Good evening, Everyone:)
OK, here goes. I read the chapter and it's not that evil, although I imagine I will receive hate mail about where I leave you tonight! Bear with me, it'll be ok... eventually.
The next chapter will be out on Saturday. Please keep reading and letting me know what you think. You guys *rock* and are the whole reason I am still writing this story.
So, sorry about the ending, but more soon;)
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Seven (Time - Chapter Eleven)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set directly after Blows. Giles confronts Riley about his intentions. The Scoobies visit with Buffy. Willow has a heart to heart with Xander about his behaviour. Giles fills Spike in on the Riley situation. Takina executes the plan to distract Spike and Buffy.
Seven
"You'll have to forgive me if I just do not take your story at face value," Giles said, lifting the paper cup brimming with Lipton's, to his lips. How do Americans drink this piss? He asked himself, looking over to the boy across the table.
"What?" Riley answered sarcastically. "Can't believe I just happened to be stationed in Sunnydale and dropped in on an old.... friend?"
"No," Giles answered simply, watching Riley's honest face lit by the glow of the vending machines around them.
Riley thought a moment. "Guess you're still the brains of the operation," he joked, fiddling nervously with his plastic bottle of coke.
"So what *are* you doing here?" Giles asked, leaning back in the chair, sizing up the soldier boy. The question was honest. Non-confrontational. But it had been years since Riley had shown his face in Sunnydale and Giles could not help but question why.
Riley sighed. "The information that I am about to share, my mission, is top secret."
"I assure you, I have kept my fair share of confidences. However, please note that anything you say to me will be relayed to both Buffy and Spike." Giles leaned forward, elbows on the table, waiting.
The boy looked down at the grain of the faux wood table. "I work for the Supernatural Investigations Unit. It's a covert military branch designed..."
"Yes, I'm aware of them," Giles interrupted. "And this information is of no surprise to me."
"Checking up on me?' Riley asked, trying to drown his annoyance under a fresh-faced smile. How the Council managed to get a hold of so much classified information was an enigma.
"It's my job to protect the Slayer. Know your enemy and your friend," Giles answered, his face as still as stone.
"Which am I?" Riley asked, forced grin still painted on his face.
Giles stared at him for a long moment. "To be honest, I'm not sure. I'd like to think you mean no harm."
Riley returned to study the wood grain, smiling shyly. " I don't. Last week, I received orders to return to Sunnydale."
"Your mission?" Giles asked, his head quirked in anticipation of the response.
"The Peacemaker."
The room felt silent save for the buzz of vending machines. The wheels spun in Giles' head, trying to come to grips with what Riley was telling him. They watched each other like chess players anticipating the next move.
"What does the government want with Emma? Her welfare is not a matter of domestic law," Giles questioned, trying to keep his anger in check. The concept that legal bodies now sought involvement in Emma's future did not bode well in regards to the child's privacy.
"Yes, but the future stability of the worlds *does* depend on her. This makes her an... asset. One that needs to be protected," Riley answered, watching the Watcher's face change at his words.
"She cannot be played like an ace in the hole by any body of government. She is *not* a pawn," he growled, his annoyance getting the better of him. "Her future is far grander than her use to your military."
"I think you misunderstand," Riley corrected, calmly. "If the dimensional wars escalate, then *all* of the worlds fall into chaos. Including ours. Including this country. Protecting the Peacemaker until her destiny is fulfilled is just common sense."
Giles took a deep breath, removing his glasses, swiping them across his shirttail. "If you've not noticed, she's quite well protected. I understand your wish to be a part of that, but I do think that we are well equipped to take care of the task at hand."
"Can never have too much back up," Riley chirped, flashing that wholesome grin, trying to win the man over. His face was earnest and wholesome, like Uncle Sam's favourite son.
"Of course," Giles responded, trying to assuage his frustration. He was quiet a moment, turning the paper cup in his hands. "Riley, I don't think it a stretch to warn you that Spike will not let you *near* Buffy, much less Emma."
Riley chuckled. "I get that." He rubbed his jaw, feeling the tender skin swelling. "Sam is stationed here with me. I'm really no threat to his domestic bliss."
Giles sighed, feeling sorry for the boy. "You've never quite grasped the extent of Spike's love, or his protectiveness, over Buffy and now his children."
