Chapter 9
Homecomings
It was late, Sunnydale International was almost deserted, and Willow shifted about nervously while Xander hailed a cab. Anya was still too breathless to speak. They'd all just had a too close encounter with a macaskill demon; it had jumped Xander as they were getting off the plane. Luckily there was no one to witness the attack except them. Anya eyed Willow with renewed anger as she got her breathing under control.
"See what you have done? This has been our life for the past six months" Anya panted angrily.
"I know it sounds lame, but all I can say is sorry," said Willow regretfully.
"We can talk about this later; when we get to Buffy's house," said Xander.
The three got in the cab and were more than thankful to be on their way home. Spike and Buffy exited the airport; they had been the last to leave the plane. Spike swore as he saw the last cab drive off.
"Bugger, bet we have to wait ages for another taxi, especially at this time of night," he said.
"Don't be so impatient darling, there is sure to be another one along soon, this is Sunnydale not some back and beyond," She smiled.
"Sorry pet, think it's just nerves getting to me," he sighed, lighting up a cigarette.
Buffy wrinkled her nose at the smoke "Hope you are going to give up that nasty habit," she complained.
Spike choked on his cigarette "Bleedin' hell! We have been married for five minutes and you are already trying to change me," he exclaimed.
Buffy ignored his sharp retort, not wanting to argue so soon into their marriage. A cab driving up to the airport entrance soon had Buffy distracted by other things. They got in and headed for home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joyce looked at her watch for about the hundredth time, she couldn't help pacing up and down the room with nervous energy.
"They're not coming Rupert, its past midnight they should be here by now," she said.
"Sit down Joyce before you wear a hole in the rug, they'll get here soon," he replied.
Joyce, ignoring Rupert went over to the window, looking out into the darkness that was Revello drive. She gasped and came away from the window.
"What is it?" asked Giles.
"A taxi just pulled up, I think they're here," she said.
"Ok calm down Joyce, I know they have been underhanded about the whole thing, but we were young once, let's try not to ruin their happiness," he said
Shakespeare lifted his head off Giles's lap at the sound of approaching footsteps. The knock at the door made both Giles and Joyce jump; such was the tension within them both.
"I suppose I'd better get that then," She said walking across to the front door.
Joyce opened the door widely, expecting to see her daughter and her new son- in-law standing there.
"Hi Joyce!" the three said in unison.
If Joyce looked disappointed, they were too busy giving her hugs for them to notice it. As they came in, Joyce went and stood on the porch looking around anxiously before going back inside and closing the door. Willow, Anya and Xander stood in the hall; they could see Giles seated on the lounge.
Xander turned to Joyce "How is he?"
"Fine, better in fact, we were worried about him for awhile but we had help from an unexpected area and he has been better these past few days," she replied.
"Oh yeah? Who was that then," he asked.
"Spike," Joyce replied.
"Spike! Forgive me if I have trouble believing that," Said Xander.
"I am blind not deaf, if you want to talk about me, at least come and do it in here," called Giles.
Willow hesitated at the entrance to the lounge as the others passed her.
"Willow?" Said Giles.
"Um, here," she said weakly.
"Come in Willow, I am not going to bite your head off, even though maybe I should," he said wryly.
"Giles I am so sorry," she wailed.
"Nice dog, when did you get him?" asked Anya, looking at Shakespeare.
"Since I lost the use of my eyes actually, he's a seeing eye dog," answered Giles.
"Oh that's nice," she replied, looking in askance at Xander who was frowning at her.
"Where are Spike and Buffy? I can break this spell tonight and get everyone back to normal," Said Willow, eager to make amends.
"Buff's probably on patrol, right Joyce?" asked Xander.
"Something like that," muttered Joyce.
"What about the evil un-dead?" Xander enquired.
"Oh he's with Buffy," Said Giles.
Xander, Anya and Willow looked at Giles in surprise.
"There are a few new developments you may not be aware of," Giles began, tiredly rubbing his eyes.
They all turned in alarm as the front door started to open.
"Demons!" said Xander getting ready to defend himself. They all rose from their seats.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike and Buffy stood together on the porch; the lights were on, everyone was obviously still awake. Buffy squealed in surprise as Spike lifted her into his arms.
"What are you doing Spike?" she asked.
