Part 15

"Grand Re-Opening October 19th" proclaimed the banner across the front of the Magic Box. Giles paused to admire the artful display of magic paraphernalia and books in the new picture window, as well as the shiny brass door latch on the new wooden door that made the shop look homey and welcoming. He shifted the large box from his right and to his left and let himself in. The bell at the top of the doorway announced his presence. It was one of the few things in the shop that had survived Willow's attack.

The store interior was pristine and ready for the next day when, hopefully, it would be full of customers. Xander had outdone himself. Giles was glad Anya had insisted on the top-of-the-line insurance coverage. Her business instincts were unparalleled.

The subject of his musings was currently polishing a display case filled with crystals and ceramic figurines. "Giles!" she greeted him. "Isn't this great?" Her enthusiasm was infectious.

"Yes." He nodded. "Quite wonderful. Tomorrow should be a success."

"That's exactly what I was thinking." She noticed his box. "What have you got there?"

"Just a little gift for the big day."

"You brought me a gift?" Anya's head tilted and her expression softened into a sweet smile.

"Er, yes." He acknowledged modestly. "Just a bit of something to help with the." He trailed off as she hurried out of the room. ".transition." he finished.

She re-entered from the back room with a package wrapped in gold paper. "Look. I've got something for you too!" She was beaming proudly.

"Thank you Anya. This is unexpected."

"Open it!" She urged.

He lowered his box onto the counter and took her gift. It was about a foot long and heavy for its size. He broke the string and unwound the gold paper. Inside was a small statue. It was quite ugly with large protruding eyes, as well as a large. "Anya, would this be a fertility idol?"

"Yes!" She nodded her head, pleased that he had recognized it. "It signifies good fortune and wealth. When I saw it I knew it would be perfect for you."

"Well thank you. It was a lovely thought."

"What did you get me?"

He gestured to the box. "Why don't you open it and see?"

The box was sealed shut. Giles handed her a pocketknife and she cut through the tape and pushed the flaps out of the way. Inside was packing paper that she quickly discarded onto the counter. "Oh Giles!" She exclaimed peering in. "Is it.? Yes!" She squealed happily. She lifted out the new electronic scanner. "It's perfect! I can use this with my new cash register and sell my merchandise with a greater speed and accuracy." She turned to him. Her eyes were glowing. "Thank you!"

"You're quite wel." He was cut off by Anya's grateful lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck to hold him close while she kissed him, then released him just as suddenly.

"My goodness." Giles was stunned.

"You know that I had sex with Spike, don't you?"

"Why do I keep hearing confessions to that effect?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you knew. Some people around here have trouble forgiving other people around here. It's much easier when things are out in the open."

"I appreciate that Anya, and yes, I did gather that something had occurred with William."

"It was just a one time thing. We were drunk."

"Of course."

"Did you like that twisty thing I did with my tongue?"

"Umm. Well, yes. It was quite.nice."

"It used to get Xander all worked up so that he wanted to, you know." She reached out and stroked his tie. "I thought you might like it too."

"Well I can't say that I've ever." She was kissing him again. For the life of him, Giles didn't understand why he was letting her. To be truthful, he seemed to be kissing her back. He really needed to put a stop to this, but Anya was a breath of fresh air in what had been a particularly dreary year. Besides, the girl happened to be a phenomenal kisser.

"My god Anya. Is there a man around here that you won't give it up for?" Xander stood inside the front door, his face flushed with resentment.

Giles and Anya had been so intent upon each other that they hadn't heard the bell ring when he came in. Now they jumped guiltily.

"Well, there's you." Anya sneered. "Besides, I wasn't giving it up. I was kissing him and it's none of your business."

Xander stalked over to her, his toolbox in his right hand, his left clenched into a fist. "Were you always this much of a slut, or is this part of the Vengeance Demon thing?"

"That's enough Xander." Giles' voice was hard. "You owe her an apology."

