Author: Michael Weyer

Title: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

I don't own any of them. This is the Wishverse which broke off from the Wandererverse at two points: In 1993, Steven St. Wolf was beheaded by the Hunters and Buffy Summers did not move to Sunnydale.

Here's what's different....

BUFFY:
1. Joyce Summers was killed by a vampire in 1996 and Buffy stayed in Cleveland fighting vampires, not coming to Sunnydale.
2. Without Buffy, the Master arose, the Harvest occurred and Sunnydale became ruled by vampires.
3. Willow and Xander were turned into ruthless vampire lovers, the Master's chief lieutenants. They murdered their best friend, Jesse, as well as their own parents.
4. Without a Slayer, Rupert Giles tried to organize "the White Hats," a group of people fighting vampires. Among them were Oz and Larry.
5. Oz was never bitten by his cousin and didn't become a werewolf. He and Larry are lovers.
6. Angel went to Sunnydale to wait for Buffy but she never came. He was captured and brutally tortured by Willow and Xander for two years.
7. In "Be Careful What You Wish For," after traveling to the Wandererverse, Xander and Willow were cursed with souls while Angel was recursed without the "moment of happiness" clause. All three helped fight off the Master.
8. Catherine Madison was never a cheerleader and she and Amy have a much better relationship as a result. Due to a destiny spell, both have moved to Sunnydale, Catherine opening a magic shop.
9. Amy is a redhead and a powerful witch and is becoming attracted to Willow and Xander.
10. Amy is an Amazon as Giles, Larry and Oz have equal empowerments from the Genie from "Aladdin."
11.Jenny Calendar came to Sunnydale following the events of "Be Careful..." The gang knows who she is and work with her, with the chance of her becoming an Amazon someday.
12. Buffy became Immortal after being killed by the Master and is learning the ropes from the Immortal Ciederwyn, who is a police officer in Sunnydale. So far, no new Slayer has shown up.
13. King Arthur has been awakened and works with the Sunnydale gang.
14. Giles' father died with his Slayer, Lillian but Giles' mother is still alive.
15. Ethan Rayne did not become a Janus-worshiping chaos magician but is on the Watcher's Council.

HIGHLANDER:
1. Steve St. Wolf was killed by the Hunters in 1993 after stopping a demon. The Hunters, realizing how important Immortals were to fight demons, turned themselves in and became a force to fight demons.
2. The events of the fifth season finale occurred and Duncan beheaded Richie.
3.Duncan Macleod became the wielder of Demon Slayer after Steve's death.
4. The Immortal Katya (played by Justina Vail) showed up in the sixth-season "Highlander" episode "Justice."

X-FILES:
1. Mulder and Scully were killed along with Scully's sister, Melissa after being shot by Krycek in 1995 and became Immortal.
2. Amanda was their teacher.
3. Margaret Scully was killed in a car accident in 1995, Scully's father is still alive.
4. Mulder and Scully continue to work at the X-Files, unaware that Skinner (who has a full head of hair in the Wishverse) is their Watcher.
5. No empowerments for any of them.
6. So far, Mulder and Scully are still only partners.

CHARMED:
1. As more detailed here, when Prue, Piper and Phoebe discovered their magical abilities, they were tempted to the dark side by the demon Cole.
2. Cole discovered the existence of the girls' half-sister Paige and soon had her on their side as well.
3. Faith was a runaway from a broken home in Boston who found herself in San Francisco where the girls rescued her from demons. Taken to their house, Faith was turned to evil by Cole.
4. Although seemingly having their own minds, the girls are all under Cole's power as he uses them to consolidate his hold on evil in California.

HOLTZ' GANG:
1. Daniel Holtz was a vampire hunter whose family was killed by Angelus and Darla in 1764. After a decade of futile hunting, he was met by a demon named Sahjhan, who offered to take him through time to kill the two vampires. Holtz agreed and awoke in early December, 1998 and has assembled a team of people who also have reason to hunt vampires down.
2. Gunn lost his friends when a pack of vampires attacked their hideout and had to stake his own turned sister.
3. Kate Lochley lost her father to vampires and was kicked off the force for unorthodox actions to fight them.
4. Justine Cooper is a former Marine who lost her twin sister to vampires and has been hunting them since.
5. Wesley Wyndham-Pryce was a member of the Watcher's Council who lost his fiancee to the vampire Penn. He hunted Penn down and killed him and was forced out of the Watchers because of it. He has taken to becoming a demon hunter and possess impressive magical abilities.
6. Katya was revealed to her teammates to be an Immortal, burned at the stake in 1364 on false charges of witchcraft and trained by Ciederwyn. In the 1950's, she found a runaway named Elena and raised her as her daughter. Elena, her daughter and husband were killed by vampires in 1996, Katya going on the attack afterward.
7. Lilah Morgan was lovers with fellow Wolfram & Hart lawyer Lindsay McDonald. When Lindsay was killed by W&H for ruining a demonic plan, Lilah left and has been hiding out from W&H hitmen.
8. In the Wishverse, it was Andrea Parker who was trained since childhood to become a Pretender, kept prisoner at the Centre by her own father. She broke off and went on the run with Jarod Russell the one trying to track her down. Eventually, the two realized their feelings for each other and Jarod left the Center to join Andrea on the hunt for a new life.
9. As more detailed here, Father Ulric Johansen was scarred by vampires and has sworn to fight against them.
10. Currently, all are in Los Angeles, making plans to travel to Sunnydale to hunt down Angel.

JAG:
1. Harm was killed in that Tomcat crash in 1994 and became Immortal, not realizing it at first.
2. He was eventually met and got training from Ivar.
3. Harm and Mac became lovers only weeks after Mac came to work at JAG.
4. In 1996, Mac was killed by Clark Palmer, who Harm killed in self-defense. Mac became Immortal and admitted her love for Harm, which he returned.
5. The two are now married.
6. As more detailed here, the two were listed as KIA after an accident overseas.

So, a wild ditty that hit me, falling in between parts of "Wishes and Desires." Warning: There will be some NC-17 stuff here. Enjoy and Happy Holidays.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

In which a day of tragedy, hope, loves lost, loves found, loves remembered, new relationships, reunions and surprises takes place. In other words, Christmas.

England
December 25th, 1773

The house had seen better days, that was for certain. While a nice home and obviously built well, the interior showed that its owner hadn't spend too many days inside. And those he did spend weren't easy ones. A layer of dust covered nearly everything while the fire roaring in the mantle was hardly enough to illuminate the room. It was dark and shadowy and offered little warmth. In other words, it was perfect for the man sitting in the middle of the room.

Daniel Holtz was tired. He didn't want to say it, but he knew he was. It wasn't just fatigue, it was a weight upon his soul, one that he had been carrying for nearly a decade. Being at home just made it worse. He could still see the blood on the floor in the one room, no matter how hard he cleaned it. Even though the wind had long blown away any ashes, he still knew exactly the spot where he had watched his daughter incinerate. And he couldn't bring himself to enter what had once been the nursery. It was little wonder he preferred being out of the house, on the hunt. A hunt that, at the moment, was stymied.

He knew they were still out there. He could feel it. But where was the question. Angelus and Darla were slippery prey. Just when Holtz thought he had them, they would vanish again and it would take a while for him to get back on their trail.

However, as time went by, he could feel the weight of his burden growing larger upon him. It was getting harder for him to recruit hunters to track the two down. Word had gotten around that people who tried to help Holtz often wound up dead. Or worse. That, plus his inability to find what he was looking for, was making Holtz start to doubt himself. Not the quest, never the quest. He wanted those two dead. He owed it to his family, to their hundreds of victims, to God and, yes, to himself. He wanted them dead. But it was starting to look less and less likely that was going to happen.

So he simply sat and drank, only a small part of him acknowledging the fact that this was Christmas. He had given up any celebration of the holiday for the last eight years. He didn't see any reason to start now. Unless, of course, Angelus and Darla were delivered to him bound and prepared to be staked.

He paused and picked up his ears as he heard something. A sound as if something was slithering behind him. His eyes darted up briefly to see the shadows on the wall begin to form into a humanoid shape. His eyes flicked back down, staring into the goblet in his hands. He let out a deep sigh and placed the goblet down. "Another step and it'll be your last," he said as he sat back in his chair. "If you're looking for anything but a fight, then leave," he continued in a dark tone.

"A fight's just what I'm looking for," a dark and gravely tone echoed through the room. "But not with you."

Hearing a footstep behind him, Holtz rose to his feet and turned toward the sound of the voice. "Be a man and show your face."

There was what sounded like a rough chuckle and then the voice spoke again. "I'll show my face all right..." He stepped forward and into the night. "Although as you can see..."

Holtz looked up and then down and then shot his head up again as he stared at the being before him. He stood nearly seven feet tall, dressed in dark robes and seeming to blend into the shadows. His face was craggy and dark, his skin seeming like leather, a massive scar bisecting it.

"I'm not a man," the demon finished. "My name's Sahjhan. And what I meant was..."

"You're not human," Holtz stated, actually sounding surprised.

"But clearly masculine," the being quickly offered. He frowned. "You get that, right?"

In a flash, Holtz had a pistol in his hands, the tip pointed right at the demon's chest. "You'll get this and more besides if you don't leave now."

The demon raised an eyebrow. "Is this your typical Christmas greeting? I can understand why no one else is here if that's the case."

"I do not care for your commentary on the condition of my life. Leave. Now."

The demon looked down at the knife and Holtz felt a slight chill as he realized the creature had absolutely no concern for it whatsoever. With a shrug, Sahjhan turned and began to walk away. "As you wish," he announced. "Fine. My mistake. I just thought you'd like some help killing Angelus and Darla."

Holtz tensed, then narrowed his eyes. "I don't need any help," he hissed as he turned away. "I'll kill them myself."

There was a pause before Sahjhan spoke again. "I hate to spoil your Christmas Day," he stated dryly. "But actually, no, you won't. You'll die a bitter old man and never see them again."

Holtz stared at him in disbelief. "You don't know that," he said, more to convince himself than this interloper.

"I kinda do," Sahjhan said with a light shrug. "In fact, I know it will be more than two hundred years before you get a chance to confront either one of them."

The way he said, the easy-going, matter of factness that indicated this was a dead issue, convinced Holtz that this creature knew something. Stepping forward and controlling the anger rising within him, he spoke in a dry tone. "And is this the part of the tale where the demon offers the broken man a chance to change all that?"

"I can take you to them," Sahjhan stated, looking Holtz dead in the eye. "Two hundred years into the future."

"Through black magic and sorcery." Holtz didn't even bother hiding the skepticism in his tone.

"No, on a mule cart!" Holtz sarcastically barked back. "Of course through black magic and sorcery, I'm a demon."

"Then why don't you kill him yourself?" Holtz demanded.

In a flash, Sahjhan hurled out his arm. Holtz felt a slight chill as the hand flowed through him as if it was smoke. "I can't effect things in this dimension," the demon said. "Oh, I can sit if I have to, have a drink, little things like that. But killing someone myself? I can't do it. That's why I need you."

"Why?" Holtz stated. "What do you have against Angelus?"

Holtz stared back at him for a long moment. "That's my business," he rasped. "As for why I chose you...that's also my business. What matters is that I'm giving you this chance to kill the two vampires you've wanted for a decade."

"A Christmas gift?" Holtz dryly asked.

"Call it what you will," Sahjhan nicely evaded.

"And what do you ask for in return?" Holtz questioned. "I know there must be a price. What do you want? My soul?"

Sahjhan snorted. "I've never worked that way." He looked Holtz up and down and let out a tiny smile. "Besides, I think yours fell out of the market a long time ago."

"So what do you want?"

"Your word," Sahjhan said in a hard tone. "That when the time comes, you'll show the killer of your family no mercy."

Holtz was silent, looking away as he weighed the offer. Time travel into a future where God knew what had happened to the world. Losing what little he had left in the world, taking the word of a demon and putting his trust into its hands. For all he knew, this was a one-way ticket straight to Hell....

