__Always With Me__
By Catherine



"Eleven months, Will; eleven, without a phone call or... or a card. Not even for my birthday. Not one word. And you would want me to tell him? Why? So that he would feel obligated? I don't want that. I want his return, of course, more than anything, but I want him to come back because he wants too, not because he feels obligated." Buffy went to her kitchen, hearing a noise. "Dawn! What happened?"

Seeing her, Willow knew that the discussion was over -- one more time. Since his leaving, she and the others had tried, lightly at first, with some allusions; then, more directly. Each time, it was the same response and attitude from Buffy. "No!"

But while Buffy could be stubborn, the gang was too. They had decided that this was to be the last attempt. If it was unsuccessful, the decision was no longer theirs to make.

* * * * *

SOME DAYS LATER

Buffy was in her kitchen when there was a knock at her door. She went to answer, forgetting to put down what she had in her hand in her speed.

She opened the door, and when she saw who was there it was a shock.

"Hi, Buffy," said the man.

"Hi." was the only word she could say.

There was a silence, and "I know it's a long time, and I should have at least called you, but I thought it was better if..." he was very uncomfortable, not only with the conversation but also with the fact that he was still outside and she seemed not likely to invite him in. *At least, she did not slammed the door at my face when she saw me,* he thought, trying to reassure himself.

Buffy took a deep breath, blinked her eyes and *No, he's not a dream; he's still here.*

"Yes, Giles. It's been a long time," she whispered.

"May... May I come in?" He was very uncertain whether she would let him enter.

She nodded, shyly. Entering the house, his attention was attracting by the 'object' in her hand.

"You do some babysitting?" he said, using his head to indicate the bottle she had in her hand.

Watching what had attracted his attention, she looked at him and replied, simply, "No."

He was totally surprised by her answer.

A baby's cry from the kitchen startled her back to the present. "I need to..." she said, looking at the kitchen.

"Y-Yes."

The two went to the kitchen. Giles stopped at the door with stupefaction when he saw the basinet.

* * * * *

Giles was still under the initial shock, but, really seeing the basinet, brought the realization that a baby was really here, in the kitchen.

"What..." He didn't know how to ask about the baby. "If you don't baby-si-"

"She's mine." Buffy said, giving the bottle to the baby to feed.

"I see." Giles tried to digest the news. "H.. How?"

She looked at him, and asked, "How what? How are babies made? Giles, you mean you don't know?" she smiled.

"Of course, I know how!" he said, outraged and... with some blushing.

"So, what do you want to know?" she asked more seriously.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know the reason to," she said softly.

"And... and the father?"

"He left me... for my own good," she finished in a whisper.

"He... what! You were pregnant and he left you for your own good! I can't believe it!" Giles hadn't yet made the connection...

"Giles."

"How a man can do that!" Giles couldn't believe that a man abandoned her, and pregnant. *He's a fool!!!*

"Giles." she reiterated. That time she had his attention, so she could say, "He... he didn't know."

Polishing his glasses, he said "You haven't told him." She nodded. "Does he know, now?"

She shrugged, "I don't think he's realized."

"What do you mean?"

They looked at each other with such intensity that for some seconds they were alone in the world, until, a hungry baby reminded them of her presence.

"She wants to eat."

*Buffy's baby.* Giles thought, *She's Buffy's baby.* He couldn't help the tears in his eyes. Looking at what he was witnessing, Buffy giving the bottle to her little daughter.

He came closer, wanted to look more closely at the little girl.

"She's beautiful," he said with such emotion that Buffy was almost crying when she heard him.

Looking at him, she asked "Do you... do you want to give it to her?"

"I... I don't know." He saw that the baby was looking at him; he knew he was lost. *Splendid, now her too. I can't resist to her too... Like her mother,* he sighed.

"I'd love to."

"Good. Sit down. So take her in your arms, and..." she gave him the baby. When he was ready, the baby in his arms, he felt very weak and full of emotions. "Then feed her with the bottle."

"That's a good girl... gouzou gouzou gouzou... She's was hungry... " Giles was completely 'out' but totally 'in' with the baby. Buffy was amazed, seeing the scene. It was a little surreal; her girl and Giles had adopted, tamed, each other so quickly. It was incredible, how the two were toward each other.

Giles fed her when the others came back. Everyone was pleased to see him, and exchanged some smiles between them, seeing him bottle-feed the baby. They said their 'welcome' and Dawn said, "So, how is my little Abigael today?" she grinned at her niece.

"Abigael?" Giles repeated, "You named her Abigael?" Buffy nodded, "Abigael Joy." said Buffy, knowing what would follow.

"Like... Do you know that's the name of my mother?" said Giles.

"Yes, I know. I... I wanted her to have her grandmother's names," she explained.

He stared at her, blank. "What... grandmother's names! What are you saying to me, Buffy?"

Turning to Dawn and the others, she said "Dawn, can you take Abigael and-"

"Sure, Buffy," Dawn answered quickly, taking Abigael, then left the kitchen with the others after "Are you sure?" from Willow.

"Yes." reassured Buffy.

Giles was blank, he couldn't believe what she has just said to him... "She's mine." It was more a realization than a question. Buffy could only whisper, "Yes."

Although still under the shock of the news, Giles yelled angrily at her "How did you manage to do that to me?"

* * * * *

"Why?" Giles was so angry now, that Buffy found herself in a confrontation with Ripper.

"You left me... " she said. He looked at her, then she added, "for my own good."

He stared at her, then remembered that day, eleven months earlier at the Magic Box, in the training room, maybe the most painful for him to have made that decision.

* * * * *

11 MONTHS EARLIER... IN THE TRAINING ROOM AT THE MAGIC BOX

Giles had just informed her about his intention to return to England. After that, Buffy had run out of the room while Giles just sat there.

Buffy hadn't left the Magic Box, but needed to have some time to 'digest' the news. After a moment, she came back in the room. Giles just looked at her while she approached him. Their eyes were locked on each other. Without a word, she caressed his cheek; putting her hand behind his head, she brought his head to her. Then, looking at each other with a passion greater than either of them could suspect, she kissed him. It was a kiss of passion, love, tender and need, and... they made love. The only words pronounced were 'I love you' from Buffy and Giles. Their lovemaking was amazing and there was just love.

Awaking some moments after, Buffy realized she was alone. Giles had left her... she saw the letter:

My dear Buffy,
Forgive me, please forgive me. I love you more than anything or anyone in the world, more than life itself. I'm yours since the day of my birth, only yours. It what is so painful for me to let you; but I must go, for you.
I can't stay here; seeing you, only the shadow of yourself. You count on me, and I can't give you what you want from me. I just can't.
You're in my heart and soul.
Forgive me, my love.
Yours always,
R. Giles


She never told everyone about what happened that afternoon, until some weeks later...

* * * * *

PRESENT TIME

"Why? Why did you hide from me that you were pregnant? Do you hate me so much to not tell me!" It was pure Ripper.

Buffy began to cry. "Of course, not! I never hated you. I love you."

"So tell me why?"

"I didn't want to force you; I didn't want you think you should come back, feel obligated to come back. I wanted you come back because it was your wish and not because you knew about... I wanted that you have the choice." She was crying.

