Pairing: Multiple
Rating: Up to R
Summary: Anger causes a rift in a bond, pushing ones close, far…
Spoilers: All of the Seasons ever aired.
Disclaimer: All characters and excerpts belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, Mutant Enemy, WB, and UPN. We make no profit from these stories and only write for pleasure. Please don't sue! We have nothing!
Author(s) Note(s): This can also be found at Spikes Red Queen's site http://angels6.tk/
Distribution: Redssoulmates, WillowsLilSecret, NearHerAlways, ShadesOfGrey, TheBatPack2, FanFiction.net, Poetry-in-Motion, and SpikesRedFanFic.
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Connor pulled in front of the Hyperion, and put his car in park. The car ride back to the hotel went by uneventful and silent.
“Okay everyone, we’re here.” Connor said opening his door and climbing out. Faith opened the passenger door and climbed out as well. Spike pushed the seat forward, climbing out with Illyria right behind him. The two climbed the stairs and waited for everyone at the door. Connor closed his door as soon as everyone was out on his side, just as Faith pulled the seat forward for Angel and Willow.
“Willow. We’re here.” Angel said as he bounced his leg beneath her to wake her up some.
“Umm…tired…ten more minutes.” She replied sleepily as she snuggled closer to the vampire.
“Come on now, Little One. I don’t think Connor would like if I burned to a crisp in his car. It’ll be dawn in a few hours.” Angel said as he sat Willow away from him. Willow opened her eyes slowly and sat up off of Angel.
“That would be bad, huh?” Willow asked rhetorically. Angel nodded at her with a smile. Willow turned some and took Faith’s offered hand and smiled up at her friend.
“Enjoy your nap?” Faith asked as she pulled Willow out of the car. Willow stretched her hands up over her head and yawned.
“It was good. I could have used a full eight hours, but I’ll manage.” Willow said as she looked at the clock and saw that it read 3:30am. Angel climbed out and pushed Connor’s seat back in place before closing the door and hearing Connor set the alarm. The remaining four went up the steps slowly. Everyone waited patiently as Angel unlocked the door. The group filed into the hotel one after another but stopped shortly upon entry.
“Connor, was someone in here?” Angel asked as he looked around and finally back at Connor. Connor stepped forward through the group and went to stand by Angel.
“Yes. I had the place cleaned properly. I hope you don’t mind. There was just so much dust everywhere and…” Connor said as Angel cut him off.
“I don’t mind at all. I just wish you would have let me know so I could have paid for it.” Angel said patting Connor on the back. Connor smiled.
“Don’t worry you did. I had money left over from earlier.” Connor said looking at Angel for approval.
“Good thinking kid. Always use daddy’s money first.” Spike said slapping Connor on the shoulder as he slid past him, heading for the stairs.
“That’s not a problem at all Connor.” Angel said. “We all need some rest in a clean place anyways.” Everyone nodded in agreement.
“I’m beat.” Faith said turning to Willow.
“Me too. Let’s go look for some rooms.” Willow said looking at Faith before stepping forward and following in Spike’s direction.
“I will join them.” Illyria said to Angel as she walked past the trio, and up the stairs. Angel watched them go up the stairs before turning back to Connor.
“Thank you Connor for getting this place cleaned.” Angel said. Connor shrugged.
“It was no big deal. It had to be done eventually.” Connor replied.
“Well, it’s getting late. You better head back home.” Angel said looking down at his shoes. Connor tilted his head in confusion.
“I’m not going home. I thought I would stay here.” Connor said quietly.
“You at least need to call your parents.” Angel said looking back up at the young man.
“Those aren’t my parents and you know that. I did call though to tell them that I’m staying here. I can’t leave anyways. I have my memories, old and new.” Connor answered quickly. Angel nodded.
“Okay then. Well, come on down into the apartment. There’s another room down there that you can have.” Angel said putting his hand forward. Connor smiled a bit and went in the direction of Angel’s apartment.
Meanwhile, upstairs…
“I’m gonna take this room here.” Faith said as she stepped into the room.
“Why the bloody hell do you get that room. Maybe I wanted to have this room.” Spike said following in right behind her. Willow rolled her eyes and followed suite.
“Spike it’s no big deal which room we get. We all just need a bed. Besides they all have bathrooms and they’re the same sizes.” Willow said trying to stop an argument before it got started.
“Look, Blondie…” Faith started to say as Illyria stepped in the room.
“This will not due for the vampire. He will be in the windowless room at the end.” Illyria said stoically.
“She’s right, Spike. This big window will make you all dust-y come morning.” Willow said.
“Fine. You bints all look out for yourselves anyways.” Spike said as he squeezed past Illyria and Willow slamming the door behind him, causing Willow to wince.
“What is his problem?” Faith asked as she went and sat down on the now clean bed. Willow shrugged.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him. We were fine at the bar. But he’s been acting weird ever since we got out of the car.” Willow said as her brows furrowed in confusion.
“He feels anger and another emotion that I am not quite familiar with.” Illyria said as she walked further into Faith’s room.
“Well, Blue. Which room are you gonna take?” Faith asked following the blue demon with her eyes.
“I do not need rest.” Illyria said as she stood in front of the large window looking out into the night. Faith rolled her eyes and laid back on the bed.
“Well, I do.” Faith said closing her eyes.
“Come on, Fr-, I mean Illyria. You can help me find a room.” Willow said walking up behind the demon slowly, as not to startle her. “Faith is tired and will be cranky if we bug her while she tries to fall asleep.” Illyria turned her head slightly at Willow’s voice.
“We will look for resting quarters.” Illyria said as she walked passed Willow and opened the closed door. Willow followed behind her and closed Faith’s door softly. Illyria stood in the middle of the hall a couple doors down. Willow smiled at the demon.
“Did you find a room for yourself?” Willow asked with a smile. Illyria looked at Willow as she tried to determine what she was feeling. Willow didn’t falter under the demon’s stare.
“I do not know this one. This feeling is new.” Illyria said as she looked Willow straight in the eye.
“It’s called eagerness.” Willow said as she looked at the closed door that the two stood in front of.
