DISCLAIMER: Joss is Boss

Ch12…

***

Kayleigh was trying to get used to the idea that the guy who was currently making dreamy eyes at Buffy was actually the vampire that other vampires feared, both with a soul and without. The vampire in question was seated on the armchair, Buffy was sitting on the arm but may as well have been in his lap considering how close they were. She didn't say anything about it since no one else was making a big deal out of it. Everybody had heard the rumours about Buffy being in love with a vampire, Rona and Vi had mentioned the other vampire Spike but from what she had heard from Dawn and was witnessing know she'd bet anything that it was Angel. Gunn and Willow were on the couch apparently catching up, the latter giggling over something to do with evil candy. Dawn and Connor were on the floor in front of them, Dawn was fiddling with her necklace pulling on the charm something she always did when she was nervous. Kayleigh felt nervous just being in the room not to mention sitting on an armchair waiting for another vampire to show up so they could all discuss how to stop some prophecy. Faith had warned her that being around Dawn would be interesting.
"Connor I'm pretty sure that sword is clean enough."
Dawn bit back a laugh when Connor jumped; he'd been pretty intensely focussed on polishing the long blade. Actually he'd been pretty intensely focussed on anything that wasn't her as soon as the car had stopped and he'd let go of her hand. Xander would call this the 'denial' phase, apparently he and Cordelia had been very deeply into it for most of their relationship. Growing up with people mostly older than you had some pretty decent perks.
"Blue not here then?"
The door slammed shut behind the peroxide blonde vampire who came to a stop in the middle of the room. All conversations pretty much came to a halt, Willow looking over Spike wearily.
"Red, is it just you or should I be expecting the watcher and the boy as well? A regular bloody Sunnydale reunion."
Kayleigh tried not to cough from the strong lingering scent of cigarettes, the tension in the room was heavy, she could practically feel the hatred vibrating from Dawn and Angel.
"Hey Spike, it's just me for now." Willow replied softly though her eyes twinkled with some kind of mischief.
"Illyria's still out checking in with some sources about what the vampire told us." Angel told him, Buffy was now well and truly in his lap.
"No need to pause for dramatic tension you bloody poof. What's going on this time?"
Spike collapsed onto a chair dragged from the kitchen swinging his boots up to rest on the coffee table much to Dawn's distaste, there were little bits of demon guts stuck to the soles of them. She was very proud of herself for not gagging.
"It's Ethan Rayne, or at least he's the boss. The vamp said he was working for him trying to gather information about 'the prophesized two' whatever that means." Buffy sighed resting her head against Angel's chest. "There's some demon named Monty who supposedly knows more but we got nothing so far."
"Rayne, he turned Nancy Boy into the fyarl demon." Spike smirked at that, either not noticing or not caring at the withering glares he received.
"You would find that funny." Dawn muttered. "Who are the two? Do we know that?"
Buffy and Angel exchanged a glance, something Willow had always envied; the way they could talk without saying a word.
"Not exactly but we're pretty sure we know who they mean."
"Are you going to share with the rest of the class?" Spike asked playing with his lighter; he could hear the gritting of Gunn's teeth and the flare of Dawn's nostrils.
"The miracle children, I can only think of two people that fit that title." Buffy started softly dragging her eyes over to Dawn slowly. She could tell the exact moment her sister understood, her eyes darkened and she scooted away from the room.
"No, no not this again. I'm nothing anymore, just human."
Kayleigh held in her breath as she watched Buffy comfort her sister, she wasn't terrifying in that moment. She risked a glance at Connor; he was stoic staring at the table in front of him but not really seeing it.
"Connor?"
His voice was smooth like velvet and he knew it well, especially with his hearing. He could feel the gazes of everyone in the room either pointedly looking at him or around him.
"The miracle children." His voice wasn't nearly as inviting as his father's but it had a lilt to it that was enticing all on its own. "Are we sure this one isn't a fake?"
Gunn bit back a snort and Angel winced.
"That's what we're trying to find out."
Spike cracked his knuckles and stood up.
"Right then since I don't really give a bugger about any of this I'll be off then. Someone's got to make sure no tasty young things are out getting bit, may as well be me."
Kayleigh estimated that the tension in the air dissipated at least ten percent with his departure. Willow yawned from her spot on the couch and smiled apologetically at Buffy.
"Sorry, the lag from teleporting is catching up with me."
The blonde slayer smiled tightly at her best friend.
"It's fine, get some rest. If we're gearing up for the next apocalypse we'll definitely need our favourite Sabrina at full power."
The two friends hugged, Willow broke away and stared over at Dawn who was wrapping her hair around her finger tightly.
"Dawnie?"
The younger girl crawled into the witch's arms allowing her body to sag into hers. Willow always gave the best hugs.
"We'll work this out, I promise. You know I can get Xander here in no time if you need a little comic relief."
Dawn choked out a laugh and shook her head.
"That's okay, although he's going to be pissed about missing Andrew's love affair with Spike."
Willow patted her pocket and winked at Dawn.
"That's what the phone is for. Besides do you really think Andrew would go somewhere without that damned video camera attached to his face?"
"Thanks Will."
The witch smiled affectionately at the young girl who may as well be her sister.
"No problem."
The door shut softly behind Willow and Dawn was left to return to the buzz in the room. Kayleigh and Gunn were busy pulling out the books that Angel pointed too, Buffy was calling for pizza and she was on the floor, Connor was next to her. Without much thought she let her hand wander over the grimy carpet that she couldn't ever remember having been vacuumed and pulled his hand into hers squeezing it tightly. They didn't look at each other and they didn't talk but she knew he appreciated it. He squeezed her hand back.

***

So Happy New Year! I'm trying hard to keep my muse on this story and she will. I just need to go watch some Mad Men and reignite my love affair with Vincent Karthesier. So Andrew and Giles, this will be epic I promise you! So definitely look out for the next chapter. Any guesses on what the prophecy is??? And what exactly will happen when Ethan Rayne and Giles come face to face once again??