Disclaimer: All Characters belong to J.W, and the plot is model after Jane Austin's novel Pride and Prejudice

Note: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed the story, I'm sorry but there isn't any B/A interaction in this chapter. But this is a big Willow chapter, so this is for Willow lovers.

I would like to thank Christine for taking the time to beta this fic. Thank you so much for your help and support.

Family Talks

Chapter Seven

When September came around, to say that life in the Summers' household was hectic would be an understatement. With the school year beginning again, Kendra, Faith, and Dawn were back at college studying or partying their time away; while Willow went back to teaching her little students. With all her sisters no longer able to help her out in a daily capacity, Buffy ran around like a madwoman, teaching all her classes at the center, and ensuring everything ran smoothly for the big night. With so much to do, Buffy postponed her return to the Mystical World indefinitely; which was quite unfortunate for her parents, since business at the Mystical World skyrocketed, so much so that the Summers' parents were rarely found at home anymore.

Willow grew tired of watching her family always being too busy for one another, so one morning during breakfast she declared a Family Night for the coming Friday. At her announcement, everyone was quick to voice their objections: Joyce and Giles said they were going to have a romantic night out on the town; Faith and Dawn said they were going to one of the fraternities big initiation party; Kendra said she needed her time for research on a big project for class; and Buffy announced that she had no time to spare especially since Fundraiser Night was on Saturday.

Understanding that her parents needed a night for themselves, Willow smiled and said that she accepted their excuse. But as she turned to face her sisters the smile dropped from her face and she said, "But I don't accept any of yours."

Raising her hands to stop the on coming protests from her sisters she continued, "You see this," as she pointed to her face, "it's my resolve face and you guys know what that means, I'm not taking no for an answer. Everyone has been running around this house busy doing their own thing, myself included, and that's fine. But we're all still family and we shouldn't lose touch of that. So it won't hurt us that much to spend one night together. Faith…Dawn, there will be other parties you can go too. Kendra, I know for a fact that that project you need to work on isn't due for months so you can spare the night for the family. And Buffy you have everything planned out don't worry, just spend the night relaxing."

Her sisters all relented after hearing her reasoning, all except Buffy. "Wil…I know what you say and that's great. You guys can have the Sisters' night, just without me. Friday is right before the fundraiser; I need the time to make a bunch of calls to making sure everything is set, plus I need to be free in case there are any unexpected last minute problems. I'll have time to relax and spend time with you guys after the fundraiser."

"Buffy," Willow said with a sigh, 'why must I have such a stubborn mule for a sister,' "every year you do an amazing job, yet every year you continue to worry and stress about every little thing…to the point that you never actually enjoy the night like everyone else. There are other people who can handle any problems that may arise. Look at Friday as the night you can de-stress and have fun with your family, so that you're in the right state of mind to enjoy the fruits of your labor." Looking at her sister, she could see Buffy was close to giving in but still not there, so she decided to add, "If my resolve face and my list of reasons still haven't convinced you…how about this," in a very serious patronizing voice, "I'm older so be a good little sister and do as I say." Willow tried to hold her face as serious as possible but that only lasted for ten seconds before she began to giggle, and was soon joined by Buffy and the other occupants of the room.

Chuckling Buffy said, "Okay…okay, I relent. I'll be here with you guys on Friday."

"Finally," sighed Dawn, "you two are so stubborn."

"Yep ain't that the truth," Faith said in agreement, "Buffy you should know better than to try to argue with big sis after she puts her resolve face on."

"As interesting as this whole discussion was, we are now running late," stated Kendra in a solemn voice, "and I have no intention of missing my professor's very important lecture. Faith, Dawn, you have two minutes to get into the car before I leave without you. Good day everyone." Kendra was soon out the door and the engine of her car could be heard starting.

"Urg…Important lecture my ass…every lecture is important to Kendra," said Faith as she got up and gathered her belongings, "sometimes I wonder how we're sisters."

"Come on," Dawn said as she began to drag Faith to the door, "Kendra looked serious about leave without us."

Faith could still be heard saying "When doesn't she look serious" before the door closed.

Willow and Buffy began leaving too, but then Buffy remembered her case of CDs for dance class was still upstairs, tossing her keys to Willow she said, "Warm up the car, I'll be down soon." Buffy's could be heard running up the stairs quickly.

"Bye Mom…Bye Dad. Hope you guys have a nice day, see you later." Said Willow as she headed for the door, but before she could leave she found herself in a tight hug from her mom. "Mom?"

"I'm just so proud of you honey," said Joyce a bit teary-eyed, "when I see you looking out for your sisters and the family, I can't help thinking the family will always be in good hands as long as you're here. I love you."

Returning her mother's hug, she said "Love you too mom." As she looked over her mother's shoulder, Willow could see her father staring at her with pride and love in his eyes and the slight nod of his head in acknowledgement of her. "Well I should be getting out there before Buffy comes back down. Bye." She soon left, and a car could be head starting.

As Joyce walked over to Giles, Buffy came running down. "Is Willow just starting the car now? Oh well…bye mom dad."

"Bye Buffy, try not to work too hard," said Giles.

Laughing Buffy just said "I'll try" before she was out the door.

Hugging her husband, Joyce asked, "How did we get such wonderful daughters?"

Giles answered her with a kissing and replied, "Lucky I guess." As they both moved to clear the table and began washing the dishes, Giles continued to say, "And I agreed whole heartily with what you told Willow, I love how she's always watching out for her sisters. She's a natural nurturer that one, going to make a wonderful mother someday."

