Title: Back Track
Author: Nebula
Chapter: 13 of ?
Pairings: B/S, X/A, W/T
Rating: PG-13, possibly R later on
Time Period: Post 'Get it Done' to ...?
Summary: In the midst of war, Buffy finds she's not the only one
that wishes the last year would just make itself all better. It
can't be done, unfortunately. Or can it?
Disclaimer: Who wants to guess what I'm about to say? ~_^ Joss
said I could write, so I'm gonna write, dammit! LOL Of course,
none of the characters are mine. They all belong to Joss.
< --- >
Willow groaned. Now where was she? She couldn't believe she'd
forgotten everything all over again.
She blinked. Wait. She remembered. She remembered everything!
As she congratulated herself, she finally took a look around.
A warehouse, by the looks of it. The first floor; barren, dusty,
and full of wood. Yup, definitely a warehouse. What was it Xander
had said once about the bad guys always picking the deserted creepy
places?
Xander. Buffy. Spike. Tara. Oh no. She glanced around
anxiously, not seeing them. Where could they be?
"Willow?" a voice croaked from above her. She looked up to see
the gang suspended in chains.
"Buffy! Are you okay?" Willow asked, standing.
Buffy nodded. "My wrists hurt, for obvious reasons," she snorted,
rattling the chains. "But I'm okay. Hey, why are you on the
ground?"
As the others awoke, Willow seemed to realize she was the only one
not locked up. "Huh. I don't know."
"Where are we?" Dawn called.
"Warehouse, by the looks of it. I'll find a way to get you guys
down."
"Willow!" Xander said, grinning. "Hey, I remember you. Remember
everything. Ah, the joy of the human memory system. I'll never
forsake it again."
Anya rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, honey."
"How come we forgot everything anyways?" Dawn asked, frowning.
Willow thought for a moment. "Well, we forgot the
first...er...memories because..."
But Spike picked up on her train of thought. "That spell. That
memory loss spell."
"I didn't perform Tabula Rasa!" Willow said, before realizing
she'd said it out loud.
"How do you know what it's called?" Tara asked, doubt in her eyes.
Willow shook her head rapidly. "Guys, I didn't do this! I swear,
I didn't do it!"
"The witch is correct," a female voice said. "She didn't. I did."
All eyes turned to the seductive temptress dressed in a burgundy
dress, her black hair almost proving her darkness.
"Who the hell are you?" Buffy said, cutting to the chase.
The woman smiled. "I am Morgan, and I've brought you here to be
witnesses to the challenge."
"Challenge?" Giles asked.
Morgan's eyes glowed black, and lightning spurted from her
fingertips. The chains burned and dissolved into ashes, the gang
falling to the ground.
"You now know the strength of my power, and the lives I hold in my
hand," Morgan continued, turning to Willow. "I hereby challenge you
to a magic duel."
Willow's eyes widened. "M-Magic? Me? Why?"
"Your fame for taking on Glorificus and damaging her was an
incredible feat. But my power has always been considered the best.
When I heard of this extraordinary feat, I told myself that I had to
face you and prove that I could best the one that had bested a hell-
god. So..." Morgan's grin was cruel and cold. "What are you
waiting for?"
Willow shook her head. "Sorry. No can do."
Morgan raised her eyebrows. "Really?" She extended her hand, and
lightning flashed. Willow watched in horror as the bolts hit her
friends.
Morgan laughed and clenched her fists, purple energy
gathering. "Try this on for size," she said, her eyes darkening.
Buffy pushed herself up on shaky hands. Okay, that had hurt. She
gasped as pulsing purple light flew from her fingertips.
It never reached her. She cringed, then opened her
eyes. "Willow?"
Willow stood in front of the group, her arms extended. "That's
it," she said in a deep voice. "You'll get your duel. You don't
touch them, do you hear me?"
Morgan looked surprised. "Of course," she finally said. "It's
only you I'm after."
"Willow?" Tara called softly.
Willow turned back to Tara, trying to smile. Her eyes switched to
black as she whispered, "I'm sorry, Tara. I really am." She turned
back to Morgan, ready to do battle. Tears stung her eyes, but she
quickly brushed them away.
She knew she'd just lost the chance to stay with Tara. No magic
for a week, and she hadn't even gone a day. Some promise that was.
"Flame!" Morgan yelled, extending her hand. Willow caught the
flame and shook her head.
"No, no, see, this isn't a flame." She gazed at the fire in her
hand and breathed, "Incendio." She turned back to Morgan, a gleam
in her eyes. "THIS is a flame." Willow pulled her arm back and
threw it.
Morgan barely dodged the flame, her eyes burning with rage. "Is
this where you say that I asked for it?" she hissed.
Willow merely chuckled. "Oh no. This is where I tell you I'm
just warming up." She gathered her arms by her side, her head up to
the ceiling. She muttered a chant, then brought her gaze back to
Morgan.
"Dispel," she whispered, pointing at her.
"Shield!" Morgan barely called in time, before a barrage of
attacks that looked like fireworks hit her.
"This is kinda cool," Dawn whispered. "Willow's really pissed.
Well, it's not her being mad that's cool, it's the fireworks.
Magic." She sighed. "I give up."
"I'm not the only one who noticed her temper?" Xander remarked.
"Why is she so mad?" Anya asked.
Buffy smiled. "Morgan hurt the people she loves. End of story."
She glanced Tara's way and noticed that the witch was watching
Willow with earnest.
A shriek caught their attention. Morgan sat on the floor,
panting. "How...how could you have caught that?" she gasped.
Willow shook her head. "No. The question that's going to be
answered is how you could dare bring them into this. You thought it
was fun to play god with our lives?"
"You're going to kill me," Morgan said, her eyes widening.
Willow sighed. "No. I'm gonna let you go. Though if I ever see
your face again, I will hurt you. Do I make myself clear?"
Morgan nodded. "Good. Now get out," Willow hissed through
clenched teeth. She turned to head back to the gang.
Morgan's eyes blazed red. How dare this little upstart defeat
her, then boss her around like an infant? She began to conjure the
worst curse she could think of, with a death in a raging inferno of
torment. Only when her body was ashes would she rest in the pits of
hell.
With a cry she hurled it at Willow. "Look out!" Dawn screamed.
But Willow was already spinning. "Reflect!" she yelled, her
outstretched hand defending her.
Morgan never saw it coming. She screamed as she began to burn,
until her corpse had disintegrated into ashes.
Xander cringed. "Not a pretty sight."
"Are you okay?" Buffy asked, rising.
Willow nodded. "I figured she'd pull something like that. I
could feel the anger blazing around her, hotter then any fire she
could've conjured." She shook her head. "That was her downfall."
