-Outskirts Of L.A-
Drusilla had watched it all. Every movement as the woman dived into the cave for her Angel. She smiled at the memory of the amounts of pain in Buffy's eyes when she saw Angel. Drusilla couldn't help but be exstatic at the sight of her brother, of Conner. There was another addition to their family but he wouldn't replace Darla...Buffy would. Drusilla giggled a little bit as she swayed out of the rising sun and into her cave. No she couldn't stop thinking about Buffy, abouttheir future. The slayer wouldn't be a vampire but she would be a part of her family. Drusilla had finaly seen why her Spike and Angel fell in love with her and now, now it was Drusilla's turn to pay Buffy back. Her time would come. Drusilla smiled at the rising sun as she sunk into the corner with a smile on her face until her eyes closed and she was asleep.
-Sunnydale-
Xander sat in the kitchen with a bowl of cereal in his hands. He was just finishing as he put the bowl in the sink when Dawn skipped down the stairs and into the kitchen. She stopped when she didn't see Buffy, "Where's big sis? She does know I have school today right?"
Xander sighed, "Morning Dawnie. Buffy actually had to take off to L.A."
Dawn shook her head, "Why? She was totally stressed about today, about the new high school and she was going to give me a present."
Xander smiled, "Listen Dawn, I know exactly how you feel okay. Hey at least you actually get to hear the truth right? She didn't get me to make up some lame excuse."
Dawn nodded, "So what's the truth?"
Xander took a deep breath, "Our little Buffy has been having a few dreams lately which we knew about but last night's scared her and she realized something. So she took of to L.A to save her Angel."
Dawn nodded actually understanding, "You only had to say the name Angel for me to understand Xander."
Xander smiled, "I should of known."
Dawn smiled back at him, "So when is she coming back?"
Xander shrugged deciding to tell her about the hospital, "Well it would of been today if something hadn't gotten in her way."
Dawn instantly looked worried as she sat down to eat her bowl of cereal, "What happened?"
Another deep breath went through Xander before he explained, "Well Angel was sick again and he really needed strength. The way vampires get strength would be blood. He needed a lot Dawn so Buffy made him drink her again."
Dawn shook her head, "No! I mean she's going to be okay right? I mean she can't just come back for a year. This isn't happening now, she was making so much prgress."
Xander smiled, "Calm down. She's going to be fine. Buffy's suppossed to phone tonight. So why don't you finish eating, I'll take you to school, you go to classes, I'll go to my meeting and after school we'll come back and sit by the phone while we act like we're watching T.V."
Dawn smiled and ate a spoonful of froot loops, "First day of school and Buffy's not here for it."
Xander smiled, "Don't worry kiddo. I kind of learned when you hang with buffy you might die. So it's more like, it's the first day of school and I'm not going to die."
Dawn laughed a little bit, "True."
Xander nodded, "So hurry up, we can't be late."
-L.A. - Hospital - Noon-
Sometime after their little talk they all fell asleep, even Angel. Despite the fact Buffy and Wesley were in hospital beds they managed to sleep. Cordelia's head was comfortably on Angel's shoulder and her arms were wrapped around Angel's arm that was in between the chairs. Angel rested his head on hers and if you didn't know better you'd think they were dating. Fred and Gunn were actually on the couch. Fred lay in Gunn's lap while Gunn sat up. He had one hand intertwined with Fred's and the other behind her head. It was also obvious they were going out.
The doctor had come in before to tell them good news but some them like this. He smiled and decided he would wait until they were woken up seeing as no one died. So it was noon now, nurses took their breaks, other's brought people their lunches and all the while Angel and the gang lay there silent. It wasn't often they got a lot of sleep. Too bad it doesn't last much longer. Gunn started twitching and when his eyes opened he noticed Angel was just waking up too. When both their eyes were fully open they looked around and noticed Cordelia and Fred. Gunn smiled and started petting Fred's head again while Angel slowly slid Cordy off of him. I guess they've been working around demons too long because even the slightest movement got them suspicious. Fred hopped out of the chair at the sudden petting of her head and Cordelia slowly opened her eyes and looked around.
