postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:17:54 GMT -5
You're what?!?!?!?!
One month later...
Tara was standing in their foyer, telling them that she was pregnant. She would've had to be three months or more along now if it were Daniel's baby, which it was...since Tara hadn't ever been with another man.
"I can't afford this baby, Will. What am I supposed to do? How did this happen?" Tara was a mess. Ever since the doctor confirmed her fears, the blonde had been running wild. She could barely afford the rent for the boarding house where she'd been staying. She and Daniel had never had much money in life, and he was her provider. The factory gave her a small sum to compensate for her husband's death in their factory accident but it wouldn't support her for much longer, and especially not a baby.
"I hope you know how this happened." Will blushed. This wasn't something she really wanted to discuss with another man's wife.
"I mean...I know that part." Tara ducked her head. Will was still so handsome. "Where's Buffy this afternoon?"
"She's calling on Sam's wife for tea, trying to make good here in Washington. Why?" Will narrowed her eyes. Why would Tara come to her about a baby? For all the blonde knew, Willow was a man...this wasn't something you talked to with a man.
"Nothing...I just thought. Well, I can tell you're uncomfortable, so I thought maybe if I talked to Buffy..." Tara trailed off. What happened to that stutter that Will remembered? 'Daniel must've finally given her confidence; that's good.'
"Well...I guess...are you wanting to...um...fix the problem?" Willow was uncomfortable with the idea, especially considering she wouldn't be able to have children.
"NO!" Tara wouldn't hear of that. This baby was made from love. There was no way she's do that. "Sorry...um. No. I could never..."
"That's good. Um...so...do you need money, is that it?" Willow really wasn't sure why Tara came to her.
"I would never ask you for money. You know that."
"I know. It's just...I'm confused why you would come to me. I'm sure you have friends around town that would be better suited for this sort of thing." Willow shifted in her chair, and swallowed hard.
"I was thinking that you could keep the baby." What was Tara asking? "I know you and Buffy want children, and Buffy has the most gorgeous body. Imagine what carrying a baby would do to that."
"I don't care about that." Inside, Willow thought...'though it is a nice body...'
"I'm not saying you are. I'm just saying..." Tara took a deep breath. "I don't want to get rid of this baby but I don't want it to go to some stranger. I know you and Buffy would love it as your own. You would make great parents, and be able to provide for it. I can barely survive on my own. There's no way I could take care of a baby."
"But that's your baby. You and Daniel made that baby. Don't you want to have something..."
"I know...but this is the most likely solution. Plus, it's not like we won't see each other. I can still visit the baby. I'll freely sign over the papers to make it yours. I just want to see it have a good life, and I know it will have that with you. I could never give this baby a good life." Tara was in tears now.
"Tara, you would love this baby. There's no way you would be able to give this baby a BAD life." Willow placed her hand on Tara's knee. Comfort, that's what the blonde was searching for...mainly because she was scared. "I'll have to talk to Buffy, see what she says...but if you ever, EVER change your mind...please, tell us?"
"Oh, thank you so much!!" Tara threw herself in Will's arms. That's how Buffy found them when she walked in the foyer.
---------------
"She wants us to take her baby?" Buffy was confused, too. Of all people, she figured Tara would be the best mother. When her initial jealousy passed after finding them in an intimate position, Buffy let them explain what was happening. She agreed wholeheartedly about taking the baby. Daniel was a redhead, Tara was a blonde. The baby would have high chances of looking similar to them, so she could get away with 'being pregnant' through her letters with her mom. She just wouldn't outright say, 'I'm pregnant'...just that there's a baby on the way. That way, her mother would get the grandchildren she wanted, and Will's 'manhood' wouldn't be brought into question.
"It's odd, I know." Willow couldn't believe the luck. She was thinking along the same lines.
"You know that we could use this to make mom think I'm pregnant?" Buffy sat on the bed once she finished brushing her hair. "I know it's deceitful and probably wrong...but no more deceitful than what we're already doing. Plus, this way she'll love you even more...because you helped give her grandchildren."
"Buffy..." Willow hardly whined but she hated lying to the woman. "We can't lie to your mother."
"That's just it. We won't lie to her. I'll just tell her we're expecting a baby, never outright say that I'M the one that's pregnant. She'll just assume for herself." Buffy thought it was a genius plan. Sure, lying to her mom not the top of her list...but she wouldn't technically be lying. She would just be leaving out part of the truth...sorta like she and Willow were doing about their marriage.
"Buffy...your mom is smart. She'll figure it out."
"I'm not saying she won't. We just have to go on the fact that she's so excited to have grandchildren that she won't think along those lines. She'll just assume, or play dumb." Buffy saw Willow's 'I'm not too sure about this' face, and kissed it away. "How else are we going to have kids?"
"I guess you're right...but that doesn't mean I have to feel good about it." Willow pouted, and Buffy kissed that away, too.
"We're gonna be parents. Did you ever think that'd be possible?" Buffy cuddled into Willow.
"Okay, you're right. This is right." Willow ran her fingers through the long silky locks on her shoulder. "What if Tara changes her mind, though? What if your mom or somebody comes up here to visit while you're 'pregnant'?"
"I'll just write to tell them not to worry about coming until the baby's born."
"What about Tara, though? She could still change her mind. Part of me wishes she would because she'd make a wonderful mother."
"I think so, too...but we can always just write to say something happened with the baby. She can assume I couldn't carry it." Buffy sighed. "Now that I've had more time to think about it, I really want this to happen."
"Me, too, baby. Me, too." Willow kissed Buffy's forehead, and they both went to sleep with huge smiles on their faces.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:18:29 GMT -5
Secrets Revealed
Two months later
Tara visited Buffy and Willow every day to the point that the couple set up a room in the house. Tara refused at first, until they voiced they needed a cook. Since she was great at that (she'd managed to fatten up Daniel a bit those last few months), there was no further argument.
It was just an added incentive that the shy girl was carrying 'their' baby. Buffy had written to her mother, telling her exactly what they'd planned. Technical lying had become an art with her. Her mother's reply was a five page long letter, explaining how she wanted to come see her, and congratulate them in person. Luckily, the next few letters managed to persuade the older Summers lady and family to stay where they were...that they were too busy to host company at the moment, since Will's job was starting to pick up. A campaign would be started soon for Sam, and Will was in the forefront.
"What are you thinking about?" Willow found Buffy sitting on the porch, staring out at the beautiful spring sky.
"How happy I am..." Buffy turned to see the redhead stand behind her, and wrap her arms around her. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. "I feel like taking a walk. What do ya think?"
"I think that's a marvelous idea." Willow leaned over to give Buffy a happily accepted kiss, and they took off down the sidewalk into the market. "Anything on your mind? You've been in la-la land lately."
"Nope. Just thinkin' 'bout how happy I am...that's really all." Buffy cuddled closer to Willow, as they continued their walk through the park. "Anything on your mind?"
"Just that it's still so surreal...and I'm happy." Willow kissed Buffy again, in the middle of the park. "And how I can't wait until this week's over..."
"Why is that? Busy at work?" Buffy laid her head on Will's shoulder.
"Well, yeah...but I'm talking about our mutual monthly problem..." Willow smirked that sexy smirk that drove Buffy wild.
"Oh...feeling a little frustrated?" Buffy matched the smirk with her own.
"It drives me crazy when I can't touch you..." Willow stopped them at a bench, and they sat down, still cuddled together.
"Me, too. Soon, though...I promise." Buffy kissed Will's cheek, and loved the heated blush there.
--------------------
"Hey, Tara. How ya feelin' today?" Buffy was in the living room when Tara walked in to ask what she wanted for dinner.
"Just fine. A little sick this morning but that's all. Where's Will?" Tara stood in front of Buffy, who patted the seat beside her for the pregnant girl to sit with her. "Thanks."
"You deserve a break. You've been fattenin' us up like Mary did back on the plantation. We haven't eaten this well in awhile. Thank you." Buffy touched Tara's knee, and smiled.
"What would you like for dinner tonight?" Tara still wasn't comfortable around Buffy, especially since she had a major crush on Will still.
"Why don't you let Will and I make dinner tonight?" Buffy missed those nights in the kitchen, when they'd always wear more flour on their faces from their food fights and making out.
"Will cooks? I didn't know that. I've never known a man to cook...especially of his stature." Tara was surprised. It made her that much more envious of Buffy.
"Me, neither...but when Will started work at our farm, the next day after we met, there he was...in the kitchen with Mary, helping make the biscuits for breakfast. It made me realize how much of a crush I had on him." Buffy smiled at the memory.
"I remember what that felt like..." Tara smiled at her own memory.
"Yeah...you mentioned you used to have a crush on him." Buffy had managed to shirk her jealousy over the 'other girls'...
"I wasn't the only one but I did somehow manage to catch his attention, I guess. For a while there, I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world." Tara blushed and ducked her head.
"Really? Will never mentioned it..." Buffy looked to the door, expecting her husband any moment from work. She felt the jealousy start to return.
"Oh, maybe I shouldn't..." Tara's eye widened. She didn't realize it was a big secret.
"No...no. It's okay. You can tell me. I don't mind." Buffy swallowed hard, prepared for the worst.
"It wasn't bad. He just asked me to dance a lot, and I thought he liked me. We almost kissed once...but he backed away at the last minute, like he was scared of something. I never saw him after that. Two months later, I ran into Daniel, and he helped me get over Will. It took awhile but that friendship turned into love, and Daniel and I became married. I think part of me wanted to make Will jealous by dating his bunkmate." Tara swallowed hard, the memories of the heartache seemingly fresh in her memory. Looking over at Buffy's locked jaw, she apologized.
"No...no need to apologize. There's nothing to apologize for..." Buffy stood. "If you'll excuse me, I'll go start dinner."
---------------------
Willow walked in the door, expecting to see Buffy waiting for her like she did every day...but today was different. Buffy was nowhere in sight. She checked the bottom floor, and heard sounds coming from the kitchen. Walking in, she smiled at the sight of Buffy kneading dough at the island counter.
"Need any help?" Willow removed her uniform jacket, and laid it on the stool.
"The chicken needs put in the oven..." Buffy just started to knead the dough harder.
"Sure can do..." Willow noticed the tension but decided to wait to comment. After the chicken was in the oven, she started the beans, then turned around, ready to kiss her wife hello. When the redhead put her arms around Buffy, the blonde just shrugged out of her arms.
"I'm messy. Maybe in a minute." Buffy had never denied Willow a kiss before, and the redhead was worried.
"Everything okay? What happened today?" Willow leaned against the counter, so she could see Buffy's face.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it." Buffy kept kneading harder until Will put her hands over hers, and stopped her before she ruined the bread. "Why didn't you say you had a thing with Tara?"
"Huh?" Willow was confused. What thing?
"You used to court Tara. Why didn't you say anything?" Buffy tried to fight the tears.
"I never...huh? I never courted Tara. Where'd you get that idea?" Willow was really confused now, almost about to giggle.
"Tara told me how you always danced with her, and you almost kissed her once." Buffy turned sad eyes to Will.
"Oh. She thought I was courting her?" Willow didn't mean to make it seem that way. "Xander always said that I needed to start paying attention to the girls, or the other guys would start to think I was light on my feet. I got along with Tara the most, so I asked her to dance. One night, I was curious...and yeah, we almost kissed...but I remembered that I couldn't, and stopped."
"Why didn't you ever tell me that?" Buffy allowed Willow to pull her into a tight hug.
"I never even thought about it. When I'm with you, you're the only thing I think about, so it just slipped my mind. That was over seven years ago, though." Willow held Buffy, allowing the blonde to cry. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
"I was so worried. I've never doubted you before...and when Tara told me that earlier...I didn't like the feeling. I was scared at what else you haven't told me." Buffy looked up through her tears.
"Buffy, you know most everything there is to know about me...I don't hide things from you. I forgot about that because it was a part of my life I wasn't proud of...I liked Tara. She was a great friend...and I didn't know I was courting her. I just thought I was covering up my identity and making a friend. I'm sorry, baby. I really am..." Willow wiped Buffy's tears away.
"It's okay. It's mostly me...I know you wouldn't lie to me. I just...I didn't like that feeling of doubt. It scared me." Buffy wrapped her arms fully around Willow again.
"I promise I will never hurt you, if I can help it. You're my present and my future. My past means nothing..." Willow cupped Buffy's cheeks in her hands, and planted a deal-sealing kiss on her soft lips. "I love you, Buffy."
"I love you, too." Buffy just wrapped her floury hands in Willow's red locks, making them powdery, no longer caring, as they recreated their many makeout dinner-making sessions.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:19:04 GMT -5
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
Buffy escorted Mrs. Grant into the house, as they removed their bonnets and shawls. The weather had started to get warmer as summer approached but there was still a nip in the air. Making their way to the kitchen, Buffy noticed the female servants fanning themselves, and looking guilty as she passed them.
“Will insisted on stayin’ home today, somethin’ about conditionin’. I hope everything is alright.” Buffy continued her path to the kitchen, as Mrs. Grant followed. “Tara is not well, so I’ll see about making us some tea, Mrs. Grant.”
“Please, please, Buffy. I’ve asked you time and time again to call me Julia.” Mrs. Grant patted Buffy’s upper arm, as they made their way into the kitchen. Tara was there, staring out the window, almost in a daze.
“Everything all right, Tara? I thought you would be in bed.” Buffy was relieved that Tara hadn’t started bulging to the point of showing yet, so they could still pass Buffy off as the pregnant one.
“Huh? Oh, yes, yes, Mrs. Rosenberg. All is well.” Tara turned around, and hid her eyes behind her hair, shame and guilt written all over her face. “I’ll…uh, I’ll retire back there now.”
