DISCLAIMER: No infringement of copyright is intended. You know the drill, anyone appearing on or mentioned on BtVS are ME's. New characters introduced here are mine

SUMMARY: Evil gets it's groove on. Willow gets a happy. Xander and Dawn get grossed. Buffy gets exasperated. (This chapter is still kinda Willowcentric.)

WARNINGS: Somewhat detailed ritual sacrifice, violence, language, slanguage and nudity -- yeah!

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Love And Darkness And My Crossbow

by Eris © 2002 -- All rights reserved.

Chapter Two: Union of the Heart (or Fun, Fear & Fireworks)

Morning. Buffy had already showered and coifed, banged on Willow's door three times and gotten Dawn into the bathroom for her turn. Closing her door she crossed to her dresser, opened the top drawer where she kept her frilly unmentionables and groped about looking for a specific set but they weren't there. She didn't remember wearing them recently or tossing them into the wash but moved to the laundry basket for a look see anyway, 'Not there either, huh? Okay they're probably still in the machine.' She went back to the drawer and looked for her next favorite set, 'Oh, come on now,' they weren't there either, in fact her drawer was very underwear lite. 'Maybe Anya's making a statement about doing the laundry?' she thought. 'But I never told her she had to do everyone's wash if she wanted to use the machine.' She just had. Just like she was doing the dishes and a lot of the cooking and other chores. She'd have a talk with her later and toss out some thank yous. '...no time to look now, I'll have to make due.' She dressed and checked the time for the umpteenth time. "Wil not up yet?" Buffy asked Dawn as she left the bathroom. Dawn shook her head, no. "What is with her today?" Buffy ranted. Dawn kept quiet and went to her room for at this hour she couldn't be sure if what she remembered had happened or was just a dream. Buffy thumped on Willow's door again, this was the fourth pass now, "Wil, Xander's gonna be here in fifteen minutes, come on." She went into the bathroom for some final primping then came out with her earrings and stood in front of her door, she could hear stirring inside and finally the lock turned and Willow cracked the door open and stuck her head out. "Wil, you now have less than ten minutes." Buffy reiterated impatiently fumbling with her earring.

She looked at her all cranked and bleary eyed, "Pass. Not going today," she said voice raspy with sleep or lack there of.

"What? You're joking right?" she asked finally affixing her earring. "I thought you were so swamped, midterm frenzy an all?"

She blinked and stared at her blankly.

Buffy cocked her head and tried to look past her into her room.

Willow pulled the door even tighter.

She then examined her eyes, "You haven't been to bed yet, have you? Did you and Xander have another drinking contest?" she sniffed at her, "Are you hung over?"

Willow tried to answer but couldn't get a word in.

"I hope you weren't yakking all night long. Well, shame on the both of you." And she walked off droning, "...Willow not going to class... first sign of a new apocalypse..."

Willow blinked. "Okay then," she said to the empty hall and went back inside closing the door.

Still trying to affix her earring Buffy screeched, "Dawn, check the phone, see if Xander left a message he's died by hops."

"What?"

"Check the answering machine."

But at that moment a car horn honked.

* * * * * * * * * *

What was with Willow (Optional):

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'She wasn't to be put off this morning,' Willow thought irritated at the incessant pounding on her room door. Buffy was her best friend but sometimes that limit was put to the test and today was a test of Wil. "Busy now. Go away." She called out of the side of her mouth but couldn't be sure if her volume was sufficient enough to be heard in the hall and frankly she didn't much care. She was into the moment and that moment was amazing. Rue knew her body and soul and she never tired. Maybe there was something to this supernatural pairing stuff. Heightened senses making for enhanced pleasures, the ability to pick up on the slightest changes in emotion, no fumbling about or guessing. 'Maybe,' she thought, 'this was why Buffy was so attracted to Angel and even Spike? Did she finally have someone who knew what it was like to be 'more than human' to make a connection? That might explain the Riley thing, poor guy, when his chip malfunctioned and he went back to just plain ol' human that's when things seemed to change between them, he probably lost that bond or... couldn't keep up.'

These questions played at her mind and then her thoughts again drifted back to Oz. He seemed completely human normal except for those three days a month he got hairy scary. And once, he did mention he thought his sense of smell and taste were becoming more acute but he couldn't really be sure as the cafeteria lunch lady may have actually put garlic on the garlic bread that day. Either way, she was definitely just plain ol' human, albeit she had her magicks but no comic booky superheroy powers, no vamping or furbearing or demony bumps and definitely no Slayer strength or speed. So why would Rue want her so... being just human normal? Rue insisted that wasn't a factor and she was human too yet, she could never be *just human normal* but she assured Willow she was mortal, just a bit harder to kill than Joe Average Victim, but definitely mortal -- no undead here. Her assurances made her sound more like Buffy than a big werebaddie.

'Again with the door pounding.' Rue stopped irk faced and made a motion as to go to the door but Willow interceded, "No. Here, now," she whispered directing her back to the issue at hand. Rue put back birthday face and dived in for more.

This connection was something, she was amazed by the inexplicable chemistry, the feeling of overwhelming emotions and the scenes in her head. Her senses were so acute and alive it was like being on X plus. It was like a déjà vu... or, a feeling they should be together... or, were together in another life and it seemed the more time they spent together the more normal and comfortable it felt and all she wanted was right here, right now.

"Wil, Xander's gonna be here in fifteen minutes, come on." Buffy thumped on Willow's door again.

"Gaaaah!" Willow breathed angrily and sat up her moment shattered for good. She rubbed at her overtired eyes then searched for something to put on and padded over to the door.

Rue watched intently as Willow stood in the door and listened to the annoying blonde ramble on. Upon her rising she had secretly removed a dagger from her boot and agitatedly ran her thumb across the blade, poised to throw it should the situation suddenly escalate. The voice continued and for a moment it looked like she would enter but then walked off. Willow closed the door. Rue slipped the dagger under her pillow.

Willow padded back to the bed and flopped down face first into the pillow. She turned her head towards Rue, "Sorry." She breathed from under her hair. "How a Sla--Buffy can be a morning person I'll never know." 'Brain dead goof,' she chastised herself, 'almost said too much, just coz Rue's a wolf doesn't necessarily mean she knows Buffy is the Slayer and if she didn't, no need to be scaring her off now by alerting her to the fact you sleep under her roof.'

"Just stab her next time and be done with it," said Rue.

Willow snorted at the thought then backed her mind up wondering if she were truly serious.

Rue moved towards her, brushed the hair from her face and neck then nuzzled her, "S'kay, we weren't sleeping anyway," she whispered, "...but maybe you should."

Willow wondered if she looked that tired or if Rue sensed her weariness, "Guess you super human types don't need much sleep, huh?"

"Eventually. But... I won't sleep sound with you all the way over there."

"I think we can fix that," she raised up, tossed open the bed sheet and draped herself over her, "Better?"

"Much." Rue closed her eyes and stroked the tousle of red hair, she could feel Willow's chest move with every breath and the heat on her neck when she exhaled, "That is so wonderful," she said squeezing her tight.

"Hmm?"

"To feel you breathing. I'm not used to that."

"Be sure to wake me if it stops." Willow quipped half asleep. "Mmm, this I like." They cuddled for a spell then Willow asked, "Tell me a bedtime story."

Rue thought for a moment then began, "Once upon a time there was sun and it was warm and bright. It set and rose like a Sun should and it shone over a small town that came to be known as Sunnydale..."

"For obvious reasons..." Willow interjected all making with the contented snuggling.

