This is a three-chapter tale that follows "Buffy's New Challenge" and picks up right after Anya's death. Each chapter will be center more around the three locations Cleveland, Sunnydale, and New York. This helps pave the way to the larger story set up that will focus on the events of season 7. I may get into a bit of Iron Man 3 events at some point also. I do NOT recommend that you read this if you haven't read the previous stories.

Disclaimer: I don't own Avengers or any of the characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Nor do I own BTVS as it is the trademark of the genius who is Joss Whedon.

Chapter 1: Faith

*****Cleveland Airport*****

Faith flew into Cleveland for Anya's funeral with Jonathan. He had been the one to step up and help take over Anya's shop. His classes at USC Sunnydale were in the evening two days a week and early mornings three days a week. As the shop didn't open until eleven, he was able to manage his work load. Giles normally ran the shop in the evenings when he was at class and the team was patrolling. When it was after nine, Jonathan usually joined Faith. She was determined to make sure that he wasn't anything like the two clowns he used to run with. Also, it gave him a chance to practice some of his magic with someone that was easily impressed and didn't care if he screw up. Surprisingly, Faith liked Jonathan and his unassuming ways. He never made her feel stupid and was easy to talk to.

"I just can't believe Anya died from a car wreck," Jonathan said as the plane was disembarking.

"I know. It totally sucks," Faith said. She felt really bad for Xander, who didn't deserve the shit hand he was dealt.

"Poor Xander," Jonathan said.

"Yea," Faith agreed. "He finally found a woman that wouldn't try to eat him or drain his life force or wish him out of existence, and it all goes to the crapper."

"What's going to happen to his business?" Jonathan wondered.

"That's a question for Wes," Faith said as they got on the escalator that went down to luggage. Wesley was waiting by baggage claim. "There he is." She waved, letting him know that they saw him.

Wesley volunteered to pick up Faith, wanting to do something. Anya's demon friends had arrived the night before, and their presence was unsettling. Then the various Avengers were in town or arriving soon, and they made Wesley nervous. How could Dr. Banner be the Hulk? It boggled the mind and slightly unnerved Wesley, who had thought his time with Angel fighting the good fight had prepared him for anything—it had not.

"Yo, Wes. How's things going?" Faith asked.

"As well as could be expected," Wesley said. "Xander is devastated and the girls upset."

"Thanks for picking us up," Jonathan said.

"You know Jonathan, right? Met at the school a few years back?" Faith asked.

"Vaguely," Wesley said. "Good to see you again."

"I wish it was under better circumstances," Jonathan said.

"As do I," Wesley replied.

"There's our bag," Faith said.

"Why did you need to check a bag?" Wesley asked.

"This is our bag that has weapons in it," Faith said. "It's a special bag that the team got me, lined with lead to block any scans. It's pretty heavy."

"Well, I'll let you carry it then," Wesley said with a smile.

She picked it up, her carry-on on her shoulder. "It's got wheels," she said, pulling out the handle and tilting it.

Wesley filled them in on a few innocuous things as they made it to his car.

"So who's staying where?" Faith asked. "You guys have enough room for us?"

"Jonathan is staying at my place with Rupert also," he said.

"Did he make it back from his trip to England?" Faith asked. "He told me he was coming, but I didn't get the details."

"Yes," Wesley said. "Who's handling the hellmouth while you three are away?" He opened his car door and unlocked the trunk for their bags.

"Dave and the team have things in hand," Faith said. "You know summer time. It's pretty tame by hellmouth standards." She lifted her bag and threw it in, and then she added her carry-on while Jonathan did the same to his.

After they were going down the road, Wesley continued, "I think you're staying with Buffy at her place or at Xander's. Tara and Willow are at Buffy's. But Willow might stay tonight with Xander if she thinks he needs it. They have one other guest at his house. The other apartment has Anya's demon friends in it."

"The evil kind?" Jonathan wondered.

"They are vengeance demons like she was, so the term is relative," Wesley said as the drove them out of the airport parking garage.

They were silent as Faith looked out the window, taking in the town. It was bigger than Sunnydale. "I bet this place is a bit harder to patrol since it's bigger," she observed.

"Yes, it's bigger, but the hellmouth isn't as strong," Wesley said.

"Has Dawn made it in yet?" she asked.

"She has," he replied. "She's staying at a hotel room with Clint. She's pretty upset. Her grief is a bit much for Xander, so Buffy decided it would be better if she stay with Clint."

"What's Buffy's brother like?" Jonathan inquired.

"He's a lot less flamboyant than Tony. Kind of quiet compared to his sisters," Wesley said as he shut off his car. "He's very watchful, however."

"It's cool that B and Dawnie have a big bro to watch out for them," Faith said as she jumped out and grabbed her bags. "I always wished that I had a brother. Life was a bit lonely growing up."

"IT IS DONE," a voice said.

