Morning dawned bright, even through tightly drawn curtains. Buffy sleepily
checked to make sure no light was trickling in and hitting the bed. She
turned and propped herself up on her elbow and watched Spike sleep. He
looked so content. He was perfectly still, his mouth was parted slightly,
and his one arm was draped over her bare waist.
Feeling wicked, Buffy slid her hand under the covers and moved it down his thigh. Feeling what she hoped to feel, she slid under the covers to pay attention to a part of his anatomy that she wanted awake. Spike woke with a low, happy growl.
"Mmm, evil vixen," he murmured. His hips gave a jerk upwards and he was satiated. Buffy slid back up. He smirked at her, then pulled her to him for a kiss. She settled on top of him, her head resting on his chest.
"We should probably get up," Spike said in a sleepy voice.
"Do we have to?"
He chuckled. "Not until I shag you good and proper. With that, he turned her over on her side, where he proceeded to push into her from behind. He had her gasping and moaning, as that left his hands free to touch and tease her into oblivion. A half hour later, they were still laying like that, Spike still inside her, when Dawn knocked on her door. Yanking the covers over their heads in preparation of Dawn's usual burst into the room without an invitation, Buffy cringed. The door remained closed.
"What is it?" Buffy called out.
Now that she thought Dawn finally grasped the concept of not barging in, the door banged open. Spike adjusted the covers to make sure he was covered up below the waist, and Buffy held the blankets up to her chest. Dawn's eyes widened and a little snicker escaped as she took in her sister's wild hair, blankets clutched to cover-up, and a guilty look on her face. Spike was sprawled comfortably on the bed, blankets resting low on his hips, a smirk curving his mouth.
"Dammit Dawn! Learn to wait until I say come in!" Buffy was annoyed, and her face was red.
"Sorry. I just wanted to let you know that everyone just got here. They're getting all the stuff together, so I figured I'd put a stop to your debauchery before someone else came up here to wake you."
"Ta ever so, pigeon," Spike said with a snicker. "We'll be down in a few." Dawn banged out of the room, much the way she banged her way in.
Buffy sighed and rolled her eyes. "I need a padlock to keep her out."
Spike grinned. "She just wanted to catch a glimpse of my hot, naked body."
"More like cool, pasty body. And ew, that's my baby sister you're talking about."
Smirking, he dressed and so did Buffy, then they headed downstairs to join the group. Giles saw the two blondes come down together, and he pursed his lips, much like he'd been sucking on a lemon. Xander scowled at Spike.
Buffy and Spike noticed both reactions and ignored them.
"So what's the what?" Buffy gave Giles a questioning look.
"Althenea said the coven will help by imbuing us with their power. Combined, we should be able to overpower Celestial."
"Can you handle that much power, Will? Combined with your own?" Buffy gave Willow a worried look.
"I have major rumblies in my tummy at the thought. Althenea told me I'll be okay, and I trust her. Lets just hope the world doesn't get destroyed along with Celestial." She gave Buffy a sickly smile and laughed weakly.
They poured over the spell that they'd use. Buffy sat on the sofa, leaning against Spike, his hand resting familiarly on her thigh.
"So, exactly how does this work?" Dawn questioned, reaching out for another jelly doughnut.
Giles cleaned his glasses as Spike took to playing with Buffy's hair, probably so he didn't have to see. "From what I have gathered, the power will make us magically inclined, and it will enhance our inherent abilities tenfold. Buffy's slayer power will be enhanced, as will Spike's vampiric abilities, making them both unstoppable. Willow's magic will be increased, and it will bring out Dawn's powers as the key. For myself, it will increase my knowledge, and Xander's loyalty and heart."
"It sounds like Harris got the short end of the power stick," Spike commented idly.
"You underestimate Xander's ability." He saw the downcast look on the boy's face. "Xander is fiercely loyal and loving of his friends, and when they are in jeopardy, he will be a formidable foe. He doesn't need a superpower to make a difference."
Buffy smiled at the look on Xander's face. It wasn't often that he was given high praise or compliments from Giles, but when it happened, it was nice to see. He lit up and looked like a boy who needed praise from a fatherly figure, since his own father didn't care.
"How exactly is my being a former key going to be enhanced?" Dawn leaned on Spike's other side.