"But the sun had a terrible secret for when it slept a darkness crept over the land, a darkness that brought with it evil things. Evil things that did unspeakable things to the poor townsfolk of Sunnydale and one day the evil things managed to extinguish the sun for good..."

* * * * * * * * * *

The Summers' girls pulled themselves together, grabbed their stuff and hurried out to meet Xander. Buffy held the back door open for Dawn then jumped into the front seat, "Good mor--" she stopped when she saw Xander wearing shades, his nose all red. "Wow, what happened here?"

"Nothing." Xander tried to downplay it.

"Nothing sat on yer face?"

"I wish..." he slipped then remembered Dawn in the back seat.

She snickered.

He tried to recover, "I mean... does it look bad?" He removed the sunglasses and turned to Buffy. The 'poor Xander' look on Buffy's face said it all.

Dawn snorted and turned to look out the window smiling.

"Great," his heart sank.

"Looks like I missed *all* the fun." Buffy frowned.

"Oh yeah, pant loads." He sighed. "Where's Wil?" he asked straining to look up the walk.

"Sleeping it off." Buffy said simply.

"What?" he had surprise face.

"Her hangover."

"She got drunk?" he asked putting the car in gear.

Buffy looked at him funny now, "Didn't she, I mean - you both, The Bronze, booze?"

"Yes. Yes. Not really." Buffy looked at him with great interest now, "I succumbed to the feelgood frothy 'freshments but Wil, she had a sip, then became... preoccupied."

"Spill." Buffy pressed.

"What's to tell." Xander went blasé, "Anya was Anya-overload plus one, Spike and Willow got into it over some intense hottie, I lost fifty big ones but... I got a phone number."

"What?!?" Buffy and Dawn echoed intrigued.

"Oh yes, the X-man scoreth, this really pretty girl slipped me her phone number--" he began.

She slugged him in the shoulder.

"Ow. Driving." He said coyly.

"Rrr, the Spike Willow part." Buffy ordered.

"It was weirdest thing.... Just like one of those foreign subtitle films..." he explained.

* * * * * * * * * *

10:00 AM:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"God--!! This machine ate my dollar again!" a teacher screamed and proceeded to beat on the coffee machine.

Buffy sat quietly in the teachers' lounge snacking on a pudding cup enjoying her morning break while reading a student file.

The TV droned on in the background. "...yet another case of abduction, a second infant has mysteriously vanished..."

"What's this town coming to?" one teacher asked another.

"...Going to Hell in a hand basket if you ask me," another chimed in.

The microwave beeped.

"...This is the sixth incident this month..."

"...That blouse is so beautiful, where'd you get it?" Miss Alexander one of the English teachers asked Buffy as she stirred her coffee.

She looked up from her file, "Oh, uh, I'm not sure. It was my mother's. Raw silk, I think..."

"It's fabulous." She remarked digging for her lighter to sneak in a smoke before bell.

"...police have no leads at this time..."

"...Who wears bow ties anymore?" A group of younger teachers discussed.

"I do." Said the older Science teacher.

"I rest my case." The group laughed.

An administration aide entered noisily, "Mr. Garrison, Principal Wood sent me down, the delivery truck is here with the band candy, we need the key to the Music Room and some signatures."

"...If you have any information please call Crimestoppers at..."

"All right, be there in a minute," he grumped, "where does the time go? Fund-raisers get earlier and earlier every year."

* * * * * * * * * *

In the graveyard a little girl approximate age nine led a boy by the hand, "Don't be chicken," she said.

"I'm not chicken!" the boy contested.

She led him to the front of a mausoleum, "This one's open." She pulled the gate ajar and squeezed through, "Come on," she reached out her hand to him, they crept inside the crypt.

Once inside their eyes adjusted to the darkness, "Wow, it's bigger than I expected," the young boy marveled. They moved about the long unattended site till, "Look at that," the boy announced. He gestured to an area that had been cleared. Candles burned and there was a circle drawn on the floor. "What do you think it is?"

"I dunno," the girl responded.

The boy released her hand and took a few steps around the circle then looked at her disapprovingly. "You did this, you're just trying to scare me. It won't work."

She looked disappointed. "You guessed. The others put me up to it. I told them you wouldn't fall for it." She smiled softly at him and walked over to where he was, "Does it look real?" she asked. "I copied it from a book."

"I guess. I never seen anything like it 'cept on TV."

"I dare you to step into it," she goaded smile widening.

"Uh-uh." he shook his head.

"Why not? I said I made it." She continued, "You are a chicken. Here I'll do it." She walked across the circle, "See, it's not real, chicken."

"I'm not a chicken," he protested.

She walked back over to him brow furrowed, "Then do it."

"I will." The boy took a step touching his toes to the edge of the circle, he lifted his foot then hesitated.

"They might be watching, do it!" she encouraged. And with that stepped into the circle. An eerie red light enveloped him and the boy was trapped where he stood, unable to move.

"Amanda, help me!" he screamed.

She moved around the circle to where he could get a good look at her. She said nothing just looked at him like a fly trapped in amber. She took a few steps back then put her arms to her sides and stood as tall as she could. The boy watched in horror as a blue-white light shot out from the area of her chest. It steadily grew larger creating a line of light from her chin to her pelvic region. Soon a vapor began to swirl about the line and a dark hand thrust forth, then a second creating an opening. In a whirlpool of magicks the warlock, Cranston Silvermane, slowly liberated himself from the shell that was once a little girl known as Amanda. He climbed from the opening supporting his chest with his hands then removed a leg to steady to the floor, it was almost comical, like taking off a too small jumpsuit. When he was free the blue-white light again closed to form a line, and as if a zipper had been pulled, winked out of existence. He stood there holding her skin examining it as one does an old sweater for moth holes, then he caressed it lovingly and carefully carried it over to a darkened wall. Speaking a few words a red line appeared on the wall and the wall opened up to reveal a dark secret. He presented his arms and the skin slowly levitated into place next to a number of others. The wall closed as he turned his back and focused his attentions on the boy.

* * * * * * * * * *

3:00 PM:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Buffy, you want a Pop Tart®?" Dawn yelled as she unlocked the door and threw off her backpack. Buffy was still at the car saying her byes to Xander and setting up plans for tonight. No answer, oh well, she bopped inside, she was starved from school, a bag of chips and a soda just didn't seem to cut it until three o'clock anymore. Leaving the door open she headed towards the kitchen but stopped in her tracks. To her surprise she found a strange woman sitting quietly at the breakfast table. She was dressed primarily in black leather and had sunglasses on. "Hi," she said hesitantly.

"Hello." The woman answered.

"Umm, who are you and why are you in my kitchen?" She questioned uneasily.

The woman smiled softly and took off her shades to ease some of the girl's distress. "Rue. I'm waiting for Willow."

"Oh." Dawn said. Willow must have let her in, probably one of her Wicca group. The woman then quirked an eyebrow at her. "Ooooooooh," Dawn sounded, feeling all der, how could she forget Xander's story from this morning. She gave her another once over, her face was soft and held an innocence about it but those eyes, they spoke volumes. And she could see why Spike might like her, for the way she dressed, but Willow? She was so very different from Tara. So... unTara-type. So very, very not Tara like, that she had a difficult time accepting the thought of her, much less the thought of Willow with her... or anyone else for that matter. Still, she needn't be rude. "You want a Pop Tart®?" she offered.

"Sure."

'Not very talky,' she thought, 'hm, maybe she wasn't that different from Tara, "That was an impressive fireworks display." Dawn continued curiously.

