Written Word 06
Season's Greetings Part 6 in the `Written Word' series
Rated: G (sorry, it just worked out that way)
Author: dword
Spoilers: Season 6 up to `Tabula Rasa'
Disclaimer: Joss and company own everything, I own nothing. I'm just borrowing. I promise to put them back where I found them even if they don't want to go.
Dedication: To Jac and Tag for their help and encouragement. To everyone that wrote feedback, Thanks so much. To Rari, Wenchie, Trich, Karen, and Sandra for writing fic that kept my own writing juices going by making me laugh, cry, growl and go Awww! To Gibberish and Holly... I miss you guys.
Author's note: Happy Holidays!
*-*-*-*-*-*
Xander walked into the Magic Box whistling a Christmas tune. He smiled at Willow and Tara they sat at the research table going over lists and through huge shopping bags. He stopped when he reached Anya, snaked his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck.
"So Anya, honey... making a lot of money this holiday season?" he asked. When he heard the good-natured snort from the general direction of the table, he flashed a goofy grin at Willow. She returned it affectionately.
"Oh yes, Xander!" Anya practically bounced as she replied. "We're doing even better than we did Halloween! Between mail orders and all the stuff I have sold to people for gifts... I managed to unload some of the horrible but expensive statues... even after taxes the shop will make a wonderful profit! I'm so happy!" With that final exclamation Anya jumped into Xander's arms and gave him a big, warm smooch.
"I'm very proud and happy for you, honey," Xander said. He then turned towards Willow and Tara and asked, `And how about you too? Have a good day braving the mad rush, known as last minute Christmas shopping?"
"Bravery was most definitely needed," Tara replied. "I think everyone in Sunnydale, demons included, waited until today to shop!"
"But we had a secret weapon, didn't we sweetie?" Willow added.
"Secret weapon?" Xander was more than happy to play straight man to his best friend. It was good to see her happy and more like her old self. It was good to see Tara happy too.
"The Buffy-nator!" giggled Willow. "You should have seen her, Xan! It was like old times. She was great! A hip check here, a little shove there and a path would open up for us to get through. This one very rude guy went sort of flying. He was looking all around for the culprit, never once suspecting tiny cute little Buffy. It took all we had not to burst out in giggles!"
"Oh! Then she used her version of the Giles' Glare on this woman that tried to snatch a bargain right out of Dawnie's hand. She couldn't get away fast enough!" Tara continued as Willow giggled on. "We had a great time. And I think we are finally done."
Chuckling at the mental picture he asked, "So where is the Buffy-nator?"
"In the back," Anya said, slightly distracted from counting money. "I think she said something about working off that Cinnabon (tm) and Mochalatta (tm) she had at the mall. Dawn is back there too."
"Okey-doke. I'll go say hi."
*-*-*-*-*-*
"So the gang is coming over tonight after patrol for hot chocolate and Christmas Eve happies, right?" Dawn asked, as her sister pounded the heavy bag hanging from the ceiling. "And we each get to open one present?"
"Yes, Munchkin. Everyone will be over around 11:30 tonight after Xander and I finish patrol," Buffy answered as she gave the bag one final roundhouse kick. She walked over to the couch where Dawn was seated, picked up her towel and bottled water. After taking a long swig of water she continued, "And yes we are all opening one present. ONE present."
Dawn rolled her eyes and gave Buffy a little pout, "Scrooge! Can I at least pick the one I open?"
"May I. We'll see. If I can't think up a better system, yes you may pick the gift."
"Fine, may I. Sheesh when did you become grammar girl? You do realize that it's winter break, don't you? It's not like you have to correct my homework for a few weeks." Once again Dawn rolled her eyes.
A sheepish grin flashed across Buffy's face. "Sorry, Dawnie. I don't know where that came from."
"Boy, it was like you were channeling Giles. I guess all the times he corrected your grammar finally stuck." At the look of sorrow that passed over Buffy's features, Dawn said, "Oh god, I'm sorry Buffy. I didn't mean to mention him. And they say Anya is tactless! You were so happy today, now you're sad. I am such a butthead!"