Riley's eyes flashed away, then quickly back to Giles. "I'm just here to add another layer. I don't need to be in the house, or even near the Peacemaker. We can watch from afar. But I have to be here. Those are my orders. And I'm staying."
Giles stood, pacing behind his chair, caught between nervousness and pity. A nagging doubt itching at the back of his skull. "Don't look to me for approval. Nor protection for that matter, " he stated, his hands digging into the vinyl of the chair. "I assure you, even one questionable move and either of them will not hesitate to kill you."
Riley's face looked shocked for just a moment. "Buffy wouldn't..."
It was all the Watcher could do not to laugh. "You forget, she is a mother now. You know that she has always been fiercely protective over her friends. Magnify that by her own flesh and you cannot *fathom* to what lengths she will go to protect those children," Giles commented, pacing again.
"Will you talk to them? Help me explain?" Riley's voice was soft and almost afraid, his eyes pleading with the Watcher for help.
Giles stared at the boy. "*I* don't approve of the military's involvement in Emma's affairs. Why would I try to convince either of them to accept it?"
Riley stood, stretching his tall frame, shadowing the glowing vending machines behind him. "Oh, to cut down on the bloodshed. Mostly mine. And because I will be here either way and it would just make sense that we at least come to an understanding."
Giles sighed, his shoulders dropping. "I will talk to Spike and explain what you have told me, but I won't influence his reaction nor his decision regarding how to handle this."
"Fair enough," Riley said, holding out his hand.
Giles stared at the gesture a moment, but he took Riley's hand, shaking . "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to visit with Buffy now."
*****
"So, then he asked me if I'd go to the prom with him," Dawn squealed, bouncing Emma on her lap gently and brushing Buffy's hair with her free hand.
"What did you say, Dawnie?" Tara asked.
"Yes!" She screeched in reply.
"Easy on the ear splitting." Buffy cringed away from the sound. "And I dunno, Dawn. We haven't even met this Bryan kid and..."
"Yes you did! He came over and took me to the movies with Janice and Tom," Dawn retorted, flashing disapproving look at her sister.
"Oh yeah," Buffy muttered. "He was cute. But..."
Dawn's face dropped. "But what? Prom is in, oh, six days. Running out of options."
"Spike wasn't there that night," Buffy answered. "You think he's going to just pop you in a limo heading for Hellmouth High in the slink-o-rama dress you talked me into buying with some guy he hasn't... run through the America's Most Wanted database and sniffed for contraband?"
"Oh, I can handle Spike," Dawn replied, waving the hairbrush in front of her.
Tara giggled, watching Buffy shake her head. "This I'd like to see."
"You underestimate the sheer annoying power of the Master Vampire," Buffy lectured. "Just wait."
"Whatever," Dawn snapped. "I'm eighteen and I can do whatever..."
"And you live in our house," Buffy interrupted, sounding all the world like her mother. "And I'm not saying *no*," she relented. "You just might want to at least let Spike sniff around him."
"Fine," Dawn conceded, sighing. "I'll bring him by before Saturday."
"Good idea," Tara contributed, smiling slyly at the teen.
Buffy yawned, cringing as she stretched.
"You OK?" Dawn asked, studying the pained expression on her sister's face.
"Just tired. And a world of 'ouch'." Buffy's hand poked gently at the stitches just inside her hipbone.
"We should go," Tara commented, looking at Dawn. " I know Willow was waiting for Xander. Then Giles and Anya might want to pop in."
"A regular parade," Buffy yawned.
"And Spike will want to come back," Dawn commented. "He was losing it."
Buffy was silent. "Is he OK now?"
"The phrase 'proud as a peacock' leaps to mind," Tara grinned. Buffy returned the smile warmly.
'"Keep an eye on him," she said softly. "And make sure someone stays near William. So he can see them."
"We will," Dawn answered, leaning in to kiss her sister. "Promise."
*****
"Oooh, how'd it go with Spike?" Willow questioned, crinkling her nose at Xander as he stumbled back into the waiting room, rubbing his shoulder.
"As far as encounters with Vampires go, not so bad," Xander responded, stretching his arms and cracking his neck.
"You really should at least consider that he lives among humans now. He has basically *become* a man," Cyrus corrected. "It may... aid you... in your dealings with him."
