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Disclaimer: All the recognisable characters belong, respectively to Joss Whedon and myself. I do not own the characters of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, if I did, they’d need God to save them.

Helpful suggestions for reading the story:

1. If you haven’t read, “Watching Her”, by me, then you must do so to comprehend this story.

2. I, the author am not responsible for any drugs slipped into my system without my knowledge, that there-by change the quality of my work.

3. I am taking a stand against Joss Whedon. Everything that has happened on the show since “Helpless” is unimportant to this story, considering it didn’t happen in my world. Yeah, that’s right, I’m making this my own little universe. (Faith’s still dead, though, so we can all cheer.) Also, even though the alternate universe Spike mentions sounds a lot like Joss Whedon’s, it’s not, you’ll realise that later on.

4. I wasn’t joking when I told you to read the story, “Watching Her”. You really need to read it.

5. I do appreciate feedback: kathryn37@hotmail.com or miss_parker37@hotmail.com Thanks, enjoy.

6. Dedication: This is for everyone who responded to my first effort at fanfiction and demanded I give Buffy and Giles a better ending. So, without further ado, here it is…

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A Sequel of Epic Proportions

By: Thursday's Child

PART ONE

At first, he was thrilled and delighted to have one last day with his wife. A last good-bye to settle all their unsaid feelings and desires. To hold her in his arms and make love to her once again. As the midnight chimes rang, though, he began to feel anger, pain, and rage, all as one. That she should be returned only to leave twenty-four hours later.

As her body began to loose it’s cohesion, she smiled wistfully at him, running her lifeless fingers through his hair. “Don’t worry, G-man.” She whispered with a melancholy smile. “I’ve been told by my keepers a hundred dozen times; ‘There was a purpose to your being taken, Buffy. It will all be for the better.’”

“Does it make it any easier?” Giles asked her, trying to keep hold of the rapidly disappearing body in his lap.

Sadly, she shook her head. “They promised me we would be together again someday, and that’s enough for me.” She began to look glossy eyed, as if she were listening to a far off voice only she could hear. “I have to go, now. I’m sorry.”

Crystallised vapour ran down her cheeks and dissolved before they could reach the carpet. She leaned towards him and ran her lips over him. He felt an odd, comforting sensation on his mouth, like his lips were falling asleep.

When Giles opened his eyes, she was gone. Rahina ran from the room, her head buried in her hands. He heard the back door slam and realised she was heading home. Nicholas placed his hand consolingly on his father’s shoulder, then took off after his twin. Once Giles heard the door close behind him, he turned to Willow. “We have to get her back. I don’t see how her death brought anything but pain and despair.”

The witch nodded gravely, her own thoughts far away on spells and candles, chants and trinkets. Joyce answered in her place, “I’ll do anything you need.” The others nodded their agreement.

There was a deafening silence next, that threatened to destroy them all, especially Giles. To drive him to madness he hadn’t known since he was a mere teen. It was Spike who broke the absolute quiet, “I heard some rumours. Around the time she died. Didn’t think much of them then. I’m not sure if they’re true, but they’re about Buffy.”

Everyone stared at the vampire with bated breath. “Yes?”

Spike squirmed under the scrutiny, “Well, some believe that there are hundreds of parallel universes, running right along side each other. Every once in a while, these universes can cross over. Most of the time it’s something so small that changes, no one ever notices. For example, you may very well have left your hairbrush on the bathroom sink, but when you go to look for it, you must have miss-placed it. Meanwhile, in the next universe, someone finds the brush they lost days ago, lying in plain view on the sink.”

The group nodded in understanding. What they didn’t comprehend was what this had to do with Buffy.

The blonde went on, to clarify the situation, “What I’ve heard is that in one of our parallel worlds, Buffy was to fight the mayor under different circumstances. The ascension took place in Sunnydale, at the graduation, and things weren’t going well.

