Fic: Collide - Chapter 16/?
RL conspired against me last week and I didn't get fb answered on the last chapter, let alone get a second chapter out like I wanted. The fb was very much appreciated, though, and I'll be catching up on it over the course of the day. Sorry for not getting to it sooner. At any rate, I've got a pretty busy week again this week, but I'm planning on getting at least one more chapter out, possibly two. I'll have to play it by ear, though. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy! :-)
Collide
Pairing: S/A (eventually), S/others and A/others along the way
Rating: NC17 overall
Warning: Teenage high school kids doing things high school kids do.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not for profit … just borrowing them to get the plot bunny that invaded my brain to shut up already.
Beta'd: by thatotherperv and silk_labyrinth
Summary: Human AU. Growing up is difficult enough. Being yourself while doing it is damn near impossible.
Previous chapters in memories and at my site.
Chapter 16
"So," Xander said, walking up to Spike's locker as Ford walked away. "Ready for our date tonight?"
Spike arched an eyebrow. "Our date?"
Xander grinned. "Yeah. You know. I break up with Cordelia, you show me this cool place I never knew existed but you somehow know all about after living here for a lot less time than me."
Spike chuckled. "Right. The club. Can't tonight, mate. Have plans. Friday good for you?"
Xander shrugged. "Sure. Probably better anyway. I have this test tomorrow I need to cram for."
Spike grabbed his books out of his locker and shut it, then started down the hall with Xander. They walked past the mouth of an adjacent hallway and Spike found himself looking down it for some sign of Angel, even though he knew Angel was probably long gone. It was ridiculous, really, how one civil conversation with Angel could turn him around, but it had. Spike had enjoyed talking to him for a change. And then Ford had shown up and that had been that.
Spike frowned, wondering at the odd sense of disappointment over that. He should have been happy to see Ford. Before last night's tutoring session with Angel, Spike knew he would have been. All he kept flashing back on now, though, was that moment last night when his and Angel's faces had been inches apart and something deep, something hungry had flashed through Angel's eyes. It had only been for a split second, but it had been there. Spike was sure of it this time. All the other times he had second-guessed himself, but last night… Last night there hadn't been conflict of any kind involved. It hadn't been a heat-of-the-moment kind of thing like the other times. It had just … happened.
And now Spike had no idea what to do about it, or if he should even do anything. He glanced over at Xander and considered asking his advice, but just then the warning bell for class rang. Was probably just as well. Xander made no secret of his dislike for Angel, so chances were he'd advise Spike against doing anything. In fact, Spike mused as he said a quick goodbye and headed into his next class, he was fairly sure Xander would tell him to run in the opposite direction. As Spike sat at his desk, he couldn't help but think that might be the smartest thing to do anyway.
Footsteps in the hallway drew Spike's attention and he glanced out the door in time to see Angel walk by. The sight of Angel tightened things of Spike's that had no business tightening in class. He decided he wasn't as smart as everyone thought because he had no intention of running.
~*~
"What are your plans for this evening, Will?" Giles asked as Spike helped him clear the counter after dinner.
They had eaten in the kitchen again since the other rooms were still covered in books. Giles had promised it would be the last night, but Spike had his doubts. His uncle looked like he was enjoying going through the old, dusty tomes immensely. At any rate, Spike had assured him it was alright; he could take as long as he wanted. Spike staunchly ignored the voice in his head telling him he only felt that way because it meant he would have to tutor Angel in his bedroom again.
Answering the question, Spike looked over at his uncle and said, "Angel's coming over."
Giles paused in picking up the half-empty casserole dish from the counter and Spike didn't miss the pleased look on his face. "So you both chose to take my advice?"
Spike nodded, grabbing their empty dinner plates and heading toward the sink with them. "Yeah. Turned out better than I thought it would. We spent the whole evening in the same room and didn't once threaten bodily harm to each other."
"I'm glad to hear it," Giles said, sounding amused as he covered the casserole and put it in the refrigerator.
Spike rinsed off their plates and set them in the dishwasher as he asked, "What about you? Any plans tonight?"