"I know, I know," Xander huffed, falling into a chair next to Willow. "Not an easy thing to do. He's... well, he's *Spike*."
Willow patted his knee. "Come on. He's not so bad. Kind of like the *much* older brother you never had. Except with fangs. And bumpies."
Xander shot a weary glance at the girl. "Leave me a shred of dignity."
Willow smiled. "Just today. Shredding recommences tomorrow." She paused, looking up at his face. "So, how *did* it go?"
"Well, I'm still alive, so pretty well," Xander responded. "He's upset, which I get. Yelling at Buffy like that was definitely *not* the right thing to do."
Willow shook her head. "It was mean."
"Thank you, best friend o' mine. I know." He sat forward, clasping his hands in front of him and looking up at the red head. "Have I always been so... All.About.Me.?"
Cyrus, deciding that this conversation had moved into areas to which he was not privy, stood, crossing the room, and settling next to a napping Anya. Quickly, he absorbed himself in a Scientific American, leaving the pair to talk in peace.
"Not so much," Willow answered. "More since... well, since Buffy and Spike. And then the whole Anya thing. And..."
"Do you think I'm an ass?" Xander asked, looking at Willow's eyes. Her's shot open in a wide eyed, questioning stare.
"No!" She answered, putting an arm around his shoulders. "You just don't think before the mouth moving sometimes. It's like... well, we all have things we don't like. Take the thing at Thanksgiving for example."
"Not the mashed potatoes incident," Xander groaned, remembering the smack down that occurred when Spike had lifted a spoonful from his plate and testosterone had gotten the better of them.
"No, before that," Willow mentioned. "Everybody made something, and most of it was really good. Except Buffy made that pudding-y stuff,"
"Eeewww," Xander remembered. "At least Spike tried to warn us."
"Right. But what did he do? He ate it. We all did. Because, like it or not, Buffy meant well. And to tell her it tasted like.... shoes.... would've hurt her feelings."
"Check. No dumping on Buffy's cooking," Xander recited, nodding.
"Bigger picture," Willow corrected. "Sometimes we don't like something or someone, or we do or see things that upset us, but before we go all scream- y yell-y, sometimes we have to think if saying something will just hurt more than help."
"So, we don't talk?" Xander questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Willow drew out. "We just think of a gentler way to say it."
"Like Spike did with the pudding?"
"Right," Willow answered. "Pointed out that maybe it wasn't the best compliment to turkey, but they'd work on it."
"Met her half way," Xander deduced, a light blinking on in his noggin.
"Right," Willow repeated. "She got the message and the whole feelings thing only got a little ouchy, but she ended up laughing about it. She wasn't half as hurt as if Spike had spit it on the floor and made the yucky face."
"And it was a tempting thought."
"Resist," Willow snarked, as Tara and Dawn emerged from the back. "It's about all of us. And whatever it takes to keep us together. Even Spike."
*****
"Spike?" Giles called, watching the Vampire disappear around the corner towards the stairwell.
Spike turned, stopping. Giles trotted up to meet him. "Just going down to..." Spike began.
"Check on William," Giles completed. Spike nodded his response. "I was going to fetch Anya and take her down in just a moment."
"Had a chance to talk to the whelp about you and his former?" Spike questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Alas, no. I was saving the soap opera for a less stressful environment," Giles answered. "Were it anyone other than Xander, I would assume he'd figured it out. But I believe a talk is in order."
Spike chuckled. "Selling tickets, because that I'd like to see."
Giles attempted a smirk and then fell silent. "Speaking of talks, I've just had a chat with Riley."
"Hope you told the bloody git to run back to the potato farm," Spike snarled. "You know he's the one that upset Buffy. Put her here. Weren't for the whole moral consciousness bit, I'd've ripped his throat out."
Giles sighed. "Not worth the paperwork," he snarked. "But his departure will prove more delayed than expected."
Spike quirked an eyebrow at the Watcher. "What d'you mean?"
"He's here on government orders," Giles replied, wiping his glasses.
"What *orders*?" Spike stiffened, studying the Watcher's face.
"Apparently, he's been assigned to guard the Peacemaker."
Spike's eyes flew open. "The government? Guard Emma? Don't want that git anywhere *near* my girl. What do they want with her anyway?"
