Another chapter, another thank you to Patrick. Thanks for getting Office
working again after it self-destructed with one and a half new chapters on
it. I'm just glad my memory is good, because they're probably lost forever
in my evil computer.
___________________________________________________________________________
"So, Buff, where are you and the Dawnster going to stay? I'd offer our apartment but it only has one couch and no guest bedroom. It'll be cramped."
"I don't know, Xand. I was more thinking about stuff. I don't even have a toothbrush. I have two changes of clothes in the training room, one of them gross and sweaty. Good thing I've been too busy to take them home and wash or I'd only have the clothes on my back. I know Dawn at least has some clothes and her toothbrush, I remember her packing them."
They arrived at the Magic Box where Anya had been serious about restoring order. Things were sorted into numerous piles. "Did you find him? Did the crystals work? Did you bring them back? Is he going to pay for damages?"
"We found him at the Bronze. I think the crystals kept us from getting fried worse than we were. Here they are. Yes, he's going to pay; next time we catch him. He burned Spike pretty badly, knocked me out, and sucked his two bodyguards dry like he had a free pass at the all-you-can- eat power buffet."
"Burned how?"
"Burned. Does it make a difference how?" Buffy asked.
"Yes, certainly. Some demons use fire, some use acid, and occasionally you'll find one who uses something exotic. It can help in determining which type of demon you're after and how to kill them."
"Sorry Anya. I misunderstood the reason for the question. Lightning; he used electricity--tiny lightning bolts. I'm still stuck on where we're going to stay."
"Oh, I know the answer to that one! I have the key to Giles' condo. For some reason no one wants to buy property in Sunnydale. You can stay there, we haven't even had time to put anything in storage or have a huge rummage sale. No, wait. The key was somewhere in here. I don't know where it is right now. Oh, and the spare key is inside his desk drawer in the condo."
"Not a problem. No door I can't get into; it's just the invitation afterwards that stops me." Spike stated.
"Spike, I don't need the door broken; I could do that. I want something solid between Dawn and I and the outside world."
"Pet, I can get in without breaking the door down. Handy skill, you might want to learn it someday."
"Let me get my clothes, then we'll go break and enter into Giles place. I can't believe I just said that." Buffy made her way through the wreckage to the training room.
"Xander, the police had some very interesting ideas on security," Anya stated. "I don't know if I'd want a dog, but a small watch demon..."
Buffy found her clothes and headed back to the front of the store. "Xander, I'd feel better if you stayed with Anya. Spike and I should be able to handle anything that attacks us, but I'd feel better knowing everyone was traveling in pairs. I'm going to go get a shower and some sleep before I go meet Dawn and break the bad news."
"So, are we going to meet back here for the name-that-demon session later?"
"Yeah, but don't expect me to bring the doughnuts. My purse was in the fire."
"Take care. See you back here later this morning. Or afternoon. Or something."
Buffy and Spike made their way to Giles' condo in silence. When they got there, Spike knelt in front of the door and brought out a credit card. "Only audience I've ever had has been the Bit. Hope I do as well in front of big sis."
"You showed my sister how to do this?"
"No, I did this in front of her. Big difference."
"Right, so when I see you do this I won't know how it's done."
The lock clicked and Spike opened the door. "Go get the key. Then come back out here. I'll show you just how hard it is to do this. When are you going to get it through your head that I would never hurt Dawn? I went along for her protection the whole time you were gone. Summers women are the most stubborn..."
Buffy went to Giles desk and eventually found the key. She returned, closing and locking the door. "Okay, give me the credit card." She knelt down in front of the door. Spike moved in closer to observe. "Back off, you're in my light."
"Not supposed to need light, luv, what part of 'breaking in' did you not understand? It's hard to take much if you have a crowd hanging about to hold the flashlight."
"I think it's coming open now."
"Not even close."
"I almost have it."
"Wrong."
Three minutes later...
"Oh, there, I think I have it." With a dull plastic snap, the credit card broke in two. Buffy looked at Spike "uh, sorry. I hope that wasn't your favorite or something."
"Just use the key," he sighed. "You need to get some sleep tonight."
