A/N Thanks for the reviews everyone. Motherkat, just a little
explanation, I don't intend for there to be any romance between W/X I just
wanted to get them back a little of the closeness they seemed to have lost
in the previous season. Although B/W/X are a trio, I always think W/X
friendship goes deeper for having known each other since they were kids.
Hope that helps.
Chapter 23
It was a beautiful morning, Buffy stretched out like a contented cat, she turned on her side and smiled at Spike, he was wide awake and she had the sneaking suspicion he had been watching her sleep.
Buffy put on her brave face, something she was very practised at in times of danger or possible end of the world scenarios. It would be the end of her world if anything were to happen to him.
"What time is it?" asked Spike.
"It's 6:30 am, I am so gonna buy you a watch when this is all over," she replied.
Buffy could have kicked herself for reminding him, as soon as the words had left her lips. Spike pasted on a false smile as he kissed her, drawing comfort from her.
"Everyone else still asleep?" asked Spike.
Buffy looked around at the various assortment of sleeping bags and beds, there was a gentle snore coming from Giles's sleeping place. Buffy giggled.
"You never snored," said Buffy.
"Well I suppose it's due to the fact that vampires don't really need to breathe unless they feel like it," said Spike.
Buffy put a hand on his chest, feeling it rise and fall.
"How about now, is that necessity or reflex?" she asked.
"Necessity, breathing was one of the things I didn't miss about being human, the needing to breathe thing started a couple of days ago," he admitted.
"And let me guess, you didn't want to worry me?" she asked, a little annoyed.
"Buffy I don't want to argue with you, not today," said Spike
Buffy looked horrified, she had been about to go off on one, and all he'd been guilty of was trying to protect her as usual. Spike smiled at her expression, he gathered her into the circle of his arms, and they kissed deeply and urgently.
"Hey try and keep this a PG13 you guys," said Dawn cheekily.
"Save me from little sisters," said Buffy, as they broke apart.
"Even my powers have limits," Spike replied.
Buffy threw one of the pillows at her sister. Andrew got up out of his sleeping bag and yawned.
"Anyone for breakfast?" he asked sleepily.
"Don't really feel like food," said Buffy.
"Me neither, but you should try to eat something love, you're all skin and bone," said Spike in concern.
"Look who's talking fatty!" she replied in indignation, poking one of his bony ribs to prove her point.
Giles sat up, looking around for his glasses. Dawn and Andrew looked awkwardly at each other, she quickly mumbled something and slipped out of the RV.
"Any chance we could play at being adults today?" asked Giles.
"Did any one ever tell you, you are not a morning person?" asked Buffy.
"Not lately I'd bet," said Spike sarcastically.
Willow came out of the shower, her hair wrapped in a towel, already dressed, she beamed at everyone, if she felt at all nervous, then she was hiding it very well.
"Everybody set then?" asked Willow.
Xander turned over in his sleeping bag, muttering in his sleep. He started up a loud snore.
"Well everyone except for Xander, he's snoring like a Mr Gordo," giggled Buffy.
"Mr Gordo?" asked Spike, a little confused.
Willow and Buffy laughed.
"He was Buffy's stuffed pink pig, her favourite bedtime buddy," said Willow.
"That figures, guess all the times you were calling me a pig, I should have took it as a compliment, and besides I thought I was your favourite bedtime buddy," said Spike, the tip of his tongue briefly touched his lower lip.
"Can you doubt it?" she grinned.
Buffy kissed him and got up off the bed.
"Hope you saved me some hot water Will," Said Buffy.
She walked off and got herself a towel.
"Hey where did Dawn go?" She was here a moment ago," said Buffy.
Willow looked out the window at the school bus, which was parked behind them; Dawn and Faith were sitting in it, both holding a cup of coffee. Dawn looked very serious about something, they both realised they were being watched and turned to look at Willow.
"She's in the school bus with Faith, and by the looks of it, talking about something pretty heavy," said Willow.
Buffy frowned.
"As long as Faith isn't giving her tips on relationships and guys, then I am ok with that," said Buffy.
