I sat in my car a few weeks later outside the dreaded Double-Meat
Palace, watching the motion in the light. I'd already swept through most
of the cemeteries with minimal action, only two vamps. I watched Buffy's
figure move from the back to the sitting area and check under tables and
let my thoughts follow hers. It wasn't too long though before the manager
guy left and she made another round of the tables before locking the front
door on her way out. I stood up getting out of the car and moved to the
passenger seat to hold it open for her. Buffy could change faster than
anyone I knew, it seemed like just two minutes ago she was in her work
clothes. She walked up and hugged me before getting in the car. As soon
as I got in I smelled the burger smell, but courteously ignored it; no need
to rub her nose in her decision.
"I heard that." I looked at her surprised.
"Heard what?"
"I heard you in my head when you smelled the smell." I guess our bond must be getting stronger, only problem was I didn't know how to close it, not like I really wanted to anyway.
"Have you heard anything else I've been thinking?"
"Some, but I mostly ignore it." I grinned as an idea came to me. She smiled a second later as she 'heard' me.
"Mostly?" The car was now parked in a dark and empty parking lot but still running as she agreed and jumped on top of me, her lips furious.
"Mostly." She whispered.
We did finally make it back to her house, to find Willow and Dawn in the kitchen. We chatted there for a bit before Dawn and Willow headed out for the Bronze after inviting us out with them. Buffy looked at me, the thought clear in her mind. I followed her idea with a smile as I grabbed the popcorn and she grabbed the drinks and headed into the living room to find a movie somewhere. I joined her quickly and curled up with her on the sofa under the comforter she'd pulled out of the closet. I don't remember what we were watching, but we didn't talk the whole night as we cuddled and relaxed together.
I woke to the sound of a garbage truck rolling by and the answering groan from the blond beside me. I heard her in my head say the word garbage. I nodded at her and headed out to try and stop the truck while she headed back to get the two full trash bags. Unfortunately the driver decided I was just making his day longer and almost ran me over as he sped past me just as Buffy came out the front door. I put my hands in the air and sighed as she turned and walked back into the house asking me to get the mail. Dawn was eating breakfast when I came in and looked up to wave at my good morning with her mouth still full. So far we'd been getting up still before Dawn, so I don't think she knew that Buffy and I were even together, let alone we'd had problems lately. Buffy came in the back door after leaving the bags in the back and went straight to the pile of mail. Dawn wished Buffy a good morning and reminded her sister that it was garbage day. Buffy's answer was less than enthused. She opened one letter and as she read it her demeanor fell. She did respond to Dawn, saying it was nothing and folding it back up, but she seemed distracted.
"Where are you going?" Like I said, distracted.
"School."
"Don't you want breakfast first?"
"Already made it." Dawn seemed maybe just a little worried as she said goodbye to her sister and left out the front door. I moved to the sink and got started on the dishes as Buffy came up behind me, her hands on my back.
"What would I do without you?" Her voice was close to my ear.
"The dishes?" She slapped my arm affectionately and moved beside me to dry and put away the dishes I'd washed.
"So what are you doing today?"
"Well, I promised The General I'd meet him to check out his new toy and then to lunch. And then later I am enjoying dinner with you."
"But I'll be working."
"And I will subject my body to the risks that come with the eating of vegetable meat and be there to see you around your break time." I finished up the last dish and dried my hands before moving behind her, my hands on her back. I put my face close to her neck and breathed in her wonderful before burger scent before gently kissing her neck. I chuckled as her skin pimpled up and she shivered slightly. She turned around in my arms and pushed herself up against me, her lips finding mine for a long blissful minute. She broke our kiss and turned back around as she continued to dry. I glanced at my watch.
"What time does your shift start?" She looked at the clock and cursed. I took that as a bad sign. She dried her hands and put down the towel before kissing me again and running upstairs. I picked up the towel and finished drying the other dishes and then wiped down the counter. I brushed up the kitchen a little bit before heading out back and taking the garbage bags to my car, carefully putting them inside the trunk. Seeing the still new clothes Dawn and I had bought and moving them to the backseat made my thoughts go to Buffy where she was in the shower and a smile sprung onto my face.
'I'm gonna go take care of the garbage. Have a good day and I'll see you later.' Her response was a little faltering as she phrased her thoughts, but she didn't seem freaked out by it.
'See you later. Be careful. Boys with toys...' I grinned and sent her a psychic kiss that started at her lips and moved down to her neck and slowly down her back and around to her stomach. My grin got wider as I felt her response and pulled back my mind as I got in the car and headed to the apartment. I dumped the bags in the dumpster out front and headed up to shower and shave and to change my clothes before heading back out. I met him at the range on base where he was waiting for me.
"How you doin', chief?"
"I'm good, really good. Everything worked out and we're doing very well. Thanks again, by the way, for letting me stay in your apartment."
"Hey, not a problem. I probably won't need that place for a long time, the way my marriage is going right now."
"So what you got for me?" Turns out he had a few different toys for us to play with. A new assault weapon, exploding ammunition and a few other things that Hollywood would've loved to get their hands on. Turns out he also had a few new rounds developed from the Initiative experiments: Hard wood, silver rounds, Holy water explosive tipped rounds. There were a few others but the problem, he told me, is the lack of effective targets. He needed a favor. He needed me to try them out on actual threats.
"You're still in the computer as an operator, so even if the police do have a problem with what you do, they're just going to call me to come get you."
"Sounds good. How many do you have for me?" He had plenty and more if I needed them. We stuck around for a while putting rounds downrange using the rifle and both our pistols before we cleaned up and headed out to lunch. After a very nice soup and sandwich we headed over to the apartment to clean the weapons. He walked in and looked around the apartment.
"Looks more or less like I left it. Don't remember these though." He'd headed into the bedroom and was admiring my work. "You really got good at that therapy shit didn't you? I never got past the fruit stuff. Is this the problem you had?" He was holding up the one of Buffy with Spike; I just nodded. "So is he dead or just wishing he was dead?" I finally smiled a little before I answered him.
"Dead, but that happened before I drew that." His eyebrows shot up but he didn't ask. "Vampire." His eyebrows stayed where they were, but his eyes got wide.
"Wait, your girl... the Slayer, was with a... Vampire? And he's not some pile of dust blowing in the wind? She's still alive, isn't she?" I put a hand up to stop the rest of the questions and began explaining step by step what had happened. By the time I finished we both had drinks in our hands and he was sitting in the big easy chair staring at my face with rapt attention.
