Notice: These characters aren't mine; they belong to JK Rowling. Spoilers and warnings are posted in the prologue.
Author's Note: Once again, my muse wasn't cooperating with me, and was focusing on the other stories I write. I'll be putting up a couple new poles at my yahoo group, one of which, will ask who should Giles be paired with. Please take some time and respond to them. I'm still looking for someone who is good at writing poetry, to make a prophecy for this story, Follow Through, & Crash and Burn. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! Please keep them coming, as they really encourage me to write.
Don't forget that there is a preview for the next chapter at the end, past the song.
Pairings: Xander/Spike/Severus, Willow/Tara, Angel/Doyle, Wesley/Gunn, Cordelia/Fred, Giles?
Beta'd by the lovely Strife
Chapter Nine: Dining With Family
They had been living together, in the mansion, for a little over two weeks and Xander was nervous, because tonight was the first time he would have seen Willow, Tara, Dawn and Giles, since moving in. They were all coming over for dinner, get a tour of the mansion's changes, and get to know the boys. Xander was also planning to tell them, that Spike and him were dating. Although, he may soon be involved in a threesome. Over the past couple of days there had been talk between Spike and Xander, of bringing Severus into their relationship. Severus, had looked so lonely lately. Xander was starting to think, he was developing empathic abilities. Lately, even when Xander knew he was happy, he would get a wave of sadness, and it only happened when Severus was nearby. It's not like Severus is hard on the eyes, and he had a kind soul, once you could get past the snarky layer of protection. Plus, it would also give him more of a reason to hang around Sunnydale, instead of trying to take Draco and leave.
Xander looked up from his work bench, as he thought he heard a knock on the door. Xander pushed the automatic door opener, that had been installed, so that if he was working, he didn't have to leave it, to get the door. Xander smiled, as the door opened, to reveal Draco standing there, holding a paper plate, containing an extremely messy peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Draco chewed on his lip nervously, as if he was afraid to enter. Well, the adults had made it clear, not to enter the workshop without a grown-up, because there was dangerous equipment in the room. Xander motioned for Draco to come on in. The boy shyly came over to Xander and stood, holding the plate out. A moment later, Harry come into the room with a large glass of milk, that he was concentrating hard on, so as not to spill a single drop.
"Hello boys, what's all this for?"
"Daddy Xander, you forgot to eat lunch again. Daddy Sev and Papa Spike, would become very upset if they knew you didn't eat lunch yesterday or today. Harry and I made you lunch, because we heard Papa Spike say that you could get sick if you don't take care of yourself, by eating healthy. Harry and I don't want that! So, please eat!" Draco held the plate out again, for Xander to take, with his lower lip wobbling and batting his lashes. Harry held out the glass of milk, while pouting his lower lip and also batting his lashes. Xander couldn't resist their expression, and took both items from them.
"Thank you, Harry and Draco. I was so busy working, I didn't pay attention to the clock. Would you like to see what I've been working on?" Xander took a big bite of the sandwich, and almost laughed, as both boys let out a huge sigh of relief, to see him eating.
"Yes, Daddy Xander!" Both boys, chimed together. The more time they spent together it seemed, the more their behavior, became closer to that of twins. They had even developed their own secret language. Harry and Draco climbed up on to the bench, with one on either side of Xander. They peered down at the blueprints. "What is it Daddy Xander? How come you are drawing in here? Don't you know that the playroom and kitchen table are the only places drawing is allowed."
Xander had to, once again, struggle not to laugh. Harry and Draco had been working on their artwork everywhere, and had made several huge messes. This had lead the grown-ups of the house, telling the boys, that artwork should only be made in the playroom or kitchen table.
"It's okay boys, I'm an adult, and it's okay for me to draw anywhere, because I know how not to make a mess. When you get older, you too, will be able to draw anywhere in the house. Actually, Daddy Sev, Papa Spike and I, came to the decision, that you boys can do artwork outside, as long as you tell one of us first."
