Synopsis: Buffy revisits her grave. A post-"After
Life" episode fanfic.
Rating: G
Date Written: Wednesday, 10 October, 2001
Note: The Life After is the 2nd of a series of
post-episode fanfictions based on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
season 6 episodes. I will try to write a short, mostly
Spike/Buffy story every week for the entire season (here's
keepin' my fingers crossed!) Again, these are pure speculations.
Let me know what you think.
Credits: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the property of Joss
Whedon and the powers that be.
Characters: Buffy Willow Tara Spike
Even the aftermath of Buffy's resurrection, Xander warned him not
to rekindle his obsession towards the Slayer and made him admit
his true feelings, which he took as an offense. But yes, he
admitted, Spike thought. He cannot deny that fact that it
was the happiest moment in his life when he heard about Buffy's
return. In fact, he didn't have to say a word, his tears alone
proved that point.
But that was far from his mind. What's important was that Buffy
shared a part of her with him that her friends would never know.
It would remain theirs and theirs alone.
147... Buffy thought, "147 days..." she
whispered as she remembered Spike recounting the days. He
knew every day, every night, every second, she thought.
She was standing in front of her grave reflecting the final
moments before she was ripped from her peaceful sanctum. Buffy
hardly recognized Sunnydale the day before. It was like a
nightmare, ruled by demons and monsters, and death. It was her
personal hell and yet... she's home.
"We must tell him," said Tara.
"I-I know," said Willow apprehensive to take the next
step. She knew it was the right thing to do, but given the
circumstances, she was quite unsure whether the time was right.
Buffy had been through a lot and she doesn't want to add to her
worries. Willow reckoned it was better to take one step at a time
and not rush into things.
"He should know, he and Buffy were..." Tara paused.
Someone was standing outside Joyce's bedroom, now their temporary
bedroom. "Who should know what?" Buffy asked, puzzled
on what they were talking about.
Willow was the first to speak, "It's nothing Buffy...
really."
"I heard my name... so I guess it concerns me." Buffy
entered the bedroom and noticed the changes made. Pictures of
Willow and Tara hanged on the wall, frames placed on the side
tables. Buffy smiled. In as much as it was her mother's room, she
very much welcomed her two friends staying with them. Buffy
waited for either of them to answer her question.
"Baby steps," said Willow.
"Huh?"
"Baby steps, we're only doing baby steps, remember?"
said Willow half-smiled. "You need to take one step at a
time since y-you just got back."
"We don't want to worry you with s-small, insignificant
matter," added Tara.
"What insignificant matter?" Buffy said with interest.
Finally, Willow decided to tell her about it. She started slowly.
"W-When you d-died," she said carefully, "I
visited Angel..."
Buffy abnormally still, remembered his name--Angel, the vampire
with the angelic face; the vampire who captured her heart; the
vampire she loved. Theirs was a love of a lifetime. But somehow,
it was all a memory. A far distant memory.
"Angel..."
***
next post-episode#3