The Real World


Part Two

Passion
It lies in all of us
Sleeping, waiting,
And though unwanted, unbidden,
It will stir
Open it's jaws
And howl.

It speaks to us
Guides us
Passion rules us all
And we obey
What other choice do we have?

Passion is the source of our finest moments
The joy of love
The clarity of hatred
And the ecstacy of grief

It hurts sometimes more than we can bare
If we could live without passion
Maybe we'd know some kind of peace
But we would be hollow

Empty rooms
Shuttered and dank
Without passion
We'd be truly dead

~~~~~Angel, PASSION

 ~*~*~*~*~*~

Jen sat on her bed writing a letter to her grandmother. She was thankful for the quiet time. Buffy was downstairs with Angel. Joey was deep in conversation with Willow in their room. She had finally escaped Dawson’s hottub dreams and disappeared to her room.

Her silence was interupted by a knock at her door. “It’s open,” she yelled.

Xander walked in. She smiled warmly at him and he sat down at the desk. “So, all alone in here?”

“Yeah, Buffy’s with Angel.”

“That’s no surprise.”

“You don’t like him very much, do you?”

“No.”

“Is it because of Buffy?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Just womens intuition. You are attracted to Buffy, Buffy’s attracted to Angel. But I get the feeling someone in this house is attracted to you.”

Xander gave her a sly smile. “Oh yeah? And who might that be?”

“Now if I told you it wouldn’t be any fun, would it?”

Xander stood up and headed for the door. “I’m glad we had this little talk. And I’d love to do it again some time. But for now? I’m going to sleep. Goodnight.”

Jen smiled. “Night.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day the first one to wake was Willow. She came downstairs around eleven, got something to drink, and decided to check out the computer. She felt someone behind her. Slowly she whispered, “who’s there?”

“Just me,” Dawson said. She sighed in relief. “Kinda creepy around here, being watched.”

“Yup. I’m quiet leaving the basement, don’t want to wake Angel.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t wake him. Angel’s a deep sleeper.”

“I figured that.” Dawson looked over her shoulder. “What are you up to?”

“I figured I’d search the net and see what’s around here for fun. At least for people our age.”

“Good idea,” he agreed. He pulled up a chair and sat next to her.

Joey came stumbling down the stairs, greeted the two, and went straight for the coffee. Buffy slowly followed. They both sat at the kitchen table, quietly drinking coffee and waking up. Buffy asked Joey, “do you think we should hold one of them house meetings?”

Joey thought. “Yeah, since everyone’s here.” Joey got up and went to the fridge. There was a message board on it. She took the marker and wrote ‘HOUSE MEETING TONIGHT 9:00 LIVING ROOM. ALL MUST ATTEND.’ “How’s that,” she asked Buffy.

“That should do it. Angel will be up by then. Then afterwards maybe we could go do something.”

“All of us?”

“How about a girl thing? Leave the guys at home.”

“Sounds good.”

Dawson and Willow entered the kitchen. “I found somewhere we could go.”

Buffy looked at her with interest, “where?”

“There’s a club about a mile from where we ate last night.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Willow spoke quietly to Buffy. “What about Angel?”

“He needs to learn to mingle. Besides, I can’t stay attached to him every second we’re here.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy woke up Angel and informed him of the house meeting. He wearily went up the stairs to the living room where the others were waiting for him. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

Joey decided to start the meeting. “Okay, here’s the start of our first house meeting. First question, does anyone have any problems with the sleeping arrangements?”

Nobody said anything. So Joey continued. “Okay, next. Food. I figure the guys don’t want to do the shopping, so make a list of stuff you guys want and we’ll go get it tomorrow. Leave the list on the fridge, kay?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. “Okay, I was told that the producers want us to go around in a circle and say stuff about ourselves. This way we know a little bit more about each other. Who wants to start?”

