The end of the rainbow

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and the WB, I've just borrowed them for a while.

Author's notes: More than words was written by Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt and performed by Westlife. The poem the end of the rainbow was written by me!

“Xander. Look!” Willow Rosenberg called to her best friend. He joined her at the window looking out into the cloudy sky. “The rain’s stopped. Come on let’s go and play.”

“Okay. But I want to jump in the puddles.” Xander replied his brown eyes pleading with her.

“As long as you don’t splash me. My Mom will not be happy if I get this dress muddy.” She looked down at the pink dress her Mom had insisted she wore.

“I know, but I hate getting into trouble even more. Come on I’ll race you to the willow tree.” She turned and ran to the door, Xander close on her heels. The two five year olds raced down the stairs into the kitchen and out into the yard.

Xander rushed to the first puddle he found and leapt into it with such enthusiasm the droplets danced around him soaking Mr Green’s cat that had been hiding from the rain on the porch. The cat yowled and jumped up onto the fence before disappearing back to its own yard. Xander giggled.

“You knew the cat was there, didn’t you?” Willow asked a small smile on her face.

“No it…” Willow stopped mid sentence her eyes focusing on something in the sky.

“Yes gold. But it’s only a story. Make believe. But it is pretty isn’t it?”

“Yes. Gold.” Xander thought about Pirates and treasure. “Do you think there are pirates guarding the treasure at the end of the rainbow?”

Willow giggled. “I don’t think so Xander. You only find gold and pirates in fairy stories.”

“I don’t know. Wouldn’t it be fun to find the treasure at the end of the rainbow?”

“One day Willow we’ll find the end of the rainbow.” Xander said seriously looking towards his best friend.

Willow watched as the light danced through the prism, the colours of the rainbow dancing on her office wall. The prism had been a present from Xander on her sixth birthday. He had repeated his promise then, that one day they would find the end of the rainbow. She smiled at the memory of the time in the garden and her birthday. Part of her still wished for the innocence of childhood, the other part happy that she’d finally grown up. She watched the colours dance for a moment longer before returning to her computer screen.

Xander watched the children play in the sandpit at recess. He was amazed at how much his life had changed since he’d left Sunnydale. He’d grown up made decisions and was finally happy with his choices.

Xander smiled to himself, remembering the times Cordelia had made Willow cry at kindergarten. Now he was the adult attempting to sort out the problems of the playground.

“A bucketful of sand and troubles. I didn’t realise how important friendship is to little kids. It’s the end of the world if they fall out.”

“Friendship can be hard, especially when you’re small and you don’t know better. Come on we had our rough patches. Remember I didn’t speak to you for a week after you ruined Barbie.”

“That wasn’t all my fault you know. You wondered what she would look like if she had her hair cut.”

“How was I to know that Mr Green was going to cut the lawn that afternoon? It was just an unfortunate accident.”

“Xander you tried everything to make up, and as I remember it wasn’t much fun. Especially when you fell out of the tree trying to reach my room to apologise.”

“No that wasn’t much fun. Although it worked; you made up with me in an instant when you saw me lying on the floor with a broken arm.”

“No, fortunately not. Now you didn’t call me from Washington to walk down memory lane. Why the call?”

“Not so much of the old and yes you can call a friend anytime you want. Even if it is approaching half past eleven at night.” She teased.

“No. Just like the police in Sunnydale he’s oblivious to the dangers of the night especially dangers with pointy teeth. Now stop avoiding the issue. You’re calling me for a reason, you’ve taken me down memory lane and asked after Tom, do you think we can get to the reason why you called before I really do get old?”

There was a pause. Willow could imagine Xander going over the words in his head trying to think of the best way of telling her whatever was on his mind.

It was Willow’s turn to pause, as her mind carefully processed the information. “As in a girlfriend or a friend, friend?” She finally asked.

“A girlfriend. You’d like her, her name is Lucy, and she’s a teacher. We’ve been going out for three months and she’s moving in.”

“Wow! Slow down, it’s important to breathe you know! I could ask why you didn’t tell me about Lucy before, but then I didn’t tell you about Tom until he’d moved in either. It’s serious then?” She asked a little shocked at Xander’s revelation.

