Notting Hill, London

Willow's Residence

Xander closed the door of the apartment, his eyes briefly catching Buffy and Willow as they made their way towards the kitchen. "I'll go get Josh ready," he announced before making his way down the hallway. He strode down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing against the walls. As he turned the corner, he left the two women behind, their hushed voices fading into the distance. The air was heavy with anticipation, and he couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing in his absence.

Willow gracefully lowered herself onto the chair, placing a delicate teapot on the table between them. "So," she began, "Xander mentioned on the phone that you had a memory?"

The Vampire Slayer hesitated for a moment before answering. "I…I think so," she said softly, her eyes fixed on the steaming kettle in front of her. With a delicate hand, she poured the hot tea into a chipped mug, the fragrant aroma filling the kitchen. "I'm not sure. Xander and I were talking and I just said something…" She tried to shake off the feeling of uncertainty that lingered within her.

"Something?" Willow's brows furrowed, her lips pursed in a deep frown.

Buffy stirred the milk in her tea with a silver spoon, lost in thought. "I called him something I guess I usually called him. I was able to talk about it in detail." Buffy let out a heavy sigh, her mind still grappling with the reality of it all. "I can't believe it," she murmured, her thoughts consumed by the vivid memories that flooded her mind. "I remembered every detail."

"Speaking of remembering every detail, how was the date last night?" Willow's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in, eager to hear every word. A mischievous smile widened across her face as she raised the cup of tea to her lips. With a playful flick of her eyebrows, she took a sip, savouring the warm liquid as it flowed down her throat.

Buffy bashfully averted her gaze from her oldest friend, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Willow nudged her foot into Buffy's shin, a playful grin on her face. "Oh, I know that smile," she said. "Buffy is having lusty feelings."

"Am not," she replied firmly, her eyes narrowing in defiance.

The Wiccan couldn't help but roll her eyes at the comment. "Are too," she retorted. "Look at you," she said with a small smile, "you're blushing."

Buffy tried to hide her embarrassment, but it only made her cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red.

Willow wore a sly grin and raised an eyebrow. "You only get like that when you like a boy."

"Like a boy?" Buffy repeated, smirking. "How old are we again?" she asked, her tone drenched in sarcasm.

Willow let out a light chuckle as she playfully rolled her eyes. "Well," she said, "Give me the deets." She leaned in, propping her chin up with her hand. "Or a blurry watercolour."

"It was…" Buffy paused, her mind searching for the perfect word to encapsulate the events of last night that had stretched well into the morning. "A dream," she finally said. "We, um, retraced the steps of our first date. He took me to this beautiful restaurant—"

"Nonna's. It's the best Italian in town!"

"And then we danced." A smile tugged at Buffy's lips, remembering the romantic dance and the romantic jazz music twinkling in the background.

Willow's eyes widened in surprise. "Danced?" she repeated, her eyes widening. "How? Was it a fast dance, slow dance, Snoopy dance?" she asked, eagerly awaiting Buffy's answer.

"It was a slow dance," replied Buffy. "A waltz."

Stunned, Willow pictured her oldest friend slow dancing. "Xander can waltz?"

Buffy's eyes sparkled, nodding her head. "Xander can waltz. And then we got ice cream and took a stroll along… um, some bridge—I forgot the name..."

"Westminster Bridge," answered Willow.

"Right. Then we kissed."

"You kissed?" she whispered, stuck by the romance. Willow felt a sense of relief wash over her as she observed everything gradually returning to its former state.

"A lot, actually," she said softly. "Kisses that lasted all night…" She averted her gaze, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, giving away the fact that she and Xander had repeatedly made love.

Willow let out a deep sigh, her eyes widening in amazement. "Wow."

"I know," she said, unable to suppress the smile forming on her mouth/

Willow tilted her head slightly to one side, her eyes fixed on her friend. "So," she said, "how do you feel about it now that you and Xander...you know?"

Buffy shifted in her seat, her gaze flickering away from Willow's intense stare. The memory of that night was still fresh in her mind, the feel of Xander's lips on hers sending shivers down her spine. She now knew, without a doubt, what a "stevedore" was.

Her feelings for Xander had shifted, morphing from the comfortable familiarity of friendship into something more complex and difficult to define. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she grappled with the weight of her newfound emotions. Buffy remembered feeling love for Xander, but all of the events that led up to that were still very foggy. Her body seemed to remember the way he felt against her skin, the way his touch sent shivers down her spine. It was as if her muscles had a memory of their own, aching for the familiar sensation of his embrace. Every step, every turn, and every action felt effortless and natural.