But he could kill Angelus...Caroline and Sarah and Daniel Jr. could finally rest...Wasn't that worth anything that happened to him?

"Look, I hate to sound pushy but this is a limited time only offer," Sahjhan interrupted. "Say yes and I'll take you to them this very hour. Say no....and know that you let the one chance to avenge what they did to your wife and children slip by...forever."

Daniel Holtz had once thought that he would make a deal with the devil for the chance to kill Angelus. Now, he was getting his wish. What did he have to lose, after all? What did he have left to lose?

He raised his head and slowly nodded. "I accept your offer," he stated. "On one condition."

The frown on Sahjhan's face let Holtz know the demon wasn't used to demands. "What?"

Holtz stepped forward. "That I chose how it's done. You let me use my methods and my way to kill them. That's why you want me, I know. You want me to be your killer, at least let me decide how it's done."

Sahjhan seemed ready to argue the point, then relaxed and shrugged. "Sure, you got it. Are you ready then?"

"Not quite," Holtz said. "There's one more thing I have to do...."

It was a brilliant night, the moon shining down brightly on Holtz as he stood in the backyard of his home, looking at a trio of stone markers poking out of the light cover of snow. His wife's was the largest of course, his daughter's next and the small stone for his son fitting the small mound it lay upon. Of course, his daughter had no grave as there had been nothing left of her but ashes. But Holtz felt the need for a reminder all the same.

He took a deep breath, inhaling the brilliant night air. "In this future," he called out, his breath coming out in a cloud. "Is England still around?"

"It is," Sahjhan spoke from behind. "It's a bit worse for wear, but it's still there. We won't be going there, though. Angelus will be in America."

"America?" Holtz started. "The New World?"

"The Newness has worn off," Sahjhan dryly said. "But that's where he is."

Holtz nodded before turning back to the graves. He stepped forward and then knelt before them. "I may not be back again," he said softly. "Perhaps it's just as well. So many memories to this place..." He took a deep breath. "I'm doing this for you," he said. "I'm doing this to attain justice for what he did to me. To you. I want to ensure you all rest in peace. The peace I've long been denied. I love you all. Never forget that. That's why I am doing this."

He rose to his feet and faced Sahjhan. "Do it."

As Sahjhan raised his hands and began to mutter under his breath, Holtz closed his eyes and prepared himself. The last thought he had before the burst of magic hit him was of his family laughing just before he had left that last time. A moment that Angelus had kept him from ever repeating.

*I will have justice* was his final thought before the spell took hold. *I will have justice...*

*****

San Francisco, CA
December 24th, 1998
1702 Hours PST

It seemed a horrible thing to die on Christmas Eve. But Sam knew that was what was going to happen to him.

He felt himself stumble as he tripped over a pile of garbage in the alleyway and fell to the ground, letting out a string of decidedly un-angelic words. He brought himself up and tried to move again, tried to get his legs working and wishing to anything above or below he could still orb. But he had given that up, which was sort of what led him to end up in this position.

He felt his chest ache as he moved and realized a little late that living on too much beer and fat foods wasn't exactly the best plan. At the time, of course, he'd been too drunk and grieving to think about that. And, as per usual with his life, Sam's past mistakes had come back to haunt him.

He wiped at his brow, her short gray hair stained with sweat, his rugged face smeared with dirt, his slightly bloodshot eyes still wide as he tried to gain a breath. He was wearing a pair of dark pants and coat that he had managed to pull out a garbage bin a few weeks earlier and they showed. He swallowed, trying to draw in another breath as he ran.

Deep down, of course, he knew it was futile. The man following him wasn't going to give up, not know or ever. And he was more than capable of tracking Sam down wherever he ran to. But Sam ran nonetheless. At the very least, he figured, he'd find a way to make the bastard work for it.

His shoes slid on a puddle and he was barely able to keep on his feet as he turned into another alleyway. He had raced about ten feet before he realized it was a solid wall before him, no exit. He slowed and stopped, panting for breath, his eyes raking around to see if there was some other way to go-----

"Dead end, Sammy boy. Story of your life, huh?"

Sam slowly turned around to what was apparently the empty space before him. There was a blur of red flame and then a figure stepped out of nowhere. He was a handsome man apparently in his thirties, with dark hair and a smirk seemingly fixed upon his face. He was dressed in a rather stylish black suit without tie, his shoes clicking on the pavement as he carefully walked forward.

"Cole," Sam said in a flat tone. He was tempted to pick up a pipe or some other weapon, then realized the utter futility of that action. Instead, he simply set his body and watched as the demon came toward him.

"Sam, Sam, Sam," Cole said in a chiding tone. "Why'd you even bother running, huh? I'm a demon, you're not a Whitelighter anymore and even for a human, you're pretty out of shape. You'd know I'd catch you." He snorted. "Hell, I don't even know why you came to San Fran. Not that I'm complaining, of course, but it sort of bugged me."

"I came to see my daughter," Sam softly said. A sad look came into his eyes. "I just wanted to...To see how she was doing."

Cole grinned and couldn't help rubbing it in. "And how'd you like what you see?"

Sam brought his head up and glared at him with a look of utter hate. "What you did..." he hissed. "I saw my little girl, my daughter, my Paige with her sisters. At first, I was overjoyed. They'd gotten together, they all had powers, she had some traits from me, they had what was needed to be the Charmed Ones..." He shook his head. "Then I saw them use their powers to kill a demon hunter and then a pair of balance demons." He brought his gaze back to Cole. "What did you do to them?" he whispered.

Cole was silent for a moment, then chuckled. "Well, hell, why not?" he said, folding his arms before him. "Been a while since I've gotten to tell anyone."

He carefully paced before Sam, his posture letting the former Whitelighter know that he was ready to strike at any moment. "Gotta tell you, Sam, whoever came up with that 48-hour window where a witch, upon discovering her powers, gets to choose between good and evil, was a dammed genius. I was hanging around, setting myself up here, consolidating my power among the Underworld when this seer I was banging let me know that the Charmed Ones were about to come into their powers. A chance like that comes along once in a couple of lifetimes, Sam, so I was not going to blow it."

Sam shook his head. "You can't just turn them like that," he pointed out. "That'd be breaking the rules. They have to make that choice of their own free will, without being manipulated."

'Manipulate' is such a harsh word," Cole lightly remark. "I prefer the term 'influenced'. Free will can be a somewhat relative concept." He laughed. "Hell, I'm a lawyer. I know all about loopholes."

Sobering, he went on. "So, I called in this psychic who owed me a favor and he began giving them the full-scale dream push. You know, showing what might happen to them if they didn't use their powers, convincing them to strike out, powers justify all, stuff like that. Course, I needed one big push to really make it work." His grin grew even wider as he remembered his past deeds. "So, all I had to do was find this mutual friend of theirs, kill him very badly, then make them think it was this local street gang.

"Thanks to my little psychic friend, I'd pushed them to accept the idea of using their powers for most anything, including vengeance. So, as I figured, they hunted this gang down and used them."

Cole closed his eyes and shook his head. "Ah, you should have seen them, Sammy. Prue smacked one guy into a wall so hard, his skull practically broke apart. I have to admit, one thing I didn't expect was that this bloodlust would kick up their powers. Piper literally blew one guy apart and Phoebe took the other, levitated him up to the roof, then pushed him off." He laughed at the horrified expression on Sam's face. "Now, granted these punks were no angels. But using their powers to commit murder? I had them, Sam. I had them all."

Cole shrugged. "So, once they'd made their choice to serve darkness, I swept in and managed to bring them all under my control. Piper and Prue are nice but Phoebe...." Cole smiled. "What can I say, Sam? She won a place in my heart and I married her. She'll be my bride once I've taken over as overall ruler."

"And the mother to your heir?" Sam bit out.

Cole grew thoughtful. "Actually, we're not quite ready for kids just yet. Oh, I'm sure in a few years but for now, we're having too much fun." His smile returned. "And that goes for the other two as well."

Sam didn't bother to hide his disgust. "So you just let them go at it? All of them together?"

To his surprise, Cole shook his head. "No," he said in a final tone. "No, I don't let them do anything with each other. That'd be incest and strange as it may sound, Sammy, I have my standards."

"And Paige?" Sam didn't really want to know but felt he had no choice.

"I've got plenty of contacts, here and the other realms," Cole explained. "Gotta say, finding out that you and Momma Halliwell had been an item was something." He smirked. "Guess the forbidden fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?"

As Sam looked away, Cole continued. "Hearing the gals talk about how they remembered their mom suddenly gaining a lot of weight, then losing it, got me thinking. Didn't take long to figure out you and their mom had your own little love child. It answered just why you stopped being a Whitelighter of course and I realized a product of the union of a Whitelighter and a witch would be something worth finding.

"Wasn't easy tracking her down but the girls were all for finding a new sister. Once they used some spells to locate her, I pulled the same stunt with the dreams. Paige was working as a social worker, believe it or not and suspected this father was abusing his son. So, thanks to my work, she used her powers to give the guy a heart attack and kill him and that settled that. The guy was barely cold before I had her under my sway and moving on in." Cole threw his head back and laughed. "Of course, I neglected to tell her she was slightly off on her suspicions and it was the mother abusing her kid but hey, it worked out okay. One more witch under my power and one more lover for my bed. Anyway, to make a long story short..."

"Too late," Sam muttered.

Cole spread out his hands. "So, there you go. I've got all four of them together and all are doing well. Phoebe's got a great husband, Piper and Prue some direction in their lives, Paige a family she never had and I've got the Charmed Ones helping her gain power. Everybody wins."

"Except all the people you hurt and kill."

"Well, everyone who matters, wins." Cole smirked. "Best part? Little unexpected side effect: They can use the Book of Shadows without burning themselves so I've got a major advantage over any rivals."

Sam shook his head. "You're a monster," he whispered.

Cole made a show of being hurt. "Aw, Sam, you've cut me to the quick." He paused, then sniffed. "Then again, I've got a tender quick."

Cole sighed and stepped back. "Well, it's been a great trip down memory lane, Sammy but I'm afraid we have to cut this short." He held up a hand and a ball of flame flared to life within it. Sam tensed as Cole held his hand up...then stopped. "Oh, wait, I forgot," he said, waving his hand, the ball dissipating. Instead, he snapped his fingers and four flaming blurs formed around him.

Sam tensed further as he saw the Halliwells appear around Cole. All four were dressed in dark outfits of varying styles, all cut to show off their obviously sexy bodies. Phoebe wore a tight black bustier, belly exposed and a tight pair of leather pants. Prue's one-piece outfit was cut with a rather expansive dip in her cleavage. Piper remained the most conservative of the group, although her halter top and tight jeans were a bit more flashy than she would have gone for before meeting Cole. As for Paige, she wore a red outfit with the area between her belly and chest exposed, red sashes of fabric wrapped around her neck and over her breasts, coming together with her light red skirt, for what Sam could only think of as 'reverse cleavage.'

He turned his head toward Cole and scowled. "It's bad enough you've corrupted them," he snarled. "Do you have to make them look like the cover models for some men's magazine?"

"Hey, don't knock the style!" Phoebe barked. "I still say we've got a clothing line in store with this."

Sam licked his lips and tried to stay calm. "Girls," he began. "Listen to me. This isn't you. This doesn't have to be you anymore, you don't have to------"

"Oh, God, *spare* us the 'come back from the dark side' speech!'" Prue groaned. "We made our choice, Sammy. There's nothing you can say to pull us back from that."

"Girls, think of your mother, of how she------"

"Oh, we're thinking of her all right," Piper said, her eyes narrowed at the former Whitelighter. "At how you let her die. At how you robbed us of her so in a way, you really only have yourself to blame for this."

"Can't argue there," Paige threw in. She raised an eyebrow at Sam. "So. DAD. How do you think this is going to go?"

