Chapter 52
Buffy pulled the stopper on the tub, slipped on William’s robe, and went in search of him.
As she slid one of the panels open from the bedroom, she could see that he had started a fire in the fireplace. Many of the exterior panels had been slid open and the fresh air filled the room. He had swung the sofa around so that it faced the outdoors. He had a bottle of ginger ale and two glasses sitting out. She could hear a track of Spanish guitar music playing softly. So softly that she could still hear the sounds of the crickets outside.
She walked through and found him in the kitchen. He was perched on a stool and was intently peering at his laptop, which was sitting on the kitchen counter. She noticed that he had placed the ultrasound picture on the refrigerator and that he was nursing a glass of brandy while reading. She quietly walked around the counter and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Sorry, luv. Got a bit distracted,” he said as he set down the brandy glass.
“So,” she said waving her hand dramatically in the air, “I guess the spark is gone.”
William grabbed Buffy around the waist and pulled her in close. “Never,” he said as he held her face in his hands and passionately kissed her, exploring her mouth, still tasting the sweet maple flavor of the syrup on her tongue.
“Okay, I stand corrected, there is still definite sparkage,” she confirmed. “What are you looking at?” she asked.
“Buffy, this is amazing. Look at this website I found. You enter the date of conception and you get like a day-by-day developmental calendar. It’s incredible!” said William enthusiastically.
“Really? Let me see,” said Buffy as she stepped in between his legs so that she, too, had a good view of the computer screen.
“Here. For the first five days it’s all about the, you know, sperm and the egg creating a single cell. Then that cell, the zygote, divides into more cells. On the 21st of June? The night of Imperiale’s party? The night we spent on my boat? Around then the embryo would have been implanting in your uterus. At this point the amniotic sac, cavity and yolk sac has formed, the placenta has developed and the primitive streak and the head has formed!”
“That primitive streak? He gets that from you,” she teased.
“It’s like an early spinal chord, luv,” corrected William.
“I know. I was just teasing. Not like I’ve never been through this before,” she said.
A mixture of anger, embarrassment, and disappointment quickly passed across Williams face. “Look, I know that you’ve been through this before. But, this time it’s different. This time, it’s mine. It’s yours and its mine. So much is going to be happening over the next few weeks, Buffy, by Sunday? There should be early heart beats!”
“So,” said Buffy tentatively. “Does this mean that you want to have the baby too?”
William turned Buffy around so that she was facing him. He looked at her and with complete certainty, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, said, “Buffy? My father walked away from a woman that he loved. I am not going to do that. You and this nibblet,” he said as he lovingly caressed her stomach, “you’re stuck with me. I love you. I love you both. Please let me do this with you. Please let me make this choice. I know that this is a lot to take in. It has been for me too. I know that most folks would say that it would take a bloody miracle for us to make this work, having known each other for such a short time. But, we’ve already created one miracle, haven’t we?”
Buffy could only nod as her eyes were filled with tears. After a few seconds William untied Buffy’s robe then leaned down and softly said to her stomach, “You’re a little miracle, aren’t you poppet?” Buffy giggled as she felt the warm caress of this breath dance across her bare belly. William looked up at Buffy and as he gazed deeply into her eyes asked, “What do you say? Can we give this a chance?”
Before she could respond, a huge explosion sounded. William jumped off of the stool and pulling Buffy with him ran back towards the living room. He stopped in front of the sofa and turned her so that she had a clear view of the outside. There, over the vineyards, she saw the sky completely aglow with an absolutely spectacular fireworks display.
“You know,” he whispered, “you’ve got to hand it to Mondavi. The guy’s got class. Treating us to this. How do you suppose he knew that we had so much to celebrate? Happy Forth of July, Buffy,” said William as he pressed his lips softly again hers in a gentle kiss, a kiss that was filled with promise and filled with love.
