BPRI, Sunnydale, CA, 1400 hours.
"Buffy" said Angel as he walked up to the Slayer, "how was patrol?"
"Oh you know" said Buffy, "new trainees, vamps getting dusted, puking everywhere…. Again."
"Never miss that" said Angel sarcastically, "reports?"
"Agent Barret has them" said Buffy, "still looking for Reed?"
"Yep" said Angel, "no one knows where he is, my Air Force contact told me that Travers has also become quiet."
"Bastard" said Buffy, "how about the other teams that were going after the former Watchers Council members?"
"Those guys are easier to find" said Angel, "we've got three so far and, as agreed with the Air Force, we've taken the lead on that front."
"Cool" said Buffy.
"Kennedy handling her team well?" asked Angel.
"Yeah" replied Buffy, "they're in New Orleans today to track down that demony thing your contacts in L.A. told us about."
"Right" said Angel, "should probably check in with them about that."
"How about that girl from Japan… ummm… Satsu?" asked Angel, "she fitting in with Vi and Rona?"
"Yea" said Buffy, "they're liaising with Spike in L.A. They're almost at that vampire nest with some of Agent Barrett's handpicked NID teams."
"Great" said Angel, "good to know."
"Yep" relied Buffy, "so what's up?"
"Saw you walking" said Angel, "so just wanted to swing by and see how you were doing."
"I'm alright" said Buffy as she stopped and turned around, "listen, I need to take next Friday off."
"Sure" said Angel confused, "I mean you're the senior Slayer, I mean now that it's you and Kennedy. She can pick up the slack. What's up?"
"I was hoping to go down to Colorado Springs" said Buffy, "I…."
"Buffy" said Angel, "you know how Willow feels about…."
"I know" said Buffy as she interrupted Angel, "but I want fix this whole messed up relationship I have with her now. I mean, she's my best friend and look at us…."
"Buffy" said Angel as he leaned on one of the pillars and looked out at a bright and sunny Sunnydale afternoon, "she asked you for some space. Just give it to her."
"I know" said Buffy nervously, "but… I want her to come for my…. You know."
"Buffy" smiled Angel, "we haven't dated for God knows how long. You're with Xander now, and I'm seeing Cordy. You can actually say the 'W' word you know."
"I know" laughed Buffy, "I haven't even told Dawn yet."
"Nervous?" asked Angel as he took Buffy's hand and looked at the engagement ring.
"Yea, I mean no…" said Buffy as she and Angel started to walk again, "It's just that, well this is something you don't say over the phone, you know."
"Yea" replied Angel as he put his hands into his pockets and continued to walk with Buffy towards a hallway.
"Sometimes I think back to the old days" said Buffy, "you know…. before all of this, when it was just us."
"I remember" said Angel.
"Just us against the world" said Buffy, "no time to think about the future, preventing an apocalypse every few months. And now, I mean look at us. We have more resources now thanks to Agent Barret and whoever he's getting to replace Reed, we're actually able to give these potentials a real future now, and we're getting paid to do it. But sometimes I still can't help feel…. I don't know…"
"Scared?" asked Angel.
"Maybe not scared" said Buffy, "well….. I mean now I actually have to think about my future. With Kennedy activated, I actually have time now for myself. Time to spend with Xander when he's not busy, time to visit Giles, Time to pick out my dress, time for… stuff. Actually, come to think about it, yes.. it does scare me…"
"Buffy" said Angel as he held her shoulders, "it's all going to be alright. Welcome to the normal world, you're getting married to Xander and you have a right to be scared. It's a big step and I think… no, I know that you've made the best decision in your life."
"But without Willow here…" said Buffy.
"She'll come" said Angel, "have you told her yet?"
"No" replied Buffy, "it's just… I mean… it's still so strained between us."
"Give it time" said Angel.
"Hey Buffster" said Xander as he came walking out of another hallway.
"Hey" said Buffy as she gave Xander a kiss.
"Alright" said Angel, "I'll be leaving the both of you alone now."
"Thanks for chatting, Angel" said Buffy.
"No problem" replied Angel as he glanced at Xander and nodded before he walked the other way up to his office.
"Hey" said Xander as he hugged Buffy, "everything alright?"
