Buffy, Xander, and Wllow are in Xander's apartment. They are deciding what to do this weekend. All three have had bad recent events in their lives. Buffy is in the middle of sexual encounters with Spike, Anya left Xander to go back to become a demon, and Tara left Willow for she was hooked on magic like it was drugs. They needed a break and a chance to talk like the good old days. They lay on Xander's bed. "You know what?"
"What, Xander?"
"We need a chance to reconnect, Buff. It has been a long time since we three have done anything together. I feel that we are drifting apart." Xander suggest placing his arms behind his head.
"We are not drifting apart, Xander. It just has been a difficult past couple of months for everyone. Especially for Buffy, you know coming back from being dead and all." Willow returned.
"Guys . . .I am fine now. What do you want to do?" Buffy told them closing her eyes to rest.
"I have an idea. One thing we have never done is go camping. We can fish and have a ton of fun. You know, we can go back to nature. Be like the Indians, you before they started to run casinos." Xander remarked after feeling like he had the solution then chuckled slightly.
"First . . .they are not Indians, they are Native Americans. We can also roast marshmallows in front of an open fire. They don't all run casinos." Willow replied to him.
"I was only kidding about the casinos. Buffy, what do you think? Do you want to go camping this weekend? It will just be us, the original Scooby Gang or should I say the original slayerettes." Willow laughed at the sounding of the word.
"Sounds like a plan. Spike can watch Dawn. I can also use a break from slaying." I need a break from that vampire anyway, Buffy thought.
"So . . .it looks like we are going to the great outdoors." The three agreed and disbursed. Willow and Buffy headed back to their places. Xander went across the room to turn off the lights. Xander started thinking. Why did Anya want to become a demon again? Wasn't she happy with me? I will never know. All well, the camping would be good for me. I need the time with my friends. Xander went back to his bed and fell asleep.
The alarm woke Buffy up at 9:00 am. She got up and started packing placing all the necessary items into her backpack. She headed downstairs where Willow already had her belongings by the door. A sudden knock was heard at the door. Dawn opened the door to see Xander wearing an army backpack with a tent and sleeping bag attached. "Hi guys. Are you ready?"
"No . . .we have to wait for Tara. She will be here in a few to watch Dawn." Willow replied. Xander placed his belongings next to Willow's bundle. Buffy was now sitting on the couch. Xander went over to sit next to her.
"Hey Buff. You okay. You look a little upset. Do you want to talk about it?" He placed his around her.
"I will tell you at the campsite. I don't want to Dawn to hear." She returned. There was another knock on the door. Willow went to answer and saw Tara.
"How are you?"
"I am okay."
There was an awkward silence. Xander broke the silence when he said, "Ok, if we want to go on this camping trip, we should go now before it gets dark." Buffy and Willow agreed. The three said their goodbyes and headed outside to the driveway. Buffy opened the door to her mom's jeep on the driver's side. Xander sat in back and Willow sat beside Buffy. Buffy looked to make sure there were no cars on the street and pulled out. "How far are the camp grounds?" Willow asked the driver.
"It should just be under two hours. When we get there, we will build the tents and unpack the supplies. Then we have to talk for I feel that there is a lot tell." Buffy replied and then looked at Willow and Xander.
"How about a song to past the time? I know 100 bottles of beer on the wall." Xander chuckled.
"I'm game." Willow responded as she looked around and saw her male best friend.
"No. I always liked the license plate game." Buffy told everyone.
"Just because you're the slayer, doesn't mean that you have stronger opinion. However, because I like you so much, I will go along" Xander answered to please her.
"Thanks for your seal of approval, Mr. Harris." Buffy laughed.
"No problem, Ms. Summers." Xander replied to keep the joke going.
"Enough of this, Mr. Harris and Ms. Summers." Wilow told them. "The joke is now over. You can start Buffy."
Buffy started the game and it went to Xander than Willow. The game lasted about a half-hour. They all started to sing Xander's idea of a song. "100 bottles of beer on the wall. 100 bottles of beer, take one down. Pass it around, 99 bottles of beer on the wall." The song lasted for twenty-five minutes. Between all the games they played they only knocked one hour off their driving time. At that moment, Willow fell asleep. Xander and Buffy decided to take a pit stop. Buffy went to the bathroom, while Xander went to the mini- supermarket. He bought three sodas and three bags of potato chips. Xander went back to the jeep finding Buffy and Willow chatting. He passed out the snacks and sodas to them and they continued their journey. After an additional forty-five minutes of 20 questions and the alphabet game, they reached the campgrounds.
"Are we there yet?" Willow asked Buffy.
"Yes, we just arrived."
The jeep pulled to the visitor center, allowing Xander to leave and pay for the weekend. He opened his car door and told the girls he would be right back. Xander noticed that the décor was of a Native American motif. He opened the main door and walked inside to the front desk. He pressed the bell with the sign that read, "Press here for assistance." Xander did just that. He placed his arms on the front counter, and rang the bell. A man appeared from a back door and said, "Good day, sir. How may I help you this afternoon?"
Xander looked at the man's nametag and said, "Yes, James, I would like to pay to stay for one weekend stay for three people."
"Ok, that would be seventy-five dollars."
"Here you go, James. Here is additional two dollars for yourself." Xander said in his real nice voice.
"Thank you sir. Your site is two sites over on your right. There are fire pits, grills, a nearby lake for fishing, and outhouses at the sites. Have a good stay here."
"Thank you James. You have a good day too." Xander returned and left the visiting center. He told Buffy that the site is two sites over on the right as he got back into the jeep. Buffy drove off to the site. They left the car with all their gear. "Wow. The scenery looks beautiful." He took out his camera and took a few snapshots.
"Your right. Let's take our gear out and unpack." Buffy told them. Xander got the tents together while Buffy got the firewood. Willow unrolled the sleeping bags. All the preparation took fifteen minutes. They all met at their picnic bench. Willow and Buffy sat on one side while Xander sat on the other side. "Guys. . . I have to tell you something."
"What Buffy? You can tell us anything." Willow chimed in.
"You do know that, right." Xander reassured her.
"Lately. . . during my patrols with Spike. I . . .been having personal situations."
"What?" Willow asked in curiosity.
"Special encounters." Buffy reworded.
"I don't understand." Willow asked with even more curiosity.
"She means sex!" Xander exclaimed and stood up in full disgust placing his hands in front of his face. "How could you Buffy. I mean he is vampire and you're a slayer. Let me rephrase that, he is a soulless vampire. I know you care about Angel and I understand that, but Spike. I can't believe that you had sex with him. I thought you had standards. Do you love him?"
"No! I just can't resist. I want to, but I can't."
"Buffy, the only reason I am like this is because I care about you. I already lost Anya. I don't you to get hurt."
"I know. I also know that you care about me. I just don't know what to do."
"I could cast a spell, but I am trying to stop spell casting for a while." Willow replied. Xander slid onto the girls' side placing his arm around him.
"Buffy, don't worry. I will go patrolling with you for a while when we get back. I mean I don't have anything else to do."
"Thanks Xander."
"That way you won't have to deal with him."
"I hate to interrupt this conversation, but Xander. Can I ask you a question?"
"Certainly, Will."
"Do you know why Anya left you? I mean, I know that she went back to demon, but do you know why?"
"No! But . . .I have an idea."
"What?" Buffy spoke up and placed her hand on his hand for support.
"I feel that Anya thought the sex has gotten bland and boring for her."
"How do you know?" Willow asked.
