Good evening, All,
I made it! Close call on this one as RL and an exhausted muse pushed the deadline envelope. Thanks to my lovely betas for the quick turn around. Sorry, gals, you'll likely have to do it again.
The next chapter is slated for this weekend. My hope is that I will make it. Alas, I do work all weekend and have company in town (not to mention the exhausted muse), so I won't make promises. Just know that I will do my best to have ficcy- goodness to you this weekend.
Please let me know how you like the chapter. I am so grateful for all the feedback and all of the support.
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Chicken Soup for The Immortal Soul (Chapter Sixteen of The One)
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 . Also, please visit the wonderful fan listing that Rachel put together. Sign up today and link to your website (or just sign up to say hi!). The fan listing can be found at http://www.cloudy-visions.org/nimue/always.htm
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: The Scoobies join forces to try and figure out what is happening to Buffy. Takina comes to check on Buffy and her son. Tara and Willow attempt to find the source of the enchantment. Spike and Buffy are faced with harrowing menu choices.
Chicken Soup for the Immortal Soul
"So, how's the research going?" A refreshed and relieved Willow asked as she hung her jacket on the coat rack and reached for Tara's.
"Nowhere fast, I'm afraid," Giles answered, rubbing his forehead absently. He looked stressed. Concerned. Then again, he was a Watcher and that seemed to be a permanent expression. Willow thought about it a moment. When Giles had succumbed to his calling, he was signing on to be the mentor of a fifteen year old girl, a Slayer, not of two adult beings supernaturally joined and now more powerful than any Slayer, or any Vampire could be alone. Still, he stayed. Still, he seemed to enjoy his work. Usually.
"Still with the dreamscape?" Willow asked, grabbing a mug and helping herself to the seemingly eternal supply of coffee.
"Moved on from that, I'm afraid," Giles answered. Spike stood in the corner, arms folded, deep in thought. He wasn't going to tell the story again. Giles could understand that. Quickly, he caught the rest of them up to speed on the day's occurrences, using as mild words as he could. No reason to make Spike any more agitated that he had already become.
"D'you call Takina?" Spike asked quietly, turning to Cyrus. He had asked his daughter's Watcher to ring the doctor. Might as well rule out anything physical that could be wrong with the other half of his life.
"I did," Cyrus answered, peeking into the living room. The two kids were rolled in a ball together like kittens, cartoons playing quietly as background noise. "She said she'd be out to see Will today anyway. No worries to check Buffy while she's here."
"Is Buffy sick?" Oz asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Tara shot him a gentle, but unmistakable, warning glance.
"Sorry, man. Didn't mean to be nosey," Oz corrected.
"Not sick, I don't think," Spike replied, his voice short and still so distant.
"Supernatural stuff," Oz mused. "I get it. Anything I can do, say the word."
"Not at the moment," Spike concluded, nodding politely. That was all he had to say on the subject.
"Spike?" Giles asked, turning his head to the Vampire. "About what we spoke of this morning. Were you serious?"
Spike thought for a moment. So much had happened in the last twenty four hours, he wasn't quite sure what the Watcher was referring to. But the look on Giles face, the fear and apprehension, said it all. The kids. "Yes," Spike answered. "But not at this point."
"Anya's coming by in a bit with Randy. We can keep an eye on the tots if you want to take Buffy out to patrol."
The thought hadn't occurred to Spike. She was ill and frightened. Why would he want to take her out into more danger? But he saw Rupert's point. If Buffy was up to it, taking her into their most comfortable environment, well second most comfortable to the bedroom, he may be able to gauge exactly how far this situation had gone. "That'd be helpful."
"Right," Giles nodded, watching Spike closely. "And I'll continue the research."
"We may want to get the Witches more involved at this point," Cyrus contributed as a knock sounded at the door.
Oz pushed himself from the wall, shrugging. "You know. Not a Witch. But good with doors." He disappeared towards the front door as the rest milled aimlessly about the kitchen.
