Part 35

Seeing Willow try on the outfit she’d chosen for tonight’s outing had inspired the hell out of Angelus that afternoon. He’d barely managed to be polite to Genevieve as he’d dragged his lover off to their bedroom.

He smiled now as he recalled how eager he’d been…and how quickly his ardent attentions had Willow feeling similarly aroused. He’d been so fired-up that he’d devoted himself to getting her off with a level of enthusiasm and determination that had had both of them consumed with white-hot passion. The zealous frenzy had been intoxicating and amazing. He felt a delicious wave of arousal now just thinking about it. It made him want to go home and do it all over again.

Willow had had so many orgasms that he’d lost count. Right now she *should* be totally languid and relaxed—and incredibly satisfied.

But she wasn’t.

She was so nervous about visiting Spike and Drusilla that she had been sitting as still as a stone in the passenger seat of the car as they drove toward the mansion. And just as quiet. Her entire body was bowstring tight with tension.

Fortunately, Genevieve had brought her out of her shell and she was now more herself, chatting away with her friend. Those two never seemed to run out of things to talk about. Somehow, he doubted they ever would—they were two peas in a pod. He expected they’d be the same in a hundred years. Then, still, a hundred years after that.

He wasn’t complaining, although it annoyed him at times to have to share her. It worked for him that Willow was now the best of friends with someone in his circle. It would be easier to divert her from her previous connection (a.k.a. Buffy) with her need for ‘girlfriend companionship’ being so obligingly filled by Genevieve. It would also, down the road, ease Willow’s pain when she inevitably lost her friends due to their mortality. She’d always have Gen. Mostly, he was just pleased that the friendship was the beginning of Willow building a new, full life with him. He’d love it if he was the only person in her life but, realistically, he knew she needed more. She would want…

“Angelus, did you hear me?” Willow asked impatiently, poking him in the arm.

“No, babe, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I asked how long before we get there. You were distracted. I bet you were all preoccupied thinking about how great I look in this outfit, weren’t you?” she teased, nodding knowingly.

He raised an eyebrow and looked over at her lasciviously. “Yes, darling, that’s *exactly* what I was thinking. I was thinking about how sophisticated and incredibly sexy you look. And about how gorgeous and dramatic the black looks against your skin. And how it makes me want to pull the car over and…”

“Okay!” Willow interrupted, flushed with embarrassment, “that’s enough. I got the compliment I was fishing for—there’s no need to go into naughty specifics when we have company.” Then she smiled up at him sweetly and said, “But, thank you, I’m glad you like the outfit.”

He smirked and winked at her. “A guy would have to be blind not to like that outfit on you. And to answer your original question, we’ll get to Spike and Dru’s in about 20 minutes. I sure hope you two can find something to talk about to pass the time,” he said with mock concern.

Genevieve and Willow snorted in unison. “We’ll do our level best, Angelus,” Genevieve said gravely.

Willow turned in her seat so that she could see Genevieve and said, “So, tell us more about your time with Giles.”

Genevieve smiled impishly. “Would you like to hear about how superb a lover Rupert was? How he generously saw to my pleasure before his own, for hours on end? Perhaps, how skilled he was with his impressive member? How he could be deliciously kinky and beg me to…”

“Stop!” Willow squeaked, turning a bright shade of red. “Never mind,” she said quickly. “Some things are, are…better not heard by me. I think I need to wash my ears and brain out with soap now.” She glared at Genevieve. “Jeez, Gen. You know, you could’ve just said you don’t want to talk about it.” She threw a glare Angelus’ way, too, since he was laughing his ass off.

Genevieve’s eyes sparkled and she didn’t look a bit contrite.

“Well,” Angelus said, “*I’d* like to hear more about this gigantic cock the Watcher allegedly has. I suspect that Gen is embellishing things a bit.”

Willow delivered a solid punch to his right arm. “You two are pervs. Quit it.”

“Ouch, sweetheart. You pack quite a punch in that wee fist of yours.” He looked over at her curiously. “Your strength has been increasing substantially, hasn’t it?”

Willow nodded, not looking especially interested in discussing the matter. “Yes,” she replied simply.

Genevieve leaned forward, “Chére, why haven’t you mentioned this before now to either of us?”

Willow sighed and waved her hand vaguely. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m just getting used to it myself, I guess. It’s…it’s…it feels weird.” She turned so she could see both of them. “Tonight, while I was getting ready, one of my earrings fell behind the dresser. Without even thinking about it, I moved the dresser and retrieved the earring, then put the dresser back. It didn’t feel heavy at all.”

