Was It Always Like This?

Chapter 20

Buffy returned from patrol at four in the morning and crept quietly into the house. Her left arm was cradled in her right and she was limping a little as she headed for the kitchen.

“Buffy, are you alright?” he asked and put the table light on. “Are you hurt?” he stood to help her into a chair.

“Just a few bumps and bruises” she muttered and winced as he helped her take her coat off. “One of the newbies decided to hotwire a car and see if it was a match for a blonde with a stake” she leaned back, exhausted, as he knelt in front of her to take off her boots.

“I’m assuming you showed him the error of his ways?” Giles suggested dryly as he helped her stand before loosening what was left of her jeans and lowering them as she sat back down. “Although I’m guessing he took an early advantage” he got some ice packs from the fridge and placed them strategically around her thigh and knee as it seemed to swell in front of him.

“Another one up here” she sighed and took the proffered ice pack for her shoulder. “I was definitely winning until he decided to drive through the cemetery wall and that was when everything got a bit complicated” she admitted and winced as he gently probed her shoulder.

Giles sat bon hon his haunches and let her catch her breath. “The shoulder is dislocated but I think I can fix that for you here” he watched for the imperceptible nod and continued once he received it. “I don’t think you’ve broken anything in the leg but I would be happier if we could get it X-Rayed to make sure”

“Might as well X-Ray the ribs while I’m there, maybe we’ll get two for the price of one” she quipped and lifted the ice pack from her shoulder. “Let’s do this first” she said quietly and took a deep breath.

He stretched his fingers and rolled his neck before taking a firm stance in front of her. “Hold onto my arm” he suggested and waited till her healthy hand rested on his elbow. “On the count of three” he said as he took a deep breath. “One, two” he counted before pulling her arm down and towards him at the same time as pushing against her collar bone with all of his strength.

She took several deep breaths and rested her forehead on his chest before glaring up at him. “I knew you were going to do that” she muttered and gently rotated her shoulder. “Thanks, that’s a little better” she leaned back in the chair and replaced the ice pack on her shoulder. “Not that I’m not grateful but what are you doing up and about?” she asked as he stepped away from her and sank into a chair on the other side of the dining table.

“I was just making sure Martin left before you came home and caught them together in bed” he suggested with a completely straight face.

It was an indication of the pain she was in that it took several seconds for his meaning to kick in. “You better be joking” she glared at him. “Or you will be retiring hurt from the chaperone game”

He shook his head and smiled. “Martin left at a perfectly respectable time and Willow was sleeping so I took the chance to make some phone calls”

“How is Willow?” Buffy asked and raised her eyebrow. “I’m guessing I didn’t completely ruin your evening?”

“It continued very satisfactorily after you left” he admitted. “Willow is fine, if a little exhausted” he added and failed dismally to keep the smug grin off his face. She shook her head and tried to find a more comfortable position on the chair. “Would you be more comfortable on the sofa?” he asked and when she nodded he bent down and gently carried her to the living room.

“Thanks” she muttered after several shallow breaths. “I don’t suppose I should eat or drink anything” she sighed as he plumped the cushions behind her head and positioned a few under her knee to support it.

“I wouldn’t” he shook his head. “Even with your slayer healing they may still have to do some invasive work” he checked his watch. “If I called a cab we might be able to get to the emergency room and back before anyone knew you were gone.”

“I think that’s a plan” she nodded and rested her head on the cushions. “I could use some different clothes, if you don’t mind” she asked and indicated her torn blouse.

“Would sweats be OK?” he asked and went upstairs to collect them when she nodded. He quickly scribbled a note for Willow and taped it to the bedroom door before heading back downstairs.

Willow woke the next morning to a quiet knocking on the bedroom door. She turned over and was a little confused when her outstretched arm didn’t encounter anybody else. Pulling the quilt up to her chin she said “come in” and yawned.

Dawn popped her head round the door. “Sorry to wake you but Giles has just called from the emergency room and he says they are going to be another hour or so”

“Hospital?” Willow practically jumped out of the bed before remembering and grabbing the quilt. She stood beside the bed, trying to wrap the quilt around her and Dawn took a step back. “Why is he at the hospital?” she shouted before making a conscious effort to rein in her fear.

