Forever, Always, and Then Some

Chapter 115

 

Sunnydale

Friday August 23.………..1 A.M..

 

Angel and Buffy come downstairs. They look around. Dawn, Pike, and Crystal are in the dining room messing with the computer. The others are scattered around the living room.

Willow: And the Oscar goes to…….

Buffy: Cute, Will.

Willow: That was quite the performance.

Faith: You sure had me fooled.

Buffy: That was the idea.

Giles: I assume that is why you did not let anyone in on your little plan.

Buffy: Hey, I only found out a few hours before I had to perform.

Wes: So I guess we know who the mastermind was.

Buffy: It wasn’t me.

Giles: So Angel, how did you know what to do?

Angel: I didn’t. But I knew we had to let them think they were winning until it was too late. We were only trying to kill time. But once I saw the pins open up, I told Buffy it was time to change gears.

Faith: You told her?

Buffy: Yes.

Willow: I just have to ask. Angel how could you say all those evil things about the kids?

Angel: It wasn’t very easy. But someone kept reminding me she loved me. Knowing that helped a lot.

Faith: What are you two talking about? I did not see or hear a word.

Buffy: (m) Faith, can you hear now?

Faith: What the? B?

Everyone laughs.

Faith: Is this some slayer skill I have missed?

Buffy: No. Just something Will taught me. I think four of us can do it. Angel, Willow, Fred, and me.

Giles: Well Buffy, Wes and I need to talk to you.

Buffy: Sure Giles. I think the kitchen is empty.

Buffy, Giles, Wes, and Angel go into the kitchen.

Buffy: I have a feeling this is about Dawn.

Giles: You are right. Buffy, we are not quite sure what happened but we can not ignore it.

Buffy: I agree but what do you suggest?

Wes: Well Giles was filling me in on the information you have on Dawn. I was quite shocked to learn she is not real.

Buffy: She is real.

Wes: Yes, yes. She is but she didn’t use to be is what I meant.

Buffy: I don’t care what she use to be. All I care about is if what happened tonight can hurt her.

Giles: We are not sure. I remember when you told me that Glory described her as green swirly energy.

Buffy: Green energy like tonight. It scares me but do you think the spell is breaking?

Giles: I really don’t think so. I just think her origins are till at her core.

Buffy: So a little escape?

Giles: Again, I am not sure.

Fred walks in.

Fred: Mind if I come in?

Giles: Please do. You might help.

Buffy: So this energy that escaped. I guess it is a good kind. I know you are not saying it is evil.

Wes: We are not saying that. We are saying we need to investigate it. Find out if it is good or evil. And if it can be controlled.

Giles: Or if it was a single event.

Fred: If you are talking the energy stream Dawn put out, it was not evil or good.

Buffy: How do you know?

Fred: Because it is not positive or negative energy. It is an energy booster. It has no real power unless it is combined with another energy source. Then it multiplies the energy.

Wes: Like an amplifier?

Fred: Yes, like that.

Giles: Why do you think that?

Fred: Observation. Because of what ever magics the demons were using, our emotional energies were visible. When everyone was so upset, they appeared blue. Well when everyone began thinking happy thoughts, we saw the positive energy had a purple cast to it. So they were the opposite sides of the spectrum. Now Faith showed the middle of the spectrum when her energy was neutral.

Buffy: The white energy?

Fred: Exactly.

Buffy: And the energy from Dawn?

Fred: It had no real power. You saw how it flowed down. Like it did not have the power to float like the other energies.

Wes: Yes.

Fred: But once the purple positive energy joined it. It became more powerful. The positive energy I mean.

Giles: So you think the that the energy from Dawn is not a threat?

Fred: Not unless it comes in contact with a negative source.

Buffy: So why have we not seen it before?

Fred: We only saw it to night because the demon’s magic let us. It may be here all the time.

Buffy: Just waiting for something to do?

Fred: Maybe.

Angel: Buffy, didn’t you tell me that your ability to heal has accelerated over the last couple of years.

Buffy: Yes. But that is part of growth.

Giles: Not really. Your skills grow but not your physical being.

Buffy: So Dawn is responsible?

Giles: She might very well be.

Wes: This does fit with what Mr. Giles told me in regards to Glory. He said had to build a platform in order to use Dawn to open the gate.