“Okay, get better.” Buffy eyed her suspiciously, and made her way to the sink. Out the window, she could see what Tara was staring at, and couldn’t blame her. Willow had built a contraption in the backyard, and was using the steel bar to pull herself up repeatedly. Chin-ups would be the best way to describe it, the redhead’s feet never touching the ground. Buffy could see the sweat pouring from Willow’s brow, and running down her shirt (which she must’ve tripled to avoid the wet from showing off her breasts). Her sleeves were rolled up over her elbows, and her hair was slicked back from the sweat. Buffy found herself salivating.
“Oh my. You truly are a lucky girl.” Mrs. Grant was fanning herself, too. “Such a gorgeous young man your Will is. I wish I could talk Sam into keeping toned like that.”
“Yes, well…um…tea?” Buffy fanned herself a little, and made her way to the cupboard.
“Maybe some iced tea would be more appropriate now.” Mrs. Grant’s cheeks were flushed, and she was obviously embarrassed at ogling another soldier. “I do apologize, dear.”
“It’s…it’s quite alright. I think.” Buffy couldn’t shake the mental image of Willow from her mind, all hot and sweaty. “I…um…iced tea, then.”
“It’s not everyday you see a high-ranking official still conditioning his body like that. Your husband must be very determined to look extra nice for you.” Mrs. Grant winked at Buffy, and accepted the glass of tea that Buffy poured from a picture. “Yes, well, I am a lucky girl.” Buffy couldn’t hide her blush.
“No need to be ashamed, my dear. Your husband is a truly gorgeous man, and he adores you. I wouldn’t imagine there’s much he wouldn’t do to please you. You truly are a lucky young woman.” Mrs. Grant took off her gloves before sipping her iced tea. “And I was correct in my assessment, too. You truly are the envy of the ladies around here. Then again, General Rosenberg is the envy of all the fellows, as well. He must’ve had to fight off many a suitor to get to you.”
“That’s actually quite a difficult story.” Buffy’s cheeks flushed, and she tried to hide behind her glass.
“Oh, do tell, dear. My ears may be getting old but I still do love a bit of romantic tales.” Mrs. Grant settled into her chair, sitting up straight, and giving Buffy her undivided attention.
“Not much to tell, really.” Buffy saw that Julia Grant was not giving up that easy. “Well, Will and his best friend happened upon our plantation in South Carolina, lookin’ for work, so they could get back to California to their sweethearts.”
“Oh, Sam did mention the difficulties he had in locating General Rosenberg. There were no records of a family whatsoever.” Mrs. Grant interrupted just briefly but was afraid Buffy would stop her tale. “Please continue.”
“Well, they offered to help on the farm for just enough to get back to California, and my mother agreed, even knowing they were Yankee soldiers. I think I fell in love with him the minute he stepped into that dining room.” Buffy had a faraway look, obviously remembering that moment. Mrs. Grant just smiled in excitement. “Anyways, they helped on the farm, Will and I got closer but my mother didn’t want me to marry him because he was only a farmhand.”
“I imagine that was difficult for her, knowing that had he been a Confederate soldier, there would’ve been no problem.” Mrs. Grant gave that knowing ‘mother’ sympathetic look.
“Yes…well, she found out that Will’s friend was a senator’s son, and threatened to kick Will off the farm if I didn’t marry his friend instead. We found out later that my mother was suffering from mental delusions. All is well with the family now.” Buffy tried to leave it there but Mrs. Grant was quite the prier.
“And of course, you wound up marrying the right man in the end, or else you wouldn’t be here today.” Mrs. Grant finished her tea, just as they heard the back door swing open and shut, barring Julia from probing further. Looking up, they saw Willow toweling sweat from her hair, her cheeks flushed, and shirt drenched. “Speaking of…”
“Oh, dear. I hope you were only saying good things.” Willow walked into the tea alcove, wrapping the towel around her neck, and leaned over to kiss Buffy’s forehead. “Hello, dear. I didn’t know you were home.”
“We just got in not too long ago. I see you’ve been busy.” Buffy played with Will’s dangling suspenders, and smiled up at her.
“Yes, well. I have to stay conditioned if I hope to keep such a beautiful wife in my grasp.” Willow placed her hand behind Buffy’s chair, and the blonde placed her hand over her own shoulder to grasp it awkwardly. Mrs. Grant just gave a knowing grin.
“You’ve got me for good.” Buffy smiled up at the redhead, and squeezed her hand gently. Willow just smiled back.
“Shall I see you home, Julia? I’m afraid the doctor is coming by soon.” Willow saw this as the opportunity to make hints that a baby was on the way, without actually saying it. Another knowing, speculative grin came from Julia, as she stood from her seat.
“No, dear. You just make sure your wife is well.” The bait was hooked. Soon, there would be gossip making its way around Washington.
“We’ll see you to the door at least.” Buffy allowed Willow to help her from her seat, as the two let Mrs. Grant out of the house. “I’m glad she finally took the hint. We’ve been trying that for weeks now.”
“Yes, well. I just hope we’re doing the right thing.” Willow was still worried about the entire situation. Truth be told, so was Buffy but they were going to have a child. “There’s just so much to do with this. Deception is really hard.”
“You’ve been doin’ it for years. I’d say you’re a professional by now.” Buffy saw the forlorn look on Willow’s face, and immediately regretted what she’d said. “I’m sorry, Will. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know. I…I just hate all this lying. It really bothers me.” Willow took a seat in the front room, and Buffy sat next to her, cupping her cheek in her hand.
“I love you, Will. We couldn’t be together otherwise. We’re doing this for us.” Buffy stole a quick kiss to Willow’s still reddened cheek.
“That’s all that matters. It makes it all worth it.” Willow took a deep breath, and steeled herself again. “Okay, it’s settled then. You’ll stop wearing your corset next month, not that you ever need it.”
“Aww…thank you.” Buffy smiled adoringly, and grasped Will’s hand in hers.
“Then, you’ll be on bed rest during the eighth month. After that, we’ll take a trip away to California to stay with Xander and Anya, and Anya will deliver the baby. Then, we’ll forge the documents claiming us as the birth parents. Easy, see?” Willow gave a nervous giggle. “I still don’t see how they let Anya be a midwife.”
“Slim pickin’ out there, I guess.” Buffy was excited. “I just hope Tara’s up for the trip.”
“I know Sam won’t have a problem giving me leave to take care of my ‘pregnant wife,’ so getting away won’t be a problem. I’m just so scared.” Willow laid her head against Buffy’s shoulder, as the blonde pulled her closer.
“I know, baby. Me, too…but we’ll do this. Not just for us but for Tara and Daniel, too.” Buffy kissed Willow’s temple, and looked down at the sweaty mess her lover had become. “Now, mind letting your wife ogle you instead of the help for a change?”
“How is that a change? You’re always ogling me.” Willow smirked, as she leaned back upright. “What did you have in mind?”
“Oh…getting you all hot and sweaty, giving me a show.” Buffy leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner. “Starting with that new contraption in the backyard that’s caused my husband to look like he fell into pond.”
“Oh, right! My steel bar! It’s neat, really. We used to have something similar to it at the Point. I just use my entire body weight as leverage to add muscles. Being a little more feminine in nature, I have to work that much harder to keep a toned exterior. My arms are already dainty enough; imagine what would happen if I quit conditioning altogether.”
“I’d still love you, even if you were a limp noodle.” Buffy stole a quick kiss, as Willow pulled her into the backyard, and showed off her newest invention. After Willow did a few chin-ups, Buffy decided to play unfair, and started to tickle the redhead, who just fell to the ground, the blonde falling on top. They kissed in the mid-afternoon sun, and didn’t stop until Tara came out to announce supper was ready. The sun was beginning to set, showcasing how time flies by when kisses are involved.
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Buffy was making her way down the stairs, when Willow answered the door. Taking the mail, the redhead thanked the young man before turning around to greet her wife.
“Glad to see you up and about, my dear. Are you ready for your big debut tonight?” Willow was referring to the social that Mrs. Grant was holding. Tonight would be the first night Buffy would stop wearing her corset, and start to ‘show’ a little belly growth. The sixth month was upon Tara, who was starting to show major growth as well. “You have a letter from Dawnie.”
“Oh, I hope all is well.” Buffy took the letter, and took a seat in the front room. Willow retired to the kitchen to bring them both some hot tea. She returned a few minutes later to find Buffy’s eyes wide as the saucers she was carrying. “She says that Dr. Giles has asked for Mother’s hand, if she’ll have him. Apparently, our suspicions were correct, and he’s been furiously courting her these past few months since the divorce was finalized.”
“That’s good news. He was a bit too British at times but it was obvious he adored your mother.” Willow poured the tea, as Buffy continued reading the letter. “What was your mother’s reply?”
“She hasn’t yet, though Dawn will keep us updated on the situation.” Buffy took a sip of her tea, and spewed it once she read the next line. “What?!?!”
“Thanks, dear.” Willow was wiping hot tea from her face with an amused grin. Buffy noticed this, and began to apologize. “I take it something was funny.”
“The opposite. My Lord, you’ll never believe this. Mother confessed to Dawnie that Dr. Giles is her real father.” Buffy shook her head to clear it, as Willow picked up the weeklies. “That means Dawn isn’t my real sister.”
“Sure she is, Buffy. She just has a different father is all. You’re still both your mother’s daughters.” Willow smirked, and sipped at her tea between articles.
“Wow, I mean…and my mother was worried about the scandal OUR marriage would create? She has a love child with the town doctor! I wonder if our…my father knows.” Buffy continued to read but the spew worthy news was finished. She just continued reading, informing Willow of all the goings-on at SunnyDale plantation, and the surrounding area. “It says here that Drusilla is coming from England in a couple months to stay with William.”
“Who is Drusilla?” Willow looked up from her weeklies, and poured them another cup of tea.
“William’s wife, though we don’t like to discuss her too much. If you think Mother was hard on you…” Buffy almost laughed at the memories. “Let’s just say Drusilla has a few pegs missing.”
“What does everyone think about her coming?” Willow smiled, as she watched Buffy purse her lips to take a sip of tea. It was so cute.
“William is obviously excited but the others are weary. Drusilla is a handful, as I recall, and I’m sure the years haven’t been too kind to her sanity.” Buffy laid her cup down when she noticed Willow staring. She just smiled, and sighed at the adoration on Willow’s face. She never got tired of seeing it. “What has you all giddy?”
“You, as per usual.” Willow laid the weeklies aside, and stood from the table. “How about a walk? We still have some time before we have to get ready for the party tonight.”
“I would love that.” Buffy smiled, and took Willow’s offered hand. They put on their jacket and shawl, and headed out into the sunshine.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:19:39 GMT -5
Before the Long Haul
Willow removed her hat before entering the Grant’s house. The butler showed her to Sam’s study, where he was busy looking over documents and drafts. Since he had managed to secure the Union’s victory, he was the obvious choice for the Republican ticket in the next election. However, he had been having some troubles with President Johnson as of late, and their quarrels could be heard in the halls of the Executive Mansion, or as Willow liked to call it, ‘the white house.’ He had been toying with the idea of changing his ticket to Radical Republican, and it concerned Willow but she had faith that Sam knew what he was doing.
Removing her jacket, she handed it to the butler, and took a seat across from Sam, waiting for him to notice her. It took a while but General Grant finally looked up from his papers.
“Oh, Will, my boy. I apologize. Johnson has me in a frenzy, and I’m not myself today.” Sam pushed his papers aside, and stood to greet his right hand man properly. “How is the wife doing?”
“As well as can be expected, I suppose. She’s suddenly become shy and embarrassed, and doesn’t want to take company, I’m afraid. We’re to make our trip to California soon, and she’s afraid of what that’ll mean for the baby.” Will blushed, though Sam didn’t say anything if he noticed.
“Well, you’re taking your midwife with you, so all should be well. Wanting your child to be born in California like yourself is a bold move, though I respect your decision, and heartily grant you leave to do so.” Sam slapped Willow on the shoulder before heading towards the liquor cabinet. “Can I interest you in a brandy and a cigar? I’m afraid we won’t have a chance to celebrate.”
“No thank you, Sam.” Willow politely declined the brandy snifter Sam offered.
“Ah, I seem to always forget you won’t smoke. All the more for me, I suppose. Maybe I shall give you a cigar anyways, to show my congratulations.” Sam handed Willow the cigar but again, she politely refused. “Ah, come now. It’s tradition with these manners.”
“I suppose in the sake of tradition, I’ll keep it in my desk, though you should seriously think of cutting back.” Willow took the cigar with every intention of throwing it out when she got home. Upon inspection, she noticed it was of good quality, and decided to save it as a gift to Xander.
“You should think about growing some facial hair now. You’re almost a father. I remember my children loved to play with my beard when they were infants. Of course, it wasn’t as profound as it is now but it’ll come in time.” General Grant ignored the comments about his cigar-smoking, as he always did.
“I’ll think about it.” Willow’s blush deepened, if at all possible.
“Now, tell me. What brings you here on your day off?” Sam folded his arms, and leaned against his desk. “I remember specifically telling you not to leave your wife’s side. She’s already angry enough with me for keeping you late and extra days these past few months.”
“I just came to pay respects to Mrs. Grant. I’m afraid Buffy isn’t feeling well today, and won’t be able to make their tea.” Willow just clutched her hat in her hand. The memory of Buffy going stir crazy in their room yesterday came to mind, and a hint of a smile graced her rosy features. “She does apologize but I’m afraid the doctor has put her on bed rest until further notice.”
“Keep us informed of the situation, and give Mrs. Rosenberg my best wishes.” Sam grabbed some papers from his desk. “While you’re here, I might as well get your opinion on a few things.”
“That’s what they pay me for.” Willow came closer to Sam, and took the offered papers.
“Johnson has offered me a position, and I’m offended by the offer. He wants my help in taking out these Radical Republicans, as you know. Take those home, and write me a report on your findings. I trust your judgment in this matter. I don’t expect you to come in tomorrow.” Seeing Will’s protest, he held up his hand. “No arguments, General. This will keep you busy, while you tend to your wife.”