---------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 53
Buffy woke up alone in bed. The last thing she remembered was being curled up on the sofa, next to William, watching the fireworks. She realized that he must have carried her to bed after she had fallen asleep. “Some fun date you are,” said Buffy to herself as she threw back the covers. She was still wearing William’s robe. She went to the bathroom, quickly ran a brush through her hair, then made her way out of the bedroom to search for him.
As Buffy made her way into the kitchen she heard Catherine talking to someone on the phone, “Okay, sweetie, love you too, talk to you later,” she said before hanging up.
“Morning!” said Buffy as she looked around, “Where’s William?”
“It’s actually afternoon, 1:00. I made you some decaf,” said Catherine as she walked over and poured a cup of coffee. “William left just a few seconds ago to go work out. There’s a gym down the path a little ways, adjacent to the pool.”
“Thanks,” said Buffy as she accepted the coffee. “I can’t believe I slept so late.”
As Catherine walked over and picked Carys up from her bassinette, Dylan toddled over to her and requested some juice.
“Do you mind getting Dylan some juice while I feed Carys?” asked Catherine.
“No, not at all,”responded Buffy as she pulled some apple juice from the refrigerator and poured it into Dylan’s sippy cup.
“You know, I was exhausted too, for the first couple months. Michael used to tease me about it all the time,” shared Catherine.
Buffy was obviously flustered and seemed a bit at a loss for words, “I-”
“I saw the ultrasound on the refrigerator. William said that the two of you hadn’t had a chance to talk about how or when you were going to let people know. Sorry. I don’t mean to be intrusive. Believe me, I understand. I can appreciate your wanting to keep your private life, well, private,” said Catherine.
“I guess I’m still adjusting to the idea,” said Buffy as she sat her coffee cup on the counter and walked over to look at the ultrasound photo.
“It changes your life, motherhood, that’s for sure,” said Catherine as she looked lovingly at her daughter feeding from her breast.
“I didn’t think I would ever have children, didn’t think I could. Now, suddenly I’m going to be a single mom, it’s daunting,” confided Buffy.
“It’s daunting even when you’re married. It’s such a responsibility, raising a child. But, it’s such a privilege too. Who’s to say you have to do this alone? It’s obvious William loves you. I get the distinct impression that he intends to be a part of your lives,” said Catherine.
“Well, he’s said he wants to be a part of the baby’s life-” said Buffy.
“Your not sure how he feels about you,” offered Catherine.
“No, not exactly, I know that he loves me. I’m being stupid,” said Buffy.
“Blame it on hormones, that’s what I did,” suggested Catherine. “Why don’t you go see him? You’ll feel better. As soon as I finish feeding Carys I was going to put her down for a nap and take Dylan for a swim. Come down to the pool with us. I’ll show you where he’s working out.”
“Are you through for the day?” asked Buffy.
“Yeah. We are now. You two need to spend some time together. You know what would be fun? Why don’t you surprise William with a cookout by the pool this evening?” suggested Catherine.
“I’m not very skilled in the cooking department,” said Buffy.
“Lucky you! I can show you how to make my personal favorite,” offered Catherine as she moved Carys to her shoulder to burp her.
“What’s that?” asked Buffy cautiously.
“A phone-call to gourmet delivery?” answered Catherine as she picked up the telephone and started to dial. “You go get ready for the swim, I’ll call and arrange dinner.”
“But, I didn’t bring a suit,” said Buffy.
“Just go in your knickers and a t-shirt. Dylan and I won’t care and the workmen are all gone for the day,” suggested Catherine. “You know, we’ll be out of your hair altogether in an hour. I’ll have your dinner delivered here, with all the fixings. Just have William light the grill and come up and fetch it.”
“Are you sure?” hollered Buffy from the bedroom as she pulled off the robe and started looking through William’s drawers for a t-shirt.
“Most definitely!” assured Catherine.