They were walking to the building when they all felt some type of shift. All three were sensitive to magic and shuddered. "What the hell was that?" Faith asked, looking around for the threat.

"I don't know," Wesley said, frowning.

"There was a ripple of some kind," Jonathan said.

"That can't be good," Faith said as she followed Wesley into the building.

"That's Buffy's," Wesley said, pointing to the door on the left. Faith rang the bell.

Buffy frowned as she opened the door. "Did you guys feel that?" she asked in way of greeting.

Faith blinked. "Feel what?" she asked even though she could guess.

"A magical shift?" Jonathan asked. "We felt it."

Faith looked at Wesley. "Didn't you say Anya's demons were in the building?" she asked.

"Yes, they're upstairs," Buffy said. "Come in." It was daytime, and she knew that Faith was no vampire.

Dawn and Willow were there. "Hi, Faith. Jonathan," Willow said, greeting them.

"Hi," Jonathan said.

"Hey,' Faith said with a slight smile to them both.

"Will, did you feel that weird magical disturbance?" Buffy asked her.

Willow nodded. "Yes, she said. "I'm thinking there's either a new witch playing in town, or those clowns upstairs are being stupid."

"Can any of them work enough mojo to bring Anya back?" Buffy wondered.

Dawn looked horrified at the thought, remembering her attempt at resurrecting her mother. Then there was Buffy's own horrific experience with the process. "God, I hope not," she muttered.

Willow frowned. "They're mostly in the vengeance business, so I can't see their magics even going in that area," she said. "And Odin told Xander it wasn't possible to bring her back because her soul had already passed on."

"So had mine," Buffy reminded her.

Willow suppressed the flash of guilt as she answered, "Hers was a natural death. The rules are different."

"Osiris doesn't like to give up his souls," Jonathan added.

"What time does the service start?" Faith asked.

"Tomorrow at ten. Graveside only," Buffy replied.

Already the magical disturbance was forgotten as the new reality melded into place.

"How's Xander?" Jonathan asked.

"Not good," Buffy said grimly. "I guess he was seeing visions of Anya's death a while now, and he hoped moving here was going to prevent it. But even Odin told him there was nothing that could've been done. Her time was up."

Faith winced. "Harsh," she said.

"Yea," Buffy said. "He's pretty pissed at the All Father."

Buffy's doorbell rang again, she opened it up. It was Bucky and Steve. "Hey guys," she said. She stepped back, so they could come in.

"So who's the new hottie?" Faith asked, looking the newcomer over. His hair was unkept, and he had piercing blue eyes—haunted eyes. She was intrigued.

"That's Bucky Barnes," Buffy said. "Bucky, this is Faith, the other slayer who's guarding the hellmouth in Sunnydale. And that's Jonathan, also from Sunnydale."

Bucky nodded. "Hello," he said simply.

"Good to see you, Faith," Steve said, greeting her with an embrace. The two had become good friends over the past several months.

"You, too, Captain," Faith said with a grin. "Glad to finally meet your best bro."

"I'm glad he came back to the States," Steve said. "I'm trying to convince him to join the Avengers."

"I haven't gotten a pardon yet, Steve. You know I could get arrested at any moment," Bucky said.

"Rhodey and Tony are working on it," Steve said.

"Tony? I killed his parents, Steve. I am sure the man wants me dead," Bucky said bitterly.

Faith glanced at Buffy in surprise. This was some serious shit. Buffy gave her a look, and Faith nodded. "Buffy put me in a coma, and I stole her body and slept with her boyfriend," Faith said.

"Don't forget the poisoning of my first boyfriend," Buffy reminded her with a too sweet smile.

"Oh, yea," Faith said. "And framing you for the accidental murder I committed."

"I got over it," Buffy said to Bucky. "She didn't even have the excuse you do with the brainwashing and chips in brain that controlled you."

"True," Faith said with a smrik. "Buffy's a real saint."

"Tony is far from that," Buffy said. "But he knows how much you suffered." She looked at Willow. "Right, Willow?"

Willow nodded. "That's true. I've talked to him about it," she said. She didn't mention how pissed Tony was at first, or how traumatized the guy still was over his own near-death experience after the alien invasion. He covered it so well with the quips and the many projects. However, he did feel some sympathy for Bucky and what happened to him.

"I don't think I'm ready for that, Steve," he said. He looked at Buffy. "I kind of would like to try out this hellmouth gig. Just enough excitement to keep it interesting."

"I took him patrolling last night," Buffy said with a grin. "He got kill his first vamp."

"Oh, so you popped his cherry, huh?" Faith said with a wink.

"Must you be so immature?" Buffy asked, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, I must," Faith said, unapologetic.

"So, Faith, how's your brother?" Steve asked. "Has he got a chance to visit the hellmouth yet?"

"John's doing good. He's at that school for the gifted," Faith said.

"Professor Xavier's, right?" Willow asked. "Is it true that it's a school for inhumans?"

