Chapter 3:

Disclaimer: Still in full effect, I still don't own anything. Some dialogue borrowed from 'Fool For Love' and 'The Gift'. Where given where due, I promise.

Summerland-

Buffy looked to her mother, "I had no idea she was this close to him mom." She said referring to her sister.

Joyce patted Buffy's back, "I know sweetie but that's only because you didn't want to know. But now you've seen it yourself."

"Yeah. I sure have. Wow, she's like, seriously, torn up." She turned to Whistler, "Do you think what Willow did for me will help him?"

He shrugged, "Why wouldn't it? Worked for you dinnit?"

"Well, yeah, but I'm not a vamp and he's not a Slayer. So, kinda not the same."

Whistler shook his head at her, "He's got a working brain, that's where he's stuck, so that's where she's gotta go."

Buffy looked back to the TV and watched as Willow placed the five candles around the room and lit some incense to help her meditate, "Will we be able to see what she sees?"

"Don't see why not. If that's what you wanna see, then think hard and hit the button like I told ya."

"Alright, alright. Smarty britches. Good grief you're moody."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Ok you two. Stop it. You're worse than two kids fighting over the swing."


__________________________________________________

Sunnydale-

Back in Joyce's bedroom Willow set up her candles, five in total, one at the head of the bed, one at each side and two at the foot of the bed, all making the pentacle, the quarters and the elements. She then moved to light the Sage incense to purify and cleanse the area while helping her relax, then the Sandalwood to help clear her mind. She sat on the bed, Indian style, next to the vampire and began going through the routine of grounding and centering herself to prepare her mind and body for the trance-like state she had to be in in order to reach Spike's mind.

*FLASH*

Willow found herself in the Bronze, but not the Bronze of now. This was the Bronze from High School days. Egh!' Early High School days judging buy the hair styles she was seeing. She walked a little farther inside and spotted Buffy sitting at a table talking to her, the past her, and Xander walking up to join them. Words were exchanged and Present Willow remembered the conversation that had ensued, something about Buffy needing to study French and then the abandonment of said French homework in favor of dancing. The three made their way to the dance floor and Willow looked to her left and realized that she was standing next to Spike in the shadows. She looked back onto the dance floor unable to grasp the wigginess that she was experiencing at seeing her past self, not to mention past Buffy and past Xander.

"Wow." Willow's voice brought Spike's attention to her for a second.

"Hey Red." Spike said it as if he weren't surprised to see her there at all. Then he turned back to watch Buffy dance, "Wasn't she beautiful?" He asked nostalgically.

Willow smiled and looked at him with understanding shining brightly in her eyes, "Yeah, she was." Trying to get a smile from the vamp she added, "She looks even better dancing beside Xander and me. God, I was such a spaz." She received a small, tight lipped grin in response.

Deciding after a few moments it was time to get down to business, she turned her body towards Spike fully and spoke again, "Spike, what are you doing here? Dawn wants you back home. We all want you back home."

"Even Harris?" He asked amused.

"Well, maybe not as much as the rest of us, but yeah. He doesn't want you to stay all zone outy."

When he didn't respond she returned to his side and gazed out over the dance floor. Neither one spoke for a few moments and then Spike spoke in a voice so quiet that Willow was surprised she even heard him at all, "I miss her Red."

If possible, Willow's face took on an even more sympathetic look, "I know Spike. I know. We all miss her. That's why you need to come back to us. We need to all be there for each other. Dawn is such a wreck now, worrying over you."

At the mention of Dawn's name Spike finally tore his eyes away from Buffy's form still dancing and looked directly into Willow's eyes, his own clearly relaying how worried he was. "Nib? She's not ok? I didn't mean to worry the girl." He looked away, into the distance, "Silly chit, worryin' 'bout a vamp anyway."

Willow decided then that her best option would be to play on Spike's concern for the youngest Summers and went with it. "No Spike. She's not ok. The one person she's closest to right now is all 'deep space nine' in his head. She's worried sick about you. She's not eating. She's hardly talking. Tara had to practically drag her away from your side so I could come in here and get you." Ok, Willow thought, so that was a big ole fat lie. But oh well, she had to get his attention somehow. It's for a good cause. she reasoned with herself. So with that thought planted firmly in the forefront of her mind Willow rationalized her tiny fib and decided not to feel guilty.

Spike looked pained for a moment and Willow thought she might've convinced him to snap out of it. Then his expression changed to one of indifference and he shrugged his shoulders, "She'll be better off without me anyhow. If I stay here I can see Buffy anytime I want just by thinking about her."

"Spike, you can't stay here forever." Willow tried to reason with him.

"Why not?"

"'cause you don't belong here."

"But she's not dead here."

*FLASH*

Willow looked around at her unfamiliar surroundings. She began walking around looking for Spike while muttering to herself, "Now, if I had a dog, and that dog's name was 'Toto' this would be about the time I said to him, 'Toto, we're not on the Hellmouth anymore.'" Unbeknownst to her, she was voicing the same thought her friend had earlier in a totally different dimension. She continued walking not seeing any signs of Spike anywhere. "Spike? Spike!" She hollered but got no response. "Stupid vampire. I know you're here. This is your mind, not mine...SPIKE!!" At that moment she heard his loud, booming voice and took of at a jog to find him.

When she rounded the corner she was met with a sight she hadn't expected in the least, which caused her to stop abruptly. Spike was there, and he was talking to Dru. "Okee dokee then. She's the last person, err vampire, I expected I'd see in a Buffy induced and inspired trip through the inner workings of Spike's mind." She knew of course, that one hundred plus years with the vampiress couldn't be discounted or forgotten, but she didn't exactly see where she fit into the picture of Spike's grief over the Slayer. "And what the frilly heck is that thing standing by them?" Willow couldn't help but ask when she spotted the slimy antler guy in a grey suit.

As she began to inch closer to the trio, she was able to hear the conversation, or should she say argument, between Spike and Dru. She apparently had been caught cheating with slimy antler guy, which, eww, and Spike was calling her on it and Dru was all the while trying to justify her actions.

"Why can't you kill her?" Drusilla cried.

Spike rolled his eyes and replied frustrated, "You're the one who keeps bringing her up!" He turned back towards her, "I haven't said a word about the bloody Slayer since we left California. She's on the other side of the planet, Dru!" He gestured with his arms widely.

"But you're lying! I can still see her floating all 'round you, laughin’. Why? Why won't you push her away?"

"But I did, pet. I did it for you. You keep punishing me." He waved towards the slimy antler guy, "Carrying on with creatures like this." Willow couldn't stop the grimace, Oh gross, she slept with THAT?'

The demon looked back and forth between the two vamps, "Ok, you guys obviously have a thing goin' on here."

Drusilla looked to Spike, her hands on her stomach, "I have to find my pleasure somewhere, Spike." She screwed up her face, "You taste like ashes."

Spike gestured to the general area, but talking about the demon, "So this is my fault now?"

The demon turned to Spike, "I didn't know she was seeing somebody." Off of Spike's look, he backed away a little, "I should take off."

Spike tilted his head, "Yea, why don't you do that?"

Slimy antler guy blew a kiss to Drusilla and walked away.

She looked to Spike with a sad look on her face, "You can't blame the ghoul Spike. You're all covered with her. I look at you..." She trailed off, "All I see is the Slayer." As Dru said this, Willow understood why she was seeing this. This must be right before Spike came back to Sunnydale this last time. Willow thought. Dru was a seer after all, maybe she knew before Spike did that he was in love with Buffy. She mused.

As Willow watched Dru walk away, she came to stand next to Spike, not saying anything, figuring he still couldn't see her. Her mind was running amuck with all the implications of what she'd witnessed, so when Spike spoke, she was startled from her thoughts because she figured she was only here to observe and not interact. She missed what he said since her thoughts were so loud, "Huh?" She asked as she looked over to him, "Sorry, didn't expect you to talk to me. Figured I was supposed to be all observy this time 'round. What'd you say?"

Spike, still looking in the direction Dru had taken off, repeated to himself, "She knew long before I did how I felt about Buffy. I just didn't realize that's what she meant by everything she said. Just figured it was more psychotic nattering."

Willow nodded her head, looking in the same direction as him as he confirmed her earlier suspicions. "Yeah. I kinda figured that's what was going on, her being all with the seer ness and everything. Otherwise why would you bring me here to...wherever we are?" She looked around the area, "Where are we?" Willow finally asked.

"Brazil."

"Oh, ok. Well, anyway, why else would we be here in Brazil? 'Cause, ya know, I figured this whole deal was Buffy centered."

"Isn't most everything?" Spiked asked rhetorically.

"So what was up with slimy antler guy?" Willow asked after a few minutes of silence. "He was all with the gooey-ooey sliminess."

Spike gave a small chuckle at that, "'Antler guy'?"

Willow smiled at him, "Yeah. 'S my name for him. Dunno what he was."

"He was a Chaos demon. Nasty buggers, them." Spike answered. "Dru was havin' an affair with him."

"Ugh!" Willow scrunched up her face, "That's just wrong."

"Ugh is right." he agreed.

"She slept with that thing? Wouldn't that be kinda, I dunno, messy? What with the drippiness and all?"

"Yup, 'spose so."

Willow scrunched up her face, again, "Eww...that's just...eww."

Spike's laughter rang out followed by another

*FLASH*

Willow was now standing in Giles' kitchen, Spike no longer beside her. She looked around but didn't see anyone. As she stepped into the living room she noticed Giles lying on the couch with a washcloth over his eyes. "Huh." She stated, looking around again trying to figure out when this was. At that instant Buffy and Spike came down the stairs hanging all over each other acting like love sick teens. Willow grumbled and shut her eyes as they took a seat in the armchair. Shaking her head she said, "Great. Just great. I so wanna relive this day."

She jumped when she heard Spike's voice. He was sitting with Buffy in his lap lavishing his neck with kisses. When he spoke Buffy carried on so Willow assumed correctly that what he said was for her benefit. "Don't feel bad on my account. This was the happiest day of my whole soddin' existence."

Willow looked at him with a questioning gaze. "What?" she asked, "When the spell was broken you were totally grossed out. Complained that you had Buffy taste in your mouth."

