by Rob Sorenson

The Summers kitchen was very quiet as the group slowly absorbed Xander's revelation. For her part, Buffy simply dropped her eyes to the table.

Drusilla.

It wasn't as if Buffy and Spike had a rule not to discuss her; there just didn't seem to be a point. Spike had been in love with her for over a century; more than likely far longer than Buffy would ever be part of his life.

The blonde vampire's gaze was fixed upon Xander. Finally he broke the hanging silence, voice dangerously soft.

"Are you certain?"

For a split second, Xander was afraid. Everyone in the Scooby Gang had their emotional weak points; certain people who were not spoken of...unless it was absolutely necessary.

Anya. Joyce. Tara. Giles. Richard Wilkens. All had had a profound effect on the lives of the people sitting at that table. A few of those were occasionally mentioned fondly. On the other hand, a few were simply avoided altogether. Names that hung over their lives like clouds that never seemed to leave the atmosphere.

For William the Bloody, that name was now and would forever be - Drusilla.

Spike and Xander had come an extraordinarily long way over the years. Those who had seen them from the start marveled at their relationship now. After years of mean-spirited bickering and disrespect, it seemed they both came to a mutual realization: their poor relationship hurt Buffy...and that was one thing neither of them could bear to do.

Slowly, but surely, a grudging acceptance of the other took place. When it came down to it, they'd spilled blood together in service to the Slayer. There was a bond forged between them whether they'd recognized it or not, and lo and behold, they discovered they actually liked one another when the pointless animosities were stripped away.

Now there was genuine respect and love between them. Xander found himself hoping Spike remembered that as the vampire's eyes burned into him with an intensity that he rarely displayed these days. Finally, after taking a deep breath, Xander responded with the same soft tone, though his was laced with compassion.

"If I weren't completely sure, I wouldn't have said it. I think you know that."

At last Spike's gaze broke off, much to Xander's relief. Faith was frowning in confusion.

"Who is this chick?"

Everyone in the room immediately shot the brunette Slayer a look that caused her eyes to widen slightly.

Whoa. Hello there, nerve. Nice to strike you.

"She's a vampire," Willow said.

Faith gave her a withering look. "Yeah. I was able to Columbo that much all by myself, thanks. What's so friggin' special about her?"

Xander gave Faith's hand a hard squeeze under the table, almost enough to hurt her. She slid her eyes toward him, resisting the instinctive temptation to return the gesture and break his damn hand. After a moment, she decided to take the silent signal for what it was and stopped talking.

Spike was looking at Buffy now. "Guess it was just a matter of time."

"Yeah," she said, still not meeting his eyes. After another long moment she took a deep breath and looked up to speak.

"Ok, we probably need to let Angel know that vamps are working on their tans in L.A. too. This also pretty much confirms that more than one of these gems are in play right now. Willow, are you free to work with Spike on this? You can research while he fills you in on everything he
knows."

Willow and Spike's eyes met. The redhead gave him a little smile as she addressed Buffy.

"Sure. I have plans for lunch, but I can be back this afternoon. Assuming that's ok with Spike."

He simply nodded, forcing a grin in return. "Always wanted to see how the research half lives."

"Oh, it's wall to wall excitement."

Buffy abruptly rose. "Ok, then. I guess that's pretty much it for now. We all have stuff to do, so...Faith, you ready?"

The brunette Slayer seemed slightly taken aback by Buffy's demeanor.

"Uh...sure, yeah. Let's go."

Her sister Slayer was already halfway to the door. Faith gave Xander a quick kiss and hurried out after her. Spike's face betrayed no expression as he watched them go. Xander spoke apologetically.

"I wish...I mean I didn't..." Xander trailed off, unsure what to say. Spike shrugged, still staring at the front door.

"You saw what you saw. Simply a matter of time before she came 'round. Been foolin' myself."

Willow looked at the clock. "I really do have to go, but I'll be back soon, ok? We'll figure something out."

"Will we now? Must be some machine you have if it can do that."

She surprised him by walking around the table and planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

"I love you, Spike. You know that, right? It'll work out."

He tore his eyes away from the door and looked at her affectionately...then frowned.

"You all right?"

"I've been wanting to ask her the same question," Xander piped in. She rolled her eyes.

"I'm fine. I just didn't sleep well. You people are like a bunch of mother hens."

Rot, Spike thought immediately. He could see by Xander's expression that he didn't believe her either, but neither pursued it. God knew Spike didn't want to share everything on his mind at the moment, so who was he to judge?

"All right. Guess we'll be seeing each other later, then."

She nodded, giving Xander a little wave as she went out the door.

The two men sat together quietly for a minute. Xander stirred uncomfortably.

"Umm...actually I have somewhere I need to be too. I don't mean to leave you all by yourse-"

"Go on, then. Rather be alone for a bit anyway."

Xander stood and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok. It's like Will said. We'll figure it out."

Spike gave no reply as Xander left. He got up from the kitchen table and made his way to the basement. The punching bag hung in its customary place; he remembered the days when it had seemed like his only friend. Always there, willing to absorb his inner torment without complaint. He stood before it for a moment, then began to bounce lightly on his toes. After a minute of that he fired a thunderous right hand, nearly dislodging the bag from the reinforced chain Xander had used to protect it from the inhuman punishment that was often delivered.

The blonde vampire caught the bag as it swung back toward him and clung to it, burying his face in the plastic.

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

I'd better be getting a foot-long sub out of this. With extra cheese, Dawn grumbled to herself as she pulled into the parking lot, stealing a glance at the digital clock. 11:57. Terrific. I have three whole minutes to change.

Snatching her gym bag out of the passenger seat, she trotted along the perimeter of the main floor, taking a quick glance around as she went. Pretty quiet. Of course, most normal people are eating lunch right about now.

