Sink - No specific days yet for updates - just started the fic so I haven't worked too far into it.(Hopefully Sun or Mon)No threesome - strictly B/T ship. I loved Joyce's character and thought her and Buffy had become quite a bit closer before she got ill. I'm kind of going off that. Glad you're enjoying the new story already!
Dee - Bad bad person. Not leaving FB! LOL - Glad you enjoyed DE - even if it was a 3-ship. No this one is only going to be the two. I'm playing fast and loose with time-lines. (Hence Giles owning the Magic Box already LOL Along with other stuff that will happen - but hey, it's Fan Fiction - I get to make these choices)
Delauro - Another Positive FB - Thank you!
Madshatter - Hopefully this addiction is a good thing and I don't disappoint! Glad to hear from a new voice!
Just - I've started work on the Sequel - still trying to figure out your requested pairing-But I do have an idea- LOL! As to Giles - I always thought something happened with him and Ethan - hence him being okay with these two! Tara is stronger - not as shy, doesn't believe she's a demon. Initiative is definitely around - I think this chapter they will be hinted at. Joyce is a major sweetheart - and she's going to love Tara (Of course - who doesn't love TARA? If anyone doesn't - go far far away from me!) Xander - HMMM Got a couple ideas for reactions from him (Of course there will still be the normal Xander-ish reaction)
See Below - Thanks for the FB! Always good to hear from a new person. I assume you like Family also! Thank you! Hopefully I don't disappoint.
Blazer - Definitely continuing the story - as to how things will be different - you will need to read and see:-)
Kim - Hopfully my muse will stick around! Thanks for the FB
Chapter 2
"I don't know about this." Tara looks around as she and Buffy walk from the store towards Buffy's house.
"It's fine. Come on, what were you going to do? Go home and eat a cup of Ramen Noodles?" Buffy asks and sees the guilty flush cross Tara's face and sighs. Buffy shifts the bags she's carrying to her left hand and loops her right arm through Tara's left arm. "Come on, spaghetti and garlic bread. She'll probably have a salad fixed and maybe even dessert. Where would you get a better offer?" Buffy grins at the witch.
"Okay, okay. You've already talked me into going to your house for dinner. But you're positive she isn't going to be upset?" Tara looks worriedly at the slayer before glancing down at the arm hooked through hers, feeling a smile working across her face.
"I'm positive. I called and asked, she laughed and said yes. No problem." Buffy smiles as they turn onto Revello drive. "Mom always fixes extra anyway."
Tara quirks her lip up at the slayer. "Are you always like this?"
"Like what?" Buffy questions.
"So take charge." Tara giggles as the slayer stops and pouts out her lip looking at her with sad puppy dog eyes.
"Little ol' me?" Buffy pouts and blinks her eyes. "I just invited you to dinner. You could have said no."
Tara laughs loudly at the slayer before opening her eyes wide and covering her mouth. "Sorry."
"Sorry for what?" Buffy looks at the witch questioningly. "You didn't do anything wrong. And I like your laugh. It's honest and from the gut, not these fake haa haa laughs that most people give."
Tara blushes looking down before glancing back up into the serious hazel eyes. A small smile playing about her lips Tara whispers "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Buffy hooks her arm back through Tara's and heads down the sidewalk before turning up the walkway to her house. Letting the witch's arm go, she opens the door and waves her in. "Welcome to my humble abode."
Tara giggles as she walks into the home and stops a few yards in waiting for Buffy.
"Mom, we're here." Buffy calls out loudly as she shuts the door. Setting the bags of Tara's juice down by the door before smiling at the witch.
"I'm in the kitchen finishing the salad." Joyce calls to her daughter.
"Let me put your jacket up." Buffy smiles at Tara as she quickly pulls her own jacket off hanging it up as Tara slowly removes her, handing it to Buffy. "Let's go meet my mom."
Joyce glances up from slicing the cucumbers to place on the salad, smiling at her daughter then seeing the obviously shy blonde walking in behind her. "Hi honey." Joyce smiles as Buffy kisses her quickly on the cheek.
