My name is Alexander Lavelle Harris and I'm dead, have been for several months now. The reason I died was because I was part of a prophecy; 'The love of the Slayer and the Savox White Knight will bring about the end of Glory, but only through the sacrifice of the Savox White Knight'.
I was the Savox White Knight if you hadn't worked it out; Savox being the kind of demon I am/was, White Knight is the moniker given to me by an enemy. The Slayer is Buffy Anne Summers, the only woman I have ever truly loved. Glory was a demon goddess from a hell dimension, banished here years ago. She intended to open a portal to her dimension using The Key, a mystical energy capable of opening inter-dimensional portals. The only problem was that the Earth would have gone for the ride. The Monks that were looking after The Key turned it into Dawn, Buffy's younger sister. To cut a long story short Buffy told me she loved me, I killed Glory, and I died. Have I mentioned how much I hate prophecies?
I never really wondered where I would go after my death. One thing I definitely didn't expect was to go 'up'. Demons, whether they are good or otherwise, generally expect to use the down escalator after death. The reason I'm 'here' is due to my fighting against the darkness out of choice, not out of any selfish gains. My sacrifice to save the world was the clincher.
The first thing they decided to tell me was that at my power level before my death, I could have defeated Glory without the use of the Sword of Avalon that killed me; basically meaning I didn't have to die. Have I mentioned how much I hate prophecies?
No one told me what I was to do when I first got 'here', so I started to check on how the Scooby Gang was getting along. I watched the memorial service they had for me, conducting it at night so the Fang Gang could attend. It was strange to see how upset Angel was, I knew that we had buried the hatchet over a lot of what was between us but I still didn't think my passing would affect him much. Maybe his emotions are heightened due to his soul being anchored.
It looks like the Fang Gang has grown since I last saw them; their new member is a lady by the name of Fred Burkle. They found her when they had to save Cordelia from another dimension, just another day in LA. She seems to be as shy as Tara was when we first met her; she also seems to be as smart if not smarter than Willow.
None of the gang was really firing on all cylinders for a while so Angel and the gang, as I asked him to do, stayed in Sunnydale for a couple of weeks to help out with patrols. Something that surprised me was that Angel didn't make a move on Buffy. I was even more surprised to find out the reason was Cordelia. It seems that they were both harbouring feelings for one another for a while, but didn't say anything due to the 'happiness clause' in his curse. After I anchored his soul to him, they decided to come clean about how they felt for each other and are now a couple.
It was nice to see both gangs working so well together, especially with all the history between them all. Giles and Wes enjoyed having someone from their own continent, who was alive, to talk to. Willow and Fred enjoyed talking physics without having to explain every other sentence. Willow and Tara also tried to help Fred come out of her shell a little; they figured that if she was going to fight the good fight she needed to build on her confidence and self-esteem, if anyone can do it those two can. Cordelia and Dawn talked about fashion and gossip. Buffy and Gunn shared war stories. Angel and Joyce talked about Art and his past; the places he'd seen, not the people he'd killed obviously. He was actually able to give her a few contacts for her gallery, which made her very happy.
I think that having people that they could talk to, without having to conceal their 'night jobs', really helped them through the worst of it. After three weeks the Scooby Gang ready to return to active duty so the Fang Gang went back to LA, stating that they were all just a phone call away if needed.
About a month after I arrived, I was finally seen by the 'higher ups'. It seems that my power level caused problems; as I had power comparable to a god, they didn't really know what to do with me. In the end, the big man upstairs decided to make me one of The Powers That Be.
The news didn't go down too well by either side. Many on our side didn't like the thought of a demon having authority over the good guys on Earth. Many on their side call me a traitor to the cause. However once 'He' decided to make it clear that things weren't going to change any time soon, everybody shut up.
My first task, more of a test really, was to observe the non-magical Champions we have on earth, making sure that things were running smoothly. Luckily I know most of them so I knew what needed to be done, even if the others weren't as convinced as I was. It felt like old times, observing what was wrong and then doing my best to fix it. My first mission was Faith. She had gone bad but was turning over a new leaf in prison. The fact that she was still there was a very good sign; there is no way that a human prison could keep a Slayer incarcerated if they wanted out. The other Powers had all but given up on Faith but I 'persuaded' them to give her another shot.
We arranged a prison riot to start and put Faith in a position where she could either protect the guards or escape with the other inmates. If she passed we would arrange a parole for her; if she failed she would be stripped of her Slayer powers, re-captured and would serve the entire term of her sentence without possibility of parole. Luckily she decided to do the right thing and protect the guards.
Within a couple of weeks she was out and heading for LA. I sent a message to Cordelia via a vision to let her know what was happening and Faith is now working with Angel and the Fang Gang, allowing Wes to act as her unofficial Watcher.
I had completed my second mission before it WAS my mission. Due to my interference with Angels curse, he was firmly on the right path. The fact that he was fighting the good fight because he wanted to, not because of some prophecy was seen as a very good sign. Especially as the prophecy had already been fulfilled in the eyes of the Powers.
It seems that he had already been granted his humanity but he rejected it, as he said that he wasn't able to protect the ones he loved as a normal human. He didn't find out about the prophecy to turn him human until later meant he never related the two, and no one up here told him otherwise. Have I mentioned how much I hate prophecies?
That meant that I had Buffy left to deal with, by far my hardest assignment to date. Although she seems to have gotten over the worst of it, she is still just going through the motions. If you didn't know her, you would think that she was perfectly fine. To the people who know and love her, she's anything but fine. They can all see what the problem is; I'm the second man she's loved that had to die to save the world. The fact she blames herself for both occasions just makes it worse. I hoped that when she read my letter I left that it would help and in a way it did. the only problem was that it wasn't enough.
The others are helping her as best they can, but they all know that they're not what Buffy needs. Normally when Buffy is feeling down, the one that could make her feel better is myself. The fact that I'm the reason she's feeling down, coupled with the fact that there was nothing I can do physically, means that she has to come out of it by herself. That is something that isn't going to be happening any time soon.
Now it seems that things are only going to get worse. It seems that we missed one of Glory's lackey's when we rescued Dawn. Doc was Glory's right hand man, and was going to be the one to perform the actual ceremony to open the portal. When we turned up ahead of time and ruined everything, he laid low.
Now he's teaming up with some high-level demons, the ones that weren't happy with my becoming a Power, to take out Earth. Once they've done that, they're coming for us.
The news gets worse when one of the other Powers informs 'Him' an ancient prophecy was found in the celestial archives. It seems that this thing is as old as the boss and just appeared in the archives a day or two ago.
'The creature of darkness that becomes a Power for light will become the catalyst for a war to end all wars.
He must team with the Champions of Earth to combat the forces of darkness that threaten Earth and the Celestial plane.'
The boss is NOT happy with this situation, 'He' wants the situation dealt with and it seems that I am the one to do it.
Have I mentioned how much I hate prophecies?
Xander decides that it would be best to contact the Fang Gang first, as he hopes that they will hear him out without trying to kill him first. Another reason is that he doesn't quite know how Buffy would react to his return. The deciding factor was the need to help Cordelia out with her vision problem. Humans aren't meant to have the visions that she has, the trauma it causes on her mind are cumulative, over time it will cause permanent and fatal brain damage. Xander will not allow that to happen if he can help it.
He observes the gang and waits until they are all present in the Hyperion lobby. Once they're all there, he materializes in front of them all.
Xander: "Hi guys, I'm back!"
Five shocked faces and a bewildered one greet him. Angel manages to get his power of speech back first.
Angel: "Xander?"
Xander performs a very theatrical bow to the Fang Gang.
Xander: "Yes Angel, Alexander Lavelle Harris at your service"
He notices that Angel looks at Gunn and Wesley, who move towards the weapons cabinet. He puts his hands up in a placating gesture.
Xander: "Before you start grabbing the weaponry, I come in peace. I'm still a good guy"
Cordelia: "How?"
Xander: "How am I here or how am I still a good guy?
Cordelia: "Both Dweeb Boy"
Xander: "You have no idea how much I missed that. To answer your question, it seems that even when I die I don't get to relax. I'm here to help you out"
Faith by now has got out of her initial shock of the re-emergence of the original Slayerette.
Faith: "How do we know that you're telling us the truth and not here to try and kill us?"
Xander: "What is it with Slayers and their suspicious minds? Faith, if I wanted you dead Faith you would be"
Faith: "And what could you do, you weren't that hot before you bought the big one, I doubt you got better after you died"
There is a sudden burst of laughter from Xander and soon everyone except Faith is laughing out loud.
Faith: "What's so funny?"
Gunn: "You know you keep asking us who took Wolfram & Hart out of commission a while back?"
Faith: "Yeah and you always dodge the answer, what's that got to do with it?"
Xander answers her question before anyone else can.
Xander: "I was the one that took them out. I was also the one that took out the big bad in Sunnydale, a demon goddess no less. So I died in the process but it still counts damn it. However to convince you fully that I am still a White Hat, Cordy should be able to explain if she takes the time to look"
Xander then looks directly at Cordelia. After a few seconds a shocked expression appears on her face for the second time in a few minutes.
Cordelia: "He's telling the truth guys"
Angel: "How can you tell Cor?"
Cordelia: "It seems that my visions allow me to sense good guys and Xander is definitely one of them. He's one of the Powers That Be!"
Xander: "You're absolutely right Cor, I'm 'His' latest recruit. It seemed that my reputation preceded me and 'He' decided that I would be a good addition to the team"
Once again shocked faces greet him after this revelation. This time it's Wesley that comes round first.
Wesley: "I thought that the PTB didn't recruit, that they simply were?"
