Chapter 14
Xander walked into his apartment and closed and locked the door behind him, dropping his keys on the end table as he passed through the living room.
"Please.........come in. Make yourself comfortable." Xander said as he looked at Spike and Buffy standing in the living room by the window.
"You know why we are here." Buffy said moving forward.
Xander stood there looking pretty confused. "Not really no. Right now I really don't care why you're here." Xander replied then stepped back slowly when he saw Spike and Buffy take a step forward.
"Stay right there. I saw what you did to Faith and Zaaron." Xander said putting up his hands and stepping back.
"The cleansing." Spike said stepping forward as well.
"Yeah...got that. But I also saw how painful that was for them." Xander replied.
"You always have to fight through the pain. That's how you grow strong." Buffy replied.
"I'm not like them. I'm human. What are you doing here?" Xander asked.
"To put something right." Spike said as he made it to Xander's side.
Xander tried to move away a little as he looked at Buffy and Spike. They're faces held no emotion, they were unreadable.
"What? What do you have to put right?" Xander asked a little confused.
"You. You're wrong. You aren't supposed to be here." Buffy replied as she placed her finger tips to his temple before dropping her hand to her side.
Xander even more confused started to turn to get to the door, with thoughts of fleeing. Knowing it would be useless, since he was well aware of the power that they had, but had to try anyway.
"Stay." Spike said as his head tilted to the side as he watched Xander become immobile.
Spike pushed his hand through Xanders chest quickly as Xander began to scream in agony.
Buffy watched, looking some what detached as she waited for Spike to step back, letting her hand sink into Xanders chest when Spike's had vacated.
Xander continued to scream in agony for several minutes before his screams lessened and he quieted to a whisper, his eyelids becoming heavy.
Buffy pulled her hand away as his body slumped heavily against Spike, who caught him before he hit the floor.
Spike released Xanders body some what gently to the floor, leaning him against the wall.
Spike and Buffy turned and grasped each others hands as they walked towards the window, disappearing as a blaze of light encompassed the entire apartment for several minutes after Spike and Buffy had left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three weeks later..................
Zaaron pulled the car into the driveway and turned off the engine, climbing out and slowly making his way down the walk. Once he got to the porch he sat down and waited, two minutes later Faith came out carrying two bottles of beer, handing him one, she sat down beside him.
Zarron put one arm around her as she leaned into his side.
They drank the beer slowly as they watched the sun slowly go down bringing on the night.
The night held nothing for them now other than peace and quiet. This had become something they started doing after Zaaron had finally let her in. Faith had been going through the same thing, not knowing where she fit in, where she belonged. She was a slayer with nothing to slay. No demons to worry about, no impending apocalypse on the rise. Just them. Frankly it scared the hell out of her. Just to be her, living the way they wanted for so long, but in the back of her mind, not being able to settle down, still looking for that one demon that didn't die, one that made it and would start this all over again, releasing the others from hell. They may have squashed the first, but can evil really be killed. It's everywhere, inside everyone. That's where the real evil is. It can never truly be killed.
This is the truth they are all trying to come to terms with. Buffy and Spike are scouring the earth, searching out and destroying and demons left, maybe closing any escape routes they might use to resurface. But is it really closed for good. Can it be closed forever, never letting a demon set foot above ground for all eternity.
"You still think it's too good to be true." Zaaron said breaking through her thoughts.
"So do you." Faith replied taking a sip of her beer.
"Yes, I do, but I don't think it'll happen in our lifetime." Zaaron said as he ran his fingers through Faith's hair.
"So we'll be demon free for the rest of our lives." Faith said chuckling slightly, but not really finding the thought amusing.
"I think so. They'll rest and build up their forces, but eventually they will find a way to come up." Zaaron replied.
"Feels like we went through all of it for nothing if they can come back." Faith said.
"No, not nothing. Look at all the people we saved, and the next several generations maybe before it starts all over again." Zaaron said.
"Then another slayer will be called." Faith said quietly.
"Yes, another will be called. But there will always be others like I was that are willing to help. It's not for us to worry about Faith. That is for the future generations and the gods to worry about." Zaaron said.
"Yeah, and how many of them made it this time Zaaron. How many of them, who fought just as long, some centuries of fighting against it, do you see them here. Enjoying what they were fighting for. It's just you and Spike..............when him and Buffy come back anyway. But that's it, just the two of you." Faith said quietly.
"But they knew they were going to die Faith. We all knew, including you, that we might now make it. But we did it because we knew we had too. That's who we are. We all could have walked away at anytime, but we chose to stay and fight. We made that decision for ourselves. No one made it for us." Zaaron said.
"Did you not hear the prophecy?" Faith replied.
Zaaron chuckled. "Yes I did. The prophecy didn't tell you to do what you did Faith. The prophecy was merely a seer, or a group of seers that had seen into the future what we had done and they wrote it down to let all the generations to come know that there will be a brave few who will rescue them from the darkness they dwell in. That is all, they weren't telling us what we have to do, but what they had seen us do." Zaaron replied.
Faith sat there quietly as she looked into the darkening sky.
"If you could go back..........would you still do the same thing?" Zaaron asked as he placed a kiss to the top of her head and smiled, already knowing the answer.
"Yeah.........I guess I would." Faith said with a small shrug.
"And so would I." Zaaron said as he started to stand, grabbing Faith's hand and bring her up with him.
"I thinks it's time we stop thinking about this. I think it's time to do what we always wanted." Zaaron said as he relieved Faith if her bottle, putting both bottles in the recycle bin on the front step.
"What's that?" Faith asked.
"Let's go for a walk in the park. Maybe a cemetery or two." Zaaron said smiling.
Faith smiled as she followed him down the steps. "You're on." Faith replied with a small laugh.
"A walk in the park at night, just because we can. The cemetery........for old time's sake." Zaaron said smiling as they came to the end of the sidewalk.
"Where are you off too?" Giles asked as he pulled up in the car.
"We're going for a walk....in the park." Zaaron replied.
"Don't forget the cemetery." Faith added chuckling.
"Right couldn't forget that." Zaaron replied to Faith as a wide grin spread across his face.
"At night?" Willow replied as she got out of the passenger side. "Maybe you should wait until tomorrow, when it's light out."
Giles stood there watching Faith and Zaaron as they smiled when they talked about their plans for the night.
"No, they're right." Giles said quietly.
"Huh?" Willow said her face becoming a little paler.
"They're right. There's no reason not to take a walk at night anymore." Giles replied.
Willow just looked at him for a moment before she realized what they had all been doing.