"I remember her reaction after the sex. She started to look unhappy. Towards the end, she even turned me down after I asked her for it. Then she told me that she made a friend that told that could turn her back into demon she was back in the day."
Buffy looked at her watch and realized that it was dinner. "I hate to stop the emotional pow wow. It's dinner time and I am hungry."
"No problem. I have hotdogs, sodas, chips, and marshmallows for tonight. I will go get them and some matches. I'll get them." Xander told the girls. Buffy set the fire pit up and Willow just sat on her stump in deep thought. Xander brought the food over and gave each of them a hotdog on a stick. "Penny for your thoughts Will."
"It's just that I am thinking about Tara. How could I have been so stupid?"
"Calm down, Will." Buffy reassured her placing her hotdog in the fire she started with Xander's matches. "I know that you were using magic, but you did stop before the demon did hurt Dawn."
"I am so sorry, Buffy." She started to cry. "I did not mean to hurt Dawn. I have stopped using magic for a while."
"Don't beat yourself up." Xander wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "What is done is done. Dawn will forgive at some point, and then you could be friends again in no time."
"Thanks Xander. You always know what to say." Willow pulled her hotdog out and took a bite.
"No problem. You girls are my best friends. I will always be here for you to the end." He gave each of them a caring look and then grabbed a handful of chips. "You and Tara will work out your differences." Dinner was done in a half-hour. Then they cleaned after themselves.
"I have an idea. It is still early. Why don't we play a game of Poker? I brought a deck of cards. What do you say?" Willow questioned.
"A couple rounds are okay. I'm a little tired. Are you game, Buffy?" Xander asked her.
"Sure. Deal."
Willow dealt five cards to each of them. They looked at their hands. Xander asked for four cards and showed them his ace. Buffy requested two cards and Willow took three. They each looked at their new hands and showed them. Xander had two aces and two tens. Buffy had a full house, three jacks and two queens. Willow only had two kings. Buffy won the hand. The game went for five more rounds. Xander won two, Buffy won two more and Willow only won one round. Xander looked at his watch and told them that he had to get some sleep if he wanted to go fishing tomorrow. The girls wanted to sleep as well. It has been a long day. Buffy and Willow went to one tent and Xander went to his own. He looked back at them and said, "We went through a lot today. Our recent relationships have been revealed. I for one feel closer to you then I ever had before. I love guys."
Buffy and Willow looked back at him and said, "We love you too."
Buffy woke up and looked at her watch. The time was now 8:45 in the morning. She got dressed and left the tent leaving Willow only to find the campground calm and peaceful. She took the moment and absorbed the beauty of the scenery. She sat down on the picnic table and began thinking as she looked to the lake. What am I going to do about Spike? He means nothing to me. I am just glad that I have a sister and two best friends that love me. I wonder how Dawn is doing? Within the next few seconds Xander appeared out of his tent bare-chested. "Oh Buffy. Sorry I thought I was the only one up.
Let me get my shirt. I will be with you in a moment." Xander disappeared into the tent. She her arms on the table drumming her fingers on the top of the table. Xander reappeared and sat down next to Buffy. "So Buff. What's up?"
"Actually, I am hungry."
"Why don't you get Willow and I will fetch the cereal and milk." Xander told Buffy. They agreed and split up. Xander walked over to his tent and got the food while Buffy disappeared into her tent.
"Willow. Wake up." She said silently rubbing her shoulder waking her up. "Xander is playing mom and getting breakfast together." She and Willow giggled.
"Ok, Ok. I am up. Go on ahead and I will be there in a bit." Willow told her. Buffy left her female best friend to meet her male best friend. Xander already had the bowls and spoons set up on the table. Willow walked out a couple minutes later and the sat together at the table. Xander poured the milk out into their bowls and placed the cereal in the middle of the table. "Thanks Mom!" Willow tried to keep the joke between Buffy and her going. Buffy started laughing.
Xander looked up and gave a smirk. He continued the gag with, "Now . . .if you are good little daughters, I will get Dad to take you fishing." They all started laughing and then the joke ended. They continued eating their breakfast and Xander asked again, "So, do you want to go fishing? I really mean it this time."
"Sure. Willow, you game?"
"No. You can go ahead. I need to figure stuff out on my own. I will talk to you later." Willow finished and then picked up Xander and Buffy's empty bowls and threw then in the trash. Xander and Buffy went to Xander's tent and grabbed some fishing rods. Then the walked to the boating area and rented a boat and headed out into the lake. They got to the center of the lake and threw the fishing lines out into the water. They began conversing.
"Xander, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"It's about Willow. Do you think she will be ok? I mean she got pretty heavy into the magic stuff."
"Buffy, I knew Willow ever since we were kids. She will be fine.
She knew enough to stop before Dawn got really hurt. She only broke her arm. Dawn and Willow will be friends again in no time."
"Thanks, Xander. You always know what to say."
"Buff, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Did Willow, Tara, Anya, and I really take you of heaven?"
"Yes."
"I want to say that I am sorry. The world needed the slayer. I should have sacrificed myself instead of you. Dawn needed you. You and her already lost your mother. I didn't want her grow up alone. The world needs the slayer and the world does not need me."
"Xander, I know you didn't mean to drag me out of heaven. As for sacrificing yourself, you should not of even thought that. Dawn would have been fine with you looking after her, but thanks for thinking about her and me. The world does need you. Our group needs you. I need you." She reassured him and gave him a hug and peck on the cheek. They lost track of time and talked for a good two hours when Buffy suddenly got a yank from her line. Aimed her back towards the other end of the boat and pulled her heart while winding the line at the same time. Xander got a yank as well; he pressed his back against Buffy's back and they pulled their fishing line together.
Buffy caught a twenty-five-pound fish while Xander caught a twenty- pound fish. They placed them in the boat and threw their lines back into the water. Buffy caught another while Xander got a tire. "Nice catch Xander. What do you call that fish?"
"Oh that . . .that is a fish that is tired. You caught two whoppers." Xander joked. They placed their rods in the boat and headed back into shore. "Look's like we caught lunch."
"Yep." The two returned the boat and Xander took pictures of their catches. Buffy held her two fish and Xander held his fish and tire. After a few snapshots, they walked back to their campsite to find Willow playing solitaire. "Will, look what Xander and I caught. We have lunch."
"Great. Nice tire Xander."
"It's a tire fish. I will hang it on my mantle when we get back. I am proud of it. I even have pictures." Xander chuckled and went to start the grill placing his fish and tire on the picnic table. Willow went to help Xander and brought him the three fish while Buffy set the table. After fifteen minutes of sautéing them he placed the fish on some plates and sat them down on the picnic table.
"Thanks, mom." Buffy tried to continue an old joke. Willow divided the three fish among them and they began to eat. "I didn't know you were such a good cook, Xander. This is delicious."
"Thanks Buff." Mom was not a good cook though. I had to learn when Anya lived with me. I was the one who did the cooking. I got better everyday." He prided himself.
"Your our group cook now, Xander."
"I aim to please, Will. Just promise me, don't make me cook all the time."
"Sure." Buffy and Willow spoke up. Willow cleared the table and the three went to lie down on the soft grass. Xander in the middle where as Buffy and Willow lay next to him. "So . . .um . . .what do you want to do?"
"Actually. . .why don't we go swimming?" Buffy said with a grin
"I don't know Buff. We just ate. Aren't we supposed to wait a half- hour before people swim." Xander replied.
"Nonsence. That is a fake. What are you, chicken?" Buffy pleaded trying appeal to his masculine side.
