Truth Keeper

A/N – I know this is a really short chapter, but it was best to end it where I did. The next chapter is going to be long – and good. I promise. I just thought it would be too much to include it in this chapter and so this one is short. All the same – hope you enjoy! (btw, don't you love procrastination? You can thank it for this chapter being finished so quickly.)

Chapter 14 – Announcements (One Made, One Not)

Tara looked around the Magic Box nervously. Willow was sitting anxiously at her side, nervously knowing on her bottom lip, eyebrows knitted together. Anya had a death grip on Xander's arm, ensuring that he would not fly out of his chair. He kept opening his mouth to speak, but every time he tried his wife's nails would dig into his arm, promptly shutting him up. Dawn was sitting bolt up right in her chair, an upset look covering her face. All eyes were on the back door of the shop, where angry yelling could be heard. Although none of the Scoobies could make out what was being said, they knew that it was not the ordinary Buffy-Spike argument. If it had been, it would have been in front of them. Tara rung her hands nervously, knowing exactly why it wasn't the ordinary Buffy-Spike argument.

As soon as Buffy had insisted they wait for Spike, Tara knew that it was because Buffy was finally coming clean. At first, she wasn't sure whether Buffy and Spike were back together, but after Spike's insistence that she say what she had to say, and the looks she had caught between the two at the wedding the previous day, she was pretty sure they were. But now she didn't know what to think. Buffy had been in a horrible mood all day. Willow had called her that afternoon upset when Buffy had given her the cold shoulder, and she hadn't said a word when they were all sitting in the Magic Box waiting for the meeting to begin. The angry flicker that had been getting more and more dominant in her eyes as the minutes of waiting passed did not help the situation.

Tara found herself biting hard on her own bottom lip when the arguing from the back suddenly turned to silence. Xander shot up from his chair instantly, wrenching his arm from Anya's grip.

"That's it, I'm going back there!"

"Xander –" Willow said warningly, not wanting to make whatever situation going on worse with his interference.

"No! I will not just sit here and do nothing. Who knows what that monster is doing to Buffy back there. For all we know, he could be sucking the life out of her right now!"

Dawn snorted and rolled her eyes. "Buffy can take herself, it's not like his chip would let him do anything anyways. She's probably the one being the bitch to him anyways."

"Dawn!" Was the chorus from all Scoobies present. Dawn just rolled her eyes and slumped back into her chair, sulking as only a teenager could.

Just as Xander was about to make another comment, the bells above the door rang. All eyes turned to see Arabella walk in, a smile on her face and a briefcase in her hand.

"Oh good, everybody's here. I have something very important to talk to you all about."  She paused just above the steps leading down to the centre of the shop and scanned the room. "Where are William and the Slayer?"

When no one said a word, Tara nervously swallowed. Looking up at the Keeper, she prepared to speak when Spike's gruff voice could be heard, "Hey lamb, was just about to head out and look for you. I've decided to take you up on that offer from before."

A large grin spread across Ari's face, and she moved down to give him a small hug. "Lovely! Wait until I tell Henry – he'll be delighted to see you. It's been what – a decade since you two last saw one another?"

"What offer?" Dawn said curiously, asking the question all the Scoobies had on their mind.

 "Going to be heading out on a little vacation for awhile Nibblet. Thought it might be nice to get out of Sunnyhell for a bit."

 "You're leaving?" Dawn said, a stricken expression gracing her face. Spike was instantly at her side, kneeling down beside her.

 "Only for a few months, Nibs. Just need a bit of time to myself, is all."

 "So, dead boy, need any help packing? I'd be happy to lend you some cash if it will keep you away longer."

 "Piss off, Harris."

Tara had a sinking feeling in her stomach. Is that why they were arguing? Something told her no. Why would he be just telling Arabella now if it was the case? If she knew anything, she was sure that Buffy had said something to make Spike decide to leave. Even if he said it was just for awhile, the look in his eyes said something else. They seemed duller than usual, and tired.

 "When are you leaving?" Dawn's lip was now quivering, and Spike wrapped his arms around the young girl, giving her a small hug.

 "None of that. I told you, I'm just going on a little vacation. But it will probably be tomorrow evening." Spike looked at Arabella questioningly, and she gave a small nod.

 "Ari, I thought you said you were going to be here for a while? We've barely had anytime to catch up, and you still have more tips about money to give me." Anya pouted, upset that she wouldn't get any more tips from her friend.

 "I'll send you weekly emails, Anyanka." Arabella said a small amount of tension in her voice. "I was planning on staying quite a bit longer, but things have come up. That's actually why I'm here – I need to speak with you all. Where's the Slayer? I'd like to get down to business as soon as possible. It is rather important."

The Scoobies looked at each other apprehensively, not liking the tone of her voice as she said those words. They all had the same thought as soon as she finished – apocalypse.

*****

Buffy leaned against the back hall, swallowing down the sob that was threatening to break out. Why do they always leave? Why do I always push them away? Buffy had come to terms with Angel leaving – she had realized a long time ago he was right in doing so. She understood while Riley left as well, and was happy he had found the happiness he had wanted. Of course, nothing could justify her father's absence from her and Dawn's lives, especially since their mother had passed away. And Giles… Buffy still wasn't fully prepared to think about that fresh wound. She hated to admit it, but every time she lost someone else, even when Riley had left, she had found comfort in the fact that no matter what she couldn't get rid of the pesky punk vampire. He always seemed to be there when she needed someone, whether she was able to admit it or not.

But she had finally done it. She had driven him to leave too.

"I don't think I can be here anymore."

As soon as she heard the words, she had known he meant them. She had never expected anything to hurt as much as that knowledge did. Hearing his confirmation hurt more. It hurt more than all of the other departures combined, more than waking up in her own grave, more than saying goodbye to her mother. And Buffy didn't know what to do. She couldn't do anything.

Of course, she could tell the Scoobies about her and Spike. Finally tell them the truth like he wanted her too. But a nagging voice in the back of her head screamed no. And it wasn't the scared, denying part either. She wasn't ready. She didn't feel strong enough or confident enough to deal with their disapproval, their criticisms. It would ruin her and Spike. Maybe it was her eternal stubbornness, but if something was going to destroy her and Spike's relationship, she would rather it be her own fault and not some outside force's.

Buffy took a deep breath and let the icy shell that she had become so familiar with protecting herself with wash over her. Inside, she felt as if she was being ripped apart, but she wouldn't let anyone see it. She would be the strong, indifferent Buffy that she was expected to be. She could hear Arabella impatiently asking where she was, and that she had something important to tell the group. Buffy knew the sooner she said it, the sooner he would be gone. He already is gone, an evil little voice said in her mind. You already lost him. Buffy's protective shell slipped and she found herself leaning against the wall again. With another deep inhale, and a straightening of her shoulders, Buffy strode purposely into the front of the Magic Box, ready for whatever was about to be thrown at her.

She almost faltered when she saw the flicker of pain in his blue eyes.