A/N: Severe writer's block plus RL pressure: so not of the good. Sorta short chapter this time, but on the bright side, I've got a semi-plan to the end now. Thanks for sticking with me, though …

Thanks to bookwormfromak, kim, phantomgurl, jay, pinky-blue ice, Baby Girl Gellar-Green, and funkydevil206 for all the comments …

Disclaimer: So not mine. I'm just borrowing them. Please don't sue …

Rating: PG-13. Swearing, angst, violence. You have been warned …

Pairings: B/S eventually. W/T, X/A.

Distribution: Yeah, sure, take it. Tell me first, though.

Reviews: Much appreciated. Much loved.

Previously: Willow and Anya work out their differences, and Buffy learns about Dru …

"I can't stop by long, I just wanted to tell you that we haven't really found a lot," Angel explained apologetically. "Your stalker's been carefully about keeping his … messages untraceable."

It was the next morning, and the gang of friends was gathered at the house – Spike and Xander having stayed over night because they didn't want to leave the girls alone. Buffy, Willow, and Anya protested a little about being able to protect themselves, but really, they all took comfort in each other's presence. Angel arrived bright and early to deliver the news – or lack thereof – on the notes.

He now saw the group's disappointed faces. "But we are still examining all the evidence, making sure nothing was missed," he tried to reassure them.

"Thanks, Angel," Buffy was the first to speak, attempting a smile.

His face softened. "No problem."

They stood awkwardly on the doorstep, unsure of what to say next, when the walkie-talkie at Angel's waist crackled. He conferred with it for a moment before turning back to them. "I'm sorry; I have to get to Crawford St. now. Apparently, one of the new families there's just been robbed and they're convinced the old mansion is haunted. I'll talk to you when I get more news, 'k?"

Buffy nodded, and the rest of the gang said their good-byes.

"So," Willow began brightly once Buffy closed the front door, "what should we do today?"

Everyone's gazes shifted awkwardly around the room, no one really sure what to say. The tension of yesterday had returned, and they were all more spooked than they'd like to admit.

Finally, Tara suggested, "M-maybe we should do what we normally do. W-we st-still have work, and Willow and Dawnie still have school."

"I can always call in and tell them we have a family emergency," Dawn volunteered, eager for the chance to miss school.

"No, I think Tara's right," Buffy started slowly. "We can't just stop our lives because of this. And you can't afford to miss any more classes, Dawnie."

"Man, not even potentially life-threatening situations can save me from the high school hellhole," Dawn groused as she went upstairs to get ready.

Spike saw Buffy stiffen, and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "She didn't mean it, luv," he whispered. Buffy nodded imperceptibly.

"Ok, so I guess that means off to the land of heavy machinery and hard helmets for me," Xander said. Then he called up the stairs, "Hurry up, Dawnie, or we're going to be late!"

"I'm hurrying!" the answer drifted down.

Anya had already whipped out her cell phone, and Tara and Willow were busy confirming plans with each other. Soon, the house was filled with the usual morning bustle.

"What about you, luv?" Spike asked Buffy. "Any plans for the day?"

"Hmm, not so much. Just take whatever comes, I guess. You?"

"Probably write a bit, then swing by the Magic Box to bug the hell outta my old man," Spike planned.

"Oh, gosh, I've completely forgot about seeing Giles. He has a shop?" Buffy asked with surprise.

"Yeah, part of the midlife crisis deal. Didn't fancy being school librarian so much anymore, especially 'cause they use computers more."

Buffy laughed because it sounded just like Giles to dislike technology. "Mind if I tag along with you later? To the shop?"

"Not at all, pet," Spike smiled.

And everyone went off in separate directions to begin their day.

oOoOo

"Hey, Giles!" Buffy went over to hug her surrogate father.

"Hello, Buffy," he greeted. "Finally found time to come visit the old geezer?" His smiled and joking tone belied the harshness of his words.

"Sorry, Giles," she apologized. "Sorta got caught up in things. You know, with seeing everyone again and all …"

"Yes, it's quite alright. I'm just glad you're here."

Spike poked his head into the back room. "Oh, I see how it is. She comes back and you forget all about your only son."

"Believe me when I say there's no possible way to forget you, Will," Giles shot back. "I've tried."

Spike clutched at his chest. "You wound me, da'."

Giles grinned. "So, Buffy, have you been keeping my overdramatic son out of trouble?"

"Yep," she laughed. "Make sure he scrubs behind the ears and all, like a good little boy."

"'Ey! I resent that!" Spike protested as the two teamed up against him. "'Sides, I'm the least of her worries right now."

Buffy's face fell, and Spike instantly regretted putting his foot in his mouth yet again.

"What's wrong?" Giles' brow wrinkled in concern.

"Nothing," Buffy was back to a half-attempted, shaky smile. "Just having a little problem with this guy following me. Probably just an over-enthusiastic fan or something."

Giles cleaned his glasses. "Oh, good lord, Buffy, a stalker is not something to be taken lightly. None of you have been hurt, have you?"

His look promised pain for someone if the answer to that question was 'yes.'

"No, we're all fine. Just a bit shaken," she replied.

"We're doin' all we can to find the guy, da'," Spike added. "Gone to the cops and everything."

"Have you considered a security system?" Giles pressed. "I know the one we installed in the Magic Box proved to be handy when we caught a trio of boys trying to shoplift."

Buffy tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hm, that's a good idea, Giles. Thanks. But enough about that. I want to hear about what you've been up to."

"You sure you wanna know 'bout the midlife crisis, pet?" Spike asked. The playful mood from earlier returned.

"Will, I am not having a midlife crisis," Giles complained. "One bloody new car and a change in occupation and you young ones think I'm getting too old."

"We never thought you weren't old, da'," Spike answered glibly.

Buffy giggled as she listened to the two men banter and show her around the shop.

Right now, they were looking for an afternoon of normalcy.

The rest of the world could wait.

say something, pretty please ...

le faye