[A/N: I honestly thought that last chapter was going to be the end, but it started to get away from me, in the worst way, and so I decided to cut it in half.  Which means this is mostly done, just with the ending parts to go. . . so instead of boring you with updates on my boring life, I’m just going to ask for a kind word or two, and let you read on.  Disclaimers in full force and effect.  I own nothing.  Not even the laptop I’m typing this on.  Er, netbook.  Liner notes at the end.]
 
Fifteen
 
“So.  Do we just click our heels and say ‘there’s no place like home’?”  Dawn folded her arms across her chest, watching while Willow and Tara used salt to form a circle on the floor.  “And how come you draw the circle and then step inside it?”
 
“Because the circle is protection.”
 
Anya looked up then, wresting her attention away from Xander.  “Then you’re doing it wrong.”
 
“What?  No, we aren’t.”  Willow’s voice took on a condescending tone. “The circle is protection.”
 
“Yes.  That is correct.”  Anya stood up and looked down at the two girls.  “But you cast the circle around yourself.  Or whoever is casting the spell.  Unless you want to contain a demon, then you cast a separate circle.  No wonder all your magic goes wonky.”
 
“You’re wrong.”  Willow rose to her feet, belligerence stiffening her back.  “There’s nothing wrong with my spellcasting.”
 
Dawn couldn’t stop the snicker when Spike snorted. 
 
“Really?  How often have things gone completely right?”  Anya crossed her arms over her chest, leveling a harsh look at Willow.  “Hhmm? Can you tell me if any of them have gone right?”
 
Willow started spluttering in angry retorts, but between Giles’ admonitions to stop squabbling and Tara’s hand on Willow’s arm, any spell the red-head might have cast was thwarted.
 
“How about we follow Anya’s advice just this once?”  The Watcher tried to placate everyone which didn’t actually work.  Willow’s petulance shone through, though she grudgingly complied with Giles’ request. 
 
“Fine.”  She took the salt from Tara, motioning everyone just outside the first circle.  “Stand here.”
 
It was a tight fit, but they managed and Willow traced the circle around everyone.  Clasping hands with Tara, she began the incantation necessary to open the portal that would take them home. 
 
Unlike the first trip, this time, the incantation activated the portal quickly.  Within moments, the portal was open.  One by one, with Dawn going first, they stepped through right back into the Magic Box.
 
“Home sweet home.”  Xander stepped into the Magic Box, lifting Anya into his arms, twirling her around.  “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
 
Buffy sunk onto one of the chairs around the table, her elbows resting on the tabletop.  Dawn sat down right next to her anxious eyes on her sister.  “Buffy?”
 
When she didn’t answer, Dawn tried again.  “Buffy?  Are you okay?”
 
A deep sigh shook her shoulders.  “I dunno.”
 
Spike leaned against the bookshelves, watching the two Summers girls.   Buffy sighed again, almost whispering under her breath.  Dawn strained her ears, leaning her head in closer to hear what her sister was muttering.  “What?  You’re not alone, Buffy.  You’ve got me.”
 
He couldn’t help himself.  “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark.  At the end of the storm, there's a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark.”
 
Giles took up the tune, adding his voice to Spike’s.  “Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown.”  By the time they’d finished the last word, Dawn had joined them.  “Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone.  You'll never walk alone.”
 
Buffy looked up at them, a crooked, teary smile on her face.  Anya smiled, then walked over to the table, her hands flat on the surface.  “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark.  At the end of the storm is a golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark.”
 
Everyone joined in, their voices blending beautifully.  “Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown.  Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone.  You'll never walk alone.”
 
Buffy smiled sadly, then hugged Dawn close.  Brushing the hair back from her sister’s face, she smiled again and glanced up at Spike. 
 
She reached out to take his hand.
 
 
 
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
The walk home was quiet, each one of them lost in their own thoughts.  Dawn ranged far ahead, practically running away, trying to distance herself from the others.  Willow and Tara kept pace with each other, but were clearly not walking together.  Normally the two held hands, or touched constantly.  Not now.  Every time Willow drifted closer to Tara, the blond shied away, avoiding her touch.  It was clear, even to Buffy that something was not right between the two.  They were talking, but in such low whispers that she couldn’t hear them at all.  Not that she really cared what it was they were arguing about; it mattered not at all.  Buffy knew Spike was trailing them, and she finally gave up on pretending he wasn’t there.
 
