Disclaimer: All Characters belong to J.W, and the plot is model after Jane Austin's novel Pride and Prejudice
Thankyou to my wonderful beta Christine for all her help!
Mid-Summer's Night Dream
Chapter Nine
Fundraiser Night was a success. The Robin Hood play was well-received and quite a sum of money was made at the auction; but the true magic of the evening began at twilight as Crescent Moon Park transformed into a land of enchantment.
The park came to life as the torches lighted in a cascade fashion, one after another, while white Christmas lights, strung among the surrounding trees gave off an ethereal glow. Slowly, the soft singing voices of children came from the trees, and as the voices grew louder and louder they suddenly stopped. The guest murmured in confusion until two women, who appeared to be Buffy and Dawn, emerged from the trees. They were dressed identically as fairies with wildflowers and glitter all over their hair and dresses, and a beautiful pair of wings could be found on their backs; the only difference being Buffy was green while Dawn was blue. Suddenly Buffy and Dawn's voice filled the park.
"Good evening all and welcome to Land of the Fairies! We are the Gatekeepers!"
"My name's Buffy"
"And mine's Dawn"
"We are sorry for not being here to greet you sooner…"
"But our Queen has fallen ill and we were trying to cheer her up…"
"Although we'll sure you all came to see the Fairy Queen…"
"We hope you are not too disappointed…"
"Please be our guests and accept our simple hospitalities…"
"And enjoy the rest of the night!"
Soft music began to play as dancing fairies of all colors emerged from the shadows. At first, each dancer seemed to be moving in childlike delight at the sight of the crowds as if thinking 'Oh new creatures I wonder if they want to play?' They danced in a circle around the tables of people, but never came too close, as if frighten of harm. Then Buffy called out to all the fairies and they gathered around her; from there, Buffy led them to dance together in such harmony that they mesmerized the crowds. Slowly they began to branch off again and head toward the crowds but this time they entered the arena of tables as if coming to greet all the guests.
With the crowds' attention upon the dancers, Dawn stealthily made her way toward the stage. As the song died down, the dancing fairies along with Buffy began moving back into the trees. Once the last dancing fairy disappeared from sight, the soft singing voices of children could be heard again, but this time it was coming from the stage where Dawn was leading a choir of fairy children. The children ranged from eight to twelve years of age. Unlike the colorful array of outfits the dancers had, these children all wore simple white slivery outfits and were covered in Baby's Breath flowers. Though the children did not have the best voices, they sang with such joy and innocence that the crowd was spellbound. As the children sang, the dancing fairies emerged again, this time bearing trays of food to show dinner was served.
Forty-Five Minutes Later
Oz's table was just finishing their desserts when Joyce Summers' voice could be heard drifting among the tables. "And how are you all doing this evening? Haven't my daughters done an amazing job tonight, especially Buffy? I'm so proud of all that they have accomplished!"
"Oh she's bragging as if she's made a wondrous achievement!"
"Darla! That's very offensive," said Oz after catching his sister's mutterings. "She's just extremely proud of her girls and why shouldn't she be? Everything here tonight has been amazing."
"Amazing?" screeched Darla. But she lowered her voice as she noticed the turned heads at the surrounding tables. "While I admit the night has exceeded my limited expectations, it has been far from 'amazing.' That centerpiece is an eyesore, dinner was not served until almost nine, those children's voices need a tune up, and what was up with that business about Fairy Queens?"
"Well aren't you harsh," interjected Lindsey. "I actually like the children's choir, they aren't the best but they tried. It would have been so easy for one of them to have stage-fright, but they were all confident and had fun with what they were doing. Plus, I think the thing with the fairies was just to set the mood."
Nodding in agreement with her husband Drusilla added, "You have to admit, Buffy did a wonderful job creating a magical atmosphere. You can almost imagine that spirits and other enchanting creatures are here among us." At her sister's look Dru added, "Of course it's not nearly as good as if we had a hand in the event. Perhaps we should have offered our expertise so that the night could have truly been marvelous. We could have advised Buffy that dinners should not be served so late."
"Oh come on," Gunn said. "We knew that dinner would be served late it was on the ticket, plus it's not like they starved us, we had appetizers and bread rolls throughout the evening."
