Thanks to General Mac for the review, again. This is a longer chapter, folks, but I hope you like it.
Chapter 12
Saturday, June 1st, 2002…
It was a typical "June gloom" morning, overcast and cool. The clouds might burn off by the afternoon, but it was just as likely that the day wouldn't warm up much at all. Spike had stolen her address book a week ago, then proceeded to plan something…that she had to admit made her just a tad nervous. Spike wasn't a party planning guy. He was a party crashing kind of guy.
Hearing the front door open and close, Kara figured she might as well get up and start the day. She showered, then dressed in a bikini under a casual button-down shirt and shorts, leaving the shirt open for now. She twisted her wet hair up, securing it with a clip, and grabbed a pair of moccasins for padding around the house. Kara sat down in front of her computer and fired up the internet to check her e-mail. There was a Star Wars e-card from her brother, a couple messages from shopping sites she was registered with, and a funny message from her friend overseas. He teased her about getting old, though it wasn't too serious, since he was less than a year behind her. She exited her log-in and turned off the monitor just as there was a knock on the bedroom door.
"Come in."
"Wow, dressed at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. I'm impressed."
"Mel!" Kara screamed. Melissa was engulfed in a tight hug before she could blink. "What are you doing here? How? What about the kids?"
"I'm here for your birthday, Spike picked me up at the airport, and the kids are taken care of. It's just me here this time." Melissa was Kara's longest-term friend she was still in touch with. She was 5'4", a little curvy, with brown wavy hair, and blue eyes.
"Come over here, sit," Kara instructed, leading Melissa to the couch. "How long are you here? Did Spike arrange for you to come see me?"
"Yeah. He thought it would be a good surprise, since we only get to see each other a couple times a year. Is it a pool party today?" Melissa asked.
"I have no clue, but I figured I'd be dressed for it, just in case. You'll have to ask the man with the plan. I've been in the dark since he swiped my address book," Kara said, laughing. "God, it's good to see you. I've been so busy since we visited in December, and it's had me a bit topsy-turvy. Come down to the music room. I have something to show you." Kara grabbed an apple from the mini-fridge on her way to the door. "Did you have breakfast on the plane? 'Cause I haven't eaten yet, so I don't mind making enough for both of us."
"I could eat, but let me cook. It's your birthday, and the least I can do," she replied, following Kara downstairs.
"Well, if you insist."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, bollocks! A soft knock at the door had roused him from slumber. He and Kara had had a bit of shower fun after her dip in the pool. He hadn't meant to fall asleep, just stay there until she drifted off. Spike glanced at the clock, knowing Glinda and Joyce were expected any minute. He popped out of bed, without disturbing Kara, and yanked his jeans on, then strode to the door and opened it a crack. Melissa was on the other side.
He leaned down for a kiss as he re-buttoned his shirt. "I'll wake you when you need to be up, kitten. Enjoy being lazy on your birthday."
"Mmm. Love you," she said, burrowing back under the covers.
His beaming smile revealed how much of a gift he still thought those words were.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kara was ready to go downstairs by 4:30. Spike hadn't come up to get her, so she assumed he was still consumed with party preparations. She was dressed in a gauzy cotton halter-neck dress, vibrant turquoise, with silver jewelry and flat sandals. Her loose curls were lazily twisted up to create a shorter, bouncy ponytail that allowed a few tendrils free to frame her face. The hint of a golden touch she had received outdoors lately completed the summery look.
Spike was crossing into the living room, and paused upon noticing her descent. He waited at the bottom of the stairs, drinking her in like a man half-starved, even though he had seen her much less earlier. She blushed prettily and took the hand offered to her while descending the last step. Spike pulled her in close and inhaled deeply the combination of scents on her skin, none so strong to drown out the true essence of Kara.
"You glow," he rumbled, dazzling her with a sexy smile.
"I do?" she asked in wonder. God, did he always look at her like that? She felt strangely unworthy.
"You do, and I don't mean the bit of color you picked up." His face shifted to revealing a touch of insecurity. "It's been a good day so far, right?" He hoped, he hoped, he hoped. She hadn't shown this much spark in weeks, not really, and the smile she was gracing him with right now wasn't hiding that tinge of worry he hadn't gotten her to talk about, so he hoped that today was somehow making a difference.
