Rated R for language and sexual content.
Dawn's 16th birthday. Dawn gets her license, Corinne goes a bit wild, and Spike doesn't like it.
Warning: Corinne/OC

Chapter 17

Dawn used Corinne's car for her test and passed with only a couple points off. The reviewer had been very kind, which was probably an improbable thing to find on a Hellmouth. She was probably new.

Her friends were coming over in the early evening for cake and presents, then the group was going to The Bronze for dancing. Of course, Spike hadn't agreed to that part until Dawn conceded to her friends being watched to make sure no one left with a demon. He'd made the argument that they didn't need the parents coming after them for missing children. (It was left unsaid that he wanted to spare her the grief of losing a friend.) So, the adults were going to watch on the balcony. Willow had been polite at the party, but declined coming out to the club. Baby steps, Dawn guessed.

The biggest troublemaker of her friends was usually Janice, but since Janice had the same run-in with vampires that Dawn did last Halloween, they actually didn't have to worry about her sneaking off tonight. Trying to convince the bartender she could have alcohol? Yeah, that was expected.

Determined that his Niblet's birthday would be perfect, Spike hovered around the perimeter of the dance floor, senses extended. He'd been extra diligent in the area, brutally killing every vampire and demon in a five-block radius, except the one fledgling he let lived to tell the tale. There was little chance a vamp would be stupid enough to come here tonight, but he watched, just the same. Kept an eye on the frat boys around the teenyboppers, too. Plenty of human danger could befall a young girl at night.

Corinne approached him from the front, knowing it wasn't wise to spook him when he was like this. A relatively slow song had just started playing over the sound system.

"Dance with me?"

"Have to watch the kiddies, pet. There are plenty of blokes around," he replied absently, not really paying attention.

"You can be spared for one dance, Spike. Besides, everybody here is at least 5 years younger than me. I feel like a freakin' mom," she added.

He finally actually looked at her, eyes raking over the tank top and denim skirt she was wearing. "Were you wearing a skirt at the house?"

Corinne rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Spike. You were just too busy glaring at Dawn's male friends to notice. Forget I asked." She turned and stalked off, melting into the crowd.

He frowned, confused as to why she was upset. Well, maybe she was upset. You never could be sure with females. This was probably one of those times he was supposed to compliment her outfit. Dru always made him notice when she wore something new. Perhaps his perception was fading now that he hadn't been with an insane woman for years. He mentally shrugged and focused back on the girls in Dawn's group.

Corinne stomped back up the stairs with a scowl and a drink. Tara looked concerned.

"I thought you didn't drink?"

"I don't," she replied, and took a long sip of the fruity cocktail she was holding. "But, I'm going to die from boredom if I don't find something fun to do. Figure this will at least make me not care as much."

"Okaaaay…did something happen down there?" the perceptive witch asked.

"Nope. Just boredom. This is pretty good…can't even taste the alcohol."

"Just be careful…"

"Tara, I'm 25. I know my limits. I'm just trying to relax, okay?"

"Alright," the blonde replied, though she didn't look wholly convinced.

Corinne bobbed her head to the music as she sipped her drink, then decided to get another. She wanted to be just drunk enough for a pleasant buzz. She wrote down a recipe on a napkin, then passed it to the bartender.

"Can you make that?"

"Pretty close, just don't have the fruit slices."

"That's okay. Just use juice, then. The flavor's important, not the texture."

He nodded and started mixing things for the blender. She smiled. The part Grey Goose vodka, part Grand Marnier, part orange concentrate, part juice concoction was extra orangey, with a kick. The extra sweetness disguised the strong alcohols. When she rejoined Tara, the witch wrinkled her nose.

"I can smell the alcohol from here! What is that?"

Corinne twirled the cherry around in the liquid so it would soak up some of the flavor. "A 'Bloody Orange'. Would you believe the bartender actually had squeezed blood orange juice? Just my luck that he grows them in his back yard. Wanna sip?" At the witch's dubious look, she added, "Oh, come on! You drank Guinness on a dare from Spike without even flinching. This tastes way smoother than that!"

Not one to back down from a dare, Tara took the glass and sipped the drink. Her sinuses cleared instantly and her throat was warm all the way down to her stomach. "Wow…that kinda burns."