"Mom, this is Tara Maclay. Tara this is my mom." Buffy smiles as Tara glances up smiling quickly at her mom.
"Thank you for letting me come over to dinner tonight, Mrs. Summers." Tara smiles at the older version of Buffy.
Joyce casually observes the young woman, seeing why her daughter seemed to be captivated by the warm blue eyes. Smiling towards Tara she shakes her head. "You are more than welcome to come over to dinner whenever you wish, my dear. I always fix too much. And please, it's Joyce."
"Thank you, Joyce." Tara looks down as she blushes. Glancing back up she looks at Buffy and raises an eyebrow "I need to wash my hands, could you tell me…"
"Sure. Up the stairs and on the left." Buffy smiles as Tara grins thankfully at her and quickly leaves the kitchen. Waiting a moment as she hears the woman start up the stairs she turns to her mom, grinning.
Joyce chuckles at the obvious smitten look on her daughters face. "No hairy eyeball?"
Buffy rolls her eyes at her mom. "What do you think?"
"She seems to be a lovely young woman, Buffy. But I've only seen her briefly." Joyce laughs at her daughter. "Why don't you set the table."
"Okay." Buffy mutters quietly before turning to pulls the plates and bowls down walking into the dining room.
Joyce's lip quirks up at her daughter's actions. "Definitely smitten." She quietly mutters to herself as she pulls the garlic bread out of the oven.
AAAAAAAAA
"That was a wonderful dinner, Mrs. Summers." Tara smiles feeling more comfortable in the two women's presence.
"Joyce, my dear." Joyce corrects the young woman, smiling gently. "I didn't make anything for dessert but we do have ice cream?" Joyce makes it a question looking at the two young women.
"What kind?" Buffy questions as she finishes off the spaghetti.
Joyce smirks at her daughter. "Rocky Road, Butter Pecan and just plain vanilla."
Buffy grins at her mom.
"One Rocky road with extra chocolate syrup for my growing daughter." Joyce sighs before looking towards a giggling Tara. "And you, dear?"
Tara smiles fully for the first time and Buffy's breath catches in her chest at the absolutely beautiful woman. Blinking her eyes a couple times, Buffy slowly stands gathering the dirty dishes, taking a pile into the kitchen.
"I don't really think I have room for dessert, but thank you." Tara starts to stand and help gather the dishes.
"No, no dear. Buffy and I will get them. You're a guest." Joyce pats Tara on the shoulder smiling at the young woman. "And are you sure you can't fit just a small bowl in there somewhere?"
"Maybe just a scoop of vanilla with a little syrup?" Tara grins lopsidedly at the elder Summers.
"Then that's what you'll get." Joyce gathers up the rest of the dishes and follows her daughter into the kitchen. Quickly setting the dishes in the sink she watches as Buffy stares out the back door. "Honey, something wrong?"
Looking over her shoulder with worried eyes she looks at her mom. "I'm scared mom." Glancing back out at the night she slumps her shoulders.
"What are you scared of honey?" Joyce walks over and places a hand on Buffy's shoulder.
"My feelings." Buffy whispers. "I just met her last night, mom. And when she just smiled in there I felt my breath actually catch in my chest." Making eye contact with her mom in the reflection of the back door she sighs. "I didn't even have that with Angel, mom. What if she doesn't return my feelings?"
Wrapping her arms around her daughter, Joyce squeezes her gently. "This has definitely hit you fast, hasn't it honey?"
Buffy just nods her head and places her hands over top of her moms.
"Just go slowly honey. And ice cream is just the start." Joyce hugs her tightly before releasing her and opening the freezer pulling out the ice cream.
"I'll get them mom. What did she want?" Buffy grabs the bowls down and the ice cream scoop out of the drawer.
"A scoop of vanilla with chocolate syrup." Joyce smiles at her daughter.
"I got it. If you want, maybe just take the syrup into the dining room?" Buffy smiles as she scoops out the vanilla. "You did want butter pecan, didn't you?" Buffy questions as she looks at the three containers of ice cream.