"Carrying you over the threshold sweetheart, it's traditional," he grinned.
"And you are a real one for tradition," she answered archly.
Spike burst into the house with Buffy in his arms, ready to face the welcoming committee.
"Surprise!" he roared
All eyes turned to the couple except Giles. He just sat there with a resigned smile on his face; this was going to get interesting, he thought.
Anya turned to Xander, "Close your mouth honey, bugs might get in it," She said.
"Flies," he answered vaguely.
Spike swiftly dropped Buffy to the ground. She linked her arm through his.
"Why were you carrying Buffy, did she get hurt on patrol?" asked Anya.
"Oh God, you two aren't still acting like a bad episode of "Passions are you?" Xander asked.
"Hey! That's my favourite show," protested Spike.
"Look there are more important issues at stake, let's not get off topic," said Giles.
Buffy broke away from Spike; she was overjoyed to see everyone together again. She could share her happy news with them all.
"Willow!" she exclaimed, pulling her friend into a tight hug. She released Willow and held out her left hand to display her rings.
"You will never guess what has happened, Spike and I got married last night!" Buffy grinned, waiting for the congratulations to start coming.
"Oh", said Willow flushing guiltily.
"Yay," said Xander unenthusiastically.
"Oh that's great news, I think?" Said Anya looking around the room.
Buffy pouted at the lack of response to her announcement, bottom lip trembling. Spike rushed to her side, putting his arm around her.
"It's ok pet, it's late, I am sure every one is a little tired, we can celebrate in the morning," he said, glaring at everyone.
"Yeah I am pretty tired," she yawned.
"Well you didn't get a lot of sleep last night," He said smugly looking at Xander. He loved to wind the whelp up, guess there was still a little of the evil still in him, he thought.
"Mom?" Buffy looked at her mother.
"It's ok Buffy you two go to bed, we can talk in the morning," Joyce replied.
Buffy gave her mom a quick kiss on the cheek and wished the others goodnight as she disappeared up the stairs with Spike.
"Oh God, I am evil, I don't deserve to live," groaned Willow, slumping back into her seat.
"That's true," said Anya.
"Anya, a little more objectivity is required," Said Giles testily.
"Well everyone is here, do you want me to fix the spell now?" asked Willow.
"No," Said Joyce.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Our first night home together," Buffy smiled, undressing for bed.
"Yes, but I have been thinking, we can't live with your mother forever luv, a couple needs a space of their own," he replied.
"You want us to get our own place? We can't afford it, not on your wages at Willie's, I suppose I could get something part-time at the weekends to help," She said.
"Don't worry about it pet, I have somewhere in mind, rent-free and convenient for your other line of work," he said mysteriously.
"Let's talk about it in the morning, by the way what was with all the long faces downstairs," Buffy asked.
"I'm sure it was nothing, give them time pet, Giles and mum are used to us, the others have been away a long time, they will come around," Spike replied.
"I don't feel so sleepy anymore Spike," She smiled at him sexily.
"I was kind of hoping you would say that," he said crawling towards her on the bed, like a predatory jungle cat.
"We'd better keep the noise down a bit though," She whispered in his ear.
"Dunno, they might learn a thing or two," He leered.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So when did all this happen?" asked Xander.
"A couple of days ago, we thought it best to tell you when you returned," said Giles.
"Buffy and Spike got married, maybe we could too Xander," said Anya.
"We are so not talking about this now honey," Xander replied.
"I knew you didn't really love me, it was always about the orgasms wasn't it?" she cried, rising up out of her seat and slamming the front door behind her.
Xander sighed in resignation, "I think we'd better postpone this discussion for tomorrow; I have a cranky ex-demon to calm down, night Joyce, night Giles," He said grabbing his jacket off the stairs and quietly closing the door behind him.
"And then there were three," Shrugged Willow.
"Now it's just us here, maybe you might want to explain the reluctance to break the spell Joyce," Giles said.
"I am scared if you must know, scared what it will do to my daughter when she discovers all this has been one six month long dream, I know how much those two love each other, I have seen daily proofs of that love," She replied.
"Love?" Said Willow confusion etched upon her face.
"Yes it seems that way," Said Giles concisely.
"But I didn't cast a love spell on them, I only said they should get married," she said.
