Chapter Three

Buffy sobbed, wrapping her arms around him. He stroked her hair. "I'm here Buffy, I'm here." His heart broke. He knew how bad she was.

"Don't go," she pleaded through the sobs as he moved.

"I won't, I promise," he said, shifting to make them both more comfortable. He held her for a while, his own tears falling.

In the kitchen, they sat around the island.

"Did I do the right thing?"

"I think so," Tara said, rubbing Willow's back.

"As do I. I believe Buffy was becoming depressed. As a Slayer, she needs to take care of her body and mind. Since she can barely move, her mind is in a fragile state."

"But, I called him. She's going to be *so* pissed."

"I don't think so," Giles said, shaking his head while making tea. "He's probably the only one who can help."

"Ironic isn't it?" Willow asked with a laugh. Tara smiled uncertainly.

In the living room, Buffy finally stopped crying and looked at him. Hesitantly, she reached out and put a hand on his face.

"I dreamed of you. I wanted so bad to run to you."

"Willow said to wait a few days. I've been in town since yesterday."

"Good ol' Willow," she said, pulling her hand away. He stared at her, listening to her heartbeat.

"I'll always be a phone call away." he vowed, squeezing her hand.

"Thank you," she said sleepily.

"Rest Buffy." Smiling, she began falling asleep. Right before she slipped into sleep, he heard the barely whispered words,

"I love you Angel." He laid her on the couch and covered her with the blanket before going into the kitchen.

"How is she?" Giles asked to the vampire. Angel leaned against the wall, eyes shut, fist clenched.

"I will rip that little poncer apart by my bare hands." He opened his eyes. "She's asleep." They all released sighs of relief. Buffy had been having nightmares and not sleeping more that except a few minutes a night since the attack. And she hadn't had much sleep before it.

"That's good," Tara said with a shaky smile.

"It is," Giles agreed. Angel slumped. He'd thought he'd been in love with Cordelia, but it was just an illusion. Buffy had given herself to him, which meant his heart went to her. Seeing her like this was killing him, and knowing he was the one responsible for Spike being the way he was, didn't help anything.

"Willow, you mentioned a bruise on her shoulder?" he asked, pulling himself from his thoughts.

"Yeah. I only saw it when she was in the bathroom. And she winced the other day when she slung a tote bag over it."

"It could be from other injuries," he mused. She shook her head.

"No. My spell showed an injury on her shoulder junction. I don't even think she knows it's there. From the look of the spell, her back's pretty bad."

"It might just be an extension," Tara suggested. Giles was sipping his tea thoughtfully. After a little while, he looked at Angel. Angel caught the Watcher's gaze.

"I wonder... You once said his mother had a bruise at the same area," Giles commented. It was cryptic, but Angel nodded, understanding.

"Eh, she did. Drusilla even talked about it. Kept pointing to it on her dolls. She made him show her on all the meals for a while." Giles's face turned dark. Willow blinked, lost.

"Do you want me t-"

"No," Giles said, interrupting her. He knew what she'd been about to ask. "I said no more magic."

"I was only asking." She and Tara went up to their room.

"I'll see if she will let me look." Giles shook his head.

"Good luck. The day after I arrived, she refused to let Xander or myself near her. Not close enough to touch her anyway."

"Can't say I blame her," Angel said with a snort.

"And yet she lets you," he added. Angel looked at the ceiling, lips barely moving.

"I don't know what to tell you Giles. It's been more than a few years since I've dealt with something like this. And it was never by William." he explained, using the given name for emphasis.

"I don't know how to handle this. Willow told you what she said about Faith right?"

"Yes. If it weren't for the fact she tried to kill me, and all of us, I'd say let her out. But I'm not sure it's safe."

"I think it might be. A respite is what Buffy needs. And it's not summer anymore. We need another Slayer here."

"I can take over for a while. That should give you all some time to think about an alternative." Giles nodded.

"That would be appreciated. Where are you staying?"

"My old mansion. I don't have the apartment anymore." Not that he'd want to stay there. Too many bad memories, and since it had only been four years, his enhanced sense of smell could still pick up the faint scent Buffy's virgin blood in the room. Plus, he'd turned into a monster that night.

He'd went back to the apartment to gather the stashed weapons he'd left during his abrupt departure before putting it up for sale, unable to cope with everything the apartment signified.