"Fine. I warned you." The three divided to their tents and got dressed. Xander came back within thirty seconds with nothing on but his swimming suit. He placed his towel on the picnic table. He felt a sudden chill up his spine but he figured nothing was to be worried about. Two minutes later the girls appeared out of their tent.
"Ooh, bare-chested Xander. That's twice in one day." Buffy surprised him and then he blushed. His mouth dropped open like in the old cartoons he watched with Willow as a kid when the girls appeared. Then the girls blushed. They went into the water after they placed their towels on the table along with Xander's. They dived into the water. The three did swimming races and splashed each other for a couple of hours. Xander swam to the shore and sat down watching his friends. Life was great, he thought. He was with his family-his true family. All of a sudden Buffy fell under and didn't come up for air after a minute or two. Willow was looking at shells and didn't notice. Xander jumped back in brought Buffy back to the service. Willow turned and saw what happened. She met them back at the shore. Xander laid Buffy flat on the shore. He cleared Buffy's mouth way with his finger and Xander performed CPR. Nothing happened. He pumped her below her sternum three times. Then he breathed air into her three times. Suddenly Buffy coughed up some water and started breathing again. "Xander." Buffy gasped.
Xander grabbed her into a hug. "Thank g-d your okay. You got to stop dying on us." Willow ran over to them and hugged them.
"I'm glad to see you too. Let me go. I . . .need. . . to. . . breath." They let her go and she lies down. Willow grabs the towels and brings them to her friends. "All I want to do now is rest." They all agreed and sat under the sky, watching day tuning to night. "Hey, how about dinner?"
"Are you good for dinner, Buffy?" Willow questioned.
"Yeah. I'm good. What do you have to eat?"
"I have steaks. I thought I should save them for our last night, which happens to be tonight. Let me cook them up. Buffy, you want to help me." Xander replied. They all redressed themselves and went on their way.
"Sure." Willow just sat and looked at the sky gazing into the stars. "Thanks for saving my life again, Xander."
"No problem. I am after all your white knight." He chuckled placing three stakes onto the grill. "This is the second I gave you CPR.
Remember the master. Please, don't die again. My heart can't take it." He flipped the stakes with his spatula.
"Don't worry Xan." She pecked him on the cheek. "I won't." Buffy wrapped her arm around his waist while Xander flipped the stakes again. He asked Willow if she could set the table. "I will. Willow come here help mom. I will set the table." Xander smirked and Willow and Buffy switched positions.
"We had quite a day. Didn't we Xander." Willow asked him.
"We sure did. I caught a fish and a tire, swam, cooked, and saved Buff's life again. How are you feeling about Tara? Are you okay? You can tell me anything." Xander placed the stakes on some plates Willow brought over.
"Yep. It still hurts a little though. I haven't used magic in a while." Willow prided herself. She placed her hand on Xander's shoulder.
"Congrats Will. You and Tara will work out your problems. Let's eat." The two friends went to the table and Xander divided the stakes and sat down. Xander got up and fetched the opened bag of chips and three sodas. Xander brought them back and then the three began eating their stakes.
"Delicious Xander." Buffy stated after she ate a piece of the stake. Willow agreed. Buffy drank some soda and said, "What time do you want to leave tomorrow?"
"Early-I want to talk to Tara. I am going to try and get back together with her." Willow suggested and then grabbed some chips.
"I can do early. That is if I go to bed early. It looks late and judging by my watch, it is 8:00. Great. I thought it was later." Xander slapped his hand and blushed in complete embarrassment. He gulped down his entire can of soda and belched out loud. "Sorry."
"What do you want to do?" Willow wondered cleaning her plate.
"How about roasting marshmallows?" Buffy replied.
"Wait. . . my brain is thinking. It is turning. How about s'mores? I have chocolate and graham crackers. " Xander thought up and finished his plate.
"Sounds like a plan. Willow and I will clean up here."
Xander stretched and went back to his tent. "I have to talk to you tonight when we get into the tent." Buffy stopped talking when Xander brought back the s'mores supplies. He passed out the sticks and Willow started the fire up again. The three met there and sat around the fire. "Do any of you have a ghost story to tell?"
"I do. But, knowing you're the slayer won't make you scared. You fight demons every night." Xander said as he was roasting his marshmallow and then inspecting it.
"Tell us." Buffy said as they placed their marshmallows on the crackers and placed the chocolate on top of the marshmallow.
Buffy, Willow, and Xander exchanged ghost stories. Nothing really scared them because they have fought the real things in life. Buffy fake yawned and winked at Willow because she wanted to talk to Willow. She said, "I'm sorry guys, but I to get some sleep." They both agreed and cleaned up. They left for their tents. Willow turned around and said, "Today was a whopper of a day." Buffy and Xander looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders and agreed.
Buffy and Willow got into their pajamas and slipped into their sleeping bags. They rested their heads on their hands looking at each other. Willow started conversation, "What do you want to talk about that you couldn't talk to Xander about?"
"Like I said earlier, I have a problem resisting Spike from sex. I don't know what to do. Xander told me he would patrol with me to focus on the vampires and demons instead of Spike."
"You can either do one of a few things. You can tell Spike how you feel about him. You can stake him. You can go out with someone else and stop seeing him. You can avoid him. There are many solutions. Then there is the choice that Xander gave you-you can patrol with him."
"I don't know. I guess I will have to figure it out."
"Anything else bothering you?"
"Yes there is." Buffy sits up still looking at Willow and brushes the hair out of her eyes. "I think I may have feelings for Xander."
"Xander! Really! Since when?"
"Since this morning during the fishing."
"What did he say?"
"He told me about his feelings about me dying. He wanted to sacrifice himself so I could be with Dawn to let her have family still. He also said that the world needed the slayer and not him."
"Our Xander said that?"
"Yes."
"That's great. Anya is gone so now you can try to get involved with him."
"I don't know if Xander is still interested in me though."
"Buffy?" Willow tells her and sits up as well placing her hand on Buffy's shoulder.
"What?"
"Xander has always had feelings towards you ever since you first moved to Sunnydale. It's just that you were always with someone.
First was Angel. Then there was Riley, and now it may be Spike. If I were you, I would go for it. Xander already loves you. He has saved your life numerous times like he did today."
"Really!? Xander has had feelings for me all these years."
"Yes. He has been trying to ask you for years but he never had any luck. He asked you to the prom during sophomore year of highschool. Even though you rejected him then, he still cares for you. Three words, Buffy."
"What?"
"He loves you." Willow told her. "Why the sudden interest in him?"
"Well . . .I realize that Xander has always been there for me even if I push him to hard. He puts of with me even if I act like a 'grade-A- bitch.' He always knows what to say to make me laugh and make anything sound sweet. And like I said earlier about him sacrificing himself."
"Buffy?"
"Yes."
"Tell him when we get back."
"I will. Night Will. Thanks for the girl talk."
"Night. You're welcome." Willow and Buffy lie back into their sleeping bags and close their eyes with their hands acting as pillows. Buffy had a smile appear on her face. She was thinking about Xander.
Xander awoke in code sweat. He looked at his watch and it said 12:45. Xander sat up and wiped the sleep out of his eyes and headed for the outhouse. He walked out of the tent and walked quietly to his destination. Xander did not want to wake the girls up. He looked up into the night sky and saw a full moon and the sky full of stars. Xander quickly did a 360 and continued on his way.