"To many... organizations... she is an asset. The most powerful interdimensional force that ever was," Giles answered, his voice more of a sigh than an explanation.
"Well, to me, she's a little girl. *My* little girl. And *I* don't want the bloody Soldier Boy, nor any of his little military playmates, near her," Spike snarled, his eyes flashing with fury.
"To be honest, I'm not fond of the idea either. But until we can come up with a way to exclude the government from Emma's affairs, I'd imagine he's the least of the evils. He was a friend to most of them for quite some time. It's likely we would get more information from him than any other agent," Giles answered, unhappy with having to express even that much complacency.
"I don't like this, Rupert. Don't trust him. Never will," Spike snapped, beginning to pace in small circuits down the corridor.
Giles watched him, feeling the wrongness of the situation as well. "I'm not fond of it myself, Spike. But until we find more information, I suggest we play this close to the chest. Find out what they *truly* want with her. Why they are so interested in a three year old who won't fulfill her destiny for years to come."
"Be nice to the git," Spike sighed. "Not going to happen."
"Just don't kill him," Giles responded, smiling. "I'll handle the rest."
*****
The woman cloaked in Takina's skin scrubbed her hands, then headed to the incubator nearest the window. Slowly, she opened the box, reaching in to touch the boy. He was soft. Tiny. Beautiful. Gently, she stroked his head.
"That's right, sleepy little man," she cooed, tracing a design upon his forehead. "It's all right. Just sleep."
She traced the dragon over and over, her mind drifting. Settling. Searching.
'Sands of Time and Winds of Change Bring thee Youth and Bring thee Age Capture thy Moment as Points in a Line Take this Boy and Keep him in Time.'
The chant was soft. Nearly inaudible. A lullaby, stilling the child into slumber. Seven times it was repeated. Seven dragons drawn.
The boy lay still, entranced. Caught. Helpless.
"Goodnight, sweet prince," Sam whispered, closing the door to the incubator and taking a last look. "Sleep well."
She turned, heading to the door. Signing out. The ward nurse wished her a good night and promised to keep an eye on the boy. Sam smiled Takina's pretty grin and left.
As she rounded the corner to the stairs, the ward sirens began to wail.
To be contd.
OK, here goes. I read the chapter and it's not that evil, although I imagine I will receive hate mail about where I leave you tonight! Bear with me, it'll be ok... eventually.
The next chapter will be out on Saturday. Please keep reading and letting me know what you think. You guys *rock* and are the whole reason I am still writing this story.
So, sorry about the ending, but more soon;)
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Buffy, and a widdle Spike, and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Seven (Time - Chapter Eleven)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (with, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Set directly after Blows. Giles confronts Riley about his intentions. The Scoobies visit with Buffy. Willow has a heart to heart with Xander about his behaviour. Giles fills Spike in on the Riley situation. Takina executes the plan to distract Spike and Buffy.
Seven
"You'll have to forgive me if I just do not take your story at face value," Giles said, lifting the paper cup brimming with Lipton's, to his lips. How do Americans drink this piss? He asked himself, looking over to the boy across the table.
"What?" Riley answered sarcastically. "Can't believe I just happened to be stationed in Sunnydale and dropped in on an old.... friend?"
"No," Giles answered simply, watching Riley's honest face lit by the glow of the vending machines around them.
Riley thought a moment. "Guess you're still the brains of the operation," he joked, fiddling nervously with his plastic bottle of coke.
"So what *are* you doing here?" Giles asked, leaning back in the chair, sizing up the soldier boy. The question was honest. Non-confrontational. But it had been years since Riley had shown his face in Sunnydale and Giles could not help but question why.
Riley sighed. "The information that I am about to share, my mission, is top secret."
"I assure you, I have kept my fair share of confidences. However, please note that anything you say to me will be relayed to both Buffy and Spike." Giles leaned forward, elbows on the table, waiting.
The boy looked down at the grain of the faux wood table. "I work for the Supernatural Investigations Unit. It's a covert military branch designed..."
"Yes, I'm aware of them," Giles interrupted. "And this information is of no surprise to me."
"Checking up on me?' Riley asked, trying to drown his annoyance under a fresh-faced smile. How the Council managed to get a hold of so much classified information was an enigma.
"It's my job to protect the Slayer. Know your enemy and your friend," Giles answered, his face as still as stone.
