Down Twisted
by drkdreamer
Chapter 2
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Chapter 2
Inside the car, the Slayer, the witch and Alex sat listening to top-40 music as they sped ever closer to the seedier parts of town.
The food had been surprisingly filling, thought the Southerner but what had truly astounded her was how easy the conversation seemed to flow between her and the 2 teenagers.
Alex was also warmed by the subtle heat that shimmered oh-so nicely between her two companions. It reminded her, quite sharply, of one her fave memories from childhood. That left the dark woman with a permanent smile plastered across her face but Alexandra Roberts knew she had to take care and not allow this sweet aspect of Buffy and Willow's relationship derail her from her present course.
Hell, mused the dark woman, that could be some hard work. I've enjoyed this past hour more than any other evening in the past 6 months.
Despite this fact, the gray eyed woman half suspected that neither Buff nor Willow where entirely aware of the sheer amount of heat that generated between the two friends. Although, if she were being completely honest with herself, she didn't think either of those girl's would ever have the guts to confess how they actually felt about each other either.
Buffy Summers, reclining in the back seat, was delighted to find that she was actually liking the dark Southerner.
No matter, she thought to herself, that Alex came to town to slaughter another person, I just Really seem to like her!
The girl suspected it was partly because Alex Roberts didn't try and talk down to her and Willow. All to often, in her experience, adult's seem to treat the whole Scooby gang, with the noted exception of Giles, as nothing more than second class citizens and the blonde was kinda surprised by this turn of events. The red head, up in the front seat, couldn't help but admit to herself that she was forming a high opinion of Alex's character.
After all, her brain half whispered, I kinda liked her from the first moment she met us at the front door.
Willow Rosenberg considered herself a good judge of people and there was something about that woman that said she would be an all right kind of person. It was as the three sat musing in their thoughts that the car pulled into the Bronze's parking lot. It was still fairly early yet so, no lines had started to form at the front door. Alex killed the engine, pocketed her keys and got out into the night's air. She had just finished stretching her back muscles as the teens exited the car. A comfortable silence sprang up between them as they paid the cover charge and entered Sunnydale's only real club going experience. Both Slayer and Witch turned to watch as Alex Roberts got her first taste of the Bronze's unique atmosphere.
The dark woman completely shocked them by appearing to be both relaxed and totally at ease. Alex could, of course, feel the dark currents that surrounded her but she paid them no mind since she retained the same darkness within herself.
"Are we gonna get a table or just stand here all night?" She asked with the snarkiest grin crossing her lips. That rather mundane question pulled both teens from their own thoughts and they hastily made their way over to the far right corner of the bar. As there were only 2 seats, Alex reached out to snag another chair from a neighboring table and, gratefully, sat down. The Wiccan to her seat beside the dark Southerner and simply smiled at that woman. Buffy remained standing, a thought forming in her head.
"Drinks?"
Seeing how her best friend and dark haired woman where nodding yes, she found it prudent to the ask.
"You want your usual, Will?"
"You know it, Buffy," said the girl with the warmly sparkling gaze.
"Alex," then said the Slayer, "we forgot to tell ya this is a teen club so, there's no chance of alcohol. Can I interest you in a Coke, perhaps?"
"That's cool," said Alex with a genuine smile. "I was really planning on getting hammered tonight anyways. I'd like a Dr. Pepper if they have it."
She was just reaching into her pocket for some money when the silent blonde spoke.
"Chill, Alex. You paid for dinner; drinks are on me, okay?"
Buffy didn't wait for an answer and quickly turn to make her escape. Both the older woman and Willow watched as the Slayer strolled away. Alex then swung her head around to appraise the silent red head. Those soft green eyes were rock steady as they stared at one another, the Witch simply waited for that woman to speak. She was wholly surprised that it seemed to take Alex a full minute to actually think of something to say.
"So tell me, Willow Rosenberg, you come here often?"
It was the most teasing of questions and Alex was simply delighted by the fantastically warm smile the girl sent over her way.
"Actually, since me and Buffy started college, we don't come down here as often as we used too. If you're really lucky, Alex Roberts, you just might get to Xander and Anya tonight as well. If Buffy thinks about it, I'm sure she'll give them a call to come on down here and join us."
That innocent sounding speech left the dark Southerner searching through her memory banks. Those names seemed familiar to the woman but she, momentarily, couldn't seem to place them. Then a light bulb went off in her head.
"Xander and Anya, these would be the rest of the illustrious Scooby gang, I presume?"