She glanced back at the group and smiled sadly. "I'm gonna head
out to the campus library. I'll be home in an hour or so."
"Wait!"
Willow stopped and watched, surprised, as Tara came running up to
her. "What's..." Willow started, only to be interrupted as Tara's
lips were on hers.
Spike gaped, and Buffy turned to Xander. "Spike and I aren't this
bad, right?"
Xander nodded. "No, of course not. You're way worse."
Buffy glared at her friend as the witches paused to catch their
breath. "Why the library?" Tara asked.
"I figured I ought to give you time to move out," Willow said,
puzzled. She looked down at her feet. "You said..."
"I know what I said," Tara said gently, crooking her finger under
Willow's chin. She pulled her girlfriend's gaze up and smiled at
her. "That doesn't include getting us out of trouble. A-And I
never should have told you that anyways. If you're seriously going
to abstain from magic, I couldn't just leave you."
"Really?" Willow asked, her look hopeful.
"Really. I'll stand by your side, and help you through this. I
promise."
Willow launched herself into Tara's arms, ecstatic. She wasn't
going to lose Tara again. She looked up and began kissing her
passionately.
"Not fair!" Anya complained. "I want some." Before anyone could
say anything, she'd grabbed Xander by the neck and pulled him in for
a crushing kiss.
Buffy giggled. "Seems to be the house special tonight." Her gaze
locked on Spike, and Dawn's look of annoyance melted into nothing.
How could he do that? One simple stare and she was either revved
and ready to jump him, or a tender smile, just like that, and the
butterflies in her stomach began swirling in a happy dance.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, caressing her face. "You know
that, right?"
Her response was to gently brush her lips against his. The two
shared a look, before running to the exit. "Where are you going?"
Giles called.
Buffy laughed. "You don't want to know. We'll be back before
midnight!"
"Maybe," was Spike's answer, which only made her laugh more.
Giles sighed and pulled out his handkerchief, wiping at his
glasses. "You should really get contacts," Dawn advised.
"No, I really shouldn't," Giles said. "These take more time to
clean."
Dawn stared, before finally understanding what he was driving
at. "Poor Giles; should I scratch a pair of glasses for you?"
"Please," he replied, his voice monotone and laden with despair.
The less he saw of this, the better. "And get me a set of earplugs,
too," he added, suddenly aware of the smacking in the room. He
shuddered.
Dawn smiled at Buffy as she came downstairs. "Morning," she
chirped, heading to the fridge. "When did you get back last night?
We sat up and waited for..."
She gave her sister an incredulous look as Spike trailed down the
stairs after her. "You didn't," Dawn said, glancing at her
shirtless friend.
Buffy shook her head. "Nope, just made out. We slept together,
just didn't...do anything," she tried to clarify. "Does that make
sense?"
Dawn shrugged. "It's all good. You guys want donuts?"
"Xander's bringin' breakfast, I take it," Spike smirked.
Dawn rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and I requested enough chocolate for
all."
Xander hurried in just then, with Anya following behind with the
donuts. "Didn't request the paper, though," Dawn frowned, as Xander
slapped the newspaper down on the table.
"Read this," he commanded, as Willow traipsed into the kitchen.
"Uh, read what?" Dawn asked.
Buffy's eyes darted across the page, widening with surprise. "An
ice demon stole a diamond?"
"The paper actually reported a demon? There is hope for this
town, after all," Giles said, yawning. He blinked with surprise at
the sight of Spike standing shirtless in the kitchen, before shaking
his head. He needed to go back to bed and get up after it was noon.
"I've heard of ice demons, but none that want diamonds," Anya
remarked, Dawn snatching a donut from the box in her hands.
"Maybe they eat them," Tara put in, kissing Willow on the top of
her head. Willow turned red but smiled, pleased.
Buffy glanced over at Xander. He nodded. Great; she had to deal
with the geeks again.
"I have a few books upstairs we could look at," Willow said.
Buffy picked up on her hint and nodded.
"We'll find something and bring it down. Be right back," she
called, following Willow up the stairs.
When the door to Buffy's bedroom had been closed, Spike sighed and
leaned against the door. "Now what?"
"Well, we can just stop them before it gets out of hand," Xander
said. "Turn 'em in."
"Or, we could try something else," Willow said, grinning suddenly.
The others turned, frowning. "What do you mean?" Buffy asked,
sitting on her bed. Spike took a seat next to her, brushing up
against her.
Willow began to warm up to the subject. "What if there was a way
to convince them that what they're doing is wrong, but still good in
a scientific way? What if we asked if they'd join the other side?"
She took a deep breath and said, "What if they joined US?"
Xander's jaw dropped, and even Spike looked shocked. "Are you
insane?" Buffy said, shaking her head. "They could blow us all up!"
"They could enhance our technologies," Willow said with a grin.
Xander shrugged helplessly. "It could be worth a shot to try."
"If it doesn't work...?"
Willow sighed. "Yes, you can chase them out of town."
Buffy clapped her hands with excitement. "I like that plan."
Spike chuckled. "I do too, though I'd only be watchin'."
"Yay!" Willow exclaimed. "Okay. 'Save the Geeks' is now in
motion." She grinned and skipped out of the room.
"I hear donuts calling me. You guys coming?" Xander said, heading
out after Willow.
Spike nodded, standing. Buffy had other plans. With an 'oomph'
Spike fell on top of Buffy, as she grabbed him and pulled him down.
"Hi," she whispered.
Spike smiled back. "Hi to you too."
She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. "I enjoyed
last night. Being with you...we should do it more often."
He pretending to think it over, earning a slap on the arm. "I'm
kiddin', luv. Last night was wonderful," Spike said, brushing his
lips on her forehead. He laid down beside her and wrapped his arms
around her.
She snuggled up against him, realizing the door was open. Her
second realization was that she didn't care. This was so nice, and
so much easier. It just made her realize what a complete idiot
she'd been last year.
"We're still good, right?" she asked suddenly.
Spike blinked. "What? What do you...?"
"Well, I just..." Buffy sighed and looked away. "I don't know,"
she mumbled. She couldn't believe he hadn't left her already.
She felt his hand cup under her face, bringing her gaze back up to
him. "Hey," he said softly, frowning. "I love you. Don't you ever
forget that. I'm not gonna leave you. I promise."
She buried her head into his chest, breathing in the scent that
was unmistakably his. "I love you, you know that, right?" she said,
her voice muffled.
Spike smiled. "I know," he whispered. And he did. He could see
it in her eyes every time he held her, or glanced her way. He could
never hear those three words enough.
He felt her sigh, her breath tickling his skin. "I don't deserve
you," she said, rubbing her wet nose against him.
He looked down at the petite form with surprise. Would she never
cease to amaze him? "I think you've got us mixed up," Spike
murmured, holding her. "I'm the one that doesn't deserve you."
