When She Was Wrong
J. Travis

Disclaimer: I own nothing, I make no money off this, but I sure am having fun making the dollies do whatever I want. Still, they do belong to Joss Whedon, ME, Fox, and anyone else who's legally a part of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer money making machine.

Note: Many thanks to Linne who is a kind and patient beta-reader, also because she catches the word processor glitch I have going every time it happens. Also, please forgive the slow update. This chapter, along with the last, took some extra time. Linne says people might just kill me if I wait too long with the next chapter. For whatever reason, my page breaks are deleted when I upload to 't know why. I just changed what I use as a page break for now, and I will be fixing previous chapters to make them easier to read.

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The house on Revello Drive loomed-a dark monument to evils past and present. For a place chosen to celebrate a birthday party, it seemed gloomy even with all the lights. Giles shuddered away the maudlin thoughts and glanced at the box carrying his gift for Buffy. He wondered if it was a mistake. Perhaps she'd prefer something trivial that didn't remind her of her calling, but it was such a beautiful piece of workmanship. He couldn't bear passing up the chance for his Slayer to own it.

It had been forever since the entire group had gathered in one place. Anya, still angry with Xander, had barely agreed to accompany Giles to the festivities. Unfortunately, she was alsosomewhat bitter over purchasing a gift for the Slayer. No one was really speaking, and this Vékell creature had Giles on edge. He kept waiting for it show up and merrily eviscerate them all. Since only Xander's car was in the drive, he and Anya opted to wait for Tara to show in her little roadster. Hopefully, she'd refrain from bringing Spike, but Willow made it clear to all that this birthday was about fun. Fun included an open invite. How dreadful the night would be, thought Giles, should the party turn into a fiasco on par with Buffy's welcome home celebration years ago.

Rather than sit in silence, Giles decided to make conversation with Anya, "So, what did you get Buffy?"

"A gift card," his reluctant companion replied.

"Well, that seems sensible enough," Giles told the fidgeting woman, "Did you get it in the mall?"

Anya's mumbled response was too muffled to understand.

"Pardon? I'm afraid I didn't quite hear you, Anya."

Rather than repeat herself directly, Anya quipped, "It's okay. You're getting old now. The hearing goes first."

This was the woman Giles remembered. Full of annoying sarcasm, but even he realized why his business partner was evading the issue, "Good grief, woman, you're giving her a gift card from The Magic Box! Of all the tasteless things you've done, I believe this might top the list." Giles could feel her scathing looks even in the darkened car, a good time to retreat, "But I suppose I understand the sentiment. It's been rather difficult for you, and I'm impressed you were able to come at all. I'm also glad you did."

Anya took Giles hand in hers, "Thanks. The hardest part? I'm not sure I even love Xander, Giles."

Giles clumsily patted her on the shoulder before saying, "It's not an easy situation, but you'll make the best decision for you. You know, I'll stand by you no matter what choice you make."

"You've been a good friend, along with Tara and Spike which is just weird. But I'm grateful for all the allies I have," the ex-demon said, "Speaking of the fluorescent devil, looks like they're here."

Spike parked Tara's car next to the curb, top down despite the chilly weather, and it appeared Tara and Spike had brought their friend Clem. The odd trio were laughing over something when Giles noticed Spike jump from the little convertible to rush around to Tara's side; the vampire actually opened the door for her. How...strange. It wasn't until Giles noticed Tara reach for Spike's arm that an unlikely thought occurred to him, but it made no sense whatsoever. Buffy's Watcher sighed and gathered gifts and cards from his car while Anya jumped from his vehicle to meet up with the new arrivals.

"You look gorgeous, Tara," he heard Anya squeal.

Carefully appraising the dark blonde, Giles added, "Yes, quite lovely." Her prettiness was actually startling, but even more disconcerting was the fact that Spike had not only noticed the woman, he obviously reveled in her beauty.

"Thanks, guys," Tara replied, "are we ready?"

Anya, candid as usual, groaned, "I'd rather have my stomach pumped while being eaten alive, but Giles wouldn't listen to me. So...I guess I'm ready."

Spike and Tara shared a conspiratorial look, Clem snickered. Giles was about to lecture the overly brash young woman who stared at the little group then added, "Just hurry up!" With that, Anya grabbed Giles by the arm and dragged him to Buffy's front door. The remaining three followed. No one had a chance to ring the bell or knock because Dawn was already standing at the door waiting.