"And those 'eyesores' as you so kindly call them, were made by Buffy's younger students," said Oz. 'I hope no one heard Darla, I'm try to make friends in this town and her insults don't help. I should have only asked for Dru's help with the house, at least she behaves.'
"Willow tells me Buffy wanted all the children to feel like they were contributed to tonight, so she used some of their artworks as centerpieces."
"As admirable as it was to try to include all the children, she should have concentrated on adding some elegance and sophistication to the evening. Don't you think, Angel?" Asked Darla who was trying to draw the silent man into the conversation.
Angel contemplated how to answer before saying, "Well yes, there has been an element of silliness and child's play to tonight's affair." At this Darla beamed until Angel continued. "Of course, that's what's so charming about the event, making it much more entertaining in comparison to some of the stuffy boring fundraisers I've been forced to go to."
Before Darla could respond, Robin Wood called from the stage getting everyone's attention.
"Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen! I am Robin Wood the coordinator of the Sunnydale Youth Center. The center was started by mother Nikki Wood many years ago as a simple after-school-program where children could come together to play and make friends, since then it has grown and become a haven for the youth of our community. Currently the Center's wide range of activities has allowed the youth to have fun among their peers while also having many outlets to showcase their talents and creative inspirations. If it were not for the generosity and continual support of the community I'm not sure we would still be open. So I would like to thank you all for coming tonight and showing your support for the center."
Once the clapping had stopped, Robin continued on, "Now I would like to introduce to you the young woman who made this night happen. She has been my right-hand for many years. Her love and dedication to the center has been an inspiration to us all, please welcome Buffy Summers." Applauds and cheers could be heard throughout the park.
Blushing Buffy came onto the stage. "Thank you Robin and thank you all. I wasn't alone in making this evening happen and would like to acknowledge the hard work of my family and friends who were always there when I needed them, and the many volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to help out, but most especially all the children of the youth center. Every child contributed in someway, be it performing, helping with the set up, or providing the artwork for the auction. This night is truly for the children. When given the opportunity, children can achieve great things. And that's what the center does; gives children opportunities, so I would like to thank all for your support."
After more applauds Buffy continued on, "Well I'm sure you're all tired of hearing me, so I have a treat for you all; my dad, Giles, and I will be singing "Dancing in the Moonlight" and I hope that inspires you all to do just that."
We get it on most every night
when that moon is big and bright
its a supernatural delight
everybodys dancing in the moonlight
"Darling, I feel like dancing, come on let's go for a spin," said Lindsey as he took Drusilla's hand. At the site of the loving couple having fun letting loose, other people began to get up and dance.
we get
everybody here is out of sight
they dont bark and they dont bite
they keep things loose they keep it tight
everybodys dancing in the moonlight
Oz and Angel were left alone at the table as Gunn went off to find Fred, while Darla was off dancing with some guy brave enough to ask her.
"So why are you sitting here with me instead of dancing with Willow?"
"I just wanted to spend time with my best friend." At Angel's disbelieving look Oz conceded, "Fine. Willow's busy behind stage so she won't be free until Buffy and Giles finish singing."
dancing in the moonlight
everybodys feeling warm and bright
its such a fine and natural sight
everybodys dancing in the moonlight
As they sat there Oz couldn't help but notice how intently Angel stared at Buffy.
"They have great voices don't they?"
Startled Angel asked, "What?"
Laughing Oz replied, "Buffy and Giles, they sing well together don't they?" At Angel's nod in agreement, Oz continued on, "Willow tells me that Buffy and Giles use to sing together all the time."
"So Buffy and her father are quite close?"
"Yeah from what I've seen, Buffy is Giles' favorite."
we like our fun and we never fight
you cant dance and stay uptight
its a supernatural delight
everybody was dancing in the moonlight
"His favoritism isthat obvious? Doesn't that cause problems among the sisters?"
"Not really, I don't mean to say Giles loves Buffy more than the rest, I just meant to say that they seem to share more common interests so they have a much closer relationship."
"Must be wonderful to be close to one's parent," said Angel in a melancholy tone.