"Would you mind company?" Giles asked turning to Zaaron and Faith.
"No, come........join the take back the night movement........for lack of a better name." Faith replied.
Willow closed the door to the car and came around the car to stand beside Giles as she reached out and held his hand.
Giles nodded. They all started walking down the street, keeping a slower pace than they would normally, making the walk last longer into the night.
They walked all through the streets and the park.........making sure to walk all through both cemeteries at a painstakingly slow pace.
They made it back home just before sunrise, feeling completely exhausted, but much better knowing they are finally putting the past where it belongs, in memory only.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two weeks later..........
They watched as the last of the rubble that was once rock wall settle into the earth burying what was the last point on the earth that the demons had for escaping their world and coming into thiers.
After the dust settled Spike took Buffy's hand and led her over to the cliff, where they stood, watching the waves pound the rocks below.
"Are we finished?" Buffy asked quietly.
"Yes." Spike replied as he turned to face Buffy.
"Then it is time for us to return." Buffy said as she tightened her grip on his hand.
"Yes." Spike said as he brought his hand up to caress her cheek. "We must return. Then we shall be together in life once more."
"We have waited so long for this day." Buffy replied quietly.
"An eternity. Even one day, not being able to touch you is like an eternity for me. Many centuries have passed since we became................now our time in this form is has passed. We can now return to our previous life once more." Spike said smiling as a tear slipped from his eye.
"I'll see you in the next life my love." Buffy said quietly as she moved in closer.
"You are my life.........my reason for being." Spike said as he descended and captured her lips in a gentle loving kiss.
"Always." They said in unison as they pulled apart and looked deeply into one another's eyes. "I live for you." They said as a light engulfed them, swirling around them, caressing them gently, then the light shimmered then slowly disappeared.
Spike and Buffy blinked a few times as they looked at each other and their surroundings.
Spike stood beside Buffy as they watched the waves pound against the cliff they stood on. It had been almost a year since they had started looking for the remaining demons, helping them meet their end. Ridding the world of them.
Their eyes began to turn to the normal shades and the power that emanated from them dissipated.
Buffy turned until their eyes met, seeing each other for the first time since the hell mouth in L.A.
"Are you ready to go home?" Spike asked quietly as he ran his fingers slowly down her cheek.
Buffy moved in and slowly tasted his lips before pulling back and shaking her head.
"No, not yet." Buffy replied.
Spike smiled as he leaned his forehead against hers and let out a long breath.
"I've missed you." Spike replied.
"Missed you too." Buffy replied as she brought her arms up to his shoulders, pulling him to her tightly. Spike's arms instinctively wrapped around her waist as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
They sank to the ground slowly, holing on to one another tight, to afraid to let go.
"Where do you think we are?" Buffy asked as she lifted her head and looked out over the water.
"Not sure really." Spike said as he looked around.
"I don't want to go back yet." Buffy replied.
"We don't have to. We can do anything we want too now." Spike said as he turned her to face. "Anything."
"I want to see it." Buffy said quietly.
Spike nodded as he helped her stand along with him.
"We have no way of going anywhere. We don't have a car." Buffy said.
"We don't need one. They left us with a little power, won't last long though. But I'm sure it will get us where we need to go." Spike said enveloping Buffy into his arms.
They slowly disappeared as if they had never been there, leaving only the sound of the pounding surf below.
They slowly appeared at the foot of another opening. But not one that led to the ocean. Below was the crater, a hole in the earth that they once called home.
"This is where it all started." Buffy said quietly. "Mom's still here,
somewhere."
"No luv, just her remains. Your mum is up there, where she belongs." Spike
said as he hugged her to him.
"I don't remember seeing her when I was there." Buffy replied.
"The memories of there are starting to fade is all. You did see her." Spike replied.
"Will all this fade too. Everything, our lives that we lived. What we did, who we loved?" Buffy asked still slightly confused, her mind a little foggy.
"Not unless you want it too." Spike replied. "That was the choice we were given. We have a little while to decide if we want to change our minds. They've given us a little more time to decide." Spike said as he rested his chin on the top of Buffy's head.
"Have you changed you mind about what you want?" Spike asked.
Buffy overlooked the crater and leaned into Spike even more.
"I'm starting to remember now. I remember the choice we made now." Buffy said as she turned to face Spike.
"Are you keeping that choice?" Spike asked.
"Yeah." Buffy replied.
"Me too." Spike said as he held her tight.
"We haven't much time. Maybe a couple hours." Spike said as he led Buffy away from the crater over to the grass growing tall now that this area was closed off.
Spike took off his jacket and laid it on the grass.
He laid down bringing Buffy down with him.
They're lips met slowly and gently at first, but their need for each other
made their kisses and caresses more urgent and frenzied.
Their clothing was quickly removed and their limbs became entwined.
Spike entered her slowly, closing his eyes as he waited for her to adjust to him.
Buffy's eyes widened as she threw her head back, her nails digging into his back, causing Spike to take a deep breath and moan.
Spike lowered himself and captured her lips as he slid in and out of her, slow and deep.
Soft moans and cries could be heard as they made love, the grass hiding them from anyone that may have ventured to the area.
"I love you." Spike said as he felt the release building.
"I love you." Buffy replied, holding him tighter as she felt her own release come and causing her body to tremble.
Spike groaned as he spilled his seed withing her, his body falling limply on top of her.
They laid there with each other, revealing in the feel of the other.
Slowly they got up and put their clothes back on.
"It's time isn't it?" Buffy asked but already knowing the answer.
"It's time. You're positive this is what you want?" Spike asked one last time.
"Yeah, this is what I want." Buffy replied.
"Shall we." Spike said as he held out his hand.
Buffy reached out and took his hand. Spike turned and started walking with Buffy by his side.
"I love you Buffy." Spike said quietly.
"I love you too." Buffy replied.
They took one last look at one another before they slowly disappeared.
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"It's been awhile. Do you think he's okay?" Faith asked as they sat around the dinner table.
"I'm sure he's fine." Giles said as he spooned some mashed potatoes onto his plate.
"I don't know. It's been over a month since we heard from him. Maybe we should go check on him." Zaaron replied.
"Maybe we should." Willow replied. "He was having a rough time. I stopped by his place several times, but never seemed to get any answer. I just left notes and stuck them under the door."
"Have you stopped by the bar?" Faith asked.
"No, I don't want to bother him while he's working." Willow answered. "He doesn't like it too much."
"I'll go there after dinner. What was bothering him?" Faith asked.
"The same thing that was bothering me." Willow said quietly.
"He didn't want to remember either?" Giles said quietly.