"It's ok, Munchkin. It was just a small twinge of the sad buffies. I have to learn to deal. You shouldn't have to walk on eggshells around me. And we shouldn't eliminate him from our lives and memories just cuz he went back to England. Sweetie, he was a big part of our lives for a long time, one of the bestest parts, and we should remember and think about him. It's just that I miss him, you know?" A single tear slipped from her eye and trailed down her cheek. Buffy swiped it away and then opened her arms. Dawn immediately into them and the two sisters shared a warm hard hug.
"Wow, that sounded really mature!" quipped Dawn as she pulled back from the hug and resumed her seat on the couch. "Who are you and what did you do with the real Buffy Summers?"
"Ha ha! Very funny Brat!"
"I thought so, Snot!"
"You would, Pain."
"Meanie!"
Xander walked into the backroom to find the two Summers girls flopped on the couch in a fit of giggles. "What's so funny. Don't tell me that there is Dawnster tickling and I wasn't told!"
"Nope! No tickling!" Dawn squealed as she jumped off the couch out of range from Buffy's reaching fingers. "There will be no tickling of me and that's final!"
Dawn picked up her shopping bags and went out to the front of the shop. Xander took her place on the couch and looked over at Buffy. She was still laughing but there was also still a hint of the melancholy left over from Dawn's earlier mention of Giles.
"So... are you ok? I just came in to find out what the schedule is for tonight but if you want to talk..." Xander let the offer dangle, leaving it up to Buffy. He had learned that pushing was not the way to communicate with Buffy. When she was troubled she would talk when she was ready. The trick was being there when she was ready. To not let her push you away. So he waited.
He didn't have to wait long. Buffy took a deep breath and began, "I'm ok, Xan. Really. We had a great day today. Shopping was the bomb! It's been ages since I stretched my mall muscles! They've sorta gotten out of shape since I became the Slayer. Even more in the last couple of years. Nice to know I still got it!"
"Yeah, Buff. I heard. Willow is calling you the Buffy-nator." The nickname pulled a gigglesnort type sound out of Buffy. "But?..."
"But," Buffy sighed then continued. "Dawnie and I were talking... Something reminded us of Giles... and then I got sad and then Dawn felt guilty but we worked it out. It's just that I miss him so much Xander..."
Xander put his arm around Buffy and she leaned on him fighting to hold back her tears. " I know, Buff. We all do, but we also know you miss him on an even deeper level. Anya and I have each other; Tara and Willow also have each other. You have Dawn but that's not the same. I wish I could do something to help..."
"You are helping, Xander," Buffy assured him with a small smile. "Just knowing I can talk to you about how I feel means a lot. Just knowing that you understand is a comfort. You're a good man. It is getting better. And I am learning to deal. That's something I never really did before. I ignored the problems and the pain before, now I'm facing it... instead of running away."
"Yeah, I see that. It would seem Miss Summers that you are growing up." He dodged a playful smack from the Slayer. And very nicely, I might add... HE would be proud..."
"Too bad he won't get to see the new and improved Buffy of the New Millennium. Too bad he had to leave to make this new me a reality. Geez Xan, I really screwed that up. Well that is of the past! No more oblivious Buffy. From now on my eyes are wide open!" Buffy took a deep fortifying breath and said, "Now no more mopey stuff! `Tis the season, jingle bells, falala, and all that junk! Let's go get something to eat, get patrol out of the way, and start with the opening of prezzies!"
Just then Dawn burst through the door from out front, "Come on guys, I'm hungry!" She threw an exasperated glare at the others. "You are taking forever! We gotta get something to eat, I have to wrap gifts, we need to get the last minute groceries for dinner tomorrow, you hafta patrol, I get to open presents, and can we call Giles tomorrow and wish him Merry Christmas?
