CHAPTER 11
"Okay, lets make some more introductions before Buffy's
face stays that way," I narrowed my eyes and pointed at Sara while Mom and
I probably would have continued to pout if I hadn't felt
"They say things happen for a reason," Mom started as I squeezed
Willow's hand, "I hadn't put much stock in that adage until a couple days
ago when my daughter, Buffy, showed up," I grabbed ahold of Mom's hand
before she continued, "Her girlfriend, Willow, flew in this morning, and
they are the main reason I wanted to have breakfast with you guys this morning,
and to speed things up a little, Willow and Buffy meet Greg, Nick, Warrick and
Gil," they all raised their hands as they were introduced, and I decided
to get some payback.
"Hi guys, I'm not sure if they told, but these two have nicknames," I
started giggling when I felt Mom's nails dig into my palm, "This is Heckle
and Jeckle, and before they try and deny it, they have shirts to prove
it," Greg and Nick lost while Warrick and Gil were trying really hard to
keep a straight face.
"Oh Cat, you have your hands full, don't you? And let me guess, Lindsay is
completely over the moon," Warrick asked as I started to giggle louder.
"And then some, she is loving the whole big sister thing. Plus, she and
Buffy have this tag team pout-face that is just wrong. Another thing guys, best
behavior or
Mom led us out and gave Scott directions as to where we were going, and she
gave
Mom reached her hand over and placed it over mine, "You know girls, we can
pick up Lindsay if you want to spend more alone time together."
"Nah, that's okay. Besides, we were planning on taking her to the park in
case you guys wanted to," I didn't get to finish since
"You will not finish that sentence, right Buffy?" nodding as I noticed
I was getting a stern Resolve-face, "Sorry. Buffy tends to let her mouth
talk before she thinks, right Buffy?" nodding again as
"Yeah, Catherine sometimes has that problem too, and something tells me we
are going to love having you around. Now we'll get out of your hair, so you can
have some alone time," Sara said smiling as I watched Mom narrow her eyes,
and I caught a 'You'll pay for that, Sidle' before the door closed.
When we arrived at the rink, Will took us back to the trunk and pulled this
small duffle out. I noticed right away that she had gotten my skates cleaned
and sharpened, and then, I saw her set and realized that she was serious about
what she said earlier about learning to skate. I'll have to ask Roger if I can
get more time, and if necessary, get Aunt Nancy to apply some pressure. We
walked inside, and he must have known we were coming since he was waiting on
us.
"Buffy?" nodding at his question, "
"Thanks Roger. If it isn't too much trouble, I need you to tell me when it
is two-thirty. I'm picking up my little sister," His smile grew mentioning
Lindsay. Yep, she will keep you smiling.
I was figuring on a training-type rink, but it was a fully sized official rink.
I could live here. I led
"C'mon sweetie, I promise not to let you fall on your butt," mine was
a different story. I placed my hands on her hips to keep her steady while
letting her feel out the ice just gliding across it, and I also remembered
another way to keep her busy, keep her distracted, "So, what are you
thinking about, Will?" I kept it vague since I wasn't quite sure what was
occupying her brain.
"I don't really understand this," Okay, I knew she didn't mean the
skating, "You sort of surprised me when you didn't take off after I
activated all those Slayers, especially after the last two years. I mean there
was a mutiny that led to us kicking out of your house," Yep, we are peas
in a pod. She has been doing the same second guessing that I had been doing,
and considering I know how she grew up, I can understand why she is thinking
that.
I made a couple strides to keep us moving, "
"Buffy, how can you say that? I tore you out of heaven, and then proceeded
down a path that almost destroyed me, not to mention hurting all my
friends," pulling her in for a tight hug while I started to feel her tears
on my neck.
"
"I love you, Buffy Anne Flynn-Summers, and you may call me your anchor,
but you are mine as well. After that sunny day out in the school's courtyard,
you showed me what love, respect and family are supposed to be. I don't want to
know what my life would've been like if you hadn't come into it," That's
my girl, always with heavy thinking.
"I love you too, Willow Marie Rosenberg, and you showed me what TRUE
friendship really was, my sweet and beautiful Wiccan," scooping her up and
doing a little showing off.
After a couple axels, I slowed us down, and Will looked no
worse for wear, so I went back to showing her to the basics, and I wasn't
planning on letting her do any solo skating, even if she barraged me with
Resolve-faces. Although before lunch arrived, I did let her learn to balance on
her own while skating ever so slightly, and once I caught the smell of the
pizzas, I scooped
I thought Roger was going to open up the kitchen, but he must have gotten a
better offer since it was my aunt that brought in the pies, "Aunt Nancy,
this is my girlfriend, Willow," introducing them as we came up to the
table, "Even though we both grew up in California, I mastered ice
skating," groaning as Willow poked me in the ribs.
