A/N: Sorry about the long update. I was reading 'To Kill A Mockingbird' for
what seems like the millionth time and I got caught up in it. When you
start imagining how to make everything Spuffy that's when you know you've
gone off the deep end. I've read that book at least a hundred times and
now, when I went back to reread it again, I keep thinking that it could be
Spuffy. Dill just seems like he could be Spike what with the description. I
know I'm crazy, but hey it works.
Chapter 14:
Buffy sat on the couch and stared blankly at the television. She wasn't even sure what was on. It looked roughly like a commercial. Andrew and Dawn were in Dawn's room deciding what Dawn should pack for her weekend away. Buffy could hear the faint sounds of laughing that leaked from the hallway to the living room. They had ordered Chinese take-out and the boxes were scattered all around the kitchen. Buffy swore she'd clean it up later. Ways to get Dawn to agree to testify was the only thing on her mind.
Dawn loved Riley, as she should. Riley is her father. Would she be able to do something like that and have it not kill her? She was grateful to Spike for helping her out of this situation. He was being nothing but great about everything. He truly was a good lawyer. But actually talking Dawn into it was another thing all together. She briefly wondered if maybe he could do it. That would be unloading a lot on him, but it was wroth a shot.
No she couldn't do that. Of course if she was weaker then she would, but Buffy knew she couldn't do that. So she was thinking of easy ways to break it to Dawn. Easy wasn't an option more like smooth and less evasive and pushy. Buffy decided that she should just do it. Get it over with. Buffy got up off the couch and walked over to Dawn's room. She could feel herself shaking, walking down the hallway like it was the green mile. It was a simple talk with her six-year-old daughter and she was acting like someone in a horror film. She made it to Dawn's room and couldn't help, but smile at the scene that was playing out before her.
Andrew was playing dress up with Dawn. He was dressed in woman's clothing and didn't seem bothered by it. Dawn was trying on different hats to see which one matched his outfit.
"Ahem." Buffy said clearing her throat loudly.
"Oh hi mom. I was just dressing up Uncle Andrew. He's really nice about that sort of thing." Dawn said placing another hat on Andrew's head.
"Hey I don't mind. Is there something you wanted Buffy." Andrew said knowing that Buffy was going to talk with Dawn.
"Yes I have to talk to Dawn in private for a moment."
"Sure thing. I'll be in the living room minding my own business." Andrew said walking out into the living room.
Buffy pushed some stuff of off Dawn's bed and sat down.
"Dawn there is something I have to ask you to do. I know that it will upset you at first, but understand that it is for a good purpose." Buffy said. Dawn looked unfazed by what Buffy had just said.
"Okay talk." Dawn said trying to find where her stuff bear had sat before it was carelessly thrown on the ground.
"Why don't you sit down on the bed." Dawn frowned but came to sit next to Buffy.
"See the thing is, remember how we were talking about you having to tell the judge about what daddy did to you?"
"Yeah." Dawn said the fearing starting to set in.
"Well I know that we said that you might not have to, but it turns out that you do have to."
"But if I do then they won't let me see daddy."
"No you'll see your dad, just only on the weekends."
"But we won't be able to get ice cream when I get good grades."
"No, but we could do that."
"It's not the same." Dawn said in a pleading voice.
"Dawn people have to know what daddy did to you."
"He didn't do anything wrong." Dawn said with a hint of anger.
Buffy frowned and then let out a sigh.
"Dawn we already went over this. You know what your dad did to you was wrong."
"He didn't mean it. He didn't do anything wrong. That's what everyone needs to know."
"That would be a lie Dawn. You know that he hurt you. You were the one that told me."
"I was lying. He didn't mean it. I don't have to listen to you. Get out of my room." "Dawn calm down."
"No I want tell that mean judge guy that daddy hurt me. He didn't mean it."
"Dawn."
"No get out. Get out! Get out! Get out!"
"No Dawn you need to calm down."
"Don't tell me what to do. Leave me only! I hate you!" Dawn said shoving Buffy out of the door. Buffy knew that she was letting her. She was shocked that her daughter had said she hated her. Dawn had never said anything like that before. So she let Dawn push her out of her room. As soon as Buffy was in the hallway Dawn slammed the door. Andrew had heard the commotion and came running over to Buffy.
"What happened?"
"She just needs to think about it for a while. She'll realize it's the best thing." Buffy said trying desperately to keep the tears at bay.
"Buffy are you okay?"
"Yeah I just need to get some sleep. Watch Dawn for me. If she comes out of her room that is. Tell her to go to sleep at eleven."
"Okay." Andrew said as Buffy turned her back to him. Once Buffy made it to her room she could no longer keep the tears away. She cried herself to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Little kids are creatures of habit and Spike knew that from experience. You start doing one thing every third Saturday of the month and they have to keep doing it. So every third Saturday of the month he would take Maddy, Connor, and his dog Spot to the park and then the movies. Of course it wasn't too much of a hassle.
He loved seeing his niece and nephew and to be truthful he took Spot to the park anyway. It kept him close with his dog and his family. This Saturday there would be another person coming along. Dawn was going with them. Spike had no problems with Dawn coming along. He really liked Dawn. She was a good kid and pretty funny. Spike wasn't sure if she'd be too happy with the fact that she was going to have to testify against her dad. He might get the scarier end of her anger and that would prove to be a very upsetting day.
Spike was in his car driving to her house right now. Maddy, Connor and Spot were in the backseat laughing and arguing. Maddy wasn't usually one to laugh a lot. It wasn't because of her dad either. She was just a very mature ten -year-old and really liked being right. Connor was more carefree like a little kid should be. Wanting nothing, but the things that six-year- old boys want.
The news about his dad didn't bother him as much as it did Maddy. Maybe because he didn't really know what was going on or maybe because he was the positive one of the two children. It was like the Ying-Yang with those two.
"So what movie do you guys wanna see?" Spike asked.
"It's up to doofus and Dawn."
"Hey are you calling me a doofus?" Connor said throwing a squeaky toy at Maddy.
"No I was talking about Spot." Maddy said sarcastically.
"Uh. Well I want to see that Pirate movie. Anything but Charlie's Angels."
"I have to agree with the kid there." Maddy said.
"Okay so no Charlie's Angels. Let's see what Dawn wants to see then we'll decide." Spike said parking his car in front of Dawn's apartment building.
"All right let's go get her." Spike said as they got out of the car.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a busy day at the Summers apartment. Dawn was rushing to get last minute things packed before Spike showed up at eleven. He was picking her up and they were supposed to be going to the park and then to the movies.
Andrew had bee running around trying to hurry up and get to the airport to pick up Warren. Buffy was trying to talk to Dawn and stay out of Andrew's way. It was too much for the small apartment that they lived in. Through the bustle of the morning came a knock at the door.
