Chapter 9- No Rest

Dawn decided she liked this Conner guy. It wasn’t just that he was nice. There was something else about him. She got this feeling from him. Like, if she told him her whole life story he wouldn’t run away. Which was crazy really. Anybody normal would. And Conner seemed normal. . . But that wasn’t saying much, she had to remind herself.

She leaned back in her seat. She was reading her book again, into the third chapter. Conner was taking a nap. They had talked for awhile about unimportant tidbits before he had yawned, declaring how exhausted he was. He had been busy getting ready for his journey home and had neglected to get some shut-eye.

Every once in awhile Dawn would glance up from her novel. She’d smile at the sight of the sleeping male across from her. He was so cute. He was using his backpack as a pillow, his hair slightly mussed.

Suddenly Dawn’s ears caught Conner muttering. She listened carefully. She couldn’t quite make out what he was saying.

Conner’s eyes opened and he sprung up. He seemed alarmed, his gaze shooting all over the place.

"Are you all right?" Dawn asked with concern.

He relaxed a little. Then he nodded.

"Yeah. Nightmares," he told her.

"Oh."

"I get them a lot."

Dawn shifted in her seat. "My sister has that problem. I only have them occasionally but when I do they’re pretty bad. When Buffy went away . . ."

"Buffy?"

"My sister."

"She went away? Did she die?"

That made Dawn flinch. She took in a breath. "No. No. She just . . . left for awhile."

"Oh."

God, watch your mouth, Dawn scolded herself.

"What-What are they about?" Dawn found herself asking. "They seemed pretty . . . bad. "

He looked uncomfortable. "Yeah they are . . . I see things. Horrible things. Monstrous things."

Dawn didn’t know what to say. She had faced many monstrous things, but what could you do about the inner-demons that ran in your dreams?

He had been so cheerful before. Moodiness covered his features now.

Conner ran a hand through his dark locks. "Doesn’t matter," he said. "They’re not real so . . ."

He never finished the sentence. Instead he turned his gaze to study the landscape outside the window.

Dawn stared, frowning.

***********************

Lindsey was in a meadow of dandelions. What the hell? This was a very odd dream. He never dreamt of sunshine and flowers. His sleep was plagued with vampires, demons, and meddling lawyers.

How did he know this was a dream anyway? That never happened before either.

"Hello, Lindsey."

That voice. . . No, it couldn’t be.

Slowly, he turned around. There before him stood the last person he ever expected to see again. Darla. He froze in shock.

She was different. She was smiling. And not in that sinful way she had before. This was sweet and innocent. Her hair fell down her shoulders in gentle waves, a couple strands blowing up into the wind. She wore a long, silken, white dress. She was beautiful.

"Darla." It was the only logical thing he could process.

Her smile grew larger. "It is nice to see you again."

She moved toward him. Just before she could reach him he took a step back.

"You’re dead," he said.

It was then that he realized they were out in the afternoon. The sun beamed down on her flawless, creamy skin. Sensing his thoughts she looked up at the clear blue sky.

"Nothing is real," she stated. She lowered her eyes to land on him. "Except me. My body isn‘t here, but my spirit is."

Something sprung up in his chest. This isn’t Darla, he realized. It can’t be. This isn’t her.

"I’ve been sent to help you."

He took another step back. "I don’t need help."

Her mouth fell into a line. "Don’t get lost, Lindsey. It is hard to find your way back."

He let out a choked laugh. Fuck.

"What is this? You aren’t Darla. Who are you?"

"I’m Darla. Part of her anyway. Please . . ." She held out her right hand. "Don’t get lost like I did."

Involuntarily he took her hand. Her face glowed. She leaned in and whispered into his ear.

"I really did miss you."

Then she kissed his cheek.

A strong wind abruptly forced them apart. Their hands slipped out of their joining.

"No! Get away! Leave!" Darla shouted.

The sky was brimming with storm clouds. They grew darker and darker. The only light came from the lightning that crackled now and then.

Thunder roared in his ears, along with Darla’s protests.

And then, as a line of electricity streaked above, Lindsey caught a glimpse of someone else. Eve. She faced off with Darla, a menacing expression on her face.

"He’s mine," Eve declared.

************************

Lindsey jolted awake. He took in a breath.

Harmony hovered over him. She had her arms crossed, annoyed. "I can’t believe you fell asleep. Can’t you at least try to make an itsy bitsy attempt to escape?"

Lindsey ignored her. He was too busy trying to reason out his encounter with a dead woman he had loved.

************************

Faith was waiting for Buffy outside Giles’s office.

"LA, huh?"

"I have to."

The dark-haired slayer nodded. "Yeah. Heard little sister ran off."

Buffy sighed. "You heard right."

"Need some help?"

"Willow is going with."

"Need anymore help?"

Buffy eyed Faith for a moment. "You want to come? Why?"

"I need to get out of this joint for awhile. Too many walls. Do you understand?"

The story with Faith and Robin wasn’t a secret. Buffy had been well-informed about the break-up. The hurt was hidden well by Faith, but the blonde could detect it just the same. She knew because she was adept for doing the same thing.

"Besides," Faith added," Wouldn’t mind lookin up this friend I know. You might know him. Broody vamp? Likes to torture himself cuz of this soul?"

A small smile tugged at Buffy’s lips.

"Fine. But you have to find a way to pay for your own ticket," Buffy said.

"No problem, B. I’m covered. You don’t think I bust my ass off for a bunch of teenagers for nothin, do you?"