"You still have it in you, Dawn. The coven's power will bring it out again. You will be able to open a portal of your choice and send Celestial through. You also have the ability to lock it, in a sense, so she won't be able to come back."
Dawn's eyes widened, and she looked pleased at the thought.
They went over the details, how it'd be done, and when. Willow assembled the ingredients they'd need. When everyone had a good idea of what would happen, Giles left to get a few things done, and Xander headed to the construction site. Dawn headed out to go to the mall with Janice, while Willow left for a class. Buffy and Spike were left sitting on the couch.
"Well, we might as well eat, to fortify ourselves to do... well, nothing." Buffy made a face at the impending boredom.
"I know what we can do." Spike smirked at her, wiggling his eyebrows lasciviously.
"Pig." Buffy grinned. "Lets go!"
Laughing, they ran upstairs to get naked and wild. After a few sweaty hours, they lay on their backs, exhausted but happy.
"I could really use some food right about now." To punctuate her comment, Buffy's stomach gave a low rumble. They headed downstairs. She checked the fridge, but the blood was gone.
"I thought we had some left. Damn. Well, I'll just make a run to the butcher's. I could go for some pizza, so I can pick that up, too."
"I don't know, Buffy. I don't want you meetin' up with Celestial. She's probably sodding pissed off."
"Don't worry so much. It's not far, and I won't be long."
"Too risky. I'll go with you. We'll take the sewers to where it comes up in the alley near the Espresso Pump."
Buffy shrugged. "Okay. Lets go."
They avoided the sinking sun as much as they could, and hurriedly dropped into the sewer entrance on her street. They maneuvered around underground, until Spike stopped and pointed up. Buffy climbed up and came out in a shaded alley, the sun starting to sink. Spike followed her and they hurried into the butcher shop. Buffy changed her mind and decided she wanted the leftover Chinese food at the house, so they headed back after Spike got his blood.
They went back down into the sewer and trekked back. Buffy climbed out and before she could react, a pale hand shot out of nowhere and grabbed hold of her throat. She saw Celestial's sneering face come into view.
"Didn't think you'd get off that easy, did you, sweetie pie?"
***Buffy struggled against her grip. The sun no longer a threat, Spike emerged. He saw what was going on and snarled. He leaned forward, as if about to charge Celestial, but she held her hand up, effectively trapping him in a magical bubble.
"Now William, don't tell me you haven't learned your lesson? Well, you can just stay there and watch me beat on your slayer. It'll be fun!" She sent him a charming smile.
She turned her attention back to Buffy. Drawing a pale arm back, her fist solidly connected with Buffy's face. Her head jerked at the impact, but Celestial's grip was still on her throat, stopping her from moving. Buffy kicked her legs up, pushing with all her might against Celestial's stomach, breaking her hold. They both stumbled back.
Spike stood, immobile and unable to do anything. Buffy landed a punch, but Celestial came back with a punishing uppercut. Buffy found herself crashing against a tree. Shaky, she drew herself up, moving them closer to her house. Celestial charged her, hitting her with a downward strike.
Panting now from the pain, Buffy stumbled.
"Don't tell me you're pooping out on me already!" Celestial smiled, stalking her. She shoved Buffy face-first into a tree with the strength of a steamroller. Buffy swept a foot out, knocking her down. She landed on top of her, and drove her fist into her smug face. Celestial flipped them over, landing harsh blows to Buffy's face and torso. Under the onslaught, Buffy was vaguely aware that Willow must've seen, because she was at the door and her hands were raised and she was muttering something. Dawn stood behind her, horrified.
"Halt!" Willow roared, eyes black with anger and power.
Celestial froze, causing Spike's magic cage to release him. He charged over, leaping and landed a powerful sidekick to Celestial, sending her flying. Scared, he stared at Buffy's unmoving, beaten form, then reached down and gently picked her up. He hurried into the Summers' yard where they were ensconced in Willow's protection spell on the house.
Celestial rose and glared hatefully. "This isn't over. You're all going to be pay, especially YOU, witch." She disappeared with a loud crack.
Spike carried Buffy to the door, her head lolling on his arm.