Faith gave her a cold look. "That's a dirty word, Red. The term is mutant. Inhuman is like saying they're not human. It's just a gene mutation," Faith said angrily.

Willow flushed. "I'm sorry, Faith. It just slipped out," she said. "You know most of the media still uses that term."

"It's fine," Faith said, knowing her Jewish, gay witch friend wasn't really a bigot.

Bucky asked, "What mutant gene does your brother have?"

"He's got this freaky ability to create and control fire," Faith said. "I told him to come see me and fry some vamps. It'd be like shooting fish in a barrel in Sunnyhell."

"Dave would enjoy seeing that," Steve said, smiling.

"Yeah, right? But he's got school stuff all the time," she said. "I think he's going to come for a week before summer breaks over, though."

"That'll be fun," Steve said.

"Jonathan, if you're ready, I'll take you up to my apartment, so you can get settled," Wesley said.

"Sure," Jonathan said. "It was nice meet you, Mr. Barnes."

"Call me James or Bucky," Bucky said.

Jonathan smiled and walked out the door after Wesley.

"So what's the plan?" Faith asked.

"He's burying Anya tomorrow, so I'm not really sure," Buffy said. She looked at Willow.

"I asked him if he wanted to have dinner with us, and he said not really," she said. "He might change his mind."

"Maybe, we'll bring him up something?" Tara suggested.

"I can take it to him," Dawn said.

"I'll go make sure he doesn't want to come with us," Tara said.

"Where's your brother?" Faith asked Dawn.

"He and Nat went to pick up Bruce," Dawn said.

Faith grinned. "Bruce is coming here?" she asked eagerly.

"Down, girl," Buffy admonished. "This is a funeral, Faith. Not the time for you to get it on with the Hulk."

Bucky looked at her curiously. "You were able to have relations with the Hulk?" he asked.

Faith didn't look embarrassed but cocky. "Yep," she said. "Talk about girth and stamina."

Buffy groaned while Willow looked sick.

"Minor present!" Dawn exclaimed, covering her ears with her hands. "I so did not need to hear that!"

"Sorry, Dawnie," Faith said.

Bucky grinned, finding the girl's boldness amusing. When he glanced up at Steve, he could see that his friend was decidedly uncomfortable. "Still not any more comfortable around the opposite sex, huh?" he asked.

"Of course, I am. I'm partners with the Black Widow," he said. "I just don't like to hear intimate details of a person's personal life."

"Me either," Buffy said. "Well, not Faith's."

Bucky chuckled. "It's good to see a woman as open as men usually are," he said.

"That's our Faith," Buffy said with a bright smile. "So open."

Faith just grinned. "Hey, don't be jealous 'cause I'm freer than the rest of you," Faith said, unapologetic. "B, you just need to get you some and relax. Life's too short to be so wound up. You should know better than anyone seeing as you just came back from the dead not long ago. Have you even got any since then?"

Buffy wasn't sure what she wanted to do more: kill Faith or die of embarrassment. It took a conscious effort not to glance at Bucky.

"Faith, can you be more gross?" Dawn asked, coming to her sister's rescue.

"How about we go out to dinner? There's a T.G.I.F just down the street," Tara suggested, trying to keep the peace. "I'll go ask Xander what he thinks." Willow nodded, and she left.

"Works for me," Faith said with a shrug. "Make sure you text your brother, the guys can join us."

Buffy shook her head. "You just don't give up, do you?"

"Nope," Faith said, grinning.

Steve chuckled. Although Faith made him very uncomfortable sometimes, she did remind him of Bucky in his younger days. The girls got ready to leave, and Dawn went upstairs to tell Wesley, Giles, and Jonathan the plan. Steve leaned over and said to Bucky, "You know Faith sometimes reminds me of you."

Bucky gave him a look and then glanced at Faith who was giving Buffy a hard time about her shoes. "Watch them," Steve said. "Buffy worries too much about everything and everyone. She's always inside her head, and Faith works to get her outside it by any means necessary."

Bucky grinned. "You know you might have a point—back when you first enlisted," he said. "I can see that."

Steve was glad that the two slayers had each other even if they'd never be as close as he and Bucky.

*****An Hour Later*****

Xander decided that he did want to leave the apartment that reminded him too much of Anya and her death. The large group of friends was a nice distraction. He sat between Buffy's brother and Willow. Clint gave him an easy smile. "Are you hanging in there?" Clint asked.

"Trying to," he said.

"That's all you can do," Clint said. "You know you got plenty of people who care about you."

Xander gave a small smile. "Yea, I know," he said. He mainly took the group in without contributing much. Luckily, his friends knew he needed his space. Watching Faith flirt with Dr. Banner was entertaining. If Anya was there, she'd be sure to make some inappropriate comment. He closed his eyes a moment as the pain washed over him in a large wave.

Willow, ever sensitive to his mood, turned to him. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I just miss her," he said.

She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. "I know," she said. "You will for a long time, but you're not alone—not ever."

