FIC: A Story Continued

Title: A Story Continued
Rating: PG-13
Author: Pat Kelly
Summary: Sequel to "A Story That Tells the Truth." I hope you all enjoy.

Spoilers: Season 5.
Disclaimer: All hail Joss and his army of Mutant Enemies. I don't own BTVS. I make no money.

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August 2000, 2 Weeks Before the Start of Sophomore Year

Giles' House, Sunnydale

Willow was furious. Willow was overflowing with rage. Willow...well, shewas downright pissed off. They were all in Giles' courtyard, Buffy sitting on the steps ashamed, Giles just...standing, and the hacker could've sworn she hadjust seen Xander eat a bug off one of the bushes. She was unable to think about that now, though. She didn't like being angry, she disliked expressing it even more, but she had to this time.

"Dracula, come out and fight fair, you, you...big, pale, billowy cape wearing...jerk!" That felt good, and she felt more coming. "Ooh, I am so gonna stake you! You think you can sneak into Buffy's room, bite her, and you won't have to face my wrath? I'm a witch. Betcha didn't know that. So be preparedfor magickal wrath! Scary wrath! There's gonna be wrath!" She got that point across nicely. "She's mine! Touch her again and, and I'll...do something really bad to you! Hours of agony! Then comes the staking! Let's not forget that! Again and again! And don't think your sexiness will save you, buster! You haven't seen my new resolve face! It doesn't break! Zero caving!"

She needed to take a deep breath; she was pooped. During her now girlfriend's long threat, Buffy had risen and was currently standing behind her. She puther hands on Willow's shoulders to calm her.

"I think he gets the message. The whole underworld got the message."

Willow turned. "Did I overdo it? I was just trying to be clear."

"You were definitely clear." The slayer smiled. "But what's this 'She's mine' talk? Since when did I become your property, huh?"

"No, no, no!" Willow shook her head. "You're totally your own person. What I meant...uh...see, you own me...no, that's not right either...cause that would imply a 'yay' vote for slavery which I don't endorse in any way. Absolutelynot. No sir. The whole idea of slavery is surrounded by wrongness and freedom loss. Very bad. I celebrate Martin Luther King's birthday every year. I even weara hat." Buffy was grinning. "You just wanted to hear me babble."

"My day's not complete without it." They shared a kiss. "Coming to my rescue against evil Dracula. Whoa. I've never seen you get so mad. And all over me, too." Willow blushed. "But did I hear you say that you think he's sexy?"

"Those weren't my exact words, but...don't you?"

"You kidding? But I don't admit it out loud."

"Guess that's not..." The redhead trailed off. "You're way sexier."

"So are you, Will." The blonde winked.

"No one can match the dreamy sex appeal of the Unholy Prince." Giles, Buffy, and Willow stared at Xander oddly. "Bator."

"We need to find Dracula before he decides to try and carry out another offensive." Giles said.

"So we search." Buffy said. "You and me, Giles."

"And me." Willow volunteered.

"I was gonna ask you to get Tara and un-invite Dracula from my house. For mom, so I know she'll be safe." She smiled. "When we find his place, I swear I'll come and get you."

"Okay." Willow nodded. "But I wanna stake him. Can't have him thinking Imake idle, empty threats, you know."

***

Two Days Later

Buffy's House, Sunnydale

"Thanks, mom. As usual, dinner earns five stars." Buffy said, finishing clearing off her plate.

"Not that I don't appreciate the praise, but what's with the extra flattery tonight?" Joyce asked, looking suspicious.

"I'm just trying to make up for all those times I didn't compliment the food, is all." She stood up from the table. "We should make a regular date of this. When school starts."

Her mother nodded. "Where are you going? You're not patrolling, are you?It's only 8:30."

"Oh. No. Willow wailed on Dracula, and we basically put the biggest namein the vamp world out of commission, so we're gonna grab some ice cream and celebrate. Might go to a movie." She smiled.

"You're going on a date?"

"Uh...kind...no. Xander's coming too. It's a gang outing."

Joyce sighed. "Buffy...she could've come over for dinner."

"We didn't wanna push it."

"You're smiling a lot more."

"Am I?"

