Chapter 12

Dawn stayed until Xander showed up with Giles. She still had to head home before dark if she was going to walk. At least her boss understood about letting her have this week off. And her teachers weren't pushing for homework, either. She had until Monday to finish what was normally due Friday.

So, walking along, Dawn wasn't in any rush. She pondered her destination, wondering if she should look for Spike at home, or his crypt. Looking up at the sky, she figured he was probably still at the house, and turned her feet in that direction. His voice rang out as soon as she closed the front door.

"Bit?"

"Yeah, it's me. Hey, do you think I should open these bills? I don't want to lose the power while Buffy's in the hospital…" She held one up that said 'Late Notice' on the front.

"Get the Watcher to handle it. Did you stop to see her? If not, you better have a damn good excuse for being so late."

She rolled her eyes. "Geesh, get a grip, Hall Monitor. Of course, I went to the hospital. I came home when Xander and Giles showed up." Dawn continued sifting through the mail, tossing the ads in the recycling bin.

"And? Did you talk to your sister?"

She sat down wearily on a stool and looked up at him. "No, Spike. She's not talking right now. She's in a coma. And I'm trying to deal by focusing on the doctor saying it's only temporary, okay, so please don't freak?"

"A coma?" he whispered, dropping onto the seat across from her.

"More like deep, restorative sleep, is how he made it sound. She's fighting off a mild infection. They're giving her all the drugs and stuff for it, I guess. I mean, she just had big-time surgery. We can't expect her to be up ready to kick ass, right?" Maybe she should have just let him find out when he went to see Buffy tonight. He looked honestly scared. "Spike, hey…it's not the end of the world, okay? Buffy's going to get through this."

Knock, knock.

"Sit tight. I'm going to get that." Dawn opened the door, to find two policemen standing there. "Uh, hi. Can I help you?"

"You live here with Miss Summers?"

"Yeah, I'm her sister, Dawn. Is this about the guy that shot her?"

The policeman who'd spoken nodded. "We caught Warren Meers at his mother's house today. We wanted to let you folks know that you're safe now. How is your sister?"

"Fighting for her life, but getting better. I hope you prosecute that bastard to the fullest extent you can manage," she said venomously.

"Oh, he's going away for a long time. In searching the house, we found a diary where he admitted killing another girl a few months ago. That, plus the armed robbery and attempted murder charges on your sister…well, he'll get what's coming to him."

Dawn grinned. "That's the best news I've heard all day. Thank you, officers."

"Have a good day, miss. Keep indoors at night, now…"

"Always do! Bye!" She shut the door and turned around, beaming. "Did you hear that, Spike? The Trio is finally all in jail!"

"Yeah, Niblet…it's pretty good news. I hope they decide to fry the bastard. A quick death is too good for 'im," he stated bitterly.

"Hey, you've gone all bumpy." He looked apologetic, and shook off his game face. "You want breakfast?"

"I ate before you got home. Couldn't sleep well…" Spike admitted.

Dawn's gaze turned compassionate. "She's awfully good at worrying people, huh?"

"Pet, you have no idea."

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Another day, and then another, where Buffy was breathing better and had a normal temperature, but still did not wake. Giles was starting to make rumblings of bringing in a specialist. Willow was contemplating a spell to contact Buffy's mind. Tara suggested a healing charm, which was really just a prayer to a goddess that might help. Dawn was okay with that, but she didn't want anyone poking at her sister or invading her privacy, and she was pretty sure Buffy didn't, either.

Three whole days with his Slayer in the hospital (not counting the morning she was admitted) had Spike in a nervous tizzy. With another night passing without his Sleeping Beauty waking up, he was considering the Prince routine and laying a good one on her. And possibly that he was really low on sleep.

Corinne found him in Buffy's room around 3a.m.

"Visiting hours ended at eight, you know."

"I'll just sneak back in again," he replied, not turning around.

"No change?"

"None," he sighed. "There's no reason why she shouldn't be awake already…"

"Maybe this is her version of a vacation…from the stories, a Slayer rarely gets a break," she suggested

He smiled, but there was no humor in it. "Maybe. I'm starting to think the witch's idea of going into her head might not be a bad idea. Buffy has a history of avoiding…"

"You guys can really do that?"

"Red did it before. Dawn had been kidnapped, and Buffy just…shut down. Lights were on but nobody was home. I never understood that, you know. She'd never given up before, but when Glory took the Bit, the Slayer gave up. Like Dawn was already dead and there was nothing she could do. Once we got her back, the death wish was plain as day in her eyes. She didn't expect to come out of it, even if she saved the day. Was even ready for it. It's how every Slayer should go out, you know? As a hero, in battle…"

"She's not dying now, Spike. Her body is healing every day."

