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Violently Happy	By : marksandspence Category: BtVS Crossovers > Misc - Het - Male/Female Views: 3216 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Part1a
- 2-Part1b
- 3-Part1c
- 4-Part1d
- 5-Part1e
- 6-Part2a
- 7-Part2b
- 8-Part3a
- 9-Part3b
- 10-Part3c
- 11-Part4a
- 12-Part4b
- 13-Part4c
- 14-Part4d
- 15-Part5a
- 16-Part5b
- 17-Part5c
- 18-Part5d
- 19-Part5e
- 20-Part5f
- 21-Part5g
- 22-Part5h
- 23-Part6a
- 24-Part6b
- 25-Part6c
- 26-Part6d
- 27-Part6e
- 28-p.s. Flight of Fancy
- 2
- 3
- 4
Scene 7
Sunday evening. Outside Giles’ apartment. Miranda is standing outside the door. She hesitates for a moment and then knocks. In a few seconds, the door opens. Upon seeing who it is, Giles stiffens a bit, not as pleased to see her as he has been up to now.
Giles: [polite] “Miranda. What a surprise.”
Miranda: “I forgot you closed the magic shop early on Sunday’s—didn’t get up until 3 o’clock, so thought I would try you at home. [detecting his lack of enthusiasm] I hope you don’t mind.”
Giles: [referring to their previous plans to meet regarding the artifact] “You needn’t have bothered to come all this way. The books I lent you are not exactly in high-demand. You can keep them as long as you like.”
Miranda: “Oh, I didn’t even think to bring the books. Can I come in for a minute?”
Giles: [looking a bit confused] “Yes. Yes, of course. Sorry.”
She comes in. She doesn’t have anything with her except a small purse. He motions for her to sit on the couch. She does and he sits in a chair across.
Giles: “Can I get you a drink? Perhaps a spot of whiskey. I’m having one.”
Miranda: “Thanks. That would be lovely”
He gets up and pours them a drink and then sits back down. There is a moment of silence. He looks tired.
Giles: “What you did for us last night—I can’t thank you enough. Taking a risk like that to help...well, it meant a lot.”
Miranda: [she smiles in acknowledgement] “Speaking of last night, I just wanted to say I’m sorry that I lied—about my plans. It’s just...” [He prevents her from continuing]
Giles: “There’s no need to say anything. Really. It was clear that you and Anya simply wanted to spare my feelings—[awkward smile] quite the conspiracy.”
Miranda: “No. It was wrong, despite the intentions.”
Giles takes a sip of his whiskey. A minute of silence. He’s debating whether to say something more. Oh, he can’t stop himself.
Giles: “But Spike?!? What could’ve possibly...” [she stops him this time]
Miranda: “Did I tell you that I was married once? [Although this is a bit of a non sequitur, something in the tone of her voice tells him to simply listen. She pulls out her cross pendant] This stone—in the center of the cross—It’s the stone of my engagement ring. We were married 39 years. He was mortal—like you. When he was 63, he was diagnosed with cancer. We fought the fight for three years—three years in and out of hospitals, in and out of remission. It was hopeless and everyone knew it, but no one ever said. You know what took me the most by surprise? Everyone always says, “at least you had time to prepare—to get used to the idea of death” as if somehow, having those three years would make it easier. Sounds logical, too. Surely there is some truth in it. You get used to the house being empty. You get used to dining alone. You may even get used to the idea of it—that it will be over soon and that it will be a blessing of sorts. You convince yourself that you have prepared yourself—you are ready. But you know what happens? The instant you witness their last breath—the last beat of their heart—It may as well have been a lightening bolt, or a knife, or a gunshot. It makes no difference. In the hospital that day, having thought I was ready, honestly believing that death would be a relief for us both, I was struck by an impossible grief when I felt him leave me. Took me more than a decade to awaken from that pain. I will not...I cannot...do anything that might lead me down that path again. I’m simply not strong enough.”
After listening intently, it’s obvious that Giles understands her meaning.
Giles: “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. That must have been dreadful. If you don’t mind my asking, why is it that you don’t...er...associate more with your own kind?”
Miranda: [fair question] “What I did last night—killing that immortal. It wasn’t entirely selfless. I—We—get something when we kill each other. Something akin to energy, power. It’s enough to provide substantial incentive for some. Simply put, I have trouble with the idea of getting too close to someone who has a vested interest in killing me.”