Giles nodded. "Yes. I'm meeting with some friends at a local club."
Spike's eyebrows shot up. "You're going clubbing?"
Giles chuckled. "You don't need to sound so shocked. It's not a dance club. It's more of an artistic coffee house. There's a stage people can use to share their poetry or music or what have you."
Spike grinned. "And will you be sharing?"
Giles shook his head. "Not tonight."
"But you have other nights, yeah?" Spike prodded, enjoying finding out something about his uncle's personal life.
So far, Giles had kept himself fairly closed off. Spike understood it to a certain extent since both his father and grandfather had been the same. It was a family trait of sorts. Or maybe a cultural trait. But he had to admit, finding out something personal about his uncle made him feel closer to him and he liked that feeling.
Giles looked at him and nodded. "Yes. I have. I dabble with guitar and sing occasionally."
Spike cocked his head to the side and studied his uncle, wondering if he should take a chance and ask him something, or if he should just leave well enough alone. He decided to ask. "Next time you dabble, mind if I come along to listen?"
Giles smiled, appearing pleased that Spike wanted to do that. "I would like that very much."
Spike smiled in return, glad he'd taken the chance.
They finished cleaning the kitchen in companionable silence. Just as Spike started to walk out of the room, Giles called his name, stopping him. When Spike turned to face his uncle, it was to find him looking decidedly uncomfortable.
"What?" Spike asked.
Giles cleared his throat and said, "I feel I need to speak to you about this as your guardian and I hope you don't take this as a sign I don't trust you because I do. You've done nothing so far to make me think I can't, in fact."
Spike nodded, happy he felt that way. "Ta. You can, you know. Trust me, I mean."
"Yes, well, as much as I feel that way, I also know you're a teenage boy with, erm … urges, as it were."
Spike felt his face heat, suddenly wanting to be anywhere but there. He'd never imagined he'd be having 'the talk' with his uncle. He'd never had it with his mum; she had been too old-fashioned to think of discussing something like that with him. His father had just handed him a book to read and told him not to have sex until he was old enough to support a family.
Looking anywhere but at Giles, Spike asked, "Do we really need to talk about this now?"
"Actually, I've been remiss. We should have discussed it when you and Faith started dating."
Latching onto that, Spike said, "Right, then. She and I aren't dating now, so if that's all…"
Spike turned and started out, but again Giles called his name, stopping him. Spike's shoulders slumped as he turned back.
"I realize this is uncomfortable for you. It's not easy for me, either. But-"
"Look, Uncle Rupert," Spike said, interrupting and hoping to bypass what would be a very embarrassing conversation for both of them. "I got the basics. Learned some from a book my dad gave me and the rest in health class. And I'm careful."
Giles nodded. "So you are sexually active, then."
Clearing his throat, Spike admitted, "Was. Past tense. And when I was, I was careful."
Giles seemed to be contemplating something, then asked hesitantly, "Not to pry, but was this with Faith or Billy?"
Spike stared at his uncle a beat, then said, "Faith."
"I'm asking because while I assume you know to use a condom with a girl, I'm not entirely sure what they teach you in sex ed about having sex with a boy. I feel I should make you aware that it's just as important to use protection with the same sex as it is with the opposite."
"I know," Spike said, face feeling hot.
"Good. Good. One more question and hopefully we can be done with this conversation."
"Thank Christ," Spike muttered.
Giles' expression gave away that he felt the same, which made Spike feel somewhat less embarrassed.
"Should I be concerned about you and Angel being here together alone tonight and, I'm assuming, in your room since the living room and dining room are complete disasters at the moment?"
Spike blinked. He hadn't expected that question. Hedging, he said, "You do remember we can't stand each other, yeah?"
Giles shot him a knowing look. "Yes, but I also saw how he couldn't keep his eyes off you last night when you were half dressed and fresh from the shower."
Spike's eyes widened. So he hadn't imagined it. He had confirmation in the form of a third person.
Spike knew it was completely the most inappropriate time, but he found himself grinning. "He couldn't?"
Giles chuckled. "He kept sneaking glances every time he thought we weren't looking."
