Disclaimer:- I own nothing but the imagination. The song belongs to Disney and Phil Collins.
Rating:- M
A/N:- AU version of events after Grave. Sorry it took so long, I got distracted by those mundane everyday things we have to do like washing and tidying up. Plus the kids are now on holiday so there's that to contend with. Hope you like it, let me know with those reviews us writers are always asking for.
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Chapter 13
Tonight was date night and as Buffy stood in front of her mirror adjusting her dress and fluffing the curls on her head. She gently brushed her finger tip under eye to smudge the eyeliner a little more, her eyes a smokey black instead of the usual natural look, she thought back over the last few weeks.
Giles had spent the time recovering from the injuries he sustained fighting Willow, getting to know his children and reading her Slayer journals. They had talked about everything he had missed and he had used a fair few invective's, some of which she had never heard before, when he had found out about what had happened with Spike.
She giggled as she put her earrings in remembering the times he had looked up in shock that had quickly melted in to love when he read something she had written about him. They had barely been able to hug and after the first morning, she had been hesitant to kiss him fearing she would cause him pain so they had made a deal – Giles would allow her to care for him and she would take him out to dinner when he had recovered, then afterwards they would head to a hotel so he could follow through on that fantasy he had had when she first opened Dawns birthday present.
She turned at the sound of Alex gurgling in his crib and smiled. At nearly eight weeks, he and his sister were growing surprisingly fast, both now on only formula as Buffys milk had unexpectedly dried up. Giles had theories of course but Buffy thought it was, as the doctor said, just something that happens. At first she didn't like the fact that they were now being fed with bottles instead of by her but they were happy and healthy and didn't seem to be having a problem with the change.
Giles had disappeared that morning after their smoochies had been interrupted by the twins. Giles had taken to being a father like she thought he would and had made quick work of their diapers, letting her have an uninterrupted shower.
She'd reentered their room to find him sitting in the rocking chair feeding Alex, humming softly to him. She had stood there in a towel and watched with a smile on her face, trying very hard to forget that he might have to leave for England at anytime because of Willow.
As she applied her dark red lipstick she sighed, the coven had sent someone for her three days after the big show down.
Xander had been despondent at first so she had kept him at the house as much as possible, inviting him for dinners, asking for his help with the twins while Giles recovered, asking him to drive Dawn to their dads for her stay with him. He had gradually opened up again thanks to a few long talks about what had happened and was now waiting downstairs with a huge bowl of popcorn on babysitting duty for the night.
She shivered in anticipation as apparently Giles had asked him to babysit all night. Smiling when she heard the knock at the door, feeling Giles' anticipation and nervousness through the bond, she looked at herself once more, her wrap dress from Dawn showed no hint of the underwear under it. She admired herself in the mirror and smiled in anticipation of his reaction.
She slipped on her black suede pumps then walked over to the twins and gave each of them a kiss as she gently brushed her fingers over their hair which was now showing signs of curls. She picked up the monitor and her bag then left the room with a last look over her shoulder at her sleeping children.
She got to the top of the stairs ad just stood there for a second admiring the man standing at the bottom. He was wearing a dark green cotton shirt loosely tucked into black jeans with black work boots.
She started down the stairs and he turned towards her,
And an earring. Guess that means Ripper wants to play she thought as she smiled at the slacked jawed expression on his face.
"You boys plannin' on catchin' flies?" she drawled as she carefully stepped her way down the stairs.
Stopping in front of Giles she pushed his mouth closed with a finger,
"Hello lover" she purred, brushing his lips with hers she heard him growl in her head,
Yes he does, I hope you've had plenty of rest today luv 'cause you ain't sleepin' tonight
She smiled and brushed her fingers over his crotch as she passed him to tell Xander what he needed to know.
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Giles paused outside her house and took a deep breath, he hadn't been this nervous for a date since he was a teenager. He had purchased the house she had liked a couple of months before but had signed the papers yesterday and all without her knowing, he felt quite proud of himself that he had managed to block his plans and excitement from her.
Xander had helped him move some of his things, namely his bed, from his old flat into the new place, leaving the rest for the movers who he had arranged to pick up the rest of his and then drive to Buffys house for her stuff in three days time.
He had dinner waiting on a newly purchased dining table complete with table cloth, silver wear and candles. The candles were upstairs too, in the master bedroom she had quite rightly called theirs when she first saw the place as well as in the bathroom adjacent to it.
He also had a surprise for her sitting in on her place setting at the table, hoping with every fiber of his being it was still what she wanted. She had given no indication that it wasn't but he knew his Buffy well enough to know that with something like this she would have told him, but things had changed, he knew this and some of it (okay most of it) was his fault which lead him to doubt.
He nervously fingered the blind fold in his pocket and knocked on the door only to have it open mere seconds later.
"G-man, wondered when you'd knock" Xander said with a grin, "I saw you pull up, nervous huh?"
"A little although I don't know why and please don't call me that" Giles said as he passed over the threshold and shut the door behind him.
"Yeah, you keep saying that" Xander said as he flopped back down onto the couch, his feet immediately dropping onto the coffee table and throwing a handful of popcorn in his mouth.
"Then one would think you would listen to me and stop using that awful moniker" Giles said as he glanced up the stairs then back at him with a grin.
"You would think" Xander replied with a smirk.
And an earring. Guess that means Ripper wants to play he heard her say and fought back the grin her words provoked.
He looked up and his jaw dropped open, Giles spun round and saw a vision walking down the stairs towards him and his jaw dropped as well, for once utterly lost for words. She had on the dress that Dawn had bought her for her birthday with a pair of black heels, her make up made her look sultry and his cock stirred to life in anticipation of the night ahead.
"You boys plannin' on catchin' flies?" Buffy drawled in her best southern accent as she carefully made her way down the stairs.
She stopped in front of Giles, placed a finger under his chin and gently pushed his mouth shut,
"Hello lover" she whispered and softly brushed his lips with hers smiling when she saw his eyelids slide shut.
Yes he does, I hope you've had plenty of rest today luv 'cause you ain't sleepin' tonight he said to her.
"Xand shut your mouth please, the chewed popcorn look is so not attractive" she said with a grin as she stepped past Giles surreptitiously brushing her fingertips over his groin.
"Here is the monitor, bottles are in the fridge and although I doubt you'll need us, I have my cellphone anyway" she said as she put the monitor on the table next to his feet before shoving them off and onto the floor.
"Buff you look….hot!" he said finally finding his voice and sitting up.
"Duh" she said with a grin.
"For once I would have to agree with Xander" Giles said as she walked back to him, "although I will add that you look good enough to eat" he said with a low growl as he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingertips.
"Okay, eewww, leave that shit for when I can't hear it, I beg you" Xander said, his grin taking the sting out of his words.
Buffy was lost in the green eyes, darkened with desire, as she read the promise in them. She swallowed and turned to Xander,
"Right, see you later and any problems…."
"Yeah I know, you have your cell, go do whatever already" he said waving them away.
"Yeah okay, bye" Buffy said as Giles pulled open the door and offered her his arm.
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"So watcher mine, where are you taking me? Even though we agreed I would be taking you out, you somehow manged to turn the tables on me" she said as she gripped his arm and laid her head on his bicep.
He stopped half way to the car and turned her to face him, cupping her face in his hands he bent and brushed a kiss on her mouth,
"You look beautiful" he whispered against her mouth.