"What.what can we do?" Tara asked, leaning against the counter and turning to face the Watchers.
Giles sighed. "What is happening to Buffy does not seem to be a normal consequence of the One. There is some sort of catalyst that is effecting the change. I would hazard to say that it is some sort of spell or enchantment."
Willow furrowed her brow. "Any idea who? I mean, it's easier to stump the mojo if you know who the source is."
"Draconius," Giles answered flatly. "I'm almost certain."
Willow's eyes went wide. "That's some big mojo."
"Do you really think we can help?" Tara asked, squeezing her lover's hand. "I mean Draconius."
"Well, we are not certain, at this point, that it is indeed Draconius," Cyrus interjected. Giles shot him an evil glance. In Rupert's mind, there was no one else it could be. Cyrus tended to agree, but the Witches were right, it was far easier to subvert a spell if one knew the source. "Is there any way to find out for sure? I mean, that'd help. So would being sure it was a spell to start with. Ooh, and what kind," Willow gushed.
"I'm not sure how to ascertain that at this point, Willow," Giles answered sullenly.
Tara stood, thoughtful for a moment. "Wait a minute. I mean, Anya still has active connections in the demon world. Right? So maybe she can ask around."
The idea made both Giles and Spike shudder. Not only because she was part of the group and they didn't want her in danger, but she was also their safety net when it came to protecting the children. "I'm not sure that is the wisest of ideas. She is needed here," Giles said, his eyes adding so much more. He didn't want to put her in danger.
"I don't think she'd even have to leave," Willow mused. "I mean, last time, when I went to find Spike, it was like I was a spectator. Maybe Anya can just locate Draconius and see if he's up to something without ever going near him.
"Can you do that?" Spike asked. "I mean, without any of you being in danger?"
"We can work on it," Tara answered, her smile soft and comforting. "It might help us figure out what we can do to neutralize the spell."
"Do it," Giles commented, his fear being overcome by his sense of duty. "If Anya agrees, of course."
Spike nodded his agreement.
"We can work in the basement. See if we can figure out a spell to just send her out there mentally without putting her in danger. Okay?" Willow asked, collecting her jacket and heading towards the basement door. "You still have some of my things down there?'
"In a box above the washer," Spike answered, nodding at the door. "Wanted it out of reach of the tots. Not sure what Emma can do yet."
"Sure," Tara said, smiling again. "We'll figure it out, Spike. We always do."
As the girls disappeared into the basement, Oz returned into the kitchen. "It was Xander's wife. I let her in. Hope that's okay."
"Fine," Spike answered, heading towards the dining room and the stairs.
"Whoa," Oz cautioned, putting out a hand to stop Spike. Spike eyed him warily. They weren't that closely acquainted that Spike still didn't think of knocking the wolf into a wall for preventing him from getting at Buffy. Oz moved his hand at the look. "Takina asked me to tell you that she wanted to look her over alone first. Then you could come up. She said you'd be anxious."
Spike thought a moment, blood still boiling, and then took a step back. Bird knew him too well. "Right then," Spike muttered, backing further into the kitchen. "What do I do until then?"
It was an honest question, but none of them knew. All they could do was research and try and keep the Scoobies from losing perspective without their leader.
The bedroom door opened with a creak. The sun was low in the sky and the room was filled with a hazy orange glow. It was like a foreign dreamscape to Spike. Not their room at all. Not quite right. But it was still her.
He had a bad feeling about this.
Buffy was pushed back against the pillows, blanket pulled up to her chin and knees drawn to her chest. Takina sat next to her, her soft hand patting Buffy's knee. Both of them jumped a bit as the door opened. Needed some oil. It ruined Spike's stealth entrances.
"How is she?" Spike asked, swallowing. He looked at Buffy and felt a wave of fear crash over him. It was almost tactile, cold and alone, pulsing under his skin.