After smiles and laughs because of Fred's reaction Cordelia finally spoke, "Doctor say anything yet?"
Angel shook his head, "No. I was kind of out."
Fred smiled, "Well if he didn't wake us then it's probably a good thing right?"
Angel half smiled, "Yea."
There was a small silence until Cordy spoke again, "So why'd you wake me up?"
Angel shrugged, "I was just moving your head, you looked uncomfortable."
It kind of stung Cordy to hear those words because in fact she was more comfortable then she had ever been. With how much she had missed him he had no idea how good it felt to be in his arms again but she couldn't say that right out, "Thanks."
Angel nodded without saying anything. He probably noticed the look in Cordy's eyes when he spoke and understood instantly. Gunn broke the small silence, "So welcome back Angel. We missed you all summer."
Fred smiled, "Yea. I mean Cordy was even missing the first month. It was so wierd with none of the leader people around."
Angel laughed a little, "We don't have to worry about that now. I don't think my son's going to try and kill anyone."
Cordy shrugged, "I don't know. He left pretty unstable last night."
Angel sighed and looked down not wanting to meet the jealousy that would linger in Cordy's eyes when he spoke, "Buffy knew he was fine, she knew he wasn't lying and Conner knows as long as she's here he can't do anything."
He suspected right because Cordelia leaned back in her seat in complete silence. Fred had to ask the question, "What about when she leaves?"
Angel shrugged, "I just have a feeling everything's going to be okay."
Everyone looked up when a voice interrupted them, "Everything is okay."
They all jumped to surround the doctor. He addressed only Angel though obviously noting he was in charge, "The man lost a lot of blood but he was fine. He just needs a little bit of rest."
Angel didn't like the doctor's hesitence as he flipped through papers on a clipboard, "What about Buffy?"
The doctor stopped flipping and smiled, "The woman suffered a major amount of blood loss. It was a close call, I don't even know how she did it but she survived. There's something i need to ask though."
Angel nodded, "Go ahead."
The doctor took a deep breath, "The girl has a few of the same bite marks on the opposite side of her neck. How does she get bitten so often?"
Angel avoided another small growl and shrugged, "She has two dogs actually. She's not much of a pretty pup person. They're kind of playful."
The doctor smiled, "Okay, just make sure she's more careful. Tonight was a really close call."
Angel nodded, "So can we see them?"
The doctor nodded, "I actually have to check on the woman right now but I'll tell you when you can see her. The man is actually awake now. He's not up to full strength yet but you can actually take him home. Just make sure he doesn't do anything too stressful."
Angel nodded, "Okay. We'll be in his room."
The doctor nodded and gave them the room info as he walked to Buffy and the rest of the gang walked to Wesley's room.
-Wesley's Room-
Wesley lay on his bed obviously restless. You could tell he was tired but he didn't sleep, couldn't sleep. He didn't even know what he would say to Angel and the rest of them. A few days ago he would of tried not to care but now, now it really mattered that he was close enough to them for communication without guilt. Something about Buffy reminded him of who e used to be and what he used to think. Between taking the baby, the hospital visit and up until now he had forgotten what was really important. Buffy barely said anything but just her presence made his sight clearer. It was like a sudden need to thank her that got him trying to sit up.
As soon as he did Angel's voice rang from the door, "Lay down Wesley."
Wes sighed as he slowly planted himself in his previous lying down position and all guards went back up, "Why? Are we playing another game of suphocate Wesley with a pillow?"
Angel sighed but kept trying, "Doctor says you're suppossed to rest and the way I figure it you and Buffy are already closer then before, she'd be auwfully mad if you somehow died."
Wesley nodded as the rest of the group slowly entered. Fred smiled which obviously warmed him. Gunn did a small un-noticable wave but Cordy did nothing but glare. It was obvious she knew how to hold a grudge. Wesley sighed as they were all finally sitting and he looked directly up at Angel, "Then what do you want Angel?"
