Disclaimer: The alarm buzzes. 9:00. I feel dirty, used, like a hanky. He
rolls over, lying his arm across my naked body. "What the hell do you
want?" I don't want to deal with him. It's so much easier when we're just
fucking. "You baby." He looks over at me, trying hard to look sexy, but
failing. I push him off. "Is there a problem, Lily?" he asks, sitting up. I
lose it. "You know the only reason I consider fucking your brains out, Joss
Whedon, is because you own Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and to write stories
based on those characters, I need your permission." "Lily," he calmly
states, getting up to use the toilet, "I've always known. That's how it
is."
Rating: R- was that enough sex for you, you goddamned perverts? (it sure wasn't enough for me)
Summary: After a horrifying incident, Buffy leaves Sunnydale, vowing never to return. Well, we all know she can't stay away forever.
Author's Notes: Yes, I kept the other part of my deal. I said "Up by Sunday", and it is. *Does the happy dance* I'm hoping you all enjoy this story. I've gotten a great deal of pleasure making it up, and it pleases me to know that some of you out there want me to continue it. I've got a few more stories cooking in my brain, so when I'm about 90% done with this one (just to clarify, I'm so not), I'll start the next one. All in all, I've had a fantastic weekend, and that greatly affects my writing. I especially hope you like this chapter, seeing as how I'm introducing the new "grown up" people Phoenix left behind. Oh, by the way, I'm gonna keep referring to the new Buffy as Phoenix, seeing as how the old Buffy "died". If it's confusing, I really don't give a fuck. (Kidding!) Gropes and French kisses.
PS: Thank you so much Fastpilot. I had completely forgotten what I could do with the whole "Phoenix-being-invisible" plot. You saved my ass and gave this story a new edge. Included with the grope and French kissing, you get a twenty minute make out session with Ryan Philippe or Reese Witherspoon, whoever you choose. Thank you again.
Chapter Six- Observer to an "Ordinary" Family
Phoenix sat on the stool, unsure of what was to happen. All right, I'm invisible to everyone.
"What should I do now Anya?" she asked as the demon quickly put the magic supplies away, and began walking to the door.
"Observe, follow, don't interact." Anya replied, looking over her shoulder. Phoenix got up from her chair to follow, and as she did, the door opened and Xander Harris walked in.
At first, Phoenix didn't recognize the guy. The Xander Phoenix remembered was a guy who wore jeans and a tee shirt, always informal. The Xander who walked in the front door wasn't that guy.
His dark hair was neatly trimmed, slicked and parted perfectly. His suit was obviously expensive, a charcoal gray coat and slacks with a white button-up shirt, a light blue silk tie completing the outfit. In one hand, he held a stack of manila envelopes, in the other, a black leather briefcase.
But, it was still Xander. That mischievous twinkle in his eyes was still there, as was the goofy smile that creeped on his face as he kissed Anya.
"Hey, how's the little wife?" he asked jokingly, dropping everything in his hands, and rapping his arms around Anya.
"Watch it, Harris," she warned, then smiled and went back in to kiss him.
"Sorry Awn, I just like to pretend I wear the pants in this house." He let go of her and picked up the items he dropped. The two then walked into the kitchen.
"How was work?" he asked while walking to the island to make the salad. Phoenix followed him and sat down in the barstool next to him. He didn't even suspect anything. Good, it's working, she thought.
"Usual," the demon began to stir the large pot of spaghetti sauce, "Some moron thought he could buy Dawson's "Voix Aout" and a Hephestuse crystal and get past me. See that book contains a spell to conjure Majare demons, and the crystal is used to control them. So, he wanted his own pet demon that shoots poison out of his eyes. I tore up his membership card, and then I coaxed Tara into cursing him with a rash on his testicles."
"So, all in all it was a good day?"
"Pretty much. How about you?"
Xander shrugged, "Had to stop construction on that new office building downtown when the guys found a collection of freshly decapitated heads underground," he shook his head, "I love living here." He laughed to himself, then put the salad into the refrigerator. "I'm a gonna go see how Ryan is doing," he announced, walking into the living room. Phoenix looked at Anya and motioned her head to the other room, indicating she was going to follow. Anya nodded, then went back to stirring the sauce.
