DISCLAIMER: Whedon's characters, any recognizable dialogue, and the canon events of their storyline are not mine.

A/N: 19 September 2017

Chapters 13-18 have been edited down significantly.

The basic plot/storyline/character arcs remain the same as the original version.

[

A/N: 1 July 2016

See Chapter 12.

In this installment: minor Riley bashing, a date night including formal wear, Clem makes an appearance.

CHAPTER 16

Sleeping Beauty and the Beast

All around town, people were overjoyed to wake up and find themselves in a world where people can dance when they choose to – not because they are compelled to – and that when they do, it does not result in spontaneous combustion. The citizens of Sunnydale sang as one large ensemble, celebrating the dawn of this new day. The more skeptical of the bunch finally tried out a few steps, even a leap or a spin. And finding no smoke or fire, they danced their way down sidewalks and streets, continuing the song.

Sunnydale was on its way to normalcy. School had been in session throughout the past week; most college classes were still meeting (with the exception of any taught by professors who flamed out); most stores and restaurants managed to stay operational (though with reduced hours). Some small businesses were temporarily closed due to a death in the family. Many construction crews and contractors had suspended their projects for safety issues. They would be starting back up now that the most dangerous part was over – though there was still the possibility of a rousing musical number interfering with the work process.

Xander used this as an excuse when encouraging his company to wait a little while longer before putting the men back on the job. Since he had at least one more day off, he decided to put it to good use. He had called Willow first thing in the morning, suggesting that they get together to figure out what they could do to make things better for Buffy – now that they knew … what they knew. Willow checked to see if Buffy was planning to stay at the house for a while. Xander called ahead to let Giles know that he, Anya, Willow, and Tara were on their way to the store.

[

The Scooby Gang gathered around the table at the Magic Box, as they had so many times before. They had sat there in times of crisis, dire circumstances, even the profound sadness after the death of their friend – but today, a new level of soberness hung in the air.

After a long stretch of silence, Giles opened the discussion of how to move forward now that they had this new piece of information – that Buffy had not been in a hell dimension as they had previously thought. "This might explain some of her behavior and attitude in recent months. However, much of that could be just the shock of having been dead and coming back to the land of the living. We may never know for certain. All we can do is try to support her as best each of us are able and not make her life any more difficult than … well, than life is all on its own. I fear that …"

Willow went into 'fix it' mode. "You fear that … what? We can't let fear hold us back. We can right this wrong. And then, things'll be better."

Tara was visibly upset by what Willow had just said. "What do you mean 'right this wrong'? Are you saying use more magic to fix what happened by means of magic?"

"I can make this better for Buffy, make her forget the things of the past that are causing her pain right now."

Tara was not normally so vocal when they gathered as a group, but she could no longer hold her tongue. "No more magic! I won't let you do that to her – not after you violated me. No more."

"Violated you, what do you mean?"

"I thought you of all people would understand – after what Glory did, after what my family did. Each in their own way, they took away my ability to choose, to think and decide. Glory stole it; my family twisted it until I second-guessed myself. When you took away my memory of our argument, you took away my right to an opinion, to my part in this relationship."

"That's not what I meant to do, baby."

"You superimposed your idea of who we are together onto what is really going on."

Willow's uncertainty was obvious as she asked, "What are you saying?"

Tara looked down at her hands, considering her answer. "I'm not sure, but I need time to think – to be able to think without you magically altering my feelings and thoughts."

Giles cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt what is clearly a private conversation, but … Willow, may I have a word with you? In private?"

They moved to the back room. Giles reopened the discussion of Willow's training and mentorship. He now added a greater emphasis on the oversight that he increasingly felt needed to be put into place, for Willow's well-being as much as anything else.

While they were in the other room, Tara excused herself, saying that she needed to get to campus to do some research before her first class.

Shortly after that, Buffy arrived. Anya had been sorting the mail and informed Buffy that a letter had come for her. She walked over to Giles' desk and found it on the top of the stack. Recognizing the handwriting as Riley's, Buffy tucked the envelope into her bag with no intention of opening it.

