Tempus de Muto

by Schehrezade

Disclaimer: They ain't mine but I gets to play with them!!
Feedback: As a first time writer, I would love input. It's a drug that I could become addicted to! Drop me a note at
schehrezade_1@hotmail.com
Rating: PG15 for now will vary from chapter to chapter. Will always put in a warning.
Dedications: To Tales, cos I wouldn't be writing without her prodding. You're my muse girl!! Madame Draco my Beta. Thank you for all the hard work and patience. A true gem!

Chapter 10 

"Dad?"

Everyone stopped talking.

Wesley dropped the box he was holding as he stared at the teen, who had suddenly appeared.

Buffy, Spike and Angel spun around to face the slender figure that had stumbled in after them.

Lorne dropped his glass before he had even taken the first sip of his much-anticipated Sea Breeze.

"Connor?" Angel stepped forward hesitantly, flanked by Buffy and Spike.

"God! He has Darla's eyes!" Spike muttered.

"Connor!" Angel leapt forward, grabbed hold of his son and hugged him. Connor returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around his father and holding on tight. "You're alive!"

"What the hell is going on?" Gunn shouted as he ran down the stairs. "There was a flash of light outside our window." He skidded to a halt. "Who's that?"

"Connor. It's my son, Connor." Angel turned to his friends, his arm wrapped protectively around his son's shoulders. Once his initial shock at his son's arrival began to fade, he suddenly registered the fact that his son was naked. He pulled off his coat and swathed the prodigal in its leather folds. The young man smiled his thanks and began to fasten it closed.

"But Connor's a baby." Gunn stared at the newcomer cautiously.

"No, that's definitely Peaches' son. He has his scent," Spike stated. "By the way... Punk? Barbie? Not funny or original! Git!"

"You're Spike. She told me about you. She said to trust you... said you were a sure-footed bastard on the battlefield," Connor offered as he stared at Spike. "She didn't say anything about you having weird hair."

Spike preened at the complement and then glowered at the little sod. "I don't have weird hair," he complained.

"Connor, who told you about Spike?" Buffy asked cautiously.

"My mother," he answered simply. "You're Buffy, right? She said that you were the Slayer."

"One of them." She walked over and held her hand out. Connor stared at it, confused.

"Take it, son, and shake it," Angel coaxed.

"It's really good to finally meet you, Connor." Buffy took the boy's hand between hers and held it gently. She could feel the calluses on his palm and wondered where he got them. The familiar placement of the calluses made her suspect that they were from handling weapons and fighting daily to survive. She smiled and pulled him into a hug. Connor relaxed into her warm embrace.

"You smell good. It makes me feel safe," the teen whispered against her ear. Buffy ruffled his hair as she stepped back and tucked herself against Spike.

"Connor, you said your mom told you about us?" Angel asked. "I don't understand."

"She said the Powers let her come to me in my dreams to make sure that Holtz wouldn't poison me against you and our family. Mother said that if they didn't intercede, things would get bad." Connor paused to breathe, unused to talking for so long. "Holtz tried to tell me he was my father."

"Bloody hell!" Spike interrupted the teen. "Sorry, kid. Go on."

"Dad, he tried so hard to turn me against you. Every day he trained me he tried to... Mother said he was trying to in-indoctrinate me. Is that the right word?" He turned to Angel, who nodded. "But she came. Every night, for as long as I can remember, she said I was the only good thing she had ever done, how she loved me and died so I could live." Connor hesitated for a moment. "She used to cry a lot 'cos she couldn't hold me."

Angel twitched when he heard Connor repeat Darla's final words to him. It confirmed that it was truly Darla who had watched over their son. "She told me the same thing just before she died."

"Angel?" Cordelia walked slowly into the hotel, avoiding everyone's eyes. She looked like she had been crying. Her face was streaked with tear tracks, her eyes red and swollen. She had been driving around LA, trying to work out why she had been so awful. Finally, she had realised that she needed to go back and face Buffy and the rest of them. She needed to apologise.

"I came to say I was sorry." She turned to Buffy, who eyed her cautiously. "Buffy, I'm so sorry. I was in total bitch mode."

"Um, it's alright." Buffy gazed in surprise at her former school friend. Relief flooded through Cordelia. She smiled and nodded her thanks. Turning to Angel, she noticed the young man with him and paused for a second, confused.

"Angel, who's the... Oh my God! Connor?" Cordelia stepped forward and pressed her hands to her mouth. She burst into tears and threw herself at both father and son. "You're back!" The three of them held onto each other.

Groo turned to Wesley. "Is there room for me to come with you today?"

"Yes. Come on. I'll help you pack."

"No, I am ready." Groo gestured to the duffle bag he had packed before the ritual. He had decided to leave everything Cordelia had picked out for him and start afresh.

