Bad Can Be Good (RE-VAMPED)

A few days later Crystal called.

“Hey Sarah.”

“Hi, sweets. You guys get there okay?”

“Yeah. Isabel and some of the others want to talk to you. They all think Michael’s being a complete ass. Well, except for Maria of course. But Liz and Isabel, and…”

“Whoa, wait a minute. What’s that supposed to mean?”

“What’s what supposed to mean?”

“Don’t, Crys. What. Did. You. Mean.”

“Michael and Maria are sorta, together.”

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.” Sarah said and Crystal could hear her voice catch.

“Please, Sarah. Don’t cry.”

“Two months, Crys. I’ve been gone for two god damn months. For someone who once claimed I was the love of his life he sure as hell got over me fast. And Maria! She was one of my best friends!”

Before Crys could say anything Sarah hung up.

“Liz. Liz get in here.” Crys called to her friend.

“What’s up?” The brunette asked.

“Um, I screwed up Liz. I mean massively screwed up.”

“What? Crys, what is it?”

“I was talking to Sarah and I kinda slipped up and told her about Maria and Michael.”

“Crystal! How could you?”

“I don’t know, I’m sorry. What should I do? I mean she’s gonna go ballistic and who knows what she’ll do. She loves him so much.”

“You said she’s staying with friends, right?” Liz asked.

“Yeah.”

“Call them, tell them what’s happening, get them to find Sarah. I’ve got to get back downstairs.”

“Ok.” Crys sat back down on Liz’s bed and dialed Willow’s number.

“Hello?” Tara answered.

“Tara, its Crys.”

“Hey, how was your trip?”

“It was fine but something’s come up.” She quickly explained the situation with Sarah.

“What do you want me to do?” Tara asked.

“Just find Sarah and make sure she’s okay. This is going to crush her and that kind of stress isn’t good for the baby. I called Buffy’s and she’s not there. You have to find her before the sun sets. If she’s wondering around after dark not thinking she’ll be easy vamp bait.”

“Okay, I’ll get everyone together and we will find her. I promise.”

“Thanks. Call me back soon on my cell.”

“Okay, bye.” Tara hung up the phone then dialed the magic shop and explained what was happening. She hung up and went to meet the others there. Tara walked in to total commotion.

“Damn it, Spike! You are not helping matters! Stop yelling!” Buffy screamed, drowning out the sound of the bells above the door as the shy witch entered.

“I’m sorry but I don’t know what else to do. I’m not used to this!”

“To what?” Buffy asked.

“To caring. I care about her and I’m worried sick and I hate it.”

“Then let’s go find her.” Anya said.

“We have to wait for Tara.” Crys said.

“I’m here, let’s go.”

“Okay. We have three hours till sunset. You all know where to go.” Buffy said.

They split up into pairs, Xander and Anya, Willow and Tara, and Buffy and Giles.

“We’ll find her.” Buffy assured the vampire.

“I just wish I could help.”

“I know. I’ll check in soon, okay?”

He nodded and watched her go. An hour later everyone called to check in, there was no sign of her. They had searched half the town but the girl had vanished.

“Where could she be?” Buffy asked Spike.

“She doesn’t want to be found, so I fancy she’d go somewhere we don’t know about.” Spike said.

“Or maybe somewhere she doesn’t think we know about.”

“What do you mean, pet?”

“I once told her that when I was upset I would go to the mansion. No one knows about that but me and I only said it in passing but we both know that Sarah notices everything.”

“Would she remember where it is?”

“Of course she would, it’s on Crawford street and Sarah’s last name is Crawford.”

“So hang up the bloody phone and get there.”

Buffy ran as fast as she could to Angel’s old mansion. The front door was locked so she went around to the garden. Sarah was sitting in front of the empty fireplace; her tear stained face resting against the cool stone and a notebook lying in her lap.

“Hey.” Buffy said.

“Hey.” Sarah said without looking at her.

“Crys called Tara. She was worried about you. We all were when she told us what happened.”

“I just don’t understand.” Sarah said, fresh tears beginning to form in her eyes. “I mean I knew he didn’t want this baby but I thought he loved me, you know?”

“Yeah. I know. Come on, keep talking, It’s not good for you or the baby to keep it bottled up.” Buffy said as she sat down next to her friend.

“This is going to sound stupid but we were so perfect for each other. You we had everything in common, music, books, movies. I really thought we would last.”

“That’s how it was with me and Riley.” Buffy said, she’d already told Sarah about Riley when they explained how Spike’s chip worked and the Initiative. “Angel and I were total opposites, the only thing we had in common was our love. But Riley and I, we were so good together.”

