~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Part 7: False Starts
A/N- Again, great thanks to Miss Kitty for her wonderful beta work and for being so encouraging and supportive about my writing!! Thank you to EVERYONE who has reviewed and please KEEP REVIEWING!!! I only have 21 reviews for 6 chapters so KEEP THEM COMING!!!! *Begs the needy writer* More reviews mean faster chapters!! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* - - -
"Well, it looks like we've muddied things up good now." Spike said softly as he and Buffy sat in the limo as it took them back to their hotel. Buffy was ready to snap at him, before she realized he had placed the blame on both of them, not just her. * Which was your problem to begin with, you twit. Calm down and listen for once and this may not have happened.*
"Yeah, looks like." Buffy replied.
"I don't like this anymore than you do, but if we have to do it, I am willing to give it a sporting chance. Don't really fancy being thrown out on my ass for my first movie, know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I know. I don't want to get fired either. Even though it means spending two days with you."
"Love you too, pet." Spike said sarcastically. Buffy felt her blood start to boil at his tone even though his words were exciting, but took a few deep breaths. *He may have decided to let that punch go earlier, but if I attack him in a limo I doubt it would go as well.*
"Look, I think the only way we are going to get through the next two days is if we promise that we will be on our best behavior. I vow that I will try my best to be nice, and not bitchy and to be calm." Buffy made the first attempt at a clean start.
"Yeah, that's only fair. I promise that I won't be a smart-ass or try to make you mad. It's just that it's so easy." He teased her.
"Not good, Spike." Was her reply.
"Right. No more pissing Buffy off. I'll be as good as good can be. We can do this Buffy. We're both grown adults, not five year olds. I won't pull your hair if you don't steal my toys, ok?" Spike made his own offer.
"Something tells me I don't want your toys, Spike."
"But they are so much fun." He raised his eyebrow suggestively, sticking the tip of his tongue out at her. Buffy felt her face flush and was grateful when the limo stopped at the hotel.
"Thanks Jeff." Buffy called up to the driver and hopped out of the car quickly, leaving Spike to trail after her.
They rode up in the elevator together, not making any conversation. When they got to her door he turned to look at her.
"So what fiendish torture do you have in store for me, luv?" Spike was dreading what she would want to do tomorrow. If she had some kind of weird spa/sea-weed/mud pack day set up for them or something as equally as dumb he could make Saturday a living hell for her.
"I'm not sure yet. I have that function tomorrow night, so I guess I would like to get something to wear for it, so how about starting with going to the boutiques? I know shopping probably isn't your idea of a good time, but-"
"Actually, I wouldn't mind checking some stuff out. I need to get some things for myself anyway so this is ok. What time are we getting up?" *Shopping I can handle, shopping is ok. She can't try to beat me up if we're in a crowded store. Maybe she'll model some lingerie for me or something*. Spike thought but in a flash, regretted it. *Or not. Buffy plus lingerie equals bad. Burlap sack Buffy, now that's something.Gah, she's sexy in that too! Spike pulled his duster around him a little, as if were cold. Ok, getting kicked off the movie, falling off the stage while performing, my Da naked, Buffy naked- AGH!*
Buffy was oblivious to Spike's discomfort however. "Ok, so how about an eight o'clock wake up call? Then we can eat and hit the shops." *At least in the shops I won't want to kill him as bad. Witnesses to murder aren't exactly cool. Maybe I'll let him stop in at a music shop or something, give him some fun tomorrow. Spike with a guitar, strutting around on stage, all hot and sweaty and.. BAD Buffy! But he'd look so good, with his hair curling from the sweat, and maybe he'd do the Elvis pelvis swivel and..GAH! All right, my tenth grade math teacher, cleaning the basement, my mom having sex, me having sex with Spike- oh shit.*
"Ok, then. Eight o'clock?" Spike asked, as he backed away towards his own room. Buffy just nodded and escaped to her own rooms.
Both blondes quickly slammed their doors and leaned against them, breathing a sigh of relief. *It's going to be a long two days*. They both thought.