"Buffy, it's
My aunt smiled at me, "You've never gotten away with that have you,
Buffy?" shaking my head fighting off my giggles, "And I can't wait to
see those cute pictures of my niece. So, did you guys have a nice
breakfast?" that's when I started laughing.
"It was fine, so there is no need for you to crack any skulls, and how did
you threaten them 'cause they all straightened up when Mom gave them your
warning," I wasn't expecting an answer, but hey, it's worth a try.
"Not going to happen, Buffy. Nanc is one of those quiet people who you
wouldn't normally be afraid of until she does threaten, and then, it's game
over," I nodded at Roger's assessment since
Lunch ended up being story time, mostly childhood stories.
I started with some easy stuff which had
"Wow Buffy, you are really good, and you look at home out there. And once
Linds sees you, she is going to want you to teach her,"
I walked over and gave my aunt a hug, "Teaching my two favorite girls will
be a pleasure, but today is pig meeting day, and that is what is on her mind
today," getting another hug before Nancy hugged Willow, and Roger walked
her out, "So Will, more?" getting a smiling nod, I took her back onto
the ice.
When Roger announced that it was time to pick up Lindsay,
"If you want to go back to school, you can. Dawn and Fred can run the
office in LA, and even if you don't go back, you can do whatever you want. I
love you,
"BUFFY!" my name echoed as she made quick goodbyes before sprinting
across the grounds and leaping into my arms as I wrapped her tightly in a hug.
"Hi sweetie," kissing her cheek as I faced a smiling
"You are very pretty, Willow," I had to smile since Linds got Will to
blush within minutes of meeting her, "And you remembered to bring Miss
Piggybottoms' boyfriend, right?" kissing the top of Lindsay's head at her
ten-year old priorities.
"Yes, I did, Lindsay. Mr. Gordo is in my bags, and you are very pretty
yourself," Will said as she wrapped her arm around us, "But before
they meet, Buffy has to push us on the swings," Linds looked at me, and I
nodded to back up Will’s idea since it sounded like fun.
"Buffy is a good bedtime story reader too and bed," Now Lindsay is
just bragging as Scott pulled us into the park.
Lindsay held both our hands and swung them making
Linds let go of my hand as she pointed out the two swings her and
Once we got back to the car, I did the responsible thing, "Lindsay, do you
have any homework?" getting a nod, "Then when we get home, you can
start on it while I help
Mom and Sara were waiting in the doorway smiling as we came up, "Nancy
tells us that you are really good, Buffy," I felt my face getting warm at
Mom's comment, but Lindsay was looking out for me.
"We can talk about that later. Right now, I want to get my homework done,
so the pigs can meet. Plus, I have to check on their baby," I almost
forgot that Lindsay made her GigaPig, Mr. Gordo and Miss Piggybottoms'
daughter, Maxine.
"So Willow, where are these albums? Catherine and I need some ammo. Buffy
has had us on our heels since she arrived," Sara said smirking as I walked
straight up towards her and looked up.
"Meanie. And you will see them once the pigs meet, so I suggest you help
Linds," smiling proudly as Sara looked at Mom pouting.
"
"Sometimes, but more times than not, I'm as bad as Buffy,"
I opened the door, and the first thing
I left the albums on the end of the bed
before climbing onto the bed and into
"Come in," turning my head towards the door while
still keeping it on
Mom popped her head in, and I waved her in, "Linds is beside herself, but
if guys need rest, I'll explain that to her," I lifted my head to see what
Will thought, and she was smiling.
"No, we'll be right there. I'll
just sleep in tomorrow. Besides, I've been up longer when I was helping Buffy
cram for a test," Willow actually means we spent all night researching the
latest Big Bad, "Just have coffee handy, and I'll be fine."
"That's not a problem. Mom and Sara are big into coffee, and it's top of the
line stuff too," helping
"Nope," they both said kissing me on the cheeks before we headed down
the hall.
We came into the room to find Lindsay pinned to the couch being tickled by
Sara, "Finally. I thought I might have to hog tie her," then I saw
Sara's eyes focus on the albums in Mom's arms, "Are those?" Goddess,
help me.