"Let's go. We'll wait in the car." Wes caught Spike's eye and gestured that he would be outside. Wesley knew there was nothing he could say or do, so he made a quiet exit, followed closely by the Pylean Champion. Groo kept his eyes on Cordelia as he left unnoticed. Wes was pleased that Connor had returned but he couldn't face the boy, not after robbing him of his father and his childhood.

"Angel? We'd better be going. Dawn'll be waiting for us," Buffy said softly, unwilling to break up the family reunion. She was relieved that Angel had people to help him after the ritual. She felt better leaving him with Connor and Cordelia but she felt slightly uncomfortable with Angel's open affection. When he had been with her it had been a struggle just to get him to agree to meet for coffee in a public place. 'Guess LA is good for him... well, that and Cordelia!'

Angel disentangled himself and stepped over to his former mate. "You were right. Things can get better. Thank you." He stroked the back of his hand over her cheek. "Spike look after her ...or else." Angel left the threat open for interpretation.

"Yeah! Yeah! You'll stake me, good and proper. Join the queue!" Spike smirked and nodded at his sire before taking Buffy's arm.

"Angel, thank you for everything. I mean everything. Be happy." She smiled at him.

"Sire! Not too happy. Also, can I make a suggestion? Find a cure and find it fast. I'll have a nose around my end... see if anything turns up." Angel nodded and gripped Spike's shoulder pulling him close.

"Thank you, Childe. Look after her," he whispered. Angel pulled a blanket from the back of an armchair by the office and handed it to his irrepressible Childe. He nodded his farewell before taking Connor by the shoulders. The two blondes strode out of the hotel, smiling and waving goodbye to the entire group. Gunn and Lorne looked slightly disappointed at their brief visit and abrupt exit.

*********

Spike pulled open the passenger door to help Buffy into the car before dashing over to the driver side and getting in. He started in surprise when he spotted the large Angel look-alike. Glancing over his shoulder at Wesley, he asked, "Watcher, anything you want to tell me?"

Wesley peered over the top of the boxes on his lap and smiled sheepishly. Buffy tried not to laugh as she heard Spike muttering something about stray dogs and playing mother hen. She turned to face the stoic Pylean and smiled welcomingly.

"Okaay! Wesley! Care to explain why your books have developed muscles?" Spike eyed the latest addition to his car. "I think Peaches is gonna notice that we swiped another one of his crew. It's not like I can tuck him into my duster and smuggle him outta LA!"

Buffy sniggered at Spike and rolled her eyes. "Spike, shut up and drive. I think you are supposed to be helping spring the guy, not hanging around until they notice!" She turned to the silent Groo. "Sorry. I'm guessing that Wesley asked you to come along?"

The Pylean examined the girl's radiant face. Since the ritual had been performed, it appeared that all her strain and worries had been lifted. "I think that my time here is done. If it is not any trouble, I would like to assist in your endeavours on the Hellmouth?"

"Heck, no! The more the merrier!" she chirped and turned to face Wesley. "You know the way to Cordy's apartment?"

"Yes. Why?" Wesley's muffled voice asked. When he spoke, the boxes on his lap shifted, causing him to grab at them to keep them from sliding off.

"Well, I figure Groo here has a load of stuff he wants to get while the coast is clear."

Groo shook his head. "No, I decided leave everything with her. Nothing is mine ...well, except for some weapons..." Groo trailed off, thinking longingly of the pair of daggers he had brought with him from Pylea.

Buffy noticed the look of longing on his face. She knew that expression well, as she usually got it when Giles pulled out a new knife or throwing star for her to practise with. With that thought, she made up her mind. "Wes, directions? Spike, can we go to Cordy's?" Spike didn't answer. He just kissed her softly and started the engine.

"Well, are we going?" Spike eyed the newcomer, unsure what to make of him. He smelled non-human, which in itself was not a big deal. It was the proto-Peaches look that threw him. Spike wondered if he could get the bloke to grow out the Poofy hair-don't.

Before Groo could answer Spike, Buffy's stomach let out a deep growl. She blushed and wrapped her arms around her waist trying to muffle the noise. Spike arched his scarred brow at the flustered girl. "So how's about a stop at Denny's before we visit the Cheerleader's place?"

"Please. I can't remember the last time I ate anything." Buffy nodded enthusiastically at the vampire.

Spike grinned, relieved that his girl's appetite was returning. He turned and squinted at Groo. "I think the Cheerleader'll probably be busy for a few hours here." He gestured over his shoulder with his thumb. "Let's get some grub in the lot of you, 'cause I think we'll need something to keep us going!"

*********

A few hours later, after a long and lazy breakfast, Wesley, Groo and Buffy stood outside Cordelia's apartment, having left Spike in the safety of the Desoto.

