"That's her. She's the one who brought that poor girl in." The person
behind the desk pointed at Buffy. The police spread out, blocking the
outside exit and obviously trying to flank her. "Miss, come along. We'd
like to ask you a few questions about your friend."
But Buffy hadn't fought groups of opponents without learning a few tricks. She faked right, spun around and headed back to the main hospital. The police were hot on her trail. She turned a corner and ducked into a janitorial closet. She heard several sets of footsteps continue up the corridor. Buffy looked around, there was nothing big enough to hide behind. Then she remembered her high school days and hoped she'd have enough time. She clambered up a metal shelf unit until she reached the drop ceiling. She moved the tile carefully aside and scrambled upwards. As she started to relax, she heard heavy footsteps coming back from that direction. "I'm going to check closets. Nobody's that fast. She can't have just disappeared." As the door opened, she was just replacing the tile. She peeked cautiously into the room. The officer flipped on the light. "Nothing here. Damn. That girl must be an Olympic caliber sprinter."
She decided to take the high road for a while because there was less chance of running into a random cop. She crawled around in the ceiling, careful to stay on the support beams. She took another peek through the ceiling into a room below. It was unoccupied. She carefully slipped down onto the vacant bed, replaced the tile, and strolled casually into the hallway. This hall was much closer to the main exit. Nonchalantly she walked outside. "One of these days they'll actually catch something. Wonder what they'll do then? Okay, Buff, back to the Magic Box."
As she walked back to the Magic Box, she wondered why the police were after her. It wasn't like Amy had been beaten up or anything. Aside from worn out and dirty, she hadn't looked that bad. Oh well, she'd worry about it later.
As she walked back into the Magic Box, Dawn almost knocked her over. "Buffy, we were so worried about you! We heard on the scanner that they were looking for a blond girl at the hospital. When Willow said you left hours ago I knew it had to be you."
Buffy asked, "did they say why they were looking for me? I didn't let them get close enough to ask."
Xander looked at her. "They want to question you about a homicide. The hospital said you brought the victim in. Buffy, who did you take to the hospital?"
"Amy. Poor Amy, she never had much luck with magic. First her mom, then that disastrous love spell, then MOO, the rat years, then Rack."
Spike looked up from the book he was reading. "Speaking of Rack, I think I might have something here."
Dawn released Buffy from her hug. "I helped find it. I do great research, if I don't have to look at the pictures in the books. I can't believe how disgusting most demons are."
Spike glared up at her "hey! is that any way to talk about someone who protected you all summer?"
"I always thought your demon was kinda cool looking. I mean, no slime, no warts, not smelly or anything. But you smoke. How disgusting is THAT? I mean, eeewww."
Buffy giggled. Spike just shook his head. "How quickly they turn on you. I can remember her showing up at my crypt 'tell me a scary story, Spike,' 'it's dark out, walk me home, Spike,' 'give me a ride on your motorcycle, Spike.'"
Dawn blushed, then decided to give as good as she got. "It was just to keep you from talking about Buffy. Geez, if I had heard one more time 'Buffy was the best Slayer I ever fought,' 'when Buffy danced every man in the room...'"
Xander broke in before things could get further out of hand. "So guys, what did you find out about Rack?"
Spike started reading. "Portal demon. Minor as far as demons go, but with a major ability. He can open any portal between any two dimensions. Only problem is, he needs power to do it. Where does he get his power? You guessed it, kiddies, from inhabitants within that dimension. His only protections are raw electricity, also known as lightning, and the ability to empty a victim's mind. When the mind is emptied, he forms a bond or attachment with the mind, so as to make it easier both to read the mind and to find it later. He can call any mind he has touched, and place any memory in it that he wants to. Probably why Amy kept going back. He probably put beautiful memories in her mind, and she hadn't had much beautiful in her life."
Buffy looked over Spike's shoulder. "So, does it say how to kill it? I'm seriously in revenge mode, now. Willow is starting to crave a repeat performance, and Rack's killed at least three people that I know of."
"Nothing on killing it. Portal demons aren't from these parts, though. Maybe we could send Rack back to wherever he came from?"