Joyce had a mischievous twinkle in her eye and said, "Yes she will, and perhaps someday isn't to far off."

"Now I know that look Joy," said Giles sternly, "don't start planning the girl's wedding just yet, she's only been dating Daniel for a month."

"Honey, you and I have both seen the look in Oz's eyes whenever Willow's around or being talked about. That boy's in love with our daughter, there's no doubt in my mind."

Sighing Giles replied, "I don't doubt Oz's affection, its Willow's I doubt. You know she hasn't been in a serious relationship since Tara."

The flinch that came upon Joyce's face over the long forgotten name couldn't be missed, but they both ignored it. "Your right, Willow hasn't been serious about anyone for a long time, but I know my daughter, and she won't have continued to see Oz unless she cared for him deeply. And…" Here Joyce turned to look at Giles directly in the eyes, "I see that spark in her eyes again Giles. That spark that I thought had died away. It's back and I know it's because of Oz. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time."

Hugging his wife Giles just muttered "I know I know."

As they released one another, Joyce decided to lighten the mood by saying, "Anyway the sooner those two get married, the sooner I get those grandbabies I want!"

Laughing Giles remarked, "If grandchildren are what you want, I'm sure Faith will be more than obliging."

"Giles!" Cried Joyce in a scandalous tone, "I can't believe you said that."

"Oh like you didn't know about our daughter's promiscuous ways?"

Joyce acknowledges the fact that she knew about Faith's actions but was still quick to defend her daughter by saying "She's just passionate about life."

Shaking his head, Giles said, "All our daughters are passionate beings, look at Buffy's love for the center, or Willow's love for teaching children, even Kendra's passionate about her studies, and Dawn loves languages. Why couldn't Faith have a more constructive passion like her sisters?"

"Our daughters are all unique from one another, and that's why we love them. Now come on or we will be late for work," said Joyce as she headed upstairs.

Giles followed muttering, "How can we be late, we own the bloody store." The two were soon ready and heading out for another day of work.

In Buffy's Car

"So do you need me to pick you up from work today?" Asked Buffy as she made a right turn.

Shaking her head, Willow said, "No, that's alright. I have some parent-teacher conferences after school, and then Oz is picking me up for our date."

"Really another date so soon," in a teasing tone Buffy continued, "my goodness you and Mr. Osborne sure been seeing a lot of each other, must be getting pretty serious."

Blushing as red as her hair, Willow swatted her sister. "Stop that, we've only been dating for a month. We're still just getting to know each other."

"Don't deny it Will, you're smitten with the guy. I haven't seen you this into someone in a long time."

"I know, Oz is a great guy. His sweet, charming, kind, smart, not to mention handsome, and he makes me feel giddy at the oddest times." Willow sighed with a dream-like gaze, but as soon as the gaze appeared in was gone again, "but we've only known each other for a month, we shouldn't get carried away thinking its…" but before she could finish Buffy interrupted her by touching her hand.

"Willow its okay for you to open your heart to Oz. I know you have reservations, but Tara would have wanted you to move on with your life and be happy."

Teary-eyed at the mention of her old love, Willow turned away from her sister and began staring out the window. 'Tara baby I miss you so much. I wish you were here but I know that's impossible. Are you up there looking down at me? I know you would have wanted me to move on…maybe you saw how lonely I was and sent Oz to me. You would like Oz; you're both such kind and giving people. But would Oz understand what you mean to me Tara?' "Buffy, I know Tara would be happy for me. I guess I'm just afraid of Oz rejecting me."

"Now why would you think a silly thing like that? If you haven't notice Oz is head over heels in love with you."

"I wouldn't go as far as to say he loves me, but I know he cares. But would he really feel the same way once he knows I was involved with a woman who I deeply loved. Buffy you know how people can be; our own mother didn't even acknowledge the fact that I was dating Tara the entire time we were together."

Buffy knew how much it had hurt Willow to know their mother did not support her relationship with Tara. When Tara died, Joyce's unwavering love and support for Willow during her time of grieve had helped mend the wounds, but they were never forgotten. Buffy also knew how Willow came under the scrutiny of the whole town because of her involvement with Tara. Everyone was stunned that sweet little Willow, who had been going steady with James Scott for three years until their split before graduation, was suddenly involve with a woman. Once the shock died down things got better, but the awkwardness never quite left; some people in town still feel uncomfortable by Willow's bisexuality.

Finally reaching the grammar school, Buffy pulled the car to stop in front of the main doors. Pulling Willow into a hug, Buffy said, "I know this is hard for you, but from what I've seen Oz seems to be a decent, open-minded guy, who's in love with you. I think he will understand if he wants to be in a relationship with you, he has to know and accept all of you. And if he can't, than it's his loss."

"Thanks Buffy."

Before Willow was all the way out of the car, Buffy called her back, "Will, I don't want to pressure you, but I think you should tell Oz sooner rather than later. You know how the town talks. It would be better for Oz to find out from you than from someone else."

"I'll think about it. Bye."

Buffy watched as Willow placed a smile on her face and began greeting students and parents alike. She finally drove off once Willow went into the school.

End Note:

I have never taken any human sexuality classes, so please excuse me if I'm wrong or if you don't agree, but in my opinion I've always thought of Willow as a bisexual instead of a lesbian. I loved the relationships Willow had with Xander, Oz, and Tara. Willow got to know these individuals, felt a connection with them, and than fell in love. Gender was never an issue; she just loved the person and wanted to spend her life with him or her. I've heard that's not exactly the same as bisexuality, so please tell if I'm wrong, but for now I'm going to identify the Willow in my story as bisexual.