12760/An awkward dinner at the Summers' house

An awkward dinner at the Summers' house
Date of Scene:	27 February 2021
Location:	Summers House, Sunnydale
Synopsis:	Spike and Buffy catch up over an unexpected family dinner.
Cast of Characters:	Buffy Summers, Spike

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Buffy Summers has posed:
It's no secret that Dawn has a crush on Spike still...And her 'adventures' in Gotham only cemented her admiration for the Billy Idol wannabe (yeah yeah, he adopted that style first, but still..). It's also no secret that she missed him lots and want about to let him just go back to Gotham without at least a proper thank you...

Fortunately for Spike, that meant he was invited to a traditional Summers' family dinner. Fortunately for him, Buffy isn't home....Yet. Either way, Dawn opens the door as he arrives, beaming, grinning from ear to ear. "Hiii Spike! I'm sooo glad you could make it! Make yourself at home, dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes.."

Spike has posed:
The things he gets himself into. At least this is not likely to get him killed. Well at least until Buffy get home. He pulls up in his car and gets out. Taking a last drag from the cigarette he exhales and crushes it out on the street.

Walking towards the house he mutters,"The Summers' home. Location to many a kicking of my ass." A sigh and he starts to knock on the door, but it opens before he can get knuckle to surface. He smirks a little when Dawn opens the door and he replies,"Hello little bit. You wanted to see me?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Dawn squeals happily, stepping out to hug him tightly. "Of course! I had to thank you for taking me to visit Gotham, and your hot new girlfriend right?" she winks, letting go and stepping back to let him in. "Anyway, I owe you one so you totally have to stay at least a little while and say hi to mom...Oh yeah, I think Buffy's on patrol but she should be back later. You have time right? I missed you.." she pouts, "Heey! I even have blood mixed with bourbon..You like that drink right?"

Spike has posed:
He returns the hug and shakes his head. In his past the things he would have done, but new leaf or something. Instead he just hugs her and ignores that warm temptation. That would be a surprise of a lifetime too. Instead when she steps back he replies,"You don't owe we pet. We enjoyed having you. Selina likes a fast study and you are."



"Dare I ask how you got bourbon little bit? I'm pretty sure you mum wouldn't be too happy if she found out you'd been getting drink underage and big sis would rather cut her own nose off." he questions. He isn't complaining, just wondering what she is capable of since last they saw each other.

Buffy Summers has posed:
She looks very...Guilty and just shrugs as she follows him inside, closing the door. "Ummmm trade secret?" she winks conspiratorially. Hey, she learned a lot of...Skills in Gotham, and probably out them to good use, "Anyway, who cares where I got it from, you love that stuff, right? Mom's making her famous pot roast but ummm, we could hang out in the living room for a bit?" and she leads him that way..

Spike has posed:
"Never question a trade secret." he replies and lets her lead him through the house,"It is my favorite yes. As good a mixture as anything really." He looks towards the kitchen and nods,"It smells like Joyce has a talent with it for sure." Once they are in the living room, he eases out of the coat and then takes a seat,"So any adventure since you made it home from Gotham?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
She smiles and nods, "Mom will be happy to meet you, she always did like you, even if she still doesn't remember the whole hitting you with an axe, and thinks you play triangle in a band." she giggles, flopping on the sofa. "Nothing much, Buffy is way too overprotective of me, like I'm some helpless child..Isn't that why she sent me to Gotham for a bit? She never really told me the truth.." she peers intently at him, "But I'll bet you know..."

Spike has posed:
"I haven't seen Joyce for a while. I hope you are right about that." he replies. There is little worse for him that uncomfortable silence considering how vocal he can be,"As for the rest. I wouldn't fret it too much little bit. Sister probably just wanted some time to play games with her current toy."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Dawn blinks and blushes, "Play....Toy? Wait what? You mean, Thomas? He's like..A sex vampire or something right?" she smirks, "I'll bet that's all they do like, all the time. Doesn't that bother you? it kinda bothers me. But she does it all the time so what's new?" she frowns "Ill bet it's something else, maybe it's even so,ethical g to do with me? I can't believe she didn't even tell you?"

Spike has posed:
There is a shake of his head and he sighs,"Your sister has to live her life. It's that's what she wants, then more power to her." It is prett clear he isn't interested in getting into the Buffy/Thomas connections,"It's just something you have to endure for now, but in the future just remember this when you find a guy you like and likes you too."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Dawn smiles and nods, "Okaaay, sure, but if I do, I might look for a bad boy vamp, cuz why does Buffy get to have all the f--?" just then her phone rings and she blinks, "Ooh it's my friend Greta, I gotta take this in the other room, be right back!" she hurries off and a few minutes later the front door creaks as someone unlocks it and steps in. "Hey mom, Dawn, I'm home! Sorry I'm late!" oh hey, sounds like Buffy's back!

Spike has posed:
"No vampires for you." he replies with a shake of his head. When she goes to answer the phone he settles into the couch to wait. Oh well at least Buffy is back yet. Cue the door. The voice.

