Transitions
Disclaimer: I didn't get this show for Christmas so, alas, I own nothing.
A.N: Slashes indicate thoughts, i.e.-\please review\. I am so sorry for the delay in posting this. I had exams and the greatest evil of all plaguing me-writer's block. Read chapters one, two, and three first. I revised that so it is now better and makes more sense. For those who have read the original, it was supposed to be dusk, not dawn. REVIEW! I beg you. Only way to get more fics by me. I love you all for your reviews, hugs reviewers. I really appreciate any and all reviews. They help a lot. Now, the story. Enjoy! I hope you like it. I actually think it sucks. Hope you disagree.
Buffy, Angel, and Spike desisted all movement and prattle as the watch signaled dusk was upon them. They stood frozen for several minutes without a word until Spike decided to remedy that.
"Well, that was anti-climatic. What was supposed to happen at dusk anyway, if you don't mind me asking," Spike supplicated. Before a reply could be given, the floor began to quake. The whole room trembled. Spike and Angel instinctively turned towards the massive wooden door, through which they entered the room, expecting some immense demon to appear. Suddenly, an intense, blinding flash of light lit up the room and disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Buffy cried out in pain since she had been looking in the direction of the light. Angel and Spike, unaffected since they had their backs facing the flash, rushed to her aid. She was kneeling on the concrete ground, covering her eyes.
"Are you all right?" Angel questioned with concern.
"Just look at her, poof. Of course she's not fine. How stupid can one person be!" Spike exclaimed in a harsh tone. He then knelt beside the injured slayer and asked in a caring voice, "What's the matter, Luv?" Buffy whipped her head towards the direction of Spike's voice. Her eyes were watering severely. "Aw. Don't cry, pet. Everything's gonna be all right," he assured her.
"I am not crying! That light blinded me. I can't see a thing," Buffy protested. "Is it temporary? What if it's not? I can't fight vampires without my eyesight! Do you think it will come back?" She questioned, frightened. Spike was about to put her worries at ease when he noticed Angel was staring dumbfounded ahead. This incited Spike to investigate what had caused him to become so jarred. When he beheld what stunned Angel, he gasped loudly.
"Angel? Spike? What happened? What is it?" Buffy demanded fearfully in a strained voice. Her inquiry fell upon deaf ears since both Spike and Angel were oblivious of her due to the scene developing before them. She reached out and clasped Angel's sleeve. She tugged forcefully on it, but no response came. She furiously rubbed at her eyes. Finally, when she blinked away what was left of the haze that clouded her eyesight, she could see again. She turned toward Angel, the Spike. \What happened to them?\ She then gazed ahead and realized why they appeared so shocked. The room had been completely transformed into the old library just as it had the night before. All the rubble and debris had vanished. In the center of the room stood a large table littered with books. Seated around it were Giles, Willow, and Xander. They were slightly faded and unmoving. Willow and Giles both appeared to be preoccupied with reading ancient books, most likely about various demons, while Xander only pretended to read one of Giles' old dusty volumes but in fact, he was skimming the pages of some magazine hidden poorly inside the book. When Giles, Willow, and Xander fully materialized, they began to stir. Willow cautiously turned one of the yellowed pages and Xander snickered at something he read in the magazine. Buffy took a deep breath and walked to the table. She pulled out the chair next to Xander and sat down.
"Hey, guys," she greeted cheerfully. Willow muttered something that sounded like 'hi' and Giles didn't even make a sound. Buffy didn't blame them much; since both of them were still diligently scrutinizing the pages they were so engrossed in. Xander tossed his magazine aside almost hitting Willow and grinned widely.
"There's my favorite Slayer! So, how was the shopping with your parental unit? Buy anything lacy and transparent you'd like to get my opinion on? I'd be happy to judge it. I believe it's my duty as your friend." Xander stated with a devilish smirk. Willow reached over and smacked him lightly. "Hey! What was that for? I think it was a legitimate question," Xander exclaimed. Willow again hit him only harder this time; Giles just shook his head in exasperation. Buffy had to smile at this.
\ At least I know they haven't changed, \ she thought with amusement. Another thought displaced the other and caused her slight woe. \ That is, except for the fact they are all dead. \ She quickly dismissed that thought and decided to deal with Xander. "Maybe another time, Xan. You know, when it's just you and me." She gave him a seductive smile and winked. Xander was in utter disbelief. He actually blushed. Buffy couldn't take it anymore. She burst out laughing and Willow soon joined in. Buffy got up, still giggling, put her arms around Xander and said, "Did you think I was serious?" Xander turned away and feigned anguish. This only caused Buffy and Willow to laugh harder. \ I missed this so much. I can't remember when I laughed so hard. Maybe Angel won't make me tell them. He'll understand. Angel! I almost forgot! \ She then rushed to Spike and Angel, who were silently observing the whole scene while reclining against a concrete wall. Spike looked thoroughly confused. Before Buffy could find out what had perplexed Spike so much, Xander decided to join her.
"Dead Boy! Hey, I was wondering when you would pay us a visit. I knew I wasn't lucky enough for you to forget us. Buffy can only keep you occupied for so long. Plus, you couldn't let her stray too far," Xander said as he glared at Angel. Angel glared right back. Xander then turned his aggression on Spike. "Spike! Wow. This is a surprise. After leaving Buffy like that, I never thought you would grace us with your presence again. I'm shocked. I didn't think you had the gaul to return here. I'm even more surprised that Buffy hasn't staked you yet for what you did to her. This is just so great! My two favorite vampires are here, together. I must've done something really awful to deserve this little reunion," Xander exclaimed his voice dripping with sarcasm. Buffy shot him a vexed look.
