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Faith exhaled a cloud of smoke, letting the tension ease from her body as she expelled it. She didn't know why, but smoking relaxed her, made her able to cope with her life. She glanced over at Spike who still stared straight ahead, his eyes fixed on the road and lost in his own thoughts. The same could be said for her. Her mind was racing with a flood of jumbled images.
In her mind's eyes, she could see herself laying on top of Angel, grinding against his hips as her mouth seized his in a fierce kiss. Of course, he'd been pretending to be Angelus. But had he been pretending when he kissed her? That question had nipped at her heels for years. Added to that was the new image of Angel standing before her like an Adonis in that almost indecent scrap of black fabric. She'd lost her ability to speak when she'd seen him. He was tall and powerfully built and. . . Best not to think about that.
There were other images, too. Painful memory shards that cut at her. She could remember poisoning him with that damn arrow and the accompanying snag of guilt that followed. It had grown too, over the years. He was the reason she'd been able to find herself again and come to terms with her dark side.
She took another hit off of her cigarette. Faith could also remember the way she taunted him when she'd first arrived in L.A., trying to goad him into a fight. She'd even been hired to kill him and had relished the assignment. And then, that fateful night when she'd tortured Wesley and begged Angel to kill her. But he didn't.
Instead he'd saved her, convinced her to turn herself in and begin her redemption. And she had. Then, he'd always visited, send her humorous notes or small gifts. He'd never forgotten her and was always there to speak with her. Somewhere in the middle of it, she'd started to think of him in other terms than a sex object or a guide. Dangerous territory. When she'd been released, she'd gotten away from him, begged to get back into the Watcher's Council and had only called him occasionally or sent him a letter now and then.
She'd done her duty in Boston, become the Slayer that she was always meant to be. She labored diligently with her Watcher and even averted two apocalypses. She took being a Slayer very seriously now. Yes, she still got a charge out of a fight but she didn't regard it as 'fun' anymore. It was her duty, but it was a privilege to perform that duty. She had even started to take some continuing education courses at the local university. Nothing too intellectual, just a computer course and one on auto mechanics. She had even got herself an apartment. No more shady living in an equally shady apartment with other shady characters. She even contributed to Dawn's upbringing, sending Buffy money every month. Faith wasn't rolling in it, but it was enough to make ends meet.
Faith had refused to become involved with men, though. She'd dated a bit, but there was no one special. And when she'd found out that she was related to Dawn, her whole world brightened. Faith had instantly felt a connection to the girl, it was almost a physical sensation. A gut reaction. But Buffy had been threatened by it, had warned her away from Dawn lest she influence the young Slayer. So she had worked even harder to prove herself worthy of being included in Dawn's life, and Buffy had relented. A little. She was so proud that D. was going to college in the fall. Faith had kept phone contact with her as well as calling often and they had forged their own bond.
And there was always Angel. He floated through her thoughts, wandered through her mind with an alarming regularity. If she could just have both Dawn and maybe even Angel in her life all the time, it would be perfect. But Faith had learned long ago that life was far from that ideal.
"Why so quiet, luv? Poof got your tongue?"
"I wish." She muttered without thinking. She stared at the vampire to find him giving her an amused look. "I'm tired. Not quiet."
"Heard the first part, luv. Vampiric senses and all that." He patted her hand. There was only a trace of mockery in his voice. "Tell daddy all about it, maybe I can help you."
She could feel a headache coming on. Suddenly, she needed to confide in someone. Faith was weary of carrying around so much emotional baggage. Instinctively, she knew Spike could be trusted with a confidence about love. For some reason she got the feeling that Spike knew a lot about that subject. He was trustworthy. . .for a vampire. "I think I'm falling for Angel." She put a hand to her forehead, hoping to stop the pounding in her head. " If I haven't already."
"That's a bloody shame, ducks. He doesn't deserve you."
"Exactly, he doesn't deserve me." Faith was restless and shifted in her seat. "He wants a 'good girl', like B. I'm just not like that, I don't have it in me. I mean, I'm not evil or killing people anymore but I'm not a goody two shoes. I do enjoy fighting, cursing, drinking, and smoking. I'm not his type."
"Oh, really? Because no one seems to have told him that. I've seen him watch you , luv. Out of the corner of his eye."
"He watches me?" Faith asked, trying not to sound like a lovesick little school girl.
Spike smiled to himself. Yes, the poof did watch her. Hmm . .what did that say about his sire's relationship with nibblet? "Can't take his eyes off you but only when he thinks you aren't looking." He smiled slyly. " I also know he dreams about you."
Faith gave him a suspicious look. "How could you know that?"
"He called out your name last night."
Faith snorted. "Probably having a nightmare about me kicking his ass."
"No, I don't think it was that kind of dream." She raised an eyebrow as if to say 'details!'. "No, it wasn't that kind either. Believe me, I wouldn't have slept in the bloody bed with him if that's what he had on his filthy mind. Probably try to grope me. Did you know he wears girlie silk pajamas?" He wanted to see her smile.
Faith laughed. "You're starting to grown on me, Spike."
Spike beamed at her, pleased with her compliment. Then, he pinned her with an intense gaze. "But not in a fungus demon way, right?"
Dawn hadn't said much of anything, she kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. He could literally hear the gears in her mind turning and he could only guess at what she was contemplating. "Is something wrong, princess?"
"No, not wrong. I'm curious about something."
"Go ahead and ask me." Dawn had a keen and inquisitive mind, it was one of the things that he liked most about her.
"Um. When you . . .what does it feel like when. . .how do you-" Dawn broke off. "Never mind."
Angel was baffled by her behavior. Normally, Dawn was so confident and out going. Seeing her so flustered was a new experience for him. This must be really difficult for her."What do you want to know about, princess?"
"Sex." She blurted out.
He didn't know whether to he should burst out laughing or shake his head. Ahhh. . .time for a lesson on the vampire birds and bees. Angel looked at his lap, his lips twisting."Well, I'm a male."
Dawn blushed. "Believe me, I know you're male."
"Really liked that swimsuit, didn't you?"
Dawn scowled. "Don't look too smug. I'm a. . .a. . .v-v-v"
"Virgin?" Angel said, openly enjoying her discomfort.
"No, I was going to say Virgo." Dawn shot back sarcastically. Then, she growled a little.
"Did you just growl at me?"
"Yes? Gotta problem with it, Angel?"
Angel grinned again. "No, I just think it's kinda sexy."
"Angel!"
"What?" He asked innocently.
"Of course I'm curious about you." She said tightly. "Don't get a big head about it or anything."
One raven eyebrow rose. "Speaking of a big-"
"Be quiet!" She shushed him, "Yes, you're attractive, we all know that. 'Angelus, the one with the angelic face'. Now, get over your self. I want my first time to be with Spike."
