Welcome to the Fallout

Welcome to the Fallout

Author: Aislynn

Disclaimer: It’s not mine all of it belongs to Joss, and Mutant Enemy. I just fell in love with Buffy from the very first episode.

Summary: AU from the end of the final Season of Angel. Hope you like it so far. Well things are going to start moving forward. A little of Hunter’s (The immortal’s) past is going to be revealed. The differences between the Slayers and Cian will start and a little more about hers is revealed. And a powerful new player is revealed who could be a new enemy or an ally.

Rating: NC-17

Chapter 5: Complications & Relationships

Giles sighed pacing the length of the lobby. They had arrived a little too late as always it seemed. So they had no choice but to wait and in his case pace.

Dawn curled into one of the chairs in the lobby of their new headquarters. Definitely a step up from the magic shop the hotel came equipped with a pool and rooms galore which meant no roommate during this trip. Since the potentials arrived in Sunnydale she had been sharing a room with someone at one time or another.

Xander glanced up as Giles passed by him yet again. It was starting to grate on his nerves. They had arrived with the second group of Slayers not all of them. There was still a contingent of Slayers in Europe on standby just incase they were needed.

Tossing the magazine he had been leafing through onto the chair besides him, he got up in time to see Hunter coming down the stairs. The immortal was a puzzle and Xander couldn’t decide if he liked or disliked Hunter. They had known each other for over a year and Xander still knew nothing about him.

Getting up he stretched just as the doors opened turning toward the door he saw Angel and Spike leading the others into the room. As familiar faces entered the room it took a moment just a moment to register the faces of those who shouldn’t be there.

Cian cradled Jenny in her arms as he followed the others through the door into the building. Cordy remained at her flank and the others moved into position unconsciously. They couldn’t help it for such actions were common place in their world.

The differences between their worlds were apparent as they traveled to his location. While their world relied on magic this one relied heavily on technology.

Cian’s gaze raked the room and she heard Jenny’s intake of breath and found herself staring at the only father figure she had ever known. For a moment her heart swelled until reality asserted itself and she knew that this was not Giles, not hers anyway.

Willow moved quickly to Xander’s side as his gaze settled on Anya. The blood rushed from his face and he stepped forward. Catching his arm she stopped his progress, his met hers briefly returning to the vision before him.

“It’s not Anya, not your Anya.” At the disbelieving look he sent her, she placed herself before him. “It’s not her, and that’s not Tara.”

Willow whispered softly seeing that look in his eye. Xander’s gaze flickered to the girl he had known this wasn’t their Shy Tara this girl radiated power and confidence in a way Tara never had.

Hunter stopped dead in his tracks as the group that left earlier arrived with a few new faces one of which he knew all to well. It had been centuries since he glimpsed her face for a just few moments, but it had been long enough to imprint her every feature into his memory. In his dreams she haunted him never giving him peace.

Though he had known the time would come, after all his self assurances that he was prepared for this moment he felt sick.
He was unprepared for the reality of facing the woman before him who radiated power and purpose.

Cian was a child of 16 or 17 when he saw her last. As he passed by her she pleaded for his help, which he chose to ignore. So blinded by loyalty he chose to turn his back on not just an innocent but one being groomed by a power that be.

No longer could he hide what he was and what he had done because a piece of his past was now standing right before him. He couldn’t run if he did, the power that be, that gave him a chance to redeem himself would see he burn for eternity if he didn’t play his part.

Dawn met Buffy’s gaze as her sister came to stand before her. In the past they allowed so much to stand between them now things had changed. Dawn’s gaze flickered to the strangers standing before the doors.

Giles pacing stopped his gaze riveted on the woman being carried by another. It couldn’t be, it was a trick yet he moved forward a step all the same afraid to hope.

“I don’t understand.” Dawn whispered her gaze sliding from Anya to Tara ghosts from her past.

Cian stepped forward not waiting for an invitation. It was enough exhaustion was overcoming most of her group. They had stepped off the battlefield into that gateway without time recoup. Everyone was tired and they had more than one injured person in their group.

