Title: Back Track
Author: Nebula
Chapter: 17 of ?
Pairings: B/S, X/A, W/T
Rating: PG-13, possibly R later
Time Period: Post 'Get it Done' to ...?
Summary: In the midst of war, Buffy finds she's not the only one
that wishes the last year would just make itself all better. It
can't be done, unfortunately. Or can it?
Disclaimer: Who wants to guess what I'm about to say? ~_^ Joss
said I could write, so I'm gonna write, dammit! LOL Of course,
none of the characters are mine. They all belong to Joss.
< --- >
Spike smiled over at Buffy, her hand still in his. He really,
really owed Xander one. The whelp had not only taken over patrol
for them, but he'd chipped in with the others to pay for dinner and
dessert.
Buffy stopped sipping and glanced at him. "What are you staring
at?" she asked, feeling self-conscious.
"You," he whispered, leaning forward.
Relieved that her hair wasn't coming undone, she leaned forward as
well, her lips so close to his...
Her cell chose that moment to ring. "Dammit," Spike growled, as
she pulled away from the kiss. He was even more irritated that she
had to pull her hand away from his to fish out the phone.
"Hello?" Buffy asked, the waiter coming their way with dessert
menus.
Spike was about to suggest that she tell whoever it was to call
her back at a MUCH later time when he saw her pale. "What? Xander,
what happened?"
Spike frowned, leaning forward in an attempt to hear what was
going on. Whatever it was, it was scaring her. "Buffy?" he
whispered, reaching for her hand.
She took it and grasped it tightly. "We'll be at the hospital in
a few minutes," she told Xander, her voice wavering.
Spike's eyes widened. Hospital?! Patrol couldn't have been that
dangerous, could it have?
She turned off the phone and closed her eyes, trying to calm
herself. "What happened?" he asked, her fear starting to gnaw at
him as well.
"We have to get to the hospital," was all she said, swallowing
down bile. Images of her sister rushed through her head, and she
hoped that none of them were realistic.
Spike nodded, shaking his head at the waiter when he held up the
dessert menu. The waiter merely bowed to them both as they hurried
out.
"No, no, no," Buffy repeated as Spike sped down the road.
"Might help if you told me exactly what happened," he said,
turning to her. He frowned. "Buffy?"
"Dawnie..." she whispered.
Okay, so wrong group of people. He'd been thinking something had
happened to Anya or Xander. He frowned, a new thought popping into
his head. Dawn had been going to the movies, but she hadn't been
going alone. "Is she okay?" he asked, pulling up to stop in front
of a red light.
"There..." Swallowed, tried again. "Xander said..."
"Red, Glinda, and Bit, I got that. What happened?"
"I don't know!" she yelled, her voice panicked. Her hands shook
as she covered her face, murmuring, "I don't know..."
Spike wrapped his arms around her, trying to calm them both
down. "They'll be fine, I promise," he said, in an attempt to
convince himself and her.
"The light's green," she mumbled, looking up through blurred
vision.
"Don't care. Not movin' 'till you've calmed down some."
She took a deep breath, then nodded. "I'm okay now. Let's get
moving to the hospital."
Spike nodded, placing a kiss on her forehead. He started moving
again, keeping her hand in his. He only needed one to drive, and
she looked like she could use all the reassurance she could get.
They arrived to find Xander and Anya sitting on chairs outside of
ER. "What happened?" Buffy asked, running towards them.
Xander started to reply, but stopped as Tara came out. She was
shaking, and she looked foggy. "Willow?" she asked.
Xander shook his head. "Not out yet. She'll be out in a bit,
don't worry. How's the head?"
"Hurts," she replied, edging towards the chairs. Spike and Xander
both helped her sit, then turned back to Buffy.
"Xander, tell me NOW," she said, her voice dangerously low.
He sighed, but Tara shook her head. "I'll tell. We were on the
way to the movies when we started going downhill. Dawn told Willow
to turn left, but Will couldn't slow down. The brakes were gone, as
in, she could press the pedal and it did nothing. We were headed
straight for a column of a parking garage, and Willow looked up too
late to swerve. We took it head on."
Buffy closed her eyes, trying to take deep breaths. Breathe in,
breathe out. Breathe in...
Spike pulled her down to one of the seats before she started
hyperventilating. "What else do you 'member?" Spike asked, rubbing
Buffy's arms. Her eyes were still closed.
"I woke up, saw the flashing lights. Willow was gone, and they
were pulling me from the vehicle. I-I tried to ask where the others
were, but they just kept saying they needed to get me to the
hospital. They were asking all these questions, and I couldn't
answer. I took my cell out and pressed speed-dial two, which was
Xander. Handed the phone to a medic, a-and passed out again."
"Are you okay?" Buffy asked quietly, turning to the witch.
Tara nodded. "Just banged up and worried more about the others."
"They'll be fine, I promise," Xander said, as Willow came out.
Tara tried to stand, but Spike gently pushed her back down.
A few stitches lay above her eye, and she was sporting a bruise on
her cheek. "Tara," she whispered, catching sight of her. Xander
stood by her side, ready to help if she fell, as she took a seat
next to Tara. The two embraced, not letting go.
"You okay, Wills?" Buffy asked. She was happy that the others
were okay, yes, but her sister still hadn't shown up. She shook
away the thoughts of her sister lying in a bed unconscious.
Willow nodded slowly. "Hurts, but they gave me aspirin to take
home." She cringed at the look of concern on her friend's
face. "I'm so sorry, Buffy. This is all my fault."
Buffy frowned, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I was driving, and I could've swerved, but I didn't..."
Buffy shook her head, standing. "This wasn't your fault. It
could've happened to anyone. Don't blame yourself for this, okay?"
Willow nodded, but she still looked miserable. Thoughts drifted
back to another accident involving Dawn. She looked down, unable to
look at Buffy.
But Buffy knew what she was thinking about. She knelt in front of
her friend and hugged her, before whispering in her ear, "It's
okay. This wasn't your fault. I forgave you for the first time,
remember?"
Willow sniffled. "I know. But..."
"No buts," Buffy said, pulling away. She smiled at her friend as
she said, "It's gone, over and done. Don't worry about it."
"Buffy?"
Buffy whipped her head around to see her sister standing, a cast
on her left wrist. The slayer jumped up and wrapped her arms around
her shaken sister, holding her close.