“C’mon, Spike.  You might as well walk with me.”  She uttered the invitation low enough that the witches wouldn’t over-hear. 
 
He took his time, noting the fatigue and distracted air about the Slayer.  “You sure, pet?”
 
“Might as well.  You’re just going to follow us anyway.”  Without bothering to look at him, Buffy kept walking.
 
“Could just go.”  He measured his steps to match hers, his eyes on Dawn’s rapidly disappearing figure. “Don’t have to stay.”
 
Unspoken between them was the thread of anger lacing his words, though Buffy ignored it.  She didn’t have the energy to deal with anyone else’s emotions, it was enough trouble trying to cope with her own.  Buffy stole a glance at her companion, trying to read his body language.  A sigh shook her and she breathed out as much of an apology as she could muster.  “Didn’t mean it that way.”
 
A wry smile crossed his features.  “Know that.  Jus’ took it . . . no worries, pet.” 
 
Silence reigned between them and before long, they were at the door of 1630.  They paused on the porch, neither sure what to say or how to end the night, when the unusual sound of raised voices caught their attention.
 
“Willow!” 
 
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
Xander thought once he got back to Sunnydale, everything would be all right, everything would be okay.  Only it wasn’t.  The knot of tension between his shoulders had eased somewhat – but not enough.  It was still there.  He had no idea why, though.  Or what was causing it.
 
He was happy to be home, happy that Anya was with him; and yet there was an ache in his heart.
 
Opening the door to their apartment, Xander took a deep breath.  Anya wandered in behind him, closing the door softly.
 
“I was so worried about you, Xander.  Afraid Sweet would do something horrible to you.”  Anya hugged him closely, her arms resting on his shoulders.
 
“Ah, no.”  Xander absently hugged her back, then stepped away.  “He, ah, kept me locked away.  So pretty safe.”
 
“Locked up?”  She followed him to the couch, unconsciously wringing her hands. 
 
“Yeah.  Under guard. Only allowed me out to watch the club acts.”  Xander dropped down onto the couch, unknowingly avoiding Anya’s clutch.  “You and I travel to the beat of a different drum, oh can't you tell by the way I run.” 
 
Anya cast a puzzled look at Xander, confusion swimming in her eyes.
 
“Every time you make eyes at me.”
 
“Huh?  Make eyes at you?  Xander, what are you . . .”   The confusion and questions were clear in her voice.
 
He refused to look at her, knowing the words struggling to come from his mouth were about to break her heart; but he couldn’t stem the tide no matter how much he wanted to.”  “Wo-oh, you cry and moan and say it will work out.”
 
“It will!”  She barely caught herself from stamping her foot.
 
“But, honey child, I've got my doubts, you can't see the forest for the trees.”
 
She looked around, unwilling to comprehend what he was hinting.  “What forest?  We're in the middle of Sunnydale!  The nearest forest is up by Breaker’s Wood!”
 
“Oh, don't get me wrong, it's not that I knock it, it's just that I am not in the market for a girl who wants to love only me.”
 
Anya pressed her fist into the middle of her chest, the realization of what Xander was singing finally penetrating.  “Oh. . . no.  Xander?”
 
“Yes, and I ain't saying you ain't pretty . . .” He got to his feet, moving past her toward the door. Anya managed a soft, broken smile as she fought tears. “All I'm saying is I'm not ready for any person place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me.”
 
“So good-bye, I'll be leaving.”
 
“No!  You can't do that!”  She did stamp her foot this time, her fist now uncurled and reaching for him, grabbing at his outstretched arm. 
 
Xander shook his head, gently pushing past her.  “I see no sense in this crying and grieving, we'll both live a lot longer if you live without me.”
 
That was it.  The knot in his shoulders was gone.  This is better. I’m just not ready for this. . . and she will live longer without me.  She’ll get away from this place. . . and she’ll be okay.  She will.  Because I will. 
 