Takina stood, pushing herself from the bed. "Physically, she's fine," the doctor answered in her most professional, metered, tone. "Maybe a little anemic. Other than that, she's as strong as ever. Heartbeat and lung function seem normal. No fever. She's a little cold."
The thought made Spike shudder. He remembered that feeling the most when he dug his way out of the ground. Cold. Afraid. He'd have never admitted it. He never admitted being frightened until Buffy. His strength and his lack of noticeable fear is what had kept him alive that long. "But nothing else."
"She says I'm fine." Buffy's voice was tinny. Distant, even to herself. "I mean, I feel okay."
"But you're not," Spike answered. Actually, it bordered on being a question, but the cold, alone feeling creeping under his skin made it a fact.
She shook her head, eyes full of unshed tears. "No."
"Do you think that her symptoms might be mystical?" Takina asked, leaning down so that her hand rested on Buffy's shoulder. Spike sat on the opposite side of the bed, fumbling for Buffy's hand. She was doing the same. They met in the middle.
Spike nodded. "Red and Tara are working on it now. Seems it may be a spell of some sort."
Buffy looked interested for the first time that day. Fear had been controlling her since the episode on the porch. For the first time, Spike felt anger creep in. It was a bloody good feeling.
"So someone is doing this to me?" Buffy asked, her voice laced with contempt.
Spike stared at her a second and smiled. "Can't stand anyone getting the better of us, can you, Pet?"
Buffy returned the smile, a little weakly, but a valiant effort. "Not on your life. Or unlife. Or our life. Or whatever." Spike chuckled. Had to buy the girl a few grammar books. "The Watcher's think it might be that poof Draconius."
"What?" Buffy yelped. "I thought we killed his sorry old butt."
"Merely banished him from this dimension, it seems," Spike answered.
"So, Draconius is casting a cross dimensional spell?" Takina asked, an eyebrow rising. Doctor was a smart woman, Spike thought.
"Looks that way," the Vampire answered. "Not sure. The Witches two are trying to suss out a way to be sure."
"Amazing he has that much power. It takes a lot of sheer magical force to cast cross dimensionally without a vector," Takina mused, leaning her hip against the end table.
"Watchers seem to think he might have some help in this dimension," Spike answered. "Likely unwilling."
"So the trick is to catch the pawn without harming it and deactivate the spell," the Doctor responded, her voice gaining confidence as if a light bulb had gone off over her head.
Buffy watched the exchange like a tennis match. She was bright, but the big wordiness made it harder to get to the point. "In English?"
"That was English, Love," Spike snarked. "Rather you Scooby-speak?"
Buffy bashed Spike with a pillow and he chuckled. He knew how bright she was, how good a leader and how accurate a tactician. But it was still fun to tease. "Just tell me."
"Tweeds downstairs think that Draconius, who is likely in some nearby hell dimension, is casting a spell on you. Well, more accurately on us. Takina pointed out that it takes a sodding tidal wave of magic to cross from one dimension to another without someone delivering the force. Watchers think that there may well be another party involved in this dimension, likely unwilling 'coz Draconius is an egotistical git and would want to pull the strings. Thing is, the poor bugger that gets to walk into our lion's den probably doesn't even know what they're doing. Don't want to kill it unless we have to," Spike explained, his fingers working gently against her palm.
"If something brought Draconius's little Vampire surprise to me, why *wouldn't* I kill it?" Buffy asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Because, Buffy, it has no free will. It's being manipulated by Draconius. Robbed of its defenses. It's like killing someone completely under a spell," Takina continued. "Whoever it is doesn't know they're hurting you."
"Still vote for the killing," Buffy muttered, looking at her knees.
"Seem to remember, Pet, when you and I both were under a spell or two. Got a bit sappy the once. Almost did the second time. Do you blame yourself for that?"