"Yes, but don't love and marriage go automatically hand in hand?" asked Joyce.
"That's a very romantic view point Joyce; people get married everyday, some for company; some for greed, some for lust, only a blessed few marry for the right reason, the reason that any one should have when contemplating marriage; love," He replied.
Willow looked at Giles as he felt around on the coffee table for his mug of tea; she reached over and placed it in his hands.
"I forgive you Willow," he said clasping her fingers.
Willow felt the tears sting at her eyes, it was more than she deserved; she knew it.
"Thank you Giles, if there is anyway I can make it up to you; just ask," She said in-between tears.
"Well there could be another problem," said Giles.
"Oh you mean besides the Buffy and Spike love fest going on upstairs while we speak?" she blushed.
"Yes, and it could have serious repercussions too, especially after you break the spell," he answered.
"Okay, what is it? More bad news?" She asked.
"It involves a certain pendant and the goddess Frigg," Giles replied.
"Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like this?" she asked
Giles explained all that had happened to willow, she sat there in silence until he finished.
"You may be stressing over nothing, if neither of them know about the power of the pendant, then there is little chance of it being activated," Willow said reassuringly.
"But what if it has?" asked Joyce.
"Then you will have something else to celebrate besides your daughter's recent wedding, I can practise magic, but undoing the work of goddesses would be beyond the capabilities of the most powerful witch in existence," Willow answered.
All three of them sat there in silence for a few minutes.
"I really have a lot to answer for don't I?" Asked Willow.
Joyce looked at her watch
"Let's not get into that now, it's late, Willow would you like to sleep here?" she asked.
"I was kinda hoping you would say that, I doubt they kept my dorm room open for me at uni," she replied
"I think I will join you Joyce," said Giles rising from his seat.
Joyce flushed
"Um I didn't mean that literally," he coughed awkwardly.
"It's okay Rupert, tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for everyone," she said.
"You know where everything is Willow?" asked Joyce.
"Yep you two just get to bed, oh but not together," She said quickly.
Joyce helped Giles up the stairs.
Do you think she knows?" asked Giles
"You can count on it," Joyce replied.
TBC
Homecomings
It was late, Sunnydale International was almost deserted, and Willow shifted about nervously while Xander hailed a cab. Anya was still too breathless to speak. They'd all just had a too close encounter with a macaskill demon; it had jumped Xander as they were getting off the plane. Luckily there was no one to witness the attack except them. Anya eyed Willow with renewed anger as she got her breathing under control.
"See what you have done? This has been our life for the past six months" Anya panted angrily.
"I know it sounds lame, but all I can say is sorry," said Willow regretfully.
"We can talk about this later; when we get to Buffy's house," said Xander.
The three got in the cab and were more than thankful to be on their way home. Spike and Buffy exited the airport; they had been the last to leave the plane. Spike swore as he saw the last cab drive off.
"Bugger, bet we have to wait ages for another taxi, especially at this time of night," he said.
"Don't be so impatient darling, there is sure to be another one along soon, this is Sunnydale not some back and beyond," She smiled.
"Sorry pet, think it's just nerves getting to me," he sighed, lighting up a cigarette.
Buffy wrinkled her nose at the smoke "Hope you are going to give up that nasty habit," she complained.
Spike choked on his cigarette "Bleedin' hell! We have been married for five minutes and you are already trying to change me," he exclaimed.
Buffy ignored his sharp retort, not wanting to argue so soon into their marriage. A cab driving up to the airport entrance soon had Buffy distracted by other things. They got in and headed for home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joyce looked at her watch for about the hundredth time, she couldn't help pacing up and down the room with nervous energy.
"They're not coming Rupert, its past midnight they should be here by now," she said.
"Sit down Joyce before you wear a hole in the rug, they'll get here soon," he replied.
Joyce, ignoring Rupert went over to the window, looking out into the darkness that was Revello drive. She gasped and came away from the window.
"What is it?" asked Giles.
"A taxi just pulled up, I think they're here," she said.
"Ok calm down Joyce, I know they have been underhanded about the whole thing, but we were young once, let's try not to ruin their happiness," he said
Shakespeare lifted his head off Giles's lap at the sound of approaching footsteps. The knock at the door made both Giles and Joyce jump; such was the tension within them both.