Sam swallowed. "Paige," he said, his voice breaking. "I...I just wanted the best for you."

"And giving me up was the answer?" Paige demanded, her long-held in anger breaking out.

"I was trying to protect you!"

Paige sarcastically held a thumbs-up. "Bang-up job, Dad!" She shook her head and turned to Cole. "Come on, let's just kill him and enjoy our holiday."

Sam straightened as he saw Cole nod. The demon looked at him and Sam was somewhat surprised at how calm he suddenly felt. "Get it over with," he hissed. "Just...just get it over with."

Cole shrugged. "As you wish." His gaze fell over Sam's shoulder. "Faith?"

Sam frowned before he felt the heat flashing behind him. Without warning, a hand gripped him from behind, a ripping pain coming across his throat. He gasped for breath and held a hand to his neck, feeling his blood spilling out. He stumbled around and faced his attacker. It was an exceptionally beautiful young woman with long dark curly hair, dressed in a tight black leather outfit that showed off her curves to their fullest. She smiled at Sam and gave a light wave with the dagger she had just used to slit his throat. She rammed it forward and into his heart, Sam gasping with pain at the mortal blow. He slowly slid to the ground, staring upward as he felt his life ebb away. His last thought before dying was a small prayer of forgiveness from the woman he expected to see very shortly.

*****

Cole smiled with pride as he watched Faith wipe the bloody blade off on Sam's corpse. "Nice one, Faith," Phoebe remarked, admiring the quick way the woman had worked.

"Thanks," Faith said as she pocketed the knife. She sauntered up toward Cole, deliberately working her hips as she came up to him. "So. Am I officially part of the family?"

"I think wasting a former Whitelighter gets you in, yeah," Cole confirmed, his hands moving down Faith's back and towards her nice ass. He looked at the sisters and smiled. "So, anyone here like the Christmas present I got them?"

"Wasting our deadbeat loser of a Whitelighter who got our mom killed?" Piper stated with a careless shrug. "Works for me, Cole."

"Me too."

"You know how I feel, hubby."

"I hope old Dad does enjoy going back to the other side."

"Well, this was fun," Phoebe said, clapping her hands together. "But we do have more to do. We've got that job from the Order of Tereka."

Cole frowned. "Phoebe, you know I don't like these side trips..."

"Hon," Phoebe interrupted. "I told you when we got married that I wanted a career of my own..."

"Well, at least you're not channeling Ann Landers or something," Cole muttered. "Anyone else going with her?"

Piper and Prue raised their hands and Cole sighed. "Great. And they say families don't do as much together."

"Oh, don't worry, hunky," Prue smiled. "We'll be back tomorrow with a little something extra for your stocking."

"And you still have two of us at home tonight," Piper pointed out.

Cole's smile grew as he turned and began to walk down the alley. "Come on, gals," he called out. "Let's go home." His eyes fell to one in particular and a flame of lust ignited within them. "I think I've got a few more treats to hand out."

*****

Halliwell Manor
1814 Hours PST

"Yeah...Yeah...FUCK yeah!" Faith grunted as she shifted herself back and forth on Cole. They were in his bedroom, the demon lying on his bed and enjoying the always-lovely sight of Faith, her naked body stained with sweat and an expression of pure lust on her face, riding him like crazy. She worked herself harder, her full breasts bouncing with each thrust forward, squealing as she felt Cole's hands squeeze her buttocks hard. "Shit, Cole..! You are so fuckin' good!"

"I'd phrase that slightly differently," Cole rasped, able to keep himself a bit cooler despite the obvious heat of the moment. Damn, he had thought Phoebe was insatiable but the Boston-bred brunette put his wife to shame. Indeed, Cole had gotten to "know" each of the Halliwell sisters and their differing ways in lovemaking. Piper was more aggressive than she seemed but still the quietest of the group. Prue was a bit dominant. Phoebe was oh-so-willing. Paige was as well but even she wasn't as animalistic as Faith was. *All that energy that might have turned her into a Slayer...* Cole thought to himself as he started to give. *Guess it should be used for something worthwhile...* He closed his eyes and released himself into Faith. He heard her scream in ecstasy and could almost see her arching back, her breasts thrust toward the ceiling as she hit orgasm.

Faith came down, slumping onto Cole and heaving with breath at yet another incredible sex session. "Love-making" wasn't exactly the term to be used with the demon as it was just pure lust. Something Faith excelled at.

Cole stroked her hair as Faith felt strength return to her. She pushed herself up and kissed Cole on the mouth, her tongue stroking the inside with glee. She broke off and began to roll off the bed. Cole was somewhat surprised as he watched Faith hit the floor. "What are you up to?" he asked, still admiring the perfect naked form before him.

"Cole, baby, you rock my world like no guy ever has before," Faith told him with a smile. "But if you don't mind, it's Christmas and there's a present one of the sises has been waiting for ever since I got here."

Cole immediately knew what she was talking about and a wicked smile formed on his face as he watched Faith leave. "Now, this could be interesting," he muttered to himself. He frowned. "Now, should I peek or not?" He snorted. "What am I saying? I'm a guy and I'm evil."

*****

Paige wiped the fog off her mirror in order to see her reflection. She brushed at her wet hair, feeling at the locks. The shift in color from her natural black to red had been the unexpected side effect of a spell gone awry but Paige had gotten to like it, feeling it reflected her personality better. She took a moment to admire herself, her large breasts fitting on her shapely form, which gave "curvaceous" a new meaning. She blew herself a kiss with her full lips, then stepped out of the bathroom and into her room...and stopped dead at the sight before her.

"Well, well, well," Faith said with a smirk, her eyes rolling over Paige's naked body. "I always knew the carpet didn't match the drapes." It wasn't just seeing Faith seeing her naked that was throwing Paige. It was the fact that Faith was completely naked save for one item: A long red ribbon wrapped around her midsection, with a bow set right in the middle of those gorgeous breasts.

"Faith," Paige said, trying to keep calm. "What are you doing here?"

"Giving you your Christmas present," Faith cooed as she stepped forward. Paige couldn't help staring at those incredible breasts, barely noticing that Faith was giving her the same lustful gaze at her own chest.

"My what?" Paige said, her throat going dry.

"Aw, come on," Faith stated. "I know you've been wanting this ever since you laid eyes on me. Playing hard to get was fun for a while but I think it's time I give you what you've been asking Santa for." She was making her walk as sultry as possible, her hips swiveling in a way that couldn't help but draw attention. "It's like I always say, Paige," she cooed, a hand going to her pussy. "Want." She let it drag out of the lips and to her chest, sliding over both of her large breasts. "Take." She moved her hand up to her mouth and let her tongue dance along the slick fingers. "Have."

Paige extended her tongue and slowly licked her lips, seeing Faith tense with arousal at the sight. "Wow," she whispered. "And I didn't even put out milk and cookies."

"Save those for later," Faith said as Paige's hands reached up and slowly undid the bow, allowing the ribbon to fall to Faith's feet. Letting her eyes slip down to the glistening patch between Faith's legs, Paige let out a grin. "Apparently, Santa didn't check his list often enough." She slowly moved her face toward Faith's and let her lips graze the other woman's. They kissed briefly, then again and within seconds were sucking face, their tongues wrapping around each other as they pressed their bodies against one another. Both moaned through the kiss, their breasts rubbing against one another as their arousal kicked into full gear.

They stumbled over toward the bed, falling onto it and rolling about, each laying hot kisses on the other as they tried to wrestle for the top position. Faith won, pinning Paige down and moving her face toward her chest. Paige let out a long moan as she felt the heat of Faith's breath hit her left nipple. The moan grew as Faith's lips encircled the nipple, suckling on it hard as she let her hands slide down Paige's body, her fingers moving toward the molten core of her womanhood. Paige gasped as she felt Faith's fingers work into her, her already wet vagina soon feeling the full impact of Faith's ministrations.

"Hmm, you like that don't you?" Faith gasped as she broke her mouth away from Paige's breast, one hand sliding up to massage her heavy breasts.

"Oh, yeah," Paige moaned. Her eyes opened and she looked up at Faith with mischief in her eyes. "But, it's not quite the way I like it."

Faith seemed surprised. "Really? Well, since it's your present, why don't you show me?"

Paige's eyes practically twinkled as she placed her hands on Faith's and gently pulled her away from her pussy. She rolled onto her stomach and raised herself up on her elbows, showing Faith her full round ass. She glanced over her shoulder and was rewarded with a wonderful mixture of surprise and desire on Faith's face. "Ooooh, you little minx," she whispered. "I knew you were nasty but..."

"How's about you try to match me?" Paige challenged. Taking it on, Faith moved her hands to the witch's behind, her palms sliding over her buttocks with slow but arousing caresses. Paige closed her eyes and turned her head forward, sighing at Faith's wonderful touch. Faith's hands pinched and pulled slightly at Paige's ass, spreading the cheeks out to reveal her clit. Moving in, Faith took a moment to inhale the intoxicating scent of the witch's womanhood. Then, she dived in, her tongue reaching out to snake inside the passage lined with dark hair and work its way in. Paige gasped as she felt Faith enter her, the beginning of a series of moans as the brunette went at her.

Faith had never done this before. Yes, she'd munched carpet a time or two but not like this and she couldn't believe how hot it was. Her tongue furiously worked inside Paige's pussy, snaking all around her clit, lapping away at every inch, turning the witch on immensely. At the same time, she continued to massage Faith's ass, squeezing and pinching the cheeks in time with her tongue- work. "Oh, yeah, baby..." Paige moaned, working her pelvis to match Faith's furious movements. "Oh, God, you are so fucking good, Faith! Keep it going! Work that tongue in!" Faith could taste the first drop of juice coming from Paige and increased her movements, sliding her tongue back and forth, diving it in and out of Paige's clit, her saliva mixing with the juice that was beginning to flow out. "Faith..." Paige moaned. "Shit, I'm gonna come....Oh, get ready, you bitch, I'm coming, it's coming, it AHHHHH!" She shrieked as she erupted, all her months of hidden passion for the brunette bursting out in one long orgasm that shook her entire body. Faith could feel the nectar splash onto her face as he tongue furiously licked away, lapping at every drop it could find.

"Shit," Paige gasped as she slumped onto the bed. She could feel Faith pull away from her, her body still shaking from the intensity of the orgasm. She managed to roll over, her hands reaching up to caress her breasts as she felt herself come down. "Oooh, Faith," she moaned. "Oh, baby, you just blew me away."

"Not too much, I hope," Faith said. Paige opened her eyes and looked up to see Faith sitting on the end of the bed, her great legs spread wide and a hand sliding over her brown-haired patch. She had the most sultry look imaginable on her face as Paige looked at her. "'Cause, honey, I'm hot and ready to go." She winked at Paige. "If you want it, that is."

A burst of adrenaline fueled by utter lust overcame Paige and she was instantly up and pushing Faith back on the bed. She practically attacked the brunette's chest, kissing each nipple and pressing them together, getting Faith even more turned on. "Oh, shit, Paige..." Faith groaned. "Oh, shit, I'm not gonna hold it for much foreplay, baby. Just get down there now!"

Paige was quick to obey, sliding herself down to Faith's lap and pressing her face into her dripping pussy. Faith groaned and lay back on the bed, her legs reaching up to wrap around Paige's head as the redhead moved her lips to Faith's clit. "Oooooh, yeah..." Faith moaned as she felt Paige's tongue hit her waiting lips. "Oh, yeah, Paige, do it! Do what you've wanted to for so long!"

Paige needed no further invitation as her tongue was already working on Faith's vagina. Her hands were snaking up to rub along Faith's body as her tongue continued to touch on her womanhood. Instead of the jabs and strokes Faith had done, Paige's tongue was lapping furiously away on Faith, sending wave upon wave of pleasure through her most sensitive part. "Oh, fuck, yeah!" Faith cried out. "Do it, Paige! Fuck me with your tongue! Lick me, bitch! Harder! Harder!" Paige was doing just that, her hands coming under Faith to rub at her ass as the Bostonian's moans grew louder and longer. She opened her mouth to order Paige to continue just as Paige's tongue dived into her core and licked around. That was enough to send Faith screaming into orgasm, her body arching slightly as she unleashed her juices onto the waiting Paige, who gleefully licked every drop that she could.