[

Before Dawn got home from school, Buffy had stopped at their favorite bakery for a selection of cupcakes and cookies. She put on a pot of coffee and a kettle of water. Then, she gathered a variety of tea and hot cocoa on the counter. When Dawn came through the door, Buffy offered her a choice of beverage and sweet treat. She suggested that they talk a little more about Dawn's ordeal before punishment for her wrongdoing was handed down. Some level of mercy seemed to be in order. If anyone could understand that, it was Buffy.

As Dawn described the previous days' events, Buffy got a clearer picture of what Dawn had been through. She had been abducted from school grounds in broad daylight, held hostage with the intent of making her a child bride, and then made to watch while the demon toyed with her sister. But what Buffy found most difficult to hear about was the mental and emotional manipulation that Sweet had employed on her.

The sisters sat for more than an hour – talking, laughing, crying, … and eating delicious baked goods. It was familial bonding and comfort at its best.

[

On the evening news, one local story was of great interest to the younger population of Sunnydale: now that the police and fire department agreed that it was safe to proceed, costume night at the Bronze had been rescheduled.

Some of the Scoobies already had their costumes lined up. Willow and Tara had gotten flowing dresses and planned to go as a pair of Greek muses – though now after all the musical madness, the connection to Xanadu seemed to make the costume idea less appealing. Anya had used her connections to get authentic Renaissance attire. Xander thought she would have made a very fetching bar maid, judging by the way she filled out the corset. Giles did not plan on attending, but to get the others to stop their pestering, he said he would wear the sorcerer's hat and cape he had worn for the opening of the Magic Box.

Dawn had been listening to some of Giles' record collection – and thought the music was pretty groovy. One day when she was looking for something in the basement, she came across some old clothing from Joyce's flower child days. She asked Buffy if she could have dibs on those for a costume, since she had been the one to find them. Buffy, having no interest in wearing the embroidered bell-bottom jeans or the suede jacket with fringe along the sleeves, told Dawn that she would gladly find something else to wear.

[

Spike had slept most of the day. Nobody had interrupted his slumber, so he figured that either meant a chaos-free day (and no need for his help) or a busy day (with no time to drop by). Either way, he awoke as the sun was setting and found himself immediately wondering how much (if at all) the kiss last night had changed things between he and Buffy. As he was getting ready to leave, he decided that he would not immediately run over to her house.

Something had reminded Spike of his mother in the past few days. He located a music store that had a back room filled with vintage vinyl. He found an old Nana Mouskouri LP containing a recording of the folk song "Early One Morning." So thrilled was he with his purchase, he walked with a bit of a spring in his step as the song found its way from his lips.

[

Buffy was still trying to make sense of all that had happened to her. Now, added to that mental mayhem was the fact that her friends knew the truth of where she had been during the months they were trying to get her back, not to mention what Dawn had just been through. She certainly had enough on her mind these days.

Spike wandered around the side of the house to find her sitting on the steps of the porch. He coughed to make his presence known. She made no move to acknowledge him. They sat in silence for a bit – a calm and pregnant pause before a conversational storm.

He finally asked: "We gonna talk about it?" With a smile in his voice, he said, "Or would you rather wait a few months?"

"See … you think you're cute, but—"

"Oh, luv … I know for certain that I'm more than cute." He gave her a long sideways glance. "But seriously, about last night …"

"Yes, we kissed. Yes, we need to talk about it. But there's still an unresolved singing spell. So, the kiss is gonna get shelved for now."

"Got it. The Scoobies solving the musical mystery tour takes priority." His voice was brimming with sarcasm and heavy with disappointment.

"For the moment, yes." She got up, which he took as an indication that it was time to patrol.

"Well, then … let's solve this."

As they started down the street, she said, "We make a good team, don't we?"

Spike nodded as he replied. "You and the Scoobies are a solid unit and a formidable foe for evil types."

"Yes, … but I meant the two of us." She bit back the song that threatened to reveal too much – that she was beginning to think of them as … an 'us.'

They patrolled in relative silence, with little conversation. One notable exception: when she mentioned that the costume night at the Bronze was rescheduled for Friday and that she did not have a costume yet.