"It was strange—Not being with Xander strange—I mean, at first… initially it was strange but then I got over it and then it was like…" She let out a deep sigh, her mind racing as she searched for the right words to express herself. I don't have the memories of, um, being with him before," she began, her voice trailing off. "But when we were together… It all felt so… natural. Does that make sense?"

Willow's eyes fixated on the blonde, her mind lost in a dreamy state. "Wow."

Buffy's lips curved into a tugging smile, stretching wider across her face. "Yeah."

"Mommy!" Josh's high-pitched voice suddenly pierced through the conversation. With a burst of energy, Josh sprinted down the hallway towards Buffy. Without hesitation, he launched himself into her arms, clinging tightly as he climbed onto her lap.

Buffy's eyes fixated on the little preschooler. At their first meeting, Buffy had erected a barrier between herself and the boy. She was filled with doubt and suspicion. But now… Buffy's heart swelled with emotion as she wrapped her arms around her little boy. She closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of his hair, savouring the moment.

Josh leaned back, his fingers playing with the intricate silver crucifix pendant that hung from her neck. She looked into his deep, dark eyes, she felt as though she could see fragments of herself reflected in his eyes.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him loosely as he settled onto her lap. She buried her nose into his hair, taking in his scent. "You ready to come home?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.

His small legs dangling over her knees kicked back and forth. "Oh!" Josh suddenly exclaimed. "I made you something!" He revealed a crinkled page of computer paper that he had been hiding behind his back. The pages were stapled together, and he held them out to her with a sense of anticipation.

With a furrowed brow, she asked aloud, "What is this?" As Josh handed her the makeshift booklet. She glanced at him with a curious expression. It was a booklet filled with colourful crayon drawings, depicting a young boy with tousled brown hair, his stick figure form captured in playful abandon. Beside him, a feminine figure with flowing yellow locks danced across the page. Buffy smiled at him, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "This is great, honey," she said.

Josh beamed at her, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction at the compliment. "I made it so you can remember me," he told her.

Buffy's heart skipped a beat as she gazed at Josh, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What?" Her heart was suddenly heavy with the knowledge the 4-year-old was trying to etch himself into her memory.

"See?" Josh reached out and gently took the booklet from Buffy's hand. He flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for. With a sly grin, he turned the booklet towards her, revealing a drawing of an oversized head. The face was grinning from ear to ear, with bulging brown eyes and a crooked smile. Scribbled brown hair completed the cartoonish image. "That's me! So you don't forget what I look like again."

Buffy struggled to focus on Josh's descriptions of his drawings, her mind consumed by a heavy lump of emotion that had lodged itself in her throat. She tried to push it down, to ignore it, but it seemed to grow larger with each passing moment.

"That's me and you when I was a baby." Josh pointed at the stick figure drawing of Buffy holding a smaller stick figure, Josh. She stole a glance at her son, his face animated as he spoke, but she couldn't bring herself to really listen. Tears gathered in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. She was overwhelmed by the love she felt for him and the depth of emotion that he stirred within her.

Josh's eyes sparkled with excitement as he pointed to a different drawing. "That's me building with my dad," he said, completely unaware of the tears welling up in his mother's eyes.

"Joshua, sweetie," she said with a gentle tone, "who told you that I lost my memories?" Buffy asked.

As he sat there, flipping through the pages of the booklet. "Aunt Dawnie," he replied without lifting his gaze. He leaned in closer into Buffy, his eyes narrowing on the pages. "She told me not to tell you that she said that. Look." Josh's finger hovered over the drawing.

As Xander strode into the room, his eye scanned the area until they locked onto Buffy's. He felt a jolt of electricity run through him as their eyes met, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. Buffy's beauty was undeniable, and Xander had always been drawn to her. He furrowed his brows, studying Buffy's face for a moment. She seemed on the verge of tears, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had missed something important.

"Mom," Josh whined, looking back at her from over his shoulder. His mother, lost in thought, was staring into the abyss. Josh sighed, feeling a pang of frustration. "You're not paying attention," he whined, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"I'm sorry, bug," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion as she fought back the tears in her eyes. With a deep breath, she composed herself and turned her full attention to the young boy. "I'm listening, sweetheart."