"Alexander LeVelle Harris, I cannot believe you just said that! How dare you. I want you to stop you childish behavior this second. I won't take this kinda stuff from you. You have absolutely no right!" Buffy scolded but Xander just rolled his eyes. "Xander, be nice to them. Please, for me? If I can forgive them both for their past mistakes, you sure as hell can. Think of it this way, when you insult them, you insult me and when someone insults me, I kick their ass. So behave!"
"Fine, fine. Whatever. I'll behave but only because I don't want the wrath of Buffy on me. I warn you, though. If one of them hurts you in anyway, I will stake both of them. Well, not really because I don't think I could. Instead of staking, wedgies or dirty swirlies. Which is more ruthless? Maybe blood in a dribble glass! Hmm. Now I have to think about this." Xander relented and returned to his seat.
"Thanks," Buffy mouthed to Xander. She then clasped Angel's hand and pulling him with her, walked back to the table motioning for Spike to follow. When the trio reached the table, Giles and Willow both had finally put away their books, intrigued by Spike's appearance back in Sunnydale. They had noticed the blond vampire only because the commotion created by Xander caused them to pay attention to the events transpiring around them. Willow smiled and waved enthusiastically at Angel and Spike. Spike nodded and smiled slightly in recognition and Angel did the same.
"Hello, Angel. Spike, what springs you back to Sunnydale?" Giles prodded. Spike started at Giles blankly for a moment, then grabbed Buffy's arm unrepentantly.
"Excuse me and the Slayer for a bit. We have to talk. You know about . . . us and all. It will only take a second. We'll be close by if you need us. Go ahead and talk amongst yourselves. I won't stop you." He called to the group without turning around as he dragged Buffy away. Angel, of course, followed them as they treaded to the outside garden area that contained the fountain.
"Odd," Giles muttered as they left.
Buffy involuntarily shuddered as they entered this area. She had fought Angelus here when he tried to banish the entire world to the fiery pits of hell. \ It seems everything majorly bad in my life happens here in this mansion. Well, not everything. The whole Master thing wasn't here. Neither was the Major fiasco, but two really harsh events happened here. Well, three counting the time I found Spike's letter here, telling me e had left. Does the whole Angel losing his soul thing count? It happened here, but that was good. Not the soul-losing thing, but the way he lost his soul. No! Bad. Definitely bad. Only because of all the terrible things Angelus did. The consequences outweighed the actions or something like that. I really have to stop this. I hate when I mind ramble. \ Buffy finally looked up to find Spike and Angel staring at her. "What?" She asked in a defensive tone of voice.
"You didn't notice me calling your name, but you notice when I look at you. You have issues, pet," Spike chided.
"Just shut up, Spike. I'm paying attention now, so tell me why you dragged me out here," she snapped.
"Are you all right, Buffy?" Angel questioned. / Why is she being so capricious?/
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just stressed with this whole situation, I guess. No biggie," she
reassured him.
"Speaking of situations, what is the situation exactly? That's what I wanted to ask you, Luv. I thought your friends were . . . well, dead, but clearly it was just wishful thinking. Only on the whelp's part. Red and the Watcher really don't bother me . . . much," Spike stated.
"They are dead. Wait. I thought you knew about this. Why else would you be here if you didn't? Now I'm lost!" she exclaimed.
"I cam because the princess had a vision. She told me you weren't 'dealing' with your friends' death well. I came to help. I never expected this, though. How can they be here if they're dead? Someone explain," Spike ordered as Buffy sat down on the edge of the decaying fountain, and buried her head in her hands.
"Angel, explain," Buffy pleaded, her voice muffled by her hands.
Angel sighed at this request he didn't really want to but he knew he would. He'd do anything for Buffy. "Lately, Buffy has been feeling depressed. I . . . we thought it would be best if she came here and got 'closure' on their deaths. So last night, the one-year anniversary of the . . . incident, she came to the mansion and saw them. They have no recollection of their deaths or the year since. They think they are still alive. Buffy and I have decided we had to tell them the truth. It's not that difficult to understand really," Angel disclosed.
"Got it?" Buffy asked as she stood.
"Sure do, Luv," Spike retorted. Buffy nodded and returned inside. She headed straight to the table. Spike started to trail when Angel stopped him.
"I need to know something. What did Xander mean when he said you left Buffy? What happened between you two?" Angel swore he saw a hint of remorse in Spike's eyes, but whatever he thought he saw was instantly replaced with anger.
"Listen here, poof. That's between me and the Slayer. I suggest you sod off!" Spike growled and strode back inside. Angel just shook his head in puzzlement and quickly followed the Billy Idol wannabe vampire. When both Spike and Angel reached Buffy, she was in the middle of explaining Spike's return.
"So he decided leaving was the wrong thing to do and came back. Right, Spike?" She turned to him and nodded; silently hoping he would collaborate her story.
"Right, I figured running away was something a coward like the whelp would do, not a Big Bad like me, so I came back to Sunnyhell," he said, backing her up.
Xander gave Spike a venomous look with was returned without hesitation. Willow beamed with joy at the news that he was back for good. "That's splendid. We need all the assistance we can acquire. I'm sure everyone agrees when I say, welcome back, Spike," Giles remarked.
"Hey! I don't agree. I personally think he should leave. We have all the help we need already. We actually have too much as it is. Take Angel with you. That would even it out," Xander suggested. Willow promptly elbowed him in an attempt to silence him.
"He doesn't know what he's saying, Spike. We're all glad you're back," Willow reassured him.
