A/N: Sooooooo sorry. Guys I have had this chapter done for like over a week and just couldn't type it up. I was bed ridden for like 3 days without my comp. (complete torture I promise) I also couldn't seem to bring myself to write this chapter I don't know why. I have already started on the next chapter but it will take a while because I'm not really sure where that one is going. This was a really hard chapter for me to write so I would love your feedback (wink wink nudge nudge PLEASE!!!!!!!!) If you do review I have one question I would like you to answer if it's not too much trouble. How is Wes's characterization it feels kind of off? It might just be that Wes never got the chance to interact with Spike much so? I want to again that those that do review and those that reviewed for the first time. I have to say this chapter is sort of dedicated to my sis she has been helping me with ideas and the person Wes calls is based off her because in return she made me promise to put her in my story. I hope this quenches a Spike/Buffy craving for some. I figure I should tell you now when you read do Spike and Wes out loud with their respective ascents it will come into play later. I want my cookies SSWBA. Hope you enjoy and please review I need some help. Much love intofire101 ; )
Chapter 7
We arrived at the Bronze with in the hour. I said very little to Spike and he said very little to me, which was odd since we are both talkers. I think I might like him. I mean he has pretty ok taste in music and literature I can't stand his attitude though, and he is so snarky. I can't be falling for him it's to crazy. He hates me and I hate him that is it!
"Hey Buffy you made it!" Fred said as she threw her arms around me.
"You also brought our bleach blonde friend" Wesley added with a sarcastic note in his voice.
"Spike!" Fred yelled throwing her arms around him too. Fred is always excited to see her friends outside of school.
"Zander! Willow!" The rest of our group had just walked in, and Fred had hugged them as well. She went full circle hugging everyone for the second time. She even hugged Wesley even though she had walked to the Bronze with him. She actually ended with Wesley, which means she held on to him longer than she had held on to the rest of us. Wesley was not complaining about the extended hug.
"How much has peaches had to drink tonight?" Spike asked Willow while Fred wobbled and almost dragged Wesley to the ground.
"Probably none" Willow replied. She turned to smile at me. She raised an inquisitive eyebrow at me. Her eyes said everything. The list of 'everything' includes DATE, you like him, and he is so hot. I took Willow and Fred off to one side, making up some crazy story I can't even remember.
"So he's a hurricane is he?" Willow asked with an almost evil grin.
"I think Buffy is caught in his path and is quite likely to blown away when he is done with her." Fred said. She and Willow dissolved into a heap of tangled limbs they were giggling so much.
"Fred, Wesley will believe anything you say and Willow you are Xander's best friend. I need you two to convince them that this is not a date!" I used every form of pleading before they finally agreed. I took the puppy dog eyes with the lower lip tremble to get them to cave. Believe me when I say that puppy eyes plus lip tremble is hard.
"So really Buffy why is Spike here if it isn't a date?" Willow asked. She probably already knew the answer, and just wanted to confirm her suspicions.
"He wanted someone to show him around the local places." I replied reluctantly to Willow's question.
"And you offered" Fred cut in. "This is wonderful Buffy. You have moved on and are ready to start again."
"No! That's not it at all. He just showed up at my house and asked me to show him around." I said all this a little to quickly trying to correct Fred's misunderstanding.
"Buffy, you like him. I know it, Fred knows it, why can't you just admit it?" Willow seemed kind of angry. She was acting like I was as oblivious to my feelings as Fred is to Wesley's.
"I hate him! I can't have a crush on someone I hate it doesn't work that way. Even if did like him, which I don't, he hates me!" Why was I acting so upset about this? It was simple just two minutes ago. We hate each other, and that's that.
"I will say two words to you Buffy, and it is up to you to decide what they mean. The two words are Fred and Wesley. You should know what I mean." Willow was very forceful in stating her two words.
"I know what you mean, Will." It was true I knew what she meant. I don't see what the word oblivious has to do with me and Spike though. He has made it clear he hates me, and I left no room for doubt that I hate him.
"I don't get it." Fred said this somewhat exasperated.
"Should we explain?" I asked Willow. Willow is the genius and I'm a sucker for romance so I thought it was better to ask her then just come out and say it.
