As Dru entered the house, Buffy ran down the stairs asking, "Are you staying home?"

"Yes."

"Can you watch Dawn? I need to get over to Willow's and finish cramming for my Chem final." Buffy asked, with a look of begging on her face, "I so need to ace this or Dad will have my ass."

"Go and have your little study group. Not that it will do you any good." Dru replied as she turned to enter the kitchen. "Just make sure you are home at curfew."

Buffy bit back her remark, knowing it would piss off her older sister. The last thing she needed was having Dru renege about staying home. She needed to get a B on the test to pass the class. She just wasn't the science girl like Dawn.

"Thanks." Buffy yelled back toward the kitchen as she hurried out the door.

*******

Mr. Rosenberg came to his daughter's bedroom door and softly knocked. He couldn't believe the phone call he received. He still had a hard time believing what he had been told. All he could think about, was what if it had been his daughter, his loved one.

"Willow, may I come in?"

"Sure, dad." He heard her say in response, feeling a warmth surround him at hearing his daughter's voice.

He opened the door and noticed both girls in various positions on the large bed with books scattered around them. This was something he never would want to happen to anyone he knew, let alone so close to home.

"Buffy, your father called and asked me to drive you home." He said, trying to act as normal as possible.

"Why? It's not past my curfew yet?" She asked, like any 15 year-old would.

"He didn't say why honey." He replied, as he lied to her the best he could.

"I wonder what I did now?" She mumbled, trying to remember if she missed any of her assigned chores. "I know I did everything I was supposed to."

"I will meet you down in the car." He told her, trying not to let the emotion of the situation overcome him.

"Okay, Mr. Rosenberg, I will be right there." Buffy answered as she gave Willow a worried look. "I'm so getting bad vibes here."

"Buffy, I'm sure everything is all right. Could be he has good news and wants everyone home so he can do the family sharing thing." Willow suggested, trying to ease her best friend's mind.

"You're right, me being all worry girl is not going to help."

"Nope. Call me when he spills the beans that there are vampires, demons, and witches that are going to take over the world." Willow teased.

"Funny." Buffy said as she gathered up her books. "Thanks for helping me out. You should teach the class."

"Call me, okay?"

"Will do, Wills." Buffy replied as she hurried out to meet Willow's dad.

*******

Buffy felt a sudden heaviness come over her chest as they approached her house. "Mr. Rosenberg, what's happened?"

Ira looked at the fragile looking young woman and wondered how she was going to handle the news. His heart broke for his daughter's best friend as he said, "I think it's best your parents tell you what is going on, Buffy."

He pulled along curbside and got out of the car, noticing Buffy made no attempt to get out on her own. His prayers were with the Summers' family this night, for they would be living every family's nightmare.

Ira walked over and opened the passenger door and extended his hand as he instructed the occupant, "Come, I will walk with you."

Buffy slowly took his hand, using her other one to grab her book bag. She held both in such a death grip, Mr. Rosenberg feared for the safety of his hand. He looked around the neighborhood and still found it hard to believe something like this could happen in such a good, safe, wholesome neighborhood as this one.

He watched as the young woman kept looking around her. The fear etched over her features made him worry for her survival of something like this. For the first time since moving here so many years ago, he no longer felt safe at home and thought about buying a security system. Then it hit him hard that the outside madness you only read about in the big city papers, had now invaded his small town.

Buffy noticed her mother and father sitting on the couch. Her mother was crying as her father was listening to something the police were telling them. The look of horror on her father's face made her heart feel like it was about to beat right out of her chest.

The moment Hank Summers noticed his middle daughter, Buffy's life changed. The anger and what she could only decipher as hate in his eyes burned her soul. His emotions were directed at her, and it made her wonder how he could look at her that way.

"Why weren't you here? Why did you leave her alone?" He growled, as he stood up. "Because of you, your sister's dead. Dawn is dead." Hank muttered, his voice heavy with grief.

"I didn't-"

She never got a chance to finish when Hank reached out and smacked her face and yelled, "You left her alone."

"No-"

"Don't speak to me." He said right before he turned away. "There is nothingyou can say to me that will make me forgive you for this one."

Buffy looked toward her mother to explain only to have her turn away from her. Her heart broke as she turned to Willow's father and said, "I didn't leave her alone."

"Stop it " Joyce Summers hissed as she turned back toward them, "I'm sorry, Mr. Rosenberg that you had to witness any of this. I thank you again for bringing Buffy home."

"If there is anything I can do, just call." He answered, feeling sorry and yet angry at Buffy Summers’ actions. It would be a heavy burden for the young woman to live with the rest of her life.

"Just go to your room. I can't bear to look at you right now." Hank told her with his back toward her. "I don't want to hear you tell the police any of your lies."

Buffy turned and ran, dropping her book bag as she stumbled up the stairs leading to her room. Charles Gunn, homicide detective, felt for the young girl. He couldn't help but wonder if the fact their middle child wasn't home might have saved the Summers' from coming home and finding two daughters dead instead of one.

"Can I offer you both a suggestion?" Detective Gunn addressed the grieving parents. "It could be very possible that you could have found two daughters tonight instead of one.

"Are you telling me that even with Buffy being home, this monster may have still entered my house?" Joyce asked, feeling a sudden flash of guilt about how she'd treated her daughter.

"Yes. It could be they were interested in taking both of them. It looks like they were looking around even after taking your daughter."

"Oh God, what have we done." Joyce turned toward her husband. "What if they where after Buffy too?"

Hank placed his hands on the wall as his words and treatment of his middle child came back to haunt him. What if this crazy madman came back to try and finish it? Would he even come after Dru? He turned and noticed his oldest daughter come in the front door, fear in her eyes.

"Daddy?" Dru asked.

"Honey, you need to sit down. We have some bad news, I'm afraid." Hank said, as he sat beside her taking Dru's hand and started to explain what had happened.

Buffy sat at top of the stairs and heard her father and mother with love and support toward Dru, explain that Dawn had been abducted and killed. She felt a piece of her die that night as she watched her parents hug Drusilla close as her half sister cried. Buffy knew then something very vital to feeling emotions was gone now. In a wink of an eye, she was cold and uncaring.

She got up and moved like a zombie to her room. There she would stay until someone came to talk to her. Until then she would feel nothing. She would let them believe whatever they wanted, for she knew they'd never believe her over Dru anyway. They never did, so why would they start now.

EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER


Buffy danced like she never danced before, feeling so high and so good. This was the only time she would let anything touch her. The music was her release. She knew she looked hot, and the boys were drooling. It gave her a sense of power and a feeling of control to have them salivating over her like dogs.

So much had happened over the last eighteen months, but the one thing that was always held over her head was Dawn's death. It didn't have to be overheard with words. She could read it in everyone's eyes, or lack of other people's eyes meeting hers. Hearing the whispers any time she entered a room, or all conversation would stop. The fact her parents had no expectations of her any more since that night, made her feel abandoned. Everything was centered on Drusilla now.

"You know you have them panting and wanting a bite?" Darla leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"I guess they will have a chronic case of always wanting then." Buffy replied, as she started to really grind to the beat.

Darla laughed, as she pulled her lover closer and said, "Just as long as she keeps you wanting, and you don't touch, lover."

Angel smiled wickedly down at his girl and said, "Only if you both are willing to share me, baby."

"You know, I wouldn't mind. But I don’t think Buffy is ready to play patty cake with us." Darla purred as she too enjoyed watching the young woman's seductive dance. "One day a man will tame our little Buffy."

"No taming me." Buffy replied as she danced around them. "As for sharing, don't want to ruin the perfect couple."

Darla snickered as she gave Buffy a wink, "Like other's haven't tried. But I know my Liam, he only loves me."

Angel smirked as he looked down at his girl and said, "And you only love me."

Buffy paused for a moment before she replied, "Yeah, you both have a way with each other that only the two of you would understand and accept."

It was known that Angel and Darla were a couple, but that they also would see other people at times. Darla had explained it as both of them sowing their wild oats before settling down and being an old married couple when they got older.

She still couldn't believe that at one time Angel and Dru had a thing going on. The fact the bitch of a half sister accused her at one point of having a thing with Angel made Buffy wish she had. She thoroughly enjoyed the look on Drusilla's face when she told her to fuck off and not worry about what may have been between Angel and herself. The fact remained Angel was only a friend to her and nothing more.

Buffy started feeling her high leaving so she sighed and announced to anyone who might be listening. "Well, I'm calling it a night. I think I might surprise the folks and make curfew tonight."

Angel and Darla watched as the young woman they came to like very much walked away. Darla remembered a different Buffy Summers. She was a young wholesome girl at that time, which never would have hung with a crowd like this. She wished she could have a few hours with the heartless parents that let their daughter fall so hard. It pained her that those who should protect this girl, couldn't see she was on a road to self-destruction.

"I never thought I would say this, but her parents make mine look like apple pie and a nice cold glass of milk." Darla shared her feelings with Angel.

"I have to agree." Angel replied, knowing soon they themselves might have to act like her family and intervene. "But we will be there, you, me, and Faith."

"You bet." Darla agreed as she leaned in and kissed him deeply.

*******

Buffy walked slowly up the sidewalk leading to her house. She noticed a strange car in the driveway and wondered who owned such an awesome car. Stopping suddenly, she turned and moved toward the vehicle, feeling something about it draw her to it. Whoever had done the refurbishing was very good, no better than good, more like fantastic.

She ran her fingers lightly over the black paint, as she walked around the car. She noticed nothing more than a few wear and tear scratches, extending no deeper then the glossy finish. She loved this car. It spoke to her of the days she and her father would go to car shows.

"Like what you see, Luv?"

Buffy quickly turned away, trying to act like it was just another car to her, trying very hard to ignore how sexy the owner was. "Nice set of wheels."

"My uncle and I did her up."

"Nice, job. You wouldn't know it wasn't done professionally." She said as she walked past the man and realized he must be Dru's new boyfriend.

Spike watched the young woman walk away and into the house he just came out of. He'd come to get the rest of their gear, when he noticed her appraising his baby. It was his pride and joy. The Desoto was his grandfather's that his uncle helped him to restore. He had pictures of his father and uncle standing next to their father hanging in his dorm room.

"So you must be Buffy." He whispered.

There for a moment she didn't look like the troubled hellion that Dru described her as. He'd seen the total attraction she had for the car and it wasn't faked. It worried him how quickly she'd been able to turn it off and appear disinterested, as fast as the blink of an eye. Something didn't fit with the woman he'd observed thinking she was unnoticed, to the one she presented once she was aware she was being watched.

He grabbed the rest of his and Dru's things and hurried back into the house. The raised voices warned him he walked into a heated family discussion. Better yet, it was more like a put down Buffy fest. It was here he realized how she came to learn how to turn herself on and off with such ease.

"Honestly, do you have to dress like a slut?" Hank asked, as he looked down upon Buffy with a look of disgust.

"Buffy, can't you for once wear something more appropriate. You knew Dru was bringing someone home with her." Joyce went on to reprimand her further.

"I think I will just go to my room and you can pretend I never came home." Buffy answered as she turned and stoically walked away.

It was the blank facial expression that told him this girl was hiding enormous pain. So much, she had to bury it very deep to hide it away. He couldn't believe they were so oblivious to the suffering their treatment of her was causing.

Joyce noticed Spike first and saw the sadness in his eyes and said, "I'm so sorry you were privy to that. She normally isn't home at this time, and we just don't know what to do any more."

Spike decided to ask, hoping he wasn't overstepping his bounds, "Have you talked to anyone about what happened?"

Hank grew furious, as he answered, "There's no need to involve others in ourfamily problems." Which Spike took as a warning, but felt a need to speak on the young girl's behalf.

"It might be time you did, before you lose her totally." He suggested, "I know someone that might be able to help."

"That's okay, we can handle her." Hank replied, not wanting to hear what they needed to do to help their rebel daughter. "You don't know her like we do, being a stranger here."

"If you say so." Spike hoped they'd wake up and see they were losing another daughter if they didn't stop and really take a look at her.

Joyce noticed something in the young man's eyes as she asked, "Do you think we can't take care of our own daughter?"

"I guess I will put myself further out on a limb here and ask. Do you want to do more then just handle you daughter?" Spike asked, hoping he wasn't about to be kicked out.

"I think it's been a long day and I should be a better hostess and show you to your room." Joyce answered, hoping to prevent Hank's temper from getting the better of him.

"Please, lead the way." Spike responded, having seen Hank's eyes light up and his body grow tenser.

"It's down the hall from Dru's." Joyce said, not wanting to say it was Dawn's old room that they converted into a guest room.

Spike followed Joyce up the stairs, oblivious to the glares that Hank and Dru were giving him. One of them angry that a stranger would come in and try and tell him how to handle is delinquent daughter. The other was left wondering what had gotten her boyfriend defending her sister. She thought she'd made him understand that Buffy was the enemy, not a charity case for him to feel sorry for.

*******

Spike couldn't get the girl out of his head. He felt a need to protect her boiling deep inside him, and he couldn't understand why this lost soul call to him. He just wished her family could see her the way he did. She was wearing her emotions, or lack thereof, on her sleeve for them all to see. But not one of them heard her silent call for help.

"Tell me, why are you so concerned about Buffy?" Joyce asked once the door to the bedroom was shut.

"Do you want me to be honest, or do you wish me to lie?" He replied.

"Honestly."

"I think with her own guilt layered with the guilt piled on by all of you it is slowly killing her spirit. I truly feel if you don't intercede on your daughter's behalf very soon, you will lose her."

"Lose her how?"

"Did you even notice her tonight, other then the clothes she wore? Did you see her eyes? Watch her facial expressions as you all belittled her? Have you ever given her a mother's comfort since this all happened? Or has she faced the death of her sister all alone?"

Joyce felt his words as if he'd slapped her in the face as she turned toward him. As she was about to snipe out her reply, and tell him to mind his own business it hit her like a ton of bricks. All the answers to his questions were no. Since that night they told her that her baby was dead she blamed Buffy.

Even when the detective suggested that by Buffy leaving it could've spared her middle child from the same outcome, she felt a brief sense of guilt on how she treated her daughter. No evidence to support that Buffy could've also been the monster's prey came forward. It angered her that the girl never even said she was sorry about leaving Dawn alone, making it hard to forgive her. All she knew was she'd never see Dawn again and it all lay at Buffy's feet.

"Mrs. Summers, I think you and your family should talk with someone. It should be before you lose another daughter. She does deserve your love and forgiveness for she was only 15 years old. I wonder if she believes you'd rather it had been her instead."

Joyce's eyes grew large having heard his words. "You don't think she'd think that do you?"

"It's hard to know what she is thinking. Haven't you even talked to her about what happened?"

"No, Hank says there's nothing to talk about. What is done is done and there is nothing we can do to change what happened."

"True, but you might find it healing to talk to someone. Get the anger out. Put everything on the table and feelings out in the open so you can heal as a family. You've lost one daughter. Can you survive losing another one?"

"I will talk with my husband and see what he says." Joyce offered, knowing he would say no and that they were doing fine.

Spike wished there was more he could do. Something kept calling to him and he just didn't know what it was. His uncle had tried to persuade him to go into psychiatry, but his real love was internal medicine. He wanted to treat the whole person, not just limit himself on one specialty area.

"Dru says you are going to be a doctor." Joyce said hoping to change the subject away from Buffy.

"Yes. My father was a psychiatrist back in England when he was alive. My uncle is a psychiatrist not far from here in Santa Monica."

"I'll leave you to unpack." Joyce said, deciding she should leave before the subject of Buffy was brought back up. "I will drop Dru's things off in her room." She also said making sure he understood the underlying meaning. There would be no tolerance of any sleeping together under her roof.

"Tell Dru I will be down shortly to say goodnight. It really has been a long day." Spike replied as he started to pull out the few articles of clothing he brought with him. He was sure he understood her to mean no hanky panky in her house.

*******

Buffy stood in the bathroom staring at the razor blade taped inside the medicine cabinet door. No one asked about it and she told no one why it was there. She never shared that it was a reminder she did have a way out of this. One day she was sure the others would come to realize the piece of metal's meaning as well. But then it would be too late, maybe.

"Not like they care. They might even throw a party." She thought as she continued to stare at the piece of sharp blade that kept calling out to her.

Spike watched as the lost soul reached out to finger her hidden key to release. He knew one day in the future it wouldn't be clean and shiny and taped safe on the inside cabinet door. No, one day it would be found bloodied and beside the girl who was admiring it so earnestly. He held his breath wondering if she'd gathered enough nerve yet to pull the small weapon down. It wasn't until she closed the door, leaving it nestled safely inside, did he realize he'd been holding his breath.

He stepped out of the mirror's line of sight; keeping it from her that he'd seen her secret. Her pain called out to him. The urge to grab her up and take her away from here pulled at his thoughts. There and then he knew he would do everything he could to save her, even if it meant losing his dark princess. Retracing his steps he returned to the bedroom he'd been shown. He listened until he heard Buffy return to her room.

"I promise, Buffy. Someone will reach you before you reach that point of no return." He whispered as he pulled out his cell phone and called his uncle. "Uncle Ethan, it's me. I have a favor to ask."

*******

Spike hung up the phone feeling better. He'd find out who Miss Buffy's friends were and see if any of them cared enough to save her from herself. His uncle was right; it didn't appear that anyone in her bloodline was ready to reach out to the young woman. Ethan also said he'd make a drive up on Sunday to try and talk with the girl himself.

The soft knock on his door made him realize how long he'd been up here as he moved to answer the door. "Sorry, Luv…just got off the phone with Ethan." He explained when he noticed an obviously upset girlfriend.

"I think we need to talk." She said in greeting as she pushed her way into the room.

"About?" He asked, noticing how tense she was and almost acting like she had something to hide.

"Buffy."

"What about her?"

"Leave it be. We are trying very hard to get past things." Her voice was demanding as she told him what she wanted.

"Do you care about her at all?" He asked.

"Yes, but I also care about my father. He's been through enough." Dru replied.

"Your father has you and your mother and his anger to get him through. Who does she have?" Spike asked, seeing a side of Dru he'd never seen before.

"Just leave it be, I won't ask twice." She demanded, as she moved closer to him. "Please don't let her come between us. My parents will take care of Buffy in their own way. They need to come to terms with everything."

"Sorry, pet…but no hanky panky. Your mum already sort of set the ground rules."

"She is notmy mum." Dru reminded him. "And this is my home as well."

"Yes, but your parents have the say…I don't want to overstep myself more then I've already done." He softly reminded her.

"And whose fault is that?" She asked, while silently cursing Buffy's existence.

"Mine, and only mine." He told her, making sure she understood he didn't blame anyone but himself.

"Then sleep well, my Spike." She purred as she kissed him goodnight.

"Sleep well, Luv." He replied, as he watched her leave with mixed feelings.

A part of him wanted to pull her back and lose himself in her essence before he lost her. The other wanted to go and bundle up Buffy Summers and run away from here. Get her to safety, away from her family and from herself. He pulled out his sweats as he prepared for bed. He knew this weekend was not going to go as he'd once expected it to go. In good conscience he could not fail to do whatever he could in order to help someone that no one else would.

*******

Drusilla paced in her room ranting quietly to herself. She realized her mistake in bringing Spike home with her. She forgot what a bleeding heart he could be, but then he was going to be a doctor. There was no way she was going to let Buffy ruin everything for her.

"I'm the apple of my father's eye now." She muttered.

When she first came to live with her father she had to fight for his attention. She was his firstborn, even if he didn't know of her birth until the day she showed up on his doorstep. She'd just turned 14 years old when her mother died. Two days later she found out her father was an American Air Force Captain that her mother had fallen in love with.

Finally, she had all of her father’s and Joyce’s attention and no one was going to change that. She would make sure Spike stayed away from her nemesis. No one would know the truth of what happened that night, no one, she promised herself as she prepared for bed. Tomorrow night Spike would share her bed. She didn't care what rules Joyce set. The woman needed to be put in her place. There was only one Queen of the castle and the title belonged to her, Drusilla Summers.

*******

Joyce watched as her husband slept beside her as if he had not a care in the world. She found slumber was something she had to fight for during the last 18 months and 13 days. The pills Dr. Johnson gave her didn't help. They only made her groggy and feeling edgy, and so she had stopped them after only taking two.

She couldn't erase Spike's questions out of her memory. They kept running like a broken record and she tried to find one that she could honestly answer yes to. Instead, she became more and more upset when his question of not offering Buffy motherly comfort wouldn't go away. Hearing him say that she was only 15 years old made her want to weep. It was true; Buffy was still only a child herself at the time, something that until now had escaped her reasoning.

Asking Hank if they could go to counseling was out of the question. He wouldn't agree, and he'd make sure she didn't go. But it didn't mean she couldn't go on the sly. The idea of losing another daughter, one that was her flesh and blood, started to haunt her. Buffy was her only legacy left to leave this world when she died, and she needed to see if she could be a mother to her again. She failed to protect her baby and in her spite may have pushed her only living child away.

She decided that the next day she'd talk more with Spike and see if his uncle could recommend someone here in Sunnydale. Then she would take a better look at her daughter, and not just the heavy make up or clothes she wore. If what Spike was trying to tell her was true, she had a daughter to save.

*******

He sat and watched as all the lights in the house on Revello Drive darkened, telling him they'd gone to bed. The night reminded him of the one eighteen months ago, when something in him snapped. Her tears and the whiny tone in her voice brought out the demon in him he hadn't known existed. He could feel the demon wanting to be given free reign again, but he knew it would have to wait its turn. Now it was his turn to get what he wanted; the beast would have to wait until she was his.

He'd heard she was home watching her sister and her parents were going out to dinner and a movie. The other sister wouldn't be home. It would've given him plenty of time to obtain what he'd come for. She'd then gone and messed up his plans on bringing her home where she belonged. Even the changes she'd gone though since that night couldn't dampen his need for her. She would be his, and nothing or no one would be able to stop him.

This time he wouldn't fail. Everything was in place, with a few added features. Not only that, she was older now. She was at a age to know more about what it meant to be a woman, and to please her man. Starting his car, he drove back to the side of town that he lived, and where he dreamed of her soon joining him there.

*******

Buffy tossed and turned as the nightmares took over. Most of the time sleep was a great place to escape to. She could make things happen the way she wanted them. Dawn was alive; Dru was never in the picture. Her mother and father doted on both she and Dawn. Willow and Xander were still her best friends, mixed with her present friends.

This time she was running from someone or something scary. Her gut was telling her if she were caught she'd be as dead as Dawn was now. Doors kept shutting in her face by people that once mattered in her life. Even Willow, with a sad face said when it was her turn to open and then shut the door, "I'm sorry, but my dad won't let me save you."

There he stood, his blue eyes calling to her to come to him. Everything told her if she made it to him she'd be safe. The thing chasing her wouldn't be able to hurt her if she could make it to the man with blue eyes, blonde hair, and with his arms wide open toward her.

Just before she made it, someone grabbed her from behind and said, "Die bitch, he's mine and your fate is waiting for you in hell."

Before she could scream or call out to Spike, Dru pushed her back. Next thing she knew she was being dragged away. Spike's face was sad as he stood and held her sister's hand. Just before she was dragged under, Buffy woke up in a sweat. Looking over she noticed it was only 2 a.m. and wondered if she'd be able to fall back asleep. She tried her best to forget about the blue eyes that even now made her wish she'd seen him first.

*******

Buffy stretched as her alarm woke her, leaving the loud music playing. Today she had to work at The Magic Shop. She worked there every weekend, even if her parents thought she just hung out at the mall doing nothing. They never asked how she came up with the money to buy things. She never asked them for a penny once she turned sixteen.

She rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom after grabbing what she would need. Avoiding this house for the rest of the weekend was her highest priority now. The need to distance herself further from the people that lived here grew stronger.

Faith Jenkins had saved her 18 months ago when her happy, simple life turned into her worst nightmare. Her parents turned their back on her since her sister never came forth and told the truth. No one ever asked her what had really happened. All the police were interested in asking was if she'd seen anyone strange hanging around when she left the house. No one asked her if she'd been the one to leave Dawn alone that night, no one seemed to care to hear the truth.

Her best friend Willow had deserted her, even if it wasn't the girl's choice. She really couldn't blame Willow, since it was her parents who ordered her to stay away from her. But then a part of her hated the girl for not fighting for their friendship, and for not even asking her if she'd left her little sister alone. Xander's loyalty belonged to Willow his long time childhood best friend. Their defection was the final straw that broke her that day Faith found her.

Everyone at school whispered and pointed their fingers at her. Some even left notes calling her a sister killer. No one treated her the same way again since that night. She became the unpopular of the unpopular. It was on the day she couldn't take it any more that Faith found her in the park, falling apart at the seams.

Since that day, Faith was her constant companion and confidant. Through her she found Anya, Angel and Darla. Angel was Faith's older brother and Anya their older sister. She envied how close the Jenkins were. The argued like the dickens, but they loved each other so much. No matter what trouble Faith got in her family supported her. They'd yell at her, but then hug her close and tell her how much they loved and worried about her. She thought she had that once, and hoped her friend cherished what she had.

She was sure today she'd be able to get a double shift out of Anya. There was no way she was coming back here until she had to. It was getting harder and harder to come back to this house or face the people that lived here. She dreamt of Dawn last night; she was smiling at her telling her everything would work out. It gave her the strength to face another day of existing. After work she'd go to the Bronze and party, spend time losing herself in the music and her little pill.

*******

Spike heard the alarm and wondered why a seventeen year old would be getting up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning. The he remembered Dru telling him that her sister worked at some kind of magic shop or something on the weekends.

He wondered if he should try and be in the kitchen before she came down. The need to talk to her again was strongly urging him to take action. His father had told him he was just like his mother when it came to caring about others. Anne Rayne was known for her charity work and her giving heart. Nathan and Anne Rayne had been very respected in their community back home in England.

Smiling to himself he rolled out of bed to get dressed, thinking today was going to be very challenging to say the least. He would make sure she left knowing some one was thinking about her welfare. The thought of how he'd pull it off kept buzzing in his head, and he told himself he'd just play it by ear once he got to the kitchen.

*******

Buffy showered quickly and then applied her makeup after blow-drying her hair. Her hair once hung below her shoulders, and was kept nicely trimmed. It now hung a few inches above her neck in an unorganized layered cut. The color at one time a medium brown was now bleached blonde. Where her make up once was more natural in appearance, it now was dark and gothic looking. In the past she worshipped the sun, where now she avoided it, since she found herself lurking in the dark more and more. Her skin was pale, making the dark liner around her eyes stand out more.

Looking over her wardrobe she picked out what she'd work in and then something she'd wear to The Bronze later. Low riding blue jeans, and a black tee shirt with bat wings traced in silver, that barely fell past the waist line of her pants. Under the wings was the word Slayer, written boldly in red. Black combat boots completed her outfit. For the Bronze she grabbed her favorite tight fitting leather pants and a slinky red halter. Grabbing her make up kit she felt ready to leave.

Thinking she'd grab a bottle of water and some fruit she headed down toward the kitchen. The sight that greeted her surprised her as she noticed two bowls of cereal on the table and Spike pouring the milk.

"I know that is not Princess Dru's ideal breakfast." Buffy snorted as she entered the room.

"No, but I have a feeling it might be yours." He replied as he noticed what she was wearing. "Cool shirt."

Buffy rolled her eyes, as she bent over to sit her bag down on the floor to keep him from seeing her slight little smile. She couldn't help but like him, and wonder how someone like him would end up with a bitch like Dru.

"So what's the occasion?" She asked as she wiped the smile off her face before looking back at him.

"None, just was up when I heard your alarm." He answered as he sat down and waved for her to join him. "Frosted Flakes is my favorite next to Reeses."

"It's okay, I'm more a Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles freak." Was all she said as she sat down and started to eat.

Neither of the two noticed Joyce Summers watching from just outside the door. She filed that bit of information away for the next time she went shopping. It was time she stopped buying Dawn's favorite foods, and more of Buffy's.

"Have big plans today?" He asked, making sure to assess her reaction.

He noticed her stiffen up as she delivered, "I plan to fuck the entire football team before practice. Then go to my usual corner and service my regulars."

Spike busted out laughing as he looked her in the eyes and said, "Oh, kitten, try and tell me another tall-tale."

"What? Don't you believe I’m a big slut?" She asked, trying to keep her anger under control.

"No, I don't."

"Why the hell not? I dress the part." She snorted as she returned to eating her cereal.

"Looks can be deceiving. I usually wear this long leather jacket, swear like a sailor, and smoke like a fiend. I've been trying to cut down with the smoking."

"And now?"

"Trying to make a nice impression on your folks." He explained.

"Oh, so you're pretending to be something you're not." She replied as she shook her head and sighed. "No wonder you and Dru are such a couple."

"Care to clarify that?" He asked in a nonjudgmental tone.

"You both are fakes, making people believe you are something you're not. You're trying to look the good boy part and she's trying to hide the lying bitch that she is. I'd say you both were made for each other." She answered as she stood and carried her bowl over to the sink. "Well, I'm outta here, have men to screw and a living to make."

Spike watched carefully, as she showed no emotion during her statement. Some little warning went off in his brain telling him something just wasn't right here. He looked at her and said, "I don't think I'm the only one faking it here."

Buffy turned on him with a hint of anger to her voice as she said, "What the hell do you mean?"

He stood from the table and walked over to stand in front of her before he leaned closer and replied, "I don't think you're the whore they think you are. In fact I'd bet my life savings you are the opposite."

"Fuck you!"

"Is that an invitation?"

"You have the money, I have the time." She retorted as she poked his chest with her index finger.

"How much?"

"Get out, you couldn't afford me." She chuckled, "Poor college student that you are. Plus what would Dru say?"

"How much?" He could see she was trying to come up with an acceptable price and trying to work it out to be something believable.

"Out of your range." She again said, as she pulled him down for a kiss that lasted only a matter of seconds before she pushed him away and purred, "Don't fuck with me, you might catch something really bad."

"That's what condoms are for." He replied with a smile, her sloppy kiss proving his point. She was not a woman of experience, or her skill at kissing would've been more assured and not virginal like.

"Get a life." She growled as she quickly moved to grab her workbag and leave him staring at her retreating back.

He waited for the door to close before he mumbled aloud, "If you're experienced in men, Kitten, then I'm the next Pope."

Joyce stood in shock while she watched the interaction between her daughter and Dru's boyfriend. She didn't know how to react since she couldn't comprehend what had just happened. If she confronted him, he'd know she sat and watched him proposition her little girl. Then she noticed him pull out his cell phone and dial a number.

"Ethan, hate to wake you so early, but I have to tell you something." Spike spoke into the phone. "Yeah, I had a little conversation with our girl."

Joyce stood listening to Spike talk to whoever this Ethan was. She heard him talk about Buffy, to this stranger on the phone about things that made her afraid for her daughter. The moment she heard him tell the man about watching Buffy touching the razor opened her eyes completely. Suicide was something her daughter was thinking about, and it was more than just a prank she might play. She no longer cared what Spike thought about her eavesdropping as she stepped inside the kitchen with a look of horror on her face.

"I don't want my daughter to die." Joyce whispered, her voice laden with fear and determination.

"Then I suggest you talk to my uncle." Spike replied and then told Ethan, "Here's Mrs. Summers." Handing the phone to Joyce he informed her, "His name is Ethan Rayne, and he won't bite."

"Not here." Joyce said as she looked behind her.

"Then go out on the back porch, I'll run interference if anyone ventures down." Spike encouraged her as he gently thrust the phone in her hand. "Is she worth saving?"

Joyce started to cry as she answered, "Yes she is. It's me I'm starting to wonder who isn't worthy of her."

"We're only human, and it's not too late to fix it." Spike offered, as he assisted her to the door. "Go have a nice chat with Ethan. He as a way of making you tell him everything and you never feel bad about it."

Joyce nodded as she opened the door and stepped out and said, "Mr. Rayne, this is Buffy's mother."

Spike smiled as he closed the door, hearing Joyce call herself Buffy's mother. It was a giant step in getting mother and daughter closer. It was only right that the mother be the one to make the first move. It would be what made the young woman believe her mother wanted her.

*******

Spike really started to wonder about his life, when he noticed the diner and decided it was time for lunch. Dru and Joyce had gone shopping, and Hank was still giving him some heated looks. So he'd decided to take a quick drive around Sunnydale and learn a bit more about the town.

Dru had been all touchy feely in front of her parents to the point he felt like she was overdoing it. He felt guilty for thinking bad about her motives, but then again, he'd only just started going out with her in July. They met on campus, when she was moving into the dorms one summer day. Feeling drawn to her dark beauty and flirty ways, he'd asked her out, and since then they'd become a couple.

His uncle had politely accepted Dru into his life, but he'd felt the underlying unease Ethan felt around her. He was sure if it was anything really bad, the man would've sat him down and given him a good talking to. Since his parents' death, and his stint on the wild side, his uncle had no qualms with telling him what was on his mind. Spike found he was grateful the man had taken a paternal interest in him after everything that had happened seven years ago.

Seeing a spot he pulled in to park and noticed across the street was the shop Dru had mentioned that Buffy worked at. He knew he'd be pushing his luck if he walked in and so decided he'd just go in the diner and grab something to eat.

Walking into the diner he noticed the good amount of people present for a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant was close to being full with only a few seats vacant. He hoped there would be a place to sit once he got back from the restroom.

*******

Buffy stood at the counter and watched as Anya used her special brand of communication skills to take down the salesman that had tried to take advantage of them. It was a wonderful sight to behold, seeing her manager go all demon chick on the man. She really would hate to be on the woman's bad side.

"You think just because I'm a woman, you can try and sweet talk me into buying something I don't want, let alone need." Anya shouted. "Burma weed, yes, but your prices are way too steep. Andrew and Jonathan give me better deals and so far you are nothing but fodder under my heels. Now scat and fly away before I turn you into a toad, you horny little man."

Buffy giggled as she watched the man practically fly out of the store. She wished she had the courage to tell others how she really felt, especially her parents. Deep down she knew it wouldn't make a difference because they wouldn't believe her. It would be Dru's word against hers. It was one thing to suspect and believe they wouldn't take her side, she just didn't want it proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

"Why the sad face? Even if we're dying, we only keep happy smiles while on the payroll." Anya told her as she gave the young woman a worried look. "You know Angel will be moving out soon, and when you turn eighteen you can move in with me and Faith."

"I really want to move to the other side of the world." Buffy replied.

"Well, not until you graduate, honey." Anya said as she shook her finger at her. "I will not let you leave here without finishing your education, and that's final."

Buffy nodded her head, knowing Faith's sister would do as she said. She could still remember Anya getting her drunk one night while Faith and Angel were asleep. The memory was vague, but she could remember bits and pieces of their conversation. Buffy was pretty sure she'd broken down and told Anya everything that had happened the night of Dawn's death, and more. Since then she was taken under the older woman's wing and taken care of. Given this job and treated like family.

"I might just take you up on the offer until graduation." She answered, seeing a genuine smile directed her way.

"Good, I know Angel and Darla would be happy, as would Faith if you did."

"Do you want something from Mel's? I'm feeling a bit hungry." Buffy asked, after her stomach growled, hoping it would change the direction of the conversation. Talking about closeness and family stuff made her very uncomfortable.

"Hmmm…I could go for a chef salad with lite Italian." Anya told her, as she was handing her some money, and then let her know, "Don't think you slipped that one past me."

"Okay, I won't." Buffy replied, as she made sure she put the money in her pocket before leaving. She'd wanted to change the subject away from her home life and future living space, since Anya already knew more then she'd like her too know about it.

"Do you have plans for the holiday?" Anya asked, "'Cause I'm having a cook out and you're invited."

"No real plans. Parents haven't expressed any plans to me, and since Dru and her new fling are in town, who knows. Labor Day - couldn't it have been further in the school year and given me a longer break from her Highness."

"Well, you have somewhere to come, and if you'd like you can spend Sunday night with us if you need to get away from the royalty; help with setting up."

"I will let you know tomorrow; I should know something by then."

"Okay, well take your time, no need to rush back." Anya told her before going off to greet the new customer.

*******

He watched as she crossed the street, knowing she was heading to the diner. He quickly moved so he could enter from the rear and maybe watch her come in.
Watching her for a moment as the wind ruffled her hair he hated she had cut it. But it would be something he could change. The color would have to go as well, it wasn't her natural color, and he wanted his girl natural.

The fact the fair citizens trusted him made him chuckle as he made his way to the back door. If only they knew the truth about someone they trusted so easily and foolishly. The urge to have the power again that he had when he killed that one time was growing stronger. He didn’t plan to kill his girl, but he was afraid of what he might have to do to appease the demon calling inside him to feed its hunger.

He could still feel as her body went limp as he cut her over and over. The release of her blood freed the beast that was hiding inside him. Until then he didn't know how caged his demon was. Hearing her screams when he'd first started to cut her delicate skin, beginning with her feet, still called to him. He took his time to just nip here and there and make her beg him to stop. Her tears and little sweet voice just fueled the fire.

By the time he was finished, one couldn't tell the superficial cuts from the deep lacerations as they were hidden by the blood. Her screams had died down to sniffles and whimpers of her calling for her mommy and daddy. The only thing he could see clearly of her face was the big blue eyes. He knew her tears were there, but he couldn't see them for the blood that covered her once child like features.

If there's one thing about the human race that will never change is they like to talk, and talk and talk. The more they blab the bigger the story grows. By the time it spread around town, the poor Summers girl was raped and ripped apart in pieces like a wild animal had gotten her. That her middle sister was either involved somehow was still circulated around by the gossips. He knew the truth that he never sexually abused the girl.

He'd thought his message was clear enough, but then in his mind it wasn't. In fact they had made it easier to catch her now, he just needed to bide his time. Soon, he'd make his move, and hoped he could keep his demon at bay. The last thing he needed was for the beast inside him to get sloppy and then get caught. It was his turn now and once things died down about his girl's disappearance, the demon could have its turn to find its prey.

Walking in the door he was able to get a prime spot so he could watch her walk in. He noticed Willow Rosenberg and young Alexander Harris with their current significant others at one of the booths. Maybe once everything settled, the demon would like to play with the redheaded traitor that turned her back on his girl. He sat back as he watched Buffy Summers walk into the diner and heard how quiet it became. Yes, he was sure once he made his move, they all would think she'd just up and run away. Could be his killing Dawn made it easier to have Buffy now. He'd be surprised if a manhunt would be raised to search for her when she couldn't be found.

*******

Drusilla answered her cell phone stepping away from her bitch of stepmother. "Harmony, I was wondering when you'd return my call."

"Sorry, Sondra was able to fit me in last minute for a few touch ups on my hair and nails." Harmony replied as she walked into her father's mansion.

"Oh, I know, dear. Had mine done in L.A. before coming home, The Salon is paradise."

"You just have to take me next time I come down to visit."

"Yes, so now down to business, I so want you to meet William. He's the one. I just know it." She purred as she watched Joyce continue to shop, wondering why she was picking up more confectionary cereal.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do that he's going to be a big famous doctor like his uncle, does it?" Harmony giggled.

"Not as much as it has to do with the fact he's weak and can be lead by his Johnson," Dru told her, "and he is very good in bed. I just might have sex with my husband on a regular basis."

"With a few lovers on the side, no less."

"Well, he will be away a lot as he trains. There will be nights I will need some company. You know I don't like to be alone." Dru snickered.

"Yep, and a sweet kitty or man's best friend won't do." Harmony agreed.

"How about the Bronze, say around 8:30 tonight? We can have a few drinks, dance and catch up on things." Dru suggested.

"Great, and then you can meet my puppy."

"See you then." Dru said as she hung up the phone and went to join Joyce.

The woman was so clueless sometimes. The only reason she was here was to keep up the good old family pretense. She couldn't wait for when that could end. Soon the family would crumble and the only ones left would be her and her daddy.

*******

Spike walked out of the bathroom at the same time Buffy entered the diner. He was shocked and appalled at the response she'd gotten. His heart went out to her as he watched her uncaring facade appear. Silently he continued to watch her, as she nonchalantly walked to get in the carry out line. Decision made to show her his support, he walked quickly over to join her.

He noticed a couple of secret glances she made toward a certain booth. Turning to see what was attracting her attention, he noticed four people sitting there acting strangely. The redheaded girl was blushing and was obviously avoiding looking over at Buffy. The boy beside her with orange hair was holding her hand supportively.

The other couple appeared to be arguing about something and the dark haired girl was saying something to make the boy beside her duck his head. From what he could tell, the dark haired girl was either giving them the word about dissing a friend, or she was making sure they stayed away. He couldn't tell and he wished he did.

*******

Willow kept her head down as Cordelia went on about how Buffy was sleeping with Angel and Darla. Preaching on and on about how Buffy was never who they thought she was and their parents were right to make them stay away from her.

"Look at her, standing there like nothing ever happened." Cordy went on, "My mom says Dawn would never have been hurt if Buffy hadn't left her alone."

Xander bit his tongue, wanting to defend his one time best friend, but knew he'd be girlfriendless if he did. He knew Willow's parents would have banished him from Willow's life if he'd stayed friends with Buffy.

"Some say she's the one that killed Dawn." Cordy went on to say, not caring if she was making things difficult for those sitting with her.

"I know she didn't." Willow defended Buffy. "She came over right after she called me, saying Dru had come home."

"But Dru hadn't come home, Duh!" Cordy challenged. "Could be she did it and then came over."

"Stop!" Oz growled. "Enough." He said when Cordelia was going to say something. "Buffy didn't kill her sister." He didn't believe it, and disagreed with Willow's parents, but they were in charge.

He knew her parents had threatened to send her away to school if she tried to see Buffy behind their backs. So she'd written a letter explaining that until she turned eighteen she'd do as they said, but once she was on her own she'd be Buffy's public friend again. He tried to give Buffy the letter, but found it impossible, so he'd climbed her tree and slipped it in her window.

Cordelia huffed as she glared at Willow's boyfriend. She'd been shocked that his voice actually changed from his normal mild mannered tone. Her sister, Harmony, and Dru were good friends, and so it made her privy to things the others didn't know. She knew that even Buffy's parents held her accountable for Dawn's death, to the point they were getting ready to send her to a boarding school. To hear Dru talk, her parents were grieving themselves to death over what to do about Buffy.