All of a sudden he heard a couple braches snap in half. It made him a little nervous. He went another 360 and saw nothing. He opened the door to the outhouse and went inside. It the room was small and it smelled a little. He stood and did his business. He left the room to go back to his tent. Xander stood still as he heard another noise. This time he heard more braches snap in half and saw two bright yellow eyes in the distance. He got scared and picked up the pace to the tent. Xander looked again to see if the yellow eyes were around and saw nothing. Xander made a sound or relief. He turned around and then there were the eyes again.
Within a couple seconds, the creature with the yellow eyes and sprinted toward him and took a bite out of Xander. "Ow!" he yelled and the creature ran away. Buffy and Willow awoke and jumped out of their sleeping bags to find out what happened. Buffy grabbed a flashlight and they went outside only to see Xander yelling his voice out.
"Xander. . . it is 1 o'clock in the morning. What is wrong?" Willow told him in her sleepy voice.
"Something bit me. There was a creature with yellow eyes and it bit me. It bit me right in the arm." Xander complained
Buffy took her flashlight and inspected his arms. The teeth marks must of vanished during all the commotion. "There is nothing there, Xander. Just go back to your sleeping bag."
"But. . . but. . . but. . . I could have sworn something bit me." He told them grabbing Buffy's flashlight to inspect his arms. He saw nothing, which is what Buffy said. "Sorry guys. It must have been my imagination. I guess the fact that it is a full moon and dark out must of scared me." He handed Buffy her flashlight back.
"Just don't do it again." Willow told him and they went back to their tents. Xander looked around and saw the girls disappear into their tent.
"Yeah. That was just my imagination." He said to himself to reassure that. Xander went into his tent and back into his sleeping bag. He closed eyes and went to dreamland.
Willow and Buffy awoke around the same time. Buffy looked at her watch and it said, 8:00. They dressed themselves and rolled their sleeping bags. Willow left the tent only to find Xander collapsing his tent and attaching everything to his army backpack. She walked over to him quietly to surprise him. Willow placed her hands over Xander's eyes. "Guess who?"
"Let me guess. Is it . . . um . . . my friendly neighborhood Spider- Man?" Xander chuckled placing his hands on top of her's knowing exactly who it was.
"No!"
"How about my gay lover, Liverachi?" Xander tried to keep the joke going.
"No! You have one more chance." She said joyously.
"Fine. How is my best friend, Willow, doing this fine morning?" Xamder finally admitted placing his arms around her waist and bringing her into a hug.
"I'm good. I am going to talk to Tara as soon as we go back. Now put me down." Willow told him. Buffy walks out of the tent and runs toward her friends at her slayer speed.
"Is this a private party or can I join?"
"Come on in Buff. We have a love fest going on." Xander told his other best friend. Buffy jumps on and Xander loses his balance and they tumbled to the ground laughing. "I haven't felt this good in a long time." They stopped and lay next to each other.
"That was fun." Willow said as the three stood back up.
"Let's get the rest of our belongings into the jeep. I have to talk to Spike." They nodded and the rest of the packing took a half- hour. Xander, Buffy, and Willow went to and entered the jeep. Buffy looked back to make sure there was no traffic and left through the campgrounds exit.
***Outside the Summer House***
The jeep pulled into the driveway. Buffy, Willow, and Xander unbuckled their seatbelts. "Before we go in." Xander said placing one hand on each of his best friends. "I want to say good luck. I am here if you need support. Willow, good luck trying to get back with Tara. Buffy, be strong. You have the power to break things with Spike. Know that, I believe in you." He then gave each of them a caring look while grabbing his backpack and his tire.
Willow and Buffy looked at their male friend and said, "Thank you." The three left the jeep and headed up the stairs. They all gazed into each others' eyes and took a deep breath. Buffy took her key and opened the door. "Dawn. . . are you here? Dawn?" She announced.
Dawn came running down the stairs and hugged Buffy above the waistline. "Guys, you are back! Tara, Spike. Come down here. Willow, Xander, and Buffy are back." Spike and Tara came out of the kitchen.
"So. . .how was your weekend? I see Xander caught a tire." Spike asked in a chuckle.
"Hey. I caught a fish too. I just kept the tire for the memories." Xander retorted.
Buffy took a deep breath and said, "It was fine. I feel a lot better about myself." She told him placing her hand on Xander's shoulder. Xander clasped her hand with his. He gave her a nod. "Spike, can I speak to you in the kitchen?" Spike and Buffy disappeared into the kitchen. Willow walked over to Tara and asked her if she could talk to her in the living room. She looked back at Xander who gave her a thumb up. Dawn asked Xander if he wanted to watch television. He agreed and they went up to Dawn's room.
***The Spike and Buffy Conversation***
Buffy and Spike sat on opposite sides of the table. Spike tried to hold her hand but she took it away. "Do you want to come to the crypt tonight, luv? You must have missed our relationship."
Buffy remembered what Willow and Xander told her a couple days ago and then her current feelings towards Xander. "I need to talk to you."
"What is it my pet?" Spike placed his hand on her shoulder. Buffy took his hand away and took another deep breath.
"I can't see you anymore. I don't want to have sex with you."
"Of course. That is what you want?" Spike leaned into kiss her. "Come on luv. Give me some sugar."
"NO! I am serious. It is over." Buffy told him finally. Spike looked at her in disgust. He grabbed his jacket and told her that he would be back and ran out of the house. Buffy felt a little better.
***The Tara and Willow Conversation***
Willow and Tara sat on each side of the couch. Willow remembered everything that Buffy and Xander told her this past weekend. "Tara, how are you?"
"I'm good. How are you? Was the your vacation good?"
"I talked to Buffy and Xander a lot this weekend. I don't want to rush you but I am here when you want to get back together. I have stopped using magic."
"Willow. . .I still love you, but I need time. The whole thing with Dawn got me scared as well."
"Time is good. I can wait for you. I still love you too. I will talk to Dawn." Tara got up and patted Willow on the shoulder. I will talk to you later. Willow felt a little better. Buffy entered the room slowly. She noticed Tara leaving. At that moment Xander walked down the stairs from the television watching. They looked at each other and walked outside and sat down on the stoop. Xander sat in the middle placing each arm on a friend.
"How did you guys do?" Xander asked them.
"I think Spike took it well. He said he would be back later." Buffy told them. Xander told her that he would patrol with her tonight. Just come by my apartment later and I will be ready. "Thank you, Xander."
"Tara said that she needs time, but I told her I would wait for her and that I no longer was using magic." Xander told her that if she ever wanted to talk that she could call any time of day and that they would talk. He told her that it would be like the old days. Xander kissed each of them on tops of their heads.
Xander got up with his supplies and headed down the walkway. He turned around and said, "Everything will be fine. I am here for you and that I love you. I will see you tonight, Buffy." Xander told them and waived his hand and walked off.
Xander awoke in the middle of no-where naked. His head was throbbing. All he could remember last night was the transformation. He grabbed an empty barrel and wore it home. He felt like he was in those old cartoons where characters that lost their clothes often had to wear barrels. Lucky for him no one was up yet. He got out of the barrel and through some clothes on. Xander lied down on his bed holding his hands over his face and started thinking. What happened last night? Did something really bite me during the weekend? Did I hurt anyone? Did I hurt Buffy or Willow? After that last thought, he ran out of the apartment and drove to the house.