The damage Jenny had done to herself was not just painful but if left untended for much longer would become permanent.
Then there was Wesley despite his silence she knew his wounds had split open. There was no need to check the wound the scent of his blood was in the air. Not to mention Mattie who was already passed out in Lindsey’s arms.

Angel turned toward the group who stood proudly and despite the slight signs of exhaustion beginning to show they were actually quite intimidating. Even Lindsey as he held the little girl in his arms looked battle ready. That was something his side was lacking at the moment. They were unable to readily spring into action at a moments notice because everyone had questions or there were discussions. That needed to stop and perhaps this rag tag group could help them achieve that.

“Now is not the time.” Angel glanced around the room his gaze falling on the Cian. “We can talk in the morning. I will show you to the rooms I promised you.” Angel could feel the tension in the room increase tenfold, everyone wanted a discussion and now wasn’t the time. Not in front of their visitors and defiantly not in front of strangers. Not yet anyway.

Cian gently set Jenny down on the bed in first room Angel showed them.

“We need some water.” Tara stepped forward her voice commanding, and the gaze that met Angel’s was self-assured.

Angel moved into the room and opened the bathroom door and Tara slipped past him inside.

“Let me show you the other rooms.” Angel found himself facing Cordy.

Angel watched as Tara reentered the room pulling a pouch out and sprinkled sweet smelling herbs into the glass she was carrying.

Leaving Tara to brew the potion they would need to ease the pain Jenny would feel when her wounds repaired themselves.

Cian moved to Wesley running her head over his brow. “Take care of Jenny first.” Wesley ordered his voice tight perspiration on his upper lip and brow.

“Trust me I would if you weren’t bleeding internally.” Angel watched as the girl lifted Wesley as if it were nothing.

Cian settled Wesley on the bed next to Jenny, as she pulled a wicked looking knife from a sheath on her thigh.

Pulling his shirt open she found the wound she temporarily bound was partially open. “We don’t have time for a potion to ease the pain.”

“Just do it.” Wesley whispered his gaze meeting hers until her gaze slid from his to his wound.

Angel watched as Cian cut Wesley’s wound open. As he watched Angel was very aware he had done nothing to stop her actions just stood there watching in fascinated horror.

“Ready for the hard part,” Cian asked her gaze meeting her watchers. At his nod she placed one of his hands over her heart then hers slid to cover his heart. Cian began a soft chant as she moved her free hand to his brow her fingertips tracing ancient symbols on his brow then her hand moved down tracing the same symbols on his chest. Her hand then slid down over his wound.

Wesley took a deep breath as he felt Cian’s power build her aura began to wrap its self around him as she traced the words of the spell over his skin. Just before her hand closed over his wound he took a deep breath. As her hand settled over the gaping wound his body arched forward as every part of him was set alight.

Wesley’s body arched up from the bed, the scream that should have rocked the room never came because he was beyond screaming only a choking sound escaped his lips.

Cian whispered the last of the chant listening to the uneven hitch of Wesley’s breathing as his body began to come back to itself and relax against the bed.

Wesley opened his eyes meeting the gaze of the girl before him as the last of her aura slipped from him. Cian leaned forward their foreheads touching as he slid his hand behind her neck.

No words were spoken they didn’t need them the understanding was there in their eyes. Cian stood her hand moving to her side for a moment.

Angel’s senses went haywire for a moment as blood scented the air. It was pure ambrosia, and sent every part of him on alert. Thoughts raced through his mind two resounded over the rest the blood was powerful and pure. As Cian rose he knew instinctively it came from her, his gaze ran over her body as she rose from the bed.

His gaze missed nothing as her hand brushed her side the same side Wesley injury had been located. Tara ran her fingers along Jenny’s brow.

“The potions taking affect, though not fully she will feel some pain.” Tara glanced up her gaze meeting Angel’s.

“The other rooms,” Cordy asked drawing Angel’s attention back to her. The scent of Cian’s blood was heady Cordy knew that from experience and she saw the vampires eyes shift, she was certain he wasn’t even aware of it. Cordy knew that while Wesley’s injury required magic to heal Jenny’s injury would require something more.