I kept the hand holding Mr. Gordo behind my back as Lindsay walked up to me
with her two pigs, and then, we both headed to the table and sat down. I pulled
my pig from behind my back, "Lindsay, this is Mr. Gordo," her eyes
lit up when I handed him to her, "and as long as I can see him once in
awhile, you can keep him in your room."
"Really?" giving her a nod, "Well, I do have
sleepovers, so you will need to babysit them then," giving her another nod
as I gave her a hug while she sat Mr. Gordo in front of Miss Piggybottoms,
"Miss Piggybottoms, this is your boyfriend, Mr. Gordo," then she
introduced him to her, "and this is your daughter, Maxine," I was
beaming while listening to Lindsay do the whole pomp and circumstance before
turning to me, "I'm going to take them upstairs, so they can bond
alone."
"Okay, but hurry back, we're going to be looking at pictures of me and my
family," she nodded before scooping up all the pigs and heading upstairs
while I walked over and sat between Mom and Willow.
Lindsay came quickly running back down the steps and sat in
Sara's lap before
Mom put her arm around me, "Joyce did a wonderful job raising you, Buffy,
and I wish I could thank her for making you the wonderful woman that you are
today," I sat the album on the table before fully hugging Mom.
"You just did. Ever since she died, I've felt that she has been watching
over all her kids. Plus, you are saying thank you by helping me now,"
kissing her cheek before retaking my seat, "Now, who wants to meet the
rest of the Scoobies?" After a round of me's,
I opened the cover, and the first picture was of all nine of us, "Okay,
this handsome man in the back is Giles. He is our dad/mentor guy. The silly
grinning guy beside him is Xander. He and
Sara did, "Okay, I get how all you kids got together, but Giles seems to
be the odd member," I kind of anticipated that and had a half truth
answer.
"Well when I transferred to Sunnydale, I was told that
became a full circle kind of thing," I found out about the gallery part
when I came from LA after running away.
That must have satisfied Sara, so I started flipping through the pages. I
pointed out Oz and Cordelia when pictures of them popped up, and I was a little
surprised at myself when I remembered most of the times that the pictures were
taken, and then, Mom stopped on a picture of Faith and I kissing.
"Dawn set that up. Xander had bought her a mistletoe on a string, and in
my defense, she had a lot of kissing that night. In fact, it was the first time
Mom put it on top of the other one before kissing my cheek again, "Buffy,
I'm glad you got a family that loved you, and that you had fun with. I'm also
glad that we get to add to our family with the three of us, Nancy and the guys.
I can't wait to meet the people in these pictures, especially Dawn. She seems
to have your number, and Sara and I could use the help," I looked over at
Lindsay and gave her a wink before starting to tickle Mom as Lindsay quickly
joined in.
After our full blown tickle fight, Mom sent Willow and I to bed to nap until
dinner. Lindsay ended up heading upstairs to check on the pigs, so Will and I
kicked off our shoes before I laid down and patted my chest.
“Buffy, we're going to have to tell them sooner rather than later. They are
CSIs, and I'm sure they have seen things, so it might not be too big of a
stretch, and can you tell me a story?" leave it to Willow to start off
serious, and end up going the opposite way.
“Yeah, I know. I just want to know how
big this family is. I mean they work with the police, so who there is in the
inner circle, and I'd be lying if Mom's reaction to my calling isn't bouncing
around in my head," kissing Willow's forehead as she interlocked our
fingers, "Story, huh?" laughing at the rapid head nodding while I
started to think.
I remembered an old story that I used to tell Dawn when she would come into my
room after Mom and Dad had been fighting. It was your typical princess one, but
it always did the trick with Dawn, and halfway through,
slumber.
-----------------------------------------------------------
AN: There are no Andrew pictures because in my Buffyverse he was arrested
during the Troika's heist attempt and never escaped.
Spoilers for this
chapter: Fur and Loathing
AN: For the sake of this chapter, Grissom/Nick were on the one case, and
Cath/Sara were on the Raccoon one. Enjoy =)
------------------------------------------------------------
Slowly but surely, we all started getting into a comfortable pattern around
each other.
I was doing my morning ritual swimming when Willow came out smiling, so I swam
over to the side of the pool and propped my head up on my arms, "What has
you so happy?" like it mattered, I love seeing that smile.
"I found something we can do today, but you have to hurry up and shower,
so we don't miss the first lecture," I was already drying myself when she
told me we had plans and was surprised that the word 'lecture' didn't scare me.
