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Chapter 23

Monday, June 24…

"Good morning, Rupert, Miss Tara, Buffy…" Sebastian nodded to each in turn as he greeted them. "I brought coffees for everyone. I hope I got your preferences right."

"That was very thoughtful, Sebastian. I'm sure they will be fine," Tara said.

"You're very kind. I wanted to let you all know that I received a post from my commanding officer this morning."

"Oh?" Buffy asked, trying not to sound too curious.

"Yes…I'm afraid I'll have to leave in a week. My…expertise is required for our next mission. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable stay, even educational, and I will miss you all," Sebastian replied in a heartfelt manner.

"Well, old man, we'll have to throw some kind of going away festivity, right, ladies? At least have a drink or two," Giles proposed.

"So, you really have to go, huh?" Buffy asked tentatively.

"I do. I'm truly amazed I haven't been called back sooner. I've been here almost three months, and that kind of time away is just unprecedented."

"Maybe you aren't as valuable as you thought," she teased.

His lips quirked briefly before he replied with, "Or possibly I was where I was meant to be." His eyes briefly conveyed something deeper that Buffy hadn't noticed before.

"I-." He pulled her off to the side before she could finish.

"Please…don't. There's nothing to say, since I only have a few more days here. I wanted to let you know that I might not be able to keep in touch for a while, or at least not very often. We will have to arrange a method of correspondence only known to us, if you want me to write, that is…"

"Definitely! You've been a true friend, Sebastian, and I like to keep my friends. Besides, Mom and Dawnie…"

"Yes, of course. I've become quite fond of your family, as well. Let's make the best of our time left, shall we? There's a whole week ahead of us," he said, smiling down at her.

"You're absolutely right. I'll make sure your last week of vacation is bucket loads of fun!"

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The contract from the Council had arrived at Buffy's house in the mail. She went straight to Giles' before opening it, wanting to see what it contained at the same time as her Watcher…and have him decipher the legal language.

"Giles, it's here! Read through this contract and tell me what Travers might have up his sleeve," she said, thrusting the envelope in his hands.

"Give me a minute, Buffy. I've hardly had a chance to sit down, yet." Giles poured himself a small amount of scotch, then took a seat in his favorite chair, glasses perched on his nose. He pulled the contract out of the manila envelope and began reading. "Mmm-hmm, yes…those dates are correct…so are those, as far as I can remember…ah, conditions of employment…yes, ah-hunh, fine…oh, that slimy bastard!"

"What, Giles? What does it say?"

"'As is standard for the Slayer's duties since the beginning of time, she will hence forth resume patrolling six nights per week, with her Watcher if necessary, but no others. Failure to comply will be cause for termination of employment.'"

"Doesn't he get that over-tired Slayers are dead Slayers? There's no way I can do that and still keep up with college. I barely graduated high school, as it was! Anything else we need to contest? Willow and Tara are a lot of help to me nowadays, and they're certified witches. It just makes my job more efficient, right, Giles?"

"You know I don't have a problem with your patrol schedule, Buffy. You still do a fine job of protecting Sunnydale."

"Obviously, they have someone watching us in town still, 'cause you have sent reports since you quit, right?"

"Yes, I saw no need once you refused to work with them any longer. Buffy, we don't have to go this route at all…it was a silly hope to think the Council wouldn't interfere in your quality of life. I'll help you find other employment, i-if you find working at The Magic Box that distasteful."

"Giles, it's really not that bad…I just get bored, you know? I've always been 'action girl', and filling out labels all day just doesn't get it done for me. You've been a great boss, though, and I don't regret helping fill in for Anya's absence, okay? Maybe I can teach self-defense to the girls around the university, or something. I'll figure it out."

"Do you want me to continue reading this drivel?"

"Nah…if that's just the first page, I don't think I want to know what the rest of it says. Do you have a red marker?"

"Uh, check the desk. Why?"