"I haven't seen you smile this much since before the divorce." The two generations looked at one another for a moment, and then the older one cleared her throat. "Have fun. Try not to be too late, okay?"

Buffy hugged her, and then kissed her cheek. "I love you, mom." The slayer ran to her room to grab her jacket, and when she got there, she someone who shouldn't be there. "What are you doing here?" She asked the younger, brunette girl, who had her arms crossed over her chest.

Her mother called up. "Buffy? As long as the whole group is going out, why don't you take your sister?"

"Mom!" Both girls whined simultaneously.

***

Half-an-Hour Later

Giles' House, Sunnydale

The children were off being children, and Giles sat contentedly on his sofa, drinking tea. He hadn't been content in for a long time, and then Buffy brought a smile to his face. He couldn't stop replaying her words in his mind.

'I need to know more. About where I come from, about the other slayers. I mean, maybe...maybe if I could learn to control this thing, I could be stronger; I could be better. But...I'm scared. I know it's gonna be hard. And I can'tdo it...without you. I need your help. I need you to be my Watcher again.'

With that, he was given fuel to start up his life again. He couldn't wait to get started.

***

August 2000, 1 Week Before the Start of Sophomore Year

Buffy's House, Sunnydale

It had been a week since Buffy had asked Giles to be her watcher again, to train her. She was currently waiting for him to arrive, because they were going to go to the magick shop and pick up supplies. She was going to be one hundred percent duty and academic focused this year. To kill time though, she was flipping through TV channels trying not to think about the fact that, one, she had to take her sister along; and two, that the new semester was beginning in a few days. Then something saved her from the noise of repetitive clicking.

A knock on, and then the opening of, the front door.

It couldn't be Giles, because he said he was going to honk the horn of his new sports car, and she was supposed to obediently come running. Like one of Pavlov's dogs, or something. He'd probably want her to salivate at the sight of the paint job, too. But no, it wasn't Giles. The visitor poked her head into the living room, and the body soon followed. It was someone Buffy was thrilled to see.

"Willow." Buffy smiled and outstretched her arms. "Hold me."

Willow frowned, but quickly and eagerly complied, sitting on the sofa and enveloping her girlfriend. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Everything's nice and stable. I just like it when you hold me." She started counting on her fingers. "And smile at me, and see me, and wave at me, and when you're in the same room as me, and walk next to me, and talk to me, and kiss me..." Willow kissed her. "Am I getting across the me liking you pattern?" She leaned against the other girl's chest as Willow said a soft, 'uh huh.' "I didn't even get to the things you do with me that I love, yet." She pondered. "Or is that do *to* me?"

"Buffy!" The redhead inhaled sharply.

"What? You make me crazy about you every time you're around. You do thatto me. What's so bad about that?" Buffy smiled coyly.

"We both know what you meant, Buffy Anne Summers." Willow's look was stern. "I should wash out your mouth with soap." Suddenly she realized how many ways those words could be twisted around. "Let that one go, please?"

"It's already gone, Will." The slayer's eyes went wide. "We didn't have plans, did we? Cause Giles is dragging me to the magick shop for a Slayer Shopping Spree."

"Nope. No plans. Just showed up unannounced. I'm wacky and spontaneous sometimes." She thought. "Magick shop? I was gonna go there, but then I decided seeing you was more fun." She pouted. "You mean I walked all this way...andI coulda just met you there?"

"Yeah, but I'm glad you came, if that helps your tired legs. So they know they didn't walk for nothing." Buffy bit her lip. "I'm more fun than magick?"

"Duh! Absolutely. No question." Willow gave her a smile, and then lookedat her legs. "And they appreciate it."

Buffy gave her a smile in return, teeth and all. "Besides, it's good you came. You can ride with me, Giles, and," She sighed, "Dawn. Keep me companyand stop me from freaking at her and such."

"Oh yeah. I haven't seen his new car yet." The wicca remembered. "But don't you think you're hard on her a little too much?"

Buffy was about to answer when the topic in question came down the stairs, and stood in front of them.

"Hey, Willow." Dawn smiled.

"Hey, Dawny."

The younger girl studied the couple. "I think she's nuts and everything,but if mom catches you like that, she is so gonna kill you, you know."

"No she isn't." Buffy said, annoyed.