"A couple scoops, please." Joyce pulls the chocolate sauce down before walking to the dining room. Sitting down she smiles. "Buffy's bringing in the ice cream."
Tara runs a finger over the edge of her glass. "You have a beautiful home, Mrs…Joyce." Tara catches herself and grins at Buffy's mom.
"Thank you. May I ask you something, Tara?" Joyce questions the young woman and as she nods shyly she smiles. "Are you doing anything for Thanksgiving?"
"N-no." Tara stutters out quietly. "I d-don't have anywhere to go."
Joyce frowns at the stutter from the young woman. She had only stuttered a couple times through the whole dinner, but she stutters twice over those few words. "Well you do now, if you want."
Tara smiles in thanks at Buffy's mom. "Only if you'll let me help."
"I usually bake a few pies the night before and get the turkey in the oven first thing in the morning. We have the usual fixings with dinner." Joyce hesitates as Buffy comes in juggling the three bowls if ice cream. "Do you need help dear?"
"I got it." Buffy smirks as she quickly sets the three bowls down on the table and slides them to the two women. "So was I hearing talk of Thanksgiving Dinner?"
"Yes you did. Is there anything special you enjoy at Thanksgiving?" Joyce looks towards Tara.
"Sweet potato casserole." Tara whispers. "My mom used to make it every Thanksgiving."
"I haven't ever made it before. If you have a recipe…" Joyce looks at the woman.
"I can get the ingredients and make it when I get here, if that's okay?" Tara offers.
"That's fine. How long will it take to bake?" Joyce smiles encouragingly at the young woman.
"It'll take roughly 45 minutes to bake. Probably take me 15 minutes to prepare." Tara grins thankfully at the woman before squeezing a small amount of syrup on her ice cream and scooping up a small portion to eat. Her eyes widen as Buffy grabs the syrup and turns it upside down squeezing what must have been half the bottle on her huge bowl of ice cream.
Joyce chuckles at the look on Tara's face. "If you haven't figured it out already, my daughter likes to eat."
"Mom!" Buffy whines quietly as she sets the syrup back on the table before scooping up a big bite of ice cream.
Tara chuckles and shakes her head. "She must burn thousands of calories just standing still. I'd love to have her metabolism."
"You and me both." Joyce smiles in understanding at the other woman. "It's enough to make me sick."
"You two do realize I'm sitting right here and can hear everything you say, right?" Buffy grumps as she eats her ice cream.
"Sorry dear." Joyce tries to hold back a grin.
"Sorry, Buffy." Tara giggles quietly as she finishes her ice cream.
"Yeah, yeah. You two sound real broken up about it." Buffy grumps before grinning. "Giles and Xander are still coming to Thanksgiving dinner, you have any strays you're inviting from work this year, mom?"
Joyce shakes her head. "Nope, everyone now has significant others or family to spend Thanksgiving with."
"So a small group this year. More food for me." Buffy grins happily.
"Buffy!" Joyce admonishes her daughter. "That isn't nice."
"W-who's Xander?" Tara questions quietly.
"One of my best friends since Sophomore year. He's spent Thanksgiving with us every year since then. His home life isn't the greatest. His parents are both alcoholics and he's lucky if they'll throw a microwave dinner in the microwave for him." Buffy growls out angrily.
"Relax dear. You can't fix everything." Joyce pats her daughters hand.
"Yeah if I could I'd knock some sense into his parents and into Willow's parents both. From one set that treat their son like shit to another set of parents that pretty much completely ignore their daughter." Buffy snarls out.
Tara watches Buffy, in shock at the emotion coming from the slayer. Tara reaches across the table and lays a calming hand over Buffy's other hand. "Goddess, if you get that angry over their parents, remind me to not tell you about my father and brother." Tara's eyes widen as she realizes what she said and quickly pulls her hand away from the slayer.
Buffy's eyes jerk over to the witch's as what she said sinks in to her haze filled brain. "Tara?" She questions lowly.
"N-nothing. D-don't w-worry about I-it." Tara shakes her head letting her hair slide forward to hide her face.
