familytiesch6

The Scoobies sat around the living room, having rehashed the evening's events with no new inspiration as to what might have happened to bring Buffy back. Although the initial shock of Buffy's reappearance had somewhat abated, they were still caught in varying states of joy, wonder and confusion, as well as concern for Buffy's current state of mind. Anya seemed to be the only one completely unfazed by Buffy's presence, having accepted the fact that the Slayer was back, basking in the glow of her status as friend'.

Tara, although happy for everyone involved, revealed little emotion and just tried to be a comfort to Willow, who seemed to be constantly thinking. It was as if she were running a computer program in her head, only commenting when asked a direct question. She would often stop and swing around to look at Buffy again, as if reassuring herself that her friend hadn't disappeared again.

Xander simply couldn't remain in one state for very long. He would be utterly still, regarding the trio on the landing with unabashed awe, only to look away and break out into a huge smile. Then he would start regarding Spike with unconcealed suspicion and mistrust, only to notice Buffy and start grinning goofily again. He would throw out half-finished sentences, only to snap his mouth shut and lean back into the couch, where Anya would rub his arm briskly in a show of solidarity.

Spike half-listened when something was said, but hadn't uttered a word. Willow had relayed any information he could provide to the others already, and at the moment he had no opinions about anything other than how good it felt to have Buffy in his arms.

Giles simply sat back and took everything in. When it became clear that Buffy was not moving from her cozy spot between Spike and Dawn, the Watcher sighed and turned to the others.

If you all want to stay, I won't ask you to leave, but it's clear that at the moment Buffy is not interested in anything other than... He gestured vaguely to the group on the stairs.

The two couples exchanged glances, and Anya piped up thoughtfully, I think that we should go home and get some sleep. That way, we can be fresh for research in the morning. Giles and Spike will be here for Buffy and Dawn, so we don't have to worry about anything happening.

Xander regarded his girlfriend in admiration. Go figure. Ahn, the voice of reason. He barely managed to stifle a yawn, then nodded. I think the sleep idea is of the good.

Willow and Tara clasped hands as they rose, and Willow stopped in front of Giles.

What can we do?

Giles knew that Willow wanted direction, to be given a specific job that she could tackle. Although she had become a strong woman and a powerful witch in her own right, she occasionally still retreated into the shy, obliging girl that wanted nothing more than to help in whatever way she could.

Why don't you and Tara both go to the Magic Shop in the morning and begin researching. You could start by attempting to cross reference her exhibited behavior with documented cases of dimensional dysphasia, I suppose. We haven't got much to go on. He pulled off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily, then glanced up at Willow with a rueful smile, adding Swirly vortex thingy notwithstanding. He replaced the glasses as he turned to Xander and Anya.

Anya, you can, uh, open the shop as usual.

Anya nodded eagerly, as if somewhat relieved that Buffy's miraculous return would not stand in the way of commerce.

Xander, I assume you have to work tomorrow? He waited for an answer while the young man stared at him blankly for a moment.

Wor- oh! Right, of course. Silly me, Buffy's coming back from the dead made me forget that I actually have to get up and go to work in the morning. He slapped his palm to his forehead in mock dismay. Anya stared at him for a second, then turned to Giles.

I did not forget about work, she stated flatly, before adding as an afterthought, But, I am happy that Buffy is back. And I am very relieved that she bit Spike and not Xander!

As Spike snorted in agreement, Xander turned to Willow and murmured, Really, stay out of her head. I'm just saying, it's not a pretty place in AnyaLand. He trailed off as Willow shook her head at him and approached the stairs, Tara lingering shyly by the door. Willow reached out her hand and touched Buffy's shoulder.

Buffy acknowledged, gazing at her through heavy-lidded eyes.

Um, yeah, Buffy, we have to go now. But we'll seen you in the morning sometime, ok?

Buffy nodded. she repeated, as if rolling the two sounds around in her mouth.

Willow threw out a mental see you later Spike' and he nodded, eyes again closed as he rested against Buffy's back.

Dawnie? Sweetie, we're leaving for the night. Dawn opened her eyes long enough to smile at her friends and bid them good night.

Xander regarded Spike for a moment, as if he were deciding whether to warn the vampire to behave himself. When Spike looked up and steadily met Xander's gaze, Xander nodded as if they'd come to a silent agreement. He turned to Buffy and Dawn.

Hey, Buff, Dawnster, I gotta do the responsible adult gig in the morning, but I'll come by for lunch, ok?

He got no answer as Anya grasped his arm and pulled him to the door, calling out Good night, all!

