A/N: I went to Disney World so Im sorry I didnt update, but I did write and now I can update (I wrote because I took a bus). For those people who are pestering me about spelling etc. if it bothers you, you should stop reading it. I know my faults I use spell check but I dont pay attention when I do and I cant get a beta because my e-mail isnt working and believe me if I could I would and Im sorry but at the moment I cant. I would like to explain to Kimber I have an ocd about running gags I need one in every story I write and Buffy fainting happens to be the running gag in this one, but now that I have a direction it wont happen as much I promise it was just something I needed to get me going. To people like Anon who reviewed this time and hadnt before thank you so much it means a lot that you reviewed it gives me hope that I might have at least a little talent in story telling even if I cant spell. To MsSpike I will continue at least a little longer but just because I had the time to write I cant promise I wont stop if I dont get more feed back. To chantel I hope this will help with your craving for more Buffy/Spike action this chapter is dedicated to you my most faithful reviewer reviewed from chapter 2 all the way to chapter 6 I hope to hear more from you it is really good to know someone is reading and to all my other reviewers as well keep them coming and you might get a shout out or a chapter dedicated to your requests. Ok, ok Ill start the chapter now much love intofire101 ; )
Disclaimer: see chapter 1
Chapter 6
I'm finally glad to hear that bell because now it signals the end of the school day. I ran out almost singing that this day was over. I have never been happier to hear that school bell. I met Willow and Zander in front of school discussing Bronze plans for that night.
"You coming tonight Buffy?" Zander asked when I came twirling out side.
"What's the up Buff?" Noticing my face Willow found it her best friend duty to ask.
"I'm just so happy that this day is over" I commented, but something tugged at the back of my mind.
"So are you going to the Bronze? Oz is supposed to be playing tonight." Fred asked as she joined us outside with Wesley at her heels.
"I think I better pass. I don't want to risk another run in with the hurricane from merry old England." I said being completely truthful I promise.
"He won't be there Buffy it's a local club and he's new in town. He doesn't know about the Bronze, because I certainly didn't tell him." Wes said trying to persuade me to go.
"I don't know I really want to finish Pride and Prejudice I mean I just got to the part where Elizabeth just arrived at Derbyshire." I was desperately trying to get out of it.
"Buffy you'll be done with in an hour we all know that. Besides you're the life of the party." Fred said. I forgot my friends all know when I'm lying.
"I'll come, but I don't promise I'll stay I'm not in a party mood." This wasn't the complete truth. I could have used a good party. I decided to walk home since it was a nice day. No sooner had I walked inside before I wanted to leave again.
"Buffy someone to see you in the kitchen." My mom called.
"Hey pet you left so quick when the bell rang I thought you would be half way to New York by now." He's back. It's like the cat in that song, you know 'and the cat came back the very next day.'
"No Spike just had some plans to confirm for tonight." I said nonchalantly as I jumped up on to one of the stools standing at the counter.
"I have to see to the laundry. Please make sure Spike is comfortable Buffy." my mom said as she left me to fend for myself.
"So what you got to eat love. I dare say I'm a might bit peckish after such an eventful day." He gave me a half smile and started to go through cabinets.
"We have some chips in the third cabinet on the middle self I think." I replied to his question of food.
"I was hoping for something sweet." He turned fully and stared at me with those penetratingly blue eyes. I tried to keep eye contact, but I had to look away. He started to rummage around in the cabinet again.
"We might have some cookies over there." I commented pointing to one of the higher cabinets on the far left. I faltered when he brushed my knee crossing the kitchen. I saw a smile twitch at the corner of his mouth when I faltered. He knew he got me hot and bothered, and it amused him to no end.
He reached up and got the jar down from the cabinet. Spike opened it, but found it empty. "Well pet it seems you lied to me. What now?"
"We have some lemon squares next to where the jar was." I replied apologetically.
He lifted his perfectly toned arms up to get down the Tupper ware that contained the lemon squares. As he brought the container down he turned his cold seductive eyes on me.
"You wouldn't have any other fruit would you pet? I'm not in a citrus mood." He put a specific emphasis on the word citrus. I wish he would just leave me alone. Zander was right why doesn't he just go hang out with the popular people like he should. I don't want him here and it is clear he doesn't want to be here, but he won't leave.