***********************

The plane took off right on time. Buffy was thankful for that.

She clutched the arms of her seat, her back straight, staring in front of her.

"Buffy?"

Buffy turned toward Willow. The red-head had a seat right next to her, near the window.

"Huh?"

"Relax."

Buffy leaned back and closed her eyes. Her eyes immediately popped back open.

"I’d love to, Will. I’d love to. But you know I can’t."

Willow reached over and took her friend’s hand. Buffy gently squeezed back.

"There’s never any rest for us, is there?"

"I thought. . ." Buffy frowned. Her sentence died. "No. Never."

__________________________________________________

Chapter 10- Trouble with a capital T

Dawn and Conner decided to stick together. They caught a bus from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. They didn’t say much. After Conner’s horrific dream he wasn’t much for conversation. Dawn respected his wishes and kept to herself.

She had gotten far in The Scarlet Letter. Way more than required. Dawn was never an overachiever, and this fact sort of rankled her. She resorted to putting the book aside and counting cars out the window. She made it a game. How many red ones can you spot? Ten so far.

Dawn watched as Conner rummaged in his backpack.

"Is that all you brought?" she found herself asking.

Conner looked over, as if startled by the lack of silence.

"My other stuff is being shipped."

"Oh."

He took out a bag of salted pretzels. Dawn eyed it. Conner noticed and offered her some, without speaking. She accepted gratefully. She wondered if he had heard her stomach growls earlier.

Dawn munched away at the snack food. She snuck a few quick looks at Conner. She wished she could relieve the disturbance within him. Maybe all he needed was someone to understand. If only he would open up to her and talk to her about everything. But then again, if she forced him it might only make things worse. She went for the non-force, but concerned approach.

"Are you all right?"

He shrugged.

"Life sucks enough without having to deal with stuff in our dreams as well. Don’t you think?"

Conner sighed. He stuffed the pretzels away.

"This one was different," he said.

"How so?" She was curious now.

"Before I was with a man. We’d face the demons together. This time . . . I was all alone. And the demons . . . They just kept coming. They were everywhere all at once. I couldn’t fight them." He turned his face away.

On impulse, Dawn took his hand. Afterward she regretted it. She would have let go, but Conner launched onto it. Their gazes met, both surprised. They stayed that way for awhile, just holding hands and staring at each other.

And then the bus swerved off the road, and the bus driver screamed.

*************************

"I have to go to the bathroom," Lindsey said.

Harmony scrunched up her face. "Ew! Like I’m going to take you."

"Would you rather I mark the room?"

Harmony took a step back. "Eww! No!"

"Then let me go to the bathroom."

"Humans are so disgusting with their bodily functions. What is taking Angel so long? I didn’t agree to watch over you forever."

"Are you going to let me go to the bathroom or not?"

"Oh . . . Yeah."

Lindsey stood up. He watched as Harmony slipped into game face.

"One false move and I’ll do it," she said, baring her fangs.

Lindsey didn’t seem worried. He had come to them, after all. Why would he want to escape?

The ex-lawyer followed the vampire. They headed down the hall. All of a sudden a man came out of the copying room.

"Wes!" Harmony exclaimed.

Wesley’s attention fell on the two. He wore a nice green button-down shirt and black slacks. He held a couple print-out sheets in his hand.

"Can you take Lindsey to the bathroom?"

Wes’s eyes traveled over the other man. "Lindsey McDonald? And why would you be here?"

"He’s got visions," Harmony piped up. "Now, will you take him to the bathroom?"

"Very well," Wesley said. He handed Harmony his papers. "Make sure these get to Fred. She should be in the lab."

A bright smile came to Harmony’s mouth. "Oh, good, a non-icky job. Thanks."

The secretary hurried away. Right after she was out of sight, Wesley slammed Lindsey up to the wall. Lindsey’s eyes went wide.

"I want to know why you are here, and I want to know now," he demanded.

"Visions," Lindsey choked out.

Wesley banged him against the wall again. "The real reason."

"That is the real reason! The fucking powers are playing with me. I came here begging for help. It’s the truth, dammit!"

Something in his expression made Wesley release him.

"I came here for aid and all I get is beat up," Lindsey said.

"And why shouldn’t we? You only switch sides when it is convenient for you. After this little episode is cleared up you’ll cross back over to the other side of the line."

Lindsey was tempted to say he would leave them alone this time. REALLY leave them alone. Which would be the truth. He’d had enough of this. Enough of Angel. Enough of Wolfram and Hart. Enough of LA. And maybe even Eve. At first she had cared about him. She had only teamed up with him to take down Angel because of that. Or so she had said. Now, he wasn’t so sure. She had become obsessed with the mission.

"Let’s get you to the bathroom," Wesley said.

Lindsey went into the multi-stall and urinal restroom and took care of himself. Wesley was waiting right outside the door when he exited.

"So, you’re my keeper now?" Lindsey asked.

He never got a reply.

No matter how many visions he might receive, Lindsey knew he would never be prepared for them. His skull split in two as the images played in his head. He put a hand to his scalp as he rode through it.

There were two people this time. A boy and a girl. The male was older, probably by at least two years. They were running away from a bus. Something was chasing them. He couldn’ t see it, but he knew.

The boy held the girl’ s hand, tugging her along. He was faster. She almost tripped once, but he helped her along.

Then the things were upon them. The couple turned and Lindsey got a good look at them.

Vampires. They were being hunted by the undead.

