Randon Acts of Romance

Chapter Seven

 

New Year’s Eve

Buffy stands at the bottom of the stairs looking up.

Buffy: Come on. They will be here soon.

Willow: Are you sure I look okay?

Buffy: You look wonderful. Better than wonderful.

Buffy glances at her own reflection in the long hall mirror. The sapphire blue velvet clings to her curves. Her blonde hair is piled on her head with a few stray wisps around her face and neck. The silver locket lays against her exposed flesh.

She turns to watch Willow step to the hall floor. The emerald green velvet skirt swings as she moves. Buffy was originally disappointed Willow had refused the formfitting style Buffy wore but now realized the gently swish of the fuller skirt was just as appealing. Willow had agreed to wear her hair up and that gave a wonderful attention to her long neck.

Buffy: Come here and I will help you with the choker.

Willow: You think I should wear it?

Buffy: Yes. I would wear one if I didn’t have my locket. But I am not taking my locket off.

Willow: I bet not.

She turns and Buffy ties on the green velvet ribbon.

Buffy: Perfect.

Joyce: Don’t you two look wonderful.

Buffy: See Willow, even mom agrees.

Willow: I just feel so I don’t know.

Buffy: You look amazing. Now repeat after me. “I look great and I am going to have a wonderful time.”

Willow repeats the phrase and forces a smile. It quickly disappears as she hears the car pull up outside.

Buffy: Let’s go in the living room. Mom can answer the door.

She guides Willow away. Joyce opens the door after the knock. She glances over the familiar tall male. Her eyes gaze over his attire and she blinks.

Angel: Good evening. How are you Mrs. Summers?

Joyce: I am fine. You look well nice.

Angel: Thank you.

As he steps in he turns and introduces his friend.

Joyce: Buffy and Willow are in the living room. You can go on in.

Angel steps in and glances at Buffy. He smiles but stops at her surprised expression.

Angel: Buffy, you look beautiful. You too Willow.

Neither girl speaks. Angel turns to his companion.

Angel: You know Buffy of course and the pretty one beside her is Willow.

Oz: Hi.

Willow swallows and nods. Angel glances at Buffy with concern.

Angel: Buffy?

Buffy looks into his face.

Angel: Are you okay?

Buffy: Uh yes. You look …you look…

Angel: What? You don’t like it?

Buffy: Oh I like it. You look amazing.

He steps forward and takes her hand. Buffy glances back down at his black leather pants and then up to the white shirt tucked in the waistband and up to the hint of chest exposed by the open buttons.

Buffy: I need a stick.

Angel: A what?

Buffy: Something to beat off all the girls that will be after you.

Angel: There is only one girl I want.

He smiles at her.

Joyce: Well you all look nice. I want a picture.

Buffy: This is not the prom.

Joyce: I don’t care. Now bunch up.

The group pose before the fireplace as Joyce snaps her photos.

 

 

Later

Buffy, Angel, Willow, and Oz enter the Bronze. A live band plays on stage as they make their way through the crowd. Angel guides them to an empty table and they quickly find seats.

Buffy: Not too crowded yet.

Angel: I know. It will be later. You want a drink?

Buffy: Not yet, but I would like to dance.

They leave Willow and Oz to talk and join the couples on the dance floor.

Hours pass as they enjoy the party. From their table, Angel looks around to see his sister dancing with a brunette male.

Angel: Who is that?

Buffy: Scott Hope. He is fairly harmless.

Angel: No male is harmless. Oh hell.

He gets up and moves toward the dance floor. Buffy follows as he grabs the shoulder of the tall blonde man dancing with the young brunette. The man turns to face Angel.

Riley: Hey man. Can’t you see I’m dancing?

Angel: Not with my cousin, you’re not. Come on Faith.

Faith: Back off. You are not my father.

Angel: No but I can call him if you like. Or heck I will call mine.

Faith stalks off in anger.

Riley: What is your problem?

Angel clinches his fists and tightens his jaw to control his anger.

Angel: You stay away from her. And my sister too.

Forest walks up.

Forest: Come on Riley, the little girl ain’t worth a fight.

Riley stares at Angel angrily before turning to leave with Forest. Buffy walks up.

Buffy: What was that all about?

Angel: Nothing. I just don’t want that sleeze around any one I care about. He is bad news.

Buffy: Well let’s go sit down. You scared him away from her.

They return to the table and he pulls her onto his lap.

Buffy: Angel.

Angel: Shh. Just kiss me.

She wraps her arms around his neck and they are still kissing when Willow and Oz return to the table.