The locker room area was deserted. Dawn quickly changed. Thankfully her bosses allowed her to dress casually for work, making this a simple task. She then headed for the enclosed rooms in the rear where the self-defense classes were taught. She tried to ignore the stares of the male population as she walked, but this sort of thing was still a fairly new and uncomfortable experience. Growing up, she'd longed for the kind of
attention that the older females around her received.

Buffy just had something - a light that followed her wherever she went. When she smiled or laughed, a room would get a little brighter. Men fell in love with her just from feeling the warmth of that light. When she cried, they would give their right arm to bring the light back. Most annoying of all (from Dawn's young teenage perspective, at least) was the fact that her older sister didn't even consciously realize the power she held over men...not that Dawn had seen, at least.. Buffy just...was who she was.

Faith had a whole other vibe going. Unlike Buffy, this was not necessarily the girl you'd want to bring home to mother. This woman knew damn well you were staring, and LIKED it. Faith's natural sexual magnetism had literally kept her alive for years; Dawn didn't even want to think about how that must have affected her self-image deep down inside. Still, she carried herself with an air of sexual confidence that drove men out of their minds...and, like Buffy, she did it without even trying. The only real difference was Faith's constant awareness of that power and a willingness to use it.

Though Dawn doubted she even realized it, Willow drew more than a few appreciative stares as well. There was an appearance of vulnerability that brought the alpha-male instincts to the fore. Men wanted to hold and protect Willow from losing her childlike innocence. Dawn shook her head. Of the three, the Wicca was by far the most deceiving in her appearance. Willow hadn't needed protecting for a very long time.

Crap! It's five after!

Dawn had actually stopped walking as she reflected on things; it happened more often than she cared to admit. Picking up her pace a bit, she reached the door, took a deep breath and walked in.

To find no one there. Dawn sighed with relief. Ok, cool. Buffy wasn't lying about how quiet this class could be. Five more minutes and I'm outta here. Considering the fact that my stomach is growling like Oz during his time of the month, that's a good thing.

She hadn't shared this with Buffy, but Dawn was distinctly uncomfortable with public speaking. Well, technically this was public punching and kicking...but the key word here was public. Unless it was among her family, she didn't relish being the center of attention. Hence her discomfort at being stared at by men.

Well, except for Wes, Dawn thought wickedly. He can stare at me as much as he wants. Just so long as I can stare at him. Ok, 12:08. Looks like nobody's com-

"Dawn? Why would you be in the beginner class?"

Her mouth opened in shock.

"Willow? What are you doing here?"

"Well...I thought I'd take a class. Obviously."

Dawn simply stared. Willow frowned at her.

"Why, is it THAT much of a surprise?"

"No, no," Dawn said hastily. "It's just that I've never seen you wear sweat pants before."

"Uh-huh. Dawnie, you know perfectly well that I sleep in sweat pants. They're comfortable. What's the real reason?"

"Well...ok. Honestly, I don't know why you would need to learn-"

Xander hurried through the door.

"Sorry I'm late. Got caught in traf-" He trailed off as he registered the fact that Dawn and Willow were in the room. "Neither one of you are Buff."

They simply stared at him.

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

Faith squirmed slightly in her seat as Buffy zipped along the streets of Sunnydale.

"Ummm, B? Could you ease up just a little?"

"I've seen you drive, Faith. You're just as bad," Buffy replied tonelessly.

"All right, yeah, I drive pretty fast. Still, when the sign says stop, I usually manage to...uh, yellow light, B. Yellow light, B!"

"Plenty of time."

Faith squeezed her eyes closed as they sped through the intersection, leaving cursing motorists in their wake.

"Christ Jesus. Ok, clearly you're upset. Why don't you let me dr-"

"Not upset. I'm fine."

The Escalade continued to weave in and out of traffic without signaling, angering more and more people as they went.

"We got plenty of time. Just chill. Almost there. Need to get over, though."

"I know where we are. I live here."

She dove across two lanes of traffic to reach the right turn lane, causing an old Thunderbird to swerve slightly. The driver screamed at her out of his window as Buffy finally slowed enough to make the turn into the Home Depot parking lot.

"LEARN HOW TO DRIVE, YOU STUPID BITCH!!!"

The Escalade came to a screeching halt. Oh shit, Faith thought as Buffy slammed the gearshift into park.

"Buffy..."

The blonde Slayer was already getting out of the vehicle. Faith hurriedly unbuckled her seat belt and followed suit, hurrying around the rear to intercept. She needn't have rushed since Buffy, smiling slightly, was walking very slowly toward the man who had screamed. Those who knew her well recognized the signs.

Somebody was about to get hurt. Faith stepped in front of Buffy, walking backward with her hands outstretched.

"Whoa, girl. Easy. Dude ain't worth it...plus you did sort of cut him off. Let's just get what we came for, 'kay?"

"He said the magic word."

Faith risked putting her hands on Buffy's shoulders

"Yeah, I know, but let's give peace a chance. He probably didn't
mean-"

"Hey! You two skanks gonna get outta the road or do I have to get a man to drive that Caddy for you?!"

Buffy raised a questioning eyebrow. Faith sighed heavily.

"Ok. Do what you gotta do."

Faith stepped aside. Buffy resumed her slow walk toward the vehicle as the man, face mottled with rage, continued to berate them.

"Look, you need to move that piece of shit before I do it for you!"

He reached for the latch to open his door, but it seemed to be jammed. He pushed even harder, but to no avail.

It was at that moment that the man detected a small hand resting at the base of his window. Buffy bent down, now merely inches from his face.

"I'm sorry. I seem to be having a rough day. In fact, my back is killing me from being bent over like this. Oh, wait...I have an idea."

She moved the heel of her hand to the top of the window, gripping the roof with her fingers. Moments later, seemingly without effort, the driver's side of the car was lifted into the air.

"There," she said calmly, face expressionless. "Now we're eye to eye. I need a favor. I don't think I heard you right a minute ago."