Willow was entirely surprised that Cordelia had told every thing about them. Feeling a bit risky herself tonight, the Witch then turned her patented puppy dog expression Alex Roberts way.
"I can only hope that Cordy was nice when it came to describing Xan and Anya."
The older woman felt like laughing at the red head's utterly woebegone look. She damn well knew when her leg was being pulled but she chose not to call Willow on it.
"You have nothing to worry yourself about, Willow, Cordelia spoke only in glowing terms about all of you."
Her astute gaze then took in Buffy coming back their way and a deliciously evil thought popped into her head. Before she could talk herself outta doing something completely stupid, Alex found the word's pouring from her mouth.
"You got a beautiful smile, Willow Rosenberg. I'd like to see more of it sometime."
Buffy, naturally, heard every word and she was shocked to find that she really didn't like how that conversation seemed to be going. Seeing how that seem to affect the blonde, Alex waited only until she put the drinks on the table and took her seat before testing the water's still further.
"I'm sorry, Buffy; I didn't realize you and Willow were a couple. I sincerely apologize for overstepping my bounds."
Slayer and Witch could only sit there, stunned by this turn of events. Buffy took a calculated risk and shot a glance over her best friend's way. Wills was merely gaping back at her, the blonde was somewhat glad they appeared to be in the same boat where this thought was concerned. Alex, in the meantime, had taken a sip of the cold Dr. P and simply waited to see what would next occur. It was Willow who took the initiative and spoke first.
"I...me and Buffy...we're not."
Seeing how the brainy red head was floundering, Buffy reached over and covered one of her best friend's hands with her own.
"S'okay, Will, let me explain. What Willow was trying to say, Alex, is that we're not together in that way. We're best friends and the closest of confidants but that's it. We clear?"
Could've fooled me, the dark woman's brain mockingly shouted, all the signs point to a far different reaction.
"Really," was what she said. "If you're not together then whom, if I may be so bold, are you cruising on at college? And please don't say no one because I'm way too smart to believe something like That. My God, your both smart, attractive people, there's gotta be somebody your attracted too."
It was at this point that Willow located her voice as her brain, finally, kicked into overdrive.
"First off, thanks for the compliment. Secondly, no, neither of us are seeing anybody at this time. Buffy and I are both coming off bad relationships, dating isn't particularly the course for us right now. We both decided to take it easy, one day at a time. O.K., Alex?"
There was an almost pleading tone to that girl's voice, Alexandra Roberts found herself wishing she hadn't even began this particular conversation. The only reason she had was because whenever she came across two people whom shared undeniable chemistry and weren't together, it just rankled her mind. She forced a grin to her lips as she made her reply.
"You got it, Willow. What say we now adjourn towards the dance floor?"
Both the dark woman and the Slayer pushed back their chairs to stand. Buffy was already heading to the somewhat crowded floor when Alex cocked up an impudent brow at the girl still sitting at the table.
"You wanted to dance so come on Willow, let's go shake our groove things."
The red head sighed as she took the offered hand and was gently pulled towards where Buffy was waiting. As they began to dance, they formed a triangle with Willow at the head and the other two woman flanking her. The music was a little hard, a little fast and it suited their moods perfectly. The Wiccan, as fate would have it, had the preverbal bird's eye view and she took full advantage of it. The blonde Slayer danced as she always had, with complete and total abandon. Willow couldn't help thinking that Buffy looked truly beautiful moving so gracefully upon that dance floor. Aware that Alex's all too knowing gray gaze was taking in her every reaction, the Hacker/Witch blanked her expression. The dark Southerner's relentless gaze repeatedly tracked the dance floor before she shut her eyes and gave herself over to the pulsating beat of the music.
As Alex began to really dance, Willow could see that she'd been totally right, Buffy actually did have some competition tonight. The dark woman, with the perpetual grin, was just as graceful as the Slayer only her movements smacked of a wholly sensual nature, indeed! As Willow continued to watch Alex, she couldn't help but think that those moves where designed to seduce. After looking around, she could clearly see they where working on every single male within walking distance. Thankfully, the song came to an end before someone could come over and, rudely, interrupt them.
Alex, breathing freely and with a slight flush staining her cheeks, saw that Willow was staring at her with subtle appreciation. Buffy, on the other hand, was looking her way with both eyebrows raised towards the heavens and Alex knew she better make a hasty retreat.
"I'm parched. Y'all go on dancing while I go on back to the table."
Alexandra Roberts quickly turned and walked away before either girl could make a response. Buffy and Willow continued standing there in silence as they watched her walk away. The next song had a slower tempo, the Wiccan was about to turn around an join Alex when the Slayer's strong arms snaked around her waist.