"I don't think anyone should ever listen to Xander. He's always wrong but Willow wasn't when she said we're happy you're here, me included. Especially me," Buffy agreed. She sensed someone move behind her and felt them slid strong arms around her waist. She automatically leaned back. / Angel is acting so possessive of me around Spike. Strange. I hate when men act like this. I am not property. I'll have to talk to him about it later. \ A low growling interrupted her thoughts as cool kisses rained upon her neck. \ Who's growling? Probably Xander. Why does he hate Angel so much? Why is Angel so cold all of the sudden? Just like when he was a vamp. \ She was about to ask him about it when he was ripped off her. "Hey!" she protested. She spun around, ready to scold whom ever did that, and gasped. Angel was lifting Spike off the ground by his duster. \ Why? Oh my God! That was Spike, not Angel. I am so gonna hurt Spike! \ She thought angrily. \ But first, I should stop them. \ She called out Angel's name, but he was too busy fighting Spike to listen. Angel punched him hard in the jaw, causing Spike to stumble backwards. He then hit him in the stomach, causing Spike to double over.
"Angel, stop this!" Buffy cried out. He stopped for a moment and turned to her. Spike took his opportunity to retaliate. He stepped in front of Angel and struck him in the face.
"Bloody hell!" Spike yelled as he clutched his head in pain. Angel growled loudly and raised Spike by the collar. He lifted him high in the air and threw him into a wall. He then lifted him again and held him against the wall.
"Stay away from her! You are never to touch her again! Hear me? Next time you do, I swear I'll chain you to the ground outside and let you slowly burn as the sun rises. Got it?" Angel snarled. Spike's only response was spitting in his face. Angel thrust him harder into the wall. Buffy had enough. She stormed up to Angel and tried to pry him off Spike, but Angel just shoved her away. Buffy couldn't believe he just did that.
"What is your problem? I cannot believe the way you are both acting. Worse than children! I am not gonna take your macho bullshit any longer. Let him go!" Buffy barked. Angel quickly released Spike, letting him to the floor.
"Go outside, Angel. Spike, step through those doors. I don't want you two
around each other. It seems you can't be left alone without getting in trouble. Are you two deaf? I think I just told you both to leave. Now go!" She bellowed. Angel knew not to argue with her when she got this mad. He dejectedly went outside. Spike struggled to stand since he was still disoriented from Angel's blows. He finally rose to his feet and trudged through the doors to the hallway beyond them. After they both vacated the room, Buffy just stood in the center of it seething. She took a couple deep breaths to calm herself before she went to lecture the two.
"Giles or Willow, will one of you go and keep Angel company while I speak to Spike? It would really help me," Buffy implored.
"Why can't I?" Xander whined.
"Because you were actually cheering them on! I can't trust you. You'd just make it worse somehow. No offense."
"None taken."
"I will. I wanted to speak to him about something and this would be the perfect opportunity." Giles stepped forward.
"Great. Whatever you do, keep him outside. I don't care how. Just do it." With that said, she went off to deal with Spike and Giles set off to occupy Angel.
• • •
"Why!" Buffy screeched at Spike.
"Why what, pet? Why did Angel go mental and attack me? I'm not exactly sure. I think it's stress." He calmly retorted. Buffy struggled the urge to backhand him across his face. She slowly calmed herself and slid to the ground. She put her back against the wall and crossed her legs Indian style. She patted the ground in front of her.
"Sit, Spike," she commanded. He studied her for a moment and seated himself before her. He dug in his pockets, finally pulling out a pack of cigarettes. He retrieved a lighter from his duster and lit it. He 'inhaled' deeply and blew the toxic smoke away from Buffy's face. He was obviously nervous since he only smoked to relax, as Buffy fondly remembered.
"So," Spike said trying to break the uncomfortable silence between them.
"I won't yell at you any more if you give me a good reason why you kissed me."
Spike immediately dropped his head to avoid Buffy's gaze. He intently studied the floor as if it were the most amazing thing he had ever seen. "I kissed you because . . .I . . . see, it's like this . . . um . . . I wanted . . . I just felt this undeniable urge to . . .do that," he stammered in an almost inaudible voice. He then looked at her. "I thought that you wanted me to. You felt that electricity pass between us when we saw each other earlier tonight. There was a spark. Don't deny it, pet. I tired to forget you, but it's not that easy, you know. Do you remember how happy we both were together? We had something great there. I still love you, Buffy. No doubt about that. We can have it again. I can tell you still love me, Slayer. Don't deny it, Luv," he bravely professed his feeling for her. Buffy bolted up and began to pace briskly. She folded her arms in front of her chest and gazed at Spike. She raked fingers through her hair tensely. Spike just watched her wordlessly.
"You had to tell me this now! Can't we deal with this later? Right now really isn't the best time for this," Buffy complained.
"This can't wait. We need to talk. It's for the best," he insisted as he rose from the ground.
"Fine. Where should I begin? Oh, yeah!" She proclaimed and smacked him on the arm.
"Bloody hell! What did I do to deserve that?"
"You kissed me. That's what it was for. I do care about you still. Part of me may even still love you. I admit there was something there between us. I also admit we were very happy as a couple."
"I knew it! Oh, Buffy, you won't regret this!" he exclaimed.
"Spike, I wasn't finished. As I was going to say, I'm with Angel now. I'm happy with him. I love him. You left me! I might have picked you over him if you stayed, but you didn't. I can't forget how much you hurt me, but I'm over it. I moved on, Spike. Angel's human and we're engaged. He was here, you weren't. I don't want to hurt you. I never did. Well, except when you were evil and wanted to kill me, but that doesn't count. Spike, I still love you, but Angel's my soul mate. I'm going to stay with him. I hope you understand. I also want you to stay in Sunnydale, as my friend. I'll understand if you don't want to but I'd really like you to. Think about it," Buffy stated. She then stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. "Remember, I will always care for you, no matter what. If you stay, and I hope you do, I want you to act somewhat civil to Angel. For me. You can now go back inside with Willow and Xander. I have to talk to Angel. You okay?"