"And it's an empty shell without her in it. If Buffy doesn't want to come back, there's nothing we can do," he countered. He sounded so resigned.

Corinne walked over and made him look at her. "Hey, the Buffy I met was trying to live, okay? She has you to come back to, and Dawn. Plans got interrupted the day she was shot, yeah?"

"Yeah…how did you know?" he asked suspiciously.

"Because that's what always happens. And if Buffy hadn't any plans in her life that day, at all, then it would have been her hand on the trigger. She wouldn't have been doing normal things like going out with friends, or whatever. Yeah, she'll wake up on her time, but she's going to wake up. So, stop being so mopey, and start giving her some incentive."

"Oh, like what?" he asked sarcastically.

Corinne shrugged. "You're the one who knows her. Try to sleep today, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah…"

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Another day passed, and the Scoobies started thinking about supernatural causes. The group assembled around the research table in The Magic Box, like old times, and passed around theories.

"Maybe someone should talk to Warren," Anya finally suggested.

"I don't think he's casting spells in jail, honey," Xander said.

"No, but he could make a wish, or ask for a curse. You just need to know the right demon to call upon."

"Well, that can't be that many, right?" Willow said hopefully.

"Try over two-thousand. In this dimension alone," Giles replied.

"Oh."

"So, who's making the wanker talk?" Spike asked, from his perch on the stairs.

"You're all just being stupid!" Dawn cried. "Buffy's not awake because she doesn't want to be here!" She stormed out of The Magic Box, the bell tinkling angrily as she slammed the door.

"I'll make sure she gets home," Tara stated.

"She's right, you know," Anya added. "None of us has wanted to acknowledge it, but we've all seen it. Buffy's been looking for a way out ever since we ripped her from heaven. Warren's just given her the excuse."

"I still say we look at the supernatural," Willow said stubbornly. "She was getting better."

"Yes, it can't really have been that bad, Anya. Buffy would have called," Giles added, dismissing his partner.

Spike snorted in response and decided to leave before he gave away anything the Slayer would want to tell her Watcher herself. The Scoobies had always blinded themselves to what was right before their noses. Why should now be any different?

He set out on his nightly patrol. Spike would hit all the cemeteries, shake down Willy for information, then go spend the rest of the night with Buffy. It wasn't the most exciting unlife, but he would talk to her, and make sure she was safe from any demons that might want to take advantage of the Slayer's weakness. Then, he'd head back to the Summers' house before sunrise, catch a nap until he heard Dawn puttering around, and make sure she got off to school. Collapse for the rest of the day, and lather, rinse, repeat.

Something had to change.

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Two days later, change came…

"I've decided to take Buffy back to England with me. The Council has a private facility where she will get the best care, including research for any mystical causes," Giles declared to Willow and Xander.

"You really think that's necessary, G-Man? And what about Dawn?" Xander wondered.

"I think it is. The Hellmouth needs its Slayer, and I have more resources in England, and a Coven to call upon. With all luck, we'll be back in a couple of weeks. You all can watch after the girl until school is out," he said assuredly.

"Giles, do you mind if I come? I feel guilty for not being there that morning, and I want to help. Maybe I can learn some things, too," Willow offered.

"If you can take direction and not alter any spells, I'd be glad to have your assistance, Willow."

"Oh, I'm much more focused now! Tara's helped me find my center, and I'm trying to remember that control of everything isn't well…everything. I didn't understand the need for balance before, but now I do. I just want to help," she insisted.

"Very well. I'm going to make some calls. If you'll excuse me." Giles disappeared into the office of the shop.

"I don't think Dawnie's going to like being separated from her sister, Wills," Xander stated.

"Well, she doesn't really have a choice. Buffy would kill us if Dawn doesn't finish the year out. She can always come to England after finals, if we're not back, yet."

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"You're WHAT?" Dawn exclaimed.

"Taking Buffy to England for more expert care. It's all been arranged. Dawn, it's only temporary."

"You're stealing my sister away, to the Council, and I'm supposed to be happy about it?!"

"It's for the best, dear. Buffy's condition goes beyond the medical. We have the best coven on Earth, right in Devon. This is her best chance of making a full recovery," Giles explained.

"Fine, then I'm coming along."

"No, you have a school semester to finish. Dawn, this is non-negotiable. You're staying here with Tara until school is out for the summer."

"And if Buffy's not back by then?"

"Then we'll work out other arrangements. The time will pass by before you know it. I have a plane to catch. Willow, I'll see you soon." Giles stepped out of the way to allow the orderlies to wheel Buffy's bed out of the room. A private ambulance had been hired to take them to the airport to meet up with the Council jet.

"I can't believe you're not even giving me time to say goodbye!" Dawn cried. "Buffy's going to be so pissed when she wakes up. I hope she kicks your ass!" She took off after the orderlies, determined to walk with her sister out of the hospital.