Spike cleared his throat and forced the grin off his face as reality crashed back in. "Doesn't matter. I'm with Ford, sort of, and Angel's… He's the star quarterback of the football team and everyone-him included, I'm betting-thinks he's straight. Besides, like I said, we can't stand each other. 'M only helping him out because I could use the money and because you asked. He's only letting me because I'm his last resort."
Giles pursed his lips. "You remember I told you about Ethan?" Spike nodded. "Right. Well, we started out much the same way, except I was the supposedly straight one. We constantly fought. As it turned out, what we were really fighting was our attraction to each other." Giles paused, then said, "At any rate, I wouldn't presume to tell you not to have sex. I realize that you're eighteen and fully capable of making your own decisions on the matter."
Feeling very grown up just then, Spike said, "Ta. Appreciate that."
Giles nodded and continued, "I just want you to be aware of the risks. Not just the medical ones, the emotional ones. Sex changes things, as I'm sure you experienced with Faith. With Billy, if you choose that, it would probably be much the same kind of changes as with Faith since he's out and comfortable with his sexuality, but with someone like Angel, someone who's not yet come to terms with who they are, it can be like walking a minefield. And I'm saying that from experience. I was Angel in that regard, and Ethan was the one who had to pay the price for it. I just don't want to see you hurt."
Touched, both that Giles cared so much and that he was sharing a very private part of himself, Spike swallowed and nodded. "Thanks, Uncle Rupert. Promise I'll be careful."
Before the silence could stretch between them to the point that it became awkward, there was a knock at the front door.
"Oh my. I'm running late," Giles said, glancing at the clock. "Would you mind? It's probably for you anyway."
Spike nodded and started for the door as Giles headed down the hall for his room. Spike opened the door and found Angel standing on the other side. Spike started to smile, then caught himself and schooled his expression into that of indifference as he stepped aside and motioned Angel in.
Angel walked inside and glanced at the books everywhere. "Giles is still at it, huh?"
Spike snorted. "Yeah. Says he'll have at least the table cleared by tomorrow evening, but I'm not holding my breath. Think he'd marry these books if he could. The man's obsessed."
"There are worse things to be obsessed about, I should think," Giles said, stepping out from the hall.
Spike jumped and shot him an apologetic grin. "Sorry."
Giles grinned back. "No need. I do love them. It's why I'm a librarian, after all. You two have a productive evening," Giles said on his way to the door. "And Will, remember what we talked about."
Feeling Angel's eyes on him, Spike nodded to his uncle. "I will. Have fun."
Giles nodded in return, and then he was gone and Spike and Angel were alone in the flat. Again.
After a moment, Angel asked, "What did he mean, remember what you talked about? Was it about me?"
Spike arched an eyebrow, deciding to go for shock value as a way to get Angel off the subject without having to outright lie. "Was about my sex life, actually. Want any more details or is the nosy portion of the evening over now?"
Angel winced and looked away. "Christ. No. No more details. I'm sorry I asked."
Spike chuckled. "In that case, you can head back to my room. I'll just grab a couple of sodas for us and meet you there."
Angel nodded and strode away quickly, as if he couldn't get away from the conversation fast enough. Spike headed for the kitchen, a smile on his face now that he had confirmation from his uncle that his attraction to Angel went both ways. He grabbed the sodas and started for his room, but a knock at the front door made him change directions. Holding the sodas in one hand, he opened the door with the other, his eyes widening at who he discovered there.
"Ford."
Ford smiled. "Hey." Looking over Spike's shoulder into the flat, Ford asked, "Is your uncle here?"
Spike shook his head. "No, but-"
Before he could get anything else out, Ford grabbed him by the back of the head and pulled him forward into a heated kiss. Spike made a noise of surprise and found himself turned around and pressed against the wall next to the door, Ford's tongue seeking entrance into his mouth. Struggling to regain control of the situation-the fact that Angel was in his room very much at the forefront of Spike's mind, along with the fact that Angel didn't want anyone knowing he was there, or why-Spike pressed his free hand to Ford's chest and pushed.
Ford took the hint and broke the kiss. "Sorry. I've wanted to do that all day."