Faith lay there, heaving with breath as she felt Paige move up and onto her. "Oh, man," she choked out. "Oh, fuck, yeah."

"Now that," Paige sighed. "Was the best damn Christmas present I've ever had." She leaned down and kissed Faith full on the mouth, the other woman not believing she was getting wet again as the witch's tongue snaked into her mouth.

"Hmmm, not sure how we can top that," Paige cooed as she broke the kiss. Her eyes lit up. "Say, we never did get that milk..."

"Before we do," Faith broke in. "I've got a number in mind."

Paige frowned. "A number? Like between one and a hundred?"

Faith grinned. "Actually, like between 68 and 70." She winked and Paige immediately got it. After sharing a long and languid kiss, Paige swung herself around so her pussy was right above Faith's face while she looked at Faith's own clit. As the two began to lick at one another, neither was aware of the pair of eyes secretly watching them and the demon who realized this was one gift that would truly keep on giving all the year through.

*****

Century City Plaza Hotel
Los Angeles, CA
2315 Hours PST

There was no fireplace but there was still plenty of heat inside the bedroom of the hotel suite. A trail of clothing comprised of a tuxedo, an elegant dress, high heels, dress shoes and two pairs of underwear led to the large poster bed and the two bodies lying on it, kissing like mad.

"Oh, God, I needed this," Sarah MacKenzie Rabb groaned as she felt her husband Harmon kiss and caress her. The two former military officers were trying to enjoy their Christmas Eve the best they could, having left the Wolfram & Hart party early. The hotel was a bit expensive but the two figured that Christmas was worth blowing it over. "I hope you don't mind we don't have champagne..."

"I know," Harm said. "I understand. I don't really need it since being around you is intoxicating enough."

"Flatterer," Mac smiled. "You better be this giving on our two hundredth Christmas together, flyboy..." Mac caught sight of a look on Harm's face at her comment and frowned. "Harm?" she asked. "What is it?"

Harm stopped his strokes over her chest and looked his wife in the eye. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Sarah," he said. "I think we have to start considering leaving."

"Leaving?" Sarah frowned. "We just got to L.A and the conference will still be going on until-----"

"No," Harm broke in, shaking his head. "I think it's time we considered leaving. As in, identities."

Mac's frown deepened as she realized what Harm was saying. "Why?"

Harm sighed, stroking Mac's hair as he spoke. "Seeing Katie tonight reminded me that...well, that there will still be people around here who might recognize us. We've been to an awful lot of military bases, Mac. The chances of running into someone we know and more importantly, knows us are pretty big."

Mac bit her lip, seeing the wisdom in Harm's words but hating to admit it. "It just doesn't seem fair," she sighed. "If that damn copter just hadn't crashed in the Indian Ocean..."

"Well, it did, hon," Harm pointed out. "And as far as the military is concerned, you and I are KIA. Hell, we even got the funeral at Arlington to prove it. Just be glad we took Ivar's advice and set up that hidden emergency account just in case."

"True," Mac admitted. "He did have a few good points to make about Immortality." Her face turned downward. "When he wasn't kicking our asses of course..."

"He gave us what we needed to survive," Harm told her. "And I think it's time we used them. We need to leave America, Mac, lay low for a few decades before we come back and try and make some new lives for ourselves."

Mac closed her eyes and shook her head. "I don't like it, Harm."

"Neither do I, hon," he assured her. "But it does have to be done. For both of us. You know that."

"Yeah, I do," Mac admitted. She opened her eyes and looked up at her husband. "And I know I won't be doing it alone, right?"

"You know it," Harm assured her, leaning down to kiss her on the lips. Mac answered back as they lay together. "It's still hard to let go," Mac sighed. "I've been military for so long..."

"I know," Harm agreed. "Becoming a civilian was a bit rough for me too." His smile grew. "But any life that's got you in is more than worth living."

Mac laughed. "Oh, God, you can be so corny sometimes."

"Maybe," Harm allowed. "But it's true. I love you, Sarah."

"I love you, Harm," the former Marine answered, feeling a wave of love toward her husband as he leaned down and kissed her again, the two sinking deeper on the bed as they prepared to make this one more Christmas to remember.

"Where should we go?" Mac asked. "Anywhere but Russia."

"No problem," Harm assured her. He paused to think about it. "You know, I always liked my dad's vacation spot in the Carribean..."

Mac raised an eyebrow. "Thinking of me in a bikini?"

"Actually, a bikini wasn't even in my mind."

"Come here, you..."

*****

Sunnydale, CA
2321 Hours PST

It was a special Christmas Eve for Sunnydale. For the first time in too long, the citizens of the town truly had something to celebrate. After nearly two years of control by vampires, Sunnydale was finally able to live with relative peace and harmony. Christmas trees and decorations were back up, people were beginning to get used to being out at night again and overall, things were looking up for most everyone.

Save for the two people who had helped that terror come about in the first place.

*****

"Hello?" Amy Madison called out as she walked down the steps of her house. It was still a little weird thinking of it as "her" house of course. Destiny spell or not, the fact that her mother had decided to move them to Sunnydale was still throwing Amy a bit. She was even more thrown when her mother bought an abandoned store in downtown Sunnydale and immediately began converting it into a magic shop. Ever since she had learned about the heinous actions of her double from that other reality, Amy realized, Catherine had been a lot more admantant about her motherly duties.

"Hello?" Amy repeated as she walked through the downstairs of the house. She wore a simple blue blouse over a dark skirt, a golden pendant around her neck, her red hair brushed away from her attractive face. She glanced around the living room as she entered it, glancing at the nearby decorated tree and lights before leveling her gaze on the couch and the two figures sitting on it silently.

Amy's face became drawn as she slowly stepped into the room, staring at Willow Rosenberg and Xander Harris. They sat together, Xander's arm draped around Willow's shoulder, the two staring blankly at the tree. Xander wore his usual pair of leather pants and jacket over a muscle shirt. Willow wore a tight red leather outfit with a large zipper going up the front. Both of them wore expressions of utter sadness and Amy could see the shiny reminder of tears near Willow's eyes.

Amy bit her lip, wanting to say something but not knowing what. She couldn't begin to imagine the horror the two teens were going through. Going through nearly two years as soulless vampires who lived for torture was something Amy prayed she'd never have to go through. She knew the two were still trying to handle it and was glad her mother had agreed to let them stay at their house until they could get themselves some semblance of a home. Of course, there were some other reasons Amy was glad for that.

"Hey," she said softly, getting the attention of the vampires. "Um, you guys...?" She couldn't finish the sentence, knowing how impossible the word "okay" fit into this situation.

"Hey, Ams," Xander said, his throat clogged with emotion. "We've just been...coping."

"I figured," Amy said as she stood by the couch. "Um, Mom called from Massachusetts, wanted to wish you Merry Christmas."

"Sorry we kept you from going to see the rest of the family," Xander said.

Amy shook her head. "No, no, that's okay. I...sort of preferred it with you guys anyway."

It was quiet for a moment before Amy could speak again. "How are you guys doing?" she asked with true concern in her voice.

"It's been okay," Willow said with what was obviously false cheer. "I'm sort of used to not being into Christmas much anyway." She looked up at Xander and made a weak smile. "You know, this would be around the time when I would come over to your house to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special."

"Yeah," Xander remembered with a small smile. "And I'd do the Snoopy dance for you. And you'd moan a bit about how it was Hanukkah and your mother would suddenly go nuts with bonding stuff."

"And how every year, I'd want nothing more than to...To not have to do it at all and..." Willow's eyes burst with tears as she leaned on her lover. "Oh, God, Xander," she sobbed.

"I know, Will," he whispered, his own tears showing as he embraced her. "I know just how you feel."

Willow shook her head. "No, Xander, you don't." She brought her head up to look at him, tears running down her cheeks. "I want...God, Xander, I want to go back, I want to start worshiping again but I can't go near a temple, I can't even hold a Star of David without burning myself, I can't----"

"Oh, wait, almost forgot," Amy said, rummaging through her pocket. "I did get you one quick present. Here." She threw something at Willow, who instinctively caught it. She blinked the tears from her eyes as she took in what it was...and stared in shock at the object. "A Star of David," she whispered. She looked at the pendant, then at Xander, then at the pendant, then at Amy. "It...it doesn't burn," she whispered. "It doesn't...How...?"

"Well, it wasn't easy," Amy admitted. "Finding a spell so a holy object won't burn a vampire is tricky but Mom and Mr. Giles helped a bit. I think it was worth it though."

Tears were back in Willow's eyes, only now they were tears of joy. "Oh, god, Amy, thank you so much," she said as she rose to her feet and embraced the witch. Amy gratefully returned it as she felt Willow's body press against hers. Willow raised her face up to kiss Amy on the cheek, then closer to her mouth, then pressed her lips right on the witch's. The two redheads froze, both kissing as Xander's eyes widened slightly at the sight.

The two broke apart and stared at one another. "Wow," Amy whispered. "That was, um...that was..."

"Ah, um...ah..." Willow supposed she should be somewhat grateful at having her old stammering ways coming back to show she still had human feelings.

"That was better than I dreamed," Amy said.

"Same here," Xander piped in from the couch. Amy turned toward him and flashed him a quick smile. Turning on her heel, she marched over, leaned in and kissed him full on the mouth. Despite the fact his skin was cold, there was definite heat as he answered it back.

Amy suddenly remembered Willow and broke off the kiss to turn back to the other vampire. Instead of being upset, Willow had a sultry smile on her face at the sight of her lover kissing another woman. It made sense, Amy supposed, given how each had pretty much admitted to being with others despite their feelings for one another.

Amy cleared her throat and spoke out strongly. "I want this," she told both of them. "I've been wanting this since I met you two. I..." She took a deep breath. "I want this, I want you two and I want it now." She let out a breath and looked from one to the other.

The two vampires looked at each other and grew identical smiles. "I tell you, Will," Xander said as he rose from the couch. "I wish this gal had come to town earlier."

"Indeed," Willow remarked as she sauntered over to Amy, turned the witch around and kissed her full on the lips, Xander moving in. For a brief moment, both felt a flash of guilt, remembering how many times they had done this and it ended in death. Now, they hoped it would end with something far better.

*****

Amy didn't even remember going up the stairs and to her room. She did know that she was trading kisses with the two vampires and by the time they had reached her room, her blouse had been left far behind. The three moved into her bedroom, Amy kicking off her shoes in a flash. She turned toward Willow and Xander, who were standing next to one another, each gazing carefully at Amy.

Knowing what they wanted to see, Amy was rather surprised to feel a great mischievous streak come over her. With a little smirk and a twinkle in her eye, she slowly unzipped her skirt and gave herself a twirl as she pulled it off, letting it flow down to the floor. She unsnapped the back of her bra and turned her back to the vampires, slowly lowering each strap. She looked over her shoulder at them, seeing Xander pulling off his coat and the look of lust on Willow's face. She took off her bra and threw it over her shoulder, facing them again with her arms crossed over her chest.

Amy's eyes lit up as she saw the little show the vampires were giving her right back. Xander had his shirt off by now and Amy had to admit that his body was a lot better built than she had expected. He was standing behind Willow, his hands around her hips and up so he could oh-so- slowly pull down the zipper on the front of her tight leather outfit. Willow's gaze was still fixed on Amy, that wicked smile on her lips as she saw Amy's eyes fixed to her rapidly loosened cleavage.

