by Rob Sorenson

Dawn frowned in concentration.

"The Gem of Amara? I remember something about that."

Faith looked confused. "Like the microwave?"

"That's Amana."

"Oh. Right."

Spike was staring at the stone. A myriad of emotions were playing across his face...yet his expression seemingly hadn't changed. Buffy knew better, however. Spike said everything with his eyes.

Right now he was thinking about power...and guilt. Buffy looked for him to respond to Dawn, but he didn't appear to have anything to say at the moment. She addressed her sister.

"Basically it's a mystical get out of jail free card for vampires. It allows them to walk in the sunshine without being harmed."

Dawn's face brightened in recognition. "Right! I remember hearing this story now. I was in eighth grade, and you got really mad because I was listening on the other phone when you were talking to Mom about how Spike was able to walk in the sun and stuff..." She trailed off. "Well, actually that never really happened, but you know..."

Buffy smiled. "I know. I remember it too." Her smile faded. "That wasn't exactly the happiest time of my life."

Abruptly Spike got up and headed for the front door. Surprised, the others watched him for a moment; as he turned the knob Buffy hurriedly rose from her chair.

"Spike, what are you-"

He turned and raised his hand, ring finger now adorned with the gem.


"Let's see if she works."

Buffy was in front of him before he could move outside.

"I don't think so! We don't know anything yet."

His voice was gentle. "One way to find out, isn't there? Almost sunset, luv. If it doesn't work, I can handle sizzlin' for a second or two before coming back inside."

Faith and Dawn had now joined them at the doorway, both deciding to say nothing. Buffy, for her part, was still clearly not happy with the idea...but just like before, she read his eyes. He was going to do this.

"All right...but I'm going with you. If I see one wisp of smoke I'm throwing you back in here head-first. Understood?"

He smiled ever so slightly and nodded. Buffy opened the door, still facing Spike. Faith and Xander's front porch featured a slight overhang that covered the steps. Keeping her eyes on him, she walked slowly backward into the fading twilight. He swallowed hard, fighting off 125 years worth of instinct...and stepped toward her. Just as the vampire was about the clear the overhang, he reached out the hand that wore the gem.

The pale skin gleamed even in the relative dimness; Spike had only experienced prolonged exposure twice in the last century and a quarter. Buffy took a long look at his unblemished hand...then took it in her own, gently tugging him toward her.

Spike allowed himself to be pulled, and all three women's breath caught when he became fully bathed in sunshine. Buffy reached up, almost reverently brushing her fingers against his cheek.

The light had made it warm to the touch. Spike looked into her misting eyes for a moment...then broke away.

"Not real then, is it?"

He strode quickly back into the house, almost knocking Faith and Dawn out of the way. Buffy, shocked at his sudden departure, stood still for a moment before walking after him.

"Spike..."

He sat back down at the table, hands shaking.

"It's not right, luv. It's not who I am."

"I underst-"

"I'm sorry."

Buffy took a patient breath. "How many times do we need to have this conversation until you believe me?"

"I saw it in your eyes, Buffy." He nodded toward the door. "Out there. This thing...this gem thing gave you a moment to think about..."

She leaned in, putting her forehead against his.

"What do you see now?"

William the Bloody was always humbled whenever his Slayer's eyes bore into him. He'd been around a lot of things...existed longer than countless numbers of his own kind. He had laid eyes on Queen Victoria, shared tea with Disraeli's mistress. He'd enjoyed the Boxer Rebellion in China, drunk deeply from Lenin's revolutionaries in Russia. He and Dru had dodged bombs in London during Hitler's blitz--oh, how the dark shelters had
been merry sport for them! One could become intoxicated from the scent of fear alone in those glorious days.

They'd been walking the streets of Vegas when the unholy glow of the atomic bomb tests were seen as entertainment for the tourists; he clearly remembered his skin humming with excitement as they'd witnessed the sheer wonder of it all. An apocalyptic weapon created by the hand of man; Dru had gone into raptures at the sight.

He'd prowled the tunnels of Vietnam, feeding on the claustrophobic terror of the soldiers as well as their blood.

Algeria...Angola...Afghanistan..wherever suffering and death prevailed, they fed.

All vampires feed on fear and death; it's their nature. Spike was no better or worse...until Buffy Summers came into his life.

Now, as he drank deeply from the pools of her eyes, he fed on kindness...and decency. He fed on all that was good and right in the human experience. She'd blessed him with the power of life without restoring his heartbeat.

He lived here. It was as simple as that.

