CHAPTER TWO-                                ENTER THE VAMPIRE

Handing a ten to the bouncer out front, Spike stepped into the Bronze, the steady beat of heavy bass assailing his ears. Rolling his eyes at the ‘music’, he stalked through the crowd of costumes towards the bar. He waved down a bartender for a beer, handed over another tenner and pocketing the change, he turned to survey the crowd, leaning against the glass top.

Spotting Red and her girlfriend over by the pool table, he sent his eyes around the room for the rest of the Scoobies. He spotted the nibblet, Dawn, giggling on the level above, surrounded by other teenagers. Briefly eyeing the lad next to her, he deemed him safe and continued his search, spotting the boy and his demon bint breaking away from the dance floor, hand in hand. He noticed the new ring on her finger, surprised Xander had made the move, but otherwise was indifferent.

Inhaling, he caught a thousand different scents on the air- stale beer, peanuts, sweat, arousal, perfume… and easily picked out the scent he was searching for.

His gaze sweeping over the dance floor as he approached it, his eyes easily found the Slayer, dressed in the most achingly sexy outfit he’d ever seen her in. She was dancing, surrounded by tossers, each one of them vying for her attention. She smiled teasingly at one, and Spike actually laughed out loud.

She had fangs. The little chit was dressed as a vampire.

He smirked. She wanted to play that game?

He was going to up the ante.

Shaking his head in amusement, he prowled closer to the group, easily sliding through it to its centre, to her. Glaring at a dark haired guy trying to cut him off, he shot his arm out to wrap possessively around her hot little waist, pulling her to him, claiming her. A warning stare sent the other men back in retreat, and he inhaled her scent- the intoxicating mix of her favorite perfume and own perspiration.

Feeling her movements still, he stared down at her, the side of his mouth turning up to flash a canine as her eyes focused on him, her hands resting gently against his chest.

“Spike?” Buffy asked, her shock dulled by what Spike guessed was a good time and a few drinks.

“Hey, Slayer,” he grinned, tongue curled. “Or is that title not appropriate anymore, pet?”

Buffy couldn’t help but smile at the gentle tease, stepping back to showcase the outfit, his hand still resting firmly on her waist, like he was unwilling to let her go. Seeing his eyes spark with desire at her carefree reaction she shrugged away from his arm and turned jerkily, heading back to her table.

“What are you doing here, Spike?” she asked, knowing he was following her. “I thought the demons stayed in Halloween. Or is my night off a bust?”

“Your night off’s safe, love. Far as I know, ‘m the only Big Bad out tonight.”

“Oh, good. ‘Cause I was starting to think that whole All Hallows Eve being a demon-free zone was all a big myth.” Buffy slid onto one of the stools, taking a long sip of the drink she’d left behind, draining the glass.

Spike smiled at her small admission that she didn’t really think of him as a demon, that, to her, he was an exempt from the Halloween rule. He stayed silent, motioning to a nearby waitress for a beer and another cocktail. He settled himself onto the stool next to the Slayer, his shoulder brushing against hers.

“So what are you doing here?” Buffy asked as the waitress swapped new drinks for Spike’s money and an enticing wink from the platinum blonde. Buffy frowned at the exchange, before quickly shaking it off. She didn’t want him buying her drinks… that was it.

“Nothin’ on telly,” Spike shrugged, taking a mouthful from the long-necked bottle. He slid the cocktail towards her, to which she shook her head.

It took about three seconds of silence and she was sipping on it.

“So you came here?” Buffy raised her eyebrows in disbelief. Despite his often cameo here at the Bronze, Buffy didn’t really see it as the kind of place he hung out for fun. Some rank bar seemed more his style, like The Fish Tank. Though that might have changed since his... infatuation with her.

“I’ve been known to, what? ‘Patronize’ the place from time to time.” Spike smirked as Buffy blushed, both of them recalling the conversation they’d in almost the exact same spot almost a year ago. “I can leave if you want though, pet?”

“No, it’s cool. I mean, public place and all. And you did… how did you get in here anyway? You’re supposed to be wearing a costume.” Buffy cocked an eyebrow, her eyes running down Spike’s body. Loose-fitting cream pants, the same ol’ shit-kicker boots, a light blue button down and a brown, distressed leather jacket that looked mildly familiar. She forced her eyes not to linger on his chest or arms, and looked questioningly back up at him.

Smirking at her scrutiny, Spike shrugged. “I flashed the bouncer my game-face on the way in.”

“What?!” Buffy couldn’t help but look scandalized. How many other vampires could have done the same thing? How many vamps could be walking through the club right now, picking off victims while she sat here and flirted... no, chatted… with Spike?

“I’m kidding, love. I’m in costume.” Spike looked strangely shy, even embarrassed.

That only cheered Buffy on. She could never resist giving the overly confident vampire a hard time.

“Really? ‘Cause you look like same old, regular Spike.” She sipped on her drink again, still staring at him. “Granted a little… brighter than the usual ensemble, but still the same.”

Spike’s jaw flexed and he rolled his eyes, stretching his neck before holding his jacket and half-buttoned shirt open to the Slayer. Buffy laughed out loud, trying in vain to muffle the mirth with her hand.

“You’re Superman?!”


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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Ok, so the costume is kinda lame, and  probably done a thousand times, but I couldn't resist the errant thought that popped into my head.
Please review if you want me to stop lol.
Please also review about the banter... just so I know if I'm getting it right. =]