"You chose for me! You didn't let me choose. You did it for me, and you had no right! You stole that from me--your pregnancy, the birth... Have you any idea how... what that should have meant for me, to be here, with you. To share that with the woman I love!"

"You left me!" she was in tears, "Remember! For my own good, you said. So, tell me... tell me what I had to do. Tell you, and yes, I have no doubt that you would have come back, but for the wrong reason. Not because you thought that I could be fine like I am now, taking care of things, but because you would have been feeling obligated."

He glanced at her, in shock, and in a semblance of calm, he said before he left the house, "So you wanted to show me that you could take care of you and our baby. I see. What splendid evidence!" he said with sarcasm.

"No Giles, it's not that," Buffy said, between sobs.

"You hadn't the right to hide that from me." He whispered before he went outside, in the night.

* * * * *

Giles walked without a particular goal; he just walked. He tried to understand all the situation. *How?!? How did she manage to do that? Why?!?* He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't see the other person coming...

"Who am I seeing? Would it be possible that it's the Watcher? Rupert old chap! What are you doing here? I thought you left for good," said Spike.

"Spike," Giles retorted.

"The one and only," grinned Spike. "So, is it the return of the watcher?" he asked sarcastically.

"For your own good, it's not the moment!"

"Oh, I see; you're a little on edge. Why?" Spike baited.

"I beg you Spike, let me be or-"

"Or what. You would stake me?" smirked Spike.

"It's one of the options," Giles said quietly.

"But if you stake me, who will do the patrols?" Spike asked, innocently, but knew he had, now, all Giles' attention.

"What? You do the patrols."

"Yes, watcher."

"Why?"

"Seeing your state of anger... and without talking about the Ripper glare, you have, I presume, stopped at Buffy's before coming here. That is, in fact, not even a question to ask. I bet that you were impatient leaving the airport to go there."

"Yes." sighed Giles.

"So you know the reason why I do the patrols," shrugged Spike.

Giles nodded, "You know," he was sarcastic, "what irony! You know. She told you. You, a vampire, and not me! Again, I arrive in second; she preferred to say it at a vampire than me! But she's my baby!" This time it was more than he could bear. He felt betrayed like he had never been before.

"You abandoned her."

"What?!? How dare you to tell me that? I did that for her, to help her! She had no right-"

"To help her Rupert! For god sake, she was ripped from Heaven! She needed you, you, like never before. You were the only who could help her. And you left her! You never called her, sent a card. Not even for her birthday!"

"I... I couldn't give her what-" Giles calmed himself a little at Spike's comment.

"Give her what? The only thing she wanted was your love." Spike sighed, then "It has been not easy, you know, when you left. Buffy was crying, all the days and nights. Nobody knew what to do. We were helpless. She hadn't told us that, well, about your last meeting."

Giles listened to him.

Spike continued, "After some weeks, Buffy had stopped crying during the day at least... Anyway, after some weeks, she went to the doc. She wasn't feeling very well, but didn't say anything. That's when she learnt that she was pregnant. When she returned, Wow, it was a metamorphosis. Really. So she told us that... you and her. And it's after there was the big stuff."

"The big stuff?" asked Giles.

"Yes, the big quarrel between Buffy and Red. Everyone was terrified, well I can even say petrified. And I mean everyone."

Spike looked at Giles who understood that that included Spike too in the statement.

"What happened?" said Giles.

"Well," began Spike, "when Buffy returned from her appointment, she was totally on a cloud... It was like all the pain and emptiness she felt inside her was away. It's when Willow said something really really stupid. And from Red that is really surprising, I mean, she has a brain, but at that moment it was like her brain had taken a holiday. Maybe a side effect of magic after all-"

"Spike!!!" Giles cut him, impatiently.

"What? Oh yes, sorry. So, Willow said to Buffy...

* * * * *

FLASHBACK

"Buffy, it's great."

"Yes, Will. It's wonderful." Buffy was totally transformed by the news.

All the gang was pleased for her, and seeing her like that, it was like the old Buffy was returned -- even the old Buffy much much happier - even if they weren't all in agreement with the 'Don't tell Giles' idea. But for now, they respected her wish.

"Oh Buffy, I'm so happy. So now, you see, I was right," said Willow.

"Right, Will, about what?" asked Buffy.

"About your resurrection." Willow explained.

Hearing her, there was a lot of whispers in the room from the others like, "Oh no!"; "What did she say that?!?"; "Not good!"; "Bugger!"; "Wasn't she supposed to be smart?"

Buffy looked at her sternly and angry, then said "No."

"But-"

Buffy didn't let her finished, "What you did was wrong. You even didn't check before. You are a strong opinion of yourself and think you can do anything, without thought about the consequences. You don't call yourself into question, you have a self-centeredness that made you a dangerous person, friend, and witch. You hurt us and think with magic you're indestructible and can do everything you desire. But you can't. You played with forces which are too powerful for you, now at least, and you have just the illusion of control. But you haven't."

Willow was out of control, "A word of advice Buffy, don't push me! You don't know about what I'm capable of doing!" It was an advertisement, but Buffy wasn't afraid and replied, "Oh, but I know. I know too well, and I can tell you that your powers are nothing. I'm not afraid of you."

"Nothing. Do you want me to show you? I can easily send you back." Willow was pleased with herself.

"Do it!"

"You want?" Willow challenged her.

"Yes! Like that, I will be in Heaven and you, in Hell. Like that, I won't see you again!" Buffy exploded.

For all the other witnesses, they were sure that Willow wanted to explode, and show to Buffy that she was a powerful witch, but nobody here thought that Willow would explode like that...

* * * * *

Every person there stared at Buffy and Willow, the two people at the center of their attention.

"You... You don't want to see me anymore!" Willow said between sobs. She was completely in tears. "You hate me!" she finished in a cry.

"Willow, please." Buffy tried to calm her.

"You hate me!" Willow repeated.

"Will, I won't lie to you. The answer is Yes."

It was enough for Willow who couldn't help crying.

"But," Buffy's comment drew Willow's attention, "not only you. This also concerns Xander, Anya-

"Hey!"

"Anya, please." Buffy said, then looked to Tara who nodded. "And even Tara," Buffy added, before finishing with, "And me."

"You? Why? Buffy, you told me, it's my fault," said Willow.

"At least, she's taking responsibility. It's better late than never," Anya pointed out.

Buffy glared at her.

"Honey, please. Now's not the moment," Xander pled.

"But-" then she stopped, seeing Buffy. "Okay," she pouted.

"Buffy?" asked Willow, wanting to know why Buffy 'was hating herself'.

"I felt nothing," Buffy explained. "It was like I was empty inside. No emotions, no feelings,... Nothing. And... and I thought I had come back... wrong. Without, without my soul," she finished in a whisper.

Willow looked at her in horror, "No Buffy. You... you didn't come back wrong. And... I'm sure you have your soul."

Buffy nodded, "Now I know. And now, I feel." she said a hand over her stomach. "A life is in me. And it's wonderful. Giles' baby, it's incredible. I'm so happy. I feel." She had tears in her eyes. She took Willow in her arms and said, "Even if I can't tell you that you were right about you know; I can tell you that." Willow waited, she was surprised by the next words Buffy said which were "Thank you."

END OF FLASHBACK

* * * * *

... So Watcher, now you know the big stuff." Spike grinned.