 
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
“So glad that’s all over.  And hey, we kinda won – didn’t we?”  Willow turned a tiredly hopeful gaze on her companions, who returned her optimism with looks of varying levels of disbelief.
 
“Are you kidding?”  Dawn shook her head.  “Yeah, we got Xander back, but we hardly won anything.”
 
Tara was not looking at Willow, instead her eyes were focused on Buffy, who was coming up the walkway, Spike just behind her.  “Willow . . .”
 
But the redhead wasn’t listening.  “C’mon, Dawnie, how can you say that?  Xander’s safe and no one got hurt.”
 
“No one got hurt?  What do you call what happened to Spike?”  It was clear from the look on Dawn’s fact that she was outraged on behalf of the vampire.  He and Buffy were just about to step inside the house, as Willow stared speaking again.
 
“It’s just Spike.”  She shrugged, dismissing his injuries.  “He’ll be fine by tomorrow.”
 
“Willow!”  Dawn shrieked.  “That’s not nice.  He was protecting me!  How can you . . . You are such an insensitive bitch.”
 
In addition to the gasps at Dawn’s language, Spike shook his head.  “Bit!” 
 
She ignored all of them.  “So I’m not worth protecting?  Geez, Willow, since when do you get to decide what’s important to all of us?” 
 
More than flustered by Dawn’s reaction, Willow looked to Tara for help.  “I never said. . . I didn’t mean that.”
 
“You know, I might believe that if you hadn’t ripped my sister from heaven because you couldn’t deal.”  Dawn stomped up two stairs, then stopped.  “If you had bothered looking first, maybe my sister wouldn’t be here – but she would still be happy.  And doesn’t she deserve that?  Huh?  Don’t you think she deserves to be happy?  At peace?” 
 
Willow spluttered out something, but Dawn just kept talking over her.  “You just don’t think, like ever, do you?  Do you ever think about anyone other than yourself, Willow?  Or are we just puppets to you?”
 
Buffy had been trying to get her sister’s attention, and so had Tara, though for different reasons.  It was their combined efforts that finally got through.  “Dawn!”
 
“Sweetie . . .”
 
“What?  Why can’t I say anything?  It’s not wrong to tell people how you feel!”  Dawn continued stomping up the stairs, her voice trailing behind her.  “Repressed feelings lead to badness!”
 
Willow mumbled something under her breath.  A strong wind blew through the house, shutting the door behind Spike, then rattling the windows and all the pictures lining the walls.  Stunned by the display of temper from the witch, Spike stepped in front of Buffy, as Tara grabbed onto Willow’s forearm.
 
“Willow!  Enough.”  Tara stepped into Willow’s line of vision, blocking her access to the stairs.  “You can’t use magic whenever someone criticizes your actions.”  She paused, stealing a glance at the two blonds.  “You can’t use magic whenever something happens that you don’t like.”
 
A low growl rumbled through the room, and Spike ground out through gritted teeth, “You keep forgettin’ the consequences.” 
 
Willow’s eyes flashed darkly and Tara shooed him away.  Except the vampire was now on a roll and he wouldn’t stay quiet. “Said this to the whelp, night you brought the Slayer back.  Magic of this sort, the dark stuff, has consequences.  Can’t just go bringing someone back from the dead without payin’ a price.”  He thrust a finger at Willow, “Been playin’ with the darkness, you have. ‘N full of arrogance that you’ve done it.  Proud of yourself, aren’t you?  Pullin’ the Slayer from a hell dimension, least tha’s what you thought.  Only tha’s not where she was, was it?”
 
He turned away, then whirled back to face Willow again.  “And what bleedin’ notion made you think heaven’s Chosen One would go to a hell dimension?  Arrogant, stupid little girl.  Got more power than you’ve got sense.”
 
Only Tara’s firm grip on her arm kept Willow in check.  She shook her head, but before she could speak, Buffy pulled Spike back.  “Spike, not now, okay?”
 