"You okay, Nibblet?" Spike asked, stepping forward. Dawn nodded,
glancing over at the two witches.
"They were in front; I was afraid something really bad had
happened to you guys," she said, wiping her eyes with her good hand.
Tara shook her head, smiling. "We're okay. A little drugged, but
okay."
"Dawnie, I'm so sorry," Willow said, gazing at the cast with
dread. Another thing she'd done wrong last year. She'd hurt the
younger Summers so much, when Dawn had trusted her completely.
Dawn looked at her, puzzled. "If it hadn't been for you, we'd be
dead by now! It's not like you broke the brakes."
Buffy turned to Xander and frowned at the look of revelation on
his face. "Xan?"
Anya stood, staring at her boyfriend. "Earth to Xander?"
Xander shook himself, coming out of his thoughts. "Sorry, just
thinking about something."
Spike raised his eyebrow at the young man. He looked calm, yet
rage was beginning to build inside. That much was visible.
Anya seemed to notice as well. "How about some ice cream? I
heard that it makes everyone feel better."
Buffy nodded, her arms wrapped around Dawn. "Lots of chocolate,"
Dawn suggested, still shaking slightly.
Spike gathered the two in his arms and guided them towards the
doors. Xander hurried to get a permission slip to clear out, his
mind swirling.
"Where's Xander?" Anya asked two hours later.
Buffy shrugged, taking another bite of her chocolate swirls. The
gang had gotten their ice-cream at the store, then headed back to
Buffy's for a little R and R.
Spike, Dawn, and Buffy were currently squeezed together on the
sofa, Dawn laying on Buffy's right shoulder. On Buffy's left sat
Spike, a mug of blood in front of him.
Tara and Willow were curled up on the floor, sharing ice cream.
Anya was pacing near the front door.
"He said he had to do something about the car," Willow said,
nudging against Tara. "Didn't really catch anything else."
"Well, he should've been back by now," Anya growled.
"You've got ice cream on your face," Dawn said, grinning at her
sister.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Would figure." She darted her tongue out
to catch the stray chocolate, but stopped as Spike leaned forward.
She closed her eyes as his tongue licked up the offending sweets,
and he smiled at the hazy expression on her face.
"Funny how I always walk in on something gushy with you two,"
Xander's voice said, causing them to turn. Though his tone had
suggested a joking matter, his face was grim.
"What happened with the car?" Spike asked, as Anya flung her arms
around her man.
Xander sighed, rubbing his forehead. "While they were talking, I
managed to creep under the car. Something Dawn said triggered an
idea, and I had to see it through. Sure enough, the brake lines
were tampered with."
Willow's eyes widened, but Xander wasn't finished. "Someone had
to know their braking system, because it was down to a meticulous
fashion that was timed just so. Basically, it was as if someone
knew what you were going to do, and made sure the brakes would give
out at the right minute."
"Who would be smart enough to know that or figure it out?" Dawn
asked, licking her spoon.
Buffy's surprised look disappeared. Her gaze hardened, the puzzle
pieces clicking together in her head. She set her bowl down and
stood, heading for her room.
"Where are you going?" Dawn asked, having just lost her lean-
against person.
"To find a geek," Buffy replied. Her tone was icy as she
continued on her way.
Spike and Willow both turned to Xander, who sighed. "That's about
who I figured it was," he said.
Spike jumped up, running after Buffy. He found her sorting
through her weapons chest, pulling out a nice blade. "Buffy, wait,"
he began, but she whirled on him, shoving him onto the bed. In her
other hand had been a stake, and Spike soon found himself staring at
the pointy end.
"Back the hell off," she hissed, turning back to her work. Spike
was quicker, slamming down the lid of the chest.
"I don't think you understood me," she started, but Spike shook
his head.
"Oh, I understood you loud and clear, Slayer. I'm not gonna let
you do this."
Her gaze turned deadly as she said, "And why not?"
"What good's it gonna do?" Spike yelled, getting brassed off.
"It'll make me feel a hell of a lot better," she said, taking the
sword in her hands. Spike knocked it from her grasp, causing her to
glare at him.
"Don't make me fight you on this, Buffy," he pleaded.
"Then get out of my way," was all she replied. She turned to the
door, Spike suddenly standing in her way.
She growled. "I'll fight him with no weapons, that's fine. I can
easily rip him to pieces with my bare hands."
"Why are you doing this?" he shouted, his fists clenched.
"Because he tried to kill her!!" she screamed at him. She calmed,
her voice dangerously soft. "Move aside, Spike. Or I swear to you,
I will kill you."
His eyes widened, hurt rushing across his face. He stepped to the
side, Buffy brushing past him.
She never made it out the door. With lightning speed he had her
pinned to the bed, a small gasp escaping her lips.
"Sorry luv, I can't let you," he said, as she fought against him.
Her eyes widened with realization. "You weren't hurt at all; you
planned this! You son of a..."
"Hey now, no name callin'," he said, pushing her against the
bed. "Don't say somethin' you're gonna regret later."
She apparently decided to not follow his advice as she
snapped, "What, you couldn't wait until the end of the year, so you
decided to force me down now?"
Spike paled, giving her the chance to throw him off. But Spike
was quicker.
Just as she was standing, he tackled Buffy to the floor and
pinched her neck. She cried out, then went slack.
Xander appeared in the doorway. "You knock her out?" he asked.
Spike said nothing, but nodded. "She didn't mean it," Xander said
quietly.
Spike glanced up, surprised. "What do you...?"
"I heard. Raced up after you, then hung back." Xander shook his
head at the bewildered vamp. "She's going to apologize a hundred
times over. I know she didn't mean it; she only said it to get
leverage so she could shove you off. Which, by the way, thank you
for stopping her."
"I know why she said it," Spike answered, his voice soft. "That's
why I was ready for her when she jumped. Still hurts, though."
He felt a hand pat his back, in an attempt to comfort him. "I
know. Let's get her up, shall we?"
Chapter 18:
< --- >
Buffy awoke to a familiar arm wrapped around hers. She smiled,
burying herself in its embrace. Well, she supposed that not chasing
after Warren last night had given her more time to be with Spike.
Wait. She frowned. What had happened last night? She'd gone
upstairs to get a weapon, Spike had stopped her, she'd...she froze.
She'd tried to stake him. She shook herself, continuing down the
memory lane.
