__Beyond Home and Hearth__
By Jolene Beasley
"Rupert, we gotta go shopping."
Giles looked up from his book, surprised at Buffy’s vehemence. It was a peaceful Saturday morning, and he had fervently hoped to keep it that way. Marcus was taking a nap, and the house was quiet. All he wanted to do was stay in his favorite chair and read a bit. If she wanted to shop, that was fine with him. "What? Shopping? All right, go ahead." He returned to his book, knowing she wasn’t finished, but hoping to avoid the issue, whatever it was. "I’ll stay here and wait for Marcus to wake up."
She came up to him and closed the book in his hands. "WE are going shopping, and we are taking Marcus. He needs clothes, and right now. He’s growing so fast I can’t even button most of his shirts anymore. Now..." She pulled the book out of his grasp and straddled his lap, smiling at the glint that appeared in his eyes. "...unless you want your son to become the world’s youngest streaker, get up off your duff and let’s go buy him some clothes."
He couldn’t help it. She was completely adorable, looking at him with those intensely blue eyes of hers. He chuckled softly, then pulled her down for a gentle kiss. As engaging as that was, when he pulled back, his face was still reluctant. "Must we go now? It’s Saturday... the stores will be overflowing!"
"Yes, we must go now, because there’s a sale."
"Ah. Of course." He sighed. "A sale. I see."
"No, you don’t, but that’s okay. You’re obviously sale-impaired."
She slid off his lap as he stood, an amused smile on his face. "Obviously." The ubiquitous fears and questions invaded his thoughts, and he frowned. "We’ve not taken Marcus out in public before. It may overwhelm him."
"He did just fine at Mom’s family reunion."
"Yes, but he was only a few months old. And most of those people were blood relations, and more inclined to overlook our unique... ah, gifts. The people in town are strangers."
"Well, duh. That’s why they’re all not coming to our house for dinner afterwards. He did fine at the christening, so what’s the problem?"
"That was a small crowd... perhaps another time might be better... Monday or Tuesday night, when there aren’t as many people about..."
Buffy listened for a moment to see if Marcus was awake from his nap. Sensing only sleeping thoughts, she sat back down on the couch, knowing they needed to talk the matter. Rupert wasn’t usually so sensitive about crowds. For her own peace of mind, she needed to find out what was bothering him. "He’s gotta live in the world, someday. He needs to learn to deal with it."
"He shouldn’t have to, not yet. He’s just a baby."
Buffy shook her head sadly. "He won’t be a baby forever."
Giles sat beside her. "I realize that, but he’s still so young. Is it necessary to begin all this ‘socializing’ now?"
"Well, yeah, I think he needs to work into it gradually, don’t you? Otherwise, kindergarten is gonna be a major shock. And what if we can’t get our schedule for classes worked out next year? He might have to stay in a daycare for a couple of hours." She tilted her head at him questioningly. "What’s the big deal? You’re always the one that keeps saying Marcus is fine and we can deal with anything."
He stood and began to pace, his thoughts dark and disturbed. They threatened to overwhelm him, and he fought back the urge to give in to the despair. "I just don’t think it’s time yet. We can call your mother, or Willow..."
"Rupert..." Her face was sympathetic, but determined. "How am I going to buy the kid clothes if the kid’s not with me? Be realistic. We can’t keep him in a cave. He needs to be around other people besides us. He’s our baby, sure, but that just means we do what’s best for him. Wearing too-tight clothes is not what’s best for him!"
"Now you’re putting words in my mouth. Of course I want him to have new clothes... and new experiences, as well. Just not yet. Not for a while. Not while he’s so..." Giles’ voice cracked with emotion, and Buffy felt it deep within her... his fiercely protective father instincts were raging inside him. "...so small," he finished, his voice soft with anguish.
She got up and rested a hand on his shoulder. He didn’t raise his head at first, and she studied his profile carefully before speaking. She’d never seen him get so upset in such a short time. "Babe, I had no idea this would bother you so much."
He looked down for a moment, evaluating his own tumultuous feelings. Finally, he admitted, "Neither did I, actually. The thought of being amongst strangers who might cause Marcus some sort of harm terrifies me."
"Oh, Rupert... that scares me, too. We just have to keep him safe and with us. He’s so friendly and curious... I can’t stand the thought of someone grabbing him... again."
The last word she spoke... ‘again’... reverberated in her mind until it dawned on her just why he was so afraid. "Rupert..." She reached up to stroke his cheek. "It’s not the same. There’s no Council out there trying to take him away from us this time. No more Quentin Travers, no mercenaries. We’ll be fine."
He shook his head slightly, but she felt his hesitant acceptance through the Bond they shared. "I thought I had put that bit of business behind me." He shuddered. "Apparently, I haven’t."
She pulled him into a hug, soothing him with the contact, understanding his terror completely. "You don’t just ‘get over’ having your baby kidnapped." She tightened her hold on him slightly and closed her eyes. "I don’t want to pretend it never happened, but I don’t want it to rule my life, either."
She felt his chuckle before she heard it, the sound rumbling in her ears. He finally spoke softly, stroking her hair as he did. "Well put, my wise little wife. I seem to have grown reluctant to venture much beyond the safety of home and hearth. I didn’t realize how insular I’d become."
"Consider today a chance for a major breakthrough, then. If you’re still worried, then it can be your job to protect Marcus from the big, bad world."
"Or, perhaps, to protect the big, bad world from him."
They both chuckled at that, knowing there was a certain amount of truth in that facetious statement. Finally Giles squared his shoulders, his decision made. "All right, you’ve convinced me. Let’s be off, then."
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and started upstairs. "Great. I’ll get the baby stuff ready. Marcus oughta be awake by then. And if you’re really good, I might buy you a new outfit or two. Only I get to pick them out."
"Oh, dear Lord... what have I gotten myself into?"
********
Marcus looked up at his mother’s face, watching her as he tried to decipher the emotions behind them. She was bustling about the small nursery, gathering baby things from all four corners, frowning in concentration. Marcus recognized the frown. It wasn’t a happy expression, or a sad one, either, or a combination of the two. He still had trouble with emotions, but he was beginning to understand this particular one as ‘worry’. He watched from his spot on the floor until he couldn’t stand it any more.
"Mummy? I go?" He knew they were going somewhere, and he wanted to be a part of it. Most of the time he was left behind with Gramma, Xander or Willow. Not that they weren’t fun, but he loved new places and new people. He loved his car seat, where he could see the scenery passing by. He was fresh from his nap, and ready for action!
