The back door opened as Willow and Giles entered the kitchen. Their eyes widened in shock as they stood there when a very tall,hairy deamon came in followed by another man, who seemed to have an air of authority about him, who quietly walked through the kitchen to stand at the counter.
A minute later Buffy and Spike came through the door with Faith following quickly behind them.
"Giles, for once the council came through. And quickly I might add." Buffy said smiling, indicating Faith.
Faith, Giles and Willows brows knitted together.
"What are you talking about B?" Faith asked puzzled.
"I told Giles to call the council, pull strings, you know whatever, but to get you here." Buffy replied.
"B, the council didn't get me out. I did." Faith answered indignant.
"What?" Now it was Buffy turn to be confused.
"I'm afraid so. Quentin called. When the were trying for her release, they found out she had already escaped. Slightly maimed some guards, then stole a car." Giles answered.
Spike lowered his head as he chuckled quietly.
Buffy raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips.
"Look...I know what...." Faith started.
"Faith." Buffy interupted. "Glad you're here." Buffy finished and threw her smile as she grabbed a drink from the fridge.
Faith stood there stunned for a minute before she smiled as Buffy threw her a drink. Buffy also threw Spike some blood for himself and Zaaron.
Spike quickly moved around the kitchen and grabbed a couple of mugs and moved towards the microwave.
"Okay,, you. Change to your human form. I don't want to spend eternity trying to vacuum up all the little furballs you're starting to shed." Buffy said to Derclon. "Plus, might cut down on the intimidation factor." Buffy said as she still saw the wondering looks on Willow and Giles.
"Uh....luv. You might want to get him a robe. Remember when he changed at the meeting." Spike said smiling.
"Oh, right. Don't change. I'll be right back." Buffy said running up the stairs to the bathroom blushing.
Everyone stood quietly in the kitchen as Spike handed Zaaron a mug.
Buffy walked back in and saw the tension. Well lack of tension with Faith and Zaaron. She handed Derclon the robe and saw Zaaron smile brightly at something Faith said to him.
Derclon took the robe and went to the living room, returning a minute later.
"Willy." Giles, Willow and Faith said in unison as they gaped at the now robed Willy.
"Hey everybody." Willy said as he gave a small wave and a smile.
"Hellmouths never cease, eh B." Faith said not totally suprised.
"My thoughts exactly." Buffy replied as she moved over to wrap her arms around Spike.
Spike wrapped an arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
"So. B,,,,,,another vampire." Faith said looking at them. "Well...at least you got good taste." She said looking at Spike.
Spike raised an eyebrow and smirked.
"Well.....I have to admit, my taste has improved." Buffy said as Spike turned to meet her eyes and looked lovingly at her and tightened his embrace.
"OH." Buffy said loudly and hurridly causing Spike to jump and look around.
"What. What is it?" Spike replied looking around but seeing nothing.
"Oh, nothing like that. Sorry, didn't mean to .......I just......you know, introductions." Buffy said sheepishly pointing to Zaaron.
Spike rolled his eyes. "Bloody hell slayer, I thought something was attacking." He said angrily.
Buffy just shrugged a shoulder and smiled at him a little embarassed.
Spike not able to stay angry smiled slightly and moved back into her embrace.
"Right then. Giles, Willow. This is Zaaron. You already know Willy, well his real name is Derclon." Spike said then turned his attention to Zaaron. "Rupert Giles is Buffys watcher, Willow is the witch. The ones we mentioned in the meeting."
Zaaron stayed silent but nodded his greetings.
"Giles I know you probably want a rundown on everything. But I'm kinda dead. If you don't mind, I'd like to sleep now, and I'll dish later." Buffy said leaning exhaustedley on Spike.
"You look a bit knackered as well." Spike said to Willow and Giles. "Where's Anya and the whelp?"
"Oh, they're in bed, But we were about to wake them so we could take our sleep." Willow said barely able to keep her eyes open any longer.
"Zaaron, you can stay in the basement. It's not great, only a cot, but it is dark." Buffy said smiling slightly.
Zaaron smiled back. "Thank you." Zaaron turned and followed Buffy as she showed him to the basement.
"Faith, you can sleep in Xander and Anyas room, since they'll be getting up now. Willy, I'm sorry, all that's left is the couch." Buffy said.
Buffy and Spike walked upstairs to their room and closed the door.
They shed their close quickly and fell upon the bed and became a mass of tangled limbs.
Spike slowly ended the kiss and placed a kiss on her temple.
"Buffy luv, you're exhausted. You should sleep now." Spike said knowing he still wasn't up to par.
"No." Buffy said as she nibbled and sucked on the spot just behind his ear. "Want you." She began to nibble on his earlobe. "Need you." She moved and placed a soft but searing kiss on his lips. "Love you."
Spike moaned and tightened his grip and rolled on top of her losing himself in the woman he loved.
They took their time. Spike moved slowly, sensuously. Their hands danced across eachother, softly touching and caressing. When they were spent they remained wrapped around one another as sleep overtook them.
Giles and Willow remained in the kitchen for a little longer finishing their snack and waiting for Anya and Xander to come down from the shower.
"Well, Zaaron is obviously a vampire." Giles said as he finished his sandwich.
"Yeah. Noticed that right off." Willow said popping another brownie into her mouth.
"Now Willy.........I didn't see that coming." Willow said as she moved to the perculater and started to brew another pot for Xander and Anya.
Giles drew his eyebrows together and nodded his agreement.
Giles let out a breath and looked at Willow.
Willow knew that look. "Okay. Juat say it." She said as she moved in closed and let her hand rest on his waist.
Giles looked down for a minute then looked up to meet her eyes.
"I've got a feeling that we're not going to find anything on the First. In everything we've read so far, there's not even a mention of it. In the case of this sun blockage, I haven't heard back from Wesley, so it seems like we're running around in circles, getting nowhere." He said as an exasperated sigh came to his lips.
"We'll keep looking. Something is bound to turn up somewhere. We just haven't looked in the right spot yet." Willow said giving him a small smile.
"I'm sure you're right." Giles said gathering her into his arms and placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Thank god for coffee." Xander said and he moved to the pot and poured two cups.
"Okay, Faith is here, got that when she nudged Anya and the pulled me off the bed. Therefore landing unstealthily on my stomach on the floor. Anything else I should know about?" Xander said as he took his first drink.