Giles: [a small laugh] “Yes, I could see how that could put a damper on any relationship.”
Miranda: [touching his hand, tenderly] “Are we OK? I don’t want there to be any awkwardness between us.”
Giles: “We’re OK…[pause, quick laugh] listen to us, we sound like a couple of Americans—I’m OK, you’re OK.”
Miranda: “Been in the States too long, I suspect. Can’t help pick up few things. [getting up from the couch] I should be going.”
[She puts her glass down and starts walking to the door. He follows her. As they reach the door.]
Giles: “There is one more thing. [She turns to face him] Spike?!?”
Miranda: [light-heartedly] “Lets not get into that right now. It was just a date.”
She turns and walks out the door, smiling. “good night” He closes the door behind her. He walks over where he set down his drink and picks it up.
Giles: [to himself] “A date. With Spike?” [shakes his head in disbelief]
End Scene.
Scene 8
The Bronze (or somewhere where there are pool tables). Sunday, very late. Spike is playing pool with some guy. The bar is fairly busy. There is a line of quarters on the table, indicating others who want to play the winner of the game. It’s not clear who is winning; they may have just started. Just is Spike is about to make a shot, a $100 bill is thrown over the quarters.
Miranda: “I’ll take winners” [Spike looks up briefly with just a flicker of a smile before he takes a shot and sinks the ball.]
A really big guy holding a pool cue steps up to the table.
Big guy: “Sorry, lady, I’ve already got the winner of this game. I’d be happy to, uh, [looking her up and down]...take you afterwards if you want.”
Miranda: “Oh, silly me, I didn’t realize those were your quarters on the table.” [not being serious; contemplating kicking his ass]
Spike: “What quarters would those be? [indicating the table, which no longer has anything but the $100 bill on it] Sorry, friend. I think the lady’s got the next game.”
Spike has a ‘don’t mess with me’ look on his face and so the guy doesn’t argue and walks away frustrated
Miranda: [to Spike] “So, uh, you any good at this game? I’m kind of betting on you to win.”
Spike: [he gives her a half shrug] “Not bad.”
She goes to the bar and gets herself a drink. By the time she returns, Spike has nearly cleared the table. She sits on a stool near the table. She’s wearing a short skirt and as she crosses her legs, we see they are directly in Spike’s line of view as he goes to sink the eight ball. He misses, a bit distracted. Luckily, the guy he’s playing is pretty bad and he gets another chance after a couple of balls. This time, he sinks it and now it’s time for Miranda to play.
Spike: [handing her a cue] “I guess you’re up.”
Miranda: “Right. Did I mention that I’m actually awful at billiards?”
They play. She’s not AWFUL, but not particularly good. Spike misses some easy shots to keep the game going. They talk as they play.
Spike: “So, you all rested up after last night?”
Miranda: “Yeah, slept most of the day away and now I’m as good as new.”
Spike: “Do you always heal that fast?”
Miranda: “Not always.” [not particularly wanting to say more right now]
Spike: “You’re all right with a sword. [beat] More than all right—bloody brilliant.” [true admiration in his voice]
Miranda: [She’s obviously pleased with his complement. Even after what he said last night, she wasn’t sure what his reaction would be] “So it didn’t, uh, put you off? All that fighting business? Most men turn and walk the other way quickly after seeing something like that. [almost to herself] I suppose things must be a bit different in this town, with Buffy and all. Strange place.”
Spike: “S’pose I’m not most men. You like it, then—the fighting?”
Miranda: [She first denies it with body language, as if to say ‘don’t be silly’] “No, not really—It’s simply necessary—actually looking to put all that behind me a bit and focus on other things. [Not very convincing. She pauses for a moment. Perhaps thinking about who she is talking to. Maybe she can be a bit more honest with him] Although, there is something truly thrilling about fighting someone you know could kill you—you know, permanently.” [Her eyes light up a bit as she says this.]
Spike: “I know exactly what you mean.”
They finish their game and go up to the bar to order more drinks. The bartender brings them. They each take a sip. A brief moment of silence, then...
Miranda: “So, you want to get out of here?”
Spike: “Yeah”
They both leave their full drinks at the bar along with Miranda’s $100 bill and head for the door.
Miranda: “I’ve tidied up a bit if you’d like to come to my place.”
Skip ahead to the door of Miranda’s apartment. All sorts of chemistry going on, but no actual contact yet. Miranda unlocks the door and walks in, leaving it open behind her. She stops once she turns on the lights and gets in a few steps, turning back to the door.
