I'm reposting this here, at Pens, because I think it fits better. It was originally introduced in the "Rewrite the end of season 6 from Seeing Red to Grave"-thread at The Kitten, but they kinda expected a synopsis, some ideas, and I got sorta carried away. Hope you guys appreciate it, though.
Beware, I wrote this in a rush, because what I really should have been doing, was studying, so I didn't really check for spelling, inconsistencies, which I'm sure there will be in it (not as much as in Whedon's last eps, I think, though). Anyway, it's a first draft: something I can improve, work with, when I actually have time on my hands. It would be cool to get some feedback, what you liked, but especially what you didn't like (I already have a clue...) It's the third time I write about W/T: first time in a cross-over with Xena, tiny bit of Charmed, second time in this other thread at the Kitten: "Now that I've found you-Robin-spoilery-round", so I don't know if I'm any good at it. Have my roots in the Xenaverse...
PART ONE
Alrightie, I would also let Xander die a heroic death at the end of “Seeing Red”, by jumping in front of Buffy, as Warren pulls out his macho-gun (okay, no Spike-like innuendo), yelling “Buffy !” for emphasis. As Xan falls backwards into Buff’s arms, a look of surprise can be witnessed on B’s face. She and Warren share a short moment (their eyes meet) and Warren darts off, like the coward he is. B turns to Xan, tears forming in her eyes, checking his pulse. “Xander ?” Then she goes into CPR-mode (gotta throw the B/Xan-shippers a bone), saying something like “You saved my life... twice now... The least you can do, is let me return the favour... Mr. Macho-man...” Noticing it’s no use, she tries to regain control over her senses, lays Xander gently down to the ground, kisses his forehead, before steadying herself, and going in pursuit after Warren.
Meanwhile, a lost bullet has hit the window, and shot Tara... “Your shirt...”
Willow rushes forward, crying “Tara ? Baby ?” as she holds her tenderly in her arms.
Only this time, Tara answers: “What’s.. happening ?”
Willow covers the bleeding wound with her hand. “I dunno... Help !” Will screams at the heavens, as if to invoke some divine assistance, but Tara realizes what she’s trying to do and covers Willow’s hand with her own, and at that exact moment something magical happens, something good (think first contact in “Hush”). With their combined powers, their hands distance themselves from Tara’s shoulder (or other place, where non-vital functions were injured). The bullet raises itself out of Tara’s sweet silky skin, and the fleshwound closes. Tara removes her hand from Will’s and holds it under the bullet like a cup. It falls. Tara’s fingers close around it, and with that movement, Willow kisses her passionately, hugging her close. They break apart and both realize something must have been going on outside. They hurry downstairs, to see a silent figure lying on the grass. Willow’s legs start to shake, and supported by Tara, they walk closer. Will’s knees give way, and she falls down next to Xander’s dead body. Tara quietly crouches down beside her. “Xan...” She touches his cheek, but draws her hand back, when she feels it has turned cold. “Oh... Tara... We gotta do something...” She reaches for Tara’s hands.
“We can’t... It’s... too late...” Tara’s expression is covered in sadness for her soulmate’s grief, and she slowly starts rubbing her back. Willow collapses against Tara, and Tara lets her cry, softly stroking the red hair. After Willow gathers her wits, she states: “Buffy... We gotta find her... Whoever did this, has her, or else she’s going after... I bet it’s Warren...” Her eyes turn cold. Tara notices but doesn’t say a word.
Willow asks her girlfriend “Could you call...” She can’t finish her sentence. Tara strokes a strand of red hair out of Will’s face and tucks it behind her ear, cupping her face, and wiping a few tears away with her thumb.
“Ok... And I’ll wait for Dawn...” Their throats get thick, when they realize, they have to deliver another blow to the confused teenager. They embrace, Tara comfortingly kisses her cheeks, wet with tears. Willow takes a last look at Xander, not sure whether to touch her friend’s hand or not.
“Be careful...” Tara warns her.
