CHAPTER 11: The Musical Eps ~ It Begins... Pt. 1

Angel shook his head from the chair where he was feeding Connor. He could remember when it had been like that between him and Buffy. A stolen glance here and there…it seemed like yesterday. A sharp pain on his arm cleared his head, and he glared at Cordelia. "What?"

"You were brooding. We talked about it this. No brooding. We should be happy, even though we can't exactly test our gift while we're guests in Buffy's house."

Angel laughed softly. "That wasn't why I was brooding, Cordy; although, I must say, it is worthy of a good brood." His eyes twinkled and he continued. "I was watching Dawn, and thinking about Buffy."

"Oh, great. That's even better," she grumbled.

"No, I was just…remembering fondly, Cordy. Not wishing things were different. Although I do wish Buffy and my childe had enough couth to tone down the rutting while they have guests."

"You do realize that you're the only one who can hear them, right? I mean…duh. Vampire," she said, putting her fingers by her mouth like fangs.

"Oh, pet, I hope we don't look like that," Spike said, shooting Cordelia a dirty look. "Otherwise the only person we'd scare is an orthodontist."

"Spike, the only person you scare is a fashion designer. Thank God Buffy bought you new clothes," Cordy shot back.

"Okay, guys, enough," Willow said. She looked at Gunn trying to untangle the lights hopelessly, and zapped them undone. He looked up and gave her a thumbs up. She smiled back until she saw the look on Tara's face.

Just then, Buffy came cartwheeling down the stairs in a tank top, skirt and boots. "We ready to patrol or what, people?"

Gunn looked at her as if she was crazy. "Okay, A) you just did gymnastics down a stairwell, and B) you patrol in clothes like that?"

Spike scowled. "Got a bloody problem with it? Buffy could kick someone's ass six ways from Sunday in a tutu, mate."

"Whoa, tone down the testosterone, boys," Buffy cut in. "Let's just get the posse and hunt. Maybe at the end we can go shake down Willy about Cordy's vision?"

Cordelia nodded. "I can't believe that we got so caught up in the holidays that I forgot to tell you until Christmas dinner. I mean, it's the whole reason we came barreling down here early."

Angel smiled at her. "We had other things on our minds."

Spike made gagging noises behind Angel's back. "Luv, can we go now? I'm gonna hurl if I have to see any more heartfelt emotions."

Angel smirked at Spike. "Luv? Why, it's been a long time since you've called me that, William."

Every male in the room cringed, and Buffy rolled her eyes. "Vampires and their preferences. Can we put them away and patrol, please?"

"Yes, Buffy," Spike and Angel chimed in snidely.

"Gunn, Wesley, Angel, Spike. Anyone else feel like pummeling something?"

Xander muttered. "A couple of vampires in this house, but not much else."

Buffy, Spike, and Angel shot him dirty looks before the ragtag group headed out the door.

"You don't take any weapons?" Gunn asked, grabbing his and Wesley's axes form the van.

Buffy shrugged. "None you can see. And they have built in ones."

"Buffy can stow more stakes on her body than anyone I know," Angel said.

"And that's not even counting mine," Spike whispered in Buffy's ear.

Angel glared at him. "Plus she's a master at using what's at hand. It's why I wanted you two to go on patrol with us. I know Wesley wasn't much for patrolling when he was Buffy's Watcher, and Gunn's never seen a real Slayer work. It'll be interesting, even more so since Billy Idol decided to tag along."

"Shove it somewhere painful, Peaches. I'm mighty helpful. Ask the Slayer."

Buffy stopped short, and turned around, hands on her hips. "Look. I'm taking you guys out of the goodness of my heart. Quit making me regret it! Stop the damn bickering," She growled.

Spike stuck his tongue out at Angel. "S'what you get for being a Poof."

She turned to Spike and glared. "And you, too, Mister. You're not innocent in it, either. Stow it." Turning on her heel, she stalked off towards the cemetery, humming under her breath.

Spike looked at the guys and shrugged. "Might be coming up on her time of the month. Makes her cranky."

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Buffy looked at the enormous crowd of vamps that had somehow managed to find them on an otherwise uneventful night. Her nerves were fried. Spike had made comments about her 'monthlies' every time she'd snapped at him and Angel had bickered with him the other two-thirds of the time. She'd had about all she could take, considering that she hadn't gotten to hit anything all night. Gunn seemed even more skeptical about her skills since she had yet to really ring Spike's bell.

She jumped up on the tombstone nearest to her and watched Spike, who was attacking the first vamp brave enough to call him out. He took out the younger vamp out without much effort, and she saw Gunn's shake his head. That's it, she thought furiously. She started to yell to Spike, but instead she found something strange coming out of her mouth. "Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you." Her eyes flew open wide and she stared at Spike in amazement.

He looked at her defiantly. "No, you can't," he sang. He looked around wildly, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Yes, I can," she replied, jumping off the tombstone and hauling the first unlucky vamp she saw in the center of the circle.

"No, you can't," he challenged back, smirking at her. Suddenly, he didn't care much about why they were singing, only that Buffy had called him out and he certainly wasn't going to lose.

She grinned, putting the vamp in a headlock. "Yes, I can!" She flexed her forearm and snapped his neck, the bone cracking loudly and making her point. Gunn's eyes flew open, and even Wesley seemed impressed. Angel rolled his eyes, wondering how long this pissing contest was going to last.

"Anything you can be, I can be greater, sooner or later, I'm greater than you!" Buffy sang, her leg flying up and knocking three vamps down in one blow.

"I can drink my liquor faster than a flicker." Grinning at his reply, Spike vamped out and flung two stakes without looking, both of them dusting a vamp.

Buffy made an obscene gesture with her hand, and Gunn snickered. She raised an eyebrow at him, and back flipped across the circle, stopping in a handstand. Looking around, she kicked the vamp nearest to her in the chest with her boot heel and he exploded. She addressed Spike from upside down, "I can do it quicker and get even sicker."