"Spike I am in no mood to entertain people who delight in toying with the emotions of a very confused girl, so please take your lemon square and leave." I did it again I tell the hottest guy I've ever met to leave. This is getting to be a bad habit with me. It's not my fault his eyes make me do crazy things. I just want to ... I don't even know what I want when he's around.
"But I told you pet I'm not in the mood for citrus" he said. Why is he getting closer? Can't he just poof out of existence or something? Apparently not since he is getting even closer. My breath caught as he lifted me off my stool and placed me on the kitchen island with my legs slightly spread, which I did not like at all.
"Listen strawberry you have to have something better than these bloody lemon squares. Maybe something in the berry family, blue, black, strawberries perhaps?" His voice is so seductive. Damb where does he think that hand is going? Ahhhh his hands are so soft. His hand rested on my knee. Now this is not good, his hand is moving. Worse it is moving up, or is that better? I don't know. Why do his hands have to be so soft and move so slow? Darn his hand is gone. Wait that's good I don't want him to touch me. His hands were so soft and he is so close to me. I wonder if his lips are soft too. No bad Buffy, will not fantasize about evil people, but he can be so sweet. He's eating his lemon square. He is millimeters away and he has the nerve to eat his lemon square now?
"Just leave! If you are going to taught me like this just get out of my house, Spike." I couldn't stand being around him any more or I would burst.
"Well now that you bring it up niblet there is a reason why I'm here. I was wondering if you could show me around some of the local hang outs you know? Wesley surely isn't helping so I thought you could. Maybe tonight we could go out? Not like a date just a friend helping another friend. What do you say love? Will you help me out?" He said everything so slow and he sounded so sweet and sincere. I didn't know what to do.
"I'd really like to Spike, but I have plans tonight." Well it was true.
"Well, sweet maybe some other time Oz invited me to come and see his band tonight at some club anyway some place called, the Bronze?" No, no, no! Now I have to go because I promised and he will see me there and know that I just wanted to get out of being with him.
"Oh my God, Spike you really don't want to go to the Bronze. It's a bad place, very bad. Just trust me it's bad." Ok so I lied, but I promised my friends and I don't want to hurt his feeling, but he always riles me up and I can't help getting mad at him. Why does he make me feel like this? I wish I knew how to handle this, Why can't he be one of those people that's easy to deal with? Who's predictable?
"I think I'll give the Bronze a try anyway, Love. It's just a club, like Sunnydale High is just a High School." He hopped down from the seat he had taken next to me on the counter. Now I guess the only thing I can do is show him around and get a verbal whipping for lying.
"Ok, you caught me. I lied. I'm going to The Bronze tonight with the gang, like you didn't already know. Feel free to tag along, but this is in no way a date, so don't get any ideas." Great idea, Buffy! Next time I should maybe warn myself instead of him.
"Wouldn't dream of it pet. I won't be the one to taint your image. A word of advice, when it comes to image tainting, I'd keep an eye on Angel, because he's keeping an eye on you. Well, I suppose I should go get ready for the big night love." No way am I letting him out of my sight until this night is over. There's always the chance that he will run into someone. And of course go "I'm going to The Bronze with Buffy" which to most would mean D-A-T-E, date. No, I won't let that happen. Not now.
"Spike, stay here. Talks to Dawn, or my mom, call England. Just find something to do for an hour and don't leave this room." That way he can't tell anyone, I can finish Pride and Prejudice and pick out a wicked outfit for the Bronze. I can't lose. He can entertain himself for an hour at my house and not find out any embarrassing childhood stories about me, right?
"I'll find something to do, I'm sure, pet." I don't like that smirk. I'm not sure what he plans to do but I am sure I won't like it.
