Take a Chance by Witchiepoo

Chapter 22

Willow and Tara stood in front of Xander, both adopting matching stances. “Do you think Riley could have done this?”

“For the final time, my beautiful witches, no, I don’t. Can I get back to my job now?”

Tara’s brow rose at the sharpness of his tone, but she shrugged it off. They were all on edge, having gone nearly a week without a good roll in the hay. If it wasn’t Lorne, it was nature. If it wasn’t nature, then it was Buffy calling and telling them about the studio. Of course, they’d hopped up and ran to her. Well, that had left Xander feeling more frustrated than he had since his high school days, and them feeling less than charitable due to suspicion that Riley had perpetrated the crime. Tara had to laugh. She couldn’t see Riley perpetrating anything, but she had to agree he was a likely suspect.

“Xander, please don’t be angry with us. We’re just asking your opinion.” Willow told him, her hand trailing languidly over his back.

Xander straightened up, and shrugged her hand off. “Not going to work this time. Thanks to all that’s happened this week, Little Xan doesn’t feel like playing in your sandboxes.”

Willow frowned, and then tried to go for the pout, but Xander was through paying attention. She looked to Tara for assistance.

“Look, Xander, I know this week has been rough.” Xander rolled his eyes. “Okay, not as rough as you would like, but our friends are important.”

Visions of heated flesh, kisses like strawberries in the summer assailed Xander’s mind, but he couldn’t let the treasure that lay within each woman sway him. Xander put down the plans he’d been looking at, and turned to face them. “I know how important your friends are to you. I just thought that after fucking for over a year now, that I would be considered more than your walking dildo and ‘convenient guy to hang with Riley while we take Buffy off pal’.”

In a fit of spite, he called Riley last night, and told him about the vandalism. Well, it would be seen as spite by them, but he liked Riley. He didn’t have any problems with the big lug. He didn’t really care that he was obsessed with Buffy. What Tara and Willow failed to realize was that while Buffy’s feelings for Riley had never gone beyond affection, Riley had been madly in love with Buffy. You just don’t get over someone that quickly.

Xander loved them both, but he had to put his foot down at some point or they’d continue in this pattern of fucking and recriminations till either he exploded or they got tired of him or Riley moved far away from Buffy.

When he realized they weren’t going to respond or defend themselves, Xander walked away.

Willow and Tara watched him go, stunned silent.

“I think he’s pissed.” Willow stated with a frown.

“You think?” Tara hated to admit it, but it kinda made her feel bad. She always considered herself a lesbian with cock cravings. Could she really be having “those” type of feelings for Xander? And what did that mean for her and Willow is she did?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Good morning, darling.”

“Druscilla.

Angel’s brow furrowed. Uh oh, this can’t be good. Dru cheery first thing in the morning. He folded the paper and placed it beside his plate. He was dying to know what had her so happy.

“You’re in good spirits.” Drown any kittens today?

“Well, it is a beautiful day outside.” She answered gaily. Buffy’s probably crying her itty bitty eyes out over her stupid shop. “The primary is in 3 weeks. I would say I have a lot to be happy about.”

Uh, huh. Okay. Weird, but this is Dru, so I’ll let it go. God, I hope she isn’t pregnant. Angel thought, in a near panic. He wouldn’t put it past her to get pregnant. It would be the perfect way to keep him with her.

Angel’s cell rang, nearly causing him to fall out of his chair. He saw who was on the other line, and it surprised the hell out of him. He quickly snatched it up before Dru saw it. If she noticed his jittery behavior, she didn’t comment.

“Hello.”

“Angel.”

“Umm.. is everything okay?”

Spike sighed. “Not really. Buffy’s studio was vandalized last night. Someone threw a brick through the front window and spray-painted obscenities on the walls. “

Angel watched as Dru slathered jelly on her toast. She was smiling and grinning, and he felt a tendril of dread travel down his back.

“That’s awful.” He said, getting up from the table. “Was anything stolen?”

“No. They just trashed the place. Where was Dru last night?” Spike said impatiently. They could trade idle chitchat all day, but what he really wanted to know was if Dru was involved.

Shit! If Spike was suspecting Dru, then that put him in the unenviable position of having to defend his wife. “You can’t be serious. Why would she do something like that?”

“How the hell should I know? She’s your wife.” Spike peered over his shoulder. Buffy was speaking to an adjuster from the insurance company, who had her undivided attention.

“I don’t know where she was, but I have someone following her. If it was her…”

“You’ll do nothing, Angel. So close to the election, you won’t expose your wife for the psycho she is.”

“I’ll handle it.” Angel told him, his mind going into survival mode.

“If you don’t, I will.”