Spike shook his head slightly not wanting to dislodge the Slayer, "No, don't get me wrong. I did feel sick right after it happened. I mean, come on, Master Vampire here, gettin' all mushy-gushy and snoggin' with the Slayer? Plannin' a weddin'?" He scoffed, "Thought it was my worst nightmare at the time. But when I realized I loved her, really loved her, no magic involved, I looked back on this day with a smile. 'Cause for one day, just one, she loved me too. Someone loved me as much as I loved them. Someone took care of me for a change. I had a family for a day." He stopped speaking for a minute and looked down at Buffy looking at him with so much love shining through her hazel eyes that his own filled with tears. He gave her a small, almost chaste kiss on her lips and then began speaking again. "She loved me Red." He spoke quietly, almost reverently. "She loved me. Just like I loved her. For just one day, my love wasn't unrequited. Not like with Cecily, not like with Dru and not like normal with Buffy."

Cecily? Well that name was new, so Willow couldn't help but ask, "Cecily? Who's that?"

For a second Spike looked like he'd been caught and Willow realized that he hadn't meant to say that last part out loud. Then his expression changed back to one of love as he looked back to her best friend and replied quietly, "No one."

Willow walked up to the chair and knelt down in front of Spike, watching as he gently caressed Buffy's cheek while she was writing in her binder. "Spike," she spoke softly, "I know you don't wanna, but we should really get back. Dawn and Tara are prob'ly about to break through the door. And believe me; it takes a lot to ruffle my girl's feathers. We've been gone a while."

He slowly shook his head, "They might be worried 'bout you, but I'd wager they could give a toss or not 'bout me."

"That's not true Spike and you know it. They give a toss. We need to go home." She reiterated.

"No. I don't wanna leave here." He ran a finger down the side of Buffy's face, "Here is good."

Willow lay a gentle hand on Spike's knee, "Spike, here's not real."

Still caressing her face he asked, "Why can't it be? Feels real enough to me. Buffy feels real enough to me. Just let me stay here Red. I can't face the Nibblet and everyone else. Can't see their faces when they look at me. All that hate. All that disappointment." He shook his head as if trying to dispel the images of everyone looking at him disdainfully. "Don't know why you're even here making nicey-nice. Don't deserve it."

Willow looked at him quizzically, "What do you mean Spike?"

"'S my fault." He stated simply.

"What? What are you talking about? What's your fault?"

"'S my fault she's gone." He replied mournfully.

*FLASH*

She was now standing in the foyer of the Summers' home. "Geez, enough with the flash-o-rama. My retinas are burning." Spike was nowhere in sight and just as she was about to call out for him, Buffy came through the front door speaking. Willow looked to the still open doorway to see Spike standing at the threshold, and then he was speaking.

"Pet, if you'll just slide the chest over, I'll grab what we need..." he trailed off.

Buffy looked over at him, almost guiltily, "Come in Spike."

Willow took in the expressions on Spike's face. Shock. Happiness. Relief. Fear. Nervousness. But most evident, love.

He slowly brought his hand up and through the space where the invisible wall had previously been mere seconds ago. He let out a short chuckle, "Hmm. Presto, no barrier." Then he seemed to come to his senses and walked into the house fully, bustling past Buffy to the weapon's chest. "I'll just grab a few things. Couple of small axes should do the trick."

Willow heard Buffy speak again, from her spot in the doorway. "We're not all gonna make it."

Geez Buff, let's just be pessimistic here. Willow couldn't help but think, even though she knew the outcome of the evening. Spike walked towards Buffy with a look of acceptance on his face, "I always knew I'd go down fightin'."

Buffy shocked Willow with her next words, "I'm counting on you to protect her."

Spike's expression became deadly serious, "'Til the end of the world." Then with a small smile, he added, "Even if that happens to be tonight." Buffy turned to walk up the stairs but Spike's voice halted her progress, "Buffy," she turned back to face him, "I know you'll never love me. I know I'm a monster. But you treat me like a man. And that's..." He trailed off and looked down, unable to finish. He cleared his throat, "You go, get your stuff. I'll be here."

He watched her go around the corner and then turned and looked directly into Willow's eyes, "I was supposed to protect her."

*FLASH*

Willow dropped down on her hands and knees when she found herself on top of Glory's tower all of a sudden. "Goddess." She breathed out. Then when she remembered that this wasn't real, she stood back up. "Good grief Spike. Warn a girl next time, will ya?" She turned around as she heard an unfamiliar voice and was met with the sight of Dawn tied up at the end of the landing they were on. Some creepy old guy was speaking to her. "Oh Dawnie." Willow turned back in the other direction when she heard thundering footsteps racing up the stairs. I don't remember there being elephants. How did I miss that? she thought amusedly to herself, trying not to let the events being replayed get to her. Then all of a sudden Spike appeared at the end of the landing.

"Spike!" She heard Dawn exclaim with relief in her voice.

'Creepy Old Guy' turned to face Spike as a result of Dawn's outburst.

Spike sauntered towards the old geezer and asked, "What's it take for a bloke to stay dead?"

"I could say the same for you." Willow heard 'Creepy Old Guy' reply.

"You and me are gonna have a go." Spike declared right before he launched himself at the older looking man. As a result he was knocked to the floor, "You're not touching the girl mate."

"Why are you doing this? I don't smell a soul on you."

Aha! That's why he's creepy, he's a demon. Willow observed, and then even though he couldn't hear her she added, No offense Spike.

"Made a promise to a lady." Was all Spike had said.

"Well, I'll send her your apologies." With that the demon attacked Spike. He turned Spike around so that he was facing Dawn with his arms behind his back. Willow heard Dawn mutter a quiet 'no' and Spike answered with a breathy 'no' of his own. Between the desperation Willow heard in Dawn's voice and the horror she heard in Spike's she couldn't hold back the tears that fell.

When Willow saw the demon throw Spike off of the tower, she gasped, "Oh Goddess." No one but Dawn knew what had actually transpired on the top of that tower. And Willow having now seen it felt sick.

Before Willow knew what was happening she popped off of the tower and the next instant found herself at the bottom of it, in front of a bloody and broken Spike lying on the ground. Sobs were wracking through his body and Willow knelt down beside him unsure if he could even see her much less hear anything she said, "Spike, it's alright. You tried. Ssh, don't cry." In spite of her words to Spike, Willow felt tears fall down her own face unchecked.

"No Willow! It's not alright." Spike all but shouted still sobbing. She knew he was serious because he used her actual name. "I didn't try hard enough. I failed. I had one, ONE, bloody job to do. The one thing she asked me to do and I failed."

"No Spike. No you didn't. You didn't fail, you tried. I saw it." Willow said trying to reassure him. But she knew there was no consolation that she could offer the vampire so she just sat beside him gently rubbing circles on his back.

*FLASH*

Willow looked around and saw she was back on the top of the tower. She turned around expecting to see Dawn in the same spot as before. But she wasn't there, in her place stood Buffy. Willow heard the thundering footsteps heralding Spike's arrival. As she turned in his direction she saw him walking towards Buffy with an anguished look on his face, but looking determined at the same time. "Spike? What're you doing?"

"Killin' Buffy." He simply stated.

"What? Why?" Willow squeaked confused. Ok, I thought this was all about the guiltiness that is Spike. Why would he kill Buffy in his mind this way?

Spike finally reached Buffy and when he was only a scant few inches from her he simply stood looking at her with a defeated look in his eyes. Buffy for her part, stood completely stock still, returning his gaze with tears cascading down her cheeks and a question in her eyes.

"Because this is what I do. I kill." Spike stated.

Willow couldn't suppress the shudder that ran through her body and the sense of deja vu she just experienced thinking how Spike's words were oddly similar to words Buffy had spoken herself when Willow had followed her on her jaunt into 'trance land'. Ok, completely wiggin' here. She thought while aloud, she said, "Spike, stop it. You're not a killer anymore. And you wouldn't kill her anyway."

"Yes I am." He answered shortly. "Yes I would." Then before Willow could blink, he was picking up Buffy, who was oddly enough, loose from her confines, and threw her off the tower.

"NOO!!" Willow screamed starting towards the end of the landing.

Spike just stood next to her staring down at Buffy's body. "She's dead because of me. 'S just the same as if I'd thrown her off here myself instead of her jumpin'."

"Spike, how can you say that?"

"I killed her. Simple as that."

"No!" Willow repeated vehemently turning towards Spike, she continued, "It's notas simple as that. You did all you could. You can't blame yourself. You. Did not. Do. This!" She punctuated each word with a jab to his chest.

"'Course that's what happened. She'd be alive if I weren't a failure. It's my fault." he repeated, and Willow could hear the tears he was trying to conceal come out through his shaky voice and wondered what she could say to him to make him believe her.

"No it's not." Twin voices were heard from behind the pair before Willow could even open her mouth.

They turned simultaneously to face the new arrivals. Spike almost fell off the tower from shock, while Willow had to remind herself to breath.


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Summerland- (Earlier)

The only three beings in this dimension were avidly watching the TV screen as Willow's trip to 'trance land' with Spike moved along. Buffy sat silent through most of the scenes, just observing. She never knew that Spike had watched her inside the Bronze, even before talking to her, that first night. She couldn't keep the smile from forming when she saw Willow, Xander and herself dancing. And boy if Willow wasn't right. They did look like spazzes. But that was part of why she loved them, they were so real.

And the whole Dru knowing Spike was in love with her even before he did himself was just wiggy. Spike hadn't told her that she was the reason Dru had broken up with him. And on a side bar, eww much on the slimy cousin to the reindeer. Ok, she knew Dru was a vampire and that they're all large with the sexual openness, but gross!

And then the scene at her house before the battle with Glory. After everything she'd seen while here, that scene made her feel good because she'd made him feel good. Being in this place was making her brain all turvy-topsy. She came here with a firm standing position on her feelings and thoughts towards Spike. Now that was all kerblowie, out the window. She was feeling sympathy towards him, and she had the whole protective vibe thing going for him because Angel had been a butt. And now she was feeling good because she'd said something that made him feel good? What was up with that anyway? It wasn't helping that Spike was so upset and grief ridden. It also wasn't helping that her friends and Dawn had been completely fawning over him and standing up for him. It wasn't helping that Angel was being such a jerk either. Cordelia didn't surprise her, she was always a bitch. But the major thing that soo was not helping was her mother. Sure, she'd always liked Spike; she'd always had some sort of maternal 'thing' with him. Drinking hot chocolate (don't forget the mini marshmallows) with him while listening to the problems in his love life, she and Dawn laughing with him in the kitchen. She never had understood the relationship between the three.