Somehow, on some level, she could sense this. Whenever he reverted to the dark world of self-loathing over a past he could not change, she simply gave him those extraordinary eyes...and within them he could drown himself in the purest love he'd ever been privileged to experience.

He didn't know if that was due to her Slayer powers; in the end, he simply didn't care.

The past meant Death....Buffy Summers meant Life.

"I love you," she said. "That's all that matters to me."

It was true...and it was enough.

Spike tilted his head to kiss her, but as her forehead was touching his, she moved with him, causing them to share a silly chuckle...and all was again right with the world.

Buffy leaned back and turned to face the others, using those eyes yet again to inform them that it was ok to rejoin the conversation.

"So...we know it works. This brings us back to the same question: how did it get on this guy? He wasn't exactly anything special."

Faith raised an eyebrow. "He had big muscles."

"Well, yes...but the one in his head wasn't very strong."

Dawn frowned. "The brain isn't a muscle."

"Thank you, Dr. Dawn. You know what I mean."

Spike frowned in contemplation. "Can't figure it. Last I knew it was in Angel's hands."

Buffy nodded. "At the time, I thought he should have it."

Faith raised a hand. "Can I get a fill-in here? At what time? How does Angel figure in?"

Buffy and Spike shared a look before the vampire spoke.

"Different time, it was. I'd broken it off with Dru once and for all. Sorta with Harm at the time."

Dawn snorted, trying not to laugh. Buffy raised an eyebrow.

"That's what I thought, too."

Spike glared at her as he responded.

"Right. Sorry, I forgot I was the only one making silly decisions back then."

Dawn cringed. "Ooooh...good one."

It was Buffy's turn to glare. Faith was looking from one to the other like a confused tennis fan.

"Ok, hold up. Somebody gimme the paint-by-numbers version here."

The blonde Slayer rolled her eyes and sighed.

"At that time, I was sort of rebounding from Angel. I guess...that made me sort of vulnerable to the kind of guys that take advantage."

Dawn's eyes squinted. "That Parker was a real asshole."

Buffy tilted her head. "That's odd. I don't recall sharing his name with you...EVER."

"Ummm....well....I might have heard the story from someone."

Spike, anticipating trouble, immediately raised his hands in self-defense.

"I said nothing. Rather forget that whole period, myself."

Buffy eyed Dawn carefully. "Ok, I know it wasn't me. Spike didn't tell you. Giles surely wouldn't, and I never shared his name with Mom either. That leaves Willow and..."

Her eyes widened as Dawn shrank back in her chair slightly. Buffy spat out the name.

"Xander."

"He was trying to help me, Buffy! It wasn't a gossipy thing at all, I swear!"

"Right." She turned to Faith. "I think I need to have a little chat with your husband when he comes home."

The brunette Slayer nodded. "He's all yours. Can't back him up on this one."

Dawn's eyes were pleading now.

"Seriously, Buffy...I was still in high school and he was trying to help me. Look, everyone has relationship issues. I mean, look and you and Spike! Sure, from the outside people would say 'whoa, like...really old vampire. Not good.' Actually, though, it's more complicated, right? No relationships are simple."

Dawn pointed a finger at Buffy, clearly warming to her subject.

"For example, think about this: age differences aren't really that big a deal any more. Angel and Cordy have even more years apart than you guys. When Xander was with Anya, how long was that? Really the whole age thing is overemphasized, and I for one..."

She stopped, noticing the expression on the other three faces. Thinking quickly, she placed a hand over her chest and grimaced.

"I for one am getting heartburn. That was some spicy pepperoni. Faith, got any Rolaids?"

Faith blinked in surprise. "Oh...yeah. I think we have some in the guest bathroom. Come on, I'll show you."

They walked out of the dining room quickly, Buffy and Spike staring at their backs. As soon as Dawn entered the bathroom, she slumped down on the closed seat of the toilet.

"That really didn't go well."

Faith followed her in and closed the door.

"Ya think?"

"I'm just...trying to find the right moment."

"Really? Ok, let's establish a little rule of thumb. When they're talking about what they consider to be the worst relationship mistakes of their lives? Probably not the right moment."

Dawn dropped her forehead into one hand. "I really do need that Rolaid."

"Look...just sit down and tell 'em like you told me. Don't wait for a time to slip it in or anything. They're gonna have to deal with this eventually...even if it isn't Wes. At some point you'll have a man in your life. That's just how it is."

The youngest Summers sighed heavily.

"I probably ought to make sure Wesley wants only me before I tell them anything."

Faith scowled.