He pulled up to the driveway and noticed the door torn down. He walked inside and saw Buffy, Dawn, and Willow still sleeping. He grabbed a chair and sat in front of them relieved in the living room. He leaned forward and kissed Buffy on the forehead and started thinking again. Thank g-d she is okay. Thank g-d they all are okay. Buffy looks so beautiful. He leans in again and brushes the hair out of her eyes again and sat back down. Buffy suddenly awoke. After rubbing the sleep out of her eyes she saw Xander. She ran to him and hugged him, "Thank g-d your okay." She kissed him on the lips. The kiss was intense like those old movie style kisses. It felt like there was an electronic charge between them. It lasted a good couple minutes. All their problems seemed to slip away until Dawn woke up and hugged him too. Willow did the same thing.
"Ok . . .I know I am loveable but this is ridiculous. Please let go of your Xander-shaped-friend. I need to breath." The girls slid off of him giggling. Xander and Buffy gazed into each other's eyes and a feeling of compassion overwhelmed them again and kissed. The kiss was just as perfect as it was before.
"Where were you last night? I went to find you for patrolling but you were not there."
"I honestly don't know. I blacked out and when I came to I found myself naked in the middle of no-where."
Willow and Buffy's eyes widened. They stared at each other and told Dawn to go upstairs. "Last night I ran into a werewolf. Do you know anything about that?"
Xander gulped. He remembered the bite and the transformation. He looked into Buffy's eyes and realized now was not the time to tell her. "Is Oz back in Sunnydale?"
"No! Tell us Xander. We don't want to see you get hurt. We need you more than ever right now. Please, tell us." Willow and Buffy began crying.
He looked at his beloved friends and had to tell them the truth. Xander sat in between his two friends and placed his hands on his lap. Xander took a deep. "Remember I told you that I got bit."
"Yes."
"Well. . . I did and last night I believe I changed into a werewolf."
"We just found our answer." Buffy gave him a hug and told him that he should stay in Oz's old crypt. "Willow, I need you to go to the Magic Box and look up anything you can about werewolves. Maybe there's a way to change Xander back. Call Tara to watch Dawn and then go. Xander and I are going to the old crypt" Buffy ordered and then winked at Willow. Willow understood. Xander ran over to hug her and kissed the top of her head.
Buffy and Xander left the house. "Did I hurt you or anyone? Did I do that your door?"
Buffy went in front of Xander placing a hand on his shoulder. "I need to talk to you. We will talk to each other when we get to the crypt. Don't worry Xander, everything will be okay." She hugged him and pecked him on the cheek. They got into the jeep and drove off.
***The Crypt***
Buffy and Xander entered the crypt. Xander saw the old caged area for Oz. He walked over to it inspecting it and it looked stable and strong enough for him. He sat down in the corner started crying. "Buffy, I need to know. Did I do that to your door?'
Buffy knelt beside and brought him into a hug. "Yes, but you didn't hurt anyone."
"Thank g-d. If I hurt you, Dawn, or Willow, I don't know what I would do. You mean so much to me. After the kiss, all my old feelings for you came rushing back to me. I love you."
"I love you too Xander. I need to talk to you." She said and stood against the cage for support. "I have feelings towards you. I think I am falling in love with you as more than a friend."
"Buffy." He moves toward her and held her hands. "You don't know how long I waited to see you say those words. I want to date you. I want to be your one and only. I want to have that kind of relationship with you. Like you had with Riley or Angel, but stronger." They leaned into each other and kissed. Everything seemed to be perfect. "Now . . .I have a supernatural strength like you and Willow."
"You're the group guard dog. I just hope there may be a way to cure you."
"But what if there is not. Would you stop loving me?"
"No. I will always love you." Buffy brought him into a hug. "I hate to break the moment, but do you know the code for the lock on the cage?"
"No." Xander looked around the crypt. He gave it a quick 360. Xander noticed a piece of paper and a booklet in the corner under some trash. He went to pick it up and looked at it. "I
wonder . . ." Xander went to the cage and input the numbers, "9-4-5- 5-6-9" as the code. He went to the door and pushed it in, it opened. "Go figure." Xander laughed and stood back next to Buffy.
"Hey. How did you know that?" Xander gave her the piece of paper, which read. 'W-I-L-L-O-W = 9-4-5-5-6-9.' "I don't understand." Buffy showed a confused look and then turned to Xander.
"The numbers are the counterparts to the letters on a push dial phone. Oz must of did it this way for him to remember? What better to remember something than your girlfriend?" Xander smirked. "Maybe I can change it to, '2-8-3-3-9."
"Why those numbers?"
"They are the number counterparts to your name. I will just look in this booklet and found out how to change." He found a way to do it. Xander changed the numbers.
Buffy looked at her new boyfriend, and said, "How sweet." She leaned in and gave him another kiss.
The two newly formed couple left the crypt to get an early dinner. They picked up a couple hamburgers and ate them. After dinner they noticed that it was almost nightfall. They entered the crypt again and Xander went inside the cage He undressed himself blushing while Buffy was there. "I feel that you seeing me naked before our first date is a little awkward."
"We already have an unusual relationship. I am only interested in seeing your face right now. Tomorrow we will see Willow to see if we can figure anything out our hair situation. I have to patrol tonight though."
Xander looked at his watch and saw that it was almost time. "Can you stay here until I change?"
"No problem, my newly Xander-shaped-boyfriend." Buffy giggled and leaned in for a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too." He told her. "Tomorrow we can go on our first date."
"I can't wait. I will countdown the minutes." Xander looked into her eyes, she did the same thing. Buffy looked and saw her boyfriend transform. The cage seemed to be working. He kept trying to get out but he could not. Buffy started to tear down a little. She gave him one more passionate look and headed out of the crypt. "See you tomorrow, my love. I will be here for you to see first thing in the morning. I hope we find a cure."
Buffy left the crypt sobbing at times. She kept hoping that there would be cure for Xander. The hard part was that she might have to live with Xander as a werewolf. She still loved him never the less. She gave the cemetery a quick 360. Over in the corner of the cemetery she saw a horde of vampires. There was an overwhelming amount of twenty-five vampires. She hid behind a gravestone to form a strategy.
***Back in the Crypt***
Werewolf Xander just kept pacing back and forth in the cage. All of a sudden he felt a pain behind his brain. The werewolf could not describe it. It made him go berserk. Xander charged the cage door five times before it gave way. Within a few seconds of the opening of the door, Xander just ran out of the crypt and gave it a 360. He saw Buffy hiding behind a gravestone. Xander gave a snarl and howl and charged to her.
Buffy began contemplating when she glanced to her right and saw a werewolf charge toward her. "Great. Another werewolf in Sunnydale. Thank g-d Xander is locked up." She grabbed out her tranquilizer gun and aimed at the werewolf. Before she could shoot it, the werewolf pinned her down placing her flat on the ground. Buffy tried to lift her gun but the werewolf had her arm pinned down. She finally looked into the eyes of the werewolf. "Odd, they look familiar." Buffy gazed into its eyes, which led to its soul. She recognized the eyes. "Xander?" Xander looked at her and cocked his head and nodded, yes. "Stay Xander. Stay. . . .good Xander." Xander understood and pulled away from her looking at the ground. "This is weird. He can understand me. I will be back. I have to slay these guys. I will be back on a moment." Buffy headed in for some action. Xander got in an action werewolf pose waiting for an attack.
