Well, 3 hours of sleep and 48 hours till I get on a plane for London, Yahhh me! Now on to replies



*LeatherQueen* - I really liked writing that line! and thanks for the good wishes.



*Bobos Mom* - Hello again and I'm glad you liked this update. I'm always a bit worried about not getting their speech patterns and the banter right but now I know I'm on the right track. If I do get my hands on a computer in London, I would definitely check the board and the thread !



*wolflord* - ok, stil scaring me with the darkest magic thing so next update also angst free. Can't promise anything after that though. But if Owl posts on my behalf, go easy on her. A good beta is hard to find!



*tommo* - yup, that's the line that makes this chapter. I was aiming to show them more comfortable after what happen in the previous story so yahh for character progression and thanks for all your kind words.



*Grimaldi* - Glad you liked it and yes, I hope I have fun as well. And there will be 3 updates in my absense as Owl already has them



*Drakkenfyre* - Ok, I really hope that by the next chapter, everyone will forget about the melons Just kidding. I mean the whole chapter was probably written for that line.



*Blue77* - well, it might get a bit bumpy later on and yeah I always wanted to explore what Dawn was thinking about being the ex-key.



Thanks for the feedback.



*Pixie* - You did give me the idea so you do deserve the credit and again with the melon line. *Jomarch ponders on some other line for Willow!*

-----------------------------


You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; It will not let you fall

Edited by: jomarch at: 4/7/02 5:30:03 pm

I loved this last update. It was so sweet. The whole melon line made me laugh out loud. Very well written...can't wait for more.

--------------
She practically had genuine molded plastic stamped on her ass.

I just read the last two chapters. I really liked the paragraph quoted below. I think its very descriptive of how Willow really has grown.



Willow knew what she had to do. Before, she would try to joke and pout to make the blonde smile. She had viewed love so differently then - so

scientifically. She'd sometimes approached it like mathematics: all planes and symmetry and theorem proofs. Willow loves Tara equals good

things - QED. But now, everything was different. She wanted so much to let the blonde know - to give voice to her love.

I could paint you in the dark, 'cause I've studied you with hunger as a work of art - Collecting you (Indigo Girls)

Jomarch have a great time in London The updates were both really good. Willow and Tara are so sweet together and I can't wait to see what Donny's plan is as well. I look forward to reading more when you get back.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

*katydid* - I'm glad you like the melon lone, heck I'm glad you like the chapter



*mollyig* - yes, that's the math geek in me peeking through.Quod Erat Demonstratum.....



*Puff* - Thanks I do plan to have a great time. Well Donny's plan is to...oh, you want to read it not have me tell you, ok....



And Owl will post the next 3 parts in my absence.



Jomarch

-----------------------------


You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; It will not let you fall

Just caught up with this fic. I've been away from the board for a while. Wow, this story is even better than the first one. Loved the melon line too. Your words, as before, took me away from real life and into W/T-verse. I just can't get enough of W/T love. I'm all warm and fuzzy now. I wish you an enjoyable trip and here's hoping you get your insomnia cured. A vacation is always a good one. Woo and Hoo to London!

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I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul... - Pablo Neruda

Hey Jomarch......Have fun in London. Try to enjoy yourself and relax. Can't wait til Owl post an update for you so I can read it two or three times. But anywho...have fun and stay safe.

Thanks for the updates jomarch. the story's progressing nicely and has me hooked. thank god you thought of us kittens and arranged to have Owl post updates in your absence.



Ahhh, London. I've had some fanastic times there. Wish I was heading there now. Soon, very soon. Have a wonderful time jomarch and get some sleep! Otherwise you and I may just have to start up an insomnia chat soon.

"You wanna go out sometime, for coffee, food, kisses and gay love?" Willow- Normal Again.

I love it and the part about Dawn fixing the meal and the melons great. Have fun in London.

Tara: Assume Crash
Positions

*trumpets sound in fanfare. Owl steps out of her Beta hut and draws herself up importantly*

Dear loyal readers:

Here it is, at long last - part 3b! Enjoy!