"Are you saying that I'm second in line?" He couldn't resist teasing her.
Dawn flushed. "Angel!" She squirmed under his gaze and he returned it to the road. "I'm just . . .nervous. I mean. . .I never. . .and he probably has lots of times. What if he gets bored with me?"
Angel felt his possessive vampire instincts rise up. Dammit. . .she wore his mark, not Spike's. He had claimed her. Not Spike. Dawn was too good for his wayward childe anyway. She shouldn't gift the younger vampire with her innocence. He didn't earn it. "If he get's bored with you, princess, then he doesn't deserve you and I'll stake him."
She continued to fidget. She like Angel's possessive tone, liked how he proved he cared about her again and again. But he done nothing to allay her fears about Spike. And now she felt like she couldn't pursue the matter anymore without agitating him. Then he'd make her listen to Classical music again.
Angel observed all of this with an inward turmoil. On one hand, he didn't want to help his childe's pursuit in any way shape or form. On the other hand, and the whole reason he was playing along with this little scam, he wanted to make Dawn happy. She deserved to be happy. And who was he to lecture about the dangers of sex? She was older than Buffy had been when he had . . .well, he wasn't going to be a hypocrite. He decided to tell her the truth about Spike. Even though he would probably regret it later. "Dawn, you have nothing to worry about."
"What do you mean?"
"Spike-well, he has great taste in women for the most part. At least with the ones he really cares for. And he does really care for you. And, well, he's not the bored easily type. He's more the love you until you draw your last breath, then mourn you until the end of time sort. You know, the obsessive kind. It's ten times more likely that you'll be bored with him while he's still trying to acquaint himself with every strand of hair on your head."
Dawn was both pleased but disturbed by that last comment. To be on the receiving end of that much devotion would be heady but give her an absurd amount of power over the blond vampire. "What type are you?"
"Well, all vampires are obsessive, in its nature." He thought back to when he'd stalked Buffy as Angelus. "But me, personally, I'm the marrying man."
"Excuse me?"
"You're excused." He grinned again. Dammit, broody Angel was less annoying. "I don't put women on pedestals. I mean, I need. . .I want . . .I am. . . a life partner. A soul mate. An equal."
"A Slayer." She gave him her inquisitive cat look.
"Are you offering?"
"Not me you. . .you. . .slut. Faith!"
"You want Faith?'
"No, you do, funny vamp." Her blue eyes held a bit of sparkle. "Think about it. . .you both save the world. You both like leather. You both are great with weapons. You both are the strong silent type. You both have a dark side and-"
"I get the picture, princess." Angel went into brood mode again, staring ahead. It was his dark side that was the problem.
"Do you want Angel?"
"That's kinda personal." Faith rolled her eyes. "Do you want me to get all touchy feely on you?"
"You just cried on my bleedin' shoulder for a half an hour and now I'm getting personal?"
Faith balled her fist. "I do NOT cry. Especially over men. Say that again, blondie, and I'll-"
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, ducks. I'm gonna help you snag the poof."
And make Dawn jealous at the same time. "We're gonna make them jealous."
"How are we going to do that?"
"By canoodling, kissing, a bit of flirting. We'll make them go straight into sugar shock."
Faith always did love to play games. Serve Angel right to give him a taste of his own medicine."You're evil."
"Takes one to know one, baby."
Angel pulled up in front of the Hyperion Hotel. "Home sweet home, princess. Missed it?"
"Yep, can I have my old room back?" Angel and Cordelia had decorated a room especially for her. It was in cool tones of blue and silver.
"Actually, I was thinking that you should stay in my bedroom."
Dawn stared at him. "This is a game, the thing between you and me. Right, Angel?"
"Right." He looked ahead, refusing to meet her eyes. Spike and Dawn together. . .kissing. . .holding hands. . .dating. . .maybe getting married. . . Angel felt his blood backing up on him. As Willow would say 'resolve face'. "Of course it's a game. " He turned to her. "Why? Afraid to sleep with your old pal Angel?"
"No, because I'd kick your lily white bum. I'm sleeping in my room." He opened his mouth. "Alone." He tried to speak again. "All by myself."
Angel grimaced. Foiled again. "Fine, but we're having adjoining rooms. I'll be next to you and we'll put Spike next to me." He'll have to go through me to get to you. "And then Faith's on the end of the row." Far away from temptation.
"Room arrangements? You're like the Martha Stewart of vampires, arentcha?"
"Get in the hotel, Dawn."
"Nice place you got here, poof." Spike said grudgingly, he was standing shoulder to shoulder with Faith.
Angel noticed but decided to not think anything of it. His childe was easy to talk to, Faith had probably already made friends with the vampire. He picked up Dawn's two bags and his own small one and followed behind the young Slayer.
"So, Angel, where are we sleeping?" Faith asked, surveying the foyer.
"Angel made room arrangements for us all." Dawn said with a smile. She took Faith's hand. "I'll show you where yours is." The two young women bounded up the stairs.
"You're sleeping beside me, Spike." Angel said tiredly. Today he felt every year of his long existence. He needed a bath, some soft music, and maybe a good book.
Spike smirked. "Quit drying to get me into bed, poof."
Angel rolled his eyes. "How very droll. No, you are sleeping in the bedroom bedside mine, next to Faith."
"Next to Faith, you say?" He smiled. "Well, that's downright convenient, innit?"
Then he marched up the stairs, only to turn around. He tossed Angel his keys. "Have my bags and Faith's stuff brought up to our rooms, bellboy." His grin grew wider and he ran up to see his new digs.
Angel stood with a black scowl on his handsome face. "Bellboy? And what the hell did he mean by 'convenient'?"
Spike snuggled deeper into the covers, relishing the feel of soft satin against his cheek, though he'd rather be dusty than admit to it. He had to hand it to the poof, the vampire knew how to live. He shut his eyes, letting visions of Dawn dance in his head when he head a 'thwack', followed by 'bump', 'thump', and then a crash. Then a low female voice which he recognized as Faith's say. "Are you thirsty for more?" Then came a 'wham', 'slap', and then the sound of a body falling.
Reluctantly, Spike sat up and pulled on his jeans only to pad downstairs in his bare feet. The offending sounds were coming from a downstairs room decked out in exercise equipment and weaponry. Dawn stood on the sideline and watched Angel and Faith tussle. They would make a handsome couple. She smiled when she saw Spike and crooked a finger at him, silently telling him to come over.
"I was sleeping." The blond vampire said irritably looking at his sire.
"Me too, until Angel woke me up to come down here and train with Faith."
"Did he roll over to do that?" Spike narrowed his eyes, then remembered his new plan. "Because I think that's a good idea." He said lamely.