Rue tilted her head not following.

"Yeah, the fireworks last night ... in the hall." Dawn more than hinted. "Coming from Willow's room."

Buffy hit the kitchen like a Texas twister, "Dawn, Xander's gonna be back by 5:00 to drop you off before his date." She breezed past Rue to the fridge, opened it, grabbed a soda and then grabbed a glass from the drain board. Turning to place it on the counter she looked up for the first time seeing the woman. She stared at Dawn, "Who the Hell is this?"

Dawn and Rue were about to answer in unison when Willow appeared, she headed straight for Rue, kicked her chair back and jumped onto her lap. She clutched her head tightly and proceeded to kiss her hard and deep preventing her from breathing much less answering Buffy.

"That's Rue," Dawn said flatly between chews. "She's with Willow." And she took another bite of her Pop Tart®.

"So, I see..." she said surprise faced. 'This is new.' Wil had never shown such raw affection openly before. Obviously this had to be the 'hottie' Xander told them about. She gave her a quick once over but was left unaffected. But Wil looked... enchanted. She wanted to be happy for her but this was a task she was still trying to master in her own life. She crossed over to the breakfast table. "Wil. Willow? Have you lost your senses?"

"Completely," she answered out of the corner of her mouth continuing her assault.

"Yeah, well, break it up, no pay-per-view events for Dawn during daylight hours."

"Can I quote you?" Dawn asked eagerly.

"No." she sneered back. "And stop spoiling your dinner with junk."

"Rats."

"Hey," she tossed a dish towel at them, "Mi-NOR."

"Hey, standing right here." Dawn protested.

Reluctantly Willow stopped. She smiled embarrassed at her own enthusiasm and wiped at her lips. "Okay, chief." She mock saluted Buffy then got up and sat on the breakfast table. Rue moved the chair back to its position next to the table and wrapped her arm around Willow's leg gently stoking it with her thumb.

"So ah... someone's mood has been majorly bench pressed." Buffy noted, "This your friend from last night?" she grilled.

'Oh great,' she thought all self-consciously blushy now, she had tried to keep things quiet but Buffy must have heard them anyway, 'Curse those Slayer ears.'

"Xander said..." she continued.

'Oh, whew, Xander,' she should have known, 'the big blabber couldn't keep his mouth shut with his own staplegun.' "--Yes, Rue and I met at The Bronze last night," she interrupted.

Rue looked at Buffy and waved.

Then Wil added with a cheeky grin, "Mom."

Dawn giggled moving around the counter to hand Rue a Pop Tart®, she took it with a smirk and offered it up to Willow who shook her head, no.

Buffy looked at Willow squarely, "Oookey... Who are you and what did you do with Willow?" she was only half joking. After Xander's unusual tale she only wanted for her friend's safety. She feared Willow wasn't ready and, thinking back on her own life experience, what if this girl were a female Parker in disguise? Wil might not take it as well as she had.

"I think you're asking the wrong person." Dawn beamed from behind chugs of milk.

Willow laughed, she rubbed her leg back and forth against Rue's knee and smiled down at her.

"Fine," she played along, "Who are *you* and what did you do with Willow?" she directed at Rue.

Dawn blew milk out her nose.

Rue choked on her Pop Tart®, crumbs flying as she coughed.

Willow patted her on the back, "You all right?"

She nodded her head, yes, still unable to talk.

Dawn composed herself holding a paper towel to her face and poured a glass of milk for Rue, she handed it to Buffy, "How's the bouquet on that vintage, Dawnie? Yup, big sis can git jokey wit it," she cajoled herself. "Moo juice sans snout." She handed the glass to Rue then stood in front of her arms folded, "So, Rue? That's an unusual name."

"You have something in common there, *Buffy*." Dawn teased now wiping the counter top.

But Buffy persisted, "Is it a family name? Or are you named after a Golden Girl?"

Rue looked to Willow, "It's a-ah nickname ... kinda..."

"So you're real name is?" Buffy clarified.

Willow's face tightened, 'Buffy's doing it again,' she thought troubled by her friend's sudden coarse manner and rigid body language toward her guest.

Rue looked to Willow again then to Buffy, "Rebecca."

Buffy cut her off, "...and you're from Sunnydale?"

Rue looked to Willow yet again, then to Buffy and nodded her head, yes.

Willow's mood seesawed, but was quickly teetering towards Downsville, she wasn't liking this. She never interrogated her friends, so why was Buffy hot-seating all her guests? Er, her one and only guest.

Buffy's next question echoed like a smack, "You scope The Bronze much?"

"Buffy!" Willow interjected aghast.

"What? Just making small talk." Buffy defended.

"More like grilled cheese sandwiches," Willow shot back. "Quit."

But she turned her attentions back to Rue, "What're your intentions--"

'Okay that's it,' Buffy crossed the line. "Hello, inquisition." Willow interrupted upset. Rue squeezed her leg to calm her.

"What?" Buffy stammered, "I just wanna get to know your friend... you just met her." Buffy maintained.

Willow slid from the table and stood up disgusted, "Outta here." She grabbed at Rue's duster collar pulling her to stand. "If it's all right with you, Rue and I are gonna hit Early's. Back, whenever."

"Wil, hold up. I need a word privately."

'I've got a word for you,' Willow thought shooting daggers.

They went into the living room leaving Rue and Dawn alone. Dawn walked over and sat down at the breakfast table near Rue. "My sister is high strung."

Rue nodded in agreement. There was an awkward pause, then she said, "She cares about Willow."

Dawn nodded back in agreement.

Another awkward pause, "That's good," she finished.

"Yeah."

They could hear them arguing now.

"I'm on the Winterfest Dance committee." Dawn announced proudly changing the subject.

"Big responsibility."

"I guess. Tonight we decide on the decor theme."

"Snow angels."

"What?"

"Snow angels make pretty decorations..." Rue smiled.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow stormed into the living room, turned and confronted Buffy, "What's the beef, Judge Judy?" she demanded temper flaring.

"Wil, I'm just trying to help." Buffy appealed.

"That was help?" Willow rolled her eyes, threw her hands up and began to rant now, "No ... Rude. Rudeness. That's what that was... Judge Rudy."

"I don't want you to get hurt," she tried to explain but her words were all thumbs.

She stared at her in disbelief, "Hello, already did, did we forget?" she snapped.

"No, never," she replied shock faced, her heart going out to her best friend.

"Can't get more hurt than that." Wil continued to rant.

"This is coming out all wrong." Buffy clutched at her face then pressed her hands to her lips searching, trying not to escalate the situation. "I-I don't want her hurting you." But failing miserably.

"She's not hurting me. Not gonna. She's made me feel for the first time since..." she still couldn't face it with words, "...made me feel... good... no dark..." she trailed off then changed the subject, "Stop with the backseat mothering! I'm a big girl, I don't need any more people looking out for my feelings. Whether I want her for one night or eternity it's my decision, not yours," she stared at Buffy hard.

'Fair enough,' she thought but this was a different league. "You don't know what you're getting into," she touched her friend's shoulder, "dating demons is... different," she tried to clarify herself.

Willow pushed her hand away, "You gonna give me a history lesson, Professor?" she said with a sneer, "I know what I'm doing."

"Do you? Do you really?" Buffy searched her green eyes, it wasn't going to sink in for either friend, the elephant stood firmly entrenched between them.

Willow was finished, "This is exactly what I expected from you. You can't be happy so you don't wanna see anyone happy."

