WHAT!!!!!

By jezebel

Disclaimer: See first chapter

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Chapter Five: Even More Problems

Sunnydale

       Buffy brought Giles his cup of tea and his medicine. It had been two weeks since he was released from the hospital. He had since moved in with the Summers women and they nursed him back to health. He noticed Buffy looked disturbed, like something was on her mind. He knew better then to ask. She had lost her best friend and the only person, or vampire, she could confide in had left. He had been shocked at the news. He truly thought the vampire wouldn't leave Buffy until she staked him. But that wasn't the case. He was gone, and as much as Buffy denied it, he knew she felt something towards him. Whether it was friendship, or something more, she was truly affected by the loss.

       Dawn was also effected, if not worse. He knew the 15-yr-old girl had had great feelings for the vampire. He knew Spike had loved her back. Now she hid her feelings and put on a brave face during the day, but at night he had heard her cry; for the vampire, for Tara, and even Willow. As much as the girl hated to admit it, she was worried about the former witch.

       Willow was still in a deep coma. Everyday they would visit, assuring their love for her. They all knew forgiveness was a big issue, but she didn't know they had already forgiven her. She needed to hear it more then ever. It had already been decided that as soon as she was well enough to travel, Giles would take her to England for a formal rehabilitation.

Then there was Tara's dieing. He hasn't known the young Wiccan well, but there was still a hole in his heart. A part of the group was missing, never to be replaced. Everyone was slowly getting used to the empty space. It would take time, but one day they could get past it.

But the worst problem at hand was the legal matters. Hank Summers had declared custody of Dawn. At the time she remained in Buffy's care while the remaining scoobies helped with the court details and legal work. It was awful. He knew it was just one more thing towards Buffy's mind going in a catatonic state. That's what had happened last time she had lost Dawn. Xander and Giles had privately discussed what they would do it that were to happen. The plan was she would become Willow's roommate in the hospital. But Giles prayed to whatever deity would listen that it never would occur.

Dawn for the most part was again using her acting skills. She talked to all the counselors and lawyers and explained that she wanted to remain with Buffy. But he knew how much it really scared her.

Buffy finally broke the silence. "I think I'll call Angel."

Giles was surprised at her words. "How can he help, he's in LA." Then he got it. She had given up hope.

 "I know. If my dad wins, he'll take Dawn to LA with him. I want to make sure she's taken care of, protected. If Spike were here he'd go with her. No, he wouldn't have even let it go this far." Giles was surprised she had even said his name out loud. "Giles, I can't do it. Today I'm going to lose Dawn, again. I can't leave the hellmouth, but Angel's in LA. He can watch over her. He can be Spike's replacement, at least until he gets back."

Giles watched her eyes shine at the idea. He knew she was probably right. But he hated the idea of Angel watching Dawn. He knew that Buffy would be a wreck about it too. He decided to speak up.

       "Buffy, how about if after today's trial, no matter the outcome, we start searching for Spike." Her head shot up.

       "What makes you think I want him here? All he'd do is cause trouble." Giles knew it was now or never.

       "Buffy, we all know you miss him. Surprisingly I do myself. He helped us Buffy and I'll admit that if he were here, everything would be a little easier. As soon as he finished he noticed Xander and Anya had entered.

       "So, talking about the evil undead. Finally, I thought you'd forgotten all about him." Buffy looked at Xander with wide eyes.

       "You're all, you're all crazy," she slumped her head down in defeat, "but you're all right." Giles was amazed. He thought that convincing Buffy would be a lot harder.

       "So it's settled, as soon as the present matters are at hand are complete, we'll start looking for Spike."

       A squeal filled everyone's head. They all looked to find Dawn jumping into Buffy's arms.

       "I knew you missed him. I knew it." She saw all the looked on everyone's faces and smiled. "The walls have ears you know." Everyone smiled and Dawn settled down. Xander cleared his throat.

       "I hate to be the barer of bad news, but if we don't leave soon, we'll miss our court date." Giles smiled.

"Yes, best to be on our way." They shuffled out of the house without a word of protest.