"Makes a change from sweats and a tank top covered in baby vomit huh" she whispered back looking into his eyes as she locked her arms around his neck.
He brushed the skin under her eye, "Honestly, even then I think you're beautiful" he said as he stepped back and took her hand in his.
"Yes well, you do get a lot of head injuries, maybe they're starting to affect you're faculties" she said giggling when he growled and pulled her to the car.
He stopped and opened her door, "Get in the bloody car so I can show you how affected my faculties are woman" he growled playfully as he helped her in to her seat.
She giggled and swung her legs into the car, watching as he walked around to his side. As soon as he was in and seated she reached her hand over and ran her fingers over the bulge in his jeans, grinning when a low moan escaped his throat as he started the car and pulled away.
"I think you're functioning just fine in that department, how far do we have to drive?" she asked as her explorations became bolder.
"Not f..far, Christ Buffy" he said as she deftly unzipped him and drew him out, startling him into jerking the wheel.
"Do I have time for this?" she asked and then lay across the seat until he felt her warm breath on his rigid cock.
"Aah, maybe, yes I believe we do" he said as his heart rate increased in anticipation for what she was about to do. He groaned and thrust his hips toward her willing mouth then quickly pulled over to the side of the road as he felt her tongue lick over his sensitive glans before she engulfed him and sucked while pumping the shaft with her hand.
He put his hand on her head and gently encouraged her further, moaning she complied and took as much of his length as she could in her hot mouth. Gently using her teeth, she slowly pulled her head back before plunging down again and sucking hard as she slid her tongue over the vein on the underside of his cock.
Giles had his head back against the seat as he panted and moaned. It had been so long since he had had a release that he didn't bother trying to control himself. She circled the head with her tongue then sucked on it hard before swallowing him whole. He looked down at the blonde curls bobbing in his lap, groaning as she started to fondle his balls in her other hand, his hand tangled itself in her hair as his other gripped the steering wheel as he tried to control the urge to thrust into her mouth.
He could feel a tingle in his lower back as she started to slow down, he moaned and pressed harder on her head but she ignored his direction. Frowning he wondered what she was up to until she started humming low in her throat.
"Fuck!" he arched his hips and his control snapped as he started to thrust into her mouth his hand convulsively tightening around the steering wheel.
She gently squeezed his balls and increased her speed, humming the entire time, bobbing her head in time with his thrusts and before he knew it he felt a tightening in his balls.
"Buffy!" he shouted her name as he came, pumping stream after stream of his seed into her mouth, stars exploding on the backs of his eyelids as she brought him over the edge in an explosive orgasm.
She swallowed as much as she could and continued to lick and suck every drop from him, cleaning him off. When she was done she gently tucked him back inside his jeans and zipped him back up.
Lifting her head she gave him a self satisfied grin, "Do you need me to drive?" she asked innocently as she saw his glazed look.
"Why did you do that?" he asked breathlessly.
She shrugged and checked her lipstick in the visor mirror, "I wanted to. It's been too long since I had the chance" she said looking at him with a smile.
He looked at her, a dark hunger in his eyes that took her breath away and before she could say anything he pulled her to him and crushed his mouth to hers, thrusting his tongue in her mouth as he tangled his fingers in her hair, holding her to him.
She moaned into his mouth and wiggled closer bringing her hands up to his chest before sliding them up and around his neck. Her tongue sliding along his as he made love to her mouth, adding more moisture to her already wet panties.
Pulling back and sucking in a deep breath he looked at her smiling face and groaned, "I think we should go now before I fuck you right here in this car"
She groaned in response and licked her lips, "Better get going before I take matters into my own hands then" she said trailing her hands down over his shoulders and onto his chest before leaning forward,
"I want you inside me" she whispered in his ear before kissing the spot under his ear as her thumbs brushed over his nipples through his shirt.
He growled and turned the key in the ignition pulling away from the curb fast and forcing her to fall back to the seat with a giggle. He reached into his pocket and handed her the blindfold.
"Put this on luv, I don't want you knowing where we're going, it's a surprise" he said giving her a very Ripperish grin.
She tied the blindfold around her head and sat back, shivering in anticipation.
"You do realise I know that you've been hiding something from me" she said as she smoothed down her dress over her chest, smirking when she heard a soft groan from his direction.
"Yes dear" he said and she heard the smile in his voice.
She felt him take her left hand, gently rubbing his thumb over her ring finger and she smiled softly.
Our little secret. And it's today that it's been two years she thought.
I know, Happy Anniversary my love he thought as he brought her hand to his lips.
She felt the car pull over and slow to a stop ten minutes later, looking in his direction when she heard the click of his belt release and the door opening.
She strained her hearing but heard nothing other than the usual sounds of the night, she extended her Slayer sense and felt nothing in the immediate area. She had run a quick patrol earlier but it was quiet, only one vamp was introduced to Mr Pointy.
Her door opened and she felt his hand on her arm giving her a gentle tug as he helped her out of the car. He guided her around the car and up onto the curb, his hand cupping her elbow as she felt the subtle change from the asphalt of the path to the smooth cement of a walkway.
"Steps in front of you love, four of them, now" he said softly as he held her tighter when she lifted her foot for the first step.
She heard a key enter a lock and turn then the puff of air as he pushed open a door, the soft notes of their song started somewhere in front of her as he placed both hands in hers and gently tugged her forward.
He pulled her into the house and guided her to the dining table before letting her hands go and pulling her chair out, taking her arm he guided her to the seat as he pushed it under her. Once she was seated he waved his hand and the candles in the room lit themselves, she swiveled her head as her Slayer enhanced hearing registered the tiny whoosh of the flames.
He sat at the table next to her, "You can take the blindfold off now love" he said.
He watched her raise her hands to the back of her head and loosen the knot before pulling the cloth away from her eyes. She looked around, blinking at the sudden invasion of light, and he watched as she realized where she was, her eyes widening with wonder as her gaze snapped to him.
"You bought the house? When did you buy the house?" she asked as she grabbed his hand.
"A few months ago, when I realized I was needed at the coven, I purchased it over the phone and signed the papers yesterday" he said his smile widening at the joy shining from her eyes.
"Is that what this is?" she asked pointing to the box in front of her.
"Yes as well as something else" he said resisting the urge to laugh at her frown of confusion, "Open it"
She took her hand back and gently lifted the lid of the pale blue box in front of her. She looked inside and saw a large ring box sitting on top of a sheet of paper that had both of their signatures scrawled across the bottom. She put the lid down next to her and lifted the ring box, knowing what was inside she couldn't help the way her heart hammered in her chest. She pinched the lid between her fingers and pulled it open, her tears flowing freely when she saw their wedding bands nestled in the black fabric.
She looked up at him a huge smile on her face,
"I had hoped" she whispered, "all that time after you left I was waiting for you to send me divorce papers, then you never said anything about it and I didn't want to ask just in case you didn't want me that way any more, I didn't want you to feel obligated to stay with me just because of the twins..."
He broke off her ramble by covering her mouth with his, framing her face in his hands he molded his lips to hers, tasting her tears on her lips. He pulled back and rested his forehead on hers,
"Always and forever remember" he said softly then took the box from her and pulled out her ring, taking her hand in his he held the ring over her finger,
"Do you still want to be my wife?" he asked
"More than anything in the world" she said huskily, her voice thick with unshed tears.
