A/N: Holy smoke batman! Wow, you guys are awesome, I can't believe how much positive feedback I've been getting for this story! But, you know, no pressure! Hehe… Thanks to Constant Comment Tea for betaing this chapter for me, thanks so much lovely!

It's Always You

Chapter 3

Sunnydale, California

Dawn sighed softly as she ran the hairbrush slowly through her hair. She still couldn't believe what an idiot she had been after the whole 'RJ' thing. She was being ridiculous and stupid thinking a boy was worth more then her own life! She had been a fool and now she felt embarrassed, she just hoped Buffy could forgive her. She set the brush down on her nightstand and looked at herself in the mirror; long straight brown hair framed her round face, her large blue eyes and pouty lips showed the vulnerability she often felt. Dressed in a pair of form-fitting jeans and a red top with a V neckline and flare sleeves she looked just like any other teenager, but she wasn't. She sighed softly and turned from the mirror. She headed down the stairs and walked towards the kitchen, she could smell the tantalizing aroma of roasting chicken and her mouth watered in response.

She practically bounced into the room. "Is it ready soon?" she asked chirpily, trying to seem like her normally bubbly self.

Willow looked up and smiled at her softly. "Almost," she said "The chicken is nearly done; I'm just cutting up some stuff for a salad and then it's all good…" She added a few mushrooms to the bowl and turned back to Dawn, who was looking at her expectantly. "Can you go get Buffy please? She's outside training."

Dawn looked away but nodded silently. She hopped off the chair and walked outside. Buffy was standing in the middle of the lawn, practicing a few karate moves, kicks, punches, and rolls, Dawn didn't really want to interrupt. Biting her lip, she moved down the stairs. "Buffy?" she called tentatively. When that issued no response, she called louder, "Buffy!"

Buffy stopped and turned around; she was flushed and breathing hard, but there was a warm, radiant smile on her face "Hey Dawn. Sorry, I didn't hear you…A bad Buffy moment!" she chuckled. Dawn smiled; clearly her sister was well over the embarrassment of the whole 'RJ' fiasco of last week.

"Willow said dinner's nearly ready!" Dawn said with a smile.

Buffy nodded and wiped the sweat off her brow. "Let me get cleaned up and I'll be there," she replied as she reached for a towel that was folded on the stairs and wiped it over her face and arms.

Dawn nodded silently and walked back into the house.

(v)

Cordelia tapped her fingers on the car door and stared out into the night, a frown on her dark, striking features. She sighed loudly. "How long is this going too take?" She snapped, her voice cracking like a whip in the silence that surrounded the car.

Lorne, the fedora again covering his features, shrugged carelessly as they waited, not so patiently, in the ominously lit car parked outside the lonely highway diner.

"It doesn't take this long to pee!" Cordelia exclaimed, leaning her head back against the seat and raising a hand to brush a strand of hair from her face. "I don't even wanna know what he's doing in there!" She sighed again.

Fred blushed furiously and looked at Cordelia. "Cordy," she hissed, giving her a scandalous look.

Cordelia rolled her eyes and looked in the back of the car at Gunn and Wesley. "Can one of you go check on him?" She practically yelled, her eyes flashing in annoyance.

Wesley and Gunn looked at each other in alarm "No way!" Gunn said, holding his arms up in a gesture of surrender. "I don't mind helping a brother out, but this goes way past the code!"

Wesley nodded vigorously. "Yes, I agree…. I have no intention of walking in on…"

"There he is!" Fred squeaked excitedly, bouncing up and pointing at the tall dark figure exiting the diner.

As they watched, Liam walked slowly over to them. As he gets closer they noticed that his shirt and the front of his pants were wet. A scowl was plastered firmly on his face and he opened the back door and slumped down in his seat, his arms folded rigidly over his chest.

Gunn and Wesley glanced at each other, but didn't say anything as Fred and Cordy both turned around in their seats to look at him. Very discretely, without saying a word, Lorne put the keys in the ignition and started the car. He put the big convertible in reverse and slowly pulled out of the car park as Cordy asked Liam what happened.

He made a face, somewhere between embarrassment and disgust. "The metal knobby thing on the bench sprayed me with water" he snapped, his eyes angry.

Fred blinked and put a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle as Gunn and Wesley exchanged amused glances.

Cordelia's eyebrows were in her hair. "Oh…" she muttered thoughtfully. Then she turned around to face the road. "And here I thought you were just having fun!" She announced coyly over her shoulder, causing Fred to blush crimson again.

Liam paused, his eyebrows knitting together as he tried to make sense of what she meant. After a few seconds, his eyebrows shot up and his lips turn up at the corners as he smiled widely in amusement. He chuckled softly, and leaned forward to place his chin on the top of the front seat between Fred and Cordy's. He lowered his voice so only they could hear his whispered response. "My dear lass," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "I'm sure either one of you could please me without much effort…" He smirked and leaned back in his seat.

Fred, blushing again, turned her head and looked at Cordelia with wide eyes. Cordelia glanced toward her and smiled. Raising her eyebrows, she mouthed the word "Whoa." Fred just nodded in agreement.