"Really? My college roommate used to make them after we took our tests. I guess I just got used to it. It was the only time I drank. I didn't have time for a hangover."

"What's in it?"

"40 liquors, orange juice concentrate, and blood orange juice, if you can find them. Frozen fruit slices make it a slushy," Corinne replied cheerfully. She was on her way to 'giddy'. "They charge too much for the alcohol, though. Guess I'm not showing enough cleavage," she pouted. The doctor took another swallow from the 12-ounce glass, lowering the level noticeably. "You wanna dance?"

Tara shook her head. "I'd rather keep an eye on the girls. Xander and Anya probably aren't helping much."

"Sheah! Yeah…probably off fucking in the bathroom. Okay, I'm heading into the breach. God, I hope there's someone cute!" Corinne all but bounced down the stairs, her dark auburn waves swaying with the music.

Tara was starting to wish she could communicate telepathically with Spike.

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Corinne bumped into a sweaty Dawn on the dance floor.

"Oooh, is that orange juice?"

"Partly. Stick to water, or sodas. Having fun?"

"Oh, yeah! Despite my bodyguard glaring at all the boys…" She turned and stuck her tongue out at Spike, who rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, he's a definite party pooper. Have you seen anyone older and cute down here? I wanna dance," the doctor stated.

"The college guys left to play pool when the band went off. Try flirting over there."

"Thanks, Dawnie!" Corinne sauntered towards the back of The Bronze, where the tables were tucked under the balcony portion.

She stopped to tug her skirt down a little and tied the hem of her tank in a knot at her back, exposing the small stud in her belly button. Another leftover from college. A little dab of lip gloss on her bottom lip, and she was ready to find a prospect. Her eyes scanned the pool tables, then the guest tables beyond them. Bingo. Shy-looking kid with half-rimmed glasses reading a book. Corinne was curious what he could possibly be trying to read in the dim light of the club. It wasn't even Friday night, so he couldn't possibly be using the book as a pick-up tool. He was cute, she noticed, as she got closer, with boyish features and a casual style. She slid into the seat across from his and smiled. British Lit, huh. Probably an English major.

"Hi. What's your name?" she asked.

"M-me?" he asked, surprised, pointing a finger at his chest.

"Mmm-hmm. It's a bit dark in here to study, and noisy…"

He actually blushed. "Oh, I, uh…I got invited out for a game, but, well, I'm not very good…a-and this is better than being at the dorm…"

"It's okay. I was a workaholic through college, too. So, should I call you Mr. British Lit, or do you have a name?" she teased.

"Michael," he replied, still looking down at the table more than at her. Poor kid seemed painfully shy. Well, she could see about giving him a confidence boost for the night.

"I always liked the name Michael. Would you like to dance?"

"With you? N-no, I c-couldn't…I'll probably step all over your feet…" he stuttered, and blushed again.

Corinne stood, leaving her empty glass on the table. She stopped in front of him and tugged on his hand. "I'll forgive you. Would you like to dance with me?"

"V-very much," he murmured at the table.

"Then come on. I promise to keep it easy." He stood with another tug on his hand, tucking the book in his back pocket. Not bad, she thought, seeing the rest of him. The boy was about six feet tall, decent build, wearing a navy polo tee and jeans. She thought he might have light-colored eyes, but it was hard to tell in this light. Corinne led him around the tables towards the dance floor until they were part of the crowd, where she draped her arms around his neck. He brought his hands up to rest lightly in her back, barely touching her. She swayed with the beat, and he soon caught on.

"I-I haven't done this much," Michael admitted shyly.

"Well, you're doing fine. Were you reading the book for pleasure or a class?"

"Both. I'm an English major. I plan to teach."

"My mother was a teacher. I have a lot of respect for those who go into it for the right reasons. You cover a fair bit of poetry in class, right?"

"Oh, yes…many authors," he replied. Well, something he was passionate about. Good.

"Well, part of reading poetry is figuring out the rhythm…same with music. You just listen to the basic rhythm, and you'll stay with the beat just fine."

"I never looked at it that way…but you're right. Music and poetry are in essence the same…even entwined. May I ask your name?"

Awww, he was so polite. It was adorable. "Corinne. How long have you been at the university?"

"I-I'm a freshman," he muttered down at his shoes. She lifted his chin.