"I think it would be wise if Buffy was moved to her room," Giles said, startling from his thoughts. Angel nodded and went into the living room. He effortless lifted Buffy off the couch while keeping the cover wrapped around her. Giles watched silently as he gently carried her up the stairs. Buffy never moved once.

Angel would have been worried about her stillness and silence if it wasn't for the fact he could hear her heart beating. It was a little slower than normal, but being as deep in sleep as she was, it was to be expected. He cradled her in his arms as he turned down the covers and sat on the bed. He was so absorbed in Buffy, he didn't notice Giles sneaking up the stairs.

"My dear Buffy. Why did you do it? You should have know he was never going to change." Giles stood near the cracked door, listening. "You are the most stubborn woman I have ever meet. I promise, nothing will ever happen to you by his hands again." Giles smiled and crept back down the stairs.

Angel laid Buffy on the bed, covered her, and sat on the windowsill. Memories of all the times they had snuck through the window washed over him. He kept vigil until dawn, then moved away after shutting the blinds. The room was completely dark, and he moved into the hallway as Tara and Willow awoke.

"Mornin'," Tara said.

"Good morning." Willow replied while kissing Tara. They finally got out of bed and dressed, ready to start the day. Angel was leaning against the wall when Willow exited the room, running a brush through her hair.

"Willow," he greeted with a nod. She smiled and tossed the brush into her room.

"You were here all night?"

"I kept watch." She nodded in understanding, and went into the bathroom, a small shiver running down her spine. The only one who could enter the room without bad emotion was Dawn, everyone else was effected. "What's wrong?"

"In here...it happened," she said, voice soft. He let out a small growl, imagining what had happened. His imagination wasn't far from the truth. Willow looked at the floor by the tub and shuddered again. Tara came out of the room.

"Um, hi Angel," Tara said as she noticed him standing in the doorway of the bathroom. He moved aside to let her in, then went back to Buffy's room.

"Is he going to be ok?" Tara asked while standing next to Willow.

"I think he's taken the attack to heart. And he was so worried about Buffy when I talked to him on the phone that night..." she trailed off before quickly leaving the bathroom, wiping her eyes. Tara followed. Willow pulled down a box of cereal and poured two bowls before eating silently. Tara followed her lead. They heard Dawn's alarm go off half an hour later. She went about her hurried morning routine and rushed down the stairs in time to grab her lunch and a sandwich for breakfast, then catch the bus. The witches walked out to the garage and drove to college.

Angel sat in Buffy's room till noon, when she finally awoke. She shot bolt upright in the bed, looking around wildly. "You're safe Buffy." Her head snapped to Angel, who was standing in the corner.

"You stayed all night?" she asked, easing out of bed. There was a disbelieving note in her voice.

"I did," he said, moving out of the corner. The sunlight was filtered enough so it lit the room, but there were no direct rays. Buffy lowered her gaze to the floor.

"T-thanks Angel." she softly said. She went over to the closet, and he turned his back. She was in half a mind to ask him to leave, but just ducked behind the closet door. Pulling off the shirt was hard, but she managed. The pants followed. Her underwear was carefully peeled off, and thrown to the pile. Taking a deep breath, she put on clean underwear, and held back a whimper.

Or so she though. Angel heard the tiny noise, but forced himself to remain still. She slipped on the clean pants and tried the shirt. No such luck. After a few minutes and a throbbing back, she finally gave up.

"Angel?" she asked. He caught the small tremor in her voice.

"Yes?"

"Could you help me?" Slowly, he went over and placed a hand on her arm. She handed over the shirt while keeping her back to him. He growled at all the bruises on back. When she pulled her hair away from her neck, he froze.

"Buffy, what is this?" he asked, touching the junction of her shoulder and neck. It was right next to the place he'd bit her.

"I can't see it. It's probably another bruise. Just leave it alone Angel." Her voice was soft, but filled with pain as he touched the mark. She hissed as his cold fingers ran over the area. He growled again, louder.

"This is no bruise," he said, stepping away and going to her vanity. There was a compact mirror under a pile of papers. He went back and held the mirror so she could see the area. What she saw made her faint. It wasn't just a bruise, it was a bite mark, right below his.