Giles removed his glasses, polishing them he nodded. "And you do the patrols for Buffy."

"Yes, Rupe."

"Why?"

Spike was surprised, "Why do I do that?"

"Yes." Giles was suspicious.

Spike smiled and, "Before you asked, I didn't ask anything for that."

"Really. How generous of you." Giles said with sarcasm.

"Listen, Watcher. You haven't been here for several months. Some things are changed. Believe it or not, but we're friends. With Buffy pregnant it was unreasonable for her to continue the patrols. It's why we decided that she should stop them."

Spike's tone and the fact that he was showing him that he and the others now seemed to be close irritated Giles... "And you really think that I will believe you!"

Hearing Giles' comment, Spike was angry. "Think what you want; it's the truth. I never let anyone hurt any of them."

Giles saw something in Spike's eyes that he wouldn't have ever thought to see in them... Sincerity.

"I believe you."

"About time!"

After a few moments, Giles broke the silence with "Since when?"

"Patrols?"

"Yes."

"Since Buffy's birthday. It was like a gift." Spike shrugged.

"I see."

"Not even a bloody call... Do you know what that did to her?"

Giles didn't know what to say... He felt guilty for his last actions.

"She was in tears. It was supposed to be a joyful party, but it was everything except that. Between sobs, tears and cries and Anya's comment of 'Must be the hormones.' Buffy was sobbing the moment she blew out the candles on the cake... crying coz, not even a call or a card from you. Wow, it was... terrifying."

Giles was silent.

"Oh, that reminds me of something, Rupe. Be careful with Willow. She is angry towards you; be careful."

"Wh-what? With magic?"

"No, not that. Since her discussion with Buffy, Willow understood and accepted in the need to control the magic. But to compensate that, she's taking some classes of... Tai Ken Do; and she's not bad."

Giles looked at him. "Thanks for informing me. I will try to be safe."

"You're welcome mate." But Spike couldn't resist asking, "What will you do now?"

Giles sighed, "I will do what I came back to do."

"Came back for real or... just for a few days?"

"That depends on Buffy. And if she can forgive me. But now, what her decision will be, there is Abigael and... "

Spike's expression surprised Giles; one more time, it was like a light which had lighted his face, "Abigael," smiled Spike, "she's so... I'm totally fond of her. Completely crazy about her."

"I see that. I can't blame you. She's marvelous." said Giles, then, understanding that Spike would protect his daughter, *My daughter* Giles thought, of an unconditional way; Giles looked at him and said "Thanks."

Spike looked at Giles, for some moments, and they understood each other. "No need," were the only words Spike said before returning to his crypt.

Giles watched him move away, then walked towards the house.

* * * * *

When Giles got back to the house, his heart was ripped in two, seeing Buffy's state. She was completely in tears, and Willow's attempt to help her was unsuccessful.

"I lost him, Will. That time I lost him. He hates me. He hates me." Buffy cried.

"Buffy, please, calm yourself. Please. Listen to me; he didn't hate you."

Buffy shook her head, "No, he won't see me again. He... he hates me."

"I couldn't ever hate you, Buffy, ever," said a voice from the door.

Buffy looked at him, but was afraid to move or... hope. "Giles?" she said softly.

"Willow, please, could you leave us alone?" asked Giles, never taking his eyes off Buffy.

Willow silently asked Buffy a question. She responded "That's all right, Will. You can leave us."

After some hesitation, Willow walked out of the kitchen; approaching Giles, she whispered to him, "Nobody has succeeded in calming her, Giles. If someone can, I think it's you. So do it! Resolve face, Giles."

If her resolve face wasn't so... resolved and Spike's comments so present in his mind; he would have smiled at her when he nodded. He had missed that a lot; in fact, he had missed everyone a lot. They were a part of his family now, and it had been very painful to leave them.

"I will do what is necessary, Willow. I promise you that I will take care of that."

Willow seemed satisfied and walked out of the kitchen, leaving them alone.

Buffy and Giles looked at each other, eyes locked on each other. Suddenly, they felt shy. Neither of them knew how to begin or what say. The atmosphere was thick and full of emotions. Buffy wanted to run to his arms, reassuring herself he had really come back, but knew it wasn't wise to do that; at least, not for the moment.

Giles wanted desperately to walk to her and take her in his arms for never let her go, but knew they needed to talk first.

Finally, Giles managed to whisper "Buffy," at the same moment she said "Giles," she before to cry again.

*To Hell talking!* thought Giles, walking to her and taking her in his arms; he wished he could console her.

"Shh, love. Shh. It's over, I'm here. Shh... " Giles repeated that to her like a mantra.

"You're really here, right? I'm not dreaming."

"No, Buffy. You're not dreaming." Then, Giles wanted to know, "Buffy, where... where's Abigael?"

Buffy couldn't help herself smiling; Giles seemed so concerned and when he asked the question, he had something in his voice... *Affection?... No, Love,* thought Buffy. There was no doubt that the moment he had laid his eyes on Abigael, she took his heart; and that was before he knew; so, now...

"Upstairs, with Dawn." Buffy answered.

"Fine."

"Are you worried?"

"Me? No! It's just that I wanted to know where she was... " he didn't know how to finish; but Buffy did it for him, "Where your daughter is?"

"Yes," smiled Giles, "My daughter." His face was illuminated.

Buffy was pleased to see his dreaming face, then she felt sad. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Giles looked at her, puzzled, then understanding. "Oh, Buffy! No. It's my fault too. I shouldn't have left you, especially after what happened between us. If I hadn't been so stubborn and... " *afraid and selfish*, "Buffy, I'm so sorry... I should have told you-"

"No, Giles," Buffy interrupted him, "You did that because you thought it was better for me. Because you thought that-"

Giles shook his head, "No, Buffy. I also did it because... because I was afraid."

"Of losing me forever?"

"That's another thing, Buffy. That's why I agreed to come back when Xander called me. In fact, I wanted to come back, we thought it would be good and..."

Something drew Buffy's attention on the 'we'.

"We? You're not alone?" She was submerged by a pure fear. *He has someone!* she thought.

"No, Buffy I'm not alone." Giles said uncomfortably.

She freed herself from his arms, walking into the kitchen, panicked. She was shivering.

"Of course! You're not alone. It's normal; you're so sexy and good- looking, smart... How could you be alone? I'm so stupid." She began to cry again.

Giles hadn't understood her sudden change. *What did I say?* Then, he shook his head and said, "Buffy, love. It's not what you think." He took her back in his arms and tried to calm her, again. *What I can say to her to make her understand?* he asked himself, then remembered...

"Not what I think? You mean-" Buffy didn't finish, he cut her off.

"Buffy," Giles sighed, "do you remember the letter I left you?"

She nodded, so he continued, "So you should remember what I wrote. That you're my one and only true love. Buffy, I love you. I might not be with another person. I can't be with anyone else, except you."

Buffy examined him, looking in his eyes, she saw what she needed, sincerity and love.

"So, who... who is-"

"My parents. I've brought my parents," said Giles simply.

"Your parents! Your parents are here? In Sunnydale?!?"

Giles nodded, and seemed a little amused by the touch of panic Buffy showed at them mention of it, something that didn't dissipate itself when he added, "And they will come here soon."

"What? When?" Buffy asked at the same moment there was a knock at the door.

"I could say... Now," Giles grinned.