Please take note of the following:

1) I will post in the author's update thread in Jomarch's name. Well, actually using my name, but in Jomarch's place.... er... to indicate that an update is available in this thread. [ must stop confusing myself in this manner]



2) I will post the other new updates as needed. Here is my system..... *unrolls map of the U.K. for all to see* This here map is no ordinary map... No - see, I have enchanted this map to show a tiny Jomarch-shaped blip which changes colors based on Jomarch's moods. It's a mood blip. I want to see this blip glowing bright blue! (that's a happy mood). So - your job is to show as much love as you can here on the thread, which will inevitably find its way to Jomarch,and then we will know that she is happy! The more wacky fun, the better! When the blip turns bright blue and starry, you get your update! Sounds fair to me...



And now, without further ado, I present you with:



Chapter 3b



Spoiler Warning - It has some spoilers up to Normal Again and you may want to read my previous story as it is set in the same universe. If you don't want to, it's ok too. Just realize that Willow is in a wheelchair and this would be set around two and a half years from start of current US season.

Feedback - Good God! Yes, please.

Disclaimer - All characters, names etc belong to ME. I am just borrowing them for this short while in order to make them do what I want for a change instead of waiting to see what happens every Tuesday.

Rating - PG

Title : Left Of Center



Chapter 3b



As soon as Dawn left to answer the front door, Buffy turned to the two lover-wiccans. She had wanted to talk to her two best friends for some time. Something had been preying on her mind, and she needed to discuss it with them first.



"Hey, guys? I really appreciate you teaching Dawn magic and all, but…"



"But..?" Willow echoed.



"Well, I guess I'm big sister worried. I mean she's this ex-Key of energy, and with all the stuff going on for the past few years…I think that... Well , I think Mom would have wanted her to have a normal upbringing, you know? It's hard enough being an ex-key with a Slayer for a sister. I mean, I just want her to fit in the real world," Buffy trailed off.



Tara felt for the Slayer. She knew what it was like to want to grow up normal. To not want to be thought of as different, or as a demon. "Oh, Buffy! We understand, and we just want to help.."



"Help with what?" Anya asked as she entered the kitchen with her husband in tow. She was slightly worried when she saw that Buffy and the witches looked quite serious. "Don't tell me there's another Big Bad. Xander and I are still on our honeymoon. NO Big Bad! I won't have it," she stated vehemently.



"It's ok, Anya. Buffy was just worried about Dawn learning magic, that's all," Tara tried to soothe her. She knew that Anya had been extremely anxious about her wedding and life with Xander. So much so that on the night before the actual ceremony, Anya had frantically called up all the scoobies and made them meet her and Xander at the minister's house. She then proceeded to demand that the minister marry them then and there. Tara was Maid of Honor, Dawn was the Ring Bearer, Giles would give her away, Willow was Best Man and Buffy was there to beat up any demons who might wander in. She had also warned the minister that she was not going to accept any reason for not going through with the ceremony - not even baby delivery. It was a night to remember for all.



Buffy, worried that Dawn may view her concern in a bad light, looked over at her sister and continued, "Dawn, I love you, and I'm glad you want to help out. But you're going to college soon... And don't even get me started on the fact that I'm not happy that you choose UC Sunnydale. Your SAT's are so much better than mine... and mine were pretty good. You should go somewhere better. Normal." She knew she was echoing her mother's words and it felt right. She had to try.



"But Buffy, don't you understand? I can't..." Dawn tried to get her sister to see - to realize. "How can you expect me to go off and leave my family behind??? How can I be normal, knowing what I know? You, Giles, Willow and Tara, and Xander and Anya... You all stayed here! Why can’t I??? It's my choice! I need to do this. I want to fight the good fight. I'm not just staying for me, but for mom as well. I know she asked you to look after me, but don't you think that she would have told me to look out for you as well? You're my sister…."



