Betaed by Maria and Flight Of Fancy.


Over the course of the next week, Angel continued to show up at the library shortly after dusk each night. He wanted to help Giles uncover the mystery of the prophecy, but, even more than that, he wanted to find proof that he was the one, the other half of the little blonde ex-Slayer. He wanted something clear and inarguable, that he could take to Buffy, and use to make her understand that she was meant to belong to him.

Buffy, meanwhile, had been spending her days with Spike, tending to his injuries, sitting with him, and chatting when he was awake. When he slept, she cleaned her house, arranged furniture, and dealt with all the small issues that arise when someone moves into a new home.

She was so focused on her vampire and setting up house that she had only gone to her mother’s home once, and that was for a visit that was much shorter than Joyce was hoping for. Fortunately for Buffy, this time around her mother was willing to listen to Buffy’s wishes and support her decisions.

Buffy was afraid that when Spike heard the details of the prophecy, he’d be out of the apartment like a shot. It wasn’t like he loved her, in this timeline. There was no reason for him to stay with her, and Buffy lived in fear of the day when she would tell him everything and he would leave her. As time went on, she became quieter and more introspective. It was like she was trying to save up memories to comfort her when he was gone. She often watched him as he slept, and would touch him whenever she got a chance.

Today Merrick had received a phone call from Giles, who’d shared that an important part of the prophecy book had been translated. The entire Scooby group was gathering in the library, and Buffy had specifically been asked to attend, so that she could respond to the translation and possibly provide some insight into the interpretation.

Spike was an observant kind of guy, and he had noticed the gradual change in Buffy’s behaviour over the week. He often felt her watching him when she thought he was sleeping, and had come to enjoy her gentle touches as they laughed and talked. He knew though, that the little ex-Slayer was terrified that he would listen to her story and then turn her away. At least once a day, he would ask her to trust him and share the history she was trying to keep secret, but each time she would shy away, claiming that his health was too fragile and he wasn’t strong enough for the information. Spike’s heart ached for her, and he wished he could assure her that he wouldn’t go anywhere, but he didn’t dare.

Lying in bed, Spike had a lot of time to ponder just what Buffy might have to share with him that could possibly be so terrible. He hated watching the woman he loved suffer from so much fear and stress. He sat up straight. The woman he loved? That was ridiculous. He was in love with his Black Goddess... wasn’t he? Could his devotion possibly be misplaced? Surely this was too fast a switch, but he had to acknowledge that he was Love’s Bitch, so anything was possible.

Spike thought back to the night when he was reborn as a vampire. That night, he’d sworn his undying devotion to the woman who had saved him from mediocrity, and not once in the next 120 years had he ever strayed. Now though, his Sire had deserted him. Cast him aside, not only for anyone that caught her fancy, but also for his Grandsire. She’d witnessed his suffering, as her deranged lover sought to teach him a lesson, and hadn’t done anything to alleviate his pain.

The feelings Spike had for Buffy already eclipsed anything he felt for his Sire, even in the early days when she’d returned his affection. Cecily, the woman who had unknowingly sent William to his death, didn’t even rate an honourable mention. Thinking back to what William had imagined love to be, Spike was filled with equal parts derision and amazement. He’d been such a naive and gullible twit back then, and had honestly believed that a woman’s physical beauty was an extension of her inner beauty and grace. How wrong he’d been.

Spike knew he still loved Drusilla, and that was never going to change. She would always be his Sire, and he would always be grateful that she chose to take him as her own on that night, so many years ago. Looking to the future now, Spike realized that Drusilla had served her purpose. She had brought him to this time and place, and to the tiny little blonde who made him feel loved for the first time since his mother had died. He would always love his Sire, but he was no longer IN love with her. Buffy had wiggled her way into his heart, and had completely taken over. They hadn’t even kissed...not really. That little peck on the lips the other day had only whet his appetite, and he was growing impatient for another taste.

Since Merrick would be joining Buffy at the Scooby meeting, Spike would be left alone in the warehouse for the first time. Buffy wasn’t worried about his health or safety though. She knew he was feeling better every day, and it wouldn’t be long before he was completely healed. Time was running out for the ex-Slayer and her secrets.

Buffy hadn’t slept well the night before. Whenever she’d start to doze off, she’d remember what life without Spike was really like. Those memories, warped and exaggerated to nightmare proportions, had repeatedly jolted her out of whatever rest she’d managed to find.