“He left you a note” Dawn sheepishly admitted and pulled the taped envelope from the door. “He said Buffy was a bit beat up and they had gone there early this morning to check her out” Dawn explained as Willow tore open the envelope and read the message. “He said she’s fine but they want a specialist to check out her knee before they let her go”

Taking a deep breath Willow nodded and sat back down on the bed. The note had quickly outlined Buffy’s injuries and the fact that he loved Willow very much and was sorry he hadn’t been able to wake up next to her after last night. She blushed and finally remembered Dawn was still looking at her in concern. “You call Xander and tell him to come and pick us up in twenty minutes” she said. “I’ll get showered and meet you downstairs in fifteen”

Dawn nodded and seemed a little happier about finally having something to do. “I’ll make a thermos of tea, Giles never did like the stuff they sell at the hospital” she smiled shyly and was about to leave before turning back. “I’m really sorry about last night, I hope I didn’t ruin everything” she shrugged her shoulders and hurried to her room to finish dressing.

Willow closed her eyes and remembered the highlights of the previous night, a smile taking possession of her face as the blush flared again. Dropping the quilt she pulled his dressing gown around herself and breathed in his scent before heading for the shower.

Xander was making breakfast. “Hey, no time for food” Willow said anxiously.

“Willow” Xander began before turning the french toast. “Giles said it would be another hour before the specialist got to them and we can’t do anything at the hospital so we may as well have breakfast and go in ten minutes” he explained as he served up a plate to her. “Eat this and I’ll phone the hospital to let them know we’re on our way” he headed for the phone.

Dawn came in carrying a sports bag and dumped it beside Xander. “Clothes” she smiled at Willow. “Just in case the stuff she was wearing was all gooey”

Willow nodded to the laundry basket. “I think she changed before she left, that’s the blouse she was wearing when she went out last night”

Dawn picked it up and they all stared at the tear running from one shoulder down the back almost to the bottom hem.

Xander hung the phone up and looked towards Willow. “Lets go” he nodded and they all hurried towards his car.

“She’s alright” Giles held his hands up to placate the anxious questions. “Everything’s going to be OK, they are just being cautious and getting a specialist to give her knee the once over before they let her go” he automatically put his arm round Willow as she moved to his side. “Good morning” he smiled down at her. “Did you sleep OK?” he asked and heard Xander cough quietly behind him.

“Xander please” he sighed, ready to have this out with him when he saw Buffy standing in the door of her room, leaning on a single crutch. “Buffy, have you seen the doctor?” he asked, quickly moving to her side and leaving Willow.

“If we wait much longer it will practically be healed anyway” she muttered and slowly moved a step or two forward. “The knee brace should do the trick for the next day or two” she mumbled.

“But they said you shouldn’t be using a crutch with your shoulder” he started before being pushed aside by Willow and Dawn.

“Let’s get you out of here and home to your own bed” Willow suggested and slid her shoulder under Buffy’s, putting her arm round her waist.

Buffy hissed and took a few deep breaths. “Dislocated shoulder as well” she smiled apologetically at them. “That’s why I’m only using one crutch”

Xander shook his head and handed Willow the bag with Buffy’s clothes. “Only one way to do this” he suggested and gently lifted her into his arms. “Let’s go” he suggested and the others fell in behind them.

“Wait a minute, you can’t leave” one of the nurses was trying to attract their attention and Giles sighed before turning back to face her.

“We can leave, all you need to do is get me to sign a D12 form and the hospital won’t be responsible for any relapses as a result of our leaving” he stood at the desk as the nurse rifled through the paperwork on the desk. “You used to keep them in that purple file there” he pointed lazily at the desk and smiled as she put the form in front of him. “Perhaps you could tell Dr Alexander that I’ll give him a call later today to let him know of her progress?” he suggested and headed after the others.

Dawn was fussing over her sister as Xander gently placed her on the back seat of the car. “Dawn, I’m fine” Buffy sighed and slid across the back seat to rest her back against the other door. “I’m not sure how you’re all going to fit in” she started and looked pleadingly at Willow.