"Dennis, would you just let me in? Groo simply wants to pick up some of his weapons and clothes and then we'll all leave you to haunt Cordy in peace." Wesley sighed and rested his head on the firmly locked door.

"First of all... impressive security system Cordy has... live-in spook? Secondly, do you think he checks her out in the shower?" Buffy quipped and looked slightly grossed out at the thought of some incorporeal Peeping Tom. Before Groo or Wesley could answer, the door opened and two packed suitcases and a large box filled with weapons were pushed out. The three stood and watched as the door slammed shut.

Buffy poked at one of the suitcases with her foot. "Just a guess here... Dennis... Kinda jealous?" She squinted over at the Desoto and shaded her eyes from the sun, wondering how on earth they were going to fit everything into the black classic. That was until she spotted a 24 hour car lot just down the street. "Can you guys get the stuff to the car? I'll be back in a minute." She trotted over to the idling car. After a brief conversation with Spike through the window, Buffy turned, waved and jogged off down the street.

"Oi, can you two shove those in the back seat and follow me down to Buffy?" Spike's voice broke their contemplation of Groo's summary ejection from the apartment. The two men dragged everything down to the car and shoved it into the backseat.

"So, it appears that Dennis was happy to help you pack," Wesley commented as he and Groo followed the Desoto on foot. He peered ahead, wondering what Buffy was doing. He could see her waving her arms about and pointing at the back of the car, while Spike cursed a blue streak.

"I do not think he was very pleased to share Cordelia with me. I wonder what will happen to him once she decides to move into the hotel to be closer to Angel and his son." Groo kept pace with Wesley. He observed the tired watcher stumble, slightly concerned.

As they arrived, they heard Spike complaining, "One scratch on my baby and I am feeding your favourite Jimmy Choo sandals to the next Malmnar Demon I find on patrol." Buffy just rolled her eyes at him and flounced off.

Wesley leant over and peered through the crack in the driver's window. "Malmnar Demon?"

"Little fur balls, like to eat leather. One of the buggers managed to take a massive bite outta the duster here, and did she do her job? Noooo. She started pointing and laughing. Thought she was gonna wet herself at one point!" Spike omitted to add that, by that point, he was on top of a mausoleum screaming, "Get it off me!" He knew that he must have looked like a stereotypical scared housewife, standing on a chair, holding up her skirts and screaming for the cat to come kill the mouse. He also didn't want to admit to poking the evil, little bastard with a stick to keep it away from his precious coat until the Slayer had composed herself enough to pull the hairball with teeth from the Mausoleum and drop kick it into the nearest empty grave. 'Not one for the bragging books!'

There was a thunk and a rattle. Wesley and Groo turned and saw a flatbed trailer hooked onto the back of the car. Buffy danced around to their side and began transferring all the boxes and suitcases out of the car and onto the trailer.

"Cool, huh? The guy who rented it to me said we could drop it at his friend's lot in Sunnydale once we've finished shifting your stuff. Well, come on. Your apartment is soo not going to pack itself."

"You might as well do what she says," Spike commented, as he sat in the shade of the car.

"Spike, Buffy, I really appreciate the help, especially since the police have had no luck in locating my car." Wes shifted in the now empty seat, trying to find a comfortable spot.

*********

The sun had long since set by the time the Desoto and its passengers finally left Los Angeles. They had packed for most of the day, stopping only occasionally for drinks, snacks or 'a quick fag'. At one point, Spike and Wes had sent Buffy and Groo off hunting for boxes and crates to supplement the trunks Wesley had stored from his previous move. They had only had one major break for take out before finishing off the sorting of a couple of years of accumulated possessions. It had helped having three supernatural beings to pack, cutting down the Herculean task to just a day.

Once the final box was shifted onto the flat bed and lashed into place, the four new friends sighed with relief and collapsed into the car. Buffy was sitting quietly in the front seat, holding a rather large two-headed Zoroastrian statue carefully on her lap. The strain of the last few days finally caught up with her and she quickly fell asleep. Wesley managed to stay awake for a few minutes longer before the combination of his meds and the injury he was still recovering from overcame him and he, too, drifted off, leaving Spike and Groo to converse quietly. The vampire was driving much more slowly than he normally would to accommodate the additional weight of the flatbed.

Crash!

"Ahhh! What are you doing Spike?" Buffy yelled, as she was jolted awake. Wesley didn't react to the disturbance and remained asleep.

"It is tradition," Groo offered.

"What? Scaring the crap outta sleeping slayers!" she whined, peering out of the window. Buffy spotted the flattened 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign behind them. She turned to the smirking idiot next to her and glared at him.