"Buffy and Spike will fill us in after we've all gotten some sleep. Which is where we're headed right now." Giles said as he took Willows hand and guided her upstairs and to the room.
After they closed the door they undressed and climbed into bed. Willow curled up to Giles side as he wrapped his arms around her.
Both of them too exhausted to do anymore, they just held each other and fell into sleep. With the promise of finding one another when waking.
Xander and Anya finshed their coffee as they put their plates in the sink. When their cup were filled again they moved to the living room, deciding to read some books instead of making weapons. But immediately stopped when the saw the sleeping body on the couch.
"Willy." Xander said looking at Anya in confusion.
Anya just shrugged and moved to the diningroom instead.
~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy woke up slowly with Spike caressing her back.
"Mornin luv." He said quietly as he placed a kiss to her temple.
"Hey." She said just as quietly moving over to curl into his arms more tightly.
"Have to get up soon. We've got to be thee in a about four hours. Well that and let everyone know what's going on." Spike said as he held her tight breathing in her scent.
"Mmmm. I know. Just a few more minutes." Buffy breathed.
Spike looked in the direction of the door, he smiled slightly and rolled his eyes.
"I think you got your wish luv." Spike said chuckling.
Buffy just raised her head and looked at him puzzled.
"There are certain sounds coming from Red and Giles room. I think we have a little longer before we have to get up." Spike said as he ran his fingers through her hair.
Buffys face blushed slightly as she smiled.
"Well we could still get up..........and have the shower all to ourselves." Buffy said slowly as she ran her hands over Spikes chest.
Spike smiled as he rolled on top of her. " In time luv. No need to rush." He said as he captured her lips.
~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~
Xander came running down the stairs pretty quick, causing everyone to throw curious glances his way.
"What's up Xander?" Faith asked as she took a drink of her coffee.
Zaaron bit back a smile at Xanders obvious discomfort. Willy just sat there figdeting with the robe.
"You think she would have at least got me a real robe or something. This is a girls robe, barely covers me." Willy said.
"Well this is a house full of girls, what did you expect?" Faith answered. "And beleive me, no ones looking anyway."
"Okay, it's like surround sound up there." Xander said barely being able to contain a shudder.
Faith and Zaaron smiled widely. "Wow, B and Will are gettin their groove on." Faith said laughing slightly.
"It doesn't bother you?" Xander asked.
"No. Why should it?" Faith asked.
"He's a vampire, and it's Giles........and Willow." Xander said dumb founded at having to state the obvious.
"An incredibly hot vampire. Giles ain't to hard on the eyes either." Faith said quietly.
Xander just looked at her shocked.
Faith rolled her eyes. " Been too long around nothing but women. I have issues." Faith said as she looked at Zaaron not containing her laughter at Xanders look of horror.
"Issues can be solved easily." Zaaron said to Faith as a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Oh god." Xander said as he quickly retreated to the kitchen.
Faith and Zaaron just looked at one another and chuckled to themselves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy and Spike emerged from the bathroom as Willow and Giles opened their bedroom door.
Buffy and Willow were all smiles while Giles and Spike stood there awkwardly.
Buffy and Willow talked lightly for a minute.
"Well we better get dressed, then head downstairs." Buffy said as she turned to the
bedroom.
Spike followed behind closely.
As soon as the door was closed Willow and Giles heard giggling. They smiled at that, then their smiles disappeared when it turned into sounds of passion.
They quickly went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
A half hour later Giles and Willow came out clean and dressed. As they headed to the stairs the heard Buffys door open.
When they turned and looked, they saw Spike lovingly wipe away her tears and pulling her into his arms as she cried.
They turned and quietly went downstairs listening to Spikes soft and soothing words.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike and Buffy came downstairs and had everyone move to the diningroom.
When everyone was seated, Spike,Buffy,Zaaron and Willy all filled everyone in on what transpired throughout the meeting.
Faith sat there listening and in shock about what she was hearing. She'd never heard of a deamon council, much less deamons helping humans. Her eyes kept drifting to Zaaron. She took in his dark penetrating eyes, his full lips, long dark hair and squared jaw line. He was quite tall, about 6'3, and very well built. He definately had a presence that commanded respect. She was brought out of her thoughts when she realized he was watching her as well. A knowing smile on his lips. She actually felt her face redden as she turned her attention to the conversation Spike and Giles were having.
"No. We will be patrolling in groups of two. You and Red as well as the whelp and Anya are weapons and researching only, that's where you're needed the most. Reds magic will be needed, but not yet. Until then you have to stay here out if harms way." Spike said ending the coversation and looking pointedly at the four he mentioned.
"We've been patrolling for years with Buffy and without Buffy." Xander said hotly.
"No. You're not listening. It's different now. It's too dangerous for normal humans out there now." Spike retaliated.
Giles, Willow and Anya nodded in agreement.
"Buffy, c'mon. Tell........"
"He's right. This is where you need to stay.
We can't do our job if we have to worry about you. You need to stay back." Buffy
said as she came to Spikes side.
Xander walked away into the kitchen in a huff.
"Don't worry, he'll understand when he calms down." Willow said to Buffy.
Buffy nodded her thanks to Willow.
"Willow I know you would be fine out there but you're also really good at researching, that's why I want you to stay back, to help Giles." Buffy said.
Willow smiled at Buffy. " I know. I'm fine with it. I know if I'm needed, you'll call." Willow said.
"Yeah, I would." Buffy said as her arm looped through Willows.
"Faith." Buffy turned to look at the slayer."You'll be coming with us to the meeting. You'll meet all the other patrollers as well." Buffy paused as she looked at Spike. Spike caught that glint of humor and playfullness in her eyes as she smiled slightly.
"You and Zaaron can be partners." Before Faith could reply Buffy turned to Spike who was barely containing a chuckle. "Spike grab your jacket, and I'm going upstairs to see if I can find something Willy can put on." She said crinkling her brow.
"Oh, no need. I'll be changing before we leave." Willy said non chalantly.
"Oh. Alright." Buffy leaned in and whispered in Spikes ear. Then turned and left and went upstairs, followed by Spike.
Faith rolled her eyes. "I thought we were leaving. We don't have time for this."
"They'll be back momentarily." Zaaron said .
"Momentarily. That's not saying much for his abilities." Faith said under her breath.