Xander: "It seems that with the power I had before I died, they didn't really have a lot of choices on what to do with me. it actually took a month for them to decide"
Angel: "Why are you here? Normally Cordy would just get a vision if the Powers wanted us to prevent something"
Xander: "You're right, normally you would. However the situation calls for a more hands on approach this time I'm afraid"
Fred: "I may be new to this but that doesn't sound good"
Xander: "It never is but you'll get used to it. I'm afraid to say that there's another prophecy"
As soon as he said prophecy Faith starts pacing and throwing her arms around.
Faith: "Uh-uh, I don't want to be a part of no fucking prophecy! You can keep me out of it"
Xander: "Hey, I don't like this anymore than you do Faith; the last prophesy I was in cost me my life! Do you think I like not being with the woman I love and all of my friends?"
Faith: "Doesn't seem like you did badly out of it, becoming a Power and all"
Xander: "Oh yeah, death is such a wonderful experience I wish I could experience it every year. Of course you benefited from my demise though; you would still be in prison if I hadn't convinced the others to give you another chance"
Faith didn't seem to like the thought that she was helped with her early release. She goes right up to him and starts poking him in the chest with her finger following each word.
Faith: "I got out all by myself! I didn't need any help from anyone!"
Xander grabs her hand and she finds that she is unable to get out of his grasp.
Xander: "You got out because you made the right choice Faith, plain and simple. If you hadn't protected those guards during that riot, your powers would have been stripped and you would have spent the rest of your life behind bars"
Xander releases Faith's arm and she takes a few steps back. She is silent for a couple of seconds and when she does speak it's barely above a whisper.
Faith: "You did that?"
Xander: "I arranged for the prison riot, yes. I needed to prove to the others that you had turned over a new leaf and was ready to get back in the game. I stuck my neck out for you, I'm glad my 'faith' was justified"
Cordelia groans at Xander's attempt at a joke.
Cordelia: "Your jokes haven't got any better"
Xander: "You can't improve on perfection Cor. As I'm down here I thought I would help sort out your vision problem"
Cordelia: "What vision problem, I can see fine?"
Xander: "Your other vision problem Cor. Every time you get a vision from us you get a rather bad headache don't you?"
Cordelia: "Yeah, tell me something I don't know"
Xander: "They're killing you"
Fang Gang: "What!"
The entire Fang Gang are now aiming death glares right at him. If those stares were lasers he would be a pile of one-inch cubes now.
Xander: "Hey don't shoot the messenger! Humans don't have the physiology to have the types of visions you are getting, every time you get a vision it is causing brain damage. If you continue to get them as you are, eventually the damage will be irreversible. Doyle did get the headaches but not the brain damage as he was half demon"
Cordelia: "How can you help?"
Xander: "That depends. You have a choice to make; I can either remove them or make them painless"
Cordelia: "What's the catch?"
Xander: "Always straight to the point. To make sure the visions cause you no further pain, I'll have to make you less human"
Cordelia: "You want me to be part demon like Doyle!"
Xander: "Have you forgotten who I work for now? Do you really think that 'He' would make you part demon? If we did make you part demon you would still get the headaches. You would actually become part 'higher being'. It would just be enough to stop the pain, although there would be a couple of other advantages. Before you ask, not even 'He' knows what those advantages will be; this offer has never been given before. If I hadn't been up there, it wouldn't have been"
Cordelia: "What if I choose to have them removed?"
Xander: "I'd remove them, no questions asked. The downside would be that there would not be a replacement, which means that Angel would lose his link to us. The choice is ultimately yours; I won't try to sway you in any way, not that I could if I tried"
Cordelia soon returns his lop-sided grin with a far more attractive one; with this exchange the tension of the situation reduces considerably.
Cordelia: "How long are you here for? It's not that I'm unhappy to see you; I just want to know how long I have to decide. I'm not sure how many more of these headaches I can handle"
Xander: "You do realise that you're the first one who has actually said they're happy to see me"
Gunn: "Of course we're happy to see you man, it's just that we never expected to again"
Gunn comes over and they perform a highly complicated handshake.
Xander: "Hey I understand completely Gunn, it must have been a shock to the system. In answer to your question Cor, how long I'm here depends on how long it takes to stop the Horde of Darkness from destroying the world and the celestial plane"
Once more shocked faces greet him. It's actually starting to annoy him a bit.
Wesley: "You are joking?"
Xander: "I only wish I were Wes. That is what the prophecy is about and I'm smack dab in the middle of it. Have I told you all how much I hate prophecies?"
Gunn: "Well shit, they really like to screw with you don't they? I mean I haven't known you long but you've already been shafted twice"
Xander: "You have no idea, and it's three times as far as I'm concerned. I know you all have questions, but I really need to talk to Angel for a couple of minutes first. Can we use your office?"
Angel: "Sure, follow me"
Angel and Xander head off to his office.
Angel: "What's wrong Xander?"
Xander: "I wanted to thank you for taking care of Buffy and the other after I died"
Angel: "There's no thanks necessary Xander, I was pleased to help out"
Xander: "I know but I wanted to say it anyway. There's something else I need to tell you, but I don't know how to bring it up"
Angel: "Just tell me"
Xander: "OK but I doubt you'll be happy about. The Shansu prophecy has already been fulfilled, you rejected it"
Angel: "What are you on about?"
Xander: "You remember when you faced that Mohra Demon and you became human?"
Angel: "I rejected it because I couldn't protect Buffy as a human, but the prophecy talks about me stopping an apocalypse. How can that have anything to do with the prophecy?"
Xander: "Although it wasn't due to an averted apocalypse, you were given your humanity, so the PTB decided that the prophecy had been fulfilled"
Angel starts to throw things around the office, Xander managing to dodge whatever comes his way. When Gunn and Wesley come in to see what's wrong, Xander simply gestures that everything's fine and they leave.
Xander: "I'm sorry Angel; they didn't want me to tell you as they thought that you would stop fighting the good fight if you knew"
Angel: "And you don't?"
Xander: "I just felt you deserved to know, what you decide to do is up to you. But to answer your question, I didn't think you were fighting for your humanity. You fight because it's the right thing to do; getting your humanity was a bonus. Anyway, with the spell I used to anchor your soul, in a few decades you'll be able to do everything that a human can, more or less"
That calms Angel down and he drops heavily into his chair.
Angel: "I just hate that they, you, manipulate everyone so much"
Xander: "If I were one of them I wouldn't be down here fixing their problems. Believe me I have no intention of towing the line"
Angel: "You're not the average Power are you?"
Xander: "I think they're beginning to see that. The only reason I got this job I think is because I really got screwed over"
Angel: "What do you mean?"
His shoulders slump and he leans against the desk. A feeling of sadness is coming off him in waves.
Xander: "One of the first things they told me when I arrived was that I was capable of killing Glory without needing the Sword of Avalon. I didn't need to die, but because of that prophecy I didn't consider anything else. I should have known when I was cutting her with the sword before it was activated but I had resigned myself to the fact that I had to die"
Angel: "That's what you meant by being screwed over three times. I'm surprised you're helping them"
Xander: "If the world goes, Buffy goes with it. I died hoping she'd get to live a long and happy life, I'm going to make sure that happens if I have to die a thousand times over to accomplish it"
Angel says nothing he simply nods in understanding. He then realises that Xander's there in LA rather than in Sunnydale.
Angel: "That said why did you come here first? I would have thought she would have been the first person you'd want to see"
Xander: "Believe me she is but I'm not sure how she is going to cope with me being back, only to leave again one way or the other. That and I'm not sure if I'll be able to leave again if I see her too soon"
Angel: "I understand. This prophecy you're here about, does it go into any details?"
Xander: "I tell you it's the vaguest prophecy I've ever read and I've read a fair few; 'The creature of darkness that becomes a Power for light will become the catalyst for a war to end all wars. He must team with the Champions of Earth to combat the forces of darkness that threaten the world and the Celestial plane.' Have I mentioned how much I hate prophecies?"
Angel: "Gunn is right, you really do like to screw with you don't they? I guess that both Faith and I are 'Champions of Earth'?"
Xander: "As is Buffy and a few others. There are actually quite a few around the world, I'm going to have to get them all together before we can begin getting ready. Luckily I'm still the owner of Zeppo Industries, so getting them all here won't be too difficult"
Angel: "Why don't you just summon them here magically?"
Xander: "If I were still a Savox demon I would, but doing so as a Power would raise alarms with the bad guys. We don't want to show our hand until we have to and they already have the advantage"
Angel: "Getting back on topic, I don't think you can delay seeing Buffy and the others Xander. Ten to one Cordy is already ringing them and telling them you're here"
Xander: "SHIT! I didn't think of that, I better go see them before I do anything else. I don't want to teleport as it'll be too risky, feel like giving me a lift?"
Angel: "Sure, we'll all go. We can run interference if they decide to try and kill you"
Xander: "Thanks, I'll probably need it"
Cordelia then barges into the room.
Xander: "What's up Cor?"
Cordelia: "Why didn't you tell us you hadn't contacted Buffy?"
Xander: "I haven't been on earth for very long, I've been pretty busy"
Cordelia: "That's no excuse, Buffy and the others are on their way and they're pissed!"
Xander: "That's just great, all I need is a Buffy bomb to deal with. I'm guessing that there'll be a Willow bomb and a Dawn bomb as well. I guess I don't need that ride Angel, but I'll still need backup so I can try to explain before they try to rip me to pieces"
Angel: "You need it you got it"
Xander: "Thanks"
Cordelia: "You better give me those 'higher being' powers before they get here then, in case you're incapable of doing it afterwards"
Xander: "So you've decided to keep the visions then?"
Cordelia: "They're kind of my thing, they help us help others. I would be selfish to ask for them to be removed"
Xander walks over and puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Xander: "No one would think differently if you did Cor. You weren't given a choice about receiving the visions; you do have a choice about keeping them"
Cordelia: "I've made my choice, I want to keep them"
Xander: "OK then it'll only take about a minute to fix. You ready?"