Buffy looked up and smiled at him. "We’re going shopping, sweetie, and you’re going, too. I know you’ll be a good boy."
A pleased smile spread across the toddler’s face. "I go! I go!" He thrust an awkward fist into the air, imitating Xander’s favorite gesture of triumph. "Yeth!" He bounced a time or two, for good measure, then stopped for a minute, thinking about her last sentence. "I goo’ boy, Mummy?" His tone pleaded for reassurance.
She stopped packing the diaper bag and squatted in front of her son. "You’re a very good boy, Marcus Everett Giles. Mummy loves you very much, too." She gave him a hug and a kiss, then released him back to his play. He was almost a year old, now, and much more independent. He only cuddled when he was tired, or when one of his parents was upset or sad. The rest of the time he was incredibly active, moving with surprising agility for such a tiny thing. His physical coordination was beginning to catch up to his mental ability, and it was a little overwhelming at times.
She watched the child rolling his toy cars and trucks around on the bedroom floor as she got herself ready to go. Giles had made a quick run to the grocery store, hoping to find some nice steaks to grill outside that evening. His new gas grill was a delight to him, and he presided over weekend dinners with the air of royalty. He was a great cook, too, which made it worth putting up with his over-protective attitude towards his grilling territory. It promised to be a glorious summer, full of typical summer fare: backyard barbecues and wading pools and the precious sound of a little boy’s laughter.
She heard the front door bang open, and smiled. ‘That certainly didn’t take long,’ she thought with amusement, and was rewarded with a wash of pride and satisfaction from him as he entered the kitchen.
‘The mighty hunter hath returned... with ribeyes that should make your mouth water.’ His thoughts were clear and focused, letting her know he was happy and relaxed. He’d come to terms with his fears while he was gone. She knew he could feel her sense of relief.
‘We’re ready any time you are, babe.’
‘Let me put these in some marinade, and I’ll be there in a flash.’
Marcus looked up at her, smiling distantly. He knew Daddy was home, and was eagerly waiting for him to come upstairs. He could capture their emotions easily, but when they communicated via the Bond to each other, he either couldn’t or wouldn’t interrupt them. He broadcast emotions and impressions with little effort, but he hadn’t gone so far as to transmit actual words. Buffy sometimes wondered just how different her son’s version of their mystical connection would actually become, as he grew older.
He turned and looked up just as Giles strode into the room. "Daddy!!!" he shrieked, and launched himself at his father’s leg, grabbing him around the knee and giving him an enthusiastic hug. "I go! I go! I goo’ boy!"
Giles laughed heartily and pulled Marcus into his arms. "Yes, love, you’re going with us, and you are a very good boy." Marcus was much better at kisses now, and he nailed his father’s cheek with a loud smack and leaned back, grinning proudly.
"I berry goo’ boy."
Giles shifted the happy child into a comfortable carrying position, and watched Buffy shoulder the diaper bag with a smile. He was going to spend the day with his beautiful wife and son, even if it was at the dreaded mall. He should be grateful.
********
The Sunnydale Mall wasn’t huge, but it seemed so to Marcus. He twisted his head up, down and around, trying to see the ceiling and all the bright lights. When he wasn’t staring at the lights, he was staring at the people.
He’d never seen so many people! They strode past him as he watched from his father’s arms, and he was confused. He kept trying to get Mummy and Daddy to stop so he could talk to them, but they wouldn’t. Finally, he stopped wondering why and started examining the exciting things that were all around him. He especially liked the bright signs that decorated the store windows. Soft music was playing over the speakers. He decided this had to be the most interesting place on earth.
Buffy made a bee-line for the first children’s clothing store she came to, with a reluctant Giles tagging along. He loved carrying Marcus, but he felt self-conscious, like he was drawing attention to himself. Actually, it was Marcus drawing all the attention... the instant the four sales ladies in the shop saw him, they descended en masse, oohing and cooing like crazy, complementing Giles on his adorable baby. He responded graciously to their admiration, and they went equally crazy over his lovely accented voice. To Buffy’s surprise, not one of them assumed he was anything other than the child’s father. She realized just how happy, proud and young he looked, and began to beam proudly herself, until she realized they were effectively leaving her out.
After looking uncertain for a few seconds, Marcus smiled and said, "Hi."
An older lady with salt-and-pepper hair seemed to be the ringleader of the sales quartet. "Hello, young man! My aren’t you handsome? Just like your father!"
Giles flushed slightly, but the smile stayed on his face.
Marcus said solemnly, "I berry goo’ boy."
The ladies burst into laughter. Salt-and-pepper agreed heartily. "Of course you are, you darling." She beamed and patted his back gently. "What’s your name, sweet?"
"Mah-cuth Ev-wett Gileth." Marcus enunciated carefully, and was rewarded with even more bright smiles. His ‘g’ and ‘s’ sounds weren’t quite correct yet, but it was still fairly easy to understand. He’d just learned to say his full name, and was more than willing to share it with anyone who asked. Giles’ pride broadcast to the child, and he looked up at his father, basking in his approval.
One of the younger girls cooed, "Oh, my, that’s such a grown-up name! Marcus, you’re such a big boy. How old is he, Mister Giles?" She batted her eyes at the older man, causing his eyebrows to rise slightly. Good Lord... was she flirting with him, or just trying to make a larger sale? He sincerely hoped it was the latter.
"He’s a year old next month."
"Oh, my! He’s so mature for his age..." The ladies once again began cooing and complimenting Marcus. The baby seemed perfectly at ease with all the attention, unlike his father.
Giles kept looking around for Buffy, but couldn’t see her for the small crowd around him. He felt her close by, and could feel her internal resentment building like thermal pressure at a geological fault. He almost chuckled. ‘Turnabout is fair play, love... see how you like feeling jealous, for once.’
Her thoughts came back to him, clearly and distinctly. ‘Don’t make me have to kill the entire sales staff, babe. I like shopping here.’ She paused, then added stubbornly, ‘And I’m not jealous.’
He sent a mental laugh back to her, and started looking around, trying to locate her. Marcus was chewing on his fist, and he was drooling a bit, and Giles needed a cloth to wipe himself and the child’s arm. In a flash, Buffy was by his side with a washcloth. She beamed up at the both of them as Marcus pointed to her and said, matter-of-factly, "Mummy!"