She came in on her friend holding the awake and gurgling baby. "How's my little guy," he cooed in a high-pitched voice, "I've bet you've had enough of this house of estrogen. This weekend, you and I are watching sports and doing other manly things, like drinking beer and wrestling." Ryan responded by blowing a raspberry in his dad's face. Saliva now coated his face, but he ignored it when his son gave him a big, toothless grin. "Yes, that's how it works. Your parents take care of you and you merely spit in their face. I'm teaching you well."
Gillian came down the stairs, now wearing a play tiara and fairy wings. Her face lit up with joy when she saw Xander. "DADDY!"
Xander set Ryan back in his playpen, then bent down to pick up his daughter as she ran towards him. Except, she ran over to punch her dad in the stomach.
He doubled over, his face twisted in pain. "OWWWW! Why did you do that, Jilly?"
Gillian backed away, her arms crossed and a look of anger on her little face. "You didn't take me to school today. I had to take the bus with all the smelly, small mortals."
"Jilly," he picked up his daughter, a look of annoyance on his face, "First of all, I told you I couldn't take you to school today because I had to meet with the evil Government Inspector. Secondly, don't punch me. Finally, YOU are half-mortal, so don't go calling your classmates names like that."
She sighed, then wriggled out of her father's grasp. "Whatever, dominating patriarchal figure." She turned on her heal, and stomped into the kitchen.
Xander rolled his eyes, then picked up his son again. "At least I have one child who likes me." His eyes then grew wide as he lifted the baby higher to sniff his diaper. "Or not. Awn, Ryan took a dump in his pants! I'm going up to change him!" yelled the man, holding his son at arms' length. His attention turned back towards his child. "You were probably waiting all day to do that, weren't you." Jumping over a footstool with the baby still in his hands, he ran upstairs.
Silently laughing to herself, Phoenix began to walk back towards the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Anya strode out to open the door, but stopped briefly to wink at her friend before turning the knob.
A very dignified Willow and a very pregnant Tara entered. The navy blue skirt and jacket Willow wore made her look every part the college professor. But in true Willow fashion, her jacket was slung across her arm, revealing a cute aqua green tank top. Tara simply glowed, her light pink sundress proudly showing off her swelled belly. As Anya said hello, Xander rushed down the stairs, Ryan bouncing in his father's arms, to meet the girls.
"Hey Wills, torture any students lately?" he asked, awkwardly juggling the baby and kissing the redhead on the cheek. Willow took Ryan from his father and began to rock him. "And may I say Tara, you look radiant." Xander slowly kissed the pregnant woman on the cheek, not wanting to disturb her stomach.
Tara rolled her eyes. "I feel like a float in the Macy's Day Parade."
Willow patted her on the belly and kissed her. "You look perfect, baby."
"Yeah, sure." Tara mocked annoyance, then began to waddle into the living room. "Sorry guys, I need to sit down before my ankles give out," she said, slowly sitting in the large green loveseat.
The others followed her. Willow sat next to Tara, and began to blow raspberries on Ryan's stomach. Xander and Anya plopped into the two armchairs. Noticing that Phoenix was still in the hallway, Anya made a slight motion for her come in and sit somewhere in the room. Phoenix chose to sit on a wooden chair by the fireplace.
"So, how many more weeks?" Xander asked, watching the two aunts fussing over their nephew.
"Four, but the doctor said she could pop at any moment," answered the redhead.
This time, Tara gave her partner a genuine look of annoyance. "Please don't address me as if I were a bottle of champagne, darling."
"Sorry," Willow weakly replied, not wanting to upset the woman.
Xander shook his head. "Don't worry Will, I got that a lot when Miss Sunshine over here was pregnant," he said, glancing at his wife.
"Fuck you, Harris!" growled Anya, just as Gillian walked into the room.
"Mommy, do you need to have your mouth washed out with soap?" scolded the child as she went over to her aunts. Gillian gave Willow an Eskimo kiss, then sweetly gave Tara a kiss on the belly. Turning to the room, she put a finger to her lips and began to whisper, "Shhh, the little one is sleeping, so all of you need to be quiet." She looked at Tara for reassurance. Grinning, Tara righted the crown on the dark-haired girl.
"Right, Fairy Princess."
Gillian nodded, then turned her attention the window behind her aunts. "Uncle Giles, Auntie Olivia, and Derek just got outta their car," announced the child. "Don't worry Mommy, I'll get the door." She skipped into the hallway and opened the front door. "Welcome to the Harris residence, may I enquier as to how I may help you."