"No..........he didn't." Willow answered quietly.
"If you could change it now.........what would you do?" Faith asked straight forwardly to Willow.
"A month ago, I wanted to forget. Now...........no, I wouldn't change the fact that I remember everything." Willow replied.
Faith nodded as she finished the last of her food. She got up and put her plate in the kitchen.
"I'm gonna head to the bar, talk to Xan, see if he's okay." Faith said coming back into the dining room.
"I'll come with you." Willow said as she took her plate out to the kitchen.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Zaaron asked.
"Nah, we're good." Faith said as she put on her jacket.
"Are you sure?" Giles asked.
"And take you away from all the dishes that need to be washed. Wouldn't dream of it." Willow said smiling as she followed Faith out the door.
Faith climbed into the passenger side of Willows car, doing up her seat belt as Willow turned the ignition.
The drive was quiet. They had patched up their differences, but it would still be awhile before they would be as close as they used to be. If that day ever came.
They walked through the door and walked straight up to the bar.
"Hey, is Xander working tonight?" Faith asked Sam as he came over to them.
Sam scrunched his brow in confusion. "Nobody here by that name." Same replied.
Faith just stood there a little stunned.
"Alex, is Alex working tonight?" Willow asked.
"Oh, Alex. No, he hasn't worked here in close to a month. Are you friends of his?" Sam asked.
"You don't remember us? We've been here before........with Alex." Faith asked as she and Willow looked at Sam with a little trepidation.
"I don't remember Alex ever bringing friends here." Sam said shaking his head as he started to walk away.
"Well, have you heard from him?" Willow asked.
"He didn't show up for work one day about 5 weeks ago, or the next and so on. Haven't seen him since." Sam replied. "This happens alot with drifters." Sam added matter of factly. "Would have thought he'd have at least collected his last pay."
"Okay, thanks." Faith said as she turned to leave the bar followed closely by Willow.
"Sure." Sam said as he grabbed the broom and walked over to wear one of the servers had just dropped a glass.
"What the hell is going on Will?" Faith asked as they walked outside.
"I wish I knew. He didn't even know who we were." Willow replied.
"This is starting to feel like Sunnydale all over again. I mean, this is not normal. Well....I guess it kinda is back to normal." Faith said scrunching her eyebrows. "Someone's got some heavy mojo going to do this. I mean they didn't even recognize us." Faith said as they both slowly stopped walking, then turned and looked at one another.
"What do you mean he's gone?" Giles asked as he paced around the living room.
"Which part of "he's gone" do you need explained." Faith replied as she grabbed a beer from the fridge.
Giles just turned and looked at her with irritation across his face.
"We should be out looking for him." Zaaron said as he paced back and forth.
"No............... I don't think we should." Willow said quietly.
"Do you know something or remember something?" Giles asked.
Faith and Zaaron came over closer waiting to see what Willow had to say.
"I only know he was having a really hard time after he remembered everything. He never talked to me about it really, but I could tell. I could tell that he wasn't sleeping much. If at all." Willow said quietly.
"Maybe Wills right. We should leave it alone. If this is the way he wants it, we should let him have it." Faith said as she sat back down.
"Why is nothing turning out the way it was supposed to." Giles said. "In the prophecy it stated..............."
"That we would all come to Angels wing." Willow replied. "But it never stated when or how it would be when we came. It never said we'd all be together." Willow added quietly.
Zaaron backed up a few steps and grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and grabbed his keys from the table as he walked out the front door not saying anything to anybody.
"Is he going to be alright?" Giles asked as he took his glasses off and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Just needs some time. I'm sure he'll be fine." Faith said as she looked at the closed door, worry etched across his face.
Giles nodded and grabbed his tea and took a drink before turning to look at Willow.
"We never expected to have you back ….. any of you. Now the thought of Xander not being here is so damn frustrating. Why didn’t he come and talk to any of us? We could have helped." Giles said then looked down at his tea.
"No. We couldn’t have helped." Faith said as her eyebrows furrowed in thought. "It wasn’t up to us to fix it or make it better. It was up to him. We wouldn’t have been able to help him with any of it."
"I’m sure if he had come to us …… "Giles had started to say but Willow didn’t let him finish.
"No Rupert." Willow said in an even tone. "Faith is right. We’re all here by our own choosing. It was our choice, the how and the why’s …… it was all us. They just granted it. They gave us what we asked for. But it wasn’t what Xander asked for, so …….. in time, everything returns to the way it was meant to be."
"But you made the same choice." Giles replied.
"Yes, but I also made the choice to stay." Willow replied.
"This is a whole new world for us. There’s no more demons, no more magic. It’s normal. We have to learn to be normal. No more late night research, no more slaying, no more anything that we’re used to. It’s just us." Faith said as she looked at Giles and Willow. "Can we do that? Cause I keep trying and no matter how hard I try, I can’t wrap my mind around the idea. I keep waiting for a vampire to walk around the corner when I come to an alley or when I’m out past dark. Even Zaaron doesn’t believe it either." Faith added.
"We’ve all made it look like we’re fine, but the truth is, we’re as far from fine as anyone can be. What we lived through ………. I think it’s going to take awhile …… maybe never." Giles said. "I’d like to think it’s possible, that one day we will wake up and it will finally feel right. We’ll feel at peace and finally be able to rest."
"I know it’ll happen. We’ll get there. Like Rupert said, it’s just going to take time." Willow said as she picked up her cup to take a sip of her tea.
"Do you really believe that it’s over?" Faith asked as she looked at Giles then to Willow.
Giles let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. He turned his gaze on Faith before he answered. Seeing the knowing look on Faith’s face, he cleared his throat. "Honestly ……… I think it’s over …….. for now." Giles replied.
Faith just nodded her head and leaned back in her chair after Giles confirming the same thoughts she and Zaaron had been having.
"You think it’ll happen again?" Willow asked with a little shock and confusion.
"You don’t really think that evil can be destroyed? God Will, you should know by now, that it will always find it’s way to the surface. Evil can never really be destroyed.......just delayed." Faith replied.
"But the prophecy, it said........" Willow started to say but was cut off by Faith.
"I know what it said Will. We'll deliver the world back to the light, but it never said for how long. It never stated it would be indefinitely. Honestly I think it's one of those limited time offers kind of thing." Faith said as she started to stand up. "I thought you were the smart one." Faith added quietly as she pulled her jacket on.
"Now Faith, there's no need to throw insults." Giles said.
"I'm not. I'm just saying. She's not looking at the situation from all angles. Besides, it's not like it's going to happen in our lifetime, but it is going to happen again. I'm sure on that." Faith replied.
