They reached Sunnydale as the sun was setting. Spike was just entering the Magic Box when they pulled up out front.
"Whooo hooo!" he whistled. "Nice wheels, love. Got a bike myself." He admired Deidra's bike as she got off. "You must be Deidra? Pleased to meet ya love. I'm Spike." He held out his cold hand, and Deidra gave it a shake. Strange vampire, she thought. Handsome, but not her type. But then, no one would ever measure up to Magna, she thought with a grin she couldn't suppress as she greeted the bleach blonde vamp. "Hello Spike. Nice to meet you too."
"So, I hear you have quite the tale. Time travel and all that? Now that is one thing I haven't done in my hundred plus years."
"Shall we continue this conversation inside?" Giles said, pushing past Spike to open the door for Buffy and Deidra. Spike just quirked his scarred eyebrow at the Watcher, shrugged, and sauntered in after the ladies. Giles grumbled to himself. He knew Spike was one of them now. He had proved loyal in many battles, and had protected Buffy and fought by her side against the First. He knew he should be grateful to the vampire, and part of him was. But another part of him resented the vampire with a soul. Spike and Buffy had bonded. Spike had been there for Buffy when Giles had not been. Giles knew that was his fault, and no one else's, and he cursed himself for it.
Buffy saw Giles glare at Spike's turned back. She didn't forget that Giles had meant to kill Spike at one time. It had angered her greatly, and she had said words she regretted saying to him. She wished she could take many things back, and slamming the door in Giles' face that night was one of those things. She knew Giles had just meant to protect her, and to do what he thought was right. One of these days she hoped Giles would learn to trust her. She knew she could be impulsive at times, but she was the Slayer, darn it! But, she also knew that he was her Watcher. They were a team. Buffy thought she understood it now. Perhaps Giles feared that Spike would break up their "partnership" just as she now feared Deidra would? Buffy could still feel Giles' hand in hers. They had held hands all the way back to Sunnydale. Her arm had tingled. His touch had been so warm and comforting. Not cold, as she had been touched before. She shivered just thinking about Giles' touch.
"Are you okay Buff?" Xander asked
"Yea, I'm fine, why?" Buffy flounced down into a chair next to Giles and Deidra.
"Looks like you got a chill or something."
"Oh. Just a goose walking on my grave I guess."
"And which grave would that be pet?" Smirked Spike.
No one laughed.
"Bloody tough crowd here tonight." Spike said with a shrug.
"Quiet Spike." Hushed Giles. Giles then went and introduced Deidra around the room. He explained in only positive lights how Willow was a Wicca, Anya an ex-vengeance demon, Dawn used to be a "key" and Xander saved the world by talking about yellow crayons. "And you met Spike outside" Giles concluded.
Deidra's head would have been spinning if she hadn't already known them through her dreams. The gang seemed a fun bunch, and more like a family then any she had ever known and all their teasing, even with Spike, was good natured.
Part way through all the story telling, a knock came to the door. Anya went to answer it and Allison was there. Introductions went around again, although the gang had already heard about the lovely guardian. They were all quite captivated by her, especially Spike. He could hardly take his eyes off of her!
The gang continued to ask many questions, and Deidra answered them as best she could. It was hours and several pizzas and pots of tea later when Giles realized how late it was getting. Dawn could barely keep her eyes open.
"We all should get some rest, and start our researching here first thing in the morning. And Xander, the store looks remarkable. You've done an outstanding job."
Xander glowed under the compliment. "Gee, thanks G Man."
Giles smiled. "Don't call me that."
Xander stood up. "Well, why don't I give you all the grand tour in back. Deidra, we set up the back room for you and Allison. When I remodeled the training room, I converted the back office into a small apartment. It should work out nicely for you both, though it is quite small."
"Wait." Interrupted Buffy. "I don't think you two should be left alone right now."
"Quite right." Agreed Giles. "It might not be safe. At least until we get the prophecy figured out."
"I'm sure we'll be fine." Said Deidra. She did enjoy all their company, but she needed some alone, down time. She wanted to think about everything she had learned. It had been quite a couple of days. Years really, when she thought about it. Her shoulders sagged with fatigue.
"I don't mind standing guard here in the shop, at least for tonight." Spike offered. "Nothing else to do in this bloody town since we cleared everything out." He lamented. Secretly, he was hoping to get to know Allison better. Did Laus demons need to sleep? "Perhaps Allison could keep me company for a bit? I'd love to compare adventures with you from the last several hundred years?"
"Yeah, sure Spike, " Xander retorted. "A loving Laus demon wants to hear all about your blood sucking life."
"That was before." Spike pouted. "I have a soul now. I'm a reformed man. Tell them Buffy! How many times do I have to prove it to you all anyways! Wanker!" He glowered at Xander.
"Great first impression Spike" Buffy said, and rolled her eyes in Allison's direction.