Willow: Should we go back to the dance floor?

Buffy looks at her.

Buffy: Sorry.

She turns around in his lap and leans back. His arm encircles her waist and his chin rest on her shoulder as they sit talking and watching the party. Angel glances at his watch.

Angel: Hop up baby. I need to get the drinks.

He saunters over to the counter and returns with a basket of glasses and two large chilled bottles.

Buffy: Champagne? We can’t.

Angel: Nope. One sparkling cider and one sparkling grape juice, your choice.

Oz and Angel each open a bottle as Buffy and Willow place the glasses on the table. Their friends gather around as the band stops playing and they prepare for the countdown. The lead singer steps forward and begins the final minute.

As they reach midnight, Angel intertwines his arm with Buffy’s and they sip their faux champagne. He leans in and they begin kissing, oblivious to those around them.

Cordelia: Hey Angel, where is Faith?

Angel pulls away from Buffy’s lips and quickly scans the room.

Angel: I don’t know.

He looks at the others.

Angel: Has anyone seen our cousin?

The others shake their heads.

Harmony: I haven‘t seen her since she went outside with that cute blonde.

Angel: Blonde? What blonde?

Harmony: You know the one you wanted to pound into the floor earlier.

Angel: What?!

He looks around and goes charging over to a group of guys.

Angel: Forest, where’s Finn?

Forest: Not sure. I think he left.

Angel: Left?

Forest: Yes. Should make you happy after your little scene.

Angel: Not if he took my 16 year old cousin with him.

Angel turns on his heel and heads for the exit. Buffy and Cordy rush to keep up. Buffy jumps in the backseat and Cordelia slips into the front barely in time as he shoots out of the parking lot.

Cordelia: Whoa! Slow down. He ain’t going to hurt her.

Angel practically growls in frustration.

Angel: You don’t know him. I. Do.

His tires squeal around the corner and the girls rush to put on their seatbelts.

 

 

Riley’s Room.

Faith sits on the bed looking up at Riley.

Faith: I don’t feel so hot.

Riley sits down beside her and tries to kiss her. Faith pushes him back.

Faith: Stop. I need to go home.

Riley: You need to relax. It’s just the beer. You will feel okay soon.

Faith attempts to stand but Riley pulls her back down.

Faith: Hey, stop. I need to go. I told you I don’t feel good.

Riley: Then let me help you feel better.

He wraps his arms around her and forces his mouth on hers. She places her hands on his chest but does not have the strength to push him away. He lowers her to the pillow as his body covers hers. As his mouth travels from her lips to her neck, her mind struggles to focus on what is happening. She can feel his hands on her but she can’t even form the words to tell him to stop. Her eyes threaten to close but she hangs on as she feels her halter top leave her body. Panic rises but she can not even whisper no. She lays motionless and is barely aware as his nude body climbs on hers. She can no longer connect with what is happening and lies staring at the ceiling.

Riley: I am going to make you feel so good. Just you wait.

He shoves his fingers in her dry channel and strokes in and out a few times in an attempt to stimulate her fluids before posing himself at her entrance and pushing forward. She is unaware of the painful invasion. He suddenly stops and a wide grin spreads over his face.

Riley: A virgin. Been awhile since I got to pop a cherry.

He chuckles as he thrust forward and rips through her hymen. She lets out a scarcely audible gasp from the pain.

Riley: Felt that did ya?

He begins thrusting hard and fast as his need increases. He is so intent on his pleasure he is unaware of the front door slamming open or the pounding of boots on the stairs. With a satisfied smile, he grabs her hips and holds her tight to his groin and his hot seed floods her womb. His smile vanishes as his door crashes open and an arm wraps around his neck. He is flung across the room and smashes into the closet door. He is momentarily stunned and does not react to the rain of punches to his face. A sharp pain shoots through his jaw as he moves to defend himself.

Neither one notice Buffy and Cordelia covering Faith and trying to get her to respond. The two men continue to pummel each other until they are ripped apart.

Graham: What the fuck is going on here?!

Graham and two others struggle to hold onto Angel as two more hold Riley to the floor.

Graham: Someone get him some pants.

One of the guys holding Angel reaches over and tosses a pair of sweats to Riley as he struggles to his feet.

Graham: Now someone want to tell me what the hell is going on.

Angel snarls: Let me go.

Riley steps forward and is quickly grabbed and jerked back.

Graham: I want answers.

Cordelia: The police are on their way.

Everyone turns to look as she re-enters the room with a cell phone in her hand. They look around and notice the petite blonde sitting on the bed holding the brunette swathed in a comforter.