“Thank you, Sam but I’m not the one on bed rest. I can still come to work.” Willow tucked the papers beneath her arms, and saluted. “I will take your offer this time, though. It will be nice to cater to my wife for a change.”
“That’s the spirit.” Sam slapped Will’s back again, and pushed him out the door. “Now, get home to Buffy before she has my ear about keeping you too long.”
“Yessir.” Willow saluted again, and headed back to the house.
Once outside the door, she placed the hat back on her head, and gave a deep sigh. She really hated this but it had to be done.
Willow walked up the stairs with the mail to find Buffy sitting in bed with a frown on her face. Smiling gently, she made her way over to the bed, and sat beside her.
“This should cheer you up: a letter from Dawn.” Willow handed the letter to Buffy, and propped herself in the bed beside her. She was taking a break from her report for Grant.
“I heard some horrible things about Sam today.” Buffy cast worried eyes towards her husband, and took a huge swallow. “Tara was talking about the Vicksburg Campaign, and how Daniel would worry about you when they found out you were working for Grant.”
“You’re talking about the Anti-Semitism rumors?” Will relaxed, and sighed deeply. “Grant doesn’t hate Jews; he hates his father. Grant wrote the General Order to keep his father from profiting in a deal. It has nothing to do with Jews at large.”
“I still worry. What if they’re true? Does he know about you?” Buffy sat up fully.
“Of course he does, Buffy. Part of me wonders if it’s one of the reasons he appointed me his Administrator.” Upon her wife’s questioning glance, Willow took the blonde’s hands in her own. “Grant brought me into his tent one night after he learned that I was Jewish. He wanted to quell any fears I might have about him attacking me in my sleep. He probably remembered me because of that, and wanted to help his image by being associated directly with a Jew.”
“You mean that Grant only gave you this position because he wanted to clear his own name?” Buffy looked disgusted by the idea.
“No, no. Not the only reason but my guess is that it plays some part in it. I’m not offended. He never showed me any grievance, and I show him none in return.” Willow kissed her wife’s hands. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should get back to work.”
“You can’t stay for just a little bit longer?” Buffy gave her sexy eyes, and Willow rolled her own in amusement before leaning over for a kiss.
“I would love to stay but you know you get loud, and we’ve talked about this.” Willow kissed Buffy’s cheek one last time before standing.
“I know, I know. I’m in my eighth month, so we can’t have sex until the baby is born. I tell ya, I didn’t sign up for that.” Buffy huffed and pouted. “This month won’t be over soon enough.”
“I promise, it’ll be worth it in the end.” Willow winked at Buffy, and bent over to kiss her forehead. “Now…I’ll leave the weeklies with you, and you can update me on the family during dinner, okay?”
“The things I do for you.” Buffy just gripped her letter, and accepted the sweet kiss Willow offered.
“I’ll give you a bath later.” Willow waggled her eyebrows, and winked again before leaving the room.
“At least I have something to look forward to.” Buffy said to the empty room.
Willow was sitting across from General Grant, as the older man perused through the papers. He played with his beard, and took time to remove the cigar from between his lips before speaking.
“I agree with you. I’ll keep my military command but you’re right. I do have the right to refuse Johnson’s ridiculous offer. Secretary Stanton is doing a fine job, and Johnson only wants him out because he opposes him. General Rosenberg, you’ll make a fine politician yet, even if you are a little too honest.” Sam came over, and offered Rosenberg a snifter of brandy. Willow surprisingly accepted the glass.
“I’m sorry I have to leave you on such terms, though.” Willow had spent the day packing them for the trip before making her way to Sam’s house. “I’m afraid I’ll miss all the action this bold move will result.”
“No fear, son. You just take care of that wife of yours, and make sure you get to California without any problems. I still worry, and wish you’d take my offer of a small military escort.” Sam sat back in his seat, nursing his cigar and brandy.
“I appreciate the offer, General but I’m afraid more people will charter more attention. That’s exactly what we’re looking to avoid.” Willow stood from her seat, placing the lightly sipped snifter back on the liquor cabinet. “I haven’t seen Xander in almost a year, and it will be good to see him.”
“I commend your bravery, son, and wish you all the luck on your journey. Send Buffy my love and best wishes, as well.” Sam pulled out a brown paper-wrapped parcel, and hadn’t it to his protégé. “I do hope you won’t have to use this but just in case.”
“Thank you, Sam.” Willow took the package, knowing it was a pistol and extra gunpowder and bullets. She hated guns but remembered the dangers along the way. She hated putting Buffy and a very pregnant Tara in harm’s way like this but there was no better way to pull off this deceit. Again, Willow’s cheeks flushed bright red, and she saluted before making her exit. They would be leaving early in the morning, and she wanted to triple check that they had everything they would need.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:20:17 GMT -5
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Willow couldn’t sleep the entire night, as she tossed and turned in the bed. It would be their last time in this bed for more than two fortnights. Looking over, she noticed Buffy sleeping peacefully, her hand tucked under the redhead’s shirt for contact. Willow just smiled again, and wondered how one big lie turned into so many more. Then, she looked at Buffy again, and decided it was all worth it.
Snuggling back into the covers, Willow got a little more rest before the trip would start in the morning. Everything was packed, and by the door. They would be traveling light, as the train would only take them so far before they would have to take the infamous California Trail they’d traveled when heading to West Point. She was going home for the first time in almost ten years.
Waking up was the easy part. Since the train departed in an hour, Willow already had the bags packed in the wagon, and made sure Tara and Buffy were both bathed and dressed. This trip would be so much easier in a few years once the transcontinental railroad, not to mention safer. Once they departed the train, anything went as far as attacks.
Dressed for the trip, Buffy helped Tara waddle down the stairs, as they made their way to the wagon. Willow arranged for the butler to pick up the wagon later that evening, and Buffy was to wear pads under her dress to show off an extended belly just in case. It appeared as though both women were pregnant.
“Are we ready?” Willow helped Tara, as they all loaded into the wagon. Once at the station, the redhead went about securing the luggage, while Buffy and Tara loaded the train. Willow found them all settled by the time she got to her seat. “We’ll be in California within the next few days, barring any complications.”
“Tara, we’d like you to stay on staff.” Buffy had wanted to wait for Willow before they had this discussion. Now was as good a time as any. “No arguments. This is your baby, and we’ll raise it but we want you to stay on as the nanny. That way, you’ll be able to see your child grow, and we’ll be able to sleep better at night knowin’ that we didn’t take this opportunity away from you completely.”
“I’m not surprised, though it will surprise you a bit that I won’t argue.” Tara smiled, and settled into her seat more. “When you decide to have children of your own, I will treat them no differently.”
“We know you won’t.” Buffy patted Tara’s hand, and sent a sympathetic smile towards Willow. “We just want you to know that you’ll be part of this family, as long as you’re willing to stay. It does surprise me a little that you’re not arguing, I must admit.”
“It’ll be hard, watching the little one grow, and never claiming it as my own but I know this is best for us all.” Tara had planned on staying anyways, since the baby would need food. “I never would have asked you to keep it, if I didn’t truly believe that.”
“We know.” Willow took the opportunity to grasp her wife’s hand, as the train started to depart from the station.
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The last train stopped somewhere in Nevada, what was once Sierra Nevada. The railroad was further along than Willow had originally thought. They would only need a day to get to California, if that, since Sunnydale was on the outskirts of the gold rush. The anticipation in her gut from returning home after so long was eating at her. She would have to stay hidden within Xander’s home, for fear of running into old colleagues that would recognize her. Buffy would have to see her hometown without her, and it made the redhead pout.
“Something wrong?” Buffy rubbed Willow’s arm, and patted her pillowed belly at the same time.
“No, just mad that I won’t get to show you where I was raised.” Willow sighed deeply before standing, and helping her wife and ‘midwife’ stand from their seats. “We’re way ahead of schedule, so I think we should stay the night here. We can grab a nice, hot meal, and sleep in comfy beds. If we get started before dawn, I suspect we’ll be in Sunnydale by dusk, as long as we don’t stop too often.”
“We’re so close.” Tara smiled at the two, as she noticed how they grasped hands immediately upon standing. They really were cute together. That she couldn’t deny.
“And yet so far.” Buffy, always the pessimist. “But a hot meal and comfy bed does sound like heaven about now.”
They exited the train, retrieved their light luggage, and headed into town. The dust billowed from the streets, as their shoes tapped against the wooden decks of the town. They made their way into the inn, and got two rooms for the night. Willow arranged for wagon transport to Sunnydale before they took a short walk around the town. After a hot meal, and a cooling bath, the three made their way to bed. Again, Willow couldn’t sleep, as she noticed Buffy’s hand in the exact same spot it was the night before, resting on her belly, just under her nightshirt.
The night only seemed to drag, so Willow was up earlier than needed. She made sure everybody was ready to go before they headed to the wagon’s departure point. The redhead secured the two women in the back before she sat up front at the reigns with the wagon’s owner. He and his own wife were making their way to California for dreams of gold, and free land.
They had arrived in Sunnydale before the sun even threatened to set. The driver and his wife bid them good luck before they continued on their own journey into the heart of the gold country. Everything was so different from what Willow remembered. There were more buildings, more people walking the streets, more houses. The September weather was the only thing that was the same. Afraid of running into somebody that would recognize her, Willow didn’t gawk long, as she ushered the two ladies towards the old shop. It was even different, as they walked inside.
Anya just stared at them for a minute before realizing who they were, and making her way over to give them each a hug in greeting. Hearing the commotion, Xander limped out of his upstairs study, and saw Willow standing there with a very pregnant Tara and Buffy. When he hugged Buffy, he realized her ‘baby’ was only a pillow. Leave it to Willow to think of everything.
“Oh, how I’ve missed you, Xander.” Willow didn’t hold back, and threw her arms around her oldest friend.
“How is the family? I never thought I’d say this but I do miss the East.” Xander hugged his friend back, enveloping her tiny frame in his arms. He’d put on some weight since last year.
“They’re having trouble with Riley Finn’s old slave keeper. Apparently, the Klan has shown up as well, threatening them with fire and brimstone, all because Mom allows Mary, Forrest, and Susie to stay inside the house with them.” Buffy’s eyes showed how much she missed her family. “Luckily, Dr. Giles was there, shotguns a’blazin’, and scared ‘em off.”
“Who knew Mr. Britain himself could be so dangerous?” Xander grabbed their bags but Willow swatted his hand away. “You’re our guests.”
“Yes but you still have to climb those stairs. I saw you come down them. Is everything alright? Your limp looks worse than I remember.” Willow scrunched her brow in worry. It was true. Xander never had that much trouble walking. Matter of fact, the injury never really caused many problems.
“I’m fine.” Xander smiled in reassurance but Anya was still tactless as ever.
“You’re not fine. I told him not to overdo it but what does he do?” Anya eyed her husband with something akin to sympathy and consternation. “I swear men never listen. If I wasn’t there to call for the doctor, he would probably not have a leg right now.”
“What? Xander!” Willow knew her friend was stubborn but he’d never been wreckless.
“It was just another box, albeit heavier than I should’ve carried. I just slipped, and it dislocated my knee.” Xander saw the admonishment in Willow’s eyes, and had the decency to hand his head in shame. “On a lighter note, we should get you settled. I’m sure Tara here needs to rest.”
“I’m fine, Private Harris, though I could use a glass of water, and a place to do my business.” Tara took a seat in one of the store’s chairs. “We’ve been sitting for so long, it was good to stand for a minute.”
“We’re learning that pregnant women use the privy more than average.” Buffy noticed Willow’s blush, and remembered how embarrassed the redhead had been every time they had to get the wagon driver to stop, so Tara (and Buffy would go for show, as well) could do her business. “Must have something to do with added weight on the organs.”
“I’ll see to the water, while Anya shows you to the outhouse.” Xander headed into the back, and Anya helped Tara stand, showing her the way to pee.
“This isn’t at all what I expected.” Buffy took a seat on the couch, and Willow followed. “From the way you describe it, I thought there’d be more sand and less people.”
“It’s been almost ten years since I’ve been here, Buff. I’m not at all surprised by the expansion, since Xander mentions some of it in his letters but I didn’t expect so much of it. When we were growing up, California wasn’t even part of the Union yet.” Willow relaxed in her seat, though her years of soldier training wouldn’t allow her shoulders to go too far back. Good posture was forever embedded into her system.
“I’m glad we’re here. I feel closer to you somehow.” Buffy leaned over to give Willow a kiss but was interrupted by Xander walking in the room. “Thank you for doing this, Xander. I know how…awkward it must be for you.”
“No problem. You married my best friend, and she’s a much better man and husband than I’ll ever be. I’d say you got the best end of the deal.” Xander laid the tray down, filled with glasses of lemonade. “Being a shopkeeper has its advantages, though. I’m not complaining.”
“Again, thank you, Xander.” Buffy took the offered glass, and sipped at it with gusto. “You’re the first person we haven’t had to deceive in a very long time. It’s refreshing.”
“Anything for Willow. I owe her my life.” Xander raised his own glass in a toast. He would have to watch his wordings again, since Tara was still unaware of Willow’s womanhood. Anya was shocked and bewildered when she found out but glad to be in the know. She’d do anything for Xander, including keeping his best friend’s darkest secret.
The rest of the evening went well, as the gang settled into the somewhat comfy quarters upstairs. Tara was due in two weeks, and this much-needed visit was long overdue. For the first time in months, Willow slept peacefully, Buffy tucked into her side.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:20:56 GMT -5
Life
A/N: I want to see if anybody picks up the slight crossover hint I gave. That's what this story originally intended to be but changed my mind, and decided to focus more on just our gang instead.