“Faith had traded sides after killing Trick and the night before the Mayor’s big day, she shot Angel with a poisonous arrow. Buffy found a cure for Angel, but he had to drain a Slayer. She killed Faith, but was too late to get the blood for her lover. So, instead, she offered herself to poof-boy over there. And, he took her, leaving barely enough life in her to be raced to the hospital. She recovered over-night and everyone thought it was due to having the strength of the Slayer, but that wasn’t so.

“Time was running short, and so were people, since I didn’t show up until a few months later. The ascension was less than a day away. Knowing a replacement for neither Buffy nor Faith would arrive in time to stop the evil, Buffy’s Watcher offered the perfect solution. Take the life force of a Buffy who had fulfilled all her duties-defeated the mayor, found her soul-mate, and delivered the saviours of the world-and put all her strength and life into the foolish Buffy in the next world. The only one who had accomplished that goal was our Buffy.”

CHAPTER TWO

The Scooby Gang stared at Spike in disbelief. If what he was saying were true, then no balance had been given to the world. The council had in fact taken away that equilibrium by changing the two women.

Giles’ gaze again fell on Willow, and her soulful eyes met his, filled with unshed tears. “Willow, do you know of any spells to transport one through space or time?” he asked.

She shook her head ‘no’ ruefully. Shortly after Buffy’s death, Willow had abandoned the craft and anything else that could be considered supernatural. That included Oz. “I’ll look through some of my old spell books, I might be able to find something.”

Silence fell over the group once again, and Cordelia slowly spoke. “I miss Buffy. I want her back as much as you all do, whether you believe me or not.” She paused and they all knew more was coming, “But, if we change things, and bring her back, won’t that change things we like. We all have a least one thing we love dearly about this life. Surely, if Buffy returns, we won’t have or remember this life.”

Gillian blanched and turned to her husband, latching onto his arm, “Alexander.” She whispered, understanding and believing Cordelia’s words. Xander wrapped his arm around her waist and took Cordelia’s hand, comforting both women.

Giles nodded in agreement. “That’s true, Cordelia, but, since Buffy was taken away from us by unnatural means, that changed everything as well. For all we know, Oz should still be here, and Cordelia should be married, but since Buffy died, Oz escaped more often, and more tranquillisers had to be used. And the man you were supposed to marry never met you because Buffy didn’t meet him and introduce you to one another. Do you understand?” He paused, to calm himself. “If you are all truly where you should be in life, then nothing will change for you. If something does change, you will be happier, and better off.”

“Let’s do something.” Gillian said, barely loud enough to be heard.

“Gillian, are you sure?” Xander asked, “You didn’t even know Buffy.”

“I know, but if you are all even considering this, she must have been a wonderful person. And, what little I saw of her convinced me she was. If that wasn’t enough proof, I just have to look at how much you all love her. Besides,” She added, looking a little teary, “If this works, I might end up being her best friend.”

No one mentioned that Gillian and Xander might never really meet one another. The couple already understood that. “Shall we do something, then?” Giles asked.

The decision was unanimous: Buffy was coming home.

CHAPTER THREE

Willow collapsed on her couch, her nerves getting the better of her. Had they made the right choice? She wondered, glancing around her large beautiful home. She had dozens of trinkets from all the places she’d visited around the world. Fancy antique furniture, plush carpet. All of these things came to her because she was successful with her business, therefore, very wealthy. What if bringing Buffy back would change all that?

Her doubts only lasted for a minute. She’d lost her best friend, and possibly her true love because of some silly judgement made by the council. She’d give up her own life, if it would bring Buffy back.

Without noticing it, Willow began to chant. It was a spell She had found right after Buffy had died. The words were supposed to allow mortals to communicate with the dead. She had always been too afraid to say the words. Now, though, they fell from her mouth slowly, confidently. Nothing happened. No brilliant light, no disembodied voice.

She was too tired to climb the stairs to her own room, so she adjusted herself on the cushions and closed her eyes, drained emotionally. Welcoming the oblivion of sleep.

