Reviews:
CB - You know the author likes to torture her play-toys:) You are keeping up with the web-site, right? Next three chappy's are up for TRS!
Just Me - Oh, yeah. Anya's gonna come into play, but you have a ways to go yet!
Last-Days-of-Pern - The puppy's good, but I don't know if she's that good:)
Skye - At least Phoenix will keep her from talking to herself! LOL
Midnight - I actually owned a dog that I honestly believed understood everything I said. Very, very smart dog. And yes, it was a Rottweiller! LOL But it was male and he was full grown when I picked him up off the street and took him in!
Chapter 13
"Thank you for walking me home." Anya glances over at the quiet slayer before glancing down, laughing at the sleeping puppy. "She's wore out."
Buffy glances down smiling. "She's had a busy day. And you're welcome. You're more than welcome to come over to the house whenever you want. Tara usually throws something in the crock pot, or makes something that all I have to do is throw it in the oven."
"I don't want to push too much." Anya admits softly as she walks up to the main door of the apartment building. Turning around she looks down the steps at Buffy, considering the slayer for a few minutes. "Things will happen as they're meant to." Anya smiles knowingly, before turning around, leaving the slayer standing by her self.
"That was weird." Buffy frowns looking after Anya, before sighing quietly. "Why the hell do I keep putting myself in these positions?" Buffy questions the sleeping Phoenix as she starts walking towards home. "It's bad enough with Tara staying at the house, now I'm going out of my way to where I spend more time with Anya. Not good." Buffy mutters.
As she walks up the steps to the house, Buffy grins at the still sleeping puppy. Opening the door, she shakes her head. "Dawn!" Buffy calls out loudly. "You're in the house by yourself, you need to lock the door!"
"Sorry." Dawn mutters coming from the kitchen munching on a peanut butter sandwich. "What's the deal with the dog…Oooooh!" Dawn's eyes get real big as she sees the puppy in Buffy's arms. "That answers that question." Dawn quickly shoves the rest of the sandwich in her mouth, reaching for the puppy.
"Dawn, wash the peanut butter off your hands!" Buffy narrows her eyes on her sister, before chuckling. "Let me take her outside so she can use the bathroom." Buffy follows Dawn into the kitchen, unhooking the leash, setting it on top of the refrigerator before unlocking the back door. "Wake up, Phoenix. Time to go potty then you can have dinner." Buffy sets the puppy gently on the ground before shaking her to wake her up. "'Bout time, Phoenix." Buffy grumbles trying not to laugh as the puppy yawns hugely, blinking her eyes.
"Her name's Phoenix?" Dawn questions walking out behind Buffy.
"Yes. Actually, Anya named her." Buffy grins as Phoenix runs around the yard before using the bathroom.
"Tell me how you got a puppy…You did get her, right?" Dawn questions sitting down on the steps.
Buffy chuckles nodding her head. "Tara figures it was more of the puppy getting me." Buffy goes on to explain how she found the dog. "Damn, let me get the chicken in the oven." Buffy strides back into the house.
"Phoenix, come here, girl." Dawn calls, laughing as she comes running. "I'm Dawn." Dawn places her hand down, giggling as the puppy licks her. Scratching the puppy on the head, Dawn smiles. "Who's a good Phoenix?"
"She is a good girl." Buffy admits coming to sit beside Dawn, chuckling as Phoenix tries to climb up into her lap. Helping her, Buffy strokes the panting puppy. "Yes, Phoenix is a good girl."
"Dawn, looks like we have a new problem here on the Hellmouth." Buffy sighs watching as Phoenix falls back asleep. "The vet said she'd probably spend most of the night sleeping from her shots and medicine. I guess he's right."
Dawn frowns looking at Buffy. "What kind of problem?"
"Oh, sorry." Buffy looks up quirking her lip. Frowning Buffy looks back down at Phoenix before telling Dawn about Warren, Jonathan and the other guy. "So, if you happen to see them, find the nearest populated area and call one of us to come get you."
"You don't have any idea what they're up to?" Dawn questions worriedly.
"No. But I'm sure we'll find out before much longer." Buffy shakes her head. "Let me get little one here, on her bed. Can you keep an eye on her when I go to get Tara?"
"Of course. Did she really growl at Warren?" Dawn questions chuckling at the puppy.