Two adult hands reached out and picked up the child, giving her a tight hug. Giles then entered the house and put Gillian down. Following him was Olivia, who was holding their toddler son. Phoenix gasped when she saw her former Watcher, in turn making Anya look towards her.
Giles looked like the model suburban dad, wearing a plaid, long sleeve shirt and running shoes. He was quite relaxed, tousling Gillian's hair and laughing over something with Olivia. Olivia, whom Phoenix had only met a few times, was quite relaxed in a purple tee shirt and black pants. She set Derek down on the ground, and the child began to toddle around. Derek's complexion was a mixture of his parents, giving him a darkly tanned look, and had Giles' eyes and Olivia's lips. Everyone stood up to greet the three, save Tara, who said her greetings from the couch.
"How's the little guy?" Xander asked, referring to Derek.
"Ah, love's just gotten over a cold, but he's doing just fine," said Olivia as she and Giles sat on the footstool. Derek toddled to the coffee table and began playing with the glass candleholders. As soon as he started banging them together, Giles quickly scooped him up.
"No you don't, you little terror!" Derek began to whine, reaching out for the candleholders. Giles swatted him softly on his hands, and Derek started crying. "Livy," he said, looking at his wife, "I think we better feed the boy. We spent the whole day at the playground, so he'll probably fall asleep soon." Olivia nodded, then removed Derek from Giles and set him back on the ground. Gillian grabbed the boy's hand, and led him upstairs to play. "When's dinner, Anya?"
Anya, who had been watching Phoenix's reactions the entire time, turned towards Giles. "Um, in a few minutes. Sunset's in a bit. Gotta wait for Spike."
Xander sarcastically rolled his eyes. "That guy always has to make an entrance." Anya hit her husband on the hands, then began to talk with Tara, Willow, and Olivia. Xander and Giles in turn started their own conversation.
Phoenix still sat near the fireplace, sadly watching all of her friends in their new lives. They probably don't even see me. . . she thought, until it dawned on her. I'm fucking invisible! A grin spread on her face. She started to remember how much fun she had when she was invisible years ago. Playing pranks on people, eavesdropping, having the most amazing sex with Spike. . . Except for the whole almost turning to Jell-O part, it had been a great time; and because this was simply a curse, she didn't have to worry about a thing. This is gonna be fun.
She stood, then began to walk around the room. Anya saw this, but tried not to look at the girl. Phoenix went behind Xander and began to lightly touch the back of his neck. He felt it, and itched his neck. Laughing, she repeated the action, and again he itched his neck. This went on for a while, until she rested a finger in the middle of the back of his head. Thinking it was a fly, he slapped the back of his head to kill it, but ended up slapping himself so hard his head snapped forward.
"What the hell?" Xander looked behind him and saw nothing.
"What's wrong?" Giles looked slightly shocked.
"I-I. . . nothing." He shook his head and returned to the conversation.
Phoenix was screaming with laughter. She didn't know why, but it was entirely funny.
She ran to Giles, who was leaning forward to talk to Xander. Squatting in front of him, she started making faces, sticking out her tongue and mimicking how he spoke. An impish thought hit her, and she stood up slightly and licked the right lens of his glasses.
Giles sat up straight in shock. His right lens was now covered in saliva, and he didn't know how.
"Xander, I. . . did you see something?" He took his glasses off and set them on the coffee table.
"No, why?"
He shrugged, and reached back for his glasses, but they were gone. Phoenix had picked them up, and carefully placed them on Tara's foot, not wanting to draw attention.
"Where the bloody hell are my glasses?" Giles became angry, and stood up to search for his eyewear. Everyone shrugged.
Anya heard Phoenix giggling next to her, and looked in her direction. She lay on the floor, laughing and pointing at Tara's foot. Anya saw the glasses, and stood up to retrieve them.
"Here they are," she causally stated, shooting a murderous glance at a still giggling Phoenix. Giles looked confused as he cleaned the lenses with his shirt and placed them back on his face.
Phoenix jumped up, then ran behind the couch. Standing right behind Willow, to whom Anya was presently talking, she began to speak.
"Oh, look at me Anya," mimicked the woman, "I'm Willow the teacher. All spiffy and professional. See how intelligently I talk. Profusely, speculation, morose. Blah blah blah, I'm a female Giles. I bore everyone with my fancy talk."
Anya tried to hold back a laugh, and ended up choking.
"Are you ok?" Willow asked, looking at the brunette.
Trying to collect herself, Anya shook her head. *BRING* The doorbell went off.