Xander stood with his arms folded across his chest, watching his love and their little tornado with a dancing smile on his face. He couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as he observed the two of them. The way she interacted with their child was a thing of beauty, and it filled Xander's heart with warmth.

Willow gently nudged Xander's arm, a small smile playing on her lips. She was overjoyed to see the mother and son finally reunited, their bond stronger than ever before.

Afternoon

Holland Park Playground

On their way to the playground, they stopped at the farmers market and straight to a small sandwich stand, where they ordered sandwiches and a few juice boxes. In the park, outside the playground, they spotted a nearby patch of grass and decided to have an impromptu picnic. They spread out a blanket and sat down.

The children's laughter echoed through the air as they ran towards the swings and slides. The parents watched with smiles on their faces as their little boy played and explored.

The peaceful picnic was short-lived. As soon as they had finished eating, Josh and Xander started to playfully run around. Their game of tag turned into a wild chase, with Josh running in circles around Buffy as he tried to catch Xander.

With boundless energy, the game went on for what seemed like hours, with Josh and Xander laughing and shouting as they ran around. Buffy watched them with a mix of amusement and exhaustion.

The father and son both collapsed on the grass, panting and laughing. The picnic may not have lasted very long, but Buffy knew that the memories of that afternoon would stay with her forever.


Buffy sat at the edge of the sandbox, her eyes fixed on Xander who was playing with a toy truck. She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. He turned his head slightly, his eye meeting hers. Buffy felt a rush of emotions flood through her. She knew that she was falling for him. Xander relaxed into her embrace, feeling the warmth of her body envelop him. Nestled between her legs, he felt safe and content.

Xander slowly turned his head, his gaze fixated on her lips as they curved into a gentle smile. As she leaned forward, her lips met his in a passionate kiss. Josh made gagging noises, playfully teasing his parents for their public display of affection.

Josh stood up, he kicked the sandcastle with all his might. He continued to stomp on it, crushing the clumps of wet sand.

"Joshy!" Xander wrapped his strong arms around the boy's waist, pulling him down onto his lap.

Buffy's heart swelled with joy as she listened to the melodious sound of Josh's laughter. The sound was like music to her ears, and she couldn't help but smile. Meanwhile, Xander was busy burying his little legs in the soft sand, his face beaming.

It was a moment of pure bliss, and Buffy felt grateful for every second of it. As she looked back to the year 2000, she couldn't help but feel incredulous about how her life had turned out. There was simply no way she could have foreseen the twists and turns that would lead her to where she was now. The weight of the world seemed to be on their shoulders as they trudged through the darkness. Heartbreak and death had become all too familiar, leaving little room for anything resembling happiness. It felt as though the universe had conspired against them, making joy an impossible dream.

Buffy's smile, which had been dancing at the corners of her lips, slowly faded as her mind drifted to thoughts of her mother. Her heart ached with longing as she gazed down at her son. How she wished her beloved mother, Joyce was still alive to share in this joyous moment.

She could almost hear Joyce's voice cooing over the preschooler, marvelling at his bright toothy smile and magnetic personality. Buffy couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness that her mother would never get to meet her grandson, but she knew that Joyce would always be watching over them from above.

It was a cruel twist of fate that her mother had passed away without ever knowing that her daughters would eventually find happiness in their lives.

"Mommy!"

Buffy's mind was lost in thought when suddenly, Josh's voice pierced through the silence with a screech.

"Daddy is burying me!" Josh sat in a freshly dug hole and looked up at his mother with a playful grin.

Buffy couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. "Daddy is a sand monster."

Josh wriggled his legs, freeing them from the gritty clutches of the sand. He crawled to the edge of the sandbox, his heart racing with excitement. With a burst of energy, he leapt out of the sandbox, his feet pounding against the ground as he ran.

Xander let out a hearty laugh as he settled into a comfortable position, nestled between his wife's legs. He leaned back, feeling the softness of her breasts against his back. Buffy wrapped her arms gently around his neck, feeling the warmth of his embrace. She rested her chin in the crook of his neck, watching their son run around with a carefree spirit. The sun was shining down on them, casting a golden glow over the scene. Buffy couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her as she took in the moment.