Angel stared at the phone for a minute longer, before turning back to the table. Dru still wore the same smile pasted to her face, and in that moment, he knew. She had was guilty. If not of the actual crime, then she was definitely guilty of planning it. He shook his head, cursing his cock for getting him into this situation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hank surveyed the broken window and glass littering the sideway with dismay. Looking at Buffy, he felt a rage only a parent could feel. How dare someone destroy what his baby had worked hard to create? If he found the punks that did this, he’d shake some sense into them. Then, he’d sue the pants off their parents.

Joyce was far calmer about the situation than Hank. She knew from years of living and loving the man that he was a hair’s breadth away from erupting. She had to keep him under control and bestow some motherly love and support on Buffy.

“Do the police have any suspects?”

Buffy looked guiltily at her. “Riley.”

“Riley? Riley Finn.” At Buffy’s nod, Joyce giggled. She couldn’t help it.

“As much as I loathed him right now for that stunt with the letter, Riley doesn’t have the balls to do something like this.”

Buffy’s eyes widened. “Mom! You’re a mom. You’re not supposed to talk like that.”

“Ah, pshaw, Buffy. I’m telling the truth and you know it. Riley would pee his pants trying to do something like this. I hate to defend him after what happened, but even I know, Riley isn’t capable of this.”

Buffy felt the need to sit down. Her mother was actually defending Riley. It wasn’t possible. It wasn’t pretty, and boy was she going to use this later for some sort of blackmail.

“I know he isn’t. But they asked me, and his name was the first to pop up. It’s probably a bunch of teenagers.”

“Probably. What does Spike think?”

“He thinks it’s either Riley or Druscilla.” Now, Joyce was shocked.

“Druscilla Cavanaugh? She wouldn’t be stupid enough to pull a juvenile stunt like this. Would she?”

Buffy shrugged. “To be honest, I’m not sure what she’s capable of, but I wouldn’t put it past her. The things she’s done in the last few months have me mildly suspicious. I just can’t see Evilynn doing something like this. The police were here within minutes of the alarm going off. That’s a big risk, even for a psychotic ho bag like her.”

“Well, don’t go Rambette on her without backup.” Joyce cautioned her.

“I won’t. As much as I’d like to see that woman in jail house orange, I don’t think it’s her. What would she gain by doing this?”

Joyce shook her head. “Not a thing. If anything, this will just bring you and Spike closer.” Joyce laid her hand on her cheek. “Though to be honest, I’m not quite sure what her problem is with Spike. It’s all very confusing.”

“In her mind, she understands her reasons. And that place, is a place I’d rather not visit.”

Joyce snickered. “Me neither. Well, I’m going to collect your father before he goes ballistic. I can see his eyes twitching from here. He’s feeling a bit inadequate.”

“It’s a parent thing, huh?”

“Yes. It’s our duty to protect our children from all harm, but sometimes, that’s just not possible. This is one of those times.”

Spike strolled over to them, finally off the phone.

Buffy smiled as he kissed her. “Oh, you finally remembered you have a girlfriend.” She quipped.

“Yes, her memory is imprinted somewhere on my head.” He wiggled his brows at her, and Buffy coughed, almost choking. Her face was bright red, and the color was spreading to her neck.

Joyce didn’t hear Spike’s reply to Buffy’s joking admonishment, but she knew it was time for them to head back to the house. Dawn had her credit card, and she wanted to make sure she still had some credit on it.

“Hank, let’s go. Buffy and Spike need to get back to cleaning up the place.”

Hank opened his arms, and Buffy ran into them. “Are you sure there is nothing for Daddy to do, Pumpkin?”

Buffy grinned, relishing her role as Daddy’s girl. “Hugs are good.”

“I can do hugs. Are you sure you don’t need anything else? I can have some of my people come over and clean this place up. You and Spike don’t have to do it.” Hank looked to Spike for support, but Spike could only shake his head.

“I offered to pay for a cleaning service, too. She refused.” Spike laughingly admitted. “Your daughter is stubborn, but I love that about her.” He quickly amended.

Buffy winked at the quick catch. “Thanks for the offer Daddy, but we’ll be fine. I’m having the window put in today. We’ll be open for business on tomorrow. You know they can’t keep a Summers down.”

“That’s my girl.” Spike reluctantly released his hold on Buffy, so Hank could hug her goodbye.

“That’s my girl.” Joyce reiterated, giving Buffy a quick squeeze and a kiss. “Call me later, Buffy. Bye, Spike.” She called over her shoulder.

Buffy and Spike waved as Hank and Joyce drove off, turning back to the boarded up window.

“So, Mr. Giles, are you ready to work?”