He slipped the ring on and kissed it before she took her hand away and pulled his ring out of the box, she held it over his finger and smiled at him,
"Do you still want to be my husband?"
"Until the world ends I will always be yours" he said in a strong clear voice despite the tumult of emotions expanding in his chest.
She slid his ring on and kissed it before pulling it, and him, forward so she could cover his face in soft kisses before he managed to claim her lips.
After a few minutes of slow, smoldering kisses he pulled back and reached under the table for the smaller box he had put on the other chair earlier in the day.
"I also have this for you my love, a thank you for the children" he said as he handed her the open box.
She gasped when she saw the ring nestled in white satin. It was white gold like her wedding band with a square diamond nestled between two small emeralds and a filigree scroll design either side them. She looked at him as she wiped the tears from her cheeks,
"You didn't need to do this" she said softly.
"No I didn't need to, I wanted to, after all I never did get you an engagement ring" he said with a grin as he put it on her finger, sliding it down so it nestled against her wedding ring.
She chuckled wetly as she looked at it on her finger, "I take it we're telling the guys about us being husband and wife for the last two years then, maybe even have an actual wedding at some point?"
"Of course I just didn't want to keep referring to you as simply my girlfriend any longer Mrs Giles" he said looking up at her as she stood.
She bent her face to his and brushed his lips with hers, gently trailing her fingers over his cheek, "I agree Mr Giles" she said then stood and walked slowly away, his eyes unable to look away from her swaying hips.
She stopped and turned towards him, pulling at the sash that held her dress together, "Now are you going to be opening your present or not?"
She giggled when he launched himself at her, gripping her waist he spun her so her back was against the door frame before he bent his head and covered her mouth with his, her mouth already open to him he thrust his tongue into her mouth swallowing her groan as he pushed his thigh between her legs and thrust himself against her hip.
As he was plundering her mouth his hands moved down over her shoulders and ribs to her waist where he slowly unraveled the bow at her hip then pulled open her dress and loosened the sash enough to push it from her shoulders as she lowered her arms. He guided it down her arms before letting it pool at her feet.
Before he could run his hands over her body she put her hand on his chest and pushed him back. He saw the out and out lust burning into him from her eyes and then he looked down, his eyes trailing over her swollen lips and down to her chest. He gasped as he saw the black see through bra and panties she was wearing, her hand drew his attention as she ran her finger over the top of her bra and down the valley between her breasts. He watched as she trailed her finger down over her stomach and inserting it under the edge of her panties.
"Do you like your present my love?" she asked in a sultry whisper. She turned from him and he growled low in his throat when he saw that she had a thong on.
When she had turned back to face him he pushed her back against the wall and kissed her, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth and gently rolling it between his teeth before lightly brushing it with his tongue. Her hands were busy removing his shirt, her fingers deftly undoing his buttons before yanking the tails from his jeans and just ripping it the rest of the way open before dragging her nails through the hair on his chest, grazing his nipples causing him to groan.
He helped her remove his shirt while kissing his way down her throat to her shoulder, sucking the skin over her collarbone made her groan and she curled her leg around his thigh pulling him closer.
"God Giles!" she moaned as he bit her nipple through the sheer material of her bra, licking and sucking at it until it had become so hard that each breath was torture then moving on to the other and giving it the same attention.
He ran his hands down her back and over her firm rear, as he licked the valley between her breasts.
He left one hand on her rear, sliding the other over her hip and between her thighs. She hummed in pleasure as he traced the edge of her panties with a finger before sliding it inside and running it gently over the top of her slit.
He moaned when he felt how wet she was, "Is this all for me love?" he asked as he placed sucking kisses over the swell of her breasts.
"Yes yours, only yours" she gasped as he slowly inserted a finger into her slick channel.
She pulled his head up to her mouth and crushed her mouth to his, forcing her tongue through his lips as he added a second finger. She gasped and pulled him closer, moaning into his mouth as he pumped his fingers inside her.
He lowered himself to his knees in front of her, kissing and licking his way down, making her squirm as his lips left a fiery trail of need across her skin. He removed his fingers, grinning at her whimper of protest before he bent his head and ran his tongue along the crotch of her panties, applying pressure when he reached her swollen nub.
"Please" she moaned as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Please what love?" he asked looking up at her.
"Do it, now, please" she begged.
He ripped her panties off and buried his head in the heavenly nectar of her sex. She screamed and threw a leg over his shoulder as he licked the length of her labia, circling her clit with his tongue before plunging it inside her eliciting a load shuddering moan as he fucked her with his tongue.
He slowly drew his tongue up and around her nub as he thrust two fingers inside her, holding her still with an arm across her stomach he flicked his tongue over it before sucking it, hard.
"Fuck!" she screamed as she ground her sex down onto his hand, gripping the back of his head, holding him to her. Her breath coming in short sharp pants as she came closer to her release. Her legs were shaking in time with every tremor that he caused to rip through her body, the shocks coming closer together all focusing on the heat between her legs.
He curved his fingers inside her and rubbed against the most sensitive part as he sucked at her clit, flicking his tongue over it and she couldn't hold back any more. Her body exploded in intense pleasure as her orgasm ripped through her, not noticing that he had removed his hand and was now holding her up as he licked, sucked and nibbled her over into a second orgasm, more intense than the first. Her screams shattering the silence and echoing around the empty house.
He stood and braced her against the wall, her face flushed and covered in a light sheen of sweat, her chest heaving as she sucked air into her lungs. Her eyes opened and she gave him a satisfied smile before pulling his head down to hers and kissing him. She groaned as she tasted herself on his lips, she traced his upper lip with the tip of her tongue and he opened his mouth for her, moaning when he felt her nails lightly scratch over his scalp.
He lifted her up and encouraged her legs to wrap around his waist as moved towards the stairs,
"I haven't finished with you yet love, that was just payback for the car" he said against her hair when she laid her head on his shoulder. He got to the top of the stairs and turned right towards their new bedroom.
"Oh goody" she said lifting her head, kissing the corner of his mouth, "Do I get to know what you have planned for me?"
He pulled her legs from around his waist and lowered her to her feet, "I plan on making up for lost time" he said, running his hands down her back and over her ass.
Pulling her flush against him so she could feel his arousal he ran a hand back up to her bra and flicked it open as he roughly covered her mouth with his, her hands busy at his waist as she popped the button on his jeans and lowered the fly before running her nails over his member causing him to gasp and thrust into her hand. He pulled the straps down over her arms and she stopped her teasing to let it fall to the floor.
He pushed her away from him and growled at the sight before him, naked except for the heels, she was beautiful. Her breasts a little bigger thanks to the breast feeding, her skin glowing in the candle light.
"My beautiful Buffy" he said reverently as he stepped closer and lightly brushed his hands over her body.
He turned her around and pushed her over the edge of the bed until she was bent over and leaning on her arms. He pushed his jeans down as he kicked off his boots before removing his socks and shucking his jeans, kicking them aside before reaching for the condoms he left just under the bed. Sliding one on, he ran his hand over her rear as he nudged her legs open with his knee before standing behind her.
She could feel his hand burning a path over her skin as his hand moved over her butt and along her spine, his breath fanning the flames higher as he kissed and licked his way up to her neck. She felt the tip of his penis rub along her slit before he pushed his way into her, slowly filling her as she whimpered and moaned, her body shaking as she fought the urge to push back against him.