Spike: [looking EXTREMELY sexy in the doorway] “You have to invite me in.”
Miranda: “Really? [honestly surprised] You took the piss out of me last night for watching too many movies, but if I’d had to guess what was bollocks, I would have guessed the inviting in thing. So what happens if you try?”
Spike obliges her by trying to put his hand through the door; It’s blocked my an invisible force.
Miranda: [looking closely] “Fantastic. So if I invite you in now, will you always be able to come in?”
Spike smiles and gives a little eye-brow flick.
Miranda: “Come in, then”
He walks in and looks around. It’s all white walls and plain, nondescript furniture.
Spike: “Not exactly homey, is it?”
Miranda: “I’m not really planning on unpacking. This place is only temporary until I find something more to my liking.”
Spike: “So that night, when Buffy staked you. You’d been fighting—You’d won?”
Miranda: [admitting smile] “Being new to town, I had to take care of some...business. I’d actually been after Victor but found another. He wanted to fight, so...”
Spike: “Not exactly a friendly lot, then, your fellow Immortals?”
Miranda: “They don’t all want to fight. It’s rather complicated. Can we talk about this later? [She gives him a ‘come hither’ look. He walks over nearer to where she’s standing.]
Spike: “I could be persuaded to wait” [He touches her hair with his hand.]
Miranda: “So, uh, is this the way it used to be? Lure an unsuspecting girl away from her mates and then...”
Spike: [mockingly irritated] “Not this again. I don’t, I mean can’t, DO that any more, I don’t see why...”
Miranda: “I’m just curious. You know—about what you used to do.” [coy smile]
Spike: [getting it] “Uh, yeah, well some vamps work like that, but it was never my style. I was always more of a get-down-to-business type. No messing around.”
Miranda: “Well that’s rather disappointing. I guess I’d always liked to think that the girls got a little something before...”
Spike: [laughing a bit] “Uh, yeah, well I had a girlfriend for most of it—would have been none too pleased if I’d, uh, played with my food...at least in that way.”
She files this bit of information away for future reference—he had a girlfriend—very interesting.
Miranda: “So you haven’t, uh, kissed many human girls, then?”
Spike: “Not too many.” [At this, he leans in for a kiss. They kiss for a second and then he thinks of something and stops] “Although, I did kiss Buffy once a while back.”
Miranda: “REALLY??”
Spike: “’course I hated her then. It was a spell. Blocked it from my memory.”
Miranda: “Good”
They start kissing again.
Spike: “I think we should start where we left off, don’t you?”
He moves her back against the nearest wall. Things heat up very fast. They’ve both been rather turned on throughout their entire conversation. Spike is even more into it tonight. Everything he learns about her, he finds more exciting. He unbuttons her top effortlessly and moves his hands across her chest. He kisses her neck and kisses downward until he reaches her bra, carefully avoiding her cross pendent. He kisses her breast through her bra, nibbling in the spot where her nipple is. She moans as he pulls the bra down just enough to expose her erect nipple and puts his mouth on it. She pulls his face up to hers and kisses him passionately. She reaches around his waist and pulls his shirt off over his head. [Author’s note: I see him wearing that all black outfit he had on in Seeing Red, with the black, long sleeved, fitted tee.] He moves his hand up her bare leg, reaching under her skirt to the outside of her upper thigh; one of her hands is on his bare chest, the other behind his neck. She breaks for a moment, pulling away just enough to speak.
Miranda: [she’s breathing heavily] “You know, I find this not breathing thing of yours a bit disconcerting. I mean, how do I know if you’re having a good time?”
With a very naughty look, he takes one of her hands and moves it downward to the front of his pants.
Miranda: “Oh, well, in that case, breathing is entirely superfluous.”
More kissings.
Spike: [pulling away to speak] “Fancy a shag, then?” [Miranda nods] “Floor or bed?”
Miranda: [considering] “Bed—second door on the left.”
Spike lifts her up. She’s straddling him. He carries her into the bedroom a bit clumsily (bumping into things), as they are kissing the entire time. They get to the bed and are both kneeling facing each other, kissing. He moves his hand down to take off her bra (front close), when he accidentally brushes her pendant—a quick wince as he pulls his hand away.
Spike: “You mind taking at off? S’puttin’ a bit of a damper on things.”