Giles: You are thinking the energy was there to open but Dawn was needed to amplify it in order for it to open.

Wes: Preciously.

Giles: Makes sense. The ritual had a specific time and place.

Buffy: So she was not so much the key, as the force to turn the key?

Giles: In a way.

Angel: So what does this mean for Dawn?

Wes: Nothing. It just mean she can be a powerful ally.

Giles: But unfortunately she could become a treasured prize for a demon.

Buffy: Great. Thanks.

Pike walks in. Angel growls.

Pike: Sorry guys. I was leaving and wanted to say good night.

Buffy: Not so fast. I want you at the Magic Box at noon tomorrow.

Pike: The Magic Box? That magic shop downtown?

Buffy: Yes. Noon tomorrow. You have a few crimes to answer for.

Pike: Oh.

Buffy: Bye.

Pike leaves.

Angel: So what gives?

Buffy: I am thinking a little Nigel inspired punishment.

Angel: Sword fight with Cordy?

Buffy: Not exactly. I will explain tomorrow.

Angel: Well I think it is time to tuck you in bed.

Buffy: I am right there with you. Just let me talk to Dawn.

 

She walks in the dining room.

Buffy: Dawn, we are heading to bed.

Dawn: Does that mean me too?

Buffy: No, but it does mean get off the computer.

Dawn: Okay. Hey don’t forget that lawyer dude is coming tomorrow.

Buffy: What lawyer?

Dawn: The one handling the accident.

Buffy: You never told me he was coming.

Dawn: You sure?

Buffy: Positive. What time?

Dawn: Nine I think. Hey I left a note on the fridge.

Buffy walks in and looks over the fridge. Underneath the grocery list is the note.

Buffy: Looks like Lindsay is coming by at nine in the morning. Something about the case.

Angel: What does he want?

Buffy: No idea. Just let me tell Will and we can get some sleep.

 

 

The next morning.

Buffy comes down carrying Conner. She stops and glance around the living room. In one corner Gunn is sleeping with Cordy’s head resting on his chest. Her chestnut locks falling over his neck. Nearby on their own mattress is Wesley. His body carefully cocooning the fetal position body of Fred. The sofa holds the form of her watcher. She notices the subtle signs of wrinkles and wonders how many are her fault. The last mattress holds the inert forms of her sister and the future slayer. Both bodies sprawled sideways amongst the bedding. She heads on into the kitchen and sets Conner in his high chair.

Conner: Dadadada.

Buffy: Daddy is sleeping. Everyone is trying to sleep so be quiet.

She fixes his cereal and begins feeding him.

Conner: Dadada

Buffy: Shhh. I know.

Angel: You know what?

Buffy: That daddy is behind me.

Angel: Do you want me to take over?

Buffy: No. But you can fix Caitlin something for breakfast.

Angel: Caitlin? And what does Caitlin want?

Buffy: She says she wants pancakes.

Angel: Pancakes? Caitlin wants pancakes? And mommy?

Buffy: Mommy will have the same.

Angel: She wouldn’t settle for Cream of Wheat like Conner?

Buffy: No. She wants pancakes.

Angel: So I am chief cook?

Buffy: Only if you want to. I can heat up frozen waffles.

Angel: You are a pro with the guilt trip.

Buffy: Sorry. I just like having you around. So don’t feel you have to cook if you don’t want.

Dawn: Cook? Is Angel cooking?

Buffy: No he isn’t. He is not our personal chef.

Angel: Buffy, do you guys ever cook?

Buffy: Of course. Just none of us are very good at it. Dawn, would you clean up Conner and I will see what I can put together.

She turns opens the cabinets. She reaches for the cereal but Angel stops her hand. He twist her around to face him.

Angel: (w) If I cook pancakes, what will you do for me?

Buffy: What would you like?

Angel leans in and kisses her.

Angel: Just you.

Buffy: You got me even with out pancakes.

Angel: Dawn, would you mind watching Conner for a few minutes, while we go upstairs. I will cook something when I get back.

Dawn: Sure I guess.

Angel grabs her hand and leads her back upstairs.

Buffy: Uh where are we going?

They walk in their room and he closes and the locks it.

Buffy: What are you doing?

Angel: Hush.