I did however try to tempt Will by dropping my bikini to the floor before
putting on my robe, but she barely flinched, so I ran to the shower, and
instead of a Buffy shower, I just washed up and headed back to the bedroom
where I found clothes already laid out for me. I was fine with the shorts, but
the shirt with the kitty on it wigged me a little,
but it smelled like
Another change was Scott. Sara had started taking
PAFCON. It was a Plushies and Furries convention. Of course, it's Vegas, and
then, I saw a six foot weasel.
"I love you,
"Well good. I love you, Buffy, not Mr. Gordo. I just thought this looked
neat and wanted to check it out, okay?" I answered her by kissing her
tenderly and then taking her hand. I also noticed that is was almost
ten-thirty, so it was time for the first lecture of the day.
Before it started, I looked around and noticed that not everybody was wearing
an animal costume. Some were dressed like Will and I, so I relaxed while still
holding onto
You meet someone that you don't know what they look like, but you develop a
relationship with the things that really matter.
When it ended, Willow pulled me up, "C'mon Buffy, it's time to see if we
can add to Lindsay's menagerie," I didn't know what she meant until I
check on the schedule and saw it was time for the furry raffle, so we headed
off to the main lobby.
I had my arms wrapped around
"How about before we go home you drive us to the mall, and I will buy you
whatever Build-A-Bear you want," my smile got bigger as I saw hers curl up
too.
"What if there is more than one that calls to me to take them home?"
Yeah, like I have been able to say no to that face.
"I'll buy out the store if that is what it takes," she gave me a
quick kiss before laying her head on my shoulder as we killed time before the
next lecture.
As we walked around, I was starting to
understand
"Fancy meeting you two here," No, it can't be. Sara wouldn't bring
Mom here as I turned us around to find Mom and Sara wearing their CSI vests. Oh
yeah, this has blackmail written all over it.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Grissom had made sure not to pair Sara and I together too much to appease the
higher ups, but I was glad that he put us on this one since I had a gut feeling
this was going to end up a double. I knew
Sara and I headed over to the totaled car while I heard the truck driver
telling the officer that he was sober behind me. We took at the damage before
noticing the skid marks. Then the skid marks led to paw prints, big ones, so
after looking at Sara we followed them until they led over to the side of the
road. I grabbed my flashlight and was
shining it down the hill until I saw it.
It was a man in a raccoon suit, and we collected a little evidence as David
came over. He looked wigged (Buffy and
Surprisingly, we got back to the lab, and the pieces just started to fall into
place. Not only was Rocky Raccoon hit by a car, he was shot, and after stopping
in to check with Warrick, we found out his name was Robert Pitt, and then, Greg
throws a curve ball by saying the fur ball we found had ipecac and civet oil on
it. I knew about ipecac, and Greg
filled us in on civet oil. Sara decided to check out the car while Brass and I
headed over to Mr. Pitt's residence, and that's when I found out he was going
to something called PAFCON, so I called Sara to meet me at the King's River
Hotel.
She was standing in the doorway of the
lobby as I walked in, "PAFcon?" Yeah, like Sara knew anymore than I
did.
She just gave me her sweet smile,
"Plushies and Furries convention. And we're looking for a bright blue
Plushie...I think."
I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to stave off more wigging while Sara
started to look like she was getting into one of Grissom-esque zones. We
discussed why people would do this, and even though I was still weirded out,
Sara's explanations made sense, so I decided to keep an open mind, and then,
Sara pointed to the schedule.
"I'm going to take in a lecture," she said as I was about to do some
looking around, but Sara stopped me and pointed to the blonde and redhead. No
way, my daughter and her girlfriend were at the PAF con, "Fancy meeting
you two here," I stood beside Sara smiling as they turned around.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Hey guys, small world, huh?" Nice Buffy, you can't come up with
anything, so you fall back on your girlfriend's habit.
"This was my idea. Buffy had nothing to do with it," Wow,
Mom reached out a touched
I had to think about our earlier activities and replay everybody that I saw,
"I've only seen a few, but we've been sticking to the schedule, so there
could still be more," Mom gave us both hugs as Sara came with us. Oh yeah,
this is going to be bad.
After the lecture was over, Sara went to track down Mom while Will and I headed
to the banquet hall for lunch. Following that, we did a little more looking
around before catching the last lecture, and instead of staying, we decided to
head over to my aunt's. I knew Mom and Sara were probably home sleeping after
their long day, so I would see what the dinner sitch was before going from
there. When we pulled into the driveway, I saw Lindsay's head peek through the
curtains, and I knew I was in store for the little sister missile. I carried
Lindsay inside while also holding
My aunt looked up smiling, "I was hoping you guys were coming over. Would
you like to stay for dinner?"