“His killer should be...” Will points at Xander. Willow caresses the spot where Tara was hit just now. “I love you...” She whispers, before she gets up, and walks off.
Tara watches her go with a worried look on her face. Then she runs into the house to call an ambulance, not that it can do any good anymore...
Willow’s hair turns black.
Warren has visited Rack in the meantime, who mocks him, saying he’ll not only have the slayer after him, but he also senses a dark power is growing...
Warren, enhanced with magical techno-thingies, decides to break his two ex-buddies out of jail. /insert incredible geeky prison break and entering/ Jonathan is not happy to see Warren, Andrew sticks it to Jonathan: “See ! I knew he’d come back for us...”
Willow walks in the Magic Box, where Anya is working. An notices something’s wrong. Will goes straight for the books, does that neat trick where she sucks all the info out of ‘m, magic I’d sell my soul for, because I could really use it for my upcoming exams. After that she explains to Anya: “Xander’s dead...” A look of disbelief on her face, then it reveals her demon-face. “Lead the way...” Anya states.
Dawn comes home, to find Tara walking around the coffee table in circles, as if she was walking widdershins, to make it all go away.
“Hey Tara...”
“Dawn... Sweetie, you’d better sit down for this...”
“Who died ?” Dawn can deduce from Tara’s face.
“X... Xander...” Tara comes closer. Dawn seats herself, looking all pale.
“H... How ?”
“We didn’t see it happen. I got shot by some bullet...” Tara begins, sitting herself next to her.
Dawn’s head shoots up in concern.
“I’m alright... But when we went outside, Xander... just lay there... Your sister’s probably after his murderer, followed by Willow... I waited for you to come home...” Suddenly Tara cringes. Dawn touches her arm. “Are you sure you’re fine ?”
“Will... Willow... She’s... We need to leave...” Tara holds a hand against her forehead. “...transport.”
“The car’s getting repaired... Spike ! He has a motorcycle ! It’s not far from here.” Dawn suggests.
“You think he’ll give us a ride ?” Tara’s not certain.
“Of course... he’ll help. Anything for Buffy... And otherwise, we can just steal it...” Dawn elaborates.
“Dawn ! Argh, just hurry...”
Buffy has followed the nerds’ tracks into the backs of the wood. Willow and Anya have made a stop at Rack’s place, to suck him dry (his power that is, not his blood). Buff has a hard time dodging all the whiz-thingies the others use against her, though she manages to kick some butt too. Soon Willow and Anya join her. Anya wants Buffy to make a wish, so she can curse the little bastards, but Buffy retorts she’s gonna kick the living crap out of them herself, before handling them over to the authorities. Willow’s eyes glow dangerously redder by the minute...
Tara and Dawn get to Spike’s place, where everyone scares the living daylights out of everyone, when they find Clem. Spike left with the bike, but Clem’s got a car, or a rusty piece of shit, that resembles one. Problem: Tara can’t drive: not only has she got no licence (Amber-quip: love that about her), but she’s in terrible pain by now. No problem according to Clem, who will function as their cabdriver.
In the meantime, there’s an argument going on between the three women: B wants them to pay for their crimes, alive, in prison, Will wants ‘m dead and Anya basically wants to finally use her powers again, and torment them before Willow blows them to kingdom come. /add a lot of mental and fysical torture here/ The nerds being tied up, Willow and Buffy face off, but Will gets the upper hand, and she incinerates Warren, after the bullet pierces his rotten chest and he gets skinned, like in the Robbie Williams “Rock DJ”-video. Andrew begins to cry. Buffy, smashed against a tree, watches Willow’s first kill in agony... Anya compliments her “Nice handiwork, but I wanna play too. Can somebody curse them already...” She starts to nag.
At that time, Tara, Dawn and Clem jump out of the forrest.
“Willow !” Tara calls out.
Will swiftly turns around. Dawn helps her sister up. Clem’s quiet.