Something wet pressed against his skin, making him look down.
That hadn't been her nose on his skin; it had been her tears. She
was crying.
"Oh, Buffy," he crooned, rubbing her back, trying to soothe her.
She brushed away her tears, wrapping her arms around him
tighter. "I don't wanna lose you," she sniffled. "I can't...Spike,
I can't..."
"Shhh, not goin' anywhere, pet."
"Promise?"
Spike smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Promise."
Chapter 14:
< --- >
"I don't think it's a demon," Willow announced to the group a
little later. Xander had Anya next to him, their fingers
intertwined tightly. Buffy sat, curled up on Spike's lap, playing
with his hair. She stopped as Giles came into the room.
At Spike's raised eyebrows, she rolled her eyes. "Don't want to
give him too much of a heart attack," she whispered, earning a smirk
from him.
Giles had been first pleased at the sight of Spike with a shirt
on, but Buffy on his lap made him bite his tongue. He avoided them
and sat down on the opposite side of the room. Buffy frowned but
said nothing. Perhaps she shouldn't have even sat on his lap.
Still, she wasn't getting off.
"Then the verdict is?" Xander said. He already knew what Willow
was going to say, as did Buffy and Spike. They'd rehearsed this
while the others had been in the other room.
"Supposedly there was just a neatly cut hole in the glass case
that held the diamond. No demon can do that. I think we're looking
at human. Geeky, scientific humans."
"And we'd find them where?" Buffy asked.
Willow grinned. "I've got an idea of who could be smart enough to
pull this off. Actually, Xander suggested the idea with that comic
book that had a freeze-gun. Someone that's into science and a comic
book addict. That got my memory going, back to Jonathan, that guy
we went to high school with? He's probably helping someone, or
being helped."
"I guess the only question left is does anyone remember his last
name?" Dawn grinned.
Spike and Buffy both flashed Willow a quick, concealed smile.
Things were turning out perfectly.
"This should prove interesting," Buffy whispered. Spike nodded,
grasping Buffy's hand.
The Scoobies were headed off to the den of the Geeks, Buffy and
Spike leading. She had his hand firmly in hers, and they appeared
inseparable.
Buffy could feel Giles' eyes boring holes in the back of her
head. She shifted uncomfortably. He said he'd been okay with
this. Apparently not.
She felt someone squeeze her hand, and looked up into blue
eyes. "Give him time," Spike whispered.
She nodded, relieved that she had someone on her side. "He said
he was okay with it," she whispered back.
Spike smirked. "He was only tryin' to pacify you. Or, he thought
he could handle it. Guess he couldn't."
"I guess not," she said softly. She looked up, Warren's house in
front of her. "We're here," she announced to the gang. "Spike's
gonna go in first, and I'll follow behind him. Xan and Will will go
with me. Ready?"
"Uh, maybe not," Willow said suddenly. Images of filleting a
certain someone last year were spinning through her head. She
winced.
"Are you okay?"
Willow looked up at Tara, and she was there again: sitting on the
floor, Tara's blood flowing through her fingers as she lay, dead, in
her lover's arms.
"He took her light away," Willow whispered.
"What?" Dawn asked.
Xander and Buffy glanced at Willow, alarm growing. "Uh, give us a
minute," Buffy sputtered, grabbing Willow and hauling her off.
Once they were out of sight, Xander shook his friend
slightly. "Willow? Willow, earth to Willow?"
"I can't go in there," Willow hissed, as Spike came over.
"She okay?" he asked.
"I go in there, I'll kill him," she warned her friends. "I will.
I can't help it."
"Willow," Buffy said gently but firmly. "Maybe this is your test."
Willow frowned. "What do you mean?"
Buffy took a deep breath. How to explain? "If you can stand up
to this, and make it through, maybe some of your past...future..."
She shook herself. "Whatever. THAT self. You get it. Anyways,
maybe some of THAT self will diminish. By proving you can do it...?"
Willow slowly began to nod. "Okay. I can do this."
"We'll be right there with ya," Xander confirmed.
Willow nodded, confident once more.
They went back and joined the group, Tara's look worried. "Are
you okay?" she asked, hurrying over to her girlfriend.
"I'm okay," Willow nodded. She smiled as Tara launched herself
into her arms. Warren would NOT take her away again.
Once everyone was sure Willow was okay, Spike headed towards the
cellar. He kicked the doors open and strode down the stairs.
Sounds of shouts reached Buffy's ears. She could hear Spike down
there, telling them he knew what they were up to, but wanted to talk
business with them. Perfect.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Jonathan asked timidly.
That was her cue. Buffy headed inside, earning gasps from the
trio. "Business of an interesting nature. I know you guys have
been up to some tricks and spells, and the diamond theft? Very
nice. But why, is all I want to know."
"We're gonna be the lords of Sunnydale," Andrew announced proudly.
"Shut up!" Warren said, sounding exasperated.
Buffy resisted the urge to smirk. "Sunnydale is a really bad
town. You guys wanna rule it, be my guests. You'll end up dead or
eaten. That's usually how it goes around here. Jonathan, you of
all people should remember what happened to Principal Snyder?"
Jonathan frowned, then grinned, nodding. "That was cool."
"Very much so," Xander said, popping his head in. He glanced
around, his eyes widening. "It's awesome down here!"
Spike and Buffy turned to glare at him. "Right. Sorry," Xander
said meekly.
Buffy turned back to the trio. "So we have three endings to this
scenario. The first is you trying to become the masters of this
rotten town, and having your asses kicked to Mexico. That's the
most likely, but there are two more," she said, as the three took a
few steps back. "The next one is you becoming masters of the town,
then the entire world. Bwahaha," she said, her voice deadpan.
Spike turned, too close to cracking up.
Xander didn't look too much better. "How's it going?" Willow
asked, peering in. She'd heard Buffy's monotone tone, and had
almost started laughing. When she'd calmed herself, she'd dared a
look. Okay, nice room. Lots of computers and Star Wars toys, a
clear sign that geeks lived there. She turned and then she saw
him. Her smile disappeared. He'd taken her light away. She was
going to tear him apart, let him burn like Morgan had, until...
A hand pulled her away. She blinked, startled out of her
thoughts. Xander gazed at her sympathetically. "You'll be okay,"
he whispered.
Willow nodded. "I'll be okay," she repeated. She inhaled, then
looked back in. Concentrate on Jonathan and Andrew. She could do
that.
"What's the third one?" Warren asked. Spike turned, his gaze
narrowing. He didn't sound intimidated. He sounded too sure of
himself.
Buffy caught on to it and leaned in, glaring. "You don't die a
long and painful death. You put your knowledge to a good use, and
join our team. Clear?"