"Can we talk about something other than Buffy?" Xander asked, and smiled when Oz asked him if he wanted to go to the Green Day concert.

*******

Buffy stood in line trying to avoid looking at two people who used to be her best friends. She felt a touch of anger start to surface and then beat it down, telling herself it wasn't worth getting upset about. Just because they wouldn't look at her when she walked in shouldn't bother her anymore.

"How's business?" Spike asked softy as he got in line behind Buffy. He'd noticed how the diner had suddenly become quieter when she walked in.

It really pissed him off to see how they treated her. He wanted to stand up and shout at them to keep their big gobs shut. Who were these people to cast stones on a young woman so easily? What kept him from doing it was the sadness he felt about how easily Buffy seemed to accept their treatment of her. On top of that he didn't want to embarrass her with the rude outburst he played out in his mind.

"Where's your other sneaky half?" She answered as she stepped up in the line.

"Gone shopping with your Mum for food."

"Wow, so like Dru. Suck up to Mom."

"Care to join me for lunch?"

"Yes, I care not to, if you don't mind." Buffy replied, "I'm not my sister's boyfriend's keeper. I have money to make and a reputation to keep up."

"Buffy, please don't treat me like the enemy. You might find that I'm not." Spike said, so only she could hear.

Buffy turned to look at him and noticed he seemed sincere but said, "You so don't want word getting back to Dru we spent time together. Then you wouldn't have that perfect girlfriend anymore, you would find the bitch that lies underneath her perfect skin and hair. She grows these nasty teeth and will try and rip a hole in your neck."

Spike tilted his head and smiled, "I'm not her lap dog."

"Are you sure?"

"Can I take your order?" The waitress addressed Spike instead of Buffy, pissing him off.

Spike leaned in asked Buffy, "Do you really want to stay here? I suddenly lost my appetite for this place."

Buffy looked up at him, finding it hard to overlook the obvious banishment. She'd come here often, and this was the first time anyone was outright rude to her. Digging her nails into the palm of her hand she decided to bow down yet again.

"Could you order a chef salad with lite Italian dressing for my boss?" She asked Spike, deciding she wasn't hungry after all.

Spike looked at Buffy before turning to the waitress and saying, "I think you owe her an apology. Your behavior is rude, and you should be let go. But, if you'd be so kind, get me a chef salad with lite Italian dressing."

"I think you both can find service elsewhere." The woman replied. "And before you ask for the management, I'm in charge today."

"Fine, I guess we will, with better service," Spike agreed, "and I still say you need to find another job, away from the public. Maybe they're hiring in the morgue."

Buffy's eyes grew large as she watched him flip the woman a backwards peace sign before taking her hand in his and leading her out of the diner. He kept mumbling about stupid, ignorant, backward people as he led her to his car.

*******

The anger surged through him as he watched the blonde haired punk take his girl's hand and lead her out of the diner. This stranger's actions were unacceptable and stepped on the verge of overstepping his bounds. She was his, and no one else's.

It was enough he heard the garbage coming from Miss Chase's mouth and maybe his demon would have to reassess who he wanted to torture. He was sure the beast could make what it did to Dawn look like child's play once he was done with the homecoming wannabe.

She would be sorry she mentioned his girl is such a manner. But it showed the poor upbringing the spoiled brat was given. Her father was a thief and his time would be coming, or so his friend at the IRS had told him at lunch the other day. Her mother was just a socialite with no sense of how to take care of herself. He was sure the apple didn't fall far from the tree when it came to mother and daughter Chase. He left money on the table that would take care of his check and made a swift exit so he could follow the man who had the nerve to manhandle his girl.

*******

Spike was amazed she was letting him touch her, let alone lead her by the hand. He just hoped he'd have some quality time to spend with her before he had to go back to Dru. The thought of going back there didn't sit well with him. Then he decided it didn't matter right now, as he turned to address who did matter as they stopped beside his car.

"Tell me where to go and get this salad, Pet. We can then grab us something … um sinful? I feel like a milkshake." Spike told her as he opened the passenger door for her. "Hop in, I know you want to ride in her."

Buffy looked up and nodded as she got in the car. "We could go to MacDonald's drive-thru. Chef salad and milkshakes galore there."

Spike nodded, and told her to buckle her seatbelt before closing the door. To Buffy it sounded nice to have someone think of her safety. Only to chide herself that he was only following the law to avoid getting a ticket.

Buffy watched him get in the car and start it up. The purr of the engine called to her, making her wish she had a car like this. Once in drive and moving into traffic, she could feel the car's potential power calling to be let free. She couldn't help but wish that she were leaving Sunnydale behind, right now, in this car.

"She hums like a dream." Spike said as he noticed her admiring his baby.

"I bet she's awesome out on the open road." Buffy replied as her hand stroked the seat beside her. "You're so lucky."

"A lot of hard work, but she's worth it. Nothing is worth it unless you fight for it." He said, but looked at Buffy when he said the last line. Thinking to himself, she would be worth fighting for, he could feel it in his soul.

"MacDonald's, turn right at the next light, go down two streets and make a left. It will be on the next corner." Buffy gave the instructions as she continued to examine his car. "Do you mind?" She asked as she pointed at the glove box.

"No, look all you want." He encouraged her, feeling like he was sharing time with the girl under the façade.

Spike drove past the MacDonald's and he said, "Let's go for a drive so I can show you what she can do."

"I really do need to get back to work." Buffy replied, "Anya's hungry."

"Who's Anya?"

"My boss."

"Where do you work?"

Buffy sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win as she told him, "I work at The Magic Shop. I stock, clean, work the register."

"I knew you were pulling my leg." He chuckled.

"Really, how?" She truthfully asked.

"You just didn't seem the type to me, and the kiss." He told her honestly, making a promise he would never lie to her.

"The kiss?" She asked, feeling a bit uneasy asking him that.

"Kitten don't get me wrong, lovely kiss … just not the kind of kiss I'd expect from a woman of worldly experience, if you know what I mean."

"Oh, so I lost you with the kiss."

Spike snorted as he reached over and took her hand in his, feeling it tense up. "You never lost me, Pet. Just I've been around a bit longer than you and lived a bit reckless in my younger days. Not proud of my past, but I have this great uncle who helped me put my life back in order."

"Really? You bad?"

"Had my reasons, I did."

"Reasons to be bad?"

"Don't we all." He said as he gave her hand a small squeeze. "I was an idiot one night when I was sixteen. Drove a bit reckless by speeding, my Aunt was with me. Ethan's wife, Julia is her name. A car came out of nowhere, swerved in front of us. I lost control of the car and it met a tree. I came out of it with this here scar above my eye."

Buffy noticed then his hand squeezed hers tighter, so she tightened her hold as well. "What happened to Julia?"

"She's still in a coma in a nice little place in Santa Monica. That's why Ethan does all his business out of their home. He moved them both there because of the reputation of the specialized unit she is staying at. Rated at being the best with invalid care related to trauma."

"Does he blame you?"

"No, but I blamed myself and that was all that mattered to me at the time."

"So, you went punk ass and he saved you."

"No I went punk ass and he not only saved me, but put my arse back on track." Spike chuckled. "He made me see that even if I was driving the car, I wasn't the one that caused the accident."

Buffy felt a burning jealousy that his family forgave him, and yet hers still blamed her for something she didn't do. She was sure if she told him the truth, Spike would be like the others and not believe her.

"Are you trying to psychoanalyze me?" Buffy asked, her voice showing no emotion.

"No, just hoping it might help." He assured her, wondering to himself why this was so important to him, why she was so important to save. He wondered if it was because he could see so much of himself in her, from the time he'd danced with the devil.

"In what way would it help? You don't know how I feel?" Again her voice was emotion-less as she asked these questions.

"No, Pet…I don't know how you feel. Only you know that. But I know what can happen when you keep it all bottled up inside, let it fester until it burns a hole inside you. Where you lose yourself so deep down you could get lost forever. I almost did, until Ethan pulled him me up by my shorts and gave me what for."

"Where were your parents?"

"They'd died a few years before that in a plane crash. My father had whisked my mother off on a second honeymoon when bad weather forced their plane down." Spike shared, feeling sad he'd been left at home to feel their loss so deeply when the police came to tell him, Ethan, and Julia.

"I'm sorry for all your loses." She told him, as she put his hand in her lap, taking her other hand in order to sandwich it between hers. "Would you understand I'm not ready to talk about me yet?"

"Yes! Would you understand if I let you in on a little secret?"

"It's according to the secret." She replied, finding it odd for some reason it didn't scare her.

"My uncle Ethan is coming here tomorrow. I called him about some things I've noticed, and I would like for the two of you to meet. And before you get all worked up, all you have to do is meet him, if the two of you hit if off great, if not … then at least I tried. For some reason Summers I don't want you to get lost."

Buffy could see how anxious he was about her reaction and it made her smile a bit. Never had anyone taken this much interest in her before. Yes, others had tried to get her to talk about it because it was their duty as a teacher or advisor. Never had anyone really been this interested in knowing, or in letting her have control of the telling, except Faith. Even if her intent was golden, it still hurt some that Anya had got her drunk to talk about it.

"What does Ethan do?"

"He's a doctor, a psychiatrist, but not like you might think. He specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome."

"Not one that deals with the really crazy loony kind?"

"I'm sure he has a few of those lost souls in his practice." Spike said, realizing she was wondering if he thought she was one of those.

"He wouldn't think I'm crazy and off my rocker?" Buffy asked.

"Buffy, you're not off your rocker. I don't know all of it, and to be honest I only want to hear your side, but only when you're ready to tell me." Spike assured her. "I'm a good listener, and I'm not going to judge you."

"But will you believe me?"

"I guess it's according to when we sit down and talk. But I have a feeling you'd never lie to me."

Buffy felt her throat tighten and her heart start to beat fast. She needed some time to think and she knew he knew it as well by the way he again squeezed her hand and said, "I think I've kept you from your string of clients long enough. I wonder if it's safe for me to return?"

Buffy snorted, as she held back her grin. "I guess they will have to just deal that some things are more important then sex."

Spike actually laughed as he gave her hand a final squeeze, before placing his hand on the steering wheel so he could turn around. "No, Pet, very few believe there's more important things than sex, and you have yet to set me a price." He found it comfortable to tease her, thinking it was helping her to open up and feel at ease around him.

"Don't wish to mess with your savings, once you have me it's an addiction. You need the money for school." She felt it easy now to tease him back.

"You'd be surprised Pet, what I can handle." He purred, as he gave her a wink.

They bantered between them on the drive back to town. Neither noticed a familiar car following them with a very angry driver at the wheel. Buffy had called and asked Anya earlier if she was okay and that she'd explain when she got back, only to find Anya knew what had happened. Come to find out Anya had called Mel, the owner of the diner, at home and gave him a piece of her mind. Come to find out he was going to fire the woman for treating a customer so rudely.

*******

Dru was furious that Spike wasn't home when she got back. Something told her he was somewhere he shouldn't be, and it had better not be anywhere near that tramp, Buffy. She quickly acted the good daughter part and helped Joyce unload the groceries. Seems they were going to have a family cook out Sunday and Monday.

"Dru dear, can you hand me the barbecue sauce out of the cabinet?" Joyce asked as she pulled out the other ingredients she needed to fix the sauce needed for chicken.

"Sure." Dru said as she fought the urge to call Spike and find out where he was.

"Maybe you should call Spike and make sure he's not lost or something." Joyce suggested, wondering where the young man could be.

"I think I will." Dru replied, thankful Joyce had given her the perfect excuse. It would work perfectly; she could say that Joyce made her call. "I'll just step out on the porch for better reception."

Dru hurried out as she pulled out her cell phone and found his number. She heard the music as soon as he answered the phone. "Spike here."

"William, dear. Just calling to make sure you're okay. Mom was worried you might've gotten lost."

Spike felt a chill at the false tone of her voice come over him. "Just getting to know the area is all. I found the MacDonald's." He replied giving Buffy a nod of reassurance when she pointed at her self and shook her heard. "Quaint little town, not sure it's a place I'd want to live." He said the last part mostly directed at Buffy as he gave her a wink.

"Yes, well I'm sure that is something neither of us will have to worry about." Dru said with a touch of double meaning to her voice.

"I should be back soon." Spike replied, feeling the need to end this conversation, since he didn't like where it seemed to be heading. "The roads being unfamiliar and all, I'd like to have both my hands free." He hung up, not realizing he hadn't called her by her pet name of Princess or any other type of personal nickname.

"Of course. I will see you when you get home." Dru answered as she heard him hang up. It bothered her he didn't call her any of the endearments he'd picked for her.

"Hmm, barracuda must be home." Buffy said as she turned her attention to the scenery passing by as they drove on.

Spike sighed, as he put the phone on the seat beside him and said, "Call me later."

Buffy rolled her eyes as she picked up his phone and put in her number and told him, "Call me when you know what is going on tomorrow with your uncle."

"Will do Pet, now do me a favor and program me into yours."

Buffy bit her lip but still giggled as she replied, "Coming from your lips to my ear." This made Spike laugh and smile the rest of the way back into town.

*******

Spike felt that time passed too quickly. Before he knew it they were back where they'd started by The Magic Shop. He didn't want to let her get out of his car. Instead he wanted to keep her belted in and drive and drive until they were far away from here.

Buffy grabbed the salad when he pulled up to the curb, "I would very much like to meet your uncle. Just I would like it to be on my terms. Somewhere quiet that no one knows me."

"How about we meet him in the next town tomorrow for lunch?"

"Duh, there's Dru."

"I can handle Dru, like I said I'm not her lap dog." He told her in a tone that made her believe he was his own man.

Buffy snickered as she reached up to pull down the collar to his shirt, "Well, golly Batman, there is no collar, so I guess that means no leash. Unless, she has you chipped." She was joking with him for now, since she didn’t believe she had the right to question his intentions concerning Dru yet.

Spike laughed as he tweaked her nose and replied, "No chip, no leash. I'm my own man, for now."

"For now?"

"You never know what the future might hold for you Slayer, you never know." Spike replied with a smirk as he looked at the writing on her shirt. "I really do like that shirt."

"Good, I'll burn it one day." She teased.

"Don't, I'll take it in remembrance of the girl who saved me from spending all my fortunes on her."

"Funny, ha, ha." Buffy replied, trying to hide her smile, making it just barely a grin.

"Will you be home for dinner?"

"No, I try and stay away from most if not all family functions." Buffy answered, "So don't take it personally."

"I won't. I will see you tomorrow then."

"It's a date … I mean, well you know." She muttered, trying to back pedal. "I'll call you later and tell you when and where we can meet your uncle."

"I'll await your call, now off with you before they start crawling all over my car trying to kill me or something."

"See you tomorrow then." Buffy said before she closed he door, finding it hard not to look back as she walked back into the shop with Anya's food.

Spike watched until she was safely in the store. He knew as she walked away he wanted her in his life, and more than as just a friend. The problem was going to be how his relationship with Dru would affect things. The knowledge that he was possibly falling in love with his girlfriend's sister didn't seem as weird as he thought it should. His concern was how her parents would react, and if Buffy could handle the fact he'd been with Dru before her.

"Guess we will have to take it one day at a time." He mumbled as he put the car in drive so he could return back to the Summers' home.

*******

He parked a block up from the black Desoto so he could watch from a safe distance. His anger mounted as he watched them talk while she exited the car. The plans he had for her would have to be moved up. He couldn't take the chance of her becoming involved with this stranger.

Waiting for a few seconds he chose to follow this young punk and find out what he could about him. His demon was calling for revenge, just for the fact this unworthy had touched his property. It was then he realized the beast considered Buffy his as well.

*******

Faith was waiting when Buffy returned to work. Anya had called her after finding out what happened at the diner. The dark haired Jenkins wanted to go over and kick some ass, but Rupert Giles had talked her out of it. He'd convinced her it wouldn't help Buffy in the long run, but only make matters worse for her.


"So, 'B' who's the hottie I hear played your knight in shining armor?" Faith asked when Buffy sat Anya's salad on the table.

"Just a nice guy is all." She lied, not wanting anyone to make a big deal out of her being with Dru's boyfriend.

"He also take you to get my salad? You've been gone a long time." Anya asked.

"Can we please not play the twenty questions? He was nice to me and that's all." She replied, hoping they'd leave it be. "Honestly, don't make it more than it was."

"5 by 5, 'B', you want to keep him a secret not a problem." Faith teased as she gave her a saucy wink. "So, we gonna party at the Bronze tonight?"

"Oh, yeah." Buffy, replied. "I'm so not going home tonight, until I have to."

"Stay at my house." Faith suggested. "You can sleep in something of mine."

"Sounds like a plan." Buffy answered.

"Call your parents and let them know where you will be." Anya pointed out as she turned to her boss and said, "Come on Rupert, I have the books out to go over with you."

Faith and Buffy shared a knowing look between them. Both of them knew there wouldn't be any books opened, but the desk would be used by the couple. Faith walked over and turned on the radio.

"Just a little mood music for the kiddies, so we don't hear how the adults play together." Faith snickered, "It might make Giles put his glasses on so he can take them off and clean them and try to act like nothing happened."

"You are so bad." Buffy sighed as she grabbed the inventory list and went to the door to the storage area. "Call me if it gets busy."

"Gotcha."

Buffy shook her head as she entered the storage area, intending to try and make sense of what happened earlier. The question of why kept going through her mind. Why did Spike defend her earlier? Why did he tell her about his Aunt? Why didn’t her parents believe her when she said she didn't leave Dawn alone?

So many whys invading her thoughts it was making her head hurt. She also knew if anyone saw Spike with Dru, her sister would find out about what happened in the diner. Then all hell would break loose, and she was sure the vamped bitch would make her life hell. The only good that might come out of it would be the chance Spike would escape her sister's web. She truly believed the woman would suck the life out of the man who'd come to her rescue earlier.

"I guess trying to save someone is catching." Buffy muttered to herself.

*******

Spike felt a sense of uneasiness come over him when he pulled into the driveway and saw Dru waiting for him. The last thing he wanted right now was to spend any time alone with her, let alone have to explain where he was. He was sure if he told her the truth, any chance to help Buffy would be taken out of his hands.

"I was hoping we could take a drive, and maybe spend some quality time together." Dru said as she leaned through the driver's side window. "I'm sure we can find somewhere we can be alone."

"Can I make a quick trip to the loo first?"

"Sure, I'll grab us something to drink." Dru said as she turned to run into the house.

Spike gripped the steering wheel as he tried to figure out how to get out of going with her. She'd see right through him if he said he wasn't feeling well. He knew if he waited much longer Dru would become suspicious of his behavior. Quickly getting out of the car, he made his way into the house.

"Spike, there you are. I was getting worried you'd got lost." Joyce greeted him with a smile. "I have to ask, do you know how to grill?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Hank was called in to the office on some important project. So I'm down a grill attendant." She explained. "I'm not comfortable with the darn thing, since it's not electric."

Spike smiled with relief since the woman gave him a way out, "Sure, Mrs. Summers, I'd love to help."

"Please, call me Joyce."

"Then Joyce, could you let Dru know while I go upstairs for a minute."

"Sure, I will." Joyce replied as she headed to the kitchen, as Spike sprinted up to the restroom with a huge grin on his face.

*******

Driving past the Summers' home was unexpected, even more so was the fact the young man pulled up in to the driveway. He felt his anger mount and his fear of losing her yet again almost take charge until he noticed the older Summers' girl come out and greet him.

He didn't know if he should laugh or kill the punk. It looked as if the fool was playing each of the sisters against the other. A part of him was relieved, knowing this was in his favor; the other part was furious that the soon to be dead man would play his Buffy so wrong. The list of victims for his beast to punish was growing. He knew he'd just have to sit back and carefully view his options. Before this weekend, one thing was sure. He would have his girl.

Dru felt like screaming as she plastered a smile on her face. Her stupid stepmother had yet again interfered in her life. It was getting tiresome and she couldn't wait for everything to blow up in the woman's face. It eased her anger to picture the day her father would kick the woman out, along with her daughter.

She watched as Spike grilled the chicken, conversing with that woman like they were old friends. The fact he was more at ease with that witch made her again second-guess her decision for bringing him here this weekend. He was supposed to be bonding with her and her father, not Joyce.

"Dru, honey, can you run to the store for me? I can't believe I forgot I was out of butter for the corn on the cob." Joyce asked, oblivious to how much her stepdaughter hated her right now. "I tried calling your father, but he's not answering his phone."

"Sure, will be right back." Dru answered, feeling proud at how sincere she sounded, and doing the little errand only to make her daddy happy.

Spike watched as Dru made a hasty exit. He'd seen the flash of anger in her eyes that went unnoticed by Mrs. Summers, before she conjured up a smile. The more he watched Drusilla in this element she called home; he could see he didn't know her like he thought he did. The more he observed her around Joyce the more he noticed how fake she seemed to act around the woman. He started to question if he even liked her and wondered if he'd mistaken lust for love? Suddenly he was feeling confused about all of it.

Joyce would notice the questioning looks Spike would direct at Dru when he thought no one was looking. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. It had to be something important by the intense and thoughtful look that came over his features.

"I'm sorry I ruined yours and Dru's plans." Joyce offered her apology.

"Nothing you need to apologize for, Joyce." Spike reassured her. "We did come here to spend time with the family."

"I know, but I remember what it was like to be young and in love." She shared, watching his reaction at the in love part.

"Don't worry, it really isn't a biggie." He found he really couldn't lie, and felt the less he said the more chance she wouldn't figure out that he wasn't sure about what he felt for Dru. But he was pretty sure it wasn't love, and at least not the 'fall in love and get married kind'.

Joyce wondered if Dru was aware of Spike's feelings. She was so sure her stepdaughter's intentions toward this young man ran deeper, and now she understood why he'd been relieved to stay home. Something about his feelings for Dru had changed, and she began to remember how he'd interacted with Buffy this morning. She'd witnessed more emotions between them bantering, than any she'd seen between him and Dru since they got here.

"Spike, do you care for Buffy?" Joyce figured she'd use the time they had alone to get some things out in to the open.

He tried to hide the fact she just surprised the hell out of as he asked, "What are you asking me?"

"Let's say I've been awakened out of my selfish little world here lately. It's made me look at things a little differently, and I can't help but think you found you care for one sister more than the other."

"Joyce, I really don't have an answer for you, not now. I'm still working out a few things myself."

"It's okay, I understand how love can just hit you when you least expect it." Joyce went on to explain.

"Just so you know, I do care about Dru. To be honest I don't know what I feel about her."

"And Buffy?" Joyce asked.

Spike took a deep breath, "I'm not really sure if it's love, but I do care about her very much. It's just, there's something about her that calls to me. It's not pity, either."

"As much as it pains me to say this, you need to follow your heart even if it hurts someone. Don't get me wrong, I do love Dru." Joyce clarified as she further assured him, "I won't keep you away from Buffy if she is who you really want to be with." Joyce said as she laid her hand on his arm, "It sounds funny coming from me, but it's like a big veil has been lifted and I'm seeing things for the first time. I want my little girl happy."

"Grief sometimes can make us do some ugly things." Spike said as he offered her an understanding smile, "We're only human, and hopefully we can learn from our mistakes."

"Your uncle told me he was coming to see Buffy tomorrow. Do you think Buffy will meet with him?"

Spike gently patted her hand with his and said, "She's already agreed to it. Maybe you can help me find a neutral place they can meet with my uncle out of town."

"There is a hotel in Montgomery, called Casa. Hank took me there one time for our anniversary." Joyce suggested. "I could write down the directions for you."

"If you would, that would be great. I can have Ethan get a room there."

"Okay, I will rack my brain on how I will keep Dru occupied." Joyce offered.

"No need for that Joyce. I think Dru and I will be having a talk before then." Spike reassured her. "I don't think Hank will like me much after this."

"He will have a hard time understanding at first … well for awhile." Joyce surmised. "But, he's not the important one here."

"You're acting like there might be something for him to be upset about."

"Spike, I saw how Buffy reacted to you, and I really think something about you calls to her too." Joyce shared. "You reached her, somehow you were able to get her to talk with your uncle."

"Where's Dru?" Hank asked, as he walked out onto the patio, with a look of suspicion on his face.

Joyce jumped and used her hand that was on Spike's arm to clutch at her chest. She turned to her husband and gasped, "Hank, honestly you scared the dickens out of me."

Hank snorted as he returned, "Maybe if you'd been paying closer attention you might've heard me."

"Spike was telling me about school. Medical school is rather rigorous and so stressful." Joyce was quick to cover. "It's a wonder anyone becomes a doctor."

Hank glared at the young man who was taking his place at the grill, "You still didn't say where Dru was?"

"She ran to the store for me." Joyce answered as she then turned to Spike and said, "Spike was kind enough to grill the chicken for us."

"I must say thank you." Hank acknowledged, as he walked closer to the grill.

"It's not a problem, I like to cook. My uncle made sure I could cook so I could take care of myself." Spike chuckled.

"I'll go in and get the pasta salad mixed up and bring out the corn." Joyce excused herself feeling the tension that she knew was getting worse because of her presence. Hank wouldn't approve of her spending too much time with Spike after what the young man had said last night. No matter how true it was.

"Since you have this covered, I'll go and see about a few things." Hank was quick to excuse himself, wanting to go upstairs and shower just in case he still smelled like his secretary. Plus, he wasn't interested in talking with the man who just waltzed in off the street trying to tell him how to take care of his family.

Spike watched as Mr. Summers walked away, feeling sorry for the man. He wondered what it would take for him to open his eyes to Buffy's plight. He just hoped with time the father and his middle child would find each other again. He couldn't even imagine if he'd lost his father's love and attention like this, instead of losing him in death. He thought seriously that death, even though permanent, was less painful than a purposeful rejection.

"What has my William so lost in his thoughts?" Dru asked as slipped behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Spike, here's the corn." Joyce said as she came back out, seeing the tightness on Spike's face. "Where do you want it?"

"Right here would be fine." He pointed on the grill's side panel. "It's time for me to put them on anyway."

"Daddy can finish, let's you and me go for a walk." Dru suggested, her voice carrying another meaning so that neither Joyce nor Spike misunderstood the intention.

"Your dad said he had other things to do since I was manning the grill." Spike replied, feeling her stiffen behind him before she pulled away.

"He must like what you're doing then." Dru said, keeping the anger out of her voice. "I think I'll start to set the table … oh Spike remember we're meeting some of my friends at the Bronze tonight.

"Gotcha, I'll be ready."

Dru bit back her smart response. Gone were the normal endearments he would use whenever he would address her. Something wasn't right with how her William was acting. She thought she could feel him pulling away from her minute by minute. Her goal now was to find out why and fix it.

*******

Spike sat on the side of the bed and hit the button for Buffy's cell number that she'd programmed into his phone earlier. Joyce had slipped him the information for the hotel just before he came upstairs to get ready. Ethan had just called back to confirm his reservation. Now it was time to contact Buffy, and pray she hadn't changed her mind.

"Your dime." She greeted the phone, knowing it was Spike.

"So, you've finally named a price. Is this the discounted poor college student rate, or Saturday's special?" He teased, feeling at ease when he heard her soft giggle through the phone.

"It's not the going price, bucko. Like I said, I'm too rich for your blood." She bantered back. "I take it you're calling to let me know what's up tomorrow."

"A place called Casa, in Montgomery." He replied, "Know how to get there?"

"Sure, have a few regulars that take me there."

"Maybe we can play 'Pretty Woman'. You know…act out a few scenes."

"Spike, you're a pig." She snorted, trying not to laugh, finding it so easy to joke with him.

"Oink, oink."

"So, how is this going to go down?" She asked, slipping back into her serious mode that he picked up on right away.

"Ethan's booked a suite with a sitting room."

"Can I meet him before going to the room?"

"We figured you'd like to have lunch with the both of us first. Let me introduce the two of you so you can get a feel for each other." Spike suggested, "Or however you want to play it."

"I like the lunch thing. Now the big question is, what is Dru going to think about all this you being with me? At a hotel no less." Buffy asked, her voice business like.

"Dealing with Dru is my problem. Please, trust me to keep this a secret for as long as you want me too." He offered.

"As long you do, and I don't have her yappin' I'm stealing her man." Buffy warned him, even if the idea seemed pretty tempting. She thought she really didn't stand a chance, with being only seventeen and nowhere as beautiful as her half-sister.

"Buffy, my concern right now is with you."

"Why me?"

"I'm not sure, really, but I don't want you to fall like I did. I really can't talk about that rough time in my life with you, yet. Ethan is the only one who I have so far, and that's because he was very persistent. But if I can prevent you from going through the hell I suffered, I will. If your sister can't understand that, then I guess she really isn't the woman I thought she was. It's better I find out now, rather than later."

"I'm sorry, maybe this isn't a good thing?" She asked, hearing the pain in his voice, knowing he must be reliving something bad by doing this for her.

"I think it's the best thing. I want, no need, to do this Buffy…for you and me." Spike tried to explain further by saying, "I think this will be something good for both of us. Might help me to slay a few of my demons as well."

"Does this mean we have to be friends?" She asked, more for his answer then hers. Deep down she wanted for them to be friends at least. It would be better than never seeing him again.

"I'd like that." He replied, offering her the choice.

"I'm thinking I might like it too." Buffy softly agreed.

"I gotta go, seems there are plans for me to meet some of Dru's friends."

"Hmm, doesn't sound like fun stuff. You might want to stay in and play scrabble." Buffy commented.

"I don't think I'd have any competition to make it fun."

"True, except my Dad is pretty good." Buffy sighed. "How are you and my parents getting along?"

"I think your Dad hates me, your mom warmed up to me after a bit."

"Really, did you have a fight with my dad?" She asked, her voice sounding excited.

"No, more like a difference of opinion." He explained, not wanting to tell her what they seemed to disagree about.

"Did you stand your ground?"

"No, I didn't want to ruin the weekend and cause any problems for everyone."

"You really do think of others, don't you?"

"My uncle says I take after my mother in that way."

"It's nice, don't change." Buffy encouraged. "I think you're going to be a great doctor one day."

"Thank you…I missed you at dinner."

"You were the only one."

"Actually your mother seemed a bit disappointed you weren't here." Spike honestly told her, hoping it might help crack the door a bit for Joyce to get through.

"What good drugs did they slip in the food?" Buffy sarcastically asked.

"I did the cooking."

"Get out. Man you should've called. I hope you grilled your ass off. My old man let you near his pride and joy?"

"He was called in to work, so Joyce asked me if I'd man the grill."

"It does scare the heeby jeebys out of her." Buffy explained, "She caught her apron on fire once. If dad hadn't been there the house would've burnt down. My mom doesn't react well to a lot of excitement."

"I had better go. We are meeting this Harmony person at 8:30."

"I hope you take other forms of entertainment. A foreign movie with foreign subtitles makes more sense than she does. You might want to wear sunglasses for the pink will blind you, along with the glow off one of the unicorns she will be wearing."

"Is she blonde?"

"Yep, and will talk your ear off about nothing." Buffy further warned him. "Angel told me he wore ear plugs anytime he was around her."

"I will keep that in mind."

"I'm here if you need to talk afterwards." Buffy teased. "I might not be the only one needing your uncle's services. I think anyone with a functioning brain can say they suffer from PTSS after spending time with Harmony Kendall-Chase."

"Been doing some homework?"

"Yeah, and I have to say, I'm impressed with your uncle. He's worked some wild cases."

"Yes, he has." Spike agreed. "What time should I pick you up?"

"11 a.m. is cool. Montgomery is only like forty-five minutes away."

"I'll see you then, Pet."

"Okay." She replied, and then before hanging up reminded him, "meet me in front of The Magic Box."

The more she talked to him the more she wanted to know about him. What he liked to eat, his favorite colors…everything. She looked at the clock and knew she had to get ready. She had some dancing to do and some energy to work off. Quickly she pulled off her tee shirt and folded it up nicely. This shirt was special and she put it in her bag carefully. Anya had trusted her to close up tonight. Lorne wouldn't have a problem with storing her duffle behind the bar. He was her favorite bartender and made the best cherry cokes just the way she liked them.

Spike smiled to himself as he put the cell phone back in its carrying case. Thinking how good it was to hear her voice charged with some emotion made him feel excited about tomorrow. He was feeling very positive about Ethan and Buffy getting on rather well. He'd make it a point to thank him for taking the time to do this. Next weekend he'd go and spend some time with his Uncle and go with him to visit Aunt Julia.

*******

He looked everything over again and again. He checked to make sure windows were closed and the central air going. Walking in to her room he closed the door and screamed as loud as he could. Giving it a few minutes he opened the door and walked to the front the house. Stepping out onto the front porch he smiled at how no one had heard him yell.

"This will work. She'll scream for some time, it's only natural. But once she learns her place she'll be able to come out and enjoy the freedom of the rest of the house." He told himself.

It had taken some time and planning on making Buffy's future room sound proof. He traveled around getting the supplies from people who didn't know him. It was amazing the things you could find on the internet shopping for things for her stay. Too many people would be suspicious if he disappeared the same time she did. So, keeping her hidden in Sunnydale was the safest and most ingenious plan. By the time it was safe for them to leave, she would've come to accept her new life. No one would ever think to look for her here. It was time to bring her home, before her recklessness brought her trouble.

*******

Spike pulled into the club's parking lot, feeling the tension radiating off the woman beside him. Dru hadn't said a word during the drive and he didn't try to make any small talk either. What he wanted to talk to her about would be hard when the time came, and he didn't have a clue how he'd bring it up. It would be something he'd deal with when they returned home. Buffy had enough stress to deal with, and he was sure she'd feel the backlash if he broke up with Dru this weekend.

Spike got out of the car and walked over to open the door for Dru. He knew it was going to be a difficult next couple of days. Dru, he could tell was already feeling a change in their relationship, and maybe she herself would bring it to an end. The feeling of rejection he knew so well, he could still remember a time he went by his given name, William

"Thank you, my sweet William." Dru purred, wanting to keep up a front to the public as she exited the car and ran her fingernails lightly down his chest. "Would you like to take me in the alley and show me what a bad man you can be?"

Spike felt his body respond to her, while thinking about another time they'd done it in an alley. She always knew how to call to his darkness, reminding him of a time when he'd walked on the wild side. It took everything he had to refuse her offer.

"Too many people hangin' around for me." He replied as he stepped back.

"It never bothered you before." Dru reminded him as she moved closer, rubbing her body against his.

"Well, it does now." He snapped at her, as he stepped away.

"What is going on Spike?" She asked, with an edge to her voice he hadn't heard before.

Spike closed the car door, trying to figure out how to deal with this. He didn't want to do this right now, and wanted to give her as nice a weekend as he could. She was going to be disappointed, her plans for them were not going to work.

"Can we just try and have a nice time?" Spike asked as he rubbed his forehead.

"Oh, I see the problem. My William isn't feeling well is he?" She purred, "Don't worry, mommy knows what her Spike needs."

"How about we go in and get some wings?" He suggested, hoping to get her off the idea of having sex in the alley.

"Whatever makes my William happy." She replied as she took his hand and led him toward the club's entrance. "Maybe he'll want to be naughty later and make his Princess scream bad things when the lights are dim and people are safe and snug in their beds." Dru started planning on how she'd get her way with him, for she knew the right buttons to push to make her William putty in her hands.

Spike let her lead him into the club, knowing he'd be one of the people safely tucked under the covers tonight. The other fact he knew to be true was that he'd be sleeping alone. He might even be joining his uncle tomorrow at the hotel as a fellow guest. It also wouldn't be the first time he slept in his car which was one of the reasons he carried a couple of blankets in the car.

*******

Spike sat watching the crowd, trying to use the music as a deterrent to having to deal with Dru. He couldn't help but notice a certain bulky gent who kept sending glares their way. He was sure it had something to do with Dru.

"He an old friend of yours Dru?" He asked, as he nodded toward the man.

"I used to date him a few years back. I grew up, he didn't." She answered. "He's now one of Buffy's little puppets."

"So he's an ex, explains the dagger like looks." Spike replied as he turned his attention elsewhere.

He knew the moment she walked in, taking in how she carried herself with such a sense of controlled seduction. The leather pants fit as if they'd been painted on her. Her red halter gave plenty to tease a man's eye to want more, as it too fit her like a second skin. She was passion, sex and sin, all rolled into the innocent he figured her to be. Spike watched as she handed the bartender her duffle bag.

He leaned back and watched as she moved through the crowd with such confidence, knowing she was in her glory here. This is where Buffy could play at being a part of the crowd, where she was able to lose herself and forget the badness. The more he got to know her, the more he felt they had in common. Music was like a drug to someone who wanted to escape for a time.

"I see the cock tease has appeared." Dru whispered in his ear. "She's very good at getting the crowd hot and bothered, just wait and see."

Spike looked at Dru wondering how he'd missed seeing this part of her. For a moment he could see the jealousy and dislike in her eyes, directed at her sister. His gut told him these feelings went further then Dawn's death. In fact, he was sure Dru never felt a bit of compassion for Buffy's situation. He wondered if she even cared for Dawn.

*******

Buffy walked in to the Bronze knowing that Spike and Dru were there. She decided to play it cool and not let it affect her in any way. Her motto was party, dance, and have a good time when she came here to lose herself from the real world. No one was going to take this away from her, it is what she lived for now.

The music was really calling to her as she wandered over toward the bar, "Hey Lorne." She greeted her favorite bartender over the music playing. "Can I store this behind the bar?"

Lorne grinned as shook his finger at her, "Like its gold, now give it here Sweetness."

Buffy couldn't help but smile, since Lorne had never treated her any differently." Can I have-"

"Like you've changed your drink, poured it the moment you waltzed in here." He interrupted her and handed over her drink. "I should be offended, sugar, you know Lorne takes care of his girl."

"I guess that's why I keep coming here." She teased.

"Liar, but never mind that one. I know if I played for the politically correct team you'd be mine in a heartbeat." He said as he blew her a kiss.

"I'd worship at your feet, baby." Buffy returned before she scrutinized the dance floor for her friends.

"Angel face and his sweet tart are sitting at the table, Faith hasn't bounced herself in here yet. But it's a bit early for her." Lorne informed Buffy, knowing who she was looking for.

"I think I just might marry you one day." Buffy said before she moved on to find Angel and Darla.

Lorne smiled as he watched her part 'the sea of the horny'. He found it refreshing how Buffy thought she had to play the part of seductress, when in fact the girl was something to admire even when she wasn't playing at being a tease. The girl just loved to party and dance, and be damned if she didn’t make both men and women want to fuck her on the dance floor.

*******

Drusilla watched as her half sister flirted with the bartender. The interest she noticed Spike giving the petite blonde was driving her mad. Her suspicions had been correct when she suspected Spike of seeing Buffy this afternoon.

Dru was glad Miss Chase had not seen her earlier, when Cordelia was talking in the restroom about the blond hottie who'd swept Buffy out of the diner earlier. Something told Dru it was Spike she was talking about. Only to have it confirmed, thus igniting her anger when Cordy said, "And he's here tonight with Dru."

Some then speculated if it was because she was Dru's sister was why he was there, protecting her. Others snorted like that would ever happen and talked about how Buffy was probably doing him behind Dru's back. At that point she'd left undetected and returned to their table. The distant look on his face at the time made her wonder if he was remembering his time with Buffy. She thought, "No wonder he didn't want to have sex, he already did my sister."

Now she had the evidence as far as she was concerned. Her slut of a sister was trying to take her man, her ticket to being taken care of for the rest of her life. She didn't know what she'd do, but it would come to her. There was no way she'd let that little bitch step on her dreams of becoming a famous doctor's wife. She saw so much potential in William’s future, especially since Ethan Rayne was his uncle.

*******

Joyce sat watching TV, hearing her husband shuffling through the newspaper. Dinner had been strained, especially when she'd called Buffy to tell her dinner was on the table, and her daughter had refused to come home to eat. Deep down, Joyce knew she had no right to be disappointed that Buffy hadn't wanted to join them.

Thinking back over the last eighteen months, she was able to see things in a different light. The obvious fact was right there, in front of her face, she'd pushed her own daughter away. It was now up to her to make it right, if she wanted to get back into her daughter's good graces.

"Hank, we should talk about Buffy."

"Why?" He snorted, "She's made her bed."

"Has she Hank?"

Hank looked at his wife over the paper, "She's the one that left Dawn alone. She's the one that went and changed into someone that is not our daughter any more."

"Did she change, Hank? Or did we change her?"

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about Joyce, but nothing we've done made Buffy become the person she is today. She's seventeen for God's sake, old enough to know right from wrong." Hank preached, "She should be working on her studies, getting ready to go to college with some sense of responsibility. I don't see her doing or showing it. She works at that head shop downtown and spends more time at the Bronze then the library."

"Maybe we should sit her down and try and talk to her, like we used to. I'm sure she doesn't even know that we're aware that she has a real job."

"Joyce, when she's ready to accept what she's done we'll help." Hank reasoned, "She's trying to make us feel sorry for her is all she's doing."

"I don't think so, Hank. I think Spike was-"

"Stop right there. I will not have a wet behind the ears college brat come in here and tell me or you how to raise our delinquent daughter." Hank yelled, as he threw the paper down. "I'm going upstairs and read in peace. Don't bring this up again Joyce."

Joyce watched as her husband of eighteen years stormed up the steps. She'd seen him change since Dawn's death and until now hadn’t realized just how far apart they'd drifted. Never before had she thought there might be a day she would leave her husband, but tonight she thought it might be an option. If it came to a time where she'd have to choose, she would and Hank would find he wasn't the almighty force he thought he was.

*******

Buffy walked up to Angel and Darla and asked, "Have you seen Faith? She's supposed to meet me here."

"No, my pretty, but her bitchiness is here." Darla warned her friend, knowing how she hated surprises.

"I wonder why she's slumming." Buffy pondered out loud. "It's not like her to come here any more."

"Trying to show off Casper I'd imagine." Angel snorted.

Buffy, choosing to ignore the fact Spike was here with Dru, didn't reply. Instead, she looked around until she found who she wanted to talk to. Tonight she wasn't going to worry about anything. Tomorrow was going to be hard enough. She still couldn't believe she'd agreed to talk to a shrink, but deep down she knew she needed to talk to someone. The other night was the closest she had ever come to pulling down the razor blade and it scared the hell out of her. No one had ever taken the time to see her, but Spike had.

