Author's note: I know I skipped "Lover's Walk" and "The Wish." Assume everything that happened in those episodes stayed the same.

Disclaimer: Buffy really, really doesn't belong to me. For this chapter, I will be using events and dialogue taken directly from the episode Amends, written by Joss Whedon. No infringement is intended and no profit is being made from this story.

Chapter 4: Amends

Takes place during the episode Amends

(Author's Note 2: If you have not seen "Amends" you will be incredibly confused. For this chapter, I'm rewriting a few scenes from that episode and adding to others. Assume everything else happened just like the canon.)

~Sunnydale High School~

Buffy, Willow, and Xander were walking down the hallway towards Buffy's locker. Buffy's mind was still on her previous encounter with Angel. She was telling them about it before class, and now she was finishing the story. "And then he just bailed. He didn't say anything. He just took off. It was so weird."

As Buffy and Willow opened their respective lockers, Xander made his opinion known. "Angel? Weird? What are the odds?"

Buffy glared at Xander as Willow asked, "Do you think something's wrong? Maybe you should tell Giles."

Buffy opened her locker and looked around as she answered Willow. "No. I don't wanna bug Giles. He's still kinda twitchy when it comes to the subject of Angel."

"Well, it must be that whole Angel-killed-his-girlfriend-and-tortured-him thing. Hey, Giles is pretty petty when it comes to stuff like that," Xander said snottily.

Buffy rolled her eyes and took her lunch out of her locker. "Xander, enough, okay? It wasn't Angel who did all of those things. It was Angelus. Besides, it's not like Giles hasn't rebounded or anything. He's dating my mom now, so he must be a little recovered." Buffy slammed her locker shut.

Willow zipped up her book bag and closed her locker as well. "Maybe Angel just has the holiday blues. Everybody gets 'em. Especially when they're alone."

As Buffy, Willow and Xander start back down the hall, Buffy continues to vent her feelings about Angel. "It's just so frustrating. I'm trying to do the right thing and stay away from him and get over it, and then boom, there he is. I just want a nice, quiet Christmas vacation."

The gang comes out of the hallway and into one of the Sunnydale High School student lounges. "So, you doing anything special?" asks Xander.

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and replied, "Tree. Nog. Roast beast. Just me and Mom and Giles."

Willow looked at Buffy. "Wow. Giles is spending a family holiday with your family. Things are getting serious. What do you think about that?"

Buffy shrugged again and replied, "I'm just hoping that twice the parental units means twice the gifts. Never can have too many gifts. What are you doing for Christmas?"

"Being Jewish. Remember, people? Not everybody worships Santa," Willow answered.

Buffy smiled. "I just meant for vacation."

The red-head sighed. "Mm. Nothing fun." The gang walked to the couches to sit down. "Oz and I had planned... but I guess that's off."

Xander noticed that Cordelia was already sitting on one of the couches. He tried to non-verbally communicate to Willow that they should sit elsewhere, but she wasn't paying attention. Buffy and Willow took their seats on the couch opposite of Cordelia. Xander reluctantly joined them. In an effort to conceal his discomfort about being a mere two feet away from his ex, Xander started talking about his plans for the break. "Well, I'll be enjoying my annual Christmas Eve camp-out. See, I take my sleeping bag outside and I go to sleep on the grass."

Willow, realizing what Xander is trying to do, says, "Sounds fun."

Xander nods "Yeah, I like to look at the stars, you know? Feel the whole nature vibe."

Cordelia stood to leave, but couldn't resist one last parting shot at Xander. She smiled smugly and said, "I thought you slept outside to avoid your family's drunken Christmas fights."

Xander glared at the socialite and said, "Yes. And that was a confidence I was hoping you would share with everyone."

Cordelia ignored Xander and said, "Well, I'll be in Aspen. Skiing. With actual snow."

Buffy, sensing Xander's distress, cattily replied, "I hear that helps."

"It must be a drag to be stuck here in Sweatydale, but I'm thinking of you. Okay, I'm done," Cordelia said. She waved her hand dismissively at the trio and left.

"She certainly has reverted to form," observed Buffy.