Willow circles around Tara, lifting a lock of her hair, breathing in the scent of... “Hmm, strawberries... He shouldn’t have shot my friends... I lost my best friend, and almost my girlfriend... all in one day (she touches Tara’s breast -> think Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct) I couldn’t just let him get away with that, now could I, kitten...” Willow licks Tara’s cheek. (Xena-Devi-rip-off, I’m well aware: hey, Whedon does it all the time !)
“Willow... Sweetheart, you don’t have to kill the other two... They didn’t shoot...”
“Oh, but they very well could have... They helped this pathetic excuse for a man, covering up Catherina’s death... living in their own fantasyworld, while hurting humans in the real one... It’s time somebody taught them a lesson...” Will continues.
“They will learn... in prison...” Buffy, held up by Dawn, interjects.
“Ow, preachy Buffy... What plain of existence have you been living on lately ? One that involves more laying, than slaying, while poor Dawnie here (she lifts Dawn’s chin) is left all alone, when we’re not around, prey to the sources of junk-food and the entertaining life in the mall.”
“Can we get on with it already ? I’m getting kinda bored...” Anya taps her foot on the ground.
“Dawnie, curse them for me, please ! Or you, with the flappy skin, what’s your name again...”
“Uhm... Clem...” Clem answers politely.
Willow wants to turn around, but gets stopped by Tara, who reaches for her arm. She gets thrown back. Buffy and Dawn run up to help Tara.
A look of contemporary shock lits up in Willow’s eyes and she sets a step forward, her instincts wanting to help her soulmate. She hesitates. “I’m sorry I had to do that, dear, but it’s scum like that, that cause good innocent people like Xander to get killed.” She swirls around.
“Will !” Buffy and Tara scream at the same time, Tara using some chant to freeze her for a while.
“Yeah, that’s right ! Will ! I am “Will”, I got the “will” to finally be someone big, who matters, who can make a difference ! I won’t be weak no more, and get discriminated and hurt and...”
“Willow... honey... this isn’t you... I know you’re still in there... the real you... the one true you that I love...” Tara tries to break through.
“How can you love her ? She’s a loser... Insecure... Pathetic...” Willow replies, trying to break loose from the spell.
“No, she’s NOT ! Don’t you dare speak to me about her... about you, like that... You’re the most intelligent, beautiful, funny, kind... person I know... I adore you, and I’d devote my entire life to you, if you’d just let me...” A tear rolls down her cheek.
Willow’s silent, then she looks from her hands at the two remaining nerds and stares at the ground, exlaiming “What have I done... ?” Her hair returns red and she crashes to the ground, crying helplessly. Tara moves towards her, wanting to wrap her arms around her.
“I’m not worthy of you... I gave in again... You’ll probably gonna leave me again, huh...” Willow manages to let out between sobs.
“I’m not going anywhere, darling, not now, not ever, again.” Tara kisses her redhead.
“Guess that means I don’t get to grant a wish...” Anya utters sadly. “I’m sorry, Xander...” Dawn walks up to the vengeance demon, only known to her as a friend, and takes her hand. “I’m sorry too.”
The frightened duo shivers as Buffy approaches. “Relax, you two can go relax in jail...”
“I hope they have clean pants...” Jonathan’s voice trembles.
“If you’ll squish, I can give you all a ride...” Clem offers.
PART TWO
Suddenly, another character stumbles into the clearing.
“Giles...” Voices are raised.
“Am I too late ?” Giles asks, having green hair now. No one notices.
“Depends for what... Xander’s dead...” Buffy explains.
“What ?” Giles becomes introvert.
“Willow made his killer go ‘poof’ and I’m a vengeance demon again.” Anya adds.
“Willow, are you...” Giles approaches Willow, who’s obviously struggling with the motions she’s been going through.
“It’ll take time... but we’ll get through this... together...” Tara answers in Will’s place. Giles nods. They all leave.
After having dropped the duo at the police station (Jonathan, punished by having to hear Andrew whine over Warren, his entire jailtime), and finding out where Xander’s body is being kept, they head for the morgue.
