From: "Ian and Tiff" Subject: BUFFYFIC: Midnight Stroll - 1/1 by Tiffany Date: 01 Oct 1998 03:48:34 -0700 Title: Midnight Stroll - 1/1 Author: Tiffany Gregg E-Mail: iangr@msn.com Distribution: If you like; just let me know, please. Rating: PG-13 Spoiler Warning: Thru B2 Feedback: Would be most appreciated Summary: Buffy and Spike meet up outside the Bronze and he walks her home. Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, FOX and Mutant Enemy. I am making no money in writing this and no copyright infringement is intended. Authors note: This piece takes up right where "Masquerade" leaves off. If you haven't read "Masquerade" yet, some of this might not make sense. ========== Midnight Stroll By: Tiffany E-Mail me at: iangr@msn.com Every ounce of his being longed to hold her in his arms again, to kiss her soft lips. Her pulse had raced when he'd held her close and when he'd kissed her. She had been attracted to him, he had sensed it. But she didn't know who 'he' was at the time. Would that make a difference? Could she ever look past the demon and see the man? The Slayer, that damn bloody Slayer. Her scent was still assaulting his nostrils. He couldn't think straight because he couldn't stop thinking about her. Frustrated, Spike sighed deeply and looked up towards the heavens again. As if the stars held the answer to his troubles. A voice shook him from his reverie. "This isn't exactly a safe place to be loitering this time of night." It was her. The Slayer. "I can take care of myself" he replied "Oh, well, I wasn't implying that you couldn't. I just, well this is a bad neighborhood. And well, there are bad, um, things around." she said hastily "If this is such a bad neighborhood, what are you doing out here alone?" he questioned with a grin, knowing full well that she'd probably come out to hunt. "I, uh, needed some air." came her reply. she added to herself "Can I walk you home, S....Seven?" the question surprised Spike almost as much as it did Buffy. "Okay." She held her hand out to him "My name is Buffy, by the way. What should I call you?" "Zorro, will do for tonight" he countered with a heart stopping grin and shook her hand. They walked in silence. Each sneaking glimpses at the other along the way. Spike could contain his urge to touch her no more and he reached out and grabbed her hand. Buffy jumped a little at first then twined her fingers in his and smiled at him. Spike's thoughts drifted once again to the Slayer as they walked hand-in-hand down the streets of Sunnydale. He thought of the fights they'd had, of their brief alliance to defeat Angelus, of meeting her mom . Buffy silently wondered to herself who this mystery guy was. He seemed so familiar to her, but then the thought would be gone. She was definitely attracted to him. He was an amazing dancer, so light on his feet. She fingered the rose that he'd given her after their 'dance' and smiled. Spike noticed her smiling to herself and wondered if she was thinking of him. "What's so funny" he asked. "Nothing funny. I was just thinking of dancing with you" she replied honestly. Spike's heart soared and he couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he gave her hand a little squeeze. "Well, here we are. Home sweet home." Buffy stated as they reached her house. "Here we are." Spike repeated "Well, I really had a good time tonight dancing with you...Zorro" she said with a grin and then added "Thanks for walking me home." "My pleasure, on both accounts Luv.....ely lady" "Well, I best get inside before my mom starts turning on the light and peeking out the window." she added to herself. Spike just stood there, a little unsure as to what he should do. Should he just say goodnight, should he hug her, should he kiss her. Buffy thought to herself as she leaned in, stretched to her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. She said "Goodnight" and turned toward the door. As she turned, Spike caught her shoulder and pulled her into his embrace. He bent his head down and captured her mouth with his in a deep kiss. But this time it was her tongue that swept past his lips. He was a little surprised at her boldness, but none the less pleased. Her hands roamed over his back. Spreading flames every place that they touched. Every fiber of his being tingled at her nearness, her warmth, her scent, her taste. He never wanted this moment to end. Buffy felt the same way. His touch was electric, like little static shocks when he touched her. Once again, her stomach clenched with desire for the man standing before her. She felt a little 'ho-like for getting so personal and not even knowing his name, but she didn't care. He was amazing. Just then, the porch light came on, causing both of them to jump a little and then laugh. "Guess we've been busted" Buffy quipped "Guess I should really be getting inside." "Will I ever see you again?" she added expectantly "If you'd like." he replied with a little smile "I would." she added with a smile of her own "Well, until then..." he said as he bowed and gave her hand a quick kiss. And with that he jumped down from the porch and disappeared into the night. ========= Spike sat on the park bench silently looking back up at the stars. Seemed like he'd been doing that a lot lately. The Slayer filled his mind. She's kissed 'him'. He still couldn't believe it, but it was true. Maybe there was hope yet, maybe she wouldn't run or worse try to kill him when he revealed his true self. But he wouldn't worry about that tonight. No tonight he would bask in the warmth of her memory. The memory of the feel of her lips on his, her hands roaming his back, her scent filling his nostrils. Tonight she was his. ========= The End...? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aglx@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Love's Revival (21/25) Date: 01 Oct 1998 14:53:20 EDT Title: Love's Revival (21/25) Author: AnGeL X (Aglx@aol.com) Distrbution: Just Ask & Keep my name attached! Spoilers: Takes place after Becoming Rating: PG/PG-13 Violence. Description: Buffy/Angel Love Story. Disclaimer: Plot Mine. Characters all but Savarah are mine! I own nothing that's really Buffy, never will, don't sue. Feedback: I live for it. I also refuse to write without it! Yes, I finally finished and I'll be slowly putting the final pieces out. But I need feedback. All my recent stories have been what I guess to be flops since I recieved very little feedback. Oh well. ( : I'm posting this without the help of my editor (who's been so wonderful, helping me with the rest of the story), so be nice! If you've never read this story before, or have forgotten what last happened, please check out the rest of the story archived at: http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Studio/5720/lr1.html ~~~~ "I just love what you guys have done with the place since I've been gone!" Angel said, his dark figure slowly became visible in the moonlight. Buffy followed closely in after. "Doesn't anyone bloody knock anymore?!" Spike was sitting at the table with Dru at his side. They were feasting off a couple of teenagers. "Knocking is so passé Spike." Buffy said as she ran her finger over a dusty crate. "Spike, my boy, you really should up your security. It's pathetic!" "You two wouldn't have a reason for disturbing our dinner, would you?" "Actually, we thought me might join you." Angel said, cockily. Buffy wasn't amused by Angel's attempt to make a joke but she kept it hidden. "Oh, yeah, you draw blood from a human. That I've got to see!" "But really, we've got a little favor to ask of you." "She's not here." Drusilla chimed up from behind the body of one of her victims. She was concentrating on the boy in front of her and refused to look Angel in the eye. "Who pet?" Spike asked. "Where is she, Dru?" Angel said. He placed his hands down on the table and leaned in closer to her. "Savarah's waiting. She's waiting for you." Dru finally looked up at Angel and smiled. "We know that! How can we find her?" Buffy said rushing up to them. Spike stood up to block Buffy from getting any closer. "Am I the only one who sees a problem with this picture?" "Spike, get *out* of my way. Right now, you're not our problem, but you sure are working your way there!" Buffy pushed him aside and made her way to Angel. "Dru, how do we contact her?!" Angel said growing annoyed. "Shhh." Dru placed a finger upon her lips. "It's a secret," she said, her smile widening. Spike began laughing. Drusilla obviously didn't know how to contact with Savarah but she sure did know how to annoy Angel. Angel slammed his hands down on the table and yelled out. He was frustrated with Drusilla's constant games. Without even thinking, Angel flew over the table, knocking Drusilla to the ground. Spike's smile faded as he jumped over to save his lover. Buffy was stunned by Angel's action but still managed to stop Spike from interfering. The two started a battle of their own, throwing eachother across the large room. He threw a few hard punches at her, hopefully getting his message across. Drusilla lashed out with her nails, clawing at anything within reaching distance. She pulled her knees up and putting her strength to good use, she sent Angel flying. He landed painfully on the table. As he rolled of, he landed on a chair, smashing it to pieces. Spike let out a cry as Buffy smashed his knee with the heel of her foot. He crumbled to the ground and Drusilla quickly rose to her feet and started towards Buffy. With her back turned, Buffy lifted a stake from inside her sleeve and plunged it deep into Drusilla's gut as she flew at her. Her eyes opened wide and looked down for a quick glance at the stake protruding from her before she disappeared into ashes. Spike froze for a second, letting the horror sink in. He pushed past Buffy and clawed his way towards his lover's remains. Buffy rushed towards the door but stopped when she realized Angel wasn't following. He was more horrified than Spike. "Angel!" He looked back at her then quickly moved to her. The two ran out of the building not encountering a single vampire on the way out. ~~~~ Don't you just love it when I kill characters? -Michelle Author of: "The Dark One," "Love's Revival," "Vengeance," "Lost & Found," "Deadly Instincts," "The Soul of Good & Evil," "Sorrowful Regrets," "Can I Love Again?" and "My Past, Your Future." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ian and Tiff" Subject: BUFFYFIC: Truth Be Known - 1/1 by Tiffany Date: 02 Oct 1998 00:24:06 -0700 Title: Truth Be Known - 1/1 Author: Tiffany Gregg E-Mail: iangr@msn.com Distribution: If you like; just let me know, please. Rating: PG-13 Spoiler Warning: Thru B2 Feedback: Would be most appreciated Classification: BSR/Angst Summary: Buffy learns the true identity of her masked admirer. Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, FOX and Mutant Enemy. I am making no money in writing this and no copyright infringement is intended. Authors note: This is the 3rd part in my "Masquerade" series. If you haven't read Masquerade or Midnight Stroll yet, some of this might not make sense. ========== Truth Be Known By: Tiffany E-Mail me at: iangr@msn.com Buffy's heart sang as she patrolled. Her mind kept drifting back to her masked admirer. For the first time in a long time, she felt giddy with joy. She smiled as she remembered the look of surprise in his eyes when she'd kissed him on her porch. She shivered a little as she remembered the way his lips felt on hers, the tenderness of his embrace and the passion in his eyes. Those beautiful eyes of his that seemed so familiar to her, but she still couldn't place. Buffy's heart stopped singing and skipped a beat when she noticed who was sitting on the park bench ahead of her. It was him. She was shocked to find him here. He was looking up at the stars and seemed to be deep in thought. Buffy slowly approached the bench. As if he could sense her presence, he looked up and smiled at her. She returned the smile. He made a sweeping gesture with his arm inviting her to sit with him and she obliged. "Fancy meeting you here" he said with a smile. "Like wise" she replied "You looked like you were having some deep thoughts" "I was" he stated, obviously still thinking "Anything special?" she pressed Spike looked over at her and sighed. "You" he stated barely above a whisper. "Me?" she echoed as a grin spread across her face He nodded and closed his eyes. His senses were filled once again with the woman at his side. He knew that he needed to end the masquerade, he needed to tell her the truth. He had to be honest with her, he needed to reveal himself to her and hope that she would give him a chance. With a low groan he reached for her, whispering her name as he pulled her into his embrace. His lips found hers and he kissed her with all the longing and desperation that he was feeling. He knew deep in his heart that this would probably be the last time he kissed her. In a few minutes she would either run screaming from him or put a stake in his heart. Buffy pulled back from the kiss, confusion and concern evident in her expression. "Who are you?" "Someone who loves you, even though he shouldn't" he replied, unable to meet her eyes. "Loves me? You don't even know me." "Ah, but I do Luv" he replied meeting her gaze this time Buffy locked eyes with his, confusion turning to recognition, recognition turning to bewilderment. "No, it can't be. It just can't" she said shaking her head slowly. "I'm sorry" he said as he removed his hat and mask. "Spike..." she whispered "Why?" "I already told you, pet. I love you. I had to see you again." "No, I don't believe you. You left town with that 'ho girlfriend of yours and left me for dead at the mansion. You're lying." Anger boiled to the surface as her masked admirer dissolved into that of her mortal enemy. She lept from the bench, pulled a stake from it's sheath and assumed her fighting stance. Spike shook his head. "I don't want to fight you, can't you see that. I'm not trying to trick you and I don't want to hurt you. I just wanted to see you." Buffy's eyes brimmed with tears. "Liar! I bet you're pretty happy with yourself for fooling me like that huh? I bet you and all your vamp buddies are having a good 'ol laugh at my expense." she ground out before turning and running away. Spike closed his eyes and clenched his fits. "Damn it to bloody hell" he muttered. He'd hurt her, made her cry. He knew he should have never come back. Anguish overcame him and he screamed into the night to try and ease the ache in his heart. ============ Buffy laid curled in her bed clutching Mr. Gordo to her chest. Why, why had he done that to her? And more so than that, why was she so hurt by it? Her mind kept replaying parts of the night. Their dance, their first kiss, him walking her home, their kiss goodnight on the porch. He'd been so gentle, so caring. His kisses seemed genuine. She knew that her feelings towards him had been. She was attracted to him and wanted him. Hell, she still was even now that she knew who he was. Maybe he wasn't lying. Maybe he did really care for her...? she thought to herself. She shook her head trying to clear the thoughts from her mind, but her thoughts kept returning to Spike. Sleep finally came and with it dreams of him. ============ When Buffy awoke the next morning, the first thing that caught her eye was a vase of red roses on her dresser. The note simply stated "I'm sorry. Please forgive me?" ============ The End... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ian and Tiff" Subject: BUFFYFIC: Give Love A Chance - 1/1 by Tiffany Date: 03 Oct 1998 01:47:25 -0700 Title: Give Love A Chance - 1/1 Author: Tiffany Gregg E-Mail: iangr@msn.com Distribution: If you like; just let me know, please. Rating: PG-13 Spoiler Warning: Thru B2 Feedback: Would be most appreciated Classification: BSR Summary: Spike and Buffy meet up at the Bronze. Will she give him a chance? Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Joss Whedon, the WB, FOX and Mutant Enemy. I am making no money in writing this and no copyright infringement is intended. Authors note: This is the 4th part in my "Masquerade" series. Also, the song quoted in this piece is "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams ========== Give Love A Chance By: Tiffany E-Mail me at: iangr@msn.com He had given her three weeks to come to terms with her feelings. Three long weeks since he'd climbed in through her window to leave her the roses and ask for her forgiveness. He'd watched her for some time that night while she slept. His heart ached to hold her in his arms, touch her warm skin, and kiss her soft lips. But he did none of those things. He simply watched her and hoped that she could find it in her heart to give him a chance, give his love for her a chance. Spike had been very patient and kept his distance while he was waiting. Patience was something that did not come easily for him, but he knew he needed to give her some time, some space. The time for being patient and waiting was over, he couldn't take it an longer. Tonight would be the night. He knew she would be at the Bronze with her friends. He thought it seemed fitting that his last effort should be at the place where it all started. The place where he had first laid eyes upon her. Tonight, if she rejected him he had decided to cut his losses and go back to Prague. He hoped it wouldn't come down to that though. ============= Buffy had been dancing with Xander when she spotted Spike. He was lurking in the shadows across the Bronze watching them. Her heart jumped when she saw him a mixture of anger and excitement spreading through her. She told Xander "I've got something that I need to take care of. I'll catch up with you guys later. Okay?" Xander shrugged and said "Okie-dokie, Buff." and went to find Cordelia. Buffy made her way across the Bronze to where Spike stood. Her mind raced as she walked over to him. What should she do, what should she say. She was still mad about being tricked, but at the same time she couldn't stop thinking about him. "Hello, Cutie." he said when she finally reached him. "Ya' know, stalking is not really considered at turn-on." she spat. "No? Then why don't you tell me what is, Pet?" he shot right back at her. Buffy was caught off guard by his reply and just stared at him for a minute. Spike saw the opportunity that he needed. "Dance with me?" he said. "What?" came her confused reply. "Dance. You know, Luv. Me, you, out there" he said pointing to the dance floor. "Just one dance? What could it hurt?" he prodded he silently begged to himself. "Okay. But just one dance and that's it." she stated firmly. "And don't think of trying anything funny or you'll be meeting Mr. Pointy." she added. As they headed out onto the dance floor a slow song started to play. Spike took Buffy very loosely in his arms. He wanted to pull her close but restrained himself. He took a deep breath in and her scent filled his nostrils. He closed his eyes briefly to savor the moment. Look into my eyes - you will see What you mean to me Search your heart - search your soul And when you find me there you'll search no more Spike opened his eyes to find Buffy staring at him. He expected to find bitterness in her eyes, but he didn't. What he found was confusion laced with longing. Spike smiled at her and gave her a little wink. Buffy blushed a little and looked away. She felt stupid for getting caught staring at him. She couldn't help herself though, he was so damn good looking and had the most captivating eyes. Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for You know it's true Everything I do - I do it for you He took a chance and pulled her in a little closer so that their bodies touched. To his surprise, she didn't resist. He felt her pulse quicken at the nearness but could sense her inner turmoil. He would let her make the next move when she was ready. Buffy was so confused. Her mind was telling her not to trust him. But her heart was telling her to let things take their course, that he cared for her and wasn't going to hurt her. Look into my heart - you will find There's nothin' there to hide Take me as I am - take my life I would give it all - I would sacrifice Buffy's heart won the inner battle and she snuggled in closer and laid her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and thought of their dance a few weeks earlier. He had been so tender with her, so loving as he held her while they danced. And when he'd walked her home, he'd been the perfect gentleman. She had been the one to initiate the kiss goodnight on her porch. Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more Ya know it's true Everything I do - I do it for you Buffy raised her head and brushed her lips across Spike's. Then snuggled her head back into his neck and kissed his adam's apple. A small groan escaped Spike as he felt her lips on his skin. Her touch was so warm and her lips were like fire. He longed to sweep her into his arms and carry her off into the night. There's no love - like your love And no other - could give more love There's nowhere - unless you're there All the time - all the way Spike tightened his embrace and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. Their lips parted and their tongues started dueling. This is what he wanted, this is what he'd been waiting for weeks to do. He didn't bloody care that it made no sense that he wanted the Slayer. Even less sense that he felt he was in love with her. Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more I would fight for you - I'd lie for you Walk the wire for you - I'd die for you He pulled back from the embrace and looked deeply into her eyes. What he saw there made his heart skip a beat. There in the depths of her eyes, he could see acceptance. She had accepted him and was facing her feelings about him. He knew that there would still be many issues to work out, but now he knew that deep down inside, she was willing to try. He had hope. Ya know it's true Everything I do - I do it for you As the song ended, she reached up and dragged his head down to hers for a quick kiss then said "Walk me home?" "I'd love to, Pet." he replied talking her hand as they left the Bronze. ========== The End. (Masquerade Series - part 4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Angel75427@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Surprises" Problems Date: 03 Oct 1998 11:51:01 EDT Yesterday, my little sister and I got in a fight, and she erased all of my story "Surprises", including parts I haven't already sent out. It would be a big hassle to rewrite all of the parts, so I have decided to discontinue the story. I'm really sorry. -Jaclyn ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: KylenRevik@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inquiry Regarding Buffy Zines Date: 04 Oct 1998 13:47:05 EDT Are there any Buffy zines out there that are currently accepting submissions of fics (previously posted or not, I have some of both) in exchange for tribbers copies? Please let me know, Rachel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: KylenRevik@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Inquiry Regarding Buffy Zines Date: 04 Oct 1998 13:47:04 EDT Are there any Buffy zines out there that are currently accepting submissions of fics (previously posted or not, I have some of both) in exchange for tribbers copies? Please let me know, Rachel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Jericho Born" Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Flies to Honey" (04/?) sequel to "The Necromancer" Date: 04 Oct 1998 23:21:48 -0700 TITLE: "Flies to Honey" (Part 04/?) AUTHOR: J. Jericho Born E-MAIL: traction@sirius.com FEEDBACK: Please let me know what you think of my fanfic with some feedback. DISTRIBUTION: The author reserves rights on this story. Please do not distribute without expressed permission. RATING: PG-13 Contains violence. SPOILERS: Spoilers to previous fanfic. DESCRIPTION: The sequel to "The Necromancer". Abel is now unconcious, but attracting vampires like flies to honey. Buffy is caught between protecting her enemy and helping her friend Willow find her beloved Oz. Meanwhile, Willow gets deeper into magic and the occult in order to find a way to restore Oz to human form. DISCLAIMER: The writer of this unauthorized fan fiction is not affiliated with any of the parties involved in the making of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters are the property of Joss Whedon and whomever else the lawyers may deem fit, they are used without permission. Technically that is not legal, but I'm not anticipating any law suits. This work, the plot line, and the characters introduced that are not already featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the work of Joshua Jericho Born, Copyright 1998. ============== Scene 3 Avoiding other students as she went, Buffy turned a hall of Sunnydale High to come upon the school's computer lab. She had not seen her friend Willow at all that day and was starting to get concerned. Her worries were quieted somewhat when she saw the redhead in question diligently hacking away at a keyboard. Buffy approached. "Hi, I've been looking for you," she said pleasantly. "Hi," blandly replied Willow without even averting her eyes from the computer screen. "What 'ya working on?" casually inquired Buffy. An awkward amount of time passed before Willow spent energy to give a reply. "I've been going over some of Miss Calender's documents and some necromancer books to come up with a way of changing Oz back to human," she replied. "If we ever find him that is," Willow added pessimistically. "Willow!" Buffy said in shock. "I told you we'd find him," reaffirmed Buffy. "Yeah, well, you like to say that, but you're not doing much about it," commented Willow. Buffy was shocked even more. Willow finally looked at Buffy, irritation and contempt showing. "It's just that you haven't done a thing to try and find Oz. All you do with your slaying time lately is guard. . . him," Willow boldly said. Amazed to say the least, Buffy had no idea that this kind of angst had been brewing with her best friend. She hung her head and thought for a second or two. "I know this must be hard for you. I guess I didn't really look at things from your point of view. I'm the Slayer, I've learned to accept it," explained Buffy maturely. Willow looked away and listened to Buffy with hear ears, but not her heart. Buffy continued, "Part of the job description is having to slay vampires when you'd rather be out or shopping, or having a life, or even rescuing your friends. Right now every vampire and his mother seem to be flocking to Abel's body, so that's where I have to be." Clicking away with the mouse, Willow saved her work to a floppy disk. She put it in her backpack and got up to leave. "It's nice to see you're so grown up and mature and have all you're priorities straight. Don't bother trying to call me tonight, I'm going to be going through. . . his library to find something that can help Oz," said Willow while leaving. "Hey," called out Buffy after her, "If you want I can go with you." Turning, Willow stopped mid stride. She answered sarcastically, "I'll be fine alone. Abel could use some company anyway." Now alone in the commotion of the computer lab, Buffy's jaw dropped astoundingly. It felt strange to be on bad terms with Willow. Slowly and bitterly, the reality of the conversation that just occurred seeped in. Willow finally said Abel's name at least. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: sah Subject: BUFFYFIC: ADMIN: List rules Date: 06 Oct 1998 14:26:30 Welcome! This list is for fiction related to "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," both the TV series and the movie. To ensure that we all get to enjoy as much fiction as possible, please adhere to the following guidelines, and please save them for future reference. 1. Fiction should have Buffy characters in it and clearly be related to Buffy. Crossovers are great, and expected, but general vampire/monster stories that aren't in the Buffy universe and don't use Buffy characters belong somewhere else. 2. Discussion of posted fiction is permitted onlist. Please put "DISCUSS" in your subject line. Requests for missing story parts should go directly to the author, and not be posted to the list. Discussion that is not related directly to the fiction should go over to the general Buffy list. Discussion of fiction is expected to follow common netiquette guidelines and use PG-13 language. 3. No advertising of items or services, Buffy related or not, and no posting of non-story items such as .gifs, sound files, etc.. No attached files of kind-- if your mailer makes your fiction into attached files, you need to find another way to get it to the list. 4. If you're writing a story and including advance information on a new episode, and you're posting your story earlier than the national viewing time, please: **Mark the post as a "spoiler" in the subject header. **Leave about twelve lines (blank or with non-spoiler info) at the top of the post. This ensures that anyone who doesn't like knowing about an episode ahead of time is "protected." :) The blank space is for people whose mailers automatically open up the next piece of mail, without giving them a chance to see "spoiler" in the header. Spoiler warnings are not necessary after the start of the episode's national viewing time, which is currently set at 9 p.m. Mondays, Eastern Standard Time. Spoiler warnings are not necessary for reruns. 5. This list is absolutely NOT for erotic fiction. stronger than sexually PG-13 material is to be posted to the list under any circumstances. A story may be R rated for violence or language, however. If you have a question about something's suitability for posting, feel free to ask one of the listowners. Sending sexually explicit material will get you immediately and permanently unsubscribed. No exceptions. 6. By subscribing and/or posting to this list, you acknowledge that Buffy the Vampire slayer and all characters associated with either the televised series or the motion picture were created by Josh Whedon and are owned by Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions, Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox. All stories posted to this list are for entertainment purposes only, are not sold for profit of any kind, and are not intended to infringe on any copyrights. 7. When posting stories to the list, please follow the following formatting guidelines --No story parts longer than 250 lines --No lines longer than 75 characters --Turn off your "smart quotes"-- many readers receive these as garbage or weird symbols --Put the title of the story in the subject header, indicate if it's a multipart story, and if so what part this is. Example: Buffy Meets Godzilla (2/65) indicates that this post is part two of a 65 part story. 