[

Spike made a few stops on his way home, including a stop at the formal wear store for a tux and shoes. Then, to the costume shop for a cape. Easiest costume in the world – he would go as a classic cliché version of a vampire. While at the costume shop, saw something he thought would be perfect for Buffy and put it on hold under her name. After all, he did not think she would appreciate him nicking it for her.

[

[

The following morning was fairly normal for a weekday. After some chores at home, Buffy got to the Magic Box around lunchtime. Giles was sitting down to eat and was attempting to multi-task by catching up on his correspondence. That morning, a letter had arrived from Faith.

Dear Giles,

There have been some strange things going on here with my fellow inmates. Not sure what's happening where you are, but in case it's relevant, I thought I'd let you know. If nothing else, it's entertaining.

A few days ago, the whole place erupted, but not in the usual rowdiness or even a good old-fashioned riot. It was like some big production number. At one point, everybody was singing "Jailhouse Rock."

A few people did solos. Like Mona, just a few cells down from me, who let loose with the closest thing to a confession she'll probably ever give: "I guess you can say we broke up because of artistic differences. He saw himself as alive and I saw him dead." [1]

Not much else to tell.

Later –

Faith

After hearing the content of Faith's letter, Buffy decided that she should take a look at the letter that had come from Riley, in case it contained any pertinent information. Opening the envelope, she heard the following:

Dear Buffy,

Obviously, I can't tell you exactly where I am or what I am doing. But some days, I find myself with too much time to think – and my mind often drifts to you and how things ended.

Your eyes as we said our goodbyes – can't get them out of my mind. And I find I can't hide from your eyes. Where there's moonlight, I see your eyes. How did I let you slip away when I'm longing so to hold you? Now I'd die for one more day, 'cause there's something I should have told you when I looked into your eyes.

Why does distance make us wise? You were the song all along; and before this song dies, I should tell you I have always loved you. [2]

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. If not now, then someday.

Sincerely,

Riley

Spike arrived just as Buffy finished reading (well, hearing) the letter. He had made his now habitual trek through the tunnels to the Magic Box. He had just closed the basement door and rounded the corner as Buffy was putting a letter back into an envelope. She was sitting at the round table. As he walked toward her, she laid the envelope on the table top and stared at it. Passing behind her to take a seat, he saw that she was staring at the writing. He noticed there was no return address.

Treading lightly after their non-conversation last night. "Letter writing is a dying art form." Getting no response, he ventured, "Long lost pen pal?"

The others who were present pretended not to listen to her reply as she said, "It's from Riley."

Spike tried to read her expression – and failed miserably.

Buffy was still a bit in shock. "Giles had told me that the night all this started, he opened a letter from his brother and it sang to him. I'm not sure what I thought he meant by that, but I didn't really understand it until just now."

Pointing at Riley's letter, Spike asked, "That thing sang to you? What – like a singing telegram?"

"Well, yeah, but no. When I unfolded the pages to read it, the handwriting swirled up off the page. I remember being flummoxed when a science teacher tried to explain that light is both particle and wave, but I think I kinda get it now … 'cause that letter is ink on paper, but it is also sound."

He tilted his head slightly. "So, it's like those greeting cards that you open up and they play 'Happy Birthday' or 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.' Hey, don't look at me like that – you know the ones I mean … they have that little chip inside 'em."

Xander found this amusing. "You seem to have a fondness for them. Wait! Are they like your cousins now or something? Since you have a widdle chip inside you too."

Buffy anticipated that Spike would bristle at Xander's teasing. She moved a hand under the table where the others could not see and placed it on Spike's thigh. Then, she said in a quiet, calming voice, "Don't let it bother you. That's just Xander being Xander."

He gave a quick shrug and said, "Not bothered."

"You sure? You look bothered. Is it the letter from Riley?"

Keeping his voice low and veiling his emotions from the others present, "I'll grant you, I am curious about the letter from Soldier Boy. But if I'm bothered by anything right now, it's …" He shifted in his seat and glanced down at her hand, still on his thigh. "Not complaining, mind you. You are welcome to bother me like that anytime you want."

Anya asked if Buffy wanted to talk about the crooning correspondence.