They'd fought, and she'd threatened to kill him. Then, he'd tried
to save her again by pulling her down to the bed. She'd been
fighting him, trying to enact revenge on Warren, and the perfect
line had come in to her head.
She closed her eyes. She hadn't said those things, had she? But
she had.
And he was still here. He hadn't left. She turned to see his
sleeping form still hugging her. The very thing she'd tried to
escape from last year had gone into play again. She'd hurt him, and
he'd only been trying to save her from herself. Again.
She shuddered, slipping out of his grasp. The clock read a few
minutes to six, but she didn't care. Making sure the blinds were
pulled down, she headed downstairs to sit on the back porch.
She put her head in her hands, willing the images away. Images of
a dark alley, a fist pummeling into a face. A male face. Spike's
face.
The hands are small, but they hurt almost as much as the words
do. Female hands. Her hands.
"He should hate me," she whispered to no one in particular. Why
he didn't was a mystery to her.
He also should've left. Given up on her like every other male in
her life seemed to do. But he didn't. He stuck with her through
good times and bad.
"I'm so sorry, Spike," she said, rubbing at her eyes. Stupid
tears. Her head began to ache as she thought back to a crypt
shrouded with lies and lust. Despair when she told him it was
over.
She shuddered, thinking of the bathroom incident. Though she
wouldn't admit it, she'd been truly frightened. Frightened that
she'd really pushed him too far. Hands groping everywhere,
desperation in his eyes, and no, that really hurt, Spike, please,
I'm sorry...
A voice called to her, as she gazed at the black void in front of
her. She frowned, trying to place the words from the voice. Hold
on...don't go...be all right... All in English, yet they seemed
like a foreign tongue.
She felt like she was being pulled apart, shaking, torn towards
the void that wanted to claim her, then to the voice. Come back...
it whispered. Please...come back...
She looked at the blackness with its open arms, ready to take
her. But she'd heard the urgency in the voice. It called to her,
as if to say it cared about her, and wanted her to come back. She
couldn't go down. The blackness wouldn't take her.
She struggled against it, fighting to find the voice. Come back
to me...
Buffy gasped as she pulled out and found herself staring at the
backyard. Her nose hurt, and she couldn't stop shivering. She also
had a pair of arms around her.
"Shhh, you're all right," she heard the voice murmur in her
ear. "You're back. I've got you."
He was the voice. He was the one that had pulled her away, and
had saved her again. She whimpered, curling up in his arms as he
continued to calm her.
He crooked his finger under her chin, glancing at her
face. "You're bleedin'," he said, frowning.
"I am?" she asked, as a drop of liquid touched her mouth.
Coppery, tangy taste. Yup, she had a nose bleed. No wonder it hurt.
"I'll get you a Kleenex," he offered, but Buffy tugged him back
down.
"Just stay with me; it'll heal. Please," she begged, holding him
tight. "Don't go. Spike, please, don't leave me..."
"Hey, shhh, calm down," he whispered, rubbing circles on her
back. "Not goin' anywhere. Don't fret, luv. I'm not leavin'."
Her eyes closed as she mumbled, "You should."
He frowned. Now that one made no sense. "I should?"
He felt her nod against his shirt. "And why?" he asked, frowning.
More mumbling into his shirt; this time, he didn't catch
them. "What?"
"Don't deserve you," she repeated, not looking at
him. "Especially after last night."
Spike sighed. "It's ok..."
"No, it's not," she said, finally daring to look up at him. "You
were only trying to help, and I hurt you. Again."
"Just let it go," he said gently, but she shook her head furiously.
"How can you say that? I threatened to kill you." Her mind raced
back to the night before, her glaring down at him with something
akin to hatred. She began to shiver again, and winced as pain
rocketed through her skull.
"Hey, hey, no more," Spike said, worry etching his
forehead. "It's over and done."
She shook her head, wiping away tears. "It's not that easy," she
said, her voice shaking from the shivers. "I did that to you, twice
now. I couldn't believe you were still here this morning,
after...after I..." She whimpered, clutching her head. Darkness
loomed in front of her again, but this time, something was
different. Somehow she knew this was the end.
Buffy shivered violently, gazing down at the depths. No! She
wanted to be back with Spike! She began to climb out again, the
voice telling her to hold on, but suddenly she slipped backwards.
More then one voice chorused for her to not let go, but she couldn't
help it.
She fell back into the darkness, the battle lost.
"No! Buffy, don't you dare give up on me!!" Spike shouted, as her
body began to shake uncontrollably.
"What's going on?" Dawn asked, as Willow dashed into the kitchen.
Spike whimpered as Willow pulled Buffy from his arms. "Tara, get
the yellow vial upstairs," she ordered, turning to Spike. Tears ran
down his face as he stared at his slayer.
"Dawn?" Willow asked, gesturing towards Spike. Dawn nodded and
crossed over to her friend.
"She's gonna be okay, I promise," Dawn said, as Willow carried
Buffy upstairs. "Just stay with me, okay?"
Buffy had asked the same thing. A desperate voice, begging to not
be left alone again, like so many times before. And that was when
he cracked.
Spike, slayer of slayers, broke down and cried in a teenager's
arms.
Xander and Anya had arrived fifteen minutes later, taking one look
at Spike and demanding to know what had happened. Spike had
explained as best he could, and Tara came down to fill in the gaps.
The gang was currently seated in the living room. All, save
Willow, who was still upstairs with Buffy.
"She'll be okay, Spike," Xander said, in an attempt to calm the
vampire. "She's pulled through worse. She'll do it again."
"Wasn't your fault, though," Spike mumbled, looking down at the
floor.
Dawn rolled her eyes. "Please, Spike, give it a rest! It wasn't
your fault. How were you supposed to know my sister would black out
on you?"
He shook his head. "She got upset, and I pushed her to it. It's
all my fault," he muttered, then winced. Okay, who had just shoved
the daggers through his head? He brushed it off and realized what
he'd said. Pushed her to it. Like last year? Maybe she'd been
right. He'd tried to force himself on her, and...
"Grab him," Xander ordered, jumping up just in time to catch Spike
as he fell towards the floor.
"Ow. No, I'm okay," Spike said, shuddering. "That wasn't fun."
"Are you okay?" Dawn asked.
Xander stood, shocked. "You pulled out."