The boy shoved the girl behind him. She seemed upset by this. She defied him and jumped into the fight. She landed a few good kicks before she was knocked aside.

The boy let his fist smash into an assailant. The vampire went flying. Looking down at his clenched hand, astonishment came over the boy’s face. This hesitation was his downfall.

The vamps surrounded them, closing in.

Lindsey crashed back into the real world. He leaned against the wall for support. Wesley eyed him closely. He knew what must have happened.

"What did you see?"

*************************

He tied him up. Figures. You choose the right path for once and what kind of treatment do you get?

And now he was just left there. Tied up. Alone. Bored.

Lindsey began to hum. Then he started to sing.

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think I still was a mad man
I hear the voices when I’m dreaming
I can hear them say

Carry on my wayward son
There’ll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don’t you cry no more

He stopped, sensing someone. He turned to see that green demon that was Angel’s friend.

"Wow, buddy, the powers have plans for you," Lorne said.

"You know something?" Lindsey asked.

"You’re flashing your destiny like a beacon. The high ones want you to pick a side once and for all. No more of this musical chairs."
Lindsey shifted his eyes to the ceiling. "If only they’d leave me alone. I’d be happy to leave everyone alone."

"You’d like that, wouldn’t you?" Lorne said. "Being neutral? Let me tell you something. There is no neutral. Eventually you have to choose. And one side isn‘t going to be pretty when it‘s said and done."

Satisfied, Lorne left. Lindsey leaned back, not happy one bit.

**************************

The room was quiet. Too quiet. The walls closed in on Angel.

There still had not been any change in the woman lying in his bed.

He cleared his throat.

"Cord, you have to wake up."

Angel rested his forehead to hers.

"I have nothing left. I’ve lost everything. Buffy. Conner. You. I’m all alone in the dark. I don’t even know how to help the helpless anymore." He rose, looking around him. "How did I end up here?"

"You always knew the mission. You never got lost. Come back, Cordy. Lead me to the path again." He paused. "I need you."

There was a knock at the door. Angel turned toward it, not leaving his spot by Cordelia’s side. His hand slipped into hers.

"Yes?" Angel called.

"Angel, it’s me, Wesley."

"Wes? Did Lindsey ever say what Eve and he did to Cordelia?"

"No. But he had a vision. Two teenagers were captured by vampires."

A sigh escaped Angel. He had to go do his duty. His brown eyes fell on Cordelia. He wished he didn’t have to move one inch away from her. He felt that if he left her she would slip away.

Angel was about to get up when he felt it. Barely a squeeze at all, but he felt it. Cordelia’s fingers had twitched. He gawked at their entwined hands in awe. He made a quick, impulsive decision.

"Deal with it Wesley," Angel said.

"Angel?"

"Get Spike. He’s the hero on foot."

He knew it was wrong. Part of him screamed inside. And asking Spike to play champion in his place . . . What was happening to him?

But then he focused on Cordelia again. And it was completely clear. He would stick by her side until she woke up.

___________________________________________

Chapter 11- Brave Awakenings

Bars. That was Dawn’s first coherent thought as she came to. Her vision came into focus. Wincing, she sat up. Conner was huddled in the corner of their cell. He was awake, but seemed out of it. She touched him lightly on the shoulder.

"Conner?"

There was no response.

"Sometimes they’re like that. Can‘t handle things."

Dawn looked over to the left. They weren’t alone. A girl, maybe sixteen or seventeen, was at the other end of the holding pen. Her chocolate eyes were weary, and her brown hair tangled. She wore muddy jeans, that had a hole in the right knee. Her purple shirt was wrinkled.

"Where are we?" Dawn asked.

The girl snorted. "Hell."

"Who are you?"

"Mia."

"Dawn."

Mia nodded.

"How long have you been here?" Dawn questioned.

"Long enough."

The former key surveyed her surroundings. Through the bars she could make out other cells. They held more teenagers like themselves. Everyone seemed to have brown hair. She wondered if that meant something.

"They’re searching for someone," Mia went on. "But no one is ever it."

"Who do they want?"

"Someone special."

There was a whimper. Dawn realized it must have come from Conner. She turned her attention on him. His eyes were wide and frightened. At least he had come out of his stupor.

"They’re real. All of it. The monsters are real," he muttered.

"Sucks, doesn’t it?" Dawn said. "I’m sorry."

"We’re all going to die," Mia stated.

Dawn sent her a glare.

"If only my sister were here. She’d beat their asses just like that."
"Right," Mia said, unconvinced.

"No, really. She’s the slayer."

"And that means . . .?"

"She’s a super-hero. It is her job to beat up monsters. She taught me some, but I need a weapon." Dawn held out her empty hands. "Which I don’t have."

"Where is your sister?"

"Cleveland."

"Like I said. We‘re going to die."

**********************

Bogg could have been Willy the Snitch’s brother. Or cousin, or whatever. The point was that he had a big mouth. If there was anything going down he knew, and it wasn’t hard to beat it out of him.

Spike slammed the blue demon against the dumpster. "Boy. Girl. Teenagers. They’ve been taken by a bunch of vampires. Know somethin, mate?"

"Vampires?" Bogg said. "I’m not too friendly with vamps. Except for you, Spike."

Spike tightened his hold around the demon’s neck. "Your kind breathes, right?"

"All right!" Bogg exclaimed. "I know something! Just let me go."

Spike dropped Bogg to the pavement. He loomed over him, giving off the big bad persona.

"What’s that then?"

"Teens have been turning up missing for days now," Bogg said.