Tara shook her head in disapproval at the Watcher, before going after Dawn. She didn't agree with how they'd gone about this, at all.

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A sobbing teenager landing on his chest awakened Spike.

"Niblet? Wha's wrong, luv?"

"Buffy's gone. He took her," she cried.

"Gone? Who took her? Dawn, what happened?!" he asked, panicking.

"G-Giles…he t-took her to England to some c-coven…! I hate him! I do…" She curled up against him as Spike slid around to sit up. "She's going to be pissed, you know? Waking up in another c-country…near the Council…he said I have to stay in school. How can he just do this?"

"I don't know, Bit. Probably some Watcher loophole giving him the authority. Has the plane left, yet?"

She nodded. "Uh-huh…they were going right away…" Her voice turned spiteful. "Willow's going, too. Sees it as some kind of learning opportunity. Why couldn't they just leave us alone?"

"I offered to eat them once, for your sister. She turned me down, but it did get a smile out of her. We'll make do here, okay? And if I have to, I'll mount a rescue mission and take you and your sister far away. Deal?" Spike promised.

"Okay." She sniffled. "Sorry for getting your chest all wet."

He chuckled, and ruffled her hair. "'S just skin, luv. A little saltwater won't hurt."

"Good. You're kinda comfy."

They sat that way, comforting each other, until the sun had set and both of their tummies were rumbling for food. Tara greeted them with a soft smile when they came up from the basement, and hugged Dawn. For the next few weeks, they would be family.

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Corinne was surprised to find Buffy Summers' room empty when she checked in the next day. She flagged down a nurse.

"Was Miss Summers discharged?"

"Uh, yes, ma'am. She's been transferred to another facility. I hope they can find out what's wrong with the poor girl."

"Thanks, Lettie." This is odd. Curious, she decided to hunt down Spike once her shift was over.

It was obvious at the crypt that he'd been stopping in, but hadn't slept there in days. Corinne tried the Summer's house next.

"Hi. Dr. Larkin, right?" Tara said, when she answered the door.

"Good memory. I'm looking for Spike, actually."

Tara moved aside. "He's in the dining room with Dawn."

Spike looked up, surprised, at the sound of extra footsteps. "Hey, Doc. What's the occasion?"

"I noticed Buffy's room is empty…"

"Ah…that. Her Watcher decided she'd get better care in England. Shipped her off yesterday afternoon." His eyes flashed gold as he tried to rein in his anger.

"Her Watcher?" Corinne asked, confused.

"Watchers guide the Slayers – the book man behind the killing machine," he answered bluntly.

"Oh. He had legal consent for that?" she said, bewildered.

"When the Council makes it that way," Dawn replied. "They make it their business to control all aspects of a Slayer's life."

"I guess you could say we're not exactly fans," Tara put more gently. The other two snorted in unison.

Corinne just took it in stride. "Uh…huh. Okay. So, now what? You wait for him to bring her home?"

"For now. Niblet has school to finish, and bills still need to be paid…" He got up from the table to let Dawn finish her homework. The ladies joined him in the living room. "It's been a rough week, but she's hanging in there. Kid's had to grow up too fast in her young life."

"At least she has people watching out for her," Corinne said. She stuck her hand out to Tara. "I don't think we've officially met. I'm Corinne."

"Tara. Have you lived in Sunnydale long?"

"A little less than 2 years. I just came up to work at the hospital. I'm originally from San Diego."

"I moved here for the university, just finishing my 3rd year. How did you meet Spike?" Tara liked the aura of the young doctor. The figure was nice, too.

"Let's just say that Doc lent me a hand. If you ladies don't mind, I need to go kill some nasties," Spike interjected. He nodded politely in farewell, grabbed his coat, and left.

"I fixed him up after he got beaten up," Corinne said quietly. "The poor guy could hardly see. He's not too proud of needing the help home."

"That sounds like Spike," Tara confirmed. "He likes to pretend he doesn't have any softness inside. I pretend that I haven't seen it, but we both know, and any one seeing him with Dawn can tell you it's obvious. Would you like to stay for dinner? Spike will probably be gone for a few hours."

"I don't have any other plans. Do you need any help?"

"Nah, I'm just heating up a casserole from last night. I'm a vegetarian, but Dawn usually pours meat sauce over it," Tara replied, winking at the teen.

"That sounds fine. Normally, it's just me, so I'm either grabbing fast food or microwaving something."

"So, how come you didn't come visit Spike for a while?" Dawn asked.

"Dawn, don't be nosy," Tara chided the girl.

"How do you know I didn't?" Corinne replied.

"Cuz he stopped mentioning you. And Spike's a motor mouth," the teen said smartly.