Spike saw movement out of the corner of his eye from the direction of the hall and cursed silently, knowing without looking that Angel was there watching them.
Trying to come up with a viable excuse to get Ford out of there, Spike forced a smile. "Appreciate the sentiment, but right now's not the best time."
Ford's forehead scrunched up. "What? Why? I thought you said your uncle wasn't here."
"He isn't, but…" Spike trailed off, unable to come up with any plausible reason other than the truth.
Ford blinked at him, then glanced over at his hand, the one holding two sodas. Suddenly his expression closed off and he stepped away. Spike was fairly sure what conclusion Ford had jumped to, knowing he would have jumped to the same one if their situations were reversed.
"You have someone else here," Ford said.
Spike swallowed. As Ford stared at his hand, Spike took the opportunity to glance toward the hall. As expected, he found Angel there, staring back at him. He realized he had a decision to make. Either break his promise and out Angel's need for a tutor, or let Ford think the worst and most probably put an end to things between them. Surprisingly, it wasn't as hard a choice as Spike would have thought it would be.
Looking back at Ford just as he lifted his eyes to meet his, Spike said, "Yeah. I do."
Anger flashed through Ford's eyes and he took a step toward him. "You're cheating on me?"
And suddenly, Spike found himself in the same position as he had been with Faith, only on the other end since, Angel or no Angel, he very much didn't consider Ford and him exclusive.
Trying to be tactful, Spike said, "Wasn't aware you thought we were exclusive."
"You didn't?" Ford asked.
Spike shook his head. "We've been on a few dates, but that doesn't make us boyfriends."
Ford's eyes narrowed. "Is it Faith?"
Spike shook his head. "No."
"A guy?" Ford asked.
Spike didn't answer and Ford spun away, looking around. Spike's eyes flew to the hall, but Angel was nowhere in sight.
"Where is he?" Ford asked, looking back at him. "He's in your room, isn't he?"
Again Spike didn't answer, not sure how to handle the situation. Ford was understandably pissed, and Spike had zero experience in this area. When Ford started for the hallway, though, Spike shifted into gear and set the sodas down on the floor before going after him.
He grabbed Ford's arm just before he reached the hall. "Think you should leave."
"Not until I see who it is for myself," Ford said angrily.
Getting angry himself at Ford's high-handedness, Spike said, "None of your soddin' business who it is."
Ford stared him down for a long moment before turning and walking out without another word. Spike jumped as the door slammed shut behind him. Cursing under his breath, Spike crossed back to the door and locked it, then picked up the sodas and turned toward the hall, only to stop short at finding Angel standing at the mouth of it, shoulder leaning against one side.
Spike crossed the room again, but halted when Angel didn't move out of the way. Looking up at him, Spike asked irritably, "What?"
Angel stared at him for a long moment, then said, "You could have given me up."
Spike shrugged. "Made a promise. I don't break promises."
"You know he's not going to want anything to do with you now, right? He broke up with his last boyfriend because he cheated, too."
Well, that at least explained why Ford had reacted so strongly, Spike supposed.
Holding Angel's gaze, Spike said, "First off, we weren't boyfriends. Just went on a couple of dates. Two, I didn't cheat, as you very well know. Now, can I get by so we can get on with this? Have my own work to do."
Angel stepped aside and Spike started past, stopping short as Angel said from behind him, "Thanks." Spike turned around and Angel elaborated, "For keeping your word. I'm sorry it screwed things up with you and Ford."
Spike shrugged, trying to downplay it. "You're welcome, but no worries. He was fun, but don't think it was going anywhere anyway."
Angel studied him skeptically. "That's not what it looked like in the bathroom the other day."
Spike bristled at the reminder that Angel had caught them snogging and groping each other. Instead of letting that show, though, he smirked. "Was horny; he was available."
Something flashed through Angel's eyes that Spike couldn't read, but Angel just nodded and said, "Still. Thanks. I won't forget it."
Angel walked past him then and Spike stayed where he was for a moment longer, questioning his sanity. He'd blown off a guy who treated him well and he had fun with, for a guy who had caused him nothing but problems since he met him and who pretended he wasn't attracted to him.