"Just like that?" Jonathan said, not sounding sure. He looked
hopeful, though.
Willow nodded. "Basically. After that whole magic thing you
pulled off a couple of years, we know you'll be a valuable asset.
We're not really sure what Andrew can do, but I guess we'll find
out. And Warren is the boss. Right?"
Warren nodded proudly. "I'm the brains."
"You'd be great on research, then," Tara's voice offered.
"Tara! What are you doing?" Willow hissed.
"I figured you could use some help," Tara asked. She looked
slightly hurt. "Why?"
Willow bit her lip, before whispering in her ear, "I just don't
want you to get hurt, that's all. There could be a fight."
"Well, I don't want you to get hurt either, silly," Tara
admonished, smiling. "I'll be careful."
Willow tried to smile, but she was starting to worry. If Warren
had a gun here...no, Willow, no, think of something else...okay,
bunnies. Trees. Flowers. Roses. Red roses. Red like her
blood...Willow cringed.
Buffy seemed to sense what her friend was thinking. "Well?" she
said, turning back to the trio.
Jonathan nodded. "I think it sounds like a good idea. Count me
in," he added, walking to stand next to Spike.
"Shut UP!" Warren yelled, taking a step to Buffy. Willow growled,
her eyes blackening. She curled her fist, preparing a spell.
Spike stared at her, surprised. That was the fastest she'd
changed to black that he remembered.
Warren turned to look at Willow, confused. "Not another step,"
Willow warned, heading down the stairs. If he was going to do
something stupid, she wanted to be able to take him down and fast.
Being at the top of the stairs didn't give her the best angle of
attack.
He nodded, an emotion Buffy couldn't define quickly running across
his face. "Backing off," he agreed, taking a step back.
"Okay, one in. Andrew?" Xander said, turning to the blonde.
Andrew looked at Warren, then Buffy, then back at Warren, trying
to weigh who he was more afraid of. "Don't you dare," Warren
threatened.
He turned back to Buffy, who just shrugged. "It's your choice,"
she said.
Andrew looked surprised. Someone was letting him a
decision? "I'm with you," Andrew said, hurrying to stand beside
Jonathan and Buffy.
Warren stared, his mouth dropped open. Buffy smiled at him,
crossing her arms. "So, what do you say?"
Warren sighed, leaning against the table. "I guess I'll have to
say..."
He grabbed something off the table and pointed it at Willow. Her
eyes widened as she looked down the nozzle of a hand gun. "You're
dead," he said with a wicked grin.
Buffy yelled and jumped to push Willow out of the way. Spike and
Xander were already in motion, hurrying to the girls to help.
Jonathan and Andrew backed away hurriedly.
Through the bustle, no one heard a voice whisper, "Release."
Warren yelped as the magazine fell from the gun. Willow was
tackled to the ground, Spike and Buffy on top of her. Xander had
just made it to the bottom of the stairs when he stopped. The three
sprawled on the floor looked up at him, then at what he was gaping
at.
With a pop Warren dropped to the ground, groaning. "What the...?"
he muttered, wiping the blood away from his nose. He looked up and
found a golden woman glowering down at him, trembling with rage.
"You stay the hell away from her, do you hear me?" she said, her
eyes flashing black.
Warren nodded quickly, his cockiness a thing of the past. "Get
out," she spat.
Ignoring the fact that this was his house, Warren ran up the
stairs and into the night.
The gold faded as she turned, kneeling. "Are you okay?!" Tara
asked, her anger replaced with panicked concern.
Willow's eyes were wide with awe. "That was...wow," she
breathed. "I can't believe you just did that."
Tara's lower lip trembled as she smiled. "He was gonna hurt you,"
she whispered.
Willow climbed out from the tumble she was under and wrapped her
arms around Tara.
"I say double wow," Xander said, his jaw on the floor.
"Don't mess with Glinda," Spike said, admiration in his eyes.
Buffy giggled. "That was beyond wow. That was just cool, Tara."
Tara blushed and smiled at the attention she was receiving.
Buffy turned to the two, who were staring where Warren had
left. "Is everything okay?" Dawn called down the stairs. "Some guy
just tore outta here."
"Can we chase after him?" Anya asked.
Xander shook his head. "No honey, not tonight."
"Oh damn."
Buffy shook her head. "You guys okay?" she asked the duo.
Andrew just kept staring, while Jonathan glanced over at
Buffy. "Thank you," he said, relief evident on his face. "I knew
he was gonna go too far."
Buffy smiled. "You're welcome."
"Can we head home now?" Giles asked, raising his eyebrows at his
Slayer. "I think there's been enough excitement for one night,
and...are those Doctor Who tapes?"
Chapter 15:
< --- >
"So...are you guys a couple now?" Dawn asked.
Spike blinked, turning to the Slayer. "We are, right?"
Buffy smiled at him, taking a seat next to him. "I'd have to say
so, yeah." She stopped, turning to her sister. "Why?" she asked
suspiciously.
"Well, it wasn't like anyone put an announcement or anything.
Besides, I wasn't sure because of, you know, the circumstances."
Buffy and Spike exchanged looks as Willow came into the living
room. "Circumstances?" he asked cautiously.
Willow stood next to Dawn, before both of them broke into wide
grins. "You know, like a date," Willow said.
Buffy frowned, getting even more confused by the minute. Spike
didn't look too much better. "Uh..." she started, but Dawn
interrupted her.
"You two DO want a date, right?"
"Well, uh, yes, but uh, I..." Spike stammered.
"Great! You have dinner reservations at that nice restaurant on
Walker Ave. tomorrow at 7. I'll be with Willow and Tara, we'll go
watch a movie. Xander and Anya will do a patrol for you, so you
guys can wrap things up afterwards if you want with dessert." Dawn
managed the entire thing in one breath, then stopped. "Any
questions?" she asked the bewildered couple.
Almost afraid to question the teen, they merely shook their
heads. "Great! Have fun!" Dawn said, skipping off. Willow winked
at the two before following after her.
The two tried to absorb everything. "I guess we have a date,"
Buffy said, turning to Spike.
Spike nodded, shaking himself. "Guess we were movin' too slow for
their tastes."
The two looked at each other, before breaking into laughter. The
entire thing was ridiculous; their friends, who had been so opposed
to the idea were now trying to push them along.
"Well, I'm not complaining," Buffy said. "A night with no patrol
is nice. A night with no patrol and no friends is very nice." She
leaned in and whispered in her most seductive voice, "And a night
with none of that, and just you? Perfect," she breathed on his ear.
He shuddered. If it wasn't for Dawn in the next room, he'd grab
Buffy and haul her upstairs. Hell, they probably wouldn't get that
far.