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Xander came down the stairs to see his best friend already doing chores for the day. He only smiled at Willow’s constant need for something to keep her busy. Anya was doing a good job of that, it appeared. The store wouldn’t open for another hour, and the redhead already had the week’s stock on the shelves.
“I hate that you’ll be hiding.” Xander limped into the room, leaning more on his cane than usual. “I understand but I hate it.”
“I know. I hate it, too…but we can’t risk me running into somebody we know. You’ll start to get busy soon, so I’ll just make myself useful in the kitchen, and making sure Tara is comfortable. Buffy can’t do that by herself.” Willow wiped the counter down before taking a seat on one of the stools.
“I have something for you.” Xander moved behind the counter, and bent over to pull out a package. “I wanted to wait until the baby was born but I figure now is as good a time.”
“You’re already doing enough.” Willow was curious, and scared at the same time. The package was square in shape, wrapped in thick brown paper similar to the pistol Sam had given her before the trip. Carefully extracting the package from the paper, she found a plain wooden box, much like a large jewelry box. “It’s beautiful, Xan…but what if it’s a boy?”
“You didn’t open it. It’s for you and Buffy.” Xander had this evil grin on his face. Suddenly, Willow became very scared. “Go ahead; it won’t bite. I learned my lesson the year I gave you a frog for your birthday.”
“And I’ve been forever scarred since.” Willow smirked at the memory. Growing up with Xander was always an adventure, and it still hadn’t stopped. Taking a breath for bravery, she peeked inside the box, only to snap it shut really fast, and blush deeper than she’d ever blushed. “Alexander LaVelle Harris!!!”
“Anya has this friend that runs a brothel a couple towns over. She special makes them for the girls there…and even some of the men, if you can believe it.” Xander shook his head from that mental image. “Anyways, when Anya found out about you, she immediately called Halfrek, and asked for her to make one. It’s made of leather, and I took a look at it. Fine craftsmanship. I made the box because I knew you’d be too embarrassed to leave it in the open.”
“I can’t…Xander…you’re in so much trouble.” Willow’s eyes couldn’t stop staring at the box. What would Buffy think?
“You have to forgive Anya. When she found out, her first reaction was that Buffy would never know the joys of the penis.” Xander reached under for another package. “Besides, you haven’t opened up the harness.”
“Xander!” Willow said it louder than she intended, as Anya came into the room from the back.
“Oh, did he give you the gift I had made for you and Buffy?” Anya talked as though it were the most natural thing in the world. “If you get confused, I can show you how to put it on. Halfrek showed me one time.”
“Some things I don’t wanna hear.” Willow walked away from the counter, ready to hide in the back. At the last minute, she grabbed the two packages from the counter, and rushed up the stairs to hide the boxes. No need to alarm the public that there was a disembodied, leather penis in -a -box on the counter.
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The week went by fast, and Buffy could only gush about the beauty of the California mountainsides. Willow would only pout more that she couldn’t show her own wife around town. Everybody was in bed when it happened. Tara screamed for water. Willow made her way to the room to pour the woman a glass, only to find Tara in a fit, struggling against the sheets, sweat consuming her, and gown soaked. Her water had broken. This was it. A week early. Rushing to get Anya, the storekeeper immediately went to work. Buffy woke up, and held one of Tara’s hands, as the woman went through her contractions. Willow stood over the woman, holding her other hand, and wiping her brow with a wet cloth. Xander was passed out in the corner, and Anya was busy between Tara’s legs.
In the early morning hours, a new baby was born, its first cries resounding in the room, as Anya went about cleaning the baby, and Willow cut the umbilical cord. Tara was resting a moment before the rest of the fluids and afterbirth came out. Anya handed the baby to Buffy to hold, who just fell in love immediately. There was nothing like a newborn baby. She remembered being outside the door when Dawn was born. This was so much more magickal. Willow came over, and wrapped one arm around her wife, as she ran the other one through the soft baby hairs at the top of the little boy’s head. Looking over at Tara, they both just mouthed ‘thank you’ with tears in their eyes. The woman was worn, as the afterbirth procedure started.
Several hours later, five adults hovered around a sleeping newborn, all amazed at the feat they had just accomplished. Xander had finally woken up from the floor, and joined the others in the room by Tara’s bedside, thanking her for the miracle that had just occurred. After feeding the baby, Tara handed him back to Willow, and couldn’t help the sad smile that crossed her face at the picture. She had this dream several times; Willow holding their baby, Tara just smiling up at the redhead holding it in his arms. Taking a deep breath, she decided a little more rest was in order.
Buffy and Willow took the baby into their room, while Tara rested for the rest of the morning. They just sat up, staring at the sleeping bundle in one of the crib’s Xander sold in the shop downstairs. They were parents. This was real. Something impossible had just happened, and it scared them both completely. They just held onto each other, staring at the baby, neither able to get back to sleep. At least they’d have an extra week and a half to let Tara recover from the birth before they headed towards South Carolina to visit SunnyDale, and the Summers family.
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The week went by way too fast, as Tara was up and moving the past few days before their new trip. What surprised everybody most was that Tara would only feed the child, and hold him a few minutes afterwards. They all figured the blonde would take the time to emotionally bond with the baby but she was truly keeping to her word, and he was Willow and Buffy’s responsibility now. They heard her soft cries through the walls those first few nights, and it tore at their hearts. The cries died down as the week passed, and now Tara acted only as a nanny would, albeit full of breast milk.
“I hate that we have to leave so soon.” Willow wrapped Xander in another bear hug.
“I know…but we’ll visit soon. Once the transcontinental is finished, visiting will be so much easier. Only a few more years…” Xander wrapped his large upper arms around Willow, and didn’t care at the onlookers. “I’ll drive you to catch the Nevada train. We have an order for one of my wagons around the area anyways. I expect family pictures as soon as you return.”
“Of course.” Buffy extracted her husband from Xander, hard to do with one arm, as the other was holding a baby. “We should get going. You’ll stay at the inn in Nevada with us. We refuse to let you ride your horse back at night.”
“Of course.” Xander wrapped his wife in a hug. “I’ll be back in a few days. You won’t miss me.”
“I’ll miss the sex.” Anya took her turn hugging the three other women. Finishing with Buffy, she leaned in conspiratorially. “And Will has a special treat for you when you have sex again.”
“O…kay.” Buffy just blushed, and nodded to get the woman to let her go. Willow’s eyes were bulging, and her cheeks were blood red again. It was embarrassing enough that Xander stood over her, making sure that she put the two packages in the bottom of her luggage.
They made their way out into the sunrise, and were in Nevada by sunset. It was Xander that would stop to pee this time.
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Well rested, and happier than normal, the three boarded the first train to Chicago, just smiling at the new addition to their party. For almost a month, they didn’t have to deceive anybody. Now, the real test was coming, as the tracks took them closer and closer to South Carolina.
“What will you name him? You haven’t said yet.” Tara took the baby, and hid it to allow him to feed without prying eyes.
“I knew this guy growing up. Well, okay, I didn’t know him personally, he was from a neighboring plantation but I liked his name.” Buffy watched in awe, as the baby would clutch at Tara’s breast as it fed. It was hard not to stare, as they had a clear view of the procedure. Willow chose to blush, and avert her eyes when it happened. “Anyways, I always liked his name.”
“What was his name?” Willow swallowed hard, and did her best not to stare at Tara’s exposed breast. It’d been so long since she’d seen a naked breast, and the one she wanted to see was attached to the arm that was attached to her own.
“Ory Main. He lived on Mont Royal. It was such a beautiful plantation. I wish you could’ve seen it before it burned. We would always go to parties there growing up. Last I heard, they’d built a schoolhouse on the property, and Ory’s wife was keeping it.” Buffy sighed, deep in the memories of her childhood in South Carolina. Life was much simpler then…but she wouldn’t trade her life now for the world.
“It’s a fine name, Buffy but I know it from somewhere. I’ve heard that name before.” Willow sat in thought for a moment but couldn’t remember where. “It’s a Jewish tradition to name the firstborn after a deceased relative but I’m not really that religious anymore.”
“No, it’s good. It’s part of him. You’re part of him, and that means he’s part Jewish.” Buffy was already adapting to this baby being theirs. It wasn’t as hard as they thought, this deception.
“We could name him after my grandfather, Shmuel.” Willow smirked a bit at the look on Buffy’s face, and Tara’s giggle. “It means ‘God has heard.’ Also…we can just call him Samuel.”
“Then Grant will think we named him after him.” Buffy took the baby from Tara, as she patted his back to burp.
“Grant? Oh, Sam! No, his name isn’t actually Sam. It’s Hiram.” Willow smiled. “He changed his name before he went to West Point because he didn’t want the soldiers teasing him about his initials.”
“Huh?” Tara was confused. She’d never heard that.
“Oh, yeah. It’s true. Hiram Ulysses Grant. Simpson was his mother’s maiden name. It just stuck with him. Long story.” Willow heard the tiny burp from the baby, and her smile grew wider.
“HUG?” Tara finally realized the reason for the name change. “I understand completely.”
“ ‘God has heard.’ That is more than true, and Samuel is a beautiful name, especially since it’s…somewhat…a family name. We’ll name him Samuel but only if I can give him a middle name.” Buffy smirked, as she noticed Willow’s face get red. “I remember one Hebrew word I’ve heard you say over and over, and it sounds beautiful. Chai.”
“Life?” Willow was surprised Buffy understood what she meant when she spoke in Hebrew. “Chai means life. Samuel Chai Rosenberg? It’s a very Jewish name.”
“Yes, well, you’re my very Jewish husband. Just because you’re not the most religious doesn’t mean that we can’t give our baby a strong name based on your upbringing. I think we need to incorporate your past into his life, as well. Besides, I love that name, the way it rolls off the tongue. It’s very romantic. He’ll be a real heartthrob, just like his father.”
“Then, it’s settled. The baby now has a name.” Tara rested further back in her seat. “Before we move trains in Chicago, we can get out the birth papers. I’m still amazed you were able to do that.”
“It’s a gift, not one I like to admit to having.” Willow shrugged, as they relaxed as best they could on a rickety train. “We’ll be at Buffy’s home in a few days. You’ll get to see where we met.”
“Yes, Buffy told me the entire story…several times.” Tara just smirked at the slight blush on the other blonde’s cheeks. She still wasn’t wearing her corset to give off the ‘just gave birth’ look. Tara would be wearing hers when they got to SunnyDale to give off the opposite look.
“Well, I was bored…and there was nothing to do cooped up in that room for a month.” Buffy blushed, as she ducked, and held the baby tightly in her arms.
The rest of the trip to Chicago was made in companionable silence, rests in between, cries here and there. At the inn that night, the baby was made an official member of the Rosenberg/Summers lineage.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:21:33 GMT -5
Baby Blues
A/n: I messed up my historic timeline early on in the story, so for the sake of the story, a year just magickally disappeared, and it's actually September 1867, okay?? Just ignore my idiocy, you history buffs...
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Willow loaded their luggage, and the others in a cart in town. Buffy had wanted to peruse her hometown, and let Samuel have his first peek at where his mommy was raised. Tara had exclaimed that she’d never seen a more beautiful town than Charleston, and she was glad that the state had never succeeded in seceding.
Once they arrived at the plantation’s gates, they rode up the lengthy dirt driveway. At the door, they were greeted by the entire family. Dawn came running down the stairs, and Joyce just stood at the top of the stairs with the others, tears in her eyes that her daughter was finally home. Buffy embraced her sister best she could with baby Samuel in her arms. Tara stood to the side, while Willow removed the luggage from the carriage, and paid the driver.
“Everybody, I’d like you to meet Samuel Chai Rosenberg.” Buffy held up the newborn so his little eyes could see the family for the first time. “Our son.”
“Oh my…he’s beautiful.” Joyce couldn’t hold herself together any longer, and made her way down the stairs to greet her daughter, and grandson. “Oh, Buffy. He’s so beautiful.”
“We should get in out of the sun. I’m afraid we haven’t slept well these past few nights on the trains.” Buffy held Samuel tight, as everybody made his or her way into the den. Willow laid the bags by the door, as she removed her coat and hat. Tara followed, deciding to stay out of the way for now.
“Everybody, this is Tara, our wet nurse.” Willow ushered Tara into the den, as the blonde shyly took a seat by William.
“Will, he’s so handsome. He definitely takes after his daddy.” Dawn gushed, enjoying the red that crept up Will’s cheeks. “Look at that soft red hair already.”
“He came a week early, so he’s had an extra week to grow it.” Buffy enjoyed the attention her baby was getting, though she did notice Tara’s forlorn look. “We should put him to bed, and wash up from the trip. We’ll be down for supper.”
“Oh, Buffy. I’m so glad you’re back.” Joyce took that opportunity to wrap her daughter in another tight hug, and kiss the baby’s soft head. “Don’t keep him from us long. I want to make this visit last as long as possible.”
“I’ll make sure it does, Mrs. Summers.” Willow took baby Samuel from Buffy, so the blonde could embrace all of her family completely.
“I’ve told you time and time again to call me ‘mother’ now.” Joyce put her hands over her mouth to keep her tears at bay. “You’ve made me the happiest mother, my first grandbaby.”
“Make that second happiest.” Buffy hugged her mother one last time, after departing from Mary and Forrest. “We’ll be upstairs washing and resting if anybody needs us before supper.”
“We always need you but get your rest. We want to hear all about the trip, and California.” Joyce was sad that her daughter didn’t want to have the baby here on the plantation but Buffy wanted to give Will something, since his family were ‘gone but not forgotten,’ as she’d stated it. She wanted to have the baby where her husband was born, and the deal was sealed when they found out Xander’s wife was a midwife. Still, a mother can always wish. Maybe the next grandchild could be born here at SunnyDale instead of Sunnydale. That would be confusing for the children.