The teenager faked a big smile and ushered the group across the threshold. When Tara and Spike started to enter, she threw herself into Tara's arms and whispered, "We have to talk ... help me," she knew Spike would hear as well.

Aloud Dawn made a point of saying, "I'm so glad you're here! We've all really missed you, Tara," in the living room, Willow watched and smiled coldly. A least she appeared satisfied with Dawn's performance, but Dawn cringed to see the witch walk over to speak with Tara.

"Tara...wow, you really look amazing," Willow told the woman.

Spike answered, "Surprised, Red? I wasn't, but my Tara is always amazing." Dawn's eyes widened in disbelief. His Tara? Spike was moving on from Buffy? With Tara? Good for both of them, and the girl grinned at the unlikely, but seemingly happy, couple.

"Guys," Dawn said, "just get in here!"

"Sure thing, Bit, introductions all around first," Spike responded, "Oi, Clem, in here, mate. Whelp, Witch, Niblet, this is Clem."

Clem waved, "Nice to meet you. I brought extra snacks."

Xander, who'd been watching Anya from the sidelines, ignored what seemed to be happening between the vampire and Tara gave Clem a genuine welcome, "Hey, man, snacky goodness is always welcome here." He promptly offered to help carry the food to the kitchen, "Fried pies? Bagel pizza! All right! You can come over anytime." Clem laughed in return, and the two carried the bags out of the living room.

Dawn noticed Anya watching Xander and hugged the former demon.

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Upstairs, Buffy lay quietly on her bed. She'd been ready for hours, and now it was time to face all of them. She no longer felt anything but the urge to kill, eat, sleep or fuck, and hiding that from the people in her life was exhausting. She pretended to be who she had been, all the while dreaming of blood. Rising from the bed, Buffy checked the mirror to make any necessary adjustments to her appearance. It had been days since The Other's tiny and tightened voice spoke, but the Slayer could still hear the occasional whimper. That Buffy was losing whatever hold she had in this world, and the person left would be glad to be rid of the nagging and whining.

There was a time when birthdays were joyous, surprise filled, but this one meant nothing. Buffy would smile as she accepted her presents, but it was Spike she wanted. Anger wound its' way through the Slayer's veins. A deadly elixir of hatred mixed with dark anticipation became her personal communion as she contemplated William the Bloody. She'd use his body one last time, and when he was least prepared, smiling even, she'd rip his head from his neck. Lust for sex and blood warmed her, and the new Buffy Summers raked her fingers through her hair one last time before heading downstairs to greet her guests.

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When Buffy came down the stairs, Spike watched the woman intently. She moved with the stealthy grace of a lioness, and her eyes shone with a predator's need. The demon recognized the hunter's stance. He'd seen it in so many of his own kind; Spike moved closer, his own stance protective, to Tara who was busy chatting with the snack sized one. Power and wrath emanated from Buffy, and Spike had an impulse to grab both his girls and run. Red had been glaring at him from across the room while Clem and old Rupes talked cars. Apparently, Clem was offering Giles a good deal on window tinting, "With a car like that," his friend said, "you have to protect the leather." Seated in the living room, Xander and Anya sat trying not to look at one another, but at least they weren't arguing.

The Slayer, still moving slowly, descended the last few steps to announce, "Birthday Girl's here." Her smiled chilled the vampire more than an arctic breeze would've during his mortal life. Buffy Summers wasn't herself, but Spike didn't believe that was possible. Her scent, still tantalizing, undeniably belonged to the eldest Summers, but her eyes were pools of nothingness. This creature was unlike any Spike had ever encountered.

Tara was the first to stand and approach, "Buffy, happy birth--," her words froze. When she backed away, Spike picked up the odor of fear mixed with confusion. His witch sensed it too.

As the others gathered around Buffy, the strange moment passed. It was hugs and near normalcy all around, and it was Dawn who broke the mood, "Dinner or presents first? I vote presents!"

Willow laughed and tried ruffling the teen's hair, "It's not even your birthday, Dawnie," but the girl flinched and glared at Willow.

"That's my little sister, gifts first. Let's go for it, Dawn, you can help." Spike watched Dawn regard her sister with a mix of distrust and hope, it was horrible to see.

The Watcher embraced his Slayer, "Happy birthday, Buffy, I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Giles."

"Hey, Buffster," called Xander, "mucho food and revelry await your command!"

Peering from behind the Scoobies, Clem waved, "Hi, Buffy, nice to see you again. From the poker game, remember? I brought snacks."