"From the body language, I bet he leaves her very soon." Darla was telling Angel when Buffy heard her and asked. "What…who is leaving who?"

"I think gorgeous there who keeps watching you with some interest is going to leave your sister. His vibe is just screaming he doesn't want to be with her." Darla told her. "Have you met Dru's soon to be ex?"

Buffy just shook her head as she made her excuses, "Darla, it would be in his best interests to run from the lying bitch as fast and far as he could. I'll be back."

Darla watched as the blonde girl walked away as she looked at Angel and said, "I take that as a yes she's met him, and she likes him too."

Angel leaned down and kissed her cheek, "So, do you think Buffy might perform a coup? And save the man from a fate worse than death."

"With the way he's watching her right now, I'd lay down my bet heavy on the yes." Darla used her eyes to direct Angel to take a look.

"Damn, he's really got his eyes on our Buffy." Angel smirked as he turned to Darla, "You know he's going to have to ask permission before dating our girl."

"You are so not going to act like her father."

"Why not, I treat Faith the same way."

Darla rolled her eyes and let him in on a little secret, "Why do you think Faith doesn't bring her dates home anymore?"

"Why do you think I find out who she's dating anyway? Then I have my own little secret meetings with them." Angel said with a wink. "You think I don't know she is seeing Wesley. Hell he came to me and asked if he could ask her out."

"Get out! I bet Faith would shit if she knew."

"He's a real gentleman even if he's a bit uppity, but I think that comes from growing up in proper ole England. He has manners." Angel explained, "Buffy is like my sister, and I will look out for her."

Darla shook her head as she watched Buffy approach Warren Meers. She made sure Angel didn't see them, knowing he'd have a cow and threaten to beat the man's ass. The last thing Buffy needed right now was that kind of attention in front of Queen Bitch. But she'd have a talk with her later.

*******

He stood in deep darkness near the back exit. No one ever paid attention to what they couldn't see. Everyone always thought inside the box, and that is what would make this so easy for him to pull off. His girl was a diamond in the rough; once he got her home he'd show her a better life.

Looking around, he laughed at the silly, stupid people around him. They would never learn he thought, as they continued to gyrate sinfully to the music. He watched as they drank, smoked, popped or shot up chemicals to poison their bodies. If parents wanted to know why their children were wasting away; maybe they should step into the shadows and watch what their naughty children did.

All the parents of today did was complain about how society damaged family values, when they in fact promoted it by turning a blind eye to what their children did. Going around proclaiming their children were all pure and virginal, when they were the creatures of destruction they accused other children of being. Not his girl, he'd save her from all of this, he was just sorry he hadn't been able to do it before now. He wouldn't fail this time.

He did a double take when he noticed the blond male from earlier today watching his girl. His demon screamed to tear the man’s face off. The boy was unworthy to lay eyes on his property. The more he observed the young man's attention focused on Buffy, the angrier he became. He was sure he'd have to do something about the menace, and it wouldn't be pretty.

*******

Buffy walked up to Warren and asked, "Do you have something for me?"

Warren smiled his million-dollar salesman grin and replied, "Yep, five of Buffy's special." He patted his jacket pocket, letting her know that was where her little designer happy pills were.

"Meet me out back." She instructed him before turning to go out the front.

Spike watched from the corner booth as Buffy went back out the front door. When he looked back at the bar he noticed the man she'd been talking to was gone as well.

When he was about to get up from the table Dru grabbed his hand and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "There they are." She leaned up and spoke in his ear, pointing out her best friend and her date coming toward them.

He felt trapped now, seeing the couple they were supposed to meet approaching their table. They made an odd couple because the woman looked like she came from money and fashion, whereas the guy just seemed average.

"Harmony, it's so wonderful to see you." Dru practically purred as she stood to hug the blonde that reminded Spike of a Barbie, but off the rack.

"Dru, it's been like, far too long." Harmony practically squealed over the music.

"I see you have a new beau." Dru said with a winning smile as she held her hand out toward Harmony's date.

"Riley Finn." Harm's boyfriend introduced himself.

"Riley, Harm, this is William Rayne." Dru poured on the charm, as she introduced him.

"But you can call me Spike." He said, noticing how it made Dru tense up.

"Oh, Spike…interesting name for a man who's going to be a doctor one day." Harmony commented as she waited for her date to hold the chair out for her.

Spike bit off the rude retort, not wanting to anger Dru anymore than she was already. The woman had been chomping at the bit ever since Buffy had walked in. He almost choked on his drink when Harmony mentioned Dru's sister.

"I see you must've scared Buffy away. We sort of like, ran into her on the way in." Harmony made the mistake of saying, causing Dru to tense up even more.

"Please, can we not talk about her tonight. She is such an embarrassment to the family." Dru bit out rather harshly. "I really don't know what is to be done about her."

Spike found it hard to keep his mouth shut and decided he needed a trip to the bar. He stood up and addressed the table by saying, "First round on me."

"I'll have my usual." Dru replied.

"Rum and coke for me." Harmony answered.

"I'll come give you a hand." Riley offered as he moved to join Spike's trip.

"Come along then, I'm feeling a bit parched." Spike replied, feeling a bit annoyed since he wanted to try and make a trip out back during his jaunt to the bar.

*******

Angel watched as the man who came in with Dru walked with Riley over to the bar. He felt sorry for the poor bastard for getting mixed up with that one. His experience with Dru was one he'd like to forget ever happened. Too bad he couldn't be like the guy in the movie who had his memory wiped clean. He'd sure do it in a heartbeat so he could forget that crazy bitch; well at least erase any memory of dating her.

"Why do you look like something stinks around here?" Darla asked.

"I feel sorry for him, having to deal with Dru."

"Well, who knows…maybe he's the pea to her pod." Darla replied as she shrugged her shoulders. "Let's dance."

"Did you see where Buffy went?" Angel asked as he looked around for their friend.

"Spoke with Warren and then they did the 'I go out the front, you go out the back' routine." Darla answered, knowing she was going to have to talk with Buffy about taking that asshole's homemade crap.

"It looks like I'm going to have to have a powwow with Buffy, and kick Meers' ass." Angel growled, as he tried to keep his temper in check.

"I'm right there with ya, baby." Darla offered her support and then added. "Just not tonight, since big sister Bitch is here…we need to start the intervention at another time."

"Fine, we'll wait until Dru slithers back out of town." Angel agreed so that they wouldn't do anything to embarrass Buffy while that snake in the grass was in town.

*******

Buffy popped one of the little purple pills she'd purchased. Warren made them especially for her, making sure they weren't as strong as the ones he sold everyone else. She didn't want that fucked up feeling, she just wanted to feel good.

She walked back in the club through the back door, not caring who saw her. She knew by doing so, it would take Dru a bit longer to realize she was back in the club. Looking around, she noticed Faith walking through the front door with her cocky swagger that made the men and some women's heads turn.

Buffy noticed a familiar blonde man standing at the bar with Harmony's corn fed farm boy. She wondered what her sister would say if she told her she'd kissed her boyfriend this morning in the kitchen. Buffy rolled her eyes as the scenario played out in her head. There would be her mother crying about poor Dru and her father calling her every dirty, foul name he could think of. Then there would be Dru sobbing her eyes out, acting all pretentious and saying that piece of ice she called a heart was broken.

She waved over at Faith who waved back and started walking toward her. The drug was starting to take effect, as the music started to reach her. Buffy felt the call of the beat as her body started to sway to the rhythm. It flowed so smoothly she felt as if she was someone else. She felt free, like the pulsating sounds coming from the speakers, not like someone who had so much baggage in her life.

Faith watched as her friend's eyes glazed over and began to move to the music. It broke her heart that the only time the girl could let herself feel something good was after popping that shit Warren made for her. Otherwise, Buffy never showed any emotions, since that day she found the girl huddled in the bushes at the park sobbing as if it was the end of the world. Ever since that day, she'd done everything in her power to protect her.

"So, 'B', seems like someone got a buzz on." Faith mentioned with a look of worry, "You really think that's a good thing with 'Miss Tattle' over yonder?"

"Who gives a fuck, it's not like they care." Buffy said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Wanna dance?"

"Gonna make the boys cry, aren't we." Faith chuckled as she started to fall in with Buffy's moves.

"Howling their discontent, sobbing at the want and finding themselves in the cold." Buffy giggled as she lost herself in the dance.

Chapter Fourteen


"What can I get ya ole blue eyes?" Lorne asked, with a look of interest that told Spike right off this man was not interested in Buffy that way.

Spike told him what he needed adding, "and I'll take a house ale on tap."

He tried not to worry that Buffy hadn't returned, trying not to think of what she might be doing. The thought of her being or doing anything with the sneaky looking bastard he'd seen her talking to made him want to punch the man's lights out. The urge to go and look for her was almost winning. He thought he might drop off the drinks and excuse himself so he could see if he could find her.

Spike turned and about dropped his and Dru's drink, since Riley picked up his and Harmony's. There was Buffy moving like a goddess. Her body was moving in perfect synchronization with the music that was playing. There on her face was a look of contentment, joy and happiness unlike any he'd seen before. She looked like a fallen angel sent to seduce him.

Standing there he became lost in the spell she'd cast over him. He was mesmerized and hypnotized by her beauty. The sway of her hips made him want to experience the pleasure that waited for him there. When she bent her head back, her neck called out to be claimed by his mark. Never had he been so drawn to a woman before and wanted nothing more than to lose himself in her.

Then it hit him like ton of bricks; he'd fallen hard for one Buffy Summers. The only problem was that he was currently dating her sister. A woman that until this weekend he thought he knew. God, how could his life become so complicated? He knew his uncle didn't like Dru much, but now he wondered if Ethan had been able to see the real Dru all along. Had his vision been clouded by what he wanted to see?

He jumped slightly when he felt a nudge from behind and then heard Riley say, "She's one hot number. Too bad she's cold as ice once the music stops."

Spike turned to see the interest in Riley's eyes and realized all the men were lusting over the two women dancing. "Ice, you say?"

"Cold as the artic. Some think she's gay." Riley told him and then said, "We better get back, or we'll both be sleeping single tonight."

Spike nodded as he too noticed the pissed off women at their table. He was well aware he wouldn't be getting any at all this weekend, knew it before coming out tonight. What did bother him was the jealousy he was feeling as he noticed that both the male and female population was drooling over Buffy on the dance floor.

*******

Dru felt her nails digging in to her palms. The moment Harmony pointed out Buffy and the other little whore dancing, she immediately looked for Spike. The intense look of lust on his face made her blood boil.

She would make sure Buffy paid for this. Plans on how she'd her revenge started to come to her in waves. If it all worked out as planned, Buffy would no longer be a threat to her. Spike was hers and only hers. First she had to deal with a misbehaving boyfriend.

"I will scratch her eyes out." Harmony whined, "She is such a ho bag."

"Don't worry, she'll get what is coming to her." Dru promised. "First, we have some bad puppies to scold."

"Men are dogs." Harmony pouted.

"Yes, but they can be trained by the right woman." Dru told her as she readied herself to face Spike and set him straight about a few things.

"We're so in trouble." Riley sighed, knowing the night was ruined.

"Or maybe not, I guess it's all in how you look at it." Spike replied as he continued. "Is she the one you want to marry and have kids with?"

"No."

"Then don't worry about it."

"How about you and Dru?"

"I've come to realize she's not the one for me." Spike honestly answered.

"Wow, just like that?" Riley stopped and asked, causing Spike to stop as well.

"Come to think of it, I've been having doubts for some time." Spike answered as he started to move again back toward their table. He now knew why he'd avoided any talks about Dru moving in with him.

"If you need a place to crash give me a call." Riley said, "I'll give you my number when we get to the table. I'm pretty sure I'll be going home alone tonight."

"Thanks." Spike chuckled, thinking he might need it.

"Are you done gawking at the floor show?" Dru asked as the men sat down after placing the drinks on the table.

"Now is not the time, Dru." Spike simply answered, looking her straight in the eyes.

"Don't do it again." She ordered, "Not if you don't wish to make me upset and need to punish you."

Spike raised his eyebrow, but bit back his response. He didn't like her tone, let alone the order she just gave. Instead he leaned back and asked Riley, "Can I have your number, Mate?"

Riley nodded, having had enough of Harmony's bitchy mouth. "No problem, here's my card."

Spike took the card and slipped it in his coat pocket. He lifted his drink while turning his attention back to the dance floor. Mostly so he could watch Buffy some more, and the other was to let Dru know she wasn't the boss of him. No one ordered him about like they owned him. He might be love's bitch, but he was no one's dog.

He ignored the argument going on behind him as he continued to watch the angel dance. The look of joy on her face told him she was dancing for no one but herself. That she found a place inside where the music and whatever drug she had taken made her feel happy to be alive right now.

Spike remembered how his father told him about the time he first met Spike's mother. Hearing how his parents fell instantly in love with each other, and that in three short months were married. Now was a time he really needed to talk to his dad.

"Well, that went well." Riley said as he moved to sit next to Spike.

"What?" Spike asked, having lost interest while remembering his parents.

"Man, you did tune them out. Good for you, well maybe." Riley replied as he explained further, "The ladies are leaving in a taxi. It would seem Dru is going home with Harmony right now."

Spike's smirk made Riley smile as they turned to continue to watch the show. The response of a few of the men started to make Spike a bit nervous. One man in particular was trying to edge himself between Buffy and her female dance partner. He could tell that Buffy wasn't paying any attention to what was going on, but her partner was.

The brunette would nudge the man away, even flipping the man off a few times. Feeling a sense that something was brewing he stood and moved toward the dance floor, not realizing Riley was following close behind. Spike did notice a bulky man easing his way over through the crowd as well. He noticed and the blonde woman following him, and remembered them dancing earlier.

Then the problems started when Buffy kept moving away from the man as he tried to wrap his arms around her. It would seem he wanted to dance, more like grind against her, from behind. But the lovely angel didn't want any part of him touching her and kept dancing away from him.

"Come on, baby. You keep advertising it, now give me some." The man tried to smooth talk his way with her.

"Leave me alone…I dance alone." Buffy answered him as she again moved away from him.

"Baby, you can't keep moving like sin and not give us a taste." He purred, making Faith want to punch his lights out.

"No tasting zone here." Buffy told him as she danced so gracefully behind her friend.

"Parker, man…give it up. She doesn't want to dance with you, so beat it." Faith told him, as she moved to prevent this Parker fellow from further chasing his prey. "Now be a good little boy and hoof it on home and spank the monkey."

"Bitch." Parker spat out, "Lesbian bitches, you both need to go dance in one of your own clubs."

"No, we just have better taste than to dance with a freak like you." Faith told him as she added, "So run off now like a good boy before I take my size 6 here and shut you up. I just so happen to be wearing a little bit of a heel, so that would be even more ouch for the kick."

Parker leaned to the side and glared at Buffy who was ignoring him and said, "One day you'll get yours, you cock tease."

"Man you know how to mess up a girl's good time." Buffy snorted as she turned to walk off the dance floor.

She needed some air. No one ever ruined her good time like this before and it pissed her off. Opening the back door she walked out into the cool air, not realizing she was being followed. She stood looking up at the black hole of the night sky, since no stars bothered to come out tonight. Her hand itched to reach in and take another pill. Usually she only took one Friday and another one on Saturday night. Sometimes she'd pop one on Wednesday if she came out dancing.

Turning to go in and call it a night she felt someone grab her and push her against the wall. A hand clamped over her mouth before she could scream as she looked in the eyes of a mad man.

"Now it's time to go home…you were supposed to be there that night." He said with an evil look in his eyes. "She was so scared when I took her away. Dawnie screamed for me to stop, but I couldn't."

Buffy couldn't scream or push him away as she recognized who held her captive. As Mr. Snyder faced her, she realized that she never would have suspected him of being the one that killed her sister. He held her so she couldn't defend herself or call for help, as his free hand fumbled with something.

Hearing him talk about Dawn being scared while implying he was really after her, paralyzed her with fear and shame. She knew her only hope was if someone came outside to find her, as he covered her lower face with a strange smelling rag.

"I've been waiting for my chance to finally have you. It was supposed to be you, Buffy, not your sister…it was supposed to be you." He said as she lost consciousness.

Snyder snickered as he lifted her up into his arms after tossing the chloroform soaked rag across the alley. No one would know it was him that kidnapped Buffy Summers. They never figured out he was Dawn's killer. He figured most would think she finally ran away, like the punk ass teenager she'd become.

His sweet obsession was supposed to be in her home that night. It was to have been a simple drug her and slip her out undetected. The plan went smoothly until she wasn't there. Her little sister was and, in his fit of anger, he'd taken her in an act of revenge to punish his intended victim.

The sounds of the club heightened, telling him someone had opened the back door. He heard someone calling Buffy's name and hurried to hide. The heat of her body was calling to him as he pulled her closer against him. Soon, very soon she would be his. All memory of other men would be wiped off her skin and she'd be his clean little girl. She'd only dance for him and no one else.

Patiently he waited until the person who came looking for his little girl was gone. His arms had started to ache, but he wasn't going to let her go until they were safe from being found.

*******

Warren was walking back to the club after making a sale to one of his regular customers when he noticed the high school principal carrying Buffy Summers in his arms. The warning bell screamed in his head that something wasn't right about this as he followed them to make sure everything was okay.

He quickly started to run when he noticed the man hit the automatic button opening the trunk of his car. Thinking he was going to take Snyder by surprise he didn't yell for help as he approached them. The deadly mistake brought him face to face with the older man who was now holding a gun pointed directly at his chest. Buffy was unconscious, lying in the trunk of the man's car with no sign of any trauma that he could see.

"Hey… Shit!" Warren said, as he felt a pain in his chest, and found it suddenly hard to breathe.

Looking down he saw his blood spreading through the front of his shirt. He swore he didn't hear a shot, and then noticed the gun had a silencer on it. Warren realized one heard the shot meaning no one would come to his or Buffy's aide. He tried to yell, but found it hard to take a deep breath, as he fell to the ground.

"Tsk, tsk, will the young ever learn?" Snyder sighed as he closed the trunk and pressed the button that unlocked the driver's door. "You had such a promising future in pharmaceuticals, Mr. Meers, that is until you tried to be a Good Samaritan. Should've kept to yourself, you'd still be alive now." He said as he got in his car and drove way without making sure his only witness was dead.

*******

Spike grew anxious as he returned to the club. The bartender said Buffy's duffle bag was still behind the bar where she always left it until she was ready to leave. He walked quickly over toward the man he'd heard someone call Angel and the pretty little brunette who'd been dancing with Buffy.

"She's not out back." Spike told them.

"And you are?" Faith asked.

"He's Dru's puppy." Angel answered.

"Oh, so you're the new toy." Faith snorted.

"This isn't about Dru." Spike tried to get them back on track with finding Buffy.

"Let me give you a word of advice. Buffy's big sis has fangs and she'll suck you dry and not in a good way." Angel decided to warn him.

"I'm worried about Buffy right now. She's not out back and her duffle bag, according to Lorne, is still behind the bar."

"Fuck, that's not good." Faith said, as she to began to worry. "She never would leave it here, no matter how trashed she got."

"Okay, Faith you take Blondie here and search going south. Darla and I will go north." Angel started to bark out instructions. "I'll call Anya and let her know what's going on."

"Do you want me to call her parents?" Spike asked.

"Lot of good calling them would do." Faith replied, "Most everyone avoids her thinking she's the reason her sister was killed."

"She was fifteen. How could they hold her responsible for leaving her sister alone?"

"She didn't leave her alone." Faith growled. "That's the problem, they all assume she was the one that left Dawn home alone. It was your darling Dru that left her. But nobody bothered to ask Buffy. They all just assumed it was Buffy. I was the only one that asked her, did you know that?"

"No. It would seem she has a very good friend in you then." Spike replied, having it all make sense now.

"I see you're not getting all defensive and protective of Dru." Darla grilled him, surprised herself with Faith's declaration.

"I'm not going to. She's not talked much about it, other than to say what everyone else had been told. But, it does make sense of some things I've noticed since coming here." Spike shared. "I just want to make sure that Buffy is okay."

"You really care about her, don't you?" Angel asked, noticing how interested the man was in his sister's friend.

"She has a way about her that makes me want to protect her." That was all he was willing to share right now.

"Okay, let's go. She couldn't have gone far." Angel said as they started toward the front door.

"Hold on, I'm going with you." Lorne called out as he yelled at the other bartender that he was leaving to help find Buffy.

*******

Warren found it hard to breathe from the pain as he waited until the car drove off before trying to move. The last thing he needed was to have the mad man come and run him over. He needed to stay alive and get help. Someone had to save the girl, no one deserved to be taken against their will.

Biting his lip he forced himself to roll on to his side so he could get to his feet. Time he knew was of the essence, before the old pervert hurt her. Pain, unlike anything he'd ever felt, gripped his chest as he forced himself to stand up. A wave of dizziness came over him once he managed to get to his feet. He fought it like hell until it eased up enough for him to focus on his surroundings.

He could see The Bronze across the street and forced one foot to move in front of the other. Soon he found himself at the curb, ready to cross the street when he noticed a few familiar faces come rushing out of the club.

Taking as deep a breath as he could manage, he called out, "Help me!

Spike noticed the man that Buffy was talking to earlier, standing on the other side of the street. He could see the man wobbling back and forth like he was drunk, clutching his chest. Even with what little light that was shining down from the street light he could see what looked like blood spreading all over the man's white shirt.

"I think he's been shot." Spike muttered as he took off across the street yelling, "Some one call for an ambulance."

Lorne pulled out his cell phone and dialed as the others followed Spike. "Get someone here quick; someone has been shot right outside The Bronze." Hanging up quickly joined them in time to hear that someone had kidnapped Buffy. "Oh, Lord! not again."

"Who took her?" Spike asked as he tore open the shirt and noticed how bad the young man had been shot.

"Snyder, he has her…unconscious….trunk…car." Warren managed to get out as he found it harder to breath.

"Warren, are you sure?" Angel asked, "Are you sure it was Principal Snyder?"

The critically injured man nodded his head and wheezed the word, "Yes."

Lorne again pulled out his phone and dialed a number he prayed he never would have to, "Charles, listen…yeah its Buffy…Principal Snyder kidnapped her, now get here quick." He said before hanging up the phone so he could face Miss Summers' friends.

"Who did you just call?" Spike growled.

"Charles Gunn, he's a cop who I've been helping keep tabs on Buffy." Lorne explained. "He's been watching over her when he can. We both have since she has idiots as parents."

Faith started to cry and Angel pulled her toward him and said, "Don't worry, we'll find her."

"She told me that man made her skin crawl. He was always doggin' her about this and that." Faith continued to cry.

Spike wished the ambulance would arrive. He knew if they didn't soon this Warren was a dead man. The symptoms indicated that the bullet had collapsed one lung. He could tell the tension was getting worse by the deviation of the trachea.

"Why is his voice box off center and toward the right?" Darla asked, as she wiggled out of her undershirt from underneath her flannel shirt, so it could be used as a bandage.

"His lung has collapsed, and I really need that ambulance right now." Spike whispered, feeling a sense of relief when he heard the distant sound of sirens in the air. "Thank God."

Soon everything was happening, the paramedics arrived and proceeded to stabilize their patient the best they could. Decompressing the lung with a needle to the affected area of the chest, gave him a better chance of survival as they loaded him in the ambulance and headed to Sunnydale University Hospital.

*******

Mr. Snyder drove as he always did, slowly and safely. He was taking all precautions not to bring attention to himself, especially now. There was no way he would do anything to get pulled over with his prize located in the trunk of his car. Soon he'd have his girl home and get her ready to accept her new life with him.

His interest in Buffy had mostly to do with her resemblance to his late wife, Gladys. She died three years ago, leaving him alone and wishing she was still with him here on earth. The more he'd see Buffy at school the more he'd come to realize how much she looked like his late wife at that age. The more time he spent around her, the more he came to think of her as his second chance to have his Gladys back with him. He smiled when he recognized his home as he turned into the driveway.

*******

Detective Gunn arrived on the scene once he received the call about Buffy with a plan already in place. As soon as Angel had told him what Warren had said he was on his cell phone getting Principal Snyder's home address while he had another officer go over to the Summers' home to let them know what was happening. He knew now that his gut had been right that night when he felt whoever had abducted and killed the youngest daughter had also been after Buffy.

He made it a point to try and keep a close eye on her, and it broke his heart to see how her parents and the town were treating her. His wife, Fred, had even suggested getting family services involved and seeing if they could have Buffy stay with them. The parents behavior tried her usually soft spoken nature on a few occasions. Now he wished he'd listened to her.

"I want nothing about this on the scanner, not even the trip to the Summers' home. All communications will be done by phone. He could have a scanner and I don't want to alert him to what's going on. I already had the ambulance report over the radio that the victim was dead on arrival. They are keeping close contact with the hospital on the phone and Dr. Walsh is keeping everything quiet in the ED."

Milo Snyder tenderly rubbed the trunk of his car, thinking about the prize locked inside it. Again he'd pulled it off. He'd heard on the scanner the gunshot victim outside The Bronze had died before they'd got there. The police were babbling about collecting evidence and having no one to get any statements from, thus allowing him to enjoy his greatest accomplishment. Grateful his prize was still deeply sedated he went to unlock the door leading to his house. Every thing was still as he had it two years ago when he planned to bring her here.

He had fixed a room just for her. On the outside the windows looked normal, while the bars on the inside were hidden from view. The bedroom door was heavy security steel with double deadbolt locks. The room itself was all different shades of pink and the bedding and curtains were in a rose floral print.

Everything was in the room that she would need, including a full bathroom located off to the right. It too had all the things a woman needed to make herself presentable to her man. He picked up the set of rings he had made for them, having cheated by getting her ring size from the order form for her senor ring. It helped him to be able to fit the ring before bringing her here.

"No need for a preacher, for God will be our witness." He closed his eyes as he said the words. "She will be mine."

He made his way over to the bed and pulled down the sheets so he could make sure he'd be able to cover her. Then he set about getting her night clothes ready. Stepping back he felt it was time to bring his woman to her new home. In time he knew she'd come to accept her place beside him. Then they would move to a place no one knew them, and live happily ever after. The only thing needed was a washcloth so he would wash the sinner's face off his sweet girl.

He walked quickly back to the car to retrieve his prize, relieved she hadn't awakened as of yet. When she was sleeping she reminded him of the time she was all innocence and pure. It was something he'd fix right away, for he knew she was still a virgin. He made sure she made it home safe every night.

"Come, my dove. It's time to clean you up and prepare you for a better life." He spoke softly as he lifted her from the car and into her new home.

*******

Dru was crying and Hank was yelling as Joyce tried to calm them both down. Dru was rambling something about Buffy being scantly dressed and dancing like one of the girls at Willie's men club. Something about Spike and Buffy that she couldn't make any sense out of. All she knew was that Hank was threatening to kick Buffy out, and saying he was sick of her behavior.

"Would you both please calm down and tell me what is going on." Joyce demanded firmly, causing both father and daughter to stare at her strangely.

"Your daughter it would seem has tried to seduce Spike." Hank came out and said. "I'm done with her, Joyce. Its time we sent her away to school."

"Send her away. Listen to yourself, Hank. She is the way she is because we've pushed her away. Can't you see that?" Joyce tried to make him understand, what Ethan explained to her earlier that day.

"She's the reason Dawn is dead." Hank snarled, "How do you forgive something like that."

"She was fifteen years old, Hank. Buffy was a mere child herself and we've been treating her like she was an adult. She was a teenager; our daughter and we have been treating her like a stranger. I think we've forgotten we had three daughters, and focused only on one. We never realized the pain, anger, and responsibility we've held her up against. We only focused on how Dawn's death affected us, we never stepped back to see how it was allowing us to push her away when we should've have been pulling her closer. If we lose her, we have no one to blame but ourselves."

"What hog wash have you been listening too. Watching Oprah again?" Hank asked her snidely.

"No, it took a stranger seeing what wewere doing to our own flesh and blood." Joyce defended herself, as she continued, "I can't lose another daughter Hank, not when this time I can do something about it. Yes, Dawn is dead, but it wasn't Buffy who killed her."

Before Hank could respond the doorbell sounded. "I bet it's the police bringing our slut of a daughter home."

"Honestly, Hank, that's enough." She reprimanded him as she went to answer the door.

Dru sat back and bit her lip to keep from smiling. Soon, she'd have her father all to herself. She was sure Joyce and her father wouldn't be able to stay together much longer. Especially if her dear stepmother found out about the affair daddy dearest was having with his secretary. He never should have left her mother, and then she'd never been exposed to the life she had. She would've had the nice safe childhood her half sisters stole from her.

Joyce opened the door and noticed the two officers standing there looking all anxious. She opened the screen door and asked, "Can we help you, officers?"

"Mrs. Summers, I'm detective Lindsey MacDonald and this is my partner, Lilah Morgan. Can we, please, come in?"

Joyce felt her world spinning as she called for her husband, "Hank, honey. Its something bad I just know it."

Hank hurried to the door noticing how upset his wife was becoming. He pulled her to him as he asked, "What is it? What's happened?"

"Please,sir, can we come in?" Lilah asked, "We do need to speak with you concerning your daughter, Buffy."

"What has she done now?" Hank asked, with a disgusted look on his face.

"Mr. Summers, she hasn't done anything wrong." Lindsey assured them.

Hank assisted Joyce out of the way so the officers could enter. Once the door was closed he kept his arm around his wife as he directed her over toward the couch. It felt like déjà vu. This was how it all started 18 months ago, with the police coming to tell them they'd found their youngest daughter.

"This isn't ever easy." Lilah started off, as soon as Mr. Summers sat down next to his wife. She noticed how the present daughter seemed more curious then upset that they were even there.

"Buffy was kidnapped from The Bronze tonight and we have reason to suspect it is the same person who kidnapped and killed Dawn." Lindsey came out and said, he too was watching the oldest daughter's reaction.

"Oh, God….no, not again." Joyce broke down becoming hysterical as she clutched onto her husband. "We've messed up Hank, she'll die thinking we don't love her. How could we have been so heartless to our own daughter?"

Hank felt the fear in his chest that Joyce's greatest fear would come true. Why did it take something so tragic to make you realize your mistakes? He once prided himself at being a great dad. At this moment he was nowhere close to being worthy of being called father. He could hear Buffy's voice when back in the day she'd call him daddy and it made him the happiest man on earth. In his eyes until that dreadful day, she'd been the apple of his eye. His real firstborn having been at her birth and cut the cord, unlike when Drusilla didn't come into his life until she was fourteen years old.

"We'll get her back, Joy…don't worry. We'll get her back." Hank said trying to reassure her, the best that he could. Praying to God, telling the higher power he'd do anything he wanted as long as Buffy was returned to them safe and sound. "Do you have any leads?"

"Yes, someone saw who took her and we are doing our best to safely get her back." Lilah answered, as she watched as the daughter stood and move over to comfort her parents.

Officer Morgan looked over at her partner and tilted her head toward the other side of the room. She wanted to give them some privacy, and also get a chance to watch the girl more without her knowing it.

"She spooks me." Lindsey whispered.

"You think she's acting strange too?"

"Honestly, I think she's faking it." Lindsey answered, "You know me, I know when a woman is sincere or not."

"True, if anyone would know it would be you." Lilah teased, "I'm going to see if there's anything new happening."

"Okay, darlin'."

Drusilla felt like throwing up as she listened to her father and that woman prattle on about getting their Buffy back. She hoped the chit met a final end, and more horrific the better. Then next she'd sit back and watch the marriage crumble, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her father's life. Time was a bitch is all she could think, as she waited, praying the next call would be that Buffy Summers was dead.

*******

Spike waited for his uncle to answer his phone, praying he had a good versus bad reason for him to come tonight. Bad reason meant he lost the one he wanted to save. Good meant Buffy was alive and would need his uncle's services.

"William, you know I've never had you call me this much since you learned to dial the phone." Ethan greeted him, sounding amused. "She indeed must be a special young lady for me to warrant all these calls."

Spike found it hard to speak at first as he whispered his uncle's name, "Ethan."

"Will, what's wrong?" Ethan asked, suddenly concerned at hearing the fear in his nephew's voice. "Talk to me, my boy."

"She's in danger."

"Buffy?"

"Yes, he's taken her. We're trying to find out where he's taken her." Spike answered, finding it easier to talk about it now.

"I'm on my way. Call me when you have an exact location. I want to be the first one who sees her, if that is at all possible." Ethan instructed him, "Tell the police, I'm officially on the case and will be there as soon as I can."

"I will, drive safe."

"Who say's I'm driving. It's good to have connections, dear boy. I will be there in less than an hour." Ethan assured him before hanging up.

Spike looked over at the detective and said, "My uncle says he's on the case and will be here within the hour."

"On the case? Who is your uncle?"

"Ethan Rayne."

"Wow, he's done some great work with the department. He came in for the crisis debriefing after the Summers' murder. I hear he's pretty popular with the crime victims unit, especially with survivors and the families of those who lost their loved ones violently."

"Yeah, he's great. He wants to be the first one to see her if possible."

Charles Gunn looked over with a determined look on his face and said, "We'll make it possible."

Spike nodded his head as he prayed he'd have a chance to see her smile a real smile. Have it reach her eyes and light up her face. Something told him her smile would make all his troubles go away once she bestowed it upon him. He couldn't wait to hear her laugh, and he promised himself one day he'd hear it with his own ears, live, and in person.

*******

Snyder tucked the covers up around her shoulders, having washed the filthy make up off her face. Her skin now stripped of the grease and color, gave her the appearance of the pure innocent he believed his girl to be.

His Gladys had been a virgin in their marriage bed, and he really had faith Buffy would be one too. He'd removed the whorish outfit and dressed her in the fresh new nightgown. It was made of beige silk with a lacey portion that fit perfectly across her breasts. It was nothing too provocative, but still racy just like his wife liked her gowns to be.

She would be awake soon, and then he'd tell her of their plans. Down deep inside he truly believed he had the woman he loved back in his life now. This time they'd have kids and build a future family together. But that would have to wait for when they could leave this town and live their lives untouched by anyone here. They'd both get a chance to start over, but together.

*******

Spike stood with the rest of Buffy's friends as they waited to hear anything. The soft touch of a hand taking his calmed his nerves a bit. He looked over to see Darla giving him a reassuring smile as she said, "Our Buffy is fighter."

"That she is." Angel agreed. "And I promise to beat her ass good for scaring us this bad."

"You always say that and have yet to do it." Darla snorted as she told Spike with a wink and a teasing smile. "She's like sister to him and so he treats her like Faith…yell, threaten, but no follow through with the beating action. He would hug her, but he's afraid she would bite his head off."

"She's not used to getting hugs anymore." Faith sighed.

"Well, I guess she best get used to them then." Anya informed them as she joined the group with her boss, Rupert Giles, behind her. "Cause I say we drown her in them when we get her back."

"I second that motion." Faith voiced her vote.

"I third it." Angel rendered his decision.

"So it's a Jenkins’ decree. Buffy is officially a Jenkins from this day forth." Anya declared as she hugged her younger sister. "Now, fill me in on everything, and don't forget to tell me who the sexy blonde guy is."

"He's interested in our Buffy." Darla replied with a sneaky smile after bringing her up to speed about what was going on concerning Spike.

Anya stepped away from Faith so she could get a better look at the man. She liked what she saw, and prided herself on judging a person and found him passing muster. "You treat her like a goddess, and you'll do fine."

Spike nodded his head as he looked at the people standing around him. He liked the people here and they seemed to really care about Buffy and that was all that mattered. The banter back and forth between them spoke of love, hope, and faith that they believed their friend would be returned to them.

"I bet he's the bastard that killed Dawn." Anya spoke up suddenly, with fear and pain laced through her voice, and then vowed, "I will skin the bastard alive if he did."

"Anya, calm yourself, please." Giles realized she was getting upset over this.

"No, Giles, you don't understand. If he is the one, and it was Buffy he wanted all along, it will break her. I just know it." Anya cried as she hugged her sister. "Even if the truth comes out, they will see it as her fault."

Giles wrapped his arms around both women and pulled them close saying, "We will be there to make sure she gets through this."

"The truth? What truth are you talking about?" Gunn asked, having joined them.

Spike gently placed his finger over Anya's lips and said, "Let me, okay?" Removing his finger when she nodded her head he decided to ask.

"The question I have sir, is did anyone ask Buffy if she left her sister alone that night?" Spike asked, seeing a look of confusion come over the detective's face, and an understanding blossom on Faith and Anya's.

"Or did everyone assume she had and never asked that one simple question?"

Charles Gunn looked perplexed as he tried to remember if he'd asked her if she had or not. Trying to find the importance of the question, it hit him. He felt like such an idiot when he realized he hadn't asked it, assuming as the young man had said that she had left her sister alone.

"I can only vouch for myself and say I hadn't." He answered, "And by you asking me now I'm getting the idea it was a very important question to have been asked."

"She told me that Dru was home when she left the house, and that the bitch knew Buffy had gone to Willow's." Faith said as she started to cry harder.

"Why didn't she say anything?" Gunn asked.

"She didn't think anyone would believe her, since no one cared enough to ask." Anya tearfully informed him what Buffy had said to her. "I was able to get her to tell me one night what had really happened. To think she might not be able to right that wrong breaks my heart."

"In her statement Dru said she was with Angel that night." Gunn said as he looked over at Angel.

"She was with me earlier that night and then we got into a fight and she left. I didn't see her again until after the funeral." Angel said, with a touch of anger. "Sorry, I won't be her alibi. I wish I knew sooner she'd used me."

"You didn't know?" Gunn asked.

"No, you see we broke up that night." Angel explained, "Me and Darla got back together right after that."

"I guess we have a slight problem then with a few details that we'll need to fix." Gunn said as his phone rang. "Gunn here. Great, let's move quickly and quietly. Call SWAT, and no one, and I mean no one moves until I get there. I have some information that might be important so don't do anything."

Spike's heart felt like it skipped a beat just now, hearing the word SWAT. He knew then where he needed to be and that was with the police when they found Buffy. The urge to be there when they rescued her wouldn't go away.

"Please, can I come with you?" Spike asked, "I will call my uncle with the location."

"I can see I won't stop you from finding a way to get there, will I?" Gunn asked.

"No." Spike answered.

"Only you, no one else." The detective ordered, "The rest of you can wait at home or somewhere safe."

"How about the hospital?" Anya asked.

"Sure, but don't cause any trouble and don't talk to anyone." Gunn told them.

"We promise to be good." Anya promised as she gathered the others and then leaned over and took Spike's hand. "I'm trusting you with our girl. You take care of her and let her know we're waiting for her."

Spike leaned in and softly kissed her cheek, "I cross my heart without all the death and needles."

"I knew I liked you." She giggled through the tears.

Darla watched as Spike and the detective walk toward the unmarked police car. She made sure he was out of hearing range when she looked at Angel and reminded him of something she said the other day. "Someone will tame our Buffy, and I think his name is Spike."

Angel smiled as he hugged his woman close and say, "I love ya, girl, and I hope you're right."

"I am…he's going to be the doctor in the family." She told him as she gave Anya and Faith a thumb's up.

Giles cleared his throat and asked, "Do we take one car or do we drive separately and meet in the emergency waiting area?"

"We meet." Angel replied as he looked around and noticed Lorne talking with one of the officers. "Hey Lorne, we're heading over to the ER, want to join us?"

Lorne smiled as he yelled back, "Meet you there, I'll grab shortcake’s bag so I can give it to her."

"Good idea, see ya there."

*******

Joyce sat staring blankly into space trying to think of why this was happening to them. Why had God forsaken them like this? Was he doing this to punish her for failing to be there for Dawn or Buffy when they needed their mother the most? The suspense was playing havoc with her nerves, and it was making her think about these things over and over again.

"When will we know anything?" Joyce asked the officers, trying to appease her need to know what was being done to save Buffy.

"They will call us with any updates." Lilah assured the worried mother, wishing she did have more information to make everything okay for them.

"This will take some time I'm sure. But, at least we know who we're looking for." Lindsey explained.

"Then tell me who did this?" Hank demanded.

"We, ourselves, don't know for sure." Lilah told him, "I think it's for the best, Mr. Summers. We really don't need to be looking for you at the same time. It would really cut into the man power we need to search for your daughter." The female officer warned him, sensing the man was one that would feel the need for revenge.

Lindsey could feel the violent anger radiating off this man. He was sure if they were to tell him who had his daughter, the man would be unstoppable. The one thing Officer MacDonald knew without a doubt was the fact he would kill anyone that harmed one of his children. He prayed someone would be as insightful and do everything in their power to protect him from destroying himself that way.

"Mr. Summers, I think the best thing you can do right now is trust we will do our very best to bring her home to you." Lindsey said, hoping he'd reach the rational man inside.

"I lost one daughter to this madman, and you couldn't find him. Now you're asking me to trust you to save my other daughter. That's a lot to ask." Hank ranted, feeling a need to take some of his anger out on someone.

"Hank, please calm down." Joyce begged.

"Calm down, I'm supposed to calm down." He replied, as he glared at his wife.

"It won't do Buffy any good if you get yourself so worked up that she thinks you're still angry with her." Joyce tried to explain. "We need to concentrate on how we are going to convince our daughter we still love her."

Hank gazed at his wife suddenly with tears in his eyes. "Joyce, tell me we're going to get a chance to ask for her forgiveness."

"I pray we will, Hank, more for her sake than ours."

The officers stood back as Buffy's parents hugged each other. One wondered if God would be so unmerciful and take away another daughter from these people. The other wondered if the fractured family would be like humpty dumpty, and never be put back together again.

*******

Dru unknowingly sat in the same place as Buffy had on the night their parents had comforted Dru over Dawn's death. She was starting to feel like her world was about to change…yet again.

She could still remember the day her mother died from the wounds she'd inflicted upon herself. Abigail Swanson had been mentally disabled since right after her daughter's twelfth birthday. It had taken six attempts in two years before she was successful in taking her own life.