Ten minutes later they were on their way down the slate path towards the pool. Catherine pointed out the workout room to Buffy. Through the windows, which lined the front, Buffy could see William, boxing gloves on, hitting a punching bag. He was shirtless, a heavy sheen of sweat making his torso and abdomen glisten. Buffy licked her lips. He looked intent as he pounded, mercilessly, on the bag. Then he stopped. Buffy watched him pull off his gloves. He tossed them onto the floor, picked up a water bottle and took a deep drink. Then Buffy watched as he disappeared around a corner.
“He’s going into the steam room. You know, it’ll be all hot and, well, steamy in there. You should probably go check on him. Make sure he’s not too lonely,” said Catherine with a wink before giving Buffy a nudge towards the work out room and heading off with the kids towards the pool.
William sat, reclined, on the bottom step of the steam room. The room was approximately 6X8 and it was tiled in white marble. There was a row of benches along two of the walls. An infusion of hot steam had just been piped into the space. William leaned his head back against the slick marble and exhaled. He hadn’t slept well the previous night. There were too many thoughts rolling around in his head. He was reflecting on how, in a moment, your priorities can change. How your life can change.
Buffy opened the door to the steam room and she was immediately engulfed in what appeared to be a thick, dense, fog. She stepped inside, cautiously, so as not to slip on the wet marble. At first the air in the room felt stifling, almost suffocating. The steam was so dense that she couldn’t see. She waited a moment for her eyes to adjust, and then she saw him, through the mist. He sat up, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist.
He saw her, walk slowly into the room. She was wearing one of his t-shirts. Almost instantly the level of moisture in the room caused the cotton fabric to fuse to her skin, revealing every curve. As she approached him he sat up and reached out towards her, “Hey sleepyhead,” he said.
“Hey yourself. Lucky for you, I’m feeling all refreshed,” she replied coyly as she stepped between his legs. She noticed a bead of sweat roll off his face. It continued past his neck and was now making the pleasurable journey over his well-defined pecs. Buffy reached out and ran her fingers over his sweat drenched forehead, down the sides of his face, and over his neck before leaning down and kissing him passionately.
William reached for the hem of her t-shirt and began to pull it upwards. As Buffy broke off the kiss he pulled the garment up and over her head, tossing it onto the damp floor. Her underwear came next. He hooked his thumbs over the sides and pushed them down to her knees, then he used his foot to nudge them the rest of the way off.
Buffy reached down and pulled Williams towel open. His cock was already fully erect, a drop of pre-cum weeping from the head. She was barely able to register the image as he quickly pulled her towards him, engulfing her breast in his mouth, worrying her nipple gently with his teeth. “Oh,” gasped Buffy, “tender!”
William released her nipple immediately and gently, soothingly, licked it, “Sorry,” he said softly as he reached up to pull her head down and towards him. He kissed her then, softly at first. He ran his hands down the length of her body, now sopping wet with perspiration from the steam, from the heat. “From me,” he thought as he slid a finger between her folds to confirm the dampness existed there as well. He then began to kiss her more ardently, his need for her, to be inside of her mounting. He took her lower lip into his mouth sucking on it ardently. God, how he wanted her, wanted to take her, mark her, wanted to make her his.
Buffy could feel his arms tightening around her as his tongue continued to stroke hers. His kiss was becoming more insistent, more passionate. She climbed onto his lap so that she was straddling him, one knee on either side, kneeling on the marble, her hands grasping the top step for support. He wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her body against his chest. In one fluid motion she impaled herself on his cock. He broke off the kiss as he released a gasp, his eyes widened in surprise at how quickly she had taken him in.
Her hair and body were now drenched. He ran his hand, reverently over her slick skin as she began to move up and down. The moisture on their bodies mingled as they moved, writhing against one another. It felt exceedingly erotic, exceedingly primal. William kissed her hungrily, like a man drowning. She pulled back in desperate need of air and found herself locked in the gaze of his eyes. The rhythm they had set then turned deliberately slow. They said nothing as they danced that timeless dance, their eyes fixed only on one another, unwavering, searching, connecting something deep inside of them, as they became one.