Again, nobody said anything. Joey was getting frustrated. “Look guys, this is going to be a very boring show if nobody says anything. Hopefully we’ll become a little more verbal soon, okay? I’ll start, and we’ll go around the room. That okay with everyone?” They silently agreed. “Okay. Well, you all know I’m from Capeside. My mom’s dead, my dad’s in jail, my sister just had a baby by her black boyfriend. My future plans are unknown at this time, not sure what I want to do. We’re supposed to say what we expect out of this little vacation. What I want is to make some new friends, get closer to my old friends,” she looked at Jen, “and maybe get along better with them too.” Jen smiled. “As far as love interests, this house is full of options, but I’ll stick with someone outside our little family so I don’t get into trouble.” She looked at Dawson. “Kay, your turn.”

Dawson cleared his throat. “Okay, well I’ll just follow Joey’s format. My mom’s a newscaster, had an affair with someone she worked with. My dad’s into God knows what at this point. I’m an only child. Future plans are to be a movie director, which I hope to do some directing while I’m here. What I expect from this summer is to figure out the life I just left. Love interests? Too complicated.” Everyone laughed.

Next was Pacey. “Well let’s see, besides being the town screw-up, my parents hardly know I exist, forget about my siblings. My future plan is to get rich quick and leave Capeside. And my love interests, well the possobilities are endless.”

Dawson interupted. “Why don’t you tell them of your past love interest?”

Pacey smiled. “What? My quickie affair with my teacher? What can I say, she couldn’t resist.” The group shook their heads in disbelief. “What, you don’t believe me? Dawson has it all on film!”

Jen interupted this time. “Okay, enough about Pacey. I’m from New York, live in Capeside with my grandmother. I dont’ really have any future plans at this time, just to get out of high school and hopefully fix the things I’ve screwed up,” she said looking at Dawson. Joey met Buffy’s glance and rolled her eyes. Buffy giggled. Jen looked at her, but continued. “Anyway, besides that, I guess there’s nothing more to say.”

Willow shifted uncomfortably in her seat when it was her turn. “Um, well, I was born and raised in Sunnydale, I live with my parents, don’t have any siblings. I kinda like to use the computer, I hack as a hobby.” She smiled shyly. “I guess I just want to use this vacation to think about what I want to do with the rest of my life. As far as romance, well, I’m already involved with Oz.” She shrugged, and looked towards Xander, more than willing to give him the floor, so to speak.

“Same as Willow, basically, born and raised in Sunnydale. My best friend died a couple years ago, that’s about the only thing interesting in our little group.” He, Buffy, Willow and Angel all couldn’t help but exchange amused looks with each other, raising the other groups curosity. “I kinda hope to be able to avoid certain people as much as possible on this little enforced isolation trip.” He glanced at Angel.

“Mutual,” Angel muttered.

“And as for romance, I already have a girlfriend, so I’m just fine in that department,” Xander concluded.

Buffy cleared her throat uncomfortably when she realized it was her turn. “Hmm, uh, well, I was born in L.A. Went to Henry, but got kicked out for burning down the gym. There was a good reason though, but, um, never mind. Anyway, my parents are divorced, I don’t have any brothers or sisters, and I think everyone already knows about my romance life.” She giggled in embarrasment. “Besides that, I just want a break from Sunnydale and all my responsibilities there, that’s why I agreed to come. It’s nice to be away from it all for awhile.”

The others all turned to stare at Angel, curious as to what he, the quietest of them all, was going to say. “Uh, well,” he cleared his throat, and decided he’d stay as close to the truth as he possibly could. “I’m from Ireland, live in Sunnydale. Moved there in the early nineteen hun . . . nineties.” He bit his lip and the Sunnydale group all glared at him for his close call. “My families been dead for awhile, and obviously I’m not looking for anything in the romance department . . . I already have the best.” Buffy smiled and before he could say anything else the couple kissed, causing the others to roll their eyes.

Finally, after five minutes or so, Buffy pulled back for breath. “Guess we should go,” she suggested, looking at the other females in the house. “Angel, don’t you have to go talk about all of us behind our backs?” she asked, glancing towards the stairs.

‘Oh, right,” Angel murmured, standing. The females of the house followed suit, saying goodbyes as Buffy and Angel kissed once more before she turned around and left with the others, and he went towards the stairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Angel reached for the button and sighed as he did so, not sure what he was supposed to say. Once the camera was rolling he decided to just get it over with as quickly as possible. “Everyone’s fine, I have no complaints, except for Xander, but I think I’ll survive somehow. That’s about it.” He shut off the camera and left.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy, Willow, and Jen walked in the house at around one. The guys were still up, Dawson and Angel outside by the pool and Pacey and Xander in the living room. Dawson and Angel came in when they heard the front door. Angel gave Buffy a kiss, “you have fun?”