"You're not exactly doin' your best to keep to the promise," he
said, giving her a reprimanding glare.
Buffy sat back and sighed heavily. "I know."
"And it was you who came up with it!"
"I know, I know! Don't keep reminding me," she mumbled, looking
frustrated.
The night of Morgan's challenge, the two had been intending to do
a little more then kissing. That's why Spike had been missing his
shirt the following morning. But they'd stopped, realizing they
were only heading into trouble. They needed a relationship of trust
and love before they headed into more serious things. They'd
settled with a make-out session.
As Buffy pouted, Spike grinned. He knew how to get her out of
this mood. "Look at that lip," he said, leaning forward. "Gonna
get it..."
Buffy giggled, trying to stay mad and failing horribly. "No
fair," she said, a wide grin on her face. "You've already used that
line. You can't use it again. Cheater," she added for good measure.
Spike pretended to take offense. "Cheater? I'm a bloody
cheater? Well, that's just not right, considerin' YOU were the one
who wanted to cheat on the agreement YOU came up with," he said,
tackling her down on the sofa. She laughed as he began to tickle
her, with her fighting him as best she could.
"Please, keep it IN the bedroom, people," Xander's voice said.
The two stopped and looked up (Buffy having to lean her head back,
as she was laying down) at their friend.
"You're no fun," Spike grumbled good-naturedly.
"Yeah, yeah, so sue me. Where's the geeks?"
"Downstairs," Buffy said, pushing Spike up. "Giles is giving them
the basis of researching."
Xander chuckled. "The G-man does know his books."
Just then, Giles came out of the basement, looking slightly
harried. He headed into the living room, then stopped, catching
sight of Spike on top of Buffy. Uh-oh, Buffy thought, watching
Giles try to mask his emotions.
"May I have a word with you, Buffy?" Giles said. His voice
sounded strained.
Willow peered in, catching on that something was wrong. She
gestured to the kitchen, indicating that Xander and Spike should
join her.
"Sure," Buffy said, forcing a smile. Spike squeezed her arm one
last time, before standing and following Xander.
"Upstairs," Giles said, glowering at her. Buffy nodded, heading
after Giles to her bedroom.
Once the door was closed, he whirled on her. "What do you think
you're doing?"
"Giles, he was just tickling me," Buffy said in defense. "And
really," she said, the thought just striking her. "I don't have to
defend myself or my actions. Spike and I are happy. The others are
happy for us. I thought you were okay with this. If you're not, I
can't help it. Spike and I going to continue being cuddly. I don't
want to fight you, Giles. Don't make me," she pleaded, uncrossing
her arms. "You're like my dad, but what Spike and I do is my
business. If you're that uncomfortable with it, then leave."
Giles stared at her, before gazing at her sadly. "So be it," he
said quietly. "I'd thought of leaving for England again, but I'd
decided to stay. Perhaps I should just let you be." He avoided
brushing against her as he headed out.
Buffy stared, shocked, as tears gathered in her eyes. That hadn't
be what she'd meant; she'd meant for him to get out for the night,
to find somewhere else to live. Not to leave for good.
She turned to call him back, but he was gone. She fell to her
knees, burying her face in her hands. This time, she'd been the one
to send him off. She was supposed to fix things. If anything, this
was worse then the first time.
Did you think you were going to get everything right? A voice
inside whispered. She'd basically chosen Spike over Giles. Giles,
who had stuck with her through hell and back. Giles, who loved her
like a daughter. What had she done?
Images of Giles rescuing them from Willow the first time around
spun through her head. Him laughing with her in the training room.
Him taking on Snyder, just to get her back in school. The sombrero
he'd worn for Halloween years ago. Now, the only thing she could
see was his disappointed face, the hurt in his eyes as he walked
away. Just as she'd asked him too.
Her head was pounding again, but she didn't care. Let her get
swallowed. She deserved it. The blackness threatened once more,
and she opened herself to it.
When she came to, Willow, Xander, and Spike were hovering over her
anxiously. "He gone?" Buffy croaked.
Willow nodded. "You ever do that again, and I'll...I'll...turn
you into a toad!" Willow stammered, still looking worried.
"What, tell Giles off or black out?" Buffy replied
bitterly. "You'll have to be a bit more specific."
"He didn't tell us exactly what happened, just that he had to go
get a ticket. A ticket to what?" Xander asked.
Buffy began to pull herself up, with Spike's help. At least she
didn't have that headache she'd had before. Oh wait, there it was.
Just a little late in appearing. "To England," she mumbled.
"He's leaving?" Willow asked.
Spike frowned as Buffy shook him off. "Why so sudden?" he asked.
"Because I asked him to," she retorted angrily. The others backed
away as she stood. Her sudden mood swing was unusual, to say the
least.
"Buffy," Spike started, only to get glared at.
"Just...leave me alone," she snapped, exiting. The others jumped
up, trailing after.
"Where are you going?" Dawn asked as her sister headed for the
door.
"To take a walk," she said, slamming it after her.
She brushed the angry tears away as she plodded down the street.
How could she have done this? She wasn't mad at them. As much as
she wanted to blame this somehow on the Scoobies, she only had
herself to look at.
Sometimes she really hated herself. Right now was one of them.
Should she try to find Giles, tell him she was sorry? Was she even
sorry? The headache began to throb even harder, but Buffy shoved it
aside. She'd already passed out once tonight. Twice would not
happen.
Where was she even going? She didn't even know. She stopped next
to the curb and looked up into the sky. "Well?" she
yelled. "Aren't you gonna tell me what I do next? What I can screw
over next?!"
Someone was going to hear her and put her in a loony bin. She
didn't care. She'd just told her father-figure to get out of town,
and had blown off three of the people she cared about the most. As
far as she was concerned, the world couldn't get any worse.
A plop against her shoulder caused her to look up. "It's
raining? You've got to be kidding me," she said incredulously. It
fit. Now she could be a crazy woman in the rain.
Why was she getting so upset? Because she needed Giles to stay.
She couldn't make it without him. Could she? She was so sure she'd
mucked things over the first time around because he hadn't been
there to set her straight. Why couldn't she have Spike AND Giles?
"This isn't fair!!" Buffy shouted at the sky. She clenched her
fists and looked up as the rain came down harder. "Do you hear
me?! THIS ISN'T FAIR!!!" she screamed, the rain mingling with her
tears.
She sat back onto the curb, her energy spent. It was times like
this that she couldn't think of a way of fixing things. She'd felt
that way all of last year, so she hadn't tried to. But she couldn't
hide from everything anymore. She had to go back.
Her fists still clenched, she laid her arms out on her thighs and
tried to hide herself. The rain was pouring now, and she was soaked
through to the bone. Still she sat there, curled up and feeling
hopeless.