Xander looked over to him and chuckled bitterly. "I hope you're not letting her lead you on. She's doing this just to get back at me, since she can't curse me herself." He stormed away. "I'm just going to get the rest of my stuff, and I'm through."

Giles moved to follow him, his color high with anger.

"Stop." Anya held onto his arm. "Whatever you say to him won't do any good."

"What I want to say?!" Giles huffed indignantly. "More likely where I want to hit. He had no call to speak to you in that manner."

Anya's expression became wistful. "He wasn't always so bitter." She shook her head. "Oh, I don't know what to do to make things better."

Giles looked back at the doorway to the back room. "I just wish he'd get over his ridiculous obsessions!"

Anya smiled and grasped her pendant. "Granted!"

"What?" Giles whipped his head back to her.

Anya was excited and bounced happily. "You just made a wish in anger, and I granted it!"

"Do you mean...?"

Xander, who had walked back into the room with a sheepish expression, interrupted him. "Giles, Anya... about all that crap I just dumped on you... listen, I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from."

"Uh, that's all right Xander. Are you feeling well?"

"I'm feeling great! I can't wait for the big day tomorrow."

"Xander," Anya stepped forward. "Do you hate me?"

He seemed to be astonished by the question. "Of course not, An."

"And what about Spike?"

"Wow, he has a soul now. How about that?" He shook a finger at Anya. "You know, he hates being called Spike."

"And Buffy?"

"I'm glad she's doing better. It's good to see her smile sometimes."

"What about Willow?"

"I miss her. I hope she gets better soon."

"And your parents?"

Xander shook his head slowly from side to side and blew out a long breath. "There are two people who just can't let go of old baggage. It makes me sad that they've chosen to spend their lives being miserable." He looked around the shop. "Anya, this place looks really great. I'll be here tomorrow for your big opening. Let me know if you need anything before then." He gave her a quick hug, shook Giles' hand, and walked out of the shop whistling.

"What was that?" Giles asked, flummoxed.

"Zipidee-Doo-Dah, I believe."

*****

Xander was so upbeat and carefree as he exited the shop that he didn't notice the slight man standing across the road gazing at the building. His benign expression revealed none of the complex thoughts going on behind his strange, dark eyes.

A few minutes prior Doc had sensed a small surge of magical power, which had attracted him to this spot. Interesting. The witch had not returned, yet some power was still present. He had wanted to determine the source of it. Since this appeared to be a magic shop, small amounts of mystical energy were to be expected, so this was no cause for concern. His plan was coming together nicely; he just had to wait patiently for the right time. Waiting was not a problem. He was patient. He had made a foolish mistake before, but it was nothing that couldn't be rectified. This time there would be no surprises. He had tested the slayer and the vampire, and knew that they were resourceful. He hadn't expected the young minions he had sent to the house to actually defeat them, but he was impressed with the speed in which his young vampires were dispatched. Then there had been that display of passion between the warriors afterward. That was an interesting development. It might prove useful when the time came to implement his plan. They would not be easy to capture, but there was a path of lesser resistance that would serve to bring the others to him.

He smiled coldly. It would happen soon, very soon.

Part 16

The re-opening was a success. The shop had bustled with activity since Anya had turned the sign from "Closed" to "Open" and unlocked the door. The timing had been perfect. With Halloween only two weeks away, even the common folks unversed in the magical arts had been coming in to buy items.

The scanner was working perfectly, and Anya looked to Giles often to let him know how much she appreciated his gift. He would return her glance with a smile before a customer would draw his attention away. It was a good day.

Xander and Buffy had dropped by to help out. Since Buffy was still without a new job, she had been there for most of the day. Anya tried to keep her away from the customers as much as possible, but she was very handy for carting merchandise around and helping to load vehicles. Dawn was in charge of greeting people as they entered and helping them find what they were looking for. Anya had no intention of letting the girl anywhere near the cash register, no matter how sorry she said she was for the petty thefts she had committed over the last couple of years.

