Bear with me here PLEASE! My first story and i'm a newbie, so some of this may seem wonkey. Take some of season 7 Giles, season 7 Buffy and Spike, season 6 Tara and Willow, season 5 Anya and Xander and Season 2 Fang Gang (with the addition of Faith, Lorne, and Fred) and you got the setting. Again i have my puppy face...Does puppy face please be nice and review! Gracias!
By the hoozels: I do not own the Buffyverse. Joss says that if I'm a good girl he'll give me some playtime with it.
"So this is LA? Hmm….expected more smog"
Sophia Avila drove in her car that she suddenly regretted bringing with her from Sunnydale. She was leaving one old new start to begin another in the City of Angels. She was needed to help her friend's friends and become the wiccan expert for "the fang gang" as her father simply put it.
"Hyperion Hotel."
It sounded excited and from what her friends told her it was big, formally haunted but big. Big was a word Sophia was familiar with. "Big" was what her life became after she discovered her linage and who's blood she really had. It was 2 and a half years before when her quiet life in Chicago was given an extremely rude awaking when a letter arrived from her Aunt Carlotta who lived in Spain.
"Sophia Mia,
I have some news that will shape what your choices are for the next year. I have received notice that your father is trying to reach out to you and find you. My darling, he never knew about you. I know you know that but you have to remember that none of this was his fault. He never abandoned you or purposely tried to hurt you in any way. Mi Amor, Yo se que el te quere. He just found out the truth as you will soon know when he tires to contact you. All you know is his face, and his smile, but you know more than you think because you are his daughter. You've suffered all these years, ever since Isabella died, but you were always strong and willing to live. Your mother is looking down on you with pride and a loving heart. She would want you to reconnect with him. He doesn't have any other children and is not married, so you're his only family. He lives in Sunnydale, California, but used to live in England, where he met your mother. Your parents loved each other, it's just that certain events shaped the way the pattern went and your parents suffered the consequences. I implore you to at least talk to him and try to invite him into your heart. He's a good man and he loved your mother stronger than I've ever seen. He will be in Chicago on the 3 of November, you can find him at the Embassy of England at 5:00. He asked me to talk to you because he doesn't want to meet you over the phone, and I wrote you a letter because you loved to write letters to your mother as a child. Please Sophia. Please meet him. You need to know what life has in store for you. You destiny is yet to be seen. The most important information is what you need to meet him-his name. Rupert Giles. Todo mi amor- heart and soul.
Your loving Aunt Lottie"
And with that one piece of paper Sophia's life changed. Not for the better or for the worst. It just changed in ways she would only know until her destiny was shown, as her aunt said. She decided to fulfill her mother's wishes and meet her father. She had her reservations but knew she had to do this one day. She was a curious woman, always wondering and researching. She was on her way to becoming a curator for a history museum in Chicago and was comfortable with the life she lead. A cozy life with a schedule, a coffee in the morning, and artifact acquisitions. She hated change. A typical Type A personality since birth.
"I'll have an ulcer by the time I'm 24." She used to say to herself in high school. But here she was 25 and content. Just content. No ulcers to speak of. Then her father came into her life, wanting to meet her and get to know her. Which, to Sophia, was a little too fast and hectic for her planned life, but she did meet him. That day was sunny in downtown Chicago. The 20 degree weather didn't bother her due to the fact that, apart from those summers in Spain, she lived in the cold her whole life.
"No reason to be jittery, it's just your father your meeting. No big emotional event. Heh, I can do this. This is just another meeting. Another man. Another acquisition. That's it." Comfort was the only thing that could soothe her right now. She entered the embassy with a pass that Rupert had sent her through her Aunt Lottie. She went to the front desk where she saw a nervous woman fidgeting with her pencil.
"I'm here to see Rupert Giles?" Sophia didn't say it loudly but her words made the women jump and almost stab Soph with the writing utensil. "
"Oh dear lord. I'm sorry. Oh! I'm going to be fired!"
"Oh, no. I won't tell. Don't worry"
"Thank you so much Miss." She calmed herself down and went back to a normal state. Which surprised Sophia.
"How may I help you?" "I'm looking for Rupert Giles. I was supposed to meet him at 5:00"
"Tenth floor in the café. He's expecting you."
"Thanks" Sophia turned and went towards the elevator .
"Geez, You really want to meet me. It's only 4:30." Then she realized the hypocrisy of her own words. She entered the elevator and was alone. "What am I going to say? Hello father. No too "I have a grudge". Hello Rupert Giles. "What am I ? Great! Because I want to sound like I have a gun in my purse? " She was more nervous than she thought. She had thought about her father, but never imagined meeting him. The floors ended and the door came open.