8. If a story is rated "R" for language/violence, indicate this in an introduction. For example, "There's a really bloody fight scene at the end of this part" or "if you don't like dismemberment, stop reading now!" If there's chance that someone might be disturbed by something in your story (even if it's not rated R) please include some kind of warning up front. 9. And last, but not least, the listowners reserve the right to deny subscription (new, renewed, or continued) to the list for any individual(s). PLEASE NOTE: not following any or all of these rules will get you the following: **First offense: offender is unsubscribed for one week. **Second offense: offender is unsubscribed to the Buffyfic list for a minimum of three months. **If the offender returns and does it again, they're offlist permanently. As noted above, posting sexually explicit material is the exception -- you go straight to permanent unsubbing. Again, welcome! If you have any questions about these rules, please contact either one of us offlist. If you have subscription problems or questions, the fastest way to get help is to e-mail one of us at the addresses below, at the kirby@xmission.com addy which is the "official" e-mail owner of the list. Jill Kirby (jtkirby@mcs.com) & sah (romana@mindspring.com) Listowners, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fiction List buffyfic@xmission.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Jericho Born" Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Flies to Honey" (05/?) sequel to "The Necromancer" Date: 06 Oct 1998 23:06:45 -0700 TITLE: "Flies to Honey" (Part 05/?) AUTHOR: J. Jericho Born E-MAIL: traction@sirius.com FEEDBACK: Please let me know what you think of my fanfic with some feedback. DISTRIBUTION: The author reserves rights on this story. Please do not distribute without expressed permission. RATING: PG-13 Contains violence. SPOILERS: Spoilers to previous fanfic. DESCRIPTION: The sequel to "The Necromancer". Abel is now unconcious, but attracting vampires like flies to honey. Buffy is caught between protecting her enemy and helping her friend Willow find her beloved Oz. Meanwhile, Willow gets deeper into magic and the occult in order to find a way to restore Oz to human form. DISCLAIMER: The writer of this unauthorized fan fiction is not affiliated with any of the parties involved in the making of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters are the property of Joss Whedon and whomever else the lawyers may deem fit, they are used without permission. Technically that is not legal, but I'm not anticipating any law suits. This work, the plot line, and the characters introduced that are not already featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the work of Joshua Jericho Born, Copyright 1998. ============== Scene 4 None of Willow's exploits into the dark arts had been as black as her current interest. Necromancy, the study of death itself, was a lost and forbidden calling even among those who outcasted themselves from society by practicing witchcraft. In order to find out how to undo what Abel did to her lost love, however, she must first find out exactly what was done. Therefore into the darkness she went. Determined, Willow tred into the underground lair, reassuring herself that her endeavor would not go unrewarded. The air was heavy with the stench of decaying corpses, obtrusively foul and nauseating. The bodies that lay there were once reborn as zombies, ready to toil tirelessly, but when their master fell their puppet life was lost and they returned to their worm feeding and maggot breeding state. Stepping over the odd corpse, Willow made her way to an all too familiar room. She looked over where she remembered being strapped down to a table, about to be subject to God knows what before Buffy saved her. The spot where their enemy had his last concious thought looked conspiciously plain, devoid of signifigance. She walked over to an open book. Presumably these were the directions that Abel followed in order to be able to feel. Written in an archaic, cryptic language, Willow had no use for it. The potions and such in the far corner of the room caught Willow's attention. She remembered Abel mixing something together, arrogantly as he was, and it being needed to turn Oz into a werewolf. Hopeful, Willow herded a couple marked bottles into her backpack. Perhaps she could use these to change Oz back. This room exhausted it's helpful potential and Willow made her way out. She continued down the halls, remembering her way so she could backtrack, until she came upon a room that caught her eye. The desk in the center of the room was covered by a sea of books and documents while an equally impressive cache of materials lay neatly tucked away on a bookshelf. Willow entered, shifting her eyes side to side. To her delight, Willow realized that although the manuscripts were in an unknown language most of Abel's notes were in English. The scribblings ranged from humorous to disturbing. "Typical Maldini, always trying to do things the hard way. He'd write a fifty page step by step description of the technique one can use to locate one's own ass. Much like one's own ass, Kragen Demons are easier to feel for than to search for like he prescribes," one note read. Another note made Willow feel uneasy. Abel had written, "A werewolf! How exciting! It will be good for me to handle one in my research. Also, the girl with the amber hewn hair that's with him will suffice for my less studious interests. I can grab them both while their together and kill two birds with one stone." Frustrated, Willow was not making any progress. She was leaving when she noticed a few roughly written lines on a small scrap of paper. It read, "From all I can discern, the same procedure outlined in Bhadoven's Anamoulous Beastiary for 'curing' a werewolf can be used to make a periodic werewolf more permanent. A few commom reagents mixed in equal portions, spread on the subject, and ignited with a focused blast of hellfire should do the trick. I'm rather dissatisfied, it's like playing with a child's toys." Rejoice, that was it. Willow enthusiastically shoved the scrap paper into her pocket. Then a thought hit her, who was she going to get to summon a blast of hellfire? She slumped her shoulders back down, disappointed to say the least. After a few moments thought, she perked back up. It was resolved then, she'd just have to learn the whole hellfire thing herself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: taygeta@juno.com (C. Catherine) Subject: BUFFYFIC: Chronicles (28/?) Date: 08 Oct 1998 00:42:05 -0700 TITLE: Chronicles of the White Knight #28 Voices AUTHOR: Taygeta E-MAIL: taygeta@juno.com FEEDBACK: Very muchly wanted (bad or good...whatever the complaint) DISTRIBUTION: Sure, just tell me first. RATING: PG KEYWORDS: Buffy/Xander fanfic DISCLAIMER: The characters portrayed in this fanfic and any such reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series belong to their creator, Joss Whedon, and their owners, Mutant Enemy productions, Kuzui Productions, Sanddollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox. In other words, they do not belong to me. Copyright infringement not intended. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Chronicles of the White Knight #28 Voices By: Taygeta Blip…Blip…Blip…the sound of the heart monitor echoed, breaking the would-be silence of the room. Xander lay in the hospital bed, bruised and bandaged, but alive. Yet, the sight of his unanimated features due to heavy sedation tugged at Buffy's heart as she sat looking at him in a chair a few feet away. With a sigh, she stood up and carefully sat on the edge of the hospital bed, entwining the fingers of her left hand in his right and began in a whisper, "Xander…if I could only…" "Buffy…you okay?" Willow inquired as she walked in the room carefully. The slayer, surprised, quickly removed her hand from his, although not quick enough, and said, "Yeah, I'm okay, but that's more than I can say for Xander." Willow smiled softly as she walked towards his still form and tentatively kissed his forehead, "He'll be okay…he's Xander, nothing wounds him too long. He'll pull through, eventually." "But when's the eventual, Will?" she asked, "Today…tomorrow…the doctor says he's going to make it, but how? How?! He can barely walk…that son of a - I can't believe Angel - " Buffy stammered in frustration, "God…why is it that when things seem bad enough as it is, everything just becomes even worse?" "Buffy…Buffy…" hushed Willow as she took her friend into her arms, "Calm down…he's going to be okay…he's going to be okay!" "How can you be so sure?" she responded pulling away from her friend's grasp, "How do you know?" The redhead sighed as she fiddled with the buttons of her brown sweater before meeting her friend's passionate expression, "I don't know, but I can't imagine it any other way. He's going to make it and walk or no walk, we're his friends and we're going to help him no matter the cost." "But, I'm not his friend…I - I'm just his ex-girlfriend that he can't even bare to look at," she replied as she grabbed her bag and reached for the door knob. "That's not true! Buffy, Xander loves you …you know that!" Willow insisted as she grabbed the wrist the held the knob, "he told you so." "He was obviously delusional. He used to…that I know for sure, but he hates me now…hates me for what I did to him! I hurt him and I never wanted to do that to him…ever. You can't take away pain, Will…you can forgive it and you can say you forget it, but it's there and it never goes away." Having heard that, Willow backed away and asked as she folded her arms to her chest, "Where are you going?" Buffy looked at her friend as she opened the door, "The sun's coming down soon and I've let it come down too many times. I'm going to end it now, that's where I'm going, The End. And I'm going to make damn sure that it's not mine, but if…" She glanced at Xander for a second, and continued, "But if something does happen, tell him I love him…tell him something that tells him I care." "You're not ready!" she tried to insist holding back the door. "No, I've been ready," Buffy said shaking her head and meeting her eyes, "I've just been stalling and looked what happened because of that. Angel dies tonight." The door closed behind her and Willow stood looking at its gray paint for awhile, unsure of what to say or where to go, but finally, she whispered, "Good luck." Turning to Xander, she pulled the chair against the wall closer to the bed, and clasped his right hand. It was virtually bandaged free, saved for the finger splint that was miniscule in comparison to his bandaged head, swollen eyes and cheeks, broken left arm, and the cast encumbering his barely mobile right leg. "It's strange seeing you like this…I mean, you always broke bones when we were kids, but never this bad. The worst it ever came before was when Frankie Hertz beat you up when we were 7 and you had to get cast on your arm and a finger splint for your pinkie. And I thought you looked terrible then…no offense or anything. Xander…things use to be so much easier back then…we didn't have to worry about a vampire reeking his revenge on humanity, heck…we didn't even have to worry about the standing question of the opposite sex. "Where have the days gone and why - of all people - did they lead you to this? Is it destiny? Fate? The course of the stars?" She glanced at his right hand that she held and recalled how he had told her once that he was contemplating on becoming a writer and although the idea seemed abstract at the time, it didn't seem that strange now. "Maybe it is destiny…maybe you'll one day write a book about all of this. Obviously, you're gonna have to change the locale and the names of the characters or Cordelia's probably gonna start thinking that she's the main character - maybe that's why nothing happened to this hand or maybe…maybe it's sheer luck? Whatever it is, I'll be there for you…I'll always be there for you like you've been there for me and she'll be there too. You know who I mean…no matter what she does or says, or more really, everything she does or says, tells me that she still loves you. I just hope that you haven't the slightest doubt about that." "Um…Willow?" Giles interrupted as he prudently entreated on their privacy, "H -how is he?" "Hey, Giles," she responded softly, "h - he's doing okay, I mean, he's still under some pretty good dosage of medicine cause of…y'know the pain and recovery and stuff, but other than that, he's okay and before you know it, he's probably going to make another joke about tweed." The Watcher chuckled softly, "Well, we can't do without that, now, can we?" "I'm gonna go and call my parents…they've been pretty worried about Xander ever since Buffy called me to come here. They're probably going to want to know what's going on - or well…what I can tell them happened," Willow said as she walked towards the door and she paused, "You do know where Buffy went to do, don't you?" He swallowed apprehensively and nodded, "Yes…I know what Buffy is going to *attempt* to accomplish." "Then you don't think she's going to - " "What I think, Willow, is that Buffy will do what she has to do, when she has to do it, and whether it occurs now or later is up to Angelus. She will find him when he wants to be found." "Oh," she replied and turned the knob. "Why not use the phone in here?" he inquired as he wiped his glasses with a handkerchief from his pocket. She glanced at the phone and then at him with a smile, "It's okay…I can use the one outside." Rupert Giles sighed as he took in the still figure of one of his "Slayerettes," and sat in the chair last occupied by Willow. The room was a dreary as any hospital room could be and last he recalled occupying such a building was when Buffy had fallen ill…and prayed to God that such past incidences would not occur this latest duration spent here. Still, God only knew what havoc and destruction lay elsewhere, particularly pertaining to a certain slayer and her vampirical adversary. "Well, Xander…it seems that wishes don't really come true as one would like and life's 'wicked hexes' are not soon to fade, but rather soon to grow and engulf the cursed, but I suppose we can't say we didn't - we didn't try. Although, I never thought all of our trying would amount to this and as annoyed as I seem to be at you at times, Xander, I wish this on no one, especially not on yourself. I probably wouldn't tell you this if you were conscious, but you're growing up…for the better - despite the abnormalities we're faced against - you all are. And I hope that - that within this spectrum of time, I've at least taught you something meaningful." "Don't worry, Giles…you've taught us a lot," Cordelia said from behind him, "More than we'll ever let you know, but you've taught us a lot." "That's very kind of you to say, thank you," he said standing up, "Now, if you'd excuse me, Cordelia, I'm going to get some tea." "The sorry -excuse for a cafeteria doesn't have tea, but you could take their mock off of French Vanilla…it's great compared to their wannabe HazelNut stuff," she quipped. "You'd think with all the