"Thanks," he said. "I'm glad you're here. I've missed you."

"Me, too. It's hard not being with you and Buffy, but New York is the right place for us," she said.

He nodded. "I'll come visit you there as soon as I work a bit longer. I've not been at the new position long enough to ask off," he said.

"How much are they giving you for the funeral?" she asked.

"Five days," he said. "I have to go back in two days."

Willow grimaced. The server came to the table to ask if anyone wanted dessert.

"I do!" Faith said. "I want that brownie supreme." She looked at Bruce. "Wanna share it with me?"

Bruce wasn't sure how to take Faith and shrugged. Faith took that as a yes.

The town's T. G. I. F. nearly came to a stand still when Tony walked in with Steve. Clint and Natasha weren't as well known, but she did do the Senate hearings. People now noticed her for more than her good looks. There were lots of photos snapped. The restaurant manager was calm as he approached the table, asking how he might help. Tony had apologized for bringing the large group in without notice. Since it wasn't a Friday or Saturday, the place wasn't too packed, however. Several tables were pushed together in the center of the place to accommodate the large group. The manager had pulled in four servers and himself to help take care of the large group. His assistant manager was covertly taking photos, much to Tony's amusement.

"I feel sorry for the servers," Faith said. "Having to make separate checks for this group."

"Oh, Tony will take care of the bill," Bruce said.

"I know he's like really rich, but isn't that kind of rude to assume Mr. Money Bucks fit the bill?" Faith asked, glancing at the man who sat at one head, Buffy the other. She was trying to keep her presence with the too famous man as lowkey as possible. Not that sitting so far from him would stop the onlookers from taking photos of the entire table.

"Nah," Bruce said. "Tony says that part of his role as the public figure is to wine and dine. He gets it all written off as an expense by the board."

"Lucky servers tonight," Faith said, watching one of the girl's hand shake as she poured Steve a refill. She knew that they'd make a killing in tips.

Bruce had learned some things about Faith during dinner. She'd eased off the flirting to actually talk to him about her life before slaying. It was clear that the woman was more complicated than he appeared. However, he couldn't understand her attraction to the Hulk.

After dinner, she asked him to take a walk with her. He hesitated. "Do you think that's a good idea?" he asked. "I don't want to bring out the Hulk." It was a hellmouth, and a sudden vampire attack could bring him out.

She rolled her eyes. "Well, I don't mind if he comes out to play," she said. "He's not a mindless beast, you know."

"I'm not sure that's true," Bruce said.

"Trust me on that," Faith insisted. "I know he's more. You don't think a lover can tell those kinds of things?"

Bruce was uncomfortable hearing that label applied to the Hulk. "I just don't understand," he said. They were standing outside the restaurant now, and Faith waved off Buffy.

"It's like this. The Hulk is you but more. He comes out and protects you. He's not a demon possessing you like Angelus with Angel," Faith explained. "I might have had sex physically with Hulk, but he's still you to some degree."

"I don't remember having sex with you, Faith, because it wasn't me having sex with you," he said, walking down the sidewalk. The restaurant was only about six blocks from Buffy's and ten blocks from the hotel he was staying at. He started in that direction.

"You know how we can fix that, right?" Faith asked with a wink.

Bruce wasn't indifferent to the woman as she was incredibly beautiful, and some part of him was drawn to her. Was that the Hulk inside of him? Was he even in control where she was concerned? Not knowing was what kept him from crossing any lines. "Faith, I'm old enough to be your father," he said. "How old are you?"

"Old enough to drink legally, and that's all that matters," she replied. "Thanks to my mother's drug habit, I lost my virginity long before it was legal for me to drive a car. I'm no innocent. Becoming a slayer empowered me and made me completely in control of who I'm with. I like the Hulk because he's without pretense. He's like me. He knows what he wants and goes for it. His age doesn't matter to me, nor does your age. I'm a slayer, Bruce. We don't have the luxury of living forever, so why should I waste time?"

Bruce felt sympathy for her as she revealed more of herself to him.

Then she smirked and added, "You're a hell of a young younger than Angel when Buffy dated him."

"Well, I'm no vampire," he said.

"Thanks God," she said. "I need a warm-blooded body to get my engine going, ya know?"

Uncomfortable with the topic, he managed to steer the conversation away from sex and the Hulk as they walked toward his hotel.

Faith allowed him to shy away from the sex stuff, enjoying his quite manner. She had never known a man like him. He was a brilliant scientist with multiple degrees. Willow told her he was smarter than Tony, but not as gifted mechanically as Tony. However, he was so subtle about it, not flashy like Tony. Although he was right about being old enough to be her father, she didn't remind him at all of her father.

When they made it to his hotel, she didn't hesitate but pulled his head down for a kiss.

Bruce was caught off guard by the kiss and found himself responding. His arms went around her waist, pulling her close.

Faith poured a lot of herself into the kiss and was happy when he responded. When she ran out of breath, she pulled back and looked at him. "I think we could have fun together, Bruce, so why fight it?" she asked.