"That's not true." Buffy defended but that comment tapped a vein.

"Yes, it is. Leaving now. Rue!" She yelled and stormed towards the door.

Rue jumped up, "Bye, Dawn," she said with a smile.

"Bye." Dawn said not wanting to see her go yet.

Willow had the front door open as she emerged from the dining area. She grabbed her duster and pulled her close.

"Wil, wait." Buffy called but was met by Rue's unflinching gaze.

She reached for the doorknob putting herself between the feuding amigos and maneuvered Willow outside jerking the door shut in Buffy's face.

Buffy frowned, closed her eyes and banged her head on the door, 'Stupid, stupid, stupid.'

Dawn came in from the kitchen and grabbed her backpack, "Good job, Mom," she said pouring the salt.

"Just do your homework." Buffy blurted out exhausted.

* * * * * * * * * *

In the graveyard the warlock Cranston Silvermane suddenly materialized with the demon Bthozopth'Thtrop'thyek at his side. This was the first test of his teleportation power. He was pleased. He blinked and shimmered about aimlessly. The demon watched in silence but soon grew weary of his overindulgent display. He had a task to perform and scanned the cemetery for a special place. He peered over his shoulder, Silvermane was preoccupied with his newly gained control and power. Then he spied it, the perfect spot. He smirked an evil wicked demon smirk, raised his arm and waved it. An eerie green energy vapor manifested on the chosen site and the mutilated body of the boy was deposited directly. He studied his handiwork with pride when an odd air crossed his scabrous face. He could sense a presence, a presence that could sense him, if it knew to look.

A vengeance demon was somewhere in the vicinity. He had to act, he couldn't leave it or the miserable creature would reveal his earthly presence to its master. He glanced back at the warlock still drunk with power, he'd never miss him. Bthozopth dematerialized, floating on the wind he reached out with his senses. There, at the edge of the graveyard near the road. He materialized in front of the demon taking it by surprise. Viscously he raked at it with deadly clawed fingers, then seized it, twirled it around, and from behind, reached round and grabbed its head. Both hands tore at its face, with little effort he began separating the jaw till it cracked and snapped away clean. Savagely he ripped out its tongue. Bthozopth gloated as he stood over the vengeance demon lying broken on the ground. He raised a massive arm and a surge of green energy exploded from his palm. The vengeance demon howled in agony but all that emerged was a sick piteous gurgling sound as the true demon sucked all the magicks from its being. The green radiance burning it alive until it was reduced to a viscous emerald pile of ooze.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Wow, sounds like we're in need of Dr. Phil." Xander quipped at hearing Dawn's account of the events before his arrival.

"It was weird," she continued, "I didn't think I'd like her, I even told myself not to, but she's... nice. Even gave me an idea for the meeting. I dunno why everyone's spazzing, Willow should date."

"Ah, the sweet voice of innocence like a bell on a clear night. You're absolutely right," he agreed, "only thing is we're all so stomach-punched and jaded when it comes to relationships we'd turn down a free glass of water in the desert."

"I notice you found someone last night too but Buffy isn't jumping down your neck."

"No," he said with a sigh, "that will be Anya's job, when I finally get up the nerve to introduce her to the gang." he dreaded the thought, "She'll pick her apart in front of everyone then turn on me, verbally reducing my manhood to nothing, first in alphabetical order, then numerically with lots of pep, pizzazz and maybe even a few pie charts, but absolutely no regard to tact."

"I see you've thought about this."

"Oooh yeah."

They sat quietly for a moment and listened to the radio as Xander drove, "...still no leads tonight in the mysterious disappearance of an infant. Fifteen month old Samuel Jacobs mysteriously vanished from his car seat in the driveway of his home late last night..."

"So, tell me about her." Dawn asked curiously, "Is she pretty?"

"I think so. So so very -- So." Xander beamed at the thought as the radio droned on in the background.

"...Police are not releasing any details at this time and have not said whether the two latest incidents are related to the cases earlier this month..."

"What's her name?"

"Shayla. She works in Olfactory."

"...If you have any information please call Crimestoppers at..."

"Which factory? The one here or in Union City?"

"Not a factory," he clarified, "Olfactory, the perfumery on South Street."

"Ooooo, employee discount." She grinned, "Maybe she can help me pick out something nice for Buffy for Christmas. The rubber stake gag is getting a bit lame."

"Lame, never. That is a classic." Xander waxed nostalgic, "Christmas wouldn't be Christmas at the Summers' without Charlie Brown, the Grinch and the rubber stake gag."

Dawn laughed.

"Ya' don't mess with tradition," he continued, then suddenly screamed, "HOLY SHIT! Look at that!" slammed on the brakes and pointed out the window. Dawn said a silent prayer for putting on her seat belt then followed his finger out her window. There, in the cemetery, a huge butt ugly demon creature was up to no good. Eerie green flames emanated from its hand and something squirmed at its feet.

"Does it look familiar?" Xander asked trying to identify it.

"Nope." Dawn answered wide eyed.

"Whatever it is it can't be good, we better call Buffy," he reasoned.

But Dawn was already one step ahead of him rummaging through her backpack, "I don't have my phone with me," she cursed coming up empty.

Xander reached down to his belt, his phone wasn't in its clip. He smacked his forehead with the palm of his hand, "Stupid!" he had forgotten to retrieve it from Anya last night after his little prank.

"Dawn, stay in the car," he said unbuckling his seat belt.

"Where do you think you're going?"

He sighed and continued, "To get a better look. He said foolishly."

"I'm coming with you."

"Not a chance in Hell." He said sternly. "If it kills me *you'll* need to drive to get help," Then waggled a finger at her, "...but don't tell Buffy I let you drive unsupervised or *she'll* kill me." He popped the trunk and retrieved a flash light and a large double bladed axe. "Wait here." And with that, crossed into the graveyard and disappeared behind some marble statuary.

Dawn waited patiently in the car. And waited. Then waited some more. It seemed like an eternity she waited and Xander had not returned. She was beginning to creep herself out and felt a sudden urge to go. Looking to the steering column she cursed, 'Darn!' Xander didn't leave the keys. 'How can I drive for help with no keys?' Next time she'd take Spike up on his offer to show her how to hot-wire stuff. 'Maybe he forgot and left 'em in the trunk,' she looked about then quietly opened her door and slunk out. She moved to the trunk but there were no keys, 'Oh man.' Now she had a reason to follow him and calmly snuck onto the burial grounds.

She crept through the rows of head stones then into the crypt area but it was slow going with no light and this was one of the darker memorial parks in Sunnydale. "Xander!" she called softly, every so often, but didn't catch sight of him anywhere. 'Think, Dawn, where would he be? Use you're Slayer senses and find him.' She came upon a large marble statue and thought she heard a rustle just ahead. Pausing, she crouched behind the statue and peeked out. A shadow moved. She hugged the marble base and held her breath hoping it didn't have heat vision or super ears as her heart felt like a sledgehammer pounding in her chest and would surely give her away. Whatever it was was moving past her. She skittled around the base so as not to be seen then stood up to look over top. As she moved something came out of the darkness and touched her shoulder. "Aaaahhh!" She screamed and leap away.

"Where!?!" Xander jumped brandishing his axe and spun about. His heart leapt to his throat. He was about to bring the blade crashing down when he saw that it was Dawn. "Jumping geez, my heart," he gasped. "What the Hell are you doing? I told you to stay in the car."

"I know," she said simply.

"Does this look like the car?" he asked angrily.