Spike gave Buffy a small smile. "I'll be fine. Don't worry 'bout me any."
Buffy started to leave, but turned to the vampire once again. "I really am sorry."
"Me too, Luv. Me too," he replied. Buffy then left leaving Spike alone in the hallway. He crestfallenly leaned against the wall and slid down. He tossed his smoldering cigarette aside and just sat there, unmoving, staring ahead, but at nothing in particular. He just thought, that and nothing else.
Meanwhile, Giles kept Angel company. Angel didn't speak much. He mostly just brooded over the whole situation. Giles didn't disturb him by speaking. He figured he needed time to think. Giles impatiently checked his watched. \ What is taking her so long? \ He thought. He suddenly remembered a question he wanted to ask Angel. This was the best possible time since he wanted to do this without anyone else present.
"Angel, I noticed something during you bout with Spike. If you don't mind me asking, are you . . . how can I put this . . . human?" Giles inquired. Angel's head shot up. He started wide-eyed at the Watcher.
"What would make you think that?" Angel prodded.
"Well, when Spike struck you, it appeared that he felt pain. The only reason that may explain this is that the chip that was previously in his brain before it still there. The only way he could experience pain as if he harmed a human, though. I thought about this and came to the conclusion that you somehow became mortal. Am I correct in saying this?" Giles questioned. Angel didn't know how to respond. He didn't want Giles to get suspicious and inadvertently find out he was an apparition. He didn't want to spring that kind of knowledge on someone, but he didn't really have a choice. He slowly nodded. Before Giles could ask anymore questions Buffy burst through the doors.
"Thanks, Giles. I can handle it from here," Buffy told him.
"Yes, of course. I'll be inside if you need me," he said as he abruptly left. Angel stood up and faced Buffy. She saw distinct shame and anger on his face. It was obvious he was waiting for her to speak first.\ A gentleman in any situation,\ she thought.
"Angel, do you love me?" She asked. He looked at her and was quite confused. However, he answered quickly.
"With all of my very being. You know that." Buffy simply nodded.
"Do you trust me?" She continued.
"Of course. You need to trust to have love," he replied.
"Then you just lied to me twice. You don't trust me around Spike therefore you don't love me. Am I right?"
"No! I trust you. I just don't trust him."
"If you trusted me, you should know I would never cheat on you. You should also know that I'm a big girl. I can defend myself against Spike. Another thing I'm sure you're aware of it that a relationship needs honesty. Tell me the truth. You don't trust me, do you?"
"Not with him! I saw the way you two were acting around each other earlier. He loves you! Tell me something-since I can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone else! What exactly happened between you two before I came back? I deserve to know."
"Yes, you do. Me and Spike were dating. Like a boyfriend and girlfriend kind of thing. We were actually pretty serious. We loved each other in fact. It began after Riley left me. I sought comfort in Spike. We forged a solid friendship and soon realized . . . we had feelings for each other. He made me happy. He left when you showed up in Sunnydale. He thought he didn't have a chance against you and he left me. I loved him, Angel, but you and me are soul mates. I never got over you. My relationship with Spike is all in the past. I'm with you now," she assured him.
"Then why did you let him kiss you, and why didn't you tell me all this before?"
"I actually thought he was you when he kissed me. I was kinda distracted at the time and didn't notice it wasn't you. Not my fault and the reason I never told you is that I never really thought it mattered. I guess I was wrong." She then turned her back on him. \ I never thought this would be so difficult. What if we break up? No! Don't think like that,\ she scolded herself. Behind her Angel sighed. He came in front of her and brushed some loose strands of hair away from her face. He smiled lovingly at her and caressed her cheek.
"Mi báidh sibh, Buffy. That will never change."
"Huh? In English this time."
""Mi báidh sibh. It is I love you, only in Gaelic. As I was about to say, you're right. The whole Spike issue is in the past. Only the present counts and at the moment I am standing with my beautiful fiancée whom I love dearly. All that matters is that we're together now, right?"
"Right," Buffy quickly agreed. Angel cupped her face and slowly bent down. He kissed her lightly at first but soon it deepened into a passionate kiss that seemed to translate all unspoken words of love to one another. Buff finally broke free, both were gasping for breath.
"We can't start that now. I need to stay focused and it's kinda hard with your tongue down my throat, but hey, I'm not complaining. So, we're okay?"
"Always," Angel replied as he kissed Buffy's claddagh ring and led her back inside. When he entered the room, everyone was staring at them, except for Spike.
"Hey guys. What's the matter?" Buffy asked the group cautiously. Xander leapt up out of his seat. He was angry for some reason. "Just when I think things can't suck any more, I find out Dead Boy isn't dead anymore, he's human! Buffy, why didn't you tell us?" Xander seethed. Buffy glanced at Angel for some support.
"We can explain," Angel said.
"Then explain. We're all waiting," Xander retorted. Before Angel, or anyone else for that matter, could say another word, a voice with a thick Irish accent echoed out of nowhere.
"I think I can help you with that."
(
A.N.-Again I apologize for the delay in posting this. More to come soon, I promise. Well, more to come if I get plenty of reviews. I know it sucked but I had to explain the whole Buffy/Spike thing. The next part will be a lot better. In that part, I explain how X/W/G died and why they came back, finally. Hope you read it!