Amy swallowed a she saw the fabric begin to pull back, confirming what she had suspected: Willow didn't wear underwear. Something, a burst of competition or even ego, made Amy want to show her goods first and she dropped her arms and thrust her firm breasts forward. She was rewarded by the sight of both Xander and Willow's eyes widening at the sight. "Definitely more than I expected," Willow cooed as Xander's hand brought her zipper all the way down, then reached up to part the leather and let Willow's chest loose.

"Right back atcha," Amy whispered as she watched Willow's breasts wiggle as she pulled off the outfit, which, Amy now realized, was a one-piece. Willow peeled the outfit off, her eyes never leaving Amy's, letting it drop down. She bent over, giving Xander a nice view of her ass as she undid her boots and stepped out of them. She gave Amy another smirk, then turned and knelt before Xander. The man had to grin at the way Amy's eyes were frozen on Willow's tight little ass. He felt Willow's fingers slide up his crotch and he instantly stiffened under his friend's touch. Throwing her lover a nasty smile, Willow undid his zipper, then his front button to loosen his pants. She reached into them, sliding his fingers into the bands of his underwear and with one swift tug, had dropped both to the floor.

Amy didn't think her eyes could widen any further but the sight of Xander's rock-hard cock was dispelling that notion pretty fast. Willow rose and turned around, giving Amy the sight of her already wet pussy. Swallowing, the witch knew there was just one last step to take. She bent down and slid her already damp panties down and to the floor, then stepped out of them.

A long moment of silence came up as the three appraised each other. Xander's eyes roamed over Amy's body, from top to bottom, eyes falling onto her crotch. Raising an eyebrow, he turned to Willow and half-jokingly said, "See, Will? I *told* you she wasn't a natural redhead!"

"Fine, fine, you win," Willow said with what seemed like a sigh. Her eyes lit up. "And I already know how to pay it off..."

Before Amy could blink, the two were on her, Willow pulling her in and kissing her full on the lips, sending a wave of arousal through the witch. Amy closed her eyes as she felt Willow's tongue rake along her lips, Willow's arms wrapping around her neck as the kiss continued.

After about thirty seconds, Amy's eyes snapped open and she began smacking an arm on Willow's back. Willow broke off, confused, then saw Amy draw in a gasp of breath. "Oh," she whispered. "Sorry. I forgot that you have to..."

Seeing the flash of sadness in Willow's eyes, Amy moved back in to land a quick kiss on the vampire's lips, then another and another. It was in the middle of one kiss that she felt Xander's hands slide over her body. She gasped at first as his cold touch moved to her chest. However, feeling his strong grip on her breasts quickly got her over such a slight drawback and she moaned as she felt him pinch at her tight nipples.

Amy's hands were moving on their own, sliding down Willow's back until they came to her ass, clutching and squeezing the tight cheeks as hard as she could, causing a squeal to erupt from the vampire. Her own hands were sliding down Amy as well. One moved to her chest, the palm pressing on one breast while the other worked itself down to her blonde pussy. Amy gasped as she felt Willow's fingers slide into her pussy, craning themselves inside. "Oh, Goddess..." she moaned, feeling her legs weaken. "Oh, shit...on the bed, guys, I...I have to be on the bed..."

"Now there's an invitation we wish we got more," Xander said as he began to pull the witch over to her large bed. Willow followed, hand still working along Amy's clit as the three moved to the bed, Xander sliding over as he lay Amy down, her red hair flowing behind her. The witch was lost in the pleasure of the moment, feeling the duo go at her as she tried to get her thoughts straight.

Willow's fingers were still in Amy's pussy when she felt Xander's hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw him shaking his head. "Sorry, Willow," he smirked. "But I did win the bet. I get first dibs."

Willow pouted before Xander spoke again. "But maybe you can give her a taste of something else." The pout instantly faded as the redheaded vampire moved up on Amy, her breasts hanging inches over the witch's face. Instinctively, Amy grabbed them and brought her mouth up to kiss one nipple, then the other, causing Willow to moan in pleasure. She continued to rub at Willow's chest and could swear she could actually feel her nipples warm under her touch.

Amy let out a sharp cry as she felt Xander work into her. The vampire had begun to push his cock inside her and frowned as he felt resistance. His eyes widened as he realized what it was. "Ah, Amy," he began. "I'm...I mean, you're..."

"I know," Amy said softly.

Willow looked from one to the other with a frown. "What? What is it?"

Amy sighed as she looked up at Xander. "You're my first," she confirmed. "I told you...I'm ready."

Seeing the passion in her eyes, Xander nodded before thrusting himself forward again. Amy closed her eyes and gasped as she felt him break through her hymen and begin to pump in and out of her. She'd dreamt of this so many times but now that it was happening, the feeling was more incredible than she would have dreamed. Although slightly hesitant at first, Xander was quickly getting into it, working his way back and forth inside of Amy, sending wave upon wave of pleasure upon the witch. "Oh, Goddess..." she whispered. "Goddess, Xander...Oh, that's so good..."

Xander's face was torn in ecstasy and if he could, he would have been sweating like crazy at his exertions into Amy, his hands moving up and down her thighs as he continued to go at her. Amy's hands fell away from Willow's breasts and lay aside, clutching at the covers as Xander continued to slide himself in and out of her snatch. Amy was somewhat surprised at first but how he seemed a bit ill at ease, then realized what the thing was: That Xander, like Willow, wasn't used to being with a person with a normal body temperature. That was no doubt throwing him off his slightly...not that it took away from the pleasure he was giving Amy.

Suddenly, a weight was upon Amy and she opened her eyes to see Willow's buttocks right above her, her red-lined pussy lowering itself toward Amy's face. The scent of the vampire's juices was intoxicating and Amy needed it like a drug. She reached her hands up to cup Willow's buttocks, lowering her down as she reached her tongue up. At first, her strokes were hesitant, showing her inexperience as she dabbed at Willow's lips. However, tasting that sweet juice upon her tongue soon got her going and she began to jab her tongue in and out of Willow's pussy, tickling her clit.

"Ooooh, baby..." Willow moaned as she felt Amy lick at her. "Oh, you learn soooo fast..." Her eyes opened to look at Xander, seeing the mix of effort and pleasure on his face as he worked his way into Amy. Xander could feel the demon within him wanting to break loose but held it back, knowing Amy wasn't strong for something like that just yet. His eyes met Willow's and the two managed to bend over enough to kiss each other. It was an odd sight to say the least: Xander thrusting himself in and out of Amy, Willow sitting on Amy's face and letting the witch eat her out while the two vampires managed to kiss through it all. Xander broke it off, throwing himself back as he closed his eyes. "Fuck!" he yelled as he felt himself erupt inside of Amy. The witch's body buckled as she felt Xander give and then buckled harder as her first orgasm rocked through her. Her mouth was open and crying out as Willow came with a loud "Fuck!" of her own, her juices spilling out into Amy's open mouth with ease.

Xander slowly pulled out of Amy as Willow slid off her face, the two collapsing as they came down. Amy's body was heaving with breath, almost paralyzed after the double strike of losing her cherry while eating out another woman. "Shit..." she gasped, slowly opening her eyes. "That was...Oh my Goddess....I can't believe that was so good...."

"Ooooh, you're a natural, you know that?" Willow whispered, kissing Amy on the chin. "Oh, yeah, you've got it and got it good."

"Yeah, I already got that part," Amy stated. "Aw, Goddess, that was amazing!"

"In that case, you'll love this," Willow said with a grin as she moved herself down Amy's body. She paused to kiss each breast, then lay a kiss upon her mid-section, then her stomach and finally came to her lap. Throwing Amy a smile, she burrowed her face into her pussy and let her tongue snake out and into Amy's waiting patch. Amy gasped as she felt Willow's tongue on her already tender pussy and couldn't believe she was already getting aroused as Willow began working on her. While Amy's ministrations had been quick and inexperienced, Willow was slower, hotter and more methodical.

Amy's eyes opened to see Xander next to her, the man's hand stroking his cock as he watched his best friend eat out their new lover. Amy's eyes fell to his cock and almost as if from a distance, she watched her hand move over to join Xander's, both beginning to stroke it back to a hard life. Amy's hand tightened around it and gave it a quick tug, pulling Xander toward her. The vampire had already seen the glint of familiar desire in Amy's eyes and knew what she wanted to do. He obliged by straddling over her, pressing his cock toward her mouth. Amy opened wide and let her lips encircle his shaft, taking him in as she began to suck on it.

"Damn," Xander hissed as Amy's hands pinched at his balls. "Shit, Will, she *is* a natural!"

Willow would have agreed if she could talk but her tongue was too busy on Amy. It raked all along the inside of her womanhood as her fingers helped it along. Her burrowing and licking turned on Amy's own sucking of Xander, the witch not believing how much she was loving this. Her tongue licked at his penis as her lips slid up and down the shaft, squeezing his testicles as hard as she could. "Fuck!" Xander gasped, feeling himself start to let loose. "Shit, Amy, get ready, I'm...I'm coming whether or not------!" He let out a loud gasp, his game face showing as he shot his wad down Amy's throat. She hurriedly swallowed every drop she could find, licking all along his shaft as she did. Because of this obstruction in her mouth, all she could let out was a muffled wail as she felt Willow's tongue tickle her clit and send her rocketing over the edge, erupting onto the vampire's face.

The three were soon lying together, the vampires on either side of Amy's body. It took her a few moments to truly realize that she was the only one heaving with breath and that, despite all the exertion they had just shown, Willow and Xander weren't sweating. "Damn," Amy whispered. "That...was more than I ever dreamed..." She reached an arm around Willow and held her in, hearing an odd sound. Looking over, she saw Willow looking back at her with tears in her eyes. "Wills? Are you okay?"

Willow couldn't help but cry as she answered. "Thank you," she whispered. "It's just been...it's been so long since I felt...alive."

Amy stared at her in amazement, then turned to look at Xander. He too had emotion on his face and a light sheen of tears in his eyes. "You didn't judge us by what we are," he said softly as he stroked Amy's hair. "You trusted us to do what we wanted. You don't know how much that means to us, Amy."

Amy felt tears of her own as she moved in to kiss Xander on the lips, then turned and did the same to Willow. The three lay there together, all realizing that they had just made a connection that was bigger than any of them had anticipated....and one that might lead to more along the way.

*****

Holtz's Lair
Los Angeles, CA
December 25th, 1999
0023 Hours PST

"Quite the lovely spot," Father Ulric Johansen said as he gazed around the darkened chamber, the light of the torches the only illumination. He cut an intriguing figure for the rest of the group, his voice warm yet a glimmer of chill in his eyes, accented by the scarring on one side of his face.

"Yes, I was thinking of putting the potted plant over there," Lilah Morgan sarcastically said, waving a hand toward a corner. The former lawyer wasn't very happy to be around the priest, little surprise given who she had formerly been working for. She restlessly paced before the large table in the center of the room as the rest of the group assembled around it, all staring at their newest member.

"I did not choose this place, nor do I much care for any aesthetics to it," Daniel Holtz stated in his usual grave and flat tone. "It will be a temporary residence now as we'll be leaving for Sunnydale soon."

"Look, boss," Justine Cooper sighed, wishing to hell she had a cigarette right now. "I know this 'waste Angelus' trip of yours is important but can we have one night off? It's Christmas, for God's sake."

"She has a point," Kate Lochley chimed in. "Even most cops get the holiday off." The ex- cop brushed back her blonde hair as she shrugged within her slinky server's outfit.

"Yeah, Holtz," Andrea Parker chimed in. "Where's your Christmas spirit?" The dark-haired woman was leaning slightly on Jarod Russell, the dark-haired man rubbing his lover's arm. The two looked slightly out of place, both in evening wear while the others lounged about in more comfortable clothing.

"You know, you could get a couple extra bucks around this time," Charles Gunn put in. "Grow the beard out a little more and you could play Santa." He shrugged. "One no kid wants to be around but..."

