Title -Time Goes On
Author - Rogue2727
Rating - NC-17 just to be safe
Disclaimer - I don't own Mutant Enemy or any of its characters. I'm just borrowing them for this story. Please don't sue me.
Feedback- This is my first story, so please let me know what you think.
Summary- Bad things still happen in Sunnydale. Everyone is older and there are a few new players. Enjoy.
Notes- Set about 20 years after Season Six. Everything happened the same except Tara lived (obviously) after being shot. Not that much Willow and Tara in the beginnning, but that will change as the story progresses.
Hello once again! Here's the next update. PLease let me know what you think. Flashbacks are in ***
Dawn fiddled nervously with the buttons on her seat. She looked out the window and could see Sunnydale spread out below as the plane began its descent. This was the last place on earth she wanted to be right now.
“Dawn, honey, everything is going to be fine,” James said reassuringly as he reached and took his wife’s hands. Dawn sighed and leaned back in her seat.
“I hope so. But, the fact that we are back at the Hellmouth and Glory is on the loose, isn’t very reassuring,” she said, again peering out the window.
“Well, it would have been nice to come back under better circumstances, but look at the bright side. You get to see everyone again. I know how much you miss your family, especially Buffy and Tara,” James stated, trying to sound upbeat.
“Yeah, I’ve missed everyone so much. I guess coming home does has its perks.”
“See, something to look forward to,” James said with a triumphant grin. Dawn looked at her husband and rolled her eyes. She allowed a tiny laugh to escape her lips and playfully slapped her James on the arm.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
“Anytime,” James answered as he kissed his wife’s hand.
        Dawn and James were greeted at their gate by Buffy. Dawn immediately found herself engulfed in one of her sister’s notorious Slayer bear hugs.
“Breathing becoming an issue,” Dawn managed to squeak as her sister twirled her around in the embrace.
“Oh! Yeah, sorry,” Buffy said, instantly letting her sister go. She stepped back and looked at the tall brunette before her. “You look great Dawn.”
“Thanks,” Dawn said to her sister. She pushed her hair out of her face so she could get a better look at the blonde Slayer. “You look exactly the same. I want the non-aging gene,” she pouted.
“James!” Buffy exclaimed, acknowledging the handsome man standing off to the side. “Get over here and let me hug my brother in law!”
James laughed as he stepped forward and found himself in the same predicament his wife had been in moments ago. He shot a pleading look to Dawn, who laughed and tapped Buffy on the shoulder.
“Um, Buff, please don’t break my husband. I might need him later to get something off the top shelf.”
Buffy let go of James and turned to her sister. “If all you’re using him for is that, then we need to have a serious talk young lady.” Dawn rolled her eyes and James puffed out his chest proudly. Buffy laughed and the trio made their way out of the airport.
Once the group was in the car (which James had volunteered to drive after having the beegezus scared out of him on numerous occasions by Buffy) and away from prying eyes and ears, the discussion became serious.
“So, what does Glory want?” Dawn asked the minute everyone was situated.
Buffy leaned forward from the back seat. “I’m not sure. We haven’t been able to figure that out. No clues, nothing. Glory’s keeping a relatively low profile.”
Dawn raised an eyebrow and looked at her sister. “So this relatively low profile is how you ended up with stitches?”
“Damn,” Buffy thought. She had forgotten to get Giles to remove the stitches last night and in her rush to the airport (running late as usual), the Slayer had completely forgotten about her lip. “Well, you know how it goes,” Buffy said shrugging. Dawn reached out and raised Buffy’s chin to get a better look at the stitches.
“I can take them out when we get home,” she said.
“Dr. Dawnie to the rescue!” Buffy exclaimed, enthustiastically. “I was going to get Giles to take them out last night, but I forgot.”
“How long have you had them?” James asked.
“Three days,” Buffy answered.
“Man, you get all the cool powers,” Dawn whined
“Yes, and all the cool dying, and fighting, and being beaten by a crazy hell god,” Buffy said, counting her list off on her fingers. “Shall I go on?” she asked, looking at her sister.