"Wow. I gotta tell you, I figured you would just fight about it and maybe get a little physical with it; I know how that makes you feel." I smiled as the memories he spoke of sprang to mind, but I pulled back.
"We did fight it out and we talked as we fought, but in the end she needed me and that's why I'm there for her. I love her, Butler; more than I ever thought possible. When was the last time you heard me say that?"
"Never. You got it bad, son." We were silent as I sat down and pulled out the cleaning supplies for us to get started on our pistols. We went through about half a bottle before we got done and he said goodbye for the night and headed out for dinner with his wife.
"Hey, if you aren't gonna use this place, do you mind if I stay here? How much a month is it?"
"I have no problem with that at all. Don't worry about the rent, it's already paid for. Just let me know if you need anything else." I nodded and shook his hand, conveying my heartfelt thanks for our friendship with that grip.
"Take care of yourself... and her." His parting words reminded me of Angel's and I felt a pang as I realized I still hadn't told her everything about why I was here. I'd take care of that tonight, I promised myself as I got dressed after my shower. Getting into the car I headed out to meet Buffy. I went inside to ask the guy behind the counter where she was.
"Damned if I know. She ducked out of here about ten minutes ago with some guy dressed in black." He sounded pretty pissed off, but he wasn't my problem; Buffy was. I hopped back in the car and traced my psychic link to find a very distracted and slightly confused Buffy heading downtown. I tore out of the parking lot in pursuit.
I did finally find her walking down the road wearing her black coat over her work clothes and walking next to a tall man in black she seemed to be talking to. I pulled up to a stop beside them to get out and walk around the front of the car.
"Hey." She turned to look at me and she smiled. She seemed okay, so I guess it was probably something important she'd left work for. My attention turned to the man standing next to her and recognition appeared on his scarred face. Riley Finn? What was he doing here?
"Sergeant McBoom? What are you doing here?" Buffy chimed in for me.
"He's kind of helping me out right now."
"Oh." He looked back at me and continued, "I see. God it's been what, 5, 6 years?"
"Something like, Finn. And I just go by Jake now. How've you been? Who do they have you attached though these days?"
"Demon affairs detachment of Special Ops, Col Hagery commanding."
"Old 'Hosiery' is commanding that unit? God, wait till I tell Butler. So what are you doing here?"
"Sovolte Demon. Been tracking it for two days straight." He paused as something attached to his belt went off. He pulled an advanced tracking device out and consulted it. "It's on the move. And it's close."
"Well, get in." They jumped in the car; Finn moving bags around until he could fit. Buffy raised her eyebrows when she saw the labels on the bags but was silent. And we were on our way. Finn read off direction, bearing and distance, but then paused and spoke again.
"Thanks for doing this, guys. There are not many people in the world I could ask to risk their lives for me."
"I know that I for one have no problem serving alongside an agent like you, I know how fun it can be. Nice scar by the way." I could hear the smile in his voice but didn't turn around to see it.
"You too." I glanced at Buffy's face, enjoying her smile and the scarlet on her cheeks. We rounded a corner and saw people running toward us, some of them screaming.
"Looks like we're in the right place." I stopped and we clambered out of the car, running toward the commotion.
"You ready for this?" He asked Buffy.
"Yes please." And with those motivational words we joined the fray. Finn yelled something about the forestry service, but my concentration was on this thing in front of us. I swung on it and got out of the way as Buffy's kick knocked it down. Finn moved in and it knocked him back as it stood back up. I tried coming in from the side and flanking it but it turned and hit me and I spun into the wall. When I looked up again it was gone, jumping onto the roof.
"We need to split up." I noticed Riley had his pistol in his hand.
"Did you tag it?" He nodded. "Good, give me the frequency and I can go my own way." We went to the back of my car and I opened the trunk and pulled out some of the gear I'd pulled out of storage on my way here from LA. I shed my shirt and pulled on some lightweight Kevlar, an older version of what Finn now wore. I grabbed a belt and clipped it around over that and then attached a few toys to it. I offered Buffy a few things, but she shook her head.
"I was never big with the gadgets." I smiled as I pulled my gun out from my pants and put it into the holster on the belt and reached further into the trunk to pull out a tranquilizer rifle and checked to make sure it was loaded. I held out my RF tracking device and tuned it into the frequency Riley read off of his.
"You got wheels?"
"Oh, I got wheels. Don't you remember I was a boy scout?" I smiled. We used to call them boy scouts before they finished the agent training program; they always had to be ready for anything. We split up and Buffy went with Finn in his SUV and we both peeled out chasing that signal. My thoughts went with Buffy as I drove. If I concentrated hard enough I could hear what she said.
"I've heard you call people Sergeant before, and I've heard him say Sergeant before, but I've never heard you say it like how you call him."
"Like what?"
"Like all respecty and stuff; like he was your boss."
"He trained me to fight, helped me learn how to think. I'd follow him to hell with a smile on my face; because I know he'd lead me back out again after we won." I heard respect and faith with just a little bit of humor in his voice and it gave me a huge warm and fuzzy.
"Wow. So, did you learn a lot from him?" I tuned it out and closed my walls back up. His SUV continued straight and I veered off to the right on a side street that would take me to the dam. I circled around to the right and he went left, but we both narrowed in on the same place. I left my car at one side and I saw them start across the catwalk and stop as I made my way across to meet them. Buffy looked almost perfect in the black tactical gear.
"Down we go?" She asked.
"Looks that way."
"Well, Mr. Finn, got an extra jet pack for a girl like me?"
"Sorry, fresh out of jet packs, looks like we'll have to share." I walked out of the shadows behind Finn.
"We'll go parallel." I said. Finn nodded and Buffy looked at me.
"Parallel? What goes parallel?"
"Our lines are only built for one. If we each take a hold of you, we can share the weight." While he spoke Finn was securing his line. I stepped up and secured mine next to his. We looked at each other and stepped over the railing and held out the inside hand to Buffy. She took my right hand and stepped over the railing. With my right arm and Finn's left arm around her back and her holding each of our necks, we began our descent. Hitting the ground Finn and I split our directions of attention and began moving toward where we suspected the demon was. He moved forward past me and got knocked sideways by the demon stepping out of the shadows.
