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Title: Keeping Up With the Scoobies – The Long Way Home

Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Disclaimer: All rights reserved to Joss Whedon. This fanfiction on the other hand is entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.

Tags: m/f, f/f, hurt/comfort, survivor's guilt, fluff, found family

Main Pairing: Spike/Buffy

Side Pairings: Tara/Willow, Xander/Renee, Robin/Faith, Connor/Dawn, Dowling/Dylan, Angel/Cordelia, Wesley/Fred, Gunn/Anne, Oz/Bay, Buffy/Satsu (briefly), Willow/Kennedy (briefly)

Buffy Characters: William 'Spike' Pratt, Buffy Summers, Dawn Summers, Rupert Giles, Willow Rosenberg, Alexander 'Xander' Harris, Andrew Wells, Tara Maclay, Renee, Faith Lehane, Robin Wood, Robert Dowling, Dylan Turner, Satsu, Kennedy, Daniel 'Oz' Osbourne, Bayarmaa 'Bay'

Angel Characters: Angel, Cordelia Chase, Connor Angel, Harmony Kendall, Winifred 'Fred' Burkle, Wesley Wyndam Pryce, Charles Gunn, Lorne, Anne Steele

Summary: Buffy shared her powers with all potential Slayers. But that was only the beginning. Now, she has to deal with all the new Slayers, with the aftermath of LA going to hell – and coming back. The world knows about the supernatural, there's no going back.

Keeping Up With the Scoobies

The Long Way Home

18. The Magic Council of California (1)

When Xander woke up and rolled over onto his side, he was treated to the best view. Renee was still asleep, a serene look on her face, the sun coming in from the window behind her made her look like she was glowing. Her curls were wrapped in a silken cloth. Which was a thing. A thing Xander hadn't known before, but apparently her hair needed special care. So, he tried to learn, to not look totally stupid not knowing these things, or to put it on her to explain them to him. He was dating a stunning, funny, brilliant, kick-ass, beautiful black woman and he was not going to screw this one up, especially not with being accidentally obliviously ignorant in some kind of way.

Xander was careful when he climbed out of the bed. Last night, Renee had been on duty and gone on patrol with Lilah and Roxy. She'd only come in like two hours ago, so he definitely did not want to wake her. Today, she deserved to sleep in.

The kitchen was empty, aside from Willow in the corner. "Morning, Xan."

"And a good morning to you, my favorite redheaded witch," Xander grinned. "Gotta differentiate by hair-color now, since Tara is back with us. Ho—ow are things with our favorite blonde witch?"

While speaking, he went about turning on the coffee machine and preparing a coffee for himself. Ever since her stint in England with the coven after the whole... going evil thing, she'd developed a real taste for tea, instead of coffee. Giles really appreciated that.

"Subtle, Xander," Willow offered the faintest smile. "I just... I think that we're at the right place with each other now? We needed time to get there. To... heal old wounds, get to know each other – the people we have become now. And it's... I'm... happy."

That made Xander smile. "Yeah? That's good."

"Mhmh," Willow lifted her cup of tea up. "What about you and Renee? I admit, at first I thought... Well, I thought you'd gotten together with Renee to get over Anya. I know you and Anya... reconnected, before the final battle. And then she died. I thought..."

"I did feel guilty about Anya... About a lot of things when it comes to Anya," Xander averted his gaze, brows furrowed. "And I may or may not have had a string of... getting-over-her-s. But not Renee. Renee was the first person to make me... smile, just really, truly, genuinely smile, since Anya. In a different way though. I mean, she is nothing like Anya."

"Yeah," Willow huffed out a laugh. "So... What's it like dating a Slayer?"

"Gonna kill me, I swear. The stamina on that woman. Damn."

"TMI," Willow lifted a hand to interrupt him. "Please spare me."

Silence befell them. Which in itself was very rare in their house. After all, there were a dozen Slayers, two witches, three Watchers and a vampire living in this house. Oh, and newly so, a whole teenager, which tended to be its own brand of loud unruly house.

When he next spoke, Xander's voice was soft. "I'm afraid I'll screw it up."

"Why?" Willow tilted her head, looking curious and concerned.

For a moment, Xander just listened, to see if anyone had woken up. "Because I always do."

Willow leaned back in her chair, not speaking. Knowing he would continue, but might need some time to sort his thoughts out properly. Xander took a deep breath, turning the mug in his hand.

"I had a total of two serious relationships so far, right?" Xander tapped the rim of his mug nervously. "And... I'm the only one to blame about both ending horrifically. It's like I can't stand myself being happy? Like I have to sabotage any good relationship I have?"

