Confrontation
Anya was none too pleased to have Giles back looking over her shoulder in The Magic Box. He had said that it was a short visit, just to see Buffy again, but he seemed curiously interested in the cash register receipts. Next thing she knew, he would be wanting to go over the account records books. This was not what she thought consisted of being in charge of the store.
She heard the merry little tinkle of the bell above the door, and her heart leapt at the thought of new customers to buy things. Though it was long after closing hours, she was never averse to opening the store for potential patrons, and didn’t mind that she had forgotten to lock the door.
She was disappointed to see that the newcomer was an old acquaintance, and one not known for the possession of deep pockets. “Hi Angel,” she said. “Want to buy some stuff?”
Giles turned on hearing the vampire’s name. Angel looked him in the eye and said, “She’s alive. Where is she?”
Smiling weakly, Giles replied, “Hello Angel. How nice to see you. Ah, Buffy said that she would be home this evening. If she isn’t there yet, I’m sure she will be soon. It is getting late.”
Angel looked at him with determination. “She isn’t there now - I just checked. Why did you all wait so long to tell me she was back? I had to hear it from Cordelia.”
“Angel,” replied Giles, “her resurrection was very traumatic. I’ve only arrived yesterday to see her myself. I’m sure she would have called you when she was ready. In any case, you’re here now. Why don’t we go over to her house and wait for her together?”
Angel wasn’t convinced. “I’d rather go over and see her alone.”
Giles was not to be put off. “I did promise her I would drop round with this...” he scanned the shelves quickly “...this Malaysian spirit statue. Since you’re going over, it would be very convenient for me to tag along with it.”
Anya was dismayed. “I don’t see why she’d want that. Are you sure she wants that?”
Giles looked at her sternly. “Quite sure.”
“Okay,” replied Anya. “As long as she pays for it.”
The motorcycle roared along the quiet, suburban street before turning in to the Summers’ driveway. The blonde, apparently young, helmetless driver helped the lovely young woman down from the back of the bike. He watched her remove her helmet and place it on the seat. “Thanks Spike,” Buffy said to the driver. “I had a great time.”
“Yeah,” replied the vampire, “The Bronze wasn’t half bad tonight. Least they put the onion flower back on the menu.”
“I meant the music,” Buffy said. “I love to dance.” And with that she raised her hands in the air and wiggled to an imaginary melody.
“I know you do,” he replied appreciatively, “and I love to watch you do it.”
“Well,” she looked up at his handsome face, “I guess this is good night.” Wistfully, she put her arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. He knew she was only seeing him because she was grateful for his devotion in protecting her sister, but he didn’t care. He thought that he loved her enough for the both of them. In the meantime, he would enjoy the warm feel of her lips on his cool mouth.
“What the hell are you doing?” cried a voice behind them on the lawn. “Get away from her, you bastard. I don’t know what sick games you’re playing with her, or how you’re manipulating her, but get away from my girl!”
“Your girl, ya big git!” retorted Spike. “She hasn’t been your girl since you walked out on her!”
Angel pulled back his arm and smashed Spike in the face with his fist. Spike responded by kicking Angel in the leg. Buffy tried to run between them, but Giles, who had watched the confrontation, held her back. “Let them work it out for themselves,” he said to her quietly.
All around the front yard they fought, punching and kicking; growling like a pair of Dobermans. Both were wearing their vampire faces, foreheads wrinkled and canine teeth bared. Angel had the weight and height advantage. He threw Spike to the ground, and broke a branch off a nearby elm tree. With his foot firmly planted on Spike’s midriff, he raised the branch over the younger vampire’s chest and prepared to strike.
Buffy had seen enough. She grabbed Angel’s arm and held it back, crying, “Stop it Angel! I love him!”
“You love him?” Angel said, removing his foot from Spike’s body.
“You love me?” Spike said, raising up on one elbow and wiping the blood from his mouth.
Buffy, still restraining Angel’s attack, looked down into Spike’s piercing blue eyes and said, “I love you.”
Angel dropped his impromptu stake onto the lawn. “What the hell is happening here?” he asked.
Giles patted Angel’s shoulder and replied, “Come back to my hotel room for a cup of hot tea, old boy, and I’ll explain everything.” Angel followed him dejectedly.
Buffy helped Spike up from the ground and supported him. “Is it true?” he asked her. “You really love me?”
Buffy laughed and replied, “You are such an idiot sometimes.” She kissed him deeply and led him to her front door. “Willow and Tara are very understanding, but Dawn’s asleep, so we have to be very quiet. Well, maybe not TOO quiet.”
Spike smiled, a wide Cheshire smile. “Bloody all right.” he said.