Buffy unlocked the door and went inside. Spike stood outside the threshold, looking in at her. "What? I know Giles already invited you in. Why are you standing out there?"
"I only come in when you invite me. Wouldn't want to trespass somewhere I'm not wanted."
"Spike, get your ass in here. You're hurt and you're not going back to your crypt until I'm sure Rack doesn't know where you live. You can sleep on the couch, I'm taking the bed. I have dibs on the shower."
She darted towards the bathroom. Spike went to the linen closet and grabbed a blanket. Then he smiled and grabbed a towel. About ten minutes later his opportunity came. "Spike!" He headed towards the bathroom door. "SPIKE! Are you out there? I forgot a towel."
Spike stood outside the bathroom door, towel in hand. "Slayer, you locked the bloody door. I can't open it from this side, you broke my cred..."
Buffy opened the door, peered around it and reached out to grab the towel. "I'll need another one for my hair."
He nabbed another towel from the closet and laid it on her outstretched arm. From the other side of the door came a muffled "thanks. I'll be out in a few minutes. I saved you some hot water."
"Take your time, pet, I'm in no hurry. Like the perfect lady's maid I'll be out here waiting to attend to your every whim."
"In that case there's one more thing you could bring me."
"Just what could that be?" Spike lowered his voice suggestively. "Something blond and dangerous?"
"No. My least disgusting workout clothes. I left them on the couch."
"As you wish."
Buffy emerged about five minutes later; toweling her hair dry. "Spike, I was just thinking."
"About anything in particular? Or anyone I'd care to hear you talk about?"
"Amy's still tied up at the Magic Box. I wonder what the police thought of that."
"Sunnyhell cops? Never notice a thing--it's part of the Hellmouth mystique. That's why demons love it here. Here's the rest of your clothes. Get upstairs and get some sleep. If you get lonely, I'll be down here." He had made up the couch by then and was sitting down taking off his boots. Buffy sat next to him.
"I'm sorry. Bad day. Bad year. Just think, in about five and a half hours I get to break the good news to Dawn."
"Could be worse. You could be sitting on the sofa with someone less charming and sexy." It was a weak smile, but a Buffy smile nonetheless.
"I'm going to bed now. I'll see you in the morning."
"Pleasant dreams. About me if you please."
"G'night."
Nine o'clock came early. Buffy got up, put on her one clean set of clothes, and went downstairs. "Is that coffee I smell?"
"Yeah. I found some more clothes of yours and that got me thinking. I like to drink when I think and I remembered you like coffee. There's cinnamon rolls, too."
"Food, caffeine, and clothes. I think I'll keep you around for awhile. Where'd you find more of my clothes?"
"Slayer, you shed clothes more than anyone I know. There were two pairs of your shoes in Giles closet. If I didn't know better, I'd think there was something going on between you two. You left jeans, sweatpants, tank tops, a sweater, a wool coat, red leather pants, and a frilly lacy little number that should be outlawed except in a strip club. How much do you spend replacing lost clothes every year?"
"I had to have someplace to change before and after patrol. I didn't want mom to see blood on any of my clothes, she'd worry. A couple of times I was hurt too bad to change back before going home. I wondered where that top and leather pants went. They were a gift."
"A gift? I'm shocked. I thought Captain Cardboard was too pure to go in for the leather and lace look."
"Nope, Riley didn't give me those. I don't think he ever saw them. This was before him."
"The poof? Not his style either. He's more into the..."
"Wrong again. It was from my dad. Well, not exactly. On Christmas a couple of years ago he told me to go shopping on his credit card. No limit. It was one of Dawn's most profitable Christmases ever. Mom didn't make out too badly either. He wasn't going to be available on Christmas after he promised Dawn because he was somewhere else with his secretary."
"And you call me incorrigible."
"Let's just say I don't take well to disappointment. Make a promise to me or mine and you'd better keep it."
"You know I would. I have."
"Breakfast. Clean clothes. Then break the news to Dawn. After that, research." Buffy ate in silence. After finishing she asked, "okay, where did you put my clothes?"
"On the table next to the sofa."
"I'm going to change, then it's off to break the news to Dawn." She sorted through her remaining clothes and found something she liked, then went to the bathroom to change. "I don't suppose you found a stray toothbrush anywhere? Or some toothpaste that's not all paste flavored?"
