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Author's Chapter Notes:
Thanks to Mabel Marsters for betaing - you rock! - and a huge thanks to PhotographyNut, JO, cordykitten, IamGhost and TammyAsh666 for reviewing the last chapter! *hugs you all*
”Angel?”

Angel looked up as Wesley carefully peeked through the crack of the door. “Hey, Wes. What’s up?”

“You tell me.” The former watcher stepped into the office, quickly closing the door behind him. “There are three large Quibaka demons out there and they don’t appear to be very happy. Apparently they had an appointment, and they clearly don’t like being kept waiting.”

“What?” Angel frowned. “That was today?”

Wesley threw a nervous glance over his shoulder, as if expecting the demons to break through the door any moment. “Judging by the way they seemed ready to start tearing the whole place apart, I would say yes.”

“Dammit!” Angel sighed. “Why the hell didn’t Harmony tell me? It’s her job!”

“Um...” Wesley hesitated for a moment. “I haven’t seen her this morning. Her desk was empty when I walked by.”

“Oh, great!” Angel snarled. “Tell me again why you thought hiring Harmony was such a good idea?”

“Well...” Wesley chose his words carefully. “Harmony may be somewhat annoying, but I haven’t heard any real complaints. And she gets the job done.”

“Sure.” The vampire let out a snort. “When she bothers to show up.” Wesley opened his mouth but Angel cut him off, “Never mind. Wes, find Rowan. I need someone to be out there answering the damn phones. I’ll go talk to the...” Seeing the other man’s expression, he stopped, an impatient look on his face. “What now?”

“I’m afraid Rowan called in sick this morning.” Wesley sounded a little concerned as he went on, “He complained about having a terrible headache. Maybe-”

Angel held up a hand to stop him. “I don’t have time for this. Okay, I need you to stall the Quibakas, only for a few minutes while I get hold of Buffy.”

Wesley didn’t seem pleased about having to go back out there, but nodded. “Very well. But I expect you to hurry.” Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped outside.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Angel reached for the phone on his desk, quickly dialing Buffy’s number. A signal went through, followed by another. Then there was a clicking sound at the other end as someone had just picked up. And Angel knew his day couldn’t possibly get any worse when he immediately recognized the voice; “Top of the mornin’ Peaches!”


~ ~ ~


Rowan was sitting in the bar, quickly downing his second beer. It was only eight in the morning, but luckily for him, most of the demon bars kept their doors open around the clock. He had called Wesley about an hour ago, claiming to be too sick to come to work today. In a way, it wasn’t really a lie. He sure felt sick to his stomach when he recalled the events of last night.

To tell the truth, he didn’t think he would be able to go on much longer. He kept telling himself there was nothing wrong with his actions – that the harmless demons he kept luring into Morou’s trap weren’t really as innocent as they seemed. How could they be? They were demons. Then again, so was Spike, Angel and Lorne.

And Harmony. Rowan swallowed, hard. He didn’t even really like the female vampire; he had simply brought her home because she had been convenient. Eager to please him. And this was the way he had repaid her. Rowan squeezed his eyes shut, desperate to keep the image of Harmony’s smiling face out of his head. God, what kind of person was he?

He opened his eyes, spotted the bartender and waved him over. “Another beer, please. Keep them coming.”


~ ~ ~


When Buffy’s cell phone started ringing inside her purse, Spike had simply intended to turn it off, not wanting the shrill sound to wake her up. But when he cast a look at the display and realized who was on the other end of the line, he just couldn’t resist the temptation. Unable to keep a huge grin from spreading on his face, he picked up after the second ring. “Top of the mornin’ Peaches!”

“Spike?” There was a doubtful note in the dark-haired vampire’s voice. “Where’s Buffy? Why are you answering her phone?”

Spike was going to enjoy this, no question about it. “Sorry, mate, Buffy’s still asleep.” If only he could see the look on Angel’s face, then his day would be complete. No wait, make that his week. Oh bloody hell, who was he kidding? His entire year! “I’ll be happy to take a message,” he finished smoothly, waiting for the explosion.

Much to his disappointment, it didn’t come. When Angel finally spoke, he sounded very tired. Or possibly just defeated. “You spent the night with her.” It was more a statement than a question.

“That I did.” Spike hesitated. Although a part of him wanted to gloat, rub Angel’s face in the fact that Buffy had chosen him, he didn’t like the idea of using her like that. If Buffy wanted to fill Angel in on any further details, he would gladly approve. But it would have to be her decision. He rolled his eyes. Having a soul really sucked sometimes.

Clearing his throat, he said, “Well, since I doubt there’s anything I can help you with, might as well-“

“Actually...” Angel interrupted him, causing Spike to frown. “Harmony didn’t show up this morning. The phones are ringing off the hook and I have three over-sized demons about to wreak havoc out in the lobby.” He let out a deep sigh. “Just tell Buffy I called.”