She wiped her son down with a few practiced strokes, then leaned against Giles’ arm. He was so uncomfortable with the attention she decided not to be jealous any more. "Are you two finished wowing the workers? We need to actually buy stuff here."
"Oh, yes... I’m sure a man with baby saliva on his shirt front is considered quite attractive."
Salt-and-pepper eyed him appreciatively. "In this store, it is." The other girls nodded in happy agreement.
Buffy laughed at the confused look on his face. "You definitely need to get out more often, Rupert."
"I don’t blame you for keeping a man like him hidden away, honey," the thirty-something brunette sympathized. "I can see your little boy has his father’s good looks." She smiled widely. "And his beautiful manners, too."
Giles was in full blush now, and Buffy good-naturedly rescued him by asking for help with clothing sizes. They spend about thirty minutes shopping, and by the time they’d finished there was a good-sized pile of children’s clothes, socks and shoes on the counter in front of them. Giles handed Marcus to Buffy to reach for his wallet, and the child began to squirm.
"Down, Mummy!" he commanded, nearly wiggling out of her grasp.
The store wasn’t crowded, so she cautiously set him on his feet. He’d been very patient in the dressing room, trying on all the outfits she’d picked for him. He deserved a little free time.
Giles’ attention was on the purchase, and he didn’t notice the wide-eyed stares from the staff as Marcus toddled around under his own power. Salt-and-pepper gasped from behind the counter as the boy broke into a stilted run, with Buffy a few steps behind. "He sure does get around for such a tiny thing..."
Giles smiled fondly. "He’s been walking for several months now. He’s quite precocious... sometimes we hardly know what to do with him."
At that moment, an attractive young red-haired girl came through the entrance wearing the matching slacks and shirt of the store’s uniform. Giles thought she looked familiar, and she brightened when she saw him. "Professor Giles! Hi! You probably don’t remember me... I was in your Mythology class last semester."
His eyes lit up in recognition. Mythology had been a mercifully small class. "Miss DeLong? Hello... of course I remember you. How are you?"
"Doing great! I’m working here for the summer. It’s a lot of fun. By the way," She lowered her eyes slightly and grinned. "I loved your class. You’re a great teacher."
"Why, thank you. That’s quite a..."
Marcus chose that moment to run full tilt into Giles’ leg. Grabbing it tightly, he let out a squeal and shouted, "Daddy!"
Buffy came up behind him and let out a huge breath in relief. "It’s your turn to chase the kid. We’ve been around the store three times already. I need a break." She looked at the new girl suspiciously for a split second, then smiled. "Hi. I’m Buffy Giles."
The girl’s eyes grew wide, but she wisely chose not to comment. "Pleased to meet you, and you, too," The latter was directed at a laughing Marcus, who was still clinging to his father’s pants' leg. "I was in Professor Giles’ class last year. I was just starting my shift here. I’m Andrea."
"Hi, Andrea," Buffy said in a more friendly tone.
"Hi, An-dweeah," Marcus said clearly. They all erupted with laughter.
As they left the baby store, Buffy whispered confidentially, "We have to remember to say everything out loud, babe. I hollered at Marcus for running under a rack of clothes, and he came out all pouty, and there was a lady standing there staring at us like we’d grown two heads apiece. I forgot I was talking through the Bond! Gotta do audible in public. Help me remember, okay?"
He smiled and nuzzled Marcus briefly, eliciting a storm of happy baby giggles, and agreed. "Quite right. Audible only, if at all possible." Then, just to be contrary, he thought, ‘If I decide I’d like to sneak us into one of those tiny dressing rooms and have my way with you, shall I say that out loud, as well?’
She let out a shout of laughter, and slapped him on the arm sharply. "Behave!"
Marcus thought his parents were terribly funny, and laughed with them. An older couple passed them, going the opposite way, and they both smiled and said hello to the happy little boy in his father’s arms. Marcus took an immediate liking to their faces, and he turned in Giles’ grasp to watch them retreat. He couldn’t understand why Mummy and Daddy wouldn’t stop and talk to all the nice people. He mulled it over in his mind, but he didn’t have enough words to explain his feelings, so he began to feel frustrated.
As Marcus became increasingly more fussy, Buffy gave up the idea of continuing to the next store. "There’s a play room in the mall office, just down the next hallway. I think we need to let Mr. Mini-Toddler here run loose for a little while. Let’s get something to eat... it’s almost noon, anyway, then he can play for a while before nap time. If he wears himself out, we can put him in a stroller and finish up."
"I am getting a bit hungry," Giles admitted.
"How about pizza?"
Giles thought about it, then nodded. "That doesn’t sound too awfully dismal."
Buffy shook her head in amazement. "Why don’t you just say ‘okay’ and save all the ten-dollar words for your lectures?"
********
After a casual meal in the mall’s food court, the family headed for the play room to let Marcus work off some energy. There were children of varying ages already there, and Marcus was so excited he couldn’t wait to get down and tackle the brightly colored toys littering the floor. There were several other adults in the room watching their respective children.
Buffy wondered how Marcus would approach the other children. He’d been in the nursery at church, but there was only one child with him each time, and that child was several years older.
Marcus toddled over to a pile of plastic blocks and plopped down, eager to get his hands on something new. He had started stacking them when a larger boy appeared and watched for a moment. He seemed to be about four years old, with dark hair and eyes and a swarthy complexion. When Marcus finished his stack, the boy grinned and knelt down beside him. Marcus looked up and smiled, welcoming his new friend to his play. "Hi. I Mar-cuth."
"Hola. Mi nombre es Miguel." The older boy answered.
Marcus frowned, then brightened. He looked at Miguel intently, and the boy began to smile. They turned back to their play, perfectly in tune. Giles watched the two children carefully. They were silent except for the occasional laugh or squeal of delight.
Before long, Marcus tired of the blocks and began looking for something more active. He discovered a soft foam rubber ball, and looked at his new friend as he held it out. Miguel was surprisingly careful, taking the ball and tossing the ball gently so Marcus could catch it in his arms, beaming happily when Marcus was able to throw it back to him.
Buffy tried not to gape at the little scene unfolding before her. After a few minutes, she pulled her chair up closer to Giles and grabbed for his hand. ‘I know we said we’d say stuff out loud, but... did you see what he is doing? He just bypassed the language barrier like it wasn’t there!’ At first, she was proud and awed by his ability, then the implications began to sink in. She searched her husband’s face for reassurance. ‘What if someone else notices? What are we gonna do? They’re gonna think Marcus is a freak...’