Spike grinned, and Buffy’s knees went weak. “Most definitely, Ms. Summers.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parker checked the address Druscilla Cavanaugh had given him. Did she really think he could case this chick, in this neighborhood, without drawing attention to himself? Hell, she probably did.

As he watched, a blonde woman came out of the front door, obviously in a hurry. He picked the photo up and whistled. “Hello, cutie.”

She was obviously in a hurry. Her head was bent, fumbling in her purse and with the door. His head reached out to touch the window, fingers tracing her lithe form as if it he were right behind her.

Darla felt a chill go down her spine, feeling the icy hand of death grip her. She spun around, prepared to scream holy hell, but there was nothing there. She glanced around nervously, before locking the door and walking to her car.

Fucking Dru is making you as skittish as a wet cat. Get a grip on yourself. Darla finally succeeded in finding her cell phone, quickly turning it on and furiously punching in the number of Liam’s private investigator.

Parker watched her over the rim of the door, relieved she didn’t notice his car. He watched as she backed out of her driveway, chatting animatedly on the phone as she pulled away. He jotted the time down as he followed her down the street, staying a safe distance away so as not to alert her to his presence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angel put his ear to the door, listening to the sounds of Druscilla in her bath. She did it. I know she did it. The woman hasn’t been this happy since I won my first election. If this came out now, he’d be ruined. If Spike found out the truth, he’d be ruined.

“Fuck!” He shouted.

Dru sat up in her bath, startled out of her reverie. She rolled her eyes from side to side, trying to determine if she was hearing things or if there was someone on the other side of the door. She sank back into the tub, figuring her mind and her body were playing tricks on her. It had been so, so long since Liam had taken her to bed. Nearly 3 weeks.

She shook her head, nearly dislodging her towel. Nope. She wasn’t going to let the negative thoughts plagued her today. As she soaked, her plans were being implemented. That horrid, little man was following Darla. Soon, she’d be rid of her. It was inconceivable to think Liam preferred the scrawny blonde to her. She couldn’t believe she was even entertaining the thought that Darla could be her rival for Liam’s affection.

Yes, things would finally be back to normal, and she’d be one step away from the Governor’s mansion. For that, she could put up with being celibate. After the elections, she’d work on getting Liam back into her bed. Maybe, she’d get pregnant. Voters loved little children.

Angel crept away from the door, breathing a sigh of relief when he made it to the stairs. He checked his watch. Darla should be at the campaign office by now. He needed to speak to her, in private, where he was sure they wouldn’t be overheard.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harmony frowned at the sight of Riley staring forlornly at the door. She was used to semi-depressed Riley. She was even getting used to butt-clenching, mouth gaping Riley, but scared Riley. Nope, she wasn’t used to that.

Why do you care?

Harmony thought about that. Why exactly did she care whether or not Riley was happy? He was an adequate lover. He was a good piece of ass. Why allow these soft feelings to come into the equation? Things were going along at a nice little clip. Their first night was nice, too nice for her liking. Which was the very reason, she’d brought the whip and handcuffs out. He hadn’t leapt out of bed and ran for the door. He had stayed, and they had played.

He looked like a cocker spaniel. Big, droopy eyes, brown hair. Yep, cocker. She had a cocker when she was little.

Damn it!! I am not looking for a boyfriend. I don’t need a man. I use men.

“Harmony, I need to leave a little early today. Could you cover for me?” The request was uttered softly, which only served to melt the ice around Harmony’s heart.

She rolled her eyes and sighed frustrated.

“What’s wrong with you?” She demanded, spinning around to stare him into the ground.

“Nothing. I’ve just got some business to do.”

Harmony narrowed her eyes “Oh, really. Please tell me you aren’t getting involved with that woman again?”

Riley’s fist clenched. This was all her fault. “No, I’m not.” He gritted out.

Harmony looked at him, her lips twitching in laughter. He looked so cute when he was angry. She didn’t like him in a teenage girlish manner, but he was nice, and he needed someone to look after him.

“What did she do? You can tell me. I’ve kept your secrets so far.” She said, walking closer to him. “And you’ve kept mine.” She said, her breath hot on his neck.

Riley shook his head, knowing that wasn’t the right one to be shaking. He couldn’t let his hormones control his brain. He had to think straight. He couldn’t let himself be overwhelmed by her feminism.

“Come on, Riley. Let Mistress Harmony in on the big secret.”

Riley’s hand crept around Harmony’s waist, mindless of his intention. “I can’t.”

“You can.” She said, pressing her lips to his chin.

They pulled apart as a loud cough sounded from the open door. Two men, one obviously with security, stood in the door.