Angel snorted, and Spike glared. "Anyone you can lick, I can lick faster. I can lick anyone faster than you."

Buffy gasped at his response, and he shrugged. She pulled a stake out her thigh sheath and faced one of the few remaining vamps. "With your fist?" she asked, dusting the punk rocker looking fledgling.

"With my feet," he replied, sending a roundhouse kick to one of the last three. The surprised vamp tumbled backwards, impaling himself on a tree branch. Spike smirked again, thinking he'd bested her.

"With my feet," Buffy echoed determinedly. She strode up the vamp that looked to be the leader, staring at her defiantly. Punching him in the face, she waited until he reeled and pushed him to the ground, stomped over him, not even stumbling as he crumbled to dust. Her self-satisfied smile infuriated Spike, and he went looking for the only vamp left.

To his consternation, Gunn had him by the neck, dangling his feet off the ground. "With an axe," he said triumphantly, slicing off the vamp's head neatly.

The spell seemed to be broken for a moment, and they all looked at each other. Buffy grinned at Spike, and he returned her smile. Angel rolled his eyes again and gave his co-workers a bored look.

"Spike, betcha can't catch me! I'll race you to the Magic Box," Buffy said, starting run as she spoke.

"Oh, now this will be a piece of cake," Spike muttered, saluting Angel before taking off after her.

"Are they always like this?" Wesley asked curiously.

"Let's just say we're lucky Buffy had on wooden soled boots, or we could have been here all night," Angel replied.

Gunn grinned. "Welcome to the Hellmouth, I guess."

Buffy ran up the door, panting heavily as she smacked her palm on it. "Ha! I win!" she said triumphantly.

Spike slowed to a trot, coming up behind her with a scowl on his face. "Only because you cheated. Why do the goody goodies always cheat and call it fair? If I'd cheated, you'd be telling me how it didn't count because I'm evil and I cheated."

"It's because you are." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, quickly forgetting the entire purpose of their race to the store.

His arms snaked around her, pulling her even closer, rubbing his body against hers suggestively. "The practice room is empty. And it has all those nice springy mats," he whispered.

"Hmmm. And the pommel horse. Remember that?"

His eyes closed and a faint but proud smile graced his features. His hands strayed down to her butt, pulling her up his body so she was straddling his waist. "Got a key to the store, luv, or do I need to pick the lock?"

"Whoa, B. Guess you can teach an old dog some new tricks," a pale looking, but still saucy Faith commented wryly.

"Oh my God. She got out," Buffy whispered hoarsely, her body tensing around Spike.

A smirk crossed the rogue Slayer's wan face. "Not hardly. I'm on probation. Free as a bird…if I stay with the great Souled one."

"I don't believe you."

Buffy's arms and legs tightened around Spike. He could feel her shaking from head to toe. Rumors of the Slayer gone bad had reached him in Brazil, but he'd never for a second worried that Buffy couldn't take her. Even when her body'd been stolen, Buffy came out on top. She didn't have to do it alone this time, though. He'd rip the bitch's throat out before he'd let her hurt Buffy.

"You don't have to. I have a witness. When I went to find Angel, his place was empty except for this guy," she said, hitching her thumb at a green horned demon in a loud suit. "So I figured…holidays, empty hotel…must be party time in SunnyD. Here I am."

Buffy glared at her and turned to the green guy. "And who the hell are you?"

"Cool it, sweetie. I'm in tight with your ex. My name is Lorne, and I escorted this young lady to make sure Angelcakes know she's being square. I took the call from the prison," he said, studying Buffy intently.

"You thought you'd be welcome here, Faith?"

"Hey, it's five by five, B. I'm not here to mix it up with you or your boy toy. The green guy said something was going down here to help with some big to do coming up." She crossed her arms over her chest, and stuck her hip out in her trademark pose.

"I thinks he's telling the truth, pet," Spike said, his eyes boring into Buffy's. He understood how hard it was to reform an unfortunate past, especially with the Scoobies.

"Thanks, Blondie." Faith smiled slightly, looking for a moment like the girl she'd been.

"Why me?" Buffy groaned, banging her head on Spike's breastbone.

"It's the Slayer gig, sweetheart," Lorne supplied. "Now when are my boys getting here?"

"Is there no on who knows what a rhetorical question is?" Buffy muttered. Turning to answer him, she replied, "I don't know. Spike and I ran; they were way behind us. Speaking of which, Spike, did you um notice that we were singing? Again?"

"How could I not? We had a bloody good time doing it, Slayer."

Buffy sighed; trying to decide what PTB was looking at her and laughing. She eyes Faith speculatively, then said, "Spike, break us in. I'll call the gang and circle the wagons. Then me and Faith have some aggressions to spend in the training room if we have to work together from now on." She looked at Lorne, who smiled angelically. "And I think the Grinch here knows more than he's letting on."

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Xander put down the phone. Rather, he slammed it down. Anya rushed over to him, her face wrinkling in concern. Dawn looked up from her Gameboy for a moment, but decided Anya had control.

"Xander, you look like you're ill. Are you going to be sick? If so, please do so in the bathroom, because I don't want to clean it up."

"No. I-I-Faith's here. Out of jail. Free. Without restraint," he blurted out.

Cordy smiled at his fumbling. "Hey, great. Well, I mean, how'd she get out? If it's legit, let's party!" She smiled at Connor as she said this and the baby cooed appreciatively.

"Buffy didn't say. She said it's all good, well, calm, anyways. She wants Cordy, Fred, Willow, and Tara to hustle down to the shop, and to pick up Angel and his crew if you see them walking on the way. Guess Buffy and Spike musta taken a detour on their way." His look of disgust told everyone what he thought of that.

