Time to catch up

[dark_wesley]

As I started up the Triumph outside of Willie's, I cursed myself for a fool. I had left the office tonight intending to confront whatever evil was behind the Caritas portal, or to at least ascertain its identity. And now, I had effectively alienated my much stronger and tougher backup. I had pushed my luck, I know, but it had seemed like a

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[big_pile_o_dust]

I walked 'round the place a bit, lookin' for...I dunno. Anythin'. It was busy, lotsa kids dancin' and what-not...a perfect place for some baddie t'eat 'em.

Couple years ago, it would've been me doin' the eatin', but...I'm good now, see?

Too bad the Slayer won't see.

Speakin' of seein'...I turned t'Buffy and pointed at Watcher Jr.

"Hey!" I yelled across the room, hopin' he'd hear. "Ponce! Over here!"

I waved him in our direction, figurin' he was there for the same reason the Slayer and I were there. The damn portal at Caritas.

I realized too late I'd gotten everyone's attention with my yellin'.

Eh, sod them. I had work t'do. It's hard bein' a hero, y'know.

[dark_wesley]

I heard Spike yell. Of course, most of Sunnydale, let alone everyone in the Bronze heard Spike yell. As if the tall, rail-thin would-be Sex Pistol didn't attract enough attention. I'd never had the dubious honor of making William the Bloody's acquaintance personally, but no Watcher (or even former Watcher) worth his salt would mistake him for anyone else. A few conversations with Giles filled in the particulars-- Spike was a loud-mouthed swaggering ass, but still a dangerous one, even with that chip I'd been informed about.

Curiously enough, Buffy was with him. Giles had mentioned something about Spike almost inadvertently becoming something of a loose ally of Buffy's group, but I was loathe to believe it. Now, it seemed I was wrong. Of course, I would still be cautious.

I crossed enough of the room to reach the two and ignored the vampire as best I could.

"Buffy. You're here investigating the portal, I assume? Any leads?"

[cookiedoughgirl]

Spike tugged on my sleeve and pointed over the crowd. I followed his finger and winced. Wesley, the last person I wanted to speak with at the moment. I began pulling Spike forward, hoping that we could sneak out the door, but obviously Spike thought I was going for Wesley. He shouted, causing everyone to turn and stare at us.

Wesley looked up and I let go of Spike's shirt, in what I was sure looked in a guilty way.

"Hi Wesley," I said, giving him a small smile. "We went to Caritas, whatever came through is already here. We figured we'd go to the biggest fast food place for demons in town. What about you? Any...leads?"

[dark_wesley]

I raised an eyebrow, but suppressed the thoughtful frown. Buffy was acting... oddly, even for a person as unique as herself. I had to admit that I still wasn't comfortable with the idea of a vampire-- sans soul, that is-- having a hand in fighting the good fight, but he was with Buffy at the moment, so the Slayer must trust him in some capacity.

So much so that she was gripping his shirt. Old Spike must've been just about to be re-introduced to Buffy's fist, no doubt.

"A small lead, at best. The most I've uncovered is that opening and maintaining this portal requires the influence of at least two individuals, one of whom would need to be a magic user of exceptional power."

Now it was time for the thoughtful frown.

"You said that the portal's already had something pass through it tonight. Any idea what or who it might be? That could narrow our search a bit."