"Giles!" He took advantage of her shock to kiss her passionately; she responded almost immediately at his kiss eagerly...

* * * * *

Buffy and Giles were always kissing, completely lost in each other. At first, Giles had thought it would be a good idea to calm her... learning about his parents' visit had worried her; especially when she realized that they were at the door. In the beginning, he had begun kissing her to reassure her, thinking he would always have the control of the situation... but now, it was another story; he was lost in their kiss, forgetting about and not conscious of the knock at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK

Hearing a knock, Dawn and Willow went upstairs, with Abigael in Dawn's arms.

"I thought they were in the kitchen," said Dawn, "why don't they answer at the door?" she asked to Willow.

"I don't know, Dawnie. Maybe they didn't hear it. Maybe they are too-"

"Busy, Will." Dawn grinned.

"I hope," smiled Willow.

"Me too; you know, even if Buffy seemed fine, I know that she missed him. I don't know what she would have done without Abigael."

"I know Dawnie, I feel the same. Thanks to the PTB, Abigael was here, so no need to worry; and now with Giles here too... "

"Everything is great," finished Dawn.

"Yeah," said Willow, opening the door to greet the visitors. "Hi. Can I help you?" she asked to the couple.

"Is this Buffy Summers' house?" asked a man with an English accent.

"Yes, it is." answered Willow. She and Dawn were looking at them attentively.

"May we come in, please?" asked the woman, talking for the first time.

"Well," Willow turned to Dawn, who appeared at the door with little Abigael in her arms, "I don't know. What do you want to Buffy?" asked Willow. "I mean, it's not like we don't want you to but... we've never seen you before. So, we're-"

"Suspicious?" said the man.

Willow nodded.

"Abigael, please." Dawn tried to calm her niece who began to cry. The couple looked at each other; they hadn't missed the name.

"I think she's hungry," said the woman, with a smile.

"I think you're right," replied Dawn.

"She's a lovely little girl," the man grinned at the baby.

* * * * *

IN THE KITCHEN

Breath becoming a need, they pulled apart, smiling at each other.

"Wow! Giles, I mean... I missed you so much."

"Me too luv, I can't tell you how I missed you. I love you."

"I love you too, Giles, I love you." Buffy began to cry again.

"Luv, what is it?" asked a worried Giles.

"Nothing, I'm just... I'm just so happy. You're here and... You will stay, right, I mean, you-" now she was very worried.

Giles caressed her cheek and put away the tears, "I will never, ever leave you again Buffy. I made that mistake once, but I won't do it again. Of course, I will stay, if... if you want me." He was a little uncertain. Because of his last action, he knew that he hadn't really a reason to doubt that she wouldn't want him to stay, but somewhere in his unconscious, his he had his doubts, much like Buffy, in her mind, had a fear that he could leave her again.

"I want you here and forever," she smiled at him.

"So forever it is," he responded, then approached to capture her lips with his again.

At the moment where they kissed again, they heard voices from the door.

Giles realized suddenly to whom those voices belonged, and said, shocked, "We forgot my parents!"

"But we have a good excuse," she winked at him, her eyes smiling.

With that, they rejoined the others at the door.

"Yes, a lovely little girl like-" Dawn was cut off by Giles who said "Dad, mum, sorry, I... we didn't hear you." Giles was blushing.

"Please, come in," said Buffy, amused by Giles' reaction.

"Dad?", "Mum?" said together Dawn and Willow.

Buffy nodded.

"Why haven't you told us that?" Willow asked them, almost in an accusatory tone.

"Yes, if you had said that you were Giles' parents, there wouldn't have been any problem and we would have invited to come in." said Dawn.

"If I recall correctly, you didn't ask, and we hadn't really had time to introduce ourselves," winked the man to the two young women.

"Well, yes," admitted Willow and Dawn shyly.

"Talking about introductions," Buffy looked at Giles, who responded, "Sorry?" then realized, "Ah yes, of course." Recomposing himself, he added, "Dad, mum, I think you already met Willow and Dawn, who is Buffy's sister. And," turning to Buffy, her hand in his, he said with a tone of pure love, "Buffy."

Hearing him, she had almost tears in her eyes. He looked at her, and again they were lost in each other, their eyes reflecting the love they felt for each other.

A "Hmm," by his father, brought Giles back into the reality, and after a "What? Oh! Yes. Sorry," and some blushing, he added, "My parents, Lady Abigael and Sir John Giles."

Everyone seemed pleased to meet each other. "Son, I think you forgot an introduction," said John, pointing to the baby.

Giles didn't know how to break the 'news'. "Well, she's-"

Seeing his trouble, Buffy said, "She's my daughter."

"Your daughter?" said Abigael, "I thought her name is Abigael," she looked at Buffy.

"Yes, mum. Abigael Joy Summers," answered Giles.

"Summers-Giles," added Buffy.

Giles looked at her, "What?"

"Her name is Abigael Joy Summers-Giles."

"You... You named her-" Giles couldn't believe it; for him, it was wonderful. Even after the fact that he had left her, she had wanted that her, no their, daughter had his name.

"Buffy." He was practically in tears, "I... Thank you, thank you for having forgiven me and... for-"

"I love you Gi-Rupert," she grinned at him, "I think it's time and better that I call you Rupert now, no?" she smiled at him.

"As you wish, my love, as you wish." They were in each others' arms.

All the witnesses of the scene were happy for them.

After a moment, someone broke the silence and said, "So, if we understand correctly, that means that we're grandparents."

* * * * *

His father's comment reminded Giles that their parents didn't know, at least until now.

Turning his attention to them, he said, "Yes. Abigael is my daughter."

At that moment, the feelings of his parents were confused, on one hand they were happy to know that they have a grandchild, but on the other…

"Rupert, I can't believe it. You…" her mother began, "As we told you, we could understand why you ran away from Buffy, even if we didn't agree and didn't approve; but this…" she shook her head.

"I agree with your mother, son. I'm very-"

"He didn't know," Buffy intervened. "I didn't tell him. He learned about Abigael yesterday, when he returned. And he thought it was the best choice at that moment for…for him to leave me, even if I think it was stupid and-"

"Painful," finished Giles. Buffy nodded.

Abigael approached Buffy and said, "I'm sure, that's a part of the truth, but not the principal reason for him to have left you, Buffy."

Buffy's reaction was only to say "Duh!" and "Rupert?!?"

Before he had a chance to answer her, the front door opened, and Anya and Xander came in.

"Hi." they said to the 'strangers.' Xander whispered to Willow, "I didn't know we were expecting guests."

Then, his eyes were on little Abigael, and with a big smile, he asked "Hey, how is my little sweetie girl today?"

"Xander, Anya…Here are Abigael and John Giles, Rupert's parents," said Buffy.

"Seriously!?!" replied Xander.

"You have parents? Since when?" asked Anya.

"My birth, Anya!" retorted Giles.

Anya looked at them and, with her natural tact, commented, "So you two, you are orgasms friends."

"Anya!" shouted Giles.

"Maybe it's time for us to…"

"Yes, Willow. I think it's a good idea," Xander agreed rapidly.

"Dawn, you should go with them," suggested Buffy.

"What! Why? I don't see-" said Anya, but she was cut off by Xander. "An. We should go. Now," he pleaded, feeling Giles' glare.

