Chapter Five
Willow slipped into the mansion. It dark out and Angel hadn't come by to tell them he was going to patrol. She crept around, seeing neither Buffy or Angel, and noticed they were on the couch.
Shaking her head, she smiled and cast a quick fire spell in the grate before sneaking out. She called the others and told them Angel was busy with Buffy. Understanding, she, Tara, Xander and Giles patrolled.
The group walked through the graveyard in silence. Anya had decided to stay at her shop, seeing as she was a demon herself and wasn't about to make a bad rep again. They came up ago a vamp. Giles nodded to Xander. He went around the building and shot it with a crossbow. It instantly turned to dust. But that drew the attention of the other vamps.
Tara and Willow were working on magically caging them while Giles and Xander took them out. The cage was finished as they dodged a pissed vamp. The stake had missed.
"Giles, just push him through!" Willow yelled as she and Tara struggled to keep the barriers in place. Giles managed to get the vamp into the contained area. The three of them together stood around the cage in a triangle and began saying a fire spell. The cage was engulfed in flame and all the vamps were destroyed. Willow went over to Tara and helped her stand strait while she shook off the numbness from the spell.
"You guys all right?" Xander asked.
"Pardon? Oh, yes, fine," Giles said while cleaning his glasses. Willow and Tara mumbled their responses.
"I think we should get back," Tara said.
"Me too. I'm worried about Dawn." Willow commented as she played with Tara's hair.
"Come on," Xander said, extending an arm. Everyone slowly walked back to Giles' car. They climbed in after stowing all the weapons in the trunk. The drive was silent.
"This is de ja vu," Willow said as they pulled onto Rovello drive.
"Thank god it's not true," Xander said before he realized what he'd said. Willow hung her head and went into the house. Tara followed. Giles sighed. "You know what I meant, right?" he asked, turning to the older man.
"I do Xander. But you must realize, Willow could have done terrible things by suggesting and going through with the ritual."
"I-" but there was nothing he could say. "G' night Giles," he said before going over to his own car that was parked by the curb. Giles climbed into his vehicle and drove to his apartment.
***
It was just before dawn when Buffy awoke. She blinked, looking around. She saw it was Angel that was making such a nice cushion. She blushed beet red when she recall another time he's made a *excellent* cushion. Buffy Summers wasn't one to brag about her sex life...telling Willow didn't count.
She shifted and saw the fire had died. Angel unconsciously wrapped his arms tighter around her. Smiling as her blush slowly faded, she reached for the cover on the back of the couch and spread it over them the best she could. After cursing Spike and the messed up her Slayer abilities, she settled back against his chest and rested.
Angel awoke when she was back in place. "Morning," he said, looking at her face before kissing her forehead. She felt her heart speed with her happiness. "How long have you been up?"
"Long enough to get the cover," she said, shifting and burrowing under said cover. He chuckled and stroked her hair. "Hm?"
"Nothing," he replied to the questioning noise. She looked at him, head tilted. He sighed. "I was thinking about what a complete fool I was to send you back. You came to LA to make sure I was all right."
"You came when mom died. You come to apologize."
"Only after Wes said a few things." She hit his chest. "What?"
"You only came to apologize because of Wesley?!"
"No. I came to apologize because I wanted to. Wes only showed me that." Satisfied, she settled back into her place.
"Angel?" she asked after a little while.
"Yes?"
"Nothing, forget it," she said.
"Buffy, it's all right. You can ask," he said, tilting her chin. Her hands became a little damp as she averted her gaze. "Hey, talk to me."
"Well...I-I wanted to go out. Walk around. Later tonight I mean," she said, flicking her gaze to the windows. "I need to move and-"
"It's ok," he said with amusement. "I'm not going to be hurt because you want to get away from here. We can go as soon as the sun sets." He had his doubts, especially since there was no proof Spike had left, but he wouldn't tell her that.
"Thanks," she said. "I need a bath," she said, looking at her knees. He laughed and stood, not even moving her. Gently, he carried her to his bathroom and drew a hot bath. After she was settle in the large tub, he left to find something she could wear. All he came up with were some spare sweats.
When Angel returned to the bathroom, Buffy was leaning back, eyes shut. Steam was coming off the water. He set the clothing on the sink and silently sat next to the tub. Buffy reached a hand from under the water and grasped his hand. He looked at the wastebin and saw she'd managed to remove the bandages. There was no blood in the water, so he wasn't in alarm.