“Ass,” Dawn snorted.
“Such language from my baby sister! James, what have you been teaching Dawn?” Buffy asked in mock dismay.
“Nothing but good, wholesome things, I promise. I don’t know where she picks this stuff up,” James answered with feigned innocence.
“Hey! No fair ganging up on me. James, you’re supposed to be on my side.”
“What, and risk pissing off the Slayer? No way.”
“Fine. Just remember that next time you want your special ‘Dr. /Patient’ privileges,” Dawn said coolly.
“Right then. Buffy, Dawn told me you taught her that word and a few others when she was 10.”
“James, you are so whipped,” Buffy said with a laugh. “Besides, she was 8 when I taught her those ‘special’ words”
        Dawn burst out laughing. “Remember when I told mom that her cooking tasted like shit. You told me shit was a compliment.”
“Yeah,” Buffy managed in between snorts. “and then we both ended up sitting in the bathroom with a bar of soap in our mouths for what seemed like forever.”
“Man, to this day, I still can’t use that brand of soap without feeling sick,” Dawn said, making a disgusted face.
“Remember how you asked me if you were going to start blowing bubbles like Alfalfa from Little Rascals?” Buffy squeaked out. Her laugh was quickly becoming high pitched and starting to sound very much like a chipmunk. Dawn rolled as she remembered that particular concern.
“Oh my god, mom was so mad at you. She gave you that whole ‘you’re the older sister and you’re supposed to set an example’ speech and then made you tell her what other words you had taught me. You got grounded for a month.” Dawn wheezed.
“That’s not the worst of it,” Buffy managed as she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. “Mom gave me the classic guilt trip of ‘how I acted reflected on her as a parent’. I felt awful. By the time her speech was over, I thought I had robbed you of your childhood or something.”
‘Yeah, as if. I didn’t even know what those words meant.” Dawn said, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm down from her laughing fit. She glanced back at Buffy and the two erupted with laughter again.
James smiled as he watched the two Summers sisters interact. It had been so long since he had seen Dawn laugh like that. “Maybe there can be something said for the Hellmouth after all,” he thought.
Dawn and James dropped their bags in their room. Buffy leaned against the doorframe as she watched her younger sister look around the newly built spare bedroom.
“I thought you said you had a studio apartment,” Dawn said, looking at her sister.
“Yeah, well, I had Xander build this especially for you and James, since I figured you didn’t want your private lives on display. I know I don’t,” Buffy finished.
“Thanks,” James said. “Sometimes Dawn gets all Miss Grabby Hands during the night and just won’t take no for an answer.” He walked up behind Dawn and cradled her in an embrace.
“Yep. It’s true.” Dawn answered, leaning into James. “Just call me Dr. Grabby Hands. But can you blame me? I mean look at him.”
        Buffy laughed at her sister and her husband. The couple complimented each other so well. Buffy was glad to see her sister had found happiness after all she had been through. It made her wish that she could find that certain some one. “One day,” she heard Tara’s voice echo in her head. She had confided in the blonde on more than one occasion about her hopes for a loving relationship.
“So, where’s the party tonight?” Dawn asked.
“We’re having supper at Xander’s.” Buffy answered.
“God, I haven’t seen Xander and Anya in forever. Is their herd all grown up?” James asked.
“Pretty much. They’ve turned into the Jr. Scoobies. They help with all the research stuff. And Tara has been giving the twins magick lessons. She says that they could be some seriously major witches.” Buffy answered.
“Wow. I’m sure Emma and Michelle have found all kinds of uses for their power,” Dawn commented as she thought of the pranksters.
“Oh! It was hilarious yesterday. Apparently Emma and Michelle got in trouble at school for using British slang that they picked up from Giles. Anya went ballistic,” Buffy said, remembering the ex-demons grumbling.
“Sounds like them,” James interjected.
“Yeah it does,” Dawn agreed. “So Giles is here, right.”
“Yep. The old man flew in a few days ago.”
“What has he said about the situation?” Dawn questioned.