* * * * *
*KNOCK* *RING* *KNOCK* *RING* *KNOCK* Buffy pounded on Spike's door and rang the bell at the same time at eight thirty the next morning. She had been up for an hour now, having showered and dressed, waiting for Spike to get up and come get her for breakfast. She had tried to call his room but only got a busy signal.
"Spike! Get your lazy ass out of bed!" She yelled, not worried about waking the people in the other two suites, as they were empty for the moment. She heard some muffled cursing and thumping from inside. Finally the door swung open to reveal a low-slung, un-buttoned jeans clad Spike. His hair was sticking up everywhere, looking plain sexy, and he was wiping sleep from his eyes.
"Whyouwan?" He muttered, not quite realizing what was happening.
"It's eight thirty. Breakfast, shopping, not killing each other- remember? I called, were you on the phone?"
"Buffy?" Spike was still half asleep as he tried to focus on her. She pushed her way into his suite and went to the kitchenette where he had a small one-shot coffee maker and complimentary coffee. She started to brew some before turning to the bleary eyed blond who had followed her.
"Go to the shower, by the time you get out I will have caffeine for you." She put her hands on his chest and attempted to push him towards his room. His hands came up to cover hers, trapping them against his warm planes.
"Good morning." He whispered down at her. His eyes were finally clear, and staring down at her, seriously.
"Hi." Buffy managed to get out. She could feel his heart beating under her hand, and it was racing as fast as she could feel hers was. They just stared at each other for a while, not understanding what was going on, but knowing something should be happening.
Spike started to lean down, ever so slightly, as Buffy just stared at him, waiting. Then the doorbell rang. The duo jumped apart, jolting their hearts faster than they were already pounding. Buffy turned back to the one-shot as Spike went to answer the door.
"Sir, I was sent to see if you were alright? You had requested a seven thirty wake up call, but when we attempted to reach you by phone all we got was a busy signal." A hotel employee was standing at the door.
"Yeah, um, sorry about that. Not quite the morning person." Spike explained, remembering shoving his phone to the floor when it rang earlier that morning. He grabbed some money off the table by the door to tip the man and sent him on his way.
"So you'll have that coffee ready for me, luv?" Spike asked hurriedly as he beat a quick path to his room.
"Yes, coffee..um, ready. it will be." Buffy stammered out, looking at the perfect expanse of back that walked away from her, into his room. She heard the bathroom door shut and breathed out a sigh of relief.
*Maybe me killing Spike shouldn't be my only concern.*
Spike leaned back against the bathroom door. *Oh shit. This can't be good. Although, I have always wondered if fighters make the best lovers.*
* * * * *
Later in the day, Spike was wondering what would be the best way to yell fire and not get caught. He had been sitting in chairs ALL morning and early afternoon, surrounded by her many purchases, after they had left to shop, watching Buffy try out outfit after outfit. She must have had tried on at least seventy-five different ensembles, pairs of shoes, earrings and she was still going strong while he was ready to drill a hole in his head. He knew they were supposed to spend the time together so they could come to like each other, or at the very least, not have a burning hatred for each other but how was that supposed to be accomplished when she spent all of her time in a dressing room?
That could be a blessing though, because it kept them from talking about what didn't but almost happened in his hotel suite this morning. She had showed up at his door like a vision, and then they had almost kissed and that may have led to worse things. Or better, and he smirked to himself. Course, nothing would be happening now if Buffy didn't get her ass out of the damn stores. It was already quarter to three in the afternoon. They had been shopping since ten, as it had taken that long for him to shower, dress and then to eat.
He still wasn't sure where she was taking him tonight, as he hadn't had time to ask. He didn't know if this was her way of avoiding him but if it was, it was damn good. He actually wanted to get to know her better. His opinion of her had sunk a great deal when she had thrown his past in his face almost a month ago, but since then his curiosity had started to get the best of him. Especially since she could get him riled up better than anyone else. Make his blood boil, his toes curl and his cock stand to attention all at the same time, just by throwing an insult, or flipping her hair in that snotty way she did. He knew that he was under her skin, just from the way that she had reacted this morning. Could two people with such a strong dislike for each other be so strongly attracted to each other? Of course. But could that dislike be turned into something more, something warmer, or longer lasting? He would have to get her alone long enough to find out, first. He hoped that tonight would be a good opportunity.