Spike frowned. "Yeah, pulled away from it."
"That weird thing that was trying to swallow you?" Tara asked.
Spike nodded, frowning at Xander. He could literally see the
gears turning in Xander's head as he worked something
out. "Concentrate hard enough and I can, yeah," Spike said.
Xander stared at him, before running to the stairs. "Hello?" he
called down at Spike. "Are you coming?"
"Why?" Spike asked, puzzled.
Xander grinned. "Because you're gonna get her back."
"Explain this again," Willow said, sounding exasperated.
"Spike talks to Buffy and pulls her out. You did it with Sweet,
you can do it now."
Spike shook his head. "Hey, it's not like you've got anything to
lose," Xander pointed out.
Spike glanced over at the bed that held his shivering lover. "I
know," he said quietly. "I know."
Slowly he knelt by the bedside, reaching out to take her hand in
his. Just last night, in the restaurant, he'd done the same thing.
It hadn't even been twenty-four hours, and so much had changed.
"Hey you," he said softly, smiling at her. "I know you're in
there. From my own experience, I bet you can hear me, too. If you
can, you need to come back, Buffy. Come back to us."
No response. "Keep trying," Willow urged, and he sighed.
"I'm not the only one that wants you here," Spike said, rubbing
his thumb over her hand. "Harris, Red, Nibblet, Glinda, and Anya,
they all want you back." He leaned forward and whispered, "Not as
much as I do."
When nothing happened, he closed his eyes. He could sense the
others leaving him and Buffy alone. Her tiny hand felt so cold and
weak in his, and it trembled horribly.
"C'mon pet," he said, opening his eyes. "Come back. Please," he
pleaded, tears gathering once more.
Nothing. "Dammit Buffy, if you make me cry again..."
Still nothing. "Buffy, please," he whimpered, his head leaning
against her hand. "Please, come back. Last night wasn't your
fault, you know," he said suddenly, looking up at her. "It wasn't.
You were upset, and..."
He sighed. "Okay, it was," he admitted. "But that doesn't mean I
don't love you any less. I'm not makin' excuses anymore. It was
wrong, but I'm not goin' anywhere. I love you too much."
Her shaking continued as tears trickled down his cheeks. "I
forgive you," he whispered, closing his eyes.
He quickly opened them, however, when he felt her jerk, then stop
shaking. "Buffy?" he called softly.
"Spike?" Her voice was disoriented, as if she were drugged.
Spike smiled, wiping the tears away. "I'm here, luv, I'm here."
He clasped both hands around hers and whispered, "And I don't intend
on bein' anywhere but here."
She smiled weakly. "Missed you," she said, her voice hoarse.
"Missed you too," he said, rubbing her hand.
"You brought me back," she murmured. "I had to get back to you.
I fought my way back."
"Then I did my job. I brought my girl home," he said, tears of
joy pooling in his eyes.
Buffy brushed them away, still shaking slightly. "Spike, I'm..."
"I know," he shushed, "and it's okay. I forgive you."
Her eyes closed with relief. "So we're okay?"
"Better then okay," Spike whispered, kissing her forehead. "I
love you."
"I love you too."
From the doorway, Willow and Xander smiled at the two. "They're
so sweet," Willow grinned.
Xander nodded. "Yeah, they are. Okay, the geeks are coming over
when?"
Chapter: 19 of ?
Pairings: B/S, X/A, W/T
Rating: PG-13, possibly R later
Time Period: Post 'Get it Done' to ...?
Summary: In the midst of war, Buffy finds she's not the only one
that wishes the last year would just make itself all better. It
can't be done, unfortunately. Or can it?
Disclaimer: Who wants to guess what I'm about to say? ~_^ Joss
said I could write, so I'm gonna write, dammit! LOL Of course,
none of the characters are mine. They all belong to Joss.
NN: I'm SO sorry it's taken this long for the next chapter! :(
However, I've returned with an extra long chapter to hopefully make
up for it. The next chapter should be out Thursday or Friday. Hope
you enjoy!
< --- >
Jonathan and Andrew came over around noon, to help with research
and explaining what they knew about Warren.
"He's creepy, as in psycho," Jonathan said, shaking his
head. "You don't wanna get near him. Trust me."
"We don't have a choice," Xander said. "He's already hurt people;
any ideas on what he's gonna do next?"
Andrew shrugged. "Warren just spontaneously has these brilliant
thoughts. It's kinda cool."
All eyes turned to glare at him. "In an evil way," he squeaked
out.
Willow shook her head. "Jonathan, you can help me and Tara with
some location spells. We want eyes on Warren at all times. Andrew,
head off with Dawn and Xander for research."
"What happened to your arm?" Andrew asked Dawn, as they stood to
split up.
"Car accident. Someone tampered with the brakes."
Jonathan froze. "It was him, wasn't it?"
Willow nodded. "I'm so sorry," Jonathan said, cringing.
"It wasn't your fault," Xander said, as Willow smiled and thanked
him. "You didn't know Warren was gonna go postal, did you?"
Jonathan shook his head. "We knew that eventually he wanted to
try and take down the Slayer, but I thought he meant a battle. Just
to see who won. That's what he made it sound like. But the way
he's been acting means he wants revenge and war. He's going for
blood."
"So are we," Willow said, her eyes blazing. "Trust me."
"Where is Buffy, anyways?" he asked.
Just then, Spike poked his head out of the basement. "She's
back?" he asked eagerly.
The Scoobies shook their heads, giving Spike sympathetic glances
as his face dropped.
"She left a little after she woke up, which was shortly before you
guys got here," Tara explained.
Spike traipsed out to the back porch, Willow right behind
him. "You okay, sweetie?" she asked, taking a seat next to him.
The noon sun hung above them, and the house shaded them.
He sighed. "Said she just needed to work things over. I forgave
her; what more does she need to work out?"
"She has to forgive herself, too," Willow said gently.
Spike blinked. He hadn't thought about that. "Give her a little
time," she suggested. "It took her a long time to come to grips
with what she'd done to you last year. Well, the year the first
time around. You know what I mean."
He nodded. "I know." He turned to face her, and asked, "She was
really that upset?"
"It was pretty bad for a time," she admitted. "From what Xander
tells me. She was afraid you weren't coming back, and that she
wouldn't be able to tell you she was sorry, and that she cared about
you. She was an emotional wreck for awhile."
