Inheriting Family

Challenge 5430: Family Found

Disclaimer :See Part One

By:FireWolfe

A/N: Give a big round of applause to Genuka my Beta for getting these chapters out so fast. If you enjoy them review and recommend this story so she knows her hard work is appreciated by more than this crazy author.

Part 23 Distractions and Understanding the impossible connections

The check point was annoying but, Buffy understood the reasons. She actually approved not that she would ever admit that to anyone. She looked over and noted that she was not the only one checking the guards and place over. Faith for all her teasing was assessing the situation and possible pitfalls every bit as carefully as she was. She noted that the mini's were not happy either. Vi lost a stake to this search and Buffy had to grin at that. It seemed these guys were not buying it is only a pencil. Geez even Snyder would not have fallen for that one back at Sunnydale high. No matter it was a foot long with lead in it. Come on what did Vi expect? She reached out and Dawn slapped five dollars into her hand. Sucker's bet really.

Dawn slapped the money into Buffy's hand. Who'da thought the Air Force would be more paranoid then the secret service?

They headed inside. She just hoped that things stayed cool. Because really this base looked kind of weak. Hell she could take its lid off with a flick and sneeze on her worst day. What did the government think a ton or so of rock and concrete and steel could contain slayers and Wicca? So not, hell Andrew could bust this place up. Not that she was telling him that of course. He would just claim that the force could do anything and she so wanted to avoid that conversation if possible. How Vi put up with him was a mystery. Love was just plan scary sometimes.

Xander looked around. He whispered to Faith and she blushed. Then snarked off about married and gay men. She had looked at him pointedly in the last remark.

Xander glared. "I am so not Gay or married you know that Faith! Geez, one stupid remark when I'm getting over almost being eaten by a mummy and I'm labeled for life. I thought you above all would know there ain't no gay in this man."

Faith chuckled and winked. "Maybe you just need to remind me Boy Toy." She winked at him.

Annoyed Xander pulled her to him hard and kissed her firm on the lips. He had been trying really he had. He had promised himself he would not push, he would let Faith get over Wood but, Damn it all she was asking for it and he was only male and human...well mostly human.

Giles pulled off his glasses and cleaned them. He sighed and reached into his pocket and handed ten to Buffy.

"Told ya so." She said with a grin. Buffy was really happy with this. She thought Xander would be just what Faith needed and vice versa. OK, so they both still had issues but, they were friends and had a chance to make it work. Xander needed someone after losing Anya on the Hell mouth. It still bothered Buffy that they couldn't save Anya. However they all found comfort in the fact that she found heaven. A slayer dream told both Buffy and Faith that. It had helped Xander to let go and find peace.

Her mind drifted back. She didn't want to think about the search so more pleasant thoughts were needed. So back to how her other best friend got her family back...

It had been a small miracle to get Tara back. The wish she had received for saving the world had been a shock. TPTB had given her a wish and she had no clue what to ask for. Hell, to be honest she had thought it was all a dream. A wishful one at that. It had not made sense that she would see a demon there laughing as Tara came back After all what demon would want to help the white hats? It had just been a mixed up dream. Like D'Hoffryn would help them. So not happening or so she thought.

Buffy had put it aside until a month later when Oz showed up. He had asked if Willow could come and talk.

She had come down reluctantly at first. He had hugged her and held her as she broke down.

He had kissed her forehead and said. "I love you more than life itself Willow. I love you enough to bring you a gift. I found her alone, naked and scared in the mountains of Tibet. I almost lost it. Then I knew it was a test. The final test to see if I could control the wolf. Well, I managed somehow. I think because I love you." he paused. "I had to love you more than myself or my own needs."

Buffy had stood back giving them the illusion of privacy while keeping watch just on case. Both her friends had power and sometimes lacked control so she kept them safe. It was her job to see them safe and happy when she could. However, nothing had prepared her for what came next.

Oz pulled away from Willow. "TPTB said that the champions needed wisdom and gentleness to balance the power they have. I guess they decided that there was only one Scooby that had that." He tilted Willow face and kissed her lips. "I am selfish enough to want one last kiss Willow. I love you. I hope this proves how much." He turned and the van's door opened.

Willow froze in shock. She could not move.

Buffy was stunned and almost fainted. Hell, she was surprised when Willow did not. If ever there was a reason to faint...

"Tara come here please. Willow needs to hold you to know it is real." Oz said.