The three women and baby departed up the stairs, and Buffy showed Tara to the room beside her own. Joyce had already seen to it that the kids’ bassinet was beside her bed. How she’d missed this room. Walking in, she noticed Willow playing with the baby on the bed. She’d just changed the baby’s diaper, and was finishing with the safety pin. Buffy went about the task of unpacking their bags, while the redhead continued to play with the baby.
“He’s so adorable. He’s already smart. Watch.” Willow lifted her hand, and Samuel grabbed onto it.
“I see that. He takes after his daddy already.” Buffy smiled, as she folded their garments on the chair.
“It’s easy to get lost in the lie, I know. I’ve found myself there too many times to count.” Willow had this sad look upon her face, as she stared down at the baby. “Poor Tara.”
“I know, dear.” Buffy finished unpacking until she got to the bottom of the bag. There, she found a nice wooden jewelry box, and an unwrapped package. Curious, she lifted the box, only to snap it shut again, eyes wide. For a few moments, she didn’t know what to say, or do. “Um…Will?”
“Yeah?” Willow looked up to see the wooden box in Buffy’s hands. Jumping up, she panicked. “It’s not what you think!”
“Um…what…how…who…huh?” The blonde swallowed hard, even though it was difficult with a suddenly dry throat. “I don’t remember packing this.”
“Xander gave it to me, US! He…he…Anya knows a brothel lady that makes them, and had one made. I was too embarrassed about it that I didn’t even want to open up the harness. I was going to get rid of it when we got to Washington but I forgot they were in there with the excitement and all.” Willow sent pleading eyes to Buffy. “Please, don’t be mad. They thought they were helping.”
“I’m not mad…just…it’s the last thing I expected to get as a baby gift.” Buffy placed the box back in the bag. They’d talk about it more when they were home. “Though I’m not entirely surprised, knowing Anya.”
“So…you’re not mad?” Willow bit her bottom lip, and tried to hide her blush to no avail.
“Of course not…but let’s talk about it more when we get back to Washington. Right now, we’re visiting family, and showing off the baby.” Buffy leaned over, and kissed her husband’s worries away. “Now…about Tara. She’s our wet nurse now?”
“Well, it…it just makes more sense. That way, we don’t have to hide it when it’s time for Samuel to eat, and they won’t question why you’re not…ya know.” Willow cast her eyes towards Buffy’s breasts, and licked her lips a little.
“Oh…yeah, that makes sense.” Buffy went back over to the bed to see Samuel kicking and pawing at the air in excitement. “I’m worried, though. When he gets old enough to understand, how are we gonna hide that you couldn’t be his father?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, let’s get washed, and rested, in no particular order.” Willow removed her blazer, and let down her suspenders.
“My vote is for rest. I could really use a nap right about now.” Buffy turned around for Willow to help undo her dress, just as Mary walked in the room with towels, and cotton cloths for diapers. They were all prepared, it appears.
“Now, now…she just had that baby, Mr. Will. No need to get uppity just yet, no matter what Ms. Joyce says.” Mary smirked at the couple, as she laid the bundle on the table. They seemed…happier, relaxed than when they left the plantation. “Get you some rest now. I’ll send Miss Dawn up to fetch ya when supper’s ready.”
“Sounds great, Mary. Thank you.” Willow finished unlacing Buffy’s dress. “And I’ll do my best to keep my hands to myself…this time.”
“You two are still the smittenest two I’d ever seen.” Mary chuckled, as she left the room.
“Now, Mrs. Rosenberg, let’s get you out of these offending garments.” Willow smirked, as she pushed Buffy’s dress off her shoulders, and let it fall to the floor. It wasn’t ten minutes later, the couple were laying on opposite sides of the bed, baby Samuel in the middle.
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Drusilla was playing with her food, doll in her lap, as she stared at the baby from across the table. Samuel was sitting on Buffy’s lap, and the Cockney woman could swear the baby was staring at her with an evil glint in his eye. She just turned away from him, as William clasped her hand to get her to stop playing with her food.
“So, Dr. Giles, we hear you have some good news of your own.” Willow winked at Joyce, who was trying to hide her smile. “When you set a date, make sure we know immediately, so I can arrange to make another trip down here.”
“That we will, son.” Giles grasped Joyce’s hand above the table, showcasing the gemstone ring on her left hand. “I made the stones to match the birthstones of all three of her children. I felt it more sentimental, as I am accepting you children as my own, as well as gaining a grandson.”
“We named Samuel after Will’s grandfather. We’ll make it a point that he knows his grandparents that are still here.” Buffy bounced the baby on her knee, who only giggled in response.
“You haven’t let anybody else but Will hold him since you’ve arrived. You have to give up hold on him eventually.” Dawn sent an amused glare towards her sister.
“Yes. Stop hoggin’ your child.” Joyce eyed the baby with excitement. She just couldn’t contain her glee. Her Buffy, the one they married off last was the first to have a baby. Of course, had Dawn’s husband not been sent to the war not long after they were married, then they would have little Dawn babies running around, as well. “Let me spoil him awhile.”
“We do have several gifts, so you can pass him around, while you open them.” William smiled at his sister with something akin to pride.
“I suppose we can do that after supper. What do ya think, Samuel? Think the others can hold ya a bit, while mommy and daddy open your pressies?” Buffy tickled the baby’s nose with her own, and kissed the top of his head. He was just too sweet. “On a darker note, are you still having trouble with Warren Mears, and the Klan?”
“That man is a blasted fool, and should be taught a lesson.” William steeled his jaw, as Drusilla clapped in joy at the thought of violence.
“Yes, we’ve had some run-ins, unfortunately but nothing we haven’t been able to control. I’m sure once he gets wind that Will is here, not to mention Buffy, that he’ll run to Riley Finn, and we’ll see them both before you depart our company. I hate to admit it but it won’t be unavoidable, I’m afraid.” Giles cleaned his glasses, as he steeled his own jaw. He was getting tired of those idiots. “We can only hope to detain them before they do something drastic.”
“One can dream.” Joyce rolled her eyes, and sighed, as she pushed up from the table. The gentlemen all stood to show respect, and Buffy and the others did the same. Their meal was finished, and they could retire to the den. There, baby Samuel had first contact with another human besides his parents and birth mother…and Anya, who birthed him. It was weird how that worked out.
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Warren Mears rode up to the front of SunnyDale on horseback. Dismounting, he tredged up the stairs, and knocked loudly on the door. The September wind was howling behind him but he ignored it, determined to do his duty. William opened the door to find Mears standing there, and immediately went into protect mode.
“What do you want?” William crossed his arms over his chest, and refused the man entrance into the house. “If you’ve come to apologize, it’ll take more than just words.”
“You’d never receive my apologies for tryin’ to right the wrongs you’re doin’ here.” Warren spit at William’s feet in a show of obvious disrespect. “I’m here on official business.”
”What business could we possibly have to do with you?” William tried to stand taller than he actually was but his height was always a downfall for him, even though he was average.
“I have business with Lt. Will Rosenberg.” Warren loved the fact that he could stand taller than this hoity-toity do-gooder, even if his slouch was more natural. “Mr. Riley Finn wishes to defend his honor.”
“You’re joking, right?” William couldn’t believe he was hearing this. That pompous windbag had finally found the last straw.
“I am here as his second, and to set up a time and date.” Warren had this evil smirk across his features, and William found he wanted to take that railroad spike Will had given him earlier that week, and jam it into…
“General Rosenberg will have no part in such an outlandish venture. Inform Mr. Finn that his honor is permanently debased.” William went to move inside, and shut the door in the man’s face but Warren held the door.
“Rosenberg will show, or he will lose all privileges and pride in this county, and state, possibly the entire South. Mr. Finn will see to it.” Warren’s eyes were burning with rage and a desire to see pain come to this family. “Now, will you be playing the part of his second?”
“No, I believe that honor falls to me.” Dr. Giles stood in the door, having heard the entire conversation. “Now, if you’ll inform Mr. Finn to meet us in two days at high noon, past the willows beyond the abandoned church, justice will be served.”
“Good day, sirs.” Warren just left with a sneer and an evil laugh in his heart. William turned angry eyes towards his soon-to-be stepfather.
“Have you gone daft?!?!” William yelled at the older man. “Do you know what you’ve just done?”
“I do, and I guarantee this tomfoolery will end. I’ll see to it.” Dr. Giles rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Or are you forgetting that Will has had West Point training?”
“No but Riley Finn will murder him, and you know it.” William couldn’t believe that Giles had agreed to a duel on Will’s behalf. Buffy was going to kill somebody, not to mention Joyce, and the others. They had less than two days to prepare Will for this, and that would probably be just enough time to almost convince the young man to participate at all.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:22:25 GMT -5
Private War
A/n: I just want to apologize ahead of time if I offend anybody. Also, it's time for my M. Night Shyamalan moment...
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“No…absolutely not. I won’t show, and there’s no way you can make me.” Willow set her resolve. It was one hour before she was to show up for the duel, and she was still refusing. Was dueling even legal anymore? Was it ever?
“You have the chance to end this debauchery once and for all.” Dr. Giles was determined, and was growing wearier by the minute.
“There’s another way. We’ll find another way. I won’t do this.” Willow moved into the kitchen, and kissed Buffy on the cheek. Joyce and Dawn were currently taking baby Samuel on a walk outside, while the other ladies (except for Drusilla, who was playing with her dolls) were busy in the kitchen. Tara had even pitched in to help. “We’re finished with this discussion.”
“You don’t understand.” Dr. Giles was about to yell at this young man.
“I understand perfectly. You accepted a duel without my consent. I’m not going through with this barbaric act. I don’t care about my pride.” Will set her resolve, and made it clear in her facial expression that there would be no more discussion.
“You have married the most stubborn man.” Dr. Giles rubbed his temple before a small smirk appeared on his face. “I dare say, you’re the perfect match.”
“You should’ve known better anyways, Giles.” Buffy glared at the older man, and wiped her wet hands on her apron.
There was no more discussion, as the good doctor went into the library to continue reading, and the women (and Will) finished making lunch and prepared supper. The rest of the afternoon was spent in calmness, as the sun began to set on them all.
As everybody began to settle into bed for the evening, there was a crash of a window breaking. On the lawn, there were several men, dressed in white sheets and hoods, holding torches, and yelling obscenities. Dr. Giles, Forrest, and William grabbed shotguns from the front cabinet. Joyce had Dawn, Mary, and Susie come into her room, while Buffy had Tara in her room with Samuel. Willow finally unpacked the pistol Sam had given her, and loaded it before making her way downstairs with the other men.
“Give us the Yankee!” Some man had shouted.
“Bring out the coward!” Another yelled.
“Get them n@(%*^s outta there!”
“Sinners!”
“You’ll all burn!” Finally, Giles opened the door, and the other three men flanked behind him, standing in a military-like formation. “You’ll leave this property, if you know what’s good for you all.” Giles and the others aimed their guns, though Willow only had hers to the side, ready just in case but not aiming it directly. “We’ve done you no harm, so just leave us be.”
“No can do. You see, we hear there’s a coward among you n#$(%r lovers. We want him.” The leader (who sounded quite similar to Riley Finn) stood his ground, waving his torch in the air for emphasis. “This is your only warning.”
“Step back, young man, or I will be forced to shoot.” Dr. Giles aimed for the leader, who only stood his ground.
That’s when there was a gun blast from the crowd, and Giles only aimed further, after making sure nobody was harmed. Another blast, and William was nicked in the shoulder, holding his gun to the side, so he could grip his wound. Willow was the one who saw him first. Acting on instinct, she fired at the gunman, blowing his last round into the air as he fell back. The crowd gasped at the blood staining his white sheets.
The leader panicked, as he rushed over to his fallen comrade. There was too much blood. He looked up to see the doctor, his doctor, staring in shock at the sight before him. Giles rushed down the stairs, and knelt by the wounded man. He tore off his face sheet to uncover Warren Mears himself. Checking for a pulse, he found nothing there. The young man was dead. The leader grabbed his friend, and had another member help him carry the body, as they ran away from the plantation but not before they set the old slave quarters on fire.
The smoke billowed from the old buildings, and the four men stood in shock. Giles turned around, a forlorn look on his face.
“There’s nothing we can do. I have to extract the bullet, and salve William’s wound.” He took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay, Doctor. I never really cared much for it anyways.” Forrest watched as Dr. Giles ushered William in the house. Will just stood there, staring at the ground where Warren Mears had fallen. He had killed a man. What would happen now?
There was a commotion, as Dawn rushed down the stairs, screaming something about being shot. Willow panicked again, and rushed inside the house to check on the baby. Rushing upstairs, she checked on Buffy, only to breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing her standing, and the baby still in the bassinet. However, there was an unmoving body on the floor by the window, and all red left Willow’s cheeks. Tara lay lifeless on the floor before them, one solid shot through her chest.
“It…I…she…she was just standing there, and something crashed through the window. I thought it was…I thought it was a rock…but I was splattered with blood, and Tara said something about my nightgown before falling to the floor. She…she was shot.” Buffy was on the verge of disbelieving tears. “How did this happen?”
“It was Riley Finn, and the Klan. I’d recognize that voice anywhere.” Joyce said from the doorway. “Is the baby okay?”
“He’s fine…but…” Buffy felt guilty that she was relieved the baby was unharmed, when there was a dead body, one that had given birth to said baby not even two weeks ago, on the floor before them.
“I know. I’ll send Rupert into town to fetch the sheriff once he patches William’s arm.” Joyce closed her eyes. Tara had seemed like such a sweet girl, and she was taking care of her grandson. “Meanwhile, I’ll have Forrest move the bassinet to one of the guest rooms, and ya can stay there for the night. Get some rest because I fear we’ll have to part ways in the mornin’.”
“Mother?” Buffy sounded so weak. They weren’t supposed to leave for another three days. Now, their trip was being cut short because of some idiots in white sheets.
“I know, baby. Just get some rest.” Joyce turned away, afraid to show Buffy there were tears in her eyes. She had to be strong, and get them through this.