“I’m scared Buffy. What if it’s always like this?”

“You can’t let yourself believe that.”

“But who is going to want me now? I want my baby to have a father but who would want us?”

“You can’t think that way. If you give up now then you’ll never know. And right now it doesn’t matter because you have friends who love you, we consider you family. No matter what happens, we will always be there for you.” Buffy moved forward and hugged the other girl.

“Thanks, Buff. You all have been so good to me.”

“What were you writing? A song?” Buffy asked picking up the notebook that had fallen when they’d moved.

“Yeah. I always write when I’m feeling like shit.”

“This is good. I like it.” Buffy said as she read over the words. “Tonight’s your last performance at the Bronze until you have the baby, right?”

“Yeah, Dr. Simmons told me I shouldn’t be under those hot lights from here on out.”

“Then we should get you home and cleaned up.”

“Yeah. I’m sure I look as shitty as I feel.”

When the girls reached Buffy’s they called everyone to let them know Sarah was safe. They had already made plans to go to The Bronze and see the bands last performance. Before Crys, Darcy, and John had left they’d made some other musician friends who would play for her.

“I’m going to head over to Todd’s house and see if he can work out a melody for the song I wrote.” Sarah said after she had showered and dressed.

“Ok. We’ll see you tonight.” Buffy told her.

~~~

“Hey guys.” Sarah said when her friends arrived at the town’s only club. Even Giles, Joyce, and Dawn had come. Sarah led them to two tables near the stage then disappeared back stage.

She sang songs she knew each member of the Scooby Gang was fond of.. Buffy knew Sarah always saved new songs for last. The crowd loved Sarah, she’d drawn a lot of regulars, and Buffy could see her mood improving by the minute. Finally they came to the last song. Because of her condition Sarah couldn’t play guitar anymore so Todd was the one who started up a slow heart wrenching beat.


‘Of all the things I believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by
I’ve been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I’m hearin’ are starting to get old
Feels like I’m starting all over again
Like the last three years were just pretend

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything that I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold onto

I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can’t live a day without you
Closin’ my eyes you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light
But it’s not right

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything that I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold onto

And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time
I want what’s yours and I want what’s mine
And I want you but I’m not givin’ in this time

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything that I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold onto
Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything that I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold onto
The one thing that I tried to hold onto
The one thing that I tried to hold onto’


The audience rose to its feet and cheered as the last lines faded. Mandy, the bassist, helped Sarah down the stairs, she’d been have trouble with them lately.

“That was wonderful.” Joyce said when the singer joined them.

“Thank you. Thanks for coming guys. I really don’t know how I’m going to live without performing.”

“You can perform for me.” Dawn said.

“Thanks, Dawnie.” Sarah said with a smile.

~~~~

The next month and a half passed uneventfully until about twenty-five days before Sarah was due to have the baby. She’d been in the kitchen when the phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Sarah.”

“Hey Crys. How are you?”

“I’m fine except I wanted to call and warn you.”

“Warn me?” Sarah said and Buffy raised her head from the counter to look at her friend.

“I honestly don’t know how but Michael found out you’re in Sunnydale. Max went to his place this morning and found a note saying he was going there to find you. We haven’t seen him for a few days so who knows when he left. He could already be there.”

“Ok, thanks Crys. I’ll call you later.”

“Wait, Sarah. There’s something else…”

“What is it?” Spike asked when she hung up the phone.

“Michael knows I’m here. He’s on his way and they don’t know when he left. And Maria is with him.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Buffy said.

“Sadly no. I can’t face them Buffy. I’ll lose it.”

“And you shouldn’t have to face them. I know they’ll only end up upsetting you and it being so close to your due date that could send you into labor.” Joyce said.

“You mean I could get this baby outta me, maybe I should see them.” Sarah said.

“Well, he doesn’t know where we live so…” Buffy started but Sarah interrupted.

“You gave Maria your address. Remember, at the party.”

“I’d forgotten about that.” The Slayer said.

“She’s got Willow’s too and Xander and Anya don’t have a spare room.”

“You could stay with me, pet.” Spike suggested.

“Yeah, I was going to stay there this week anyway to see if we could coexist in the same house and not kill each other. So I’ll still be around to mother the mother to be.” Buffy said.

“Okay, good.” The singer said with relief.

Sarah packed a bag and they made their way to Spike’s apartment.

“I could show Michael how I got my nickname.” Spike said, trying to cheer Sarah up. She’d been silent since they’d left the Summers’.

“Or maybe I could show him.” Sarah mumbled.