"Buffy, I have a proposition for you," Roger said as I sat down.
------------------------------------------------------------
I have no idea what Roger could have to offer me, but I
might as well hear him out, "Okay."
"Buffy, I've been watching you teach
"Will you teach me, Buffy?" Lindsay asked while
bouncing on my leg as I smiled at her enthusiasm, and if
"Yes sweetie, I will teach you," kissing her cheek as she climbed off
my lap and headed into the kitchen as I turned back to Roger, "Actually, I
could teach adults during the week and the kids on the weekends," feeling
better about coming here now that it looks I have a purpose.
"Okay Buffy, I'll put the word out and see what happens. Now let’s go into
the kitchen and find out what's going on in there," he said offering me a
hand up.
We walked into the kitchen to find my aunt and Willow both in aprons cooking
while Lindsay was bragging about how her big sister was going to teach her and
other people how to ice skate. Roger put his arm around me as he led us to the
table before pulling out my chair. It's nice to know that there are still
gentlemen out there, and I know three of them. I'm going to ask Mom if she
needs
doesn't, I want to use the hotel room to talk things over with Will.
Dinner was definitely entertaining, and I'm starting to really like the
family-style ones. Since Lindsay was over, the menu was spaghetti and meatballs
along with garlic bread, her favorites. Plus, she was the conversationalist,
and elementary school hasn't changed that much since I was there, and then, she
went onto the topic of Halloween.
"Buffy, since it's our first together, you and
"We would love to, Lindsay. In fact, we'll go costume shopping while you
are at school tomorrow," Oh yeah, Willow and I are totally going to talk
tonight.
After some ice cream,
We came in to find Mom and Sara cuddling on the couch
watching TV, and they shut it off before I could see what they were watching,
"Will, could you take Linds upstairs?" sitting on the table as they
headed up, "I was wondering if it would be okay if Willow and I spent the
night at a hotel. There are some things I want to talk over with her,"
Then, I
saw the wheels turning in Sara's head, "Not that, and watch it, we were
drafted in taking Lindsay out trick or treating, so be nice."
Mom reached out and took my hand, "Buffy, I don't expect you to live here
for the rest of your life, and if you want a night alone, that's fine. We have
the night off, so Linds is taken care of, so you and Willow should go and
'enjoy' yourself," I can't believe Mom
just went there as I said a thank you while shaking my head as I headed
down the hall. It was only night, so we wouldn't need much.
"Penny for your thoughts?" turning to
"You know me, Will. I'm trying to get my thoughts together so you can
follow what I'm talking about," she kissed my hand before taking it as we
headed inside, and for some reason, I felt like we were being stared at as we
headed for the elevators. I just shrugged it off seeing though I had gone
through high school that way.
"Yes, ma'am. Roger made me an offer to teach skating, and I said yes since
I will teach adults while you are in class, and maybe, you can help me teach
kids on the weekends. I was going to bitch about Halloween, but I'm just being
paranoid about that," smiling at my good news hoping
This time, she leaned forward and kissed me, "Buffy, that is great news,
and I've seen you on the ice with me and by yourself, and the look on your face
is one of pure joy, and I would also be honored to be your TA. About our
costumes, you forget that I would sense magics. Now let’s relax before getting
some sleep," taking
off my shoes before lifting
---
The next morning, I woke up to someone knocking on the door, so I gently peeled
Willow off me before walking to the door and seeing that it was somebody from
the staff, so I opened the door, "Yes?"
"Mr. Braun would like to speak with you," Who the
hell is Mr. Braun, and what does he want?
"Alright, give me a couple minutes," closing the door before slipping
my shoes on and scribbling a note to Willow hoping I would be back before she
woke up.
I came out, and the guy led us to the elevator at the far end of the hall, and
when the door opened, there were two no-necks inside. The Slayer was now piqued
since this was Vegas, and I wasn't taking any chances. I opened my senses and
didn't feel any evil, so this was totally human-related. The next time the
elevators opened, they opened to an office where a balding white-haired man
approached me. I'm guessing Mr. Braun.
"So, you are my trouble making granddaughter," He knows about me. I
don't know about him. There is a simple answer why.
"Sorry, you have
me at a disadvantage. Mom's never mentioned you," Not the best option, but
I wasn't backing down.
"I see you have
your Muggs' temper. Then again, I've read your file, and you have more than a
temper. Does Muggs know?" She doesn't, but she has made it clear she
doesn't care what happened before.