"Whoa! Breathe kiddo! Don't worry we were just coming out to get you. What do you want to eat? You shouldn't have waited until the last minute to wrap. I'll pick up the groceries on my way back from patrol... that way Xander can carry the bags. You get to open one present. And yes, I think it would be a nice thing to call Giles. We'll get Willow to calculate the time difference and then when we are all together tomorrow we'll call him. Everyone will get a chance to speak to him... Sound like a plan?"
*-*-*-*-*-*
Buffy pulled her overcoat tighter around herself as she walked up to her house. The temperature had dropped dramatically in the last few hours and it looked as if it might snow. *Weirdness on the Hellmouth* she thought. Just as her foot hit the top of the porch Dawn came racing out the front door.
"Finally! I thought you'd never get here! Come on Xander, leave the groceries for now I'll help you bring them in later. Hurry!" she grabbed Buffy's hand, waved at Xander with the other trying to rush them along. Willow and Tara came out on the porch with huge smiles on their faces.
"You two better hurry. I think Dawnie's going to explode any minute if you don't." Willow laughed. "We got a delivery about two hours, three very large boxes and an big envelope, all addressed to you Buff. Curiosity is boiling up inside of her."
"Yeah yeah yeah," dawn tugged on her sister again. "While you guys are wasting time out here you could be inside opening them up! Come on!!!"
With a chuckle Buffy entered the house and took her coat off. She was just about to hang her and Xander's coat in the closet when Dawn said. "They're from England, Buffy. Forget the neatness first junk and open them for crying out loud!!!"
"England..." Buffy ran her fingers over the packages. "Giles? They're from Giles..."
Xander placed a hand on her shoulder. "Only one way to find out. I think you had better hurry. Dawnster's gonna explode and I don't think you want that clean up job..."
Buffy nodded and began to open the big packages. They were filled with many gift-wrapped boxes. There were some for everyone. As the rest of the gang began to take them into the living room to arrange them under the tree for later Buffy opened the large envelope, inside were four smaller envelopes. There was one for Xander and Anya, one for Tara and Willow, one for Dawn, and one for Buffy. She joined the others in the living room and handed them out. They all just sat there staring at their envelopes and each other.
Buffy finally opened hers. She read silently for a few seconds, then a tear slipped down her cheek. As she continued to read more tears fell. Just as the gang was beginning to become alarmed she clutched the letter to her chest. Then a smile to rival the sun broke out on her face.
"I think it's good news Xander," Anya stated. "Open ours. I want to know what's going on."
Xander ripped open the envelope and pulled out a letter...
Dear Anya and Xander,
Happy holidays! May this letter find you happy and healthy.
I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of the persons you have both become. I have been blessed to have you in my life. You both are the type of dear friends that someone could spend a lifetime looking for and never find. I thank my lucky stars that you found me.
I also want to thank you for taking such excellent care of my girls and being such good friends to them. You will never know how much that meant to me.
As I am sure you have already discovered, my other packages contain Christmas presents for all of you. I am entrusting you with the duty to distribute them Christmas morning. Yes Anya, you MUST wait until Christmas morning. Not Christmas Eve! Remember... patience!
God Bless.
Love,
Giles
*-*-*-*-*-*
Dear Willow and Tara,
Blessed Winter Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas!
There I think I covered all possibilities.
I just wanted to be sure to send my season greetings to two of the sweetest and gentlest souls it has been my goo fortune to know. I was very happy to learn that you were working your problems out. I am gratified to have been a small part of the process. A happy and healthy Willow and Tara has the added benefit of keeping those around you happy as well.
The holidays may sometimes be difficult, especially if there are great distances separating loved ones. I am charging you to with a bit of Light Magic to share with our friends.
Love,
Giles
Each young woman held a smaller envelope with their name on it, in their hands. At the same time they opened the flap and blew a small puff inside. A glittery, glowy dust floated up and swirled around the room. As the dust landed on each occupant of the room, a sense of peace and well being settle over them. It was not a false feeling, but rather a change in perspective. Inside they all let go of the struggle with things they could not change and instead recognized and held close to their hearts, the joy of all the good things they had in their lives.
