Chapter
two: Until We Meet Again
Written
by: Twinstar
Disclaimer:
All characters belong to Joss
This
is the second part to my series. It
takes place after the season 5 finale of Buff and the season 2 finale of Angel.
I
dedicate this to Mystic 'cause if it wasn't for her this would never have
gotten written.
Angel
is dealing with Buffy's death but he still can't let go…maybe he doesn't have
to.
*Indicates
the thoughts of either Angel or Buffy.
Song
lyrics: Fisher "I Will Love You"
Backstreet Boys "Friends
Never Say"
Mariah Carey "Never
Forget"
Anne Murray "You Needed
Me"
Take That "Holing Back
The Tears"
LeAnn Rimes "How Do I
Live"
Plus One "My
Friend"
I
enjoy feedback so please indulge me at twinstar_dust@hotmail.com
ENJOY!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Where
is Angel? We have to leave right now if
we don't want to be late," Cordelia looking around the hotel lobby.
"You
can probably find him where he has been since he found out about Buffy." Wesley
answers back. "I'll go up and tell him that we should be on our way."
Wesley
slowly walks up the stairs and heads towards the top of the building were Angel
would be hopelessly looking into the night. He dreaded the thought of seeing his friend because lately if you gaze
into Angel's eyes you would feel unbelievable cold and emptiness. From the moment that they learned that Buffy
died Angel became a shell of his former self. He was now truly the walking dead. He hasn't even attempted his offbeat humour anymore. Once again returning into his brooding angst
self and maybe even sunken deeper now that his love has gone.
*
Look at those people down there not having a clue that the end of the world was
at their doorstep and about to destroy their lives. They will never know the sacrifices that had to take place so
that humankind would still exist. A
beautiful young woman will never get the recognition of being the world's
saviour. And I will never get the
chance to tell her that nothing has changed. I still love her and I always will. Time, distance and even death will not change that fact. *
Since
that day that Willow came to Los Angeles to tell the news of Buffy's death, as
the result of fight Glory and resealing the vortex between dimensions, Angel
has not been the same. He's being
haunted by memories, regrets and might of beens, which shared one face, the
Slayers'. He has been the shadow of
his former self and not engaging in conversation with the exception of a word
or two. The only time he showed emotion was when he ran out into the night
after Willow finished her story. Everyone was worried that he would do something foolish, like welcoming
the daylight. It was touch and go for a
few minutes when he barely made it back before the first rays of morning
appeared. No one knew how close Angel
got to ending his "life" and what made him alter his mind.
"Umm
Angel I know this is hard for you but if we want to be on schedule we have to
leave now for Sunnydale," Wesley quietly interrupting Angel's thoughts.
Not
saying a word Angel turns around and heads towards the stairs.
Cordelia
and Gunn waiting quietly in the lobby for them to return. Slowly walking towards Angel's car Cordelia
holds both Gunn's and Wesley's hands for support while Angel trails
behind. The trip to Sunnydale felt
longer than usual and done in unsettling silence.
*
* *
The
funeral arranged to be held at night to accommodate Angel and Spike and in a
way it seemed right. Buffy's loved ones
would say their final good-byes during the hours where Buffy flourished by
doing the job a slayer was destined to do. The grievers attending were just a handful but they were the ones that
mattered, they were a part of her family. All 12 mourners with heads bent around the grave. Spike luckily found a priest who knew the
secrets of the world of demons and what special purpose Buffy served. Earlier during the day the official burial
was held with Buffy's father, who still didn't know the special job his
daughter did for the world, in attendance. The service held now was the one for her real family members and it was
comforting for them. They can all say
their good-byes without hiding the truth of the importance of the
occasion. Eerily demon activity was not
happening this night as if in their own way the demons were paying tribute to a
worthy foe.
"We
gather here to celebrate the life of a unique and special person. She was never thanked for the duty she was
bound to do and to the countless lives she saved. All her life she fought for humankind and even with regrets and
doubts about her calling she overcame all obstacles. We as her family are here tonight to celebrate her live rather
than her death." The priest solemnly
speaks and indicated that each should take a turn to pay their final respects.
Giles
slowly steps forward taking off his glasses to wipe a tear from his eye. He places a white rose and a beautifully
carved stake he lovingly made onto the grave.
"When
we met five years ago my first reaction was that you were not cut out for the
job but you proved me wrong. Time after
time you have showed me what being a hero is all about. You have grown even past my expectations and
you were the best slayer there ever was. With your own sense of style and finesse you showed them all. You are no longer my student but a daughter
as well. Goodbye and God bless…"
I
won't see you smile
And
I won't hear you
Laugh
anymore.
Every
night
I
won't see you
Walk
through that door.
