Shattered Souls

The haggard looking group look up at the doorway as they hear a decidedly pissed off sounding English voice demanding to know how Buffy and Tara are doing.

Chuckling quietly, Xander slowly stands walking out of the room to talk with Giles.

Anya shifts from where she’d been lying on the small couch, rubbing her face wearily. “Is any of that coffee hot?” She questions as she slowly stands walking towards the table looking at the multiple cups.

“Try the ones on the other end, you’ll have better luck.” Willow whispers, as she shifts from where she’d practically been sitting on Christina. Smiling apologetically at the woman. “Sorry.”

“You were fine.” Christina smiles gently at Willow, stroking a hand over the messy red hair. “But I be a thinkin’ that we all should be a goin’ home and taking showers before a comin’ back.”

“Maybe.” Willow rolls her neck, groaning quietly as she looks up at the doorway as Giles comes striding in.

“Bloody idiots.” Giles growls. “Now that I’m here, does someone want to explain exactly what happened?” Giles questions softly, as he looks from one person to another, stopping momentarily on the new face in the group.

“Buffy foiled Warren’s attempt at hijacking the money from an armored car, he didn’t like it and came to the house to shoot her the next day. He shot Buffy and Tara.” Anya plops down on the chair, rubbing a hand over her forehead. “Phoenix…” Anya’s eyes open in shock. “Phoenix, she hasn’t been out since this happened. She hasn’t been fed or watered.”

Christina looks down at Willow, raising an eyebrow in silent question. “Would you be a willin’ to let me take the pup out?” Christina turns her gaze on Anya. “Do you think she’d mind me?”

Anya frowns, looking at the woman for a moment before looking at the rest of the group. Short of Willow going, Christina was probably the best bet. “Here.” Anya shrugs off her shirt, leaving her in a camisole. “This smells like me. It might help.” Anya starts to hand the shirt to Christina, before realizing there’s blood splattered on the cloth, pulling it back down, Anya whimpers quietly as she runs her fingers over the smears and splatters.

Christina closes her eyes at the obvious pain in the woman’s cries. Walking slowly towards Anya, she kneels in front of her. “Here. Be a givin’ me the shirt. I’ll take care of the pup. You take care of your women.” Christina eases the shirt away from Anya, accepting the set of keys Anya digs out and hands to her.

“The foods in the garage, her leash is by the back door. Watch her, she might try and sneak by you as you open the front door. She gets antsy when Tara or Buffy aren’t around for a while.” Anya explains softly, looking thankfully at the tall woman.

“I’ll be sure to keep an eye open.” Christina pats Anya gently on the shoulder as she stands, quickly leaving the room and the hospital.

Giles rubs the bridge of his nose as he feels a serious headache coming on. “Okay, I don’t know where to start the questions.”

“Don’t bother starting them yet, Giles. Let’s just make sure they’re going to be okay.” Willow and Xander both move to sit on either side of Anya as she sits there just staring vacantly across the room.

“Miss Summers is coming to and asking for an…” The nurse hesitates as she looks down at the paper. “Anya or Tara?”

“I’m Anya.” Anya stands, blinking. “Tara’s the woman in the room with her.”

“Oh… Please, come with me.” The nurse states, quickly heading back to the room.

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

Anya sits down in the chair between the two beds, reaching for Buffy’s hand, unconsciously sighing in relief at the color slowly working its way back into the slayer’s pale features. Glancing at a still very pale, lifeless witch, Anya whimpers quietly, reaching her other hand out towards Tara, stroking her fingers gently down her forearm.

“What… happened?” Buffy questions hoarsely, blinking her eyes open to focus in on Anya. “Where’s… Tara?”

Anya frowns as she looks at Buffy, shifting around so she’s facing the slayer. Running her free hand up over the slayer’s forehead, Anya sighs quietly before explaining everything that happened to the slayer up to and including the fact that Tara was lying in the other bed beside the slayer.

Buffy turns her head looking towards the witch, her eyes full of pain. “Is she going to be okay?” Buffy whispers, tears flooding her eyes.

“They think so. From the sounds of it, she had a lot of internal damage. They had to take out her spleen and something about her large intestine being nicked among other things.” Anya bites her lip to try and keep from crying. Raising the slayer’s hand to her face, Anya presses her lips against the palm, before brushing her cheek against the calloused hand. “God, you two scared me.” Anya admits, tears starting to fall again. “Buffy, I love you. I want you to know that. There’s no question, no possibility, it’s there. Get well, please?” Anya whimpers as weak fingers stroke down her cheek.

“Promise.” Buffy whispers. “Is there anything we can do for Tara?”