*-*-*-*-*-*
Dear Buffy,
Oh my dear girl! How did we end up here? I blame myself, you blame yourself, we blame the Powers that be... but that fact remains that blame is irrelevant, that we are not together is important. It is important and wrong. Through assumption and misinterpretation we both reached the wrong conclusions which led to our separation. Because we are, as you would say, so challenged in the communicating thing it has taken much too long to correct.
That has to stop.
You are singularly the most important person in the world to me. I have dedicated my life to you. Not because of duty, but by choice. Because I love you. Not as a daughter, not as a friend although you are my best friend, but as the other half of my heart. I miss you terribly Buffy. Not a day goes by that I don't ache for the sound of your laugh, the light of your smile, your quirky sense of humor, or just your nearness. To show how badly I am smitten, I even miss the slaying.
I was wrong to leave you. You were right, I should have tried harder to find out what was bothering you. I should have tried again after finding out where you had been. Please forgive me. I have no excuse but can only explain by telling you that I too was very confused and hurt during that time. I had really just realized what you meant to me when I lost you and when you returned and seemed so distant I allowed my hurt feelings cloud my judgement. Once again I ask that forgive me.
You have come a long way since I left. I am so proud of you. That you had to accomplish this on you own and with so much pain is a regret I will carry with me always. I should have been there with you to help you. To share with you. You must believe that I never, ever, thought of you as a burden. If I have had to give anything up, I did it gladly because of all that I have gained. Like you I was never destined for a `normal' life. I would not know what to do with one if I had one.
My leaving was hard for me too. As I said before I miss you terribly. I had thought it would get better once I got home and resettled myself into my life here. It did not. I have discovered that England is no longer home and that my life is not here anymore. As trite as it may sound home is where my heart is, and my life is with where my friends, family, and loved ones are.
I hope I am not too late dearest Buffy. I want to come home.
I am coming home.
All my love always,
Giles
*-*-*-*-*-*
Dearest Peanut,
You are an evil, wicked, wonderful, loving child. I hope you know how much I love you. I will never tell your sister what you did, but I will always be grateful that you did. Reading her letter was the catalyst that made me see the truth. Of how we both feel and where I belong.
Now do me a favor...
Go open the front door, it's cold out here.
Love,
Giles
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Epilogue
All heads turned towards Dawn as she squealed and ran out of the room. Buffy got up and moved to the hallway to see what was going on The gang followed. Dawn was fumbling with the lock and door handle, her hands clumsy in her excitement. Finally she got it and swung the door open.
Snow fell softly behind him. The porch light gave an almost magical glow that made him seem like an illusion. Not waiting for an invitation he stepped into the house, placed his suitcase on the floor, and firmly closed the door.
As the shocked silence continued, Giles' began to fidget. He looked around at his family, looking for some sign of welcome. As he made eye contact with each of his friends he only saw happiness and relief. Dawn launched herself into his arms and attempted to squeeze the stuffing out of him. He returned the hug with equal force. She finally released him and took a step back. No longer able to put it off he tentatively cast his gaze to his Slayer. Had he been wrong? Did he assume too much? Was he too late?
Their eyes locked and Buffy slowly walked up to him, not stopping until she was within touching distance.
"Buf..." she stopped whatever Giles had been about to say by pressing her fingers to his lips. Her fingers then mapped every one of his beloved features before settling in the hair at the nape of his neck. With her other hand she held up his letter.
"Did you mean it?"
"Every word, with all my heart." He said, everything he felt in his eyes. "Do you forgive me?"
"Before you even asked. I love you, how could I not? Just don't ever leave me again."
"Never again."
The spell was broken when Dawn piped up with, "You guys aren't going to get all gross and start kissing now are you?"
"As a matter of fact, I really hope so, Brat!" answered Buffy.
"Ewww, I'll be traumatized, Pain."
"Yes, well, we'll try to control ourselves until we are alone. Is that all right with you, Peanut?"
"Peanut?" asked Buffy as her eyebrow started to creep up toward her hairline.
"Peanut?" chorused the Scoobies, no small amount of humor in their voices.