Andrew looked uncomfortable; he blushed bright red.
"I'll go make coffee," he said hastily.
"What was all that about?" Asked Buffy as she watched Andrew's hasty retreat.
Spike and Willow looked at each other, a moment of understanding flashed between them as they read Andrew's mind.
"Nothing!" they said in unison.
"Ok, I'm gonna get a shower while there is still some hot water left," said Buffy, as she shut herself in the cubicle.
"Should we tell her that the boy has designs on her little sister?" asked Willow quietly.
"Nah, besides I don't want her turning into the big bad, not today," said Spike.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They all assembled outside the RV, looking expectantly at Giles.
"You'll love this part, Giles is gonna get all jiggy with it," giggled Buffy.
"He has to do a little dance, Buffy told me what happened last time they were here," said Willow.
"So much for slayer/watcher confidentiality," said Giles wryly.
"This should be fun," said Spike.
He folded his arms and waited for the floorshow.
"I have to perform it a little differently from last time, otherwise we'll end up summoning the first slayer," Giles informed them indignantly.
Giles got the magic gourd from his rucksack and started to chant, doing a little skip. Most of the group tried to hold in their laughter.
"Look this is not going to work if you can't all be serious for a moment," said Giles.
Spike was enjoying this, more than he could say.
"Andrew, any chance you have your video camera on you?" asked Spike.
"Sorry I left it back in the RV," said Andrew apologetically.
Giles continued chanting, Faith turned her head into Robin's shoulder so that she didn't collapse with laughter at the sight of Giles dancing and chanting like a demented tribesman.
"You can look now," Robin whispered in her ear.
Faith looked around her.
"And now what?" asked Faith.
"You have to give it time," said Buffy.
"What exactly are we waiting for?" asked Xander.
"For some one or something to take us to the actual place, it will take all of us won't it Giles, I remember you saying last time that even you wouldn't be allowed to come with," said Buffy.
"Our reasons for being here are different from last time, so hopefully it won't be an issue, we are not here to invoke wisdom from the first slayer, although maybe some of you could do with it," said Giles.
Faith seemed to be focused on something beyond Giles's shoulder.
"Either the thing we are waiting for is here, or there's a big ass cat wanting us for his dinner," said Faith.
They all turned to see what Faith was talking about. Dawn screamed at the sight of a mountain lion, slowly padding towards them.
"It's okay Dawnie, he won't harm you," said Buffy.
The cat started walking off.
"You'll just gonna stand there catching flies or are we gonna follow it?" asked Faith.
"My survival instinct says no, but I'm thinking about it," said Xander.
"Come on, I'll watch your back," said Willow.
She linked her arm through Xanders as they followed the others. Dawn and Andrew just looked at each other, both of them blushing.
"Guess it's just you and me," said Andrew.
"Unfortunately," said Dawn, as she turned to walk off with the others.
Andrew had a satisfied smile on his face.
"Are you coming then?" She asked over her shoulder.
"Me thinks the lady doth protest too much," he mumbled under his breath as he followed her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
They had been walking for a couple of hours; the heat of the sun was growing in its intensity.
"Are we there yet?" asked Dawn,
Sweat trickled down her back; her t-shirt was plastered to her skin. Buffy left Spike's side and went to her sister, linking her arm through hers.
"It can't be much further, have you been drinking enough water Dawn?" asked her sister.
"I've been looking after her," said Andrew.
"Thanks," replied Buffy.
"B!" said Faith.
"Yeah, what is it?" asked Buffy.
"The kitty, it just kinda vanished," said Faith.
"We're here then," said Buffy.
The group stopped to look around them. Dawn sank down on a nearby rock; Andrew followed her and gave her a damp cloth from his rucksack for her to mop herself with. The gesture was not lost on several of the bystanders including Buffy, but she shelved it to the back of her mind for future reference. There were more important things to worry about.
"So this is it? The sacred place of the ancients," said Faith.
Faith closed her eyes; she could feel the power of this place, running through her. A quick glance at Buffy, told her she was feeling it too. Robin looked at her in concern.