"I know what you mean Angel," sighed Oz, "I miss my parents' everyday, but at least they live on in our memories."
"I guess you're right Oz." 'If only you knew Oz. Maybe if Mom had survived Cordy's birth things would have been different. But I know for a fact that if Father was alive right now, he would still see me as his good-for-nothing son. No matter what I did I could never measure up.'
dancing in the moonlight
everybodys feeling warm and bright
its such a fine and natural sight
everybodys dancing in the moonlight
'Why am I even thinking about that man? I should focus on the performance,' thought Angel as watched Buffy. 'She's unbelievable! She reminds me of a playful imp moving with such grace that she seems to be gliding on air. Her voice is so ethereal, that I imagine that is how a true angel sounds. Her love and dedication to children and the youth center is undeniable. It's like she has a star within her burning so bright that it gives off energy to all around her. Wait…a burning star…right that doesn't sound stupid at all. What am I thinking? I barely know the girl. So what if she's talented, has a heart of gold, and is gorgeous. Gorgeous! Oh no…I'm in trouble.
Angel was so deep in thought that he missed the question Oz's asked. "Excuse me what did you just say?"
"Are you going to ask Buffy to dance later?"
"What? Why would you ask that?"
"You seem to be staring at her a lot that's all. Is there anything I should know?"
"There's nothing at all, you're imagining things Oz. I'm just looking at Buffy because she's singing that's all."
"Hmm."
we get in on most every night
and when that moon is big and bright
its a supernatural delight
everybodys dancing in the moonlight
'Sometimes I think Oz could be mistaken for one of those busybody-matchmaking mama socialites.' "Don't hmm me Oz. So anyway how are you doing with Willow?"
"Things between us are good. I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone before. And before you give me a lecture about rushing into another relationship, let me tell you we our taking our time to get to know one another. Everything I've learn so far has supported my first impression that Willow is the girl for me, which reminds me, Willow said she had something important to talk to me about, so you can leave early if you want." 'I wonder what she had to say, she seemed a bit shaken when she said she wanted to talk.'
"No it's okay, you keep the car, and I'll just catch a ride with the others. Any idea what she wants to talk to you about?"
dancing in the moonlight
everybodys feeling warm and bright
its such a fine and natural sight
everybodys dancing in the moonlight
"No idea, Willow just said she had something important to share with me." 'No matter what it can't be that bad, I'm sure I can handle whatever she has to tell me.'
"Well I guess you find out soon, the song's ending." 'Oz I hope Willow lives up to your expectations.'
Applauds and cheers came across the park as the song finished. Buffy thanked everyone again and introduced the band that would play for the rest of the evening, and then she and Giles left the stage.
"Well I guess I will go look for Willow," said Oz as he got out of his chair. But before he left he turned to Angel and said, "Do yourself a favor and ask Buffy to dance. Oh and try not to stick your foot in your mouth again." And left before Angel could retort.
Other side of the Park behind the Stage
"You guys were great," said Willow as she hugged her father and sister.
"Thank you Willow, well I think I will go find your mother and we'll be leaving now."
"So soon Daddy," said Buffy, "it's still early. Stay and dance a little."
"Sorry Sweetheart, but I'm not as young as I use to be. And besides your mother said she had a headache earlier, so we might as well get going."
"Alright Daddy!"
"Bye girls, have fun, and please keep an eye on your sisters," said Giles as he left to look for his wife.
"I hope mom's okay."
"I'm sure she's fine Will. You know how mom's always complaining about her poor nerves, probably just got stressed by all the excitement of the day."
"You're probably right."
"Of course I am," said Buffy as she and Willow made their way pass the dancing couples and toward the tables. "So have you talked with Oz yet?"
Sighing Willow replied, "No not yet, but I did tell Oz I had something important to talk to him about. But I'm not sure how he'll react, what if he takes it badly…and then there's that awkward silence… and he just stares at me, or…or maybe he will scream in shock, what if he wants to stop seeing me, oh no what if he faints?"
"Okay Will don't panic, everything is going to be fine. Just take a nice deep breath; there you go…umm Will you can let it out now. Oz isn't going to do any of those things, he might be shocked but I'm sure he'll understand and if he doesn't you can always tell me and I'll kick his ass for you." 'I hope you are the kind of man I think you are Oz, Willow doesn't deserve more heartache in her life by undeserving people.'