"Oh my God. Buffy!" Dawn hurried over. Tears filled her eyes when she realized her sister wasn't even conscious.
"Get her inside," Willow commanded. She ran to the phone to call Giles and Xander. Dawn grabbed the first-aid kit and hurried back to where Spike was laying Buffy on the sofa.
Ten minutes went by and Xander and Giles rushed through the door. Both stared, shocked at the sight of Buffy. She was so pale and fragile, covered in various cuts and bruises, her body still and unmoving. Giles knelt and brushed back a lock of Buffy's hair. "Buffy."
She stirred and cracked her eyes open. "Giles?"
Everyone gave a collective sigh of relief that she'd woken up. "I'll be okay, guys." She winced at the ache in her throat. "Can I... have some water?" Xander disappeared into the kitchen, coming back with a glass. Giles gently held her head up and Spike held the glass to her lips. With a little groan, she laid back down.
She started to doze a little, and Giles, Willow, and Xander retreated into the dining room, while Spike and Dawn stayed with Buffy. Giles took his glasses off and rubbed his forehead.
"What are we going to do?" Xander looked at him, worried.
"She needs to rest. Get her strength back, let herself heal."
In the living room, Dawn stroked her sister's hair, unnerved at the extent of the damage to the slayer. Her sister. Her chin wobbled. She sat on the edge of the sofa with Spike and felt a few tears drop. Spike laid a hand on her shoulder, and she leaned into lay her head on his chest. He stroked her hair with one hand, the other holding Buffy's hand, resting them over her heart. The thumping was reassuring.
Giles walked in to check on Buffy, but stopped when he saw the three of them. It was such a tender scene. The vampire comforting and looking over his two girls. Spike caught the Watcher's eye and moved, allowing Dawn more room. She stretched out next to her sister. Spike walked into the kitchen with Giles.
"We will have to postpone the meeting with Celestial until Buffy is well. She needs rest and time to heal."
"I agree. She took quite a beatin' from that bint." Spike paced, agitated.
Giles looked distinctly uncomfortable. "What I wanted to talk to you about, though, is that I'm worried about you and Buffy being together. I don't think it's good for her."
Spike raised his eyebrow. "Well, Rupert, I can't say I wasn't expectin' this."
"Good. Then you should be forewarned that if you hurt her, I will hurt you." Giles gave the vampire a look that brooked no argument. He was telling the truth.
"Well, well, King of the Nancy tribe isn't as Nancy-like as I thought. Grew some stones, did you?"
They glared at each other. "I know what you tried to do to her. She trusts you now, though. I will not take action because of that. At least not yet. But if you try anything, I will end you."
Spike stared at him. "I won't hurt her. I'd rather die again than hurt her." He paused, letting that sink in. "Bugger all, I'm going back in there." He strode out.
Buffy woke again. She looked a little better. She sat up and everyone came in, looking at her worriedly. "I'm going upstairs to sleep for a few more hours, but when I get up, we're going."
"Buffy, you need to rest. We can do this tomorrow." Xander gave her a worried look.
"I just need a few hours to rest and to let slayer healing kick in. It looks bad, I know, but it's just bruises and cuts. I have a few aches, but nothing a little Advil and sleep won't cure."
Giles was still frowning. "We really should wait, Buffy, until you're fully healed."
"We can't wait. Her demon army gets bigger everyday. She needs to be stopped now. I'll be okay, I'll be hyped up on magicks. I'll rest plenty after we kick her white ass out of this dimension."
Reluctantly, they all agreed to go ahead with the plan.
"Go rest, Buffy. We'll work out the details and fill you in later," Willow said. She gave Buffy a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. You scared me."
"It was because of you and Spike that I'm okay. Thank you." They shared a smile. Spike swept her up then, before she could protest, and carried her upstairs. Instead of arguing, which was in her nature, she decided to enjoy it. He gently deposited her on her bed, kissed her forehead, and stood up to leave.
"Aren't you going to stay here with me?" She let herself pout a little.
He smiled. "If I stay, you won't rest. I'll be back later to check on you, though." He left, and Buffy sighed. The door cracked open and Dawn's head appeared.
"You can come in, Dawn."