dead that come through here, they'd have enough money for some of the good stuff. Y'know Taster's Choice." "Um…t - thank you," he muttered as he closed the door behind him wondering if he should have taught them the wonders of a good cup of tea, or at least, the brand names of good coffee. He continued under his breath as he walked to the cafeteria, "Taster's Choice, indeed…" The stylish brunette eyed her former boyfriend carefully as she stood beside the bed and responded bluntly, "What can I tell you, Xander? You look terrible, and I …" She paused and exhaled, "I want you to get better - you have to get better - 'cause…well …I miss you. I know we did the whole 'we're friends again' thing, but I want to hang with you, insult you… like old times, except without all the uh…y'know trips to the closet. Although I'm sure Buffy's gonna stake out the vicinity to make sure there isn't a closet within a hundred-foot radius." She laughed nervously at her own joke, "Seriously, though, about Buffy, I meant what I said before about how I saw a certain permanence to you guys. I really did see that, and I really hate to admit it, but I was always jealous because I knew that from the start. Not really, but sub-consciously. No matter what I did and no matter what was going, she was your number one priority. I could only be so lucky to find a guy that thought of me before anyone else and I'm glad she found you Xander, 'cause you're a great guy…when you're not making with the tried funny." "Uh…Cordelia?" Oz said carefully as he walked into the room, "You're purse is ringing." Her eyes widened, "Oh…oh…it's probably my parent's wondering where I am so late…um, thanks." "You're…" he began, but she flew out the door before he could finish lamely, "…welcome, yeah." He was about to follow her exit, but he turned to look at Xander. He let go of the doorknob and walked towards the hospital bed, sitting down on the chair that had been moved by Willow. "Look, I know you have this quasi-antagonism concept with me, and perfectly understandable seeing as that Willow has been your bestest bud since forever, and obviously you kind of see me as the guy that's taking up a lot of her time. I know you don't think too much of me, and I pretty much don't know you enough to think much of you, but I do know that Will cares about you. I don't like seeing that expression that's been permanent on her face for this entire time. When she saw you coming out of surgery, I couldn't take that look away from her eyes, but you can. All you gotta do is come out of this all right. I'm not asking for me, Xander, far from, but I am asking for her, for your best friend." Oz paused and was about to walk out, but he turned to glance at him, "Not that you can hear me any better now or anything, but…uh…Buffy needs you too and I know you need her. Couldn't do without the other, you know? Like I said, the last time we actually had a decent conversation, I know the feeling." He shook his head and chuckled softly, feeling strange talking to a sedated Xander, but he had to admit, as he walked out of the room, at least it enabled him to get a word in edgewise. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Buffy walked into the white hospital building and she couldn't believe that after all those hours she was coming back to where she had left. It was late and visiting hours had come and gone, but as she came to Xander's hospital room door she thought, Gently opening and closing the door, she looked around the room and found a single bright lamp glowing beside the bed, providing the only light for the curtain-drawn room. Placing her Slayer Utility Bag down on the floor, she sat at the edge of the bed once more and entwined her fingers in that of his right. "Xander," she began as she pushed a wisp of her blonde hair out of her eyes with her free hand. "Last night, was the first time, in a long time, that I was truly afraid. I wasn't afraid of him and I wasn't afraid of the future that he represented for me. What I was afraid of, what plagued me the entire time I knew you were on that operating table, was that whatever my future was going to be, you weren't going to be in it. I need you, Xander, I need you to be apart of my life again. I - I love you." Bring! Bring! The phone beside the bed shrilled and Buffy instantaneously grabbed it before it could ring any further. It was nearly 3 and she wondered who could possibly be calling at this ungodly hour. "Hello?" "It's time…" ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aglx@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Story Editor Date: 08 Oct 1998 09:57:28 EDT I am in desperate need of a good story editor just for the rest of my "Love Revival" series. I can't get in contact with my current editor, and judging from the feedback I'm getting to hurry up and send the final version, I need to get it out soon. If anyone would be willing to help me out, there are only 5 more parts to edit. All I need is someone to go over it, check my grammar and spelling and phrasing and then send me back the story with all the corrections made. That's all. I'd appreciate any help I could get since I really want to get this story out, but my whole reasoning for having an editor is the fact that I'm not to great at catching my own mistakes. ( : Thanks in advance. -Michelle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: blue_moose@juno.com (Jaina Solo) Subject: BUFFYFIC:Harsh Little Girl 1/1 Date: 08 Oct 1998 20:42:39 -0400 Title:Harsh Little Girl Part of my "At the Choirgirl Hotel" universe, companion piece to "Exit 75", at this time unposted. Author:Jaina Feedback:Absolutely! I adore feedback and will respond to all of it. Constructive criticism is great too, but flames will be immediately and cheerfully posted to my webpage so the whole internet can learn all about trolls. Any comments you have should be sent to blue_moose@juno.com Distribution:If you'd like to archive this, please ask me first so I know where it's going. Rating:PG Disclaimer:Once upon a time in LA, there was a very creative man named Joss Whedon who came up with the idea of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all related...stuff. Today he's pretty rich. He owns them; I don't. Capice? Author's Notes:This is a post Becoming Part 2 piece. I started this before Anne and finished it after, so disregard everything you saw in that episode while reading. :-) It's kind of a dark piece written from Joyce Summer's point of view. Its companion piece, "Exit 75," is being written and should be posted soon. Both stories in the Choirgirl universe have titles taken from lyrics from songs by Tori Amos on her newest CD, "From the Choirgirl Hotel." This one is from her most excellent song, Playboy Mommy. ---------------------- Harsh Little Girl ---------------------- In my platform shoes, I trip over to the bar. My feet are slowly going numb, pinched by the tight leather, but hey, my feet look great. Maybe the rest of me does, too-I'm picking up some looks from other patrons. Not bad for a full-time mother of one turned gallery manager. Maybe it's the makeup I found in my daughter's room during my frantic search through her things. Maybe it's the shoes I borrowed from her closet. Hell, it might just be because these things are damned hard to walk in and I look slightly inebriated. I must be a puzzle for them. Drunks usually stumble *out* of bars, not into them. It's gonna be a grand old show when I leave in several hours' time. I sit down at the bar and order a screwdriver. The bartender gives me a worried look, but makes the drink. I guess he's worried he'll have to escort a respectable woman-a respectably drunk woman-home at the end of the night. I ignore him. I feel drunk already. I've felt drunk since she left. She. I amaze myself sometimes; I can't even bring myself to say her name. Product of my loins, Mom's best friend...total stranger. You know, before I found the gallery, I thought about buying a larger house and taking on boarders. I changed my mind when I thought about all the dangers involved. Any type of dangerous person could be in our house. And my daughter, she was so trusting. I couldn't take that kind of risk, no matter how paranoid it seemed. Well, paranoia it wasn't. There *was* a dangerous person living with me. But the danger wasn't to my child-it *was* my child. She had a whole life, a whole world I never suspected even existed. When I got her note I was terrified. It was the final proof of all I didn't know about her. My wonderful little girl would never have run away. The young woman my daughter has become did. And I have no idea how or where to look for her, because I just don't know her. I don't carry any insights into her mind that will tell me where she's gone. I didn't do the responsible thing by calling her father and the police, not necessarily in that order. Neither would be able to offer any help, anyway. I did the panicky thing, the crazy thing. I tore through her room, her possessions. I was searching for...I don't know. Searching for *her*, in a way. I was looking for some clue, no matter how small, that would lead me to the knowledge of who my daughter really was. I didn't find much, yet I found everything. Wooden stakes and vials of holy water; tools of the stranger in my house. I was way past the point of being fazed by them. And then I succeeded in my quest-I found my daughter's diary. Her words. I read it and I'm not ashamed of it. She'd hate it, but if we're such strangers, why should it matter what she thinks? Written in her hand, I found the truth. And the truth is, she just didn't trust me. She's never trusted me. Damn her! I snatch my drink from the bartender's hand and take gulp. The alcohol burns its way down my throat. Good, now it matches the inferno of my heart, my mind. I'm filled with a sudden bitterness. If she was to walk in here right now, tearful and apologetic, I really don't know if I could find it in me to forgive her. I'm not saying I wouldn't, or couldn't; I just don't know. For over a decade now she's been my world. I've done my best, tried to be a good parent, especially when her father and I split and my workload doubled. Have I been a perfect mother? No. Of course not. As far as I know, only Mary was, and I'm no sinless virgin. But I *did* do my best, and what do I get in return? Hidden secrets. Lies. She never even tried telling me the truth. That's what tears me up inside. I can't say I would have accepted it without qualms, but I would have *tried* to understand. I'd have endeavored to find some meaning to it all and lived with what I found. But she robbed me of that. She hid the truth until it was too late for calm talks and eventual acceptance. She threw it all on me and then had the guts to resent my anger. My world was imploding and she was playing the self-righteous martyr, as if she'd surveyed the available paths and chosen this course as the best to travel upon. If some not-so-divine intervention hadn't prompted me to witness the actions of her true self, I'd still never know. How dare she. How dare she. I notice that my drink is empty and I'm suddenly tired and I wonder-where is she now? Is my child alive and well, or has she become the victim of one of the illusory monsters I always feared? I feel a pang in my heart. What am I doing here? Spilling out my sorrows to the bottom of a cheap shot glass? Maybe I'm trying to run away from the fact that I'm scared to death. Stranger or not, she's always been my world...and if I'm being honest to myself, she still is. Every moment I'm here is another moment she's gone. It occurs to me-is this what it's like for her? Unknowing to what nightmare may come, knowing that the sky is falling, the sky is falling....and never being able to tell a soul. I don't know. Maybe I'll never know. All I know is that I'm sitting alone in a noisy bar while my child is somewhere far away...and I am as blind as I have ever been. ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aglx@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Love's Revival (22/25) Date: 09 Oct 1998 09:53:15 EDT Title: Love's Revival (22/25) Author: AnGeL X (Aglx@aol.com) Distrbution: Just Ask & Keep my name attached! Spoilers: Takes place after Becoming Rating: PG/PG-13 Violence. Description: Buffy/Angel Love Story. Disclaimer: Plot Mine. Characters all but Savarah are mine! I own nothing that's really Buffy, never will, don't sue. Feedback: I live for it. I also refuse to write without it! Thanks so much to all those who offered to help me with my stories. I had no idea there were even that many people on the list! (: Sunnydale was unusually quiet for a late night. The tension between Buffy and Angel only made it worse. They walked side by side down the sidewalk of a Sunnydale neighborhood. Few lights were left on in the nearby houses and the effect it created gave even Buffy the creeps. Repeated glances up to Angel's face was all she could do to keep from exploding. < I killed her. He made her and I killed her. > "Angel?" Buffy whispered. Without a word, he stopped and looked at her. "Are, are you okay?" She stuttered. The pain she knew he had to be going through was tearing her up inside. And she hated Drusilla. She knew she had to die, but she never thought it'd cause Angel any pain. "Fine. I should have done that a long time ago. It would have been better for all of us." "Oh, don't talk like that lover. Drusilla was your greatest creation. Don't be ashamed of such exotic work." Savarah leaned up against a tree trunk and smiled down on them. Buffy could see Angel's face flood with anger as the devil's figure came into his focus behind her. She spun around quickly and stood blocking Angel from his greatest enemy. "Oh that's good Buffy. You stand in front of him and protect him. I'm sure that will work." Angel pushed Buffy out of the way and stepped casually towards Savarah. "We all know what needs to be done. So let's get it done!" "Ooh I love how ambitious you are!" Savarah squealed in a high pitched tone. "But, I'm not here to fight you. That time will come. But it's not tonight." "That's all you're about isn't it? Just games." "How am I supposed to have any fun if I don't play games?" "So why'd you come?" "Dear Buffy, do you really think I would miss Drusilla's death?" "You came, you saw, now get the hell out of here!" Angel hissed. "Okay, okay. I'll see you soon Buffy. Really soon." "I'll be waiting." Savarah turned away into brisk Sunnydale night. * * * * * "Dead?" "Yes Giles. For the three thousandth time. She's dead." "I'm sorry. Its just I wasn't prepared for you to take on her death." "Huh?" "Spike. I can only imagine what he has in store for you and Angel now that you killed Drusilla." "I can handle Spike." "We don't have time for this!" Angel said. He was perched up on the counter in the library with his head buried in his hands. "We need to find out how to stop Savarah!" "Yes. But I'm afraid I don't have any good news. There is only one way to kill her. Angel would have to do it. The problem is, there's no guarantee she won't try another trick like the last time." "So this is your basic loose-loose situation, huh?" Xander said interrupting his normally quiet existence in the room. "Unless she doesn't try anything and just fights you, I'm afraid Xander's right. There will never be an end to it." "Well, that's a risk