“Mr. Finn, this is Detective Graves from RBPD. He needs to speak to you.” The security officer looked at Harmony, and gestured with his hand for her to come with him. She looked at him like the Barney Fife he was. She had no intention of leaving her Riley-bear with a cop. No way, no can do.

“I need to speak to Mr. Finn in private.” Detective Graves told Harmony, not bothering to turn around and address her.

“Anything you have to say to him, you can say in front of me.”

Graves didn’t want to draw this out, so he sighed in defeat. “Where were you last night?”

“I was..”

“With me.” Harmony answered.

Riley’s green eyes bore into hers. She knew the question that was being bored into her eyes. What in the fuck are you doing?

“We were together. Would you like to see the tape?” She rolled her tongue around her lips, pouring all her blatant sexuality into the gesture. The three men felt the need to shift their crotches, but didn’t, all not wanting to give her that power.

“I might.” Detective Graves told her, trying to regain some semblance of control over his body.

“If and when you get a warrant, you’ll get it.” Harmony said, stepping closer to Riley.

“Detective Graves was that it? Was that all?” Riley asked, hoping to get the officer out of here, so he could tear into Harmony.

Graves looked from Harmony to Riley, trying to decide if a more formal interrogation was warranted. Well, if he needed proof they were together last night, he could always get the tape. And some popcorn, and a drink, and some Kleenex. His instincts, honed from 20 years on the job, told him that tape would rival his favorite Girls’ Gone Wild video. Something to think about as he investigated this case.

“Yes, that was it. If I have any further questions, I’ll be sure to get a hold of you.” Graves handed Riley his card, smiling tightly at Harmony before exiting the room with the security man close behind him.

Riley waited a beat before pulling Harmony to the far end of the room. “What in the fuck were you thinking?”

“That I didn’t want to have to go to the jail to get laid.” She deadpanned.

“We weren’t together last night.” He told her, as if she didn’t know.

“No, we weren’t. We were in spirit, though.” Harmony wondered if she should spring her next surprise on him or wait till they were out of the building. Nah, much more fun to do it here.

Riley felt his pants tighten. God, she was something. Psychotic, domineering, crass, hot, so many words he didn’t know the meaning of, but damn, they could go to jail for this.

“We could go to jail for obstructing an investigation.”

“Riley…” Harmony drawled, reaching out to hook his belt with her finger. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. I promise.”

Riley looked down at her hands, which working on his belt. “Ahh…umm.. Harmony? We’re at work.”

“You’re so perceptive.”

The sound of his zipper and the rustle of his pants as they dropped to his knees was the last thing Riley remembered until Harmony whispered in his ear that she’d taped them screwing the other night, and she’d give the police that tape if they asked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Darla strode quickly through the campaign office. Everyone knew that stance. It said ‘get the fuck out of my way. I haven’t had my coffee yet’. They stayed out of her way.

Darla threw her bag onto the sofa, screaming when she heard a grunt coming from it.

“Liam! Are you trying to kill me? I thought that was your wife’s job.”

“Don’t joke. She’s entirely capable of doing that.” Angel held her bag in his hands, a defeated look to his countenance.

Darla nearly bit her tongue in two, trying to stem the snide remark. “Liam, what do you want to do? We have two options, and neither is particularly appealing.”

Angel shrugged. He knew the options. Knew they could spell doom to his campaign. Could he do it? Could he turn Druscilla in and expose all their dirty secrets to the media? Were Spike and Buffy more important than preserving what he’d worked so hard to achieve?

Morality. It wasn’t something he’d dealt with before Spike and company reentered his life. If this question had been poised to him some months ago, he would have jumped at the chance to protect Druscilla, to protect himself from backlash? Now, he wasn’t so sure.

He wasn’t naïve enough to believe he was redeemed for his past crimes, but he had no great desire to add to his resume either. Dru was dangerous and she needed to be stopped. He was her husband, and it was his responsibility.

Angel jumped when he felt Darla’s warm hand clutch his. “I will stand beside you. No matter the decision, I will be there.”

He looked into her eyes and saw the truth.

She cared about him.

“I hate moral questions. Whichever path I choose, could end my career. But…” He said, throwing his head back. “I’m selfish. I’ve worked hard to be a Representative. I know I could make a good Senator and Governor. I hate to give it all up for her.”

Darla felt the tingle in her heart and stomach. She felt the electricity between them. She wanted desperately to wrap him up in her arms, protect him from like no one ever has, but she was practical. They didn’t have time to indulge in whatever was going on between them. There would be time for that later.

“We’ll have to talk to a lawyer about our options. It would need to be a hypothetical because Dru is only suspected of doing this. She may not have. I’m hoping the private investigator will get back to me with some good news.”

Angel tilted his head to look at her. “She did it. She was way too happy this morning. Like the cat that ate the canary. It was truly scary. She was singing.” He said solemnly.

