sorry for the double post it wouldn't let me send it whole
Willow was still smiling as she carefully closed the bedroom door with her butt and then moved over to the bed to put one cup of hot chocolate down on each side. Looking down at the floor where the ties of their bathrobes still made a now slightly lopsided heart made her almost do a little skip across the carpet. Moving over to the wardrobe she knew it was almost too early in the morning to bother getting into pjs but hopefully they’d manage a lazy morning in bed so she started rifling through what she had.
‘Ugly... ugly... hospital...’ She shivered as she pulled that one off the hanger and pitched it at the garbage can. ‘Ugly... too fluffy... too cute...’ She momentarily stopped at a light yellow shorts set with cats on it. ‘This one.’ She smiled as she skipped by the yellow and pulled out the silky long royal purple pants and white strap top.
Spreading the outfit out onto the bed she quickly changed into it and pulled back the covers she sat down waiting for Tara to reappear.
There was a soft rattle as the door eased open and all at once a soft warm glow entered the room, as Tara tiptoed lightly back into the room from the bathroom. The blonde had changed from her day wear into a soft rose coloured silk night-dress, her long hair was held half up in a clip and in her hands she carried the pale blue candle from off the dressing table.
“Hi.” Willow tried to keep her jaw from hitting the floor as she sat up straighter looking at the blonde.
“Hi yourself.” Tara smiled warmly as she eased the door closed behind her.
“Extra marshmallows.” Willow managed to push her lips back together and make the slightly jagged appraisal as she watched Tara move.
Tara nodded wordlessly as she placed the candle back onto the dresser and crossed with her bare feet back to the edge of the bed, taking a moment to glance at the cup of hot chocolate Willow had prepared for her.
“You changed.” She flicked her blue eyes back to the redhead.
“I thought since we were going to bed...” Willow smiled softly and tugged at a pant leg. “Needed sleep stuff.”
“My thought too.” Tara glanced almost self consciously down at her choice of nightwear.
“Great minds think alike.” The redhead nodded. “You look lovely.” She managed to blush lightly, as she looked at Tara again and then tried to pull her eyes away.
“It... It was in my things...” Tara pointed absently over her shoulder .
“It should be, I bought it for you.” Willow filled in the fact for her with pride.
“Did you?” Tara’s smiled brightened as her hand played with the strap over her shoulder. “It’s lovely.”
“You swore to me that you wouldn’t look ‘good’ in stuff like that so I went out and find the most expensive lovely thing I could find for you to prove you were so very wrong.” Willow watched the blonde’s hand and looked into blue eyes again.
“Was I wrong?” Tara asked letting her hand drop to her side again as she gave Willow a little twirl.
“You were so wrong they should make a new word for wrong because the wrongness of thinking you don’t look absolutely gorgeous in that is not properly contained by simply saying you were wrong.” Willow watched the material sway around the blonde’s body and swallowed hard.
“Sweetie, you’re babbling.” Tara stopped and beamed at her girlfriend her blue eyes sparkled.
“Of course I am, totally hot girlfriend in the room.” She reached up to pull at an imaginary shirt collar. This action made the blonde laugh and shake her head slightly.
“I don’t know if I’ve forgiven you yet for not warning me.” Tara grinned and sat down on the edge of the bed.
“I still stand by the fact that you didn’t warn me and I had to go into the netherworld to find Buffy at that point too so no hot chocolate for me, I had to it way worse.” The redhead grinned.
“I think I prefer hot chocolate and snuggles to a trip to where-ever.” Tara eased her legs up into the bed and leaned back into the pillow.
“Totally, it smelled and it took ages to wash out of my clothes.” Willow smiled as she grabbed her drink.
“Willow.” Tara said softly as she watched the redhead chase marshmallows around with her fingertip causing the redhead to look up attentively. “When was our first time?” She asked gently a soft blush highlighting her cheeks.
“You mean...” Willow felt her cheeks blush a bit too. “Firsssst time.” She watched Tara nod her cheeks growing redder. “It was after Oz had come back from Tibet and I had this big talk with him about how he was the past and I knew you were my future. So I came to your dorm with a candle, an extra flamey one, the power was out all over town.” She reached to put her cup down. “And you thought... well silly you thought I was going to pick him but how could I do that and be happy?”