Cordelia gives the nod and Xander lays his hands on her head. His hands begin to glow and that glow transfers onto Cordelia's head. The glow spreads to her entire body and then after a few seconds it disappears.
Xander: "All done. To make sure that it has worked, I'm going to send you a vision"
Cordelia: "I'm ready"
Xander sends her a memory of them in a broom closet together during High School. It was the only thing he could think of at short notice, that and the fact he wanted to annoy her a little. Once the vision is over she slaps him on the arm.
Cordelia: "Hey you perv!"
Xander: "I never said it would be an important vision. Did it hurt?"
Cordelia: "Not physically, but the mental scars will be there for a long time"
Angel: "What did he send you?"
Both Xander and Cordelia can see the barely hidden jealousy showing on Angel's face. Cordelia decides that telling him exactly what it was would only makes things worse so she just gives him the basics.
Cordelia: "Just a memory of High School. Thank you for fixing the visions Xand"
Xander: "I'm glad I can help. When we have time I'll help you work out what your other powers are but I have hurricane Buffy to deal with first. I'm guessing that Buffy will be driving so they'll be here in about 90 minutes. Angel have you got any food, I haven't eaten in months"
Angel: "Not really, unless you're on a liquid diet as well. I'll ring for some take out"
Xander: "You're a scholar and a gentleman"
Angel: "I should be, I was born in the age of chivalry after all"
Cordelia: "Why don't we go back into the lobby and I'll introduce you to Fred"
Both Angel and Xander nod and they all leave Angel's office and go back into the hotel lobby.
Cordelia: "Xander Harris I would like to introduce you to Winifred Burkle, Winifred Burkle I would like you to meet Xander Harris"
Fred: "It's a pleasure to meet you"
He leans down and kisses the back of her hand, causing her to blush. Neither Wesley nor Gunn seem to be too happy with her response.
Xander: "The pleasure is all mine, I've seen what an asset you'll be"
Fred: "So you're one of the Powers That Be?"
Xander: "Guilty as charged milady"
She blushes a little more at the comment and now both Wesley and Gunn are giving Xander death glares.
Fred: "What's it like?"
Xander: "I don't feel that different to before, except for the whole being dead thing of course. I always did my best to look after the ones I love, this allows me to do it more effectively"
Fred: "Don't you ever think of yourself?"
Xander: "My happiness comes from knowing that the people I love are happy. You'll be glad to hear that you now fit into that category"
The blush deepens on Fred's face. The death glares coming from Wesley and Gunn intensifies.
Fred: "You love me?"
Xander caught the glares he was receiving from Fred's would be suitors and realises that he needs to reassure them that there is only one woman he would ever, could ever, feel that way towards.
Xander: "Not in the way you think I mean, Buffy is the only women I am in love with. You are however a part of the family as far as I'm concerned. I saw how you helped everyone out in Sunnydale when you were all there and I can never thank you enough for that. I can see that you are a good person and that Angel and the others like you. Even Faith likes you and that is a difficult thing to achieve"
Faith comes over and slaps the back of his head.
Faith: "I heard that!"
Xander: "And?"
Faith: "Just saying is all"
Xander: "You know I meant nothing by it Faith, it's just that you've never been one for letting people in. It's good to see that you've changed your opinion on that"
Faith: "Well I had a lot of time to think in the joint and I realised that I needed to trust people more. You helped me start on that road by the way; you were the only one in the Dale that tried to be friends with me just because you wanted to. Sorry for trying to kill you by the way"
Xander: "Don't worry about it, you wouldn't have been able to anyway"
Faith: "And why is that?"
Xander: "Because before I died I was a pureblood Savox demon"
Faith: "WHAT!"
Xander: "I said before I died I was a pureblood Savox demon"
Faith: "You've got to be fucking kidding me! I slept with a demon?"
Xander: "Could you say that with a little less disgust in your voice please? I actually enjoyed myself that night, apart from when you kicked me out of your room before I even had a chance to get dressed"
Faith: "I just cannot believe that you were a demon"
Angel decides to step in to the conversation, thinking that she would accept it faster if he corroborated his story.
Angel: "He's telling you the truth Faith. It came as a surprise to all of us I assure you. By the way I've just ordered the food, it should be here in twenty minutes"
Faith: "How come you kept it quiet Xand?"
Xander: "The reasons I kept it a secret are many and varied but that doesn't really matter anymore seeing as I'm dead now"
The tone in Xander's voice made it clear that that part of the conversation was closed, something that was understood by everyone.
Faith: "I get that you don't want to get into it and your right, it doesn't really matter now. Hey I was thinking, if you could have gotten away from me any time you wanted, why didn't you?"
Xander: "I knew that you were living on a knife edge and needed help. If you were going to let rip on someone I was the safest choice, being practically indestructible and all. I was hoping that I would get through to you before you went too far"
Faith: "You were starting to get through to me near the end. I'm not sure which way I was gonna go, Angel came in just before I made my decision. I'd like to think I wasn't going to go through with it but I'm honestly unsure"
Xander: "It was probably a good thing he turned up when he did. If you hadn't have made stopped yourself I would have hated killing you, seeing as you were my first and all"
Hearing that, Faith's eyes nearly popped out of her head. It takes several seconds before she is even able to speak again.
Faith: "You telling me that you would have killed me?"
Xander looks at the ground for several seconds before he lifts his head and looks Faith in the eyes and responds.
Xander: "Yes Faith I would have. Believe me when I tell you it would have been one of the hardest things I would have had to do, but there was no way that I would have let you live if I thought you were going to be a danger to Buffy and the others. I made that mistake once in my life, I wasn't going to do it again"
Everyone can hear the pain in his voice as he talked, something that was a million miles away from the Xander that always has a hint of humour in his voice no matter the circumstances. Momentarily forgetting that he just told her he was willing to kill her, she gently places a hand on her shoulder.
Faith: "What are you on about Boytoy?"
Xander is unable to speak, his throat becoming tight. It's almost as though his body is fighting his mind. The only person that truly understands what he is on about decides to say it for him.
Angel: "He's talking about me. Xander could have killed me at any time when I lost my soul but he didn't"
Faith: "Why didn't you?"
Xander: "I knew that if I did Buffy would never have talked to me again, which was something that I couldn't live with. It still isn't something I can live with, however if I had the decision to make again I would choose differently; my happiness isn't worth the pain everyone went through"
Xander notices the guilt that flows over Angel's face.
Xander: "I'm sorry I brought it up Angel. We all know that you weren't responsible for the things that happened. If anything I'm the one responsible"
Angel: "If I am not responsible then neither are you, but believing that will take time. I may not have had any control over what happened but I still have the memories. I still can't look Giles in the eye and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to"
Faith was watching the two of them and gets a confused look on her face.
Faith: "How come you're all buddy buddy? Last time I saw you two together you hated being in the same continent, let alone trying to console each other"
Xander: "We cleared the air on a lot of things the last time I was here. we just had no reason to keep hating each other anymore"
Angel: "He doesn't even call me DeadBoy anymore, I never thought I'd say this but I kind of miss it. Anyway it was Xander who anchored my soul and killed the demon inside. It was pretty difficult to keep hating him after that"
Xander: "It's a little redundant me calling you DeadBoy now don't you think, seeing as I'm no longer among the living myself"
Angel: "You have a point"
Faith: "Hold up, did you just say that Xander anchored your soul? I never thought you were good with the magic?"
Xander: "That was what I needed everyone to believe. In actual fact I am quite adept at magic, although most of my skills weren't my own there were inherited from my descendants"
Faith: "Why did you do it?"
Xander: "I wanted to ensure that Angelus never got out again and I thought that Angel deserved to have a little happiness as well. I also made a promise to Angelus that when he died I would be there and I was"
Faith: "You've got some sort of White Knight complex haven't you?"
Xander and Angel look at each other and share a small smile.
Xander: "You wouldn't be the first to say that"
Fred decides to re-enter the conversation.
Fred: "What is 'He' like?"
Xander: "I'm afraid that we have to sign a non-disclosure contract when we get up there. No one gets to know until they should know. Unless 'He' decides to grace us with a visit of course"
Cordelia: "Does 'He' do that often?"
Xander: "Only when the urge to play Skee-Ball is too great"
Cordelia: "What?"
Xander: "Nothing"
Faith: "I don't know about you but all this heart to heart bullshit gives me the need to fight something. Feel up to a bit of sparring BoyToy?"
Xander: "It might be a good idea, it has been a few months since the last time I kicked somebody's ass, and it might as well be yours than anyone else's"
Faith: "Just so you know I won't be holding back"
Xander: "You shouldn't, I could take Buffy down in two seconds flat"
Faith: "I don't want to know about your kinky ways BoyToy"
Xander: "Do you ever bring your mind out of the gutter?"
Faith: "Do you ever stop smelling like one?"
Before she knows what's happening, she's flying through the air. Just as she prepares to land, she suddenly finds herself being caught by Xander.
Xander: "Have a nice flight?"
He drops her to the floor and then backs away, taking up a fighting stance. The grin on his face really pisses her off.
Faith: "Man, am I going to enjoy kicking your ass!"
Faith barely finished her sentence when she charged at Xander, hoping to catch him by surprise. The surprise was hers when he sidestepped her with ease, barely even looking in her direction.
Xander: "I see the joint has made you rusty"
Faith growls and charges him again. This time he doesn't move and she hits him with a thunderous right hand, catching him square in the jaw. The only thing that hurts is her hand.
Faith: "Shit Xand, are you made of granite or something?"
Xander: "No, although I'm not entirely sure I'm flesh and blood either. I am dead don't forget"
Faith suddenly gets a gleam in her eyes and Xander can tell what she is going to do. When she goes to kick him in the balls, his body suddenly becomes translucent and her foot goes straight through him. The momentum of her kick overbalances her and she falls to the floor.