"You okay Faith?" he asked.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
"I'm fine this is kinda like a spiritual moment for me and B, and before you say it, I do get them sometimes," she said, grinning at her husband.
"Right every one take a little time out and then we can get started," said Willow.
Xander sat down and drank deeply from his water bottle. After everyone had rested and eaten they prepared a clear area for the opening of the portal. Giles extracted the amulet from his bag; he held it up to the sunlight. It amazed him how something that looked like nothing more than cheap costume jewellery, could wield so much power.
Spike stood alone looking out across the horizon, the desert looked as if it had no beginning and no end. His heart was heavy with the task ahead. He turned to look at Buffy, she looked so beautiful to him, as she went from person to person, and making sure they were clear on their role in the little drama that had yet to unfold. She looked up to see him watching her; there was so much emotion in her eyes.
Buffy had seen Spike standing alone, as much as she had wanted to go to him she had let him alone, Buffy sensed he needed this time to get himself together. But Spike had turned and looked at her, and she had felt all her resolve go out of the window. She ran to him and crushed Spike in her arms. He hugged her back just as tightly, Buffy buried her face in his t-shirt, and they stood like that for several minutes. When Buffy felt a hand touch her shoulder, she turned to see Willow's apprehensive face.
"It's time," said Willow simply.
Spike inhaled sharply, gently removing Buffy's hands from around his waist.
"No, I am afraid," she said pleadingly.
Spike put a finger under her chin, looking into her eyes.
"Don't be, I am with you," he said firmly.
He lowered his head and kissed her lips; she drew strength from him. When they parted, both their faces were wet with tears; Spike took her hand in his and led Buffy over to the magic circle. Buffy looked at Dawn, her sister's head was bowed. Buffy went over to Dawn and hugged her.
"No goodbyes Dawnie, I know how you hate them, I love you, I'll just be gone a little while," said Buffy.
Buffy looked at Giles, he read the unspoken message in her eyes and nodded, Buffy smiled at her sister, feeling at peace, knowing if this was a one way trip, then Dawn would be taken care of. She smiled at Xander; he swallowed hard, trying to keep the emotion in check.
"Take care of yourself Buffy, no unnecessary risks, ok?" he said
Faith and Wood were standing just outside the circle as Buffy and Spike walked into it.
"Catch you later B, don't forget you owe me a bridal shower," said Faith.
"Thought you got those before the wedding," said Buffy.
"When have you ever known me to be conventional?" grinned Faith.
"Thanks for this," said Spike.
Wood looked at Spike.
"I'm not stupid enough to think we can ever going to be drinking buddies, but I finally understand it now, the vampire that killed my mother no longer exists. I can move on, let's just say, Faith has given me a whole new outlook on life," Said Robin, looking at Faith.
"Yep, a slayer will do that to you every time," said Spike.
Willow stood in front of Buffy and Spike. She placed the amulet over Spike's head; he winced with the pain of being in such close contact with the cause of his death.
"Are you okay," asked Buffy.
"Fine it just stings a little," he lied.
Willow took a wicked looking knife out of the back pocket of her jeans.
"Thanks for the loaner Faith," said Willow.
Faith Smiled.
Buffy and Spike held out their hands, Willow quickly slashed across them, blood dripped from their respective fingers, they turned and faced each other and clasped hands, their blood mingling together. Buffy took a sharp intake of breath as she felt the power of their joining.
"Why did you do that?" asked Dawn
"Guess you missed my 'because it's always got to be blood speech' nibblet," said Spike.
"I need everyone to be quiet now," said Willow.
She held Wood and Faith's hands and began chanting, it got faster and more urgent, Willow's head snapped back and her eyes turned black, there was a flash of light as Willow drew on Faith and Robin's energies. The fabric of their dimension was ripped in two and the portal, that would take Buffy and Spike to their destinies, appeared. Buffy and Spike looked at the glowing portal, no knowledge of exactly what waited behind it. They hesitated momentarily, before disappearing through it without so much as a backward glance. Faith and Robin fell to the ground, both exhausted, but still very much alive.
