The Elements Series is set immediately after 'And It Rained…' So you must read that first! Also, this fic isn't pure Buffy/Spike - Willow/Kennedy, Willow/Tara, Xander/Anya and hints of Dawn/Andrew are also included. Others will appear later on too, and I'm open to ANY suggestions to improve the fic! (though I completely draw the line at B/A or Riley returning - lol)
Distribution: Just let me know please! Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns all the characters, and so does ME, Fox, etc ******* The Elements – Fire:/Part 2
Buffy Summers threw the heavy curtains open, and smiled as the warm sunlight burst into the living room, causing several groans from the happy campers crashing on the floor.
It had been nearly a week since the hellmouth had been sealed, and things were a little calmer. Sure, every day was living hell to get through, but at least it wasn't literally.
Giles and Willow were both still in hospital, and Giles seemed to be recovering. However, there was no sign that Willow might wake up any time soon. Kennedy was by her girlfriend's bedside almost 24/7, and the others visited everyday. Xander wasn't up to making the trip to the hospital yet though, as he spent most of his time in his room, arguing with himself and punching the wall. Buffy hadn't tried to stop him yet, as it seemed to help release some of his anger, but she was desperately worried about him. There had been no sign of Anya, but they weren't giving up hope yet, even if Xander had.
Buffy herself hadn't been dealing so well. Some days were harder than others and she had been tearing herself up over Faith's death. What if she had been a second faster? She could have saved Faith. What if…? Buffy shook her head. She was trying hard not to think like this…she had to get through it. At least she had Spike to help her. Spike was still staying in the basement, but on the floor now. Xander occupied Buffy's room, so she had initially gone into the basement to put out a sleeping bag on the floor, but Spike had given up his bed for her. It was also a comfort to be near him at night, as her dreams…nightmares…were tough to deal with by herself. And she could do without waking up the household by screaming every time her mind replayed Faith's death in her dreams.
As for Sunnydale, it was still pretty much deserted, but the residents who had fled before the battle had begun were slowly returning. Vampire activity was also gradually getting back to normal, much to her disappointment. Then again, she could hardly complain as patrol took her mind off things.
Suddenly, a loud knock on the front door interrupted her thoughts.
Buffy frowned, padded along in her cream slippers to the door and opened it.
"Hello again, Miss Summers."
Buffy stared at the short man standing in front of her. "I know you…"
Whistler smiled and nodded.
"I have some important news…"
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AN: Wow, isn't that review button looking nice and shiny today? :D