Are we back into that lawyer chick thing again?"

Dawn hesitated before responding.

***************Three Weeks Earlier****************

Wesley sighed heavily.

"Lilah. What do you want?"

She smirked as she moved forward, reaching to put her arms around him.

"What do you think I want, sailor?"

Wesley backed away from her. Dawn's eye twitched reflexively as Lilah frowned.

"What's the prob...oh. You have company. Doing some babysitting to make ends meet, are you?"

Wes closed his eyes. This would not be fun.

"Lilah Morgan, meet Dawn Summers. Dawn, Lilah."

Lilah's eyes flickered. "Wow. Summers, you say? That's a well-known name in our business. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Summers."

Dawn held her gaze. "I'm sure it is."

Lilah waited a beat, then returned her attention to Wesley.

"Well...considering that you have company, I can't get what I came for. Too bad. On the other hand, there are some business issues we need to discuss."

"Such as?"

Lilah's face took on a shocked expression.

"Please, Wesley! Not in front of the children!"

Dawn swallowed hard as Wesley spoke.

"Lilah-"

"Wait! I have an idea!" The lawyer reached into her pocket, producing a ten-dollar bill. "Dawnie, would you like to go for some ice cream while the big people talk?"

The Key's eyes flashed.

"Sure, Lilah. How about I get a really big waffle cone to shove up your-"

"Dawn!" Wesley threw her a look. She quieted, folding her arms. He looked back at Lilah. "Whatever you want to say, you may say it in front of both of us."

Lilah chuckled. "Well now...I never knew you were into the kinky stuff, Wes. This brings things to a whole new level."

The former Watcher's face colored; Dawn abruptly began to move toward the door.

"Ok, I'm going to head out."

"Dawn, wait-"

"No, that's fine. You two can do...whatever. I'll see you soon."

Wesley caught up to her. "Dawn, please listen to me."

"I have to catch my plane anyway."

"Dawn." He gazed into her eyes. "We need to talk. There are things that need to be said...things I've left unsaid for too long. I realize you must go, but...please understand that it's vitally important that we speak. All right?"

She smiled. "Ok."

Before he could react she threw her arms around his back, kissing fiercely. He instinctively responded before making a half-hearted effort to pull away. Dawn broke off the kiss and held him tightly, putting her chin on top of his shoulder. She looked at Lilah with the patented Dawn Summers Eyebrow Quirk.

It was Lilah's turn to fold her arms.

Dawn released Wesley from her powerful grip, eliciting a quiet exhale of relief from him. She offered one last tender peck on the cheek as she retreated. "Like I said...I'll see you soon."

She turned and slowly walked out of his apartment.

*************************************************

Faith was now seated on top of the bathroom sink, eyes wide.

"No shit?! She actually asked you to get her some ice cream?"

"I shit you not."

"Holy Jesus...this chick has balls. I give you points for the waffle cone thing, but...bitch says that to me and it is ON."

Dawn smiled. "Believe me, it almost was, but you know what? I was proud of myself. I maintained control in front of Wesley."

The brunette Slayer chuckled to herself.

"Ok, bright side here. He has things to say. Guys don't make announcements like that if they don't want you. C'mon, you know this, right?"

Dawn shrugged. "I won't know for sure until he gets here. Right now, Lilah has him all to herself."

"From what you're sayin', I think you got the upper hand. Still, this bitch doesn't sound like the type to just lay down and take it. Well...I guess she IS, but...you know what I mean."

Dawn chuckled in spite of herself as Faith continued.

"I still can't believe you kept yourself from smackin' her."

"Actually, it wasn't that bad in comparison-"

"I mean, the babysitting crack, and all. That would've been tough for me to deal with. That was just nasty."

"It got worse."

Faith's jaw dropped. "There's MORE?!"

"Yes, but...shouldn't we get back? They're going to wonder what happened to us."

"What, those two? They're SO wrapped up in each other. Hell, they won't even notice."

*******************************************

"How long does it take to get a sodding pack of Rolaids?"

"Not this long. Something is definitely up with Dawn."

"Well...I suppose we'll learn soon enough."

Buffy gazed toward the bathroom suspiciously. "I'm going to find out."

She rose from her seat and hopped up the stairs. Spike watched her go, shaking his head at her impatience. He took another glance at the gem on his finger, then frowned.

Could've sworn Faith and Dawn went to the downstairs loo.

****************Two minutes earlier********************

Xander looked around for the proper bottle.

Mr. Bubble, Mr. Bubble....wherefore art thou, Mr Bubble?