Her eyes bore into his. "Could you repeat what you called me one more time, please?"

The blood had drained from the angry man's face in seconds; his mouth opened, but nothing came out except a strained gurgling sound.

"Aa-ach."

Buffy squinted. "Aaa-aach? Is that German? I'm not too hot with foreign languages."

Somehow, he managed to form words through his terror. "I-I'm...didn't mean to..."

"Really? Huh. Sure sounded like you meant it."

"Sorry. I'm sorry. Please.."

Faith spoke gently. "B, I think he gets the message. Let's bolt, ok?"

The man's bugged out eyes were rimmed with tears now. Buffy finally broke her penetrating gaze, swallowing hard. She unceremoniously dropped the car back to it's natural position and quickly walked away. Faith approached the trembling man.

"Us skanks are pretty strong, huh?"

His head shook violently. "I really am sor-"

"Relax. Lemme give you a free pieces of advice. I'm thinkin' it might be a good idea to shop for your home improvement needs elsewhere today."

He simply stared at her, still trembling with fear. Faith sighed.

"Go on. Get outta here."

The Thunderbird peeled out of the parking lot, leaving the brunette Slayer behind. She turned, discovering that Buffy had already parked the Escalade 100 yards distant...taking up two spaces in the process. Faith shook her head and smiled.

"Guess I'm walkin'."

***************Los Angeles, same afternoon***************

"Can't come up much drier than that, can we?"

"I'd rather not try to top it."

Wesley nodded absently as Angel frowned at his cell phone.

"I hate this thing. It never gets through."

"Did you remember to press send?"

Silence.

"Don't have to do that with a regular phone," the vampire grumbled under his breath.

They'd spent the better part of the day running down virtually every informant they could find, from demon mercenaries who occasionally did a hit for Wolfram and Hart to accountants who worked full time on the inside.

The vampire honestly couldn't decide which of the two he disliked most.

Regardless, no one had a clue as to the current situation...or if they did, even the persuasive methods employed by Angel and Wes couldn't shake it out of them. The former Watcher sighed to himself and spoke as Angel hung up the phone.

"I'm not sure if we accomplished anything today."

"Outside of the fact that whatever this is, they've locked it down tight."

"Indeed they have. Any word on the Gem from Fred and Cordelia?"

"Nothing we didn't already know."

"You're certain you destroyed it?"

Angel just looked at him with annoyance. Wesley shifted uncomfortably in the driver's seat.

"Let me rephrase. Can you relate precisely what you did?"

"Short version? Spike recovered it originally underneath Sunnydale; there's a good portion of the old city that was buried due to earthquake. You probably remember that, I suppose."

"Not really. I was only there for a short time, if you'll recall," Wes said drily.

"Right. Anyway, Buffy got the ring off Spike somehow and decided if any vampire should have this capability..."

"It should be you."

Angel shrugged almost imperceptibly. "That was the idea, I guess."

"I see." Wes said nothing further, waiting for Angel to elaborate.

"Anyway, I eventually wore it for a brief period. Saw the sun fully in the sky for the first time in a couple of centuries. Pretty heady experience."

Angel fell silent, staring at the finger that had worn the ring. Wesley simply waited.

"It wasn't time for me to see that. You've only seen hints of what I'm capable of, Wes. The things I've done...the people who suffered because of me."

His friend turned to the back seat to give him a long look once they stopped at a red light. Angel wouldn't meet his eyes as he continued.

"I told Buffy that it could've fallen into the wrong hands, which is true...but it's not the real reason. All those people I killed...and tortured. None of the children I murdered can put on a ring and come back to see their parents again; at least the parents I chose to leave alive. Sometimes I let one live just to see the expression on his face."

"Angel, you don't need to-"

"There may come a time when I've earned a chance to live like a normal man again; I don't pretend to know how things like this work. I DO know, however, that my destiny shouldn't include getting to wear a ring so I could play make-believe human. I'd forget my purpose if I didn't have my limitations. I would've lived too much like a person, and I don't deserve it. Not yet. I spent one day with that ring on my finger, and it was one too many. I went to the roof of our old office building with Doyle, watched the sunset, then smashed it."

They rode together in silence for several minutes. Finally Wesley spoke softly.

"I don't claim to understand whether or not there are scales that balance such things; I'm uncertain your humanity will ever be restored. I am personally aware, however, of a great many children who will live to be adults because of your actions. You sell yourself short, Angel. A piece of jewelry would have never been enough to change the direction you chose to take."

Without thinking, he looked in his rearview mirror to read Angel's expression. Naturally, he saw nothing...but Angel's face wasn't particularly expressive anyway; Wes decided he probably didn't miss much. He parked in the garage across from the Hyperion. Neither moved to get out immediately.

"You could have told me the same thing you did Buffy. It's a perfectly reasonable explanation."

"I know. I gave you a truer version because of what I'm about to ask you to do."

Wesley turned fully to face his friend. Angel didn't blink as he continued.

"I do everything I can to stay out of the personal lives of my friends, unless they choose to share things with me. Unfortunately, this has to be an exception to the rule. Something serious appears to be on the way. We need to play every card in our hand."

Wesley's face didn't change expression. "Lilah and I don't see one another any more."

"I know that. I have a feeling that wasn't her idea, though."

"If you're asking me what I think you are...that is not an option."

Angel cleared his throat nervously. "I want you to understand how much I hate this."

Wes knew his friend well. His eyes narrowed. "What am I missing here?"

The vampire reached inside his jacket, pulling out a large brown envelope. He wordlessly offered it. The former Watcher felt a chill in the pit of his stomach. He looked at the envelope, then back to Angel, whose face held no expression. At last Wesley took it and removed the contents.