"No, they'll figure it out sooner or later." Willow is right. Wesley is getting better about confrontation so he should make his move any time now. Daja vu! I said that at the same time last year. Maybe Willow isn't right. Oh Fred will forget we said anything when she sees Wesley, so no big deal.
We returned to the table, where the boys were sitting trying to be cool.
"Can we men get you ladies something to drink?" Xander asked. He was trying to play the gentleman, but it didn't really work. We agreed to let them get us drinks. Wesley got Fred's, of course. Xander got a drink for Willow, and against my better judgment I let Spike get my drink. The majority of us got sodas. The exceptions were Wesley, Fred, and Spike. Fred got a root beer float. Wesley got tea. What is it with British guys and tea? Spike got, well actually I don't know what Spike got, and I'm not sure I want to. It was clear the boys were talking while they got our drinks.
"So Spike why are you here with Buffy?" Xander turned to glare at the blonde.
"She is helping me out. Teaching me the ropes you know." Spike replied. Both Wesley and Xander gave Spike a 'yeah right' glare.
"Well chap I don't believe you as far as I can toss you." That probably wasn't the best choice of words for Wes.
"Since I'm much stronger than you it is very obvious that you trust me none. That hurts avocado." Wes walked into that one.
"Just know that if you hurt her Spike, well you're stronger than me too so I don't know what we'll do?" Not very intimidating Xander! He tried and that is sweet.
Xander brought Willow her coke, and Wes brought Fred her float, then they returned to the bar. Wes's tea and the other drinks had arrived. I kept my eye on Spike because I didn't trust him to leave my drink alone. Well he didn't do anything to my drink. I can't say the same about Wes's Tea though.
"So what is this like a date between you and Buffy?" Xander asked.
"According to her no" Spike sounded so pompous in his response.
"What is that supposes to mean Spike?" Wes asked taking a sip of his not so innocent tea.
"It means I speak girl. She says it isn't a date, but as much as she says it isn't it is she just doesn't know it yet." Spike was perfectly calm. He translated out of girl like it was an everyday thing.
"You speak girl? Teach me?" Xander begged. Spike smirked at him.
"It's a natural skill. I don't know if it can be taught. Wes might be able o help you though." Spike gave Wes a sideways glance and walked off.
"Wait a second how do I speak girl?" Wes yelled at Spike's retreating back. He walked back reluctantly and glared at Wes.
"You are a pounce so you speak girl twenty-four, seven without meaning or trying, but what I can do that you can't is translate it into guy, because you don't realize it's girl." He turned around and continued to walk away, coming towards the table.
"Dude you are way more messed up than me." Xander gave Wes a wary look.
"I am not a pounce, and if I understand girl why doesn't Fred make sense?" Wes yelled at Spike. The room grew surprisingly silent, and Wes sounded amazingly loud. We burst into giggle fits at Fred's crimson face and Wes's purple one. After we started to giggle the bustle started again. At the highly embarrassing moment Wesley decided it would be better to stay at the bar drinking his tea than go back to the table.
Spike and Xander joined, Willow, Fred, and me at the table with their drinks. Fred started up a conversation with Spike trying to avoid the oddity of the embarrassing moment. Willow started talking to Xander about her summer trip. I was left to be alone girl. Of course I couldn't let Spike know that so I went to chat with Wes. He was staring at the bottom of the empty teacup he was holding. His face had gone back to its normal color, but his eyes gleamed with anger and unshed tears.
"Wes, don't worry Fred thought it was sweet, I'm sure of it." I wasn't completely sure, but it was Fred. Plus I needed to see if I could get the tea away from him before he finished the pot.
"If it was so sweet why is it that I'm over here and she's over there?" I felt this would be the wrong time to point out that he was supposes to go back to the table. He poured himself another cup of tea, and I knew then it was hopeless trying to keep Wes from drinking the tea.
"Listen Wes no one could possibly like that pain in the ass." That wasn't exactly true since an hour ago I thought I might like him. Wes was in deep trouble now.
"Arse? Girl said I had a cute arse once never saw her again, or maybe that was the movie a saw last week." I really didn't understand that. Wes had downed another cup of tea. The pot was now empty and he ordered another pot. The bar tender asked if he wanted the same treatment, and Wes replied something along the lines of 'treatment why do I get a free drink with that?' Which the bartender took to mean yes. More vodka for Wesley it was. If he hadn't already snapped this would make him. Fred had gotten up and gone on to the dance floor with Spike. Spike ruined everything. He had now ruined two lives, a relationship, and possibly a reputation in just a couple of days.