Anya shrugged her shoulders, and said, "Okay."

"Thanks," murmured Xander and Willow in relief.

Contrary to Giles, Dawn and Buffy were a little amused, and as for his parents, they were a little surprised.

When Dawn gave Abigael to her mother, Buffy saw John's hope.

"Do you want to?" Even though she hadn't finished her question, he had already nodded happily.

"I'm here too," Abigael said to him, trying to have a reproaching tone.

"But you want to talk with Buffy. And Rupert and I will go to the kitchen, to feed that little girl," he responded with affection, his granddaughter in his arms.

After some quick goodbyes, especially after Anya wanted to explain how she and Xander had a busy night, they went to The Magic Box to find Tara.

Once they closed the door, John grinned. "Interesting girl."

"It's not really the term I have actually on my mind," growled Giles.

His father chuckled while his mother and Buffy were laughing lightly.

Giles put his hand on his face, muttering "Bloody hell!"

"Come on son, your daughter seems to be hungry. Ladies."

Buffy stared at Giles, she wasn't worried but…Giles took her in his arms and whispered to her, "I love you."

"Love you, too," she said back.

His parents looked at them with affection.

With that, they went to the kitchen, but Buffy could hear John say, "Seriously, if I had known, I would have gone to Harrods and…"

"Yes, dad, but in that case, you should have needed a plane just for your shopping!" Rupert teased him.

"Yes, and…?" They were smiling; and entered in the kitchen.

* * * * *

Buffy and Abigael were smiling at each other, hearing the comment.

"She will be totally spoiled," Abigael shook her head, "and there is Rupert, too. I'm afraid your house is not enough big for the two of them. And I speak from experience," she laughed.

Buffy looked at her, amused, and added, "Don't forget Xander and the others." she grinned. Then, she said, "Rupert was spoiled? I mean, he had never really talked about his childhood, except that he learnt at ten his destiny as a watcher, and that his wish was to be a fighter pilot or a grocer." She was curious.

Abigael nodded, "Yes, he learnt at ten that his life would be to be a watcher. But, John and I wanted him to have a 'normal' childhood, even with his destiny, conscious of who he was, but to be a boy too. John is completely crazy about his son; he spoiled him. Rupert was very young when he learnt about his destiny. In reality, we had prepared him before; we told him, since his birth, stories about warriors and demons. Because of that, when we told him, it wasn't a real shock, except maybe for the destiny of his life -- his future duty as an active watcher, like John."

Buffy listened to her attentively; Abigael was pleased with that, so she continued, "At 17, Rupert was very confident of himself; John wanted to protect him from the dangers, because sometimes, even with all the good will, things happen."

It wasn't necessary to explain what she meant by things.

"But Rupert didn't really listen to him. He thought he could be indestructible and protect his slayer from everything, and that he would have an emotional detachment from her, so..."

Buffy was surprised by what she heard, "I never suspected and imagined… that."

"As I told you, Rupert was very sure of himself. Wanting to show him his mistake about that, John told him his story as an active watcher." Abigael said, and began John's story.

"John was a very young watcher; in fact, one of youngest active watchers. He had known his slayer since always, and things happened. He fell in love with her as slayer but also as the woman. Buffy, I'm sure you understand and realize that a slayer is too a woman; just as a watcher is also a man," she said with a smile.

Buffy was blushing, "Yes. But I took some time to know and…admit that fact. Thinking of it, it was stupid. Not realizing that he was a watcher and a man. That's silly," she said uncomfortably.

Abigael patted her arms in comfort, she said "And the tweed doesn't help."

"Yeah." Buffy grinned, and they laughed.

Their laugh came to the kitchen, where two men looked at each other worriedly.

"Do you think it's about us?" asked Rupert.

"Without a doubt son, without a doubt."

"So, I guess it's not the moment to bring them the tea," Rupert chuckled.

John nodded, and said, smiling, "I won't take that risk." Then turning to his grandchild he added, "What a lucky girl… yes, she's a lucky girl…and lovely and-"

Rupert watched him, "Dad." he said with affection.

* * * * *

In the living room, Abigael continued, "John had an infinite and unconditional love for his slayer. When she…when she died, he was devastated. He wanted to know, to be assuring that she was… happy where she was. So, he performed the Osiris' spell."

"Yes, a step that Willow lightly forgot," smirked Buffy.

"I'm sorry, Buffy."

"Why? It's not your fault." Buffy shrugged her shoulders, "And now… so he performed the spell and?"

"Yes. With that spell, he observed that she was in… Heaven."

At that mention, Buffy opened her eyes wide, "Ah! So… it was good after all."

"The fact was, seeing that, John was reassured and could begin to accept her death. It wasn't easy but… nevertheless, even if she was in Heaven, she was not totally happy without him. They hadn't talked to each other of their reciprocated feelings; they were conscious of them but never expressed them."

"They weren't together; I mean, like a couple?" asked Buffy.

"No, they were close, very close but…I don't know why; maybe they were waiting. For the right moment."

"I understand." Buffy understood too well; to be conscious of the feelings was one thing, to express them was another thing.

Abigael was glad to see Buffy's reaction at her story. "Yes, sometimes people can be strange… or blind."

"Yes," agreed Buffy.

"As I said, she was not totally happy; the PTB noted that and saw their mutual unhappiness. So, they proposed a choice to her."

"A choice?" Buffy was very intrigued and interested by the story.

"Yes, stay there without him, or, come back with him."

"Really?" Buffy couldn't believe what she heard. "So, what did she choose?"

Instead of giving an answer to her question, Abigael said, "Buffy, if Rupert had been back there, and if you could have chosen, what would your choice have been?"

"I… I don't know," she said uncomfortably. "And it's too late-"

"Buffy," Abigael cut her off, "that's wrong. You know, in your heart, you know. Don't be afraid to tell me. I won't judge you. Trust me."

"I…" Buffy took a deep breath, and looking in the kitchen's direction, she added with a smile, "If he was there, and…him. I would have chosen him."

Abigael smiled, "The same choice. The Giles' charm is very powerful; we can't deny it."

"What?!?" Buffy was a little confused by her comment, "But if she… and you." Then, she realized, "That's why you wanted to talk to me… why Rupert said… it's you!" Buffy exclaimed.

* * * * *

"You were his slayer! Wait a minute, you told me that John told him that at 17; so… Ripper?" Buffy asked.

"Yes," Abigael nodded, "learning that was very painful for him. To learn that caused him to question himself."

"Without forgetting his 'emotional detachment'," added Buffy with sarcasm.

"Yes, so everything was put back for him. And the anger -- he thought that we should have told him earlier that I was a slayer and the rest. That was too much. So Ripper appeared." Abigael sighed.

"So, it's why you came here… because… because you know what I felt," Buffy said shyly.

"Yes, and No," Abigael said, and before Buffy had a chance to talk, she added, "Contrary at you, Buffy, I hadn't been ripped; I choose. I can only try to imagine what you felt. For me, it was already very difficult and painful; so, for you… to be ripped from Heaven like that…" Abigael shook her head.

"So you came back… a slayer?" Buffy was confused.

"No," Abigael said simply.

"No?"

"Buffy, I choose to come back; to leave that place. But the slayer was dead. Because I chose, I came back not as a slayer; but only as the woman."