She don’t know how long she’d slept, but, when Willow awoke, the sunlight was streaming through the window in a hazy, disorienting way. She sat up and stretched luxuriously. Suddenly, she was startled when she heard Buffy’s voice, calling her name. “Willow.”

“Buffy? What do you need?” She gasped, turning around to come face to face with the dead slayer.

She smiled brilliantly, “Hey!” She giggled, then said, “You called me. Why don’t you tell me what you need.”

Willow gulped, “Is it really you?”

“We just went through this yesterday. Yes, I’m really here. What’s up?” The bouncy blonde replied.

“I didn’t think it would work.” Willow muttered. “Buffy, there’s a problem. With your dying, that is.”

“Is that so?” She asked with laughter in her voice. “I had rather hoped you wouldn’t all cheer at my funeral.”

“No! What I mean is, that you weren’t supposed to die.” The witch told her.

Buffy looked momentarily taken aback, and almost sad, but then she smiled ruefully. “Oh, Will, I didn’t want to go, but I had to. It was my turn. Why do you say I shouldn’t have died?”

Willow paused for a second, before telling her. Would Buffy believe her? She seemed rather content with being dead. Her solid, seemingly living form was lounging on my loveseat, her dainty feet were tapping to a soundless beat and her fingers were twirling her blonde hair, checking for split ends. ‘I wonder if you still have them when you die?’ She thought, then glared at the off-topic thought.

“Buffy, Spike found out you weren’t the one who was going to die. You see, another Buffy, in another universe was dying, but she needed to fight the mayor the next day, so they gave her your life force.” She tried to explain. She knew she didn’t sound as good as Spike had. In fact, she probably was babbling. From the confused expression on Buffy’s face, Willow guessed she hadn’t done a very good job.

Surprising the redhead, the slayer laughed, tossing her head back and letting out a bell like sound. “Oh Willow, Spike’s full of shit. I’ve talked with the Powers That Be and I know that it was my turn.”

Willow jumped up a latched onto Buffy’s arm, shocked that her hand didn’t slid right through the dead slayer. “NO! Buffy, we have to believe him! He’s our only chance at getting you back.” She paused, stroking Buffy’s soft skin, wondering at how alive she felt. “Just, take a chance, please. Please?”

Buffy was beginning to look extremely uncomfortable. “Willow…” She looked up at the witch, her hazel eyes brimming with tears. “If it’s true, what can we do?”

The hacker smiled suddenly. Buffy was considering it, maybe, just maybe they could get her back. “Giles has suggested we go back in time, to this other universe and…”

But Buffy was already shaking her head no. “You can’t be considering this! Time is so delicate and so temperamental. And crossing the universal threshold…it’s too dangerous.”

“Not for you.” Willow whispered softly. She could feel the tears streaming down her face and cursed herself for being so weak. Buffy’s eyes were breaking Willow’s heart. She reached for her, Buffy’s strong arms pulling her best friend up onto the couch and hugging her close. Willow could feel the strength in her, even in death. She felt safe and loved, something the witch hadn’t felt since Buffy and Oz had left her. She knew now more than ever she had to get them both back.

“So, what do you need me to do?” Buffy asked, releasing her.

“Nothing. We have to do this ourselves for it to work.” Willow replied, setting back on the couch.

Buffy’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Then why did you call me here?” She wondered.

“I needed your advice.” The hacker admitted. “I’ve missed it for a long while now and I know there have been a million decisions that would have benefited from your input.” Buffy smiled at her friend, looking so young and vibrant. “I’ll see you soon.” Willow added.

Nodding, the Slayer stood. “Tell Rupert and the kids I love them.” She disappeared and for the first time in many years, Willow Rosenburg felt hope.

CHAPTER FOUR

“Giles!” Willow burst in from the study, smiling madly. “I’ve finished! I’ve created the portal. It’s sort of unstable, so we shouldn’t waste any time.”