"Which am I?" Riley asked, forced grin still painted on his face.
Giles stared at him for a long moment. "To be honest, I'm not sure. I'd like to think you mean no harm."
Riley returned to study the wood grain, smiling shyly. " I don't. Last week, I received orders to return to Sunnydale."
"Your mission?" Giles asked, his head quirked in anticipation of the response.
"The Peacemaker."
The room felt silent save for the buzz of vending machines. The wheels spun in Giles' head, trying to come to grips with what Riley was telling him. They watched each other like chess players anticipating the next move.
"What does the government want with Emma? Her welfare is not a matter of domestic law," Giles questioned, trying to keep his anger in check. The concept that legal bodies now sought involvement in Emma's future did not bode well in regards to the child's privacy.
"Yes, but the future stability of the worlds *does* depend on her. This makes her an... asset. One that needs to be protected," Riley answered, watching the Watcher's face change at his words.
"She cannot be played like an ace in the hole by any body of government. She is *not* a pawn," he growled, his annoyance getting the better of him. "Her future is far grander than her use to your military."
"I think you misunderstand," Riley corrected, calmly. "If the dimensional wars escalate, then *all* of the worlds fall into chaos. Including ours. Including this country. Protecting the Peacemaker until her destiny is fulfilled is just common sense."
Giles took a deep breath, removing his glasses, swiping them across his shirttail. "If you've not noticed, she's quite well protected. I understand your wish to be a part of that, but I do think that we are well equipped to take care of the task at hand."
"Can never have too much back up," Riley chirped, flashing that wholesome grin, trying to win the man over. His face was earnest and wholesome, like Uncle Sam's favourite son.
"Of course," Giles responded, trying to assuage his frustration. He was quiet a moment, turning the paper cup in his hands. "Riley, I don't think it a stretch to warn you that Spike will not let you *near* Buffy, much less Emma."
Riley chuckled. "I get that." He rubbed his jaw, feeling the tender skin swelling. "Sam is stationed here with me. I'm really no threat to his domestic bliss."
Giles sighed, feeling sorry for the boy. "You've never quite grasped the extent of Spike's love, or his protectiveness, over Buffy and now his children."
Riley's eyes flashed away, then quickly back to Giles. "I'm just here to add another layer. I don't need to be in the house, or even near the Peacemaker. We can watch from afar. But I have to be here. Those are my orders. And I'm staying."
Giles stood, pacing behind his chair, caught between nervousness and pity. A nagging doubt itching at the back of his skull. "Don't look to me for approval. Nor protection for that matter, " he stated, his hands digging into the vinyl of the chair. "I assure you, even one questionable move and either of them will not hesitate to kill you."
Riley's face looked shocked for just a moment. "Buffy wouldn't..."
It was all the Watcher could do not to laugh. "You forget, she is a mother now. You know that she has always been fiercely protective over her friends. Magnify that by her own flesh and you cannot *fathom* to what lengths she will go to protect those children," Giles commented, pacing again.
"Will you talk to them? Help me explain?" Riley's voice was soft and almost afraid, his eyes pleading with the Watcher for help.
Giles stared at the boy. "*I* don't approve of the military's involvement in Emma's affairs. Why would I try to convince either of them to accept it?"
Riley stood, stretching his tall frame, shadowing the glowing vending machines behind him. "Oh, to cut down on the bloodshed. Mostly mine. And because I will be here either way and it would just make sense that we at least come to an understanding."
Giles sighed, his shoulders dropping. "I will talk to Spike and explain what you have told me, but I won't influence his reaction nor his decision regarding how to handle this."
"Fair enough," Riley said, holding out his hand.
Giles stared at the gesture a moment, but he took Riley's hand, shaking . "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to visit with Buffy now."
*****
"So, then he asked me if I'd go to the prom with him," Dawn squealed, bouncing Emma on her lap gently and brushing Buffy's hair with her free hand.
"What did you say, Dawnie?" Tara asked.
"Yes!" She screeched in reply.
"Easy on the ear splitting." Buffy cringed away from the sound. "And I dunno, Dawn. We haven't even met this Bryan kid and..."
"Yes you did! He came over and took me to the movies with Janice and Tom," Dawn retorted, flashing disapproving look at her sister.
"Oh yeah," Buffy muttered. "He was cute. But..."