“I have never felt eagerness in this form.” Illyria said as she followed Willow’s gaze. Willow nodded and opened the closed door.
“You may have felt it without knowing what it was.” Willow said as she walked into the room. She looked around and saw that it was identical to Faith’s room. She had a feeling that Illyria would like it, because it too, had a large window. Illyria walked passed Willow and to the window. Willow took that as her cue and left the room, closing the door behind her. She saw a room down further with the door cracked just a little. It was the room beside Spike’s and diagonal from Illyria’s. Willow started to walk down the hall, and started to slow down.
“Whoa.” Willow said quietly. She put her arms out to the side to steady herself as she became dizzy. She closed her eyes tight and opened them again, hoping to right her vision. She kept walking in hopes of getting to the room quicker. Bright circles flashed behind her eyes causing her to shut her eyes and fall to her knees. “Not again.” She said before falling to her side.
Illyria stared out of the large window in her chosen room. She looked straight out into the night as it lay motionless at her gaze. Her gaze faltered as she heard a soft thump in the hallway. Turning slowly, she walked to the closed door, listening as if she could hear what was on the other side. She opened the door wide and saw nothing. Stepping out into the hallway, she looked to her left and saw Willow lying down near a cracked door. Turning completely, she made her way over to the redhead’s fallen body. Illyria stood over Willow with her head tilted to the side, studying her. Kneeling down beside her form, Illyria picked her up and carried her into the room close to where she had fallen. Slowly, but surely, Illyria laid Willow on the bed in the room. Illyria watched her some more feeling her power come off of her in waves. Illyria leaned down closer to study Willow’s face. Willow’s eyes flickered open to see bright blue eyes staring back at her. Illyria leaned back slowly.
“Your energy is strong.” Illyria said as she placed her hands over Willow’s eyes, closing them. “Close your eyes and escape.” She whispered in Fred’s voice. Illyria jerked her hand back from Willow’s face and looked at it. She walked out of the room and closed Willow’s door behind her and headed to her room. Upon entering her room she closed her own door. She started to walk towards the window and stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened at her reflection as she saw Fred looking back with the same expression on her face.
Back in Willow’s Room…
This was part of another dream and this time she was falling from the sky fast. Her arms flailed beside her as she tried to reach out for something she knew wasn’t there. She did the only thing she could do. She screamed as she hit the ground with a thump. She laid there with her eyes open and grimaced at the pain in her back and at the bright sunshine.
“My goddess that hurt.” Willow choked out as she sat up slowly. She looked down and realized she was sitting in soft green grass. She clutched some in her hand and looked out in front of her squinting. ‘Why is this familiar?’ Willow thought to herself as she looked to her left and saw a bench. Turning slightly to look back she groaned at what she saw.
“Of all places to go…” She said standing up and walking towards the sidewalk. “…I get sent back to Sunnydale High School.”
A young woman stood tapping her foot as her emerald green shoes clicked against the stair as she leaned against the rail in the sunshine.
“Hurry it up! Time is money!” She yelled out. Willow looked up as she walked around the bench towards the voice. A large smile spread across her face as she took off in a run towards the figure. Willow took the stairs one at a time and enveloped the woman in her arms.
“Goddess, it’s so glad to see you.” Willow said as she crushed the woman in her arms.
“Ahhh. Let me go. You’ll crinkle my dress.” The figure pushed Willow back a little and smoothed out her dress and mirrored the smile that Willow had on her face.
“Sorry about that Anya.” Willow said with a grin.
“Come on. We’ve been expecting you.” Anya said as she grabbed Willow’s hand and pulled her through the doors of Sunnydale High School.
“Who’s expecting me now? And don’t you mean I’ll wrinkle your dress?” Willow asked as she let Anya pull her down a hallway.
“No. I meant crinkle.” Anya stopped to face Willow. “This dress is made with real money. One hundred dollar bills to be exact. Do you like it?” Anya asked as she spun around for Willow. Willow smiled. She knew Anya loved money and this wasn’t a surprise that she had a dress made of money.
“Of course I like it Anya.” Willow said genuinely. Anya smiled big and turned back around.
“Come on. You’ll be late. Like I said, time is money.” Anya said stopping in front of a door labeled, ‘Lab.’ Willow looked at Anya in confusion as Anya opened the door for her.
“I don’t understand. Why am I here?” Willow asked as Anya gently pushed her into the room. Willow turned around as she heard the door close behind her. She grabbed the knob and realized it was broken as it turned completely in her hand. “Always on the Hellmouth.” Willow whispered to herself.
“Oh what a tangled web we weave.” A voice said behind Willow. Willow released the knob and turned slowly towards the voice. The figure stood near the window looking out into the sunshine, without turning around.
“I’m so going to need therapy.” Willow said walking all the way into the room. She saw that the room was how she remembered. Computers sat along each desk, humming their exuberance.
“Willow, we’ve been waiting for you.” The figure said turning to face her for the first time since she entered the classroom.
“Yeah, I know. Anya mentioned that you all were waiting but so far, it’s only been you and her. Who else is here Jenny?” Willow said as Ms. Calendar walked towards her.
“I’m here too.” Willow’s had snapped to the left as another person slipped from the corner. Willow ran her hands over her face and sighed. Tears began to pool in her green eyes making them glisten.
“Oh Willow. Honey we didn’t mean to upset you.” The other figure said as Willow pulled out a chair to sit down. Willow shook her head.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Summers. I just wasn’t expecting all of this. All of you to be here.” Willow answered quietly. “But I know you’re all here for a good reason.” Joyce and Jenny nodded as they went to stand in front of her, linking their arms together.
“You were always my prize pupil Willow. You have what it takes. Just like him. He knows your history. The grief, the magic…” Jenny started to say and Joyce continued without skipping a beat.
“…the betrayals, and the will power. You are just alike. He watches you without you knowing. He won’t come out until you listen to the truths others have told you, and forget about the lies you’ve told yourself.” Willow looked at them both in awe.
“Who watches me? You guys are being more cryptic than Angel.” Willow said as she scooted her chair back and stood up going to the window.