Spike's eyes widened. "She was?"
Willow nodded. "Yeah. And I know that one of the reasons she
wanted to take the year again was so she didn't hurt you again, like
she had in the alley. And then last night she did. All over again."
He couldn't find anything to say to that, so he chose to remain
silent. Willow was for a few moments as well, before she
said, "I...I think she's going to be afraid of doing anything
intimate for awhile."
He turned, amused by the blush on her face. "We weren't THAT
intimate, Willow," he said softly. "Not yet."
Willow swallowed. He must've been really concerned to call her by
her first name. "I know that, because I can sleep through the
nights without hearing thumping," she said, giggling at the look of
annoyance he portrayed.
"You're a bloody comedian," he muttered, before he sighed, his
features serious once more. "I know what you mean. She's gonna be
scared that she'll be doin' the same thing again."
"That'll she hurt you again," Willow said, nodding. "I thought
I'd just give you a heads up, so you didn't feel hurt when and even
if she does it."
Spike rolled his eyes. "I'm such a bleedin' fool. A bleedin'
fool for love," he chuckled bitterly.
"She still loves you."
"I know, Red. And I still love her."
"Just give it time, Spike."
He nodded, the only indication that he'd heard her. Willow closed
her eyes and stood, turning to head back into the kitchen. "Don't
give up on her," she advised quietly, before she disappeared back
into the house.
"Don't intend to," he replied to the air, before sighing. She
could take care of herself, but that didn't mean he couldn't worry.
With one last look around the yard, Spike headed into the house
after Willow.
It was around three in the morning when Spike felt the mattress
move. He shook himself awake just in time to see a certain blonde
lay down next to him. He also noticed that she wasn't touching
him. "Buffy?"
She stiffened. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"Never really fell asleep. Just drifted a few times. Been
waitin' for you."
"Why?"
He fought back the sigh. "Can I get closer?"
"I wasn't sure if you even wanted me to touch you anymore," she
said, her voice full of surprise.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, until she was
laying against him. "I always want you," he murmured. "One fight
doesn't change that. Never has, never will. I love you, you know."
He felt her relax. "I know. You know that I love you too, right?"
He chuckled. "Somethin' I'm not bound to forget any time soon,
trust me."
"Good. I really am sorry about..."
"Over and done, forgiven and forgotten, luv," he whispered. "Time
to let it go."
She sighed. "Okay. And the next time I act like that, you have
full permission to smack me."
"Like this?" he said, leaning around to kiss her cheek. She
giggled.
"Or like this?" he grinned, bending down to her neck.
Buffy rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless as he placed kisses
down her throat. "Not exactly what I had in mind, but I'm not
arguing." She turned to face him, her smile disappearing. "I did
it all over again," she said, her voice low.
"Don't make yourself sick again," Spike warned. "Spent enough
time worried today, thankyouVERYmuch."
Buffy smiled sadly. "I know. Besides, I don't think I could do
that again, even if I wanted to. I think I overcame it."
He frowned slightly. "And you figure this how?"
She gave him a look. "With the guilt trip I put myself on after I
left? Trust me; I'm not wandering down to the depths any time soon."
Spike's smile widened until Buffy thought his face was going to
crack. "No more headaches for you?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Good," he whispered, placing a kiss on her lips. They lingered
for a few moments, before he pulled away and said, "Don't want you
to see you hurt anymore."
"That makes two of us," she grinned, pulling him down for another
kiss.
The next day, Buffy came down to find Jonathan and Andrew coming
in with Xander.
"What exactly were Warren's next plans?" she asked, smiling at
Xander.
Xander returned the smile as Andrew began to explain. "We stole
the diamond so we could make an invisibility gun. We never got the
chance to test it."
Buffy's eyes widened. "Where is it?"
"Warren's house in the lair, most likely," Jonathan informed her.
Buffy headed into the living room and plopped down on the sofa
with a sigh. Now how did she deal with it? "Anything useful you
can tell me is greatly appreciated," she told the two geeks.
"Well, Warren..." Jonathan glanced down at the carpet
guiltily. "WE thought we could enter a bank or something if we were
invisible," he amended, looking ashamed.
"Over and done," Willow assured him, coming in from the
kitchen. "You're in time for breakfast; you want pancakes?"
Jonathan and Andrew both nodded eagerly. "Did you need any help?"
Jonathan asked, rising. He turned back to Buffy, gesturing towards
Andrew. "He knows more then I do. I'll tell you everything I can."
"Thank you," Buffy said sincerely, smiling. "Go eat. We can talk
afterwards." The two nodded and headed to help Willow.
Just then, Spike and Dawn came down the stairs. "Ooh! Willow and
Tara are making breakfast," Dawn said, licking her lips. She dashed
into the kitchen, sliding on her slippery socks.
Spike chuckled at her. "Gonna hurt herself with those stupid
socks," he said, nodding his hello at Xander. "Anya at the shop?"
Xander rolled his eyes. "She said something about the catering
menus being delivered this morning, and she didn't want to miss
them. I'm grabbing breakfast, dropping Dawn at school, and heading
to work."
"Busy day," Spike smirked, taking a seat next to Buffy.
Instinctively she shied away from his touch.
He frowned at her, slightly hurt. "Sorry; knee-jerk response to
the emotions right now," she apologized, scooting back towards him.
"Just let it go," he said gently, kissing the top of her head.
Xander mock-glared at the two. Each and every time, he ended up
stuck with their mushiness. As much as he hated to admit it,
though, he didn't mind. He was happy for them both. They deserved
a little happiness.
He was about to voice his opinions when there was a knock on the
door. "Expecting company?" Xander asked, racking his brain. This
was familiar...
"I don't think so," Buffy said, standing. She frowned as she
crossed over to the door, peering through. Her face paled and she
swallowed. THIS again.
Spike and Xander both noticed her obvious discomfort, and were
about to ask when she opened the door. A middle-aged woman stood,
peering through her spectacles disapprovingly. "Ms. Summers?" she
rasped.
"That would be me," Buffy said, feigning a smile. Okay, no
invisibility on your side. Charm your way through this one.
"I'm Doris Kroger, from Social Services? We had an appointment to
talk today concerning your sister."
"Of course; please, come in," Buffy said, opening the door wider
to let Doris in. Once Doris' back was to Buffy, however, Buffy's
face changed from calm to panicked. 'Help me!' she mouthed
frantically to Spike.