Angel glanced into eyes that in no way reminded him of his Cordy. Angel followed Cordy from the room his gaze straying toward the girl running her hand over Wesley’s cheek in a familiar manner.

Cordy walked through the third room he had shown her. “We really don’t need this much room.” Cordy glanced out the window the city was alive with activity.

“You might want to lay claim to them who knows how many people we will end up housing here.” Angel’s gaze swept her face again.

“I am not her.” Cordy felt his eyes upon her. “I am assuming that there was someone who resembled me in your life.”

“Yes.” Angel replied meeting her gaze he couldn’t help thinking of her now.

“Who ever she was, I am not her.” Cordy closed the space between them. “Trust me I am nothing like the woman you knew.”

Angel watched as her eyes shifted and he stepped back. “I know.”

“What’s a little pain,” Jenny smiled feeling a little high from the herbs she had just imbibed.

Cian smiled softly running her hand across Jenny’s brow her fingers moving the symbols different. She wouldn’t be saying that if they hadn’t given her the drugs to dull her senses and perception of what was happening. Tara set the bowl aside her fingers brushing Jenny’s skin as her fingers found Cian’s.

“Ready.” Cian asked softly, and at Tara’s nod she opened the floodgate her power surrounding them both drawing upon the part of Tara that wielded magic she took the power she needed and began the process of putting Jenny back together again.

Unlike Wesley’s injury this wasn’t one that could be transferred to another with better healing abilities. This was a metaphysical wound that required a different approach. Cian was still learning how to control this part of her power. It was raw and at time uncontrollable much like the creature that had given her this gift or curse it depended on how you looked at it. Closing her eyes she focused on what needed to be done.

Tara’s energy was not needed to heal Jenny, as everyone Tara included thought. It was needed to keep the power within Cian contained. Fury coursed through her as that very power was contained. Wings unfurled as it roared its desire to be set free to let loose its power. Fire coursed down her back as it made its anger at not being allowed out to play known.

Ignoring the tantrum being played out within her body she focused on drawing on what was needed to sort out Jenny’s injuries. Though it felt like eternity only a minute had passed when she let Tara’s hand go. Removing her hand from Jenny’s skin she sat back on her knees taking a moment to gain control of herself.

Opening her eyes she gazed down into Jenny’s open eyes a soft smile touched her lips at the goofy grin on her guardians face. Cian felt Lindsey’s presence at her back.

Lindsey had remained in the shadows like Anya. Setting Mattie on a comfy looking chair he moved to Cian’s side. He sensed Cian’s blood the moment it was spilled, and was glad when Cordy removed the vampire from the room.

Instinct moved him to her side his kind protected their own, and in his mind Cian was one of his own. Cian was their unofficial leader and even in a situation like this it was impossible not to act on instinct to protect the pack.

“Great.” Anya sighed from her corner shaking her head as Jenny began to giggle. “Just what we need an intoxicated witch on top of everything else?”

Cian felt their presence at her back though it wasn’t needed it was appreciated especially since who was offering it. At one time the relationship between her and Lindsey had been vicious at best. Then there was Anya, who had tried to kill Cian on several occasions until finally they came to an understanding.

With the wounded tended to Cian turned to find Hanna curled up in the chair. “I take it you will be staying with Hanna, since Jenny’s laid up.” Lindsey asked moving to the little brat and picking her up carefully.

“I will stay with her,” Tara cut in gathering her tools. “You are both weary from the battle. I also need to prepare a restorative charm for Mattie. Opening that portal took a lot out of her, and the charm is complicated so some quiet would be nice. If you could just carry her to one of the other rooms we have been given.” Tara smiled standing up with the last of her items.

Cian nodded she wasn’t tired but it was nice to be able to let someone else watch over Mattie. It was nice to have people you could trust period.

At Cian’s nod Tara headed out the door not waiting for Lindsey she wanted to more than the charm Mattie. This wasn’t a known place and she wanted to ward the doors and windows of the rooms they would be staying in to ensure they were safe.