Her friend smiled at her and gave the bag to Dawn. “Dawnie, put this in the trunk then you get in the front, next to Xander” she leaned down into the car and met Buffy’s eyes. “You going to be OK?” she asked quietly and was relieved to see Buffy smiling back at her.

“I’m going to be fine, Will. Although I’m not saying no to the healing magics when we get back” she shifted around a little more to get comfortable.

Xander and Dawn were busy choosing music for the return journey and Willow stood beside the car and waited for Giles.

“Hey, Giles?” she waved at him as he exited the building and blinked in the sudden sunlight. When he reached the car he took the situation in at one glance and furrowed his brow. “I ” sh” she said and took his hand. “But I have a plan” she smiled mischievously at him.

“If it involves roof racks you can forget it” he mumbled and bent down to kiss her lightly. “Good morning”

“You already said that” she kissed the tip of his nose and stood away from the car. “I need you to sit in the back seat and get comfortable” she waited until he gently slid in and made sure he didn’t jar Buffy’s leg. “Good, now I just need to squeeze a little” she mumbled as she scrunched up to get onto his knee without too much trouble. “Now” she turned to smile at him. “I just need you to hold on tight around my waist and we’re good to go”

He stared at her in fascination before shaking his head slightly and placing his arms as directed. “I’m too tired to argue” he mumbled and rested his head against her shoulder.

It took Xander fifteen minutes to drive back to the house as he avoided every bump and pothole on the way. Giles was gently snoring on Willow’s shoulder and she was holding him to her to prevent him sliding on the seat. Occasionally she would glance over at Buffy and her friend would smile at her and shake her head. “You know I don’t think Xander can carry him to bed” Buffy finally whispered and started to giggle. “Although I am getting used to being treated like a queen”

Dawn turned round when she heard her sister laugh and smiled at the picture she found. “Poor Giles, I guess the magic stuff yesterday really took it out of him?” she sighed.

Xander met Willow’s eyes in the rear view mirror and could see her biting her lip, desperately trying not to laugh. He turned his head slightly to see Buffy covering her wide grin with a hand under the pretence of a yawn. He knew that Giles wasn’t tired because of the magic and guessed what the friends were keeping from Dawn. He shook his head and remembered that he had promised Willow that he would try to sort this out with Giles but it was difficult to picture his best friend in that scary visual place. As he slowly navigated the car into the driveway and stopped it took him a minute to switch the engine off as he tried to imagine Giles as something other than ‘stuffy old watcher but still better than dad’ material. He had genuinely cared for him and respected him up till now and couldn’t quite meld the old Giles with this new ‘seducing younger women of his acquaintance’ Giles”

“Xan, we’re here” Dawn put her hand lightly on his arm and went to open the front door.

Buffy stretched a little and groaned as the painkillers from the hospital started to wear off. Xander opened the door behind her and slowly let her lean on him to exit the car. Once she was free he bent down to pick her up again.

“Xander, I can manage” she protested, but not too much.

“Just for once I get to be the big strong man, let me have my moment” he smiled down at her and hefted her slightly. “Although you may want to leave off the pizzas for a while”

“Hey” she swatted his shoulder. “Once I’m back to normal I’ll get you for that” she smiled and leaned her head against his chest. “In the meantime I guess I’ll just have to wea weak girlie”

He shook his head as he took her into the house and gently put her on the sofa. “I’ll go and help Willow get Giles sorted out then I’ll take you upstairs if you want” he threw over his shoulder as he went back out to the car.

Willow was gently shaking his shoulder and trying to waken him. “Giles, come on honey, we’re home” This was having no effect on him so she slowly disentangled herself from his arms and slid out of the car. She felt Xander’s hand on her hip as she stumbled. “Hey, no copping a feel while the boyfriends asleep” she smiled at him and they stood and looked down at the sleeping form. “Would it be OK if we just let him sleep for a few hours?” she asked.