“Well, not a lot. Mainly just his typical ‘dear lord’. You know how it goes.”
“Yeah. Has he been cleaning his glasses?” Dawn asked with a smile. Giles held a special place in both of the Summers sisters hearts.
“Constantly,” Buffy answered. “He’s anxious to see you.”
“Really? Cool. I’ve missed him.” Dawn said, thinking about how she’d even missed the nasty tea the retired Watcher constantly made her drink.
“You can see him tonight at Xander’s,” Buffy informed her sister.
“Where is he staying?” Dawn asked, suddenly wondering if she and James had taken his accommodations.
“I think he’s staying with Tara and Willow tonight. He rotates between there and Xander’s. You know, so he can have equal time corrupting all his grandchildren,” Buffy finished with a smirk. Dawn laughed at the thought of the elderly man conspiring with the next generation.
“What time are we supposed to be at Xander’s?”
“7:00.”
“Is Tara at home?” Dawn questioned as she began to unpack her things.
“No. She’s at the University. I think she’ll be there until 5:00 or so,” Buffy answered.
“Do you know if she’s teaching, or if she’s researching?”
“Um, I think she teaches until 3:30 and then she does what ever professors do until 5:00.”
“Cool. I think I’ll drop by and surprise her before supper,” Dawn said. She quickly turned to James and added, “If that’s
okay with you?”
        James smiled and took Dawn’s hands. “It’s fine with me sweetie. I can hang with big sis and we can talk about
you while you’re gone.” He finished his sentence with a wink at Buffy.
“Is that cool with you Buff?” Dawn asked her sister.
“You’re asking me if it’s cool to hang out with a total hunk of a husband? Let me think…um, yeah.”
“Just making sure. So, do you want me to take those stitches out now, or after dinner?”
“Now please,” Buffy answered.
“Okay. Let me get my bag,” Dawn said, searching through her stuff. She had brought a bag of emergency medical supplies just in case. After all, she was in Sunnydale. She found her bag tucked away under some clothes and searched through it for the necessary equipment. Finding what she needed, Dawn turned to Buffy.
“Dr. Summers at your service. Stitches removal is free, but the house call is going to cost you,” the brunette joked.
“Um, do you have an installment plan?” Buffy quipped back as she turned her head towards the light so Dawn could see a little better.
“For most people, yes. But my policy doesn’t cover Slayers so I’m going to have to demand it all upfront,” Dawn answered as she began removing the stitches. A few minutes later, she was done and Buffy’s lip looked good as new.
“Thanks you very much Dr. Summers. Your check is in the mail,” Buffy said, rubbing her lip. She was happy to get rid of the itchy stitches. Plus they made her look like she was trying to grow a tiny Hitler mustache. It was not the most appealing of looks for the Slayer.
“So, you guys are sure it’s okay if I go see Tara?” Dawn asked as she put away her medical equipment.
“Yes. We’ll be fine,” Buffy said, getting a bit annoyed with her sister. “James and I can occupy ourselves for a few hours. We’re adults. We can entertain ourselves. Now get going missy”
“Okay, okay. I’m going,” Dawn said as she grabbed her purse and headed for the door.
“Hang on a sec,” Buffy said, grabbing her keys and following behind Dawn. “You’re not going anywhere by yourself. Remember the Glory rule? No one goes anywhere alone.”
“Sure thing boss,” Dawn said, saluting her sister. “But can James drive? I’d like to get there in one piece.”
“Ass,” Buffy snorted. She turned to James and threw him the keys. “To the University James.”
James sighed and then laughed. Buffy never tired of the chauffer jokes. “Well, it’s still better than her driving,” he thought. The three left the apartment and headed to the University.
Dawn wandered down the hall of the Archaeology wing. After much arguing, she had finally won the right to walk to Tara’s office alone. She walked slowly, stopping at the glass displays and looking at the artifacts. Dawn had always found Tara’s line of work fascinating, and had seriously given thought to following in the blonde’s footsteps. Medicine, however, won out in the end.