The warm water soothed her muscles; they were protesting to being stuck in one position all night. Her back and thighs throbbed. She could practically feel the bones and muscles working to heal themselves. As a Slayer, she was very in-tun with her body. After coming back from the dead, her senses were all better, more acute. Everything was worse for her now. Louder, brighter, violent...it went on and on.
Angel stroked her hand, wishing he could figure out the worse torture for Spike. There was to many possibilities. Once he'd been cursed, he hadn't tortured except the few years before. But now, he was more then considering it. He was also considering who was going to help with what.
Angel helped her out of the tub, to get dressed, and to the living room. They talked the entire time.
"We'll have to call the others. Maybe see if they want to meet us later," he said.
"Uh...sure. I-I still need to talk to Dawn."
"That little brat should learn some manners." Buffy snorted, but in amusement or agreement he didn't know.
"Yea, well..." Wolfram and Hart had informed him about Dawn during the Jasmine incident. Or, somewhere around there. Buffy looked at Angel. "I really messed up didn't I?"
He considered the question. "Not really. Buffy, you acted as you normally would. Your nerves were strung to breaking point. She probably just turned the wheel once to many times." Buffy nodded.
"I'm hungry," she said after pause. He laughed and she glared. "What?" she asked, bristling.
"Nothing. I'll call and see if anyone will bring something." Buffy nodded.
"Call Giles," she said, a nod with her words.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"All right. You wait here then," he said while setting her on the couch.
"I'm *really* going to go somewhere Angel," she said, rolling her eyes. He chuckled and went to the phone, which was actually hidden. It was a "borrowed" line from the main street line. After talking to Giles for a few minutes, he returned to the room. Buffy was staring at the empty grate. He sat dawn next to her, resting her head on his chest.
Giles arrived around fifteen minutes later. He was carrying a bag. The first thing Buffy did was smile at the smell of chocolate. "Giles!" she said, getting off Angel. Angel stood and received a blanket in the face as Buffy went over to her Watcher. He smiled slightly.
Giles set the bag on a table and waited. Buffy stopped just outside of arms length. Slowly, she moved forward. After a hesitation, she wrapped her arms around Giles. Giles held back his tears, looking just like a father reunited with his long lost daughter. He loosely wrapped his arms around her. After being sure she wasn't going to pull away, he tightened his grip a little more, just until his embrace was holding but not restraining.
"Oh Buffy," he said. She sniffed, but held back the tears. Giles closed his eyes and smiled. After a few moments, he opened his eyes, pulled back, and looked at her.
"I'm so sorry Giles," she said, casting her gaze downward for a moment.
"No, no. I should have listened to you," he said, wiping his tears. Giles released her. "Now, I believe there is something in here you might like," he said, turning back to the bag while composing himself. Angel chuckled to himself.
"Like chocolate?" Buffy asked, going over.
"Among other things," Giles said, pulling out some containers. There was double chocolate cookies, sweet and sour chicken, Neapolitan ice-cream and root beer. Buffy's eyes lit up. The Chinese food had been one of her childhood favorites, but in Sunnydale, you didn't have a Chinese restraint. She immediately picked up the carton, a fork and when over to the couch. Angel leaned against the wall, watching with an amused smile as Buffy began eating with a Slayer's gusto. Angel laughed and Giles shook his head in amusement. Buffy chose to ignore them.
The Watcher sat in a recliner and watched Buffy. Angel took a seat next to him. "How's she doing?"
"We're going out tonight," Angel said in response. Giles nodded. They were talking quietly.
"To where?"
"I'm not sure yet. She wants to walk around. Not that I can't blame her," he said, looking at Buffy as she scowled at the deserts. She was caught between cookies and floats. With a shrug, she picked up the pint of ice-cream, ripped open the bag of cookies and ate them together.
"Maybe you should stick to the area around here," Giles said, also watching. Buffy had found the plastic spoon in the bag and was making ice-cream and cookie sandwiches, ignoring the men as she focused on her task.
"No. I'll figure something out. Just not near any cemeteries."
"Or schools," Giles said, lips twitching.
"Or schools," Angel echoed with a nod. "Hey Buffy." She looked at him, head tilted. "It's not going anywhere you know."
"Shut up Angel," she said in mock anger. "I will eat at whatever speed I please," she said, waving the spoon. He laughed and she glared before going back to her food.