Angelus whistled. “Impressive. That thing is enormous. It’s heavy *and* awkward.”

Genevieve put her hand on Willow’s shoulder. “It’s understandable that you’d want to get used to the idea before you shared it. Don’t feel pressure to adjust, or to talk about changes, before you’re ready. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is what’s important—and only you know how to go about that. But, please keep in mind that I’ve been where you are and can help. I promise that you’ll soon find you’re settling into the changes. As much as you can, just relax and the rest will take care of itself.”

Willow smiled softly. “You’re right. I know. I’m not freaked out. Really.”

Angelus believed her. He knew her well enough to know that she was just the type of person who had to figure things out internally and analyze them before she could make peace with them.

“So,” Genevieve said, gamely changing the subject, “do you want to hear about the first time I met Drusilla?”

“Yes,” Willow replied, visibly pleased to be discussing other things. “So, you didn’t meet Spike at the same time?”

“No. Not for another…oh, twenty years or so. Drusilla hadn’t met and changed him yet when I met her. In fact, she hadn’t been a vampire for very long herself. Nicholai and I were in Vienna and happened to run into Angelus and Drusilla at the ballet. Fortunately, Darla wasn’t around. Where was she, Angelus?”

“Paris. Shopping,” he replied with a grunt. “She found Dru tedious at times and would take off now and then.”

“All I know,” Genevieve said, continuing her story, “was that I was always glad not to encounter Darla. She was not a pleasant companion. Anyway, although Drusilla was a bit…off, Nicholai and I liked her and enjoyed her company. She’s so childlike; it’s a nice departure to view the world from her perspective. I think she thought of us as a favorite aunt and uncle from the beginning, so that probably colored her behavior so that we mostly got to see her good side. Of course, because she’s…who she is, allowances were made.”

Angelus chuckled at the memory, then explained, “Dru’s in perpetual…na-na-land. I don’t think there’s ever ‘reality’ for her as we see it. There’s, um…floaty existence, then ‘lovely stories’.” He looked at Willow, “She’s difficult to classify and explain. You’ll see for yourself.”

Willow nodded, not really understanding.

Genevieve continued, “Meeting and conversing with her was disconcerting because she sees so much. She immediately understood what we were and the nature of our relationship without being told. She alluded to it casually and was obviously delighted by the novelty, but was more intrigued by our pasts.” She looked at Willow. “It’s strange and disturbing to have someone you’ve just met know and ask about specific events from your distant past. She just picked stories out of our brains that she wanted to hear. As I said, we felt indulgent toward her, so we didn’t get offended by the, uh…violation. We just obliged her and spent the night regaling her with the stories she requested.”

“What did she want to hear?” Willow asked curiously.

“Nicholai was a soldier in the Byzantine army occupying Bulgaria in 970 when he was changed. She was immensely interested in army stories just prior to that time. In my case, she wanted to hear stories about a doll my mother gave me when I was six, in 1189. A strange combination, yes?”

“Well…I guess. Sorta not, though. I mean, she’s a vampire…so, you know, bloodthirsty—but also childlike.”

“Hmm,” Genevieve said, then nodded in agreement as she thought about it. “Good point. And, experience has taught me that if you please the child in Drusilla, the vampire aspect is less in attendance.”

Willow’s eyebrows raised in understanding. “I see. That’s why you got those presents for her?”

Genevieve winked and smiled, patting the prettily wrapped gifts on the seat next to her. “Yes. The fine china tea set from you, and the doll from me, will set a tone. You’ll see for yourself—she’ll be delighted.”

Angelus was pleased with Genevieve’s forethought. Dru’s behavior *would* be influenced by the gifts. While he was confident he’d gotten his message across to her about behaving during Willow’s visit, he was very aware that Drusilla’s idea of suitable conversation could easily be tasty, blood-covered toddlers and the like. No matter what, you never knew what you’d get with Dru—that was for sure—but the odds for good behavior certainly improved when you stacked the deck. “Good thinking, Gen.”

She smiled smugly. “Naturellement.”

A smart remark was on the tip of his tongue, but he was distracted by the sudden pounding of Willow’s heart. He’d just pulled into the driveway of the mansion and Willow’s reaction was in response to that.

As he turned the car off, Genevieve placed her hand on Willow’s shoulder. “Are you ready, chére?”