"I suppose I'd better get that then," She said walking across to the front door.
Joyce opened the door widely, expecting to see her daughter and her new son- in-law standing there.
"Hi Joyce!" the three said in unison.
If Joyce looked disappointed, they were too busy giving her hugs for them to notice it. As they came in, Joyce went and stood on the porch looking around anxiously before going back inside and closing the door. Willow, Anya and Xander stood in the hall; they could see Giles seated on the lounge.
Xander turned to Joyce "How is he?"
"Fine, better in fact, we were worried about him for awhile but we had help from an unexpected area and he has been better these past few days," she replied.
"Oh yeah? Who was that then," he asked.
"Spike," Joyce replied.
"Spike! Forgive me if I have trouble believing that," Said Xander.
"I am blind not deaf, if you want to talk about me, at least come and do it in here," called Giles.
Willow hesitated at the entrance to the lounge as the others passed her.
"Willow?" Said Giles.
"Um, here," she said weakly.
"Come in Willow, I am not going to bite your head off, even though maybe I should," he said wryly.
"Giles I am so sorry," she wailed.
"Nice dog, when did you get him?" asked Anya, looking at Shakespeare.
"Since I lost the use of my eyes actually, he's a seeing eye dog," answered Giles.
"Oh that's nice," she replied, looking in askance at Xander who was frowning at her.
"Where are Spike and Buffy? I can break this spell tonight and get everyone back to normal," Said Willow, eager to make amends.
"Buff's probably on patrol, right Joyce?" asked Xander.
"Something like that," muttered Joyce.
"What about the evil un-dead?" Xander enquired.
"Oh he's with Buffy," Said Giles.
Xander, Anya and Willow looked at Giles in surprise.
"There are a few new developments you may not be aware of," Giles began, tiredly rubbing his eyes.
They all turned in alarm as the front door started to open.
"Demons!" said Xander getting ready to defend himself. They all rose from their seats.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Spike and Buffy stood together on the porch; the lights were on, everyone was obviously still awake. Buffy squealed in surprise as Spike lifted her into his arms.
"What are you doing Spike?" she asked.
"Carrying you over the threshold sweetheart, it's traditional," he grinned.
"And you are a real one for tradition," she answered archly.
Spike burst into the house with Buffy in his arms, ready to face the welcoming committee.
"Surprise!" he roared
All eyes turned to the couple except Giles. He just sat there with a resigned smile on his face; this was going to get interesting, he thought.
Anya turned to Xander, "Close your mouth honey, bugs might get in it," She said.
"Flies," he answered vaguely.
Spike swiftly dropped Buffy to the ground. She linked her arm through his.
"Why were you carrying Buffy, did she get hurt on patrol?" asked Anya.
"Oh God, you two aren't still acting like a bad episode of "Passions are you?" Xander asked.
"Hey! That's my favourite show," protested Spike.
"Look there are more important issues at stake, let's not get off topic," said Giles.
Buffy broke away from Spike; she was overjoyed to see everyone together again. She could share her happy news with them all.
"Willow!" she exclaimed, pulling her friend into a tight hug. She released Willow and held out her left hand to display her rings.
"You will never guess what has happened, Spike and I got married last night!" Buffy grinned, waiting for the congratulations to start coming.
"Oh", said Willow flushing guiltily.
"Yay," said Xander unenthusiastically.
"Oh that's great news, I think?" Said Anya looking around the room.
Buffy pouted at the lack of response to her announcement, bottom lip trembling. Spike rushed to her side, putting his arm around her.
"It's ok pet, it's late, I am sure every one is a little tired, we can celebrate in the morning," he said, glaring at everyone.
"Yeah I am pretty tired," she yawned.
"Well you didn't get a lot of sleep last night," He said smugly looking at Xander. He loved to wind the whelp up, guess there was still a little of the evil still in him, he thought.
"Mom?" Buffy looked at her mother.
"It's ok Buffy you two go to bed, we can talk in the morning," Joyce replied.
Buffy gave her mom a quick kiss on the cheek and wished the others goodnight as she disappeared up the stairs with Spike.
"Oh God, I am evil, I don't deserve to live," groaned Willow, slumping back into her seat.
"That's true," said Anya.
