Chapter 22: A Visit or Two
Buffy sat nervously fidgeting on the Pratt's personal jet. They were just landing and Buffy found herself nervous.
She had chosen a black dress that went to just about her knees with sling back red heels and a matching ribbon in her hair. She wanted to turn around and go back home allowing Spike to do this alone. She knew it was silly but a part of her felt like she was invading.
Instead she felt Spike take her hand and squeeze it gently promising, "It will be ok. Really it will luv."
Buffy nodded but still felt nervous. She was just dying for this to be over with.
Spike had mentioned if they had time that he'd like to take a trip to see Angel. That is the part that really bothered Buffy. She knew Angel had left Drusilla after she was pregnant with his kid. She also knew how important Angel was to Spike and she wanted to make a good impression on him. She wished though he could do this alone but she would be strong and stand by her man.
Hearing the plane land she took a deep breath wishing the visits would be over with.
Buffy walked up to the door of a quaint white house with golden brown trim and shutters. She stood nervously at the door as Spike rang the doorbell. The door was opened by a little girl about 2 years old who screamed, "Uncle Will!"
She promptly threw her arms around him and Buffy looked surprised but said nothing even as Dru came to the door. She seemed to glide to the door never even lifting her feet as she opened the door with a gentle smile, "William. So good to see you… what brings you here?"
Spike set the little child down and smiled, "I bring gifts. I know it's after Christmas but I couldn't resist bringing something for Darla. I know my brother isn't willing…"
Dru caught him off gesturing for him to enter. He walked in taking Buffy's hand in his even as his other hand was pulled by the little two year old.
Buffy studied the two year old. She had brown hair that must have come from her father and blue eyes that she must have gotten from her Uncle Spike. Buffy sighed realizing this girl was going to grow up to be a real looker.
Spike sat down on the pro-offered couch next to Buffy and smiled. Dru smiled gently as well, "You must be Buffy Summers. I've heard so much about you. So happy to finally meet you. Would you like something to drink…William?"
Spike grinned, "You know me. Cuppa Hot chocolate for me and Buffy?"
Buffy felt bad smelling the dinner already cooking but nodded, "Same for me" fearing it was rude to deny a drink.
Darla ran after her mother leaving Spike and Buffy alone. Spike looked towards Buffy with a sigh, "I wish Angel was more into doing his duty. That little girl is so in need of a father's love it isn't funny. I try to stop by everytime I see you but it's tough. She needs someone to live in and care for her not just be a visiting uncle."
Spike shrugged just as Dru returned with two steaming cups of hot cocoa each with marshmallows. Spike mock toasted towards her as he took a sip, "Perfect pet as always. So how have things been?"
Dru sat down in the chair leaving her long white dress to cover her bare feet. Her long black hair slightly covered her face as she let out a sigh, "Tough but it's getting better as she gets older. Someday Darla is going to turn to me and ask me about her dad and I'm still not sure what to say. I never told anyone who her dad is. I don't think I ever plan to but she's going to ask."
Dru began to hum a tune to herself as though to soothe herself then stopped once Spike started talking again, "I'm going to see Angel today after we have dinner. Is there anything you'd like me to say or do? Want me to knock him over the head and bring him back here kicking and screaming?"
Dru sadly shook her head, "No there's nothing you can do for me. Angel does not want us. He has made that quite clear."
Spike sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, "That git should learn by now what his responsibilities are."
Dru nodded but said nothing as Darla rushed into the room bringing her new doll with her. It was a beautiful porcelain doll. Spike smiled at the young child, "Will you name her?"
The little girl smiled softly, "Candy."
Spike chuckled, "Good name for such a pretty little doll."
Darla giggled avoiding Spike's tickling hands as she ran out of the room again. Spike frowned, "I'm sorry Angel is such a git. Do you need anything?"
Dru shook her head, "No we are fine. Come. It's time for dinner. It's your favorite."
Buffy followed behind Spike with a heavy heart. Dru didn't seem so bad and definitely wasn't hitting on Spike. She wasn't sure what she expected but this refined black haired beauty wasn't what she expected. She didn't seem cold or calculated but instead lost and hurt. Buffy couldn't help to feel sorry for her even as she sat down at the table filled with ham and other items to eat.