"Dance with me, please Will?"
Questioning green eyes looked into hopeful hazel ones and, after a moment, Willow nodded yes. As they began to sway together, the taller girl fully expected her best friend to drop her arms and move away. Amazingly to Willow Rosenberg, this did not seem to be the case! Buffy could feel the exact moment Will relaxed within her embrace and she released the silent breath she'd been holding. It was rare for Wills to join her on the dance floor, let alone consent to dance alone with her. Both girl's simply shut their eyes and enjoyed the closeness as they continued swaying out on the dance floor. The one thing that marred that moment for Buffy Summers was that Willow seemed determined to leave her arms at her side and Not return the embrace. The Slayer was actually considering the merits of just asking that girl to simply hold her when, out of nowhere, she became aware that those arms where slowly lifting to lock around her neck. Buffy Anne Summer's heart did a happy little dance as she was pressed ever closer to the one girl she adored above everyone else.
Willow felt like she was stuck in some dream and she was hell-bent to enjoy this moment for all it was worth. She knew that she was more than a little drawn towards the beautiful Slayer, and if being honest with herself, would admit that she'd always been more than slightly attracted to Buffy Summers. One more than one occasion, Willow had thought about confessing all This to her best friend. The only thing that stopped her was that Buffy might be shocked or disgusted by her feelings. They'd been friends for more than five years and in that time the Wiccan had never once seen her bud actually wanting another girl. This was the sole reason, she'd determined quite a long time ago, that if friendship were all she could expect from the blonde Slayer then, she'd have to be happy with that.
In the meantime, back at the table, Alex had to smile as she took in those two gorgeous teenagers dancing on the crowded floor. They made such a beautiful picture swaying together in the muted light but she rightly suspected that neither one was being completely honest with each other. How they managed to keep this from themselves truly astounded her because their attraction was blatantly obvious to not only her but half the people in this joint.
So why is it, her mind reasoned, that Buffy and Willow are completely blind to what is happening between them?!?
Watching the way they so tenderly held one another, Alex Roberts had no answer to that question. Back on the dance floor, Willow was achingly aware of the moment the song came to its eventual end. For one brief moment, the teens simply continued holding on to each other. Then, like most things, it was over. Both girl's took a half step back an assessed this situation. Buffy was desperately afraid that she'd done something to harm the best friendship she'd ever had. Willow frantically thought that she might have done something to clue the alert Slayer in on her carefully hidden feelings and it scared her down to her bones. Both where supremely gratified to see that none of that seemed to occur.
"Let's go sit down, Wills, all this dancing has made me one thirsty girl."
They did find it prudent, however, Not to link hands as they made their way back to where Alex was awaiting them. That woman remained silent as she watched them take their seats. Buffy downed her drink in one gulp, trying to fight her body's reaction to how Right Willow had felt against her. The Wiccan took slow sips as she tried to command her brain to desist thinking about how good it'd feel being held naked and willing within Buffy's arms. Alex crossed both arms over her chest knowing, from past experience, that the teens where trying to fight against a losing battle. She knew, once you had someone within your blood, you might hold out for a little while but, eventually, you'd give in or go completely insane with sheer want. Alex, wisely, blanked her mind as she saw that the red head had finished her drink.
"Guys, I hate to cut this evening short but I've been up since 4:30 a.m. and I'm beat. Can I drop you both at home?"
Buffy stood, shaking her head. She too wished this evening could go on a little further but, she had work to do.
"No thanks, Alex. I got slaying to do so, I better jet. Catch ya tomorrow, Will, night Alexandra Roberts."
As she turned to walk outside, she heard two distinct voices calling out to her.
"Bye, Buff," said Will. "Be careful Slayer," was what the surprised girl heard from the dark woman.
It was most unexpected and, yet, kinda flattering to have Alex Roberts be concerned about her well being. Buffy chose not to comment on it because she truly didn't know how to respond to the Southerner's thoughtful words. She went for the flippant response while still heading smoothly for the Bronze's front door.
"You don't have to worry about me. I have a pretty good track record when it comes to slayage, and am always careful, right Will?"
The Wiccan never said a word and simply continued watching her best friend exit the club, completely unaware that her heart was in her eyes. The dark woman had no recourse but to smile at that unguarded look. It would be so easy to call the girl on it but Alex, wisely, kept herself from commenting. She stood and reached into her jeans pocket for her car keys
"Come on, kiddo, it's time I get you home."