Disclaimer: I didn't get this show for Christmas so, alas, I own nothing.
A.N: Slashes indicate thoughts, i.e.-\please review\. I am so sorry for the delay in posting this. I had exams and the greatest evil of all plaguing me-writer's block. Read chapters one, two, and three first. I revised that so it is now better and makes more sense. For those who have read the original, it was supposed to be dusk, not dawn. REVIEW! I beg you. Only way to get more fics by me. I love you all for your reviews, hugs reviewers. I really appreciate any and all reviews. They help a lot. Now, the story. Enjoy! I hope you like it. I actually think it sucks. Hope you disagree.
Buffy, Angel, and Spike desisted all movement and prattle as the watch signaled dusk was upon them. They stood frozen for several minutes without a word until Spike decided to remedy that.
"Well, that was anti-climatic. What was supposed to happen at dusk anyway, if you don't mind me asking," Spike supplicated. Before a reply could be given, the floor began to quake. The whole room trembled. Spike and Angel instinctively turned towards the massive wooden door, through which they entered the room, expecting some immense demon to appear. Suddenly, an intense, blinding flash of light lit up the room and disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Buffy cried out in pain since she had been looking in the direction of the light. Angel and Spike, unaffected since they had their backs facing the flash, rushed to her aid. She was kneeling on the concrete ground, covering her eyes.
"Are you all right?" Angel questioned with concern.
"Just look at her, poof. Of course she's not fine. How stupid can one person be!" Spike exclaimed in a harsh tone. He then knelt beside the injured slayer and asked in a caring voice, "What's the matter, Luv?" Buffy whipped her head towards the direction of Spike's voice. Her eyes were watering severely. "Aw. Don't cry, pet. Everything's gonna be all right," he assured her.
"I am not crying! That light blinded me. I can't see a thing," Buffy protested. "Is it temporary? What if it's not? I can't fight vampires without my eyesight! Do you think it will come back?" She questioned, frightened. Spike was about to put her worries at ease when he noticed Angel was staring dumbfounded ahead. This incited Spike to investigate what had caused him to become so jarred. When he beheld what stunned Angel, he gasped loudly.
"Angel? Spike? What happened? What is it?" Buffy demanded fearfully in a strained voice. Her inquiry fell upon deaf ears since both Spike and Angel were oblivious of her due to the scene developing before them. She reached out and clasped Angel's sleeve. She tugged forcefully on it, but no response came. She furiously rubbed at her eyes. Finally, when she blinked away what was left of the haze that clouded her eyesight, she could see again. She turned toward Angel, the Spike. \What happened to them?\ She then gazed ahead and realized why they appeared so shocked. The room had been completely transformed into the old library just as it had the night before. All the rubble and debris had vanished. In the center of the room stood a large table littered with books. Seated around it were Giles, Willow, and Xander. They were slightly faded and unmoving. Willow and Giles both appeared to be preoccupied with reading ancient books, most likely about various demons, while Xander only pretended to read one of Giles' old dusty volumes but in fact, he was skimming the pages of some magazine hidden poorly inside the book. When Giles, Willow, and Xander fully materialized, they began to stir. Willow cautiously turned one of the yellowed pages and Xander snickered at something he read in the magazine. Buffy took a deep breath and walked to the table. She pulled out the chair next to Xander and sat down.
"Hey, guys," she greeted cheerfully. Willow muttered something that sounded like 'hi' and Giles didn't even make a sound. Buffy didn't blame them much; since both of them were still diligently scrutinizing the pages they were so engrossed in. Xander tossed his magazine aside almost hitting Willow and grinned widely.
"There's my favorite Slayer! So, how was the shopping with your parental unit? Buy anything lacy and transparent you'd like to get my opinion on? I'd be happy to judge it. I believe it's my duty as your friend." Xander stated with a devilish smirk. Willow reached over and smacked him lightly. "Hey! What was that for? I think it was a legitimate question," Xander exclaimed. Willow again hit him only harder this time; Giles just shook his head in exasperation. Buffy had to smile at this.
\ At least I know they haven't changed, \ she thought with amusement. Another thought displaced the other and caused her slight woe. \ That is, except for the fact they are all dead. \ She quickly dismissed that thought and decided to deal with Xander. "Maybe another time, Xan. You know, when it's just you and me." She gave him a seductive smile and winked. Xander was in utter disbelief. He actually blushed. Buffy couldn't take it anymore. She burst out laughing and Willow soon joined in. Buffy got up, still giggling, put her arms around Xander and said, "Did you think I was serious?" Xander turned away and feigned anguish. This only caused Buffy and Willow to laugh harder. \ I missed this so much. I can't remember when I laughed so hard. Maybe Angel won't make me tell them. He'll understand. Angel! I almost forgot! \ She then rushed to Spike and Angel, who were silently observing the whole scene while reclining against a concrete wall. Spike looked thoroughly confused. Before Buffy could find out what had perplexed Spike so much, Xander decided to join her.
"Dead Boy! Hey, I was wondering when you would pay us a visit. I knew I wasn't lucky enough for you to forget us. Buffy can only keep you occupied for so long. Plus, you couldn't let her stray too far," Xander said as he glared at Angel. Angel glared right back. Xander then turned his aggression on Spike. "Spike! Wow. This is a surprise. After leaving Buffy like that, I never thought you would grace us with your presence again. I'm shocked. I didn't think you had the gaul to return here. I'm even more surprised that Buffy hasn't staked you yet for what you did to her. This is just so great! My two favorite vampires are here, together. I must've done something really awful to deserve this little reunion," Xander exclaimed his voice dripping with sarcasm. Buffy shot him a vexed look.