"Yeah" replied Buffy, "just trying to figure out how to tell Willow that we're, you know."
"Angel say ok to visiting Will?" asked Xander.
"Yea" replied Buffy.
"I can come with you if you want" said Xander.
"Well" said Buffy, "it would be nice, think Wes can handle himself?"
"Yeah" said Xander, "maybe you should ask Tara to come along, I know she misses Dawn."
"Yeah" replied Buffy, "how about you find a good hotel there, and I'll go convince Tara to take a few days off."
"Sounds like a plan" said Xander as they walked arm in arm.
"You do realize that Dawn will kill you for not telling her earlier" said Xander.
"Oh yeah" replied Buffy.
Infirmary, SGC, 1600 hours
"Hey Willow" said Dawn who came into the infirmary with Faith.
"Hey" said Willow, "you ready to go?"
"Yea" replied Faith, "clean bill of heath after some real extensive testing."
"For the both of you?" asked Willow.
"Yes" said Dawn, "how about you?"
"Doc wants to keep me on base for observation" said Willow, "I haven't used my powers at that level before, plus she's also worried about that RPG that hit my telekinetic shield. She wants to make sure there's no damage to my brain."
"I thought you were supposed to heal fast" asked Dawn.
"I have" said Willow, "but the Doc just wants to be cautious."
"Oh" said Dawn as she turned to looked at Faith, "would it be alright if I talked to Willow alone, Faith?"
"Sure" said Faith as she smiled at the redhead and reached for her hand, "I'll be outside."
Dawn nodded as Faith walked out the door before she looked at Willow.
"What's up, Dawnie?" asked Willow.
"Do you think mom would be alright?" asked Dawn, "I mean… I know she's not mom but…"
"I left a little message for my counterpart" smiled Willow, "she'll make sure Joyce goes for regular check-ups. I also gave her some tips about you, maybe this time she can help keep you safe against Glory."
"But that's if she joins the SGC in that reality right?" asked Dawn, "I mean, that's the only way she'll have access to those kinds of resources. Cause I'm telling you right now, the Watcher's Council was useless."
"I think they'll help either way" said Willow as she smiled at Dawn, "how's your shoulder and the shoulder blade? Any lasting effects?"
"No" said Dawn, "the X-Rays showed nothing broken, everything's been healed."
"Maybe you should head home and get some rest kiddo" said Willow, "you and Faith both need rest."
"Willow" said Dawn, "I have a counselling session next week, would you come with me?"
"I'd love that" smiled Willow as she held both of Dawn's hands, "I'd love that very much."
"Great" smiled Dawn before she turned her head around and called for Faith.
"You rang?" asked the Slayer.
"Faith" smiled Willow, "the both of you should go home and rest. I'm confined to base, so might as well start my report for the General."
"You sure?" asked Faith as she stepped forwards, "I mean, I could spend the night here after I drop the squirt off."
"I'll be in the infirmary Faith" said Willow as leaned forward and whispered, "or do you want to give the security personnel a free show."
"I really don't need to hear this" said Dawn.
"Oh come on, Kiddo" said Faith as she put her arm around Dawn's shoulder, "you're an adult now."
"Then stop calling me Kiddo" said Dawn as she crossed her arms around her chest.
"Nah" smiled Faith, "you'll always be Kiddo."
"Hah" said Dawn as she looked at Willow.
"Get some rest" said Willow as she looked at Dawn, "you and I still have training tomorrow."
"Do I have to?" said Dawn.
"Well you want to go through the gate, don't you?" asked Willow.
"Fine" said Dawn.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, Red" said Faith as she squeezed Willow's hand, "I love you."
"Love you too" said Willow, "Oh and beware of the horse….. stuff… I heard Siler slipped on a patch."
"Eewww" said Dawn, "who's Siler?"
"The one everyone will be avoiding" smiled Faith as she waved at Willow.
Briefing Room, SGC, next day, 1000 hours.
"Hey Red" said the General as Willow sat down next to Faith, "how you feeling?"
"I'm alright, Sir" said Willow, "Dr. Brightman's cleared me for regular duties."
"Alright then" said the general as he nodded at Dawn, "well, today I've asked Dawn to sit in during for this particular briefing due to the usual circumstances involved."