Dawn looked up briefly. "So that means you and Anya are stuck with us kiddies again, right?" She scowled, then her face lit up. "But it means I get to play with Connor the whole time. I guess I can deal with that."

"Oh, and I forgot something. As if Faith wasn't enough, Buffy said she and Spike broke into song again."

Dawn groaned and Anya seconded it. "Buffy is such a bad singer," Dawn added.

Cordy quirked an eyebrow curiously. "I'm clueless as to why Spike and Buffy went Broadway, but God help us if it gets to Angel." She looked at Fred, who nodded vigorously from her perch next Willow and her laptop.

Anya frowned. "It's my store. Why does everyone get to go but me?"

"It's okay, Ahn. We're the stay behinds. No danger for the engaged folks. Besides, like Dawn said, someone has to watch the young'uns."

"Well, if we get to watch Angel's offspring I'll get to practice for when we have our own. I guess it's okay," she said, musing.

Dawn noted Xander's expression and chuckled. "Don't worry, Cordy. We'll both be keeping an eye on him."

Cordy sighed her relief and called the others. "Ladies, drop the techno-babble. Time to hit the battlefield, so to speak."

When they all assembled, Cordy grabbed the van keys and waved at Dawn. Xander and Anya closed the door behind her. Eyeing Dawn, Xander walked over and knelt in front of her and the baby.

"Are you okay? I know you and Faith have a complex history," he said, his eyes searching hers.

Dawn rolled eyes. "Thanks, big bro. I'm fine. If Buffy can handle Faith, I certainly can. And nothing can upset me when I've got a cute little baby in my hands. I think I'll take him upstairs to my room and we'll hang out."

Xander watched her retreat upstairs and sighed heavily. Anya looked at him curiously, trying to figure out where this remoteness was coming from. It occurred to her suddenly while she watched him trudge to the kitchen. He must be upset about being the babysitter again. I have no idea why not being action guy makes him feel so badly, she thought. I wonder if Buffy ever considers that when she hands down these assignments. She opened her mouth to call out and began to sing, "He spent his whole life being too young, to live the life that's in hid dreams, at night he lies awake and he wonders…whey can't that be me?"

She looked around wildly, and then remembered what Xander had said about singing and sat down on the couch. "Cause in his life he is filled with all these good intentions, he's left a lot of things he'd rather not mention just now. But just before he says good night, he looks up with a little smile at me and says 'If I could be like that I would give anything, Just to live one day in those shoes. If I could be like that, what would I do?'"

Xander stared into the refrigerator morosely. He knew Anya hated being left out, as well, but there was nothing he could do. They weren't seers or witches or Slayers or vampires; therefore, they got assigned to stay behind duty more often than not. Shutting the door, he walked out onto the porch, looking up into the night sky. He rolled his eyes when he felt an overwhelming urge to sing, knowing he couldn't fight it. "She spends her days up in north park, watching the people as they pass. And all she wants is just a little piece of this dream; is that too much to ask? With a safe home, and a warm bed, on a quiet little street. All she wants is just that something to hold on to; that's all she needs."

Anya came out on the porch and joined him, her eyes mirroring his in emotion. Together they sang quietly, "If I could be like that, I would give anything just to live one day, in those shoes. If I could be like that, what would I do? What would I do?" They faded out, looking at each other than into the night. Neither of them spoke aloud the thought they shared; what would they do?

Buffy circled Faith warily, pulling her knuckle wraps tight with her teeth. The dark haired Slayer allowed a smile grin to cross her taut features. "Are you going to be training for the first time since…?" Buffy asked suddenly.

Faith shook her head. "Naw. I did some stuff in the prison yard to keep from going crazy."

"Okay. Then I know not to pull any punches."

"Oh, B," she said, chuckling slightly. "Always a champion of what's just. You know better than that. Let's just box."

"You got it."

Spike sat in the corner on a stack of mats, smoking quietly. This wasn't what he'd meant about the training room being empty. If I made a video of this, it'd sell for… well, enough to pay all of Buffy's bills. Certain vamps and demons would love to their hands on a tape of two Slayers duking it out, he thought. He watched Buffy duck a right cross and grinned. She definitely outclassed the tarty brunette in skill.

A knock at the door distracted the fighters, and they stopped momentarily. Willow and Tara walked in, both eyeing Faith like she was a rabid dog. Buffy nodded at them and turned back to her opponent. "Ready for more?"

"Oh, yeah. Been a long time since I could really unleash," Faith replied, her double entendre lingering in her tone. Spike's chuckle caused her to smirk cockily and salute him. "Why not bring the pet vamp in as well? I'm sure he can take us both on."

Buffy let out a surprisingly possessive growl that even made Spike raise his eyebrows. "That better have only referred to sparring, Faith, or I'll rip your stringy hair off your head strand by strand. I'm a different girl than the one who dated Angel."

Spike looked at Buffy in shock, trying to keep his emotions from showing on his face. He stood up to take off his duster, tossing it over where Willow and Tara were sitting. He looked at the other Slayer. "You do realize that I'll really hit you, right, ducks?"

"And if he gets hurt with anything of the wooden kind, I'll really kill you?" Buffy seconded.

Faith looked from one to the other slowly. "I've finally seen it all. A vampire making sure I know the score, fair and square. And Buffy actually meaning it when she threatens to kill me is doubly strange. It's been an enlightening day, after all." She caught Buffy's look, and rolled her eyes. "B, I always knew, when no one else did, that you'd never really kill me over Angel. And that half-hearted try? Come one, girl. You'd hit me harder in training sessions. It's why I threw myself into the truck before you had to piss or get off the pot. I knew you couldn't do it; I saved your face for you."

Buffy's jaw dropped and she stared at Faith in amazement. How Faith had known things she'd never even admitted to herself was a total mystery. Everything the brunette had said was true, and Buffy, for once, had no witty remark or comeback to offer. She closed her mouth, opened it, and then shut it again. Without a word, she turned on her heel and slammed out of the practice room through the back door.