"Hey, don't be ashamed of being young. This is a very memorable, exciting part of your life. You're ahead of the game just by knowing what you want to do," she assured him.

"Thank you…Corinne. It's kind of you to say, but…why me?"

"Because I wanted to dance with someone who wouldn't be a jerk, and you're cute."

"But you're so beautiful!" he blurted out, his eyes widening with horror a second later and his face turning an even deeper shade of red.

"Thank you," she said sincerely. "Though, I have to admit, you're seeing me at my best compared to when I'm at work. I don't get compliments often." The song changed to a faster one, and he started to pull away. "Ah-uh…you're not getting away, yet. Remember, just feel the rhythm."

Corinne danced closer to the boy, encouraging him to sway with her. Once he started to loosen up, she turned in his arms and leaned against his chest as she moved. She could feel his heart pounding through his chest and encouraged his grip to tighten. Yeah, she was being a tease, but the kid needed to know that a woman could be interested in him. In a few years, once he had some confidence, he'd do fine in the dating scene. She tilted her head up and pulled his down so she could whisper in his ear.

"You're doing fine, Michael. Are you having fun?"

He nodded, not trusting his voice to speak. She smiled and brushed a kiss over the boy's pulse point. His gasp made the smile widen. The next song was a hip-hop bouncy number, which she so wasn't interested in, so Corinne tugged him into the alcove under the stairs.

"C-Corinne…"

"Shhh. You were very sweet to dance with me, Michael. Would you like me to be your girl, just for tonight, while we're in this club?" she whispered huskily.

He trembled under her hands, and whispered, "yes." She smiled, and rose on her toes to kiss him. It took a couple seconds for him to respond, and then it was tentative. She coaxed him slowly, but he was a fast learner, his arms finally wrapping around her back to pull her closer as he moaned into the kiss. Oh, some woman would have fun teaching him the ropes later. He responded with such earnest passion, completely unmarred by jaded experiences. Corinne was enjoying the lesson, though it didn't stir her heart. It was just good to feel powerfully feminine again. Right up until she was yanked away from Michael by her elbow.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Spike growled.

"Kissing a cute guy. Piss off."

"Are you…are you drunk?" he asked incredulously.

"No! I was having fun, until you interrupted!"

"I-I think the lady wants to be left a-alone," Michael said from behind her.

"Piss off, boy! You're done here," Spike snarled. "You're picking up virgins now?!" he taunted Corinne.

"Hey!" she and Michael exclaimed. "He's a nice guy who was nice enough to dance with me, unlike some people. Go away, Spike. You have a job to do, remember?"

"We all do, Doc! Remember?" he sneered back.

"That doesn't mean we can't have a little fun, too, and I was up with Tara until about 20 minutes ago, and she's still watching! Go. Away," she growled.

"No. Besides, you're boy toy's run off. You're going to help me round up these chits so their parents can pick them up soon." He grabbed her elbow again, which she shrugged out of.

"How dare you! I haven't been kissed in months, and you scare him off. Well, fuck you, Spike!" Corinne spat, before turning on her heel to go find Michael. Her journey was short-lived.

"You want to be kissed? Fine!" he snarled, and crashed his lips onto hers.

Corinne melted into the kiss for five seconds, before her brain caught up and reminded her she was supposed to be furious with him. She recoiled from the kiss and smacked him in the face, hard. Spike was too shocked to follow her again, and then all he felt was white-hot anger. She wanted to be a bitch? Fine! He spun away, duster whirling around his feet, and stomped over to Dawn to let her know what time it was.

Corinne found Michael back at his table, hoisting a leather messenger bag on his shoulder. He looked surprised to see her.

"I'm sorry!" she panted. "My friend can be a real jerk sometimes."

"It's alright. I obviously stepped into the middle of something," he replied, looking away.

She stepped forward and cupped his cheek. "No, you didn't." And kissed him again. "Walk me home? I think I've had a bit too much to drive."

"I-I could drive…so you d-don't have to walk back t-tomorrow."

"You didn't drive your friends?"

"No, ma'am, I mean Corinne…I j-just rode along."

She smiled. "That's convenient, then." She took his hand and pulled Michael towards the exit, out in the open where her friends could see. Corinne glared at Spike just before pushing through the door.

