"I ain't got time for you baby

Either you're mine, or you're not

Make up your mind sweet baby

Right here, right now's all we got

A little party never killed nobody

So we gon' dance until we drop, drop

A little party never killed nobody

Right here, right now's all we got"

~Fergie~

Chapter 11 – A Little Party Never Killed Nobody

Drawn by the music blasting loudly from her daughter's cell phone, Joyce folded her arms as she entered the room, watching Dawn put her makeup on and humming along to the song.

"And where are you going tonight, young lady?"

Dawn turned slowly and stared at her mother like a deer caught in headlights. "Umm…I'm meeting a small study group of friends later," she attempted weakly, although the short red dress and smoky makeup she wore indicated otherwise.

Without missing a beat, Joyce asked with a raised eyebrow, "Otherwise known as an orgy?"

The young Summers dropped her blusher on the dresser and made an appalled face at her mother. "Eww, Mom, that's so gross!" She sighed, knowing there was no point in trying to hide things. "It's just a harmless party."

"And hell is just a sauna."

"And you're not being fair. You said if Buffy went on a date, then so could I." She pouted sullenly, picking up the blusher to finish her makeup.

"You're dressed like that for a date?" Joyce exclaimed, with widened eyes.

"Uh…" Dawn started nervously. She had meant to break the news to her mother gently. "Did you hear the part where I said Buffy had a date?"

"Oh, I heard that perfectly fine, Dawn. But you still haven't answered my question."

"Didn't you say I looked cute when you got me this outfit last Christmas? I don't see why you're making a big deal out of this," Dawn groaned.

"Because that was before I knew you were going to wear it out on a date at some wild party!"

As Dawn was about to reply to her mother, she caught sight of Buffy walking past her room on her way to the stairs.

"Buffy!" She screeched aloud, speeding out of the bedroom past a stunned Joyce to catch her sister. Roughly, she yanked Buffy's arm and they both stumbled backwards.

"Geez, Dawnie!" Buffy cried, after nearly getting squashed against the wall by her little sister. "Did you eat spinach for breakfast this morning? You could give Popeye a run for his money!"

"You're going to Cordy's party tonight with Spike, right?"

Buffy was taken aback by her question. "H-How did you know that?"

"For starters, you're obviously dressed for a party, Miss Hoochie Momma." Dawn smirked, admiring her sister's knee length boots and tight fit short black dress that showed off ample cleavage. She also noted the loose curls and smoky eyes that were similar to her own. "Nice touch with the hair and makeup too. It's all so smoldering and sexy!"

Unaccustomed to hearing herself being called such suggestive things, Buffy exclaimed in terror, "Oh God, it's too much, isn't it? I look like the whore of Babylon!"

Dawn shook her head and grinned. "Nah, it's totally fine. But if mom thought I was dressed inappropriately for the party, just wait till she sees you."

Buffy narrowed her eyes at her sister. "Hold on a sec, did you just say you're dressed for a party, and in that dress?"

Right on cue, they heard their mother walk up to them. "Girls, can someone explain to me what's going on?"

"Mom, could you let me have a word with Buffy in private for a minute, please?" Before her mother could answer, she dragged Buffy into the nearest room, which happened to be Buffy's bedroom, and shut the door lightly.

Dawn looked to her sister with her best imploring puppy dog eyes. "Buffy, just this once, could you be like a normal sister and help me out, please? Xander asked me to go with him and I said yes."

"Xander is friends with Cordy too? Geez, can someone tell me who she doesn't know?"

"Well, hanging out with the Dingoes has its benefits, doesn't it?" Dawn chirped, but then turned serious again. "But that's not the point! Thing is…Mom isn't going to let me go out with Xander until you tell her you're on a date as well. And uh…it'll probably help if you can explain to her that there isn't going to be an orgy at the party."

