Disclaimers: Joss Whedon and Mutant enemy own all rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all the characters therein. I am only test-driving them.Feedback: Yes please. kindred69153@hotmail.com Don’t make me beg…cause I will.
Spoilers: Everything up to season 6x17
Story: Set ten years into the future, the Scoobies enjoy the holidays.
The table was set and the three women looked at their work. Cordelia smiled and looked at the setting. It had been years since she sat down to a table for a meal like this. Oh sure, Angel, Gunn Fred and Lorne always did something on the holidays. But it usually involved takeout or a really bad meal. And it wasn’t in an atmosphere like this…a homey atmosphere. She was really glad Angel had talked her into coming. Speaking of Angel, she hadn’t heard any yelling or crashing noises from the living room.
She went in to check what was going on and stopped dead in her tracks. There in the middle of the room was Angel, Buffy wrapped in his arms with her head resting on his shoulder. A lump caught in her throat and she turned, heading back into the kitchen.
Dawn walked up the stairs and opened the door from the basement. She walked thru the pantry and into the kitchen. Seeing Willow and Tara in the kitchen she hurried her pace. “Merry Christmas!” she called, walking into the kitchen.
Willow spun and looked at Dawn, a huge smile spread across her face. “Dawnie!!” she rushed to Dawn and embraced her.
Tara hurriedly put the casserole she had just taken out of the oven on the counter top and rushed over to Dawn. She hugged the young woman after Willow let her go and led Dawn into the kitchen. “Why did you come in through the back?” she asked, letting Dawn go.
Dawn smiled and jerked her thumb backwards. “Someone had to help with the goodies.” Spike walked thru the door and nodded.
“I’ll put the presents under the tree…” he sighed, brushing past the three women. Cordelia almost knocked Spike over when she rushed back into the kitchen. Spike just twisted and continued on his way. Cordelia spun and called to him.
“Spike, wait…” she called to late. Spike entered the living room.
Spike stared transfixed at the scene before him. His mouth agape, he dropped the packages, causing Buffy to jump. Angel turned and closed his eyes. A scowl twisted his face and brought the demon forth.
Buffy stammered. “William…” she started to go to him. Reaching out her hand touching his arm, Spike jerked his arm away like he was burned. Staring at Buffy his expression went from hurt to angry and back. Spike shook his head and backed away.
“Bloody hell, mate,” he said to Angel, who came to stand behind Buffy. “…you got the actress in there, couldn’t leave the slayer alone though, could you?” Spike turned and stormed back through the kitchen heading out the back.
Buffy called after Spike, a panic filling her voice. “William…Spike!” she started after him. Angel grabbed her arm and stopped her.
“I’ll go after him…you stay here.” He sighed. “Sorry about all this, Buffy.” He turned and rushed out the back.
Buffy walked slowly into the kitchen and saw her friends there. Willow and Tara both had confused looks on their faces. Dawn was equally confused, but Cordelia had venom in her eyes. She walked up to Buffy and stared her in the eyes.
“You couldn’t let him be, could you?” she asked softly. With a speed that surprised Buffy Cordelia slapped Buffy hard across the face. Tears welled in her eyes and she stormed into the living room.
Dawn walked up to Buffy and with concern etched in her face. “What was that all about?” she asked.
Buffy just stared blankly. “I…William walked in and saw me hugging Angel…” she stammered.
Dawn rolled her eyes and sighed. “Oh boy…” she whispered. Buffy shook her head and scowled.
“We weren’t doing anything…he just told me some good news.” She said, turning to the living room. “Cordelia has the totally wrong idea.” She walked into the living room and sought out Cordelia.
Tara turned to Willow, a concerned look on her face. “This isn’t good.” She whispered. Willow only nodded and clasped Tara’s hand.
“I know…but it’ll work out. It’s Christmas.” She smiled hopefully. Tara offered a weak smile and nodded.