Faith looked at Spike, who was making to go after her. "I mean it, Blondie. She would never have killed me over Angel. She'd drop me in a minute for you, though. Just call it woman's intuition." Shrugging at his lack of response, she walked over to the punching bag and began hitting it ferociously.

Willow looked Spike and nodded her agreement. "I think she's right, Spike. None of us really wanted to admit that we didn't want Faith dead, not really. But we never really forgave Angel for Angelus, at least not then, anyways. Let Buffy work this out on her own. She needs time to figure this out for herself. Come out front and help us look for something about the singing, okay?"

Spike nodded jerkily, striding over to pick up his coat. He nodded at Faith, who gave him a cool look in return. Then he followed the Witches out into the shop, his mind still on Faith's words and Buffy's lack of denial.

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Buffy kicked the gravel underneath her feet, staring at the ground like it held all the answers in the world. She knew she'd have to face her friends about the information Faith had revealed. Not to mention Spike, who was probably doing a Snoopy dance of joy right now. The image of him doing so made her frown crease a little, almost inverting into a smile, but not quite making it. How did she know? Did Angel know? How could I not have loved Angel as much as Spike? What's the difference? And why does everything in my life have to affect the entire world? Why can't I just be Buffy Summers for a while?

She sniffled slightly, and looked around. No one had followed her out. She was free to do or say anything she wanted. Even cry. Before she opened her mouth, it occurred to her that she only felt like singing when her emotions were high, or when she was trying to hide them. That was something she could tell Willow to check on. A few tears slid down her face before she finally gave in to the urge to sing.

"I can't stand to fly. I'm not that naïve. I'm just out to find the better part of me. I'm more than a bird. I'm more than a plane. More than some pretty face beside a train. It's not easy to be me," she sang softly, kicking the dirt again, before getting up.

She walked over to where the sun was filtering into the alley and stood in it, basking in the warmth on her cold limbs. It felt good, like she was alive, really alive, and all was right with the world. "Wish that I could cry, fall upon my knees. It may sound absurd but don't be naïve. Even heroes have the right to bleed. I may be disturbed, but won't you concede. Even heroes have the right to dream. It's not easy to be me."

Her voice grew stronger with each line, her eyes shining with the tears that were falling copiously now, both for her and for all the people in her life she'd betrayed by lying to herself for so long. "Up, up and away, away from me…it's all right. You can all sleep sound tonight; I'm not crazy or anything…It's not easy…to be…me," she whispered, looking out into the horizon wistfully.

The sound of someone clapping rang out in the deserted alleyway, and she whirled around to see the annoying green guy Faith had brought with her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked angrily, wiping her eyes with her hand.

"Oh, honey, you got it bad for him. And you hold so much guilt for things that aren't even your fault," he said, clucking his tongue at her.

"How the hell would you know and what business is it of yours?"

"Well, it's my gift. You have yours, and I have mine, sweetie. And mine is the ability to read souls when people, or demons, sing. Your soul is crying in agony. You need to lighten up. I think that idiot Childe of Angel's is helping you find that out, but Faith… that biscuit needed to keep that info to herself. You didn't need to know that. But, c'est la vie, you know?"

"I didn't take French in high school. I was too busy slaying the Mayor and trying to kill Faith. Or not kill her, I don't know."

"You have to accept, Buffy, that you loved Angel like a young girl. Of course you didn't have the capacity to kill someone, a human, your sister Slayer, over him. But now…you're all grown up. You've died to save your sis. You've been resurrected, and found a new life, a new love. It's got to be different, or nothing you've done has meant anything to you. And then I'd be scared."

"So you're saying that everything I've done so far, has lead up to this? My being able to love fully enough to," she broke off remembering the First's words. 'Death is your gift…you are full of love.' "I'll be damned. She was right."

"You bet your ass she was. The Powers don't send the First Slayer to guide just anyone. She's not very friendly, but she's not slouch with the prophecy, either," Lorne said. "You have to trust your gut. The feelings there…they come straight from the top, if you know what I mean."

Buffy nodded slowly. She looked at him thoughtfully. "Did someone tell you come out here?"

"Nope. I've got stellar hearing, dearie. I heard a mournful song from inside, and by the way, don't ever let them tell you that you're a bad singer. You just have to believe in what you're singing." That said, he walked past her, opening the door to the training room and heading inside.

She watched him leave, a smile pricking the corners of her mouth. Maybe he's right. Maybe I do need to stop blaming myself for every little thing. Loosen up a bit. And I know just the two people who can help me do that, she thought mischievously. For the first time in awhile, I can't wait to patrol tonight.

The door of the Magic Box swung open, hitting the wall behind it with a crash. Angel strode in, looking all business as he glared at Spike. "Where are they?"

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "What got up your ass, Peaches?"

"Just tell me where they are!" he yelled impatiently.

Faith sauntered out of the training room, panting slightly from her workout. "What the hell is going on out here?"

Angel's face collapsed. "You and Buffy aren't fighting?"

"Well, not now. We sparred a bit, but she got all hot when she thought I was hitting on Junior over there, and took off. Haven't seen her since." The brunette smirked at Spike, and he grinned.

"This bird's got a mouth of her that would make sailors blush. I could hear her talking to the punching bag from out here," he said to Angel. Turning to Faith, he spoke more softly. "Thanks for the heads up, pet. Means a lot to me."

She nodded abruptly, not sure how to take sincere gratitude. "No problem, Billy. Mind if I call you Billy?" she asked, teasing him.

Spike noticed how unsure she seemed about joining in the joking that was prevalent in the Scooby gang. Cutting her a break, he replied, "If you do, I'd better be on the ground whimpering. Otherwise, you might get your ass kicked for it." He winked, letting her know it was cool between them.