"Now or never girly" She walked to the opening of the café and looked around. A married couple. A woman and her young child who was sound asleep in her arms. Another woman calmingly drinking her beverage. And the back of a man, which had to be him
"Unless he had a sex change operation, That's gotta be him." She walked towards him with her heart pumping and thumping in her chest the whole way.
Finally she reached the table and although unexpected. A whisper came out of her.
"Rupert Giles?"
And he turned to her. That was him. The man in the one picture her mother had. A man in a tweed suit with the jacket off just like in the picture. He had glasses now and a few wisdom wrinkles that come with age. He still had the kind green eyes that Sophia always wanted, but the roundness of his eyes was hers. She looked at him with wonder. This was her father. This could have been the man who raised her if it weren't for consequences beyond their control. She looked hard and long at him making memories and remember the feeling of familiarity she felt.
"Sophia?" He said it with pride, joy and a touch of sadness. He was probably thinking the same "What if's" she was.
"Please sit down." His British accent was also a soothing peace for her. "Are you hungry or thirsty?" Already father-like. It was then Sophia noticed the song on the radio. One of her favorites, a song that gave hope to her but not to anyone else. Her own comfort when everyone else saw sorrow.
"Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing through my open ears, inciting and inviting me" " Across the Universe". Hmm another reason to love The Beatles
"I'll have a coffee" The waitress nodded and walked off. Awkward pauses followed the ordering. He stared at her for a long while too. It surprised him how much she looked like her mother. Same long black hair, same entrancing dark brown eyes.
"How's the coffee"
"It's better than any I've ever had before " She smiled at him to give him a little segue into anything. The uncomfortable long pause was killing her.
"She has her smile too" Giles thought. He wanted to tell her so many things but he couldn't let it all out. So he started with something that they both could talk about.
"Lottie informed me that you're a curator for a Historical museum"
"Yes, I am for Chicago Cultural Center"
"You have a great selection of books in that museum, so I've heard?"
"An extensive collection. From Ancient Wiccan books to a first copy of War and Peace. "
"I used to be a curator at a museum in England, but most recently I was a librarian at Sunnydale High School"
"Oh really? How was that?"
"Interesting and never a moments sleep"
They spoke about Giles's life in Sunnydale minus the supernatural, Sophia's life as a curator and finally Isabella Avila.
"And she could just make you smile with her voice and Lord her "
"Her laugh. So infectious and it filled you up with light."
A sweet pause and moment of silence for the woman who brought together a father and daughter.
"God I miss her."
"I do too"
They bonded over the loss of a woman that meant the world to both of them. Sophia wanted to cry but she held it in. At least there was another person in the world that was devastated when Isabella died.
"Izzy loved life and I know she loved you"
"That's sweet, but how do you know"
"Because all she wanted was a little girl. She always wanted to see a little girl play in her mummy's clothes or see her little girl come home with and honor roll ribbon, or see her graduate with pride and honor or see her daughter get married."
"And now she can't" The words were bitter and harsh but true.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean . Sophia I wanted to see all those things too"
"I know. I'm sorry Rupert. It was never your fault and I don't blame you"
"Thank you"
"My mother loved you too"
"How do you know"
"Because she would stare at your picture with longing eyes and a loving look"
"You have a picture of me"
"I've always had it but never knew who you were."
She pulled it out and showed it to him. He smiled and let out a chuckle.
"Izzy made me wear the suit. She said with the accent and the suit I was James Bond."
"That sounds like Mom"
The laughed over more memories and beverages. Tea for Giles and coffee for Sophia. They spoke until it was dark and agreed to meet again before Giles left for Sunnydale. They met at Sophia's work and spoke again about their lives. Both then reveled what the other was hiding
"Of course I know I'm a witch"
"So you do know about the supernatural"
"Since I was a tot" "Yes, of course. Izzy was never one to hide from the truth."
They talked about Giles's life as Buffy's watcher and how he became the owner of 'The Magic Box', to the very eccentric characters in Sunnydale. They spoke of Sophia's life for the past 24 years. This of course wasn't all in one day. They communicated over the phone, but never through the internet. Giles hated that the internet had taken the place of books in the minds of world. Over the course of 6 months they had gotten to be closer and actually spoke like old friends. It was 8 months into their first meeting that Giles had his second big father wish. That his daughter move to Sunnydale. Only, this wasn't his doing. Fate had intervened. Joyce Summers had been dead for years and the museum in Sunnydale had needed a curator who could asses books and fight the Big Bads. It was that month that Sophia's work decided to buy the Sunnydale Historical and Art Museum and offer her the position as Head Curator. She saw it was a sign and decided to take it, after she spoke to Giles. He loved the idea.