"Yeah, got the gist from the news," Spike said.

"Well, rumor has it they’re looking for someone. A chosen kid or whatever. Anyway, I heard they have them locked up underground. The sewers."

"See, wasn’t so hard, was it, Bogg. Could have avoided the rough up."

Bogg’s mouth wobbled.

Spike spun, duster whirling around his form. He walked away, into the night.

**************************

Dawn flinched. Mia had been taken a few moments ago. And now there were screams.

"She was right," Conner said.

Dawn looked over at him.

"We’re going to die."

She was silent for a moment, processing that. Then she abruptly stood up.

"No!" she yelled. "No, we’re not!"

He just stared.

"Buffy taught me lots of things. I used to be this weakling who called for help whenever things got tough. But now I stand up and fight. And I’m not going down without one now. I don’t accept that this is the end. I faced a massacre in my old town by the First. I’ll be damned if a few normal vampires are going to kill me." Dawn crossed her arms, taking on a commanding stance.

Conner blinked, clearly impressed.

"I don’t know anything about fighting," Conner said.

"Doesn’t mean you can’t try."

**************************

Senses had been coming back gradually. First there was hearing. The soothing, familiar voice had washed over her, filling her with warmth. At first she hadn’t been able to decipher the words, but then they formed into coherent sentences. Then there was touch. She had felt the cool hand fit into hers.

Now, if only she could get her motor skills to kick in. Come on, Cordy, open your eyes. You’re a champion, remember. A fighter.

Her eyes fluttered. Light. Oh, it was too bright.

"Cordy?"

Angel. Oh God, it was Angel.

She moaned.

There was laughter. He was laughing at her? Why? She didn’t see anything funny about a catatonic lady waking up.

She tried to open her eyes again. This time the attempt succeeded, but she squinted. Everything was blurry. Her eyes were out of practice. The light was too bright. Ugh, turn it off.

"L-light."

Was that her? She sounded raspy, her voice unused. How long have I been out?

Things went dark. She let out a sigh of relief. Better. Moonlight filtered in through the window, providing enough to see by.

Angel. He was smiling down at her. Aw. He didn’t do that enough.

"Angel?"

He stroked her hair. "What is the last thing you remember?"

She racked her brain. Pieces fell into place. She wished they hadn’t.

"Why does everyone want to use me as a vessel to produce evil spawn?" Cordy asked.

He chuckled. "You’re young. Beautiful. Healthy. Perfect candidate."

"Where am I?"

The room was unfamiliar. It was nice. Large bed. Bedside table. Pictures on the wall.

"Um . . ."

There was a knock at the door.

"Angel. I got the results of that Ganka blood. It turned out that it is poison."

Cordelia slowly rose herself up on her elbows. "Is that Fred?"

Angel got to his feet. He went over to the door and opened it. The scientist poked her head in.

"Let me show you what I found. I have it all recorded." She reached out to turn on the light switch.

"Don’t turn on the light," Angel said, halting her.

"What? Why?"

The vampire grinned, gesturing behind him. "Her eyes aren’t ready yet."

Fred thrust the papers at Angel. Then she ran to the bed.

"Cordy!"

Fred flung herself at her friend, wrapping her arms around her.
"I missed you too, Fred," Cordelia said.

"I’m so happy you’re awake."

Cordelia sat all the way up. She glanced over at Angel. "Me too."

*************************

Dawn was really scared. The vampires had Conner. She had tried to fight them, but it was no use. She hated the fact that she was a normal girl. Well, a key transformed into a normal girl. But still, a normal girl.

Footsteps filtered into her ears. She immediately became alerted, getting to her feet.

A vampire came into view. His black hair was wild around his face. Scars marred his features. She couldn’t help but think that he resembled Edward from Edward Scissor Hands. Not that he was as cute as Johnny Depp. Far from it.

"The boss wants you," he said.

Dawn prepared herself.

The vamp unlocked the metal door. It creaked open. He entered, and she took action. Her foot kicked out, making contact in his groin. He hunched over, holding his bits and pieces.

"Bitch!"

She kicked him again, and managed to move past him. On her way, she grabbed the keys he had dropped. She hurried to another cell. Two boys were inside.

"I’ll get you out," she promised.

"I don’t think so."

Her arm was grabbed. The keys were pried from her fingers. She hissed as her arm was twisted.

"The boss wants to see you, little girl. And what the boss wants, the boss gets."

The vampire, this one with red hair, yanked her along. She didn’t make it easy for him, though, wriggling in his grasp.

They came before another vampire and a woman. At least, she looked like a woman. She had long black hair, and wore a tight-fitting red dress.

The vampire, which must have been the leader, gestured for her captor to let go. She was tossed to the floor.

"Is this her?" the leader asked.

The woman nodded. "Yes, Kenyan. I sensed power within her as well."

"Very well. Bring in the other one."

The minions obeyed. After a moment they came back, Conner in their clutch. Relief spread over Dawn. He was alive. For the time being. He was dropped next to her. He got to his hands and knees from his fallen position.

"Which one is it?" the leader demanded.

The woman took a step toward Conner and Dawn. Her face scrunched in deep concentration.

"Their auras are both strong. It is hard to determine which one is the chosen."

Chosen? Dawn glanced over at Conner.

"On the count of three, what do you say we charge at them?" Dawn whispered.

Conner met her gaze. There was a tired look in his eyes. "What is the point?"

She opened her mouth to answer, but she didn’t get a chance. That was when all hell broke lose.