"Alexander LeVelle Harris, I cannot believe you just said that! How dare you. I want you to stop you childish behavior this second. I won't take this kinda stuff from you. You have absolutely no right!" Buffy scolded but Xander just rolled his eyes. "Xander, be nice to them. Please, for me? If I can forgive them both for their past mistakes, you sure as hell can. Think of it this way, when you insult them, you insult me and when someone insults me, I kick their ass. So behave!"
"Fine, fine. Whatever. I'll behave but only because I don't want the wrath of Buffy on me. I warn you, though. If one of them hurts you in anyway, I will stake both of them. Well, not really because I don't think I could. Instead of staking, wedgies or dirty swirlies. Which is more ruthless? Maybe blood in a dribble glass! Hmm. Now I have to think about this." Xander relented and returned to his seat.
"Thanks," Buffy mouthed to Xander. She then clasped Angel's hand and pulling him with her, walked back to the table motioning for Spike to follow. When the trio reached the table, Giles and Willow both had finally put away their books, intrigued by Spike's appearance back in Sunnydale. They had noticed the blond vampire only because the commotion created by Xander caused them to pay attention to the events transpiring around them. Willow smiled and waved enthusiastically at Angel and Spike. Spike nodded and smiled slightly in recognition and Angel did the same.
"Hello, Angel. Spike, what springs you back to Sunnydale?" Giles prodded. Spike started at Giles blankly for a moment, then grabbed Buffy's arm unrepentantly.
"Excuse me and the Slayer for a bit. We have to talk. You know about . . . us and all. It will only take a second. We'll be close by if you need us. Go ahead and talk amongst yourselves. I won't stop you." He called to the group without turning around as he dragged Buffy away. Angel, of course, followed them as they treaded to the outside garden area that contained the fountain.
"Odd," Giles muttered as they left.
Buffy involuntarily shuddered as they entered this area. She had fought Angelus here when he tried to banish the entire world to the fiery pits of hell. \ It seems everything majorly bad in my life happens here in this mansion. Well, not everything. The whole Master thing wasn't here. Neither was the Major fiasco, but two really harsh events happened here. Well, three counting the time I found Spike's letter here, telling me e had left. Does the whole Angel losing his soul thing count? It happened here, but that was good. Not the soul-losing thing, but the way he lost his soul. No! Bad. Definitely bad. Only because of all the terrible things Angelus did. The consequences outweighed the actions or something like that. I really have to stop this. I hate when I mind ramble. \ Buffy finally looked up to find Spike and Angel staring at her. "What?" She asked in a defensive tone of voice.
"You didn't notice me calling your name, but you notice when I look at you. You have issues, pet," Spike chided.
"Just shut up, Spike. I'm paying attention now, so tell me why you dragged me out here," she snapped.
"Are you all right, Buffy?" Angel questioned. / Why is she being so capricious?/
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just stressed with this whole situation, I guess. No biggie," she
reassured him.
"Speaking of situations, what is the situation exactly? That's what I wanted to ask you, Luv. I thought your friends were . . . well, dead, but clearly it was just wishful thinking. Only on the whelp's part. Red and the Watcher really don't bother me . . . much," Spike stated.
"They are dead. Wait. I thought you knew about this. Why else would you be here if you didn't? Now I'm lost!" she exclaimed.
"I cam because the princess had a vision. She told me you weren't 'dealing' with your friends' death well. I came to help. I never expected this, though. How can they be here if they're dead? Someone explain," Spike ordered as Buffy sat down on the edge of the decaying fountain, and buried her head in her hands.
"Angel, explain," Buffy pleaded, her voice muffled by her hands.
Angel sighed at this request he didn't really want to but he knew he would. He'd do anything for Buffy. "Lately, Buffy has been feeling depressed. I . . . we thought it would be best if she came here and got 'closure' on their deaths. So last night, the one-year anniversary of the . . . incident, she came to the mansion and saw them. They have no recollection of their deaths or the year since. They think they are still alive. Buffy and I have decided we had to tell them the truth. It's not that difficult to understand really," Angel disclosed.
"Got it?" Buffy asked as she stood.
"Sure do, Luv," Spike retorted. Buffy nodded and returned inside. She headed straight to the table. Spike started to trail when Angel stopped him.
"I need to know something. What did Xander mean when he said you left Buffy? What happened between you two?" Angel swore he saw a hint of remorse in Spike's eyes, but whatever he thought he saw was instantly replaced with anger.
"Listen here, poof. That's between me and the Slayer. I suggest you sod off!" Spike growled and strode back inside. Angel just shook his head in puzzlement and quickly followed the Billy Idol wannabe vampire. When both Spike and Angel reached Buffy, she was in the middle of explaining Spike's return.
"So he decided leaving was the wrong thing to do and came back. Right, Spike?" She turned to him and nodded; silently hoping he would collaborate her story.
"Right, I figured running away was something a coward like the whelp would do, not a Big Bad like me, so I came back to Sunnyhell," he said, backing her up.
Xander gave Spike a venomous look with was returned without hesitation. Willow beamed with joy at the news that he was back for good. "That's splendid. We need all the assistance we can acquire. I'm sure everyone agrees when I say, welcome back, Spike," Giles remarked.
"Hey! I don't agree. I personally think he should leave. We have all the help we need already. We actually have too much as it is. Take Angel with you. That would even it out," Xander suggested. Willow promptly elbowed him in an attempt to silence him.
"He doesn't know what he's saying, Spike. We're all glad you're back," Willow reassured him.