"Oh Sophia! That's fantastic! You'll love Sunnydale. It has it's share of massive problems, but you'll love it."
"I know how to fight. Mom taught me. Plus I am half watcher. Studious and careful." He smiled and gave her a big embrace. Yes, this was his daughter a touch of him and a sprinkle of Isabella, but she was her own woman.
She packed her bags in July for the beauty of a California Summer. He bid farewell to all her friends , coworkers and anything in her life in Chicago. She arrived and was instantly welcomed by Buffy, who she could see, was her father's second daughter, with a huge hug and a "Welcome". Buffy was married to William "Spike", who was a vampire with a soul, and they had one daughter named Joy Anne named after their mothers.
"Vampire with a soul? That's unique"
"Oh, not really. There was another one in LA named Angel, Buffy and him were in a relationship. They shagged for a bit before he got lovey with his dark side. Hey Buffy? What's the obsession with vamps and souls? " That came from resident truth-teller former Vengeance demon Anya Harris who was married to old Sunnydale pal Xander Harris.
Xander was part of the original 'Scoobies' as Willow said. And who was Willow Rosenberg? She was the super-witch redhead who was as sweet as could be. She and her other super-witch girlfriend Tara Maclay , saved the world numerous times and volunteered to show the full craft to Sophia who became a little rusty after she graduated college. She accepted and loved the idea of regaining her roots.
"Where's the little bit? She's been anxious to meet you, Sophia" Spike sounded a little rough, but Sophia could see his soft side shine through when he held Joy and smiled at Buffy.
Apparently the little bit was Dawn Summers, and she wasn't so little. A 19 year old girl who she could see had the strength and warmth of everyone there. As did her fiancé. Ok maybe not all the strength, but the caring nature was there. Andrew Wells had been a former self proclaimed 'villain' but turned his 'evil' ways when Dawn began to love him and made the rest of the gang accept him. Now they were recently engaged to have a December wedding day.
Everyone had invited her warmly and accepted her instantly. This was her new family. She bonded with the girls and the boys became her protectors. She even became a bridesmaid at Dawn and Andrew's wedding that year. And in a weird twist of events, she delivered Evelyn. Evelyn was Buffy and Spike's second daughter born when the world was to fall apart. Sophia was the only one around who knew how to birth a child.
"Thank God I read that book on motherhood and midwives." she had said to herself that day. Spike was too wrecked with worry over his wife to help Sophia in the birth of his child.
"Spike, it'll be ok. Listen Buffy and the baby need you to be strong. "
Spike looked at her understandingly and hugged her, a rarity for him, but then Spike had always been that way with her. When she delivered Evelyn Sabrina Summers, the world became calm again. Evie, with the help of the Scoobies, stopped the world from ending.
That was the way it was for 2 years. The Happy Summers clan. The Crazy cute Harrises. The Lovingly Newlyweds Wells and the always Shining Rosenbergs. Giles had gone back and forth from England on business for the Watcher's council. It was that second year when Sophia was informed she was needed in L.A.
"You know Angel. You met him at the wedding." She and Buffy were talking one early Sunday morning.
"Coredelia's husband? He was nice" Sophia and Coredelia had kept in touch after the wedding.
"I think you also met Charles Gunn and his wife Winifred. Oh! and Faith. She was crazy bad girl until Angel helped her. That's what he does. Now she's with Lorne. "
"The bar owner demon? He was hooty. I don't understand why they want me though"
"They want you to come to LA to help them in cases. They don't have a super witch and they really liked you so they requested that you become a member of Angel Investigations. You would complete the team. They have brawny men Angel and Gunn and a sweet delicate flower Faith." Buffy and Sophia chuckled a little. Sophia had known Faith for the 6 months she was in Sunnydale and had gotten to know the former rouge slayer.
"They have vision girl Cordy, destiny maker Lorne. and brains Fred and Wesley."
"Wesley?" The name had come up on occasion but was never fully explained.
"My ex-watcher. Stuffy British Guy. Anyway. They all need you. But it's up to you. I don't want you to go, but if it's for the cause. No it still sucks. " Sophia could tell Buffy didn't want her to go but she had a feeling that was were she was needed the most.
"Well, I wouldn't want to be responsible for breaking so many people's hearts. I'll go. And hey LA is only a car ride away. I'll come back whenever I can" With that Buffy turned her frown upside down and gave her friend a hug.