************************

Conner had the urge to lie down and give up. Every muscle in his body ached, begging for him to just accept his fate.

There was a thump. Conner lifted his head. He watched as a dark figure staked a vampire on the ground. There was a poof as the vampire turned to dust. The black-cladded form rose, twirling his weapon.

"Who’s next, mates?"

"Spike!?" Dawn burst out beside him.

"Dawn?"

The battle began, not allowing further conversation. Their bleached-blond savior produced another stake. He tossed it to Dawn. She flashed him a grin.

"Sorry, bit, don’t have enough to go round."

Conner stepped back. He watched in amazement as Dawn fought. She had been right. Given a weapon, she could hold her own. Spike . . . He was extraordinary. Apparently experienced, and even seemed to be enjoying himself.

There was a clatter. Dawn gasped. Her weapon had been knocked out of her hand.

Something snapped at the scene. Something awoke, buried deep within himself. Something primal, slightly dark, and scary. And yet, it was right. It was who he was. He knew what to do.

Conner rushed in. He rammed the vampire into the wall. Then he grabbed hold of the creature’s head. He twisted it clear off its neck. It burst into dust.

Conner stepped back, breathing hard.

************************

The witch retreated.

The boy was the one. She knew that now. The knowledge didn’t do her any good now, though.

She was not going to get paid. Damn. And it had taken a lot of her strength to look into these kids essences too.

She had just enough power to transport herself home.

************************

Spike defeated the last vampire with ease. He pocketed his stake. He turned around to find Dawn staring at the strange boy.

"I didn’t think you could fight," she said.

The boy gawked down at his bare hands. "I didn’t know I could."

Then Dawn was looking at him. "Spike? Y-You’re alive."

"In a manner of speaking."

She came over and pinched him. "You’re not a ghost."

"Little late for that show."

"What?"

"Nothin."

Dawn latched onto him. "I missed you."

After a moment of hesitation, Spike held her back.

"Missed you too, nibblet."

__________________________________________________

Chapter 12- Reunion

They gathered together at the airport. Each held a suitcase. An expression of uncertainty was held on all of their faces. Faith and Willow’s eyes landed on Buffy.

"Where to B?" Faith questioned.

Buffy faltered. She hadn’t thought that far ahead.

"Let me make a suggestion. How about Angel’s?"

Buffy set down her suitcase. She ran fingers through her hair. "Do I have to remind you that he’s head of an evil law firm now?"

"No. That’s just another reason we should look him up. First reason being he has guys who can help us. Second, that we can talk some sense into him. I don’t know what he was thinking takin up a gig with a league of demons."
Buffy sighed. "Neither do I. I just . . . I worry. Can we trust him?"

"Even if he is the head of Wolfram and Hart, Buffy, he’s still Angel, right?" Willow said.

"Last time I checked."

"So, do we have a destination?" Faith asked.

"I-I guess," Buffy replied.

The dark slayer headed outside, confident that the others would follow. Buffy picked up her luggage again, ready to do just that. Willow stopped her.

"Buffy? About Spike . . ." Willow began.

"What about him, Will?"

"If we find him what do you want to do about it?"

Tired eyes landed on her best friend. "Is there anything we can do?"

"Maybe. There might be a spell."

"But is that the right thing to do? He’s dead, Willow. If he is here like Dawn thinks then . . . He did his part. I’ll talk to him. I’ll . . . We’ll send him on. It is what should be done."

Willow gaped. "But, Buffy . . ."

Buffy started to walk on. "I don’t want to talk about it."

**************************

"Let’s get out of here," Spike said. He pushed Dawn gently away. She gave him a giant grin.

"Together," she said.

He gave her shoulder a squeeze. His gaze shifted behind her, to the young man still staring at the dust he had created with his bare hands.

Gesturing to the boy, Spike asked, "Who’s your mate?"

"Oh, that’s Conner. I met him on my way here."

Spike’s face shifted to sternness. "And why are you here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Was sent here through the amulet. Now, why are ’you’ here? Does Buffy know?"

"Looking for you. And yes. I left her a note," she said with self-assurance.

He chuckled. "Big sis is going to love that. You’re going to be in big trouble, missy."

"Yeah, but it was worth it."

"Come on, let’s be champions and save the day, and then get the hell out of here."

Dawn nodded. She stepped over to Conner. She gave him a smile, taking his hand and tugging him. He obeyed, still stunned. She made a note to look into why he could single-handedly kill a vamp in two seconds. She had never seen anything like it. Except when slayers or vampires themselves were concerned. Then something sprung to her mind. Could he be the chosen one? The one their captors had been searching for?

"Know anything about this?" Spike inquired. He held up a rolled-up piece of paper. It was yellow and torn at the sides.

"No. I didn’t notice it before," Dawn answered.

"Found it near the head bugger of this operation." He carefully unbound the scroll. It revealed row after row of weird symbols. "My, my, what have we here?"
Spike thrust the scroll at Dawn. "Hold this while I free the others."

The teenager took the ancient writings. She watched as Spike left the room. Conner stared at the scroll with curiosity.

"Can you read it?" Conner asked.

Dawn laughed. "This? Heck no. Can you?"

"No."

Dawn rolled the paper back up. Her attention shifted fully on Conner. "Are you all right?"

He shrugged. "I don’t know."

"Must be hard. I remember when I first found out about things. I was coming down for a glass of water and heard my sister and my mom arguing. She had told her about being the slayer. I couldn’t believe it."