“I’m pleased Xander. It’s about time you had some luck in the love department. You’re sure she isn’t a demon, mummy or insect?” She asked a hint of laughter in her voice.

“Willow! Do you have to keep reminding me of my unfortunate choices in the past? Everyone makes mistakes!”

“Well not everyone makes the same mistakes you did in the love department. I think you’ve got the record for dating outside the human race!”

Willow rolled her eyes at his reference to Oz. He still brought up the werewolf reference from time to time. She had never understood completely his feelings about Oz; something had always bugged Xander about him. Although he’d never shared with her the reason why and she assumed he never would. “Xander! Oz was a long time ago, and we’re both happily dating humans now. I’m happy for you Xander, I’m pleased everything’s working out. You deserve to be happy.”

“Now I want a photograph of you and Lucy together so that I can put a face to a name.”

“Calm down Will. My invitation arrived in the mail today. I’m sure yours is on the way. Buffy wouldn’t forget you in a million years.”

“No I guess she wouldn’t it’s just that I haven’t spoken to her in a while. It’s hard sometimes to talk to her, knowing that I left her behind to fight against evil, whilst I’m pursuing a career.”

“But she’s happy fulfilling her destiny especially now she has Riley. He’s good for her, much better than the doom and gloom dead boy brought for her.”

“I know. It’s just that I miss the excitement and people in Sunnydale. Especially Buffy and Giles.”

“It could be a very interesting wedding, especially explaining to the guests why the ceremony is at night.”

“You don’t think Buffy could get married without Spike and dead boy do you?”

“Let’s hope not quite like old times. I think Buffy would like to get married without the Hellmouth sending something evil her way.”

“Bye.” Willow replied just before the dial tone signaled the end of the call.

Willow read the invitation for the fourth time. Xander was right. Buffy was marrying Riley in two months time. She would be going home to Sunnydale. Home to her friends and memories.

Tom’s blue eyes stared coldly at her. Since he’d moved in he’d begun to change. He was becoming possessive of her every movement. Wanting to know where she was going, who she was going to see. She’d become used to cataloguing her movements just to appease him. But he loved her. That was all that mattered in the end wasn’t it? The fact that he loved her.

“It will be nice to get away from here. You’ll get to meet everyone, all my friends.”

Tom’s face lightened a little. “He’s got a girlfriend huh? About time. I was beginning to wonder if he’d ever find anyone.”

“No but you know him well enough for the both of us!” He spat back, his eyes blazing with anger.

“Jealous of someone you’ve known your whole life. No why would I be jealous? He lives in another state. But that doesn’t stop you writing and talking to him all the time. Does it?”

“He’s my friend Tom. He knows everything about me. Just as I know everything about him.”

“Well that’s just wonderful. Obviously friendship means more to you than love. I can’t compete with him Willow. I’m not even going to try. I don’t want to go to the wedding and I don’t want you to go too.” He moved so he was standing within inches of her face. His voice eerily calm, his steel blue eyes holding hers. He moved a loose strand of hair from her face. “You’re mine now Willow. No one is ever going to take you away from me. Not even him.” He brushed his lips roughly over hers. Before releasing her from her terror and storming out of their apartment.

As the door slammed shut, Willow collapsed to the floor, tears falling from her eyes. She was beginning to regret the day she made the decision to let Tom move in.

Willow nervously picked up her bags and walked out of her apartment. Tom was at work; he wasn’t due home until after her flight had left. Hopefully he wouldn’t follow her to Sunnydale. However, knowing Tom he’d follow her to Sunnydale.

Since the argument over the wedding Tom’s possessiveness had increased. He continually checked up on her. Checking her whereabouts, calling her at work, even checking her mail and phone calls. Slowly but surely he was cutting off the outside world. He was making sure that Willow could never escape. But finally she’d had the courage to walk away. Leave her new life behind her. She didn’t want to be loved the way Tom loved her. She wanted the love her friends had always given her. But most of all she wanted to live her life again. Without fear. Without pain. Most importantly without Tom.

“Hey Buffy.” Willow replied quietly. She’d spent the entire flight from L.A checking over her shoulder afraid Tom was following her.

Willow followed Buffy and her bags into the hall. “Just tired, it’s been a long day. Are you sure it’s okay to stay here?"