"No, I wasn't sleeping--that's okay with you?"
"Sure. You're a big slayer now. Sleep with who. . .or well, what, you like." He shrugged trying to look casual. "Actually, it's good to know you approve of the whole slayer/vampire relationship."
Faith walked over to the two, a towel around her neck and a bottle of water in her hand. Angel followed just behind her."You're up, D."
"Great." Dawn pulled her sweatshirt over her head to reveal a tight tank top which she wore with tight biking shorts and walked out to the center of the floor to begin stretching. Spike had seen his sire's eyes widen as she pulled the shirt off. He glared at him for a second, then grinned.
"Tell you what, old man. Take a break. I'll get this one."
"I don't think you're qualified-"
"Shove off. Who spent more time fighting with the longest living slayer?" Angel crossed his arms over his chest and did not answer. " Get over it, Broody."
"You're going to train in that?" Faith asked.
"Why not? I fight in it." Spike said, looking down at his jeans.
"They just seem to be getting tighter by the minute." She smirked.
"That was uncalled for, luv." He slid one finger under her chin and brushed his lips close to her mouth. "I'll catch your act later."
"That a threat?" She called to him as he walked out on the mat.
"It's a promise." Angel mocked.
Spike turned and cocked his head to the side. "If you were a vampire, I'd call it an invitation, pet."
"Or sexual harassment." Angel said under his breath, not liking the looks those two were giving each other. He grasped Faith's elbow and led her over to the stairmaster which faced away from the blond vampire. "Climb." He said tersely.
Faith's lips twitched but she complied. It was heartening to see him so agitated. Angel climbed on another stairmaster which was facing Dawn and Spike and set it to the most difficult level. He really didn't need to exercise and neither did Faith but it would expend some energy. And keep him from killing Spike. Besides, it was hard to get dust out of the carpet.
As Dawn watched the other vampire and slayer climb, Spike moved into position on the mat. Dawn faced him and moved into her own fighting stance. "You think you're ready for this?" She goaded.
"More than ready, sweet bit." Was he ever. Fighting was only slightly less exciting than having sex. And he was good at both.
Something just occured to Dawn. "Spike, how are you going to fight me? Won't the chip-"
"It'll be fine. Unless I intend to hurt you, I won't feel any pain." He lied quickly. If she knew he had the chip out. . .poof! No more Spike! Or poof. . .she'd have witches conjure him up a soul . . just like the well. . .poof. "So, how does the poof start these things?" Spike asked.
"Well, usually we start with some Tai Chi and he helps me move into positions." She sighed, as if lost in her own thoughts. She didn't like the way he was talking to Faith earlier.
Spike forced himself to smile at her and then did his best Arnold Schwartzenegger impression. "I'm going to pump-" He clapped his hands. "You up."
Dawn giggled but it was short lived as Spike advanced on her, he feigned left then pushed her hard right, throwing her off balance. He used her momentary distraction to corner her against the wall. "Lesson the first, Nibblet, don't ever be distracted by your opponents." He snared both of her forearms and pinned them against the wall, invading her body space. "No matter how sexy, charming, and devastatingly handsome they may be." He graced her with a smug smile.
Dawn looked up at him, angry at him for turning the joke into a 'lesson'. She still didn't care for his manner towards Faith either. Well, turnabout was fair play. She tossed her head to one side, exposing her neck -- the side Angel hadn't bruised with his mouth. Then, she 'accidently' bumped her hips against his. His nostrils flared and his eyes darkened. "I'm sorry, Spike. There's so many things I want you to teach me."
"It's okay, nibblet, I know you're still learning." He said shakily.
"And I really want to learn from you." She pressed a kiss to his thumb which was fastened on her wrist, it was pressed against the wall beside her head. Plan forgotten, he brought his mouth to hers for another kiss when she kneed him in the groin and watched him double over in pain with a grunt. "Might wanna take your own advice, Spike."
She strode past the vampire and turned to look at Angel who did a discreet happy dance with his upper body as he jogged on the machine. He mouthed. "Go, Dawn!" She couldn't keep the smile off her face. She turned to look at Spike who limped over to the mat. He didn't look too happy.
"Didn't break anything did I?" She asked.
"Did you know that I killed two Slayers?" He snarled, eyes glowing green
"Oh." She wasn't impressed. "Did they knee you in the groin, too?"
Spike started to recover, thanks to the restorative powers of being a vampire. He straightened and fixed her with a look. "You knee him in the groin, too?" He gestured to his sire.
Dawn's eyes were deceptively innocent as she said. "No, Angel wants me to do other things with his-"
"Weapons." Spike intoned. "Get yourself one." He'd be damned if he wanted to hear about her sex life.
All the weapons in the training room were dull in case the two combatants accidentally struck each other. There was also an ancient healing spell with all the ingredients on the shelf. Spike picked up a sword and Dawn chose a stake. "You might want to get yourself something heavier, luv."
"No, I don't think so." The young slayer replied as she grasped the small wooden object. "This is all I'll need."
Spike was furious, he's show her what he was made of. Immediately, they rounded on each other, circling. Spike would advance with his sword but she seemed to sense his attacks and moved well out of his reach. She kept the stake in her back pocket only using defensive postures.
They moved in a dance-like grace, a twisted macabre version of a waltz. She never made an advance, never so much as reached for her weapon. Spike tried, coming close to grazing her arm once or twice, but not quite. Spike could feel his muscles growing more and more tense. He was on edge, waiting for her to make a false move. "What's a matter, nibblet? Chasing the Poof got you all worn down?"
She didn't say a word, just cocked her head to the side and continued to avoid his movements. She ducked to the side, under the sword swipe and came around behind him.
"So, are all the other weapons to heavy for you? Maybe they should've chosen someone bigger, stronger." He taunted. She avoided this thrust with a rolling crouch, hopping back to her feet almost instantly. She again moved into her best defensive posture. Both Angel and Faith had turned off their respective machines to watch the match. Each of them inspecting the moves of the younger slayer, comparing her to Buffy and to Faith and even to Angel's style of fighting. She was a unique hybrid.
"Didn't think you were quite this 'bitty' of a 'Buffy', luv." He sneered, losing his patience. He swept forward with the sword once more. She darted in faster than he thought possible, bringing the side of her hand down hard on his forearm. The sword clattered to the ground with a ringing clash. In a follow through move, she swept his feet out from under him. He fell flat on his back. He quickly began scooting back, looking for room to climb to his feet, but he ran up against the wall. She squatted in front of him, holding the stake in steady hands to his chest. She wasn't even breathing hard.
A far-off look was in her eyes and Spike realized that part of her didn't acknowledge him as anything but vampire. For a moment, Spike thought she might really stake him, but in the next second she shook it off and a slow grin crossed her face. She kept the stake in position and lifted one brow.
