Exiled

Disclaimer: Owned by Joss Whedon, George Lucas and the master of this crossover, Drew Niehaus.

Notes: This is the last story in Exiled. Takes place before the events of year four in the original story. Hope you enjoy.

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Glory Days

As the Jedi prepare to return to the world that exiled them, Buffy and Willow face a milestone of their own.

"What'cha makin'?"

"I'm baking, actually," Tara said, leaning down to remove a cake from the oven. "Someone's birthday is tomorrow, seeing as its January—"

"Yeah, I remember," Xander said, leaning against the counter as he watched Tara set the pan on the counter. "Even though she was gone for what… three years? I remember when my best friend's birthday is."

"I just hope we have enough candles. After Willow's last birthday, we were running kind of low."

"Couldn't she just abracadabra some more?" Xander asked playfully.

Tara's hand slipped from the pan as she glanced up at Xander. "She doesn't do that anymore, Xan. She's changed now."

"I know she's changed, but sometimes I look at her at she almost reminds me of the girl I knew."

"Don't I know the feeling," Tara sighed. "But the fact of the matter is, our girls are growing up. They'll be forty soon."

"Imagine all the jokes," Xander said wistfully. "I see plenty of black balloons and morbid wishes ahead."

"I don't think those are such a good idea anymore, Xander," Tara said, walking around the corner of the counter. "Buffy's a Jedi now. To her, age probably means something different. Turning forty to the old Buffy would have been a miraculous milestone, something to celebrate with an all-night drinking party and talk of the glory days. But things have changed. You're twenty four. She'll be thirty eight."

"Just thinking about that is scary," Xander said sadly.

"Unfortunately, it's not exactly scary anymore. It's life."

"They're talking about going back, you know," Xander said. "All of them?"

"Including Aayla?" Tara asked lightly.

"I know the time will eventually come when she'll leave with the Jedi and I'll be at home, nursing a broken heart."

"You wouldn't go with her?" Tara asked.

"And do what? Become the Jedi's finest source of carpentry labor? I don't understand half of the architecture stuff she's thrown at me."

"But… you care for her, right?"

"Care might be an understatement," Xander replied, watching as Tara began to whip frosting in a bowl. "I think I'm growing fond of her. Fond enough to say…"

"Admit it, Xander. You love her."

"I think I do. And it's scary, you know? I mean, I loved Cordelia. You never met her, but she was… she was something else. Anya was a demon who made it her business to destroy men who wronged women. And now Aayla. She's… she's…"

"Driven is the word I think of," Tara smirked as she moved back to the cake, shaking it from its pan onto a cooling rack.

"She can definitely drive."

Tara eyed him dryly as she set her bowl aside. "Maybe when the time comes, you'll work something out."

"I mean, it's not like you and Kennedy. You two seem destined to be together."

"That's because I love her."

"So you have a slight idea how I feel."

"Yeah," Tara surmised, removing her apron and tossing in on the counter. "I do."

- - - -

"You doing okay, Dawnie?"

"I'm fine," Dawn said, glancing up from her paperwork. "Just working on my papers."

"You should take some time off," Vi said, leaning casually against the doorway. "It's a big weekend and all… it's your sister's birthday."

"I know."

"What'd you get her?"

Dawn set down her pen as she glared at her friend. "What makes you think I got her anything?"

"Well, last year you gave her that stunning sixth-century weapon set. I thought it was pretty neat, all those shiny swords you could have given me, you know, being your best friend and all…"

"Vi," Dawn laughed, getting to her feet. "It's different this year. But you want to see what I got her? Here." Dawn reached into her desk, pulled out a book and handed it to her friend. "It's just some stuff… from Sunnydale, from home."

Vi felt a smile touch her face as she paged through the book. "This is incredible, D. You are something else, you know?"

"Yeah, tell me something I don't already know," Dawn replied, her eyes twinkling. "And you're sweet. The gift is crappy."

"Did you see what Faith is giving her?"

"Okay, so my gift isn't the crappiest," Dawn said, grabbing her papers and shoving them into a folder. "Anyway… I think I'm done here. You want to go hang out, grab something to eat?"

"What about Zett?"

"He's off with the Jedi tonight doing some sort of mental retreat thing. But they'll be back tomorrow. Like Anakin or Obi-Wan would miss Buffy's birthday."

"Wouldn't it be funny if they did?"

"I don't think she'd forgive them," Dawn said, threading her arm through Vi's. "Let's go."