Night

Campden Hill Road, London

Harris' Residence: Josh's Bedroom

Xander gently pulled the rocketship blanket up to Josh's neck, tucking him in snugly. He settled down on the small twin bed, admiring his son with a warm smile. Xander cleared his throat and began, "Okay," he said, "you've brushed your teeth, emptied the tank, and you got your 'guy'—"

"I don't," he exclaimed, his voice squeaking in frustration. "Wait!" Josh kicked off the warm bed covers and slowly crawled out of bed. He climbed across the bed to the small suitcase, eagerly searching for his beloved plush doll.

Buffy stood in the doorway of the child's bedroom, her eyes fixed on her son as he rummaged through his belongings.

With a confident grin, he held the doll up triumphantly. "Got it!" he exclaimed. Josh stood up abruptly, clutching a pink stuffed pig in his hand. "I can't sleep without Mister Gordo!"

Buffy's eyes widened as she looked at the preschooler standing before her. As she gazed at her old nighttime pal, the one she thought she'd never see again.

The partial memory of the last time she saw the stuffed pig, Buffy had been stuffing it into a duffle bag. Amidst the chaos of her thoughts, a hazy image suddenly materialised, flickering like an old film reel. In the bedroom at her old house, Buffy stood at the wardrobe, carefully folding a few shirts and a pair of jeans before placing them in her bag. She added an extra pair of shoes.

As she zipped up the bag, she paused to add a picture of her mother. It was a cherished possession that she always kept close to. She also grabbed her childhood toy, a small stuffed pink pig that had been with her through thick and thin. With her bag packed and her belongings in tow, Buffy was ready for whatever lay ahead.

"Buffy?"

As Xander's voice echoed through the room, she was jolted out of the memory and brought back to reality. A hazy memory lingered in her mind, but she pushed it aside and focused on the present moment.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he looked at her.

"Ye-yeah, I'm-I'm fine." She gave him a forced small smile.

Xander's eyes lingered on her, curious by the peculiar far-off look on her face. However, he knew better than to push the subject any further, especially with Josh present.

"Mom?"

"Yes, sweetheart?" she said, her voice soft and warm.

"Can you tell me a story?" The young boy asked, his eyes big and hopeful.

Buffy pushed herself from where she stood. She smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair out of his face as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "What story did you want to hear?"

Josh looked uncertain, his shoulders rising and falling in a noncommittal shrug.

She took a deep breath. "Um, lemme think...um..."

Xander gazed at his wife, his mind wandering as he pondered what tale she might conjure up. He couldn't help but wonder if she would choose one from their shared history. Josh had always been drawn to the eerie and mysterious, and his favourite story was no exception. "The Tale of the Gentlemen" had always captivated him with its haunting plot and spine-tingling floating fairytale monsters. He also had a soft spot for "The Tale of the Spooky Halloween Costumes", which never failed to make him root for everyone to get their identities back. But perhaps his all-time favourite was "The Tale of The Pack", a gripping tale of possession and hyenas that had left a lasting impression on him. Josh could never get enough.

Buffy cleared her throat and began her tale. "Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there were two wicked men who had their eyes set on a precious diamond. They stole it from a museum."

"Why'd they steal a crystal?" Josh wondered aloud, as he held the covers up to his chin.

"Because they were evil," she answered.

"Why were they evil?"

Buffy flashed an amused smirk. "Why do you ask so many questions?" She playfully tickled his sides. He let out a high-pitched giggle, doubling over in laughter. Buffy leaned in closer, her lips grazing his forehead in a gentle caress. "As I was saying, the three evil men stole a crystal for a laser gun."

Xander's eye darted towards Buffy, his focus immediately shifting to her. He gazed at her with a perplexed expression as she recounted a memory from their shared past that had been supposedly lost to her amnesiac mind.

"Why did they have a laser gun?" Josh interrupted, unable to contain his curiosity.

Buffy took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. "Because they're evil," she answered.

Josh's little mouth was pursed, and his brows were pinched together in deep thought. He was lost in his own world, contemplating something that seemed to be of great importance to him. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he let out a deep sigh and asked, "But why are they evil?"

Buffy shook her head, her finger hovering over his lips, silencing him. "Can I please tell the story? We'll be here all night at this rate."

Josh laughed and quickly sealed his lips shut, his eyes widening in amusement as he gazed at his mother.

"Anyway," continued Buffy, "the evil trio shoots the laser and it hits me and makes me invisible."

The little boy's eyes widened in fear as he clutched his blanket tightly, pulling it up to his chin.