Cordelia sat on the porch and wiped her eyes. All this time with Angel…she had come to trust and love him. She thought he loved her too, but in less than an hour Buffy became his world again. What was it with her? She was pretty, to be sure. Hell, she was gorgeous. But Angel had moved on. Buffy and he could never be a couple. That’s why he moved to L.A. Cordy had moved to get out of Sunnydale. She had no idea Angel was even there. They had met totally by accident. She was down on her luck, things were harder in L.A. than in Sunnydale, but she was determined to stick it out. She had fallen to going to parties and wrapping the little sandwiches served at the party and taking them home. It was all she could afford after rent and utilities. Work was thin but she had many auditions lined up.
Then she saw Angel. A familiar face in the crowd. She was so excited, but she would never let him know that. She went to work for him at Angel Investigations and told herself it was only temporary until she got an acting job. Thirteen years later, she was still there. Angel and her had fallen in love. He had saved her life on countless occasions and had even taught her how to fight. She wasn’t a slayer, but she could walk home at night alone without as much fear.
Buffy stood at the door and watched Cordelia. This was a side of the girl she had not seen before. It was a weak and frightened Cordelia. A far cry from the totally self-involved and in control girl that she knew in high school. She was intimidated by Buffy, and she had fallen in love with Angel. She knew how easy that was, Angel was easy to love.
Buffy opened the door and walked out onto the porch. She sat down next to Cordelia and waited. After a while Cordelia sniffed and looked at the horizon.
“I had forgotten how beautiful it was here.” She whispered. Buffy nodded and spoke.
“Look, nothing was going on.” She spoke softly. “Angel told me about what was happening, with you two.” She smiled. “I was just congratulating him.” She placed a hand on Cordilia’s arm and smiled. Cordelia looked at Buffy, her eyes wide.
“You mean?” she asked. Buffy nodded. “You’re not upset?” she wiped her eyes.
Buffy shook her head and smiled. ”No…I’m happy for you both…really.” Buffy leaned in and pulled Cordelia close, hugging her. Cordelia hugged back and Buffy spoke. “Now…let’s go and eat.” Buffy and Cordelia stood and walked back into the house.
Tara smiled when she saw the two girls enter the house. She nodded to the table and smiled. Dawn, Spike, Angel, Jessie, Michelle, Anya, Xander, Gunn, Fred and Willow were all seated around a large table. Spike and Angel each had a seat open next to them. Buffy walked around to Spike and sat down.
“Sorry luv…” he whispered. “I was out of line…” he was silenced with a kiss. Willow grinned and winked at Tara.
‘ Everyone’s getting’ smoochies but me’ she complained to Tara. Tara smiled a mischievous grin.
‘Later’ came the reply. Willow’s grin spread ear to ear.
The meal lasted for an hour or so, and Angel and Spike both enjoyed the experience of eating with the group. Buffy insisted on helping clean up and both Willow and Tara tried to talk her out of it. It was all for naught.
Buffy made short order of the dishes and made it to the living room for the presents. Everyone had many beautiful gifts, and everyone loved them. Tara stood and got everyone’s attention.
Standing, she reached out to Willow, who stood and moved next to Tara. “We each got many beautiful gifts today, and I am sure we will all enjoy them. But Willow and I have another gift to bestow.” She smiled and Willow took over.
“When we thought about what to get two certain people who had seen more Christmas night’s then all of us put together, we were stumped. That’s why you guys didn’t get anything from us…” she smiled. “yet. But we hope you will like this.” Willow nodded to Tara.
Tara’s mouth curled in a smile and she sent her thoughts to Willow’s mind. ‘Are you sure you’re up to this…I can do it alone if you don’t want to try.’ Concern was heavy in her minds voice.
Willow only smiled and took Tara’s hand. They both closed their eyes and began to breathe. Tara began chanting in Latin and a candle flared to life in the large bay window at the front of the house. Both girls opened their eyes and smiled as one.
Tara looked at Angel and Spike and cleared her throat. “Merry Christmas.” She said, moving to the draped window. With a quick movement, she flung the drapes open and sunlight streamed into the living room.
Angel and Spike both threw their arms over their faces, expecting the burns to start. Both were more than surprised when the burns did not come.
“Bloody hell…” Spike whispered. Buffy’s eyes grew wide.
“They won’t go poof in the sun anymore?” she asked.
