Chapter 20: Prom night

The transformation of Sunnydale High School was a sight to behold. The PE block, which was the only block large enough to house all the students at once, had been beautifully decorated. Fairy lights were woven between the branches of the trees either side of the entrance and the white stone steps were dressed in a beautiful burgundy carpet, framed by candle light. Lights flashed in every direction as the students gathered in their glitz and glamor, posing for the photographers, whilst watching the convoy of new arrivals, each trying to outshine its predecessor.

Buffy was star struck, as she gazed out of the window as the Desoto slid to a stop. To think she had almost missed all of this through her own stubbornness. The passenger door opened and Spike held out his arm. Buffy beamed as she slid out of the car. Together they made their way through the crowd. The photographer stopped them at the entrance, "a photo for the year book?" he asked. Spike let go of Buffy's arm and took her by the hand, as he stooped to kiss it, he never broke eye contact and Buffy's mind flashed back; remembering her first day at Sunnydale and the first time she had really got to know Spike. It was strange to think how much had changed since that day. The camera flashed and Buffy moved to lace her arm back through Spike's. She looked him straight in the eyes, "I'm so glad I met you," she said and he smiled at her sincerity as he began to lead her into the hall, "me to," he replied.

Inside the floor shimmered like a rainbow dancing on a frosty lake and the once drab, brown curtains had been replaced with long, lilac and white strips of fabric that floated and gleamed when the disco lights reflected off them. Buffy felt like a princess on Spike's arm as he led her through the sea of sparkling suits and dresses.

Willow and Oz waved them over and the two girls instantly began complimenting each other's dresses. Oz gave Spike a nod as Xander made his way over slowly with his date, "Dude, do you own any other clothes," Xander asked noting Spike was not without his trademark duster.

"I changed my shirt," Spike replied dryly. Buffy and Willow did their best to hold in their laughter as they exchanged a look.

"Well I think you look very handsome," Willow complimented and Spike gave her a smile as he took in her appearance. She'd come a long way from the shy little girl he had first met, standing before him now was a very confident and attractive young woman. She was wearing a long, fitted, dark blue dress, Cordelia had been right it really did make her hair stand out. "I could say the same to you," he said, flashing her one of his trademark smirks. Willow blushed slightly but gave them a twirl, "all thanks to Cordy," she said smiling.

"Hey, where is Cordelia?" Buffy asked. She hadn't aimed the question to anyone in particular but Xander became panicked, "Cordelia, how would I know? Why would I know where she is? " he began loosening his collar, "Cordelia who? Oh look shrimp, they've got shrimp… on sticks…" with that he hurried off dragging an oblivious Nona with him and leaving behind a very confused group of friends.

"Well that was strange…" Buffy began "…er," she added as she caught Spike's raised eye brow, "I wonder what's gotten into him?"

"Could be the punch," Oz offered, who was sporting green spikey hair that matched his tux, "I'm pretty sure I saw someone spike it with fruit juice," he concluded.

"It's not the punch," Willow said as stared after Xander's retreating form.

"If anyone's gonna get it out of him, it'll be you Will," Buffy commented.

"Yeah," Willow agreed, "I'll crack him like an egg," she stated as she walked off after him.

"Go get him baby," Oz said supportively, though his intonation never changed as he walked off.

Cordelia flounced passed at this point, she flashed them a grin, which turned into a snarky, disapproving glare as she notice her gaggle of cheerleaders looking her way. She snapped her fingers and a well-dressed, hobbit sized, spotty freshman, scuttled forward. She took her lipstick from his hand, applied it and then returned it before dismissing him again. She spun on her heal and began circulating the room as her date trundled along behind her as if he were an extension of her handbag. Buffy and Spike took one look at each other and burst out laughing.

They re-joined their friends and the six of them grazed at the buffet table until the DJ began and the party really got started. Willow and Oz rushed off eagerly to dance before his band were due on stage and Xander was visibly dragged against his will.

Spike offered his hand to Buffy and led her across the dance floor. They danced together with their friends and Spike found he was actually enjoying himself. Buffy was laughing more than she had done in weeks at the ridiculous dance moves the boys were coming up with. She found herself looking at Spike as the song changed to a slower one. Buffy suddenly felt very nervous as she recognised the song; 'Everything I do' by Brian Adams. It was the song that had been playing the first time she saw him through her bedroom window. She noticed Spike's outstretched hand and took hold of it gingerly, feeling a shiver of excitement run through her. He confidently pulled her into hold and she met his eyes. Any doubt she had was instantly washed away.

Neither of them noticed when the song changed and the Dingo's burst onto the stage. They just kept each other's gaze, still holding each other. Spike stared into her beautiful, green eyes, 'kiss her you idiot' he thought to himself.

Buffy was lost in deep pools of blue as a voice inside her shrieked, 'kiss me you idiot'. She manoeuvred her hand up from his shoulder to the back of his neck in the hopes it would give him some encouragement. Spike leaned towards her lips and opened his mouth to say…

"Buffy," a voice interrupted.

'Bollocks!' Spike thought as her attention was drawn away from him, 'so bloody close!'

At the sound of her name, Buffy turned and came face to face with Riley Finn, 'perfect just perfect!'

Buffy's irritation faded as she took in Riley's heartbroken face and she regretfully excused herself from Spike and pulled her rejected date over to one side.