Buffy began to feel dizzy, whether it was the heat, the intensity of the emotion, or her impending climax she didn’t know. She could feel her thighs and the lining of her inner walls begin to quiver. Buffy placed both of her hands around the back of William’s neck, rested her forehead against his, and came, shouting his name as the most powerful orgasm she had ever experienced ripped through her.
William reached up and wrapped his arms around her back as, in a final thrust, he emptied his seed deep within her womb. He was trembling, despite the heat. Buffy was essentially collapsed, like a ragged doll, draped over him. He felt overwhelmed by emotion, so grateful for the creature he held in his arms. He kissed her on the shoulder, and then gently moved her so that she sat, reclined, on the bench. He stood slowly, his own legs still feeling a little shaky, and walked over to push the steam room door open. The cooler air outside was bracing. He shook his head in an attempt to clear it, sending beads of sweat onto the floor. He then went back into the room, gathered her into his arms, carried her back out, and sat her on the wooden bench just to the right of the door.
“Don’t want you to get overheated,” he said as he offered her a sip of water.
Buffy used the back of her hand to wipe the beads of perspiration off her brow. “I’m all sweaty,” she said quietly, as she leaned her head back against the cool, tiled wall, her breathing still somewhat labored.
“You have never been so beautiful,” he said as he knelt before her, now handing her a towel.
“Yeah?” she asked, her face aglow.
“Yeah,” he confirmed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 54
The first thing Buffy saw upon waking was that William was still there beside her, watching her. He reached over and brushed back the hair from her face.
“How long have you been awake?” she asked.
“A while,” he responded. “I enjoyed last night.”
“Me too. Wish I didn’t have to go back this morning,” she admitted.
“Stay,” he said.
Buffy smiled contently, feeling assured that he wanted her, “I can’t. There’s this little thing called a job that I have to go to tomorrow. You know, that thing that pays the rent.”
“You’re a wealthy woman, Buffy. You don’t have to go back to work. Not unless you want to,” he reminded her.
“Just how did that happen?” she asked sitting up.
William sighed, “Do we really need to go over it again? Feels like I’ve explained it at least a dozen times. Maybe I should just write it all down?”
“No. No, I’ve got it. It’s just-wow,” she said as she lay back down and snuggled against him.
“I really want you to,” he murmured, his lips up against the shell of her ear.
“Want me to what?” she asked, puzzled.
“Stay,” he simply said.
“I can’t,” Buffy responded.
“Can’t? Course you can. You just pick up the phone, call your boss and say, “I quit. I’ve taken a new job being William’s love slave. The pay isn’t much but the fringe benefits are tough to beat,” suggested William.
Buffy giggled, “You’d like that, wouldn’t you.”
“Nah! I’m an enlightened, sensitive guy. Wouldn’t want to objectify you as some stereotypical sex object…unless…how to you feel about red leather?” he asked with a glint in his eye.
“You’re wicked!” she said hitting him playfully on the chest.
As he pulled her on top of him he confirmed, “I’m a bad, rude man. I deserve to be punished. Come on Buffy, give it me good.”
“Thought you got it pretty good last night,” she replied.
“I did! But, I want some more!” he begged.
“Sorry,” she said as she leaned down to kiss him. “But you have to take me to the airport.”
“Bollucks! Thought I was close to convincing you to stay,” he groaned and turned his head away from her.
Buffy climbed out of the bed and walked around to the side, so that she was facing him. She crouched down so that her eyes were level with his and said, “I feel the need to keep some things in my life constant. It seems like it took me a really long time to get my life together. My work, my home, they’ve been like anchors.”
“You’re still not sure of me, sure of us. Are you, pet?” he asked.
“No,” she admitted, “not completely.”
He nodded his understanding then rolled onto his back as she started to walk towards the bathroom.
“Buffy?” he called out to her, as he rose up on his elbows.