Her sister crept in and lay down next to her. "Is it okay if I rest here with you?" Dawn was worried, and Buffy could see that. She nodded. Dawn laced her fingers with Buffy's and stretched out. "I'll be okay, Dawn."
Dawn's grip tightened in response.
Feeling wicked, Buffy slid her hand under the covers and moved it down his thigh. Feeling what she hoped to feel, she slid under the covers to pay attention to a part of his anatomy that she wanted awake. Spike woke with a low, happy growl.
"Mmm, evil vixen," he murmured. His hips gave a jerk upwards and he was satiated. Buffy slid back up. He smirked at her, then pulled her to him for a kiss. She settled on top of him, her head resting on his chest.
"We should probably get up," Spike said in a sleepy voice.
"Do we have to?"
He chuckled. "Not until I shag you good and proper. With that, he turned her over on her side, where he proceeded to push into her from behind. He had her gasping and moaning, as that left his hands free to touch and tease her into oblivion. A half hour later, they were still laying like that, Spike still inside her, when Dawn knocked on her door. Yanking the covers over their heads in preparation of Dawn's usual burst into the room without an invitation, Buffy cringed. The door remained closed.
"What is it?" Buffy called out.
Now that she thought Dawn finally grasped the concept of not barging in, the door banged open. Spike adjusted the covers to make sure he was covered up below the waist, and Buffy held the blankets up to her chest. Dawn's eyes widened and a little snicker escaped as she took in her sister's wild hair, blankets clutched to cover-up, and a guilty look on her face. Spike was sprawled comfortably on the bed, blankets resting low on his hips, a smirk curving his mouth.
"Dammit Dawn! Learn to wait until I say come in!" Buffy was annoyed, and her face was red.
"Sorry. I just wanted to let you know that everyone just got here. They're getting all the stuff together, so I figured I'd put a stop to your debauchery before someone else came up here to wake you."
"Ta ever so, pigeon," Spike said with a snicker. "We'll be down in a few." Dawn banged out of the room, much the way she banged her way in.
Buffy sighed and rolled her eyes. "I need a padlock to keep her out."
Spike grinned. "She just wanted to catch a glimpse of my hot, naked body."
"More like cool, pasty body. And ew, that's my baby sister you're talking about."
Smirking, he dressed and so did Buffy, then they headed downstairs to join the group. Giles saw the two blondes come down together, and he pursed his lips, much like he'd been sucking on a lemon. Xander scowled at Spike.
Buffy and Spike noticed both reactions and ignored them.
"So what's the what?" Buffy gave Giles a questioning look.
"Althenea said the coven will help by imbuing us with their power. Combined, we should be able to overpower Celestial."
"Can you handle that much power, Will? Combined with your own?" Buffy gave Willow a worried look.
"I have major rumblies in my tummy at the thought. Althenea told me I'll be okay, and I trust her. Lets just hope the world doesn't get destroyed along with Celestial." She gave Buffy a sickly smile and laughed weakly.
They poured over the spell that they'd use. Buffy sat on the sofa, leaning against Spike, his hand resting familiarly on her thigh.
"So, exactly how does this work?" Dawn questioned, reaching out for another jelly doughnut.
Giles cleaned his glasses as Spike took to playing with Buffy's hair, probably so he didn't have to see. "From what I have gathered, the power will make us magically inclined, and it will enhance our inherent abilities tenfold. Buffy's slayer power will be enhanced, as will Spike's vampiric abilities, making them both unstoppable. Willow's magic will be increased, and it will bring out Dawn's powers as the key. For myself, it will increase my knowledge, and Xander's loyalty and heart."
"It sounds like Harris got the short end of the power stick," Spike commented idly.
"You underestimate Xander's ability." He saw the downcast look on the boy's face. "Xander is fiercely loyal and loving of his friends, and when they are in jeopardy, he will be a formidable foe. He doesn't need a superpower to make a difference."
Buffy smiled at the look on Xander's face. It wasn't often that he was given high praise or compliments from Giles, but when it happened, it was nice to see. He lit up and looked like a boy who needed praise from a fatherly figure, since his own father didn't care.
"How exactly is my being a former key going to be enhanced?" Dawn leaned on Spike's other side.
"You still have it in you, Dawn. The coven's power will bring it out again. You will be able to open a portal of your choice and send Celestial through. You also have the ability to lock it, in a sense, so she won't be able to come back."