Zaaron chuckled. "That's not why they went up. They had a private matter to discuss."
"So looks like we're going to be working together." Faith said as she walked over to stand beside him. "Hey not too shabby, I get to work very closely with a hottie and slay at the same time. What more could a girl ask for." Faith said.
Zaaron smiled. "You're not too bad yourself." He replied giving her the twice over before walking over to speak to Willow.
Spike and Buffy came downstairs talking in hushed tones.
Spike went to the kitchen as Buffy went over to Anya and Xander.
Giles quietly slipped from the room and entered the kitchen .
Spike poured the blood into a mug and moved to microwave, put it in and turned it on. The whole time knowing Giles was standing there but not saying anything.
"Got something on your mind Rupert?" Spike asked "Care to share?" He finished as he looked at Giles.
"I want to thank you." Giles said quietly but looking Spike straight in the eye.
Spike took a step back and looked suprised. In all the years he's known Giles, he's never uttered those words, especailly in that way.
"For what?" Spike asked as he bowed his head slightly.
"For Buffy. I've never seen her eyes shine the way they do when she's with you. Not even before....... well before. I can see how much you love her, and her you. I know you'll protect her with your life. I needed to thank you for that." Giles said softly but conveying all the feeling into his words.
Spike looked at Giles at a loss of what to say. Spike cleared his throat.
"I'm glad she's happy. But it's not something you needed to thank me for. I love Buffy with everything in me. The only thing I need is her. Without her, there's nothing in this life for me. She won't die this time, I'll see to that." Spike said as he took his blood out of the microwave. After he took a drink he turned to Giles. "'Bout time you and Red came out into the open by the way. Love has a way of suprising you doesn't it Rupert." Spike said as he drained his mug and rinsed it.
"Yes, I suppose it does William." Giles and Spike exchanged smiles as Anya and Buffy walked into the kitchen.
"Are you ready luv?" Spike asked Buffy.
"Yep, I'm rarin and ready to go." Buffy said as she moved to Spikes side.
Zaaron, Faith and Derclon walked through the kitchen and out the back door.
"Wow, guess I don't need to call them now." Buffy said.
"Zaaron,,,vampire hearing luv." Spike said chuckling.
Spike and Buffy went to the door as Spike quickly turned and smiled at Anya.
"You owe me a hundred dollars ducks." Spike said as he looked towards Giles.
Anya rolled her eyes and nodded.
"What? What's going on?" Giles asked in confusion.
"We had a bet. She said you and the witch wouldn't come out unless it was in the middle of an apocolypse. I won. Apocolypse hasn't happened yet." Spike said smugly as he and Buffy left and closed the door.
"You two bet on me and Willow?" Giles said disgustedly.
"Well.....yeah." She said amused. "Well the three of us actually. Buffy bet too, she lost, she said you'd come out within a week of the bet. Damn it, why couldn't you two have waited til the middle of the fight. Now I have to Give Spike a hundred dollars of my money." Anya huffed as she left the kitchen.
Leaving a very shocked and irate Giles standing there alone.
Chapter 5
The group had made it halfway to the bar before running into any trouble. As they rounded a corner they saw four vampires standing around.
"Well this'll be easy." Faith commented as she made her way to the vampires.
"Hey guys, this is your unlucky day." Faith said as she pulled out her stake and jumped the nearest one and staked him right away. A cloud of ashes cleared as the other vamps looked at her hungrily. "Come and get some boys." Faith said as she swaggered closer.
The vampires looked toward the alley they were standing in front of and smiled. Just then about thirty vampires emerged from the alley and slowly walked toward Faith.
"I think I'll take you up on that offer." One vampire said.
"Oh shit." Faith cursed.
"What happened to this will be easy." Buffy said coming up behind Faith.
"Yeah, like I knew there was this many." Faith said glancing at Buffy.
"That was always your problem Faith, you jump without looking." Buffy said giving Faith a pointed look.
"Hey I came here to help you, don't even try the lecture thing." Faith shot back.
The vampires stopped and stared at the verbally sparring girls.
"You call this help. You just got us in a fight with a fleet of vampires." Buffy said as she snorted.
"Hey I seem to recall saving your ass a time ot two. I dusted all those vamps lastnight too." Faith threw at Buffy.
"Yeah, while we watched one get away because you were too busy arguing with Derclon." Spike added as he stood beside Buffy.
"Shut up soulboy." Faith hissed.
Buffy looked at Zaaron and Derclon who managed to make their way behind the group of vampires.
Zaaron nodded to Buffy as he withdrew his sword and cleaved off the heads of several vampires. At rhe same time Derclons claws descended as he swung with deadly force ripping vampires in his path to shreds.
Buffy and Faith smiled. "You ready?" Buffy asked looking at Faith.
"Always ready B." Faith said.
"Let's have a rough and tumble shall we." Spike said as he grabbed Buffys ass before he leaped into the fray.
Soon followed by Faith and Buffy.
Fists connecting, metal clanging, growling, bodies hitting the ground and cursing were the only sounds heard.
"Well that was a hell of a fight." Spike said as he stood beside Buffy surveying all their handiwork, then turned to look at Buffy to make sure she was alright.
"I'm okay. Nothing more that a couple cuts and some bruising." Buffy said breathing heavily. Buffy turned to look at Faith. You ok?"
"Yeah, same old same old." Faith replied breathing heavily as well.
"Well that was fun. Shall we continue." Derclon said as he turned and started walking.
Buffy and Faith rolled their eyes as Spike and Zaaron chuckled quietly.
"Ladies. After you." Zaaron said as he stepped aside so they could walk ahead of them.
"Wow, ever the gentleman." Faith said as she and Buffy started walking.
"Yeah, maybe some of those traits will wear off on Spike." Buffy replied.
"Watch it slayer." Spike said raising an eyebrow and looking pointedly in Buffys direction.
"Just kidding Spike. I love your bad ass." Buffy said as her eyes glinted lustfully.
Spike smirked and waggled his eyebrow. "You know it slayer."
"I think he has a great ass." Faith commented as she and Buffy returned to walking.
"He does have a great ass doesn't he. Have you checked out Zaarons? Can I just say, wow." Buffy replied to Faith.
"Buns 'o' steel come to my mind." Faith said as she and Buffy continued their talk, totally oblivious to the two vampires walking behind them.