Xander's eye was fixed on Buffy. She was telling him about the time Jonathan, Warren, and Andrew had used Illuminata diamond to create an invisibility ray. She recounted the mischievous adventure of her stint as "invisible girl" to the child, who was thoroughly entertained. She seemed completely oblivious to Xander's gaze, lost in her storytelling.

"Are you invisible now?" Josh asked.

Buffy raised the arch of her brow, a subtle yet telling gesture that conveyed her scepticism. Tilting her head slightly to one side, she fixed her gaze on her son, studying him intently with a sideways look. "Do I look invisible?"

Josh's head shook with a resolute "no." The little boy looked up at his mother with wide eyes, Josh's small hands clasped together in excitement. "That was a good story, Mommy," he said, his squeaky voice filled with wonder and admiration. "Can I hear another one?"

Buffy gently tucked Josh into his bed, shaking her head in response to his plea for more stories. "No, it's time for bed, bug," she said softly. She leaned in closer, her lips gently touching his forehead. "I love you, kiddo."

"To the moon?" he asked with twinkling eyes.

Buffy ran her fingers through Josh's tousled hair. She couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort as she caressed his cheek with the backs of her fingers. "And around all the planets and galaxies beyond."

Josh's eyes widened. "That's a lot! Mom, I love you," he said, "lots of lightyears."

Buffy leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on the preschooler's cheek. "I love you," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and affection, "lots of lightyears away, too."

As the moonlight streamed in through the window, Josh's voice was barely above a whisper as he bid his father goodnight. "Night, Daddy." His small frame was nestled under the covers, his eyes heavy with sleep. "I love you, more than all the planets."

Xander gently ran his fingers through Josh's hair, tousling it playfully before leaning in to place a tender kiss on his forehead. "I love you to galaxies far, far away."

Buffy and Xander slowly rose from the bed, their eyes meeting as they stood up in unison. They walked towards the bedroom door, their footsteps echoing softly on the hardwood floor. As they reached the doorway, Buffy turned to Xander and gave him a small smile, her hand reaching out to grasp his. Xander's fingers intertwined with hers, and they stepped out into the hallway.

Xander's hand reached towards the light switch, his fingers grazing the cool plastic surface. With a quick flick, the room was plunged into darkness. He glanced at the little boy lying behind him, a soft smile playing on his lips as he watched Josh shift his position and pull the blankets up to his chin. Nestled tightly in his arms against his chest was Mister Gordo, her beloved stuffed animal.

Xander's heart swelled with pride as he watched Buffy's adoring gaze fall upon their son. He couldn't help but smile, knowing that they had created something truly special together. The love that shone in Buffy's eyes was a testament to the bond they shared, and Xander felt grateful for every moment they had together as a family. Without a word, he gestured for her to follow him into the dimly lit hallway. He closed the door to his bedroom with a soft click.

As Buffy stepped into the hallway, her eyes immediately fell upon Xander. She couldn't help but notice that same peculiar expression etched on his face. It was a look of confusion mixed with concern.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny, wondering what he was thinking.

He looked at her for a long moment, "Do you not know what just happened?" he asked, his voice trembling with fear and disbelief. He shook his head, his expression confused and concerned.

Buffy's face twisted into a deeper frown, her mind muddled with confusion. "What happened?"

He took a deep breath before speaking, his eyes fixed on hers. "That time when you came down with the case of invisibility… Baby," he said, taking a step forward and cradling her face between his hands, "that was in 2002."

She felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked into his eye.

"What else do you remember that day that wasn't mentioned?" he asked.

The day in question had been etched into her memory like a tidal wave. She could vividly recall the feeling of the scissors snipping away at her hair, the sound of each strand falling to the ground. But that was just the beginning. The social worker meeting that followed was like something out of a nightmare. The questions were relentless, the scrutiny intense. She felt like a criminal on trial, every word she spoke being dissected and analysed. And then there was Spike.

The mere mention of the vampire's name sent shivers down her spine. He was a constant throne in her side and her secret lover. "Um, I remember cutting my hair with scissors, um, the social worker from Hell, and, um, Spike…"

"Spike?" His face contorted in a comical expression of confusion as he let his hands fall to his sides. As Xander recounted resurfaced memory with greater clarity. It was a strange day, one that had left an indelible mark on his mind. He rushed to Spike's crypt, his heart pounding with fear and worry for Buffy's safety. Below the crypt, he was greeted by an unexpected sight—Spike lying in bed, completely naked. "I went to the crypt, well, um, looking for you when I found him in bed naked…" he slowly pieced it together. "He said he was doing exercises," he said, narrowing his gaze on her.