"Spike?" He snapped to attention as she walked out of the dressing room. He had seen her try on a lot of things today, but this was the one. She was on the hunt for the perfect dress for tonight's function. If it were up to him this would be it. It was a true red, halter style dress that dipped low enough to show the curves of her cleavage, stopped just below the knee and would flare out like a swing-style dress if they were to dance. "What do you think?"
"Uh," He started, trying to sound cool and collected. He gave up, partly out of frustration and partly out of desire. "Luv, I'm not just saying this because I am bored out of my skull, but this is it. This is the one. You look beautiful."
Buffy flushed almost as red as the dress and turned back to the dressing room to take it off. "I think it's the one too."
*Good lord in heaven, FINALLY!* His mind screamed. Not only could he not handle looking at her in skimpy little dresses anymore but he was starved, along with being deathly bored. A couple of minutes later Buffy walked out of the dressing room, to the cashier, leaving Spike to follow with the rest of her bags.
* * * * *
Buffy had insisted that they go back to the hotel to eat so that she would not miss time getting ready. When they sat down at a table for two after going through the buffet that was set up, Spike sighed in exhaustion and slumped in his chair. Buffy giggled at his overly dramatic show of letting his head fall to the table and hearing fake snores coming from him.
"Oh, it wasn't that bad, you big baby." She pushed at his head lightly.
"I know. It could have been worse. You could have decided you wanted to walk over hot coals today."
"Yeah, I could have." Buffy said thoughtfully. "But then you wouldn't have been able to come with me tonight."
"Right, so where ARE we going, pet? You dragged me all over half of LA looking for a damn dress to this thing, don't I get to know what it is?" Spike started attacking his plate of food ravenously, remembering how hungry he was.
"It's a charity event to raise money for battered women's shelters and educational programs for schools about relationship abuse."
"Great, so we're going to go look at wife beaters and their victims?" Spike asked, sarcastically. "Should be a fun night."
"No. There is a silent auction, as well as a bachelor/bachelorette auction. There will be a mini-casino for fun and some karaoke. It's a fun night to raise money for a serious topic." Buffy glared at his dismissive tone.
"Nothing like celebrating relationship abuse with a roulette wheel, eh?" Spike tried to make a joke but realized he had failed when he saw Buffy's look. "What? It'll be fun. Go raise some money, feel good for the night."
"Feel good?" Buffy asked incredulously.
"Well, yeah. We did a good deed, helped out. This is just your community service, isn't it?" Buffy shook her head in confusion.
"Community service?"
"You know, a celebrity takes on a cause to promote their public image, show they they're well rounded and concerned." Spike told her.
"I didn't realize that that was all these functions and organizations were to other people, but I can guarantee that I am taking this very seriously." Buffy bit out, eyes flashing.
"Sorry, didn't think it was such a big deal. You don't have to go all postal on me. We'll go to your little auction and have a good time, raise some money, help out, ok?" Spike didn't see what was bothering her so much. "I know that some people are very passionate about their causes, you just didn't seem like one."
"Why? Because I'm blonde and ditzy? Do I not seem like I can care about other people? Or is that just your self-projection on to other people?" Buffy was steaming mad now, at the thought that he didn't see her as 'passionate' about anything.
"Hey now, don't play dirty. I didn't mean anything by it."
"No, you never do, do you, Spike?"
"Whatever Barbie." Just then Buffy's cell phone rang and she snatched it up angrily.
"What?" She snarled.
"Ok, so I take it things aren't going as they should be?" Wesley asked.
"They were fine until the bleached wonder put his foot in his mouth again."
"I'd rather put it in yours, you bint."
"Fuck off, Spike."
"Hey, hey. Calm down, ok? You still have your event to go to tonight, and he needs to be on one piece. Just breathe Buffy. How has your day been so far?" Wesley asked, trying to bring her down.
"It was ok. We shopped so we didn't have to talk much."
"Well, that's a start I guess. I'm have to go now, are you going to be all right with him? No fists flying and all that?"
"Yeah," Buffy said shortly, glaring at Spike, who glared back. "Everything will be fine." She hung up the phone and stood. "Be ready by seven." And she walked out, leaving Spike wondering where things went wrong.