"You believe that too?" Willow asked Giles.
"Yes, I do. But there's really nothing we can do about it. It's up to the future generations to stop it." Giles replied.
"I'm outta here. See ya later." Faith said as she went to the door.
"Knowing it's going to happen again, isn't there anything we can do?" Willow asked.
"Keep detailed records of what happened, pass them down and hope they can
help them when it's needed. We have knowledge and experiences that they may
come to need when it all starts again. That's all we can offer then. Most of
all, we can start to enjoy the second chance we've been given and enjoy the
life we've been granted. The future is not up to us to save, but up to them.
We can just lend a helping hand." Giles said as he pointed towards his
journal.
"You're journal." Willow said as she looked at the black book sitting on the
table.
"Yes. I've been keeping a daily journal since I started with the council. Everything is written down in them." Giles replied.
"But didn't they all go down with Sunny dale?" Willow asked.
"No. When I finished a journal I had them sent to my mothers place in London, that way if anything ever happened, there would always be a record." Giles replied.
Willow fell silent as she absorbed everything that Giles and Faith had said.
"Have to say this isn't the conversation I thought we'd be having."
"I'm not trying to dampen your spirits Willow. There's no reason this has to impact on the life we want to have." Giles replied.
"But knowing it's going to happen again. Other people are going to have to live the way we had too. It just doesn't seem right." Willow replied.
"No, it doesn't. Everything comes with a price Willow. The ones who will take up this journey will be as strong, if not stronger than we were. They'll be suited for the task." Giles said. "We can just leave them our own journey to guide them by until they find their own way." Giles said. "It's also possible I'm completely wrong and none of that will ever happen again." Giles added.
"If you thought even for a minute that you were wrong you wouldn't have thought ahead so thoroughly." Willow said as she got up from the table and took her cup to the kitchen to pour another tea.
"Willow, the future is so up in the air as to what's going to happen. I just believe strongly that history repeats itself. I believe it will happen again. But it has nothing to do with our lives now. I just want to make sure they have all the help we can offer them. So they don't go into it blind. There is no council anymore. No watchers, no resources. I just want to make sure they have something. But it's not my life anymore. You are. That's all I want. You." Giles stated as he came up and embraced her from behind. "The question is........am I what you want?" Giles added.
"You're all I've ever wanted." Willow replied as she leaned into him.
"Good. I couldn't bear being here without you. Not again." Giles said as he buried his face in her hair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Thought I might find you here." Faith said as she sat on the park bench beside Zaaron.
"Figured I better go someplace obvious. Wouldn't want you out looking for me all night. Or the the hell you would put me through when I went back to the house." Zaaron said with a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"You're right about the hell I'd give you." Faith said chuckling under her breath. "You alright?"
"I'm fine Faith. I just needed some air. Some time to think." Zaaron replied.
"I know the feeling. Anything you want to talk about?" Faith asked.
"No, not really. I sat on the front porch for awhile, by the window. I heard what you all were talking about. Just knowing the Giles felt the same way, confirming what we had already suspected. I was hoping we were wrong, just being overly cautious...........even on the side of paranoid." Zaaron replied.
"I know. I was too. But our time is over Zaaron, it's their turn to save the world, and only hold out hope they can pull it off. Now we get to be the ones living obliviously to all the evils out there." faith replied.
"We can always strike a bargain and come back when it happens." Zaaron said smiling.
"There's the god complex rearing it's head again." Faith said chuckling. "I don't know if I'd have it in me to do it all over again. Seeing the people I care about die all around me." Faith said shaking her head.
"We'd be more prepared, know what to expect. We'd handle it differently." Zaaron replied.
"So would they. They fought us once. We won. They'd be more prepared as well. It's best to let the future sort itself out." Faith replied.
"You're probably right." Zaaron replied as he looked away.
Faith looked at Zaaron as she felt him pull away from her.
"What's the matter?" Faith asked.
"Just remembering what Spike and Buffy said when they cleansed me. That the world was going to end. Not by the hands of demons, but by our own. Not exactly a comforting thought. A world we fought so hard for, were willing to die for .............. ending by our own hands. It just doesn't seem right." Zaaron replied.
"No it doesn't. But we can't save what doesn't want to be saved forever. We gave them a second chance too, even if they don't know it. It's up to them what they do with it." Faith replied.
"I think our time for worry is over." Zaaron said after he let out a long deep breath. "Come on." Zaaron said as he grabbed Faith's hand. "There's something I've been wanting to do for a long time." He added as he stood up, pulling Faith to her feet with him. "I'll take you to dinner and see what you think about it." Zaaron said with a smile as he pulled Faith out of the park and then down the street.
"What is it?" Faith asked with caution, but a smile forming on her face.
"Over dinner." Zaaron said as they walked down the street.
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"See you tomorrow Tony." Xander said as he left the construction site and headed towards his pick up.
"Have a good night Al." Tony said as he climbed into his car.
Xander climbed into his truck and closed the door. He set his lunch box and thermos on the seat beside him then started the engine.
Xander pulled out, flashed his signal and turned left down the street.
Ten minutes later Xander pulled into the driveway of his building and cut the engine.
Xander kicked of his boots once he entered his apartment, then dropped his keys, lunch box and thermos on the kitchen counter after grabbing a beer from the fridge.
Xander went and sat on the sofa, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.
He was just about to take a drink when the phone rang.
Xander let out a sigh then reached over and picked up the receiver.
"Hello" Xander said into the phone then took a small drink of his beer.
"Hey Al." Tony said.
"Hey Ton. What happened to see you tomorrow." Xander said smiling.
"I know." Tony said laughing too. "Kinda bored. Feel like going out, have a few beers, play some pool?" Tony asked.
"Let's see. Sit here alone, with a beer..........verses going out and not being alone and having a beer. Tough one." Xander replied.
"Cool. Meet you at Mavericks in about thirty?" Tony replied.
"See ya then." Xander said as he hung up the phone.
Xander got up and drank his beer on his way to the bathroom as he started running the shower.
Xander quickly showered and dressed, then put his empty bottle on the counter, grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
"Al............over here." Tony said waving to Xander as he walked through the door.
Xander nodded and proceeded to the bar to grab a beer before walking over and joining Tony.
"So what happened. You're plans with Jen fall through?" Xander asked.
"In a big way. Walked in to find a Dear John letter taped to the fridge." Tony replied.
"Sorry man." Xander replied.
"I didn't even know there was anything wrong. She never said anything to me." Tony said quietly. "I even picked up the ring on the way home tonight. Was planning on taking her out to dinner, then popping the question." Tony said as he took a big swallow of his beer.