(v)

Buffy looked down at her food and chewed automatically, taking her time. It's all just one big cycle: pick up, put in mouth, chew, and swallow. So repetitive. She sighed and put her fork down. Despite her normally outward joyful appearance, she was still battling inside turmoil. All the issues she had dealt with last year had faded, but were not forgotten. After all she had been through with Spike, she felt like she was even further from her calling than she had ever been; and with Giles still in England, it didn't help her situation at all. Buffy glanced up and caught Willow's eye from across the table. She smiled softly, glad that her friend was happier and seemed to be coping with the whole 'no magic' thing.

Buffy would never admit it, but sometimes Willow frightened her. Because she was the one person she could always count on, she was supportive and kind, strong when Buffy needed her to be and a warm embrace when she needed comfort. Out of everyone she knew - Willow was the last person Buffy would have suspected to give in to the darkness. It frightened her that someone so pure, joyous, and carefree as Willow could go on a murderous rampage…

"Buffy…" whispered Willow softly.

Buffy glanced up and looked at the young witch, hoping her eyes didn't give away any thoughts.

"Are you ok?" Willow asked softly, her eyes showing her pain.

Buffy nodded silently and smiled. "I'm fine Will…. Just," she sighed and decided to lie. "I'm just worried…"

Willow gave her a sympathetic look, then turned and looked at Dawn. "Dawnie, would you mind clearing the table, and maybe getting some ice cream?" She asked kindly, looking at Dawn pointedly.

Dawn looked at Buffy, frowning, then back at Willow and rolled her eyes. "Don't think I don't know what you're doing!" She snapped, getting up and starting to clear the table. "I'm not an idiot, you know," she muttered quietly as she left the room. Willow gave a quirky smile and Buffy rolled her eyes.

"Thanks, Dawn!" she called loudly.

Willow laughed softly. Then she sobered, her mouth pulling down in a slight frown and her eyebrows lowered in sadness. "Worried?" she inquired quietly.

Buffy nodded. "About Spike," she whispered. She was worried about him. She might not love him, not like she did Angel, but he was still someone she cared for deeply. He was there when nobody else was, and she could talk to him about the darkness, about the things the others couldn't understand.

This soul had changed him; he was no longer the carefree vampire he used to be. He hid it well, but Buffy could see his remorse simmering under the surface. He might not wallow in the pity or guilt like Angel did, but she knew it affected him just as much.

Buffy took a deep breath and leaned her arms on the table. "I'm really worried about him Will," she whispered. "Angel said he went crazy when he first got his soul…. He said he wandered around for years before he started to come to terms with having it." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Spike may not show his guilt; he's more interested in the now, not the past…" She looked away. "But Willow, I'm afraid he won't be strong enough to get through this!" She whispered her voice breaking.

Willow gave Buffy a sympathetic look and reached across the table to take her hand.

"He'll be ok Buffy. He's strong, and he will get through this; you just have to help him, that's all."

"I wish I knew how to help. I keep trying to talk to him, but he either changes the subject or turns away."

"Give him time, Buffy," Willow whispered. "You just told me how long it took for Angel to come to terms with his soul, Spike's only had his for a few months. When your life spans 120-odd years, a few months is like a second; it's not very long at all!"

Buffy sighed and nodded her head in acceptance. It all made sense; maybe she was getting a little carried away. "You're probably right," she whispered. "I just wish there was more I could do, you know?"

"You've already helped him heaps, Buffy. He's improved so much since he's been living with Xander the last couple of weeks, though I'm not sure how Xander is coping!" She laughed merrily; which was a strange sound lately, and Buffy cracked a smile.

"I owe him so much for that!" Buffy whispered, "I didn't want him here, not yet, not after what happened last…" She swallowed and rubbed her hands down her arms, shivering. "It's just a bit too soon," she murmured. "I don't think Dawn trusts him anymore," she finished in a whisper.

Willow nodded and looked Buffy in the eye. "He scared her; she didn't like that." Her eyes grew hard. "He also hurt you, and she couldn't cope if something happened to you again."

Buffy looked away and smiled sadly. "Sometimes I wonder…who the big sister really is." She smirked, "She's growing up so fast." She paused. "It's nice to see!"

Willow smiled softly and glanced up as Dawn walked in with three bowls of ice cream. She beamed with happiness. "I didn't know if you wanted sprinkles or chocolate sauce so I put both on!" Dawn announced, placing the bowls on the table.

Willow laughed. "I see you were concerned with our dietary intake!"

Dawn nodded seriously. "Colors and flavors! An essential part to every young American's diet!" She giggled and ate a small spoonful of ice cream.

Buffy smiled as she watched her sister and her best friend joke around, just like they used to do. She looked down at the congealed mess of vanilla ice cream, hundreds and thousands and a big lump of hot chocolate fudge sauce, and she cringed internally. This was going to go straight to her thighs! She picked up the spoon and took a taste. It wasn't half bad, though she made a point of remembering to do the desert from now on, as she noticed the way the sprinkles made some pretty horrific colors in the ice cream.