“Wait, pray.” Anya offers, frowning. “Unfortunately that’s all.”

“What about using my healing to help her?” Buffy shifts, wincing.

“Doesn’t work that easily.” Anya places a calming hand on the slayer’s chest. “Don’t move, you might rip out the stitches.”

“Why can’t we do it?” Buffy questions looking intently at the ex-demon as she tries to shake off the effects of the drugs.

“First off, it takes a very powerful witch to do what Tara did. Secondly, not every witch has the training or know how to use your abilities like she does. I would assume her mother’s teachings must have encompassed a lot of different things.” Anya admits, her gaze shifting towards Tara. “When you’re better, you could try opening yourself a little to Tara, see if she’s aware of it.”

“You’re open right now.” Buffy whispers looking towards Anya from where her eyes were drawn inexorably towards Tara.

“Yes. I figured it might help her if she felt me.” Anya admits softly. “You can’t do that, or you’ll have every demon in Sunnydale coming to make you dinner.” Anya explains running a hand down Buffy’s cheek. “Just let her feel your love. Right now that’s what she needs more than anything.”

Buffy nods hesitantly, gently squeezing the hand holding hers. Blinking as the shot the nurse gave her for pain starts to work through her system.

“Sleep, Buffy. The nurse will probably be coming soon to make me leave. Giles is here.” Anya admits quietly as she slowly stands looking down at the slayer. “Next time they let someone come in, do you want him to visit you?”

“Want you…” Buffy slurs quietly as her head shifts and the drugs carry her back to unconsciousness.

“You have me, Buffy.” Anya smiles gently at the slayer, brushing the hair away from Buffy’s face. Sighing quietly she looks from Buffy to Tara. “You both have me.” Anya whispers to the quiet room before placing Buffy’s hand back on the bed, reaching for Tara’s hand, holding it for a few moments before following the nurse that came to get her out of the room.

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

“Stay here, and behave.” Christina admonishes Phoenix as she shuts the door, leaving the windows cracked to jog quickly into the hospital.

Everyone looks up as Christina strides into the room. Anya questions her softly. “How’s Phoenix?”

“She be out in me vehicle.” Christina admits, a small smile on her face. “Very stubborn animal you got there. She wouldn’t be goin’ back inta the house for me, sat down by my car and wouldna budge.”

Anya sighs, before a smile slowly crosses her face. “That dog loves those two women completely. I’ll see what I can do with her.”

“I’ll go with you.” Giles offers standing as he follows the ex-vengeance demon out, honestly wanting to see the puppy that put up such a fight to try and protect Buffy.

Anya heads towards the barking, knowing Phoenix’s bark. Opening the door, she grasps the leash as Phoenix jumps out, whimpering quietly as she leans against her legs. Kneeling, Anya pets the dog. “It’ll be okay, Phoenix. Your two mommies are in the hospital where you can’t go. But they’ll be okay.” Anya lifts the heavy dog up, cradling her in her arms as Phoenix licks her face.

“Here, she’s too heavy for you to try and hold. Let me.” Giles offers softly, smiling at the dog. “Phoenix, I’m Giles.” Giles offers his hand to the dog, smile as she hesitantly sniffs his hand, looking at him with an intelligence he never would have believed possible before she licks his hand in acceptance. Grasping the dog, Giles and Anya walk towards the hospital, sitting down on an outside bench. Giles smiles as the dog climbs off his lap to lean against Anya, whimpering quietly.

Anya smiles down at Phoenix, petting the dog surprised at the amount of comfort she feels from the animal. “You’re probably wondering what’s going on.” Anya finally whispers looking at the watcher.

“That would be putting it mildly.” Giles turns his gaze on the ex-demon, watching as she sighs quietly.

“Well, this is the way it happened…” Anya starts, slowly explaining to Giles how she came to be dating Tara, the obvious feelings Buffy had for the witch, and also herself through to an abbreviated version of the three women finally coming together the day before. “Now we’re here, with the two of them in the hospital shot by that asshole Warren.” Anya snarls.

Giles sits in stunned disbelief, not even cleaning his glasses, just staring at Anya, his mouth open in surprise.

Anya glances up, sighing at the watcher’s look. “I thought it would be best to tell you, give you time to get used to the idea. If you don’t approve, fine. But don’t say or do anything stupid to hurt their feelings. Buffy thinks of you as a father, and honestly, I believe Tara thinks of you that way, also. It’ll hurt them beyond belief if you disapprove.”