TBC
A/N Sorry it's such a long chapter, but I had to keep going with it!
Chapter 23
It was a beautiful morning, Buffy stretched out like a contented cat, she turned on her side and smiled at Spike, he was wide awake and she had the sneaking suspicion he had been watching her sleep.
Buffy put on her brave face, something she was very practised at in times of danger or possible end of the world scenarios. It would be the end of her world if anything were to happen to him.
"What time is it?" asked Spike.
"It's 6:30 am, I am so gonna buy you a watch when this is all over," she replied.
Buffy could have kicked herself for reminding him, as soon as the words had left her lips. Spike pasted on a false smile as he kissed her, drawing comfort from her.
"Everyone else still asleep?" asked Spike.
Buffy looked around at the various assortment of sleeping bags and beds, there was a gentle snore coming from Giles's sleeping place. Buffy giggled.
"You never snored," said Buffy.
"Well I suppose it's due to the fact that vampires don't really need to breathe unless they feel like it," said Spike.
Buffy put a hand on his chest, feeling it rise and fall.
"How about now, is that necessity or reflex?" she asked.
"Necessity, breathing was one of the things I didn't miss about being human, the needing to breathe thing started a couple of days ago," he admitted.
"And let me guess, you didn't want to worry me?" she asked, a little annoyed.
"Buffy I don't want to argue with you, not today," said Spike
Buffy looked horrified, she had been about to go off on one, and all he'd been guilty of was trying to protect her as usual. Spike smiled at her expression, he gathered her into the circle of his arms, and they kissed deeply and urgently.
"Hey try and keep this a PG13 you guys," said Dawn cheekily.
"Save me from little sisters," said Buffy, as they broke apart.
"Even my powers have limits," Spike replied.
Buffy threw one of the pillows at her sister. Andrew got up out of his sleeping bag and yawned.
"Anyone for breakfast?" he asked sleepily.
"Don't really feel like food," said Buffy.
"Me neither, but you should try to eat something love, you're all skin and bone," said Spike in concern.
"Look who's talking fatty!" she replied in indignation, poking one of his bony ribs to prove her point.
Giles sat up, looking around for his glasses. Dawn and Andrew looked awkwardly at each other, she quickly mumbled something and slipped out of the RV.
"Any chance we could play at being adults today?" asked Giles.
"Did any one ever tell you, you are not a morning person?" asked Buffy.
"Not lately I'd bet," said Spike sarcastically.
Willow came out of the shower, her hair wrapped in a towel, already dressed, she beamed at everyone, if she felt at all nervous, then she was hiding it very well.
"Everybody set then?" asked Willow.
Xander turned over in his sleeping bag, muttering in his sleep. He started up a loud snore.
"Well everyone except for Xander, he's snoring like a Mr Gordo," giggled Buffy.
"Mr Gordo?" asked Spike, a little confused.
Willow and Buffy laughed.
"He was Buffy's stuffed pink pig, her favourite bedtime buddy," said Willow.
"That figures, guess all the times you were calling me a pig, I should have took it as a compliment, and besides I thought I was your favourite bedtime buddy," said Spike, the tip of his tongue briefly touched his lower lip.
"Can you doubt it?" she grinned.
Buffy kissed him and got up off the bed.
"Hope you saved me some hot water Will," Said Buffy.
She walked off and got herself a towel.
"Hey where did Dawn go?" She was here a moment ago," said Buffy.
Willow looked out the window at the school bus, which was parked behind them; Dawn and Faith were sitting in it, both holding a cup of coffee. Dawn looked very serious about something, they both realised they were being watched and turned to look at Willow.
"She's in the school bus with Faith, and by the looks of it, talking about something pretty heavy," said Willow.
Buffy frowned.
"As long as Faith isn't giving her tips on relationships and guys, then I am ok with that," said Buffy.
Andrew looked uncomfortable; he blushed bright red.
"I'll go make coffee," he said hastily.