"I'll get it!" screamed Anya, just as Phoenix ran around the couch to the hallway. "I said I'LL GET IT!" Anya jumped out of the chair, trying to beat the laughing invisible girl.
Making it to the doorway ahead of Anya, Phoenix flung the door open. Her giddiness faded away when she saw who was at the door. Spike.
He looked exactly the same, only slightly different. If that's possible. His dark blue long sleeve shirt was rolled at the sleeves, covering a dark gray shirt. Instead of the slicked back style she was used to, his bleached hair was slightly tosseled. What seemed different was the way he acted, the way he carried himself. It was almost human.
Looking slightly confused, he stared through Phoenix at a breathless Anya, who had just ran up behind the girl.
"Think you got a ghost problem, luv," he said. Phoenix jumped aside and watched him give Anya a hug. The two went into the living room, as Phoenix stood at the door.
The joy she had felt seconds ago was gone, replaced again by that depressed mood. Spike, who stated many times that he would never stop loving her, looked incredibly happy. She saw him get affectionate greetings from people who, years ago despised him. Anya was wrong; they are better off without me.
Because Spike had finally arrived, it was dinnertime. The group made their way into the kitchen to dish up, while Xander went upstairs to get Gillian and Derek.
After a few minutes, everyone was in the dining room eating. It wasn't until then that Anya remembered Phoenix, who had momentarily disappeared. She excused herself, then went to find her.
Phoenix sat in the hallway, curled up in a ball and crying.
"Honey, what's the matter?" Anya knelt down, cupping Phoenix's face in her hands. When she didn't respond, Anya stood up and pulled the girl to her feet. "Come on, its dinner time." Walking to the kitchen, Anya fixed Phoenix a plate of food, and put her in a place where she could see everything but no one would see her.
It was a weird scene, all the happiness and normalcy of a family. Spike sat with the kids, teaching Gillian tricks and disgusting things to do. Olivia and Anya told mothering horror stories to Tara and Willow, while Xander and Giles discussed a recent soccer match. When Xander began to tease Willow, she threw a cucumber slice at his head. All the couples would occasionally show some sort of intimacy towards each other: a small peck or a rub.
For an hour it went on, the talking, the affection, the togetherness, without any sign of tension or anger. Six years ago, this would have been an entirely different scene. Phoenix felt like an outsider, and rightfully so, because it was a world she was not part of.
Dinner ended, the table was cleared and the children put to bed. They were always put to sleep after the dinner, because what happened next wasn't for their ears.
After dinner was the Scooby meeting.
Rating: R- was that enough sex for you, you goddamned perverts? (it sure wasn't enough for me)
Summary: After a horrifying incident, Buffy leaves Sunnydale, vowing never to return. Well, we all know she can't stay away forever.
Author's Notes: Yes, I kept the other part of my deal. I said "Up by Sunday", and it is. *Does the happy dance* I'm hoping you all enjoy this story. I've gotten a great deal of pleasure making it up, and it pleases me to know that some of you out there want me to continue it. I've got a few more stories cooking in my brain, so when I'm about 90% done with this one (just to clarify, I'm so not), I'll start the next one. All in all, I've had a fantastic weekend, and that greatly affects my writing. I especially hope you like this chapter, seeing as how I'm introducing the new "grown up" people Phoenix left behind. Oh, by the way, I'm gonna keep referring to the new Buffy as Phoenix, seeing as how the old Buffy "died". If it's confusing, I really don't give a fuck. (Kidding!) Gropes and French kisses.
PS: Thank you so much Fastpilot. I had completely forgotten what I could do with the whole "Phoenix-being-invisible" plot. You saved my ass and gave this story a new edge. Included with the grope and French kissing, you get a twenty minute make out session with Ryan Philippe or Reese Witherspoon, whoever you choose. Thank you again.
Chapter Six- Observer to an "Ordinary" Family
Phoenix sat on the stool, unsure of what was to happen. All right, I'm invisible to everyone.
"What should I do now Anya?" she asked as the demon quickly put the magic supplies away, and began walking to the door.
"Observe, follow, don't interact." Anya replied, looking over her shoulder. Phoenix got up from her chair to follow, and as she did, the door opened and Xander Harris walked in.
At first, Phoenix didn't recognize the guy. The Xander Phoenix remembered was a guy who wore jeans and a tee shirt, always informal. The Xander who walked in the front door wasn't that guy.