"I believe it," Conner said. "That’s the problem."

****************************

"Are you sure you’re ready?" Angel asked. He hovered over her as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.

"I can’t stay in bed forever. My muscles demand movement. My stomach demands food." She sniffed. "And my nose demands a bath. Ew."

The vampire helped her to her feet. She wobbled a little, but basically was steady. She glanced down at herself. She made a face of disgust, pulling at the dotted hospital gown.

"Is there any chance I can change?"

"I’ll have Wes or Gunn pick up something from your apartment."

"Thank you." She paused. "How is my apartment? Is Dennis okay?"
"The rent is paid. One of us checks on your roommate regularly. He’s fine, but I think he misses you." Angel’s lips lifted slightly. "All of us have."

"I know."

Cordelia slowly made her way toward the door.

"Hey," Cordy said, "You never answered me before. Where are we? Unless you remodeled I don‘t think this is the hotel."

Angel and Cordy emerged from the dark bedroom. They moved down the hall. They were bombarded by a woman.

"Mr. Angel, I’ve come to remind you about your three o’clock."

"Oh." Angel’s eyes lit up. "Oh. Cancel."

"But, Mr. Angel . . ."

"Cancel all my appointments."

"Uh . . . All right. Done."

The woman walked away.

Cordelia furrowed her brow. "What was that about?" She surveyed her surroundings. "What the hell? Where are we?"

"Well, the thing is . . ." Angel began.

"Wolfram and Hart!" Cordy squeaked. She pointed to the logo that was printed on the wall. "We’re in Wolfram and Hart! I‘ve woken up in an alternate dimension!"

"Why do you think that?"

"The Angel I knew wouldn’t align with the forces of evil."

"Don’t be over-dramatic. Wolfram and Hart has turned a new leaf. It’s changed since I came here. We handle only good cases now."

Cordy’s eyes were aghast. "We?"

"Angel, my man."

The two turned to see Gunn. He wore a suit, along with a tie. He held a manila folder.

"Gunn?" Cordelia said in disbelief.

Gunn smiled. "Cordelia. Fred told me you were awake." He came over and put an arm around her. "Good to see you."

Cordelia wearily hugged him back.

Gunn faced Angel. "I need you to sign about that Gaheek trial."

"Gaheeks?" Cordelia questioned. She rose an eyebrow.

Just then someone stormed toward them. Everyone turned to see a certain blond slayer come at them. She seemed pissed. Right behind her was a red-headed witch and jail-break.

"Hey!" Harmony called, coming around the corner. "Visitors have to sign in!"

Buffy ignored the secretary. She stopped in front of Angel, arms crossed.

"Buffy," Angel breathed.

"This is Buffy?" Gunn asked. He ran his eyes over his boss’s ex.

"Buffy? Willow?" Cordelia said. She noticed the other person and took a step back. "Faith?"

"It’s okay, girl," Faith said.

"Sure, right," Cordelia said, skeptical.

"Buffy!?"

That voice made Buffy turn. Surprised, she saw Dawn head toward her.

"Dawn?"

The teen was followed by a boy . . . And behind him came . . . Spike. He held a scroll, nearly dropping it as he neared.

"Spike?" Buffy gasped.

"Buffy," Spike got out.

"Conner," choked Angel.

Everyone shared looks, frozen. Silence fell over them.

"What is going on!?" Cordelia suddenly demanded.

____________________________________________

Cordelia Chase’s head was spinning. She didn’t understand anything anymore. Out for a little while and the world turns topsy-turvy. By the looks on everyone else’s faces, she suspected they were just as confused, though.

“Why is Angel head of evil incorporated? Why is Buffy here? Why is Gunn dressed like a lawyer? Why is Spike here and not trying to kill us? Why was Conner with Dawn?”

Spike pointed to the ex-cheerleader and then to Conner. “You know each other?”

Beside her, she heard Angel mutter, “She remembers.”

“I don‘t know any of you people,” Conner said. He stepped away from the group.

“Conner?” Cordy said.

Frightened, Conner kept backing away. He shook his head. “I don‘t think I want to.”

Hurt spread over Dawn. She reached out to him. He jumped back. Then he bolted, running through the building in search of an exit.

Angel started to follow the boy. “Conner!” he called. Then he slowed, coming to a standstill.

Cordelia came up behind him. “Why wouldn’t I remember him?”

Angel raised his gaze, startled.

“That’s right, I heard you.”

He looked off to where his son had vanished. “Because no one except me should.”

************************

Buffy barely acknowledged the Conner scene. She was too preoccupied by the bleach-blond vampire standing a few feet away. He had been paying attention to the scene before him, but after Conner fled his attention went to her. His crystal blue eyes were filled with innocent inquisitiveness.

“Buffy?”

There was nothing like him saying her name. That rich, British accent washing over her, soothing and warm. It sent shivers down her spine. She had forgotten the effect he had on her.

She took him in. Duster. Black shirt and jeans. Doc Martins. Slicked-back, bleach blond hair. Blue eyes. Oh God, those eyes. She absorbed all of him into her pores. Spike. It was Spike standing in front of her. But . . . How?

“You died,” she whispered. Her voice was low, but his vampiric hearing could detect it.

“That I did, pet.”

“Then . . . I don’t understand.”

He gave her his trade-mark smirk. “Don’t much myself. Thing of it is my essence somehow got trapped in the amulet. Was a ghosty for a bit, but I got better.”