All the color left his complexion in an instant. There were pictures of himself over the last nine months...with Dawn. The first three were from a day they'd spent together at Newport Beach. If the circumstances weren't so awful he would have smiled at the memory. Dawn had insisted he try to surf. After 30 minutes (and an self-estimated liter of inhaled salt water) later, she'd laughingly allowed him to sit and watch her attempt to navigate the waves.

She always humbled him, but on that day Dawn was positively breathtaking. Her brow was knitted with concentration as she manipulated the board, displaying a graceful athleticism that drew appreciative stares from every man on the beach. Wesley had completely miscalculated Dawn when he first met her, seeing her as a rather typical teenage girl - gawky, facile and more than a little scatterbrained.

The truth was, Dawn had a brilliant mind that never stopped noticing things and filing them away for future reference. Sometimes she became so caught up in the sheer density of her thoughts she'd trip and fall...or run into things. This proved that she was, on occasion, literally too smart for her own good.

Wesley went through the remaining surveillance photos. Most were taken through his window, some showing them reading intensely, others showing them laughing together. Dawn had been taking an Introduction to Humanities class; Wes was amazed when she'd actually managed to turn him 'round on certain views he'd held regarding art and literature...though he remained unconvinced that Grendel had been the fictional representation of a pure demon.

The third set of photos were of them sitting on a park bench with Eskimo Pies melting on to their hands. She'd officially made the Dean's List that day, and when he asked what sort of celebration she wanted, this had been her answer. He remembered her rather silly contention that she could get the children's swing higher than he...and remarkably, he'd done his best to prove her wrong, completely without regard to his dignity. One of the photos proved positively that Dawn had indeed swung higher.

It was the most fun he'd had in years. Fun? What on earth is this?

The last two photos were at the beach again. In the first, she stood in knee deep water, fists raised triumphantly after perfectly riding a wave. She had the body of a supermodel...and didn't give the slightest impression that she was even aware of it. It was in that moment that Wesley Wyndham Pryce fell completely and hopelessly in love. She ran to throw her arms around him in
celebration...which is when the final picture was snapped.

Wesley was kissing Dawn for the very first time. It had been one of the finest moments of his life...now forever polluted by the knowledge that they hadn't shared it privately. He discovered his hand was trembling and looked at it strangely, as if it weren't connected with his own body.

"When...?" Apparently his vocal cords weren't functioning properly either. Luckily, that single word was enough to convey his question. Angel spoke gently.

"About two and a half weeks ago."

Wes didn't give any impression that he'd heard, still staring at the picture of his lips meeting Dawn's. Finally he spoke with no inflection.

"Just after Dawn left for Sunnydale."

"Yes. There's something else."

The Watcher snorted out a bitter laugh. "Of course there is." Angel said nothing, simply gently placing a sheet of paper in Wesley's lap. The letterhead didn't surprise him in the slightest...but that didn't mean it hurt any less. He picked it up and began to read. To his surprise, it was written in longhand.

Angel My Sweet,

The paper crumpled in Wesley's hand. He swallowed hard, willing himself to breathe deeply. Angel spoke gently.

"Before we go any further, I want you to understand something. If you and Dawn are serious, I'm happy for you. I really am."

"I don't require your approval."

The vampire looked at the floor.

"True enough. Still, in case my feelings mattered, I thought I might get that out of the way."

Wes shook his head. "If you've known about this for nearly three weeks, how could you possibly ask me to...establish relations with Lilah again?"

"If you mean establish relations in the biblical sense, that's not what I was asking. I'd like to think you know me better than that."

Wesley looked at him incredulously.

"You DO realize we're speaking of Lilah Morgan here? There is absolutely no chance she will confide in me unless...unless things fully resume between us."

"You would know more about that than me."

That silenced them both for a minute. Angel sat back in his seat and spoke.

"Let's look at this objectively. How many people know about you and Dawn at this moment?"

"To the best of my knowledge, only you and Lilah. Dawn and I decided...no," Wesley corrected himself, "that isn't fair, really. Honestly, I alone decided that no one should know about what was developing between us until things were more certain. I knew that Buffy would have concerns due to our age difference...and the fact that she basically knew me when I was a sniveling boarding school prat. It seemed best to avoid that confrontation unless it was truly worth the effort. Dawn agreed...said she rather enjoyed keeping the secret."

"You weren't THAT bad. Back then, I mean."

Wes showed the ghost of a smile. "Thank you for the obligatory effort."

Angel grinned back. "No problem. So...it's fair to say that Dawn has said nothing to Buffy?"

"At the moment. It wouldn't surprise me if she finally did tell her, though. Frankly, I was being unfair to her, regardless of her support of my idea. Dawn has been remarkably understanding."

"So to the best of your knowledge, Buffy knows nothing about the two of you?"

"Surely you agree that I would have heard from her by now if she had."

"I surely do...which means Lilah didn't send these pictures to Sunnydale. This makes me ask a pretty obvious question: why not? Lilah seems convinced that you'd be in serious physical trouble. Wouldn't that be something she'd want?"

Wesley frowned for a moment. "It would seem so, now that you mention it."

"Under normal circumstances, Lilah is a sadist. She gets a kick out of watching her enemies squirm. In this case, however...why send them to just me?"

The former Watcher's face cleared. "Because she truly wants you to try and stop it."

"Right. Now, I have no intention of doing that - as I already said - and Lilah knows me pretty well. She's gotta know this was not a perfect plan. The perfect plan would've been sending the pictures to Buffy. Hell, she could doctor them and make things look a lot worse if she wanted... but she didn't. There is only one reasonable conclusion."

Wesley put his face in his hands. "Dear Lord."

Angel, seeing that Wesley was following his train of thought, nodded. "Lilah is desperate to get you back, but she doesn't want you to be physically hurt in the process. So instead of playing the trump card that would definitely cause problems between the two of you, she tries me instead."

He leaned forward in his seat.

"Wes, Lilah has feelings for you that go well beyond simple lust."

"The woman called me a pedophile."