Bruce took a deep breath and stepped back. "Good night, Faith," he said.

Faith grinned. "Fine. Play hard to get," she said. "I do like a challenge." She waved and turned to walk down the street.

Bruce watched her until she was out of view. When he made it back upstairs, a grinning Tony was waiting. "Did the dark slayer ring your bell good and proper?" he asked.

When Bruce didn't immediately dismiss him, Tony stepped forward, realizing how rattled his buddy was. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm okay," Bruce said. "The woman just confuses me. I can feel the Hulk pushing inside to be close to her. It's what she wants, but I think it's irresponsible."

"Maybe you're jealous," Tony suggested.

"Of the Hulk?" Bruce asked. "That's crazy."

"She's gorgeous and wants you both, so I don't know why you're resisting," Tony said. "You should count yourself lucky."

"What does it say about her that she wants us both?" Bruce wondered.

"I didn't know you were so judgmental?" Tony asked, frowning.

"I'm not, Tony, but it bothers me," Bruce admitted.

"Maybe what really bothers you is that she sees you and the Hulk. What woman has ever done that?" Tony wondered.

"Natasha," Bruce replied.

"Nat will always see the Hulk as a weapon, never a man. She will always fear him," Tony pointed out. "Faith doesn't fear anything, I don't think."

"Yea, she's pretty incredible," Bruce admitted with a half-smile.

Tony grinned knowingly. "You like her! I think you really are jealous of the Hulk!" Tony declared.

Bruce frowned. That was crazy. Wasn't it?

"Maybe you should trust that she might know what she's talking about when she sees the Hulk as just an extension of you," Tony said. "She's not completely wrong, you know. He's not a psychotic break. Nor is he a possession. He is your alter-ego. An ego that comes from some part of your id. If you trusted yourself more and him, I don't think you'd feel so torn or judgmental."

Bruce didn't reply because he honestly didn't know what to say. For once, Tony didn't push it but said goodnight.

"Goodnight," Bruce said. It was too early to sleep, but he went to his room to think.

*****The Next Day*****

Anya's funeral was short and simple. Her demon friends shared a few words, and the human audience tried not to be too horrified about the stories. Xander was just glad everyone there was in the know as he hadn't been at his new job long enough for anyone to feel obligated to attend. However, they did send flowers.

Giles followed the vengeance demons. "Anya was a dear girl, who had an extraordinary love of work," he said, causing chuckles. "When she discovered the power of capitalism, she was hooked. I rarely had to do much bookkeeping at the store as she took to it like a duck to water—pardon the cliché, but it fits. I was proud to call her my partner and excited that she opened up another Magic Box in Cleveland. It hurts my heart that she didn't get to do more with her vision, but we all are better for having known her."

Xander gave his mentor a grateful smile.

Then Buffy spoke.

"It took me a while to warm up to Anya because I was always afraid that she'd break Xander's heart," Buffy confessed. "I never dreamed she'd do it by dying, though. She made me believe in love again because she loved Xander more than anything—even more than money." Everyone laughed.

"She did love money," Xander said with a bittersweet smile.

"She fought with us because she loved Xander, and I'll always be grateful for the way she embraced my mother, my sister, and me. Over and over again, she risked her life to protect my sister. Completely without powers, she did this—a perfect match for Xander," Buffy said, giving him a warm smile. "We're going to miss her a lot." She reached for his hand, and he leaned over to hug her.

Dawn was leaning against Buffy and spoke next. "Anya never treated me like a kid," she said. "I loved going to the Magic Box because she took me seriously and listened to me when I talked. Sometimes, we both felt like outsiders when Buffy, Willow, and Xander were together talking about things we couldn't follow. She'd make faces behind their backs that they didn't know about to make me laugh—she was always doing that, making me laugh. I loved her, and now she's gone like my mother is gone. I hope they can see each other, so Anya isn't lonely. Mom always liked Anya. I'm really going to miss her."

Tara spoke next. "I know what Dawn means because the three of them have a bond that's hard to penetrate sometimes," she said, glancing at Willow, who had Xander between her and Buffy. "Anya was the first one to really take time to know me because she was so comfortable with witches. I've always been so afraid of saying the wrong thing and looking foolish, but Anya was so fearless and didn't care. I admired her a lot and wish she was still here."

Xander gave Tara a fond look, appreciating her words. He was overwhelmed by his friends and Anya's kind words and touched to know how much she mattered to others besides him.

Finally, Willow spoke. "I didn't like Anya much for a long time because of the fact that she used to hurt men for a living," she admitted, giving Xander a guilty glance. "It was hard for me to understand what Xander saw in her. It was also hard for me not to be the most important woman in his life anymore." She gave Xander's hand a squeezed, and he brought her hand to his lips for a brief kiss. "Xander's been the center of my world since we were five. Then I met Tara, and he fell in love with Anya. For the first time, we didn't turn to the other first. It was hard at first, but we both were happy with who we'd chosen. It made me happy to see Xander so content and settled. I hate that Anya was taken so soon, and I wish—I mean I had hoped this time wouldn't come for years. No one will ever replace her."