This brought her back to the whole my mother is wigging thing. As soon as Spike had said the first word about how he felt on the tower she'd been alternating between crying her eyes out because she felt so badly for Spike and yelling at him through the screen. Her mother thought it was absolutely ridiculous that Spike would blame himself and she had no qualms about shouting it loud enough that there was every possibility he might actually hear her. It was like watching a football fanatic on Thanksgiving Day disagreeing with the Referee and screaming it to the TV set.

But when Buffy let herself admit it, she realized that she felt the same way. She felt totally despicable that he thought he was to blame for her decision to jump. She'd known that's what she had to do, even before all the prophecy mumbo jumbo. But that'd only confirmed what she already knew. She'd been meant to jump off that tower. She hadn't originally known that it was all for some higher purpose, or her destiny, but, whatever. She'd known what she had to do. And now Spike was torturing himself over something that couldn't have been avoided.

Ok, he's gotta stop with the loopity loop and the blame game. She thought to herself.

"He's not gonna stop." Whistler spoke up from beside her.

She whipped her head around and lightly smacked him on the arm, "Stop doin' that."

Whistler chuckled while rubbing his much abused arm, "Sorry. Sorry, but I can't help it, you're an easy target."

Buffy glared at him, "You're one to talk 'Fedora Boy'." She looked back at the scene before her, "And what'd you mean? He's not gonna stop?"

"I mean exactly what you think I mean. Exactly what I said. He won't stop. He doesn't see any reason to wake up." Whistler replied.

Buffy scoffed, "Of course he's got a reason to wake up. Willow already told him they needed and wanted him to wake up."

"Yeah, she's told him. But that doesn't mean he believes her. You're gone. You were pretty much his reason. Period."

"But what about Dawn?"

"Didn't you hear what he said to Willow about Dawn? He thinks she'll be better off without him. He thinks he failed. That you're here because of him."

"But that's not true. I was gonna end up here regardless. I mean, that is what you said isn't it?" Buffy protested.

"Yeah, that's what I said. But nobody down there," he pointed to the screen, "knows that. He thinks you're here because he wasn't fast enough or strong enough."

"Well, someone's gotta make him see." Buffy stated firmly. "He's acting like a dope for no reason."

Joyce, who had been silent during Whistler and Buffy's conversation, spoke up, "Why can't we?"

Buffy looked at her mother, "Huh?"

"Well," Joyce waved her hand towards Whistler, "He's a link to the Powers and they can pretty much do anything, so send us and then we can tell him."

Buffy turned hopeful eyes to Whistler, "Can you? I can't sit here and watch him torture himself like this for something that couldn't be avoided. Me and mom are prob'ly the only people he'll listen to right now."

Joyce nodded her head in agreement, "Yes. He needs a stern motherly talkin' to. Plus, I bet if he knew what that Angel was saying he'd wake up just so he could go kick his ass."

"MOM!" Buffy exclaimed shocked.

"What?" her mother asked full of innocence.

"You did it again. Called him that Angel again." She paused for a second the lifted a finger in the air and pointed at her mother accusingly. "A-and you said ass. You never cuss."

"Yeah, well, heat of the moment and all." Joyce answered nonchalantly ignoring the comment on her preference of name for the soulful vamp. She then turned back to Whistler, "Well? What are you waiting for?"

"Patience. Patience." Whistler cocked his head to the side, listening intently to something only he could hear, and then turned back to Buffy. "Ok, they'll let you do it. But only 'cause you're going back soon anyway."

"What about me?" Joyce asked.

Whistler shook his head, "No, I'm not sure that would be such a great idea."

She marched defiantly up to him and stood directly in front of him with her hands planted firmly on her hips. Shaking her head she said, "Oh no Mr. Link to the Powers. You will be sending me. You really don't want me mad."

Buffy walked up and stood next to her mother with her arms crossed, all of her weight on her right leg with her left foot pointed out and one perfectly manicured eyebrow arched. "She's right ya know. She can be right feisty. Better let her come along before she makes your immortal life completely miserable. We Summers’ women have special abilities with that." She and her mother shared a look and a quick nod then looked back to Whistler. Their matching expressions showing a mixture between being threatening and being expectant.

He was once again having a conversation with what they assumed to be the Powers. He huffed a bit, and then said, "Fine. Fine. You can both go. Bossy women. I sure hope he listens to you or I feel sorry for the poor guy."

And with that they were gone.


__________________________________________________


Trance land-

Joyce and Buffy popped up behind Willow and Spike. As soon as they realized where they were, they heard Spike saying, "'Course that's what happened. She'd be alive if I weren't a failure. It's my fault."

"No it's not." They said in unison, startling the other two people standing on the landing. Willow and Spike turned simultaneously. Spike almost fell and Buffy couldn't hold back the giggle that erupted from her chest, while Joyce just smiled at the other's expressions.

"Geez Spike, you've been standin' upright for how long?" She joked, then turned towards Willow and said, "Will, breathe." To which the witch did exactly that and Buffy nodded. She lifted her hand for a small wave, "Hey guys."

Both figures remained completely still and silent for quite a while. Mother and daughter looked at each other and shrugged. Buffy spoke up again, "Well? Have you two suddenly become mute?"

That seemed to snap Spike out of it and he whirled on Willow, grasping her by the shoulders and asking in an angry voice, "What did you do witch? Is this some sick joke?"

Willow just stood there dumbly, shaking her head back and forth, still shell shocked. "No Sp... N-no. I-I didn't...No, I didn't do anything. Spike, I swear."

"Then what's going on? Whatever trick this is won't work." He shouted.

During all of the commotion Buffy and Joyce had moved forward, one on each side of Spike. They each put a hand on his arm which caused him to jump and his eyes jumped from one to the other, finally landing on Joyce when she started speaking, "Spike, calm down. Willow didn't do this. No one did." She paused for a second, "Well, someone did, obviously. But not the way you think and not for the reasons you think. This isn't a joke or some trick. Honest.” He released Willow, still looking at Joyce. After a few seconds he looked down.

"You can't be here. Either of you." He said quietly.

"But we are." It was Buffy this time. He swiftly brought his head up and met her eyes for an instant, with tears begging to be released. But he looked away just as quickly. Just not quick enough for Buffy to miss the obvious anguish written on his face. She removed her hand from his arm and grabbed his chin, lifting it in order to see his eyes. He kept looking anywhere but in her direction, "We had to come. Had to stop you torturin' yourself for no reason." With a small smile she added, "Only I'm allowed to do that." She received the tiniest of grins from him in response. It wasn't much, but it was something.

But then he shook his head as if dispelling any happiness he might've felt and became somber again. "'S not torture if I know I deserve it."

Joyce ran her hand back and forth on his arm, "Spike, you have nothing to feel guilty for. You don't deserve all this. It wasn't your fault..."

Buffy cut in, "And why are you feelin' guilt anyway? You're a vampire. You're not supposed to feel guilty. It's just weird." Joyce shot her a glare letting her know that her jokes weren't appropriate. She rolled her eyes, "Good grief, just tryin' to lighten up the mood here. Sor-ry."

Joyce grinned and shook her head slightly turning back to Spike, "Why areyou feeling guilty? Sad, yeah, I can understand. But guilt? I didn't think you felt guilty for anything. So, if you're not supposed to, then why do you? Especially if it's not even remotely your fault." She asked him in her motherly tone.

"I dunno." He answered honestly, and so softly that with his head still down Joyce missed what he said and asked him to repeat himself. He sighed, "I don't know." He replied exasperated.

"Well, either way, you have nothing to feel guilty about. Buffy was meant to jump, so stop this pity ditty and get home." She smiled reassuringly, "My youngest is missing her pseudo big brother ya know."

Willow, who had been silent during the entire exchange just letting Buffy and Joyce talk to Spike, suddenly perked up, "What? She was meant to jump? Why?" She asked shocked. Spike looked up wanting to hear the answer also.

"That's not for you to know right now." Joyce said sternly. "You'll find out. But for now, all you need to know is that it was meant to happen," she added in a softer tone.

Buffy piped up, "Yeah, it’s the whole destiny, yadda, yadda, higher purpose blah blah." She commented in a bored voice.

"Buffy!" Joyce admonished.

"What?"

"We're not supposed to say anything." She whispered sharply to her daughter.

"It's not like I really said anything about the stupid prophecy." Buffy replied in a normal voice, then slapped a hand over her mouth as she realized what she'd let slip and looked at her mother wide eyed.

"BUFFY!"

She gave her mom a sheepish look and said "Oops," in a small voice while shrugging.

Spike and Willow were looking back and forth between the two Summers' women in avid interest while choosing to ignore, for the moment, Buffy's slip up, but storing it away for research later.

"Gracious Buffy. Whistler's gonna kill you."

"Mom, I'm already dead." She pointed out.

Joyce's eyes narrowed, "You know very well what I mean. Don't get snippy with me young lady."

Buffy bowed her head, "Sorry mom."

They both seemed to realize at that moment that they'd been ignoring Willow and Spike. Joyce turned to each and said, "Sorry guys." Then fixed Spike with her gaze, "So, you gonna be ok now? We can't stay much longer."

"Yeah, plus everyone needs you back home. You've both been 'gone' for a while now." Buffy said making the air quotes.

Spike spoke softly in a resigned tone, "They might need Red here, but they don't need me."

Buffy whacked him on the arm, "Will you quit it? God! You've got three people standing here telling you that you're needed. So...you're needed. Deal ya big dope. Dawn's been wiggin', Giles is worried, Tara's worried, Xander wants you to wake up so he doesn't have to face Angel and Cordelia alone, and Anya, well, Anya's just there, but you get the idea I'm givin' ya right?"

Joyce saw a good opportunity to convince Spike to end this whole charade and return home, "Yeah Spike, you should really get back so you can set that Angel in his place."

"Mom! Stop callin' him 'that Angel'. Geez."

"Hush up child."

Her comment earned her the reaction she'd been hoping for, "Why mum? What's the poof doin'?"