Tara ran down the stairs. She watched her friend leave with a young man, then looked at Spike, who appeared ready to eat somebody. "Did Cori just leave with a guy?"

"Yeah, the irresponsible bitch. She didn't even say goodbye to Dawn," he growled, eyes flickering yellow.

Tara found this development very interesting, though she was concerned for her friend. "Should I try to catch her?"

A growled rumbled in his chest, but Spike didn't answer, stalking off to get the rest of the kids. Tara decided to follow her instincts and ran out of the club, hoping Corinne hadn't driven off, yet. She found her kissing the young man at her car.

"Corinne!" she called.

"Tara?" the doctor said, surprised. She separated from Michael and closed the gap with her friend. "Is something wrong with Dawn?"

"No, no…she's fine. What about you? This isn't like you." They both glanced at the shy young man, who was fiddling nervously with his fingers.

"He's nice, and sweet, and…"

"Not Spike?" Tara surmised.

Corinne bit her lip as she answered. "Uh-huh?" She leaned in to whisper. "I think he's, um…inexperienced."

"Oh! Corinne…You can't pick up a boy just to teach him the art of sex!" Tara whispered back.

The doctor's expression turned frustrated. "I just…I'm tired of pining, Tara! I want to feel desired, and feminine, and god, it's been so long! I normally wouldn't be this candid if it wasn't for the alcohol, but I'm tired of using my fucking vibrator!" she hissed. "And he's so eager…and nice!"

"But, you love Spike!"

"I know, and that's my problem, since he doesn't feel the same way. This boy, Michael, looks at me like I'm a gift from heaven. Better me than some sorority chick who'll break his heart, right?"

"Hey, it's your body. Just make sure you're both on the same page, if you decide to do it." She hugged Corinne. "I'm just a worrier, you know that."

"I know, and I love that about you. I better go…he's driving me home, since I've been drinking. I'll call you tomorrow, 'kay?" She jogged back to Michael, smiling reassuringly before handing him her keys.

Tara waved, then shook her head once they headed out of the parking lot. Now, the joy of facing a jealous vampire.

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"Where is she?" he demanded, once Tara stepped back inside. Spike was standing outside the restrooms, as Dawn's friends all needed to empty their bladders before going home. He'd never understood the female insistence of going to the loo in packs.

"Going home."

"Alone?"

She shook her head. "He drove, since she had a couple drinks."

"Bloody hell! She 's going to shag the little pansy, isn't she?" he asked derisively. His tone brought Tara's hackles up.

"One, he was taller than you, two, they're both adults, and three, it's her body! Corinne can take home whomever she wants, Spike, so show a little respect!" Tara reprimanded him.

The vampire's jaw dropped in shock. Glinda had never raised her voice at him before. Her smoky blue eyes were blazing, and right then, he believed she could make him a pile of dust with a word.

"I…I'm sorry, Glinda," he said contritely. "I was out of line."

"You better believe you were!" she agreed, shaking her finger at him. "And I saw her smack you, so there better be an apology coming for whatever you said to her, too." Tara hadn't seen the kiss, only Corinne's hand connect with Spike's face.

"Yeah, I know," he muttered. "I don't really know what happened…I just…lost my temper."

"Did it upset you that she was kissing another man?" Tara asked curiously, trying to follow a hunch.

"What? No, why would it? I just…I thought she was being irresponsible for cavorting about while we have 20 teens to keep safe and sound."

Ah, De Nile is flowing freely… "So, if she ends up dating him, that's not going to be a problem?" she continued conversationally.

"Well…as long as he treats her right…"

"And that standard is measured by her…" she hinted.

"Well, yeah…but Glinda, he looked 18, if a day, so I don't think they'll have much in common."

"Who says she's looking for a relationship?" Tara suggested coyly. "It only takes chemistry for a night or two…" She sauntered off towards the ladies' room to check on the girls, leaving him with that thought. She smirked at the way he had blanched at her suggestion. The just hoped Corinne didn't do anything she'd regret.

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Corinne sat in the center seat as the college kid followed her directions, teasing his neck with her fingers and breath. From the way he was gripping the steering wheel, the boy was about to pop. Once they were only a couple minutes from her apartment, she leaned away slightly to give him some room. What are you doing, Doc? a voice whispered in her head. Shut up! I'm living, that's what!