“Sure did. That club was amazing. We’ll have to go together one night.”

Dawson looked at Jen. “Where’s Joey?”

“We lost her somewhere. All she told us was that she met a guy and she’d be home soon.”

As soon as she finished the sentence, the front door opened. Joey walked in half lost in her thoughts. “Joey,” Dawson said, “have fun?”

“Yeah,” she said quietly. “I brought someone with me. I want you guys to be nice, okay? No comments Pacey. I really like him.”

Pacey, who was listening by the door, just shrugged. Xander joined them in the kitchen to meet Joey’s new man.

Joey went back outside for a few minutes. She invited her guest in. “Guys, I’d like you to meet Spike.”

Angel and Buffy exchanged looks as they stared at him, and he grinned back in return. While the others all said hello Angel’s eyes practically bulged out of his head as he realized his vampiric child was still alive, and with no remaining injuries from his botched attempt to restore Drusilla to health. Buffy looked just as shocked, as did Xander and Willow.

“Hey, mates,” Spike greeted, still grinning.

Angel took a step forward and Buffy firmly held his arm, holding him back from attacking, and just barely managing. Xander and Willow walked by the couple, realizing it was up to the two of them to keep both Angel and Buffy’s true identities secret now that Spike had been added into the picture. “Spike,” Angel murmured in close to a growl.

“Angel!” Spike replied cheerfully. “I’m glad to see you’ve recovered nicely. And you’ll be happy to know Dru’s doing great now, thanks to you.”

“Oh, I’m thrilled, believe me,” Angel retorted.

“You guys know each other, I take it?” Joey queried, looking back and forth between Spike and Angel in confusion.

“You could say that,” Angel replied at the same time Spike said,

“Oh, me and Angelus go *way* back.”

“Angelus?” Joey said, looking confused.

“How dare you come here,” Buffy spoke, glaring at Spike as memories of his attempt to kill Angel flashed through her mind.

“Like I knew you’d be here, precious,” Spike answered. “I just came for a nice meal with the lovely lady.”

“More like a nice meal *of* the lovely lady,” Buffy retorted darky. Xander gasped, remembering the cameras, and tightly squeezed her arm to remind her. “I mean, uh, with the . . . um, oh, forget it!” She shook free of Xander and crossed her arms over her chest. “If I were you, Spike, I’d leave now before I find something nice and wooden.”

“Hey!” Joey shouted, interrupting their fight. “I don’t know what’s going on with you people, but I invited him here and he’s my guest.”

“Yeah, we know you invited him, Joey, believe me, we got that part,” Buffy answered, still looking furious as she continued to glare at Joey.

Joey looked offended and surprised at the same time. “It’s alright, baby,” Spike told her, “I’ll talk to you later.”

“No!” Joey protested. “Don’t go.”

“It’s fine,” Spike replied. “We’ll hang out tomorrow. You know where to find me,” he added, turning towards the door. But he couldn’t help but glance back at Buffy and Angel, both being restrained by Xander and Willow, respectively. “We should get together sometime, all of us. Take a little trip down memory lane.” Angel bit back on a growl and Spike’s grin widened. “Talk to ya later.” He turned and left the townhouse.

Joey, who watched him leave, now closed the door quietly. She turned around, staring at the California crowd. “Who wants to explain to me what that was all about?” She stared hard at Buffy and Angel. Angel, who never said a damn thing since he’s been here. In return, Angel grabbed Joey’s arm and practically dragged her downstairs, slamming the door behind them. Dawson looked curiously at Buffy. “What was that about?”

Buffy sat down in the living room and gestured for the rest to follow. “To make a long story short, Spike is not a nice guy.”

Pacey laughed. “I think we got that part. What went on, though?”

Buffy tried to figure out the wording for an explanation. “Basically, Spike’s a sadistic son of a bitch, and an old enemy of mine, Angel’s, too. It’s hard to explain, but to make a long story short, Spike tried to kill him, and me, too.”