It was on the day of her mother's funeral she found out who her father was. The woman couldn't have told her while she was alive. Instead, it was left to her uncaring grandmother, as the old witch handed a airplane ticket to America to Dru with a look of relief on her face. It would seem her mother had dallied, to hear her grandmother tell it, with an American Naval Officer during his time there. He left before her mother found out she was expecting, and she was too proud to let the man responsible know she was pregnant.

When Hank and Joyce had picked her up at the airport all anxious and afraid, it had made her angry. Then came the testing to make sure she was in fact his daughter. The fact Hank had two younger daughters he doted on, put up an instant barrier between her and her siblings. She'd always felt like it was a competition between them for their father's attention and the two brats had years ahead of her that she would never be able to catch up.

Dru knew that a battle of the ‘she said this and she did that' was inevitable if Buffy came home capable of coherent speech. She also knew that the time had come where her father would have to choose. Either he'd believe her, his true firstborn, or the one that stole her father's love from her.

*******

Spike stepped to the side and quietly listened as the important people talked about how they were going to handle this. Police and city officials had gathered a block away from Snyder's house to make plans. Even Sunnydale's mayor was present, all dressed neatly in his three piece suit.

"I'm just saying, we don't know for sure he has her at all, let alone in his home." Lt. Holtz offered.

"I agree. How sure are you that Meers told you the truth? He could've killed her himself and put her in the garbage bin behind that damn club." Mayor Wilkins replied, finding it hard to believe the High School principal and his golfing buddy could be capable of something like this.

"It would be hard for Warren to shoot himself at such an angle." Gunn explained. "But you are right that we do need to make sure Snyder does have Buffy."

"How do we do it, without making him suspicious or upset and possibly killing her and himself in the process?" Holtz asked.

"It wouldn't be unusual for me to call him and ask if he'd help in searching for one of his students." Wilkins offered. "Then maybe while he's away you can look for her inside his house."

"I think that might work, as long as he goes along with it and leaves." Gunn agreed, realizing they'd need a back up if he refused to leave his house.

Spike stepped up and offered, "You could say she's disappeared, leaving her things behind. There was another man harassing her at the club tonight. You could tell him you suspect this man of making her leave against her will, and you are trying to find him."

"Do you know who this other man is?" Holtz asked.

"No, but Faith would." Spike replied, "I have Angel's cell phone number, we could call."

"Good, you call him and find out who was bothering Buffy." Gunn instructed Spike, as he turned to toward Holtz and said, "Still, prepare your men in case we need to go in fast and furious. I will do everything in my power to get her out of this alive."

"Police Chief Travers is on the line and wants an update." One of officers handed Gunn the two way radio. "We patched him through."

Gunn took the radio and updated his boss on what the plans were so far. Travers was in Chicago for a law enforcement conference and would not be able to get back home in time to handle the situation.. Until he got back into town he'd put Gunn in charge of the operation on finding Miss Buffy Summers.

Both Spike and Gunn hung up at the same time with Gunn asking, "Did you get a name?"

"Parker is the guy." Spike answered.

"Good, now Mayor please go on back home and call Snyder from there. I'm sure he has caller ID and might get suspicious if it's not from your home number." Gunn told him as he turned to the others and gave them all instructions as well. He wanted to make sure they moved quickly as soon as the suspect exited the house. Travers had instructed him to take the man down as soon as he walked out of his house.

"Are we going to arrest him right there and then?" Wilkins' asked, feeling a bit uneasy with this plan. "What if he is innocent?"

"We will not take any chances on giving him a hostage." Gunn explained. "As far as the Chief is concerned, Snyder is a suspect and is to be treated as such."

"I guess I will go and make my phone call." The Mayor sighed, as he left to get in his car.

Gunn then turned to Spike and said, "Your uncle will be here any minute."

Spike nodded, feeling the need to see his uncle right now. He kept telling himself everything would be okay, while deep down he feared he'd never see Buffy alive again. The thought of losing his parents and his Aunt Julia's coma reminded him that bad things do happen, and not always for a reason. He sat back and waited for the one constant in his life to join him, feeling thankful the man was still in his life.

*******

Buffy felt like she was floating she was so lightheaded. To be honest, she wasn't even sure if she was awake or dreaming. She felt warm and comfortable, but for some reason it just didn't feel right. Opening her eyes she noticed she was in a strange room, softly lit with a small lamp on the bedside table.

Quietly she surveyed the room, not wanting to make any sound, still wondering if she was indeed not dreaming. Slowly she sat up and looked further around the room, wondering what could've happened to her. Then she remembered, walking out of the Bronze because Parker had pissed her off, only to have someone accost her in the alley.

"Not just anyone." She thought as she looked down and noticed she was wearing a sexy silk nightie.

Buffy felt the fear start to take over when she realized she was truly awake and this was really happening to her. Snyder, unless he had someone else do it, had undressed her and put this gown on her. He'd seen her naked, totally, and it was starting to freak her out.

"Did he touch places he shouldn't have?" She could help but worry and ask herself as she started to panic at the thought of him touching her like that.

Looking around trying to distract herself and remain calm, she noticed what looked to be a baby monitor on the dresser. Buffy bit her lip to keep from saying something that would alert him she was awake. She looked around for a weapon and at the same time for something like a robe of some kind. Leaning toward the bedside table she tried to lift the lamp, only to find it was nailed to the table.

"Damn." She said inside her head as she further looked around to see if there was anything else she could use to hit him with.

Carefully she pushed the covers away as she sat at the side of the bed. Feeling dizzy when she sat up she took a moment to compose herself. Thinking it wouldn't do her any good if she fainted on the floor, since she'd again be at his mercy while she was unconscious.

After a few seconds the dizziness passed and she slowly stood up. Looking down and seeing the gown made her very uncomfortable thinking how she came to be wearing it. Hoping to find something to wear over it she carefully started to walk toward what she thought to be a closet. She hoped there would be something more concealing she could wear located there.

Buffy tiptoed, trying not to make any noise that would attract his attention to the monitor. She knew he could walk in any time, but didn't want to be the reason he did. A voice inside her head kept telling her he was the one that hurt Dawn, but kept pushing it back. The last thing she wanted to face was that she was the reason her sister was dead. Her main goal right now was to get away.

Quietly she opened the closet door only to be disappointed it was empty. Not even her old dirty clothes were there. She turned and silently made her way over to the tall chest of drawers. Opening the drawers slowly and only enough to peak in, she noticed some were empty while the others only had more gowns as revealing as this one.

The last place for her to look was the dresser that had the monitor located on top of it. She was worried he'd hear her snooping around by going so close to the monitor. But, she needed to try. Buffy wanted her cell phone so bad, she almost cried. The first person she would call would be Spike. She knew, other than Angel and Lorne, he was the only other male she knew who'd be sure to come to her rescue. But it was Spike who she wanted to find her.

Just the thought of him made her smile, knowing he'd come for her in a heartbeat. Until now, she never realized how much she wanted to live. She just wanted, more like needed, to get out of this town and start over somewhere new. Somewhere people would accept her and not believe the lies.


Buffy returned to the bed, happy she hadn't been discovered awake, but disappointed she hadn't found what she was looking for. The drawers in the dresser were empty of anything to wear or use as a weapon. Lying down on the bed she pulled the blankets back over her, feeling some relief of being able to hide her scantly covered body for now. She dreaded facing him dressed like this because it made her feel vulnerable. But she needed to know why he was doing this to her.

*******

Snyder stood in the kitchen making himself a sandwich while he listened to the baby monitor on the counter. He was using it to hear when his girl woke up. The sudden ringing of the phone almost made him drop the knife out of his hand. He looked at the clock and wondered who'd be calling him at this time of night. It was highly unlikely to be a teacher calling in ill since it was only Saturday night.

"Hello." He said as he recognized the Mayor’s home number on his caller ID and wondered if Wilkins was calling to go golfing tomorrow
recognizing the Mayor's home number on the caller ID.

"Milo, thank God you're home. We have a situation and I was wondering if you could give us hand."

"What's going on, Frank?"

"They think that punk Parker has kidnapped Buffy Summers and we need help in looking for them." The Mayor went on to explain, "I want to get this over and done quickly. We can't afford another scandal. You know we still haven't fully recovered from the Dawn Summers incident."

Snyder knew he couldn't refuse to assist them. It wouldn't look right for the Principal not to help locate a missing student. Deciding quickly he agreed, "Tell me where to meet you."

He thought she'd be safe locked in her room for a few hours since no one would hear her screaming, and there was no way she'd be able to get out of the secured room. He knew she was his and no one would ever think him responsible for her disappearance.

"Everyone is meeting up at the Bronze." Wilkins told him and then offered, "Do you want me to pick you up?"

"No, I'll meet you there." Snyder replied, not wanting the man coming anywhere near his home right now.

"I'm leaving now."

"Okay, I should be there in about ten minutes or so." Milo answered right before he hung up.

He quickly went to check on his sleeping beauty to make sure she was okay before he left. Barely opening the door all the way he was able to see her curled up on the bed still sleeping. Inside he was laughing and doing a bit of crowing that he finally had her safely where she belonged. He'd done it all right under their noses, and he'd go out and play the worried authority figure for now.

Buffy lay calmly under the covers, praying he wouldn't step inside the room. She'd heard the key in the door and managed to close her eyes and assume the sleeping position before he opened the door. Her heart was racing with fear that he'd come in the room as she lay there pretending to sleep. Tears of relief started forming when the door closed and she realized she was again alone and safe for now.

*******

Spike watched as a car pull up and his uncle quickly exit the vehicle. He could see the concern for him on Ethan's face. His uncle's love was the one thing in life he knew he could always depend on. It was a hard lesson he had learned but grateful for it all the same. If it wasn't for this man approaching him right now, he didn't know where he'd be in his life at this time.

"William, is there any change?" Ethan asked as he came face to face with his nephew, and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder in a show of support.

"They have a plan." William told him. "Come on and I'll take you to meet Detective Gunn. He's running things. Mr. Snyder's house is further down the street and we're using one of the officer's house right now."

"You know I will do everything in my power to help her." Ethan promised.

"I know you will." Spike assured him. "Right now I just need her to be safe and out of harms way."

"Then let's go and see about doing just that." Ethan said as he gave his nephew's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before letting him go.

Charles Gunn reached out his hand in greeting, "Dr. Rayne, I'm glad you're with us today."

"As am I, Detective Gunn." Ethan said, having recognized him from his few trips here since the tragedy with the youngest Summers girl. "Can you tell me anything that might be of use?"

"Not really sir, other than the Mayor is going to try and get the suspect out of the house willingly." Gunn explained. "I'm sure he's cocky enough to believe we don't suspect him."

"Being the authority figure he is, I'd have to agree."

"We are ready to get into position." Lt. Holtz came up to inform them.

"Holtz, this is Dr. Rayne. He's to be the first one to approach Miss Summers when we apprehend Mr. Snyder." Gunn explained.

"Glad to have you aboard, Doc." Holtz acknowledged him, and then said, "If you come with me, I will make sure you are able to get to the girl first."

"Thank you, Lt." he said and then asked, "Do you have any idea why he has taken her?"

"None." Gunn replied.

"Do you suspect he's Dawn's killer?" Ethan asked.

"Not sure, but since he’s taken Buffy I find it too much of a coincidence to not think he did." Gunn replied."

"I tend to agree." Ethan sighed, as he hoped this plan of theirs worked.

By the profile it should, since this Mr. Snyder seemed very intelligent and methodical in his thinking. It was only by happenstance that someone had witnessed and survived to tell who had in fact taken Miss Summers that brought them to his door. Ethan prayed that the fates continued to work in the young girl's favor.

"We should really get into position; the Mayor should be walking in his front door as we speak." Holtz suggested, wanting to make sure they were in place to take the man down safely. "I will tell you now he is to be treated as armed and dangerous. The first sign we get we will take him down."

"I agree, Holtz. Don't take any chances as long as the girl is safe." Gunn agreed.

"If that be the case, I will have my best man on the job." The Lt. reassured the detective in charge.

"Then I say we get a move on." Gunn ordered, "Dr. Rayne, stay close to Lt. Holtz, and I know I don't really have to say this, but be safe."

"I will do as the Lt. says." Ethan replied as he turned to his nephew and assured him. "I will take very good care of her, my boy. You have my promise."

Spike nodded as he watched his uncle leave with the SWAT commander. He knew Ethan would keep his word and if given the opportunity he'd bring Buffy out safe and sound. In his heart he also knew that she'd need someone like his uncle to help her through all of this when it was over.

"I'm heading over to the Bronze now, they will keep me informed." Gunn told the young man, "I have a good feeling here. I think we're going to find her alive."

"I hope you're right, Mr. Gunn." Spike told him as he stepped back and watched the detective run down the street to his car.

Spike felt that Joyce would do her best for her daughter; it was Hank he was worried about. Spike wondered if now that there was an actual person to lay blame for Dawn's death, Buffy's father might be able to let go of his animosity toward his middle daughter. He also knew if this broke the family apart completely, it would be something more that would lay heavy on Buffy's conscience.

He knew the Jenkins would play a big role in Buffy's recovery. He'd make sure his uncle was made fully aware of them and make sure to involve them in Buffy's therapy. He wasn't sure yet how he'd be able to swing it, but he'd make sure she was okay too. She'd know he was behind her one hundred percent.

*******

Buffy quietly moved about the room taking a better look around. Finding the window was not real, almost made her scream in frustration. Going over and finding the door was made of steel, and that she couldn't hear a damn thing happening on the other side slowly killed any hope she had of escaping.

The more she thought about his hands touching her skin intimately, the dirtier she started to feel. She was afraid to shower since she thought he'd hear the water running and she was afraid to empty her bladder, thinking he might even hear her pee. The fear was starting to consume her, and the anxiety of it all was starting to play with her mind. She wished he would just come in and do whatever it was he intended and get it over with.

Feeling dejected and downfallen she crept back toward the bed. A chill ran up her spine that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room as she slipped back under the blankets. She let her mind wander back to a happier time as she started to think about before Dawn had died. Remembering when she and her father would go to car shows, and watch scary movies together. How she and her mother would laugh at her attempts to make cookies. Thinking back to when Dawn would sneak in her room and crawl in bed with her because of the monsters inside the closet or under the bed in her room.

Buffy wondered if her parents would think of those times one day. The thought that her parents wouldn't miss her made her chest feel tight and caused the tears to fall down her cheeks. She knew Dru wouldn't care if she died, thinking the bitch would most likely dance in her blood if given the chance. She'd loved Dru unconditionally up until the day Dawn died, and she lied about being the one to leave their sister alone in the house. Until that day, she never knew that Dru never really cared for her, and most likely didn't like Dawn either.

"Please God, save me from this hell." Buffy silently prayed, as she quietly cried herself to sleep.

*******

Buffy woke to the sound of the key turning in the lock. She tried to pretend to be asleep, but knew she was doing a poor job of it. The moment he said her name the jig was up, he knew she was really awake.

"It's really not nice to play possum." He told her.

"Why are you doing this?" She asked him, without opening her eyes, not wanting to see him.

"Because you remind me of her, and now you belong to me." He answered.

"Who do I remind you of?" Buffy asked, still avoiding looking at him.

"My wife, Gladys, you look like she did at your age. More so, when you had the darker hair, but that is something we can work on." He told her.

"Where's Gladys, and why am I here and she's not?" Buffy asked, worried he might have killed his wife as well.

"She died of cancer two years ago, right before I moved here." He explained, "and then I saw you, and I knew you were my Gladys brought back to me."

"I want to go home and I'm not your wife." She told him, while keeping her eyes shut, not wanting to see his face and hoping she was dreaming.

"You are home now." He replied, noticing she never opened her eyes. "I hope you get over not wanting to be here when I return. I won't tolerate you not looking at me the next time we meet."

"You can't make me look at you."

"No, but I can make those you care about suffer for it." He hinted, "You will be responsible for what happens to them, just like you're responsible for your sister's death. She'd still be alive today if you'd been home that night like you were supposed to be."

"You killed Dawn because I wasn't home?" Buffy asked still shocked at hearing him say what she was afraid of out loud.

"You had to be punished for your insolence. You have until the morning to come to terms with the fact that we will be together as man and wife, until death do us part. I've been keeping tabs on you, Buffy. I know who you care about and I wonder if I should start with Faith or Anya." He threatened her easily.
"I promise I'll try, I really will." She begged, as she felt something inside her crack. "Just don't hurt anyone else because of me."

"Then welcome me as your husband after we say our vows in the morning." He replied, as he added, "I'm going to bed now, so be a good girl and don't do anything you'll come to regret. The room is sound proof, so no one can hear you scream."

Buffy nodded her head as the tears fought for freedom, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She refused to give up hope that someone would find her, feeling confident that Faith, Anya, and Angel would look for her, as would Lorne. The bartender knew she'd never leave her belongings there and he'd make sure Angel knew it. The feeling that Spike would also look if he found out she was missing entered her thoughts.

"Goodnight, my sweet one." Snyder said, and was surprised to her whisper back, "Goodnight."

He quickly left the room, knowing he had to hurry and meet up with Wilkins and play the concerned authority figure. It would've been fun to see her face when he told her that, but then again he didn't want to chance her trying to escape and hurting herself.

Buffy gave in to the tears once she heard the key turn in the lock, telling her he was gone for now. She'd face tomorrow when it came, but for now she let her fear and guilt overshadow the decision she'd have to make come morning. All she could think about was why she had to go to Willow's that night. Dawn would be alive, if only she'd been home as he had wanted her to be. Believing this was something more her parents would hate her for.

*******

Ethan sat back and watched as Mr. Snyder backed out of his garage, taking notice how the man surveyed the area longer than necessary before driving off. It appeared that the plan worked as Holtz and a few of his men quickly started working on getting into the man's home.

He joined them just as one of the men said, "Wow, this system is very high-tech for a high school principal."

"Can you override it without alerting him we've accessed his house?" Holtz asked.

"You bet I can, just need a wee bit longer is all." Doyle boasted, as he started playing with his keypad. "I didn't say it was undoable, just very high tech for a man like Mr. Snyder."

"Good, but try and make it quick. I want in there pronto."

"You got it sir."

*******

Snyder shook off the feeling that something wasn't right as he continued to drive toward the Bronze. He knew he had to play his part in making people believe he wanted Buffy Summers found. It just didn’t feel right to leave her on her first night in her new home.

He noticed a large group of people standing in front of the Bronze when he drove up. No one from Buffy's group of friends or her family was present which made him suspicious that something wasn't right here.

Quickly he parked his car, taking a moment to compose himself before getting out and joining the others. He was sure after a few hours they'd call off the search so he could go home and rest before he would see his girl again.

"Mr. Snyder, how good of you to come. We can use all the manpower we can find for this one." Lt. Gunn thanked him, trying his best not to let his true feelings show.

"Any time, detective, the children are our future." He said, with tongue in cheek, knowing his future was at home waiting for him.

"You and the Mayor will be with me. We're going to start in the alley. Kate, you take the parking lot, and Ford, you take the field across the street. Then meet back here after you're done, or call on the radio if you find anything." Gunn instructed them, knowing in his heart Buffy was not going to be found anywhere around here as he again looked at the principal.

"Where are Miss Summers' friends and family?" Snyder asked.

"Her family is distraught so I had someone escort them home." Gunn told him, "and her friends took a few of my officers to check a few of Buffy's other hangouts."

"I hope we find the poor girl, the Summers family has been through enough already." Snyder managed to say with enough conviction that even Gunn started wondering if Warren had lied, or had been mistaken.

*******

"Alright, sir…alarm is taken care of." Doyle announced as he then began working on the lock to the back door. "Either the man is paranoid, or he's protecting something very valuable."

"Meaning?" Holtz asked.

"Not your ordinary locks, sir. These were made to make a man of my past nature give up and move on to the next house." Doyle told him, "Back when I was a wee young lad who knew no better, mind ya."

"Can you pick it?" Holtz asked as he shook his head at his best officer

"Yes, Lt. I can, just give me a…well there ya have it." Doyle chuckled as he moved on to the bolt lock. "This one will be a bit trickier I'm afraid."

"Do your best, but can you have it done before the suspect decides to return home?"

"I can do better than that." Doyle answered as he twirled the lock and opened the door. "Open sesame."

Holtz slipped in crouched with his gun pulled looking around the kitchen. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary as he said, "All clear, bring the doctor in."

Ethan found himself escorted into the house and noticed a how immaculate the kitchen was. Nothing was out of place, telling him the man was most likely a bit obsessive compulsive.

"Lt. Holtz, look what I found in the garage?" One of the officers' said, while holding up a garbage bag. "Didn't they say that Miss Summers' was wearing black leather pants and a red halter top?"

"Yes, they did." Holtz answered as he went over and looked in the bag. "Bingo, we have our guy."

"Lt. I found another locked security door here." Doyle called out from somewhere down the hallway.

"Open it carefully. If she's locked in there we don't want to scare her more then she already is." Ethan told the officer. "Please, when you do get it open, let me go in first."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Dr. Rayne." Holtz tried to reason with him.

"It is the best idea. I wish to be the first face she sees…no uniform, just someone who is here to help her." Ethan explained.

"Fine, Doyle don't enter the room, let Dr. Rayne handle it from there, but back him up. I need to call Gunn and let him know what we've found."

"Could you let my nephew know we've found her?" Ethan asked, "Bring him here and have him wait for us outside."

"Do you think that's wise? What if she's dead?" Holtz asked, wondering what was up with this guy.

"I have a feeling she's very much alive. I'm sure he wouldn't have brought her here to kill her. I have a feeling that is not what he wants. He planned all of this for a very long time, and I don't think he wishes her harm. If that was the case her clothes would not be so easily found, for he is too meticulous to let something like that slip through if he planned on killing her. No, he truly believes we won’t find her and feels he's gotten away with it. The only thing he hasn't considered was Warren's death was a lie, and that the one and only witness to his crime is still alive. It is the fact he thinks he's gotten away with kidnapping her that has kept Miss Summers alive." Ethan explained, "The only thing I haven't figured out yet, is why her, why did he want Miss Summers?"

"I will have your nephew out front with one of my men until we know for sure." Holtz compromised.

"Thank you." Ethan said as he went to join Doyle at the door.

Holtz pulled out his cell phone and dialed the acting supervisor to let him know what was happening. "Gunn, Snyder is our man. We found Miss Summers' clothes here and we are trying to get into a locked room where we think he is keeping her. You have enough grounds here to arrest the fuck before something happens and he gets away."

"Thank you Lt., I will mark that area off the list. If you'd be so kind to call Kate and let her know too since she planned on going there next." Gunn answered, as he watched their suspect help go through one of the dumpster's in the alley.

"I will be right there for back up, he could be armed. He did already shoot a man." Holtz offered. "I will call Kate and the others and let them know."

"Great I will talk to you soon then." Gunn replied as he hung up the phone.

"Any news, detective?" Mayor Wilkins asked.

"No, just Holtz reporting in that the other hang outs were a bust." Gunn reported as he moved closer to the mayor and said with a smile. "He's the one, I want you to walk away once you see Kate come to join us."

Wilkins knew how important this was as he put on his professional show of bravado as he nodded his head and moved on to finish looking. He made a point to move a head of them to distance himself from Snyder.

Snyder felt like something was going on he should be aware of. He looked at his watch, knew he hadn't spent enough time here and it would look suspicious if he left too soon. He felt a touch of fear and anxiety when he noticed one of the officers pick up the rag he used on Buffy earlier to render her unconscious.

"Detective Gunn, sir, I think I found something." He called.

Gunn snuck a peak at Snyder and knew they'd found something by the way the man tensed up. He walked over and looked at the rag and noticed a smudge of makeup on it. Leaning in and taking a small sniff he knew they'd found how Miss Summers was drugged.

"Bag and tag it for forensic to take a look at. Have someone look in the duffle bag Miss Summers left behind the bar for any makeup and have them compare it to what's on the rag." Gunn ordered the officer. "I think we just might have found something." He said as he looked around, but making sure he kept Snyder in sight at all times.

*******

She slept peacefully as she dreamed of better times. Dawn was making her laugh at her sister's childish humor. But after a time the theme of the dreams changed, as she started to toss and turn about in the bed. The fear and anxiety had found her even in her dreams.

"Come on, Pet."

"But, I might fall."

"I'll catch you, Luv. Remember, I'll always be there to catch you if you fall."

"Do you hear that?" She asked, hearing a scratching noise coming from behind her.

"Don't listen to it, just look at me. Come to me, Kitten."

"It's getting louder, Spike. What is it?"

"It's not important, baby…just keep coming, you're almost home." He told her. "I'm right here, Buffy, waiting for you."

She could see him standing before her, with his arms open wide for her. The noise behind her was getting louder and harder to ignore. The scenery around her reminded her of something she had seen once before. The large cavern was dark, and yet she should see Spike before her waiting. The old stone bridge she was crossing seemed familiar somehow and felt a sudden fear she'd fall if she looked down.

Buffy could no longer ignore the sound behind her and turned to see. Hearing Spike's voice calling to her not to look, it was more important that she kept walking toward him. But the curiosity won as she turned and faced her captor. The creature looked liked the demon from the cave in "The Fellowship of the Ring". Except he now wore the face of her school principal.

She watched as the long fiery whip just like the one the demon used on the Wizard, Gandalf came at her. The bridge started to crack under the demon's weight, and she could hear Spike yelling for her to run. Closing her eyes, knowing she'd never outrun the whip and feeling the sensation of falling as the bridge collapsed brought her out of her dream.

"Spike!" She called out as she sat up in bed, crying when she noticed the door to her prison start to open. "Please, God, no. It can't be morning yet."

*******

Gunn nodded his head toward Holtz and Kate, giving them the sign it was time to confront a madman. They'd cleared out the alley and only the three of them remained. The detective found a sense of closure knowing he'd be able to finally resolve Dawn Summers’ murder, and Buffy was found safe and alive.

Snyder noticed he was alone by the dumpster. Looking around he realized that Wilkins was no longer visible, only the police were present. His gut was telling him he'd somehow been found out, but there was no way he could have. Then he realized that maybe someone other than the drug dealing Warren had seen him.

"Mr. Snyder! Would you please step out of the dumpster?" Detective Gunn requested as he and the other two officers aimed their guns at him.

"What is going on here? Have you gone mad?" Snyder responded, wondering what had gone wrong.

"Warren didn't die like you thought. Before going into surgery he was able to tell us you had Buffy and then shot him." Gunn replied, keeping a close watch on the man in case he tried to pull something on them.

"You believe a drug dealing scum bag? Did you ever think to ask me? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?" Snyder yelled, feeling everything unraveling around him.

"Well, we decided to lure you out of your house and see what we could find. We found Buffy and she's safe now." Holtz told him.

"No!She's mine, damn you, mine." Snyder screamed as he reached behind him to pull out his gun. "I will kill all of you for this." He yelled.

Gun fire sounded as bullets riddled his body. All he felt was the first bullet, the other five entering his body never registered. Milo Snyder fell back into the garbage; his lifeless eyes remained open staring up at the night sky.

The three officers knew there was no way he could have lived, but they carefully approached the dumpster not wanting to take any chances. Neither of the three regretted their actions. Kate thought to herself that Buffy Summers would sleep better at night knowing her sister's killer and her abductor would never bother anyone again.

Gunn jumped into the dumpster and knelt beside the body. Reaching down he felt the man's neck, checking for a pulse. "Nothing here, place a call to the morgue. Tell them we are in need of their services."

"I'm on it." Kate replied as dialed the number on her cell phone.

"I'll call Doyle, so he can tell Dr. Rayne the news." Holtz spoke up. "I have to say, I was hoping he'd pull a weapon."

"Can't say I'm sorry he did." Kate agreed.

"I hate to say it, but I feel the same." Gunn added, "But this is the last time we say it out loud."

*******

Ethan waited patiently as the young man manipulated the lock. He knew Miss Summers was on the other side and hoped the bastard had not harmed her in any way. The thought of her facing her sister's probable killer alone made his heart ache for her. The chance he might have hurt her in any way made him worried how this would affect the closest thing he had to a son.

"Please do not open the door suddenly." Ethan instructed gently, "We do not need to frighten her any more then she already is."

"You're the boss, Doc." Doyle replied as he worked quickly to unlock the door.

Ethan closed his eyes, concentrating on the noises around him. There was a clock ticking somewhere off in the distance. The mumbling of the officers searching the rest of the hours was like whispers in the darkness. No one had turned on the lights, trying to keep everything quiet, and to avoid the neighbors becoming too suspicious. He wanted to be able to hear if she was awake, in pain, scared, or about to attack when they finally got the door opened.

"Okay, Doc, I'm ready to open the door." Doyle told him, and then offered, "Maybe you should do it?"

Ethan nodded as he opened his eyes stepping forward at the same time placing his hand around the door knob. "Please stay out here until I ask you to come in. I wish for her not to feel threatened or ashamed."

"Ashamed?" One of the other officer's asked.

"We're not aware of the condition he might have left her in." Ethan carefully explained. "I want this to be the least traumatic I can make it."

"You mean…raped her."

"Let's pray not," Rayne replied softly, but deadly, "for his sake."

Shushing those standing close, Ethan carefully opened the door, closing his eyes and concentrating on the sounds around him. He heard her call out his nephew's name and then saying something about it couldn't be morning yet. Pushing the door slowly open he made no attempt to enter the room, instead he called out her name.

"Buffy Summers, this is Ethan Rayne." He kept his voice calm and clear hoping she recognized his name as being Spike's uncle.

"Spike's uncle, the same him….who I'm meeting….tomorrow." Her voice soft and almost child like to his ears.

"The one and the same, my dear. May I come in?"

"Am I dreaming?" She asked, as she reached down and pinched herself, "Ouch! I guess that answered that question."

"No, you're not dreaming, and I'm here to take you home."

"Please, I want to get out of here." Buffy replied and wrapped the comforter around her as she slipped off the bed.

"I'm going to turn on the lights now."

"Okay." She answered and started to blink when the lights came on.

Looking around she wished they'd stayed off. Everywhere she looked there were pictures of her kidnapper. There were pictures of him posing alone, while others had her face manipulated to make it look like they were a couple. The room was elegantly done up, and a portrait was hung that someone had painted of them holding each other intimately.

Ethan slowly walked in and noticed the layout of the room, learning more about the abductor. Snyder wanted Buffy very much alive so she could remain with him. He could see the disgust, fear, and shock filter in her expressions. The room was enough to make him very uneasy, so he could imagine how much worse it must feel for her. He had to get her out of this room and away from this house.

"Is he dead?" Buffy asked.

"No, he's not."

"Is he here?"

"He's at the Bronze, helping the others search for you. It was a ruse to get him away from you." Ethan told her, giving her control with asking the questions for now.

"How did you know it was him?"

"There was a witness he hadn't foreseen." Ethan simply answered; thinking now was not the time to tell her about Warren.

"Can I call you Buffy?"

She looked at him with tears in her eyes as she nodded her head. It hit her all of a sudden that to go home would mean her parents would learn the truth about why Dawn died. It would give her parents another reason to hate her. But this time it would be more than she could bear, for it was the truth. She was the reason her sister was dead, all because she hadn't been home the night he came to for her.

"Buffy, you are not to blame here." He tried to tell her as he slowly moved toward her, seeing the telling emotions of guilt, pain, and fear cross her face. Only this time is was more intense.

"Yes, I am."

"We can discuss why you'd think that when we get out of here." He reasoned with her, giving her some control, and yet setting some limits. "Come with me."

Buffy looked up and him and saw that he had the same blue eyes as Spike and she relaxed. "I don't want to go home."

Ethan's smile was one of support as he said, "You don't have to go home. I'm sure we can arrange somewhere else for you to go instead."

"Somewhere he won't be able to find me."

"Buffy, the police are about to arrest him, put him behind bars."

"They'll lock him up for how long? I know it won't be forever, and I'll never feel safe as long as he's alive." She told him.

"You are safe with me, right here, right now. I will not let anything or anyone hurt you." He promised as he held out his hand toward her. "Let's get you somewhere you'll feel safe."

"Somewhere he won't find me if he gets away."

"I can get you a room at the hotel we were supposed to meet up at. I'm sure you have a friend you can ask to join you there." He offered, knowing she needed a neutral, safe haven for now.

"I can take Faith with me."

"Then let's get out of here, shall we, and give her a call." He suggested as he stepped back to give her room to pass.

Buffy moved cautiously to the doorway, feeling like at any moment she was going to wake up and find herself back in bed waiting for him to come for her. She stopped suddenly when she noticed the uniformed policemen standing on the other side waiting for her. She felt overwhelmed as she stepped back, unable to step any closer to them.

"Excuse me, Buffy. I will have them leave and give us some room." Ethan assured her as he walked past her to inform the officers kindly to move on about their business. "Gentlemen, please be so kind as to become a bit more inconspicuous. The lady does not need to feel so surrounded by testosterone at this moment."

He watched as the men scattered except for the one they called Doyle. He stood proudly and with such a tender look on his face as he asked, "I have some news for you, sir."

"Yes, Doyle, what is it?" Ethan asked.

Doyle leaned in so Buffy wouldn't hear, "You can tell her if you'd like, but Mr. Snyder is dead. He pulled his gun causing the others to draw and fire."

Ethan didn't even feel guilty as he said, "It might have been for the best. I will tell Buffy."

"Tell Buffy what?" She asked, having heard Ethan's part of the conversation.

"There is some news about Mr. Snyder." Ethan slowly turned to explain. "It would seem he pulled a gun while the police were trying to arrest him."

Buffy raised her hand to stop him and asked, "Would it make me an awful person to be relieved he's dead?"

"Actually, I think it might be normal to feel that way. I'm sure you will not be the only one getting their wish fulfilled by hearing this news." Ethan explained. "We might be able to find you something to wear to leave here."

"No, I just want to leave, shower, and put on my own clothes." She explained, "I want to get out of here."

"Then allow me to lead the way, my lady." Doyle said as he bowed and turned to lead them out of the house. His treatment of her gave Buffy a reason to relax.

*******

Spike heard the news over the scanner of Snyder's death. A part of him was relieved the man was dead. The other, darker, side wished he'd been given some time alone with the bastard first. If what he was hearing was true, this man even killed Buffy's sister.

All he wanted to see right now was Buffy coming out of the house breathing, walking, and sane. He knew something like this could push someone over the edge, and that's without knowing what she may have endured at this fucker's hands.

He knew by being brought here to wait outside the house had to mean it was good news. That Buffy was okay and his wishing for her to be safe was going to come true. Spike found it hard to keep still as he rocked back and forth on his feet. His hands fisted in the pockets of his leather jacket. His patience was getting shorter and shorter as he continued to wait for them to come out of the house. The moment the door opened, he had to fight the urge to run up to the door but he knew it could possibly scare her and held himself back.

*******

Buffy's grip on the blanket tightened when the front door opened. Soon she would be free and yet she was scared to walk out the door. Would there be a crowd of people waiting to boo her and call her names? She was sure the town had good reason to blame her for Dawn's death now, and they'd make sure she knew it.

Doyle knew he shouldn't say anything but he couldn't help it when he turned to help her down the front steps. "I have to say, Miss Summers, it does a heart good to see you walking out of here on your own power. You're one hell of a lass, and don't let anyone else tell ya different."

Buffy felt the tears form as she heard his words and the sincerity in his voice. It gave her hope that she might be wrong, and not everyone would judge her guilty. All she wanted right now was to shower and wash off his touch. Even if she was unconscious while he undressed her, just the thought of his hands on her body made her feel dirty. The gown he'd put her in made her feel even more humiliated, and she feared the blanket would get caught on something, thus revealing more then she wanted anyone to see. The fact everything she wore right now belonged to him made her skin itch.

Once she stepped off the last step and looked up, the first thing she noticed was Spike standing there like he was waiting for her. The look of awe and relief pulled her toward him. The need to be with him, hear his voice pushed her forward as she walked toward him.

Spike waited until his uncle and Buffy was half way across the yard before walking the rest of the way to meet them. He didn't know why, but he knew she wanted the blanket off of her. He started to slip off his leather duster as he came closer. Some how he knew she needed one less reminder of her abductor.

"Here, Pet. Want this instead?" He offered his jacket and recognized the gratitude in her eyes as she nodded her head.

Ethan moved behind her to help remove the blanket reassuring her, "Let me help you. No one will see."

Spike felt giddy that she was here, standing before him alive. Her gaze had not left his since their eyes had met. "I'll slip this around back, close my eyes so I don't see a thing I shouldn't," he offered, wanting to protect her privacy as much as he could.

"Thank you!" she whispered as she let Ethan take the blanket, using it as a shield to protect her. Quickly, she put her arms through his coat, feeling a bit safer than before as it slipped around her.

His residual body heat still remained from his body and now warmed her as the leather coat seemed to embrace her. A mixture of his cologne, light odor of cigarette smoke, the smell of him still lingered in the coat's lining. The aroma soothed her as it sunk in. She wrapped the coat tightly around her while closing her eyes and breathing his scent deeper into her lungs. Committing it all to memory, hoping it would help replace some of the bad ones.

Spike felt all manly, knowing she was feeling safe because it was his coat. He leaned in and asked, "Can I hold you?"

Buffy looked up with a shocked expression, making him happy to see some kind of emotion on her face as she replied with a question of her own, "Why?"

"So I can make sure you're real, and not a figment of my imagination." He answered, with a warm smile as he opened his arms to her.

Without thinking she quickly moved closer letting him wrap his arms around her and pull her against him. Feeling safe and wanted for the first time since the night they told her that Dawn was dead. She couldn't help but snuggle deeper into his embrace and let the outside world disappear for a few minutes.

Ethan stood back and knew what he was seeing. The tender loving care that his nephew was showing this mixed up, fragile, broken woman, told him William was in love. The boy might not know it yet, but he had the same look in his eyes that Nathan had for Anne. He was sure it was the same with Buffy, for she allowed his nephew to give her comfort without hesitation. Buffy Summers may be broken, but she wasn't beyond repair. It would seem that William would play a big part in helping her heal.


Detective Gunn reluctantly approached the three people. He didn't want to disrupt Buffy's moment of true comfort. But he needed to get her to the hospital and checked out. He prayed she had no other trauma that would further complicate her life. It was enough finding out the same man who kidnapped her was also the man who killed her sister in revenge.


"Mr. Rayne, I was wondering if you'd accompany Miss Summers to the hospital?" Charles asked, Ethan and was surprised when he got two different answers.

"Yes, I will." Spike said.

"I'm sure William will have no problems doing it." Ethan replied. "I will follow in one of the cars."

Spike looked at his uncle and gave him a grateful smile. He didn't want to let her go, now that he had her with him. The one thing he knew was it would take some time for her to come to accept him, if she ever did. But he wouldn't give up trying, for how could he walk away from her without a fight. Even if it was Buffy he would be fighting so he could be in her life.

He followed the detective to his car with his arm securely around Buffy's shoulders, keeping her close. The look of fear that entered her eyes briefly gave him the words to say, "I'm not leaving, just make room for me when you get in, Yah."

Buffy nodded, as she quickly got in the back of the police car scooting over to make room for Spike. She didn't see how Ethan on the way to his car had stopped the paramedics from coming over toward her. Her attention focused on getting back in the safe haven of Spike's arms. The feel of him beside her pulling her back against him made her wrap her arms tightly around him and lay her head on his chest.

"To give you fair warning, there are six very worried people waiting for you at the hospital." Spike spoke, noticing how his breath ruffled her hair.

"Six."

"Could be more by now, but I know of six." He replied. "You have some great friends."

"I know, and I've been a bad one to them."

"No, baby…not to hear them talk." He told her as he kissed the top of her head.

"Why are you here?" She asked, not wanting to bring up Dru, but needing to know why he was here, holding her.

"It just feels right, like it's where I'm supposed to be." He answered honestly, knowing he'd never lie to her.

"I feel the same way."

"Good."

"Don't you hate me, think I'm bad?" She asked, feeling nervous but needing to know if he thought her responsible.

"Did you leave Dawn alone that night?" He asked.

"No, I swear I didn't." She answered with tears in her eyes as she looked up and him as she said it.

"I believe you, and even if you had, it doesn't make you bad."

"You do?" She asked sounding shocked.

"Kitten, you can't lie…at least not to me." He told her as he leaned down and whispered, "I truly believe you'd never lie to me, not now, now ever."

"Where do we go from here?" She asked.

"One day at a time and see where it takes us." He again honestly told her.

"My parents will hate me."

"Their loss," he replied while hugging her tighter, "You can't control their emotions, just like you had no control over the man that has hurt your family. He did this Buffy, not you. I hope with time you will come to understand that."

"Your uncle said the same thing when he came to get me." Buffy told him as she again laid her head against him.

"Let things happen as they happen. I think you might be surprised how something like this can open people's eyes. Remember you do have others that care about you too." Spike reminded her.

"Thank you." He barely heard her say as she drifted off to sleep.

He'd talk to Ethan more about how to bring Buffy more into his life, thinking it would be easier if he just tried at first to be her friend. Then he would take one step at a time, knowing with school and his medical residency it wouldn't be easy. One thing he now knew for sure was his choice of where he'd go to finish becoming a doctor was limited to the West Coast. That it would be as close to Buffy as he could get. His father had told him it wasn't where you went to school, but what you learn while you're there.

Sitting back he thanked whoever was watching over this angel and keeping her safe for him. He wasn't sure he could've handled losing her, even if she wasn't yet his. One thing was for sure, if he had his way, they'll grow old together…raise a few kids and spoil the grandkids like crazy. If he had his way, and in the end he always got his way.

Charles Gunn would peek ever so often and smile. He could see a bright future for the couple if everything worked like he hoped it would. If anyone deserved to find the 'happily ever after' it was Buffy Summers. Enough badness had happened to her to last a lifetime, and he hoped she could leave it in the past where it belonged. That is, once she packed it up all nice and proper so it wouldn't come back to haunt her.

He'd already called ahead and made the Emergency Room aware he was coming and to keep it quiet for now. Tomorrow the world could be made aware of what happened tonight. Now was the time to start the victim on the path of recovery, media and gossip hounds be damned.