"What? It's tradition!" he said defensively, trying not to laugh at the image Buffy presented. She was wrapped around Wesley's statue with one of the ram's heads clenched between her thighs and her huge eyes peering over the top of the other.

"Stop corrupting our nice, new friend! Bad Spike!" She shook her finger at him and then blushed when she realised the inappropriate position of Wesley's statue.

"Promise to spank me later, love?" Spike rumbled in his chest.

"If you two have quite finished, I believe we may have a problem." Wesley's disgruntled voice broke up the staring competition between the occupants of the front seat. "We appear to have a welcoming committee." He pointed at the large group of vampires that Spike's impromptu sign killing had disturbed. Behind them were a few tents and a large crackling fire.

"Vamps... camping? Wonder if they have any s'mores?" Buffy quipped, as she began to pull stakes out of the glove box. She tossed a couple to Spike, while Groo and Wesley pulled out the two swords they had found in the umbrella stand as they were leaving Wes' now empty apartment. Not wanting to leave them behind, they had laid them out in the back of the car. Wes had worried about his landlord wondering if he was a Zorro wannabe.  "Those heavy enough for the head chopping off?" She eyed the thinnish swords doubtfully, as she passed over a couple of stakes as well.

"They will suffice if enough strength is behind them," Groo explained gravely, never taking his eyes off the group that was now approaching the Desoto.

"So, Blue-eyes, you know how to do in a vamp?"

"Fire, beheading or a stake through the heart," Groo answered. "Angel explained that the heart is here..." Groo pointed to the left of his chest. "...And not here." When he pointed to his backside, Buffy and Spike gave him a very odd look.

"Long story," Wesley offered, as they all leapt from the car. Buffy moved to stand back-to-back with Wesley. Spike nodded, realising that his usual fighting partner was going to keep an eye on the still recuperating Watcher. He leapt gracefully onto the roof of the car and shook his head, his blue eyes melting into gold whilst his teeth lengthened into fangs. Groo came around and stood to Wesley's right. Buffy turned to Spike and nodded slightly, indicating that he was to hold back so that they could check out the skills of the two new additions to the Scooby gang.

Before either of them could blink, Groo had staked two vamps and beheaded another. He fought methodically and smoothly. Spike was forced to acknowledge that the Incredible Hulk knock off, 'minus the green body paint', could actually fight.

"Love, here's one for the books! We finally got someone who can tell which end of a stake to use."

"I'm trying to fight here, Spike!" Buffy grunted as she took a hit to her stomach.

"At least he isn't unconscious and being rescued by a bird!" Spike shouted over the sound of a vampire dusting.

Buffy turned to face Spike, her hands on her hips. "Leave Xander alone!" she yelled, stomping her foot.

Spike grinned at his girl's childish behaviour. "Oh pouty... I'm gonna get it!" Buffy rolled her eyes and staked the vampire who had crept up behind her, thinking that she wasn't paying attention.

"You're not gonna get anything unless you help! Leave the comedy to the ones who can't fight." Her eyes twinkled wickedly as she mouthed Xander's name and spun back to the fight.

 Spike leapt off the car and over Buffy's head, landing on the back of a vamp that had nearly got under Wesley's guard. With a swift lunge, Spike dusted the skinny vampire. He straightened and watched Wesley swipe off the head of his other opponent with relish. Their eyes met and Spike nodded with approval. Wesley saluted him with his sword and turned back to rejoin the fight.

"You're doing good for a bloke who's trained to watch little girls fight your fights, Watcher!" Spike shouted over his shoulder at Wesley. "Peaches could learn a bit from you."

"Thanks and piss off!" Wesley panted as he finally managed to stake the vampire that he had engaged.

Occasionally, Spike had to take out some git who tried to escape Buffy's fists or the two new fighters' swords. He watched as his girl flew from opponent to opponent, a blur of blonde hair and leather. He grew hard watching her. Unable to resist the dance, he threw himself into the fight with relish, making short work of the few remaining vampires.

"That was bracing!" Wesley's eyes glittered in the light from the campfire as he pushed his remaining adversary into the blaze and watched in satisfaction as she dusted.

"Nothing better than a good fight to work out the kinks after a drive," Spike purred as he stretched. "Good brawl!" he grudgingly offered to Groo and Wesley, trying not to choke on his words.

"Yeah, Wesley, you have gotten really good! Much better than the passing out approach to fighting!" Buffy teased with a big smile on her face.

Spike tried not to be too obvious about sniffing Buffy as she slid under his arm and wrapped herself around him. The scent of her arousal was overwhelming. 'She's all hot and bothered from the fight, too.' Spike resisted the temptation he had to throw her over his shoulder and introduce her to the joys of sex in a tent. He eyed the colourful tents ruefully and then paused, sniffing the air.