"That was impressive, platelet. Angel teach you that?" In response she stood and dropped the stake at her feet. Then, without a word, she walked to the back room to get a shower. Faith strolled over to him and offered his a bottle of water and a hand up. He accepted both.
"That was wicked intense." She smiled, proud of Dawn.
"Yeah." Spike took an absent minded sip of water. "I've never seen her fight like that. She was so calm. You're not like that, you told me that you like the fighting -- that it get you--."
"I know what I told you. That was what Willow calls 'serious Dawn'. She's like that when she really has to win. She's usually not like that during training." Faith commented.
"Well, we know you didn't teach her that-"
"Hey!"
"Well, luv, let's face it. When you get into it, you, well, get into it." He shared a look with her. "I know I didn't teach her that. Buffy doesn't fight like that exactly."
"It wasn't Angel before you suggest it."
"Then who was it?"
"Giles."
"The bleedin' watcher!"
"Ever seen him pissed?" Faith shook her head. "Think back to the day that you guys defeated Glory. I got him drunk enough one night to tell me what happened. Now I've seen Ripper in action." It wasn't a lack of passion really. It was more like concentrated rage. She admired him for that. "He taught her the meaning of focus."
"Mmm-hmm. Just in case she ran into another Glory?" She nodded her head. "Well, then, guess I'll have to try harder from here on out." He put an arm around her shoulder.
"To do what, be annoying? Trust me you go above and beyond the call of duty." Angel, who had been fussily cleaning off the machines and putting the towels in the hampers pushed between the two of them, preparing to head for the kitchen. He walked slowly so as to hear more of their conversation.
"Actually, to keep my baby happy." Spike winked, indicating to Faith that she should play along, as they followed behind Angel. "That's why we're going out shopping as soon as she showers."
Angel took bags of blood out of the refrigerator. "Don't call Dawn 'baby', Spike."
"Get that waxy build-up out of your ears, poof. I was talking about Faith."
Upstairs, Dawn was reeling from her encounter with Spike. She normally felt juiced after a fight, ready for more. It scared her how intense she became, she hadn't even noticed it was Spike she was fighting during the last bit.
It scared her. This wasn't the first time it had happened. Once, she'd been attacked by a large group of Hulock demons. She had ripped through fifteen of them, beheading and slashing away before she had realized what she had done. Then, she killed the last two swiftly. She'd gone back home, shaky and blood-spattered. Buffy had been horrified that so many demons had attacked her and she'd had to fight by herself.
But Buffy just didn't get it. It wasn't that she hadn't been forced to kill before, she was used to that. It was the fact that she was lost in it. Existing only in the moment, the swing of the ax, the plunge of the sword into flesh. A machine. She shivered, scrubbing furiously at her hands. Wiping away imaginary blood stains. She wondered if she was the only Slayer to have gone through this.
"Dawn?" A masculine voice called.
Spike? "Yes, who's there?"
"It's me, Angel."
"Is something wrong?" For instance, is Spike packing?
"You could say that." Angel said dryly. "Can I come in?"
Dawn looked at the shower stall, it's swirling glass disguised the shape of her body. "Uh, sure. Come in."
Angel walked in and sat down on the small bench that held Dawn's clothes that she was going change into. "This is a real mess we've gotten ourselves into."
"Oh, how do you figure?" And what are you talking about?
"Faith and Spike." The dark vampire spit out.
Oh. . .apparently she was the only one who noticed how cozy they were. "Yeah, I noticed how friendly they were."
Angel tightened his jaw. "I think we may have played out little game too well."
Dawn forced herself away from her darker thoughts. She'd contemplate that later on tonight when she was alone in bed. "Oh, you mean now Spike has moved on to your lady love?."
"She is not my lady love. Your undead demon is putting the moves on Faith."
"Sure that isn't the other way around?" Faith was a gentleman's woman,i f that was the female version of a ladies man. Not that Dawn resented it or wished Faith wasn't like that. She didn't want her to take Spike from her. She could have anyone but Spike.
"What are you implying?"
"Nothing, Angel. It's just. . .look, she's beautiful and outgoing. And. . .uh, experienced, and a Slayer. Spike must find the whole package very enticing. Faith isn't immune to flattery." Dawn rinsed the cream rinse out of her hair.
Angel tried to clear his head, it wasn't his business what Faith did with her time. His only concern was Dawn, he didn't want her innocent heart broken by the handsome devil. Yes, that was the only reason he was upset. "I think we should step up our efforts."
"If course, because that has worked so well for us." Dawn said sarcastically, shutting off the taps. "Hand me my towel."
Angel suddenly remembered that she was naked. It didn't even occur to him until she asked for a towel. He could see her pale white body which was obscured by misty curls of glass. "Here." He said, tossing it over the shower stall. He didn't trust himself to open the door.
"Thanks." Dawn said, putting the towel on her head. "And my robe?" He tossed it over too, she could see Angel pacing back and forth before the blurry glass as she tied the knot. She stepped out onto the small square bath mat. "Wait for me out there, I need to get dressed."
"Need any-"
"Help? Not on your unlife, buddy."
Angel walked out into her suite and laid upon the bed while she dressed. He had just taken a shower and still ached from his training session. Faith hadn't let up on him the entire time. He took off his shoes and socks and pulled one foot into his lap and began massaging, trying to relax. He let his mind drift as his hands relaxed his body.
He and Dawn had swam out over their heads this time. There was nothing he could do now. Spike had forced him to play along in this charade. He couldn't admit that he didn't have romantic feelings for Dawn. . . if that was true. It was too sudden, Angel's capacity to love forever was well known. He had to play his part, back off gently. He did love Dawn, but he wasn't sure as what.
What he did know was that more and more he didn't want to see her end up with Spike. He didn't want Faith to end up with him either. Spike would never fully appreciate them . Maybe he could play the two girls off of each other. Convince them both that Spike was really a heel, looking to get both of them into bed.
He wanted to spare Dawn the pain of the break-up. As for Faith, maybe he could reason with her, convince her not to take up with Spike. Maybe Dawn could help. Right now, he needed to drive a permanent wedge between Spike and Dawn. That would naturally lead to one between him and Faith.
"I don't like that look, Angel." Dawn walked into the room, noticing the speculative face on the vampire. He only wore it when he was up to no good. "What's up?"
"You're going to sleep with me tonight."
Faith and Spike were walking down the hallway, with Angel's credit cards in their pockets when two scrunched up pairs of black socks were hurled across the hall from Dawn's open doorway. Next came an Italian loafer which almost whacked Spike in the head. Then it's mate was thrown out, crashing into the potted plant. Then they saw the dark vampire being thrown out, he landed with an 'oof' against the mahogany trim.