"This won't be much consolation, but at least it happened now and not when you were married and having to face a divorce. Better sooner than later." Xander said then took a drink of his own beer.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. But I miss her already. We've been together since high school. Not sure what I'm gonna do without her." Tony replied.
"Did she say anything in her letter?" Xander asked.
"Just that she didn't think it was going to work anymore. That we had grown apart." Tony replied.
"Maybe she was tired of waiting for the proposal. Thought you were never going to ask." Xander said. "You've been together for a long time. When I seen her the other night, I didn't see any indication that she didn't love you."
"Do you think that's what it was?" Tony asked.
"I don't really know. But there's only one way to find out. Where's the ring?" Xander asked.
"I have it in my pocket." Tony replied.
"Do you know where she would go?" Xander asked.
"Her mom's place, maybe her sisters." Tony replied quickly.
"Go. Find out for yourself." Xander said giving Tony a supportive pat on the back.
"If that's what it is and she says yes, you're definitely going to be my best man." Tony said as he got up and quickly left the bar.
"Good luck." Xander said to himself then drained his beer and headed out of the bar and back home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"How long have you wanted to do this?" Faith asked with a smile curving on her lips.
"Since the day I first met you." Zaaron replied.
"You knew the first day that this was what you wanted?" Faith asked taken aback.
"Yes. This is what I want. Do you?" Zaaron asked as he looked at her intently.
Faith stared at him only for a moment before answering. "Yes." Faith said as her smile grew big.
Zaaron smiled as he pulled her in for a kiss, then held her tight.
"Let's get out of here." Faith said as she started to pull out of his embrace and stand up.
"Anything the lady wants." Zaaron said as he placed the money for their meal on the table. "You wan to to head home?"
"Yeah, home sounds nice." Faith replied as she grabbed his hand and led him out of the restaurant.
"So where does the future Mrs. Taegu want to go for the honeymoon?" Zaaron asked as he pulled her closer and put his arm possessively around her shoulder.
"I don't even care where we go. We don't have to go anywhere, as long as I'm with you, that's all I care about." Faith replied.
"Alright, I'll figure out some wildly exotic place to take you." Zaaron said.
"Fine, you figure it out. I'm sure I'll love it." Faith said as she laid her head on his shoulder while they continued walking home.
As they rounded the corner to their street they saw a moving van parked in the driveway of a small house a few doors down from them.
"I didn't even realize anyone had moved out." Faith said as she watched the truck being unloaded.
"Actually the house has been empty since we moved here." Zaaron replied.
"Well that explains why I didn't see anyone move out." Faith replied shrugging her shoulders.
Zaaron chuckled and kissed the top of her head as they continued walking to their house already forgetting the new arrivals on the street.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Spike....have you seen the box with the coffee maker in it?" Buffy asked as she started unpacking the kitchen boxes.
"Um, let me think a minute." Spike said as he came into the kitchen.
"Hey where do you want this?" One of the movers said as they carried in a large wooden headboard.
"Master bedroom at the end of the hall." Spike said then turned back to Buffy. "The coffee maker is in the box that I wrote caffeine on. All the fixing are in there too." Spike said as he pulled the box out from under two others.
"Oh thank god. I really want a coffee right now." Buffy said as she opened the box Spike set on the counter.
"Just get it set up for morning. I already called in an order for dinner, should be just about ready for pick up." Spike said as he looked at his watch. " I'll pick up some coffee on the way back." Spike said as he leaned in and stole a kiss.
"Can you grab some milk on the way back too?" Buffy asked.
"Anything for you baby." Spike said winking at Buffy. "You gonna be alright on you own while I'm gone?"
"I think I'll be fine for the whole thirty minutes you'll be gone." Buffy said rolling her eyes.
"Okay." Spike said chuckling. "Be back in a bit." Spike said as he walked out of the kitchen and through the house and out the front door.
He walked passed the truck then over to the mover.
"I'm grabbing some food, would you like me too pick you up anything?" Spike asked as he slowly went to his car.
"Burgers would be good. Thanks." The men said as they went to grab their wallets.
"It's fine, my treat." Spike said as he waived off their offered money.
"Thanks again." They said as they grabbed another load to take into the house.
"Ma'am, which bedroom does this go in?" They asked holding a dresser.
"Anything for a bedroom just goes to the master bedroom. We haven't bought furniture for the guest rooms yet." Buffy replied quickly as she broke down another empty box. "All the kitchen boxes have already been brought in, it's just what ever's left for the bedroom, living room and dining room."
"Okay." They said as they headed to the bedroom.
"Been busy I see." Spike said as he came back into the kitchen noticing only one box remained that needed unpacking.
"That I have. Why don't you put the food on the counter and get the bed set up. The rest we can tackle tomorrow." Buffy suggested.
"Sounds good. The guys are done by the way, they just left. They practically inhaled their food before I could pay them." Spike said shaking his head smiling,
"I'll get the food dished up while you get the bed made." Buffy said grabbing the bag of food.
"Okay luv, be back in a few minutes." Spike said as he headed down the hall.
Buffy made up the plates and carried them into the living room, setting the plates on the coffee table. Buffy went back to the kitchen returning with the two coffee's Spike had brought back with him.
A few minutes later Spike came down and joined her in the living room.
"You forgot the mild." Buffy said smiling.
"I did not forget the milk." Spike said defensively.
"Where is it then?" Buffy asked as she took a bite of her pasta.
"I did buy it...............I just forgot it in the car." Spike said as he stood up and went out to the car to get the milk.
After putting the milk in the fridge Spike rejoined Buffy in the living room.
"So, our first night in our new house." Spike said as he looked around at the disarray they were going to have to deal with tomorrow.
"I think it's going to be great." Buffy said then leaned over and captured his lips in a deep penetrating kiss.
"I love you Buffy." Spike said when they broke apart.
"I love you too William." Buffy replied then placed another quick kiss to his lips before they started eating their meal.
"We'll have this place the way we want it by the end of the weekend." Spike said as he planned on what to start with.
"But tonight.......just dinner, then bed." Buffy replied smiling.
"Already planned an early night. Can't make love to you of I'm busy unpacking now can I." Spike said smirking. "Now let;s finish eating so I can take you to the bedroom and ravish you all night long.
Chapter 16
Buffy inhaled deeply as the aroma of the gods assailed her senses. She slowly opened her eyes only to be met with a smile and startling blue eyes looking at her adoringly, holding a cup of steaming coffee mere inches from her nose.