Everyone’s silent, except for the sounds of sobbing that can be heard. There’s an intense atmosphere of mourning... Tara is holding Willow from behind, her arms draped around her, their heads resting against each other. Both cry, Willow heavily, Tara softly. Buffy’s hugging Dawn. Tears are standing in her eyes too. Anya has grabbed Giles’ hand, to his surprise.
It’s Anya who speaks first. “It’s strange. I should feel glad, happy I got what I wanted: ‘revenge’... After all, the guy did dump me at the altar, and left me to deal with his loony family tunes... I mean, he got what he deserved, right. As a vengeance demon, I should say ‘He had it coming’... Then why is it that I felt the urge to punish Warren, being a demon without a soul and all, why does it bug me ? If only I could wish... I’d give up everything...”
“Actually... Maybe... there is a way...” Clem brought up.
All heads turn in his direction.
“I’ve read that vengeance demons have the capacity to save, revive a human, instead of cursing, killing him, if they experience love instead of hate for that person, if their feelings have changed so much, they’re willing to forsake their demonhood forever... Of course it takes powerful magic to transplant it to another demon, and I don’t see...”
“Clem, you’re a genius !” Giles walks up to him and kisses the loose skin on his cheeks.
“I am ? Well, I’m not as dumb as I look. I did study demonology... Watching movies, playing poker for kittens... there’s only so much a demon can have...”
The others look confused.
Giles goes into Watcher-mode. “I’ve met this woman in England. She’s a wicca and part of this covent. She wanted me to witness one of their sessions, and that’s when they warned me a great evil power was rising (he glances at Willow). They bestoked me with all their magic to stop it. When I met up with you guys, I quickly realized someone had already driven it back...” He looks at Tara, who shoots him a smile.
“Never underestimate the power of love...” Clem throws in between.
“So, I’m still charged with magic...” Giles continues.
“Are you willing to take over my demonical side ?” Anya asks Clem.
“Who ? Me ?” Clem answers ignorantly.
“No, the other demon in the morgue. Of course you.” Anya quips.
“Hmm... depends... If it’ll alter my delicate looks...” Reluctant chuckles can be heard.
“But I guess every extra power could come in handy in the demonworld. They’re a rough crowd. It’s not easy to make a decent living sometimes.”
“Tell me about it...” Buffy grins.
“If both parties agree, tell me what I’ll have to do exactly ?” Giles asks Clem.
“I don’t know if it’ll work, if you’re wiccan enough...” Clem hesitates.
“We’ll help...” Tara states.
“No...” Willow refuses.
“Pumpkin, it’s safe... It’ll be just the two of us, and Giles... You’ll just have to reach down inside, into the very core of your heart, where you’ll find yourself, me... Real magic represents love, everything that’s good and gorguous in this world...” Tara reassures her.
Willow bites her lip, then looks at Xander, and takes Tara’s hand. “Let’s do this right...”
Anya and Clem press both of their handpalms together, while the other three form a circle around them. As they recite the lines of an ancient enchantment, like Clem told them, a powerful source surges between them. A kind of green energy flows, and engulfs Clem and Anya in a bubble. While she feels her demon self leaving her, she makes her ultimate last wish: “I wish Xander lives...” As the last thrust of the force is being forged in Clem’s body, they all fall down, from exhaustion. Willow and Tara against Xander’s bed, Giles leaning against the wall.
Buffy and Dawn who were each holding one of Xander’s hands, at both sides of the bed, are shocked when they feel Xander squeeze their own fingers. He immediately gets attacked by Buffy and Dawn who throw themselves at his ‘manly’ chest.
“Aow... aow... aow...” Xander nags, the place where the bullet hit him, still very sore.
“Oops, sorry... It’s just... You’re alive !” Buffy feels a tear rolling down her cheeks.
“Are you sure I’m not in hell ? Anyone noticed Giles has “green” hair !” Xander points out.
“Now that you mention it...” Dawn tilts her head.