- - - - -

It was a misty, cool morning as the sun rose over the quiet campus. Buffy stood out by the memorial wall, her eyes scanning each and every name on the stone. It was something she had done her last birthday and something she was doing for this one. Her fingers reached out to trace the name of her beloved Jacen, his son and their daughter. She felt the tears in her eyes and the strain in her throat as she pulled her hand away. She would have thought that after this much time had passed, she'd be over it. But she knew in her heart that she'd never truly be over this…

"Hey there, morning Buffy," a playful voice rang out. "I didn't think you were old enough to the point you'd be up before the sun."

"I guess you've never lived with the Jedi," Buffy said dryly, stepping away from the memorial wall and facing her sister, who was walking down the path wrapped in her coat. "Speaking of up before the sun, you burning the sunrise light?"

"I normally sleep well past sunrise, but I miss my bed buddy."

"If you're talking about Zett, I so don't want to know about my sister's sex life," Buffy said, grimacing.

"Well, I'm not all too concerned with yours, either," Dawn retorted. "Except that you don't seem to be getting much in the way of—"

"I would put a cap on that thought if I were you," Buffy said, holding out her hand. "I tend to get all deaf when people start talking like that."

"I guess I wanted to be the one to wish you a happy birthday," Dawn replied. "I didn't expect you to be by the mourning wall."

"Sometimes I do it, you know, just to remember," Buffy said softly. "I don't really want to… it's complicated."

"No, I get it," Dawn replied. "I come here to remember, too. But sometimes you remember both the good and the bad. Before Sunnydale… before Sunnydale was destroyed, I made this book. It's really funny how I found all these pictures… they were in Mom's box at the gallery. I thought you'd like them… you know, to remember?"

Buffy took the photo album from Dawn and found her throat clogging up as she slowly opened the cover. "Oh," she said softly.

"I know… I know the gift sucks, but I mean it from a good place. I know you're going back soon, to wherever you're going back to. I don't want you to forget where you came from."

"I never forgot, Dawnie," Buffy said, glancing up at Dawn. To Dawn's surprise, there were tears sparkling in the elder Summers' eyes. "I never mean to."

"I didn't mean to make you cry."

"These were different times, Dawn. They were glory days before everything got complicated, before the portal opened… before I met the Skywalkers. Things are so different that sometimes I wonder what that life was like. Sometimes I wonder if I'm still alive…"

"Oh, Buffy, no," Dawn said, reaching out to her sister.

"But I guess I'm still here," Buffy said as Dawn wrapped her arms around her. "Maybe I'm just getting older."

"Ah, Buff," Dawn said as Buffy squeezed her painfully back. "You'll always look thirty to me."

"Remind me to put you in my will," Buffy said sarcastically, touching her sister's cheek. "Now… though you a Jedi Padawan, you were exempt from the retreat because of your Watcher duties. And I exempted myself because of… well…"

"Your Slayer duties?"

"You know me," Buffy said, shrugging. "I'm not really retreaty, you know?"

"That's not even a word."

"But it sounds fun," Buffy pointed out. "But now, dear Padawan, I've got work for you."

"But it's your birthday," Dawn pouted. "Err… Master," she added apologetically.

"Even if it's my birthday, I want you to train. The others will be back in a few hours and I want you ready," Buffy replied matter-of-factly. "Go and meditate. I'll catch up with you after I check in with Watcher Central."

"Okay," Dawn said, turning back to the building. "See you soon?"

"Right," Buffy said, taking the photo album and sighing. Hugging the book, she made her own way slowly back to the campus building, walking through throngs of Slayers laughing and sparring in the hallways.

"Buffy, good morning, how are you doing? I expect you slept well?"

"Hi, Giles," Buffy said, stepping into the room and smiling at her former Watcher. "I didn't sleep really well or at all, really. I'm getting older Giles. Another few years in the Jedi universe and I'll pass you in age."

"Buffy, if aging is what concerns you, I must say you've aged rather gracefully."

Buffy blinked as she held out the album, opening the cover and holding the book up for him. "Who is this, Giles? This blonde girl, smiling with her two best friends? Who is this?"

"Buffy, I—"

"Dawn was so thoughtful to give me this gift and the only thing I can think of when I see this is that this girl, this smiling, happy, beautiful girl is dead. This girl didn't have to worry about the weight of two worlds. And she certainly wasn't a Jedi."