Once the couples were gone, Giles turned to Buffy, Spike and Dawn, hoping that he could convince at least one of them to go to bed.

Spike? Spike! Spike opened his eyes and fixed an annoyed gaze on the watcher.

Spike, don't you think Dawn and Buffy need to go to bed?

The vampire appeared to be thinking about that and eventually nodded. He stood up and stepped around Buffy, who met his gaze with sleepy curiosity. In one swift move, he had both Buffy and Dawn in his arms, and he trotted up the stairs without effort.

Spike paused in the hallway, wondering where to put the girls. He had a feeling Buffy wouldn't want to be separated from Dawn, maybe not from him, either. Since Joyce's old bed was the only one large enough to accommodate more than one person, he moved to her room, even though now it was technically Giles' room.

Setting Buffy down on the bed, Spike adjusted Dawn so that she was sitting next to her sister leaning into Buffy's shoulder. Kneeling in front of the petite blonde woman, he pulled the duster closed around her knees chastely, then let his arms encircle her waist comfortably.

Buffy, love. Time to sleep now.

She cocked her head at him, then turned to Dawn, who was almost asleep already, and gently pushed her sister back so she was laying down on the bed comfortably. Sighing, Dawn curled up and snuggled into the pillow, whispering I love you, Buffy as she dropped off into slumber.

Spike smiled at the girl affectionately.

Poor lil' bit. Probably in shock, what with big sis dropping out of parts unknown. He shifted his gaze back to Buffy. Thank God you're back, Buffy.

Unflinchingly, she met his adoring gaze. Grasping both his arms and pulling him close to her, Buffy began kissing him passionately, rubbing her hands over his lean chest and stomach.

Spike pulled back enough to glance at Dawn's sleeping form, but Buffy leaned forward and began to nuzzle his neck. He swallowed and tried to get her attention.

Pet, as much as I like the idea of us snogging, it's not really--bloody hell! He bit out in a strangled voice as she flicked her tongue across the bite marks she'd inflicted earlier. He shuddered as uncontrolled desire washed through him and he quickly stood up, needing to compose himself before continuing. He ran a trembling hand through his tousled hair, then began again, this time from his standing position so that he couldn't become sidetracked by her insistant advances.

Buffy. We don't know what you've been through, but you're obviously tired. Dawn is asleep. Do you want to sleep here with her?

She nodded, as he'd known she would.

Do you want me to get you some night clothes?

She looked confused, so he reached out and grasped the lapel of his duster. Can I take this and -- She growled and shook her head, pulling the coat out of his grasp and stroking it possessively.

He sighed, then gestured for her to lay down on the bed, and she complied, shooting him somewhat reproachful looks as she girded the leather around her and then tucked herself around Dawn.

He pulled the afghan from the foot of the bed up over the girls, and bent to kiss them goodnight. Buffy must have sensed that he intended to leave them because she grabbed his arm and quickly flipped him onto the bed so that he was lying behind her. She spread part of the blanket over him as well and pulled his arm around her, cuddling her back against his front. Sighing blissfully, Buffy muttered before drifting off to sleep. Spike--choked with emotion--carefully toed his boots off onto the floor, then settled down behind her, thinking he'd stay put for a few moments before creeping off to his cot in the basement.

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

While Spike was putting Buffy and Dawn to bed, Giles made the rounds downstairs, double-checking that all the heavy draperies were pulled shut over the room darkening blinds, a habit acquired in the months he'd been housemate with a vampire.

He locked the doors and turned off the lights, then made his way upstairs to Joyce's--his--bedroom. He was surprised to find the queen-sized bed already occupied: Spike was on the side farthest from the door, spooning Buffy to his body, and Buffy was curled around Dawn. All three were haphazardly covered by his grandmum's afghan, and fast asleep.

Giles sighed and crossed the room to make sure his own curtains were pulled tight. He turned off the light then went to Buffy's room, which had remained empty and untouched during the long months of her absence. He didn't have the energy to ask the sleeping trio to move, or even, he had to admit, the desire. He suspected that none of the three would comply willingly, and Buffy just might become upset if separated from her daughter' or her mate'.

Within moments, the house at 1630 Revello Drive was completely silent
save the unconscious rustlings of its inhabitants: a neutered Master Vampire in love with a Vampire Slayer, a feral Vampire Slayer come back from the dead for the second time, a former Glowy Mystical Key cum mortal teenager, and a stuffy British Watcher with an alter-ego known as "Ripper". All was right with the world.