“How was it?” Tara asked watching Willow’s every move, her voice a mere whisper.
“It was... it was...” Willow smiled softly her eyes dancing. “Wow.” She whispered simply.
“Wow.” Tara repeated smiling. “I managed to be wow?”
“No, I mean you said wow. I think I was riddling off ancient Sumerian love poetry that hadn’t been heard by human ears in a few millennium.” Willow smiled more. “Or at least that’s what you told me in the morning when I could actually talk again.”
Tara laughed again her whole face lit by the joy and surprise she felt in hearing Willow’s words.
“Hopefully you wrote it down in your journal, it’s a bit endorphin hazy for me.” Willow continued tilting her head to one side.
“Hopefully yes, we can read it in the morning.” Tara nodded eagerly and then hesitated for a moment. “Was I your first?” She asked somewhat sheepishly.
“Girl yes, just you and Oz, who was a boy obviously.” Willow felt her head tilt back and forth.
“Oh wow.” Tara’s grin grew as her shoulders lifted up to her ears with pride.
“Darn tooting wow. Missy with the books and the know how and the natural talent.” Willow pointed at the blonde playfully.
“I - I - I had books?” Blue eyes grew wide.
“Oh no, no not books like that... romance novels.” Willow went pitch red from her forehead to the neckline of her top.
“Oh.” Tara went red too. “Romance novels.” She nodded knowingly.
“Exactly.” The redhead took a deep breath then grinned mischievously. “We ordered the other books later.” She giggled.
“We did?” Tara gasped, but her grin was too firmly plastered on her face to fade.
“Research, great when telling the Scoobies why we were going home. All about the research.” Willow winked at her.
“Back to the sneaky relationship status.” Tara made the reference back to the photographs of them kissing behind the bookshelves.
“We are the sneaky two.” Willow nodded.
“We were happy weren’t we?” Tara assessed her smile easing a little.
“We were.” Willow smiled and felt it fade a bit. “Until I screwed it up.”
“No Willow.” Tara shifted a little to turn to look at the redhead. “I can’t hear that from you anymore.” She shook her head.
“But it’s true... you know it’s true.” Willow contradicted.
“I do, but I also know that it’s in the past and it’s over now.” Tara nodded. “Would you do it to me again?” She asked point blank.
“Never.” Willow shook her head. “I never want to do any magic ever again.” She vowed. “Especially not anywhere near you, I can’t ever risk losing you again.” She slid closer on the bed. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Tara reached out and ran her finger over the pale strap on Willow’s shoulder then repeated the move letting her other fingers splay out to touch the skin surrounding the material. “And I trust you.”
“I still don’t understand how it is that you’re back or really if there is a why but I don’t care, all I know is that you are and I never want to be anywhere but beside you.” Willow smiled softly as she reached her hand over and placed it on Tara’s knee. Tara moved her hand down and placed it over Willow’s.
“So tell me, is there any other stories we should flip to quickly in the diaries.” She grinned and wrinkled her nose.
“I don’t know, depends how much detail you went into in your diary.” Willow smirked. “Though there doesn’t seem to be enough books here to chronicle all the times...” She giggled without finishing.
“Did you write anything down ever?” Tara asked curious.
“I did, I started a diary after Mrs. Summers’ died.” Willow tried to reference the point without getting too sad. “It sorta got put to the side with all the apocalypse stuff.”
“I can imagine.” Tara nodded. “Thank you for looking after me, and well... everything.”
“I had to baby, you were my everything.” Willow underlined for her. “There was no choice but to take care of you okay, so don’t you even worry about that ever.” The firm words made Tara nod and squeeze Willow’s hand.
“So is it snuggle and sleep time?” She asked softly.
“It is really late.” Willow nodded. “Though I ran into Buffy in the kitchen.” She filled in the blonde witch. “She’s staying in the basement to watch Madalene, I made them both hot chocolate too.”
“Is Madalene alright?” Tara asked worried.
“Buffy said she was awake so that’s got to be good right.” Willow nodded.
