the dramatic effect factor. She didn't have to cry or anything like that for someone to realize that she wasn't lying. Of course they would have to deal with Buffy's mother. Spike had no clue about what she would say. All he knew was that he had to get her to say the right thing in order to use Dawn as a rebuttal witness against Dru's rebuttal witness. Spike was sitting in the restaurant thinking about nothing but the case until Willow asked him a question.
"So, Spike is it?"
"Um. Yeah." Spike said not really knowing what she had said.
"That's an interesting nickname. How did you get it?" Andrew asked. He wanted to know more about this man who Buffy said was perfect.
"Um. long story that I don't want to get into right now. Let's just say that someone called me it and it just stuck. Then of course it came in handy to have in the courtroom. Always nice to have a nickname when you're a A.D.A."
"Oh a mystery. Okay don't tell us if it's too personal. Just play a game of twenty questions with us." Andrew said.
"Yeah it'll be fun. But Buffy doesn't get to ask any questions because she knows a lot about you already. Only answering Andrew's and my question." Willow said.
"Why do I have a feeling that I will end up hanging myself."
"We won't kill you. Trust us."
"Okay what do you think they're going to do to me?" Spike asked Buffy who was sitting in the chair right next to him.
"I think that I would just answer the questions. They won't stop hounding you if you don't."
"Alright. Shoot, but not literally."
"Okay let me go first. Alright Spike um simple question where are you from?" Andrew said.
"Do you want a whole geographical map of my life?"
"Something like that."
"Okay well I was born in Britain and then when I was seven when we moved to Sunnydale. Lived here since then."
"Okay my turn. What are your hobbies and interests?"
"I have a few actually. I love to write and on the weekends I go out to the park with my dog and my niece and nephew. I also like to play the guitar and other musical instruments. I love to cook. Like cake and junk food, but also regular food too. I don't know if you call this a hobby, but I like to hang out with my family and friends."
"Oh nice answer. Andrew?"
"Okay let's see. Hum. I got one. Favorite movie of all time?"
"That's a tough one. The favorite ones always are. I hated the British movies so let me narrow it done to only a few American movies." Spike thought for a moment. He hadn't seen anything new besides Pokemon the Movie and he couldn't think of a movie he would classify as his favorite.
"When Harry Met Sally." The table exploded in laughter.
"What it's a good movie."
"A chick flick don't you think?" Willow said.
"Well you told me to pick one so I did. I'm not sure it's my favorite, but it's a good movie."
"Okay well I have a question. Why law?"
"Interesting question. Well I was always interested in arguing and I wasn't sure what type of career I could get with those skills. When I was a teenager I got into a lot of trouble and spent a lot of time in law offices. I grew to love it. Even though my school attendance wasn't spectacular my grades and tests scores were good and I worked hard to get into a good college. Declared law my major even in my freshman year. I just love being a lawyer. It's like the courtroom is my second home."
"Good a man who loves his job. That's always a good thing. All right so let me see best friend and why?"
"Hey that's two questions." Willow said.
"You can ask two after. Let the man answer." Andrew said.
"That's an easy one. That would be my best friend Wesley Wyndom-Pyrce. Why he's my best friend well that's easy too. We've known each other since we were really little. When his parents got divorced that was right around the time my parents wanted to move to America. His mom really didn't want to stay in Britain. She was American so she loved America. So we moved together. We've been best friends ever since."
"Okay so my turn to ask a question. I get to have two. Let me see one question would be what's with the hair."
"What's wrong with my hair?"
"Nothing it just clashes with the whole 'I'm a professional lawyer' look. Just wanted to know what was up with it."
"Well it used to be totally dyed bleached blonde. Kinda gave it that whole Billy Idol wannabe look. The D.A office didn't mind, but my professional job did. I let dye fade for that job, but when I got fired I decided I like the look a little so I dyed just the tips."
"Okay and here's another one. What is your big dream for life."
"To own my own law firm. I want it to be successful, but if it only makes enough to live on I won't care. Anything else?"
Willow and Andrew hounded them until they asked all twenty-one questions. It was more like twenty two question game because they had to make it equal. They asked him questions ranging from his likes and dislikes to where he went to school. Sometimes they would laugh at the ridiculous questions. It was nice for Spike to get away and have lunch with people who didn't know everything about his dark sordid past.