When the Scooby meeting had been called, Merrick’s name hadn’t been on the guest list. Buffy had decided to use her poor sleep as an excuse to invite her Watcher, and had told Giles that she was too tired to walk to the school. Merrick quickly agreed to drive Buffy to the library, and the pair stopped off at the gallery along the way, to pick up Joyce for additional moral support.

The threesome walked into the school together, with Buffy in the center of the group and just a step ahead of the others. Merrick was on her right, prepared to offer counsel if requested, and Joyce was on her left, ready to provide unquestioning support and a shoulder to cry on, if needed. They marched through the halls of the school to the library, where Buffy stepped up and pushed both library doors open at the same time. Joyce and Merrick each caught a door behind her, so they all walked in together as a single formidable unit.

All the Scoobies were present and accounted for, except for Cordelia, who refused to be seen in public with her jaw wired shut. Not only did she believe she looked hideous, but she was unable to defend herself with her weapon of choice...her vicious tongue. With her jaw not yet mended, Cordelia was forced to communicate though a bizarre combination of charades and hastily scribbled notes, and she found the process both frustrating and exhausting.

Angel had chosen to locate himself at the top of the stairs to the stacks, and stood with his legs braced and his arms crossed, like some lord of old looking out over his kingdom. Xander, Willow, and Oz were sitting at the big table usually reserved for research, and it was easy to see that their relationship issues were still fresh and painful. Willow was clinging to Oz’s side, and had moved her chair to within inches of his. Oz was his usual stoic self, and Xander was seated as far away from the couple as he could get and still be at the same table. The normally happy and goofy teen was clearly in a volatile mod, and seemed to be switching from anger, to disgust, to fear, and sadness as well, at the drop of a hat.

Giles was standing behind the counter, and looked up when the group entered. “Thank you for coming, Buffy. Joyce, Merrick, good to see you as well.”

Buffy sent Giles a quick nod, before sitting down at the table. Merrick and Joyce nodded to the Watcher as well, before each taking a chair beside Buffy, so they were framing her like defensive bookends. Buffy had a hard time keeping her face straight at that move. The couple was so obvious in their support of her that it was cute.

Giles stepped over to the table, and pulled out a chair for himself. “First off, I must say it wasn’t my idea to ask you to join us, Buffy. Sadly, the rest of the group didn’t believe me when I told them that you were familiar with the contents of the book.”

Buffy sent a curious look around the room, first at Angel, and then at the rest of the group seated at the table. Everyone was waiting for her response. “Giles is right, guys. I know the book by heart.”

“You don’t know anything about the book. We have proof.” Xander was agitated. “You said you weren’t getting together with Evil Dead over there.”

“Why did you lie to us?” Willow added in complaint. “I thought we were your friends, but friends don’t lie to each other like that.”

“Okay, I have no idea what you guys are talking about. I never lied to you.” Buffy’s fists were clenched tight under the table. She didn’t want the Scoobies to know how hurt and angry their accusations were making her.

“The other night, you told us that your other half wasn’t a vampire.” Angel decided it was time to take over the conversation. He approached the table, lecturing to Buffy, as well as the Scoobies. “You claimed that I wasn’t the one for you, yet the book tells us clearly that your other half is a demon.” He pointed at the book in front of Giles, raising one brow in derision. “How can you claim to have read the book, when you can’t even get the simplest facts right? The Slayer is supposed to be a shining light in the darkness of evil and, instead, you’re just a sad little liar.” The loathing in the large vampire’s voice was easy for all to hear. “I need to put myself first right now, and focus on my redemption. Associating with someone like you won’t help my cause at all.”

“That suits me just fine, Angel.” Buffy’s lip curled when she spoke. She should have known better than to think she’d get any support from this group. She looked from face to face, and most looked at her like she was something the cat dragged in. Only Giles and Oz were different.

Oz was clearly thinking, but he sent Buffy a reassuring wink.

“What about you, Giles? Do you believe what Angel is saying?” Buffy asked bluntly, eyes wide, waiting for Giles to answer.

“No,” Giles sighed. “I tried to convince them that you likely had a good explanation for your behaviour, but they weren’t interested in what I had to say. Since you’ve taken over this body, I’ve learned that I need to put my faith and trust in you, for everyone’s good.” An apologetic smile crossed the Watcher’s face. “I may not understand your reasons, but I have faith in you, Buffy.”

