Hello, everyone!
Well, I would like to say that I was distracted by Drakkenfyre's lovely trio of bagpipers (Ed, Ed and Blodwyna, in case you were wondering). But I wasn't. I was, in fact, distracted by my mother who came through and ousted them. She's visiting on her way to taking the rest of the country by storm, much in the manner of Ghenghis Khan. Mamma Khan will be here for a couple more days, which means no kitten for me! (I just want to point out that I love my mom to bits. She's just very, very energetic....like a conqueror.) By the way, Drakkenfire, thank you. The bagpipers are just fine, having stumbled off to bed after consuming entirely too much soup, and they send their love.
Right. So I thought it unfair to leave you updateless just because I'm going AWOL. So here it is! Woo hoo!
Please direct your attention to the map, which places jomarch somewhere around Arizona, or Rome, or possibly Bath.... The blip is still blue, but it appears.... Oh dear. The blip is all sort of hazy at the edges as if... as if jomarch hasn't been relaxing entirely....
Do i sense another chapter in the works? hmmm? We'll just have to see about that, won't we?
Please direct all your love, comments, and hijinks towards this thread, where it will be magically forwarded to the elusive jomarch. All yoga, bagpipers, and other bribes will be gladly accepted here as well.
And now.......
Notes - Ok, I really like giving presents to the scoobies and like thinking of presents that they would like to receive. This is Buffy's birthday and we do know how those turn out so please note chapter does end in cliffhanger of sorts.
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 4b
'Where are they?' Dawn thought to herself. They should be here by now. She had already put up the decorations - balloons, a banner, and streamers. All she needed was the food. It was just like Anya and Xander to be late, she thought. Ever since the marriage, they had been late on so many occasions, with shirts untucked, hickies, and once, Anya's blouse was buttoned wrongly and inside-out. God! They were becoming as bad and Willow and Tara. But it was also so sweet. She hoped that both Buffy and herself would be able to find that kind of love as well. Craig, from her advanced math class seemed nice. She had wanted to invite him today, but chickened out at the last minute. Perhaps she should call him this weekend. She was the Slayer's sister after all. Inviting a boy out for one date should not faze her - she'd fought demons and won! Yes, she would call him later.
The ringing doorbell brought her back.
"At last!" she said, opening the door to an apologetic Xander and Anya. She could see Giles coming up the path as well, and did her best stern expression to show him her annoyance. The expression did disappear when he pulled her into a hug and presented her with a huge chocolate birthday cake.
"So Buffy's not here yet, I take it" he commented.
"No. Willow called fifteen minutes ago. She said they would be back at eight, on account of Buffy having to wait for a delivery. So that gives us twenty more minutes," Dawn replied as she made her way to the kitchen. Xander and Anya were already in there unpacking more food. They had indeed gone crazy and bought up the entire deli by the looks of it. Potato knishes and salad, bagels and lox, and cheese blintzes. They were going to eat well tonight. She was also curious about the large wrapped present by the side of the table. She couldn't wait for Buffy to come back.
"So why are you guys here again? I mean, don't get me wrong, witchy company makes Buffy happy. But you guys really don't have to walk me home. You know, on account of me being the Slayer and all," Buffy commented as she walked between Tara and Willow's wheelchair. She was amazed at how dexterous Willow was at handling it. She was saddened that her best friend had to make it a part of her life, but the doctors were hopeful and so was she.
"It's ok, Buffy," Willow answered her. "We were on our way back from campus and thought it was just safer with Slayer company"
"Yes," Tara agreed, nodding her head. "So see? You're doing
us the favor" she smiled.
As luck would have it, they reached home without any confrontation or vampire in sight - Not even Spike. This was going to be a great night.
"Dawnie, we're home" Buffy called out in a passable Ricky Ricardo accent. "How many time do I gotta tell…" she trailed off as she saw the decorations.
"What's this?" she asked, turning to the two grinning witches behind her.
"It's your Birthday party," Giles answered as he emerged from the kitchen. "Now, I know you specifically did not want to celebrate it on the actual day but that does not preclude us from wanting to celebrate it earlier," Giles finished, adamant in his argument.
Everyone looked expectantly at Buffy. 'Please don't be mad', Dawn sent out, along with the other scoobies, all holding their breath.
"Awwww, you guys.." Buffy was sniffling. "This is great! Thanks!"