He nodded ever so slightly as Doris narrowed her gaze at him and
Xander. "Who would these two be?"
"Alexander Harris, good friend of Buffy's for years," Xander said,
offering her a warm smile and his hand. They shook, and Xander
explained, "I'm waiting to take Dawn to school. Also, if you need a
reference concerning Buffy or Dawn, please don't hesitate to call me
up." With one final nod to Doris, he headed into the kitchen.
Doris turned to Spike. "And you?"
Before Buffy had a chance to say anything, Spike smiled broadly
and stepped forward, offering her his hand as well. "I would be
William, Buffy's boyfriend." His accent was no longer cocky, but
that of a Victorian gentleman. "I do live with Buffy, and I watch
out for Dawn like she was my own sister. They're both wonderful
women, let me assure you." He smiled at Buffy. "My sun rises and
sets on them."
Buffy blushed, smiling and looking down at the carpet. He could
be an absolute sweetheart when he wanted to be. His speech was also
much better then the one from the previous year had been. She
almost shuddered at how well THAT interview had gone.
Doris nodded approvingly. "Is there anything I can get you?"
Buffy asked nervously, gesturing towards a chair. Calm down,
Buffy. You can do this. Just breathe.
Doris shook her head, taking a seat across from Buffy. "Just a
few answers, that's all. Ms. Summers, besides your boyfriend, does
anyone else live here?"
Buffy nodded. "My friends Willow and Tara live here as well."
Willow chose that moment to poke her head into the room. "Did
someone call me?"
"Willow, this is Doris Kroger," Buffy said, sending her friend a
message with her eyes.
Willow slowly nodded, remembering. "Ms. Kroger, it's a pleasure,"
she said, smiling. "I would come and introduce myself properly, but
I'm in the middle of making pancakes. If there's anything you need
to know, please feel free to ask me. Oh, you can ask Tara too.
She's a very reliable person and a good friend."
"Thank you Willow, I may just do that. Where is your sister, Ms.
Summers?"
This was it, the moment of truth. "Dawn, could you come here for
a moment?" Buffy called shakily, mentally crossing her fingers.
A few seconds later, Dawn hurried in. "Oh, we have company?
Didn't know," she said, licking the syrup from her lips.
"This is Ms. Kroger, from Social Services," Buffy explained,
swallowing.
Dawn's smile immediately disappeared. "She's not here to take me
away, is she?"
"I think it's just an interview," Buffy started, but her sister
had already hurried towards Doris.
"You can't take me, not when I want to be here," Dawn said, her
voice going high. "I want to be here, I love living here! I love
my sister, and everyone here. If you take that away, we'll sue you."
Buffy cringed, her head dropping. In the kitchen, the gang was
slapping their foreheads.
"Just a tad overenthusiastic there, Nibblet," Spike said, wincing.
"I don't care! She can't take me!" Dawn cried, her motions
becoming frantic.
Doris stood, interrupting Dawn's tirade. "I've seen enough," she
announced. Buffy's heart stopped. Doris had said the exact same
thing, with the exact same tone, the first time around. No, they
couldn't take her. She'd have to go to court, to beg and plead with
the judge, only to helplessly watch as they dragged her baby sister
away...
"Dawn is in excellent care, and couldn't be better suited. She's
happy here, obviously, and I will tell my peers that there's no
reason to investigate further. Thank you for your time ladies."
Buffy stared for a few moments, before standing. "Thank you,"
Dawn grinned, before frowning slightly. "Uh, sorry I threatened to
sue you. I didn't mean that."
Doris made no reply, but merely allowed Buffy to open the door for
her. With one last nod, Doris disappeared, never to be seen again.
"We did it!" Willow cheered. "That deserves extra pancakes."
"Some with funny shapes," Tara added, hurrying to get the cookie
cutters.
"Luv?" Spike asked, beginning to worry. Buffy had said nothing
since Doris had made her decision. Since his Slayer wasn't jumping
up and down, something was wrong.
She leaned her back against the door, not replying. "Buffy?"
Spike asked again, taking a step towards her. "She's gone, Buffy.
You passed her lil' exam. They're not gonna take Dawn."
Spike was stunned as he watched Buffy stifle a sob, sliding down
to the floor. She wrapped her arms around herself, sobs wracking
her body.
The others came out to see what was going on, but Spike ushered
them back. He hurried to her side, kneeling next to her and
enveloping her in his arms. She leaned into him and continued to
cry hysterically as he rocked her back and forth.
"Shhh, it's all right," he soothed. "She's not comin' back. It's
over."
"Sh-She said the same thing before," she hiccuped, no one but
Spike hearing her. "A-And they were gonna take h-her..."
She closed her eyes, gasping for air. "They're not gonna take
her," Spike said gently but firmly. "It's over. Done. Never gonna
happen 'gain. Promise."
As he continued to calm her, Jonathan watched from the kitchen,
his guilt increasing. They'd only been busy thinking how they were
going to get rich, not once thinking about the people they could
hurt along the way. Seeing Buffy in tears opened his eyes to the
truth: Warren was dangerous, and should be stopped at any cost.
Xander had headed off with Dawn to school, with Dawn hugging her
sister until the last minute. Willow and Tara had ushered the boys
back into the kitchen, leaving Spike with Buffy.
Spike had managed to convince her to take a shower, which he hoped
would help clear her mind. He now sat on her bed, waiting for her.
She made her entrance just then, glistening from the shower, a
robe wrapped around her. "Feel any better?" he asked softly.
She sighed. "Yeah. Sorry I shorted out on you guys."
"Don't give it a second thought," he assured her. "You were
dealin' with a lot of stress. Everybody has a melt-
down 'ventually." He offered her his open arms, which she readily
climbed into.
The two sat that way for awhile, the smell of breakfast creeping
upstairs. They didn't give it any thought, however, as she lay in
his embrace, his fingers combing through her soaked tresses.
"What do we do next?" Spike asked her.
"Find Warren," Buffy said, her eyes gleaming.
"Buffy..." he said, a warning tone in his voice.
She rolled her eyes, sitting up. "I'm not gonna kill him. Yet.
We need to find the gun before he does something with it. Something
stupid. I should head over to his place and see if I can take the
gun myself." Her eyes flashed as she said calmly, "If Warren
happens to get in my way, that's not my problem."