"What do you sense?" Groo stepped up next to Spike, his eyes trained on his new friend.

"Fledglings... A bunch of them, in the caravan at the end." Spike motioned to the dark shape at the far end of the campsite.  He paused and briefly sniffed the air once more, hoping he had been wrong. The strong smell of sex gave him an idea as to what the campsite was set up for. He turned to Buffy and the others. "Let me have a quick look see first." He raised a hand to stop Buffy's objections. "Please, luv?" he asked softly. Buffy nodded briefly.

They approached the caravan silently. Buffy gestured for Spike to go in first as he had asked. He disappeared inside. As she tried to follow him, Spike blocked her progress, quickly reversing out of the dank caravan. When he emerged, she was surprised to see him shaking. She could tell that he was furious. "Wesley, can you take the Slayer back to the car?"

"What's going on, Spike?" she asked.

"Nothing for you to worry 'bout, love. Trust me?" Spike asked, as he took an unneeded breath and held it. Buffy examined his face closely before nodding and walking away with Wesley.

"What manner of horror lies within, so foul that you wish to protect the Slayer from it?" Groo asked.

"You know, mate, even when I was at my worst I was not a sick fuck!" Spike glared at the campsite, wishing he could re-form the dusted vampires and then kill them again, slowly and painfully.

"Come on, let's get this over with." Spike opened the door and Groo followed him in. The smells of sex and blood were strong. Spike tried to remain unaffected. His disgust showed plainly on his face as he stalked into the darkened caravan.

"Just do it quickly," Spike muttered as he staked one of the young girls, trying not to look too closely at the scantily clad forms. Groo moved away from Spike, staking the children of both sexes who had been forced into prostitution.

Spike kept mechanically staking the chained vampires... until he reached one that he recognised. He faltered for a second and dropped his stake, shocked to the core of his being. "You stupid cow!" Spike reached over and yanked Janice's head up by her hair. She looked blearily up into Spike's furious eyes. He had stopped breathing when he re-entered the hellhole but the shock of seeing Dawn's friend here caused him to gasp. He could smell at least eight different males and a female on her, as well as a couple of demons whose scents he didn't recognise. She was covered in bites and burns.

"Hey, aren't you the guy that takes care of Dawn?" Janice slurred. Spike flinched away from her. The stench of stale beer on her breath was disgusting. "Didn't guess you were a vamp!" She shook her head and showed Spike her game face. "Well, what are you waiting for? You can do me. I won't mind. You're kinda cute."

"Where's Dawn?" he whispered, terrified that either he or Groo may have staked her without realising it.

"I dunno. Haven't seen her for a week or so." Janice licked her lips and gazed at Spike hungrily.

Spike slumped in relief. His Bit was safe.

"Spike, that is the last one. Do you wish for me to put it down?" Groo came over and stood next to Spike, resting his hand on the vampire's shuddering shoulder. Spike shook his head and reached for the stake that he had dropped. Fumbling for a second, he raised his arm. The distressed vampire's knuckles turned white as he gripped the smooth wooden stake in his hand.

"No, I'll do it." He looked at Janice in contempt. "You silly bitch, what'll I say when I talk to Dawn?" Before Janice could answer him, she dissolved into dust.

Spike turned to Groo and smiled grimly. "Welcome to the Hellmouth." He stormed out of the hellhole without a backward glance.

Groo exited the caravan and they headed back to the others. When they reached the fire, Spike spoke briefly to Groo and walked back to the car, leaving the Pylean to set fire to the tents and the caravan before rejoining them.

Spike nodded his thanks to the Pylean for helping and without a word hustled everyone back into the car. He shook his head at the questioning glance Buffy directed at him. "I'll tell you later, luv."

"Okay," she whispered, sensing he was really upset. She slid over, wrapped her arm around his waist and ducked under his arm, resting her head on his black clad chest. "Come on, let's go home."

"Sounds good," Spike replied as he floored the accelerator.

*********

"You have strong magics protecting your home." Groo nodded in approval.

Buffy cocked her head in surprise. "You can see them?"

"Yes," he answered simply.

Groo walked into the house, carrying a couple of boxes. On the drive from the campsite, Spike had been quiet. She hadn't asked him what had happened in the caravan. Buffy knew that when he was ready, he would tell her.

They had decided to put Wes's stuff into the basement. It would be out of the way until they worked out who was sleeping where. In the back of her mind, Buffy was trying to figure out if adding onto the house would be the way to go. Maybe Xander could do an estimate for her. She had checked her bank balance while at Wes's apartment and had nearly passed out.

She was rich.

Really rich!