Buffy got in the middle of the vampire horde. She took two stakes out of her jean jacket ready to strike. She dodged two blows from two vampires and recoiled with staking them. She foot swept one and jumped on top of it and staked it and took her hand and staked one behind her. She stood and did a roundhouse knocking two to the ground and staked them with using a stake in each hand. Suddenly a vampire grabbed her in a full nelson. She tried to get away but could not. Buffy kept on struggling and then werewolf Xander came to her aid knocking the vampire hold her to the grab and Buffy staked it. Xander and Buffy looked at each other in total calmness. Buffy suddenly felt understanding. Xander and Buffly split up and attacked the others. Xander was able to run at incredible speed and bit into the vampires' legs turning them into dust. Buffy looked at her boyfriend's actions and said, "Cool." Buffy got back into action and staked five more vampires with ease. Xander looked at her and Buffy staked the last vampire while Xander had it pinned.
He let out a howl and suddenly transformed into a human. Buffy looked at her watch and started thinking. Why is Xander human again when it is only 3:25 and still under a full moon? How could he have understood me? Why did he help me? I just hope Willow has answers. With that final thought, Buffy ran back to the crypt and grabbed Xander's clothes. She noticed the cage hinges were totally destroyed. She headed back for Xander who was suddenly was waking up.
"Buffy?" He said in a whisper and covered his privates noticing that he was naked.
"I am here, Xander." She handed him his clothes and he got dressed.
"Shouldn't I still be a werewolf? There is still a full moon out." Xander asked in total confusion.
"I don't know. You also came to my aid during the battle and listened to me when I talked to you." She said in confusion.
"We better find Willow. I hope she has answers." Xander replied hoping for answers.
"She is at the Magic Box." Buffy pointed out and they headed in that direction. The tow embraced each other and it felt warm and comfortable. Xander leaned in and pecked Buffy on the top of her head.
Buffy looked into the window of the Magic Box and noticed Willow asleep. Xander opened the door and they entered and walked to her. Xander tiptoed behind Willow and started rubbing her shoulder. Willow awoke with her eyes closed and her head did a full rotation. She opened her eyes and saw Buffy. "Hi." Willow told her still half asleep. She looked behind her and saw Xander rubbing her shoulders. "Hi, Xander."
"Hi, Willow."
"Xander! Shouldn't you be a werewolf?" She asked with total awareness.
"I think so but I don't know. I was hoping you could fill me in. What did you find out about werewolves tonight?"
"You know. . .the basic myths and legends."
"Love, why don't you tell her about what happened?" Xander said to Buffy in total compassion.
"Love?"
"You don't like that. Then what? Buffybear?"
"No"
"Sweetheart?"
"Better. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Tonight during a vampire battle, Xander broke out of his cage and charged to me. I told him to stay and he did and was able to communicate. It was primitive communication. It was just a head nod. When I was in danger, he rescued by pulling a vampire away. Fought by my side, and the transformed back to a human in the middle of the night after the vamps died."
"Interesting." Willow grabbed a book, The Myths and Legends of Werewolves, and opened to the table of contents. She pressed the book down for a moment and said, "sweetheart?" She looked at Buffy then Xander. They were gazing into each other's eyes.
"We will fill you in later. I want to figure this whole werewolf thing out." Xander was still looking at Buffy when he said.
Willow agreed and looked back to the book. She read down to the section called, Werewolf Watcher. Underneath the chapter text was a description, the werewolf and the slayer. "This looks promising."
"What?" Buffy chimed in.
"There is a section for just about a werewolf and a slayer."
"Awesome. Check it out." Xander brought the focus back to Willow.
Willow turned to the destined page and read, "The Werewolf Watcher is a werewolf that is a true love to a slayer." Willow just figured about the 'sweetheart' comment. She continued and read, "This Werewolf has the power of love for the slayer that it can do tasks that normal werewolves can not. The Werewolf Watcher dates back to the times of Midlevel Europe. According to legend, there was once a slayer who was in love with a werewolf. The Powers That Be decided that the werewolf would become the slayer's protector. In order to have this work, they made the werewolf be able to transform anytime day or night at will. It would not have to be a full moon day. He would be able to think human, speak human, walk human, and the consciousness of the man would be intact and capability to be the same person. The werewolf would not force the person to black out. He would be able to fight along with the slayer. The Werewolf Watcher will also have super strength and speed. For only the most noble, loyal, and victorious of slayers, would a Werewolf Watcher be formed. The Werewolf Watcher and the slayer must train together in order for the werewolf to be fully capable of his abilities. It will take a matter of time."
"What does that mean?" Buffy and Xander asked in unison.
"It means that Xander is your Werewolf Watcher. He will be able to communicate with you Buffy. He can stand like a person, talk like a person, be Xander, and the ability to transform any time of day at will. Day or night. It does not have to be a full moon day either. It will take time for Xander to be fully capable of his powers. He would also have super strength and speed. He has to train with you. It only happens to slayers that are noble, loyal, and victorious. It also happens if the werewolf and slayer are in true love."
"Awesome. To put it another way, I am Buffy's guard dog." Xander proclaims in high victory. "I love you Buffy." Xander walks over to Buffy and brings her into his warm embrace and kisses her forehead.
"I love you too, Xander." She turns her head and kisses him on the cheek.
"Correct. Xander already exhibited some of these powers tonight."
"How?" Buffy asked.
"Xander was able to understand and communicate with you. It was only primitive and it will get better with training like you get stronger with you're training. He was able to protect you when needed, and turn back to human at will. That is what happened when the vampires died. The strength came into play when he pinned you earlier. The standing will take time."
"Hold on. . . if this is true, then how come he was not like this when he ransacked his place, here, and my house."
Willow turned back to the book and found a passage further down in the chapter, and read, "The Werewolf Watcher would not be capable of his powers until the slayer and him say 'I Love You,' to each other in a private and intimate moment and area."
"That explains it. I just wish I told you yesterday."
"Me too. I am glad we told each other at the crypt tonight. Now Spike will have to leave you alone or I can hurt him." Xander said laughing at the thought of Spike being told what to do and were to go. Xander transformed to the wolf and howled. Then turned back to human. "That was intense."
"Wow. I could get used to this. Don't hurt Spike too much. Dawn still likes him"
"Don't worry, Buff. I will put him in the kennel." They all laughed at that thought pf Spike in a cage.
"I love you, my Werewolf Watcher. Now. . . how are we going to tell the others."
"We will tell them tomorrow mourning." Xander replied to her.
"Wait." Buffy exclaimed. "Isn't you apartment with no door?
"Doh!" Xander yelled to sound like Homer Simpson. "I forgot."
Buffy was in thought for a moment. Should I do this? Should I let Xander stay at the apartment or my place? He does love me. He is my Werewolf Watcher. Xander won't take advantage of me. "You can stay at our place. I don't want you to be alone with an apartment with no door. I love you too much. Stay with us. You can sleep on the couch."
With no thought whatever. He said, "Thank you." Xander wrapped one around his girlfriend and one around his best friend. Willow turned around and locked the door. Off they went.
They reached Buffy's house. It was early in the morning. "There is a door now." Buffy opened it and they walked in. On the nearby arm of the chair was a note. Buffy read it out loud, "Dear Buffy, I had the door fixed for you. I came in after everybody was a sleep. I have the key, luv. Come and get it. Love, Spike." She placed her hands on her face. Xander took this as his cue. He went over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder and said:
"Sweetheart, do you want me to get him to leave you alone. I will get your key back."
"No. Can you come with me? I need your support. You can wolf out to if want. Willow, can you stay here? Stay awake until we come back. We will be back soon."
They agreed. Buffy and Xander left. Willow sat down and turned on the television.