His hands covered her breasts, kneading them before rolling her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. She arched her back, pushing herself into his hands as she felt his hips hit her ass. He pulled out and as he thrust himself forward in one hard stroke he bit down on her shoulder and pulled down on her nipples, twisting them as he did.
Still reeling from the orgasms she had under the ministrations of his talented tongue and fingers her eyes opened and moaned loudly as her orgasm ripped through her with no warning.
He held still inside her as he flicked his tongue over the mark he made on her shoulder, waiting for her to calm. She pushed back against him and he pulled out slowly until just the head remained inside, he pushed himself upright and gripped her hips before slamming back into her.
He did this a few times, the sweet almost pain of him hitting her cervix with each thrust making her whimper in delight but she wanted more,
"Fuck me Ripper, do it" she flicked her hair back and looked at him, her eyes darkened by desire.
He growled and bent over her, twisting his hand in her hair he pulled her head up as his other hand gripped her breast, his lips covered hers and they both moaned as he started to pound into her, harder and faster. He let go of her hair and slid his hands under her, over her breasts and up to grip her shoulders, pulling her back as he thrust into her, his forearms rubbing against her nipples.
"Oh god, yes! Like that" she moaned, she lifted an arm and gripped the back of his head, bringing him closer as his forehead rested on her shoulder blade, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine adding to the increasing pressure at her core.
"Jesus!" he shouted as she clenched her muscles around him. He was close so he moved a hand down to her clit, rubbing it with slow strokes before pinching it and rolling it between his finger and thumb.
She jerked against him as she threw her head back, "Yes! I'm coming...yes...oh god...Ripper!" she yelled as he felt her inner walls spasm around him.
Giles let out a guttural roar as he exploded within her, her walls milking every last drop from him.
He collapsed on top of her, breathing hard as they rode through the after shocks. He kissed her shoulder and neck softly,
"I love you" he breathed in her ear.
"After that I should hope so" she said turning her head and smiling at him.
He chuckled and captured her lips, kissing her sweetly as he looked into her eyes.
"Mmm I love you more" she said, whimpering as he slid out of her.
When he disappeared into their bathroom she slipped out of her shoes and crawled up to the pillows, flopping over onto her back feeling thoroughly fucked. She knew this was just a reprieve in his planned evening, they hadn't even had dinner yet and she was starving now.
"Are you hungry my love?" he asked coming back to the bed.
She opened her eyes and saw him looking at her, his eyes traveling hungrily up and down her body, she smiled and raised her knee, slowly parting her legs as she did. His eyes darkened and she stretched her leg in the air, pointing her toes at him,
"Very, feed me Seymour" she said grinning up at him as he took her foot in his hands.
"With pleasure my lady" he said as he kissed each toe before kissing her ankle. Releasing her foot he pulled his jeans on, leaving them undone he left the room.
Can you get my cellphone from my bag please, I want it close just in case she asked him through the bond.
Of course, don't go to sleep he warned and she giggled.
She slid off the bed and padded over to the bathroom to use the toilet. She saw the candles spread out through the room and smiled at the bath oils sitting on the edge of the bath. She went back to the bed and crawled in under the covers, curling onto her side as she pulled the covers back over herself, burying her head in the pillow.
She had just started to drift off when she heard Giles come back into the room bringing with him the mouth watering smell of Chinese food. She rolled over onto her back and stretched, hearing his groan she opened her eyes and smiled at him,
"Ooh food, gimme" she said reaching out for the bag he had in his hand as she scooted over to give him room on the bed.
"We were supposed to eat this downstairs before I got you into bed" he said as he walked over to her. He put the champagne on the floor next to the bed and took the glasses from his other hand, placing them next to the bottle before handing her the bag of food and her cellphone.
"It's better this way though" she said as she began pulling boxes out and placing them on the bed in front of her.
"I agree" he said as he watched her breasts jiggle with every movement. He dropped his jeans and crawled into bed next to her, kissing along her lower jaw, capturing her mouth in a tender kiss before sitting back against the headboard and taking the chopsticks and duck fried rice from her.
He watched as she tore into an egg roll while she flipped open her cellphone and called the house,
"Summers residence" Xander answered on the fifth ring.
"Hey Xand, how's it going?" she asked around a mouthful of egg roll
"Good, but Alex doesn't seem to want to settle, he's not usually this fussy is he?" he said and she could hear a little whimper over the line.
"No he's not, try a little cooled boiled water with a little honey in it, he might be just gassy" she said frowning, "If he isn't any better in a couple of hours then ring me and we'll come home"
"Sorry Buff"
"No it's okay, it's not your fault, just the fabulous life of parentage that's all"
"Okay, hopefully I'll see you in the morning"
"Yeah, hopefully" she agreed and hung up.
She turned to Giles and sighed, "Alex is fussy and won't settle" she said leaning forward, grabbing the spicy pork noodles,
"We might have to cut the night short" she said regretfully.
He leaned over and tilted her head up, "We could go home now if wish, this can easily be finished there"
She shook her head and leaned forward for a kiss, "No, it's okay, if Xander calls back then we'll have to but let's wait and see first" she said leaning back against him and lifted some noodles from the box.
"Are you sure?"
"Not really but I'm enjoying alone time with you, my mommy alarm isn't going off too loudly yet. He'll be fine, it's probably just gas" she said around her mouthful of food.
"In that case, can I interest you in some champagne?" he said as he leant over the bed and retrieved the glasses and the bottle.
"Yes please" she said with a smile. Taking the glasses from him she held them as he poured, handing him his after he placed the bottle back on the floor.
"To fresh a start and a new home" he said and held up his glass.
She clinked hers against his and said, "And lot's more orgasms" laughing as he choked on the sip he had taken.
He glared at her as she sipped on her champagne but she just raised her eyebrow at him,
"Do you have any objections to that?" she asked as she raised herself onto her knees and moved over him, sitting back on his thighs and indicating he should put his glass down.
Instead he drained it and chucked it behind her on the bed, watching as she sipped hers, lifting herself up before she dipped her finger into the liquid. She let the drop fall from her finger onto her breast just above her nipple. He watched it slide over her skin and catch on the hard peak.
Surging forward he licked off the drop before sucking her nipple into his mouth. She whimpered and emptied her glass, tossing it aside she pushed him back and covered his mouth with hers.
Knowing what she was doing he opened his mouth and she let the champagne pour from her mouth into his waiting for him to swallow before slowly running her tongue over the roof of his mouth as she rotated her hips over his.
He growled and gripped her hips pulling her down onto his erection as he thrust up against her warmth and deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue along and over hers as he moved her over his erection. She gripped her hands in his hair tearing her mouth from his, moaning as his hand dipped between her legs and inserted a finger,
"So wet already" he moaned as he slid his tongue over her collar bone, sucking hard at the base of her throat as he pressed his thumb against her nub. He smiled smugly against her neck when she growled in frustration when he pulled his hand away and leaned over to grab another condom from the box.
She stopped him and pulled him back up, taking his hand and placing it on her breast she ground her hips down and rotated again,
"Don't need them, I started taking the pill again when I stopped breast feeding" she whispered into his ear before sucking the lobe into her mouth and nibbling on it.