Buffy let out a long-held breath and cried out, "It was me!" The memories flooded back, vivid and intense. "I was there," she confessed.

"Oh, god!" Xander tumbled backwards, his hand instinctively reaching up to cover his gaping mouth. He felt a wave of nausea wash over him. The image of Spike and his future wife entwined in each other's arms was burned into his memory, haunting him.

"I'm sorry," her eyes were downcast, avoiding his gaze. "I wasn't in my right mind back then."

"Can my other eye also be plunged out?"

Buffy let out a deep sigh and rolled her eyes at his ridiculousness. "Don't be so dramatic. It was so long ago. Ancient history," she said softly, taking a small step towards him.

"Well, it's seared into my mi—Whoa, hey!" Startled, Xander's face lit up with a wide grin, stretching from ear to ear. "You remembered something!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.

She furrowed her brows.

"The stuff with the invisibility and Spike! Do you know what this means? He looked at her, the memory of their previous conversation about Spike fading away.

Buffy came to a sudden halt, her mind drifting back to that peculiar day when she had been invisible. The memory was etched so vividly in her mind that she could almost relive the experience. She had an incredible memory, capable of recalling every single detail with ease. As she looked up, her eyes grew wider, taking in the scene before her.

"They're coming back!" Xander pulled her into his embrace, his lips meeting hers in a passionate kiss. "Do you remember anything else?" yet, but they had each other, and that was enough to keep them going.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked onto his. "I..." she trailed off, shaking her head slightly. Her mind raced as she struggled to recall the memories that had been hidden in a thick fog. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to focus on the images that were slowly coming back to her. And then, like a bolt of lightning, it hit her. "I...I remember," she whispered. The floodgates had opened, and the memories came rushing back, overwhelming her with their intensity. She felt as though she was reliving the past, every moment vivid and real.

"What do you remember?" he asked softly.

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. "Everything," she whispered.

Xander reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Buffy's heart raced as she brought her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape. Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, blinding her to the world around her.

She did remember everything. Every detail, every moment, every word.

A supercut of vivid images flashed before her eyes. She saw Riley, taking off in a helicopter, leaving her behind. She saw the heart-wrenching scene of her mother's funeral, the pain still fresh in her heart. She saw the sun rising on the horizon beyond the edge of a tower, and then the miraculous albeit terrifying and traumatising moment of her resurrection. Her thoughts then turned to the affair she had with Spike, the vampire who had once been her enemy. She remembered the terror of facing The First, the ancient evil that threatened to destroy the world, wiping out the Slayer line. She thought of the countless Potential Slayers she had trained, and the bittersweet moment of packing away her beloved Mr. Gordo.

The memory of the destruction of Sunnydale still haunted her, but she had moved on to a new life in London. There, she had taken on the monumental task of rebuilding the Watchers Council and had even found love again with Xander. They had married and had a son, and she cherished every moment with her family. But even amid all this happiness, there was a dark moment she couldn't forget—the night she had lost her memory.

"I…I remember. Oh god, Xand, I remember everything," she tearfully smiled.

Xander's heart was brimming with elation as he leaned in to kiss her once more. "You remember everything."

With tears streaming down her face, Buffy leaned in and kissed him back with fervour, her fingers tightly gripping his shirt. "Everything," she emphasised. "I…I can't believe it."

Xander gazed at her with a gentle expression, his lips curving into a warm smile. He reached out and tenderly brushed away the tears that had gathered on her cheeks, using the soft pads of his thumbs. "I do." His eye held a steady gaze, unwavering in its conviction. "I never doubted it. Not for one second." He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers once more, savouring the softness and warmth of her mouth. The taste of her lingered on his tongue, and he couldn't help but deepen the kiss, his hands sliding up to cradle her face. For a moment, Xander pulled back, his eye locked on hers. "Let's go to bed and give your noggin a rest," he said softly, taking hold of her hand and leading her down the hallway towards their cosy haven.

Master Bedroom

Xander flicked off the bathroom light. The darkness enveloped him as he made his way back to the bed. He sat down on the edge of the mattress, feeling the softness of the sheets beneath him. He sank into the softness of his bed, propped up by a pile of plush pillows. His long legs stretched out in front of him, as he reached for the booklet in Buffy's hands. He flipped through the pages, his eye scanning the images with interest. "What's what?" he asked, looking up from his book.