Cordy and the rest of the gang filed in, talking to Lorne as they entered. Cordy turned to Angel and giggled. "Lorne is so excited about this singing deal. He can't wait to give everyone a good talking to."

Angel groaned. "That is so unethical, Lorne."

The demon shrugged, giving the crowd a beatific smile. "Maybe it's why I was sent here. The people upstairs always have their reasons, folks. And Angel, it would better for all of us if you just kept your mouth closed for a few days, capiche?"

Angel gave his friend a murderous look before turning to the others. "Then where's Buffy?"

Faith grinned. "She's in the training room acting like a loon. After she stormed out, she musta found some wacky sauce, cause when she came back, in her place was a B I've never seen before."

He growled. "I thought you didn't know where she was, Faith."

"I lied. Guess the road to redemption is a bit rockier than I let on," she said winking. "And if you're done with macho posturing, Daddy, I'm going back in to dish with B. The stories she's telling would make a vampire blush." Grinning evilly, she left.

Spike blanched. He knew exactly which vampire would be blushing if he heard those stories. Sinking lower in his chair, he avoided eye contact with his Sire. Only Angel had more embarrassing stories than Buffy, and he sure as hell didn't want to get him started as well.

Angel clamped a hand on his shoulder and whispered in a voice low enough that only Spike could hear, "Just be glad I'm keeping my mouth shut for Lorne. Or you'd be eighty shades of red by the time Buffy and I got done." A smile quirked at the corners of his mouth and Spike groaned again.

"Speaking of Buffy, let's go find the little traitor. I'm up for a bit of the old rough and tumble about now, how about you, Peaches?"

"Of course. What with you and Buffy slaying everything in sight to show tunes, the rest of us didn't get much of workout."

Gunn cleared his throat. "I second that, man. Maybe we should go out and patrol again or something. I feel kinda…restless myself. But that don't mean I'm throwing myself in the ring with you four. I'm not suicidal."

Willow spoke up from the stacks, her voice eerily disembodied. "If you go, leave Wesley with us…we need him to help with the research. Cordy says he's really good with that stuff. Take Lorne instead. You know, in case someone sings."

Lorne blanched. "Oh, honey, I'm a lover, not a fighter. I think looking for trouble is one thing I'm through with for this lifetime."

"Then you should definitely quit hanging out with Angel," Willow replied. "He's trouble on wheels, just like Buffy."

Angel glared at the stacks. "Thanks so much, Willow."

"No problem, Angel," she sing-songed.

He raked his hand through his hair in agitation. "She's right though. Wes, you stay, and Lorne, you'll come. Will, my boy, let's go box with some Slayers."

Spike grimaced. "Only this time, no blood, right?" he asked innocently.

"You fought Slayers together before? With blood?" Tara asked, her eyes widening is fright.

Angel sighed. "A long time ago. In China. Well, and Russia. And France. Okay, just before my soul, okay? I don't want to talk about it." His eyes shot daggers at Spike, who just stuck his tongue out.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Wesley asked rhetorically.

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Gunn looked at his watch. "Okay, they've been in there for over two hours. When the hell are they gonna quit?"

Wesley looked up from his book distractedly. "I don't know, Charles. Go join them, if you're so concerned."

"Yeah. I'm sure they won't hurt you… Well, I'm sure Buffy won't," Willow added.

"Um, I think I'd rather keep all my parts intact. Hey Fred, you wanna go check on 'em with me?"

Looking up nervously, Fred shut her book. "Well, if you need me, I guess I can come."

"I knew you were my favorite for a reason," he said, putting his arm around her.

"Just cause I lived in a cave for five years doesn't mean I live in one now," she muttered.

He rolled his eyes, pushing her in front of him. "Ladies, first."

"Then why are you going last?" Wesley replied.

Fred opened the door, peeking in timidly. Her gasp caused the whole room to move behind her in a flash. Blushing, she stammered, "It's not… I didn't mean for everyone to get upset. It's just… look. It's beautiful."

Buffy and Spike were dancing, singing to each other softly as they practically floated across the mats. Faith and Angel were dancing similarly, singing something totally different. Both couples were covered in a sheen of sweat that made their bodies glisten, and the men had taken off their shirts and shoes. Buffy and Faith were similarly stripped down to tiny tank tops and workout shorts. The dance they were doing was obviously some sort of ballroom style that both Angel and Spike were very familiar with. The air was charged with electricity that both warmed and comforted the people watching.

"What is going on?" Gunn asked incredulously.

"And what is Angel doing with that tramp?" Cordy interjected. Everyone turned to look at her, and she blushed. "Sorry. Old habits die hard, I guess."

Lorne listened for a moment, and shook his head. "Man, I tell you what. Angel's boy and that Slayer are some of the most soulful lovers I've ever heard. They are hot, and it's not likely to cool down soon. As for Angel and his reformee, they're singing a different tune altogether. She's very grateful to him for showing her how to change. Nothing to worry about, Queen C."

The music stopped, and the dancers looked at each other in confusion. Faith moved away from Angel, turning and rubbing her arms in embarrassment. Angel cocked his head to the side, watching Buffy and Spike whisper like kids. He turned to Faith and held his hand out. She took it shyly, and he hugged her. The shock that reflected in her eyes was enough to melt even Cordy's heart.

Spike leaned down and kissed Buffy deeply, dipping her over his arm. Buffy kissed back eagerly, bending to the point where they crashed to the ground in a heap. Still kissing her, Spike rubbed his hips against hers. A loud cough finally broke them out of their trance, and Buffy smiled sheepishly at Faith.

"Whoo boy, B! You almost gave us a free show. Do I need to get some ice water or something?"

Angel grinned. "Sounds like a good idea to me. You'll want to even more once you shack up at Buffy's and get to hear them every night. By the way, Buffy, your bed frame squeaks, and a little seltzer will get blood out of your sheets."