"No – I think I'm just gonna head back to the training room. A little quality time with the punching bag ought to clear my head." Standing and turning to Spike, she asked, "Care to join me?"

Spike noticed that she brought the letter with her as they walked to the back room. He was muttering under his breath.

"What was that?" Buffy asked.

"Just wondering what the soldier with no initiative is up to."

She shook her head. "Just what I need – more jealous vampire crap."

"You saying that there's something to be jealous of? What did the letter say … well, uh, sing?"

"I'm not sure exactly. I guess it was your basic 'I miss you' letter. Not like he can just drop by anytime or that I could locate him, even if I wanted to. So, no matter what it says, it's kinda pointless."

"Unless he still means something to you."

She started to jab at the punching bag. Spike moved to the opposite side to hold it for her. Over the next few minutes, the impact of her fists on the bag increased. Soon, her true feelings surfaced – nearly every sentence punctuated by a punch.

As had become the norm in the past week, when the things needed to be said they were almost always accompanied by … well, musical accompaniment. She rambled in belt voice with particular words accented for emphasis. The main points included: that Riley's finer qualities did not make up for the hurt he had caused … and the fact that he had wanted something she couldn't give him and that she needed something he couldn't provide.

When she had finished, Spike said, "If that's honestly how you feel, can't say I'm sad to hear it."

"You never were a fan, were you? You and Angel had that in common."

"Captain Forehead met Captain Cardboard? Would have loved to have seen that."

"Yeah, it was a swell time. Angel came to town to apologize to me and met Riley on a dark street. They bloodied one another while claiming to be looking out for my best interests. I'm actually surprised you didn't try to get in on the action. But then again, you were a little busy at the time."

"Was I?"

"Yeah, you were working with Adam against us at that point."

That was one of many things Spike wished he could take back. He also wished that he could find the expressway to her heart – rather than taking the long and winding road.

Buffy began her typical daily workout. Spike took over Giles's usual role of employing various weapons against the Slayer to hone her skills. As she went through her routine, they began to hear music. Although they were unaware of each other singing, they were in perfect harmony with one another. As Buffy was deflecting the knives which Spike was hurling at her, she continued to sing.

"Hey, is it just me or …?" Buffy asked.

"No. Not just you. Definitely a slow-motion training montage – though it was missing the power chord infused rock anthem feel." Spike paused. "Could have used one of those before you took on Adam – kinda reminded me of Ivan Drago. Well … mostly Tony Robbins, with strains of Drago."

"If that makes me Rocky, who are you?"

With the tip of his tongue to his teeth, he asked, "Who would like me to be, luv?"

"For right now? My sparring partner." She was unwilling to let that line of questioning go any further for the moment. "I realize you can't come at me full-force, but —"

"I get it. Even restrained by a chip, I'm a better match for you than your human compatriots."

Since he was holding back and had no intent to cause injury, the chip would not have been triggered on any human. However, he had to be careful not to use too much force, as that might raise suspicion before he was ready to address the issue. As they traded punches and kicks, he was thinking about things that future-Buffy had told him. Time is passing – and I've got to find a way to 'figure out' about the chip not going off. How exactly do I do that?

There was plenty of contact – each of them landing as many hits as they avoided or repelled. More than a few times, one flipped the other onto the mat which resulted in a few rolls before one of them came out on top. It made for a few awkward – but not so awkward – moments between them.

At one point, he had gotten the best of her and was teasing her about it, taunting her. She kicked him in the abdomen with full Slayer strength. He slammed into the horse, the edge of the equipment making contact with his ribs. Buffy rushed over to check what damage she might have done. Just as she had lifted up the hem of his shirt to look at the side of his torso where he had collided with the horse, Giles and Anya came back to check on them, because they had heard a loud noise.

Buffy looked over her shoulder at the concerned Watcher. "Nothing to see here. I'm just beating up on Spike again. Not to worry – I'm fine."

Giles said hesitantly, "Well, if you're certain …" and then he and Anya returned to the store.

As Buffy continued to examine him, pressing on the ribs to make sure she had not broken anything, she looked up at him and apologetically said, "I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you."

"In fairness, I did provoke you."