He slowly moves toward her causing her to back up until she feels the bed pressed against the back of her legs. He towers over her.

Angel: Who do you belong to?

Buffy: Huh?

Angel: Who do you belong to?

Buffy: You?

He places his hand on her shoulders and lowers her onto her back. Placing one knee beside her hip, he leans over her. His face mere inches away from hers.

Angel: You are mine.

He captures her mouth with his own. His tongue plunges deep inside. Her hands rise up around his neck. The kiss gets more passionate and his hand caresses her neck. He pulls back slightly.

Angel: I love you.

He reclaims her mouth. Low growl rumbles in his chest as his tongue ravages her. His hand grabs her thigh shifting her on her side as he lies beside her. His mouth never leaving hers. His hand slides up over her rear and back. His fingers tangle into hair as his mouth slides across her cheek and his teeth nip at her jaw. His mouth trails down her necks and his tongue laps at her hot flesh.

Buffy: Oh my god.

Angel: You do love that phrase.

His mouth dives back to her swollen lips and resumes the savage assault. The kiss intensifies until he pulls back.

Angel: I’m sorry.

Buffy: For what?

He stands up.

Angel: What have I done?

Buffy: I‘m not complaining.

Angel: What? I attacked you like an animal.

Buffy stands up and then shoves him hard onto the bed. She quickly straddles and sits on him. She leans into his face.

Buffy: My turn. Who do YOU belong to?

Angel: You of course.

Buffy: Good. Now that we got that straight. Now what do you want?

Angel: I want to rip all your clothes off and drill you into the mattress.

Buffy: Getting get great visuals, but what do you want we can actually do?

Angel: With you sitting on me like this that is all I can think of.

She slips off him and lays beside him. She reaches her hand out and turns his face toward her.

Buffy: Better?

Angel: Some.

He turns his body to face her. Her finger’s trace his jaw.

Buffy: So what do you want?

Angel: That we can do?

Buffy: Yes.

Angel: We can go downstairs and I can fix you pancakes.

She slides her hand into his hair and brushes her tongue across his lips.

Angel: Buffy.

Buffy: You want to go downstairs or do you want to lie here and kiss me?

Angel: Not sure if I can stop at kisses.

Buffy: We can. But if you don’t want to.

He leans into her lips and softly kisses her. Her lips part at the slight contact and he quickly reacts thrusting his tongue in. They lie there kissing slowly and gently. She pulls back.

Buffy: See.

Angel: Buffy, I think we need to go downstairs and do what has to be done.

Buffy: Oh.

Angel: But later today I expect to continues this.

Buffy smiles: You want a rain check?

Angel: Yes I do. Now do you still want pancakes?

Buffy: Please.

He stands up and reaches his hand out to her. She grabs it and helps her to her feet.

Buffy: I another couple of months you will need a forklift to help me up.

Angel: Buffy.

Buffy: Kidding.

 

A little later.

Everyone is scattered about eating when there is a knock at the door. Dawn opens it.

Dawn: Hello.

Lindsay: Is this the Summer’s home?

Dawn: Sure is. You’re the lawyer guy. Come on in. Buffy!! The lawyer is here!

Buffy: Hi Lindsay. (she looks around) I think we should go in the kichen.

She leads him in.

Angel: Lindsay.

Lindsay: Angel.

Buffy: Let me get Willow. Help yourself to the pancakes. Angel made enough for this army.

Lindsay: You cook?

Angel: I seem to be the only one around here who can.

Buffy: Okay we are here.

Willow: I assume this has to do with accident.

Lindsay: Yes it does. It is not good news. It seems that Wolfram and Hart have found Tara’s Dad and convinced him to take a settlement of $25,000 on her life. If he takes the money it will greatly harm your case because if her life is only worth 25,000 I will not be able to convince a jury that your pain is worth more.

Angel: So is that what a life is worth?

Lindsay: Not usually but as Tara’s heirs, if they are willing to accept it then I can not fight it.

Willow: But their not.

Buffy: Not what?

Willow: Her heirs, they are not her heirs. I am.

Lindsay: I know she turned her back on her family but they still are her next of kin.

Willow: But I am her heir. It says so in her will.

Lindsay: She had a will? Do you have it?

Willow: It’s upstairs.

Buffy: When did you do that?