“Sleeping beauty awakes.” Spike said as he set the coffee in Buffy’s outstretched hand.
Spike chuckled to himself and raised himself up to sit beside Buffy on the edge of the bed. The only response Spike had gotten was what could only be described as a grunt as she took a drink of her coffee.
“Time is it?” Buffy said some what awake.
“It’s about twelve thirty.” Spike replied as he reached over and brushed the hair that had fallen, from her eyes.
“You should have got me up. There’s so much to do.” Buffy said as her brows scrunched as she looked around at the room. There weren’t any boxes on the floor and the room looked pretty much finished other than needing curtains and wall hangings.
“It’s always amazed me what you can sleep through.” Spike said.
“What else did you do while I was…apparently sleeping the day away.” Buffy said as she started to get up from bed.
“You just looked so peaceful…couldn’t bring myself to wake you.” Spike replied with a shrug of his shoulder.
“Well looking peaceful is not going to get this place in order is it?” Buffy said rather than asked as she stood up and stretched.
Spike leaned back on the bed a little and let his eyes roam over her naked form as she stretched out all the kinks.
Buffy went over to her dresser and pulled out some clothes then turned to face Spike.
“I’m going to take a shower and get dressed. Why don’t we go out for lunch instead of ordering out?” Buffy suggested.
“Alright luv. That’s sounds fine. Maybe we should do a shopping while we’re out, that way our cupboards will actually have food in them.” Spike said as he started to stand.
“Good idea.” Buffy replied as she turned and walked out of the room and down the hall to the bathroom, with Spike close on her heels.
“I’ll take your coffee to the kitchen and keep it warm for you.” Spike said as he placed a kiss on her shoulder when he passed by her.
“Thanks.” Buffy said as she went into the bathroom.
Spike went to the kitchen and put her coffee cup on the warmer to keep it hot for her. He grabbed his car keys and his jacket and put them by the door so he could just grab them when they were ready to leave.
While he was waiting for Buffy he went back to their room and finished the room by hanging the curtains.
When he finished hanging the curtains he went back to the living room and hung the paintings that were leaning against the wall.
Spike was hanging the last painting when Buffy came into the room.
“So…you really have been a busy little bee this morning.” Buffy said as she placed her hand on her hips and looked around at the fully decorated living room and dining room.
“Well, not just this morning. I couldn’t sleep last night, so I’ve been up all night. Thought since I was up anyway, might as well make myself useful and get to work.” Spike said shrugging his shoulders.
“It’s from all the years we’ve worked the grave yard shift. I’m finally able to sleep through the night sometimes without waking up. You just finished you last night shift the day we moved. So I think it may take a little time.” Buffy replied walking over and hugging him from behind.
Spike leaned into her embrace. “Well let’s hope it doesn’t take to much time. I start my new job in three days.”
“I’m so proud of you. You’ve waited a long time for this opportunity. ” Buffy said then placed a kiss to the back of his shoulder.
“Without you…I don’t think I would have made it. Wanted to throw in the towel more times than not.” Spike said admittedly.
“But you didn’t. That’s why I’m proud of you. Now come. I want something to eat.” Buffy replied as she moved away and grabbed her jacket from the closet.
“Whatever the lady wishes.” Spike said grabbing his jacket and keys on the way out the door, being careful to lock it before he closed the door behind him.
* * * * *
“You were right Al. Thanks.” Tony said as he walked onto the construction site catching up to Xander.
“So I’m taking it she said yes and there is a wedding to be had.” Xander replied with a smile as he looked at Tony.
“Yeah, she didn’t want to wait too long though. She figures she’s waited this long just for me to ask, she doesn’t want to wait anymore.” Tony replied.
“Can’t blame her, you’re not the quickest on the uptake are you?” Xander said chuckling.
“You’re coming to the wedding right? You are the best man, so you better be.” Tony said.
“Of course I’ll be there.” Xander said smiling back at Tony.
“Glad to hear it man.” Tony said clapping Xander on the back.
“So when’s the big day?” Xander asked as they went into the trailer on the site to look over the plans for the day.
* * * * *
“Come on, you were totally checking out her ass.” Faith said loudly as she slammed the car door shut.
“Faith that’s ridiculous. You’re ass is the only one I like to look at.” Zaaron said getting a little angry. “For the last time, I only saw her for a few seconds, almost two weeks ago, and I didn’t even get a good look at her. There was something about her. She looked…familiar?” Zaaron said searching for a word.
“Just long enough to ogle her ass.” Faith replied quickly.
“It’s not like you don’t look at other men.” Zaaron added under his breath as he went to the back of the car and opened the trunk.
“What was that?” Faith said as she put her hand on her hip and walked closer to Zaaron.
“You heard me Faith.” Zaaron replied as he pulled the groceries out of the trunk.
“What…do you follow me around all day…check up on me to see what I’m doing?” Faith said bringing her hand up and grabbing the lid of the trunk and slamming it down, missing his hands by millimeters.
“Don’t be so paranoid. Of course I’m not following you around. I’ve known you along time Faith. It never bothered me that you look at other men.” Zaaron replied grinding his teeth in annoyance.
“So I’m crazy now?” Faith yelled stepping closer to Zaaron.
“ALRIGHT. ENOUGH.” Zaaron yelled back, his anger erupting. “I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT ANYMORE.” Zaaron said as he threw the groceries to the ground and started to walk away, then turned back and walked up to Faith. “All the years we’ve been together. We’ve been to hell and back…literally. I shouldn’t have to ask for your trust, it should just be given. I’ve damn well earned it. I know what you’re doing. Since we got engaged, all of a sudden you can’t trust me. I’m not going to do this with you. We lost everything to get here…to this point. If you don’t want me…just say it.” Zaaron said in anger and fear as he stepped back waiting for her answer.
“What if I don’t?” Faith said quietly.
Zaaron just looked at her for a moment as his heart shattered into a million pieces just hearing those four little words pass through her lips. His hands fell to his sides in defeat as he looked into her eyes, wondering if her eyes had always been that cold and he’d just never noticed. Had he been too blinded by his love for her to miss that?
“That’s all you needed to say.” Zaaron replied just above a whisper, his voice thick with despair, his eyes filled with betrayal.
He slowly turned on his heel and walked away from Faith, walked away from the house, walked away from the life he thought he had made for himself.
Faith stood there watching him walk away until he was out of sight. Faith was feeling completely numb all over as she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Willow and Giles stood on the front porch watching two of the people they loved most in this word disappear from sight.
Willow wiped the tears from her cheeks as she turned to look at Giles.
