Buffy hadn't been gone for more then 2 seconds when Cordy's eyes began to flutter open. The candles blew out and without even thinking Angel was by her side and hugging her. Of course Cordy enjoyed the feeling of being home and in Angel's arms as long as she could. Angel did let go though, but only because everyone else wanted to greet her and welcome her back. Buffy's eyes were open but drooping. She couldn't help herself when she let a tear escape the side of her eye as she witnessed how happy everyone was to see Cordelia back. She knew at that moment her risk or sacrifice was worth it.
Spike walked slowly over to her and knelt next to her wheelchair, "It's a good thing you did."
Buffy smiled, "I know. They're all so happy."
Spike couldn't smile back, "So then why are you crying?"
Buffy shrugged, "I think I might have opened a little cut in my stomach."
Spike sighed, "You want to go back to your room? You look tired."
Buffy smiled, "Will you...Can you sleep with me?"
Spike was exstatic at the request but of course answered smoothly, "I knew you couldn't wait to get me back in your bed."
Buffy laughed a little, "I just want you to hold me."
Spike knew something was defenitely on her mind if she wanted or needed to be held but let it fly because he could feel the pain radiating off of her. Buffy looked over to Cordy, "Welcome back."
Cordy turned her head and was all of a sudden talking fast. "Buffy, we're going to talk. I mean what you did what you gave..."
Buffy stopped her right there, "I didn't give anything Cordy. Now Spike and I are going back to my room because I'm kind of bleeding and I am dead tired."
Angel couldn't stop staring into Buffy's eyes as she spoke. There was something missing in her...A piece or a void in her soul that just broke his unbeating heart. He smiled though and in true sincerity thanked her. "Buffy, what you did was amazing."
Buffy nodded and made sure he didn't say anymore, "Look all of you are very welcome! Now leave me be so I can get better, train fred and then get out of here."
Everyone was shocked including Spike but he just walked behind the wheelchair Buffy was in and started to push her. Cordy couldn't help but stop her at the door by calling her name. "Buffy!" Spike stopped but neither of them turned back to face her. "I know you want to leave but I really am grateful for what you did. What happened when you came for me...What you said and did...I think I finally understand the word sacrifice."
Buffy nodded and whispered, "Thank you."
Spike started to push her without another word to everyone else. The second the door closed behind them Angel turned to Cordy, "What sacrifice?"
Cordy shook her head really debating on telling Angel the truth or not. She knew though that Angel deserved to know and no matter how jealous or sad she was he needed to know. "Angel, there's something you have to know."
Angel, along with the rest of the room went stiff. It took him all the strength to answer Cordy, "What?"
Cordelia was about to speak but when she opened her mouth only air came out. She started to get worried along with everybody else. Wesley sat on the other side of Cordy, "Are you okay?"
Cordelia nodded and remembered what she agreed to. She sighed as she explained, "Part of the agreement for me to come back was to Buffy. She promised me I could keep my visions if I promised I wouldn't tell anyone what she gave up until she was ready or gave me permission."
Angel silently swore to himself but tried to put it away because one of the happiest things in the world was sitting right in front of him. So he put on his best fake smile, "Don't worry about it. We'll find out later because right now we've got more recent news which would be you."
Cordelia smiled and hugs went all around until she finally looked around the room and then at herself, "You guys so brought me clothes right?"
-Buffy's Room-
Spike slowly slid Buffy into her hospital bed after already bandaging her up again. She winced as he accidentally touched her wound but smiled as she was comfortable in the bed. Buffy moved closer to the right and immediately Spike took off his coat and slid in behind her. Buffy smiled in comfort finally as Spike's hand slid gently accross her stomach careful of her wound.
Spike sighed and smiled, "It's been a long time since I've been able to hold you Buffy."
Buffy nodded, "Could have been shorter."
Instantly Spike was filled with guilt, "Yeah well, even vampires get scared."
Buffy only smiled, "You guys were always afraid of me. It's just you were the only one who would stand up to me enough to stick around."
Spike didn't know exactly what to do or think at her statement so he stayed quiet until he started thinking about the conversation when Cordelia woke up. "So what was your great sacrifice?"
Buffy let a tear escape from her eye yet again but made sure Spike couldn't see it as she answered, "Nothing too important. Cordelia's always been a drama queen."
Spike knew she was lying but let it go because even if you didn't have powers you could feel the sadness echo the room. "Then sleep slayer. Tomorrow's going to be a big day."
With that Buffy's eyes closed and Spike whispered one more sentence before he too fell into a deep sleep. "I love you."