"Buffy—"

"I guess I'm more Jedi than I thought I was," Buffy said, closing the album and setting it on Giles' desk. "I don't remember being a kid."

"Even when you were younger, you were no child. A juvenile adolescent, yes, but you matured at a very young age. And against extraordinary odds you're here today to celebrate a milestone few, including myself, ever thought you could reach. You may have changed in the past four years, Buffy, but I believe this change is for the better."

"I guess its true what they say about positive reinforcement," Buffy chuckled, wiping at her eyes. "I needed to hear it from you, too, I guess."

"I'll admit that when you returned I was uncertain as to whom you were. You were so lost and angry and tired. It was like I was facing a complete stranger. I was talking to someone I didn't know, an echo of someone I couldn't remember. But you reminded me why I came back as a Watcher. After you died… it took some time for me to return to my senses and… well, watch again. But in the end, it was worth it."

"I'm glad you stuck it out," Buffy replied. "I don't know what I would have done without you around."

"Well, you could have hung out more with us."

"Ha ha," Buffy said, turning around to face two vampires lurking in the dark shadows of the Watcher's office. They had come through one of the many secret passages built into the Watchers' offices. "You guys have been spending way too much time with Willow."

"Well, you know, dark souls prefer the other's company."

"How have you been?"

"A right sodding mess, thank you," Spike said, striding past Angel while throwing the elder vampire a scathing look. "First your friendly Lord Asinine sends me to patrol with the kiddie Jedi. It'd be fun if we were allowed to play with them."

"What, so they'd all have nightmares?" Angel scoffed. "Please. And I've been good," he said to Buffy. "Cordy and I… we've both been good."

"I'm glad you reiterated you're in a relationship now, throwing into my face once again that I haven't really loved anyone since my ex."

"We know all about the ol' poof, love," Spike replied. "Some guy with a nance for fighting the bad guys got the ol' Slayer all hot and bothered?"

"You're a pig, Spike," Buffy scowled.

"Yeah, Spike, grow up," Angel grinned. Spike rolled his eyes to the senior vampire. "We'll see you tonight… your birthday party?"

"Oh," Buffy murmured, rolling her eyes. "Right. Birthday party… I've got a few I can count on my fingers and toes I'd love to forget. I would also love to forget the fact you just love the fact I'm a few years from forty."

"If it's any consolation, you look hot," Spike said, his eyes flickering up and down her body.

"Somebody stake him," Angel groaned.

"If I had a nickel, love," Spike smirked.

"I know I'm getting old when those pathetic comments don't bother me anymore," Buffy sighed.

"I think you two should just leave her be," Giles said, despite his amusement.

"I think that's a good idea," another voice piped in. Buffy rolled her eyes as Anakin strolled into the room, gazing at both vampires with casual interest. "And you, Spike… if you speak about my sister that way again…"

"Well, aren't you the protective baby brother?" Spike sneered.

"When it concerns her, it does," Anakin replied.

"You're back."

"We just got in," Anakin replied, patting her on the shoulder. "Happy birthday, Buffy."

"Yeah, happy birthday and all," Spike said cheerfully.

"We have to talk," Anakin said, grabbing Buffy by the elbow. "With breakfast. Maybe something warm with the consistency of pancakes." With that, he dragged her from Giles' office, leaving behind the two vampires arguing with Giles.

"Did they starve you at this retreat?"

"No, but you know how Obi-Wan is."

"You didn't even think of finding your wife first?" Buffy asked.

"She's off with Faith."

Buffy frowned at that as Anakin marched her down to the galley area. "Enough said."

- - - - -

Loud music blared from speakers. As the Slayers jumped around to the melody, the mirror ball cast wicked shadows across the crowded dance floor of the Watcher's Academy reception hall. Anakin paused before he walked inside, glancing over at Obi-Wan who looked like he wanted nothing more than to bolt. "You ready?"

"Not really," Obi-Wan said weakly. "They never prepared us for this."

"They never prepared you to socialize?" Anakin asked doubtfully. "Has life with Buffy around taught you nothing? These are the same people we see day in and day out."

"But they're not usually around," Obi-Wan said, nodding in the direction of where Buffy was sitting at a table surrounded by Faith, both vampires, Tara, Kennedy, Xander and Aayla. Willow was a few paces away, nervously working up the courage to sit with her former friends. "And they're not around her."