"At least we know we have great asses." Spike said bemusedly.
"Always good to know when a female likes your attributes." Zaaron replied.
Spike and Zaarons steps faltered as the faces fell and if a vampire could blush, Spike would be red as a lobster.
Buffy and Faith had moved on to talk about sex.
Although Spike was glad to hear Buffy saying that he was the best sexual partner she ever had, but a little embarassed Buffy and Faith going into detail.
Spike looked at Zaaron in utter horror.
Zaaron shrugged and smiled. His smile quickly faded when he heard his name come up. Apparently Faith had checked out his "package" and Faith was discussing it with Buffy, very vividly.
Zaaron looked at Spike. It was Spikes turn to shrug his shoulders and smile.
Spike and Zaaron cuaght up and joined Buffy and Faith. Derclon, to impatient to wait, was always half a block ahead,he could also warn them if anything was around.
"So what were you and Faith heatedly talking about?" Spike asked smirking as he looked at Buffy.
"Strategy. You know the usual kinda stuff." Buffy replied smiling.
"Uh huh." Spike said as he smiled.
"Yeah, always good to ........have a plan." Faith said as Zaaron smiled at her.
"Good idea. So what's the plan?" Zaaron asked hiding his smile.
"Yeah, let's hear it. You were talking for a bit. Must be good." Spike added supressing his smile.
"Well we........." Buffy started.
"Haven't hammered out all the details yet." Faith finished.
"Well maybe we can help with that." Zaaron said.
Buffy looked at Faith, Faith looked at Buffy.
"Well........we uh.......thought...."Buffy said.
"Yeah.....because you know with all the deamons.........that we........." Faith said.
"Need to........find......" Buffy faltered as she looked at Faith.
They had nothing. Couldn't come up with anything.
Spike and Zaaron started laughing.
Buffy and Faith looked at then confused.
Spike and Zaaron pointed to their ears.
"Vampire luv. Heard every word." Spike said as Buffy blushed and looked at Faith embarassed.
Faith looked at Buffy for a moment. Then she shrugged her shoulders.
"Yeah well, you should be flattered. You came off very well, and so did you." She said looking at Zaaron. "Everything we said was true, so why be embarassed. Unless B lied and you can't bring her to several earth shattering orgasms in one torrid sex session." Faith finished.
Buffy took Faiths cue.
"No, he really can. It's amazing." Buffy said as her and Faith started walking again leaving the two vampires standing there open mouthed.
Spike closed his eyes as he tied to block out their conversatin. Zaaron did the same, but failing miserably.
"Oh god , when he puts his tongue...................
"So mate." Spike said loudly trying to distract them from the girls conversation. " How 's the last hundred years been to you?"
Zaaron and Spiked drifted in to conversation, but still hearing parts of the girls talk. " ...and with handcuffs" , " ....I knew a guy who had a bull whip...."
"Bloody hell. This is gonna be a long walk." Spike said .
Zaaron nodded in agreement.
After a few more fights, they made it to the bar. Looking a little disheveled, but in one peice. Derclon on the other hand bounced through thr doors, slapping deamons on their backs and laughing,
"And you guys think I enjoy my job way too much. Yeah right." Faith snorted as she walked up to the bar.
"Spike. Zaaron." Verik said as he came up to the two vampires.
Both vampires nodded. "Is everyone ready to start?" Zaaron asked.
Verik shook his head. "There's still some that haven't made it yet. Should be starting soon though. Go join your women at the bar for a drink." Verik said indicating Buffy and Faith.
"She's not my woman." Zaaron said matter of factly, albeit a little quickly.
Verik smiled. "Right. Okay. I'll come and get you when we're ready.
Verik shook his head as he wandered away.
"What?" Zaaron said at a smirking Spike.
"Nothing mate." Spike said as he and Zaaron turned and started going to the slayers before stopping in their tracks.
Spike and Zaaron saw the two girls deep in conversation and looked at each other.
Their brows furrowed as they looked back at the girls.
"What do you think they're talking about now?" Spike said. All the deamons and chatter was effectively blocking the girls talk, unless they concentrated hard.
Zaaron let out an uneeded breath. "I don't think I want to know.
"Me either." Spike replied as they turned on their heel and walked to the far corner and sat with Derclon and Melnick.
"So B. You wanna tell me why your all of a sudden........I don't know, okay with me." Faith said taking a sip of her gingerale.
Buffy played with the sweat beads dripping from her glass.
"What you did was wrong. But you willingly paid for it. You went down the wrong road. It happens to the best of us. It just took me some time to figure that out. There are always shades of grey, not just black and white." Buffy said.
"What happened? If you don't want to tell me, that's fine." Faith said.
"Come on." Buffy said pulling Faith to a table in the corner where there was more privacy.
When they sat down, buffy took a deep breath and looked at Faith. After a minute, Buffy told her everything that had happened in the last couple of years, leaving nothing out. Glory, her death, her resurection. How she felt. The things she did. Everything.
Faith sat there absorbing evrery word.
Faith leaned back in her chair. "Wow B. Have to say, I would have been a little pissed off myself. Although, in all honesty, I don't think I would have handled it in the way you did."
Buffy looked down. "I know. I wasn't a good person."
"No, I mean you were depressed, that was to be expected. But if it was me, your little scooby gang, probably wouldn't be around right now. I mean I can control myself for the most part now, but put in your shoes, losing that peace that we dream of, but won't find until death, I probably would have gone ballistic." Faith said smirking.
Buffy smiled. "I think you're wrong. I don't think you would have. You're a very different person now. So am I. I'm glad we're getting a chance to get reaquainted."
"Me too." Faith smiled. "Are they still watching us?" Faith said chuckling.
Buffy glanced over breifly. She smiled lustfully and gave a small wave, laughing under her breath at the looks she got from Spike and Zaaron.
"Oh yeah. They're watching. I think they're too afaid to come over." Buffy said laughing .
"Well with what we were talking about earlier, they probably figure it's more of the same." Faith laughed.
"And she says I'm evil." Spike commented to Zaaron.
Just then Verik broke into the rooms conversations with a loud voice.
"OKAY, WE'RE READY TO START. EVERYONE TAKE A SEAT. WHEN EVERYONE IS SEATED WE'LL BEGIN INTRODUCTIONS." Verik said as he moved to the front and stood in front of the bar.
