Title: Another Day
Author: Claire
E-mail: moonlettuce@blueyonder.co.uk
Rating: PG
Pairings: Various
Status: New; Complete
Date: 29th Sept 2001
Series: Sequel to Carousel; second in the Dreamers duo
Website: http://www.moonlettuce.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
Disclaimer: No one mentioned in here is mine. They all belong to Joss.
Notes: British spelling abounds!
Notes the second: Another collection of drabbles, so they're still really short.
Notes the third: Set after the Carousel drabbles take place.
Summary: People wake up.

Another Day
by Claire

Xander can feel the soft warm body as he wakes and for a second he thinks it's too soft, too warm. Then the remnants of the dream fade and he remembers who it is in his bed. And as he looks over at Anya he can't stop himself from imagining a different blond, with ice blue eyes and sharp cheekbones. He shakes the images away, refusing to acknowledge what they mean. He's not haunted by thoughts of Spike because he loves Anya, because Anya's the only one he wants. And one day his heart will realise that... it has to.

***

It's the smell of the freshly made coffee that finally tempts Cordelia to open her eyes. She smiles, knowing that Dennis has taken to making her breakfast over the past few days. And that's apparently not all he's taken to doing as she slides out from under the comforter that hadn't been covering her when she went to sleep. If only she could find a living guy who treated her so well. But, for the time being, it's just her and Dennis. So, heading into the kitchen, she takes the offered coffee and thanks the friend she's never even seen.

***

Ethan still can't quite believe he's back in Rupert Giles' bed. He'd come to Sunnydale to say goodbye, to tell Ripper he was leaving for good. He shouldn't have done this, but when soft lips touched his all rational thought vanished. He's right where he wants to be, but it can't last, won't last, not in the harsh light of day. And as Giles' eyes open Ethan braces himself for the blow, for the words of derision to come. But then he asks the question Ethan's been waiting 25 years to hear, and the only word that comes is 'Yes'.

***

It takes a moment for Wesley to realise where he is before he groans. He must have fallen asleep at the office again. He probably would have been there all night if Gunn hadn't come by. Ignoring his protesting stomach muscles, he stretches as he thanks the man who's been watching out for him ever since Angel left. Gunn, who's been there through it all and never let him down. Gunn, who has never once abandoned him like Angel did. And as he looks at the outstretched hand and smiling face, Wesley realises he has a lot to think about.

***

Dawn grimaces as she stretches her body. She can't believe they fell asleep, can't believe it made her this stiff. It just isn't fair. She's not even human and she still gets kinks from sleeping on the couch. Then she stops the thought, glancing down at Buffy's still sleeping form guiltily. Buffy keeps telling her she's not just the Key, she's a Summers, Buffy's little sister. She's glad the monks put her here because, Key or not, Slayer or not, she can't imagine having anyone else as a sister. Because she loves Buffy, and she's the only family Dawn needs.

***

Tara feels safe here, knows Willow will protect her from the one that hurt her. But Willow is always so sad. She wishes she knew how to make it better. Is sure she could if only the voices weren't so loud and the colours weren't so bright. She tries to remember the person she was before, but her head hurts too much. All she remembers is Willow being there. She remembers Willow always being there. And if it all fades to nothing, Tara will always remember that. Because Willow loves her, and it's all she has to hold on to.

End.