"No, nothing less than dead. I don't want him coming back here and putting Willow on the all-you-can-eat power buffet menu. He's killed at least three people already. I don't know how many demons he's dragged across dimensions. Look at that monster I fought the night Dawn's arm was broken. I think this calls for some old-fashioned slayage."
Dawn looked at Buffy. "Buffy, is he a key? I mean, *I* open portals, right? Are we the same thing? I'm not a demon, am I?"
"No, Dawnie. You were pure energy until the monks gave you form. You're part of me and I'm not a demon. You started out different. As far as I know, you only open one portal. Not that I'll ever let anyone bleed you to find out." She ran her fingers through Dawn's hair in an almost unconscious gesture. "If there aren't any slayage instructions on this portal demon thingie, let's grab something to eat and have a brainstorming session back at home. I don't know about you guys, but with the police after me I'll feel a little safer in a less public place."
Dawn looked outside, then leaned back in to report. "I feel like I'm in a spy movie. No cops outside."
Buffy followed with Spike close on her heels. "So, Spike, feel like buying two beautiful ladies another meal?"
"Slayer, you're starting to get expensive."
"Oh, but I'm worth it." she teased.
"Never said you weren't, pet. But it's not like I can work a nine-to-five to keep us in pocket money. Most of what I have at the moment is from hustling pool. Haven't been able to do that recently with the college crowd being home on holiday. I only have a little blood left. I can do without the alcohol, and cut down on the cigarettes. But we've got to figure out some way to bring in some more money. Nobody under my roof is going hungry."
"Us? We? Your roof?" Buffy queried in a silky, dangerous tone.
Worried, Dawn looked between the two of them. Distraction was probably her best option. "Buffy, if you stake him, do I get to help you kill Rack?"
"I'm not going to stake him. I just find his male arrogance very...annoying. That's part of why I patrol alone. I don't need help, and I don't need someone assuming I need protection. I can't go to the bank with the police looking for me; and I can't write a check because the checkbook is burned to ashes. I'm not asking for a sugar daddy. I don't want a blank check. All I want is a temporary loan until this mess is cleared up. No strings, no expectations."
"Slayer, all you ever have to do is ask. No strings. I stay on the couch, strictly for my own protection and to keep an eye on the Bit." He backed up, hands outstretched in a nonthreatening manner. He eyed her like someone facing a large animal of uncertain temperament.
Dawn interrupted. "Geez, Buffy, that time of the month again? I mean, rude much?"
Buffy sighed deeply, finding a hidden reserve of self control. "Sorry. Can I plead low blood sugar and we'll all just drop it?"
"Already forgotten, luv."
"Don't call me luv."
---------------------------------------------
"Dawn, you can't eat cheese pizza three meals a day seven days a week. There aren't any vegetables except the tomatoes on a cheese pizza. There's bread, tomato sauce, some spices and cheese. Next time we order, how about a salad, too? Or some different toppings? Pineapple is good. Or maybe a veggie pizza. How about a carnivore special?"
"No. I like cheese pizza. Maybe a triple cheese. Spike and I used to get those once in a while."
"Spike, how many nights a week did you have to feed her? Did you ever get anything but cheese pizza?"
"Slayer, I was lucky to get her to eat. It didn't matter to me what she ate. Sometimes we'd forget to eat for a couple of days."
"Both of you?"
"Yeah. The witches made her pancakes every meal for three days running because it was the only thing she could stomach. Then they started in on Willy, trying for fresh human blood to try and get something I'd eat. A right pathetic pair we made."
"Buffy? You told me earlier today you were going to tell me a secret. I was going to get to hear it first, before any of the other Scoobies. Can I hear it now?" Buffy looked around. It was going to be difficult to tell her sister, but she had promised. Spike looked at her and cocked his head. It was going to be an interesting evening.
"Earth to Buffy. What's the big secret?"
"I've...I mean I am...Um, I...we...are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Geez Buff, just blurt it out. It can't be THAT bad. Or are you afraid it's something I'm going to try?" Spike choked on his dinner. "Oh, bad enough to make Spike shoot blood out his nose. Gross, by the way. What did you do? Rob a bank? You didn't rob that bank, did you? I know that loan officer made you mad, but..."