Buffy frowned, unsure if letting her sister be exposed to one of Cordy's infamous parties would be a good thing. "I can't guarantee that there won't be an orgy, but I don't know, Dawnie. You've never been to one of her parties before. Things can get real hairy and…"

"Mom never knew, but I remember how you used to sneak back at five or six in the morning reeking of sweat, smoke, and alcohol when you were still friends with her. So I think I've got a pretty good idea of what to expect. Please, Buffy, I'm begging you, just be my sister this once and let me experience what college life has to offer!"

She felt her heart softening. It was true that Dawn had never once ratted on her back then and even went as far as helping to ease her hangovers the next day by making sure she drank lots of fluids and ate plenty of toast. Despite not being old enough to legally get drunk herself, Buffy remembered how Dawn proudly shared that the internet had taught her that eating toast was one of the best ways to cure a hangover.

"Xander will take me home if things get too wild there, I promise." Dawn grabbed both her hands and squeezed them for effect. "C'mon, please, Buff?" she pouted sadly.

That look she gave was the straw that broke Buffy's back. She caved and nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll talk to Mom about it just this once. But it doesn't mean that I won't be watching Xander like a hawk later. If he tries any funny business with you, I won't hesitate to smack the living daylights out of him."

Dawn saw the grin on Buffy's face and she couldn't resist the squeal that escaped her. She hugged her sister tightly and squeaked, "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you, Buffy!"

Buffy gave a tiny smile against the bone crushing hug and whispered back, "Love you too, Dawnie."

When the doorbell rang, Buffy sprinted to get the door. As much as she loved her sister, she was grateful to escape her mother's lecture about the evils of college parties and the causes of unwanted pregnancies.

"Hey you," she greeted her date, happy to see him standing in the doorway. He reminded her of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause with his dark red shirt unbuttoned over a white tee worn with black jeans and boots.

Spike took a moment to appreciate how sultry she looked in her little black dress as well, before replying, "Hello, pet. Are we ready to go?"

"You bet your sweet ass I am," she whispered softly, not wanting her mother to overhear.

"Hey, Spike!" yelled Dawn from the living room.

"Hello Nibblet. Joyce." He waved at the two other Summers women in the living room.

"Hi Spike. Have fun later and take good care of Buffy, okay?" Joyce smiled.

"Absolutely, I'll make sure of it," he replied.

"See, Mom? I'm going to be all taken care of. Don't you worry about a thing, we'll be perfectly fine!" Buffy caught Dawn glaring daggers at her, but the older sister smiled sweetly and waved at her family, "Bye family! Love you!"

And with that she shoved Spike out the door, slamming it behind her. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him along hurriedly.

"Hurry up slow poke, let's get to your car pronto!"

Although he let himself be dragged along by the assertive blonde, Spike frowned in confusion. "Not that I'm complaining, but why are we in such a rush?"

"Just in case Mom changes her mind and decides that I need to listen to her whole sermon about parties and pregnancies too."

Spike laughed. "So that's why the Little Bit looked like she was in such pain."

"Yeah, it comes as part of the party package. Attendance to lecture is compulsory for certification to date."

He was still chuckling when he started the car, "The poor kiddo."

"I bet Xander's going to get one too when he comes by to pick her up later." Buffy giggled.

Spike snickered, "Damn, almost wish I could see the look on the wanker's face when that happens."

"Hey, don't be so evil!" She chastised half-heartedly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"What can I tell you, baby? I've always been bad." He tossed a devilish grin at her before stepping on the accelerator.

While Spike went to park the car, Buffy went ahead to the mansion to find Willow, Oz, and the rest of the Dingoes. Unfortunately for her, the first person she ran into was the last human being on earth she wanted to see.

"Buffy, babe, you are looking so damn fine!" Parker leered, eyes openly roving all over her body. "I'll admit, when you're dressed like that, it makes me want to relive those good ol' days we had together."

She resisted the urge to throw her drink at him and rolled her eyes, "Get lost Parker. The party's just started and you're already shitfaced."

"Hardly. I'm nicely buzzed is all. You're just being a bitch 'cause you're jealous."

