The group spent the next couple of weeks getting reacquainted, learning more about Buffy's last nine moths and getting comfortable. Buffy and Faith began to get closer, training, and patrolling together. The group all got closer with Buffy. Michaela and Buffy got closer as they worked to find a cure for Buffy's silver eyes. Finally they did.
On Monday morning, about a month after Buffy had come back, the group gathered at the Magic Box. Buffy and Michaela had been in the back training room for a couple of hours. Every once and a while the group heard Buffy shout, or Michaela say sorry. Finally after four hours of waiting, the door opened and Michaela emerged. The group hurried up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce, our Buffy, back in action." She smiled and moved aside. The group grinned.
A small dirty blonde figure stared back at them with full, intense green orbs. "Hey guys. What's the verdict?"
"Love it." Xander grinned and Buffy rushed forward and hugged them all.
"Thanks guys." Buffy blushed as the astonished group grinned. "I'm just gonna go change." Buffy hurried into the back and came out several minutes later dressed in loose green cargos, a black army tee, and a green army jacket. "Will, Faith? You ready?"
"Yup." The two women hooked arms with Buffy and headed out of the store for a lunch date. They had asked Michaela and Anya, but both had said no, saying they had something to do.
As they walked down main street, they stopped, hearing someone calling Buffy's name. The three turned to see a dark reddish-brownish haired man running after them. He was tall, muscular, and total hogtie. When he finally caught up with them, it was impossible for Faith and Willow not to notice his dark green eyes.
"I'm sorry." Willow smiled tightly. "Do we know you?"
"I don't think we do, cause I would remember you." Faith looked the guy over. They turned to Buffy, who was staring at the man with her jaw drooping to the floor.
"Buffy?" The man started, But Buffy's whisper interrupted him.
"Aidan?"
"Ok, I know. Lots of explain. But how bout we start with, I have been looking everywhere for you. You just up and left."
"Aidan."
"Buffy, wait…"
"Aidan, not here." For the first time, the man looked at the other two.
"Oh. Sorry. I am Aidan Quinn, a …friend of Buffy's." Faith and Willow looked at Aidan, each other, then at Buffy.
"If this guy is…"
"NO, it's ok." Buffy smiled weakly at her friends. "Do you think I could take a rain check on lunch?"
"Sure." Willow looked at Aidan warily. "But we're just a phone call away. OK?"
"Ok."
Faith and Willow gave one last look at Aidan before leaving the two alone.