Buffy grinned, the embarrassing thought of their spell induced engagement and their tryst as the superhero dream team racing into her mind. May have ended up as truth, but at the time, she definitely didn't want to be blamed for what had happened. "Seeing your point."
"Thought you might, Love," Spike answered, kissing her nose.
"Maybe I can help track down the vector. Help Tara and Willow a bit," Takina commented, starting towards the door.
Spike nodded. "Sure they could use a hand."
"I'll check on William while I'm here. Has he been acting normally?" The Doctor asked.
Spike grinned. "If you mean sweet on your girl, then yes, he's right as rain."
"I've been hiding that from Xander," Takina chuckled. "I think it might give him a coronary."
"Maybe they'll grow out of it?" Buffy asked, shrugging. Somewhere, she knew they wouldn't.
"Doubt that, Love. Will's anything like his dad, he finds his girl and sticks to her," Spike contributed, sliding his shoulder behind Buffy and pulling her to rest against his chest.
"Like crazy glue," Buffy answered softly, her lips finding Spike's. They barely heard the door click closed.
"Mummy?" A small voice from outside the door called. Buffy's eyes fluttered open. She dozed back off, cradled in the warm safety of Spike's arms. He had fallen asleep as well, his head buried in her hair. She could swear she felt a drool mark on the crown of her head.
"Emma?" Buffy answered. "You can come in sweetie."
The door opened gently and Tara ushered the two kids through the door. Emma was walking very slowly, carrying a tray with soup and crackers for Buffy, and a mug of blood for Spike. Tara made sure Emma made it to the table before waving slightly and letting the door click closed.
"What's this?" Buffy asked, helping Emma steady the tray. Spike stirred behind her.
"Daddy said you were sick. When I was sick, you made me soup," Emma announced proudly, climbing up on the bed. The little girl reached down and hoisted her brother up with them.
"Awfully sweet of you, Mite," Spike said, motioning the little girl towards him. She scampered into his lap, taking up the part of his chest that Buffy wasn't leaning against. Will curled up between their legs, his head resting on his mother's thigh.
"Looks like they brought you some bloody-goodness as well," Buffy commented, inspecting the tray. Spike's stomach did a flip flop at the thought. Blood was completely unappealing. The soup smelled pretty good.
Buffy caught the look on his face and the sensation creeping from under his skin to hers. Her eyes shot over to him in surprise. "Wait a minute," she gushed. "This isn't just affecting me, is it?"
Spike looked at her a long moment, and shook her head. "No, Love. Not much of a Vampire at the moment."
"And can I just say that it's grossing me out that the blood smells good?" Buffy commented, crinkling her nose. "But so does the soup."
"Stick to the soup," Spike contributed. "You'll be happier when this is over."
Buffy thought, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "Spike, you *need* blood to stay strong. Live."
"That I do, Pet," Spike answered, nodding slightly.
She looked at the tray a moment longer, then at the kids. "Think we can do this for them? I mean, eat what we're supposed to?"
"Not sure. Making me ill to think on it," the Vampire answered, eyeing the warmed mug.
"I need you to be strong, Spike," Buffy pleaded, looking over at him with wide, doe, eyes. "I know neither of us.."
Spike nodded, holding out his hand. "Anything for the three of you, Pet. Just make sure you eat something. We've got to patrol tonight."
"Patrol?" Buffy asked, breaking crackers into the soup.
"Yes, Pet," he answered, stroking Emma's hair. He didn't want to say more in front of them.
"What's wrong, Mummy? Don't you want your soup?" Emma asked, watching her parents eye the food a little too long before eating.
"It's great, baby," Buffy said, taking a big spoonful. Spike took a sip of the mug and his face contorted in disgust. Buffy nudged him, watching Will look curiously at his father. Spike took another sip and steeled his resolve.
"Thank you," Spike continued, swallowing bile and focusing on the kids. Will beamed up at him. Emma curled into his chest.
Anything for them.