“When?  Keep lettin’ them get away with shite an’ no one gets called on their actions.  They’re gonna keep walkin’ all over you, pet, if you stay quiet.”  His tone softened the longer he addressed Buffy, though the entreaty for her to let her feelings go was clear.  “Need to tell them, pet.  Need to have your say.”
 
“I don’t. . .”  Buffy hesitated, biting her lower lip.  “I can’t think.  I’m . . .” And then, after a glance up at Spike’s sympathetic features and Tara’s understanding gaze, the damn broke.  “Why did you do it?  Can’t you see what you did?  God. . . I’m so unhappy.  And I just. . . I just want to be happy, you know?” 
 
Tears flooded her eyes and thickened her voice.  “I don’t think I want you here right now.  I think you need to go, Willow.” 
 
Again, Willow made an attempt to say something, but Tara tightened her hand.  “You need to go. It’s what Buffy wants.”
 
Her voice was quavering, barely able to utter the words through her tears, yet somehow Buffy managed to get them out.  “I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn.  And we are lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them.  And we help them in return.  Well, I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.”
 
A sad, bittersweet smile crossed Tara’s features and she added her voice to Buffy’s as they both sang.  “Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun, like a stream that meets a boulder, halfway through the wood.  Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
 
Buffy leaned against Spike, gasping heavily as Tara sang alone.  “It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime.  So, let me say before we part: So much of me is made of what I learned from you.  You'll be with me, like a hand print on my heart.”
 
Tara’s tears overwhelmed her and Buffy chimed in.  “And now whatever way our stories end, I know you'll have rewritten mine, by being my friend.”
 
Together the two blonds faced Willow, each one of them grabbing a hand.  “Like a ship blown from its mooring, by a wind off the sea.  Like a seed dropped by a sky bird, in a distant wood.  Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you . . .”
 
Buffy was a half beat behind Tara, singing, “Because I knew you.”  And their voices blended once more.  “I have been changed for good.”
 
Faced with two of the people she loved most in the world telling her it was over, Willow could no longer pretend she was innocent.  “And just to clear the air, I ask forgiveness, for the things I've done, you blamed me for.”
 
Buffy hung her head for a moment, then whispered the words, “But then, I guess, we know there's blame to share.”
 
“And none of it seems to matter anymore.”  Willow squeezed their hands and tried to break away from them, though neither of the two would let go. 
 
They continued singing, trading off lines.   “Like a comet pulled from orbit . . .”
 
“Like a ship blown from its mooring . . .”
 
“As it passes a sun . . .”
 
“By a wind off the sea . . .”
 
“Like a stream that meets a boulder . . .”
 
“Like a seed dropped by bird . . .”
 
“Halfway through the wood . . .”
 
“In the wood . . .”
 
All three of them sang the next lines, “Who can say if I've been changed for the better.  I do believe I have been changed for the better.”
 
They echoed each other with the next lines.  “Because I knew you. . .”
 
“Because I knew you . . .”
 
“Because I knew you, I have been changed . . . For good.”
 
The silence that settled over the first floor wasn’t entirely comfortable.  Spike’s attention was fixed mostly on the redhead, trying to gauge her reaction to what, in his mind, constituted a breakup and a friend telling her goodbye, all at once.  It was no surprise to him, though, when Buffy was the first one to speak.
 
“It’s not goodbye.”  She worried at her lower lip, an action that never failed to set Spike’s blood rising.  “And, it’s not forever, either.”
 
“Maybe. . . maybe it might be a good idea to look for a mentor?  A teacher?”  Tara’s voice was soft, tentative.  She knew, perhaps better than the rest of them, how Willow reacted to any perceived criticism.  Defensively, and not well.  She couldn’t look at her now former girlfriend, instead focusing on their still clasped hands.  “You need some balance, Willow.”
 
Tears were coursing down her cheeks and Willow let out a little gasping sob.  “But. . . I’m all balance girl.  I can be better.  I know I can.”
 
Tara was shaking her head.  “It’s not about being better, sweetie.  It’s about knowing and understanding exactly what we did.”  The blond witch glanced at Buffy.  “We stole something from Buffy.  Something we had no right to do.  I . . .”  Her voice faltered and she chanced a sad smile.  “I am so sorry, Buffy. I didn’t do enough research.  Didn’t make sure that we all knew what we were doing.” 
 