“Oh, good lord.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike felt his stomach churn as he looked at the wall. Bitch. Whore. Words he’d never associate with Buffy, and some ass had sprayed them in big, bold letters in her studio. He could hear Buffy talking to the window repairman and the agent from the leasing office.

No other shops in the mall had been hit, which only added to Spike’s belief that it was someone out to get Buffy. Riley came to mind, but his money was on Druscilla. His opinion of his ex was definitely jaded, so he wasn’t the best person to be objective when it came to her.

What could this accomplish other than to scare Buffy or delay her work? It did neither. Buffy was too strong and independent to allow something like this to keep her from a job. And she wasn’t scared. She was pissed. Last night, she was shaken because in her world, people were kind and nice, and she knew nothing of the evil that lurked in the hearts of men.

Buffy said her goodbyes, grateful that the repairs would be started immediately. She had some appointments and shoots scheduled, but she could easily do them at her customers’ homes. She turned to find Spike staring at the walls, and she flinched.

Bitch and whore.

Well, whoever wrote them had good handwriting. Even from outside, she could see the words clearly. The painter could not get started soon enough for her.

Whoever had it out for her, didn’t know her too well. She didn’t take kindly to the B-word, and having had only 4 lovers, and no intention of having another one in this lifetime, did not make her a whore. Speaking of lovers….

“Whatcha thinking?” She asked, wrapping her arms around Spike’s waist. Her fingers splayed across his stomach, tracing the outline of his six-pack.

“Violence.”

Buffy snickered, coming around till she stood in front of him. “Hmm. Might join you if we’re talking about stomping on whoever did this.” She said, waving her hand.

“Just give me 5 minutes. That’s all I’m asking for, is 5 minutes.” Buffy shook her hand, scrunching her nose.

“I don’t think so.” She said, taking his hand. She folded it into a fist, kissing each knuckle. “I like your hands. Wouldn’t want you to bruise them.”

Spike pushed her hair off her shoulder. He leaned down, brushing his lips over hers.

“I know you told your Dad he couldn’t help. But is there anything, I can do?”

Buffy’s eyes grew soft and her fingers touched his face, reverently.

“You’re doing it. Just being here.” She said, raising up on her toes to kiss him fully on the mouth again. “It could have been worse. They could have destroyed my cameras. They didn’t. See?You can’t keep a good woman down.”

Spike wiggled his brows. “Unless, I’m on top, and even then, you barely stay still.”

Buffy giggled. There was something to be said for a man who took pride in his sexual abilities. Oh, she knew what that was. He’s all mine.

He leaned down to nip her flesh with his teeth.

“You like my hands, huh? I like you safe.”

“I am safe.” She said, leaning into his chest.

Spike could feel her breath, hot and heady on his chest. Her lips were pressed closely to his nipples, and he felt them hardened in response.

He pulled back to look into her hazel eyes. God, he wanted her. He wanted her no matter the place, the time, the people. He wanted her, and it shocked him to the core that he went without her for 3 long years.

“How long till they get back?” He asked, pulling her into the darkroom.

“He had to go get the glass cut. Half-hour, hour tops.” She said. Her body was tensing in the most delicious ways. She smiled knowing that every time they were alone, it was like this, some indescribable need to be together.

“I’ll make it long enough.” He told her, swooping in to capture her lips. Buffy reached up to grasp his shoulders, her fingers plucking at the fabric of his shirt. Spike’s hands were far from idle as he tugged at her dress, pulling it up and over her hips.

Buffy gasped into Spike’s mouth as his fingers grazed over her thighs, seeking the heat buried between her legs.

This was crazy and scandalous, and Buffy loved it. The possibility of being discovered was intoxicating.

“What if someone comes in?” She whispered hotly against his open mouth.

“Then we’ll make America’s Hottest Home Videos.” He answered, pressing kisses down her neck.

Buffy’s head rolled to the side, giving Spike easier access to her neck. Her hands squeezed his butt, before moving forward to the top of his jeans. Her breath caught in her throat as Spike’s lips found her nipple and sucked the rose-colored bud inside his mouth.

“Oh, god. That’s good.” She huffed, licking her lips.

Buffy had to concentrate on moving her fingers over the clasp of his pants. God, the man’s lips should be bronzed and put on display at Masters and Johnson. The things Spike could do with his tongue and teeth should be mandatory study for all young men.

Concentrate Buffy. Get the penis. Get your happy.

Buffy shook her head, trying to ignore the feel of Spike’s fingers under her panties, sliding between her nether lips. Her fingers finally pulled his jeans open. Damn butterflies. Told him not to buy them. Her fingers wrapped around his cock, her skin warming immediately from its heat.