"I got scared--"

"And leaving the safety of the lighted street and locked car you're now less scared *in* the creepy ass graveyard?" his mind refused to wrap around that logic.

She clutched at him. "Something touched me." She pointed. "Over there."

"It's just a statue." Xander said shining his light in her direction. But as he did something glimmered in the beam, something horrible. "Oh my God." They stood frozen at the sight.

* * * * * * * * * *

From not too far away Bthozopth heard the ruckus, 'Someone's found my little presentation earlier than I thought.' He looked to the warlock but he was busily writing something now. His spines bristled and his senses began to tingle, 'What is that? Raw power?' This feeling intrigued him. He took wing and hovered above the action. 'The girl. She is the power.' With that thought he knew if he could possess her he could rid himself of the blithering sorcerer. He was about to swoop down on them when he felt the invisible string being pulled. Silvermane beckoned. He cursed him but knew his days were numbered and for now, he had no choice but to obey and returned to the wizard's side.

* * * * * * * * * *

Xander and Dawn stood agog, for there in the beam of the flashlight, protruding off the marble statue of an angel was a body, a skinless body still glisteny wet but deformed, shriveled and completely drained of blood. Hesitantly Xander moved closer to investigate. "It's a kid," he said quite disgusted.

"How can you tell?" Dawn asked with a cringe.

He shone the light onto the body's chest area, "I don't think most sane adults would be wearing a "Yu-Gi-Oh!" T-shirt." He examined the body with extreme care then removed something from its jacket pocket, "or be carrying Skeletor in their pocket. Oh God," he swallowed hard attempting to quell the growing urge to puke his guts out.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow opened the door to Xander's apartment. "Xander!" she called but she knew he wasn't there. They entered and she closed the door behind them. "You wanna drink?" she asked. Rue shook her head, no. "Some munchies? You didn't eat much at Early's."

She shook her head again, "Not used to so much food."

She quick grabbed a soda from the fridge for herself and crossed the living room to the couch. They made themselves comfortable. Willow popped the soda top and set it on the coaster on the end table. Leaning forward she reached for the TV remote but stopped short as there were six spaced out on the coffee table. 'Damn, Xander,' she thought, 'just say no to remotes.' She chose one at random and tapped the ON button, the ceiling fan came to life above them. She punched it off and tried another. The stereo came on. 'Good enough.' She tossed it down deciding not to press her luck and leaned back into the couch putting her feet up on the table.

Willow's mood had been glower ever since the fight. All through dinner she was quiet and broody and it didn't take a psychic to feel it. Rue sat next to her and leaned in, "She cares about you," she said softly seeing the far away look in her eyes.

Willow turned and stroked her arm, she knew this to be true but still bristled and bit at her lip, "She didn't have to be all rude... acting like the date police."

"And do you think she'll take it better when... you tell."

"It's my decision." Willow grumped, "She'll have to learn to respect it," she laid her head on Rue's shoulder, "I refuse to cave on this."

"We'll guard each other, like it should be," they snuggled on the couch and listened to the radio.

Then Willow tensed up seemingly about to go into babble mode, "But she's gonna start as soon as we go back there..."

"Only your opinion matters." Rue offered quieting her.

"I just don't want the hassle."

"You need to let it go." She said calmly stroking her hair, "Relax."

Willow gazed up at her with a smile, "And do you have any ideas on what we could do to relax?" she urged kicking off her boots.

"I'm sure something will come to mind," she purred seductively.

Willow playfully growled in Rue's ear then nuzzled her neck nibbling it ever so gently. Rue responded in kind with a throaty growl of her own. She delighted in the attention to her jugular area, it drove her wild, her heart began to race and her senses came alive. She lurched forward in mock assault to Willow's neck. She squealed in surprise then giggled at herself and crept over to sit on her lap pushing her roughly into the couch.

Rue placed her hands around her trim waist and slid her blouse up. Willow gasped at the coolness of her palms upon her warm now exposed skin. Rue grasped her firmly and made small circles on her stomach with her thumbs, the sensation made her quiver inside. As she ran her hands up her stomach Willow got goose bumps, she squirmed and tried not to laugh. Rue smiled devilishly and ran her hands back down, only this time gently using her fingernails. Willow shrieked and jerked about, she didn't like to be tickled. She grabbed her wrists pushing her hands away. Rue laughed and they playfully fought for control, she then yanked her hands up next to her head against the back of the sofa in a submissive pose. Willow held them there arms extended then leaned in kissing her. Rue before long twisted her wrists easily slipping from her grasp and next nabbed one of Willow's wrists with one hand while snaking her other arm around her waist. With a triumphant roar she reversed leverage knocking Willow onto her back on the sofa taking top position.

Willow struggled to free herself all the while protesting loudly and taking aim at Rue's shoulder with her free hand, balling it up into a fist and thumping her repeatedly, but there was no contest, Willow would never be a match for her super strength if this struggle were for real, so instead, she relinquished and ran her fingers along her face and up through her hair, grabbing a handful pulling her in close kissing her hard and deep. Rue slid her hand up her back and supported her neck then released her wrist and ran her fingers up her arm. Her lips traveled down Willow's chin, along her neck, and down past her collar bone, she stopped at a spot just between her breasts licking and biting at her. Willow wriggled and bit her lip at the sensation, the feel of hot breath on her skin. Rue continued to work her way down stopping at the first closed button on her blouse. She ran her fingers down from her shoulder and traced her breast then using that hand and her teeth began to undo a button, then a second, she loosened the front closure on Willow's bra then resumed with the buttons one by one. Once done she turned her attention to her stomach nibbling at the taught flesh. Willow snatched at a handful of hair to pull her away but she would not be distracted continuing to work her way down to her lowriders. Reaching the top of her jeans she undid the button and loosened the zip. Willow sat up and Rue helped her to wriggle out of them. She then untied her outer shirt slipping it off, while Willow removed her blouse tossing it to the rug and let fall her bra on the sofa. She tugged at Rue's tank urging her on to remove it post haste. She barely got it over her head before she was pushed down onto the sofa again, Willow draping herself over her and fumbling with her belt buckle. She grabbed Willow by the hair to kiss her, but Willow teased and taunted her turning her face about so as to deny her advances, then moved in herself to nibble and flicker over her cheek and onto her neck biting at her jugular. She could feel Rue's growing frenzy at her actions, her heart pounded in her chest and her breathing increased, she looked up captivated as Rue's eyes blazed changing from human brown to the light reflective green then the evil haunting wolf yellow. Willow kissed her hard and deep, the sight of the beast exciting her, inciting her sense of danger, and flirting on the edge of the forbidden. An energy coursed through the air and suddenly she felt their bond kick into overdrive like a bolt of electricity surging down her spine. Magic energy crackled about the room. Rue pulled her head back to catch her breathe and sparks jumped between them as their lips parted. She gazed intensely into Willoweyes, they responded to her heightened emotional state and luminesced, reflecting a bright emerald as their beings entered into sync again. Willow climbed inside Rue's mind and was deluged by the fantastic, the horrific ... the everything. It was staggering. A total headrush.

At that moment Spike exploded from his room, "Harris! Can't a bloke get any sleep around this bleedin' shoebox?" he boomed.

Willow jumped out of her skin, the magic was broken. Her head ached and her heart pounded but for different reasons now. Dying of embarrassment couldn't occur soon enough. 'Oh, where was that Hellmouth when you needed it?'

Spike looked over to the couch and saw it wasn't Xander. He ran a hand through his hair and a twisted smile formed on his lips, "The witch? And look, Adrienne Barbimbo." he waggled a finger at them, "You two still being naughty kittens?" he teased.