Buffy had called Angel, trying to get him to take some of the money back. He had brushed aside her offer, saying that if she didn't take it, he would go to Vegas and blow the lot. Angel had calmly stated he would always love her and that the money was a gift. She had burst into tears, which had lead to Spike grabbing the receiver and yelling at Angel. Spike had slammed down the phone and hugged her, whispering that she should calm down and let Angel do this for her.

If she wanted, they could move to a larger house, but Buffy didn't want to leave the home her mom had made for them. Adding a new master bedroom and bathroom would be a good place for her and Spike to start fresh. Also, it would free up a room for Wesley.

She guessed that Groo would either stay on the sofa or rent something nearby. 'Mental note: check whether he has any money.' If not, maybe they could do something with the basement or she could give him some money to get started. For now, she wanted to check on Dawn and take her vamp to bed. House renovations and musical beds could wait until the morning.

Tara and Dawn were fast asleep in her mom's bedroom. For some reason, Anya was asleep on a fold out cot by the bed, her snores masking Buffy and Spike's entry. They hadn't even woken up when Spike had gone to look for Dawn only to reappear in a panic when there was no sign of her bed having been slept in. His behaviour made Buffy wonder what the hell had happened in the caravan to spook the normally cool vampire. To calm the agitated vamp, she dragged him upstairs to check in each room.

Finding Dawn and Tara curled up asleep together calmed Spike. The look of relief on his face was palpable. Spike went over and ran one finger over her baby sister's cheek, nearly causing Buffy to cry at his tenderness. Buffy pulled him gently out of the room, kissing him on the nose. The only occupant of the room disturbed by them was Miss Kitty, who glared balefully at them when they came in. She was curled protectively around Anne and William in their box at the foot of the bed.

"We've stored everything in the basement," Wesley whispered as the two of them came downstairs, their fingers tightly entwined. "Where do you want us for the night?"

"Groo, can you manage on the sofa for now?" Buffy asked the stoic Pylean. He nodded and took the sheets and blankets from Spike. "The kitchen is through there. Help yourself. The bathroom is first door on the left as you come up the stairs."

Groo's face split into a massive smile. "Thank you my friends, you have made me most welcome. Spike, can we talk in the morning?"

Spike nodded.

"Wes, if you don't mind the lavender walls and sheets you can take the Nib's room," Spike offered.

"That'll be fine." Wesley shouldered his overnight bag and followed Spike upstairs as Buffy moved to help Groo with his sheets. When they had finished, she patted him on the arm.

"Everyone'll be up for school by about 7:30-ish, so I guess we'll see you in the a.m.!" Buffy smiled and headed tiredly up the stairs.

To Spike and her bed.

She tapped on Dawn's door. "Wes, you need anything?" The muttered negative satisfied her. "Night."

Buffy hesitated at her bedroom door. She could hear Spike moving around. Gently, she pushed the door open and watched her vampire pacing back and forth. Mr. Gordo was clenched in one hand and the other ran repeatedly through his already mussed hair. On his next pass by the door, he stopped and grabbed hold of her wrist, pulling her into his arms.

He buried his face into her neck and breathed in her sweet scent. A mixture of flowers and sweat from the fight. He inhaled deeply, obliterating the rank stench of Janice with his golden girl's purity. "You smell amazing, my dear heart."

Buffy pulled back slightly and stroked his face. "You okay?"

"No, but I will be." He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. "Come to bed, precious girl. I need you."

Buffy nodded and pulled away, she slipped off her outer clothes and stood before him dressed in a black bra and thong. She reached over and slid his ever-present duster from his shoulders, letting it drop to the floor with a soft thud. Spike watched her as she undressed him, his eyes only leaving her beautiful face when she pulled his shirt over his head. Once he was naked, Buffy pulled him to her bed. For a second he froze, feeling unclean. The images and smells from the dark caravan filled his mind.

He didn't want to bring them to her bed.

"Spike, come on, honey." She pushed his still form onto the soft sheets and then snuggled down next to her vampire. Spike slid her thong off, unclasped her bra and threw them both to the floor. Buffy pulled his face to her breasts and ran her fingers through his hair trying to soothe him. She felt his mouth move softly over her warm breast, searching for a rose tinted nipple. Once Spike's mouth found what he was seeking, he latched on, suckling and nibbling gently.

'Oh God, she feels so good.'

Spike paused and glanced up, his fangs lengthening. Buffy nodded her agreement to his silent question. She moaned softly as one of Spike's incisors pierced her nipple gently. Spike let her blood fill his mouth, savouring it. He was careful not to cut his tongue as he withdrew his fangs. 'She's just got rid of the git. No way I'm forcing anything on her...' As he swallowed, he could taste her love and concern for him. He licked the small wound shut, nuzzled his face between her breasts and sighed, content.

Then, it registered. Her scent had changed.