Spike’s hips instinctively pumped into her hand. Her thumb rolled over the head, smearing the drop of cum down the length of it.

“Jesus, Buffy.” Spike gasped, his lips finally abandoning her nipples.

“Glad to see I evoke such praise.” She laughed, stroking him harder and longer.

“Always love. Always.” Spike’s eyes were dark with desire, and Buffy felt almost as if she were drowning. Their eyes locked as they strove to match the other’s rhythm.

Buffy used her free hand to cup Spike’s ass, but to also push his jeans down over his taut behind. Spike wiggled his hips, his eyes rolling back as the motion added to Buffy’s ministrations. Soon, his jeans were at his knees, and all that stood in the way of their mutual …

“Earth to Buffy?” Tara said, snapping her fingers in Buffy’s face.

Comically, Buffy’s arm flailed in the air, and she would have hit the floor if not for Willow’s quick grab.

“Jesus, Buffy, Spike’s not even here, and here you are hurrying to get horizontal.” Willow teased, wrapping her arms around Buffy’s neck.

“Vertical.” Buffy whispered to the side.

“What?” Willow asked, not sure if she heard what she thought she heard.

“I was surprised that’s all.” Buffy’s brow furrowed. “What are you two doing here in the middle of the day? Don’t you have jobs?”

Willow sighed, which didn’t really concern Buffy. When Tara matched her sigh, and there wasn’t a naked man or woman standing about, she knew it was something serious.

“What’s wrong? Did your vibrator break?” Last time that had happened, they had to make an emergency trip to Insurrection to pick up a new one. Buffy shuddered from the repressed memory of the strap-on they’d bought.

“Yes and no.” Tara answered, earning a groan from Willow.

Tara rolled her eyes. “Well, he is… was our vibrator, dildo, but now, he’s gone and got all sweet and making me feel guilty. It’s ridiculous.” She griped.

Note to all those trying to understand Stuttering Tara: Don’t! Just ask her, it’s easier that way.

Buffy grabbed Tara’s arms, guiding her to the stool she’d been sitting on. “Now, tell me what’s going on?”

Tara’s lip trembled, then the unexpected occurred. She burst into tears. “Xander doesn’t want to be our fuck buddy anymore.”

Willow sniffed once and started to cry as well. Well, at least, this time she wouldn’t be in the props or crops area of Insurrection tonight. Unless, Spike wanted to visit. Now there was a pleasant thought.

Umm, could you get back to your weeping friends? Her mind admonished.

“Guys, it’s going to be okay. I’m sure... why does he want to break it off? He…umm…he cares about you.” Buffy hadn’t spent much time around Xander since the big Riley breakup, but she felt pretty secure in saying that he felt something more than a woody for her best friends.

Tara stood up, anger replacing the tears. “How dare he? We’re the ones in control, goddamnit. We’re the ones that tell him when and where and for how long! All we asked him was one simple question and he thinks that gives him the right to change the rules.”

Buffy sat back down, examining her nails. Tara could rant like a preacher on Sunday. Non-stop. She’d eventually calm down and say something coherent. Tara finally ran out of gas and stood breathing heavily. Buffy gave the lovers the once over before speaking.

“Well… Tara, in all fairness, Xander does have rights in this relationship. His feelings are as important as Willow’s and yours.” Buffy said, the prodigal diplomat.

“Whose side are you on?” Tara asked, her hands on her hips.

“Yours, Ms. McClay, and don’t pull that attitude with me. You know I’m telling you the truth, and that’s why you came here. You want me to tell you to do the right thing by Xander, which you should do.” Buffy stood up, brushing her hands over her jeans.

“Ah ha! I’m finally the one giving the advice.” She jumped, screaming a little like Michael Jackson during a performance of “Beat It”, and attempted a very bad rendition of MC Hammer.

Tara groaned. Willow smirked. The window repairmen shook their head and continued working.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giles stared at the monitor, wondering why he even bothered to get on the computer. He didn’t know what he was doing, nor did he feel any inclination to learn the blasted machine. He knew this was progress, but give him a good pen and pad, and he was good to go.

Anya and Spike had double-teamed him a few months back, and dragged him kicking and screaming into the computer store. He was English, and could cope with any situation, but the one he found himself in at the moment, might be beyond his limited knowledge.

How in the hell did he win at Slingo? Who thought up this blasted game?

Giles refocused his attention on the game, and didn’t hear the bell jingle or see the approaching figure of his son. Spike grinned. He laid his helmet down on the table as softly as possible, and tiptoed to stand behind his father.