“I…I…” Giles finally whips his glasses off, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tries to comprehend what Anya just finished telling him. “All three of you are together?” He glances at Anya as she nods her head, watching him intently. “Dear, Lord.” Giles mutters as he stands pacing back and forth. “What the bloody hell are you three thinking?”

Anya blinks at the watcher. “We’re thinking we love each other and want to be together, is what we’re thinking.”

“This, this, this is unacceptable!” Giles turns, glaring at the ex-demon.

“Sorry, but you can’t tell us what is acceptable or unacceptable.” Anya shakes her head at Giles. “I would have thought better of you RIPPER.” Anya emphasizes Giles’ nickname, making Giles pale.

“All your little exploits were well-known in the demon community Ripper. Don’t think I don’t know about the things that went on with you and Ethan and the rest of your merry band.” Anya snarls, standing up jabbing him in the chest with a stiff finger. “I suggest you get rid of the high and mighty better than thou fucking attitude, and support us. If not, you can get your ass on the next plane back to merry ol’ England. While you’re at it, you can find someone else to run your shop for you.”

Giles unconsciously moves back from the angry ex-demon, his eyes wide in shock, wondering why it had never occurred to him that with Anya being an ex-vengeance demon that she would know about what happened, that the demons talk to each other was a given. It having not occurred to him, leaving him dumb founded as the woman urges the puppy to follow her as she leaves him alone, slowly sitting down on the bench, thinking about his own past misdeeds and own sexual experiments. Silently, Giles wonders if he has any right to judge anyone for the choices they make.

***********

Anya sits down on the ground, her back against the hospital building, running her hand gently over Phoenix’s head as the dog lays in her lap, whimpering quietly. “Everything will be okay, Phoenix. Everything has to be okay.”

***********

“Anya?” Willow hesitantly questions the ex-demon, finally finding her. As Anya opens sad eyes to look at her, Willow tilts her head towards the hospital. “Buffy’s come around again, and they say it looks like Tara might wake up soon. I’ll keep Phoenix.” Willow murmurs as Anya throws the leash towards her as she hops up running into the hospital. Walking slowly around the building, Willow frowns as she notices Giles sitting on the bench, a dejected slump to his shoulders. Gingerly sitting down on the opposite end of the bench, Willow waits to see if he feels like talking.

“Do I never stop screwing up when it comes to you kids?” Giles questions quietly glancing towards Willow from the corner of his eye. When he sees Willow turn to look at him a frown on her face, he shakes his head. “You needed guidance to help you learn the magic arts, instead of me telling you no. Buffy needed me to stay here to be a father to her, to help her after being brought back from Heaven. Even Xander could have used a father figure, instead of that sorry excuse he has.” Giles stops for a moment looking up at the afternoon sun, running a hand roughly through his thinning hair. “Now I started to be an idiot in regards to those three women, practically telling Anya that they can’t be together.”

Willow inhales deeply, turning stunned eyes on the watcher. “I hate to tell you this, but I’m going to pretty much tell you what Buffy told me. You don’t have any right to tell them who they like, love or even want to fuck. And I believe we’ve all screwed up enough over the years that we don’t need to add to it. You can’t imagine the amount of pain I felt when Tara and Anya started dating. But you know what I have finally come to realize?” Willow whispers hoarsely towards the watcher, his sad eyes looking at her, silently telling her to go on. “It’s nothing compared to the amount of pain I caused Tara. And I have absolutely no right to judge them. The only thing I can do is be there for them, to love them, and hopefully one day have their friendship. Slowly I’m working my way back into Tara’s good graces. She’s already forgiven me for what I did to her, but I’m not ready to forgive myself.” Willow hesitates for a moment running a hand through her hair. “They need friends and family that love and support them, Giles. If you can’t do either of those things, it might be best if you aren’t around.”

Giles sighs deeply, feeling the weight of the world settling on his shoulders. “I feel like a foolish old man.” Giles finally admits, brushing his hand across his eyes as he feels the tears gathering. “Do you think the puppy would do better if she got to see Buffy and Tara?” Giles questions quietly looking down at a sad looking Phoenix.

“Probably. But it’s kind of a moot point.” Willow admits softly. “They won’t let her in the hospital.”

“What they don’t know won’t hurt them.” Giles mutters, quickly whispering an incantation for a glamour spell, making the dog look like a bunch of flowers, to the normal person.

“What did you do?” Willow questions, seeing Phoenix but feeling the magic surrounding the puppy.

“To everyone but those that know her, she looks like flowers. Phoenix, you have to be a very good girl and be very, very quiet.” Giles explains softly to the dog as he picks her up to carry her into the hospital, a surprised and grinning Willow following closely behind.