“I do hope what happened this morning had nothing to do with why she got drunk.” Tara frowned harder.
“I told Buffy about the real life diary time.” Willow let her know what had gone on downstairs. “She said she’d talk to Giles.”
“You know one thing I am picking up loud and clear through all of this, is that Magick isn’t all its cracked up to be.” Tara pointed out the sad fact.
“No magick can be great, if you use it wisely and don’t get carried away and respect it and…” Willow stopped herself. “Magick isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” She conceded softly.
“But it did bring us together, so it can’t all be bad.” Tara leaned in and placed her lips on Willow’s still pink cheek.
“It did.” The redhead sighed happily as Tara kissed her. “And it brought you back to me.” She whispered.
“We should be asleep.” Tara said softly.
“We should.” Willow agreed tilting her head a little to look into blue eyes.
“You sleepy?” She asked knowing the answer even before she saw Willow shake her head silently. “I want you to hold me.” She admitted her voice dropping low.
“Two arms no waiting.” Willow reached up and urged the blonde to lie down with her, the instant they were horizontal she wound her arms pulling Tara to her.
Tara nestled in and laid her arm over Willow’s body, her fingers playing with the cotton of the strap top. She slid her leg over one of Willow’s loving the feel of the sliding silk between them.
“And the best thing is that these arms are open for the next forever or so, just waiting for you whenever you need them.” Willow rubbed her hand down Tara’s back.
“I think I need them forever.” Tara admitted feeling safe and secure within them.
“Good cause they need you.” Willow whispered. “They were so lonely without you.”
“I can’t even begin to think about that.” Tara admitted with a gentle shiver.
“Then don’t, we never need to think about it again.” Willow held her tighter. “It doesn’t matter why you’re back, you are where you should be and nothing is going to take you away again.”
“Talk to me about your favourite ‘our’ time.” Tara asked making herself more comfortable.
“My favourite time used to be just after the world had almost ended for another night and we’d take care of everyone’s injuries and go up to bed usually about this time so exhausted but knowing in our hearts that we’d won again. We’d beat out the monsters and that it meant so much.” Willow’s voice was soft. “And then we’d do this, hold each other for along time sometimes talking about stupid things, sometimes not talking at all. Just knowing that we were alive and together and we would fight ever night for the rest of our lives to keep it that way.”
“Mmmm.” Tara said contentedly. “Tell me more.” She urged.
“We’d talk about what kinda house we want to buy when we finish school, what plants to put in the garden.” Willow continued softly. “Talk about how we’d have matching aprons even though I can’t cook and we’d have a big dining room table for all the Scooby meetings.”
“Mrs. and Mrs. Happy.” Tara felt her breathing steady and growing deeper.
“Mrs. and Mrs. Super Happy.” Willow nodded and kissed Tara on the forehead.
“Mmmm will it feel this good in the morning?” Tara asked her eyes heavy.
“I hope so.” The redhead cuddled her closer. “As long as we’re together I don’t see how it couldn’t.”
***
Dawn concentrated really hard on making the packed breakfast tray as stable as possible. The plate of toast was balanced on top of a bowl full of fruit salad. The small pot of natural yoghurt and two glasses of fruit juice, were covered with a second plate, this with butter and splurges of raspberry and peanut butter on it and two knifes. Under the tray slipped between her fingers she held the post and she held the spoons under her thumb over the top of the tray.
“Okay, now just don’t trip.” She said to herself as she made her way across the kitchen and to the basement stairs. She began to regret making the journey in her teddy bear shaped slippers as the flat fabric soles gave her no sense of security whatsoever. Not saying a word the teenager crept down the stairs, waiting until she could see if either Buffy or Madalene were awake before speaking.
“Good morning sunshine.” Madalene offered softly from her cross-legged position at the end of the bed. She was awake and at least had her hair brushed and tied up, while beside her the Slayer was sprawled out snoring softly.
“You’re awake.” Dawn smiled at the Spellcaster. “I thought you might need breakfast.” She added as she finally made it down the last step.
“I am and I do.” The Spellcaster smiled back. “Have a lot to make up for after yesterday.” Her face dimmed a little.