There wasn’t much Buffy’s mind could process at the moment. The only rational thought she got was: Spike. It kept echoing in her head over and over. He was here. He was real. He was solid.

Spike.

He was still speaking. His mouth was moving, words were coming out, yet she didn’t catch any of it. The next thing she knew she had moved. She had somehow gotten herself the small distance that separated them. She threw herself into his arms. She heard him intake air that he didn’t need, and then he held her back. It was so right. She belonged here, in his embrace. They fit together, two puzzle pieces snapping together.

And then her brain began to work again. She backed away. Spike tilted his head, worried.

“Wait a second,” Buffy said. “How long have you been back?”

“Uh . . . Vampire here, not too sharp on the date.”

Liar! she silently shrieked. He had spent all summer counting the days she was away. He knew.

“How long?” she firmly reiterated.

Sheepishly, head slightly bowed, he said, “Bout three months after the Sunnyhell scene.”

Buffy let out a laugh. It was a wry kind of sound. She shook her head.

“You’ve been back for months.”

He winced.

“I’ve been dealing with your death everyday and you’ve been back for ‘months’!”

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. She suspected he couldn’t deny it. He didn’t tell her he was alive, and he didn’t have a good reason either.

Fire flashing in her eyes, Buffy held up her right hand. “Don’t even try. You know what . . . I can’t do this right now. I . . . I need time to think.”

With that, Buffy stormed over to her sister. She grabbed Dawn’s hand. “Come on, let’s go,” she commanded.

Dawn wasn’t so compliant. “But-”

“We’re going!” Buffy insisted.

The teen looked back at Spike, giving him a message of how sorry she was.

“Buffy!” Spike pleaded.

She ignored him. A war was raging inside her and she couldn’t deal. Part of her begged for her to race right back and forgive him everything. Afterall, she had done far worse to him. But then again, she remembered all that time alone, pretending she was okay. Believing she was okay. But the pain had been buried inside her heart, despite the false happiness she had created. Those nights, reliving his death, and then seeing possible tragic outcomes dealing with a hot underworld.

No turning back. Just walk away.

Somehow she managed just that.

*****************************

Spike stared stunned.

She left?

What a git! He could have explained. He could have gotten her to hear him out. But no. He had to do the fish-mouth thing. Bloody hell.

“Spike?”

Spike’s eyes shifted. Somehow Willow and Faith had come over. They both had smiles on their faces, sympathetic and glad at the same time.

Willow caught him off guard by giving him a hug. When had the witch and he gotten so friendly? He thought back and couldn’t quite pin-point a time. Not that they’d ever disliked each other. Not even when he was evil.

Willow pulled back. “She’ll come around,” she assured him.

Faith punched him in the shoulder. Ow, he thought. That girl doesn’t know her own strength.

“Good to see you,” Faith commented. “There is one good thing about living in our world. It is full of surprises.”

Spike smiled at them both. He realized then that somehow he had developed friends. Was it his sacrifice that had done it? Or was it something else, something before? He didn’t know.

His smile faded after a moment, his gaze going back to where Buffy had left the scene. Figures. She was always running off when things got complicated.

**************************

Conner was greeted by his parents with open arms.

“We’re so glad to see you,” his dad said.

His mother gave him a kiss on the cheek. “We missed you.”

“So you aren’t disappointed then?” Conner asked.

His mother smiled. “Your father and I discussed things. If you were unhappy at Notre Dame then it is for the best that you left. All we want is for you to be happy.”

Conner hugged them both. “Thanks.”

He went to his room. It was exactly the way he had left it. He set the book bag down, and then plopped down on the bed. He gave a contented sigh. All thoughts of demons vanished from his mind.

He was home. With his normal family. In his perfect life. He intended to stay that way.

_____________________________________________

Chapter 14- I’m Back

Spike stood frozen for a long time. Finally he snapped himself out of it. He thrust the ancient scroll he had brought from the vampire’s lair into Gunn’s hand. The dark-skinned man looked down at it, not sure what it was exactly.

"Give that to Wes," Spike ordered.

After doing his duty, Spike walked away.

***************************

Even though Wolfram and Hart was under new management, and had supposedly become reformed, many people (and even some demons) shied away from the place in fright. Anya Jenkins walked right up to the front desk without any such worries. She didn’t even know about the modifications either. Which gives the impression of what type of woman she was. Besides being a ghost and ex demon, she was a confident female who was determined to get her way. She was willing to hand over any price to achieve it.

The receptionist seemed normal enough. She was an average looking brunette. Her hair was twisted upon her head and she wore glasses. She was busy typing something out on the computer.

"Excuse me," Anya said. "I need assistance. I seem to have become a ghost."

The receptionist didn’t make an acknowledgement of seeing or hearing her. Great. Even at an evil demon law firm she was invisible. Frustrated and angry, she went over to the waiting room. She slumped down in a green chair.

A television was on, broadcasting some soap opera. Days of Our Lives? It showed a couple involved in a steamy love scene. Anya sighed. She’d never have that again. Oh, Xander, how I miss thee.

Just then a demon with peeling flesh came over. He started to sit down exactly where she was.

"Hey! This seat is already occupied!" she shouted.

Disgusted, she stood up, going right through him. She shuddered. Totally weird. Chilling.

That was it. She couldn’t help it anymore. She began to cry. This was so unfair.

"Bleeding women. Never understand the bints."

Her head snapped to the side at the mutterings. Sure enough, there he was.

"Spike!?" Anya exclaimed.

The vampire halted. He spun around, trying to detect where the voice came from.