"Geez, Spike. What're you doing here?" she said quickly covering up and fumbling for her strewn about clothes. Then she stopped seeming to notice him for the first time. And notice, she did, that he was standing in the doorway completely naked.

"I live here now. Guess I don't need to ask what you came here for," he sniggered.

Rue propped up on one elbow, "You always greet guests like that, Casper?" she asked eyeing his oh so white flesh top to toe and everything in- between.

Demons have no shame and Spike, in particular, had nothing to be ashamed of, "As a matter of fact I do, luv," he said casually stepping out and leaning on the door frame, then returned the eye. "What's your excuse, perky tits?" he uttered noting she wasn't exactly clamoring to cover up either. He then caught sight of Willow's purse on the rug next to the coffee table. "Oi, Red, got any fags in that duffel you call a purse?" he got up and started to come towards them.

"Don't come out here like that!" she protested ablush and threw up an arm, but only she knew whether the bluster was really to keep from seeing him or keep him from seeing her. "Put some pants on," she bellowed.

But Spike being Spike couldn't let an opportunity pass to make Willow as uncomfortable as possible. "What's the matter, pet, don't like my birthday suit?" he raised his arms and did his best "Price Is Right" Barker's Beauty's impression taking special emphasis of *the prize*.

"It's not your birthday. Pants," she barked. "Pants!"

She may have chosen an alternative lifestyle but she was still a shy little girl emotionally, he found that charming and loved teasing her relentlessly. Whether she considered them friends or not he didn't know, but to him, she was like the little sister he never had as she was the only one who defended him when he wanted to dust himself those many months ago. He'd never forget that... even if she did try to end it all for everyone later on, oh well, we all have our bad days. 'But this other one,' he thought, 'jury's still out. Time to test the waters.' "How 'bout you, poodle? Wanna blow out my candle?" he put his hands on his hips and pulled off a Superman pose then wiggled a bit at them in a most comical manner.

"Spike!" Willow chastised shrinking away in embarrassment.

"...Or, see how many licks it takes to get to the center of the Tootsie Pop®?" he grinned maniacally.

Willow was speechless at that one. Rue amused, stifled a chuckle and smirked at him, "Sorry, ducks. I bite," then scrunched up her nose and bared her canines.

"Pfff," he screwed up his face, "you lezbos are no fun." Scratching his chest he turned and casually walked back to his room slamming the door.

Rue broke down and laughed out loud, "What was that?"

Willow was now sitting on the floor mortified. Her brain was quivering, Spike was going to hold this over her like the brass ring on the carousel and tease her mercilessly. That she would resolve to live with but it was only a matter of time before he let it slip, or told Buffy, or even worse... Xander. 'Oh Goddess.' She didn't know if she could live that down.

Rue felt her torment but couldn't stop giggling. It was so endearing, she was so different. Sitting she wrapped her arms around Willow's shoulders and pulled her close whispering, "Hey, relax, remember," she squeezed her tight, "you're the one who told me to ignore him... He's harmless you said," she looked at her, "no?" then paused a moment to muse, "...sure was white... I thought I was pale?"

Willow began to chuckle, Rue was right, "I don't think I've ever seen that shade of pale before," she said laughing now. "...so all over ... like that."

Rue kissed her hair, "You really know how to show a girl a good time, dinner and a floor show, what more could I ask for?"

* * * * * * * * * *

A great clattering sounded from the exterior of the Summers' home, then came a knocking on the front door, after a moment it opened, "Hello," Anya called out, "anybody home?" She waited for a reply but her burden was heavy and none came, so she let herself in. 'Huh, wonder where everyone is?' she thought unsteadily shifting her laundry basket and cleaning stuffs so as not to drop them. 'Oh well,' she knew she could find plenty of things to keep her busy. Kicking the door closed with her foot she humped it down to the basement and the washing machine.

Not long after Buffy trundled down the stairs, she thought she heard something, "Dawn?" she called. Maybe she and Xander had forgotten something. She looked about to the living room and dining area. 'Nobody.' "Wil?" Maybe she had forgotten her keys in her huff when she split with that Rue chick. She opened the front door hopeful. 'No one there either. Huh? I guess I'm hearing things today. Okay then, maybe some tea and a nice soak will clear my head and help me think of what to say to Willow.' Buffy headed for the kitchen. Grabbing the kettle she crossed to the sink and filled it with water. As she went to put it on the stove she heard noises coming from the basement. She moved to the door to listen, any number of oogie boogies could be lurking down there. Just then the door burst open and a strange looking figure jumped out of the darkness.

"AAAAAHHHH!" two voices screamed in unison. Buffy dropped her kettle at being hosed in the face. Lashing out, running on pure Slayer instinct she grabbed the figure by the throat slamming it up against the refrigerator. Her eyes burned but she blinked back tears trying to make out what was attacking her.

All of a sudden she heard, "Buffy, gak, you're choking me."

Buffy recognized the voice, "Christ, Anya, what the Hell are you thinking!" and released her death grip. "Don't lurk about like that!"

Anya composed herself and rubbed her sore neck, "I-I wasn't lurking, I was cleaning... You might know the difference if you guys tried it once in a while."

Buffy rubbed her quickly reddening eyes and tried to look at her, "What the Hell did you hit me with?" she asked.

Anya hesitated a moment, "I have good new and bad news. I found the spray starch."

"Oh God. It burns."

"Let's get you to the sink." Anya led Buffy to the sink, turned on the water and grabbed the spray hose. "Hold still." She held the top of Buffy's head and shot a jet stream straight into her eyes.

"HEY!" Buffy protested water now pouring down her front and puddling onto the floor. "Over the sink." She snatched the hose from her, "Here, let me do it before I'm renowned as the Visually Impaired Vampire Slayer." Buffy hung her head over the sink and began flushing out her eyes.

Feeling awkward Anya said, "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to starch you... it was an accident. I'm a bit unstrung."

"More than the norm?" Buffy shot back testing her eyes. She blinked Anya's direction and saw her for the first time. Anya had on an oversized floppy apron, what looked like one of Xander's old tool belts full of cleaning supplies, yellow latex gloves and clear goggles. This was weird even for Anya. "You come here to clean me to death?" She reached for the hand towel to dry her eyes, her face, and her blouse. Even through the goggles she could see the worry in her eyes, "Anya, what's up?"

"Something is very wrong today," she fidgeted.

"Besides you?" Buffy gibed.

"I got called into a meeting with D'Hoffryn bright and early this morning, somehow things are majorly outta whack." Buffy was about to comment again when Anya stopped her, "Seriously. I could tell D'Hoffryn was worried, he gets that little twitch right above the furrow on his brow. It's not a good sign," she removed the goggles, "anyway, I have the night off... Yea!" she flailed her arms in mock cheer, "...and I got bored at my apartment."

"So you figured you'd hang here."

"Either here... or The Bronze. But I was at The Bronze yesterday, did the cruising thing with Willow and Xander, got splinters in my ass and cut my knees all to ribbons, so..."

Buffy stared at her. She knew better. She knew she shouldn't, but her brain switched on the autopilot with Anya's last statement and she felt all command of her higher functions slip away. She was about to dive head first into the shallow end when, by the grace of God, there came a knock at the front door. "Hold that thought." She said and gleefully fled to answer it. She needed time to clear her head, this night was slowly starting to grind her down and it was still early. Throwing open the door, her expression deflated and she sighed, "Oh great."

