We were very late when we finally made it to Giles' house. It's okay, the beginning of this meeting isn't for me, it's for Willow to get to know her new magic tutor. Plus, it was worth it, I'm Relaxed Buffy after our detour for car happies. When Giles answers the door he just looks at me in that disappointed Watcher way of his, but doesn't say anything and steps aside to let us in. Dawn gets up to hug Spike and me, and Mom does the same and kisses me on the top of my head. Xander waves at us but doesn't get up, he doesn't say anything because he's enjoying a doughnut. Tara, and who I assume is the tutor from the Devon coven, are talking animatedly, they're so involved in their conversation that they don't even notice us come in. Meanwhile, Willow is sitting off to the side, clearly sulking with what I have long since called her 'pouty face'. What the heck is that about? I knew she wasn't looking forward to the tutor before but I thought after our talk and her talks with Tara, that she was now excited for it. I guess I was wrong.

"Sorry to interrupt Aspen, but this is my Slayer, Buffy," Giles interjects in the witches' conversation

Aspen stands up with a big, welcoming smile and opens her arms for a hug. I'm not usually one to get all huggy with someone I don't know or just met, but there's something about her that is just so kind, loving even, and welcoming. So I can't help but open my arms and walk into her waiting hug. She's much taller than me, Spike too, she must be almost six feet. She has long, gorgeous auburn hair, delicate facial features, and an athletic body. She's beautiful, she's maybe in her mid-thirties. While I'm hugging her, I feel safe and loved, it feels like home. I get so lost in the feeling that she is the one who pulls away. I clear my throat embarrassedly.

"Buffy, it's so lovely to meet you. I feel like I'm in the presence of a famous person with how much you're spoken about at my coven."

I feel myself blush, "Good things, I hope?"

"Oh yes! You're a superhero, Buffy. You've saved us all so many times."

"Oh, you know, I'm just doing my job. It's no big deal," I say shyly, with a blush creeping up my face.

"You know as well as I do that isn't true. It's an honor to meet you, Slayer." She looks at Spike, "And this must be William the Bloody, the Slayer's true mate." Spike and I both freeze for a second because only Giles knows and I don't think he told anyone. If he did, I'd consider that a breach of trust. She must be able to see that we're uncomfortable because she continues, "I'm sorry, were our seers wrong? They've seen that you two claimed each other. If it has not happened yet, I don't want you to feel as if I'm pushing you, it's foretold."

"Foretold? What do you mean? This isn't another prophecy, is it? Because Buffy and prophecy are majorly unmixy."

"Yes, there's a prophecy, but it's nothing bad, I promise you. I'm sorry, this introduction is not going the way I hoped it would. Are you mated?"

"Yes, we are. Although we haven't told everyone yet because it's new."

I feel myself getting angry and I feel Spike's anger too. It's seriously not cool that she told everyone. Aspen takes a few steps closer to us and puts a hand on each of our shoulders. We both calm down at the touch and feel peaceful. It's fine, I'm not embarrassed or ashamed about being mated to Spike, I'm proud of it.

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry. Let me put your mind at ease about the prophecy, it simply says that the traveling Slayer and her true mate will bring peace for centuries to come."

"So, Spike and I will do something that keeps the peace in the world for centuries to come?"

Giles and Aspen both look unsure about my interpretation of the prophecy. "We'll have to do some research, Buffy. There are a few ways it can be taken."

I'm about to ask Giles what he means but I feel realization coming from Spike then hopeful elation. I turn to him and quirk my eyebrow, waiting for him to explain. Tara comes up to me and hugs me, "I'm sorry, Buffy. I didn't even say hi. Aspen just has so many interesting stories and so much help to give to magic users, I was enthralled."

If I didn't know better, I'd think Tara is crushing pretty hard on Aspen. "It's okay, Tara, I get it. I'm glad she's helping you." On that note, I turn to Willow to see she's still sulking. "Willow, what are you doing over there? I thought my brainiac, obsessed with learning new things, witchy best friend would be much with the happiness to have the opportunity to learn from a magic wielder so much more advanced than you."