"I don't think anyone should ever listen to Xander. He's always wrong but Willow wasn't when she said we're happy you're here, me included. Especially me," Buffy agreed. She sensed someone move behind her and felt them slid strong arms around her waist. She automatically leaned back. / Angel is acting so possessive of me around Spike. Strange. I hate when men act like this. I am not property. I'll have to talk to him about it later. \ A low growling interrupted her thoughts as cool kisses rained upon her neck. \ Who's growling? Probably Xander. Why does he hate Angel so much? Why is Angel so cold all of the sudden? Just like when he was a vamp. \ She was about to ask him about it when he was ripped off her. "Hey!" she protested. She spun around, ready to scold whom ever did that, and gasped. Angel was lifting Spike off the ground by his duster. \ Why? Oh my God! That was Spike, not Angel. I am so gonna hurt Spike! \ She thought angrily. \ But first, I should stop them. \ She called out Angel's name, but he was too busy fighting Spike to listen. Angel punched him hard in the jaw, causing Spike to stumble backwards. He then hit him in the stomach, causing Spike to double over.
"Angel, stop this!" Buffy cried out. He stopped for a moment and turned to her. Spike took his opportunity to retaliate. He stepped in front of Angel and struck him in the face.
"Bloody hell!" Spike yelled as he clutched his head in pain. Angel growled loudly and raised Spike by the collar. He lifted him high in the air and threw him into a wall. He then lifted him again and held him against the wall.
"Stay away from her! You are never to touch her again! Hear me? Next time you do, I swear I'll chain you to the ground outside and let you slowly burn as the sun rises. Got it?" Angel snarled. Spike's only response was spitting in his face. Angel thrust him harder into the wall. Buffy had enough. She stormed up to Angel and tried to pry him off Spike, but Angel just shoved her away. Buffy couldn't believe he just did that.
"What is your problem? I cannot believe the way you are both acting. Worse than children! I am not gonna take your macho bullshit any longer. Let him go!" Buffy barked. Angel quickly released Spike, letting him to the floor.
"Go outside, Angel. Spike, step through those doors. I don't want you two
around each other. It seems you can't be left alone without getting in trouble. Are you two deaf? I think I just told you both to leave. Now go!" She bellowed. Angel knew not to argue with her when she got this mad. He dejectedly went outside. Spike struggled to stand since he was still disoriented from Angel's blows. He finally rose to his feet and trudged through the doors to the hallway beyond them. After they both vacated the room, Buffy just stood in the center of it seething. She took a couple deep breaths to calm herself before she went to lecture the two.
"Giles or Willow, will one of you go and keep Angel company while I speak to Spike? It would really help me," Buffy implored.
"Why can't I?" Xander whined.
"Because you were actually cheering them on! I can't trust you. You'd just make it worse somehow. No offense."
"None taken."
"I will. I wanted to speak to him about something and this would be the perfect opportunity." Giles stepped forward.
"Great. Whatever you do, keep him outside. I don't care how. Just do it." With that said, she went off to deal with Spike and Giles set off to occupy Angel.
• • •
"Why!" Buffy screeched at Spike.
"Why what, pet? Why did Angel go mental and attack me? I'm not exactly sure. I think it's stress." He calmly retorted. Buffy struggled the urge to backhand him across his face. She slowly calmed herself and slid to the ground. She put her back against the wall and crossed her legs Indian style. She patted the ground in front of her.
"Sit, Spike," she commanded. He studied her for a moment and seated himself before her. He dug in his pockets, finally pulling out a pack of cigarettes. He retrieved a lighter from his duster and lit it. He 'inhaled' deeply and blew the toxic smoke away from Buffy's face. He was obviously nervous since he only smoked to relax, as Buffy fondly remembered.
"So," Spike said trying to break the uncomfortable silence between them.
"I won't yell at you any more if you give me a good reason why you kissed me."
Spike immediately dropped his head to avoid Buffy's gaze. He intently studied the floor as if it were the most amazing thing he had ever seen. "I kissed you because . . .I . . . see, it's like this . . . um . . . I wanted . . . I just felt this undeniable urge to . . .do that," he stammered in an almost inaudible voice. He then looked at her. "I thought that you wanted me to. You felt that electricity pass between us when we saw each other earlier tonight. There was a spark. Don't deny it, pet. I tired to forget you, but it's not that easy, you know. Do you remember how happy we both were together? We had something great there. I still love you, Buffy. No doubt about that. We can have it again. I can tell you still love me, Slayer. Don't deny it, Luv," he bravely professed his feeling for her. Buffy bolted up and began to pace briskly. She folded her arms in front of her chest and gazed at Spike. She raked fingers through her hair tensely. Spike just watched her wordlessly.
"You had to tell me this now! Can't we deal with this later? Right now really isn't the best time for this," Buffy complained.
"This can't wait. We need to talk. It's for the best," he insisted as he rose from the ground.
"Fine. Where should I begin? Oh, yeah!" She proclaimed and smacked him on the arm.
"Bloody hell! What did I do to deserve that?"
"You kissed me. That's what it was for. I do care about you still. Part of me may even still love you. I admit there was something there between us. I also admit we were very happy as a couple."
"I knew it! Oh, Buffy, you won't regret this!" he exclaimed.
"Spike, I wasn't finished. As I was going to say, I'm with Angel now. I'm happy with him. I love him. You left me! I might have picked you over him if you stayed, but you didn't. I can't forget how much you hurt me, but I'm over it. I moved on, Spike. Angel's human and we're engaged. He was here, you weren't. I don't want to hurt you. I never did. Well, except when you were evil and wanted to kill me, but that doesn't count. Spike, I still love you, but Angel's my soul mate. I'm going to stay with him. I hope you understand. I also want you to stay in Sunnydale, as my friend. I'll understand if you don't want to but I'd really like you to. Think about it," Buffy stated. She then stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. "Remember, I will always care for you, no matter what. If you stay, and I hope you do, I want you to act somewhat civil to Angel. For me. You can now go back inside with Willow and Xander. I have to talk to Angel. You okay?"