"Anya, a little more objectivity is required," Said Giles testily.
"Well everyone is here, do you want me to fix the spell now?" asked Willow.
"No," Said Joyce.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Our first night home together," Buffy smiled, undressing for bed.
"Yes, but I have been thinking, we can't live with your mother forever luv, a couple needs a space of their own," he replied.
"You want us to get our own place? We can't afford it, not on your wages at Willie's, I suppose I could get something part-time at the weekends to help," She said.
"Don't worry about it pet, I have somewhere in mind, rent-free and convenient for your other line of work," he said mysteriously.
"Let's talk about it in the morning, by the way what was with all the long faces downstairs," Buffy asked.
"I'm sure it was nothing, give them time pet, Giles and mum are used to us, the others have been away a long time, they will come around," Spike replied.
"I don't feel so sleepy anymore Spike," She smiled at him sexily.
"I was kind of hoping you would say that," he said crawling towards her on the bed, like a predatory jungle cat.
"We'd better keep the noise down a bit though," She whispered in his ear.
"Dunno, they might learn a thing or two," He leered.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So when did all this happen?" asked Xander.
"A couple of days ago, we thought it best to tell you when you returned," said Giles.
"Buffy and Spike got married, maybe we could too Xander," said Anya.
"We are so not talking about this now honey," Xander replied.
"I knew you didn't really love me, it was always about the orgasms wasn't it?" she cried, rising up out of her seat and slamming the front door behind her.
Xander sighed in resignation, "I think we'd better postpone this discussion for tomorrow; I have a cranky ex-demon to calm down, night Joyce, night Giles," He said grabbing his jacket off the stairs and quietly closing the door behind him.
"And then there were three," Shrugged Willow.
"Now it's just us here, maybe you might want to explain the reluctance to break the spell Joyce," Giles said.
"I am scared if you must know, scared what it will do to my daughter when she discovers all this has been one six month long dream, I know how much those two love each other, I have seen daily proofs of that love," She replied.
"Love?" Said Willow confusion etched upon her face.
"Yes it seems that way," Said Giles concisely.
"But I didn't cast a love spell on them, I only said they should get married," she said.
"Yes, but don't love and marriage go automatically hand in hand?" asked Joyce.
"That's a very romantic view point Joyce; people get married everyday, some for company; some for greed, some for lust, only a blessed few marry for the right reason, the reason that any one should have when contemplating marriage; love," He replied.
Willow looked at Giles as he felt around on the coffee table for his mug of tea; she reached over and placed it in his hands.
"I forgive you Willow," he said clasping her fingers.
Willow felt the tears sting at her eyes, it was more than she deserved; she knew it.
"Thank you Giles, if there is anyway I can make it up to you; just ask," She said in-between tears.
"Well there could be another problem," said Giles.
"Oh you mean besides the Buffy and Spike love fest going on upstairs while we speak?" she blushed.
"Yes, and it could have serious repercussions too, especially after you break the spell," he answered.
"Okay, what is it? More bad news?" She asked.
"It involves a certain pendant and the goddess Frigg," Giles replied.
"Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like this?" she asked
Giles explained all that had happened to willow, she sat there in silence until he finished.
"You may be stressing over nothing, if neither of them know about the power of the pendant, then there is little chance of it being activated," Willow said reassuringly.
"But what if it has?" asked Joyce.
"Then you will have something else to celebrate besides your daughter's recent wedding, I can practise magic, but undoing the work of goddesses would be beyond the capabilities of the most powerful witch in existence," Willow answered.
All three of them sat there in silence for a few minutes.
"I really have a lot to answer for don't I?" Asked Willow.
Joyce looked at her watch
"Let's not get into that now, it's late, Willow would you like to sleep here?" she asked.
"I was kinda hoping you would say that, I doubt they kept my dorm room open for me at uni," she replied
"I think I will join you Joyce," said Giles rising from his seat.
Joyce flushed
"Um I didn't mean that literally," he coughed awkwardly.
"It's okay Rupert, tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for everyone," she said.
"You know where everything is Willow?" asked Joyce.
"Yep you two just get to bed, oh but not together," She said quickly.
Joyce helped Giles up the stairs.
Do you think she knows?" asked Giles
"You can count on it," Joyce replied.
TBC