After discarding Soft Scrub, 409 and an gallon-size jug of petroleum jelly (Xander had no clue where his wife could've found one that damn big) he finally came upon what he was looking for.

He activated the jacuzzi, pouring a liberal amount of the bubble-creating oil into the tub. As the water began to heat, he quickly stripped off his clothes and tossed them into the hamper. After cocking his head toward the hall once more, he smiled. He'd actually pulled this off. One toe was carefully placed into the water...then quickly jerked back
out. Xander whispered harshly.

"Owie owie owie...hot hot hot...too hot."

He blew on his scalded toe, adjusting the water temperature with his free hand. This time Xander double-checked the churning liquid, deciding it was as hot as he could stand. Faith liked her bath water as hot as possible...and to her husband's occasional dismay, she had a very high threshold for pain. Slowly he began to submerge himself.

"Ok, easy on the jewels...eeeaaasy on the jewels....aaahhhh. Much better. Oh yes."

The tub was inclined on both sides; Xander leaned back and placed his arms on each edge, savoring the throbbing pressure from the jets. Bubbles foamed generously; only Xander's head was now visible.

The last couple of months had been terribly long; the insistent massage of the hot water caused his exhausted body to finally betray him. Try as he might, Xander couldn't keep his eyes open. His head began to gently loll to one side.

***************************************

Buffy reached the top of the stairs and cocked her head to one side.

What is that hissing sound?

It only got stronger as she reached the master bedroom at the end of the hall. The Slayer walked past the king-size four poster that Xander jokingly referred to as "the promised land" and stood in front of the bathroom door.

"Guys? Is everything ok?"

Her eyebrows knitted with concern when she heard no response. She tilted her head again, now hearing gurgling noises accompanying the hissing..then her face cleared with understanding.

Oh, right. The big jacuzzi. So why the Hell aren't they answering me?

She walked in. "You know, it's not fair for you guys to just hop in without asking if I want to join-"

Buffy stopped short, shocked to see her Xander-shaped friend's head poking out of the water.

How in the world could he have sneaked past all four of...

The blonde Slayer stopped her own thought, smiling to herself. Willow. Xander's lips were slowly parting; soon he'd be awakened by the taste of bubbles in his mouth. Buffy's smile widened. This should be fun.

She knelt next to the tub and leaned in close. "Hey, Xand."

He smiled lazily and turned his head toward her, eyes slowly opening.

"Mmm...hey baby-Buffy!!!"

He jerked back in surprise as his best friend grinned happily.

"Baby-Buffy? Is that a new nickname?"

"I thought you were Fai...umm...Buffy, I'm sort of naked here."

"And?"

"And? What do you mean and? I'm naked. Unclothed. Nude. Eau de natural. Get outta here."

She got back to her feet. "Relax. Your virtue remains intact. All I can see among all those bubbles is your head. They kinda look the same."

"You and Willow...just gettin' funnier all the time."

"Anyway, it's nothing I haven't seen before. We used to live under the same roof, remember?"

"Oh God, don't remind me of that. I thought everybody was gone."

She giggled as her eyes softened.

"I miss you. You know that, right?"

He looked away. "Yeah. There's just...stuff going on."

"Such as?"

"Not while I'm naked."

"Don't avoid the issue."

He exhaled sharply.

"You're starting to sound like my wife. And Dawn. And Wills. Hell, even Lorne."

She held up her hands. "Ok, ok. I withdraw the question."

"Thank you, counselor."

"So...I take it you're here to surprise Faith?"

"No, I just like to teleport across the state for a quick dip. She never realizes I've been here."

"Don't think I won't dunk you, smartass."

They shared a chuckle. Buffy reached up and closed the shower curtain.

"Hey!"

"Sorry. A couple of sodas plus running water equals..."

"Buffy. Please don't tell me you're going to pee while I'm in here."

He heard a zipper being undone. "Ok. I won't."

"No, seriously."

"Xander, this is not the first time this has happened."

"Huh?"

"When you lived in my house, your showers would be so damned long we couldn't wait. A lot of us peed to the tune of ‘Margaritaville’...or ‘Gold Dust Woman.’ Why those, I'll never know."

"I like to sing classic rock in the shower...and I cannot believe you would do that. The peeing, I mean."

"Well, blame Dawn. She went first. Then Willow and I just went on in. Remember, nothing we hadn't seen..."

"This is the most disturbed I've ever been in this jacuzzi. I thought I might have one refuge from my insane life, but noooo."

"Xander, do you know what's going on with Dawn?"