“Will?” Buffy turned to Willow, and immediately fell into the redhead’s arms, tears threatening to spill finally. “I’m scared.”
“I know, I know.” Willow just stared at the dead body on the floor, a similar wound to the one she had inflicted moments ago. When Forrest came into the room, no words were said, as Willow picked up the baby, and ushered Buffy out of her bedroom. Forrest hauled the bassinet down the hall, and left the family to themselves. He wanted to make sure his mama and sister were okay.
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Willow couldn’t sleep, as she stared at the wall beside her, wide-eyed. Sure, she’d shot men in the war but that was different. She didn’t have a name, or have the surety that the men were dead. She’d always shot in the leg and hand, just to incapacitate the other shooters. No, this was different. She’d shot a man in cold blood.
The sheriff and deputy made a trip to the plantation, and took in the crime scene. Buffy and Willow stayed in the guest room but William (arm in a sling) had come by the room to inform his brother-in-law that he highly doubted Riley Finn would take Warren’s death to the police because of their activities during the ‘unfortunate incident,’ though Giles concluded that it was a stray bullet that caught their nurse. William made it sound so proper, and not as vile but Willow still didn’t feel any better about taking another life.
She told Buffy what had happened, and her wife let her cry in her bosom, to let it out of her system. Joyce had come in after hearing what happened, and made arrangements for them to be on the next train back to Washington in the morning. They would be taking Tara’s body with them, as they knew she would like to be buried by Daniel. Joyce made it clear that Riley Finn would come seeking revenge on Will, and it was best if they left as soon as possible. They would meet the coroner at the train depot in order to retrieve the body.
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“I can’t believe we have to leave so soon. It feels like we just got here.” Buffy’s deep Southern accent had returned since she’d been home, and Willow couldn’t hide the slight smirk on her face, even in light of recent events. She loved that accent, and had noticed it losing some of its inflection this past year.
“I know, dear but it’s for the best, and we should get Tara’s body to Washington before it begins to deteriorate.” Willow had arranged to pay for a coffin to transport the body in that morning. She didn’t want the birth mother of their child (and a dear friend) to have to be transported in a body bag. It seemed sacrilegious somehow, and disrespectful.
“I’m glad they decided to arrange for a visit in the next few months. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed them all.” Buffy laid her head on Will’s shoulder, as baby Samuel was asleep against the redhead’s shoulder. Outside the train’s window, the trees were moving by quickly, and the tracks rattled and jerked the cars. “I hope they visit sooner than later. Dawn promised to write if they heard anything in the next few days.”
“When we get home, I’ll place an order to import some of Liebig’s new soluble food, and some India-rubber nipples for bottles. I read that the new formula is much healthier than the baby food books your mother gave us.” Willow needed to put her mind on a task. When she could sleep, all she could see was blood. “We can just say you weren’t producing sufficient milk. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Slow down for a minute, will ya?” Buffy was worried about her husband. Willow had avoided talking any further about killing Warren Mears, and it seemed like the redhead was holding back her guilt and grief. She could try to convince her that the world was less one more evil man but taking another life like that is harder than just a simple reassurance. “I love you, okay?”
“I love you, too.” Willow released one of her hands from the hold she had on the sleeping Samuel, and grasped Buffy’s in her lap. “I’m just not ready to talk about it yet, okay? Give me a few more days. Let’s get settled back at home. Once the excitement wears off, then I’ll deal. I promise. I won’t let this put a damper on our marriage.”
“We have a lot to discuss when we get home.” Buffy remembered the packages from the Harris family, and blushed. “We can wait to discuss the ‘presents’ from Xander and Anya until we get everything sorted, okay? I love to watch you blush and squirm in embarrassment but not when we have somethin’ like this hangin’ over our heads.”
“Oh, goody. Another apocalypse on hold.” Willow blushed, as she too remembered the package. “Thank you…for being here, with me. We’ll get through this. Right now, there’s just a lot to deal with.”
“Let’s try to get some rest, okay? Maybe it’ll make the trip seem shorter.” Buffy rested her entire body against Willow, and closed her eyes. The redhead moved Samuel in a waddling position, and just rested her head against the blonde’s. She couldn’t sleep, which was probably a good thing, since there was really no place she felt safe enough to place the baby to sleep. They’d already lost too many people. She’d be damned if their baby was the next on the list.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:23:02 GMT -5
Complete and Whole, Trust and Love
A/N: Okay...warning, this is the most graphic I've ever gotten...let me know if I went too far.
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As soon as they arrived in Washington, Willow and Buffy had the coffin transported to the family cemetery where Daniel was buried. They met with Daniel’s cousin Jordy, who insured that he would inform the rest of the family about their plans for a funeral that evening. He doubted many would come, since not many approved of Daniel marrying a Protestant, whereas they all were raised devoutly Catholic.
Willow and Buffy left the coffin at the gravesite, as they went to purchase a new stone for Tara. She was important to them, and if her own husband’s family wouldn’t acknowledge her death, then they felt compelled to honor their friend’s memory and life. If not for their friend, then for their child’s birth parents.
Jordy was right, as only he and his wife showed up from Daniel’s family. Tara never talked about her own family, so there was no way to track them down in such a short span of time. The other servants from home attended, as they all were fond of Tara. Samuel just slept against Willow’s shoulder throughout the entire ceremony. The body was already decomposing, as was obvious from the space between the onlookers and the coffin. The smell was indescribable, the emotions even more. The priest said a few kind words before throwing a small bit of dirt on the coffin, and blessing Tara’s body. She wasn’t Catholic but it was on a Catholic burial site, and they wanted to honor Daniel, as well. Tara would’ve liked that.
When the ceremony was over, Willow scooped a small bit of dirt, and placed it in Samuel’s tiny hand. Even though he was sleeping, the dirt fell onto the coffin as he moved his hand to discern the foreign object in his hand. Buffy eyed the redhead with curiosity before moving along the short line of family and friends.
Making their way home, the family stayed quiet most of the carriage ride, only making small coughs and a cute little sneeze from Samuel. Willow would need to inform Grant that she was back early, and arrange to get back to work. She was sure there was much to be done, and it would give her a kind of peace of mind. It would give her serenity from recent events.
They put Samuel to bed around 9, and decided to get ready for bed themselves. They would sift through the mail, and unpack tomorrow before bidding the Grants a visit. Willow stripped down to her undershirt and long johns before climbing into bed. Buffy was brushing her hair in front of the vanity, and normally, the redhead would help the blonde but tonight, she was uncharacteristically quiet. It was unusual for the blonde not to hear Willow’s voice, or feel her hands touching her. However, she understood that it would take time to get over this, and she just had to be patient with the redhead. There was no need to get upset at their disruption in routine, not yet anyways.
“I checked with Mrs. Calendar, and she says Constance has become pregnant.” Buffy finished brushing her hair, and looked in the mirror at the redhead. “She’ll need to leave us soon. We’ll have to hire someone else.”
“Guess we can’t stop losing people.” Willow closed her eyes. She didn’t mean to sound so bitter. “I’m sorry. I…I just…”
“I know, Willow. Tara was a dear friend. We’ll all miss her.” Buffy took her brush with her over to the bed, as she gripped the redhead’s hand. Noticing the sad smile on her husband’s face, Buffy couldn’t help a smile of her own. “What’s with the smileys?”
“It’s just…we’ve been together for almost a year, and you’ve never called me by my real name.” Willow had unshed tears in her eyes again.
“I’m sorry. It slipped.” Buffy’s shoulders fell, even though she was relieved they were alone when she goofed.
“I…It’s okay. I liked it. The way you say my name. It helps me remember that I’m still me.” Willow kissed Buffy’s cheek lightly before staring at their clasped hands.
“Well…Willow…” Buffy scooted around a little, and unclasped their hands before running the brush through the redhead’s hair. “We should think about getting’ you a cut soon. Your hair grows so fast.”
“I killed a man, Buffy. In cold blood…just…shot him.” Willow’s tears spilled over, as she just stared at the wall ahead of her. Buffy stopped brushing the dirty, sweat-slicked locks, and just wrapped the redhead in her arms. Willow always was unpredictable. When it came to when she’d open up, nothing was different.
“You protected your family. William and Forrest both said Warren was shootin’ at you. It was Warren that killed Tara. You didn’t kill him in cold blood. You acted in self-defense. If I knew how to shoot a gun, and I saw him shootin’ at you, or Samuel, or anybody in my family, I wouldn’t have hesitated a moment.” Buffy cupped the redhead’s cheek, and eased Willow’s face towards her. “You did the right thing, and I know this sounds cold but better him than you any day. I couldn’t bear it if I lost you.”
“Oh, Buffy.” Willow just clung to the blonde, and placed urgent kisses along the blonde’s exposed neck.
“Will, you’re my world, and I’ve never been happier than I am with you. I saw what it did to Dawn when she found out Connor was killed. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you.” Buffy clutched tightly to the redhead, and took a deep breath. “Let’s get some sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow, and I know Samuel will be up in a couple hours. We’ll talk more tomorrow about what’s next.”
“Okay.” Willow loosened her grip before extinguishing the oil lamp. The couple slid into the covers, and wrapped tight around the other. For the first time since the incident, Willow slept without seeing blood.
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The next week had the family back on a schedule. Willow went to work, came home; they ate supper, played with Samuel, and spent time together before going to sleep. They talked about everything that had happened on the trips, recounting some of their more humorous moments. Willow finally relaxed, and seemed calm again, and Julia Grant visited frequently (as well as some of the other wives) to check on Buffy, and get a glimpse of the new baby. Of course, Sam joked that they’d name their firstborn after him but Willow just asked him for a ‘H.U.G. (Hiram Ulysses Grant),’ and he never mentioned it again.
Buffy was in the process of hiring a new maid/nanny. Mrs. Calendar (the house manager) was with her, and they were currently with a young lady that the older lady had worked with previously.
“Amy, Mrs. Calendar says you’re very good with children.” Buffy looked at the young woman, and couldn’t decide what her gut feeling was. The woman certainly had the credentials, and came highly recommended from Calendar.
“Oh, Jenny here is too kind.” Amy sent a warm smile towards the older lady. “I have had several years of experience with them, as I have three of my own at home.”
“You wouldn’t mind workin’ with them, then?” Buffy offered the woman some tea. The other applicants hadn’t wanted to work with children. They were all used to tending house for older couples, whose children were fully grown.
“Oh, no, Mrs. Rosenberg. I love children.” Amy’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Plus, my three are all girls, so it’ll be refreshing to work with a little boy.”
“Right, well…the doctor won’t let me breastfeed, so I have to feed Samuel this new formula we’re havin’ imported. Think you can manage the stock on that? I’m not that good with keepin’ books. I leave that to my husband.” Buffy blushed. The thoughts of Willow’s parting words this morning sent a warm tingle throughout her entire body. ‘We’ll talk about those presents tonight.’ Buffy couldn’t shake her arousal. “He’s far too busy to worry about silly things like that, though, and I don’t want to add more for Mrs. Calendar to do, so I was hopin’ you’d be willin’…”
“Of course, Mrs. Rosenberg. I would love to watch him.” Amy looked over at Samuel lying on his stomach on a soft floormat, kicking and pawing at the air in excitement. “He’s quite handsome, and very playful. I imagine we’ll get along just fine.”
“Just one more thing.” Buffy took a deep breath. “Mrs. Calendar and Vincenzo, our butler, are the only two on staff that actually live in the house. We don’t like to overwork them, though. I’m assumin’ you’ll wanna stay livin’ with your family. I know your main job description would be maid but we may need a nanny from time to time.”
“Of course. Mrs. Calendar has informed me that your husband is a man of importance, and there are balls and socials that you’ll need to attend some evenings. I can either arrange my husband to watch our children, or we can arrange something where I can bring them with me. Our oldest is ten, and our youngest is five, so they’re at that age where they like to read. We want them to have an education, since neither of us had one.” Amy sipped at her tea before averting her eyes in embarrassment. “I realize it could be a hassle but they’re really not a bother, if it should come down to it. Sometimes, my husband comes home, tired from the mines, and doesn’t wanna fool with the girls.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” Buffy blushed again, as she recalled Willow saying those same things to her. “If it’s all right with you, we’d like you to start next Monday. That should give ya sufficient time to get things settled with your family.”
“Thank ya, Mrs. Rosenberg. You won’t be disappointed.” Amy stood, and shook the blonde’s hand. Buffy watched, as Mrs. Calendar ushered the young woman to the door. “How old is she again?”
“About your age, miss.” Mrs. Calendar went back to the kitchen to see about getting supper started. Vincenzo was down the hallway, dusting the picture frames. Buffy just stared out the window, and finished what was left of her cooling tea.
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Dinner was calm and exciting all the same. Willow recounted her tales of how Grant finally broke with Johnson, and how he had revered his newfound fame with the Radical Republicans. The redhead was so cute when she’d get all flushed while telling about something she was passionate about. Buffy couldn’t help but stare at her husband with dreamy eyes. The redhead had gotten that haircut today, too, so those gorgeous red locks weren’t swaying close to her shoulder anymore. Now, they would fly into her eyes, and it was cute to watch her constantly pushing them away.
Buffy informed Willow that their new staff would start Monday, and not to be alarmed when a new body showed up in the house. With Amy’s hours, and the fact that she would remain at her own home, Buffy predicted that Willow would hardly see the new girl. She would leave for work before Amy arrived, and get home after the woman left for the day.