"No, nothing like that. Spike and I are, um, involved."
"Involved like how? Like we have a truce and we're not killing each other involved? Or is there a spell and you know each other's thoughts involved?"
"More like we've...like we're...a couple."
"A couple of what?" Comprehension finally spread across Dawn's face. "You mean you're together? As in dating?"
"We. Have. Not. Dated."
"So you've been boinking?" Dawn squeaked.
"One night."
"Like you and that Parker guy?"
"No. Not like Parker. Who told you about Parker anyways? I just don't want to anymore until I get my life straightened out."
"Hello, *Slayer*. Your life will never be straightened out. It'll always be one weird thing on top of another. You didn't do it at home, did you? I didn't hear you. I mean, you used to make such weird noises when you and Riley..." Spike had slid off the couch by this time and was collapsed on the floor, shoulders shaking in an futile attempt to laugh quietly."It's late, I'm going to my bedroom behind my closed door to do nonexistent homework. For what it's worth, you have my approval. Just don't make any weird noises, okay?"
Buffy just shook her head. The biggest obstacle she thought she'd have to face turned out to be the easiest. One down, three more to go. Well, two more. Giles wasn't a concern. Willow should be fairly simple, she'd always had a soft spot for the underdog. Somehow she knew that Xander wasn't going to be nearly as tractable. She walked over to the couch. Spike had crawled back on it as Dawn left. He looked up at her, a pensive expression on his face. She smiled and sat down next to him. "Might as well get used to this, at least in private. Dawn doesn't mind, so I'm gonna cuddle all I want."
He wrapped an arm around her and snugged her in closer. "Great, so I'm a big underground success."
She stiffened. "Spike, what do you want from me?"
"Slayer, don't ask unless you really want to know. I warned you once before that I won't spare your feelings."
"Spike, I want to know."
"I'll probably end up staked," he stated morosely.
"I promise you I won't say or do anything until you're done talking and I've thought about it."
"What do I want from you? Not much of a list. I want to touch you in public without you stiffening up or looking around to see who saw us. I want the benefit of the doubt when I say something you don't understand. I want to fight with you; dance with you. I want to kiss you when you're hurting. I want to make you smile. I want to see your face flushed with pleasure and hear you cry out my name in passion. I want to be the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you see when we wake up. I want to hold you all night, every night as long as we both exist. I want to smell your scent on my sheets, I want to hear your blood coursing through your veins. I want you, all of you. I want to see you without having to make up a reason. I want to know that I'm not a convenience; not your very own sex toy. I want you to love me, Buffy."
She sat quietly for a minute. "Spike, can you tell me one more thing?"
"Haven't had enough of kick-the-Spike? Because I have."
"I'm serious. I'm still thinking about what you've said. But I need to know..."
"Know what? I'm not giving you more ammunition if you're going to..."
"I know you can tell what I'm thinking. Even when I'm lying to myself. You've always known."
"Slayer, this is a dangerous road you're traveling down. If I tell you the truth, are you willing to hear it? You don't want to hear it. Don't ask me. The truth hurts. It could hurt you, it'll most likely hurt me."
"Spike. Please. Tell me what you think I think of you. Of us."
"I won't. I told you you're not ready to hear it."
Buffy sat silently in his arms. He turned to try and get a look at her. Tears were running down her cheeks.
"Spike, ask me anything. It's your turn to ask a question."
"Right then. That night, did you ever think of Angel?"
"Only after I woke up and I think the actual thought was 'I'm the Slayer. Why am I so turned on by vampires?' My turn to ask you something."
"Drusilla never crossed my mind."
"No, that wasn't my question."
"What, then?"
"Why did you make that comment about the only thing better than killing a Slayer?"
"Do you remember what I said about killing that Chinese slayer? It was the best night of my life. I was trying to tell you that it wasn't anymore. Being with you was."
"Talk about crossed wires." She stood up.
He took her hand and turned it over, kissing her palm. "Dream of me, pet." She cupped his face and ran her fingers down his cheek and over his lip.