Willow: Last summer. After what happened with your mom and then well you know last summer, we went to the law school and had them done.

Lindsay: And you are her sole heir?

Willow: Yes, let me get it.

She walks off.

Buffy: Does this change things?

Lindsay: I’ll say it does. If Willow has a will then the father has no say in the case. I think we are looking at a sizable settlement .

Buffy: How sizable?

Lindsay: Not sure I can get them to pay out on Dawn and Oz but I will try. But I think with Tara I think we are not being unrealistic to think two or three million. Willow’s case would be in the $500,000 range.

Buffy: Are you serious?

Willow walks in.

Lindsay: I think we can get it easy.

Willow: Here it is.

Lindsay glances over the document.

Lindsay: Hold on a sec.

He pulls out his cell phone and walks out the back door for privacy.

Willow: So what can he get easy.

Buffy: Huh? Oh I think he better tell you.

They wait until Lindsay comes back in.

Lindsay: Okay I have my paralegal preparing the papers. I need to get back to LA. I will call you next week.

Willow: Lindsay, does this mean the $25,000 will not go to her dad but to me?

Lindsay: Her dad won’t get a dime and we are not settling for a mere $25,000. More like two to three million for both cases.

Willow turns pale and she stares at Lindsay.

Buffy: Will, are you going to be sick again?

Angel: I don’t think this is morning sickness. I think she is in shock.

Buffy: Will?

Lindsay: She is pregnant too?

Buffy: Yes.

Lindsay: Was she pregnant before the accident?

Buffy: She conceived that morning.

Lindsay: This is great. This may really help the case.

Angel: How? Because the baby could have died?

Lindsay: Not really. The child was not a legal being yet but it could increase the sympathy factor. It will also detract from the lesbian issues.

Buffy: Issues?

Lindsay: If this goes to trial, the jury may be affected by her lifestyle. But since she was not living with a woman and had even been involved with a man prior to the accident, then Wolfram and Hart will have a hard time depicting her as a bad person.

Willow: What?

Lindsay: I am not saying you are bad. I am saying there are less tolerant people in society and the other side will try their hardest to get them on the jury.

Buffy: We understand, I think. Will, you do right?

Willow: I do but I do not want to go to court.

Lindsay: Neither do I. Trust me. But we may not have a choice. Now I need to get going.

He hurries out.

Buffy: Did he say millions?

Angel: Yes he did.

Buffy: Whoa.

 

 

Noon.

Pike walks in the front door of the magic shop.

Anya: Welcome to my shop. What can I help you find?

Pike: Buffy. She told me to meet her hear.

Anya: Oh you must be Pike. She and the others are in the back. Just go through that door.

Pike walks up and slowly opens the door. He glances around the room quickly taking in the contents and occupants.

Buffy: You are right on time.

Pike: You work out in the back of a magic shop?

Buffy: My watcher owns the place.

Pike: The blonde is a watcher?

Giles: No I am the watcher. Anya. the blonde you referred to is my partner.

Pike: Oh. So what are we doing here?

Buffy: Well I promised Angel that he could beat the tar out of you.

Pike: Oh.

Buffy: But we discussed it and we decided that was not a fair match-up so we are going to allow you to do this in a tag team. I have enlisted a group of friends to help. Now you are going to be able to pick two for your side and two for Angel’s side. Then the two teams will face off.

Pike: So I don’t take him on myself?

Buffy: Depends on your partners. Now let me introduce our volunteers. We have Spike, Cordelia, Crystal, Wesley, Xander, and Faith. Gunn and Giles will act as the judges and referees.

Pike: So I pick two and Angel picks two.

Buffy: No you get to do all he picking. But once you decide that is it.

Pike: I am assuming everyone that volunteered has some training.

Buffy: Yes they do.

Pike: No rules on males and female.

Buffy: None what so ever.

Pike: Well then in order to balance Angel’s superhuman strengths I am choosing the little blonde and the brunette on the end.

Buffy: Okay. Crystal and Faith are with Angel.

Pike: I have see Wes fight so I pick him. And I guess the blonde guy.

Buffy: Okay Wes, you and Spike are with Pike.

Xander: Well Cor looks like we are not needed.

Cordy: I would rather watch anyway.

 

© 2005 Tara