“Hold on.” Spike looked over his shoulder to make sure Buffy was still sleeping before he went on, “What are you on about? What’s that about Harm?”

“She’s not here. Nobody’s heard from her since yesterday.” Angel paused before continuing. “Might just be a coincidence, but...”

“But not very likely,” Spike agreed. “Right, then. Talked to Rowan? He sense anything?”

“He’s not here, either.” Angel was starting to sound impatient. “Called in sick this morning and I don’t have time to try and get hold of him right now. Didn’t you hear me, Spike? This place is turning into total chaos!”

“Always been a bloody drama-queen,” Spike pointed out, sarcastically. Seeing how Buffy started to stir in the bed, he lowered his voice. “All right, look. Sun’s up, but I think I’ll be able to get to Rowan’s place if I take the sewers. Think Harmony’s left some personal stuff on her desk?”

Angel thought for a moment. “Might have. I’ll look into it.” Not waiting for a response, he hung up the phone and hurried out of the office.


~ ~ ~


“Spike?” Buffy’s eyes snapped open. She pouted when she noticed she was alone in the bed, until she turned her head and her eyes landed on the vampire, who was sitting on the couch a few feet away. It really was a tiny apartment.

He jumped up when he realized she was awake, took a step towards her and then stopped, hesitating a little. “Mornin’ luv.”

“Hey.” She smiled a little. “Do I smell coffee?”

“Oh, um...” Spike glanced over his shoulder. “Yeah. Figured you might be hungry, so I went to the store before you woke up.” He looked a little embarrassed as he continued, “Would’ve gotten you a pop-tart or some frozen waffles but I don’t have a bloody toaster, so...” He hurried over to the small kitchen table and picked up a brown paper bag. “Hope you like donuts.”

“You got me breakfast?” Buffy instantly melted. She started to get up, then frowned. “Wait a minute. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep on the couch. How did I...?” She eyed him suspiciously. “Did you carry me here?”

“Well, yeah.” Spike got a somewhat sheepish expression on his face. “Just thought you might be a bit more comfortable sleeping in a real bed, is all.”

“Oh. Okay.” She was quiet for a moment and he could almost see the wheels turning in her head. “Did you sleep here as well?”

Spike shrugged. “Dozed off a couple of times but that’s about it.” He didn’t find it necessary to tell her he had spent most of the night watching her sleep. Deciding it was time to change the subject, he asked, “So, got any big plans for today?” Before she got the chance to respond, he remembered something. “Oh, by the way, Angel called.”

Buffy gave him a startled look. “Angel?”

He nodded, wishing he knew what she was thinking. “Harmony’s missing. Told the big git I’d go pay Rowan a visit, see if he can sense something.”

Immediately forgetting all about Angel, Buffy stared at him, eyes narrowing. “So, your ex disappears and you have to go play search party?”

“What?” Spike gave her a look of confusion. “Buffy...”

“Never mind.” Buffy let out a sigh. “Sorry. It’s just that when I think about the two of you together, I... Ugh! Makes me wanna go slay something.”

“Guess Harmony has that effect on people.” Spike couldn’t help but chuckle. “Look, Buffy, I promise-“

“I know.” She smiled a little. “You love me, right?”

He became serious. “I do.”

Watching him for a moment, Buffy finally nodded in understanding. “Spike, I-“

“Don’t,” he interrupted with a pleading look on his face.

“But...” She stopped, biting her lip thoughtfully. “Okay, what are you doing tonight?”

“Um...” Spike raised a brow. “Hopefully you.” He smirked.

Buffy wasn’t fooled by his cocky attempt of covering up, knowing he had been expecting another ‘I don’t know what I feel’ speech. Truth to be told, she hadn’t really known what to tell him. She wondered why it had to be so hard for her to just say the words. It wasn’t like she’d never told him before. Of course, he had been dying at the time.

She decided to ignore his comment. “I was just thinking, maybe we could have dinner together again. Here, at your place.” She lowered her eyes. “I can cook.” Seeing the doubtful look on his face, she rolled her eyes and added, “Or I can order take-out.”

Spike’s face softened and he reached out, gently cupping her cheek. “Sound’s great, pet. You got yourself a date.” The genuine smile on her face made him feel warm inside. Walking over to a small dresser next to the bed, he opened the top drawer and pulled out a key. “Here. Take this.” He shrugged, suddenly feeling a little awkward. “’Case you need to get in and I’m not back.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Buffy took the small key, suddenly aware of how much her hands were shaking. For some reason, she felt like a teenager all over again. A teenager in love for the first time. She felt like her head was spinning. She was in love with Spike, and it was time to let him know. But first, she wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Tonight, she decided. Tonight she was finally going to tell him.


TBC





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