'Cause
time wasn't on
Your
side
It
isn't right
I
can't say I love you
It's
too late to
Tell
you
But
I really need
You
to know
No,
I'll never forget you
I'll
never let you out of my heart
You
will always be here with me
I'll
hold on to the memories…
A
warm breeze of the night envelops the party of mourners and a hint of vanilla
in the air could be smelled. Angel
suddenly lifts his head and closes his eyes as if trying to make the sensation
linger. He opens his eyes and murmurs
to himself, "You are here…"
Xander
shakily walks towards the grave his arms wrapped around his fiancée Anya. Death was new to the recently humanized
demon and she was still trying to soak everything in. Just a month before she experienced death of a close one for the
first time when they buried Buffy's mother, Joyce. And now they were burying the daughter and she thought that was
unjust and unfair. If she ever got
powers back the first thing she would do was to protect her loved ones. Anya meets the gaze of Xander and gives him
a bittersweet smile. Xander takes the
white rose that he was clutching in his hand and places it on the freshly
turned mound of dirt along with dog tags from his "army days".
"Buf…when
I first met you in High school I never thought such a beautiful girl will make
friends with a geek like me. While
others put me down you had a way to make me feel better. I could always make you smile and laugh
which you definitely needed in your line of work. You made me feel useful and needed and I wouldn't be the person I
am today if it wasn't for my Buffinator. I will miss you my friend…"
There
isn't much I haven't shared
With
you along the road
And
through it all
There'll
always be
Tomorrow's
episode.
Suddenly
that isn't true
There's
another avenue
Beckoning
the great divide
Ask
no questions take no side.
Who's
to say who's right or wrong?
Whose
course is braver run?
Still
we are have always been
Will
ever be as one.
What
is done has been done for the best
Though
the mist in my eyes might suggest
Just
a little confusion about what I'd lose
Girl
if I stared over
I'd
know I would choose.
The
same joy the same sadness
Each
step of the way
That
fought me and taught me
That
friends never say…goodbye.
The
gentle breeze is still stirring and strangely everyone is not cold. The air is caressing their cheeks and they
feel safe and comforted. Angel wonders
if anyone feels the presence of Buffy, her essence all around them. When he looks to all the faces in the circle
she knows that Buffy in her way is here to comfort her friends and loved
ones. Even in death she is protecting
them.
Willow
holding hands with Tara takes her turn to say goodbye to her beloved
friend. She too has while rose to place
by Buffy's grave and added a pencil as a memory to the first days when she
learned witchcraft.
"I'm
not going to say good bye…because I can't just yet… maybe never. As your best friend I always thought I was a
sidekick to you and nothing more. But
over the years you have encouraged me to follow my calling. When I doubted my abilities and myself you
were the one to help me find my inner strength. We have gone through a lot
together you and I. Don't worry the
Scooby gang will still be here to fight your cause. You taught me that people with unique powers have
responsibilities to keep everyone safe. I will have to learn to stand on my own…I Love you."
We
are standing at the crossroads
And
now it's time
For
you to go your way
And
me to go mine
I
will pray the Lord
Will
keep you safe
Until
the day I see your face again.
My
friend
We
have been through so much
And
you have been my Godsend
With
your sure and steady love
My
friend
You
know I will be there
If
you ever need
'Cause
you've always
Been
a friend to me.
I
may travel the world over
But
one thing I know for sure
One
day this road will lead me
Back
'round to your door
I
will pray the Lord
Will
keep you safe
Some
bonds are just too strong
To
break in the end.
Angel
looks toward Buffy's sister Dawn.
*
My beloved died to save you and the world. She loved you even when she knew that you were not her sister after
all. Monks to keep the Key safe from
the hands of Glory placed the memories of you in Buffy and everyone else. But Buffy still protected you even with her
very life and I…understand that. Like
me I would die for the ones I loved too. I wish I was here to protect her but we make decisions that we cannot
take back. I have to live with another
"what could have been" memory. This
cannot be the end for Buffy and me? There must be a way to make this
better? There must be something I can
do…*
Dawn
with her head up and erect takes her turn to say something to her sister. The only sign that she is having trouble
with her emotions is the slight tremor of her hand when she places a rose and a
picture of her family. The smiling
faces of Buffy, Dawn, and Joyce their mother with their arms around each other
during happier times.
"Buffy
I remember all the memories I had with you and mom. Especially the ones were I would sneak into your room and when
you found out you would yell at me Mom would come in and act as our
referee. I'll always cherish
them. Thank you for saving me. No matter if our memories are not real they
are to me… and I'll always be your sister. My only hope is that I grow up like you…strong, kind, loving and with
friends and love ones like yours."
At
that moment a gentle gust of warm air stroked Dawn's cheek and the smell of
vanilla grew stronger. Dawn places a
hand onto her cheek and smiles.
"Don't
worry about me. Your friends will take
care of me…they are family"
It's
a constant fight
To
get through each day and night
It's
war between
The
present and the past
And
the face that's in my mind
Every
time I close my eyes
What's
the reason, what's the answer?