Giles looked over at Dawn, amazed at her courage. Her fortitude. She was truly Buffy's sister, in flesh and in spirit. "Buffy, I understand your qualms, but Dawn has proven that she is mature beyond her years, and perhaps deserves the right to make her own choice."



Willow was also thinking of the past. Of the conversation she had had with Buffy five years ago. Of wanting to fight the good fight. She had given thanks to the Goddess for making that decision. A decision that had eventually brought her to Tara. Perhaps this was the right decision for Dawn.



"We all want what's best for you Dawnie, but if staying here is what you want, then Tara and I will be there for you. And so will you sister," she finished, knowing that Tara would agree and hoping that Buffy would.



Xander, not wanting to be left out, chimed in, "Well Dawnster, looks like I'll still be the only one without super powers here. I mean, I know I'm the heart of the gang and all, but could you just learn the pencil floaty stuff and not the big spells so I don't feel that inadequate?"



"But honey! You are more than adequate! Just this morning I definitely felt….Oh... Perhaps now is not the time," Anya added as she looked around the room.



Buffy, realizing she was outnumbered, looked around at the expectant faces of her family and decided that perhaps they were right. Perhaps being normal was over-rated. She put her arm around her sister and said "Fine. You win. But I'm still not happy that you've got early admission into UC Sunnydale and I will still not have graduated!"



With that, the scoobies settled down to breakfast. Willow and Tara held hands under the table. Anya and Xander were discussing the merits of lucky charms as opposed to froot loops. Giles was again wiping his glasses - This was a good day.



"Oh, I almost forgot!" Xander exclaimed. "Tara, we found this on the doorstep. It's addressed to you." Tara was indeed curious. She never received packages. (Well, except for the Victoria's Secret gift that Willow had ordered over the internet for her. She hoped she wasn't blushing!). She was sure that this was not like that. It was a small brown package, tied with string. The address and her name were printed neatly on the front.



Willow looked over at her love. She could sense Tara's curiosity and underlying apprehension as well as... Oh God! Tara was thinking about her gift again...



"Baby? You ok?" Willow gently squeezed Tara's hand.



"Yeah," Tara smiled back and began to unwrap the package. She was truly taken aback by what she saw inside. Her face was a mixture of wonder and incomprehension.



"Tara, you wanna share with the class here?" Buffy prodded, not quite worried - but she felt her Slayer senses tingling.



Tara tilted the box over, and the gang saw that nestled within, on tissue paper, was a talisman of some sort. A pendant on a thin gold chain.



Tara looked up in wonder. "I thought this was lost. I tried so hard to find it af--after... So hard.. I…It belonged to my mother. I could never find it after she died. He said it was lost…. I thought it was lost," she repeated.



Willow, knowing how much something like that would mean to Tara, leaned in, kissed her on the cheek, and placed her hand on hers, providing strength and love. "I wonder who sent it?" she queried.



"I... I think there's a note" Tara replied. And indeed there was. Beneath the pendant was a note that simply stated, "Tara, this was your mother's. Perhaps you should have it." It was from her father. But Tara didn't care. A link to her mother had been delivered. Something that she wanted to cherish - to hold to her heart so that her mother could feel the love there. The love for the scoobies, for her mother, and for Willow.



Willow once again moved forward, but this time, she snagged the talisman out of the box and placed it gently around Tara's neck. As she did the clasp, she whispered in her ear, "Your mom knew, sweetie. She knew you loved her so very much, and she knows how much I love you." With that, she once again kissed the blonde, but this time, on the lips.

Woo hoo!! An update!! This is very sweet - I love the conversation about Dawn! - but I'm hearing the faint sound of the "Jaws" theme underneath it all. Something big and bad is approaching!



*Pixie zings a pair of panties over to London, and one out to Owl for posting.*

Life is full of changes...The better you are at letting go of things, the freer your hands will be to catch something new. ~from Off The Map by Joan Ackerman
"It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured before passing out. ~from "Answering Darkness" by Sassette

Hi Guys, I managed four and a half hours of sleep despite jet lag so I'm happy. Thank you for all your good wishes.