To be contd.
I made it! Close call on this one as RL and an exhausted muse pushed the deadline envelope. Thanks to my lovely betas for the quick turn around. Sorry, gals, you'll likely have to do it again.
The next chapter is slated for this weekend. My hope is that I will make it. Alas, I do work all weekend and have company in town (not to mention the exhausted muse), so I won't make promises. Just know that I will do my best to have ficcy- goodness to you this weekend.
Please let me know how you like the chapter. I am so grateful for all the feedback and all of the support.
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Chicken Soup for The Immortal Soul (Chapter Sixteen of The One)
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 . Also, please visit the wonderful fan listing that Rachel put together. Sign up today and link to your website (or just sign up to say hi!). The fan listing can be found at http://www.cloudy-visions.org/nimue/always.htm
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: The Scoobies join forces to try and figure out what is happening to Buffy. Takina comes to check on Buffy and her son. Tara and Willow attempt to find the source of the enchantment. Spike and Buffy are faced with harrowing menu choices.
Chicken Soup for the Immortal Soul
"So, how's the research going?" A refreshed and relieved Willow asked as she hung her jacket on the coat rack and reached for Tara's.
"Nowhere fast, I'm afraid," Giles answered, rubbing his forehead absently. He looked stressed. Concerned. Then again, he was a Watcher and that seemed to be a permanent expression. Willow thought about it a moment. When Giles had succumbed to his calling, he was signing on to be the mentor of a fifteen year old girl, a Slayer, not of two adult beings supernaturally joined and now more powerful than any Slayer, or any Vampire could be alone. Still, he stayed. Still, he seemed to enjoy his work. Usually.
"Still with the dreamscape?" Willow asked, grabbing a mug and helping herself to the seemingly eternal supply of coffee.
"Moved on from that, I'm afraid," Giles answered. Spike stood in the corner, arms folded, deep in thought. He wasn't going to tell the story again. Giles could understand that. Quickly, he caught the rest of them up to speed on the day's occurrences, using as mild words as he could. No reason to make Spike any more agitated that he had already become.
"D'you call Takina?" Spike asked quietly, turning to Cyrus. He had asked his daughter's Watcher to ring the doctor. Might as well rule out anything physical that could be wrong with the other half of his life.
"I did," Cyrus answered, peeking into the living room. The two kids were rolled in a ball together like kittens, cartoons playing quietly as background noise. "She said she'd be out to see Will today anyway. No worries to check Buffy while she's here."
"Is Buffy sick?" Oz asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Tara shot him a gentle, but unmistakable, warning glance.
"Sorry, man. Didn't mean to be nosey," Oz corrected.
"Not sick, I don't think," Spike replied, his voice short and still so distant.
"Supernatural stuff," Oz mused. "I get it. Anything I can do, say the word."
"Not at the moment," Spike concluded, nodding politely. That was all he had to say on the subject.
"Spike?" Giles asked, turning his head to the Vampire. "About what we spoke of this morning. Were you serious?"
Spike thought for a moment. So much had happened in the last twenty four hours, he wasn't quite sure what the Watcher was referring to. But the look on Giles face, the fear and apprehension, said it all. The kids. "Yes," Spike answered. "But not at this point."
"Anya's coming by in a bit with Randy. We can keep an eye on the tots if you want to take Buffy out to patrol."
The thought hadn't occurred to Spike. She was ill and frightened. Why would he want to take her out into more danger? But he saw Rupert's point. If Buffy was up to it, taking her into their most comfortable environment, well second most comfortable to the bedroom, he may be able to gauge exactly how far this situation had gone. "That'd be helpful."
"Right," Giles nodded, watching Spike closely. "And I'll continue the research."
"We may want to get the Witches more involved at this point," Cyrus contributed as a knock sounded at the door.
Oz pushed himself from the wall, shrugging. "You know. Not a Witch. But good with doors." He disappeared towards the front door as the rest milled aimlessly about the kitchen.