She didn't hear the car through the rain, and wasn't aware of
others until the rain suddenly stopped. She looked up and found
Spike smiling at her, an umbrella in his left hand. He held out his
right hand, which she took to pull herself up. Willow seemed to
appear out of nowhere with a blanket, covering her friend. They
pulled her to the car and placed her in the backseat, before taking
their own seats. Xander looked back at Buffy and smiled at her,
patting her knee. "How about my place?" he suggested to
Willow. "Lots of blankets and hot cocoa."
Willow nodded. "Sounds good to me." She glanced back at Spike,
who was gazing at Buffy intently with worry. She hadn't said a word
yet, and looked comatose.
She wasn't, though. She was still there. As the car shuddered
into movement, she couldn't believe they were still her friends,
after everything she put them through time and time again.
She closed her eyes and leaned against Spike, who gladly wrapped
his arms around her. Willow sighed with relief and turned back to
Xander. 'She okay?' he mouthed. She nodded, smiling.
Xander returned the smile, heading for his place.
"You okay?" Spike asked softly.
The gang turned their attention to the girl sitting still on the
sofa, a cup of cocoa in her hands. She hadn't said a word still,
and the concern was reaching a high level.
Spike closed his eyes and turned away. Just give her time. Just
give her time to pull out, and then she'll tell you what's wro-
"He's leaving."
Thank heavens; Spike wouldn't have lasted another
second. "Giles?" Willow asked.
Buffy nodded.
"Can I ask why?"
She sighed at Xander's question. "Because I asked him to."
"You asked him to leave the country?" Willow gaped.
"No! Maybe. I don't know," Buffy finished. She looked miserable.
Spike wrapped his arms around her and pressed a chaste kiss to her
forehead. "Why don't you tell us what happened after you two headed
upstairs?"
She nodded. "Okay." With a deep breath, she launched into the
recap, telling them what he'd said, she'd said, him leaving, and the
headache again.
The gang sat, taking it in. "How did you guys find me?" Buffy
asked.
"Well, we were going to go after you, but we saw the rainclouds.
Xander went back for the car, and we kept going. We caught up with
you and found you yelling at the sky, and that's when the rain
started to come down. Xander pulled up when it started to pour, and
we headed over your way."
"Oh," was all Buffy said when Willow had finished. A thought
struck her as she asked, "You guys heard...?"
"Everything you said, yeah," Willow nodded.
"Oh." Buffy's face tinged with embarrassment.
Spike gave her a gentle squeeze. "By the time we caught up with
you, you were on the curb. We figured you'd blown a mental fuse,
and we decided to wait it out."
"Nothing we haven't done before," Xander added. "More cocoa?"
"Please," Buffy said, handing him her mug. She sighed and
said, "I guess I just thought...maybe I thought I could fix
everything, make it all perfect? I don't know."
"Well, that was the risk we took," Willow said, offering her
friend a sympathetic look. "We head back to fix things, and we
could very well mess them up even more so. It's just a risk we have
to take. The rest of us have been lucky so far, but it's gonna
happen. I know it."
"I don't know how to fix this," Buffy said, turning melancholy
eyes to Xander. "Tell me how to fix this. Someone, please," she
begged.
Xander handed her the mug back. "We'll plow our way through
again. We did it before, and we'll do it again. Giles knows you
love him, and he'll always love you. That's not gonna change,
Buff. You guys just reached a misunderstanding. That's all."
"I'm told him to get lost. I don't think you can misunderstand
too much there," Buffy growled at herself. "Then, I blow you guys
off, and you were only trying to help. Which," she added, her glare
disappearing, "I really am sorry for."
Willow and Xander sent her smiles, and Spike raised her hand to
his lips, kissing it. "It's okay," Xander said, as Buffy turned
crimson. "Just don't do the mushy stuff in MY apartment: that I
won't forgive you for."
Spike chuckled. "And yet, we hear Anya..."
Xander rolled his eyes. "Okay, that woman I have no control over,
and never will. Let me get this straight with you guys now, so you
know what to expect in the future."
As the gang laughed, Buffy curled up in Spike's arms, closing her
eyes. She'd have to go back, eventually. But once again, she had
hope that things could get better, no matter how much of a rut you
were in. She smiled at the thought.
"And what's got you smilin' ever so beautifully?" Spike whispered
in her ear.
She turned to him and murmured, "You."
Her single word kept him smiling broadly all night long.
Chapter 16:
< --- >
They spent the night just talking, a luxury they hadn't been
allowed in a long time. When they glanced at the clock, they were
surprised to see it read almost six.
"Ready to head back?" Xander asked.
Buffy paused, long enough to let Spike slip his hand into
hers. "All the way," he whispered in her ear, squeezing her hand.
She smiled. He was still behind her, one hundred percent. "I'm
ready," she replied to Xander, not even noticing the Scoobies'
reassuring glances. Her mind was too centered on the sensations
Spike's thumb was creating as it ran up and down her hand.
"She's not even paying attention," Willow teased. That caught
Buffy's ear.
"I was too listening!" Buffy stammered, her face flaming.
"Luv, I think I know what they were saying more than you do,"
Spike remarked.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Then repeat it."
"We wanted to come up with a way to get rid of our past selves for
good," Xander said, "but we don't know how. We were wondering if
you had any input, but we can always discuss it later."
"See? That's exactly what I remember," Buffy said, enjoying
Spike's look of shock. "What?" she asked innocently.
"You...you...but you...how could..." he sputtered, completely
bewildered.
Willow giggled. "Welcome to Buffy's logic. Get used to it."
Tara and Anya were already awake when they returned to the house.
Sounds of the shower running from upstairs told Buffy her sister was
awake as well.
"I figured I'd just bunk on the sofa and wait. It's not like you
get time with your friends that often anymore," Anya said, standing
from the sofa.
Xander stared at her, before crossing over to her and wrapping his
arms around her. She gasped with surprise as he dipped her towards
the floor, before he kissed her.
She panted for breath when he pulled away. "I love you so much,"
he whispered.
Anya blushed. "That was very nice," she remarked quietly,
smiling. "Do it again?"
Xander grinned, eager to comply. As their lips met again, Willow
stepped over to Tara, snuggling up to her on the sofa.
Buffy glanced at the two couples, happy for them. They'd come
through so much, only to have realized that they'd lost something
too important to live without. They were so lucky to have gotten
the chance to have a second go.
Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her out of the living
room, away from the others, and up against a firm body. "You're
thinkin' again. Mind sharin'?" a husky voice whispered in her ear.
Buffy smiled. "Just pondering our second chances. Which leads me
to an important discovery."
"And what would that be?" Spike purred.
"That I love you, and have for awhile." Him being this close was
intoxicating.