we're just going to have to take!" Buffy rose from her chair and moved towards Angel who continued to hide his face from everyone. "Angel?" He didn't respond. His body just sat there, unmoving. "Angel, are you going to help me?" "Of course I'll help you. But Buffy, I don't want to live like this. I don't want you to have to live like this. Always waiting for her next attack? What if she kills me?" "She won't." Angel hopped off the counter and wrapped his arms around Buffy's waist. "I don't want to lose you again." "You won't. I won't let her hurt you. We'll figure a way out of this. We have to." "Uh, guys?" Cordelia said from the stairs. "What about Spike?" "We'll take care of him." "I got it!" Willow shouted from her trance-like state in front of the computer screen. "Got what?" Everyone rushed over by her and awaited to news of her findings. "The answer to our problem. I found a spell that will keep Savarah from cursing you again." "This is why I love you Willow. You always save us when we need you," Xander said wrapping his arms around her. Cordelia and Oz both gave him warning glares. "What? She's my friend. I'm allowed to hug my friend, aren't I?" "Don't thank me yet. We still have to perform the ritual before Savarah comes after you." Willow clicked the mouse a few more times and then paper came spewing out of the printer next to her. "Xander, Cordelia. I need you two to go get these items. We'll need them for the ritual." They nodded and took the piece of paper on their way rushing out the doors. "Oz, you stay here with me and help me set up." "Sure. Anything you need." "Giles, I think it might be a good idea if you and Buffy do some training while we prepare. It'll take a few hours. Buffy's going to need all the practice she can get." "Yes ma'am Watcher Willow!" Buffy said with sarcastic grin on her face. Buffy looked up at Angel with those pathetic puppy dog eyes. "Wanna help me train?" "Oh no you don't. Don't look at me with those cute puppy dog eyes!" After a few seconds of her continued glare, he caved. "Okay, okay. But watch the low blows. I've gotta fight her too." "I'll be gentle." "Enough!" Giles shouted. "We have a lot of work to do." ~~~~ That's all for now. Today's my b-day and I'm going to party! -Michelle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Jericho Born" Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Idea from "Dead Man's Party" Date: 09 Oct 1998 11:12:42 -0700 I had an idea for writing a fanfic inspired by Buffy's offhand comment in "Dead Man's Party" where she said, "How about home schooling? It's not just for scary religious people anymore." Since I myself have been home schooled for more than five years now I thought I'd write a kind of "spin-off" of BtVS where Buffy becomes home schooled and introduces a new gang of slayerettes based on archetypes of home schoolers I've observed. I thought it could be kind of funny and quirky, any comments? -JB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: KylenRevik@aol.com Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Idea from "Dead Man's Party" Date: 09 Oct 1998 15:27:44 EDT FIRSt-- please excuse the Caps-- my keybOard is *SEriously* wigging out on mE. ::sigh:: In a message dated 98-10-09 14:21:12 EDT, traction@sirius.com writes: >I had an idea for writing a fanfic inspired by Buffy's offhand comment in >"Dead Man's Party" where she said, "How about home schooling? It's not just >for scary religious people anymore." Since I myself have been home schooled >for more than five years now I thought I'd write a kind of "spin-off" of BtVS >where Buffy becomes home schooled and introduces a new gang of slayerettes >based on archetypes of home schoolers I've observed. I thought it could be >kind of funny and quirky, any comments? Something I noticed (anD dIdn't Much liKE) about DMP and "Anne" was that the group wasn't together. I think that really ContRibutes a Lot to the chemISTry OF tHE show, and without it it seems a bit empty. SO if you're going to pursue this, I would recomment being VERY careful about it. MaKe sure you're staying true to the spirit of "Buffy", and keep the characters true. :) Rachel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: KylenRevik@aol.com Subject: Re: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: Idea from "Dead Man's Party" Date: 09 Oct 1998 15:26:49 EDT FIRSt-- please excuse the Caps-- my keybOard is *SEriously* wigging out on mE. ::sigh:: In a message dated 98-10-09 14:21:12 EDT, traction@sirius.com writes: >I had an idea for writing a fanfic inspired by Buffy's offhand comment in >"Dead Man's Party" where she said, "How about home schooling? It's not just >for scary religious people anymore." Since I myself have been home schooled >for more than five years now I thought I'd write a kind of "spin-off" of BtVS >where Buffy becomes home schooled and introduces a new gang of slayerettes >based on archetypes of home schoolers I've observed. I thought it could be >kind of funny and quirky, any comments? Something I noticed (anD dIdn't Much liKE) about DMP and "Anne" was that the group wasn't together. I think that really ContRibutes a Lot to the chemISTry OF tHE show, and without it it seems a bit empty. SO if you're going to pursue this, I would recomment being VERY careful about it. MaKe sure you're staying true to the spirit of "Buffy", and keep the characters true. :) Rachel ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Jericho Born" Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Flies to Honey" (6/?) sequel to "The Necromancer" Date: 09 Oct 1998 22:52:30 -0700 TITLE: "Flies to Honey" (Part 06/?) AUTHOR: J. Jericho Born E-MAIL: traction@sirius.com FEEDBACK: Please let me know what you think of my fanfic with some feedback. DISTRIBUTION: The author reserves rights on this story. Please do not distribute without expressed permission. RATING: PG-13 Contains violence. SPOILERS: Spoilers to previous fanfic. DESCRIPTION: The sequel to "The Necromancer". Abel is now unconcious, but attracting vampires like flies to honey. Buffy is caught between protecting her enemy and helping her friend Willow find her beloved Oz. Meanwhile, Willow gets deeper into magic and the occult in order to find a way to restore Oz to human form. DISCLAIMER: The writer of this unauthorized fan fiction is not affiliated with any of the parties involved in the making of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters are the property of Joss Whedon and whomever else the lawyers may deem fit, they are used without permission. Technically that is not legal, but I'm not anticipating any law suits. This work, the plot line, and the characters introduced that are not already featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the work of Joshua Jericho Born, Copyright 1998. ============== Scene 5 Standing innocently in the doorway, Buffy lingered outside of Giles' library office. Giles himself had his attentions buried in an particularly interesting read of a book. A few pages went by before Giles finally donned his glasses to look over a sheepish, quiet Slayer. "Oh, Buffy, I hadn't noticed you there. Is something a matter?" questioned Giles. "Well, I don't know how to say this, but I was talking with Willow yesterday," slowly articulated Buffy. "Are things not all well between you and Willow?" Giles inquired softly. "No," quickly replied Buffy with an unsure expression. She finally admitted, "Yes." Buffy explained, "You see it's just that I've been spending so much time with the slayage around Abel's crypt and Oz is still out there." "Ah, and I suppose you want me to tell you it would be fine for you to neglect your duties and pursue locating Oz with more of your time," guessed Giles. "That'd be perfect," smiled Buffy. "You do realize that this is not only a choice opportunity to slay vampires, but that if a vampire fed on Abel and consequently killed him that the gateway Abel sealed would be reopend, giving way for more necromancers to come into our world. As your Watcher I can't very well endorse you forsaking your responsiblities," reminded Giles officiously. Buffy dropped her head and remained silent. "As an adult and dare I say father figure, however, I can tell you that there are times in one's life when the welfare of those close to you are many times greater in your heart than responsibilities that one doesn't even want," added Giles. Her head now raised, Buffy quizzically glanced a the grin on her Watcher's face. She answered it a small smirk of her own. "Thanks," said Buffy plainly. Giles nodded in awknowledgement, seeming larger than life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Jericho Born" Subject: BUFFYFIC: "Flies to Honey" (07/?) sequel to "The Necromancer" Date: 09 Oct 1998 22:53:37 -0700 TITLE: "Flies to Honey" (Part 07/?) AUTHOR: J. Jericho Born E-MAIL: traction@sirius.com FEEDBACK: Please let me know what you think of my fanfic with some feedback. DISTRIBUTION: The author reserves rights on this story. Please do not distribute without expressed permission. RATING: PG-13 Contains violence. SPOILERS: Spoilers to previous fanfic. DESCRIPTION: The sequel to "The Necromancer". Abel is now unconcious, but attracting vampires like flies to honey. Buffy is caught between protecting her enemy and helping her friend Willow find her beloved Oz. Meanwhile, Willow gets deeper into magic and the occult in order to find a way to restore Oz to human form. DISCLAIMER: The writer of this unauthorized fan fiction is not affiliated with any of the parties involved in the making of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The characters are the property of Joss Whedon and whomever else the lawyers may deem fit, they are used without permission. Technically that is not legal, but I'm not anticipating any law suits. This work, the plot line, and the characters introduced that are not already featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer are the work of Joshua Jericho Born, Copyright 1998. ============== Scene 6 "Wow," said an intrigued Willow, her voice tapered the one sylable word. She eagerly punched away at the page down key of her laptop. Curious, Xander leaned over from the other side of the Library table. "What are you looking at?" he asked. "Well, I found out a way to hopefully change Oz back to a human, but it kind of needs a little hellfire to work," explained Willow readily. "So are you reading up on hellfire?" further asked Xander. "Well, no. There wasn't much known about hellfire, so I started reading on how a necromancer becomes a necromancer. This is pretty sad," Willow said, eyeing the screen in front of her. Xander comforted, "Come on, Willow, you're not being that desperate." "I meant how they become a necromancer is sad," Willow chastised. She questioned, "Did you know that when a necromancer seeks an apprentice he looks for people in the most vulnerable, frustrated walks of life?" "No, but it makes sense. Who better to become an ultra bad villian guy then someone who can't get a girl to notice him," Xander commented. He continued, accelerating into a ramble, "And then when she does she only thinks he's a pathetic loser. Finally, when she get's over how demeaning it is to be seen with him she puts him down at every opportunity to make herself feel important. But, I'm a man who has feelings, too. I'm not just her whipping boy-" Xander interuppted himself, "What were we talking about again?" "Like I was saying. They find someone who's already sick of the world and come to him in a nightmare. They torture that person in his sleep by showing him the most grusome horrors of man's inhumanity to man. By the time the dream is over he's an even more broken soul. Only after that do they offer apprenticeship," described Willow. "Wow, and I thought colleges had aggresive recruiting programs," wryly joked Xander. "This is like our first villian with a sob story. I mean, vampires get sired and then they're vampires. Demons are demons. But, this guy is a human being who's had a past and a childhood and develeoped in the monster that he is," Willow observed with a touch of compassion. "Well that doesn't change the fact that he is the monster that he is. Right now, this guy being a vegetable is justice," redirected Xander. "I guess. But, can you imagine how horrible his life must have been for a necromancer to pick him for an apprentice," offered Willow. "You're not getting all soft on him are you?" Xander questioned. "No. It's just that the more I learn about where Abel's coming from, the harder it is for me to hate him," answered Willow. "Hey, guys," greeted Buffy, emerging from Giles' office. "Buffy-" began Willow, but she was cut short. "I've thought about what you said and I've finally really got my priorities straight," interjected Buffy. "I'm sorry for being so stuck up before," apologized Willow sincerely. "It's ok. It's to be expected considering what you've been through. Anyway, there've been reports of a 'bigfoot' type monster in Weberton. It sounds promising so I figure after school tommorrow we can head up there for the weekend and see if we can bring Oz home," said Buffy, mixed emotions bleeding through at different times in her statement. "Great! I'll brush up on some witchcraft stuff, it might help us to find him," Willow said excitedly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aglx@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Love's Revival (23/25) Date: 10 Oct 1998 18:55:25 EDT Title: Love's Revival (23/25) Author: AnGeL X (Aglx@aol.com) Distrbution: Just Ask & Keep my name attached! Spoilers: Takes place after Becoming Rating: PG/PG-13 Violence. - None for this part Description: Buffy/Angel Love Story. Disclaimer: Plot Mine. Characters all but Savarah are mine! I own nothing that's really Buffy, never will, don't sue. Feedback: I live for it. I also refuse to write without it! Xander and Cordelia burst into the library with two bags filled with the supplies Willow requested. Their sudden intrusion interrupted Buffy's sword fight with Angel. Angel wasn't distracted by their appearance and took a swing at Buffy's head, assuming she would have blocked it. Buffy ducked just in time to avoid the blade hitting her neck. "Angel!" "Sorry. I *thought* you would block it!" "Likely excuse," Buffy said with a grin. "Here's the stuff you asked us to get." Cordelia said squeamishly handing over the bag she was carrying to Willow. "What are we supposed to do with all those smelly plants?" Ignoring Cordelia, Willow moved to instruct everyone on the plan. "Angel, Buffy, Xander. You'll need to leave the room." "Why?" Buffy asked defensively. "The ritual is very strict about who can be in the room and exactly how many. Buffy, you and Angel are too close to Savarah to be able to perform this. Xander, well, the ritual only needs the help of three." "Fine by me. I've had enough of all this." "Why do I have to help?" "Cordelia, could you please just not argue with me now. This is not the time." "Fine." Buffy, Angel and Xander left the library and waited outside. They listened to Willow's chanting and could smell the putrid aroma that came from the burning of herbs and oils. Several minutes passed and finally Cordelia came crashing out of the library, her lungs filled with smoke from the fire. "Are you okay?!" Xander asked as he tried to comfort her. "Yeah, never been better. They're done in there." Buffy and Angel rushed back into the library and anticipated the result of the ritual. "We did it! She won't be able to curse you this time. If you win, you win," Willow shrieked with a giant grin on her face. "Thank you, Willow," Angel said while hugging Willow. * * * * * Buffy and Angel walked down the deserted sidewalk next to the graveyard. Their heads, filled with millions of thoughts. Thoughts of love, of revenge and of regret. Wondering if they would ever be free of the devil, Savarah. If they would ever be free of the guilty pain they both suffered from equally. Angel stopped and grabbed Buffy by the arm. He spun her around to face him. "You sure you want to do this?" "Do I have a choice?" Angel dropped his head. "Hey, don't take this on yourself. It's my fault we're in this mess." "When are you going to stop blaming yourself." "When it stops being the truth. Angel, you know just as well as I do, that this all comes back..." Angel pressed his lips against hers. Her body went limp in his arms. "I don't want to lose you." "I don't want to lose you either," Buffy said innocently as she watched him fight against the demon inside him. It had been so long since they had been close to each other but the painful memories kept them at a distance. "Are you ready to accept the consequences this may bring?" "What's with the twenty questions? I'm ready and willing to fight her." "Great. Then let's go!" Said a cocky voice from behind them. Buffy and Angel both turned around to see Savarah leaning up against the same tree as before. Somehow they managed to meet her again in the same place. "I mean, if you two are ready." The both looked at each other for a second, questioning if they really were ready. "Let's go!" Angel said, his face distorting to his alter ego. "I noticed you sunk to my level by binding my spell casting powers. Very clever." "I wanted a fair game," Buffy said bluntly. "It'll be fair alright. But I have just one little rule." "Oh yeah, almost forgot. Can't play a game with you without rules," Buffy said. "Oh, but that is my one rule. No rules, no limits, just pure, bloody fun!" ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Can't you just feel the tension? Big fight coming next. -Michelle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aglx@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Love's Revival (24/25) Date: 11 Oct 1998 16:29:46 EDT Title: Love's Revival (24/25) Author: AnGeL X (Aglx@aol.com) Distrbution: Just Ask & Keep my name attached! Spoilers: Takes place after Becoming Rating: PG-13 Violence & Gore. Come on, it's a fight! Description: Buffy/Angel Love Story. Disclaimer: Plot Mine. Characters all but Savarah aren't mine! I own nothing that's really Buffy, never will, don't sue. Feedback: I live for it. I also refuse to write without it! Without bothering with a thought, Angel lunged at her, hoping that by some small chance, he could catch her off guard. Just as he was about to make contact, Savarah side-stepped him, forcing him to land face first on the cold muddy ground. "You know this really isn't a great place for me to work. How about right over there." With the movement of her hand Savarah lifted Angel off the ground and sent him flying into the cemetery. A headstone broke his fall as he landed painfully. Buffy winced as he hit, but kept her emotions from getting the best of her. She had to keep Savarah busy long enough for Angel to kill her. That was their only chance of survival. "Shall we join him?" Before Buffy had the chance to protest or even offer the concept of walking, they were both flying towards Angel at a speed to fast for the human eye to notice. As Buffy reached down to check on Angel, Savarah pushed her away with her boot. "Don't think so sweetie. This is between you and me." "Fine with me if you want to play with even odds." Buffy took the first shot, hitting Savarah solidly on the jaw. It felt like punching a steel wall but she didn't let that show. Savarah returned it with a swift backhand that knocked Buffy off balance. The two went at it, throwing punches left and right, trying to see who would wear down first. Buffy knew she couldn't keep this up forever, and Savarah could. Hoping that Angel would get up and offer some assistance soon, Buffy kept at the game. A few kicks to her stomach, followed by a direct hit to Savarah's kneecap was the closest she could come to offering this creature any pain. Finally, Angel rose from the ground and kicked Savarah in in the face. His hit actually had an effect on the unkillable demon. She fell back and landed on her back. "Sorry Angel, you don't get to play!" With a quick movement with her hands, a stake flew out and hit Angel in the chest. He flew straight back, crashing into the wall of a mausoleum and falling unconscious to the ground. Horror struck Buffy as she realized, Savarah might have just killed him. But she was actually relieved to see that the stake only punctured his left lung. Buffy rushed to his side, screaming his name. She watched him just lie there motionlessly and decided she had to remove the stake. Gripping it with her hands she prepared to rip it out while he was already unconscious. "I don't think so, sweetheart." Savarah kicked Buffy in the face, sending her flying backwards. Away from Angel. "You can tend to your poor lover when were done. Assuming you somehow survive it." Savarah stepped over Angel's body, and walked over to Buffy. She was just getting to her feet when Savarah approached and sent her soaring through the air yet again. This time, she crashed against the tree upside-down. The trunk successfully knocked her upon the head and sent her tumbling to the ground. Her face plastered into the cold marshy ground, Buffy just wished the blow would send her into unconsciousness. No such luck. She was alive, awake, and very much aware of the pain. "Don't even think of blacking out on me." Savarah grabbed Buffy's hair and peeled her body off the ground. Buffy's body went limp as she rose into the air. Savarah waited, almost patiently for Buffy to do something. Nothing. "Wake up! You're little game of opossum won't work with me." Buffy's foot struck backwards landing heavily in Savarah's stomach. Her body fell to the ground as Savarah reeled from the blow. "Good! You're getting smarter." "I learn from my enemies." Buffy sent a roundhouse kick at Savarah with every bit of strength she had left in her. She wasn't going to quit. Not yet. She dove over a grave stone and crashed head first into Savarah. The two tumbled to the ground, finally stopping when they hit a tree. Buffy winced and stood up quickly. Already, she had several broken ribs which would heal. The problem was, they might not heal soon enough. Savarah climbed to her feet, her eyes now a pitch black. Standing rigidly, Savarah stretched out her arms, hands spread. Her fingers reaching as if for the ground that they would never touch. Buffy felt something grab her and lift her up into the air. She hung there by nothing, pinned against the tree, several feet from the ground. "Let's face it. The world's not meant for the both of us. You are causing me too many problems." "What? Big, bad devil girl can't take a little competition." "What can I say? I don't work well with competition." Savarah took a few steps towards Buffy. Her voice lowered to a near whisper. "But, this time, you don't have your precious lover to protect you. He's gone. And even if he does survive. He'll never be able to save you." Buffy felt her stomach twist. Who was going to save her this time? This wasn't good. She kept getting herself into situations where only others could save her. If she survived this, she really needed to work on the caution thing. She closed her eyes, hoping it would help everything go faster. Savarah's fingers slowly started to curl, forming a fist in slow motion. The invisible thing holding Buffy hostage tightened its grip around her like a vice. She struggled to move, to breathe. Both were getting harder to do every second. As the hands possessed by the devil finally closed up tightly, Buffy could feel her bones breaking under the pressure. Her already broken ribs were making it almost impossible to breath. "Sorry Slayer. This fight had to end sooner or later. And I'm a fan of sooner." Buffy's eyes shut. Her mind raced with thoughts, anything to focus on besides the pain. Buffy couldn't believe this was happening. Again. After all she'd been through to save her own life as well as Angel's, this was how she was repaid. Forced to live a life she would give anything not to do, risking her life every day so the world could go on living. And now she was in the grips of the devil, so to speak, the life being crushed out of her while Savarah looked on laughing. This wasn't good. Buffy made a last attempt to struggle against the demon. She failed, horribly. No longer did she have control over her body or mind. Everything was slowing slipping away to the point of her ended existence. Everything suddenly went black as Buffy's body crashed to ground. The sickening sound of broken bones as they hit was the last thing she heard before blacking out completely. Everything ended. * * * * Everything was gone. Her mind no longer filled with thoughts, her body no longer filled with pain. Just numb. Everything was numb. Buffy groaned as she took in a painful breath. Her eyes slowly opened to pure black. There was nothing to be seen. As she focused more, the star filled midnight black sky and glowing full moon towered above her. She sat up, and looked around. Trees, grass, gravestones. She was in a cemetery. Whether it was the ever-so-popular Sunnydale Graveyard, she couldn't tell. She didn't want to. < Am I dead? Is this Heaven? Or Hell? > Recognizing the scenery as the same cemetery, Buffy looked over to the spot where Savarah stood. Only now, she was gone and someone else occupied the small patch of grass. Her eyes traced the body from feet to head until she recognized the figure standing there before her. "One down, two to go!" The creature hissed. * * * * * * Who could it be? Hmm, I wonder... The end coming next.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Aglx@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: Love's Revival (25/25) Date: 11 Oct 1998 20:13:09 EDT Title: Love's Revival (25/25) Author: AnGeL X (Aglx@aol.com) Distrbution: Just Ask & Keep my name attached! Spoilers: Takes place after Becoming Rating: PG-13. Description: Buffy/Angel Love Story. Disclaimer: Plot Mine. Characters all but Savarah aren't mine! The poetry exercpt is mine. I wrote that poem a long while ago, but the words fit with the scene, so I used them. I own nothing that's really Buffy, never will, don't sue. Feedback: I live for it. I'd love to hear what everyone thinks about how I ended things. I agonized over what to do with this for a long while! Thanks so much to my editors rihanon, BMTHESPIAN, and Laura.Diehl@widener.edu for their help with this story. * * * * * "Spike," Buffy said, her voice barely an audible whisper. He didn't say anything; he only stared at her. * * * * * * * * * Crystal blue stared at you. The pain of eternity engraved. A heart broken a million times over A soul beyond repair * * * * * * * * * She looked at the demon, and for the first time, she felt sorry for him. Silently cursing herself for having any such pity for a demon--other than Angel--Buffy held back the feeling burning in her gut. She began to regain her senses and emotions came first. Rushing at her from all directions, with every intention of destroying her. "Am I dead?" Buffy held a hand to her head to steady the spinning area. Although most of the deadly damage caused by Savarah was healed, she still had her share of battle wounds which caused significant pain whenever she was required to move, or think "Not yet." "Savarah?" Buffy gasped. "I killed her. That bitch had been mucking things up for far too long." "But..." Buffy was confused and disoriented. Dying takes a lot out of a person. Buffy steadied herself with the help of the tree and slowly lifted herself to her feet. Spike didn't let her finish. He simply charged until she was back on the ground and he was on top of her. Buffy was nearly defenseless against him and the continual punches he threw at her. The beating she had taken from Savarah was still fresh and Spike was only reawakening the wounds. Finally, when she knew she couldn't take much more, she brought up her left knee and knocked him off of her. Buffy's body just lay there, defenseless to the world. Her eyes squinted as she tried to find Spike in the blackness. * * * * * As Buffy awaited her death brought on by one of her greatest enemies, Angel was slowly regaining consciousness. The first sight that caught his eyes was Spike straddling Buffy's lifeless body. She wasn't moving and Spike was still throwing punches. Instinctively, Angel tried to roll over and get to his feet but immediately found the stake protruding from his chest was too much of an obstacle. Rolling over onto his back, Angel gripped the stake with both hands and ripped it from his lung. He cried out as the wood separated from his flesh and Spike was distracted for a brief second from Buffy. "Stay down, Angel. I'll get to you soon enough," Spike yelled over his shoulder before hitting Buffy with another punch. Angel, now free of the stake, rolled to his side, wincing at the pain but fighting against anything more. He had to save Buffy or else Spike would take her life, for sure. He crawled to his knees and then lifted himself to his feet. Angel stumbled until he was a few feet away from Spike. Spike was too preoccupied with Buffy and killing her painfully-- so she would remember in her last moment what she did to his Drusilla--that he didn't even notice that Angel had made it to his feet. After a few seconds of pulling together all the strength that he had left, Angel tackled Spike, knocking him off of Buffy. The two tumbled down a hill until they both collided with the wall of the cemetery. Buffy gasped as Spike's weight was lifted from her chest. Her face was a bruised and bloody mess which would take some time to heal, even for the Slayer. Spike was the first to get up and took full advantage. Grabbing Angel's shoulders, he slammed his head up against the brick wall lining the cemetery. "Damn you!" Angel hissed. Angel glared at Spike with hatred in his eyes which he narrowed to tiny slits. The feeling was mutual. "It's a little too late for that, don't you think?" Taking a handful of Angel's hair, Spike slammed his head against the wall again, hoping eventually it would knock him out. Grabbing Spike by his shoulders, Angel lashed out with a foot and sent Spike flying backwards. "Spike, I killed you once, and I'll gladly do it again!" "You're welcome to try!" Spike flipped up to his feet and stood hands on hips waiting for Angel to get up. "I've got no problem killing you before that bitch of yours." Reaching for his head with one hand and the wall with the other, Angel stood up to meet his challenger. Spinning, Spike hit Angel across the face with one hand and then the other. Before stopping he also hit him with a spinning kick that sent his brunette sire back to the ground. Two gentle fingers tapped on Spike's shoulder as he waited for Angel to get up. "Spike." He spun around to meet the eyes of the Slayer. She was out cold a few minutes ago. "I'm all better now," she said cockily. "You want to fight? Why don't you try someone who can take you on, fairly." "Oh, but beating the bloody hell out of Angel is much more fun. You should try it sometime." "Already have. I'd much rather beat the hell out you." With a right uppercut, Buffy broke Spike's nose on contact. < That's it. She dies, now! > Spike responded with a kick to her stomach that sent her reeling. "You bitch. You think you can just kill Drusilla and get away with it?" "Spike, it was a long time coming." Narrowing his brow, Spike lunged at her but she side stepped him and he hit a tree instead. When he got up, Buffy was nowhere to be seen. But he smelled her. Following his nose, Spike was lead up to the top of a hill. There she was, just on the other side digging frantically into her slayer bag for something to kill him with. "Here I come, ready or not," Spike said under his breath as he slid down the hill towards her. She looked up at him, unarmed and almost frightened. All her stakes were gone and she was stuck fighting him the hard way. "Hello," he said, standing with his arms crossing his chest. "Lose something?" "Uh, well, uh..." Buffy didn't need to finish because Spike had just fallen into her trap. Recognizing a tiny grin on her face, Spike turned around, but it was too late. Angel had already taken a stake a plunged it into his back. Exploding into dust, Spike shattered, ashes drifting to the ground. "Nope. Didn't loose a thing," Buffy said getting to her feet and rushing into Angel's arms. Wincing, Angel pushed Buffy gently away from his wounded chest and looked her straight in the eye. "I love you." "I love you." Buffy wrapped her arms around his waste again and Angel let her, ignoring any pain. "Angel, let's go home." "Never have those words sounded so sweet." Buffy smiled and guided Angel out of the cemetery. They were finally free of three of the deadliest demons in the world. "Giles will be so proud. All in one night, too. That has to be a record." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The End ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: dreamscape Subject: BUFFYFIC: POEM: Endure by Dreamscape205 Date: 12 Oct 1998 02:01:00 -0400 Title: Endure Author: Dreamscape205 Email: Angelus@mediaone.net Spoiler: Anne Distribution: Please ask first. You can find this and all my work at my site Feedback: you betcha Disclaimer: Everything BtVS belongs to Joss Whedon, The WB, Fox etc Author's Note: I realize Anne aired two weeks ago, but with my work schedule, I just watched it and the 2nd episode tonight. I also realized with this poem it's been since May that I last wrote anything. Anyway, thanks for reading... ****************** ENDURE Lost in confusion Alone in madness Travelling an endless River of despair My subconscious attempt To comfort my ache Brings you forth in dreams It's a lie to myself I realize as I wake While grief and loneliness Fill me to the brink I have no choice I must go on I will endure I will endure ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: DaniLynn27@aol.com Subject: BUFFYFIC: I'll Wait (1/1) Date: 12 Oct 1998 12:15:45 EDT TITLE: I'll Wait AUTHOR: Danielle Loughlin (aka Prophecy Girl) E-MAIL: DaniLynn27@aol.com DISTRIBUTION: My site. I can't imagine anyone would want this little fic, but if you like, take. Just tell me where it's going. FEEDBACK: Please! SUMMARY: Takes place during Becoming 2, the scene with Willow/Xander in the hospital, told from Xander's POV SPOILERS: Through B2 RATING: G DISCLAIMER: Willow, Xander, and Oz are all Joss Whedon's creation. I just borrowed them to alleviate my boredom. Just a little fic I wrote, taking a break from Losing You. I can't believe I'm such a Willow/Xander 'shipper. I love Willow/Oz together. Huh. Oh well, enjoy. I'll Wait Note: words in <<>> denote thoughts. Xander Harris reached across the pale peach hospital blanket and took Willow Rosenberg's hand in his own. It was so unnerving. His cheerful, vibrant Willow, reduced to a still, pale form in a hospital bed. Her hand didn't even respond to his, it just hung limply. Xander held it tightly, trying to will life into it. "Look, Will," he started. "You don't have a choice here. You gotta wake up." He looked down at her as he talked, desperately searching for some sign she was hearing him, and despairing when there was none. "I mean, who's going to help me pass math? And who am I going to call every night . .and talk about what we did all day?" "I need you, Will," Xander said. He felt like screaming. Willow was slipping away from him and there was nothing he could do about it. He'd never felt so helpless in his life. Or so scared. He refused to let the person he loved most in the world slip away from him like this. He looked at Willow's pale face, searching for the words that would magically wake her up. "I love you," he finally said. And he did. He wasn't sure how he just knew but he did. It just felt right. Maybe that's what would bring her back. His love. He was so lost in his thoughts he almost didn't feel Willow's hand move in his own. His heart jumped into his throat. <>, Xander prayed. Suddenly there was nothing he wanted more but for her to open her eyes and see him there. He wanted her to open her eyes and realize it was Xander who brought her back, Xander who loved her. <>, he thought. He realized how much he wanted to hear her say that. Willow's head moved slightly. Her eyes didn't open, but her lips moved, trying to form a word. "Oz?" she whispered. Xander's heart plummeted to his shoes. She thinks it's Oz. She wants to open her eyes and see Oz. Well, of course. Oz is who she'd expect to say loved her. Not me. Not me. "Oz?" Willow repeated, louder this time. She hadn't opened her eyes yet. "Hey, baby, I'm here," a voice said. Xander turned and saw Oz enter the room, heading straight for Willow and taking her hands in his own. "She's just starting to wake up," Xander told Oz. He backed away, letting Oz take his place. Willow was going to see Oz. Not Xander. "I'm going to get a doctor," he said, making an escape. Outside the room, Xander hit his head against the wall. He sighed. <> The thought made him sad. Something he'd said once came back to him. <<" People never want what's right in front of them. They always want what they can't have. The more unattainable, the more attractive.">> Funny. He'd figured he wasn't going to fall victim to that trap. But he was just like the rest of them. He wanted Willow, but he couldn't have her. Not while she loved Oz. He sighed again, resigned. No, he couldn't have her now. He wasn't going to say anything now, not going to complicate her life. He'd wait. Someday. When the time was right. All that mattered right now was that Willow was going to be okay. And right now, Willow needed to be with Oz. Oz was good for her. And Oz did love her. <>, he thought. <> No, the time's not right. He and Willow would be together someday. But not now. But he'd wait. *finis* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: taygeta@juno.com (C. Catherine) Subject: BUFFYFIC: Capeside: the Hellmouth (15/?) Date: 19 Oct 1998 18:03:03 -0700 TITLE: Capeside: the Hellmouth #15 Changes in Circumstances AUTHOR: Taygeta E-MAIL: taygeta@juno.com DISTRIBUTION: Sure...just tell me where it's gonna go. RATING: PG SERIES: A Dawson's Creek/Buffy Crossover DISCLAIMER: The characters and any other reference to Dawson's Creek are the property of, creator, Kevin Williamson. The characters portrayed and in reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to its creator Joss Whedon, and it's owners Mutant Enemy Productions, Kuzui Enterprises, Sandollar Productions, and 20th Century Fox. In other words, they do not belong to me and I am just borrowing them. The only thing that is mine is this weird story. No copyright infringement is intended. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Capeside: the Hellmouth #15 Changes in Circumstances By: Taygeta "Buffy," Willow rushed to her friend's side, "The Head Magistrates told me everything. Do you think they're okay?" "I think Giles and Ms. Calendar can hold their own," she replied uneasily, "So, where are these Magistrates you were talking about?" "We, Chosen One, are here," a voice echoed in the room. "And it is your first task to prove who you are by finding us," a feminine voice followed with the same resonance. Buffy and Xander glanced at each other with knowing expressions as they recognized one of the voices to be of the former, Mr. Snyder, troll-like principal of Sunnydale High. The slayer sighed reluctantly, "Snyder's under the table and whoever the other magistrate is, well, you're in the closet." The two Magistrates came from their hiding places with shocked expressions. Snyder had his hand against his mouth in an agape expression, "She really is multi-talented…she even knew my name." "Are you sure you're not a witch by trade?" the female witch queried suspiciously. "I'm sure. Actually, um, I saw your robes sticking out from the closet and beneath the table…didn't exactly match the décor," she smiled, "Also, we knew him from before…where we came." Snyder followed with a wide grin as he approached her and took her hands into his, "Oh, you did? I hope I was very kind to you, Chosen One. I hope that my alter ego proved to be useful to you." She stared at him for a second and then glanced at Xander who was trying very hard not to burst out laughing. Keeping a sheepish smile she found herself speechless as she looked into his eager eyes, obviously waiting for a complimentary statement. "Magistrate Snyder, you're alter ego's actions proved to be more than sufficient to our …um annoy - needs," interjected Xander carefully. The magistrate eyed him carefully, still holding onto her hands, "Who are you?" Buffy quickly removed her hands from Snyder's slimy grasp and stood beside Xander, "He's my boyfriend…" *~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "You…um…think we should give them a little leeway so that they think we might be giving into all of this?" Jenny said after awhile as she and Giles sat in the cold, clammy cell they had been thrown into after the first interrogation process had finished. "Might be a good idea," he nodded, "What kind of leeway are we talking about here?" "Something like, we have knowledge about interdimensional travel?" she replied with a shrug. "That sounds like enough," Giles sighed. Silence engulfed them once again and the darkness of the room, lighted only by a dim candle from outside, did little to help the situation. "Jenny, I'm rather sorry about my treatment of you prior to everything," he said suddenly looking up at her. She smiled, "It's all right, Rupert, I was equally horrid in my own right, I guess I felt that my "space" was being invaded that I didn't realize that it was the same for you. Especially since you had been a watcher a long time before I had even got initiated." "Well, let's just hope that when we get out of here, we can make up for past wrongs," he replied. "Seeing as how we're going to be here awhile, why not get through with that part of getting to know each other that we skipped for fear of too much bonding? Go ahead, ask me any question you like…that is…within good limits." "I've been kind of wondering about that girl of yours, y'know the one you lost back home?" she asked, "What was she like?" He smiled as she looked at her, "She was the most wonderful breath of fresh air that I have ever come to know…." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Code Blue! Code Blue! Room 256!" the nurse's intercom blared and Dr. Carlisle came running with a stream of doctors behind him. "Oh dear God, that's Jen's room," Mrs. Lindley replied as she glanced at Angel, who helped her precarious form up, "Please, Lord, don't take her away from me now." They both walked towards the room and saw the doctors trying to resuscitate Jen and Angel looked at Mrs. Lindley and whispered, "Please…please don't take her away from us now. I never told her how much I cared." Despite their cries to Jen's survival, the flat-line of the heart monitor continued it's high-pitched, heart-piercing whine. Finally Dr. Carlisle moved away from the bed and turned off the heart monitor. "There's nothing more we can do, the injuries she sustained were too great. I call the time of death at 3:45 p.m." "No!" Mrs. Lindley cried, as her form fell in a crouched position by the door, "No…" "Shhh…" Angel hushed softly, "It's going to be okay, Mrs. Lindley, you're going to be all right." The powdered hair woman glanced at him with red eyes, "How is it going to be all right, Angel? Tell me. How will it be all right? My granddaughter is no longer with us and I accept that. I accept that God felt she needed to return, but now I'm all alone…more alone than I've ever been before. There's always been someone, Angel, and now…now there's no one." He looked as her fiery eyes softened to a sad glaze and shook his head, "There's still someone…there's still Buffy, I know she'll be there for you and Joey and Xander…they might not be related to you, but they still care about you as if they are. A - and there's me." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Xander gave Buffy her a "your boyfriend" Look and she muttered under her breath, "Just go along with it." Snyder simpered and extended his hand, "Nice to meet you…um…er…" "Xander…Xander Harris," he replied with a deep breath wondering what in the world was going on. Joey and Willow stood in a corner trying not to laugh and Joey coughed and replied, "And I'm Joey Potter." "Quite the brigade you have, Chosen One," the other magistrate said as she looked about the room, "I always thought your identity was a rather closed-off subject." "Well, I guess I'm special, then," Buffy replied, "Magistrate…uh…" "Jacobs…Tamara Jacobs," she said extending a hand and then glanced at her robe, "I suppose this bulky things do give us away constantly, Snyder." "Well, Jacobs, much we can do about traditional robes," he said. "Um, if you guys don't mind, shouldn't we be devising a plan to help Mr. Giles and Ms. Calendar?" Buffy interrupted with raised eyebrows. Tamara said, "Of course…of course, it's just that we've never had the Chosen One in our presence…it's rather awing, actually." "If you don't mind…Buffy will do just fine," she said nodding her head. "Oh, of course…Buffy," Tamara said trying the name carefully and then turned to her colleague, "Come along, Snyder, we have work to do." "Yes, of course, if you will excuse us," he nodded and they walked out of the room. "Care to explain, *Chosen One*," Xander said with raised eyebrows, "about how I suddenly came to be known as the Boyfriend?" Willow approached, "I can explain that…you see, in the Witch community it's not surprisingly to find that older witches are with younger woman. I hate to say it, but…um…I was this close to be engaged to that." "Ew, much?" Buffy cringed, "You didn't tell me *that*!" "Reason why I didn't," she echoed the cringed, "Anyway, if you're not 'taken' per se, older witches tend to have the power to 'take you.'" Xander nodded in understanding as he glanced at Buffy, "And it must be an honor of honors to be with the Chosen One." "Precisely," the slayer replied, "And since you were the only other guy in the room, I wasn't left with much of an anchor choice, was I? So, now that we've got that explained, I'm going to go see what's up." "Thank you," he shouted back at her when she walked out of the room, "Figures the only time I'm actually her boyfriend is when Snyder stands as the other choice." Joey glanced at him with a laugh, "Oh, admit it, Xander…you're totally reveling in this idea." He smiled and did a "Fargo" imitation, "You bettcha." ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: sah Subject: BUFFYFIC: ADMIN: List rules Date: 13 Oct 1998 13:09:12 Welcome! This list is for fiction related to "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," both the TV series and the movie. To ensure that we all get to enjoy as much fiction as possible, please adhere to the following guidelines, and please save them for future reference. 1. Fiction should have Buffy characters in it and clearly be related to Buffy. Crossovers are great, and expected, but general vampire/monster stories that aren't in the Buffy universe and don't use Buffy characters belong somewhere else. 2. Discussion of posted fiction is permitted onlist. Please put "DISCUSS" in your subject line. Requests for missing story parts should go directly to the author, and not be posted to the list. Discussion that is not related directly to the fiction should go over to the general Buffy list. Discussion of fiction is expected to follow common netiquette guidelines and use PG-13 language. 3. No advertising of items or services, Buffy related or not, and no posting of non-story items such as .gifs, sound files, etc.. No attached files of kind-- if your mailer makes your fiction into attached files, you need to find another way to get it to the list. 4. 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PLEASE NOTE: not following any or all of these rules will get you the following: **First offense: offender is unsubscribed for one week. **Second offense: offender is unsubscribed to the Buffyfic list for a minimum of three months. **If the offender returns and does it again, they're offlist permanently. As noted above, posting sexually explicit material is the exception -- you go straight to permanent unsubbing. Again, welcome! If you have any questions about these rules, please contact either one of us offlist. If you have subscription problems or questions, the fastest way to get help is to e-mail one of us at the addresses below, at the kirby@xmission.com addy which is the "official" e-mail owner of the list. Jill Kirby (jtkirby@mcs.com) & sah (romana@mindspring.com) Listowners, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fiction List buffyfic@xmission.com romana@mindspring.com * romana@aol.com NatPack * BotCoS * Bishop * Jungle Patrol * BBPG:TGLIL * BTVS Colistowner "Mr. Grim Reaper, could you turn around?" --overheard at FrightFest ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "J. Jericho Born" Subject: BUFFYFIC: DISCUSS: "The Necromancer" Date: 13 Oct 1998 21:35:10 -0700 I'm not trying to set a record or anything and I don't think I'm violating any rules, but I have another discussion message to send. I have a hard time coming up with teasers, those little one or two sentences that describe your story without giving too much away. Some suggestions of teasers for my fanfic, "The Necromancer," would help me along. Thanks. -JB ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: tthwaite@banff.net (tj thwaites) Subject: BUFFYFIC: Full Disclosure (1a/3) by tj thwaites Date: 14 Oct 1998 19:01:43 -0600 Author's Note: The original version of this story was posted to BBETA way back in January. I've expanded it enough that I needed to break it into 3 parts and not 2 so I could mail it. Actually, most of part 3 is completely new. Great big "thank you" to all who sent feedback on the old version. And believe it of not, I actually took some of your advice. {grin} Title: Full Disclosure (1/3) Author: tj thwaites E-mail: tthwaite@banff.net Archive: Anya's of course. The mailing list archives, okay. All others please ask. I'll give you the go ahead, but I just like to know where my stories are going. Rating: PG-13, some violence but no worse than an episode. Spoilers: up to Bad Eggs Summary: In the aftermath of the incident with the Bazoar, Joyce is having nightmares. And things are about to get worse. Disclaimer: The characters we all know and love from BtVS belong to the Great God Joss. I'm just playing in his back yard for a bit. Also, you'll probably recognize the stuff from various episodes in the flashback scenes. (muchos gracias to AleXander for his wonderful work on the Transcripts available on the Slayerfanfic Archive) Feedback: Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated at tthwaite@banff.net. I'll even read flames, but don't expect a reply to combustable messages. Now, on with the show--- Full Disclosure by tj thwaites (aka tj the dyslexic ferret) Summers residence- 3 am Buffy was half-way down the hall to her mother's room before she woke completely. She pushed open the door and hurried inside, hoping she wouldn't find what she knew she would. Her mother crouched in the corner, a trail of blankets leading back to the bed. [This is the fifth night in a row,] Buffy thought, worried. "Get it off me! Get it off me!" Joyce cried, still in the grip of her nightmare. Buffy rushed to her mother's side, reaching out to stop the hands that were scratching frantically at the top of Joyce's spine. Buffy grabbed her mother's hands and stared into her wide, terror-filled eyes. "Mom!" Buffy called, "Mom! Wake up! You're having a nightmare. Mom, wake up. You're safe. It's just a dream. I'm here, Mom. I'm here." Some of the terror and hysteria retreated from Joyce's expression. Buffy hugged her tightly, rocking her gently and continued whispering soothing platitudes in an ironic role reversal. Buffy could feel the tension slowly leaving her mother's body under her ministrations. She continued slowly rubbing small circles on her mother's back, easing the tense muscles, and took a quick glance at the spot her mother had been scratching earlier. Buffy was hard pressed to subdue the startled gasp that threatened when she caught sight of the damage revealed by the moonlight shining in through the window. The normally pale smooth skin along Joyce's spine, between her shoulder blades, was an angry red, scraped raw and leaking blood in places. Buffy schooled the shock and worry from her expression with difficulty. The raw area was in the precise location one of those parasites had latched on to Joyce during that incident last week at the school. Her Mom couldn't be remembering what really happened that night, could she? [Note to self,] Buffy thought, [Pin down Giles first thing in the morning to talk about this. That 'gas leak' cover story he thought of might have worked in the heat of the moment, but if the people affected are starting to remember details, even if it's only in nightmares, we might have to rethink this whole thing again.] "Are you okay, Mom?" Buffy asked as Joyce's breathing and heart rate finally settled back to something approaching normal, "Do you want to talk about it?" "I'm fine, honey," Joyce replied, "It was just a bad dream. I don't even remember what it was about now. I'm sorry I woke you." "It's okay, Mom. Don't worry about it," Buffy said, "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? I could make us some tea." "I'm fine, Buffy. Really," Joyce insisted, "I can't remember what it was about. Just feeling afraid. Helpless. It was just a dream. It's over." Joyce shivered at the vague memories and impressions. She scrubbed her hands over her face, then rubbed one hand over the back over her neck to smooth away the last vestiges of nightmare induced tension. She winced slightly as her fingers brushed the raw area over her spine, now suddenly aware of a dull throbbing there. She jerked her hand away from the sore spot and stared at the smear of blood across her fingers. "What....?" Joyce murmured. "You were scratching yourself in your sleep," Buffy ventured, "I think you broke the skin a couple of times. Come on, Mom. I'll help you clean that up." Joyce numbly stood and followed her daughter into the bathroom. She kept staring at the blood on her fingers. What could she have been dreaming about that would make her scratch herself hard enough to draw blood? Joyce could not remember any details of the nightmare, only a few vague impressions; a feeling of helplessness, of not being in control of her own body. She shivered again and quickly banished that line of thought. Joyce leaned over the sink, consciously avoiding looking in the mirror, as Buffy opened the medicine cabinet to retrieve the few first aid supplies kept there. She grimaced a few times as Buffy first gently washed the sore area with warm water, then wiped it down with rubbing alcohol. "How bad is it?" Joyce asked. A person's back was an awkward place to injure oneself, difficult to see and reach in order to treat effectively. "It's not that bad, Mom," Buffy lied. She could count over a dozen individual nail tracks crisscrossing the hand-sized raw blemish. "You just gave yourself a couple of good scrapes," Buffy elaborated, "Maybe you should think about getting your nails done soon?" Joyce raised her head to look in the mirror at the image of her daughter peering over her shoulder. She managed a wan smile at Buffy's attempt to lighten the mood. Joyce sucked in a deep breath through pursed lips at the stinging sensation as Buffy sprayed Polysporin over the scratches. "After all," Buffy continued, grinning impishly, "We wouldn't want you to end up doing some serious damage to some guy's back the next time you date someone." "*Buffy*!!" Joyce practically screeched, shocked at the suggestion. Or rather, its source. Buffy's reflection suddenly went beet red as she locked eyes with her mother. "I can't believe I just said that," Buffy breathed. Mother and daughter stared at each other in the mirror for several minutes, the silence growing increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, Joyce started chuckling softly. "I don't think we have to worry along those lines for a while," she said softly, a wry smile twisting her lips, "After what happened with Ted last month, I don't think I'm going to be doing much....um....trolling? Is that the word I'm looking for?" "*Mom*!" Buffy squealed, her fading blush reasserting itself. Vividly. Buffy's mouth dropped open when her mother suddenly laughed out loud. The mischievous twinkle in Joyce's eyes caused Buffy's mind to conjure images of her mother decked out in something tight and sexy, a drink in hand, and surrounded by admirers. *Too* weird. Joyce stood up straight, putting her arm around her daughter's shoulders, and grinned into the mirror. "Who knows," she quipped, "Maybe one of these years we two could go on a mother/daughter hunting expedition together?" Buffy broke up, gales of laughter erupting. "You are so evil, Mom," she gasped between laughs, "Suggesting we subject an unsuspecting world to such an irresistibly deadly duo as ourselves." Several minutes later, the two women finally managed to control their guffaws. Turning off the bathroom light, Joyce turned to her daughter. "Thank you for cheering me up after that nightmare, Buffy," she said softly, "Now, I think we both should try to get back to sleep." "Okay, Mom," Buffy agreed, "If you're sure you don't want to talk about it?" "I'm sure," Joyce confirmed, "Good night, honey." "Mom?" Buffy asked, "Will this little rapprochement contribute to lifting my house arrest?" "Buffy," Joyce said, "I'll sleep on it. We'll talk about over breakfast, okay?" "Good night, Mom," Buffy replied, "A joint hunting expedition, hunh?" "Who knows," Joyce returned, shrugging, before disappearing into her bedroom. Buffy climbed back into bed, playing over the exchange in the bathroom in her mind. As she lay back against the pillows, Buffy realized that her own comments stemmed from the acceptance (finally, after over a year) that her mother and father were not going to be getting back together. And that Buffy herself hoped that her mother would eventually find someone else to share the rest of her life with. Someone to make her happy. ===== Sunnydale High Library- Lunchtime Buffy sat at the library's center table, idly playing with a pencil instead of actually working on the trig homework she'd been assigned in class that morning. Willow sat in her customary position in front of what was considered "her" computer (no one else ever used it, especially not Giles or the other Slayerettes), researching a biology project for extra credit. Xander was nowhere to be found; he'd pulled another one of his disappearing acts that had gotten more frequent over the past month. Buffy was uncharacteristically reluctant to broach the subject of her mother's nightmares to Giles. Last night's determination had faded with the brightening of the morning. Her mother still claimed she didn't remember any details of the nightmares when Buffy had asked over breakfast. So she was left with something of a dilemma. She didn't *know* what her mother's nightmares had involved, and Joyce's offhand reference to Ted last night had caught Buffy off guard. Now she was wondering if the nightmares could possibly be about Ted and not that night last week with the Bazoar and its hatchlings. It had been bothering her all morning. [No, it has to be,] she thought, [The way she was scratching at her neck is too big a coincidence.] "Giles?" she asked, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" "Yes?" Giles replied, coming out of his office. Willow looked up from the computer, took one look at the worried expression on her friend's face and closed down her project. "Something wrong, Buffy?" Giles asked as he approached the table. "I'm not sure," Buffy answered, "I know Xander and I explained all that happened with that Bazoar thing, but do either of you actually remember anything yourselves? Have you had any nightmares?" Willow remained silent, looking uncomfortable. "No," Giles said, "I don't remember any details. Nor have I experienced any nocturnal episodes regarding the incident. Are you having trouble, Buffy?" "Not me," Buffy responded, "I can deal with nightmares, I have enough of them. It's my Mom. I think she's been dreaming about that night. She's woken up screaming every night for almost a week. She says she doesn't remember what the dreams are about, but last night...." Buffy's died away, her expression morose, her gaze dropping to her lap. Giles sat down next to her, concerned. "She remembered something?" he prodded gently after the silence had dragged on for nearly a minute. "No, but...," Buffy raised a very worried face, her eyes brimming, "She was scratching.... um, actually, she was *clawing* at the top of her spine. Where that hatchling had latched on to her. You should have seen it, Giles. She must have broken the skin a dozen times. There was an area as big as both my hands just....just....*raw*. All red and bleeding. It scared me, Giles." "I...," Willow chopped herself off. Giles looked away from Buffy. He was startled, and worried, by the tension in Willow's shoulders and the pallor of her face. "I had a nightmare that night," Willow confessed, "But I haven't had one since." "Willow," Giles asked gently, "What do you remember?" "Not much, really," Willow's voice was barely abo