“I believe only Spike and I should go through. Once we reach the ‘other world’, we will only have a short amount of time-no more than 36 hours-to fix the mistakes there.” Giles turned to Willow, ignoring the complaints of Xander and Angel saying they wanted to come along. “I will need you here, Willow, just incase we can’t get back in time. Hopefully, you can re-open the portal and retrieve us.”

“Giles!” Xander interrupted. “You need more than just you and Spike! Why…at least take Angel!”

The watcher shook his head, trying to be patient with him. “Xander, what do you think they will all think if a second Angel pops up out of nowhere to save his counterpart. Same goes with you. The second they see any doubles, they’re going to be suspicious.” Xander and Angel looked a bit dubious. “Look, I’m going to stay in hiding. Spike will be the one to save Angel. I will incapacitate Faith. Hopefully we should be home in a few hours.”

“Dad, we’re going.” Giles turned to see his children standing in the hall right outside the room. Rahina looked as if there was no way she was stepping down. “And I don’t care what you say. She’s our mother and we have a right to help.”

Nicolas nodded, not quite as sure of himself as his sister. “Yeah, and we aren’t helpless. We have the strength of a slayer and the training you’ve given us.”

“Absolutely not.” Their father told them slowly, his tone brooking no argument.

“You can’t stop us!” Rahina shouted, moving closer and for a moment Giles thought she might attack him. “Besides, no one will know us. We can help with Angel. I mean, don’t you think he’ll be a little suspicious when Spike comes to save him? Come on, Dad.”

Giles could see the merit in her reasoning and it was hard to argue with. “Alright, you can come. But, you must do everything I tell you. No arguing!” The twins nodded, both bubbling with excitement. “We should go now. Waste no more time.”

Willow opened the door to the study and they were immediately greeted with the portal. It was a swirling mass of colors, ranging from deep red to forest green to sky blue, almost like an abstract painting. There was a silent roar thrumming through the air and along the ground that caused a ringing in one’s ear. “Come on.” Giles urged softly, his voice muted over the noise. Then, holding his breath, he stepped in and…ended up in his study.

Or a room that was shaped like his study, but decorated as a baby’s room. In the crib, a small child was toying idly with its mobile.

Behind him, Spike landed with a thump on the floor, looking as if he’d jumped through and expected a drop. Rahina and Nicolas followed, looking down at their grandfather with raised brows. Giles placed a finger to his lips and gestured to the baby, but Spike was busy cursing and rubbing his shoulder. Beneath them, they could hear someone roaming around the house, oblivious to the strangers upstairs.

Spike came to Giles’ side, still grimacing from pain. “Look, Giles, its daylight outside, what do you expect me to do? Become an undead torch?”

Rahina giggled and her father and grandfather scowled at her, causing her to look at least mildly ashamed. Giles sighed, wondering how he got himself into this situation. “Tuck your head under your coat, Spike. We’ll get underground as soon as possible. There’s a manhole right outside.” Spike shrugged his acceptance. “I believe the real question is how do we get out of here without getting caught.”

Steps were now coming up the stairs and they stilled, looking at each other in mute terror. They looked like the proverbial deer caught in the headlight. The half-opened door rattled, the hinges creaked and…the family dog trotted in. There was a collective sigh of relief and the group snuck out of the room on tiptoe, the curious dog sniffing along behind them.

Only one other person occupied the house. A middle-aged man was dozing on the couch, the baby monitor beside him turned up as loud as possible. They slipped quietly out the door, Spike running on ahead, a thin wisp of smoke trailing up from under his jacket. He jerked the manhole open and disappeared underground. Quickly, the others followed him, sliding into the dank, dark Sunnydale sewers.

“It’s about nine o’clock here. School should just be starting. Rahina, Nikki, you two head on over to the school and keep an eye on Buffy and the others, okay? If you notice anything strange, call me on my cell phone.” The twins nodded and took off, knowing the sewer system by heart. “Spike, go to Angel and do the same. I’m going to see if I can find out where Faith and the Mayor are.” With that, they dispersed.