She could feel him smiling against her skin. "I love you, too.
So, where does that leave us?"
She shrugged, leaning back against him. "At the right spot, I
suppose."
"I thought the right spot involved less clothes," Spike leered.
Inside, however, he was nervous. These types of innuendos usually
ended with him getting hurt, physically or emotionally. How exactly
would she react?
Buffy smirked. If he was going to teeter on the verge of
danger... "Then we're doing something wrong," she said, a familiar
sensation creeping to her stomach. They were playing with fire, and
they both knew it. "Any suggestions on how to...satisfy that
problem?"
Her silky voice wasn't helping the 'problem', and suddenly they
were both aware of her effect on him.
He straightened, and she inhaled sharply. Feeling that against
her only intensified her own problem.
"I've got a few," he muttered, taking in her scent. Vanilla
shampoo, lilac perfume, and a trace of something he remembered well
from the first time around. He swallowed. "Not really definite,
but they're very inventive," he said tentatively, wondering how far
they could take this.
"Are you sure none of them are rock solid?" Buffy asked,
shifting. They both groaned as the move only made it worse.
"That's not really the problem," Spike chuckled. "Don't wriggle;
it's not helping."
"You think you're the only one feeling something?" she asked,
sounding hoarse.
He closed his eyes, trying to stay in control. "I wanna take you
right here, right now."
"What about the others? And the promise?" she whispered.
"To hell with the others and the promise," he growled. "I want
you."
Her eyes rolled back into her head, dizzy with the sensual
overdrive.
"Am I interrupting something gross?"
Buffy squeaked and jumped, her sister giving her a look. "Well?"
Dawn asked.
"Nothin' at all," Spike said. His voice was strained.
"Whatever," Dawn sighed, rolling her eyes. She turned to head
into the living room, calling over her shoulder at them, "You missed
Giles, by the way."
Buffy frowned, stepping away from Spike. "What?"
Dawn sat down next to Willow and nodded. "He left around twenty
minutes ago, suitcases in hand. Said he was heading back to London."
"Did he say why?" Buffy asked, a sinking feeling in her stomach.
Someone squeezed her hand, but she barely noticed.
Tara shook her head. "Just that he had to go home."
"What time's his flight?" Xander asked, glancing at the clock.
"He mentioned seven something," Anya said, Buffy already headed
for the door. Spike ran out after her, her walking breaking into a
slow run.
"Buffy! Buffy, wait," he said, grabbing her by the arm.
"I have to catch him before he leaves," Buffy said, turning away
again.
Xander and Willow hurried out. "We'll take the car and get there
in faster time."
Buffy nodded, heading for Xander's vehicle. Spike's hand tugged
her back. "What?" she said, beginning to get impatient. She was
running out of time as it was.
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I love you," he
whispered.
Her face softened, the anger disappating. "I love you too. You
coming?"
"Don't think I should," Spike said, smiling sadly. "He's not too
fond of me, 'specially at this particular moment."
"Well then, you have to make things right with him. For my sake.
C'mon," Buffy replied, pulling him towards the car.
The airport was calling for flight 'two seven oh' when they ran
in. "How much you wanna bet that's his flight?" Willow panted.
Spike hurried back to the group, catching Willow's
comment. "That's the earliest flight to Europe they have. The next
is to France, in about two hours," he said, nodding.
"Which gate?" Xander asked, but Spike was already moving.
They were almost there when Buffy caught sight of a familiar tweed
suit standing, ready for departure. She ran ahead of the others as
Giles headed for the gate.
"Giles!"
He stopped and turned, shock written on his face as she launched
herself into his arms. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms
around her, holding her close.
"I didn't think I was gonna make it," Buffy said, looking up at
him. Her smile fell. "Giles, I'm so sor..."
"I know, Buffy, I know," Giles said, smiling at her. "I'm sorry,
too. I shouldn't have just walked out like that."
"So you're not leaving?" she said, her gaze pleading.
He sighed. "Buffy, I think I'm only standing in your way. You
were right, you know. You need time to grow up on your own."
Her heart sank. He was leaving her again.
As if reading her thoughts, Giles cupped her chin in his
palm. "That doesn't mean I'm abandoning you. I'm only a phone call
away. Whether to talk, or to hurry here, I'll never leave you. I
promise."
Her smile returned as she hugged him. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too, Buffy," he said, placing a kiss on her
head. "And I do wish you two the best of luck."
She frowned and looked up at him, wondering what had brought that
on. She turned, catching sight of Spike hanging back, obviously
uncomfortable.
She pulled away, letting Xander and Willow get their hugs. When
they'd both let go of him, Giles locked eyes with Spike.
The two stood there, staring at each other, until Giles extended
his hand to Spike's. Spike paused, before reaching out and
accepting.
Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. Finally.
"You two have my blessing," Giles said, smiling. "Though," he
continued, his smile rapidly disappearing, "should you ever hurt
her, Spike, believe me when I say you wouldn't want to meet Ripper."
Spike nodded. "Pretty sure I don't, either."
Giles pulled back, his flight being called once more. "I'll try
and make it to the wedding," Giles said, offering Xander a
smile. "If I can't, then my congratulations to you both."
Xander grinned. "What, no funeral march for me?"
Giles chuckled. "As tempting as the thought is, I know you'll be
fine." He turned to Willow and said softly, "You've become quite
the witch, and I know you'll do so much more in the future."
Willow giggled. "I'm sure I will," she replied, the others
rolling their eyes.
Not catching on the inside joke, Giles shook his head. "Indeed."
"So we're okay?" Buffy asked quietly. Giles nodded, hugging her
once more.
"More then that," he whispered, before releasing her. He picked
up his luggage and headed to the gate, as the others called out
their goodbyes.
"Feel better?" Willow asked.
Buffy nodded, her smile broadening. "Much better."
Warren made sure he was completely invisible, then headed over to
the car. He crawled underneath, digging for the right wires.
There! Stupid witch, and stupid slayer. Well, he'd show them who
was stronger. Not brawn but brains would win THIS battle.
And those two traitorous idiots! They deserved to stew and lose,
just like Buffy did. Well, he'd fix them all. He'd come out the
victor this time.
Once his job was complete, he adjusted the wires just so, then
crawled out, running down the street. The invisibility wouldn't
last much longer.
If her sister had been bad about the date with Steven, she was a
million times worse with Spike. Dawn sighed heavily as Buffy threw
clothes around the room, desperately trying to find something nice.
"Look, go take your shower, and your fairy clothes-sister will
find something for you, like usual. Got it?" Dawn said, shoving her
sister towards the bathroom. "Just go!"
Buffy was about to argue when Dawn slammed the door shut. She
sighed, heading into the shower. Oh well; she shouldn't be so
nervous. It was just Spike, right?