“I will make sure the two of them get settled.” Lindsey slipped from the room his gaze sliding to Anya as he left the room.

Cian glanced over the two forms on the bed. They were both asleep though healed the process did tend to wipe one of their energy. They may sleep for a day or two. Closing her eyes she fought the urge to cry. It was pointless they were both alive, once again they survived. Survival it seemed to be all they had done for the last few years.

Jenny and Wesley were what kept her grounded quite simply they reminded her that part of her was human. They had no how important a role they played in her life. Lindsey, Tara, Cordy, Mattie, and Anya were starting to play similar roles in her life but the bonds were not quite as strong as with Jenny and Wesley.

The quiet of the room gave her a moment to think on the lives of the people gathered below. Wondering what their lives had been like, and even what they were like. Even in rooms on the third floor she could feel their individual life forces so strong yet so fragile.

When she passed through the crowd downstairs she couldn’t help but notice the man in the back. Some might think him the most beautiful creature they had ever beheld, she knew that was untrue.

As hard as it was to believe there was another who made the man pale in comparison not just in looks but in presence, as well. They had met briefly yet his actions or rather inaction had changed the course of her life forever shattering her destined path and forging a new future. After she was torn from her destined path not even the power that whispered to her from the moment she was born could foresee what would happen in her future.

No one below could know what or who he was how could they he wasn’t from this realm he was from her own. With a few words she could reveal his secret but then she would have to reveal the truth about herself to everyone she held dear. The truth was relative anyway and it wasn’t her place to tell Hunter’s secrets if that was even the name he went by now.

Though she had never lied about what happened when she was captured by Angelus and Buffy, she had never revealed what had happened to her during that time. Was it necessary for them to know that she had only spent 24 hours in her parents care? The rest of the events that transpired were private and she intended to keep it that way. What had occurred was in the past there was no reason to bring it up.

All eyes followed their visitors as they moved toward the stairs. Once they were gone everyone began talking at once. Illyria stood to the side out of the way her gaze taking in everyone and the chaos that erupted.

Buffy’s gaze slid to Hunter she hadn’t even been aware he was in the room. His gaze slid from the stairs to hers and she caught her breath. Unease tingled along her spine because for the first time since they met she saw fear within the beautiful depths of his blue eyes.

“Enough.” Spike growled unaware his eyes flashed yellow as his roar echoed through the room. The night had been an emotional roller coaster for everyone. Not to mention a throbbing ache was forming behind his right eye and the incessant chatter wasn’t helping one bit.

At first the sight of Buffy had brought back those old feelings but now reality was settling in. The feeling that had dogged them for days was back the threat of the impending war and a feeling of unease settled over him.

“Spike is right.” Giles met the vampires gaze for a moment. “Girl’s its time to go up stairs and get some sleep.” As all the slayers headed up to bed the core group stayed downstairs all settling into seats.

“She looked so much like Tara for a moment I couldn’t believe it.” Willow broke their uneasy silence her voice slightly shaky. “Then I knew, somehow I knew it wasn’t her.”

Spike glanced up as Angel came back down stairs. “I felt it to.” Giles sighed running his hands over his face those old feelings coming up and choking him with regret.

“There are infinite realities they are simply from an alternate reality from this one.” Illyria cocked her head to the side her gaze moving over Spike and she decided to enlighten them a little.

“I have been to their realm it was some time ago.” Illyria’s gaze flickered over Hunter who remained silent his gaze hard. “Their world is like nothing like this one it is seeped in magic. In their world the struggle between good and evil is not fought in the shadows but is a part of their everyday life. Magic rules their world not computers or technology,” Illyria sighed her thoughts filtering back to her arrival in that reality fresh on the heels of her conquering another world.

“I thought myself invincible I was arrogant upon my arrival so sure of my victory. They defeated my army in less than a week.” Illyria confessed it had been a humbling experience. “My army destroyed hundreds of realities in our campaign yet we were unable to even get a foothold in their realm.”

“So are they friend or foe?” Giles asked softly not expecting an answer.