"If she does, it didn't bother her, and I'm guessing since you're a big
bully, you sent her a copy. Which leads me to believe she doesn't respect your
opinion - either," I started to come closer to show him I wasn't scared,
even though his stooges were following.
"You might want
to watch that mouth of yours. It might get you into trouble," Now that
sounded like a threat.
"You don't scare me, old man. If you have any idea as to what I am, you
might want to watch it, and your friend might want to take his hand off his
weapon before it gets him hurt." The old man just laughed, so I got even
closer, "I'll be going now, but I'll leave you with this. Don't come
anywhere near any member of my family - ever," I turned around and walked
past the two stooges while keeping myself aware.
"Mr. Braun isn't done talking to you," one of them said grabbing my
shoulder as I snapped his wrist before shoving it hard into a chicken wing
bringing him to his knees.
"Let that be your final warning," letting the guy go as I walked to
the elevator and headed back upstairs.
when I felt hands cover my breasts.
"You should have told me you were showering. You know I can wash your back
better than you,"
After getting dressed, we headed for the mall to look for costumes. The cheesy
places were picked clean, so
"Buffy Summers, I have a warrant for your arrest," Nicely played, old
man.
I turned to
------------------------------------------------------------
Last night was nice. It was like old times, just me, Lindsay and Sara, but it didn't
feel complete. I have they haven't been here all that long, but the night felt
like it was missing something. I know that Buffy and
in our doorway.
And just like old times, Sara carried Lindsay upstairs to her bedroom after she
fell asleep during the movie, so I headed to our bedroom after locking up and
changed into my (actually Sara's) Harvard tee and panties before turning down
the bed and then waiting for Sara to give me 'The Show'. I know Sara still
doesn't understand how I can see her as
beautiful, but I'm sure the when she watches my eyes take in her body while she
undresses helps a lot.
Sara walked into the bedroom and started blushing when she noticed me staring,
so she shut and locked the door, "You know, it's the same show you have
already seen, Cath," I love how she tries to play it off.
"Answer me this Sara," smirking as she put her
hands on her hips, "Do you still get turned on when you see me strip
before bed?" Her eyes gave away her answer, "I rest my case, now get
naked."
---
The plan was to go back to sleep after dropping Lindsay off at school, but the
phone was ringing just as we walked in. Sara and I both looked at each other
and mouthed 'Grissom' before I picked up, but it was
I repeated what
serious talk soon. I was brought out of my internal ramblings by Sara pulling
up to a stop at PD.
Sara and I walked in, and Brass was already waiting for us, "I didn't
know, Catherine. Gil told me that she is your daughter, so I'm holding off
processing her since you might be able to make the charges go away," I
started to relax until his last statement.
"How can I possibly do that?" Not that I wouldn't try anyway.
"Sam is the one who brought the charges against her," Oh, now that is
the last straw.
"Sara, can you keep her company?" at her nod, I gave her a quick kiss
before heading out the door and driving over to my mother's.
------------------------------------------------------------
This wasn't the first time I've been in handcuffs, but not since Faith and I got
busted in that sporting goods store. I saw the helpless look in
couldn't have cared less about the stares I was getting since I have been
getting looks ever since I was activated as a Slayer, but I did feel like an
ass for letting Braun play me. Plus, this was going to look bad on Mom, and
that's what hurt the most.
The drive to the police station didn't take all that long, and as I was about
to be put into an interrogation room, I saw Gil pull the older guy aside. I
couldn't help but eavesdrop as Gil told Brass that I was Catherine's daughter.
Looks like I have the inner circle. Now I can come clean and hope they don't
think Will and I are crazy when I tell them about Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Before he walked away, Gil gave me a wink. What does that mean? Brass turned
around and gave me a smile. Now what does that mean?
"Take her to my office and just wait outside," he explained to only
one of the officers as I was taken further down the hall and into an office
that was a mix of cologne and coffee. The officer took off my cuffs before
leaving me to my thoughts.
And then it hit me as I dropped my head and started to cry. This was supposed
to be my do over, and yeah, it started out that way, but as my life goes,
something happens to screw it all up. Not to mention I hid why I got arrested
from
shoulder. I turned around with the tears still flowing.
"It's going to be okay, Buffy. I promise," Sara
said as I jumped out my chair and into her arms.
----------------------------------------------------------
I was glad traffic was light because I was seriously considering using my
sirens on the way to Mom's house. If she knows anything about this, she is
going to have some serious work to get back into my good graces, but something
told me that yes, my mother loves Sam Braun, but she wasn't one of his lackeys.
I skidded the car in park as I headed up
her steps and knocked on the door.