Over the years, the scent of her blood was something he had memorised. Everything about her was ingrained on his memory, even if he had never tasted it before, not until now.

The ritual had completely erased the familiar scent of his Grandsire's mark on her blood.

'She's finally free of him.'

He tightened his arms around her slim waist, humbled that she had offered herself so completely to him. Spike vowed that he would never let his golden girl down and would love her until he was dust.

"Spike, what happened in there?" Buffy's soft voice cut across his thoughts. "You know you can tell me anything," she coaxed.

"It was awful, love." Spike raised his head and rested his chin in her cleavage. He eyed her mouth, considering its gentle curve. He slid slowly up her body and captured her lips with his. Kissing her hungrily, his tongue slid between her parted lips and tangled eagerly with hers. He held the kiss, lingering a moment before he pulled back. Rolling off her soft, welcoming curves, Spike stretched his tired body. "It was a knocking shop."

Buffy rolled onto her side and frowned. "Like the one Riley went to?"

Spike reached over and cupped one of her breasts in his cool hand, testing its weight in his palm. "No, a vamp brothel. You know... a regular one. Well... not that regular. They were teens... all vamped and hired out to whoever and whatever rolled up with the readies."

"Slimy demons, too?" Buffy pulled a grossed out face.

"Yeah, pet. Christ! They were only kids, Buffy!" His hand smoothed up her torso and cupped her chin. His cool thumb stroked her mouth gently. Spike memorised its delicate shape by touch.

"Love, I recognised one of them." He took a breath. "It was Nib's pal, Janice." Spike watched her face carefully, ready to offer his love and support. She closed her eyes for a second.

"Was she a vamp?"

"They all were."

"Oh."

She reached over and pulled him to her, resting her face against his chest. Sobs shuddered through her and Spike could feel her warm tears dripping onto his cold skin.

"Shh, baby. I'm sorry. Don't cry, sweet. I've got you," Spike crooned as he rocked her gently.

"Oh God, I'm a bad person," she cried.

"What? No! What are you talking about?" Spike held her tighter.

"When you told me, I was relieved. I was glad it wasn't Dawn. Oh God! It could have been my baby sister!" Buffy sobbed.

"No, no... Shhh. The Nib's safe and sound. All tucked up with Glinda." Spike rubbed his hands over her shaking back.

"I know... but she is always hanging out with Janice. They could've both been taken."

"She wasn't, though, was she?"

Buffy hiccupped against his chest and rubbed her wet face in small circles. She looked up and grimaced. "I got you all snotty! Sorry." She reached for the sheet and carefully wiped Spike's chest dry. She hesitated. "Spike, is it bad that I am glad it was Janice and not Dawn?"

"No, it's not. I was thinking the same thing. I'm also trying to work out how the hell to tell Dawn."

Buffy kissed him. "We'll tell her together. Sleep now and well deal in the a.m."

Spike cradled his girl in his arms and rubbed his chin in her hair. "I think the Cheerleader's ex is going to do alright. He's a sound bloke."

"Yeah, but he is huoooge! All muscles and teeth! He'll be okay. I kinda feel bad for him though, she really didn't treat him right." Buffy yawned. "Okay, tired now."

"Can't wait to see what Anya has to say about him..." Spike trailed off when he realised that the Slayer was already snoring softly. "Love you." He finally relaxed and dozed off, savouring the taste of her blood in his mouth.

She was now even more a part of him.

*********

Dawn crept down the hall. She had slid out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb Tara or Anya who were fast asleep. She needed a shower, clothes and food. Pushing her bedroom door open, Dawn trotted in.

"Morning, Dawn."

"Gah!" Dawn jumped and spun around to face her bed. "Wesley?"

"Sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you... Dawn, what are you doing?" Wesley watched the tall teen check her hair in the mirror.

"I'm looking for grey hairs! You scared the you-know-what outta me!" She grinned at the perplexed man in her bed. 'Oh my God, there's a really cute guy in my bed. Janice is so going to be jealous when I tell her in Home Room today! ...Well, if she shows. Hey, wait a minute! Since when did Wesley get sooo cute?'

"Right. Well, um..." Wesley was thrown. He had no idea how to handle the situation.

"Chill! It's ok. I'm just grabbing my books and clothes. Then, I'm gone." Dawn's eyes widened when she spotted the scar on his throat. Before she realised what she was doing, her feet had carried her over to the bed. Dawn reached over and traced the fully healed scar with one finger. "I'm glad you're alright." She looked at him closely. "You are alright, aren't you?" Dawn tucked her hands behind her back, embarrassed that she had gotten all touchy feely.

Wesley cleared his throat, overwhelmed that a girl he had, in reality, only moments ago met for the first time was concerned over his health. "I'm getting better, thanks to Buffy, Spike and your friend Tara's ointment." He smiled at the blushing girl. "Thank you for the card. It was very kind of you."