His dark hair was neatly trimmed, slicked and parted perfectly. His suit was obviously expensive, a charcoal gray coat and slacks with a white button-up shirt, a light blue silk tie completing the outfit. In one hand, he held a stack of manila envelopes, in the other, a black leather briefcase.
But, it was still Xander. That mischievous twinkle in his eyes was still there, as was the goofy smile that creeped on his face as he kissed Anya.
"Hey, how's the little wife?" he asked jokingly, dropping everything in his hands, and rapping his arms around Anya.
"Watch it, Harris," she warned, then smiled and went back in to kiss him.
"Sorry Awn, I just like to pretend I wear the pants in this house." He let go of her and picked up the items he dropped. The two then walked into the kitchen.
"How was work?" he asked while walking to the island to make the salad. Phoenix followed him and sat down in the barstool next to him. He didn't even suspect anything. Good, it's working, she thought.
"Usual," the demon began to stir the large pot of spaghetti sauce, "Some moron thought he could buy Dawson's "Voix Aout" and a Hephestuse crystal and get past me. See that book contains a spell to conjure Majare demons, and the crystal is used to control them. So, he wanted his own pet demon that shoots poison out of his eyes. I tore up his membership card, and then I coaxed Tara into cursing him with a rash on his testicles."
"So, all in all it was a good day?"
"Pretty much. How about you?"
Xander shrugged, "Had to stop construction on that new office building downtown when the guys found a collection of freshly decapitated heads underground," he shook his head, "I love living here." He laughed to himself, then put the salad into the refrigerator. "I'm a gonna go see how Ryan is doing," he announced, walking into the living room. Phoenix looked at Anya and motioned her head to the other room, indicating she was going to follow. Anya nodded, then went back to stirring the sauce.
She came in on her friend holding the awake and gurgling baby. "How's my little guy," he cooed in a high-pitched voice, "I've bet you've had enough of this house of estrogen. This weekend, you and I are watching sports and doing other manly things, like drinking beer and wrestling." Ryan responded by blowing a raspberry in his dad's face. Saliva now coated his face, but he ignored it when his son gave him a big, toothless grin. "Yes, that's how it works. Your parents take care of you and you merely spit in their face. I'm teaching you well."
Gillian came down the stairs, now wearing a play tiara and fairy wings. Her face lit up with joy when she saw Xander. "DADDY!"
Xander set Ryan back in his playpen, then bent down to pick up his daughter as she ran towards him. Except, she ran over to punch her dad in the stomach.
He doubled over, his face twisted in pain. "OWWWW! Why did you do that, Jilly?"
Gillian backed away, her arms crossed and a look of anger on her little face. "You didn't take me to school today. I had to take the bus with all the smelly, small mortals."
"Jilly," he picked up his daughter, a look of annoyance on his face, "First of all, I told you I couldn't take you to school today because I had to meet with the evil Government Inspector. Secondly, don't punch me. Finally, YOU are half-mortal, so don't go calling your classmates names like that."
She sighed, then wriggled out of her father's grasp. "Whatever, dominating patriarchal figure." She turned on her heal, and stomped into the kitchen.
Xander rolled his eyes, then picked up his son again. "At least I have one child who likes me." His eyes then grew wide as he lifted the baby higher to sniff his diaper. "Or not. Awn, Ryan took a dump in his pants! I'm going up to change him!" yelled the man, holding his son at arms' length. His attention turned back towards his child. "You were probably waiting all day to do that, weren't you." Jumping over a footstool with the baby still in his hands, he ran upstairs.
Silently laughing to herself, Phoenix began to walk back towards the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Anya strode out to open the door, but stopped briefly to wink at her friend before turning the knob.
A very dignified Willow and a very pregnant Tara entered. The navy blue skirt and jacket Willow wore made her look every part the college professor. But in true Willow fashion, her jacket was slung across her arm, revealing a cute aqua green tank top. Tara simply glowed, her light pink sundress proudly showing off her swelled belly. As Anya said hello, Xander rushed down the stairs, Ryan bouncing in his father's arms, to meet the girls.
"Hey Wills, torture any students lately?" he asked, awkwardly juggling the baby and kissing the redhead on the cheek. Willow took Ryan from his father and began to rock him. "And may I say Tara, you look radiant." Xander slowly kissed the pregnant woman on the cheek, not wanting to disturb her stomach.
Tara rolled her eyes. "I feel like a float in the Macy's Day Parade."
Willow patted her on the belly and kissed her. "You look perfect, baby."