I figure I might as well get started as not. I run upstairs grab Pride and Prejudice and flop on my comfy bed. I lose myself as the words of Jane Austen envelop my mind. It takes forty-five minutes to finish the book and spend five minutes basking in the light of the wonder that is Mr. Darcy. Now, next order of business, what do I wear? I want something that will drive Spike mad, but remind him that I am completely inaccessibly. First intuition is skimpy, but then I might as well just hang a sign around my neck that says slut. I guess I should wear something covering and modest, but form fitting. That red top I bought last week ought to do nicely, now, what to go with it? Those black stretch capris should work. Accessories? Red nail polish, red and black necklace, red drop earrings, black cherry purse, and red satrapy stilettos. I figure I should go back downstairs now. I hope Spike hasn't heard too many embarrassing stories about me. I was prepared for anything that might have happened. I expected embarrassing stories. I could handle severe teasing, but not this. Baby pictures should be burned. There he was sitting on the couch with my mom, flipping through my old picture albums. The picture albums everyone has with all the embarrassing pictures of when they were little. I'm not sure who to be mad at, Spike or my mom. No, not that picture! She's seconds away from showing him the pictures from my third birthday party. I won't even show those to Willow, and she was there. What can I do?
"Mom, can I borrow our charming guest for a moment?" I said through gritted teeth. I didn't wait for an answer. I dragged Spike through the room and straight upstairs.
"What were you doing? I told you to call England or something not go through my house and find the most embarrassing thing you could. Why not just read my diary?" I was yelling at him again and I couldn't stop. Yelling is also becoming a bad habit when he's around.
"Pet, you said to entertain myself. Your exact words were, and I quote, Spike stay here, talk to Dawn or my mom, call England just find something to do for an hour and don't leave this room. I followed the rules. I didn't leave the room and I kept myself busy for an hour. The fact is, you were upstairs for an hour and a half." He cocked his head to one side and gave me a smile. Suddenly, I don't care about the pictures. I somehow know that he of all people won't tease me. Why do I feel like I can trust him with things like my most embarrassing baby pictures but refuse to show him around town?
"So, what did you do for an hour?" I asked. It was clear I was trying to back peddle my way out of a fight. He was looking at me with this puzzled expression on his face. Then he started to laugh. Not like a good natured, polite chuckle but head thrown back full laughing. His eyes lit up when he laughed. It was amazing to see the glow a smile, a real smile, brought to his face. He should smile more often.
"I entertained myself," He said, once he had stopped laughing.
"Ok, keep your secrets. But I have a little sister who knows everything that happens in this house, from four in the afternoon to ten at night." I wish that were true. Dawn can find out what goes on if she knows in advance something is going to happen. Unfortunately, I didn't tell her to watch Spike, so there is very little chance she knows what he did before baby pictures, which she was there for.
"I called England," He said. Well, I had meant to get him to tell me, but I didn't expect it to work. He seemed almost scared when he replied. He didn't show much in his voice but I saw panic in his eyes. "Who did you call?" I know, I know. Curiosity killed the cat.
"A friend" he replied, dryly. As if he ever responds in a tone that isn't dry.
"What did you two talk about?" I knew I should stop asking him questions, but for some reason I couldn't.
FLASHBACK
"Hello, This is Spike. I'm calling for Rupert Giles?"
"May I ask why you wish to speak to him?" The operator replied.
"This call is from America. Now put me through!" Spike knew his cousin was expecting an important call from the US.
"America for you, Mr. Giles." A secretary called to him through the door.
"Put them on line one, Miss Bates." A man's voice answered from the other side of the office door. The man sitting behind the desk cleared his throat, cleaned his glasses, and picked up the phone.
"Hello, Mr. Giles speaking." Said the man in a very important tone.
"Go on, chap! Is that anyway to greet your favorite cousin calling' all the way from America?" Spike asked, in a mock-hurt tone.
"William, why are you calling me? You shouldn't be using your friend's phone to be calling England like this!" Giles said, but he was unable to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Well, I wouldn't technically call where I am the house of a friend. That reminds me why I called you, Ripper." Spike said.
"I'm not Ripper, here. I'm at work. I'm Rupert, or Mr. Giles. Not Ripper." The man on the other end replied in a frustrated voice.
"Well, if I can't call you Ripper, you can't call me William. Because here, I'm Spike." He replied smartly. Giles could almost hear his smirk.
"So, Ripper," Spike could hear Giles cleaning his glasses at the old nickname. "There's a bit here I think I'm falling' for." Spike told his closest cousin.
"So, my little cousin Willie fancies a girl he's found down there in Sunnydale, California. So, who is she, your usual princess of darkness type?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Not even close, mate. She's a perky speck of sunshine that hates my guts." Spike replied with a slight chuckle to himself at the last part.