“Oh, she did it, didn’t she, that wicked little... I had this bet with my new friend, wicca woman. She bet I’d show up too late to stop Willow from going all “Mistress of the Universe” I told her, she could dye my hair green, if I’d lost, and well, she’s good at long distance... I think I’m sorta falling for her... She reminds me of Jenny. I don’t know why I keep sticking my neck out for you guys, however...” Giles elaborates.
“You were just checking up on me to see if I’d finally hit the bucket this time, like you always wished for, old man, admit it...” Xander jokes, getting the second wave of women over him.
“Hey, I could get used to this...” Xander hugs Anya and Willow close.
“Actually it’s Anya who did the wishing... Well, not the death wish, but the resurrection wish. She gave up her demonhood for you, for good, thanks to Clem.” Giles replies.
“You were a demon again ?” Xander looks up at Anya.
“Yeah, so sue me...” Anya shrugs.
“I’m done with the blaming thing... I’m not saying I’m gonna propose again, just because I survived... am revived... whatever, but I do owe you titannical apologies... And thank you’s... No matter what happened in the past, or in the future, I owe you forever... You too, Clem.” Xander says seriously.
“You’re welcome... Apologies accepted... Oeh, and I’m sorry too for screwing Spike… Sorry, Buffy... (Buffy cringes at Spike’s name, but gives her a half smile) I was drunk, and lonely, and it was definitely the most stupid thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.” Anya has a frown on her forehead.
“Ditto...” Buffy whispers.
“Hey Will, enough with the sad puppy face already, I’m not dead.” Xander rubs his thumb over her fingers.
“I... I... killed someone today… Warren... who killed you... I... don’t know how I’m supposed to deal with this...” Willow stutters.
“You did... for me ? Aw, Will... (Willow starts crying again) Promise me you don’t let the guilt eat you away... I know it’s gonna be difficult for you, but you’ve got Tara (He eyes Tara, who strokes Will’s back) and the rest of us, and we won’t let it destroy you.” Xander tries to comfort her.
“It’ll be hard... I’m not saying there is such a thing as evening the scales... I wouldn’t dare suggest it... But, Willow, though you abused magic and saw what it can do, the destructive consequences, you managed to overcome it afterwards and used it in a good way... It’s a tough life lesson... But you did help Xander... We won’t let you condemn yourself for the rest of your life... You’ll always carry this with you, but you can’t forget all the good you’ve done in the past, every wonderful thing you’ll do in the future. We believe in you...”
“Yes... I know I don’t show it enough... I have been really out of it, this year, totally self-absorbed...” Buffy began, walking towards her.
“No, Buffy, I had no right to say these rude remarks... I could feel myself slipping away, through the magic, boundaries were getting erased, but that’s no excuse...”
“Willow, my own problems don’t excuse me either... You’re my best friend, well, next to Xander (Xander smiles), and I do appreciate our frienship, even though it doesn’t seem that way sometimes... I didn’t know you were wrestling with yourself... I was too egocentric to see it...” Buffy interrupts Will. They hug.
“Sniff...” Xander lets out, dragging Tara closer, whose a bit startled, but reciprocates his hug as well. “And I’ve been way too judgmental this year... I’m sincerely sorry, everyone... Can I get another hug too ?” The women in the room smother him.
“I don’t know about you guys, but this room works kinda suffocating... What do you say: shall we go home ?” sounds Xander’s suggestion.
“If you don’t mind risking your life in Clem’s car...” Giles says.
“Like yours was so much better...” Xander jokes.
“That’s the kinda remark I would have missed...” Giles opens the door.
Anya helps Xander up, who’s still not totally recuperated from the blow.
“How do you feel, Clem ?” Anya questions him. “Any changes ? How much is 1 – 1 + 1 ?”
“1... Wow ! I can count ! I’ve always sucked at math !” Clem exclaims.
“Oeh, seems to me you’ve received a bit more than my demon side. Clem, my man, I think you’re heading for a brilliant career in retail...” Anya wraps her other arm around him.