I stepped forward and planted a kick on its chest before I got spun around with a blow to the face, just in time for Buffy to grab its head and throw it forward into Finn's fists. We worked as a team as we fought it, Buffy and I with our mental link knew where the other was without looking, and Finn and I sharing the same training. I got knocked down and Buffy stepped in to get twisted about with Finn and kicked it in the head but got thrown to the wall, Buffy first. I kicked it again in the head and it looked like it would stay down for a few. I looked first at Buffy and Finn who were oblivious to all but each other, and then to the high tenser wire rope that dropped down next to the wall. I looked up in time to see a brunette dressed the same as Finn dropping down it. She ignored me, but looked at the two of them standing together and asked a question.
"Hey there. What exactly are you doing with my husband?" Way to go Finn. I felt Buffy's shock and she didn't say anything for a minute, just looked at Finn. I had to wonder just what had gone on between them. Finally Buffy decided to clarify.
"Husband? Wife? And those aren't like code names like big dog or falcon. I didn't think so." Finn introduced his wife as Sam and introduced Sam to Buffy.
"Pleasure."
"Demon." Buffy said it a half second before I got hit from behind. I kicked it from where I was on the ground.
"Mine." Sam waded in with both fists and feet as she began beating the demon back. I was quickly on my feet and took a second to watch her work before joining in. The two of us worked pretty well and she actually took my lead in the pattern of attack, working well with me. She did eventually get knocked down, though, and I heard Finn break his conversation with Buffy to step in beside me and hit it with the stun prod. Sam was back on her feet shortly and joined back in, but Buffy hung back, thinking. I glanced back at one of her thoughts and got knocked in the head for it as Buffy finally came forward.
"Call this my wedding present." She said as she took it by the head and broke its neck. "Call that mission accomplished."
"She killed it." Something in the way he said it didn't sound right.
"Oh honey, that's okay."
"Okay? Wait you guy's have been tracking this thing as a couple for two days straight and you did want it dead, right?." Buffy shared my confusion.
"Let me guess, Captain Can-do over here forgot to mention this was a homing operation." I liked Sam's style.
"Wait, you accepted our help and you didn't tell us you were just following this thing? And then you brought us in here without a tactical back brief in what was not a nothing-left-standing op? How much have you forgotten to learn in the last five years, Finn?" I was a little pissed off, I guess. I mean: I had trained him, I expected better.
"And you are?"
"Sam, this is Sergeant First Class McBoom. He was one of my instructors in the agent training program. Sergeant, this is my wife, Sam."
"Charmed. I retired, by the way, and reverted to an inactive agent status. He just calls me Sergeant for old time's sake. You can call me Jake." We shook hands and I not only liked her strong grip but her surface persona was truer to herself than any I've come across in a long time. It was almost refreshing.
"It's nice to finally meet both of you. Finn, how could you recruit the slayer and a higher level agent without filling them in on the objective? If we weren't on a serious time restraint I would seriously consider ripping you a new one. May I?" Finn handed her a knife and she bent to work on cutting open the demon.
"What is a homing operation?" I'd forgotten Buffy didn't know what we were talking about.
"A homing op is when we harass a target until it leads us to what we know it has. No serious harm is done to the target, so it thinks it's running from us to its safe house where it is likely to hide those things we might want from it." That was straight out of the book, not bad for not teaching it in four years.
"Damn, we're too late." Sam had cut open the gut to reveal nothing but yellow green intestine. She stood up and wiped off the blade before handing it back to Finn.
"It's my fault, already; stand down soldier."
"He's your boss too?" Buffy found that rather humorous. I did too, but didn't consider it likely.
"He wishes." Sam spoke with a smirk. "Speaking of safe houses, I'd hate to burden you further, but we need one."
"I've got a house, and I think it's safe."
"I don't think that's a great idea. I'm staying in an actual safe house, registered to no-one, and it's clean."
"I don't think my house is that dirty." Indignant Buffy was almost cuter than regular Buffy.
"I think he means from surveillance, Buffy." Thank you Sam. I went on with the planning.
"Alright Buffy, you and Finn have some catching up to do, and if it's alright with you, Finn, I'd like a back brief as well; so you take Buffy and I'll take your charming wife and you can follow us to where food, shelter, and warm water await." The Finn's nodded as one and began heading back to where their tenser lines hung waiting. I grabbed Buffy's arm and pulled her back.
"You alright with this?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just a bit of a shock is all. I mean, Riley's married. We really need to catch up." I held onto her arm for a long second staring into her eyes and feeling her cold echo back across our link. She was withdrawing from me, pulling back physically and mentally. We didn't have time to have a talk about her feeling like she didn't belong. What I got from her was more than just the normal level of still coping with being brought back; she felt that we were better at this than she was. She really felt that she didn't belong fighting with us, didn't feel she was good enough. I wanted to pull her into a hug, but an emotional conversation and possible breakdown in front of her ex is not something she would appreciate. Reluctantly I let go her arm and she walked over to where Sam beckoned her. It would be easier for the two of them to go up together on the one rope.
"By the way, dig the outfit." I got a mental grin from her as she disappeared above me. I made my way to my line and went up it, Finn keeping pace with me. I shrugged aside my worries as, like most things usually wind up between men, it turned into a competition which he almost beat me at. Almost.
"Good job, at least you've kept in shape." He nodded with a rueful grin and took his cable with him as he made his was to the SUV. I waited for Sam to untangle her line and led the way to the car where I stowed the extra gear I wouldn't need.
"Very nice, '69 right?" She climbed into the passenger seat.
"Yeah, thanks. So how long have you been married?"
"Almost four months. Been kind of a wild ride." She went on to talk about how they met and then their wedding and finally about the journey that brought them out of South America and into our backyard. I drove within the speed limit as we made our way back to my apartment, chatting all the way. I very carefully kept my mind away from Buffy, letting them have their privacy, as I learned all I could from Sam. By the time we arrived I'd heard more than what I needed about their personal lives, their professional lives, and her pleasure at meeting both the real live Slayer and one of the men who, as she put it, helped shape Finn into the man she loved.
We arrived at the apartment complex and battle parked our vehicles, backing them in, before heading up to my front door. I was the first one in and was followed by Finn as I made my way to the bedroom. I collected my drawings as his gaze followed them around the room. I did manage to conceal the one of Spike and Buffy from him, but he was still silent as we looked at each other. He nodded his understanding and helped me pick the rest of them up, handing them to me.