"Buffy, I am not going to talk to you while I can hear you peeing. It's just...wrong."

"Come on, Xand. I'm being serious."

"So am I."

"Fine. Be that way. Almost done."

"Thanks for the update."

"Umm...does the jacuzzi get cold if I flush?"

There was a pause.

"Actually, I've never really thought about it."

"One way to find out."

"This oughta be fun."

A few moments later she pulled the curtain back with a bright smile.

"Everything ok in there? Any shrinkage?"

He glared at her.

"Everything is fine...outside of the fact that you're enjoying this entirely too much."

"Now...about Dawn."

"Are you sure we can't talk about this later?"

Frowning, Buffy moved to the tub and began to press down on his head.

"Ok, ok! Jeez."

"Don't make a Slayer repeat herself. She gets cranky."

"As long as she doesn't speak in the third person, I'll do my best to remember that."

She held her hand out threateningly.

"I don't know anything about Dawn! As far as I know, she's fine! Ok?"

"Why didn't you just say so?"

"I miss annoying the Hell out of you."

Buffy shook her head and grinned.

"You know, I would hug you if you weren't all wet and naked."

"There's a sentence you don't hear every day."

"Want me to get your wife?"

"Not sure I'm in the mood any more."

"Yeah, right. We're talking about Faith here. Your mood can go from 0 to 69 in 2.3 seconds when she's around."

Xander laughed. "Damn, Buffy. That really was funny."

"Thank you. I'll be here all week."

"I sincerely hope not."

She leaned over, giving him a kiss on the crown of his head.

"I meant that part about missing you."

"Me too."

"Can you come by tomorrow? We might actually have a genuine Scooby issue."

"Really? All right!"

"You know, I actually feel good about that, too. Are we sickos or what?"

They just looked at one another for a moment...then burst out laughing. She gave him a little wave and left the room.

***********Three weeks earlier*************

Dawn was second guessing her decision to leave Wes and Lilah. In fact, she was well into guess number 7 or 8 as she walked down the aisle toward her car.

You get him all heated up--God, that was pretty hot...focus, you idiot!! You get him all heated up, then you leave him up there with Miss Afternoon Delight. What the Hell were you thinking?? Get back up there and...do something!!

She'd made the snap decision to leave for two reasons: number one,
she really DID have a flight to catch--though she would've gladly mooched the 75 bucks from Willow to change the ticket if she and Wes had...gotten distracted. Two, Wesley was positively freaking out from the confrontation. Leaving like she did showed trust and maturity.

Right. Congratulations, Summers. You're very mature. Pat yourself on the back about that while leaving your guy alone in his apartment with someone who's clearly had her Ha-Ha connected with his Hoo-Hoo in the past.

She stood uncertainly, jingling the keys to her Corolla. Finally she sighed and pressed the unlock button on her remote.

It's not as if I can go back up there. I'd look jealous and unreasonable. Why can't stuff in my life ever be simple?

Her hand had just touched the handle when a voice echoed hollowly in the parking garage.

"Still here, kid? Thought you had a flight to catch."

Dawn turned in surprise as a smiling Lilah moved slowly toward her. The lawyer's movements were smooth and assured, like a jungle cat when it knew the prey was at its command. The Key couldn't help herself from smiling back a bit in return. Lilah Morgan sure did know how to play the role.

Control and intimidation. Those were the weapons Lilah brought to bear.

It's like chess, Dawn thought suddenly.

When the group had gathered the summer before for Faith's first birthday party, Angel had surprised everyone when he retrieved a chess set from his convertible. Over half of the group had never played the game in their lives, but the enthusiasm of the vampires--not to mention Willow and Fred--had convinced most of them them to give it a try.

With the exceptions of Cordy and Gunn--who spent their evening with the Playstation--every member of the gang had immediately become fascinated with the game--so much so that Spike actually went out to buy three more sets so everyone could play.

Dawn, always the more analytical of the Summers sisters, spent a great deal of time observing each player carefully...and found each individual style of play to be reflective of their personalities.

As the all-night session progressed, it became a crucial edge. She simply changed her own style
depending on the opponent. When she played Faith, for example, she just sat back and waited for the Slayer to charge ahead with aggression...only to snatch victory away once Faith grew overconfident in her attack. Spike, though a far more experienced player, had the same inclination.

Angel was much different; he would stick and move, frustrating an opponent by changing tactics for no apparent reason...always keeping them off balance. For the first time Dawn got a glimpse of just how dangerous Angelus must have been. If you showed any sign of weakness, he would just keep poking at it until you couldn't take it any more. Eventually you'd do something stupid, and he'd be waiting for you with a knowing grin.