Willow lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. Her voice was shaky when she said, “No.” She gave them an attempt at a brave smile. “But we sure can’t wait for me to be ready…’cause, um, that may not ever happen.”

Angelus was impatient to get on with it, but didn’t want to fuck things up. He kept his mouth shut and turned to Genevieve to let her know he’d let her handle it.

Genevieve took his cue. “Take deep breaths, chére. Slow and deep.”

While Willow complied, Genevieve continued, “Do exactly as I say. *You* carry your gift and walk to the door with Angelus. *I’ll* follow a few steps behind—that’ll send a message to both of them about your standing and solidify your position.”

Willow’s eyes were closed, but she nodded.

Genevieve tapped Angelus’ shoulder, “Go ahead and open Willow’s door for her.”

He saw that Genevieve was not bothered in the least by his withering glance in response to her bossy tone. But, he was a practical guy and there was no arguing with the fact that her laying out a specific plan was calming Willow’s nerves somewhat.

Angelus was pleased with the steely resolve he saw in Willow’s eyes when he opened her door. He was proud of her and gave her a reassuring smile as he took her clammy hand to help her out of the car. He might not be the most sensitive guy, but he knew a thing or two about human fear, and it was clear to him that Willow’s wasn’t going to be a problem. Her sunny nature and age contributed to the somewhat false impression she gave to those who didn’t know her well. The girl had guts and backbone and wasn’t the lightweight her sweetness and openness conveyed. He was certain, as he watched her inner-strength reflected in her face, that the future would show that anyone foolish enough to underestimate her would be in for a big surprise. He looked forward to an unsuspecting world seeing what innocent-looking Willow was actually made of.

Angelus brought his thoughts back to the moment and opened Genevieve’s door. When he offered her his hand, the conspiratorial grin she gave him as she took it suggested that she’d been having thoughts similar to his own about Willow.

Once Willow was armed with the gift for Drusilla, he placed his hand at the small of her back and they approached the front door of the mansion. Not wanting to break the silence by commenting, he just raised an eyebrow in approval—and amusement—at whatever restraint Spike was obviously exercising over Drusilla. Angelus knew his childer had heard them arrive and he knew damned well that an excited Dru had wanted to fly out the door and tackle them with an enthusiastic greeting. The boy might be a royal pain in the ass, but he had a deft touch when it came to wrangling Dru.

Angelus glanced down at Willow to make sure she was ready.

She raised an imperious brow and said, “Well? Knock already.”

Angelus chuckled and applied the ornate brass knocker to the heavy door. He didn’t know what to expect of tonight, but Willow was ready for it.

Spike opened the door with a roguish grin on his face, looking for all the world like a charming, harmless host receiving welcomed guests.

Angelus felt Willow’s back muscles tense and admired her success at quelling her instinct to jump back from Spike. The evening was off to a promising start.

The polite Englishman Spike had been in life came to the fore as he took Willow’s hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Willow, it is a pleasure to see you. Please come in,” he said as he stepped back. “We’re glad that you’re here, and ready to be on our best behavior,” he said with a flirtatious wink.

“Th-thank you,” Willow replied shyly, his show of good manners easing her tension somewhat.

Turning to Genevieve, Spike warmly took her shoulders and pressed friendly kisses to both of her cheeks. “As always, it’s a pleasure to see you. You look as lovely as ever. How are you?”

She grinned and replied, “Very well, thank you. It’s always nice to see you, too. But, I must say, a handsome devil like you displaying such gallantry overwhelms. Why, I believe I’m dazzled and swept right off my feet.”

Spike grinned back, and in response to her teasing banter he quipped, “You didn’t think I had it in me, did you?”

“Darling, I’ve never doubted your ability to enchant the ladies. What I *do* doubt, you rascal, is the modesty.”

He rewarded her with a patented ‘Spike-leer’ and waggled his eyebrows.

Angelus looked around curiously and asked, “Spike, where’s Dru? The last thing I expected was for her to miss Willow’s arrival.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “Be grateful, sire. She’s been dashing about like mad preparing the house, the refreshments and herself for this visit. I’ve never seen her like this.” He gave Willow a confiding look and said in a hushed tone, “Your impending arrival has had quite an effect on Drusilla. Impressing you means a lot to her.”

Willow was obviously overwhelmed, but Angelus was pleased to see that she received Spike’s words in the spirit that they were meant; as a great compliment. “Oh,” she said softly, then smiled warmly. “That’s very sweet.”