She turned around, her eyes moist, “Yeah?”
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you, too. I tried my hardest not to, but I can’t seem to help it. I can’t afford to make another mistake, William. There’s too much to consider,” she said as she instinctively placed a hand over her womb.
William climbed out of bed, walked over to her, and wrapped her in his warm embrace. “Luv, nothing we do together could ever be a mistake. God! I’m going to hate being away from you this week. You’re all I’m gonna bloody think about!”
Buffy smiled, “I’m going to miss you too. We both are.”
He leaned back and kissed her gently on the forehead, then turned her around and swatted her on the bottom. “Go get cleaned up. You’ve got a flight to catch, pet. I’ll make us some coffee,” he said as he started to walk out of the room.
“After you start the coffee will you come help me with all of those, you know, ‘hard to reach’ places?” asked Buffy.
William stopped dead in his tracks a smile on his lips as he turned around. He placed his hand over his chest and in mock shock said, “I’m surprised at you, Miss Summers. Are you, a dirty girl?”
“Oh yes!” she nodded wide-eyed as she peered around the corner to the bathroom door, “I’m a very dirty girl.”
William started to move towards the bathroom and she held up her hand. “Stop! Start coffee first. Clean Buffy second,” she commanded.
“As you wish,” he said bowing in her direction before heading to the kitchen to do his love’s bidding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 55
It was Saturday and Buffy was extremely restless. William had been traveling
for the past couple of days extensively. Since she had returned from her trip to
Napa he had taken to calling her practically every hour, unless they were
sleeping. The truth was, she appreciated it. She felt the loss as much as he did.
They were out of touch entirely during his flight over to London. Although he
called her on his way to the hotel, due to the time difference their
conversation was brief. He then did a quick turn around in order to fly back,
leaving them once again, incommunicado. She looked at her watch and smiled.
“They should have landed about an hour ago, won’t be long now. They need to get
their luggage, clear customs, and drive back here. Maybe another hour,” thought
Buffy.
Buffy poured herself a glass of iced tea, grabbed a book, prepared to sit on the back deck and read. On her way out to enjoy the early evening her phone rang, “Hello?”.
“Hey Buff! How are you feeling?” asked Willow.
“Fine! I am little nervous if you want to know the truth. Was that a genuine ‘How are you feeling’?” responded Buffy.
“Of course!” insisted Willow. “What’s with the nervousness?”
“Will, have you been paying attention? I feel live I’m a living soap opera at the moment!” said Buffy.
“No! If you were in a soap opera your name would be something like Raven. And William? He would be, like Brock. You’d get into this major fight, all over some total miscommunication, of course. Then, you’d run off, to have the baby in secret. Year’s later, William would find out that Candice? The stranger with amnesia that he was inexplicably drawn too and found on the brink of death in that snowdrift in the French Alps…was none other than his love child. The child that he never got to meet!” finished Willow.
“Ah, Will?” interrupted Buffy.
“Yeah?” said Willow.
“You’re lunching at Starbuck’s again, aren’t you?” probed Buffy.
“Caught me. I’m in the middle of prepping for a huge trial. Anyways, that’s sort of related to why I called,” explained Willow. “You know, all work and no play?”
“What’s up?” asked Buffy.
“Well, tomorrow’s Sunday and I thought maybe we could do an impromptu beach party. Nothing fancy. Anya lives right on the beach and she and I got to talk today, we realized that a day of fun in the sun was just what we needed. She offered her house and Tara and I are going to take care of the food. Are you guys in?” asked Willow.
“I don’t know,” said Buffy, a little hesitantly.
“Oh, come on! You know I want to get to know William a little bit. Anya already knows him. It’ll be fun for Drusilla. Anya has a pool. We could play some volleyball…” suggested Willow.
“I’m just not sure that Drusilla will be up for a big crowd,” explained Buffy.