She smiled as she said, "Well, as long as we're agreed – you shouldn't provoke me, because I'll kick your ass."

"I think you just enjoy putting your hands on me." He leered at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Is that so?" She poked her thumb between his ribs at the most tender spot. When he flinched, she added, "Guess you're right about that."

"Ow! That's not fair."

"I think you'll live. Well, you know what I mean."

He adjusted his shirt and started to put his coat back on, moving gingerly as he did so. "About the thing at The Bronze … I happened to be at the costume shop … and I saw something I thought would … anyway, I put it on hold for you."

She was not sure what to say to that. On the surface, it was a thoughtful gesture, but since she did not know what the costume was, she should probably reserve any measurable show of gratitude.

He had moved back over to where she was standing and she became increasingly aware of their proximity. It had not seemed unusual when they were sparring, but now it seemed too close, too intimate.

She stepped backward as she said, "I guess I'll have to drop by the costume shop." A long, mildly uncomfortable moment of silence hung between them as she felt Spike search her eyes – for what, she was not sure. "I think tonight should be fairly quiet. Why don't you take your side of town and I'll cover the rest. I'll check in with the gang and see if they've made any progress."

"If you're sure." Getting the distinct impression that she wanted some time apart, he accommodated her without objection.

[

Soon after Spike left the Magic Box, Buffy went to the costume shop. She asked to see the item that was on hold for her.

The employee brought it out, asking, "Is this yours?"

"Honestly, I wouldn't know. A friend picked it out for me. I guess if it's got my name on the slip, then that must be the one."

They removed the plastic covering to reveal the most stunning gown Buffy had ever laid eyes on.

"This is our Sleeping Beauty costume. Well, truthfully, we have a few – you know, high demand for Disney princesses – but this is our top of the line."

"Wow. It certainly is beautiful, but it must be expensive. How much is it gonna cost me for one night?"

"Let me check the ticket … it says here that the rental fee is … oh wait, a minute. There's an envelope attached here. Huh, how about that … it is full of cash. Nice friend you have. This more than covers the cost. Oh wait, no, I'm wrong – it's exactly the right amount when you add the accessories."

As she left the store with the amazingly beautiful blue dress, she could not help but laugh at the cleverness of his choice. Princess Aurora, a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty. The difference being that Buffy had not been awakened by a kiss.

[

After a largely uneventful stroll through a couple of cemeteries, Spike went back to his crypt. There were a few moments earlier in the day when he had had glimmers of hope. That seemed to be the pattern: good moments with Buffy, followed by her pushing him away.

He allowed himself the briefest period of wallowing. Then, he pulled the timeline from where he had left it under his mattress. He reminded himself why he was working so hard, the prize at the end of the journey. As he was looking at the events and names on the paper, he realized he had not seen Dawn since the rescue and decided that he should drop by the next day to see her.

[

[

As Dawn was getting her breakfast, Spike made his flailing blanket entrance through the back door into the kitchen. He stamped out the flames and then looked up at Dawn. Before he could get the words "G'morning, Bit" out of his mouth, she had bounded around the island to give him a hug. Then, in keeping with the habit of Summers women, she hit him.

"What was that for?" Spike exclaimed.

"For not coming to see me sooner!"

"Yeah, well, hmm. Sorry about that. You're alright then? Able to hit defenseless vampires and all?"

"I'm fine." Dawn began to whine. "Except I have to leave for school soon, so I don't get to hang out with you."

"Then, I'll just have to come by again later."

Dawn happily bobbed her head and smiled while she hurriedly chewed her breakfast.

Buffy came around the corner and was surprised (and at the same time, not) to see Spike standing in her kitchen. Turning to Dawn, she said, "Get a move on! Willow is ready to leave and she's dropping you off this morning."

While waiting for her sister to finish up and leave, Buffy eyed Spike. Finally alone, she asked, "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence first thing in the morning?" She did not mean to sound perturbed, just curious, but it came across a little harsher than she had intended.

"Just dropping by to check on Niblet. Hadn't seen her since we liberated her from the dancing demon. Why? Is this a problem? Me dropping by."