"Oh my god! They're here already. It's not even eleven yet." Dawn said as she stuffed more things into her bag.
"Dawn, sweetie calm down. I'll get the door." Buffy said. Dawn was still a little mad at Buffy and didn't even say anything to her. Buffy sighed and then went to the front door. There stood Spike and two small children. Buffy's eyes weren't anywhere near the kids though.
He looked so unprofessional. His slightly bleached hair was doing that cute spiky thing. It made him look younger then twenty-eight. He was wearing all black even though it was pretty warm outside. Tight black shirt, tight black jeans, black combat boots and his black leather duster were all part of his outfit. He looked fairly nice.
"Hey you're early."
"Oh sorry. They just couldn't wait."
"No it's okay. Dawn's almost done. Why don't you kids come inside and go to Dawn's room."
"Sure." Connor said running inside.
"He had some sugar before coming here. It's perfectly natural. I'll go make sure he doesn't run around in a circle chasing his non-existent tail." Maddy said pushing past Buffy.
"So I'm guessing that you didn't send the kids in there because you want to deal with the mess that an overactive six year old could cause." Spike said.
"Well I threw them in there because I wanted to tell you that I talked to Dawn.
" "Oh I'm guessing that didn't go over well."
"No it didn't. She got very upset at me. I can talk with my daughter. That I don't have a problem with. I just don't know how you go about telling your daughter something like this. I guess you can cross off the jump right in approach."
"Kids are delicate little creatures although you wouldn't guess it by the cover they put up. They're already putting up walls right now as we speak. When I talk to Maddy I sometimes forget that she's only ten."
"Yeah I sensed that. I talked to her and she sounded like she was going on forty with a degree in psychology."
"Sounds like Mad."
"So my only problem is talking to her."
"I offered to do it. The offer's still there."
"No that would seem like I was running away from my responsibility."
"You're not. Trust me. I've talked to more witnesses then you can imagine. Parents are always happy to unload that burden on me and I have no problems with it."
Buffy sighed. She was pretty sure that he was right.
"Okay I'll let you do this. Just tell me how you do it?" Buffy said.
"It's nothing really. I don't have kids so it's easier to talk to them like adults. I guess I just have a knack for it. That'll probably go away when I have kids of my own."
"Do you plan to have kids of your own?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah one day. I mean I was always the one dreaming about a family and the perfect life. Anya never even thought about it and Angel was robo-cop so he didn't want it. No they both are going to have it before me. Sure I sound bitter even though I'm happy for them. I just wish that I could find that special someone someday."
"That's sweet. Usually guys don't think about that sort of thing."
"I'm not getting any younger. I know that sounded like a woman going through menopause, but I think that way. It's not that I want to rush into a family. Quiet the contrary, I just wish I would find the one already. Patience was never my best virtue."
"Well good things are worth waiting for." Buffy said.
"Yeah, but like I said I hate waiting. I mean after going through stuff that I've been through I just don't know if I have enough optimism in me to stay positive."
"Well I never did. I was always pessimistic by nature."
"That helps a little."
"Really?"
"Yeah everyone I know is always optimistic and it's good to be around someone who views the glass as half empty."
"I'm optimistic about some things."
"Yeah, but not about love and I need to be around someone like that." There was a moment of silence. Neither knew what to say. Spike fidgeted in the doorway and Buffy tried to smooth down her hair.
"Okay let's go." Connor said.
"You shouldn't be so bossy Connor. Didn't your parents teach you any manners?" Dawn asked while trying to carry two big bags.
"It's not like Uncle Spike minds. He's a total pushover." Connor said.
"Yes next time why don't you insult him to his face. Save the middle man." Maddy said sarcastically. Spike rushed over to Dawn and took one of her bags.
"Alright then we better go before Connor starts pushing. See you later, Buffy." Spike said as he walked out the door trailed by three overly active kids.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I got it, I got it." Connor screamed as he ran after the Frisbee.
"Connor isn't the dog supposed to get it?" Dawn asked as she watched the boy run after the disk.
"Spot doesn't chase the Frisbee. He's weird that way." Maddy said watching Connor do what he did every time they went to the park with their uncle.
"Oh so the dog just sits there?"
"That would be it. He runs around, but other then that nothing happens. Pretty lazy dog. Takes after his owner." Maddy said looking over at her uncle who was currently lying on a blanket looking what appeared to be asleep.
"Isn't he afraid that someone would try to take us?" Dawn said.
"No not really. He has this whole thing were he gets really scary if anyone tries to hurt us. We just have to scream jellybean."
"Jellybean?"
"It's the easiest thing to come up in a conversation between a child."
"Oh."
"Okay I got it. Now let's throw it again."
"But the dog doesn't even go after it." Dawn said.
"One of these days he might. I want to be there when that day happens."
"Don't try to argue with the logic Dawn. I don't."
"So this is all you do?"
"What else is there?" Connor asked.
"What about the swings? Or the slide or something." Dawn asked.
"Connor has this irrational fear of heights."
"I do not!" Connor yelled at his sister. "It's not errational!"
"You don't even know what that means."
"Yes it means stupid.
" "Which is what you're being right now."
"Am not."
"Why are you 'fraid of heights?" Dawn asked.
"I'm not 'fraid anymore." Connor said lying unsuccessfully.
"Dad was swinging him on the swings when he was four. Dad swore it would be safe, but then Doofus here fell slash jumped off the swing and broke his arm."
"Oh." Dawn said.
"It was really high and I got scared." Connor said trying to defend himself. He could see the laughter threatening to come from his sister and his new friend.
"That's okay I guess. Everyone has a fear of something." Dawn said seriously.
"Sure whatever you say." Maddy said getting up and picking up the Frisbee. She waved it in front of Spot a few times before throwing it. The Frisbee flew in the air and landed. The three kids looked at Spot expectantly and sighed when he lay down on the grass.
"I'll get it this time." Maddy said as she made her way over to where the Frisbee landed. Connor stood a few feet away from Dawn looking down at his feet. Older sisters could be such a pain at times. He couldn't believe that Maddy had told Dawn that he was scared of heights. It made him seem like a scared stupid little boy.
"It's okay that you're scared of heights." Dawn said knowing that was why he seemed uncomfortable.
"It doesn't make me seem like a poof?" Connor asked using a word he had heard his dad and his uncle use many times.
"What's a poof?" Dawn asked with a questioning stare.
"I'm not sure. I think it means scared-y cat."
"No everyone is 'fraid of something."
"Are you 'fraid of anything?"
"Sort of."
"Can you tell me?"
"No I don't think so. It's kind of personal."
"Oh okay." Connor said. Maddy was coming back over to them.
"Think it's time for some ice cream." Maddy said.