“I guess so” Xander shrugged, opened the window a little and locked the other doors in the car before retrieving Buffy’s bag from the trunk. “I don’t have any meetings till later this afternoon so he can have free room and board till then”

Everyone congregated in the kitchen as Buffy demonstrated her skill with one crutch. She nearly fell over twice but soon got the hang of it. “Perhaps we could get a wooden crutch and you could sharpen the ends?” she suggested to Xander. “Then I could pretend to be all weak and injured and stake the bad guys at the same time” she smiled and then yawned. “Sorry, but it took a bit out of me and I think I should try and get some sleep” Xander stood up to flex his shoulders and held his arms out. “I think I can manage Xan but thanks for coming to pick me up at the hospital” she started to shuffle towards the stairs. “Willow, any chance you have some ‘making the pain go away’ mojo you’d like to share with me about now?” she asked as she took a deep breath and negotiated the first stair.

“No problem” Willow smiled and began gathering some ingredients from the kitchen cupboard. “Just as well I stocked up when I went to the Magic Box the other day”

By the time Buffy was at the top of the stairs Willow had joined her and helped her the last few yards to her bed. “Thanks, didn’t want to say it in front of Dawn but I think I really took a beating last night” she murmured and slowly sank onto the bed.

Willow helped her lie out and placed a dish on the bed side table before sitting down gently beside her. “Where does it hurt the most?” she asked quietly and waited for her friend to get her breath back before she pointed to her ribs and shoulder. “Can you take your top off for me?” she waited to see if Buffy wanted any assistance and helped her lean up to remove the sweatshirt. “Lie back and take deep, relaxing breaths” Willow murmured, lighting the ingredients in the dish before rubbing her hands together to heat them up a little. She placed her hands just off the surface of her ribs, above where the largest bruise had appeared, and began reciting a healing prayer. As she repeated the same phrases over and over Buffy felt heat being generated by her hands and radiating through the skin to the damaged muscles underneath. The heat spread gradually and she took a deep breath when it rose to an almost unbearable level. After five minutes Willow took a brief rest and plumped some pillows behind Buffy’s back.

“Hey, that feels a little better already” Buffy smiled and let her head roll back to rest on the pillows. She watched as Willow took deep and even breaths, hanging her head with her eyes closed. “Does this take a lot out of you?” she asked quietly and waited a moment or two before Willow seemed to be aware of her question.

“Just a bit” Willow nodded and then smiled. “But I can get my strength back later once you’re more comfortable” She pointed to her shoulder and began rubbing her hands together again. “Is it this area?” she asked and began the same process when Buffy nodded.

Forty minutes later Willow came downstairs to find Dawn and Xander sorting through some laundry. She watched as Xander handed all of the underwear to Dawn to sort through before fluffing and folding the outer garments. She giggled a little and then put her hand on the back of the nearest chair to stop herself falling over.

“Willow” Xander was concerned and beside her within seconds. “Take it easy” he mumbled as he guided her to the sofa and chafed the back of her hand as he sat on the coffee table facing her. “Are you OK?” he asked when she had some colour back in her face.

“I’m fine, just a little wobbly from the healing spells” she leaned back onto the sofa and smiled as Dawn handed her a glass of water. “Thanks Dawn, but I’m OK, honestly”

“Was she really bad?” Dawn asked and hugged her arms around herself. “Is she going to be OK?”

“Buffy’s fine, you know her slayer healing will have her up and about in a couple of days” Willow handed the glass to Xander and sat up a little. “She was in some pain and her system’s not really used to dealing with all of that at one time so it took a little out of her but she’s sleeping now and will be feeling much better when she wakes up” Willow yawned herself.

“Seems like you should be in bed as well” Xander suggested and held out his arms.

“I think I can manage” she smiled at him. “You are loving this strong man thing a little too much”

“Doesn’t happen very often” he shrugged. “Go upstairs and get some rest and I’ll tell Giles when he wakes up”

“Perhaps the serious talk should wait for another day” Willow mumbled as she ran her hands through her hair. “I don’t think any of us is in the mood for deep stuff right now” she put her hand on his arm as she stood up and headed for the stairs. “I think the shopping trip may be postponed but we’ll see you tomorrow night for the video-fest?”

