3 months after the conference in Colorado Springs

Jay and the rest of SG-2 were running for the Stargate, the enemy behind them for the umpteenth time. The MALP hadn't flown far enough and the natives on the planet were very unfriendly. As a result they were running for their lives again.

"Hayden!" Jay roared as he ran.

"Colonel?" Hayden replied, running beside him as fast as he could go.

"Remind me to tell the General that I need a vacation!" he hollered as an explosion rocketed them towards the gate. Hayden was back on his feet and dialing the gate and Sgt. Ireland had staggered up to press the correct buttons for the dhd. Seconds later they burst back into the SGC, Hayden and Ireland first and Walters and Jay staggering in behind.

This time SG-2 had a 2 week leave because of various injuries. Jay hopped a MAC flight to the Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, Ohio to see Buffy. He rented a car and pulled out the map with Cleveland circled on it and started to drive, a smile on his face.

Buffy had been moping all day. She had expected a phone call from Jay but no dice. She came home from work and was vacuuming the floor with a vengeance. Giles was closeted in his office, and Dawn had fled to her room to do homework. Xander was still at work and Faith was getting ready for a date with Robin. Buffy was torn between being worried and being a little pissy. Finishing the vacuuming she turned and screeched as she almost ran over Willow.

"Willow! You scared the stuffing out of me!" Buffy held her hand to her pounding heart as Willow laughed.

"Boy, I never thought I could spook you Buff." She turned, still laughing and went to the kitchen to fix dinner. It was the same routine every night, everyone ate at Buffy's house. Xander contributed funds for the meal, and everyone took turns cooking. Giles came out of his office when Buffy had squealed but seeing nothing alarming he had stayed to read since Buffy had finished vacuuming.

He was reading an interesting book written by an archeologist he had heard about, a Dr. Daniel Jackson. 'Very controversial, but enlightening'. Giles thought.

Dawn and Faith had come downstairs and Dawn was setting the table. Xander showed up, and the normal routine of the Scoobies ebbed and flowed. Life as usual.

Buffy was standing, staring out the front windows when a rental car pulled up to the curb. She watched as a tall, dark haired man dressed in black jeans and a black t-shirt stepped out, pulling off his sunglasses and suddenly she recognized him.

Jay had driven an hour and a half and found the house on Northpark Drive. He pulled in front of the craftsman style house and got out of the car, nervous and heart pounding. He would rather face a thousand Jaffa than Buffy's friends.

Buffy stood in shock, then said in dramatic tones, "Oh My God!" Everyone looked at Buffy, wondering what new danger was coming at them when she threw open the door and dashed outside.

"Jay!! You're here!!" Buffy ran to him and threw herself into his arms, legs wrapped around him, kissing his face all over. Any doubt about his welcome was washed away in the happiness of her response to his presence. Jay gave her a passionate kiss in return then winced.

"Hey Babe, easy on the wounded guy. I still pretty stiff and sore." He said and carefully let her down on the grass.

Buffy checked him out in concern noting the new injuries and the tenderness around his ribs and he took her hand and shook his head, "I'm going to be ok. Just need a break." He said and then he noticed the crowd on the porch.

Everyone was standing on the porch, watching in curiosity as Buffy welcomed the mystery guy. Xander and Giles were both in identical poses, arms crossed and cool expressions. Buffy was suddenly aware how difficult this might have just become. She looked up at Jay and he smiled at her reassuringly. He flashed his most charming smile and the two of them walked to the house.

Dawn was aware how much Buffy was glowing and went down to meet her sister's new, well boyfriend wasn't right.

"Hi, I'm Buffy's sister Dawn." She held out her hand and Jay shook it.

"Hi Dawn, I'm Jay Coburn." He smiled and Dawn immediately liked him. Faith and Willow came down and introduced themselves.

Jay was getting nervous but covered, "Wow Buffy, I didn't know that all of the beautiful women lived here in Ohio." He said charmingly. Faith withheld judgment, but was polite. Willow took to him immediately.

Dawn then stalked up the stairs and grabbed Xander and brought him down. "Make a good impression for Buffy." She hissed.

Jay held out his hand and Xander took the hint. "Xander Harris, longtime friend of Buffy's." The message was loud and clear, 'Hurt Buffy and die.'

Jay nodded in understanding, "Jay Coburn." Buffy looked at her mentor and father figure and pleaded with her eyes.

Giles and Jay's eyes met. Jay's were serious, and Giles were wary. Giles was aware that this man was very important to Buffy, but suddenly felt like she was making a rash decision.

Giles walked down and held out his hand, "Rupert Giles." He said in his proper English voice.

Jay winced at the ice in it, "Jay Coburn. I've heard a lot about you." He said, feeling like he should say sir or something. Jay felt the other man's disapproval, but couldn't change the facts. Giles nodded stiffly and walked back into the house.

Buffy knew what had happened. Giles disapproved. She squared her shoulders resolutely, taking Jay's hand and twining their fingers together..

"You're in for it now B." Faith smirked then walked inside as well.

Jay shook his head, "I'll bet you a doughnut that she's a troublemaker." He smiled and Buffy relaxed, realizing he wasn't offended, and led him inside.