"Giles!!!" whined Dawn.
END
Season's Greetings Part 6 in the `Written Word' series
Rated: G (sorry, it just worked out that way)
Author: dword
Spoilers: Season 6 up to `Tabula Rasa'
Disclaimer: Joss and company own everything, I own nothing. I'm just borrowing. I promise to put them back where I found them even if they don't want to go.
Dedication: To Jac and Tag for their help and encouragement. To everyone that wrote feedback, Thanks so much. To Rari, Wenchie, Trich, Karen, and Sandra for writing fic that kept my own writing juices going by making me laugh, cry, growl and go Awww! To Gibberish and Holly... I miss you guys.
Author's note: Happy Holidays!
*-*-*-*-*-*
Xander walked into the Magic Box whistling a Christmas tune. He smiled at Willow and Tara they sat at the research table going over lists and through huge shopping bags. He stopped when he reached Anya, snaked his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck.
"So Anya, honey... making a lot of money this holiday season?" he asked. When he heard the good-natured snort from the general direction of the table, he flashed a goofy grin at Willow. She returned it affectionately.
"Oh yes, Xander!" Anya practically bounced as she replied. "We're doing even better than we did Halloween! Between mail orders and all the stuff I have sold to people for gifts... I managed to unload some of the horrible but expensive statues... even after taxes the shop will make a wonderful profit! I'm so happy!" With that final exclamation Anya jumped into Xander's arms and gave him a big, warm smooch.
"I'm very proud and happy for you, honey," Xander said. He then turned towards Willow and Tara and asked, `And how about you too? Have a good day braving the mad rush, known as last minute Christmas shopping?"
"Bravery was most definitely needed," Tara replied. "I think everyone in Sunnydale, demons included, waited until today to shop!"
"But we had a secret weapon, didn't we sweetie?" Willow added.
"Secret weapon?" Xander was more than happy to play straight man to his best friend. It was good to see her happy and more like her old self. It was good to see Tara happy too.
"The Buffy-nator!" giggled Willow. "You should have seen her, Xan! It was like old times. She was great! A hip check here, a little shove there and a path would open up for us to get through. This one very rude guy went sort of flying. He was looking all around for the culprit, never once suspecting tiny cute little Buffy. It took all we had not to burst out in giggles!"
"Oh! Then she used her version of the Giles' Glare on this woman that tried to snatch a bargain right out of Dawnie's hand. She couldn't get away fast enough!" Tara continued as Willow giggled on. "We had a great time. And I think we are finally done."
Chuckling at the mental picture he asked, "So where is the Buffy-nator?"
"In the back," Anya said, slightly distracted from counting money. "I think she said something about working off that Cinnabon (tm) and Mochalatta (tm) she had at the mall. Dawn is back there too."
"Okey-doke. I'll go say hi."
*-*-*-*-*-*
"So the gang is coming over tonight after patrol for hot chocolate and Christmas Eve happies, right?" Dawn asked, as her sister pounded the heavy bag hanging from the ceiling. "And we each get to open one present?"
"Yes, Munchkin. Everyone will be over around 11:30 tonight after Xander and I finish patrol," Buffy answered as she gave the bag one final roundhouse kick. She walked over to the couch where Dawn was seated, picked up her towel and bottled water. After taking a long swig of water she continued, "And yes we are all opening one present. ONE present."
Dawn rolled her eyes and gave Buffy a little pout, "Scrooge! Can I at least pick the one I open?"
"May I. We'll see. If I can't think up a better system, yes you may pick the gift."
"Fine, may I. Sheesh when did you become grammar girl? You do realize that it's winter break, don't you? It's not like you have to correct my homework for a few weeks." Once again Dawn rolled her eyes.
A sheepish grin flashed across Buffy's face. "Sorry, Dawnie. I don't know where that came from."
"Boy, it was like you were channeling Giles. I guess all the times he corrected your grammar finally stuck." At the look of sorrow that passed over Buffy's features, Dawn said, "Oh god, I'm sorry Buffy. I didn't mean to mention him. And they say Anya is tactless! You were so happy today, now you're sad. I am such a butthead!"