He caught her. Rage vamped him out. No one hurt Buffy. But even more, no one bites her. He'd only done it because he had to, and she'd offered herself. Spike had bitten her when she'd passed out. His eyes glowed gold, then red. He was going to get revenge, and it was going to be sweet. Buffy was his, having given herself to him twice, her blood was in his dead veins.

Oh yes, revenge was going to be very sweet.

Lifting her, he went over to the bed and sat down, back against the headboard. Her gently put her in the shirt and held her close. She awoke after a little while. Tears sprung in her eyes. The Master had left his mark on the edge of her shoulder/neck junction, right on the back. Dracula had bit her on the other side. But he was dust in the wind. Both were. A sob escaped her throat.

"Angel," she said, looking up at him. His face had returned to normal as he'd put the shirt on her.

"I'm here. It's not over Buffy." Another tear fell.

"He bit me. Actually bit me." she whispered, putting her hand over the area. "I never thought-Angel, I didn't tell him too!" she said, looking at him with fear in her eyes. He stared at her, shocked. She was actually afraid he was going to think she'd asked Spike to bite her!

"I know you didn't. William never took rejection well, Buffy." He wiped away her tears. Another sob escaped her.

"It wasn't enough was it? He hadn't drawn enough blood already." He frowned and squeezed her. What blood? As if sensing his thoughts, she laughed cruelly. "You didn't think I was dripping wet did you? I hadn't even gotten into the tub." She laughed again. "Truth be told, I though losing my virginity hurt, but that was...." she trailed off, unable to find the words.

"Tell me about it," he said while stroking her back.

"Why?"

"Because you need to talk about it, and I want to hear." Buffy stayed silent for a while, but she finally drew a breath and began.

"I had just gotten back from a patrol. I'd hurt my back fighting. When I stood from turning on the taps, he came in. I told him to leave. He said we hand to talk. We went through everything until I shut off the taps. Then he advanced, putting his hands on me." Her voice clouded with tears. The commentary was going along with visual in her head.

"What next?"

"Well, it's not hard to figure out. I fought, but it wasn't enough." she chocked on the words, but got them out. "The entire time, he kept saying I'd feel it. I'd love him again. I knew something was broke the minute he slammed my wrists into the ground after I'd kicked him. God, it hurt. He-he forced my legs apart, i-i-ignoring me," she said, the last few words were whispered. "I passed out as he.... The last thing I remember is screaming in pain, then darkness."

Having finally told someone, she began crying. He held her as tight as he dared. He was going to help her in any way he could. And at the moment, that involved comforting the broken woman. Most people assumed she wasn't effected by anything. They were afraid of her, or didn't know her. And they were wrong. It was evident her friends were even wrong about her just by the way they acted near and away from her. He'd always been there for her on the hardest moments. He was there for her when her mother died. Then he'd pushed her away when she'd gone to LA to see him. He vowed never to push her away the moment he saw her walking out the door.

"Why Angel? After every thing-I should have stopped it long ago."

"What do you mean?" She turned her tear stained face away, ashamed.

"So many times, I just wanted it to be over. But he always found a way to convince me." The time on the balcony plays out in her head. "I just let him in," she whispered, using the same words as she had with Tara. Angel gently grasped her chin and made her look at him.

"You are only human Buffy. Your emotions made you find a release. It must have been hell, being back here." He knew all about hell, that was for sure. She nodded her agreement. "Then, when your outlet became to much, there was nothing you could do. It was out of you hands." She was silent for a while.

"Why did you leave?" He knew he had to give her an honest answer.

"I couldn't let my affection for you cause anyone else to get hurt. I killed because of my feelings."

"I'm the one who started it."

"And I should have stopped it. I didn't." She remembered the next day, his comments to her.

"It hurt, what you said."

"I know Buffy, I know," he said, pulling her close. They cried together. As they fell asleep, neither noticed the shimmer above the bed...

Giles' Apartment

Giles' had been pacing since he awoke. It was all he could do. He didn't have the strength to go through the large collection of books to find out if Buffy was bit or not.

Fed up, he picked up the phone and called the Magic Box, Anya answered, sounding very pissed.

"Magic Box."

"Anya, stop counting the money." he snapped. Across town, Anya put the money back in the register, grumbling. "I want you to go up to the dark books, and look for one on the first Slayer, and one on Vampiric assault." Anya grumbled, and took the phone.