As Spike turned and walked back to his room, he couldn't help but remember his uncle's warning and wondered if he wasn't headed straight into disaster.
Continued here.
Collide
Pairing: S/A (eventually), S/others and A/others along the way
Rating: NC17 overall
Warning: Teenage high school kids doing things high school kids do.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not for profit … just borrowing them to get the plot bunny that invaded my brain to shut up already.
Beta'd: by thatotherperv and silk_labyrinth
Summary: Human AU. Growing up is difficult enough. Being yourself while doing it is damn near impossible.
Previous chapters in memories and at my site.
Chapter 16
"So," Xander said, walking up to Spike's locker as Ford walked away. "Ready for our date tonight?"
Spike arched an eyebrow. "Our date?"
Xander grinned. "Yeah. You know. I break up with Cordelia, you show me this cool place I never knew existed but you somehow know all about after living here for a lot less time than me."
Spike chuckled. "Right. The club. Can't tonight, mate. Have plans. Friday good for you?"
Xander shrugged. "Sure. Probably better anyway. I have this test tomorrow I need to cram for."
Spike grabbed his books out of his locker and shut it, then started down the hall with Xander. They walked past the mouth of an adjacent hallway and Spike found himself looking down it for some sign of Angel, even though he knew Angel was probably long gone. It was ridiculous, really, how one civil conversation with Angel could turn him around, but it had. Spike had enjoyed talking to him for a change. And then Ford had shown up and that had been that.
Spike frowned, wondering at the odd sense of disappointment over that. He should have been happy to see Ford. Before last night's tutoring session with Angel, Spike knew he would have been. All he kept flashing back on now, though, was that moment last night when his and Angel's faces had been inches apart and something deep, something hungry had flashed through Angel's eyes. It had only been for a split second, but it had been there. Spike was sure of it this time. All the other times he had second-guessed himself, but last night… Last night there hadn't been conflict of any kind involved. It hadn't been a heat-of-the-moment kind of thing like the other times. It had just … happened.
And now Spike had no idea what to do about it, or if he should even do anything. He glanced over at Xander and considered asking his advice, but just then the warning bell for class rang. Was probably just as well. Xander made no secret of his dislike for Angel, so chances were he'd advise Spike against doing anything. In fact, Spike mused as he said a quick goodbye and headed into his next class, he was fairly sure Xander would tell him to run in the opposite direction. As Spike sat at his desk, he couldn't help but think that might be the smartest thing to do anyway.
Footsteps in the hallway drew Spike's attention and he glanced out the door in time to see Angel walk by. The sight of Angel tightened things of Spike's that had no business tightening in class. He decided he wasn't as smart as everyone thought because he had no intention of running.
~*~
"What are your plans for this evening, Will?" Giles asked as Spike helped him clear the counter after dinner.
They had eaten in the kitchen again since the other rooms were still covered in books. Giles had promised it would be the last night, but Spike had his doubts. His uncle looked like he was enjoying going through the old, dusty tomes immensely. At any rate, Spike had assured him it was alright; he could take as long as he wanted. Spike staunchly ignored the voice in his head telling him he only felt that way because it meant he would have to tutor Angel in his bedroom again.
Answering the question, Spike looked over at his uncle and said, "Angel's coming over."
Giles paused in picking up the half-empty casserole dish from the counter and Spike didn't miss the pleased look on his face. "So you both chose to take my advice?"
Spike nodded, grabbing their empty dinner plates and heading toward the sink with them. "Yeah. Turned out better than I thought it would. We spent the whole evening in the same room and didn't once threaten bodily harm to each other."
"I'm glad to hear it," Giles said, sounding amused as he covered the casserole and put it in the refrigerator.
Spike rinsed off their plates and set them in the dishwasher as he asked, "What about you? Any plans tonight?"
Giles nodded. "Yes. I'm meeting with some friends at a local club."
Spike's eyebrows shot up. "You're going clubbing?"
Giles chuckled. "You don't need to sound so shocked. It's not a dance club. It's more of an artistic coffee house. There's a stage people can use to share their poetry or music or what have you."