It was Spike, "S'nice cheery welcome, luv." he exhaled smokily flicking his cigarette butt into the grass.

"I didn't mean..." she pushed back her bangs, "It's just been one Hell of a night so far," she moved to let him in.

"It sure has," he grinned smugly. "Willow about?" he asked suddenly, shiftily looking around.

Buffy quirked and eyebrow at him suspiciously, "No, why?"

"Oh, nothing..." he sucked his teeth, "s'nothing." and let it drop.

She replayed the days events in her mind and tried to connect the dots, "You're still after that girl aren't you?" she accused.

"Come again?!" he prompted.

"You. Wil. The girl, Rue. Xander said you two were fighting over her at The Bronze."

Spike made a sour face, "Oh, Hell no! All lies," he protested loudly, "I need a bleedin' she-wolf like I need boils on my bum."

"You weren't trying to pick her up?" Buffy continued perplexed.

He became animatedly defensive, "What in fuck's sake would I do with a werewolf? I'd never get my beauty sleep."

Confusion ran rampant tonight. If he wasn't interested in Rue what then? What happened? "So you weren't fighting?" she clarified.

"Well," he bobbed and weaved like a boxer, "mixing it up a bit, yeah. Just trying to keep things right. Didn't want Red ending up like the grandmother. All in fun though. S'kewl."

"I think I'm understanding now," she said the lights coming on in the darkroom of her mind.

"Okay then," he smiled satisfied, then cocked his head at her, "Understand what?"

"Dancing on a Hellmouth," she evaded.

Spike shrugged he didn't know what she was at tonight, or care one way or another, then again that was norm for most nights with the Slayer when she wasn't uber-focused on her job. "Got any munchies?" he changed the subject, "Feeling a bit peckish."

"Anya's in the kitchen..." her voice trailed as she gestured in that general direction. He meandered off leaving her lost in thought. No wonder Wil got so defensive with her. After being bombarded by Spike and team Scooby she probably felt she was being unfairly targeted. Then again maybe she was being unfair. She didn't know this Rue from Eve, but maybe she was just what Wil needed. She sure looked happy, she hadn't seen her beam like that since before her break up with Tara. Buffy wandered into the kitchen to join her guests. They were huddled around the microwave, Anya fussing about Spike as he tested the temperature of a mug of blood. The scene was surreal, a vengeance demon henning over a vampire, afraid he might burn his tongue. Yet, it was perfectly normal. Norman fucking Rockwell-esque even. She grabbed a bag of Frito-Lay Skeezy Cheese®, sat down at the table and shook her head.

'Look at Anya,' they knew her past and after all the nonsense she pulled, the Scoobies still accepted her. 'Giles entrusted her with the Magic Box and Xander loved her enough to want to marry her, then not to marry her...' She'd become a valuable asset to the team. And Spike, once enemies, then lovers, Wil never said a word. His body count was stacked higher than something you stack four reallys high, yet she trusted him with her most precious possession, Dawn. It was at that moment she degrinched dispatching Saint Buffy and called forth Supporto-Gal. Willow was her best friend in the universe, she loved her, and no matter how badly she wished to protect her she couldn't live her life for her, so she resolved just to be there for her, no matter who this person was and despite the outcome.

A knock came from the kitchen door. Anya answered it. It was Clem. "Hello, Anyanka," he greeted with a big wave. "You're looking... mighty tidy tonight," he complimented.

"Thank you, Clem, you're so sweet. Have you done something to your ears? They're looking extra floppy."

The nausea fest was too much for Spike, "Oh please, next you'll be swapping skin moisturizing tips. Get a room." He crossed to the door, "Did you get the stuff?"

"I sure did." Clem said happily offering up the parcel in his hands. Spike snatched it from him, rushed to the counter and proceeded to tear it open. "Hello, Buffy." Clem said spying her at the table.

"Hey, Clem."

"Dawn around?" he asked but was then distracted, "Oh, Frito-Lay Skeezy Cheese®, aren't these just the best?" he bubbled.

"No. I mean, yes... I mean... Dawn, no. Cheese, yes."

"I find the flavor most robust for a snack food" he analyzed, "and the texture is--"

"OH, bollocks! Clem!" Spike yelled, "What the bloody Hell is this? Didn't you check the box?"

"You just opened it yourself..." he defended.

As 'the boys' argued Buffy took the time to pull Anya aside and address a certain situation that had been molesting her mentally. "Anya, I need to ask you something, uh... personal." Buffy began. Anya looked at her squarely with the wide eyed perky face she used on customers at the Magic Box. This look always made Buffy nervous, she took a big breath, "Okay, I'm just gonna come out and ask this."

Anya waited but Buffy hesitated and Buffy was never anything less than direct with her. "Oh Gods, this is gonna be bad," she said concern rising in her voice, "hesitation always foreshadows impending doom and gloom..."

"No, it's not bad... it's just--"

But Anya had the anxiety motor revved up and was kicking it into overdrive babbling a mile a minute. She couldn't get a word in so she just blurted it out over top, "Anya are you taking my underwear?"

"You shouldn't be afraid to come out and say it when something is really..." it took a moment to penetrate then, "What?" she blinked.

"Underwear." She repeated, "Are you doing something with my underwear when you do the laundry?"

"Your underwear?" she repeated bewilderment dancing across her brow.

"Yes. Missing. As in, my underwear, cannot find -- anywhere. "

Anya threw her crazy face up on display now, "What are you saying?"

Buffy sighed deep and looked to the ceiling for strength, "Anya, where is all my underwear?"

"Are you implying I'm taking your underwear--to wear?" Anya actually affected disgust at the idea.

This caught Buffy off guard, "N-n--" she stammered but Anya cut her off.

"Okay, on the first hand I have a full time job. I make decent money. I buy my own underwear and... I don't buy them at the 'All Underpants for a Dollar store'. On the second hand, Eeeeeewwwwwww! Just because a person isn't a real person anymore but a vengeance demon again, doesn't mean she suddenly looses all standards of living. A person is one with their underthings and lending is not in the code book, mortal or demon. And on the third hand counseling is always an option if you're delusional enough to think I'd want your second hand panties to go traipsing around in."

Buffy closed her eyes for clarity, "So you're not taking my underwear as some twisted revenge thing?"

Anya put both hands on her hips, "For 1,121 years I've rained down vengeance upon mortals, and somehow managed just fine without them, why would I suddenly start now?"

Buffy smiled weakly, "And you haven't been throwing them away either?"

"No. You never send any down to wash or at least there are never any in your hamper. I figured this was just a *you thing*, slaying commando or whatever they call it."

Buffy was bewildered. 'They can't just be getting up and walking away... or can they? Hell, this is the Hellmouth, anything's possible...' At that moment the front door clattered open. It was Willow with Rue in tow. 'Thank God, the cavalry,' she thought with great relief, "Wil?" Buffy called hoping with all optimism she had cooled off some so they could talk again, this time sans the giant foot in her mouth. Maybe she could attempt a proper apology, offer her butt up on a silver platter to kick around the living room "Bend It Like Beckham" football-style for a while.

Willow spied the group in the kitchen, breathed deep and tried to ignore them. She was still reeling from the after affects of earlier, feelings of intoxication mixed with a wicked-ass buzz were now leveled by a pounding tension headache and a dull throbbing at the base of her skull. Hitting the stairs she pushed Rue ahead of her but was too slow.

"Willow." Anya said cheerfully coming over to greet her.

