Chapter four

1999

"Ok, let's say for one tiny, miniscule moment that we believe you," said past Buffy angrily. "How'd you get here? And - prove it!"

Buffy raised her eyes to the ceiling in thought. "Well, I'm not sure how you'd describe it. It wasn't a portal or anything. But - the temperature changed. And time stopped. And now that I think about it - there was a…I swear it looked like lightening," she looked at Spike and he nodded.

"A flash," he agreed.

"And as for proving it," Buffy continued, "Well, obviously I can't tell you about the future, right Giles?" her watcher looked at her startled, then he nodded.

"Well, yes. But nothing like this has ever happened before," he replied.

"Anyway," Buffy continued. "We can't really prove where we're from. But we can tell you stuff that we'd only know if we were telling the truth. Xander…you and Will have been best friends since you were like, five or something. And every year you watch Christmas Charlie browns specials even though Will's Jewish. And Xander does the Snoopy dance - which by the way, I still haven't seen!"

Xander and Willow looked at each other in surprise. "That's true," whispered Willow.

"Exactly how it happens. Every year. She must be telling the truth," said Xander.

"And Angel. You love classic old movies with a passion. And old books that were written in the last centaury that I don't even want to know about!"

Angel raised his eyebrows.

"And - past Buffy. You love Ice skating. Have done since you were little. And you so badly wanted to show off to Angel last year, but of course you were interrupted by evil. The Order of Turakka wasn't it? The assassins?"

"You went ice skating? With Angel?" said Cordelia. "I can't imagine him on ice."

"Is that enough? Please just believe us now ok? We really really need your help," said Buffy.

Past Buffy sighed. "Fine. You guys seem genuine. I just….it's a little crazy that's all."

"I think the question we all want the answer to is - why are you and Spike here together in the first place?" asked Cordelia. "Isn't he supposed to be out of town?"

"God, I hope so," muttered Spike.

"And may I add, the bad guy?"

"Not In the future Cordelia. it's a long story. And you're just gonna have to wait a couple of years to find out what happens, alright?" Buffy met Angel's gaze. He looked away, as if realising something. "And you don't want the answers now. Believe me."