The overall mood inside was upbeat. Two more hours until close, and then receipts to tally. She sighed happily once again, then turned to ring up another customer.

Buffy set down a box of ceramic figurines that were needed to restock a display case, then flexed her shoulders and stretched her arms. She'd carted so much stuff today that she wouldn't need to work out later. The bell at the door pealed once again, as it had constantly all day. She felt familiar tingles go down her spine and she turned expectantly. He was here.

She hadn't spoken to William since the night Angel visited. She had a feeling he was avoiding her. She had stopped by the school on Friday afternoon on the pretext of seeing Dawn, but he was occupied with some students. She contented herself with watching him interact with the teenagers. He listened intently to their comments and laughed with them often. It was amazing how comfortable he was relating to people who would have been nothing but a food source to him a year ago. He really seemed to enjoy them as individuals. He had finished his question and answer session, then glanced over to Buffy and pointed at his watch, indicating that he was late for something. He'd gathered up his things and left the room quickly after that. She hadn't been able to communicate beyond a small wave.

Now they were in the same room, and she wasn't going to miss an opportunity. "Hi." She stepped up beside him. She glanced around. "What do you think?"

"Looks like Anya's got another success on her hands."

She nodded her agreement. "It's been like this all day." She tilted her head to the side. "What brings you here?"

"Just checking up. It's good to see everyone working together."

"Almost everyone." Buffy commented, with a hint of sadness entering her tone.

"Ah yes, the birds." He understood. "Any word from Willow?"

"Not since she called a couple of weeks ago."

"I know I haven't really said too much about Tara, but it was really such a shame. She was a sweet lady."

Buffy looked at him sadly. "You know, she was the only person I felt like I could talk to last year. She didn't judge me or try to tell me what to do."

"That explains all the teasing she dished out to me at your birthday party." He clenched his jaw. "Warren. I wish I'd been here."

"It wouldn't have made a difference. Nobody could have stopped it."

"I didn't know he was capable of."

"None of us did. That isn't your fault."

He sniffed and gave a small smirk. "I'm sure Xander would have a different take on that."

Buffy's eyes widened. "Oh, wait until you talk to Xander. You won't believe it!"

"What.?"

She took his hand. "Come on. You'll see." She dragged him through the shop and toward the back room. William tried to pull his hand away, thinking that the sight of Buffy having any contact with him would set the git off, but she held on resolutely, lacing her fingers through his. She pulled him through the doorway. "Hey Xander, look who's here!"

Xander turned from where he was showing some of the workout equipment to a teenaged boy, and smiled in greeting. "Hey guys!" He walked over and patted William on the shoulder. "Glad you could finally make it. I wanted you to see some of the new equipment we installed."

William stared at him wordlessly, waiting for an insult or punch that never came. Buffy smiled up at him and squeezed his hand. "What do you think of my new training room?"

The vampire finally found his tongue. "Looks nice. sturdy." He was unsure of what was happening, so he decided to play along. "You've outdone yourself Harris. Why all the fancy upgrades?"

Xander shrugged modestly. "Just trying to do what I can. I thought that if we modernized this, Buffy might be able to start teaching some self-defense classes here." He looked at William sincerely. "What do you think?"

"I.uh, I think that Buffy would do a great job teaching self-defense."

"That's great!" Xander clapped him on the back. "We were wondering if you'd be willing to help out with that."

"Help out? You're asking me to help Buffy?"

"Well, she needs a sparring partner that she can't hurt when she's showing moves to people." Xander smiled. "You'd be perfect."

William gave up trying to understand what was happening. "Let me get this right, Harris. You want me around here with Buffy? You are asking me to spend time at a place where you know I'll see Anya?"

Xander nodded his head sheepishly. "Look, I know I've been really hard on you in the past, and I've busted your chops for a lot of things that really weren't your fault." He held out his right hand to the other man. "If you can forgive me for trying to kill you, I think we can make this work. What do you say?"