He rubbed his head. "Ow."
Faith leaned over him. "Problem?"
"She didn't like the sleeping arrangements." Angel said quietly. He stood up and dusted himself off. He grabbed his shoe out of the fica plant. Then, he straightened his sweater and walked down the hallway with as much dignity as he could muster while barefoot and clutching his footwear.
Spike looked back at him as he meandered down the hall. "Didn't like the sleeping arrangements?" He shrugged, hurrying Faith downstairs to the underground tunnels. " My bloody bed's just fine. Great sheets, actually."
Angel sat on the edge of his bed, cradling his Italian loafers, brooding. He hadn't done this in a while and took him a half an hour or so to remember how to brood properly. He began to mutter to himself. "I can understand being upset with me. I can understand throwing me out of her room. Literally. But does she have to abuse my shoes?" He shook his head sadly. "Italian leather's not cheap." He held the left one up to the light. "Who knows how I'm going to get the scuff marks out . . ."
Cordelia stood in the doorway, unbeknownst to her boss, watching the conversation with barely controlled mirth. When the so-called 'dark avenger' began lightly stroking the shoe as if comforting it, she couldn't contain herself any longer. "Do I need to leave you two alone? I mean, I'm not interrupting anything am I?"
"Actually I had a whirlwind romance thing planned. Big seduction scene. Until you walked in and spoiled the mood." He looked longingly back at his shoes and his bare feet. "It's ok, one of us was bound to get cold feet eventually. Particularly since I left my socks next to the potted plant in the hallway."
Cordy clutched her sides in silent laughter, holding one hand up to signal that Angel should wait until she could catch her breath before continuing. She was still amazed at the funnier side of Angel. She walked in and sat down in one of the chairs near the bed. She smiled sympathetically. "Wanna tell me what happened?"
"Not really. No."
"Good. I don't really care. You're a freak and you deserve it for hanging out with Slayers when you're a vampire." She smiled brightly at him. There was no rancor in her statement, just the facts as she saw them. "Now. Let me tell you about my day."
"Vision?"
She held up a bottle of extra strength aspirin in answer. "Here it is. Wesley, Gunn and I are going on vacation. You're paying because you're our boss. And you're staying here. Ok?"
Angel looked offended for a moment. "I'm not invited?"
"Well, no." She beamed, then moved to sit next to him. "You're going to stay here and play with the slayers. We're going to sit on the beach and drink things with umbrellas in the glasses. And you know why you're going to go along with this?"
"Why?"
"Because the Powers That Be have spoken. Now, run along and get your credit cards, shoo!" She made 'shoo-ing' gestures.
"The PTB want me to give you an all expense paid vacation?"
"No, the PTB want you left alone with a Slayer. I want a vacation." She didn't even look sheepish. Then she abruptly got up and left the room. He didn't bother asking where she was going. She was going to get his credit cards from the office. Of course, it wasn't until after she left to pack an hour later that he wondered which Slayer she meant.
Later on that day, Dawn held the phone against her ear."Giles?"
"This is he." He sounded annoyed in that oh-so-proper-and-formal British way of his.
"Anything nasty around? Big gooey demons are anything?"
"It's been remarkably quiet, Dawn. Uh. . .are things with you and Faith, er, going well?"
"Yes! Lots of training. Lots. Uh-huh."
"Splendid. And the new moves should. . .uh prove useful, yes?"
"Yes." She said brightly. "Everything is going well with you?"
"Just fine, Dawn. And I'm glad to hear that you've all settled in and this has been . . .productive. I'm a trifle busy at the moment. Can I ring you tomorrow?"
"Sure. Talk to you later, Giles."
"Of course. Have a good evening, Dawn." He hung up the phone. He turned
back to the television screen. He picked up the bowl of buttered popcorn from the
coffee table and used the remote to turn the volume up. PBS was showing Sense and
Sensibility.
"That was too much fun." Faith declared, walking in the hotel and swinging her shopping bag. She had never been like most girls. Sure, she appreciated nice clothes but she hated shopping. Hated waiting in lines and trying things on. Somehow, the blond vampire at her side had made it less irritating.
"Especially when you're not paying for it." Spike agreed. He patted his own shopping bag. Inside, was a blue speedo earmarked for Dawn's viewing pleasure.
"Where have you two been?" Angel said, he stood framed in his office doorway, arms folded across his massive chest.
"Don't we look all manly and superheroish? Where's your tights, poof?"
"The dry cleaners." Angel said, deadpan. Both of their jaws dropped. "Kidding. Sense of humor now. Remember?"
"I don't know. Tights would highlight those well-defined calves of yours. Might be sexy." Dawn said, coming into the room. She was determined to see this thing through. She'd been able to provoke Spike before yesterday. Time to do it again. She walked over to Angel and balanced on her tiptoes to give him a thorough kiss. This was deeper than their others, much more convincing.
Angel smiled at her when the kiss was over and slowly released her arms, which he had been holding to support her. "Next time we play dress-up I'll wear them." He said loud enough for Faith and Spike to hear.
"You play dress up?" Spike screeched. "What kind of dress up? Playin' poofy house or what not. . .or y'know. . .dress-up." His eyes widened and his eyebrows lifted.
Angel's slow smile and sultry sweep of Dawn's body was unholy. Something Angelus would have done. "Usually we play doctor but everyone need's variety."
Faith was speechless for once. Who knew Angel could be spicy? She'd always thought his soul would preclude anything but vanilla.
Dawn snuggled up against Angel. She gave Spike a smug smile. "He's good at playing a wicked school master too." Somehow she managed not too blush.
Angel looked down at her in equal parts horror and curiosity. She knew he'd be interrogating her later.
Spike sputtered. "Well, that's. . .just. . ." He looked at Faith for help.
"Sick?" She offered.
"Yes, that's what I was going for." He looked at Angel and shook his finger. "Sick." Then he turned around and followed Faith up the stairs, clutching the bag with his speedo in it. He turned around once on the stairs to glare down at Angel. "Sick." He shook his head and bounded up the rest of the way.
Angel waited until they were out of earshot. "Where the hell. . .who the hell did that come from?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" She rolled back on her heels and clapped her hands once. "So, how'd I do? Make with the praise. I should have been an actress."
"That was kind of sick."
"And you were thinking about it too, sicko. Now, what's next in our plan?"
"Sea breezes."
"How come you never brought me here before?"
"Because you don't bring impressionable young girls to bars." Angel said, looking around at the large crowd nervously.
"Ooh! Does that mean you think I'm a woman?"
"No, it means I think you've already had an impression made on you. "He muttered. "School masters, my fangs." His demeanor seemed to say "kids these days!"