“A girl after my own heart.” Spike said with a smirk as the pulled into the car port of the small apartment he’d found.

“Not funny. If anyone is going to eviscerate Michael, it’ll be me.” Buffy said provoking a small smile from Sarah. She got out of the car and helped Sarah from the back seat.

“I love it when you talk violent.” Spike said with a growl.

He smacked Buffy’s ass and Sarah rolled her eyes. Buffy batted at Spike's hand as he wrapped it round her waist and nuzzled her neck.

“Cut it out and help me get our stuff inside.” The Slayer said, halfheartedly trying to pull away.

“Fine, but you’re gonna make it up to me later.” The blonde vampire said with a teasing nip before he pulled away.

He opened the trunk of Sarah’s car and grabbed a few bags then headed inside. Once he disappeared Sarah turned to Buffy.

“I miss sex.” The singer said.

“I wonder why?” Buffy asked sarcastically.

“Well after I left Roswell I was pretty much ready to never have sex again. Sex equals much trouble but my hormones are all funky and I miss sex.”

“Just try to see the bright side, once the baby’s born you won’t have time to miss it anymore.” Buffy said as they moved to go inside.

“Yeah, thanks, Buff. Real bright happy thoughts there.”

They sat down in the living room and Spike joined them once their things were inside.

“So, Pet. Thought of any names yet?” Spike asked.

“Not really. I want a name that means something. A name she can be proud to have.” Sarah said patting her stomach lightly.

“You should talk to Giles. I know he has a book at the shop with names from all different cultures and their meanings.” Buffy told her.

“Really? Cool, that could be just what I need. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

~~~~~

The next day around noon Sarah went to The Magic Box. Anya had the day off so the former watcher was the only one there.

“Hey Giles.” Sarah said when she entered.

“Hello, Sarah. How are you?”

“I’m fine. You?”

“Quite well, thank you. Is there something you needed?”

“Yeah, Buffy said you had a book of names and their meanings.”

“We have a few actually. Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get them for you. Would you like a cup of tea? I just made a new pot.”

“That sounds great.” Sarah said taking a seat at the round table.

Giles sat a few books in front of her then disappeared into the back, emerging a moment later with a cup of tea for both of them. Sarah read for a while as Giles busied himself with random chores. Sarah had just closed the first book and picked up the second when Buffy and Spike came in through the back door.

“Hey guys.” The singer said with a smile.

“Hey yourself. Any luck?” Buffy asked pointing to the books.

“Maybe, I wanna look through a few more…” Sarah stopped and her eyebrows furrowed.

“You okay?” Buffy asked.

“What? Oh yeah. Just felt weird for a sec.” Sarah said shaking her head, trying to get rid of the sudden tenseness in her body.

A moment later the bells sounded above the door. Sarah turned to see Michael and Maria walk in.

Sarah scrambled from her chair and backed right into Spike. He moved to stand in front of her. Buffy went to greet the pair and Spike watched from the corner of his eye as she backed out of the room, successfully disappearing into Buffy’s training room before the new arrivals saw her.

“How dare you even think about coming here!” Buffy nearly shouted when she approached the pair. “Get out!”

“No until you tell me where Sarah is.” Michael said.

“Forget it! Do you have any idea what that girl has gone through because of the two of you?”

“We need to see her Buffy, please.” Maria said, her eyes on the floor.

“No. You are the last thing she needs right now. Just leave before Spike and I kick you out, literally.”

“Fine. We’ll go, but we aren’t leaving until we see her. Sunnydale’s a small town, Buffy, and I don’t see Sarah locking herself inside her house.” Michael said.

“You’re right, but you seem to be forgetting something, Sunnydale is my town. You’d be surprised how fast Willow could hack into a computer system and make sure no hotel’s would let stay there.”

“You’d really do that just to keep us from seeing her?” Maria asked.

“Yes I would, Maria. Because that’s what friends do, they protect each other. But I guess you wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?” The slayer said with a look of disgust. “She trusted you. She loved both of you. You’re not worthy to have someone like her in your life.”

“Maybe. But at least I’m here trying to face what I did. At least I didn’t run away at the first sign of trouble! That's how she deals with everything!” Michael said.

Spike heard a choked sob come from the back room.

Buffy started to advance on Michael and Giles made his way around the counter. He placed a hand on her shoulder and when Buffy looked in his eyes she could see a bit a Ripper shining through.

“Get the hell out of my shop and if I catch you anywhere near Sarah believe me you won’t be able to run away fast enough.” The ex-watcher practically growled.

Maria took Michael’s hand and led him from the shop.

“Well done.” Spike said smirk at Giles.

Buffy went to the back and found Sarah sitting on one of her training mats, her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach, tears running down her face.

“You okay?” The slayer asked.

“Was I wrong, Buffy? Did I run away?” Sarah asked quietly.

“No, Sarah. You had a lot to deal with and you didn’t run. They practically chased you away. Michael was just trying to make himself feel better.” Buffy said.

“She’s right, luv.” Spike said sitting down next to Sarah and putting his arm around her.

“Take me home.” Sarah murmured burying her face in the vampire’s neck.

Spike picked her up and carried her outside while Buffy grabbed their things.