Buffy and Faith got up and moved to where Spike and Zaaron sat.
Buffy and Faiths brows furrowed when they noticed there was not enough chairs.
"S'alright luv. You can sit here." Spike said as he pulled Buffy onto his lap.
Buffy placed a kiss on his lips and settled herself more comfortably on his lap.
Faith looked at Zaaron and Smirked.
Zaaron smiled and stood up offering his chair to Faith.
Faith sat down and looked up at him. "Thanks."
Zaaron squatted and faced Faith. "I thought about doing tha same thing, but I thought I might end up staked." Zaaron said as he looked at Faith, swimming in her dark eyes.
"I can think of better things to do, than staking you." Faith said as she looked at him as his smile widened.
They broke their look and turned their attention to Verik as he started.
"Okay, first. I have a box of pins here. They are all the same. Every team member who is patrolling will wear one. I don't care if you wear it in your hair, on your shit, pants or stick it in your ear. As long as it is easily seen by other teams if you come in contact. That way, no unfortunate...shall we say accidents should happen. Also in the event a team member is killed, retreive the pin. We don't need the enemies getting them and wearing them as a trophy and, we taking them for a replacement member. I'll pass the box around. Please take one when it's passed to you." Verik said as he passed the box to the closest member.
"Some of you know why we're all gathered here. Some of you came here ready to fight, but have no idea why. I commend you all for coming and I thank you." Verik said looking around the room at all the faces.
"I was approached yesterday by two people who were in need of help. I would like to bring them up and have them tell you everything they told the council, and anything they might have forgotten." Verik motioned for Spike and Buffy to come to the front of the room.
"I thought he would tell them." Buffy said under her breath.
"So did I. Guess we were wrong luv." Spike said quietly as they stood and went to the front to stand by Verik.
"For those of you who have never met them, this is Spike, other wise known as William the Bloody. And this.." He said pointing at Buffy. " Buffy...the slayer. Now everyone listen carefully. After they're finished, if you have suggestions, please state them." Verik said as he stepped over and sat down.
Buffy took a deep breath then started talking. Buffy and Spike each took their turn at speaking. Their speach never faltered. When one stopped the other started , carrying on as if on cue. They left nothing out.
"That's all we have so far. Verik, the floor is yours." Spike said as he grabbed Buffys hand and led them back to their seat.
Buffy had just seated herself on Spikes lap when she noticed the pins on the table.
Buffys mouth grew into a full blown grin when she looked at Faith. Faith looked over and smiled back. Faith shot her eyes toward Zaaron, indicating Buffy to look his way.
Buffy saw Zaaron scowling. His brows were drawn together so hard that it looked like they were attached. His lips were pursed and jaw tightened, as he looked at the pin he held in the palm of his hand.
Buffy chuckled quietly as shifted and turned slightly to look at Spike.
Spike nuzzled Buffys ear. "Luv, you keep moving like that and I'm not going to be resposible for what I do."He said lustfully as he nipped her ear.
"Sorry, I just wanted to give you your pin." Buffy said smiling as she placed it in his hand.
Spike smiled sexily at her as he took the pin then looked at it. His smile faded quickly and his _expression mirrored Zaarons.
Spike looked to Zaaron and saw Zaaron still looking at his almost like he was in pain.
Spike rolled his eyes. "Bloody hell." Spike muttered as he put the pin in his pocket.
"Your supposed to wear it Spike." Buffy chuckled.
"Not til we leave here I don't." He said hotly.
Buffy and Faith turned their attention back to Verik when he began to speak, laughing under their breath.
Verik feilded any and all questions, comments and suggestions.
There was only one instance where Spike interupted and spoke to the crowd.
"We'll have to change the amout of team members. I'm sure we can't be the only one who ran into a small army on the way here. We have five on our team, that's if they agree to stay a team. We seem to work well together." Spike stopped and looked to Faith , Zaaron and Derclon. They nodded agreeing to stay together. " I suggest a team of five to eight, depending on the abilities of the members. We also have an alternate sixth. She's not here right now, but when we need her, she'll be there. Her name is Willow and she's the witch we told you about. We should have a house full of witches right about now. They were due to arrive this morning. I also should introduce you to another of our team members." Spike grabbed Faiths arm indicating her to stand. "Her name is Faith. She is also a slayer." Spike said glancing around the room before himself and Faith seated themselves. Buffy again situated herself on Spikes lap.
After some more questions Verik called a break.
"Okay. Everyone take a break. Have a drink and make sure to go around and meet the other patrolers. And Spike, make sure to grab a pin for Willow." Verik said as he walked behind the bar.
Spike nodded as he ran a caressing hand up and down Buffys back.
"It's mingle time." Buffy said as she got up from Spikes lap.
"I seriously hate this part B." Faith said.
"You're not alone on that slayer." Spike said to Faith as he snaked his arm around Buffys waist. Spike smirked at Faith. "Looks like you have an admirer." He said looking over her shoulder.
Faith looked over her shoulder at a grey and very loose skinned deamon with two very round eyes and a horn jutting out from his chin, coming her way.
Faith rolled her eyes. "Oh god."
"He's a handsome bloke you got there Faith." Spike laughed as he ducked her punch.
Faith felt an arm go around her shoulder and heard a small growl coming from beside her. She turned to see Zaaron growl and glare at the advancing deamon.
One look at Zaaron and the deamon turned around and walked back to where he came from.
"Hey, thanks." Faith said as she smiled at Zaaron.
"Thought that would be better than you possibly starting a fight here." He replied smiling.
Buffy snorted. "Well I think it's time we mingled." She took Spikes hand and left Zaaron and Faith together.
"Shall we." Zaaron smiled extending his arm.
Faith smiled and placed her arm in his as the wandered around the room.
After everyone met each other Verik had everyone sit again.
"Okay here are the patrolling teams so far." He said pointing to the board.
"Please be sure to check in after each patrol. You will be updated as to any new teams or if a meeting will be held due to new information. Teams will patrol for no more than four hours at a time. If back up is needed you can call for help on this." He said raising a walkie talkie above his head.
"Each team will be issued one. Please state your area when calling for help, the nearest team able to help will arrive hopefully quickly. If the closer team is otherwise occupied, then it'll fall to any team who can go. Okay I think that about covers it for right now. You can go after you check the board for your patrol shcedule. And don't forget to put your pin on before you leave. Be safe everyone." Verik said as he walked to the bar.