At that moment, the telephone started ringing, its shrill sound shattering the peaceful, nostalgic mood in the normally chaotic house. Buffy made a small grimace at the unpleasant interruption, put the spoon down, and got up quickly to catch the phone before it went to voicemail.

"Hello?" she asked quietly.

"Buffy."

"Xander?" She heard the tiredness and pain in his voice. She panicked, "What's happened, what's wrong?"

"It's Spike. He knocked me out, and he has at least a 30 minute head start."

She sighed softly, "Any idea where he went?"

"No, but Buffy this just confirms what we feared!"

"I know Xander."

"He's been feeding, from people Buffy. You have to stop him!" He shouted. He sounded pissed, and she couldn't blame him.

Buffy looked down and wrapped her other hand in the phone cord. "Ok, I'll look for him. Call Anya, get her to pick you up and wait for me. I don't want you driving, Xander."

He agreed and they both hung up. Buffy glanced up and looked at first Willow and then Dawn. "I'm going to look for Spike, it looks like he has been feeding on people." Her eyes were sad, her voice strained with emotion.

"Buffy," murmured Willow. "Be careful: he's unpredictable and dangerous right now."

She nodded slowly. "I know Will, but I need to get to the bottom of this. I don't want him hurting anyone else," she told the witch forcefully.

With that, she walked to her stash of weapons, grabbed a stake, and stalked out the door, a determined expression on her small heart-shaped face.

(v)

Liam gripped the seat tight and held on for dear life as Lorne drove down the highway like a bat out of hell. His eyes were squeezed shut, his jaws clenched in fear. He was shaking slightly; never in his life had he feared for his mortality as he did now.

"Merciful god!" he whispered.

Wesley glanced over at him and frowned in concern. "Are you okay, Liam?" He asked slowly, reaching out and touching Liam's shoulder gently.

Liam opened his eyes and turned to glare at Wesley. He shrugged his shoulder angrily and jerked away. "I'm just fine and dandy!" He snapped, his voice hard. "'Tis devil's work this is; everything is wrong!" He sighed and looked away "It's all different."

Wesley frowned at Liam, concerned, but he didn't say anything else. With a soft sigh, he turned his head to look out the front of the car. They were driving down the highway quite quickly, but they weren't speeding, so he couldn't understand why Liam was so twitchy. It was strange. He frowned. The reaction he gave at first seeing the car was startling and at the time Wesley had thought it was a joke, but now he wondered if Liam hadn't been acting at all. What if that had been the first time he had seen a car? Wesley hummed thoughtfully; the very thought almost inconceivable, and so strange! He nodded to himself. This most definitely needed some serious thought; he was determined to get to the bottom of it, no matter what the cost!

In the driver's seat, Lorne slowed the car slightly as the road turned on a slight bend. He sighed and fiddled with the radio station, turning it onto a joyous, foot-tapping, sing-along song, with drums and a rich soprano that caused Liam to smile despite his fear. He had decided that he liked this strange music.

They pass a sign that read, "Welcome to Sunnydale, enjoy your stay!" which caused Cordelia to sigh dramatically, fold her arms across her chest, and pout. "Great," she muttered. "I'm back in Sunnydale." She narrowed her eyes in annoyance.

Fred looked at her. "You know this place?" She asked out of curiosity.

Cordelia nodded. "Born here, hopefully won't die here," she muttered, causing Fred's eyebrows to rise in amusement.

Lorne made a few more turns, slowed the car down even further, and turned into Revello Drive. As he pulled up on the curb in front of Buffy's house, Cordelia looked at him in shock. "What are we doing here?" She asked softly. "This is Buffy's house, what can she possibly do to help?"

Lorne cut her off: "Willow lives here now," he told her. "She is a very powerful witch." He frowned, "Didn't I mention that?"

"Willow's the witch?" Cordelia glared at him. "No, you didn't mention that!"

Lorne smiled apologetically and shrugged. Cordelia narrowed her eyes, scowled, and opened the car door. "Well?" She inquired haughtily. "Are we going to get our memories back or are we just going to sit here like a bunch of weirdo's?" She snapped.

From the back seat, Liam looked up and glared at her. He opened the door and stumbled out, his legs wobbly, unused to the confines of the car. "Oh…you're a right catch, lass," he muttered sarcastically.

Gunn chuckled softly. The rest of them got out of the car quickly. Fred almost tripped over the seat belt but Liam grabbed her just in time, setting her on her feet and brushing her hair from her face.

Fred blushed. "Thanks," she murmured quietly, looking at her shoes. She straightened her skirt and put the seatbelt on the seat before she shut the door.

Liam grinned at her. "No problem," he murmured quietly, his lips turning up in a little quirk.

Lorne cleared his throat loudly as Cordy glared daggers at both Liam and Fred. "Let's go get those little bundles of memories back, huh? I just can't wait to have you all acting normal again!" He announced sarcastically as he trudged up the path to the Summers home.

"Normal," muttered Gunn, staring at the back of Lorne's head in annoyance, "I think we're pretty normal!" He looked offended.

Fred nodded eagerly. "He just doesn't know what normal is, he is a demon after all!"

"His heart is in his arse," muttered Liam under his breath, as he follows the others up to the house. "Makes sense his brain is their too!"