Chapter 2 - Rest and Recuperation

Back in his room, he pulled on a pair of loose pants and some boots. That yawn had been very well timed, and he want to talk to Ann anyway. He went down the back stairs, and down another flight to the first basement. Opening the door to the playroom, he saw Ann.

The tumbling mats were out. Ann was wearing a black high cut leotard, which she had probably put on as he came down the stairs. She was supporting herself on her forearms, slowly lowering her bare feet in front of her face, then she slowly came upright.

She turned to him. "Hi."

"What happened was this." He spoke for about six minutes, starting with the roses and ending with the nightgown.

"Severe amnesia."

"Yeah. Can you fix it? Willow fixed her last spring, when she went catatonic on us."

"There's nothing wrong physically, her body's fine--"

"God, yes."

"--and I don't heal minds quickly. Stable fixes take time. Most of that sort of healing is supporting her as she heals herself."

"How?"

"We can go talk to Claire," Ann said, her clothes shifting back to pants and sweater. "I was planning on having breakfast with her, but that can wait. Do you want a shirt?"

"I guess. Seattle's always cold."

"Has she mentioned why she's back?" Ann asked, handing him a black silk T-shirt.

"No."

"I dare say we'll find out why she's back in due course. She'll stay asleep for a couple of hours."

***

"Good morning, Ann. Spike, come in. I've wanted to talk to you." Claire's red curly hair was down this morning, just held back with a barrette. Her bright brown eyes were alert as she handed the vampire a cup of tea. "I'm still searching for a trustworthy neurosurgeon. Unfortunately, so far any surgeon skilled in the technique of chip insertion either worked for the Initiative or now works for some semi-official military organization. Ann says I should not trust any of them at all."

"Ann's right."

"It's a pity Ann's magic does not interact with vampire magic in a predictable manner."

"It doesn't? Why not?"

"You're not part of my original briefing, Spike," Ann said. "I am learning about vampires, but I'm not proficient enough to remove the chip. Vampires, oh, let's say, you interfere with me, or that I have blind spots where you are concerned. It's not something you do, it's what you are."

"You think you'll be able to get it out eventually?" he asked.

"Given that you and I are immortal, yes. When, I can't estimate. But that is not why I brought Spike to see you, Claire."

"Oh?"

Spike again told his story.

Claire had more questions than Ann had had. Most of them were concerned with Buffy's demeanor, appetite, and sometimes, her exact words. When he was done, Claire glanced at Ann, who said:

"Physically," Ann said, "she's not wounded or ill. Her brain is fine, but her mind seems to have taken a little vacation."

Claire nodded. "There isn't much either Ann or I can do. She seems to display the classic resurrection complications," she said "Amnesia surrounding her death, focus on the moment, lack of volition. What have you done with her?"

"Washed her, fed her, and put her to bed," Spike said.

"Sleep spell," Ann said.

"The complications are usually temporary and should subside with time. I would suggest letting her recover at her own pace."

"Claire, it's not just amnesia, at least not only what you just described, she's acting as if she trusts me, and that's not the way it was, ever."

"It might be the way she wants it to be. Resurrection amnesia refers only to the loss of memory of what occurred from shortly before she died until she returned. Amnesia, not resurrection amnesia, amnesia in general, arises because her life was, to some degree at least, unacceptable. She may want parts of her life changed. For your own sanity and happiness though, Spike, remember, she may recover her memories as suddenly and completely as she lost them."

"No one wants you hurt, either, Spike," Ann said quietly. "As I remember, Claire, you once said recovery from amnesia may not include memory of the time between the original loss and the recovery. If she recovers from the amnesia, Buffy may not remember this time."

"That's correct," Claire said. "And I cannot offer an opinion when that recovery might occur--it could be later today or seven years from now or never. I'm sorry, Spike."

"Yeah. What do I do?"

"Ann's wine is good for most things. Sleep will help her integrate her memories and experiences. Exercise will help her sleep and restore her strength. Activities, meals, card games, word games, may divert her mind and keep her from worrying. Keep her busy, keep her occupied and don't talk about her past before she does."

"Do we tell her she has amnesia?" Spike asked.

"Let her tell you," Claire said.

"I'll send you home, Spike," Ann said. "Put the Viper in the garage and if you don't want to be disturbed, don't answer any of the phones. Anyone seeing you or talking with you will wonder why you're so happy."

"It shows?"

"You're doing the Very light imitation again," Ann said, and waved him home.

***

Spike garaged the Viper, and went upstairs to the guest suite. Buffy had burrowed under the bedclothes, only the top of her head visible. He closed the curtains on the west and south windows.

Buffy stirred, rolling over and pushing at the blanket. He pulled the bedclothes away from her face, then brushed her hair back. He bent to kiss her forehead and quietly left the guest suite.

His own room was down the hall on the north side of the house. Usually he liked it. This morning, it seemed cold, empty, and too large. He poured himself a glass of wine, which promptly changed to brandy, his favorite serious drink. He drank it in one swallow, which was an insult to Ann's brandy, tossed his clothes at the closet, and went to bed.

(Chapter 3)

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