Faith: "How did you do that?"
Xander: "I'm one of the PTB, we can do just about anything; unless 'He' decides otherwise. So, you still have an urge to kill something?"
Faith: "Yeah but I think I'll just do a late patrol after eating, there's less chance of getting permanent damage"
Xander: "The only thing I would have damaged is your pride. It's a good lesson to learn Faith; never underestimate your opponent, that's the quickest way to an early grave in this gig"
Faith: "I hear you. Hey Fang, where's the food?"
As if on cue, the deliveryman with the take out comes through the hotel doors. Angel goes over and pays him while Faith and Fred take the food from him and start rummaging through them to see what Angel ordered. Soon they are all getting stuck into the food and talking about everything and nothing. The only thing they don't talk about is the fact that the Sunnydale gang will soon be there, headed by an angry slayer who doesn't have a good track record for allowing rational thought to get in the way of hitting something.
Eighty-seven minutes and fifty-six seconds after Cordelia's phone call, Buffy and the others burst into the hotel. Even a blind man could tell that there was an extremely pissed off slayer in the vicinity, and for once it wasn't Faith.
Buffy: "Where is he!"
Xander, along with everyone else in the room, can hear the 'I'm going to kick your ass' tone in her voice so he decides to stay hidden in Angel's office for the time being, he's not ready for a Buffy bomb just yet. Angel decides to take a stab at trying to diffuse the situation.
Angel: "Before you start Buffy, you need to understand he had only been here a few minutes when Cordelia rang. He hadn't had a chance to contact you as we were all trying to come to terms with seeing him again"
Although it was a worthy effort, there was no chance of cooling down the inferno disguised as Buffy Summers.
Buffy: "And why did he come her first and not to see me, to see his family? What makes you all more important?"
Annoying Buffy had always been fun for Cordelia and seeing the jealousy radiating off of her is almost too much to bear. Before she makes a rash comment, she manages to realise that they need to calm her down so they can start to talk about the coming battle.
Cordelia: "He came to help me with my visions. They were slowly causing me brain damage, as humans weren't meant to have them. He was given permission to make me part 'higher being' to stop the pain. You know that Xander can't stand idly by if he can help someone out"
Not hearing anything from Buffy for a few seconds, Xander decides that this was as good a time as any to make an appearance. As soon as she sees him she rushes over and hits him in the jaw as hard as she could. The fact she did it with a baseball bat did not go unnoticed by the Fang Gang. The shock of seeing Buffy left him unprepared for the blow and he stumbled back a couple of steps before falling on his ass. Buffy goes to hit him again but is intercepted by Angel and Faith.
Angel: "That's enough Buffy"
Faith: "Yeah B, you're acting a little crazed aren't you?"
She ignored both of them and locks eyes with Xander, who has got back up and whose head can be seen between Faith and Angel.
Buffy: "You bastard!"
Xander: "My parents were married when I was born so you're factually incorrect, although they had only been married three days when I was born but that's beside the point"
Buffy completely ignores Xander's attempt at levity, her anger clouding everything.
Buffy: "You die and leave me to cope on my own and then when you do return you don't even come and see me!"
Xander: "You weren't on your own, you had all of your friends and family around you. I have only been on Earth a couple of hours and as Cor told you, I came here first to help her with her vision problem. I was going to send a guy called Skip but because of a situation that's come up I could do it myself"
Buffy: "Are you telling me that if it wasn't for this situation we would never have seen you again!"
How she managed to put so much venom into the word situation is one of life's mysteries.
Xander: "Not until you joined me in Heaven no. Both you and Angel had unfinished business, a destiny that was unfulfilled, that's why you both returned. Although the CPR I administered may have helped you a little bit. I on the other hand had no such luck. Do you really think it was my choice? If it had been up to me I would have never left, but that choice was taken from me, just like everything else"
Before she gets a chance to respond, Xander comes out from behind Faith and Angel, leaving him open to attack. It looks like Buffy is going to hit him again but instead she runs up to him and pulls him into a vice-like hug. Both Angel and Faith look on completely confused.
Buffy: "I missed you so much, you have no idea how much"
Xander: "I know exactly how much as I felt the same way. I'm sorry I didn't come to see you first; I wasn't sure how you would take my being here. Cordy was telling you the truth, her visions were slowly killing her and I couldn't let that happen"
Faith: "Hold up; one second she's using you for batting practise and now you're all lovey dovey? What gives?"
Xander: "I was expecting the violence, in fact I'm surprised she didn't use something sharp like an axe. She just needed to get the anger out of the way and nothing does it better than trying to bludgeon the cause of it"
That comment gets him a smack on the should form Buffy but she doesn't relinquish her hold of him.
Buffy: "Hey, I'm right here you know!"
Anything else that was going to be said went out the window when Xander and Buffy are nearly knocked over again by two streaks, one redhead and one brunette. They join Buffy in trying to crush him with hugs. There is complete silence in the lobby for a couple of minutes, both the Scooby Gang and the Fang Gang watching the four with smiles on their faces. The silence is finally broken by Willow.
Willow: "We thought you were dead!"
Xander can't help but smirk at that comment. Sometimes even the smartest people can say the stupidest things.
Xander: "I am dead Wills"
Dawn: "What do you mean you're dead, you're right here?"
It seems that Willow is in good company as far as stupidity is concerned.
Xander: "So is Angel and he hasn't been alive for quite some time. No offence"
Angel: "None taken, after all you're just stating fact"
Willow: "What are you then, a Vampire?"
Xander: "Please. How many Vamps could take a baseball bat to the head from a Slayer swinging at full strength? Even if I were, Angel and the others would have either dusted me or chained me up so you could dust me or curse me"
Dawn: "He's also been gone for months and we know he wasn't turned as we were all there when he…"
She begins to cry when she starts to remember the events of that day, but starts to stop when she feels Xander kiss the top of her head.
Xander: "It's OK Dawnie, please don't cry"
Dawn: "But you died!"
Xander: "Yes I did, there's no way I can really lie about that is there? I know what it's like to lose someone you care about Dawn, but as long as you keep them in your head and in your heart they're never really gone. Anyway, apart from the whole dying thing I'm feeling pretty good."
Dawn nods her head in agreement; she laughs a little at his unique brand of humour but is still sniffling a little.
Buffy: "Are you staying?"
The hope in her voice both warms and breaks Xander's heart. He wants to tell her yes but he knows that lying to her would only make things worse in the end.
Xander: "I'll be here for a while Buff, but once everything has been settled I'll have to go back. If the situation weren't so unique I wouldn't be here at all, we're not normally allowed to directly interfere with what happens down here"
Buffy is the first one to release the death-grip like hold on me. Willow and Dawn keep hugging me but relax their grips. Everyone can tell that Buffy is barely keeping herself from crying her eyes out.
Buffy: "Why can't you stay? And what do you mean by 'we'?"
Xander: "I'm one of the Powers That Be Buffy, which means that I'm bound by rules that have been around much longer than Earth"
It's at this point that Giles makes his presence known.
Giles: "Dear God, Xander you can't be serious!"
Xander: "I am very serious. And you shouldn't take 'His' name in vain Giles"
Xander tries hard not to smile when he sees Giles go for his glasses to clean them, a sure sign of trouble, only to find he wasn't wearing any. Giles had corrective surgery a month ago to cure his eyesight and still hasn't had got used to it.
Giles: "Yes, quite. By the way it's bloody good to see you again"
Xander: "You too Giles"
He goes over and firmly shakes Xander's hand, a slight glint in his eyes. Dawn and Willow finally release him and the two hug, in a manly way, for a few seconds. Giles had always seen Xander as the son he never had and to see him again is close to overwhelming. After a moment or two, Giles comes out of his uncharacteristic show of emotion and reverts back into Watcher-Mode.
Giles: "Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I was under the impression that the Powers That Be were not allowed to directly intervene in matters on Earth under any circumstances?"
Xander: "As usual you're right Giles, but this particular situation has made it necessary for the rules to change"
Giles was about to ask another question when Joyce comes over and kisses him on the cheek, doing the same thing to Xander.
Joyce: "I know that we all want to know why you're here and I'm sure it isn't just for a chat but I think that we can forego that for a while don't you Rupert"
Giles blushes a little at the public show of affection but quickly nods in agreement. Xander is happy that Joyce and Giles have finally gotten together, another thing that his death helped happen. His dying brought home to both of them how short life really was and that they should grab every chance at happiness available. Once they had professed their feelings to one another, they started to worry about how Buffy would take the news. Those worries were unfounded when she hugged both of them and told them how happy she was for both of them. She did tell them that if she found them in a compromising position that she would need to be committed immediately so she didn't rip Giles' balls off. He was silent for a full two hours before he gave her his word that she never would.
Xander: "No one would agree with you more than I would Joyce, but I'm not really sure how much time we actually have"
Tara: "How bad is it Xander?"
Xander goes over and hugs the blonde Wicca for a few seconds before kissing her on the top of the head and releasing her.
Xander: "One word explanation; prophecy"
A collective groan comes from the Scooby Gang. Tara takes this opportunity to go over and give Xander a hug.
Tara: "You really have the worst luck don't you?"
Xander: "Like you wouldn't believe Tare. Have I told you all how much I hate prophecies?"
Buffy: "You're not the only one, I particularly hated the last one we were involved in"
A tear rolls down her cheek and Xander, after releasing Tara, goes over and gives her a hug to comfort her, kissing the tear away.