Therefore Dawn played Angel in the exact opposite way she played Spike; she would attack relentlessly, not allowing him to probe around for weaknesses. If he came at you, meet him right then and there. Establish the fact that you will not be pushed around.

If Lilah were a chess player, she'd play like Angel. As the lawyer walked within a few feet, Dawn stood up straight, utilizing her imposing physical presence as much as possible when she spoke.

"Hate to break this to you, Lilah...but you might be at that age when it's time to get glasses. Maybe then you'll figure out that I'm no kid."

"Come on, Dawnie. I saw the look on your face when I walked in the door. I thought someone had just taken a lollipop out of your mouth."

"Actually it was his tongue." Zing!

Lilah's face darkened.

"I'm only tolerating you because I understand men. They can't help themselves; always having to kick the tires on the slightly newer models. He'll get you out of his system soon enough, though...once he re-learns the obvious: experience counts. But then, you probably know that already, don't you?"

"I'm learning a few things as I go. For example, you were only up there for about five minutes after I left. Didn't get much done, huh?"

Lilah smiled slowly.

"Wesley is capable of making me conclude my business VERY quickly. Guess you've never had the chance to find that out for yourself."

"What can I say? We like to take things slow."

"You might want to get things moving while you have the chance."

Dawn's eyes narrowed.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Lilah folded her arms.

"Let's just put our cards on the table, shall we? Wesley belongs to me."

Dawn felt her eyelid twitch again.

"That's funny. Didn't see the 'property of Lilah' tattoo anywhere on his body."

"You haven't been looking hard enough."

"I've been looking pretty hard."

"Look in my eyes. They should tell you whatever you need to know."

Dawn made a show of examining Lilah closely.

"Well, your crow's feet DO have some sort of Sumerian pattern...gimme a minute to translate it."

"Watch your mouth, little girl."

"There you go calling me little again. Do you need a ride to the nearest eye doctor? It may not be safe for you to drive."

"I don't know if you got the memo, Dawnie, but you're the Summers with no power whatsoever."

"Wanna bet?"

"I mean, I realize you didn't even exist until a few years ago, but one would hope those monks programmed a little common sense into you."

"Well, I'm still wasting time talking to you, so...guess not."

Lilah sighed.

"Nope. Child just doesn't get it. Ok, let me give you the See n' Say version. I'm growning weary of you. Therefore I don't want to see you anywhere near Wesley again."

"That sounds like a threat, Lilah."

"Actually it's a warning. I haven't reached the threat part yet."

"Maybe you should quit while you still can."

Lilah snorted out a laugh. "What are you going to do? Throw a big ball of bright green energy in my face?"

"If I were going to throw anything in your face, it'd be wrinkle cream."

"Careful, Dawn. Big Sis isn't here to save you, remember?"

"I don't need to be saved from you."

"Sure you do. You're just too young and stupid to understand real power when you see it. I'm disappointed in you Dawn. I really am. Your mother must have been-"

Dawn's eyes flashed. "You may want to leave my mother out of this." Dammit!

Lilah smiled, sensing the blood being drawn.

"I don't know why you went to all the trouble to bring her back. Joyce knew she wasn't your real mama. Did she even love you, Dawn?"

The Key swallowed hard as Lilah chuckled.

"What's wrong? Didn't think I knew about your little zombie escapade with Spike? I have more resources at my disposal than your sorry crew could ever dream of. Joyce the zombie. Maybe she'd have been smarter that way."

Dawn's voice grew very quiet.

"Don't you ever say her name again."

"Gladly. Stupid bitch isn't worth the time."

Dawn's fists clenched as she stepped toward the lawyer.

"Dawn? You're still here?"

Both women turned to see Wesley, standing behind them with car keys in hand. Before responding, Dawn looked back into Lilah's eyes.

"I'd have left by now, but I found some trash in the garage."

Wes looked around, oblivious.

"Really? You disposed of it, I hope."

"Just about."

He looked back at her with a quizzical expression, but Dawn had already walked back to her car. Lilah called after her.

"Nice talking to you again, Dawn. Say hello to the family for me."

**********************************************

Faith leaned against the bathroom wall.

"Huh."

"Huh? Just huh? After all that?"

"Just tryin' to get past a couple of things, that's all."

"Like what?"

"Well, for one thing...you're a mature woman. Why would you still use words like 'Hoo-Hoo' and 'Ha-Ha'?"