"Alright!" Dawn exclaimed "First we eat, then presents". She began handing out plates, and directing them to the various foods around the room. Tonight was going to be so special, she thought.
"Ooookay, remind me to wear the drawstring pants, the next time I eat so much," Xander groaned from the couch.
"It's ok honey, you don't have to eat the cake later," Anya tried to comfort him.
"Whaddya mean, no cake? Cake's dessert. I still have room for dessert, just not the other food groups. You know: fried, steamed, grilled…" he shot back.
"Can we do the presents now? can we? can we?" Dawn chimed in, bouncing from one foot to the other and looking like she was twelve again.
"Yes, prezzies," Tara agreed and they all adjourned to the living room.
"Ok, who's first in the let's surprise Buffy department?" Buffy asked.
"We'll go first." Anya stated "We want to go first." And with that, she pushed Xander in front of her.
Xander slowly put the large flat package in front of Buffy.
"We wanted to get you..." He started again, "we wanted to get you something that we hope you will cherish. Something that we hope you will love"
Buffy didn't know what to expect, so she just tore the wrapping only to be amazed and touched at what she saw. It was a painting. A painting of her mother and Dawn and her. An exact replica of the picture that she kept on the living room wall. The artist had captured Joyce so well. She looked alive and happy, and Buffy realized that with the painting, she would look like that forever.
Anya was gripping Xander's hand rather tightly, waiting for the Slayer's response. When Buffy looked up, she could tell that it was indeed the right present to give. She was getting good at this human stuff.
"Ok, I think Giles should go next" Anya added. She knew the Slayer was touched, and didn't want to make her cry.
"Y-y-yes.... Fine..." Giles, looking decidedly uncomfortable, started fumbling at his pockets. He pulled out a sheaf of papers and looked at Buffy before continuing.
"Erm.. Buffy. You know how much I love you and Dawn. How much I … How much I wish that you were my own. I have been thinking long and hard about that, and... Well, I know you are going to be twenty-three and have no need for a …Well.."
"Giles," Buffy said gently, "Just say it. You can do this. I've seen you talk down to Quentin!"
At that, Giles smiled and continued, "I have spoken to Hank Summers and... Well, I have convinced him that what I am about to do is in yours and Dawn's best interest. You see, I have started legal proceedings to adopt the both of you. I know that both of you can be considered adults but I just... Well, I just wanted to make it official, so that when I leave you my ancestral home back in England, there will be no dispute. You will truly be my daughters," he finished, almost afraid to look up.
"Giles!" Both Buffy and Dawn cried in unison as they launched themselves at him. He was almost knocked off balance but hung on to them for dear life, as that was what they were to him. His life.
After a few minutes had passed and all the tears were wiped away, It was Willow and Tara's turn. Dawn wanted to go last.
"Wow." Willow said "That's going to be difficult to top, so we're not even gonna try."
"Buffy," Tara continued, "Willow and I... Well, firstly, we want to thank you for letting us stay here with you and Dawn. You've always refused any payment but we did some calculations and we want to give you this" she said as she held out a check. "Willow’s been doing some programming on the side, and my TA job pays pretty well. Anyway, it's for Dawn's first year of tuition at UC Sunnydale. We figured, you're not going to accept it for the house so we're going to help with the school payments." But instead of giving it to Buffy, she passed it to Willow.
All the scoobies were surprised and watched with wonder as Willow slowly rose from her chair. Tara was hovering nearby, arms extended, just in case. Willow pushed herself up and grabbed hold of Tara's arm. She looked at her best friend and extended the arm with the check in it. She was standing, though not totally on her own, she was standing. Her weekly physiotherapy sessions had paid off.
Buffy watched in amazement and moved towards her oldest best friend, crushing her in a Slayer hug. The check was forgotten in lieu of this most precious gift.
"Since when did gift-giving become a crying fest" Buffy once again sniffed over Willow's shoulder "Someone ought to give this Slayer some notice. Puffy red eyes on patrol do not scare off vampires, and I didn't wear waterproof mascara today."
"You sure about that?" Dawn shot back, smiling. It was her turn. She hoped Buffy... No, she prayed Buffy would understand her gift. She went to the drawer of the side table and took out a vanilla envelope. She was getting nervous again, but she wanted to do this and so pressed ahead.