Buffy nodded her thanks and flashed another phony smile, "Spike, good to see you-finally."

Her words weren't lost on the vampire. Again he moved closer to Tara's side, "Been looking for me then, Slayer? I've been a bit busy."

"Spike's living with me, Buffy," Tara took the direct approach, "I'm sure Willow told you."

"Yeah, right," that funny little half-grin on Buffy's face that indicated she was humoring the crazy people, "Saw you together myself. So, you're dating now? You might want to watch that, Tara, he's rough on a girl." She smirked and didn't take her eyes off Spike while speaking.

Giles blanched, Clem gave Spike a thumbs up in show of support, and Xander exclaimed, "Gimme a huh?"

Spike was about to tell the lot of them to go to hell when Anya interrupted, "Oh, please, it's obvious they like each other. Spike's wearing a dress belt with chinos, and it's not like you really wanted him, Buffy, you told him to move on. He did. Guess that makes Tara bi." Anya headed toward the kitchen, "Anyone else want some chips?"

Now it was Willow's turn to flinch, presumably over Anya's brief yet accurate speech, while Buffy glowered at the couple in front of her.

Reaching for Spike's hand, Tara simply said, "We're good for each other." The vampire looked stunned and grateful.

Giles snorted and shot back venomously, "Of course, Tara, until he's bored with you and decides you'd make a better meal. Well, at least you'll have to wait until his chip stops working!"

"Watch it, mate," Spike growled.

"Or you'll what? Insult me into a screaming death of pain?"

The room filled with bickering and yelling while Clem and Dawn watched from the sidelines. Curiously, Buffy did nothing but smile blankly.

Finally, it was Dawn who couldn't take the insanity, "SHUT UP! Jeeze! Even my friends and I don't act this immature."

Buffy turned to Willow, who'd been screaming at Tara, and said, "We can talk about it later, Will, let's just open gifts."

Giles nodded curtly and followed Xander into the brightly lit and magically decorated living room. Willow had outdone herself. Softly glowing and ethereal roses graced every surface, and candlelight seemed to glimmer from each corner, but there were no candles present. Buffy's presents were casually piled on the coffee table. She opened Dawn's first and thanked her sibling, "Great CD, Dawn," but she had no real interest in music anymore. Willow's gift, a protection charm, was at least useful the Slayer reflected.

She glanced at the remaining gifts when Anya tossed a card to Buffy, "Here, it's a gift certificate from The Magic Box and complimentary discount since you're like family."

"Nice, Ahn," Xander commentated, a sardonic tone thickly spread over the words like peanut butter clinging to white bread, "furthering your own profit. Very classy."

"I didn't have time for shopping, Harris, between returning wedding gifts and crying fits." Xander blushed at that comment.

"It's great, Anya," Buffy told the woman, "thanks."

Xander's present, a gift card from The Gap, would've sent the old Buffy Summers into a squealing fit of joy, but this Buffy merely thanked the dark eyed young man.

Three gifts remained on the table. Buffy opened the bracelet from Tara first and sounded another wooden thank you. Spike's gift, an expensive perfume (probably stolen, she thought) that she'd recalled loving a lifetime ago, appeared to mock her and provoke her anger. Whatever leftover sentiment she'd felt buried had moved the Slayer to save Giles' present for last.

Giles rushed, "If you don't like it, Buffy, well, uh, I will understand. But, you see, it's been in my family for centuries. I had Quentin ship it from my home."

The ninja-to blade flashed wickedly in the shimmering light, and the petite blonde smiled her first real smile of the evening, "It's perfect."

With that, she quickly jumped from her seat and sent the coffee table flying toward the hallway as she pivoted 90 degrees on her left foot and followed through with a brutal and deadly kick with her right leg. Table demolished, Buffy leapt front and center, "Who's going to play first?"

"Get down," Spike shouted at Giles who was near the window with Anya and Xander, "Bloody hell! Dawn, Tara, with me now," the two women really didn't any further encouragement.

Xander, Anya, Giles and Willow stood still as Buffy advanced. Anya, closest to the Slayer's target, was picked up and tossed through the front window. The young woman spun before hitting the glass. Dawn screamed in horror, and Spike turned to see what was happening. The living room was a tangle of limbs-Scoobies trying to get away from Buffy. Just as it was happening, the vampire realized it was Clem she was after. The one demon who, to Spike's knowledge, had never actually harmed a living soul though he scared more than his fair share. Giles and Xander sidestepped to the open window and watched in terror. Willow's face was suddenly covered in blood as Buffy grasped her new blade and pierced Clem's side. His eyes widened, and the demon screamed in pain. Buffy laughed darkly while everyone else simply ran.