"Evil creatures fall in love too."

Suddenly Wesley needed fresh air. He abruptly got out of the front seat and walked to the far end of the garage. Angel left as well, but hung back, allowing his friend to collect his thoughts. Wesley turned to him suddenly.

"You're suggesting that I give Lilah the impression that her plan worked, aren't you?"

"Yes. If she believes you're back with her, it serves two purposes. One, she'll be willing to confide in you, and we need the source. Two, she'll leave Dawn alone - for the time being - if she knows you two have broken it off."

Wesley was leaning against the railing, staring down at the street three floors below.

"I will not hurt Dawn for any reason. You must know this."

"Neither will I. You're misunderstanding me again. I'm not saying you should break up with her. I'm saying you should give the appearance that you have. Lilah is not a trusting soul. She'll verify you two broke up somehow, and that obviously can't look real without Dawn's help."

Wes remained silent for a minute, turning over Angel's plan in his mind.

"It puts Dawn at risk if Lilah figures it out."

"Wes, like it or not, Lilah is highly motivated here. Dawn is already at risk."

"All right. I'll speak to her about it this weekend. I will not do this unless she agrees to it."

"I understand. Now for the friendly advice portion of the program. You ready?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope. Wesley, I'm pretty old. There are certain things one learns to recognize. This whole rationale you've come up with about waiting to tell anyone until you're sure of your feelings? It's bullshit."

Wes faced him with raised eyebrows. "I'm sorry?"

"You heard me. It's bullshit. You're scared. I'd guess that has to do with your own doubts about the age difference. Let me tell you something: nine years is absolutely nothing when both parties are adults. I think on some level you know that perfectly well. You're smarter than I am, Wes. My special vampire nose is picking up on a fear of commitment."

Angel smiled, shaking his head slightly as he finished.

"You have it so bad for Dawn it isn't even funny. This weekend? Do the smart thing and just tell her exactly how you feel. Then talk to everyone else. I think you and Lilah are both misreading Buffy. She's protective, yes...but in the end, she wants Dawn to be happy. Show her that you're ready to make that happen."

He turned and headed for the elevator. Wesley quickly fell into step with him.

"I'm sorry about before."

"About what?"

"You were trying to be supportive of my relationship with Dawn and I was quite rude. Your opinion means a great deal to me."

Angel squeezed his shoulder.

"You were upset. I got that."

They entered the elevator; Wes pressed the button that would take them to the tunnel underneath the street that led to the Hyperion, then turned back to the vampire.

"Assuming you're right, and Buffy shows support and understanding. What of the others?"

"What about them?"

"They all played an active part in raising her. She is a daughter to them. Willow, for instance."

"Willow will be happy if Dawn is."

"Xander?"

"Faith will be more objective about all this; I trust her to keep him under control. Eventually he'll see through the overprotective glasses."

"And Spike?"

As they finished descending, Angel gave Wesley a sidelong glance.

"You're on your own there."

They entered the tunnel, elevator doors closing behind them.

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

"I guess I might have been a little harsh with that guy."

Faith quirked an eyebrow Buffy's way. "Nahhh. Really?"

They were rolling out of the Home Depot, a huge gas grill balanced precariously in the plastic orange cart. The brunette Slayer had one hand sitting on the lid to make sure it stayed in place while Buffy pushed. Both held bags filled with accessories in one free hand.

"It's a complicated situation."

"Really? See, I thought you were just pissed since he called you the magic word."

"Not that," Buffy sighed. "That was just me taking out my frustrations in an idiotic way."

"Well, ok, can't argue, but...look, you didn't hurt the guy. Might've messed up his undercarriage a little, but that can be fixed."

Buffy's eye widened. "No way. I didn't touch anything of his, especially that."

"I meant the car, B."

"Oh. Right."

Faith chuckled. "So, the complicated part. That would be this...what's the name? Dracula?"

"Oh God, he's back too?"

"No, I mean this vamp chick that made everybody clam up in your kitchen."

Buffy exhaled with relief. "Good. I have enough to deal with. Ok, her name is Drusilla. She was Spike's first...well, pretty much his first everything."

Faith stopped in the middle of the parking lot.

"Hold up. Dracula is REAL?"

"Huh? Oh...yeah. Might want to say that just a bit louder, though. Not everyone in the county heard you."

"Oops. Ok, is he hot like in the movies?"

"Can we focus on the problem at hand? And while we're at it, move out of the path of oncoming traffic?"

"Right. So by first everything, you mean Drusilla was his first...horizontal landing?"

"Pretty much. She sired him...was his constant companion for almost 120 years."

"Damn, our boy's the committing type, isn't he?"

Buffy smiled. "Yeah. Gotta give him points for monag..." Her face clouded. "Monagamousness. Or something. What is that word?"

"Askin' the wrong chick, B. Anything longer than six letters is a crapshoot for me."

"Anyway, he's a one woman vampire. Therein lays our problem."

Faith frowned at her. "If you honestly think he's still got a thing for her, you're seriously bent. Blondie's completely out of his head for you."

Buffy shook her head. "No, no...I don't mean it that way." She hesitated a moment. "Look, I'm going to share something with you that could really get me in trouble with him. Promise you won't tell him."

Faith raised an eyebrow as they reached the Escalade.

"Ok, you got it."

"I'm serious."

"You see me laughin'?"

Buffy opened the back hatch as she spoke slowly.

"Ok, here's the thing: Spike projects the tough guy image. You know, the jacket, the walk, the Yamaha, the hair."

"Peroxide makes you tough?"

"Well...it kinda burns. Anyway, he thinks so. That's all that really matters. The point is, he wants the outside world to know he's not someone to be messed with."

"He ain't."