She’s a bit surprised by this (still not quite getting the whole vampire thing), but takes it off and sets it on the bedside table. He’s now moved to be on top of her. He quickly undoes the clasp and grabs to remove her bra. He looks at it briefly and tosses it to the side.
Spike: “No padding, eh? Hmmm.”
He takes her breasts in his hands. She lets out a little gasp (his hands are cold). She rolls him over so that she’s on top and kisses his neck and moves her hands down his chest, pausing briefly at his pecs. He rolls her back over and straddles her. He sits up a minute and looks at her, laying there. He smiles and reaches under her to find the zipper of her skirt. He pulls it off. She reaches for his belt and undoes his pants as he leans down and kisses her again. He kisses down her stomach, then as he reaches her waist, takes his hands to either side of her panties and pulls them down all the way and tosses them to the side.
Spike: “Never been much for undergarments myself.” [He pulls his pants off. They’re both naked now. She climbs under the sheet and he follows, moving his hands over her naked body. She reaches her hands around his back. He moves his hands lower, between her legs. You can tell when he gets there because she lets out a small moan.
Spike: “I think you’re ready”
And with that he positions his body between her legs and slowly pushes his long, hard length inside her—a choked groan escapes his lips from the shock of the heat within.
She cringes a bit and digs her nails into his back.
Spike: [breathless] “You all right?”
Miranda: “Yeah. It’s just been a long time.”
Spike: “God, you’re so warm...inside...hot...almost burning...so good.” More slow thrusting then building, getting a bit faster. “Don’t know as I can last much longer, luv. So good...different...incredible.”
She’s relaxing a bit now, moving with him.
Miranda: [breathless] “It’s all right. Don’t wait for me”.
A few more minutes of this and it’s too much for him. He’s overwhelmed and lets go with a final forceful thrust and deep groan as he comes. He collapses on top of her and kisses her face and lips, moving her disheveled hair out of her face. They lay like that for a few minutes before he rolls away to the side. He’s on his back and she’s on her side leaning on her elbow looking at him, smiling.
Miranda: “I think we deserve a drink for that. Let’s have a night-cap, shall we?”
Spike: “Isn’t that a bit out of order. Wasn’t I supposed to get you drunk first?”
She gets up to get the drinks and grabs a silk robe from a chair next to the bed.
Miranda: “That only works for silly, mortal girls.” [She comes back with the drinks and sits back against the headboard of the bed.]
Spike: [a bit disappointed/worried] “Not so keen on the temperature, then? Seemed a bit one-sided.”
Miranda: “Oh no. I, uh...it’s just...[embarrassed]...like a said, it’s been a very long while. And, er, it’s a bit different for me—think maybe because I was a virgin—you know—back then when it...er...happened. I just need to get my sea legs back, so to speak. Next time will be better.”
Spike: “Next time?”
Miranda: [She smiles and gives him a look] “I’m not much for one-night stands.”
Spike: “Understandably”
The following conversation is meant to be very playful in tone.
Miranda: [thinking of something as she looks at him] “You know I was going to let you kiss me that night in London—maybe more.”
Spike: [disbelieving] “That’s bollocks. You never even gave me the time of day when my sister wasn’t around. [lighting up a cigarette, he points it at her] You were snob.”
Miranda: [mock incredulous] “I was not a snob. I was socially aware, is all. And that’s not the point. I was unchaperoned, at night—I followed you into the alley, didn’t I? It was my little rebellion.”
Spike: [still not believing her] “How’s that then?”
Miranda: “It all sounds rather clichéd now, but seemed sensible at the time. I was so angry at being forced to marry that dreadful Lord ‘stuffed-shirt’ simply because he was rich and had a title, that I was determined to do SOMETHING in rebellion. I couldn’t do anything overt, of course—nothing to risk the wrath of my father. But some things were in my power, so I got the idea...”
Spike: [guessing] “To slum it by fooling around with the likes o’ me? How flattering.”
Miranda: “Ironically, I remember thinking that you were a rather safe choice. It’s not as if you were a hoodlum or anything at the time.”
Spike: “Again with the flattery. [believing her now] You little SLUT. Probably would’ve let me see your ankles, too.”
She takes an ice cube from her drink and throws it at him.
Miranda: “I’m just saying—funny how things work out.”
The phone rings. Miranda looks perplexed (who would be calling this late?). She answers it and as she talks, starts walking and leaves the room (it’s a cordless phone). She appears mildly annoyed. Once she comes back into the bedroom, Spike is putting on his clothes.