‘Buffy, don’t panic. Marcus is enjoying himself. Let him.’
‘But, they’re not talking!’
‘Neither are we. I’d say, offhand, we’re more likely to draw suspicion than Marcus is. Look at them.’
The two mismatched children were having a grand time, running in circles and shrieking from time to time. The sound of their voices bounced cheerfully off the walls.
"I guess I’m being the worry-wart now, huh?"
He smiled at her and gave her hand a squeeze. "This is such an extraordinary time... when everything is so new and exciting for him. We must savor each moment." He suddenly shot out of his chair and grabbed Marcus, foiling his attempt to climb over the low gate behind the counter and investigate the cash register. "Here, now, son, that doesn’t belong to you. All these toys are here for you and Miguel."
He set the toddler back down on his feet in the center of the play area and grinned at the worker. "I’m sure you’re accustomed to dealing with active youngsters."
She replied, "Oh, yes. Your little boy has been awfully good so far."
Giles nodded in agreement. "He has been good. This is his first time to visit the mall. We didn’t know just how he would act."
"He’s done better than most."
"Thank you."
"By the way, nice moves."
Giles looked back. She was grinning widely.
"Ah... thank you." He returned to his seat, ignoring Buffy’s teasing grin.
After a short while, Miguel’s mother decided it was time to leave, and she called to him softly. Miguel looked at Marcus sadly, and Marcus began to pout. He didn’t want his new friend to leave!
Seeing the storm approaching, Giles sighed and stepped forward to address his son. "Marcus, thank you for playing nicely with Miguel." Marcus looked up and smiled hesitantly. Miguel looked up at the same time, his hand firmly in his mother’s, suspicious of strange adults. Giles smiled at the older child, and said softly, "Gracias, Miguel, por jugar agradable con Marcus."
"Marcus es agradable," Miguel said, shyly. "Mama," He turned and looked up to the darkly attractive young woman holding his hand. "Puede Marcus venir a nuestro hogar y jugar con migo?"
Giles laughed at the woman’s surprise. Buffy tried not to look like she didn’t speak Spanish, but she was actually relying heavily on Giles’ mental translation. She chided herself for not paying more attention in Spanish class. Giles thoughts were amused as he supplied, ‘Miguel asked if Marcus could come to his home and play with him. He says Marcus is nice.’
Buffy smiled and stood as the woman came over to them. Giles gave her a quick couple of phrases to say, hoping she’d remember them long enough to say the unfamiliar words. She gave him a quick glare for doubting her, and said politely, "Gracias, Miguel. Eres agradable tambien. Puedes venir y jugar con Marcus." She looked up at Giles and said plaintively, "I’m gonna have to brush up on my Spanish, huh?"
"So it would appear. Senora, cuál es su direccionamiento?" They exchanged names, addresses and short pleasantries, and after promising to visit soon, the young Mexican woman and her son left to finish their shopping. Marcus waved sadly as his new friend left, but quickly became interested in exploring the rest of the room, trying out every toy as he came to it. He even babbled happily with the other children, although he didn’t make the emotional connection to them that he had with Miguel.
‘Perhaps he feels the Bond isn’t necessary with children who speak English as a first language,’ Giles mused as Buffy watched with a smile on her face.
She turned to him and said audibly, "Well, do we have a date? ‘Cause if they’re coming over, you’d better be there, or I’m gonna be reduced to pointing and grunting. All I remember from class is ‘Buenas dias! Como esta usted? Muy bien, gracias.’ That won’t get me very far. Oh, yeah, and ‘Hasta la vista.’ That’s about it."
Giles laughed. "At least you’ll be politely ignorant. Senora Navarro is learning English at the Community College. She’ll be wanting to try out her lessons on you."
"Should we be letting Marcus do Spanish before he learns English? And, by the way, is our life weird, or what?"
"Marcus understands English very well, he just can’t speak it fluently as yet. Actually, he wasn’t speaking Spanish, merely capturing another child’s emotions and thoughts. We suspected he might be able to do that, didn’t we? He certainly does so with us, and with Willow, Xander, and your mother. As a matter of fact, children tend to be much more open to such communication than adults. And yes, our life is weird. Wonderfully so, at times."
She looked up at him with adoring eyes, loving how he made everything seem so simple and right. "You are really something, aren’t you, Rupert Giles?"
Giles gave her a sweet, lopsided smile, and they froze for a moment, lost in each other’s eyes. Then, by mutual consent, they turned their attention back to their child. Giles smiled again as a wide yawn split Marcus’ face nearly in two. "I’d say we shall be resuming our shopping adventures shortly. He’s getting sleepy."
It wasn’t too long before Marcus came trudging up to Buffy, rubbing his eyes and whimpering softly. She gathered him up and rocked him until he fell deeply asleep, then borrowed the smallest available stroller from the nursery worker and strapped him in. They headed back down the wide corridor, feeling happy about their trip thus far.
* * * * *
Giles eyed the store before him with no little trepidation. He much preferred a low-key, traditional gentlemen’s store, one where a single salesperson stayed with a man until he was fully outfitted. He had his favorites back home in London, particularly one run by an ancient Italian man who was as ebullient as Giles was reticent. The man knew Giles’ wardrobe better than Giles himself did, and clothed him with the fondness of a proud father for a son. He knew Giles’ tastes, as well, and never ventured beyond what Giles would be comfortable wearing. He might not have been the highest paid employee of the British Museum, but he had always been well clothed. Coming to California put a considerable strain on his wardrobe.
The store before him was brightly lit, with neon lights in the windows and equally appalling neon colors splashed over the clothing in the window. There was loud, obnoxious music coming from the impressive speakers hanging from the four corners of the store. Young people were bustling about, shouting over the cacophony. It resembled one of Giles’ worst nightmares... or a night at the Bronze.
He turned and said, in a voice that was mere millimeters shy of pleading, "Buffy, love, I can’t go in there. There’s absolutely nothing in the place I could, or would wear."
"Rupert, love, you need some warm-ups, another jogging suit, and some jeans and casual shirts, and I promise there’s something in there you can wear just fine."
He sighed. He really needed to shop by himself more often, then Buffy wouldn’t have a good reason to drag him into places like this. She laughed at his thoughts, patted his arm soothingly, and pushed the stroller-full of sleeping baby into the noisy store. He sighed again, more heavily than before, and followed her in.