"I sense jealousy," Anakin said, holding out his hand. "The Force is sensing jealousy from you, Master. Maybe you should tell her—"

"Anakin…"

"Well, it is her birthday after all and you can't pretend I don't know," Anakin argued. "I know all too well how you feel about her. You're going to have to tell her eventually."

"When I'm ready, I will," Obi-Wan replied with a sigh. "Now let's get in there before they find us gawking at them."

Anakin laughed as he followed Obi-Wan inside.

Dawn was with her Slayers at a table next to Buffy's, discussing a new master vampire that had recently been sighted by one of the other vampire teams. Zett sat next to her, playing with her hair as Dawn spoke.

Buffy sat with her friends while keeping a wary eye on Dawn. She still felt slightly responsible for Dawn, considering she was both her sister and her Padawan learner. She couldn't take these things in stride, after all. Dawn was still her sister. She heard Faith and the vampires bickering and found herself enjoying their company fondly instead of entering in.

Willow suddenly appeared at their table. "Hi."

"Hey yourself," Buffy said, leaning over the edge. "Having fun?"

Willow sighed and glanced sadly over where Anakin and Padmé were speaking with Wesley and Fred, looking rather adorable with their arms clasped around each other's waists. "I guess. It's been awhile since we've thrown you a party."

"This is the first birthday I've remembered having for a while," Buffy chuckled, reaching for her plastic cup. "This punch is delicious."

"That's because it's spiked."

"Maybe that's why I like it so much," Buffy teased. Willow gave her a hesitant smile and sat down as though her chair was a bed of hot coals. "What's up? You seem tense."

"It's just… a party atmosphere, you know? I'm still not used to being around so many people. But this is your birthday so I thought, you know, why not celebrate it with you. It's not the good old days with Angel losing his soul or Giles turning into a demon or Dawn suddenly appearing in your life… but it's still your birthday."

"I can't think of anything cliché to say about my birthday that isn't totally stupid or true," Buffy sighed, glancing at her cup before parting. "Oh, darn, it's empty."

"Don't fret," came another voice that whispered into her ear. "I'll get it."

"Oh, thanks," Buffy said, handing her cup over her shoulder. "So, now, where does this leave us?"

"With cake," Xander said, stepping into the room and switching on the bright lights over Buffy's table. "And maybe with that cake, we could get some dancing on the table?"

Aayla rolled her eyes and slapped Xander playfully on the arm. He grumbled as he rubbed the spot and stepped aside as Tara suddenly appeared. There was a large, two-tiered cake in her hands. She walked over and set the cake in front of Buffy, who stared at it in awe.

"Oh, my… is that chocolate?" Cordelia asked, appearing suddenly over Buffy's shoulder, eyeing the cake with apprehension.

"It's double fudge with triple chocolate mocha icing," Tara said proudly. "It's even homemade."

"Can I… marry it?" Buffy asked softly.

"After you blow out the candles," Kennedy said, appearing at Tara's side with a lighter. "I believe that—"

"Hey, I've got it covered," Tara said, placing her hand on Kennedy's and lifting her hand. A moment later, Tara's charm worked at the cake was ablaze, thirty eight candles lit. Xander headed over and turned off the lights, throwing the room in complete darkness.

Buffy glanced at her friends around her, feeling a sudden fondness for them all. Even Willow stood there with dewy eyes, staring at the cake in wonder. The vampires kept a clear distance from the fire. Dawn and Zett appeared, pushing their way in. Anakin and Padmé stood with his arms clasped around her waist. Obi-Wan stood out to her for some reason, staring at her mildly over the firelight.

"Make a wish, Buffy," Giles reminded her.

Buffy closed her eyes, smiling as she made her wish. Opening her eyes, she blew out her candles, pleased as she managed to get all on a breath and a half. As everyone applauded, she smiled at the group and stared lovingly at her cake.

"Oh, there is absolutely nothing that can't be solved with chocolate," she said, reaching out to touch her cake as Xander appeared with a knife. "Do you have to cut it?"

"Buffy, look at this masterpiece. Tara's a total lightweight in the kitchen, but today meant something to her. It means something to a lot of us. This cake was meant to be consumed. If you want, before I cut it, we can take a picture."

"No, thanks," Buffy said as Xander shook his head and cut into the cake. "I think I can remember this one."

"Maybe if you're done flirting with your cake, you can let Obi-Wan feed it to you."

Buffy glanced up, blinking in surprise at her friend. "What?"

- - - - -

The End

For real this time.