Spike felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder, "It's not like it is in the movies, is it?" Cordelia said, "Realising you love someone and proving it with some big romantic gesture… but… if you were waiting for that perfect moment…you've blown it." With that she patted him on the shoulder and glided off across the dance floor, her date following at the appropriate number of steps behind, "Ashley darling, " she continued her voice still audible across the crowd, "how thoughtful of you to leave the tag on, now we can all see how cheap you are."

Spike sighed as he watched Buffy dancing with Riley, at least it wasn't a slow song. He smirked a little when he noticed she wasn't letting farm boy anywhere near as close as she had him. "Fancy throwing a redhead around the floor for a while?" a voice behind him asked. Spike turned and gave a mock look of disapproval, "Willow!" he said as he offered her his hand. She accepted it and they began to sway in time with the music, "cracked any eggs yet?" he asked as spun her round, her wavy hair swished around her shoulders and she squinted at him, "not yet," she replied, "but I'll get him, right now I got bigger fish to fry," she said as he dipped her towards the floor. Spike smirked as he pulled her back into hold, "not that I'm not loving the whole food analogy's, but what are you talking about?"

As Buffy danced with Riley, he spoke softly to her, "I'm sorry Buffy, I think you may have lost your dance partner," Buffy turned her gaze, for a brief moment she felt funny at the sight of another woman in Spike's arms. She visibly relaxed when she saw who it was. Smiling happily, she watched the pair laughing together as Spike flung Willow around with commendable enthusiasm. Although she wished it was her, there was no jealousy at all. "You're a really trusting girl, aren't you?" Riley asked, bringing her attention back to him. Buffy looked puzzled as she thought about the peculiar question, she thought about Angel and her father, "no not really," she replied, "I learnt that lesson the hard way, been hurt too many times."

"I hope he doesn't hurt you Buffy," Riley said referring to Spike and Buffy thought about the question again. Buffy realised then that she did trust easily, she trusted Spike with her life. She turned back to Riley, "he won't," she said confidently.

The music began to fade, Willow leaned up and whispered in Spike's ear, "the early bird catches the worm," she dropped back down and winked at him as Buffy returned.

"Mind if I cut in?" she asked and Willow graciously moved aside and went to find her next dance partner. She set her sights on Freddie the freshman, after all Oz still had one more song. Spike stared after her. Buffy touched his arm, loving the feel of the rough leather, "you ok?" she asked hoping she hadn't upset him by dancing with Riley. Spike looked at her, "if I didn't know better, I'd swear she was on the coffee." Buffy laughed, Spike flashed his trademark smirk, "now, where were we, pet?"

Buffy trembled with delight at being back in Spike's arms. She nuzzled against his neck as their bodies moved in time with the music. Her free hand snaked under his duster and travelled around his firm torso. His check brushed against hers as they adjusted their positions. The way he held her and the way he looked at her made her quiver. Granny Lilly's words flashed through her mind, 'he loves you, you know' and Buffy was starting to believe it and what's more she wanted to believe it.

Spike noticed her smile grow wide and couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking about. As the song transitioned, he slowed his movements and found himself leaning in once more. Buffy's heart started to beat a little faster the closer he got and she lost all rational thought. All that mattered was this moment. All that mattered was him.

"Buffy," Spike whispered almost as if he was seeking permission.

"Spike," Buffy murmured granting it. He was so close now she could almost taste him.

A voice screamed and the entire hall went silent.

'Bollocks! Bollocks! Bollocks! I can't get a bloody break!' Spike's mind screamed as they pulled away to see the source of the sound.

Cordelia had pushed her date away from her so hard he'd landed on the floor with a thud. "Eww!" she screamed, "I am so not kissing you!"

"W…Why not?" stammered Freddie.

"Because…because…" Cordelia wracked her brain for an acceptable excuse. Across the room she spotted a young man, who looked just as bored and unhappy as she had been the whole evening and right then she made a decision. To hell with High School. "Because, because I'm in love with Xander!" All eyes were on her now and she owned the room like a true Queen, "I love Xander Harris!" she shouted confidently.

At the back of the gym, Xander quickly recovered from his state of shock and prized Nona's hands from his neck. He shouted back, "and I love Cordelia Chase!" The two started to walk towards each other and then broke in to a run as the crowd parted. They fell into each other's arms and kissed passionately, to the sound of the whole hall drunkenly applauding them.

'Oh sure! She gets the romantic movie scene!' Spike thought although he clapped along with the rest of them.

The band struck up and the dance floor filled up again, enveloping Xander and Cordelia from view.

Willow grinned feeling very accomplished as she watched her group of friends. She'd known since LA something was different with Xander and Cordelia. Their sarcastic comments and insults had increased, they'd started public rows about the smallest details and if that wasn't enough to convince her, catching them at it in the library definitely did. Not that they'd seen her. Her gaze shifted towards Buffy and Spike, "one down, one to go," she muttered to herself as Buffy waved her over. Willow waved back and signalled that she was going to the ladies room. "You're welcome," she whispered as she passed Xander and Cordelia on the way.

She didn't notice Ashley follow her in and the noise from the band meant she didn't hear the sound of the external door locking.

Ashley looked smug as she went back to the dance floor to join her minions, "that'll teach her to mess with me, no one will even notice she's gone. Poor Willow," she muttered sarcastically, "she'll miss the whole prom," she finished, laughing.

On stage the band were transitioning into the next song when Oz noticed a peculiar smell, he turned to the singer, "dude can you smell smoke?" he asked. The singer dismissed the question, "It's probably the smoke machine," and continued with the performance.

Not a moment later the fire alarm went off.