Harry and Draco let out a cheer at the news. Both boys seemed to love the outdoors. Draco especially, loved playing outside and getting dirty, every chance he could. Severus had a theory, that this behavior was because, during Draco's first childhood, he wasn't allowed to play outside much and was never allowed to get dirty, without being severely punished for it. Severus figured, Draco's subconscious, was having him make up for all the lost playtime now. And, although Harry was allowed outside as a child, it wasn't to play, but to do chores and work in his aunt's garden. They all figured, then, that Harry would want nothing to do with gardens, since his aunt had forced him to work in one and would beat him, if things were not to her satisfaction. Yet, Harry loved working on the garden, here at the mansion. He especially loved teaching others, like Draco and Xander, how to grow and nurture the garden. Harry's new nickname was 'The Littlest Gardner'.
"Anyway, this is not a drawing. This is called a blueprint. Before one builds something, like a house, you make a blueprint, to give you directions to follow, so there are no mistakes made. These, are two blueprints that are actually going to be something for you guys. One is going to be a play/climbing structure for you, in the theme of a medieval castle. This way, both of you can play in the backyard, instead of always having to go to the park, safer that way, too. The second blueprint, is going to be a clubhouse for you, that will be able to be used for years into the future, even when you are my age."
"But your really old, Daddy Xander!"
"Hey! I am not that old!" Xander turned and tickled Harry, the little one who called him old. Harry let out a giggling squeal. After a moment, they both calmed down, smiling at each other. Meanwhile, Draco had been looking at the blueprints, trying to understand them.
"Daddy Xander, what are you putting in the clubhouse? What will the play structure look like?" Draco asked, looking very serious, still staring at the blueprints.
"Well, I was going to ask, what you would like inside the clubhouse. So far, I had planned, a built in slide and fireman's pole, for exits, on top of the rope ladder, which is also the entrance. I also planned a large box, that can be raised up and down, by a pulley system. This is for bringing things that are to hard to carry, or extra supplies, once you are up there. There will be a loft, with a flooring of an extra large mattress, with a lovely railing, to keep one from falling off. Lots of pillows and blankets will be added, so you can sleep up there if you want to. It will be big enough for both of you, and even a couple of friends, to spend the night on. I figured, there will also be a couch, table, couple of chairs, bookshelf, and stereo. What else would you like in the clubhouse?"
The boys looked at each other, silently communicating. The grown-ups had a theory, that the boys had the ability to communicate mentally, when they were near each other. Yet, neither boy would admit to it. Xander just smiled, and pulled out a piece of paper, to list what things they would like to add, to both the clubhouse and play structure. After a few moments, the boys started throwing ideas out. Xander, Harry and Draco worked on designing both structures for over an hour and half. They would have kept going, when they heard a knock, on the open door.
"Hey, sorry to interrupt you guys, but its time for everyone to get cleaned up and changed for dinner. Our guests should be here in a little under an hour. Severus is already changed and ready. Severus has dinner in the oven, and is working on the appetizers now. I think the easiest, and timeliest way to do this, will be for Harry to go with Xander, and Draco comes with me. I have already taken the liberty, of pulling out all of your outfits, even yours Xander. I love you Xan, but you have no taste in clothing!" Spike smiled.