“Friend” Illyria responded without pause.

“That remains to be seen.” Angel cut into the conversation his gaze sliding over Buffy. “I know you think it was wrong to bring them here, but what else would you have me do.” Angel wasn’t asking a question and wasn’t expecting a response.

“They deserve a chance, we have to let go of our expectations and take them for who they are not what they look like. If they prove themselves to be the enemy we will deal with it like we always do.” Spike sighed getting up tired and a little on edge he was tired of talking, he so damn tired of having to face his past.

“The simple truth is we need all the fire power we can get. In case you didn’t notice it they have what we need. So get over it. It’s not Tara, Wesley, Jenny, Cordy or Anya.” Spike’s gaze flickered over Buffy but the high of seeing her was gone. The love he felt wasn’t lessened just not as intense because he had to face it the girl standing before him wasn’t the Buffy he fell in love with. Like Angel he was in love with girl from the past, he had no idea who she was now.

“That’s easier said then done.” Xander glared at the bleach blond vampire.

“I know but that’s the way it is.” Spike replied. “Its late and we are all tired and have a lot to think about. Lets wrap it up for tonight and we can deal with this in the morning.”

As everyone found themselves in their rooms, from the shadows across the street a figure stood in the shadows. Dark eyes swept the building. Weeks of tracking a familiar scent had led Niki Wood across the globe as she tracked her Master’s unsuspecting prey.

Tonight her suspicions were confirmed and the true hunt would begin after she returned to their lair. It would be a triumph to be the one to bring this prize to the master for his chance vengeance had been impossible for so long.

Closing her eyes she drank in the familiar scent even after all this time so sweet. Sweeping the building with a final glance she made a mental note of it weaknesses turned into the shadows.

Cian walked to the window as she listened to the sounds of Jenny and Wesley’s soft breathing. The night called to her beckoning her out to explore the new terrain. Closing her eyes she felt the strain from her exertions this evening.

It wasn’t healing them that drained her it was keeping herself in check, reigning in the power that coursed through her body. Even now it urged her to sate its hunger in another way. If it could have violence it wanted something else, anything else.

Glancing at the pair on the bed her glaze slid to Anya who was standing in the shadows.

“I will stay here and watch over them.” Anya shrugged. “It’s the least I can do after all you have done for me. Don’t worry I am more than capable of taking care of them.”

Angel glanced up knowing who was at the door. His gaze settled on the petite blonde who had once been the center of his universe. Things change, people change.

“Everyone is getting settled down, fighting over rooms.” Buffy sighed giving him a soft smile. “Dawn is upstairs claiming a room all her own as we speak.”

“Are you happy?” He asked not wanted to do their usual dance of bantering and small talk. “Does he make you happy?”

Buffy glanced away moving further into the room. It was hard to be near Angel and forget the past. The past haunted her all the time, when she slept she dreamed of them both Angel and Spike.

“Yes, I am happy.” Buffy admitted to herself for the first time realizing that she was happy. “I have a purpose, and all the resources the council once had at their fingertips.”

“That’s nice but not what I asked you. Does he make you happy, the immortal?” Angel asked moving to the door and shutting it giving them some privacy.

“Hunter you mean,” Buffy turned toward Angel. “Its still so new but,” Buffy’s voice trailed off as the door opened and Connor came inside.

Conner glanced over at Buffy then back at his father. “I am sorry to interrupt but some of your girls are fighting over rooms on the second floor. Faith is up there but she seems to be loosing control of them.”

“We’ll talk later.” Buffy sighed heading out the door. If Faith lost control of the girls she tended to get them back in line by using her fists not reason.

“Hunter put his things in a different room than Buffy’s. I thought you might want to know.” Connor informed his father before following Buffy upstairs to see how she handled the girls.

Angel glanced at the empty door way shaking his head, wondering if and when they would get a moment alone.

Cian left the room, she could feel the activity of the others in the building. So far they were keeping away from the section of rooms they had been given which at this point was a good thing. They might not be ready to deal with the reality of whom and what their visitors were.