William paused for only a second, the reached out to shake Xander's hand. Their eyes met in mutual respect and agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

Buffy finally dropped his hand so that she would hug Xander. "We'll see you later. Thanks for all your work on the place."

"Don't worry about that Buffy. You'll get a bill. after you start your classes."

She and William left. He was mystified. "What just happened in there?"

"A curse!" Buffy told him happily. "Isn't it great?"

"William." Anya rushed over to him from her spot behind the counter. "Will you please go help Giles? I believe that woman he's trying to help is a Hathren Demon, and he's having trouble with her dialect."

With a nod to Buffy, he departed to help the Watcher. Buffy stared thoughtfully at the two Englishmen. Anya noted her gaze and stood to watch them as well. She leaned over to whisper in Buffy's ear. "Have you been in a room, and a certain man comes in, and your heart starts beating just a little harder, and your skin gets all tingly, and it's hard to breathe, and pretty soon all you can think about is dragging him off somewhere where you can be alone and mash your bodies all together?"

"Yeah." Buffy sighed. "More and more all the time."

*****

Two hours later, an exhausted and euphoric Anya turned her sign back to "Closed" and lowered the blinds behind the display window. She joined the others lounging around the table. Everyone was mellow and hungry.

"Where is the deliveryman with those pizzas?" Xander asked.

On cue there was a knock at the back door. William rose to answer it. "I'll get it. It's on me." He called over his shoulder while reaching for his wallet.

"You know," Dawn mused. "It's nice having someone else around with a job." A thoughtful look crossed her pretty face. "How much do you suppose a teacher in Sunnydale makes anyway?"

"I don't know." Buffy frowned. "I never really thought about it."

Anya reached over to touch Giles on the hand. "You used to work at the school. How much did you make?"

"Pardon me?"

Anya laughed. "Humans are so uptight about discussing money!"

"I hardly think this is a human issue." Giles sounded slightly affronted.

"Oh yeah? Watch this." Anya waited until Spike came back carrying three large pizzas and two liters of Coke. "William, how much do you make now?"

"Hundred and Twelve Thousand, before taxes."

"What?!" Buffy almost fell off her chair.

"See!" Anya nodded; satisfied that she had proven her point.

"You make HOW MUCH?" Buffy's mouth gaped open.

Giles removed and wiped his glasses.

"Obscene, isn't it?" William commented.

"Giles, did you make that kind of money when you worked at the school?" Buffy asked.

"Well, librarians, as a rule, don't command quite the same pay scale as the teachers do. There is a, well. a lower mortality rate."

"But, but, this is your first year teaching!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Hey, he's a great teacher." Dawn pointed out.

"With a degree from Oxford." William added.

"It was issued in 1874!" Buffy sputtered.

"Lucky for me they didn't even look at the date."

"Anya," Xander added. "He makes almost as much as you do."

"I don't believe this!" Buffy paced around the table. "I just spent the last seven months smelling like the DoubleMeat Triple Slam for six dollars an hour! I have zits from clogged pores and grease plugs in my ears."

Xander pulled her down on the chair next to him and laid an arm across her shoulders. "It's OK Buff. It was a learning experience for you. We'll get you all set up with your own Dojo in here and you can pull down the big bucks too."

"You think?" Buffy wrinkled her nose. "How much can a self-defense instructor make in Sunnydale?"

"I think you can charge upward of twenty dollars per hour." Anya opined. "Per student."

"Nobody is going to pay me that much."

"Buffy!" Dawn leaned forward. "Are you nuts? All the girls in school can't wait for you to open. Chelsea said her sister takes classes in LA and pays thirty, and that isn't even a Hellmouth."

They were interrupted by another knock on the door. William looked at Xander quizzically. "Did you order anything else? Maybe some wings?"

"No." Xander shook his head

"Hello…?" A soft voice came from the back.

Everybody sat and gaped as Willow entered the room. "Hi guys! I'm back."