“No, you don’t.” Dawn shook her head and gratefully lowered the tray down onto the bed. “We don’t work like that here.”
“I do, I’m sorry if you had to witness any my horrible display.” Madalene relaxed out of the pose a little and helped her steady the tray on the blankets.
“It’s fine.” Dawn eased back and shook her head, taking up a casual pose by the bed.
“Toast.” Buffy’s nose wrinkled and sniffed a couple of times, though the Slayer’s eyes remained closed.
“She’s always like this in the morning.” Dawn grinned at her sister’s little display.
“Who other than us would know the mighty Slayer’s secret kryptonite is a good night’s sleep and food.” Madalene wiggled her nose.
“Are you feeling okay?” Dawn said suddenly as if remembering something as she dug her hand into her jean pocket and pulled out a blister pack of pills. “Buffy swears by these for aches and pains.” She offered the tablets.
“Thank you, but no thank you.” Madalene held up her hand to wave them off.
“Oh, ok.” Dawn dropped them onto a tiny spare corner of tray.
“I am officially drug and alcohol free again. It’s going to take weeks to get my Kalum back up to where it was.” She admitted. “Stuff like that and magick don’t work that well together, I try to avoid them.” She explained to the teenager.
“Okay, well I hope I did okay with breakfast.” Dawn moved to unpack the tray.
“It looks fantastic Dawn, really.” The Spellcaster stole a piece of fruit.
“Is there really toast or am I smelling ghost toast?” Buffy grunted turning over to face Dawn, Madalene and the tray.
“There’s toast Buffy.” Madalene assured her softly reaching over to brush hair back off the Slayer’s face. “Made by Dawn herself just for us.”
“That means its morning. Ugh.” Buffy turned her back on them again grumpily causing Dawn to laugh more from her spot.
“She deserves rest after watching me on vomit duty all night.” Mads frowned slightly.
“Oh please don’t tell me she called it that?” Dawn wrinkled her nose. “I mean ew!”
“I think at first it was swallow my tongue duty.” The Spellcaster matched the look. “So vomit duty got to sound better.”
“Checking you were okay is even better.” Dawn offered with a smile.
“I translated that from Slayer speak.” Mads winked at her. “So I hope you made enough for three.” She patted the blanket.
“You want me to stay?” Dawn tried not to grin too much at the invitation.
“You have to share in this wonderful breakfast.” Madalene assured her instantly. “And this way you can translate all your sister’s sleep talk to me.” She grinned and picked up a glass of juice.
“Well I was kinda lonely, Xander went to work already and Willow and Tara aren’t up yet.” Dawn admitted as she sat down pulling off the edge of a piece of toast she dipped it into the jam and nibbled it.
“Me too.” She reached out and patted Dawn’s arm.
“It’s too dark to be morning.” Buffy grumbled as she turned back to face everyone.
“Buffy go back to sleep it’s fine.” Madalene cast a sideways glance at Dawn who was laughing lightly as she moved to pull the blanket up over the Slayer. “Vomit duty is over.” She assured the blonde.
“Well it’s not fine really.” Dawn hated to be the one to end the comical scene. “It’s past ten and there’s an important looking letter here and Giles called already to say he wants to see you in…” The teenager paused. “Fifteen minutes.”
“What!” Buffy’s reaction was immediate her hazel eyes snapped open.
“I called him already and told him that eleven o’clock would be better for you.” Dawn grinned at her suddenly awake sister.
“Beast.” The Slayer stuck out her tongue.
“Toast for you.” Madalene reached back and stuck the piece of bread in Buffy’s mouth before she could get to swear. The move only made Dawn laughed louder. “Now this letter Dawn, why do you think it’s important?” She questioned going to sit back next to the teenager.
“Oh, “ Dawn glanced at Madalene and then picked up the letter. “Because it says ‘Miss. B. Summers, Legal Guardian of Miss. D. Summers.” She showed the Spellcaster the front of the envelope.
“Does sound important.” Madalene nodded and looked at the Slayer. “Toast monster you have mail.” She teased the blonde who was busy gobbling down the start of her breakfast.
“Mail? If it’s a bill, I’ve moved.” Buffy held out her hand.