I see an indignant flash of anger go over Willow's face before she clears her face of all emotion. I give her a strong hard look, she knows how important it is for her to talk to Aspen, especially if she wants to be with Oz and wants our close relationship back. I think she wants the help. It's just that she doesn't like to be told what to do and she doesn't like when it's made out that she's not the smartest in the room. I know Willow, and Willow loves to learn and she loves magic, she should be in heaven right now. I internally cringe, thinking about heaven while thinking about Willow is always with the badness. With the years that have passed since I've been back, the pain has lessened, the edges of the memories dulled but they're still there and that still hurts. I mentally shake my head, that's not this Willow and I'm trying to make sure she never gets like that so it's time to focus. I pull her aside into Giles' spare bedroom then realize Riley is still in there. I cringe, I have to remember to see where Giles is with that spell so we can get him out of here. I might not like the guy much, and he may have a very skewed view of the world but he doesn't deserve to be a captive. I close the door and go to Giles' room so Willow and I can talk privately.

"Willow, what's going on? I thought you were getting excited about this?"

"I am, or I was. It's just that it's like when she showed us her magic and just being around her in general, her magic is just so pure and mine doesn't feel that way. Mine doesn't feel bad or evil but I'll never get that good and pure. And, Tara

and Aspen are getting along so well and I'm just not clicking with her and I don't like it. Tara is supposed to be my magic partner, it's not fair that she's going all gaga over Aspen. What about me? I know I don't have a right to get upset and I know Aspen is just staying here for a little while to help me but I can't help but feel jealous and I miss Oz! I talked to him last night and he said he was happy about me taking magic safety seriously and he wants to see me tonight but that it's going to be a while until he fully trusts me again."

Wow, that was one long babble, by the end it came out as a whine but at least I understand now She is just feeling inferior and I can help her with that. And even though she's missing Oz, she has major crushage on Tara. I'm going to have to bring that up definitely. That's in the best friend's job description.

"Willow, if you want your magic to feel like that, then you have to take what she's trying to teach you seriously. That's the whole point of her coming here. It's to help you and teach you. Listen to what she has to say and you could get to that point too, she just has much more experience than you because she's been working on her magic longer. And like Tara, she had someone teach her the fundamentals of magic and how to use their magic safely. You didn't really have that, I mean you had Jenny but well, you know what happened. For the life of me, I don't know why Giles never took the time to teach you, especially because he had a problem getting into dark magic when he was younger. He more than anyone knows how dangerous it can be to learn magic all on your own."

"Yeah, I was kinda wondering about that too, I guess he was too busy being your Watcher," Willow says a little forlornly.

"Well, at first I think he was grieving, just like we all were. I think he loved her, you know? I mean they weren't together long after the fight about Jenny knowing about Angelus' soul but yeah, there were definitely love type feelings between the two. Then I think he kinda just figured you were so smart you didn't need the help."

"Yeah, maybe you're right." She sits up straight stating, "You know what? I know you're right, I'm going to go out there and learn all I can from her. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm not going to let it pass me by. Thanks, Buffy."

She comes over to me and initiates a hug, after a second, I hug her back. "Go on Willow, you got this. And don't worry about the Tara thing, she's still your magic partner."

She smiles at me and goes back out to the living room where everyone else is. I decide to think more about how I'm going to talk to her about the major crushage she clearly has. Before, I decided I was going to stay out of her love life and let whatever happens, happen. I still feel that way but I want her to know I'll support her in whatever she chooses. I don't see her giving up Oz though, the only reason she was even open to dating Tara is because Oz left her and I avoided that this time around. I'm about to follow when Dawn and Spike come into the bedroom. From the bond, I can feel how happy Spike is about something but he has a very serious look on his face and Dawn's face is mirroring his.

"What's the what, guys? Your faces are majorly with the solemn, it's kinda wigging me out."

"Well, first of all, it's totally not cool you didn't tell us about the mating and you better believe Xander is going to freak out when he actually gets someone to give him a straight answer about what claiming each other means."

"Sorry, Dawnie. It's super recent and I had all intentions of telling you soon, but Aspen kinda jumped the gun. I was thinking about having a little ceremony since we're kinda married. Plus, I thought Mom would want one."