"Yeah, she is."

"Is not." There was a horn honking outside. "See? That's Mr. Giles, so there's no problem, and there's gonna be no killing. Cause we're leaving."

"Maybe not now..." Dawn admitted. "But she will eventually. I warned you, remember, so don't blame me when it happens. Cause it won't be my fault."

"Fine. Thanks for your concern." The slayer and the hacker rose from the couch. "Will, can you walk out to the car with her?" Willow nodded. "Buckleup, and don't bug Mr. Giles!" Buffy called as her sister went out the door with Willow.

How come some days she felt like she wasn't meant to have a sister? Or maybe she just *wished* she wasn't meant to have a sister. She loved Dawn; really, she was just incredibly hard to live with at times. Grabbing her keys off of the coffee table, she took a deep breath and walked outside, shutting the door behind her.

***

25 Minutes Later

Streets of Sunnydale

Giles found a parking spot at the opposite end of the block that the Magic Box, and they all got out and started to walk toward the shop. Willow and Buffy walked ahead of Giles and Dawn. The younger Summers was very, very, very bored, but she had to come. She didn't like it anymore than Buffy did. The good thing was that they were going school shopping after this, and she could spend her sister's money.

"So yeah, Giles and I worked out a whole schedule around school. A blockof time every day just to focus on my new slayer training." Buffy was telling Willow.

The redhead got giddy quickly. "That's a work ethic! Buffy, you're developing a work ethic."

"Oh, no. Do they make an ointment for that?"

"People gotta respect a solid work ethic. Look at you, 'Motivated Buffy.' Eager to soak up learning. Oh, you and I are gonna have so much fun this semester!"

The slayer stopped moving. "That reminds me. With the whole new training schedule, I kinda had to drop a class."

"That's understandable. Your slayer studies are way more important."

"So I won't be taking drama with you."

"What? You have to, you promised!" She was very upset now.

"Well, I know, but Giles said that it just was -" Buffy pointed at the ex-librarian as Willow interrupted her.

"The hell with Giles."

"I can hear you, Willow." Giles pointed out, surprise on his face.

"Drama is just Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. You can blow off training Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, can't you?"

Buffy smirked. "What happened to 'people gotta respect a work ethic'?"

"Other people! Not me! There's a whole best friend loophole. The girlfriend clause is also in effect now too." The redhead was not happy. "Giles...can I talk to...? One sec." She took him by the arm, and they walked a few feet away, their backs turned on Buffy and Dawn.

When they rejoined the group, Giles looked slightly uncomfortable, but Willow was smiling brightly.

"Taken care of." She said to Buffy.

"What did you say to him?"

"There might have been mention of a toad..." The wicca said innocently.

"Willow!" They got to the shop, and saw Tara standing out front. "Hey, Tara."

"Hey witchy, friend, partner person!" Willow greeted the girl enthusiastically.

"She just blackmailed Giles. Caused her cheeriness level to just go through the roof." Buffy explained.

"Insect, rodent or amphibian?" Tara asked.

"Amphibian." Willow answered with a grin. "You going in here too?"

"Oh. I-I was, but it's kinda dark inside. I think it's closed."

"That's odd." Giles remarked, a cautious edge to his voice.

"Dawn, wait out here." Buffy told her sister before they went to check it out.

The brunette sank to the curb with a sigh. She never got to see the cool stuff.

***

That Night

Buffy's House, Sunnydale

Later, after they found out that the store's owner had been killed by vampires and Giles got infected with the capitalist bug, Willow was sittingwith Dawn in the girl's bedroom. They were listening to Joyce and Buffy argue over what had happened today, in Joyce's bedroom down the hall. And it was one of those rushed fights, because Joyce had somewhere she needed to be for work.

"So not only didn't you take your sister shopping for school supplies, you brought her to a murder scene." She was saying.

"No, I didn't bring her to it." Buffy replied, trying desperately to make her mother understand. "It...just...sorta came upon us. It's not like she saw the body or anything."

"Oh, well, that makes it all right then, doesn't it?"

"No, that is not what I meant."

"I asked one favor of you, Buffy. To look after your sister. And now youwant to unload her so you can go out."

