Chapter 4
As Buffy settled in her family terrorized her with questions left from right.
"Why didn't you tell any of us so that we could have gone and pick you up?" Joyce nagged.
"Mom... I wanted to surprise you all and plus I had a feeling you would invite say I dunno... 200 other people as well."
"Truly dear. How long are you staying?" Hank asked.
"Most likely for at least a couple of months. There was a new proposition opened for me at Sunnydale representing a very prestige firm here. It's been so long since I've really been home so how could I pass up the chance? I knew it would make you guys extremely happy as well." Buffy said.
Spike couldn't help but blurt out,
"About time Buffy. God, we've all missed you to pieces. We can finally have some bonding time together. Like old times eh? Oh! I have the greatest idea. There is this social charity event or something of another thingy happening tonight and unfortunately I have to go but you can come along with me! Help scare away all the snotty women that I know will terrorize me."
Buffy hesitantly said, "I dunno... I just got home. I'm sure mom and dad would want me home on the first day I come back."
Joyce commented, "No no. You have fun dear. We have plenty of time to catch up. Looks like your brother of all people missed you the most. This will be good for you. I bet no one will recognize you. So grown up and all."
Spike added, "Come on Buff. I can show you off too. Here, see my sister? The non-existent one for the past 6 years? People can admire how pretty you've become as well. Plus, remember sister brother bonding. I bet you'll see loads of people you haven't seen for ages. It'll be a nice outing. Please... remember I'm dateless."
Buffy couldn't help but laugh at her brother's babbling. It does run in the family.
"Yes yes. Okay just stop babbling you buffoon! I'll go with you." She said in laughter.
Buffy added, "So how come you're dateless? No brother of mine who's as handsome as you are should be dateless!"
"Meh." Was all Spike could reply. "Most of them are a bunch of morons. I'm looking for something more skin deep these days. Yes yes don't make fun of me Buff."
"Spikey here has grown up I see." Buffy smiled. God it was so good to be home. She missed so many things. It was now time to regain it all back.
At the Charity Social Event...
Angel as usual was mingling with the crowd. As well as getting many phone numbers and sexual comments from the entire female population. Spike was still nowhere to be seen. What could be taking him so long? Nearly two hours had passed. As he was entertaining the female species slowly the crowd in the room began to turn their heads to the two last remaining guests yet to arrive.
At last when Angel noticed everyone's attention had gone to the main entrance he slowly walked up to see what the commotion was.
There he saw Spike with the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen in his life. He gawked at the stunning woman whose arm was attached to Spike's. As he moved closer to the pair he was shocked to realize no... it couldn't be. Could it? It couldn't be his one and only Buffy. His little Buffy he knew and remembered that was now a goddess. It couldn't be Buffy. It just couldn't.
Buffy felt uneasy with all the stares she received from everyone in the room. Right now more than anything she wanted to jet home.
Spike seeing her distress urged her on.
"Come on Buffy. They can't help it if you look dazzling. Who told you to put on a dress like that? Let's go on and try to find people we know shall we?"
Buffy felt relieved that at least she had her brother by her side. With her bright smile she said, "Of course."
As Buffy was looking around at the grandeur of the place and at all the unfamiliar faces she abruptly stopped when her brother stood to a halt.
She began to speak... "Spike why are we..." Until Buffy stopped mid-sentence when she saw right in front of her was the one and only Angel. Her Angel. He couldn't help but hate him for looking so... magnificent. She was hoping he would turn out ugly or at least less hot than before but instead he never looked better than ever. Not only did he get more muscular but it was his sheer presence that frightened her. She forgot how much his sheer masculinity alone could hypnotise any woman.
At last he barely choked out "Buffy?"
When Angel snapped her out of her own thoughts and heard her name called out she stiffened.
"Hello Angel."
Oh god Angel thought. It was her. His Buffy. Words couldn't describe how beautiful she was. The dress she was wearing was too scandalous for his liking. It hugged all the exquisite and ravishing curves on her body with low cuts everywhere. When he looked up and saw all the men staring hungrily at Buffy he nearly let a growl out. He knew if anyone of them tried to make a move he would knock them out.
This thoughts were interrupted when Spike said, "Well mate. Are we just going to give each other googly eyes or are we gonna sit?" Spike could obviously tell Angel wasn't displeased at what he saw. He knew Buffy was gorgeous. And it finally took Angel this long to see it.