Xander: "The problem started when I was recruited to become one of the PTB"
Angel: "I can imagine that there were a few that weren't too happy that a demon was made a Power. I honestly didn't think we could even get there"
Xander: "Neither did I but it has happened before, the last one was several thousand years ago so I was told. You're right that there were one or two that disagreed with 'His' decision. However once 'He' made it clear who the boss was they towed the line, mostly. Our problem comes from the other side. Quite a few of them see me as a 'traitor to the cause' and they feel that the balance has shifted too much and they need to take action. We only found out about this when a prophecy appeared in the celestial archives. They have teamed up with Glory's second in command with the intention of destroying Earth, and then they're vying for the celestial plane"
Giles: "What do you mean Glory's second-in -command, I thought that we got all of Glory's followers?"
Xander: "So did I. It seems that Doc, that's his name by the way, stayed in the shadows and was only going to show himself when he was to perform the ceremony to send them home. It seems that he isn't too happy we killed his goddess and prevented him from ever going home and wants some payback"
Before any more questions could be asked, Buffy decides to cut into the conversation.
Buffy: "Before we start going into full blown work-mode, I want to talk to Xander alone for a while"
Angel: "Of course, you can use any of the rooms on the third floor"
Cordelia: "Keep you mind out of the gutter Angel"
Angel: "I meant that they could speak privately up there, not anything else. Anyway, you must have a dirty mind as well if you thought I was being rude"
Xander: "Not to begrudge you two from having another one of your now famous quarrels, although the ones I had with Cordy were far superior, I think that Buffy and I will take you up on your offer Angel. When we come back down I'll tell you what we need to do, if you're willing of course, free will and all"
Buffy and Xander go up and go into one of the rooms on the third floor. As soon as they close the door she jumps into his arms.
Buffy: "I love you"
Xander: "I love you too, always have always will"
They stay that way for several minutes, just looking into each other's eyes. Eventually Xander gently lowers Buffy to the floor. A tint of sadness appears in her eyes.
Buffy: "You're not staying are you?"
Xander: "I'm not allowed. Once we've dealt with the horde, I'll have to return. Believe me I don't want to, staying here with you is all I can think of, but I have no choice"
Buffy: "How long?"
Xander: "Haven't a clue. It'll take time to get everyone we need, then to prepare for the upcoming battle"
Buffy: "Then we better make the most of the time we do have. You do realise that we've never even kissed"
Xander: "That thought had crossed my mind a few million times a day"
We walk towards each other and she puts her arms around his neck, his arms instinctively wrap around her waist. They slowly move closer to each other, their lips mere millimetres apart…
Dawn: "Guys! There's someone on the phone for Xander!"
'Does the entire universe like fucking with me!' is the thought that both of them have at the same moment.
Xander: "I just can't catch a break can I?"
Buffy: "Neither of us can"
Xander: "I'll be right down Dawnie!"
Buffy: "Before you leave you will give me that kiss"
Xander: "If I have my way I'll be giving you a lot more than that"
The blush that appears on Buffy's face, coupled with the impish like grin on her face warms Xander's heart.
Buffy: "We better go downstairs"
Xander simply nods, kisses the top of her head and then they go back down stairs. Everyone looks at them with wide grins on their faces. Instantly, Xander knows that they've been had.
Xander: "There was no one on the phone was there?"
A devilish grin is securely plastered on her face.
Dawn: "No, I just didn't want you two getting up to anything naughty"
Xander: "Before I leave we will be having a conversation young lady, count on it"
The tone in Xander's voice tells her exactly how he is feeling towards her at the moment and she realises that she may have been a bit hasty with her idea of a joke. Joyce gives Xander a glare indicating she didn't like the way he spoke to her youngest daughter but says nothing as she knows how she would feel if their roles were reversed. She also knows that Xander wouldn't hurt a hair on Dawn's head.
Xander: "Right now that we're back down, I shall tell you what is going to happen. The battle we are facing will be too much for us alone, so I shall be bringing other Champions here to help"
Giles: "I hope you don't mind my asking Xander, but who?"
Xander: "Firstly I will be getting the Halliwell sisters and their Whitelighter"
A high-pitched squeal suddenly pierces the air, actually shattering the chandelier hanging in the lobby.
Willow: "I get to meet the Charmed Ones! I get to meet the Charmed Ones!"
Willow is now running around like a headless chicken, Tara trying but failing to calm her down. After enjoying the show for a few more seconds, the conversation continues?
Dawn: "Who are the Charmed Ones?"
Xander: "They are the three most powerful natural born witches in the world"
Dawn: "Natural born witches?"
Xander: "They were witches from birth, as opposed to Willow who is a practitioner"
Dawn: "Oh. What's a Whitelighter?"
Xander: "All natural born witches are assigned a guardian angel, or Whitelighter, to guide and protect them. I will need to go to San Francisco to get them personally. They are recovering from a tragedy at the moment and I need to go carefully with them"
Joyce: "Who else will you be getting?"
Xander: "I won't actually need to get them all, some will find themselves heading to us in a week or so. Angel, I need to warn you that Blade will be coming. If I had a choice I wouldn't call him but we need everyone we've got"
Angel's face pales at the news, which is quite a feat considering he's a vampire and all.
Angel: "Shit. I hope that he'll at least listen before trying to stake me"
Xander: "It might be wise to have Faith between you two just to be on the safe side"
Buffy: "Who is this Blade and why would he stake Angel?"
Xander: "Blade is half vampire. He has all of their strengths but none of their weaknesses, apart from the thirst. He is also known as the Daywalker. The reason he doesn't like Angel, apart from the fact he'll sense him as a vampire, is that Angelus is the sire of Deacon Frost. Frost turned his mother while she was pregnant with him, making him what he is. He's damn good at what he does and all he does is kill vamps"
Faith: "I can see how that would be a problem. Can't you just give him orders not to kill Fang?"
Xander: "I would if I thought it would do any good. Blade isn't known as someone who follows orders. If Whistler were around he could probably control him, at least enough for Angel to explain the story before he kills him. Trouble is he was taken hostage by some vamps to keep Blade busy"
Buffy: "How long have they had him?"
Xander: "Years. Every time Blade gets close, they move him again"
Buffy: "But you know where he is so why don't you just tell him?"
Xander: "Actually I don't know where he is, the others won't tell me"
Angel understands straight away why he wasn't informed.
Angel: "They know that you'd go after him don't they?"
Xander: "Yep, it seems that my reputation as a White Knight preceded me"
They share a look that manages to go unnoticed.
Buffy: "Hey! I just realised that you said that Faith should get in the way. Why not me as well? Are you saying I can't protect him?"
Xander quickly takes a step back from her, noticing the fire behind her eyes.
Xander: "Of course not, I'm crazy not stupid. I was kind of hoping that you and Dawn would come with me to San Francisco, if Joyce doesn't mind of course"
That quickly extinguished the anger that was beginning to rise in Buffy, replacing it with excitement, as she had never been to San Francisco before. She looks towards Joyce with a pleading look in her eyes, she knows that she doesn't need her mother's permission to go but that doesn't mean that she doesn't want it.
Joyce: "Why would I mind, as far as I'm concerned the safest place on earth is wherever you are"
Xander suddenly finds the floor fascinating, as well as anywhere else that Joyce wasn't, finding it difficult to look into her eyes due to that compliment.
Xander: "I'm not quite sure what to say"
Joyce: "There's no need to say anything Xander, your actions say all that needs to be said"
Joyce goes over and kisses him on the cheek, something that causes him to blush.
Joyce: "Thank you for saving my daughter Xander. I wasn't able to tell you before, what with you dying"
Xander couldn't help but laugh at that, Joyce wasn't known to find humour in death but since her own brush with it her viewpoint has been changed.
Xander: "All part of the service. I wasn't going to let anything happen to one of my girls"
Faith: "Possessive much?"
Xander: "Jealous much?"
Seeing that a row was soon going to develop, Joyce decides to cut it off at the pass.
Joyce: "When will you be leaving?"
Xander: "As soon as possible, the sooner we get everything arranged the longer we have to prepare for the coming battle. I've arranged for the company jet to be prepared and ready to fly and it's now just waiting for us to get there."
Dawn: "How come we aren't just going via Air Xander like before?"
Xander: "The longer I can keep under their radar the better it is for all of us. I've gone over the details of the prophecy with Wes and Angel so if you could confer with them Giles and try to work out some specifics that would be a great help."
Giles: "Of course, I'll do whatever I can."
Xander: "Of that I have no doubt. You may not agree to this but I was going to suggest that we unbind your powers."
Confused looks cross the faces of the Scooby Gang, Joyce asking the question they all want to know.
Joyce: "What is he talking about Rupert?"
Giles looks a little hesitant as he explains to everyone.
Giles: "I've talked briefly about my 'Ripper' days in my youth, I was actually a rather powerful mage. I abused that power, Eyghon being the major example, and the only way I was allowed to join the council was to have my powers bound. I am still able to cast some simple spells but that is only a fraction of what I am capable of. I'm not entirely sure it would be a wise course of action Xander."
Seeing the way his suggestion has affected Giles, Xander makes sure that he's under no obligation.
Xander: "The choice is yours Giles, I will of course abide by your decision. Just know that you do have the option available to you and I wouldn't have even suggested it if I thought anything bad would come of it."
Giles: "I will consider it. In the meantime I will help with researching the prophecy. You said that you needed us to research the specifics, I take it that the prophecy is rather vague?"
Xander: "Not only that, it's also open ended. It only talks about the fact that a battle will occur, not what the outcome will be."
Buffy: "I would have thought that would be a good thing right?"
Xander: "It's definitely better than it detailing our failure that's for sure, I just hate that there are so many unanswered questions."
Seeing his frustration, Wesley walks up to him and puts a hand on his shoulder.
Wesley: "We shall endeavour to have some answers for you by the time you return."
Xander: "I know you will. Wills, would you and Tara start researching on defensive spells; shields, barriers, healing, anything that will be useful."
Willow: "I take it that we won't be on the front lines?"
Xander goes over to Willow and Tara, bringing them into a loose embrace.