"Oh. Well, I didn't actually say them out loud. It was a thought balloon kind of thing."

"Right. So you WERE finally gonna wipe the floor with the bitch. Good for you."

Dawn looked down. "I let her get to me. If Wes had seen me beating her down, he would've freaked. She must have known he was coming down. It almost worked."

"You know what? I don't know if what he thought should've mattered there. What do you think Buffy would do if someone talked shit about Joyce like that in front of her?"

The Key shrugged without looking up. Faith lightly punched her shoulder.

"You did great, girl. Like you said, you didn't let the bitch push you around. Plus, extra credit for that trash reference. That was sweet."

Dawn finally looked up with a smile.

"Thanks. So what was the other thing you needed to get past?"

"Oh yeah. I can't believe you have such a selective memory. I whipped your little ass in chess plenty of times that night."

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Not even."

Faith stood up straight. "You dissing my skills? 'Cause I happen to have a set real close by."

Dawn stood, looking down on Faith with a smirk.

"Just bring it."

*******************************************

Buffy and Faith almost ran into one another at the base of the stairs. The brunette Slayer spoke apologetically.

"Sorry if you had to use the upstairs bathroom, B. We...couldn't find the Rolaids."

"No big. Looks like you found the chess set, though."

Faith snorted, looking into Dawn's eyes as the two Slayers re-entered the dining room.

"Well, B, I sorta had to. Your sister's trippin'. Thinks she owns my ass."

Spike chuckled from his seat. "I get to watch Amateur Night again, then?"

All three women slowly turned to face him.

"Don't be lookin' at me like that, now. You played one bloody night. I been playin' this game for a hundred and thirty years. Tell 'em, pet. You remember how many times I beat you, right?"

Buffy chuckled and shook her head in disbelief.

"You are seriously asking for a smackdown. You do know this."

"I've seen every move you have, pet."

The competitive fire was stoked now...but Buffy stilled it.

"While nothing would please me more than whooping up on my honey all night long, I feel the need to share a couple of things. One, I have to open the gym in the morning."

Trying desperately to maintain a straight face, she turned to Faith.

"Two, there's a naked man in your upstairs bathroom."

This earned a double take from everyone in the room. Faith, cursing her lack of cool even as she did it, smiled like a little girl on Christmas morning.

"No shit? He's here?"

"I would never lie about bathroom nudity."

Dawn began to rise from her seat. "This I have to see for myself."

Faith grabbed her arm.

"Don't think so, chica. Get your own naked man."

They exchanged a knowing grin before Faith addressed Buffy again.

"How'd he get in here?"

"I didn't ask, but I'd have to go with Willow. I think it was supposed to be a surprise. Sorry."

"Probably a good thing. If he tried to sneak up behind me I'd knock him on his ass. You'd think after a year he'd figure out the do's and don'ts, ya know?"

Spike grinned. "I sneak up on Buffy all the time. Don't I, pet?"

"You wish you could sneak up on me. Please."

"S'alright, luv. You don't have to admit it. Just love to hear that little yelping sound when you're all frightened."

Buffy moved close to him. "Ok...obviously, humoring you was a mistake. Next time you try it I'll just do what Faith said and knock you on your ass."

He brightened.

"Really? You're not just sayin' that?"

She laughed and leaned down to kiss him. Faith folded her arms.

"Ummm...hello? Xand's probably out of the shower by now, so..."

Buffy broke off the kiss, turning her head toward Faith with a grin.

"He wasn't taking a shower."

Faith frowned in confusion.

"Then what--"

"He's all foamy."

No one spoke for a moment.

Faith clapped her hands. "Ok, it was great havin' everyone over. Don't worry about cleaning up, I got it. Lemme walk you to your car."

Buffy chuckled. "I think we know the way. Hey, come by our place tomorrow morning after I open up the gym. I'll try to get hold of Angel tonight too. Hopefully he'll have some more info about the gem."

"Right, ok. Don't let the door hit you on the butt on the way out."

Buffy, Spike and Dawn left the Harris family garage with smiles on their faces.

*********************************************

You know, I may be all alone...but I'm comfortable, Willow thought. There's something to be said for that.

She reached down, pulling on the wooden controller that adjusted her recliner. The redhead hummed with contentment as her feet elevated. It had been a long day...

Actually, it really wasn't. I did some walking and painted my toenails. Not exactly exhausting activity. At least it didn't used to be...jeez, I really am out of shape.

It further drove Xander's point home in her mind: she was utilizing magic too much in her daily life. Willow had never exactly been an athlete...but she wasn't a total couch potato either. Spending the last nine years with Buffy Summers pretty much made physical laziness an impossibility.