Dawn's eyes widened, and she looked pleased at the thought.
They went over the details, how it'd be done, and when. Willow assembled the ingredients they'd need. When everyone had a good idea of what would happen, Giles left to get a few things done, and Xander headed to the construction site. Dawn headed out to go to the mall with Janice, while Willow left for a class. Buffy and Spike were left sitting on the couch.
"Well, we might as well eat, to fortify ourselves to do... well, nothing." Buffy made a face at the impending boredom.
"I know what we can do." Spike smirked at her, wiggling his eyebrows lasciviously.
"Pig." Buffy grinned. "Lets go!"
Laughing, they ran upstairs to get naked and wild. After a few sweaty hours, they lay on their backs, exhausted but happy.
"I could really use some food right about now." To punctuate her comment, Buffy's stomach gave a low rumble. They headed downstairs. She checked the fridge, but the blood was gone.
"I thought we had some left. Damn. Well, I'll just make a run to the butcher's. I could go for some pizza, so I can pick that up, too."
"I don't know, Buffy. I don't want you meetin' up with Celestial. She's probably sodding pissed off."
"Don't worry so much. It's not far, and I won't be long."
"Too risky. I'll go with you. We'll take the sewers to where it comes up in the alley near the Espresso Pump."
Buffy shrugged. "Okay. Lets go."
They avoided the sinking sun as much as they could, and hurriedly dropped into the sewer entrance on her street. They maneuvered around underground, until Spike stopped and pointed up. Buffy climbed up and came out in a shaded alley, the sun starting to sink. Spike followed her and they hurried into the butcher shop. Buffy changed her mind and decided she wanted the leftover Chinese food at the house, so they headed back after Spike got his blood.
They went back down into the sewer and trekked back. Buffy climbed out and before she could react, a pale hand shot out of nowhere and grabbed hold of her throat. She saw Celestial's sneering face come into view.
"Didn't think you'd get off that easy, did you, sweetie pie?"
***Buffy struggled against her grip. The sun no longer a threat, Spike emerged. He saw what was going on and snarled. He leaned forward, as if about to charge Celestial, but she held her hand up, effectively trapping him in a magical bubble.
"Now William, don't tell me you haven't learned your lesson? Well, you can just stay there and watch me beat on your slayer. It'll be fun!" She sent him a charming smile.
She turned her attention back to Buffy. Drawing a pale arm back, her fist solidly connected with Buffy's face. Her head jerked at the impact, but Celestial's grip was still on her throat, stopping her from moving. Buffy kicked her legs up, pushing with all her might against Celestial's stomach, breaking her hold. They both stumbled back.
Spike stood, immobile and unable to do anything. Buffy landed a punch, but Celestial came back with a punishing uppercut. Buffy found herself crashing against a tree. Shaky, she drew herself up, moving them closer to her house. Celestial charged her, hitting her with a downward strike.
Panting now from the pain, Buffy stumbled.
"Don't tell me you're pooping out on me already!" Celestial smiled, stalking her. She shoved Buffy face-first into a tree with the strength of a steamroller. Buffy swept a foot out, knocking her down. She landed on top of her, and drove her fist into her smug face. Celestial flipped them over, landing harsh blows to Buffy's face and torso. Under the onslaught, Buffy was vaguely aware that Willow must've seen, because she was at the door and her hands were raised and she was muttering something. Dawn stood behind her, horrified.
"Halt!" Willow roared, eyes black with anger and power.
Celestial froze, causing Spike's magic cage to release him. He charged over, leaping and landed a powerful sidekick to Celestial, sending her flying. Scared, he stared at Buffy's unmoving, beaten form, then reached down and gently picked her up. He hurried into the Summers' yard where they were ensconced in Willow's protection spell on the house.
Celestial rose and glared hatefully. "This isn't over. You're all going to be pay, especially YOU, witch." She disappeared with a loud crack.
Spike carried Buffy to the door, her head lolling on his arm.
"Oh my God. Buffy!" Dawn hurried over. Tears filled her eyes when she realized her sister wasn't even conscious.