"No. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." Although she was not smiling exactly, her expression had softened.

Encouraged by her change in demeanor, Spike said, "Well, I'm here now. Put me to work. What can I do to be of service to you?"

Buffy had to clear her mind of visuals from her dreams these past several days.

"Buffy? Did I lose you somewhere?"

"No. Right here. Why don't you straighten up in the living room while I get a load of laundry started. Then, we'll attack the dishes together."

Spike ended up staying at the house with Buffy all day, which allowed them to watch Passions together, something they had not done lately. The viewing was accompanied by the normal backrub arrangement. Buffy did not usually pay much attention to the show, but today, her focus was completely on the action of Spike's hands. She was fairly certain that he was less attentive to the show than normal as well – he seemed intent on giving her a more thorough massage than he had in the past.

As the show ended, Buffy said, "I'd almost forgotten … how nice it is to spend time with you – when we're not trying to kill anything or save anyone."

"Anytime, luv."

Buffy stood up and straightened her blouse. "I'm gonna call around and remind everyone that tonight is the costume event at the Bronze."

"I forgot to ask, did you like your costume?"

Her back was toward him when he asked and she was slow to turn around. For a split second, he was unsure of what her response would be. However, when she turned to face him, she was beaming as she said, "It's breathtaking. And it was incredibly sweet of you."

"'Twas nothing. I saw it and knew that it deserved to be worn by an equally breathtaking beauty."

Just as things were about to get awkward (or interesting), Dawn burst through the door, rambling about how she needed help putting together her outfit and doing her hair. She stopped in her tracks long enough to register that Spike was still there. "Hey!'

"Hey, yourself."

"You're gonna be there tonight, right?"

Glancing at Buffy, he said, "I had been planning on it, yeah."

"What's your costume? What are you going as?"

"Vampire."

"A bit obvious isn't it?"

"I didn't know the goal was to be stealthy, Niblet."

Dawn laughed at that as she rushed toward her bedroom to prepare for the evening's festivities.

Buffy smirked at Spike. "Vampire? Really?"

"What? I think I'll be totally believable as vampire." He gave a look out the window. "Think I'll wait til the sun gets a little lower before I head back to get changed."

"You mean you actually have a costume?"

"Yeah! Swoon worthy. Just you wait."

As she started to leave the room, he added, "I look forward to seeing you in that gown." Her smile made his knees weak, but still he dared to ask, "Save me a dance?"

She batted her eyelashes flirtatiously. "At least one, kind sir."

[

Xander and Anya came over to Buffy's house to meet up for the big night out. Dawn was ready early, so she was sitting in the living room when they arrived. Anya sat beside her, fidgeting with the strings on the bodice of her costume. Dawn noticed the sparkling ring and held Anya's hand still, admiring the diamond for the umpteenth time since the engagement was announced. A short time later, they heard Buffy on the stairs. There was a collective gasp when they saw her costume.

"What? Do I look ridiculous?" Buffy asked, genuinely concerned at their reaction.

"No, Buffy, uh …" Dawn began to answer.

Xander admired his longtime friend, "On the contrary, you look stunning."

Dawn added, "Absolutely amazing!"

Anya inquired, "Any particular reason you are all decked out tonight?"

"Yes and no." Buffy could see they were waiting for an answer. "I didn't have time to go pick out a costume. Someone was nice enough to put this on hold for me. It would've been rude not to wear it – it was all paid for and everything."

"Who…?" Xander began.

Dawn sighed and then squealed, "It was Spike, right? Wow, he is going fall over when he sees you in this."

[

Clem had been excited since the costume night was originally announced, because it was not often that he could go out in public without attracting undue attention. But tonight, his unusual appearance made a fabulous "costume." He stopped by Spike's crypt so they could go to the Bronze together.

"Hey, Spike! Looking dapper this evening. Who are you trying to impress? Or do I even need to ask?"

The vampire just scowled at his friend.

When they arrived at the Bronze, Spike spotted Xander and Anya at a table, but did not immediately see Buffy. He felt Clem whack him on the arm as he said, "Woah! Look at the Slayer!"