Xander: "It would take you too far towards the black arts for my comfort, we don't need you being corrupted by the darkness halfway through the battle. The Charmed Ones are better suited to that type of magic, as they were born with their power."
Tara: "I don't like the fact were being side-lined."
Xander: "You won't be, far from it in fact. You two will be the medics, along with Leo. We're too smart to think that we'll get away unharmed in this, or that we won't need any medical assistance."
Angel: "You three better get a move on if you want to get to San Fran at a reasonable hour. I'll even give you a lift"
The realisation that they're leaving now reminds her of an important , well at least to her, point.
Buffy: "We don't have any clothes!"
Xander tries not to laugh at the look of pure horror that appears on hers and Dawn's faces.
Xander: "Don't worry, we'll sort all that out when we get there. Hey Angel, you sound like you're trying to get rid of us?"
Angel: "I wasn't going to say anything but now you've mentioned it…"
Xander: "Yack it up DB."
Angel: "DB?"
Xander: "I can't call you DeadBoy anymore so I decided on DB."
Angel: "It's better than Fang anyway."
Faith: "Hey!"
Angel: "Time's a wasting, lets hit the road."
Buffy and Dawn hug Joyce and the others goodbye and follow Xander and Angel out to the car.
Dawn: "This is so cool!"
Both Xander and Buffy look at Dawn with amused smiles. The entire time they have been on Xander's company jet, Dawn has been jumping around like she's had thirty cups of double espresso. This was her first real experience on a plane, she has memories of holidays but as she is not really more than a year old, she doesn't count them. She has gotten over the fact that she was nothing more than a ball of energy and is finally enjoying being Dawn summers. It's this fact that has them smiling.
Xander: "For the fiftieth time, I agree with you Dawn. You better sit down, we'll be landing soon"
Dawn: "Do I have to?" Using the pout and puppy eyes that normally meant she got what she wanted, she waits for them to cave.
Buffy/Xander: "YES!" Realising that she isn't going to win this one, she sits down. She does however ensure that she does so as slowly as possible.
Buffy: "What are we doing once we get there?"
Xander: "First thing we'll do is get checked in, it's too late to do anything else so we'll have an early night and then work out what to do in the morning" The raised eyebrow of Buffy when he was talking about an early night didn't escape him but knew better than to start talking about it in front of Dawn. Not because she was too young, living on the Hellmouth made people grow up quickly, but because she would blab everything to the others when they got back and Joyce scares him, Power or not.
They arrive ten minutes later in San Francisco, finding a stretch limousine waiting for them. They all get in and are taken to the Ritz Carlton, one of the most exclusive hotels in the city.
Concierge: "Good Evening Mr. Harris, the penthouse suite is ready and waiting for you. Do you have any bags sir?" Xander takes a quick look at his name badge before speaking.
Xander: "No Roger we don't, we had to get here as soon as possible and had little time to pack. I am sure that Buffy and Dawn here will be in the mood to rectify that situation tomorrow"
Roger: "I am sure that things can be arranged for them sir. The Porter will take you to your room"
Xander: "Thank you" Xander, Buffy and Dawn follow the Porter across the lobby to the elevator and take it to the top floor. Once there, they continue to follow him to the door to their room. When he opens it both Dawn and Buffy gasp in shock. They heard the concierge talk about a penthouse suite but neither expected anything like this. The room they walk into is immense, probably the same size as the first floor of their house. Three large white leather couches form a C in the middle of the room, surrounding a large marble coffee table. Ornate rugs cover the polished wood floor. They can see through the door to the bathroom, just managing to see the walk in shower and large Jacuzzi bath. The two other doors that are closed they both assume are the bedrooms.
Buffy: "Are we in the right room?"
Porter: "Why, is something wrong?"
Xander: "Nothing is wrong, she's just a little shocked" Wanting some privacy, Xander hands the porter a few bills who immediately nods and walks out the door.
Dawn: "Not that I'm complaining but aren't you spending a lot of money here?"
Xander: "Actually no. I am the CEO of Zeppo Industries and as such I have access to the company jet whenever possible. My company reserves this suite all year round for visitors or when one of the board is in the area. The same goes for the limousine so in actual fact I've hardly spent anything"
Dawn: "Oh"
Xander: "That doesn't mean that money will not be spent. As I said to Roger downstairs, I am assuming that you and Buffy will be in the mood to get some clothes?"
Dawn: "Well, that thought had crossed my mind"
Buffy: "Do I have to remind you Dawn that we have no money?"
Xander: "I can rectify that" Xander then gives Buffy a credit card. Upon seeing the platinum credit card in her hands, a gleam appears in both Dawn and Buffy's eyes.
Buffy: "You do realise what you have done?"
Xander: "I have given two Californian women a no-limit credit card to go shopping with. The only thing I'm going to say is that the jet can only hold so much" He barely gets to finish his sentence before the two daughters of Joyce Summers try to squeeze the life out of him, an impressive thing to try as he's already dead.
Buffy: "What are you going to be doing while we empty the shops?"
Xander: "Meeting the Halliwells" Buffy immediately lets go of Xander, followed shortly by Dawn.
Buffy: "Why aren't we going with you?" Both Dawn and Buffy are now giving him the puppy eyes. He quickly realises that he needs to talk quickly before he caves in and lets them come along.
Xander: "As I told you before, they've just gone through a personal tragedy. Their oldest sister has just died and they are all both physically and emotionally tired. The less people that go the better it is. You will be meeting them but it's better if I make first contact" Buffy doesn't like the idea of letting him go by himself but she knows that he can take care of himself. The real reason she didn't want him to do this alone was that she wants to savour every moment that he's on earth. She knows that he'll be going back once everything has been settled and doesn't want to waste a moment.
Buffy: "Fine but this doesn't mean I like it"
Xander: "We wouldn't have had this conversation if you did like it would we? Nothing is going to happen and there isn't a lot out there that can even touch me"
Buffy: "It's the things that CAN touch you that worry me" It isn't often that fear creeps into the voice of Buffy Summers, Vampire Slayer, but it couldn't be missed this time. Xander pulls her into another hug, kissing the top of her head and rubbing small circles into the small of her back. It has an instant effect and Buffy feels calmer straight away. A blatantly false coughing fit from Dawn reminds them both that she is still in the room.
Dawn: "As I have a hard day's shopping ahead of me, I need to get some sleep. Which one's which?" Xander and Buffy exchange looks before he answers.
Xander: "My room is on the left and yours and Buffy's is on the right. Don't worry, there are two beds in there so you won't be sharing" That extinguished the fire in the eyes of both Summers girls. Dawn nods and walks to the bedroom, yawning on the way there.
Xander: "Dawn has the right idea, it's going to be a long day tomorrow and we'll both need our energy. I definitely need my sleep as it's been months since I last needed to"
Buffy: "Yes well I better get to bed too, beauty sleep is key"
Xander: "Goodnight Buff"
Buffy: "Night Xander" They share a look and then retreat to their respective rooms. Xander gets undressed and gets straight into bed, suddenly feeling very tired. Just as he is about to fall asleep, he hears the door to his room open and close, followed by footsteps and then a small but perfectly formed body gets into bed next to him. With a small smile he pulls Buffy to him, wrapping his arm around his waist, making sure that her body is in contact with as much of his own as possible. Hearing a mumble that he takes to mean goodnight, he kisses her in the crown of her hair and falls into a peaceful sleep.
When Xander wakes up the following morning he finds himself alone in the bed. For a moment he thinks that he dreamed the previous night. That is until he smells the unmistakable scent of Buffy on his pillow and smiles. He then realises that she must have got up and got into her own bed so Dawn didn't know where she actually slept. One of the benefits of being a Power is he no longer needed to wash so he simply got out of bed and got dressed. When he comes out of his room he notices that neither Buffy nor Dawn was awake yet so he calls room service and orders breakfast for the three of them. He also ordered a change of clothes for them both, realising that a woman doesn't like to wear the same things twice. Half an hour later the clothes and food are delivered, the scent of food bringing the Summers sisters out of their room.
Dawn: "Morning Xander, can I smell food?"
Xander: "Indeed you do fair maiden, in fact there is a smorgasbord of food awaiting to be consumed by yourself and your sister"
Dawn: "What about you?"
Xander: "I don't actually need to eat, I did last night but that was more for everyone else's benefit as opposed to my actually needing to"
Dawn: "It's going to be strange seeing you around food and not devouring it"
Buffy: "You always did seem to eat almost constantly"
Xander: "I'll have you know that Savox demons have an extremely high metabolism, making it necessary for them to eat almost constantly"
Buffy: "Or it could be that you were simply a pig"
Xander: "You're entitled to your opinion, it's wrong but you're entitled to it. Now chow down before the food gets cold" Both of them comply and there's a comfortable silence between them as the girls eat. Once they've finished, Dawn notices the new clothes.
Dawn: "What are these?"
Xander: "And you call yourself a female? Those my dear are called clothes"
Dawn: "I know that doofus, I meant who are they for?"
Xander: "You and Buffy of course. I didn't think you would want to wear the clothes you came in for another day. I hope you like them" Both Dawn and Buffy rush and grab the clothes and then race to get washed and dressed. Xander grins at the bickering that comes from them trying to work out who gets to use the bathroom first. After about an hour of waiting, and trying not to laugh out loud at their squabbling, they are both finally ready. Dawn is in a black sleeveless top, a lilac hooded sweatshirt and a pair of grey stretch jeans. Buffy is wearing a white halter neck top, a simple pair of black trousers and a suede jacket.
Buffy: "I must admit you have good taste, it's a shame you didn't use it for yourself"
Xander: "Hey!"
Dawn: "Buffy's right, some of your shorts looked like a Fyarl demon puked on them"
Xander: "One more comment about my fashion sense and the clothes get sent back!" This of course instantly stops any comments about Xander's appalling taste in fashion. It was of course extremely difficult for both of them but they managed.