Spike slipped into the old Mansion, careful to stay hidden in the shadows. Though he could see no one, he could tell that Angel was present. Moving further into the home, he could hear the faint sound of running water. Ah, so his sire was taking a shower.

The blonde vampire moved across the room, checking out his former home. Angel had evidently still been in ‘brood mode’ when he’d done the decorating. The only two pieces of furniture-a couch and a coffee table-were present. A book of sonnets lay open on the fire place, an empty pouch of blood was resting of the table. Besides that, a couple ancient weapons hung on the walls, and the Oriental rug on the floor, the place was bare.

Tiptoeing across the floor to where velvet curtains hid the bedroom, Spike listened carefully against the wall. The water of the shower was still running, showing no sign of letting up. Spike snooped around the other rooms, finding nothing much of interest and then headed back into the main room.

For the first time Spike noticed a wicked looking battle-ax on the mantel. The handle was made of soft bronze and was engraved with many gruesome depictions of battle and the blade had some sort of Chinese design cut out from it. Checking once again to make sure Angel was not coming, Spike picked up the weapon and began swinging it around the room, fighting an invisible foe.

“Engarde!” He whispered, lunging around the room and to any observer, he’d look pretty crazy, but he didn’t care. “One down. Anyone else care to give it a go?” He offered, puffing up his chest. He swung the ax and watched, horrified, as in slow motion, the blade buried itself in the coffee table. And, as if on cue, the shower ended. Angel’s footsteps could be heard moving around the bedroom.

‘Shit, shit, shit, shit!’ Spike pulled at the weapon, urging it to come loose. No doing…the thing was stuck and it wasn’t coming out any time soon. Angel was leaving his room. Quickly, Spike darted across the room and hid just outside the house, in the shade of the courtyard.

Angel stepped into the main room and Spike cast a furtive glance at the battle-ax, hoping the older vampire would move into another room and completely ignore the weapon. Instead, he moved to the fireplace and picked up his book then settled onto the floor and began to read.

Spike let out a sigh of relief and leant against the wall, keeping his eye on Angel. After all, that was his job. Angel for his part had began to read sonnet 57 and was deeply immersed in his brooding, (a skill he prided himself on and was continuously honing), when he felt a sudden prickling sensation at the back of his neck…like he was being watched. He glanced around the room. There was his empty blood pack, he really should throw that away. His duster thrown across the couch. His Chinese battle-ax was lodged into the coffee table. He went back to his sonnet. No one was present.

Again, Spike was surprised and relieved that Angel and spotted nothing amiss. But then Angel’s eyes stopped scanning the page before him. He closed the book and looked ponderous for a moment. Then, very slowly, he turned and looked strait at the ax.

‘Shit.’

CHAPER FIVE

Rahina and Nicolas arrived at the school just as the bell to end first period rang. “Um, Rah, how are we supposed to know what classes mom has?” Nicolas asked suddenly and his twin turned to scowl at him.

“I don’t know, Nikki.” She drawled, shifting in front of her brother and tipping her head. “Maybe we could just follow her.” Nicolas sighed when he spotted their mother, just a few feet away, happily oblivious of what was to occur that evening, let alone that weekend. “And Nikki, if you do happen to talk to her, try not to call her mom, okay? She’s eighteen years old, she has no clue what’s going on.”

“Rah, mom was eighteen when she got pregnant. In fact, she got pregnant like, a week after her birthday.” He pointed out. Rahina’s eyes narrowed, warning her brother to back off. She tossed her long red braid over her shoulder and headed off in Buffy’s direction. Sighing, Nicolas followed his temperamental twin.

The slayer gave up on trying to solve the combination of her lock and, checking to make sure no one was looking, broke the lock in half. Smiling, she retrieved her books and slammed the locker shut. She bounced off and her children followed.