“Rupert. Why is she doing this? We’ve been watching her drive this wedge between them. She’s pushing him away. Why is she pushing him away?” Willow said in a choked voice.
“Faith told me once that you, her and Buffy would always ask each other the same question when we were able to get together. What do you think it will be like?” Giles said as he turned to look at Willow. “Well…Faith just realized she’s getting what she wanted. She’s had it all this time, but until he asked for her hand, it hadn’t really cemented in her brain. Now she knows she has it, and it terrifies the hell out of her. Doesn’t think she deserves it.” Giles replied.
“I don’t understand. Faith and Zaaron have been together…what ten years now. What’s the difference if they get married?” Willow asked slightly confused.
Giles turned, pulling Willow into the house with him and closing the door.
“No matter how much we say we’ve moved on or look like we have. The plain and simple fact is we haven’t. Since that night all those years ago, we have lived in abject hell. Self imposed prisons even. We didn’t feel like we should enjoy the life we were given, when it was given to us at the cost of those we hold in our hearts.” Giles said as he sat down on the sofa.
“But it was over a long time ago.” Willow said as her brows crinkled.
“For you Willow, it was over. Not for us. It’ll never be over for us.” Giles said.
“I was there too. I remember that night.” Willow said a little put off by his attitude.
“Yes, you remember…as in a memory. When the subject gets brought up, I’ve noticed you have very little emotion when we speak of it. When you died you were freed from it. When you came back you lived a completely different life, without the memory of what we went through. When it came back to you, that’s all it was…a memory. To you it’s almost as if it was a dream. When you recall the images, that’s all you see, but you don’t really feel anything. It’s almost as if you were told you went through this, not like you know you went through this. That’s the difference. We know…and we feel it. Everyday it’s there. When I close my eyes I see the building fall with you under it, I see Buffy and Spike die in front of me when it was over. I see Anya, Xander, fall before me. All I see is death when I close my eyes.” Giles said as he ran his fingers through his hair then pulled off his glasses and set them on the table.
Willow realized that Giles was right. The memories she had, all the battles, the deaths of her friends, she didn’t feel the pain, she just knew that she had been through this as they had been. But the pain of it had been removed. The only thing she felt was a small feeling of loss for those who didn’t make it.
“I’m not blaming you or belittling what you’ve been through, or that you’ve been given the chance to have the memory with out the pain that comes with it. Sometimes I wish I couldn’t remember anything…that I had never gone to Sunnydale all those years ago.” Giles said as he stood up. “Then I feel guilt for feeling that way. Because if I hadn’t been there, who knows what might have happened.” Giles said as he paced back and forth. “I keep trying to move past it. I know I have to, but I can’t go forward without the guilt pulling me back.” Giles said.
“Guilt? For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.” Willow said as she watched him pace back and forth.
Giles wouldn’t answer…his breathing was getting quicker as he paced back and forth, his complexion growing paler by the second.
“Rupert?” Willow called his name worriedly.
It was as if he was in a fog and couldn’t hear her voice.
“Feel guilty for what? Rupert?” Willow called again raising her voice and standing up. Willow walked around the coffee table to stand in front of him, not allowing him to move anymore.
“Let me go Willow.” Giles said pulling out of her grasp and backing away.
“I will not let you walk away from me.” Willow said taking steps to stay near him.
“Why not? I’ve done it before.” Giles said as he looked at her with almost cold eyes, grabbing his stomach as it started to turn.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Willow said looking at Giles with confusion written all over her face.
“I left you down there. In the hell mouth. I left you to die.” Giles said as his stomach turned even more.
“I made you leave Rupert. I’m here now.” Willow said trying to calm him.
“But you died…and I didn’t.” Giles said then started to choke as he fell to his knees, the contents of his stomach spilling onto the carpet.
Willow bent down, her arm going around Giles, supporting him until he finished emptying his stomach.
Giles sat back on his legs as he wiped his mouth and tried to catch his breath.
“You feel guilty for surviving.” Willow said quietly as she looked at Giles.
Giles brought his hands up, cradling his face, his body shook as the pain and tears released themselves.
“I should have died too.” Giles said almost incoherently.
Tears started flowing down Willows cheeks as she held Giles, comforting him. Willow realized for the first time how badly it had affected them all. They saved the world, a distant memory to her, but to those that survived, a scar they would carry forever. A scar that may never heal, that will infect the rest of their lives. No matter how they want it, they can never truly have peace.
* * * * *
Zaaron had been walking for about an hour, no real direction in mind, just going where ever his feet were taking him. He stopped walking when he found himself standing out front of Joe’s. He pushed to door to the bar open and stepped through letting the door close behind him quietly. He surveyed the occupants of the bar and noticed it wasn’t very busy. Only a few patrons were sitting around, scattered at different tables. Zaaron went to the bar and ordered a beer and scanned the bar again until her saw an empty table in the back corner. When his beer was set in front of him, he threw the money on the bar, grabbed his bottle then headed to the back corner of the room.
Zaaron went to take a drink of his beer, but lowered the bottle back to the table when he noticed the ring he wore on his finger. He stared at the ring for a few minutes then closed his eyes. It was the ring Willow had made for him, so he could be out in the daylight with them and not turn to ash. Zaaron reached into his pocket and pulled out the matching ring that Spike had worn. After he turned to ash and Buffy’s body disappeared, all that remained on that spot where they had been was Spike’s ring. Zaaron had picked it up and put it in his pocket. He’d carried it with him everyday since then, never going anywhere without it. Giles had kept the ring that was to go to Buffy, had she survived and Spike made good on his promise.
“Don’t mean to get personal, but are you alright man? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Zaaron froze for a second before looking up to the man standing beside his table looking at him with a somewhat worried expression.
“I’m fine, just remembering something that happened a long time ago.” Zaaron said trying to stay calm as he looked into the brown eyes of his friend…who had no idea who he was.
“I’m Alex. Alexander, but most people call me Alex.” Xander said as he held out his hand.
“Zaaron. Nice to meet you Alex.” Zaaron said taking his offered hand. “Although you don’t strike me as an Alex.” Zaaron added.
“Really?” Xander said smiling. “What do I strike you as then?” Xander asked as he pulled out a chair and sat down.
Zaaron put on a good show of putting some thought to it before answering. “To me, you look like a Xander.” Zaaron said finally, smiling back when Xander laughed.
“Did you say you’re name is Zaaron?” Xander asked as his brows furrowed in thought.
“Yes. Why.” Zaaron asked as hope spread through his body.
“Well it’s definitely not a common name. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with that name. But Jen talks about you. You work at the youth centre with Jen Cobb right?” Xander asked.