Joyce pales slightly and places a firm hand on Buffy's arm. As Buffy looks towards her she shakes her head. Pleading with her silently to leave it be for right now. Finally all the tale tell signs added up. The obvious shyness, the stuttering, the hiding behind her hair, almost afraid to say anything or speak up for herself. The poor girl had obviously been abused as a child.
"Well, I know you need to go on patrol, Buffy. Would you like me to take you two to the college?" Joyce questions softly.
Buffy tilts her head watching Tara not look up and sighs quietly. "Tara, do you want to ride back to the campus? I know you said you needed to go to the library. It'll be quicker if mom drops us off."
Tara nods her head without looking up. "That would b-be g-good." Tara stutters out.
Buffy clenches her hand into a tight fist, feeling the urge to put it through something or someone. Closing her eyes she takes a couple deep breathes to get control of her anger. Finally opening her eyes she looks into her mother's worried eyes and smiles sadly. "Mom, we would love for you to drop us off on Campus."
"Let me get my purse and keys." Joyce quickly stands up and heads to the living room.
Tara briefly looks up and sees the worried eyes of the slayer watching her. Lowering her eyes back to the table, she slowly stands and collects the bowls, stopping as the warm hand of the slayer covers hers.
"If you ever want to talk, I'll be there for you." Buffy whispers quietly, unconsciously running her fingers over the soft hand.
Tara feels her heartbeat speed up at the soft caress and nods her head. "Thank you." Slowly pulling away, Tara takes the bowls into the kitchen and sets them in the sink.
Running water over the bowls, Tara looks down silently kicking herself about opening her mouth about her family.
Buffy stands quietly in the doorway to the kitchen, watching the obviously upset witch. Hearing her mom come up silently behind her she leans back against her. Turning she points to the living room. Listening for Tara, Buffy looks at her mom. "She was abused, wasn't she?"
Joyce looks into her daughter's sad eyes and frowns. "It appears that way, Buffy. She's going to need to be handled with kid gloves dear. Tread carefully so that you don't scare her off. I do think she likes you in a more than friend way."
Buffy smiles at the uplifting thought. "Very slow, very careful. Got it." Buffy whispers and looks towards the kitchen hearing movement. "We're ready to go Tara, if you are." Buffy calls as she walks to the door leaning down to pick up Tara's groceries.
"I can c-carry those." Tara starts to reach for the bags and looks up when Buffy pulls them out of reach.
"I've got them." Buffy smiles softly and winks. "I've got super powers, I can lift bags of juice with a single finger."
Tara feels her lip quirk up at the slayer. "I can't argue with that."
Buffy feels her heart lighten as Tara actually makes and holds eye contact as she gets a partial smile from the woman. Opening the door she ushers Tara and her mom out.
AAAAAAAAA
Standing in the doorway to Tara's room, Buffy shifts from one foot to the other as the woman quickly sets her bags down by the desk and grabs her backpack shoving a couple note and text books in with a handful of pens. Smiling as she looks in the room, realizing there were small Christmas lights hanging around the ceiling.
As Tara walks towards her, Buffy holds her hand out for the book bag. As Tara looks questioningly at her, Buffy smiles. "I can get your book bag for you."
A slight frown crosses her face as she looks at Buffy. "I can carry my own book bag,
Buffy." Tara mutters quietly as she slings it over her shoulder, pulling the door closed behind her, heading down the stairs.
Buffy's shoulders slump before she quietly follows the witch. "Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow night?" Buffy questions as they walk across the campus towards the library.
Tara hears a note of sadness in the slayer's voice and she slows down glancing over at the woman. Seeing the slumped shoulders, she frowns trying to figure out why she seems so sad. Blinking her eyes a couple times she thinks about how Buffy wanted to carry her bag and wondered if that could be what was upsetting the woman. Shaking her head at the improbability, she takes a deep breath and slides the book bag off her shoulder.
Buffy sees the bag swing in front of her and she unconsciously reaches for it taking it from the witch, throwing it over her shoulder as she straightens and a bounce enters back in her step.