“You have a lot of him in you. He watches you Willow. Reach out and you’ll feel him. Follow your instincts.” Jenny and Joyce whispered in unison. Willow sighed.
“My instincts…” Willow said as she turned around. She stopped as she realized she was alone. “I should have known.” Willow said to the empty classroom. She shrugged and walked to the door and grabbed the knob again. Surprisingly it turned in her hand and opened. “That was too easy.” She said out loud to herself. She heard voices as she walked out in the hallway. Following them she ended up in front of the library doors. Peering through the window she saw Anya standing with her hands on her hips yelling at someone.
“No mine was better!” Willow slipped in unnoticed by Anya and her sparring partner.
“I beg to differ.” The voice said nonchalantly.
“Look Kenny. Just because you became someone’s snack doesn’t mean..” Anya said before turning to look at Willow. “Willow tell her.” Willow raised her eyebrows.
“Tell who what?” Willow asked walking forward towards Anya. Anya extending her arm out in front of her as Willow rounded the corner to stand beside her.
“Tell Kenny I had better death than she did.” Anya said in annoyance.
“It’s Kennedy. And, no, I died a better death. Hey there babe!” Kennedy said with a smile as Willow finally came into her view. Willow sighed.
“Kennedy what are you doing here?” Willow asked quietly.
“Hey I get to be apart of the message team too.” Kennedy said going to stand beside Anya.
“Don’t worry Willow. I told her that being sucked dry is not an appealing way to go.” Anya said smugly.
“Oh shut up Anya.” Kennedy said as she focused back on Willow. Willow shook her head as Joyce and Jenny emerged from behind her. Joyce went and stood by Anya and Jenny went to stand by Kennedy.
“This has been definitely an interesting dream.” Willow said as she watched the four women link their hands into one another’s.
“Willow, tie up all loose ends. And be careful with your magic. You need to save your energy. Try something basic.” Anya said as she began to glow followed by everyone else. Willow nodded in understanding.
“What loose ends do I need to tie up?” Willow asked loudly as wind began to whip around her and making it hard for her to hear. She saw Anya’s mouth move but heard nothing as a light flashed causing her to raise her arm to cover her eyes.
Willow jolted awake. Sitting up slowly from her bed she looked around and realized that she was back at the Hyperion. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed she stood and went to the door. She opened the door and peered out into the hallway. She slipped out of her room quietly and started down the hall. She stopped as she heard a noise from Spike’s room. She turned her head towards his room in search of another noise. She didn’t hear anything else so she proceeded down the hallway. Opening the door of her destination she slipped in closing the door softly behind her.
“Faith.” Willow whispered as she walked further into the room. She saw her move slightly in the bed at the sound of her name. “Faith.” Willow called again.
“Hmmm?” Faith said from the underneath the covers. Willow walked over to the side of the bed and sat down on the edge beside her friend.
“Faith, wake up.” Willow said pulling the covers down from Faith’s face. Faith opened her eyes and looked at Willow.
“Come on Red. Give me another ten minutes.” Faith said as she tried to tug the stolen covers from the red heads small hands.
“Come on Faith. There’s no time. We need to go.” Willow said holding the covers firmly in her hands.
“Why? What’s wrong?” Faith asked as she sat up on her elbows, looking at Willow warily. Taking a glance over at the clock she saw it read 5:29am.
“Nothing’s wrong. We just need to tie up some loose ends.” Willow said quietly. Faith raised an eyebrow up at Willow.
“If nothing’s wrong then what’s with the mission impossible theme you have going on at five thirty in the morning?” Faith asked as she sat up completely.
“What mission impossible…there’s no theme stupid. We need to let everyone else know we’re okay. We haven’t been home for almost 30 hours. I don’t want anyone to worry.” Willow said standing up as Faith motioned for her to move from the bed.
“Fine. Fine. But I want to come back here to visit. I kind of miss being here in the States.” Faith said as she climbed from the bed. Willow nodded.
“Don’t worry Faith we’ll be back.” Willow said watching as her friend attempted to make the bed.
“Alrighty then. So let’s zoom on back.” Faith said reaching for Willow’s hand. Willow took Faith’s hand but shook her head no.
“We need to make a circle Faith. I can’t keep using my energy to orb us. It drains me too quickly.” Willow said as she pulled Faith towards the door.
“Oh, okay no problem. You want me to go get some salt from down in the kitchen?” Faith asked as she let Willow pull her into the hall. Willow let go of her hand and smiled.
“Yeah I do need some salt. Does Angel have some here?” Willow asked.
“Well I saw some table salt. You think that’ll work?” Faith asked as she closed her door slightly behind her.
“It should be fine. I’ll write Angel a note to let him know where we’re going.” Willow said as Faith nodded.
“Sounds like a plan then. I’ll be back up in a minute.”
Faith said moving towards the stairs. Willow smiled and turned back
around going down the hall to her room. She went in and sat don on
the bed. She turned on the lamp that was on the nightstand beside
her.
Opening the drawer she conveniently found paper and a pen. She wrote
a quick note for Angel.
Angel,
Faith and I have to tie up some loose ends. We will be back so try not to worry. I will try calling you later.
Sorry about the mess in here. I know this asking too much, but can you make a circle identical to this one but bigger and in the lobby?
Thanks !
Willow
Willow was finishing up the note as Faith walked in with a large salt shaker and some candles.
“I found some candles too.” Faith said as she saw Willow fold the note in half and place it on the bed.
“Good we need those too.” Willow said standing up and grabbing the candles from Faith. Faith smiled and puffed out her chest proudly.
“I thought you would. I’ve seen you use them before.” Faith said as she watched Willow place the candles at her designated points. Willow looked at Faith and smiled.
“I knew you always paid attention...” Willow said with a chuckle. “…Even though you pretended not to.” Faith laughed at her friend.
“There’s no getting by you, Red.” Faith said as she handed Willow the salt. Willow took the salt from her and paused in thought.
“Man, I haven’t done this is awhile. Faith you still have your cell phone?” Willow asked.