He sighs deeply and hangs his head for a moment,"Bloody hell." This will go well. All alone in her living room. What could go wrong?

Buffy Summers has posed:
It's funny how many times they try to dance around each other and the6 always end up on square one. Buffy groans a bit as she hangs up her jacket, turning to face the stairs. "Dawwwn! WHY did you invite Spike here?" turning to face Spike, stepping in the room, she rolls her eyes at him. "Oh I suppose she wanted to thank you and all that, huh.."

Spike has posed:
A snort and he shakes his head. There is a temptation to get up and leave. How did she not see the car outside? Is she really surprised? Oh well. Maybe a little verbal assault will be good tonight,"A valid question. Thank you must be it. Don't worry. After dinner I'll be on the way to Gotham again. We can tolerate each other for an hour."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers clenches and unclenches her fists. "You know what, forget it, Dawn's been mad at me forever because I scared you out of town as is. Heck, she doesn't even want to talk to me anymore because you and I don't see eye to eye so..." she shrugs. "Just a couple hours then. I can live with that I guess..."

Buffy looks tired, pretty bruised and scratched up, probably been a rough night. She yawns a bit as she flips down at the other end of the couch. "Sooo I guess we're just waiting for dinner huh.." well this isn't awkward at all.

Spike has posed:
A shake of his head and he replies,"It isn't this it will be something else." Yeah, awkward and less than comfortable for dinner. A great time. Inspite of himself and looks at the bruises and comments,"Looks like you and good time tonight. Kill anyone I know?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers shrugs, "Just the usual, you know, patrolling, ran into some pretty strong vamps tonight. Guess sometimes they get bolder..But nothing I can't handle. Besides mom's back in town and cooking dinner so that's always a plus.." she smiles weakly, remembering the last time they both sat on this sofa together. She was dead drunk, staggering out of some stranger's house. He had...Comforted her...

"I haven't forgotten how you took care of Dawn, or kept her safe while I was a vampire...Thank you, for that.." her expression seems ...Softer for a moment.

Spike has posed:
There is a nod. Even shop talk is a little complicated for the two of them,"They get too bold take it to them in the day time, gasoline and flare guns. Burn out a few nests and they'll settle down again." Look there. Tactical advice from...well someone with a pretty solid mind for tactics.

He shake shis head at the other and replies,"It was fine. Good to have the little bit around for a while. Besides, it kept Selina on her toes. She didn't know what to think. Good for both of us." Why didn't he get some bourbon in him before coming here? Some answers we'll never have. At least they aren't verbally sparring.

Buffy Summers has posed:
She smiles, "Yeah...Same old. I know. I'm not a newbie at this anymore, although...Lately they're getting bolder I guess." she shrugs, hugging her arms. "It must have been nice for her, getting to see a new city, even if it is pretty dangerous in Gotham from what I hear. But I trust her with you..I'm sure there will be other times when I'll need to keep her safe. I hope I can count on you again."

Spike has posed:
"Gotham has it's downside like any place. When all else fails, there is a man running around the city dressed as a bat doing all manner of nasty to the bad sorts. What he can do is anybody's guess because he always seems to have the answer for whatever trouble he runs into." he comments.

"Batman. An intersting bloke if a bit stick in the ass." he finally admits,"Not what I'd call the best of company sorts, but he and his lot handle themselves well enough." There is a nod and he adds,"Dawn's good by us. If she needs a place she has a place. If I ever wander back this way the same will be said." He shakes his head and snorts a little,"It's funny. As much as I'd like to hate you and Thomas both, I really don't. What do you suppose that means?"

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles and shakes her head, "You're talking about Batman? Yeaaah, I hung out with Batgirl a couple of times. She's not like him though, all darn and broody. Hmm, now that sounds familiar.." she shrugs and sighs.

"Dawn is...Well she's troubled. She has a crush on you, admires you. I can't say I approve of everything you do but you're...I dunno good for her?" she shrugs and smirks, "Thomas never really forgave me for...That time, with you, but..He acknowledges your abilities.."

Spike has posed:
"Batman." he agrees with a shake of his head and just a hint of a sour voice,"I haven't met her. I think I saw some of their B team sorts." FOr one with the razor sharp memory he doesn't seem to come up with names right now. Apparently they aren't terribly impressive.

He nods and agrees,"You shouldn't agree with everything I do. I do things to get reactions and that isn't always good." He smirks just a little at that and then settles a little bit,"Tell Thomas whatever you like. I won't be bothering you anymore. I'm well kept and far from here. I won't say I don't care or even love you on some levels, but that ship sailed love. You know where I've been. You know who I was with for a a good many years. You're off limits. Thomas can get past it or not. I hate to hear you are having trouble at least."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns a bit, resting her hands on her knees, staring straight ahead. "I know...I'm...Happy for you and Selina. But..doesn't mean we can't stay friends right? Besides, Dawn and my mom still want you in their lives, especially Dawn. Wouldn't hurt to drop by occasionally. And even if we had a...Messy history, doesn't mean we can't be.lAt the very least, allies, to call upon in times of need...Right?" he4 voice wavers just a bit. She may have moved on long ago with Thomas, but she still has a soft spot for Spike.