Willow, still feeling guilty over her and Xander's "slip" defended Cordelia's actions. "It's not her fault. Mm, after what happened, we gotta cut her some slack."

"That's the Christmas spirit," said Xander.

"Hello, still Jewish. Chanukah spirit, I believe that was? Anyway, forgiveness is pretty much a big theme with me this year, 'cause of the..." Willow's suddenly stops when she sees Oz walking towards them. Oz stops and stands right next to Willow.

For a moment no one says anything. Xander and Oz have an uncomfortable couple of seconds of eye contact. Willow is looks at Oz hopefully. Finally, the taciturn young man decides to say something. "Hey."

Willow smiles a little and says, "Hey."

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

~Downtown Sunnydale- later that day~

Buffy wiped her hand across her brow. There was no denying it. it was hot. And what was she doing? Shopping for Christmas trees with her mom. Buffy shook her head as she walked past a man spraying fake snow on one of the trees. Dream all you want, buddy, Buffy thought. No matter how many trees you cover with that white junk, it's still going to be in the high 90's.

Apparently, Joyce had noticed the man too. She turned to her daughter and asked, "Do you wanna get one with snow on it? Be very Christmasy."

Buffy rolled her eyes at her mother. "I think those are just for display."

"Oh," said Joyce, a little hurt at her daughter's tone. "You know, honey, I was thinking. Maybe we should invite Faith to spend Christmas Eve with us."

"I don't know. Faith and I don't really hang out. Or talk or make eye contact lately. Besides, with Giles coming over and all, don't you think the house will be a little crowded?"

"I think that our house is spacious enough to fit four people. Do you really wanna let her spend Christmas Eve all by herself in that dingy little motel room?"

Buffy smiled. "You're still number one with a guilt trip, Mom."

"I try. I know I didn't ask before, but you're okay with Rupert spending Christmas Eve with us, aren't you?"

Buffy shrugged. "I guess. I mean it's not like he has any family or anything." Joyce nodded. "And it's just dinner. He's not moving in. I guess I'm fine with it."

"Buffy, I don't want to force Rupert on you..."

Joyce was cut off by a laugh from Buffy. "Mom! I knew Giles before you did. Since moving to Sunnydale, I think I've spent more time with Giles than you. Forcing isn't a good verb here."

Joyce wrapped an arm around Buffy's shoulder as they continued to walk down row after row of evergreens. "I know, but this is different. I know that in the past, you've taken great lengths to keep school and slaying apart from home."

"And now those two world have collided with the force of an atomic blast."

"Buffy..."

"I'm sorry. And no, I don't mind that Giles is coming over for Christmas Eve."

"Good."

"Although, I have to warn you, if he starts talking shop, I may half to toss him out on his British behind."

"If it comes to that I'll help you," Joyce said with a grin. "So, you'll be giving Faith a call?"

"Yes," said Buffy sounding frustrated. "I'll stop by. See if she wants to make an appearance."

"Thank you," said Joyce. She stopped and looked at Buffy. "Did I ever tell you that you're a really great daughter?"

Buffy smiled. "Once or twice, but it bears repeating." Buffy and Joyce's laughter filled the isles as the two of them continued on their search for the perfect tree.

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

~Summers Residence- Christmas Eve~

As Buffy put the finishing touches on the Christmas tree, Joyce was almost frantically going around the house in an attempt to make everything more 'christmasy.' Giles just sat on the sofa in the living room, observing and enjoying the chaos. As Buffy debated whether to top the tree with an angel or a star, Joyce lit the fire she had been building in the fire place.

Joyce stood from where she was kneeling on the floor and brushed off her hands. "There we go."

Buffy, electing to go with the star, rolled her eyes at her mother. "Nothing like a roaring fire to keep away the blistering heat."

"Oh, come on. It's lovely. Maybe I should turn the air conditioning on."

Giles set his tea down on the coffee table and stood. He walked over to Joyce and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I think the fire adds just the right touch of ambiance," he said as he leaned down to kiss Joyce.

"Okay, eeewww!" said Buffy, only half kidding as she shielded her eyes with her hand.

"Buffy," said Joyce in a warning tone, but before she could reprimand her daughter, she was interrupted by the doorbell. Buffy walked to the door and opened it. Standing there was the last person Buffy expected to see.