"You'll talk to the others, maybe meet up with us?" he asked. Giles nodded. "She said something about talking to Dawn." Giles frowned then smiled.
"She doesn't have to worry about Dawn. That has been taken care of." Angel raised an eyebrow. Giles shook his head, grinning mischievously. Angel smiled slightly.
"Are you two finished talking about me yet?" she asked. They looked at her.
"How do you know we were talking about you?" Angel asked, going over.
"You were talking in low voices and far away from me. It's not hard to figure out. Plus, Giles looked like he was going to break something," she added with a smile. Angel chuckled and Giles smiled sheepishly.
***
The couple walked out the mansion door. It was dark, and cool. Buffy tugged on her turtle neck nervously. Angel placed a hand on the small of her back and she smiled. They climbed into her car, Angel in the driver's seat. Willow and Tara had brought it over after classes, along with some clothing for Buffy. Tara and Buffy had put the things away while Willow informed Angel of Spike's hiding place.
"Angel?" Buffy asked, looking at his uncertainly. He was gripping the wheel, almost breaking it, and scowling darkly.
"Yes?"
"You all right?" she asked, looking at his hands. He released the wheel and flexed his hands.
"I'm fine. Just thinking." He didn't tell her what he knew. She nodded and started playing with the cross, showing her nervousness. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked as they turned down another rode.
"Yeah," she said, offering a smile. She had a small bottle of Holy Water in her pocket, and a stake inside her leather jacket. They pulled up to the Magic Box. Buffy removed her seatbelt and opened the door as Angel reached it. "I *can* do things for myself you know," she said with a small smile. He shut the door, replaced his hand, and they walked towards the store entrance.
"I do," he said, opening the door and letting her go first. He didn't need permission to enter the store.
"Buffy. How are you?" Xander asked, standing. He took a few steps towards them then stopped awkwardly.
"Been better, been worse," she said with a shrug. "Where's Dawn?" she asked, looking around.
"Here," her sister said as she came out of the back room carrying a pop. She saw Angel and her lips tightened, but Giles gave her a sharp look that caused her to change that. "So where are we going tonight?"
"The park?" Willow suggested. Tara smiled slightly, but shook her head.
"No. A movie?" she offered. Buffy said no.
"I want to walk around and see things. Not set in a chair, in a dark room, staring at Hollywood's latest production."
"Then we'll just walk around," Xander said. Anya was leaning against the counter, working on something.
"That's fine with me," Buffy said, offering a smile. Everyone stood, pulled on their coat, picked up a small weapon and left. Anya locked the shop. Angel's arm was currently host to Buffy's hand, which was tucked tightly into his elbow. Willow and Tara held hands. The group chatted and walked. After about twenty minutes, they arrived at an ice-cream shop. Dawn looked at Buffy. She rolled her eyes and handed over a ten.
"Do you want to go in?"
"No really," Buffy said, watching Dawn and smiling.
"You should eat something."
"I ate something earlier," she said, smile drooping slightly.
"I know, but you need to keep your strength and health-" she snorted "-up."
"I'm not hungry."
"Liar," he said as her stomach protested the statement.
"I don't want to eat," she snapped. Dawn exited the shop, handed Buffy the change, and began eating her towering chocolate cone. Xander soon followed with Willow and Tara, each eating a cone. Xander had a Chunky Monkey, Willow had a Dark Chocolate Chip dipped in white chocolate sauce, and Tara had Strawberry Swirl.
"Where now?" Anya asked.
"A movie?" Dawn suggested.
"The park?" Willow asked.
"The Bronze?" Xander said. Giles, Buffy and Angel shook their heads.
"How about the docks?" Giles suggested, looking at Buffy. He could practically see her mind working as she went over her mental map of Sunnydale and everything about the vampire and demon habits. Finally, she nodded slightly.
"Let's go to the docks," she said, smiling. It wasn't her first choice; she almost lost Angel because of the vampires that were after the Judge's arm. And that night didn't end to well. She tightened her grip on Angel. Sensing her thoughts, he placed his arm around her shoulders. She relaxed and smiled at him.
Behind them, near the end of the group, Dawn and Xander watched.
"She's being a s-"
"Finish that sentence and you never see the light of day until you leave for college," Xander said warningly.
"You don't like him. You never have."