"Oh, yeah. Deep growl and fur standing up on her back. Definitely didn't like him." Buffy chuckles, standing as she follows Dawn into the house.
"She's definitely a keeper, then." Dawn grins as she watches Buffy set the snoring puppy in the bed.
"Yes, she is." Buffy smiles as she stands, walking over to the sink, washing her hands. "Tara pre-made us some kind of chicken thing. It'll be done in a few minutes."
"There's a salad prepared in the refrigerator, want to have it and some green beans or peas to go with dinner?" Dawn questions pulling the salad and salad dressings out of the refrigerator.
"Peas sound good." Buffy admits pulling a couple cans out of the cabinet. Quickly opening them, dumping them in a bowl, she throws them in the microwave, ready to heat.
"Didn't Tara pick up a couple loaves of French bread?" Dawn grins at Buffy.
"Yes, she did." Buffy chuckles grabbing a loaf out of the bread box.
"Tara might actually get some of the food, this time." Dawn slides a glance at Buffy, giggling at the incredulous look crossing her sister's face.
"I always save her some of the food!" Buffy puts her fists on her hips. "That wasn't nice, picking on me like that." Buffy mumbles as Dawn laughs.
"Couldn't resist." Dawn pulls down plates, as Buffy pulls the chicken and potatoes out of the oven.
"Mmmm. Smells good." Buffy inhales deeply, realizing she forgot to eat lunch as her stomach grumbles loudly.
Dawn raises an eyebrow at her sister. "Should we grab something else to eat with dinner, or are you going to have enough?"
Buffy rolls her eyes. "I'll go ahead and make a plate for Tara."
Dawn laughs quietly as she starts filling her plate.
"It isn't that funny." Buffy grumbles, as she puts a good sized chicken breast on the plate with potatoes and peas. Wrapping it with foil, she places it on top of the oven, planning on placing it in there when she goes to walk Tara home.
Dawn slowly eats her dinner watching as Buffy carefully prepares a plate for Tara, tilting her head to the side, she considers her sister for a moment. "You like her, don't you?" Dawn finally realizes, surprised.
"What?" Buffy questions as she sits down, preparing a plate for herself to eat. "Who are you talking about, Dawn?"
"You like Tara." Dawn states, setting her fork down on her plate, watching as Buffy pales, dropping her eyes back down to her plate.
"Of course I do. She's a good friend." Buffy quickly cuts her chicken breast, shoving a piece in her mouth.
"Uh, huh." Dawn nods her head at her unconvincing sister. Sighing quietly, she watches as Buffy keeps her eyes down while she quickly works her way through her first plate of food. Slowly picking her fork back up, Dawn goes back to eating her dinner.
Buffy exhales a relieved breath, as Dawn drops the subject. Quickly filling her plate again, she quickly works her way through the food before grabbing another piece of bread, slathering some butter across it. "By the way, we're trying to keep from giving Phoenix people food, so if you can keep that in mind."
"Okay." Dawn smirks, before glancing back at the snoring puppy. "I'm surprised she hasn't woken up with the food."
"She's had an extremely busy day. I think I wore her out walking everywhere. I only carried her after she collapsed, tired." Buffy admits, chuckling. "Between that and the vets, she might be out for a few hours before she wakes up again. If she does, stay inside, let her run out to do her business. She'll probably use the bathroom and come right back in again after she's done."
"Will it be okay if we move her into the living room?" Dawn questions finishing her dinner.
"Sure." Buffy shrugs her shoulder. "You done?" Buffy questions looking at the last of the food.
"Yes, go ahead." Dawn chuckles, shaking her head.
Buffy scoops the rest of the food on her plate, getting ready to place the rest of the salad in her bowl. Hesitating, she stands, putting the cover back on it before setting it back in the refrigerator along with the dressings.
Dawn smirks watching Buffy. 'Yep, definitely likes Tara.' Dawn thinks to herself before frowning as she realizes with Tara and Anya dating each other, even if Buffy likes Tara, she wouldn't come between them. Sighing at the impossibility, Dawn puts it to the back of her mind, so she'll forget about it. Gathering her dirty dishes, she rinses them off before placing them in the dishwasher. "I'm going to go watch television for a little while."