Buffy smiled at Giles, and gave him a nod of thanks. Giles’ smile widened, now that they understood each other’s position.

Buffy’s gaze hardened again, as she look around the room once more. “So, now you’ve all written me off as a liar. Is that working for you?” Buffy leaned back in her chair, as if she were relaxing. “I didn’t lie. I didn’t lie about this, and I haven’t lied about anything else, either. I might not have told you everything, but I haven’t lied.” She held up a hand, to stop the sputtering that Xander and Willow were already doing. “I said that Angel wasn’t my other half, and that’s true. I’ve never once said that my true partner wasn’t a demon though. You guys just automatically assumed that if he wasn’t Angel, then he had to be human.” She smiled sweetly at the stunned faces across the table.

Giles’ only reaction was to take off his glasses and begin his polishing ritual.

The room was silent for a few seconds, and then it erupted. As usual, when Buffy didn’t do as expected, the Scoobies started yelling and trying to control her. While nobody laid a hand on the feisty blonde, the words they sent her way were beating her bloody. It was evident that the Scoobies believed they knew what was best for her, and they weren’t shy about telling her she was making a mistake. The only one who seemed to respect her decision was Oz, and he sat silently at the table, looking at her with sympathy in his eyes.

Xander was leaning across the table, invading Buffy’s personal space and screaming in her face. He was so angry that spittle was flying from his mouth and splattering across the wide oak surface.

Willow was trying to reason with Buffy, at first. She reminded her friend that Buffy was a representative for the Powers, and that she, as the Slayer, represented the Light. When Buffy didn’t respond, Willow switched to guilt, and started wringing her hands and asking Buffy how the world would survive if the Slayer neglected her duty. Eventually, she just let Xander take over, and spent her time nodding at what he was saying. He kept repeating himself, as if Buffy would finally give in and do what he told her to do, if he said it often enough.

Over top of the teens, Angel’s voice was loud and domineering. He claimed that he was the only demon who could be with a Slayer without giving in to the natural urge to kill her. According to Angel’s rant, all demons are inherently evil, and consumed with thoughts of their next kill. It wasn’t something that could be controlled; it was instinct. The vampire didn’t understand why the little Slayer just wasn’t getting it. In his mind, the math was simple: her other half was a demon, he was the only demon that wouldn’t try to kill her on sight, and therefore, he was her other half.

Buffy’s face had lost all expression, and her eyes were filled with tears that threatened to fall at any moment. Merrick placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a little shake to get her attention, and then smiled encouragingly at her as he took one of her hands in his own.

Joyce was furious. “How dare you speak to my daughter like that?” she demanded. “She’s done nothing but put herself on the line to save the world time and time again, and this is how you think she deserves to be treated? To be bullied and badgered like she has no mind of her own?” Joyce placed an arm around Buffy’s shoulders, as if trying to protect her from her so-called friends.

“Don’t be foolish, Joyce. Buffy needs to understand...” The brooding vampire didn’t get any further than that, before Joyce stood up and smacked him across the face hard enough to leave a clear impression of her hand on his cheek.

Angel was stunned. Instinctively, he pulled back his arm to retaliate and knock Joyce back into line, but his arm was halted before he could connect with his target. Joyce had automatically closed her eyes when she’d seen Angel’s hand coming, and now she opened them again to see her daughter’s small hand clasped tightly around the large vampire’s wrist. Before she could process what she was seeing, Buffy’s other hand connected with Angel’s chin, and the towering brunette was gone. Buffy’s punch had sent him flying backwards to land on the stairs, his head cracking on the edge of the top step. He looked up, dazed, and met the furious green eyes of the ex-Slayer.

“Don’t you even think of touching my mother, Angel! Soul or no, I’m perfectly willing to send you to Hell again.” Buffy started to walk towards the library door, while the large vampire appeared puzzled by her remark. “Giles, I’m sorry, but I think it’s best that we leave now.” She fished around in her pocket and pulled out a small card, and then darted back to her former Watcher and pressed it into his hand. “For your eyes only,” she whispered in his hear, before joining Joyce and Merrick at the doorway.