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

Anya strides into the room, surprised as she sees the two beds pushed closer together, Buffy reaching over the short distance to stroke her fingers gently over Tara’s arm. Easing her body between the two beds, Anya places one hand on Tara’s thigh and the other on Buffy’s cheek, looking down at the slayer. “How are you feeling?”

“It hurts like hell.” Buffy admits, frowning. “Like a damn firebrand in my shoulder, but I told them I’d call if I needed painkillers, letting them know that I don’t like to take drugs.”

“You should take them, Buffy. It’ll let you get some much needed rest.” Anya offers quietly, leaning gently against the bed. Turning her gaze to Tara, she sighs at the pale witch.

“Her fingers were twitching a little while ago. They said she might become partially awake, but they’re pumping her pretty full of pain killers and antibiotics right now.” Buffy whispers looking at Tara.

Anya shifts up to place a gentle kiss on Tara’s forehead before whispering quietly. “Heal, sweetheart. Get well so you can come home and be spoiled.” Turning her gaze to Buffy, she leans in to gently brush her lips over the slayer’s lips. “You take your pain pills so you can rest. The more rest you get, the quicker you’ll heal.” Anya offers quietly as she pulls away from the soft caress.

“You need to get some rest, too.” Buffy murmurs her hand grasping Anya’s gently. “Promise me you’ll go home and eat, rest and relax. Don’t spend all your time here.”

“But…” Anya starts to argue, stopping as she sees the look of determination coming across the slayer’s face. “Okay. Do you mind if I stay at your house? That way I can take care of Phoenix, also.”

“God! Is Phoenix okay?” Buffy questions, looking up at the doorway as a hesitant Giles stands there holding the dog in question. “Giles?” Buffy looks worriedly up at the watcher.

“Just bringing you some flowers to brighten your day.” Giles murmurs, emphasizing flowers. “They were just begging to be brought up to you to make sure you two are alright.” Giles turns his eyes towards Anya, smiling apologetically at the ex-vengeance demon. “Shhh. Phoenix, remember you need to be quiet.” Giles whispers as he brings the dog to the side of the bed for Buffy to pet her.

“Going to have to get you a rabies shot after dealing with Warren, aren’t I?” Buffy jokes with the puppy, smiling as Phoenix whimpers quietly while licking her hand. “You’re a good girl. And when we’re all better, you’re going to get to go to the park and spend all day chasing any kind of bug you want, and playing catch. Thank you, Giles.” Buffy looks up, the happiness obvious in her eyes.

Giles looks at a softly smiling Anya as he answers Buffy, hoping Anya hears the apology in his tones. “It’s the least a blind old fool can do.”

Anya looks up to the watcher, seeing the apology in his eyes and voice. Nodding her head, she smiles gently at Giles. “It’s a wonderful thing for you to do, Giles.”

“Well, I don’t want to chance the glamour breaking down. I need to get her back outside.” Giles explains as he gently eases the dog back against his chest looking down at Buffy. “Get well, Buffy. If Tara should wake up while I’m gone, please pass on my well wishes for a speedy recovery for her, also. I’m going to go ahead and take this girl back to your house, if you’re okay with that.”

“Thank you, Giles.” Buffy whispers smiling as the watcher blushes lightly, nodding his head as he quickly leaves the room. “How come I think there were some serious undertones going on with that conversation?”

“Nothing for you to worry about. It’s all straightened out now.” Anya gently squeezes Buffy’s hand. “Do you want me to call the nurse and have her bring you some more pain medication?” Anya whispers as she sees the pain cross the slayer’s face.

“You won’t shut up, until I do, will you?” Buffy opens her eyes, blinking at Anya.

“No, I won’t.” Anya admits running a hand gently through the slayer’s hair. Smiling softly as Buffy finally gives in, nodding her head for a shot. “Love you.” Anya whispers softly, pressing another gentle kiss on the slayer’s lips before easing out of the room to locate a nurse.

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

Willow sighs as she opens the door to her parents house, smiling at Christina as the woman carries in the bag of food, taking it to the kitchen. Following her in, she stops and leans against the wall watching as she unpacks the containers of Chinese placing the chopsticks and napkins on the table before looking up at her.

“What?” Christina questions, seeing the small smile playing about the redheads mouth.

Willow just shakes her head, walking towards the tall woman and wrapping her arms around her waist, resting her head against her upper chest, sighing in contentment as Christina hugs her gently. “Thank you for being such a big help with everything.”

“No thanks necessary, my wee Willow.” Christina offers quietly, pressing her lips gently to the top of the redheads head. “The doctor’s seem to be a bit confused about Buffy healing as quickly as she is. Tara seems to be doing a lot better today.”