Spike had watched Willow’s reaction closely and was also pleased with her response. Angelus could see he was concerned that Willow might not be receptive and might hurt Dru’s feelings. The boy had been on his best behavior thus far, but a sign of rejection of Dru by Willow at this point would’ve posed a problem. He was too protective of his ‘princess’ to let something like that slide.

Satisfied by what he saw, Spike whispered to his guests, “She was bouncing around here like a puppy on meth. The way she was going, I was afraid she’d pounce on Willow at the first sight of her and scare the bejeezus out of her. So, I convinced her that in order to make the impression that she wanted to, a ladylike grand entrance would be the way to go.”

Angelus chuckled softly. He knew how excited Dru was about her new ‘mummy’, so that made sense. He was just glad that Spike cared enough about how things went to control the situation, instead of sitting back and laughing his ass off as Dru did god-knew-what in her enthusiasm. “You did good, Spike.”

Spike did his best not to look pleased about Angelus’ approval. Instead, he looked askance at Willow. “You ready, pet?”

Willow took a step toward him, looked in his eyes, and whispered, “Yes. And…and, I understand. You don’t have to worry, Spike.”

Angelus saw the look that passed between them and was very pleased. Spike was satisfied that despite Dru’s special brand of crazy, Willow would be kind and receptive. With that small gesture, she’d made a lot of headway with Spike. It was an important step.

Spike nodded at the three of them and moved to the foot of the staircase. “Drusilla,” he called out, “our guests have arrived and are anxious to see you.”

A beaming Drusilla appeared at the top of the stairs, clasped hands held tightly against her chest. She paused for a moment to take in the sight of her much anticipated guests, barely contained excitement exuding from every pore. Her elegantly slippered feet barely touched the stairs as she practically skipped down them.

Angelus knew she was always happy to see him, and she was thrilled that Genevieve had come to visit, but for Drusilla, the big event was the arrival of her new ‘mummy’. Spike had obviously invested a lot of time coaching and persuading because otherwise, he knew, Drusilla would not be exercising such restraint. The fact that Dru had heeded Spike’s efforts was a testament to how committed she was to making a good impression on Willow.

He didn’t even try to hide his smirk as Drusilla shyly approached Willow. What happened next surprised the hell out of him.

Handing him the gift she was holding, Willow stepped toward Drusilla and took one of her hands in both of hers. She smiled with sincere warmth at Drusilla and said, “It is so good to see you, I’m very happy to be here. You look lovely in that pretty red dress.” Drusilla simpered, and Willow continued, “Genevieve and I have brought you presents. Would you like to see them?”

“Oh, yes, thank you!” she cooed, “I do so love prezzies, mum…ah, Willow.” She glanced at Spike guiltily and he nodded, letting her know she was doing fine. In her relief, she threw her arms around Willow and hugged her soundly. Everyone else froze for a moment, until they saw that Willow was continuing to be a trouper and returned the hug without reservation.

Evidently remembering her manners, Drusilla released her treasured new mummy and greeted Genevieve. “Lovely Genevieve! It’s been such an awfully long time. I’m sooo happy you’re here.” She gave her friend a hug similar to the one Willow had just received.

Spike cleared his throat and said, “Princess? Why don’t you show our guests into the parlor? We don’t want them to think we have bad manners.”

Drusilla looked appalled for a moment at the idea of having made a faux pas, then politely ushered the ladies into the other room.

Angelus and Spike hung back and shared a look, then Spike said, “Does my girl love mother figures, or what, mate?”

Angelus chuckled. “She does,” he agreed. “I don’t know what you did, but good job, boy. Drusilla did well.”

Spike looked gratified for a moment, then shrugged. “It was a cakewalk, really; she was so desperate to impress Willow that she listened to every word of advice…and warning.” He looked uneasily at the doorway to the parlor. “So far, so good, but we’d better get in there. Dru could veer off course at any time.”

When Angelus and Spike entered the room, they were met with Drusilla’s squeal of excitement. “Daddy! Spikey! Look at my prezzies!” She was holding her new doll and gestured proudly to the tea set on the coffee table. They dutifully made all the right noises, while Drusilla rocked with delight. Suddenly, she gasped and sprang up from the sofa. “Miss Edith shouldn’t be missing this.” She gave Willow a confiding look and said, “She’s been looking forward to meeting you ever-so-much,” then bounded out of the room and up the stairs.

