Disclaimer: All Characters belong to Josh Weldon, and the plot is model after Jane Austin's novel Pride and Prejudice
Note: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed the story, I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to update, but I had a bout of writer's block and I was being lazy. I know the Oz in my story isn't really acting Oz like; his character is more like Charles Bingley then anything else. But I figure Oz always seemed to only have eyes for Willow so it fits. I just finished writing this, so there might be mistakes or things might not make sense, if so please tell me.
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The pervious chapters of this story can be found at
Day After
Chapter Five
Not getting in until three in the morning, the occupants of the Crawford Mansion did not awake until at least noon the next day. After everyone had lunch together, Lindsey went off to LA for some meetings and Darla and Drusilla went with him so they could get some shopping done. Oz, Angel, and Gunn decided to sit outside in the gardens talking.
"I'm not doing door duty again man, no way," said Gunn as he took a sip of his drink, "I came down to help with your security, not to sit out in the cold all night being the gatekeeper." 'I could be in the Caribbean right now, but instead I am spending my vacation time being a doorman.'
After listening to Gunn's rant for nearly an hour, Oz finally responded with, "I know man, how many times can I say I'm sorry. The guy I hired had a family emergency, but he promises to be there tonight."
"You should hire a backup guy," suggested Angel as he kept reading the Wall Street Journal. He had tuned out most of the conversation early on when the complaining began. 'Wonder if Oz would be upset if I didn't go to the club tonight, hmm… I could always say I had an early meeting tomorrow'
"Yeah," said Gunn, "I want to actually have a chance to enjoy the club while I'm here. So how did everything go last night?"
Smiling Oz said, " Things went perfectly, everyone seemed to be enjoying them selves, lots of people compliment me about all the changes I had made to the club, and I got to meet some great people." At the mention of meeting new people Oz's mind immediately went to the crimson hair beauty he met last night. 'Willow is so amazing. I can't wait to see her later, should I change my clothes? No…no she will be working with kids, so I should dress causally. Maybe I could spend the time helping her out'
Noticing his friend's far-off look Gunn asked, "Who's the girl?"
"Willow," answered Oz, who was still dazed a bit.
"Willow?" parroted Gunn as he tried to picture which one of the many lovely ladies he had saw the night before had gain his friend's infatuation.
"Willow Summers," interjected Angel, "She and Oz spent most the night dancing and talking with each other. They seemed very cozy together."
Finally taking note of the direction of the conversation, Oz shot Angel a look before saying, "Like you would know you spent most of the time hiding."
"I was not hiding," Angel defended himself, "I merely kept to the shadows where you didn't see me much. You know how much I dislike crowds especially when they're strangers." 'Must he start this argument again, why can't he accept that I'm not a people person'
"They would not be strangers if you took time to get to know them," said Oz paying no mind to Angel rolling his eyes, "you know, many of the ladies I came across last night kept asking about you."
"I can't believe I have to go through this with you again Oz," said a frustrated Angel, "One I'm involved with Darla, Two if I was going to get together with someone else it would not be with some random girl from the club in this town, who is probably just a gold digger."
Looking at Angel as if he had two-heads Oz responded, "First off, you and my sister do not have a relationship. You guys have casual sex. Remember the one and only time you guys tried to have a real relationship turned out to be disastrous. Secondly, not all women, who are not as wealthy as us, are after our money. Just because you have had some bad…"
"So Willow is one of the Summer's sisters is she," interrupted Gunn when he saw the look on Angel's face, "I hear they are the beauties of Sunnydale, well after meeting the blond bombshell that's Buffy I can understand why. Though I'm more partiality too brunettes, which I hear most of her other sisters are."
"Actually Willow is a red-head," said Oz as he began to get a dazed look at the mention of Willow. "She has the most beautiful long auburn hair I have every seen, the most amazing smile, and eyes that just sparkle when you look into them." Noticing the knowing grins on his friends faces Oz snapped out of it, "umm… anyway your right all the Summer's sisters are quite beautiful both inside and out. They all seem to love life so much. And the younger three are brunettes. I didn't get much of a chance to know them; I spent more time talking with Willow and Buffy. Oh that reminds me Buffy invited us to have a tour around the Youth Center today, we better get going. Do you want to come to Gunn?"
"Sure why not, got nothing better to do."