"You've expained everything that happened this summer but how you and Buffy knew where I was. I want to know right now."
Wesley sighed, "Well i didn't much like Justine anymore so I locked her in my closet, eventually told me what her and Conner did and I went out to look for you."
Angel nodded, "Okay, so why is Buffy here?"
Wesley shrugged, "Honestly, I have no idea. She said quite a bit about dreams and Drusilla."
Angel shook his head, "Drusilla sent her here?"
Wesley shrugged yet again, "I'm trying to say i don't know Angel. That's what she said." There was a pause until a look of rememberence crept onto Wesley's face, "Yes, she also said something was coming and that you needed to be here for a fight and that she really needed to know what was going on." He studied Angel's worried face and continued, "This wasn't some I love you so i need you speech Angel. Something's happening and she needs you specifically."
Cordelia sighed and finally spoke, "Now Drusilla's going to end the world? What next?"
Angel shook his head, "I don't think it's Drusilla who's going to do it. I think she was helping Buffy."
Cordelia shook her head but Wesley agreed, "As do I. Why else would she send Buffy to save you?"
Angel half smiled, "Could be a family thing."
Cordelia shook her head, "Last time you saw her though, you set her on fire. I don't think she's too concerned with family."
Angel shook his head, "She wouldn't care. Family is the only thing that matters to Dru which is probably why she hates buffy so much. I mean she staked the master, she got me to stake Darla the first time, she dated me, and got Spike neutered."
Gunn shrugged, "If that's true then wouldn't she want to kill Buffy?"
Angel smiled, "Drusilla's insane but she's still smart. She sees a lot more then we do and I think she knew Buffy was her only way to save me."
Wesley shook his head, "I was going to save you before Buffy got there."
That stumped Angel to silence until Cordelia spoke, "That means she's going to use Buffy for something else."
Wesley nodded, "Probably." There was a silence to show everyone was thinking until Wesley finally realized something, "How is Buffy? She awake yet?"
Angel shook his head, "Doctor went to check on her. He knows we're in here."
Wesley sighed in relief, "Good. I promised her she'd live."
Angel smiled, "It's really hard to keep that promise with her."
Wesley nodded, "Yes it is."
In the small silence that followed the doctor entered and smiled, "You guys look pretty sad to hear such happy news."
Wesley spoke, "I can go now right? I'm fine?"
The doctor sighed, "I would highly recommend you stay and rest but you don't seem like the type of person to do that."
Wesley shook his head and slowly sat up, "Can we see Buffy now?"
The doctor smiled, "She's been in and out of this world for a while. You might be able to catch her while she's awake but she does need to rest. She isn't bleeding anymore and she's already healing. Your girl is pretty lucky."
Angel sighed in relief, "Thanks a lot doctor."
The doctor nodded, "No problem. Just try and make sure she stays away from her dogs for a while."
Angel laughed a little bit, "It's like her destiny to play with those dogs."
The doctor didn't understand so he continued to give them room information and then left with a smile. Weslet stood, "Let's go get our answers." Everyone nodded and followed Angel out of Wes' room towards Buffy's.
-Buffy's Room-
Buffy lay obviously uncomfortable and asleep. She was moving and moaning a little bit obviously not enjoying whatever she was dreaming about.
Buffy's Dream
There was a girl running through an empty floor in a building obviously scared. She had hot pink hair with black bangs at her forehead, a nose ring, and a metal collar. She was wearing all black with a skeleton shirt, long pants, a leather jacket and boots. She runs through an interior door and jumps down to the next level. There are actually two people wearing black robes chasing her and they seem very farmiliar but their faces were not revealed. The girl runs out through an exterior door and proceeded to scale down the building. She thinks she's safe when she goes through a doorway to the outside near a crowd of club patrons, but she is pushed back inside by her persuers. They close the door behind them and start to fight her. Finally she is knocked to the ground, landing on her back. One of the robed people pull out a curved silver dagger and tried to stab her but the girl blocks. The other robed person grabbs a dagger that's exactly the same and stabs her while she's fighting with the other one. She winced and the robed men got up and left after retrieving their daggers.
