Set: After 'Chosen' Ignoring Season 8.
Joss is ruler of the universe!
I followed the directions I had written down and found myself standing outside a small bar, easily overlooked because of all the glittering lights on all the other surrounding buildings. I pulled open the door and stepped inside. The bar was nice, not what I had expected at all. I looked around quickly assessing the bar's patrons looking for him but it seems he's not here yet.
I order a strong drink from the bar and take a seat at one of the booths to watch the live band playing. I don't have to wait long before he shows. I wave from my seat when I notice him looking for me.
He spots me then and comes rushing over, I get up from my seat and walk in his direction so that we meet in the middle. As he gets closer I can't help the smile that comes to my face. As soon as I'm able to, I pull him in for a Slayer strength hug.
He winces slightly and I instantly let go. "It's so good to see you Slayer" he says warmly.
"You too Clem! It's been a while." It's so nice to see a face from Sunnydale. Clem holds me at arm's length and looks me over. "I was so glad to get your call Buffy. You look great. Always knew you'd make it out ok."
We head to the bar to orders drinks and then take a seat back at the table I had been sitting on. "So how is everyone?" he asks. I smile politely and tell him all about the gang. All to soon though Clem asks the question I had been asking. "And Spike, how's he doing these days?"
My face instantly falls the moment he mentions Spike's name. Six months it had been since that day, but I still couldn't stand to hear anyone say it. A lone tear escapes and Clem's friendly face falls gravely. "Didn't make it huh?" he asks quietly. I only shake my head in response.
Clem takes on of my hands and squeezes it reassuringly. I look up at him and a small whimper escapes my throat. I stop myself from balling like an idiot and I tell Clem all about Spike's heroic actions, how he saved us all.
He smiles proudly to himself and I smile along with him. "Always knew he was capable of great things" Clem says fondly.
"Me too" I reply. I order another hefty drink to the table. Clem looks at me worryingly. It had become normal for me drink these days. No one questioned it anymore back at home, it had become routine.
Ever since leaving Sunnydale I had cut myself even more than usual from everyone. I still lead the other Slayers when they needed me and I stayed on site. But I had transformed into a harder rougher Slayer than ever before. I was still grieving and I didn't think I would ever get over Spike's death. He had kept me tethered to this life.
Clem inquired as to what we were all doing now. I explained about the army of Slayers all over the world and he told me about a business he had started. We chatted for a while and it was nice. I didn't have to try so hard with Clem, it was easy.
After a moment of silence Clem told me a memory he had Spike when they had first met. How he had saved Clem from some sort of arranged marriage to some other species of demon and the two had been friends since. It was weird and interesting story but it made me smile.
After that we told each other different memories we had of Spike. It was enlightening. It was so nice to talk to someone else who had seen how much good he had in him. When me and Clem finally parted ways a few hours later I left feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The world didn't seem like such a gloomy place.