*La* - Thanks for your message. Melatonin doesn't help that much and your other suggestion was good and does help but the availability is the main problem . I tend to drink some wine with dinner and that helps me relax enough to fall asleep. It's better than milk.



*daydreamer* - Better than the first one, really?. Well after I finish you can compare the two .



*wolflord* - thanks for not mentioning Dark Magics . Enjoy the update.



*CK* - Hi Sweetie, thanks for the good thoughts. Yes, I had quite crazy times in London and Cambridge as well. None of which would help me sleep so perhaps I shouldn't think of them now .



*BigMac* - Thanks so much. Yes, another vote for the melon line .



*Owl* - Go Owl, Mistress of Punctuation!!!. That is some map. Much better than the GPS system we have in the rented car . I am very happy because I am on a holiday so Yahhh me! Thanks for posting the chapter and postcards on the way to you ).



*Pixie* - I got the panties in London, so thank you . Well, there is Chapter 4 next but Jaws theme is not too loud in the first part.....

-----------------------------


You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; It will not let you fall

Edited by: jomarch at: 4/11/02 11:11:14 am

I'm really enjoying how you're taking this nice and slowly. I like that in a story; there's no need to rush anything and you're drip feeding us the information so perfectly that this is unraveling into quite a compelling tale.



Thanks.



Ooh, and by the way, London. Bleh. Bloody Southerners.

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Hey Grrrrlfriend! Yoo hoo! Over here! It's me...Flaming Joel!

great update and a big thanks to Owl for posting it (loved the map description)

"All these people are completely fucked. Metaphorically speaking, that is."



"Will she keep on the ground, trying to save me. Slowly forgive my lie, lying to save me. Could she love me again, or will she hate me." Alice in Chains, 'Rain When I Die'

Okies, I had this lovely response all typed up... then my computer died on me. It was unfortunate. The essential gist was: I loved the update, many thanks to Owl for posting it (and being wonderful enough to help me out), many more thanks to Jomarch for writing it (and also being splendiforous enough to help.. I realize splendiforous may make no sense here, but the word needed to be used.) So yay all around!



Oh yes... Jomarch, have a wonderful trip!



Jae

Hey Jomarch......loved the update. And well it looks like you are free from me using my dark magic. Seems my girlfriend reminded me I did not have any dark magic and that I was just a big ol' teddy bear. She really knows how to destroy the my ego. But anywho.....loved the update. Keep it up. Hope you are enjoying Europe....you staying in London only or traveling around it?

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.

Quote:

---

Originally posted by jomarch:

*daydreamer* - Better than the first one, really?. Well after I finish you can compare the two.

---

I guess you're right. It was too soon to say. But I got all excited when I saw a new fic from you posted on the Pens board. And the first couple of parts were very well-written that I have no doubt this fic would top the first one. But I guess I'll just have to really wait until you're done with this story.



I loved the new update. I think the confrontation on Dawn learning magic and witchcraft was well-done. And the Willow and Tara scenes made me warm and fuzzy inside again. But something about the talisman worries me. Foreshadowing much? Should we expect much angst and suspense, and even cliffhangers in the succeeding parts?



Thanks, Owl, for posting this part.

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I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul... - Pablo Neruda

Edited by: daydreamer at: 4/12/02 12:52:47 am

Oh updates are great, doo dee dum dum dum. Updates are fun, loo la loo loo loo.



I'm looking forward to seeing what Donny has planned (even though i don't really want to know because I know it will be all angsty and stuff ...)



I hope you are having a marvelously wonderful relaxing vacation and getting more sleep. Another thing that works as well as wine is a shot of whiskey a little while before you go to sleep. Though milk has been working for me the last few nights ... I think you have to switch it up a bit. Except for that one thing that always works that I can't seem to get my hands on ...



We miss you in the spoilerfree thread as well. You're missing a rather sticky food fight at the moment.

~La



"No one can resist the golden lasso. It binds all who are encircled and compels them to tell... the truth!"
~Wonder Woman

Hmm, Tara's father sending the talisman now. Wonder does he know Donny's around Sunnydale.