After the girl appeared dead a shadow was cast over her body. Slowly a woman appeared to stand over the dead girl. Hher head turned like she was staring at something and in a low, unnatural sounding voice she spoke, "From beneath you, it devours." The person is revealed to be Drusilla
End Buffy's Dream
In the room Buffy let out a loud scream. Angel was already by her bed leaning over her. He tried again to wake her up, "Buffy! Buffy! Wake up Buffy!"
Buffy's head shot up, "I heard screaming."
Angel looked around the room and then back at her, "That was you."
Buffy shook her head, "No. There was a girl."
Angel shook his head, "Buffy, what are you talking about?"
"I...It was..."
Angel finished her sentence, "Just a dream. It was just a dream, right?"
Buffy shook her head, "From beneath you, it devours. That's what she said, and they...There's more like her, Angel. Out there somewhere. And they're gonna die, they're all gonna die."
Now everyone was worried for sure. Angel grabbed her hand, "Who Buffy?"
Buffy finally calmed and zoomed into reality, "Oh uh, I don't know. I was just dreaming."
Everyone was calmer but still very curious. Angel asked the questions, "What were you dreaming?"
Buffy shrugged, "The usual. Girl dies, Drusilla and oddly you weren't in this one."
"Do you know what it means?"
Buffy shook her head, "No idea. Probably just another slayer thing."
Angel nodded, "Are you okay now?"
Buffy nodded, "Yeah, the dreams are hard but you get used to them."
Angel nodded obviously understanding. Wesley took this silence to change the subject, "So Buffy, welcome back to L.A."
Buffy smiled and finally achknowledged everyone in the room, "It was an appropriate welcome if you're me."
Angel went a little serious and looked down unable to face her, "I'm sorry for..."
Buffy smile got a little wider, "Don't even worry about it. Getting bit get's a little easier every time. I'm just surprised I'm not a vampire yet."
Angel nodded deciding this would be a good time to bring up the other marks, "The doctor said you had two more on the other side of your neck. Just careless nights on patrol?"
The question stunned Buffy. She had no idea what to say. One belonged to Dracula but the other was...Spike's. She couldn't tell Angel where it came from so she told him what she told everyone else, "Well one of them was Dracula. It wasn't my fault because seriously when you're under his thrall his words are like poetry. The other was just a careless night. It wasn't even deep."
Angel nodded not believing her, "The scar is pretty noticable, it would of happened not to long ago."
Buffy looked a little scared he already knew but continued her lie, "Hey, I haven't been sleeping well and if I get a little tired on patrol my bad."
Angel stopped his questions because Gunn actually interrupted, "You met THE Dracula?"
Buffy smiled, "Yea it was great. He turned into a bat, then he made Xander his little servant and then he talked to me about how being a slayer is rooted in darkness. He even got me to drink a little blood. It was so gross. I mean how the hell do you vampires do it? Why would you crave it?" Angel smiled as her eyes matched his. Buffy smiled too when she remembered something, "He really doesn't like you. After he bit me he talked me to sleep about you being unworthy and stuff."
Angel nodded, "That's because Spike and I used to know him. He actually owes us money and he's suppossed to kill us."
Buffy smiled, "I heard. Spike ended up talking to me about it for hours too."
Fred finally spoke too, "How is meeting Dracula a good thing?"
Buffy smiled and slowly sat up, "You'd have to meet him. His eyes penetrate your heart on sight."
Angel's smile dissappeared and jealous took it's place on his face. He had to quickly change the subject, "Right. Buffy this is Gunn and Fred."
Buffy smiled and looked at them, "Hey. So you guys almost die everyday too huh?"
Fred shook her head, "No. I mean we help save the world but I...my jobs more the research."