They drop Xander and Anya, at Xander’s appartment, where Anya nurses him (just till he gets better, no condescending housewifie-stuff intended), while they enjoy a quiet evening watching tv.
Willow and Tara decide to stay at the Summers’ house. The other four want to go out for ice-cream. Giles and Clem go the counter to order, explaining Clem has to go to a costume party. At Buffy’s reflective mode, Dawn asks what’s on her mind.
Buffy spills the beans. She tells her Spike tried to rape her. Dawn gets all concerned, but Buffy speaks about her epiphany, that she’s going to try and deal with things differently from now on, starting with taking better care of Dawn, involving her more in their Scooby world, teaching her everything she knows (another Xena-flash-back, couldn’t resist).
When the others join them, Giles, Buffy and Dawn catch up, Giles tests how much more Clem knows, what he feels after his transformation, and they talk about demonology.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen of the Summers’ house:
“What a day, huh...” Tara starts.
“As far as days go in the Hellmouth: quite...” Will gives her a grin.
“Want me to make us some warm chocolate... Always a winner after so much tension...” Tara offers.
“Among other things...” Willow leers at her, then turns serious again, feeling caught.
“Hey... It’ll get better... We’ll take this one step at a time, ‘kay... I know the good Willow blames herself... I don’t want to exstinguish responsibilities, but you were far gone, Willow...” Tara presses a kiss on the top of Will’s head, before moving to open a cupboard.
“And you pulled me back...” Willow looks at her, an immense ammount of love in her eyes.
“I’ll always bring you back... You’ve done the same for me...” Tara starts melting chocolate.
Willow gets up from her chair, embraces her soulmate and puts her head on her shoulder.
“I’m so very lucky to have you... I remember when Faith killed the Mayor’s deputy... Buffy tried to be there for her, talk to her, but she was in denial, probably felt like she was all alone... which made her take the wrong turn.... With her it was her slayer’s instinct, a mistake, hazard on the job, with me it was deliberate, malignant vengeance...” Willow talks.
“But it was rooted in love, loss for Xander... The magic took over... The fact that Warren was a misogynist macho bastard, who tried to rape and killed Catherina didn’t help... But I sure hope it helps you to put things in perspective: it wasn’t the best move you’d ever make, but it’s not worth it to let this asshole dominate you from beyone the grave. Otherwise he wins after all. I won’t let that happen. Maybe we should pay Faith a visit... It’ll be good to communicate about it. Bottling things up is never healthy...” Tara stirs with her spoon in the chocolate, adding some more milk.
“...said the wise woman.” Willow places soft kisses in Tara’s neck.
After pouring them two cups of chocolate milk, Tara turns around, presses her body firmly against Willow’s and kisses her ardently.
In South-Africa (mix scenes during eps, only without the bitch-cursing) Spike has finally received his soul.
“ARGH ! Bloody Hell ! I thought the test was over ! I’ve won, didn’t I ?”
“Yep, you sure did. The agonizing pain you’re feeling, is the sign your soul starts to work. You’re going to experience the guilt of every sin you ever committed for the rest of your vampire days...” The demon warns him.
“It hurts... Dammit... I’d rather stake myself than ask that son of a gun, Angel, for advice...” He gets on his bike and drives crookedly into the night...
Back in Sunnydale he drives past the place where Buffy and co are eating. He stops, turns around, to see if it’s really Buff... He hesitates what to do. Too late: B saw him.
“Spike...” Buffy swallows. Dawn – filled with concern - touches her arm.
He gathers all his courage together and enters.
“Hi... Giles, is that you ? You look like Billy Idol, on a bad hairday...” Spike mocks. Giles gets up to pummel him, but Buffy restrains him. Dawn looks ready to fly at his throat too.
“Can we talk ?” Spike addresses Buffy.
Buffy’s uncomfortable.
“What, do you think we’re crazy, letting you go off with her, after what...!” Buffy muffles her insults, wrapping a hand around her mouth to stop her from making a big scene.