"What was all that about?" Asked Buffy as she watched Andrew's hasty retreat.
Spike and Willow looked at each other, a moment of understanding flashed between them as they read Andrew's mind.
"Nothing!" they said in unison.
"Ok, I'm gonna get a shower while there is still some hot water left," said Buffy, as she shut herself in the cubicle.
"Should we tell her that the boy has designs on her little sister?" asked Willow quietly.
"Nah, besides I don't want her turning into the big bad, not today," said Spike.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They all assembled outside the RV, looking expectantly at Giles.
"You'll love this part, Giles is gonna get all jiggy with it," giggled Buffy.
"He has to do a little dance, Buffy told me what happened last time they were here," said Willow.
"So much for slayer/watcher confidentiality," said Giles wryly.
"This should be fun," said Spike.
He folded his arms and waited for the floorshow.
"I have to perform it a little differently from last time, otherwise we'll end up summoning the first slayer," Giles informed them indignantly.
Giles got the magic gourd from his rucksack and started to chant, doing a little skip. Most of the group tried to hold in their laughter.
"Look this is not going to work if you can't all be serious for a moment," said Giles.
Spike was enjoying this, more than he could say.
"Andrew, any chance you have your video camera on you?" asked Spike.
"Sorry I left it back in the RV," said Andrew apologetically.
Giles continued chanting, Faith turned her head into Robin's shoulder so that she didn't collapse with laughter at the sight of Giles dancing and chanting like a demented tribesman.
"You can look now," Robin whispered in her ear.
Faith looked around her.
"And now what?" asked Faith.
"You have to give it time," said Buffy.
"What exactly are we waiting for?" asked Xander.
"For some one or something to take us to the actual place, it will take all of us won't it Giles, I remember you saying last time that even you wouldn't be allowed to come with," said Buffy.
"Our reasons for being here are different from last time, so hopefully it won't be an issue, we are not here to invoke wisdom from the first slayer, although maybe some of you could do with it," said Giles.
Faith seemed to be focused on something beyond Giles's shoulder.
"Either the thing we are waiting for is here, or there's a big ass cat wanting us for his dinner," said Faith.
They all turned to see what Faith was talking about. Dawn screamed at the sight of a mountain lion, slowly padding towards them.
"It's okay Dawnie, he won't harm you," said Buffy.
The cat started walking off.
"You'll just gonna stand there catching flies or are we gonna follow it?" asked Faith.
"My survival instinct says no, but I'm thinking about it," said Xander.
"Come on, I'll watch your back," said Willow.
She linked her arm through Xanders as they followed the others. Dawn and Andrew just looked at each other, both of them blushing.
"Guess it's just you and me," said Andrew.
"Unfortunately," said Dawn, as she turned to walk off with the others.
Andrew had a satisfied smile on his face.
"Are you coming then?" She asked over her shoulder.
"Me thinks the lady doth protest too much," he mumbled under his breath as he followed her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
They had been walking for a couple of hours; the heat of the sun was growing in its intensity.
"Are we there yet?" asked Dawn,
Sweat trickled down her back; her t-shirt was plastered to her skin. Buffy left Spike's side and went to her sister, linking her arm through hers.
"It can't be much further, have you been drinking enough water Dawn?" asked her sister.
"I've been looking after her," said Andrew.
"Thanks," replied Buffy.
"B!" said Faith.
"Yeah, what is it?" asked Buffy.
"The kitty, it just kinda vanished," said Faith.
"We're here then," said Buffy.
The group stopped to look around them. Dawn sank down on a nearby rock; Andrew followed her and gave her a damp cloth from his rucksack for her to mop herself with. The gesture was not lost on several of the bystanders including Buffy, but she shelved it to the back of her mind for future reference. There were more important things to worry about.
"So this is it? The sacred place of the ancients," said Faith.
Faith closed her eyes; she could feel the power of this place, running through her. A quick glance at Buffy, told her she was feeling it too. Robin looked at her in concern.
"You okay Faith?" he asked.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
"I'm fine this is kinda like a spiritual moment for me and B, and before you say it, I do get them sometimes," she said, grinning at her husband.