“I didn’t think school’s sent bills.” Madalene commented leaning closer to Dawn.
“The school?” Buffy frowned and took the envelope.
“Just out of curiosity should I start faking sick to distract her?” She whispered to Dawn wanting to be helpful.
“Dawn..” Buffy’s eyes narrowed as she looked at her sister.
“What?” Dawn squeaked. “I’ve not done anything.”
“Probably just a mass mailing.” The Spellcaster smiled happy that Dawn wasn’t going to be in trouble. “The logo on the back is sorta crooked.” She appraised showing how she knew it was from the high school.
“Oh God.” Buffy’s voice lost all volume as she ripped it open and began reading. Dawn’s eyes flashed up and stared at her sister.
“What?” Madalene asked immediately.
“The high school is reopening.” Buffy stared at the letter in disbelief.
“Reopening?” The Spellcaster was a bit lost.
“I have to talk to Giles about this.” Buffy threw the blanket back and got out of the bed.
“But... but... we were having breakfast.” Mads tried to point to the tray.
“Oh.” Buffy stopped and sat down. “Sorry, of course breakfast.”
“Buffy, why is this such a worry?” Madalene questioned putting her hand over Dawn’s when the teenager just sat there silent and a bit pale.
“The High School is built on the Hellmouth.” Dawn whispered. “And Buffy blew up the last one.”
“Oh.” The Spellcaster dimmed down to the same shade that Dawn was. “Okay so I get a job and we put Dawn in private school, how’s that?” She blurted out the first thing in her mind. Both Dawn and Buffy looked at the Spellcaster. “Sorry just initial reaction to Dawn studying math on the Hellmouth.” She tried to cover.
“No, I mean I’m sure it’s fine now.” Buffy tried to play down her initial reaction.
“Like Buffy said, I am sure it’s okay, I mean they wouldn’t have rebuilt it in the same place and not built it right would they?” Dawn looked between both women for reassurance.
“Oh course not.” Madalene nodded knowing it was what the teenager needed to hear. “And hey this gives us a whole huge excuse to go new school shopping!” She grinned.
“School shopping?” Buffy looked at Madalene with a slight frown. Usually shopping was the first thing in her mind but it hasn’t been anywhere close this time.
“School shopping.” Madalene looked at the Slayer. “You have that meeting with Giles anyway, this way Dawn and I have something fun and exciting to do with our day and you could meet up with us later to make some final choices.” She picked up her juice. “And we could even see about those boots you were mumbling over and over about in your sleep.”
“Boots.” Buffy perked up a little and Dawn relaxed a bit.
“Suede boots... reinforced heel...” The Spellcaster made a drooling noise. “Size 6... dark chocolate brown to go with my coat and cords.”
“Midnight will love to chew those!” Dawn giggled.
“Hey no destroying my lovely dream imagine with visions of doggie drool.” Buffy chastised.
“Mmmm can I ask a question?” Madalene raised her hand. “Who is Midnight?”
“Oh you don’t know, I’ll go get her.” Dawn jumped up and before Buffy could stop her the teenager dashed off and up the stairs.
“You said I was only out for ten hours.” Madalene questioned worried as Dawn ran off.
“Yeah well apparently a lot can happen in ten hours when you are ganged up on by a redhead, a teenager and a big black Labrador.” Buffy arched an eyebrow.
“You don’t sound happy?” Madalene tried to relax again as she ate a few mouthfuls of yoghurt.
“Oh no I am, it’s just...” She glanced down at the letter in her hand. “I worry, about Dawn.” She admitted.
“I suggested the shopping so that we could be out of your hair and you could look into that worry with Giles.” Madalene said softly. “Less to worry about so more focus on the problem.”
“Thank you.” Buffy smiled. “Are you sure you don’t mind putting up with Dawn?”
“I would if I felt I was putting up with her.” Madalene shook her head. “Buffy your sister is sweet and inquisitive. A Summers’ family trait I think.” She leaned closer. “And I’m hoping more and more it will rub off on me.” She gave Buffy a light hug. “Thanks for looking after me.”