Buffy turned beet red and got up, mumbling something about the bathroom as she scrambled out of the room.

"Oh, great, Peaches. Just because you're not getting any yet doesn't mean you have to ruin it for the rest of us," Spike grumbled, walking over to the supply chest and grabbing a towel.

Faith grinned. "Ten dollars says you get some tonight anyways, Blondie. I always pegged B as repressed, and since you've entered her life, my bet is she works it out every chance she gets."

Angel snickered. "You know what, Faith? I think having you around again will do Spike a world of good."

Spike gave them both a look that could wither flowers and stalked out front, wiping his face with the towel. "So once you voyeurs get over the dance number, can we go patrol? I've had enough of being humiliated for today."

He turned and noted the people gaping at him. "What? I'm not a poof… just cause I happen to know how to dance…"

Willow shook her head. "What happened to your back? And your neck? Look at all the marks, it looks like someone attacked you, Spike."

The vampire's face flushed for a fleeting moment, and he muttered something about a cat.

Cordy raised an eyebrow. "A cat, huh? More like a small, blond Sl…"

Spike's hand over her mouth stifled the comment she was making. "Nasty cat. Mean. It spit at me, I think." Cordy bit his hand and he yelped. "Careful, pet. I like it when they bite."

"You pig!" she said, stomping off to find Angel.

Buffy walked up behind him and goosed him. "Quit pissing off my friends. Behave or you can sleep on the couch tonight."

"Luv, the house is full to the brim, and we just earned two more guests. My guess is your bed is the only place I'll fit, unless you want the green guy to take my place," he joked. When she seemed to be considering it, he growled. "And I wouldn't take very kindly to that. Might have to find a friendly port to stay m'self."

"If you do, you better sleep armed."

"Hey, are we gonna patrol or what?" Gunn asked impatiently

Faith emerged from the bathroom, re-clad in her leather pants and tank. "Let's rumble, baby. B, you ready to rock?"

Buffy grinned. "I am so ready. Spike, get Angel and the green guy. It's time to kick some ass." She followed Faith out the front door, waiting to see what the brunette Slayer would do.

Faith took a deep breath and howled at the moon. "Man, have I missed patrolling, kicking demon ass, you know, the usual."

Buffy nodded. "It's a great release." She winked and Faith laughed throatily.

"Hey, B, I feel this weird urge to sing again. Is this crap ever gonna end?"

"I dunno. I'm hoping the brains of the outfit can figure it out. It can't be the Sweet demon again, cause so far, only the Scoobs are singing."

Faith jumped on top of a mailbox and beat her chest like Tarzan. "That's it. I'm unleashing the song, B. Get ready."

"Oh, God. Just make it short, Faith. This singing thing is really wearing thin."

Faith grinned and opened her mouth. "I'm comin' up so you better get this party started. Get this party started on a Saturday night; everybody's waitin' for me to arrive. I can go for miles if you know what I mean."

Buffy groaned. "I should have known you'd be singing something like this."

"Pumpin up the volume breakin down' to the beat. Cruisin' through the west side, we'll be checkin' the scene.Boulevard is freakin' as I'm comin' up fast and I'll be burnin' rubber you'll be kissin' my ass," Faith sang, jumping down from the mailbox and swinging around the nearest lightpost.

"Faith, are you nuts? Get down!" Buffy hissed, watching Faith climb the pole and hang from the arm by her knees.

Faith grinned, doing a back flip off the light and landing on her feet. "Pumpin' up the volume with this brand new beat. Everybody's dancin' and their dancin' for me. I'm your operator you can call anytime and I'll be your connection to the party line! I'm comin' up so you better get this party started…"

Spike and Angel came out with Gunn, their faces mirroring confusion as they watched Buffy chasing Faith as they ran from car to car down the street. The men looked at each other and shrugged.

"Ever get the feeling we have the weirdest unlives of anyone we know?" Spike asked.

"All the time," Angel sighed. "All the time."

Buffy stopped laughing abruptly. Closing her eyes, she reached out with her senses, trying to use her innate power to help her. Her nose scrunched up as she concentrated, but it was no use. "Aw, hell, Faith. It's clean. Not one bloodsucker in the whole frigging cemetery." Letting out a frustrated sigh, she trudged up to a gravestone and sat on it.

"So much for a little release. We've been to what…three of the big ones and come up empty? Where the hell are they all hiding?"

Buffy shook her head. "You mean besides the two hiding behind that mausoleum up there with the green guy and Gunn? No clue."

Faith chortled. "You knew they were following us? Why not say something? It seems unlike you."

"Well, being dead changes a lot about a person," Buffy muttered.

The brunette Slayer plopped on the grave opposite Buffy and eyed her speculatively. "Still not over that, huh?" she asked cautiously, kicking a rock with the toe of her boot.

Buffy smiled half-heartedly but nodded. "Hard to get over. Makes killing Angel look easy. I mean, I'm happy, no mistaking that. But every once in awhile…I just wonder, you know? If they hadn't brought me back, how much of this reality would exist? Did my resurrection set all of this in motion? Angel's son, Spike, Willow, Xander, you, the green guy…it's so much to grasp. And I can't really complain, or anything. My friends, my family…they all love me. It's just this gnawing feeling that something is out of line."

Faith nodded. "I had that feeling when I used that thing…you know, when I stole your body? I know the Mayor wanted me to be able to live, to deal with life even though he was gone, but I felt wrong. Even as I did all the awful things I did, it felt like I was changing the way things should be. Guess Slayers have an innate sense of the Powers' wishes, huh?"

"Yeah. But like I said, it probably lead up to the things that are happening as we speak. All interconnected and stuff." Buffy kicked the rock back towards Faith and paused. "I guess it's probably cause I've ignored these dreams…you know the ones."

She nodded solemnly. "What were they?"