Now, Buffy was rocking Samuel to sleep in their room, as Willow finished her bath in the corner. Vincenzo had made the water extra hot this time, and it soothed the redhead’s aches and the tightness in her muscles. Buffy looked over to see a content, happy smile on her husband’s face, as he relaxed in the water. When Samuel was finally asleep, Buffy moved him into the bassinet before tucking him in, and kissing his forehead. Willow stepped out of the tub, and draining the water into the wooden pipes. The redhead grabbed a towel, and dried herself off, knowing full well her wife was staring at her. A slight smirk crossed her features, as she moved to the vanity to comb the tangles from her hair. Instead of wrapping the towel around herself, she chose to stay nude in the room, despite the growing cold. That only added to the stiffness in her nipples, and she could feel the blonde’s eyes following her every move.
Turning around, she saw Buffy sitting on the bed, staring with lust in her eyes. It had been over four months since they’d last made love. Plus, it had been a month since Samuel was born, so it should be okay with the ‘doctor.’ Willow could feel her own mouth water at the thought of seeing Buffy’s body again, feeling its soft curves beneath her fingertips, beneath her lips. Feeling that familiar wetness in her hands and mouth.
“So…are you gonna stand there and tease me all night, or are ya gonna come here?” Buffy sent that sexy smirk towards Willow, who rushed over to the bed, pouncing on the blonde, knocking her back. “My, my…aren’t you feisty tonight.”
“Well…I’ve thought about this for months…” Willow’s blush extended down to her chest, as she straddled the blonde’s hips.
“Thought about what?” Buffy couldn’t hold in her gasp, as Willow leant over, and gave her a smoldering kiss. “Oh…yeah…that.”
“Yeah, that.” Willow stood from the bed, and smirked at Buffy’s pout. She took the blonde’s hand, and pulled her up to remove her sleeping gown. “We have to be on even playing grounds here.”
“That would be nice.” Buffy ran her hands all along Willow’s neck and arms, making sure to pay particular attention to that sensitive spot behind the redhead’s ears. Willow went about dropping the blonde’s gown to the floor before picking her up, and wrapping Buffy’s legs around her. She carried them to the bed, and fell on top of Buffy again. This time when they fell, their nipples crushed together.
Willow immediately went to kissing her way from Buffy’s neck to her mouth, where the kisses were full of passion and built-up need. Somehow, Buffy had miraculously grown quiet during lovemaking, which only concerned Willow for a moment until she realized it wouldn’t be wise to wake the baby. Natural instincts had kicked in for both of them. Their first orgasms came quick, and they both just gripped each other, breathing it out, relaxed and content.
“I know this is…well, it’s weird…but…we could, ya know…” Willow swallowed hard. This was embarrassing but she wanted to give Buffy everything. “Well, Anya and Xander’s gift. It…it couldn’t be all that bad, and I can…ya know…and…ya know.”
“If you’re not comfortable with it, it’s not a big deal, Wills.” Buffy leaned up from her comfortable spot on Willow’s shoulder, and kissed her sweetly. “It’s ironic, I know. Here we are, livin’ this big lie, and we’d be usin’ the one thing that separates the lie from the truth. Well, somethin’ similar to it anyways.”
“I know…but…I want to give you everything, and…and what if Anya was right, and p-penetration is stimulating. You’re missing out on…” Willow was hushed by another sweet kiss.
“You’re more than enough. What we do already is more than enough. If you’re not comfortable, then that’s it. We won’t use it.” Buffy held Willow’s loving gaze before the redhead nodded. It would be awkward but she wanted to give this to the blonde. Standing from her spot, she moved over, and removed the two packages from hidden compartment in the drawer. She took the brown paper from the unwrapped package, and opened the box, ignoring the graphic drawings and notes Anya had included on how to assemble, and use the products together. Buffy sat up, a worried expression on her face.
“You don’t have to do this.” Just thinking of Willow doing something like this for her was making Buffy wetter. It showed complete trust, and a willingness to overcome any obstacle in their relationship. That was all she needed, as she watched the redhead fumble in placing the harness around her waist and legs. All Buffy could see was her husband’s back, and she knew Willow was embarrassed completely but still, the redhead moved forward, and attached the other package to the one she was wearing. When the redhead turned around, Buffy could see Willow’s worried, shy expression. Then, her eyes fell down to the thing protruding from her body. “Come here, baby.”
“I…I want to make you happy.” Willow came over, and sat down on the bed. It was as though she was naked in front of Buffy for the first time.
“You already do. Just knowing that you’d be willin’ to do somethin’ so silly to please me makes me happy. I don’t love you any less because you don’t have…um…these parts.” Buffy looked down at the member again. It smelled like her leather gloves, and she reached out to touch it. When she did, Willow shifted backwards with a little grunt. Looking over, Buffy noticed that the thing must be rubbing against the redhead’s areas, and she was still sensitive from earlier.
“I want to make love to you. I want to please you in every way possible.” Willow swallowed hard again, as Buffy just started rubbing up her thigh, and around the added weight to her thighs and pelvis.
“You already do.” Buffy leaned over, and let the covers fall from her form, as she kissed the redhead, keeping Willow’s head in place.
“I want to do this for you…please?” Willow sent pleading eyes between gentle kisses. Knowing that Buffy didn’t actually NEED this to be happy with her made her want to do it more. It was strange logic but the redhead felt her entire body flush with more arousal, as Buffy sucked on her lower lip.
No more words were said, as they made their way under the covers again, and Willow leaned over Buffy. Before inserting the member into her beloved, the redhead stared down at the blonde, making sure that this was okay. Buffy’s expression sent only that of euphoria, of contentedness, of complete trust and love. Nodding for no reason, Willow eased herself gently into Buffy. When she saw the blonde wince, she stopped immediately, and panicked a bit.
“It’s okay. I’m okay…just…it’s bigger than your slim fingers. It’ll take some gettin’ used to, that’s all.” Buffy cupped Willow’s cheek in her hand, as she smoothed her other hand down the redhead’s back, urging her forward. “Just…go slow for now, okay?”
“Okay…are you sure?” Willow was still unconvinced. Was this hurting Buffy?
“I’m positive.” Buffy ran her thumb gently along Willow’s cheek before leaning up and kissing her softly. Then, she placed both hands along Willow’s back, and urged her forward again. The redhead obeyed, and slowly eased further into Buffy. Carefully watching the blonde’s face for reactions, she managed to reach further into Buffy’s body than her small fingers would allow. It consumed her entire being, knowing that she was going further than anybody had ever been, taking more of Buffy with her every centimeter she pushed forward.
They started a slow rhythm, and Buffy’s facial expressions started to relax, and her hips seemed to meet the redhead’s movements thrust for slow thrust. When Buffy started to pant heavily, and her eyes started to roll back in her head, Willow took that as a good sign. The blonde’s hands began to urge the redhead’s movements to quicken, and Willow again obeyed. Feeling strange not touching Buffy with her hands, the redhead moved a hand down to play with that one familiar spot. As soon as her fingers came into contact with that bundle of nerves, Willow felt Buffy’s fingernails dig into her back, and urge her further. The blonde surprised Willow, as she leaned up to place a hot, smoldering kiss on her lips.
The squeaks from the bed were louder than usual, and the thrusting became more hurried. Buffy placed her head in Willow’s neck, and almost bit down to keep from screaming her passion. It was painful at first but it started to dampen as Willow continued to thrust. The more thrusts, the easier it was, and soon Buffy found herself in a fit of passion. The redhead was further in her than ever, and went straight to the core. This wasn’t anything like the sweet, passionate love they used to make. This was more carnal, more connection than anything. When Buffy felt her release, her entire body trembled, as Willow slowed down again, and eventually stopped, pulling out completely, and holding Buffy’s shaking form. When the blonde caught her breath, tears started to fall from her eyes.
“Are you okay?” Willow felt the wetness and stickiness from the member falling onto her thighs, as she went to undo the harness. She wanted to get closer to Buffy, envelop her entire body into hers, and it was hard to do with something poking at her.
“B-better than.” Buffy’s eyes rolled back in her head again, as she started to come down from her high. She was a little sore but overall, it was well worth it. Not just the act itself but the emotions and trust it represented. “You’re amazin’. I love you so much.”
“Did it hurt that bad? I didn’t hurt you, did I? You’re crying.” Willow tossed the harness with the thing still attached on the floor, and ignored the quiet thud, as she pulled Buffy closer to her, molding their bodies together. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. That was…I can’t believe we just…and it was…and I…oh, Willow.” Buffy rolled over, still numb but with enough strength to throw everything into their kiss, conveying everything she couldn’t put into words. “Thank you…for lovin’ me so much.”
“I didn’t hurt you?” Willow was still worried. Sure, they’d cried before after making love but never like this. Still, the redhead could sense it, something that wasn’t there before…or WAS there but was stronger now.
“No…you made me feel…complete.” Buffy rolled on top of Willow, and held her face in her hands. “And it wasn’t because of that thing…but because it was you.”
“Oh, Buffy.” Willow pulled the blonde into her again, and wrapped her arms completely around the blonde’s sweaty body. Neither said another word, and just lie there in each other’s arms, content and satiated. When Samuel woke hours later, they were still just lying together, neither asleep but just feeling the other’s heartbeat and breathing. Willow cleaned and hid their new ‘toy,’ while Buffy tended to Samuel. When the baby was asleep again, they immediately fell back into the same position they were in before, only this time with covers, and sleep claiming them.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:23:34 GMT -5
Afternoon Delight
The early dawn hours were starting to shine through the windows beside the bed, as Willow started to stir under the covers. Buffy was changing Samuel’s diaper (as the young lad had decided to wake up a few minutes earlier), and watching her lover sleep. Willow was so peaceful, and her shit-eating grin was adding to content expression on her face. Her eyes started to flutter open, and she stretched and yawned when she noticed Buffy tending to the baby. Sitting up, she didn’t even care that the covers exposed her torso, her breasts reacting immediately to the cold.
“Mornin’.” Buffy finished pinning Samuel’s diaper before bringing the baby to the bed. When she pulled the covers back, she noticed a spot of blood on the bed. “Oh. I thought my cycle ended.”
“Me, too.” Willow was worried, until she remembered the night’s events. “I did this. I did hurt you last night. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“No…no.” Buffy sat on the bed, and laid the baby between them. “You didn’t hurt me. I mean…it was uncomfortable at first, sure…but it was well worth the end result.”
“Then, why did…” Willow was panicking. Buffy would have none of that.
“No, Wills. You don’t get to do this, okay? We just never went that far before, and well…mom told me how this is supposed to happen. It signifies the woman’s purity.” Buffy ran her hand down the redhead’s arm. “It’s okay. It’s natural.”
“You’re positive I didn’t hurt you?” Willow’s face screamed worry.
“More than.” Buffy wanted to change topics to keep the redhead from panicking again. Crawling under the covers, she leaned on her elbow to play with the baby between them. “We’ll take a picnic today. That sounds lovely.”
“I can have Mrs. Calendar settle something for us.” Willow took a deep breath, glad that she hadn’t hurt Buffy, though part of her was still worried.
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Amy started work that Monday, and was glad to be working again. Her last job was tending to an elderly widow, who had just passed away last month. It felt good to work for a younger couple, not fearing that they would die any day.
She hadn’t gotten to meet General Rosenberg but Mrs. Rosenberg had been more than adamant in her duties as a housewife. Currently, the blonde was out, taking the baby for a walk. Amy decided to get started on the laundry, as she ran the water into the buckets in the backyard. Her hands were wet and soapy from scrubbing the garments down the washboard but using her hands always calmed the young woman. That’s why she chose to help support her family, doing what she did best: tending house.
The weekend’s laundry was almost finished, as she went about pinning the garments on the line. Next, she would work on the imported sheets. Such fine cotton would take a more delicate approach, as Amy started to run the sheets gently down the washboard. Moving it around, she noticed a stain on the bottom sheet. Curious, she lifted the sheet from the washtub, and didn’t care that the water soaked into the cloth was dripping all over the bottom of her dress.
She knew this stain. She’d experienced it herself…only once. Somebody lost her purity, and since Mrs. Rosenberg already had a baby, the only logical explanation was that General Rosenberg was having an affair. These were, after all, the couples’ own bedding.
Wringing as much water from the sheet as she could, Amy ran into the house with the sheet, ready to inform Mrs. Calendar. The older woman only looked at her with deep regret in her eyes.
“It’s impossible. General Rosenberg would never do such a thing. Mrs. Rosenberg must’ve started her monthly, that’s all.” Jenny didn’t leave room to argue, as she went back to her own task. “She’s not had one for nine months, it must’ve snuck up on her. That’s all.”
Amy wasn’t convinced but out of respect for the older woman, decided to let it drop for now. Taking the sheet back out into the yard, she did her best to remove the bloodstain. It wasn’t anything a little elbow grease wouldn’t fix but it still made Amy curious.
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Willow wanted to surprise Buffy for lunch, so she decided to come home early today. All week long, they’d been extra connected, and more loving than usual. The sex was great, the cuddles were great, and baby Samuel never woke up because of their late night activities. All in all, the redhead was in a VERY good mood, and she wanted to do something extra special for her wife today.
She met the courier on the way in, and took the mail in the house, running up the steps in a manner equivalent to an excited child’s. Willow just couldn’t wait to see Buffy, even though she’d left her just this morning.
In the house, there was noise in the kitchen, and the redhead made her way back there with a bounce in her step. In her uniform, she looked more like a kid playing soldier than a decorated war veteran. Inside, she saw Buffy helping Mrs. Calendar with dinner, and another young woman helping strain the beans. They all looked startled at seeing the general laying the mail on the kitchen island. Buffy was the first to react, as she smiled big, and rushed over into Will’s arms.
“What are ya doin’ home?” Buffy kissed her husband, too excited to care about discretion in front of the others.
“Wanted to come home, and surprise you. Thought I might be able to catch you before you started supper but I see I’m wrong.” Willow wrapped her arms around Buffy, and leaned in for another kiss. “I was going to give the ladies the day off, thought we could…make dinner together.”