"Yes, Sir" said Willow as she smiled at Dawn.
"But don't let this be a regular occurrence" said the General as he looked at Dawn, who nodded in return.
"So" said the General, "are you sure about the special qualities of the mirror?"
"According to Eir from that reality" said Willow, "it does make some kind of sense."
"A psychic link?" asked the General, "to an alternate reality?"
"Makes sense Jack" said Daniel, "if these mirror are the latest models…"
"Relatively speaking, right?" said the General.
"Yes" replied Daniel, "relatively speaking. What if the link formed is so strong that they could hear voices from another reality."
"You're talking about what happened the first time I went to an alternate reality, right?" asked Willow.
"Yes" said Daniel, "you told Sam that you heard Dawn's voice in your mind, you heard that she was in trouble."
"Yeah" said Willow, "but…"
"The mirror was deactivated right?" asked Daniel.
"Yeah" said Willow.
"No" said Colonel Carter as she looked at Willow and then Daniel in surprise.
"Carter?" asked the General.
"No.. No… that mirror... i mean the device itself was still active" said the Colonel as she looked at General O'Neill, "it was still tied into that Naquada laced cave. No matter what, it was still receiving power. Willow touching it just enabled the mirror, but the device itself remained active."
"Then how did I go through the first time?" asked Willow.
"There must already be some kind of a link between the both of you" said Daniel as he looked at both Willow and Dawn.
"So when Willow Rosenberg heard Dawn Summers voice in the other reality" said Teal'c.
"The link must have gotten stronger" said Faith as she finished what Teal'c was going to say.
"Yes" said Daniel, "oh my, this is just amazing."
"Sure" replied the General as he nodded his head looking confused.
"Jack" said Daniel, "don't you see, maybe it's because of the link that Dawn and Willow share, combined with the Ancient gene, that Willow was able to go through."
"If that's true" said Willow, "then how did I get back?"
"Your job was done" said the Colonel, "that's it, your job was done. Think about it, you're from this reality but stuck in another reality. When you get to the access point, in this case the new type of mirror, that reality literally kicked you out."
"You're kidding" said Dawn and the General together.
"Well, let's put it this way, since you originated from this reality your body is attracted to the vibration frequency here, so you were able to get back without a psychic link from this side" said the Colonel.
"Ok" said Willow, "that makes sense."
"It does?" said Faith as she rubbed her temples.
"Yea" replied Willow as she looked at the General, "Sir, it does explain why you weren't able to go through the mirror, only activate it. You didn't really have a psychic link with me."
"Sorry about that" said the General.
"No sir" said Willow, "no need to be, but I'm guessing there's something more. I mean, it's too simple."
"Ummm…" said Dawn as she put her hand up.
"Yes?" replied the General.
"How did I go through?" asked Dawn.
"You said you heard my voice right?" asked Willow.
"Yeah" said Dawn.
"When you heard my voice" said Willow, "a link must have been formed with the me from the other reality without knowing. You may have just been expecting me in that storage room."
"Yeah" said Dawn, "I thought you and Faith were playing a trick on me, but then I heard Oz."
"You heard OZ?" said Willow surprised, "you didn't tell me that."
"I… never mind" said Dawn.
"Who is this Oz?" asked Teal'c, "is it the same Oz as the Wizard of Oz?"
"No Teal'c" smiled Willow, "it's my…. Umm… my ex."
"Oh" said the Colonel and Daniel together.
"This Oz was your mate at one point in time?" asked Teal'c.
"Yea" said Willow as she stretched her head nervously, "anyway."
"So" said Faith, wanting to change the subject, "how did I go through this time?"
"The first time you tried" said Willow, "we mustn't have had a strong link between us, the same happened after Dawn had gone through. But something must have happened to strengthen that link between the time I went through the mirror and before you went through."
"Well" said the Colonel, "Faith was worried about you."
"Indeed" said Teal'c, "extremely worried would be the correct term."
"Maybe that's the missing piece?" asked Daniel, "the link between Willow and Faith was strengthened by some emotional connection which, in turn, was able to allow Faith through. Make sense?"
"Whether it makes sense or not" said the General, "I want that thing destroyed."