Spike grinned. "And will you be sharing?"
Giles shook his head. "Not tonight."
"But you have other nights, yeah?" Spike prodded, enjoying finding out something about his uncle's personal life.
So far, Giles had kept himself fairly closed off. Spike understood it to a certain extent since both his father and grandfather had been the same. It was a family trait of sorts. Or maybe a cultural trait. But he had to admit, finding out something personal about his uncle made him feel closer to him and he liked that feeling.
Giles looked at him and nodded. "Yes. I have. I dabble with guitar and sing occasionally."
Spike cocked his head to the side and studied his uncle, wondering if he should take a chance and ask him something, or if he should just leave well enough alone. He decided to ask. "Next time you dabble, mind if I come along to listen?"
Giles smiled, appearing pleased that Spike wanted to do that. "I would like that very much."
Spike smiled in return, glad he'd taken the chance.
They finished cleaning the kitchen in companionable silence. Just as Spike started to walk out of the room, Giles called his name, stopping him. When Spike turned to face his uncle, it was to find him looking decidedly uncomfortable.
"What?" Spike asked.
Giles cleared his throat and said, "I feel I need to speak to you about this as your guardian and I hope you don't take this as a sign I don't trust you because I do. You've done nothing so far to make me think I can't, in fact."
Spike nodded, happy he felt that way. "Ta. You can, you know. Trust me, I mean."
"Yes, well, as much as I feel that way, I also know you're a teenage boy with, erm … urges, as it were."
Spike felt his face heat, suddenly wanting to be anywhere but there. He'd never imagined he'd be having 'the talk' with his uncle. He'd never had it with his mum; she had been too old-fashioned to think of discussing something like that with him. His father had just handed him a book to read and told him not to have sex until he was old enough to support a family.
Looking anywhere but at Giles, Spike asked, "Do we really need to talk about this now?"
"Actually, I've been remiss. We should have discussed it when you and Faith started dating."
Latching onto that, Spike said, "Right, then. She and I aren't dating now, so if that's all…"
Spike turned and started out, but again Giles called his name, stopping him. Spike's shoulders slumped as he turned back.
"I realize this is uncomfortable for you. It's not easy for me, either. But-"
"Look, Uncle Rupert," Spike said, interrupting and hoping to bypass what would be a very embarrassing conversation for both of them. "I got the basics. Learned some from a book my dad gave me and the rest in health class. And I'm careful."
Giles nodded. "So you are sexually active, then."
Clearing his throat, Spike admitted, "Was. Past tense. And when I was, I was careful."
Giles seemed to be contemplating something, then asked hesitantly, "Not to pry, but was this with Faith or Billy?"
Spike stared at his uncle a beat, then said, "Faith."
"I'm asking because while I assume you know to use a condom with a girl, I'm not entirely sure what they teach you in sex ed about having sex with a boy. I feel I should make you aware that it's just as important to use protection with the same sex as it is with the opposite."
"I know," Spike said, face feeling hot.
"Good. Good. One more question and hopefully we can be done with this conversation."
"Thank Christ," Spike muttered.
Giles' expression gave away that he felt the same, which made Spike feel somewhat less embarrassed.
"Should I be concerned about you and Angel being here together alone tonight and, I'm assuming, in your room since the living room and dining room are complete disasters at the moment?"
Spike blinked. He hadn't expected that question. Hedging, he said, "You do remember we can't stand each other, yeah?"
Giles shot him a knowing look. "Yes, but I also saw how he couldn't keep his eyes off you last night when you were half dressed and fresh from the shower."
Spike's eyes widened. So he hadn't imagined it. He had confirmation in the form of a third person.
Spike knew it was completely the most inappropriate time, but he found himself grinning. "He couldn't?"
Giles chuckled. "He kept sneaking glances every time he thought we weren't looking."
Spike cleared his throat and forced the grin off his face as reality crashed back in. "Doesn't matter. I'm with Ford, sort of, and Angel's… He's the star quarterback of the football team and everyone-him included, I'm betting-thinks he's straight. Besides, like I said, we can't stand each other. 'M only helping him out because I could use the money and because you asked. He's only letting me because I'm his last resort."