"It's why you insisted on the fact that he loved the slayer and the woman," Buffy pointed out.

"Yes," said Abigael, "it was very difficult; and with time, love and… Rupert. Life began to come back."

"Rupert," Buffy couldn't help smiling, and, observing her, Abigael smiled too.

"You love really him, don't you?"

"Yes." Buffy blushed.

"I understand you. Like I said, the Giles' charm is undeniable." Abigael winked at her.

"Yes." Buffy grinned.

"And John is completely crazy about his son. I already warmed you, but with the two men in the kitchen, our little Abigael will be-"

"Loved," Buffy finished.

"Without a doubt. By all of us," said Abigael.

"I love really him, you know." Buffy glanced at the kitchen.

"I know. Just as I know he loves you more than everything. It's why it was so hard for him; your death," she said softly, "and your return. In fact, for him, it had a double effect on him; because-"

"Of your past." Buffy said, "I understand now, even if I don't really agree, in a some way, when he left me, he was like a need for him… too much emotions." Buffy admitted, "But if he does that again, he will have a real problem." she grinned.

"And with John and me too." Abigael added.

* * * * *

IN THE KITCHEN

"Do you think everything is alright?" Rupert asked, looking a little worried as he glanced toward the living room.

"Don't worry son," his father said in a comforting tone, patting Rupert's arm, "I have no doubt that everything is alright between your mother and Buffy. How could it be the contrary? Buffy is a lovely and caring woman, like your mother."

Rupert looked at him, then nodded with a lightly smile. His father had always had his capacity to reassure him, to say the right words.

"Thanks, dad," was the only words he could say.

"You're welcome, son. Now,-" But he was interrupted by a cry from a baby who seemed very unhappy.

"Hey," Rupert took her in his arms, "what's happened to my little girl? Tell daddy…" When he said it, that hit him; *Daddy! I'm her daddy.* At that thought, Rupert's face was full of emotions.

His father saw that, "Yes, son. Yes." Rupert looked at him with some tears in his eyes. He nodded, and whispered, "Yes."

"Now, now son; I think that beautiful little girl wants to be changed. Do you know where the nappies are?"

"No. I'm going to ask to Buffy." With that he gave her to her grandpa who was delighted.

Before entered in the living room; Rupert turned to his father and said with a smile, "I hope it's safe for me to come in there."

"Son…" John shook his head with chuckle.

When he entered the living room, he saw that his mother and Buffy were still talking. Their conversation was light, now, and more (unfortunately for him!!!) about his childhood. He arrived in the middle of a certain story which was not really a prestigious story, at least from his side.

"So, when I asked him the reason he had done that, he answered me with all his natural, 'because I thought it could fun, but now, I'm not so sure about that.'"

At that last comment, Buffy and Abigael laughed.

Rupert cleared his throat; at that sound, two women turned to look at him.

"I'm sorry to interrupt such charming and funny conversation, especially about my… little experiment of some years ago; and I want to say that I was 5 years old at the time," he said defensively. "Anyway, Buffy, would you tell me where the nappies are, please?"

"Nappies?"

"Yes, Abigael needs to be changed."

"Oh, you want to mean diapers, Rupert," she smiled at him, "Here, it's diapers."

"If you wish. So where are they?"

"Upstairs, in the bathroom."

"Thanks."

When he returned from the bathroom with the nappies, Buffy asked him, "Do you want me to change-"

"Buffy," he cut her off in a sigh, and with some exasperation in his voice continued, "I'm a grown man; I followed a training regimen as a watcher; I train a slayer; I fight demons, vampires and others devilish creatures. I think I can manage to change a baby," he said reassuringly. "Okay," Buffy said.

"Thanks," Rupert said with aggravation. Then added, before he came to the kitchen, "And… dad is with me."

Buffy and his mother couldn't help themselves from smiling at his last comment, shaking their heads.

When Rupert entered in the kitchen, what he saw was a pure moment of joy.

"Don't worry, my love; daddy is going to be here soon, with the nappies, and you will be dry. Shh, baby, grandpa is here," he said, rocking her.

"Dad," Rupert said to his father to gain his attention, before saying to Abigael, touching her cheek with one of his fingers, "hey, how is my baby."

While they changed her nappies, Abigael looked at them; Rupert smiled at her, and told her, "It will be better my sweet baby. Daddy and grandpa are changing you."

He saw his father with an touching expression, "What?"

"Nothing. Just some memories, when I changed your nappies. You were so little. And now… I love you, Rupert."

"I love you too, dad."

There was some moment of silence. Abigael was changed, and she seemed to sleep, now.

"Apparently someone wants to sleep," said Rupert. "My little girl is tired. Close your beautiful eyes…yes, like that. Don't worry, daddy is here. You're a good little girl. Sleepy-sleepy-sleepy," Rupert said to her, softly. He kissed her forehead; then, after a moment, Abigael was sleeping. Rupert and his father went to the other side of the kitchen, not wanted to disturb her sleeping.

Rupert filled two cups of tea.

"Son," John began after a sip, "I'd like to ask you a question."

"Why I hadn't used the Osiris spell."

"Yes."

Rupert took a long sip of his tea, and after a deep breath, he answered with pain, "I was afraid." He looked at his father, who was always silent, and he waited.

"I'm not really proud of myself for that-"

"Son, there is nothing of which to be ashamed. You needed some time to think."

"Yes," Rupert chuckled lightly, "but I had too long."

"What do you mean?"

Rupert blinked, and after a very deep breath, he explained, "I had decided to do it, but… I was about to perform it, when I received Willow's call and she told me that Buffy was alive. It was too late," he finished in a whisper.

John patted his arm, "You were afraid. I can understand."

"Dad? How…" he didn't really know how to ask, "how were you sure… I mean that mum wanted to be with you?"

"I wasn't, Rupert."

"So, how-"

"How did I manage to perform it?"

Rupert nodded.

"I was afraid too, son. But I knew that I should, no… needed to do it. I had strong doubts and wasn't sure. We weren't together; I mean, as a romantic couple at that moment. But I knew that I loved her more than anything. I regretted so much to not have told her that I loved her; even if she hadn't said a word about her feelings towards me; if she shared them… I thought if I had a little chance to may tell her what I felt for her… it was worth it."

Rupert looked at his sleeping daughter, trying to collect what his father had just told him, "She's a miracle."

John smiled and taking the hand of his son, added, "Like you, son."

Rupert looked at his father and was sure that his eyes reflected the same emotions that he saw in his father's eyes.

Suddenly, Rupert's face changed; a sadness appeared. "Son?" his father asked, worried, "What is it?"

"I was more afraid than she didn't want me," Rupert admitted painfully. "I acted selfishly because I was so afraid she would reject me, completely."

"Oh, son. I know. I felt that too. But you surpassed that feeling. You had decided to do it," John reassured him.

"But… I regret so much that I hadn't performed it earlier. Buffy could have chosen, like mum. She could have chosen to rest, or… even… maybe-"

"I would have chosen you, Rupert," Buffy said softly at the door of the kitchen, his mother beside her.

Slowly, Rupert turned his head to see Buffy. She walked towards him, then, she took his head in her hands; like a reflex, he put his arms around her waist. She wiped off the tears on his face which he haven't suspected the presence of until now.