Buffy jumped and slammed her fist into Willow's face. Now the blood on the witch was her own, but it didn't stop there. As Willow cowered on the floor for a moment, the Slayer landed a solid kick to the young woman sending her crashing through the stair rails. As the redhead's eyes glazed in pain and fear, Buffy laughed darkly, "Your fault, Will, should'a left it alone. Let her stay in heaven."

Willow gagged on the blood rolling down her throat then screamed one word.

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Outside, Ethan Rayne saw Anyanka fly through the window. D'Hoffryn would get a laugh over this story. When Spike, Tara, and Dawn burst through the front door, the unholy screams began to fade, and a flash of magic jolted Ethan to his knees. A woman's voice shouted, "Solid," as Ripper, alongside the Slayer's boy, hurried quickly to help Anya. Now was as good a time as any.

Striding across the street Ethan called, "Mate, let me help with that."

Giles and Xander looked up and each man gasped, but Giles was accusing and fiercely angry, "This is your doing," all hell broke loose again as Giles tackled Ethan Rayne and began pummeling the sorcerer's face.

"Ripper! STOP! I'm trying to help you."

"What have you done to my Slayer?"

Ethan choked out the words, "It's...," the man gagged and coughed, "it's your bloody witch's doing, not mine-that damned resurrection spell!"

Giles loosened his grip, and Xander, carrying Anya, told the two men, "We have to find someplace safe-we have to leave now!"

Willow, her voice somewhat weak sounding, called from the house, "I stopped her!"

Tara looked at Spike. He quickly ran to check, closely followed by Dawn. When the rest of the group decided to reenter the house too, Spike saw that Buffy had stopped, unable to move or speak, only because of Willow's spells. The witch had a minor injury, but no one moved to help her, all were too stunned by the sight of Buffy.

Giles spoke to Ethan, "Talk now! I am in a mood to be disposed of you quickly."

"All right then, old friend, your Slayer not herself these days? She's not all that alone, Ripper, it's happened before-Travers can give you all the dirty little details." Ethan laughed lightly, "Ask him about Isabella Mazzioni, mate, ask him about World War II and John Travers, real treat that story will be I'm sure."

"Tell me!" Giles spoke, his voice tired and angry, "I feel like we're running out of time, man, just tell me."

Sniffing, Ethan answered, "You never had time, Ripper, she never did either. Did some digging for you, and that girl isn't your girl anymore."

Spike, who'd been checking Clem for signs of life, spat, "You're lying. She's Buffy-I'd know her anywhere."

"She was Buffy, demon, not so much now. I talked to Osiris, witch," Willow looked stunned, "He confirmed it too, but Travers has the real answers. Always has. The Slayer came back wrong, and you bumbling idiots are responsible-never should've been allowed," Ethan wheezed.

Tight lipped Giles replied, "The Council never said anything. What have they to do with this?"

"Travers, Ripper! Are you thick, man? Call him! I'm trying to help you," Ethan laughed again, sounding somewhat deranged, and then he promptly tumbled to the floor.

Willow had listened quietly before raging, "YOU ALL BLAME ME!"

Spike and Tara, tending to Clem's wound, glared at the redhead, and Dawn softly cried. Buffy continued to struggle against the magic that held her, and Spike would've sworn he heard her growling.

"You'll have to contact someone named Vékell," Ethan warned them all, "Don't know who she is or where."

At this Tara looked up from her task, "She's coming to us," she hadn't yet had a chance to tell Giles about her dreams.

An unknown voice spoke from behind the group, "She's already here."

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Before anyone could move, the being motioned with a hand and appeared to fold several of the people in the room closer to her. Dawn was nauseous, and Tara found herself grabbing for nonexistent walls while Giles and Xander attempted to run for safety. Spike merely stood and stared, dumbstruck by the weirdness. When the motion within motion ceased, everyone who could still stand was standing in The Magic Box.

"Hurry, bring him to me," Vékell pointed at Clem, "he's still alive." She breathed, and Clem's wounds were healed. Clem blinked and scrambled away, apparently unsure of how to react.

"Bloody hell, what was that? What did you do to us?" Spike was not happy about the situation.

"I understand your concern, vampire," Vékell answered, "let me explain-at least as much as I'm allowed."