Giles quickly glanced at the paper, and then sent Buffy a pleased smile. “Thank you, Buffy.” He tucked the card in his wallet, and then retreated to his office.

Once in the car, Joyce asked Buffy what she had given Giles.

“A card with my address and phone number,” Buffy answered with a smile. “He earned it today.”

Arriving at Joyce’s house, Buffy and Merrick were invited in for dinner.

“Sorry, Mom, but I’ve got to get home. There’s a vampire waiting for me and I’ve been avoiding his questions long enough. Another day, maybe?” Buffy and Merrick exchanged a meaningful glance, and then Merrick smiled at the little blonde and accepted her mother’s invitation.

Once out of the car, Merrick turned to have a quick word with Buffy though the window. “Call me if you need me. I’ll keep my phone close by.”

“Thanks, Merrick. Cross your fingers for me.” With a final smile, she drove off.

Back at the school, for the first time ever, Xander and Angel were in complete agreement. The book was wrong. It had to be that, or a mistake had been made during the translation. They quickly gathered the stack of books that had been used to translate the prophecy, and starting working on the translation again from scratch.

Willow was at a loss. She was supposed to be Buffy’s best friend, but she hardly knew the blonde anymore. The witch didn’t understand what was going on. First Buffy was the Slayer, and now she was the Eternal Light instead. To make matters worse, now Buffy was supposed to be the soul mate of a demon? What happened to ‘demons are bad’? And if demons don’t have souls, how could one be Buffy’s soul mate?

And Giles...now something was going on with him too. He obviously wasn’t worried about any of the information they’d received that night. Willow watched him as he stood behind the counter, checking in books, as if nothing was wrong. He should be upset, maybe even panicking, but instead he looked almost pleased with himself. The redhead couldn’t take it any longer. “Giles, why are you so calm? Shouldn’t you be cleaning your glasses and worrying about Buffy hooking up with some kind of evil demon?”

Giles looked up at the girl before him, suddenly realizing just how very young she was. He gave her a soft, reassuring smile and said, “Everything is as it should be, Willow. There’s no cause for alarm.”

“What’s wrong with you, Giles? Have the rules suddenly changed? Slayer good, demon evil. That’s what you’ve always told us.” Willow’s voice was becoming increasingly shrill, drawing the attention of Xander and Angel.

“What’s going on, Wills?” Xander joined them at the counter, wanting to know why his schoolmate was getting so upset. Angel didn’t bother. With his vamp hearing, he could follow their conversation from where he was.

“Giles said that there’s nothing wrong with Buffy becoming the soul mate of a demon. He’s not worried about it at all.” The redhead was getting herself worked up into a fine state.

Xander leaned over the counter to get a better look at the Watcher. “No way. You can’t be serious, Giles. Buffy shouldn’t be with a demon. She’s supposed to be working for the Powers. She should have the chance at a normal family, and there are a lot of human guys out there that would love to give it to her.”

Angel came out of the stacks with another pile of reference books. “The prophecy can’t be right, Giles.” He placed the books on the table. “As much as I hate to admit it, Xander’s making sense. Something must have gone wrong when Buffy came back from the future, and now she’s trying to change the prophecy for some reason. I don’t like the idea of Buffy with another guy, but if she’s going to ignore what was meant to be, she should at least be with a regular human. I don’t know if she’s telling the truth about not being the Slayer anymore, but if she is, it would make sense that the Powers let her retire so that she could finally have a normal life.”

The Scoobies standing at the counter voiced their agreement.

Giles walked over to the research table, and placed his book on one of the stacks of reference materials. “That’s where you’re all wrong. You’re assuming that Buffy is normal, and she isn’t. She’ll never be normal. Her calling changed her in a profound way.”

“I know she won’t ever be completely normal. She’s got Slayer strength, and the ability to sense vampires, but she can control herself, Giles. With a little effort, she’d be able to fit in with regular humans.” Angel sat down, and started to go through the prophecy again, believing that the conversation was over.

“I’m not talking about her Slayer powers.” Giles looked at the gang, now seated at the table again. “Buffy is immortal.”

Everyone looked up at him, mouths hanging open.

“She would be unable to conceive a child with a normal human. The only way for her to have this normal family you keep talking about would be for her to adopt.” The silence in the room was absolute. Giles couldn’t help but think of an old saying...something about being able to hear a pin drop.