The sales staff consisted of young girl and boy, both in jeans and T-shirts with the store’s logo printed across the front. They met Buffy at the door, and the boy and greeted her politely. "Hi, I’m Derrick, this is Debbie. Welcome to The Place. Can we show you some stuff?"
She smiled back, noting that the loud music wasn’t disturbing Marcus in the least. "Not for me. But my guy could use some help. He’s sorta fashion-deficient."
Derrick looked at Giles, who was hovering close to the door, looking like a prisoner contemplating a break out. He nodded at his fellow salesperson, and she grinned and approached Giles carefully. "Hi, I’m Debbie. You need some stuff? I might be able to help you out." She kept a completely innocent expression as he smiled shyly.
"Well, my wife tells me that I need casual clothing. Joggers and such. Some jeans, as well."
"Ooh... love the accent!" She gave him a thorough up and down look as he fidgeted. "You’re about a 36-32, aren’t you? Hope you’re a Levi’s man, ‘cause that’s what I see you in. Nice shoulders... shirt size Large, too. Follow me."
He looked around for Buffy, but she was nowhere to be seen. Panic gripped him for a moment, then her thoughts met his reassuringly. ‘Diaper time, babe... I’ll be right back. There’s a restroom down the next hall. Don’t be scared... they won’t hurt you!’
‘I’m not worried about being hurt, just embarrassed,’ he responded, fighting a chuckle.
‘Don’t do anything embarrassing, then, and I’ll be back in a minute.’
He followed the salesgirl to a rack of brightly colored wind suits. Immediately, he began stammering. "I-I-I don’t th-think these are wh-what I’m looking f-for..."
She reached into the garish pile of polyester and pulled out a black outfit with a subtle electric blue stripe on the sides. "You gotta trust me a little, dude. I wouldn’t put you in day-glo, okay?" She eyed him carefully. "Not that you wouldn’t look tasty."
He grabbed the hanger from her. "I-I’ll take this, then. Ring it up."
"Oh, no, not so fast. I have my orders. Wifey said sweats, jeans and casual shirts, too. We’re just getting started."
"Oh, dear Lord."
Debbie laughed and steered him toward the back of the store.
By the time Buffy got back, Giles was laden with an impressive stack of clothing. She came up behind him at the counter as he paid for his purchases and watched him banter hesitantly with the kids that worked there, an adorably self-conscious smile on his face. She grinned. They’d won him over.
She slid an arm around him as he fumbled with his wallet. "I see you’re still alive. Did the crew take good care of you?"
He grinned and turned into her embrace. "Yes, as a matter of fact, they did."
"You like your stuff?"
"Yes. These two were very helpful."
Buffy beamed at the pair behind the counter. "You guys are incredible."
Derrick grinned widely. "Just doin’ our jobs. You two come back soon, okay?"
They said their good-byes and left the store. Giles seemed much more cheerful, and Buffy commented, "So, wha’d you think? Weren’t they just the best?"
"I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Reminded me of the shops back home."
"I knew you’d like them. It’s been a while since I was in there, but I recognized those two before we went in. They own the place."
He stared at her. "Those two young people? They’re hardly old enough to be out of college!"
She laughed at his dumbfounded look. "They’re husband and wife, and they’ve been running the place for his dad since he retired. They worked every summer there during school. They know their stuff."
He looked impressed. "I shall not underestimate your opinion of clothiers again, my dear."
Marcus whined softly and stirred in his stroller, then fell silent again. They sat on a convenient bench for a moment, waiting to see if he was going to stay asleep. Giles leaned back, suprisingly content. "I seem to be enjoying this more than I should."
Buffy leaned against him. "It’s my good influence. And, maybe the pizza."
"It was excellent pizza."
She laughed softly. "So far, so good. Are you still scared?"
"Not as much, now. Um, are we finished?"
She got up reluctantly. "No, I have a few things I want to get. Do you want to stay here? I won’t be very long."
"Go on, then. Just leave the packages here with me. We’ll be fine." He looked down at his sleeping son and smiled happily. He watched with slightly lecherous glee as she sashayed down the mall. She was very aware of him watching, so she deliberately made the view worthwhile. He decided to exact his revenge when they got home. ‘Little vixen,’ he thought to her, lovingly, before turning his attention back to Marcus.
He studied the tiny face in the stroller, fighting the urge to gather him up and hold him close. It wouldn’t do to disturb his nap, Giles thought sensibly. A grumpy Marcus was not a pretty sight. He looked at his watch. The nap should be over shortly. The time spent with his growing son was well worth the effort necessary to keep up with him when he was awake.
"He’s so cute." A voice from nearby startled Giles out of his reverie. He looked up to see a trio of young ladies beaming at him. He stood politely, and the owner of the voice pointed at Marcus and restated her compliment. "Your little boy, Professor Giles. He’s so cute." The other two girls giggled behind her.
He recognized two of the girls from his Freshman Ancient History class. It had been the largest of his classes, and he couldn’t put names with all the faces... unless they sat close to the front. "Thank you, yes, he is. Miss... ah, I’ve forgotten your name, but if you tell me what row you were in, I shall have it in an instant."
She looked skeptical, but complied. "Third row, second seat."
"Miss Miller, Ancient History. Ah, yes, and you were right behind her, weren’t you, Miss Nash?"
The second girl gaped at him. "Wow. How do you do that?"
"Months of staring at the same alphabetized seating charts. How are you both getting on? I don’t think I know your friend."
"Oh!" Miss Miller turned and pulled the new girl up beside her. "This is Angie Davenport, my cousin. I saw you sitting there, and I had to introduce her to my favorite Professor."
"Hello, Miss Davenport. Favorite, you say? I’m quite flattered."
The three girls giggled again, then one of them spotted a group of boys across the corridor. "Oh, there’s Scott! We gotta go. It was nice talking to you, Professor Giles. Bye!"
He watched them skitter over to the boys with amusement. Some things never changed.
"You’re a popular guy, Giles."
Giles jumped again as Xander’s familiar voice caught him off guard. "Hello, Xander. Shopping?"
"Nah, I’m just waiting for Anya. She wanted an ice cream cone, so I told her I’d meet her here."
"Ah. And are the two of you on... a date?" Giles smiled. A trip to the mall could be taken as such, according to Buffy.
"I have no idea," Xander stated matter-of-factly.
"Ah, again. Well, enjoy your ice cream."