Finally, Dawn reached the end of the hall and Tara’s office. She silently walked to up to the doorway and propped herself against the doorframe. Tara was engrossed in her work and didn’t notice the arrival of her visitor. The blonde was reading a paper and frowning. She took her glasses off and rubbed her temples. “How can people be so presumptuous,” she thought as she replaced her glasses. She kicked her rolling chair back and wheeled to the other side of her small office, where her bookshelf was located. She ran her fingers across the numerous volumes, searching for one in particular. Dawn smiled at the sight. She cleared her throat and the blonde finally looked her way. Tara was on her feet in an instant and Dawn quickly found herself in a hug.
“Dawn!” Tara exclaimed, releasing Dawn and stepping back to look the brunette over. “I didn’t think I’d see you ‘till later.”
“I thought I’d surprise you,” Dawn replied, grinning from ear to ear.
“Consider me surprised,” Tara replied. She motioned for Dawn to come and take a seat. Dawn walked into her office and took a seat directly across from Tara’s desk. Tara followed and closed the door behind her.
“When did you get in?” the blonde asked as she sat down behind her desk.
“A little while ago. Buffy met James and I at the airport and took us to her place. It’s nicer than I expected.”
“Xander did a good job with it,” Tara acknowledged. Dawn nodded in agreement. “I can’t believe you’re actually here.” Tara said with a smile.
“Me either,” Dawn replied. “But Buffy can be pretty convincing when she wants. Plus, I know that she wouldn’t have asked me to come back unless it was absolutely necessary.”
        Tara nodded in agreement. She knew how Dawn felt about coming home and was worried that she would ignore her sister’s pleas.
“How are you doing?” Tara asked, concerned for her pseudo daughter.
“Fine I guess. I’ve only been here for a little over an hour, so nothing much has happened,” Dawn said, groaning as soon as the words left her mouth. “Well, I’m screwed,” she thought. She stood and turned to walk towards the door.
“Where are you going?” Tara asked, completely confused.
“I’m going to go run through the parking lot, trip, and twist my ankle,” Dawn replied dryly.
“Oh,” Tara said, understanding Dawn’s line of thought. “You have to take your top off first.”
        Dawn burst into laughter. “You are so bad. I’ve missed your twisted sense of humor.”
“Thanks,” Tara answered. She stood up and motioned towards the door. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Don’t you have some work to finish?” Dawn asked, pointing to the paper that Tara had been engrossed in moments ago.
“Nothing that can’t wait. Besides, that particular paper was giving me a headache,” Tara finished. She turned her computer off, grabbed her personal things, and headed for the door. Dawn followed, and once the two were in the hallway, Tara closed her office door and locked it. The two walked down the corridor, catching up on what had happened since the last time they had talked.
“So James’s novel is selling well?” Tara asked as she pushed open the door that led outside.
“Yep. Better than expected. The publisher has already asked for a sequel,” Dawn answered, walking through the door and into the sunlight.
“That’s not really a surprise. James is a talented writer. He’s going to be the next Anne Rice,” Tara said. “But with out the boobs.”
“Oh, he’s got boobs. Nice, hard man boobs. And a washboard stomach to match. Oh, and his ass…,” Dawn trailed off as her eyes glazed over. Tara laughed as she watched Dawn zone out. She’d seen the same look on Buffy’s face whenever she talked about some nice looking guy. Eventually, Dawn snapped back to reality and picked back up with their conversation about her husband’s book. “But I digress. Yeah, his book is doing well. Who would have thought vampires could be so profitable?”
“So, will his sequel be about Spike, or will James continue with the Angel storyline?” Tara asked, fishing through her bag for her keys. She found them and unlocked the car doors.
“He’s not sure. The ladies love Angel and his dark broodiness, but I think the Spike story could outsell Angel easily,” Dawn answered, getting into the car.
“I agree. So, do you want to head to the house, or somewhere else? We can go get coffee if you like.”
        Dawn looked thoughtfully out the window for a moment before answering. “Can we go to the cemetery?” She asked quietly.