"They're good."
"Thanks." We headed back into the living room to find Buffy and Sam with drinks in front of them and Buffy on the phone with, I presumed, Willow.
"They'll be here in fifteen minutes. They're walking." She said, hanging up, and then going to the kitchen to ask if Finn and I wanted a drink. I shook my head as Finn asked for a glass of water, which she poured quickly, before joining us in the living room.
"Okay, so what's the plan now?"
"I don't know how much Sam filled you in on, but we have a black market dealer in the area who's selling the eggs we're looking for. Money has been exchanged, but we can't really track him down. When the gang gets here, they can start on background and possible whereabouts of the dealer who calls himself the Doctor."
"And we'll split up into two or more teams and do the foot work?" I broke in with the obvious conclusion to the plan.
"Right. So who goes with whom?" Before he could answer Sam's question the door bell rang and Xander was on the other side.
"Whoa, soldier boys all around. And girls." I looked at the picture as he probably saw it. Four people dressed in black, three of us with weapons, two of us scarred, all of us deadly; sitting around the living room of a small apartment sipping drinks and eating chips. I almost laughed at it myself. Behind him came the whole troop of Dawn, and Willow. I guess Anya was at the house with the family in for their wedding.
"You guys got here fast."
"I was just pulling up when Willow and Dawn came running out and climbed into the car. So here we are and I feel horribly underdressed." Dawn came over and gave me a hug before walking over to Finn.
"Agent Finn returns." She didn't seem too happy to see him. Sam was introduced to all around and the plan was broken down. Willow nodded at my laptop and asked if I minded her using it to try and track this guy down. I nodded; I trusted her after all. I looked at Buffy and saw her gaze stuck on Riley's and Sam's clasped hands. She shook herself and looked up at me standing behind her with an almost lost expression on her face. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders but she pulled away from me and took the last available seat.
"Anybody hungry before we get started? It could be a long night." I offered my household food to any and all famished warriors, with no takers.
"Two teams, no civilians. Sergeant McBoom and I will hunt down some leads on the doctor, you two find that nest." I nodded at Finn's plan, but Buffy seemed surprised.
"Me and Sam together?"
"You come across a Sovolte you'll want her at your back." Sam had her own reservations about holding Buffy back, but Buffy suddenly changed direction and told us to go.
"Xander, you okay to stay with Dawn?" He nodded and Finn stood up with Sam close behind. We broke up and left Willow there with the phone and the computer as Xander took Dawn with him back to Buffy's house. Sam and Buffy headed off walking toward the closest cemetery and Finn followed my lead as we headed on foot towards the closest demon dive. It seemed like he'd done this before, he knew exactly who to talk to and beat up for information. We tracked the rumors of the Doctor to two more places before we got the lead we needed, but it wasn't what I expected.
"Spike? I can hardly believe it."
"His chip has pacified him, but it hasn't reformed him. He's still an evil, immoral, soulless beast. This doesn't surprise me a bit; I'm just a little disappointed Buffy didn't know about it before." We were silent as we made our way to the cemetery Spike had his crypt in. Right before we headed in, he stopped me.
"Look, Sarge, I know I could never try to give you an order, so consider this friendly advice. Don't hurt her... ever." His voice was deadly serious and I could tell he'd been thinking about saying this for a while.
"I love her. I know you probably still do too, in your own way, but you know me. I won't let it happen." He nodded, accepting my answer to his worried heart, and we moved on into the cemetery. We approached the door to Spike's crypt flanking it on either side. He opened it and I followed him in to stop dead in my tracks.
I turned and walked out with the sight of them together, naked on his tomb under a sheet, still fresh in my mind as I first walked and then ran away from the second betrayal in a month. I managed to make it back to my apartment and past Willow into my room before my eyes let loose the feelings I had inside. As I lost control of my emotions, the room around me started to vibrate and things flew across it to smash themselves against the far wall. Willow knocked quietly and the door unlocked itself for her. I think I did it without thinking, but she didn't seem to notice and moved to sit across from me on the bed.
I don't know what happened, but as her gaze met mine, a level of control became possible. She held my gaze and then my hands with her own as she mentally helped me, pushed me, to center myself. Gradually I could concentrate enough to hear the soothing thoughts she sent me and I began to breathe again. I blinked a few times rapidly and dropped her hands. I looked around the shambled room including the scattered drawings of Buffy spread across the floor and through the open door to the trashed living room before back at her face.
"What happened?" Her voice was soothing, without a touch of accusation. Her face was worried. My breath was still coming in gasps as my body came back under my control, but I tried to answer her.
"Buffy-" I stopped, remembering her not wanting me to tell anyone else. It was too late now, I suppose; Finn already knew anyway.
"What about her?"
"Her and Spike... I saw them together... in his crypt... together." Her eyes grew wide as realization sunk in.
"Spike...?" Her voice trailed away and we both sat there for a long time before I pulled out my cell phone and turned it off, tossing it across the room. I stood up and went to the kitchen and the waiting bottle there, feeling Willow follow me.
"Drink...?" I asked after I'd had a few swigs myself. She took a swig, more to be polite I think than to really start drinking. I poured some into a glass with ice and put the cap back on the bottle, leaving it on the counter as I walked into the bathroom to piss and wash my hands. My eyes caught my face in the mirror and on the scar I'd gotten because of her standing out on my face. My fist lashed out, cracking the mirror and cutting my hand before I went back into the living room to finish my glass quickly. Willow came over with a paper towel to grab my hand and try and stop the bleeding. I only looked at it after she touched it and paused at the tenderness in that touch. I wasn't worthy of that touch, couldn't she see that? I was gentle as I pulled her hands away from mine and looked at the cut to pull out a small shard of glass and then closed my eyes. The words of a simple healing spell stopped the bleeding and began to close the wound quickly. I opened my eyes to see Willow staring at me and I realized what I'd just done.
"Sorry, I forgot. It just seemed simpler than making a big deal out of it, and I don't deserve anyone else to care for me and my own mistakes."
"How can you say that? You're too good for that talk." She seemed surprised, like she didn't see it, but that wasn't possible. "It's okay about the magic; I just didn't know you could do that is all." She stood up and went to the kitchen to get the bottle and came back to refill my glass.
"Thanks." I couldn't kick her out without hurting her feelings, so as long as she was here I should at least be polite. I was surprised to see her take her own long swig from the bottle.