“Yeah I do.” Faith answered as she pulled it out of her back pocket. “Don’t know if it works here or not. Why?” Willow took the phone from her friend and began to dial the familiar number.
“No reason really. I just wanna call someone so that they can make a circle for us. You know, for a safe trip? So we’ll be grounded.” Willow said as she watched Faith nod and the line connected. Just as Willow was about to say something else she heard someone answer.
“Summers, Giles, Rosenberg, Wells, Winters Residence.” A cheerful voice said.
“Dawnie, its Willow.” Willow said smiling into the phone.
“Willow. Where are you? Is Faith with you? Did you guys go on a secret vacation without me?” Dawn asked excitedly. Willow laughed a bit.
“No Dawnie we didn’t go on a secret vacation. We’re in L.A.” Willow said. She held the phone from her ear as she heard Dawn yell.
“L.A.?! What the hell are you doing there?! How come I wasn’t invited?” Dawn asked. Willow could tell that Dawn was pouting.
“Don’t pout Dawn. It’ll give you wrinkles. Besides that, we’re on our way back. There was trouble here and we were needed so I orbed us here.” Willow said quickly.
“Trouble? What kind of trouble? Is everything okay? Did L.A. get sucked into a hole too?” Dawn asked quietly with worry in her voice.
“No Dawnie, there was no suckage. Everything is okay. But I need you to make a circle for me. You know, like the one I showed you last week.” Willow couldn’t see her but she knew Dawn had nodded.
“Yeah I remember. I’ll go make it now. Give me five minutes.” Dawn said into the phone.
“Okay sweetie. We’ll be there in a few minutes then we can talk some more, okay?” Willow said trying to end the conversation.
“Okay no problem. I’ll see you in a few then. Bye Willow.” Dawn said hanging up the phone. Willow clicked the end button as she heard Dawn hang up.
“Dawn answered. She’ll make the circle for us.” Willow said as she handed Faith back her phone. Faith took her phone and tucked it into her back pocket.
“Then it’s five by five. We’ll be back in Verona in a jiffy.” Faith said with a groan. Willow turned at Faith as she groaned.
“You don’t want to go home?” Willow asked curiously. Faith shrugged.
“It’s not that I don’t want to go back to Italy. It’s just…it doesn’t feel like home there.” Faith said as she took a lighter from her pocket for the candles.
“We don’t have to stay there. We can always go somewhere else if you don’t want to stay in Italy.” Willow said as her friend looked down studying the carpet.
“Where do you think we can go? I mean, we don’t have our stuff or anything.” Faith asked as she looked up at her friend slowly. Willow went up to her slowly and hugged her lightly.
“Faith, we can come back here after we get our things. Remember, I promised you a vacation?” Willow said as she released Faith and looked at her with a smile.
“I remember.” Faith said returning the smile. “Well let’s hop to it. I wanna be back for dinner.” Willow laughed.
“Okay, follow me as I pour the salt then. You light the candles as we go, then I’ll close the circle.” Willow said as she twisted the top off of the salt shaker and began to pour. Willow completed the circle and closed it as Faith stepped inside.
“Ready?” Willow asked as she placed the half empty salt shaker on the floor. Faith nodded as Willow held out her hands for her to take. Willow nodded back and began to complete the spell.
“The path we take is for what we learn. From where we came, we must return.” Both girls closed their eyes as Willow said the last word. Suddenly the door to Willow’s door opened. Spike watched as the girls disappeared neither seeing the vampire.
“Peaches!” Spike yelled as he went inside the room. He went to the bed and picked up the folded piece of paper. Spike turned with the note in hand just as Angel walked into the room.
“You bellowed?” Angel asked through a yawn. Spike handed him the folded paper before slipping out of Willow’s room and going back to his. Angel opened the folded paper and read it slowly.
Back in Verona, Italy 2:45pm…
Dawn paced the entirety of the weapons room a total of forty seven times. It had been six minutes and she was starting to go nuts waiting for Willow. She finally sat down in a chair picking up the polishing cloth that was in it. As she sat down she saw that the ‘Scythe’ that activated the worlds’ slayers was beside the chair. Being as bored as she was, she began to polish it just as she seen Buffy do a hundred times. She jolted a bit as the air crackled around her and she felt a tingle run through her hands. Just as soon as she blinked she saw Willow and Faith standing in front of her.
“Hey guys!” Dawn said standing up with the scythe in her hand like she owned it. Faith and Willow dropped hands and looked over at Dawn.
“Hey Dawnie!” Willow said with a smile as she stepped out of the circle that Dawn made.
“Nice place for a circle kiddo.” Faith said looking around and realized they were in Giles’ favorite room. Faith smiled and walked over to Dawn mussing up her hair. Dawn smiled.
“Thanks. I figured I couldn’t do it in my room because people just walk in without knocking and out in the living room would be, well, bad. You know, since only you and Faith know that I’m learning magic.” Dawn said swinging the scythe onto her shoulder. Faith eyed Dawn as the scythe looked as if it weighed nothing in her hands, as did Willow.
“It’s okay Dawn. Thank you for making this circle for me.” Willow said as she opened the door slightly to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
“No problem. Why are you looking around like you’re undercover?” Dawn whispered to go along with whatever Willow was doing.
“I told you, Red. Mission Impossible.” Faith said with a smirk. Willow turned around to Faith and Dawn’s smiling faces.
“I’m not undercover and this isn’t Mission Impossible.” Willow said whispering.
“Then why are we whispering?” Dawn asked with a giggle. Faith nodded and started to laugh along with her.
“I am not…” Willow started to say in a whisper before correcting herself. “Oh be quiet you two.”
“So Dawn, did her Highness come home last night?” Faith asked as she went to the wall and grabbed a pair of daggers she’d never seen before. Dawn held the scythe tightly and looked down at it. Without looking up she answered Faith.
“No she didn’t come home. She doesn’t even know that you guys were gone.” Dawn replied. She finally looked up and saw Faith and Willow looking at her.
“You’re going to leave again aren’t you?” Dawn asked sadly as Faith and Willow looked at one another.
“Dawnie…” Willow started to say as she walked up to the young girl.