As the two men got up to go, they never noticed the slight panicked look that passed their companion's face. Thinking fast Angel said, "You know I think I'll stay here, I have some phone calls to make so I might…"
"No way buddy, you're not get away that easily," interrupted Oz. "You can't avoid Buffy the rest of the time you're here, so you might as well get the confrontation over with now."
"Avoiding? Confrontation? Buffy? What?" asked a confused Gunn.
"Nothing Gunn. Oz is just exaggerating the situation. We don't even know if she overheard anything Oz," replied Angel, though he knew the statement was an outright lie by how Buffy had treated him at the end of the night. 'Stupid Stupid… I should have just agreed with Oz and asked her to dance…now she must think I'm a snob or stuck up…Wait but why do I care what she thinks…hmm'
He was brought out of his musing by Oz's laughter, "Yeah right," continuing to laugh, "She heard you, there's no doubt in my mind about that. Did you notice how she wouldn't look at you, and practically ignored you, and only addressed you as if you were an after thought?" Scowling Angel couldn't help but agree with Oz's outlook on the incident, so he just remained silent.
"What in the world are you guys talking about? Why would Buffy be upset by Angel?"
"Our dear friend here Mr. O'Conner offended the lovely Miss Summers by saying and I quote 'I admit Buffy is pretty, but she doesn't meet my requirements in a dance partner' end quote," said Oz as he tried to keep a straight face, but finally burst with laughter, and was soon joined by Gunn. Angel just glared at his friends.
Chuckling Gunn said, "Wow that's the most pompous idiotic thing I have ever heard!" Still laughing, "Man and the girl heard you say that, yep… you're not her favorite person. From the little time I spent with her I know it wouldn't be good to be on her bad side."
"Ha…ha… laugh it up," said Angel with a scowl, "I admit, it was a stupid thing to say. Okay? I still don't think I should go, especially if the invite to me was made only for pretenses."
"Tough luck buddy," said Gunn, "You're coming with us." Oz continued after him, "You have to face the music sooner or later, might as well make it now before her dislike for you festers."
Seeing that he was fighting a losing battle Angel finally relented, "Fine I'll go, but I still don't think this is a good idea." The three were soon off to the center.
YouthCenter Thirty Minutes Later
When the guys reached the center, they couldn't find Buffy, but they did see Willow and a Brunette directing the kids ever where. They stood in the back for a few minutes watching the children perform until they heard Willow give the kids a break.
"Guys, fifteen minutes that's it. We'll start with Act II Scene Three when we get back," said Willow as she began to turn around and came face to face with, "Oz! What a surprise! What are you doing here?"
"Didn't Buffy tell you? She offered to give us a tour of the center today."
"Really? She must have forgotten to mention it," said Willow as her thoughts turned to her sister. 'That little sneak…she is always complaining about mom's matchmaking, but she's just as bad. Though I'm not complaining; I didn't think I would be seeing Oz so soon' Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she continued, "Well Buffy just went into her office to take a call, I'm sure she will be out soon. Why don't we take a seat on the benches over there and talk while you wait."
"Sure thanks," said Oz as they all took a seat, "Willow you remember my friend Angel, and this is my other good friend Charles Gunn but everyone just calls him Gunn."
After greetings and pleasantries were exchanged Oz decided to ask, "Were the children performing a play about Robin Hood? They were quite good."
"Thank you, yes they were. Buffy wanted us to pick a play set in Medieval Times, I suggested King Arthur, but Fred thought it would be more fitting to pick Robin Hood instead."
"Really? Why?" asked Gunn. 'If they had ask me I would have chosen Arthur, he has the cool sword, Robin was just good with a bow and arrow'
"Well Fred thought we were robbing people blind when Buffy told her how much a ticket would cost for this year's event. But since it's for a good cause she said it was alright, just like how Robin Hood stole from the rich to give to the poor," answered a smiling Willow as she remembered how ruffled Buffy was at the implication that she was running something crooked, even if it was just a joke.
"I've never understood why adults would tell tales about Robin Hood to children, I think it just sends the message that stealing is the answer to one's problems. And to make yourself feel better you should only take from the rich," said Angel as he thought back to the many times people had tried to take advantage of him and his family because of their wealth.
Giving Angel a look, Oz turned to Willow with a small smile, "You have to forgive Angel; he's a bit touchy about the subject."