"Catherine, is something wrong?" I pinched my nose at her question.
"Did you know Sam had Buffy arrested?" Mom is a good actress, but the
look of shock on her face is Oscar-worthy if she is lying.
"No, I don't, and I don't know why he would," she must have read my
mind because she grabbed her purse and keys, "He's at the Rampart
today," Good, I know where his office is there.
I was glad Mom wasn't in a chatty mood since my frame of mind was quickly heading towards an angry
one. Sam preaches family, but he has his granddaughter arrested. I know he sent
over Buffy's file when I told Mom about her, but that was his warped way of
protecting me. I was white-knuckling the steering wheel when I felt Mom's hand
touch my arm before telling me that it was going to be okay. She was damn right
it was. He may have screwed up things with me, but I can still play the Lindsay
card. She has no idea the man he is, but if he insists on pursuing this with
Buffy, I won't be able to shield her from that.
I tossed the keys to the valet as we pulled up to the hotel, and Mom and I both
walked with a purpose towards Sam's office. We came to his doors, and I noticed
Phillip in a cast. Nah, it couldn't be. They let us in, and Sam was smiling as
he rose from his desk. Oh, I was going to enjoy this.
"My two favorite girls, what did I do to get such a good morning?"
With that, I saw red.
"You had my daughter arrested, and
if you don't drop the charges,
you'll never see Lindsay again," Mom held my arm, so I stayed in
control.
"Did you see what she did to Phillip?" Okay, that answers that
question, but I don't believe Buffy would do that unprovoked.
"What did you do?" I'm not stupid. Sam is no angel.
"We talked," His talking isn't most people's talking. Sam was Old
Vegas.
"You threatened our granddaughter," Now it was my turn to hold onto
Mom.
"But..." he wasn't finishing that thought.
"Drop the charges, Sam, while Lindsay still thinks her grandpa hung the
moon," he picked up his phone and dialed while Mom and I watch him have a
conversation before hanging up.
"Done," Mom and I just turned around leaving him to think about what
he did, and as we climbed into the car, I invited Mom over to meet her
granddaughter.
----------------------------------------------------------
Sara just held me in her arms while stroking my back until
"The charges have been dropped, Buffy. We can go, and Catherine just
called, we're having lunch with your grandmother, Lily," she explained as
I looked at
"Would it be possible to assemble the guys and Brass, there is something I
need to say, and only want to do it once," Sara gave me a look before
nodding, "Do you need a ride home?" she smiled and shook her head no
leaving as Willow helped me up before we headed out the door.
I started to explain the mornings happenings on the drive home, and I knew from
her mannerisms that I had some sucking up to do, but she kissed at the first
stop light. We swung by our favorite coffee place for a couple mochas before
really heading home. I wasn't all that surprised with extra cars as we pulled
into the driveway. I squeezed
"What was that for?" Hey, I'm blonde.
"I love you, Buffy Flynn-Summers," Good enough for me as I kissed her
back before telling her that I loved her too.
power of a long forgotten Slayer weapon which activated all the Potentials we
had been training," It wasn't the full story, but we can hash out the
details later as I looked at the shocked faces around the room.
"How were you able to harness this
weapon's power?" leave it to Gil to ask the question that exposes
"Magic," all eyes went to Sara with just her one word.
"Sara?" Mom asked as even I was intrigued with what she had said.
"Buffy isn't making this up. Back when I was in
Sara explained as I noticed
"The Charmed Ones," and now
"Hey Buffy, pick Warrick up with one hand," Of course, Greg wants to
see feats of strength, so I motioned for Warrick to come over to appease Greg
and surprise Warrick since he was giving me a doubtful look as I lifted him up
smiling.
"Damn, she is definitely your daughter, Cat. She has your quiet strength
thing down," he said giving me a one-armed hug after I put him down while
Mom and Sara walked over with an older woman.
"Yes, she is," Mom said proudly giving me a hug, "Buffy, there
is someone I want you to meet. This is grandmother, Lily."
"Hello Buffy, it's nice to finally meet you, and all my grandkids call me
Nana," she said wrapping me up in a hug as I felt a couple tears roll down
my face.
"Hello Nana," hugging her back finally feeling like I was truly home.
After everything settled down, Mom moved things out by the pool where the more
detailed questions were asked, and not surprising, the fighting evil at fifteen
wasn't taken well, especially by Mom. Giles came into a better light and didn't
come off the creepy old man I'm sure some of them thought. It helped once I
told them he was my mentor, friend,
trainer, Watcher and dad all rolled into one. Hank was a big loser too when I
told of his exploits.
