CHAPTER 3

Timing was becoming more important.

However the main thing that the Scooby’s were learning is that you can never put the clock back. All of them had the “I Wish” syndrome, but that was not going to help them to move forwards. So they made an unspoken promise to progress on, remembering to treat each and every day as if it was their last. They needed to let their friends know how important they were, how every second counted and all could be built on to form a permanent future in which trust and friendship were the most essential things.

Willow invited Xander over for a visit, and once again Buffy was able to open up to him and apologise to him for all the injuries he had received, not least of which being the loss of his eye. In making peace with Buffy, Zander decided that he wanted to stay in London thus re-forming the original Scooby gang, although Buffy suggested that the original part-time associate shouldn’t be told what was happening. She was too aware that Angel thought she would eventually turn to him, so plans were set in motion to distance the AI group.

The ideal opportunity came when Dawn approached her sister about the possibility of doing some travelling before she settled down at university. She planned to study ancient languages as she had a flare for it, but also knew that it would come in useful as she wanted to maintain her links to her heritage and to The Council. She also admitted that Spike had let slip that he had studied language when he had been to college. Maybe that was when the idea had first been planted in her mind – during “the” summer he was caring for her.

Surprisingly the problem was easily overcome. Andrew decided that he wanted a complete change, somewhere that he could become anonymous, at the same time as being able to be of help. So it was decided he would move to Rome which was an ideal start for Dawn with her wish to learn ancient languages, coupled with her love of fashion! Giles had long wished to find out more about one or two “legends” and although Dracula was the easy choice, he had already had contact with the Scoobies and lived in the wrong country! So he was left for a later time and “The Immortal” was placed at the top of the list. Giles had noted his name off and on through The Watcher Diaries, so wanted to see if he could find out any independent information.

The flat was rented in the names of Andrew, Dawn and Buffy; and to help matters Buffy assisted with the move and ordered a few things to be delivered there in her name as the weeks went by.

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MEANWHILE …. In LA

Spike had one of his wishes come true, and although it was through mystical means he wasn’t complaining. As the days went on he got to know Wesley, Gunn and Fred. He also reconciled his differences with Harmony, but kept the team emotionally away. During his time as a ghost he had managed to find out that Buffy and Dawn were alive; but he didn’t let the others know about the pain of not being with the Summer’s girls. To ease his personal torment he used to remind himself that emotional ties didn’t work when you were a vampire.

His vampire family was further proof of that. Although vampires live as individuals the line of Aurelius had always been a little different. He and Dru had been together for 100 years and although he missed her, he only had to concentrate on his sire’s bond to realise that she was well and happy. His grandsire was a different matter – he only had to walk through the building to see Angel.

So he decided that this time of his un-life would be easier if he kept his friendships casual, and avoided all emotional commitment – Not that he wanted to be with anyone, other than the girl who was moving to that lively city of Rome.

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As the days progressed the Scooby’s made it an un-written rule of having breakfast together. To chat and laugh, and sometimes to cry together; before heading into the new day. They were all determined that they wouldn’t waste another moment of time that they could spend in each others company.

Buffy slowly began to relax and enjoy her friends again, whilst they were happy to support her whenever and however they could. Normally we only realise what we have when we no longer have it and there is no possibility of re-gaining it; but they realised that they were given a second (or more technically a third!) chance at life and they mustn’t mess it up this time.




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