The green eyed girl pushed back her chair and hastily followed the dark woman. Once back in the car, and driving steadily towards suburbia, Alex risked glancing at the silent teen.
"You look about as tired as I feel, Willow. Stay awake though sugar, because I got now idea where your house is located, remember?"
There was humor to those words and it jerked the Witch from her own deep musings. The rest of the ride passed along with Will and Alex listening once again to the radio. It wasn't long before the older woman pulled her car up to the Rosenberg home. Alex then turned to stare freely at her younger companion.
"Have a pleasant night, Darlin', it was great meeting you and Buffy."
Willow Rosenberg stared back at her with a frown marring the smooth lines of her forehead. She couldn't understand why the older woman used those pet names in conversation and the Wiccan truly hated to be confused.
"It was lovely making your acquaintance too, Alex. You've called me Darlin' and sugar in the space of 45 minutes and I really need to know why."
Those words left the dark woman laughing her fool head off. She fully expected, during the time she spent in Sunnydale, someone would comment upon her colorful way of speaking, just not the first night. Alex had laughed so hard tears where streaking down her face as she attempted to explain.
"It's just my Southern heritage rearing it's head, Willow. I don't mean anything with those names, honest. We Southern people like to use pet names when talking with those that we like; hell, it's tradition where I come from. It'll be next to impossible for me but, if you really want, I'll try and restrain myself when I'm around you."
There was the slightest blush staining the red head's cheekbones as she listened to the explanation. She should've remembered that Alex wasn't from California and, thusly, didn't speak in the same way as everyone else that she knew.
"I apologize, Alex Roberts. I wasn't implying that you wanted anything from me, I'm just not used to affectionate nicknames. It's cool, don't stress yourself out on my account."
The girl had spoken her piece and had turned around to open the car door when these next, softly spoken words halted anymore movement on her part.
"I would like something from you, Willow Rosenberg. Your friendship, nothing else. What do ya say, sweetie, can we be friends?"
Alex's cold heart was warmed considerably by the genuinely warm smile that the Wiccan sent over her way. She'd thought, at first, that she unsettled the teenager and Alexandra Roberts would have deeply regretted doing such a thing. She'd surprised herself by actually liking both teens, it wasn't supposed to be like this, damnit! The woman had come to town with no intentions of becoming friendly with any of the Scooby Brigade. They where merely supposed to be an ends to the means.
Now, thought the dark woman, looks like I'm gonna have to make adjustments to that game plan.
"I think both Buffy and I will enjoy getting to know you a little better, Alex. Thanks for the ride home, goodnight."
With those words, Willow exited the car. The dark Southerner reminded ideing in the driveway until she saw the girl walk up to her front door. She was marveling over the fact that the Wiccan lived only 4 streets over from her own rented abode! Alex wasn't at at surprised to find her mind fixed squarely upon those two girls.
Why, she couldn't help wondering, did I ever become such a visual pig?
This was merely a rhetorical question because Alexandra Katherine Roberts prized her overt visualness above everything else. She then pulled out the driveway and headed towards her own home. The woman pulled into her driveway, killed the engine, got out and locked the car before trudging inside the dimly lit home. After making her way into the livingroom, and feeling quite melancholy, Alex walked over to her movie section. As her gaze perused the titles, she gave serious consideration to exactly What she needed tonight.
A comedy, her brain slowly whispered, something that'll make you laugh your lily white behind off!
While she agreed with her mind's assessment, she couldn't resist glancing at the dramas. Situated there in plain view were the tragic love stories, her absolute favorites. Alex bloody well knew, though, that those particular movies would transport her to places she really didn't want to be. Just down from them was the horror section, again so Not the right choice. Directly behind them were her "special" tapes. A rather rueful smile alight the woman's face as she looked at those titles.
You do want to get some sleep tonight, admonished her brain, complete and utter nakedness isn't the way to go!!!!!
You should never fight with your own mind, thought Alex as she picked out He's My Girl, Spaceballs and, inexplicably, The ReAnimator. She was fully aware that, for most people, the last movie would be considered a horror film. She, however, couldn't help but laugh uproariously when the professor's body held up its own decapitated head to have oral sex with the hero's bound woman!
Yep, thought Alex to herself, I am really one sick puppy.
The dark woman was chuckling as she walked over to the TV/VCR combo and switched on the power button. She popped Spaceballs in and then pivoted to walk towards the comfy couch.
Tomorrow's gotta be a better day, she reasoned as she stretched out upon the couch's surface.
As she laughed at the sheer lunacy on screen, Alexandra Roberts had no inkling of just how wrong she would turn out to be.