Buffy watched Willow intently as she sipped her tea. Something was definitely bothering her. She was pale and thinner than the last time Buffy had seen her. Her green eyes that had always shone with happiness; were now filled with pain. “Couldn’t Tom make it?” she asked.

Willow’s face paled even more at the mention of his name. Her eyes studying the table and her voice barely a whisper. “He had to work.”

“No. I’m just tired that’s all. It’s good to be home Buffy.” Willow’s eyes finally showing a little of the sparkle they’d once had.

“Lucy and I are planning to arrive tomorrow. Are you sure Giles and Joyce don’t mind us staying?”

“No. Giles is more excited than Mom that I’m getting married. And he’s really looking forward to seeing you and Will again. He’s missed you both more than he’s willing to let on.”

Buffy giggled. “He hasn’t really changed, although he’s a little less stuffier and a lot less tweedy!”

“Something’s wrong Xander. She won’t tell me what it is. I was hoping you had an idea.”

“She always sounds okay on the phone. But then you can hide a great deal from the end of a phone.”

“Growing up on the Hellmouth gives you a different perspective on life. Is Tom with Will?”

“Maybe there’s a problem.” He paused thinking for a moment. “Thinking about it she only calls me now from work or if Tom’s not home. I get the impression their relationship is hitting a rough patch.”

“Tom. Mmm. She did seem to go quiet when I mentioned his name.” Buffy paused. “I’ll keep my eye on her. I’m worried about her Xander.”

Buffy placed the receiver back in its cradle. She was becoming more worried about Willow. Something definitely wasn’t right and she had a feeling that Tom was the cause of the problem.

Willow and Buffy stood in the airport terminal waiting for Xander and Lucy to appear. Every few minutes Willow would look nervously around, studying the crowd intensely.

“If you say so Will. But things often have a way of surfacing, sooner or later.”

“I’m not hiding anything Buff. Nothing at all.” Willow turned to face the gates, trying to focus on finding Xander.

They stood in silence, both lost in their thoughts. Watching and waiting. Finally their wait was over. They both spotted Xander’s familiar frame making his way through the gate, a petite brunette walking at his side.

Buffy and Willow both smiled. The Scooby gang were finally home. Xander returned their smiles the moment he spotted them. He hurried forward, first embracing Buffy, and then turning to Willow.

He opened his arms and she walked forward into his embrace and for the first time in a while she felt safe. That was something he’d always offered her, safety. The world never seemed as bad if Xander was around. Coming here was definitely the right choice. She needed to be strong, and her friends would help her to be strong.

Xander held her in his arms. Buffy was right. There was something troubling Willow. He’d recognised it the minute he saw her, her skin was pale and her eyes were drawn. Something was very wrong and he knew he needed to find out what it was. Hopefully he could persuade her to tell him. Although, knowing Willow it would take a great deal of time and care. She often kept painful things to herself, not willing to burden others. She’d always been the same, even as a child, putting others before herself. And for a long time Xander had been oblivious to it. He’d taken so much in their relationship for so long, it had taken a while for him to realise just how special their friendship was. What they had was something most people could only dream of and he was determined to make sure their friendship survived.

Willow for all intents and purposes was the only family he’d ever had. They had helped each other to grow up, become the adults they now were. He would do anything for Willow, just as he knew she would do anything for him. They’d tested their friendship to the limits living on the Hellmouth, but it had survived. Just as they had. In fact it had strengthened more than either could ever have imagined. Xander knew that Willow would always be a part of his life, just as he hoped he would always be a part of hers.

Xander finally let Willow out of his arms. It was good to be home. He suddenly remembered Lucy, who was waiting patiently. Her green eyes watching Willow and Xander intently. “Willow, Buffy” he began “this is Lucy."

“Welcome to Sunnydale.” Buffy said smiling warmly. “I have one question Lucy.”

“How do you manage to live with Xander?” Buffy asked grinning as Xander flinched.

Willow and Lucy walked side by side towards Buffy’s car comparing notes on Xander.

Xander walked with Buffy. “You’re right Buffy. Something is definitely worrying Willow. The question is what or who?”

“I have a horrible feeling we’re not going to like what we find.” Buffy replied as she watched Willow and Lucy talking.