But that's what made the difference. It was Spike. Someone she
cared about, and it mattered so much that he approve. That she wow
him tonight. She giggled, giddy as a schoolgirl. This was why
she'd missed dating.
She shampooed and hurried out, wanting to get everything just so.
She sprayed herself with the lilac perfume, her hair scented with
vanilla. She brushed her hair out, and decided to do it up
afterwards.
When she caught sight of what Dawn had picked out, her mouth
dropped. "Wow," was all Buffy could say, her sister grinning like
mad.
The black dress was cut down to her mid-chest, which would accent
the gold necklace perfectly. The sandals matched, the jewelry
matched, everything went together. "You have to go into fashion,"
Buffy commented.
Dawn rolled her eyes. "At least I know what to do when high
school lets out," she joked, closing the door. "Let's get you
ready."
They were just finishing Buffy's hair when Willow knocked. "He's
here," she whispered through the door, causing Buffy to whimper.
"I can't do this," she moaned.
"Yes you can. You're gonna bowl him over, and wow his socks off
tonight. You guys are gonna have fun, and forget about us. Okay?"
Buffy nodded, her stomach doing flips. "What if you need us?"
Dawn rummaged through a drawer, before pulling out a small black
handbag. "See? Matches the gold, and it's the perfect size to
stash a cell in. We're covered. Now, time to have fun. You do
know how to do that, right?" Dawn said, opening the door.
"Ha ha, very funny," Buffy said, heading out after her. Her smirk
disappeared as she caught sight of Spike at the bottom of the stairs.
He turned at the sound of her voice, and his eyes locked on her.
She was beautiful. Absolutely radiant, even more so than usual.
She was a goddess, and she was HIS goddess. Ruby red lips that
begged to be kissed, and hair pulled up so he could tug it down to
play with... Tonight was the best night of his life.
Buffy was still trying to get over the fact that Spike was wearing
something other than his duster. A regular jacket hung from his
shoulders, his hair mussed just the way she liked it. The navy blue
he wore brought out his eyes perfectly.
"Are you two going to leave this century?" Dawn asked, pulling
them from their thoughts.
Buffy nodded, taking the handbag from Dawn. "The phone's in here?"
"Yup, just in case we need you. Which we won't!" she
emphasized. "You two are to have fun tonight, you understand?"
"I think we got that part," Spike smirked, reaching his hand out
to Buffy. "Ready, luv?"
"Ready," Buffy nodded, heading down the stairs to take his hand.
The gang saw them out the door and watched as he opened the door of
his car for her.
"A perfect gentleman," Willow sighed dreamily.
Tara giggled. "They're adorable."
"Movie time!" Dawn yelled, running for her purse.
Xander rolled his eyes. "Ahn and I are going to patrol. I've got
my cell too, so just give me a buzz if something comes up." He
paused, thinking of something. "You guys need a ride?"
Willow shook her head. "Don't worry; I've got the car. The
movie's not that far off."
Xander smiled, waving at the gang. "We'll see you later then," he
said, taking Anya's hand.
"Can we get snacks?" Dawn asked, hurrying back.
"Wow."
"What gets the wow? The restaurant or us?"
Buffy giggled. "Both, I think. Because the restaurant means
we're an 'us'." She frowned, a puzzled look on her face. "Does
that mean sense?"
"It means that Buffy's had too much to drink," Spike said, taking
her wine glass from her. She pouted as he added, "And it's make,
not mean."
She scrunched her nose up. "Huh?"
He rolled his eyes. "Never mind. But yeah, it makes sense."
Buffy smiled, looking distant. "I had a dream about you the other
night."
"Oh really?" Spike asked, leaning forward. "And what was it
about?"
"Good things," she replied, leaning forward as well. Her voice
lowered, as if she were telling a secret.
"What types of 'good things' would those be?" His voice was soft
and quiet, like hers.
"You and me, with erasers. We got rid of everything bad, and
then..." Her gaze landed on his hand, and she took it in hers.
"And then?" he prodded, rubbing his thumb on her hand. She
shuddered at the touch, gazing back up at him.
"And then we lived happily ever after," Buffy whispered, leaning
forward more.
Spike smiled, matching her movements. "Happily ever after? For
how long?"
"Forever and ever," she breathed, before her lips were on his. It
wasn't a groping, sweaty kiss. It was a this-is-right kiss.
Gentle, chaste, intimate. Wonderful, to sum it up.
They pulled away to see the waiter coming their way, a tray full
of food with him. "Does this mean we have to eat?" Buffy pouted,
causing Spike to laugh.
"That can't be all bad...I mean, you're gonna order dessert after,
right?"
She grinned. "Yup. Chocolate, with cherries and sprinkles."
Their dinner was served, and the two were left alone once
more. "We really owe Xander and the gang, don't we?" she said,
taking a bite.
Spike nodded. "Yeah, guess we do. Mm, this is good."
"Looks good, too," Buffy grinned, about to take another bite. She
paused as a fork with food on it was brought under her nose.
Spike chuckled at the look on her face. "Thought you might like a
taste."
She grinned, before leaning down and pulling it off with her
lips. Spike swallowed. Here we go again...
"Um, Buffy..."
"You offered," she pointed out, knowing what he was about to say.
She winked at him. "And it was very good." She took a piece of her
dinner and dangled the fork near his mouth. "Taste?"
Willow whistled as she turned down the street. In the back, Dawn
was rambling on about the movie they were about to see, and the
snacks they were going to get, and the cute boys that could be
there, so she'd worn a...
"Are you okay?"
Willow blinked and turned to Tara. Dawn continued to chat in the
backseat, unaware that they weren't listening anymore. "What do you
mean?"
Tara frowned slightly. "I'm worried about you, Will. You seem
distant as of lately."
"I am?" Willow turned back to the road, then glanced at
Tara. "Maybe it's the magic thing. You know, the withdrawals?"
She smiled at her partner. "I'm just glad I've got you with me."
Tara blushed. "I am too," she said softly, a smile blossoming on
her face. She reached out and placed her hand on Willow's arm.
Dawn 'aw'-ed at the two.
Willow couldn't seem to wipe the smile off her face. "Which way
now, Dawnie?"
"Turn left here," Dawn replied. Willow began to slow down for the
turn, at least, she tried to. She frowned, tapping the brakes.
Suddenly her foot went straight down on the brakes, but instead of
screeching to a halt, they continued to speed up. "Willow?" Dawn
asked, her voice trembling.
"The brakes are gone!" Willow cried. "Hold on, I'm gonna see if I
can pull over."
But she was going downhill now, and couldn't seem to stop. Willow
looked up just in time to see the pillar looming in front of them,
before everything went black.