Tara watches in stunned surprise as the slayer switches from being sad to happy in a few seconds. Deciding to file that thought away for future reference. She quickly walks up the steps leading to the library and thanks Buffy as she opens the door for her.
Buffy follows Tara as she works her way through the library towards the back section.
Tara looks up and smiles briefly at the slayer. "I usually set up here." She watches as Buffy slides the book bag off her shoulder and gently places it on the table.
"Are you okay here by yourself?" Buffy glances around seeing a few other students studying, nothing tweaking her senses.
"I'll be fine." Tara smiles at the slayer.
"How long will you need?" Buffy glances up at the large clock. "Or should I just come back in roughly an hour to see how you're doing?" Buffy pins the blue eyes with her determined hazel eyes.
Tara quirks her lip up slightly. "I will need a minimum of an hour. Maybe longer, depending."
Buffy nods "I'll be back in roughly an hour to check on you. Don't you dare try to sneak back to your room by yourself, understand?"
"Understood." Tara grins at the slayer.
Buffy looks curiously at the witch for a moment. "I'm going to go check for bumpy things. I'll be back later."
"Bye Buffy." Tara smiles as she watches the slayer walk away. "Exactly what is going through your brain, Buffy?" Tara whispers to herself before frowning at her book bag. Grumbling she starts pulling her work out taking her notes as to what books she needs before heading into the stacks.
AAAAAAAAAA
Buffy strides out of the library, her thoughts on the witch. Unconsciously allowing her instincts to lead her to a vampire hiding in the bushes ready to jump on an unsuspecting co-ed. Growling deeply, Buffy kicks him hard in the head knocking him out before staking him. Tucking the stake away, Buffy continues silently stalking the denizens of the night. Feeling the anger build up at the thought of the woman's father and brother beating on her, Buffy growls deeply. "Better pray to God that you don't show up here. I'll fucking rip your hearts out." Looking out over the quad searching for something to take her anger out on, Buffy kicks a rock smirking as it goes at least a hundred yards. Feeling something trying to sneak up behind her, she waits until it's close before dropping down and swinging her legs around, dropping the vampire on it's ass. Quickly popping back up in a fighting crouch. Buffy waits for the vampire to come after her. Smirking as the vampire comes up swinging, Buffy let's loose. Taking her anger out on the hapless vampire, Buffy throws punch after karate chop after spinning back kicks at the vampire, not letting up. Finally as the vampire collapses on the ground unconscious, Buffy looks down at it and snarls her nose before quickly staking it.
Sensing another vampire nearby, Buffy stalks quietly towards it when she sees a group of…men?…soldiers?…zap it and drag it away, frowning she follows silently behind the group, sticking to the shadows. Seeing them disappear down a drain opening, Buffy growls and makes a mental note to check this out later. Jogging quickly away from the area, Buffy makes another circuit of the grounds, still feeling angry, but not finding anything to take it out on she grumbles quietly to herself before taking deep breaths to calm down before trotting up the stairs to the library. Quietly working her way back, she stops and watches the blonde writing across her notepad quickly while flipping the pages with her other hand glancing between the book and pad. Smiling she leans against the edge of the book shelf crossing her arms, observing the woman.
Tara flips the page of the book frowning as she quickly skims over the material. Placing her fingers under the section she needs she quickly writes down the information. Realizing someone is watching her she glances up and smiles at Buffy. "I'll only be a few more minutes if you want to sit down."
Buffy smiles and quietly slides into the chair across from Tara. Looking at the flowing writing of the woman, she grins. It's beautiful just like the witch. Crossing her arms and laying her chin on them she silently watches Tara as she finishes taking her notes.
Tara fights the urge to laugh as Buffy watches her. Finishing she glances up making contact with happy hazel eyes. "Enjoying yourself?" Tara smirks slightly at the slayer.
"Yes." Buffy admits smiling.