Allison just giggled. "Sure Spike, I'd love to speak with you. Your company would be very entertaining I'm sure."
Spike stood up as proud as a peacock. "See? She knows what's hot and what's not."
Xander led the group in back and proudly showed off the newly equipped training room. Buffy loved it. Even Giles was quite impressed. The apartment in the rear seemed quite cozy as well. Allison went back out front for a moment, and when she came back in she carried two suitcases. Spike rushed to help her with the burden. "These are the bags I brought from the ranch." Allison said. "They should help you get along for a bit, Deidra."
"Wow, thanks Allison. Whatever would I do without you!"
Allison just smiled. "That's my job." She said with another giggle.
"It's time for everyone to leave the store now." Anya retorted. Always to the point, that's our Anya, they all thought. Everyone wandered out front, with promises to meet at 8 in the morning. Xander would bring the donuts.
Because the pickup that Buffy and Giles had driven in would only really hold the two of them comfortably, Xander dropped Dawn and Willow off at the Summers' residence. He waved to them all goodnight, and then headed back to his apartment with Anya. After everything that had happened in the last year, Xander and Anya had found themselves back together. They weren't completely at peace yet, but they were on the right track.
Buffy was glad to be home. She couldn't wait to shower and then to sleep in her own bed. It had been an exhausting day. But then, her whole life had been one exhausting day after exhausting day, she thought with a smile. The Hellmouth was always an adventure, and she didn't expect that to ever change.
She saw that Dawn was tucked into bed, and said goodnight to Willow as the witch closed the door to her room. Buffy felt for her best friend. She knew the girl missed Tara, and grieved for her every night. Buffy wished that Willow could find someone to love again, but also thought that some alone time was a good thing. Sometimes one could find answers in the quiet of being alone. Answers that mattered and came to light in one's heart. There had been one girl, Kennedy, that had briefly been a spark in Willow's life. But thankfully that didn't last. No one had really cared for that girl, especially Buffy. Willow had needed someone, and Kennedy had seemed to take advantage of that and latched onto Willow. It was only after a fierce battle with the First that Willow had come to see what Kennedy was really all about. Kennedy had complained and moaned and bickered so much with the group that she had almost got Willow killed. Spike had swooped down at the last moment to take out a Bringer that Kennedy had failed to notice was sneaking up on Willow. Kennedy's job that night was to protect Willow, but all her sniveling had distracted her. If not for Spike, Willow would probably have been a goner. Not long after the First had been dispatched, Kennedy moved out. No one shed a tear, not even Willow.
Buffy stretched as she wandered downstairs to check on Giles. He had been relegated to the sofa again. Willow had her mom's old room, Dawn had her room, and Buffy had her own room. That left the guest couch for Giles. Buffy felt bad for him. Too bad he still didn't have his old apartment. He would be moving into the Magic Box, but for now they thought Allison and Deidra would be more comfortable there.
She saw him sitting on the sofa reading some old book in the dark.
"You know, you really should turn a light on. Your going to go blind like that, and then what would I do? A Watcher that can't research would not be a good thing." She fell onto the sofa beside him.
"I thought you were going to shower and then go to bed? You should get some rest, Buffy. You didn't sleep a lot last night."
"I know, but I wanted to check on you first. Do you have everything you need? Can I get you anything?"
"No, thanks Buffy, I'm fine. Really. I was just browsing through this book, and then I'll turn in."
"Interesting reading?"
He chuckled at her, for he knew all too well how little Buffy truly cared about his books. It amused him that she even pretended to be the least bit interested.
"I'm sure you would find it a trifle boring." He closed the book and placed it on the end table.
Instead of standing up to head up stairs, Buffy continued to sit beside him. They sat in silence for a moment.
"It's nice and quiet now, isn't it Giles?"
He smiled. "Yes, it is. Very enjoyable in comparison to all the yammering before."
Buffy was truly happy to have her house back and to be rid of all those potentials. They were safe now, and had all returned back to their homelands, to family and friends.
"It is nice to have my house back."
Giles turned to her. "Sorry that you have to put up with me on the couch, but it's only temporary."
"Hush Giles. That's not what I meant. I like having you here. I want you here."
"You want me here on your couch?"
As he realized what he had just said, a blush crept up and covered his face and his ears turned beet red as Buffy laughed at him. "I didn't mean, er…I just meant…"
Buffy rescued him. "I know what you meant Giles. And yes, I want you here in this house. I just wish we had a proper bedroom for you. I wish we had a bigger house with more bedrooms. Or I could just kick Dawn out." She teased.
"No, I don't think she'd like that very much." Giles smiled. "Once we get everything settled, I'll move into the Magic Box. That will be quite perfect I think."
"I'm so glad you are staying Giles. Truly" Buffy gazed into his eyes, and her throat caught.