"Get over it, Angel. I want a drink!" She stared at the bartender who was mixing some bloody, Bloody Marys. Then she turned to Angel. "Do they have a menu?"
"No. How about a Shirley Temple?"
She knew what that one was. What had Xander mentioned before. . . .? Oh yeah. "Or an Alabama Slammer?"
He glowered. "You're still under age."
"You were the one who brought me to a bar. Remember?" A demon bar at that.
But at least there was no fighting here.
"What can I get you?" The bartender said, looking them over.
"I want a shot of blood."
"Angel!" She nudged him. "You need a drink."
"Alright, fine." His eyes held a glint of sin. "I'll have a Sex on the Beach."
"Very good sir. And you, miss?"
"I'll have a Sea Breeze."
"Do you have i.d., miss?"
"I'm a vampire."
"Prove it."
"You want me to bite you?" Dawn asked, trying to look very threatening. "Cause I do that, y'know. I bite, I drink. . .stuff. Could be a human, could be alcohol. You never know." She tried to appear evil.
"Now, I know you're not a vampire. You couldn't smell my blood. I'm not completely human, I'm half demon."
"You're right. But I'm all Slayer." She reached over and grabbed the man by the collar and pulled him off his feet. "Give me a drink and I won't bruise your face."
"Give the lady a drink, Todd. She may be young but she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. " The Host said, coming up behind the bar."Put him down, please, sweetie." Dawn released the hapless bartender who scurried off to make her a drink. "Well, now. A vampire slayer and a vampire. Anyone else having deja vu?" He winked at Angel. "So, Angelfood, what's this cutie's name?"
Dawn spoke up. "My name is Dawn. You are. . .?"
"Lorne. Or The Host." He smiled as Todd handed her the drink. "Sea Breeze, huh? She has good taste." He tapped Angel's arm. "But she's with you so that's a given, huh?"
Dawn took this in very carefully. "Are you hitting on Angel?"
"Finally! Someone noticed." He looked pointedly at the clueless vampire. "Not that tall dark and fangy here cares. Maybe you'll have more luck." He blew them both a kiss. "Ta, kiddies. Make sure to make your selections soon, the place is hoppin' tonight." He strutted away from them.
"Selections?" Dawn asked.
"Karaoke. We're going to sing."
"You sing?" She giggled. Then she sobered when he didn't crack a smile. "Oh, God, you're serious. She began to sweat a little, she hated her singing voice. "And you really know that green demon pretty well, don't you? You could do worse you know. Just think about it-"
"I don't want to, Dawn." Angel tossed back his drink. "Think of a song to sing."
"This is fun and all, but why?"
Angel began to fill her in on the Host's abilities.
"A demon karaoke bar. What'll they think of next?" Spike said. "Do you think they have those flowering onions?"
"I bet they do." Faith said, taking a table. "I can't imagine why Angel would come to this place. It seems so noisy and. . . filled with others. I know that he's chipper and all these days, but this has to be a little much for him."
"Who knows about the poof these days?" Spike offered. "He's up, he's down. He's laughing or. . .playing a school master."
"Please don't talk about that." Faith clutched her stomach. "I. . .yuck."
"I need a bleedin' beer."
"You're wish is my command."
Spike looked up to see a big green demon leering at him. "I don't do demons."
"You're almost exclusively into Slayers." Lorne smiled. "And yes you do, you big liar."
"How the bloody hell did you know that?"
"It's my job, blue eyes. " He put down a playlist for them both. "Sing for me and I can tell you more." He turned to Faith. "You too, gorgeous." Then he walked off to help his other patrons.
Angel downed another shot, there were three more in front of him.
They had decided to get a table. "So, what are you going to sing?"
"True Blue."
"Never heard of it."
"Don't worry, you will." Dawn finished the rest of her drink. She felt. . .mellow. She flagged down another waiter. "Another please!"
"Pace yourself." Angel warned.
"Uh-huh." She had no intention of following his advice. "What are you going to sing?"
"Don't you Forget about Me."
"I won't. But what are you going to sing?" She giggled and he rolled his eyes.
The waiter brought her another drink another shot for Angel. Dawn drank hers down and snatched one of Angel's shots which she also drained. She felt decidedly giddy.
For his part, Angel was starting to feel the effects as well. He had never been much of a drinker and had a low tolerance. "We gotta get ourselves out of this mess, princess." Actually, the idea was to get both women away from Spike but he doubted that she would be receptive to that.
"We will, Angel. Don't worry."
"Okay, now I'm worried." Faith said. She watched as Spike downed his fourth shot of tequila. He had graduated from beer to the harder stuff.
"Don't be, luv." He gave her a blurry smile. "I have a high tolerance. Comes from drinking myself silly on a yearly basis."
"Every year?"
"Well, no. Not ever year. Only the ones when the poof takes my girlfriend. Which happens more often then you think."
"I see." She sipped her Corona.
"Drink more, luv. You gotta keep up the pace."
"Right. Because two drunk people is much more fun than one."
"Exactly! 'Sides, yo might as well accept the inevitable. It's not like we're making much headway. Let's face it, he's going to get to Dawn and both of them will leave us out in the cold."
"I need another beer!" Faith said to a passing waiter.
"So, what are you going to sing, pet?"
"Bette Davis Eyes."
"But you don't have her eyes." He peered into her dark eyes. "Doesn't she have blue ones?" He shook his head. "Is she dead?"
"I don't know, Spike. What are you going to sing?"
"Punk Rock Girl."
"I see. And did you make that song up all by yourself?"
"No, a bunch of dead milkmen sing it."
"Oh-kay." She tipped her beer back and drained it. Hopefully, the alcohol would make her find the humor in the situation.
"Did you know that your hair sticks straight up?" Dawn asked, staring at Angel in wonder.
He touched his hair. "I thought you liked my hair."
"I do." She reached out and touched the springy hair at the top. "Don't you wish you could see yourself?"
He sighed. "Sometimes. I almost forget what I look like."
"Ooh! I know! I know! Come to the bathroom with me." She hiccuped.
"Uh, I can't go to the bathroom with you." Angel shook his muzzy head. The room was starting to swim. "I'm not a lady."
"I didn't say you were." She puffed out her bottom lip. "But I don't like to go alone. It's no fun that way. And. . .and I can point out what you look like while you stare in the mirror. It'll be just like you're seeing yourself."
"You would do that for me?"
"Uh-huh. Please, Angel?"
"Alright." She grabbed his hand and pulled him up to his feet. Then, they pushed their way to the back hallway. It lead to the 'little demon's room.'
She ducked her head inside. "Coast is clear, Angel." She walked in.
He snuck in behind her. Angel was amazed. "It's so . . .so. . .pink."