"It's ok, Munchkin. It was just a small twinge of the sad buffies. I have to learn to deal. You shouldn't have to walk on eggshells around me. And we shouldn't eliminate him from our lives and memories just cuz he went back to England. Sweetie, he was a big part of our lives for a long time, one of the bestest parts, and we should remember and think about him. It's just that I miss him, you know?" A single tear slipped from her eye and trailed down her cheek. Buffy swiped it away and then opened her arms. Dawn immediately into them and the two sisters shared a warm hard hug.
"Wow, that sounded really mature!" quipped Dawn as she pulled back from the hug and resumed her seat on the couch. "Who are you and what did you do with the real Buffy Summers?"
"Ha ha! Very funny Brat!"
"I thought so, Snot!"
"You would, Pain."
"Meanie!"
Xander walked into the backroom to find the two Summers girls flopped on the couch in a fit of giggles. "What's so funny. Don't tell me that there is Dawnster tickling and I wasn't told!"
"Nope! No tickling!" Dawn squealed as she jumped off the couch out of range from Buffy's reaching fingers. "There will be no tickling of me and that's final!"
Dawn picked up her shopping bags and went out to the front of the shop. Xander took her place on the couch and looked over at Buffy. She was still laughing but there was also still a hint of the melancholy left over from Dawn's earlier mention of Giles.
"So... are you ok? I just came in to find out what the schedule is for tonight but if you want to talk..." Xander let the offer dangle, leaving it up to Buffy. He had learned that pushing was not the way to communicate with Buffy. When she was troubled she would talk when she was ready. The trick was being there when she was ready. To not let her push you away. So he waited.
He didn't have to wait long. Buffy took a deep breath and began, "I'm ok, Xan. Really. We had a great day today. Shopping was the bomb! It's been ages since I stretched my mall muscles! They've sorta gotten out of shape since I became the Slayer. Even more in the last couple of years. Nice to know I still got it!"
"Yeah, Buff. I heard. Willow is calling you the Buffy-nator." The nickname pulled a gigglesnort type sound out of Buffy. "But?..."
"But," Buffy sighed then continued. "Dawnie and I were talking... Something reminded us of Giles... and then I got sad and then Dawn felt guilty but we worked it out. It's just that I miss him so much Xander..."
Xander put his arm around Buffy and she leaned on him fighting to hold back her tears. " I know, Buff. We all do, but we also know you miss him on an even deeper level. Anya and I have each other; Tara and Willow also have each other. You have Dawn but that's not the same. I wish I could do something to help..."
"You are helping, Xander," Buffy assured him with a small smile. "Just knowing I can talk to you about how I feel means a lot. Just knowing that you understand is a comfort. You're a good man. It is getting better. And I am learning to deal. That's something I never really did before. I ignored the problems and the pain before, now I'm facing it... instead of running away."
"Yeah, I see that. It would seem Miss Summers that you are growing up." He dodged a playful smack from the Slayer. And very nicely, I might add... HE would be proud..."
"Too bad he won't get to see the new and improved Buffy of the New Millennium. Too bad he had to leave to make this new me a reality. Geez Xan, I really screwed that up. Well that is of the past! No more oblivious Buffy. From now on my eyes are wide open!" Buffy took a deep fortifying breath and said, "Now no more mopey stuff! `Tis the season, jingle bells, falala, and all that junk! Let's go get something to eat, get patrol out of the way, and start with the opening of prezzies!"
Just then Dawn burst through the door from out front, "Come on guys, I'm hungry!" She threw an exasperated glare at the others. "You are taking forever! We gotta get something to eat, I have to wrap gifts, we need to get the last minute groceries for dinner tomorrow, you hafta patrol, I get to open presents, and can we call Giles tomorrow and wish him Merry Christmas?