True Buffy and Willow knew some about his life, but not everything. Andrew had been very nice and he knew nothing about his life before. It was great. He could be himself around them and not have to walk on eggshells. Their food came and they ate with some light conversation and laughter. Buffy was quiet until Spike made her come out more. These were her friends after all. Lunch was finished and they were still enjoying each other's company.
Spike was sipping down his Cola and the others had wines in their hands when he heard Andrew say, "Why don't' you have a glass of wine, Spike?"
Willow and Buffy glanced at each other nervously.
"I thought we were done with the twenty-one questions." Spike said.
"It was just a question. Do you have to be in court after this?"
"No just try not to drink alcohol. Cutting down as much as I can."
"Yeah I really should to. Got rid of the coffee, but still have the bad habit of soda and wine. I think I've been drinking way too much lately."
"Yeah I know how that feels." Spike said. He was about to add more, but his cell phone rang. He pulled his cell phone out of his suit pocket and looked at the caller information. It was Cordy's cell.
"I have to get this. I'll be right outside." Spike said as he answered his phone and made his way outside.
"Okay so why haven't you jumped his bones yet?" Andrew asked as soon as Spike was out of hearing range.
"Andrew what kind of question is that?" Buffy said.
"The kind that is asking you why you haven't snagged up that hottie and gave him a reason never to leave you." Andrew said.
"I really don't want to get into this again. We are just friends. We can't take this any further, because I'm still married and we aren't at that point."
"Oh please you are so at that point. Shoot I'm almost at that point. If he was gay. lets just say that I would forget all about my loving boyfriend and take him for a ride." Andrew said.
"Andrew!"
"He's right you know. Boy if I weren't married I would be right there where Andrew's at. The man is hot, smart, funny, sweet, and he knows how to cook. He's fucking as close to perfect as anyone can come. Sure the issues are a thing, but who doesn't have issues. Buffy you need to scope that one up and fast."
"You guys are crazy. I just said that we aren't there and you are pushing this still. Look let me handle this on my own."
"Do you like him?" Andrew said.
"Yes of course. I would have to be gay not to. I mean look at him, but this is my life and I'm going to make my choices. If I want to take this slow then I well. If he likes me as well he'll wait."
"Just don't take forever. That is what a good guy looks like in case you weren't sure." Willow said.
"Okay changing the subject. What do you guys want to do after this?" Buffy said.
"Well Warren never called to say if he was coming or not. I was thinking that we should go to the mall. They do have a mall don't they?" Andrew said.
"Yes, Andy, we have a mall. I guess we could spend a day there. I have nothing better to do, how about you Buff." Willow said.
"Well it's almost two. If we stop by my house and pick up Dawn then of course she and I would be up for the mall." Buffy said.
"Good so we have a plan. Hang out and it'll be just like old times. Except there'll be a kid tagging along." Andrew said.
"It's really not that big a difference."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike took another drag from his cigarette. He had been arguing with Cordy for about five minutes now and it was riding thin on his nerves. He loved Cordy and he loved his brother, but they just didn't know when to give up.
"Cordy I don't know if I should." On the other end Cordy sighed.
"You're such and asswhole. Just come down and see your brother already." She couldn't believe Spike was being like that.
"Cordy after what happened last time. I just need to come when I feel like it."
"You don't want to make sure Angel's alright?"
"I didn't say that. I was planning to stop by tomorrow. It's just with work and all that I don't have time today."
"Okay I under."
"Give me the god damn phone. Spike you better get your bony ass down here right this instant."
"Anya calm down."
"No I'm talking to my dickhead of a brother."
Spike could hear that Anya was mad and that everyone was trying to calm her down.
"Now you listen to me, William, you will get your ass down here and see your brother. Cordy has been under a lot of fucking stress and she needs a break. You're going to come down here and stay with Angel if it fucking kills you. You got it."
"Anya calm the shit down. I'll see what I can do."
"No you're going to do a helluva lot more then see. You're going to fucking do it. And don't tell me to calm my shit down. I'll do that when I want to. No get over here to the hospital in ten minutes or a I swear to god."
"All right. Give me fifteen. Just be more calm when I get there."
"I'll try." Anya said hanging up the phone.
"Shit." Spike said. He hung up his cell phone and put it back in his jacket. He walked inside the restaurant and to the table that he was sitting at.