Spike continued on, "Sorry about the lateness and all. Buffy here couldn't decide what to wear and you know woman. Makeup, hair etc. You should have seen her raid my closet. She made me try on nearly 6 outfits before she was happy with this one! Women! Never satisfied I tell ya."
"Yea yea. That's great Spike..."
Angel trailed off but immediately said, "So Buffy. How have you been? Long time no see."
Flashes of the memories 6 years ago of the hurtful words he said about her popped in her head. She definitely needed reminding of the person he truly was when he was standing so damn close to her almost making her forget what kind of person he really was.
Buffy said coldly, "Good."
Immediately she said to Spike, "Can we find ourselves a table and be seated?"
Angel, a bit ruffled by her vague reply responded
"I have a table waiting for all of us."
Angel led the way to their table which happened to be in the V.I.P section.
On the way to their table Buffy couldn't help but notice the deadly stares she got from the women in the room and all the lust filled in their eyes for Angel. Some things never changed she mused. She also saw a couple of familiar faces which she knew after she knew where her table was would rush over and talk to them. Buffy could tell they were wondering if it was really her herself. She saw the hesitation of their manner. Maybe she did change over the years. Gone were the teen horror years of the fad clothing she wore and in with the elegant, sexy yet sophisticated clothes she wore now.
As she sat down she couldn't help but take in the beautiful surroundings around her. Buffy couldn't help but notice after awhile that Angel's eyes were fixated on her. After a while it started to un-nerve her so she decided to leave and find her dear old friends.
Angel couldn't believe how beautiful Buffy had become. He was so transfixed by her that he didn't even notice he was staring at her until she gave him a queer look and took off. But there was something off. Definitely off. After all these years she barely spoke two words to him and it irritated him. Not only that, she barely took any glances towards his direction. That was something he wasn't used to. Each reason in his head became worse and worse. Maybe she had a boyfriend awaiting for her in New York... oh god he thought. He wouldn't be able to handle it if he ever saw her with another man.
God, he needed to get a grip on himself. It's been 6 years. And the way he saw it he barely knew her. He couldn't deny though, the feelings that were brewing up inside him. Not just awaken lust for Buffy but deep, old feelings he never realized were there for a long time. Seeing her... it made his heart leap. His burning desire for her ran more than skin deep... and god was he a fool that it took him this long to figure this out.
Meanwhile...
When Buffy walked into the ballroom she ignored the curious and appreciative glances towards her direction until she saw... yes she saw finally her dear old friends.
She rushed over to them and gave both of them a huge hug.
"Willow! Ah Xander. It's been too long. I've missed you guys so much! It's been ages since I've seen either of you." Buffy exclaimed.
Willow, overwhelmed with seeing her dear old friend said,
"Buffy. Wow. Look at you! Did you see all the guys checking you out and all the girls wishing you would die?"
"Oh Willow!" Buffy said blushing.
"Now now Buffy," Xander started. "Don't be too modest. You're a knock out. If I wasn't taken I would be all over you in a second.
Xander then showed his girlfriend Anya who obviously didn't like Buffy simply because she was jealous of what Xander had said about her.
Since Buffy and Spike missed dinner, the dancing portion of the night was about to commence.
Spike then came up to Buffy and bowed.
"Please madam, if you would like to share this dance with me?" Spike said in an exaggerated, mocking high class tone.
"Of course Sir Summer." Buffy said laughingly as he steered her towards the dance floor.
Spike knew if he didn't ask his own sister to dance now that he might not have a chance later seeing how quickly the men were approaching Buffy before he asked her. He still had some things to ask her. Especially concerning Angel.
As Spike twirled her and made laughing comments about the people in the room he decided to start asking the real questions he had in mind.
"So little Buffy, what have you been up to lately since the last time I've seen you?"
"Mostly working non-stop. You already know my number one goal is my career."
Spike added, "Yes yes, we all know. So what? No boyfriend that I can interrogate or scare to a bloody pulp?"
"Quite frankly no. No time for boyfriends or little romances in my life." Buffy sighed.
It wouldn't hurt to have a little romance in her life but it was just too difficult maintaining a love life and her career.
While Spike was scanning the floor room he couldn't help notice how often Angel's eyes strayed on Buffy.
Spike definitely needed to know what on earth was going on with Buffy.
"So Buffy, how does it feel to finally see Angel after all these years?"
He definitely felt Buffy's body stiffen but quickly relaxing again.