Giles pursed his lips. "You remember I told you about Ethan?" Spike nodded. "Right. Well, we started out much the same way, except I was the supposedly straight one. We constantly fought. As it turned out, what we were really fighting was our attraction to each other." Giles paused, then said, "At any rate, I wouldn't presume to tell you not to have sex. I realize that you're eighteen and fully capable of making your own decisions on the matter."
Feeling very grown up just then, Spike said, "Ta. Appreciate that."
Giles nodded and continued, "I just want you to be aware of the risks. Not just the medical ones, the emotional ones. Sex changes things, as I'm sure you experienced with Faith. With Billy, if you choose that, it would probably be much the same kind of changes as with Faith since he's out and comfortable with his sexuality, but with someone like Angel, someone who's not yet come to terms with who they are, it can be like walking a minefield. And I'm saying that from experience. I was Angel in that regard, and Ethan was the one who had to pay the price for it. I just don't want to see you hurt."
Touched, both that Giles cared so much and that he was sharing a very private part of himself, Spike swallowed and nodded. "Thanks, Uncle Rupert. Promise I'll be careful."
Before the silence could stretch between them to the point that it became awkward, there was a knock at the front door.
"Oh my. I'm running late," Giles said, glancing at the clock. "Would you mind? It's probably for you anyway."
Spike nodded and started for the door as Giles headed down the hall for his room. Spike opened the door and found Angel standing on the other side. Spike started to smile, then caught himself and schooled his expression into that of indifference as he stepped aside and motioned Angel in.
Angel walked inside and glanced at the books everywhere. "Giles is still at it, huh?"
Spike snorted. "Yeah. Says he'll have at least the table cleared by tomorrow evening, but I'm not holding my breath. Think he'd marry these books if he could. The man's obsessed."
"There are worse things to be obsessed about, I should think," Giles said, stepping out from the hall.
Spike jumped and shot him an apologetic grin. "Sorry."
Giles grinned back. "No need. I do love them. It's why I'm a librarian, after all. You two have a productive evening," Giles said on his way to the door. "And Will, remember what we talked about."
Feeling Angel's eyes on him, Spike nodded to his uncle. "I will. Have fun."
Giles nodded in return, and then he was gone and Spike and Angel were alone in the flat. Again.
After a moment, Angel asked, "What did he mean, remember what you talked about? Was it about me?"
Spike arched an eyebrow, deciding to go for shock value as a way to get Angel off the subject without having to outright lie. "Was about my sex life, actually. Want any more details or is the nosy portion of the evening over now?"
Angel winced and looked away. "Christ. No. No more details. I'm sorry I asked."
Spike chuckled. "In that case, you can head back to my room. I'll just grab a couple of sodas for us and meet you there."
Angel nodded and strode away quickly, as if he couldn't get away from the conversation fast enough. Spike headed for the kitchen, a smile on his face now that he had confirmation from his uncle that his attraction to Angel went both ways. He grabbed the sodas and started for his room, but a knock at the front door made him change directions. Holding the sodas in one hand, he opened the door with the other, his eyes widening at who he discovered there.
"Ford."
Ford smiled. "Hey." Looking over Spike's shoulder into the flat, Ford asked, "Is your uncle here?"
Spike shook his head. "No, but-"
Before he could get anything else out, Ford grabbed him by the back of the head and pulled him forward into a heated kiss. Spike made a noise of surprise and found himself turned around and pressed against the wall next to the door, Ford's tongue seeking entrance into his mouth. Struggling to regain control of the situation-the fact that Angel was in his room very much at the forefront of Spike's mind, along with the fact that Angel didn't want anyone knowing he was there, or why-Spike pressed his free hand to Ford's chest and pushed.
Ford took the hint and broke the kiss. "Sorry. I've wanted to do that all day."
Spike saw movement out of the corner of his eye from the direction of the hall and cursed silently, knowing without looking that Angel was there watching them.
Trying to come up with a viable excuse to get Ford out of there, Spike forced a smile. "Appreciate the sentiment, but right now's not the best time."