A/N- Again, great thanks to Miss Kitty for her wonderful beta work and for being so encouraging and supportive about my writing!! Thank you to EVERYONE who has reviewed and please KEEP REVIEWING!!! I only have 21 reviews for 6 chapters so KEEP THEM COMING!!!! *Begs the needy writer* More reviews mean faster chapters!! ~*~*~*~*~*~*~* - - -
"Well, it looks like we've muddied things up good now." Spike said softly as he and Buffy sat in the limo as it took them back to their hotel. Buffy was ready to snap at him, before she realized he had placed the blame on both of them, not just her. * Which was your problem to begin with, you twit. Calm down and listen for once and this may not have happened.*
"Yeah, looks like." Buffy replied.
"I don't like this anymore than you do, but if we have to do it, I am willing to give it a sporting chance. Don't really fancy being thrown out on my ass for my first movie, know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I know. I don't want to get fired either. Even though it means spending two days with you."
"Love you too, pet." Spike said sarcastically. Buffy felt her blood start to boil at his tone even though his words were exciting, but took a few deep breaths. *He may have decided to let that punch go earlier, but if I attack him in a limo I doubt it would go as well.*
"Look, I think the only way we are going to get through the next two days is if we promise that we will be on our best behavior. I vow that I will try my best to be nice, and not bitchy and to be calm." Buffy made the first attempt at a clean start.
"Yeah, that's only fair. I promise that I won't be a smart-ass or try to make you mad. It's just that it's so easy." He teased her.
"Not good, Spike." Was her reply.
"Right. No more pissing Buffy off. I'll be as good as good can be. We can do this Buffy. We're both grown adults, not five year olds. I won't pull your hair if you don't steal my toys, ok?" Spike made his own offer.
"Something tells me I don't want your toys, Spike."
"But they are so much fun." He raised his eyebrow suggestively, sticking the tip of his tongue out at her. Buffy felt her face flush and was grateful when the limo stopped at the hotel.
"Thanks Jeff." Buffy called up to the driver and hopped out of the car quickly, leaving Spike to trail after her.
They rode up in the elevator together, not making any conversation. When they got to her door he turned to look at her.
"So what fiendish torture do you have in store for me, luv?" Spike was dreading what she would want to do tomorrow. If she had some kind of weird spa/sea-weed/mud pack day set up for them or something as equally as dumb he could make Saturday a living hell for her.
"I'm not sure yet. I have that function tomorrow night, so I guess I would like to get something to wear for it, so how about starting with going to the boutiques? I know shopping probably isn't your idea of a good time, but-"
"Actually, I wouldn't mind checking some stuff out. I need to get some things for myself anyway so this is ok. What time are we getting up?" *Shopping I can handle, shopping is ok. She can't try to beat me up if we're in a crowded store. Maybe she'll model some lingerie for me or something*. Spike thought but in a flash, regretted it. *Or not. Buffy plus lingerie equals bad. Burlap sack Buffy, now that's something.Gah, she's sexy in that too! Spike pulled his duster around him a little, as if were cold. Ok, getting kicked off the movie, falling off the stage while performing, my Da naked, Buffy naked- AGH!*
Buffy was oblivious to Spike's discomfort however. "Ok, so how about an eight o'clock wake up call? Then we can eat and hit the shops." *At least in the shops I won't want to kill him as bad. Witnesses to murder aren't exactly cool. Maybe I'll let him stop in at a music shop or something, give him some fun tomorrow. Spike with a guitar, strutting around on stage, all hot and sweaty and.. BAD Buffy! But he'd look so good, with his hair curling from the sweat, and maybe he'd do the Elvis pelvis swivel and..GAH! All right, my tenth grade math teacher, cleaning the basement, my mom having sex, me having sex with Spike- oh shit.*
"Ok, then. Eight o'clock?" Spike asked, as he backed away towards his own room. Buffy just nodded and escaped to her own rooms.
Both blondes quickly slammed their doors and leaned against them, breathing a sigh of relief. *It's going to be a long two days*. They both thought.