"Aha! 'Cause I'm going to write a nice little note on this for Mr. Travers." She wrote a few words in her loopy, girly script, finishing it with an exclamation point. "Here you go! Just send that back to good ol' Quentin."

"Buffy, I didn't know you knew those words. Don't tell me you've been picking things up from Spike!"

She grinned, shaking her head. "Nope…that's from Kara, when a Gorlak demon melted her $500 boots. Now, she probably learned them from Spike…unless you've been holding out on me, Giles?"

"Heavens, no! I'd never say such things in a lady's presence! Did she, uh, tell you what this meant?"

"Nope. Sebastian did."

"Dear lord, you must have made the poor man red as a beet! Buffy, you shouldn't torment a gentleman so. It just isn't polite."

"Okay, Giles," she promised. "Next time, I'll just ask you. Goodnight!" The blonde skipped out the door, leaving her Watcher sputtering a retort, before swallowing the rest of his drink.

"I swear, that girl will be the death of me," he muttered, and poured himself another glass.

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Monday night, Buffy invited Sebastian over for dinner with the family. Tuesday, she played hooky from work and took him to the beach, taking no small pleasure in slathering his back with sunscreen so he didn't burn. Wednesday, they caught a foreign film, his choice, at a drive-in. Thursday, they went down to the mini-golf range with Willow and Tara while Dawn was inside having pizza with her friends. Sebastian made it a personal duty to give the evil eye to any young man who looked at Dawn in way that wasn't innocent. She rolled her eyes and complained that it was bad enough that Spike did it, and she didn't need another 'big brother' type scaring all the hotties away. Dawn stopped whining, though, when one of the 'cute boys' she had been flirting with turned out to be a vampire. Then it was all smiles and thank-yous, and promises to stick with her girls until she got home.

Now, it was Friday, and another night at The Bronze reminiscent of when Sebastian had first met everyone else.

Sebastian felt very awkward. He didn't dance to this kind of music. He didn't even listen to this type of music, and there was this golden siren, trying to get him to join her. And that was another thing – he'd never seen Buffy wear something that provocative before. Well, she'd worn a two-piece bathing suit to the beach, but that wasn't the same. Being late June, the nights had gotten muggy, hardly cooling off from the heat of the day, and so she was wearing a gold halter that tied at her neck and back – practically leaving it bare – and a black lace miniskirt. The little top had a draped neckline, and every time he looked down at her face, he couldn't help catching a glimpse down her cleavage, as well. It was truly maddening! She had to know the kind of effect she had on men, didn't she?

"Looks like Buffy's back to her 'I'm single – dance with me' clothes," Willow commented to Tara. "Poor Sebastian – he doesn't know where to look."

"I think someone's looking to replace her orgasm buddy," Anya joined in.

"Really? They've only been friends…" Tara said.

"But she was attached for most of that time. I'd say…she hasn't been laid in at least a month. That motivates a woman," Anya added.

"Anya! Buffy's not like that. She doesn't just jump into bed with some guy!" Willow insisted.

"But he's not just 'some guy'. Take one look and tell me she doesn't want a piece of tall, dark, and handsome over there."

Kara broke in, coming to stand between the two women. "She's right, Will. Buffy's giving all the right signals, even if she isn't aware of it. The senses don't lie."

"Eww, you know…you and Spike really have to stop doing that. It's kinda squicky," Willow said, wrinkling up her nose.

"Kinda have to breathe, sweetie. There's nothing I can do about it."

"So, where's your not-having-to-breathe other half?" Tara asked.

"On his way. He had an errand to run before meeting me here. Spike's been so sweet this week. He took me out to dinner on Saturday, and we hardly left the bedroom until Monday. Last night, we went down to the pier and ate too many sweets, rode the Ferris wheel, and played air hockey. It was so much fun! Actually, the whole week's been fun, like we've been on vacation at home. How have things been for you guys?" Kara asked.

"School." "Work." "Usual sex games with Xander."

"Gotcha, and those two?" gesturing towards the dance floor.