"Why do you need them? I have a customer."

"Anyanka, that store is still mine in a way, so you will do as I say."

"Bossy old man. Thinks he cam come back from England and be in control again..."

"Just get the books."

"I have them, now what?"

"Now, I'm coming over to look at them. And yes, you can go back to your customers," he said before hanging up. He shook his head, muttering.

Magic Box

Giles arrived in the store quickly. Hastily, he made his way into the shop. Anya looked up from her recites and placed the books on the counter.

"What do you need them for anyway?"

"None of your business."

"It's my shop."

"They're my books," he said, taking them and going over to a table. Anya glared from behind the counter. He pulled a notepad out of the bag thing he had and got to work.

***

Hours later, Giles was in the Summers' dining room with Willow, Tara and Xander, pouring over the books and computer. Dawn was doing her work in front of the tv. There had bee about a half an hours worth of explanations to why Angel was there. He came down when she returned home, and had been coming down every once in a while for Buffy, who'd finally succumbed to her injuries and was in bed. The four were eternally grateful.

"I think I found something," Tara said. Angel had called and told Giles about the bite after he'd awoken from the nap. He'd proceeded to tell the three friends. Needless to say, there was a lot of anger in the house.

"What?" Xander asked, looking up from his book. Tara looked around the room.

"Well, like Angel said, it was how his mother died, in the same spot and everything. But connecting it with the first, and a few other, Slayers, I noticed a pattern. When something of this nature happened, the girl usually died, unless she had her original love to keep her safe. Her abilities are none existent as she heals." Silence fell and Giles grabbed the book.

"She's right. It's a mystic force no one has figure out. The Slayer becomes a normal human girl, and will die if her injuries are sever enough. No magic can be used to heal them or protect her. Well, no barriers," he hastily added at the pale faces. "And her original love-"

"Holds the key to everything," Willow interrupted. Giles glared. "It's true. Angel is possible the only one who can help her. We knew it. I called him, remember? He has to keep her safe." No one heard Angel coming down the stairs. He listened with his vampire hearing.

"But it also says, that the girl must-this is ridiculous!" Giles exclaimed. "The first Slayer went on with her training." Willow began furiously typing. After ten minutes, she looked up from the computer.

"I found a loophole Giles. Depending on the vampires' relationships, she may be able to retain her abilities. Or at least not have to train." She turned the laptop to face him. "I think she can do both, since Angel sired Drusilla, who sired Spike. Angel was her first love, and lover."

"This is all confusing!" Xander said, throwing down his pen. Angel back was upstairs holding Buffy as she had a nightmare. "Will she be able to keep her abilities as she heals of not?"

"Yes and no," Tara said, looking at the computer, then her notes. "She can keep her abilities, but she can't use them. And the worst part is, she will take longer to rebuild her strength after her injuries heal."

"So no magic?" Willow asked.

"No, I'm afraid not." Giles' said, shaking his head.

"Not to heal. But what about to take away the pain?" Willow inquired. Giles frowned, racking his library of a brain.

"I believe that will work. I'll have to call the coven in England to be sure," he said, getting up. Giles began dialing the phone as they searched for the strongest and longest numbing spell they could find...

Buffy's Room

She was whimpering, despite being in his arms. In the course of less than twenty four hours, he knew her pattern for nightmares. He either awoke her, or talked to her when the worst part came. He was jerked from though as she began thrashing.

"Buffy. Buffy' it's Angel. Calm down." Buffy kept thrashing, but the intensity went down a little. "That's good," he said, stroking her hair. She flinched from his hand. He frowned. "What is going on with you Buffy?"

She was at the warehouse where Spike and Drusilla lived all those years ago. Angel was busy fighting Dru, so he never noticed as Spike dragged her away.

"Angel!" but it was to late. He didn't hear. She looked at Spike. He was sneering.

"You're not getting away this time Goldilocks," he said, snapping her wrists into a manacle. "These are magically reinforced luv, don't even try," he said while squatting between her thighs. She thrashed more, but he pinned her legs in place. He ripped the jeans off with ease. She screamed as his cold hand stroked her leg.

"Angel!" she cried. He mercilessly plunged into her, ripping her (dream) hymen.