I was still mostly sober when Finn stopped by to say goodbye to Willow and me. He made sure he had my number, but didn't say anything about Buffy, for which I was thankful, as Willow continued to rub my shoulders until he left, shaking my hand on the way out. I remember looking back at her and thinking something, but I don't remember what it was, before darkness claimed me.
"I heard that." I looked at her surprised.
"Heard what?"
"I heard you in my head when you smelled the smell." I guess our bond must be getting stronger, only problem was I didn't know how to close it, not like I really wanted to anyway.
"Have you heard anything else I've been thinking?"
"Some, but I mostly ignore it." I grinned as an idea came to me. She smiled a second later as she 'heard' me.
"Mostly?" The car was now parked in a dark and empty parking lot but still running as she agreed and jumped on top of me, her lips furious.
"Mostly." She whispered.
We did finally make it back to her house, to find Willow and Dawn in the kitchen. We chatted there for a bit before Dawn and Willow headed out for the Bronze after inviting us out with them. Buffy looked at me, the thought clear in her mind. I followed her idea with a smile as I grabbed the popcorn and she grabbed the drinks and headed into the living room to find a movie somewhere. I joined her quickly and curled up with her on the sofa under the comforter she'd pulled out of the closet. I don't remember what we were watching, but we didn't talk the whole night as we cuddled and relaxed together.
I woke to the sound of a garbage truck rolling by and the answering groan from the blond beside me. I heard her in my head say the word garbage. I nodded at her and headed out to try and stop the truck while she headed back to get the two full trash bags. Unfortunately the driver decided I was just making his day longer and almost ran me over as he sped past me just as Buffy came out the front door. I put my hands in the air and sighed as she turned and walked back into the house asking me to get the mail. Dawn was eating breakfast when I came in and looked up to wave at my good morning with her mouth still full. So far we'd been getting up still before Dawn, so I don't think she knew that Buffy and I were even together, let alone we'd had problems lately. Buffy came in the back door after leaving the bags in the back and went straight to the pile of mail. Dawn wished Buffy a good morning and reminded her sister that it was garbage day. Buffy's answer was less than enthused. She opened one letter and as she read it her demeanor fell. She did respond to Dawn, saying it was nothing and folding it back up, but she seemed distracted.
"Where are you going?" Like I said, distracted.
"School."
"Don't you want breakfast first?"
"Already made it." Dawn seemed maybe just a little worried as she said goodbye to her sister and left out the front door. I moved to the sink and got started on the dishes as Buffy came up behind me, her hands on my back.
"What would I do without you?" Her voice was close to my ear.
"The dishes?" She slapped my arm affectionately and moved beside me to dry and put away the dishes I'd washed.
"So what are you doing today?"
"Well, I promised The General I'd meet him to check out his new toy and then to lunch. And then later I am enjoying dinner with you."
"But I'll be working."
"And I will subject my body to the risks that come with the eating of vegetable meat and be there to see you around your break time." I finished up the last dish and dried my hands before moving behind her, my hands on her back. I put my face close to her neck and breathed in her wonderful before burger scent before gently kissing her neck. I chuckled as her skin pimpled up and she shivered slightly. She turned around in my arms and pushed herself up against me, her lips finding mine for a long blissful minute. She broke our kiss and turned back around as she continued to dry. I glanced at my watch.
"What time does your shift start?" She looked at the clock and cursed. I took that as a bad sign. She dried her hands and put down the towel before kissing me again and running upstairs. I picked up the towel and finished drying the other dishes and then wiped down the counter. I brushed up the kitchen a little bit before heading out back and taking the garbage bags to my car, carefully putting them inside the trunk. Seeing the still new clothes Dawn and I had bought and moving them to the backseat made my thoughts go to Buffy where she was in the shower and a smile sprung onto my face.
'I'm gonna go take care of the garbage. Have a good day and I'll see you later.' Her response was a little faltering as she phrased her thoughts, but she didn't seem freaked out by it.
'See you later. Be careful. Boys with toys...' I grinned and sent her a psychic kiss that started at her lips and moved down to her neck and slowly down her back and around to her stomach. My grin got wider as I felt her response and pulled back my mind as I got in the car and headed to the apartment. I dumped the bags in the dumpster out front and headed up to shower and shave and to change my clothes before heading back out. I met him at the range on base where he was waiting for me.
"How you doin', chief?"
"I'm good, really good. Everything worked out and we're doing very well. Thanks again, by the way, for letting me stay in your apartment."
"Hey, not a problem. I probably won't need that place for a long time, the way my marriage is going right now."
"So what you got for me?" Turns out he had a few different toys for us to play with. A new assault weapon, exploding ammunition and a few other things that Hollywood would've loved to get their hands on. Turns out he also had a few new rounds developed from the Initiative experiments: Hard wood, silver rounds, Holy water explosive tipped rounds. There were a few others but the problem, he told me, is the lack of effective targets. He needed a favor. He needed me to try them out on actual threats.
"You're still in the computer as an operator, so even if the police do have a problem with what you do, they're just going to call me to come get you."
"Sounds good. How many do you have for me?" He had plenty and more if I needed them. We stuck around for a while putting rounds downrange using the rifle and both our pistols before we cleaned up and headed out to lunch. After a very nice soup and sandwich we headed over to the apartment to clean the weapons. He walked in and looked around the apartment.
"Looks more or less like I left it. Don't remember these though." He'd headed into the bedroom and was admiring my work. "You really got good at that therapy shit didn't you? I never got past the fruit stuff. Is this the problem you had?" He was holding up the one of Buffy with Spike; I just nodded. "So is he dead or just wishing he was dead?" I finally smiled a little before I answered him.
"Dead, but that happened before I drew that." His eyebrows shot up but he didn't ask. "Vampire." His eyebrows stayed where they were, but his eyes got wide.
"Wait, your girl... the Slayer, was with a... Vampire? And he's not some pile of dust blowing in the wind? She's still alive, isn't she?" I put a hand up to stop the rest of the questions and began explaining step by step what had happened. By the time I finished we both had drinks in our hands and he was sitting in the big easy chair staring at my face with rapt attention.
"Wow. I gotta tell you, I figured you would just fight about it and maybe get a little physical with it; I know how that makes you feel." I smiled as the memories he spoke of sprang to mind, but I pulled back.