“Take me with you.” Dawn said quickly cutting Willow off. Faith raised her eyebrows as Willow stopped in front of her.
“Now Dawn…” Willow started again before Dawn shushed her. Willow looked at Faith and Faith turned in the direction that Dawn was looking. Dawn walked around Willow slowly and went to the door. Willow and Faith stood in defense as Dawn grabbed the handle and jerked the door open. Andrew fell in at her feet.
“Hey guys.” Andrew said looking up at Dawn as Faith and Willow came up behind her.
“Why are you eavesdropping?” Dawn asked as she grabbed Andrew up by his shirt. Andrew looked at Dawn with wide eyes and shook his head.
“I wasn’t. I was…I was cleaning the door.” Andrew said trying to lie convincingly. Dawn rolled her eyes and closed the door.
“Whatever. I betcha I’ll find an ear print on the door.” Dawn said leaving Andrew in front of Willow and Faith as she placed the scythe on the floor.
“How much did you hear Trekkie?” Faith asked as she neared Andrew. Andrew took a step backwards.
“Enough to know you’ll take me with you.” He answered. Faith threw her hands in the air. Simultaneously, Faith, Dawn, and Andrew began to protest. Willow pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
“Hey!” Willow yelled. Everyone looked back at her. “All who want to take a trip back to the States need to be back here in an hour.” Andrew and Dawn smiled and took off for their belongings.
“Hey Red. You gonna go pack?” Faith asked as she heard Dawn and Andrew on the stairs.
“Yeah. I need to call Angel to make sure he made the circle identical to ours.” Willow said turning to her friend.
“Whoa. Well, on that note I’ll be starting to pack.” Faith said patting her friend on the shoulder. Willow laughed a bit.
“I figured as much. Oh, Faith let me borrow your phone again.” Willow said as she and Faith slipped out of the weapons room. Faith handed Willow her phone before she started to climb the stairs. Willow went and sat down in the living room with Faith’s phone. She tried to dial out but her connection was bad so she decided to send a text message.
Back in Los Angeles, California…
“So, Peaches, what do we do now?” Spike asked with a sigh.
“We wait.” Angel answered flatly, crossing his arms over his chest. Connor was coming out from the kitchen with his cell phone at his ear. Ending his call, he looked over at Angel.
“I need to go and finish up some work at the college. I should be back later this evening.” Connor said to Angel. Angel nodded at Connor.
“Please call me if you think you’ll be extremely late.” Angel added as he walked Connor to the door.
“As touching as that was, I’m not just gonna stand about, waiting for Red and the Slayer.” Spike said as Angel closed the door. ‘If they ever come back.’ He added in his head.
“Well too bad Spike. Their note said they’d be back and to wait for their call.” Angel said in annoyance. A few moments of silence sent Spike into pacing the length of the lobby.
“Bloody hell! Let’s kill something or at least kick each other’s asses. I need to do something. Anything!” Spike said impatiently as his voice rose.
“Fine Spike, why don’t you go find a stake and shove it up your…” Angel began but was interrupted by Illyria.
“I agree with the impatient one.” Illyria stated as she came down the stairs.
“Thank you.” Spike said practically gloating. “Oh, and Blue, call me Spike.”
“Spike.” She echoed. “Very well, you shall refer to me as Illyria, not
Blue.”
“What’s wrong with Blue?” Spike furrowed his brows in question.
He had grown fond of the demon that had taken over the sweet girl who had tried to help him not so long ago. Nicknames are just a thing he did to show he cared for that particular person, with out them knowing of course. He may have a soul now but he was still a vampire, a vampire with an evil reputation to uphold. What would the demon community think if they found out he had gone soft? That definitely wouldn’t stand well; he wasn’t like his poof-y grand-sire.
Fred didn’t deserve to go out the way she did, but there was nothing they could have done to save her. That fact pissed the blond vampire off whenever he thought about it. It’s true that Illyria killed Fred, but it didn’t take away the fact that she was now on their side and had helped them take out WolfRam and Hart.
“It is degrading and a sign of disrespect to be called anything other than my chosen name. Especially, from such a low creature such as a vampire.” Illyria tipped her head to the side, studying the vampire as he absorbed and flinched at her words. At his flinching, she felt a sting of something in the pit of her stomach.
‘This feeling, it is what the shell, Fred once defined as guilt. I feel guilty for causing this creature pain.’ The blue haired demon thought until she realized that Angel was addressing her and Spike was once again pacing.
“….It’s just who Spike is.” Angel finished, hoping to clear the air a bit.
“Alright.” Illyria told Spike, catching his eyes with hers once he stopped pacing. “You are not like the other vampires I have faced through out my time. You’re different, your fighting skills are unique and you can feel even with out your soul. Why did you put yourself through the punishment of retrieving that part of you that never ceased to exist to begin with?”
Spike thought for a moment. He had done it for love, for Buffy, or, that’s what he kept telling himself. Did he actually want his soul back? He believed he did once it was done, but now he wasn’t sure. He wanted to be who he was, William the Bloody in all his evil glory to finally rid himself of that bitch once and for all. But even with out the soul he couldn’t really bring himself to hurt Buffy.
“You intrigue me.” Illyria said with a straight face, catching the blond off guard as he was lost in his thoughts.
Angel felt a tug at the corner of his lips as a smile formed. This is how it should be, how he wanted, no needed it to be. For his friends and his childer, to become family. Unfortunately, everyone had their issues to work out with each other and with in themselves before things got better.
Spike smiled a little, putting his soul questioning aside. “So you think ya might wanna put my ‘unique’ fighting techniques to the test, then?” He usually got his ass kicked sparring with Illyria, but he had to admit it was a hell of a lot of fun. Just as he began to lunge, Angel’s cell phone beeped.
“What the bloody hell was that?” Spike asked looking in Angel’s direction.
“It’s Willow. She sent me a text message.” Angel said as he began to start a response.
“Well what did she say?” Spike asked as he went to look over Angel’s shoulder leaving Illyria standing their forgotten.
“She says they’ll be back shortly and to start the circle.” Angel said as he got ready to send his message saying okay.