"I'm so sorry, Buffy." Giles said with emotion.

Eyes locked on each other, she repeated, "I would have chosen you. Don't doubt that." She kissed his forehead, then added, "I won't lie to you. I would have preferred, wished that you had come there, instead of…the way it was," she whispered.

"Oh, Buffy…If I could turn back time…If I could-"

"I know. But Gi-Rupert, things are like that. And…Wait, you aren't really thinking about doing a thing like that, right?"

"Sorry?" Rupert was lost, then understood what she meant, "No, no. I- Of course, No!"

Buffy breathed, "Sorry, but with…you know, I prefer to be reassured."

"It's perfectly understandable." Rupert said, "But, if I had the courage sooner, maybe things could have been different, and-" He didn't finished his sentence, but looked at the basinet where his daughter was sleeping.

"Or maybe not. Rupert, we can't know. But what I'm sure of is…her." she pointed lightly with her head. "And now, we're together. It's the most important."

Rupert nodded, "Yes, love. I won't ever leave you again, ever. I love you so much." he said, rested his head on her chest, closed his eyes.

Softly, she caressed his hair with her hand, "I know. I love you too." Her chin, now, was on the top on his head instead of her hand.

Abigael and John exchanged happy looks, glad for their son and Buffy, the news about their grandchild and, to see them like that, evoked some memories…

"Hmm, children," said John. Rupert and Buffy looked at him, blushing, and together whispered "Sorry" with a smile.

"You needn't be. It's wonderful to see you like this," Abigael told them, then added, looking at the basket, "May I?"

"Naturally," Buffy answered, with a smile.

Abigael carefully took her granddaughter in her arms, and said with affection, "Look who is awake. Have you slept well, honey?" She smiled to her. "Yes," she said with love, "you were a sleepy girl, weren't you." She chuckled.

John returned to his wife, put his hand on her shoulder, and looking at her, smiled.

"So, grandma, are you happy?" he grinned.

"As much as you, love."

He winked at her, "I have no doubt about that." Then he approached her, and they kissed each other.

Buffy and Rupert saw them. "Your parents are wonderful, Rupert."

"As are you, my love." And, following his parents' example, he looked at her, eyes only on hers. She smiled lightly; when their lips met, they kissed each other with all the love they owned for one another.

At that moment, Dawn entered in the kitchen and said, "Eww! You're in the kitchen! Great, now I need a therapy." Four people were blushing; nevertheless Buffy retorted her, "You know Dawnie, it would have had a better impact if you weren't smiling ear to ear." Buffy teased her, and added, "And I want to warn you, you need to get used to that."

Without realized it, Rupert yelled a "Yes!" With that, everyone turned to look at him with questioning smiles on their faces. "I…I mean - Oh Lord!" Rupert put his hand on his face, but he had already turned red.

"Poor baby," Buffy said, stroking his hair. She kissed the top of his head.

All the people in the room were laughing; the happiness could be felt in the atmosphere.

After Dawn, it was Tara and Willow, then Xander and Anya who went back to the house.

They decided to have dinner together. Spike would come later, after his patrol.

The dinner was pleasant, and not really any different than usual.

When Abigael asked Buffy if she'd like to do a big shopping trip the next day, Buffy agreed happily. Rupert saw she had a question on her mind, so he murmured to her, "What is it, Luv? If you don't want to go, you haven't to do." But for him that seemed unrealistic; Buffy didn't want to do shopping!

"Hmm, sorry." Then she understood what he meant. "Oh no! It's not that. Of course I want to go with your mother. It's just-"

"What Luv?"

"It's stupid, but I thought that it was more your father who would want to do that. I mean shopping, your mother said…and you said that comment earlier, so that-What?"

Rupert was chuckling, "Buffy!"

"Rupert, I don't see what is so funny," she pouted.

"But it is, Buffy, really. Who did you think taught my father to shop?" he raised an amused eye to her.

She thought an instant, and "You want to say that…" He nodded, "Yes, she taught him." he smiled.

Seeing his parents looking at them, he explained to them.

"Yes, she taught me everything."

"But you're an attentive student," Abigael grinned.

The evening passed quickly; Dawn, Willow, Tara, Anya, Xander and Spike left them, wanting to go to the theatre. Abigael and John told Buffy and Rupert they could go if they want, and that they would take care of Abigael. In agreement with each other, Buffy and Rupert declined the offer to go out, preferring to stay at the house with them.

The gang decided it would be better if Dawn, Willow and Tara slept at Anya and Xander's apartment after the movie. That made it so Abigael and John could stay at the house for the night.

Buffy and John went to the kitchen to make the tea while Rupert and his mother stayed in the living room with Abigael.

* * * * *

IN THE KITCHEN

While Buffy took the cups, she observed John put the water in the kettle. *So Gilesy,* she thought, amused, *it's really a family's thing.* She smiled. From the corner of his eye, he saw her joy, so, without turning to her, he said, "Your thoughts seem really pleasant. Could I hope to be the origin of that?" he smiled to her.

Buffy blushed, "Yes and No. But more yes than no." Her face was full of happiness.

"You have all my attention, young Lady."

"It's just, that you're acting like him…or should I say he acts like you. Well, I mean…" she grinned.

John tilted his head to the side. *Now, I know from whom Rupert gets that expression,* she thought.

In fact, that expression wasn't the only thing that Rupert got from his father. John was tall, thin and very handsome. But Rupert's eyes were his mother's.

"He does the same thing too. He's so like you in so many points." she said.

"Yes," John chuckled with pride, a thing that Buffy noticed. "Rupert has a lot of sides of mine; and some from his mother. Well, she likes to believe that," he winked to Buffy.

His eyes were laughing, an expression that Buffy knew too.

Then, she noticed the seriousness in his face before he began, "Rupert is a good man, and I don't say that because he's my son. I think it." Buffy nodded. "And," John added, "he loves you, as I have never saw him love anyone. You're the first, and you're the only. Don't have doubts about that."

Buffy couldn't answer at that moment; her emotions were too strong. She could only nod again.

"But it's not surprising," he smiled tenderly to her, "that must be in his genes." He winked to her.

Buffy laughed lightly, "Yes, it must be that." That comment made John laugh too.

Then Buffy said, "I don't doubt that. And I do love him, he's my life. Without him, I was incomplete, I felt incomplete, lost. But now, I feel whole, everything is…"

"Perfect," John finished for her.

"Yes," she blushed, and some tears began to appear in her eyes.

John took her in his arms.

"Shh, luv."

"These are happy tears." she managed to articulate.

"I know." he smiled to her, "I understand completely." He squeezed her. "I can't tell you how pleased I and Abigael are that you and he are together. Without forgetting my so lovely granddaughter. I hope she will be like you."

He released her to sit again.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." he beamed.

After a quiet moment, Buffy said, "I hope she will be like her father in every point." she grinned.

"Really? You want a teasing, curious little girl with an extraordinary and bubbling over imagination," he tried to say that with some seriousness, but with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Yes," Buffy said happily, "I want to have that." Her smile was gigantic.

"So, in that case, I should probably to tell you what's awaiting you." He smiled too, then continued, "I remember one day, he would have been three or…no, four years old when he tried his pinks experiment. But maybe Abigael already told you?"

Buffy shook her head, "No, she told me about the 'but I thought that would be fun' incident," she grinned, "and the volcano thing when he was ten," she laughed.