“What?” Dawson whispered, shocked.

“I know, it sounds unbelievable,” Buffy replied, unwilling to give them a full explanation, but deciding they had to have as much information as possible so they realized. “But it’s true. He almost killed Angel, and he’s tried to kill me, on more than one occasion. And as long as he has an invitation into this house, we are all in serious danger.” She sighed, upset that her vacation had been ruined by Slayer problems. “If any of you see him again, just be careful.”

Dawson stood up and went towards the basement. Buffy jumped up after him. “Dawson, don’t.”

“She can’t continue to see him. What if he tries to hurt her?”

“Don’t worry. Angel knows the most about him. He’ll talk her out of it.”

Angel practically threw Joey on the bed. He paced around the basement, trying to find the words to say. Joey watched him pace, getting dizzy. “Angel, please. You almost killed me dragging me down the stairs. The least you can do is sit down and talk to me.”

Angel paced some more, then sat down. He sighed a few times before beginning. “Spike. There are certain things you need to know about him.”

“I got that part Angel. What is so horrible about him?”

“I don’t know where to start. Joey, he’s very dangerous.”

“He seems harmless,” she interupted. “And I like him.”

“You can’t.”

“What do you mean I can’t? Since when do you tell me what to do?”

“Joey, please listen to me. You can ask Buffy, or Xander and Willow. Spike, on many occasions, has tried to kill me. And Buffy.”

Joey stood up. “I don’t believe you. Why would he do that? I don’t understand.” She began to walk upstairs. “I came here to have fun, meet new people, take my mind off of Dawson. And I appreciate your concern, really I do. But I have finally met someone that I really like. And he’s interested in me. And why should Buffy be the only one with happiness in this house? She has you Angel. And I have nobody. And that is not the way I want to be remembered when this stupid show ends!” And with that, she disappeared upstairs, the camera-man following. Angel, now furious, stormed up the stairs after her, determined to make her understand the true danger she was in, and having absolutely no doubt that Spike had no interest in her other than a meal. He wasn’t at all aware that his face had transformed to that of it’s demonic visage until he saw Dawson and the camera-man who’d been watching the upstars by the basement, both sets of eyes extremely wide and shocked.

“What the hell . . . “ the camera-man whispered.

Dawson stared at Angel for a moment, then at the camera-man. “Hey, wow!” he said quickly. “That make-up really came out great! It’ll be great in the movie.”

Angel almost fell from complete relief at Dawson’s quick cover, and moved to the side, fighting the temptation to return to normal, run out of the house and never come back. Dawson started down the stairs, grabbing Angel’s arm on his way, “Let’s get that make-up off,” he added, pulling the vampire down the stairs after him and heading towards the bathroom. The camera-man frowned. “When did he have time to put that on?” he wondered in confusion, shaking his head, then he shrugged and returned his attention to the main level of the house.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Dawson shut the bathroom door and turned on the light before staring at Angel, blinking slightly. Angel now looked completely normal. “Okay, now you want to explain that thing where you looked like an extra from ‘Night of the Living Dead’?” he demanded. Angel took a deep breath, feeling like he needed it even though he did not, and looked towards the mirror. “Turn around,” he instructed Dawson quietly.

Dawson looked puzzled, but did as asked, turning to look into the mirror. His eyes widened, and he whirled back to look at Angel, then back towards the mirror. “What the hell . . . “ he murmured, echoing the camera-man’s words from before.

Angel sighed. “There’s no simple way to explain this,” he told the teenager softly. “Basically, well, um . . . I’m a vampire.”

“You’re a what?” Dawson retorted, staring at Angel.

“I’m a vampire,” Angel repeated.

“D . . . does Buffy know about this?” he asked, shocked.

Angel leaned back against the sink, remembering when Buffy had first found out about his true nature. “Yeah, she knows alright,” he answered. “She’s the Slayer, it’s her job to kill my kind. Of course she knows.”