Spike leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. “We have a few minutes. Dru and Miss Edith will have to…confer before the big introduction. Miss Edith is a doll, by the way, in case you haven’t guessed.” He looked at Willow, his newfound respect for her apparent. “Well done, pet. You didn’t even flinch.”

Willow let out a shaky breath and looked at him uncertainly. “Uh…thank you.” She glanced first at Angelus, who was looking at her proudly, then at Genevieve, who smiled with approval. “It was actually, uh, easy in a crazy sort of way.” She motioned at Spike, “You’re being all nice and polite and,” she motioned at the doorway, “Drusilla’s acting like a sweet little girl…and it would just be mean to disappoint someone like that.”

Spike gave her his best charming grin. “Still, luv. Impressive. You’ve seen us in a different…shall we say, *light* in the past. Looking past that and starting from scratch with us is gutsy…and generous.” He leaned forward, “Truth is, I expected you to chicken-out—no offense. I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with Dru’s disappointment.” He shuddered. “Let’s just say it would’ve been dramatic…and traumatic. And then some. She’s built up a pretty elaborate and idealized fantasy around you and how we’ll all be a ‘proper family’ now that ‘daddy’ had provided a ‘mummy’.

Willow was wearing a sympathetic expression, but she definitely looked a bit alarmed by what Drusilla was expecting of her. She clearly wanted to say something, but was at a loss for words.

Seeing her friend’s problem, Genevieve responded to Spike, “Willow’s very warm and nurturing. It’ll all work out fine. Fortunately, Drusilla has an active imagination—so much of what she expects will play itself out in her head. All Willow will have to do is play along. As you’ve seen already, she’s very good at responding to Drusilla in a way that placates her and doesn’t shatter the illusion.”

Spike raised an amused eyebrow. “True. Lucky for us—all of us—most of the time Dru isn’t too hard to keep happy because she’s clear about the roles we have in her imaginary world.” He smiled at Willow. “Since you’re turning out to be such a good sport, you’re making my ‘role’ a lot easier.”

Willow blinked. “Oh?”

Spike chuckled at her mystified expression. “Yeah, pet. You might’ve noticed that we tend to get into a bit of trouble now and then. Above and beyond the usual vampire…mischief?”

Angelus snorted, but kept the sharp retort that was on the tip of his tongue to himself.

Willow cleared her throat and said diplomatically, “Yes, I’ve noticed that.”

“Well,” Spike continued, “you might not have signed on for it, but you’re now in an authority position with Dru and have the influence to curb some of her more…outlandish schemes. With you in the picture, and Angelus back, she’ll be easier to manage.”

Angelus thought that ‘managing’ Drusilla was unlikely, but kept the thought to himself and continued to remain quiet.

Genevieve frowned in thought, then asked, “What about you, Spike?”

He responded with an innocent look, but quickly saw she wasn’t buying it. “I reckon, Gen m'love, that you’ve heard some stories. Well, they’re true—I haven’t been an innocent lamb in all of the shenanigans. I’m William the Bloody, fer chrissake!” Suddenly his expression became beatific. “But it’s a new era. Vampires *will* be vampires, but if The Scourge of Europe here can keep a lower profile, so can I.” He looked solemnly at Willow. “And the days of intentionally provoking the current Slayer are over.”

It wasn’t lost on Willow that he was making this concession for her benefit—and meant it. And that, especially for him, it was a big one. “Thank you, Spike. I…I know for you that’s….” She cleared her throat and gave him a small smile and said, “I appreciate it.”

Angelus rolled his eyes. Spike knew damned well he’d get his ass kicked into next week if he stepped out-of-line and caused unnecessary trouble in Sunnydale. Still, he conceded, it worked for him that the boy had Willow thinking promises of good behavior were out of respect for her. Anything that made Willow more confident and comfortable in her new position was good. Before he could make any kind of response, Drusilla came sailing back into the room.

Smiling happily at Willow and Genevieve, she said excitedly, “Miss Edith feels that formal introductions are in order. She has invited you to tea. It’s a great honor.” Her expression became grave and she said softly, “It means a good deal to her to welcome you to the family properly, mu…Willow. And she’s looking forward to catching up with you, dear Genevieve.”

Willow was admirably quick at squashing a look of surprise and panic. She replaced it with a big smile and exclaimed, “How flattering!” She rose from her chair with a pleading glance at Genevieve.

“Yes,” Genevieve agreed, also rising, “we’re delighted to accept her gracious invitation.”