Xander just responded by sticking his tongue out at Spike, while picking Harry up. Draco quickly moved over to Spike, and was also picked up. Spike gave Xander a gentle kiss, before they separated. Spike shared a shower with Draco, while Xander did the same with Harry. After getting dressed, Spike helped Draco make his hair spikey. Draco was dressed like a miniature Spike, which is the only way he'd wear clothes these days. Draco had really come to idealize his Papa Spike, and did his best, to mimic him. Both Spike and Draco, were wearing black dress slacks, with a navy, silk shirt. Neither of them, were wearing shoes. Spike carried Draco downstairs, on his hip. Xander and Harry both, couldn't tame their hair, but the messy look, looked good on them. Xander was wearing a pair of navy dress slacks, with a blood-red, silk shirt. Harry, was also wearing a pair of navy dress slacks, but his silk shirt, was a shade of green, that enhanced his eyes. Harry and Xander, went without shoes too. Harry rode on Xander's back, as they went downstairs. Severus was setting out the appetizers, in the family room. Severus was wearing black slacks, with a royal purple, silk shirt, that Spike convinced him looked wonderful with his coloring, and it did. Both Spike and Xander had to stop for moment, to take in the sight, and looked at each other, communicating, that soon, they would make a move on him. Harry and Draco went to window, to watch for the company. Severus didn't want to show how nervous he was, and so, he headed back into the kitchen.
"Xanpet, you look wonderful. I wish I could just take you upstairs, have dessert now!" Spike wrapped his arms around Xander's waist, pulling him tight, against Spike's chest. Spike pressed his lips, hungerly, against Xander's, before slipping his tongue in. Xander's hand, slid down Spike's back, before kneading Spike's buttocks. Spike let out a purr into the kiss.
"Daddy Xander stop kissing Papa Spike! Grandpa Giles and the Aunties are here for dinner. They brought us presents!"
They pulled away from each other, blushing, but did entwine their hands together. They turned to face Giles, Willow, Tara and Dawn.
Gile's PoV-
I was a bit surpised to see Xander and Spike, making out, in the middle of the family room. But I guess, if I really think about it, their relationship, has been a long time coming. I've always suspected that Xander wasn't as straight as he made himself out to be. I must admit, that they do make a lovely sight together. It is strange, that out of all the relationships Xander has been in, this is the one I feel the best about. I never would have figured, that I would trust a master vampire, with the boy I consider my son, but that is exactly what I am doing. Spike, really does seem to care about every part of Xander, unlike, any of the ones he dated in the past. I have no worries, that Spike will be unfaithful or treat Xander badly. In all the years, there has only be four relationships before Xander, and each time, it was the other person who left, not Spike. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I see the way, that they compliment each other, just as well as Tara and Willow do. Although, from their auras, I wouldn't be surprised, if soon the boys are part of a trinity, with Severus. Speaking of Severus, here he comes now.
"Can I get anyone something to drink? We have a wide range of juices, sodas, flavored water, beer, wine and tea." The girls all order flavored water. Harry and Draco were given juice. Xander had a soda, as did Spike.
"American beer?"
"No, Mr.Giles, the good stuff."
"Then, by all means, I'd love a some of that. And please, call me Rupert." I turn to face Spike, Xander, and the girls. "That goes for you all, too. I believe your old enough to call me by my first name." I notice Spike nudge Xander towards me.
"Um, G-man, could I call Dad. I'd understand if you don't want me to, its just that, you have been more of a father, than the one who calls himself my dad."
"Xander, I would be honored, if you would call me Dad. You have always been the son I never had, but always wanted. I am extremely proud of you, for taking care of these boys and giving them a true chance at a childhood. I don't care what Anya and Buffy say, you have shown, that you are a wonderfully responsible man, who is also a very capable father." By the time I'm done speaking, everyone, except the little ones, have tears in their eyes. Xander rushes over and gives me a huge hug. I am startled for a moment, before I hug him back. Spike watches us, with a smile on his face. Xander releases me, wiping his eyes, before moving over to a chair, that Spike is already sitting on, and places himself on Spike's lap.
Severus comes back in
"So, does this mean you really are Grandpa Giles now?" Harry asks, as he moves to climb up on my lap.
"Yes, Harry, that means I am really, you guys, Grandfather." I place a kiss on the top of his head, and then smile over at the Draco, who is busy, climbing up into Severus lap. Draco seems to be the shyer of two boys. They both seem starved for affection.
"Now, that the mushy stuff is done, I want the boys to open the presents we brought, before they get their grown-up minds back." Dawn smiles, as she hands both boys, two large packages. "One is from Auntie Willow and Auntie Tara, and the other, is from Grandpa and me, Auntie Dawn."