"Patrolling. Vamps causing death in town is bad news. Everybody's got a job, mom. And I hafta go do mine."

"Where's that leave, Dawn, Buffy?" In the room, Dawn cast her eyes downward, and Willow gave her hand a squeeze. Why was the arguing always over her? The redhead then got up and entered the hallway. "I realize you have a responsibility to protect the world, but you also have a responsibility to your family."

"I know that, and I'm doing the best I can. Juggling is hard work. Couldn't Dawn just stay here by herself for a few -" She stopped herself, and saw her mother's look. "Bad idea." She sighed. "Why did you get so upset over something she didn't even see, and something you know I had no control over?"

"Your mom's just had a lot on her mind lately, Buffy." Willow said, walking into the room. The two women looked at her. "That causes confusion to come out at goofy times and in goofy ways."

Buffy's eyes widened as she realized what Willow was driving at. "Mom, if you have something you wanna say, just say it. Yell, scream, get it out of your system. Please."

"I..." Joyce paused. "I really don't have the time right now."

"I could watch Dawn, Mrs. Summers. It's Xander's turn for patrol, anyway." Willow offered. "Unless you don't want me to, which I'd completely understand."

"Oh no, honey. I think the world of you, Willow, you know that." Joyce sighed, and then forced a smile onto her face. "And that would be a great help, thank you."

"No problem."

***

September 2000, Third Week of Classes

The Bronze, Sunnydale

Buffy was giggling to herself as she and her friends sat in the club that was almost a second home sometimes. No matter how lame the Bronze was, it was the Bronze. If it ever shut down, nothing would ever be the same. A lot of bad things had gone on inside these walls, but those things had shaped them. Made them who they were. They grew up here, and for that reason, they still came, almost nightly, showing their appreciation.

All they had to do was think about the name. The Bronze. Like a bronze shield. It didn't guarantee twenty-four hour protection, nor was it a safe haven, but it came through when they needed it. Buffy had made many a weapon by using objects in the club. And the majority of the time, when they wanted to forget the doom that penetrated into their lives, they could go here, step out into the dance area, and just lose themselves in the music. Or simply enjoythe company of friends.

As she was currently doing. Seeing the stares of Willow, Anya, Tara, and Xander, she giggled some more.

"Sorry, you guys, it's just...Harmony and her...minions was so..." The slayer said, stifling her laughter. It had been two weeks since then, but it was still able to amuse her, and the gang was obviously amused by her uncharacteristic giggling. "New topic, anyone?"

"How's the a-apartment, Xander?" Tara asked, as Buffy gave her a smile meant to thank.

All their minds went back to The "Double Xander" Time. A demon who had abig, magick stick, a zap, and there was "Goof Xander" and "Serious and Focused Xander." It had been...interesting. That didn't even begin to explain how weird the experience was, but it was the safe explanation.

"The view is much nicer." Anya answered for her boyfriend. "And the bed is very sturdy. Right, Xander?"

He nodded uncomfortably. "Quality springs."

"And just think, it all happened cause there was two of you." Willow smiled.

"Yeah, whoever said a split personality was a bad thing?" He asked rhetorically.

"The American Psychological Association." Buffy smirked.

He continued, pretending he hadn't heard her. "Since you put me...us, back together, we're working together for the good of us a lot better now."

"Is that why you have so much energy when we have sex now?" Anya asked him.

"I'm glad." Willow paused, making a face. "I think." She looked at her girlfriend, who was slowly leaving her happy state.

The hacker knew why, too. Buffy's mother had been feeling under the weather the last few days, headaches. The doctor told Joyce to take some pills, andthat they would do tests eventually. Buffy automatically envisioned the worst possible outcome, and she had let it bog down her thoughts. The blonde was deeply concerned. They were in a dorm now, but Buffy had shown up at her house in the morning to make her mom breakfast.

Willow didn't quite understand the logic, but it went something like this. Considering they had had, or started to have that talk with Joyce about "them" a few weeks ago, and it was left unresolved, Buffy figured that her mom had been thinking about it so much and was so distressed over it, that it had started to make her head hurt. So when she made breakfast, it was to help her family out, and alleviate her guilt. Willow guessed that if Buffy could believe it was just her causing her mother anguish, and not some medical reason, it made it easier to cope.