"Already. That was fast." Connor said.
"Yeah well my watch says three and if we want to get to the movies we have to get the ice cream now." Maddy said.
"Well let's go wake up Uncle Spike." Connor said with a wide grin on his face.
"How come Connor's making it sound like fun?" Dawn said.
"The only way to wake up Uncle Spike is to jump on him. He sleeps like the dead." Maddy said.
"Oh that does sound like fun. He doesn't get mad?"
"No in fact I think that he knows it's going to happen. It happens every time. Connor was the one who figured out how to do it."
"Come on let's go before he wakes up." Connor said dragging Maddy and Dawn by the sleeves of their shirts.
Spike knew what was coming. It came every time he went out with his niece and nephew. Although the experience was painful at first, he grew a tolerance for it. It was sort of a tradition and his niece and nephew were totally creatures of habit. Maddy wasn't so much into it anymore as she was when she was little.
He assumed that she knew that he was faking it. Connor was still at the age where he believed it and that made him jump harder. Spike braced himself for what was to come and closed his eyes. He could hear the rustling of the grass that would tell him Connor and Maddy were going to strike soon.
"Uncle Spike are you awake." Connor said in a low whisper.
"Connor you know he's just faking it." Spike heard Maddy's logically voice. Spike suddenly wondered how Maddy had gotten so old in her short amount of time. It wasn't because of Angel's condition. She had always been more a logical thinker. Never a kid; always too mature for her age.
"No he's asleep. He's always asleep. You know how it goes Mad." Connor said in a matter-of-factly voice. It was weird that Connor was still such a kid. It was natural being that he was only six, but he was so different from Maddy it was just weird.
"Yeah Maddy he looks asleep to me. Besides you should just let Connor have his fun." Dawn said. Spike had almost forgotten that she was there. It was going to be even more painful if there were three kids instead of only two.
"Oh I don't think that he's going to get up." Connor said and Spike could hear the smile in his voice.
"Oh just get it over with." Maddy said. Just then Connor let out a little grunt as he jumped on Spike.
"Oi!" Spike said as he felt the full weight of his nephew on his ribs.
"That never gets old does it?" Spike asked his nephew. Connor shook his head and his semi-long hair became messy.
"How come there's only one munchkin on me. Where's the other one?" Spike said propping himself up to see Maddy standing there with her arms across her chest and Dawn standing there looking around at the pond.
"Can we just get some ice cream?" Maddy said tapping her foot impatiently.
"Sure." Spike said placing Connor on the ground and standing up. Connor seemed disappointed that there wasn't more to the little game they played.
"Why don't you and Connor go order. I want to have a little chat with Dawn."
"Okay. Do you want the usual?" Maddy asked.
"Yes and what would you like Dawn?"
"One of those Flintstones push-ups I guess."
"Okay meet you there." Maddy said grabbing Connor and running over to the ice cream stand.
"So what did you want to talk about. Probably what my mom was trying to talk about yesterday, right." Dawn said not looking up at Spike.
"Yeah pretty much."
"I don't want to not see my dad." Dawn said.
"I know, but he's lying about hurting you and your mom."
"He didn't mean it."
"Is that what he said. That he didn't mean to hurt you. That he just got really angry and lost his temper."
"Yeah that's what he said."
"Now I know that he probably loves you a lot. You're his little girl, but it isn't okay to hurt you. It isn't okay for him to beat you." Spike said. Dawn's head dropped further down.
"Now what you need to keep in mind is that your dad needs some help. He's willingly to get it, but you can't be around him too much before he does."
"I'll get to see him though?" Dawn asked hopefully.
"Every weekend for a couple of hours. Someone would have to go with you, but you will get to see him. People have to know what your dad did to you."
"So he won't hate me if I do this?"
"Not if he really loves you."
"What if he doesn't?" Dawn asked looking up at Spike with tear filled eyes. Spike didn't have a good history with dads, mainly his own. He was sure that Dawn's loved her though. Fathers always love their children even if they don't like them. That was just how it was. "
He loves you Dawn. Every parent loves their child no matter what they do. Right now your dad is lying about hurting you and that's not good. You have to do this so that you're dad gets the help he needs."
"So he'll be okay if I tell the judge guy the truth?"
"Yes it's very simple. Your mom and me'll be there with you. It'll be alright."
"Okay then. Let's get some ice cream."
"Okay." Spike said as he followed Dawn to the ice cream stand.
"Okay just wait a sec. My uncle'll be here in a minute." Spike heard Maddy say. She was holding her strawberry shortcake ice cream and Spike's Choco Taco. Connor was holding his drumstick and Dawn's push-up.
"Okay how much do I owe you?" Spike said as he approached the vender.
"Three dollars." The man said. Spike handed him his money and ushered the kids to his car.
"So what does everyone want to see?" Spike asked again now that Dawn was there.
"I kind of wanted to see that new Charlie's Angel movie." Dawn said.
"Yeah that sounds good." Connor said. He and Dawn were walking in front of Spike and Maddy. Spike and Maddy exchanged confused stares.
"I thought you said no Charlie's Angels." Maddy said.
"When did I say that?" Connor asked.
"Looks like someone has a crush." Spike whispered to Maddy.
"Yes and it's disgusting." Maddy said. Spike laughed and kept walking to his car.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cordy, Anya, and Fred sat in the dining room drinking coffee. Cordy had been spending so much time in the hospital, but today she would have to play the entertaining hostess mom. Anya was always over lately. She was Angel's little sister and she worried.
Cordy couldn't complain. Fred had decided to drop by after finding out what happened to Angel. Cordy and Fred had been friends before, but weren't very close. Cordy didn't have very many close friends. She was grateful to have Fred and Anya.
"So what's on the agenda for tonight? Watching the grubby little kids and playing mom." Anya asked.
"Yes Anya I know how unappealing that sounds, but it's me." Cordy said taking a sip of her coffee.
"It doesn't sound that bad. Some day I would like to have kids too. I just want to wait for the right moment." Fred said.
"Well Maddy was unplanned. Not to say that Angel and I didn't want her after we found out that we were going to have her. She was a great surprise." Cordy said.
"Xander and I are considering starting to have kids. He's the boss of his job and can basically make his own schedule. It's time I would think." Anya said.
"You guys have been married for two years now right." Cordy asked.
"Yes. I'm twenty-six and I think that it's time." Anya said.
"That seems good. Wes and I have been married for three years now and we don't have any kids. I don't think it's on our minds just yet. I know that we're twenty-eight, but with me being a judge and him struggling to keep his doctor's office open, we just don't think it's time yet." Fred said.
"Yes well I think that it's time." Anya said.
"That's good for you." Cordy said and was cut of by the doorbell.
"I'll be right back." Cordy said as she got up to open the door. Cordy made her way to the door and opened it. It was Buffy and Andrew.