"We did fight it out and we talked as we fought, but in the end she needed me and that's why I'm there for her. I love her, Butler; more than I ever thought possible. When was the last time you heard me say that?"
"Never. You got it bad, son." We were silent as I sat down and pulled out the cleaning supplies for us to get started on our pistols. We went through about half a bottle before we got done and he said goodbye for the night and headed out for dinner with his wife.
"Hey, if you aren't gonna use this place, do you mind if I stay here? How much a month is it?"
"I have no problem with that at all. Don't worry about the rent, it's already paid for. Just let me know if you need anything else." I nodded and shook his hand, conveying my heartfelt thanks for our friendship with that grip.
"Take care of yourself... and her." His parting words reminded me of Angel's and I felt a pang as I realized I still hadn't told her everything about why I was here. I'd take care of that tonight, I promised myself as I got dressed after my shower. Getting into the car I headed out to meet Buffy. I went inside to ask the guy behind the counter where she was.
"Damned if I know. She ducked out of here about ten minutes ago with some guy dressed in black." He sounded pretty pissed off, but he wasn't my problem; Buffy was. I hopped back in the car and traced my psychic link to find a very distracted and slightly confused Buffy heading downtown. I tore out of the parking lot in pursuit.
I did finally find her walking down the road wearing her black coat over her work clothes and walking next to a tall man in black she seemed to be talking to. I pulled up to a stop beside them to get out and walk around the front of the car.
"Hey." She turned to look at me and she smiled. She seemed okay, so I guess it was probably something important she'd left work for. My attention turned to the man standing next to her and recognition appeared on his scarred face. Riley Finn? What was he doing here?
"Sergeant McBoom? What are you doing here?" Buffy chimed in for me.
"He's kind of helping me out right now."
"Oh." He looked back at me and continued, "I see. God it's been what, 5, 6 years?"
"Something like, Finn. And I just go by Jake now. How've you been? Who do they have you attached though these days?"
"Demon affairs detachment of Special Ops, Col Hagery commanding."
"Old 'Hosiery' is commanding that unit? God, wait till I tell Butler. So what are you doing here?"
"Sovolte Demon. Been tracking it for two days straight." He paused as something attached to his belt went off. He pulled an advanced tracking device out and consulted it. "It's on the move. And it's close."
"Well, get in." They jumped in the car; Finn moving bags around until he could fit. Buffy raised her eyebrows when she saw the labels on the bags but was silent. And we were on our way. Finn read off direction, bearing and distance, but then paused and spoke again.
"Thanks for doing this, guys. There are not many people in the world I could ask to risk their lives for me."
"I know that I for one have no problem serving alongside an agent like you, I know how fun it can be. Nice scar by the way." I could hear the smile in his voice but didn't turn around to see it.
"You too." I glanced at Buffy's face, enjoying her smile and the scarlet on her cheeks. We rounded a corner and saw people running toward us, some of them screaming.
"Looks like we're in the right place." I stopped and we clambered out of the car, running toward the commotion.
"You ready for this?" He asked Buffy.
"Yes please." And with those motivational words we joined the fray. Finn yelled something about the forestry service, but my concentration was on this thing in front of us. I swung on it and got out of the way as Buffy's kick knocked it down. Finn moved in and it knocked him back as it stood back up. I tried coming in from the side and flanking it but it turned and hit me and I spun into the wall. When I looked up again it was gone, jumping onto the roof.
"We need to split up." I noticed Riley had his pistol in his hand.
"Did you tag it?" He nodded. "Good, give me the frequency and I can go my own way." We went to the back of my car and I opened the trunk and pulled out some of the gear I'd pulled out of storage on my way here from LA. I shed my shirt and pulled on some lightweight Kevlar, an older version of what Finn now wore. I grabbed a belt and clipped it around over that and then attached a few toys to it. I offered Buffy a few things, but she shook her head.
"I was never big with the gadgets." I smiled as I pulled my gun out from my pants and put it into the holster on the belt and reached further into the trunk to pull out a tranquilizer rifle and checked to make sure it was loaded. I held out my RF tracking device and tuned it into the frequency Riley read off of his.
"You got wheels?"
"Oh, I got wheels. Don't you remember I was a boy scout?" I smiled. We used to call them boy scouts before they finished the agent training program; they always had to be ready for anything. We split up and Buffy went with Finn in his SUV and we both peeled out chasing that signal. My thoughts went with Buffy as I drove. If I concentrated hard enough I could hear what she said.
"I've heard you call people Sergeant before, and I've heard him say Sergeant before, but I've never heard you say it like how you call him."
"Like what?"
"Like all respecty and stuff; like he was your boss."
"He trained me to fight, helped me learn how to think. I'd follow him to hell with a smile on my face; because I know he'd lead me back out again after we won." I heard respect and faith with just a little bit of humor in his voice and it gave me a huge warm and fuzzy.
"Wow. So, did you learn a lot from him?" I tuned it out and closed my walls back up. His SUV continued straight and I veered off to the right on a side street that would take me to the dam. I circled around to the right and he went left, but we both narrowed in on the same place. I left my car at one side and I saw them start across the catwalk and stop as I made my way across to meet them. Buffy looked almost perfect in the black tactical gear.
"Down we go?" She asked.
"Looks that way."
"Well, Mr. Finn, got an extra jet pack for a girl like me?"
"Sorry, fresh out of jet packs, looks like we'll have to share." I walked out of the shadows behind Finn.
"We'll go parallel." I said. Finn nodded and Buffy looked at me.
"Parallel? What goes parallel?"
"Our lines are only built for one. If we each take a hold of you, we can share the weight." While he spoke Finn was securing his line. I stepped up and secured mine next to his. We looked at each other and stepped over the railing and held out the inside hand to Buffy. She took my right hand and stepped over the railing. With my right arm and Finn's left arm around her back and her holding each of our necks, we began our descent. Hitting the ground Finn and I split our directions of attention and began moving toward where we suspected the demon was. He moved forward past me and got knocked sideways by the demon stepping out of the shadows.
I stepped forward and planted a kick on its chest before I got spun around with a blow to the face, just in time for Buffy to grab its head and throw it forward into Finn's fists. We worked as a team as we fought it, Buffy and I with our mental link knew where the other was without looking, and Finn and I sharing the same training. I got knocked down and Buffy stepped in to get twisted about with Finn and kicked it in the head but got thrown to the wall, Buffy first. I kicked it again in the head and it looked like it would stay down for a few. I looked first at Buffy and Finn who were oblivious to all but each other, and then to the high tenser wire rope that dropped down next to the wall. I looked up in time to see a brunette dressed the same as Finn dropping down it. She ignored me, but looked at the two of them standing together and asked a question.