“Maybe I’m not explaining this right. We weren’t thinking about a big party. At first it was just going to be Anya, her boyfriend, Tara and myself. Then I spilled the beans about you and William and we thought, ‘Hey! We should invite them too!’ What do you say? Please?” begged Willow.
“Well! When you put it like that, how could we refuse? Think it would be okay for me to invite Dawn and Conner?” asked Buffy.
“Sure! Did Dawn get a hold of you the other night? She called me frantic with worry,” asked Willow.
“Yeah. She caught me on my cell,” said Buffy.
“Does she know the news, about the baby I mean?” Willow asked.
“Yup. I filled her in Monday. But, I’m not telling folks in general yet though. I want to wait a few weeks,” explained Buffy.
Just then Buffy heard the front door slam as William yelled, “Hi, Honey! I’m home!”
“Got to go!” said Buffy quickly.
“Yeah! Yeah! The hunky guy walks in and suddenly I’m chopped liver. That’s why I’ll never leave Tara for you. Buffy, you’re too fickle,” Willow teased.
“Bye!” said Buffy as she hung up the phone and started to head out of the kitchen in search of her hunk.
But, before she could even make it to the kitchen entry, there he was. All in black and all hers. “Missed you!” he said as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him crushing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. She could feel his arousal growing through his jeans and it excited her, knowing that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
“I missed you too,” she admitted as they pulled back from their kiss. “How was the flight?”
“Long, even though they managed to get us here early. Didn’t get much sleep. Well, didn’t get any sleep,” said William.
“Have you eaten dinner?” asked Buffy.
“No. Didn’t want to stop. Wanted to come straight home to you,” he explained. “I am feeling a bit peckish though. What do you say to dinner and an early bedtime?” he asked with a suggestive wiggle of his brows.
Buffy giggled, “Sounds good to me. Should we check with Drusilla? Where is she?”
“In the loo,” said William as he stepped back then bent down to kiss Buffy’s stomach. “And, how’s my little one doing?” he whispered.
Drusilla finished up in the bathroom and began to make her way over to the kitchen where she could hear Buffy and William talking. The flight had been unbelievably long. Since leaving Broadmoore it seemed she had had one fantastic experience after another. She had been running on pure adrenalin, unable to sleep. Suddenly, she felt exhausted. As she passed by the sofa she stopped abruptly and swayed a bit, her hands involuntarily moving to her temples. Her head turned slowly, her gaze coming to rest on the table lamp.
Drusilla frowned as she walked over to the lamp. She appeared to study it closely, her head tilted to the side. She leaned over closer and placing both hands on the lampshade said in a soft, almost teasing voice, “Hellooooo!”. She stood up quickly and turned around as Buffy and William walked into the room.
“Drusilla! How was the trip?” asked Buffy as she approached Dru, arms outstretched, preparing to hug her.
“Brilliant! I’m quite knackered though. Think you could point me to my room? I’d like to rest a bit before supper is served,” said Dru.
“Well, for tonight and tomorrow you’re going to be sleeping here, on the sofa Dru. Buffy’s only got a one bedroom,” explained William.
“Out here?” asked Drusilla, obviously finding the idea unacceptable.
“Or, you could take my room?” offered Buffy.
“Yes! That would be much better,” confirmed Drusilla.
“No. She will NOT take your bedroom. WE’RE sleeping in your bedroom. You need your rest-” started William.
“Okay, so Buffy and I will take the bedroom and you can sleep on the couch!” suggested Dru.
“What? No. And, stop with the puppy dog eyes. I am immune. You’re getting the couch and that’s final, princess,” finished William.
“Very well,” sighed Dru as she sat down on the sofa, chin in her hand.
“So! I’m in the mood for Italian. What do you say?” asked William rubbing his hands together.
“Oh! I know just the place. Mona Lisa’s. It’s just down the hill in Little Italy. They make incredible garlic pizza,” exclaimed Buffy.
“Garlic pizza?” asked William tentatively.