Spike: [looking at the window] “It’ll be daylight soon, I should push off.” [He grabs his things and walks toward the door and says, casually] “So will I see you tomorrow, then?”
Miranda: “Maybe”
Spike: [shaking his head] “You know, you’ve got that backwards as well. You play hard-to-get beforethe shagging. You’re really out of practice with this whole dating thing, aren’t you?”
Miranda: [amused] “I’ve got to take care of some business tomorrow—that’s what the phone call was about. Don’t know what time I’ll be back.”
Spike: “Well then, I guess I’ll see you when I see you.”
At this, she walks up to him and kisses him. After, they look at each other for a moment before he turns and leaves. Sigh.
End Scene.
Scene 9
Outside the Bronze. The following tuesday night, very late (3am+). Miranda pulls at the entrance door. It’s locked. She looks frustrated.
Miranda: “I thought pubs were open all night in this country.” [She walks away annoyed. We see her walking along the sidewalk, frowning as she tries to remember something. Next we see her walk past the magic shop and peer in the window. Not seeing anything, she walks back in the direction of her apartment. Mumbles to herself in frustration “S’what I get for picking a guy who doesn’t own a phone.” She appears to have given up and is slowly making her way back to her apartment building. About a block away, she spies a small flicker of a light (from a lighter) coming from an alley. She looks more closely and sure enough, it’s Spike lighting a cigarette.]
Miranda: [walking towards him] “Spare a light?”
He’s pleased to see her, but tries to hide it and plays it cool. Perhaps mildly annoyed/put off by the fact that it’s been a couple of days. As she approaches, he flicks his lighter on, offering her a light.
Miranda: “Actually, I don’t really want a fag right now. Just meant it as a bit of an ice breaker.” [He closes the lighter and puts it in his pocket.]
Spike: [still being cool, trying to explain why he’s there] “You know there’s a demon bar ‘bout a block from here. It’s open late.”
Miranda: [following his lead of ‘coolness’, not wanting to come off to eager] “Yeah, I was planning on having a peek in at the Bronze, but it was closed. I just got back into town—one disaster after another I had to deal with up in San Francisco.”
Spike: “You on your way somewhere?”
Miranda: “No, just going back. You can tag along if you like.”
He shrugs and walks with her toward her apartment building.
Spike: “Out kinda late, aren’t you. Didn’t figure you for an night owl.”
Miranda: “I told you I just got back. Anyway, I was hoping to bump into you. I would have stopped by your place, but wasn’t sure I could remember the way. I’m terrible with directions.”
Spike: [He’s quite pleased with this] “Remind me to draw you a map. I might have been on my way to pay you a visit. I do seem to remember something about a ‘next time’.”
They’ve now reached the entrance of her apartment building.
Miranda: [she smiles.] “Sounds vaguely familiar.”
They’re standing facing each other at the entrance.
Spike: “So what now?”
Miranda: [she glances at the building] “We try to make it inside the door.”
At this, they practically lunge at each other, greedily kissing. She fumbles for her keys, as he rubs his hands over her. She manages to open the outside door and as soon as they’re inside, he pushes her against the hallway door. Miranda: “No, inside MY door.” They make their way down the hall. She unlocks the door, they stumble inside. The minute the door closes behind them, they’re on the floor__—sounds of fumbling belts and zippers and within seconds, he’s inside her, thrusting—she moans with delight, grasping his ass while she pushes up into him with every stroke. It’s over fairly quickly—he closes his eyes and with a pleased snarl shoves himself as deep as he can inside her (she lets out a sharp gasp) and then lets himself release with tiny thrusts matching the pulses of his orgasm. He lets his head drop, touching his forhead to hers and then after a minute rolls off and lies on his back next to her. He’s looking spent/satisfied. Her breathing is slowing as she relaxes.
Spike: “Oh god, I’ve been thinking about that since...uh...since, well, I left the other night.”
Miranda: “I practically broke the sound barrier driving back. Don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t stumbled across you like that.”