"Hey there. What exactly are you doing with my husband?" Way to go Finn. I felt Buffy's shock and she didn't say anything for a minute, just looked at Finn. I had to wonder just what had gone on between them. Finally Buffy decided to clarify.
"Husband? Wife? And those aren't like code names like big dog or falcon. I didn't think so." Finn introduced his wife as Sam and introduced Sam to Buffy.
"Pleasure."
"Demon." Buffy said it a half second before I got hit from behind. I kicked it from where I was on the ground.
"Mine." Sam waded in with both fists and feet as she began beating the demon back. I was quickly on my feet and took a second to watch her work before joining in. The two of us worked pretty well and she actually took my lead in the pattern of attack, working well with me. She did eventually get knocked down, though, and I heard Finn break his conversation with Buffy to step in beside me and hit it with the stun prod. Sam was back on her feet shortly and joined back in, but Buffy hung back, thinking. I glanced back at one of her thoughts and got knocked in the head for it as Buffy finally came forward.
"Call this my wedding present." She said as she took it by the head and broke its neck. "Call that mission accomplished."
"She killed it." Something in the way he said it didn't sound right.
"Oh honey, that's okay."
"Okay? Wait you guy's have been tracking this thing as a couple for two days straight and you did want it dead, right?." Buffy shared my confusion.
"Let me guess, Captain Can-do over here forgot to mention this was a homing operation." I liked Sam's style.
"Wait, you accepted our help and you didn't tell us you were just following this thing? And then you brought us in here without a tactical back brief in what was not a nothing-left-standing op? How much have you forgotten to learn in the last five years, Finn?" I was a little pissed off, I guess. I mean: I had trained him, I expected better.
"And you are?"
"Sam, this is Sergeant First Class McBoom. He was one of my instructors in the agent training program. Sergeant, this is my wife, Sam."
"Charmed. I retired, by the way, and reverted to an inactive agent status. He just calls me Sergeant for old time's sake. You can call me Jake." We shook hands and I not only liked her strong grip but her surface persona was truer to herself than any I've come across in a long time. It was almost refreshing.
"It's nice to finally meet both of you. Finn, how could you recruit the slayer and a higher level agent without filling them in on the objective? If we weren't on a serious time restraint I would seriously consider ripping you a new one. May I?" Finn handed her a knife and she bent to work on cutting open the demon.
"What is a homing operation?" I'd forgotten Buffy didn't know what we were talking about.
"A homing op is when we harass a target until it leads us to what we know it has. No serious harm is done to the target, so it thinks it's running from us to its safe house where it is likely to hide those things we might want from it." That was straight out of the book, not bad for not teaching it in four years.
"Damn, we're too late." Sam had cut open the gut to reveal nothing but yellow green intestine. She stood up and wiped off the blade before handing it back to Finn.
"It's my fault, already; stand down soldier."
"He's your boss too?" Buffy found that rather humorous. I did too, but didn't consider it likely.
"He wishes." Sam spoke with a smirk. "Speaking of safe houses, I'd hate to burden you further, but we need one."
"I've got a house, and I think it's safe."
"I don't think that's a great idea. I'm staying in an actual safe house, registered to no-one, and it's clean."
"I don't think my house is that dirty." Indignant Buffy was almost cuter than regular Buffy.
"I think he means from surveillance, Buffy." Thank you Sam. I went on with the planning.
"Alright Buffy, you and Finn have some catching up to do, and if it's alright with you, Finn, I'd like a back brief as well; so you take Buffy and I'll take your charming wife and you can follow us to where food, shelter, and warm water await." The Finn's nodded as one and began heading back to where their tenser lines hung waiting. I grabbed Buffy's arm and pulled her back.
"You alright with this?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just a bit of a shock is all. I mean, Riley's married. We really need to catch up." I held onto her arm for a long second staring into her eyes and feeling her cold echo back across our link. She was withdrawing from me, pulling back physically and mentally. We didn't have time to have a talk about her feeling like she didn't belong. What I got from her was more than just the normal level of still coping with being brought back; she felt that we were better at this than she was. She really felt that she didn't belong fighting with us, didn't feel she was good enough. I wanted to pull her into a hug, but an emotional conversation and possible breakdown in front of her ex is not something she would appreciate. Reluctantly I let go her arm and she walked over to where Sam beckoned her. It would be easier for the two of them to go up together on the one rope.
"By the way, dig the outfit." I got a mental grin from her as she disappeared above me. I made my way to my line and went up it, Finn keeping pace with me. I shrugged aside my worries as, like most things usually wind up between men, it turned into a competition which he almost beat me at. Almost.
"Good job, at least you've kept in shape." He nodded with a rueful grin and took his cable with him as he made his was to the SUV. I waited for Sam to untangle her line and led the way to the car where I stowed the extra gear I wouldn't need.
"Very nice, '69 right?" She climbed into the passenger seat.
"Yeah, thanks. So how long have you been married?"
"Almost four months. Been kind of a wild ride." She went on to talk about how they met and then their wedding and finally about the journey that brought them out of South America and into our backyard. I drove within the speed limit as we made our way back to my apartment, chatting all the way. I very carefully kept my mind away from Buffy, letting them have their privacy, as I learned all I could from Sam. By the time we arrived I'd heard more than what I needed about their personal lives, their professional lives, and her pleasure at meeting both the real live Slayer and one of the men who, as she put it, helped shape Finn into the man she loved.
We arrived at the apartment complex and battle parked our vehicles, backing them in, before heading up to my front door. I was the first one in and was followed by Finn as I made my way to the bedroom. I collected my drawings as his gaze followed them around the room. I did manage to conceal the one of Spike and Buffy from him, but he was still silent as we looked at each other. He nodded his understanding and helped me pick the rest of them up, handing them to me.
"They're good."
"Thanks." We headed back into the living room to find Buffy and Sam with drinks in front of them and Buffy on the phone with, I presumed, Willow.
"They'll be here in fifteen minutes. They're walking." She said, hanging up, and then going to the kitchen to ask if Finn and I wanted a drink. I shook my head as Finn asked for a glass of water, which she poured quickly, before joining us in the living room.