Buffy looked at Wesley who was now at her side, "I thought thats what a watcher did. I guess she's a female you."
Fred shook her head again, "No. I mean he's so much better. I'm the science one. Wesley just hasn't been around for a while."
Buffy smiled, "So you're like my Willow?"
Wesley smiled, "Only Fred's not psycho or magical."
Angel looked back and forth between them, "Willow's psycho?"
Buffy nodded, "Yea, this guy Warren shot me and Tara before Summer started and Tara died. Willow was already having troubles with controlling magic and her sadness overwhelmed her. I would of died from that bullet if she didn't go psycho. She even tried to end the world."
Angel was shocked, "Willow? Smart innocent stuttery Willow?"
Buffy nodded and smiled, "Yea. Xander saved her though. If it weren't for Xander we'd all be dead."
Again Angel was shocked, "Xander? He saved the world? Things are upside down in Sunnydale. At least you're still the same."
Buffy's smile dissappeared and she nodded uncomfortably, "We all change Angel."
He looked a little worried but Cordelia finally spoke, "Well, Buffy Summers brings the drama to L.A. When are you leaving?"
Buffy sighed, "Don't worry Cordy I'm out of here asap. I got to get back to Dawn and Xander."
Cordy nodded, "Yea you should. He phoned pretty exstatic earlier."
Buffy looked worried, "What could possibly have happened since I left?"
Cordy shook her head, "You live on the hellmouth. Anything could have happened. Thank god I left."
Buffy nodded, "Yea, but that life is reserved for those who actually have a future. Remember?"
Cordelia actually felt a little guilty about that little comment back in high school because she actually turned out to have the same future as Buffy did, "Don't feel too bad Buffy. I kind of turned out to be you in L.A."
Buffy smiled and shook her head, "Not true. I would never wear those shoes."
Cordelia sighed, "Grow up."
Buffy smiled, "After you princess."
Angel stood up, "Calm down children."
Wesley smiled down at buffy, "You may change but you're always going to be the same."
Buffy looked over at him and smiled at the drained look in his eyes, "You look tired. Maybe you should lie down."
Wesley shook his head, "I'm fine."
Buffy laughed, "My Wesley's all grown up."
Wesley smiled, "The watcher's council was just another high school. Getting fired was probably the best thing for me."
Buffy sighed, "You're lucky." Wesley looked confused so she continued to explain, "I'm working with them again. I needed info before I died and the council was the only way. They insulted, questioned and reviewed me until I realized I was in control. They hired Giles again and in exchange for the info I became a part of the council. Sadly dying doesn't earase the contract."
Wesley smiled, "You could always get fired."
Buffy nodded, "Yea. I mean I got kicked out of school, blew a school up, and I ran away for a while. There has to be a way out of the council."
Wesley laughed a little but Cordelia sighed, "Look who's all buddy buddy now. Child stealing betrayer and our little bossy slayer. Perfect match."
Angel glared at her, "Cordy."
Buffy shrugged it off, "No worries. Insults are just another language in my world."
Angel nodded and an awkward silence followed. Gunn cleared his throat and stared at buffy, "So, why are you here?"
Buffy took a deep breath knowing it was time for an explanation. "Well all summer I've been having dreams of Angel in the water and Drusilla talking to me. I thought it was just regualr dreams because I've been reflecting on my life a lot but my last one was so real. When Drusilla slit my neck it was like I could feel the blood. I saw a lot of stuff I didn't understand but Drusilla made it clear that I should focus on Angel to get my answers. The last vision before I died turned out to be the number on Wes' place so that lead me to Wesley and Justine. Now I'm here. So kind of confused, tired and in pain."
Angel sighed obviously processing it all, "Why Wesley?"
Buffy shrugged, "No idea. I just dream."
Angel nodded and the question they were trying to answer before came to his mind, "Do you know why Drusilla would be sending you these dreams?"
Buffy shook her head, "Last time I saw her Spike was going to kill her for me."
Angel was shocked, "What? Spike would kill Drusilla for you?"