"It is, it has. I'm ready to party. Is anybody here, yet?" she asked excitedly.
He grinned and kept hold of her hand. "Let's go check," leading towards the kitchen.
"Hey! There's the birthday girl! We thought you were going to sleep the day away," Melissa quipped.
"Yeah, right! Not when I know presents are waiting for me." She walked around the island to Tara and Joyce, hugging them both. "Did he make you guys do all the work?"
"Nah, we volunteered when Spike said what he had in mind. We knew he'd need the help!" Joyce teased.
"Oi! It's been smooth sailin' all week. No need to get cheeky, Mum. I gave you birds the opportunity, but I didn' need your help," he countered.
"I'm sure you've done a fine job, baby," Kara soothed.
"Bloody right, I have," he muttered, picking up a couple trays to take outside.
"He really has, Kara," Tara said, smiling. "I think it means a lot to him."
"I know. I've been moody, stressed out girl, and he's just trying to cheer me up. I love him all the more for it, even if this evening goes bust," she replied softly. "So, what did you guys get enlisted to do?" Kara asked, dipping a tortilla chip in some garlic salsa. "And where's Dawn?"
"She's coming with Buffy. She needed a couple more hours of sleep after the slumber party."
"As for our duties, we both volunteered to make some food. Just some easy stuff," Tara supplied. "Spike's going to put chicken on the grill once the guests arrive."
"I'll just go see what Spike's up to," Kara said, then. She started for the door outside. Joyce, Tara, and Melissa stepped in front of her.
"You can't do that, yet," they insisted.
Kara put her hands on her hips. "Why not? It's a nice day outside."
"Spike told us not to let you out there until he comes to get you, after people start arriving," Melissa replied, shrugging. "Sorry."
She sighed impatiently. "Fine. Can I go down to the basement, or is that off limits, too?"
"No, that's fine. We'll holler down as soon as anyone shows up," Joyce replied.
Kara turned and made her way down the basement steps, her two cats in tow. There was a pinball machine with her name on it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She'd been down there racking up a personal best score, when Tara's voice filtered down the stairs.
"Kara, Buffy and Dawn are here!" Ah! Finally, she could play hostess. Something she was very good at.
"Hey, guys! Thanks for coming! Um, I guess we can put the gifts in the living room for now. How was the drive?"
"Fine, except Miss Cheapo wouldn't run the a.c.," Dawn complained, after hugging Kara.
"It saps my gas mileage, and I don't get paid until next Friday. Besides, you usually don't complain about the windows being down. Happy birthday, Kara." It was obvious Buffy and Dawn had been bickering on the point for a while on the trip down from Sunnydale.
"Sorry about her. I think it's the lack of sleep from the all-nighter. She had a good time at the dance, though. Is anyone else here? I didn't see any cars besides Mom's."
"Just my friend, Melissa. Let's make with the introductions," Kara stated, and led the Slayer to the kitchen.
Tara and Joyce were done with their assistant duties, so the ladies made their way back to the living room to wait for more arrivals and chat. Giles was the next to arrive, with Willow, and Sebastian, of all people. Not that Kara minded him there at all, but it was a surprise to see him come as part of the group. She noticed that Buffy was suddenly fidgety, smoothing her hair and skirt before she greeted the knight, and made mental note to bring it up at a later date.
"Happy birthday, Kara. I hope it has been a pleasant day so far?" Sebastian greeted her, kissing her on the cheek. They were practically family, after all. "I hope it is not too presumptuous that I brought a gift…"
"No, not at all! I know we haven't gotten a chance to chat, but any family of Spike's is dear to me, too. I'm glad you came," she effused. His eyes crinkled up in a smile, similar to Spike's when he was flattered, and she knew the bond had been formed. "Spike is out back. I'm sure he's heard your voice by now, so go say hello." He nodded and wandered off in the direction she had pointed.
Kara walked back to Giles and Willow. "Thanks for giving Sebastian a ride. I know Spike will be pleased to see him. I'm guessing we'll be moving to the backyard soon, but I'm not the one in charge tonight," she said with a laugh.
"Well, um, I understand Tara and Joyce have helped today?" Giles stuttered. He was still uncomfortable with spending an evening in Spike's presence, but he had promised Joyce to behave himself and not spoil Kara's birthday.