"That's okay I understand, but I don't think stories about Robin Hood send the message that children should be thieves. In my mind Robin Hood is a figure who stood against the corrupt society that England had become under King John's rule and …" she was cut off by the cries for help coming from across the room. All eyes turned and found what looked like a small woman struggling with an extremely large box, and who was losing the battle. "Fred!" cried out Willow as she went to reach her friend, but was beaten by Gunn, who had already reach Fred and taken the box out of her hand.
"Are you okay Miss?" asked Gunn as he looked upon the beautiful brunette. 'Wow…she's gorgeous. I wonder if she's single'
Blushing as she noticed how good-looking the man that helped her was, Fred just answered with a soft, "yeah, thanks."
"Fred!" Cried Willow as she finally reached her friend, Oz and Angel right behind her. "Are you alright?" At Fred's nod that she was alright, Willow began her scolding, "What were you thinking trying to move the props box by yourself? Why didn't you wait for me? You could have been seriously hurt!"
Timidly answering Fred said, "I know Will. I just saw you deep in conversation with these gentlemen, so I figured I would start setting up the props by myself. Bad idea, I've learned my lesson."
"Okay, well let me introduce you guys. This nice man who helped you is Charles Gunn, but he likes to be called Gunn. Over here is the new owner of the Bronze, Daniel Osborne call him Oz, and this gentleman is Oz's good friend Angel O'Connor. Guys this is Winfred Burke but everyone calls her Fred."
"Hi it's nice to meet you all. I wish I could stay and chat but I should be getting back to setting up the props for the next scene before the kids get back."
"Oh God Fred I'm sorry. I'm suppose to help you, I just got so caught up talking that… but that's no excuse. Guys if you will excuse me I should be…"
"No Will it's alright, stay and talk, I'll just…"
"But you shouldn't have to…"
"I'll help," Gunn said interrupting the women.
"Oh I can't ask you to do that," said Fred, though she was liking the idea of the handsome man helping her.
"You're not asking, I'm volunteering. Just tell me where to put the props."
Noticing how Gunn was looking at her friend, Willow decided not to fight it and just said, "Well Fred since you have help, I'll just go back to talking with the guys over there." When the three were back at the benches and seated Willow began, "so where were we?"
"You were telling us the merits of Robin Hood," said Angel, "and while I see and understand what your saying. What I mean to say is should young impressible children be told the stories? Children see only the surface story which is a man stealing from the rich to help the poor and his enemy is the evil king. There's no difference between whom among the rich Robin steals from, no matter if they're in allegiance with John or not. Since Robin is the hero of the story, his robbery victims are not thought of, and are usually lumped with the villainous King John. So children learn all rich people are evil and should be stolen from."
"Angel you give children too little credit," Oz rebuttal, "I think…" the conversation continued among the three for several more minutes before Willow had to get back to working with the kids. Gunn returned shortly to inform the guys that he had volunteered to help Fred out for the rest of the afternoon, so he wouldn't be going on the tour with them. Angel and Oz just shared knowing looks at that. They sat watching the kids perform for a while before Buffy finally showed.
"Hey Oz! It's great to see you again!" Greeted Buffy as she reached the guys, "Angel…you too. I'm sorry for being late; I hope you guys haven't been waiting long?"
"Not long, we've just been enjoying the play," replied Oz, which brought a smile to Buffy's face, which faded a bit when she thought she heard Angel mumble something that sounded like "Yeah right fun…Robin Hood." Ignoring Angel, Oz continued, "The kids are really good, I can't wait to see them on the big night. Buffy, if the other things you have planned are even half as good as these kids, your night will still be a success."
Laughing softly Buffy said, "Thanks Oz, I wish I had your confidence." 'I know I could definitely use it. That stupid band, no decency at all. Backing out two weeks before the big night. Are they trying to ruin me? Hmm…well they weren't that great anyway so it's not a lost. No not a great lost at all. And what was up with the name Greek Gods, presumptuous much?'
"You're kidding; I would think you would be an old pro by now."
Sighing she said, "You would think it gets easier but it doesn't. Each year new problems or situations arise, which I have to handle. For example my supervisor Robin wants me to change one of the performances this year, the caterers keep hounding me about what I want as the vegetarian meal, and I now I have to look for a new band because the one I hired is backing out for a 'better gig' they say. Those Traitors."
"Sorry to hear that. That's tough," said Oz and then an idea hit, "Why don't I help you with your band problem?"