“Like I said last night or at least I hope I did, it’s what we do Mads, you’re a part of us now, one of the gang.” Buffy accepted the gentle hug and returned it.
“Maddy and Midnight, junior Scoobies.” She pulled back and grinned. “So are you sure a five wouldn’t be more realistic for those tiny feet?”
“Do you know how cold graveyards get at night?” Buffy laughed wiggling her toes.
“Is that a hint for me to knit you socks?” Madalene laughed with her. “I think I can knit.” She blinked for a minute.
“MIDNIGHT’S COMING!” Dawn’s yell came from the kitchen above them just moments before the heavy rushed padding of the dog’s paws hammered on the steps. Madalene flashed her head around to look at the stairs as the exuberant lab came rambling down the steps towards them. Midnight skidded to a stop near the bed and gave a short welcoming bark.
“Hello there Miss. Midnight.” Madalene kept her voice soft as she looked at the dog. “I’m Madalene.” She held out her hand.
The black dog tipped its head looking from Madalene’s face to the outstretched hand before moving closer and pushing her head up into the Spellcaster’s fingers.
“She’s very friendly.” Mads smiled as she patted and rubbed the dog’s head. “I can see how you couldn’t resist.”
“Yeah, she’s kinda cute.” Buffy looked at the dog, which turned from her fuss and jumped over to the Slayer dragging a long wet tongue up her cheek. “In a gross kind of way.” Buffy winced under the attention.
“More kisses.” Madalene laughed as Midnight attacked the Slayer.
“Don’t encourage her.” Buffy laughed falling back with the dog on top of her.
***
Giles looked up as the bell above the door as it sounded.
“Buffy, good morning.” He glanced at his watch noticing the time subtly.
“No lectures please, yesterday was a weird day and this morning was the aftermath.” Buffy closed the door behind her and walked boldly into the shop.
“Yes, well quite understandable from the rambling message you left on my machine. Would you like to explain?” He watched her for clues as to what was going on.
“Where should I start?” Buffy asked hoping up to sit on the counter.
“I believe somewhere between the barking, you screaming ‘No, Dawn its not from the Hellmouth’ and the unpleasant ‘damn Giles, if you are out rounding up chicks I’m going too...’” He coughed not finishing. “Just tell me please what is going on with Madalene.”
“Well officially she went out on a drinking binge yesterday, ending up having to have me carry her back home and spending the night making sure she didn’t hurt herself while she was comatose.” Buffy explained the obvious occurrences.
“Un-officially?” Giles’ looked at her sensing tension in her answer.
“Yeah, call it my Slayer sense but I think there is something more going on.” Buffy put in her two cents.
“I understand that she doesn’t seem like the likely type to drink large amounts of spirits Buffy, perhaps there is another reason for her indulgence.” He nodded. “Did you observe anything unusual?”
“Well she was dreaming, like majorly vivid dreams. I know, I know, not unusual for drunken sleep but this was weird Giles, it was more…” She paused. “More real.”
“Real how?” He began thinking.
“I’m not sure, things like she was saying something about being cold and she was cold, like her body was cold to the touch.” Buffy replied trying to give him examples. “I don’t know there was just something about the fluidity of her sleep talking and the fact that it made sense, you know, there wasn’t any flying elephants or men with cheese.” She swung her legs against the counter top while explaining.
“There is a likely possibility with all the latent powers that her heritage suggests she may have that there was something more going on. What exactly did she say other than being cold?” Giles’ moved over to the bookcases.
“Giles, I’m not sure I should go into details.” Buffy watched him move. “Some of it was kinda personal you know.” She felt herself blush slightly. “The other thing is that she doesn’t remember it, any of it.” Buffy recounting remembered that maybe it was important.
“Anya’s down counting the stock in the basement.” He walked back to her his voice hushed. “Whatever she remembered Buffy may be helpful, I assure you I would keep anything in strict confidence as you would.”
“There was something else…” Buffy admitted. “But that happened before the bender.” Giles looked at her urging her to continue. “Mads and Tara read some of Tara’s diaries.”
“Tara must be very relieved to be able to have a first person account of some of her memories.” Giles’ nodded not seeing a connection.
