TITLE: It Could Happen This Way 5\?

AUTHOR: Rick

E-MAIL: rsieber2001@bigmailbox.net

DISCLAIMER: The Buffy Characters belong to Joss Whedon and others.

SUMMARY: Some moments between Xander and Buffy.

SPOILERS: This story contains some things, which have happened this season so there are some spoilers in it.



IT COULD HAPPEN THIS WAY 5\?

Xander knows this is going to be hard. There are some issues that have to be talked about and solved. Buffy and Willow are both off on dangerous tangents. Xander calls a meeting. Anya, Willow, Tara, Amy, Buffy, Spike and Dawn attend. Xander swallows his nervousness and begins to speak.

"Look, we have to talk about some things. Right now there is no way we could even begin to face a big bad if one should come along. And, knowing our history, it's just a matter of time before we are face to face with one."

Buffy takes objection to this. "You're wrong, Xander, I am always ready to face whatever I have to face."

Xander is ready for her. "Look, Buffy, you're the best slayer ever and you have faced and destroyed more evil than any slayer in history. But, as your friend, I have to tell you that I've never seen you this weak before."

Buffy is shocked at this. "Xander, you're out of line! Is this more of your jealousy coming out under another noble cause?"

Spike smirks at this.

This doesn't faze the man either. "Buffy, I knew you were going to say that. This is about you and the people who support and help you being ready to do their job. I'm telling you right out that you have some issues that are weakening you. What you do with your private life is your business!"

This really gets Buffy's attention. Xander has never talked to her before with this much conviction in his voice or in his manner. He is dead serious. She can only stare at him with furrowed brow. He mover right on to Willow.

"Willow, you have to come back to us. Your relationship with Tara is your business but we need you to stop alienating yourself from everyone with your abuse of your magical powers!"

Buffy is even more shocked that Xander would talk to Willow like this. She didn't realize the witch's use of magic was as bad as Xander is now pointing out. Willow herself is almost speechless. But, she finally manages to try to defend herself.

"I.I also think you're out of line, Xander."

"Look, Will, same as I told Buffy. I'm talking about things which weaken the group. We need each other too much to let these things go on. I expect you and Buffy to deal with your personal problems without breaking up the group in the process!"

Nobody can say a word. Deep down they all know Xander is right. He looks at Amy next.

"Amy, I'm very glad you're back. We can really use your talents. But, the same thing goes for you with the magic."

Buffy is especially speechless. She continues to stare at Xander. Part of her wants to punch him but an even bigger part of her wants to cry in his arms. She has never seen him like this before, with this type of strength. Right no Buffy feels she has no one to confide in or to depend upon but.could Xander possibly fill that role? She has a very strange feeling inside her, one she has never had before. It is disturbing but not unpleasant. Spike sees the look on Buffy's face and the way she is looking at Xander. He silently vows to himself to make sure Xander doesn't take over his present position with Buffy. He worked hard to get the Slayer where she is right now and he is not going to let some droopy sod move in on his turf!

Willow looks at Tara with a very sad face. Right now she feels very ashamed of herself. Xander sits down beside Anya who is very disturbed. The looks exchanged between her fiancee and the Slayer are very deep and passionate. She doesn't even know if either one of them realizes it.