"That will depend on whether Anya actually shows up." Xander kicked at the floor briefly. "Can I wait here with you? Just in case she doesn’t show, then I won’t look like such a loser."
"You’re not a loser, Xander. Please, sit."
Xander looked down at Marcus. "He’s growing fast, isn’t he?"
"Yes. It makes me sad, at times."
"Yeah." Xander kept his eyes on the child, but his gaze was far away. "Things change, don’t they?"
Giles wondered if the young man was thinking of Cordelia, or possibly even Willow. "They do, indeed. Such is life."
"Yeah."
They sat for a moment in silence, understanding and sympathy flowing between them. Xander couldn’t hold still for long, however, and he finally sat forward and stared at Marcus for a little while, as if memorizing the tiny features. "Hey, Giles. You know what?"
Giles raised an eyebrow, the gesture plainly a question.
"I think your changes turned out pretty good." Xander smiled as he looked up at his mentor and friend. "I think you and Buffy both did good."
Giles smiled fondly at the young man who’d had to do so much of his growing up on his own. "I quite agree with you, Xander."
"I never thought I’d want kids, because of..." The dark head dropped in shame. Giles only knew bits and pieces of what Xander’s home life had been. He had, on more than one occasion, offered the boy sanctuary in his own apartment. Xander had always refused, with a joke and a casual expression of gratitude. Giles had never seen physical evidence of abuse, although he’d suspected it many times. He often wondered if he should’ve been more insistent, tried harder to gain access to that secret hardship.
Somehow, it wasn’t in his nature to pry, and Xander seemed grateful. Giles only hoped he hadn’t let the young man down.
Xander swallowed hard, then finished, "But, anyway, seeing you two with Marcus, well, it sorta makes me think. Maybe there’s hope, after all."
"There’s always hope, my friend."
A fleeting, sweet smile crossed the younger man’s face. "Being around you guys, I can almost believe it."
"Xander!"
His head whipped around at the sound of a female voice. "Anya?"
"There you are. I’m late. I’ll save the ingratiating apologies for after you buy me ice cream."
"Fine with me." He jumped up, excited and slightly nervous. "Uh, see ya later, Giles. I’d better split while the little guy is still asleep. You know how he loves his ‘Unca Than-ner’. Bye!"
"Good-bye." Giles’ gaze followed the couple out of sight. "And, good luck to you both," he added softly.
A tiny wail caught his attention, and he looked down to find Marcus waking up. Tightly clenched fists scrubbed at sleep-laden eyes, and serious displeasure began to appear. Giles unstrapped his son and lifted him into his arms. "Hello, there, Marcus. Did you have a good sleep?" He gave the slightly sweaty brow a kiss and wiped his face tenderly.
"Daddy..." Marcus looked around and didn’t see Buffy. His face collapsed into post-sleep anguish. "Mummy!" He began to cry, huge tears rolling down his face.
Giles quickly checked the baby’s diaper and realized the true reason behind the boy’s temper. "Again so soon? Good heavens, son. You are certainly in need of some attention." He briefly contemplated contacting Buffy, then decided against it. He’d certainly changed Marcus before. He could do so now, if he could find the proper facilities...
"Now where did Mummy say that public restroom was?" He stood, holding Marcus, and began searching for a sign that would guide him in the right direction.
"I think it’s back the way we came... hang on, love, and we’ll get you fixed right up." He dropped the diaper bag and the packages in the now vacant stroller and started up the hall. A few hundred feet away, he spotted the discreet sign with the symbols that represented male and female. He started towards them, then stopped in confusion. The sign pointing towards the Ladies’ Room said, "Baby Changing Station." There was no matching arrow pointing towards the Men’s Room.
Without thinking, he shifted Marcus into a more comfortable position and said to himself, "Don’t American men change their children’s diapers from time to time?"
An amused voice answered, "Some of them might, just not any that I know of." A young mother just exiting the women’s side smiled up at his surprise. She was carrying a blonde-headed baby girl and had an older, darker-haired boy in a firm grasp. "Sunnydale’s a little behind the times, I guess. LA’s more of an equal-opportunity provider, when it comes to changing stations."
Giles flushed redly and stammered, "I-I’m terribly sorry. I..um... didn’t mean to say that aloud." Marcus was too busy whimpering to give her his usual friendly greeting.
"It’s a good point, though. I think the designers of these malls are primarily male chauvinists. No offense."
He chuckled softly. "None taken. Whoever they are, they’ve certainly presented me with a dilemma. My wife is shopping down the way, and my son is growing rather impatient for a clean nappie."
"And you were gonna change him? She’s a lucky gal, then. My husband would be looking all over the store for me, holding the kid at arms length."
Giles chuckled again. After all the blood, demon entrails, and noxious spell ingredients he’d been exposed to (and drenched in, from time to time) in his lifetime, a dirty diaper didn’t hold much terror for him. "My wife and I agreed to share all responsibilities for him, and that includes the more... unpleasant tasks, as well."
"Bravo! You should write a book. Not that my husband would read it." She looked up and down the hall, an idea forming in her mind. "If you don’t mind breaking tradition, I’ll stand guard while you take care of this cute little fella."
"Would you?" Relief blanketed his face. "That would be greatly appreciated. We must avoid a rash at all costs, you know."
"Boy, do I. Go ahead. I just came out. It’s empty." As he entered the Ladies’ Room, his new friend took her position just outside, effectively blocking the door.
"Marcus, my boy, you are a great deal of trouble." Giles went about his task, cheerfully tickling the baby from time to time. He was finished in just a few minutes, and had Marcus in a comfortable, one-armed carrying position as he exited the restroom. He was surprised to find a crowd waiting outside, mostly women and children. He stopped, blushing furiously. It appeared that he had been holding things up.
His helper came towards him and smiled kindly. "It’s okay, they’re not here to lynch you for invading their territory, honey. They just wanted to see what an equal partner looks like." Several people in the crowd laughed, and his face cleared in relief, then flushed again as he realized he’d been complimented.
Marcus, seeing all the friendly faces, said loudly, "Hi! I Mar-cuth!" A clean diaper had done wonders for his disposition.
A package laden Buffy, following the mental trail of her husband and son, came upon a cheerful crowd gathered around the entrance to the restrooms. She could sense that Giles was in there somewhere, so she plunged in, apologizing randomly until she arrived at his side. Marcus was carrying on a lively conversation with anyone who would respond, and Giles looked discomfited and completely at sea. Marcus saw her and immediately started squirming. Giles let him down, and he barreled over to her, babbling happily as he grabbed her around the knees.
