familyties2

They made their way to the cemetery on foot, silently. Willow touched Spike's mind again, knowing that he was in a state of shock, not trying to converse with him, just sending him an image of them coming to him and blanketing his mind with comfort as best she could.

Once inside the cemetery, they immediately spotted Spike's still form kneeling on the ground in front of a slight body. He had finally managed to shake himself back into reality, at least enough to shrug off his duster and tuck it around Buffy's body. His head shot up at their approach and he searched for Willow, meeting her gaze with eyes that held so much pain and confusion and hope that it almost made her choke.

She stood directly behind him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, which he covered with his own fingers in silent gratitude. When he turned his tortured gaze back to the woman lying on the ground in front of him, his control broke and he began to sob. Willow dropped her cloak and knelt behind him, hugging him as best she could in such an awkward position. Absently petting his arm and ignoring the startled looks the others gave her and the weeping vampire, she studied Buffy's prone form. Only her head was visible, peeking above the collar of Spike's duster, which otherwise completely covered her.

The others moved to form a circle around Buffy, not knowing what to do.

Willow pulled Spike around to face her, needing answers.



He closed his eyes, composed himself as best he could, then met her steady gaze.

Will. Is it her? Is it Buffy? He tried to keep the hope from his voice, but failed. Willow smiled gently.

We can't know for sure until she wakes up, Spike. We need you to pick her up and carry her home, ok? Willow brought her hands down to grasp his arms in a gesture of friendly confidence, and stood up, gesturing to Buffy.

It's probably good that you didn't move her til we got here, but I don't think she's hurt. Willow closed her eyes and muttered a few words in an ancient language, then spread her hand above Buffy's body. The air around Buffy's sleeping form became heavy for an instant, condensed, then thinned back to normal.

She seems to be a normal human. I didn't sense any demon or other unfamiliar essence from her. The group regarded her with curiousity but didn't ask what kind of spell she'd used to discern that their friend seemed to be herself.

Spike carefully reached over and slid his arms under Buffy, gathering her up into his arms and standing with his precious cargo, duster still tucked firmly around her.

They knew he meant the Summer's residence, and they paused uncertainly.

Both Giles and Spike had been staying with Dawn in her house since Buffy's death, one her legal guardian and one her sworn protector. Dawn was probably still at her friend Kathy's house, but could come home at any time.

Giles spoke up first. Yes, I think that would be for the best. Buffy should wake up in her own bed.

Willow nodded and retrieved the cloak she'd tossed aside as they followed the vampire who had already begun making his way home to Revello Drive.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike had tenderly placed Buffy into her bed and pulled the covers up over the duster, leaving it in place. Not wanting to hover over their friend while she was sleeping, Willow shooed everyone out and down into the living room.

As they all took seats, Xander finally spoke, unable to restrain himself any longer.

Guys...Buffy, if that's really our Buffy, is alive! How?

Tara smiled softly and cocked her head, looking to Willow for an answer, as did Spike and Anya.

Giles just kept shaking his head in disbelief.

When no answers were offered, Xander ran one shaky hand through his hair and chuckled nervously.

Well, I know I will never cease to be amazed at hearing these words coming from my own mouth but, I think some serious research is in order.

Anya regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, then turned to the others.

Xander is right. We don't know if we're dealing with a Buffy from another dimension, or a reincarnation of some sort...there are just too many possibilities to assume she's just back with no complications. I mean, she didn't just disappear...we saw her die, saw her body. Buried it.

They all acknowledged the veracity of her statement, and Willow cocked her head thoughtfully at Spike. On a whim, she tugged at the link she'd established with the vampire, hoping to see what he'd seen earlier. Startled, Spike turned to glare at the witch and she hastily retreated from his mind.

Bloody hell, Will! Can't we have a normal conversation anymore?

Xander smirked. Has anyone here ever actually had a normal conversation with Undead Jr. over here?

Willow flashed him a look of annoyance, which was echoed by Tara and Giles, while Anya smacked him on the arm. Xander flinched, muttering Geesh, awfully touchy about former Mortal Enemy Boy now, aren't we.

Said former mortal enemy simply ignored him and waited for Willow to continue.

Spike, just picture what happened right before Buffy appeared.

He nodded in resignation and closed his eyes. He concentrated, and once he felt Willow's presence in his mind he allowed his memory to replay the experience, from the hair-raising electricity to the swirling vortex that deposited Buffy's body back to this time and place.

Willow frowned, a deep sigh escaping as she broke their contact and turned to the others.

How many swirly vortex thingies have we seen by now?

No one bothered to answer.

Well, it looks like that's what we're dealing with. Time to hit the books.

Tara cleared her throat and asked, um, wh-what about Dawnie? Do we have her come home, or wait--

She was cut off by a loud screetch from upstairs. Spike leapt from his seat and with preternatural speed was up the stairs before the anybody else could even stand. Willow and Xander rushed the stairs, with Giles, Anya and Tara following close behind.

Buffy was awake.