It was the first time anyone involved with the resurrection spell apologized to Buffy for their actions, and she didn’t know how to respond.  She wiped away the tears and nodded her head in acceptance.  “Thanks for saying that.  I . . .” She shook her head again.  “Thanks.”
 
 
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
His apartment was bare, almost empty.  Very little of his presence remained, only bits and pieces of his life.  The life he’d been so certain he needed to leave behind.  It was time.  Buffy didn’t need him as her Watcher – he’d taught her all he could, in that aspect of their relationsip.
 
Is that all we have left?  Is that all we are to each other?
 
Living with everyone while they’d been intent on rescuing Xander, Rupert learned a few things.  Despite his notion that Buffy was better off without him, he’d begun to seriously doubt that.  Buffy was not adjusting well and there were serious cracks in the façade she projected.
 
How could he abandon her in the face of her revelation?  How? 
 
Buffy was not the only one showing signs of strain.  Willow’s actions – and her disturbing attitude shift – were causes for serious concern.  This was not the same girl he’d know for all these years. 
 
The truth was they’d all changed but not all the changes had been positive.  It was almost as if for every step forward there were more steps back or perhaps those steps were sideways.  Giles wasn’t entirely certain.
 
While he was worried about Buffy, Willow’s shift was infinitely more worrisome.  Buffy’s suffering was understandable and largely internal.  Willow. . . she carried within her seeds of destruction.  The redhead had an unnerving response to what she perceived as questions about her decisions.  Anytime he’d tried to broach the subject of the consequences of her actions or the actions themselves, Willow had gotten defensive or angry.  Neither of which was good or boded well.
 
He couldn’t deny Willow’s power, and nor should he, but what raised his hackles were the echoes of Ethan’s fall from grace; although more importantly, his own. Her intentions were good, but the pathways to hell were rife with “good intentions”.
 
And right now, the only real check on Willow was Tara.  For all his sins, Rupert knew he couldn’t leave it solely to the other girl to act as Willow’s conscience.  It would be more than unfair, especially given the fault lines that had developed in their relationship.
 
Nor could he rely on Buffy’s assistance.  The best he could hope for, now that they were returned home, was help from Devon.  Althenea and the rest of the coven might be able to assist him.  They’d done it once before – cleansing his spirit after Eyghon – and placing a geas on him.  He hoped it wouldn’t come to that with Willow, but feared very much that it would.
 
What had happened to these children?  Had every adult failed them? When did they go from innocent to this?
 
His voice was soft, almost whispered as the words flowed from his mouth. “What words of wisdom can I give them? How can I help to ease their way?” 
 
This wasn’t what he’d hoped for them, this fractured life.  Unwittingly, and as a surprise even to himself, Rupert belated realized that he wasn’t just Buffy’s Watcher.  Wasn’t just an observer in each of their lives.  What he was. . . was the active father figure none of them had.  He’d barely met any of the parents – the notable exceptions were Willow’s mother and Tara’s father; neither of them had been supportive of their children.  In fact, quite the opposite was true.  Willow’s mother had been judgmental and, even though she’d been under a spell at the time, unbelievably clueless.  Unfortunately for Tara, her father had proven worse.  A self-righteous, and no doubt Bible-thumping, Christian who had enough knowledge to make him dangerous.  Joyce had been a different story, but only after much trial and error.
 
He’d never met Xander’s parents.
 
Giles thought perhaps that might be a good thing.
 
“Now they must learn from one another, day by day.” 
 
He couldn’t leave.  He was just beginning to realize that his leaving would cause irreparable harm.  Not just to Buffy, but for all of them.
 
“Sunrise, sunset. . .  Sunrise, sunset.  Swiftly flow the days. Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers, blossoming even as we gaze.”
 
Perhaps he wouldn’t be merely a Watcher anymore. . . perhaps he could be something more. ”Sunrise, sunset.  Sunrise, sunset.  Swiftly fly the years, one season following another, laden with happiness and tears . . .”
 