Laughing Willow hugged Buffy, "What would I do without you?"
"Let's hope you never have to find out. Look there's Oz heading this way. Just remember to breathe in and out," said Buffy as she took a step away from her sister. "Hey Oz!"
"Hi Buffy…Willow," Oz softly said as he gave her a kiss. "Are you alright Willow, you're a bit pale? Are you coming down with something? I saw your parents just a moment ago heading home, maybe you should go with them I would hate for you to fall ill." 'What's with that secret glance? I'm just concern about Willow's health. Maybe I'm coming on to strong, I've just never felt this way about anyone before and I'm not sure how to act.'
"That's sweet Oz, but it's nothing. So how are you enjoying the night so far?"
"It's been amazing. Buffy you have truly done a spectacular job. I loved the Fairies bit, where did you come up with it, from what I've been hearing that bit hadn't been in the previous fundrasiers."
"Thanks Oz, I'm glad you're having fun. It was a combination of things that made me add Fairies to the program. With the mayor allowing us to use the park for the night, I needed a fun new challenge for my dance students. Inspiration came after I watched "A Mid-Summer's Night Dream," and I thought what would make the night more enchanting than having fairies entertain and serve the people."
"Well it was great, but what was the deal about the sick Fairy Queen, why didn't you just play the part?"
"Oh no I hate having the spotlight on me, why do you think I was rotating with Dawn and was singing with my Dad," said Buffy. Though she was not shy by nature, Buffy disliked the idea that all eyes were solely upon her, so avoided sole performances when possible.
"Well the spotlight agreed with you even if you didn't like it. Are you sure I can't talk you into performing at the Bronze one night?"
"That's sweet Oz, but I don't think I'm up for another performance anytime soon," said Buffy. She soon excused herself from the conversation and went off to mingle with the guests.
"There was something you wanted to tell me Will?" Oz asked.
Laughing nervously Willow said, "Yeah but not here, let's go somewhere private."
Among the Tables and Dance Floor
Laughter and music could be heard throughout the park as everyone partied to their heart's content. Buffy made her rounds among the tables and was constantly bombarded with congratulations from her guests expression their enjoyment of the night. Growing tired Buffy made her way toward the bar for a drink but was intercepted.
"Congratulations Buffy!" Cried Fred as she hugged her friend. "Tonight's a success, all I've been hearing from everyone is what an amazing job you've done."
"Thanks Fred, but I couldn't have done it with out your help."
"Everything about tonight makes up for the outrageous ticket price," Fred said in a teasing tone. "Robin Hood would be proud."
"Ha ha… if you weren't my best friend I would be offended," said Buffy in the same tone.
"Offended about what?" Gunn asked as he came upon them.
"Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor!" They both said before bursting into giggles. Gunn just shook his head. The three continued to talk for a while until a new song began to play and Buffy encouraged the couple to go dance while she headed toward the bar for her long awaited drink.
While waiting for a drink, Buffy looked out into the crowds thinking about her mentor. 'Tonight's because of you Nikki where ever you are. I've tried hard to ensure that the center you created with your heart and soul remains the same for all the children in town. Your love and dedication toward the well-being of the children shined brightly like a star, I hope I am doing your legacy justice.'
"Hey what's with the tears, this is your night you should be happy."
Startled Buffy looked up to find Robin look at her in concern. Touching her face, Buffy realized that she had been crying without knowing it. Laughing Buffy replied, "I am happy. Tonight's success has gone beyond my expectations. I was just thinking about your mom."
"She would be proud of you."
"She would be proud of both of us. You have dedicated just as much, if not more, time and energy into the center as your mother did."
"The center was mom's life work; I don't want to see it fail just because mom's no longer here to take care of it."
"I don't want to see that happen either. And it won't be anytime soon, not with you at the helm. It's ironic if you think about it since you hated the center so much as a kid."
"I didn't hate the center!" Buffy just snorted in disbelief, so Robin acknowledged his lack of warm feelings toward the center growing up. "I didn't like sharing mom with others."