“I don’t see why I need a computer. I am quite capable of making phone calls and ordering catalogs. I don’t need the internet. It only rots the brains of those silly teenagers obsessing over it.”

Oh, this was going to be good. Spike could hear the angel on his shoulder telling him to leave his poor, old dad alone, but the devil, dressed in a red, see-through teddy with long, blonde hair was whispering in his ear to do it.

Well, he was the dutiful boyfriend.

“That stuff will rot your brain.”

Giles yelped, spinning around to find a pair of laughing blue eyes staring at him. If he was going to get caught, why couldn’t it have been a customer or Anya?

“It’s not nice to read over someone’s back.” Giles said, going for the authoritative tone of a parent.

“You’re right.” Spike told him, pouting and putting his hands out to be smacked.

“Your grandmother spoiled you rotten.” Giles smilingly told him. “And I love her for it.”

“Ah, Dad, you’re making me all emotional. We’re supposed to be manly.”

“We are manly. We’re just in touch with our emotional sides. So what brings you by so late in the day? Are you staying for dinner? Anya isn’t cooking, but I could drop by the store if you’re coming.” Giles said excitedly

“I’m having a moral dilemma.”

Giles was puzzled. William had always had the moral standing of a clergyman, except when it came to Buffy, but that was a positive thing.

“This sounds serious.” Giles said taking his glasses off, and cleaning them with the hem of his shirt.

“Buffy’s store was vandalized last night. I think it’s Druscilla, but when the police asked me who I thought did it, I didn’t say anything.”

Spike hopped up onto the desk. “There was my revenge, their comeuppance, and I didn’t say a word.”

Giles cuffed the back of Spike’s neck, rubbing the muscles there. “Son, you’re the best man I know. Revenge isn’t your style. You’re not mean or vindictive. You’re you. I wouldn’t have expected you to act any differently.”

Spike looked up, his eyes hooded. “But Dad..”

“Not another word. You’re a good man, William Giles. I should know.” Giles forced Spike to look him in the eye. “You wouldn’t accuse her without proof. What does Buffy think? I know you’ve discussed this with her.”

Spike smiled. “She’s pretty much dismissed this as some juvenile prank by some kids. We told the police it might have been Riley, but I doubt it. He loves Buffy.” And that was the only thing, keeping Spike from rushing to the git’s home and beating the shit out of him. That and Buffy would cut him off for a week, is she could.

Giles bit his lip, thinking. “She’s probably right, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on Druscilla, Spike. I wouldn’t put it past that witch to do something like this.”

Spike slid off the desk, pacing silently in front of it. “I called Angel. Told him to put a leash on his wife. Let’s hope he can use his charms to get her to back off. I don’t want to drag them through the mud, but I will if she continues to harass Buffy.”

“Sounds like your best bet.” Giles agreed. “So, are you going to make it for dinner?”

“Can I get a raincheck? There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to Buffy about, and I don’t want to put it off any longer.”

Oh, dear Lord. Giles thought. Joyce would be floored. He’s going to ask her to marry him. I could be a grandfather and a father, again, all in the same year. This is just too much.

“…I mean, it’s not like we don’t already spend 95% of our time together. This way, we’d be sharing the bills and everything.”

“Huh?” Giles said, his shock making him lose his proper stance.

“Me and Buffy moving in together. What? You don’t think that’s a good idea?”

Giles tilted his head, still a bit confused, but coming around. “No…I mean, yes. That’s an excellent idea, Spike. I’m sure you won’t have any problem convincing Buffy.”

Spike grinned, the relief on his face evident for all to see. “Okay, I’m going to run. Cook dinner and seduce my girl into moving in with me. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Spike grabbed his helmet and headed for the door. He turned back around, taking long strides to his father.

“Thanks. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you.”

Giles nodded, his eyes quickly filling with tears. “I wouldn’t be the man I am today if I hadn’t had you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy balanced the bag of groceries on her knee, her cell phone on the opposite shoulder, and her keys in her free hand.

“Shit on a shingle!” She screamed, trying in vain to get the key into the lock. She finally got the door opened, and fell inside. Must remember to take Spike with me. He’s not only hot and sexy, but he’s very handy with a grocery cart and bag duty.

“Oh, sister of mine, have you forgotten I’m on the phone?” Dawn squawked loudly.

Buffy had forgotten she’d been talking to Dawn. She snatched the phone up, taking a moment to glare at the groceries before deciding nothing was so perishable that she couldn’t take 5 minutes to rest.

“No, Dawn, but I thought it was more important to get inside the house before I had to pick up the groceries off the front stoop.”

Dawn ignored the sarcasm. “Okay, so do you think GOtR would play on such short notice?”