"He's being a wanker." She stated.

Spike couldn't help but smirk in spite of his previous melancholy. " 'S at so?" He looked over at Buffy to gauge her reaction to her mother's comment and she looked slightly embarrassed, but not overly defensive rushing to Angel's rescue.

"Yes. He's been a jerk ever since you zoned out. Tell him Buffy." Joyce looked at Buffy and gestured towards Spike. When Buffy remained silent, Joyce gave her 'the look', "Oh come on. You can't say he hasn't been."

"Yes, ok. Fine. He has been rather butt holey." She looked at her mom, "Happy now?"

"Not nearly." Willow and Spike both snickered at Joyce's answer.

Willow looked to Spike, "So you think you're ready to go back now?"

"I dunno if I can face everyone."

"Pfft. Sure you can." Buffy told him, "You don’t have anything to worry about. You'll be fine."

"Yeah, and that's coming from the horse's mouth." Willow added, nodding her head. Spike and Joyce both chuckled at her comment while Buffy gasped in mock outrage.

"I am not a horse Will!"

Willow just smiled at her in response, already missing her best friend all over again.

"Ok kids, Buffy and I have to be getting back." Joyce said sadly. She turned to Spike and pulled him into a hug, much to his surprise, and whispered in his ear, "It's not your fault." When she pulled back she looked into his eyes and inclined her head, "Alright?"

Spike nodded. "I miss you mum." He told her getting choked up.

Joyce nodded her head in agreement with a few unshed tears threatening to fall, "Oh Spike, I miss you too."

He looked up at her completely vulnerable, "Really?" She just nodded and he smiled. "Nobody makes a cuppa coco quite like you did mum."

"And don't forget the little marshmallows." She said as the tears finally fell.

"Hey you two quit yer blubberin' already." Buffy interjected good naturedly, but she couldn't hide the dampness in her own eyes. Then she did the unexpected. She put her arms around Spike and gave him a Slayer style hug. The effects of which any normal man would've suffocated from.

Spike was shocked to say the least. So much so that it took him about a half a second to overcome it and return the hug, wanting to savor it for as long as possible. "Buffy..." He muttered while inhaling the scent that was all her. Sunshine and life with Jasmine and Vanilla overtones.

Buffy further surprised him by staying inside the embrace for as long as he did. When she pulled back she whispered in his ear, "Stop brooding or we'll have to change your name to Junior." He growled in her hair and she smirked pulling completely back to look into his eyes. "I'm serious. Everything's cool." She stepped out of his embrace and added shyly, "I'll see ya soon."

"What?" he asked but she just smiled at him while shaking her head. To say Spike was confused by Buffy's actions, let alone her words, was definitely misleading. He was beyond confused. He didn't know what to think. What was that hug all about? She'd only ever shown him any type of affection or any type personal, non-violent touch twice. Once on the happiest day of his existence, the day Red's 'Will Be Done Spell’ went wonky, and second, after that Hell Bitch poked him but good. He couldn't think of anything that could possibly compel her to be this nice to him, much less show any type of affection towards him. Yeah, before she...died, and oh how it still pained him to think of that word in association with her, but before then, she'd been civil and they'd sorta reached an understanding, but not the type of understanding that would warrant this radical change in attitude towards him.

He was brought from his thoughts by Joyce, "Ok you two, we've gotta get back, and so do you." She looked at Spike and pointed her finger at him, "And no more Mr. Mopey from you."

Spike cracked a sheepish grin and ducked his head, "Yes mum."

Joyce then turned to Willow, "You'll keep an eye on my boy, yeah? Don't let that Angel give him too much trouble."

"MOM!"

She ignored her daughter and kept looking to Willow for acknowledgement. Willow nodded her head in the affirmative, "Yes Ms. Summers, I'll keep 'em all in line or turn 'em toady."

"Good." She stepped away from Willow. "Alright Buffy, say your final goodbyes and let's go before 'you know who' gets into a tizzy."

Buffy walked up to Willow and pulled her friend into a tight hug. "Bye Wills. Take care of everyone for me. You're still the 'big gun'. Even more so now." She pulled back and smiled when Willow responded.

"I still don't wanna be the 'big gun'." Willow pouted.

"Yea, well, I don't wanna be this gorgeous and peppy but we all got our crosses to bear." The two friends chuckled. "I'm gonna miss you Wills. Give my love to everyone. Make sure Dawnie tells everyone what I told her to, 'kay?"

Willow nodded with tears in her eyes. Buffy started to walk away, but she grabbed her and spun her back around. At Buffy's questioning look, Willow simply said, "Just one more." And pulled her into another hug, "I love you Buffy."

"Love you too Wills." Buffy straightened again and walked to her mother's side linking their arms. "Alrighty hot momma, let's boogie."

"Not until they're gone." Joyce replied indicating to Willow and Spike. They both turned to look at the mother and daughter, Willow nodded, then mirrored Buffy and Joyce by linking her arm through Spike's.

"Ready Spike?"

Spike looked to Buffy one last, long time, drinking in her form as much as he could. When he didn't answer Willow nudged his arm and he looked at her, his brow up in question.

"Ready?" She repeated.

He took a final look at Buffy and then hesitantly nodded his head, which Willow copied. "Alrighty then. Let's do this. Bye guys!"

"Bye Wills."

"Goodbye Willow."

Buffy and Spike's eyes met, "Don't forget what I said, Junior."

"I love you" was all he said, and then he and Willow disappeared.

Chapter 4:

Sunnydale- (Summers' Residence-Kitchen)

Dawn, along with the help of the gentle Wiccan, was currently in the kitchen doing her best to find something amidst a whole bunch of nothing to feed the current inhabitants of her house. The younger girl was doing everything in her power to keep her mind off of the resident 'veggie-vamp' still resting in her mother's bed. She really, really wanted to be up there with him and Willow. Just in case he actually did wake up soon. But she knew that the red headed Witch needed the quiet so she could concentrate fully. Dawn would just be a distraction to her and prolong the Brit's imminent waking and that wasn't something she wanted to do. The longer Spike was in 'lala land' the more she panicked.

So, here she was playing the good hostess and being the daughter her mother would've wanted her to be. The girls had found a tub of pimento cheese that was still a bit away from being inedible and some bread, so they were presently working an assembly line. Dawn spread the cheesy spread onto the pieces of bread, handed them to Tara who in turn cut them into small triangles and placed them on a plate, only to start the cycle again. They had a kettle of water slowly heating on the stove and Joyce's tea set sitting on the tray waiting for deployment.

The house was completely silent in spite of all the bodies currently housed within. She and Tara had walked down the stairs and into the living room and, unbeknownst to themselves, had stepped into the dimension called tension. Dawn chuckled silently at her marvelous rhyming abilities. Clearly words had been said between the eldest members of the assembly. Which, that in and of itself wasn't surprising. Angel was always shoving his lift adorned feet into his mouth, and Giles was certainly not in a mood for the petty jealousies that the older vampire harbored. She wasn't in the mood either, actually, no one was.

Angel was being so stupid. Everything always had to revolve around him, or at least, that's what he thought. Well, he apparently knew now that it was no longer that way in Sunnydale. He wasn't Mr. Cool Vamp Guy anymore. All the happenings in Buffy's life no longer centered around him. And Dawn couldn't be any happier; the whole Buffy/Angel circus show was soo tired. It was great that everyone was finally saying all those things she'd always wanted to say to him. The greatest side effect of all though, was the fact that everything her 'family' was saying to Angel and his crew was not only because it was how they felt about him, but also in the defense of her best friend, who happened to hate the massive vampire more than anyone on the face of the planet.

She realized that she'd drifted off into her own version of 'la la land' when she felt Tara's warm hand covering the hand holding the butter knife. She'd apparently been steadily spreading cheese on the same piece of bread during the entire monologue she'd carried on in her head. She mumbled a quiet 'sorry' and abandoned the torn up piece of bread for a brand new piece. As she handed the piece to Tara she spoke clearly, "I was just thinkin'. Didn't mean to join the Zoner's Club."

Tara gave her a small smile, "It's entirely understandable. You've been through a lot these last few weeks. You're allowed."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome sweetie."

Dawn put the knife down on the island and turned to Tara, "N-no. Not just for this. For everything. Bein' here all this time with me. With Spike out of it and everyone else dealing with stuff their own way, I was scared I'd be alone."

Tara finished cutting the final sandwich and placed it on the top of the pile on a plate. Turning herself to face Dawn she tried to reassure the teenager, "Dawnie, I told you before. You've got all of us too. We're not just Buffy's friends, regardless of what you might think or feel."

Dawn's eyes welled up with tears, "Yeah. You say that."

The shy blonde stood a little straighter and pulled Dawn into a one armed hug at her side, "You're right. I do say. So sayeth me." The girls shared a short laugh, grabbed the various treats and headed into the living room to join everyone else.


_______________________________________________


Summerland-

Before they could even blink, the mother and daughter pair found themselves back in their private dimension. Joyce looked to her daughter and noticed that she still had tears in her eyes, "Oh honey, what's wrong?"

Buffy shrugged, "Just thinkin' is all. I was always so mean to him. A-and to see everything he's just put himself through..." She trailed off and shrugged again, "I dunno. But I think I'm actually gonna miss the peroxide pest."

"Well, you'll see him again. Remember you're not here to stay."

"Yeah, I know I'll see him again, but when? Who knows how long I'm gonna be here. That little worm sittin' over there won't tell me anything that's comparable to useful." she grumbled pointing towards Whistler who looked to be napping against the Oak, his hat turned slightly over his face and his arms crossed.

Her mother pulled her into a hug, "It won't be that long. Before you even know it, it'll be time to leave here."

Buffy made a whiney sound and stomped a foot on the ground, "But I don't wanna leave here either. If I stay here, I'm with you, but not everyone else. If I leave here, I'm with everyone else, but not you." She paused for a moment, "This sucks!" She added petulantly.

"I know. And I'm sorry you have to go through this." Searching for a way to change the subject she turned it back to Spike. "And hey, just think about it. When you get back there you can work at making up for always being so mean to Spike." On the inside Joyce was ecstatic to see her daughter's reactions to the blond Brit. It was a well known fact that she'd always liked him, especially more than that Angel.