"We'll talk more in the morning, right now I need to get some sleep. I have a lot to think about. Amy dead, Willow craving Rack, me wanted for questioning, Dawn being perceptive, me involved with another vampire. Must be another apocalypse coming."
But Buffy hadn't fought groups of opponents without learning a few tricks. She faked right, spun around and headed back to the main hospital. The police were hot on her trail. She turned a corner and ducked into a janitorial closet. She heard several sets of footsteps continue up the corridor. Buffy looked around, there was nothing big enough to hide behind. Then she remembered her high school days and hoped she'd have enough time. She clambered up a metal shelf unit until she reached the drop ceiling. She moved the tile carefully aside and scrambled upwards. As she started to relax, she heard heavy footsteps coming back from that direction. "I'm going to check closets. Nobody's that fast. She can't have just disappeared." As the door opened, she was just replacing the tile. She peeked cautiously into the room. The officer flipped on the light. "Nothing here. Damn. That girl must be an Olympic caliber sprinter."
She decided to take the high road for a while because there was less chance of running into a random cop. She crawled around in the ceiling, careful to stay on the support beams. She took another peek through the ceiling into a room below. It was unoccupied. She carefully slipped down onto the vacant bed, replaced the tile, and strolled casually into the hallway. This hall was much closer to the main exit. Nonchalantly she walked outside. "One of these days they'll actually catch something. Wonder what they'll do then? Okay, Buff, back to the Magic Box."
As she walked back to the Magic Box, she wondered why the police were after her. It wasn't like Amy had been beaten up or anything. Aside from worn out and dirty, she hadn't looked that bad. Oh well, she'd worry about it later.
As she walked back into the Magic Box, Dawn almost knocked her over. "Buffy, we were so worried about you! We heard on the scanner that they were looking for a blond girl at the hospital. When Willow said you left hours ago I knew it had to be you."
Buffy asked, "did they say why they were looking for me? I didn't let them get close enough to ask."
Xander looked at her. "They want to question you about a homicide. The hospital said you brought the victim in. Buffy, who did you take to the hospital?"
"Amy. Poor Amy, she never had much luck with magic. First her mom, then that disastrous love spell, then MOO, the rat years, then Rack."
Spike looked up from the book he was reading. "Speaking of Rack, I think I might have something here."
Dawn released Buffy from her hug. "I helped find it. I do great research, if I don't have to look at the pictures in the books. I can't believe how disgusting most demons are."
Spike glared up at her "hey! is that any way to talk about someone who protected you all summer?"
"I always thought your demon was kinda cool looking. I mean, no slime, no warts, not smelly or anything. But you smoke. How disgusting is THAT? I mean, eeewww."
Buffy giggled. Spike just shook his head. "How quickly they turn on you. I can remember her showing up at my crypt 'tell me a scary story, Spike,' 'it's dark out, walk me home, Spike,' 'give me a ride on your motorcycle, Spike.'"
Dawn blushed, then decided to give as good as she got. "It was just to keep you from talking about Buffy. Geez, if I had heard one more time 'Buffy was the best Slayer I ever fought,' 'when Buffy danced every man in the room...'"
Xander broke in before things could get further out of hand. "So guys, what did you find out about Rack?"
Spike started reading. "Portal demon. Minor as far as demons go, but with a major ability. He can open any portal between any two dimensions. Only problem is, he needs power to do it. Where does he get his power? You guessed it, kiddies, from inhabitants within that dimension. His only protections are raw electricity, also known as lightning, and the ability to empty a victim's mind. When the mind is emptied, he forms a bond or attachment with the mind, so as to make it easier both to read the mind and to find it later. He can call any mind he has touched, and place any memory in it that he wants to. Probably why Amy kept going back. He probably put beautiful memories in her mind, and she hadn't had much beautiful in her life."
Buffy looked over Spike's shoulder. "So, does it say how to kill it? I'm seriously in revenge mode, now. Willow is starting to crave a repeat performance, and Rack's killed at least three people that I know of."
"Nothing on killing it. Portal demons aren't from these parts, though. Maybe we could send Rack back to wherever he came from?"
"No, nothing less than dead. I don't want him coming back here and putting Willow on the all-you-can-eat power buffet menu. He's killed at least three people already. I don't know how many demons he's dragged across dimensions. Look at that monster I fought the night Dawn's arm was broken. I think this calls for some old-fashioned slayage."