*******

Joyce sat on the couch cuddled up to her husband for the first time she could remember. Since Dawn's death they'd never been this close to each other. Even sex had become just something to do once in a while. She realized, they'd become the old married couple, they'd promised each other they would never be.

"Hank, when Buffy comes home we need to sit down like a family and talk. I really think we need to get into family counseling so we can save this family." Joyce sighed, "I won't accept anything less."

Hank hugged his wife close and said, "We will Joyce; when Buffy comes home we'll make everything right again, I promise."

Everyone was startled when Lindsey's cell phone rang. Hank pulled Joyce closer as he feared the news would not be good. He knew he'd never forgive himself if he never got to make things right with his little girl.

He could remember the day that Joyce handed Buffy to him for the very first time. He'd never felt so humble as when he first laid eyes on what had been created in love. The first thing she did that wrapped him around her finger was when her tiny hand grabbed his little finger. Her eyes were blue at first and by the time she was 3 months old, they'd turned into such a beautiful shade of green.

Hank's memories where interrupted when Lindsey said, "Mr. and Mrs. Summers, Buffy is okay. They're taking her to the Sunnydale Emergency Room, just to have them check her over."

"Did that monster hurt my girl? Is that why they're taking her to the emergency room?" Joyce asked, becoming slightly hysterical.

"Lt. Holtz told me she was fine and it was just a precautionary measure." Officer MacDonald assured her. "Come and we'll drive you both there. Lilah will follow with the patrol car and I'll drive yours."

"Did they catch the bastard who did this? Is he also the one that hurt our Dawnie?" Hank asked.

"He's dead from what I was told, and Lt. Holtz said Detective Gunn will tell you more when you get to the hospital." Lindsey replied.

"Let me get Dru, and we'll be on our way." Hank said, as he kissed his wife before going to get his daughter.

*******
Charles Gunn relaxed when he saw no media was present as he drove up to the hospital's emergency room entrance. Even the few of his men that would alert the news world had curbed their appetite for showboating. It felt good they were all on the same page for once.

Spike felt the car slow down as it slowly drove up toward the hospital and wished he could protect her from this. He knew it was a necessary evil, and prayed that whoever took care of his girl did so with the utmost care and compassion. If not, he'd make sure they paid for any mistreatment. There would be no one treating Buffy like she was treated at the diner.

"Come on, Kitten. We're there." Spike told her gently.

"I'm fine, I don't want to go in." She whispered.

"Just need to make it official is all."

"I just want to go somewhere and take a shower. Put on my own clothes and let it all go away." Buffy's voice was muffed, having snuggled deeper against him.

"I promise I won't leave you."

"Promise?"

"Buffy, I promise to be with you from beginning to end if you want."

"I want." She replied so softly he barely heard her.

"Get this done and then I can take you home."

Buffy tensed up and shook her head saying, "I don't want to go back to that house. I can't, not tonight. They are going to hate me even more."

"Buffy, then we won't go back there, at least not tonight." He told her before asking, "Why do you think they will hate you more?"

"Because they will, just trust me. I know it." She said with such conviction it made him actually hate the man more who did this and her so called parents.

"I know of a few people who won't hate you, me included." He assured her as he watched a crowd of familiar faces come out to meet the car. "I think your fan club needs to make sure you're okay, Kitten."

"Oh, God! I don't think I can face them right now." She cried, hearing Snyder's voice in her head reminding her everyone would hate her once they knew the truth. "They will hate me too."

Spike hugged her close as he calmly said, "I will never hate you, never. Don't let him win Buffy; don't give him the power to break you. He did this on his own; you did nothing to encourage it or make him think it was something you wanted. The bastard was sick."

"He killed Dawn because I wasn't home that night. It's the only reason she's dead."

"No."

"Yes."

"Buffy, look at me." Spike demanded, "Look me in the eyes, please."

Buffy looked up and felt the tears start to fall as she felt his hand cup her cheek softly. The warmth and understanding in his eyes touched her and made her feel for the first time since leaving the bad man's home that she truly wasn't alone. Not since that night eighteen months ago had she felt so vulnerable.

"I'm not going to lose you to what this monster has done. Right now you're feeling guilty and that is the last weapon he has to hold over you. Don't let him win, Buffy. Don't let him have this much power over you. I believe in you. I think you're stronger than he is, it's why you're here with me, right now."

Faith recognized her friend's pain, having never seen her cry since that day she found her in the park. She felt the man in the car with Buffy right now was the best thing that could've happened to the girl. The gentle way in which he touched her friend spoke of a deep caring, not just someone offering comfort.

Darla smiled as she leaned over and told Faith, "I think Buffy has found her man."

Faith turned and nodded, "I think you're right."

Everyone fought the urge to rush forward as the car door opened. They watched as Spike got out of he car first and then extended his hand toward Buffy. It was then they noticed she was wearing his coat. The fact his coat made her look like a waif of a girl, made them all feel more protective of her.

Her friends watched as Buffy practically glued herself to Spike's side and how he wrapped his arm protectively around her. It was there for all to see that a bond between the couple had formed. Their Buffy was no longer without a knight to protect her. It just meant they had one more person to add to the family unit.

"Buffy, baby are you okay?" Anya asked as she stepped into the younger girl's line of vision. "We've been so worried."

Buffy felt overwhelmed as she nodded. Then Anya opened her arms and she knew it was okay. Hearing Spike say it was okay, that her friends needed to feel her to make it real gave her the courage to leave his side. The feel of Anya's arms embracing her helped to push the bad thoughts away some more. Next thing she knew everyone present needed a hug.

"So, help me…you ever scare me like that again I will beat your ass." Angel said his usual threat, causing everyone to laugh and snicker with the, 'yeah right', and 'that'll be the day'.

"I think we should get inside." Detective Gunn, hated to be the one to break up the reunion, but he didn't want to press their luck.

Buffy nodded as she stepped away from Angel and walked back over toward Spike. Once she was close enough he took her hand in his and pulled her closer. Never thinking anything about it she let him. She noticed Spike's uncle walking toward them and gave a nod to let Spike know he was there. No one noticed as they were walking in that another car was pulling up.

Dru's anger boiled over, having seen Spike pull her sister to him. She knew now was not the time to play the injured party, for then her father would see through her pretense. A time would come she'd be able to make her pay for this night.

"Hurry, Hank. That's our little girl." Joyce begged, making him reach over and cup the side of her face and say, "I'll go with Officer MacDonald after we drop you and Dru off. So I'll know where to find the car. Then I will be right in, I promise."

"Okay." Joyce replied as she leaned in to his gentle touch.

*******

Spike was amazed at the compassion and thoughtfulness with which they were greeted. The caring eyes, and demeanor of the staff gave him hope for this town after all. Thinking it wasn't the Hellmouth he'd first thought it was.

"Hi, my name's Tara Maclay. I'm going to be your nurse." The young woman greeted them at the entrance, with a warmth about her that made Buffy instantly relax. "Follow me, I'm going to take you right back."

"Can Spike come with me?" Buffy asked, feeling they might separate them.

Tara nodded her head with no hesitation; having already been told both Dr. Rayne and his nephew Spike would be joining Miss Summers. "Yes, he can."

"Do you mind, Buffy, if I come along?" Ethan asked having joined them.

"I would like that." She answered with a quiver in her voice that made Spike tighten his arm around her and lean in and whisper close to her ear, "You're not alone."

"Then if the three of you will follow me." Tara said before addressing the others, "Please, have a seat and I promise we will keep you informed when you can visit her."

Buffy suddenly felt guilty as she turned to face her friends only to have Faith assure her it was okay, "It's fine, 'B'. We know he goes with the coat."

"Thank you." Buffy whispered, only to have Faith say, "You know we'll be right here."

"Come on, luv…sooner we do this the sooner we can leave." Spike reminded her as he guided her through the door the kind nurse was holding open.

Just as the doors locked shut, Joyce came rushing in with Dru behind her saying, "Where's my daughter, where's Buffy?"

Giles quickly whispered in Anya's ear, "Behave, my dear. Now is not the time to make a scene."

Anya turned and gave him a glare before she turned all gooey sweet toward Mrs. Summers and said, "She just went to the back to be examined. They told us to wait here."

"I have to see her." Joyce hurried to say, as she moved toward the receptionist's desk. "I'm Buffy Summers' mother. I would like to see my daughter."

The older woman looked over her glasses and said, "I have some paper work for you to fill out if you can. I'll check with the back when she can have a visitor."

"But I'm her mother and she's only seventeen."

"It will make it go faster if you'd please fill this out. I'll make sure it's okay for you to come back while you're filling it out. It will make it so much faster for us to do what we need for your daughter." The receptionist explained.

"Fine, but please I need to see her."

"I will do my best." The older woman promised as she handed Joyce the forms to fill out.

Dru addressed the others by asking, "Where is William?"

They looked at her as Faith asked, "Who's William?"

"I know he's here…I saw him come in with Buffy." She said as evenly as she could.

"Oh, you mean Spike." Lorne spoke up, enjoying what he was going to say next, "He's with Buffy in the back."

Joyce turned around and asked, "Why is he with her, and I can't be?"

Faith took a deep breath about to answer when Giles did it for her, "It would seem he was there. Could be he is a witness to something." He told her, knowing he was lying.

Anya snorted and mumbled under her breath so no one would understand what she'd said. It was so hard holding back from slapping the woman who came here today and now tried to play mother. Where was she when her child needed her back then?

"I can see by everyone's expression you think I'm a bad mother. I know I was, but it is going to change. I let my pain and anger blind me…it was so easy to blame her. I know I let her down, but I'm here now to fix it. I do love my daughter, and I will do everything I have to, to her get her back."

"Then tell her you love her every day. Even if she pushes you away, you stand your ground and fight for her." Anya got up in Joyce's face and growled. "You were lucky tonight she had people who cared about her safety."

"I do…I want to thank all of you for being there for her." Joyce declared as she started to cry. "Where's Hank, he's so much better at this than me," she mumbled as she stared down at the clipboard with all the confusing forms. "I just need to know she's okay, that my baby is okay."

"She's like her mother…she's a fighter." Hank said as he gently took the information out of his wife's hand and handed it to Dru. "Come on Honey, let's get the paper work done and then we will see about being with our daughter. We both have so much to atone for. I just hope she can forgive us."

Buffy's friends watched as Mr. Summers delicately assisted his wife to one of the couches and then joined her. He hugged his wife close as she cried in his arms, realizing it was the first time she'd allowed him to comfort her since that awful night. Suddenly it all cleared in his head. His family was broken because of him. He'd turned his back on getting them help, thinking they'd be able to fix it themselves.

Dru stood watching as her father comforted Buffy's mother. Here she stood holding a clipboard wanting this night to end. This was not working out as she hoped; the lunatic had not killed Buffy as she had prayed. By the looks of things this fiasco might actually foil her plans, and also bring to light her lies. All she could hope for was that no one believed Buffy over her.

*******

Tara's voice was kind and caring as she handed Buffy two patient gowns. "You'll need to undress and put on the gown. I gave you another one so you could wear it like a robe."

Buffy anxiously looked at the gowns and then back at Spike "You can wear the coat over them." He told her, hoping it would help to calm her.

"There's a private bathroom through that door." Tara explained, "Do you want to change first or let me take your blood pressure and ask a few formal medical questions."

"Blood pressure…no I want to change first." Buffy answered frantically, remembering what she was wearing.

She didn't want anyone to see her in the revealing gown. The nice nurse then opened a white box and retrieved a few things out of it. Buffy had seen enough Law and Order, SUV, to know it was mostly likely a rape kit. Pretending ignorance she waited to see what instructions would be given.

"Not a problem. Undress standing on this paper, and leave it on the floor, I'll pick it up when you're finished. Just in case there is some debris we should collect. Put what you have on in this paper bag, any underwear in this one." Tara instructed her. "If you have to use the bathroom don't wipe and I will explain more after we talk, and pee in the cup if you do." Tara whispered, so only Buffy would hear her.

"Okay." Buffy replied as she took everything with her to the bathroom. Before closing the door she looked at Spike and asked, "Please don't leave?"

"I'll be here when you come out." He simply said with a gentle smile as he teased her, "You have my coat."

Ethan watched the easy banter between the two young people, and felt it was all working out as he'd hoped. He knew his nephew's feeling for the girl ran deep, and he could tell she had feelings for him as well. The foundation that was forming between them would be what would get them through this time and what lay ahead.

Once Buffy closed the door he quietly asked, "William, do you love her?"

Spike turned toward his uncle with a sad smile and answered, "Yes, I do. With every fiber in my being I love her."

"Good."

"Good? How can you say that?"

"Why not?"

"She doesn't love me." Spike said, his voice thickened by the pain of saying it aloud.

"Oh she does, believe me, my boy. You forget I've been privy to seeing this before." Ethan informed him with an understanding smile, "William, give her time, trust me. Miss Summers has been through so much tonight, with the promise of more to come. Be there for her and give her time to adjust and heal. You know I would never steer you in the wrong direction."

"Just keep it between us."

"Most certainly, my boy." Ethan assured him. "I love you like a son, never forget that."

Spike snorted as he nodded, "Like you'd ever let me forget it, and just so you know, I love you too."

*******

Buffy pulled the leather jacket closer, not wanting to take it off. It'd come to represent safe haven to her in the short time she'd worn it. Leaning back against the door she heard Spike's uncle say something she couldn't make out. But she heard Spike's declaration that he loved someone. Knowing it was wrong, she still couldn't stop herself and she listened more closely to their conversation.

"He loves me." She whispered, as she processed what Ethan was saying. "He's talking about me, not Dru."

Hearing when Spike had said she didn't love him made her realize that she did, so much it hurt in fact. It all made sense to her now, as to why he was able to get under her skin so easily. That it wasn't just a hero's worship she was feeling, but something deeper. The thought that this would only give her parents something that would make them hate her more, made it all start to feel wrong somehow.

Buffy knew she'd have to give him up. It was wrong to be in love with her sister's boyfriend. Slowly she slipped off the jacket, suddenly feeling naked and alone. She carefully laid it across the back of the toilet before she laid the plain white paper on the floor for her to stand on as she undressed.

She practically tore the gown off, dropping it on the paper under her, and quickly put on the hospital gowns. The act of picking up and stuffing the disgusting garment in the bag made her feel ill. It reminded her that he had to have seen her naked.

"Bastard, you fucking no good son of a bitch." She mumbled as she threw the bag in the corner, refusing to look at it again.

She looked around the room for anything she could use to wash up with. The need to wash off his touch started to overwhelm her. Then she remembered Tara instructions to just change, not to wipe if she went to the bathroom, and stopped. The pain of knowing it was true, it was her fault her sister was dead. If she'd been home she wouldn't be here right now, but Dawn would be alive and her parents would be happy.

"What did I do to make you do this? Why did you pick me?" She whispered, not believing it was because she reminded him of his dead wife.

A little voice was nagging her to stop, that none of this was her fault. But all the pain she'd held in helped to drown it out from being heard. When she looked down she was sure she'd see her sister's blood on both of her hands. Walking over toward the sink so she could wash them she found it hard to breath.

Once she turned on the hot water she looked up and was confronted with herself in the mirror. Buffy found it hard to recognize herself, seeing instead her sister's killer and the failure that her parents accused her of being. It was like there was a battle going on inside of her, one side saying she was unworthy and the other saying none of this was her fault. The warring voices where giving her a headache as she continued to stare into the mirror.

Staring at herself in the mirror, she wished she were at home where she could open the cabinet and pull out her release. The smooth metal of the razor blade called to her much stronger than it ever had before. All she could see looking back at her was how messed up she was, and it was all her fault. As she raised her fist toward the mirror she heard a knock at the door.

"Buffy, are you okay?" She heard Spike ask, but felt she couldn't form an answer as she stood staring at herself, unable to follow through. She just wanted it to end, for the voices to stop, to feel numb.

She heard the door open and Spike say, "Look at me, Buffy. I'm right here. All you have to do is come to me."

"Please, help me?" She asked, as she continued to watch herself wanting so much to go to him. "I don't know what to do. I just want the pain to go away."

Ethan's voice asked her so gently, "What do you see?"

She felt the tears form as his words tore at her heart as she answered, "The reason my sister is dead and the reason my parents will hate me more. I need to make her go away."

"That's not what I see." He calmly replied as he moved past William and closer to her. "I see a strong woman that has come to a crossroads in her life. Is she worthy to be loved? Will anyone believe her? Can she take from this a lesson in life and grow from it or will she let it tear her apart?" Ethan calmly gave his point of view, hoping she would be able to hear him. "I think you are worthy to be loved and to love. I'm sure you'd be amazed who believes in you, and who already does. You have the power to stop and think about what you are doing."

Buffy looked at the older man and could see the truth in his eyes and his faith in her ability to deal with this. She looked past him and could read the same in Spike's expression as he begged her without saying a word to lean on him. Walking over toward Spike she could feel the call of safe haven the closer she got to him. Feeling his arms around her made her feel like she had come home.

"I want to grow." She whispered.

"And you will, Buffy. I believe that you will grow leaps and bounds." Spike assured her as he held her close, feeling like he'd been given a second lease on life himself.

Ethan knew then and there they were looking at a remarkable woman. Not many would have survived such an ordeal at such a young age without having harmed themselves in some way or met a self imposed death. It spoke highly about how well she would do in recovering from the last eighteen months. Now he had to start the battle of keeping her on the road to getting better; he needed to reach her parents and help them as well.

"I will go and see if your parents are here." Ethan told her as he walked past them, wanting to give them some time alone.

"I'm not sure I'm ready to see them." Buffy replied as she snuggled closer into Spike's embrace, wishing she could just crawl inside him and hide forever.

"I know, and I will take that time to tell them of our plan. In the meantime you can tell William, I'm sure he will join us." Ethan offered as he left the bathroom.

"Care to tell me about this offer I can't refuse?" Spike teased as he started to sway them back and forth.

"Your uncle offered to let me stay with him at the hotel. He said I could bring Faith with me."

"I think that would be a great idea. I can share a room with him and be there if you need anything. That is, if you want me to come with you."

Buffy nodded her head as she asked, "Did you mean it when you said you love me?"

Spike sighed as he leaned down to kiss the top of her head, "Yes, I meant it."

"Good, 'cause I'm pretty sure I love you too."

"Take your time, Kitten. You don't need to say it because you think you should."

Buffy stomped on his foot gently as she looked up and met his gaze, "Why else do you think I'd want you here with me?"

"Because of my handsome good looks and devilish charm, I gather."

"Seriously, what about Dru?" Buffy asked calmly when that was that last thing she was feeling at the moment.

"She is not the woman I thought she was, but I have to say being with her did lead me to you." He explained the best he could.

"Do you believe in fate?" She asked.

"This weekend has me considering it." He answered, and looked toward the door when he heard a knock.

"Buffy, the doctor is here to check you over, and make sure that you're physically okay." Ethan gently informed her, having run interference until now.

"Okay." She replied, her voice a bit muffled from her face being nestled into Spike's chest.

Buffy looked up and nodded her head, "The sooner we do this, the quicker we can leave."

"That's the spirit." Spike said as he smiled down, enjoying how she incorporated we in her sentence.

"Okay let's do this." She agreed as she stepped back and said, "But I need something first."

Spike watched as she retrieved his coat and held it close. "I see you have your security coat."

"Yeah, I like having it close in case I get cold." She told him as she took the hand he offered as they went into the exam room together.

Dr. Walsh had a soft understanding smile on her face as she watched the young girl come into the room. Her heart went out to the poor girl and knew she would do everything she could to speed this up and get her out of here.

"Miss Summers, I'm Dr. Maggie Walsh. I'm going to check you over and make sure you're okay and then leave you in the care of Dr. Rayne here." She assured the young woman. "I just need to ask some brief questions then adjust my exam by your answers."

"Okay." Buffy answered feeling relieved that every thing shouldn't take long.

"Do you wish for Dr. Rayne and your boyfriend to be present while I question you?" Maggie asked.

"If you don't mind I'd like for them to stay for now?" Buffy briefly answered as she squeezed Spike's hand tighter.

"It's fine by me as long as they are okay with it." The doctor replied noticing both men nod their heads and settle in to stay. "Have a seat in the chair if you'd like for now, or on the exam table."

"I'd like to sit in the chair if you don't mind right now." Buffy answered, and relaxed when the doctor waved her to sit, placing Spike's jacket across her lap.

"Did he hit you in any way?" Maggie asked, once the young girl and her boyfriend settled in the chairs.

She tried not to smile when Buffy scooted closer to the young man. Dr. Rayne leaned against the wall, not too far away from the couple. She could tell he was watching Buffy closely without her knowing it. Her husband, Adam, had been the coroner on the night Dawn Summers was brought to the morgue. Dr. Rayne had done wonders, when her husband had a hard time dealing with that night.
"No." Buffy replied.

"Did he touch you in any manner that made you uncomfortable?"

"Not that I'm aware of." Buffy reluctantly answered, trying not to speculate what he'd done to her while she was unconscious.

"Can you be more specific?" Maggie asked, in a caring manner, yet fearing what she was about to hear.

"When I woke up in his house I was no longer in my clothes." Buffy told her, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Do you wish to continue this conversation alone?" Dr. Walsh asked, feeling maybe it would be best.

"Not really." Buffy said as she bit her lip unable to look at Spike or his uncle.

"Who would you like to be here with you right now?" Maggie asked.

"It's okay if you don't want us here for this Buffy." Ethan assured her.

"That's right, Kitten. I can step out and have one of the girls step in." Spike agreed.

"Anya, I'd like Anya to be in here with me." She said, hoping Faith would understand.

"Then Anya it is, and I'm sure Faith will understand why." Spike reassured her.

Buffy gazed up at him and asked, "How did you know?"

"Because I see Anya as the nonjudgmental motherly type, with the ability to handle things and bluntly tell you what she thinks. She won’t lie to protect you and will honestly tell you what you need to know." Spike replied.

"Just so you know, your parents and your sister are here, and your mother is wishing to see you." Dr. Walsh informed them.

Buffy tensed up as she said, "I'm not ready to see them right now."

"I will talk with them as we agreed upon earlier." Ethan gently reminded her. "Then I can offer my services to them as well, and hope they accept my help as you have."

Buffy handed Spike back his jacket, before she stood up and ran over to hug Spike's uncle and say, "I'm so happy you're here."

Ethan smiled as he tightly hugged her back and replied, "You are a remarkable woman Buffy. Don't let anyone tell you different."

"Thank you again." Buffy told him as she let him go so she could return to Spike.

"You my dear are most welcome. Now, let me go get Anya and she and William can exchange places."

"Good, then while you do that Tara can get Miss Summers' vital signs as I ask some other just routine questions. Sorry, I hadn't realized you hadn't been triaged in." Dr. Walsh informed them.

"Okay, I can handle routine." Buffy said with a sigh as she took Spike's hand and let him lead her over to the hospital gurney, smiling when he draped his jacket over her shoulders.

Ethan left to collect Miss Jenkins and to seek out the Summers family. His particular interest lay in meeting Drusilla Summers and watching how she reacted to everything that was going on. Something told him this poor family's dance with madness was far from being over.

*******

Ethan stepped out into the hallway, hoping his assessment of the situation was correct. In his profile of Snyder so far, his guess would be he never touched the girl sexually. From what he gathered, the man wanted Buffy alive so she could be with him for a long time, which would mean he would've taken his time with her. By the police quickly separating Buffy from her abductor they most likely saved her from being sexually assaulted by the man.

Quickly he made his way to the waiting room in search of Anya Jenkins. Just as he thought, Buffy had asked for the one person she trusted the most right now. He figured from what he'd seen at the reunion the woman was like an older sister, or a motherly figure to Buffy.

He'd asked Dr. Walsh to carefully lead into the subject of rape, without being too blunt, when asking Buffy what she'd been through. He wanted Miss Summers to have as much control in her care as he could arrange. The subject of doing a rape kit and exam he figured would better be discussed with him and Spike out of the room and with Anya by her side.

"Dr. Rayne, how is Buffy holding up?" Charles Gunn asked as he approached the doctor.

"She is doing fine so far." Ethan answered, and added, "I'm glad I ran in to you, I wish to request that the doctor finish her exam before you talk to Miss Summers if you don't mind."

"That won't be a problem since Snyder's dead." Gunn replied, "We could hold off asking her any questions until tomorrow in fact. Let her go home, rest, and have her own clothes on when we question her."

"That would be ideal, as long as you don't mind." Ethan agreed.

"This is now about what is best for Buffy." Gunn stated, "I don't care what anyone else thinks."

"You're a good man, Detective."

"Here's my card. Call me if you need anything." He offered and then asked, "Does she know that Snyder is dead?"

"Yes, she does." Ethan answered as he took the man's business card and then asked, "Do her friends and family know everything that's happened?"

"No, but I can have them told. I still have to tell her parents it was Snyder. I'm trying to keep this as quiet as possible for as long as I can until morning."

"That would be good for Buffy if you do tell them, especially her parents. Please make sure to stress to her parents that none of this was her fault. Buffy will call you tomorrow with a time she can meet you."

"Good. I'm going to leave a couple of men here to help keep the media at bay. I'm sure one of the little snakes will show up pretty soon." Charles informed him, "If you have any problems or need anything, just let one of the officers know, or call me."

"I'm taking her back to my hotel with me. Here's my cell number."

"Did Dr. Walsh mention anything about a rape kit?" Gunn asked.

Ethan nodded his head as he said. "She was planning her exam around what Buffy told her. I would imagine she will want to do one since we know that he undressed Buffy while she was unconscious."

"What makes a man do such horrendous acts? Murder a young girl, and then months later kidnaps her sister."

"I'm not sure I'll ever be able to find that out. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should've taken him alive. Just that with him being dead, it leaves a lot of questions unanswered."

"I know."

"But, then again, even if he'd lived I might never have found the reason why." Ethan also explained, knowing there were times bad things were done for no reason at all.

"Is there anything I can do for you now before I leave? I need to tie up a few things and let my boss know what's happened so far." Gunn asked.

"Can you bring Miss Anya Jenkins to me? I'd like to have a few words with her in private, before she goes back to be with Buffy." Ethan figured he'd let Anya know what she might be walking into.

"Sure, just wait right here and I'll get her for you." Gunn replied as he hurried to the waiting area to get her, leaving Ethan to further think how best he could help Buffy and her family.

*******

Buffy leaned her head against Spike, while answering the basic questions about her health history and letting them take her vital signs. She felt tired and uncomfortable, since she couldn't stop thinking of if he'd touched her or violated her while drugged. Up until the Dr. had asked her aloud, she only thought how this would affect her and no one else.

"Wouldn't I know if he'd messed with me like that?" she silently wondered.

"Buffy, I'm just going to listen to your lungs." Dr. Walsh told her as she lifted her stethoscope to the young woman's chest. "Take a deep breath in through your nose and then let it out your mouth."

Spike lifted the jacket so the doctor could listen to Buffy's back. He could feel Buffy getting tenser by the second. He knew she was worried about what happened when the bastard had changed her clothes while she was out of it. He wished he knew how to reassure her but found it difficult since he didn't have a clue what the man had done to her. Doing the only thing he could think of, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head while at the same time he replaced his jacket back over her shoulders.

Buffy sighed as she felt him kiss her. She hoped he'd still feel this close to her once she sent him away. He'd said it was okay and that he understood. But she couldn't help but worry if he really did understand?

"We can finish the rest of the exam once your friend arrives." Dr. Walsh told her as she sat down, not wishing to talk about a rape kit in front of the only man in the room.

Maggie decided to offer to call rape crisis, once she talked privately with Buffy. Hopefully someone would be available to come and offer some counseling. They'd have some resources they could refer the young woman to that would be better equipped to help her face the world again.

Buffy bit her lip and then decided she needed to talk to Spike alone and asked, "Can I have a few minutes alone with Spike?"

The nurse and doctor exchanged looks before the doctor answered, "Yes, we'll be right outside if you need anything."

Spike waited until the door closed before he scooted further back on the cart, allowing Buffy to climb onto his lap. He wrapped the jacket around her thinking her arms felt chilled. Her tears flowed as she sobbed into his chest. He hugged her closer while rocking her in his arms.

"Let it out Kitten, then tell me why the tears." He said soothingly, wanting her to know he'd be there and listen.

"What…if…he…my…body." She cried, her words broken up, but still he understood her deepest fear.

"It will make no difference in how I feel about you." He vowed, knowing it was only a part of what was bothering her. "Buffy, it could be all he did was change your clothes, either way I'm here, baby, and I'm not going anywhere."

"I'd be…you know….not pure."

"Look at me, Luv." He whispered as he waited for her eyes to meet his.

It took everything she had to look up at him. "I'm afraid I'll never get over this."

"It's normal to feel this way, I know." He assured her. "I've fallen, and with the love and guidance of my uncle I was able to find my way back. You have me, your friends, and Ethan. We'll be with you every step. I won't let you fall, baby. I'll be there step by step."

"But you barely know me." She sighed.

"I feel like I've known you all my life…I will have to tell you a story about a man named Nathan and his true love Anne someday." He shared.

"I feel the same way, and I can't wait to hear about them."

"Buffy, we'll make this work. It's the 'we' used in the sentence that makes it work. You're not alone, not as long as I breathe."

"What if I-"

"Buffy, let's talk about 'what ifs' later, right now I want to say something about the now. I believe in you. I've been around a bit longer than you, and done some things I'm not very proud of. There is one thing I truly believe and that is life is what you make of it. You can let the bad drag you down or you can fight back and not let it win. All the others and I can do is give you the means and support, it's up to you to use what is given to use to help you overcome this."

"Please answer this what if for me."

"Okay, ask away."

"What if he did, you know, did it. Would you think less of me? What if it takes me, like forever to, you know…with you?"

Spike softly chuckled as he kissed her forehead, "Be it 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years I can wait. What I feel for you is so much more than about sex."

Buffy smiled through her tears and she teased, "I guess we're having one of those more than sex moments."

"Yeah, very much so." He agreed as he kissed the tip of her nose. "I can see myself growing old with you, just so you know."

"I'm only seventeen."

"I'm only twenty-four."

"Wow, you're old." She teased, and giggled when he tickled her and said, "I'm not old, just a few years older than you."

A knock on the door caught their attention as Buffy quickly moved off Spike's lap and sat beside him. She squeezed his hand once Anya entered with the doctor and nurse walking in behind her. This meant that Spike would be leaving and her heart started to race. She didn't want him to leave, but knew she couldn't talk as freely with him present. Not because she didn't trust him, she just didn't feel comfortable talking about her body in front of him.

"Keep the coat, then I will be with you in spirit." He whispered in her ear before kissing it gently. "I will be right outside if you need me."

Buffy leaned in and whispered in his ear, "I think I could easily grow old with you."

The touch of her lips briefly on his ear made him smile. He was more than sure she would come out of this stronger and whole. Jumping off the gurney he felt a sense of awe that she'd kissed him, even if it was just on his ear. Everything started to look brighter. Even the thought of confronting Dru no longer bothered him, or the thought of dealing with her parents' disapproval of him. All that mattered was Buffy appeared to care for him, and that in itself was more important to him right now.

"Take care of my girl." Spike said as he faced Anya, "I'm leaving her in your loving care."

Anya beamed as she replied, "Don't worry, I'll take very good care of her. She's family."

Buffy felt the tears form as she began to wonder if she'd ever stop crying as she slid off the cart and ran into Anya's open arms. It finally sank in what Spike was telling her; she truly was not alone in this. There were people who cared about her, and it wouldn't matter if Snyder had molested her or not. These people would be beside her through it all.

Spike felt better leaving her in Anya's care as he exited the room. He walked over and sat in the chair that was right across from her room. Taking such a protective position helped prepare him for the wait until he could be back with his girl. It felt right and so good to call her his. For the first time in a long time he felt close to his father, since he was sure this was how his father felt when he first met his mate.

Buffy pulled away from Anya and pulled Spike's jacket up to her nose. He was right, she could smell his scent and it made her feel like he was still close. Knowing he was only a shout away she took Anya's hand and faced her fears.

"So, what do we do next?" She asked.

Dr. Walsh mentally applauded the brave woman she was looking at as she said, "I ask a few more personal questions and then we talk about what kind of exam we need to do."

"Okay, I'm ready." Buffy answered as she led Anya to the chairs so they could sit down.

*******

Joyce still sat in shock, hearing that her little girl wanted someone else with her right now made her realize something for the first time. Maybe Buffy would never forgive her for her trespasses. Even now she couldn't shake the shock of finding out Principal Snyder, of all people, was the man behind all of their grief and misery. She felt no remorse he was dead, only anger she'd not been the one to kill him.

She let Hank lead her by the hand as they followed Dr. Rayne. As she followed she couldn't shake the looks on the others faces when the doctor had asked for Anya to follow him. Everyone knew it meant Buffy wanted Anya, and not her mother, to be with her at this trying time. A few expressions appeared to feel sorry for her, where others openly challenged her to say anything.

The further she traveled away from her daughter the stronger her feelings to fight for Buffy became. By the time they made it to the room, she vowed she'd do anything and everything to be worthy of Buffy's forgiveness.

Hank felt a surge of anger rushing through his veins. He found out someone he trusted to educate and protect his children was the one responsible for all the pain and suffering his family had been through. He hated the fact the man was dead. In fact he wished they'd been able to revive him, only so he could kill the bastard himself.

Dru wished she had somewhere she could go. But knew soon it wouldn't matter, she'd be out on her own once the truth came out. She found it hard to concentrate as she followed her parents and this Dr. Rayne down the hall. Shock didn't cover her feelings, finding out that Mr. Snyder was the man behind Dawn's death and Buffy's kidnapping. But then it all made sense how he'd look at her at times like he wanted to kill her.

*******

"Buffy, it's going to be okay now, you're alive." Anya said through her tears, "I was so scared I'd lost you."

"He killed Dawn."

"I'm just sorry I didn't get to kill him first." The oldest Jenkins retorted.

"I know it's not my fault, but I feel like it is some how." Buffy sighed.

"It's normal I think, part of the grief process if I remember correctly from my psychology class." Anya answered, being the blunt loving person Buffy had come to depend on. "Just keep in mind you had no control on what that sick bastard was thinking or his actions."

"Spike said I'm not in this alone." Buffy replied.

"No, honey, you're not alone." Anya assured her, deciding now would not be a good time to bring up her parents and bitch of a sister being here.

Dr. Walsh let them have a minute to connect before continuing on with the rest of the exam. She knew from experience of collecting the evidence, it was a difficult process for the victim when doing a rape exam. She couldn't even imagine not knowing if someone had touched you in such a manner, seeing the pros and cons of not knowing as well.

"Buffy, if you and Anya would have a seat. There are a few things I'd like to go over before we begin." Dr. Walsh asked, as Tara started setting up for the exam.

Buffy tried to listen fully to the doctor, but out of the corner of her eye she could see what the nice nurse was doing. She recognized a few things from when her mother forced her to go to the gynecologist because she thought Buffy was sexually active.

"First I would like to offer you the services of rape crisis." Dr. Walsh said. "They are wonderful in being able to walk you through the exam and offering you support and information for when you go home."

"Can we talk about that after we check and see if he did that or not?" Buffy asked, not wishing any more strangers being here right now.

"If you change your mind during the exam let me know. We can give you all the information about contacting them before you go." Tara offered.

"Okay." Buffy simply said as she squeezed Anya's hand.

"Buffy, this question is only meant to help me plan my exam nothing more. Are you a virgin?" Dr. Walsh asked in a non judgmental tone, with a gentle smile on her face.

"Yes!" Buffy answered, waiting to see the look of disbelief on everyone's faces, only to be greeted with expressions of acceptance.

"Did your abductor touch you in any sexual manner that you can remember?" Maggie asked, praying for the girl's sake her hymen was still intact.

"No. When I woke up I was in bed under the covers wearing a nightgown." She answered.

"Do you still have the gown?" The doctor asked, as she jotted things down on Buffy's chart.

"It's in the paper bag in the bathroom." Buffy replied, as she blushed.

Tara nodded and said, "I'll get it when we're done here."

Dr. Walsh sat down in front of Buffy and explained. "I think to make sure we do everything right, we should do a rape kit. It's not as bad as you might think. I will explain everything before I do it."

Buffy looked over and Anya and then back at the doctor, "Do you think he might have done something bad?"

Maggie shook her head with a gentle reassuring expression as she said, "I think you would've known if he did anything really bad."

"How?"

"Did you notice any stains on the bed sheets?"

"No!"

"Do you feel any discomfort or pain in your vaginal, pelvic, or rectal area?"

"No!"

"Then I'm pretty sure there was no sexual penetration with his penis." Maggie explained. "We'll just collect a few samples and do a modified pelvic exam to get a better idea."

Buffy's voice sounded forlorn and childlike when she asked. "What if he touched me?"

"Right now only he'd know that." Dr. Walsh replied, wishing Buffy had accepted the offer for rape crisis.

Anya decided it was time she did what she did best, "Buffy, don't get me wrong, honey, but if all he did was touch you…we can talk to someone about it. We will get through it together. He is not going to win here, not now, not ever."

Buffy gave Anya a tearful smile as she nodded. She wished her mom was here with her. Before all this happened her mom was always there when she was frightened or needed her support. Instead, she was here with her best friend's older sister.

Tara noticed a sad look on the girl's face and asked, "Are you sure you don't want your mother here?"

Before Anya could remark Buffy said, "I'm not sure she'd want to be here."

"She seemed rather worried when she came in. I could ask if you want me to." Tara offered.

Buffy felt the tears flow as she said, "I do want my mommy. Is that bad after everything?"

Anya started to cry as she hugged Buffy close and said, "No, it's not a bad thing, and let me go and get her for you."

"I'm sorry." Buffy sniffled.

"Don't be, it could be what you both need." Anya replied remembering how upset Joyce appeared.

"What if she says no?" Buffy whispered, wondering if she'd be rejected by her mother at her time of need.

"Something tells me she won't." Anya assured her.

Dr. Walsh could see there was so much more happening here and decided it would be best to let Buffy work this out. "Buffy, I'm going to step out for a little bit, let you get things settled. Have Tara come and get me when you're ready and please don't rush it because of me. This right now is about what's best for you."

"Thank you for being so nice." Buffy said sincerely.

"You're very welcome." Maggie answered, getting the impression this young girl was not used to others being nice to her very often.

Buffy watched as both Anya and the doctor left the room, pulling Spike's coat tighter around her. She stood and walked over to the door and reached to open it. The need to see him pushed her forward as she turned the knob and opened the door. The look on his face made her giggle as Spike stood before her with his hand positioned as if he was about to knock.

"Hello cutie!" He said with a smile and before he knew it he had an arm full of Buffy.

"Keep me company until my mom comes, if she comes." She asked.

"She'll come, kitten."

"How do you know?"

"Buffy, I think she regrets how she dealt with things. She's the one that helped me set up a place for you and Ethan to meet. She's already started talking to my uncle about things. I think she's finally knocking down the shield she put up after your sister's death." He explained. "Grief is a powerful emotion, and it can make you do and say terrible things. I believe with all my heart she will be here for you, Buffy. Give her a chance to seek your forgiveness."

"She might have to forgive me, too."

"I love you, baby." Spike said as he lifted her up and moved them in to the room, planning on keeping her company until her mother arrived.

*******

Ethan sat watching the interactions between the three family members. The one major thing he noticed was how distant the oldest daughter was acting. It was like she was preparing for the worst to happen. The fact that Mr. Summers was supporting his wife right now looked promising.

"Mr. and Mrs. Summers, I'm here to offer you my services to you and your family." Ethan offered.

"Dr. Rayne, as we discussed on the phone I want your help." Joyce answered, not caring if Hank agreed or not. "I think we've done enough harm trying to handle it ourselves. It might even have caused our daughter to hate us and with reason."

"I agree with my wife." Hank replied, "I have so much to be sorry for and I hope you can help us work things out with Buffy, and help us to deal with Dawn's death."

"I then will do my best to help you and yours through this." Ethan promised.

Hank took a deep breathe and said, "We will do everything and anything you say. We…I want my daughter back."

"I will call my office and see about arranging my schedule to fit you in."

"Maybe we can arrange to move closer to you in Santa Monica," Hank suggested. "We have an office close and I can put in for a transfer."

"Rosa and Maria can handle the gallery until they find another manager." Joyce agreed.

"I suggest we also clear this with Buffy, give her some control in deciding if this is what she really wants." Ethan suggested, while keeping an eye on the one Summers member that had not said anything. "Miss Summers, what do you think of all of this?"

Drusilla gritted her teeth as she clenched both her fists so tight her nails dug into the palms of her hands as she said, "Whatever is best for Buffy." Thinking she would not be a part of therapy once everyone found out the truth.

At least for a short while she was her daddy's girl, and she felt like she was truly loved by one of her parents. Something she'd never experienced her entire life until the night Dawn had died. The only problem was she'd be dead to her father, and yet be alive. Where, when she was with her mother she was nothing more then an inconvenience, a mistake that should never have happened.

"Excuse me, but can I speak with Mrs. Summers please?" Anya asked from the doorway.

Joyce looked up to see the woman that her daughter had chosen over her. It surprised her that she didn't feel anger or even jealousy, but gratitude for the woman's care of her daughter. "Miss Jenkins, right?"

"Yes, or you can call me Anya."

"Anya, I would love to talk to you." Joyce replied as she stood to follow the young woman.

Ethan wondered what had happened and why Anya was here and not with Buffy. He hoped if something terrible had happened they would've called him, so he chose to believe that maybe Buffy wanted her mother with her. He'd have to wait and see as he turned toward the other daughter and the father of this torn family.

*******

Joyce followed Anya down the hall quietly, wondering what the woman had to say to her. A part of her feared what Miss Jenkins had to say, the other was prepared to accept whatever truth she had to impart.

Anya turned suddenly and said, "If you hurt her again, I will kick your ass myself."

Joyce nodded as she said, "I will do my best not to hurt my daughter again. I know it's no excuse, but Dawn was a miracle and losing her took so much out of me. I never told Buffy this, but Dawn was premature and her first month of life was touch and go. I never left my baby girl's side until they told me she was going to make it and I could bring her home. Then we lived with the fear she wouldn't be normal as she grew older. We became over protective of her from the moment she was born."