"Yeah, Mom doesn't really know what it is either and I'm pretty sure she's going to rank high on the wiggage scale when she finds out too. She loves Spike and likes you two together, but she's still trying to get past the fact that you're not actually her 18-year-old daughter and that you and Spike have been together longer than a few months. I get it, she understands, but it's different than really knowing it, you know?"

Spike is nodding his head along with her but it takes me a second to figure out what she means. Once I do, I nod my head too. "Yeah, I get it, but she's getting there and trying to be supportive. That's not why you came in here looking so serious though, what's going on?"

"It's nothing bad, well I don't think so anyway. Spike doesn't know how you're going to take it but there's another interpretation to the prophecy that I don't think you thought of."

"And what's that?" I cross my arms and tap my foot, they're both being shifty and beating around the bush. I just want the answer.

"Okay, well the prophecy states, 'the traveling Slayer and her true mate will bring peace for centuries to come.' You took it to mean that you'll do something that'll keep the peace in the world for centuries, right?"

"Yeah, that's what it sounds like."

"Well, the whole problem with the First getting out last time was that the side of good had too much power, which gave The First the power to fight back, right?" I nod my head but tap my foot louder, she's still taking her sweet time getting to the point. "So then it doesn't make sense that you could do something to let the side of good have that much power, right?" I jerk my head once. Sheesh get to the point already. "So that would probably mean that you'd have to be here the whole time, so you can continue to keep the peace."

"Yeah, that makes sense." I'm still not getting what she's trying to… wait. No, that can't be right. How would that even work? The only way I can figure is turning me into a vampire and that is SO not happening. "It's just not possible. It's not like I'm willing to be turned to become immortal."

Spike flinches and I can feel his hurt in the bond. I can also feel his disgust and extreme denial of the idea of turning me. Well, that's good at least. He doesn't say anything though he just looks at me sadly, I don't know if it's because he's sad I wouldn't turn to stay with him or he's sad that I thought he'd be willing to in the first place. I have to put that aside for now though because Dawn is here with us, that's something that we have to talk about alone.

"I've been thinking about it, I doubt turning you is part of the plan. I'm thinking something will happen to you to keep you human but immortal or maybe something already has."

"What do you mean something could have already happened? Don't you think I'd know if I was immortal or not?"

"How could you? I mean you've already been brought back to life twice. From what you said about your fight in the Hellmouth with the Turok-Han, you should by all rights be dead. They stabbed you through the gut, you shouldn't have come back, let alone get up to keep fighting.

Spike froze the way he does when he gets a memory and by the time he comes out of it, he's in game face and growling. He's panting too, in the way that only Spike does, even though he doesn't have to at all. I guess he got the memory of that part of the battle with the First. I try to send him calming feelings through the bond but I don't know if I'm just not doing it right or if he's too upset seeing me get hurt like that because it doesn't change his mood at all. So I walk over to him and grab his head to make sure he's looking right at me. I wait to talk until we have eye contact.

"Hey, Spike, baby it's okay, I'm right here. Safe and sound, that was last year. Hell, last timeline, before I even met this version of you. I'm fine, you can calm down." I lean in and kiss him, bumpies, fangs, and all. His breathing slows down and his eyes become less frantic and he turns back into his human face. "There you go, it's okay. I'm fine."

"I know you're trying out different pet names for me but I don't think you can call someone who's over a century old 'baby'."

I giggle, "You're right, as soon as I said it I knew that wasn't the right one. Don't worry, I'll get it. Apparently, I have a very long time to think about it."

Dawn clears her throat. "So, now that you know what happened, Spike, does that type of injury usually kill the person, or at least incapacitate them?"

"Damn right it does, she shouldn't have survived that. I thought I just watched her die for the second time. Instead, the bird just jumped right up and kept fighting."

"So that would make it seem that whatever is going to make her immortal, already happened."

"But how?" I ask.

"Not sure, maybe it's bringing you back to life, maybe it's because you were in heaven. Maybe you have a little angel in you now. Maybe it's because of all the Slayer power that went through you when Willow activated the whole Slayer line. I don't know, but you better believe I'm going to research until I find out."