Tara blushes and shakes her head before putting her items back in the book bag and stacking the books to be dropped off at the desk to be re-sorted. Standing she rolls her eyes as Buffy grabs and slings the book bag around her shoulder while tucking the other books under an arm heading to the front of the library. Following behind the slayer, Tara takes the opportunity and slowly rakes her eyes over the slayer's petite form, the obvious play of muscles under her tight jeans and the predatory way she moves. Surprised at the feelings of desire working through her body, Tara shifts her eyes to look at the floor as they reach the desk.
Glancing up smiling as Buffy places the books on the counter as she heads towards the door. Walking through the open door, Tara whispers "Thanks, Buffy."
"You're welcome." Buffy grins letting Tara walk slightly ahead of her, watching the gentle sway of her hips. Slow, slow, slow. Buffy mentally tells herself as she raises her eyes from the witch to pay more attention to their surroundings as they walk back towards the dorms.
Tara can't help but smile at the slayer as she unlocks the door to her room. "Would you like something to drink? I have juice and water."
"Water would be good." Buffy slides into the room and gently places the book bag beside the desk. Watching as Tara kneels down and opens the tiny refrigerator, pulling out apple juice and a water, she rocks silently back and forth. "You didn't answer earlier. Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night?"
Tara closes the refrigerator before standing and handing Buffy the water. Gently shaking her apple juice, she tilts her head considering the blonde slayer. "Are you my guardian angel, now?" She questions seriously.
Buffy almost spits out the water she's drinking. "Me an angel? Hell no. Some of the things I've done…" Buffy trails off shaking her head. "I'm no angel. I'm a girl that got drafted into this fight. And I like you. Mom likes you. She said you were more than welcome to come over for dinner anytime." Buffy smiles engagingly at the witch. "So, dinner? Tomorrow?"
"Do I have a choice?" Tara quirks her lip up at the slayer, finally just giving in to whatever the blonde wants.
"You always have a choice." Buffy seriously admits. "If you don't want to come over, please just say so. If I piss you off, tell me. Anything you want to say, please say it."
Tara blinks a couple times at the slayer's serious comments and nods. "I will." She whispers and smiles softly as Buffy grins at her. "What time?"
Buffy frowns in confusion for a minute before she realizes she's asking about coming over for dinner. "What time's your last class tomorrow?"
"My last class ends at 2:30. I'll probably come straight back here to do some studying and finish working ahead in a couple of my classes." Tara admits.
"You work ahead?" Buffy groans and falls back against the door. "She's a brain. She's going to find out what an idiot I am and go screaming in the other direction."
Tara laughs quietly at the slayer. "I somehow doubt that you're an idiot. And I wouldn't consider myself a brain."
"I bet you are. What's your major?" Buffy questions straightening back up.
Tara blushes while looking down. "I'm a double major. I'm going for teaching credentials with a second major in Art. Minor in business." She whispers the very last.
Buffy glances back around the room quickly, paying more attention to the few items hanging on the wall, narrowing her gaze in she swears she can see T. Maclay in the corners of the pieces. Continuing her inventory of the room, she now sees what looks like art pads, pencils, charcoals, paints and other items neatly stacked in the corner.
Slowly bringing her gaze back to Tara she raises an eyebrow. "When do you have time for a life?"
Tara looks back up in surprise. "Excuse me?"
"When do you have time to go out and have fun. Live it up, dance the night away. Go out on a date, go to the movies or out to dinner? You know, life!" Buffy growls out.
"I… I go to class and study." Tara frowns. "Summer I get a job and find an apartment to stay in until school starts back up."
Buffy paces back and forth. "What about a…" Here she hesitates thinking about her phrasing. "How about going out on dates? Isn't there someone out there that has asked you out? Wanted to snuggle with you while watching a movie?" Buffy stops her pacing and looks at the woman. "Wanted to kiss?" She whispers.
Tara opens her mouth and shuts it a couple times watching the slayer. Not knowing what to say she sits down on the bed, absentmindedly peeling the label from the apple juice she's been sipping. "No."