Holtz fixed him with a gaze. "Charles," he began. "In the very vast and continuing to grow list of things I fail to understand about this time is what has happened to Christmas. In my time, it was a cherished and sacred holiday meant to bring people together. How did it evolve into commercialism and this Santa Claus person?"

"Don't ask me," Katya stated. "I'm still trying to figure out exactly how Easter went from celebrating the Resurrection to hunting colored eggs and chocolate rabbits." The 600 year-plus Immortal sighed in sympathy with Holtz.

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce made a slight smile as he turned toward Ulric. "Don't mind them," he stated. "They're a good bunch, really."

"I'm used to it," Ulric stated. "I've put in my time with rough places."

"Is that where...?" Holtz motioned toward Ulric's face.

The priest touched his cheek and sighed. "No..." he said softly. "No, this was something else."

"Oh, go ahead," Lilah shot in. "Let's get the tale of woe over with."

Ulric fixed her with a gaze so cold that even Holtz was impressed as Lilah visibly shivered under it. "About a year ago," Ulric began. "I was based in a church just outside of San Diego. It was a good place, my duties were simple but worthwhile and to make it all the better, an old friend of mine, Conrad Garrow, was also a priest there. It was a good place, a good time." His face fell. "Until they came."

"Vampires." Holtz didn't ask, only stated.

Ulric nodded. "As much as we might wish otherwise, they are capable of entering a place of worship. I'd known about them for years, I was told by an elder priest I'd once known about them and I believed it. But seeing them in person..." He sighed and shook his head. "I still don't know why they did it. Whether it was for revenge against a parishioner or a vendetta or just plain fun but they attacked en masse during an evening service."

Ulric closed his eyes as the memories came back over him. "It was a bad fight," he said. "Very bad. Four or five people died before I even knew what was happening. The three vampires in the lead rushed the altar, Garrow tried to stop him and they smacked him aside. One went at him and what she did to him..." He shuddered and rubbed at his face as he continued. "I was next. They punched me down and one gave me this," he motioned to his scar. "They were moving in to kill when..."

A pause went out and naturally Lilah was the first to break it. "What are you waiting for, incidental theme music to start in the background? What happened?"

Ulric took a breath. "There was a roar of some sort, like an engine ripping through an amphitheater and it came closer and closer. One of the vamps on me was turning around when he suddenly turned into dust. The other turned and there was a blare that I dimly realized was a machine gun and suddenly, he turned to dust as well. I looked up, blinking blood out of one eye and stared at the sight before me.

"There was a...I know he was a man but...the way he moved, he was a blur, her was firing a gun and somehow, it was killing these creatures. He dropped it and reached into the long coat he wore. He yanked something out and hurled it into the air. I caught a brief glance of something metal whipping through the air and two vampires grabbed their necks, then split apart. This...man kept moving, he pulled out a sword and I couldn't even see him move. All I saw were blurs of black and flashes of light on metal and one vampire after another turning into dust and before I knew it, they were all dead."

Ulric glanced aside, wiping at his eyes. "I saw him for the first time after it was all done. A man all in black, both in skin and in leather clothing, dark glasses over his eyes. He didn't say a word, simply picked up his motorcycle and began to gun the engine. I called out to him and he looked back at me. I thanked him and he simply stared back. I asked him where he was going. He said 'Back to the hunt' and then took off as quickly as he came."

"Damn," Gunn said. "One brother took out a pack of vamps single-handed? Any idea who this guy was?"

Ulric shook his head. "All I got was a name, one that a vampire managed to say just before he died. They said 'Daywalker.'"

Wesley's eyes widened. "The Daywalker?" he choked out. "Blade?" The Briton's face was marked with amazement. "Good lord."

"Shit," Lilah muttered. "Those vamps never had a chance."

Wesley looked at her with surprise. "You know about the Daywalker?"

Lilah snorted. "Wolfram and Hart has a file on him so thick you could choke a python with it. We've tried to have him taken out, sent four of our best bounty hunters after him."

"And?"

"All four were mailed back in various packages over the next week."

"Excuse me," Andrea broke in. "What the hell are you two talking about."

"Well, there have long been stories about a vampire hunter who----" Wesley was interrupted by Lilah.

"Like this, Andrea. When people want to scare each other, they tell vampire stories. When vampires want to scare each other... they tell Blade stories."

"I never actually thought he was real..." Wesley muttered.

"Well, he was," Ulric said. "I know, I owe my life to him. Of course, he was too late to save Garrow and some others." Ulric took a deep breath. "So, I decided to leave, to go off and to help others who might suffer the same fate. I...had some military experience that I enhanced and I've been working from a small chapel downtown, which is where Wesley and I met."

"So, yet another man out for vengeance," Jarod remarked. "You'll fit right in."

"Ignore him, we do," Justine put in.

Holtz moved over to Ulric and held the priest's gaze. "This will not be an easy mission, Father."

Ulric sniffed. "I am more than used to that, sir."

The faintest hint of a smile crossed Holtz's lips. "Sir...I appreciate that. Find yourself a cot and settle in."

"My thanks," Ulric nodded. "I'll be doing mass at nine for whomever wishes to attend."

"Count me out," Lilah stated. "Guess it's sackcloth and ashes in the town square, eh?"

"Where I have no doubt you would be the center of attention," Ulric dryly remarked.

Andrea smiled as she walked over and held out a hand to the priest. "It's good to meet you, I have a lot of respect for priests, known a few personally."

"Really?" Ulric asked. "You are a church-goer?"

"No, I was a nun," Andrea said. "And a televangelist and one time, I..."

With a tired sigh, Jarod took her by the arms and gently pulled her away. "They'll explain," he told the confused priest as he led Andrea out of the chamber.

"A priest packed with a group of vampire hunters," Justine muttered. "Merry frickin' Christmas."

*****

Katya brushed back her hair as she lay back on her bed. She wore a dark shirt and panties but nothing else as she pulled the covers over her and fluffed the rumpled pillow on her cot. She turned on her side, her eyes falling on the small table next to her and the picture upon it.

She remembered it well. Christmas, 1995. She, Elena, Armondo and Mia in Paris, the lights of the Eiffel Tower showing behind them. It had been their last Christmas together, Katya's last with her daughter. The Immortal could feel tears coming to her eyes as she stared at the photo, the pain coming through her yet again. *I miss you* she thought. *Oh, God, I miss you.* She closed her eyes and quietly cried herself to sleep.

*****

Gunn didn't sleep too much. When he did, it was quite often a restless one. This was no exception as the man found himself filled with guilt and unwanted remorse. Christmas had never been a time of great joy and celebration for the young man and this was the worst. At least in the past, he had his sister with him as a small semblance of family. But thanks to him, that wasn't going to be possible.

Gunn didn't cry. He never cried. That's what he told everyone anyway. But here, in private, with the weight of the last month lying on him, he did so. And he was grateful no one was there to see him do it.

*****

Andrea sighed with pleasure at the small sensation moving over her skin. She and Jarod were lying in the cot in the same way they were pretty much every night: Naked and in the afterglow of pleasure. Jarod had propped himself up on one elbow, his other hand slowly moving a small piece of mistletoe over Andrea's naked body. Every few seconds, he'd let it pause over a certain body part, then kiss it.

"Hmmmmm, why haven't we done this before?" Andrea sighed as she felt Jarod's lips pull off her right nipple.

"Wasn't the holiday season," Jarod pointed out as he dragged the mistletoe across Andrea's chest. "You don't see us dressing like Halloween, do you?"

"Not that it wouldn't be fun..." Andrea smiled. She looked up at Jarod and was somewhat surprised at the serious look on his face. "Jarod? Hon, what is it?"

Jarod looked at her carefully before he spoke. "I love you."

Andrea smiled. "Oooh, babe, we haven't even gotten started yet-----"

"No." Jarod looked her deep in the eyes, letting Andrea know he meant every word he was about to say. "I mean I love you. As in, I'm in love with you, with all my heart and soul."

For one of the few times in memory, Andrea was at a loss for words as Jarod stroked her hair. "Whatever happens to us in the coming weeks," he whispered. "I wanted you to know that. No matter what, I love you."

A sheen of tears came over Andrea's eyes. "Oh, God, I love you too," she whispered, reaching up to pull Jarod in and kiss him full on the lips. They kept on kissing before breaking apart and looking each other with new feeling. "Merry Christmas, Andrea," Jarod said.

"Merry Christmas, Jarod," Andrea returned. "Now get that branch down under already."

With a laugh, Jarod did so, ready to give the woman he loved a very special Christmas treat.

*****

The mood by the table was sober, ironic considering that the four people around it were working on getting as drunk as possible. The bottle in the middle was down to a third of what it had once been and Wesley, Lilah, Kate and Justine were all showing the signs.

"Now this..." Lilah said with a mild snort. "Is Christmas at my house." She threw back another shot glass and made a bitter face.

"I can relate," a more than slightly addled Wesley added as he tried to pour himself another drink. "My father was usually one to partake in the liquor after a long day of...well, doing nothing active really."

"I think my dad did it a lot," Kate added, blinking a bit as she fiddled the glass between her fingers. "I never caught him raging drunk but he did seem more tense than usual from time to time."

"He probably knew how much he needed it," Justine stated. The redhead appeared to be the most sober of the group, probably due to the fact that she had built up more resistance to alcohol over the months. "Some days, it was all that got me going."

Lilah tapped her fingers on the table as she tried to form her thoughts. "I think fourteen was the last time I had a happy Christmas," she stated, her gaze to the side. "My mom had gotten a bonus at work, treated me to a nice breakfast, then came home and we did the classics: Made some popcorn, watched 'It's A Wonderful Life,' made a fire. The tree wasn't much, of course, but it was big for my life." Lilah took another drink as she continued to remember what happened. "My mom told me she loved me, that everything she went through was worth it for me. That, as I recall, was the last time she ever said anything like that." She threw back a shot in a way that made it clear the conversation was over.

"Last happy one for me was the year before my mom died," Kate threw in. "It was a simple dinner between the three of us, no major thing, the same as any other Christmas. The next year, my dad barely even decorated and I wasn't in much of a mood for it either." She sipped at her glass. "He never got over it. Never. Pretty much cast a downer on any Christmas afterward."

Justine had been vowing to stay out of this but the next thing she knew, she was talking. "Julia and I spent every Christmas together," she said in a hoarse voice. "We'd alternate between places, always out for dinner, she actually visited one base I was stationed at. It was the one thing I could always count on." She wiped at her face. "Until this year."

Lilah looked over at Wesley. "How about you, Wes? Any fun holiday memories?"

Wesley was silent as he went over the last few Christmases at his home. The coldness around the table, the lack of true love among his family, his father showing disapproval over every single thing he did...which was actually a lot better than when he was beating him to try and get his mind on "the sacred duty before him." Taking a final drink, Wesley stood up and began to stagger off.

"He left without saying a word," Kate said. She turned to Lilah and gave a thumbs-up. "I don't know what you did, Li, but keep it up!"

"It's my Christmas present," Lilah said, raising her glass. She leaned on the table and sighed. "I miss him," she said softly. "I just miss him."

Kate looked at her with a sign of respect. "You really loved him, didn't you?" she asked.

Lilah nodded. "Yeah, Kate, I did. And right now...it just brings it all back to me."

"Me too," Kate whispered.

"Me three," Justine softly added.

The three looked at each other for a long moment. "You know, if we get drunk enough, there's a good chance we'll forget this little bonding moment," Lilah pointed out.

There was a pause, then all three reached for the bottle.

*****

Home of Rupert Giles
Sunnydale, CA
0113 Hours PST

*You'd think even vampires would take Christmas off* Buffy Summers thought as she entered the main room of Giles' house. The Immortal Slayer threw off her dark jacket and let it drop onto a couch as she brushed back her long blonde hair. She was slightly surprised to see that Giles had actually put up a few lights and even a small makeshift tree in one corner. *Nice with the decorations, G* she thought. *Macy's will be proud.*

The Slayer sighed and flopped onto the sofa, wishing that her Watcher was here right now. *Trust the Council to pick Christmas to drag Giles to England for a briefing* she thought. Given her past experiences with the Council, not to mention the shit she'd heard them pull in that other reality and her opinion of the group was low to say the least.