"Sorry to cut out so early, but I have to go to the hospital." Spike said picking up his suitcase.
"Is Angel okay?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah he's fine. Anya just wants to take Cordy and the kids away from the hospital for a little while and enjoy a good time. They need me to baby- sit. Never thought I'd baby-sit my older brother. Anyway sorry again."
"No it's okay. We were just about to leave right now as well. Have to pick up Dawn and then were headed out for some fun as well." Willow said.
"Okay well I'll see you guys soon." Spike said as he pulled out his wallet.
"No it's free remember." Andrew said.
"Okay, well bye."
"Bye." Spike said as he left the restaurant and headed for his car.
A/N: Okay so now that you've read this you have to review. You don't have to, but the process is much appreciated. Remember I'm not a qualified beta and I only skimmed through this chapter so don't go to hard on the grammatical errors and such. If anyone would like the beta job is up for grabs. Just let me know if you want it.
Chapter 11:
Andrew had just gotten to Buffy's house. It was a small apartment building that wasn't nearly good enough for his stepsister and niece. He wanted to kill Riley for doing this, but thought better of it. He would do anything to keep Buffy safe. He knew that Buffy wasn't his real sister, but he still cared for her deeply. That was why he had rushed to Sunnydale. Getting off from work wasn't hard considering that he owned the medical practice. Getting away from his live-in boyfriend was another story. He could still here his talk with Warren in his head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Andrew was packing his bags to go straight to Sunnydale right after he got off from work. He had been postponing telling Warren that he was leaving for a little while, but now he had to do it. He heard Warren get out of the shower and start to walk to their room. It was now or never Andrew thought. Warren saw the bags on the bed with clothes in them. He had always been a little afraid that Andrew would leave him, but he never really thought that he would.
"What's going on, Andy?"
"Um. I have to go to Sunnydale for a little while. It's Buffy she kinda needs me to go there." Andrew didn't look up at Warren when he said this. He was afraid that Warren would be a little upset at this news.
"Oh that's it. I thought that it was something life altering."
"Like what?"
Warren visibly tensed up. "Oh I thought that you were leaving or something."
"You don't think that I would leave you do you?"
"Well sometimes. it just seems that maybe. I don't know that you get irritated and want to leave."
"I get frustrated sometimes. All the work things and stuff."
"No it isn't just that. You get irritated with me."
"No, I don't."
"Don't try to deny it. I know you do. I know why also. It's because of my friends. It's because I won't tell them I'm gay." Andrew was silent for a little while. Warren knew that he had hit it right on the nose.
"Look, I don't really want to discuss this now. I have to leave now if I want to get in Sunnydale before dark. I promise that we can talk about this when I get back."
"Fine just leave."
"Warren don't do this."
"Do what? Act like you're just leaving in the middle of a discussion."
"You know what, why don't you come to Sunnydale tomorrow? We can talk this out more. I just have to leave. I'll see you later. I love you."
"Yeah sure."
Andrew just left after that. Now he wished that he had stayed and talked it out. He needed to know that Warren was okay, but Buffy had been top on his priority list. He got out of his car and walked the distance to Buffy's small apartment. He thought about how much of a change this had to be for both Buffy and Dawn. They had lived in a nice house and now they were living in a little apartment. Andrew got to apartment number 6 and knocked on the door.
Buffy had been waiting for Andrew to show up. It was already past the time that he said he would show up and that kinda bothered her. When she heard the knock at the door she hurried to answer it.
"Andrew, you're here thank goodness you made it."
"Where's Dawn?"
"Oh, she's asleep now. It is nine o'clock and she has school tomorrow. So how have you been?"
"Good actually. Things have been a little hectic, but I've been handling them with pace."
"You haven't changed much." Buffy looked at her stepbrother. He still had the same blonde hair and brown eyes. He hadn't changed anything in his appearance.
"What did you think that because I decided to come out of the closet that I would do it wearing some outrageous outfit and a new hair color?"
"I wasn't sure how the gay community worked. I thought that you all had to become hairstylist or something."
"No, but we don have to take an oath to stay gay for as long as possible." Buffy laughed.
"So are you nervous?"
"No not really. I just found out that my mom is going to testify against me. I didn't see that coming."
"Oh."
Buffy saw the look on Andrew's face saying that he knew that it must be hard, but also saying what was going to happen now.
