Spike, Buffy, and Dawn sat together and ate their supper. Spike was eating a very rare steak and the girls were enjoying a native bird that tasted similar to chicken. They were chatting and laughing as they shared each other’s food. Most of the chatting was planning for once they arrived back in Sunnydale. The sisters agreed that Spike was to move into the house, not only because Buffy and him were mated, but because he offered to help with the expenses.
“I can look into taking summer classes but, Dawn; you have to start acting more grown up. I know life has been tough on us all but Spike and I can’t watch you twenty-four/seven. We will try our hardest but it’s almost impossible unless Willow stays or Tara moves back in,” Buffy chimed in.
Spike shrugged. “I don’t rightly care who lives there as long as I don’t hear any complaining about it.”
Dawn and Buffy both nodded in agreement. Dawn spoke up after eating a big bite of her chicken.
“Spike has mostly been my guardian anyway. When you were um...gone…he’d come over and stay with me. We’d play cards or watch television or work on my homework. The Scoobies were mostly lost in their own world. Giles left almost as soon as the funeral was over, as did Angel. All Spike and I had left were each other so this isn’t going to be changing much for us.”
Spike glared at Dawn. “Speak for yourself. Nothing personal, Nibblet, but Buffy being alive and well changes a lot for me.”
Dawn looked sheepishly down at her plate mumbling, “Sorry, you’re right.”
Buffy just ate her food, letting the two of them bicker it out. She was mostly amazed at their relationship. A lot had changed in her death but she wouldn’t let her bother her and instead it would work in her advantage. She really hoped her friends would be more open to this though.
The Slayer took a sip of her water and then grinned. “Tomorrow night we can have soda!”
Dawn chuckled. “Popcorn and Pizza!”
Spike chipped in, “Onions and Buffalo wings.”
“Ice cream!”
“Chocolate! God I’ve missed chocolate,” the older Summers practically moaned.
“And here I thought I tasted like chocolate,“ Spike couldn’t resist saying.
Buffy slapped him on the chest and Dawn gave a loud resounding, “EWWWWWWW! I’m only fifteen!”
Buffy shook her head. “Sure, when you want to go hang out with Janice and I say ‘no‘, you throw the ‘fifteen year old excuse’ up as an adult but the second the conversation goes all adult-like, you throw it in my face! Make up your mind!”
Dawn laughed. “I’m a teenager; I have the right to be confusing!”
Spike shook his head at the two of them. “That you do, Nibblet.”
Just then, fog appeared in the room, and all three turned to look at the lady who appeared. The lady was Engina, standing infront of them in her shimmering blue gown and white hair. Her blue eyes were twinkling in delight as she saw the three of them together and happy.
She eyed the two wallyams. “I need to make you up a few more trees if you are planning to return home with them. You do realize they mate twice a year?”
Buffy and her sister smiled at their pets and Spike frowned.
“We can get those beasties’ neutered,” Spike added with a gruff.
Buffy frowned. “Hey, they should get to have children!”
“I can’t,” the vampire said quietly, his disappointment coming across.
The conversation went quiet as the witch bent down to chant. When she was finished, five more trees appeared.
“They will have five babies. Only seven will live in the world at a time. After five babies, one each year, you will either have to find a way for your world to neuter them or they will die making room for more in the world,” Engina explained.
Spike grinned. “Thanks. I had this image of a thousand wallyams running around.”
Engina smiled at Spike. “Now, what I’ve actually come about. Buffy had requested my help in your return back home. I have secured a spell I think that will work as long as Dawn will do her part in opening the portal.”
“Can we have another day? We’d really like for Spike to be able to enjoy the sun with the three of us one last time,” Buffy pleaded.
Engina nodded. “I can grant one day but not a day more. In two days, a storm will brew and it will make going outside impossible for a week. Unless you wish to stay longer, you will need to be out of here by tomorrow night.” All three dutifully nodded their heads amazed by her beauty and grace.
“If you see Titana and Ogie, can you invite them to a morning at the beach tomorrow?” Dawn asked the lady.
“I’ll be stopping by their place tonight. I’ll let them know. Do you have a time for them to arrive?” Engina responded with a smile.
Dawn looked at Spike and Buffy for an answer. After a moment Spike was the one to answer. “Seven in the morning. I’ll just have to let the maid know to get us around early.”
Dawn smiled. “Yay, an early morning at the beach!”
Buffy giggled at her sister’s antics.
“I have some gifts for you before you part tomorrow. Is an 8:00 pm departure alright for you?” Everyone nodded and Engina whispered, “I’ll need that necklace back before you leave tomorrow. I should have taken it yesterday but I figured since you needed my assistance in returning I’d just get it from you then. And since tomorrow you have a busy day with my new daughter and son, I’ll let you hang on to it.”
Buffy smiled. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it. Literally.” Engina then turned to Spike, “It’s been a pleasure meeting such a wonderful warrior. It’s not everyday we meet such a dedicated and powerful warrior in these parts that haven’t been trained since birth.” Spike smirked and nodded, not saying anything, but looking a bit embarrassed. She turned to Dawn, “And you, young lady, who were amazingly brave and helped Titana to be brave as well and we shall never forget that. Titana will probably always speak highly of you in years to come.” Dawn smiled at Engina, her cheeks turning red. Engina turned towards Buffy. “And you, Buffy, you are a kind person even if you don’t feel that way sometimes. You have a large heart and I have seen you change before my existence here. You will get everything you want someday and more.” Buffy smiled at her and Engina said, “I must go now. I have relatives who need visiting. I shall see you three at 8:00 pm tomorrow night. We will meet in this room.“
The fog rolled in, making her disappear from sight just as fast as she appeared. Dawn then pushed back her plate, “I’d better go pack up a few items and get ready for bed. Getting up at 6:00 to be ready for 7:00 is early!” She whined a bit more as she hugged Buffy and Spike, “Night you guys. Don’t stay up too late!” She giggled casting a wink their way and disappeared.
Spike looked at Buffy, “Sometimes that girl seems too old and sometimes she seems like a kid.” Buffy nodded in agreement.