She wished she was with someone, Giles or Willow or Xander or Amy or even Angel. Any of them would be welcome to her now. It would be a lot better than spending Christmas alone. Like she had the last two years.

She felt it coming back, that sadness that had been so much a part of her being for so long. Going to that other reality had helped Buffy manage to get over a lot of her pain and cold nature but part of it still remained. And Christmas was just bringing it back to the fore. It wasn't just the memories of the last few without her mother. It was the realization that for the first time in a long time, Buffy had someone to lean on and tell her troubles to and now she as on her own.

She didn't want the tears. She'd been denying them for so long, it had hardened her. She hadn't cried until she had gone to that other reality and had realized the cleansing power tears had. But she could feel them build within her and she slowly curled up on the couch and got ready to let them come.

"You'll ruin your shirt. I know how hard it is to clean tears out of that fabric."

Buffy froze as she heard the familiar voice in her ears. She slowly raised her head up, blinking as she took in the figure before her. Her first thought was how the hell she had managed to come from that other reality, followed by why. But then she saw the flowing white dress the figure wore. The slight age to her face. The glow surrounding her body. And then she looked into those warm, brilliant eyes and she knew who it was.

"Mommy?"

Joyce Summers held out her arms and Buffy found herself standing up and moving slowly toward her. She fell into the arms of the spirit before her and felt embraced by a warmth she hadn't felt in too long a time. "Let it out, baby," Joyce said. "Just let it out, I know you want to."

Buffy's body shook as she cried, letting out the tears she'd been holding in for so long. "Oh, God, it is you..." she whispered, tears coming down hard and fast as she felt her mother, her actual mother, stroke her hair. "I missed you so much..."

Joyce closed her eyes and nodded. "I know, honey," she whispered. "I missed you too." She held Buffy in close as she sobbed for a full ten minutes before her body finally began to empty its tears.

Buffy finally broke away to look Joyce in the eye. "How...How can you be here?" she whispered.

"I sort of wanted to come for a while," Joyce explained. "I can't go into details, but there are some rules and such about visits. It can only be certain times and for certain reasons." She smiled. "I figured seeing my daughter on Christmas after she had gotten a lot of her heart back counted."

"God, I still can't believe this," Buffy said, shaking her head. "I saw...I mean I saw the other you and..."

Joyce nodded. "I know what you mean. A good woman, she's handled herself well with life." She let out a sad sigh. "Too bad I didn't get that chance."

Buffy's eyes flashed with guilt as she looked down at her feet. "Mom," she said, her voice choking. "I am so sorry. I am so, so sorry, it's my fault you died, I----"

"Buffy Summers." The words brought Buffy's gaze right back to her mother's face. Joyce's own features were strong to get her message across as she looked her daughter right in the eye. "I have been hurting for the last two years watching you blame yourself for my death. It was not your fault, Buffy. None of it was. I chose to follow you, I made the decision to go there. It was not your fault, it was that vampire's. I have never, ever, EVER blamed you for what happened to me and seeing you do it to yourself made me want to cry so many times. I love you, Buffy and nothing has changed that, not one thing."

Buffy could feel herself cry again as Joyce embraced her once more, the feeling of her mother giving Buffy more joy than she had ever thought possible. The two were soon sitting on the couch as Buffy pulled away, wiping at her face. "Oh, God, I don't know what to say," she said. "This is just...Wow...I mean, I always hoped we'd see each other again when I...died." She shrugged and forced a laugh. "Guess that's not in the cards anytime soon, huh?"

"Not for a while," Joyce smiled, stroking Buffy's hair. "Not for a long while, hopefully. I do want to be with you again, honey but...But I can wait." She gave a small laugh. "Believe me, patience is a virtue that you gain quickly up there."

Buffy stared at her carefully. "Are you happy?" she asked. "Up...?" She nodded toward the ceiling.

"I am," Joyce nodded. "It's...I can't quite put it into words, Buffy, but it is wonderful." She made a small smile. "I have missed you, though. I have wished I could be there with you."

"Same here," Buffy quietly replied. "I'm sorry, Mom-----"

"Buffy, we just covered this---"

"No, no, not that," Buffy broke in. "I'm sorry that..." she looked down at her hands before looking back up at her mother's spirit. "I'm sorry that I haven't quite been living my life fully the last few years. That I haven't been...well, a good person. That I...that I let you down."

She looked back at her mother and got an answer to a long-time question: Yes, angels could cry. "Buffy," Joyce said. "You haven't let me down. Yes, you were cold and hard these last few years but you were still doing your duty. You were still trying to help people. And now, you've been helping even more. I am not ashamed of you, Buffy, I never could be. I..." It was Joyce's turn to look guilty. "I was worried you might feel that about me." "Huh?" Buffy gaped at Joyce. "Mom, how could I possibly be ashamed of you?"

Joyce sighed and sat back on the couch. "After the divorce, I know you and I weren't as close as we could be, Buffy," Joyce said. "I know you didn't regard me that highly, that...that you thought I was stupid..."

"Mom, I was a teenager. All teenagers think their parents are stupid." Buffy was glad her attempt at humor was rewarded with a smile and went on. "Mom, when you died, I just felt so horrible, not only about missing you but also missing all the good times we could have had. That's what hurt me, Mom. Not having you watch me grow. I saw the other me, the one who didn't lose you. There was some tough times between her and her Joyce but they got over it. I hate to say it...believe me, I hate to say it...But having her mother around really helped my other self be..." Buffy sighed. "A better person."

Joyce reached over to hold Buffy's hand and squeezed it tight. "Buffy, I love you," she repeated. "No matter what, I do. As far as I'm concerned, after all you have been through, you are as good a person as I could have hoped for. And you're the daughter I'm proud to call my own."

Buffy could feel the tears start to return as Joyce raised a hand up and wiped them away. "Thanks, Mom," she whispered.

Joyce hung an arm around Buffy and gave her a friendly hug. "You've got people here who can help you," she softly told her daughter. "Giles, Amy, Oz and Larry, they're all good people. And Xander and Willow could use you as much as you could use them. They've got their own demons to fight, literally. Give them a chance."

"I will," Buffy promised, meaning it.

"And as for giving chances..." Joyce began. "About Angel..."

"Oh, God..."

"Buffy, consider where I am right now," Joyce said in that warning tone Buffy knew so well and had missed so much. "Listen, Buffy, I know you're having problems with him and the whole 'destined to love' thing. You never were good at being told what to do and what was expected of you, although you are improving on the latter."

"Mom," Buffy spoke up, holding up a hand. "Listen. I honestly don't know how I feel about Angel yet. The fact is, I haven't felt close to any guy, at any time, hell, I'm still a virgin." She immediately closed her mouth as she realized what she had just said.

Joyce chuckled. "I don't know what's more assuring. That I know you're still a virgin or that you can still put your foot in your mouth as ever." She sighed and began to speak. "Have you ever thought that maybe the reason you're so uncertain about men is because of your father?" Joyce pointed out.

Buffy stared at her. "Mom, you turning into a shrink as well as an angel?"

"Well, I have met Freud," Joyce said. "Nice man...anyway, I know that your father's...straying...effected you a lot, more than you've ever admitted to me."

"I wasn't that affected----"

"Buffy, I'm your mother and I've been watching you from Heaven. Don't try to lie to me." As Buffy went silent, Joyce continued. "I know it hurt you to realize your father had cheated on me and that may be effecting your feelings for Angel. You're afraid he'll turn out that way as well."

Buffy hated to admit it, but her mother had a point. She had loved her dad and finding out he'd been cheating on her mom for years had almost shattered her heart, almost as much as seeing her mother die. It had helped in her forming her cold outlook on life and she realized that she had indeed been feeling such fears since meeting Angel. "It's just a little hard to take, Mom," she sighed. "I know he has a permanent soul and he does have feelings for me but..." she shook her head. "I just don't know."

Joyce rubbed her back. "Give it time, honey," she said. "You'll figure it out. I know you will."

Buffy was about to give her another hug when the front door opened and a voice sounded out. "Buffy? Buffy, are you here?" The two looked up to see Angel step into the living room. He wore his usual dark shirt and pants with the long duster coat he'd taken a fancy to. He stopped and took in the sight on the couch. "Oh, sorry, didn't realize you----" He paused as he realized who was on the couch with Buffy. "Joyce? How did you-----"

"Actually, I'm not the woman you're thinking of," Joyce said as she rose and extended a hand to Angel. "Hi, Joyce Summers. I'm Buffy's mother." She nodded to the teen on the couch. "This one."

Angel stared, blinking as he took that in. "Oh. Um...don't take this the wrong way but aren't you...?"

"Yes."

Angel looked her over and it finally sank in. "Oh," he said again. "Positively Dickensian..." He shook his head. "Well, ah, it's...it's good to meet you." He automatically shook hands with her, still not believing this. "You look...good."

"I should hope so," Joyce remarked. "Considered showing up a few years younger but thought this would be weird enough as it was." She looked back at Buffy and gave her another warm smile. "I do have to be going," she said with a touch of sadness. "I wish I could stay longer but..."

"That's okay, Mom," Buffy said, rising to her feet. "Believe me, it's more than okay."

Joyce turned toward Angel and leaned in toward him. "It's good to meet you," she said. She lowered her voice as she spoke. "You're a good man," she told him. "He wanted you to know that he's sorry. That he kept pushing you, that he said you were worthless. He forgives you for what you did. He hopes you can forgive him."

Angel's face was tight as he took that in. "Tell him..." he softly said. "Tell him I do. And that I'm sorry."

Joyce nodded and looked out the corner of her eye at Buffy. She returned her gaze to Angel and there was a dash of warmth to them now. "Give her time," she whispered. "Don't press her. Let her make the decision on her own. You're a good man. I know you'll take care of her."

She backed away and turned back to Buffy. She drew her in her arms and gave her a long hug and then a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be looking in on you as often as I can," she told her daughter. "I love you, Buffy."

"I love you too, Mom," she answered, eyes closed and hugging with all her strength. Joyce broke away, gave her daughter one final smile, then vanished in a bright glow of light. Even as she left, Buffy could hear her say "Merry Christmas, baby."

Angel watched the spot where she had been before looking over at Buffy. "Are you...all right?"

Buffy looked back at him, a smile wide on her face as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I've never felt better," she stated. "Never."

Angel felt rather awkward as he fumbled through his coat pocket. "Um, I know that can't possibly compete with what you just had but I did get you something..." He pulled out his coat and held something out to her. Buffy took it, turning it over in her hand. "A ring?"

"It's a caddalgh," Angel explained. "It's...well, it's Irish traditional ring. I...well, it just seemed nice, was all." He shrugged. "I've never really done anything for Christmas before so----"

"No, no, this is nice," Buffy said, slipping the ring onto her right hand. "Thank you, Angel."

"Merry Christmas, Buffy," the vampire said softly.

Buffy looked at him and smiled back. "Same to you, Angel." They stood there, both feeling a lot better than they had in far too long a while.

*****

Home of William Scully Sr.
Georgetown, VA
1604 Hours EST

"Dad, are you getting it ready?" Dana Scully stepped into the kitchen, looking around. She wore a far more casual outfit than her usual FBI suit, a red sweater and dark skirt, her red hair brushed informally away from her attractive face. She looked at the man by the oven and smiled. "I see you are."

William Scully Sr, Captain, United States Navy, retired, looked up at his daughter as he placed the large pan containing a turkey onto the top of the oven. "Hey, honey," he said, taking the heat pads off of his hands. "I was just making sure the dinner was ready to go."

"I'm glad," Dana said, smiling at her father. "Mulder should be here soon. I want to make sure things go well."