~~~

“Then Giles kicked them out.” Buffy said as she finished relating what had happened to Xander.

“How is she?”

“She’s trying to put on a happy face but I can tell she’s worried. She really doesn’t want to see them right now.”

“That’s understandable but maybe she should just get it over and done with, you know?”

“You’re probably right but I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Neither do I, none of us do but if Sarah wants to get on with her life she’s going to have to put him behind her. I mean after everything that happened with Cordelia in high school I didn’t think I’d be able to face her, but I did and got verbally bashed into the ground then that was that and I moved on.”

Buffy nodded then smiled as Spike walked into the room. Xander rolled his eyes.

“Of all the guys in the world you had to fall for Deadboy Jr.”

“Shut up, Xander.” Sarah said as she came in behind the vampire.

“Sarah! How is my favorite mother-to-be?”

“As good as I’m gonna get.” Sarah said with a smile but her friends didn’t miss the sigh that escaped her lips.

“Hey, guys.” Will said as she and Tara walked in to Spike’s apartment. “Guess what?”

“What?” Buffy asked.

“Oz and the Dingoes are coming to town.” Tara said.

“Who?” Sarah asked, sitting down on the couch.

“Willow’s ex-boyfriend and his band.” Xander explained.

“What’s the occasion?” Buffy asked.

“I don’t think there is one. He just e-mailed me this morning and said they were coming in. I think he wants to meet Tara. I mean REALLY meet her.”

“Ah, the old honey inspecting the new honey trip.” Buffy said.

“Yep. They’re playing at the Bronze tonight, you guys want to go?” The red head asked.

“Sorry, can’t. Anya and I have plans.” Xander said. Buffy and Spike said they would come.

“How about you Sarah, feel up to it?” Tara asked.

“We’ll I’m not gonna sit here by myself and brood all night. I meant it when I said I was done moping.”

“Cool, we’ll see you there around 8.”

~~~

“Buffy! Can you come here?” Sarah called from the guest bedroom.

The slayer opened the door to find Sarah sitting on the bed.

“What is it?” Buffy asked.

“I can’t bend over enough to get the snap on my shoes.” Sarah said a sheepish look on her face.

Buffy smiled then knelt down to buckled her friend’s sandals. The singer was wearing an emerald green dress and her hair was piled on top of her head, a few tendrils hanging curled around her face. “You look nice.”

“I look fat.” Sarah said standing up. “Thanks.”

“You look nice. You’re welcome.” The slayer said.

Buffy followed the girl into the living room then went to find Spike.

“Act like a guy when you see Sarah.” Buffy said, finding her lover on the porch smoking.

“Like a guy?” The vampire asked with a smirk.

“She thinks she looks awful and I want you to make her feel beautiful.”

Spike nodded then stubbed out his cigarette. He went inside and saw Sarah in the kitchen. He walked up behind her and placed a chaste kiss on her neck. “Who are you looking so sexy for, pet?”

“Funny.” Sarah said.

“Why’s that funny?”

“I look like a damn whale.”

“You do not. You look gorgeous. If I didn’t already have the slayer I’d ravish you in a human heartbeat.”

“Really?” Sarah asked, chewing on her bottom lip.

“You honestly don’t think you’re desirable anymore?” Spike asked.

“Anymore? I never was. You’re just saying that because you’re my friend.”

Spike was about to protest when Buffy called from the living room and said it was time to go.

~~~

They arrived at the club and found Willow and Tara waiting for them and listening to the band. Wills pointed out Oz to Sarah.

“He’s a hottie.” The singer said. “And the band isn’t half bad but the singer is an ego trip waiting to happen.”

“That’s Devon. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women and music.” Buffy said with an unladylike snort.

The band finished their first set of the night and Oz made his way to the Scooby table.

“Hi, Willow.” He said hugging the witch.

“Oz, you remember Tara.” She said with a smile taking her girlfriend’s hand.

“Hey.” Oz said, looking the girl over. He must have approved for he graced the shy blond with a small smile.