"Oh hey Buffy. What are you doing here?" Cordy asked.
"Dawn forgot her toothbrush. I knew she would forget something. Is she here yet?" Buffy asked.
"No. It would seem that Spike just had to take them to two movies. Come in." Cordy said moving aside.
"Oh no we have plans for later. First night away from Dawn in awhile and Andrew here convinced me to go out to dinner with him and Warren." Buffy said.
"You guys couldn't come in for just a little while." Cordy asked flashing one of her pleading smiles.
"Come one Buffy it wouldn't hurt to just come in for awhile." Andrew said.
"Oh alright. Just for a few minutes." Buffy said walking inside with Andrew following behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yo ho-ho and a bottle of rum!" the four people in the car sang loudly. Spike was pulling up to his brother's house right this second. They had gone to see Charlie's Angels and then just because Spike knew Maddy and Connor both wanted to see the Pirates of the Caribbean movie and so did he they saw that movie as well. Now they couldn't get the song out of their heads so they started to sing it out loud. Most of it was humming because they didn't know all of the song. The bottle of rum part was about the only thing they knew.
"Okay kids we're here. This is where the really fun begins. I bet Cordy has movies and popcorn already set up." Spike said.
"Good. More popcorn is always good." Dawn said.
"Yes and movies are great." Connor said.
"Alright then lets go." Everyone piled out of the car and made their way up to the front door. There was still singing going on. Spike rang the doorbell and Cordy answered it.
"Yo ho-ho, mommy." Connor said.
"You took them to see that pirate movie didn't you." Cordy asked. Spike shook his head.
"You do realize he's going to talk like a pirate for days now." Cordy said.
"I tried to warn him." Maddy said stepping inside the house. Connor and Dawn followed her.
"How much sugar did they have?"
"Well there was the ice cream at the park. The candy, soda, popcorn, bon- bons, and nachos at the movies. Then there was the Cold Stone ice cream that they finished in the car." Spike said stepping inside the house as well. Cordy shut the door behind him.
"That's a whole lot of sugar. You should really think before you let them have so much. It'll rot their teeth." Cordy said as she watched him sit down in one of the chairs in the living room.
"Come on. I get to be the cool uncle who let's them eat all the junk food they want." Spike said.
"Okay I'll give you that, but some times I think that you spoil them to much."
"You can't spoil kids too much."
"You're only using them until you have your own."
"At the rate that I'm going that'll be never." Spike said. Before Cordy had time to react Buffy, Andrew, Anya, and Fred walked into the living room.
"Well it was nice to meet you, Andrew." Fred said.
"It was nice to meet you too." Andrew said in a totally sincere voice.
"We should all go out some time." Anya said.
"That would be perfect." Buffy said. She was beginning to like Spike's friends more and more. She just hoped that she wouldn't totally wreck things.
"Good then it's settled. We'll make time. Got out for dinner or something." Andrew said.
"Yeah that'd be great. Then maybe we could Buffy and Spike together." Anya said.
"Anya I already told you that it's just a friendship thing." Buffy said.
"That's Buffy for you Queen of Denial." Andrew said. "
Are you guys talking about me when you think I'm not around?" Spike asked standing up from the chair he was sitting in.
"Spike! We didn't know you were there." Fred said.
"Oh please don't be so whimp-y, Fred. He should hear that. Start hooking it up Spike." Anya said.
"My baby sister." Spike said, "Excuse the bluntness."
"I rather enjoy it. It's refreshing and she's totally right." Andrew said.
"Well if we're putting our two cents in then I'd have to agree." Fred said.
"Okay that's enough talking about me like I'm not in the room." Buffy said.
"Well they're right Buffy. Didn't we already go through this at the mall?" Cordy said.
"Oh so there's more talking about me behind my back. You lot know how to make a guy feel welcome." Spike said sarcastically.
"Well we wouldn't have to talk about you behind your back if you made a move already." Anya said.
"Ahn, maybe you should stop talking like that. Kids are barely in the next room." Spike said trying to change the subject.
"They've already been subjected to the torment."
"Not Dawn."
"And she won't be if you don't make a move on her mommy."
"Do you people not see me standing right here." Buffy said.
"Oh sorry Buffy." Anya said.
"No it's just that's never happened to me before. I start to hang out with you guys and all of a sudden it's happening all the time. You've got Willow and Andrew doing it as well." Buffy said.
"Just the perks of being around us. You'll learn to accept it." Cordy said.
"I know I did." Fred chimed in.
"Well as much as I love talking with you guys, reservations are at eight and it's six thirty. That doesn't give us much time to get ready." Buffy said.
"Oh where are you going?" Spike asked.
"We are going to a nice little French bistro that I found on the internet. Looks lovely. Anyway Buffy, Warren and I are going to have a nice adult's night out." Andrew said as something suddenly popped into his head. It was perfect timing.
"So you see why we have to go." Buffy said.
"Yeah and hey would you like to tag along." Andrew said to Spike avoiding the glares he was getting from Buffy. Spike wasn't sure what to say. Would that seem like a date? No not unless it was with Andrew and he was sure that wasn't going to happen. What harm could it do?
Big harm you git. You're tryin' to stay away from her in romantic settings remember. Just friends. Spike's mind was screaming to him.
"Sure why not." Spike said kicking himself for accepting.
"Great meet us at Buffy's at seven thirty. Bye all." Andrew said dragging Buffy out of the house.
"Bye." Everyone said.
"Well it would seem the little monkey is going to do your job for you." Anya said.
"It's just a dinner." Spike said mostly to himself then anyone else.
"A dinner you accepted readily. Just admit it, Spike. You like her. A lot. I can see it in your face." Fred said.
"We're just friends. She's still married and I'm her lawyer. Remember that little piece of information." Spike said.
"It really doesn't matter. You'll give in sooner or later." Cordy said.
"Preferable sooner for all those involved. You need to be happy. You haven't had a girlfriend in over a year." Anya said.
"Girlfriend doesn't always equal happy, Ahn." Spike said.
"Yeah well if you're doing it right it could equal a happy." Fred said.
"Fred you did not just say that. Are you channeling Anya or something? Look I better get going. Not a lot of time to get ready." Spike said.
"Yes because you have to look extra special." Anya said.
"Get off it. Tell the munchkins I said bye." Spike said as he exited the house.
"Yup those two should be together in no time." Cordy said.
"Yeah if they stop being so stubborn." Fred said.
"Well we all know Spike. He can be very stubborn. Hard-headed at times as well." Anya said.
"Buffy looks like she's just as stubborn." Cordy said.
"Well at least when they bump heads their heads will be so hard they can't feel it." Fred said.
"Yeah well that could be good and bad." Anya said.