"Pray how is it suppose to make me feel Spike? I mean, sure it's nice to see him again after all these years and all."
Spike interrupted her with, "Just nice? You had a crush on him since you knew he even existed and now after all these years it's just 'nice'?"
"Jees Spike. You still have your mind set as Buffy the dumb little high school girl who didn't know any better. I'm 22 remember? I was over my crush on Angel a long time ago. I finally realised it was stupid of me to crush on a guy who never noticed me and who I started realising wasn't worth my time."
Spike had a feeling something happened between the both of them.
"Please Buffy. Tell me. Did something happen between the both of you all those years ago before you went away?"
Buffy couldn't take his questions anymore. They were getting her more mad and frustrated.
"Look." Buffy began. "Nothing happened. I just woke up one day and realised the truth that's all. Quit badgering me or else I'll just leave and get a taxi or something. Understand?"
Spike knew she was being serious.
They danced in silence and when they were about to walk off the floor Buffy's phone went off. After she finished her phone call she cursed.
"Damn. Can't they give me any breaks? Sorry Spike. I have tons of work to do. I have to get home."
"That's fine luv. Let's go."
"No Spike. Stay here. Have some fun." Buffy protested. She didn't want to spoil her brother's fun.
"Come on Buffy. I wouldn't have any fun without you. After all, you're my date. Let's go luv."
Buffy sighed. "Fine fine. Thanks Spike."
As they walked Spike caught Angel's eye and waved to him. He saw the confusion in his face and saw his eyes stare at Buffy who he clearly noticed was leaving.
Spike also couldn't help but notice every single eye on them as they left. Boy, did his sister cause disruption wherever she went. He also saw how oblivious she was to the attention she got. It was just like his Buffy. Never noticing the obvious.
...
Angel cursed to himself. Why the hell did they leave so early? First Buffy and Spike came like two hours late then they leave like what? A hour after? He wanted to have at least one dance with her instead he was getting bothered throughout the rest of the night by other men and women who wanted to know who she was.
Author's note – Sorry about the long delay. It's a pretty long chapter though so its not so bad. Been working non-stop. Well, tell me what you think. There'll be a lot more Buffy and Angel dialogue next chp.
Feedback feeds the soul. =)
As Buffy settled in her family terrorized her with questions left from right.
"Why didn't you tell any of us so that we could have gone and pick you up?" Joyce nagged.
"Mom... I wanted to surprise you all and plus I had a feeling you would invite say I dunno... 200 other people as well."
"Truly dear. How long are you staying?" Hank asked.
"Most likely for at least a couple of months. There was a new proposition opened for me at Sunnydale representing a very prestige firm here. It's been so long since I've really been home so how could I pass up the chance? I knew it would make you guys extremely happy as well." Buffy said.
Spike couldn't help but blurt out,
"About time Buffy. God, we've all missed you to pieces. We can finally have some bonding time together. Like old times eh? Oh! I have the greatest idea. There is this social charity event or something of another thingy happening tonight and unfortunately I have to go but you can come along with me! Help scare away all the snotty women that I know will terrorize me."
Buffy hesitantly said, "I dunno... I just got home. I'm sure mom and dad would want me home on the first day I come back."
Joyce commented, "No no. You have fun dear. We have plenty of time to catch up. Looks like your brother of all people missed you the most. This will be good for you. I bet no one will recognize you. So grown up and all."
Spike added, "Come on Buff. I can show you off too. Here, see my sister? The non-existent one for the past 6 years? People can admire how pretty you've become as well. Plus, remember sister brother bonding. I bet you'll see loads of people you haven't seen for ages. It'll be a nice outing. Please... remember I'm dateless."
Buffy couldn't help but laugh at her brother's babbling. It does run in the family.
"Yes yes. Okay just stop babbling you buffoon! I'll go with you." She said in laughter.
Buffy added, "So how come you're dateless? No brother of mine who's as handsome as you are should be dateless!"
"Meh." Was all Spike could reply. "Most of them are a bunch of morons. I'm looking for something more skin deep these days. Yes yes don't make fun of me Buff."
"Spikey here has grown up I see." Buffy smiled. God it was so good to be home. She missed so many things. It was now time to regain it all back.
At the Charity Social Event...
Angel as usual was mingling with the crowd. As well as getting many phone numbers and sexual comments from the entire female population. Spike was still nowhere to be seen. What could be taking him so long? Nearly two hours had passed. As he was entertaining the female species slowly the crowd in the room began to turn their heads to the two last remaining guests yet to arrive.