Spike turned his gaze to the dance floor and got his first glimpse of her. Gobsmacked, he had to consciously close his mouth. Then, she turned his way and their eyes met across the crowded room. They walked toward one another in what seemed like slow motion.

Spike was the first to open his mouth, as he took in her appearance approvingly. "I'm so into you – I am SO into you. Look into your eyes and the sky's the limit – I'm helpless! Down for the count and I'm drowning in them – I'm helpless!" [3] Then, he asked, "About that dance card of yours…"

"Completely full."

He looked quite sad and more than a little surprised by her answer.

"Yeah – some guy named William filled up every last slot." She grinned at him.

As Spike took her hand to escort her to the dance floor, Clem sang: "Tale as old as time, true as it can be – barely even friends, then somebody bends unexpectedly. Just a little change, small to say the least. Both a little scared, neither one prepared – Beauty and the Beast." [4]

[

After a fun night out, the group went their separate ways, heading home for the night.

Buffy and Spike sat on a bench in her backyard, looking at the stars. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her shiver. He pulled his cape around her and draped his arm around across the back of the bench, his hand landing on the back of her shoulder.

As they sat there, they began to sing their thoughts. Each was unaware of the lyrics the other was voicing.

Over the course of the evening, Buffy had become increasingly amazed by what a gentleman Spike could be, when he made the effort. "There's something sweet and almost kind, but he was mean and he was coarse and unrefined. But now he's dear and so unsure. I wonder why I didn't see it there before."

Spike knew that so much was riding on his ability to win her over, which made him even more nervous than he had been as a young man when confronted with a beautiful young lady. "She glanced this way, I thought I saw. When we touched, she didn't shudder at my hand. No, it can't be. I'll just ignore, but then she's never looked at me that way before."

Buffy's thoughts continued: "New and a bit alarming. Who'd have ever thought that this could be? True, that he's no Prince Charming. But there's something in him that I simply didn't see." [5]

When Buffy saw the lights being turned off inside the house, she became aware of how late it must be getting. "I should probably …"

Spike agreed, "I should probably … too."

He stood and graciously extended a hand to assist her from the bench. He draped her arm on his forearm and walked around the side of the house, toward the front porch. She took a few steps up.

He kissed the back of her hand and bowed in a most gentlemanly fashion. "Thank you for a lovely evening. And may I say again how enchanting you look."

With a gloved hand, she needlessly smoothed the front of the gown. "Yes, this dress is so beautiful. Thank you again."

"I wasn't talking about the dress. I was talking about you."

She blushed. And without thinking, stepped down to his eye level. She leaned in and gave him a gentle but firm kiss, which he welcomed and returned. He put one arm around her waist to steady her.

She quietly said, "Goodnight" and then gathered her skirt to walk up the remaining steps. She turned in the doorway to look at him standing there on the sidewalk. She wanted to take a mental picture of that moment – him in his tux, the feeling of his lips still on hers. She smiled and then shut the door. She leaned her back against it and just stood there a moment – catching her breath, almost not believing the night she had spent with him.

When she got upstairs, she changed into a tank top and pajama pants. Just when she was about to climb into bed, she realized that she still felt his presence. She pulled back the curtain and there he stood in the yard – leaning against the tree as he had on so many other nights. Even through the closed window, she could hear his voice as he serenaded her.

A/N:

Many thanks for reading. Until next time…

~Jen

1 July 2016

P.S. If you are a fan of Veronica Mars, I just started posting a new story a couple days ago ("Stall" – WeeVer flirtationship, with apologies to LoVe shippers). Next on my to do list: complete my NCIS:LA Densi fic "May I Have This Dance."

SONGS in this chapter:

[1] Chicago (1975 Broadway / 1979 West End / 2002 film) "Cell Block Tango"

[2] Rent (1996 Broadway / 1998 West End / 2005 film / 2008 filmed live) "Your Eyes"

[3] Hamilton (2015 Broadway) "Helpless"

[4] Beauty and the Beast (1994 Broadway / 1997 London / 1991 & 2017 film) "Beauty and the Beast"

[5] Beauty and the Beast (1994 Broadway / 1997 London / 1991 & 2017 film) "Something There"