Dawn blushed. "Oh, that's okay." She fiddled with her hair for a moment. "Hey, isn't Tara a kick-ass Wiccan babe? I helped. She let me stir the herbs!"

"Then thank you again!" Wesley sat up and tried to push his hair into place. "I am sorry about stealing your bed, though.

"No, it's fine, though I'm kinda wondering what you're doing here." Dawn grabbed her clothes and tossed them into the hall. She stuffed her books and homework into her backpack and dropped it next to her feet.

"Buffy and Spike asked me to come and help them here. Since I had nothing left in LA, I was glad of the offer."

"Hey, it's not just about needing your help. We're friends and I'm happy you came back with them. Spike sooo needs a guy friend who gets all his weird British jokes!" Dawn leant over and gave him a hug then danced out of the room. "Just don't read my diary! See yah later..."

Wesley shook his head at her antics and lay back down. 'Coming back here may be the best thing I could have done...' he thought as he dozed back off.

Dawn stuck her head around Buffy's door.

"Eep!" she squeaked. "I'm blind!" She giggled. Buffy and Spike where wrapped around each other, gold limbs entwined with alabaster white. Spike was flat on his back with Buffy cradled against him. The sheet covered them both to the waist. Dawn slid quietly into the bed beside them, pulled up the sheet and poked her sister in the ribs.

Buffy groaned and snuggled closer to Spike.

"Buffy, wake up," Dawn hissed.

"Nibblet, be a good girl and leave us be. We've had a rough few days."

"But I'm awake."

"Yeah, so am I but I'm one up on you!" Spike retorted.

"How?"

"I'm naked."

Dawn shot out of the bed. "Gross!"

"Your big sis is starkers, too!"

"Double gross and ick! Spiiike! Bufffeeey!"

"Okay. Okay! I'm awake!" Buffy grumbled and sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest. She reached over the bed, grabbed Spike's t-shirt and pulled it on. She then tucked the sheet primly around her hips and checked that Spike had pulled on his jeans under the sheet.

"You both have serious bed head!" Dawn commented. She rolled her eyes as they both ran their fingers through their hair. "You guys are so vain!" She flopped down between them. "Why are you grumpy?"

They exchanged a look over Dawn's head. Spike nodded to Buffy.

"What happened in LA? I noticed that we have a new housemate. He's staying right?"

"Yeah, Watcherboy's staying. So's Groo."

"Groo? What's a Groo?" Dawn wondered out loud.

"Big bloke, Cheerleader's ex," Spike explained in his own inimitable way. "Bit formal but he seems like a good bloke."

"So you went to LA, fixed Wes, then stole two of Angel's crew and brought them home with you. Buffy, we're gonna need a bigger house!"

Buffy grinned and slid down to hug her baby sister. Spike watched his girls, a faint smile on his face. His expressive blue eyes, however, were sad.

"Dawnie, we have to talk to you and it's really important." Buffy smoothed her hand over her sister's sweet face. "Just remember we love you, okay?"

"What's going on? It's not Willow, is it?"

"No, Dawnie. It's... It's..." Buffy looked over at Spike. "I can't tell her..."

"Nibblet, it's about Janice. Oh pet, I'm sorry." Spike grabbed hold of Dawn and held her close. Buffy sat up and wrapped her arms around both of them. The Slayer and the Vampire wrapped themselves around the Key, trying to protect her.

"What about Janice? Tell me!" Dawn whimpered. She knew it wasn't good news. Janice had been skipping school for a few weeks and hadn't returned any of her calls for the last week.

"Last night when we were coming back we came across Janice. She'd been vamped." Spike had decided to leave out the rest. His Bit didn't need to know anything else. "We... I had to dust her, I'm sorry."

"Oh God, no..." Dawn started to cry, great wracking sobs that shook her body. Buffy and Spike held her tightly and tried to soothe her.

"I'm sorry... so sorry, baby," Buffy whispered as she tried not to cry.

"What am I going to tell her mom?" Dawn whimpered.

"Nothing. You can't tell her anything, Nibblet. She'd never understand," Spike muttered. "Buffy and I will talk to her."

"Maybe you could tell her that Janice ran away?" Dawn offered.

"No, luv, that won't work. She'll want know how we knew that. Then she'd call the cops and there would be questions. Just leave it to your sis and me." Spike caught Buffy's eyes and shook his head before she could say anything.

"Now, pet, go wash your face and I'll get some grub going. You take your time and come down when you're ready."

"Okay. Buffy, will you keep me company?"

"Sure, honey." Buffy stood and went in search of some sweats while Dawn stumbled off to the bathroom, trying not to cry.

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