Spike: “Now that the edge’s off, I think it’s time to have a look at those too-long neglected bits of yours.” [very naughty smile as he rolls back over towards her and pulls up her shirt to reveal her stomach, which he kisses softly. He moves downward and then pulls her thong down the rest of the way. He moves his head in between her legs, pushing her thighs further apart with is hands. Within seconds of his tongue moving rhythmically between her lips, she gasps loudly and thrusts her pelvis upwards, pressing herself against his face. She then relaxes and he pulls away enough to say,] “That was too easy. I’m not even warmed up yet. Strike one, is it?” [He moves back in. This time she builds a bit more slowly, as he gently flicks his tongue across her clit. He takes the tip of a single finger and rests it just inside her hole as he massages her with his tongue. Again, it takes less than a minute for her to groan in ecstasy.] “Not so much ‘sea legs’...just needed a bit of coaxing, is all.”
He closes her legs and slides up next to her, lifting his head on his elbow, looking at her. She’s still on her back, breathing hard.
Miranda: “well...uh...I...uh...um...Used to be able to talk.” [She laughs, obviously pleased.] “Minute, please.”
Spike: “I’ll have to add it to the overtime clock.”
Miranda: “Oh, rest assured, I’ll be ready for overtime. [After a minute, she turns her head towards him.] “Done that before, then have you?”
Spike: “I am almost 130. I’ve picked up a few things.”
They both assemble/clothe themselves and sit up. They have a ‘what next?’ look about them.
Miranda: “So, uh, assuming you’re not in a hurry to rush off, you want to help me move a few things?”
Spike: “What things?”
Miranda: “When I said I’d just got back, I meant just got back—I left a moving van full of stuff parked out back behind the shop I’m leasing. The place I was storing it in San Francisco had a bit of a flood and I had to load up what I could salvage on the spot. Some of it’s rather valuable, so I was planning on unloading tonight. So if you wanted to...”
Spike: “I don’t mind. What sort of shop?”
Miranda: “Antiques”
Spike: “Should’ve guessed.”
Author’s note: I’m being a bit lazy here. Can’t be bothered to write a full scene. Basically, they just head off to the truck. Her shop is just a couple of doors down from the Magic shop. It takes a couple of hours to unload it. She’s rather impressed with his strength. She has a lot of cool things/ He comments on some of her weaponry. I simply see them having a bit of fun/banter as they work. She tells him a bit about her business. The fact that many Immortals have antique shops and that it is rather cut-throat in that they often steal from each other and compete for things in a kinda/sorta light-hearted way. He mentions that he’s seen some stuff that she might be interested in...blah blah blah. It’s all good—they have fun. It’s just before daylight when they return to her apartment, exhausted. They have a drink and look as if they could drop at any moment.
Spike: “It’ll be daylight in a bit. S’pose I should get going in a minute, else there might be burning and dust and...really not a pretty sight.”
Miranda: “I can give you a lift to the graveyard.” [She gets a bemused look like: I’ve never said THAT before.]
Neither of them actually move off the couch. They look as if they’re glued there.
Spike: “You have a lot of very heavy things. [beat] I’m just saying.”
Miranda: [Not quite sure if she should offer—too forward? Oh, go on then] “You could stay here, if you like. There’s only one window in the bedroom and the shade’s pretty solid.”
Spike: [reminding her of what she’s getting into] “I’d be stuck here all day tomorrow.”
Miranda: “I can’t imagine how we’d pass the time. Oh, but I do get BBC America on the telly.”
Spike: [smiling] “Well, in that case..."
They eventually get up off the couch & flop on the bed. Too tired for more fooling around, they just go to sleep. I don’t really see them cuddling as such, but lets just say they sleep closer to each other than they need to based on the size of the bed—perhaps just touching.
Next morning/afternoon. Noonish. They’re both still sound asleep. Suddenly the doorbell rings. They both stir a bit. Miranda gets up after the second ring, grabs a robe and heads for the door. Very sleepy, she opens the door.
Miranda: “Buffy (?!). Hi.”
Buffy: [Seeing that Miranda has obviously just got up] “Oh, sorry. Did I get the day wrong? I could’ve sworn we said Wednesday.”
Miranda: “The make-over—of course. Sorry. Completely slipped my mind.”
Buffy: “Do you want to postpone? I could do Friday, too”
Miranda: “No, no. I’m meeting with the lawyers on Friday. We should go today. It’ll just take me a minute to throw myself together. Can you hang on? What time’s the appointment?”
Buffy: “Oh, we’ve got time. I thought maybe we’d hit the shops first anyway. I’ll wait.”
Miranda: “Fantastic. Be right back”
She goes into the bedroom and starts putting on some clothes. Spike wakes up in response to the light.