Willow truly believed she would never give in to the dark side of Wicca again, no matter how she chose to exercise her power. The showdown against her clone in Battery Park had been the last hurdle. If it were absolutely necessary, she could tap into the darker powers-without allowing them to consume her soul.

Magic, however, needed to be treated with respect. It wasn't meant to be used as a play thing. Those who did that sort of thing were toying with the negative elements...whether they had harmless intentions or not. The simple fact that Willow could do such things without dangerous consequences wasn't the point.

A powerful Wicca just wasn't supposed to mess with people's coffee... or teleport people without their knowledge for selfish reasons for the same reason Buffy and Faith didn't beat people up just for laughs. Well...Faith may have done that a few times, but not lately, Willow thought.

It was just...wrong.

There really was no book of etiquette when it came to mystical power; no guide that said what was allowed and what was not. Anyone had access to primeval forces, really; it was just a matter of potential. In Willow's case, hers had been so astonishing-even to the most experienced Elders of Devon-that she was a living legend in the mystical world at the
tender age of 21.

However, the power simply was what it was. It didn't have any kind of negative or positive connotation; that came from the being that utilized it. The more Willow was able to tap into her power, the more her own issues of insecurity and abandonment came to the fore. That, more than anything else, had been the reason things had gone so horribly wrong.

This realization had changed her feelings toward Faith forever. Whatever the circumstances, their failings came from within. They could blame others, of course; but when it came right down to it both had known on some level that they were wrong. More importantly, Willow was no better than Faith was; she was just luckier to have Xander and Buffy.

Could Willow and Faith's actions be understood and forgiven?

Yes.

Should they be excused?

No.

Therefore Xander had made a good point. Just because one had the power to manipulate things, that didn't make it ok to do so without a good reason.

Physically, it had made her soft. Willow decided at that moment that she would take up Xander's suggestion and do some training. It was time she learned how to fight anyway; this would serve the dual purpose of getting a little more active. I'm only 23 years old, for Goddess's...sake...

************************************************

******************************************

Willow awoke with a start, breathing hard.

Ok...that was freaky, she thought. The redhead had dreamed of Tara many times, of course...but it had never felt quite so real before. For a second she had the impression that they were actually speaking to one another.

Things are coming. Well...that's nothing new, is it? Things ALWAYS come.

Finally, she took one last deep breath and rubbed her hands over her face, deciding that her imagination was running away with her.

I could use a glass of wine, I think.

She straightened the recliner to an upright position, rising to walk to the refrigerator...and stopped, staring down.

The cotton balls she'd placed between her toes were still there.

She looked at them for a long while.

*******************************************************

"You're certain this will work?"

"I am. Tara is her weakest link."

"She won't detect the spell?"

"I doubt it. She'll WANT to believe what she sees."

"Rumor has it the First tried this tactic already."

"I heard the same rumor. I also heard that the First was unable to take on Tara's form."

Her companion sat up straight. "Are you certain?"

"As I said...it's a rumor. If it's true, it'll only make this more effective."

"Point taken, I suppose. Still, what happens if she does detect us? We are talking about Willow Rosenberg here."

Amy Madison snorted. "Willow, this. Willow, that. You people are such wussies. Is she powerful? Sure. Is she omnipotent? Hell, no. I admit she's tough. You know something, though? She and I have never really gone at it before. Plus, even if I couldn't take her, I have an experienced sorcerer to back me up. No single wicca can take both of us."

"Still, I prefer a less direct appr-"

Amy's eyes darkened dangerously.

"Would you stop whining already? The woman puts her newt's eyes into the cauldron one at a time, just like the rest of us."

Ethan Rayne held up his hands defensively.

"All right. Relax. Just when are we going to attempt this? You would at least agree that she should be isolated. I don't want that blasted Slayer anywhere near me. Bad for the shape of my complexion."

Amy smiled.

"Of course I agree with that, Ethan. I'm not crazy, you know." He said nothing for a moment...until her eyes flashed again in warning. Ethan spoke quickly.

"Certainly not. You're absolutely, completely sane."

"Thank you. Now...as to your question, there is one day when I can absolutely predict where Willow will be all alone. Even better, she'll be in the perfect place for our purposes."

"And that day is?"

"Ethan, how familiar are you with the traditions of American holidays?"

He appeared to be contemplating her little riddle for a moment...then his face broke into a wide smile.

"Memorial Day. Of course. Bloody brilliant."

- End Chapter Four-