* * * * *
*KNOCK* *RING* *KNOCK* *RING* *KNOCK* Buffy pounded on Spike's door and rang the bell at the same time at eight thirty the next morning. She had been up for an hour now, having showered and dressed, waiting for Spike to get up and come get her for breakfast. She had tried to call his room but only got a busy signal.
"Spike! Get your lazy ass out of bed!" She yelled, not worried about waking the people in the other two suites, as they were empty for the moment. She heard some muffled cursing and thumping from inside. Finally the door swung open to reveal a low-slung, un-buttoned jeans clad Spike. His hair was sticking up everywhere, looking plain sexy, and he was wiping sleep from his eyes.
"Whyouwan?" He muttered, not quite realizing what was happening.
"It's eight thirty. Breakfast, shopping, not killing each other- remember? I called, were you on the phone?"
"Buffy?" Spike was still half asleep as he tried to focus on her. She pushed her way into his suite and went to the kitchenette where he had a small one-shot coffee maker and complimentary coffee. She started to brew some before turning to the bleary eyed blond who had followed her.
"Go to the shower, by the time you get out I will have caffeine for you." She put her hands on his chest and attempted to push him towards his room. His hands came up to cover hers, trapping them against his warm planes.
"Good morning." He whispered down at her. His eyes were finally clear, and staring down at her, seriously.
"Hi." Buffy managed to get out. She could feel his heart beating under her hand, and it was racing as fast as she could feel hers was. They just stared at each other for a while, not understanding what was going on, but knowing something should be happening.
Spike started to lean down, ever so slightly, as Buffy just stared at him, waiting. Then the doorbell rang. The duo jumped apart, jolting their hearts faster than they were already pounding. Buffy turned back to the one-shot as Spike went to answer the door.
"Sir, I was sent to see if you were alright? You had requested a seven thirty wake up call, but when we attempted to reach you by phone all we got was a busy signal." A hotel employee was standing at the door.
"Yeah, um, sorry about that. Not quite the morning person." Spike explained, remembering shoving his phone to the floor when it rang earlier that morning. He grabbed some money off the table by the door to tip the man and sent him on his way.
"So you'll have that coffee ready for me, luv?" Spike asked hurriedly as he beat a quick path to his room.
"Yes, coffee..um, ready. it will be." Buffy stammered out, looking at the perfect expanse of back that walked away from her, into his room. She heard the bathroom door shut and breathed out a sigh of relief.
*Maybe me killing Spike shouldn't be my only concern.*
Spike leaned back against the bathroom door. *Oh shit. This can't be good. Although, I have always wondered if fighters make the best lovers.*
* * * * *
Later in the day, Spike was wondering what would be the best way to yell fire and not get caught. He had been sitting in chairs ALL morning and early afternoon, surrounded by her many purchases, after they had left to shop, watching Buffy try out outfit after outfit. She must have had tried on at least seventy-five different ensembles, pairs of shoes, earrings and she was still going strong while he was ready to drill a hole in his head. He knew they were supposed to spend the time together so they could come to like each other, or at the very least, not have a burning hatred for each other but how was that supposed to be accomplished when she spent all of her time in a dressing room?
That could be a blessing though, because it kept them from talking about what didn't but almost happened in his hotel suite this morning. She had showed up at his door like a vision, and then they had almost kissed and that may have led to worse things. Or better, and he smirked to himself. Course, nothing would be happening now if Buffy didn't get her ass out of the damn stores. It was already quarter to three in the afternoon. They had been shopping since ten, as it had taken that long for him to shower, dress and then to eat.
He still wasn't sure where she was taking him tonight, as he hadn't had time to ask. He didn't know if this was her way of avoiding him but if it was, it was damn good. He actually wanted to get to know her better. His opinion of her had sunk a great deal when she had thrown his past in his face almost a month ago, but since then his curiosity had started to get the best of him. Especially since she could get him riled up better than anyone else. Make his blood boil, his toes curl and his cock stand to attention all at the same time, just by throwing an insult, or flipping her hair in that snotty way she did. He knew that he was under her skin, just from the way that she had reacted this morning. Could two people with such a strong dislike for each other be so strongly attracted to each other? Of course. But could that dislike be turned into something more, something warmer, or longer lasting? He would have to get her alone long enough to find out, first. He hoped that tonight would be a good opportunity.