“Well…they won’t poof in the sun coming thru this window for the rest of the day…” Willow said, beaming.
Angel walked over to the big bay window and stared out. Spike joined him and they both sat.
Tara let a smile creep over her face. She was glad they liked their gift…it was hard to alter the protection spell. It had taken the better part of the year, and would only last a few hours.
Buffy walked up to Spike and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind. “You like?” she asked.
Spike nodded wordlessly, his gaze transfixed on the scene outside. It was just a simple view of the large front yard and trees…but sunlight filtered thru the leaves. He was staring directly into the daylight. It wasn’t obscured by the depths of the sewer, like he was used to.
“I’m not on fire…” he whispered. Angel looked at him and smiled.
“That’s what I said last time I saw the sun…” he leaned over and told Spike.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with Angel and Spike in front of the window. Every once in a while, Spike would smile broadly and point out a squirrel or bird. Buffy was always there to smile and nod. It was like a new child discovering the world. Buffy owed Willow and Tara so much for this gift…
The sun finally set and both Spike and Angel excused themselves. They returned and told no one of the tears that fell.
Xander was protesting loudly, but was drowned out by two children and Willow.
“Xander!!” Willow’s voice rang over the din the loudest. “It’s tradition!” she pouted.
Xander tried to argue, but could see he would not win. “I’m getting to old for this.” He said half-heartedly. Willow settled down onto the floor next to the children and gaped at Xander, preparing for the show. Xander sighed and walked up in front of the group.
Flicking on the television, Willow surfed to the right station and nodded to Xander. He sighed and began to dance.
Willow clapped and the children squealed as Xander did his traditional Christmas Snoopy Dance. When he finished, his children and Willow assaulted him. He fell under their weight and hugs. Laughter filled the room and Tara smiled.
It was good to hear laughter, especially from this group. They had all suffered so much over the last few years and would no doubt suffer in the years to come. But today, there would be joy and happiness. Tara smiled and reveled in the moment…in the day. She loved her family…all of them.
Tara and Willow hugged the guests and said their goodbyes. The last of their guests had left and they made their way through the house. Picking up a glass or plate, scooping up a toy and piece of wrapping paper. They both busied themselves until neither could stand it. Their eyes meeting, Tara walked over to Willow and smiled. Love poured from her eyes and she brushed her hand on Willows cheek. “Did you have a merry Christmas?” she asked, her voice low and husky.
Willow smiled and nodded. “Best Christmas ever.” She said softly. Tara grinned and looked down, her blond hair falling over her face. She looked at Willow thru the few whisps of hair over her eyes and she spoke softly. “Did you get everything you wanted?” she asked suggestively.
Willow bit her bottom lip and shook her head. “Well…not everything.” She leaned forward and brushed Tara’s hair behind her ear. Tara pouted.
“Oh?” she asked. “What else did you have in mind?” she pressed her cheek into Willows open palm, closing her eyes and enjoying her lovers’ touch.
Willow sighed and leaned into Tara, softly brushing her lips over Tara’s. “There is the aforementioned smoochies.” She whispered into Tara’s ear, her breath hot on Tara’s ear sending goose bumps running down Tara’s neck.
Tara shivered and spoke quietly. “O-oh…” she stammered, grasping Willow’s sleeve and pulling her close. Tara kissed Willow deeply and made a trail down her chin leading to Willow’s neck. Willow gasped.
“Upstairs now?” Tara asked. Willow nodded eagerly, unable to form words.
Hand in hand, the two lovers moved up the stairs and into the bedroom. Closing the door behind them, the door opened a few seconds later and a disgruntled Miss Kitty Fantastico was scooted out the door. “Sorry Miss Kitty…” Willow apologized and closed the door again. Miss Kitty sat in the hall and stared at the door. She finally decided she was not going to be let in again and walked into the bathroom to sleep in the sink…hoping neither of her mothers would be taking a shower anytime soon. She had to get her beauty sleep.
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Well...it can end now or....well..there IS the rest of the night....let me know...hehehe
Willowfan
[This message has been edited by Willowfan (edited March 21, 2002).]