"Sir" said Colonel Carter, "this technology is unique, I'm just asking permission to examine it further."
"Carter" said the General, "I'm more worried about what can come through. If this thing really does use a psychic link between people from different realities, I really don't want it on this base, or any of our other bases."
"Sir" said the Colonel.
"Carter" replied the General, "I'm more worried who else could go though since it doesn't look like its tied to Red's genetic code. Even more, I'm worried of who or what could come through."
"I understand Sir" said the Colonel.
"Sorry, Carter" said the General before he turned to Willow.
"Red, I want you to make sure all the crystals in that this get destroyed"
"Yes, Sir" said Willow.
"Alright then" replied the General as he got up, followed by Colonel Carter and Willow, "Dismissed everyone."
As the General walked back into his office, Dawn walked up to Willow.
"Sorry I didn't mention about Oz to you earlier" said Dawn, "it's just that… I mean I wasn't sure... you know… if you still had feelings."
"Red" said Faith.
"Hey" smiled Willow, "we were just talking about Oz."
"Oh" said Faith, "well I guess I better go, I've got a session with the big guy."
"Alright" said Willow as she sensed a feeling from Faith. It was something she didn't think would be coming from her; jealousy.
"Willow" said Dawn as Faith walked away.
"Dawnie" said Willow as she turned to face the brunette, "its alright. I was just surprised that's all."
"Hey Dawn" said Daniel, "come on, we've got to get that translation done before lunch."
"Coming Dr. Jackson" said Dawn as she walked passed Willow before she stopped and hugged the redhead, "thanks for coming back for me."
"Of course, I'd bring you back" said Willow as she kissed the top of her head, "now get going with Daniel, we've still got training after lunch."
"Cool" said Dawn as she walked away, "see ya."
"Bye" said Willow.
"So you dated someone named Oz?" smiled the Colonel as she waited for Willow, "and you give me grief about Pete?"
"With all due respect ma'am" grinned Willow as she walked towards the Colonel, "Oz was way better, and way cooler than Pete."
"Oh yeah" grinned the Colonel, "how so?"
"He was a werewolf" said Willow with a wide grin as Colonel Carter stopped in her tracks.
"No!" said the Colonel, "you're kidding right? Willow?"
"Maybe" said Willow as she grinned and turned around while she walked backwards, "Maybe not."
"Willow" said the Colonel, "that's not fair."
"Sorry ma'am" said Willow, "how about I talk with Faith, and then we'll see about having a girls night again this weekend?"
"Oh you better tell me everything" laughed the Colonel.
"Of course ma'am" said Willow grinning as she waved at the Colonel who walked off towards her lab, while Willow walked off towards the gym.
Gym, SGC, ten minutes later.
"Hey" said Willow as she walked into the gym where Faith and Teal'c were ready to spar.
"Willow Rosenberg" said Teal'c as he bowed his head, "would you care to join us?"
"It's all right Teal'c" said Willow, "but we do have that regular session in a few weeks."
"Indeed" smiled Teal'c, "I am looking forward to it."
"Ummmm… Teal'c" said Willow, "could you excuse me and Faith for a little while?"
"Very well" said Teal'c as he turned and bowed towards Faith, "I shall be in the commissary."
"Sure, Big Guy" said Faith as she watched Teal'c walk away.
"Faith" said Willow as she pressed the button that closed the blast doors, "you alright?"
"Yeah" said Faith as she sat on one of the benches.
"Right" said Willow as she sat next to her, "you know Oz and I are pretty much over right?"
"Yeah" said Faith, "I mean.. of course I know that."
"Just wanted to be sure" said Willow.
"You sensed something, didn't you?" asked Faith.
"Yeah" replied Willow, "jealousy."
"Sorry" said Faith, "I've had people leave me to go back to their exes before so.. yeah… sorry."
"Faith" said Willow, "I'm not leaving you, we've been together for a little over two years now."
"I thought it was more" said Faith with a smile.
"Who's counting?" smiled Willow, "all I know is that I love spending time with you. I mean I want to be with you."
"Me too" said Faith, "but…"
"Faith" replied Willow softly, "truthfully, I'll always have a place in my heart for Oz, he's the first one I've ever loved. But guess what, I love you now and I love you more. Now and forever, I'll love you and I'm not going to leave you."