“Tell her not to tell anyone about me.” Spike said quickly before Angel pressed send. Angel looked at him in curiosity and shrugged and added Spike’s tidbit.
“Anything else?” Angel asked as he put his phone back in his pocket.
“Nope. That’s it.” Spike said as he went to rejoin Illyria and Angel started the circle as asked.
Meanwhile…
Willow smiled when she received Angel’s response. She starts to get up from the couch as she hears Dawn and Andrew come down the stairs with a few duffle bags in each arm.
“Faith is right behind us Willow. She grabbed everything in your room and tossed it in a trunk.” Dawn said as she kept walking towards the weapons room with Andrew on her heels. Willow looked up as she saw Faith carrying a trunk in her arms and a book bag on her back.
“Faith. Let me go see if you missed anything.” Willow said as she went towards the stairs.
“I didn’t Red. I put all of your stuff in this trunk. I had Trekkie and Dawn sit on it so it would shut. I just grabbed a few things of mine and tossed it in one of Dawn’s bags. This book bag here has patrol items.” Faith said waggling her eyebrows. Willow laughed as Faith let her help with the trunk. They both went into the weapons room and placed everything into the circle.
“Come on guys we need to wait for Giles so we can tell him where we are going.” Willow said as she ushered everyone out back into the living room. Just as they all walked into the living room, Giles and Buffy came in through the door bickering.
“Whatever Giles!” Buffy said slamming the door. Everyone looked at them in shock.
“Look Buffy…Hello all. Pardon the slam.” Giles said giving Buffy a glare. Buffy rolled her eyes at Giles.
“What’s going on?” Buffy asked as she looked at the four suspiciously.
“Well, we’re going b-back to...to…” Willow started to say.
“Stop with the stuttering will ya.” Buffy said placing her hands on her hips. “What are you all doing?” Faith stepped up in front of Willow.
“Well, B. It looks like we’re going on a vacation. Back to the City of Angels.” Faith said with a smile on her face. Buffy looked over at Dawn.
“And you? Where do you think you’re going?” Buffy asked pointedly ignoring everyone else.
“I’m going with them.” Dawn said answering her question. Buffy’s eyes narrowed as she looked back at Faith and Willow. Giles just watched in surprise. He took his glasses off and began to polish them before responding.
“I trust you all will keep me up to date during your vacation.” Giles said looking directly at Willow.
“I intend to Giles.” Willow said quietly answering for everyone. Buffy was outraged as she looked from Giles to Dawn and finally back to Willow and Faith.
“Why do you think you can take my sister from me?!” Buffy asked looking at Faith and Willow.
“Buffy we aren’t taking her from you. This is her decision.” Willow says sounding hurt. Dawn looks at Buffy.
“They aren’t taking me from you Buffy. I can’t believe you would think that. I’m not happy here. We’re not happy here. I mean, Giles is only happy here because he’s here with us. I want to go home. I want to see dad. I want to see my friends.” Dawn said as a tear ran down her cheek.
“Dawn, it doesn’t matter what you want. I make the rules, not you or them. What about me?” Buffy asked completely shocking everyone.
“What about you?!” Dawn shouted. “It has always been about you! You haven’t even really talked to any of us since you met your new boyfriend. The Immortal. He doesn’t even have a name, Buffy.” Dawn yelled turning her back on her sister. Buffy reached out and grabbed Dawn’s arm in a grip that was destined to leave a bruise. Faith began to lunge for Buffy but Willow stepped in her way holding her back. Dawn removed Buffy’s hand, shocking herself and everyone else. Buffy looked at her in confusion. Dawn pushed her away from her, causing Buffy to fall back into Giles.
“I’m leaving Buffy.” Dawn said as Giles put Buffy back on her own feet.
“Dawn if you leave you better stay gone.” Buffy replied seething in anger.
“Buffy you can’t mean that?!” Willow asks dumbfounded.
“The same goes for you two bitches.” Buffy said pointing at Willow and Faith. Dawn looked over at Buffy.
“Fine. We’re gone!” Dawn yelled at her sister. Buffy turned her back to them and headed for the door slamming it behind her. Giles looked very upset and went to fix himself a scotch.
“I will be glad if you all would be kind enough to contact me when you arrive.” Giles said as he poured his scotch.
“We will Giles.” Willow says as everyone goes to into the weapons room slowly. Faith hugs Dawn to her chest as they wait for Willow. Andrew places his camcorder on the ground as he eyes the scythe and picks it up. Willow closes the circle quickly and starts the spell not noticing Andrew placing the scythe down on top of the trunk.
“Return us to the path we took. To a place we call home with knights and rooks.”
Back at the Hyperion…
Angel winced and laughed simultaneously as Spike landed on his ass after planting a life sized dent into the elevator doors. Illyria quirked her lips into a smirk and winked at Spike before turning towards Angel.
“Whoa wait a minute now.” Angel put up his hands surrendering as he backed away from the blue demon.
“Oh, don’t tell me that the great Angelus is scared of a bitty ex-demon-y god.” Spike chuckled as he got up with some up with the pillar to the right of him rubbing his bum with his free hand. Illyria paused on her advancement on Angel and looked at Spike as she tilted her head.
“What?” the blonde questioned.
“In that statement you spoke similar to the red haired woman.” Illyria stated.
“She’s right; you did put a little Willow talk with the whole ex-demon-y portion of your ‘statement’.” Angel declared from behind the counter.
“Bloody hell, I did.” Spike said as he thought about it and then shrugged it off. “Ah well, ready Blue?” he asked as he walked up from behind her, jumping over the counter and capturing Angel in a headlock.
“Say uncle!” Spike demanded, tightening his hold as Illyria watched with amusement.
“Never!” Angel declared, stomping down on Spike’s foot with great force.
“Fuck!” the blond vampire yelled as Angel kicked his legs out from under him as he stumbled away from the previous hit. Landing on his stomach he felt the weight of his grand-sire pinning him down.
“Say uncle.” Angel chuckled as he pulled one of Spike’s arms behind him holding him down with his knees.