Angel: Cordelia, help Buffy get Faith out of here.

Graham: Hold on. I want answers.

Buffy: You want answers! I’ll give you answers! This slime ball (she points at Riley) just raped a girl under your own damn roof!

Angel’s snarl punctuates her words.

Riley: I didn’t rape anyone. No one forced her here.

Buffy: Look at her eyes. You think she has any idea what has even happened.

The men look over at Faith’s glazed eyes.

Graham: Shit.

He turns to Riley but his words are cut off as sirens are heard.

Riley: Can I help it the chick can’t hold her beer?

Cordelia: Faith is not some chick. She is sixteen years old and shouldn’t even…………

They all turn as two officers enter the room.

Officer 1: What is going on?

Cordelia: Hello. I’m Cordelia Chase. I am the one that called. I want that man arrested for rape.

Riley: I didn’t rape anyone!

Officer 1: Okay. Is that the victim?

He steps closer to Faith but Cordelia steps between them.

Officer 1: I won’t hurt her.

Angel: Buffy, Cordy, please take her to the hospital.

They all look over at a much calmer Angel. Graham and the others release their hold as the officer turns to him.

Officer 1: And who are you?

Angel: Angel Chase.

Officer 2: And the victim?

Angel: My cousin, Faith Chase.

Officer 2: I see. And how old is Miss Chase?

Angel: Sixteen. Now can‘t they take her to the hospital.

Officer 2: In a moment. As soon as our domestic violence officer arrives, she will escort her there.

Officer 3: I am here.

They all turn to look at woman in the doorway. She walks in and glances at Faith and the others.

Officer 3: Why is he still in here? Get him in cuffs and into another room.

Officer 1: We are still trying to get the story.

Officer 3: Well you don’t do it in front of the victim. Did you just get out of the academy?

Officer 2: No ma’am.

Officer 3: Well move it.

As the officers take Riley, Angel steps forward and Graham grabs his arm.

Graham: Let him go man.

Angel glances at the girls on the bed.

Buffy: We got her. You go talk to the cops.

Angel nods and the men follow the officers downstairs.

Officer 3: We need to get her to the hospital and have her examined.

Buffy: Then let’s go.

 

 

At the hospital

Buffy and Cordelia sit staring at the walls until they hear the doors open. Carter and Clarissa storm in and Carter barrels to the nurse on duty.

Carter: I’m Carter Chase. My daughter called. You have my niece.

Cordelia: Daddy, she is in the back.

He jerks around.

Carter: What the hell happened?

Cordelia: Oh daddy.

She runs into his arms and he looks over her head to Buffy.

Carter: Buffy?

Buffy: She left the party with a guy and he drugged and raped her.

Carter would have exploded if not for the crying girl in his arms. Clarissa could only gasp as tears filled her eyes.

Nurse: The doctors are still examining her. Have you contacted her parents?

Carter: Her parents? They are somewhere in Asia. I am her legal guardian. Or will be until my brother hears this.

Clarissa: Carter, don’t blame yourself.

Buffy: Why don’t we sit down?

Clarissa: Good idea.

They move over to the chairs and sit as the doors again open. The two officers escort a handcuffed Riley in.

Officer 1: We have a rape suspect that needs examining. Possible broken jaw.

The nurse glances over as Mr. Chase moves to get up. The officers glance over and recognize the girls.

Nurse: This way.

She leads them quickly through a door and they disappear. Buffy stands and reaches for Carter’s arm. He stops and stares at the closed door. They all turn as the door opens and Angel barrels in. He moves closer and wraps Buffy in his arms and kisses the top of her head. She looks up and runs her finger tips over the purple contusion around his eye.

Buffy: Does it hurt?

Angel: It’s okay. Where’s Faith?

Buffy: With the doctors. Come sit.

She grabs Carter’s arm and guides the men to the chairs. They settle down and Angel holds Buffy close. The nurse comes back to the desk but after looking at the group she leaves and brings back an ice pack. She hands it to Buffy who holds it over the bruised welt.

Angel: I don’t need that.

Buffy: Stop being a baby.

Before he can protest the female doctor emerges and they all stand up.

Doctor: Mr. Chase?

Carter: Yes. How is my niece?

Doctor: Come with me, please.

Carter follows her as the others stand watching in concern. They are standing there waiting when Willow rushes in followed by Oz.

Buffy: Willow? What are you doing here?

Willow: When you didn’t come back I called your mom.

Buffy: My mom?