“Don’t forget the popcorn” Xander said sternly and turned to Dawn. “Looks like it’s just you and me Dawnster, how about going out for some lunch?”

Dawn watched as Willow slowly climbed the stairs. “Are you sure we should leave them alone?” she asked anxiously.

“Buffy will be out for the rest of the day and Willow looked pretty tired as well” Xander answered as he put his jacket on and held Dawn’s for her. “We’ll leave a note for Giles and he can check on them when he wakes up”

Giles tried to turn over and realised he was sleeping sitting up. He groaned as he tried to move his head and found his neck stiff from leaning against a window. Sleepily wiping some drool from his lips he scrunched his eyes up as the sun streamed into the car. “What on earth?” he mumbled and tried to remember how he had ended up sleeping in a car. Slowly the early morning crept back into his memory and he groaned and opened the car door, stretching his back and legs. He looked around and wondered where everyone else had gone before shaking his head and pushing open the front door. He found a note from Xander taped to the door just before he closed it and searched several pockets for his glasses before finding and putting them on to read the young man’s scrawl. Taking a deep breath he went upstairs and washed his face with some cold water in an attempt to clear his head but the jet lag, combined with the magical energy he had used the previous day had exhausted him. He suddenly stopped and stared at himself in the mirror, remembering the exertions of the previous night as well. A broad grin looked back at him and he shook his head and finished tidying himself up before heading for Buffy’s room.

She was lying on her back, her right knee sitting up slightly with some cushions to support it. He leaned over and checked her pulse, happy when he found a slow, regular beat consistent with her sleeping. Satisfied that she was comfortable he pulled a blanket from the foot of her bed and draped it over her. He stood up with a bit of a wince and held his lower back, taking several minutes to watch her relaxed face as she slept.

“Hey” Willow murmured from the doorway. “Is she still sleeping?”

“Yes” he said quietly and followed Willow as she returned to his room. “Her ribs look a little less bruised, is her healing process speeding up or did you help out?” he asked as he pulled off his sweater and sat down in the chair to remove his shoes.

“I helped a little on her ribs and shoulder, just to help her relax and get to sleep” Willow admitted and sat with her back against the headboard. “I remember you telling me once that her healing works best if she is asleep so I did some of the stuff I learned at the coven and it seemed to have the desired effect”

He stood up and removed his trousers and socks. “About desired effects” he started then yawned. “I seem to remember missing out on some morning after cuddles” he slid under the covers and snuggled up next to her.

“I didn’t much enjoy waking up and not finding you beside me” she pouted. “But I forgive you this time, just don’t let it happen again”

“I’m sorry, but cuddles are about all I can manage” he kissed her lightly, not letting it deepen. “I’m absolutely knackered and you must be exhausted from performing the healing rituals so soon after the spirit intervention yesterday”

“Benefits of dating a younger woman” she ran her finger down his arm and entwined her fingers in his when she reached his hand. “Fabulous recovery time” the effect of this was spoiled a little by the huge yawn that overtook her and she fell back, laughing by his side. “Perhaps a little power nap would be just the thing”

“At least I get to wake up next to you this time” he mumbled into her hair as he pulled her close to him and almost instantly fell asleep.

Willow woke up in the early evening and watched him sleeping next to her. She smiled and traced her fingers down his chest and across his stomach. Shaking her head she gave herself a severe talking to for trying to wake him up just because she was horny. “Sorry” she whispered and leaned down to place a kiss on his forehead. He mumbled something in his sleep then turned over. Shaking her head she debated staying in bed and trying to get back to sleep but she realised she was starving and could smell something delicious being prepared in the kitchen. Sighing, she slid out from under the covers and quickly pulled on her jeans and a t-shirt.

Dawn was reading a text book at the dining room table and looked up when Willow came downstairs. “Hey, you feeling better?” she asked and put a marker in the book before closing it.

“Much better, thanks” Willow smiled at her. “What time is it anyway?” she asked and went into the kitchen. “Six thirty!” she shook her head. “No wonder I’m starving” she pulled open the oven to see what was producing the fabulous aroma.