Spike swallowed. A brassed off Slayer was a dangerous
Slayer. "Buffy, please, listen to me," he said, taking her by the
arms and holding her out in front of him. "Don't go after him. Not
right now. You're liable to do somethin' you're gonna regret.
Please," he pleaded.
Buffy's stony gaze betrayed none of the thoughts in her
head. "Fine," she finally said, sighing. "I won't go."
"Thank you," Spike said enthusiastically, giving her one last
hug. "Get dressed, and we'll see if Bit left us anythin' to eat."
Buffy grinned. "Knowing my sister? Probably not."
He stood and headed for the door, then stopped, looking back at
her. "Promise?"
"I promise not to go hunt Warren," Buffy said, holding her right
hand up in a pledge.
Her left hand didn't have crossed fingers, so Spike nodded and
headed out.
"At least not until tonight," she whispered, once he'd gone. She
went over and closed the door, searching for the perfect outfit.
Something she could fight in, too. She could sneak out around
eight, her excuse being patrol, and then head over to Warren and rip
his head off. Her eyes blazed. How dare he hurt her friends and
her baby sister. She could've died. Buffy had to make him pay, and
she had to do it alone.
She wasn't going to, however. Spike hadn't been two steps away
from her door when he'd heard her whisper. His eyes had widened,
fear etched on his features. She was going to try and kill Warren.
Warren had guns, and could possibly overcome her and kill her. She
would more likely succeed and break the promise to herself of never
slaying a human. She would destroy herself if she went against
Warren.
That is, 'if' she went against him at all. Which he wouldn't
allow. Nodding to himself grimly, Spike headed down for breakfast.
Breakfast, lunch, and finally dinner passed without a care. Spike
had whispered to Willow what Buffy's intent was, and the witch had
agreed to help keep her in the house. What he didn't tell her were
his own plans.
As Buffy helped Willow clear the table, Spike collected his coat
and quietly slipped out the front door. He hurried down the street
to Warren's, hoping to get there before a certain blonde did. He
knew she'd eventually notice what Willow was doing, or very easily
give the witch the slip, so he had no time to lose. The sooner he
accomplished his task, the sooner Buffy wouldn't have any excuse to
chase after Warren. At least, not anytime soon.
He opened the door to the basement and crept downstairs. On the
table, illuminated in light, lay the invisibility gun. He began
making a mental checklist as he stepped towards the weapon. Grab
gun, take out diamond, pocket diamond to return to museum, dismantle
it beyond repairs, and then take the metal to...
Something hard and heavy came down on Spike's skull. With a small
grunt he fell to the ground, his vision full of stars.
"Oh, sorry about that," Warren's voice said sarcastically. "I
just wanted to make sure the Slayer got my message."
"Don't worry, I'll tell her," Spike started, but the tip of a gun
against his neck stopped him.
He heard Warren chuckle. "Obviously, the gun's not full of
bullets. What good would that do anyone? And the gun is actually a
water pistol, by the way."
Mentally Spike was kicking himself. He should have seen this
coming. He should've sensed Warren, but he'd been so intent on
getting rid of the gun that he hadn't even noticed Warren hiding in
the corner. He was a bloody idiot.
"Get up," Warren ordered, pulling the vampire to his feet.
Keeping the gun leveled at Spike's chest, he turned the vamp around
to face the table. He shoved Spike's head down, a small thud heard
as his head slammed against the wood. Spike cringed, pain shooting
through his skull.
As rope was wrapped around his wrists, a voice hissed in his
ear, "Now we'll catch her attention."
Chapter 20:
< --- >
"Where is he?"
Xander jumped slightly at the anger in Buffy's tone. "Uh, please
don't hurt me," he squeaked out, holding his hands up in surrender.
Buffy wasn't amused. "Where's Spike?" she demanded again.
Dawn rushed in. "His jacket's gone. His boots are, too."
"Dammit! What the hell was he thinking?!" Buffy yelled.
Willow winced from the doorway. "Calm down, Buffy, please. Just
sit down and we'll think about this. With less screaming."
Buffy sighed and plopped down next to Xander, miserable and
worried. "He didn't even say where he was going. That's so unlike
Spike. He could be..." She shut her eyes, not even wanting to
think about the possibilities.
A pat on her shoulder had her looking up. "He'll be okay," Xander
assured her. "Trust me; Spike's good at getting himself into
messes, but he can just as easily get out of them, too."
The words were barely out of his mouth when the phone rang. Buffy
jumped and grabbed it. "Hello?" she snapped into the receiver.
Xander watched as she paled three colors. "If you do anything..."
she hissed. She stopped once more, but Xander couldn't figure out
what was being said on the other side.
"Where are you? Warren, I swear to you..." Xander and Willow
exchanged glances. Warren? And Spike missing? Way too much of a
coincidence.
Buffy managed to reply through gritted teeth, "Yes, we'll wait
right by the phone. Okay? Happy now?"
She listened a little more, then slammed the phone
down. "Dammit!" she swore, her eyes flashing with rage and
panic. "He's got Spike. We're supposed to listen for the phone so
he can tell us what to do."
"W-We'll just wait for his next instructions," Tara started, but
Buffy was already heading for weapons.
"Tara, you guys wait for his next message. Willow, Xander, we're
leaving."
"Wait!" Dawn yelled, hurrying up to her sister. "Is Spike okay?
How do you know where to go?"
Buffy tried to calm herself. "I could hear Spike in the
background, telling me not to listen. I also heard that annoying
loudspeaker, down by the arcade?"
She yanked the door open, her sister watching her
fearfully. "Warren's snapped the last straw," Buffy growled. "He
pays now."
Spike kept his eye on Warren, warily watching the young man. He
was bloody insane, that much was certain.
The two were situated in some sort of arcade, and Warren was going
on and on about what he was going to do Buffy when he won.
"...and then I'll have her sign a document in her blood, admitting
me as the best! Then, I'll take over Sunnydale," he cackled,
gripping the invisibility gun tighter. "Maybe even start my own
harem. Bet the Slayer would be good."
Spike's face registered with shock, before he snarled, his eyes
glittering gold. "Go ahead and try," he hissed, the chip firing in
his head. He ignored it, rage building inside him. How dare this
sniveling worm think about touching her?!
