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After The Show |
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Buffy walked into the living room. Spike was
already in there, along with Xander, Angel, and the food. The boys were
already chowing down. She was relieved to see that they werent fighting,
verbally or physically. Considering this trios history...
Hey guys, Anya and Dawn should be up in a sec, the SITs are gonna keep training for a bit. Im gonna go check on Riley. They all nodded, and kept stuffing their faces (or, in the cases of Spike and Angel, kept gulping down the warm blood). She snorted, amused. Ah, males... some things never change. Before she reached the stairs, she heard the front door creak open. Grabbing a nearby ax (and making a mental note to tell the SITs to not leave sharp, pointy objects lying around), she moved forward, ready to attack some Big Bad. She raised the ax, and... Willow! Willow looked up to see Buffy coming towards her, arms outstretched, one hand holding an ax. Nervously, Willow started backing away. Um, Buff? Yeah? Buffy said, confused. Mind losing the ax? Oh! Right, sorry! Buffy dropped the ax and gave Willow a big hug, smashing her a bit. Its good to see you. Youre gonna have to tell me all about it later, k? Right now, Scooby meeting in the living room. Ill be right there. Used to not knowing what was going on, and figuring shed find out at the meeting, Willow headed into the family room, finding the boys. Xander jumped up (spilling food everywhere), giving her another bone-crunching hug. On her way upstairs, Buffy met Faith coming down. Everything ok? Yeah B, scool, soldier boys still out... look, Buffy, theres some stuff I need to talk to you about... Save it for later, Faith. Scooby meeting now, remember? Faith nodded, a bit put off (and slightly relieved) that she would have to wait to apologize and explain. Finally, the Scooby meeting started. General Buffy explained to Faith and Angel about her army, mentioning that she was glad for the extra muscle they brought. Angel shifted uncomfortably. Uh, Buffy, Im just passing through, on my way to San Francisco to pick up something important... Im kinda needed back in LA. Buffy closed her eyes. What, you thought he was here to stay? You should know better than that by now, girl. She thought she heard Spike mutter something about the not sticking around being typical of his grand-sire. Ok, how bout you Faith? Im here to stay, B, if you need me. The kid, too. Connor? Buffy asked, surprised. She knew the kid wasnt a vamp, so shed figured he was normal. Faith chuckled. He fights like his father. Which means I can take him, but still, hes not bad. Hey! Angel objected, realizing the insult to himself. Just kiddin, broody boy. Faith grinned at Angel playfully. To everyones surprise, he grinned back. The gears in Buffys mind started to turn. Hmmm... Something there, maybe? To her surprise, the thought brought no feelings of jealousy. She continued. Well, with the additions of Faith and Connor, Ive decided we can branch out a bit. Xander, if its cool with you, Id like you to take a few Scoobies and please take several SITs back to your apartment. Dozens of girls, few bathrooms.... gets pretty ugly in the mornings, Buffy explained to Faith and Angel. Xander nodded. Can do, Buff. Who do you want me to take? Buffy thought for a moment. Take Riley when he wakes up. I think hell be OK, Ill talk to him later. Hell be useful for training the girls, as well as fighting. Faith, you go with Xander too, k? And Anya, you go too. So we have Xander, Riley, Anya, and Faith there, and me, Spike, Willow, Connor, and, of course, Dawn, here. Sound all right? Everyone nodded, Anya clearly unsure whether she should be upset or not. Dawn smiled, glad to have been mentioned, just like she was a real Scooby. Uh, Buff, does it matter which SITs I take? Xander asked. Nah. Try to get a mix of the more experienced and the newbies, she responded. A thought occurred to her. She smiled winningly at her friend. Xand? Do me a favor, take Andrew with you? Xander groaned, but acquiesced, as she knew he would. Willow spoke up, a bit shyly. Can I request that- Xander interrupted, knowing what his best friend was going to say. Dont worry Wills, Kennedy stays here. Willow smiled happily. Faith butted in. Ooooh, so whos this Kennedy? New boyfriend? More like potential girlfriend. Ah, that explains the way you were acting with Fred. Was wondering bout that. Here I thought you were reserved and nerdy. Turns out youre a lesbian witch. Who woulda thunk it. Faith and Willow both giggled. Buffy cut the gossip session short. So, were all clear then. Connor will help Xander with Riley. Anya, you wanna pick a few SITs to go with you guys? Dawn, help her with that. Wills... go say hi to the potential girlfriend. Those shed named left, till only Spike, Buffy, Faith, and Angel remained. Buffy cleared her throat. Geez, could cut this tension with an ax... Spike and I are gonna head upstairs. Once hes settled in, Faith, I need to talk to you. Angel, when do you need to leave? Pretty soon. Tell you what, Ill take Spike upstairs, and you can talk to Faith. Hey! Sittin right here, people! Im fine, I can take care of myself, Spike protested. Buffy cast an amused glance at his battered body. Right, Spike. She turned to Angel. Why dont you put him in my room, its the quietest right now. To her surprise, Angel didnt object. Spike, however, did. No, Buffy, Im not havin the poof help me, and Im not stealin your bed- Spike! You need to rest, and get better, fast. Dont know how soon the Firstll come up with another Ubervamp to play with. He opened his mouth, but she cut him off. Thats final! So... deal! Buffy took Faith by the arm and hauled her outside. Angel moved to help Spike. Get away, you stupid git, I can get up on my own. After a few seconds of watching Spike struggle, Angel went over and helped him stand up and go to Buffys room, Spike protesting the whole way. |
©
2001 Death-Marked Love