Her hand trailed down his chest sliding into the space between them and onto his cock, she guided it to her core and slowly sank down onto it. Giles groaned when he felt her wet heat against his skin and he bent his head to her breast, trailing his tongue around her nipple before taking it into his mouth and sucking hard, he flicked his tongue over the hard peak as she rose and fell against him.
He gripped her hips as his mouth moved to her throat, bringing her down harder before holding her close and flipping them on the bed, his arm swinging out and brushing the food aside as he planted hot open mouth kisses over her chest and up her neck.
He pulled out and slowly entered her again, loving her body with his hands and mouth as he took his time bringing her to the edge of her release and then stopping, waiting for her to calm down before starting again.
Her whimpers and soft sighs exciting him more than the loud groans as she gripped his ribs and pulled herself up to lick and bite his nipples, making him shudder and moan. Suddenly she was above him having used her slayer strength to flip him on his back,
"My turn" she said breathlessly and sat back sending him deeper, both of them moaning at the sensation.
She looked down into his eyes and rotated her hips, grinning as his eyes rolled back. She began to move, slowly at first and then she laid over him taking his mouth in a deep, passionate kiss as she moved faster, his hands on her hips moving her into a rhythm as he thrust into her. She sat up again and lifted herself off of him, his eyes locked onto the place where they were joined. She slammed back down and he threw his head back a primal growl escaping his throat, she did it again and he lifted his head to look at himself disappear inside her,
"Buffy, I'm close" he said his voice thick with arousal.
She slid back down and moved her hand between her legs to rub her swollen nub, he groaned and began moving his hips in time with her movements, his eyes glued to her hand,
"That's it love, touch yourself" he moaned as her hand moved to her breast and began pinching at her nipple.
He held her still and began pumping into her as fast as he could, loving the noises he was able to bring out of her. She stopped touching herself and fell forward bracing her hands either side of his head as she pushed back against his thrusts.
He captured her mouth and swallowed her scream as he felt her clamp down around him, he thrust once, twice more then threw his head back,
"Fuck, Buffy!" he shouted his release.
She sat back and rode him over the wave of pleasure, pinching at his nipples and gripping his cock with her inner muscles, encouraging him on, not stopping as she came again, more powerfully than the first, white lights exploding behind her eyes. He pulled her down to his mouth, thrusting his tongue into her as he felt another orgasm tighten his balls and he emptied himself inside of her hot clenching channel, moaning into her mouth before collapsing back against the bed breathing hard.
She lay on his chest with a satisfied smile on her face,
"Can I just say….wow" she said as he rolled them both to the side.
"You can, you can also say bloody unbelievable" he said with a chuckle, brushing her damp hair from her face and pressing a kiss to her lips.
"Mmm, definitely of the amazing" she said then yawned, "Sleepy now though"
He chuckled and pushed himself up on his elbow, "Shall we have a bath first love?"
"Yeah, that's sounds good right now" she said wrinkling her nose and wiggling. She slid off the bed and walked into the bathroom to grab a tissue and start the bath. Giles closed the lids of the boxes and put them back into the bag, the glasses went back next to the ice bucket.
He was just about to join Buffy when her phone rang.
He lent over the bed to retrieve it from it's position under the pillow and opened it,
"Is everything okay Xander?" he asked.
"Not really" he heard two cries in the background, "Dani's started up now, I think they're sensing magic again, remember Melinda said they were extra fussy when Will was using all that magic plus I think they have a temperature, they're a little warm"
"You might be right about the magic" Giles replied as he thought about the implications if it was true, "We'll be home in half an hour" he said and hung up.
"Buffy love?" he called as he turned around. He jumped when he saw her standing there with the food in one hand and her shoes in the other, her bra already on.
"I heard, get your clothes on and I'll meet you downstairs" she said and walked away.
Sighing he pulled his jeans on then sat on the bed to put his shoes and socks on. He paused at the door, putting the ice bucket and glasses on the floor he muttered a few words in Latin and clapped his hands, the room reverted to the state it had been in before they had arrived and he left to help Buffy gather the rest of their things.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
They had arrived home in less than ten minutes, Buffy rushing in and straight upstairs for a quick shower and a change of clothes. Giles deposited their things on the dining room table and went to help Xander.
"I'm sorry Giles, I tried the boiled water and honey but it didn't work. I tried everything I knew to do but I think they just want Buffy, see, Alex usually calms for you but he's still fussing" Xander said as he walked around with Dani, gently bouncing her.
"Hmm perhaps you're right, he doesn't usually fuss like this. I wonder what they're sensing?" he said thoughtfully as he tucked his sons head under his chin and began to hum softly.
That was when Xander noticed his wedding ring.
"Why are you wearing a wedding ring?" he asked staring as Giles smiled, his eyes shining with happiness.
"The week you, Anya, Willow and Tara went to the beach, the summer after Adam" Buffy said as she came into the room, rubbing her hair with a towel, her own rings glittering in the light of the living room, "Giles and I couldn't come because of a Watcher Slayer thing, remember?"
"Yeah...that was the Watcher Slayer thing?!" he said his jaw dropping open in shock.
"Yep, we were in Vegas getting hitched, had booked it a few months before when we knew what you guys were planning so we could spend the week in bed" she said laughing as his face screwed up and he gagged.
"Could've done without that information" he said as she took Dani from him and moved to the lazy boy in the corner.
Giles looked at her and a warmth settled over him, she was wearing her tartan flannel pajama bottoms with a navy blue tank top, her feet bare and her face scrubbed clean leaving no trace of the sex kitten he had had in bed half an hour before. She looked even more beautiful to him and his heart swelled with the love he felt for her.
She sat down and reclined the chair settling Dani over her chest and tucking her head under her chin, shushing her as she rubbed her back.
"Giles lay Alex on me please" she said holding her arm out for him.
He did as she asked and stepped back, watching in awe as she started humming a tune he vaguely remembered from one of their video nights with the rest of the scoobies.
Xander stood beside him, looking between them as she started singing.
"Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight"
The children, who were whimpering and twitching against her, immediately stilled as she sang, stroking their heads and backs.
"I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry"
She kissed each of them and shifted them a little closer together. She rested her cheek on Dani's head and gently brushed her fingers over Alex's cheek and continued.
"For ones so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry"
"Now would you look at that. It took three verses of a song from a Disney film and she's settled them, won't be long until they're asleep" Xander said, awe in his voice as he watched the scene before him.
"She's truly amazing" Giles said and Xander turned his head to watch his friend, a smile on his face, while Buffy continued to sing in her soft voice.
"'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more"
"So, you wanna tell me how none of us figured out you two were married for two years?" Xander asked turning towards him.
"We thought we had managed to keep that part of our relationship from you, now I know that after a year together you lot found out anyway" Giles said looking at him over his glasses. "We had chosen to keep us a secret simply because we didn't want to be put under a microscope, after the wedding we didn't wear the rings and I kept them and our marriage license under lock and key in my lock box. Of course if we had known that you lot knew, I could have given her the wedding she wanted with all of you there" Xander just grinned at him and turned back to watch as Buffy finished.
"You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always"
The twins were now asleep, each had a hand curled against her arms and were holding onto each other as well, as Buffy continued to hum and rub circles on their backs, her own eyes closed. Soon the humming faded to be replaced by her deep even breaths and her hands stilled as she fell asleep.