"I'm glad too, Buffy. And I meant it when I said I'd never leave you again. I promise with everything in me."
Buffy leaned in and rested her face against Giles chest. She heard his heart beating fast as he placed his arms around her and held her tightly to him.
"This is my new favorite place." She whispered.
"Very nice.." he said. His voice was kind of husky, and the sound of it made Buffy shiver again.
"You're shaking." He said with concern. "Are you cold?"
"No. I'm shaking because…well, I'm not cold."
"Then why are you shaking?" He asked quietly.
Buffy sat up and decided to be brave. She was the Slayer, for god sakes. She could do this. She reached out and put her hands on either side of his face. "I'm shaking because I'm scared."
"Scared?" he wheezed.
"I'm scared of losing you, of hurting you again. Of never feeling your arms around me. I want you to hold me Giles, and never let go."
He thought his heart would stop. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come. Finally he just held her even tighter, crushing her to him. He stroked her back with one hand, and cupped the back of her head with his other hand.
"Buffy, are you sure about this?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." She looked at him, and he saw the truth in her eyes.
"Giles. I love you. I really do. I'm not sure when it happened, or how it happened, but it's true."
He leaned in and brushed her lips with his own then. Now he was the one shaking. Shaking with desire, and fear, and love. Buffy's hands had remained on his face, and she pulled him in closer, opening her mouth and inviting him in for a deeper kiss. Her insides were churning, doing somersaults like they never had before. Both of their hearts beat rapidly, and their breathing quickened. Giles laid back on the sofa pulling Buffy down on top of him, never releasing her mouth until they both had to come up for air. When the kiss was finally broken, she stayed lying on top of him, gazing into his eyes.
"Does this mean you love me too?" She asked in a shaky voice and a small smile on her lips.
"I always have, and I always will." And he pulled her down again for another kiss
Without breaking the kiss, Buffy began to unbutton the front of Giles shirt, and then ran her hands up and down his chest, feeling the hairs on his chest curl in her fingers. She had never felt chest hair before, and it excited her. She ran her fingers over his hardening nipples, and he moaned and arched up into her. His hand cupped her behind and he pushed her onto him. She groaned into his mouth, and then pulled away from his mouth so that she could kiss his chest and nipples. She didn't know a man's nipples could react like that, hardening as she circled her tongue around one, and then the other.
"Buffy…" Giles groaned. He ran his fingers through her hair, and up and down her back, under her t-shirt. He felt for the clasp of her bra and unlatched it. Buffy then sort of sat up so that Giles could remove her top and bra. He looked at her in the moonlight. "You are so beautiful." He cupped each breast in his hands. "Like alabaster, yet so soft and warm." He circled her nipples now with his thumbs, watching her face, showing his love and desire in his eyes, which were mirrored in her own.
Deidra sat on the sofa in the little apartment and heard Spike laughing in the store over something Allison had said. It was obvious to all that those two were smitten with each other. If ever "love at first sight" was possible, it was happening in that outer room, Deidra thought. She was happy for them. She knew she should quit feeling sorry for herself and focus, but she just couldn't shake the despair inside. Here she was, all alone. Even Allison had someone now. Giles was somewhere with Buffy. The adorable Xander was together with Anya, although that seemed an odd coupling. She should have invited Willow out to ice cream. The two of them could drown themselves in each other's company.
She decided to shake off the despair and do something constructive. She was feeling way too keyed up to sleep, so after going through the suitcases and putting everything away, she threw on a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. She had decided to put that punching bag in the training room to work. Every time she'd smack the bag, she'd pretend it was Travers' face!
The laughter from the other room kept bubbling up to her ears, and she couldn't seem to drown it out. She noticed a radio plugged into the wall, and after careful inspection turned on the CD player. Xander must have been listening to some music as he worked in the afternoon.
Deidra continued to hit the bag, jabbing to the beat of the music. And then the song came on. At first when she heard it, she stopped hitting the bag. She was glued to the spot. When it was over, she went back over to the player and hit the rewind button and listened to it again. Then she took out the CD and read who the singer was. It was something she couldn't really pronounce. "Evanescence." The third time she listened to the song the tears were flowing freely, and she had every word memorized. It was as if she had written the song herself.
I'm so tired of being here
suppressed by all my childish fears
and if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'cause your presence still lingers here
and it won't leave me alone
these wounds won't seem to heal
this pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase
when you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
but you still have
all of me
you used to captivate me
by your resonating life
now I'm bound by the life you left behind
your face it haunts
my once pleasant dreams
your voice it chased away
all the sanity in me
these wounds won't seem to heal
this pain is just too real
there's just too much that time cannot erase
when you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
when you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
but you still have
all of me
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
but though you're still with me
I've been alone all along
The song had just came to an end for the fourth time when something or someone hit her over the head, and she faded into darkness.