"Oh." That is all I can think to say. This is too much for me. I haven't even had time to contemplate the implications of being immortal. I understand why Spike is so happy but I don't want to watch everyone I love die. Well, other than Spike, anyway. But Dawn and Mom… Giles, Willow, Xander, Tara. I can't even contemplate it. Spike must be able to feel my tumultuous emotions because he wraps his arms around me and pulls me close.

"Alright, Bit. How about you do your research and let us know what you find. I'm sure you can understand this might be a lot for her to take in, yeah?"

"Right, of course. I love you Buffy, take all the time you need."

She smiles at me and then walks out of the door. Spike pulls me even closer and starts to make the sound that he will never admit is purring, because he knows how much I like it and how much it comforts me. I don't know how long we stay like that but eventually, he pulls back and waits until I look up to him.

"We'll figure it out, luv. I know it's a lot to take in but I'm here for you, yeah? You're not alone."

"Thanks, Spike. I love you."

"Love you too, kitten." He kisses me and I let myself get lost in it. If we weren't at my Watcher's house, I'd rip off his clothes and make use of this bed. I could really use something to take my mind off this. Except, no. I promised I wouldn't use him like that anymore. It's different than when I first got ripped out of heaven but it would still be using him. I can't do that, so reluctantly, I pull away.

"Okay, let's get back out there. I'm sure Mom is worried about me."

"Right you are, Slayer. After you." He says with a flourish as he bows and holds his hands out to the door.

I giggle but walk out to the living room and hear him follow. I'm right, when I get out there Mom is looking at me with worry clear on her face. I give her a smile and mouth 'I'm okay'. She looks at me dubiously but nods her head all the same. Willow, Aspen, and Tara are all talking quietly to themselves, so at least that seems to be going well. I let everyone know we're leaving to go to check out the vineyard and see how much work it will be to get the scythe.

I need to know if we need the help of the Scoobies, or if we can do it ourselves. We need to see if the equipment that Spike used to get the Gem of Amara is needed as well. The ride to the vineyard is nice and light. We talk about nothing important, I think Spike understands that I can't talk about anything serious right now. I just need time for the whole 'I'm possibly going to live forever' thing to sink in.

The last time we were at the vineyard it was still in business so we didn't get to look around like I wanted to. I'm hoping it's not too much work. When we get there I'm glad that it looks deserted. So after taking a look around the perimeter to make sure we're alone and that there are none of The First's minions or any creepy priests around, we walk into the building. There are crates of wine everywhere, I guess they just left what they didn't sell. That seems like a waste to me but I'd feel bad to take it home with me. We go into the basement and I try to remember exactly where the scythe is.

I close my eyes and feel for the scythe. Once I'm concentrating, it's easy to feel. It's only about twenty feet to my left. The only problem is, to the direct left of me is a wall and since we're already in the basement, we're going to have to dig to get to it.

"It's not far but we're definitely going to need your tools, Snookums." I giggle because that's another failed pet name. By the indignant look on his face, he agrees. "You don't even have to say it, I know that's not it."

"Sodding right, it's not."

"Oh! I got it!"

"Yeah? Let's hear it then."

"Blondie Bear!" He growls at me and pounces, as I laugh and run. "Okay okay, not Blondie Bear," I say when I let him catch me by the car and he starts nuzzling and nipping at my neck. I laugh again because it tickles. It turns into a moan when the nips become less playful and more sensual. "Mhmm, that feels good, Cuddle Cakes."

He freezes then I feel his playfulness in the bond and he continues, "There's a lot more where that came from, Pooky Bear."

Um, eww. "Okay, okay, I'll stop." He pulls away with a smirk.

"Come on, kitten. Let's get back to the crypt and continue this there. We'll get the stuff from where I stashed them tomorrow and we'll get you your weapon. From the memory I got earlier, you're a vision fighting with it," he says and I can feel the lust pouring off him, not only because he wants to get me home but because me kicking ass is a huge turn-on for him. My vampire is strange but it's the perfect type of strange for me.

"Okay, let's go, lover." I shake my head and cringe. That one will forever be associated with Angel and Angelus.

We get in the car and I spend the ride back to the crypt teasing him with tempting touches and sending as much lust through the bond as I can. By the time we get there, he's so sexually frustrated that he's holding on to the steering wheel so hard that I'm sure he dented it. It's worth it though because he spends the rest of the night working out that frustration on me.