"Spike? Can you hear me?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Who’s there?"

"Anya! Oh, Spike, I’m so glad to see you!"

***************************
The Summers girls made it all the way to the hotel in silence. Every time Dawn was about to open her mouth she’d glance at her sister and keep it closed. She was in that ‘don’t mess with me’ moods.

Buffy headed to the front desk. They gave them room 321 and handed them the key.

The room was nice. Not as nice as before, though. Dawn didn’t get an adjoining room. The only thing separating their beds was a few drawers. She had to wonder if they were running out of money. Probably.

"This’ll do for the night," Buffy said.

Dawn couldn’t stand it anymore. She had the urge to slap Buffy at that moment.

"What the hell are you talking about!? One night!?" Dawn shouted.

"We’re leaving in the morning."

The answer was said simply, without feeling. Dawn noticed the hollowness in Buffy’s green eyes. Instead of slapping her, like she really wanted, she shook her instead.

"Buffy? What are you doing?" Dawn demanded. She let go then, and Buffy collapsed on the bed. The slayer put her face in her hands.

"I don’t know, Dawnie," Buffy muttered.

The teen sat down beside Buffy. She put an arm around her shoulders.

"Do you remember Riley?"

Buffy looked over, raising an eyebrow.

"All I mean," Dawn went on, "Is that . . . Do you regret not catching him before he got on that helicopter?"

"He’s happy. He’s married and -"
"Yeah, but right after it happened, did you regret not getting there sooner?"

Buffy bowed her head. "Yes."

"And do you think you’ll regret not talking to Spike?"

Buffy met Dawn’s eyes.

"Not just tomorrow. But a month from now? Two? A year?"

Buffy gave Dawn a wobbly smile. "I’d regret it forever." She gave her sister a crushing hug. "Thanks, Dawnie."

Buffy quickly stood up. She rushed to the door.

With a knowing grin, Dawn asked, "Where you going?"

"To go seize the day so I can‘t call myself a dope."

Dawn’s grin grew even larger.

*************************

Angel took Cordy home. He didn’t want to talk to her at the firm. He needed time alone with her. Well, not that they’d be completely alone.

"I have a surprise for you," Angel called to the invisible spirit.

Cordelia stepped into the apartment. She smiled, extending her arms. "Ta da! Cordy the magnificent is back!"

The vampire could just imagine the ghost’s response. He was probably jumping up and down with joy.

Angel and Cordelia made their way over to the table to sit down. A chair slid out all by itself. The seer sat down.

"Thanks, Dennis."

The two friends, and maybe something more, sat facing each other. There was a span of silence.

"Angel, what has happened? Why are you the head of an evil organization?" Cordelia managed to say it calmly.

"I know what I’m doing," Angel said.

"Do you?"

A darkened, brooding expression passed over Angel.

"I don’t see a man who knows what he is doing," Cordelia said. "I see a man who has lost his way and needs my help."

She reached out and took Angel’s hand. "That’s right, mister, I caught your little speech before. Cordy, I’ve lost the path. I need you. Wasn’t that it?"

Angel sighed. He squeezed her hand. "I do need you."

**************************

"Anya, luv, good to . . . Well, guess I can’t see you." Spike furrowed his brow. "Didn’t you die?"

Angel had given him an update on the Scooby gang. Spike was positive Anya was amongst the casualty list.

"Oh, yeah, I died. I’m a ghost and everything," Anya replied. "Which leads me to . . ."

Just then a certain slayer ran through the entrance doors of Wolfram and Hart.

"Buffy?" Anya said.

All Spike’s attention shifted to Buffy. She was a blur, throwing herself at him. She smashed her mouth to his. It had been so long. Spike had forgotten the fire her lips could ignite in his icy body. A small moan escaped her. That sound did wonders to certain nether regions.
Buffy pulled back.

"Buffy . . ."

She held a finger up to his lips.

Shyly, Buffy smiled. "I didn’t lie," she said. "Before, in the battle. . . I didn’t lie. I did love you. Maybe not the way you loved me . . . That came after. I fell in love with you, William. I kept thinking about you. Everything you are. Everything you do. I’m completely in love with you."

Spike couldn’t think straight. He racked his brain. He wasn’t smashed was he? No. He hadn’t had a drop all day. Which meant this was real. Buffy was actually in front of him, proclaiming true love.

"And that is why it hurt so much when I found out you didn’t tell me you were back. Why didn’t you? Don’t you want to be with me anymore?"

Spike found his voice. "Of course. I was . . . I was scared is all. I was scared you’d take it back. That you didn’t mean it after all."

"You always seem to know what you want. Me, I have a bit of trouble with that," Buffy said.

"I’ve noticed," Spike said.

"But there is one thing I am certain of at this moment. There is something I know that I can‘t let go of."

Spike took a step forward. He tilted his head to the side, studying her. "What’s that, luv?"

Buffy reached out and cupped the side of his face. Her green eyes went soft. Her voice was a whisper.

"You, Spike. I want you. Now and forever."

And then they were kissing again. The fire turned into an explosion. They didn’t stop for a LONG time. There was clapping.

Buffy looked around. People and demons were watching them, giving approval. She blushed at the attention.

"Is there somewhere private we can go?"

He took her hand. Their fingers locked together, shooting sparks.

"My place," Spike said.

***********************

Anya watched the couple leave. Damnit.

Spike had forgotten all about her due to the slayer smooch-fest. She stalked off after the vampire and slayer.

_______________________________________________