"I love you too" said Faith, "always."
"Me too" replied Willow.
"Dinner tonight?" asked Faith.
"Sure" said Willow, "you pick the restaurant."
"Romantic?" asked Faith.
"Of course" grinned Willow, "oh, girls night this weekend? Colonel Carter wants to know more about Oz being a werewolf."
"You know what?" said Faith, "now that I think about it, there's nothing much to rag on about Oz."
"Well, other than that whole cheating on me thing" replied Willow.
"Can I rag on him about that?" asked Faith.
"Sure" said Willow.
"Sweet" replied Faith with a smile.
"I love you, Faith" said Willow softly, "never forget that."
"I love you too, Red" replied Faith.
Willow's Apartment, one week later, 2100 hours.
"I got to say" said Dawn, "that's the first wedding involving an alien culture that I've been to."
"I know" said Willow.
"Kar'yn looked beautiful in her dress didn't she?" said Faith.
"Yeah, she did" replied Willow, "can't believe it almost didn't happen though."
"True" said Faith, "first with her getting angry at Ry'ac, and then Ish'ta and Teal'c almost never making it back."
"Luckily they did though" replied Dawn as Willow turned the car into her the apartment parking lot and parked next to a red sedan, "hey, I recognize that car."
"Really?" asked Willow, "whose is it?"
"No" said Dawn as she looked around.
"Squirt?" said Faith, "you ok?"
"They must be in the building" said Dawn as she ran inside the apartment building.
"Any idea on what she's talking about?" asked Faith.
"None" said Willow as the both of them stepped out of the car and locked the doors, just as they heard Dawn scream.
"Dawn!" shouted Willow as she and Faith ran into the building to a surprise in frint of their apartment door.
"Hey Dawnie" said Buffy as she hugged Dawn tightly, "I've missed you so much."
"B?" said Faith as she and Willow ran towards them in surprise.
"Sorry" said Buffy as she looked at Willow and Faith, "but I wanted to surprise you."
"Well" said Faith, "it is a surprise."
"Will?" said Buffy as Dawn let her go and she went on to hug Xander.
"I think we should all get inside" said Willow as she took out her keys, "it's already getting cold outside."
"Yeah" said Buffy as she moved aside to let Willow open the door and let them all in.
"Dawn" said Faith after she closed the door, "how about you get the hot chocolate ready?"
"Sure" smiled Dawn.
"I'll help you" said Tara.
Willow looked on as Dawn and Tara walked into the kitchen and started to boil some water.
"Red" said Faith, "let me go and change first, I'll be right back."
"Sure" said Willow as Faith walked away, leaving her with Xander and Buffy in the living room.
"Hey Will" said Xander as he opened his arms wide open.
"Xander" said Willow as she gave him a tight hug, "welcome to Colorado Springs."
"Thanks Will" said Xander, "I really miss you, you know that."
"Yeah" said Willow as she stepped back, "you look good."
"Really?" said Xander, "thanks. Buffy thinks I've gone… you know."
"Nah" said Willow as she turned around, "hey Dawn, extra marshmallows for Xander."
"Cool" said Xander as he looked at Buffy nervously, "ummmm… may I?"
"Sure" sighed Buffy as Xander ran to the kitchen
"Please tell me you guys have the multi coloured ones" said Xander as he stepped into the kitchen.
"You look good" said Buffy.
"So do you" replied Willow, "long trip?"
"Yeah" said Buffy, "we came here right after checking into the hotel."
"Oh" said Willow.
"Ummm… Will" said Buffy, "can we talk? Alone?"
"Alright" said Willow as she walked towards the balcony.
"It's cold" said Buffy as she walked out into the balcony followed by Willow.
"Hold on" said Willow as she peeked inside the apartment, "hey Dawn, can you throw us…"
"Here you go" said Dawn as she went into the small closet near the living room and threw two thick blankets at Willow.
"Thanks" said Willow as she handed one to Buffy as she sat down on the swinging bench.
"Thanks" said Buffy as she put the blanket around herself while Willow did the same thing and sat down beside her, "you know… I never thought we'd be in the same room again, especially after what happened between us."
"Yeah" said Willow as she leaned back on the bench, "things change I guess."