"She has good taste. If she's such a ball of sunshine, I wonder that you called me. You obviously still consider me Ripper and Ripper never got along with sunshine." Giles explained to his younger cousin.
"I didn't call to ask your advice on the matter. I just want my money so I can buy my Ducati. K, mate?" Spike said. He was clearly starting to get testy with his cousin.
"You know, in my position, I have full authority to refuse you the money, cos." Giles commented while he cleaned his glasses in a smug way.
"You won't do that, Rip." Spike replied, over confidant.
"I will, if you continue to call me Ripper." Giles said through gritted teeth.
"Very well, Mr. Rupert Giles. You know, if you're going to be all smug, you should have a hyphenated name. It sounds better. Point of the matter is, I spent the last payment on the AC/DC tickets, which I needed. And if I plan to get this bit to notice me, I need the bike." Spike explained to his cousin.
"It sounds to me like the sunbeam would prefer a red convertible. If she hates you and your taste, she will despise your bike. I don't see why you want a bike anyway. A car is much more practical." Giles spoke more to himself than to his cousin.
"Well, my cousin has become a stuffy Englishman like my friend Avocado who won't let me put up stickers in his car park." Spike truly laughed at his big-brother figure's stiffness about the bike.
"I'm not stuffy. I'm practical...Fine, I'll send you the money, but it will lower your monthly credit." Giles told his cousin, just to prove he wasn't a complete pansy.
"Thanks, cos. I'll be sure to drop you a line soon. Cheerio!" Spike said as he hung up the phone.
END FLASHBACK
"Spike? Spike! SPIKE!" What is it with him? He didn't respond. I had to yell his name.
"Sorry, love, spaced out. What did you ask? OH yeah, I just wanted to catch up with my cousin." Spike finally answered my question with a smirk.
"You used my phone to call long distance, to catch up, for an hour? Do you have any idea how much that will cost?" My phone. And Mom will blame me, and then I will have to pay for it.
"Why do you think I called from here? Wesley would kill me if I used his phone. Plus he's been a bit on edge lately, with me around." I wish he would stop smirking at me like that. It's so annoying.
"Let's go, Spike." I said as I dragged him back downstairs. I grabbed my leather jacket and tossed it over my shoulder, called a quick farewell to my mom and rushed out the door. "Spike, never use my phone again. And if you so much as hint about those pictures to anyone, you will no longer be worried about Wes killing you. I promise." I almost spat at him.
"Sure thing pet. I just have to say, your taste in pajamas has improved from bunny foot pjs. I still find those ducks mighty cute though. Quack, ducky." He tapped my nose and turned to walk up the driveway. He left me speechless on my front porch.
Disclaimer: see chapter 1
Chapter 6
I'm finally glad to hear that bell because now it signals the end of the school day. I ran out almost singing that this day was over. I have never been happier to hear that school bell. I met Willow and Zander in front of school discussing Bronze plans for that night.
"You coming tonight Buffy?" Zander asked when I came twirling out side.
"What's the up Buff?" Noticing my face Willow found it her best friend duty to ask.
"I'm just so happy that this day is over" I commented, but something tugged at the back of my mind.
"So are you going to the Bronze? Oz is supposed to be playing tonight." Fred asked as she joined us outside with Wesley at her heels.
"I think I better pass. I don't want to risk another run in with the hurricane from merry old England." I said being completely truthful I promise.
"He won't be there Buffy it's a local club and he's new in town. He doesn't know about the Bronze, because I certainly didn't tell him." Wes said trying to persuade me to go.
"I don't know I really want to finish Pride and Prejudice I mean I just got to the part where Elizabeth just arrived at Derbyshire." I was desperately trying to get out of it.
"Buffy you'll be done with in an hour we all know that. Besides you're the life of the party." Fred said. I forgot my friends all know when I'm lying.
"I'll come, but I don't promise I'll stay I'm not in a party mood." This wasn't the complete truth. I could have used a good party. I decided to walk home since it was a nice day. No sooner had I walked inside before I wanted to leave again.
"Buffy someone to see you in the kitchen." My mom called.
"Hey pet you left so quick when the bell rang I thought you would be half way to New York by now." He's back. It's like the cat in that song, you know 'and the cat came back the very next day.'