Tall, imposing without trying, her skin was the color of milk chocolate, her eyes like fields of heather flowers, and her hair was a reddish brown that was reminiscent of cinnamon or the hard reddened earth of southern Missouri. Most people would assume she wore colored contacts, but Spike knew this creature was what she wanted to be. He also noted she smelled of roses warmed in the sun. Perhaps it was the lack of humanity surrounding her, despite the appearance, that had tipped him off to her nature. He was suddenly certain she'd be able to look any way she wanted. Moving to Anya next, Vékell placed her hands on the young woman's forehead, "Heal," she whispered, and it seemed Spike could hear the words of others, others like Vékell, softly answering that her will would be done.

Turning to the rest of the group, the Power addressed them, "The Slayer is immobilized along with the witch who's caused this mess," Vékell continued before anyone had the chance to interrupt, "I'm not allowed to interfere in this too much, even I am constricted by certain rules. I broke many once, and I'm still paying. Tara, do you have the urn?"

"Yes, but why?"

"You'll need it in one piece, and then I've given all the help I can where the Slayer is concerned. Willow won't help, but she's not the only source of power, remember the spell, Tara. She's going to try and stop all of you, and she's really the reason I'm here-Willow Rosenberg will not be allowed to abuse The Key, my Key might I add."

Dawn gasped and Spike moved to attack, but Vékell simply held up her hand, and Spike found himself promptly seated and unable to move. "You made me?" The teenager looked stunned and angry.

"You never belonged to Glorificus, Dawn, she was nothing."

Giles demanded, "And you? What the hell are you? Anya said--"

"Anyanka, regardless of how much I liked her, would hardly have been given access to any real information about me. She was a demon. I was a Power, but not the one who created all of this out of loneliness and selfishness--"

Her words were cut off by a tremor, and she snapped at whomever was listening that only she seemed able to see, "Oh, fine! You already know my feelings anyway.

"I watched your worlds' creation-it's not my doing. Originally, I was intended to keep and guard passage through all the portals, and even the worlds without portals are mine though few can get to them save myself. Actually, I destroyed many of the gates once humans exhibited signs of higher understanding, no need to let your lot wander about aimlessly. The Powers, unlike you all and most demons and demon gods, aren't copied from one world to the next. There are countless worlds with all of you in it, but this is the one that keeps the balance. I made The Key for the other Powers. In my absence, they too could walk in other worlds as needed. A war started over that Key, Dawn, you were hidden away and protected until you could be sent to Buffy."

"We know all that," Anya griped, "you always were a wordy bitch."

Spike grinned, "I think our Anya would like you to GET TO THE SODDIN' POINT!"

Vékell's eyes flashed dangerously, "Two of you were chosen to protect The Key after Buffy's death. Your Willow will try and use her, fix what she did with Dawn, but this will not be allowed. Killing Willow is already sanctioned, but I'm suggesting you find a way to save her before it becomes necessary."

Tara, tears in her eyes, asked first, "What do I need to do?"

"Give me the urn."

The blonde handed over the pieces she'd stored in The Magic Box months ago, and Vékell restored them, again without any of the whistles and bangs Willow's magic invoked. The Power's movements were precise, simple, and elegant, "My help has almost reached it's limit. Tara, study the spell, remember what you've forgotten. Go, find a safe place for now, and do not return home, Dawn, you must stay with your protectors-Tara and Spike." And she was gone as quickly as she'd appeared.

"GRRRAAAAAHGGGH!" Spike was screaming, "BLOODY! STUPID! WENCH! Innit that just like a superior being. They'll fuck with your head, tell you what to do, and not bother actually fixing the mess they let happen to begin with." Everyone in the room shared the vampire's sentiments.

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The car was roomy, dark, and, thankfully, free. Both Dawn and Tara were asleep, and with a long drive ahead of them north of Sunnydale, Spike thought that was for the best. Clem had already given Spike the keys to his family home, which he was more than happy to accept considering how little he wanted any one of them in that damned town at the moment. Buffy would likely already be awake and stalking him, Tara, and possibly Dawn, but Spike would fight for all three of them even if it meant killing the Slayer. Apparently, whatever that bitch was, she wasn't really Buffy anymore. Unlike most humans, Spike had no problem distinguishing between the differences once the matter was settled. Oddly enough, he'd said to Xander and Anya once that even if Buffy had come back wrong, he wouldn't have killed her; those were different times when he was still in love with the girl she'd been. Thanks to the Buffy Summers he'd known, the woman he'd loved, he'd learned that humans could be more than prey. Now he was responsible for two humans, okay, one witch and one mystical key with the power to possibly suck the entire world into hell and back again, but why quibble over a few words?