"Apparently. I've been lounging about while everyone else does the work, not that they've let me see anything. Melissa! I have more people for you to meet." This would keep repeating until older friends came by, ones they mutually knew from years ago.
Xander and Anya were next to ring the bell, Will coming up the driveway right behind them as Kara opened the door.
"Happy birthday, Kara! Here is a gift that I hope you will feel free to reciprocate the value of when it comes to my turn," Anya said cheerfully, handing Kara the box. From anyone else, the statement would have been offensive, but it was just Anya's way.
"Hey, Kara. Any chance for food and drink? It was a long drive from San Diego," Xander added.
"Sure. Ask Tara or Joyce about what's been put out," Kara said, chuckling. Apparently, Xander's promotion was good to his expanding waistline.
The next guest surprised the hell out of her, since they had stopped celebrating birthdays when they lost count of them.
"Yavanna! I am so surprised. I guess Spike really did call everybody! Come in, come in. The Sunnydale crew is all here, Spike's still out back doing something. The brunette over there is Melissa, my best friend from high school. Oh, and you'll meet Sebastian somewhere around here. I thought we didn't do birthdays anymore?"
"Well, that was in an old life, yes? In this one, you're only 29, and I can remember that. It's the least I can do for an old, dear friend, and don't you look radiant tonight? You and William did some celebrating already, hmm?" Yavanna said knowingly.
"Oh, go embarrass Spike! And behave around the others!" Kara demanded good-naturedly. She loved Yavanna, but the nymph had a personality that could bowl a room over in an instant, leaving the occupants blinking in confusion over how they'd been snowed. Kara shook her head as she went to answer the door again. It was going to be some party.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She drew her other best friend aside for a moment. "Tara, if Spike called everyone in my book, then there will be quite a few humans who are completely ignorant of the other side here. Melissa doesn't know about any of it, so will you keep an eye on her in case Yavanna gets a bit too…candid?"
"Sure, Kara, I'll do my best. It's been nice getting to know Melissa today," Tara promised.
FedEx dropped off a couple boxes before 6pm. One was from Anna, the other from her uncle in Oklahoma. Kara set them aside with the other gifts, and started to go get a soda when the doorbell rang again. This time, it was Stephanie, her sister, carrying a bag of packages.
"I've got stuff from Dad and Mom, Peter, Uncle Steve and Aunt Heidi, and Christina. Oh, and I think Grandma and Grandpa went in on Mom's pick. Where do you want them?"
"Just over there in the corner with the others. Purses and coats have been going in the guest room. Get yourself settled, and I'll introduce you to the people you don't know."
She'd just gotten through with the introductions when someone was at the door again. And where is Spike? He picked a hell of a time to be anti-social. This time, it was Brian on her doorstep, Will's roommate, and a longtime friend.
"Hey! I didn't know you were coming. Wait, it's a Saturday, and you don't have a gig to play? Is the world ending and no one told me?" she teased. Brian hugged her, naturally lifting her off the ground because of the drastic height difference.
"No, pipsqueak, I just have a night off. Had to make sure I honored the best pipes God ever graced my ears with, didn't I?"
"Oh, jeez. It's getting deep in here! You bring a shovel to move all that bull? I'm 6 months younger than you, not 6 years old, Brian. Now, what'd you bring me?"
"Uh unh. Promise to come sing for us first. Besides, you said back in September that you would come sing for us again, so you owe me, shorty." His gray eyes twinkled in his handsome face.
Kara let out a dramatic sigh. "Alright, get me a schedule, and I'll see what fits."
"Woo! You know you won't regret it, Kara." He kissed her on the cheek and went in search of a drink.
Kara looked at the door, and thought, 'Screw it. I'll tape a sign to the door saying 'Just come in' and let people find their own way. I have a missing vampire to find.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spike had just come in and closed the sliding glass door when Kara entered the room. He stole a kiss, nipping at her bottom lip, since they were currently alone.
"You called, my love?" he said in greeting.
"Don't give me that innocent look! People have been here for a while, and you've been a total no-show. What's kept you out there so long?" she asked, keeping her voice down.
"Had to make sure it was perfect, and work the grill. Who's here?"
"My sister, everyone from Sunnydale, Yavanna, Brian. I just put a sign out on the door so I don't have to answer it every two minutes. How many people did you invite?"