Buffy laughed, "Excuse me, but in what universe would that ever be possible?"

"Admit it. You're being bitter because Dawn and I've been getting along with each other so… nicely." He winked suggestively.

Eyes narrowing, Buffy hissed, "You stay the hell away from my sister, you son of a bitch. If I catch you touching even a single hair on her head, I'll make sure you regret it."

"Sure, hot stuff. I can stay away from her if you want, but what's to say she'll stay away from me?" He gave an arrogant sneer before walking off.

By the time Spike found her alone by the bar in the lounging area, she was already up to her third tequila shot.

"Buffy? Are you alright, luv?" he asked, noting the change in her mood since he'd last seen her.

"Why wouldn't I be? Everything is just peachy," she deadpanned, grabbing another shot from a passing tray.

"Maybe you should take it easy on these." Gently, he took the shot out of her hand. "We just got here, and there's plenty of time, right?"

"Spike, isn't this what people do at parties? Get smashed till they pass out and forget everything that's crap in their life? And why do you care anyway?" With that, she snatched the shot back from him and blended into the crowd, leaving Spike staring after her in shock.

"Buggerin' hell…what happened to the chit?"

"Parker happened, that's what," someone said behind him.

Spike turned to find Cordelia looking at him with a sympathetic expression. "What did that witless arsehole do to her?"

"Not sure, but I saw them talking earlier. Wasn't close enough to hear any of it, but it didn't look like a friendly conversation. Here." She offered him a drink and patted his arm. "It looks like you need it."

"Thanks." He downed it in one go. For some reason, he didn't like the idea of seeing Buffy so distraught, especially if it was because of some pathetic excuse for a worm like Parker.

"You should know that the only reason he can get to her so easy is because they've got some history."

Spike quirked a scarred eyebrow, "Balls. You're not actually serious, are you?"

"I was still her friend when it happened, but they didn't last long. Evidently things crashed and burned badly between them, but that's all I know," she offered truthfully.

By the time Xander and Dawn arrived, the party was in full swing. There was loud music playing, drinks were being passed around, and there were people all over the property.

"So where should we start?" Xander looked around, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the large estate.

"How about we start at the back where the pool is? I'm sure that'll be fun." She pulled him along before he could even reply.

"But how do you know there's a pool out back?"

"Xand, this place is practically the size of Vatican City. Trust me when I say there will be a pool out back. C'mon!"

When they made it to the back of the house Xander stopped in his tracks, causing Dawn to pause at his side as well.

"Jesus, Joseph, and Mary on a bicycle!" he proclaimed in shock.

"Pretty sweet, huh?" Dawn grinned, nudging him forward. She walked into the luxurious cabana that was beside the huge pool and Jacuzzi. "I wish I'd brought my swimwear!"

Imaging her in a bikini brought Xander's attention back to her.

"Me too," he said sheepishly.

Dawn giggled, "Don't go getting any naughty ideas now, Mr. Harris."

"But you put it there!" he pouted.

"Why don't you get us some drinks and I'll wait here by this deck chair," she suggested, already settling into it.

"Sure, sounds like a great idea. What do you want?"

"I'll have whatever you're having." She shrugged.

Barely five minutes had gone by after Xander left, before Parker spotted her at the edge of the deck chair, talking to another girl.

"Hey Dawn." He approached with a smile. "Didn't know you were invited as well. This is a nice surprise!"

Dawn reciprocated with a friendly smile, "Hi Parker, great to see you too."

Thinking he was her date, the other girl excused herself and went to look for her other friends. Not wanting to leave her alone, Parker sat by her side on the deck chair.

"You're looking very beautiful tonight," he said, gently tucking her hair behind her ear.

Xander was on his way back to the cabana, when he saw Parker beside Dawn. He froze on the spot again, feet refusing to take another step. The sight of Dawn smiling at the other guy made his blood boil but he didn't want to confront them in this state. Taking a few deep breaths, he made a beeline back inside the mansion.