“Slayer healing is a wonderful thing. I was in the room when Buffy insisted on Tara tapping into her energy to help her own healing along. I never knew Tara could do that.” Willow admits quietly, sighing as strong hands gently glide up and down her back. “I’m starting to think I didn’t really know Tara at all. The more I think about the past, the more I realize I hardly ever questioned her about herself or anything else. I‘m a selfish woman, I also realized we haven‘t talked much about you.” Willow shifts back in the tall woman’s arms, looking up into soft blue eyes. “I want you to tell me all about you.”

Christina chuckles quietly. “Ain’t much to tell.” Christina admits softly, reaching up to stroke along Willow’s cheek. “Why don’t we be sittin’ down to eat while I tell you the boring story of my life.”

Willow shakes her head. “Somehow, I don’t think it’s that boring.”

“Yes, it is my wee one.” Christina smirks as she sits down, watching as Willow opens the refrigerator grabbing a couple sodas out for them. “I grew up one of four children. I have an older brother and two younger sisters. We grew up arguing and fightin’ as siblings do. But we love each other. When Da and Ma realized I was a bit brighter than they expected, they sent me to live with Da’s sister in Florida, to get a proper education. I got accepted to college here, where I got a living allowance and grants and scholarships to help with the schoolin’.” Christina shrugs, digging into her chow mein. “See, boring.”

“What about friends, what are your brother and sisters doing now? Past girlfriends or boyfriends?” Willow questions as she digs into her food.

“Got some friends back in Scotland, not that many. Where we lived was up in the highlands away from a lot of people and we kept to ourselves mostly, except for schoolin’.” Christina admits, tapping her chopsticks on the outside of her box. “When I came to America, I was more worried about doing good in school to make my family proud, so didn’t deal much with other people.” Grabbing a dumpling out of one of the other containers, Christina chews thoughtfully for a few moments. “My brother is married now and has two kids of his own. My two younger sisters are fightin’ over the ’catch’ of the highlands, trying to win his favor.” Christina chuckles quietly.

Willow watches as the obvious love and affection for her family crosses her face. “What about you, girlfriends, boyfriends?” Willow questions softly.

“Aye, I had one of them.” Christina smirks at Willow as the redhead groans and bangs her head down on the table. Deciding to give the redhead a break, Christina chuckles quietly. “Robert was a guy I dated my senior year of high school. Found out later he was an ass, dating another girl at the same time, even got her pregnant. Probably because I wouldn’t put out for him.” Christina shrugs at the thought. “Better off without him, anyways.”

“I’m sorry.” Willow whispers softly watching Christina as she chuckles.

“I’m not. That just cemented the thought in my head that I not be a liking men.” Christina smirks at the redhead. “I never could get to that point of thinking about him that way. I was always more interested and dreaming about different girls. Should have known well before I ever even dated him.” Christina grins cockily at the redhead. “And if I hada met you then, I would have definitely known.”

Willow blushes looking down at her food from the mischief filled blue eyes across from her. “Well, unfortunately at that time I was dating Oz and probably wouldn’t have noticed you.” Willow admits quietly.

“Wouldna givin’ you the choice not to notice me, my wee Willow.” Christina chuckles loudly as Willow looks up in disbelief. “I would have definitely been a’ doin’ things to get your attention.”

Willow whimpers quietly. “What about the girlfriend?” Willow questions, trying to get the subject off her.

“Ah, now that be a wee bit different. Pretty lass, was Dee.” Christina nods her head. “Whirlwind affair that burned out quickly. Practically jumped into bed with her right off the bat, I did.” Christina admits, frowning. “Unfortunately we weren’t meant for each other and went our different ways. Dated a few times after that, but nothing serious.” Christina sighs looking at Willow. “At least not until a wee slip of a pixie with red hair and green eyes turned my world on it’s axis.”

Willow blushes lightly at Christina’s words. “You’re a smooth talker, Christina.” Willow jokes softly, looking up at the pale blue eyes, becoming lost in their depths as she sees the caring and seriousness there. “Will you stay tonight?” Willow questions softly watching as Christina frowns and looks at her questioningly. “I kind of would like to curl up in your arms and sleep again.” Willow admits, biting her lip. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt as cared for or as safe as I do when I’m in your arms.”

Christina nods, a small smile coming across her face. “I’ll be here for you, my wee Willow.” Christina reaches across the short distance to gently stroke down Willow’s neck.

“Thank you.” Willow breathes out the words, pressing into the caress as she closes her eyes, feeling a happiness and a light sense of arousal work through her body at the gentle caress.