I watch the boys look at each, before they nod slightly. Harry opens his present from Willow and Tara, first. They gave him a selection of vegetable seeds and flower bulbs, to plant in his garden, along with a nice pair of child sized, gardening gloves.
"Thank you Auntie Willow and Auntie Tara. I will give you some of the vegetables and flowers, when they start to grow. I love all of the ones you picked, and want to plant them right now!" Harry blows both girls a kiss and leans back against my chest, while turning to look at Draco.
Draco opens his gift from the girls, being careful not to tear the paper. Once the paper is off the gift, Draco refolds it, for use again, later. He breaks into a wide smile and holds up the box. The girls have given him, a beginner children's chemistry set. Severus looks intrigued, and reads the box, over Draco's shoulder.
"Thank you, Aunties." Draco whispers softly, before snuggling back into Severus.
Harry rips into the gift from Dawn and myself. Inside, are very expensive art supplies and paper, along with a lifetime pass to the Sunnydale Botanical Garden. He looks up at me for an explanation.
"Harry we understood how much you liked gardening and the outdoors, but were also told you like to draw. We figured that you can use the art supplies, to draw any of the plants you like at the botanical garden. There are benches all over the place, for people to do art work. And the pass is good, for your whole life." Harry gave me a tight a hug, whispering thank you. He then turned around and blew Dawn a kiss, like he did with Willow and Tara.
Draco smiles at Harry, before once again, carefully opening the gift from Dawn and myself. Inside his box, is an chef's hat and apron, along with a gift certificate, for a years worth of lessons, at Sunnydale School of the Culinary Arts. The gift certificate can be used for the kids classes, or the adult classes. Draco also, looks at me for an explanation.
"I was told about how good you were at potions. Your to young to take any chemistry classes in America, and so, we needed to think of something else. Then, Severus told me, that cooking is very similar to potions and that you didn't know how to cook, the muggle way. That's why we got you lessons to learn to cook at a muggle school. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun, and I look forward to tasting you creations."
"Me too!" Chimed in Dawn.
"Thank you Grandpa Giles and Auntie Dawn, for the thoughtful gift."
The boys climb down, and walk over to the bookshelf, and each pick up a binder. They then proceed to show the girls and myself, all the artwork they have done in the past two weeks. My goodness, they have been very busy. Xander and Spike smile, happy that the boys are settling in, with most of the Scoobies. I don't know what Buffy's problem. Anya has never been someone I liked, but put up with, for Xander's sake. I was very relieved when they broke up, but wished it hadn't been in such a brutal manner.
There is a loud buzzing sound, which indicates, that dinner is ready. We all wash up and move into the dinning room. The dinner that Severus fixed, was fabulous. The conversation, was kept light hearted and fun. It was one of the most pleasant dinners I have had, in a long time. I think the most surprising part of the evening, was the fact that Spike made this delicious, Chocolate Soufflé, for desert. He served it with a warm raspberry compote, along with homemade vanilla ice cream. Xander informed us, that the boys made the ice cream at preschool yesterday. Spike, Harry and Draco blushed, with our praises. Spike prepares some real English tea, and we all move back into the family room. Once it is past sundown, the boys gain their adult minds, back. It is strange, having an adult conversation, with someone in the body of a four year old. During the discussion on different types of magic, the phone rings. Spike returns a few moments later, frowning. Apparently, Angel is coming to town, due to some sort of vision, of a new big evil. That ended the light hearted mood. We all decided, it was best to get to bed earlier, because if there was a new evil, that usually meant very little sleep, until it was gone. I hugged Xander, Draco and Harry, good-bye. I just shook Severus and Spikes hands, before I drove all the girls home. As I was leaving, it was decided, that this should become a weekly tradition, every Sunday night. It will give me something to look forward to. Now, if only I could find that special someone, then everything will be as close to perfect, as life can get.