“And this is our friend Sarah.” Tara said pointing to the girl behind Oz. “She’s in a band too.”

Oz turned and his eyes widened. She was beautiful. Very beautiful and very pregnant. Guess she's not single. The guitarist thought.

“Hi.” Sarah said.

“Nice to meet you.” Oz said.

“You too.”

Oz smiled then turned to the others. “I have to do another set, I’ll see you all after.”

“He’s different.” Sarah said slowly cocking her head as she watched him walk away.

“He’s a werewolf.”

“Cool.” Sarah said as if it was nothing.

Finally the band was finished and Oz rejoined them. He had just sat down when Sarah shot out of her chair as fast as her condition allowed.

“What is it?” Buffy asked.

“Michael. He’s here.”

“Who’s Michael?” Oz asked.

“Sarah’s ex. Go into the girl’s room. I’ll get rid of him.” Buffy said.

Sarah nodded and disappeared into the crowd. A few moments later Michael came to the table.

“Where is she?” He asked.

“Not here. Leave.” Buffy said.

“I saw her car in the lot. I know she’s here.” Michael said.

“Spike and I borrowed it. SHE’S. NOT. HERE.” The slayer ground out through clenched teeth.

“You think you’re protecting her? You’re not.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Buffy asked.

“I have to make peace with her at least for the baby’s sake. It deserves to have a father.”

“And it will. Sarah will find someone else who will love her and the baby.” Willow said.

“You really think some guy would be willing to get into that kind of relationship. To give up his life to play house with her. I love her and I don’t want her to be alone. I’m willing to take her back to Roswell with Maria and I.”

“Don’t you dare say you love her. You broke her heart and I know you’ll do it again. Sarah’s life is here now. She doesn’t want you anymore.” Spike growled.

“I’m not leaving Sunnydale until I see her.” Michael said calmly then turned and walked away.

“That was…interesting.” Oz said.

Buffy went to get Sarah and Willow quickly explained what was going on to Oz.

“Nice guy.” Oz commented sarcastically after Will had finished.

“Yeah, he’s a bloody saint.” Spike said. “Because of him Sarah’s got her self believing she’ll never be wanted by a man again.”

“She may be in a bad situation but I can’t see her being alone forever.” Oz said.

“You think she’s pretty?” Willow asked.

He nodded and Spike smiled.

“I got a favor to ask.” Spike told Oz.

He nodded again and moved closer to the young man.

“Why don’t you ask Sarah on a date?”

“I think Buffy’s rubbing off on him.” Tara said with a smile.

Spike sneered at her then turned back to Oz. “Maybe if you give her a little attention she won’t be so damn depressed. I hate seeing her like this. It’s not like you have to commit to anything. Just show her that she’s not hard on the eyes.”

Before Oz could answer Buffy and Sarah rejoined them.

Sarah sat down looking like she’s just been diagnosed with cancer of the puppy.

“Why don’t you tell Oz about your band?” Buffy suggested. “I remember Willow saying he’d heard of you.”

“The Believers.” Sarah said quietly her eyes staring into her Cherry Coke.

“You’re Sarah Crawford?” Oz asked.

She nodded.

“I heard a lot about the band when you were in New York. You’re good.”

“Thanks.” Sarah said with a halfhearted smile. “I’m sorry, guys. I’m really not in party mode. I’m gonna head back to the apartment.”

“Ok. Spike and I are going to o a quick patrol then we’ll see you there.” Buffy said.

“Alright. It was nice meeting you Oz.” Sarah said sending him a small sad smile.