"Whoa! Breathe kiddo! Don't worry we were just coming out to get you. What do you want to eat? You shouldn't have waited until the last minute to wrap. I'll pick up the groceries on my way back from patrol... that way Xander can carry the bags. You get to open one present. And yes, I think it would be a nice thing to call Giles. We'll get Willow to calculate the time difference and then when we are all together tomorrow we'll call him. Everyone will get a chance to speak to him... Sound like a plan?"
*-*-*-*-*-*
Buffy pulled her overcoat tighter around herself as she walked up to her house. The temperature had dropped dramatically in the last few hours and it looked as if it might snow. *Weirdness on the Hellmouth* she thought. Just as her foot hit the top of the porch Dawn came racing out the front door.
"Finally! I thought you'd never get here! Come on Xander, leave the groceries for now I'll help you bring them in later. Hurry!" she grabbed Buffy's hand, waved at Xander with the other trying to rush them along. Willow and Tara came out on the porch with huge smiles on their faces.
"You two better hurry. I think Dawnie's going to explode any minute if you don't." Willow laughed. "We got a delivery about two hours, three very large boxes and an big envelope, all addressed to you Buff. Curiosity is boiling up inside of her."
"Yeah yeah yeah," dawn tugged on her sister again. "While you guys are wasting time out here you could be inside opening them up! Come on!!!"
With a chuckle Buffy entered the house and took her coat off. She was just about to hang her and Xander's coat in the closet when Dawn said. "They're from England, Buffy. Forget the neatness first junk and open them for crying out loud!!!"
"England..." Buffy ran her fingers over the packages. "Giles? They're from Giles..."
Xander placed a hand on her shoulder. "Only one way to find out. I think you had better hurry. Dawnster's gonna explode and I don't think you want that clean up job..."
Buffy nodded and began to open the big packages. They were filled with many gift-wrapped boxes. There were some for everyone. As the rest of the gang began to take them into the living room to arrange them under the tree for later Buffy opened the large envelope, inside were four smaller envelopes. There was one for Xander and Anya, one for Tara and Willow, one for Dawn, and one for Buffy. She joined the others in the living room and handed them out. They all just sat there staring at their envelopes and each other.
Buffy finally opened hers. She read silently for a few seconds, then a tear slipped down her cheek. As she continued to read more tears fell. Just as the gang was beginning to become alarmed she clutched the letter to her chest. Then a smile to rival the sun broke out on her face.
"I think it's good news Xander," Anya stated. "Open ours. I want to know what's going on."
Xander ripped open the envelope and pulled out a letter...
Dear Anya and Xander,
Happy holidays! May this letter find you happy and healthy.
I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of the persons you have both become. I have been blessed to have you in my life. You both are the type of dear friends that someone could spend a lifetime looking for and never find. I thank my lucky stars that you found me.
I also want to thank you for taking such excellent care of my girls and being such good friends to them. You will never know how much that meant to me.
As I am sure you have already discovered, my other packages contain Christmas presents for all of you. I am entrusting you with the duty to distribute them Christmas morning. Yes Anya, you MUST wait until Christmas morning. Not Christmas Eve! Remember... patience!
God Bless.
Love,
Giles
*-*-*-*-*-*
Dear Willow and Tara,
Blessed Winter Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, and Merry Christmas!
There I think I covered all possibilities.
I just wanted to be sure to send my season greetings to two of the sweetest and gentlest souls it has been my goo fortune to know. I was very happy to learn that you were working your problems out. I am gratified to have been a small part of the process. A happy and healthy Willow and Tara has the added benefit of keeping those around you happy as well.
The holidays may sometimes be difficult, especially if there are great distances separating loved ones. I am charging you to with a bit of Light Magic to share with our friends.
Love,
Giles
Each young woman held a smaller envelope with their name on it, in their hands. At the same time they opened the flap and blew a small puff inside. A glittery, glowy dust floated up and swirled around the room. As the dust landed on each occupant of the room, a sense of peace and well being settle over them. It was not a false feeling, but rather a change in perspective. Inside they all let go of the struggle with things they could not change and instead recognized and held close to their hearts, the joy of all the good things they had in their lives.