"Hey," said Faith.

"Hi!" said a surprised Buffy.

Faith shifted her feet nervously. "Uh, looked like that whole party thing was gonna be kind of a drag. I didn't really have anything... You know."

Buffy smiled sincerely. "I'm glad you came."

Faith smiled back at Buffy. Then she shoved two small, brightly colored package into Buffy's hands. "Uh... Here."

Buffy gestured towards the rest of the house as she said, "Why don't you come in from the entire lack of cold?"

Faith walked into the living room. "Uh, that one is for your mom," she said pointing at the larger of the two packages. "They're pretty crappy."

Joyce had left Giles's embrace when she heard that it was Faith at the door. Now she walked over to greet the girl. "Faith, you made it." Buffy handed Joyce the gift that faith had indicated. Joyce looked at it for a second then she looked up at Faith and smiled. "Oh, that is so thoughtful."

Faith made a self depreciating gesture. "They're crappy." As Faith stepped into the living room she noticed Giles standing by the tree. "Oh. Hey, Watcher-man. Sorry. Didn't bring you anything. Didn't know you were going to be here," she said shooting a look at Buffy.

Giles smiled. "It's quite alright. I'm just glad that you're here, Faith." Giles looked at Joyce. "Everyone should have someone special with whom to spend Christmas." Joyce blushed a little at Giles's words.

This exchange was not lost on Buffy. Jeez, she thought. If those two get any cuter, I may hurl. Aloud she said, "You know, I'm gonna go upstairs and get your gifts. Excuse me." Buffy quickly retreated up the stairs.

After the three people in the living room watched Buffy flee to her room, Joyce turned to Faith and asked, "Uh, would you like some nog?"

A few minutes later, Buffy came back into the living room. Joyce had been telling Faith and Giles a story about a customer at the gallery who was demanding his purchase be shipped in time for Christmas, but quickly stopped when she noticed her daughter. Buffy looked shaken to the core. "Buffy, is something wrong?" Joyce asked.

Buffy furiously shook her head. "No, no. Everything's fine. Um, Giles can I talk to you in the kitchen?"

Giles stood quickly. "Of course, Buffy." Buffy turned and headed to the kitchen with Giles fast on her heels. When they reached the kitchen, Giles turned to his charge and asked, "Now, what happened that you can't say in front of your mother?"

Buffy started pacing the room like a caged tiger. "Upstairs. Just now. Angel."

"Oh," Giles said as he took out a handkerchief and started polishing his glasses.

"Oh. That's all you have to say? Giles, we have to do something. Soon. Now."

Giles shrugged and leaned against the center island. "I'm still not sure what."

Almost as if in response to Giles's casual posture, Buffy began to pace faster and more frantically. "Find me these priest guys. Find me something I can pummel."

"Let's not lose our heads."

"Giles, he's slipping." When the Watcher didn't respond, Buffy's voice cracked a little. "I think we're losing him."

Giles sighed and put his glasses back on. "Look... You realize if he... truly becomes a danger, you may have to kill him. Again. Can you do that?"

Buffy looked at her feet. Finally, she raised her head and let her gaze meet his. "I.... I don't know."

Giles closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I thought as much."

"Listen, Giles. This thing- the First Evil. It's a book thing, right? I mean there are books about it? And you're book-guy. Giles, you are probably the only one who can help Angel."

"Buffy, I don't mean to disabuse you of the notion that I am all-powerful in the realm of cross-referencing, but we've already checked every book in the library. You were there, remember? Of all the books that even mention the First Evil, none of them told us where we could find it, how to kill it, or even if it could be killed."

"Yes," said Buffy slowly. "We checked every book in the library."

"Right...." said Giles, not sure what Buffy was getting at.

"Every book.... but none of the ones at your place. The really valuable and dangerous ones."

Giles stared at Buffy in disbelief. "You must be pulling my leg. Buffy, my private collection isn't referenced in any way. Even if one of those books held the answers we were looking for, we could search for weeks without finding it. Besides, books on demonology and magicks are a bit hard to come by. When I find them, I tend to buy on the spot. There are books in that collection I haven't even looked at yet."