"Well we don't patrol until tonight." Buffy said as she came back to the group.
"We're outta here then." Faith said as they all stood and walked outside.
"Don't forget to put your pins on guys." Buffy said as she and Faith smiled at one another.
Zaaron and Spike scowled as they pulled out ther pins.
Buffy pinned hers in her hair. Faith attached hers to the button hole in the front of her jeans. Spike and Zaaron pinned their's to their belt loops, cursing the whole time.
They all walked into the house a little tired and haggered.
"How are things out there Buff?" Willow asked as she came to the livingroom. Buffy and Spike flopped heavily together into the chair, Zaaron and Faith fell onto the couch. Derclon sat down on the stairs.
"So many deamos Will." Buffy said laying ontop of Spike closing her eyes.
Faith and Zaaron were already asleep. Zaaron on one end of the sofa and Faith on the other.
"Where's the witches? Did they arrive yet?" Spike asked wearily.
"No. They never came. I'm trying to find out what's going on." Willow said.
"Why don't you guys go to bed. You look so tired." Willow said.
"Where's Giles, Xander and Anya?" Buffy asked.
"Giles is taking a shower and Xander and Anya are trying to get the downstairs prepared for the wiccas, when or if they show." Willow answered.
"Anything new?" Spike asked.
"Nothing. Sorry." Willow said.
Spike nodded. "C'mon luv. Let's get some sleep." Spike said as he lovingly held Buffy as he stood and carried her upstairs.
Willow went over and woke up Faith.
"Faith, go upstairs and get some sleep. There's going to be too much noise in here shortly."
"Thanks Red." Faith said groggily.
"Zaaron, the basement is being made up for the wiccas but you can sleep upstairs too."
Zaaron nodded and followed Faith upstairs.
He went to go into the third room when Faith stopped him.
"There are only three rooms. We're all sleeping in shifts and someone may want that room soon. You can crash in here with me." Faith said as she opened the door.
Zaaron agreed and follwed her into the room. Within minutes after covering
the window and their head hitting the pillows they were asleep.
Chapter 6
Giles came downstairs and after placing a kiss on Willows lips he sat beside her with an arm around her shoulders bringing her in to lean against him.
"They're back. They're sleeping right now. Willy went up and took the last room a couple minutes ago." Willow said as she took a sip of he coffee.
"So we are alone for awhile are we." Giles said quietly as he ran a hand up Willows thigh.
"Whatever shall we do." Willow said as she turned her head and captured his lips.
Willow brought her hand up and cradled Giles cheek as they deepened the kiss. Giles hand moved up her thigh and across he abdomen. Willow slowly turned and raised herself so she was now straddling Giles lap, never breaking the kiss. Giles hand came up to lightly massage her breast.
Willow moaned as she ground her hips against him. Giles gasped as he pulled away from the kiss and pulled her in tighter and trailed kisses down her neck.
"Damn." Giles said as they broke apart when they heard Xander and Anya coming up the basement stairs.
"I forgot they were downstairs." Willow mumbled to Giles and smiled slightly.
They both straightened their clothes and hair before the basement door opened.
"okay, the basements all ready for the wiccas Will. Weren't they supposed to be here already?" Xander asked.
"Yeah this morning before everyone returned from the meeting." Willow replied.
"Do you think something happened to them?" Anya asked.
"Maybe. I don't know. I've been on the computer on and off, but I'm getting no response from anyone." Willow replied.
"What about doing a locating spell or something?" Anya asked.
"Well they're only a little late. I'll wait and see. If we don't hear from them by tonight, then I'll try that." Willow replied.
"We should finish making sure all the windows are covered. We don't know how long the darkness will last in case Wesley figures it out before we do." Giles said.
"Yeah, you're right. Wouldn't want Spike and Zaaron to go poof." Willow added.
"Speak for yourself." Xander said as he walked towards the kitchen.
"Xander." Willow said scornfully.
"Look Will. I've never liked him, and that's not about to change just because he's all soul having. He's a killer Will. He'll never change in my eyes." Xander said.
"Have you forgotten what I did?" Willow said quietly.
"What about me?" Anya asked. "I did it alot longer than Spike."
"That's different." Xander said to Willow and Anya.
"It's only different because you care about us. Spike has changed. It started long before he got his soul. We just ignored it and refused to see. But I can see it now. He's not just trying, he's doing." Willow said as she turned and went into the diningroom and sat back down at her computer.
Anya just shook her head and left Xander and Giles standing there.
"I never much cared for Spike myself. But Willow is correct. Spike has changed." Giles said.
"He only acts this way to get to Buffy." Xander said angrily.
"In the beginning I beleive that's what it was. It started out that way, but it changed along the way. Spike is doing what he wants to do. Free of the chip, nothing stopping him, yet he remains here. Helping us. Knowing it may mean his death. Spike is dicovering who he really is. If we survive this, I'd like to see the put come of his discoveries." Giles said as he walked to the dining room and picked up a book, and leafed through the pages.
Xander stood there for a minute before retreating to the kitchen. Still in the mindframe of not trusting Spike.
"Oh I got a message." Willow said as she clicked open her mail. "It's from Cierra. She'll be here tonight. She lost contact with everyone but Emily. She doesn't know what's going on. But she said she'll be here." Willow said as she clicked off her mail.
"Well I'm sure she'll be alright. How is she arriving?" Giles asked.
"She didn't say. " Willow said. "I'll le Buffy know, maybe the patrollers can
keep an eye open for her."
"Yes that's good." Giles said as the phone
rang.
Giles moved quickly to pick up the phone.
"Yes hello. Summers residence." Giles replied into the receiver.
"Wesley, anything new?" Giles asked quickly.
"Not much I'm afaid. I just wanted to keep in touch and see if you might have learned anything." Wesley said defeatedly.
"No , not a thing." Giles said in the same manner. "You were around when it happened. Any idle thoughts perhaps." Giles said rubbing his forhead.
"No." Wesley paused a moment. "Well maybe there's something."
"What?" Giles aked quickly.
"It was something Angelus said, something about the Beast having his own death with him. I'm not sure what he meant by that." Wesley said.
"Wesley can you fax us a picture or sketch of the Beast.?" Giles asked.
"Yes, but he's not in any of our books. I've been all through them several times." Wesley replied.