“Yeah! It’s really good, I promise. Good for your heart,” declared Buffy.
“Yeah, I bet! And, let’s not forget, it’ll keep those nasty vampires away!” teased William.
“Vampires?” asked Dru. “Gosh! I think I miss Riley.”
“Who’s Riley?” asked William.
“Her boyfriend,” explained Buffy.
“Thinks he’s a Vampire,” said Dru.
“Dru, honey? We really need to discuss your standards. You need to raise the bar, just a tad,” said William patiently.
“Hey! What about that Andrew guy that did the video? Maybe you could introduce me to him,” suggested Dru.
“Sorry, Dru. I’m pretty sure that Andrew is gay,” lamented Buffy. “But he’s your age and could maybe be a friend, introduce you around.”
“Why is it that the good ones are gay, or your brother, or locked up in a mental institution far away on another continent,” sighed Dru as she leaned her head back on the couch.
“That’s a rhetorical question, right?” asked William as he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Come on, ducks, let’s get us something to eat.”
“Could you guys go without me? I’m completely done in I’d love to just take a bath and rest. You can bring me back something. I promise, I’ll be good,” said Drusilla.
“I don’t know,” responded William obviously hesitant.
“Oh, come on! It’s not like I’m going to set the house on fire,” said Dru, getting a little aggravated.
Buffy and William exchanged a glance with obvious alarm, “Ah, Dru? Have you ever-” William started to ask.
“No! I mean, there was this one time I shorted out a hair dryer trying to roast a marshmallow? There were sparks. I was around 10 and I was living on Ward 6 at the time. No. No fires. Really, I’ll be fine. You can trust me,” finished Drusilla.
Buffy looked at William and nodded. He handed her his cell-phone with Buffy’s number pre-programmed and said, “If you need anything, press this button and it’ll ring Buffy’s phone. We’ll be here in a blink. Don’t answer the phone and don’t answer the door. We’ll be back in about an hour.”
Five minutes later William and Buffy were out the door. Dru waited until she saw the car pull away. Then she waited a few more minutes just to be sure. Then she couldn’t stand it any longer. Drusilla opened the front door and proceeded to walk down the street. There was a non-descript white van parked four houses down, on the left. She approached it from behind and knocked, assertively on the back door. After waiting a few moments she knocked again, “I’m not going away. I know you’re in there. You should just open up,” she called.
Another minute went by and the door opened a crack. “Hello! I’m Spike’s sister. And, you are?” she asked.
He said nothing. He looked past her, as if he was searching for someone else. “It’s alright. It’s only me. Listen, Buffy wouldn’t like you listening in, not one bit. More importantly though, whatever you’re using? It’s, well, it’s distracting me. I can’t focus in there and I’m going to have to sleep on the bloody couch right next to that lamp. So, come on,” commanded Drusilla as she pulled the van’s door open further.
“I’m sorry, Miss. I’m sure I don’t know what you’re referring to,” he said as he reached out for the door handle, trying to once again pull it closed.
“Oh, you know quite well what I’m talking about. You have thirty minutes. I suggest you move it. I know you don’t want trouble. Come on,” she coaxed with a crook of her finger.
Wesley climbed out of the van. He reached back and grabbed a backpack, then locked up. As he started to follow Drusilla back to Buffy’s she asked, “What’s your name by the way?”
“Wesley.” He announced.
“Well, you’re quite handsome. Are you rich Wesley?” asked Dru.
“What a rude question! S’a bit intrusive, don’t you think? I mean, we’ve just met-” he trailed off, obviously still flustered by the entire encounter.
“Sorry, Wes. Thought, what with the whole spying thing that you’re doing, that maybe your boundaries in general and your threshold for “private” would be a little- flexible?” related Dru.
“Do you really think I’m handsome?” asked Wesley shyly.
“Oh yes! Truly!” sighed Drusilla as she opened Buffy’s front door. “Now you have about twenty-five minutes.”
-------------------------------------------------------