"Mom! Come help us with the videos. Connor's trying to use the VCR." Maddy yelled from the other room.
"Duty calls." Cordy said.
"We better leave before we get dragged in." Anya said dragging Fred out of the house.
Chapter 14:
Buffy sat on the couch and stared blankly at the television. She wasn't even sure what was on. It looked roughly like a commercial. Andrew and Dawn were in Dawn's room deciding what Dawn should pack for her weekend away. Buffy could hear the faint sounds of laughing that leaked from the hallway to the living room. They had ordered Chinese take-out and the boxes were scattered all around the kitchen. Buffy swore she'd clean it up later. Ways to get Dawn to agree to testify was the only thing on her mind.
Dawn loved Riley, as she should. Riley is her father. Would she be able to do something like that and have it not kill her? She was grateful to Spike for helping her out of this situation. He was being nothing but great about everything. He truly was a good lawyer. But actually talking Dawn into it was another thing all together. She briefly wondered if maybe he could do it. That would be unloading a lot on him, but it was wroth a shot.
No she couldn't do that. Of course if she was weaker then she would, but Buffy knew she couldn't do that. So she was thinking of easy ways to break it to Dawn. Easy wasn't an option more like smooth and less evasive and pushy. Buffy decided that she should just do it. Get it over with. Buffy got up off the couch and walked over to Dawn's room. She could feel herself shaking, walking down the hallway like it was the green mile. It was a simple talk with her six-year-old daughter and she was acting like someone in a horror film. She made it to Dawn's room and couldn't help, but smile at the scene that was playing out before her.
Andrew was playing dress up with Dawn. He was dressed in woman's clothing and didn't seem bothered by it. Dawn was trying on different hats to see which one matched his outfit.
"Ahem." Buffy said clearing her throat loudly.
"Oh hi mom. I was just dressing up Uncle Andrew. He's really nice about that sort of thing." Dawn said placing another hat on Andrew's head.
"Hey I don't mind. Is there something you wanted Buffy." Andrew said knowing that Buffy was going to talk with Dawn.
"Yes I have to talk to Dawn in private for a moment."
"Sure thing. I'll be in the living room minding my own business." Andrew said walking out into the living room.
Buffy pushed some stuff of off Dawn's bed and sat down.
"Dawn there is something I have to ask you to do. I know that it will upset you at first, but understand that it is for a good purpose." Buffy said. Dawn looked unfazed by what Buffy had just said.
"Okay talk." Dawn said trying to find where her stuff bear had sat before it was carelessly thrown on the ground.
"Why don't you sit down on the bed." Dawn frowned but came to sit next to Buffy.
"See the thing is, remember how we were talking about you having to tell the judge about what daddy did to you?"
"Yeah." Dawn said the fearing starting to set in.
"Well I know that we said that you might not have to, but it turns out that you do have to."
"But if I do then they won't let me see daddy."
"No you'll see your dad, just only on the weekends."
"But we won't be able to get ice cream when I get good grades."
"No, but we could do that."
"It's not the same." Dawn said in a pleading voice.
"Dawn people have to know what daddy did to you."
"He didn't do anything wrong." Dawn said with a hint of anger.
Buffy frowned and then let out a sigh.
"Dawn we already went over this. You know what your dad did to you was wrong."
"He didn't mean it. He didn't do anything wrong. That's what everyone needs to know."
"That would be a lie Dawn. You know that he hurt you. You were the one that told me."
"I was lying. He didn't mean it. I don't have to listen to you. Get out of my room." "Dawn calm down."
"No I want tell that mean judge guy that daddy hurt me. He didn't mean it."
"Dawn."
"No get out. Get out! Get out! Get out!"
"No Dawn you need to calm down."
"Don't tell me what to do. Leave me only! I hate you!" Dawn said shoving Buffy out of the door. Buffy knew that she was letting her. She was shocked that her daughter had said she hated her. Dawn had never said anything like that before. So she let Dawn push her out of her room. As soon as Buffy was in the hallway Dawn slammed the door. Andrew had heard the commotion and came running over to Buffy.
"What happened?"
"She just needs to think about it for a while. She'll realize it's the best thing." Buffy said trying desperately to keep the tears at bay.
"Buffy are you okay?"
"Yeah I just need to get some sleep. Watch Dawn for me. If she comes out of her room that is. Tell her to go to sleep at eleven."
"Okay." Andrew said as Buffy turned her back to him. Once Buffy made it to her room she could no longer keep the tears away. She cried herself to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Little kids are creatures of habit and Spike knew that from experience. You start doing one thing every third Saturday of the month and they have to keep doing it. So every third Saturday of the month he would take Maddy, Connor, and his dog Spot to the park and then the movies. Of course it wasn't too much of a hassle.
He loved seeing his niece and nephew and to be truthful he took Spot to the park anyway. It kept him close with his dog and his family. This Saturday there would be another person coming along. Dawn was going with them. Spike had no problems with Dawn coming along. He really liked Dawn. She was a good kid and pretty funny. Spike wasn't sure if she'd be too happy with the fact that she was going to have to testify against her dad. He might get the scarier end of her anger and that would prove to be a very upsetting day.
Spike was in his car driving to her house right now. Maddy, Connor and Spot were in the backseat laughing and arguing. Maddy wasn't usually one to laugh a lot. It wasn't because of her dad either. She was just a very mature ten -year-old and really liked being right. Connor was more carefree like a little kid should be. Wanting nothing, but the things that six-year- old boys want.
The news about his dad didn't bother him as much as it did Maddy. Maybe because he didn't really know what was going on or maybe because he was the positive one of the two children. It was like the Ying-Yang with those two.
"So what movie do you guys wanna see?" Spike asked.
"It's up to doofus and Dawn."
"Hey are you calling me a doofus?" Connor said throwing a squeaky toy at Maddy.
"No I was talking about Spot." Maddy said sarcastically.
"Uh. Well I want to see that Pirate movie. Anything but Charlie's Angels."
"I have to agree with the kid there." Maddy said.
"Okay so no Charlie's Angels. Let's see what Dawn wants to see then we'll decide." Spike said parking his car in front of Dawn's apartment building.
"All right let's go get her." Spike said as they got out of the car.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a busy day at the Summers apartment. Dawn was rushing to get last minute things packed before Spike showed up at eleven. He was picking her up and they were supposed to be going to the park and then to the movies.
Andrew had bee running around trying to hurry up and get to the airport to pick up Warren. Buffy was trying to talk to Dawn and stay out of Andrew's way. It was too much for the small apartment that they lived in. Through the bustle of the morning came a knock at the door.
"Oh my god! They're here already. It's not even eleven yet." Dawn said as she stuffed more things into her bag.