Willow sat on Buffy’s porch watching the sunset. The sky was filled with different shades and hues of pink and orange. It had been a long time since she’d watched the sun set. In a way watching it from Sunnydale always meant so much more than watching it anywhere else. Sunnydale would always be home.

“Penny for them.” Xander spoke from the doorway. He’d been watching Willow for a while, trying to determine the best way of starting the conversation. He walked towards her and sat down beside her.

She turned and smiled at him. “I was just watching the sunset and thinking how good it is to be home.”

“Home. It is nice to be back. Sunnydale will always be special to me.” He replied.

“I know. Even though we had some hard times here, we made it Xander. We survived against all of the odds.”

“Sometimes.” Although recently I’ve regretted my decision every day, she added silently.

“I know what you mean. Leaving home and your friends is scary, but it’s a part of growing up, moving on. I suppose we’ve both grown up and moved on.”

“Yeah we have. I like Lucy.” Willow began changing the topic. “She’s nice, I think you’re lucky to have found her.”

“Well my bad luck was bound to run out one day. I’m happy, you’re happy, Buffy’s happy and Giles is happy. Considering how we spent our days in Sunnydale it’s a wonder any of us survived.”

“But we had each other. We were a team, we cared for one another and we still do. That’s why we survived. We counted on each other, working together we had more strength than any demon or vampire, because we cared, we loved each other. At the end of the day that’s one thing evil can’t understand.”

“You’ve thought about this way too long Willow. Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you or am I going to have to tickle it out of you.” He grinned his hands moving forward prepared to tickle her.

She turned and smiled. “Xander there is nothing bothering me at all. I’m just tired. Why won’t you and Buffy believe me?”

“Because we know you too well. Now I warned you and since you haven’t told me, prepare to be tickled!”

Willow jumped up and began to run towards the garden, knowing Xander was close on her heels. For a moment she was a child running from her best friend, hoping for once to win the tickling competition.

Xander followed her, easily catching her. He placed his arms on her shoulders, turning her to face him. As she turned she lost her balance, falling gently to the floor. Xander took the opportunity to kneel beside her and tickle her, his fingers expertly moving up and down her ribcage. Her body shaking with laughter.

Tears fell from her eyes as she continued to giggle. “I… can’t… not now… maybe later.”

Xander stopped his attack turning to the source of the voice. A man stood on the path his blue eyes staring coolly at the couple on the grass. His blonde hair cut short and he appeared to be very angry.

Xander helped Willow up from the grass. Her face was ashen and she stood nervously on the grass. This was not the reaction he expected from Willow. She hadn’t acted like this since high school, when she was unsure of herself. Since college she’d been more confident, knowing what she wanted from life. Suddenly Xander realised the source of Willow’s problem. Tom.

“Willow, I thought we agreed not to come to the wedding.” Tom continued walking forcefully towards her, grasping her arm and pulling her towards him.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to come and see my friends. I didn’t think you’d mind.” She replied her voice quiet, her eyes refusing to meet his; she winced slightly as his hand tightened around her arm.

“Well now you’re here I’m sure Buffy will be thrilled to have both of you at her wedding.” Xander replied, hoping to diffuse the situation.

“I don’t think we’re staying. I’ve got us booked on the next flight to L.A. Willow go and get your things.” Tom demanded, pushing Willow towards the house.

Willow quickly glanced at Xander, her eyes full of tears and pain. Xander’s heart ached, he understood too well now. The reason why Willow only called when Tom was out or from work. The reason why Tom hadn’t joined her in Sunnydale. She was scared, scared of Tom. All of the clues, she’d given him in their conversations suddenly making sense. Why was he always so slow in figuring things out, especially when it concerned Willow? Xander promised himself then, that he was not going to let Willow return with Tom if she didn’t want to. He was going to make sure that she was okay and if it meant sending Tom back without her, then he’d do it in an instant, because he wasn’t going to let anyone else hurt her again.

Willow hurried into the house rushing up the stairs to her room. Buffy watched her, thinking Xander had managed to say the wrong thing when she heard heated voices from the garden. She hurried to the door to see Xander arguing with a man.

“Catching up with an old friend.” Xander replied, stepping closer to the other man.