“Sure thing,” Tara answered. Dawn’s request didn’t surprise her. She had accompanied Dawn to the cemetery on numerous occasions.
       
        Dawn stood at her mother’s grave, staring at the headstone. “Sorry it’s been so long mom,” she whispered quietly. Slowly, she sank to the ground and began to talk with her mother.
Tara stood back and watched as Dawn spoke to her mother. She understood Dawn’s pain. Her mother had been dead for over twenty five years, but she still felt the loss. Tara looked at the woman before her. She remembered the girl she had held as Dawn cried at the loss of her mother. Tara could say nothing to help the young girl; she knew there were no words of wisdom, or comfort that would ease Dawn’s pain. Tara’s mind drifted back to her mother’s death.
***The ambulance ride to her house had been torture. Her mother had requested that she be brought home from the hospital if she were to get to the point that there was no help for her. Today, her request was being fulfilled. Tara’s mother was being brought home to die. Tara tried to talk to the ambulance driver and keep her mind off of what was really happening. She had been elected by the family to ride along, in case her mother died on the way home. In truth, she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She had spent the last two months in the hospital at her mother’s side. Tara had watched as her mother slowly wasted away as the doctors ran more and more tests, trying to keep her mother alive while they waited to see if she went into remission. Eventually, her mother became too weak eat, or fight off any kind of infection. She ended up in the ICU and had cried when she realized that there wasn’t any hope for her. She didn’t cry because she was going to die, but because she was going to miss being part of her children’s lives. Tara had stayed strong while she was with her mother, but as soon as she left the room, the blonde had broken down. Three days after that, her mother lost consciousness. The family was called in and had made the decision to bring her mother home.
Four hours later, the ambulance pulled into Tara’s driveway. The yard was full of cars, both family and friends. Tara’s father met the ambulance driver and helped the young man bring his wife into the house. Tara sat outside for a little while, trying to reign in her emotions. She hated crying in front of others. Once she had regained her composure, she made her way into the house. Her immediate family, her mother’s brother and cousins, and a few friends were gathered around her mother’s bed. Everyone was either crying, or on the verge. Tara checked the time and saw it was time for her mother’s morphine. The doctor had been very adamant about regularly giving her mother morphine. Basically, the doctor had told her whatever it took to keep her mother comfortable. So, every hour on the hour, Tara was to give her mother at least 1cc of morphine through oral injection. As she gave her mother the first dose, Tara’s brother broke down. Even though Donnie had not treated his mother in the best way, he did still love her. He fell to his knees and wept openly in front of everyone. Tara’s father had to take the young man outside to calm him down. Others in the room wept quietly. Tara took in the scene and steeled herself against all emotion. “I won’t think about it now,” she thought. “I’ll think about it later. After she’s gone, then I’ll deal with how I feel.” That became Tara’s motto for the next three days. She gave her mother her morphine every hour, setting an alarm clock at night and dozing lightly. She brushed her mother’s hair and gave her water on a sponge when her mouth was dry. Tara filled her days with anything that would keep her mind off of what was really happening. People came continually in and out of the house, at all hours of the day. Everyone brought food. It was odd, Tara thought. It was like a party in some weird way. All that was missing was her mother’s laugh. Tears welled up in Tara’s eyes and threatened to spill over, but she pushed the thought form her mind. “Later,” she told herself.
On the third day after she was brought home, Tara’s mother died. She went quietly, with her family holding her hands. Everyone, even Tara’s father, cried. Tara realized for the first time, that the one member of her family that understood her for who she was, was truly gone.***
Tara came back to the present and realized that she had tears streaming down her face. Dawn sat in front of her, holding one of the blonde’s hands. Tara smiled and quickly wiped away the tears. Dawn squeezed her hand lovingly.
“Thinking about her?” Dawn asked.
“Yeah. I still miss her, you know?” Tara answered, staring past Dawn and into the horizon.
“Yeah, I know exactly how you feel,” Dawn replied. She pulled the blonde into a hug. “Wanna go have a cup of coffee before we head home and talk?”
“I’d love that Dawn,” Tara answered genuinely.