"Dawn, sweetie calm down. I'll get the door." Buffy said. Dawn was still a little mad at Buffy and didn't even say anything to her. Buffy sighed and then went to the front door. There stood Spike and two small children. Buffy's eyes weren't anywhere near the kids though.
He looked so unprofessional. His slightly bleached hair was doing that cute spiky thing. It made him look younger then twenty-eight. He was wearing all black even though it was pretty warm outside. Tight black shirt, tight black jeans, black combat boots and his black leather duster were all part of his outfit. He looked fairly nice.
"Hey you're early."
"Oh sorry. They just couldn't wait."
"No it's okay. Dawn's almost done. Why don't you kids come inside and go to Dawn's room."
"Sure." Connor said running inside.
"He had some sugar before coming here. It's perfectly natural. I'll go make sure he doesn't run around in a circle chasing his non-existent tail." Maddy said pushing past Buffy.
"So I'm guessing that you didn't send the kids in there because you want to deal with the mess that an overactive six year old could cause." Spike said.
"Well I threw them in there because I wanted to tell you that I talked to Dawn.
" "Oh I'm guessing that didn't go over well."
"No it didn't. She got very upset at me. I can talk with my daughter. That I don't have a problem with. I just don't know how you go about telling your daughter something like this. I guess you can cross off the jump right in approach."
"Kids are delicate little creatures although you wouldn't guess it by the cover they put up. They're already putting up walls right now as we speak. When I talk to Maddy I sometimes forget that she's only ten."
"Yeah I sensed that. I talked to her and she sounded like she was going on forty with a degree in psychology."
"Sounds like Mad."
"So my only problem is talking to her."
"I offered to do it. The offer's still there."
"No that would seem like I was running away from my responsibility."
"You're not. Trust me. I've talked to more witnesses then you can imagine. Parents are always happy to unload that burden on me and I have no problems with it."
Buffy sighed. She was pretty sure that he was right.
"Okay I'll let you do this. Just tell me how you do it?" Buffy said.
"It's nothing really. I don't have kids so it's easier to talk to them like adults. I guess I just have a knack for it. That'll probably go away when I have kids of my own."
"Do you plan to have kids of your own?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah one day. I mean I was always the one dreaming about a family and the perfect life. Anya never even thought about it and Angel was robo-cop so he didn't want it. No they both are going to have it before me. Sure I sound bitter even though I'm happy for them. I just wish that I could find that special someone someday."
"That's sweet. Usually guys don't think about that sort of thing."
"I'm not getting any younger. I know that sounded like a woman going through menopause, but I think that way. It's not that I want to rush into a family. Quiet the contrary, I just wish I would find the one already. Patience was never my best virtue."
"Well good things are worth waiting for." Buffy said.
"Yeah, but like I said I hate waiting. I mean after going through stuff that I've been through I just don't know if I have enough optimism in me to stay positive."
"Well I never did. I was always pessimistic by nature."
"That helps a little."
"Really?"
"Yeah everyone I know is always optimistic and it's good to be around someone who views the glass as half empty."
"I'm optimistic about some things."
"Yeah, but not about love and I need to be around someone like that." There was a moment of silence. Neither knew what to say. Spike fidgeted in the doorway and Buffy tried to smooth down her hair.
"Okay let's go." Connor said.
"You shouldn't be so bossy Connor. Didn't your parents teach you any manners?" Dawn asked while trying to carry two big bags.
"It's not like Uncle Spike minds. He's a total pushover." Connor said.
"Yes next time why don't you insult him to his face. Save the middle man." Maddy said sarcastically. Spike rushed over to Dawn and took one of her bags.
"Alright then we better go before Connor starts pushing. See you later, Buffy." Spike said as he walked out the door trailed by three overly active kids.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I got it, I got it." Connor screamed as he ran after the Frisbee.
"Connor isn't the dog supposed to get it?" Dawn asked as she watched the boy run after the disk.
"Spot doesn't chase the Frisbee. He's weird that way." Maddy said watching Connor do what he did every time they went to the park with their uncle.
"Oh so the dog just sits there?"
"That would be it. He runs around, but other then that nothing happens. Pretty lazy dog. Takes after his owner." Maddy said looking over at her uncle who was currently lying on a blanket looking what appeared to be asleep.
"Isn't he afraid that someone would try to take us?" Dawn said.
"No not really. He has this whole thing were he gets really scary if anyone tries to hurt us. We just have to scream jellybean."
"Jellybean?"
"It's the easiest thing to come up in a conversation between a child."
"Oh."
"Okay I got it. Now let's throw it again."
"But the dog doesn't even go after it." Dawn said.
"One of these days he might. I want to be there when that day happens."
"Don't try to argue with the logic Dawn. I don't."
"So this is all you do?"
"What else is there?" Connor asked.
"What about the swings? Or the slide or something." Dawn asked.
"Connor has this irrational fear of heights."
"I do not!" Connor yelled at his sister. "It's not errational!"
"You don't even know what that means."
"Yes it means stupid.
" "Which is what you're being right now."
"Am not."
"Why are you 'fraid of heights?" Dawn asked.
"I'm not 'fraid anymore." Connor said lying unsuccessfully.
"Dad was swinging him on the swings when he was four. Dad swore it would be safe, but then Doofus here fell slash jumped off the swing and broke his arm."
"Oh." Dawn said.
"It was really high and I got scared." Connor said trying to defend himself. He could see the laughter threatening to come from his sister and his new friend.
"That's okay I guess. Everyone has a fear of something." Dawn said seriously.
"Sure whatever you say." Maddy said getting up and picking up the Frisbee. She waved it in front of Spot a few times before throwing it. The Frisbee flew in the air and landed. The three kids looked at Spot expectantly and sighed when he lay down on the grass.
"I'll get it this time." Maddy said as she made her way over to where the Frisbee landed. Connor stood a few feet away from Dawn looking down at his feet. Older sisters could be such a pain at times. He couldn't believe that Maddy had told Dawn that he was scared of heights. It made him seem like a scared stupid little boy.
"It's okay that you're scared of heights." Dawn said knowing that was why he seemed uncomfortable.
"It doesn't make me seem like a poof?" Connor asked using a word he had heard his dad and his uncle use many times.
"What's a poof?" Dawn asked with a questioning stare.
"I'm not sure. I think it means scared-y cat."
"No everyone is 'fraid of something."
"Are you 'fraid of anything?"
"Sort of."
"Can you tell me?"
"No I don't think so. It's kind of personal."
"Oh okay." Connor said. Maddy was coming back over to them.
"Think it's time for some ice cream." Maddy said.
"Already. That was fast." Connor said.
"Yeah well my watch says three and if we want to get to the movies we have to get the ice cream now." Maddy said.
"Well let's go wake up Uncle Spike." Connor said with a wide grin on his face.