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Dear Buffy,
Oh my dear girl! How did we end up here? I blame myself, you blame yourself, we blame the Powers that be... but that fact remains that blame is irrelevant, that we are not together is important. It is important and wrong. Through assumption and misinterpretation we both reached the wrong conclusions which led to our separation. Because we are, as you would say, so challenged in the communicating thing it has taken much too long to correct.
That has to stop.
You are singularly the most important person in the world to me. I have dedicated my life to you. Not because of duty, but by choice. Because I love you. Not as a daughter, not as a friend although you are my best friend, but as the other half of my heart. I miss you terribly Buffy. Not a day goes by that I don't ache for the sound of your laugh, the light of your smile, your quirky sense of humor, or just your nearness. To show how badly I am smitten, I even miss the slaying.
I was wrong to leave you. You were right, I should have tried harder to find out what was bothering you. I should have tried again after finding out where you had been. Please forgive me. I have no excuse but can only explain by telling you that I too was very confused and hurt during that time. I had really just realized what you meant to me when I lost you and when you returned and seemed so distant I allowed my hurt feelings cloud my judgement. Once again I ask that forgive me.
You have come a long way since I left. I am so proud of you. That you had to accomplish this on you own and with so much pain is a regret I will carry with me always. I should have been there with you to help you. To share with you. You must believe that I never, ever, thought of you as a burden. If I have had to give anything up, I did it gladly because of all that I have gained. Like you I was never destined for a `normal' life. I would not know what to do with one if I had one.
My leaving was hard for me too. As I said before I miss you terribly. I had thought it would get better once I got home and resettled myself into my life here. It did not. I have discovered that England is no longer home and that my life is not here anymore. As trite as it may sound home is where my heart is, and my life is with where my friends, family, and loved ones are.
I hope I am not too late dearest Buffy. I want to come home.
I am coming home.
All my love always,
Giles
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Dearest Peanut,
You are an evil, wicked, wonderful, loving child. I hope you know how much I love you. I will never tell your sister what you did, but I will always be grateful that you did. Reading her letter was the catalyst that made me see the truth. Of how we both feel and where I belong.
Now do me a favor...
Go open the front door, it's cold out here.
Love,
Giles
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Epilogue
All heads turned towards Dawn as she squealed and ran out of the room. Buffy got up and moved to the hallway to see what was going on The gang followed. Dawn was fumbling with the lock and door handle, her hands clumsy in her excitement. Finally she got it and swung the door open.
Snow fell softly behind him. The porch light gave an almost magical glow that made him seem like an illusion. Not waiting for an invitation he stepped into the house, placed his suitcase on the floor, and firmly closed the door.
As the shocked silence continued, Giles' began to fidget. He looked around at his family, looking for some sign of welcome. As he made eye contact with each of his friends he only saw happiness and relief. Dawn launched herself into his arms and attempted to squeeze the stuffing out of him. He returned the hug with equal force. She finally released him and took a step back. No longer able to put it off he tentatively cast his gaze to his Slayer. Had he been wrong? Did he assume too much? Was he too late?
Their eyes locked and Buffy slowly walked up to him, not stopping until she was within touching distance.
"Buf..." she stopped whatever Giles had been about to say by pressing her fingers to his lips. Her fingers then mapped every one of his beloved features before settling in the hair at the nape of his neck. With her other hand she held up his letter.
"Did you mean it?"
"Every word, with all my heart." He said, everything he felt in his eyes. "Do you forgive me?"
"Before you even asked. I love you, how could I not? Just don't ever leave me again."
"Never again."
The spell was broken when Dawn piped up with, "You guys aren't going to get all gross and start kissing now are you?"
"As a matter of fact, I really hope so, Brat!" answered Buffy.
"Ewww, I'll be traumatized, Pain."
"Yes, well, we'll try to control ourselves until we are alone. Is that all right with you, Peanut?"
"Peanut?" asked Buffy as her eyebrow started to creep up toward her hairline.
"Peanut?" chorused the Scoobies, no small amount of humor in their voices.
"Giles!!!" whined Dawn.
END