Buffy and Robin continued to talk about their childhoods and the center for a while longer until Robin notices something behind Buffy. "I think you have an admirer."
"What?" asked Buffy surprised at the subject change. Turning to see what Robin was looking at Buffy saw Angel standing several feet away.
"He's been staring at you the entire time I've been talking to you."
"Angel's probably just thinking about what drink to order."
"The guy's been measuring me up to see if I'm competition."
Shaking her head in disagreement Buffy said, "Robin you have an overactive imagination. I'm not his type; he goes for women like Oz's sisters."
"Sure whatever you say," said an unconvinced Robin. "Guess we'll find out since he's heading this way."
Within moments Angel was upon them leading to pleasantries and congratulations being exchanged among the three. Robin was soon called away to deal with a situation near the lake.
"So Angel, how are you enjoying the night?" Buffy asked.
"Better than I expected," replied Angel trying to hold in the flow of comments that were at the tip of his tongue. 'No need to behave like a school boy trying to woo a crush with flattery. And that's all this is a little crush. These feelings for Buffy will probably go away after awhile…hopefully.'
' "Better than I expected" how low were your expectations?' thought Buffy."And what exactly were your expectations?"
Not noticing that Buffy's tone had become less friendly, Angel responded without thinking. "Oh I just thought it would be similar to other fundraisers I've been to, you know the one's with mediocre entertainment and worse food. But I've really enjoyed myself this evening, everything's been quite charming."
In as neutral tone as she could muster Buffy said, "Well I'm glad you're having a pleasant night, with such expectations who wouldn't be? If you will excuse me…"
"Would you like to dance? Everyone around us seem to be might as well join in," asked Angel in a dull tone to hide his nervousness.
Believing Angel only asked out of politeness Buffy declined. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm not interested in dancing at the moment. I see Robin signaling me for assistance at the lake, excuse me." Not waiting for Angel's response, Buffy walked swiftly toward the lake without a second glance at the bewildered man she left behind.
"What just happened?" Angel mumbled to him self.
"Got turned down by the lady you insulted."
"What?" Exclaimed Angel as he turned to the bartender who had spoken.
"I said 'Got turned down by the lady you insulted,' not that I blame her."
"I heard you the first time and you must be mistaken."
"If you say so," said the bartender as he left to make drinks.
"He must have been mistaken. Why should I listen to an eavesdropping bartender anyway?" Angel said to him self. But as he reviewed his conversation with Buffy, Angel realized how she could've taken his comments as an insult to her abilities. "I'm an idiot."
"I agree."
Groaning, Angel looked up to see the bartender had returned. "You're quite annoying."
"I try."
Angel got up to leave muttering to himself about finding Buffy.
Laughing the bartender turned to his next customer, "He'll be back in ten minutes." He was right, because not ten minutes later Angel came back. Putting a glass of brandy in front of Angel he said, "Here on the house, you look like you need it."
As Angel slowly drank his brandy he stared at the bartender. "You knew I would go look for Buffy but not find her?"
"Yep," said the bartender. At Angel's annoyed look he elaborated, "Every year I've tended bar at the fundraiser, and every year I see Buffy leave early to bring her intoxicated younger sister, Faith, home. Since Faith tends to cause a scene when drunk I knew the problem at the lake referred to her. And before you say anything, yes I know Faith is underage and no I'm not her liquor supplier."
"Why didn't you say anything before?"
"I didn't think it was my place."
"Yet you thought it was your place to comment on my conversation with Buffy?"
"Buffy's my friend and you didn't seem to notice that you had insulted her. I thought you should know."
Gulping down the rest of his drink, Angel got up. "Thanks for the drink. It was interesting talking with you Mr…"
"Robby D'Angelo, but my friends call me Whistler."
"Interesting nickname. Good night Mr. D'Angelo."
"Good night Mr. O'Connor."
He turned sharply to look at Whistler suspiciously, "How did you…"
"I have my ways, good night."
Note:
Sorry for the long wait everyone, I had a hard time finishing this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. No idea why I added Whistler just popped up at the last minute. The next chapter will be out in a few days, and we find out how Oz reacts to Willow's past relationship with Tara.