She could fix it, or find a way to, that way.

"Buffy?" Willow asked gently, trying to get her to emerge.

"I just want things to be okay between us...if something happens to her,and we never get her support..." Buffy was staring at nothing in particular, just...air.

"Your mom's gonna be fine." Willow insisted, gently stroking her girlfriend's hair.

"I wish I could believe that, Will. I really want to, but I've got a bad feeling, and I don't want her to...go...hating me."

They had been speaking to one another as if they were the only ones there, until Xander decided to interject.

"First," He said, "she's not meeting the big bus to the clouds for a long time, Buff. And second, she doesn't hate you. She's just from that time when boys only went with girls, and girls only went with boys. That's the way she was told it was supposed to be."

"Cause of the interlocking parts on the lower half of the body." Anya said, as if no one knew.

"Those a-aren't the only parts t-that...interlock." Tara stuttered nervously, blushing. She was feeling more and more comfortable around her new friends.

After a momentary shock at hearing that come out of the blonde witch's mouth, Willow and Buffy grinned.

"Yes, Tara. There are definitely other parts that go very well together." Buffy agreed.

Xander was now blushing. "Getting back to my original, less erotic, point...she'll come around. Because she digs the Willster, and she sure as heck loves you."

"Like we all do." Willow added, giving Buffy a small hug and a kiss. Which was returned, and returned, and returned some more.

"Maybe I shouldn't have steered the conversation away from the erotic path it was taking." Xander thought. "If that's where it wants to go, who am I to interfere?"

"Whenever he starts talking like this it means -" Anya started.

"We know what it means." Buffy cut her off. "I'm glad you took the wheel, Xand. I'm less gloomy now. Another perspective helps." She sighed. "And once again Buffy's depression and negativity is chased away. For now, at least. What would I do without my Scooby posse?" She grinned.

"Did you hear, Will? We're a posse." Xander said, excitedly. "I always wanted to be part of a posse."

The slayer yawned.

"You should go home and rest, Buffy." Tara advised. "It'll clear your head. Or..." She blushed again.

"Actually, I've gotta patrol. There'll be plenty of time for 'resting' after." Buffy picked up on Tara's unspoken words. "Come on, Will. Dance with me. It'll give me energy I can use to kick some vamp behind."

Willow was staring at Tara in shock for the second time that night, but quickly focused. "You have to ask? I'm always ready to make contributions to the side of good." She nodded. "Yep. Big or small, you can count on me."

"Gee, is that cause you'll be making naughty friction?" Xander asked sarcastically. The redhead shot him a look. "That is...I meant...cause you'll be..." He shook his head, embarrassed. "I have no recovery."

The girls walked off, and Xander got up and started to make his way overto the pool tables. Anya and Tara followed, having no desire to be left alone with one another.

"Ever play pool?" Xander asked the witch.

"I've watched..." She answered. "Mostly on TV."

"I think it's time you learned, little lady." He said.

"It's fairly simple." Anya said. "You take a stick, and you try to aim it a couple of balls hoping that they go into the holes and..."

Tara sighed. Somehow she knew this was going to turn into a talk about sex. She had never bet before, but she was willing to put money on it. The odds were just too great not to.

***

Magic Box, Sunnydale

The Following Morning

Buffy walked into the shop that Giles had re-opened today. Of all the businesses he could've chose, he picked one that's owner death rate was extremely high. She didn't know why he chose to ignore that tiny statistic,but all she could do was be supportive. Which was one of the reasons she had come. Getting first day profits was important. But she had also come for a more slayer-related matter.

Looking around at the shelves and all the items soon be for sale, in her opinion, they all looked cool, gross and mystical. People would eat this stuff up. Though not literally. She hoped. She noticed two things. The shop had been open for two hours and there wasn't a single shopper in sight, and Giles was wearing a pointed, purple wizard's hat and robe, standing in the center of the store.

That would scare customers off nicely. He smiled at her, and she just stared at him until he took off the outfit. Dawn ran in then. She had forgotten that she brought the mom-stealer along.

"I told you you couldn't ditch me!" Dawn said.

"Believe me, if I really wanted to ditch you, you'd be ditched." Buffy said with a fake smile.