       
       
        Tara and Dawn walked arm in arm down the street after leaving the coffee shop. They had talked about their mothers and finished their conversation on a less intense note. Dawn was now telling Tara about some of her more bizarre medical cases as the two walked towards the car. Suddenly, a well dressed woman stepped out in front of them, blocking their path.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Glory said, lifting her chin towards Dawn.
“Get behind me,” Tara whispered to Dawn. Dawn immediately stepped behind Tara and pulled a small dagger that she had hidden in the waist of her pants.
“Aww, look at mama bear protecting her cub. How cute is that?” Glory said as she circled the two women.
“What do you want Glory?” Tara hissed.
“Why do you people keep asking me that? I wouldn’t tell the Slayer, and I’m sure as hell not telling you. I just wanna have some fun for right now,” the hell god said, stepping towards Tara.
“Hold,” Tara said as she waved her hand at Glory. The hell god stopped in her tracks.
“Mmmm, power. Nice, witchy woman. Did your lover teach you that one?”
“No, but she did teach me this one,” Tara said as she held out her hands. “Push.” Glory was thrown across the parking lot. Tara looked back at Dawn, who had taken a defensive stance behind her, and motioned to the car. Both women broke into a sprint. Unfortunately, Glory was faster.
“Aww, where you goin’ in such a hurry, lover? We’re just getting warmed up.” Glory grabbed Tara by the wrist and spun her. Dawn skidded to a stop, raising her dagger. Tara opened her mouth to utter another spell, but Glory’s hand closed around it like a vice. She pulled Tara up against her body and turned her so she was facing Dawn. “Now now, precious. Let’s play fair. Actually, how about I play and you just hang around for the fun.”
        Tara locked eyes with Dawn and motioned to the car. Dawn shook her head no and took a step towards Glory. Glory grinned as she saw Dawn heading towards her. “Well, look who grew up. And how pretty you turned out. The monks out did themselves with you,” the hell god said, looking Dawn over. “I bet big sis is jealous.”
“Let her go,” Dawn said through clenched teeth.
“Or what? You’ll tell on me? Whoo hoo, I’m scared. No, I’m going to have some fun with this witch. Actually, I think she has something of mine,” Glory said as she caressed Tara’s temple. Tara whimpered as she remembered how it felt when the hell god took her mind. She had to do something if she didn’t want that to happen again, and she had to do it fast. Quickly, the blonde devised a plan. She stomped down on Glory’s foot and bit her hand at the same time. The hell god let go and howled in pain.
“Bitch!” she yelled as she slapped Tara across the face. The blow sent Tara to the ground. The blonde’s head swam as she fought to keep conscious.
“Hey! No one treats Tara like that!” Dawn yelled as she threw her dagger. Her blade caught Glory in the thigh and again the hell god screamed in pain.
“That’s it!” Glory screamed as she pulled the dagger from her leg. “I just wanted to have some fun, but you know what? You’ve pissed me off. Now you’re going to pay,” the hell god said as she started for Dawn.
“Away,” Tara managed to get out before Glory could reach Dawn. Glory shimmered for a minute and then disappeared. Tara collapsed and Dawn was instantly at her side assessing her injuries. From the looks of it, Tara was going to have one nasty black eye.
“Are you okay?” Dawn asked as she helped Tara to her feet and then to the car.
“I think so,” Tara answered. Dawn ran her fingers over the side of Tara’s face, feeling for any broken bones. “Oww,” Tara grimaced as Dawn’s fingers touched her temple.
“Sorry,” Dawn said as she finished her exam. “I don’t think anything is broken, but you’re going to have a nice shiner to show off. Where’d you send Glory?”
“Who knows?” Tara said, shrugging her shoulders. “Away?” she quipped, trying to lighten the situation. Dawn rolled her eyes and then laughed. Suddenly, her laugh stopped and a look of fear crawled across her face.
“Willow’s going to go ballistic,” Dawn whispered.
“Probably,” Tara conceded. She sighed and looked at Dawn. “Welcome home.”