"What.what can we do?" Tara asked, leaning against the counter and turning to face the Watchers.
Giles sighed. "What is happening to Buffy does not seem to be a normal consequence of the One. There is some sort of catalyst that is effecting the change. I would hazard to say that it is some sort of spell or enchantment."
Willow furrowed her brow. "Any idea who? I mean, it's easier to stump the mojo if you know who the source is."
"Draconius," Giles answered flatly. "I'm almost certain."
Willow's eyes went wide. "That's some big mojo."
"Do you really think we can help?" Tara asked, squeezing her lover's hand. "I mean Draconius."
"Well, we are not certain, at this point, that it is indeed Draconius," Cyrus interjected. Giles shot him an evil glance. In Rupert's mind, there was no one else it could be. Cyrus tended to agree, but the Witches were right, it was far easier to subvert a spell if one knew the source. "Is there any way to find out for sure? I mean, that'd help. So would being sure it was a spell to start with. Ooh, and what kind," Willow gushed.
"I'm not sure how to ascertain that at this point, Willow," Giles answered sullenly.
Tara stood, thoughtful for a moment. "Wait a minute. I mean, Anya still has active connections in the demon world. Right? So maybe she can ask around."
The idea made both Giles and Spike shudder. Not only because she was part of the group and they didn't want her in danger, but she was also their safety net when it came to protecting the children. "I'm not sure that is the wisest of ideas. She is needed here," Giles said, his eyes adding so much more. He didn't want to put her in danger.
"I don't think she'd even have to leave," Willow mused. "I mean, last time, when I went to find Spike, it was like I was a spectator. Maybe Anya can just locate Draconius and see if he's up to something without ever going near him.
"Can you do that?" Spike asked. "I mean, without any of you being in danger?"
"We can work on it," Tara answered, her smile soft and comforting. "It might help us figure out what we can do to neutralize the spell."
"Do it," Giles commented, his fear being overcome by his sense of duty. "If Anya agrees, of course."
Spike nodded his agreement.
"We can work in the basement. See if we can figure out a spell to just send her out there mentally without putting her in danger. Okay?" Willow asked, collecting her jacket and heading towards the basement door. "You still have some of my things down there?'
"In a box above the washer," Spike answered, nodding at the door. "Wanted it out of reach of the tots. Not sure what Emma can do yet."
"Sure," Tara said, smiling again. "We'll figure it out, Spike. We always do."
As the girls disappeared into the basement, Oz returned into the kitchen. "It was Xander's wife. I let her in. Hope that's okay."
"Fine," Spike answered, heading towards the dining room and the stairs.
"Whoa," Oz cautioned, putting out a hand to stop Spike. Spike eyed him warily. They weren't that closely acquainted that Spike still didn't think of knocking the wolf into a wall for preventing him from getting at Buffy. Oz moved his hand at the look. "Takina asked me to tell you that she wanted to look her over alone first. Then you could come up. She said you'd be anxious."
Spike thought a moment, blood still boiling, and then took a step back. Bird knew him too well. "Right then," Spike muttered, backing further into the kitchen. "What do I do until then?"
It was an honest question, but none of them knew. All they could do was research and try and keep the Scoobies from losing perspective without their leader.
The bedroom door opened with a creak. The sun was low in the sky and the room was filled with a hazy orange glow. It was like a foreign dreamscape to Spike. Not their room at all. Not quite right. But it was still her.
He had a bad feeling about this.
Buffy was pushed back against the pillows, blanket pulled up to her chin and knees drawn to her chest. Takina sat next to her, her soft hand patting Buffy's knee. Both of them jumped a bit as the door opened. Needed some oil. It ruined Spike's stealth entrances.
"How is she?" Spike asked, swallowing. He looked at Buffy and felt a wave of fear crash over him. It was almost tactile, cold and alone, pulsing under his skin.