Dawn's face dropped. "But what? Prom is in, oh, six days. Running out of options."
"Spike wasn't there that night," Buffy answered. "You think he's going to just pop you in a limo heading for Hellmouth High in the slink-o-rama dress you talked me into buying with some guy he hasn't... run through the America's Most Wanted database and sniffed for contraband?"
"Oh, I can handle Spike," Dawn replied, waving the hairbrush in front of her.
Tara giggled, watching Buffy shake her head. "This I'd like to see."
"You underestimate the sheer annoying power of the Master Vampire," Buffy lectured. "Just wait."
"Whatever," Dawn snapped. "I'm eighteen and I can do whatever..."
"And you live in our house," Buffy interrupted, sounding all the world like her mother. "And I'm not saying *no*," she relented. "You just might want to at least let Spike sniff around him."
"Fine," Dawn conceded, sighing. "I'll bring him by before Saturday."
"Good idea," Tara contributed, smiling slyly at the teen.
Buffy yawned, cringing as she stretched.
"You OK?" Dawn asked, studying the pained expression on her sister's face.
"Just tired. And a world of 'ouch'." Buffy's hand poked gently at the stitches just inside her hipbone.
"We should go," Tara commented, looking at Dawn. " I know Willow was waiting for Xander. Then Giles and Anya might want to pop in."
"A regular parade," Buffy yawned.
"And Spike will want to come back," Dawn commented. "He was losing it."
Buffy was silent. "Is he OK now?"
"The phrase 'proud as a peacock' leaps to mind," Tara grinned. Buffy returned the smile warmly.
'"Keep an eye on him," she said softly. "And make sure someone stays near William. So he can see them."
"We will," Dawn answered, leaning in to kiss her sister. "Promise."
*****
"Oooh, how'd it go with Spike?" Willow questioned, crinkling her nose at Xander as he stumbled back into the waiting room, rubbing his shoulder.
"As far as encounters with Vampires go, not so bad," Xander responded, stretching his arms and cracking his neck.
"You really should at least consider that he lives among humans now. He has basically *become* a man," Cyrus corrected. "It may... aid you... in your dealings with him."
"I know, I know," Xander huffed, falling into a chair next to Willow. "Not an easy thing to do. He's... well, he's *Spike*."
Willow patted his knee. "Come on. He's not so bad. Kind of like the *much* older brother you never had. Except with fangs. And bumpies."
Xander shot a weary glance at the girl. "Leave me a shred of dignity."
Willow smiled. "Just today. Shredding recommences tomorrow." She paused, looking up at his face. "So, how *did* it go?"
"Well, I'm still alive, so pretty well," Xander responded. "He's upset, which I get. Yelling at Buffy like that was definitely *not* the right thing to do."
Willow shook her head. "It was mean."
"Thank you, best friend o' mine. I know." He sat forward, clasping his hands in front of him and looking up at the red head. "Have I always been so... All.About.Me.?"
Cyrus, deciding that this conversation had moved into areas to which he was not privy, stood, crossing the room, and settling next to a napping Anya. Quickly, he absorbed himself in a Scientific American, leaving the pair to talk in peace.
"Not so much," Willow answered. "More since... well, since Buffy and Spike. And then the whole Anya thing. And..."
"Do you think I'm an ass?" Xander asked, looking at Willow's eyes. Her's shot open in a wide eyed, questioning stare.
"No!" She answered, putting an arm around his shoulders. "You just don't think before the mouth moving sometimes. It's like... well, we all have things we don't like. Take the thing at Thanksgiving for example."
"Not the mashed potatoes incident," Xander groaned, remembering the smack down that occurred when Spike had lifted a spoonful from his plate and testosterone had gotten the better of them.
"No, before that," Willow mentioned. "Everybody made something, and most of it was really good. Except Buffy made that pudding-y stuff,"
"Eeewww," Xander remembered. "At least Spike tried to warn us."
"Right. But what did he do? He ate it. We all did. Because, like it or not, Buffy meant well. And to tell her it tasted like.... shoes.... would've hurt her feelings."
"Check. No dumping on Buffy's cooking," Xander recited, nodding.
"Bigger picture," Willow corrected. "Sometimes we don't like something or someone, or we do or see things that upset us, but before we go all scream- y yell-y, sometimes we have to think if saying something will just hurt more than help."