"Wes you might not want to here this right now, but I have a some good news and some bad news. The good news is Fred and Spike are not talking anymore! The bad news is they are dancing." Spike was sliding around the dance floor smirking at me. It was clear he meant to make me jealous not Wes. I bet he felt really smug about killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. It must have showed in my face that I was angry. When he stole a look at me he broke his smirk to change it to a full-blown smile. His joy was reflected in an elegant, extravagant, and overly low dip. Wes, of course picked this moment to look up from his deep state of depression. His head swayed a little, but it was clear that he saw the same thing I did. A smug Spike was dancing with a giggly Fred.
Muffy, no, no, no Luffy no Bu... Buffy yeah that's right Buffy. May I have honor of a dance?" Wes was so drunk. I suppose he's never had more than maybe a glass of wine. He started to stand up and swayed dangerously. I found the best way to keep an eye on him and Spike was to accept Wes's offer of a dance. At least it would have been if he weren't unconscious on the floor five minutes later.
"Wes, Oh God Wesley are you all right?" I was kneeling beside him on the ground. Fred and Spike had disappeared shortly before Wes passed out. Willow, Xander and Oz came over to make sure Wes was ok. He looked at them dazed and his head swayed. He turned to Oz and said.
"Are you my auntie?"
"Dude, buddy, how much did you have to drink?" Oz asked a dazed Wes. It seemed as if Wes was counting on his fingers.
"I had seven hic cups hic of tea hic." It seemed Wes had acquired a bad case of hiccups from his bad case of hiccups from his alcohol intake.
"I think I better take him home guys. I saw Spike put something in his tea. We'll see you all later." Wes muttered something that came out sounding amazingly like 'ouch, flying pig, sunscreen.' He needed to be taken home and quick.
Spike stood outside with Fred. She had become a little dizzy from twirling, and asked Spike if they could go outside for some fresh air. Fred decides that she was tiered and wanted to go home. Spike offered to escort her. They walked since Spike had come in Buffy's car. They took it slow and discussed many things. Fred really started to open to Spike. She started off with science and math, which were bored Spike greatly. When they were about two blocks away she said something that caught Spike's attention.
"What is he thinking?" She asked the night sky.
"Excuse me pet, but who?" Spike was very interested. This was what he had been hoping for.
"Wesley, of course. One second he's all stuffy Mr. Wyndom Price and the next he is sweet comforting Wes. What is he thinking?" Fred repeated her first words exasperated.
"Well I'm not sure luv but my understanding is that Avacado himself isn't quite sure what he's thinking. I believe however, if he knew what you were thinking, his thoughts might become more clear." Spike winked to puncture the last part.
"You should tell her you know." Fred called to Spike.
"What's that peaches?" Spike asked with an inquisitive look.
"Buffy, you should tell her." Spike slowly walked back to Fred's porch where he had left her. He bent down so he could whisper in her ear.
"You should tell him, because the rest of us already know." He picked his head back up. He smiled knowingly at Fred and gave her a friendly peck on the cheek. Then he walked off leaving Fred very much the same as he had left Buffy earlier that very same night.
I brought Wes home in my car despite my better judgment. I didn't want to ruin the interior, but it was the quickest way to get him home. I was lucky because though his speech was impaired, the alcohol seemed to have no affect on his 'up-chuck' reflex, well yet anyway. I hurried to get him inside where I could possibly find something to help him get his senses back or at least knock him out until morning when the alcohol would have worn off. We got inside and I sat Wes down on the couch. I saw him reach for the phone, but figured he couldn't do any real harm. He may scare a couple people but nothing big. I went to the kitchen to fetch a bowl and a glass of cool water.
Wes dialed a number and just started to talk. "Is my aunt Melanie there? ... What? ... Bring to you too buddy ... Ha ha! Funny sound brriinngg."
"Hello Melanie Wyndom speaking." A female voice answered the phone after the fourth ring.
"Auntie Mewanie!" Wes exclaimed.