"Thank you. You're not looking too shabby yourself." Dawn grinned back.

Parker laughed, "I hope so. I can be terrible when it comes to mixing and matching outfits."

Dawn nodded, "It's really okay, Parker, don't beat yourself up about it. It's true what they say, you know?"

"And that would be?"

"Some people need more help than others in the fashion department." She made it a point to look at his feet and shook her head. "This is especially true when they decide to wear white socks with dress shoes. I'm sorry, but the fashion police are going to give you a ticket for that criminal offense."

"Ouch!" Parker made a hurt expression, "That definitely burned!"

They both laughed out loud and when they were done, Dawn apologized, "I'm so sorry, I know that was really mean of me, but I hope you're not too offended."

"You know, I never knew white socks could be so damaging to a man's fashion cred."

"Well, good that you know now, right?"

"Tell me about it. I wouldn't want to get arrested by the fashion police for mismatched socks and shoes of all things." They exchanged a smile and after a few moments, he asked, "So are you here with anyone?"

"Yeah, I'm here with a friend but he's gone to get some drinks." She stood up and looked around the area, hoping Xander would be back by now.

Seeing no sign of him, she sighed and flopped back to her spot, wondering what was taking him so long.

Parker shook his head in disapproval, "Frankly, if I were him, I wouldn't let you out of my sight."

Dawn blushed, "I'm sure you're just saying that to be sweet, but thanks anyway."

"I'm simply being honest, Dawn. Look, if it'll make you feel better, let me sit with you until your friend comes back."

She nodded in agreement and pulled out her cell phone, texting Xander to ask where he was. Parker started talking about something else, but Dawn was only half listening. She held the phone in her hands and constantly checked on it, hoping he would either reply to her texts or turn up soon.

Half an hour later, when there was still no sign of Xander, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Politely telling Parker she was going to meet other friends, she made her way into the mansion to look for him.

Buffy had already lost her boots and socks, and was about to take her dress off when Spike barged in with Willow and Oz following close behind.

His gaze swept across the den, noting the poker cards on the table and everyone else's various states of undress. Articles of clothing were thrown about everywhere and shot glasses, most of which were empty, lined the other end of the table they surrounded.

"Oh, crap!" He heard Willow behind him gasping in shock, confirming his suspicions that this behavior wasn't like Buffy at all.

"At least we can tell Chester and Sam we've finally found her," Oz mumbled.

"Hi Spike." Buffy smiled seductively as she approached him. "Wanna play strip poker with us?"

Normally, an invitation like that would've had him ravishing the girl in question. However, in this particular case, he was more furious and worried than turned on.

"Would love to, but not right now pet. It's time we got you some fresh air." He walked over briskly, grabbing her boots, which were thankfully already stuffed with her socks, and then seizing her in his arms, lifted her easily across his shoulders in a fireman's lift.

There were objections and jeers from all the poker players in the room, including Buffy, as she uselessly kicked her legs about. Spike ignored them and exited without a word, not stopping until they were outside in the garden.

He tossed the boots next to a lawn chair and then dumped her unceremoniously into it.

"Are you going to be okay, Spike?" Willow asked. "Like, do you need any help with our awfully inebriated friend?"

Oz was quiet but he wore the same concerned expression as his girlfriend.

Spike gave the couple a tight smile. "I'm okay, Red, I've got her. No reason why the rest of you can't enjoy the party, right?"

Willow frowned, but reluctantly agreed. "Alright then, but if you need any support just give us a call and we'll come running, I promise."

Nodding in agreement, Oz said, "Stay safe and keep us posted, okay?"

When they were gone, Spike looked down at the sunny blonde heap in the chair and let out a tired sigh. So much for a first date, he thought.

"You're such a killjoy!" She whined, glaring at him as she pushed her hair out of her face.

Spike glowered back down at her and with a stern tone, he growled, "You've been a very bad girl, Buffy."