"All we can do is just sit and wait. Riley's lawyer is letting us have all the witnesses we want with a get free card."
"What else can we do?"
"I don't know. Will, said that he had something up his sleeve."
"Oh the lawyer." Buffy heard the tone in Andrew's voice and looked at him with annoyance.
"Yes the lawyer."
"So have you tried to talk things out with him?"
"Yes, after that embarrassing kiss we had."
"Kiss!?"
"Yeah. It was actually quiet a good kiss. I told him that it didn't mean anything and he agreed."
"He only agreed because he thought that that was what you wanted to hear." Andrew said sensing that Buffy was disappointed with the fact that this lawyer guy didn't see her that way.
"Look, Buffy, I'm the first one to say when you've picked Mr. All-Wrong. I was the first to say it with Parker and with Riley. I haven't met this guy, but I can tell that he must be a good guy. He doesn't want to take advantage of you during this tough time. He thinks that not having a relationship is what you want and he is just trying to go by your wishes."
"I guess that you might be right. I just don't know for sure."
"Trust me. Now if you don't mind I'm really tired and would like to get some sleep. Can you show me where I will be sleeping."
"Right here on the couch, unless you would like to check into a hotel. The couch is all I got."
"It is perfect."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy woke up early with a feeling of uneasiness that she just couldn't shake off. She got up and walked all over her room. She didn't know what to do, but she knew that she couldn't go back to sleep. She looked at the clock that was on her bedside table. The red numbers flashed 5:30.
It was too early to start getting ready so she decided that it would be best to sit and wait. Wait until it was time to get Dawn ready and time to go to the courthouse. It would be a long wait, but she would have to do it. She decided that it would be okay if she went out into the kitchen and made some coffee. If she were really quiet then she wouldn't walk up Dawn or Andrew.
She silently made her way out into the living room and so Andrew sitting up with his hands rubbing his forehead. He looked tensed and stressed. Buffy took a step closer to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"What's wrong?" She said, her voice dripping with concern.
"It's nothing."
"Nothing wouldn't make you look all stressed out."
"Yeah well I guess it's everything then. I just. I think that I'm a little too young to be having so much anxiety."
"Well, is it a combination of things or is one major thing surround by little things?"
"The latter actually. Remember how I was telling you about Warren?"
"Yes."
"Well he actually thinks that I would leave him. I'm wondering if maybe I should. We don't have much in common. I mean he's the big tough guy and I'm more of the intellect that would rather go to the museum then watch a football game."
"Opposites attract."
Andrew looked at Buffy. She was trying to cheer him up and so far her effort was only half-hearted. He could see that she had her own problems to deal with and he didn't wasn't to give her more of a burden.
"Well, Warren is going to come here today, hopefully. I really want to straighten things out between us. I really do love him."
"Yeah well why don't I make us some coffee?"
"No I try not to drink the stuff."
"Well I could really use a cup. My nerves are all outta whack."
"Okay then I'll just have a coke or something."
"In the morning?"
"I have to substitute the caffeine some how."
"Okay." Buffy got up and headed to the kitchen when she heard Andrew calling her.
"Buffy."
"Yeah."
"I'm really sorry that I started to break down in front of you. It's just that things have been so shitty lately. Of course you probably know all about shitty."
"Yeah I got a whole bag of shitty sitting outside of the front door if you care to take some."
"No I think that I have enough."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy's hands were sweaty as she stepped inside the courtroom. Sure Andrew was there and things did seem a little easier with him there, but it was still nerve wracking. In the morning she had Dawn to take her mind off of the case, but now the butterflies were coming back even more. Willow had taken the day off to sit in the courtroom also. Then there was Spike. He was sitting on the plaintiff side of the courtroom shuffling through papers. He looked like he hadn't slept and was living on three cups of Starbucks coffee. Buffy and Andrew made their way to Spike.
Spike was trying to distract himself by shuffling papers. He wasn't really looking for anything, but he was a little jittery. That was what café lattes would do to you. He knew that he would have to use Dawn as a witness and that didn't sit right with him. Of course he would have to get Joyce to say the right words. If she didn't then there would be no chance for a rebuttal witness. Spike heard footsteps coming towards him and he looked up to see who it was. He came face to face with Buffy and a guy that he assumed was Andrew.