“Yes I do. For probably close to two years I think. You know Jen?” Zaaron asked as his heart hit the floor. Xander didn’t remember him or the others, but kept his emotions in check.
“I work with Tony, her fiancée.” Xander said. “It’s nice to meet the guy that she’s always talking about. The one she says has a knack with reaching troubled kids.” Xander replied.
“I like kids.” Zaaron replied shrugging his shoulders.
“Are you going to the wedding?” Xander asked then took a drink of his beer.
“I was invited. Not sure I’ll be going though.” Zaaron replied.
“Why not?” Xander asked. “Sorry man, getting personal again.” Xander said raising his hands as if he was backing down.
“It’s okay.” Zaaron replied quietly as he picked up his bottle and drained the contents.
“How about we shoot some pool.” Xander said as he stood up.
“Sounds good.” Zaaron stood up and followed Xander, stopping at the bar to get another beer.
Zaaron noticed the bartender Sally didn’t even recognize Xander. She was the one who had called Xander before the reunion had taken place.
They had remembered Xander at first, but didn’t remember any of them or the reunion, now they didn’t recall Xander either. The only reason Zaaron could think of why the delay in wiping away their memories was in case Xander had changed his mind. Zaaron decided to stop thinking about it and just enjoy his new found friendship he was building with his longtime friend.
“So, I see a ring on your finger, I take it you have a wife.” Xander said as he racked the balls.
“I’m not married. Not yet, not sure I’m going to be now.” Zaaron said as he took the first shot.
Zaaron and Xander fell into conversation easily as they continued to play pool.
Zaaron let out his frustration over Faith, Xander listened and offered his compassion and some advice.
They hung out until the early hours of the morning before giving each other their phone numbers and going their separate ways.
* * * * *
“Buffy luv, are you home?” Spike asked as he walked through the front door, closing it behind him.
“I’m here.” Buffy said as she was coming down the hall from their bedroom. “How was work?” Buffy asked after Spike had hugged her and captured her lips with his.
“It was wonderful. They loved the plans I drew up. They accepted my design.” Spike said excitedly.
“That’s amazing.” Buffy said leaping back into his arms. “I’m so proud of you. I knew you could do it.”
“Thank you.” Spike said closing his eyes as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent.
“So what happens now?” Buffy asked as she pulled back slightly.
“Well, on Monday I go to the site and meet with the foreman and his crew to go over the plans and details.” Spike said as he let go of Buffy and walked back to the closet to hang up his jacket and carry his briefcase back as he started walking to his office under the stairs.
When Spike opened his office door and turned on the light he stood there stunned. He saw a balloon floating in the air, held there by a small stuffed bear sitting on his desk.
“Buffy?” Spike asked quietly as he turned to face Buffy who was standing behind him with a nervous look on her face.
“I know we hadn’t decided to have children yet. But I went to the doctors today. I’m pregnant.” Buffy said looking at him waiting for his reply.
“We’re gonna have a baby?” Spike asked completely shocked.
“Uh-huh.” Buffy replied still watching him.
“I’m going to be a father.” Spike said to himself more than to Buffy. He looked at Buffy, then down to her abdomen, placing his hand there gently.
“I’m gonna be a father.” Spike said again as it finally sunk in and a smile spread across his face. He put his arms around Buffy and enveloped her in his arms hugging her close, lofting her off the floor.
Buffy started laughing as she tightened her arms around him.
“When?” Spike asked as he set her back down.
“In about eight and a half months.” Buffy replied. “I’m around six to seven weeks along.” Buffy said as she placed her hand on her still flat abdomen.
“Shouldn’t it be around seven months then?” Spike asked.
“The doctor said first pregnancies are carried for forty weeks.” Buffy replied.
“Oh. But every thing is okay right?” Spike asked.
“Yes, every thing is fine.” Buffy replied putting his at ease.
“We’re gonna celebrate. Get dressed; I’m taking you out to dinner.” Spike said happily.
Buffy kissed Spike then quickly went down the hall to the bedroom.
Spike picked up the bear and set his briefcase on the desk. He walked out to the living room and place the bear and balloon on the mantle before following Buffy’s footsteps to the bedroom to get changed.
* * * * *
Zaaron walked into the house and up his room quietly. He opened the door to see Faith sitting against the headboard in the dark. He didn’t bother to turn on the light, he just walked in and went straight to his dresser and started to pull out his night clothes.
“I didn’t mean it.” Faith said quietly her voice hoarse from all the crying she had done.
Zaaron let out deep breaths as he dropped his clothes back in the drawer and slowly backed up until the back of his legs hit the side of the bed. He sat down, cradling his face in his hands as he started crying.
In all their years together she had never seen him cry. Faith moved from her spot on the bed over to him and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry.” Faith said as cried.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Zaaron said in a shaky voice.
“I was scared and I took it out on you. I’m so sorry.” Faith said as she hugged him tighter. “Don’t leave me…please don’t leave me.” Faith said.
Zaaron brought his arm around her and lifted her up, twisting her around to sit oh his lap.
“I came back didn’t I? This life holds nothing for me with out you in it.” Zaaron said as his tears subsided and he wiped her away.
“I love you Faith.” Zaaron said quietly.
“I love you too.” Faith replied.
“We have a long way too go yet.” Zaaron said as he brought his hand up to cup Faiths cheek.
“I know.” Faith replied.
Willow stood in the hall, listening and hearing the pain laced through every word that came from their lips.
Willow quietly turned and went up the stairs to the attic, opening the door, slowly looking around the sparsely lit room when she turned on the light. She had never come up here before. Knowing her belongings of the past were hidden up here, out of sight, it was something she had no interest in seeing.
But things were different now. There was going to be no happily ever after, not for them. Rupert, Zaaron and Faith can’t get over the past and accept the fact that they survived. That was the only thoughts going through Willow’s mind as she reached over and pulled out her bag.
There has to be a way. It can’t be like this. This isn’t how it was meant to be. Willow thought as she sat down and looked at her bag, sitting on the floor in front of her.
Willow took a deep breath before reaching out and opening the bag, revealing the contents of a life she led, what feels like a lifetime ago.
Coming back not only took the physical scars, but took the mental scars as well. Willow let her tears fall as she looked through the pictures they had taken over the years. Before and after the battles they had faced. Willow pushed the pictures aside and reached into the bag, pulling out books that she hadn’t seen in a long time. She ran her hand over the cover of the book on the top.
“I’ll fix this.” Willow said to herself as she opened the book and stated turning the pages.