“Sod off!” Spike wriggled his arm free and backhanded Angel. “You wanker!” Spike uttered as he dog piled on top of his grand-sire followed by Illyria finally joining in on the fun.
Falling over Illyria scooted away as if she was burned. The two vampires watched as she got up and ran up the stairs and then at each other once her door slammed shut.
“What’s gotten into her?” Spike asked. Angel shrugged as he sat up. Spike used Angel’s shoulders as leverage and pushed him back down as he got up.
“Well, if Blue isn’t gonna be around to see me kick your poof-y ass then I’m going out.” Spike said as he grabbed a couple stakes from a desk. Angel sighed shaking his head as Spike started to go around the make shift circle Angel made for Willow causing the candles to flicker as he went past. As Spike neared the door he stopped as the air began to crackle. Angel took notice of this as well as he looked around, mimicking Spike. Both vampires felt the magic in the air. A swirl of colors appeared in the middle of the circle brightening and dulling at the same time. With a flash, Willow, Faith, Andrew, and Dawn appeared.
“Wow. That was fun.” Andrew said stepping out of the circle as he looked around. Dawn was still in Faith’s arms with her eyes closed.
“Alright kiddo we’re here.” Faith said releasing Dawn slowly. Dawn opened her eyes and quickly scanned the room.
“Hey Angel!” Dawn said with a smile. Angel returned her smile.
“Hello Dawn. It’s nice to see you again.” Angel said as he grabbed a bag. Dawn went behind him grabbing a bag as well not noticing Spike.
“Hey Blondie, you wanna give us a hand?” Faith asked as Spike stood there watching them. Dawn turned her head quickly in Faith’s direction and looking back catching Spike’s eye.
“Hey there Niblet.” Spike said quietly. Dawn dropped the bag she held and launched herself from the circle and into Spike’s arms.
“Spike. You’re real. I thought you died?” Dawn asked squeezing Spike tight in her arms.
“Whoa there Niblet. You got a mean little grip on ya now.” Spike said. Dawn loosened her grip and blushed.
“Sorry about that. I’m just glad to see you.” Dawn said with a smile. Everyone watched the exchange with a smile.
“Hey Spike. Good to see you again.” Andrew said as he watched Angel grab some more bags. Dawn looked at Andrew in confusion.
“What do you mean ‘good to see you again’?” Dawn asked. Andrew looked over at Dawn caught.
“Well, you see, Spike and Angel were in Italy looking for Buffy. You know, when she first starting to date that guy, what’s his face. And when I came here to get…” Andrew said cringing a little as Dawn cut him off as she walked up to him.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you little twerp.” Dawn said punching him in the shoulder. “You tell everything else but that.” Andrew grabbed his shoulder.
“Oww. That hurt. All that time at the gym is working.” Andrew said rubbing his shoulder.
“No worries luv. I haven’t been back that long.” Spike said before Dawn took another whack at Andrew. Dawn looked back at Spike and smiled and then looked back at Andrew and mouthed, ‘Later.’ Andrew’s eyes widened as Faith and Willow snickered as they watched the interaction.
“Come on I’ll show you guys where you can stay.” Angel said trying to ease the tension. Spike stood silent taking in all the events that had just transpired. Things were definitely getting the better of him
“Thanks.” Dawn replied with a smile as she followed Angel up the stairs. Faith and Andrew followed closely behind them with some bags in their arms. Willow stopped short of the first step and turned towards the blonde vampire, her eyes catching his with all seriousness.
“We haven’t told Buffy. That’s up to you whether or not you want her to know you’re back.” Facing the stairs once again, Willow made her way to the second floor never hearing the vampire’s whispered thanks.
Walking down the long corridor of doors, Andrew observed the aged wallpaper down the hall and red carpet.
“This is so great.” Andrew said in admiration, looking up at the ceiling then at Angel. Quickening his pace a little he caught up with the vampire until he was arm to arm with him. “You know this reminds me of the time Hans Solo got captured by Jabbah and…”
Leaning over to Dawn, who was on his other side, Angel whispered in her ear.
“Is he hitting on me?” Dawn giggled.
“Pretty much, you hunk of vampire, you.” She answered as they approached the door to the first room.
Stopping at the door to Faith’s room that she had slept in the night before, Angel turned towards the group.
“There’s only one other room besides the ones from earlier, so do one of you mind sharing a room, just until we get another one cleaned up?” Angel asked. “We weren’t exactly expecting extra company.”
“It’s cool.” Faith spoke up. “I can bunk with Wills.” She said as she casually wrapped her arm around Willow’s shoulders. “That way the tyke here can have her own space.” She motioned towards Dawn with her head, earning her a glare.
“Will you stop calling me that? I’ll be eighteen in a couple months.”
Dawn complained.
“Okay, Okay. Chill munchkin.” Faith said holding up her hands in defeat, making
Willow giggle while Angel tried to ignore the relentless ramblings of
Andrew.
“So…” Angel cleared his throat. “Willow, you and Faith can take your room from last night and Dawn you can take Faith’s if you like.”
“Sure thing.” Dawn said with a bright smile
“And Andrew, you, uh…” Angel chuckled. “…you can stay next to Spike, down the hall.”
“Awesome-ness.” Andrew beamed. “We’re gonna have so much fun. It’s almost like we’re roomies. Oh! I can tell him about my conquests in Italy again and we can gossip and talk about the things that go bump in the night, because you know I was evil once. I get that sort of stuff.”
“Well, I’ll just show that room and we can get you guys settled.” Angel said smiling.
“Lead the way Froto.” Andrew cheerily said to the vampire. Angel shook his head and complied showing Andrew to his new living quarters.
“Thank you Angel!” Dawn yelled down the hall. Angel turned around and smiled.
“You’re welcome Dawn. You all are always welcome.” Angel said before following Andrew into his new room.
“What in the bloody hell is taking so long?” Spike paced gritting his teeth. It had been over twenty minutes since the group had gone upstairs to settle in, so where was Angel? ‘What are they doing up there?’ he thought to himself.
Hearing the muffled sounds music thumping upstairs, made the vampire stop mid pace. Glancing around the room he noticed Andrew’s camcorder laying in the middle of the circle used for their spell. Sighing in resignation, Spike picked up the camera and headed to the second floor.