Spike: [half asleep] “What’s going on? Thought we were staying in bed today, you know, BBC America.”
Miranda: “About that. I completely forgot that I’ve got plans with Buffy today. I really can’t cancel. Sleep as long as you want. Help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge. The remote’s on the coffee table—I’ll try to be back before dark. [Looking at him, sleepy, shirtless, she momentarily considers changing her mind and staying. Yummie.] I’m so sorry about this.”
He gives her the disappointed lip, but is a bit too sleepy to say anything. She’s finished dressing and leaves the room, closing the door quietly behind her. He rolls over and goes instantly back to sleep, thinking: did she say Buffy was here?
Miranda: “Ok, I’m good to go.”
Buffy: “Who were you talking to in there? [Her eye’s light up in a sort of girlie-bonding sort of way] “Hot date last night?”
Miranda: [smiling] “You could say that.”
Buffy: [conspiratorial] “He’s still here? Explains the late morning, I guess. What’s he like? Listen, I can come back...”
Miranda: “No, it’s fine. I’ll catch up with him later.”
Buffy: “So it’s going well, then??”
Miranda: “I think so. Anyway, we should go.”
At that moment, she decides to not mention who it is. She just isn’t in the mood to get into it with Buffy right now. If things continue to go well, then they can talk.
Author’s quick summary: Miranda had asked Buffy to help her with a makeover to make her look more like a contemporary 21 year old. On Friday, she meets with some lawyers to sign the papers for her inheritance—basically, she is ‘inheriting’ money from herself, so she has to pass for her own grand-daughter. I had the idea that her lawyers would actually be from Wolfram and Hart, since they would have some expertise in dealing with all things/affairs non-human. The other lawyers there are from some distant relatives of her husband and so they have to pretend everything is normal. So she and Buffy go to the hair salon and shops of various kinds to buy clothes. Pretty much the whole day is gone by the time they are finished. It’s about 7 o’clock, and seeing as it’s winter, it’s dark already.
Buffy: “We’re all getting together for dinner tonight at the house. You want to come? We could head straight there.”
Miranda: “Uh, I’d like to stop back to my place first and drop off a few things. Why don’t you drop me and I’ll meet you there in a bit?”
Buffy: “Sure. You can invite your...uh..friend if you want.”
Miranda, still being coy about the whole thing just gives a nod and heads off. She’s rather eager to see if Spike’s still there. She opens the door to her apartment, only to find an empty beer bottle and a cigarette butt as evidence of his earlier presence. She looks disappointed. There is a message on her answering machine. She listens and frowns—
“Miranda, it’s Claude. You’re not an easy person to get a hold of. I’ll be in Sunnydale through tonight. We need to meet. Give me a call.”
Miranda: [she says to the machine] “Yeah, bugger off.”
**
An hour or so later inside Buffy’s house. Willow, Tara, Xander, Anya, and Buffy are sitting in the livingroom about to dig into some pizza. The doorbell rings.
Buffy: “That must be Miranda. She might be bringing a guy.”
Tara: “Really? She met someone already?”
Buffy: “She’s being kind of secretive about the whole thing, but when I picked her up this morning...[She stops when she notices that Dawn is listening]...she, uh, mentioned that she had a date the night before. Anyway, I told her she should bring him over.”
Buffy goes to the door. It is Miranda. She’s alone and carrying a bag.
Buffy: [looking through the door after she walks in] “Just you?”
Miranda: “Just me. [looking into the room with everyone] I’ve brought some fun with me... [pulling out a bottle of wine] in liquid form and [pulling out a DVD case] cutting-edge technology form—don’t know much about it, but thought I’d give it a go—the gentleman at the video shop was quite insistent.”
Dawn: “We don’t have a player. [looking at Buffy] I told you that everyone has one. Even Miranda and she’s ANCIENT. [looking at Miranda] Oh, I mean, in a youngish kind of way.”
Willow: “It’s the thought that counts. So what did you get?”
Miranda: “Well, I had to rely on the man at the shop. I told him I wanted something with music in it—I’m trying to get caught up—and something that college kids would enjoy. He recommended this.” [She hands the case to Xander.]
Xander: “The Wall? Pink Floyd? And how old was this shop guy?”
Miranda: “Oh, I don’t know. 40?”
Xander: “And still working in a video shop. Explains a lot.”