"How come Connor's making it sound like fun?" Dawn said.
"The only way to wake up Uncle Spike is to jump on him. He sleeps like the dead." Maddy said.
"Oh that does sound like fun. He doesn't get mad?"
"No in fact I think that he knows it's going to happen. It happens every time. Connor was the one who figured out how to do it."
"Come on let's go before he wakes up." Connor said dragging Maddy and Dawn by the sleeves of their shirts.
Spike knew what was coming. It came every time he went out with his niece and nephew. Although the experience was painful at first, he grew a tolerance for it. It was sort of a tradition and his niece and nephew were totally creatures of habit. Maddy wasn't so much into it anymore as she was when she was little.
He assumed that she knew that he was faking it. Connor was still at the age where he believed it and that made him jump harder. Spike braced himself for what was to come and closed his eyes. He could hear the rustling of the grass that would tell him Connor and Maddy were going to strike soon.
"Uncle Spike are you awake." Connor said in a low whisper.
"Connor you know he's just faking it." Spike heard Maddy's logically voice. Spike suddenly wondered how Maddy had gotten so old in her short amount of time. It wasn't because of Angel's condition. She had always been more a logical thinker. Never a kid; always too mature for her age.
"No he's asleep. He's always asleep. You know how it goes Mad." Connor said in a matter-of-factly voice. It was weird that Connor was still such a kid. It was natural being that he was only six, but he was so different from Maddy it was just weird.
"Yeah Maddy he looks asleep to me. Besides you should just let Connor have his fun." Dawn said. Spike had almost forgotten that she was there. It was going to be even more painful if there were three kids instead of only two.
"Oh I don't think that he's going to get up." Connor said and Spike could hear the smile in his voice.
"Oh just get it over with." Maddy said. Just then Connor let out a little grunt as he jumped on Spike.
"Oi!" Spike said as he felt the full weight of his nephew on his ribs.
"That never gets old does it?" Spike asked his nephew. Connor shook his head and his semi-long hair became messy.
"How come there's only one munchkin on me. Where's the other one?" Spike said propping himself up to see Maddy standing there with her arms across her chest and Dawn standing there looking around at the pond.
"Can we just get some ice cream?" Maddy said tapping her foot impatiently.
"Sure." Spike said placing Connor on the ground and standing up. Connor seemed disappointed that there wasn't more to the little game they played.
"Why don't you and Connor go order. I want to have a little chat with Dawn."
"Okay. Do you want the usual?" Maddy asked.
"Yes and what would you like Dawn?"
"One of those Flintstones push-ups I guess."
"Okay meet you there." Maddy said grabbing Connor and running over to the ice cream stand.
"So what did you want to talk about. Probably what my mom was trying to talk about yesterday, right." Dawn said not looking up at Spike.
"Yeah pretty much."
"I don't want to not see my dad." Dawn said.
"I know, but he's lying about hurting you and your mom."
"He didn't mean it."
"Is that what he said. That he didn't mean to hurt you. That he just got really angry and lost his temper."
"Yeah that's what he said."
"Now I know that he probably loves you a lot. You're his little girl, but it isn't okay to hurt you. It isn't okay for him to beat you." Spike said. Dawn's head dropped further down.
"Now what you need to keep in mind is that your dad needs some help. He's willingly to get it, but you can't be around him too much before he does."
"I'll get to see him though?" Dawn asked hopefully.
"Every weekend for a couple of hours. Someone would have to go with you, but you will get to see him. People have to know what your dad did to you."
"So he won't hate me if I do this?"
"Not if he really loves you."
"What if he doesn't?" Dawn asked looking up at Spike with tear filled eyes. Spike didn't have a good history with dads, mainly his own. He was sure that Dawn's loved her though. Fathers always love their children even if they don't like them. That was just how it was. "
He loves you Dawn. Every parent loves their child no matter what they do. Right now your dad is lying about hurting you and that's not good. You have to do this so that you're dad gets the help he needs."
"So he'll be okay if I tell the judge guy the truth?"
"Yes it's very simple. Your mom and me'll be there with you. It'll be alright."
"Okay then. Let's get some ice cream."
"Okay." Spike said as he followed Dawn to the ice cream stand.
"Okay just wait a sec. My uncle'll be here in a minute." Spike heard Maddy say. She was holding her strawberry shortcake ice cream and Spike's Choco Taco. Connor was holding his drumstick and Dawn's push-up.
"Okay how much do I owe you?" Spike said as he approached the vender.
"Three dollars." The man said. Spike handed him his money and ushered the kids to his car.
"So what does everyone want to see?" Spike asked again now that Dawn was there.
"I kind of wanted to see that new Charlie's Angel movie." Dawn said.
"Yeah that sounds good." Connor said. He and Dawn were walking in front of Spike and Maddy. Spike and Maddy exchanged confused stares.
"I thought you said no Charlie's Angels." Maddy said.
"When did I say that?" Connor asked.
"Looks like someone has a crush." Spike whispered to Maddy.
"Yes and it's disgusting." Maddy said. Spike laughed and kept walking to his car.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Cordy, Anya, and Fred sat in the dining room drinking coffee. Cordy had been spending so much time in the hospital, but today she would have to play the entertaining hostess mom. Anya was always over lately. She was Angel's little sister and she worried.
Cordy couldn't complain. Fred had decided to drop by after finding out what happened to Angel. Cordy and Fred had been friends before, but weren't very close. Cordy didn't have very many close friends. She was grateful to have Fred and Anya.
"So what's on the agenda for tonight? Watching the grubby little kids and playing mom." Anya asked.
"Yes Anya I know how unappealing that sounds, but it's me." Cordy said taking a sip of her coffee.
"It doesn't sound that bad. Some day I would like to have kids too. I just want to wait for the right moment." Fred said.
"Well Maddy was unplanned. Not to say that Angel and I didn't want her after we found out that we were going to have her. She was a great surprise." Cordy said.
"Xander and I are considering starting to have kids. He's the boss of his job and can basically make his own schedule. It's time I would think." Anya said.
"You guys have been married for two years now right." Cordy asked.
"Yes. I'm twenty-six and I think that it's time." Anya said.
"That seems good. Wes and I have been married for three years now and we don't have any kids. I don't think it's on our minds just yet. I know that we're twenty-eight, but with me being a judge and him struggling to keep his doctor's office open, we just don't think it's time yet." Fred said.
"Yes well I think that it's time." Anya said.
"That's good for you." Cordy said and was cut of by the doorbell.
"I'll be right back." Cordy said as she got up to open the door. Cordy made her way to the door and opened it. It was Buffy and Andrew.
"Oh hey Buffy. What are you doing here?" Cordy asked.
"Dawn forgot her toothbrush. I knew she would forget something. Is she here yet?" Buffy asked.