"I guess so" said Buffy, "what happened? How did it get so bad?"
"You tried to do things to me" said Willow calmly, "you forced me to go on my knees in front of you, tried to access things that you're not supposed to know, did a truth spell on me that forced me to cut my own vocal chords so that I don't spill any of the secrets I'm duty bound to keep; you want me to go on?"
"No" said Buffy as she lowered her head and leaned back, "I never meant any of the things I said in the police car. I was angry… I was so angry that I just lashed out at you."
"Buffy" said Willow.
"You don't know what it was like for me after you left Will" said Buffy, "I was alone. Sure Xander, Giles, Tara, Mom….. mom was there, but I was still alone. You were gone and I was alone."
"So what happened was my fault?" asked Willow calmly.
"I didn't say that" said Buffy, "I take full responsibility for that. I hurt you Will, I did things to my best friend that.. I mean I…. I was cruel, when I think about what I did.. the things I said. I get physically sick. You can ask Xander."
"Do you want forgiveness?" asked Willow as she looked out to the stars.
Faith: "Red? You alright?"
Willow: "Yeah, I'll be in later."
Faith: "Ok, I'm starting dinner with Tara. Any special requests?"
Willow: "Smoochies?"
Faith: "Down girl."
Willow: "Surprise us all."
Faith: "Alrighty then."
"Willow" said Buffy as she turned to the redhead, "I am asking for your forgiveness, I want everything back to the way it used to be. If you want, I can go on my knees right now and beg for your forgiveness."
"No" sighed Willow, "I don't want you to do that.
"Then tell me what I can do to make this all go away" said Buffy as she started to tear up, "please just tell me what I should do."
"Buffy" said Willow, "there's nothing anyone can do to make it go away. I'm sorry."
"I see" said Buffy as she wiped her eyes and looked up at the stars before she looked at Willow and took her hand, "Hi, I'm Buffy Summers. I'm from Sunnydale, California which is on top of a mystical convergence known as the Hellmouth. We've got all manner of demons and vampires and other creepy stuff that comes to that fair city where an organization called the BPRI is based and fights these things."
"Sounds interesting" smiled Willow, "I'm Willow Rosenberg, a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. I work at NORAD with Deep Space Radar Telemetry. Most of my work is classified, which means that I'd have to kill you if I tell you about what I do."
"Nice" said Buffy, "you know, you remind me of my best friend."
"Really?" asked Willow.
"Yeah" said Buffy, "she was… is the best. Red hair like fire and the smartest person I know, although I took advantage of that a lot. She moved away from Sunnydale and then when she came to visit me, I betrayed her in the worst way possible."
"You remind me of my best friend too" said Willow, "she is the strongest person I know, I used to worship her and try to do everything to make her like me. Then one day, I moved away from our home town and came to Colorado Springs. My best friend betrayed me too when I visited her."
"You think my friend could ever forgive me?" asked Buffy.
"You think my friend who betrayed me deserves my forgiveness?" said Willow.
"Maybe your friend…. Your best friend just wants to have a new relationship with you, a new friendship if you will. A reset." said Buffy.
"Maybe your friend can't forgive, at least not yet, or forget" said Willow, "but who knows, maybe she'll be willing to have a new friendship with you a try. As long as its not based on what you would say are the good old days."
"Can that ever happen, you think?" asked Buffy.
"Maybe" said Willow.
"Hey guys" said Xander as he opened the glass door and popped his head out into the balcony, "the hot chocolate's ready."
"Thanks" said Buffy as she stood and approached Xander before grabbing his hand and pulling him into the balcony.
"Buff?" said Xander, "what're you doing? Shouldn't you tell Dawn first?"
"This is more important" said Buffy as she held Xander's hand.
Willow looked at Buffy and Xander in confusion when suddenly their emotions hit her like a ton of bricks. She glanced at Buffy's hand and noticed a ring with a small diamond on it.
"Buff?" said Willow.
"Will" said Buffy, "I hope that this is the point where we can try to reset our friendship because I really need you for this. Doing this without my best friend, without her support….."
"Buffy?" said Willow as she stepped forward, "are you guys…?"
"Will" said Buffy, "Xander and I are getting married."
TBC.