Buffy looked at the older man determinedly. "Then, don't you think it's time you did."

Giles looked into his Slayer's eyes and sighed. He knew he could deny Buffy nothing. "Come on then. If the situation is as dire as you say, we'd best hurry."

At his words, Buffy ran over and enveloped the older man in a fierce hug. "Oh, thank you, Giles," she whispered. Then she grabbed him by the hand and dragged him into the living room. "Mom, we've gotta go."

"Go?"

"Yeah, Giles and me are going to his place. Be back later." Buffy ran to upstairs to get her coat.

"Rupert?" Joyce said. "You're leaving?"

Giles took Joyce's hands in his. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Yes, luv. I'm sorry. I promise to make it up to you later."

"I assume this is work related."

"Unfortunately."

Joyce nodded. "Well, in that case, who am I to stand in the way of a Slayer off to save the world? Be careful."

Buffy was wearing a coat and carrying a backpack as she came back downstairs. She turned to her mother. "We will."

Faith looked at Buffy. "Hey, B. Need backup?"

Buffy smiled at the girl's offer. "Thanks, Faith, but I've got this one. I need you to stay here and protect Mom. Don't let.... anything in."

Faith gave Buffy one of her trademark smirks. "Not a prob, B."

Giles gestured to the door. "Shall we?"

Buffy unzipped the backpack and took out a stake. "Way ahead of you."

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

~Later- At Giles's Apartment~

Buffy rubbed her tired eyes in frustration. She and Giles had been reading for over an hour. So far, they had found nothing. Buffy was sitting on Giles's counch and Giles was at the counter in the kitchen. Buffy was starting to feel the weight of the book on her lap. It had to be at least twenty pounds. And it smelled funny. She sighed.

Giles looked up from what he was reading. "Find anything?" he asked.

"No," said Buffy, her voice full of disappointment. "Listen to this: 'A child shall be born of man and goat and have two heads, and The First shall speak only in riddles...' No wonder you like this stuff," she said as she closed the book. "It's like reading the Sun."

"Yes. Ahhh."

Buffy looked up at him. "Ahh? What Ahh? Priests?"

"Um... Yes, but, uh, more, more posturing, I'm afraid. Um, 'For they are the Harbingers of death. Nothing shall grow above or below them. No seed shall flower, neither in man nor...'" Giles gestured to show that the passage went on like that for quiet a while. "They're rebels and they'll never ever be any good. Nothing specific about their haunts."

Buffy stood and walked over to Giles. "Let me see that." Giles handed her the book. "'....the Harbingers of death. Nothing shall grow above or below...'" Buffy suddenly fell silent as she became lost in thought.

"What?"

Buffy's head shot up suddenly. "Giles! I know where to find them. Buffy grabbed backpack and headed out the door. "Go back to my place. Stay with Mom. I'll be back as soon as possible."

"Buffy!" Giles called. "Where are you going?" But it was too late. She was gone.

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

On December 25th, 1999 a miracle occurred. While the people of Sunnydale slept a single girl's heart and a vampire's life were spared. By a snowfall. The first in Sunnydale history. In life there is only one certainty- that everyday, the sun will rise. This day was no exception. The sun rose, but was instantly obscured by the soft, downy flakes from heaven. In a few hours time, children would awake to discover, for most of them, their first 'white christmas.' People would open presents, build snowmen and go about their day. None having any idea of what took place on a hilltop outside of town in the minutes before dawn.

And at 1630 Revello Drive, a brunette teenager slept on the couch, covered by a throw to protect her from the unexpected cold. And on the front lawn stood a middle-aged couple. Neither aware of that girl, that vampire, or that hilltop, but also neither of them able to sleep until their child returned home safely. So there they stood, holding hands, as the first flurries began to fall.

To be continued.....

Author's Note 3: Please review. I need it! Also, has everyone seen those reviews from "the truth." It seems they were posted as feedback for every BtVS story. I just think it's funny that they're posting this message telling us to rise up against the Buffy/Spike pairing, and they put it on one of my stories, even though it says in my profile that I'm a B/S shipper. I get my laughs where I can find them.