"Yeah, sure." Tara mocked annoyance, then began to waddle into the living room. "Sorry guys, I need to sit down before my ankles give out," she said, slowly sitting in the large green loveseat.
The others followed her. Willow sat next to Tara, and began to blow raspberries on Ryan's stomach. Xander and Anya plopped into the two armchairs. Noticing that Phoenix was still in the hallway, Anya made a slight motion for her come in and sit somewhere in the room. Phoenix chose to sit on a wooden chair by the fireplace.
"So, how many more weeks?" Xander asked, watching the two aunts fussing over their nephew.
"Four, but the doctor said she could pop at any moment," answered the redhead.
This time, Tara gave her partner a genuine look of annoyance. "Please don't address me as if I were a bottle of champagne, darling."
"Sorry," Willow weakly replied, not wanting to upset the woman.
Xander shook his head. "Don't worry Will, I got that a lot when Miss Sunshine over here was pregnant," he said, glancing at his wife.
"Fuck you, Harris!" growled Anya, just as Gillian walked into the room.
"Mommy, do you need to have your mouth washed out with soap?" scolded the child as she went over to her aunts. Gillian gave Willow an Eskimo kiss, then sweetly gave Tara a kiss on the belly. Turning to the room, she put a finger to her lips and began to whisper, "Shhh, the little one is sleeping, so all of you need to be quiet." She looked at Tara for reassurance. Grinning, Tara righted the crown on the dark-haired girl.
"Right, Fairy Princess."
Gillian nodded, then turned her attention the window behind her aunts. "Uncle Giles, Auntie Olivia, and Derek just got outta their car," announced the child. "Don't worry Mommy, I'll get the door." She skipped into the hallway and opened the front door. "Welcome to the Harris residence, may I enquier as to how I may help you."
Two adult hands reached out and picked up the child, giving her a tight hug. Giles then entered the house and put Gillian down. Following him was Olivia, who was holding their toddler son. Phoenix gasped when she saw her former Watcher, in turn making Anya look towards her.
Giles looked like the model suburban dad, wearing a plaid, long sleeve shirt and running shoes. He was quite relaxed, tousling Gillian's hair and laughing over something with Olivia. Olivia, whom Phoenix had only met a few times, was quite relaxed in a purple tee shirt and black pants. She set Derek down on the ground, and the child began to toddle around. Derek's complexion was a mixture of his parents, giving him a darkly tanned look, and had Giles' eyes and Olivia's lips. Everyone stood up to greet the three, save Tara, who said her greetings from the couch.
"How's the little guy?" Xander asked, referring to Derek.
"Ah, love's just gotten over a cold, but he's doing just fine," said Olivia as she and Giles sat on the footstool. Derek toddled to the coffee table and began playing with the glass candleholders. As soon as he started banging them together, Giles quickly scooped him up.
"No you don't, you little terror!" Derek began to whine, reaching out for the candleholders. Giles swatted him softly on his hands, and Derek started crying. "Livy," he said, looking at his wife, "I think we better feed the boy. We spent the whole day at the playground, so he'll probably fall asleep soon." Olivia nodded, then removed Derek from Giles and set him back on the ground. Gillian grabbed the boy's hand, and led him upstairs to play. "When's dinner, Anya?"
Anya, who had been watching Phoenix's reactions the entire time, turned towards Giles. "Um, in a few minutes. Sunset's in a bit. Gotta wait for Spike."
Xander sarcastically rolled his eyes. "That guy always has to make an entrance." Anya hit her husband on the hands, then began to talk with Tara, Willow, and Olivia. Xander and Giles in turn started their own conversation.
Phoenix still sat near the fireplace, sadly watching all of her friends in their new lives. They probably don't even see me. . . she thought, until it dawned on her. I'm fucking invisible! A grin spread on her face. She started to remember how much fun she had when she was invisible years ago. Playing pranks on people, eavesdropping, having the most amazing sex with Spike. . . Except for the whole almost turning to Jell-O part, it had been a great time; and because this was simply a curse, she didn't have to worry about a thing. This is gonna be fun.
She stood, then began to walk around the room. Anya saw this, but tried not to look at the girl. Phoenix went behind Xander and began to lightly touch the back of his neck. He felt it, and itched his neck. Laughing, she repeated the action, and again he itched his neck. This went on for a while, until she rested a finger in the middle of the back of his head. Thinking it was a fly, he slapped the back of his head to kill it, but ended up slapping himself so hard his head snapped forward.