“I’ll do it.” Oz told Spike as he watched the girl go.

~~~

The next day Oz came over to Spike’s apartment with the pretense of catching up with Buffy. When he arrived Sarah was sitting Indian style on the living room floor building a large 3-D puzzle of the Tower of London.

“Hey, Sarah. Buffy here?”

“Hi. Nope. She’s at her mom’s picking up Dawn. She won’t be long if you want to wait.”

“You don’t mind?” He asked.

“Of course not, any friend of Buffy’s is a friend of mine.” She said fishing through the puzzle pieces resting in her lap.

“Want some help?” He asked sitting next to her.

“Sure.” She said brushing the pieces off of her maroon slip dress and onto the floor between them.

They sat in silence for a while putting together the puzzle.

“How long have you been in Sunnydale?” Oz asked breaking the silence.

“A few months. I like it here.” Sarah said.

“It’s not a bad place.” Oz agreed. “Are you busy tonight?”

“No, why?”

“I thought maybe we could catch a movie.” Oz said pressing a piece into the side of the tower.

“Really?” Sarah asked looking over at him.

He nodded.

She smiled slightly. “Okay.”

“Good.” He looked back at the puzzle as Buffy and her sister came in.

“Oz!” Dawn said moving to hug the werewolf.

“Hey Dawn.” He said returning the embrace.

“We were just going to go to the mall, wanna come?” Dawn asked.

“Sorry. I have rehearsal, which I’m gonna be late for already.” He said looking at his watch. “I’ll see you tonight, Sarah. Around 10? We can catch a late show.”

“Sure.”

“Bye, guys.” Oz said and slipped out of the apartment.

“What was that about?” Buffy asked.

“Nothing, he just asked me to go to the movies with him tonight.” Sarah said.

“You have a date with Oz? That’s so cute.” Dawn said smiling at the singer.

“It’s not a date. We’re just going to the movies, no big.”

“Doesn’t matter, we are still going to the mall and buying you a new outfit so you look fabulous.” Buffy said. “Who am I kidding, you’ll look fab in anything.”

“Did she hit her head?” Sarah asked Dawn.

“I ask myself that all the time.” Dawn told her with a smirk.

“Funny. Now let’s go.”

Three hours later Sarah dragged herself into Spike’s apartment and collapsed onto the couch.

“What are you doing?” Buffy asked when she came in, her arms full with bags.

“I’m belly dancing.” Sarah said dryly.

“Oz will be here in an hour and a half, you have to go get a shower and get ready.” Dawn said.

“This is so dumb. It’s not a date, Oz doesn’t even know me and I sure as hell know he can’t be attracted to me. After what happened at the Bronze last night he probably just felt bad for me and wanted to be nice.”

“Shut up and go get a shower.” The slayer demanded.

“Fine.” Sarah said, letting the blonde pull her up and off the couch, she walked toward the bathroom grumbling the whole way.

Buffy set out the dress she had chosen for Sarah at the mall then went into the living room to wait with her little sister. They watched TV until the disgruntled singer emerged from the bedroom.

“Buff, I can’t wear this.” Sarah whined tugging at the hem of the short dress.

“Why not?” Dawn asked.

“I feel stupid. Pregnant women should not wear skanky dresses.”

“If pregnant women weren’t meant to wear them then it wouldn’t have been in the maternity section in your size.” Buffy pointed out.

“Whatever.” Sarah murmured sitting down; her deft fingers quickly french braiding her wet locks.

“Come sit in front of me.” Buffy said opening her make-up bag.

“Why are you doing this to me? Spike’s non-evilness is rubbing off on you.”

“Come on, Sarah. Indulge me please.” Buffy said.

Sarah narrowed her eyes but moved to sit in front of the slayer. Buffy finished as a knock sounded on the door.

“I’ll get it.” Dawn offered as she trotted to the door and opened it.

Buffy got to her feet and held a hand out to Sarah. Once the singer was up she turned to face Oz.

“You look great.” He said softly a warm smile pulling at his lips.

“Thanks.” Sarah said biting her lip and tugging at the bottom of her dress.

“Here.” Oz said holding out a single red rose, silently thanking Buffy for the idea when he saw the look of pleasure on Sarah’s face. “You ready?”

Sarah nodded then waved to her friends. “I’ll see you later Buffy. Bye Dawn.”

“Have you eaten yet? I thought we could get dinner first.” Oz said.

“That sounds good. Did you have somewhere in mind?”

“There’s this new place on Carson Street, we could check it out. Considering it’s the only place in ‘The Dale’ that’s not a burger joint or reservation only.”

“Okay.”

It only took a few minutes to get to the restaurant. When they arrived a waiter led them to a table near the center of the main room.

“How long have you been with the dingoes?” Sarah asked as they looked at the menus.

“Almost seven years.” Oz said.

“Wow, a lot of bands don’t make it passed two.”

“Well its either the band or we would have to get real jobs.”

Sarah giggled and smiled. At that moment Oz would have gone to Hell and back just so she would do it again. She had the most gorgeous smile. There were a lot worse ways he could be spending his time.

They ordered their food and talked while they ate. They had a lot in common, mostly due to music. After they finished they went to the movie. Oz watched Sarah’s face while she got enraptured in the story on the screen. He watched as she laughed at the jokes and sneered at the bad guy.

She's amazing and Michael is an idiot. He decided slipping his over hers and squeezing lightly.

When she looked over at him her eyes were wide and childlike, as if affection was completely foreign to her. After a moment she smiled slightly and squeezed back.

~~~

“So?” Buffy asked the next morning.

“So what?” Sarah asked.

Buffy rolled her eyes. “What happened last night?”