"Hey, just looking for bit of information 'fore we get started." Damn it you can't let your accent slip right now. Calm down everything is going to be fine. You just need to breathe. Like Willow said. Breathing is good. Spike started to speak again.
"I think that we will do just fine. Free evidence never hurt anybody. Even if the lawyer is trying to work and angle." Buffy knew that he was also nervous.
" Sp.Will this is Andrew. Andrew this is Will." Buffy was about to say Spike, but thought that it would be more professional if she said Will.
"Nice to meet you. I think that we have everything in order. I know that I didn't get to prep you, but you should be able to use common sense. Besides, we are getting free shots here."
Andrew was eyeing the lawyer, appreciatively. He could see the attraction Buffy held for this man. He was pretty good looking, although the suit didn't really fit him right. It clashed too much with his hair that had platinum blonde tips. Of course Andrew was deeply in love, but that didn't mean he couldn't look.
"Um. yeah Buff told me about that. I can't believe that Joyce would go so low. I know that she didn't know Riley's violent side, but it is staring her in the face."
"Yeah, well, there isn't much that we can do for that. I'm just hopping that she says what I need her to say."
"You've got a trick up your sleeve?"
"Just a little one. For now we have to play it cool."
"Cool as ice." Buffy said. Willow had been looking from her seat and thought that maybe it might be a good idea to join them. She also had to speak with Spike about the therapy session.
"Hey guys." She pulled Andrew into a big hug and Andrew responded by hugging her back.
"Andy it's so good to see you."
"Same here Wills."
"Later you, Buffy, and I should go do something. After this whole court thing today."
"Yeah that would be fun. We could get lunch or something."
"Yeah I know this place." Buffy started to talk about a little café she knew about. Spike decided that he shouldn't listen to this conversation. It was of a personal nature and it didn't concern him. He sat down and continued to rummage through his papers.
"Hey, Spike, we were wondering if you wanted to come with us?" Willow said. Andrew had suggested it, to Buffy's annoyance and Willow thought it was a good idea.
"Huh?"
"To lunch."
"Oh I thought that it was more of a close friend thing."
"Well you're a friend of Buffy's and we want to get to know you," Andrew said, "You've helped her through this tough time and I think that I owe you a lunch."
"Well I can't so no to a free lunch. Why don't you guys start to sit down now? It's almost time to start." Andrew went to sit behind Buffy and Spike and Willow leaned in to speak with Spike.
"Look I really think that we made some progress yesterday. I won't charge you for more sessions so let's discuss a regular meeting time."
"Okay." Willow then left to sit with Andrew.
Spike and Buffy sat in silence until Dru and Riley walked in. Dru briskly made her way to her seat with Riley following close behind. She looked over at to Spike and a forced smile. Spike smirked at her and she went back to looking at some papers. It seemed that looking at papers was the thing that lawyers did when they had nothing else to keep them busy, Buffy thought. She looked at Riley.
He seemed to be holding up just fine. He was clean-shaven and his hair was cut short. He was wearing a nice suit. Buffy had noticed that throughout the whole trial Riley had made it a priority to look nice. Usually he would be dressed in a normal pair of jeans and a shirt with beer stains on it. Buffy looked at the judge and stood. It would be a very long day, she thought and then sat down.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike sat in his seat looking at nothing in particular. Andrew had just given a good testimony, but it wasn't like Dru was making it hard. Spike had been right about one thing Buffy had been the dramatic effect factor. She didn't have to cry or anything like that for someone to realize that she wasn't lying. Of course they would have to deal with Buffy's mother. Spike had no clue about what she would say. All he knew was that he had to get her to say the right thing in order to use Dawn as a rebuttal witness against Dru's rebuttal witness. Spike was sitting in the restaurant thinking about nothing but the case until Willow asked him a question.
"So, Spike is it?"
"Um. Yeah." Spike said not really knowing what she had said.
"That's an interesting nickname. How did you get it?" Andrew asked. He wanted to know more about this man who Buffy said was perfect.
"Um. long story that I don't want to get into right now. Let's just say that someone called me it and it just stuck. Then of course it came in handy to have in the courtroom. Always nice to have a nickname when you're a A.D.A."
"Oh a mystery. Okay don't tell us if it's too personal. Just play a game of twenty questions with us." Andrew said.