Dawn glared, and then looked around. "Whoa...Mr. Giles! This place is so...wow. I mean, check out all the magick junk."

"Our new slogan." Giles sighed.

"So when's it open? You know, for customers?"

He frowned slightly. "Since nine this morning, actually."

"It'll pick up, Giles." Buffy assured him. "Dawn. Go. Browse. And -"

"'You break it, you bought it.' Heard you the first sixty times." Her sister said, wandering off.

Dawn wanders into the recesses of the store to check the place out.

"No, you're absolutely right." Giles said to the slayer. "I've got feelings about this place. Magick's a small niche market but...well, think about it. Sunnydale...monsters...supply and demand. They'll be lining up around the block in no time."

"Yeah. You'll be making money hand over fist." The blonde smiled. She tried testing out the saying, putting her right hand over her left hand, which she made into a fist. She didn't get it. "Which I guess is a good thing."

"You all right? You seem a little distracted."

"Mom. I think the headaches are getting worse."

"Ah." Giles understood. "I've been meaning to stop by and -"

"If you say have sex..."

"See how she was doing." He narrowed his eyes, and then his features softened. "She'll be all right, Buffy. I know it's hard, waiting is never easy, but it will all turn out for the better. I'm sure the doctors are doing allthat they can." He said sympathetically.

"Yeah, nothing." She sighed. "Willow here?"

"In the back."

Setting the bag she had brought with her down on the counter, she headedto the room.

The gang had turned a room in the shop into a full training area. Mats, weapons, a punching dummy...the works. It was great. When it was daylight and she had anger to release, she could always hit something in there. Now, if she were stressed, she'd go to Willow. Like she was doing now. The hacker made all stress vanish. It ran in fear.

Entering, Willow was nowhere to be seen. She quirked an eyebrow, confused. The door then shut, and before she had time to turn around, hands were covering her eyes. She smiled.

"You're only supposed to use your powers for good, Will." Buffy said, leaning back into her.

"Who says I'm not?" Willow asked. The slayer felt something moving across her neck, and it wasn't fingers. "I have a surprise for you. I've been working on it all morning. Now stand still. That's a must."

"Were you just rubbing a feather on my neck?" Buffy grinned. "That's so...not appropriate...cause Giles and Dawn are out there."

"It needs to know you, so there was skin contact." Willow said, placing the feather on her girlfriend's right shoulder.

"But why my neck? Why not my hands? Riddle me that, Batgirl. Uh...Wicca Girl."

Her face turned red. "I'm sorry if I gave the 'it's supposed to be kinky' impression, cause it wasn't supposed to be."

"I never said I thought it was kinky. You did." She frowned. "It? What 'it'? It has to know me? I don't like when 'Its' know me. 'Its' eat things. And not vegetables."

"Don't be difficult." Willow ordered. "I'm taking my hands away, but keep those eyelids down."

"Fine, fine. I guess I have to trust you, huh?"

"Is that a problem?"

"Never has been before, so based on that, I'm gonna say it isn't."

"Good." The wicca smiled. "Shooshing time now."

Buffy felt some dust sprinkle on her, heard Willow say some words very quietly, and then felt a whole lot of air against her ear. She opened her eyes, and she glanced at her shoulder without moving her head. There was a white...

"Will, why is there a dove on my shoulder?" She asked cautiously. "If you're doing a night club act with bunnies and boxes where you saw people in half,I'm behind you one hundred percent, but...get it off."

Willow pouted. "Is that any way to treat your new pet bird? It's pretty."

"Uh huh. Symbol of peace and love. Let's get back to the 'pet' part. Didyou make this?"

"I went to the pet store last night while you were on patrol, and I saw all these doves for sale. I thought it'd be nice for your mom to have one around the house. Positive energy and all. But then I asked myself, 'Why pay?' So I grabbed one of the feathers that was sticking out of one of the cages, found a spell..."

"That sweet, Will. Mom'll love it." Buffy smiled. "Though you do realize you're cheating the economy."

"Only a little. She still needs a cage and food. Which we'll need to buy."

"I feel like a pirate." Buffy felt the urge to close one eye and say 'argh,' but she suppressed it. "Did you say 'she'?"