"Slayer, I'm not a bleedin' miracle worker."
"Hey, I'm not complaining. You more than doubled the size of my pathetic wardrobe." She came out in jeans and a tank top. "Are you going to meet me at the Magic Box later on? Dawn will be glad to see you, and since you're the only one who's fought him we could sure use your input at the research session."
"No. I'm coming with you to your house. Nibblet might need me."
"Spike, have you forgotten the little problem you have with daylight? It's nine thirtyish and I'm pretty sure the sun is out."
"Sewers. You said we should travel in pairs and I know the way to your house from anywhere in town. It's mostly dry right now. Then I'd like to go to my crypt and pack myself some clothes. I'm staying here to protect your sis."
"So I don't have any say in this?"
"Say what you want. I'm still staying here until the danger is over. I made you both a promise. I told her I'd protect her until I'm dust."
"When?"
"After you died. She and I were lost without you. I swore to her the last thing she'd ever see would be me getting dusted to protect her."
"Spike, you can stay. It sounds way too much like something I said to Giles the night I died for me to get annoyed with you for saying it."
"If you'll remember, I was there. That's when I knew you weren't planning on coming back alive. That's why I promised you I'd watch her. I knew you'd think of both of your blood being one and the same. I just hoped we'd stop the ritual before it got started."
"I want to know something and I know you'll tell me the truth."
"Anything."
"What happened to Ben?"
He looked away and mumbled, "Slayer, you don't want me to answer that."
"Did he turn back into Glory and hurt more people? I couldn't hurt him as Ben. I just couldn't kill an innocent."
"It's not that, it just doesn't reflect well on someone you love."
"Please, I want to know. I have to know. You're the only one who will even talk to me about that night."
"Giles suffocated him. He knew you wouldn't do it because you're a hero and heroes don't hurt the harmless. He wanted to stop Glory from hurting anyone else and had the opportunity to do it after you had weakened her."
"Let's go. We'll take a blanket for you when we get topside and go the sewer route. I'd better not get dirty, I don't have much in the way of replacement clothes at the moment."
"Typical woman. 'I don't have a thing to wear.'"
___________________________________________________________________________
"So, Buff, where are you and the Dawnster going to stay? I'd offer our apartment but it only has one couch and no guest bedroom. It'll be cramped."
"I don't know, Xand. I was more thinking about stuff. I don't even have a toothbrush. I have two changes of clothes in the training room, one of them gross and sweaty. Good thing I've been too busy to take them home and wash or I'd only have the clothes on my back. I know Dawn at least has some clothes and her toothbrush, I remember her packing them."
They arrived at the Magic Box where Anya had been serious about restoring order. Things were sorted into numerous piles. "Did you find him? Did the crystals work? Did you bring them back? Is he going to pay for damages?"
"We found him at the Bronze. I think the crystals kept us from getting fried worse than we were. Here they are. Yes, he's going to pay; next time we catch him. He burned Spike pretty badly, knocked me out, and sucked his two bodyguards dry like he had a free pass at the all-you-can- eat power buffet."
"Burned how?"
"Burned. Does it make a difference how?" Buffy asked.
"Yes, certainly. Some demons use fire, some use acid, and occasionally you'll find one who uses something exotic. It can help in determining which type of demon you're after and how to kill them."
"Sorry Anya. I misunderstood the reason for the question. Lightning; he used electricity--tiny lightning bolts. I'm still stuck on where we're going to stay."
"Oh, I know the answer to that one! I have the key to Giles' condo. For some reason no one wants to buy property in Sunnydale. You can stay there, we haven't even had time to put anything in storage or have a huge rummage sale. No, wait. The key was somewhere in here. I don't know where it is right now. Oh, and the spare key is inside his desk drawer in the condo."
"Not a problem. No door I can't get into; it's just the invitation afterwards that stops me." Spike stated.
"Spike, I don't need the door broken; I could do that. I want something solid between Dawn and I and the outside world."
"Pet, I can get in without breaking the door down. Handy skill, you might want to learn it someday."
"Let me get my clothes, then we'll go break and enter into Giles place. I can't believe I just said that." Buffy made her way through the wreckage to the training room.