Xander released her hand and put his arm around her shoulder to hug her. "Anya had the ugliest toes," he said, startling the audience. A few laughed. "She loved the nastiest cheeses, and she was far from perfect, but no one ever loved me the way she did. She didn't care about who my parents were, how much money I didn't have. She just saw me—all of me. No one had really ever done that beside Willow and Buffy, but they didn't take their clothes off around me." Now everyone laughed. "Anya believed in me and saw that I could be more that a Zeppo."

Cordelia felt the weight of Xander's words, acknowledging his truth. She had loved him, but she had been too self-centered and selfish back then to really love him the way he deserved. It was good that he'd met Anya even if he was hurting now. At least he knew what it was like to be loved so completely. Only Dru had ever loved her completely, but Cordelia hadn't been able to love him to the same degree. Years later and Xander still recalled her insult. Guilt plagued her for her harsh judgement.

He was no Zeppo.

"Goodbye, Anya," Xander said, looking at the casket. "I will never forget you. I'm sorry that I couldn't save you."

The audience felt his pain and many dry eyes weren't dry anymore.

It was a sad morning for all of them.

The All-Father, who was standing in the back of the group, his head covered in a cloak, felt his champion's pain and frowned.

The minister said a few words in closing. "A reception will be held at the Magic Box. You all are invited there for lunch," he said.

Tony had insisted on catering a lunch for everyone, buffet-style. Giles and Wesley had set tables and chairs up. Some would eat standing up, but they didn't expect many of the demons to stick around long.

As everyone started to disperse, Cordelia gave Willow a look so that she'd leave Xander's side for five minutes. "Xander, I'm sorry," she said.

Xander looked up. "Thanks," he said. Everyone was sorry—sorry for him. It didn't change his reality.

"No, I mean that I'm sorry for being such a bitch to you in high school," she said.

Xander was surprised by her apology. "Cordy, that's in the past, and I deserved most of your bitchiness," he said.

"Maybe some of it after the thing with Willow, but not what happened before Willow or even what happened after you bought my prom dress," she said. "You and Willow happened because you and I were growing close, and it scared you. Willow is your port in the storm. If I hadn't gotten impaled, I don't know that I would've been so angry so long. But the pain of that just inflamed my anger."

"We were young and stupid," he said, giving her a smile. Maybe she had a point about his fleeting Willow attraction.

"I shouldn't have been so cruel," she said. "I knew then that you weren't a Zeppo, and I shouldn't have said it. I was just in pain, and I wanted to hurt you."

"You did a good job with that," he said with a half-smile.

"We've both changed a lot, but I hope we can be what we never really were before—real friends," Cordelia said, giving him a hopeful smile.

"I'd like that," Xander said sincerely. He opened his arms up for a hug.

Willow and Tara were standing with Buffy and Faith watching the two. Willow frowned at their hug. "Cordelia isn't thinking she can have Xander now, is she?" she asked.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Will? How could you think that?" she asked. "Cordelia would never intrude on Xander's grief like that. The two hardly speak out of respect for Anya's insecurities. I'm sure she's just apologizing for being such a bitch in high school."

"How can you know that?" Willow asked. "Why would she even do that unless she had an ulterior motive?"

"Sweetie, not everyone does things expecting to gain something," Tara said.

"Cordelia is not the girl she was in high school, Will," Buffy said. "Not even close."

Faith agreed. "She really isn't," Faith said. "She's been fighting the good fight with Angel, taking on those visions. More than even you, Red, she's changed."

"Everyone's capable of change," Tara said.

"I just don't want any girl to hurt Xander again," Willow said.

"We always hurt those we love," Buffy said. "Except for Tara, every woman Xander has ever loved has hurt him to some degree or another. I did when I couldn't be what he wanted me to be. When I dismissed his contributions or a dozen other little things. You did when you came between him and Cordelia, Willow. Even Faith hurt him when she had sex with him and them threw him out of the room like it meant nothing."

Faith winced. "He told you about that?" she asked, feeling ashamed and guilty.

"He tells us everything eventually," Buffy said. "But he forgives us, and he loves us. Cordelia has the right to have a part of his big heart. He doesn't belong to just us, Will."

Tara put her arm around her girl. "Willow doesn't like to share," she said, giving her a fond smile.

"I'm an only child," she reminded them. Then she sensed something and turned to watch the hooded figure walk away.

"What?" Buffy asked, looking.

"I think Odin was here," Willow said, pointing at the figure walking away. They watched as the man disappeared. She was too distracted with Xander and hadn't noticed his presence. Her slip was embarrassing.

"Yep, that was him," Buffy said. "Why didn't he say hello?"