"No Spike just had some plans to confirm for tonight." I said nonchalantly as I jumped up on to one of the stools standing at the counter.
"I have to see to the laundry. Please make sure Spike is comfortable Buffy." my mom said as she left me to fend for myself.
"So what you got to eat love. I dare say I'm a might bit peckish after such an eventful day." He gave me a half smile and started to go through cabinets.
"We have some chips in the third cabinet on the middle self I think." I replied to his question of food.
"I was hoping for something sweet." He turned fully and stared at me with those penetratingly blue eyes. I tried to keep eye contact, but I had to look away. He started to rummage around in the cabinet again.
"We might have some cookies over there." I commented pointing to one of the higher cabinets on the far left. I faltered when he brushed my knee crossing the kitchen. I saw a smile twitch at the corner of his mouth when I faltered. He knew he got me hot and bothered, and it amused him to no end.
He reached up and got the jar down from the cabinet. Spike opened it, but found it empty. "Well pet it seems you lied to me. What now?"
"We have some lemon squares next to where the jar was." I replied apologetically.
He lifted his perfectly toned arms up to get down the Tupper ware that contained the lemon squares. As he brought the container down he turned his cold seductive eyes on me.
"You wouldn't have any other fruit would you pet? I'm not in a citrus mood." He put a specific emphasis on the word citrus. I wish he would just leave me alone. Zander was right why doesn't he just go hang out with the popular people like he should. I don't want him here and it is clear he doesn't want to be here, but he won't leave.
"Spike I am in no mood to entertain people who delight in toying with the emotions of a very confused girl, so please take your lemon square and leave." I did it again I tell the hottest guy I've ever met to leave. This is getting to be a bad habit with me. It's not my fault his eyes make me do crazy things. I just want to ... I don't even know what I want when he's around.
"But I told you pet I'm not in the mood for citrus" he said. Why is he getting closer? Can't he just poof out of existence or something? Apparently not since he is getting even closer. My breath caught as he lifted me off my stool and placed me on the kitchen island with my legs slightly spread, which I did not like at all.
"Listen strawberry you have to have something better than these bloody lemon squares. Maybe something in the berry family, blue, black, strawberries perhaps?" His voice is so seductive. Damb where does he think that hand is going? Ahhhh his hands are so soft. His hand rested on my knee. Now this is not good, his hand is moving. Worse it is moving up, or is that better? I don't know. Why do his hands have to be so soft and move so slow? Darn his hand is gone. Wait that's good I don't want him to touch me. His hands were so soft and he is so close to me. I wonder if his lips are soft too. No bad Buffy, will not fantasize about evil people, but he can be so sweet. He's eating his lemon square. He is millimeters away and he has the nerve to eat his lemon square now?
"Just leave! If you are going to taught me like this just get out of my house, Spike." I couldn't stand being around him any more or I would burst.
"Well now that you bring it up niblet there is a reason why I'm here. I was wondering if you could show me around some of the local hang outs you know? Wesley surely isn't helping so I thought you could. Maybe tonight we could go out? Not like a date just a friend helping another friend. What do you say love? Will you help me out?" He said everything so slow and he sounded so sweet and sincere. I didn't know what to do.
"I'd really like to Spike, but I have plans tonight." Well it was true.
"Well, sweet maybe some other time Oz invited me to come and see his band tonight at some club anyway some place called, the Bronze?" No, no, no! Now I have to go because I promised and he will see me there and know that I just wanted to get out of being with him.
"Oh my God, Spike you really don't want to go to the Bronze. It's a bad place, very bad. Just trust me it's bad." Ok so I lied, but I promised my friends and I don't want to hurt his feeling, but he always riles me up and I can't help getting mad at him. Why does he make me feel like this? I wish I knew how to handle this, Why can't he be one of those people that's easy to deal with? Who's predictable?
"I think I'll give the Bronze a try anyway, Love. It's just a club, like Sunnydale High is just a High School." He hopped down from the seat he had taken next to me on the counter. Now I guess the only thing I can do is show him around and get a verbal whipping for lying.
"Ok, you caught me. I lied. I'm going to The Bronze tonight with the gang, like you didn't already know. Feel free to tag along, but this is in no way a date, so don't get any ideas." Great idea, Buffy! Next time I should maybe warn myself instead of him.