"I keep dreaming that something is chasing me, hunting me down. And every time it gets close, I wake up. I can't tell Spike because…well, I think I know who it is."

"So spill it, B. I mean, you obviously let him bite you, so it's not a trust issue, right? Who's so important that you can't tell your snuggle vamp?"

A chilling laugh trilled through the air, raising every hackle on Buffy's neck. "I think she's referring to me, dearie."

Buffy's hands started to shake as she jumped up, immediately going into fighting stance. Faith rose to stand behind, facing the other direction. They scanned the area with the eyes, looking for the origin of the voice.

Suddenly, Drusilla emerged from the mausoleum Buffy had indicated earlier. "Oh! It seems Miss Edith was right about the party. All the toy soldiers right in a row. One after the other, they will fall. Tumble, tumble, tumble," she said, spinning around.

Faith looked at Buffy, who's face was chalk white. "This would be the infamous Drusilla, I suppose. B, you've got all the stars here in the 'Dale."

Buffy opened her mouth to speak, but found she had no answer. The fact that Drusilla had come from that mausoleum spokes volumes about the safety of the others. She had no doubt that Angel and Spike would something to say to the mad vampiress if they were able.

Faith elbowed Buffy in the ribs. "Say something, B. Don't let her work the mojo on you like she did Kendra. You gotta be strong for Spike. You know we'll never find him if we don't get her talking," she hissed.

"D-Drusilla!" Buffy blurted.

The insane vampire simply cocked her head to the side, waiting.

Buffy noted her more modern looking clothes, her shorter hairstyle. "Looks like someone finally made it into the twenty-first century. It's about time you bought a Cosmo," she quipped.

Drusilla glared at her. "So fiery! The soldiers want to play. Good. I've got a secret for you, my little Slayers. It flows like fire and ice water through their veins, and you have to stop it. If you can stop it, maybe the other soldiers will see another day."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Why me?" She strode up the vampiress and sucker punched her in the face. Lifting her off the ground by her throat, the blonde ground out, "I don't want to play, you looney tune! I'll find Spike with or without you, so killing you…is entirely an option."

Dru flailed wildly, causing Buffy to drop her in order to miss getting raked by her sharp nails. "You want to know why, golden one? Why I have returned to the place where both my boys found their filthy souls once more?"

"Only if it doesn't take very long," Buffy said, examining a small rip in her skirt mournfully. Faith chuckled and hid her face behind her hair, causing Buffy to turn away for a moment.

Dru's eyes flashed, and she backhanded the distracted Buffy. As Buffy scrambled backwards, Dru advanced her like a spider approaching its prey. She stopped directly in front of the prone Slayer and smile evilly. "Silly girl. Even the soldier with the tarnished soul knows why I've returned. And if you don't hurry, they'll all fall down forever."
She giggled again, and walked away, her calf length leather skirt swishing.

Buffy collapsed backwards onto the ground staring up at the sky. After a moment, she sat up, pulling her body off the ground in resignation. "Okay, let's go hunt some wabbits," she said, her eyes not reflecting the humor in her tone.

Faith nodded silently, noting the hard look in Buffy's eyes. I meant it when I said she'd kill for Billy, and that crazy bitch is gonna come out of this with a stake where the sun don't shine. B is on a mission, folks, she thought.

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The door to the mansion slammed open and Drusilla strode through it. Her murderous glare sent every minion scattering, and she smiled in satisfaction. If she'd learned nothing from her recently resurrected grandmother, it was to command through fear. Her thoughts turned to her prisoners, and she closed her eyes, listening to the stars speak to her.

When she opened her eyes, she looked at the doll perched on the couch. "They are prepared, Miss Edith. The little drops have done their will, and even the two soldiers will not be able to stop what has started. All good boys go to heaven," she murmured.

Clapping her hands, she called out to her minions. "What have Mummy's boys brought her to eat? I'm ever so hungry now…"

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Buffy walked into the Magic Box, her face set. The door almost fell off its hinges as it hit the wall, and everyone looked up at her. "The crazy bitch has my…she has Spike. And the others. And I'm going to find them, and kill her for as long as I can possibly make it last," she said, not stopping to actually look anyone in the eye.

When she hit the training room, she busted the lock on the weapons case and pulled out the knife she'd used on Faith. Sheathing it, she grabbed a few stakes, hiding them in the most accessible places, and then hefted an axe. Coming out into the shop, she noted the shocked faces looking at her.

Willow was the first to speak. "Buffy, you can't kill her…she's…"

"A loon?" Buffy asked sarcastically.

"Maybe. But she's also human," Cordy added.

Buffy looked at them as if they were insane. "What?"

"Faith's human, right?" Tara asked softly.

Faith stepped through the door, glaring at the Scoobies. "Yeah, but I had nothing to do with it. Glad I was the first person y'all associated with crazy bitch, though," she added, shooting daggers at Willow.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "I meant Drusilla. She showed in the cemetery. Her goons had already nabbed Angel, Spike, Gunn and Lorne cause they were following at a distance. She muttered some nonsense about 'it flowing like fire and ice water through their veins' and how I had to 'stop what was started in time'. Anybody got a clue what she meant?"

Willow frowned. "Sounds like she meant poison, Buffy. Faith, did anyone besides the Mayor know how to get that poison you used on Angel?"

"I dunno, Red. He just handed it to me. Said it was the only stuff in this dimension guaranteed to take demons like vamps. And since I know you're wondering, I used every drop he gave me. I didn't leave it anywhere that some deranged vampire bent on revenge could find it," she said, sticking her chin out defiantly.

"Do you have any idea what kind of manpower it would take to take out Angel and Spike, much less Gunn as well?" Cordy asked rhetorically. "She's got to have some sort of minions for hire. I've never seen a vampire strong enough to challenge Angel."