Spike smirked as he came up to the last few steps seeing Angel leaning against the doorway of the girl’s room with his arms crossed against his chest as he started to reach the top of the stairs. The classic standing posture for the broody vampire.
“Come on Angel, you know you wanna.” the blonde heard Willow say as he got to the top, just as the music started to become clearer.
Oh Mickey, what a pity you don´t understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand
Oh Mickey, you´re so pretty, can´t you understand
It’s guys like you Mickey
Oh, what you do Mickey, do Mickey
Don´t break my heart, Mickey
Hey Mickey!
“I think I’ll pass thanks.” Angel chuckled as he watched Willow, Faith, Dawn, and Andrew dance as they helped each other unpack. Andrew leapt onto the king sized bed and bounced around singing along to the song.
Now when you take me by the - who´s ever gonna know
Everytime you move I let a little more show
There´s somethin´ we can use, so don´t say no,
Mickey
So come on and give it to me any way you can
Any way you wanna do it, I´ll take it like a man
Oh please, baby, please, don´t leave me in the jam, Mickey
Oh Mickey, what a pity you don´t understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand
Willow picked up a few folded articles of clothing from her trunk and neatly placed them in a drawer while grooving to the beat. Faith took out a couple stakes and few bottles of holy water out of her book bag and found a suitable place for them under the bed, singing loudly with the song all the while. Dawn fiddled with some candles of Willow’s sitting on the edge of the bed bouncing a little every time Andrew’s feet met the mattress.
Oh Mickey, you´re so pretty, can´t you understand
It´s guys like you Mickey
Oh, what you do Mickey, do Mickey
Don´t break my heart, Mickey
(Oh Mickey, you´re so fine
you´re so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey, hey Mickey)
(Oh Mickey, you´re so fine
you´re so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey, hey Mickey)
(Oh Mickey, you´re so fine
you´re so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey, hey Mickey)
Standing at the end of the hall, Spike laughed as the song ended and
Dawn made a comment to the slayer.
“I bet you were a great cheerleader back when you were in school, huh?
I mean you can do all those cool flip-y things and you definitely have the irritating yelling part down to a perfection.” Dawn said with a giggle.
“Yeah, yeah yuck it up Miss Goooooo-R.J.!” Faith mimicked cheerleading movements with her hands when Dawn threw a pillow at the dark haired slayer. Dawn let out a screech of giddiness when Faith jumped on top of her tickling her sides.
“Oh! It’s my turn to pick now!” Andrew cheered as he grabbed a CD from his collection he had brought in with his radio. Walking to the player sitting on the dresser he placed the disk in and hit play. Willow laughed as she put away more of her clothes, catching sight of the CD he chose.
After hitting play, Andrew ran to the middle of the room and stood there with his hands to his sides. Faith and Dawn quieted down as they saw this and listened as the music began to play through the speakers, smiling broadly. They gave each other a quick glance before racing each other to stand beside Andrew.
“Willow, get your cute patootie over here.” Andrew demanded impatiently with half a smile. Shaking her head, laughing Willow walked over to them just as the lyrics began.
Hi - Hi! We're your Weather Girls - Ah-huh -
And have we got news for you - You better listen!
Get ready, all you lonely girls and leave those umbrellas at home.
-
Alright!
Angel watched with wide eyed amusement as the foursome danced in tune with one another. Andrew spun Dawn around and lipped singed to the song with diva like qualities. Faith took Willow by the hand and began to dance with her. Andrew and Dawn ran up to Angel, grabbing him by his arms, dragging him into the dancing fun.
Humidity is rising - Barometer's getting low
According to all sources, the street's the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It's gonna start raining men.
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! - It's Raining Men! Amen!
I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get
Absolutely soaking wet!
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It's Raining Men! Every Specimen!
Tall, blonde, dark and lean
Rough and tough and strong and mean
Spike had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing as he heard and watched the commotion. ‘Bloody fuckin’ hell where‘s a camera when you…’ he thought then stopped as he remembered the camcorder in his hands. An evil smile formed on his mouth as he checked for a tape and flipped it onto record.
Willow and Faith motioned with their fingers for Angel to join them.
Swaying on her feet Faith wrapped her arm around Angel’s neck and moved with him almost sexily. Willow ran her hands across his back while Andrew and Dawn danced in the background.
Right when Spike came up to the door way Andrew playfully pushed the girls out of the way and posed in a haughty way, with his hands on his hips. Never realizing Spike was behind them, Andrew took over. Making vogue poses near Angel and singing along with the song.
God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman too
She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do
She taught every angel to rearrange the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! - It's Raining Men! Amen!
It's Raining Men! Hallelujah!
It's Raining Men! Ame---------nnnn!
I feel stormy weather
Moving in about to begin
Hear the thunder
Don't you lose your head
Rip off the roof and stay in bed
It's Raining Men! Yeah!
About this time Andrew had Angel backed up against a wall as far as he could possibly go as he made a thrusting motion towards the vampire. When Angel tried to make a run for the door Andrew grabbed his arm and pulled him back to the middle of the room.
“Not uh, not through with you yet mister.” Andrew said with a smirk.
Spike couldn’t hold it in anymore as he saw the girls start to laugh and let it all out.
“Oh this is just priceless. I am really going to enjoy all of the prize money when I win at America’s Funniest Home Videos.” Spike said laughing.
“Spike! Give me the tape!” Angel growled, going after his grand-childe only to trip over his own feet. ‘So, much for the stealth of a vampire.’ Angel thought. That trip to the floor only made Spike and the girls laugh harder.
“Hey that’s mine!” Andrew said as he processed that Spike had his camera.
“No way Peaches, you’ll have to stake me before I hand this ‘puppy’ over.” That comment made Willow fall on the floor with tears in her eyes from laughing so much. Secretly she prayed that the happiness would never stop. She hadn’t been this happy since…well, since her and Tara were together.
Dawn fell beside the redhead laughing as well when Angel ran out of the room chasing down Spike.
Fade to Black