Buffy sighed, and tried to remember that Dawn was her baby sister and that she had no wish to be an only child. “Dawn, Spike has a cell phone. You could have called him and asked him yourself. It’s not as if he would deny you anything.”

“I know.”

And Buffy could only sit back and envy the easy friendship between her lover and her sister.

“But this isn’t just Spike, it’s the rest of the band too.”

“Well, I’m sure the boys wouldn’t mind hanging out with a bunch of college coeds. No. I don’t think they’d have a problem with that.” Buffy heard the roar of Spike’s bike as it pulled into the driveway. “Look, sweetie, Spike just got here. I’ll ask him and he can give you a call later.”

Dawn guffawed loud enough for Buffy to hear. “What was that for Dawn Summers?”

“Oh, please, as if you and Spike won’t be doing the horizontal mambo shortly. Tell him to call me in the morning on my cell.”

“Yes, Ms. Summers, I let Mr. Giles know where he can reach you.”

“You’re not funny, Buffy.” Dawn laughed and hung up.

“What trouble is the Niblet stirring up?” Spike said, plopping down next to Buffy on the couch.

“She wants the band to play at her party on Saturday.” Buffy draped her leg over Spike’s, snuggling into his side. Her nose tickled his neck and he smiled.

“Long day?” He asked, his fingers tracing patterns on her leg.

“It had it’s high points.” Buffy sighed, thinking of the highest point.

“Really, care to share.” Spike said, his voice thick and heavy to her ears.

“Later. Must eat to refuel.” Buffy joked, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

Damn! I am one lucky woman!

“Well, I was going to cook, but my fridge is empty. I need to run to the store.”

“I went before I came.”

The double entendre was met with a brow wiggle and a pinch to her bottom. “Great minds think alike, Luv. Why don’t you come and sit with me while I make us something? I want you to have all your strength. I’ve a mind to seduce you into submission.”

Buffy took his hand, allowing him to pull her up off the couch. “Submission. I like that. Has all kinds of S&M connotations, and I flick a mean whip.” She said, snapping a towel on his butt. Spike shooed her away, rummaging through the bag. He pulled out eggs, which had miraculously survived.

“Hmm…I’m seeing all the makings in here for a Giles’ omelet. Is this your way of asking for it?”

Buffy grinned broadly, her tongue poking out from between her teeth. “Yup. I’m asking for it.”

“We have got to stop with the innuendoes. We are so much better than this.” Spike said.

“You’re right, we are.” Buffy caressed his stomach as she moved past him to curl up into a chair.

Down, Mr. Spike. Down! Spike commanded. It wasn’t time for its appearance. Soon. She wants to eat, and she needs some real food, not manly muscle.

“I need to talk to you about something, Pet. I’ve been thinking about it for awhile now.”

“Okay, what is it?” Buffy said, crossing her legs under her butt.

Spike scrubbed his hair, drawing Buffy’s attention to the curls. They were getting longer. She liked it that length, but that was totally beside the point.

“Well, Buffy…” Spike was hedging, and that made Buffy all the more curious as to what he was on his mind.

“That’s the name you scream out at night.”

Spike grinned. “Minx.” He teased. “I… I wanted to ask you to…umm…”

Okay, he’s a writer, and he’s having trouble with words. Now, Tara warned her this could happen. His brain cells would leak out with the enormous amount of sex they were having.

I get paid to write words, and I can’t ask the woman I love. The woman I would do anything for to move in with me. Grow a pair, Giles. Just do it!

“I was going to propose us living together.”

Propose? Lord, he was English. “Live together. I hadn’t thought about it.” She answered honestly. They did spend 95% of their time together. They were basically shuffling clothes from one house to the next.

“This isn’t about the break-in, is it?” Honorable intentions were fine and dandy, and she would be more than flattered if that was his reasoning, but she didn’t need to be coddle.

To be honest, Spike hadn’t given the break-in a thought. “No, Pet. This is all me. Just seems ridiculous to pay a mortgage on 2 houses, when we could easily live in one.”

Buffy’s face lost its smile as she thought of saying goodbye to her home. Spike saw that, and wanted to kick himself. She’s not going for it, Mate. It’s too soon. You should have waited.

Buffy stood up, turning Spike around to face her. “So, you want to live with me? Think you can handle having me around all the time? Think we’re ready for this?” Her tone was steady, but her heart was racing. Combining households, combining their lives. There hearts were already one with each other, this was a huge step.

“I think we’re ready, but if you’re not, then I’ll wait. For as long as you need. I’ve told you, Buffy, you’re stuck with me.”

Buffy took his hands in hers. Hands that had brought her so much pleasure, she’d thought die from it. Hands that caressed her so softly and sheltered her in the night, and kissed them.

“So, when do I move in?”

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