“Wait . . . what?” Dawson said, still not letting this sink in yet. “Then why are you two so lovey-dovery, and, what about . . . “

Angel held up his hand, silencing Dawson, and decided to just explain the whole thing at once and get it over with. “Spike’s a vampire, too,” he explained. “I made him. Most, well, actually, all vampires except myself are basically soul-less demons, all they want is to drink blood and destroy the world.”

“Spike’s a vampire?” Dawson said, his eyes widening further. “And he was alone with Joey? Oh my God . . . w-why didn’t he kill her? And what makes you different . . . “

Again Angel interrupted, “Spike wouldn’t kill her so early. He likes to toy with his victims . . . I taught him that.” A bit of guilt flashed across his face. “And for awhile I was exactly like them. It’s a long story as to why I’m not any longer.”

“Well, we have the time, and there are no camera’s around, so let’s hear it.”

Angel sighed once again. “Basically I was cursed a hundred years or so ago with the restoration of my soul. It’s the short version, but it’s more than you need to know, as it is.”

Dawson’s eyes narrowed. “What if Joey went back to him?” he wonderred. “What if Joey went to go see Spike again . . . she could be in danger.” Dawson reached for the door-knob, then turned back when Angel stopped him.

“What are you going to do about it?” Angel asked. “You don’t have any idea how to kill a vampire, and Spike would be easily able to slit your throat in a heartbeat. You wouldn’t stand a chance against him.”

“Well, then, I’ll die,” Dawson answered. “I have to find her.”

Angel rolled his eyes heavenward as Dawson opened the doors, then sighed once more and followed him up the stairs and out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The cameraman practically had to run to catch up to Joey. She was walking so fast, ignoring the man following her, trying to calm down. Finally, she turned around and confronted him. “This is what drives me crazy. We’re gonna do a quick confession thing, okay?”

The cameraman nodded and motioned for her to sit down at a near by bench. She did so, and continued. “I can not believe the lies that come out of their mouths. I bring home this perfect stranger, and all the sudden he’s this mass murderer. I don’t understand.”

“There’s nothing to understand.” She looked up and there was Spike. She stood up, walked over to him, and impulsivly gave him a hug. He pulled away from her after a moment, looking into her eyes. “There’s nothing to worry about my dear.”

She looked into his eyes. “What were they talking about? They said you tried to kill them.”

“Nonsense. Pay no attention to them. It was a long time ago, and I’m sure their version was nothing like the truth. Besides, let us not waste our time with talk of those two.” Spike took her hand and they disappeared.

After several hours of searching, Angel and Dawson returned to the house. Everyone was still awake awaiting news on Joey. Angel just shook his head when Buffy gave him a questioningly glance. Dawson went right outside the back door.

"You guys can go to bed if you want," Buffy offered. "Angel and I will wait up for her."

Xander, relieved for the escape of the uncomfortable evening, stood up. "Well, wake me up if you guys need something." Pacey followed his lead. Jen took off out the back door to speak with Dawson. Willow looked at Angel. "Couldn't find her?"

"No," he said quietly. "She refused to listen."

"How much did you tell her," Buffy questioned.

"Just the facts. She was pretty upset though. I told Dawson."

"Told him what," Buffy said with a worried glance.

"He knows. Everything. Well, mostly everything."

Buffy tried to figure out why Angel would reveal their secret, but thought it best to bring it up later.

Angel got up and began to pace. "Willow, I need a favor."

Willow perked up, greatful to help. "Sure, what is it?"

"Find out how Spike got out here. If Dru's with him."

"Uhm, okay." Willow went over to the computer and began researching.

Buffy got up and tried to calm down Angel. "You should get some rest. It's almost morning."

"I can't. Not until I know she's safe."

"Angel, you did everything you could. Even if you told her the whole truth, she wouldn't have believed you. I'll talk to her when she comes home. Maybe by then she'll calm down."

"If she comes home." Angel broke free of Buffy and continued his pacing. "This is my fault."

"Come on, how is this your fault? We had no idea Spike would be here. We didn't even know he was still alive. You can't possibly blame yourself for this."

"I should have said something else to her. I shouldn't have let her go."

Buffy sighed. "That's enough. I don't want to hear this self pity thing anymore. She's fine. And when she gets home, we'll talk to her together. Deal?"

They heard the front door open. Buffy and Angel went to see who it was.