"I can try to make up for it. But there's so much. Not that he was a saint or anything, but he has been trying ever since he started to think he was in love with me. And I threw it all back in his face." Suddenly her eyes grew to a comically large size, "Oh God! What if I'm too late? What if I was so horrible to him that he'll never forgive me? He'll prob'ly hate me." A light appeared to come on for her and she took on an air of indifference, or what she hoped was one. "Not that it really matters anyway or anything. I don't care if he hates me or not."

"Uh huh." But Joyce was unimpressed. "You can't possibly tell me that anything that poor boy said or did made you think that it was too late to redeem yourself. He doesn't hate you. He loves you." She gave Buffy a look that dared her to disagree, "And don't you dare try to tell me that it doesn't matter one way or the other. You know very well that it would bother you if he hated you. You may not wanna admit it, but you actually like him." The two had begun moving towards the tree and it's neighboring TV without even realizing it. Joyce continued as they walked, "Spike loves you. That hasn't changed and it's not gonna either. If anything, when you get back I believe it will grow, in time. Now that you know how he really feels about you and the type of person he really is, your actions towards him will be different. And if you get back there and continue to treat him deplorably, well, you and I will have to talk little missy."

Buffy was quick in her attempt to placate her mother, "Mom, it's not gonna be like that, I promise. Things are different now. I couldn't go back to who I was even if I wanted to." Suddenly his face as he realized he was about to get thrown off the tower popped into her head. Then she heard Dru's words in Brazil, 'I look at you and all I see is the Slayer...' Was it really possible that he loved her even way back then and he just hadn't known it? Was it possible that she had always had some deeply hidden attraction to him? It was still a mystery as to how they'd never managed to kill each other in all those years. Is that what prevented it and they, mainly she, hadn't wanted to admit it? God, what would her friends say? What would Giles say? Who cares? a little voice, sounding alarmingly like Faith, sounded in her head. Obviously her mother liked him. Dawn loved him like the brother she'd never had, that much was apparent. But her friends? Her Watcher? That was a whole other taco my friend. You saw how everyone acted towards him today. They all accept him now. At least mildly. Rational Buffy piped in. She wasn't entirely sure that she could label the way her friends had treated Spike as acceptance though. No, it was probably tolerance. For now anyway. She figured she wouldn't truly know how her friends felt until she got back there and got to actually see them interact closely. But who knew when that would be? Hm, maybe I should pummel the dummy and get him to fess up. She thought eyeing Whistler.

Regardless of anything else, she wasn't sure where that spark of happiness that ignited throughout her body came from at the thought of having another chance at dealing with Spike. Especially at getting to know him better. All of the things she learned about Spike since her death had changed her way of thinking when it came to him, in a big way. So caught up in her thoughts, she didn't realize that they'd reached the tree. She looked up and saw her mother standing with her arms crossed and a knowing smile gracing her lips.

"What?" she asked trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably and sounding more bratty than anything.

Before Joyce could answer though, Whistler spoke surprising them both, as they'd thought he was asleep. "Welcome back ladies." He said with his hat still covering his eyes. He looked up and adjusted it, smirking at them, "You two have a nice trip?"

"As a matter of fact we did." Buffy answered.

"Yes, it was very nice to see Willow and Spike again. And I think we even talked sense into him." Joyce added.

"Well, good." He turned to Buffy then, "So...what'd you four talk about? Anything interesting?"

The Slayer was suddenly very nervous. "Like what?" She asked trying to portray a picture of innocence.

"Oh, I dunno..." He put a finger to his chin, looking far off, and seemingly deep in thought. He shrugged his shoulders and looked back to Buffy, "Um, maybe something like...'it's the whole destiny yadda yadda, higher purpose blah blah...' and maybe a little, 'it's not like I really said anything about the stupid prophecy'...Whatcha think? Ringin' any bells?"

"Oh." Was all Buffy said, "Oops?"

"Hunh! Yeah, oops." Whistler scoffed. "Do you have any idea what I had to do to smooth things over with..?" he trailed off pointing up.

"I didn't mean to!" Buffy protested, more than a hint of whine in her voice. "It's not like I did it on purpose or anything."

"No?" He asked incredulously. "Are you sure it was unintentional? You didn't say anything on purpose?"

"Pretty sure." She answered.

"Well, you better get more than pretty sure kid."

"Ok, I'm not sure." She said defeated.

"You're not sure..?"

"I'm pretty sure." She amended again, nodding and hoping to convince him and avoid any further talk on the subject.

"You're pretty sure..?"

"Fine. I'm not comp-lete-ly sure."

"Well, I'm pretty sure that I'm completely sure that you'd better get sure pretty damn quick."

"Huh?" Buffy asked confused.

Whistler sighed heavily and looked towards the sky, "Alright! Enough with the pretty sures and not sures. You know you said something. I know you said something, and they," he said pointing up again, "definitely know you said something. So there's really no point in acting like you didn't."

"Ok, ok." She held up her hands in surrender. "I'm caught. So what? We can't do anything about it now."

"No, we can't." He agreed. "But you better hope that you didn't screw up the timelines or anything. Everything has to happen on its own and at certain times."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. They prob'ly didn't catch it, what with being in shock and all." She stated hoping to calm him but also knowing it was a lie. They were talking about a curious Scooby and a very nosey vampire after all. It wasn't gonna be forgotten. But that's why she'd said it. She didn't want them to grieve needlessly, it was wrong. They deserved to know that she would be back so that they wouldn't torture themselves or be sad for no reason. So she'd let a little something slip. Hoping Wills and Spike would remember it and assemble the research cavalry. Then Spike wouldn't have to feel guilty and the others could all stop being so moody and broody. And Dawnie would know that she wasn't gonna be alone.

Joyce looked at her daughter, knowing that everything she'd said had been on purpose, and shook her head. She turned to Whistler, "Maybe she's right Whistler. Maybe nothing at all will come of it."

"You people can think I'm an idiot all you want, but I'm really not. I know what's going on here. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite you in the ass later."

"It'll be fine." Buffy repeated. "They prob'ly won't even remember."


_________________________________________________

Sunnydale- (Summers' Residence- Master Bedroom)

Willow and Spike both came to with a sharp intake of breath. The vampire bolted straight up in the bed, while the red head sat panting. They both had tears streaming down their faces, but not from sadness. Their conversation with the two eldest Summers had given them hope. Spike no longer felt guilty and Willow was no longer upset at the thought of never seeing her best friend again. Neither of them was sure whether or not Buffy's slip had been for their benefit or purely a mistake, but they were grateful for it none the less, and had absolutely no question whatsoever concerning it's meaning. She would be back.

"You...You heard w-what she said too, right?" Willow asked still trying to catch her breath.

Spike swallowed hard and nodded.

She unfolded her legs and made to get up, "Well, we gotta tell Giles. Make with the research."

He nodded again still unable to speak.

When Willow finally made it to her feet she had to catch herself quickly to avoid falling having gotten up to fast after doing magicks. "Whoaa boyy."

Spike turned to her in concern, "Y'alright there Red?"

She nodded slowly, standing with more caution, "Yeah. Fine. Just a little dizzy spell from the...well, spell."

He was back to nodding, but he did swing his legs around to join Willow standing.

"Guess we better make our way down there. Everyone will wanna know you're back and with the walkin' and talkin'." She commented as she moved towards the door.

Spike made to follow her but hesitated right before exiting. He didn't want to face the accusing glares. But then he remembered the conversation that took place earlier and straightened his shoulders following the young woman down the stairs.

Buffy didn't blame him.

And she was coming back.

_________________________________________________


Sunnydale- (Summers' Residence-Living room)

The conversation had been minimal, at best, in the room as the assembled all waited for Willow to wake Spike up. After the heated discussion between Giles, Angel and Cordelia no one really had the desire to start a conversation. There weren't many possibilities remaining for polite conversation between the two groups. Everyone had changed so much and new people had been added to the respective cliques, so the word uncomfortable was on the frontline in everyone's mind.

So there'd hardly been any words spoken since Dawn and Tara had come down the stairs. When the girls had brought in the sandwiches and tea there had been a little bustle, but nothing significant. The sandwiches were hardly touched, Xander and the shy girl, Fred, being the main benefactors from them. Giles, Wesley and Tara helped themselves to a cuppa tea and everyone sat in total silence.

That is until the moment that Willow and Spike made their way into the room. Dawn let out an inhuman screech capable of rendering the two vampires present deaf, and launched herself into Spike's arms. All members of the Scooby gang stood at that moment while the L.A. gang watched them with curiosity. Or complete lack thereof in Cordelia's case.

Tara gave Willow a congratulatory hug while Giles patted her on the back commenting on a job well done. As always. Xander whacked Spike on the back, "Well Princess Catatonia, nice of you to join us."

"Can it Harris." Spike retorted but his growl could barely be considered one.

Anya patted his shoulder awkwardly, "I'm very glad you're not a vegetable anymore. Now the Poof and his strange people can leave and we can get over the uncomfortable-ness we've all experienced today." All of the friends standing chuckled at her abruptness.

"Well thank you Anyanka. 'S nice to know I was missed." Spike responded, gracing her with a genuine smile that was rarely seen on his face.

She nodded once and reclaimed her position on the arm of the chair with a smile, "You're quite welcome."

Giles spoke up then, ever the responsible one, "I assume everything is all settled then?" He asked looking to Willow and then Spike.

"Yup." Willow answered popping the 'p'. "Everything's all gravy in Taterville."

"Very good." Giles responded with a smile.

Dawn, who had yet to release her hold of the vamp, finally pulled back and smacked him on the arm, "You big dummy! Don't do that again."

Spike graced her with a look full of shame, "Sorry Bit. Wasn't thinkin'."

"Darn skippy you weren't." She smiled teasingly at him, "But then again, you never were very good at the whole thinking things through concept were ya?"

"You bite your tongue Bite Size." His only answer was a cheeky grin that he couldn't help but smile at. He raised his head as if only just realizing there were others in the room. He rolled his eyes when they landed on Angel. "Don't you have someone else you can glare at somewhere that's not here Peaches?"

The glare Angel was sporting only increased in intensity when his Grand-Childe spoke. "Don't you have some place else you can go to that isn't here, period, Captain Peroxide?"