'Grr, damn it,' her mind screamed, 'not now.' Turning on her heel she barked, "Get away from me, Anya," still irked over last night and the feelings of embarrassment rising as Buffy trailed behind her.

"I see your demon's still securely fastened." She smiled smugly.

"Anya, don't push me," she warned.

"Huh. Funny you should mention push..." she continued to needle. Willow moved down the stairs at her but stumbled and almost fell. Rue stepped quickly and grabbed her by the arm averting her attentions.

Buffy took silent note, "So you've already met Rue?" she queried trying to catch up.

"We met last night," Anya offered, "she pushed me onto the floor."

"Why? What'd you do?" Buffy asked.

She turned to Buffy with shock face, "I said hello," then turned her attentions to Rue, "I don't like you."

"S'okay," Rue scratched at her eyebrow, "I don't normally associate with vengeance demons." She looked to Willow, "Should we make a wish?" They laughed drunken fall about laughter at the in-joke and clung to each other.

This set Anya off, "You're mocking me?" There was nothing she hated more than being treated as though she were insignificant or deficient. Well, maybe the speculation of day trading, but... "Don't mock me," she threatened.

"Or what?" Willow challenged, "You'll talk us to death?" They continued to giggle.

"I may not be able to curse you with vengeance but I can... I can kick *her* ass." she pointed a finger at Rue.

"Mmmmm, I've been itching to stretch my claws since I got here," she said tensing up.

"Whooo-hooo, fight!" Willow howled and almost fell to the floor.

The display was getting ridiculous, "Okay," Buffy stepped up, "Anya. Wil. You there. Separate corners."

Rue helped Willow to sit on the stairs, her Saturday Night Party Face swiftly turning into Oh Shit, It's Sunday Afternoon Cleanup Face, "Somebody stop the room before I redecorate it." she pleaded then pressed their foreheads together to help her focus.

"What did you drink?" Buffy asked distressed with the goings on.

"Magic Punch by the look of it." Anya helped.

"What?"

"It's not a drink, it's magic, oh, but don't worry it's not dark," she reassured, "it's a natural occurring side effect when magic users get together. Quite the euphoric headrush but sometimes you crash, thus nasty magic hangover."

"Oooookay," Buffy didn't know what to make of it but she didn't like the sound of it and Willow was quickly looking like death warmed over, "Wil, can we talk?"

"Nope. Don't wanna," she said through clenched teeth.

"Can't we start over?" Buffy begged, "Apology Girl trying to apologize."

"Advil now. Apology later." Willow said as Rue massaged the back of her neck, "My head, pounding like Lola's running through it in Doc Martin shit- kickers," she clenched her teeth again and it looked to Buffy like the two were having a telepathic conversation. Then her expression loosened, and without words Rue went upstairs. Willow stood up holding the wall for support.

Buffy came to her aid and took her arm.

"Kitchen." Willow indicated and Buffy walked her to the kitchen.

Spike and Clem were still arguing and monkeying with their stuff, "Hey, guys hit the living room, please." she set Willow up at the table.

Spike handed his booty to Clem and cockily crossed over to Willow at the table, he leaned over at her hissing, "Meooow." moving in closer he whispered, "hair of the dog that bit you..." Then licked her face. His tongue was cool and slimy, repulsed Willow let out a groan then closed her eyes which only made her more dizzy.

"Spike!" Buffy chastised, "Out." And pushed him towards the living room. "What is it with you two?" she questioned. Willow let fall her head to the table. Rue came down with the painkillers but it was too late. Willow jumped up and hit the back door at a run, flinging it open she escaped into the darkness and the cool night air.

"There's a good lesson to be learned here," Anya began in an unflattering tone.

Buffy turned, folded her arms impatiently and shot daggers at her.

She flinched under the unrelenting glare then changed her pitch, "....knowing when to shut up is good."

Buffy nodded her head in agreement then quietly went outside. Closing the door behind her she sat on the stoop and waited leaving Anya and Rue to their own devices.

After a few moments Willow emerged from the shrubs, "All better," she sighed, "but I think the bushes might refute that," and sat down next to Buffy. They held off talk till the silence was deafening.

They heard Anya's voice from the kitchen, she was off and spinning again, about what, they didn't know but it was most likely directed at Rue and it was just the ice breaker they needed. They chuckled at her clucking. Then Buffy began, "I'm sorry, Wil, I was wrong... doing what I did. I--"

"I know you care..." Wil affected a thoughtful mien.

"But," Buffy looked at her feet, "I was Mrs. Buttinsky from Noseyville."

"Binoculars and all," she smiled. "I really like her."

"We couldn't tell," she mocked.

"I want her to stick around but the magnifying glass is kinda hot."

"Sorry, no one escapes the gauntlet it's part of the initiation into the gang," she smiled and gave Willow a friendly nudge with her shoulder, "I think we can accommodate. Friends?" she asked extending a hand.

"Family." Wil said pushing it away in exchange for a hug.

Suddenly the front door clattered open and Xander charged into the kitchen, "Buffy?!" everyone pointed to the back door. He rushed the door, "Buffy!"

"Oh, hey Xander?! I thought you had a big date?"

"I do... I did. We got big problems!" he announced, "We found one."

"One?" Buffy quirked an eyebrow at him.

"One of the kids. It was horrible. And this big ugly demon. You gotta come."

"Okay, let me just get my jacket," she announced. "Grab some weapons and I'll meet you in the car." Xander acknowledged and headed straight for the weapons' trunk. Buffy headed upstairs to her room to retrieve her jacket, as she approached she heard a creaking noise. Spike was standing in her room. "What are you doing in here?" she asked sternly.

"What me?" he tried to be inconspicuous, play it cool, "Nothing. You know ... jus' nothing."

But she spied the partially open top dresser drawer and something sticking out of his duster pocket. "Oh God," she said two and two starting to come together. She lurched at him and snatched the item from his pocket, "You!?!" then dangled it in front of him, "You've been taking my underwear?" she said angrily. "What is the matter with you?!"

"Hold up. It's not like that," he defended.

"What, you gonna blame it on the crazies? Your imaginary friends making you do it?" she stared at him intently.

"Noo." he shook his head indignantly.

"Oh, better still, you're gathering them up into a big ball and planning on plugging the Hellmouth with them?"

"Don't be daft, woman..." He rebuffed, then composed himself. He hung his head and took a deep breath almost ashamed to admit the truth, "I needed the cash."

Buffy froze in her skin almost as if she didn't hear his words, "Ick- squeeze me?"

Spike became defensive now, "You have no clue, no clue how much prime worn Slayer knickers go for on evilBay do you?"

Buffy's mouth dropped open, she stared in disbelief. "evilBay? You've been selling my underwear on the Internet?" this was too much, her mind refused to wrap around the concept, or even bend in the slightest, "Ahhh, Gross!" she covered her face with her hands, "Okay, you're sick."

He snatched the panties back and shook them at her, "It's strictly business, luv. There are some demons out there who'll pay through the nose ... or, whatever orifice they have in its place for these lil' beauties... Pure gold these."

That was it. She could hear no more. "Get out," she ordered.

"Look, we can make a deal--" he persisted.

One more word on the subject and her brain would leap from her eye socket and throttle him, "Get out!" she repeated raising her voice.

"Sixty-forty. I'll even supply you with new ones."

That was it, she lost it, "GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OOOOUUUUUT!!!" she screamed tossing him into the hall. How could her night get any worse, then it hit her... now she'd have to apologize to Anya.

* * * * * * * * * *

To be continued in Chapter 3