“I guessed everyone would be pretty hungry, after all you missed breakfast and lunch” Dawn leaned against the doorway. “I put the lasagne in and was going to try waking you once it was ready”

Willow smiled up at her. “You are a life saver” she went to the fridge to get some juice. “What have you been up to today since we all crashed out on you?”

“Xander and I went to the Espresso Pump then he had to go to some meetings so I’ve been studying for a history test next week” she shrugged.

Willow followed her into the living room. “How did your date with Martin go last night?” she asked and smiled as the young girl blushed and pulled her knees against her chest on the sofa. “That good?”

“Stop teasing me” Dawn mock scowled then giggled. “He is really smart and really sweet”

“And you really like him?” Willow asked

“Yeah, I think I do” Dawn agreed and looked serious for a moment. “Since the only other guy I’ve been out with was a vampire it’s kind of difficult to judge but I think he likes me too”

“Oh he likes you” Willow nodded and tried to hide her grin. “Take it from me, he is showing the classic signs of liking you”

Dawn stretched out on the sofa. “How do you mean?”

“If he goes to school in Sunnydale he must have heard the weird stories about Buffy and the rest of us while we were at school” Willow began. “Also he’s met Buffy and she was pretty fierce until she was sure of him” she watched as Dawn listened intently. “So I guess he must be serious because he’s still around” Dawn smiled and decided to accept the logic as evidence of his interest. They were silent for a moment or two before Willow stood up and headed for the kitchen. She looked back over her shoulder as Dawn followed her. “Besides, I caught you necking on the sofa, guys don’t usually risk getting caught doing that unless they are pretty serious”

“We were not necking” she protested and looked shamefaced as Willow regarded her with a raised eyebrow. “OK, maybe just a little but please don’t tell Buffy, she’ll try to stake him” she pleaded.

“Let’s sort out some salad to go with this and then we can get Giles and Buffy down here for dinner” Willow suggested.

*****

Dawn lifted the empty plates from the table. “Anyone for ice cream?” she asked and smiled as Buffy pinched Giles.

“Ow, what was that for?” he asked indignantly as he rubbed his arm.

“I was just making sure I wasn’t dreaming, what with Dawn making dinner and offering dessert” Buffy grinned at him.

“You’re supposed to pinch yourself, not me” he grumbled and followed Dawn into the kitchen. “Do you want a hand with dishes?” he asked and pulled his sleeves up.

“I’ll get them later” Dawn said as she pulled the ice cream from the freezer. “Call it payback for ruining your date last night” she suggested as she saw his incredulous look.

He shook his head and pulled her against him for a. “Y. “You didn’t spoil anything” he smiled and took the ice cream from her to serve it up.

“I saw your face when Buffy told you to baby-sit” she looked at him and suddenly he realised that she wasn’t a child any more.

“Well, yes” he muttered and could feel himself blushing. “I’m assuming you behaved yourself and that Martin got home OK?” he tried to gain the upper hand again by discussing her love life instead of his own.

“His Dad picked him up at eleven thirty” she smiled sweetly, not in the least phased by the change in subject.

She carried two bowls of ice cream into the dining room and it was only as she left the room that he realised she hadn’t answered the first part of his question. Shaking his head he put the kettle on before lifting the other two bowls.

“I guess the trip to the Mall is off till your leg is better?” Dawn was asking as he sat a bowl in front of Willow.

“Sorry Dawn, perhaps next weekend?” Buffy asked apologetically.

“Why wait?” Giles asked and put extra chocolate sauce on his ice cream.

“Not really able to walk” Buffy pointed out, as if he had forgotten.

“We can hire a wheelchair and use it for carrying the shopping as well” he smiled sweetly at her. “Also, you’ll need to replace the clothes that were damaged last night” he suggested reasonably.

Buffy was looking at him in astonishment. Finally she turned to Willow with a grin. “Whatever you did to him you need to do more often” she grinned.

“Buffy!” Willow shouted at her then started laughing as the two girls collapsed into giggles. “Who knew it would awaken his latent shopping gene?” she finally gasped out and caused convulsions in Buffy and Dawn while Giles looked a little mystified.

“I’ll make the tea, shall I?” he asked and headed for the kitchen.