"You died I saw you die. They said you couldn't come back." Willow said. "Osiris said you were beyond him. He said not to ask again."

"I did not die exactly. I ah...well I ascended to a higher plane. It was why you could not bring me back. Then, a wish...well a wish to a vengeance demon and reward kind of changed it all, plus I ah...broke the rules...sorta...I mean Buffy was so badly hurt and ...you were almost killed by that vampire. I had to help you. They decided to use...well..."

Whatever explanation Tara would have given was lost. Willow had ran to her and hugged her tightly. She had almost been smothered to death in kisses.

Buffy had been stunned. She idly listened as Oz gave her one of the longest speeches she ever heard him say.

"They cheated Buffy. They used a wish to a vengeance demon, your reward and the fact that Tara broke the rules to save her and send her back. You see Janet wanted family for Cassandra, You needed a reward and asked for guidance and wisdom of a loved one. Tara she broke the rules in helping at Sunnydale. The wish moved the bullet so Tara did not die instantly. That minute of time gave her a chance to ascend as an ancient. Then, as an ancient she could watch but the told her not to interfere." He paused. "She did. That gave them the excuse to make her human again."

Buffy snorted at that. Like a Scooby would simply sit by and watch a friend die? Soooo ,not happening.

"Tara broke their rules. To punish her they made her have to be human again, that is the penalty for breaking the rules and changing things for the better up there. They sent her to me as punishment, and a test. Naked and alone she could have died, I had to help her recover and heal. It was the way they tested me to see if I was worthy of changing and controlling my wolf. It took these last two months for her memories to come back." he blushed. "I get why Willow loves her. She is a remarkable woman."

Buffy head snapped around and she grinned. "Oh, this should be interesting. Do you still love Willow?"

Oz nodded falling back into nonverbal communications. He flushed clearly not wanting to admit he found Tara attractive.

"Yeah well hurt either of them... and I'll make you into a fur coat. Got me?"

Oz nodded smiling. "Won't, love them both."

"Good then." Buffy said with a smile. "I expect lots of nieces and nephews."

Oz had blushed but nodded and said. "Deal."

Buffy shook her head well at least it could work. If Willow could share that is. After all it was not like they were into traditional relationships in their family anyway.

Of course it was ironic that a vengeance demon saved a Scooby, however, she had a feeling Anya would approve. Talk about stacking the deck. Sometimes, TPTB and the others gave her a headache. Of course, she could deal if it meant Willow got Tara and Oz back. It was worth it for them to be a family again. Who would ever believe that good and evil worked together to do something that could help them? Well she didn't care. If the PTB's and D'Hoffryn price for having Tara back was dealing with the SGC and aliens then it was still worth the aggravation. Well enough of those thoughts.

Back to Faith and Xander. Maybe this was the powers way of rewarding both of them? Buffy knew both Xander and Faith had crappy lives before they had met her. They could relate to each other and frankly Faith was more Xander's type. She was more aggressive then she could be. Buffy saw Xander as the brother she never had. Ok he was hot, but he was just too immature for her. The skate board thing was forever etched in her mind. She smiled it was a happy memory and she would not trade it for anything. However, Xander was her friend and Faith's lover. That alone had prevented her from ever seeing him as a potential date. Faith had staked her claim and Buffy was not about to poach. It was a slayer thing. The same way she had marked Giles as hers. Faith had slept with Riley in her body. But, she had never even thought to cross the line with Giles. She had known that would be going too far. It was the bond thing. Faith had bonded with Xander just as she had with Giles. Though the two of them hadn't figured it out yet. Buffy grinned it would be a blast watching them learn it. Her mind totally ignored the Airman which was good because he was entirely to rough on Giles not to lose an arm. But, fortunately Buffy was distracted.

"Xander enough." Giles said. Cleaning his glasses. He looked over and noted Buffy was deep in thought. He hoped it was not a slayer vision.

"Wow..." Faith said in slight shock. "Xan?"

He grinned and then turned to Buffy. It was time to go in. He had done his job and distracted everyone so the nice airman could scan them without getting their arms ripped off. Plus he got to kiss Faith. She was shocked which was of the good too. He grinned like a fool. "Buffy? Hey Buffster! We can go in now." Xander said pulling his friend from what appeared to be deep thoughts. Maybe I should not have kissed Faith that hard. I mean it looks like Buffy is going to give me the shovel speech. Maybe I over did it a little?

TBC...