Dawn looked at Buffy. "Buffy, is he a key? I mean, *I* open portals, right? Are we the same thing? I'm not a demon, am I?"
"No, Dawnie. You were pure energy until the monks gave you form. You're part of me and I'm not a demon. You started out different. As far as I know, you only open one portal. Not that I'll ever let anyone bleed you to find out." She ran her fingers through Dawn's hair in an almost unconscious gesture. "If there aren't any slayage instructions on this portal demon thingie, let's grab something to eat and have a brainstorming session back at home. I don't know about you guys, but with the police after me I'll feel a little safer in a less public place."
Dawn looked outside, then leaned back in to report. "I feel like I'm in a spy movie. No cops outside."
Buffy followed with Spike close on her heels. "So, Spike, feel like buying two beautiful ladies another meal?"
"Slayer, you're starting to get expensive."
"Oh, but I'm worth it." she teased.
"Never said you weren't, pet. But it's not like I can work a nine-to-five to keep us in pocket money. Most of what I have at the moment is from hustling pool. Haven't been able to do that recently with the college crowd being home on holiday. I only have a little blood left. I can do without the alcohol, and cut down on the cigarettes. But we've got to figure out some way to bring in some more money. Nobody under my roof is going hungry."
"Us? We? Your roof?" Buffy queried in a silky, dangerous tone.
Worried, Dawn looked between the two of them. Distraction was probably her best option. "Buffy, if you stake him, do I get to help you kill Rack?"
"I'm not going to stake him. I just find his male arrogance very...annoying. That's part of why I patrol alone. I don't need help, and I don't need someone assuming I need protection. I can't go to the bank with the police looking for me; and I can't write a check because the checkbook is burned to ashes. I'm not asking for a sugar daddy. I don't want a blank check. All I want is a temporary loan until this mess is cleared up. No strings, no expectations."
"Slayer, all you ever have to do is ask. No strings. I stay on the couch, strictly for my own protection and to keep an eye on the Bit." He backed up, hands outstretched in a nonthreatening manner. He eyed her like someone facing a large animal of uncertain temperament.
Dawn interrupted. "Geez, Buffy, that time of the month again? I mean, rude much?"
Buffy sighed deeply, finding a hidden reserve of self control. "Sorry. Can I plead low blood sugar and we'll all just drop it?"
"Already forgotten, luv."
"Don't call me luv."
---------------------------------------------
"Dawn, you can't eat cheese pizza three meals a day seven days a week. There aren't any vegetables except the tomatoes on a cheese pizza. There's bread, tomato sauce, some spices and cheese. Next time we order, how about a salad, too? Or some different toppings? Pineapple is good. Or maybe a veggie pizza. How about a carnivore special?"
"No. I like cheese pizza. Maybe a triple cheese. Spike and I used to get those once in a while."
"Spike, how many nights a week did you have to feed her? Did you ever get anything but cheese pizza?"
"Slayer, I was lucky to get her to eat. It didn't matter to me what she ate. Sometimes we'd forget to eat for a couple of days."
"Both of you?"
"Yeah. The witches made her pancakes every meal for three days running because it was the only thing she could stomach. Then they started in on Willy, trying for fresh human blood to try and get something I'd eat. A right pathetic pair we made."
"Buffy? You told me earlier today you were going to tell me a secret. I was going to get to hear it first, before any of the other Scoobies. Can I hear it now?" Buffy looked around. It was going to be difficult to tell her sister, but she had promised. Spike looked at her and cocked his head. It was going to be an interesting evening.
"Earth to Buffy. What's the big secret?"
"I've...I mean I am...Um, I...we...are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Geez Buff, just blurt it out. It can't be THAT bad. Or are you afraid it's something I'm going to try?" Spike choked on his dinner. "Oh, bad enough to make Spike shoot blood out his nose. Gross, by the way. What did you do? Rob a bank? You didn't rob that bank, did you? I know that loan officer made you mad, but..."
"No, nothing like that. Spike and I are, um, involved."