"Xander's pretty angry with him. Maybe he wanted to wait," Willow said. Xander and Cordelia, arm in arm, walked toward them.

"You ready to go?" Buffy asked. "We can stay longer if you want. When Mom died, I couldn't leave for hours."

Xander shook his head. "No. It's okay. I want to go to the reception and hear others tell Anya stories," he said. "It makes things easier. Your words today really helped me. Thank you. I love you all." The three girls embraced him while Faith looked on, feeling like a third wheel. She cared about Xander, but she hadn't really known Anya. From what she heard, she was a real free spirit, though. Faith liked girls who loved orgasms and weren't afraid to admit it. As they walked to their vehicles, she eyed Bruce, thinking of her own orgasm and how she might go about getting one or four.

"That man is not going to get away," she thought. She went up to Tony's limo. "Got room for one more?"

Tony grinned, enjoying the bold slayer who had his friend tied up in knots. "For gorgeous women? Always!" he said, letting her in.

Bruce braced himself as she sat next to him, brushing up against him. He could feel the Hulk stirring inside him, longing for her. Was that the Hulk or was it his own attraction? Why was he fighting this again?

"Are you guys leaving tonight?" she asked him.

Bruce shook his head. "No, in the morning. Tony has a new vampire weapon he wants to try, and we don't have time to go to Sunnydale," he said.

Tony shut the door as he got into the limo. Natasha, Clint, and Dawn were there, too. "I do want to see if the vampires respond the same on each hellmouth, so I will do tests there eventually," he said.

"Well, I'm loving the ultra-violet ray gun you created," Faith said. "It cleans out nests quickly."

"You mean you actually use it?" Natasha asked. "Doesn't that take away your fun?" She'd spent a few weeks fighting there with Faith, and she knew how much the slayer loved a good brawl.

Faith grinned. "I only use it when we're taking out a nest Jonathan or the guys have spotted. They use it every night, though. They love it," she said.

"Good," Tony said. "I want them to be safe since they don't have your gifts," he said.

"So what's this new weapon?" Faith asked.

"It's a dart gun that dispenses vials of holy water," Tony said. "I've gotten various kinds of holy water, trying to determine if only Catholic blessed water works. I have water blessed by monks, rabbis, Baptist, Pentecostals, and even water blessed by a coven of witches Willow introduced me to."

"That's going to be a cool experiment," Dawn said excitedly. "I wanna go with you when you test it."

"You have to ask your brother," Tony said, looking at Clint.

Clint shrugged. "Sure," he said. "She can borrow one of her sister's swords. She's getting quite good."

"I'd rather use a bow," Dawn said.

Clint gave her a proud look. "She is even better with a bow and arrow, naturally," he said.

Tony laughed. "Naturally," he said. "Well, we'll make a party of it."

"B says this town is kind of lame in the summer," Faith warned. "I hope you can find enough vamps to test it."

"If not, I'll save it for our next trip to your neck of the woods," Tony said with a shrug.

"I'll hold you to it," Faith said. She, though, wasn't interested in playing with any of Tony's toys tonight. Tonight, she had only one target in mind, and she was sitting right next to him.

Bruce couldn't seem to get away from her for long. She spent time with him at the Magic Box. Of course, she'd move off for a while, and he'd start to relax. Then she'd return, touching his arm, flirting. Between his own natural response, and the Hulk scraping at his head, he fought for control.

Finally, he made his escape, practically fleeing back to his hotel room. He had only a few hours of peace before there was a knock on his door. When he opened it, he wasn't too surprised to see that it was Faith.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, even though he knew.

Faith smirked as she stepped inside, crowding him, so he stepped back. "Don't you know?" she asked.

"Faith, I don't know—" he began.

"I'm done talking," she said. She kicked off her shoes, took off her jacket. To his shock, she was quickly in her underwear.

"What are you doing?" he asked, shutting the door finally.

"What does it look like?" she asked with a grin. "Either you and I are going to have sex right now, or you can let out the Hulk. I'm done waiting."

"Do you even care which one it is?" he asked upset.

She shrugged. "Well, I know the Hulk likes and wants me," she said. "Rejection isn't ever cool, and you don't seem to know what you want, or you don't want me enough. Whatever. If you don't want to be here, then let the Hulk out. I know he's man enough to satisfy me."

Bruce felt the sting of her words even as he wanted to reach for her.

"What's it going to be?" she asked as she reached for her bra strap, unsnapping it.

When it fell, Bruce was powerless and reached for her.

Grinning, Faith let him pull her close.

*****Later that Night******

While Tony and several others were having his fun with his experiment, Xander was alone in his room. He'd busied himself all day with his friends and Anya's. Hearing so many things about her that he didn't know had been a great comfort—they'll never know how much it meant to him. Sometimes, he felt like too many people didn't understand his relationship or accept it. The stories, though, showed him that he was wrong. Others appreciated her quirks as much as he did.

It took him a bit, but he finally fell asleep. Now Odin could bring him some comfort.