"Oh dear lord, what have you done now Wes?" The girl replied somewhat annoyed.
"Nothing" Wes slurred "but I have this problem with the girl."
"Wes just to satisfy my curiosity what have you been drinking?" She asked this quite skeptically.
"Tea, it had quite a kick tonight. I'd like some more tea my good chap." Wes was yelling to thin air.
"Wes are you alone? Is there someone else there that I can talk to?" The woman was very clear and contrite when asking her questions.
"Nope, I got my parrot here with me. His name is feathers." It was very hard to understand Wes through the slur.
"Wes your parrot died when you were ten." It was clear that the woman was losing her patience with the drunken teenager.
"Really?" Wes asked baffled at the fact his parrot was dead.
"Yeah! Can you hold a pencil?" the woman asked ready to get down to the point.
"Yep, but I can't reach one. Hey Fluffy can you get me a pencil?" Wes asked me as I brought the bowl and water back from the kitchen.
"Hey Wes, can I talk to this fluffy person? Because I need to 1: write you a list of things to do when you wake up and 2: make sure I have all the information so I can mock you about this properly in the future." It seemed a waste of time to be explaining this to a person who was usually so perceptive and clever.
"Hey Puffy it's for you." Wes said holding the phone out to me.
"Hello I'm terribly sorry about this mama' but my friends got a little drunk I'm sorry he disturbed you" I said though I had no idea who Wes had called.
"Oh don't worry about it I actually know him. There are a couple of notes I need you to write and I have some questions to ask Wes, but he is making no sense so I'm hoping you can answer them." It was clear Wesley couldn't answer any questions.
"I'll try but I don't know very much." Ok not true I know a lot just not about what Wesley had inhaled that night.
"Well the fact that you at least make sense is a step up." Wes was a little on the confusing side.
Wes was screaming, "Send me a double mocha frapachino and a super sized kids meal with cheese." At the receiver.
"I guess you're right" I replied slowly.
"So do you know what it was that he was drinking?" The lady asked this as if it didn't really make that big a difference but would be nice to know all the same.
"I know it was clear" I replied sounding a bit apologetic I suppose. I felt bad that I couldn't be more help.
"Water is clear" Wes told me.
"Well if he couldn't taste it and it was clear it was probably vodka. So will you take down this note from me for him in the morning?" The woman almost replied like she did this sort of thing often which really made me wonder if this was in fact the first time was had drunk more than a glass of wine.
"I suppose I will have to since he can't" Wes was marveling at the way the room seemed to spin.
"Yes I can. I can tap dance, and sing, and eat tapioca with a spoon." Wes yelled at me.
"You know the strange part about that is that he doesn't even like tapioca. Alright here's what it should say: Wes you called me last night drunk out of your skull and since I love you I decided to leave you instructions for the killer hangover you're going to have now. All right make yourself a drink with a dollop of preferably vodka, since to the best of my knowledge that is what you were drinking. Now I feel it only fair to tell you that I will be calling you at some point during the day to mock you for the very silly things you have been saying and the fact that you called me so early in the morning. Love you lots Wes, Mel
P.S. tell your mom we're going to Germany for Thanksgiving.
That should work." The woman recited as I copied down the note to help Wesley get rid of his hangover in the morning.
"Thanks I bet Wes is really thankful to have you only a phone call away." I wish I had someone I could call when I had trouble with romance etc.
"Well it's one heck of an expensive phone call that he's going to regret in the morning, but it's made my night. Well, I have to go. I have some bloody pounce coming to lecture my class in the morning." The woman sounded aggravated about something though I don't know what.
"Ok, since Wes won't or can't, thanks for the help." I didn't know what to say I mean hello I didn't even know who this person was.
"Hey it made my night he will never live this down. Night Wes." She yelled so that Wesley could here her farewell.
"But it's not night. Where are the stars? I just see white, which means I might be dead. Duffy am I dead?" Wes asked while staring at the ceiling.
"Thank you" I said as I hung up the phone. I laid Wes down on the sofa and placed the note where I could be sure he would see it in the morning. I turned and gave Wes one last glance before exiting the quite english house.