When it was time to pick up Lindsay, Willow and I got a parade of hugs until it
was down to just us, and she led us over to the couch before straddling my
hips, "We have the house to ourselves all to ourselves now," Willow
purred leaning down and starting to kiss me as the doorbell rang.
I was snickering as she pulled back, "You just had to say something,
didn't you?" carrying Willow to the door before putting her down and
opening the front door, "Dawn?"
----------------------------------------------------------
While I drove to the school, I was processing everything that was said at the
house, and the longer I thought about it, the prouder I got of Buffy. I mean
there she is at fifteen years old battling vampires, demons, etc. and does it
while keeping up the guise of a normal girl. I can totally understand her
reluctance to tell us especially after hearing how Joyce reacted, but I can
understand Joyce's reaction. I can't say I wouldn't have acted any different to
finding out that my seventeen year old daughter had been hiding a whole other
life from me.
"It's a lot to absorb," nodding at Sara's statement as she broke the
silence.
"Yeah, it does put things into perspective, though, and Sam got off light.
Buffy could have done some serious damage," Not to mention, I'm glad Gil
was at PD when Brass brought Buffy in.
"Lindsay stays in the dark about her sister's true nature, right?"
Sara's question brings up a good point.
"Definitely. Maybe when she is older, but for right now, Buffy is just her
big sister, and we'll take Linds to the park, so her and
As many times as I have seen Sara and Lindsay playing together in the park,
it's light the first time, every time. It's like watching two kids playing, and
it's even more fun to watch when Lindsay's friends are here. I'll have to tag
along the next time
I was going to pick up some food on the way home, but I wanted to see if the
girls wanted something special for dinner, and I was glad I waited since there
was a strange car in the driveway as I pulled in.
"Who's here Mommy?" Lindsay asked.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I heard you were in the pokey, Buffy. What gives?" Thank you Giles,
leave it to the Watcher to blow things out of proportion.
"I got arrested, Kennedy. That's all. Besides, Mom took care of it, and
it's now a non-issue, and I came clean about who I am. Now get in here,"
wrapping Dawn up in a hug as she came in.
"Just so you know, the others are coming too. They'll be here either
tonight or tomorrow," Dawn explained as I led them over to the couch.
"Good, I can kick Giles' ass for being such a drama queen. I get arrested,
and he sends the whole crew in. We can hang out tonight, but tomorrow night,
you guys are on your own. Lindsay drafted us into taking her trick or
treating," At the time, I hadn't wanted to, but after today, I would love
nothing more than a night of fun with Lindsay.
"You always were a sucker for little sisters, Buffy," reaching over
to tickle Dawn, but she was right.
Dawn explained they were only staying for the weekend as I took them on a tour
of the house, and even though I know Lindsay is going to do the introductions,
I showed them both the pigs. Plus, I took care of the GigaPig, so Lindsay
wouldn't have to do much since she would have new people to meet. As we came
down the steps, I heard the front door close.
"Buffy,
I turned to Kennedy, "Get ready to brace Dawn," smiling as I faced
Mom, "That would be Kennedy's, Mom. Giles apparently hit the panic button,
so you'll get to meet the whole family in person sooner than expected,"
smiling wider as Lindsay came around Mom.
"Hi Buffy, Willow," then her eyes moved past Willow,
"Dawn!" and she was off, and as instructed, Kennedy kept Dawn upright
when Lindsay jumped into her arms, "You're my other big sister. Buffy
talks about you all the time. She calls you her younger sister since you are
taller."
"It's nice to finally meet you too, Lindsay. This is my girlfriend,
Kennedy. We came up for the weekend because I didn't want to wait another month
before seeing Buffy," Dawn thankfully pre-answered the question I'm sure
Linds would have asked.
"Hi Kennedy, I saw pictures of all of you. Oh, you have to meet the
pigs," Lindsay said excitedly turning to face Mom, "Can I show
them?"
"Yeah sweetie, go ahead, and is pizza god for everybody?" Mom's
question got a round of yeses as the trio headed upstairs.
"Buffy, do they have a place to stay?" Sara's question had an easy
answer considering who it involves, so I played a hunch.
"With those two, I would say no. Do you know any places Sam doesn't
own?" wryly asking.
"It's your sister and girlfriend, and as long as they don't mind sleeping
bags, they can stay here, but the rest of the family will need to find their
own rooms. Come on, I'll let you pick the toppings," Mom said putting her
arm around me as we headed into the kitchen.
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AN: I don't own Charmed either :D
To be continued…