Though he meant it seriously, it was impossible for her not to get any wicked ideas about being bad in her intoxicated state. Fluttering her lashes, she challenged him, asking huskily, "That's right, and whatcha gonna do about it, Spikey? Spank me for being naughty?"

Although he was taken aback, and admittedly getting a little turned on by her provocative retort, he wasn't going to let her off the hook that easily. Just as he was about to reply, Xander came up to him. "Spike, I need to talk to you."

Spike rolled his eyes, "Can't you see I'm a little busy here, mate?" He indicated Buffy who was now trying to put her socks on and failing badly.

"It's about Dawn," he pleaded urgently, "I only left her alone for a minute and that scumbag, Parker is already all over her! I'm not sure who's making me madder between the two of them. I mean, I'm supposed to be her date, damn it! How can she even talk to him?"

"And you simply left her there?"

"What else was I supposed to do? Act like a jealous boyfriend and beat the shit out of that slime ball?"

Spike clenched his jaw in annoyance. "Xander, do you, or do you not, like Dawn?"

"I do, but…"

"No buts, Xand. Either you like her enough to work for it, or you don't. I don't know you all that well yet, but from what I can see, you're a lot more of a man than Parker ever will be. So if you like her as much as you say that you do, then bloody grow a pair and tell the girl how you feel."

Not bothering to wait for a response, he turned his attention back to Buffy. Kneeling in front of her, he lifted her chin up so she could focus on his face. "C'mon, sweet kitten, it's time to get your boots on. I'm gettin' you out of here."

Dawn stared in awe as a screaming and kicking Buffy was carried out of the mansion by Spike, followed by a frantic Willow and Oz hurrying closely behind. She would've followed as well but she was too exhausted to run after them. She had wasted most of her night trying to find Xander and all she had gotten for her efforts was a pair of sore feet from walking all over the place in heels. She was about to head for the nearest seat when she bumped straight into Parker.

"I'm sorry!" she cried, "Just a little frazzled, I didn't mean to crash into you."

"Hey again." He smiled, holding her back a little. "Are you okay?"

"I sure am," she replied miserably.

"Couldn't find your friend, huh?"

"I'm guessing he got lost somewhere between the library and the cabana." She shrugged.

"Gosh, let's get you a seat."

Slipping an arm around her waist, he walked her to a nearby loveseat. She fell into him a little as they settled in, his arm tightening around her.

"Oops," she laughed, trying to pull away. "Parker, you can let me go now, I'm alright."

"What if I don't want to let you go?" he asked, his other arm encircling her smoothly.

"Parker, I'm not looking for…"

"Dawn, hear me out, please. You're really the sweetest girl I've met in a long time and I'd really like to get to know you better if you'd let me..."

"She's not letting you do anything, jerkface." Xander scowled, yanking Dawn abruptly out of Parker's arms and up to her feet.

"Xander!" She gasped.

"I'm guessing you're the asswipe who left her alone for the past hour," Parker countered, standing up to face Xander.

"Well, she's not alone anymore, so piss off."

Dawn pulled Xander back and stepped between them. "Parker, please. Let's not make a scene here. We'll talk later, okay?"

For a moment, he looked like he was about to argue, but instead nodded reluctantly. "You know you deserve better, Dawn," he said, before storming off.

When he was gone, Dawn whipped around and yelled at Xander, "You have got some serious nerve behaving that way, acting like you own me. Who the heck do you think you are? You left me waiting for an hour and you didn't even bother to reply to any of my texts! If anyone's the jerkface around here, it's you!"

Even with her swollen and achy feet, Dawn managed to make her way back out to the poolside in quick strides, leaving Xander to chase after her.

"Dawn, please, I'm sorry," he pleaded when he finally managed to catch up. Oddly enough, they were back at the cabana. "I know I was an idiot for what I did but please, I'm begging you to at least hear me out before you decide to never talk to me again."

She dropped into the nearest deck chair. Folding her arms, she narrowed her eyes at him. "You've got five minutes, Harris, starting right now."