Anya had not taken it that well.
"That damn soulful vamp."
But she did learn to cope as did the rest of the gang. Her father... not so much.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I mean Sunnydale has to be safer than that god forsaken smog filled LA"
"Dad, I'll be fine." She had gotten used to calling him that for a year. It was second nature now. She used to appreciate the word at first because she never got to say it as a child, but now she eased into it. "Sophia, it's not the same as Sunnydale"
"I was under the impression it was. That's it! I'm not going." Her sarcasm wasn't appreciated by her father.
"Darling, I'm merely saying that change is not to be taken lightly." "You forget I moved my whole life 2 years to move here. I hate leaving you and everyone, but I'm needed in LA." At this point she was looking her dad in the eyes and gave him that deep loving look she was used to giving him when she was serious.
"I hate not being able to change your mind. Fine. But you promise to visit when you can"
"Of course. I love you daddy." That warmed his heart and made him want to cry, He found her and was ,in a way, loosing her. "I love you too Sophia" They hugged and he kissed her on the head. It was their way of comforting each other. His darling little girl. It was odd how she became a daddy's girl in only 3 years, but shehad grown into the role quite well.
So came the goodbye day. Xander and Anya had given her huge hugs and fake flowers because as Anya put it:
"It makes no sense that a sign of everlasting love dies in a week."
Little Joy gave her a picture of herself and Evie with a kiss.
"I'll miss you Aunt Sophia"
"I'll miss you too sweetheart"
Dawn and Andrew gave her an exquisite photo album and a batch of cookies with a recipe, obviously made by Andrew. They both hugged her while Andrew whimpered Dawn cried.
"Dawnie, Andy. I will be back"
"But who will I bake with now?" Andrew said it before he could catch himself "How bout your wife?' Dawn said it with a vengeance.
"Oh yes. Of course cupcake. But your crapes are a little off. How about"
"Andrew I don't want to fight on the day Soph leaves"
"Oh Your cooking is excellent"
"Thank you sweetie" They kissed
"I'll miss you two" She said giggling
Then came Willow and Tara who gave her a book of spells that looked about 16 century.
"It was easy to find. Once we dodged the weird looks that came from the question 'Got any old wiccan books?' But it was fun"
"You can use it for protection spells, location, and transportation spells."
"Oh you guys this is great. She embraced them both and smiled that she had a connection with fellow witches. Her mini coven.
Buffy and Spike were next. They gave her a battle ax and a plush dog.
"Comfort and Protection. It's a nice pillow and a killing machine." Spike was always one for quipery.
"I can't believe your leaving"
"I know but I'll be back" She sense her face go sour
"That phrase will never be useful again."
They laughed and hugged again. Spike gave her an extra big one.
"If anyone hurts you"
"You big softy" He smiled and let her go Buffy then came and told her:
"I'll miss you so much honey"
"I'll miss you too. God. How about we shop one day"
"For axes? Sharp, pointy ones that kill with the extra hurt?"
"Read my mind" They laughed and let go.
Now it was her father's turn. He came to her seeming pained and worried
"Bloody hell Dad, please don't make this harder." She laughed and he didn't.
"As I told everyone else I will come back whenever I can. Daddy your not loosing me." She grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly.
"I just found you. I'm not letting you go." She gave him that serious look and he relented. "I know you'll be fine but this is hard. I never got to see you off on your first date or when you left for college, so all those 'Father letting his daughter leave' moments are rolled into one today." She could see he was hurt
"I know. And I know you only want what's best. But you know you have a good feeling about this deep inside"
"No. In fact I don't"
"Dad"
"Maybe I do" She smiled "I love you so much daddy"
"I love you too darling" They embraced and he kissed her on the head.
"I have a present too.
"Oh goody. "
He gave her the most precious gift. She loved all her gifts but she adored this one the most.
"You and mom?"
It was a picture of her parents. Giles was hugging Isabella from behind while both their big smiles shone through. They were by a fountain at night in London.
"Oh Dad. It's perfect"
"I also have something else. A CD that you told me about." He pulled out Let it Be By The Beatles. "Across the Universe" "I know you love that song"
"Thank you so much Daddy."
They hugged again. With that last 'I love you'. She bid farewell to everyone, dried her tears, and got into the car. She left Sunnydale for another sunny town. She decided to comfort herself and insert the CD. One Lyric hit her
"Million suns, and calls me on and on"
"Hello LA."
And with that, and 3 hours later, she arrived at the gate of her new home.
In the Next Chapter: Wesley's trip back home brings back memories of the one person who caused him the most pain he has ever had to experience...His Father