"Wouldn't dream of it pet. I won't be the one to taint your image. A word of advice, when it comes to image tainting, I'd keep an eye on Angel, because he's keeping an eye on you. Well, I suppose I should go get ready for the big night love." No way am I letting him out of my sight until this night is over. There's always the chance that he will run into someone. And of course go "I'm going to The Bronze with Buffy" which to most would mean D-A-T-E, date. No, I won't let that happen. Not now.
"Spike, stay here. Talks to Dawn, or my mom, call England. Just find something to do for an hour and don't leave this room." That way he can't tell anyone, I can finish Pride and Prejudice and pick out a wicked outfit for the Bronze. I can't lose. He can entertain himself for an hour at my house and not find out any embarrassing childhood stories about me, right?
"I'll find something to do, I'm sure, pet." I don't like that smirk. I'm not sure what he plans to do but I am sure I won't like it.
I figure I might as well get started as not. I run upstairs grab Pride and Prejudice and flop on my comfy bed. I lose myself as the words of Jane Austen envelop my mind. It takes forty-five minutes to finish the book and spend five minutes basking in the light of the wonder that is Mr. Darcy. Now, next order of business, what do I wear? I want something that will drive Spike mad, but remind him that I am completely inaccessibly. First intuition is skimpy, but then I might as well just hang a sign around my neck that says slut. I guess I should wear something covering and modest, but form fitting. That red top I bought last week ought to do nicely, now, what to go with it? Those black stretch capris should work. Accessories? Red nail polish, red and black necklace, red drop earrings, black cherry purse, and red satrapy stilettos. I figure I should go back downstairs now. I hope Spike hasn't heard too many embarrassing stories about me. I was prepared for anything that might have happened. I expected embarrassing stories. I could handle severe teasing, but not this. Baby pictures should be burned. There he was sitting on the couch with my mom, flipping through my old picture albums. The picture albums everyone has with all the embarrassing pictures of when they were little. I'm not sure who to be mad at, Spike or my mom. No, not that picture! She's seconds away from showing him the pictures from my third birthday party. I won't even show those to Willow, and she was there. What can I do?
"Mom, can I borrow our charming guest for a moment?" I said through gritted teeth. I didn't wait for an answer. I dragged Spike through the room and straight upstairs.
"What were you doing? I told you to call England or something not go through my house and find the most embarrassing thing you could. Why not just read my diary?" I was yelling at him again and I couldn't stop. Yelling is also becoming a bad habit when he's around.
"Pet, you said to entertain myself. Your exact words were, and I quote, Spike stay here, talk to Dawn or my mom, call England just find something to do for an hour and don't leave this room. I followed the rules. I didn't leave the room and I kept myself busy for an hour. The fact is, you were upstairs for an hour and a half." He cocked his head to one side and gave me a smile. Suddenly, I don't care about the pictures. I somehow know that he of all people won't tease me. Why do I feel like I can trust him with things like my most embarrassing baby pictures but refuse to show him around town?
"So, what did you do for an hour?" I asked. It was clear I was trying to back peddle my way out of a fight. He was looking at me with this puzzled expression on his face. Then he started to laugh. Not like a good natured, polite chuckle but head thrown back full laughing. His eyes lit up when he laughed. It was amazing to see the glow a smile, a real smile, brought to his face. He should smile more often.
"I entertained myself," He said, once he had stopped laughing.
"Ok, keep your secrets. But I have a little sister who knows everything that happens in this house, from four in the afternoon to ten at night." I wish that were true. Dawn can find out what goes on if she knows in advance something is going to happen. Unfortunately, I didn't tell her to watch Spike, so there is very little chance she knows what he did before baby pictures, which she was there for.
"I called England," He said. Well, I had meant to get him to tell me, but I didn't expect it to work. He seemed almost scared when he replied. He didn't show much in his voice but I saw panic in his eyes. "Who did you call?" I know, I know. Curiosity killed the cat.
"A friend" he replied, dryly. As if he ever responds in a tone that isn't dry.
"What did you two talk about?" I knew I should stop asking him questions, but for some reason I couldn't.