She first looked down at Marcus, who seemed happy enough, then up at her husband, juggling her shopping bags until she could prop a fist against one hip. In her most exasperated voice, she quipped, "I leave you alone for ten minutes, and you’ve got groupies. What am I gonna do with you?"
A sarcastic female voice behind her said, "If you don’t want him, sister, I’ll take him."
There was a buzz of laughter all around, and Buffy bit back a nasty rejoinder. No need to turn the crowd against you... She looked around at the smiling faces, then back at him, her eyes narrowing. "Okay... what did you do?"
"I... well, it’s rather a long story..." ‘...that I can tell much better once we’re not in a crowd, love,’ he finished via the Bond, giving her his most sincere look.
Marcus added helpfully, "I cwean, Mummy!"
"That’s good, baby. Oh." She stopped when she realized what the child said. "You changed him? Is that what this is all about?"
"Yes, I think so. You see, there aren’t any... um, facilities in the Men’s, so this very kind young woman offered to... to stand guard, so that I could go into the Ladies’ and take care of Marcus properly. I really didn’t want to do what needed to be done on a bench in front of the food court."
"I berry goo’ boy, Mummy!" Marcus tugged on her shirt. He was definitely fully awake and recharged, she realized. They’d better get moving before he decided to do his famous disappearing baby routine.
She picked him up quickly, giving him a short nuzzle that made him giggle. "Yes, you’re a very good boy, sweetie, and so is your Daddy."
Giles sighed heartily. "I’m a good boy, am I? What a relief."
The crowd started laughing again, and they began to go their separate ways, smiling at the couple and their gregarious child as they dispersed.
"Down, Mummy! I waak..." Marcus began to squirm and push away from his mother. She rolled her eyes at Giles and lowered the wiggling toddler until his feet touched the floor.
"You can get down, but you have to hold to Mummy’s hand, okay? I don’t want you to get lost... Mummy and Daddy would be scared."
She put her finger out, and he grasped it firmly. He looked up at her with wide, solemn eyes, then trained the same sober gaze on his father. Giles nodded firmly. "That’s right, love. You must stay right with us."
Marcus looked like he was about to protest, then suddenly changed his mind and repeated his initial request. "I waak?"
"Yes, sweetie, you can walk."
A happy smile spread across his face. Buffy smiled in relief and started slowly down the hall, matching her steps with his less graceful ones. The purchases they’d made were beginning to get a little awkward for Giles alone to carry, and there were too many of them to fit in the little stroller. After thinking for a minute, he folded the little carrier up and stuck it under his arm to free a hand for packages, then started after them, fighting to keep from dropping something. As he reached her side, Buffy watched him juggle everything for a few seconds before stopping Marcus and rescuing the largest bag.
"You just don’t have enough hands, babe," she teased.
"I’m not accustomed to the shopping phenomenon, love. I don’t know how you manage to carry everything on an outing like this." He’d seen her come home with an amazing amount of bags, boxes, and sacks, and she always managed to bring everything into the house with one trip.
"Finally, something I have more experience in than you! We should mark our calendars!"
"I shall do so the moment we get home. You’ll remind me?"
She laughed up at him, and Marcus began to giggle.
The little procession made its way slowly back the way they’d come until they were at the play room once more. Giles returned the stroller and they started for the car. Marcus was enjoying his very grownup walk, but as he passed the shoe store near the entrance, he suddenly was struck with a strong feeling that something bad was nearby. He began to frown, and the feeling increased until it was nearly unbearable. He began pulling Buffy along faster and faster until it was difficult to keep from tripping over him.
"Marcus! Slow down, please! The mall isn’t the place to run, son... there’s too many people around."
Marcus pulled at her, whimpering. She didn’t understand. He wasn’t getting through to her. He let his feeling of urgency flow into her through their shared link, and she gasped. Giles felt it almost instantly, as well.
"Something’s wrong!" She grabbed her son up and swung him into her arms. "It’s okay, baby, I can go a lot faster carrying you." She took off at a brisk walk with Giles slightly in front of her, running interference.
They burst into the afternoon sun, blinking momentarily as their eyes adjusted to the brightness. Giles scanned the parking area as if looking for a supernatural foe. He didn’t see anything but people, cars and blue sky. He took a deep breath and let the connection between them expand slightly. Buffy realized what he was doing and grabbed his wrist just above his watch, since his hands were full. They concentrated for perhaps a minute, then relaxed. Nothing.
"Well, perhaps it was a false alarm, love. We can’t always count on a baby’s whims for inspiration, can we?" He smiled gently down at Marcus, who was clinging to Buffy’s arm like he’d seen a ghost. Of course, in Sunnydale, anything was possible.
"Sweetie, it’s okay. You’re safe. We’re all safe. Don’t be afraid." She cuddled him close, and he slowly began to relax. She looked up at Giles nervously. "Wonder what that was all about? I hope he’s not gonna be all paranoid when he gets bigger."
"I don’t think so. That was a sudden burst of emotion. Perhaps he saw... or sensed... something unfamiliar and it frightened him. At any rate, he seems much better now." Giles stroked Marcus’ head gently, and the baby smiled without moving his head from his mother’s shoulder.
"I guess we better get home, huh? Those steaks are beginning to call to me."
"They are? And just what are they saying?" Giles herded them across the parking lot toward the van, still checking around them every so often. Marcus’ pervading feeling of unease hadn’t quite lifted, and it was making him distinctly nervous.
"They’re saying, "Eeeeeat me, Buffy, eeeeeat me!" She put her forehead against Marcus’ and gave him a wild-eyed stare. He giggled and threw his arms around her neck.
"Mummy!" The word seemed to imply that he thought she was awfully silly, but he loved her anyway.
They piled into the van and drove home, chatting happily about dinner and what they would have with the steaks. They didn’t give Marcus’ little episode another thought... until later that day.
********
Giles was presiding over his grill, turning the steaks, and Marcus was toddling around the back yard squealing at the top of his lungs. He was allowed free rein in the back yard, as there weren’t too many things for him to fall on, or into, except for the flower bed, and he’d managed to avoid that so far. The grill only came out when Giles was there to supervise, spending the rest of the time safely tucked away in the small storage building just off the deck, safe from Marcus’ curious fingers and growing strength.