Buffy entered her English class and settled into her seat near Willow, Xander and Oz. Trying to be inconspicuous, Rahina and Nicolas slid into the seats on either side of group. Buffy turned to face the intrusion and instead, seemed to face a mirror image. Besides the fact that Rahina had red hair, the two girls were like twins. “Hi.” She seemed puzzled. “Are you new? Seems kinda late in the year to be enrolling in a new school.”

“Ummm…No, we are going to be going here next year!” Rahina explained, “My brother and I.” She gestured to Nikki, who was frantically shaking his head. When the others turned to face him, he plastered a grin across his face. “We’re just checking out the school system.”

“Oh, I thought parents usually did that.” Buffy replied with a frown, noting the delicate English accent in the other girl’s voice.

Nikki began to giggle nervously and eyed his sister, waiting for her to respond. “Well, um…our parents have very important jobs. They couldn’t take time out of their schedule. Anyway, that’s Nicolas and I’m Rahina Giles.” She paused, eyes widening. She’d never thought to make up a last name for them.

Buffy and the others suddenly looked very startled. The awesome similarities between Rahina and herself and between Nicolas and Giles were inexplicable and the fact that they shared the ex-watcher’s last name left no doubt in Buffy’s mind. Something was amiss. “Giles? What are your parent’s names?”

Nicolas seemed to shoot a ‘Now you’ve done it’ look to Rahina as she racked her brain for a name or two. Her mind landed on her Grandfather and his girlfriend. “William and Sarah!” She exclaimed quickly. “My father’s from England, that’s why he as a strange last name. Why do you ask?”

Buffy shook her head. “No reason.” She turned back to her friends, acting as though the altercation had never occurred. Nicolas had at this point buried his head in his hands and Rahina eyed him angrily. She puffed at the bangs falling into her vision, quickly thinking of a conversation starter.

It was obvious by now that the teacher planned on giving them a free day, and the man could care less that two strangers were sitting in his classroom. After a few minutes he said he had to make a phone call and left. The twins didn’t expect him back any time soon. Everyone else in the class had moved to the opposite side of the room where an annoying looking blonde was twirling her hair and telling jokes.

Rahina was about to ask Buffy her name when Nikki’s phone rang. He hesitantly lifted his head from the desk and noted that the Scooby Gang as well as his sister were eyeing him. “Hello?”

Spike took a deep breath and sighed in relief. “Listen, Nikki, I have a small problem.”

“What is it?” Nikki asked, pretty sure he was about to be faced with a stupid question. Sometimes he really didn’t want to know what went on in his Grandfather’s head.

“How about who is it?” Rahina demanded, looking at him expectantly.

“It’s S..our Grandpa.” He responded with a defeated sigh. Now he was sure that his mother was suspicious. “What do you need?” He asked, a little sharper this time.

The others were eyeing the twins with avid interest now, leaning in to catch bits and pieces of the conversation. “Do you mind?” Nicolas bit off, moving to his sister’s side. She pressed her ear to the receiver, listening in.

“Nikki, pay attention, Angel, uh, caught me.”

“Spike!” He shrieked, then immediately realized what he’d said. “Jesus Christ! What do you expect me to do?”

Rahina grabbed the phone away from Nikki and moved across the room. “Spike.” She whispered frantically. “How are you supposed to trail him, if one presumes you are chained to the wall?”

“Actually, the bed. Angel’s one kinky soul-filled vampire. Sorry, I guess that’s off topic, huh?” His granddaughter growled lightly in warning. Best not to mess with a part Slayer, part Vampire, part Watcher when she’s pissed off.

“We can’t help you right now. We’re in the middle of being found out by our mother, Willow, Xander and Oz. Probably not the best time for you to have called, huh?” She retorted. “Call dad, I’m sure he can help you.”

“Did you say Spike?” Willow asked, with something akin to a gulp.

“Would you believe me if I said no?” Nikki asked slowly.