Buffy nods her head looking back at the clock. "I'll bring Phoenix in when I finish dinner." Watching Dawn walk out of the kitchen, Buffy leans up to look down at the puppy, chuckling as she watches the little paws twitch as she dreams. Sitting back down, she finishes her dinner before taking care of her dishes. Kneeling down beside the puppy, she grasps the bed and dog, carrying her into the living room, setting her down out of the way, Buffy chuckles. "I think she'll sleep through anything."
"Bet she won't." Dawn grins at her sister. "I bet if someone came in here, she'd wake up."
"You may be right." Buffy grins at her sister, before walking over to her weapons chest, picking out a couple stakes, and a knife. Quickly tucking the items away, she glances up at the clock. "I need to get out of here."
"See you in a little while." Dawn looks back to the television, grinning. "Be careful."
"I will." Buffy calls out quietly as she walks out the door.
Buffy silently watches Tara as she places her books in her book bag getting ready for the end of the night. Leaning against the outside window, Buffy frowns deeply. "Why the hell am I doing this to myself?" Buffy mutters, inhaling deeply as Tara pushes some loose hair behind her ear with her delicate fingers. "Stop dwelling on things that you can't have, you stupid slayer!" Buffy growls deeply to herself, before closing her eyes, getting control of her emotions.
Tara glances up grinning as Buffy walks in the shop. Seeing the small smile on the slayer's lips, Tara glances over at the clock, seeing they have a few minutes before it's time to go. "How was dinner?" Tara questions watching as Buffy sits down at the table, playing with the strap to her book bag.
"It was wonderful. I made you a plate and placed it in the oven to hopefully keep warm." Buffy looks up smiling briefly. "Did you have any luck finding anything on the orbs?"
"No, everything I came across was for single orbs, not two or more. I've got a couple books I'm taking home to research." Tara admits as she walks towards the office to grab her purse.
"Don't let it interfere with your school work." Buffy calls out to Tara, watching the woman walk back out of the office.
"Everything's good." Tara tilts her head, trying to figure out what kind of mood Buffy's in. "Is everything okay?"
Buffy looks down, grasping Tara's book bag. "Everything's fine. Phoenix was sleeping when I left home, Dawn's under strict orders to let her out the back door if she wakes up, but not to follow."
"Well, let's go home." Tara smiles softly at the slayer as they walk out the door, Tara stopping to set the alarm before locking the door behind them. "What did Dawn think of Phoenix?"
"I'm going to have to watch her, I have a feeling Phoenix will be sleeping in Dawn's bed, if given the chance." Buffy chuckles quietly.
"Where are you going to keep her while you're at work and I'm at school?" Tara tucks her hands in her pockets, glancing up at the sky as the sun sets.
"I think for now the basement might be the best place. Less thing's for her to get in trouble with." Buffy admits. "I'll pay you back for the help with her supplies and vet bills."
"No." Tara states not giving any room for any arguments. "You will accept the money with no arguments."
"But…" Buffy snaps her mouth shut as cool blue eyes turn on her, daring her to continue her statement. "Damn it!" Buffy growls loudly looking up the street as they walk. "You don't need to try and take care of everyone, Tara."
"I'm not trying to take care of everyone, Buffy. Just those that mean the world to me." Tara states calmly as they walk down Revello Drive and up to the slayer's house.
Buffy watches the witch with confused eyes as she walks in the house. Slowly following her, she chuckles as a small black and brown ball of fur barks and runs towards her and Tara. Unconsciously Buffy mimics Tara by kneeling down by the witch as they both pet the panting puppy.
"Was she good?" Tara looks up towards Dawn.
Dawn rolls her eyes. "She went out and used the bathroom, then whimpered for a while before lying back down to sleep. Then before you guys came in, she was up running around barking, obviously she heard you."
Buffy chuckles, rubbing Phoenix's stomach while Tara scratches under her chin and chest. "She's going to be spoiled rotten."
"It's a good thing to be." Tara murmurs. Patting the puppy once more, Tara stands to walk into the kitchen.
Buffy's eyes follow the witch while she continues to scratch the puppy's stomach. Sighing quietly she looks down, smiling at the puppy. "Have you had your dinner, Phoenix?" Buffy places Tara's book bag beside the couch before slowly walking into the kitchen, Phoenix running ahead of her. "Is it still warm?" Buffy questions quietly as she watches Tara pull off the foil.
"Yes, thank you." Tara glances up, smiling at the slayer.