He stopped the car in front of her unit and exhaled nervously. She could see in the streetlights that his eyes were blue. Not the right color… Corinne twisted so she could nibble on his neck. The boy moaned and turned his head to kiss her, more assured after the few they'd already exchanged. She sucked his bottom lip through her teeth before letting go and backing away. Michael was panting, his pupils dilated with lust. He really did have a nice mouth.

Corinne looked at him through her lashes as she asked, "Do you want me, Michael?" her tone seductive.

"God, yes," he breathed. She smiled wickedly and beckoned him to get out of the car.

Michael handed her the keys once she came round the car. She took his hand and nibbled on the fleshy part of his palm, before tugging him towards the door. Corinne knew not to give a verbal invite in this town, just in case, so she unlocked the door and swung it open. She flipped the light switch and backed into the room.

"Is this real?" he whispered, stepping inside. She wasn't sure if he was aware he'd said it out loud, but she answered anyway.

"Yep. If you want to."

His eyes flicked around the room, he nodded, and came in far enough to close the door behind him. Corinne directed him to the couch and bade him sit down; straddling his lap once his butt hit the cushion. Her skirt had ridden up in this position, showing him a good bit more pale leg than was visible before. Michael's eyes were wide and he was still breathing heavy. She grinned sexily, before nibbling his neck again, his earlobe, down to his collarbone as she unbuttoned the polo. Corinne sucked hard enough to leave a little bruise. He moaned and his hands gripped her hips. Hmm, baby likes that.

She kissed back up to his lips and thrust her tongue between his parted lips, curling along the roof of his mouth. He whimpered, and pulled her against his erection as she teased every erogenous zone inside his willing mouth. Corinne arched her back to rub her body against his, pressing her breasts into his chest. One of his hands slid tentatively to her ass as she wiggled on his lap. By the way his other hand was gripping her hip hard enough to leave marks, the boy was getting close to popping. Might as well help him along, she thought.

Corinne's lips left his mouth to travel down his throat again while she tugged his shirt out of his pants. She lifted it off once she'd gone as far as she could down his neckline. Nice. He was decently defined, probably did push ups and sit ups, the standard things. She grinned up at him wickedly, before taking one of his nipples in her mouth and teasing it with her teeth. He arched into her, moaning again. She laved the other with the same attention, then peppered open-mouthed kisses down his chest. Corinne undid the belt on his jeans, and paused.

"Michael…"

"Hmm?" he intoned, dazed.

"Have you been with a woman before?" She was pretty sure of the answer, but you never knew. He froze, afraid to tell the truth, and she knew for sure.

Finally, he shook his head, slowly. "No," he murmured, cheeks burning and eyes averted. Surely, she wouldn't want him now.

Corinne popped the button and slid the zipper down before he could blink. "Good."

"Huh?" he said surprised, right before she licked him base to tip. "Jeezus!" he yelped. "Oh, god…"

"Mmm-hmm," she hummed around him with feminine pride. Having no experience, she had to get him off at least once before they did anything else, or it'd be over way too soon. As it was, he was tightening inside her mouth in about a minute.

"Cor-Corinne, I'm gonna-" She nodded, and raked her teeth over his length before dropping down for one last hard pull. He exploded with a shout as she drank him down.

"Oh. My. God," he panted, looking at her with awe. "That was…was…"

"Good, huh?" she filled in, grinning. It was liberating knowing she couldn't disappoint this young man.

"I mean…I've…you know, but…Come up here?" It was half demanded, half requested, and she eagerly complied, letting him kiss her in the way he felt.

His hands started lightly roaming over her skin as he learned a woman's body. Michael's fingers grazed over her bare thighs, denim covered hips, and up to her waist, where he fumbled with the knot in her top until it was loose and he could slide his hands up her back. She coaxed his kiss to slow down, be savored, being in no rush. Her skin felt like silk to him. Up and down, up and down, he ran his hands over her back, until he got brave enough to slide them around to her belly, brushing over her taut stomach with his thumbs. Those thumbs brushing along the undersides of her lace-covered breasts made Corinne tense for a moment, as it occurred to her again what she was doing.

In a way, she was using Michael. She wasn't looking to start a relationship with him, and she needed to tell him that. Right after she dealt with whomever was at the door.