Spike seemed to consider this, "Nope, got nothin' needs doin'. 'M just fine here, thanks."

The two stared each other down until finally the brunette growled and rose from the chair, "It's time to go."

Spike couldn't help the smirk that appeared on his face as his Grand-Sire stood and the other members of Angel Investigations rose from their positions also. He quickly lost the smirk and took on a look reminiscent of genuine offense, "Oh no, don't go rushin' into the sunset yet. Let's have us a sit down and chat, Pappy. Catch up, make nicey nice and bond."

Angel looked at him as if he was crazy, but Cordelia responded to Spike before he had the chance to, "Yeah, that's something that'll be happening in, never."

"Ah, she wounds me. Honestly wounds me."

"Shut up Spike." Angel said through clenched teeth making his way to the front door, his followers doing what they do...following. "Can't say it's been fun but we gotta get back."

The group of Sunnydale residents made no protests, secretly thankful in their own way for the other group's departure. The past few days were stressful enough without the added bonus of the visit. "Well Fairy Poppins, how 'bout let's do this never, never ever, never again, eh?" Spike couldn't resist the final jab at his Grand-Sire, causing Xander and Dawn to laugh outright and everyone else to hide a smile. Even the barest smidgeon could be seen on the faces of Angel's friends, but they quickly disappeared to show their solidarity.

Angel turned around abruptly to face Spike again, ready to lunge. "You know what..?" But he was stopped in movement, and cut off in words, by Wesley and Gunn each grabbing and arm and Cordelia stepping directly in front of him with a hand against his chest.

"Whoa there Sparky... Let's cool down for a sec. He's soo not worth getting tackled." She jerked her right thumb over her shoulder indicating the people behind them. "'Cause as much as he deserves a good ass whoopin', I have a feeling that every single one of Buffy's friends will jump you to keep their Spikey safe from the big bad vampire."

"'Ey! Don't need protectin' I'll have you know!" Spike protested.

Cordelia turned to face him with a look clearly saying that she thought he was crazy, "Please! Angel could whip you from here to Peoria."

He snorted derisively, "Yeah, and next you'll tell me that your new 'do' was intentional."

The former cheerleader's hands flew to her head, "Wha..?" She scowled at him, "Ooh, you're askin' for it Buster Blonde." She made a move to lunge in his direction until Wes and Gunn placed their now available hands on her arms restrainingly. "Lemme at 'im you twerps!"

Spike spoke to Xander amused, "You dated her Whelp? She's right scary mate."

"You're not sayin' anything not already known and proved."

Cordelia wrenched herself from the men's grasps violently, turned around and stormed towards the door, "Move people! If I have to stay here one more microsecond I'll be damage bound for sure." Spike smiled smugly as he watched them make their way out of the door.

No one made the move to see them out, so Tara took it upon herself to be the polite one. She moved to the door and held it open for them, "T-thanks for c-coming. "

"Yeah." Spike agreed. "Lovely time had by all I'm sure. Later gits!" He bid farewell with a smile.

Xander looked at Spike with admiration in his eyes, something the blonde wasn't sure he could cope with. "Spike, my man, your daring peskapades are legendary. You must impart knowledge."

Spike shook his head from side to side, "That, mere mortal, took years to perfect. And those I've had plenty of. Years and years of storing personal jabs, just waiting for the opportune time." He shrugged, "And besides, he might as well wear a big ole bull's eye, as easy as he makes it." He added referring to Angel.

Giles removed his glasses from his face and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Spike, you're absolutely incorrigible."

Spike smiled and slapped the older man on the back in companionship, "Thanks Rupes. Knew you loved me."

"So...I guess I'll be the one to ask the question burning the inside of all our mouths." Xander spoke up again. "What's with the sudden mood changeyness? You two are both smiling and while I, myself, find insulting Angel extremely entertaining, yours are both smiles of a different color."

Willow and Spike shared a knowing look and he nodded almost imperceptibly to the witch. She turned to Giles and Dawn, "We have news guys." She said excitedly. "News of the kind that's very large and very exciting."

"Really?" Giles asked intrigued. "How, precisely, did you come upon anything that would warrant excitement in this situation?"

"We had us a nice little visit with two very important ladies." Spike replied.

Dawn turned to him with wide eyes and tears forming, "Mom and Buffy?" He nodded. "Really?"

"Yup. We had ourselves a right nice chat, Bit." He put his arm around her shoulders, "And they said to tell you that they love you." She gave him a watery smile in response.

"So...news?" Xander prompted.

"Yes." Anya agreed. "You've got me all curious now even if I don't wanna be."

A conspiratorial grin appeared on Willow's face, "Let's just say that I don't think we've seen the last of our favorite Slayer."

"Huh? What?" Was Xander's confused outburst.

"Good Lord." From the Watcher.

"Really?!" Was Dawn's hopeful question.

"Wow," came from Tara.

Anya simply sat and voiced a quiet, "Hm."

"How do you know this Willow?" Giles asked urgently. "What happened?"

Willow suddenly became nervous as a result of his intense stare. Spike answered for her, "Was something the Slayer said. Coulda been a slip up though. She may not've meant to say it out loud." He was trying his best not to let his hopes get to high, but he couldn't help but listen to the small niggling voice in the back of his head. Couldn't help the huge wave of anticipation he felt every time he thought about it.

Willow swiveled her head in his direction, "No. I think she meant to say it. She wanted us to know." She didn't care what anyone said. She was taking what Buffy had said literally. There was no doubt in her mind that he best friend would be back among them soon.

"It's highly understandable if she did. She wouldn't want us mourning her needlessly." Giles supplied.

Willow nodded, "That's what we figured too."

Giles began pacing in front of the fireplace, "Alright. Willow, Spike, you must start from the beginning. What was said, in its entirety?" He looked to Tara, "Tara, would you mind terribly..?" He trailed off motioning to a legal pad and pencil on the desk behind her.

"Sure." The shy Wiccan answered quietly before retrieving the notepad and pencil and taking a seat in the chair waiting for her girlfriend to begin her narrative.

Everyone took a seat as Willow began speaking animatedly, "Ok, so, Spike had me popping all over the place and..."


__________________________________________________

Sunnydale-

The weeks following Willow and Spike's revelation were spent with the group's noses buried in books searching for anything and everything that made mention of a Slayer dying and coming back. They tried to continue on with life as normally as possible, but it was difficult with the unknown hanging over their heads. Anya ran the Magic Box, Xander worked his new construction gig, Dawn was taking two summer classes to make up for having missed so much school during the Glory fiasco, and Tara, Willow and Giles busied themselves with the many old tomes the Magic Box housed. And Spike, well, when he wasn't caring for Dawn and patrolling he was standing over anyone researching, waiting very impatiently for them to find something, anything, concerning his Slayer. He knew she was coming back, but the thought lost some of its value the longer she was gone. It was driving him absolutely barmy not knowing what was going to happen and when.

On this particular day, Giles was found sitting at the table in the Magic Box avidly reading from one of the many dusty old archives while everyone else was placed throughout the shop. Anya was at her constant perch behind the counter, counting the money, Willow and Tara were both seated at the table across from Giles huddled together talking softly, Xander was sprawled out in a chair pushed away from the table a little. He had an open book in his lap alternating between dozing off and trying to read, or at least pretending to read. Dawn was occupying a few of the stairs that led to the 'Restricted' section eagerly searching through three books at one time. She'd finally convinced everyone, namely Giles and Tara that she could be useful in the search for the prophecy seeing as they needed all the help they could get, so she was more enthusiastic about the task than the others. And understandably so as they'd been doing this for years and none of them, save Giles, actually relished the idea of all night research parties.

Then there was Spike, who was currently in the training room, having been almost forcibly relocated there by the other members of the group when his pacing and 'hmph'-ing had become too much for them to handle. He'd been trying to distract himself with pummeling the punching bag, but he found that only worked for short periods of time. Every once in a while when he couldn't find anything to take his mind off of the goings on in the next room, he would use his enhanced vampire abilities, also known as sneaking or lurking, to quietly enter the main room just to see if he could catch anything that might be interesting. He'd already consumed an entire pack of cigarettes since just that morning, and it was now just before sunset. Inhaling the remainder of the last cigarette he decided to just give up all pretenses and just head back in to join the others.

As Spike entered into the room there was a collective eye roll and the rising of hackles. The whole hackles thing was in no way shape or form caused by fear of the Master vampire. They just knew that with him back in the room there would be a constant shadow over them as he performed the ritual of hovering.

Said vampire was currently doing said hovering while throwing in a bit of huffing and puffing for good measure. Pacing behind the three occupants of the round table he asked, "Haven't you tossers found anything yet?"

Willow glared over her shoulder at the nervous ball of energy, Tara hid a small smile while continuing to look at the book in front of her and Giles removed his glasses with an exasperated sigh, "Spike has it occurred to you that this might go even quicker if you were to contribute a bit to the cause? Make yourself useful possibly? Your looming and abuse of inanimate objects is in no way conducive to discovering what may or may not happen to Buffy. Nor is it conducive to us being aware of what we're facing, in advance" He began wiping his glasses, "You feel obliged to harp on us and distract us. Why don't you crack open a book and put that much neglected brain of yours to work?"

Spike had no response to that so he opted for glaring. Truth was, that was one area in which he and his Slayer shared the same feelings. He wasn't research guy, he was action guy. That's why most of his plans were foiled. He got tired of waiting, grew bored with the monotony, and impatient with the time spent doing nothing. He circled around the table, peering over the occasional shoulder and driving people crazy in general. They all tried as hard as possible to ignore his presence all together and continued reading. He ended up plopping bonelessly into one of the chairs only to surge back to his feet, not ten seconds later, after having glanced out the window and noticed it was safe for flammables to go out.

"'M goin' patrollin'." He declared marching to the door.

There were several appreciative murmurs and one distinct, "Oh, thank Goddess," from Willow. She wasn't scared of him anymore by any means, but with the hovering, peering, standing and annoying noises coming from him, he made her twitchy. If he was gone then maybe she'd be able to concentrate better.