Anya looked at Joyce in a new light, but still could not understand how she could've treated Buffy the way she did, "I see how special Dawn was, but to lay it all on Buffy wasn't right."

"Oh, I see that now, and maybe if I didn't hate myself so much back then, I might have treated her different. A part of me died that night, and I've been so caught up in my hate, pain, and grief I couldn't see what I was doing, until someone opened my eyes to what it was I was doing to my daughter. I hated God, the Devil, the mailman, even my husband for having that dinner party he so had to attend. If we'd been home, our little miracle would still be alive."

"You can't say that. That bastard would've found another way to hurt your family. To play what ifs right now would be a dangerous game. It could be that Buffy would be gone, dead. Let's just live in the here and now and move on, work on making things right."

Joyce started to cry, "I know, I just hope she lets me make it up to her."

"Well, she's wanting you now, so here's your chance."

"I just want to hold her in my arms and never let her go again." Joyce went on to explain, "I feel like I'm in a bad dream."

"It's only as bad as you let it become. Go be with your daughter, love her, protect her, but most of all support her. Tell her you don't hold her responsible for any of this, especially Dawn's death." Anya instructed, as they came to Buffy's room. "Spike's a good man, I really like him."

Joyce smiled as she took the tissue Anya offered her to wipe the tears away and said, "Yes, he is a good man."

"I think he will take very good care of Buffy; I can see already how much he cares for her."

"It's just going to be difficult with Drusilla."

"She'll get over it. She's still hot for Angel anyway, even if he doesn't want anything to do with her." Anya snorted.

Joyce leaned over and hugged her daughter's guardian angel, "Thank you for taking care of Buffy. It means so much to me to know that someone was looking out for her."

"I hope we can talk some more, it seems you need someone to talk to about everything instead of holding it all inside." Anya offered, remembering how she felt when her parents died and left her with the huge responsibility of raising her siblings.

"I would love that. It would be great to have a friend who'd listen." Joyce replied with a tearful smile. "When we have things settled, I would love it if you and your family would have dinner with us. I think we need to get to know each other better. If you are important to my Buffy, then you are important to me."

Anya smiled as she said, "I would like that very much. If you need anything I want you to call me." She said as she pulled a business card out of her purse, adding her home phone on the back. "Day or night, call me."

"I can see why my girl wanted you first. You're a good person."

"Thank you." Anya said as Joyce knocked on the door. "I have a good feeling about this."

*******

Dru's eyes drooped, feeling tired and finding it hard to hold her eyes open. She tried to stay awake, wanting to hear what her father and Dr. Rayne were talking about. But the tiredness she was fighting was too strong as her eyes shut and she drifted into a restless sleep.

She lay in her bed and listened to her mother and Mr. Sims from across the room grunt and moan as the bed squeaked. The only thing separating her from them was the room divider. Closing her eyes she tried to think of something to take her mind off of what the adults were doing in the other bed. She tried to dream of the day when her father would come and rescue her.

He looked so handsome, as he rode his stallion toward her with a loving smile on his face. She knew her father had come to save her, looking like a knight in shining armor. She knew he'd slay dragons for her, and take her away to live with him now. Her father wouldn't treat her like this, or let other men touch her in places they shouldn't.

Her mother would just laugh at her when she'd tell her about how the men would touch her under her panties. How they'd make her touch them back. She always said, 'what would my men want with a little brat like you.'

Even tonight Mr. Sims had pinched her bottom and said naughty things he wanted to do to her, and have her do to him. She'd cried to her mother and all she got was a smack across the face. She wished she were older than 12 years old, more importantly she wanted to know who her father was. Her mother said he left because he didn't want a child, didn't want to be tied down with a snot nose brat. She blamed Dru for his leaving, because even after trying to abort Dru, she'd failed.

Their moans got louder as she tried to keep them at bay by covering her ears with her hands and softly starting to hum. Nothing was working, causing her to start to cry as she hid her head under her pillow. She wasn't sure how much more of this she could take.

Dru suddenly woke up; happy she'd not cried out or done something to draw attention to her way. Listening to her father talk more with Dr. Rayne made her realize she was soon to be kicked out again, just like her grandmother did. There would be no way her father would want anything to do with her once he found out all she'd done. The things she had done in her past before coming to live with them, or the one big lie she told to protect herself from being rejected and thrown aside, would give him reason to make her leave. Even the thought of losing William did not compare to the fear she'd lose the father she'd been praying for, ever since she could remember.

*******

Buffy felt her eyes drooping as she leaned against Spike while they sat together on the gurney. "Who are Nathan and Anne?"

Spike sighed as he replied, "My parents, they met fell in love on the spot. My Da’ asked my Mum to marry him just two weeks after they met. My uncle said it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. They never spent a night apart once they were married."

"I wish I could've met them."

"Me too, they would've loved you."

"How about your uncle, did he and your aunt fall in love at first sight?"

"No, he jokes she grew on him. She grew up a few houses down and he thought her more of a tomboy and sister type. That is until another bloke took an interest in her, and then all bets were off. He married her the day after graduation and the rest is history. He spends his free time with her at the nursing facility she's staying at. "

"Will, I would like to meet your aunt."

"I can't wait to introduce you to her. I know in my heart she hears us, and she would want to meet the woman that stole my heart."

"Have I…stolen your heart?"

"Yes, baby, you have."

"I'm pretty sure you've stolen mine too."

"We'll take it one day at a time, Buffy. I'm in no hurry to rush things."

"What did I do to deserve you?" Buffy asked, as she tilted her head to look up at him.

"It's not about deserving; it's more about taking the chance and doing everything in your power to make it work. We'll have good days, bad days…we will fight and argue, kiss and make up. We'll work on getting to know each others wants and needs and compromise to make sure we both get what we need."

"I take it you'll be visiting me when you can, and I'll come see you when I can."

"Sounds good to me, I know my time will be hectic with school and going on interviews for my residency program. Either way, I do know now it will be as close to you as I can get."

Buffy frowned, "Don't do that, I don't want you to sacrifice your schooling to hold my hand."

Spike chuckled as he replied, "More than hold your hand, luv. I want and need to be able to see you when I can. I want to learn everything I can about you. There are plenty of great programs close by, especially for family medicine. The only thing that would be in short supply is you."

Buffy blushed and wondered if he was going to kiss her, since his face was so close to hers. The thought of his lips touching hers seemed so surreal she wondered again if she was dreaming. She leaned toward him and was disappointed when all he did was kiss both her cheeks and then the tip of her nose.

Spike could see the disappointment in her face and assured her, "Our first kiss will be special. Somewhere we won't be interrupted so I can show you how to really kiss your man." He teased.

Buffy giggled as she replied, "I forgot my inexperienced lips is what gave me away."

"This is the one thing I never want you to lose, the ability to tell me anything. I will do the same thing. No secret or lies."

"I agree. No secret or lies." Buffy said confidently as she then said, "I would like to introduce you to Dawn one day. I think she would have liked having you as a brother."

"It would be an honor to meet her." He replied, "One day I'll take you to England so you can meet my parents. I really think they do look over me still. It's why my uncle knew every time I did something bad."

Buffy jumped when someone knocked on the door causing her to say, "Will, how do I handle this?"

"Just follow your heart." He encouraged, "Give her a chance, Buffy. So much has happened to all of you."

Buffy nodded as she said, "Come in."

The moment she saw her mother walk in the room, she began to cry. Looking into her mother's face she saw so many things. Love, pain, fear, and need written all over her face. She watched as her mother opened her arms as tears ran down the older woman's cheeks.

"Oh, baby girl, can you ever forgive me? I'm so sorry." Joyce sobbed as she prayed after this night they would be able to work together to make things right again.

"Mommy, I'm so sorry." Buffy cried as she ran into her mother's arms. "Please forgive me, Mommy?"

"Oh, Buffy, honey, I'm the one who should be asking for forgiveness. You've done nothing wrong. I promise it's all going to change, your father and I want a chance to make everything right again."

"But he killed Dawn because of me."

"No, baby, he killed her because he was a sick man. A man who used his position to hurt my daughters and think he could get away with it." Joyce assured her, "I mean it Buffy, and this is not your fault."

"I didn't leave Dawn alone that night. If I hadn't left she'd still be alive." Buffy rambled, "I'm so sorry."

Joyce hugged her precious daughter closer as she firmly said, "you are not to blame and what do you mean you didn't leave Dawn alone that night?"

"Dru was home when I left to go to Willow's."

"Oh God! Why didn't you say…. what have we done?" Joyce moaned as her stomach knotted up in nerves. "It seems there is so much I need to ask for you to forgive me for."

"You believe me?" Buffy asked.

"Yes I believe you."

Buffy smiled as she hugged her mom hard and said to Spike, "Will, can you tell the doctor I'm ready now, I have my mom with me."

Spike smiled as he heard the new found confidence in his girl's voice as he replied, "Will do, Pet. Good to see you Joyce."

"William, thank you for taking care of my daughter and opening my eyes to how much I'd let go." Joyce told him as she watched him lean in to kiss Buffy's cheek as he walked past them to go and get the doctor.

"Tell me what the doctor is ready to do?"

Buffy looked at her mom and said, "She wants to do a rape exam."

"Baby, did he hurt you in that way?"

"I don't think so, I think I'd know if he forced himself on me."

"I'm here, honey, whatever you need you just let me know." Joyce assured her as she ran her fingers through Buffy's hair.

"I've never had sex before, just so you know." Buffy said, as she looked down at her feet.

"It's fine, Buffy, even if you had I wouldn't think any less of you right now. We're going to work everything out. Dr. Rayne said he'd help us, and your father has agreed. He was so worried about you."

"I find that hard to believe." Buffy snorted, still unable to hide the bad feelings she still held against her father for his treatment of her.

"I know it's hard to believe, I really do. But when we thought we lost you too, it brought him out of his stupor. Now is not the time to go into everything, but please don't shut the door on your father. A part of both of us died that night, and neither one of us have handled things well."

"Can we just get through this and then see where things go from here?" Buffy asked.

"Yes, we can." Joyce assured her, "I'm here for you, baby."

Buffy hugged her mother again, and said, "I'm glad you are." She was ready to get this over so she could go to the hotel and shower. "Mom, I'm staying at the hotel with Dr. Rayne tonight. I just don't want to face Dru and Dad tonight."

"I understand, baby. Just call me if you need anything."

"I can do that." Buffy said, happy her mother didn't fight her on this; not realizing her mother understood and had an agenda of her own.

Buffy heard the knock on the door and knew this night would be over soon as she called out, "Come in!"

Dr. Walsh entered the room followed by Tara and asked, "Are you ready, Buffy? Or do you need more time?"

"No, Dr. Walsh, I'm ready now." Buffy answered as she took her mother's hand and walked over to the gurney.

*******

Spike noticed Anya sitting in the chair he'd once occupied as he walked out of Buffy's room. The look on her face told him she was there to talk, and he suspected it was about Buffy and Dru. Seeing how protective Miss Jenkins was acting, he knew his girl would be in good hands when he wasn't around.

"Should I be afraid?" He asked, teasingly and noticed how she tried not to smile.

"It depends on how you answer my questions." Anya replied, liking this man more and more.

"Ask away!"

"What are your intentions toward Buffy?" She asked, knowing already he meant Buffy no harm in any way.

Spike decided he'd lay his cards on the table. "I intend to marry her one day."

"You hurt her, and I will cut your balls off and feed them to the sharks. Got it?" Anya said, "Now sit down here and tell me about yourself."

Spike chuckled as he replied, "I'll consider myself warned, and there really isn't much to tell."

"Oh, there's a lot you can tell me. I just don't want to hear about you and Dru, other than to say it's over and you won't be going back there." Anya told him as she pointed to the chair beside her, "Now sit, and start talking."

Spike shook his head and sat down as he started to tell her about himself. He got the feeling that Anya not Hank or Joyce, should be the one he should come to, to ask permission to date and then to marry his girl.

"Where are you and your uncle staying?" Anya asked once he was finished.

"He has some rooms at The Casa."

"Oh, now that won't do. That's just too far away. Rupert has a guest house with three bedrooms that you both can stay at."

"I think Buffy is going to stay with him for now." Spike told her, hoping the woman wouldn't try and keep Buffy from staying with them.

"Then, she gets the third and Faith can stay with her to keep it respectable. Not that I care, but it's not about me." Anya replied, "Let me go tell Giles the plan, and I'll have Angel take Faith over to get her and Buffy some things. I know she's left some clothes at our house."

"Honestly, Anya you don't have -"

"Don't say it. She's family to me, and Giles cares about her too, so let us help. I'm sure we can work something out so that your uncle can use the guest house anytime he comes to town."

"You do what you need to do. I'm thinking Buffy might like being closer to those she cares about." Spike agreed.

"I'll be right back after I talk with Giles."

Spike watched her leave and realized things were working out to Buffy's benefit better than he'd expected. Buffy accepting her mother's help showed what a deep bond they'd had prior to everything that had happened since Dawn's death. Now, all he had to worry about was Hank and Dru.

*******

Buffy sat next to Joyce anxiously holding her mother's hand, as Dr. Walsh explained to them what she needed to do to finish her exam. Basically, they'd start from Buffy's head all the way to doing a modified pelvic exam so as to accommodate her virginity. The thought of what the doctor was saying made her feel nervous and like she was ready to jump out of her skin.

"Buffy, if you could put these gloves on. Then I will need you to pull out a couple strands of hair from three different places on your scalp." Dr. Walsh explained, worried at how pale the young woman appeared. "Unless you'd rather I did it."

"No, I'd rather do it." Buffy replied, thinking she'd have a better idea how hard to pull.

Joyce bit back the tears that threatened to fall. Watching how frightened her baby looked was tearing at her heart. She'd give anything right now to take it all away and make this night as if it never happened. If she had her way, nothing bad would ever touch this family again. But she knew she couldn’t play with if only, she could only try and be strong for her daughter now.

Buffy sat beside her mother and took the gloves that the doctor handed her and did as she was told. She felt like her hands were shaking, but couldn't see if they were or not. Thank God, her mother put on a pair of gloves to help her separate the stands of hair. Between the two of them they were able to obtain two strands from three different places and place them in the envelope the nurse was holding open for her.

"Okay, done with the hair pulling." Buffy said, giving her mother a grateful smile of thanks.

"Buffy I'm just going to swab a few places in your mouth and take a look at your throat. I'm sure you've had a throat culture before." Maggie explained, as she showed Buffy the tongue depressor and some wooden Q-tips.

"Okay." Buffy replied as she opened her mouth and felt a swab on the inside of her right cheek, then another on the left cheek.

"Now, Buffy say ahhhh." Maggie instructed as she examined Buffy's throat before swabbing it as well.

Buffy couldn't help but gag a bit. "Sorry!"

"She's always had a bad gag reflex." Joyce offered as she squeezed her daughter's hand in support.

"Don't worry about it. I know it's not a comfortable feeling having something put so far back in your mouth." Maggie assured her.

Buffy took a deep breath and reluctantly asked, "What's next?" Her facing what lay ahead made Joyce want to shout to the world that she had the bravest daughter in the world.

"Next, we just use this little wooden pick and scrap under your nails. We only clip a nail if it appears damaged or stained with something. Then we just have to prick your finger for a few drops of blood." Maggie went on to explain.

Buffy offered up one hand at a time as they scraped up under her nails. The closer they got to the more intimate part of the exam the more nervous she became. She believed nothing had happened like that, but she couldn't shake the fear the doctor might find something to prove it had. The poke of her finger was like a little pinch, as she then placed a few drops of blood where the dots on the exam paper indicated.

Joyce could feel and see how tense Buffy was becoming and moved closer to her side. She would make sure Buffy knew just how proud of her she was, once all this was over. It hurt that she'd missed being a true mother to her daughter's over the last eighteen months. But more importantly, she felt ashamed she'd not been a part of the brave woman Buffy had become.

Dr. Walsh wished she could somehow make this easier on the young woman as she explained the next step of the exam, "Buffy, I know this is embarrassing, but we can do this part of the exam one step at a time. I'm going to use a black light to examine your body. It will illuminate fluids and things that are normally not seen by the naked eye. I will turn off the lights and just have you expose parts of your body one section at a time. That way you are never fully nude. If we find anything suspicious we collect it for the kit."

Buffy squeezed her mother's hand real tight as she said softly, "Just tell me what you want me to do."

Joyce leaned in and whispered, "I'm so proud of how you are handling this Buffy."

Her mother's words brought tears to her eyes, and the courage to continue with what she needed to do. "Thanks mom, I needed to hear that."

Maggie Walsh felt encouraged that Buffy would have a great support person in her mother. "Let me turn on the lamp, and then Tara will turn off the lights. We'll start with you showing me your back, first. Then work our way down to your feet."

Buffy nodded as she stood and reluctantly slipped off Spike's jacket that until this moment she'd been wearing. Losing the warmth of the leather jacket made her feel more insecure. When the doctor turned on the black light she heard the hum but when the lights were turned off it sent a wave of anxiety over her. She fought back the tears as she loosened the back of the gown and let it fall open.

Maggie carefully examined the girl from top to bottom with the lamp and found nothing so far that needed to be obtained for evidence.

"Buffy, now turn around and just drop the gown to your waist. We can look more when we do the pelvic exam." Maggie instructed gently.

As Buffy turned around she could feel the heat in her face and was thankful the lights were off. The funny lamp reminded her of Angel's posters that only lit up under the black light. One of the posters was an old Led Zeppelin poster for 'Stairway to Heaven' that had been his fathers. All this time she kept her eyes closed, not wanting to see someone looking her over with a black lamp.

"Okay Buffy, go ahead and pull your gown back up." Maggie said, waiting for Miss Summers to do so before telling Tara to turn the lights back on.

"This next part is just like the pelvic exam by your GYN doctor, except we use scissors to cut a few of your pubic hairs." Maggie explained as she helped Buffy position herself on the exam table.

Buffy fought the rising fear, and the voice telling her to run. Saying it might be best not to know, that ignorance is bliss. But she did as the doctor told her, lying down and sliding down to the end of the bed. William's words that the coat would have him there in spirit gave her the idea of using it to cover the top part of her body.

Thinking she could handle anything if he was here she asked her mom, "Can I have Will's jacket, please?"

"Sure, baby." Joyce replied as she helped Buffy position it over her, and out of the way of the doctor's exam area.

Joyce made a mental note to thank Spike for helping her to be here right now. She knew if the young man had not opened her eyes to things, her baby would be facing this without her. For this moment she'd hold a very special place in her heart for the person that made it possible for her to be with Buffy right now. The sound of Dr. Walsh's voice interrupted her train of thought, bringing her back to the present.

"Buffy, I need you to put your feet in the stirrups here, and slide your bottom all the way to the end of the bed. I know this sounds funny, but if you just let your legs lay out like a frog, it will help relax your muscles a bit."

Buffy did as she was told, and then pulled the collar of the jacket up so she could inhale his scent. She was comforted somehow, having something of his close by as the doctor told Tara to turn off the lights again as she examined for any bodily fluids, with the black light. It lasted only for a few minutes.

"I see nothing out of the ordinary so far, Buffy." Maggie told her as she prepared to continue her exam. "I'm going to use a pediatric speculum for your exam."

"I find that if I close my eyes and just totally relax it makes it easier." Joyce offered as she felt her daughter squeeze her hand. "Don't hold your breath either, it tightens up the muscles, just continue to breath slowly in and out."

Buffy started to feel close again with her mother as she closed her eyes and did as she said. She could also hear the love in her mother's voice again, but with a touch of sadness. Buffy breathed as the doctor finished up the exam feeling a small pressure inside her vagina lasting only a few minutes at the most.

"Your hymen is still intact and I see no scratches or abrasions supporting any evidence he violated you in any way. I took a few swabs so we can be thorough. Only one thing left Buffy and that is to do the swabs of your rectal area. You will only feel a small pressure of the swab, nothing more." Maggie warned her.

Buffy felt the sensation just as the doctor described. For some reason she felt more embarrassment than pain with that part of the exam. Tara seemed to notice as she said, "You're not the only one that feels funny about this part of the exam. It's normal to feel like no stone was left unturned."

"Okay, Buffy…that completes the exam. Go ahead and scoot back and if you want go to the bathroom and clean up a bit go right ahead."

"I would like that." Buffy answered as she moved back and then stood to go to the bathroom. The need to get out of here and be able to shower and put on her own clothes started to overwhelm her.

*******

Ethan listened to Hank as he started to talk about the traumatic birth of his youngest daughter. It would seem there were many things left over from Dawn's premature birth and her fight to live he'd never dealt with. Hank revealed it was Dawn's fight for life that made them change their minds about having any more babies.

"Hank, I'm going to check on someone that can do some great grief counseling for you and Joyce. I think as I told Dru, you need someone that can assist both of you and do it fairly and with you both in mind. I would like to mainly work with Buffy one on one, and with all of you as a family." Ethan suggested.

"I think Buffy needs a fresh start…too much pain here."

"I agree, but I think that should be something you discuss with Buffy and see if she wants to leave. It might be good to discuss it as a family, and take it one day at a time."

"Buffy, Buffy, Buffy!" Dru snarled. "Why does this all have to be about Buffy? Is she the only one that has gone through hell?"

"Dru, honey…she's been kidnapped."

"But she's alive, so what is the big deal?" Dru asked, trying to get herself back under control before she said something she'd regret. "She isn't the one that killed Dawn but you treated her like she did. Now you want to get all…never mind."

"No, Dru, I think you need to explain yourself." Hank demanded, his temper getting the better of him.

"Oh yes, let us explain ourselves to dear precious Daddy." She purred sarcastically. "Did you ever ask her if she was the one that left Dawn alone that night?"

Hank looked at Dru and realized he didn't know this young woman looking back at him, "Are you trying to tell me something Dru?"

"Oh, how funny you should ask, Mr. Summers." Dru found she couldn't wait for the world to drop her on her head, she decided to just jump and get the pain and rejection out of the way.

*******

Buffy stepped into the bathroom letting out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She walked over to the mirror and took a good look at herself. The woman who was looking back at her was not the lost confused little girl she last saw when she was in this room earlier.

Now standing before her was a woman with a new found confidence. Her mother was here, believing her, loving her. Friends were not far away, and then there was William. She wasn't sure if he cared if she called him William or Spike. It was a question she'd have to ask him.

Just thinking about him made her heart beat faster, and the need to see and feel him grew stronger. Until now, she never believed in love at first sight, or the notion of soulmates. Now she was a convert to the idea that all of it was true.

After using the bathroom and washing her hands she felt she was ready to walk out and put her past where it belonged, in the past. Thinking about it all, Buffy realized she'd been given a second chance on life, and she wasn't about to waste it. She'd take life one day at a time just like Spike said, and see where her life would lead. She would take back her life and not let anyone hold her back from making her life worth living. Mr. Snyder would not be allowed to win.

*******

Ethan wished this wasn't happening at this time. But it was something they couldn't avoid. He just hoped this didn't escalate to a point he wouldn't be able to prevent emotions and feelings getting out of control. The last thing any of them needed was acts and decisions being made in the heat of anger.

"Dru, I'm only going to ask you this once." Hank warned her, "All I ask is you tell me the truth."

"I'd never lie to you Daddy." Dru answered with as much conviction as she could muster, knowing the time she'd dreaded had come. She'd never outright lied, for they never asked her about that night, her lie had been by omission.

"Did Buffy leave you with Dawn that night?"

Dru felt the heat of their eyes trained on her, making her wish that Buffy hadn't been saved. Then this moment wouldn’t be playing out this way. She'd still be her father's favored daughter. It was her turn to shine in his eyes, and now like everything else, Buffy was about to take that away too. A small voice inside kept telling her she was blaming the wrong person, and to just own up to what she'd done and be done with it all.

It was time to be mommy's good little girl and just accept her fate. She wasn't sure what she would do, but she'd survive, her mother's boyfriends had given her the experience to do that. Her grandmother was right, she wasn't worth loving and she was nothing, it was why she sent her away to live with Hank.

She looked him straight in the eyes and said with a deadened voice, devoid of all feelings, "Yes, she did."

Hank started to get angry at Dru, but mostly at himself. "Why did you let Buffy take the blame?"

Dru rolled her eyes and looked around her and said, "So I could be treated the way you've all treated her? I'm sure I would've been treated even worse, maybe even sent back to England. Plus, you never asked."

"Dru, that is not true." Hank growled, "and a poor excuse to use. I never would've sent you away."

"I never would've thought you'd turn your back on your precious pumpkin." Dru bluntly accused, with such a fire of conviction no one doubted she truly believed it to be true. "Daddy's list of favorites, first came Dawn, his baby girl, then came Buffy, his pumpkin, and then me, who you never gave a nickname until after Dawn died. Then you called me your Princess. Before that it was just Dru."

Hank sighed, feeling tired and beaten as he said, "I never loved either of my daughters more than the other."

"So you say! I've never been accepted in this family. Always the third best, even if I was your firstborn. It was always Buffy this, Dawn that. They always got your attention, even if I was talking to you at the time." Dru told him, for the first time telling him exactly how she truly felt. "Buffy was your favorite and you treated her like garbage. I could only imagine how you would've treated me."

Hank felt like he was seeing Drusilla for the first time and wondered how he could've missed her jealousy. He could see she truly believed what she was telling him, and he realized he failed all his children in the worst way.

"Dru, I'm sorry you feel this way. I wish you would've come to me and told me."

"Like anyone could come and talk to you. You've lived blindly, telling us it would all work out. Take a look around now, and see how well it's worked out Daddy." Dru accused as her voice became intense. "How are you going to treat me now? Turn your back on me and only speak to me when you have too, and if so by degrading me. Will you ignore me like you've done Buffy all these months? Or will you do like Grandmother did and turn me away? Tell me Daddy, how do you plan on making this right?"

Hank felt for his daughter, he really did. It would seem he'd been blind to the pain his oldest must have been going through. Taking a good look at it all, it would seem everything wrong with his family was his fault.

He looked at her as he cupped her face and said, "Dru, if nothing else I've learned here it's this. We can't sweep any of this under a rug and try and hide it any more. I don't want to lose another member of this family. I'm just sorry it's taken something like this to open my eyes to how I've failed my girls."

"It's simple really. You never really loved me like you did them."

"No, that's not right. It's more like I just assumed you knew I loved you. I'm so sorry I failed you Princess, I hope you'll give me the chance to make it up to you." Hank assured her, seeing the pain in her eyes and the acceptance she was going to be tossed aside. "I'm thinking I've made a mistake in not making you tell me more about your past or finding some way to have found out more how you were raised."

"Joyce will never want anything more to do with me, so why bother." Dru replied, "I really don't see her or Buffy accepting me back into the fold after this."

"Please, Drusilla, don't give up on us, I promise we will try and do better." Hank vowed as he took his daughter in his arms and hugged her close. "All we can do is try, baby. I don't want to lose you."

Dru broke down and cried, letting all the pain she'd been holding in over the years to flow out. No one had ever fought for her before, and it touched something inside making her feel a true sense of hope for the first time. Her mother had never held her, except at a distance. The only ones that ever held her wanted something and it was usually the use of her body.

Ethan stood watching as the father comforted his oldest child, knowing something terrible lay in her past. He would make sure she was given the best care possible. There was an associate of his that practiced in L.A. that would be perfect for Dru. Jenny Carpenter would be someone that would work well with her.

"Miss Summers, or can I call you Dru?" Ethan asked.

Dru's sobs had quieted down to sniffles as she replied, "Dru would be okay."

"I have an associate in L.A., not far from the university. I would love to arrange for the two of you to meet. That is, if you are still planning on being in L.A." Ethan offered.

Dru felt a surge of anger, "Why do I have to have a different doctor? Not the famous Dr. Rayne?"

Ethan explained with care and honesty, "Because, you deserve to have someone who you can trust to put your interests first. Someone that you can build a trust with and feel they will keep your confidence and be there for you. I would still want you to be involved with the family counseling, as I would your parents. But I will be referring them to someone else as well. I've worked with and trust Dr. Carpenter to take very good care of you and your interests."

"Why does Buffy get you?" Dru asked.

"Because I was consulted on her case first, is why." He simply said, knowing now would not be a good time to tell her that William asked him.

"Why is William with her and not here with me?" She whimpered, causing Hank to become upset as well.

"I think that is something you will have to ask him." Ethan replied, as he looked at Hank and said, "I really do not think tonight would be a wise time to bring it up. He's been very helpful with Buffy, and I would hate to have her upset at this moment. I encourage all of you to take things slowly and not rush in to any quick decisions or judgments."

"Thank you, Dr. Rayne, for everything. I want to do everything in my power to bring my family back together." Hank replied, thinking the doctor was right. He couldn't or shouldn't like his temper to misguide him right now.

"I'm going to go and check on Buffy and see how things are progressing with her exam. We will talk more tomorrow after everyone's had some rest and time to calm down." Ethan explained as he turned to leave. "I will return and give you both the numbers to contact Dr. Carpenter."

"I will explain everything to Joyce tomorrow, Princess."

"I will understand if she doesn't want anything to do with me." Dru replied, "I will make an appointment to see Dr. Carpenter."

"I promise, honey, I won't turn my back on you. We will be a family again one day. This time we will be stronger and will be there for each other."

Dru nodded her head as she let her father hug her once again. The words sounded lovely, but she knew her mother and grandmother were right, she was nothing special and no one would want to keep her. She knew her life here with them was over, and deep down she knew it was all her fault. Until she had to leave, she'd try and enjoy this time with her father as much as she could.

*******

Spike watched as the door opened and the nurse came out. He felt like jumping up and going right in, but he knew that Buffy and her mother needed more time alone, and the doctor was still in there with them. His girl would come and get him when she was ready to see him.

"Giles says you can have the house." Anya said as she sat beside him. "Any changes?"

"The nurse came out, but the doctor's still in there with her." Spike replied, as he slouched down in the chair to wait for a sign Buffy wanted him to join her.

"Oh, Angel says he needs to have a sit down with you and make sure you're okay in his book." Anya giggled, "But don't worry, I've already told him you passed the test and he's only supposed to give you the family rules."

Spike chuckled as he replied, "I can see I've not only gained a girlfriend but a slue of pesky demon friends to go with her."

"Yep, get used to it, buster."

"It will be a pleasure."

"Good, we expect to see you as often as we can."

Spike nodded as he replied with a request of his own, "Care to tell me about your little band of demons."

*******

Buffy walked out of the bathroom to find her mother and the doctor talking about counseling for everyone about tonight. Hearing her mother say that they'd talk to Dr. Rayne for the best way to go warmed her heart. It felt good to see and hear her mother saying the 'we' and not 'she'.

"Buffy, I hope you know I did try to make this as easy and quick as I could." Dr. Walsh told her. "I was just telling your mom, that even though no sign of sexual assault was found that the rape crisis people might still be of service."

Buffy looked at her mother and softly smiled as she replied, "You can leave us the number and we'll see where things go over the next couple of days."

"Good, I'll make sure the number is included with your discharge papers." Maggie's understanding smile fit the caring expression on her face, making Buffy really come to like the woman.

"Am I going to get to leave soon?" Buffy asked, wanting to leave and put some needed distance from all of this for a while.

"It won't be long." Dr. Walsh answered, "Tara should be starting on the papers now. I'll just go and add a few more things and she'll be back very soon."

Joyce reached out her hand toward the doctor and said, "Thank you so very much for taking wonderful care of my Buffy. I really think you've done a great job in making it as easy for her under such terrible circumstances."

"I have to agree with my mom. You really helped me get through this tonight." Buffy agreed.

"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call." Maggie encouraged as she shook first Joyce's and then Buffy's hand. "Here's my card, call me any time."

Buffy took the card and smiled gently, "Your kindness is the best medicine you could've given me."

Maggie felt her heart go out to the young woman as she learned something more about herself. It really made this job worth doing when something as simple as kind words and deeds touched someone. She'd have to keep that in mind when she was having a bad night, or someone pushed all her wrong buttons some night.

Buffy smiled as the doctor said her goodbyes and left the room. As much as she wanted Spike with her right now, she needed to say a few things in private to her mother first. One of the other things she realized while in the bathroom was what to do about Dru. She didn't want Dru to be let off the hook, but she didn't want her treated the way she'd been. She would not wish what she went through on even her worst enemy. It could be that Dru being there that night would've made no difference. Instead of losing one sister, she might have lost two, all because of a mad man's craziness.

*******

Joyce took a seat next to her daughter with a confused look on her face. She knew she couldn't have heard her correctly, "Let me get this straight. You want to let Dru get away with what she's done?"

Buffy shook her head slowly as she said, "No, I just want her to be given the chance, unlike me to explain herself. I want to know why she let me take the blame and go from there."

Joyce took a deep calming breath as she let her daughter's words sink in. She agreed that now was not a time to react emotionally, it was what fractured their family to begin with. Both she and Hank had let the pain and grief lead them down the road to tearing their family apart.

"I'm so proud how you've grown up. I'm just sorry I had nothing to do with this wonderful transformation." Joyce decided her daughter was right and told her so. "I also think you're right, we need to calm down so we don't make this any worse than it already is."

"Plus, I'm just not ready to deal with it right now. I have enough on my plate." Buffy shared, relieved her mother agreed with her. "I just want to shower and get some sleep, and then wake up and begin to live my life again."

"Then let's get you to Ethan so you can go and get your rest." Joyce replied.

"Mom, just so you know. Spike is with me now, and I mean with me." Buffy thought it best she was up front about her and Spike's relationship. "We're still working on the 'with' part of it, but we both want to find out what it is that's between us and if we can make it work."

"I know he cares about you very much, and from what I've seen so far I think you care for him too." Joyce smiled as she ran her hand down the sleeve of the leather jacket that encased her daughter.

"He just is, if you know what I'm trying to say?" Buffy asked.

"Yes, I think I do." Joyce replied as she leaned in and kissed Buffy's cheek. "I'm going to go and get Hank and Dru home. Call me in the morning when you wake up."

"I love you mom!"

"I love you to, Buffy. No matter what happened that never did change. I just shut down, baby. It really wasn't you, it was me. I will have to tell you a story about when Dawn was born. I think it might make you understand a little of why I lost myself in the pain of losing her."

"I'd like that." Buffy said with a sense of closure with her mother, coming to realize it hadn't been her really that caused her mother's treatment of her. "I think we'll come out of this stronger and closer."

Joyce hurried to hug her daughter close and say, "I hope so, for I love you more than I think you'll ever know. It’s funny how something like this opens your eyes, and I'm just feeling blessed I have this time to make things right with you."

"Me too, me too." Buffy agreed as she hugged her mother close.

"Okay I'm going now before Hank comes looking for me and we don't want that happening right now. I'll sign your discharge papers before I leave, and we can talk more tomorrow." Joyce said as she stepped away and hurried out of the room before she begged Buffy to come home with her.

Buffy watched her mother leave and knew it was taking everything she had to keep from begging her come home. The trust her mother just placed in her made her love the woman even more. Knowing her mother's action was to protect her from facing her father, not to avoid being with her warmed her heart.

*******

Anya noticed the need to let some emotions out once she saw Joyce's face when the woman stepped out of the room. "Okay, Spike, to Buffy you go and I promise to take good care of Joyce."

"What do you mean by good care?" Spike asked feeling suspicious.

"Oh, don't worry. Me and mommy dearest have come to an understanding. I promise I won't eviscerate her or anything like that." Anya teased. "Honest, I'll take good care of her in a nice way."

Spike nodded as he stood to join Buffy. He was surprised to see how Joyce went straight to Anya and hugged her close and started to cry. The look Anya gave him sent him on his way with the knowledge that Miss Jenkins was one hell of a woman.

"Come sit down." Anya softly instructed the older woman.

"She forgave me and says we will be stronger for it." Joyce cried out all the emotions she'd been holding in that needed an outlet. "My Buffy is all grown up and I had nothing to do with it."

"Yes you did." Anya soothed her, "You gave her the foundation on which she was able to come through this with her mind and soul intact. I truly believe that."

Anya's words gave Joyce some of the comfort she needed as she said. "I might need to take you up on your offer to talk sometime."

"That's why I gave you my number. Call me anytime." Anya reminded her.

"I need to sign Buffy's papers and get to Hank before he comes looking for me." Joyce managed to get out.

"I'll go with you if you'd like." Anya offered, feeling a connection with this woman since they've talked these few times.

"I would appreciate that more than you know." Joyce sighed in relief.

*******

Spike again found himself about to knock when the door opened and Buffy pulled him in the room. Her arms around his neck mixed with the warmth of her breath against his skin filled him with a joy he'd never knew he could feel right at this moment.

Here was his future clutching him like she was trying to crawl inside him and it was something he'd welcome if it was at all possible. He craved her voice, her touch, and the beauty of her face. Even knowing he was acting like a lovesick poet didn't bother him as long as she held him like this.

Buffy felt a thrill run through her when his face fit in her neck and she could feel his warm breath on her skin. The need to have him so close they'd be one, called to her like nothing ever did before. She needed him like she needed water and food, and it scared her and yet made her feel powerful.

"William or Spike? Which name do I use?"

"Both if you'd like. But so you know, only you and Ethan are allowed to call me William."

"How about Will?"

"Only you."

"My Will, my William, my Spike."

Spike chuckled as he replied, "Yeah, baby. I'm all yours."

"And I'm yours."

"I know, Kitten."

"Cocky, aren't ya, Spike?”

"Only for you, baby."

Buffy giggled on the pun of that, "You're a perv too."

"Only for you."

"Good thing, Mister Spike. I so need a shower and a change of clothes."

"Faith went to get some things you'd left at her house and some of her stuff too."

"Good, I'm just not looking forward to the drive."

"Buffy, I haven't told Ethan yet, but Giles offered up his guest house." Spike told her.

"Wow! That place rocks. He let Angel use it for his 18th birthday party." Buffy informed him. "I’d never seen Angel act so adult; it was rather scary seeing him treat someone's house with such respect."

"Then let's go and find Ethan so we can get my girl all comfy and tucked into bed. Plus I need my beauty rest."

Buffy giggled as she leaned back to look him over, "You must sleep a lot since you look so beautiful."

"Funny, Pet, I'd rather have you say handsome. Don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about me."

"Don't worry, baby, I'll set them all straight if any man tries anything."

"I can see life with you will never be boring." Spike sighed contentedly, as he nuzzled her hair with his face. "I'm going to enjoy learning everything I can about you."

"It could take a few decades." Buffy warned him.

"Will be the best decades of my life," He replied, as he leaned down to rub his nose against hers.

"I love you, Buffy Summers."

"I love you too, William 'Spike' Rayne."

"Do you think I'll ever get my coat back?" He teased.

"One day, you might."

"Well, as long as the woman inside comes with it I can wait."

Buffy felt the tears threaten again, only they weren't sad ones as she said, "If you don't kiss me now I will scream."

Spike knew he could never disappoint his girl as he leaned down and softly nibbled on her bottom lip. If she wanted to be kissed, he'd give her one she'd never forget. Pulling her bottom lip between his he suckled gently before slipping his tongue between her sweet lips. He was on fire just from this small kiss as she opened and let him in. Their tongues dueled for a few seconds before he teased hers to follow his back inside so he could worship her sweet tongue.

Buffy never knew a kiss could make her feel so lost in someone else, and it was numbing her brain to everything but him. His lips and tongue were driving her to want more of him as he sucked her into his mouth and made her moan for more. She felt the joining of their mouths all the way down to her toes and then some. Both were so lost in the kiss neither heard the knock on the door.

*******

Joyce stopped at the doorway leading into the smaller waiting area. Anya had left with Mr. Giles, after making a promise to call the younger woman very soon. She couldn't help but notice how forlorn Hank looked as she watched him sitting next to Dru with his arm around her. She also noticed how detached Dru was becoming as the time passed. As she walked toward them she couldn't help but watch Drusilla more closely, and was shocked at the deadened eyes that looked back at her.

Something had happened since she'd been with Buffy, and by the looks of things it wasn't good. The worry on Hank's face and the blank expression on Dru's forewarned her something bad was coming.

"Buffy is staying with Dr. Rayne tonight, so we can go home now." Joyce told them seeing the hurt on Hank's face and the lack of expression on Dru's.

"She doesn’t want to see me?" Hank asked forlornly, even thou he knew he didn't deserve her forgiveness just yet.

"Buffy's just not up to any more tonight. I didn't feel the need to fight her about it, and there is tomorrow." Joyce explained gently, feeling uneasy with how Dru was acting.

"Then I guess we need to go home." Hank said as he stood up and then turned to help Dru stand, getting more and more worried with how she was withdrawing.

If only they'd known her back when she lived with her mother and the short time with her Grandmother they'd understand what she was doing. Drusilla was preparing to be alone and on her own. She was finding that part of her that existed when her mother's special friends would have their way with her. The special part of her had a name no one else knew. Her mom thought it was her imaginary friend whenever Dru would talk to Miss Edith.

Even now Miss Edith was telling her how she'd keep her safe and not let any of the evil men touch her. Only Miss Edith would get her hands dirty and a few other body parts as well, just like when her Mummy's friends wanted her to do bad things. Miss Edith did them for her.

"Dru, Princess, let's get you home." Hank softly talked to his daughter, become more afraid for her.

He was watching Dru, so he didn't notice Joyce wince at his nickname for his daughter, but Dru did. She knew at that moment that Buffy had told her the truth and her life here was over. Tonight she'd pack her things and leave, before they could kick her out. She'd find a way to survive; she didn't need anyone. If she learned anything while living with her mother it was that she didn't need someone to provide for her. Anything she ever got, she'd earned with the use of her body, so she had something she could thank her mother for.

"Okay, daddy." She meekly said as she let her father lead her out of the hospital.

Hank wanted to cry, but he knew he couldn't right now without telling Joyce why. He'd watch Dru closely tonight, for something about her behavior was scaring him and making him anxious. He truly could not lose another daughter because of his careless behavior.

For the first time he allowed himself to believe his worst fears about Dru. Hank became worried that Dru's life before coming to live with them was something he should've been concerned about. Could it be he overlooked her past and now it was going to cost him another daughter, God he prayed it wouldn't end like that.