At last when Angel noticed everyone's attention had gone to the main entrance he slowly walked up to see what the commotion was.
There he saw Spike with the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen in his life. He gawked at the stunning woman whose arm was attached to Spike's. As he moved closer to the pair he was shocked to realize no... it couldn't be. Could it? It couldn't be his one and only Buffy. His little Buffy he knew and remembered that was now a goddess. It couldn't be Buffy. It just couldn't.
Buffy felt uneasy with all the stares she received from everyone in the room. Right now more than anything she wanted to jet home.
Spike seeing her distress urged her on.
"Come on Buffy. They can't help it if you look dazzling. Who told you to put on a dress like that? Let's go on and try to find people we know shall we?"
Buffy felt relieved that at least she had her brother by her side. With her bright smile she said, "Of course."
As Buffy was looking around at the grandeur of the place and at all the unfamiliar faces she abruptly stopped when her brother stood to a halt.
She began to speak... "Spike why are we..." Until Buffy stopped mid-sentence when she saw right in front of her was the one and only Angel. Her Angel. He couldn't help but hate him for looking so... magnificent. She was hoping he would turn out ugly or at least less hot than before but instead he never looked better than ever. Not only did he get more muscular but it was his sheer presence that frightened her. She forgot how much his sheer masculinity alone could hypnotise any woman.
At last he barely choked out "Buffy?"
When Angel snapped her out of her own thoughts and heard her name called out she stiffened.
"Hello Angel."
Oh god Angel thought. It was her. His Buffy. Words couldn't describe how beautiful she was. The dress she was wearing was too scandalous for his liking. It hugged all the exquisite and ravishing curves on her body with low cuts everywhere. When he looked up and saw all the men staring hungrily at Buffy he nearly let a growl out. He knew if anyone of them tried to make a move he would knock them out.
This thoughts were interrupted when Spike said, "Well mate. Are we just going to give each other googly eyes or are we gonna sit?" Spike could obviously tell Angel wasn't displeased at what he saw. He knew Buffy was gorgeous. And it finally took Angel this long to see it.
Spike continued on, "Sorry about the lateness and all. Buffy here couldn't decide what to wear and you know woman. Makeup, hair etc. You should have seen her raid my closet. She made me try on nearly 6 outfits before she was happy with this one! Women! Never satisfied I tell ya."
"Yea yea. That's great Spike..."
Angel trailed off but immediately said, "So Buffy. How have you been? Long time no see."
Flashes of the memories 6 years ago of the hurtful words he said about her popped in her head. She definitely needed reminding of the person he truly was when he was standing so damn close to her almost making her forget what kind of person he really was.
Buffy said coldly, "Good."
Immediately she said to Spike, "Can we find ourselves a table and be seated?"
Angel, a bit ruffled by her vague reply responded
"I have a table waiting for all of us."
Angel led the way to their table which happened to be in the V.I.P section.
On the way to their table Buffy couldn't help but notice the deadly stares she got from the women in the room and all the lust filled in their eyes for Angel. Some things never changed she mused. She also saw a couple of familiar faces which she knew after she knew where her table was would rush over and talk to them. Buffy could tell they were wondering if it was really her herself. She saw the hesitation of their manner. Maybe she did change over the years. Gone were the teen horror years of the fad clothing she wore and in with the elegant, sexy yet sophisticated clothes she wore now.
As she sat down she couldn't help but take in the beautiful surroundings around her. Buffy couldn't help but notice after awhile that Angel's eyes were fixated on her. After a while it started to un-nerve her so she decided to leave and find her dear old friends.
Angel couldn't believe how beautiful Buffy had become. He was so transfixed by her that he didn't even notice he was staring at her until she gave him a queer look and took off. But there was something off. Definitely off. After all these years she barely spoke two words to him and it irritated him. Not only that, she barely took any glances towards his direction. That was something he wasn't used to. Each reason in his head became worse and worse. Maybe she had a boyfriend awaiting for her in New York... oh god he thought. He wouldn't be able to handle it if he ever saw her with another man.
God, he needed to get a grip on himself. It's been 6 years. And the way he saw it he barely knew her. He couldn't deny though, the feelings that were brewing up inside him. Not just awaken lust for Buffy but deep, old feelings he never realized were there for a long time. Seeing her... it made his heart leap. His burning desire for her ran more than skin deep... and god was he a fool that it took him this long to figure this out.