Buffy lay on her side, propping up her head with one hand as she recounted the events of the day. "Josh made me a memory book," she said, her voice soft and wistful.

Xander slowly opened the booklet, taking care not to damage the fragile pages. As he turned to the first page, he was met with a series of childlike drawings that were vaguely reminiscent of Buffy and Josh. He took his time examining each one, carefully studying the lines and shapes that made up the figures. "Joshy did this?" he asked with amazement.

Buffy nodded. "Dawn accidentally spilt the beans. So, he made me this." She peered over Xander's arm to gaze at the drawings. A smile tugged at her lips as she thought about the time and effort the 4-year-old must have put into it. "Drawings of me and him and his self-portrait, just in case I forget again."

"That's our boy," he said, his gaze shifting towards Buffy as he caught sight of her reddened, glassy eyes. He reached out and gently brushed away a tear that had fallen down her cheek, using the pad of his thumb to wipe it away. "Oh, baby," he brought her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers. "Honey," he said with a reassuring smile, "it's gonna happen. You're gonna wake up one day and it's all gonna be there."

"It's not that," she said, her voice quivering as she tried to hold back the tears. With a shaky hand, she wiped the wetness from her cheeks, hoping to hide the evidence of her emotional outburst.

He furrowed his brow, his eye narrowing in confusion. "It's not?"

"Not totally," Buffy shook her head, her eyes downcast. "It's just," she began, "when Josh hugged me just now, he really hugged me." She wiped away her fallen tear. "I hold him… and I feel closer to him than anything… It's physical. Joshua is a part of me. Of us." Buffy said, taking Xander's hand, and giving it a tender squeeze. "How did we make something so perfect and pure?"

"Practise," he replied, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Lots and lots of practise."

Buffy couldn't help but let out a tearful laugh as she wiped away the tears that had streamed down her cheeks. "You're an idiot."

Xander chuckled as he leaned in closer to her, his lips gently grazing hers. He drew her close, encircling his arms around her slender frame and pulling her against him. As he looked down at her, he felt his heart skip a beat. "I love you," he said, not expecting her to say anything in return. "I just needed you to hear that."

She slowly withdrew from the safety of his arms, gazing at him with an inscrutable expression on her face.

He gently took hold of her hand, his thumb tracing the smooth surface of the wedding band that encircled her finger. "Buffy Anne Harris," he began. "I am crazy, stupid in love with you."

The silence stretched on, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had made a mistake. Perhaps he had said too much, too soon. He cursed himself for being so foolish, for not reading the situation better. As the seconds ticked by, Xander's anxiety grew. He shifted, fidgeting with his hands. He stole a glance at her, but she was looking down at her lap, her expression unreadable.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke. "I love you, too."

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Xander leaned in closer, but just as he was about to close the distance between them, she stopped him with a slender finger pressed against his lips.

She removed her finger from his lips, and he watched as she took a deep breath, preparing to speak. "Alexander LaVelle Harris," Buffy gently brushed Xander's dark hair off of his forehead, "I am crazy, stupid in love with you, too," she whispered affectionately.

Xander's chiselled features lit up with a broad smile that stretched from ear to ear. He gently lifted her chin with his fingers, drawing her near, and then he captured her lips with his own. Buffy leaned in for the kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck. She pressed her body closer to his, feeling a rush of desire wash over her. As their lips met, she let out a soft moan. Without even realising it, she began to grind against him, her body responding to his touch. It was a moment of pure passion, and Buffy never wanted it to end.

His arms wrapped around her tightly, and with a sudden motion, he rolled her onto her back. She gasped in surprise as she found herself looking up at him. They locked lips, savouring the sweet taste of each other's mouths. Their tongues intertwined in a passionate dance lost in the moment of pure bliss.

As the words escaped her lips, Buffy felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had meant every single one of them. It was a moment of clarity, a moment of truth. Her love for her husband was unclouded and all-consuming, coursing through her veins like a raging river.

Buffy's heart swelled with love for this man. He had captured her heart, and she was powerless to resist.

As their lips met, the passion between them grew stronger. Their hands explored every inch of each other's bodies, moving with a familiarity that only comes from years of being together. Xander's heart raced as he reached up her tank top, his fingers trembling with anticipation. He was about to lift it off when the bedroom door was flung open, startling them both.