"No. It would seem that Spike just had to take them to two movies. Come in." Cordy said moving aside.
"Oh no we have plans for later. First night away from Dawn in awhile and Andrew here convinced me to go out to dinner with him and Warren." Buffy said.
"You guys couldn't come in for just a little while." Cordy asked flashing one of her pleading smiles.
"Come one Buffy it wouldn't hurt to just come in for awhile." Andrew said.
"Oh alright. Just for a few minutes." Buffy said walking inside with Andrew following behind her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Yo ho-ho and a bottle of rum!" the four people in the car sang loudly. Spike was pulling up to his brother's house right this second. They had gone to see Charlie's Angels and then just because Spike knew Maddy and Connor both wanted to see the Pirates of the Caribbean movie and so did he they saw that movie as well. Now they couldn't get the song out of their heads so they started to sing it out loud. Most of it was humming because they didn't know all of the song. The bottle of rum part was about the only thing they knew.
"Okay kids we're here. This is where the really fun begins. I bet Cordy has movies and popcorn already set up." Spike said.
"Good. More popcorn is always good." Dawn said.
"Yes and movies are great." Connor said.
"Alright then lets go." Everyone piled out of the car and made their way up to the front door. There was still singing going on. Spike rang the doorbell and Cordy answered it.
"Yo ho-ho, mommy." Connor said.
"You took them to see that pirate movie didn't you." Cordy asked. Spike shook his head.
"You do realize he's going to talk like a pirate for days now." Cordy said.
"I tried to warn him." Maddy said stepping inside the house. Connor and Dawn followed her.
"How much sugar did they have?"
"Well there was the ice cream at the park. The candy, soda, popcorn, bon- bons, and nachos at the movies. Then there was the Cold Stone ice cream that they finished in the car." Spike said stepping inside the house as well. Cordy shut the door behind him.
"That's a whole lot of sugar. You should really think before you let them have so much. It'll rot their teeth." Cordy said as she watched him sit down in one of the chairs in the living room.
"Come on. I get to be the cool uncle who let's them eat all the junk food they want." Spike said.
"Okay I'll give you that, but some times I think that you spoil them to much."
"You can't spoil kids too much."
"You're only using them until you have your own."
"At the rate that I'm going that'll be never." Spike said. Before Cordy had time to react Buffy, Andrew, Anya, and Fred walked into the living room.
"Well it was nice to meet you, Andrew." Fred said.
"It was nice to meet you too." Andrew said in a totally sincere voice.
"We should all go out some time." Anya said.
"That would be perfect." Buffy said. She was beginning to like Spike's friends more and more. She just hoped that she wouldn't totally wreck things.
"Good then it's settled. We'll make time. Got out for dinner or something." Andrew said.
"Yeah that'd be great. Then maybe we could Buffy and Spike together." Anya said.
"Anya I already told you that it's just a friendship thing." Buffy said.
"That's Buffy for you Queen of Denial." Andrew said. "
Are you guys talking about me when you think I'm not around?" Spike asked standing up from the chair he was sitting in.
"Spike! We didn't know you were there." Fred said.
"Oh please don't be so whimp-y, Fred. He should hear that. Start hooking it up Spike." Anya said.
"My baby sister." Spike said, "Excuse the bluntness."
"I rather enjoy it. It's refreshing and she's totally right." Andrew said.
"Well if we're putting our two cents in then I'd have to agree." Fred said.
"Okay that's enough talking about me like I'm not in the room." Buffy said.
"Well they're right Buffy. Didn't we already go through this at the mall?" Cordy said.
"Oh so there's more talking about me behind my back. You lot know how to make a guy feel welcome." Spike said sarcastically.
"Well we wouldn't have to talk about you behind your back if you made a move already." Anya said.
"Ahn, maybe you should stop talking like that. Kids are barely in the next room." Spike said trying to change the subject.
"They've already been subjected to the torment."
"Not Dawn."
"And she won't be if you don't make a move on her mommy."
"Do you people not see me standing right here." Buffy said.
"Oh sorry Buffy." Anya said.
"No it's just that's never happened to me before. I start to hang out with you guys and all of a sudden it's happening all the time. You've got Willow and Andrew doing it as well." Buffy said.
"Just the perks of being around us. You'll learn to accept it." Cordy said.
"I know I did." Fred chimed in.
"Well as much as I love talking with you guys, reservations are at eight and it's six thirty. That doesn't give us much time to get ready." Buffy said.
"Oh where are you going?" Spike asked.
"We are going to a nice little French bistro that I found on the internet. Looks lovely. Anyway Buffy, Warren and I are going to have a nice adult's night out." Andrew said as something suddenly popped into his head. It was perfect timing.
"So you see why we have to go." Buffy said.
"Yeah and hey would you like to tag along." Andrew said to Spike avoiding the glares he was getting from Buffy. Spike wasn't sure what to say. Would that seem like a date? No not unless it was with Andrew and he was sure that wasn't going to happen. What harm could it do?
Big harm you git. You're tryin' to stay away from her in romantic settings remember. Just friends. Spike's mind was screaming to him.
"Sure why not." Spike said kicking himself for accepting.
"Great meet us at Buffy's at seven thirty. Bye all." Andrew said dragging Buffy out of the house.
"Bye." Everyone said.
"Well it would seem the little monkey is going to do your job for you." Anya said.
"It's just a dinner." Spike said mostly to himself then anyone else.
"A dinner you accepted readily. Just admit it, Spike. You like her. A lot. I can see it in your face." Fred said.
"We're just friends. She's still married and I'm her lawyer. Remember that little piece of information." Spike said.
"It really doesn't matter. You'll give in sooner or later." Cordy said.
"Preferable sooner for all those involved. You need to be happy. You haven't had a girlfriend in over a year." Anya said.
"Girlfriend doesn't always equal happy, Ahn." Spike said.
"Yeah well if you're doing it right it could equal a happy." Fred said.
"Fred you did not just say that. Are you channeling Anya or something? Look I better get going. Not a lot of time to get ready." Spike said.
"Yes because you have to look extra special." Anya said.
"Get off it. Tell the munchkins I said bye." Spike said as he exited the house.
"Yup those two should be together in no time." Cordy said.
"Yeah if they stop being so stubborn." Fred said.
"Well we all know Spike. He can be very stubborn. Hard-headed at times as well." Anya said.
"Buffy looks like she's just as stubborn." Cordy said.
"Well at least when they bump heads their heads will be so hard they can't feel it." Fred said.
"Yeah well that could be good and bad." Anya said.
"Mom! Come help us with the videos. Connor's trying to use the VCR." Maddy yelled from the other room.
"Duty calls." Cordy said.
"We better leave before we get dragged in." Anya said dragging Fred out of the house.