"Involved like how? Like we have a truce and we're not killing each other involved? Or is there a spell and you know each other's thoughts involved?"
"More like we've...like we're...a couple."
"A couple of what?" Comprehension finally spread across Dawn's face. "You mean you're together? As in dating?"
"We. Have. Not. Dated."
"So you've been boinking?" Dawn squeaked.
"One night."
"Like you and that Parker guy?"
"No. Not like Parker. Who told you about Parker anyways? I just don't want to anymore until I get my life straightened out."
"Hello, *Slayer*. Your life will never be straightened out. It'll always be one weird thing on top of another. You didn't do it at home, did you? I didn't hear you. I mean, you used to make such weird noises when you and Riley..." Spike had slid off the couch by this time and was collapsed on the floor, shoulders shaking in an futile attempt to laugh quietly."It's late, I'm going to my bedroom behind my closed door to do nonexistent homework. For what it's worth, you have my approval. Just don't make any weird noises, okay?"
Buffy just shook her head. The biggest obstacle she thought she'd have to face turned out to be the easiest. One down, three more to go. Well, two more. Giles wasn't a concern. Willow should be fairly simple, she'd always had a soft spot for the underdog. Somehow she knew that Xander wasn't going to be nearly as tractable. She walked over to the couch. Spike had crawled back on it as Dawn left. He looked up at her, a pensive expression on his face. She smiled and sat down next to him. "Might as well get used to this, at least in private. Dawn doesn't mind, so I'm gonna cuddle all I want."
He wrapped an arm around her and snugged her in closer. "Great, so I'm a big underground success."
She stiffened. "Spike, what do you want from me?"
"Slayer, don't ask unless you really want to know. I warned you once before that I won't spare your feelings."
"Spike, I want to know."
"I'll probably end up staked," he stated morosely.
"I promise you I won't say or do anything until you're done talking and I've thought about it."
"What do I want from you? Not much of a list. I want to touch you in public without you stiffening up or looking around to see who saw us. I want the benefit of the doubt when I say something you don't understand. I want to fight with you; dance with you. I want to kiss you when you're hurting. I want to make you smile. I want to see your face flushed with pleasure and hear you cry out my name in passion. I want to be the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you see when we wake up. I want to hold you all night, every night as long as we both exist. I want to smell your scent on my sheets, I want to hear your blood coursing through your veins. I want you, all of you. I want to see you without having to make up a reason. I want to know that I'm not a convenience; not your very own sex toy. I want you to love me, Buffy."
She sat quietly for a minute. "Spike, can you tell me one more thing?"
"Haven't had enough of kick-the-Spike? Because I have."
"I'm serious. I'm still thinking about what you've said. But I need to know..."
"Know what? I'm not giving you more ammunition if you're going to..."
"I know you can tell what I'm thinking. Even when I'm lying to myself. You've always known."
"Slayer, this is a dangerous road you're traveling down. If I tell you the truth, are you willing to hear it? You don't want to hear it. Don't ask me. The truth hurts. It could hurt you, it'll most likely hurt me."
"Spike. Please. Tell me what you think I think of you. Of us."
"I won't. I told you you're not ready to hear it."
Buffy sat silently in his arms. He turned to try and get a look at her. Tears were running down her cheeks.
"Spike, ask me anything. It's your turn to ask a question."
"Right then. That night, did you ever think of Angel?"
"Only after I woke up and I think the actual thought was 'I'm the Slayer. Why am I so turned on by vampires?' My turn to ask you something."
"Drusilla never crossed my mind."
"No, that wasn't my question."
"What, then?"
"Why did you make that comment about the only thing better than killing a Slayer?"
"Do you remember what I said about killing that Chinese slayer? It was the best night of my life. I was trying to tell you that it wasn't anymore. Being with you was."
"Talk about crossed wires." She stood up.
He took her hand and turned it over, kissing her palm. "Dream of me, pet." She cupped his face and ran her fingers down his cheek and over his lip.
"We'll talk more in the morning, right now I need to get some sleep. I have a lot to think about. Amy dead, Willow craving Rack, me wanted for questioning, Dawn being perceptive, me involved with another vampire. Must be another apocalypse coming."