Lindsey gazed out the window and the streets below as he leaned against the frame of the window. When he felt Cian pass Cordy’s room he opened his door, and headed back inside his room waiting.

“It’s so different, yet the same.” Turning his head he watched Cian shut the door, and head toward him. Tonight he hadn’t expected her to come to him usually she made do with Cordy, because it was less complicated that way. Actually Cordy made it less complicated, Lindsey wasn’t about to make it easy.

Cian hated this part of her existence she had no choice, but too feed especially after all they had been through in the past few weeks. Unlike most of her kind she only had to feed a few times a month sometimes less frequently. The more powerful the person she fed from the longer she could go without having to feed again. Things would be easier if Cordy were that person, but she wasn’t.

Lindsey turned toward Cian as she approached. The hunger was in her eyes, which meant she had waited too long already. For Cian it was a bad thing because it meant Lindsey could take advantage, which he fully intended to do tonight.

Niki walked toward the doors of her Master’s private quarters and saw his guardians fluttering in the darkness. At first glance they appeared to be shadows not noticeable at first until they moved then they drew your notice. By then if you weren’t meant to be there it was too late.

Depending upon your intent you either ended up dead or subdued. They could take various forms though nothing resembling a human, they seemed only able to emulate animals, and at the moment they choose to be snakes. Niki neither liked nor disliked the creatures her Master accepted them so she accepted them.

They served no higher purpose than to serve a master, and that was it no debate about good or evil they simply served. Other things chose to serve her Master and some of those she defiantly had an aversion too.

They all arrived in this realm when Wolfram & Hart threw open the portals without thought of the consequences. Their rash actions in response to a threat had been her Master’s salvation, and in turn her own. Though they thrived in the world that was their prison it was still just a cage. Wolfram & Hart had given them a key inadvertently opening a doorway to the dimension her Master and his progeny had been banished to by the powers that be or rather by one in particular.

This world with all its follies was a variable paradise after the nightmare they had been living in for over 1000 years. In different dimensions time moved differently and one year could be an hour in another. All she knew was that she had been turned at 18 and lived for 25 years before they were banished and 1000 years had passed.

Glancing up as she passed through the archway she could feel the sentinel’s eyes upon her as she passed through the doors. It was comforting to know her Master was so well guarded. It was downright terrifying to know he didn’t need it. Shutting the doors behind her she was gifted with a sight that had been denied her for several weeks.

Wearing nothing but a pair of pants designed for comfort rather than style he looked mouthwatering. Whereas most their kind possessed a pale complexion his was a dusky color that looked sun-kissed.

“You have returned.” The sultry and velvety tremble of her Sire’s voice sent a rush down her spine. It never failed it was hard not to respond to your sire. It was even harder when your Sire was last pureblood ever born to the royal line.

“I have found the betrayer.” Niki spoke softly her gaze sliding over his body. Standing at 6’2, his hair was black, but he wore it shorn close to his scalp. His body was a piece of art muscular yet lean and svelte. His back flexed as he rose and her gaze swept back up as he turned toward her fixing her with a pair of amazing blue eyes.

Those blue eyes sparked to life glowing slightly in the darkness of the room.

“Recall the others.” It was an order and Niki inclined her head and quickly left the room. There was no need for her to give him the location he pulled it easily from her mind.

As Niki headed back out of the room out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows.

“Return,” the soft command came from her Sire. Despite the words Niki knew the command was not for her and she continued out of the room her step a little quicker.

Cian’s gaze swept Lindsey as he watched her approach. That what made him what he was flowed through his veins and it made her mouth water.

“I want a kiss first.” Lindsey managed as the force of her presence in this state slammed against his aura.

Cian didn’t pause in her progress as she reached him her hand slid up behind his neck and lifted herself up her lips covering his.

Lindsey parted her lips with his own his tongue delving between her luscious lips. His hands slid over her hips drawing her flush against him. Pulling back slightly brushing his lips over hers softly he used the moment to bite his lower lip. Then he parted her lips again.