"Is it me or are they glowing?" Xander said squinting his eyes at the three sleeping figures in the chair and the faint glow of a pure white light that seemed to emanate from them.
Giles stared in disbelief as he saw what Xander did, "Y...yes they are, it's...I believe...it may be a protection of s..some sort" he said pulling his glasses from his face and rubbing his eyes.
Replacing his glasses he walked towards them and gently placed a hand over each of his childrens hands, making sure he was in contact with Buffys skin as well and felt a surge of love and a desire to protect. He let go and felt the sensation leave him, he looked back at Xander who was staring at them a mixture of fear and disbelief,
"Xander come here, I want to see if my theory is correct" he said gesturing him to step forward.
He came hesitantly and, at Giles' indication placed a hand over Dani's, his fingers against Buffys skin. Giles placed his hand over Alex's and then grabbed Xanders hand, watching him as he felt the surge again. He knew that Xander felt it when he gasped and looked up at him, his eyes glistening.
They let go and moved away silently, leaving the room neither of them could take their eyes off of the sight in the chair.
"What the hell was that?" Xander said in a hushed voice, "What I felt, it was…."
"Love" Giles said leaning against the island in the kitchen, "The purest kind of love there is, the love of a child for it's mother" he looked up at Xander, his own eyes rapidly filling with moisture, "the love a child has for it's family"
"And the protection thing, they want to protect us too?" Xander said wiping at his eyes. He had never felt that before and it unsettled him that he may not ever feel it again.
"Undoubtedly, I need to look into this, talk to Anya as well as the coven" he took his glasses off again and tossed them on the side, rubbing his eyes.
"I've never seen or heard of that happening before. Although the prophecy said I would have two children with magic, I never thought it would mean a power like that" he said pointing through the wall into the other room.
Xanders eyes widened, "They're that powerful? At two months old?!"
"Exactly, my magic responded to theirs, I felt their power and for them to manifest it like this it means somethings happened, something big and that does not bode well for us" Giles said picking his glasses up and looking at the clock.
"Xander, would you mind terribly if I asked you to go to the magic box and get the books that are boxed up?"
"All of them?" Xander asked a little horrified at the prospect of lugging nearly twenty boxes filled with books across town.
"No, no I wouldn't ask that, just the ones that are labeled magic, they're all to do with magic users and spells and such, if I need more then I will go myself" Giles said laying a hand on his shoulder and giving him an understanding smile.
"Sure thing, I won't be long" Xander said walking quickly to the door, pausing in the door way to the kitchen he looked back at him "This is big isn't it, I mean mega big, change the world big"
"Possibly, although I am more worried about what caused them to manifest, especially given how upset they were tonight"
"Got it. Possible big bad on the way. I'll be right back with your books" he left, quietly closing the door behind him.
Giles moved to the phone and called Anya, apologising for the late hour he asked if she would mind coming to the house as soon as possible, that he needed her opinion and to pick her mind about something. Reluctantly she agreed and a few seconds later she was there in front of him.
"What is it Giles?" she asked, annoyed.
"Come with me" he said and moved back into the living room. Gesturing to Buffy and the twins he asked,
"Have you ever seen this before?"
"What's happening?" she asked stepping closer, gasping when the light flared briefly then faded again.
"I don't know but lay your hand over Dani's, make sure you're touching Buffys skin as well" he said doing what he told her to do.
She did as he asked then took the hand he offered her and gasped as she felt what he and Xander had felt, she let go and backed away with tears in her eyes.
"That's white magic" she said wiping at the tears that had fallen, "Your children are white magi's, powerful little buggers too and for them to manifest their gifts at this age then something truly evil must be coming"
"Why do you say that?" Giles asked guiding her back to the kitchen when Buffy stirred, the children mirroring her.
"Didn't you feel it?" she asked looking up at him, "You must have felt it, the power there, the goodness of it, why was I included? I'm a demon, they should have blocked me"
"The flare of the light" Giles said staring off into space, "They must have sensed the demon in you but included you as part of the family when they realized it was you and that you posed no threat"
"I'm part of the family?" she muttered, surprised and pleased to be included.
"Of course you are, silly girl" Giles said affectionately giving her shoulder a squeeze.
She saw the ring and smiled, "You're finally telling everyone then" she said gesturing to his ring.
"Y..yes…..you knew?!" he asked in surprise.
"Of course, I have a friend who meets vengeance out on married men, she came to me asking why Buffy wouldn't let her in after you left and I told her she was wrong, that you weren't married and she just said 'they are, why won't she ask for vengeance'" she said looking at him with a knowing grin.
"I told her about everything you've been through together and that no matter how much you hurt each other, willingly or not, you would never allow anyone else to hurt the other, she gave up and moved on to the next job"
Giles' mouth was hanging open in shock, he closed it with a snap and looked away swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat at Anya's words,
"I hurt her that much when I left?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Anya wasn't sure whether he had asked her or just voiced the question aloud but she answered him anyway,
"Are you telling me that you thought leaving her, your wife, wouldn't hurt her? Did you really think that she wasn't there any more, that her feelings were completely shut off?"
"All I know is that she wouldn't let me touch her, she wouldn't let me help her except to take the money I offered or to let me take care of things she didn't want to face not to mention her running off to see bloody Angel as soon as he called" he hissed angrily, "I didn't want to leave but I couldn't bare to watch her suffer, my heart couldn't take any more pain at watching her walk through life as a mere shadow of what she once was"
"Men! You're all the fucking same! You call yourself Watcher but you never saw her did you? You never actually looked at her 'cause if you had you would have seen the love in her eyes when she looked at you, you would have seen her pain for what it was and not what you thought it was" she said stepping up to him and pointing at him,
"We all thought that she was in hell but if any of us had looked at her properly we would have realized that her pain wasn't due to where she was when she was dead but due to where she was after we brought her back" she stepped back and began to pace,
"I would watch her after you left, I could see it when she was thinking of you, could see the tears well up in her eyes, the sad little half smiles before you opened up that bond again, and another thing" she said whirling on him, "She nearly died when you shut that thing off, she went through all of Sunnydale actively hunting the demons and vampires, using her senses to find them all. We didn't find out until she came in with Dawn after school three days later, she headed straight to the training room and destroyed three punching bags venting her frustrations"
She sat on a stool glaring at him, "She had this haunted look on her face worse than when she first came back, Dawn said she got in after the sun had come up and cried herself sick in the shower every morning. You should've seen Xanders face, even Willows and Taras, we didn't know she was pregnant at that point but we were still worried about her. Dawn was terrified, we all were. That was the worst three days I can remember having since she died. When I told her you had called…." she stopped talking and swallowed. Looking down at the counter and her hands.
"Dear lord" he whispered his heart clenching painfully in his chest and his stomach dropped to the floor as he listened to Anya tell him what had happened.
"She was in the training room demolishing another bag when I told her…..I think she stopped breathing for a second because she fainted. I screamed and ran to her, Xander came rushing in, picked her up and laid her on the couch. Turns out she hadn't been sleeping, patrolling all night instead, Willow says it must have been a combination of shock and exhaustion that made her pass out. That was when Xander stopped taking your phone calls, I'd never seen him that mad before"
She looked up at him and saw the pain on his face, the tears in his eyes, and decided to try and sooth him,
"She loves you, more than I ever imagined it was possible to love someone. When you were both talking again, I asked her why she had forgiven you so easily" she smiled at him and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"And what did she say" he managed to say, wiping at his face with a handkerchief.