"Not our books. Theirs."Giles replied as he went on to tell Wesley about the deamon council Spike had taken Buffy too, as well as the outcome of the meeting.
"My word. I never would have thought the deamons had a council." Wesley said as he let out a long breath.
"I thought the same thing." Giles said.
Wesley and Giles talked for a few more minutes before Giles gave Wesley Willows fax number.
Giles hung up the phone and turned and returned to Willow side.
Giles places a kiss to her temple as he sat beside her.
"We may have a lead coming over the fax soon." Gile said.
"Really. Thank god. We're scraping the bottom of the barrel here. Anything will be good right now." Willow said as she turned her fax on.
Anya and Xander came into the diningroom just as light shimmered and a figure appeared causing everyone to jump back.
Once the light faded Willow could see who it was.
"Emily." Willow ran to the woman just as she fell to the floor.
"We lost contact with everyone. I just got to Cierras when we were attacked." Emily said gasping for breath and holding her stomach.
Willow looked down to see the blood pouring out very fast.
"Cierra......I had to get here to warn you. They're all gone. You're the last of us Willow." Emilys breathing became haggard and hard.
"Oh god. No." Willow said as her tears began to fall. " I can heal you."
"Too......late. I'm sorry Wil......." Emily never finished her sentence as her head fell lifelessly to the Willow lap.
Xander wiped his foehead wearily. "I guess the basement won't be needed." He said angrily as he threw his coffee mug across the room and it shattered falling to peices in the corner.
Willow flinched as her tears fell. "I'm sorry WIll." Xander said trying to gain some composure.
Spikes eyes opened slowly as he smalled the air. He bolted upright and looked to Buffy.
"What? What's wrong?" Buffy asked as she sat up looking at him trying to come out of her sleep haze.
"Blood. Human. In the house." Spike said as he started to rise.
"Maybe someone cut themselves or could be that time.....you know for someone." She said quietly.
"No. I smell death." Spike said as he moved to the door quickly followed by Buffy.
As they entered the hall they saw Zaaron and Faith coming from their room too.
Buffy noticed Zaaron had the same look in his eyes that Spike had. Faith looked to Buffy as they all headed to the stairs.
When they got the the bottom they saw everyone hovering over the body of a woman.
Buffy came to Willows side. "Willow, what's going on?"
Willow was to wracked with sobs to make any sounds that were recognizable.
"Translation needed here Rupert." Spike said as he came to Be by Buffy.
"This is Emily." Giles stated.
"One of the witches Red told us about right? What happened to her?" Spike asked.
"Apparently Cierra and Emily were the only two left alive. They wer attacked when they met up to come here. Cierra didn't make the teleportation. It took the last of Emily power and strength to make it here to warn us." Giles said.
"Warn us about what?" Buffy asked placing a comforting hand on Willows back.
"That Willow is the last. They are all dead. Probably attacked much the same way Emily and Cirra were. At any rate Willow is the lone survivor, there are no other wiccas left, at least not here." Giles said.
"Oh god Will. I'm so sorry." Buffy said as she embraced Willow.
Willow took a few minutes to compose herself. She got up off the floor and went to the cupboard in the diningroom and pulled out a bag and slung it over her shoulder.
"I need someone to take her to the basement. I have to prepare her for her journey." Willow said quietly.
Spike never said a word. He moved over and picked her up and took her downstairs.
"I'll need privacy. No one come down please." Willow said as she turned and walked down the stairs.
After a couple minutes Spike emerged from the basement and rejoined Buffy.
"Giles how are we gonna bury her? The way it is, it's not safe for all of us to be out there. Maybe we could do it on patrol tonight." Buffy said looking down at the carpet, anger, frustration,pain and tiredness all apparent in her voice.
"We don't have to luv." Spike said as he ran a caressing touch on her knee. "I asked her about that while I was down there. She said the same thing you did. She's gonna take care of it through magic."
Buffy was a little curious, but just nodded and left it at that.
"Dawn." Ander spoke up breaking the silence that had permeated the room.
"What about Dawn?" Buffy asked.
"Well I know she was supposed to spend the other night at Janices. But she should have come back just before the sun disappeared. With everything going on I forgot. Has anyone heard from her?" Xander asked moving towads the phone.
"Yeah actually she's not here. I sent her to stay with dad. Spike thought with everything going on with the First, she should be out of harms way. He thought it' would be safer if she wasn't here." Buffy replied.
"Oh Spike thought. We've been protecting and watching out for each other for along time Buffy. Just because he says you send her away." Xander said snidely.
"No, I sent her away because he was right Xander." Buffy said trying to keep her anger down.
"Yeah right. Your dad lives in L.A. where all this darkness started remember." Xander stated as if talking to a child.
"Which is why we put her on a plain to Spain, where my dad is on business and will be for the next three months." Buffy said not controlling her anger anymore.
Spike just stood there grinding his teeth before he turned and walked towards the kitchen.
Buffy flinched slightly when she heard the back door slam shut.
She looked coldly at Xander."Get over your problems with Spike Xander. Cause he isn't going anywhere. This isn't some little affair. I love him and I plan on being with him for a very long time, that's if we survive this. You said you wanted to see me happy. He makes me happy. He can give me something no one else can." Buffy said as she moved to follow Spike.
"What's that?" Xander spat out.
Buffy stopped and turned and looked him in the eye. "He loves me. No matter what I do or say. He doesn't judge me. He let's me be who I am. He supports anything I do, right or wrong, he stays there, right there by my side. He's the one constant I've had that hasn't changed. He'll always be with me, even in death." She said quietly as she turned and walked away.
Buffy sat beside Spike as he took a haul from his smoke.
"He's righteous pratt he is. What a peice of work. Bloody pillock." Buffy said in a very bad imitation as she took his hand smiling.
That caused Spike to chuckle.
"Just give him time. He'll come around.........eventually." Buffy said as she laid her head on his shoulder.
Spike released her hand and brought his arm around her and held her tightly.
"If he doesn't come around, you can always eat him." Buffy replied laughing a little.
Spike snorted. "I think the whelp would leave a foul tast in my mouth luv. Nope , I'll stick to the bagged variety. Sits better on my concsious nowadays." Spike said as he threw his smoke to the ground.
He brought his other hand up and gently brushed it across her thigh.
"We still have some sleep time." Buffy said as she turned and captured his lips heatedly.