“Here ? There’s a free table over there. Your bodyguards can jump at your aid at any minute...” Spike’s face looks serious, though.
Buffy nods and they seat themselves at the table. Dawn’s looks could kill...
There’s an uneasy silence, broken by Spike.
“I got a soul.”
“Excuse me ? What did you say ? I don’t think I heard you the first time...” Buffy snaps.
“Like Angel... You know, a soul, like you, humans, have...” Spike elaborates.
“You... will never be human... And don’t you dare compare yourself to Angel...” Buffy points a finger at him.
“Fair enough. All I want to say is, it’s killing me... All this time I’ve been undead, and for the first time, I feel what it’s like to be alive again, the excruciating horror of existence... The petty emotions you mortals brag with... I have to deal with now... All I want to say is, I’m sorry... for every single time I hurt you, your friends...” Spike’s voice trembles.
« It’s not gonna cut it… If you think you can just waltz in here and apologize... You tried to rape me...” Buffy’s voice is a mere whisper.
“I know... I know that now... And I understand if you never want anything to do with me again, or even stake me... It’s your call... I just needed to apologize... It felt like something a decent person would do, not that I’d know. So, I’m just gonna go. Enjoy the company of the others, the ice... Take care, luv.” Spike lifts himself up, giving her a smile and a wink, and heads for the door, leaving Buffy bewildered.
Clem stares at him. “I’d better go after him, and see that he doesn’t lock me out...”
“Right... Clem, thank you so much for what you’ve done for us today. You rescued the life of a terribly annoying, though brave, young man. We won’t forget it.” Giles shakes his flappy hand.
“Ah, don’t mention it.”
Dawn asks Buffy how she’s doing.
“Alive... And kicking.” She gives her sister a huge grin. “C’mon, lets finish our ice-cream, if we’ll hurry, and they let Giles in with his freaky haircut, we can still catch a movie.”
Cut to sweet W/T-scene: Tara gently undresses Willow, as they’re getting ready for bed. Use your imagination. Tender kisses, sexy snuggling, tears, talk, comforting cuteness, lots of love...
/Sarah McLachlan’s “Better than chocolate” would be an appropriate choice to play during the last scenes: not original, but rather fitting. One of the few movies, named after the title, had the same song during the happy ending with living ! lesbians. But a lot of her lyrics will do to portrait Willow and Tara’s sweet Sarah McLachlan love /
Afterthought: this is only one possible version to rewrite the 6th season ending. I’ve got some other extremely twisted alternative endings up my sleeve (all involving a living Tara !) I tried to preserve most original BtVS ideas. Half of them weren’t that bad, if you put them in a justified context. With a few adjustments (Tara alive and well for starters), you could actually learn something... Anyway, I want to apologize beforehand for having Willow make her first kill (Yeah, I have Gabrielle-issues). I like my characters to be a bit flawed, complicated: gives you something to work with. But the main difference being of course that Tara’s standing right next to Willow to guide her through this new ordeal. Warren gets the same treatment (after what he’s done on the real show, to Tara, it’s only fair). The buttmonkey’s have each other as punishment and suffer in the slammer. Spike is punished with a soul. There’s room for a lurking friendship with Buffy, but a real relationship is out of the question (too much has happened in the past: no good). I tried to give Xander a maturity-boost (though he was dead most of the time, granted: mourned by beautiful women: what more could a guy hope for...) Hope Anya will grow (she did something self-less, it’s a beginning). Clem gets to be a hero. Giles has his cameo (not to mention a “razor” haircut), Buffy her epiphany, B, W & X also resolve some pent-up frienshippy issues. And Dawnie’s future looks promising... Oeh, and a possible Faith-appearance ! Next time on Buffy: The Vampire Slayer !
But good stuff. LOVED your view of the ending of season 6, If only morons like, oh I dunno Joss, Marti etc...Would have went with that, I would be a happier person.
A gal's gotta start somewhere: glad you enjoyed it. Gives me enough confidence to continue writing W/T-fic during the holidays 
