Tara watched with concern in her eyes as Willow went to join Anya. She knew the spell was necessary in order to return the vampire to her proper place, but there was no doubt that it was an extremely powerful one and would drain even more of Willow's energy.

"So, I'm a witch here?"

Tara looked at the vampire that wore her lover's face and looked away again.

"Yes, we both are."

"So, you're what? Her girlfriend?"

Tara merely nodded.

"How come she's doing the spell and not you?"

"Sh-she's stronger than I am."

"She has power?"

Tara swallowed nervously and nodded again.

"Bet she enjoys the power."

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"The spells, the power she wields. Bet she loves it. I love my power."

"She's n-not you. You're completely different from her."

"Different, but still her. We were weak, and now we're not. I didn't know about the magic. I'd like to have that too. Maybe the demon's wrong. Maybe my reality won't cease to exist once her spell's broken. Maybe I'll experiment with magic when I get home. I think The Master would appreciate a witch-vampire." Flicking her eyes up and down the blonde witch's body, she smirked, "Maybe I'll find you too. Then we can have fun like you and she has, only better. Ever fuck a vampire?"

Tara turned to walk away from her taunting voice.

"We're really good, you know. Why do you think the Slayer's fucking that one?"

At Tara's look of distaste at the her crudity, she gave a mocking laugh that brought Buffy over.

"I don't know what you're saying to Tara, but if you want to stay undusted long enough to get back to your own world you'll keep your mouth shut."

Willow smirked and said, "Just telling her how much fun a vampire can be, Slayer. You never filled her in on our staying power?"

Buffy pulled a stake from her pocket and said coldly, "I think I'll just save the girls all the trouble of doing that spell."

The vampire glared at her. "You know, where I'm from The Master killed you. I saw it just before I was pulled into this world. He grabbed your head and gave it a nice twist. The sound of your neck breaking was like music."

"Is that right? Well he killed me in this world too. But you know what? I got over it. And then I killed him right back."

The vampire's eyes flashed gold at Buffy's taunting words.

"Buffy?"

Buffy turned in response to Anya's voice. "Yeah?"

"We're ready to start now. You and Tara should step away from her."

They moved away with alacrity and when they were far enough distant from the vampire, Anya began the supplication. This time there were no hitches. The sacred sand was poured, the power released and suddenly empty chains fell to the floor.

Vampire Willow was gone.

***

She found herself back in her world, struggling with two of the White Hats, Larry and a short, skinny boy with a wolfish face. They pushed her back and before she could free herself, she felt a sharp piercing in her back. As she felt herself begin to disintegrate she only had time to say, "Fu...".
Larry and Oz turned away as the vampire's dust filtered down to the floor of the factory.

***

Buffy heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that the vampire had disappeared. Looking at Anya she asked, "She's really back where she belongs, right? You didn't just teleport her to another part of town?"

Anya lifted a shaking hand to brush a loose strand of hair out of her eyes. "No, she's back in her own reality." Looking down, she noted with disappointment that she hadn't been able to grasp the pendent when the portal had opened up. She had been too afraid to make that part of the incantation too
obvious, but apparently her quickly revised spell hadn't worked. Looking back up she found herself staring into smiling brown eyes.

"So," Xander said, rubbing his hands together, a huge grin on his face, "Anyone up for pizza?"

Though addressed to the room at large, it was obvious he was really asking only one person. Anya smiled and nodded agreement, her disappointment fading away. Xander's smile broadened.

***

The shop finally opened for business after everyone had eaten. Anya had insisted that since she was going to remain human, she needed to earn money to live on. Tara and Willow returned to school although both were really too worn out from the last few days to attend class. They weren't too tired however to enjoy a little together time in Tara's dorm room.

Xander dropped the two girls off at their dorm and returned to his musty basement apartment for a quick nap. He was surprised that his dreams involved Anya, the chains that had confined Vampire Willow, and the feather duster that Anya used at the shop.

Spike insisted that Buffy go home for some rest. She insisted that he return to his crypt and away from Angel. He was happy to comply.

Wesley and Giles spent the rest of the day getting reacquainted. Giles was surprised by just how much the younger man had changed. He suspected that given time, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce would become a formidable man.

Cordelia decided to pay visits on some of her friends while Angel rested and allowed his wounds to heal.

***

Evening found everyone back at the Magic Box knowing that the group from LA would leave as soon as it was dark enough for Angel to travel safely. As they prepared to leave, Buffy accompanied Angel out to his car. He was still in considerable pain, but his accelerated healing powers had already repaired much of the damage he had sustained.

"Buffy, I know you don't want to hear this..."

"Then don't say it," Buffy said firmly. Sighing she continued, "Look, Angel, I know you have concerns. Giles has concerns. Wesley has concerns. They're unnecessary." Looking directly into his eyes she told him, "What Spike and I have is...good. It's not what you and I had. It's not even what you and I could have had if it wasn't for the whole Angelus issue. It's different, but it's good. It's very good. I love him so much sometimes I ache with it. Please try to understand, Angel. And don't sneak back into town to try and kill him."

Angel looked into Buffy's eyes trying to find the girl he loved but instead found a woman he no longer knew. She had moved on. Perhaps it was time he did too.

"You ever need me, Buffy, you know where I am."

"Ditto."

As Angel got into the backseat of the big convertible, Buffy turned to the two already ensconced in the front. "Wesley, Cordelia. Thanks for your help."

"Sure," Cordelia waved her thanks away. "I haven't had this much fun since graduation day. No, wait a minute, yes I have."

Buffy just smiled. Cordelia was Cordelia and would never change. Looking at Wes she said
reluctantly, "You really were a big help, Wesley. Thanks."

"I'm glad I was of some small assistance, Buffy. I hope this makes up for a least a little of my incompetence when I was your Watcher."

"Uh, sure, Wesley." Backing away from the car as Wesley started the engine she gave one more small wave and watched them drive away.

When the car had disappeared from view she walked back into the Magic Box to rejoin her friends, her Watcher, and the man she loved.