"Get her inside," Willow commanded. She ran to the phone to call Giles and Xander. Dawn grabbed the first-aid kit and hurried back to where Spike was laying Buffy on the sofa.
Ten minutes went by and Xander and Giles rushed through the door. Both stared, shocked at the sight of Buffy. She was so pale and fragile, covered in various cuts and bruises, her body still and unmoving. Giles knelt and brushed back a lock of Buffy's hair. "Buffy."
She stirred and cracked her eyes open. "Giles?"
Everyone gave a collective sigh of relief that she'd woken up. "I'll be okay, guys." She winced at the ache in her throat. "Can I... have some water?" Xander disappeared into the kitchen, coming back with a glass. Giles gently held her head up and Spike held the glass to her lips. With a little groan, she laid back down.
She started to doze a little, and Giles, Willow, and Xander retreated into the dining room, while Spike and Dawn stayed with Buffy. Giles took his glasses off and rubbed his forehead.
"What are we going to do?" Xander looked at him, worried.
"She needs to rest. Get her strength back, let herself heal."
In the living room, Dawn stroked her sister's hair, unnerved at the extent of the damage to the slayer. Her sister. Her chin wobbled. She sat on the edge of the sofa with Spike and felt a few tears drop. Spike laid a hand on her shoulder, and she leaned into lay her head on his chest. He stroked her hair with one hand, the other holding Buffy's hand, resting them over her heart. The thumping was reassuring.
Giles walked in to check on Buffy, but stopped when he saw the three of them. It was such a tender scene. The vampire comforting and looking over his two girls. Spike caught the Watcher's eye and moved, allowing Dawn more room. She stretched out next to her sister. Spike walked into the kitchen with Giles.
"We will have to postpone the meeting with Celestial until Buffy is well. She needs rest and time to heal."
"I agree. She took quite a beatin' from that bint." Spike paced, agitated.
Giles looked distinctly uncomfortable. "What I wanted to talk to you about, though, is that I'm worried about you and Buffy being together. I don't think it's good for her."
Spike raised his eyebrow. "Well, Rupert, I can't say I wasn't expectin' this."
"Good. Then you should be forewarned that if you hurt her, I will hurt you." Giles gave the vampire a look that brooked no argument. He was telling the truth.
"Well, well, King of the Nancy tribe isn't as Nancy-like as I thought. Grew some stones, did you?"
They glared at each other. "I know what you tried to do to her. She trusts you now, though. I will not take action because of that. At least not yet. But if you try anything, I will end you."
Spike stared at him. "I won't hurt her. I'd rather die again than hurt her." He paused, letting that sink in. "Bugger all, I'm going back in there." He strode out.
Buffy woke again. She looked a little better. She sat up and everyone came in, looking at her worriedly. "I'm going upstairs to sleep for a few more hours, but when I get up, we're going."
"Buffy, you need to rest. We can do this tomorrow." Xander gave her a worried look.
"I just need a few hours to rest and to let slayer healing kick in. It looks bad, I know, but it's just bruises and cuts. I have a few aches, but nothing a little Advil and sleep won't cure."
Giles was still frowning. "We really should wait, Buffy, until you're fully healed."
"We can't wait. Her demon army gets bigger everyday. She needs to be stopped now. I'll be okay, I'll be hyped up on magicks. I'll rest plenty after we kick her white ass out of this dimension."
Reluctantly, they all agreed to go ahead with the plan.
"Go rest, Buffy. We'll work out the details and fill you in later," Willow said. She gave Buffy a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. You scared me."
"It was because of you and Spike that I'm okay. Thank you." They shared a smile. Spike swept her up then, before she could protest, and carried her upstairs. Instead of arguing, which was in her nature, she decided to enjoy it. He gently deposited her on her bed, kissed her forehead, and stood up to leave.
"Aren't you going to stay here with me?" She let herself pout a little.
He smiled. "If I stay, you won't rest. I'll be back later to check on you, though." He left, and Buffy sighed. The door cracked open and Dawn's head appeared.
"You can come in, Dawn."
Her sister crept in and lay down next to her. "Is it okay if I rest here with you?" Dawn was worried, and Buffy could see that. She nodded. Dawn laced her fingers with Buffy's and stretched out. "I'll be okay, Dawn."
Dawn's grip tightened in response.