She snorted with laughter. "Most ladies bathrooms are."
"Oh." He wandered to the sink with it's huge mirror. Angel leaned over and stared into the silvery surface. "Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who's the handsome-est vampire of all?" He rose one eyebrow at the lack of response.
"You are! Next to Spike of course." Dawn cried from inside her stall. Angel jumped back from the mirror. She laughed at his expression when she stumbled out of the bathroom stall and went to the nearest sink to wash her hands.
"Not funny. This is a demon bar. Never know what could happen."
"You were scared. Admit it, weren't you? Weren't you?"
"Was not. Shut up!" He glared at her. "Now, let's get to the important stuff." He struck a pose. " What do I look like?"
She hopped up on the counter next to him. He looked into his non-reflection once more. A tentative hand stroked his hair. "Silky dark hair. Deep brown eyes." She ran her hand along his cheek. "Your skin is smooth and has a natural tan to it." He turned to face her. "Square chin and. . .and . . .a rose colored mouth." She brushed her fingertips across his mouth.
Angel's eyes flared and his hands reached for her.
"What are you doing in here!?!" A female Vroth demon screamed. "This is for females only!"
Angel looked the demon up and down from it's bumpy head to it's lumpy toes. "Yeah, well. Being female is kind of relative for you, isn't it?"
"Angel!"Dawn smacked his arm.
The demon whipped out it's poisonous tongue. Angel blinked. "Well that's disgusting! Put that away!" He shook his head. "Are you trying to make me sick? 'Cuz it's working."
"We were just leaving, ma'm." Dawn said, grabbing the large vampire's arm They ran out of the bathroom laughing like two naughty children.
When they got to their table, they both downed a celebratory drink. "You're up, big guy." The Host said, pointing to the stage. "And try not to stay up there too long. I don't want to lose too many customers."
Angel wobbled all the way to the stage, and clutched the microphone in his shaking hand. Everyone in the audience who heard him sing before, started to head for the door. The soulled vampire glared. "Hey, I haven't even begun yet!"
"He's gonna sing, luv. Cover your ears." Spike said, downing shot. "Bloody, bloody hell."
"You've heard him sing before?"
"In the shower." He nodded once.
"And you two never-"
"I'm no poof shagger, thank you very much."
"That's right. You're a wanna-be-key-licker."
"You wanna start somethin', missy? I'll take you down." He put up his 'dukes'.
"No, no. Don't start that." She took a swig from her beer. "I wanna hear Angel sing."
"No, you really don't, luv. Pay attention, this place is gonna clear out." They both leaned back in their chairs and watched as he began to sing.
Won't you come see about me I'll be alone, dancing --- you know it
Baby Tell me your troubles and doubts
Giving me everything inside and out Love's strange --- so real in the dark
Think of the tender things
That we were working on
Slow change may pull us apart
When the light gets into your heart,
Baby Don't you forget about me
Don't, don't, don't, don't
Don't you forget about me
Will you stand above me
Look my way, never love me
Rain keeps falling
Rain keeps falling
Down, down, down
"Yes, yes. Turn it down. Way down." Spike rolled his eyes. He took a swig of beer and observed the rest of the crowd. They all had pained expressions -- everyone accept Dawn. She watched Angel with a rapt expression, her eyes were all over him. She was probably imagining him in his knickers or in that damnable swim suit. Fruity bastard.
He looked over at Faith, she was ogling the eye candy but did it discreetly, she at least looked dismayed by the singing voice. Her eyes were soft though, a gentle expression was also on her face. Yep, she had it bad. He did sound like a foghorn. Bloody sire, singin' a bloody song in the bloody nightclub when he should be at his bloody home readin' a boring bloody book.
Will you recognize me
Call my name or walk on by
Rain keeps falling
Rain keeps falling
Down, down, down
Don't you try and pretend It's my beginning
We'll win in the end I won't harm you
Or touch your defenses
Dawn continued to watch Angel sing. Was it just her or was he amazing? He hardly slurred at all. She downed the rest of her drink. It could be the alcohol. And, wow, did he look good in black. Go, Angel! As he finished his song, she jumped to her feet to applaud wildly. She was the only one.
Angel left the stage and sat down beside The Host. "I can see you've had quite a few drinks, Angelicious. Pretty tune you chose, by the way."
"Thanks." He smiled broadly. "S'what's it to be? What should I do?"
"Well, I can see a dark haired Slayer in your future. I know that for sure." The Host winked. "Sure you aren't interested in a green demon with a sweet singing voice and flashing red eyes?"
"Are you hitting on me?" Angel looked upset and then he grinned. He patted his hair. "I am kinda sexy, huh? I shoulda done that song, y'know the one."
"The song?"
"The old one. . .oh, I know! I'm too Sexy."
"I think we've already established that." The Host said dryly.
"No!" Angel started to sing. Loudly. "I'm too sexy for my cat. Come on, pu-"
"Angel! Don't you dare sing the rest of that lyric. This is a family place!" He hissed. Angel gave him a sideways look."Okay, so it's not. Just be quiet, like any good stealthy vampire."
"Alright. If you tell me what I'm supposed to do. What do the Powers say?"
"They say that you need to make up your own mind." He pursed his lips. "They do have more important things to do, like avert apocalypses and such. " He pointed to his head. "This isn't 'Loveline' you know."
"Oh, yeah. That was really worth the public humiliation." Angel scowled.
"Oh, be quiet." He thought a moment. "It's not wrong to have feelings for Faith. I know that when you were with Buffy you had a thing for her. It's not a sin to act on those. You don't belong to Buffy. Give her a chance. And the other one too. She's Buffy's little sister but she's not Buffy. Don't forget that." Before Angel could respond, he pointed to the stage. "Dawn's on."
Dawn stepped up to the microphone and looked at the prompter. Her song appeared. She took a deep breath and began to sing.
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick,
Faith grinned. She elbowed Spike. "That's my girl! She sounds damn good." She beamed as any proud parent should.
Spike was transfixed. It wasn't that her voice was perfect. It wasn't. But it was pleasant and melodious, rolling across the stage to where he sat in the shadows, it entered his ears like rich warm honey. Beautiful. Just like she was. Instinctively, he knew that the song was for him. About him. And their relationship. It melted him on the spot. He rose to his feet but Faith grabbed his arm and shook her head. Oh, right. They were hiding from them, spying. Damn it. He sat back down.
Angel put his head in his hand. He looked at The Host, his features grave. "Do you think she sounds better than me?"
"Hush, Angelface. I'm listening."
if you're lost you can look--and you will find me
Dawn finished her song and smiled as the crowd broke into enthusiastic applause. "Thank you!" She bounded from the stage to table where Angel and Lorne sat. "So?"