Buffy’s portable radio was sitting on the deck, blasting music from a local radio station as they went about their preparations. She alternated between running inside to check the boiling corn-on-the-cob and watching Marcus, singing with the music between dashes. When it turned five o’clock, the announcer’s voice came on, telling them it was time for the news. Neither of them were paying much attention. Suddenly, their attention was riveted to the radio.
"And, in local news, police have released the name of a man arrested today in Sunnydale Mall. In an impromptu press conference on the steps of the courthouse, Sergeant Larry Stockton told reporters that Denver James Madison, a fugitive from the FBI’s most wanted list, was safely in custody after avoiding capture for almost three months. Madison is wanted in connection with a three state crime spree consisting of robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder. He was recognized by Mall security at three-fifty this afternoon, and was apprehended as he shopped for running shoes at the Kenney’s store near the North entrance of the mall.
"Stockton was quoted as saying, ‘I want to commend Roger Gavin, of Mall Security, and his men for notifying us so quickly. The people of Sunnydale should be grateful they have such a vigilant security force...’"
Buffy’s eyes were almost popping out of her head. "Oh, my God, Rupert! That was just minutes after we left today!"
He stared back at her, the steaks forgotten. "Do you...you think Marcus sensed that man was there?"
"And that we were in danger? That we needed to get out of there pronto?" She slowly turned and looked at Marcus as he played happily with a small beach ball. "Oh, God..." She pressed her hand to her mouth as tears of fear and shock welled up in her eyes. "It’s not just demons with him... that guy was human, Rupert... even I can’t do that."
They both stood in stunned silence. The crackle of steaks on the grill and the laughter of a little boy at play echoed around them. Giles heart began to thump wildly as the implications began to register.
"Dear Lord, Buffy... he can sense the very presence of evil..."
Across the yard, their turbulent emotions finally reached their son. He immediately ceased his play and toddled purposefully over to his mother, leaning against her leg. "Mummy sad?"
Buffy knelt and hugged him frantically. "Mummy’s scared to death, baby. But it’s not your fault, okay? You did good today." She sniffed as she stood and cradled him, closing her eyes against the fear. "You can’t help being the child of the Chosen." She looked up at her husband. "Rupert, what are we gonna do?"
Giles stared at the two most important people in his life. They were relying on him to say the words that would calm their fears and turn their world right-side-up again.
This time, he couldn’t.
"Oh, love... I don’t know."
********
After dinner, the little family retired to the living room to talk about the new development in their lives. Marcus was swept away by his parents’ earnest discussion, not understanding the words but knowing the emotions behind them perfectly well. They loved him. They were afraid for him... and themselves. They didn’t want anyone to hurt him.
Well, he didn’t want anyone to hurt them, either. He tried to play while they talked softly, urgently. He stopped several times to run over to them and hug them comfortingly.
It was a sober little boy that finally went to sleep in his mother’s arms that night.
After carrying him upstairs and putting him to bed, Buffy stood in the dark nursery, hugging herself tightly against the storm raging inside her. Behind her, Giles stood in the doorway, blocking it as if he could protect the people inside the room with his mere presence. It was somehow comforting to Buffy to have him there, close by, the bulk of his body warm and solid behind her, even when they weren’t in physical contact.
The need for that contact finally overcame her need to hover over her sleeping son, and she moved to Giles’ side, curling against his chest like a frightened child. Long arms wrapped around her and drew her across the hall. They collapsed onto the edge of the bed, holding each other, both of them shivering from sheer emotional turmoil.
Finally, Buffy calmed enough to speak. "Do you know what scares me the most about this?" She uncurled herself slightly and looked up into his face. Light from the hall bathed one side in soft light and left the other in darkness. Although only one eye was visible to her, there was undisguised love shining from its depths.
"What is it, love?"
"I’m afraid the Council will throw all the rules out the window when they find out about him. They swore they’d leave us alone... that we could raise Marcus the way we see fit, but now... God, babe, how are we gonna protect him now?" Her voice quavered and broke.
"Father will fight them, if it comes to that... I do believe he will. We’re his only family left. If worst comes to worst, we’ll think of something... together." He chuckled as he added, "We might even have to pray about it."
She stood and removed her earrings and watch, talking as they began to get ready for bed. The simple routine seemed to calm her. "They’ll really go nuts when they hear about this. They’ll probably... what?"
His sudden intake of air stopped her, and he paused with his shoes in his hand. An idea was forming in his head. "Who’s going to tell them?"
She looked at him in disbelief. "Well, duh... Wild Bill will be e-mailing them bright and early the next morning after he finds out!"
"And if he doesn’t find out?"
"How can he not find out?"
Giles looked determined. He put his shoes in the closet, then turned to her, his face sincere. "We must not tell him. If an emergency arises, and Marcus’ power is found out, then we’ll deal with that as it comes. I believe we shouldn’t volunteer the information at this point, love. I feel very strongly about this, as though I have been directed to do so."
She gazed at him, feeling his resolve. This felt right to her. "Okay. We don’t tell Bill... but that means we don’t tell Willow or Xander, either."
"Why not? They would never..."
She shook her head. "Willow likes Bill a lot, babe. They’re dating. Unless there’s a nasty break-up in the future, and I’m not gonna start wishing for that, he’s gonna end up knowing just about everything she knows, whether she realizes she’s told him or not."
Giles smiled thinly. She was right, of course. "And Xander? Because of his friendship with Willow, he could never keep anything from her, could he?".
Buffy laughed softly. "Are you kidding? He tells her what he’s gotten her for Christmas every year. I think his all-time record secret-keeping is about two weeks."
Giles sat on the bed and pulled her close until he was straddling her legs with his knees. "What about Joyce? That will be a difficult thing to keep from her."
She ruffled his hair and looked down into his beautiful eyes. He was so concerned for her happiness, he rarely stopped to consider his own. She knew she could do this... for him, and for Marcus. "I can do it. I kept a majorly big secret from her for four years, didn’t I? I was pretty good at it, too. Especially since she saw the state my clothes were in every time she washed them, and still didn’t catch a clue." She sighed. "Mom can be extremely selective, hearing- and noticing-wise, when she wants to."
"Then it’ll just be us, love. Is that all right?" His unspoken question hung in the air. He knew she confided regularly in her friends, and had done so since first coming to Sunnydale. Inside his head, the thought rose, unbidden, ‘Will I be enough?’
She looked down at his beloved face. "It’s all right. You and me... that’s enough. More than enough. You and me against the world, just like old times."
* * *