Spike was sitting on a chair in his crypt finishing some pizza that he bought from the neighborhood pizza joint. He looked to his left and saw Dawn in the corner tied up. Spike ate his last slice and walked over to her and knelt down beside her. He took off the gag from her mouth and she said, "Why did you do this Spike? I thought we were friends."
"Oh bloody hell little bit. The only way that I can get Buffy here on purpose anymore is if something happened to you." Spike stood up and walked back to the middle of the room. "If I know slayers, which I do. I believe that she will be here just about now." Spike looked at the door and it busted open. In walked Buffy. "What did I tell you?" Xander followed and went over to untie Dawn. "And she brought Droopy." He said in a sigh.
"What on Earth processed you to take Dawn from my house and tie her up. I thought that we had an understanding?" Buffy looked over to Dawn who Xander brought next to her. "Are you okay?" Dawn nodded and Buffy returned her attention to Spike.
"Understanding? You thought we had an Understanding." Spike yelled out. Dawn hid by the door while Xander got prepared for action. "I thought our understanding was our relationship. You know, the one we have been having for the last few weeks."
"What is he talking about, Buffy?" Dawn asked her with curiosity.
Xander walked over to Buffy and placed his hand on her shoulder and nodded. "Dawn." Dawn nodded. "I did not want you to find out this way, but I have had sex with Spike, but it is over now."
"It is not over, slayer. You know there is something between us.
You can't fight it. It is tearing you up inside." Xander looked at Buffy again and she nodded and he went up to Spike and grabbed him by the collar.
"You better leave these women alone." Xander said with a snarl and his eyes just flashed in yellow temporarily. "If you know what is good for you?"
"What are you going to do?" Spike cackled. "Stake me! I will just through you on the ground."
"I wouldn't anger him. He has a vicious animal side." Buffy told Spike with a laugh at the end. "As for your feeling of a connection, I think I can sever it. There is no longer a connection."
"Yes there is, slayer. Tell Droopy to leave me alone."
"I know because Xander is the Werewolf Watcher." Xander smirked at the comment.
Dawn and Spike looked at each other and then at Buffy. "The what?" Dawn and Spike said in unison both had their mouths hanging open like what happens in cartoons.
"The Werewolf Watcher." Buffy looked at Xander. "Do it, Sweetheart. Spike needs to be shown." Xander nodded and after a brief thought, Xander transformed into the Werewolf Watcher.
"If Droopy is a werewolf, then why can he change now when it is almost morning? This does not make any sense." Spike looked at Xander in total shock and then at Buffy. Xander stood on his hind legs towering Spike and howled.
"The reason is because he is the Werewolf Watcher. He can do a lot more than transform anytime he wants." Xander looked at her and Buffy said, "You can change back." Xander did just that and went back to human form. He looked at Spike giving him a pitiful look and walked over to Buffy. "You better leave us alone, now that you took Dawn from me, you are no longer welcome at the house." Buffy gave Spike a sneer and Dawn and her walked out of the crypt. Xander told them that he would meet them back at the house. Buffy and Dawn agreed.
Xander walked up real close to Spile replacing his hands on Spike's collar and took his right hand and grabbed a stake from his jacket and held it pointing to his chest. Xander gave Spike a smirk and said, "Pathetic vampire." Xander pushed him aside and began to walk out.
"Your just a stupid werewolf. All I need is silver bullets and your dead." Xander turned around towards him and transformed back to the werewolf. He looked at Spike with his yellow eyes.
A sudden surge of energy ran through Xander's body. The energy was just enough for him to speak. "Don't make me hurt you, Spike." Xander yelled at him giving him a snarl. Spike looked speechless. "I maybe a werewolf, but I can do more than transform."
"Oh Bloody Hell! You can talk." Xander nodded and transformed back. He took the stake he was holding and waved it front of Spike's face. Spike just traced the stake back and forth. "I will get you at some point. You can count on that." Xander just shook his head in disappointment and left the crypt. "Buffy is mine and she will always be." Spike yelled trying to reassure himself. Xander was long gone when Spike made that last statement.
Within a couple minutes, Xander caught up with Buffy and Dawn. Together they decided to go to Xander's apartment to clean up a bit. Dawn did not want to do the extra work but Xander and Buffy just glared at her. They all walked up the stairs to the hallway in the apartment complex. Xander walked ahead and saw his door broken down. He then remembered what he did a couple of nights ago. Thank g-d that he can control his werewolf transformation now, he thought. He walked in and saw his place all in shambles. Buffy and Dawn just walked in as well while Xander was holding a piece from his broken table. He gave the place a 360 and shook his head in disgust. Buffy walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Can I talk to you?" Xander nodded. "Dawn, can you please come with us?" Dawn lifted her head in excitement. "I don't want her to be alone in this place." Buffy whispered to him and he understood.
The three walked to Xander's bedroom and sat down. Xander brushed some hair out of Buffy's face to illustrate her eyes. "What's up, Sweetheart?"
"After seeing this place and the whole Spike problem, I want you to stay with us at our home." Dawn and Xander exchanged glances in shock and brought their attention back to Buffy.
"I would love to, and you know that, but is it kind of soon. People don't even know about us yet. Willow, Dawn, and Spike found out, but what about Tara? Not to mention, we had not been on our first date." Xander replied.
"Tara doesn't live with us anymore, Silly." Buffy said after mocked him a little. "When you turned to the Werewolf Watcher, you protected me and Dawn. That makes you okay in my book. We can still go on dates." She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the lips. The kiss lasted a few seconds until Dawn interrupted.
"You two need a room. Next time when you want to talk, I won't try to barge in." Dawn said and let to go to the television.
"Can't argue with that." Xander returned the kiss and said, "I better make sure Dawn is fine."
"She will be fine. Kiss me like the first time." Xander looked in the direction Dawn left but his heart told him to comply with his girl friend. Buffy and Xander pressed their lips on each other. Buffy took her hands and pushed Xander's head closer. Xander wrapped his arms around her neck. They did not separate until oxygen was an issue. They broke off and Buffy said, "We better get you packed."
Xander nodded in a tired way. He was about to get up when he fell back into the bed. "I never knew a slayer kiss could be so powerful."
"It also helps when the other person is a Werewolf Watcher." They exchanged caring facial expressions when Xander heard a shriek from the television room. They jumped off the bed and went to find out what happened. Xander transformed in the middle of the running. When they got to the room, Xander saw Cordelia in the door way allowing Xander to turn human again, "What are you doing here?"
"Oh . . .I'm sorry if I scared you Dawn." Dawn looked at Cordelia and said it was fine. "I came here to tell you that I had a vision recently that concerns Buffy. I told Angel about it and he told me to come tell you." Buffy and Xander looked at each other allowing Xander to gulp. Buffy witnessed this and squeezed his hand.
"What was in the vision, Cordy?" Buffy asked her worrying a little. "I just hope it is not serious."
"You better sit down." Xander , Buffy, and Dawn looked at each other and sat down cautiously. Buffy and Xander were holding hands.
"This was more of an extensive vision. I saw a new demon coming to Sunnydale. Its main purpose is to kill the slayer and something called the Werewolf Watcher." Xander's face just went pale.
"I have to tell you something." Cordelia looked at her former boyfriend when he transformed. "I am the Werewolf Watcher and Buffy here is my girlfriend now." Xander transformed back to human.
Cordelia gasped. "Finally, took you long enough, Buffy." Buffy shot her a look. "Looks like your no longer the zeppo."