________________________________________


Summerland-

The days in 'Summerland' went by much in the same way the weeks in Sunnydale had. Uneventful. But that was to be expected since Buffy, Joyce and Whistler was its only inhabitants. Whistler had 'created' a small cabin for them to reside in until it was time for Buffy to go back. It had two bedrooms so Whistler took one and Joyce and Buffy shared the other. The messenger had also stocked the kitchen completely, which was a good because apparently Buffy had retained all of her human traits, even here. She still needed to eat, sleep, rid herself of waste, etc.

Buffy spent the time that passed watching 'SunnyDtv' and chatting with Joyce. She was bored out of her mind but she was enjoying the fact that she was able to spend this time with her mother. Now, having to remain exposed to Whistler all the time was a different story. She didn't understand why the Powers were having him stay there with her and Joyce when there was not much of anything else that he could do or say that would be in any way helpful. He'd already told her everything he was able to, and yet she still knew nothing. It was almost as if he were her babysitter and it was really starting to bug her. It wasn't that she felt threatened by him, or even really watched or kept, what bothered her most is that he was just there. He'd shed what little light possible on her situation, given the occassional pep talk, even discussed the happenings in Sunnydale, but after that? Nothing. A big fat nothingness. He watched the 'tv' with them, even running a commentary sometimes. They found themselves to be extremely entertained by acting like the little strange men on 'Mystery Science Theatre 3000'. Turning the volume down, which actually consisted of Buffy simply thinking to herself 'MUTE', they would sit and run some of the most hilarious commentary. They found Xander and Anya's conversations to be the most enjoyable. They could just imagine the bits of hilarity coming from the young man's mouth followed by the bluntly, literal comments from Anya. But other than that? He just did...nothing.

Not that there was much to do as she'd mentioned before, but since that was the case, why wouldn't the Powers let him leave? Why did he have to stay and watch them? Buffy would catch him, at times, just watching her as she watched TV like he was more interested in what she was thinking than what was actually showing on screen. The two women were currently sitting sideways on the couch, with their backs against the arms, facing each other. Whistler had conjured up a deck of cards for them, and they'd been playing Rummy for the last hour with the TV playing in the background.

Buffy cast a surreptitious glance at the screen and saw all of her friends scattered throughout the Magic Box, various books and pages spread out in front of them. They had yet to make any progress in locating a prophecy concerning her, but in a way she was glad for that. Now it was out in the open and blatantly obvious that she'd tipped them off. Yes, yes, that was old news, but now it was different. She knew before that they knew; now she knew that they knew. Totally different ballgame. Knowing something was the truth wasn't the same as saying the words out loud. She was aware that she never should've told Willow and Spike anything, but she just wouldn't have been able to continue knowing they suffered when they needn't.

She was unable to hold back the smile that broke across her face at the sight. Giles doing what he does best, Willow and Tara working in tandem without realizing it, Xander snoozin' in his chair, Anya doing what she does best, and Dawn...

Buffy sat her cards down and turned towards the TV more fully. What was Dawn doing? Oh my... "Oh my God!"

"What?" Joyce and Whistler asked in sync.

"Why are they letting my little sister research? That's insane! She's not supposed to see that stuff."

The other two looked to the TV at this time and noticed Dawn sitting on the steps reading. Whistler shrugged, "So what?"

She whipped around to face him, "What do you mean so what? She's too young! That's what."

Her mother sat her cards down also, "Honey, she's fifteen. If I remember correctly, that's how old you were when you were Chosen."

"Well, yeah, but that's totally different and soo beside the point. I didn't have a choice, she does. She shouldn't have to do these things if she doesn't need to." Buffy couldn't understand how her mother was being so blasé about this. "There should be no blasé." She muttered to herself.

"What did you say Buffy?" Joyce asked.

"Nothing." She grumbled. "Just don't see how you can act like this isn't the huge monster deal it is. She's too young to have to deal with that crap. She deserves to have a normal teenage life."

"What, with the big sister that's the greatest Slayer ever, the big fights every week and the getting kidnapped every third Tuesday, mixed in with being an ancient, green, glowing, mystical, and who knows what else, key. A key that, as it happens, has opened a dimension or two in its day." He rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Yeah, that's a great kick off to the land of normal."

"I'm the greatest Slayer? Ever? That is so cool."

"Let's not get carried away here toots. I probably spoke too soon anyway. And did you miss the part where I said, 'ancient, green, glowing, mystical, who knows what else, key'?"

"No. I didn't miss it. I just heard 'best Slayer ever' and went kinda glowy myself." She answered with a cheeky smile that quickly turned serious again. "And she's not the key anymore. The god of skank is gone. I jumped to close the portal so the key wouldn't have to be used. So now it should be over. She should be all non-key-y and lockless."

Whistler simply shook his head and turned back to the TV and muttering, "Ok kid. If you say so."

Buffy squinted her eyes and the small man, "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked in a menacing tone.

But Joyce intervened before things became violent once again. She never knew Buffy was like this. Sure, she knew she was the Slayer and that she was stronger and everything. But, she made no qualms about using a bit of violence every once in a while, even when it wasn't required. Not to mention that fact that Joyce knew exactly what Whistler meant and that Buffy couldn't know yet. "Buffy, she'll be fine. I'm sure Mr. Giles wouldn't let her otherwise. And between Tara and Spike, well I don't think we have to worry about her. They're all taking care of her, she'll be fine."

Her daughter turned to her with a question in her eyes, "I don't see how you can act all nonchalant about this mom. You're the main one to baby her."

"Yes I know. But things are different now. I know things I didn't know before. And I know things are fine. So stop worrying." Was her cryptic reply.

Buffy still wasn't convinced, but chose to keep her mouth shut for a time. She turned back to the screen and noticed that Spike had rejoined the group to glower. She watched as her friends rolled their eyes and heard what Giles said, but noticed it was all out of friendly irritation and good humor. They really didn't mind him being there anymore, they just accepted his presence the way they would've if he'd never tried to kill them. It was actually rather amusing to watch the interaction.

Buffy watched as he sat down in the chair only to get back up almost immediately, announcing that he was going to patrol. She wasn't really sure why he was doing it. He didn't have to, it's not like it was his job or calling or, anything really. He'll prob'ly just want to get his daily helping of violence. Was her thought as she watched him leave the Magic Box. She turned to look at her mother and Whistler, seeing they were watching her again, and made a decision. She stood from the couch and began making her way to her bedroom. "I think I'm gonna lie down for a bit. All this bein' bored is enough to make a girl tired."

Joyce gave her a small smile, "Okay sweetie, we'll see you later."

Buffy walked into the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed. She'd seen Whistler conjure things in the blink of an eye. And when they were watching the TV all she had to do was think hard and she could switch between places or mute it, so she figured she could conjure up her own TV to watch in private. She wanted to watch Spike more closely, wanted to understand why he was acting the way he was, why he was doing things he was doing when he didn't have to. But she couldn't do that with the other two watching her like she was gonna sprout another head, or like they were waiting for her to do something. Half of the time when she was around them she felt like a science experiment they couldn't take their eyes off of. Why they were watching her so closely she couldn't figure, she knew it had to do with this prophecy, but why watch what she's doing here? It's not like there's really much of anything to do anyway. She grumbled.

She closed her eyes and cleared her mind completely trying to prepare herself. She imagined a television set sitting on the edge of the dresser, and after a minute or two she opened her eyes slowly revealing a very tiny; beat up TV with a hanger for an antenna. She pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, "Unh, how come I get a crappy TV? That's no fair." She closed her eyes again, tighter this time, concentrating harder and picturing a smaller version of the TV Whistler had presented to her and her mother. When she reopened her eyes she was rewarded with an exact copy of the set in the living room, only different in size.

Buffy concentrated once more and suddenly Spike appeared on screen, walking through the cemetery. Nothing spectacular was happening, he staked a few fledglings here and there, but nothing more. She watched as he began to slow his gait, hesitantly walking towards something. When she realized where he was her heart seemed to stop in her chest.

____________________________________________


Sunnydale-

Spike was making his way through the various cemeteries in Sunnydale, staking the occasional fledgling, but mainly just strolling along thinking to himself. Before long he came to the clearing he already knew all too well. He wasn't sure how he ended up here; he certainly hadn't meant to come here. He hesitantly moved towards the fresh grave and stood silently staring at the plain headstone with unshed tears brimming in his eyes.

At one point in time, the thought of Drusilla leaving him was his biggest fear. Then when that actually happened, he'd thought that was the worst he'd ever feel. Falling in love with the Slayer had proved him wrong. Aside from the hardship of loving her in the first place and trying to deal with that, he'd lost her before he'd even had her. She jumped off of that tower before she ever got to see the real him.

Of course he knew she was coming back. But that didn't change the fact that he had no clue what their relationship would be like when she returned. It could be one consisting of mere tolerance, or it could be one fueled by disgust, or, and this is what he was hoping for, it could be one to grow and evolve into something much more passionate and special and long lasting than anything either of them had experienced.

But that was the question: who knew? He had no way of knowing if she would hate him or not, and that scared him gormless. And who was to say that his newfound camaraderie with the Scoobies would remain so when she returned? They wouldn't need him anymore; they'd have their muscle back, so he wouldn't have to patrol with them or for them. They wouldn't invite him for movie night because their real friend was back, so the substitute wouldn't be needed. There would be no more games of pool between the Whelp and himself at the Bronze. No more compassionate, half smiles from Red's girl, no more nostalgic reminiscing of the past with Demon Girl, no more amusing babble from Red, no more late night debates on 'The Who' versus the 'Stones' with Rupes. And worst of all, he'd see less of his Bit as he wouldn't be needed in the area of her care anymore. Her big sis would be back to take care of her so his duty would be completed. The Watcher and Buffy would take over that job, with Glenda there giving her maternally instinctual assistance when needed.

So he was highly unsure of the effects the Slayer's return would have on his standings with the Scoobies and what it might mean in regards to his long standing position in Sunnyhell.

Spike lowered himself to the ground, lying parallel, and his head at the head of her grave. Settling on his back with his hands behind his head, gazing up at the stars as he contemplated his future.