"Hm. I though Angel would've gotten here first..."

"Buffy!" Giles called to the thrashing girl he was shaking her, trying to wake her. Her eyes snapped open and she instantly turned into Angel, whimpering. Grief and guilt stricken, Giles stepped back out the door and down the stairs, tears welling in his eyes. Willow and Tara took Dawn back downstairs, Xander at their heals.

"It's all right," Angel said, holding her close. He gently rubbed her back, conscious of all the bruises and swelling. Buffy shuddered.

"No it's not!" she said with a sniff. "I've deserted my friends, let my pain and emotions rule me, and got hurt my a neutered vampire," she said with a giggle. Question marks floated through his head, until he recalled a comment about the chip Xander had made. The giggle disappeared a she looked around the room.

"I think, when Dawn goes to bed, that you should go downstairs." She looked at her legs and raised an eyebrow. "I'll carry you."

"I think you just want an excuse to hold me in front of everyone," she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

"I though I was just doing that," he said in mock confusion. She laughed, albeit weakly, and rested her head on his chest again.

"I need to take a shower," she said after a while. The statement was said quietly. Nodding, he gently scooped her up, and went to the bathroom. Some clothing had been moved there already. Buffy smiled. "Good old Willow." Angel sat on the edge of the tub and used one hand to begin drawing the bath. He stood, helping her stay on her feet.

Buffy swayed, but managed to stay upright. Once he was sure she could undress herself, he moved away, keeping his back to her. As fast as she could, she stripped down, which was easier than dressing, and got into the running water. Using the bottle on the edge of the tub, she had a bath full of white bubbles.

There's four females in the house and bubble baths are relaxing...she shook her head to herself as she contemplated the universal stress-reliever.

Her eyes darted to Angel's standing form as she began washing. The hot water soothed her throbbing body as she lathered the cloth.

"You can sit down," she offered.

"I'm fine." he replied, not really moving. Smiling, she threw the cloth on the floor and laid back. She was glad he'd stayed. Being in the room alone (for any length of time) drove her crazy.

"Angel?"

"Yes."

"Sit down." With a silent curse, he sat on the toilet. She kept her eyes shut. She turned her head as she felt his gaze on her face.

"Why did you want me over here?"

"Why did you want to stay away? If you haven't figure it out yet, I'm not exactly in the best condition for fighting."

"I was giving you space Buffy."

"I'm fine. I don't need space, not from you." She rubbed her neck and winced as the skin around the bite was twisted. Angel held back a growl. The bruising from the bite had spread even more, and was three different colors; it wasn't pretty. But then again, none of the bruises were. Since there was no Slayer healing, they got worse, and more painful, before they got better.

Angel got up, sat on the edge of the tub, and placed his hands on her shoulders. Involuntarily, she tensed, then relaxed. Slowly, he massaged the tense yet raw muscles. She sighed and sunk a little farther into the water. His hands loosened the muscles, taking out the knots that had formed from not being used. Buffy was relaxed with the pleasure of it. He finished her neck in ten minutes.

She cracked open an eye. "Thanks," she said.

"I can finish the rest of your back when you're out of the tub." She nodded and looked around for a towel. He grabbed one from under her clothing, and turned his back again. She stood and wrapped it around her. Her skin was red and wrinkly from the heat. She dried and managed to slip the flannel gown and pants on. Stubborn, she went to the door, and opened it.

The cool air rushed into the hot room, hitting her like a force, making her stumble back. Angel turned and was behind her, holding her steady. Vampire speed it good. She swayed and smiled at him. Dawn came out of her room, and Buffy pulled the collar tight around her neck. The younger girl looked at her strangely, head tilted. Dawn narrowed her eyes, getting the wrong impression. She turned and slammed her bedroom door behind her.

"Come on, I'll help you downstairs," he said, positioning his arm around her waist. Slowly, they walked to the steps. Muttering and cursing, she looked down the steps, sighed, and looked at him.

"I can't go down those stairs," she mumbled. He smiled and swept her into his arms. Dawn watched as the went down the stairs, disgust written on her face. She changed into her pajamas and followed them down, scowling.

"So you're finished with one, you go back to the other?" Buffy jumped in her chair.

"What?" she asked, blinking. Dawn had listened to the explanation and pondered it all night.