Willow shifted her body-weight, showing off the discomfort at the not so gentle reminder of what they both had done in their teens. "I always did wonder... I mean. I know why I did... my part in it."

"...Wait I never actually thought about that one," Xander blinked at her. "I mean, looking back at it. The whole, uh, lesbian-thing comes to mind."

"You weren't the only one self-sabotaging," Willow offered a pained smile. "You always felt like you were supposed to be my one, you know? The whole childhood sweetheart narrative. Plus, you were the boy I liked the most. Because you're my best friend. And Oz was... the sweetest person. So when it didn't feel... the way I thought – and now know – that it is supposed to feel, I kind of... panicked. I thought you could... fix that. That with you, it might feel right. I loved Oz. I loved you. I was just never... in love with either of you and that's why... I sought you out, even though I was dating the sweetest guy on this planet. Because I couldn't figure out myself."

"Well..." Xander trailed off with a frustrated look on his face. "Yours sounds so much more reasonable than mine. I just... panic. Perhaps I don't think I deserve to be happy? Cordy was... perfect. I mean, damn. She was also totally out of my league, which was why I fell for her? Perhaps? Just like my... thing... for Buffy. Unobtainable, beautiful women. So when Cordy actually gave me the time of day, I think I might have freaked too."

An agreeing hum came from Willow, but she didn't comment. Waiting, for him to continue.

"And with Anya..." Xander swallowed hard. "I did love her. I just... I proposed to her because the world was ending. And then it wasn't ending. And I wasn't... I wasn't ready to get married, but I didn't have the... balls to tell her that. I think I never expected us to get as serious as we did? It started as just sex and then it turned into more and... it did so too fast..."

"Mh, starting to detect a pattern there," Willow raised one eyebrow at him. "Things with Cordelia started out as just sex too, and then you two caught feelings..."

"A—And I panicked, yep," Xander heaved a sigh and decided to bury his face in his arms on the table. "But this is different. Renee is... No. I am different."

Willow smiled, a small but honest smile. "Yeah?"

"Well, for one, it didn't start off with sex. So, be proud of me for that," Xander wagged one finger. "And for another, we did proper flirting and stuff before going on a real, actual date. Also, I didn't... I didn't immediately panic when we moved in together? I'm also... really trying. I never... I never really tried with Anya, I think. I dismissed her quirkiness – I thought it was cute, but I never took her as serious as I should have. I know that now. And I... And I regret it, I really do think she deserved better than what I gave her... But I also think... I think it means a lot that I recognize that now...? If that makes sense."

"It does," Willow's voice was comforting and reassuring. "I really think it does."

"But I'm still afraid. Afraid that... That I'll still screw it up somehow? Like, yeah, I'm proud I can recognize this but it also makes me even more afraid that I'll repeat old patterns? That I'll ruin this thing that I have," Xander groaned and rubbed his face. "And I really like Renee."

"I think... I think the fact that you're worried about screwing up is... a very good sign. And if you'd like, I could look out for signs of screw-up-edness and warn you when you veer into dangerous territory? That's what best friends are for, isn't it?"

"You'd really do that?" Xander sat up with a hopeful look on his face. "Thank you, Will, you are the best. This is... I really don't want this to go South..."

With a smile did Willow reach out to grasp his hand and give it a squeeze.

/break\

Giles was grateful for the additional space in the house. It made this feel just a little bit less like a sorority house. Marginally so. Though he had to admit that he was incredibly proud of Buffy. The way she had revolutionized what it meant to be a Slayer, what she was doing for these young women by offering them education, a home and a salary – in a manner that the Watcher Council had always failed to do. And now she intended to take it even another step forward.

"This is a very intriguing proposal," Giles adjusted his glasses.

"It was actually inspired by Harmony," Buffy laughed at the look he gave her. "Yeah, I know. But she has been advocating for vampire rights and their fair treatment and... I think she's right. We've spent too many centuries antagonizing all vampires when, in my short lifetime, we've seen that vampires are capable of change too. So instead of killing them all... We should try to give them the chance for change. And part of that is giving them a seat at the table."

"I just don't think that I should have a seat at that table," Willow sank down, looking utterly uncomfortable. "That's just... too much responsibility."

"You have become the head-witch of San Francisco," Giles looked at her seriously. "And that does come with responsibility. Witches deserve a... seat at that table too, who better to represent them?"

Willow made a small noise and sank down further, knowing she couldn't argue that but still hating the idea of all that spotlight and the responsibility that came with it. Though she had gotten better at accepting her responsibility and role as a leader, among the witches. There was, however, a difference between being a leader to her people and representing them in a council and taking on a more political role with that. Now that, that Willow was definitely not comfortable with.