"Anything else about the vision?" Buffy stated to change the subject.
"The demon is called Axon. That is all I can say. Better check with Willow or Giles about it. They may know more about this stuff."
Before Buffy could say anything, Xander spoke, "I will call Giles and tell him. Anymore vision info?" He quickly ran his hands down his face.
"Only two more things." Cordelia looked at Buffy then at Xander. "It all starts when a werewolf visits and Axon is bent on using a key to open a door to another dimension to bring forth the four knights which destroy all humanity. Each knight represents one of the four basic elements: wind, earth, water, and fire."
"Why do things always involve me?" Dawn interjected and started crying. Buffy went over to comfort her.
While Xander was pacing back and forth he started thinking. I finally have something going well in my life, namely Buffy, and now I find out that our lives are in danger. I just hope the power of the Werewolf Watcher will help. I don't know how powerful Axon is or the power of the four knights. Giles better know. All I can think now is that I hope nothing will happen to them, Willow, Dawn, or Buffy. He walked over to Buffy and Dawn and gave them a hug.
"Ok, here is what we are going to do." Buffy announced. "We will get Xander packed and go back to our place. I will fill everyone in while Xander calls Giles. Cordelia, if you want, you can stay with us." Cordelia nodded. "We have a lot to work on. Xander and I need to start training more. This will be a tough situation but with help we can end it before Axon has a chance to summon the four knights." They all agreed. Cordelia and Dawn stayed on the couch watching television while Buffy and Xander headed into his room.
Xander opened three suitcases on his bed and pulled out his case of army weaponry. He went over to pull out his clothes while Buffy inspected the weaponry. She opened the case and said, "Xan, you sure do have a lot of guns."
He placed some jeans into one of his suitcases. "Why do things always happen when something good happens? Couldn't we just catch a break?"
Buffy walked towards him so he could envelope her in his embrace and kissed her on the top of the head. "We will get through this. I have my slayer power, you have the Werewolf Watcher power, Willow has her magic, and . . ." Buffy just gave a sad look. "We need more help."
"As much as I hate to say this. I think we may need Angel's help." Xander just tensed up for a moment. "I will call him when we get back to the house."
Buffy knew Xander hated him but Angel was needed for the greater good. Giles would help no questions asked. She pulled away from his embrace to kiss him. Surges of electricity seemed to pass through them. She loved Xander and he loved her. They finished packing and left with Cordelia and Dawn. "I will be with you in a moment, I have to say goodbye." Xander said to them.
Xander gave the apartment a quick 360. He went to his bedroom and picked up a photograph of Buffy. Xander sat down on his bed staring at it. He took his left hand and covered his mouth and sighed. He heard a noise and he looked up to see Cordelia. She sat down next to him seeing how worried he looked. Cordelia placed her hand on his should, "Don't worry, Xander. You will get through this."
Xander looked into her eyes. "It's just that I never had the chance to lose so much. Granted I have stronger power now, but I could lose Buffy. I love her so much."
"One thing I noticed from when we dated is that you care. You are a very caring person." Cordelia pulled him into a hug. "Now that you are with Buffy, you will be there for her unto the end. Not to mention, you had a thing for her during our relationship."
Xander smirked. "I needed that." He placed the photograph down. They left the apartment with Xander never looking back.
Only if he stayed a couple seconds later he would have heard a strange voice. A being stepped out of the bathroom. He walked and looked at the photograph of Buffy "So you're the Werewolf Watcher, Alexander Harris. I will enjoy tormenting you. I assume that this is Buffy. She is beautiful. Buffy is as good as dead." The being disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the sound of a malevolent laugh with the photograph.
The four arrived at the house in Cordelia's car. Cordelia and Dawn sat in front while Buffy and Xander were in the back. Buffy gave him a quick peck on the cheek to calm him down. They left the car and entered the house. Willow was in the kitchen making some breakfast. She walked to greet them when she said, "Cordelia? What is going on?" Buffy looked at Cordelia, Willow, and then Xander who gulped air again. Buffy told Cordelia, Willow, and Dawn to sit in the living room to tell her the story. Xander told Buffy good luck, and Buffy did the same.
Xander walked into the kitchen and sat on the counter. He grabbed the telephone and scratched his head. Xander knew he had to do this; the world was at stake not to mention him and Buffy. He picked up the receiver and brought it to his ear. Xander dialed Giles's number. Four or five rings went by until the phone was picked up. Xander took a deap breath. "Hello? Giles?"
<Who is this? Do you have any idea what time it is?> Giles asked waking up from his dream.
"It's Xander. I have to tell you something important. Sorry about the time, I forgot about the time difference."
<That's fine. What is it?>
"We just found about a new demon coming to Sunnydale. Its name is Axon and it wants to destroy all of humanity."
<Did you just say, Axon? How did you find out?> This is just great, Giles thought.
"Yes. Cordelia had a vision."
<I heard about him. He is very dangerous. But wait, he would not come if there was not a Werewolf Watcher.>
"You know about the Werewolf Watcher?"
"Yes. It is only happens when a slayer and a werewolf are in true love. The only werewolf I know of that might be this is Oz, but he left.>
Xander quickly remembered Cordelia's vision and about a werewolf coming. Oz must be the werewolf from this vision. "Giles . . .um . . .how do I put this? I am the Werewolf Watcher. I got bit during a camping trip. Buffy and I fell in love."
<Oh my! If you are the Werewolf Watcher, then I have to help you train. I will be at the house on the next available flight. Axon demands a lot of research.>
"Thank you. I will tell Buffy. We will need a lot of help."
<Help?> Giles thought about Faith.<Xander get Buffy on the phone. I need to talk to her.>
At that moment Buffy walked in and saw Xander on the phone. He looked over to her and said, "Giles want to speak to you."
Buffy took the phone from Xander and placed it to her ear. "Hello Giles. What do you want to ask me?"
<Xander told me that he is the Werewolf Watcher and the new demon coming called Axon. He also said that help was needed. I told him that I will be there on the next flight.>
"That's true."
<If you want, I can bring Faith.>
"Faith?" Xander and Buffy just looked at each other with fear in their eyes.
<The Watchers' Council has rehabilitated Faith. She has a new watcher. I can bring them with me. Faith is better now. Believe me.>
"If you say so Giles. Bring her. I will see you soon. Thank you."
<You're welcome. I will see you soon. Tell everyone I said hello.>
"I will. Bye." Buffy hung up the phone and looked at Xander who ran his fingers in his hair. Buffy clasped her hands on his shoulders. She looked into his eyes. "If Giles said Faith is better. Than she is better." Xander understood and hugged her.
"How did things go with Willow?"
"Fine. Let's go fill the others in." Xander agreed and they went in to the living room. Willow still looked a little stunned but was okay. Buffy and Xander sat on a chair that was available. She sat on Xander's lap. Buffy told them everything about Giles coming back and Faith. Xander smelled something in the air. All of a sudden a knock was heard. Willow went to open it.
"I need help."
"Oz?" Everyone looked at him. Xander was ready to transform.
"I need the Werewolf Watcher. I need Xander." Oz collapsed at the door. Willow and Buffy carried him to the couch. Cordelia and Dawn made the couch vacant.
After they placed him on the couch, Buffy looked at Xander who just stared at the floor. Xander brought his head up slowly allowing them to see his eyes flash yellow. He made a fist with his right hand and brought it in front of his face. His hand just transformed into the hand of a werewolf. "It has begun." Everyone looked at Xander in shock. Oz was on the couch unconscious.