"Dawn, we're all glad he's here. Whether I like him or not isn't going to change that," he said through clenched teeth as he recalled *why* Angel was there. "Besides, Giles told you not to say anything." Dawn shivered and he smirked slightly. It wasn't cold.
"I know." She flicked her gaze to Giles. He'd thoroughly locked her room and the house so she couldn't go out at night. Then she'd gotten a very long lecture about everything. By the time he was done, she knew never to piss him off. He wasn't in Ripper form, but the stories she'd heard, it was close enough.
"So then don't," he said as they went down the main street that lead to the docks.
"I don't like it. I want to see Spike," she said. Xander, Giles and Willow all stopped. They went over to her.
"You were already told you couldn't see him," Giles said.
"Why? No one will tell me why except that it's dangerous. It's not my fault Buffy and Spike had a bad breakup." Angel and Buffy stopped, confused as to why they head no steps besides Tara and Anya. With a sigh, Buffy backtracked. Angel shook his head, having a faint idea what they were scolding Dawn for.
"I though we were going to walk," Buffy said jokingly. "But if you all want to stand here talking..." she looked around at the four, smile fading.
"The answer will always be no Dawn, so don't ask," Willow said. She looked at Angel, who understood the message. He nodded. They were going to pay Spike a visit soon.
The group returned to walking after a few more warnings to Dawn. They reached the dock and she asked, not taking the warnings, "Why can't I see Spike Buffy?" Buffy didn't respond, but all the color drained from her face. Everyone else was scowling at Dawn. "Well? I have a right to know!"
"No you don't," she said, startling all but Dawn and Angel. "Don't ask me again Dawn."
"Why?!" she demanded, stomping her foot. Buffy whirled around and went over. She was really pale and a little woozy.
"Because I said so," she whispered in Dawn ear after bending down next to her. Dawn's eyes filled with tears.
"It's not fair. He-he watched me all summer. He took care of me," she said, shoulders shaking. Her confusion and sadness was genuine, they all knew. "J-just because you guys broke up, doesn't m-mean I shouldn't be able to see him." And with that, they all discovered the problem she had with Angel. Well, one of the main ones anyway. Buffy's shoulders slumped.
"You're not going to find out. Just stay away from Spike. I have no clue where he is. But he's dangerous right now," was all she would say. She thought his rage at her might just overpower the pain from his chip, especially when he found out Angel was in town.
"Please Buffy?" she asked voice small as she cried.
"No," Buffy said, looking away. "Anya, do me a favor and take her home?" she asked, looking at the vengeance demon. Anya nodded, surprisingly not saying a word before she teleported with Dawn. Angel placed hand on her shoulder and she removed it, walking towards the water.
"What do we do?" Tara asked.
"We should go to the warehouse."
"Oh," was all she could say. Her eyes widened. "You've all got something planned! Wil, you promised." Willow shook her head.
"I said I would wait," Willow said, crossing her arms.
"What about Angel?" Giles asked.
"I'm not sure. He's not going to leave Buffy alone at night. We all need to go."
"During the day?" Xander asked. He received a few looks. "No, using the tunnels. I know we need his help," he admitted with a huff. Willow raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Nothing," she said, shaking her head. "But it does sound like a good plan." Giles nodded in agreement.
"What about Dawn? We'd have to go while she's in school," Tara pointed out.
"Then we will. She can call Anya if needed. And Buffy'll be safe in the mansion."
"She won't go for it and you know it," Xander said, shifting.
"We can't take her along."
"I say we ask her Wil."
"That's preposterous," Giles said, while wiping down his glasses. "I rather like being able to get within touching distance of her." They gave him strange looks and he turned a little pink while scowling at them. "She gave me a hug when I took her food this afternoon."
"I'm with Giles. We shouldn't say anything." Xander commented, watching them. "I think it's ironic," he said.
"What is?"
"That in high school, I thought it would be better for Buffy to be with Spike and in danger, then be with Angel and safer."
"Well, that is ironic," Willow admitted grimly. "I feel like this is my fault." No one commented. Giles was the only one of the small group that didn't really have anything to feel bad about…well, except leaving that is. And he did feel bad about that. Just not as bad as the others did about bringing her back from the dead.
"Maybe we should just ask Angel," Tara said, looking at the couple. Everyone else agreed and they made their way to Buffy and Angel. The group stood on the edge off the docks and watched the waves, each lost in their own thoughts.