Xander knew he was dreaming. The place he was in was too bright and beautiful to be real, but he smiled. Finally, a good dream. There was a pond in the distance, and he walked toward it. He could see a bench of sorts near it. A woman was sitting on it. Curious, he walked closer, his heart speeding up as he realized he recognized the form.

"Anya?" he wondered.

The woman on the bench turned and smiled. "You came!" she exclaimed, getting to her feet. Xander ran toward her. "He said you would, but I wasn't sure you could."

Xander pulled her into his arms. "Thanks God! It's really you!" he said, holding her tightly. Then he pulled back, so he could see her face. Once his eyes connected with hers again, he knew it was really her, and his lips found hers.

"I thought I lost you," he said when they pulled back.

"Never," she said. She pulled him down to sit on the bench next to him. Leaning against him, she gave a happy sigh. "Do you like this place?"

Xander nodded. "It's beautiful and peaceful," he said.

"This is where I grew up," she said. "Well, it looks the same. Before I was a foolish woman that got into the vengeance business."

"So this is really a dream? You're not really here?" he asked, disappointed.

"Well, I'm really visiting you in your dream. Or rather you're visiting me where I am," she explained. "It's Odin's gift to you. He knows how mad you are at him for my death."

"Because he didn't save you. I tried, Anya. I moved us away from Sunnydale because I was afraid," Xander confessed.

"Really?" Anya asked in surprise. "Did you see my death?"

He nodded. "I should've told you. It's my fault you're dead. You didn't know to be on guard," he said bitterly.

Anya snorted. "Someone thinks awfully highly of himself, huh?" she asked. Then she smiled. "Xander, Cordelia is given visions of people in trouble—people that she is supposed to help save. Your gift isn't the same as hers. You are the One Who Sees. That means you see what WILL be. Not what might be. My death was written. It might've came a few months later or even a year, but we were never destined to grow old together."

"Why not? We deserved that!" Xander said, angry.

Anya put her hand on his cheek. "You deserved that," she said. "You have always been the best person I've ever known. You saw past my demoness, my drive for vengeance, and you loved me. You taught me what it was to be human, and you taught me how to love."

"You made me a man," Xander said. "I love you so much." He kissed her again, afraid she was going to disappear.

"This is a dream, Xander, but this isn't your imagination," Anya said after they separated. "This is Odin's gift so that we could say goodbye. So you would know that I'm okay, and that I love you so very much."

"Why can't we be together?" Xander asked. "It's not right."

"I'm sorry that I spent centuries hurting humans," she said. "But at the same time, if I hadn't done that, we wouldn't have met. You made me so incredibly happy. The past few years with you were happier than all the many that came before you."

"I feel the same way," he said, kissing her again.

"Don't be heartbroken forever, Xander," she told him.

"So that's it? You're going to stay here? Is this heaven?" Xander asked.

"It's a kind of purgatory," she said. "I have to spend some time here thinking of the countless people I hurt and whether or not it was my place to punish them."

"Seriously?" Xander asked, upset.

"Hey, that's a good deal, Xander," she assured him. "Most vengeance demons go to a hell dimension, but I get a chance for a heavenly reward. That's because of you. You taught me to put others ahead of myself—or at least care more. You reminded me what it meant to be human except this time the lesson actually stuck."

Xander sighed, not sure what he wanted to say. He just felt incredibly sad, so he pulled her against him. "I hope I don't ever wake up," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.

"Don't say that, Xander," Anya said, pulling away so she could see his face. "You have a lot of living still to do. Your girls still need you. I'm sure Buffy will need her life saved again real soon."

Xander grew alarmed. "Do you know something? Is she in danger? Is something coming?" he asked in concern.

Anya laughed. "No, silly. I was just playing the odds," she said. "She's a slayer that has already died twice!"

Xander looked sheepish. "Oh," he said. "Can I stay a little bit longer?"

"I hope so," she said.

He pulled her closed, savoring every moment.

When Xander awoke the next morning, the sun was high in the air. He sat up in bed, the empty spot next to him, paining him. Then he turned and put his feet on the floor. His mind was full of the dream he had.

A voice spoke so clearly in his mind, "It wasn't a mere dream, Alexander. It was real—as real as it could be."

Xander was silent as he realized what that meant. "Thank you," he said.

"You are welcome," Odin said. "I am truly sorry for your loss."

Xander nodded and the voice was gone. Then he felt it.

Peace.

*****Chapter End*****

So this alternate reality twist came to me as I was writing, and I just thought that it'd be perfect to change Faith's world with a wish, connecting her to Pyro from the X-Men world. In the Marvel world, X-Men lived in the Avenger world, I believe. It just hasn't happened on the big screen yet, but I'm officially changing it with the WISH. Review and tell me your thoughts.

As you can see, I do have many balls in the air with each thing I write as they all connect and lead back together in some way. The next chapter will focus on Buffy. Thanks for reading!