"Good." Buffy opens the refrigerator pulling out the salad. "What kind of dressing would you like?" Buffy questions quietly.
"French, if we have any." Tara sets her plate on the island while reaching over to grab a bowl for her salad and a fork.
"We do. Do you want some bread to go with dinner? Dawn and I demolished one loaf, but there's still the other one in the box." Buffy offers setting the salad and dressing on the island.
"I got it, thanks." Tara pulls the bread out, grasping a knife to cut it with, watching as Buffy reaches back in the refrigerator grasping the butter and placing it on the island.
Sighing quietly, Buffy glances down to Phoenix, who's happily munching away on her food. Smiling at the dog, Buffy shakes her head. "You're going to become a little piggy, you keep eating like that."
"She has a lot of eating to probably make up for." Tara lays two slices of bread on her plate before putting the loaf back up. Sitting down she starts eating dinner, watching Buffy quietly.
Buffy realizes that Tara doesn't have anything to drink and opens the refrigerator, grasping a water out for the witch. Placing it beside her plate, Buffy walks towards the back door, looking out over the darkening sky. "Need to go out, Phoenix?" Buffy questions as she feels the puppy bump into her. Opening the door, she smiles as Phoenix goes running out the door, glancing back, Buffy notices blue eyes watching her. Feeling confused, Buffy follows the dog outside, gently shutting the door behind her.
Tara sits silently, slowly eating her dinner. Looking towards the phone, she considers calling Anya. Thinking about it for a few moments, she decides to wait until after Buffy leaves on patrol. Finishing her dinner, Tara stands, placing her dirty dishes in the dishwasher before running it. Walking to the back door, she watches as Buffy plays with Phoenix out in the yard, the two rolling around. Smiling as she hears Buffy laughing. Biting her lip, Tara turns walking out of the kitchen, grabbing her book bag and heading up to her room.
Tara works on her paper, quickly writing across the notepad. Stopping to flip her book to another page, she reads over the information quickly before starting to write again.
Buffy walks up to the doorway, looking at Tara sprawled out on the bed, wearing a tank top and shorts as she writes. Not having ever seen the woman wearing so little, Buffy stops in stunned surprise at the long silky white legs, noticing the surprising muscle tone of the calves and thighs. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Buffy takes a couple deep breaths before speaking.
"I'm getting ready to go on patrol. Dawn's downstairs with Phoenix, but Phoenix might feel more comfortable being with you." Buffy watches as Tara turns her gaze towards her.
"I'll go downstairs. I've almost finished writing this paper." Tara quirks her lip briefly before glancing back down to finish the last sentence. Standing, she stretches out her back before looking around for her robe.
Buffy clenches her jaw as Tara's stretching causes her tank top to ride up, showing the soft strip of stomach. "I'm heading out." Buffy murmurs as she quickly turns on her heel, leaving the witch alone.
"Okay." Tara glances towards the door, surprised to see it already empty. Blinking a couple times, Tara grasps her robe, sliding it on. Belting it tightly, she walks down the stairs. As Phoenix turns from the door, running towards her, she smiles softly.
"Thank God!" Dawn rolls her eyes. "As soon as Buffy practically ran out the door, Phoenix has been whining."
Tara kneels down, rubbing the puppy's head. "You're a good girl. Yes, you are." Tara glances back up at Dawn. "She ran out the door?" Tara questions, frowning.
"Not literally, but she high-tailed it out of here quickly, saying something about a vamps nest in one of the mausoleums." Dawn shrugs her shoulders looking back at the television.
Tara sighs quietly, looking down at Phoenix. "Want to go out and play for a while?" Tara questions the puppy softly, smiling as she barks.
"I swear that dog knows what you guys say to her." Dawn mutters quietly, turning to look at Tara.
"She does." Tara glances up, laughing. "Animals are smart. And little Miss Phoenix here, is an exceptionally smart puppy." Tara smiles at the puppy jumping up and down. "Can Phoenix sit for me? Sit, Phoenix." Tara gently urges, placing her hand softly on the puppy's butt. "Sit, girl. Sit, Phoenix." As the puppy finally plops her butt down, Tara grins. "Good girl! Good Phoenix, yes." Tara chuckles standing. "Come on, let's get you a treat."
Dawn shakes her head. "That is going to be the most spoiled rotten dog in the universe." Dawn mutters to the empty room.