"Ah yes! The little eruption," he sighed, "our living room has never be the same after that," he chuckled. "But those…things," he said with a gesture of his left hand, "weren't his first and only experiments." He mused. "As I already told you, he has an extraordinary and vivid imagination, and he begun early," he smirked.

"That explains Halloween and his costumes," she grinned.

"Halloween…Oh dear lord, yes! When we think that he can't surprise us more; each time the next Halloween, he proves us how wrong we can be. With Halloween, we don't know how he manages to do that, but it's like his imagination is more developed than usual--unbelievable but true. With Rupert, I think everything is possible." he said.

"I'm entirely agreed. He can be really amazing and full of surprises," Buffy said, smiling, "So, please, don't let me wait and tell me about Rupert and the pink thing." she smiled mischievously.

Watching her impatience and curiosity, John couldn't help chuckling before he began his story, "When he was four years old, he managed to put some pink on…"

* * * * *

Rupert and his mother were sitting in the living room, waiting for Buffy and John to bring the tea. They talked about the latest event and the wonderful and so incredible revelation about Buffy and Rupert's daughter.

Suddenly, the loud sound of Buffy and John's laugh reached the living room. Rupert turned his head in that direction; his face was anxious.

Amused by his reaction, his mum laughed too.

"I'm sure that you're finding that very funny, aren't you?" Rupert tried to say with his best-annoyed glare to his mum. Far from impressing her, as always, she nodded happily.

"I can't believe it!" smirked Rupert, "Between you and dad…" he sighed, "Well, at least, you haven't, or should I say, you couldn't shown her the albums of photos because you didn't bring them."

Watching his mother's expression, he became alert, "Mum!"

"What?" she said innocently.

"You…you didn't bring them, right?"

"No, I didn't."

"Mum?"

"But I have always keep a few photos with me," she shrugged.

"Bloody hell!" he put his face in his hands.

"Rupert, don't worry," she patted his back. "And if it reassures you, Buffy loves them, and she's very impatient to see the rest," she smiled.

Rupert looked at his mum with big eyes before moaning an "Oh Lord!" What his mother had just told him didn't reassure him at all.

"I should have burnt them a long time ago!" he growled.

"Oh son, that shouldn't have changed anything," she teased him, "You know that I keep the negatives in a safe place."

"Yeah," he muttered, "a safe place…especially from me." He smirked.

"Exactly!" she patted his arm with a smile.

It was at that moment that Buffy and John came back from the kitchen with the tea.

Buffy sat beside Rupert on the couch, while John took a chair. She looked at him with amused eyes.

Rupert served the tea, trying to not pay attention to her expression.

"Buffy!" he smiled, then sat again. "I'm so lost between the three of you." He shook his head.

She put (and left) her hand on his neck. "My poor baby," she teased him.

"Yes," he pouted, very boyishly. Buffy found that darn sexy.

She grinned at him, and without realizing it, began softly caressing his neck.

While they drank their tea, they talked about the past--some other stories about Rupert and his 'creations'--for the enjoyment of Rupert, but also about the present and the future. Some trips to London for Buffy and Giles for projects and, of course, the several to come back to Sunnydale for Abigael and John. Even, in fact, to the extent that they would probably be in Sunnydale more than London.

Several hours passed by the time Abigael and John agreed that it was maybe time to go to sleep.

"Children, it's time to say goodnight," said John.

"Night mum, night dad." Rupert and his parents hugged each other.

"Night son," said Abigael.

"I'm going to show you to your bedroom," explained Buffy.

Rupert, who didn't know where to go and felt suddenly very insecure, said he would put the tray in the kitchen.

"Okay," Buffy answered him before she went upstairs with his parents.

She reappeared some moments after to find him sitting on the couch, lost in his thoughts.

"Rupert?" she said softly, putting her hand on his arm to acquire his attention, her head titled on her side. "Something's wrong?"

He looked at her without saying a word, but she knew that expression. Insecurity, fear, incertitude…and so much else.

Then, after a moment, he broke the silence, "Buffy," he began, "I…I think we should try to have some sleep. Th-The day was full of emotions and we need to recuperate."

"Yes, I agree with you. And I can tell you, I'm more than a little tired, so I would be happy to go to bed," she said.

With that she began to walk towards the stairs, but noticed that Rupert didn't follow her. "Rupert?"

"I…I think it's…I…the couch will be perfect," he stammered lightly.

"What? What are you saying?" she couldn't believe what he had just said.

"I…Buffy, well-" but she cut him off, "Am I wrong or are you just to say that you will sleep on the couch?" she asked incredulously, her hands on her hips.

"I…" he through his hand in his hair, "Buffy, it would be perfectly normal if you would prefer that I sleep on the couch. I understand and-"

"You're totally being insecurity guy here," she cut him off again. "Rupert, I can't believe you could think that I want you to sleep here and not with me!"

"I-" but she lifted her hand and said to him "Let me finish." She collected her thoughts to find the right words and wipe away all the sadness that had appeared on his face; his expression had reflected happiness during all the day and the evening.

"Rupert, it's out of the question that you sleep without me; or that I sleep without you. So I think the bed would be better than the couch, and we're going to sleep in our bedroom, in our bed. And in case you think that could be too fast, I remind you that we have a daughter together, so, I think the sleeping part shouldn't be a problem and not even disturb you. Okay?"

Rupert closed his eyes, shook his eyes and chuckled softly before saying "Yes Ma'am." Then, he walked to her and took her in his arms. "I'm sorry, love, to have been such a fool. It's just that I know it was stupid, but suddenly I felt so-"

"Insecure guy."

He nodded.

"I forgive you."

He grinned in her hair, and said "I love you so much."

"And I love you too, big pink." she smiled.

"Buffy! Oh no! Was that story that he told you earlier!"

"Yes, between others," she laughed.

"Bloody Hell!" but he was happy. When a thing that Buffy told him hit him, he pushed her away gently to look in her eyes, "Buffy?" She looked at him back, "Yes?" "Our bedroom? And our bed?" he smiled happily.

"Yes," she smiled back, and put her hand on his cheek before caressing it.

Then, Rupert brought his face to hers slowly. She watched him intently, particularly his eyes. Their eyes reflected the same emotions; they were the mirror of all the love they could feel for each other.

And…they kissed.

Buffy moaned, feeling her Rupert smiled.

They were whole now.

After a moment they pulled apart, always in the arms of each other.

"Want to go to our bed, love?"

She nodded, "Yes." With that they walked, together this time, to the stairs.

"Well, for the moment is the only room we can have, Rupert; but I think in the future we should endeavor to find another room. We should see how we can-"

"Buffy, love."

"Yes?"

"It's late. And I think we could talk about our future room tomorrow, don't you think?"

"Yep. And look for another bed; furniture…so big shopping!"

"Yes, my dad will be happy, I'm sure."

She nodded happily, then more seriously she said, "They are wonderful, and I…like them a lot."

"Yes, they are. And they like you a lot, too. But how that could be differently. You're wonderful too, my love. So wonderful."

"Same for you, wonderful man mine."

Before they went to their bedroom, they stopped to see their little daughter. She was sleeping peacefully. They left her room with a gigantic smile on their faces, in the arms of each other.

* * *