"Look," Joey began. "I don't know what's going on, and I really don't care. I'm tired, I'm going to bed. And I don't want to hear about Spike anymore, okay?"

Buffy looked at Angel. He turned and went downstairs without a word.

"Joey, please listen to me...."

"No. I don't want to talk about it."

"What about Dawson? Him and Angel were out all night looking for you."

Joey peared through the kitchen, noticing Dawson with Jen. "He seems to be fine now. Goodnight." Joey went upstairs.

Buffy sighed again and checked on Willow. She was still researching. "Will, maybe you should send a note to Giles."

"Do you think we should," she said quietly so the cameraman couldn't hear her.

Buffy just shrugged then went upstairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy was upstairs flipping through a magazine and attempting to style her hair differently when Jen walked in and sat down on the bed. "Hey," Buffy said, glancing up at her, then turning around fully to look at her.

"Hey," Jen said in reply, staring at her. "What's the deal with that Spike guy? How'd he try to kill you?"

Buffy sighed. "It's a long story," she answered, not sure of what to say and more than aware of the camera-man watching them. "Basically, he and his girlfriend are both nuts and should be locked up."

Jen raised an eyebrow. "Hmm," she murmured. "Well, what's the long story part? It's not like we don't have months on end."

Buffy, realizing she wasn't going to get out of answering, began to speak. "Well, the short version is he was planning something really nasty, and I tried to stop him. I know, it sounds like a bad horror movie, but it's the truth. I thought he was dead, actually."

"Well, what was he planning?" Jen wondered.

Sighing, Buffy put down her magazine and turned to face her. "It's hard to explain," she replied quietly. "But after what Spike's done, I have no doubts that he's up to no good. And Angel and him really hate each other, too."

"How come?"

"Spike tried to kill him," Buffy replied, rolling her eyes as though it should have been obvious. "Almost succeeded, too, until I showed up . . . um, with the police, I mean. He was pretty weak for a few months afterwards, so I understand why he's pissed off at Joey for not listening. Speaking of which," Buffy's eyes narrowed, "I don't know why you put up with that attitude of hers. You shouldn't, you should stick up for yourself."

Jen shook her head. "She's in love with Dawson," she explained, "That's the only reason she hates me, because I had him, and she never will. Dawson sees her as his best friend, that's all he'll ever see her as." She winced suddenly as she remembered the cameras, and blushed. "Joey's gonna kill me when she sees this," Jen added. "But maybe by then she'll have told him herself."

"I just don't think you should put up with it," Buffy replied, standing and reaching for her nightgown. "Just because she's jealous doesn't mean she should go be a bitch or anything."

Jen shrugged. "She doesn't need to be jealous anymore," she answered. "Dawson and I broke up awhile ago, anyway. She just has the totally wrong idea about me. I've tried to clarify Dawson and my relationship to her, but she doesn't listen. Truth is I think she likes hating me. Makes it easier for her."

"Well, I guess it's not any of my business," Buffy answered, removing her shirt and putting her nightgown on and then removing her jeans. "But if I were you I'd probably end up killing her for all that stuff she says about you."

"No," Jen said, shaking her head. "Joey just can't deal with the fact that Dawson's never going to see her as anything other than his friend. So she takes it out on me." Jen, noticing Buffy was getting under the covers, stood and headed towards the door. "I'll let you go to sleep."

"Night," Buffy murmured.

"Night," Jen said in reply before walking out.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Xander was the only one up when Jen went downstairs. He was playing pool by himself, while drinking. "Hey," Xander greeted, looking up at her as she walked into the pool-tabe room and sat down on one of the chairs by the bar.

Jen nodded back at him. "What's up?" she asked.

"Nada," Xander replied. "Couldn't sleep. Figured I'd just stay up instead."

"Stay up and drink," Jen said noticing the vodka bottle.

"Yup. Might as well. This house is crazy enough as it is." He got up and poured another drink. "Want one?"

Jen thought about it for a minute. "I really shouldn't."

"Come on, loosen up. If we can't have fun by ourselves, who can we have fun with?"

Finally Jen gave in. She nodded and he gave her a glass. "This will cheer you up."