"Yeah it'll be fun. But Buffy doesn't get to ask any questions because she knows a lot about you already. Only answering Andrew's and my question." Willow said.
"Why do I have a feeling that I will end up hanging myself."
"We won't kill you. Trust us."
"Okay what do you think they're going to do to me?" Spike asked Buffy who was sitting in the chair right next to him.
"I think that I would just answer the questions. They won't stop hounding you if you don't."
"Alright. Shoot, but not literally."
"Okay let me go first. Alright Spike um simple question where are you from?" Andrew said.
"Do you want a whole geographical map of my life?"
"Something like that."
"Okay well I was born in Britain and then when I was seven when we moved to Sunnydale. Lived here since then."
"Okay my turn. What are your hobbies and interests?"
"I have a few actually. I love to write and on the weekends I go out to the park with my dog and my niece and nephew. I also like to play the guitar and other musical instruments. I love to cook. Like cake and junk food, but also regular food too. I don't know if you call this a hobby, but I like to hang out with my family and friends."
"Oh nice answer. Andrew?"
"Okay let's see. Hum. I got one. Favorite movie of all time?"
"That's a tough one. The favorite ones always are. I hated the British movies so let me narrow it done to only a few American movies." Spike thought for a moment. He hadn't seen anything new besides Pokemon the Movie and he couldn't think of a movie he would classify as his favorite.
"When Harry Met Sally." The table exploded in laughter.
"What it's a good movie."
"A chick flick don't you think?" Willow said.
"Well you told me to pick one so I did. I'm not sure it's my favorite, but it's a good movie."
"Okay well I have a question. Why law?"
"Interesting question. Well I was always interested in arguing and I wasn't sure what type of career I could get with those skills. When I was a teenager I got into a lot of trouble and spent a lot of time in law offices. I grew to love it. Even though my school attendance wasn't spectacular my grades and tests scores were good and I worked hard to get into a good college. Declared law my major even in my freshman year. I just love being a lawyer. It's like the courtroom is my second home."
"Good a man who loves his job. That's always a good thing. All right so let me see best friend and why?"
"Hey that's two questions." Willow said.
"You can ask two after. Let the man answer." Andrew said.
"That's an easy one. That would be my best friend Wesley Wyndom-Pyrce. Why he's my best friend well that's easy too. We've known each other since we were really little. When his parents got divorced that was right around the time my parents wanted to move to America. His mom really didn't want to stay in Britain. She was American so she loved America. So we moved together. We've been best friends ever since."
"Okay so my turn to ask a question. I get to have two. Let me see one question would be what's with the hair."
"What's wrong with my hair?"
"Nothing it just clashes with the whole 'I'm a professional lawyer' look. Just wanted to know what was up with it."
"Well it used to be totally dyed bleached blonde. Kinda gave it that whole Billy Idol wannabe look. The D.A office didn't mind, but my professional job did. I let dye fade for that job, but when I got fired I decided I like the look a little so I dyed just the tips."
"Okay and here's another one. What is your big dream for life."
"To own my own law firm. I want it to be successful, but if it only makes enough to live on I won't care. Anything else?"
Willow and Andrew hounded them until they asked all twenty-one questions. It was more like twenty two question game because they had to make it equal. They asked him questions ranging from his likes and dislikes to where he went to school. Sometimes they would laugh at the ridiculous questions. It was nice for Spike to get away and have lunch with people who didn't know everything about his dark sordid past.
True Buffy and Willow knew some about his life, but not everything. Andrew had been very nice and he knew nothing about his life before. It was great. He could be himself around them and not have to walk on eggshells. Their food came and they ate with some light conversation and laughter. Buffy was quiet until Spike made her come out more. These were her friends after all. Lunch was finished and they were still enjoying each other's company.
Spike was sipping down his Cola and the others had wines in their hands when he heard Andrew say, "Why don't' you have a glass of wine, Spike?"
Willow and Buffy glanced at each other nervously.
"I thought we were done with the twenty-one questions." Spike said.
"It was just a question. Do you have to be in court after this?"
"No just try not to drink alcohol. Cutting down as much as I can."
"Yeah I really should to. Got rid of the coffee, but still have the bad habit of soda and wine. I think I've been drinking way too much lately."
"Yeah I know how that feels." Spike said. He was about to add more, but his cell phone rang. He pulled his cell phone out of his suit pocket and looked at the caller information. It was Cordy's cell.