"Buffy... When mom died, I know you tried so hard to look after me, and did all you could. I also know that you had to sell mom's small share in the art shop. I was angry at first but you were trying so hard, and I loved you for it. Anyway, I talked to the owner again and... Well, I'm going to start working there part time. I made a deal. If I work weekends, and some afternoons and holidays, I can buy back mom's share within the next few years. I want to give it to you. I know Mom did," she finished in a rush.
As expected by all the scoobies, Buffy once again burst into fresh tears. "You guys…you guys are the best. I l-l-l ove you g-g-g-uys…" she hiccuped, trying to convey her heart to the people around her.
She did not hear the doorbell chime, but Tara, who was closest did, and went to open it. She assumed it would be Spike, and had a quip ready about his punctuality as she swung the door open. Only - it wasn't Spike, but her brother Donny.
"D-d-donny... What are you doing here?" she asked, incredulous that he was in Sunnydale, much less on this doorstep.
"Hey, Tara-girl," he answered easily. "Can't a brother visit his little sister, anymore?" he smiled a little at that and then continued on a more serious note "It's about… It's about mom. I think dad sent you something...." he trailed off, looking to see some form of recognition in her face. 'Yes' he thought to himself, she got it. She was relenting.
"I need to talk to you. Can I come in?" he prodded.
Tara was stunned, she didn't expect this. She never expected to speak to any of her blood relations, but Donny looked so hopeful, and it was about her mom. She fingered the chain around her neck and slowly nodded "S-sure. Come in."
"Nooooooo!" Buffy shouted. She had sensed it - had felt a vampire at the door.
But it was too late. The invitation had been extended. Donny's visage changed the minute he stepped over the threshold. Tara, who was looking at Buffy, did not see his fist lash out as he backhanded her and her body went flying, her head hitting the staircase banister. Buffy launched herself at Donny, grappling him to the ground.
Willow craned around and saw Tara land near the staircase and immediately tried to maneuver her way around Buffy and the vampire on the floor. She totally missed Rack as he entered the house.
Giles noticed the newcomer and prepared to attack but he was brushed aside by Rack's wave of his hand as he looked around for his target. Yes, there she was, all ripe and ready for him. The vampire was right. This was going to be fun. He immediately walked towards her, arms extended.
Xander was in a quandary. He could see Giles on the floor, dazed, and Buffy was having too difficult a time with just one vampire. Her blows were glancing off him - not hitting the target. It was as if..
"Willow!" Anya cried suddenly, realizing what was going on."You have to break the spell! The vampire has a protection spell. Buffy can't kill it!"
Willow's head whipped around and stared into the yellow eyes of Donny Maclay. Goddess, she thought to herself, Oh, Goddess, it was Donny. It was Tara's older brother. She began to recite a spell.
Xander noticed the other stranger making his way towards Dawn, and he tried to block his path and swung his fists at him. Rack ducked, and again waved his hand, sending Xander flying into Anya. The two of them landing in a heap next to the coffee table.
Dawn looked wide eyed as she felt him place a hand on her chest. For a moment, she wanted to lash out. To hit him. But unconsciousness claimed her before she could react.
Giles' vision was blurry. His glasses lay broken under him. All he could see was the warlock and Dawn bathed in yellow light, his hand on her chest, her head lolling to one side. He had to do something. Anything. But it was too late - the glow stopped suddenly, and Dawn fell to the ground unceremoniously.
Willow had finished her spell and Buffy was once again able to hit out at Donny with all her Slayer strength. Her blows were connecting but it still did not faze the vampire much. Suddenly, something distracted him, something at the edge of her vision. Ignoring it, she took the opportunity to roll over and place her feet on his chest. She kicked out with all her might, sending him flying out the door. She jumped to her feet only to find herself pushed aside by someone else running out, she tried to grab him but was distracted by Willow's anguished cry.
Willow had recognized Rack. She had suddenly realized what he'd done, as she gazed at Dawn's crumpled form.
"Dawn!" Buffy cried, following Willow's gaze "Oh, My God! Dawn!". The teen was lying on her side, and blood dripped from her nose. Buffy strained to see if her chest was moving. She had to be alive, she just had to.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
. The sixth message was from the London office asking me to come in on monday and help them with a deal. The seventh was from my boss again who read his e-mail (his wife is currently charging him 50 Australian dollars everytime he makes a business call or e-mail while on holiday. I just hope my husband doesn't do the same) about my visit to the office and has banned me from writing any deals in the London office. The eight call was the London office again just telling me to come in for lunch 
WOLFLORD