Giles let his voice trail off . . . then reached for the phone. 
 
 
 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
Anya stared at the closed door for long minutes, then raced to follow Xander.  She headed for the elevator, then changed her mind when it took too long.  “Xander!”
 
Practically tripping down the stairs, the former demon kept calling out for her fiancé.  “Xander!  Wait!  Don’t go, Xander!”
She finally caught up with him outside, as he stood beside his car.  “Xander, wait.”
 
“Anya.”  He turned to face her, a grim look on his features.  “This isn’t going to work.”
 
“No.  It has to work.  I love you!”  She grabbed at his arm, clutching it convulsively.  “Xander.”
 
“I can’t do this.  I’m just not ready for this.”  He pried off her grip, patting her hand.  “It’s better this way.”
 
Her voice was soft, the tears she was fighting thick in her voice.  “When the rain is blowing in your face, and the whole world is on your case, I could offer you a warm embrace, to make you feel my love.”
 
 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
Buffy stood in the foyer, barely comprehending the outcome of the last few moments.  Willow had tearfully closed the door behind her, while Tara had gone upstairs to pack up a few things.  Dawn, sitting forlorn and lost on the stairs, shifted her gaze from Spike to Buffy, trying to understand. 
 
What the hell?”  Dawn’s voice broke the heavy silence, causing the other two to finally move.  “Guess that means one more person to leave.”
 
“Nibblet.”  Spike didn’t bother chastizing her language.  What he didn’t want was her to add more guilt onto her sister’s shoulders.
 
“It’s not the same.”  Buffy reached out a hand to Dawn, letting it fall just short of touching her.  “Willow needs some time.”
 
“If you say so.”  Dawn’s tone was laced with disdain and sarcasm, which was guaranteed to break through Buffy’s detachment.
 
“Do you want to be around an out of control Willow, who isn’t thinking about anyone but herself?”
 
When Dawn didn’t answer, Buffy sat down on the next step.  “I don’t want you in danger.  Not from anyone, even Willow.”
 
Spike leaned against the banister, watching the sisters.  “So this is about being safe?”
 
Buffy looked up at Spike, then at her sister.  “I don’t trust her right now.  I don’t think any of us should.”
 
Spike shifted, opened his mouth, then thought better of it. 
 

“What?”
                                                           
“Dunno what Red’s thinking.  Could be she got a taste of power an’ it’s gone to her head.  Could be she doesn’t know how to stop herself.”  He looked at Dawn, noting the slightly mulish cast to her features.  Right now, there was no way of placating the teen, she’d jump sideways just because.  “Think of it like this, pidge, actions have consequences, like bouncing a ball up.  ‘S gotta come down at some point.  Magic is like that.  Witches – all of ‘em know that.  Or should.”
 
“We called on some really strong magics when we brought Buffy back.”  Tara’s voice sounded from above them, and they all turned to look up at her.  “Willow . . . she used a fawn’s blood for Sangre de Mater.  She . . . she didn’t tell me until after.  I’m not – not sure what that means.  I don’t think it was enough to exchange for pulling Buffy from heaven.”
 
Dawn was quiet for a long time, finally understanding what Tara was saying. “Oh.”
 
Buffy looked close to tears and she got up without a word, leaving the others to their silence.  After a moment, Spike followed.  She was standing at the island, a thousand yard stare in her eyes.  Spike watched her for long minutes, his heart aching for her obvious pain.
 
“Slayer . . .  They’re children.  Had no idea what they were doin’.”
 
Her voice was soft, barely audible.  “I don’t know if I believe that.  Maybe Xander didn’t know.  But the others?  Pretty sure Anya and Willow knew exactly what they were doing – or what could happen.”
 
He couldn’t really disagree with her, and he was slightly at a loss.  A comfortable silence settled between them and Buffy finally eased herself onto one of the stools.  When he finally did break the silence, his voice was soft and soothing.  “When the evening shadows and the stars appear and there is no one there to dry your tears, I could hold you for a million years to make you feel my love.”
 