Willow’s back muscles visibly relaxed when her friend placed an encouraging hand on her arm as they went to follow Drusilla out of the room.

As Angelus and Spike stood to join them, Drusilla rebuked, “No, no, no. We mustn’t make Miss Edith cross. Uninvited guests are impolite—she wouldn’t like that a bit.”

The chastised pair exchanged concerned looks and sank slowly back into their chairs.

Genevieve turned to them and somewhat allayed their concerns, “It’ll be fine. We’ll have a lovely visit. Just us girls.”

Willow smiled at them and agreed, “It’ll be all right. Don’t worry.”

Angelus and Spike looked at each other with raised eyebrows as the ladies left. They didn’t speak until they could no longer hear Drusilla chattering gaily about how happy Miss Edith had been to meet her lovely new sister, Antonia.

Finally, Angelus forced himself to relax a bit. He couldn’t control every situation. He didn’t like it, but he had to live with it. At least Willow had her new strength, and Genevieve at her side…in the event things didn’t go smoothly.

Spike drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair in thought, then said jovially, “Well, I guess the new doll has a name, then.”

Angelus looked at him incredulously, thinking that was an inane remark to make at a time like this.

Spike shrugged, as if to say, ‘What’re ya gonna do?’ Out loud, he said, “It is what is, mate. Besides, Dru’s hellbent on pleasing Willow—she won’t fuck it up.”

Angelus grunted and said, “Maybe not *intentionally*.”

“There is that. But, truth is, I’ve never seen Dru happier. You’d be amazed at how focused and cheerful she’s been lately. She takes ‘how mummy would feel’ into consideration about every bleedin’ thing these days. Hunting’s down to catching herself a meal…and that’s it. Humans are benefiting by ‘mummy worship’, that’s for sure.” With a disgusted snort, he added, “She’s been watching a lot of telly too, trying to suss out how humans interact…or some shit.”

Angelus let out a bark of laughter. “Is it working?”

Spike chuckled. “Let’s just say that commercials are what are most suited to her attention span. It’s likely that Willow and Gen are hearing a lot about which detergent will get their whites whiter and how to avoid ‘skunky’ beer.”

Angelus looked at him incredulously for a moment, then laughed. “I guess that beats the hell out of the bloodier topics Dru usually goes with.”

“Can’t argue with that. Drink?”

Angelus nodded. “I could use one.” As Spike crossed the room to fix drinks, he pulled out a cigarette and lit up. Reclining in his chair, he leaned his head back and blew a stream of smoke at the ceiling. It had been a long day, and he accepted the whiskey Spike handed him gratefully. “At least another step in integrating Willow into my world is done.”

Spike sprawled in his chair, sipping his drink and studying his sire. “You look knackered. How’s it going?”

“Fine. Better than expected, I’d say. Considering. Willow’s tougher than she looks. Living with a vampire isn’t the only change in her life right now. Her body’s changing, as well. I haven’t tested it, but I’d say her strength is that of a vampire at this point.”

“Really,” Spike said with interest. “Handy, that.” Waggling his eyebrows, he added lasciviously, “Shagging’s probably improved, then.”

“Mmm, no,” Angelus said, his chest rumbling at the thought. “Fucking Willow is pure heaven—has been from the beginning. It’s hard to gauge changes when I’m cock-deep in rapture.”

Spike grinned. “Glad to hear it. I gotta say, seeing her tonight surprised me. She’s not the shrinking violet I expected. That outfit she’s got on is…”

Angelus frowned. “Sexy as hell. Yeah, I know. Now stop thinking about her in it.”

Spike laughed at the possessive remarks. “Fine, mate. Just sayin’.” Raising an eyebrow suggestively, he added, “Ya know, the girls will be occupied for a bit. Wanna nip upstairs and knock off a quickie?”

Angelus considered it, his eyes sliding slowly over Spike, then regretfully dismissed it. “No, too risky. I don’t want to chance Dru hearing us and remarking on it.”

Spike smirked and nodded. “Yeah, or suggesting they wrap up the tea party and join in. Too bad, though,” he added with a wink.

“Things have gone smoothly so far tonight; I don’t want to fuck it up.” As Angelus contemplated that, the many ways conversation could go wrong upstairs began to disturb him. He grew increasingly uncomfortable and rose abruptly from his chair.

Spike chuckled knowingly as he watched his sire leave the room. “You held out longer than I expected, mate.” As Angelus hit the stairs, he added, “Don’t brass off Miss Edith!”

End Part 35