"Oh you don't have to go to any trouble, I'll think of something."
"Don't be silly, it won't be any trouble," chuckled Oz, "if you remember I am in the music business. Just tell me what time you need the band to show up by, and you will have one there waiting and ready to perform."
Remembering that Oz owns a record label, Buffy was quite relieved and happy to accepting Oz's offer, "If you're really sure?" At Oz's reassurance, "Well thanks Oz. I really wasn't looking forward to spending time auditioning new bands. Well if you both ready we'll get on that tour now?"
At their nods Buffy directed the guys to for her, as they were about to leave the room Oz suddenly stopped and declared, "Oh wait I have to talk with Gunn about something. Why don't you two go on ahead without me?"
"What!?" exclaimed Buffy and Angel both surprised and confused by his outburst.
Angel, the first to recover, looked upon his friend with suspicion. 'What are you up to Oz?' Out loud he said, "Well then we will wait for you to finish."
Buffy nodded in agreement, "Yeah Oz it's not a big deal if we wait. Anyway it will give me a chance to say Hi to Gunn since I didn't when I came in."
"Oh but it will probably take a while, andyou're already taken time out of your busy schedule to do this tour. I wouldn't want to waste your precious time." Oz said, as he tried to come up with another excuse for them to go without him.
"No problem, if it's going to be a while, we can always reschedule," said Buffy not understanding the look of frustration that past Oz's face.
"Okay look…the thing is I like your sister Willow…a lot," said Oz, "so I kind of want to stay here and spend time with her, maybe even help her out with the kids."
Beaming at Oz's admission Buffy happily replied, "That's great. I think Willow would like that, but I don't get why you want me and Angel to leave."
Trying to think of something, Oz's eyes were dancing all over the place until they landed on Angel, 'That's it that will work' looking back at Buffy he said, "Well spending time with Willow means watching more of the play, and I couldn't do that to Angel. You see he hates Robin Hood…"
"Hey I do not! I'm just not a big fan," Angel protested.
Ignoring Angel, Oz continued, "And he wouldn't be having a good time and I couldn't stand my friend to be in that kind of discomfort." Oz smirked inwardly at the look of annoyance and total-lack of amusement on his friend's face. "So I figured Angel would have more fun having a tour around the center."
Any doubts Buffy had at Oz's statement were ignored, choosing only to think about what a wonderful man Oz was, and how he had obviously fallen for her sister. 'He's so perfect for Willow. He and Willow would make such a cute couple. I should help them anyway I can…I guess even if it means I have to hang out with…Angel. How in the world did such a great and friendly guy like Oz get a moody and anti-social best friend? And what's up with the hate against Robin Hood?' Coming out of her thoughts, Buffy said, "Alright, I understand. I guess me and Angel will go on the tour now," pausing and thinking for a moment, "of course that is if Angel wants to go on the tour. Angel you haven't said anything on what you want to do?" Buffy asked thinking Angel did not really want to have a tour around a small town community center. 'He'll probably say he wants to leave and do something by himself.'
Upon both Oz and Buffy's gaze, Angel respond, "I would love to have a tour of this place and to learn more about it. Buffy do you mind waiting for me in the hall? I just have to speak with Oz for a moment."
Surprised and shocked by Angel's answer, Buffy just said "Sure" and left for the hall. As soon as she was out of hearing distance, Angel turned to Oz. "What the hell are you up too?"
Not fazed at all Oz just said, "Weren't you listening? I want to spend time with Willow."
"Bull! The truth."
"Fine. That is the truth, well part of it anyway. I just think this would be the perfect time for you to apologize to Buffy and to get know her on the right foot."
Groaning Angel said, "But what if we're wrong, and she didn't hear anything. If I go apologize she would know about what I said, then where would I be? Plus that can't be the only reason you are going through all this trouble. If this is one of you matchmaking schemes I …"
"Angel I'm shocked," Oz said in a fake hurt tone, "to think I would do such a thing. Especially to match you up with a girl you have already deemed not to meet your dance requirements in a partner." Oz just smirked at the scowl on Angel's face, "You better get going, Buffy's waiting."
"I'll get you for this Oz. Mark my words."
"Yeah yeah, have fun on the tour," with that Oz turned and went to talk with Willow.
"Just great," Angel muttered as he left to meet Buffy.