Harry's Diary-
Well, the goal was, to do this diary with our young minds, but I didn't get to my diary, until after sunset today. I really am enjoying living with Daddy Xander, er, I mean cousin Xander. It just makes me even more angry, that Dumbledore never mentioned him, until after, Voldemort was dead. I also found out, the blood protection, could have worked with Xander too. Maybe I couldn't have lived with Xander the whole time, but I could have been with him since he was eighteen, which was over four years ago. I was only fifteen then, and still needed a guardian! I would have been old enough to protect myself from the Hellmouth, too! Grr, I really can't stand all the manipulation, the man has done to my life. It is very little comfort, that my life, is not the only life, Dumbledore messed with. Now that I'm here, I can see what a capable fighter my cousin and his friends are, not counting that bitch, Slayer. I approached Grandpa Giles and Auntie Willow, about truly having this experience as a child, by ending the spell that makes mr have adult memories and powers, at night. Draco has asked them to do the same to him, if possible. It was strange, it was originally thought, that to heal, we would need to relieve our whole childhood, year by year, but being in such a loving environment, I don't think it will take that long. Draco and I talked about this, together. We think, that if they can keep as children all the time, that we will have them turn us back to our nineteen year old selves, at the stroke of midnight, on New Year's Eve. At least, both Draco and I, know that this family won't hate us, for being gay. Draco thinks that Sev is going to be joining Xander and Spike, in a trinity. I didn't think so, but after tonight, I believe he's right. Sev worked really hard, to make a dinner, to impress Xander's adopted family, and wore the clothes, Spike picked out for him. I guess, only time will tell. Tomorrow will be interesting, because Spike's sire, and friends, are coming to Sunnydale, due to a vision. I guess I better get to sleep. It seems, even though the mind is old, I still need extra amounts of sleep, due to the young, physical body.
-Ciao
I felt this song could be used by Xander to explain what being with Spike is like.
I was stained, with a role,
in a day not my own
but as you walked into my life
you showed what needed to be shown
I always knew, what was right
I just didn't know that I might
peel away and choose to see
with such a different sight
and I will never see the sky the same way,
and I will learn to say good-bye to yesterday
and I will never cease to fly if held down,
and I will always reach to high cause I've seen,
cause I've seen, twilight
never cared never wanted
never sought to see what flaunted
so on purpose so in my face
couldn't see beyond my own place
it was so easy not to behold what I could hold
but you taught me I could change
whatever came withing these shallow days
and I will never see the sky the same way,
and I will learn to say good-bye to yesterday
and I will never cease to fly if held down,
and I will always reach to high cause I've seen,
cause I've seen, twilight
as the sun shines through it pushes away
and pushes ahead
it fills the warmth of blue
and leaves a chill instead and
I didn't know that I could be
so blind to all that is so real
but as illusion dies
I see there is so much to be revealed
and I will never see the sky the same way,
and I will learn to say good-bye to yesterday
and I will never cease to fly if held down,
and I will always reach to high cause I've seen,
cause I've seen, twilight
I was stained, by a role,
in a day not my own
but as you walked into my life
you showed what need to be shown
I always knew, what was right
I just didn't know that I might
peel away and choose to see
with such a different sight
and I will never see the sky the same way,
and I will learn to say good-bye to yesterday
and I will never cease to fly if held down,
and I will always reach to high cause I've seen,
cause I've seen, twilight
Twilight
Written and Preformed by: Vanessa Carlton
End Chapter 9
Preview: Chapter 10 will have the arrival of Angel, and the LA crew. They will all stay at the mansion. The boys decide that Angel and Doyle, are their Grandpas. Angel informs everyone of a big decision he made. Short visit from Buffy, who heard that Angel had arrived.
"Sire, I would like you to meet my mates, Alexander Harris and Severus Snape. These are our children, Harry and Draco. Boys, I would like you to meet your Grandfather Angel, and Grandpa Doyle."
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