"Spike?" He snapped to attention as she walked out of the dressing room. He had seen her try on a lot of things today, but this was the one. She was on the hunt for the perfect dress for tonight's function. If it were up to him this would be it. It was a true red, halter style dress that dipped low enough to show the curves of her cleavage, stopped just below the knee and would flare out like a swing-style dress if they were to dance. "What do you think?"
"Uh," He started, trying to sound cool and collected. He gave up, partly out of frustration and partly out of desire. "Luv, I'm not just saying this because I am bored out of my skull, but this is it. This is the one. You look beautiful."
Buffy flushed almost as red as the dress and turned back to the dressing room to take it off. "I think it's the one too."
*Good lord in heaven, FINALLY!* His mind screamed. Not only could he not handle looking at her in skimpy little dresses anymore but he was starved, along with being deathly bored. A couple of minutes later Buffy walked out of the dressing room, to the cashier, leaving Spike to follow with the rest of her bags.
* * * * *
Buffy had insisted that they go back to the hotel to eat so that she would not miss time getting ready. When they sat down at a table for two after going through the buffet that was set up, Spike sighed in exhaustion and slumped in his chair. Buffy giggled at his overly dramatic show of letting his head fall to the table and hearing fake snores coming from him.
"Oh, it wasn't that bad, you big baby." She pushed at his head lightly.
"I know. It could have been worse. You could have decided you wanted to walk over hot coals today."
"Yeah, I could have." Buffy said thoughtfully. "But then you wouldn't have been able to come with me tonight."
"Right, so where ARE we going, pet? You dragged me all over half of LA looking for a damn dress to this thing, don't I get to know what it is?" Spike started attacking his plate of food ravenously, remembering how hungry he was.
"It's a charity event to raise money for battered women's shelters and educational programs for schools about relationship abuse."
"Great, so we're going to go look at wife beaters and their victims?" Spike asked, sarcastically. "Should be a fun night."
"No. There is a silent auction, as well as a bachelor/bachelorette auction. There will be a mini-casino for fun and some karaoke. It's a fun night to raise money for a serious topic." Buffy glared at his dismissive tone.
"Nothing like celebrating relationship abuse with a roulette wheel, eh?" Spike tried to make a joke but realized he had failed when he saw Buffy's look. "What? It'll be fun. Go raise some money, feel good for the night."
"Feel good?" Buffy asked incredulously.
"Well, yeah. We did a good deed, helped out. This is just your community service, isn't it?" Buffy shook her head in confusion.
"Community service?"
"You know, a celebrity takes on a cause to promote their public image, show they they're well rounded and concerned." Spike told her.
"I didn't realize that that was all these functions and organizations were to other people, but I can guarantee that I am taking this very seriously." Buffy bit out, eyes flashing.
"Sorry, didn't think it was such a big deal. You don't have to go all postal on me. We'll go to your little auction and have a good time, raise some money, help out, ok?" Spike didn't see what was bothering her so much. "I know that some people are very passionate about their causes, you just didn't seem like one."
"Why? Because I'm blonde and ditzy? Do I not seem like I can care about other people? Or is that just your self-projection on to other people?" Buffy was steaming mad now, at the thought that he didn't see her as 'passionate' about anything.
"Hey now, don't play dirty. I didn't mean anything by it."
"No, you never do, do you, Spike?"
"Whatever Barbie." Just then Buffy's cell phone rang and she snatched it up angrily.
"What?" She snarled.
"Ok, so I take it things aren't going as they should be?" Wesley asked.
"They were fine until the bleached wonder put his foot in his mouth again."
"I'd rather put it in yours, you bint."
"Fuck off, Spike."
"Hey, hey. Calm down, ok? You still have your event to go to tonight, and he needs to be on one piece. Just breathe Buffy. How has your day been so far?" Wesley asked, trying to bring her down.
"It was ok. We shopped so we didn't have to talk much."
"Well, that's a start I guess. I'm have to go now, are you going to be all right with him? No fists flying and all that?"
"Yeah," Buffy said shortly, glaring at Spike, who glared back. "Everything will be fine." She hung up the phone and stood. "Be ready by seven." And she walked out, leaving Spike wondering where things went wrong.