"I'm specific when I cast." Willow's face lit up. "And the best part is,it doesn't just know you, it'll know your mom, Dawn...it's a bloodline thing. Really cool, huh?"

Dawn came bursting into the room. "Willow, are you in here? You have to see this! They have the coolest -" The dove saw her, and intended to fly onto the young girl's shoulder, but Dawn screamed at it and ducked. "There's a bird..."

"And now it's flying into the store." The slayer said angrily to her sibling, as she and Willow chased after it.

It was flying around near the ceiling, and Giles watched it, horrified at what it could do to all his hard work. Customers would come in here, see the animal, and run out in fright.

"Unsanitary, they'll say. First impressions are everything." He said aloud.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"It could break something. Get it down, please. Quickly."

"Ohhh...the dove."

"Yes, the dove. What did you think I meant?"

"Somebody's cranky." Willow said. She saw Dawn dive behind the counter. "Did you give it a name, Buffy?"

"Why?" The blonde asked.

"Give it a name and call it." Willow told her. "Before Giles starts using nasty British words."

Buffy thought a moment, then smiled. She saw the dove sitting on top of one of the shelves now, and whistled.

"Olive!"

The animal parked itself on her shoulder immediately, and made what Buffy guessed was 'dove speak.'

Dawn stood slowly, and laughed at her sister. "Where's the eye patch?"

She was all ready to turn around yell, but her girlfriend stopped her, speaking in a whisper.

"She didn't know. She just reacted." Willow said. She saw Buffy's 'set in stone' look. "I just have all this involuntary empathy for Dawn. 'Cause she's, you know, a big spaz." The look that was meant to break anyone was in place.

"I wanna be 'Lil' Pumpkin Belly.'" How come Dawn had a nickname, and she didn't?

"I'm confused, so I don't feel qualified to respond to that."

Buffy sighed. She was going to let it drop only because she remembered something 'slaying related' she needed to bring up. That's what she let herself believe anyway. Going over to the counter, she reached into her bag and pulled out a glowing, yellow globe she had found on patrol. Olive cooed at it.

"I put this before the group and the new group mascot. What the hell is it?" Buffy wondered.

"It appears to be paranormal in origin." Giles said walking over, intrigued.

"How can you tell?" The hacker asked.

"Well, it's so shiny."

***

Two Days After Magic Box Opening

Buffy's House, Sunnydale

Trances, monks, insane people, yellow Dagon Spheres that ward off unnamable things, finding out who she thought was family wasn't, and a super chick ina red dress who kicked her ass in a closed down factory. It had been a very unpleasant couple of days for the Slayer. Very unpleasant. The thing that really blew her mind was that the monk had said that Dawn didn't know she wasn't her sister. She was human, special. She was the Key. It was all a little too much information, which didn't make sense, all at once.

Though the memories may have been manufactured, Dawn had Summers blood coursing through her veins, and she was important, so Buffy swore to herself that she would protect her. She had just put her to bed. Dawn was worried about her, their, mom too. It was hidden well. And on top of emotional pain, was the physical pain. At the moment, it hurt Buffy to sit, stand, move, and not move.

She was thoroughly trashed, and the new villainess hadn't broken a sweat. That was scary. The magick shop was booming, though, so that was good for Giles. Her mother loved Olive as soon as she got the dove a cage. Apparently shoulder perching didn't appeal to Joyce, but the bird brought a smile to her face, which was good.

Buffy flexed her fingers. They ached just like everything else. She wished they'd get here soon. There was a soft tap on the door. Maybe wishes did come true. She opened it gently so it wouldn't make much noise, and let Giles and Willow in. The redhead could see the bruising, and so she settled for a light hug.

"Thanks for picking her up, Giles." The blonde said, gesturing toward the sofa. "The house was closer. That's why I limped here instead of the dorm. I had to see Dawn."

They took seats. "Buffy, what's happened?" Giles asked.

"A lot." She settled on Willow's lap. "Hold me."

"But -" The redhead began to protest.

"I like it when you hold me. You'll make the pain go away." She smiled, feeling Willow's arms go around her. "Now I can explain."

They both listened as she carefully and slowly related the events. Gileswas the first to speak.

"Uh, I don't know what to say." He said.