"Now, this is going to be a slow-process," Willow pointed out. "We put word out to the demonic community, to let them know that they can put a representative onto the council to let their voice be heard. Which, means we have to give them time to elect a representative."

"Now, while we're not putting Watchers on the council, we thought that you could, or should maybe..." Buffy tilted her head as she searched for the right words. "Recruit others. There are still new Slayers coming. We will need new generations of Watchers too, trained by the best."

A bemused smile found its way onto Giles' face. "A Watcher Academy, reborn."

He liked that, if he was being honest. He'd felt like Buffy didn't need him for a long time. Not as her Watcher, at least. As her father-figure, yes. And he was aware that he had... failed her horrendously, by leaving for London. When he had been torn between his duties and his feelings. Which was why he had come here, to live in a house with too many people. Because he had left her once and it had not gone well. The guilt he carried over what had happened to Tara, to Willow. If he had stayed, if he had provided them with guidance, he might have been able to help.

This, however? Running the Watcher Academy, teaching and training young, potential Watchers. Someone in need of his teachings and guidance. A purpose, for himself, it was what he needed. Being cooped up in this house wasn't doing him much good. Yes, at first, Buffy had needed him to guide the squad, but she had taken charge of them quite well, and she had the aid of Renee, Spike and Andrew – though Giles still had a hard time believing the latter two had proved useful. The utter irony of a vampire who had killed two Slayers to now teach afternoon classes for Slayers...

"I will... start looking for an appropriate space tomorrow," Giles perked up a bit.

A space to turn into a school for Watchers. Yes. Yes, this was going to be good.

/break\

"Where are you taking me?"

Willow's voice was filled with laughter as she let Tara lead the way. They'd been on a coven meeting, discussing the magic council. And, of course, Willow had gotten backup and enthusiastic agreements from everyone. First and foremost Tara, her number one fan. It made sense, as the one everyone turned toward, that she would represent their interests.

"I think the coven-leader deserves a treat," Tara smiled, near mischievous. "Here we are."

They were in the park, near beautiful flowers. It was perfect. Tara spread out a blanket she got out of her bag and then she sat down on it. Oh. Oh, they were having a picnic! Willow's face brightened at that and she was eager to sit down next to her girlfriend.

"This is..." Willow trailed off, watching Tara unpack containers with food. "This is so thoughtful and nice of you, Tara. I'm so sorry we haven't had time for dates lately."

"It's okay," Tara covered Willow's hand with her own. "Between work and leading the coven and now this upcoming task... Willow, you're taking on a lot of things. I don't want you to over work yourself. You know I could... I could help you, leading."

"I'd..." Willow smiled with bright eyes. "I'd like that very much."

Tara leaned in, kissing the corner of Willow's mouth. They turned their heads, slow and in anticipation, until their lips met in a full kiss. Both had learned from the past and they were determined to not waste this second chance they'd gotten. No more miscommunication, no carrying everything herself for Willow, no staying silent and watching for Tara, no manipulation. Only openness and conversation, support and relying on each other.

"As much as you help others, you need to take time for yourself too," Tara smiled against Willow's lips before she leaned her head against Willow's shoulder. "More making time for us."

"More making time for us," agreed Willow, laying an arm around her. "Us."

How much she loved the sound of that. That there was an us, for them. Though they had seen a love lost in the other at first, they had fallen in love all over again with the person they were now, here.

/break\

"Mistress, you seem in an unusually good mood."

Lily turned, though the smile on her lips was less happy and more foreboding. In her hand, she was holding a letter. A formal invitation, to something silly called the magic council. Yes, that was ridiculous on so many levels. To think she would lower herself to sharing an 'equal' table with lesser beings such as vampires and other half-creatures. Human-borne. Worse yet, a Slayer.

Alas, this silly little council might be a very good chance for her to put her plan into motions. Get close to the head-Slayer and with her, her little followers. A naive girl that had already proven weak to Lily's magic. Given just a bit more time around her, she would be able to.

"Rearrange my schedule, an appointment for next month has come up and beforehand, I have to talk to the... higher generals," Lily made a dismissive motion. "Set appointments with them for me."

It was a foregone conclusion that she was going to represent her people on this council. Yet she could hear her generals arguing against it. This was a job too low for her. Which she would absolutely agree to. She would not even want one of her generals present on this silly council.

"Yes, mistress, anything you wish, mistress."

/break\

"Thank you so much for inviting me along. I still don't really know a lot of people here."