As the group left The Magic Box, Giles was clear and firm, "Spike, take them and leave-go as far as you can tonight. If necessary, drive further tomorrow. I don't want to know where you are, but I am giving you my cell phone and charger to call me. Take care of them..." The Watcher had started to weep, "I'm going to... I'm going to take care of Buffy in my own way." Giles then barked at Xander and Anya to leave in another direction, and the group scattered-like people will do when looking for shelter before a storm. Spike and Tara realized returning for her car wasn't an option, and the couple had partly dragged and mostly carried an overwhelmed Dawn into Willy's.

They were greeted with a mixture of fear of awe, "Hey, Spike, what's it gonna be? You out to show the ladies a good time?"

"I need a car, mate," Spike told him, "You owe me money, gimme your keys."

Willy scrambled to accommodate the demands, "We'll be even then, right?"

Snorting, Spike replied, "Not bloody likely! Do you know how much you owe me?"

"Aww, man, when you gonna give me a break? I didn't mean to lose those kittens!"

"Didn't mean to lose those kittens? Thanks to you, git, I still owe a passle of Siamese to my bookie. Since I'm no welsher, neither are you," the vampire smirked, "Now, the keys, barkeep, I'm in a bit of a rush. And you haven't seen me in weeks, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure thing, buddy."

Dawn had interrupted the two, "Um, Spike? I'm kinda hungry."

Willy smiled brightly, "I've got some snacks stashed back here. Oreos, chips, cokes too? There's even some peanut butter and crackers, kiddo."

"That'll do us," Spike answered for her, "Wrap it up and we're gone. Out of your greasy hair for a time anyway. Toss in some single malt too and a few pints of the red stuff, and then we're a little closer to even, eh?"

That was it. Spike tossed the bag of snacks into the back seat, and the three unlikely travelers were on their way to a house on the coastline. Spike had been to Clem's family home, and he knew the demon kept it almost exactly as his mother left it. It was a Cape Cod style house, casual interior, it spoke volumes of comfort and welcome. Clem's family pictures were everywhere in the place, and it was obvious he'd been a child who was loved and doted upon by his mother and father. The house would be perfect for the two women to relax in while waiting. Dawn could even head down to the beach if she wanted, and it would be hers to enjoy in private since Clem had come from quite a bit of money-you wouldn't know it to see him, but the man inherited a lot from his family. Spike was grateful for that at the moment.

When they arrived, Tara gasped in surprise and Spike grinned, "You approve, pet?"

"This place is fantastic!"

Dawn, wide eyed and still half asleep, murmured, "Who knew your friends had taste." She yawned and rubbed at her eyes.

"It's time the kiddies went to bed, eh? Dawn, why don't use the room at the top of the stairs on the left. It's the guest room, and I know Clem's mother put clothes of all sizes in that one. Tara, you take the master. It's upstairs too, and you'll be able to wear Hannah's clothes. She was about your size, an inch or two taller."

"Um, okay. What about you?" Tara questioned.

"I'm taking the basement, love, 's nice down there. Belonged to Clem, Sr., and that man knew how to put a den together right proper." Spike laughed lightly at the memories of spending time with Clem's parents, even Dru had liked them, "I've known Clem and his family a long time."

"So I gathered," Tara looked around the front room, "It's pretty in here. The pictures? Clem's mom was human?"

Chuckling Spike said, "Oh yeah, his dad had a real yen with the tight-skinned set. Clem always jokes about human women, but he has a bit of a fondness for them himself."

Dawn chimed in, "Cool, but I think I want to go to bed."

"You okay, Dawnie?"

"Yeah, Tara, I don't really want to talk about Buffy," her voice started to crack, "I think Giles is going to kill her."

"Platelet, we don't know what Giles is going to do yet. He'll contact that bastard Travers first-maybe he'll have some good news for us."

The teenager sniffed and wiped away her tears, "I know. I think I just want to rest, okay?"

"All right, upstairs then. You too, Tara," Spike smiled at both women and was surprised when Tara leaned up to kiss him good night. After everything that happened earlier, he was sure she'd be so hell-bent on saving Willow that she'd forget all about him. That was the one thought he hadn't wanted to entertain.