"Sit your sweet self down, Dawn." She sat down eagerly. "Really got a thing for this Spike guy, don't you?"
She smiled shyly. "Yeah."
"And someone else too?" He rose his eyebrows.
"Uh, no. Nope. No one else."
Angel growled. "Who?"
"No one. He's wrong." Dawn gave The Host a feral smile. Even in her inebriated state she was a force to be reckoned with.
He took the hint. "Maybe I was mistaken." He rolled his eyes and pointed to Angel. "I doubt he'll remember anyway. He's sloshed."
"Whatever. So, how's it going to go?"
"I have no idea. Nothing's been decided yet. You need to make up your mind. Honey, Spike has been your dream lover for years. But you need to bring him into your real life. Real love is nothing like the fantasy. You need to let the Spike of your dreams go and embrace the man, er, vamp that he is. You also need to explore your feelings for the other--"
"Got it. Thanks, Mr. Host with the Most Man." She said quickly. She stood on wobbly feet. "Ready to go, Angel?"
"I'm ready, princess." He stood up and gave Lorne a broad smile. "You wanna kiss me goodnight, don't ya? You think I'm a hunk of salty goodness. Don't ya?"
"I think you're drunk." He shook his head . "Goodnight, Angelfood. It was nice meeting you, Dawn. You two kids go straight home now."
Angel and Dawn had left moments ago and Spike was anxious to know his future. He stared down at the crowd from the stage. He loved this, loved being the center of attention. They were a rowdy group too. He grabbed up the microphone and began to belt out his song. As he did so, he strutted around the stage winking at the pretty girls. He lifted his lip up into a curl during his favorite parts and kept grinning at Faith.
One Saturday I took a walk to Zipperhead
Faith grinned. She knew he was singing about Dawn. He was so damn cute, too. She had to admit that she wasn't immune to his many charms. There was something about him. . .the attitude, the coat, ice blue eyes and the cheekbones, well, they spoke for themselves. He wasn't Angel but he wasn't bad. Not bad at all. But she wouldn't act on that for Dawn's sake.
Spike sat beside the green demon. "You're nothin' like your sire."
"Everyone always says that." Spike narrowed his eyes.
"I think it's a good. They say variety is the 'spike' of life." He laughed at his own joke. Spike did too, he was just drunk enough to find that funny.
"So, tell me about the Bit. Am I gonna get her? Will she be mine?"
"I don't know."
"You suck at this mind reading thing." Spike blinked at the table as if seeing it for the first time. "Don't you have one of those crystal ball thingies that tells you the future?"
"Uh, no. I read you when you sing."
"And my song didn't tell you a damn thing?" Spike was pissed.
"Wouldn't say that. You are quite the romantic. You're actually a rare breed of vamp, a lover and a fighter."
"What about Dawn?"
"It's still up in the air." He sighed. " One thing though. She's not her sister. Remember that. Don't compare them and let her know that its her you're interested in, not a Buffy substitute."
"Good advice." Spike patted himself down. "Am I supposed to give you a tip or something?"
"How about a kiss?"
"Bugger off."
"Well, I wanted the kiss first but-"
"Shh. Faith's on."
Her hair is Harlow gold, her lips sweet surprise
Her hands are never cold, she's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll turn the music on you, you won't have to think twice
She's pure as New York snow, she got Bette Davis eyes
And she'll tease you, she'll unease you
All the better just to please you
She's precocious, and she knows just
What it takes to make a pro blush
She got Greta Garbo's stand off sighs, she's got Bette Davis eyes
Spike smiled at the Slayer. So beautiful and she had a throaty, deep voice. It wasn't like Dawn's but it still affected him. She was something alright. All fire and vinegar. She was far more beautiful than Buffy yet she didn't know it. She still lived in the other Slayer's shadow. She was her own woman, too bloody good for Angel. That didn't stop girls from throwing themselves at the dunderhead though. Maybe it was the hair gel.
She'll let you take her home, it whets her appetite
She'll lay you on the throne, she got Bette Davis eyes
She'll take a tumble on you, roll you like you were dice
Until you come up blue, she's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll expose you, when she snows you
Hope you breathe with the crumbs she throws you
She's ferocious and she knows just
What it takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes
And she'll tease you, she'll unease you
All the better just to please you
She's precocious, and she knows just
What it takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes...
The Host grinned as the dark slayer approached. "Bravo!" She sat down with a grin on her face. "That song was tres apropos, n'est pas?"
"You lost me there, Green Giant. Did you see anything though? Where does my path lead?"
"Right where you are, sweet thing. Just sit back and let things sort themselves off."
"What about Angel?"
"He looks divine in black leather."
"Knew that. What else?"
"You have a thing for him. Go with it for now. Nothing's been decided."
"You weren't that much of a help."
"Demons rarely are."
"I wish I were Angelus."
"What?!?"
"Not because of the killing. I just...he's so free. I miss that. He always took what he wanted, no regrets." Angel sat on top of his desk, shirt unbuttoned, his jacket strewn on the floor."Plus the wadrobe." He got up and twisted around to see his behind. "So frustrating. Can't see myself in mirrors." He ran his hands down his thighs. "I bet my backside looks great in leather." He laughed, sounded linking a demented leprechaun or other fey creature from his homeland. Dawn sat down heavily on the couch.
Yum. Angel in leather pants. . .without leather pants, too. I'm a bad, bad girl. "He took what he wanted. . .what do you want?"
He looked at her hungrily. Best not to answer that. I'm a pervert, a big undead pervert. She's 18, I'm old enough to be her grandfather, four or five times over.
She went over and put her arms around him. "I don't. I like Angel much better." She kissed his cheeks. " I have no desire to see your--"
"I didn't offer!"
"-demon."
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing." He gave a small laugh as he wrapped his arms around her. Subject change. "That feels nice." He rested his head on top of hers. "Still tipsy?"
"Yep. Think the room's really spinning?" She moved her head around and around in the motion.
He frowned. "Could be a quake." The he grabbed her. "Buffy!"
"What?"
"Buffy usually dies during earthquakes! We should warn her!"
"She's on her honeymoon."
"So?"
"Nah, nothin' will happen to her. She's tuffy Buffy, besides, she's got Riley around." She closed her eyes.
"I hate that guy."
"Me too." She giggled. "Wanna go upstairs?"
"Sure."
"Can I sleep with you?" She yawned.
"Will you throw me across the room anymore?"
"Nope."
"Then its fine by me."
"Will you sing me another chorus of 'I'm too Sexy?'"
Angel pulled his shirt off and did a 'strip tease' as they drunkenly stumbled up the stairs. "On the catwalk, I shake my little tush, on the catwalk!"
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