Buffy: "So do you know where the shops are as I haven't the faintest idea"
Xander: "I thought women could sense a clothes shop from miles away?" That remark got him a slap to the back of the head. It didn't hurt but he made it look like it did simply to appease her. "Between the concierge and the chauffer I'm sure that you'll manage to find what you're looking for"
Dawn: "What about you?"
Xander: "I'll get a cab, I doubt pulling up in a stretch limo will give off the right impression"
Buffy: "What impression are you trying to make?"
Xander: "That I'm desperate"
Dawn: "Just tell them you're in love with Buffy"
Buffy: "HEY!"
Xander: "On that note I think it's time that you two left. Have fun and I'll meet you two back here tonight" He goes over and gives them both a hug, Buffy's lasting longer than Dawn's by quite a margin, and then watches them leave. He starts to go over what he's going to say to them; nervous as to how he's going to approach the subject of the upcoming war. After a couple of hours he decides that he can't put it off any longer, he grabs his jacket and heads out of the penthouse. Once he's in the lobby, he gets Roger to call him a cab and then heads off to Halliwell manor. Just as the cab pulls away from his destination, a body comes flying through the front door and lands a few feet in front of him.
Xander: "I hope I get a better welcome" He's only half surprised that the body gets up. He is completely surprised that instead of it returning to the mansion, the body turns to face him, his eye's glowing an eerie purple, a look of pure hate plastered on his features.
Demon: "Death to the traitor!"
Xander: "There needs to be a general meeting between demons so they can work on a way to get some original material" Just after saying this he dodges a purple ball of energy that is fired at him by the demon. It's at this point that he remembers he's one of the PTB and doesn't have anything to worry about by a low level demon like the one facing him. The next energy ball that is fired at him is caught easily by Xander and dissipates when he closes his hand. Using his superior speed, he races towards the demon whilst removing a blade from his jacket. Before the demon has a chance to react, he stabs the knife into its chest. For a moment the demon doesn't worry about it, thinking that it's only a knife. The problem is that any weapon being brandished by a higher being is classified as a holy weapon, something the demon remembers as he bursts into flames and explodes in a flash of purple fire. As Xander turns round he finds that Piper and Phoebe, the two remaining charmed ones, and Leo, their Whitelighter are watching him.
Xander: "Uh, Hi"
Piper: "Don't 'Hi' me, how did you just kill that demon?" Her gaze is nothing short of venomous, her first thoughts are that he's another demon that wants to kill them himself and was simply removing the competition. When Xander doesn't respond right away, she takes it as a bad sign and goes to attack him with her newly awakened power, only to be stopped by her husband Leo.
Leo: "I'm sorry my lord, things have been strained recently. Please accept my apologies" Xander sighs when he called him 'my lord' and things only get worse when Leo gets on one knee to him.
Piper: "Why are you bowing to this man and why are you calling him lord?" The emphasis on the word man is not lost on Xander, a clear jab at his age.
Xander: "I can answer that one for you Mrs. Wyatt but it might be better if we had this conversation inside. Only if you would like of course" Xander watch as Phoebe and Piper have a silent discussion, both knowing that Leo would support their decision, even if he didn't agree with it.
Phoebe: "Fine you can come in but if we feel that you're lying to us…" Realising that she didn't complete that sentence in case he was on the up and up, but still making it clear that there would be consequences to any deception, he nods and follows them inside and then into the living room.
Piper: "Right, now we're inside explain why my husband called you lord?"
Xander: "Firstly I would like to introduce myself; my name is Alexander Harris but I prefer to be called Xander. The reason why Leo called me lord is because I am one of the Powers That Be, one or two steps above Elders in the celestial hierarchy. I do not however like all the formalities that the others have imposed on our sub-ordinates so I'm going to ask you Leo to call me Xander"
Leo: "If that's what you want my lo… Xander"
Piper: "That may explain who you are but it doesn't explain why you're here?"
Xander: "There are a few reasons; one of them is to convey my sincere condolences for your loss. I cannot begin to understand how you are feeling right now and won't pretend otherwise"
Phoebe: "Thank you. You said that was one of the reasons you're here?"
Xander: "Yes Ms. Halliwell. The problem is I know that you are going to be very receptive to either one, I would wait longer but I'm afraid that time is against me. I was only recently given the position as one of the PTB, I'm sure that Leo will be able to fill in the details surrounding that so I won't bore you with them now. What he won't know is that a prophecy has surfaced concerning the fate of the planet…"
Piper: "I don't care! Our sister has just died, fighting the good fight. Where were fighting the good fight. Where were you then? You did nothing to save her so you and everyone else can all go to hell"
Leo: "Piper, of all the people to be angry at, Xander should be at the bottom of the list"
Xander: "Don't worry Leo, it's alright. To answer your question Mrs. Wyatt, at the time of your sister's death, I was battling a hell goddess who was trying to open a portal home, which would have caused our world and hers to merge. That is something that would not have been good for the human population. I died stopping her and it was a month or so after my death that I was appointed as one of the PTB. Whether you want to believe me or not, if there was a way that I could have helped stop what happened to your sister I would have done in a heartbeat, even if it meant giving my own in exchange"
Phoebe: "Not to sound rude or anything, but how did a human stop a goddess and become a Power? And by the way you can call me Phoebe" The younger of the two sisters gives him a smile, showing that she does not hold the same animosity as Piper.
Xander: "The fact of the matter Phoebe was that I wasn't human, I was a pureblood Savox demon" As soon as she hears the word demon, Piper stands up and tries to vanquish Xander with her new power, getting annoyed when she finds that she can't.
Piper: "I knew it! Get out of my house!" Her anger is rolling off her in waves, but he can see that is isn't focused on him as it is at everything. He's simply convenient.
Leo: "Piper you need to calm down" Before Piper can reply to her husbands words, Xander begins to talk again.
Xander: "Mrs. Wyatt, I was a demon but I had a soul and wasn't evil. I know that you hate demons, understandable under the circumstances, but you must know by now that things like this are as cut and dried as 'all demons are evil'. I've spent the last five years fighting evil on the Hellmouth, doing my best to keep the people I loved safe from harm, included in that group is one of the two slayers in the world. I dedicated my life to fighting evil and gave my life to the cause, only to find out that I didn't have to die in the first place. I took my position as one of the PTB so I could continue to look after my friends and family, and anyone else that needed it. When I found out how you have been treated by the Elders I ripped them all a new one. The Elders no longer have any hold over you. From now on Leo will only have the Charmed Ones as his charges and will no longer answer to the Elders, instead he will answer to me. Leo has complete veto on any tasks I may ask him to perform; his primary responsibility will always be to you and no one else, except possibly 'Him'" His revelations shock the residents of the manor, as well as calming them all down. Piper however is not as willing to let go of all the anger.
Piper: "Let me guess, all this is on the condition that we help you with this upcoming war?"
Xander: "Absolutely not; no matter what you decide you will no longer be under the hold of the Elders. I would never coerce or force anyone to put their lives on the line, I only want people that want to fight because they want to, not because they feel they have to" He is looking Piper square in the eye and she can tell that he is speaking the truth. She reminds herself that her powers were useless against him and he could have killed them all several times over if that was his intention. She finally relaxes and sits back down on the couch next to her husband and sister.
Phoebe: "This is all a little overwhelming but you said that there was another thing you wanted to tell us?"
Xander: "There is but it might be wise to leave that for another time. I'll let you think about everything that has happened today and meet you tomorrow?"
Leo: "I don't think that would be a problem. Why don't you meet us at P3, a club that Piper owns, tomorrow night and we can talk there?"
Xander: "Would it be OK if I bring along a couple of companions? Buffy, the slayer I talked about earlier, and her younger sister Dawn came with me and would like to meet you"
Piper: "I don't see why not. One thing, how old is Dawn?"
Xander: "Depending on how you look at it, either 16 or one"
Piper: "Huh?"
Xander: Trust me it's a long story that Dawn loves to tell people who won't consider her insane"
Phoebe: "I have a couple like that"
Piper: "I'm afraid that we have an age limit at the club and Dawn is not old enough to come in"
Phoebe: "Couldn't you let it go this once?"
Xander: "No, I wouldn't want you to do that on our behalf, that would be unfair to everyone else. Leo, would you be able to help me with something?"
Leo: "That depends on what it is"
Xander: "Good answer. I was wondering if you would be able to orb over to LA and bring her mother here so she could look after her. I could treat them to dinner at a restaurant"
Leo: "Don't take this the wrong way but why can't you do it?"
Xander: "I'm not strictly speaking supposed to be down here, if I use my powers too often it will ring warning bells and we'll lose any advantage we have"
Leo: "Right, of course I'll do that but it might be wise to warn them that I'm coming"
Xander: "Of course. Well I better be off, it's been nice meeting you Phoebe, Leo, Mrs. Wyatt"
Piper: "I've just noticed that you haven't called me Piper since you've been here"
Xander: "I never use a ladies first name unless given permission"
Piper: "In that case permission granted"
Xander: "Thank you Piper, I'll ring you later to finalise when to be at P3 tomorrow and to give Leo details on where Joyce is staying at the moment"
Piper: "OK. I want to apologise for trying to vanquish you earlier"
Xander: "I've found that almost every gorgeous woman that meets me has that same feeling" A slight blush appears on Piper's face, along with a not very well hidden death glare towards Xander from Leo.
Piper: "So you think I'm gorgeous?" Xander notices that the death glare coming from Leo intensify so to diffuse the situation he decides to be as tactful as he can be.
Xander: "In an absolutely platonic way of course, your husband is an extremely lucky man" Piper smirks when she sees the look that Xander is receiving from Leo, although it does disappear the moment he registers what was said.
Phoebe: "What about me, do you think I'm gorgeous?" As she's saying this, she is walking up to him with a slightly exaggerated sway to her hips. Xander is of course flattered; having an attractive woman flirt with you is always a good thing.