"Enough to keep you busy, luv. Do you want a peek outside before I tell the crowd food's ready?"
"Finally!" she exclaimed. "Show me now, before they notice I'm missing," Kara insisted, bouncing on her toes. Spike took her hand and covered her eyes before opening the door and guiding her down the step to the patio.
"Okay, kitten, open your eyes."
She gasped at the transformation. There were lights, and flowers, and candles on the tables. Torches had been stuck in the grass where it met the cement, extending the area that was lit. It wouldn't be dark until after eight, so they weren't lit, yet, and neither were the candles. He'd strung clear lights from the house to the patio tables, fastening the ends to the top of the umbrellas. They would create a much more pleasant effect than the floodlights that normally illuminated the deck and pool. A wreath of gardenias and orchids surrounded a small bowl, filled with floating votives, on each table. Spike hadn't done that much, really, but the right touches didn't need to be numerous to create the right atmosphere.
"It'll be a better vision after dark, if you can tell. I wanted to make things special, not that the yard is ugly, 'cause you did a great job…but it needed somethin' for a party, you know? And I know this isn't much, and you probably think it's cheesy, and…"
She stopped his ramble by putting a finger to his lips. "Spike, it's perfect. I would've been happy with the birthday stuff from a party store, plastic tablecloths included…but this is so much better. You designed a fun, adult birthday party. I have no complaints. Thank you." Kara raised up on her tip-toes and kissed him, just so he knew for sure. Her tongue teased at his lips, and he eagerly opened his mouth to let his own play with hers. She caressed the pocket hiding a fang and he growled, tightening his grip on her waist. The kiss was definitely heating up to become more, when they were abruptly interrupted.
"Oh, get a room!" Dawn said loudly, making the couple jump. She received twin glares, and grinned. "People are getting hungry, so Tara sent me to check on the grill. Is the chicken done, or have you been too busy making out?" she teased. "Hey, guys!" she bellowed into the house. "Food's ready!"
Kara and Spike cringed at the volume. Nobody could make your ears ring like Dawn. There was a virtual stampede for the door, led by Xander (big surprise).
"Better grab a plate, kitten. You won't get a chance once the Whelp reaches the table." Kara swatted his arm for the implied insult to her friend, but started loading a plate from the buffet table just the same. Spike filled his own with spicy wings, causing her to chuckle. Her plate full, Kara chose a seat that was centrally located, so her guests could cycle around and chat while she ate. "Can you get me a virgin screwdriver, please?" she asked seriously.
"Vir – you mean orange juice? You're a strange bird, Kara," Spike replied, shaking his head in amusement.
"Yeah, but you love me," she called to his retreating form. She was all too happy to eat, as she hadn't really had lunch. She had four pieces of chicken, mixed fruit, pasta salad, several bite-sized cheese quiches Joyce had baked, grilled vegetables courtesy of Tara, and a few varieties of chips crammed on the plate. A couple of her older students joined the line for food, and she waved. A CD she recognized as Brian playing guitar made it into the house sound system, creating background noise and an upbeat mood.
"Is that Brian playing?" Melissa asked as she sat down next to Kara.
"I'm pretty sure. It's his style, though I don't recognize the song. I'm betting the rascal brought one of his own mixes."
"I think said rascal is currently being poached by your friend, Yavanna. Odd name, by the way. Pretty, though."
"He doesn't seem to mind," Kara added, knowingly. "I had a feeling the two of them in the same room would be creating sparks. He is so her type. I just hope she doesn't break him. Where's Spike? I asked him to get me a glass of juice, and he disappeared."
"I think he's been recruited as drink boy. He was heading down to the basement when I was coming back from the bathroom."
"I better go see if he needs a hand."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They ended up with around 30 people, plus some acquaintances who dropped by just to say hello and give Kara a card – people she had worked with, and a couple neighbors. A few old friends dropped by later in the evening just in time for cake. The lights were turned on and the candles lit as the sun dipped to the other side of the house, adding a magical touch.
Spike wrapped his arms around his mate from behind as she talked with a couple of her students. "Cake or presents first, luv?" he whispered.
"Um, cake. I'm not going to make the kids wait through all the gift unwrapping," she murmured quietly.