I glanced at the window to the room above the garage. I saw a faint light and wondered when Spike had arrived. I walked to my car thinking about him. I drove away considering how selfish I had been. All I cared about was getting to Spike when Wes really needed a friend, and I had tried to use him to get at Spike. I may be a bookworm, but I can still be really stupid on occasion. I want to get him back even more now. I can't use other people in my plan though. If they already know and agree I could. The plan goes into action on Monday. He will learn not to tangle with Buffy Summers.
Spike was standing on her porch. Her car wasn't here so she couldn't be home. All the lights in her house were out. If only he knew which one was her room. He must have been waiting for at least twenty minutes already. He was about to leave when he heard a car pull into the driveway. He jumped up to hit a nonchalant pose on the porch railing.
I was fuming when I finally reached my house again. I had devised a perfect plan accept for one thing. He was so darn unpredictable. Wesley knew him best. I needed Wes's help. I got out and slammed my door a little harder then intended. I turned and walked to my door. It was then that I saw it. An unmistakable dark figure was sitting on my porch railing. What the hell was he doing here? That lighting showed him off very nicely though. I don't understand the coat though. It is, technically, still summer in California and he is wearing a black leather duster.
"I might be wrong but pretty soon I think you will qualify for stalkers anonymous, Spike." It came out as a drawl.
"Actually pet I figured I was doing community service." Spike gave me a knowing smile as if we both knew something though I can't guess what.
"How do you figure? Gathering all the pests in one place so you can dispose of them in one fowl swoop? Thanks, but next time do it on someone else's porch." That was kind of harsh I suppose. What was I supposed to say though? Oh Spike my hero protecting my porch from the forces of evil! Pleeeeeaaaaaaaaasssssseeeee!! All I want is to go upstairs and get a good night sleep.
"Obviously worked because I've got the biggest pest right here." That was uncalled for. If I'm such a pest why is he waiting for me? I'll ask him just that.
"So if I'm so pesky why are you on my door step." I added one of his trademark smirks. It made his blood boil to see his smirk on my face I could tell. Spike quickly took back position of his smirk though.
"Just the reason you said. I need to dispose of the pests." He drew close to me. I was trapped against the door. How could I get out of such a spot? He was almost as close as he had been earlier in the kitchen. Well, he was not going to get the last laugh this time. I don't know what came over me, but something told me this was what to do. I grabbed his face and pulled it to mine. Our lips met. It wasn't hard and demanding but it wasn't soft and sweet either. I needed to taunt him; there was a certain amount of pressure but not enough to make him think I wanted more. I kept my mouth closed, but when he tried to deepen the kiss I pulled away. I sort of brought his lower lip with me when I pulled away. I turned my eyes down for a second, but I have nothing to be ashamed of it's his fault we are in this situation. I met his gaze. It begged for something more. I needed to keep my composure. What could I do? Remark! Smart-ass remark! Perfect!
"I should warn you, Summers girls, we are the hunters not the hunted, so don't try to dispose of us because then we'll just dispose of you." I spoke low in his ear. I turned and entered my house closing the door on him. I sank against the closed door drawing my knees up to my chest. I buried my head in my hands. I don't know what's come over me this last week. I just kissed, well almost, a complete stranger. His lips were just as soft as his hands and twice as hot. It was so hard to pull away. I can't be having these thoughts. I swore to lay off guys for at least three months. Look at me; I didn't even last two weeks. I broke down into silent sobs. I was counting on the door for support. I knew it would be at least an hour before I could stand up on my own again.
Spike walked several feet before he had to sit down. He didn't get it she had kissed him. Whom he considered the most perfect girl in all of California had kissed him she almost teased him. She had tasted of fresh ripe strawberries and smelled of vanilla. She was positively intoxicating. He didn't know what to do after that kiss he could not continue this game. He cursed himself for teasing her so and wished he could take it back now.
"I have royally fucked up. He conversed with the cool night air. He had slowly made his way back to Wes's house. He saw a light coming from above the garage where his room was.
"Wait a tick, I didn't leave my light on." Spike wondered at the light. Who would he find waiting for him behind his door? He would discover in time.
A/N: Wow that was exhausting but it's done and ready for reviews. I thirst for new feedback and hope to hear from all my reviewers/readers etc. I also want to apologize profusely for any errors I made I know y'all have to be getting sick of my mistakes
Love ya lots,
intofire101 ; )