See Chapter 1 for info & warnings
Bad blood and ghosts wrapped tight around me,
Nothing could ever seem to touch me.
I lose what I love most
Did you know I was lost until you found me?
~Garbage "Stroke of Luck"
Erin wasn't prepared for the round of hugs when she appeared on Giles's doorstep. Buffy came first, squeezing her so tight that only a Slayer could have survived; then Willow, whispering a quick blessing; then Xander, never one to miss the chance to grab a pretty girl; and Giles, who expressed his admiration for her speed. Conversely, Anya glared at her from beside Xander, Riley gave a respectful salute, and Oz merely nodded and offered a small smile.
Spotting the vampire - /Spike,/ she recalled - hovering behind the group, Erin asked, "What, no hug?" It was easier to make jokes than to examine her own conflicting emotions.
"Not in the habit of hugging people who'd as soon kill me," Spike replied with a petulant frown.
"Have I ever threatened to kill you, Blondie? You think far too much of yourself." Erin smiled at the group. "Well, he's dead. Avalon and her baby are just fine." Before Buffy could ask, Erin continued, "Angel is doing good. His business is really taking off. Not enough for Cordelia's taste," she caught a snort from Xander, "but enough for them to get by."
"That's good," Buffy said with some relief, leaning back into Riley's arms. "I imagine Cordy's going kind of nuts, though."
"I don't know. She hated me so much, I never really got to talk to her."
"What did you do, step on her best shoes?" Xander asked.
Erin shifted uncomfortably. "I think I stole her crush. She may not have thought she wanted him before, but after I got there, she got territorial."
"And who, may I ask, is the poor guy who's fallen into her trap now?"
"Good that you're not bitter, Xander. His name's Doyle." It was an arrow through her heart to say his name so casually, to talk about him like he didn't mean anything. "He works for Angel."
Buffy grinned. "You go, girl. Hey, how 'bout we go get some pizza and catch a flick to celebrate?"
"Sure. Sounds fun," Erin said. /And maybe it'll be distracting enough that I can actually forget for a few minutes./