A mother's pain, a father's worry, friends and family mourn

[oh_dear]

Joyce's words slammed into me, mingling with my own guilt. We of the council were to blame. Slayers came and went, and we acted as if it were normal. Or acceptable. But Joyce was real, her pain was real, and this wasn't acceptable at all. All I could think was, if we'd never made Buffy follow her destiny she'd be here with us. If I'd let her alone

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[wwp_watcher]

I realized I couldn't just stand and hover in the doorway all night. I sigh and push through, placing the tray of hot tea and cups on the sideboard. Giles is struggling with a grief-stricken Joyce. "Oh my, Mr. Giles, can I help you in some way?" I ask hovering over him, feeling useless and out of my element. I'm not good with people.

[oh_dear]

I looked over at Wesley, and didn't know what to say.

"Tea is good, I think that should help. It is soothing." I sighed. "Please. And thank you." I headed the rest of the way up the stairs with Faith, carrying Joyce to her bed.

Would that we could all take to our beds, and grieve.

"Has anyone seen Xander?" I mused.

[wil_rosenberg]

I stood in the doorway with Oz, pulled him inside. I tried to quiet my tears, only succeeding in quieting the sobs. I couldn't stop the tears streaming down my face. I brushed them aside angrily as I stepped back near Giles.

"N-no. I thought..." He knew. I was sure of that. We'd found out together. But he'd not wanted to believe it. Wanted to save her.... Oh, goddess. Knowing my best friend as I did, knowing how he felt about Buffy, somehow, I knew where he was. My hand flew to my mouth.

"Faith. Faith, you and Oz and I. The mansion. Now." I knew, deep down. He'd gone to find Buffy. "Giles, you stay here with Joyce and...and the new guy. Xander...if he's not here, he went to find her. To save her...." I trailed off, fighting to keep the panic from my voice.

[blasebandmember]

I cocked an eyebrow at her hesitation it wasn't like Willow to keep things from me...ever. But now wasn't the etime for prying and accusations, now wa sthe time to do whatever I could for her.

"Alright then, consider mission Xander started." I quickly took off my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Where do we start?"

[stake_n_skank]

I moved to help Giles, unsure of what to do. Buffy was a vampire. I knew I had to dust Angelus, but could I do B? Even I didn't know. I looked around at everyone, seeing all the pain and then muscled up all my strength.

Helping Joyce up the stairs, I said, "I'll do it. I'll dust the son of a bitch."

[oh_dear]

I nodded to her. Angelus had to go. Would it help Buffy or Joyce? I just didn't know.

And Joyce was in no condition to say or do anything about it.

"Thank you Faith."

[stake_n_skank]

"Has anyone seen Xander?"

I know I certainly hadn't. I'd been kind of an outcast of the group for awhile, so it was no wonder. The only person I could think of that would know would be Willow. What if he was in trouble too?

I looked at Giles. "We should ask Willow."

[oh_dear]

I nodded. "I'll um..." I wasn't sure if Joyce would want me or Faith her. I made a call. I'd at least seen her naked.

"Faith, can you go ask? I'll sit with Joyce."