"You hid Spike, but Angel can be in the house?" Buffy turned pale, then yellow with fear and disgust.

"Dawn!" Giles and Xander snapped. Willow and Tara looked both disappointed and angered.

Angel scowled. "You know, you really should listen to others. Who said I'm sleeping with Buffy?" he snarled. Dawn raised an eyebrow.

"Hm. You come and go from her room, then go with her into the bathroom. Wonder what else it could mean." Buffy looked at the opposite wall, fighting tears. Angel laid a hand on her shoulder. Xander's face twisted as he tried to control his anger. Willow abruptly got put of her chair and left. Tara followed, alarmed. Giles sat there, keeping his British cool. Or so it seemed until he spoke.

"Dawn, there is more to the situation that what it seems. Angel is here to help Buffy with her Slayer duties. I suggest you keep you little mind on the present and facts instead of assumptions," he hissed. Dawn's eye widened. She sputtered. Angel smirked, Xander relaxed, and Buffy looked at Giles, eyes shining with thanks behind the unshed tears.

Dawn stormed off, slamming the bedroom door. Buffy's face changed to anger, and she yanked herself out of the chair and up the stairs. She pushed Angel's hand away and went to the room. She swung open the door. The adrenaline blocked out her screaming muscles and bones.

"Dawn Summers. Who do you think you are treating us like that. *Me* like that?" Buffy asked from the doorway. Dawn looked up from her pillow and glared. It didn't work. "Well?" Giles and Xander were behind her.

"Go away," Dawn said. It was just like when they were trapped in the house for her birthday.

"No. I want to know what gave you the right to speak to me that way." No answer came forth. Buffy walked, hobbled, over to the bed and sat down, not even stopping to pick up the box of art supplies she almost stepped on. "Well?" she demanded, placing a hand on Dawn's shoulder and shaking her.

Dawn pulled from under her hand and pushed her of the bed. Instead of regaining her balance like Dawn expected, Buffy twisted and took the fall on her shoulder. Angel reached her once it was too late. The deed was done. Her shoulder couldn't support her, and she fell on her back. Everything seemed to go in slow motion.

Her bruised back hit the floor, hard. She cried out in pain as Dawn and Angel tried to help her up. Dawn moved away at the cry.

Buffy was gently lifted from the floor and the collar of her gown opened and exposed her neck, while the pencil razor, used on charcoal pencils, fell from her back, bloody.

Dawn picked up the razor and looked at the growing patch of blood on the gown. It was on the small of her back, where she'd hit the headstone, then tub.

"B-Buffy?" she asked, voice shaking. Angel placed a hand over the flowing bruise and carried her from the room, strait to her room. Xander went into the bathroom and got the first aid kit.

"What's happening?" Dawn asked from behind Giles. He turned to her and snapped,

"Get Willow and Tara." She ran down the stairs and did just that. Willow and Tara were trying to comfort each other, and it wasn't going well. Willow looked at her with dark eyes. Not black, just darker than normal.

"G-G-Giles s-said t-to get you. Buffy," she said, whispering the last word.

"I told you," Willow said to Tara as they rushed from the room, Dawn followed.

"I know, bu-"

"Willow, get in here. I need you to use a Restraining spell," Giles said from beside the bed. Buffy was fighting them. Not surprising, but it was making her bleed even more. Dawn stared, horrified. Willow began chanting the spell and Tara helped Giles with the Calming spell so Angel could take care of the wound. The door slammed in Dawn's face. She went back to her room, crying, Xander following her to offer comfort.

The spells began taking effect and Buffy laid there, eagle spread on her stomach. Angel pulled out a dagger he'd found in the room and cut the gown down the back.

Buffy's eyes watered and her heart raced with emotion despite the Calming spell.

Quickly, Angel mopped up the blood and began dressing it. The trio kept the spells on until he was done. Giles turned his back as Willow handed over a new gown. Angel promptly dressed her, keeping his eyes on her face.

"T-thanks." she chocked out. Willow released the restraining spell. "Why was there so much blood?" she asked, looking at the ruined gown. Her back was throbbing, but she ignored it, relying on her skills. Everyone looked at Giles.

"I believe it is from the bite." They turned to Angel, who sighed and sat next to Buffy, pulling her to him.