"Right every one take a little time out and then we can get started," said Willow.
Xander sat down and drank deeply from his water bottle. After everyone had rested and eaten they prepared a clear area for the opening of the portal. Giles extracted the amulet from his bag; he held it up to the sunlight. It amazed him how something that looked like nothing more than cheap costume jewellery, could wield so much power.
Spike stood alone looking out across the horizon, the desert looked as if it had no beginning and no end. His heart was heavy with the task ahead. He turned to look at Buffy, she looked so beautiful to him, as she went from person to person, and making sure they were clear on their role in the little drama that had yet to unfold. She looked up to see him watching her; there was so much emotion in her eyes.
Buffy had seen Spike standing alone, as much as she had wanted to go to him she had let him alone, Buffy sensed he needed this time to get himself together. But Spike had turned and looked at her, and she had felt all her resolve go out of the window. She ran to him and crushed Spike in her arms. He hugged her back just as tightly, Buffy buried her face in his t-shirt, and they stood like that for several minutes. When Buffy felt a hand touch her shoulder, she turned to see Willow's apprehensive face.
"It's time," said Willow simply.
Spike inhaled sharply, gently removing Buffy's hands from around his waist.
"No, I am afraid," she said pleadingly.
Spike put a finger under her chin, looking into her eyes.
"Don't be, I am with you," he said firmly.
He lowered his head and kissed her lips; she drew strength from him. When they parted, both their faces were wet with tears; Spike took her hand in his and led Buffy over to the magic circle. Buffy looked at Dawn, her sister's head was bowed. Buffy went over to Dawn and hugged her.
"No goodbyes Dawnie, I know how you hate them, I love you, I'll just be gone a little while," said Buffy.
Buffy looked at Giles, he read the unspoken message in her eyes and nodded, Buffy smiled at her sister, feeling at peace, knowing if this was a one way trip, then Dawn would be taken care of. She smiled at Xander; he swallowed hard, trying to keep the emotion in check.
"Take care of yourself Buffy, no unnecessary risks, ok?" he said
Faith and Wood were standing just outside the circle as Buffy and Spike walked into it.
"Catch you later B, don't forget you owe me a bridal shower," said Faith.
"Thought you got those before the wedding," said Buffy.
"When have you ever known me to be conventional?" grinned Faith.
"Thanks for this," said Spike.
Wood looked at Spike.
"I'm not stupid enough to think we can ever going to be drinking buddies, but I finally understand it now, the vampire that killed my mother no longer exists. I can move on, let's just say, Faith has given me a whole new outlook on life," Said Robin, looking at Faith.
"Yep, a slayer will do that to you every time," said Spike.
Willow stood in front of Buffy and Spike. She placed the amulet over Spike's head; he winced with the pain of being in such close contact with the cause of his death.
"Are you okay," asked Buffy.
"Fine it just stings a little," he lied.
Willow took a wicked looking knife out of the back pocket of her jeans.
"Thanks for the loaner Faith," said Willow.
Faith Smiled.
Buffy and Spike held out their hands, Willow quickly slashed across them, blood dripped from their respective fingers, they turned and faced each other and clasped hands, their blood mingling together. Buffy took a sharp intake of breath as she felt the power of their joining.
"Why did you do that?" asked Dawn
"Guess you missed my 'because it's always got to be blood speech' nibblet," said Spike.
"I need everyone to be quiet now," said Willow.
She held Wood and Faith's hands and began chanting, it got faster and more urgent, Willow's head snapped back and her eyes turned black, there was a flash of light as Willow drew on Faith and Robin's energies. The fabric of their dimension was ripped in two and the portal, that would take Buffy and Spike to their destinies, appeared. Buffy and Spike looked at the glowing portal, no knowledge of exactly what waited behind it. They hesitated momentarily, before disappearing through it without so much as a backward glance. Faith and Robin fell to the ground, both exhausted, but still very much alive.
TBC
A/N Sorry it's such a long chapter, but I had to keep going with it!