“We went to dinner then a movie.” Sarah said.

“That’s all?”

“And we’re having lunch today.” Sarah said.

“See, now lunch definitely qualifies as a date.”

“Buff, I love you to pieces but get real. We’re friends, okay? Oz is an amazing guy, he could have any girl he wanted, he doesn’t want me.” Sarah said, her eyes darkening and her voice turning to a pained whisper. “No one does.”

Buffy watched wide eyed as her friend practically ran from the kitchen.

“What was that all about, luv?” Spike asked from his place at the table.

Buffy thought for a moment then she remembered something that Doctor Simmons told her. “I think we’re finally finding out how badly Michael hurt her. The Doctor said that sometimes when women are close to their due dates their bodies and minds start to become more defensive, pulling in the good stuff, pushing out the bad stuff. Everything she’s been holding in these past months isn’t healthy, her mind knows this and is probably goading her to vent.”

“That could be dangerous.” Spike said.

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it, pet. She has a lot of power.” Spike said.

“Let’s just hope we can get through this last month without having to find out how much power.” Buffy murmured.

Two weeks passed without incident. Oz and Sarah continued to see each other almost everyday and Buffy could literally see the stress leaving her young friend as she spent more time with Oz. It also helped that the singer hadn’t had any more close calls with Michael or Maria but the slayer knew they were still in town. Sarah knew it too, Buffy would catch the singer looking over her shoulder or glancing around nervously when she thought no one was watching.

“Feel up to going to the Bronze?” Buffy asked Sarah.

“Yeah, the dingoes are playing so Oz will be there.”

“So are you two still just friends?”

“Yes.” Sarah said rolling her eyes.

“Do you like him?”

“Of course I like him. Oz is very likable. It’s just he’s so different, you know? He’s everything I didn’t have with Michael.”

The slayer smiled as she saw a purely smitten look cross Sarah’s face. “What I mean is do you LIKE like him, as in boyfriend like?”

“I don’t want to get my hopes up.” Sarah answered cryptically but Buffy let her get away with it. “Where’s Spike?”

“He’s at mom’s watching Dawn.” Buffy said.

“I thought Wills and Tara were watching her tonight.”

“Something came up I guess, Willow called an hour ago and asked Spike to take over Dawn duty.”

“It’s too bad mom doesn’t think she’s old enough to watch herself, I mean when I was Dawn’s age I was already emancipated.” Sarah said.

"Well not everyone is as mature and wonderful as you.” Buffy said, her voice dripping with sweetness.

“Oh shut up.” Sarah said. “Let’s just go to the club.”


“Hey Oz.” Buffy said when they arrived to find the guitarist saving a table for them.

“Buffy, hey Sarah.” He said kissing the singers cheek and hugging her. Buffy smirked behind his back and Sarah stuck her tongue out at the slayer.

“So how goes the slaying, Buff?” Oz asked.

“It’s been slow lately, thank god.” The blonde said. “I thought you were playing tonight?”

“We were supposed to but Devon’s throat is messed up so we had to cancel.” Oz said sitting next to Sarah and taking her hand.

“How much longer are you going to be in town?” Buffy asked, voicing the question Sarah had been too afraid to ask.

“Actually the guys were thinking about sticking around a while.” Oz said slowly.

Sarah was about to reply when she felt it. The same feeling she always got when Michael was near. She glanced around and saw the alien making his way to her table. Her grip tightened on Oz’s hand and she closed her eyes.

“Hello Sarah.” He said softly.

Buffy moved to stand but Sarah stopped her.

“Hello Michael.”

“How are you?” He asked.

“Cut the bullshit Michael. What do you want?” Sarah demanded.

“I want you to come back with me.”

“With you and Maria, don’t you mean?” Sarah hissed.

“Sarah, don’t be this way. Just come with me.” Michael said.

“No, forget it. My home is here now.” Sarah said.

“You’re coming with me.” Michael said reaching down to grab her arm but Oz wrapped his free arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him and out of Michael’s reach. “Who’s he?”

“Not that it’s any of your business but this is Oz, Oz this is Michael.” Sarah said.

“I have a say in where you are, that is my baby after all.”

“You gave up all rights to that child when you practically chased her out of Roswell.” Buffy growled.

“Guys, don’t fight.” Sarah said but they ignored her.

“Chased her? I was upset, I know I reacted badly but what did you expect!” Michael shouted.

“If you supposedly loved her so much then you wouldn’t have been so cruel.”

“I told you I was upset!” Michael said. “And I don’t have to explain myself to you anyway.”

“Like hell you don’t! I adore that girl and you don’t deserve her!”