They stayed an hour after they had eaten and it was getting later than Spike had hoped. It was already six and Spike knew that he had to get Buffy back around 10 to make sure she was tucked in so he could leave at 11. He could leave as late as midnight but that would make for a long day for him tomorrow, as he would arrive in time for his morning meeting.
Sleeping on the plane was definitely an option but it would still place him at the meeting on time and without any time to really nap in his bed.
He sighed as he pulled up in front of Angel's. Part of him didn't want to bring Buffy there but another part of him wanted to talk to him one more time about Dru and about doing the right thing.
Spike smiled gently at Buffy hoping to ease the tension he was feeling echo off her body. He squeezed her hand lightly as he found himself ringing a doorbell for the second time today. No child served as the buffer to this door but instead a tiny maid answered the door. She was a tall lady with wavy hair. She smiled, "Spike, how good it is to see you. I trust you are well?"
Spike nodded with a smile, "Just fine Cordelia. This is Buffy. Buffy meet Cordelia, Angel's personal maid. She does anything and everything for Angel and probably more than he even pays her for."
Cordelia blushed as she shook Buffy's hand, "I don't mind really. He's up in the living room. Should I tell him you are here?"
Spike shook his head as he stepped inside the door pulling Buffy slightly with him, "Nah let's make this a brilliant surprise. We all know how much my brother loves surprises."
Cordelia shook her head as she whispered close to Buffy's ears, "He hates surprises and doesn't even like Spike. Good luck to you two."
She curtsied and disappeared out of sight as Spike made his way to the living room.
Buffy looked around at the big gray house that was on a hill. There had been even a gate but Spike had easily opened the door using the keypad. Now they stood in a large living room. In the center of the room with a cigar in one hand and a drink of whiskey in the other, sat Angel watching the television.
He turned around with a growl, "William…"
Spike grinned, "Angelus, oh buddy, oh pal. How are you? I trust life is good with you?"
Angel stood up setting his whiskey on a table next to him along with the cigar. The cigar still smoked as he walked towards Spike, "What brings you here my boy? Giving up the fortune?"
Spike shook his head, "Just because you are only my step-brother and therefore not seen as heir of the Pratt winery, doesn't give you the right to be rude. This is Buffy, say hi, mate."
Angel rolled his eyes but turned towards Buffy and planted a smile on his face, "Oh you are enchanting. Nice to meet you Buffy."
Buffy didn't know what to do when the man in front of her took her hand and kissed each of her knuckles. Spike finally removed her hand for her and snarled slightly, "I'm here to discuss Dru. Buffy is not here for your enjoyment."
Angel shook his head with a chuckle, "I've got nothing to say about Dru or Darla but I am very interested in this lovely girl you have here. So where are you from Buffy?"
Spike took a step to block Buffy from Angel's eyesight, "Angelus focus mate, Dru needs you. She's got your child Darla. I know you know this and you've got to take responsibility. The nibblet needs her father not just an uncle who visits once in a while. She needs you mate. Can't you give up part of your life to care for hers?"
Angel rolled his eyes, "I give the girl money every month to care for the brat. Why do I have to do any more than that?"
Spike was annoyed as he crossed his arms high on his chest glaring still at Angel, "Because you chose to steal my girl, sleep with her and then leave her pregnant. I'm going to encourage Dru to press charges forcing you to spend time with Darla. She deserves to know her father."
Angel snorted as he took a step back, "Not happening. I pay child support and I willing gave up my rights to her. I owe her nothing. She doesn't deserve anything from me. Why do I have to do your bidding?"
Spike got a gleam in his eye as he stated, "You don't have to do anything. In fact you can sit here in your big house and do nothing but just be aware, I've made a decision. All Pratt monies will stop supporting you. You will no longer to be able to keep this house running and keep your staff. You will have to earn your way rather than just showing up at charities once in a while appearing to help the helpless with MY money. Now what will it be brother? Dru and Darla or living on the streets?"
Angel looked pissed as he picked up his glass of whiskey and threw it at Spike who ducked. Angel shouted, "Get out of my house."
Spike shrugged pulling Buffy with him towards the door, "Fine then. I warned you. That is more than I was required to do mate. I'm the bloody heir to Pratt Winery. If you aren't willing to take responsibility for things you did then I'm not taking responsibility for you. Think on it Angelus and think hard. You can call me with your decision in a week."