Dylan was so cool. Black-leather jacket wearing cool artist and normal person. Buffy wasn't just befriending her because of Spike – though mostly for Spike, yes. After all, Spike didn't exactly have that many friends (who hadn't been Buffy's friends first), and since he had given it all to befriend her friends, she wanted to do the same. So when Rox had talked so animatedly about a bar with life music and a pool tournament, Buffy had called up Dylan too.

"No problem. I'm glad you could make it. You going to sign up for the tournament?"

Buffy smiled at Dylan, a curious edge to her gaze. Dylan looked thoughtful but in the end shook her head. They entered the bar, the scent of beer and the sound of laughter and cheer overwhelming them. Rox was already there, leaning over the pool-table, with Tess on the other side. At the bar were a few of the other older Slayers, talking and laughing.

Buffy glanced at her phone. "Spike texted me and said he'd join us later, after his shift."

"And he's really enjoying this work?" Dylan asked, sounding amused. "Working with the cops?"

"Well," Buffy cleared her throat. "They're here. They're armed. They're out there. Working on trying to teach them is... our best option. And I do think that there's at least one cop he's getting along with well. His partner, Robert Dowling. He's good."

Dylan made a humming noise, but the two of them were quickly distracted by the others and catching up with each other, drinking beer, playing darts and watching the tournament with half an eye. The music in the background was nice too. It felt just a little bit like it used to in the Bronze.

"He—ello, luv. Are we very late?"

Well, he sounded like he was in a good mood. That was always a good sign. Smiling, Buffy turned some when she could feel Spike's arms around her shoulders. The smile grew as she looked in his eyes. They kissed, softly. Those were the ones she'd come to love the most. Because they'd started out with unhinged passion, rough and downright violent in times. Admittedly, they still had a lot of fun in bed. But these moments, the gentle affection, the love that could be felt through their touches, those meant so much more to her now. She rested a hand on his cheek. Robert cleared his throat, gaining their attention to look over at him and a very amused Dylan.

"Right," Spike cleared his throat. "Dylan Turner, Detective Robert Dowling."

The two humans turned toward each other and shook hands, eyes slowly taking the other in. All the while, Spike got comfortable on the bar chair right next to Buffy, ordering beers for himself and Robert. Nights out. Full nights out, not nights that she had to argue away with Giles to get some time off. No, she'd worked last night, tonight was her night off. Alisha, Noelani and Carina were on patrol (though Carina had complained loudly about missing the tournament).

"So, Spike tells me you're an artist of sorts?" Robert attempted some small-talk.

"You could say that," Dylan laughed, sounding a bit shy. "Not really a big name, but I did get a showing just recently and it... I think it got me a bit of a foot in the door?"

"Congratulations, that's impressive," Robert lifted his glass for her. "Cheers to that."

Dylan hit his glass with hers. "Cheers indeed."

Closing her eyes, Buffy leaned against Spike's side. It wasn't a peaceful moment – they were in the middle of a bar and there were two Slayers competing at pool just two meters away and Slayers were competitive by nature – and yet it was. His scent, the feeling of the leather against her cheek, the sound of his voice as he talked with Dylan and Robert.

After a few moments, his attention turned toward her. "You okay there, Slayer?"

"Mh?" Buffy's eyes fluttered open as she tilted her head. "Yeah. I'm good."

"You sure? You look tired. We can call it a night."

"No—o," Buffy offered her best pout. "It's barely nine PM. We are not leaving yet. That's what old people do. Old people get tired and go home early. I'm not old."

"Of course not. Nobody called you old," Spike looked amused. "But you know that non-old people also can get tired, right? You're a hard working woman."

"I a—am," Buffy nodded her agreement. "Which means I have to also enjoy my off time to the max, now that I have off time! And now even more."

"Now referring to the recently obtained child?" Robert guessed. "I heard from Spike. Congrats."

"The recently obtained child started out great. Just awesome," Buffy paused, a look of frustration screwing up her face. "And then it turned out that I have obtained a teenaged Slayer. Who would much rather go out into the cemetery hunting vampires than studying for math tests."

"...Truly a shocking and unexpected turn of events," Dylan's voice sounded flat. "Would never have guessed a teenager would rather go out and have fun than study."

Buffy glared and stuck her tongue out. "Well, it was different being that teen than having to make sure said teen does the studying and be a good student."

Spike's eyes sparkled with fondness as he watched her. Yeah, he hadn't thought of having kids in a long time but seeing Buffy with the kid, and spending time with Artemis himself... was different.


Author's note: Next chapter, the first meeting of the Magic Council! A concept from the comics that I really DID like