"I quote, 'He's the other half of me, without him I'm empty, cold. He brings light into my world of darkness, he's the sun, the moon and the stars to me, why wouldn't I forgive him? He only did what he thought he needed to do, what he thought he had to do'" her smile widened when he blushed and a look of wonder passed over his face.
"I was amazed too but she looked at me with this puzzled look when I asked and as she was talking I could see the change come over her, the light that shone from her eyes was dazzling, I had that with Xander" she finished quietly.
"You still have that with Xander Anya" he said. Clearing his throat, "He went about it the wrong way admittedly but he thought he was saving you from ending up like his parents"
"I know" she looked up at him, "Do you think we could have that again?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes I think so but you need to actually talk to him which neither of you are ready for right now" he said kindly.
He was still reeling from her rant, he had never thought him leaving would hurt Buffy like that. In all honesty when he first returned to England he had doubted their marriage could survive but one look at her picture, the one he had taken of her the morning after the wedding, laying in bed on her front smiling sleepily over at him, her hair wild from the night before and her ring shining on her hand in the early morning light, he couldn't do it. He had known on some level that he would go back to her and he couldn't imagine even asking a lawyer about a divorce.
"You reek of sex, is that what you were doing tonight?" Anya asked taking her hand back and sitting up.
"Uh...yes, as a matter of fact I had, uh, planned a whole night alone with her" he said taking his glasses off and polishing them.
"Wow Giles, wouldn't have guessed you could keep up with a Slayer" Anya said impressed.
"Yes, well. Can we, uh, talk about something else please" he said picking up the kettle and moving it to the sink to fill it.
Placing it on the hob he stood there staring at the wall, his mind a tangle of thoughts, Anyas revelation had solidified the knowledge that he should never have left, that he should have been strong enough to be there for her, been what ever she had needed and not run from her.
"What are you going to do with the twins?" she asked breaking into his thoughts as she stood up and moving back towards the living room.
"With them?" he asked slipping his glasses back on and following her with a frown on his face.
She stopped and stared at the glowing threesome, a soft look on her face that he had never seen before,
"Well yeah, do we leave them there or do we wake her up and put them back to bed?" she said looking at him with a confused look on her face, "What did you think I meant?"
"I thought you might mean about their power?"
"Nothing to do. A white magi isn't like a witch. A witches power can be either light or dark depending on the power they call or the spells they use or even the intent behind the spells. A White magi is inherently good, they are incapable of performing dark rights, spells, curses blah blah blah, you get what I'm saying" she said sitting on the couch waving a hand at him.
"So they won't misuse their power, rebel as it were?" he asked sitting in the armchair as he gazed fondly on his wife and children.
"Like you did you mean" Anya said bluntly.
He looked at her and gave her a stiff smile, "Yes quite"
"Nope, their power isn't like that, although they can cast spells and will eventually be able to control it, it's mainly instinctual like that, notice how they're touching each other and Buffy? And when we touch them too we're added to the protection?" she said pointing at them.
"Yes?"
"Well, and I'm guessing here so don't take my word on it, I think it's not so much them as it is their power. They sense something that scares them, their power reacts to it. At this age they want comfort, they want their mom when their scared or upset so it's only natural instinct at this point. I don't know Giles, I've never encountered it I've only ever heard of it" she said slumping back.
"Well I know more than I did half an hour ago and Xander will be back shortly with some books that might help," he paused and stood up heading to the kitchen when the tea kettle whistled leaving Anya to stare at the scene in front of her.
He came back a few seconds later to ask if she wanted anything to drink just as Xander opened the front door, a box of books in his arms. Giles rushed forward and took it from him, placing it on the table he turned to the door and joined Xander at the car taking two more from him.
Once they had deposited the boxes on the table he turned to him, "Thank you for that Xander and thanks to Anya I know where to start looking" he said gesturing to her sitting on the couch where she was still sat staring at Buffy and the twins.
He frowned when he noticed the look of speculation on her face, "What is it Anya?"
She frowned then looked up, her eyes widening slightly when she saw Xander standing there as well, "When Buffy was pregnant, the twins would heal her if her blood was spilled while on patrol" she stopped waiting for them to get it.
"Oh shit!" Xander said smacking his hand on his forehead.
"Exactly, would that happen now that they're out of the womb or not?" Anya said with a smile, surprised that it was Xander that had caught on first.
"Would you two please explain to me what is going on" Giles said looking between them an exasperated look on his face.
Xander nodded to Anya to continue. She looked at Giles then back at the twins,
"Well, the babies would heal her and then a few hours later they would grow because they had used their magic so I was wondering..."
"If the same pattern would continue….of course!" Giles said and rushed back to the table and began digging through the boxes, pulling books out and piling them around him.
"Should we help?" Xander asked Anya, pleased that she hadn't lashed out at him so far.
"I think we should, finding out your kids are just as freaky as your wife can't be easy" she said standing up.
"I heard that" came Giles' voice from behind a tower of books.
Xander just grinned at Anya and went into the kitchen to finish making the tea and a coffee each for him and Anya.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Epilogue
It had been a strange couple of weeks. First the twins did indeed age but it was slower than it was while she was pregnant. Over the course of a week they aged six months, Giles said it seemed to be equal to the amount of power they use like when they healed Buffy from the womb it was a simple healing so the ageing process wasn't as extreme, the glowing bubble was a serious show of power so the ageing process reflected that.
The working theory is that if they use the power like they have been, instinctively, then by the time they're a year old they could be at least three and Buffy was worried about them ageing that fast. Thankfully the council had situated a doctor at Sunnydale General and he was in charge of their medical care, at least they wouldn't have to explain to a normal doctor why they had suddenly aged from two to eight months old.
So now they had eight month old twins to contend with as they moved house. Xander installed a child proof lock on the weapons chest he had given her for her birthday and Giles had baby proofed everything. There were child locks on all the lower cupboards and the fridge in the kitchen, all the cabinets in the living room plus all the corner guards and the child lock on the toilet seat.
Xander had built a play pen for them, three sides had bars with blocks attached and three sides were plain bars, Dani and Alex loved it and Buffy loved it especially after having to do some fancy footwork three days ago when she almost stepped on Dani carrying the laundry basket from the kitchen to the stairs. Baby gates were now at the top and bottom of the stairs after Dani, also dubbed Gremlin by Dawn who was now back from their dads, had shown an interest in climbing them.
They were advanced for eight months old but Buffy was blaming Giles for that as he seemed to have taken it upon himself to take every piece of advice from the baby books to heart and had encouraged them with their crawling. He was loving every minute he spent with them, reading and singing to them at bedtime, playing with them when he wasn't researching their power but now he had to go back to England.
The coven had contacted him and asked for his assistance with Willow who was proving to be a difficult case for them and they thought that he would be able to provide her some guidance due to their history. He had also asked if the coven could look into the twins magic with him hoping they would know something about it or have something in their archives that would help them understand their children's rather unexpected gift.
So Buffy was standing in the airport with Xander, Dawn and the twins to see him off. He had already hugged Xander and Dawn, rather awkwardly as they each had hold of a wriggling baby. He had tickled, hugged and kissed each of the twins and was now standing with Buffy, completely oblivious to everyone else as they said goodbye.