Meanwhile...
When Buffy walked into the ballroom she ignored the curious and appreciative glances towards her direction until she saw... yes she saw finally her dear old friends.
She rushed over to them and gave both of them a huge hug.
"Willow! Ah Xander. It's been too long. I've missed you guys so much! It's been ages since I've seen either of you." Buffy exclaimed.
Willow, overwhelmed with seeing her dear old friend said,
"Buffy. Wow. Look at you! Did you see all the guys checking you out and all the girls wishing you would die?"
"Oh Willow!" Buffy said blushing.
"Now now Buffy," Xander started. "Don't be too modest. You're a knock out. If I wasn't taken I would be all over you in a second.
Xander then showed his girlfriend Anya who obviously didn't like Buffy simply because she was jealous of what Xander had said about her.
Since Buffy and Spike missed dinner, the dancing portion of the night was about to commence.
Spike then came up to Buffy and bowed.
"Please madam, if you would like to share this dance with me?" Spike said in an exaggerated, mocking high class tone.
"Of course Sir Summer." Buffy said laughingly as he steered her towards the dance floor.
Spike knew if he didn't ask his own sister to dance now that he might not have a chance later seeing how quickly the men were approaching Buffy before he asked her. He still had some things to ask her. Especially concerning Angel.
As Spike twirled her and made laughing comments about the people in the room he decided to start asking the real questions he had in mind.
"So little Buffy, what have you been up to lately since the last time I've seen you?"
"Mostly working non-stop. You already know my number one goal is my career."
Spike added, "Yes yes, we all know. So what? No boyfriend that I can interrogate or scare to a bloody pulp?"
"Quite frankly no. No time for boyfriends or little romances in my life." Buffy sighed.
It wouldn't hurt to have a little romance in her life but it was just too difficult maintaining a love life and her career.
While Spike was scanning the floor room he couldn't help notice how often Angel's eyes strayed on Buffy.
Spike definitely needed to know what on earth was going on with Buffy.
"So Buffy, how does it feel to finally see Angel after all these years?"
He definitely felt Buffy's body stiffen but quickly relaxing again.
"Pray how is it suppose to make me feel Spike? I mean, sure it's nice to see him again after all these years and all."
Spike interrupted her with, "Just nice? You had a crush on him since you knew he even existed and now after all these years it's just 'nice'?"
"Jees Spike. You still have your mind set as Buffy the dumb little high school girl who didn't know any better. I'm 22 remember? I was over my crush on Angel a long time ago. I finally realised it was stupid of me to crush on a guy who never noticed me and who I started realising wasn't worth my time."
Spike had a feeling something happened between the both of them.
"Please Buffy. Tell me. Did something happen between the both of you all those years ago before you went away?"
Buffy couldn't take his questions anymore. They were getting her more mad and frustrated.
"Look." Buffy began. "Nothing happened. I just woke up one day and realised the truth that's all. Quit badgering me or else I'll just leave and get a taxi or something. Understand?"
Spike knew she was being serious.
They danced in silence and when they were about to walk off the floor Buffy's phone went off. After she finished her phone call she cursed.
"Damn. Can't they give me any breaks? Sorry Spike. I have tons of work to do. I have to get home."
"That's fine luv. Let's go."
"No Spike. Stay here. Have some fun." Buffy protested. She didn't want to spoil her brother's fun.
"Come on Buffy. I wouldn't have any fun without you. After all, you're my date. Let's go luv."
Buffy sighed. "Fine fine. Thanks Spike."
As they walked Spike caught Angel's eye and waved to him. He saw the confusion in his face and saw his eyes stare at Buffy who he clearly noticed was leaving.
Spike also couldn't help but notice every single eye on them as they left. Boy, did his sister cause disruption wherever she went. He also saw how oblivious she was to the attention she got. It was just like his Buffy. Never noticing the obvious.
...
Angel cursed to himself. Why the hell did they leave so early? First Buffy and Spike came like two hours late then they leave like what? A hour after? He wanted to have at least one dance with her instead he was getting bothered throughout the rest of the night by other men and women who wanted to know who she was.
Author's note – Sorry about the long delay. It's a pretty long chapter though so its not so bad. Been working non-stop. Well, tell me what you think. There'll be a lot more Buffy and Angel dialogue next chp.
Feedback feeds the soul. =)