Spike gave Buffy a small smile. "I'll be fine. Don't worry 'bout me any."
Buffy started to leave, but turned to the vampire once again. "I really am sorry."
"Me too, Luv. Me too," he replied. Buffy then left leaving Spike alone in the hallway. He crestfallenly leaned against the wall and slid down. He tossed his smoldering cigarette aside and just sat there, unmoving, staring ahead, but at nothing in particular. He just thought, that and nothing else.
Meanwhile, Giles kept Angel company. Angel didn't speak much. He mostly just brooded over the whole situation. Giles didn't disturb him by speaking. He figured he needed time to think. Giles impatiently checked his watched. \ What is taking her so long? \ He thought. He suddenly remembered a question he wanted to ask Angel. This was the best possible time since he wanted to do this without anyone else present.
"Angel, I noticed something during you bout with Spike. If you don't mind me asking, are you . . . how can I put this . . . human?" Giles inquired. Angel's head shot up. He started wide-eyed at the Watcher.
"What would make you think that?" Angel prodded.
"Well, when Spike struck you, it appeared that he felt pain. The only reason that may explain this is that the chip that was previously in his brain before it still there. The only way he could experience pain as if he harmed a human, though. I thought about this and came to the conclusion that you somehow became mortal. Am I correct in saying this?" Giles questioned. Angel didn't know how to respond. He didn't want Giles to get suspicious and inadvertently find out he was an apparition. He didn't want to spring that kind of knowledge on someone, but he didn't really have a choice. He slowly nodded. Before Giles could ask anymore questions Buffy burst through the doors.
"Thanks, Giles. I can handle it from here," Buffy told him.
"Yes, of course. I'll be inside if you need me," he said as he abruptly left. Angel stood up and faced Buffy. She saw distinct shame and anger on his face. It was obvious he was waiting for her to speak first.\ A gentleman in any situation,\ she thought.
"Angel, do you love me?" She asked. He looked at her and was quite confused. However, he answered quickly.
"With all of my very being. You know that." Buffy simply nodded.
"Do you trust me?" She continued.
"Of course. You need to trust to have love," he replied.
"Then you just lied to me twice. You don't trust me around Spike therefore you don't love me. Am I right?"
"No! I trust you. I just don't trust him."
"If you trusted me, you should know I would never cheat on you. You should also know that I'm a big girl. I can defend myself against Spike. Another thing I'm sure you're aware of it that a relationship needs honesty. Tell me the truth. You don't trust me, do you?"
"Not with him! I saw the way you two were acting around each other earlier. He loves you! Tell me something-since I can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone else! What exactly happened between you two before I came back? I deserve to know."
"Yes, you do. Me and Spike were dating. Like a boyfriend and girlfriend kind of thing. We were actually pretty serious. We loved each other in fact. It began after Riley left me. I sought comfort in Spike. We forged a solid friendship and soon realized . . . we had feelings for each other. He made me happy. He left when you showed up in Sunnydale. He thought he didn't have a chance against you and he left me. I loved him, Angel, but you and me are soul mates. I never got over you. My relationship with Spike is all in the past. I'm with you now," she assured him.
"Then why did you let him kiss you, and why didn't you tell me all this before?"
"I actually thought he was you when he kissed me. I was kinda distracted at the time and didn't notice it wasn't you. Not my fault and the reason I never told you is that I never really thought it mattered. I guess I was wrong." She then turned her back on him. \ I never thought this would be so difficult. What if we break up? No! Don't think like that,\ she scolded herself. Behind her Angel sighed. He came in front of her and brushed some loose strands of hair away from her face. He smiled lovingly at her and caressed her cheek.
"Mi báidh sibh, Buffy. That will never change."
"Huh? In English this time."
""Mi báidh sibh. It is I love you, only in Gaelic. As I was about to say, you're right. The whole Spike issue is in the past. Only the present counts and at the moment I am standing with my beautiful fiancée whom I love dearly. All that matters is that we're together now, right?"
"Right," Buffy quickly agreed. Angel cupped her face and slowly bent down. He kissed her lightly at first but soon it deepened into a passionate kiss that seemed to translate all unspoken words of love to one another. Buff finally broke free, both were gasping for breath.
"We can't start that now. I need to stay focused and it's kinda hard with your tongue down my throat, but hey, I'm not complaining. So, we're okay?"
"Always," Angel replied as he kissed Buffy's claddagh ring and led her back inside. When he entered the room, everyone was staring at them, except for Spike.
"Hey guys. What's the matter?" Buffy asked the group cautiously. Xander leapt up out of his seat. He was angry for some reason. "Just when I think things can't suck any more, I find out Dead Boy isn't dead anymore, he's human! Buffy, why didn't you tell us?" Xander seethed. Buffy glanced at Angel for some support.
"We can explain," Angel said.
"Then explain. We're all waiting," Xander retorted. Before Angel, or anyone else for that matter, could say another word, a voice with a thick Irish accent echoed out of nowhere.
"I think I can help you with that."
(
A.N.-Again I apologize for the delay in posting this. More to come soon, I promise. Well, more to come if I get plenty of reviews. I know it sucked but I had to explain the whole Buffy/Spike thing. The next part will be a lot better. In that part, I explain how X/W/G died and why they came back, finally. Hope you read it!