"They've been out every day, since this is his last week here. Sebastian stopped by the shop on Monday to let us know," Tara replied.

"Ah. He just called Spike today, but I guess Buffy's been keeping him busy. Does she have any clue that Sebastian totally adores her?" Kara wondered.

"Not a one," Willow answered. "I think she's just chalking it up to chemistry. Hey, Anya, where's Xander? I just noticed he hasn't joined us, yet."

"He's the last one out on Fridays. Has to hand out everyone's money. These summer hours are such a pain. I'll be surprised if he doesn't go straight to the hotel. All he wants to do on Fridays is sleep, and I get quite bored. I've even had to go a couple times without sex! If it wasn't for the toy drawer, I'd…"

"Anya? It's your turn to buy drinks," Willow cut in.

"Oh! Sure. Same as last time? You girls really have to try something new. Alcohol won't kill you, well, at least not tonight."

"It's a good suggestion, pet. Make mine a double, and don't let that bartender water it down," Spike said, as he joined the group. "Hey, beautiful. Love this top on you," he murmured to Kara as he cozied up to her side to nibble her ear."

Kara giggled as he hit one of her ticklish spots again. "Now, honey, not in front of the kids…"

"Alright, if you insist…Glinda, Red…how are you ladies tonight?"

"Pretty good." "Okay."

"Glad to hear it. I'm going to steal my girl for a while." He ducked to bend Kara over his shoulder and carried her off. They saw him heading for the balcony, Kara waving and laughing at them as she went.

"Well, it's safe to say that we avoid the balcony for a while," Tara quipped, with a smirk.

"Right. Dance?"

"Love to."

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"Not that it wasn't fun, Spike, but why did you carry me up here?" Kara asked, amused.

"Can't I just want a minute alone with you to say a proper 'hello'?" he retorted, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"You can, but it works just as well to say, 'Kara, can you come with me for a sec?' What's up? You seem almost…giddy," she teased. "What are you up to?" she asked, scrutinizing his face.

"Nothing, luv. I've just had a particularly good week with you, and in you…" he murmured.

She slapped his shoulder. "You are such a pig!" but the insult didn't hold any menace. "I'd put you over my knee, but you'd just enjoy it."

"Damn bloody right, kitten. Your punishments just feel too good…" he said huskily, and nipped at her scar. "Do we have to stay?"

"Yes! Your cousin is leaving town on Monday, and it might be a long time before he comes around again. We can play later."

He pulled back with a sigh. "Always the responsible one, aren't you?"

"Pretty much. Come on, baby. Let's go be polite."

"Slave driver," he said, pouting."

"Don't make me get out the whip later," she shot back cheekily.

Spike pulled her back against him before she reached the stairs. "You know what they say, luv. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but whips and chains excite me," he sing-songed in return. Kara just groaned, calling his comment "truly lame".

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"Greetings, cousin! I'm glad you could pull yourself away from home. Kara, you look lovely, as always. Pity it's so loud in here," Sebastian said.

"Nah, you get used to it," Spike replied.

"I agree with you, Sebastian. They should at least invest in some better speakers," Kara put in. "The bass bleeds from those subs."

"Can't disagree with the music expert," Willow added. "Oz used to say the same thing."

"Does he write anymore?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, I get an e-mail every couple months. You know Oz…not big on the wordiness. He seems to just be wandering the world. So, Sebastian, if you run into a guy this tall with possibly red hair, that doesn't talk much and he's a werewolf, don't kill him. He doesn't eat people," Willow replied.

"You have my word, Miss Willow, though I doubt we will cross paths. We seldom get involved in singular events with the common demon."

"Well, now that that's settled, how about ordering some food? I'm starving after being on that dance floor," Buffy interjected. She didn't want to think about him going back to his job.

"Did somebody mention food? Looks like I got here just in time!"

"Hey, Xander! Anya said you might be too tired to come."