“Guys?” Sarah said a hand going over her stomach but they still ignored her.

“Michael, stop.” A voice commanded from behind him.

They all turned to see Willow, Tara, Crys, and Max.

“What are you doing here?” Michael asked.

“I came to get you. You shouldn’t be here Michael.” Max said.

Michael started arguing with Max and then Crys jumped in, it wasn’t long before the whole group was arguing.

“Guys?” Sarah called, her face scrunching up in pain as she grabbed her stomach.

“What is it?” Oz asked.

“I think…I think I’m going into labor.”

“Everyone shut up!” The group turned to stare at the speaker. Oz glared back at them all. “Sarah’s water just broke.”

“Oh wow.” Buffy whispered. “We need to get her to a hospital.” Everyone nodded and the group who had moments ago been ready to kill each other now worked together. Buffy took charge, saying she would drive Sarah to the hospital and telling Crys to call Spike. No one dared disagree with the stressed out slayer.

When they got to the hospital Sarah was put into a wheel chair and then in a room to wait for Dr. Simmons. The group was beginning to bicker again, except Oz who stood to the side watching her worriedly, when the doctor came in.

“Hello Sarah. Looks like it’s almost time.” The older woman said.

“Already? I thought it would take longer.” Sarah said, cringing as another contraction rolled through her. “Now is good, now please.”

“Ok, we’re going to move you to a delivery room, your friends will have to stay though. You can only have one person in there with you.”

Two orderlies moved behind her bed and started to push it out of the room, Michael moved to go with her but her voice stopped him.

“Oz, please I want Oz to go with me.” She screamed as pained shot through her body. The young werewolf moved forward and took her hand.

“I’m here.” He whispered kissing her forehead.

“Stay with me please.” She begged. He nodded.

~~~

Buffy leapt to her feet as the doctor came into the waiting room.

“Is she ok?”

“Mother and daughter are both fine.” Dr. Simmons said. “She’s resting but you can see them if you’d like.”

“Please.”

The small group was led to a room. Buffy gasped as she saw the tiny girl wiggling in Sarah’s arms.

“Oh Sarah. She’s beautiful.” The slayer said. Oz moved to let Buffy sit next to the singer but Sarah pulled him back to her with her free hand.

“Do you want to hold her?” Sarah asked.

Buffy nodded and took the newborn.

“What’s her name?” Buffy asked.

“Serena Buffy Crawford.” Sarah said. “It means peaceful beauty.”

Buffy turned to show the others and Sarah turned to Oz, putting her arms around his waist. “Thank you, for staying.”

“Your welcome.” He said smiling.

Sarah slowly put a hand behind his neck and pulled his lips to hers. It was a gentle sweet kiss. Sarah broke away from him after a moment and turned to the group.

“Can I hold her?” Michael asked.

Sarah nodded.

“Guys, I need to talk to Michael for a minute alone.”

Everyone nodded and turned to leave. Oz smiled softly, kissed her cheek then joined the others outside.

“I’m sorry Sarah. I was wrong. I was wrong to chase you away and I was wrong to come here.” He held up a hand when she opened her mouth. “Let me finish. I’m going to go back to Roswell. I’m not ready to be a father, I thought maybe we could make it work but I know that I can’t be what you or Serena deserves.”

“Thank you. You can still see her.” Sarah started but he cut her off.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. But thank you. A part of me will always love you.” He said handing her the baby. “Good luck, Sarah. If you ever need anything, please let me know.”

“Thank you.” She whispered as he went out the door.

Max came in a moment later.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” Sarah said.

“She’s gorgeous.” Max said running a hand over the baby’s head.

“Thanks. I’m glad you were here.”

“I’ve missed you Sarah.”

“I’ve missed you too, Max.”

“So what are you going to do now? Are you staying here in Sunnydale?” He asked.

“Yeah. I like it here.” Sarah said glancing past him. Max followed her eyes to where Oz was standing.

“Good. So you’re happy?”

“I am.” Sarah said.

“That’s all I needed to know.” He kissed her forehead then got up. “I love you Sarah. And as soon as school is out I’ll be up here as often as possible.”

“I’ll count on it. I love you too.”

He watched as he walked out and Buffy, Xander, Anya, Willow, Tara, Spike, Dawn, Oz, Giles and Joyce. All bearing flowers or balloons, or candies. She smiled as they congratulated her and ooed and awed at Serena. She smiled again as Oz sat down next to her.

Oh, yes. This is home, and how corny am I? Sarah thought with a contented giggle.

Song:
Michelle Branch-Goodbye To You