*

Giles watched as Faith left her apartment then began to trail her, hoping she could lead him to the Mayor. He’d already been to town hall and the Mayor was no where to be found. Faith was skipping down the street, dressed in a cute pink dress, very different from anything Giles had ever seen her in and she looked sweet, of all things.

The slayer headed into the Espresso Pump and Giles dutifully followed, though he was sure they wouldn’t find Wilkins within. Once inside, Giles could no longer see Faith and searched around for her furtively.

Suddenly, there was an arm wrapped around his chest from behind and a gentle breath on his ear. “Hey Watcher? Looking for me?”

Giles shuddered as she released him and began to circle him. She nodded approvingly. “Wow, Giles, you look hot. What’s up with the wardrobe change.” He realized for the first time he was wearing his favorite pair of tight blue jeans, an old white shirt and his worn leather jacket, not exactly what the Giles of this universe might wear. Faith must have noticed the way he was examining himself, because she added, “No, I like it. Don’t change.”

“Faith, its not what you think.” He protested, looking desperately for a way out of the situation he was in. “I’m just thirsty.” He added.

Faith moved closer to him, placing a manicured hand to his chest, sliding up to cup the base of his skull. “Why don’t we go back to my place.” She purred, “We can…talk.” She backed away, catching his hand with hers and began to walk the way they had come. The pressure she was applying to his hand told him to come along quietly and no one would get hurt. Just great…well, at least he could keep an eye on her this way.

Once they reached her apartment, Faith proceeded to tie him to a chair, though the watcher expected no less. After making sure the ropes were secure, Faith leaned back to admire her handiwork. But, now that she had him here, what was she going to do with him? “So, Giles, you ever play Truth or Dare?”

Giles groaned. This was going to be a long day. Then, the first question came, “Well, truth or dare?”

“I suppose it would do no good to refuse you.” He murmured under his breath. Faith smiled, ignoring the question. “Very well, seeing as how I’m tied to the chair and I do not wish to anger you…Truth.”

Faith rubbed her hands together, “Goody. Okay Giles, how old were you when you lost your virginity.”

“I can not believe I am doing this.” Faith glared, “Alright, fifteen. My turn. Truth or Dare, Faith?”

“Ohh, I don’t know…Truth!” She picked, sitting down in the chair across from him.

“How old were you?”

Faith grinned. “Not good with the originality, are you? Thirteen.” Giles faltered, feeling a strong, fatherly urge to hug her. The Faith he knew had been a sweet, vulnerable girl who hid herself beneath muscles and attitude. This girl was no different, except here, no one had cared, no one had made an effort to incorporate her into their life. Faith, however didn’t seem to notice his shift in emotion. “Truth or dare?

“I imagine it would be difficult to perform a dare tied to this chair, so, I’ll go with Truth.”

“Truth is boring!” Faith whined, but then racked her brain for a question. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. “Okay G-man…have you and Buffy ever screwed?” At his wide-eyed look, she added, “You know, done the nasty, the horizontal limbo, the freaky. Fucked?”

Giles couldn’t believe she’d suggest it. As far as he knew, Buffy and Angel were still lovers in this universe. Still, truth. So was he to answer from his perspective or was he to behave as the Giles from this universe would.

“Oh my God! You have!” She gasped, collapsing into a fit of laughter. “I totally knew it. I told the others, but they didn’t believe it! How many times? What it one of those ‘if only for tonight, let our passion be free’ things?” She asked, her eyes fluttering.

He scowled, “I answered your question, now it’s my turn.”

“Okay, okay…Dare!”

“Faith, I dare you not to shoot Angel tonight.” Giles said in a calm, non-chalet tone.

All the laughter left her face and she stood to hover over him. “How did you know about that?”

He laughed, very self-depreciatively. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Her eyes softened. She moved to untie his ropes and he looked up at her in surprise. “Try me.”

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Okay, that’s it for now. You’ve got a very busy Thursday on your hands, sorry! I’ll try and add some more soon. If you have any ideas, they are more than welcome!