Cian enjoyed Lindsey’s kisses who wouldn’t he was a great kisser. Then she tasted his blood on his tongue and her hunger took over. Lindsey gripped her hips as her mouth began to devour his own.

Cian’s lips began to trail down his chin and then her teeth nipped at his neck and then her teeth sunk into his flesh. His arms came up around her sliding up her back as she fed. Pleasurable wasn’t a way to describe the feeling coursing through him it was better than that. Lindsey was barely aware that his hips were rocking against Cian’s.

Lindsey whimpered softly as her lips left his neck. However he wasn’t prepared when her lips still wet his blood covered his mouth. Shock coursed through him as her tongue parted his lips.

Cian was beyond thinking as she sought out the lips that given her pleasure earlier. The hunger that arose earlier wasn’t appeased with just blood it wanted more than just blood it wanted flesh, as well.

Lindsey fought the urge to give in and take advantage. Instead of giving into temptation and pushing her further he pulled back almost giving in when he felt her hips rock against his own as her lips trailed over his neck.

“Cian,” He reached down grasping her face between his hands and shuddered as he saw her pupils were almost pinpoints her eyes liquid pools amber. Giving her a hard shake he watched as she came back into herself.

Cian mentally shook herself ignoring the laughter inside her as she pushed that part of herself down. “One day Lindsey you are going to push to me to far.” Cian whispered softly reaching up and wiping his lips which were smeared with blood.

Lindsey smiled moving away from her. “One day I am not going to stop you. You’re not angry?”

Cian sighed moving toward the door licking her lips free of the last traces of his blood. “You are you Lindsey I would be worried if you didn’t at leas try.”

As she closed the door Cian moved toward one of the empty rooms. Tonight she had come far to close too loosing control.


Spike flicked his cigarette into the courtyard watching as it skittered across the concrete. He felt her coming out of the doors and this was a moment he wished could wait till later. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk to her he was just tired.

“Why didn’t you call?” Came the soft tone hurt voice.

Spike turned toward her and found himself surprised at the beautiful young woman she had grow into, though to him she would always be the little nibblet. Legally she wasn’t a child anymore though no matter how much time passed she always would be to him.

“You and your big sis had moved on.” Spike shrugged not sure what she wanted to hear, and not exactly sure what he wanted to reveal.

Dawn’s gaze roamed over Spike her voice sharp and curt. “I deserved to know.”

Spike raised a brow, “Why?” He asked. “Because we were so close, once I might have said that but toward the end we barely spoke. So why would I call you to tell you I was back.”

Dawn stared at him her eyes wide, not sure what to say Spike didn’t give her a chance.

“I can’t go back and change things and I am not going to apologize for not telling you. Would I have ever told you, I can honestly say I wouldn’t,” Spike moved toward Dawn and noted that she took a step back. “I am tired it’s been a long day.” Spike headed toward the door stopping when he saw the woman standing in the doorway.

“Dawn why don’t you head upstairs,” Buffy stepped out into the courtyard her gaze on the man before her.

Spike watched Dawn hurry though the door.

“Don’t you think you could have handled that better?” Buffy asked. Though she hadn’t expected their little encounter to be all hugs and kisses she had expected something different from Spike where Dawn was concerned.

“I could have.” Spike sighed and shrugged. “But I didn’t I am tired Buffy.” Spike started forward but Buffy didn’t budge.

“We need to talk, you owe me that much.” Buffy crossed her over her chest..

“I don’t owe you a thing.” Spike growled. “I burned up felt every moment of it so you, Dawn and all the others could live.”

Buffy was surprised to say the least at his response this was the Spike she glimpsed toward the end tough, aggressive, and oddly alarming.

Spike saw that flicker in her eyes and reined in his anger. “I am tired we’ve been through a lot now all this is too much. I just want to go upstairs and get some rest.”

“Are you sorry?” Buffy asked as he walked past her heading inside.

“For what,” He asked stopping but not bothering to turn around.

“You said you would always be there.” Buffy found herself saying though it wasn’t what she intended.

“No I died, you moved on and I let you.” Spike responded heading inside just wanting to get some rest though he doubted that was going to happen.