Interesting times ahead!

I could paint you in the dark, 'cause I've studied you with hunger as a work of art - Collecting you (Indigo Girls)

This was a sweet update...probably the calm before the storm. It should be interesting to see what that slimeball Donny has cooking.



--Michelle

Yes a update there is a GOD. Dawnie learning magic very nice and going to UC Sunnydale and Buffy still has not graduated yet great. Anya and Xander discussing the merits of luckey charms as opposed to froot loops and Giles saying this a good day great.

Tara: Assume Crash
Positions

Loved the update jomarch. And it was posted with such precision! Wow, that Owl's a professional.



I like how you're taking the time to set things up slowly. But I have to agree with Pixie: there's a definite "Jaws" like undertone. I can hear the low melody. Or I'm just jaded and tramatized and therefore can't believe everythings fine.



CK

"You wanna go out sometime, for coffee, food, kisses and gay love?" Willow- Normal Again.

Jomarch: Very cool update, I really liked the way everybody stood up for Dawn about her desicion to stay in Sunnydale. I can't wait to read more. Owl you rock.



Lonewolf

Jomarch - I'm going to miss your daily postings. sigh

For a second time fanfiction writer, you got game! You're setting this up so well. Why do I think something will come out of Dawn remaining in Sunnydale? And does Mr. Mcclay have hidden motavations for sending his gift now? Time, and an update will tell...



...speaking of which. Owl, darling. I do have that Yoga thing going on, and am willing to contort myself in the most interesting of ways to get that update. It's the nicest way I can think of to get you to put out. Pantiless morning stretches. Just doing my part to bring out the love.

*********

TARA: Willow and I always know how to find each other!

ANYA: With yoga?

Okay. Please don't be mad, as this is not the eagerly anticipated update.

I just wanted to inform you that I will update today, and probably soon, provided the evil Betus Debilitatus Demon of foul weather and nasty headaches goes away.

You guys are really doing a great job with the love. Thank you for all the kind words. CK - Professional? Good golly. And -Bobo's Mom? You really do know how to make a girl put out. Pantiless Yoga and terms of endearment... I'd thud if I wasn't so responsible. Let that be a lesson to the rest of you. The beta is corrupt and will accept bribes in various forms, including visual overstimulation and nummy foodstuffs. Just make sure you direct an extra portion of love towards Scotland, which is where my trusty map shows Jomarch at the moment.



Speaking of which, the main reason I am betaing today is that someone, (and I suspect Jomarch or one of you) has kindly sent me a gorgeous bagpipe player who insists on playing lovely tunes beneath my window until I get the update posted. (and you think I'm kidding but most of this is actually true). This may delay me slightly, as I really do like bagpipe music, and the musician, as I said, is quite something to look at. But then, she refuses to come in for a spot of tea until I get this done, so... that's a bit of a motivation, wouldn't you say?



In any case, The Jomarch-shaped blip is glowing bright blue. (I just want to point out to Jomarch that if she is not satisfied with the color, she can choose another. I chose blue and starry to match her space hopper on the spoilerfree island).



While you are waiting, I suggest you write Haikus to Jomarch.

Thank you for your patience.

Yay! Another update soon!



The previous one was great. I love the fact that you used the lines that Willow used when she decided to stay in Sunnydale and fight the good fight with Buffy. Very nice.



But I'm also getting a little bad feeling about that pendant. Just what is Donny up to?



sending many happy thoughts towards jomarch in Scotland...

--------------------------------


"Honey, I'm the original one-eyed chicklet in the kingdom of the blind." - Glory


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

Jomarch, hope you are having a wonderful trip!! As for the update, WOW, that was so good. I love getting these little bits of information. It's like putting together a puzzle. I am totally enjoying this. See, I have already forgotten about the melons, Did someone say MELONS!!!???? *winks at jomarch*

"We few, we happy few."
"We band of buggered."

Dear kind readers...