"I don't need cheering up."

"Sure you do. At least you look that way. Tell me something, what's with you and Joey anyway? You seem to take a lot of her shit."

"Tell me what's with you and Angel?"

"You want the real take on Angel? He's not good enough for Buffy. At least that's the way I feel. He'll never be good enough."

"I see."

"Your turn."

"Dawson. I had him, Joey wants him."

"Seems like Joey wants Spike instead. That girls in for nothing but trouble."

"That's what I keep hearing," Jen said finishing her drink. She took it upon herself to pour another one, filling Xanders as well. "So, game of pool?"

The two played pool, finishing the bottle and getting extremely drunk. Before they knew it, alcohol had taken over and the two were making out on top of the pool table.

Forgetting about Buffy, Dawson, or the cameramen, Jen and Xander explored each other, feeling their way across each other's bodies. Jen was on top of him, kissing him, moving herself around him. They were lost in each other, not realizing what was happening. Not realizing the next few minutes would change the next few months.

Buffy came down the stairs a few hours later to get something to drink. She stumbled through the living room and into the kitchen. She poured herself some orange juice, then looked back into the living room. Lying on the table were Jen and Xander, asleep, most of their clothes on the floor. She walked over to the table. "Well," she said loud enough to wake them. "What a Kodak moment we have here."

Jen, wearily, tried to open her eyes and figure out her surroundings. When she realized she was half naked, she instantly snapped out of it. "Oh my God."

"I'm sure you already said that enough tonight," Buffy said sarcastically. She couldn't help but smile as she went back upstairs.

Jen searched the floor for the rest of her clothes. Her head was pounding from the residual effects of the alcohol. Xander slowly stirred. "Xander, get up."

He picked up his head slightly. "Huh?"

"Xander, get up," Jen said more forcefully.

He sat up and hopped off the pool table. That's when he realized his pants were no longer on. He looked at Jen. "Did we...uh..." his voice trailed off.

"Yeah, we did," Jen said, now fully dressed.

Xander, extremely uncomfortable, tried to remember. "Was it.....was....I....good?" Jen smiled. "Yeah, you were fine."

He sighed with relief. "Good," he said, then wished he hadn't. "Well, I guess I'll see you later."

"Yeah, later," she said as he went up the stairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~

By the time Joey woke, news of Jen and Xander was everywhere. Joey overheard Buffy and Willow talking about it in the kitchen. Willow, who didn't look very happy to hear the news, just sighed as Buffy told the story. Joey walked into the kitchen, "sounds like I missed something."

Buffy smiled. "It was pretty funny." She looked at Willow. "Well, maybe not that funny. Actually, not funny at all. Definately non humerous."

Willow managed a smile. "It's okay, really."

"It's weird," Joey said. "Not for Jen I guess, but I figured only you and Angel would be doing anything in this house."

Buffy looked around nervously. "Speaking of Angel..."

Joey cut her off. "Please, can I have coffee first before we start the anti-Spike campaign again?"

"I'm sorry Joey, but Angel's real worried about you. We all are."

Willow spoke up too. "I know you don't really know us and all, but Spike is bad, really bad news. And, well, he's just bad."

"Okay, thanks for your concern. But I can take care of myself."

Buffy shook her head in doubt. "Not against him you can't."

"What's that supposed to mean," Joey queried.

"Just be careful, that's all I ask. Okay?"

"If I say I'll be careful will you guys drop it? Angel included?"

Buffy nodded. "Sure."

Willow gave Buffy a curious glance but she ignored it. "So, who's gonna tell Dawson about Jen?"

Joey smiled devilishly. "I guess it's my duty as his best friend to inform him that his ex has moved on, huh?"

Buffy agreed. "Sure, he should hear it from you before anyone else."

Joey agreed and disappeared outside the back.

Willow looked at Buffy, "why did you agree to drop the Spike thing?"

"Because, if I know Angel, which of course I do, he'll follow Joey tonight. And every night after that until Spike goes away."

"If he goes away," Willow whispered.

"Were you able to find anything out on the computer?"