Ford's forehead scrunched up. "What? Why? I thought you said your uncle wasn't here."
"He isn't, but…" Spike trailed off, unable to come up with any plausible reason other than the truth.
Ford blinked at him, then glanced over at his hand, the one holding two sodas. Suddenly his expression closed off and he stepped away. Spike was fairly sure what conclusion Ford had jumped to, knowing he would have jumped to the same one if their situations were reversed.
"You have someone else here," Ford said.
Spike swallowed. As Ford stared at his hand, Spike took the opportunity to glance toward the hall. As expected, he found Angel there, staring back at him. He realized he had a decision to make. Either break his promise and out Angel's need for a tutor, or let Ford think the worst and most probably put an end to things between them. Surprisingly, it wasn't as hard a choice as Spike would have thought it would be.
Looking back at Ford just as he lifted his eyes to meet his, Spike said, "Yeah. I do."
Anger flashed through Ford's eyes and he took a step toward him. "You're cheating on me?"
And suddenly, Spike found himself in the same position as he had been with Faith, only on the other end since, Angel or no Angel, he very much didn't consider Ford and him exclusive.
Trying to be tactful, Spike said, "Wasn't aware you thought we were exclusive."
"You didn't?" Ford asked.
Spike shook his head. "We've been on a few dates, but that doesn't make us boyfriends."
Ford's eyes narrowed. "Is it Faith?"
Spike shook his head. "No."
"A guy?" Ford asked.
Spike didn't answer and Ford spun away, looking around. Spike's eyes flew to the hall, but Angel was nowhere in sight.
"Where is he?" Ford asked, looking back at him. "He's in your room, isn't he?"
Again Spike didn't answer, not sure how to handle the situation. Ford was understandably pissed, and Spike had zero experience in this area. When Ford started for the hallway, though, Spike shifted into gear and set the sodas down on the floor before going after him.
He grabbed Ford's arm just before he reached the hall. "Think you should leave."
"Not until I see who it is for myself," Ford said angrily.
Getting angry himself at Ford's high-handedness, Spike said, "None of your soddin' business who it is."
Ford stared him down for a long moment before turning and walking out without another word. Spike jumped as the door slammed shut behind him. Cursing under his breath, Spike crossed back to the door and locked it, then picked up the sodas and turned toward the hall, only to stop short at finding Angel standing at the mouth of it, shoulder leaning against one side.
Spike crossed the room again, but halted when Angel didn't move out of the way. Looking up at him, Spike asked irritably, "What?"
Angel stared at him for a long moment, then said, "You could have given me up."
Spike shrugged. "Made a promise. I don't break promises."
"You know he's not going to want anything to do with you now, right? He broke up with his last boyfriend because he cheated, too."
Well, that at least explained why Ford had reacted so strongly, Spike supposed.
Holding Angel's gaze, Spike said, "First off, we weren't boyfriends. Just went on a couple of dates. Two, I didn't cheat, as you very well know. Now, can I get by so we can get on with this? Have my own work to do."
Angel stepped aside and Spike started past, stopping short as Angel said from behind him, "Thanks." Spike turned around and Angel elaborated, "For keeping your word. I'm sorry it screwed things up with you and Ford."
Spike shrugged, trying to downplay it. "You're welcome, but no worries. He was fun, but don't think it was going anywhere anyway."
Angel studied him skeptically. "That's not what it looked like in the bathroom the other day."
Spike bristled at the reminder that Angel had caught them snogging and groping each other. Instead of letting that show, though, he smirked. "Was horny; he was available."
Something flashed through Angel's eyes that Spike couldn't read, but Angel just nodded and said, "Still. Thanks. I won't forget it."
Angel walked past him then and Spike stayed where he was for a moment longer, questioning his sanity. He'd blown off a guy who treated him well and he had fun with, for a guy who had caused him nothing but problems since he met him and who pretended he wasn't attracted to him.
As Spike turned and walked back to his room, he couldn't help but remember his uncle's warning and wondered if he wasn't headed straight into disaster.
Continued here.