“Yes that part of it is great but…” Buffy glanced up at her Watcher. “Willow said something odd happened when they read them.”
“Odd how?” He pushed for information. “Something that could have emotionally spurred Madalene into going out on this bender?” He used her word reluctantly.
“Well I’ve not spoken to Tara directly, but Willow said something about them coming to life.” The Slayer hated saying the words.
“Magic?” Giles reached up to pull off his glasses.
“Willow says not, she said Tara said it just happened.” Buffy shook her head. “I think she was a bit suspicious but apparently Tara knew things like what they were wearing and how the room looked.”
“I have to say Buffy my initial reaction is most disconcerting.” Giles paced away and straightened out his waistcoat.
“Wanna play let’s share the disconcerting reaction?” Buffy asked quirking her eyebrow.
“Above anything else I don’t believe that Madalene is the type to make you worry by going on a drinking splurge to the point where you would have to carry her home. That this would occur directly after this unusual shared experience between her and Tara is highly suspect. Add to that all this apparently very personal information you say she was relaying during her intoxication.” He spelled out his worries. “It would be greatly helpful if you would at least tell me some of what she said Buffy, perhaps there is clues that can be taken from her experience.” He continued when she didn’t say anything. “You suggested earlier that she didn’t remember anything Buffy, I don’t think it would be very sensitive for me to quiz her in order to understand more.” He straightened up. “Perhaps you could speak with her about what you heard. Filter out what is important for us to know.”
“I could try, how about Tara would talking to her be helpful?” Buffy asked knowing she didn’t want to have to talk to Mads about this just yet if it could be helped.
“I think talking to both of them is necessary, we need to find out exactly how this replay manifested itself.” Giles nodded.
“Be straight with me Giles, do you think it’s big, bad and nasty?” Buffy asked the hard question.
“I think we have due reason to be concerned.” The Watcher took a sharp breath. “Which is why I’ve been putting some finishing touches on your new training schedule.” He went over to the table and brought back some sheets for her. “We both know that many creatures of evil will be very interested in their heritage and the fact that this has happened in Sunnydale like many things hints towards something more sinister than co incidental.”
“Ready for more coincidence?” Buffy sighed hard as she glanced at the sheets Giles brought over.
“More?” Giles queried as Buffy reached her hand into her leather jacket and pulled out the cream envelope. She handed it to her Watcher who quickly opened it and read over the contents. “Coincidence.” He folded the paper back up and tapped it against his palm.
“What is it about the way you said that that makes me want to reach for a broad sword and throw myself into training?” Buffy asked hoping down from the counter.
“I hope that I am wrong Buffy.” He admitted. “But we can not be too diligent.”
“I hear you.” Buffy nodded. “So, training?” She asked looking to the back.
“Yes, you suggested a preference for the broadsword first.” He smiled at her and began to turn up the cuffs of his crisp shirt.
***
Xander crept down the stairs to the basement as quietly as he could trying to keep the cellophane wrapper around the roses he had behind his back from making too much noise.
“Anya?” He questioned looking around the variety of strange magical items and leftover Slayer spoils.
“You made me jump and lose count.” Anya’s head popped round a tall packing shelf a slightly scowl creased her brow.
“Sorry, I just...” He moved closer to her. “Happy birthday!” He stuck the flowers out at her.
“Hap…” Anya stopped and looked at the bouquet or roses her face melting momentarily into a smile, before her frown reinforced itself. “I’m a demon I don’t have birthdays.” She tried to sound angry.
“Okay true but really this is the day that you came to Sunnydale the first time so it’s sorta like your birthday right?” He gave her a big grin.
“You remember?” Anya’s scowl softened again as she looked from the delicate blooms up into Xander’s dark eyes.
“How could I forget?” He tilted his head pushing them closer to her. “It’s the day you wished me into another universe but better than that it’s sorta like the first day we met.”
“This is very nice of you. I don’t understand.” Almost hesitantly the vengeance demon reached out and took the flowers.
“You don’t have to understand. I don’t have any big agenda or hidden reason. I was at work and I was looking at the calendar and I remembered what today was and I well wanted to do something nice for you that’s all.” He held up his hands making sure she didn’t throw them back of anything.