"Tell me about it." Buffy muttered.

"Clueless?" Willow asked.

The slayer nodded. "She thinks she's my kid sister."

"Are you going to tell her?" Giles questioned.

"How can I?" She sighed. "She'd freak, and that's the last thing we need. We have to keep her safe."

"The girl, who you fought..." Willow said slowly. "She saw you in action. If she doesn't know yet, she'll probably guess who you are, and then..."

Buffy raised her eyebrows.

"I think that what Willow is trying to say is that maybe it's not safe for Dawn here." Giles said. "We could...send her away."

"Away where?" Buffy asked honestly.

"Your dad's?" The hacker suggested.

"Yeah, he's, um...in Spain, with his secretary. Living the cliche." She scowled. "I called him when Mom got sick, he hasn't even..." Willow held tighter, and kissed the top of her girlfriend's head.

"I'm sorry." Giles offered sympathetically.

Buffy was quiet for awhile. "When he bailed on us...I remember, Dawn cried for a week. Except she didn't. She wasn't there, but...I can still feel what it was like." Giles and Willow frowned. "They sent her to me. I think...I haveto take care of her. I want to."

"What about Xander and -?" Willow started.

"No one else." Buffy was firm. "Anya could let it slip, or Xander...Spike could find out...anything could happen. They-they'd act weird around her or Spike might use it against me. It's, it's safer for them if they don't know. It's already a risk telling you, but I had to. You know how to get information, Giles, and I know that if for some reason something bad happens and I can'tstop 'whoever she is' from getting to Dawn, you'll get her to someone who can keep her safe. Not that I doubt the gang's combat ability, but considering the way she threw me around...I don't want anybody hurt."

"We get it. Really." Willow said reassuringly.

"Then there's the girlfriend clause." She smiled. "You get to know everything, and with the magick...I know you'll keep an eye on her when I can't. I know you both will, cause I can't watch her twenty-four-seven." She took a breath. "So until we have more to go on, this stays between us, agreed?"

Willow nodded, and Giles got up and began to pace.

"Yes." He paused. "We have to find out who this woman is, and what she needs Dawn for. I mean, if she comes after you -"

"She'll come. Which is why I think I need to move back here to be ready for her when she does."

"What about me?" The wicca asked.

"You'll sleep in my room, of course." Giles cleared his throat. "Oh, grow up. Anyway, mom will have to deal, cause I need you with me. It's not negotiable." They kissed, and the now self-employed man looked away. "Besides, she'll appreciate the extra help around the house. You are prepared to do that, right?"

"Washing dishes, vacuuming, scrubbing, dusting...I do it all." There wasa slight grin on her face.

"I'll show myself out." Giles said, afraid to see where the conversationwas going. "She needs actual rest, Willow. Make sure she gets it. Buffy, that means sleep."

"Roger." Buffy said.

"Wilco." The redhead added. "And like we'd...with Buffy's mom right...eew, Giles."

"You forget, Will. He did it on a car. Twice. And I bet he enjoyed Dracula's Vamped-Whores Pit."

"Good night, ladies." The Englishman said, hurrying out.

***

February 2004

Buffy's House, Sunnydale

Hey! It's me! Willow. These days I spend my time making programs from home that companies seem to like, cause they buy it from me. I also work part time at the Magic Box. Money's nice. When I'm not doing that, I go to high school reunions. Um...just one so far, actually.

My foot massage just ended. Ohh, it was really, really... there's more to Buffy's talents than just her slaying. She's multi-skilled. Cough. Sooo, I was sitting here thinking about where she left off last time. I said to myself, "Darn it, that's not fair!" Just when a story gets to the good part, it's over. Not this time! I mean, our lives never stop being interesting.

What you just read was more of it, and our relationship. And I was happyto do it. I like memories. Especially cuddly memories. Now you're asking all sorts of questions. I hope. If any of the questions are dirty, I'll find out who asked, and then call your parents. Don't push me. Be nice and behave, causeI will tell you more, but I'm tired...and I have to go...uh...ahhh...boy...whew...ooh...

"Tell them the truth, Will. Mom's not home so I'm -"

Don't listen to her! Bye! See ya! Go, Go, Go!

To Be Continued (Eventually!)

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