He just hoped he could make Joyce see the injustice they'd done to her when they just accepted her into their family without checking her background. They'd just conducted the tests to prove she was his, and then just went on like it was every day a teenaged daughter is dropped off at your door with a birth certificate saying you're her father.

The school counselor had recommended that they investigate her past but instead he'd been the macho ass and hadn't. Now he and his family were about to pay the price for another one of his fuck ups. He just hoped he wasn't placed in a situation where he'd have to choose, for he really wasn't sure how he'd be able to. Both his daughters needed him, their father. The only difference was that Buffy had her mother; Dru had only him.

He felt like the world was closing in on him as he led his oldest out of the hospital. The wife who might make him decide followed, but then again if she found out how far he'd fallen she might leave him herself.

*******

Tara's knock on the door received no reply, so she opened the door carefully wondering if Miss Summers had already left without her instructions. To her surprise the young girl was being kissed by her boyfriend in such a manner Tara knew the young woman was loved and cherished at the same time.

"I'm sorry, but I did knock." Tara apologized, as she stood in the doorway.

Spike reluctantly pulled away from his girl's sweet lips, keeping her secure in his arms as he said, "Not a problem, just letting my girl know how much I love her."

Buffy leaned against Spike as she asked, "Did my mom sign my papers?"

Tara smiled as she answered, "Yes, and she has a copy of the instructions and of the phone numbers I'm about to give you as well."

"So, after you go over them with me, I can go?" Buffy asked, just as someone else knocked on the door.

Spike smiled when he and Buffy both said, "Come in!"

Ethan stepped in and smiled at the picture William and Buffy made. He could still remember when his brother, Nathan, had meet Anne; it was like he was reliving the past. He couldn't wait to visit his wife and tell her about Buffy. His Julia would be happy to know that her William had found the one he was meant to spend his life with.

"Well, saves me a trip to find you," Spike teased, "We're about to be released."

"Do you want me to wait outside?" Ethan asked.

"No, please come in," Buffy answered.

"I just have to go over the discharge papers that Mrs. Summers already signed, and then Buffy is free to go." Tara looked back and told the new arrival.

Ethan nodded as he entered the room and listened to the young nurse tell Buffy that her exam was all normal. He couldn't shake the feeling that things for Dru were about to get worse before they got better. The call he planned on making Monday to Jenny Carpenter, would have to be tomorrow instead. Deep down he knew the road to the Summers family recovery was going to be a long, hard road for them to travel.

"Ethan, Mr. Giles has offered us his guest house," Spike spoke up after Tara had finished with the instructions and left the room. "Buffy knows the way."

"Is that alright with you, Buffy?" Ethan asked. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable.

"Sure! I wasn't looking forward to the long drive."

"I'll call and cancel the reservations once we get there." Ethan replied as he turned to his nephew and asked, "Are you coming with us then?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind; I'm not sure I'd be welcomed back at the Summers' home right now," Spike answered. "I'm sure I can go and pick up my things tomorrow," he looked at his watch and added with a touch of surprise in his voice, "or should I say later today."

Buffy stretched a bit to look at Spike's watch and noticed the time, "Wow! No wonder I'm really sleepy, it's almost three in the morning."

"Better get you off to bed then before you turn into a pumpkin." Spike teased, as he took her hand in his.

"Let's check and see where Faith is." Buffy suggested.

"'Angel was dropping her off at the house with the clothes and things." Spike informed her as he led her out of the room with Ethan holding the door open for them as they passed.

"Thanks, old man." Spike teased.

Ethan's smile and the affection in his voice lightened his reply, "You are not too old to put over my knee," causing Spike to chuckle and Buffy to giggle as she said, "Mom was getting Dad and Dru and then going home."

"I guess we just need to make sure everyone else has gone home," Spike surmised out loud.

"Okay, and then how do we get to Giles' house?" Buffy asked.

"I have a friend's car I borrowed." Ethan offered. "We can return it later after we pick up William's.

"Good plan, I need to get my girl settled in." Spike said when he noticed Buffy trying to fight back a yawn and failing. "I'm a bit knackered myself."

Ethan watched his nephew gently pull Buffy closer to his side and place his arm protectively around her shoulders. His instincts told him this young woman would come out of this ordeal stronger and intact. He couldn't help but think that Dru Summers might not be so lucky.

*******

Joyce sat quietly throughout the drive home. She wanted to turn and confront the young woman behind her, but felt this was neither the time nor place. A part of her thought what she was seeing from Dru right now was all an act. What worried her was how Hank would handle knowing Dru lied to them all this time.

Hank played how he would tell Joyce about what Dru had told him tonight. Each one ended badly with him having to choose between daughters. He knew it wasn't how it had to end, but right now he was having a hard time seeing Joyce and Buffy forgiving Dru her trespasses.

Dru looked out the window, lost in her own thoughts and not seeing anything that was going on around her. In her mind she was making plans on what to take with her and where to go. She'd only need the bare essentials for now, and then she'd write and see if they'd send her the rest once she found a place to stay. L.A. would be the best place to go; somewhere big enough she could be lost in. A place she could create a new life for herself.

"Don't worry, Luv. Miss Edith will take care of everything; you won't need to worry about a thing."

Dru felt a cringe of doubt at hearing her old protector's voice in her head. A part of her was relieved and felt safe. Whereas the other part felt dirty and afraid, because she wasn't sure she wanted to be reminded of those dark times in her life.

"Tsk, tsk, my girl, having doubts about me. You know I won't let anything bad touch your soul. I'll take it all upon me, little one."

Dru secretly glanced forward, just to make sure they didn't hear the voices going on in her head. She knew now why all this was happening to her; it was her punishment for being a bad girl. Now for sure she'd never get to Heaven or hear the Angels call her name when it was time. No, she'd be given to the devil and the demons would drag her by her hair to the dregs of hell where she belonged. Her grandmother was right about her, she was evil just like her mother.

The ride continued in silence as Joyce wondered if her family would be a family come morning. There was no way she could keep the knowledge of Dru's lies a secret from her husband until then. But again it might be for the best, she thought, thinking she needed to rest and face this problem further with a fresh mind and more thought. She looked at the clock in the dashboard and realized it was already tomorrow.

*******

Faith yawned as she, Angel, Darla, and Lorne put away the small amount of groceries they'd picked up on their way over to Giles' guest house. He'd told them where the sheets were so they could make up the beds. The youngest Jenkins, opened up a few of the windows to let in some fresh air.

Darla could see Faith had something on her mind as she asked her, "Spit it out, Faith."

Faith sighed as she said, "How do I greet her?"

Loren smiled softly and said, "Like you do every day."

"But then she might think I don't want to talk about it." Faith replied.

"Did it ever stop her before?" Angel asked.

"No." Faith answered as she started to understand. "I get it, let her know nothing's changed and it's friendship as usual."

Darla gave her a wink as she agreed, "You got it, baby. Just be you and the rest will work out and she will appreciate you for it. Don't treat her like a victim, but like you'd treat her any other day."

"We'll wait for them to get here before we go." Angel told Faith, "I'm just not ready to let you out of my sight yet."

Faith walked over to her brother and hugged him as she said, "I'm one lucky girl, to have a brother like you."

"And you'll always have me." Angel promised.

"So, Spike is rather a dish of hotness." Lorne chuckled, "Buffy will have her hands full with that one."

"I think it's the other way around." Angel snorted, teasingly. "He's going to have his hands full, he's got pussy whipped written all over him."

"Is that your crude way of telling me I have no chance to have my 'brokeback' moment with Blondie?" Lorne said jokingly, causing the others to laugh and it helped to lighten the mood.

"Let's get moving, we have a few things to do before they get here." Darla giggled, "And Faith and I will make up Spike's room." She said while giving Lorne a knowing look, "I know how you like to joke around."

Lorne pretended to look crushed, "You wound me, Sweet pea."

Angel laughed as he reminded the man, "No, she remembers the last trick you pulled on her when you almost made her believe I was leaving her for you."

"What can I say, it was worth it to see her face when I told her you and I were getting married." Lorne snickered. "It's great having friends you can play around with. I hope Spike has a good sense of humor. Cutie is going to need one if he hangs true with our Buffy."

"I think he's going to fit in just fine." Faith said, and Darla agreed, "I'm with Faith."

"Well, this isn't getting the house in order." Angel sighed, "So Buffy can get some rest when she gets here, we now plan to vacate as soon as they get here. No lolly gagging around."

"Gotcha, baby." Darla agreed.

The four people moved quickly to put away groceries and make the rooms habitable for those coming to retire easily. Faith hoped Buffy would be okay with her being here; not that she wanted her friend to breakdown and tell her everything tonight. She just hoped Buffy would be comforted by her being here for her. Buffy had been the first and only real girlfriend she ever had, and hoped that didn't change. She hoped that if they did not remain best friends when all of this was over and the truth came out, that they would still be good friends.

*******

Joyce watched as Dru quietly stepped out of the car; something just wasn't right about the girl. She was sure her stepdaughter was most likely thinking of how she could get out of trouble and failing at it. She still couldn't believe all this time Dru had kept her mouth shut. She wished she could remember more about that night, as it still seemed like a bad dream. She couldn’t trust any of her memories being true to what really happened.

She watched as Hank unlocked the door; suddenly he looked lost and so much older. It looked as if this night had aged her husband beyond his forty-eight years. The painful expression on his face when he looked at Dru made her worry yet again about what had happened while she was with Buffy.

The sad smile on Dru's face when Hank softly touched her when she passed him pulled at her heartstrings. Something wasn't right and she would, no she needed, to get to the bottom of it all. No longer would she sit back and let her family just get through life. They would now and for the rest of their lives learn to function and act like a family. First, she would confront Hank in private and see what he knew, and then she would have a heart to heart talk with Drusilla.

*******

"Turn right at the next light, and his house is at the end of the drive." Buffy told Ethan as she sat safe in Spike's arms.

As they approached the large house Spike whistled and said, "Wow, you call that a house?"

"It was built by one of the founding fathers of Sunnydale. He built the house for his wife and kiddies, and the guesthouse was for the in-laws," Buffy said as she looked up at Spike with a smile. "Until Giles moved in, it had remained empty. We all thought it was haunted by the Sunnydale first family."

"Nice, so it gives a new definition of 'you're never alone'," Spike snorted, "Well, if you get all spooked, you can come and I'll protect you."

"Might be I have to protect you." Buffy teased back.

"Oh, would you slay a few ghosts to protect me Slayer?" Spike asked with smirk on his face.

"That's me, Buffy the ghost slayer," Buffy replied, "I will whip off their sheets and send them packing."

Spike chuckled as the car came to a stop in the back, since the gate had been left open for them. Buffy jumped when the gates began to close with a hideous squeaking noise. Ethan even gasped, causing all three people to start laughing.

"Now, Uncle, are you afraid of the undead?" Spike joked, knowing his uncle was a bit of a superstitious man.

"You know how I feel about those things," Ethan was quick to say, "I remember a few times a young man climbed into bed with his aunt and uncle saying monsters and ghosts were in his room."

"Hey! None of that now, no telling stories about me." Spike acted affronted, but enjoying hearing Buffy laugh, even if it was at his expense.

"I can see now who will have to be the strong one in this relationship." Buffy dramatically sighed, giving Spike a wink.

"Look what you've done now." Spike said as he rolled his eyes while at the same time helping Buffy out of the car and taking her hand in his.

"I see Angel and the gang are here." Buffy told them having seen his car.

"I hope you're ready to get pounced on," Spike warned her, causing Buffy to stop and think about something.

"Ethan, would you mind going in alone right now? I need to say something to William before we go in there." Buffy asked as she squeezed Spike's hand.

"I will even go one step ahead and keep the friends at bay for the moment," Ethan replied as he gave her a reassuring smile. "Take your time."

Spike looked down at his girl with a confused and worried expression on his face. "What is it, Pet?"

Buffy moved so she could stand right in front of him as she stared up at him. The last thing she wanted right now was to face her friends without telling this man what she needed to say.

"William Spike Rayne, I want to tell you before I get overwhelmed in there that
I love you." Buffy told him with a smile and her emotions pouring out of her eyes.

He could see the love she held for him and it almost brought him to his knees. Never did he think anyone would love him like she was right now. Something told him this was just the beginning of something amazing for both of them as he leaned down and rubbed his nose against hers.

"I will love you until the day I exist only in your memories. Even in death will I love thee more than life and pray you'll join me."

"Oh, Will, you're making me cry," Buffy sniffled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a loving kiss that branded them both forever.

Anya stood in the darkness with her lover's arms around her and watched the happy couple. Leaning back she sighed and told her man, "They will bring so much love to the world around them. I'm so happy they found each other."

"As I'm happy to have found you, my heart." Giles said as he hugged her close. "I think we should leave them to their privacy and we will see them tomorrow."

"I love you old man, more than you'll ever believe."

"Then come and make me believe." Giles whispered as he led his ladylove away from the window.

*******

Hank entered the house last after unlocking the door and letting Dru and Joyce in ahead of him. He could tell by Joyce's expression she had something on her mind, and he was afraid she was going to confront both him and Dru before he had time to tell her about Dru. He prayed his wife didn't, for he needed to tell her what had happened while she was with Buffy.

He felt both relieved and anxious when Dru turned to them and said, "I'm going to bed now."

Joyce couldn't hold back when she asked, "Don't you want to know how Buffy is?"

Dru sighed as she replied in a deadened voice, "I'm sure she is doing fine considering, or you wouldn't be here with us now."

"We'll see you in the morning, Princess. Try and get some sleep." Hank encouraged, hoping to divert Joyce's attention toward him instead.

Joyce realized Hank was trying to protect Dru for some reason and decided to let her go and find out what her husband was really up to. Her gut told her he knew the truth about who left Dawn alone that night, and she wanted to know why he was protecting Drusilla right now.

"Good night." Dru said as she turned and walked up the stairs like a woman in a trance.

Joyce gave Hank a knowing look before heading toward the kitchen. It was an area where they had many private talks before everything fell apart so long ago. Sitting at the table sharing some warm chocolate with marshmallows had been one of her favorite pastimes with her husband and it was something she hoped they could get back.

Hank felt a sense of ease come over him as he followed his wife to the kitchen. This was one of the rooms he loved the most. He enjoyed the time he and Joyce would spend here in the past. It was the place he spent with his girls, going over their homework, and where he'd sit and plan out his daughters' futures.

*******

Dru walked up the stairs looking at the pictures of the Summers' family on the wall as she did so. Until Dawn's death, she'd been envious of the young girl's life, and wished she'd be born in Dawn's place. Dawn was so young and innocent, protected and loved just because she was all those things and Buffy was too. What fueled her jealousy toward Buffy was her sister's ability to make friends with everyone around her. All the boys wished the petite blonde was their girlfriend, when all they just wanted her was for a good rough and tumble and nothing more. The fact that Buffy had always been the goody two shoes and she the bad girl cause the resentment to burn deep into her soul.

She walked into her room closing and then locking the door behind her. She truly believed beyond any reason or doubt that no one would check on her this night. But she wasn't taking any chances if they did. She wanted to get as much distance between her and them as she could before they found out she'd ran.

"No one will care or even cry and some may wish that I would die because I'm not Buffy. I'm only me and I never was good enough." Dru whispered as she began to gather what she'd need to take with her.

She pulled out her special box that she kept all her life and lifted the lid. Lying on the top was a picture taken when she first came to live with her father and his family. Staring up at her was Hank and Joyce sitting with Buffy and Dawn on their laps and Dru standing behind them. There were no pictures of Buffy and Dawn standing behind, always her. This one had become the typical family picture set up.

"I wish I could take it back, but not really. To be honest I don't know anymore what I want, for all I ever wanted was to be loved above all. It was good while it lasted, but it's time to face reality, I was never meant to be loved for how do you love a mistake, something no one really wanted, but was only stuck with." Dru said quietly, "I hate you Buffy and yet I love you. Can that make sense?"

Replacing the picture in the box she closed the lid and decided there and then she'd never have a family of her own. It was too hard and she was sure by the time she was done making a living no man would want to settle down with her anyway. No, she'd go collect her things at college and move on, go and see what there was out there for her.

She packed what she could in her knapsack of the things she wanted to take. Looking down at the box of mementos she started to cry knowing she was leaving everything behind for a reason. She was no longer Drusilla Summers, now she was just a girl on the street that would do what it takes to survive.

"Mummy was right and Grandmother too. I'm just a poison and I kill everything around me." Dru whispered as she looked around the room she once thought of as her home.

Quietly and swiftly she opened the window and climbed out onto the tree branch she used so many times to sneak out. This time would be the last as she scurried down the tree and ran from the house she used to call home. She knew she wasn't strong as Buffy, and couldn't face the wrath she so deserved.

*******

Buffy led Spike up the steps to the door, her lips still tingling from their kiss. Her heart was racing from a mixture of anxiety at seeing her friends and still feeling the after effects from his kiss. She wished they'd waited to see her until tomorrow, but then again she felt special they were here waiting to see her.

"Is it bad of me that I hope they don't stay long? I need to rest and my eyes are starting to feel like sandpaper."

Spike squeezed her hand to reassure her as he replied, "I have a feeling Anya gave them complete instructions to leave once we arrived."

"I hope you're right, or I'm crawling on the couch and they can watch me sleep." Buffy said as she fought off a yawn.

Spike reached over to open the door, prepared to ask everyone to leave shortly after they said their hellos. He'd play the bad guy and make them leave but he was sure they'd understand once they saw how worn out and exhausted Buffy looked. He just wasn't about to tell her that.

What greeted Buffy when she entered warmed her heart. There they stood waiting with their gear ready to leave with loving smiles on their faces. Faith stood with a tall glass of water in her hands and a determined look on her face.

"First off, hugs for everyone and then we go. Then you drink your water like a good girl before going to bed. Anya's orders and you know we do as Mama Hen says." Faith announced, with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Let's hear it for the mighty feathered one." Spike chuckled as he moved aside and let the others pay their respects to his girl.

Lorne was the first to approach as he hugged her close. "Good thing I like you, or we'd have a cat fight for handsome over yonder."

Buffy laughed as she replied as she hugged him back fiercely, "You're lucky I like you or I'd kick your ass from here to another dimension where you'd be some demon's bitch."

"Oh, honey I'm happy we didn't lose you."

Buffy felt her tears start to form as she leaned back and kissed Lorne's cheek and said, "I feel blessed I have a wonderful family."

"Can I be your best sister?" Lorne asked jokingly as someone smacked him on his ass.

"You'll be some demon meat if you don't haul ass and let me have my turn." Darla teased the man.

Buffy felt his kiss on her cheek before he whispered, "I love ya' kiddo, like the sister I should've had." Before stepping back and letting Darla have her turn.

"About time, hug hog." Darla giggled as she then looked Buffy up and down and said, "You look like hell but I'm damn happy to see your beautiful mug."

I guess this is where we hug or just stare at each other?" Buffy snorted, finding it hard not to smile.

For the first time anyone could remember, Darla started to cry as she hugged Buffy close, "I was so afraid we were going to lose you. I tried to be positive, but you know me, Miss Negative underneath. I've never been so scared in my life and don't you fucking do it again."

"Hey, when were you negative?" Angel asked.

"I just never said anything, trying to be Miss Positive." She sniffled as she felt Buffy hug her close and say, "I'm just glad we're both here, right now."

Buffy and Darla held each other for a few moments and shared a few tears, deepening the bond they already had. Buffy knew at this moment she'd never be alone and if she chose to stay here in Sunnydale these people would have her back.

"I think I'd better let Angel have a few moments or he's going to get all broody and pout." Darla said as she calmed herself.

Hey I don't brood or pout." Angel denied with an affronted tone.

Darla gave Buffy a wink as she then called him on it by saying, "And what do you call that look baby, the broody manly look."

Angel mock glared at the two women as his girlfriend stepped away so he could come up and hug his adopted sister. "You scared me little one."

"I'm sorry." She apologized and squealed when he lifted her up and gave her a bear hug.

"I'm the sorriest, because I wasn't there to protect you like I promised myself I would. I love you brat, and I never want to lose you." Angel told her as he turned to face the blonde male he knew was going to be around more often now. "And if you know what's good for you, you better never break her heart."

Spike nodded, with a smirk on his face, seeing the teasing on Angel's face mixed with a serious look as well. He knew he'd been warned as well as officially brought into the circle that was Buffy's extended family. "I will do everything in my power to make her happy and keep you from crowding me like a caveman."

Angel chuckled as he let Buffy down and said to her, "I might get to like him, someday."

I think you're too late, 'cause I think you already do," Buffy called him on it, "Or you wouldn't let him near me."

"You're right on that, little one." Angel agreed as he extended his hand toward Spike and said, "Welcome to the family."

Spike nodded as he took the hand and replied, "It's an honor and a privilege."

Faith stepped up and pushed her brother out of the way saying, "Move over hug hog."

Buffy smiled as Faith turned to face her and say, "Bitch, you ever scare me like that again and I will kick your sorry ass and lock you in the attic."

Buffy started crying as she and her best friend hugged and cried. She knew Faith was not one to demonstrate affection much and this was a big moment for both of them. Deep down she knew this woman would be her best friend for life, would be her maid of honor at her wedding, and the god mother to her children. Faith would be the sister in her heart and she'd be able to share everything with her and know it would be held sacred.

"I love you Faith, forever and always you will be my best friend and sister of my heart." Buffy told her as they held tight to each other. "I love you too, 'B'."

Angel, Darla, and Lorne took that time to quietly leave, having Ethan walk them out. They knew Buffy needed to rest, and after an emotional reunion she was going to be even more tired than when she first walked in the house. Spike decided now would be a good time to get something to drink and let the girls have their privacy.

*******

Joyce turned to Hank once they entered the kitchen. "Sit while I warm up the milk. Get your thoughts together and then tell me what happened after I left you and Dru with Dr. Rayne."

"Joyce, do we have to go into this tonight? Can we approach this later, when we've rested and can think with clearer minds?"

"Oh, now we become all let's think this out?" She sighed with an edge to her voice she'd never used with him before.

"Joyce, we've both reacted badly in this. I just don't want to make the same mistake twice." Hank pleaded. "I'm beat and scared and have no clue how to even talk about this. A part of me says Dru was wrong in her assumptions, and was using it as an excuse for her behavior. Another part of me says she truly believes what she said and acted on her fear and need to be loved and accepted. She truly thought she would've been rejected and kicked out."


"Are you telling me she told you she was the one that left Dawn alone that night, and not Buffy." Joyce asked, feeling bewildered the girl would've done such a thing.

"If you'd only seen her face, Joyce; seen the pain and heard it in her voice as she told me why she didn't say anything." Hank replied as he rested his head in his hands on the table.

Joyce never seen her husband look so defeated and it scared her. Never had he looked so lost as he did right now. Even with Dawn's premature birth and fight for life, he'd never given up believing his little angel was going to be okay. Not even when Dawn died, did he look so disillusioned and ready to give up.

Joyce closed the refrigerator door and joined her husband at the table. Reaching over and placing her hand on his she asked, "Then tell me Hank! Tell me what she said."

Hank turned his hand over taking his wife's hand in his and started to tell her what had happened after she left. He left out nothing, including how he knew all of this was his fault.

He should not have let his pride of thinking he could take care of his family stop him from doing the right thing. He should've listened to the school's guidance counselor and found out more about Dru's past He should never had turned his back on Buffy and took out all his pain on her. Realizing now he should've accepted the help Dr. Rayne had offered right after Dawn had died.

"We'll make sure to call this Jenny Carpenter first thing today then." Joyce assured him, "I promise Hank we won't fail both of them again."

"Joyce I will understand if you don't want to help me with Dru. Buffy might hate us because of it, and I really don't want that to happen. But I can't let Dru handle this alone. I've blindly turned my back on her, on both of them already."

"Hank Summers, look me in the eyes." Joyce demanded and about cried at the pain she saw reflected back at her. "We are a family and it's about time we acted like one. We will face this together and we will overcome all of it. And you know why? Because we have each other and we have friends and others that will help us. We won't stop trying to bring this family back together."

Hank started to cry, knowing it would all end when she found out about his transgressions against her. But now was not the time for him to come forth and tell her how he'd become so separated from his family he acted upon it. What started as a drunken night of comfort with his secretary had turned into an affair he regretted terribly.

Joyce became worried when Hank began to sob frantically and realized this was the first time she'd ever seen him cry. He never shed a tear when Dawn was fighting for her life right after she was born. Not once did he cry after their youngest daughter's death. Hank had stood so stoic at the funeral never letting his emotions control him. Now it looked like the painful emotions he'd bottled up was now crashing down all around him at once as the grief poured off of him as she too began to cry. She stood and moved over so she could hold him as he cried. He pulled her on to his lap, hugging her close as he as if she was his life line.

"Joyce, please forgive me for tearing this family apart." He begged.

"Oh, Hank. I'm as much at fault as you." Joyce assured him.

"No, you're not." Hank disagreed, but he was not ready to tell her just how much damage he'd done to their marriage and to their family life.

*******

Dru sat at the bus terminal waiting for the next bus to depart to L.A. in a few hours. A part of her was glad no one had come to look for her, and the other part felt abandoned and unloved, but mostly not surprised. The voices in her head argued back and forth about if she deserved anyone to come and find her. One voice even mocked her by saying, "If you wanted them to find you, then you should've left a few bread crumbs or made some noise when you left."

Thinking back over the last 24 hours she realized she'd come to town with a boyfriend and a plan for her future. Now she was leaving town alone and with a vague plan to start her life over. For some reason it didn't anger her that Spike was now with Buffy, and she realized it was because she was never in love with him to begin with. Again, she became faced with her greed and selfish behavior. She was beginning to believe she didn't know what love was, or that she'd ever know.

Dru wondered if she'd be able to spend a few days in her dorm room until she could figure out more about what she was to do. It was already paid for this semester, and all she would need was for some way to pay for food. She would think it over the next couple of days, since she didn't have to return back to school until Tuesday. She was afraid to fall asleep with the few homeless people watching her and eyeing her bags, so she let her thoughts and fears keep her awake.

*******

Hank walked up the stairs behind his wife, feeling content she was holding his hand. He'd find a way to make things work between them; he would move heaven and earth to make sure he didn't lose his wife. The fact he never felt this way after losing Dawn picked at his brain, and he'd have to ask Dr. Rayne about that. The only thing he could think was the shock of losing the precious little angel who'd fought so hard to live when she was born. Only to have her life robbed by some maniac who held no value in her life, numbed him at the time to everything else around him.

As they walked down the hall he stopped at Dru's door and his heart went out to his oldest child. The need to make sure she was safely tucked in bed called to him to check on her. He felt Joyce's hand squeeze his giving him the incentive to open the door.

Joyce noticed her husband's frown as he turned the doorknob to Dru's room. She understood how he'd be worried, and to be honest she was worried about the young woman herself. After hearing Hank tell her about his confrontation with Dru and his darkest fears about her past, she felt the same guilt he did. To think if they'd done the right thing and investigated Dru's past, they might have prevented her feeling like an outcast.

The idea they may have overlooked the fact Dru might have been abused and neglected by the girl's natural mother broke her heart and opened her eyes again to how she failed yet another of her daughters. She could still hear the dread in Hank's voice when he shared his worst fear that his eldest daughter may have been sexually molested, or physically and mentally abused by Dru's own mother, and he'd not been there to protect her.

Hank knew there was a chance that he and Joyce would work things out. But first he had two daughters from whom he needed to ask forgiveness. He needed to do everything in his power to get his middle child to give him another chance, and this time he'd do what he could to make it right with her. The only problem that would interfere would be Dru. He truly prayed he got a chance to work things out with his eldest as well. Both his girls needed him and he felt like a rubber band being stretched far too thin right now.

Hank knocked on the door, something telling him he needed to know his daughter was safe and sound. "Dru, are you okay?"

Joyce sighed as she moved closer to Hank, placing her free hand on his shoulder, offering him her support. "I can go and get the keys from our room."

"Please, Joyce, go and get them." He whispered, hoping he didn't find his daughter lying hurt on the other side.

Joyce hurried to their bedroom to get the keys they had for each bedroom tucked away in the one bedside table. She prayed they'd find Drusilla unharmed, but something told her their life was about to be turned upside down once again. Opening the drawer and grabbing the keys, Joyce knew there was a good chance that Dru had already run from them. In a way she could understand the young woman's plight, it was easier to run and rebuff those who you fear will reject you.

By the time she returned Hank was beating on the door and yelling, "Dru, open the damn door, please."

"Here, Hank." Joyce calmly said as she handed him the keys. "I don't know which one is which."

Hank frantically took the keys and attempted several of them before he found the one he was looking for. Unlocking the door he pushed it open and quickly entered the room in a semi-panic state. Seeing the room was empty and there was no sign that his daughter had hurt herself allowed him to relax briefly until it hit him.

"God, Joyce…. she’s gone." He cried as he noticed some of her things were missing. "Where could she have gone?"

Joyce took a deep breath, refusing to let her fear and anger take over as she calmly said, "There are only two ways she'd be leaving town at this time of night, with her limited resources. Either she's hitchhiking out of town or at the bus station."

Hank's eyes grew large as he started to think of the terrible things that could happen if Dru was hitching rides with strangers. "Let's go and check out the bus station. I'm sure no buses have left yet, and if she's there we can catch her before she leaves."

"I'll drive because you're too upset right now." Joyce told him firmly. "Let's go bring our daughter home."

Hank looked at the woman before him and wondered when she'd become so strong. It amazed him she was willing to do this for Dru, who was of no blood relation to her whatsoever. "Thank you, Joyce. I know you don't have to do this."

"For better or worse the vows said, and Dru never asked to be brought into this world. She will have to face the consequences of her actions, but they in no way warrant her being forsaken and cast out of her family. I think it's time she realized she is wanted and what better way than to make her deal with her family and seek their forgiveness and pray she forgives us our mistakes as well."

"I just hope we're not too late." Hank sighed as he followed Joyce downstairs.

"We've done enough damage over this, I think it's time we start to rebuild this family. If it doesn't break you, it can only make you stronger." Joyce vowed as she grabbed the car keys to go and bring Drusilla home.

*******

Faith reached over to turn out the light and saw Buffy was already asleep. Soon after their emotional reunion everyone thought it best to retire. It was then she really noticed how in tune with each other Buffy and Spike were. He'd come back from the kitchen with a tall glass of water and handed it to Buffy.

She watched how he sat on the couch and Buffy followed and sat right next to him. The way their bodies touched spoke lovers, even though she knew they hadn't reached that stage in their relationship yet. But she believed it was coming, and she and Miss 'B' would have to have a serious talk about safe sex and birth control. Then she and the blonde hunk would have a heart to heart on what she'd cut off if he hurt her best friend.

Since meeting Buffy and seeing her home life, a day didn't go by that she didn't give thanks to whoever was in charge of their lives. The only regret was losing her parents so young. She wouldn't change her brother or sister for the world, and never thought twice about the day she befriended Buffy in the park so many months ago.

Faith looked over to make sure Buffy was sleeping comfortably, smiling to herself she said, "I'm glad you came in to my life. You've shown me what it's like to have true friend." Unable to fight it any longer Faith too fell into a peaceful slumber.

*******

Spike tossed and turned as he lay in bed thinking about everything that had happened over the last 24 or so hours. Here he was just a few feet away from his future when he'd not broken it off with his past. The fear of things going badly is what kept him awake, knowing he should've handled things differently with Dru. But time had been his enemy, and now he'd have to face Dru later today and set matters straight once and for all.

Hank didn't worry him, for he knew the man had his own behavior to sort out. Nothing he did today would come close to what Hank had done to Buffy. Just thinking about the man caused Spike to growl and roughly punch and reposition his pillow just thinking about Hank pushing all this on Buffy.

Ethan had told him they needed to talk in the morning since they both were very tired and needed to rest. He'd never seen his uncle look so sad, except the time the doctors told him about Julia's condition most likely being irreversible. Even today that broke his heart to know he'd been the one driving the car the night of the accident.

"Da, Mum, if either of you are listening and have some say with the man upstairs, ask him to make everything work out for my girl and her family. I love her, and she deserves much better than she's been getting." Spike prayed as he drifted off to sleep. "

*******

Joyce grabbed Hank's arm as he started to get out of the car and said, "No, Hank. I think it's best I do this. She won't believe I want to work this out if you're there too. She'll just think I'm doing it because you're there."

"I want her to know I came for her." Hank begged.

"And she will see that when I'm done and bring her out to the car." Joyce replied, with an understanding smile and tears in her eyes. "I think if we can make her understand she's a part of this family and is wanted here, it will help with her and Buffy talking, and make her believe she is loved."

"Joyce, I can't lose her, not after everything that's happened and I know now I messed up."

"No, Hank, we messed this up, you didn't do this alone." Joyce said, offering him comfort, "It's time we started acting like a family and treat each other like we matter to each other."

Hank leaned in and gently kissed his wife, "I'm sorry I failed you."

"Let's start with changing the word from fail to, I promise to do better to make this marriage and family work." Joyce replied, hoping he'd get the hint.

"Then, let's get this going so we can take our daughter home."

Joyce smiled as she said, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. One daughter at a time, first Dru and then tomorrow we work on getting Buffy home where she belongs."

"I like how you think Mrs. Summers." Hank agreed as he stepped back so she could go inside the bus station.

*******

Dru felt afraid when two homeless men sat across from her, both looking at her strangely. How they kept looking at her and then her bags, she was worried they were going to try and rob her. The ticket agent looked bored and wasn't paying them any attention to her plight. To be honest he looked like he was sleeping on the job.

"Where ya' goin' honey?" The older one asked, looking all wrinkled and missing all of his teeth.

Dru sat quietly, trying to ignore them. She couldn't help but feel stupid and incompetent, once confronted by the men who she would have to learn to deal with very soon. The thought of living on the street if need be was starting to scare her as she realized these were the people she'd be living around. Men who'd hurt her for a piece of bread, or take anything they thought she had of value.

"I think she's afraid of us, Carl." The other man snickered.

"Could be right, Bob." Carl replied with a hint of evil to his voice. "Are you afraid of us poor defenseless homeless victims, baby doll?"

Dru stood to leave and found both men on either side of her. Each man grabbed an elbow and started pulling her to the door. She was about to scream when she saw Joyce walk through the door.

Joyce immediately noticed Dru's distress and acted on her motherly instincts, "Get the hellaway from my daughter if you know what's good for you."

Both men stopped and noticed the angry expression on the woman's face, causing them to turn and run for the back. Something told them this woman was not one to be easily handled and that the ticket agent was now awake and calling the cops.

The first thing Joyce noticed was how Dru looked like a lost little girl who'd just seen the boogie man. Gone was the confident look she could remember on the other woman's face since the day she came to live with them. Maybe that should've alerted her that things weren't right with Dru, for how confident could a twelve-year-old be who was meeting her father and his new family for the first time.

"Are you okay?" Joyce asked as she slowly approached the young woman.

Dru stood in disbelief, not only because Joyce just saved her from those awful men, but mostly because the woman was actually here. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't make her voice work, all she could do was stand still staring at Joyce with a mixture of emotions flowing through her.

Joyce could see the difficulty Dru was having with her being here. She realized the young woman was shocked at her presence and it made her heart soften more toward her stepdaughter.

"Why are you here?" Dru asked suspiciously, and then it hit her what Joyce had said about getting away from her daughter.

"I've come to take you home." Joyce simply said.

"You don't want me there." Dru scoffed at Joyce's answer, "My father must have put you up to this."

"No, he didn't. In fact he wanted to come in himself and I talked him into letting me come instead." Joyce answered firmly. "I thought it best that I be the one to make sure you come home."

"But why would you want me? I know Buffy told you I'm the one that left Dawn."

"Yes, and your father told me about what you said and believe." Joyce replied, seeing what Hank had told her what he saw in the young woman. "I have one question for you, Dru."

Dru felt her heart flutter as she asked, "Then ask, I promise to answer as honestly as I can."

"Do you want to be a part of this family?"

Dru's eyes grew large as she felt her chest tighten. She wasn't sure how to answer, for she was sure it was all a set up to send her packing but broken if she answered yes. Her indecision was written on her expression and was enough for Joyce to see and understand the girl's reluctance to answer.

"Come home for tonight. We can get some much needed rest and go from there." Joyce suggested, knowing she wasn't going to win the young woman's trust any other way.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Dru asked.

"Yes!"

"This could be difficult. Buffy might not want to come home if she knows you want me there."

Joyce realized then that Dru was worried they'd choose Buffy over her, and she rightly should worry. It was then she realized the dangerous path her family was on. Blood ties could divide them if she wasn't careful. She knew then that her husband would choose Dru, only because she had no one else, since Buffy had her mother.

"Dru, I want this family to stay together. We all have done things we should be and are ashamed of. The only way we can make it right and overcome them is to work together. It's going to take some hard work on all our parts to make this happen, but I believe we can if we want to. I know I do want it to work. How about you? Do you want it to work?"

"I don't think you or Buffy will ever forgive me for all the bad things that I've done." Dru confessed her voice hoarse from fighting back the tears.

"Please, Dru, do this for yourself and for us. Let us be there for you. I promise we won't let you down again." Joyce vowed.

"You've never promised me anything before." Dru whispered.

Joyce stared at her confused, "Pardon?"

"You'd always tell me you'd try to make it to my school functions but never could. Either it was because you had something to do with Dawn or Buffy, or someone you volunteered for. But you'd promise Buffy and Dawn you'd be there front and center." Dru explained, feeling a need to get this memory put to rest once and for all. "So I stopped even telling you about them."

Joyce tried to pull up a time she'd went to see something Dru had done at school and realized she hadn't. She'd been so caught up mostly in helping Dawn at school, since she needed more attention at first with her attention deficit and hyperactivity. She realized she had a lot of explaining to do to both Dru and Buffy about their youngest sister's underlying problems.

"Oh, Dru…I was pulled in so many directions back then I failed to see that going on. We do have so much to talk about, things your father and I should've been more open about with both you and Buffy about Dawn." Joyce sighed, "But, we have many tomorrows to work this all out. I just hope you decide to come home and be a part of this family."

"You really want me to come home?"

"Yes, I do. I want to be here for you any way I can. I have a feeling things weren't easy for you growing up with your mother. I just hate myself for not being more insistent about learning more about your time before coming to us. I want to be a better mother to both you and Buffy."

"You want to be my mother?"

"Yes, I do." Joyce answered knowing she was doing the right thing at this moment for her and her family. "It won't be easy, for we have so much to talk about and get through, but it will be worth it. I really do believe that."

"What if Buffy wants nothing to do with me?"

"We will deal with that problem if it occurs." Joyce replied, "But I have a feeling you both will be able to work out your differences."

"I want to come home." Dru whispered as the tears fell, surprising both her and Joyce because in all of Dru's years she couldn't remember ever crying.

Joyce stepped forward and took the young woman in her arms and knew once she had that this had been the right thing to do. Now, the healing could begin once Buffy talked things out with Hank and Dru. In her heart she knew it would all work out in the end, but it was going to be one hell of a ride.

"Let's go before your father tears down the door and comes rushing in." Joyce told Dru as sobbed against her.

Joyce looked up and noticed Hank was already in the station and collecting Dru's things. The look on his face made her heart race with a feeling of passion that had been missing for so long in their marriage. The act of one crazy insane man had been the catalyst that tore this family apart, but she realized they'd been tearing themselves apart little by little before that. Joyce said a brief prayer to the powers that be they still had a family they could salvage, as she led Dru out of the station and toward the car.

Hank sat in the back with his daughter as Joyce drove them home. Her heart broke more for the young woman behind her who was crying her heart out on her father's shoulder. The deep sobs no one could ever fake, and it spoke to her of years and years of pain and suffering finally being brought to light so they could deal with them and help Drusilla move on to a better life. Joyce found herself looking forward to the future for the first time, since her miracle child's tragic death.

*******

Sitting by the window Ethan looked at the clock and knew Jenny would be awake getting ready for her morning run. If he called right now he'd be able to talk to her before she left the house. The one thing about being colleagues that worked well together, you also became friends.

She'd helped him and still did in dealing with his wife's condition. There was nothing sexual between them. Only the comfort of having someone to talk to and not judge is what she did for him. It was this quality to her work and friendship that he was sure Dru needed most; someone that would listen and be there to help guide her through this difficult time in the young woman's past, present, and future.

Dialing the number he knew by heart and felt it would be great to be working together again. It rang three times before Miss Calendar picked up the phone. He was relieved when she answered sounding awake. indicating his timing had been on the mark.

"So, Rayne you're calling me on a Sunday morning, what's wrong?" Jenny answered her phone, knowing it was Ethan calling, and it had to be important if he was awake so early on a weekend. She prayed it wasn't Julia, but was prepared to leave right away if it was.

"Oh, dear Jenny, I was hoping to invite you to come to Sunnydale. I have someone I'd like you to meet." Ethan decided to get right to the subject at hand.

"Give me an address and I'll leave after I clean up after my run." She replied, knowing that if he was calling, someone needed her help.

"Call me when you're ready to leave." Ethan explained, "We didn't get in until late and I don't have the address."

"I should be ready to leave within the hour. I'll cut my run short, and call you back soon."

Ethan's voice sounded tired and grateful as he replied, "I'm in your debt for this."

"No, Ethan it's just what friends do for each other; and you can tell me everything when I get there."

"I will warn you I really think this young woman's past is dark and painful." Ethan warned her.

"I promise to do what I can for her to bring her into the light." Jenny promised him, knowing how dedicated her friend was to helping those in need.

"I will wait for your call." Ethan replied and smiled as she said goodbye before hanging up. He knew he'd made a good choice in matching Dru with Jenny; she'd be able to earn Miss Summers trust and they would work well together.

*******

Buffy turned over and noticed the clock on the bedside table said it was going on eight in the morning. She couldn't believe she'd slept without any bad dreams; in fact it was the first night she'd slept dreamless since her nightmare life began the night Dawn died. The room was quiet except for the soft snoring of her best friend who was still sleeping beside her. She laid quietly at first wondering if she should get up just before her bladder told her it was a must to do so.