Xander: "You are as gorgeous as your sister, again in an absolutely platonic way"
Phoebe: "Why are you saying platonic all the time?"
Xander: "You'll be meeting Buffy tomorrow and I would like to keep my genitals where they are"
Phoebe: Ahh, so you two are together?"
Xander: "As much as possible" A smirk appears on Phoebe's face.
Phoebe: "I'll bet"
Xander: "On that note I better be going, is it OK if I use your phone to call a cab?"
Leo: "No need, I'll take you where you need to go"
Xander: "Thanks, I'm staying in the penthouse suite at the Ritz Carlton"
Phoebe: "Isn't that a little bit indulgent for a Power?"
Xander: "My being a power has nothing to do with it, before I died I was the CEO of Zeppo Industries and we made sure that no one found out that I died, hence the penthouse suite, private jet and chauffer driven limousine"
Piper: "If you have a chauffer driven limousine why would you need a cab?"
Xander: "His services are being used by Buffy and Dawn as they try to reach the limit to my no-limit credit card"
Phoebe: "You must really love her if you let her go shopping with your credit card"
Xander: "I would, and in fact did, die for her, a shopping spree is nothing. Anyway I can afford it. I'm ready when you are Leo" Leo puts his hand on Xander's shoulder and orb them to the hotel.
Leo: "Nice place"
Xander: "Thanks. Now we're alone, we can talk about Paige" Xander indicates towards the couches and the two sit down.
Leo: "I thought that was the other thing you wanted to talk to them about"
Xander: "How come you haven't told them about her?" Seeing that the look Leo gives him, he backpedals a little "I'm not accusing you of anything, I'm simply curious"
Leo: "I didn't even know of her existence until a couple of days ago, your colleagues had kept her well hidden from everyone. I hadn't told them yet because I felt that it was too soon after Prue's death" After a moment Xander nods in understanding.
Xander: "If I were in your position I would probably feel the same. You do realise that Paige is here in San Francisco looking for her sisters?"
Leo: "Actually I didn't, does she know who they are?"
Xander: "No, she has followed some leads to this city but has no idea of the names of her sisters or that they're witches. I've set up a meeting with her posing as a contact but I wanted to have a word with Piper and Phoebe before I did. I don't want to force them into something they're not ready for, even if it's necessary"
Leo: "What do you mean necessary?"
Xander: "You must have noticed that the amount of demons that have come after them has increased dramatically since Prue's death. They know that the power of three is no more and are taking advantage of the situation. Paige can change all that by restoring the power of three and thereby keeping them all safe. Once news gets out that there's another Halliwell sister, they're going to be after her with everything they've got"
Leo: "With everything that's been going on recently I hadn't noticed the rise in demon attacks. You're right that restoring the power of three is the best way to keep them safe, but that can only happen if they are all willing to do so"
Xander: "That's why I want to be as careful about how I do this as possible. I know that this is putting you in a difficult position but what would you suggest?"
Leo: "I'm not sure to be honest with you. For Paige to be able to complete the power of three, she needs to believe in magic and the supernatural"
Xander: "The only sure fire way I know of convincing anyone is for them to see it with their own two eyes. The downside is that it may completely freak her out and push her away" Xander sighs and put his hands through his hair "Either way she needs to know and time is against all of us if we want a chance of keeping everyone safe"
Leo: "Whatever you decide I know that you'll do your best to keep them all safe, that trait is something that everyone respects in you and made your appointment as a Power an easier pill to swallow for everyone" Further conversation is cut short as Buffy and Dawn come in almost visible behind the mountain of shopping that luckily, at least for Dawn, is being brought in by a couple of porters. Xander gets up and gives the porters a large tip and allows them to leave before addressing the girls.
Xander: "Enjoy yourselves?"
Dawn: "You bet! I cannot believe that we actually got felt we couldn't shop anymore!"
Buffy: "We both looked at each other half an hour ago and decided that we simply couldn't shop a moment longer. If Cordelia ever found out she'd cut up our Californian girl membership cards, burn them, feed them to a dog and then burn it's… excrement" Buffy had finally noticed that Xander wasn't alone and decided not to swear in front of a complete stranger. "Xander who's this?"
Xander: "This is Leo Wyatt, Piper and Phoebe's Whitelighter. Leo, it's my great pleasure to introduce Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her sister Dawn" Leo takes a step forward and nods in their direction.
Leo: "It's a pleasure to meet both of you"
Buffy: "Likewise. How did the meeting go Xander?"
Xander: "Oh the usual; killed a demon, nearly got killed by Leo's wife"
Buffy/Dawn: "WHAT!"
Xander: "She's under a lot of stress, I couldn't blame her for being on edge. I was in no danger from her anyway, being a Power has its advantages you know"
Buffy: "Not really" Xander can hear the sadness in her voice, probably from remembering that their time together is short, and pulls her into an embrace.
Xander: "There is of course the one BIG disadvantage that stops me from enjoying it" He can feel her smile against his chest and it sends a shiver running down his spine. A cough from behind them ends the moment and they look to the source of the noise they find Leo looking at them.
Leo: "I hate to interrupt but I'll need to be getting back in a couple of minutes. Would you be able to give me the address?" Xander gives Leo a grateful nod as he doesn't comment what the address is for. He releases Buffy and goes over to the side table by the front door and writes the address in a piece of note paper, which he folds in half and then gives to Leo.
Xander: "Here you go, I'll let them know that you're coming so nobody tries to stab you or anything. Thanks again for the lift and I'll see you and the sisters tomorrow night"
Leo: "Sure. It was nice to meet you ladies" With that Leo orbs out of the room.
Dawn: "That looks so cool! Can you do that?"
Xander: "Sure can but until more things are in place it's best that I don't"
Buffy: "So apart from having Leo's wife trying to blow you up, did everything go OK?"
Xander: "Mostly, they are all grieving over Prue and are pretty pissed with almost everyone and everything. She wasn't really angry at me she just needed a focus for her anger and I was the closest target. As you probably guessed I've arranged to meet them at the club the sisters own tomorrow night"
Dawn: "Cool!"
Xander: "I'm afraid you can't come Dawn, they have an age restriction"
Dawn: "That's so unfair!"
Buffy: "We can't leave her here alone Xander"
Xander: "We won't be, Leo is going to collect Joyce from LA and I'm going to treat her and dawn to dinner and a movie"
Dawn: "I want to go to the club with you two!"
Xander: "I know you do Dawn but I know you and your mom will have a lot of fun tomorrow night. I know that you've wanted to spend some quality time alone with her and this is the perfect chance" Xander knew that Dawn has been feeling a little neglected lately, not in the literal sense but she hasn't had a lot of time alone with Joyce as everyone has been doing more things as a group since he died. Losing one of the core group hit them all and made them realise that they needed to enjoy the time they had together more than they had been. "I doubt we'll be having a lot of fun as I'll be introducing Piper and Phoebe to a sister they never even knew they had as well as trying to convince her that she's a witch that will be hunted by every demon under the moon until she's dead or joined with the other's to reinstate the power of three"
Dawn: "What time is mom getting here tomorrow?"
Xander: "Sometime in the afternoon. Why don't you go ring her, I'm sure that she's wondering what you've been doing. You can also warn them that Leo will be appearing in the lobby sometime tomorrow to collect her, that way Faith won't try to turn him into a spit roast Whitelighter"
Dawn: "Sure" She goes to use the phone in her room so she has a little privacy leaving Buffy and Xander alone.
Xander: "I'm going to need your help convincing Paige about what goes bump in the night, I was thinking that after she's been introduced to her sisters that we take her on patrol"
Buffy: "Don't you think that it'll be a bit sudden?"
Xander: "Normally I would agree but the circumstances won't allow it. I wasn't joking about demons going after her, the moment she meets her sisters the powers she's possessed since birth will be released and she'll be like a beacon in the dark. She'll be even more of a demon magnet than I was but without control of her powers she won't have much chance of surviving an attack"
Buffy: "What if it backfires on you?"
Xander: "If it does it does but it's a risk I'm willing, and have to, take. I would be leaving her in too much danger if I did it any other way"
Buffy: "Don't think I'm criticising, it's just that we both know what it's like to find out about all this stuff. I know that you don't have a lot of choice in how to do this and I'm going to be here for you no matter what" Xander walks over to her and pulls her into a hug, placing a loving kiss on the top of her head.
Xander: "Have I told you how much I love you?" Buffy pulls away ever so slightly so she can look him in the eyes.
Buffy: "Not recently. I love you too by the way"
Xander: "I know, I mean who wouldn't?"
Buffy: "You're right, I'm sure I've seen Giles give you the occasional appreciative look"
Xander: "Scary visual place! Scary visual place!" Her laughter does nothing to remove the disturbing images his imagination is conjuring but the way she is pressing herself against him definitely is.
Buffy: "I'm suddenly feeling very tired, what do you say to an early night"
Xander: "What about Dawn?"
Buffy: "What about her? Everybody knows how we feel about each other and I really don't want to hide the fact from my sister or anyone else"
Xander: "You know I like the way you think. I've just realise that I'm feeling tired as well so your suggestion of an early night is extremely tempting" he releases the hug and wraps her hand in his own and begins to lead her to his, and now their, bedroom.
Dawn: "Buffy! Mom wants to talk to you!" Buffy and Xander look into each other's eyes and after a moment their shoulders slump in unison, followed by sighs of frustration.
Buffy: "I have the distinct impression that this is not going to be a short conversation"
Xander: "If our luck so far is any indication you're right. I'm going to bed, it's going to be a long day tomorrow"
Buffy: "Goodnight Xander"
Xander: "Night Buff" They release their hold of each other's hands and walk to their respective rooms, both thinking that the whole world is against them.