"Nah! I left early. I'm the boss, right? So, I took a bossly privilege and came straight up. Dude, heard you're heading back to the trenches. That's gotta suck," Xander said, shaking the knight's hand.

"Oh, not at all. It's very rewarding, but thank you for the sentiment."

"So, food?" Buffy tried again.

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The girls had gone en masse to the ladies room. Xander had been sent to get food, since he was the last to arrive. That left Sebastian and Spike alone at the table with a few minutes to talk.

"So, Bas, tell the Slayer how you feel, yet?"

"No," he answered morosely. "It wouldn't do any bloody good at this point. I'm going to be gone for months."

"A better question is do you plan on coming back?"

"Of course I would! If she still wanted to see me…but it's foolish to even consider. The Order doesn't allow relationships. I married my job when I signed up to serve."

"Hey, fine by me. Don't really get what you see in 'er, anyway, besides looks and fighting skills. She's bossy, prissy, shallow, self-righteous…"

"That's enough, William. I know you don't get along, but she is my friend."

Spike raised his hands in surrender. "Fair enough, Bas. Can't help what you feel. I know that one too bleedin' well, myself. Let's get you a drink."

---------------------------------

"Hey, are you excited about Monday?" Tara whispered.

"Excited, nervous, terrified…any and all of the above. They'll be able to see if something's wrong," Kara whispered back.

"And everything that's going right. Are you sure you don't want Spike there for support, too?"

"Definitely. There will be plenty of time later, when I'm sure this isn't going to blow up in my face."

"Okay…I'm just worried about you trying to handle all of it on your own."

"I have you, Tara. We probably ought to get back to the table. The food will be there by now."

"Yeah, and we can't have you wasting away to nothing," Tara teased.

"Hey! I've only gained 2 pounds!"

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Hours later, the crowd was thinning out in the club, and half the group was looking sleepy. Anya finally took Xander to their hotel when his head almost hit the table three times in a row from him falling asleep. Willow and Tara had never been good at partying late. Handling a crisis, sure, but if they didn't have that adrenaline going, they were ready to snuggle up in bed by midnight. That left just the four supernatural beings.

"Another round?" Spike offered.

"Just one more. Buffy wanted to fit in a quick patrol on the way back to her house," Sebastian replied.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I did. You can never be too careful on a Friday night."

"Why don't we all go? It'll be fun. I, for one, haven't seen Sebastian in action. Have you, Spike?" Kara added.

"A couple times, when the Slayer was too busy to go. It's nothing special, luv. You haven't missed much," he replied, smirking.

"Saved your skinny arse once," Sebastian grumbled.

"I knew 'e was there! I just got bored waiting for you."

"Guys! Do you always have to bicker?" Buffy complained to the two men.

They looked at her, and dead-panned, "Pretty much."

"Ugh! Neither of you have any more family members lurking about…right?"

"Well, Slayer, considering that we didn't even know about each other until two months ago, I think it's safe to say there won't be a big family reunion anytime soon," Spike snarked in return.

"Kara, help me out, here. Doesn't it bug you when they do that?" the blonde whined.

"Nope! I think it's pretty funny, especially because I'm not in the middle. And, I actually like both of them."

"I give up. Let's get outta here. This place is seriously dead now." Buffy was first towards the door, wanting to get going and burn off this nervous energy that built up whenever she was around the knight.

Spike subtly pulled Kara back as the other two went out the door, saying softly, "Let them go on ahead, kitten. I think they need the time alone."

"Why, honey, are you playing matchmaker?" she asked, walking slowly to their cars.

"Not exactly…just think Bas should have a chance to say what he needs to. And the Slayer's too wound up tonight for us to have any fun around 'er. She's going to be a kill hog."

Kara shrugged. "Eh, just as well. I don't want to break these shoes. Home, then?"

"Yours, or mine?"

"Either. They both have good beds," she replied with a sly look.

"Home sweet crypt, it is, then." He took her key from her and unlocked her door. "Milady," bowing as he opened it.

"Thank you, good sir."