"So, we don't talk?" Xander questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Willow drew out. "We just think of a gentler way to say it."
"Like Spike did with the pudding?"
"Right," Willow answered. "Pointed out that maybe it wasn't the best compliment to turkey, but they'd work on it."
"Met her half way," Xander deduced, a light blinking on in his noggin.
"Right," Willow repeated. "She got the message and the whole feelings thing only got a little ouchy, but she ended up laughing about it. She wasn't half as hurt as if Spike had spit it on the floor and made the yucky face."
"And it was a tempting thought."
"Resist," Willow snarked, as Tara and Dawn emerged from the back. "It's about all of us. And whatever it takes to keep us together. Even Spike."
*****
"Spike?" Giles called, watching the Vampire disappear around the corner towards the stairwell.
Spike turned, stopping. Giles trotted up to meet him. "Just going down to..." Spike began.
"Check on William," Giles completed. Spike nodded his response. "I was going to fetch Anya and take her down in just a moment."
"Had a chance to talk to the whelp about you and his former?" Spike questioned, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Alas, no. I was saving the soap opera for a less stressful environment," Giles answered. "Were it anyone other than Xander, I would assume he'd figured it out. But I believe a talk is in order."
Spike chuckled. "Selling tickets, because that I'd like to see."
Giles attempted a smirk and then fell silent. "Speaking of talks, I've just had a chat with Riley."
"Hope you told the bloody git to run back to the potato farm," Spike snarled. "You know he's the one that upset Buffy. Put her here. Weren't for the whole moral consciousness bit, I'd've ripped his throat out."
Giles sighed. "Not worth the paperwork," he snarked. "But his departure will prove more delayed than expected."
Spike quirked an eyebrow at the Watcher. "What d'you mean?"
"He's here on government orders," Giles replied, wiping his glasses.
"What *orders*?" Spike stiffened, studying the Watcher's face.
"Apparently, he's been assigned to guard the Peacemaker."
Spike's eyes flew open. "The government? Guard Emma? Don't want that git anywhere *near* my girl. What do they want with her anyway?"
"To many... organizations... she is an asset. The most powerful interdimensional force that ever was," Giles answered, his voice more of a sigh than an explanation.
"Well, to me, she's a little girl. *My* little girl. And *I* don't want the bloody Soldier Boy, nor any of his little military playmates, near her," Spike snarled, his eyes flashing with fury.
"To be honest, I'm not fond of the idea either. But until we can come up with a way to exclude the government from Emma's affairs, I'd imagine he's the least of the evils. He was a friend to most of them for quite some time. It's likely we would get more information from him than any other agent," Giles answered, unhappy with having to express even that much complacency.
"I don't like this, Rupert. Don't trust him. Never will," Spike snapped, beginning to pace in small circuits down the corridor.
Giles watched him, feeling the wrongness of the situation as well. "I'm not fond of it myself, Spike. But until we find more information, I suggest we play this close to the chest. Find out what they *truly* want with her. Why they are so interested in a three year old who won't fulfill her destiny for years to come."
"Be nice to the git," Spike sighed. "Not going to happen."
"Just don't kill him," Giles responded, smiling. "I'll handle the rest."
*****
The woman cloaked in Takina's skin scrubbed her hands, then headed to the incubator nearest the window. Slowly, she opened the box, reaching in to touch the boy. He was soft. Tiny. Beautiful. Gently, she stroked his head.
"That's right, sleepy little man," she cooed, tracing a design upon his forehead. "It's all right. Just sleep."
She traced the dragon over and over, her mind drifting. Settling. Searching.
'Sands of Time and Winds of Change Bring thee Youth and Bring thee Age Capture thy Moment as Points in a Line Take this Boy and Keep him in Time.'
The chant was soft. Nearly inaudible. A lullaby, stilling the child into slumber. Seven times it was repeated. Seven dragons drawn.
The boy lay still, entranced. Caught. Helpless.
"Goodnight, sweet prince," Sam whispered, closing the door to the incubator and taking a last look. "Sleep well."
She turned, heading to the door. Signing out. The ward nurse wished her a good night and promised to keep an eye on the boy. Sam smiled Takina's pretty grin and left.
As she rounded the corner to the stairs, the ward sirens began to wail.
To be contd.