FLASHBACK
"Hello, This is Spike. I'm calling for Rupert Giles?"
"May I ask why you wish to speak to him?" The operator replied.
"This call is from America. Now put me through!" Spike knew his cousin was expecting an important call from the US.
"America for you, Mr. Giles." A secretary called to him through the door.
"Put them on line one, Miss Bates." A man's voice answered from the other side of the office door. The man sitting behind the desk cleared his throat, cleaned his glasses, and picked up the phone.
"Hello, Mr. Giles speaking." Said the man in a very important tone.
"Go on, chap! Is that anyway to greet your favorite cousin calling' all the way from America?" Spike asked, in a mock-hurt tone.
"William, why are you calling me? You shouldn't be using your friend's phone to be calling England like this!" Giles said, but he was unable to hide the excitement in his voice.
"Well, I wouldn't technically call where I am the house of a friend. That reminds me why I called you, Ripper." Spike said.
"I'm not Ripper, here. I'm at work. I'm Rupert, or Mr. Giles. Not Ripper." The man on the other end replied in a frustrated voice.
"Well, if I can't call you Ripper, you can't call me William. Because here, I'm Spike." He replied smartly. Giles could almost hear his smirk.
"So, Ripper," Spike could hear Giles cleaning his glasses at the old nickname. "There's a bit here I think I'm falling' for." Spike told his closest cousin.
"So, my little cousin Willie fancies a girl he's found down there in Sunnydale, California. So, who is she, your usual princess of darkness type?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Not even close, mate. She's a perky speck of sunshine that hates my guts." Spike replied with a slight chuckle to himself at the last part.
"She has good taste. If she's such a ball of sunshine, I wonder that you called me. You obviously still consider me Ripper and Ripper never got along with sunshine." Giles explained to his younger cousin.
"I didn't call to ask your advice on the matter. I just want my money so I can buy my Ducati. K, mate?" Spike said. He was clearly starting to get testy with his cousin.
"You know, in my position, I have full authority to refuse you the money, cos." Giles commented while he cleaned his glasses in a smug way.
"You won't do that, Rip." Spike replied, over confidant.
"I will, if you continue to call me Ripper." Giles said through gritted teeth.
"Very well, Mr. Rupert Giles. You know, if you're going to be all smug, you should have a hyphenated name. It sounds better. Point of the matter is, I spent the last payment on the AC/DC tickets, which I needed. And if I plan to get this bit to notice me, I need the bike." Spike explained to his cousin.
"It sounds to me like the sunbeam would prefer a red convertible. If she hates you and your taste, she will despise your bike. I don't see why you want a bike anyway. A car is much more practical." Giles spoke more to himself than to his cousin.
"Well, my cousin has become a stuffy Englishman like my friend Avocado who won't let me put up stickers in his car park." Spike truly laughed at his big-brother figure's stiffness about the bike.
"I'm not stuffy. I'm practical...Fine, I'll send you the money, but it will lower your monthly credit." Giles told his cousin, just to prove he wasn't a complete pansy.
"Thanks, cos. I'll be sure to drop you a line soon. Cheerio!" Spike said as he hung up the phone.
END FLASHBACK
"Spike? Spike! SPIKE!" What is it with him? He didn't respond. I had to yell his name.
"Sorry, love, spaced out. What did you ask? OH yeah, I just wanted to catch up with my cousin." Spike finally answered my question with a smirk.
"You used my phone to call long distance, to catch up, for an hour? Do you have any idea how much that will cost?" My phone. And Mom will blame me, and then I will have to pay for it.
"Why do you think I called from here? Wesley would kill me if I used his phone. Plus he's been a bit on edge lately, with me around." I wish he would stop smirking at me like that. It's so annoying.
"Let's go, Spike." I said as I dragged him back downstairs. I grabbed my leather jacket and tossed it over my shoulder, called a quick farewell to my mom and rushed out the door. "Spike, never use my phone again. And if you so much as hint about those pictures to anyone, you will no longer be worried about Wes killing you. I promise." I almost spat at him.
"Sure thing pet. I just have to say, your taste in pajamas has improved from bunny foot pjs. I still find those ducks mighty cute though. Quack, ducky." He tapped my nose and turned to walk up the driveway. He left me speechless on my front porch.