Buffy nodded, "Yea. He's been in love with me for like a year or two."
Angel smiled a little bit, "He did always want to be me."
Buffy smiled but Cordelia's jealousy caused her to interrupt their moment, "So out of nowhere she just wanted you to save Angel?"
Buffy shrugged, "I told you I don't know okay. She was sly though. Like I should believe her but I shouldn't trust her. She's a very complicated woman but I understood it all. It was like all her cryptic words and thoughts were real english to me. Very wierd."
Angel nodded, "So what now?"
Buffy shrugged again, "I thought this was your city. I may of just saved your life but L.A's your baby. I just have the visions. I don't plan on you throwing me out of L.A again."
Angel nodded obviously guilty, "So we find Drusilla."
Buffy sighed, "She'd be in L.A."
Everyone looked confused but Angel, "Dru would want to see that I'm okay. Plus if she has any other plans for you she'd need to be close to you."
Buffy nodded, "The question is where."
Angel ran his hand through his hair, "I might be able to track her still. Plus Dru would leave clues. She'd want to be found."
Buffy nodded, "So look under obits and stuff. Specifically children."
Angel looked surprised now, "How'd you know?"
Buffy shrugged, "When all three of you were evil Giles made me read stuff. Then after Dracula I made it a goal to study my power and the ways of vampires. You, Darla, Spike and Dru are in a lot of books."
Angel nodded, "I'm famous."
Wesley stood up, "So, sounds like you're all fine. I think I'll go..."
Buffy shook her head, "No you won't. I don't care what the hell went on between you and Angel. It might not even be forgivable but whatever it is you'll deal with because I had a dream that lead me to you meaning you're going to play a big part in whatever's coming. So sorry to report Wesley but you've just been drafted."
Wesley sighed and sat down. His eyes matched with the unreadable ones of Angel for a few seconds. Buffy interrupted their moment, "Someone give me a phone. School's out in Sunnydale and I need to check on Dawnie."
Angel tossed her a phone and she caught it shocked, "You have a cell phone? Angel has a cell phone? I'm going to die if you have a computer."
Angel smiled and fred laughed, "You should see him try to use the computer."
Buffy laughed and Angel finally interrupted, "Hey!"
Buffy calmed down, "It is funny from my point of view."
Angel sighed, "Just call Xander."
Buff dialed the number and listened to the ringtones. She got really worried when no one picked up the house phone. "They're not at home."
"Maybe they're not home yet."
Buffy shook her head, "I'm not in Sunnydale. When I'm not there no one leaves the house unless absoloutely necessary. If they're not there something was necessary and I don't like how that sounds."
Cordy actually spoke, "Does he have a cell phone?"
Buffy nodded an dialed his number. Every ring felt like an eternity.
-Xander's car-
Xander was driving pretty fast with Dawn in the seat next to him. She was completely wigged because she had no idea why Xander was acting the way he was. Dawn was the one who actually heard his cell phone, "Xander. Xander your phone."
Without taking his eyes off the road he picked it up, "Buffy!"
-L.A-
Buffy was alramed with his sudden tone, "Yeah Xander, It's me. What's going on? Why aren't you at home?"
Xander sighed, "A bunch of dead people who don't like you attacked the school."
Buffy sighed, "Are you guys okay? Did you take care of it?"
Xander nodded, "Yea. I just had to break a talisman."
-Sunnydale-
Xander pulled up to the drive-in and Dawn went running in. Xander stayed in the car to finish talking to buffy, "That's not the worst part buffy."
Buffy sounded worried, "What could be worse then dead people attacking the school on the first day?"
Xander sighed, "You want to know how I knew there was a talisman?"
Buffy slowly answered, "Just explain it all Xander. I'm sitting and everything."
Xander nodded, "Well I got to the basement so I could find Dawn and I got knocked to the ground. I saw a glowy thing on one of their necks and went for it but he threw me in this room. When I looked up I saw Spike. He's back Buffy, Spike's back."