"You're sure you'll be back soon?" Buffy asked as she fought the tears that were threatening to fall her arms wrapped around his waist as she stared up at him.
"It won't take long and I'll be back with you, I promise" he said softly looking down at her.
"You said that before and it took you six months to come back and then you showed up all god like when Willow went Psycho Wicca on us" she grumbled burying her head in his chest, the tears finally winning the fight and soaking into his sweater.
"I won't be gone that long again my love and we still have our bond" he held her tighter not wanting to leave her again no matter how necessary it was.
"S'not the same" she said her voice raspy with the effort not to sob.
"I know" he sighed and pushed her back a little so he could tilt her face up to his. Bending, he kissed her tenderly as he brushed her tears away with his thumbs. Neither of them meant to take the kiss further but the pain of the separation and the not so unreasonable fear that they would never see each other again had them putting everything they felt into that kiss. They only pulled back from each other when they heard Dawn gagging dramatically behind them.
"Dudes come on, there are children present" Xander whined.
They both chuckled wetly as they looked back at them,
"Maybe you should cover your eyes then Xander" Buffy said grinning at his frown.
"Harsh Buff, way too harsh" he said glaring at her as Dawn and Alex giggled at each other.
Giles' flight was called and he bent to pick up his carry on, not needing anything else as he had left his things in England when the coven teleported him here. He kissed Buffy again and held her tightly in his arms, not wanting to let go.
"I love you" he whispered, his lips against her ear.
"Love you more Ru" she mumbled into his neck.
With one final squeeze they let go of each other and he walked over to the security gate, Xander and Dawn walking up and standing beside her with the children on their hips. He looked back and waved, the last thing he sees is his little family waving back with smiles on their faces and a hope for the future erupted fierce and strong inside his heart.
He turned away with a smile on his face as the knowledge that everything was going to be okay made leaving a little easier.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Two months later.
Spike's back and he's acting like a mental patient Buffy told Giles when she got back from the new high school.
The twins hadn't used there gift since Giles had left so they had aged naturally meaning they were even more of a handful for Buffy as they had inherited their fathers thirst for knowledge and Buffys curiosity.
She heard Giles' growl in response to her news and she smiled.
Fucking pillock best not lay a finger on you or I'll stake the wanker
Don't worry sweetie, I'll be fine. Oh I got offered a job today, school counsellor but I think the principals a bit dodgy, he gave me a vibe.
A vibe? Did your uh, spidey sense go off by any chance?
She giggled at his use of her term for her supernatural radar as she lifted the spoon of mashed carrot and suede to Dani's waiting mouth.
No nothing like that, it was just the way he kinda already knew about me but I took the job any way
Why if you get a 'vibe' off of him and why school counsellor? If you think he already knows you then why is he giving you a position where you can influence the minds of teenagers? She heard the laugh in his head and frowned as she gave Alex some more of the carrot mixture.
Coz I wanna keep an eye on him and he said I would help with the troubled kids and if you're gonna mock my new job then no touching when you get back mister, you can just watch me have some fun
Really luv, that's not much of a punishment now is it he said slipping into his Ripper voice.
It is if I tie you up so you can't touch yourself either she grinned at the growl he gave in response as she handed some toast to the twins, laughing when they squealed in delight at them while squishing them in their tiny fists.
What are you laughing at love?
The twins are currently squishing toasted soldiers into their trays she sent him a mental image of them.
They're getting so big. He said and she could hear the smile in his voice, what are you going to do with them while you're at work, is Melinda still available?
Yeah she is and as I'm only working two days a week, ten till two, it's not so bad. I started Dawns training last night, she did pretty well for her first time.
Good, tell her I'm proud of her. Did anything happen out of the ordinary at the high school today
God yes, it's open one day and weird ghost things attacked Dawn and two other kids.
Is she okay? What weird ghost things?
Yeah she's fine and Spike said they were manifest spirits raised to seek vengeance. I fought them off while Xander went for the talisman. All sorted.
So just your usual day on the Hellmouth then. What are you going to do about Spike?
Leave him where he is. He's crazy Giles and I mean full on talking-to-the-walls-in-desperate-need-of-a-padded-room crazy. I'll keep an eye on him but I only think he's a danger to himself.
And if he becomes a danger to everybody else?
Then he gets the sharp end of a stake, don't worry okay. How's Will doing? When are you coming home? I miss you and the kids miss their Daddy, bedtimes not the same.
She's doing much better, she's learning control and dealing with what she did. She wanted me to thank you for sending that picture of Dani and Alex, it's helped her focus. Hopefully I'll be home soon, I miss you all as well.
What about the kids power, have you learnt anything yet?
Only what we already know, the coven is baffled at the rapid ageing and think it maybe unique to them. I'm heading to the council in the next week or so to gain access to their libraries, I'm hoping I'll find something there.
Okay sweetie, slap Travers for me, give Willow our love and I'll talk to you tomorrow, the twins are about ready for nap time and I need to do the chores before I can start dinner.
He was chuckling as she finished, I'll certainly enjoy passing on your message to Travers, kiss the kids for me and I'll tell Willow too. I love you.
I love you too
She watched the twins eating and playing with their toast for a few more minutes as she washed the dishes in the sink. When they started to get frustrated and throw it on the floor she picked it up and removed their trays before wiping their faces with a damp cloth. She picked up Dani's pacifier, putting it on her finger, she unbuckled her, picked her up and took her into the living room to lie her down in the travel cot for a nap. She then went back for Alex and laid him opposite his sister before moving around the room picking up their toys while they drifted off.
The day passed as normal, Xander came home for dinner and played with the twins. He had given up his lease on his apartment and moved in with them after he had soundproofed Buffy and Giles' bedroom. It had made sense as Buffy would have needed him to stay to watch the kids until she had finished patrol anyway. Plus it made her feel better knowing he was across the hall and not on his own across town.
Dawn did her homework and threw a fit over Buffy working at the school, mortified as only a teenager could be at having her big sister 'on her turf' as she put it.
Buffy and Dawn bathed the twins and put them to bed, now in their own room and in cots that Xander had built for them, while Xander washed up the dinner stuff. They sat and watched the tele for a bit before Buffy sent Dawn up to bed and she headed out for a patrol.
Everything was normal for a change and Buffy had relaxed into it, enjoying the mundane routine of everyday life. She should have known it wouldn't last.
That night she was woken up by a girl screaming to find Dawn leaning over her and calling her name.
"Buffy! Buffy!" Dawn was shaking her a worried look on her face.
"I heard screaming" Buffy said as she looked around her room in confusion.
"Yeah, that was you"
"There was a girl"
"That would be me" Dawn was looking at her like she'd lost the plot now.
"Uh, no. It was..." Buffy sat up and rubbed her eyes. She was equal parts worried, confused and scared and she didn't know why.
"Just a dream. It was just a dream, right?" Dawn asked fearfully. She knew about her sisters prophetic dreams and the way Buffy was acting made her think it was one of those that she had woken up from.
"From beneath you it devours. That's what she said right before they….There's more like her Dawn, out there somewhere. Running and scared" she got up off the bed and moved to the window. Dawn followed as Buffy crossed her arms and stared out at the street below, frowning sadly,
"And they're all gonna die"