"I'll try to be hospitable," Mr. Scully said. "I was surprised he decided to come, he's never struck me as the sociable type."

"That he's not," Dana admitted. "But I figured a Christmas out of that less-than upscale apartment of his couldn't hurt. It'll be good to get him out more."

"I agree," William Scully Jr. announced as he entered the kitchen. "More like out of Washington, maybe even the country."

Dana glared at her older brother. "Bill," she said. "I'm warning you right now to try and be sociable. I don't know what you have against Mulder-----"

"Dana, do you even know how many times you've nearly been killed since hooking up with that asshole?" Bill demanded.

Scully was glad Bill had absolutely no idea how many times she actually *had* been killed as she crossed her arms. "I'm an FBI agent, Bill. It comes with the job. You've hardly got the safest life yourself, you know."

"That's not the point," Bill said, waving a hand. "That bastard has brought you a lot of trouble over the years. Your abduction, those little escapades with the military, you wouldn't be in those if it weren't for him!"

"Maybe not," Scully allowed. "But I also wouldn't know that I'm helping so many people, more than you can imagine."

"Come on, Dana----"

Dana stepped up and something in her eyes made Bill actually feel a little afraid. "Bill," she said in a flat tone. "I have been through a lot with Mulder, more than you can possibly know. I trust him with my life and he does me. He is my partner and my friend and this is Christmas so give this stupid attitude of yours a rest for today at least. Do not yell at him or insult him or make snide comments or assault him. Not at all, Bill. I won't tolerate it, understand?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned and marched out of the kitchen.

Bill shook his head as he looked at his father. "I can't believe this," he muttered. "How can she stick up for that bastard?"

"Because they're partners," Mr. Scully said. "Because like she said, she trusts him. He means a lot to her, Bill."

"Dad, come on, the guy----"

Mr. Scully fixed his son with a gaze usually reserved for a swabbie who kept screwing up a job and Bill instantly went silent. "Listen and listen close, son," he said in a cool tone. "When your mother died, it made me realize how counting what you have is an important thing, more than you can imagine. I had problems with Dana after she went into the FBI but I realized she was my daughter and I loved her and that was all that mattered. Mulder is important to her, as much as you or your brother and sister. And despite what you think, he cares for her. You saw the way he acted when she came back after her abduction. She means a lot to him, so much that he's even willing to put up with you for a day. So I am ordering you to not start anything with Mulder. Not today, not in my house. Got it?"

"Yes, sir," Bill swallowed and his father went back to his dinner, satisfied he'd made his point.

*****

Dana smiled at the gathering inside the living room. She shared a nod with Melissa, who sat by the couch, bouncing Charles' baby son on her knee. His other two kids were playing with some of their new toys and Charles and his wife watched. Dana and Melissa shared a little look, both reflecting on the fact that this was as close as they could get to having their own children.

Before the doorbell even rang, Dana and Melissa had both straightened as they felt the Buzz. Dana was already moving toward the door, opening it to reveal Mulder on the other side, smiling at her and holding some packages in his hands. "Permission to enter?" he asked, throwing a mock salute.

"Get in here already, Mulder," Scully said as she stepped aside. She took the bag from under his arm as Mulder shrugged off his coat, revealing a surprisingly casual pair of slacks and sweater. "No tie?" Scully asked, looking him over. "This must be the holidays."

"Hello, Mr. Mulder," Mr. Scully said as he exited the kitchen.

"Just call me Mulder, sir," Mulder said, shaking hands with Scully's father. "Thanks for having me over."

"No problem," Mr. Scully said. "We like the extra company." He turned toward the kitchen, calling out to everyone. "Dinner will be ready in five minutes."

"Do I have to sit at the kid's table?" Mulder asked as he stepped into the living room.

Dana rolled her eyes. "While apropos, I don't think so, Mulder. Come on, let me introduce you to my new nephew."

As the two talked, Melissa watched them carefully, eyes narrowing slightly. She saw the way they talked, not as close as they could be but definitely more friendly than they usually were. She was also thinking about the story Dana had told her, about the duo seeing versions of themselves from another reality, versions who were actually long married. An example Melissa was amazed her sister and Fox hadn't followed long ago.

*Melissa* she thought to herself. *I think it's high time you took matters into your own hands and do a little matchmaking.* She smiled. *Think of it as a belated Christmas gift.*

*****

Manor of the Giles Family
London, England
2104 Hours London Time

"Your mother?" Rupert Giles said, his eyes widening as he listened to the other end of the phone. "You met your mother?"

"That I did," Buffy said from Sunnydale. "God, Giles, it felt so good to see her again, to know how proud of me she was. I can't even describe it."

"I just can't believe you saw your mother's spirit..."

"Giles, do I have to remind you that we have a Genie on speed-dial?"

"Point taken," Giles cleared his throat. "So, are things all right there?"

"Yeah, I'm at Amy's and we're setting up for a Christmas meal. Angel will come by a little later, he's making sure the vamp population is to a minimal tonight. Arthur and Ciederwyn just showed up."

"Arthur for the holidays, that should be an experience," Giles sighed.

"Yeah and from what I can see, Amy, Will and Xander are very close today. I mean, really close. I think they did the nasty."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Banged boots, Giles. You need me to clarify it?"

"Actually in regards to this subject, I believe I prefer vagueness," Giles dryly remarked. "Well, I've just given the Council my report."

"And how many sacks of weed do they think you've smoked?"

"Actually, they took it much better than I had hoped," Giles stated. "The videos of the doubles with us did help and I've been explaining the changes recently with Immortals."

"So, what's the sitch? Am I still the Slayer?"

"Well, of course you are," Giles informed her. "And they have begun the process of making me your Watcher. The truth is that things with the Council have been a little more chaotic than I had known during my tenure in Sunnydale. I'll explain it more fully when I return but I can safely say that your Council experiences will probably be a bit better than they have been in the past."

"Glad to hear it," Buffy told him. "Okay, I've gotta go help Amy with dinner. I'll check with you later. Oh, and Giles? Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you, Buffy," Giles warmly said, hanging up the phone. He turned to the two people in the room with him, nodding at them. "That went well."

"I noticed you left out a few things," Elsbeth Giles told her son. The elder woman was seated in a plush chair in the large library, sipping at a cup of tea. Her short graying hair was elegantly done, going well with her dark dress. "Such as the little bro-ha-ha you had with the Council yesterday."

Giles sighed. "Mum, I thought you understood my position. I spent two years in Sunnydale, fighting the Master with bugger all from the Council. Exactly how did you think I was going to react when you brought me here?"

"I understand that, Rupert," Ethan Rayne said. He shook his head as he flicked a piece of lint off his suit, his dark hair slicked back in a professional cut as keeping with his position on the Council. "You have to understand our position as well. Travers believed that things in Cleveland were more serious than Sunnydale and he insisted the Slayer stay there." He sighed. "I hate to speak ill of him, but Quentin always could be rather headstrong."

Giles snorted. "From what I heard about his double in that other reality, we should be grateful that's as bad as he got."

Ethan's ears perked up. "Say, Rupert," he asked his old friend. "Did you see a version of me with that group?"

Rupert coughed and looked slightly embarrassed. "Well, no, actually, Ethan. They seemed rather amazed when I said you were on the Council. As it turns out, in that world, you never grew out of your...colorful youth and had become a full-blown Janus worshiper, basically living to cause chaos."

Ethan was honestly shocked to hear this. "Damn," he muttered. "Just when I thought this alternate reality thing wasn't crazy enough..."

Elsbeth nodded in sympathy. "I don't know whether to count your double unlucky or blessed," she told her son. "That there I'm dead and your father is still alive."

Giles gave her a smile. "I miss Dad, Mum, I really do. But I am glad that you're still around for me. You helped me hold together after Dad died and kept me from sliding into dark magics." He threw a grin at Ethan. "A little fact that you must be grateful for as well."

"True," Ethan allowed. "Very true." He took on a slight smirk from his old days as he looked at his old friend. "But what's this I hear about you and a gypsy witch as a couple?"

Elsbeth laughed as Giles groaned. "God, I had to open my mouth..." he muttered. "Now, listen, Rayne. Just because my double ended up with this Jenny doesn't mean I'll do the same."

"I don't know," Ethan off-handedly said. "I think she might just your type, given some of your past romantic choices."

"Yes, let's do run off the list in front of my mother."

"You know, Rupert, this woman might be someone for you," Ethan said. "A good head on her shoulders, a knowledge of magic, she actually knows how to turn a computer on------"

"Ethan, let me fill you in on one a few tiny details," Giles interrupted. "The version from that other world had known me for quite a while before they got together. This Jenny Calendar just arrived in Sunnydale and I can tell you she wasn't quite ready for things to be different than she expected, what with Angelus now working for the side of good. That's the thing, Ethan. It's not the same woman, it's not the same world. You and Mum are excellent examples of that."

Elsbeth sighed. *It doesn't matter what world you're from, Rupert, you still make yourself an expert on self-denial.* Trying to change the subject, she asked. "So, you'll be taking over as Buffy's Watcher when you return?"

"I will," Giles told his mother. "It may not be easy but I think Buffy and I have already reached an understanding and I look forward to expanding upon it."

Ethan chuckled as he rose to his feet. "I do have to say, Rupert, that saying you're accepting the help of souled vampires is something I had a hard time wrapping our heads around. Especially since one of them is Angelus and the other two spent two years as the Master's servants."

"Believe me, Ethan, I wasn't crazy about that idea myself at first," Giles said. "But they've handled themselves admirably and they're working through their guilt. They can be an immense help to us and I'd like to give them a chance."

Ethan was tapping his chin in thought as he looked at Giles. "There is one matter we have to bring up, Rupert," he began. "You said the Slayer died fighting the Master?"

"Briefly, yes." Giles hated to lie to his old friend but felt the details about Buffy's Immortality were best left unsaid for the moment.

"Right, so that should have triggered a new Slayer," Ethan said. "But none of our contacts have reported anything."

Giles frowned. "That's odd," he muttered. "Keeping an eye on possible Slayers has been one of the few things the Council's done right. None of the potentials are showing anything?"

Ethan shook his head. "None that we can see. Admittedly, we lost contact on that Faith girl but it doesn't sound like there have been any vampire-fighting activities anywhere in the world. It's a puzzle."

"Well, I know one will show up soon," Giles stated. "And hopefully, it's someone who knows how to handle the responsibility."

*****

California

"Honey, are you up there?"

"I'll be right down, Mom!" the young teenager called out as she moved off her bed. She supposed it was odd, taking a nap in her room right in the middle of the day but she hadn't been getting much sleep lately. The last few nights had been filled with odd dreams, ones she could barely remember waking up, yet still weighed on her. She brushed back her long hair as she went to her bathroom. She figured popping a couple of aspirin would help before she went down to join her family.

She gave herself a glance in the bathroom mirror. Blonde hair framing her beautiful face, her shapely body clad in an expensive dress, all in all, a girl without a care in the world. She reached to her medicine cabinet and tugged at the handle. She frowned as it refused to give way. "Dammit," she muttered. The stupid latch had kept locking on its own the last few days. It was starting to get rather annoying to keep getting a hairpin to unlock it. Sighing, the girl gave it a tug, then another, hoping that she could maybe loosen the lock somehow. She took a breath and pulled back on the handle.

It was just the sort of tug she'd use to open any stuck door so she was more than taken off- guard when the door ripped off its hinges with the barest level of resistance. The girl yelped as it came loose, automatically, pushing away with her hand. There was a breaking sound as the handle ripped from the door, which sailed across the bathroom and smacked into a wall so hard it actually indented itself into the surface.

The girl stared in absolute shock at the door in the wall, then at the handle in her hand, then at the now-open medicine cabinet, trying to fathom how the hell she had gotten the strength to do that. It was a definite change of pace for her, one that hinted at a bigger change down the road and there had to be something to be said for it.

"Whoa," was the only thing that came to Harmony Kendall's mind.

End

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