"Xander, the police had some very interesting ideas on security," Anya stated. "I don't know if I'd want a dog, but a small watch demon..."
Buffy found her clothes and headed back to the front of the store. "Xander, I'd feel better if you stayed with Anya. Spike and I should be able to handle anything that attacks us, but I'd feel better knowing everyone was traveling in pairs. I'm going to go get a shower and some sleep before I go meet Dawn and break the bad news."
"So, are we going to meet back here for the name-that-demon session later?"
"Yeah, but don't expect me to bring the doughnuts. My purse was in the fire."
"Take care. See you back here later this morning. Or afternoon. Or something."
Buffy and Spike made their way to Giles' condo in silence. When they got there, Spike knelt in front of the door and brought out a credit card. "Only audience I've ever had has been the Bit. Hope I do as well in front of big sis."
"You showed my sister how to do this?"
"No, I did this in front of her. Big difference."
"Right, so when I see you do this I won't know how it's done."
The lock clicked and Spike opened the door. "Go get the key. Then come back out here. I'll show you just how hard it is to do this. When are you going to get it through your head that I would never hurt Dawn? I went along for her protection the whole time you were gone. Summers women are the most stubborn..."
Buffy went to Giles desk and eventually found the key. She returned, closing and locking the door. "Okay, give me the credit card." She knelt down in front of the door. Spike moved in closer to observe. "Back off, you're in my light."
"Not supposed to need light, luv, what part of 'breaking in' did you not understand? It's hard to take much if you have a crowd hanging about to hold the flashlight."
"I think it's coming open now."
"Not even close."
"I almost have it."
"Wrong."
Three minutes later...
"Oh, there, I think I have it." With a dull plastic snap, the credit card broke in two. Buffy looked at Spike "uh, sorry. I hope that wasn't your favorite or something."
"Just use the key," he sighed. "You need to get some sleep tonight."
Buffy unlocked the door and went inside. Spike stood outside the threshold, looking in at her. "What? I know Giles already invited you in. Why are you standing out there?"
"I only come in when you invite me. Wouldn't want to trespass somewhere I'm not wanted."
"Spike, get your ass in here. You're hurt and you're not going back to your crypt until I'm sure Rack doesn't know where you live. You can sleep on the couch, I'm taking the bed. I have dibs on the shower."
She darted towards the bathroom. Spike went to the linen closet and grabbed a blanket. Then he smiled and grabbed a towel. About ten minutes later his opportunity came. "Spike!" He headed towards the bathroom door. "SPIKE! Are you out there? I forgot a towel."
Spike stood outside the bathroom door, towel in hand. "Slayer, you locked the bloody door. I can't open it from this side, you broke my cred..."
Buffy opened the door, peered around it and reached out to grab the towel. "I'll need another one for my hair."
He nabbed another towel from the closet and laid it on her outstretched arm. From the other side of the door came a muffled "thanks. I'll be out in a few minutes. I saved you some hot water."
"Take your time, pet, I'm in no hurry. Like the perfect lady's maid I'll be out here waiting to attend to your every whim."
"In that case there's one more thing you could bring me."
"Just what could that be?" Spike lowered his voice suggestively. "Something blond and dangerous?"
"No. My least disgusting workout clothes. I left them on the couch."
"As you wish."
Buffy emerged about five minutes later; toweling her hair dry. "Spike, I was just thinking."
"About anything in particular? Or anyone I'd care to hear you talk about?"
"Amy's still tied up at the Magic Box. I wonder what the police thought of that."
"Sunnyhell cops? Never notice a thing--it's part of the Hellmouth mystique. That's why demons love it here. Here's the rest of your clothes. Get upstairs and get some sleep. If you get lonely, I'll be down here." He had made up the couch by then and was sitting down taking off his boots. Buffy sat next to him.
"I'm sorry. Bad day. Bad year. Just think, in about five and a half hours I get to break the good news to Dawn."
"Could be worse. You could be sitting on the sofa with someone less charming and sexy." It was a weak smile, but a Buffy smile nonetheless.
"I'm going to bed now. I'll see you in the morning."
"Pleasant dreams. About me if you please."