"Okay, so what's the plan now?"
"I don't know how much Sam filled you in on, but we have a black market dealer in the area who's selling the eggs we're looking for. Money has been exchanged, but we can't really track him down. When the gang gets here, they can start on background and possible whereabouts of the dealer who calls himself the Doctor."
"And we'll split up into two or more teams and do the foot work?" I broke in with the obvious conclusion to the plan.
"Right. So who goes with whom?" Before he could answer Sam's question the door bell rang and Xander was on the other side.
"Whoa, soldier boys all around. And girls." I looked at the picture as he probably saw it. Four people dressed in black, three of us with weapons, two of us scarred, all of us deadly; sitting around the living room of a small apartment sipping drinks and eating chips. I almost laughed at it myself. Behind him came the whole troop of Dawn, and Willow. I guess Anya was at the house with the family in for their wedding.
"You guys got here fast."
"I was just pulling up when Willow and Dawn came running out and climbed into the car. So here we are and I feel horribly underdressed." Dawn came over and gave me a hug before walking over to Finn.
"Agent Finn returns." She didn't seem too happy to see him. Sam was introduced to all around and the plan was broken down. Willow nodded at my laptop and asked if I minded her using it to try and track this guy down. I nodded; I trusted her after all. I looked at Buffy and saw her gaze stuck on Riley's and Sam's clasped hands. She shook herself and looked up at me standing behind her with an almost lost expression on her face. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders but she pulled away from me and took the last available seat.
"Anybody hungry before we get started? It could be a long night." I offered my household food to any and all famished warriors, with no takers.
"Two teams, no civilians. Sergeant McBoom and I will hunt down some leads on the doctor, you two find that nest." I nodded at Finn's plan, but Buffy seemed surprised.
"Me and Sam together?"
"You come across a Sovolte you'll want her at your back." Sam had her own reservations about holding Buffy back, but Buffy suddenly changed direction and told us to go.
"Xander, you okay to stay with Dawn?" He nodded and Finn stood up with Sam close behind. We broke up and left Willow there with the phone and the computer as Xander took Dawn with him back to Buffy's house. Sam and Buffy headed off walking toward the closest cemetery and Finn followed my lead as we headed on foot towards the closest demon dive. It seemed like he'd done this before, he knew exactly who to talk to and beat up for information. We tracked the rumors of the Doctor to two more places before we got the lead we needed, but it wasn't what I expected.
"Spike? I can hardly believe it."
"His chip has pacified him, but it hasn't reformed him. He's still an evil, immoral, soulless beast. This doesn't surprise me a bit; I'm just a little disappointed Buffy didn't know about it before." We were silent as we made our way to the cemetery Spike had his crypt in. Right before we headed in, he stopped me.
"Look, Sarge, I know I could never try to give you an order, so consider this friendly advice. Don't hurt her... ever." His voice was deadly serious and I could tell he'd been thinking about saying this for a while.
"I love her. I know you probably still do too, in your own way, but you know me. I won't let it happen." He nodded, accepting my answer to his worried heart, and we moved on into the cemetery. We approached the door to Spike's crypt flanking it on either side. He opened it and I followed him in to stop dead in my tracks.
I turned and walked out with the sight of them together, naked on his tomb under a sheet, still fresh in my mind as I first walked and then ran away from the second betrayal in a month. I managed to make it back to my apartment and past Willow into my room before my eyes let loose the feelings I had inside. As I lost control of my emotions, the room around me started to vibrate and things flew across it to smash themselves against the far wall. Willow knocked quietly and the door unlocked itself for her. I think I did it without thinking, but she didn't seem to notice and moved to sit across from me on the bed.
I don't know what happened, but as her gaze met mine, a level of control became possible. She held my gaze and then my hands with her own as she mentally helped me, pushed me, to center myself. Gradually I could concentrate enough to hear the soothing thoughts she sent me and I began to breathe again. I blinked a few times rapidly and dropped her hands. I looked around the shambled room including the scattered drawings of Buffy spread across the floor and through the open door to the trashed living room before back at her face.
"What happened?" Her voice was soothing, without a touch of accusation. Her face was worried. My breath was still coming in gasps as my body came back under my control, but I tried to answer her.
"Buffy-" I stopped, remembering her not wanting me to tell anyone else. It was too late now, I suppose; Finn already knew anyway.
"What about her?"
"Her and Spike... I saw them together... in his crypt... together." Her eyes grew wide as realization sunk in.
"Spike...?" Her voice trailed away and we both sat there for a long time before I pulled out my cell phone and turned it off, tossing it across the room. I stood up and went to the kitchen and the waiting bottle there, feeling Willow follow me.
"Drink...?" I asked after I'd had a few swigs myself. She took a swig, more to be polite I think than to really start drinking. I poured some into a glass with ice and put the cap back on the bottle, leaving it on the counter as I walked into the bathroom to piss and wash my hands. My eyes caught my face in the mirror and on the scar I'd gotten because of her standing out on my face. My fist lashed out, cracking the mirror and cutting my hand before I went back into the living room to finish my glass quickly. Willow came over with a paper towel to grab my hand and try and stop the bleeding. I only looked at it after she touched it and paused at the tenderness in that touch. I wasn't worthy of that touch, couldn't she see that? I was gentle as I pulled her hands away from mine and looked at the cut to pull out a small shard of glass and then closed my eyes. The words of a simple healing spell stopped the bleeding and began to close the wound quickly. I opened my eyes to see Willow staring at me and I realized what I'd just done.
"Sorry, I forgot. It just seemed simpler than making a big deal out of it, and I don't deserve anyone else to care for me and my own mistakes."
"How can you say that? You're too good for that talk." She seemed surprised, like she didn't see it, but that wasn't possible. "It's okay about the magic; I just didn't know you could do that is all." She stood up and went to the kitchen to get the bottle and came back to refill my glass.
"Thanks." I couldn't kick her out without hurting her feelings, so as long as she was here I should at least be polite. I was surprised to see her take her own long swig from the bottle.
I was still mostly sober when Finn stopped by to say goodbye to Willow and me. He made sure he had my number, but didn't say anything about Buffy, for which I was thankful, as Willow continued to rub my shoulders until he left, shaking my hand on the way out. I remember looking back at her and thinking something, but I don't remember what it was, before darkness claimed me.