“Well it looked to me like it was more than catching up. Willow does not need friends like you or Buffy or anyone else. She only needs me!” The stranger shouted, pushing Xander.

“She obviously isn’t happy with you. She ran away from you, coming home. Do you make it your business to check on her every movement? She has a right to do what she wants and if she doesn’t want to go back with you then that’s her choice.”

“She doesn’t have a choice. She loves me and I love her and that’s all that matters, we don’t need anyone else. Especially not you.” The stranger shoved Xander again.

As she listened Buffy began to piece together the pieces of the puzzle. Willow had left Tom. Tom was in the garden at this moment harassing Xander. Xander was not the reason why Willow had just run up the stairs in tears. It was Tom.

Riley emerged from the kitchen followed by Lucy. They’d been washing up after dinner. “Hey what’s up Buffy?” he asked.

“Riley could you go and diffuse the situation in the garden. I need to talk to Willow. And what ever you do, don’t let Xander hit him!”

Riley and Lucy looked puzzled until they heard the voices from the garden. Riley nodded and hurried outside closely followed by Lucy.

Buffy knocked on Willow’s door, waited a moment then decided to enter. She found Willow curled up on her bed, sobbing so much her body shook.

“Willow, please tell me what’s wrong.” Buffy pleaded as she sat on the edge of the bed.

“Do you want to go back with him?” Buffy asked, although she was pretty sure the answer would be no.

“Buffy. I left him. I can’t live with him anymore. He’s changed; he doesn’t want me to have a life, he wants to control me. I can’t live like that. So I made the decision to leave, hoping that he wouldn’t follow me, but he has.”

“Willow you don’t have to go back with him. You can stay here. Stay for as long as you need.”

“I’m scared Buffy. Scared that he’ll do something if I don’t go back with him.”

“He won’t do anything. He won’t be able to, one of your best friends is a slayer and the other one at this minute is making sure Tom understands that he’s not going to take you unless you want to go.”

“Yes. Xander is down there at this very moment defending you. Riley’s there to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand. None of us would let him hurt you Willow. Why didn’t you tell us before?”

“I couldn’t. I was ashamed. Ashamed of the mistake I’d made, ashamed of the fact that I couldn’t stop him.”

Willow nodded. “He didn’t mean to Buffy. He’d get angry and he couldn’t help it.”

Willow nodded. She slowly pulled the hem of her sweater revealing huge blue and black bruises.

“Willow.” Buffy sighed as she pulled her friend into her arms. “He is not going to hurt you again I promise. Now do you think you can face him and tell him to leave?”

“You’re not alone Willow, you never were. I’m here for you and Xander is too. Now come on lets see if we can sort out this problem.”

Willow walked towards Tom and Xander in the yard. Buffy following her. Riley stood ready to intervene if the situation got out of hand and Lucy looked as if her world was shattering in front of her.

Tom noticed as Willow approached him. “Are you ready to go? I think we’ve outstayed our welcome.” He said bitterly.

Willow stiffened, her resolve face firmly etched in place. Suddenly in the security of her friends she felt strong enough to end this. “Tom I don’t want to go with you. I want to stay with my friends. I want you to go and I never want to see you again.” Willow’s voice was strong and her eyes were cold as she stared directly into Tom’s eyes.

“You can’t stay Willow. You belong with me. I won’t let you stay. You’re mine. I love you.” Tom demanded his face contorted in anger.

“No you don’t love me. I don’t think you even understand the meaning of the word. You want to own me. Owning someone is not loving them, hurting them is not loving them either. Love is something special. It’s something that needs to be nurtured and tended to and it certainly doesn’t grow out of pain and anger. Loving someone, is wanting to care for them, protect them. It’s more about sharing and caring, being there when they need you. Not dominating them and forcing your will. I learned something the past two days I’ve been here. I’ve learned that I never loved you. I might have in the beginning but that died as you tried to control me more and more. Now go before I do something I might regret.”

Tom approached her trying to desperately grab her. Willow silently mouthed the words of an incantation she hadn’t used since her time in Sunnydale. A bright blue light flashed the instant Tom tried to touch her, sending him reeling in pain. He sat on the ground looking at her in confusion.