"What the hell?" Xander looked behind him and saw nothing.
"What's wrong?" Giles looked slightly shocked.
"I-I. . . nothing." He shook his head and returned to the conversation.
Phoenix was screaming with laughter. She didn't know why, but it was entirely funny.
She ran to Giles, who was leaning forward to talk to Xander. Squatting in front of him, she started making faces, sticking out her tongue and mimicking how he spoke. An impish thought hit her, and she stood up slightly and licked the right lens of his glasses.
Giles sat up straight in shock. His right lens was now covered in saliva, and he didn't know how.
"Xander, I. . . did you see something?" He took his glasses off and set them on the coffee table.
"No, why?"
He shrugged, and reached back for his glasses, but they were gone. Phoenix had picked them up, and carefully placed them on Tara's foot, not wanting to draw attention.
"Where the bloody hell are my glasses?" Giles became angry, and stood up to search for his eyewear. Everyone shrugged.
Anya heard Phoenix giggling next to her, and looked in her direction. She lay on the floor, laughing and pointing at Tara's foot. Anya saw the glasses, and stood up to retrieve them.
"Here they are," she causally stated, shooting a murderous glance at a still giggling Phoenix. Giles looked confused as he cleaned the lenses with his shirt and placed them back on his face.
Phoenix jumped up, then ran behind the couch. Standing right behind Willow, to whom Anya was presently talking, she began to speak.
"Oh, look at me Anya," mimicked the woman, "I'm Willow the teacher. All spiffy and professional. See how intelligently I talk. Profusely, speculation, morose. Blah blah blah, I'm a female Giles. I bore everyone with my fancy talk."
Anya tried to hold back a laugh, and ended up choking.
"Are you ok?" Willow asked, looking at the brunette.
Trying to collect herself, Anya shook her head. *BRING* The doorbell went off.
"I'll get it!" screamed Anya, just as Phoenix ran around the couch to the hallway. "I said I'LL GET IT!" Anya jumped out of the chair, trying to beat the laughing invisible girl.
Making it to the doorway ahead of Anya, Phoenix flung the door open. Her giddiness faded away when she saw who was at the door. Spike.
He looked exactly the same, only slightly different. If that's possible. His dark blue long sleeve shirt was rolled at the sleeves, covering a dark gray shirt. Instead of the slicked back style she was used to, his bleached hair was slightly tosseled. What seemed different was the way he acted, the way he carried himself. It was almost human.
Looking slightly confused, he stared through Phoenix at a breathless Anya, who had just ran up behind the girl.
"Think you got a ghost problem, luv," he said. Phoenix jumped aside and watched him give Anya a hug. The two went into the living room, as Phoenix stood at the door.
The joy she had felt seconds ago was gone, replaced again by that depressed mood. Spike, who stated many times that he would never stop loving her, looked incredibly happy. She saw him get affectionate greetings from people who, years ago despised him. Anya was wrong; they are better off without me.
Because Spike had finally arrived, it was dinnertime. The group made their way into the kitchen to dish up, while Xander went upstairs to get Gillian and Derek.
After a few minutes, everyone was in the dining room eating. It wasn't until then that Anya remembered Phoenix, who had momentarily disappeared. She excused herself, then went to find her.
Phoenix sat in the hallway, curled up in a ball and crying.
"Honey, what's the matter?" Anya knelt down, cupping Phoenix's face in her hands. When she didn't respond, Anya stood up and pulled the girl to her feet. "Come on, its dinner time." Walking to the kitchen, Anya fixed Phoenix a plate of food, and put her in a place where she could see everything but no one would see her.
It was a weird scene, all the happiness and normalcy of a family. Spike sat with the kids, teaching Gillian tricks and disgusting things to do. Olivia and Anya told mothering horror stories to Tara and Willow, while Xander and Giles discussed a recent soccer match. When Xander began to tease Willow, she threw a cucumber slice at his head. All the couples would occasionally show some sort of intimacy towards each other: a small peck or a rub.
For an hour it went on, the talking, the affection, the togetherness, without any sign of tension or anger. Six years ago, this would have been an entirely different scene. Phoenix felt like an outsider, and rightfully so, because it was a world she was not part of.
Dinner ended, the table was cleared and the children put to bed. They were always put to sleep after the dinner, because what happened next wasn't for their ears.
After dinner was the Scooby meeting.