He fell to the ground, a bruise forming on his cheek. He could
hear Warren giggling hysterically behind him. Tears of frustration
rose in his eyes. A human was able to do this to him, and he could
nothing. Nothing. The Initiative had left him helpless.
"I wouldn't recommend doing that again," Warren sneered.
"And I wouldn't recommend doing that again," an icy tone said to
their left. Spike looked up, emotions warring within him. Buffy
had come to put a stop to Warren and his insanity, but she was right
where Warren wanted her.
Warren glared at the Slayer. "You were supposed to wait! How did
you find me?!"
"Please, Warren," Willow said, rolling her eyes. "You were easy
to find. For someone who's supposed to be so smart..."
Warren snapped. He grabbed Spike by the collar of his shirt and
hauled him up. Pressing the invisibility gun to the vampire's neck,
Warren grinned wickedly. "I've done several tests with this, and
I've found that at a high enough intensity, this gun can render the
object invisible, then turn them to mush. I bet that would get rid
of vampires, too."
Buffy's eyes widened with alarm. First, trying to take her
sister's life, now Spike? Absolutely not.
With a battle cry she leapt at him. Xander, anticipating her
move, grabbed his dagger and flung it at Warren's feet.
Warren yelped, jumping backwards away from Buffy and the knife.
He pulled the trigger for the gun, but he'd backed away enough that
the thing he hit was a pinball machine, and not Spike.
Buffy knocked the gun from his hands, Willow scooping it up. The
Slayer then began to pummel Warren, as he fought back as best he
could.
He managed to get his leg under her and kicked her off right into
Spike and Xander, who were hurrying to help. The three fell to the
floor, as Warren took off for the back door. He ran and didn't look
back.
The three untangled themselves with Willow's help. Once they were
standing, however, Buffy launched herself into Spike's arms. "I'm
sorry," she whispered brokenly. "If I hadn't been so gung-ho about
going after Warren, you wouldn't have gone to stop him yourself."
She pulled back, sniffling. "And if you ever do that again," she
said, smacking him lightly on the arm, "I will dust you myself."
Spike smiled at her, cupping her face in his hands. "Got it.
Trust me, won't be doin' that anytime soon. I just didn't want you
gettin' hurt, that's all."
"You're supposed be evil, remember that," Buffy scolded,
nonetheless smiling back.
He chuckled, enfolding her in his embrace. "I know." His eyes
widened slightly as he realized something.
Buffy looked up, frowning slightly. "What's wrong?"
He glanced down at her, tears shining in his eyes. "You came for
me again," he whispered.
"Always will," she whispered back, thinking back to a dark cave
with a shattered vampire hanging from the wall. Hope and joy
flickering in his eyes as she rescued him and took him home.
The four headed back to the house, a vampire and an invisibility
gun added to their arsenal.
After the Warren escapade, Buffy was with Spike whenever she
could. She would spontaneously wrap her arms around him, kiss him,
then wander off again. She'd usually head right over to her sister
and hug her. If it hadn't been for Warren, the gang would've
thought she'd been sniffing the Sharpie markers for too long.
Andrew was becoming quite the researcher, from years of writing
papers in school. He knew a little magic, but that was more
Jonathan's field.
Jonathan himself was doing quite well adjusting to the Scooby life
of research and magic. He offered his store of knowledge to the
witches, and they in turn helped him with his training. He also
continued to flicker gazes at a certain someone, until she finally
took it to Buffy.
"I think Jonathan likes me," Dawn said, hands on her hips.
Buffy looked up at her sister, as she snuggled against Spike on
the sofa. "And?"
Dawn shook her head. "No, as in likes. Crushes. Ring any bells?"
"Oh, we thought you knew," Anya said, coming into the room.
Dawn's eyes widened. "You guys knew about this? And didn't tell
me?"
"Well, it's been pretty obvious," Willow said, grinning from
behind her book. "He admires your skill with the sword, and told me
the other day that you've got to be the prettiest girl he's ever
seen."
"You're not getting it! It's Jonathan! He does magic, was AND
still is a geek, and...the prettiest girl, huh?" Dawn asked,
beginning to smile.
Buffy and Spike exchanged looks of disbelief. Dawn's mood could
swing from total negativity to positive happiness in a record of two
seconds.
Dawn frowned furiously, demonstrating her mood skills. "But he's
your age, Willow! You guys went to school with him. Right?"
Willow nodded. "He graduated with us, but he was younger then
us. He was always pretty bright. Besides, Xander's the oldest of
the original Scoobies, and he's almost twenty-one. Jonathan's about
twenty, I think. Possibly still nineteen. I'm not sure."
"And you're almost seventeen yourself," Anya commented. "You two
would make a nice pair."
Dawn's frown had turned upside down, and her smile lit the
room. "He fights pretty well, too," Buffy commented, "if I remember
Graduation Day correctly. You two could train together."
Dawn beamed. "Cool!" She skipped upstairs, humming to herself.
Spike shook his head. He would NEVER understand women.
"She didn't know?" Anya asked, bewildered.
Xander opened the door to his apartment, Anya twittering behind
him. He yelped, not expecting to see a wicked faced woman standing
in front of him.
Anya apparently was. "Halfrek?"
The demon blinked, before breaking into a huge grin. "Anyanka?
It's WONDERFUL to see you again! Did you need help with him?"
Xander shook his head, shoving his past self's fright away. "We
actually wanted you to come to the wedding. Right?" he said,
turning to Anya for confirmation.
Halfrek's face slipped into human. "Wedding? You two are getting
married? Anyanka, sweetie, why? He's human, and a MAN!"
"Yes, and I love him," Anya said, smiling. "And it's Anya, not
Anyanka. I changed it."
Halfrek frowned, trying the new word out on her tongue. "Anya.
It's nice enough. But you're seriously getting married to him?"
Xander nodded, wrapping his arms around Anya. "We'd like you to
attend, if you can." Anya beamed at the affection he was showering
her with.
Halfrek shrugged. "If that's what you want, I suppose you're the
best judge. I'll be there, if I can." She nodded towards the
couple and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"Now," Anya said, heading to the bedroom, "we're supposed to be at
the shop in half an hour to discuss something. Since we're only a
few minutes away, we could have a few orgasms in that time."
Xander inwardly rolled his eyes. "That's okay, Ahn. We should
probably eat instead."
Anya shrugged, changing her direction from the bedroom to the