"Yes...but that isn't the whole truth. He's actually an amazingly sensitive and emotional person. Once Spike cares for you...once he lets you in...he's extremely vulnerable. Is he a tough guy in that he's an incredible fighter? Of course. If you make him bleed, he heals fast physically. On the other hand, if he lets that emotional wall down and gets hurt, it stays with him forever. It literally takes years for Spike to learn to trust anyone."

"I get that. Kinda sounds familiar."

Buffy placed the grill in the back and slammed the hatch closed. She glanced at Faith quizzically as they buckled their seat belts.

"How is it familiar? Is he that obvious?"

"What, Spike? Well, I think all of us sorta know what's down there deep, yeah...but that's not what I meant. Lemme give you a different angle: let's say we have a guy who's been hurt a lot, so he runs around actin' like he's a lot dumber than he really is. Makes a bunch of jokes - most of which are pretty funny, I admit - usually rips into himself pretty hard. Is that what HE really is, deep down inside?"

Buffy was thoughtful as the SUV pulled out. "Not at all."

"Not one damned bit, actually. He's just afraid of being hurt even more than he already has been.. Once he decides he loves someone, though...God help anyone who hurts them, 'cause this guy will run through the fires of Hell to make it right. When it comes to his own issues, he
just tells everybody he's fine...makes some goof-ass joke to annoy people into leaving him alone. Sound familiar?"

The blonde Slayer was smiling slightly, shaking her head. "Wow. I never really thought about this, but you're right. Spike wouldn't want to talk about himself either...except he'd usually threaten people or something instead of making a joke. And I think he was hurt a lot when he was young, too."

Faith nodded. "Spike and Xander went about the same kinda thing in exactly opposite ways. Probably explains why they had such a hard time gettin' along at first. Too damned much alike once you get past the surface-y stuff."

Neither spoke for a long time as they drove, thankfully at a much more leisurely pace than thirty minutes before. Once they reached their destination, Buffy turned to Faith as she shut off the engine.

"Here's the thing: I know it's silly for me to have issues with Drusilla at this point. Spike is totally into me, and I have no doubts about that at all...but on some level, both of us knew she'd come back. There's too much history there for it to be otherwise. If she's running around in the daylight, she's obviously up to something bigger than normal vamp activity."

Buffy hesitated; Faith's eyes narrowed.

"Ok, that sounds logical enough, I guess. Your point being?"

"The point is, if we DO find ourselves up against Drusilla...I don't know if Spike could kill her if he had to. More importantly, I don't know how he would react if I killed her. However it comes down, Spike could build a whole new wall. Just for him and me."

The blonde Slayer's voice cracked slightly.

"I don't know if I could take that. We've come so far...and I'm
scared to lose this."

Faith's eyes were soft as she spoke.

"I don't have any good answers for you, B. All I can tell you is this: committed relationships are all about building and breaking down walls. Christ knows I have them...and so do you. I been married for just under a year now, and Xander and I still got our issues. We sorta pick away at each other, ya know? I can read the boy's mind half the time now, just like you and Red have been able to do with him for years...yet I still learn something new almost every day. He lets a tiny bit at a time loose for me...and the more I see, the more it scares me how much I love him."

Faith cleared her throat before she finished.

"I'm not the expert or nothin', but I think a relationship is only in real trouble when one of the two people gets tired of working their way through that stuff. Ok, let's say Drusilla winds up at the end of your stake. It's not as if you'll have a choice. You have to trust Spike to love you enough to get past it."

Buffy swallowed. "Is it enough, though? Love?"

Faith stared back, unblinking. "Guess you'll find out. Pretty damn good place to start from, though. Can't fix anything without it."

They got out of the vehicle and walked together. Buffy reached out and briefly squeezed her hand. "Thanks."

Faith frowned. "For what?"

"Knowing how to say the right thing. I think some of your husband's better qualities just might be rubbing off on you."

"Well, I know some damn nice qualities of his that rub against me. That count?"

"SO didn't need to hear that. Ok, this is it."

"Whoa. This is a freakin' dive, B."

"Uh-huh. Not exactly a Chamber of Commerce selection."

"I can't believe I never came here back in the day. It's comfortable."

"Are you serious?"

"Hey, you wanna go to the Ritz and hang with the debutantes, be my guest. Not my scene. These people, now....I know where they're comin' from. Lead the way, B. Let's have some fun."

They entered Willy's with smiles on their faces. Interestingly enough, Willy didn't share their expression when he saw them.

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

Dawn looked from Willow to Xander in amazement.

"You guys want to take a beginner self defense class?"

Willow frowned. "Well, yeah. I didn't know you two would be here. I thought it was going to be Buffy."

"She went with Faith to get grill stuff. Xander, you didn't know that?"

"Ummm....no. I thought they were coming here. Just for my own info, by the way, shouldn't you be working?"

Dawn's face flushed. "Buffy said she cleared it with you guys."

Xander and Willow looked at one another. Both shook their heads simultaneously, then frowned. The redhead sighed.

"Well, I guess it doesn't really matter. Nothing going on anyway."

"Plus, it's my lunch break," Dawn added quickly. "I was going right back after teaching this class for Buffy."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Well...since we're here, I guess..."

"I don't get this. Willow, you can create natural disasters. Why would you need to do this?"

"I get drained, Dawnie. What happens then? I'm useless in a fight. If you learned to be a great fighter, why can't I?"

Dawn folded her arms and frowned. "Well, for one thing, I've been training my butt off for three years."

"Oh honey, I didn't mean it the way it sounded. I just...wanted to be more like you."

Dawn smiled shyly at Willow. "Really?"

"Yes. Really."

Dawn chose her words carefully. "Ok, that's flattering, I guess. It's just...look, not everyone has talents in the same area. Willow, you're the most powerful witch on earth. I will never reach your magical level, because it's not something that I have a natural talent for. Do you
understand?"

"Of course I understand. On the other hand, you're a pretty good spellcaster in a bind, Dawn." Willow chuckled. "Get it? Spell? Bind?"