"The blood thins thanks to something from the original vampires. It's easier on the drinker. Usually, all the blood is taken, or the victim it turned. Since Buffy lives-"

"Again." Giles muttered under his breath, glaring at Willow. He still wasn't happy that she messed with the forces of life and death.

Angel continued like he wasn't interrupted. "-her blood still contains the thinner. Once her body heals, it will leave. Well, it should be gone in a few more days at any rate," he added at the horrified looks.

"You know, this really isn't fair. I've been bite before and it didn't happed."

"Two things though. You offered yourself willingly--persistently might I add--and it was a magical poison that neutralized the blood thinner," Angel said, looking down at her. She yawned.

"So much for going downstairs." she muttered, fighting the drowsiness. Willow looked at the bloody gown. She picked it up and left the room. Tara looked at Buffy, concerned. Buffy yawned and smiled faintly. "Go, I'll be fine. I just...need to d-deal with Dawn in the morning," she said, the last few words being pulled out as her eyes fell. Giles lead Tara out, then shut the door. He turned to Angel.

"What did Dawn see?"

"Nothing. Well, I was helping her out of the bathroom. She couldn't get down the stairs, so I carried her." Giles frowned. Angel had to be *really* concerned to offer a full explanation.

"I'll speak with her. But there is nothing we can do to help Buffy?"

"No, not unless you have something to thicken her blood. It's part of the reason she's so tired. There's not enough air attaching the to cells, since they're covered in the demonic poison." Giles nodded and left the room. He went to talk to Dawn.

In her own room, Willow was looking at the gown, that was laid on the bed, the neat cut side-by-side. Tara was standing on the other side of the bed, looking worried. She knew Willow was on th edge. She also knew both she and Giles would probably go over the edge if they came into contact with Spike. Not that she wouldn't follow some.

"Show me the way to Buffy's rapist." Tara cringed at the word. The blood moved around on the gown and showed a map.

"Where is that?" she asked, leaning forward. Willow smiled at the lines and dot. Her eyes darkened a little more.

"That, my dear Tara, would be Spike and Drusilla's old warehouse."

"We're not going there are we?"

"No." Tara gave a sigh of relief. "Xander and I are."

"What? No! Wil, you can't. We need you here!" Tara was desperate. Willow registered the plea in her tone. "Please Wil, at least wait a little while. At least until tomorrow night, then Angel can go." Willow considered it, her smile growing. Her features softened.

"Ok. I'll wait." Tara let out a sigh of relief. The wait would calm her down.

In Dawn's room, Giles knelt next to the bed, picking up all the art supplies.

"What happened Giles?"

"Buffy was cut by a blade," he said, trying to keep the snarl from his voice. He's seen the bruise up close, how large it was, how swollen the area was, especially around her spine.

"No, I mean to her. She's been cut worse than that, and never bleed that much. She never cried out in pain like that either. And Angel *carries* her? You guys were acting like it's the end of the world," she said, staring at him. Giles managed to calm himself.

"Circumstances, Dawn."

"That I don't know!" she said. He glared at her tone.

"And you shan't. They're none of your business. And you shall never make accusations or insinuations like you did earlier. Buffy and Angel have done nothing to either earn or deserve them. In the morning, I want you to apologize to both of them." Dawn gaped.

"I didn't do anything!" she said.

"You did more than you realized Dawn. You are gong to stay in the room tonight-" He jabbed his hand at the window. It glowed blue then purple. "-and think about how you should have handled the confrontation about your assumptions better." Giles shut the door behind him. Dawn knew it was useless to try the window. She fell onto the bed, pouting.

Giles went downstairs, and into the kitchen. Xander took a large swig of his beer. Giles went to a cabinet and pulled out some whiskey, poured a finger, and knocked it back. Xander raised an eyebrow, toasted him, and took another swig. Giles carried the bottle over to the island, sat down next to Xander, and they drank.

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A.N.: I felt that they both needed a drink. Xander drank in the sixth season when Buffy went to his apartment after Spike and Anya slept together, and we all know Giles has drunk before. Well, besides the "Band Candy" episode and before the fight with Adam. Looks like Giles is usin' his magic again. What about the upcoming confrontation with Spike? Any sympathy for Dawn, Buffy and Angel? Ok, plz review.