Spike has posed:
"Thank you for that. She's a little more stable than the last steady." he tells her with a smirk. There is a moment of consideration and he tells her,"You and me have a hard time with friends love, but you know if you need someone to kick in a door and I am in the neighborhood you can call."

He looks like he could use a drink or a cigarette...probably both,"Allies is a given. Call is fine." he reiterates,"I'm always glad to see Dawn and your mum too. I'm just trying not to cause you any more issues with Thomas. Selina isn't overly jealous, but she might wonder if I spend too much time away from Gotham."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns, clenching and unclenching her hands. "No problems there. We both moved on, right? Doesn't mean we can't help each other out occasionally, heck, maybe even try being - dare I say - friends...?" she bites her lip, "Is that really so...Farfetched..?" she has of course considered it before but....Things have always been complicated between them.."But you're right, I can always use the extra muscle, and it's hard to find reliable help..."

Spike has posed:
"Farfetched is being captured by a secret government agency, having a microchip planted into your head, and still being around to tell the tale." he commentes finally,"We can do friend if you want. We just have to work on our less than friendly inclinations towards each other. That's the real trick."

Buffy Summers has posed:
There is a shocked little gasp co,I guess from the top of the steps, followed by the sound of footsteps scurrying to a room upstairs and a slamming door. Buffy rolls her eyes. "Annnnd there goes Dawn, spying on us again no doubt." she shrugs. "I know, it'll take some time to find a happy medium...Between us, I mean. It sure would be easier if we could just hit the hard reset button, you know? But I guess. life is hardly so simple...Sooo We just need to take baby steps." as it is, Thomas clearly doesn't care much for Spike. If they knew they were having dinner together, how would he feel?

Spike has posed:
He laughs softly and sighs,"She's going to hate you until one of you is dead or both." There is a glance towards the upstairs and consider,"I'll try to talk to her later if you want. At least she's good at spying. Maybe you should put it to good use."

"If Thomas has issue with me passing through tonight I came here to see you mum and the little bit. When you got home you gave me a right pummelling. It wouldn't be the first time." he suggests,"Baby steps is fine. Have to work it out from there."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles and shrugs, "She'll get over it. My choices shouldn't affect her, she's just being childish. But yeah, go talk to her, she'll listen to you..Wish I could get her to see reason but I know she'll listen to you." as for Thomas, Buffy frowns and shakes her head. "I'm not gonna lie to him..He trusts me and I trust him. He'll understand. It's not like you came here to see me, anyway. Nithing to hide, right?"

Spike has posed:
"Everything comes with time." he agrees and shrugs,"Childish comes with being a kid." he tells her,"I've been old long enough to be childish again. Ask around." He does a mental check of going to talk with Dawn,"Honesty might be the best way. You're right though. I came here to see Dawn and your mom. Peaceful co-existence is just a bloody bonus."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smiles, "She'll be mad, maybe with both of us, for keeping secrets from her, but..I have to keep her safe, especially from me. It's not like I could have let her be around with me all thirsty for blood and all.." she shrugs, "Who knows what other danger I might out her in? It's...It's something I think about too often. I mean, am I being too overprotective? But even if I weren't, how could she I rite the herself? She's just a kid, and there's no one I trust her with more than you and Thomas.."

Spike has posed:
"Mad will pass." he comments,"The world does have a degree of danger in it and try like you will you can't keep it all away from her. She's got to learn. I agreed with you avoiding her in your vampire state. You didn't have the practice I do with restraint." Yes, because William the Bloody is the epitome of restraint. It just oozes off him,"A kid has to learn, sometimes hard knocks is the way to go about it. Maybe she needs a self defense teacher to knock her around a bit, but teach her how to operate after getting hit. Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the mouth."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers smirks, "Annd you envision yourself being her mentor, seeing as she trusts and likes you, hmm?" she chuckles, "But, taking lessons from me, I know she would try her hardest, she'd think big sis is going easy on her. Might be worth pursuing?" she nods in approval.

Spike has posed:
"I might be able to convince Selina to work with her. She grew up inm some less than pleasant past, but rose above it. The best sort of training same as me." he explains. There is a nod, but seems like he's studying the whole thing out,"Maybe between the three of us she'll find her own path. Take what works from each and build her own rather than just relying on one style. Thomas would be able to help her as well."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns a bit. "Well, as long as she's not fed any more kleptocracy tendencies, you know? I dint need her turning into a juvenile delinquent but..You seem to have turned over a new leaf, but have you really?" she leans a bit closer, peering at him curiously, "I wonder, is that chip still fully functional?"

Spike has posed:
"No promises." he teases lightly,"The better she is the less likly she is to get caught." He doesn't pursue that any furthur,"As for leaves. Well, the wind is always blowing and one never knows how the leaf will land." He reaches up and touches his head lightly,"Last I knew it still fried my brain. I don't make a habit of testing it."