No one spoke or changed expression. She cleared her throat nervously.

"Anyway, if you can do some spells, there's no good reason I can't learn to do a little hand-to-hand stuff."

Dawn hesitated. "Ok. I guess you have a point."

Xander had his arms folded now. "So, Dawn?"

"What?"

"Any reason you want to give me for not being here? You know, stuff I already do well?"

Dawn swallowed. "Well...Xander..." I am SO kicking Buffy's ass for getting me into this.

Her face brightened. "You're already a pretty decent fighter because you don't have any formal training. You do awkward and unexpected things. That's your advantage." Dawn smiled proudly. Xander grinned back.

"Points for effort, Dawn Patrol. Where do we start?"

"Well, first of all I have to adjust the curriculum a little. Demons weren't on the agenda."

"What was?"

"Well...it's pretty much geared toward women defending themselves against attack from your everyday mugger or whatever. Generally males."

"That's sort of sexist, isn't it?"

Dawn sighed. "Come on, Xand. You know as well as I do that women are generally at a physical disadvantage."

"I guess. You gotta admit that's kind of a tough pill for me to swallow, though. I only know one woman I could handle...and then only if she's drained."

The redhead turned toward him slowly. "Excuse me?"

"Will, I'm just trying to make a point here. Do you mind?"

"Someone's forgotten the last time he tried to mix it up with me."

Xander turned to her in irritation. "We were 11. You were bigger than me at the time. Things have changed a little."

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, Xander."

"C'mon Wills. Be realistic. I'm a German Shepherd and you're a Shih-Tzu."

"I'm a WHAT?"

He cringed slightly. "Well...Shih-Tzus are somewhat fierce."

"Oh no. You're not getting out of this now."

"Look Wills, Dawn was right about the magic before. You don't have to prove anyth-"

"I don't need magic to kick the Shih-Tzu out of you, LAVELLE."

Xander froze in place. After a moment of shocked silence, he spoke softly, keeping his eyes on Willow.

"Dawn, we need two of those oversized Q-tip lookin' thingies."

"Oversized Q-..." Dawn's eyebrows were knitted. Then her face lit up. "Oh, you mean pugel sticks. Good. That's a nice practice weapon. Let me find some padded ones."

"You do that."

She scurried out as Xander and Willow began to circle each other slowly.

"Do we really need weapons for this, Xand?"

"I like 'em. They make me feel all manly."

"I could blink my eyes and turn you into a girl. Then you wouldn't have to worry about it."

"I knew you were too chicken to fight fair."

"Calling me another animal name? That's tired."

"Maybe that's 'cause I'm tired of listening to you."

"Hey, I have an animal name for you, Xand. How about ass?"

"Ok. How about I call you a FEMALE Shit-Tzu?"

Willow's eyes widened; her jaw dropped.

"Dawn! Where's the damned stick!?"

The youngest Summers walked in. "Ok, I found three. That way I can show you guys some stuff--"

Willow and Xander each held out a hand, neither breaking eye contact. Dawn raised an eyebrow and handed them out, backing up as she
spoke.

"Or, you two could just do a little work to familiarize yourselves. Right. Probably the best idea."

Xander began to circle again, spinning the stick in his hands. "You should've backed off when I gave you the chance, Rosenberg. Now I have no choice but to--OW!"

Willow had clocked him in the head. She smirked at him.

"This is how I beat you last time. You talk, I hit."

"You're supposed to say on guard, or something!"

"This isn't fencing. Plus, it's en garde."

"That's what I said!"

"No it wasn't. You used the English spelling in your head."

He stopped moving. "Wait a minute. How could you possibly know how I spelled something in my head?"

Willow swung. "You mean THIS head?"

This time Xander managed to deflect her. His gaze was feral.

"Ok, we're playin' it that way. Just bring it, Strawberry Shortcake."

They began to flail away, neither hitting very much. Dawn closed her eyes, unable to watch.

"What the Hell is going on?"

Dawn turned, seeing Buffy and Faith in the doorway.

"Hey. They showed up for the class. You get the grill?"

"Yeah. Went to Willy's too."

"Anything?"

"Nope. He didn't know squat."

"Damn. Well, I'll see what else I can dig-"

"Ow! Xander, that really hurt!"

"Oh jeez, Wills...are you ok?"

Faith shook her head.

"I can't believe he's fallin' for that."

Both Slayers winced when Willow caught him flush in the stomach.

"Gotcha," Willow taunted.

Xander staggered back. He gathered himself and nodded.

"Ok. That does it."

Buffy addressed Dawn. "How exactly did this sorry spectacle ensue?"

"Ummm....well, Xander said the class was sexist, 'cause every woman he knows could kick his ass except for Willow without magic."

"Ah. I gather she didn't take kindly to that."

"Ow. Stupidhead!"

"You're a stupidhead!!"

Dawn raised an eyebrow after Xander and Willow's interruption.
"Yup."

"They've degenerated into name calling."

The Key sighed. "Actually, that's when things got a little heated. Xander made kind of an insensitive analogy. Something about a German Shepherd and a Shih-Tzu."

Faith snorted out a laugh. "He called her a Shih-Tzu?"

"Right. Then she called him..." Dawn leaned in to whisper "...Lavelle."

Both Slayers whipped their heads in Dawn's direction. Faith whistled.

"Ohhh, snap. That'd do it."

"Anyway, he then amended the whole Shih-Tzu reference...making it a female."

Buffy's eyes were slits. "Hmmm...now I don't know who to root for."

"Bug Lover!!"

"Wolf Breath!!"

Faith rubbed her chin. "I gotta go with my honey on this one. I know from experience that you don't play the middle name card unless you want serious shit comin' down."

Dawn shook her head. "Nope. Willow all the way. By the way, where's my lunch?"

Buffy made a guilty face. "Oops. Guess we could've picked you up something at Willy's."