“I...” Anya hesitated again. “Thank you.” She said simply blinking her eyes that were suddenly filled with tears.
“Oh god I didn’t want to make you cry.” He fumbled in his pockets trying to find a tissue.
“I don’t want to be crying either, I’m not supposed to cry.” Anya’s frustration bubbled perilously close to the surface.
“Should I go?” Xander motioned back to the stairs.
“NO!” The vengeance demon hastily called him to a stop.
“Would maybe some lunch make it better?” Xander offered timidly.
“You bring me flowers and want to have lunch with me?” Anya wiped her eyes and put the flowers on the nearest shelf.
“Yeah.” He nodded putting his hands in his pockets.
“You are going to pay aren’t you.” She checked before committing herself.
“Pay?” He didn’t understand for a moment. “Oh for lunch, yeah of course. Whenever you want to go.” He smiled.
“Now.” Anya stated quickly. “I know what you are like at changing your mind.”
“Right now, no mind changing.” He stood up and offered his arm.
Anya moved over and slipped her arm through Xander’s but then stopped. He looked at her worried for a moment.
“This doesn’t mean we were going back to how we were.” The vengeance demon stated clearly.
“Anya...” He turned holding his hand over her arm to keep it there. “I know I can’t make up for hurting you with some flowers and a cheesy lunch. The only way I can do that is time and well little steps like this.”
“That’s right.” Anya said, but then seemed to run out of arguments or things to say. “We should go.” She encouraged.
“Your chariot awaits.” Xander smiled and led her up the stairs.
***
Willow giggled causing the blonde’s head that was resting against her stomach to jump up and down a little as she closed the last journal and let it fall to the side.
“I totally forgot about that floor party.” The redhead laughed more. “You were so cute covered in silly string.” Tara turned her head and watched her girlfriend laugh. “This feels so good.” Green eyes looked down smiling and Tara nodded gently into Willow’s tummy.
“So very good.” She echoed softly.
“I was thinking that we need to get you a new journal.” Willow reached down to play with a strand of blonde hair.
“A new journal?” Tara queried closing her eyes as Willow twirled her hair.
“For all the new good memories we’re making.” Willow pointed out. “So that one day we can read them and remind ourselves about how wonderful life is right now.”
“Mmmmm true we should write it together.” Tara encouraged.
“I like doing things together.” Willow nodded her agreement easily.
“Me too.” Tara nodded and lifted her eyes to the end of the bed, that they had not moved from all day. She smiled broadly at the sight of the large black lab that sprawled over the blankets. “What should we do with them now?” She asked turning her gaze to look down at the book-covered floor.
“Anything you want baby, do you want Xander to build you a bookcase in here?” The redhead questioned.
“Mmmmm.” Tara wiggled a little in place and then worked her body up along side Willow’s more, placing her head on her shoulder. “I’m not sure.” She admitted looking round the room. “I don’t know if we should surround ourselves with what’s been and gone.”
“Oh I know that glint.” Willow smiled and looked into blue eyes. “That’s the Goddess I hate this wallpaper we need to redecorate glint.”
“I was thinking something in blues would be nice.” Tara chuckled softly and wrapped her arm around Willow’s warm stomach.
“I like blue.” The redhead nodded. “Matches your eyes.” She leaned closer to the blonde.
“I don’t want to do anything too quickly love.” Tara admitted as she nuzzled into Willow’s neck. “You need time and gradual change.”
“I know. When I’m with you I forget all the other stuff, forget all about the meds and the doctors.” Willow tucked her chin against the crown of Tara’s head. “All I can think about is right now, this moment with you.”
“That’s all you have to think about.” Tara underlined gently.
“No more about the past... just our present.” Willow kissed blonde hair and closed her eyes feeling perfectly happy and relaxed.
The End For Now… to be continued in the next episode
"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."
To The Land of The Rainbow Writers
by deixs » Mon Jan 13, 2003 11:03 am 
That was so cute. Poor Buff, not knowing what to do about the situation.
WOLFLORD 
Hehehehe Buffy was cute waking up....and Willow and Tara, totally reconnecting in a lot of ways is so nice to see.
, if only you could eh.........