Her plan was a quick trip to the bathroom and then back to bed to see if she could go back to sleep. She wasn't really ready yet to face the day, except she looked forward to seeing Spike. Carefully she slipped out of the bed, hoping she wouldn't wake up Faith in the process. Tiptoeing to the door she looked back to make sure her friend was still sleeping before opening the door.

*******

Spike stretched his body to its max and he looked at the time and wished it was just a tad later then 8:00 a.m. He was sure no one else was awake, and wondered if he'd be able to fall back to sleep. Just as he started to doze off, nature called and he groaned as he got out of bed and put on his jeans.

Not caring what he looked like he scratched his head as he walked to the bedroom door. The need to go to the bathroom and his usual morning semi-erection made it a tad uncomfortable at the moment. It didn't help thinking how he couldn't wait to see Buffy and make sure she was doing okay.

He was still amazed she was his, and she felt the same about him. Spike knew without a doubt he was hers for as long as he walked on this earth. If she found she needed time to sort things out, he knew he'd wait, because he knew she'd come back to him in the end.

"We're meant to be, Kitten." He sighed as he opened the door to step out into the hallway.

*******

Hank found he couldn't fall back to sleep and needed to check on Dru to make sure she was still in her room. He'd never seen someone look so lost as when he watched Joyce lead her out of the bus station. Her voice sounded like a little girl's when she softly told him she was sorry she'd run away.

Opening the door to Dru's room made him feel a mixture of guilt for not knocking, and yet righteous in the fact he had a right to make sure his daughter was safely tucked in her bed. The morning light shined through the window making it possible to see her cuddled like a lost kitten in the middle of her bed asleep.

Never did she look so young and lost. Even in her sleep he could see she was troubled and in pain. He wished he had it all to do over again, starting with Dawn's difficult birth and her fight for life. Then he'd dealt with Dru's coming to live with them differently followed by how he handled Dawn's death.

The one thing he most wished he could do over was how he treated Buffy during all of this. Hank was sure he killed any chance of having Buffy in his life, as she should be. By taking the hate he felt toward himself and placing it on her he'd pushed her away, so she couldn't hurt him like Dawn had by dying. He realized now he'd pushed all of them away with the idea he'd be safe from losing them if he was the one to let them go first. Now he was witnessing the consequences of his actions and it hurt worse now knowing he could lose it all by him being selfish and stupid.

"You really fucked up this time Summers," he thought to himself, as he felt a part of him dying inside that he'd done the one thing he said he wouldn't do. Remembering Buffy's birth made him recall his promise to her the first time he held her in his arms to not be like his father.

Then it hit him; he'd become his old man. Hank vowed then and there to stop the madness. He'd do the one thing he father had never done. He'd fight for his family and most of all he'd do anything it took to make Buffy know he was sorry for how he'd treated her. He knew deep down there was nothing that could take away what he'd done, but he could make sure she knew he loved her and would support her any way he could.

Hank blew a kiss toward his oldest before shutting the door. It was time he took some time off from work and dealt with all his issues and did everything in his power to make his family whole again. He'd start writing Buffy a letter telling her he wanted a chance to work things out and that he would love a chance to apologize and talk when she was ready to see him. He would make sure to let her know this would be on her terms and needs.

First he needed to feel Buffy's presence as he moved to the door leading to her room. Opening the door he was hit with his middle child's scent. He noticed her bed hadn't been made and it made him smile as he walked over and lay down, wrapping his arms around her pillow. Hugging it close he could still smell her and he wished he'd done the same to Dawn's pillow when she'd died. As he remembered his spirited middle daughter and how it used to be, he began to doze off, finding some comfort being close to Buffy's things.

*******

Both Buffy and Spike looked at each other as they shut their doors and started to laugh. Spike cocked his head to the right as he took in how she seemed to be happy to see him, he could see the sparkle in her green eyes. She looked lovely in her sushi pajamas with her hair all tousled from sleep. He wanted to wake up to seeing this every morning; it was just going to be some time before he could.

Buffy loved how he tilted his head to look at her, giving her tingles in places that shouldn't be tingling just with seeing him. His hair was wild and she fought the urge to walk over and use her fingers to comb through it. It was so hard not to notice his naked chest, and not want to touch and trace the sculptured muscles outlined on his torso. She couldn't help but noticed his jeans was fully buttoned and there was a slight bulge present there that wasn't there last night, well not that she remembered anyway.

"Good mornin', Pet." Spike's greeting broke the spell he was casting over her.

"Morning, Will." Buffy returned as she watched him slowly approach her.

"Sleep well?" He asked.

"I did, believe it or not." She answered, and her voice told him she was surprised she had.

"Me too, even if I thought I'd sleep longer." He replied as he came to stand in front of her. "Now, I'm going to kiss you hello."

Buffy giggled as she leaned forward to meet him as they lips met. All thoughts of bathroom then left her brain since all she could do was feel her connection to this man who was kissing her so sweetly.

Spike's heart raced when she opened her mouth to him and her body curved to fit his. The feel of her hands upon his skin sent him spiraling forward to deepen the kiss as his tongue teased hers in a seductive duel. It was the need to breathe that broke them apart and led Buffy to softly lay her cheek against him.

His cock throbbed, but he refused to act upon its need to seek the warmth of her body. Spike knew she wasn't ready for his passion, and he needed to take things slow with her. Now was about comfort and being there for her.

"So do we flip for who goes first?" He teased, as he kissed the top of her head.

"Heads." She sighed.

"Well, it looks like the lady wins." He replied, rubbed his hands gently up and down her back.

Buffy leaned back and pouted, "I won't be long."

"I'll be right here." He told her, knowing he was sure there was most likely another bathroom close, but he didn't want to find it.

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart, Kitten." He said as he lightly rubbed his nose against hers before letting her go.

Spike watched as she closed the door. After a minute he looked down the end of the hall and noticed an alcove at the end with a seating area large enough for two. An idea presented it self as he hurried back to his room to get what he needed to complete the surprise.

*******

Buffy collapsed against the bathroom door; her mind trying to figure out the difference with this kiss versus last night's kisses. She couldn't help but wonder if he could feel how her nipples had hardened, and even now she couldn't believe how wet her panties had become.

She'd felt how the bulge she'd noticed had gotten more bulgy and how she fought to keep from rubbing herself against it. The one thing she did know was she wasn't ready to go all the way yet, and was a bit worried that she was so turned on just by kissing him. She'd have to talk to Faith about her body's reaction and see if she could help her decide if it was just the idea of sex, or it was just that she wanted Spike. A little voice inside kept telling her it was Spike and only Spike.

Quickly she did her business and then went to the sink to wash her hands. Looking in the mirror she gasped at the image staring back at her. She was shocked at her appearance and felt embarrassed she'd let Spike see her so disheveled. Not realizing how sexy she looked to him, Buffy hid her face in her hands.

"Oh! Lordy. He even kissed me with morning breath." She whispered as she again looked in the mirror. "How can I face him again?" She pouted while looking around but could not find a comb, brush, or anything like a toothbrush or toothpaste.

Tears came to her eyes as her frustration increased. Raising her arms up so she could use her fingers to try and fix her hair she suddenly stopped and lowered her arms to her side. A thought came to her and it made her smile; he still had looked at her like she was beautiful and treated her like she was precious to him. His tender touch and hot kiss told her he saw something else when he looked at her and decided to trust his reaction to her and not what she thought she looked like. She was ready to walk back out there and face him and not let her appearance bother her anymore.

*******

Spike rocked back and forth as he stood waiting for Buffy to come out. He kept looking down the hall smiling like the Cheshire cat. His goal was to keep her from seeing his surprise until he came back out of the bathroom.

The door opened and he prepared himself to set his plan in motion as he stepped to the left of the door so she'd hopefully look at him instead of toward the alcove. He prayed she didn't fix herself up at all either, he wanted to see that 'just got out of bed' look he'd enjoyed this morning.

He smiled at how she blushed when she opened the door and said, "Your turn."

Spike reached over and gently took her hand and pulled her toward him. The more he saw of her like this the more he wanted it all. Church bells, wedding march, wearing a tux, bridal gowns, and rings…he wanted it all and then some.

"I need you to do me a favor, Pet, and don't look behind you." He instructed her as he positioned her facing him.

"Why?" She asked with a suspicious look on her face.

"Then you'd ruin my surprise." He said as she gave her a wink and a quick peck on the lips, "Be right back, so fight the urge to turn around." Spike quickly entered the bathroom and closed the door feeling almost excited as when he'd wake up on Christmas morning.

Buffy licked her lips to savor his taste as she fought the desire to peek. "I was never good with surprises and waiting."

"Patience, Kitten. I promise it will be worth it." He called to her through the door.

Buffy gasped, "Are your sonar ears on or what?"

Spike just chuckled, causing her to giggle and start to rock back and forth on her feet. "I'm not sure if I can wait much longer." She teased.

*******

Joyce turned over and noticed her husband was no longer beside her. Looking at the clock she realized she hadn't slept very long. She knew it wasn't 8:45 in the evening because the sun was shining through her bedroom window.

Lying there staring at the ceiling she pondered the events over the last 24 hours. Spike brought her out of the hole she'd dug for herself, living on autopilot for so long now. When Buffy had been kidnapped, she found out about Dru and realized she couldn't play the dumb wife any longer either. She knew her husband had been having an affair, but didn't feel enough about it to really care. But now she knew that to make this family whole again, it was something she wouldn't be able to ignore or file away in the miscellaneous section any more.

"When do I confront him with what I know about him and his secretary?" She asked herself. "Do we fix the girls first and then work on us, or do the whole tear down everything and see what there is left to build on or just walk away?"

Joyce could no longer lay still with the fear she was still going to lose it all. How could they give both the girls their undivided attention without appearing to take sides? She didn't know and the scenarios playing in her head was a mixture of good and bad. Maybe she'd keep what she knew to herself and talk it over with whomever Ethan arranged to help them deal with their issues with Dawn, Buffy, and now Dru.

She put on her housecoat and went in search of her missing husband. Stopping off at Dru's room she snuck a peek and was relieved to see the young woman still asleep in her bed. Somehow she knew once she explained to Buffy about her sister, the Buffy she met last night would understand Dru's situation in some way. Maybe because her Buffy had walked a bit in her half sister's shoes of late.

Joyce softly closed the door and moved on, feeling an urge to visit Buffy's room. She knew she'd most likely find Hank in his office or down in the living room staring blankly at the TV.

Opening the door to Buffy's room she was shocked to see Hank lying on their daughter's bed asleep. Even in sleep he looked so sad while curled up with Buffy's pillow held tightly in his arms. She knew without a doubt the biggest rift that would need time would be salvaging a father/daughter relationship between the two.

Quietly she shut the door, leaving him to rest as she made her way down to the kitchen. The urge to bake some cookies overwhelmed her. She thought she'd make the peanut butter ones that Dawn always loved. The last time she'd made them was right before Dawn was taken from their lives.

"I think now would be a good time to remember her and not push her out of our lives," Joyce whispered as she entered the kitchen.

*******

Spike couldn't help but chuckle as he asked, "So…ready for your surprise?"

"Yes, and stop with the torture," Buffy replied as she glared at him and continued, "you just don't know how much restraint I've been using here."

Spike walked to where he'd stood before her as he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward the alcove. "Thought we'd spend the morning together and get to know each other better."

Buffy felt a jolt of warmth spread through her body with his touch. Biting her lip she let him lead as she turned to see what he'd done to surprise her and felt tears come to her eyes when she saw what he'd done. Pillows and quilts were spread out on the window seat making it look like a bed with a view. The thought of cuddling and talking with him made her feel like it was Christmas.

"Oh, Spike."

"I take it you like my surprise," he said, hearing the awe in her voice.

"No, not like," she sighed, "I love it!"

"Then let's go and get under the covers and you can tell me about you, and I can tell you about me," he suggested as he pulled her back against his chest and breathed in her scent.

"I think if I hadn't already fallen for you, I'd do it for sure now," she told him as she relaxed against him, enjoying the feel of him wrapped around her.

Spike chuckled as he used his body to guide her down the hall, never wanting to let her go. "I promise I will always make you fall for me."

"What can I do to make you fall for me over and over?" She asked as they found themselves beside the makeshift bed.

"Just by letting me love you," he answered her, as he reached down and pulled back the blankets. "Crawl in and get comfy."

Buffy crawled in under the covers and then scooted over, "Okay, now your turn Mr. Romantic."

Spike did as he was told loving how she giggled. "Tell me Pet, are you a blanket hog?"

"Nope, Dawn was the one that would steal all the blankets," Buffy replied, feeling comfortable to talk about Dawn with William. "I kicked her out of bed more than once 'cause she wouldn't let me have any covers back."

Spike shifted on the window seat, grateful it was well cushioned, and turned to face his girl. "I would love to hear all about Dawn."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really," he replied, seeing her smile widen as she started to tell him about her little sister.

*******

The dream, or more appropriately, her longstanding nightmare, woke Dru up suddenly. Remembering how she'd lost her virginity always brought back the bad dreams and the feeling of being dirty and unclean. Like all the other times she dreamed about how the bad man had made her do naughty things, she quickly got out of bed and gathered her things for a shower.

"I wish one day I could never think of it again," she cried to herself. "Bad Dru, bad girl, never should've made the man want her like that."

His voice was telling her over and over again how it was her fault he couldn't stop what he was doing. He was calling her a temptress, seducer, and lastly that she was a whore like her mother. It was him and others after him that taught her how to use her body to survive.

Dru hurried to the bathroom with the intent to wash the filth of her dreams away. Turning on the water as hot as she could tolerate it she stripped off her gown and entered the shower. Lathering up the loofah with the soap, she scrubbed her body until it burned. The sting is what told her she was cleansed of the impure touch of those men and her wanton ways with them.

No matter how much she tried to ignore how they made her body feel they made her body hum as if she liked it. One man even told her she was a natural in satisfying men's needs and even today she believed him.

"Am I a whore?" She asked herself in the mirror as she dried off her body. "I know I feel like one."

The knock on the bathroom door pulled her away from her thoughts as she heard Joyce say, "Dru, honey, breakfast is ready. Come and join us when you're ready."

The caring she heard in Joyce's voice touched her and gave her a small reason to hope things would work out for the best. If Joyce still cared about her, even after finding out the truth about the night Dawn died, maybe she wasn't beyond finding forgiveness.

*******

Faith stretched as she started to wake up. Something didn't feel right and she realized why when she opened her eyes and saw she wasn't at home. Quickly she looked over at the other side of the bed and felt a rush of fear at not seeing Buffy there sleeping beside her.

"She's probably in the bathroom," she muttered as she rushed out of the bed and grabbed her housecoat. "I'm just over reacting. Nothing can happen to her here."

Faith hurried to the door wanting to make sure her fears were uncalled for. Buffy was her best friend, actually her only real friend, and she never wanted to feel she'd lost her again.

Walking out into the hallway she noticed the bathroom door was open and it caused her anxiety level to escalate. When she was about to turn and rush downstairs, something caught her attention as she turned toward the alcove.

"Well, color me relieved," she muttered as she watched the two blondes sleeping under the covers all cuddled together. All thoughts that Buffy was in trouble flew out the window as the anxiety level rapidly decreased to nonexistent.

"Looks like me and Summers are going to have to have that birds and bees talk," Faith thought to herself, knowing her friend was still a virgin and lacked any real knowledge on the opposite sex.

Feeling thirsty, Faith turned toward the stairs. She knew there was a bathroom off the kitchen and didn't want to do anything to disturb the dozing couple. It never occurred to her to be jealous of the relationship she realized was developing between Buffy and Spike. In fact she was happy and a bit envious of it instead. All she wanted for her best friend was to be happy, and in her heart she knew Buffy was about to be on the receiving end this time.

*******

Ethan sat at the kitchen table reading the paper and enjoying the coffee he'd found. Jenny had called letting him know she was on her way and would be seeing him soon. He was feeling more at ease now he'd had his morning cup of caffeine. It also helped when he'd noticed the couple all snuggled together upstairs.

He knew he'd have to have a talk with Spike concerning the age difference. Not that it made a difference to him, but to Buffy's parents it just might. The last thing Miss Summers needed was her parents making her life hell over Spike. It would be very hard for him to help her if that happened.

He looked down at his watch and knew Jenny would be arriving soon. There was a noise at the door causing him to look up.

"Come in. There's fresh coffee made," he told the young woman standing in the doorway looking a bit cautious.

"Have you read the funnies yet?" Faith asked as she entered the kitchen heading toward the coffee pot.

"No, I leave those for last. But as long as you promise not to lose them I would be happy to share," Ethan teased.

Faith laughed, feeling comfortable with the man, "I'm 5 by 5 with that."

She was relieved she'd put on her robe before coming out of the bedroom. The last thing she needed was for a shrink to see she liked wearing Snoopy pajamas. Angel always teased her about how childish they were. Anya told her not to listen to him and that it reflected she still had a sense of innocence about her that was refreshing.

Faith sat down placing her coffee in front of her and asked, "So you're going to help Buffy and her family deal with all this chaos?"

"I'm going to do my best," Ethan answered.

"You can count on me to help. Buffy is like family to me and mine and we take care of family," she told him, watching to see his reaction.

Ethan smiled as he laid down his paper and replied, "Then your friend is very lucky to have you and your family."

"I guess that goes both ways. I'm lucky to have her as a friend. Not too many people like me because I'm too abrupt and rough."

"I think you like to test them with how much it will take before they have had enough and walk away," he countered.

"Then why did Buffy stay?"

Ethan smiled warmly as he offered his opinion, "Because you saw a part of you in her. The part that needed someone that would stand by her, protect her, be the friend to her that you wanted for yourself. In turn she befriended you back, seeing that you both gave something to each other that only a best friend could. If that makes any sense to you."

Faith smiled as she replied, "I think Buffy is very lucky to have you helping her. You've got a talent in reading people."

"No, I just know what to look for. Are you jealous of Spike?"

Faith chuckled as she said, "Hell no. He's the best thing that could happen to her. He will give her the confidence to face a lot of ugly things that will crop up while she's dealing with this mess. He's her knight in shining armor and brings hope to those of us that never believed in fairytales."

"You don't think he's too old for her?"

"Nope, 'cause I know he's in love with the woman inside and not the age of the girl. The man that was frantic when Buffy disappeared would've been lost if she hadn't been found. Upstairs now, they look like they belong together," Faith said with conviction so that he wasn't worried where her loyalties lay.

"Will you be able to support Buffy's relationship with her biological family?" He asked.

"I will do whatever is best for Buffy. I don't have to like them, but I can get along with 'em if I have too. I haven't beat Dru's ass yet, no matter how bad my hands were itching to do so," Faith answered while looking him straight in the eyes she added, "But, if one of them hurts her again, I will have no problems telling them what I think."

Ethan fought the smile as he nodded and picked up the paper saying, "The comics are underneath the rest of the paper."

"Thanks, I also need to read my horoscope so I can get a good laugh for the day," she replied as she dug them out and settled into reading them.

Both quietly read the paper sipping their coffee, having come to a better understanding and respect for each other. Buffy's welfare was both of their concerns and felt comfortable that they both would do what they could to help her get through this terrible time.

*******

Joyce noticed how scraped Dru's skin appeared, as if she'd scrubbed it raw. Her heart broke for the girl she'd never really gotten to know. She felt it was going to be impossible to bring her family back together. Would Buffy ever really forgive them, especially her father? It would be a question she would be asking for a very long time.

Hank felt nauseous having noticed his daughter's skin. He wanted to pull her close and tell her how sorry he was he hadn't been there to protect her. Then he thought about what he'd said to Buffy since Dawn's death and all thought of getting her back seemed bleak. He wished he could bring Dru's mother and that bastard Snyder back to life so he could kill them all over again. Only this time they'd suffer for days before facing God or the Devil.

"Dru, honey, I made French toast just the way you like it," Joyce said, watching how the young woman wouldn't even look at her or Hank.

"Thank you, Joyce," Dru replied, still feeling the effects of her dreams and thoughts of being abandoned.

"You're very welcome. Could you do me a favor and get the syrup out of the fridge? Like a ditz, I forgot to get it out when I took out the butter," Joyce said, hoping she'd hear from Dr. Rayne soon.

Hank and Joyce watched as the dejected looking young woman moved slowly toward the refrigerator. Joyce made it a point to remember to go upstairs and get her aloe and give it to Dru for her abused skin.

Once Dru returned to the table the meal was set. The three ate in silence, the mood tense and uncomfortable for all present. One young woman waited to see when the punch line would be delivered and she'd find herself on the streets. The father sat feeling lost and weak with all his mistakes flashing before his eyes. The mother was praying to who ever would listen to give her strength to endure all that would be needed in order to fix her family.

*******

Jenny Carpenter put a few things in to an overnight bag. She'd just hung up from her uncle, telling him she wouldn't be over to visit the family later. Her Aunt Stella had wanted to read her cards before going, saying she felt trouble coming. From what Ethan had told her, she gathered this wasn't going to be an easy case.

She still remembered how Ethan had come back from Sunnydale some time ago after a bad murder case. Her friend was devastated, angry, and exhausted. The police still sought him out for counseling over that young girl's horrible death. Something told her this visit and that case was connected in some way.

Hitting the speed dial she waited for Ethan to answer. "Have a good run?" He asked.

"Matter fact I did." She replied, worried at how tired he sounded over the phone.

"Do you remember the case of the murdered 13 year old about 18 or so months ago?"

She sighed as she answered, "Yes, I remember it quite well, in fact. I believe you wanted to string up a certain father for not letting you at least talk to the family."

"Well, it's come up again. They've found the man who did it, after he kidnapped the middle daughter. I don't have all the specifics of why he did what he did. I've not really had a chance to talk with Buffy yet."

"Who is it you wish me to work with?" Jenny asked, wondering just how bad things had gotten in the dead girl's family.

"It's Buffy's oldest sister who will be in need of your care and support. I have a feeling she's not led a pleasant life before coming to live with her father. I'm trying to think of anyone close I can get Mr. and Mrs. Summers to work with."

Jenny thought for a moment and then suggested, "How about Hallie Murphy? She's not too far away, and she's great with marriage counseling."

"Maybe you could go with me to talk to her? See if she'd mind helping them and then still work with us with putting together some family meetings."

"I can do that." Jenny answered, "Does Buffy's sister have a name?"

"Drusilla is her name."

"Give me your address and I'll see you in a few. I'll pull the directions up on yahoo."

"The address here is 11000 Watcher Overlook."

"I'll call you when I hit the city limits." Jenny told him, while typing the address in the map directions on her computer.

"Drive carefully and I'll see you when you get in."

"Will do." She replied before hanging up the phone, smiling at the fact they never really ever said goodbye.

Ethan sighed as he walked back into the kitchen, having stepped outside to take the phone call. No one needed to know what he was doing for the entire Summers family. It was imperative he kept their lives as private as he could. Once the news of what a principal of a high school did, the media would make the Summers family a living hell.

Walking back into the kitchen he noticed he was alone. Faith must have gone back upstairs when he answered the phone and stepped away. She had waved him on when he indicated he needed to take the call in private. He had a few hours before Jenny arrived, and hoped he'd be able to spend some time with William before hand.

*******

Joyce smiled at Dru once breakfast was over and asked, "Care to help me with the dishes?"

Dru's eyes grew large as she shook her head yes and started to gather the dishes off the table. The last thing she expected was Joyce showing any concern toward her, let alone trying to include her in things that required them spending time together.

"Drusilla, you are a part of this family. I'm just sorry it took something like this to open my eyes to what being a family really means. I just hope and pray that both you and Buffy can forgive me for not being there." Joyce decided she would do what she could to save them and keep them together. "I refuse to let that evil man win."

"How can we do that?" Dru asked, as she looked between Joyce and her father. "You both should hate me. I know Buffy does."

Joyce reached over and lightly placed her hand on the side of Dru's face and said, "Buffy doesn't hate you, and neither do I or your father. We all make mistakes, and we made a few big ones. I refuse to believe we can't learn from them and not be able to make this family whole again. It will never be the same without Dawn, but it doesn't mean we can't be a family again. It will take a lot of hard work and commitment to make it work, but I'm willing to try if everyone else is."

"I agree. I've done some terrible things that I'm not even sure I can forgive myself for." Hank backed up his wife as he took a deep breath and went on to explain. "I would understand if you or Buffy had nothing to do with me. I failed you both."

"No, you never failed me." Dru disagreed.

"Yes, I did. I should've listened to the counselors back when you first came to live with us. I let my pride prevent me from doing better for you. Then, with how I've treated Buffy, I just pray I get a chance to work things out with my girls." He stated, as he gave his wife a tearful smile. "I prevented this family from getting help after Dawn's death."

"We can't let our past mistakes hold us back," Joyce said as she gave her husband a serious look. "I think we need to learn from them and build a foundation of love, trust, and forgiveness, and with Dr. Rayne's help we can do that."

"So, you think Buffy can forgive me?" Hank asked.

"I think that is something you and Buffy will have to work out, and I believe if you both want it bad enough it can and will happen." Joyce offered.

Hank took a moment to think about the things he thought about last night before he said, "If you don't mind, I'm going to go in my office and have a nice talk with myself."

He knew he needed some time alone so he could start working on the letter to Buffy. The more he thought about it, the more it sounded like a great beginning on getting his middle daughter's respect and love back. The letter would be written and he'd ask Dr. Rayne about it first, even let the man read it if he had to. No longer would his pride or pain come before his family again. He was just sorry he hadn't learned that lesson with Dawn's tragic death.

"Yes, go do man work while us women slave." Joyce teased, knowing her husband had a lot to work through with how he'd treated Buffy since Dawn was taken from them.

Hank smiled softly at his wife as he reached over and took her hand in his, "I missed this, baby. I missed my family."

Joyce returned the squeeze as she replied, "I missed it too."

Dru watched her father and Joyce and felt encouraged at how they appeared to love each other so much. It gave her hope that things would work out. Maybe today she'd take the time to think about how she too would try and approach Buffy and tell her how sorry she was. For the first time in a long time she didn't feel burdened by the darkness of her past.

"Let me know what Dr. Rayne says when you call him to check up on Buffy." Hank asked, as he stood from the table.

"I will." Joyce told him as she stood to go over to the sink. "Dru, will you rake the plates while I get the dishwasher ready, and get the dishwater ready for the skillet."

Hank stood in the doorway and watched as two of his girls worked together. Deep down he regretted not bringing Buffy home last night, but his inner gut told him that would've been a big mistake. It just would've wedged them further apart. He just had to be patient and give her time to heal and trust him again.

*******

Spike felt groggy at first, then smiled when he heard a giggle. Cracking one eye open he noticed a very wide awake Buffy watching him with bemused expression on her face. Her lovely green eyes sparkling with mischief made him feel like the happiest man on earth right now.

"Been watching me long?" He asked, as he tried to fight off a yawn.

"Long enough to know your nose twitches like rabbit when you're waking up." She teased.

"Really?"

"Yep, my personal Spike Bunny."

"Lord, woman, I'm no rabbit." He playfully growled as he began to tickle her.

Buffy laughed as she begged, "Stop, please, I'm going to pee my pants."

Spike chuckled as he stopped and said, "Can't have that now can we."

"Nope, Buffy wetting self is not a happy event." She agreed as she shooed him to let her up.

Spike managed to scramble over her without letting her see or feel his arousal. "Be gone with you before you spring a leak or explode."

"I'll be right back." She promised as she quickly ran to the bathroom, not realizing how sexy she looked.

Spike fought back a moan as he watched her sweet little bottom sway as she ran. Never had anyone affected him this way before. The thought of when and if he'd ever get a taste of her made it close to impossible for him to check his libido at the door. But for her he'd do his best not to scare her with his reaction to being close to her.

"I've a feeling it will be just as bad when all I do is think of her and how she makes me feel." He sighed and then looked down between his legs and said, "And we don't need you making things more difficult."

Lying back he sighed as he thought of all the things that were non Buffy related trying to distract his other head. The thought of anyone having sex with his one professor, who was old as sin, and had that ancient smell about the poor woman, did the trick. He kept his eyes downcast as Buffy returned to the alcove.

"Scoot over." Buffy told him, wanting to get back under the covers. "The air conditioner is really cranking out the cold."

Spike did as she told him and held up the covers so she could join him. Once she was in he tucked the blankets around her as she snuggled close to him. The fact she showed no fear with him, touched him greatly as he rested his chin on the top of her head.

"I want this to work between us" he whispered softly.

"So do I," she replied. "I just hope you can hang with all the bull that will be coming with what happened."

Spike pulled her closer as he assured her, "I'm not going anywhere unless you tell me to go, and that's only if you mean that you don't love me anymore."

Buffy hugged him closer as she reassured him, "I can't see me ever asking you to go."

"Then that pretty much settles it then. Except I do have to make it official with Dru that we're no longer together. I hope you can handle the fact I used to date your sister."

"Do you think she's in love with you?" Buffy asked, realizing for the first time they never really talked about Dru.

"No, I don't think she is. I think she was in love with the fact I was going to be a doctor. But I don't think she was ever in love with me." He explained.

"I don't care if you became a soulless vampire, I'd still love you." Buffy exclaimed, making Spike laugh and say in return, "you'd be my soul, Buffy."

"I guess we should get up and start the day, even if I don't want too. I just want to lay here with you all day and just talk more about us."

Spike leaned down and kissed the top of her head and agreed, "Me too, Luv, but we both know we must move on. We have things we have to do. I have to deal with Dru, and you have to deal with your family and what's happened over the last eighteen months on top of last night."

"Knowing you'll be here makes it feel less scary. I mean I had Faith and the others, but with you, it feels different."

"'Cause I'm the one. You for me, and me for you," he told her, "And I can wait as long as you need me too."

Buffy pulled back so she could look up at him and said, "I really haven't been with anyone. I just want you to know that."

"I told you once before Kitten, I know. I just wish I could say the same to you." He sighed as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I promise that for me there will be no other."

Buffy leaned up and chastely kissed his lips before she suggested, "I think the sooner you talk to Dru the sooner I can talk to your uncle. Then we can work on getting me together so we can work on us. If any of that makes sense, I mean, it does to me and all."

"It must be love, since I understood what you just rattled off." He teased her, but before he could give her a real kiss he heard someone clear their throat.

"I think someone wants our attention," Buffy snickered as she turned to greet her best friend, "Good morning, Faith."

"Yeah, it is." Faith replied with a smirk, "Anya wants us to come for brunch, including you handsome, so you'd both better get cleaned up and dressed."

"How are we going to get there?" Buffy asked.

"She's at Giles' place."

"They should get married." Buffy sighed.

Faith snorted, "It might ruin a good thing. Not everyone wants or needs marriage to commit to a relationship forever."

Buffy nodded, "I guess you're right about that."

"You go get freshened up, and I'll meet you downstairs," Spike suggested, before he gently kissed her cheek. "Love you."

Buffy blushed as she tucked her hair behind her ears and gave him a shy look while she said, "I love you too."

Spike watched as his girl hurried to her room, feeling chilled from her leaving his side. He watched as Faith turned to him with a serious expression on her face as she looked him straight in the eyes. He knew without a doubt he was going to get a warning from Buffy's friend.

Faith thought for a minute before saying, "If you hurt her, I'll hunt you down and have Angel hold you down while I beat the living crap out of you."

"I wouldn't expect anything less." Spike replied and then jokingly asked, "What if she hurts me?"

"I will have to seriously wonder if she's alright in the head, or question if you'd done something to deserve it." Faith replied as she gave him a wink and then turned to join Buffy.

Spike knew things with Buffy had a chance of going from bad to worse. Once he talked to Dru, it could really put pressure on their new-found relationship. Then there were the parents, and he couldn't help but wonder if they'd ever accept him and Buffy together. Joyce, he was sure, could be won over, but Hank was a totally different problem. The only thing he could do was talk to his uncle, and then take one day, one step, at a time.

*******

Spike watched Buffy and her friends interacting throughout brunch. It helped to ease his fear of leaving her in their care when he went back to school. With how they made him feel welcome, he realized he would be glad to see them when he came to visit his girl. The only person missing at the table was his uncle. Ethan was at the guesthouse waiting for Jenny to arrive.

"Spike, will you come in Friday night or Saturday morning?" Angel asked.

"Will have to play that by ear with how much work I have left to do," Spike answered. "If all goes well, I'll come up Friday."

"Just in case you come in late Friday or early on Saturday, here's a key to the house," Anya said as she tossed him a set of keys.

"You trust me with these?" He asked, amazed about the trust they were placing in him.

"Buffy, should I trust him?" Anya asked.

"I do," Buffy replied with a relaxed smile on her face, telling everyone how much she really did trust the man in question.

"That's all I need." Anya then turned to Spike to answer his question before taking another bite of her waffle.

"Do you lovebirds think you can set aside some time Saturday for dinner and a movie?" Darla asked.

Spike looked to Buffy who blushed and looked down at her plate as she nodded her head. He then turned to Darla and said, "I think we can do that, but let's play it by ear."

"Sounds like a plan we can work with," Angel agreed.

Darla noticed the pinking up of Buffy's cheeks and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from teasing her. She needed to talk to Faith about how experienced their Buffy was with men and sex. It never occurred until now just how naïve the girl might be, and in need of some advice in protection and such.

Giles smiled as he watched the young people intermingle. He gave thanks to the powers that be, that everyone he cared for was safe and sitting at the table sharing a meal. This was his family, and there wasn't anything he would not do for any of them. Spike was now included on that short list. He couldn't wait for the town of Sunnydale to learn the truth about Buffy's circumstances and eat their words.

Buffy wondered if the town would ever believe her innocent. Would they blame her for Snyder's fall from grace? She wasn't sure why she was thinking about it at all, until she realized that the day after tomorrow she would face her fellow students and hardest judges.

Spike noticed the change in Buffy and leaned over to ask, "Why the sad face, Luv?"

She turned to look at him with tears in her eyes and asked, "Do you think they will believe me innocent or will they think I led him on?"

Before Spike could answer Giles growled, "To hell with what they think. They are small-minded walking pieces of useless matter, who need to worry more about their pitiful lives, instead of judging another about something they know nothing about. No one at this table has ever blamed you or felt you should be blamed for any of this. The only one to blame is the man who did this. If no one can see that, well, honestly they aren't human."

Everyone was quiet as the normally even-tempered man let loose. Angel was trying to keep from laughing, not sure, how it would or would not offend his sister, Buffy, or Giles. When he was about to say something, Darla squeezed his thigh and shushed him quietly.

Buffy looked over with a sweet smile and said, "Thanks, Giles."

The older man smiled at the young woman who he had come to think of as family and assured her, "You're most welcome, and if you need anything at all, all you have to do is call."

"I'll keep that in mind," she promised.

"Now that's over with, I say we finish eating, wash dishes, and figure out the rest of our day," Anya offered, thinking she liked this new side of Giles and wanted some alone time to tell him so.

Everyone nodded and continued to eat their brunch. Buffy wondered if she should call her mom, and realized Spike would need to pick up the rest of his things so it would be best if she did call. Buffy wondered if her mother would be the best one to arrange for Spike and Dru to talk, but then again maybe not. She would have to run it past Spike later, after they finished cleaning the kitchen.

*******

Ethan stood at the door as Jenny got out of the car. He had just hung up from talking to Joyce and Hank. It looked like they were on board with Dru meeting Jenny later this afternoon.

Hank had run his idea past him about writing a letter to Buffy, and he agreed it might be a good start on repairing their relationship. The advice he gave Hank was not to get too deep into the letter that some of the emotional connection needed to be in person as well.

"Hey, there Doc. What's got you so deep in thought?" Jenny asked as she approached her friend and mentor.

"Just thinking about how much we have to do to fix this family is all," he replied, feeling no need to hide his worry from the one person he could talk to about anything.

"One step at a time is what a wise man told me once." She reminded him of his words to her a long time ago when she to had lost someone very close to her.

"Yes, so true," he agreed, knowing he needed her to remind him of the same thing a few times in the past.

"Come in, Anya and Giles made sure we had something to eat when you arrived," Ethan said as he took her overnight case and led her into the dining room. "I'll let you freshen up and then feed you before we get to work."

"Good, I'm starving actually," she agreed.

Ethan pointed her toward the bathroom as he then set her bag down by the table. He knew they were about to start a long and difficult journey with the Summers' family. However, Ethan knew that he and Jenny would work well together, and do what was best for all involved. There was no one he trusted or enjoyed working with more.

Jenny quietly went into the bathroom to relieve herself and wash her hands. She was very worried about how Ethan was handling everything. There was something more, she was sure of it. There was more to how and why he became involved again with the Summers' family.

Jenny decided for now she would let him set the pace. Then if she felt the need, she would question him more and in greater depth. Jenny had recognized Spike's car outside and wondered how he was involved in this. It could be he just drove his uncle down to Sunnydale, but something was telling her that was not the case. First, she would eat and then work on getting the real scoop and go on from there.

*******

Hank sat at his desk staring down at the piece of paper that could change everything between him and his middle child for the better. He decided to take the advice that Dr. Rayne had given him and kept it simple and to the point.

Dear Buffy

First, let me explain why this is typed and not written as I wished to do. My handwriting is terrible and my printing is not any better. For what I have to say here, I wish there to be no misrepresentation or any miscommunication.

This in no way absolves me of my behavior and treatment of you since- it's hard even now to think about her and not expect Dawn to come bouncing down the steps. It took me almost losing you to see how I've failed my family, especially you.

I hope you can find it in your heart to give me a chance to earn your forgiveness. I know the things I've said and done will be hard for you to forgive.

I truly believe we can make this work if we all want it to. Buffy, I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. I'm willing to seek help from Dr. Rayne and others like him if that is what it takes. I realize how I failed my family, and that is by not accepting the doctor's help when he first offered it after Dawn's death. Instead, I allowed everything to get out of control and lost my way.

Yes, Mr. Snyder is responsible to starting the chain of events that lead us to this point. I'm responsible for letting it get this far out of hand. I accept the fact I let my grief, anger, and pride get in my way. It's something that, with the help of my family I will overcome and hopefully find a better way to deal with my weaknesses in the future.

I truly do love you and beg for a chance to prove to you just how much you mean to me.


Hank Summers, the man who is very proud to say he is your father.

He pondered for a few minutes if he should let Joyce read it first. But then again maybe it would be best if no one did. It should be from his heart, and not someone trying to make his words politically correct. Then again, was that Buffy's father talking or his pride getting in the way again?

Taking the bull by the horns, he picked up the letter and went to find his wife. He would let her read it and give her honest opinion about it. Then he would show it to Dr. Rayne before giving it to Buffy. He wasn't going to lie to his daughter ever again, and by having others help him with making sure, he was doing right by Buffy, then it was something he would make himself do.

*******

Dru stood looking at the room Spike should have slept in last night. In her heart, she knew she never really loved him. She wasn't even sure if she even liked him. It wasn't like they really dated for very long. They had met at a club a month ago when she went to L.A. to scout around the university.

Like most of her relationships, it started with sex, both of them not slacking on satisfying the other. She brought out a bit of the darkness that lingered inside him. Dru wondered if that meant she was a bad girl.

She had seen, even from a distance how differently he looked at Buffy than at her and knew he really cared for her sister. Picking up his tee shirt, she brought it up to her nose and smiled at how much like Spike it smelt. The man did have a distinct aroma that was all his own. It was a shame they would never be together intimately again, but she decided not to stand in Spike's way if he truly wanted Buffy.

"Dru, are you okay?" Joyce asked from the doorway.

She looked over at her stepmother and said, "just saying goodbye to a future that was never to be mine."

Joyce sighed, "maybe because your future lies with someone else."

"I won't stand in their way."

Joyce walked over and gently cupped Dru's face and said, "There is someone out there for you. I get the feeling you were never in love with Spike."

"No, I was in love with the idea of being a doctor's wife. I figured with Dr. Rayne as his uncle he'd be famous and respected just like him," Dru explained as she faced that part of herself. "You must really think badly of me, even worse now."

Joyce hugged the young woman, as she assured her, "No, Dru. I'm actually very proud of you right now. It's takes a lot of courage to face things about ourselves and we're all going to be taking a long hard look at things we've done."

"Are you going to see Buffy today?" Dru asked, as she stepped away to pick up Spike's bag.

"I'm not sure if I'm going to see her, but Ethan is going to have her call me soon. She was eating when I called earlier," Joyce replied. "Why do you ask?"

"I was going to have you take Spike's things to him," Dru explained. "I'm thinking I might have to have a daughter to father talk and try and ease William's transition into the family."

Joyce smiled as she noticed a different woman emerging before her. For the first time she started to feel that the future held good things for Drusilla and that she might be seeing the caring woman her stepdaughter was capable of being.

"Do you want to talk to Spike if he asks to speak to you?" Joyce asked, as she reached out and with a tender touch placed Dru's hair behind her ear.

"Yes, for we need to find closure so we both can move on," she replied with a start of a smile that Joyce noticed.

"We are all starting over in a way," Joyce unknowingly stated aloud and heard Dru say, "I'm sorry."

Joyce's expression told Dru that the older woman did not understand what she was apologizing for and clarified, "I'm so very sorry I left Dawn that night. If I hadn't left her she might be here now with us."

The older woman slowly shook her head as she replied, "We don't know that for sure. It could be if you both had been home, we would've lost both you and Dawn. God forbid if Buffy had been home as well, we might never have found her. Knowing my little girl was out there somewhere hurt or being hurt would've sent me over the edge even more. We can't play the 'what if' game, it will only drive us mad. We need to go forward, not backward unless it's to learn a very valuable lesson."

"That is?" Dru asked, curious about what Joyce was going to say.

"Family is what is important. We lost that- or more to the point - we never really had it and that is why it tore us apart. We now have a chance to make our family unit stronger and I'm not naïve in thinking it will be easy. In fact, I think it will be one of the hardest things we've ever done."

"I really want to try."

"That's all any of us can do," Joyce assured her. "Now, you finish getting Spike's things together. I'm going to go and take a shower and get ready."

Dru watched the woman she'd been jealous of since coming to live here. For the first time she really felt a need to bond with her stepmother, not to suck up to her, but to really get to know the woman. She hoped that in the end Buffy would want to do the same. However, deep down she felt she would understood if Buffy never wanted to do anything more than she had to do.

******