She shook her head. "I had to sleep. I'll check before Angel gets up."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Joey had waited in the kitchen until Dawson awoke. He smiled at her briefly while pouring himself some cereal. Joey sat there in silence, trying to figure out how she would tell him. He noticed her inner battles. "Joey, what's up?"

Joey shifted uncomfortably. "There's something I need to tell you."

Dawson brought his cereal over to the table and sat down. "There's something I need to tell you too."

Joey hadn't expected that, so she was greatful. "Okay, you first."

"No, you first."

"Dawson, what I have to tell you will probably be really weird for you to handle, so I want you to tell me first."

"Great, now I'm not extremely curious, huh?" He took a spoonful of cereal and shoved it in his mouth. When he was done chewing, he spoke. "I know things have been really weird between us, and I'm sorry for that. I can't help feeling like it's my fault. But I want you to know that, well, if you want to talk, or try this relationship thing, I mean, I'm all for it."

Joey gave him a disbelieving look. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Spike, would it? Because if that's what you're trying to do, forget it. And I can't believe you would use our friendship like that, a possible relationship like that."

Dawson shook his head. "This has nothing to do with him. I just came to some realizations about my feelings towards you."

"I see. Well, I'll have to think about that Dawson. But now it's my turn."

"Joey, how can you just blow off a conversation like this?"

"Because now is the perfect time to tell you. Obviously, if you're so interested in me, you wont be interested in knowing what happened last night with Jen."

Dawson's ears perked up like a dog. "What about Jen?"

Joey smiled. "It's nothing, really. Just that her and Xander were found half naked on the pool table this morning."

Dawson's mouth dropped open. "Jen . . .Xander?"

"But since you're so interested in me, it doesn't bother you, does it?"

"I don't . . .I just can't . . . .are you sure?"

"Yup. Heard it from the eyewitness. I'm sure you'll see it too on television."

Dawson stood up. "This is just some ploy to get me and Jen fighting again, isn't it."

"Oh yeah, disbelief and shock. You're precious blondie could never do anything like that. Not like you guys are together or anything, right? So this has no effect on you, does it."

Dawson just stood up and walked out the front door. Joey shook her head, greatful the moment of truth was over. But she had something else to do, and was glad Dawson was gone.

She walked down the steps quietly, in case he was sleeping. But he wasn't. Angel was wide awake, sitting in a corner, staring off into space. He looked up when she stood in front of him. "Joey?"

"Hey," she said. She walked over to him and sat on the floor next to him. "Couldn't sleep?"

"No," he said simply. He continued to ignore her stare.

"Look, I'm sorry about yesterday. I know you have issues with Spike, and I can respect that. But can you respect my decision to make my own mistakes?"

Angel finally looked at her. His eyes were filled with concern. "I can't force you to stay away from him. But I will ask you again. Forget him. He'll only hurt you."

Joey shrugged and looked away. "I just want to be happy, ya know? For once I want someone that will be around and take care of me. And I'm not saying that person is Spike, cause I hardly know the guy. But it's a possibility, for me anyway. I just want what Buffy has."

"What's that," he said softly.

"You. Not you, exactly, but someone like you. It's obvious when you look at her that you'd do anything for her. Sacrafice anything for her. And that's what I want. Is that too much to ask for?"

Angel shook his head. "No. But you already have that."

"What do you mean?"

"Dawson."

Joey stood up and paced. "Yeah, right. Dawson Leery, loverboy of Capeside? I'm not the one he's thinking about when he gets that look you get."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because, I know Dawson. He's so wrapped up in that highlights woman that he doesn't even notice me anymore. Not that he ever did. And after what he just pulled? Forget it, not a chance."

"What happened?"

"He said he wanted to try the relationship thing. But I know that was just a scam to keep me away from Spike."

"That's not true."

"Oh really? And how do you know so much?"

Angel stood up and took her hand. He led her to the bed and she sat down, him next to her. "After you left last night, after, well, everything, we tried to follow you."

"You what?!" She shouted in surprise.

"Wait. We were concerned. I mean I know Spike. And Dawson was scared for you. And I know he loves you."

"How do you know," Joey said softly.

"Because," Angel whispered, "I would have done the same thing if it were Buffy."

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