Buffy and Xander's lips ripped apart suddenly, they were interrupted by a small figure standing at the foot of the bed. They quickly pulled away from each other and turned to see the curious gaze of a young boy fixed upon them.

Xander cleared his throat, covering his erection with the covers and a pillow. "Uh, hey, bud," he said, addressing the figure that had just emerged from the bed. "Whaddya doing out of bed?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

"I'm too excited to sleep!" Josh leapt onto the bed, his parents begrudgingly separating. He landed with a thud on the mattress.

"Honey, it's late," she whispered, her eyes filled with tenderness as she watched Josh snuggle up against her. "Daddy and I are going sleepies too," Buffy pretended to yawn.

Josh pulled the covers up to his chin, as he nestled deeper into the warmth of the blankets, he felt a sense of comfort and security wash over him. "No, you're not," he said, having caught them in the act of their lips being locked in a passionate embrace. "You were kissing," he stated matter-of-factly.

"Whoa, uh, heh, w-w-we weren't k-kissing..." Xander stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Looked like kissing," said Josh, his voice eerily casual. He watched as they leaned in close, their faces only inches apart. "Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight?" he asked, pouting his little lips.

Buffy raised the arch of her brow as she looked at Josh. He was trying to manipulate her with his expert pout, a trait he had undoubtedly inherited from her. She knew she had to stay strong and not give in to his charms. She cast a glance over the child's head, meeting Xander's gaze. He wore a smug smile on his face. He knew that she was teetering on the edge of giving in.

Buffy let out a deep sigh, unable to resist the boy's adorable pout. "Fine."

Josh squeaked, kicking his legs with excitement.

She pointed her finger at him, her eyes narrowing with a warning. "But one toot and you're outta here, buster," she said firmly.

Triumphant, Josh let out a soft chuckle as he nestled himself further into the plush pillows, relishing in the comfort they provided.

Xander couldn't help but tease his wife, a playful smirk on his lips as he called her a "wuss."

She dismissively rolled her eyes, "Puh-lease," she said, "as if you'd be any better?"

"I wouldn't have folded so easily." Xander leaned in close to Josh, brushing his lips against Buffy's in a tender goodnight kiss.

"Ewwy!" The preschooler cried out. "Stop it!" Josh's small hands darted between his parents' faces, interrupting their brief kiss. "Lay down and no kissing," he ordered.

Buffy smirked as she tossed her son a bombastic side-eye. She then scooted lower in the bed and lay down, her eyes fixed on the ceiling. With a playful grin, she reached out to tickle the little boy. "You're so bossy, my little pumpkin belly," she teased, enjoying the sound of his giggles.

Josh's laughter echoed through the room, filling the air with a joyous sound. He couldn't contain his amusement, and his body shook with each burst of laughter that escaped his lips. "Mom! Mom! Mommy!" The little boy giggled uncontrollably as his mother's fingers danced across his belly, trying to catch the elusive creature that wriggled between them. It was a game they played often and one that never failed to bring a smile to his face. He squirmed and twisted, trying to evade her touch, but she was too quick for him.

Xander chuckled softly, his eye fixed on his wife with a look of adoration. "You definitely take after your mother," he teased, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. She smiled back at him, her own eyes sparkling with amusement.

Buffy's fingers froze in mid-air, hovering just above Josh's ribs. Her eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. "Oh? Is that what you think of me? That I'm bossy?"

Josh couldn't help but snicker as he looked up at Xander. "Uh-oh, you're in for it now, Dad."

"Get him, tickle monster!" Buffy said, with a mischievous glint in her eye, as she released the tiny preschooler into Xander's unsuspecting arms. Caught off guard by the sudden weight, Xander laughed at the child's infectious giggles. Buffy watched on with a grin, pleased with her impromptu prank.

"I am the tickle monster!" Josh exclaimed with a giggle as he pounced on his father, tiny fingers wiggling as he tickled his sides. His father laughed heartily, trying to squirm away from the playful assault. It was a moment of pure joy and innocence, a father and son bonding over a simple game of tickling. Xander's laughter echoed through the room as he wrapped his arms around the boy, playfully wrestling with him.

Buffy's eyes were fixed on the two most important men in her life, her heart swelling with affection. It was as if every beat was filled with joy and contentment that she had never experienced before. The world around her seemed to glow with a new light, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for every moment she had been given. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savouring the feeling of being alive and surrounded by such happiness.

End.