"As you wish, sweets," he responded, kissing her cheek, then walking off to find Tara.
Kara took the time as an advantage to make a quick trip to the powder room. The door opened just as she was passing. The newcomer was a tall man in a bright red dress shirt. Kara blinked, and did a double-take, as he stood there waiting for her to get it.
"Lorne?" she asked in amazement. "How – what's with the new look?" She walked in a circle around him, not believing her eyes.
"Just a glamour, Kitty Kat. Your little Wicca friend alerted me to the clueless guest list, so as a favor to you, I changed my colors for a night. You don't think this red clashes with my complexion, do you?"
"Not at all. You look fine. Thank you for going to the trouble. I'm so glad you're here, and hey! You're just in time for cake!"
"Is it chocolate?"
"It better be, or my friends don't know me at all." Kara linked arms with her demon friend in disguise. "Welcome to my home, by the way. How did you get here? I didn't think you drove."
"I can, I just prefer not to in L.A. All those people singing in their cars? Migraine city. And the traffic! But to answer your question, I sweet-talked Wesley into lending me his. Everybody signed a card, you know. I'll give it to you later. Oh, goodness, what a crowd! I have so many introductions to catch up on."
Lorne's typical exuberance put a smile on Kara's face. This couldn't be a better birthday; with everyone she was close to all gathered in one place…she could die happy tonight, after cake, of course.
"There she is!"
"Sorry, guys. I had to answer the door again!" Kara took her place at the table and waited for Spike to light the candles on the large sheet cake. "Happy 29th Birthday, Kara" was written in black, and the roses at the corners were red. She smirked at Spike. "Chose the colors, didn't you?" she murmured. He grinned as he reached across to light the last one.
Dawn started the birthday song, as she took pictures of everything. Kara took a deep breath at the end of the song and blew on the candles, but only half of them went out.
"Alright, who put the trick candles on here?" she demanded, pretending to scowl at all of them. Several people laughed as she tried again, and some of the candles still re-lit themselves. Kara finally just moistened her fingers and snuffed the last ones burning. "Ha! Now, where's a knife?"
Joyce shooed her away. "Go sit! You're not serving anybody."
"Yes, ma'am," she grinningly replied.
Joyce cut her a big piece. The cake was chocolate, and three layers, with strawberry slices as one filling, and chocolate mousse as the other. They hadn't bothered with thick icing, since Kara didn't eat it, anyway. She practically moaned upon the first bite, the cake was so rich and moist. Just perfect.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kara was right about having cake first. Her students had curfews to honor, and her friends with young children needed to relieve their babysitters. All very normal things, human things. Between Melissa and Spike, and then the party, she realized she hadn't thought about the otherworldly things that had worried her lately all day. And that was a huge relief. So, she hugged people and said goodbyes until it was just 20 of them left – her core group plus a few extras.
Kara was grateful enough to have everyone here getting along. If they didn't get around to her opening gifts tonight, that was okay. They weren't the really important thing, anyway. She stood at the entryway to the living room, observing her friends. Yavanna and Brian were nowhere to be seen, and that meant she didn't want to think about what they might be doing. Anya had remembered the games in the hall closet and had brought out Trivial Pursuit, bickering harmlessly with Xander and Lorne over which color they were going to be. Buffy, Will, Giles, and Joyce were talking on the couch – probably catching up with what Will had been up to lately. Tara, Willow, and Melissa were chatting over by the fireplace, probably talking about kids again. The two she was wondering about were Spike and Sebastian. They'd disappeared, too, but she knew Spike would still be close by, waiting for her to announce what she wanted to do next.
Kara let her link to Spike tug at her mind to discern his location. Ah, basement. Probably getting a drink. She'd let them be. Spike had been too worried about her recently to spend much time in Sunnydale, and she felt guilty for keeping him away from his cousin, even if it was his choice. Kara hunted around for more chips and salsa, instead. She was sitting at the island when Melissa came into the kitchen.
"That's the second time today I've seen you devouring a jar of salsa. Wanna talk about it?"
"Not particularly."
Melissa nodded, but Kara knew well enough that her friend would bring it up later. They went back in the living room and joined the board game. 'So much for not worrying today,' Kara thought.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So... teeny cliffhanger. Thoughts? Impressions?