Xander came to stand one side of Willow and Buffy the other. “I think it’s time you listened to Willow.” Xander began. “She means every word she says.”

“And if you ever consider hurting her again. You’ll have to deal with Xander and me. And I assure you that won’t be a pleasant experience.” Buffy continued.

“Was that a threat?” Tom asked as he stood rubbing his hands together, trying to alleviate the burning sensation Willow had invoked.

Tom looked at the group of friends, deciding that his chances of getting Willow to leave with him were minimal. “I won’t forget Willow.” He said his voice eerily calm.

“Neither will I Tom. If you ever come near me or my friends again. I might make a phone call to your boss explaining everything that happened in L.A. I’m sure he’d be very interested in your behaviour.” Willow replied, courage and strength flowing through her body. “Goodbye Tom.”

Willow watched as he disappeared hopefully leaving her life once and for all. Coming home certainly was the right decision. She was finally free.

Willow stood watching Buffy and Riley dance. The wedding ceremony had been perfect; the stars had shone in the dark blue night. Buffy looked beautiful in her white satin gown and Riley looked handsome in his morning suit. The day had been perfect and for once the Hellmouth hadn’t caused any problems.

“No I think we gave him some things to think about. Now where’s Lucy, you should be dancing with her.”

“She told me to come and dance with you. She seems to think that my best friend needs some company. Anyway, at this very moment she is sharing comments with Cordy. I think they’re comparing my good and bad points.” He replied his eyes rolling for added effect.

Xander batted her arm gently. “Come on Will. Dance with me?” He asked his brown eyes pleading with her.

“Okay. But if you step on my feet I’ll let you experience the blue light like Tom!”

“I’m considering myself warned.” He took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor.

A slow song played Willow listened to the words and smiled as she relaxed into Xander’s arms.

As the music finished Willow smiled at Xander. Her life was suddenly a great deal brighter than it had been in a while. She was beginning to understand that life had a great deal more to offer than what she’d found in L.A. One of the most important was friendship, and being back home with Buffy and Xander had helped her to realise that she didn’t want to be anywhere else. She wanted to be home, with her friends. And maybe someday she’d find the end of the rainbow.

Willow sat on her porch watching the rainbow in the stormy sky. The colours shone and sparkled in the rain. It had been a long time since she’d seen a rainbow. Memories of her childhood flashed through her mind. Remembering Xander jumping in the puddles and soaking Mr Greens’ cat.

She decided to dance in the rain. It was something she’d done as a child and at this very moment she wanted to spend a few moments lost in the innocence of her childhood. As she twirled in the rain she didn’t see a familiar figure leave the house and join her in the rain. Not until she heard a splash and felt the droplets from the puddle splash on to her face. She stopped spinning and grinned at Xander.

“I seem to remember me owing you that. The last time I jumped in a puddle I soaked Mr Green’s cat. You told me not to splash you because of that dreadful pink dress your Mom made you wear.” He replied his brown eyes glinting with laughter.

“Well, I think it’s time for revenge then!” Willow grinned and jumped into the nearest puddle sending a shower of droplets towards Xander.

He laughed and ran towards her, pulling her into his arms. He spun them around in the cool light rain. As he stopped he noticed the rainbow.

“Willow, do you remember I promised you that one day we’d find the end of the rainbow?” He asked as he gently returned her two the ground.

“I remember you thought you’d find gold at the end of the rainbow and pirates.”

“Yes love. It’s taken us nearly ten years to travel and move apart exploring the world, finding adventure, trying different relationships. Yet we both end up in Sunnydale and it’s like we’ve finally found the end of the rainbow. The treasure at the end of the rainbow Will is happiness. That’s what I’ve found with you. You’re my gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Willow looked up into his chocolate brown eyes. They were filled with love, something she knew did exist, the love they shared was something purer and stronger that she’d ever experienced before. It was something that had slowly grown and developed and they’d demonstrated time and time again how much they’d loved each other, but they’d always been too afraid to admit it. The time hadn’t been right until now. Now that they’d finally found the end of their rainbow.

“I know. I love you too Xander. And I think you’re right, we did find the end of the rainbow didn’t we?” She asked before her lips met his.

	a ~ f	g ~ l	m ~ r	s ~ z
		Shimmer	Sairs' fic