I am sorry that this is quite late, but the demon of foul weather and nasty headaches got its nails in me. Lucky for you that Ed (That's the bagpipe player. Don't ask me why she insists on being called Ed) was around to get rid of the demon. A little soothing music, a nap and some.... tea. Well, I'm good as new.

And speaking of new.... Here's your brand spankin' new update. Enjoy! And remember... The sooner I see love here, the sooner you get your next update! Woo Hoo!





Notes: The return of another really disliked character and plans for Buffy’s birthday – why do they even bother???

Spoiler Warning - It has some spoilers up to Normal Again and you may want to read my previous story as it is set in the same universe. If you don't want to, it's ok too. Just realize that Willow is in a wheelchair and this would be set around two and a half years from start of current US season.

Feedback - Good God! Yes, please.

Disclaimer - All characters, names etc belong to ME. I am just borrowing them for this short while in order to make them do what I want for a change instead of waiting to see what happens every Tuesday.

Rating – Strong PG

Title : Left Of Center



Chapter 4a



The place was a dump - garbage was strewn about and dazed people lay on beat-up couches. The smell alone could make a human gag, much less a vampire. Donny was not happy to be there, but he had a plan, and this place - or at least one person here - was part of that plan. He had not fed yet, but he wasn't that desperate that he would eat off of them. They stank of failure and human frailty. He did not want to be cloaked in that. Not like he was before, when he was human. He remembered failure - not being as smart as his sister despite her stutter. He had taken great pride in causing her stutter to begin with. In taunting her with words, and later with fists. It always made him feel better, more in control. But it still didn't deter her progress in magic and in school. His mother had always made it known that Tara was the favorite. That his attempts at magic were mediocre at best. Wouldn't she be surprised now?



It was amazing. It was absolutely fucking amazing that death brought such clarity. The way his human weaknesses fell by the wayside. He was stronger. He could think more clearly and had only one intention in mind. He wasn't distracted by anything other than the one singular thought that had brought him to Sunnydale two years ago - the complete and utter annihilation of his sister and her family.



"What do you want? Your kind has nothing to offer me. You should leave. NOW!" Rack snarled as he emerged from one of the doors and spotted the vampire. Having one of those here was not good for business. They tended to frighten away his clientele, or worse yet, eat them in their weakened hazy state.



"Now, now... Is that any way to talk to a future best client?" Donny replied as his fingers crackled with blue energy. His eyes had also turned black as he reached out to Rack.



'A vampire warlock, now that has possibilities,' Rack thought to himself. He found himself being pulled forward. The energy... the magic... it called to him. He placed his palm over Donny’s chest and closed his eyes. He could feel the power, the darkness. So much darkness - black, thick as sludge, power corrupted. It was sweet and intoxicating until all of a sudden, it stopped.



“What the fu..” Rack was jolted out of his trance. He lunged for Donny, only to have the vampire swiftly step aside causing him to fall to the ground.



“Now that I have your attention, I think we have a lot to discuss,” Donny continued, his irises back to the color of mud. "I believe that we can help each other.... You had a customer a few years back... A witch. Redhead. Quite powerful."



Rack remembered. How could he forget Strawberry? She had come to him a couple of times and then she'd stopped. He had missed her - her taste - but the lines at his place never wavered, and thus he had slowly relegated her to the back of his mind.



"I remember. She doesn't come around anymore. Hasn't for a long time," he told the vampire, "Seems like she found something else to keep her occupied... But it hasn't really changed my business much," he continued, looking round the room for his next fix.



Donny's face darkened at that remark, his hands again clenching at his side "Yes, she has been quite occupied. But things are about to change. You are going to taste power beyond your imagination. Power stronger than mine. Stronger than the witch's. You're never going to go back to these rejects again. I am talking about mystical energy so great, its high would be the best you ever had."



Donny knew that with that, he had captured Rack's full attention. His plan was beginning to take shape. To take form. It was time, his silent heart rejoiced . He walked towards Rack's inner chamber and motioned for the dealer to follow. As he entered, his face transformed... His eyes yellowed, and ridges and fangs protruded. "Do you know of the slayer?" he turned around and asked.