Willow: Yes. We were stranded and I didn’t want you in trouble for being late.

Buffy turns to see her mom walk in.

Joyce: Buffy, are you okay?

Buffy: I’m fine.

Joyce looks at Angel.

Buffy: You should see the other guy.

Joyce: So what happened? Willow called and said you two had taken off.

Buffy takes a moment to fill Joyce in as the others listen.

Joyce: This is awful.

Carter walks out.

Clarissa: Carter, is she okay?

Carter: They are going to keep until morning. He slipped her some drug and they want to make sure there are no side affects.

Clarissa: Can we see her?

Carter: I saw her and she doesn’t want to see anyone else.

He drops into a seat with his head in his hands.

Carter: I had to consent to giving her a drug to make sure she didn’t get pregnant.

He looks at Clarissa for support.

Clarissa: You did right.

Buffy buries her face in Angel’s chest as his body stiffens. Oz takes the moment to distract him.

Oz: Angel, I packed us each a bag. Figured you wouldn’t want to go back there tonight.

Angel: Oh, yeah thanks. We can stay at my house.

Cordelia: No you can’t. The Hendersons and Monroes are there.

Angel: Oh, I forgot. Fine we can get a hotel room.

Joyce: Nonsense. You boys are welcome to stay at the house. I am sure you will behave.

Angel: Thank you Mrs. Summers. I appreciate it.

They all turn as the officers escort Riley back out the door. Buffy grips Angel’s shirt tightly to keep him from being tempted to attack. Riley glares at them until he is forced outside to the cruiser. The nurse walks up.

Nurse: Looks like he took quite a beating. He has an appointment in three days to have his jaw wired shut. Thought you would want to know.

Angel smirks for a moment.

Carter: Am I to assume you are responsible.

Angel: Maybe.

Carter: Well good job.

 

 

Later

 

Buffy pulls the hot pizza from the oven as Willow prepares to slide a second one in.

Buffy: Not as good as Pizza Hut but it will have to do for 2AM.

Angel: It is fine. Let me cut it.

He takes the pizza cutter and she busies herself carrying plates and chips to the living room. She watches as her mom drops a huge arm load of blankets and pillows on the already crowded sofa.

Buffy: I think we have enough, Mom.

Joyce: This floor is hard. Besides I will have no sharing of blankets. Got it.

Buffy: I got it. No sharing.

The others enter carrying food and drinks.

Willow: Mrs. Summers, you sure you don’t want to stay and watch with us.

Joyce: I think I will pass. I am not young like you. I need to actually sleep to function.

Buffy: Functioning is no fun.

She plops down on the blanket spread on the floor and stuffs a pillow behind her back against the sofa. Willow sits on one side and Angel drops onto the other. Oz grabs his drink and pizza before claiming the recliner. Joyce watches as they all settle in and start the first movie.

Joyce: Night and remember…..

Buffy: No sharing.

Joyce turns and walks away.

 

 

An hour later Joyce strolls back through the room in a pretense of getting a drink and smiles as each person is snuggled under their own blanket. Buffy’s head rest on Angel’s shoulder as his arm encircles hers. Willow is leaning on Buffy and squeezing her hand as the female on screen screams. Joyce smiles and returns up stairs.

 

As the second movie comes to an end Buffy looks over at Oz, snoring softly in the recliner and then down to Willow balled up on the floor also asleep.

Buffy: Maybe we should get some sleep too. You think you can?

Angel: I think so.

He lifts his hand and runs it through her silky hair before claiming her lips with his. Her hand clings to his bicep as the kiss deepens. They both begin to lose themselves in the kiss and the connection.

Neither of them notices as Joyce descends the stairs and watches. She stands rooted to the spot as she takes in the scene. He baby girl is making out. But then she notices it is different than how she remembers making out. It does not seem to include the battle to keep his hands way from other areas of her body. Angel’s hand cradles Buffy’s head and his other arm cradles her shoulders. He seems satisfied with just kissing. Joyce actually smiles as she realizes she was not wrong in her decision to allow them to date. She even is slightly pleased her daughter has found a man that not only cares for her but respects her. She steps into the room and lightly coughs.

Buffy jerks back in surprise and fear.

Buffy: Mom? We were just…..

Joyce: I saw. It is morning. Are you wanting to get some sleep or would you like to join me for coffee.

Buffy stares at her mother’s back as the turns and walks into kitchen.

Angel: She mad?

Buffy: If she was mad, we would know it.

They stand up and join Joyce in the kitchen. They fidget nervously but she never mentions the kiss as they sit talking.