Takina stood, pushing herself from the bed. "Physically, she's fine," the doctor answered in her most professional, metered, tone. "Maybe a little anemic. Other than that, she's as strong as ever. Heartbeat and lung function seem normal. No fever. She's a little cold."
The thought made Spike shudder. He remembered that feeling the most when he dug his way out of the ground. Cold. Afraid. He'd have never admitted it. He never admitted being frightened until Buffy. His strength and his lack of noticeable fear is what had kept him alive that long. "But nothing else."
"She says I'm fine." Buffy's voice was tinny. Distant, even to herself. "I mean, I feel okay."
"But you're not," Spike answered. Actually, it bordered on being a question, but the cold, alone feeling creeping under his skin made it a fact.
She shook her head, eyes full of unshed tears. "No."
"Do you think that her symptoms might be mystical?" Takina asked, leaning down so that her hand rested on Buffy's shoulder. Spike sat on the opposite side of the bed, fumbling for Buffy's hand. She was doing the same. They met in the middle.
Spike nodded. "Red and Tara are working on it now. Seems it may be a spell of some sort."
Buffy looked interested for the first time that day. Fear had been controlling her since the episode on the porch. For the first time, Spike felt anger creep in. It was a bloody good feeling.
"So someone is doing this to me?" Buffy asked, her voice laced with contempt.
Spike stared at her a second and smiled. "Can't stand anyone getting the better of us, can you, Pet?"
Buffy returned the smile, a little weakly, but a valiant effort. "Not on your life. Or unlife. Or our life. Or whatever." Spike chuckled. Had to buy the girl a few grammar books. "The Watcher's think it might be that poof Draconius."
"What?" Buffy yelped. "I thought we killed his sorry old butt."
"Merely banished him from this dimension, it seems," Spike answered.
"So, Draconius is casting a cross dimensional spell?" Takina asked, an eyebrow rising. Doctor was a smart woman, Spike thought.
"Looks that way," the Vampire answered. "Not sure. The Witches two are trying to suss out a way to be sure."
"Amazing he has that much power. It takes a lot of sheer magical force to cast cross dimensionally without a vector," Takina mused, leaning her hip against the end table.
"Watchers seem to think he might have some help in this dimension," Spike answered. "Likely unwilling."
"So the trick is to catch the pawn without harming it and deactivate the spell," the Doctor responded, her voice gaining confidence as if a light bulb had gone off over her head.
Buffy watched the exchange like a tennis match. She was bright, but the big wordiness made it harder to get to the point. "In English?"
"That was English, Love," Spike snarked. "Rather you Scooby-speak?"
Buffy bashed Spike with a pillow and he chuckled. He knew how bright she was, how good a leader and how accurate a tactician. But it was still fun to tease. "Just tell me."
"Tweeds downstairs think that Draconius, who is likely in some nearby hell dimension, is casting a spell on you. Well, more accurately on us. Takina pointed out that it takes a sodding tidal wave of magic to cross from one dimension to another without someone delivering the force. Watchers think that there may well be another party involved in this dimension, likely unwilling 'coz Draconius is an egotistical git and would want to pull the strings. Thing is, the poor bugger that gets to walk into our lion's den probably doesn't even know what they're doing. Don't want to kill it unless we have to," Spike explained, his fingers working gently against her palm.
"If something brought Draconius's little Vampire surprise to me, why *wouldn't* I kill it?" Buffy asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Because, Buffy, it has no free will. It's being manipulated by Draconius. Robbed of its defenses. It's like killing someone completely under a spell," Takina continued. "Whoever it is doesn't know they're hurting you."
"Still vote for the killing," Buffy muttered, looking at her knees.
"Seem to remember, Pet, when you and I both were under a spell or two. Got a bit sappy the once. Almost did the second time. Do you blame yourself for that?"