This was not the anger-filled songs he’d been singing for the last couple of days, save for the lullaby he’d sung the first night in Sweet’s home.  This was different, softer, more. . . Buffy didn’t quite know what this was, but she didn’t want him to stop singing it.
 
“I know you haven't made your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong . . .”
 
 
 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
He was shaking his head and though her words were beginning to affect him, Xander knew what he was doing.  Leaving her was the right thing to do.
 
“I've known it from the moment that we met, no doubt in my mind were you belong.”  Anya could barely get the words out, tears falling steadily on her cheeks.
 
 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
 
 
Simultaneously, at two different ends of Sunnydale, two demons sang the same words to their prospective partners.  While Xander’s resolve didn’t really waver – he knew he was doing the right thing – Buffy’s resistance to Spike’s entreaty wasn’t so resolute.
 
“I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue.  I'd go crawling down the avenue.  No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do to make you feel my love.”
 
His earnest expression, coupled with the actual words, broke through the lethargy and indifference she wore like a cloak.  Somehow, maybe it was just him, maybe it was time and circumstance. . . Buffy almost didn’t care anymore what it was – but the ice around her heart was melting.
 
“The storms are raging on the rolling sea and on the highway of regret.  The winds of change are blowing wild and free; you ain't seen nothing like me yet.”
 
Buffy could almost reach out and feel his sincerity. 
 
Xander could feel the pain she was feeling – but his heart, his heart wasn’t aching any more.  And Anya would survive.  He was certain of that.
 
Contrasting sharply to Anya’s begging, Spike’s voice was firm and resolute.  His eyes focused on Buffy’s willing her to see the future he was offering. 
 
“I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.  Nothing that I wouldn't do . . . Go to the ends of the Earth for you to make you feel my love.”
 
Xander tore himself away, refusing to meet Anya’s pleading countenance. 
 
Spike reached for Buffy, who went willingly into his opened arms.
 
“There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do. . . to make you feel my love.”
 
 
 
Liner Notes:
 
You’ll Never Walk Alone:from Carousel, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.  Debuted on Broadway 19 April 1945, sung by Christine Johnson, and in the 1956 movie version by Claramae Turner.  This song has been covered by everyone from Mahalia Jackson to Kelly Rowland, Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley and numerous others.  However, the most telling version is probably the one in 1963, by Liverpool band Gerry and the Peacemakers.  It was quickly adopted by the supporters of the Liverpool football (soccer to Americans) and it is sung frequently at matches.  There is nothing like hearing it sung by nearly 100,000 fans in Anfield.  It is completely and utterly hair-raising.  And it is entirely likely that both Spike and Giles sung it once or twice themselves, despite one being a Man U fan, and the other likely either a Chelsea or Gunner fan.
 
Different Drum:written in 1965 by Mike Nesmith (yes, that Mike Nesmith) who later went on to be a member of a famous foursome in the later 60s.  Covered in 1967 by the Stone Poneys, who’s lead singer was Linda Ronstadt.  It’s been covered by The Flying Emus and Carrie Underwood, but Ronstadt’s version stands still as the most famous and best known.    
 
Sunrise, Sunset: from Fiddler on the Roof, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harrick.  Debuted on Broadway 22 September 1964 by Zero Mostel and Maria Karnilova.  Chaim Topol and Norma Crane sang in the 1971 movie.  Has been sung by numerous actors, including Leonard Nimoy and Paul Michael Glaser, in countless productions across the world.  This song is also sung frequently at weddings, because of the lyrics and meaning. 
 
For Good:from Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.  Debuted on Broadway 30 October 2003, sung by Elphaba and Glinda (Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth respectively) and sung by others in various productions world-wide.  Covered by LeAnn Rimes and Delta Goodrum (as well as few others, including, so I’m told by the Glee cast).
 
Make You Feel My Love:written by Bob Dylan, released on his 1997 album Time Out of Mind.  Covered by Adele, Bryan Ferry, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson, and quite a few others (probably the most famous version is Adele’s).  It’s been used in a number of films (Hope Floats) and television shows (Glee, Bones, Parenthood, etc.).