"Hello luv." He spoke in a soft voice after a few moments of silence. Acting as if Buffy were there lying beside him he continued, "Patience in't 'xactly a virtue of mine. But I'm sure you figured that out, what with bein' able to kick my arse every time I tried somethin' stupid just 'cause I couldn't wait anymore." He chuckled a bit as he remembered Parent/Teacher night at Buffy's High School. A shining example of his impatience and what could happen if he were to get bored. He cleared his throat as he grew somber again, "So that means you gotta get back 'ere soon. I dunno how much more o'this waitin' I can take. Dunno what's gonna happen once you're back to the land of the livin'. And it's killin' me havin' to wait and find out." Spike removed his hands from behind his head and felt in the pockets of his duster for his cigarettes. Finally discovering the partially crushed pack and his lighter he lit up and exhaled a large plume of smoke into the air. Silence descended again as he watched the play of moonlight through the smoke. He inhaled once more, blowing the smoke through his nostrils as he breathed loudly before speaking again, "Hope you don't mind me hangin' round once you're back pet. 'M not positive I could leave. Not after everything. Doesn't matter that there's only a snowball's chance in hell that you'll fancy me, even a lil'bit, much less want me around, I still don't think I could leave you. That's one thing that those other gits and I don't have in common. I'm not a leaver." He sucked in the last of his cigarette, then snuffed it out placing the butt in his pocket not wanting to mess Buffy's grave site, even if it wasn't permanent. "Those tossers can't even begin to understand how good they had it when they had you. Maybe I'm just selfish, not willing to give you up if I ever got you. Maybe they are the better men by trying to let you have a normal life. But I don't care. I'd rather be selfish with you by my side even if we're fightin', than selfless all alone and miserable." He sat up and spun on his rear so that he was facing the recently disturbed ground, the light from the moon making the tears coursing down his face glitter with it's reflection. "How much longer do I have to live in a world that doesn't have you in it luv?" He sobbed out finally breaking down holding his head in his hands.


_______________________________________


Summerland- (Cabin bedroom)

Buffy sat watching the scene intently, with her own tears falling unheeded down her face. She wasn't sure how she was feeling about the situation. She knew that she shouldn't care in the slightest, but that didn't mean she didn't care. She really shouldn't, but she did. She couldn't deny to herself the fact that, at that moment, what she wanted more than anything was to go down there, put her arms around Spike, and tell him the wait was over. The time she spent waiting to return was in no way comparable to the time Spike spent waiting, but nonetheless, it was killing her too. Being the Slayer and an active young woman, she wasn't much for making with the idleness. She was enjoying her time here with her mother yes, but she was hoping she would get to go back soon before she grew weary from boredom. There weren't exactly a lot of things to do in Summerland, aside from watching 'SunnyDTV', playing cards, and walking through the meadow or by the stream. She hated knowing that she would soon be fighting and saving the world again, but at the same time she couldn't wait to get back and do exactly that.

She also wanted to delve into the origins of these new developments concerning Spike. If someone had told her this time last year that she would come to care about the British menace, let alone have deep 'feelings' to investigate, she would've told them they were crazy. Yet, here she was sneaking into the bedroom so she could observe him away from prying eyes; here she was sitting on the bed wishing she could enclose him in her arms and hold on tight. "And again with the 'where the heck did that come from?'" she muttered to herself. She felt this unavoidable connection with him. She was drawn to him in some inexplicable way. And it seemed to only grow stronger and stronger the more time she spent here and the more she watched his day to day activities.

Like, the way he cared for Dawn; that absolutely astounded her. He did it out of total selflessness, because he loved Buffy, therefore, he in turn cared about everyone she did. He didn't have to, but he did. The fact that he stayed in Sunnydale and helped fight every night put a big ol' check mark in the 'Pro's' section. Written in red and underlined twice. He stayed! She was dead and he wouldn't leave. Hell, when she was alive she had a hard time getting men to stay in her life. But not this one. Spike was most definitely special. No matter what she'd ever done to him, or what they'd been through, she couldn't ever seem to get rid of him. And now she wasn't certain that she wanted to.


_______________________________________


Summerland- (Cabin living room)

As soon as Buffy had left the living room Joyce and Whistler shared a conspiratorial look with each other, and then glanced back to the screen as they saw Spike walking through one of the cemeteries in Sunnydale. Whistler concentrated for a second and the screen split down the middle, with the scenes playing out in Sunnydale on one side, and the goings on in the other room on the other. They watched as Buffy concentrated and conjured up her own TV, only to produce a beat up 'yard sale' TV. Both occupants of the living room chuckled a bit at the pout the Slayer was sporting until she conjured a satisfactory set.

They were both riveted to the screen as they watched Spike end up at Buffy's graveside and the monologue that followed, but they were also focusing quite a bit on Buffy and her reactions to Spike's words. Joyce was the first to spot Buffy's tears, after all, this was her daughter, and she should be in tune with all that. Whistler noticed shortly after her, and then glancing one last time at the two supernatural beings in the TV he spoke to Joyce.

"I think she might be ready now." He said turning his head so that he could see both the TV and Joyce out of the corner of his eyes. "You?"

The Slayer's mother nodded in agreement looking at her daughter and favorite vampire on the screen. "I think they're both more than ready."

Whistler scoffed a bit and then sat back into the couch, "Yeh, not very patient. Either one of 'em. Huh?"

"No, they're really not." Joyce sat back into the couch also as she answered him. "And that is only one of many reasons I believe this will work."

The short demon turned to face Joyce, pushing his head back into the cushions and cocking it to the side. "Well, let's hope it works. We don't know anything specific about these prophecies. And that's not makin' the big guys happy at all. They feel their supposed to know everything, the 'Be all-Know all', when it comes to the Slayer and her destiny." He turned back and faced the screen and observed Spike finishing up his 'talk' with Buffy and observed Buffy sitting on the edge of her bed, her arms hugging herself tightly and tears tracking down her face. "These two hit us outta nowhere. Gotta say, I didn't even expect it. But something triggered this whole thing, and until we know what the outcome is gonna be, I'm a bit worried. So, I'll say it again, I really, really, hope this works."

Joyce simply crossed her arms with her eyes still glued to the TV, "It will. I've no doubt about it."

Whistler looked at her sideways for a few seconds before turning back to watch the two blondes himself, wishing that he felt as confident as Joyce did.


_______________________________________

Summerland- (Cabin bedroom)

Buffy wasn't sure when she'd fallen asleep. Mainly because she hadn't known she was asleep. That is, until the knock at the door awakened her. She groaned a bit as she stretched out from the tight ball she'd somehow fallen asleep in, despite the fact that she'd remained in an upright position. The last thing she remembered was watching Spike as he simply lay there and looked at the stars, only speaking every once in a while, and always to her as if she were right beside him. She looked in the direction of the dresser and noticed that the TV had vanished. Figuring it must have happened when she'd fallen asleep, she shrugged her shoulders and rose stiffly from her position on the bed, slowly making her way to the door.

When she opened the door, she was met with Whistler showing off a very rare, bright smile. She glared at him as he spoke, "'Mornin' there sunshine."

She rolled her eyes making a disgusted sound and turned back to crawl onto the bed. She roughly dropped to the mattress, and spoke. Even with her face buried in a pillow and muffled voice, Whistler could still detect the annoyance. "Whad'ya want?"

"Hey hey! No need'n gettin' all huffy. Just puttin' on the happy face for the clientele is all." Whistler answered as he sauntered into the room fully.

Buffy rolled onto her back and looked up at the ceiling, questioningly. "I'm a client?" She rose up on her elbows and eyed Whistler, "Don't clients usually benefit in some way? Or get some sort of reciprocation or compensation? Or some sort of something?"

Whistler took his hat off and held it out in front of himself rocking back and forth on his heels, he whislted impressed. "Impressive kid. Such big words from someone who adds 'y' to the end of a word when she can't think of the actual word she should be saying."

"Hey!" She protested. "I can be all brain-y when needed." Whistler simply gave her a look saying 'see?' and she glared at him repeating her initial question. "What do you want?"

"What were ya doin' in here so long?" He asked curiously, walking around the room and taking in the Spartan furnishings.

Buffy perked up at his question, taking in her own circuit of the room she made sure that the TV hadn't magically reappeared with her waking. "What? Nothing. Doing lots of absolutely nothing." She gestured with her arm to the room, "What's there to do in a room full of air?" She cocked her head to the side, thinking for a second, "Well, other than breathe anyway."

"You had nothing to do in here? Nothing at all? Not even catch up on your favorite show?" He leaned up against the dresser and clasped his hands together in front of himself.

"What? I don't know what..." She sputtered and off of the look Whistler gave her she faltered, "How did you..? I didn't... Oh! You are such an ass!"

He gestured with his hand as if dismissing the rest of that conversation, "No matter. You figure you're 'bout ready to be gettin' back?" He glanced out the window disdainfully, "I'm personally sick of bein' here."

"You mean now?" She sat ramrod straight in the bed, all signs of sleeping totally gone. "Are you sure it's time?" She looked at him worried, "What are they gonna say? They're gonna totally wig. They'll think I'm a zombie or something."

Whistler scoffed, "Yeah, I'm sure after your little talk that they'll be completely shocked."

Buffy's shoulders slumped in defeat, "Okay, so, they won't think I'm a zombie. It'll still be weird though."

"Well of course it's gonna be weird. You died. You're gonna be not dead anymore. When wouldn't that be weird?" He asked incredulously.

"And okay, it's bound to be weird anytime. But...it's just...gonna be...weird. I can't think of a better word."

"So add a 'y' to something." Whistler commented off handedly. He turned back to Buffy, "so...you ready or not? 'Cuz, immortal or not, I can't take much more."

"Yeah, I'm ready. Just scared. Don't know how it's gonna be when I get back. They've been living their own lives while I've been gone. I'm gonna be the one having to fit in now, instead of everyone fitting to me." She pouted.

He looked up to the ceiling with a glare, "See? This is what I can't take much more of. She's whining 'cuz she might have to accommodate others instead of them accommodating her. She's a brat. Can't I just send her no matter what she says?"

"Excuse me! She is sitting right exactly here. And she said she was ready. So send her back."

Whistler stood up straight, coming off of leaning against the dresser, "Fine! I will. Go visit with your mom for a bit, I don't wanna hear her whining later. You're definitely cut from her cloth, lemme tell ya."

Buffy jumped off of the bed excitedly and ran towards Whistler, almost hugging him, until she remembered who he was. She made a face and shaking her head, turned and ran into the living room to talk with her mother.

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