Buffy shook her head grimly. "Cordy, Spike survived a Hellgod. He's no lightweight. Drusilla must have shot them with tranq darts. The poison immobilized Angel almost completely if you remember. If this is the same stuff, no big. We have two donors standing here: ready, willing, and able. Right, Faith?"

Faith nodded. "I owe Angel my life. Least I can give him is a sip of blood that'll save his."

Willow sighed. "Then I doubt it's the same stuff. Drusilla may be insane, but she's not stupid. She's a seer, like Cordy. She has to know that you'd let Spike bite you, Buffy. So the question is…what modifications did she make? Or what dimension did this poison come from? I think Tara and I should do a spell…"

Tara interrupted. "But we'll need time to research a few options. I'd like to go with the least dangerous ones first, after all. Rushing in headlong only gets us all in trouble," she reminded.

"Okay, so you and Tara make with the mojo research. What else can we do?" Buffy asked, her hazel eyes pleading.

Cordy cleared her throat. "I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to your house to pick up Connor, Dawn, Xander and Anya. They're pretty much unprotected right now. Wesley, you and Fred come with me. We need to get everything going as quickly as possible."

Buffy nodded, and the remaining LA gang headed out. "Willow, what can Faith and I do?"

Willow started to reply, but Tara cut her off. "We can do a quick locator spell. It's kind of a non-traditional one, but I think it'll work best. We'll put the spell on you two, and it works kind of like the little kids game hot and cold…you know that, right?"

At their nods, she continued. "When you get close to someone you've shared your blood with, Buffy, the spot where we place the compote will heat up. Likewise, if you get too far away, it will turn very cold. Hopefully, this will help you find the guys. Once they're found, we can try and cure them. Got it?"

Willow looked at Buffy worriedly. "And don't risk your lives by yourselves. Call for help. Use the cell phone."

"Oh!" Tara exclaimed, turning back the Slayers. "No blood sharing until we know what's going on. Drusilla may have altered the poison to be passed through fluid contact. And the last thing we need is for you two to get poisoned as well."

"But if it could…"

"Don't question us, Buffy. This is our realm," Willow said softly. "And Drusilla has picked the wrong witches to piss off." Her eyes went black, something Buffy had rarely seen happen since Glory had been defeated.

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Drusilla looked at her captives balefully. They were all so weak. Even her Daddy, and her Spike. Full of souls. She spit in disgust. When Spike raised his eyes to her, she shrieked. "Don't look at me! Bad, bad, filthy man. You reek of the Slayer. You reek of…her love!"

Spike groaned at the pain the poison was causing. It felt like his veins were alternately on fire and freezing; a quick glance at Angel saw him similarly afflicted, as was his green friend. The human was out cold and chained. He was surprised Dru hadn't eaten him yet, to tell the truth. He lifted his head weakly, and looked at his ex-girlfriend. "Dru, pet…," he struggled to say.

"No! You love her! The dirty, nasty Slayer. She made you taste like ashes, my Spike, and now ashes you shall be. You hurt your Princess, and as Daddy always told us: The misbehaved should never go unpunished." She smiled wickedly, crossing the room to locate Miss Edith. Picking up the doll, she listened to it and stomped her foot.

"Luv, what's wrong?" Spike managed, knowing if he could get Dru talking he might just get some information out of her.

Drusilla smiled. "Can't say, my Spike. But Miss Edith says your love is coming. Pity she will be too late. Just like I was last year: too late to save my Spike from dying."

He frowned. "I didn't die last year, Dru. I'm still bloody here. What are you talking about?"

She sighed dramatically. "Oh, Spike. Your Princess knows you better than you think. My Spike died when he fell in love with the Slayer. You are what's left. And I will make you pay for giving my Spike a soul. You and your dirty whore," she spat.

"Now, pet, you shouldn't call the girl I love a whore. Might make me mad," he said, his demon coming out. "And we both know I'm not very nice when I'm mad."

Drusilla simply glared at him. "Miss Edith says it doesn't matter if you're mad; you're dying. Dying because you still won't listen to your Princess. You never did," she mused to herself.

Spike sucked in a deep breath, shuddering as another chill wracked through him. "T-Tell me, Princess. Tell Spike what you're feeling." He had to keep her happy. The last thing he needed was for her to get angry and dose him and the others into a quicker death.

Dru opened her mouth as if to speak, and frowned when a song came out. "I want you to know that I'm happy for you. I wish nothing but the best for you both. Is she perverted like me? Would she go down on you in a theatre?"

Spike looked at Dru in surprise, but listened quietly. He knew she felt wronged by Buffy, and the only way to help himself, and the others, was to pacify her.

"Cause the love that you gave that we made wasn't able to make it enough for you to be open wide. And every time you speak her name, does she know how you told me you'd hold me until you died, but you're still alive!" Drusilla smiled evilly at this, her grin telling him that she would soon have remedied that little technicality.

Spike gritted his teeth against the next wave of pain, trying not to look away from the mad vampiress. He caught Angel's half opened eye and nodded at Dru, telling him to listen to her.

"And I'm here to remind you of the mess you left when you went away. It's not fair to deny me of the cross I bear that you gave to me…you oughta know!" she shrieked. Noting that Angel was awake, she began pacing. Turning back to Spike, she continued, "You seem very well; things look peaceful. I'm not quite as well; I thought you should know. It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced. Are you thinking of me when you fuck her?"

Angel looked at Spike, who shrugged. He had no idea why Drusilla was effected by the singing either. He turned his attention back to her just in time, for she was striding toward him purposefully.

She kneeled down in front of him, twisting so she was face to face with him. Her final words were whispered directly at him. "Cause the joke that you laid in the bed that was me and I'm not gonna fade as soon as you close your eyes and you know it." Getting up, she walked away, ordering the big ugly demons she had guarding them to keep watch for the Slayer.

And then, it was silent…