Buffy feels her heart constrict at that simple word. Standing there looking at the blonde dumb-founded, Buffy internally winces. Finally getting up the nerve she whispers "Anyone you ever wanted to do any of those things with?"
Tara feels her heart jump as she glances up quickly and looks back down. "Not before, no." Tara finally admits as she pulls the label the rest of the way off.
Buffy frowns wondering at the 'before' part of that statement. Deciding to stop pushing she finishes her water and walks over to the small trash can by the desk. Dropping it in she smiles as she looks at the blonde. "I guess I'll have to do something about that, then." Smirking as Tara's eyes widen before she looks back down, Buffy slowly walks towards the door. "I need to finish patrol and do some studying when I get home. I'll come by tomorrow evening and walk with you to our house for dinner."
Tara glances up as Buffy opens the door, "Thanks Buffy." She watches as the slayer hesitates before glancing over her shoulder and smiling at her, nodding. As Buffy shuts the door gently behind her, Tara flops back on her bed, closing her eyes. "What am I getting myself into?" She whimpers quietly to the empty room, before a slow beautiful smile works its way across her face. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's going to be worth it."
AAAAAAAAAA
Buffy quickly works her way through the cemeteries, all the vampires she came across meeting a quick violent death as she works her way home. Opening the door, she hangs her jacket up and locks the door behind her glancing in the dining room smiling at seeing her mom working at the table. Walking towards her and pulling out a chair, she sits down and frowns, thinking about her conversation with Tara.
Joyce glances up as Buffy sits down beside her. Watching the emotions crossing her face and the frown that's looking to take up permanent residence on her daughters brow, she sighs quietly and slides the papers in the folder and puts them in her briefcase. "What's wrong now, honey?"
Buffy glances up, her eyebrows almost meeting she's frowning so hard. Standing up she paces from one end of the room to the other. "She's never been on a date before Mom. From what I was able to get out of her, she's never had a life except school and work. She hasn't even been kissed!" Buffy growls out striding more quickly back and forth. "What kind of family does she have that she's never been on a date? Never been to a school dance? When she frowns and doesn't even understand when I ask her if she has a life and her answer is she studies, goes to class and works during the summer so she can afford an apartment." Buffy stops and stares at her mother.
Joyce's eyes open wide as her daughter rattles everything out quickly. Opening her mouth as Buffy looks at her, she shakes her head and closes it back not knowing what to say.
"She's double majoring and has a minor also! Majoring in Teaching and Art while minor in business! What kind of class load is she taking to do all this? I actually paid attention to her room while I was there after I walked her back from the library. There were three beautiful paintings on the wall, and if I saw right, she painted them. She's going to work herself into the ground. Or a fucking early heart attack." Buffy yells out the last words slinging her arms up in the air before raking a hand through her hair. Collapsing back onto the chair Buffy drops her head onto the table.
Joyce reaches out and runs a calming hand over her daughters head, frowning as she thinks over everything Buffy said. "Honey…" Joyce starts and stops, completely at a loss. Rubbing her daughter's back, Joyce sighs. "I assume from what you said that she doesn't even have any friends at the campus then?"
"I don't think so." Buffy whimpers quietly. "Mom, what am I gonna do? What can I do?"
"Start off by being her friend. Talking to her, maybe get her to go to the Bronze when she feels more comfortable. Invite her over to dinner as often as you want, honey." Joyce offers what she can.
"She's coming to dinner tomorrow night." Buffy admits lifting her head and smiling sadly at her mother. "I'm going to run by the campus and walk with her here."
"You've taken on a lot, you realize that, don't you?" Joyce watches as her daughter nods her head.
"She's worth it." Buffy grins. "She's obviously very smart if she's taking all these courses. Then to get the grants and scholarships…" Buffy shakes her head in disbelief. "Do you think you'll need your usual summer help?"
Joyce smiles at her daughter. Eyes twinkling she winks "I'm sure I will."
"Thanks mom." Buffy stands and kisses her mom on the head. "I need to go upstairs and do some studying before I crash. I can't imagine taking all the classes she does. Just with the few I'm taking and patrol I've got enough to keep me busy."