"I have to get this. I'll be right outside." Spike said as he answered his phone and made his way outside.
"Okay so why haven't you jumped his bones yet?" Andrew asked as soon as Spike was out of hearing range.
"Andrew what kind of question is that?" Buffy said.
"The kind that is asking you why you haven't snagged up that hottie and gave him a reason never to leave you." Andrew said.
"I really don't want to get into this again. We are just friends. We can't take this any further, because I'm still married and we aren't at that point."
"Oh please you are so at that point. Shoot I'm almost at that point. If he was gay. lets just say that I would forget all about my loving boyfriend and take him for a ride." Andrew said.
"Andrew!"
"He's right you know. Boy if I weren't married I would be right there where Andrew's at. The man is hot, smart, funny, sweet, and he knows how to cook. He's fucking as close to perfect as anyone can come. Sure the issues are a thing, but who doesn't have issues. Buffy you need to scope that one up and fast."
"You guys are crazy. I just said that we aren't there and you are pushing this still. Look let me handle this on my own."
"Do you like him?" Andrew said.
"Yes of course. I would have to be gay not to. I mean look at him, but this is my life and I'm going to make my choices. If I want to take this slow then I well. If he likes me as well he'll wait."
"Just don't take forever. That is what a good guy looks like in case you weren't sure." Willow said.
"Okay changing the subject. What do you guys want to do after this?" Buffy said.
"Well Warren never called to say if he was coming or not. I was thinking that we should go to the mall. They do have a mall don't they?" Andrew said.
"Yes, Andy, we have a mall. I guess we could spend a day there. I have nothing better to do, how about you Buff." Willow said.
"Well it's almost two. If we stop by my house and pick up Dawn then of course she and I would be up for the mall." Buffy said.
"Good so we have a plan. Hang out and it'll be just like old times. Except there'll be a kid tagging along." Andrew said.
"It's really not that big a difference."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Spike took another drag from his cigarette. He had been arguing with Cordy for about five minutes now and it was riding thin on his nerves. He loved Cordy and he loved his brother, but they just didn't know when to give up.
"Cordy I don't know if I should." On the other end Cordy sighed.
"You're such and asswhole. Just come down and see your brother already." She couldn't believe Spike was being like that.
"Cordy after what happened last time. I just need to come when I feel like it."
"You don't want to make sure Angel's alright?"
"I didn't say that. I was planning to stop by tomorrow. It's just with work and all that I don't have time today."
"Okay I under."
"Give me the god damn phone. Spike you better get your bony ass down here right this instant."
"Anya calm down."
"No I'm talking to my dickhead of a brother."
Spike could hear that Anya was mad and that everyone was trying to calm her down.
"Now you listen to me, William, you will get your ass down here and see your brother. Cordy has been under a lot of fucking stress and she needs a break. You're going to come down here and stay with Angel if it fucking kills you. You got it."
"Anya calm the shit down. I'll see what I can do."
"No you're going to do a helluva lot more then see. You're going to fucking do it. And don't tell me to calm my shit down. I'll do that when I want to. No get over here to the hospital in ten minutes or a I swear to god."
"All right. Give me fifteen. Just be more calm when I get there."
"I'll try." Anya said hanging up the phone.
"Shit." Spike said. He hung up his cell phone and put it back in his jacket. He walked inside the restaurant and to the table that he was sitting at.
"Sorry to cut out so early, but I have to go to the hospital." Spike said picking up his suitcase.
"Is Angel okay?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah he's fine. Anya just wants to take Cordy and the kids away from the hospital for a little while and enjoy a good time. They need me to baby- sit. Never thought I'd baby-sit my older brother. Anyway sorry again."
"No it's okay. We were just about to leave right now as well. Have to pick up Dawn and then were headed out for some fun as well." Willow said.
"Okay well I'll see you guys soon." Spike said as he pulled out his wallet.
"No it's free remember." Andrew said.
"Okay, well bye."
"Bye." Spike said as he left the restaurant and headed for his car.
A/N: Okay so now that you've read this you have to review. You don't have to, but the process is much appreciated. Remember I'm not a qualified beta and I only skimmed through this chapter so don't go to hard on the grammatical errors and such. If anyone would like the beta job is up for grabs. Just let me know if you want it.