Miranda: “I know it’s an old film. Still, he said it could be quite mesmerizing. Offered to sell me something that would enhance the experience, but I didn’t think you lot were the sort to partake of such things. [looking around almost hopeful] You wouldn’t be interested in that short of thing, would you? [judging from their response] No, I didn’t think so [she carefully folds the “empty” bag and puts it back in her purse] Hm. I hadn’t considered the possibility that you didn’t have a player. I’d invite you back to my place, but I’m kind of avoiding someone.”
Anya: “We’ve got a DVD player. You could all come over after pizza.”
Dawn: “Can I, Buffy? Please?”
Buffy: “Uh. I guess. Oh, but it’s a school night, so probably not a good idea.”
Miranda: [to Dawn] “Why don’t we plan on watching it again at the weekend, shall we? You can have a look ‘round my place, ok?” [Dawn shrugs]
They all dig into the pizza. When they’ve just about gone through it, there’s another knock on the door.
Dawn: “I’ll get it.”
She jumps up and goes to the door. She answers it and is soon walking back into the room with Spike behind her.
Spike: “So this is where you lot all are. Passed by the magic shop and it was all shut up.”
Buffy: “And you’re here because...???”
Spike: [annoyed] “Right, I have to have a reason. Fine. You patrolling tonight?”
Buffy: “Thought I’d take a quick whip around. Don’t think I’ll need any backup. It’s been pretty quiet.”
Spike: “Right then.”
Dawn: “There’s pizza if you want. Oh, but I guess you wouldn’t, would you?”
Spike: “Thanks, Bit. Never been much for pizza.”
Xander: “I guess you’ll be on your way, then.”
Miranda returns from the kitchen after having poured herself a glass of wine. The minute she sees Spike, her eyes light up. He gives her an acknowledging look.
Miranda: “We’re just headed over to Xander and Anya’s to watch a film—you want to come along?” [She tosses the DVD box over to him.]
Spike: “Pink Floyd? You’re showing your age a bit. What am I saying, you were what, 100 years old when this came out?”
Miranda: “Older than that, I’m afraid. You should know—you’re only two years younger than me.”
Spike: “Apparently those two years make all the difference.”
Miranda: “I haven’t actually seen it. I was too busy being an adult at the time. I believe I even rolled my eyes like a good parent when my daughter brought it round. Anyway, it’s all about getting in touch with my inner teenager.”
Spike laughs a bit at this. It’s rather obvious to those paying attention (not really anyone in the room, except maybe Dawn) that they’re having quite a little flirtation.
Spike: “I’m up for that. [to Xander] Got any beer at your place?”
Xander: “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we take another angle on the whole time-warp motif and have a look at Buffy’s video collection, shall we?”
He walks over to the tv cabinet and starts calling out names of films.
Spike: [shaking his head] “I haven’t been over to your place yet, have I? You don’t want to invite me in?”
Xander: “You know, I could try to deny it, but what would be the point? [looking around for support] Am I wrong here?”
Miranda: [annoyed with Xander’s behavior, but wanting to avoid conflict and not really caring where they go as long as Spike is there] “I’m happy to stay here. Probably for the best if you’re going out, right Buffy? Wouldn’t want to leave Dawn alone.”
Dawn: [thrilled at this prospect] “We’ve got lots of videos. Well, not exactly lots. Kinda only four, but they’re good. And I could make popcorn.”
Everyone agrees to this plan. They pick out a video and get ready to watch after putting away the pizza and making popcorn. Miranda and Spike exchange a few more words (and looks) before everyone gets settled for the movie (no one is paying attention), but there is no place for them to sit together (the couch is taken up by X & A, W & T). They turn the TV on before starting the video and find that there is some special news report—something nasty is happening in Sunnydale. Then the phone rings—it’s Giles—he’s seen it to. They agree that Buffy should go to the scene and check it out. Spike offers to come along and help out—Buffy agrees. Miranda is a bit annoyed/disappointed at this. Disappointed that she doesn’t get to spend the evening with Spike and annoyed (and a bit jealous?), perhaps, at the look on his face during his interaction with Buffy. This is the first time she has picked up on the fact that his interest in helping Buffy is motivated by more than simply wanting to fight other demons. A few minutes after they leave, Miranda’s cell phone rings. She reluctantly answers it, as if she knows who it will be. We here her make plans to meet someone in 30 minutes at the Bronze. She says her goodbyes and heads off (everyone assumes that she is going to meet her new ‘guy’).
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