"I'm very tired slayer." Spike said smiling as he claimed her lips again.
Buffy broke the kiss. "Upstairs now." As they stood and looked at the door they stopped.
"Roof?" Buffy asked.
"Roof." Spike said as they climbed up and went through the window to their room.
They were all over each other before they made it all the way through the window. hey fell through the window and landed on the floor , never slowing down their assault on one another.
"Look guys. I'm sorry and all, but I'm also beat. We've only slept probably an hour or two. I'm gonna have to go get some more sleep before we patrol tonight." Faith said as she headed to the stairs. "You should too Zaaron. Come on." She said as she continued up the stairs.
Zaaron smiled as he headed up the stairs at Faith invitation.
Giles rolled his eyes. "Oh god not again." What is it with slayers and vampires. Giles thought to himself as he stood up and went to the kitchen.
"Since the basement won't be needed for wiccas any longer, you and Anya may as well use it. But I'd like to turn the dining room into a makeshift bedroom for Derclon. That way everyone is squared away." Giles said.
"That still leaves Zaaron." Xander said as he took a drink of his coffee.
"No. I beleive Zaaron has already been taken care of." Giles replied.
"No. he's stuck sharing a room with ............Faith." Xander said slowly as a light went off in his head. He shook his head and looked at his coffe swirling around in his mug. "Why me?"
Giles clapped a hand on his back. "We'll need that room as soon as possible." Giles said then left the kitchen chuckling to himself and sipping his coffee.
Zaaron and Faith laid on the bed quietly. Faith rolled over and faced him.
"Why are you hesitating on saying what's on your mind" From what I've seen of you so far that's not you." Zaaron said as he looked deeply into her eyes.
"Do you think it's wrong for a slayer and a vampire to be together?" Faith asked as her brows wrinkled.
Zaaron watched her features intently. He could read her mind. But chose not to intrude on her that way. He could see she wanted an answer, but was a little weary of it too.
"No. That's the way it has been always. Very few of the watchers ever knew about it. It was kept quiet."
"Are you as old as Spike or Angel?" Faith asked curiousity getting the better of her.
Zaaron smiled. "Both of their ages combined are but a mere drop in the bucket campared to mine."
"How old are you?" Faith asked bring her hand up and resting her head on it.
"Over 1500 years I've lived so far." Zaaron replied.
"Are you like Spike and....well what Angel was like? Do you have a soul?"
"A soul? No, no soul. Never needed one." Zaaron said.
"So you feed then?" Faith said.
"On humans, No. I never have." Zaaron replied.
"How is that possible?" Faith asked a little shocked.
"I don't know. I guess it's dependent on how strong your will is over the deamons. I was alone when I awoke. My sire hadn't come for me. The first thing I saw when I emerged from the ground was a slayer. I had a very strong will and my deamon didn't seem to be able to work his will through me. Maybe she sensed it. She took my hand and helped me up. That's when I learned what a slayer was. She took me home to her watcher. I stayed with them. She taught me to fight. I helped her with her duties. She was killed one night while out hunting. I couldn't get to her in time. We were friends for five years. Her watcher told me she lived longer than the previous slayers had, he thanked me for helping and then he left. I never saw him again." Zaaron said as he let out an uneeded breath.
"And you've been doing this ever since." Faith said rather than asked.
"Yes and no. I take time for myself ocassionally. You know fifty years here, twenty years there. Whatever I feel I need." Zaaron said.
"Have you ever been with a slayer?" Faith asked quietly.
"Yes. I've been mated to a slayer. Twice. A very long time ago." Zaaron said as he got a faraway look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, maybe I'm getting to personal." Faith said as she started to roll over.
Zarron put his hand out and stopped her. "If I thought it was too personal. I wouldn't have told you. I'have nothing to hise or be ashamed of." Zaaron said as he brought up his hand and lightly caressed he cheek.
"Would you stake me if I kissed you?" Zaaron asked smiling.
Faith smiled back. "I might if you don't."
Zaaron moved in slowly and captured her lips tenderly. His kiss was soft but demanding.
Faith kissed him back deepening the kiss.
Afer a few minutes Zaaron broke the kiss. "As much as I hate to say this. And I do, beleive. You should get some sleep. It's going to be a long night." Zaaron said trying to calm his insides.
"Yeah like I could sleep after that." Faith said under her breath as she rolled over and closed her eyes.
Zaaron chuckled under his breath as he moved over and wrapped his arms around Faith bringing her around to lay on his chest.
"Willow had been chanting in the basement for about fifteen minutes when a light began to glow in front of her.
"Yes my child. I'm here. And I've seen what's happened."
"Goddess Hecate,
please take her home. Take all your children home." Willow said as her tears
began to fall.
Hecate smiled and moved closer. "I already did." Willow looked down and saw Emilys body had disappeared.
"Thank you Hecate." Willow said quietly.
"Do not fear my child. The fight will be long and hard. Nothing will be as it was when the battle is over. Hold your memories tight. Remember your heart, that's what's going to get you through this. I will be standing by your side when I'm needed." With a last smile Hecate disappeared.
Willow sat silent for a moment then started putting her supplies back in her bag.
Willow went back upstairs to see Xander measuring the diningroom entrance.
"What's going on Xand?" She asked as she came to his side.
"Giles asked me to turn this into a makeshift room for Derclon." Xander replied.
"Oh." Willow said as she put her bag in the cupboard.
"Are you okay Will?" Xander asked as he put his am around her.
"Yeah. I'm okay." Willow said as she returned his embrace.
"Where is everyone?" Willow asked looking around at the empty room.
"Buffy and Spike went out. Zaaron and Faith are sleeping. GIles is in the kitchen making us something to eat and Anya is taking a shower. Derclon is still sleeping, he never actually left the room." Xander said as he wrote down some measurements.
Willow turned and wandered into the kitchen.
She immediately went over and helped Giles cut up the vegetables.
"Whatcha makin?" Willow asked as she grabbed the carrots.
"Just a beef stew and some salad." Giles replied as he pulled her aside and kissed her. He broke the kiss then enveloped her into a hug.
Willow sagged against him as her tears fell freely.
"I'm here. It's alright." Giles said soothingly as she held him tighter.
"I love you." Willow whispered through sobs.
"I love you too." Giles said as he kissed th top of her hand and held her close.