How
long will this last?
So
I'm not holding back
The
tears anymore
Trying
to escape the heartache
Trying
to escape emotion
No,
I'm not holding back
The
tears anymore
Yesterday's
my memory
Reminding
me of all the time
I
depended on you.
Angel
inhales the sent in the air and closes his eyes and makes a vow that he'll be
there for Dawn as well. When he opened
his eyes again Angel's surprised to see Dawn hugging Spike and him going
forward to take his turn to say his last words to Buffy.
Spike
still wounded from the fight and from the torturing he received from Glory
limps closer to the grave. He has
changed the most in the shortest period of time, every since he was rendered
helpless from harming humans. He became
an important part of the Scooby gang and to Buffy's life. Buffy tried her best to get rid of him but
he kept coming back or she would eventually seek him out for help. They started off as the best of enemies and
then became the worst of friends. For a
vampire with no soul he exhibits love and devotion very well just because he
was in love with a slayer. He promised
Buffy that he was going to keep Dawn safe until the end of the world…and he
meant it.
He
takes a nicely wrapped package out of his black jacket pocket and gently lays
it with the rest of the roses and objects already on the mound. No one knows that in the package is the blue
sweater he stole from Buffy's room and no one hears when he whispers, "Just in
case in get cold…I love you pet I really do…I thank you for everything but I'll
always wish…um I guess the poof knew what he was feeling after all." He then places a blood red rose unto the
grave among the white ones. The rich
colour stands out among the purity of the white but in an ironic way it signifies
Spike's whole relationship with Buffy and with the gang and somehow it seems
right.
"Blood
is life…" Spike murmurs and walks back towards Dawn.
I
cried a tear
You
wiped it dry
I
was confused
You
cleared my mind
I
sold my soul
You
bought it back for me
And
held the earth
You
gave me dignity
Somehow
you needed me
You
held my hand
It
was cold and I was lost you took me home
You
gave me love
That
I was at the end
I
turned my life
Back
into truth again
You
even called me
After
a few minutes of silence the priest looks around and states," If everyone is
finished saying their final respects I would like to conclude the services?"
Giles
looks over to Angel who is solemnly looking at the tombstone and making
movement that he wanted to have a turn. Sensing that Angel would prefer to say his goodbyes privately Giles
signals to the priest to proceed.
"I
can see and hear that Buffy Anne Summers was very well loved and will be
greatly missed by her family. I
conclude this service and might I add that I believe she will never be
forgotten" The priest shakes everyone's hand and everyone slowly walks out of
the graveyard.
Slowly
everyone starts to hug everyone else and all are in agreement to meet back at
the magic shop. Xander and Anya; Willow
and Tara; Cordelia, Wesley and Gunn; Dawn and Giles with Spike tagging along in
behind solemnly leave the cemetery to seek comfort in each other's
company. A strong gust of wind suddenly
erupts as if saying goodbye.
A
solitaire figure is left alone by the grave. Angel looks up into the sky and lets out a heart-wrenching scream. He walks over to the tombstone and traces
the letters of his beloved's name.
*
We always knew how tentative our lives are. The history of a slayer surviving to an old age was very seldom. It was a hazard of the occupation but I
never realized how much it would hurt. When I came here when you buried your mom I would never have thought I
would visit again so soon for another death. Not seeing you day after day made it easier for both of us in dealing
with our feelings but after that night I realized that things would never
change. I will always love you till the
end of time. I don't know how I'm going
to live without you? As a vampire I can
live forever but I'd rather die tomorrow than live for eternity without you
here with me. I can feel you are here
with me and the smell of vanilla will always remind me of you. I understand that you want me to live…to
live for my redemption and myself. But
I always pictured coming back to you. *
Angel
takes something out of his duster pocket and places it on the tombstone. A rose made out of chocolate and Angel
chuckles for the first time in days," I just wanted to let you know how much,
that day that never was, meant to me. I'll always treasure those moments when everything was perfect…"
How
do I?
Get
through the night without you?
If
I had to live without you,
What
kind of live would that be?
Oh
I need you in my arms, need you to hold,
You're
my world, my heart, my soul,
If
you ever leave,
Baby
you would take away everything good in my life.
Angel
about to leave hears footsteps heading towards him. He turns around in a flash and comes face to face with someone
who changed his life's direction so long ago. The very person who introduced Buffy into his world,
"Whistler
what are you doing here?"
Taking
off his hat to pay his respects to Buffy Whistler pats the cool marble and
says," Little lady you took us all by surprise."
Then
he turns his attention towards Angel and asks, "Angel the Powers That Be want
to know how badly do you want her back?"
A
warm wind blows a circular path around Angel enveloping him like a
blanket. He looks shocked for a moment
and suddenly complete understanding hits him making him smile.
"Buffy
until we meet again…"
-To
be continued-