Buffy grinned, the embarrassing thought of their spell induced engagement and their tryst as the superhero dream team racing into her mind. May have ended up as truth, but at the time, she definitely didn't want to be blamed for what had happened. "Seeing your point."
"Thought you might, Love," Spike answered, kissing her nose.
"Maybe I can help track down the vector. Help Tara and Willow a bit," Takina commented, starting towards the door.
Spike nodded. "Sure they could use a hand."
"I'll check on William while I'm here. Has he been acting normally?" The Doctor asked.
Spike grinned. "If you mean sweet on your girl, then yes, he's right as rain."
"I've been hiding that from Xander," Takina chuckled. "I think it might give him a coronary."
"Maybe they'll grow out of it?" Buffy asked, shrugging. Somewhere, she knew they wouldn't.
"Doubt that, Love. Will's anything like his dad, he finds his girl and sticks to her," Spike contributed, sliding his shoulder behind Buffy and pulling her to rest against his chest.
"Like crazy glue," Buffy answered softly, her lips finding Spike's. They barely heard the door click closed.
"Mummy?" A small voice from outside the door called. Buffy's eyes fluttered open. She dozed back off, cradled in the warm safety of Spike's arms. He had fallen asleep as well, his head buried in her hair. She could swear she felt a drool mark on the crown of her head.
"Emma?" Buffy answered. "You can come in sweetie."
The door opened gently and Tara ushered the two kids through the door. Emma was walking very slowly, carrying a tray with soup and crackers for Buffy, and a mug of blood for Spike. Tara made sure Emma made it to the table before waving slightly and letting the door click closed.
"What's this?" Buffy asked, helping Emma steady the tray. Spike stirred behind her.
"Daddy said you were sick. When I was sick, you made me soup," Emma announced proudly, climbing up on the bed. The little girl reached down and hoisted her brother up with them.
"Awfully sweet of you, Mite," Spike said, motioning the little girl towards him. She scampered into his lap, taking up the part of his chest that Buffy wasn't leaning against. Will curled up between their legs, his head resting on his mother's thigh.
"Looks like they brought you some bloody-goodness as well," Buffy commented, inspecting the tray. Spike's stomach did a flip flop at the thought. Blood was completely unappealing. The soup smelled pretty good.
Buffy caught the look on his face and the sensation creeping from under his skin to hers. Her eyes shot over to him in surprise. "Wait a minute," she gushed. "This isn't just affecting me, is it?"
Spike looked at her a long moment, and shook her head. "No, Love. Not much of a Vampire at the moment."
"And can I just say that it's grossing me out that the blood smells good?" Buffy commented, crinkling her nose. "But so does the soup."
"Stick to the soup," Spike contributed. "You'll be happier when this is over."
Buffy thought, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "Spike, you *need* blood to stay strong. Live."
"That I do, Pet," Spike answered, nodding slightly.
She looked at the tray a moment longer, then at the kids. "Think we can do this for them? I mean, eat what we're supposed to?"
"Not sure. Making me ill to think on it," the Vampire answered, eyeing the warmed mug.
"I need you to be strong, Spike," Buffy pleaded, looking over at him with wide, doe, eyes. "I know neither of us.."
Spike nodded, holding out his hand. "Anything for the three of you, Pet. Just make sure you eat something. We've got to patrol tonight."
"Patrol?" Buffy asked, breaking crackers into the soup.
"Yes, Pet," he answered, stroking Emma's hair. He didn't want to say more in front of them.
"What's wrong, Mummy? Don't you want your soup?" Emma asked, watching her parents eye the food a little too long before eating.
"It's great, baby," Buffy said, taking a big spoonful. Spike took a sip of the mug and his face contorted in disgust. Buffy nudged him, watching Will look curiously at his father. Spike took another sip and steeled his resolve.
"Thank you," Spike continued, swallowing bile and focusing on the kids. Will beamed up at him. Emma curled into his chest.
Anything for them.
To be contd.