Rack was slightly frightened, but decided to follow. He had a feeling that this vampire was dangerous, but at this point, his anger was directed at something... someone else. And he had mentioned powerful magic - more than Strawberry's or this creature even - he would do anything for such a rush.



"So, Giles... You sure planning a birthday party for Buffy this year is a good idea?" Xander asked as he helped Anya do her daily inventory of the Magic Box supplies.



"Hm..?" Giles responded. He was too caught up in going over Anya's bookkeeping to actually pay attention. "Good Heaven's Anya, are these figures correct?!" he exlaimed.



"What do you mean???" Anya nearly shrieked, "Of course those figures are correct. I did them on this new software that I bought with my own money, might I add. What's wrong with my figures? They're always correct!" She was almost hyperventilating. So much so that Xander moved quickly to her side.



"Calm down, Anya. I wasn't inferring that there was anything wrong. On the contrary, these numbers are incredible. Did you know that you have made more profit in the past year than in the last two and a half years combined? Simply extraordinary!" Giles was absolutely amazed at the young woman's tenacity for business. She had truly surprised him with that as well as her growing understanding of what it was to be human. He was as proud as any father would be.



"Why didn't you say so in the first place?" Anya muttered. "Nearly, gave me a heart attack. Almost as bad as being confronted with bunnies," she continued.



"There, there, sweetheart. See, Giles was just happy - It's an English thing. You know: yell when you're happy, smile when your pissed... Very confusing." Xander loved his wife. She was amazing - despite a full day at the Magic Box, she would always have time to ask how his day went. Likewise, he would discuss her day's receipts and revel in her childlike joy in commerce. He was truly blessed. Regardless of living on the Hellmouth, they had blossomed. All of them: Willow and Tara, Buffy, Dawn, and Giles. They were a family... His family.



"So Giles... Back to Buffy's day of birth and the impending celebrations? She said herself that she didn't want celebrations of any kind on the big day. I believe pain and torture would be in the works if she saw even one balloon on said day. So, you're sure we should do this, right? I mean, just because it has never worked out well in the past is no reason… So tell me why we're doing this, cause I don't see an upside," Xander trailed off.



"Well, I figured since we are celebrating it a few days early, we may be able to avoid any bad luck, if you will. Buffy has already extracted a promise from me that we won't be celebrating it on that day and I do intend on keeping that promise. Which is why we are doing it tonight. Willow and Tara are meeting her at the Espresso Pump and escorting her back. Dawn will be decorating the house, and we are to bring the food and cake," Giles finished. He truly hoped that his slayer - his surrogate daughter - would appreciate the party and the gifts. He had agonized for months thinking of what to give her. How to convey his fatherly love. Money was too crass and a car... well that just wouldn't be safe for everyone. When he had finally realized what to give her, he was amazed at its simplicity and pleased at its outcome. He only hoped she would be as well. He had spent a great deal of money and used a lot of the council resources to accomplish it. Finding Hank Summers alone was easy, but leaning on him and buying him off took money and the Ripper. In the end, Hank had agreed. He had signed the papers. With that, it was so easy to get the other legal proceedings in order. The main papers had arrived a few days ago. He had read each word - absorbed the full meaning of them.



"Hey Giles? We're going to go soon," Xander cut into his thoughts. "Anya and I want to pick up our gift before the shop closes"



"Fine... Fine. I shall me you at the house later, then. Don't worry, Anya. I will lock up, and use all three of the locks you've installed," Giles added, knowing exactly what Anya was going to say.



"I was just going to tell you not to be late, and…and don't forget to set the security code as well," she sniffed and walked out, arm in arm with Xander.

Ohh, I am intrigued!!! What is that ass Donny up too?? Makes me a little nervous..but nervous is good. Oh and Giles, what a man!!! I am really into this, please, keep going.And Owl, you are a goddess!!!

"We few, we happy few."
"We band of buggered."

yes hurry hurry with the next update please...