"G'night."
Nine o'clock came early. Buffy got up, put on her one clean set of clothes, and went downstairs. "Is that coffee I smell?"
"Yeah. I found some more clothes of yours and that got me thinking. I like to drink when I think and I remembered you like coffee. There's cinnamon rolls, too."
"Food, caffeine, and clothes. I think I'll keep you around for awhile. Where'd you find more of my clothes?"
"Slayer, you shed clothes more than anyone I know. There were two pairs of your shoes in Giles closet. If I didn't know better, I'd think there was something going on between you two. You left jeans, sweatpants, tank tops, a sweater, a wool coat, red leather pants, and a frilly lacy little number that should be outlawed except in a strip club. How much do you spend replacing lost clothes every year?"
"I had to have someplace to change before and after patrol. I didn't want mom to see blood on any of my clothes, she'd worry. A couple of times I was hurt too bad to change back before going home. I wondered where that top and leather pants went. They were a gift."
"A gift? I'm shocked. I thought Captain Cardboard was too pure to go in for the leather and lace look."
"Nope, Riley didn't give me those. I don't think he ever saw them. This was before him."
"The poof? Not his style either. He's more into the..."
"Wrong again. It was from my dad. Well, not exactly. On Christmas a couple of years ago he told me to go shopping on his credit card. No limit. It was one of Dawn's most profitable Christmases ever. Mom didn't make out too badly either. He wasn't going to be available on Christmas after he promised Dawn because he was somewhere else with his secretary."
"And you call me incorrigible."
"Let's just say I don't take well to disappointment. Make a promise to me or mine and you'd better keep it."
"You know I would. I have."
"Breakfast. Clean clothes. Then break the news to Dawn. After that, research." Buffy ate in silence. After finishing she asked, "okay, where did you put my clothes?"
"On the table next to the sofa."
"I'm going to change, then it's off to break the news to Dawn." She sorted through her remaining clothes and found something she liked, then went to the bathroom to change. "I don't suppose you found a stray toothbrush anywhere? Or some toothpaste that's not all paste flavored?"
"Slayer, I'm not a bleedin' miracle worker."
"Hey, I'm not complaining. You more than doubled the size of my pathetic wardrobe." She came out in jeans and a tank top. "Are you going to meet me at the Magic Box later on? Dawn will be glad to see you, and since you're the only one who's fought him we could sure use your input at the research session."
"No. I'm coming with you to your house. Nibblet might need me."
"Spike, have you forgotten the little problem you have with daylight? It's nine thirtyish and I'm pretty sure the sun is out."
"Sewers. You said we should travel in pairs and I know the way to your house from anywhere in town. It's mostly dry right now. Then I'd like to go to my crypt and pack myself some clothes. I'm staying here to protect your sis."
"So I don't have any say in this?"
"Say what you want. I'm still staying here until the danger is over. I made you both a promise. I told her I'd protect her until I'm dust."
"When?"
"After you died. She and I were lost without you. I swore to her the last thing she'd ever see would be me getting dusted to protect her."
"Spike, you can stay. It sounds way too much like something I said to Giles the night I died for me to get annoyed with you for saying it."
"If you'll remember, I was there. That's when I knew you weren't planning on coming back alive. That's why I promised you I'd watch her. I knew you'd think of both of your blood being one and the same. I just hoped we'd stop the ritual before it got started."
"I want to know something and I know you'll tell me the truth."
"Anything."
"What happened to Ben?"
He looked away and mumbled, "Slayer, you don't want me to answer that."
"Did he turn back into Glory and hurt more people? I couldn't hurt him as Ben. I just couldn't kill an innocent."
"It's not that, it just doesn't reflect well on someone you love."
"Please, I want to know. I have to know. You're the only one who will even talk to me about that night."
"Giles suffocated him. He knew you wouldn't do it because you're a hero and heroes don't hurt the harmless. He wanted to stop Glory from hurting anyone else and had the opportunity to do it after you had weakened her."
"Let's go. We'll take a blanket for you when we get topside and go the sewer route. I'd better not get dirty, I don't have much in the way of replacement clothes at the moment."
"Typical woman. 'I don't have a thing to wear.'"