"Just took different paths for a while, Dawn. Life happens that way when you get older," said Corinne. "I really don't know him that well, from just a couple of months."

"I'm sure your hours make it hard to socialize," Tara added.

"Very true. It changes every week. They like to make it hard on us 1st-years. Silverware?"

"That drawer. Dawn, could you get some glasses, please?"

"Sure, Tara. Well, at least the food's better when Buffy's not here," she quipped. "My sister is scary in a kitchen. It's funny – she kind of freaks out faced with normal tasks. You ask her to cook or drive, and she becomes a complete spaz." Dawn set the glasses on the counter and got a soda out of the fridge for herself. "Spike's not too bad at it, though."

"Spike cooks?" Corinne asked, surprised.

The teen nodded. "Simple things, like grilled cheese sandwiches or pasta. I think he's spent a lot of time watching cooking shows during the day. It's amazing what weird stuff he'll remember. Don't let him season stuff for you, though!"

"Oh, gosh, I remember that! Way too many hot peppers!" Tara chuckled. Dawn giggled at the memory.

"See, Spike got the burr up his butt last summer to make tacos…and it was supposed to be, like, a pinch of cayenne for the whole batch, right? Well…he samples it, doesn't taste the spice, and keeps stirring it into the meat until he can!"

"Xander's face was so red! He looked like he would either suffocate…"

"Or explode! He yelled at Spike that he did it on purpose…of course…but we just laughed. It was the first time he'd really gotten me to laugh since my sister…Well, I really needed it."

"He is quite a character," Corinne confirmed.

It was easy to like these two, and the evening gave her more insight into Spike, as well, with their perspectives. Making emotional contacts seemed unavoidable now, so Corinne was just going to deal with it. She knew that her co-workers thought her nice, but detached, and that was fine…but if she was going to be honest, she missed having girlfriends around. They were a luxury she hadn't afforded herself since high school, not having the time in college due to the pursuit of high scores. So, when Tara said she could drop by for dinner any time, she didn't hesitate to say that she would.

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Giles had called once to say that Buffy had made the flight over safely and was resting comfortably at the coven, and then he just sent letters every couple of days to note their progress.

Spike spent longer and longer out every night, taking out his frustration on the Sunnydale demon populace. Sometimes he slept at his crypt, sometimes at the house. He'd paid the bills for the month (the girls didn't ask where the money came from), and could only reliably be found when it was time to check Dawn's homework, or make sure she was studying for her finals. Tara got letters from Willow about how excited she was to study with the coven, what new spells she was learning, what book she'd read today for Buffy-research, but rarely a mention of missing home. She supposed a week might not be long enough, yet, and that once the excitement died down, Willow would write more sentimental thoughts. Dawn cut back her hours at the mall to only two days a week, at Spike's request. The teen was keeping more for herself, anyway, since she didn't have to buy her own food anymore. Corinne came over on the nights she wasn't working, too. Tara and the doctor had started an on-going discussion about alternative medicine with herbs and roots, and their specific uses.

Two weeks gone by, and Spike wasn't sleeping well. Three weeks, and he was starting to lose weight and color. By the forth, Corinne decided it was intervention time. She found him in his crypt, looking disheveled, unwashed, and bony. He hadn't even undressed to go to bed, just taken his boots off and fallen wherever he could land. She shook her head, climbed back up the ladder to make some blood and grab a wet sponge, and came back down to wake him.

"Spike! Get up and stop wallowing! You smell like a distillery and look like hell."

"Good evening to you, too, Doc," he grumbled, turning his head to the side, but still lying face down.

"Come one, get up. I've got food for you."

He rolled over, scowling. "Fine, fine…I don't need your doctoring, you know."

She arched a brow. "Really? Because you're obviously not eating, or bathing."

Spike sniffed his shirt and wrinkled up his nose, then shrugged. "It's a lifestyle choice."

"Bullshit. You're just wallowing because your honey's not here. Would she want you to do this to yourself? Do you think it sets a good example for Dawn?" Corinne thrust the mug at him. "Drink. Then you're going in the shower, even if it's clothed."

He took the mug, but didn't drink, yet. "You this bitchy with all your patients?"

"When it's the only thing that'll get through their thick skulls, yes! Drink!"

He grumbled unintelligibly and lifted the mug to his mouth, gulping it down in almost one pass. "Wait…what's in here?"

"Half human, half pig. You're skin and bones, practically. Now, shower, and then you're drinking another."

"Wha's the sponge for?"

"Just in case you wouldn't wake up just from me yelling at you. Up, now!"

"You know, all this orderin' about would be more of a turn-on if you had a whip," he snarked, moving towards his shower alcove.

"I'll think about that next time if I have to do this again!" she yelled.