"Ugh. Suddenly not hungry any more. Thanks for the image."

"Hang on a sec. Dawnie, twenty bucks says my guy takes her."

Dawn considered a moment, then held out her fist. "Done."

The brunette Slayer bumped fists with Dawn to seal the wager. Buffy rolled her eyes.

"Faith, you just bought a couple of lunches for my sister."

"He's just toyin' with her. Any time now she's going down."

"Actually she should have already. Don't you get it? Xander isn't going to really hurt her. Eventually he'll probably let her win."

"OW! LET GO!!!"

"YOU FIRST!! YOU LET GO FIRST!!"

Buffy grimaced. "Wasn't anticipating the hairpulling, however. This could go either way."

"Fight through the pain, baby! The pain is your friend," Faith
shouted.

The combatants had abandoned the weapons. Both hands were entangled in one another's locks as they stopped abruptly, turning their heads to stare at the unexpected audience.

"Um...hi guys," Willow offered with a forced grin. Buffy tilted her head as she spoke.

"I'm going to presume to speak for my co-owner. This session is on the house, based on the condition that you NEVER come back for another one."

"Sorry. He started it."

"Did not."

"Did so."

"Dork."

Willow snarled and twisted.

"Ahhh...dammit, Wills! Cut it out."

"I'll tear it out if you don't say uncle."

"Never!"

"Really?" Willow twisted again.

"Ow...all right, all right! Uncle! Lemme go."

Faith glared as she dug into her purse. "Shit. My husband is a wuss."

Dawn grinned happily, holding out her palm.

After thirty seconds of negotiation, Xander and Willow disentangled themselves. He rubbed his scalp.

"My head hurts."

Willow scrambled to her feet and raised her fists in triumph.

"I am officially nobody's Shih-Tzu! Let this be a lesson to you
Xand-"

Suddenly her eyes rolled back in her head. She collapsed into a boneless heap on the training mat.

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

"The day comes soon," Drusilla whispered.

"What day might that be?"

Why, the day of reckoning. I see it. All the birdies are flying to their nests, feeding their young. Getting them ready for the day. Fly, little birdies. Fly, fly, fly...my dollies are being bad."

Lilah had her chin rested in the heel of her hand as she spoke in a bored tone.

"Really? What are they doing wrong?"

"They won't speak to me. The dollies see...but they do not share. And everyone knows good little dollies must share."

"Is this your way of saying your empathic power is being blocked?"

"Bad dolly! Naughty, naughty dolly! Mommy will learn who ripped out your throats and punish them severely. Until then, you may rest."

She placed them in the plush chair across Lilah's desk and raised up, eyes sparkling. She leaned toward Lilah, speaking in a quiet voice as she glanced left and right.

"Got myself a little family of my very own, I do. Big ones and little ones...pretty maids all in a row."

"How many have you recruited, Drusilla?"

"Collected them like little fireflies. Glowing for little tiny seconds in the night. In...and out. In...and out. So lonely and sad, they all were. I let some out of the jar for a spot of fun. They danced the night away."

"Drusilla, we need to make sure these newly created vampires don't leave a trail. Angel will be looking into this."

Again the vampire's eyes shone madly. "Angelus...how delightful seeing him will be. Named the city after him, you know."

"What?"

"The Angels...floating along..."

"Oh...L.A. Well, FYI, that floating thing is smog."

Dru's eyes narrowed. "Lilah. You were the bad girl who took Samson's strength."

"Umm...actually there's no De in front of my-"

Suddenly Drusilla was around the desk, hand clamped over her throat.

"My dollies may not be speaking, but Mommy knows bad behavior when she sees it. Yes, she does. Someone thinks they can speak to Mommy like a child. Mommy doesn't like such things."

Lilah attempted to respond in a choked voice. "I...I didn't...mean to..."

"Look at me, fair Delilah. Look into my eyes."

Almost against her will Lilah found Dru's gaze.

"My eyes will tell you how to behave properly. If you do, there will be tea and cookies for everyone. If you don't, Mommy will have no choice but to give the bad Lilah a spanking."

Dru was back in her chair, having released Lilah almost as quickly as she'd moved after her. The lawyer coughed for a moment, then quickly regained her composure.

"You've definitely made a valid point. I apologize for not being more...responsive to your efforts. You've done a wonderful job recruiting in such a short span. Have we provided you with enough gems?"

"Why yes, thank you for your concern." Drusilla's eyes danced with merriment.

"Right. Excellent. Our mutual employer has a request of you. Now that you've accumulated sufficient forces so quickly, you're being asked to pay a visit to Sunnydale."

Drusilla's eyes went cold. "Mommy doesn't like it there any more. The bees surround her there...stinging from all directions. She feels unwelcome."

"All we want you to do is make yourself known. We want them in L.A. You're the bait."

"Could she be asked more nicely?"

Lilah rolled her eyes. "Could we cut the crap, please? Ok, I let you have your little moment grabbing my throat and doing the mind warp thing, but this act gets tired. By the way, I've got a .357 Magnum pointed at your stomach under this desk if you make another move toward me. That won't kill you, but it'll put you down long enough for me to get the gem away from you and stake your ass. You've served the most important part of your purpose by gathering a motivated force to fight for us. The rest involves messing with our enemies' heads a little. Either way, though, we'll find a way to draw them down here...with or without you. Now, do you want to go to Sunnydale and have some fun, or sit here and feed me more of this goofy third-person bullshit?"

Dru's eyes were narrowed, darting from one side to the other, as if to assess threats to the perimeter. Finally she smiled slowly.

"I could learn to like you."

"Yeah? Tell you what...bring Our Gang down here by the middle of next week, and I might see it in my heart to like you a little bit too."

Drusilla rose to go. Just as she opened the door she looked over her shoulder.

"May I be allowed to kill a few of them before they arrive?"

Lilah smiled. "Knock yourself out, Mommy."