“Yes, well…we haven’t started supper yet, so you’re in luck, General.” Jenny smiled at the couple. They were too cute, and not very good at hiding their sexual tension towards the other. Amy was definitely wrong, though Mrs. Calendar knew something the young woman didn’t, nor did she need to know.
“Well, then. I’m giving you both a day off, paid of course.” Will smiled at Buffy again before turning her attention to the other two in the room. “Where’s Samuel?”
“Upstairs sleepin’. We put him down a few minutes ago.” Buffy’s eyes glowed with mischief. Willow understood what the blond wasn’t saying out loud. ‘The sooner they get these two out of here, the sooner they can go upstairs, and fool around.’
“Well, then. Ladies, have a lovely day off.” Willow didn’t mean to ignore the other woman in the room (since she’d never met her) but after Buffy’s unsaid declaration of intended tomfoolery, everything else flew from the redhead’s mind.
The two watched as the other ladies left the kitchen before Buffy firmly attached her mouth to Willow’s. They kissed in pure passion, and the redhead moved them forward against the kitchen island. The cold that was coming in from outside was ignored, as the heat in the kitchen only ignited further. There was no moving from this spot, as Willow palmed a breast in her hand.
Ignoring all decency, Willow used her strength to prop Buffy up on the kitchen island. Moving down, the redhead buried herself underneath the blonde’s dress, eager to taste Buffy again. It had been too long since she’d done this…since this morning. That was way too long.
Buffy only gripped the counter, and once she felt the contact of Willow’s mouth on her intimate area, her head fell back, and she brought one hand to the redhead’s hidden head, urging her forward. Gods…how she loved this woman. Goddess, how this felt good.
When she peaked, she fell back against the island, eyes rolling in the back of her head. Willow appeared, face smeared and hair wild from being underneath the dress. She pulled Buffy down from the counter, and they fell to the floor in one big heap. There, they made love for hours, rolling around the dirty floor, rolling over the mail Buffy had knocked over the counter early on in their passion.
“Oh, yeah…I forgot about the mail.” Willow reached over, and pulled the mail to them. She was in a state of disarray, her clothes all mussed, her blazer, overshirt, and uniform pants thrown all over. She was only in her union suit (long johns), which the two had learned early on in their residence at this house was a good idea if they ever made love in the kitchen. “We should get up, check on Samuel. I’m sure he’s hungry, or needs a change.”
“I’ll get dressed, while you check on him.” Buffy was fully unclothed, not caring if the neighbors saw, just as long as she could feel Willow’s hands all over her body. So much for the modesty her mother had taught her.
“Okay, be right back.” Willow leaned over, and planted a firm kiss against Buffy’s lips before pulling her uniform pants back on, and heading up the stairs to grab Samuel.
When she returned, Buffy was only partially dressed, and reading a letter. The blonde had her hand over her mouth, and tears running from her eyes. With baby Samuel in her arms, Willow moved over, and place a comforting hand on Buffy’s back, silently asking if all was okay.
“It’s a letter from William.” Buffy’s tears were freely flowing now.
“I figured Dawn or your mother would be the first to write.” Willow was worried, as Samuel just pulled at Buffy’s loose hair, used to it being up in curls or pulled back. “Is everything alright?”
“The old slave quarters are completely gone, from the fire that night.” She swallowed hard. “William and the others are movin’ out the ruins to save the land there.”
“What else? I doubt that has you this upset, sweetie.” Willow rubbed Buffy’s back until the blonde pulled around, and wrapped her body entirely around her husband in a tight hug. “Hey, it’ll be okay. Whatever it is…it’ll be okay.”
“It’s Riley Finn. He snuck…he got Dawn and Susie.” Buffy squeezed harder, willing the evil in the world to go away, just by holding tight to her lover. “He snuck into the house when they were out, and raped them. That bastard raped my sisters!”
“What? Why?” Willow couldn’t breathe. As soon as she asked those questions, she knew the answers. Vengeance. Revenge. The man was paying the family back for taking the life of his friend. Since the one responsible was miles away, he took it out on the weakest and most vulnerable in the house. All the blood fell from the redhead’s body. “This is all my fault. He was…he was trying to…”
“No, no this is all his fault. None of this is on your hands, do you hear me?” Buffy steeled her jaw, knowing this would be Willow’s reaction. “This is all his fault.”
“But if I hadn’t killed…” Willow was hushed by Buffy squeezing harder.
“No. You don’t get to blame yourself. This is not your fault.” Buffy released her grip a little when she felt Willow relax a bit. “Mom wants to send Dawn up here, to live with us for awhile.”
“Of course.” Willow moved baby Samuel to the other arm before she went over to make his bottle. She needed this contact with the baby, to feel that he was safe and secure, and the evil in the world would not touch him. “What about Susie?”
“William says Forrest and Mary are spendin’ more time with her but when Mother asked if they would like to send Susie, too, Mary just replied that it was a common occurrence in slavery, and she’d always prepared Susie for the possibility, even though…even though we were good to them.” Buffy’s tears were stopping, as she wiped her eyes. “I’ll send a telegram to Mother right away.”
“I’ll stay with Samuel. Would you like me to go with you? It’s starting to get dark.” Willow didn’t want Buffy out of her sight. If Riley Finn would attack Dawn in her own home, then what was stopping him from making the trip up here to take what he’d always wanted: Buffy?
“Please?” Buffy didn’t have to ask twice, as Willow handed the baby to Buffy, so she could finish putting her uniform back on. “I’ll get Vincenzo to prep the carriage, and meet you in the foyer.”
“Okay.” Willow pulled on her suspenders, and picked up her jacket. Surely this wasn’t happening, and any moment, she’d wake up on the floor with a naked Buffy in her arms. This was beyond a nightmare, and no matter what her wife said, the redhead couldn’t shake the feeling that this was all her fault.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:24:08 GMT -5
Sisters, Sisters
A week went before Dawn showed up on their doorstep. There wasn’t a letter or telegram announcing her arrival. Instead, Joyce had just sent her up immediately. The young Summers girl was standing in their foyer, bag in hand, having just walked from the train depot. Buffy came downstairs to find her sister standing there, and Vincenzo getting ready to announce her arrival.
“Mrs. Rosenberg, you have a visitor.” Vincenzo eyed the girl with suspicion, wondering why she had bags. He thought Amy was the only staff they had hired.
“Dawn!” Buffy rushed down the rest of the steps, and flew into her sister’s arms, squeezing tight.
“Oh, Buffy…” Dawn broke down, dropping her bags on the floor, and crying in her sister’s arms.
“I just put Samuel down. I wasn’t sure if you’d come.” Buffy pulled her sister into the front sitting room, and sat them on the couch. “Vincenzo, can you see to my sister’s things? Put them in the guest room next to ours?”
“Right away, ma’am.” Vincenzo was a great butler. Mrs. Calendar had suggested him to the couple, as well.
“How was your trip?” Buffy wasn’t sure what to say. What could she say?
“Long.” Dawn looked down but held onto her sister’s hand. “How are Samuel and Will?”
“They’re great. Will is at work, and we have a social to attend this evenin’ but now that you’re here, we can stay home instead.” Buffy took a deep breath. “Samuel is growin’ already. Will’s taught him to roll over on his own.”
“I hope he wakes soon, so I can see him.” Dawn took her own deep breath, at last relaxing. She was far away from Riley Finn, and the pain he’d inflicted on her and Susie. She wouldn’t have to pass by the spot it happened, her physical bruises were almost gone. Being with her sister would help a lot.
“I’m sure he can’t wait, either.” Buffy wrapped her sister in another hug. “I’m just so happy you’re finally here.”
“Me, too.” Dawn smiled briefly. “Maybe I could get some rest, too. Trains may have gotten me here quicker but they’re hard to sleep on.”
“I know. Here…I’ll show you where you’ll be stayin’. I’ll give ya the whole tour later, okay?” Buffy saw Dawn’s nod, and led her upstairs. “I put you in the room next to ours, just in case you get lost.”
“You didn’t have to do that, Buffy. I’m sure you and Will want your privacy.” Dawn blushed for the first time. She didn’t want to think about sex in any shape or form. She was afraid she’d react to Will the same way she had to her brother and Dr. Giles.
“We’ll get over it. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Indefinitely, if you want.” Buffy hadn’t been much in the mood since reading the letter. Will understood this, and only held her wife throughout the night. Even though the sexual tension was still overflowing, neither would act on it, holding it in, contemplating what was to happen next when Dawn arrived. “Will should be home around suppertime. I can come get you then, if you’d like.”
“That’d be nice.” Dawn closed her eyes for a moment, as they entered the guest room. The four-poster bed, and lavish, imported rug and artwork were breathtaking. Dawn had never seen anything like this, not even on all the plantations in South Carolina. “This is…beautiful.”
“I’ll show you the rest later.” Buffy helped her sister get comfortable for bed. “I’ll come get you for supper. Get some rest for now.”
“Okay.” Dawn relaxed under the sheets before her sister started to leave the room. “Buffy?”
“Yeah?” The blonde turned around in the doorway, worried at her sister’s hesitancy.
“Thank you.” Dawn smiled forlornly, and settled further into the sheets, as Buffy nodded, and closed the door behind her.
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Amy was almost finished with her duties for the day. She had planned on coming over tonight to watch Samuel, while the Rosenbergs went to their social at General Grant’s house. When Buffy said something came up, that they wouldn’t need her tonight, Amy didn’t argue. It just meant she could plan on supper with her own family, and spend more time with her husband.
Walking into the guest bedroom, she noticed a lump lying in the bed, and bags by the chair. Had Mrs. Rosenberg discovered her husband really WAS having an affair? Is that why she cancelled the evening’s plans? Was this the woman? Was she now pregnant, shamed by her family, and left no place else to go? Okay, so it was far-fetched but Amy always had a knack for discovering the truth.
Staying as quiet as possible, Amy worked around the room, finishing her duties for the day. Thinking back on earlier this week when she’d seen General Rosenberg, she wasn’t completely surprised that women would fawn over him. He really was as handsome as Mrs. Calendar said, and it showed how much his wife adored him in her actions that day. Mrs. Calendar was right about them being a happy couple, too. Why would the general need a mistress if he were happy?
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Willow walked in the door to find Buffy chewing at her thumb. Worried, the redhead made her way over to the blonde, and enveloped her in a hug. She ran her fingers through Buffy’s loose hair, and placed small kisses along her forehead.
“You okay?” Willow leaned back, and held Buffy’s face in her hands.
“Yeah, Dawn’s upstairs. She got here this afternoon.” Buffy turned her face to kiss the palm of Willow’s hand.
Amy came down the stairs to witness the display of affection. Smiling slightly, she chose to ignore the strange girl in the guest room.
“I’ve finished my work for the day. You sure ya don’t need me tonight?” Amy arched an eyebrow, as the couple stayed attached instead of separating.
“No, Amy. My sister is in from South Carolina, so we’re gonna stay home tonight.” Buffy laced her fingers through Will’s, and loved the soft, rough calluses there. “If you wanna take off now, you’re more than welcome. Thank you again. You’ve been a real help.”
“My pleasure, ma’am.” Amy was sincere. This couple was interesting, and interesting was always a good thing. Once Amy departed their company, Will placed a soft kiss on Buffy’s lips.
“Need me to make supper, so you can stay with Dawn?” Willow squeezed their entwined hands.
“Mrs. Calendar is already workin’ on it, and Dawn’s upstairs gettin’ some rest.” Buffy wrapped her arms around Willow’s back again. “I love you, ya know?”
“I know. I love you, too.” Willow placed another soft kiss on Buffy’s lips. “How did she seem? Is there anything I should avoid doing or saying?”
“I’m not sure how these things work exactly. Just be patient with her, I suppose. She still believes you’re a man, so she’ll probably be a little leery of you.” Buffy closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. “I’m glad she’s here but I wish it were for different reasons.”
“I know, dear. Me, too.” Willow pushed the blonde’s loose hairs behind her ear. “How is Samuel?”
“I was gettin’ ready to go feed him. Wanna help?” Buffy smiled softly, and batted her eyelashes.
“Always.” Willow would follow her wife anywhere, she’d decided long ago. “I’ll grab a bottle from the kitchen, and meet you upstairs.”
“Okay, I’ll go check on Dawn.” Buffy gave Willow one last sweet kiss before they separated, and tended to their tasks.
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“Thanks for supper. It was good.” Dawn had been quiet throughout the entire meal, and had avoided eye contact with Will. When the redhead had placed her hand on the girl’s shoulder in greeting earlier, Dawn had cringed only slightly. Willow immediately brought her hand back, and ushered them into the dining room.
“You’ll like it here, I’m sure.” Buffy slipped her arm through her sister’s, and ushered her around the house, giving her the tour. “William will be jealous to see Will’s library, as well.”
“It won’t bother mom a bit to see the dining room, either. She always loved those long tables.” Dawn smiled for the first time since waking. “Samuel will be okay with Will?”
“Yes, those two are almost inseparable. Will is completely different from Father. He actually wants to take part in raisin’ his children.” Buffy’s tone indicated a sadness, and Dawn understood. “I’m sorry. I forget that Dr. Giles is…”
“It’s okay. He was always more of a father to us growin’ up anyways.” Dawn took in the library, and decided that yes, their brother would be jealous. “Mother was talkin’ ‘bout makin’ the trip soon. She said she couldn’t stand to be away from her grandson that long.”
“I figured as much.” Buffy smiled at her sister. “Dawn…”
“No…not now. I don’t wanna talk about it yet. Just…give me some time, okay? It’s still too…too new.” Dawn knew exactly what her sister was asking; it was obvious in the change in tone and body language. “Soon, I promise…just give me time.”
“As much as you need. We’re here for you, and I know it’s hard because of Will but…he’s the most gentle man I’ve ever known, and only wants to make sure you’re safe and okay.” Buffy held her sister’s upper arms.
“I know it’s weird but…I don’t feel as threatened by him as I thought I was. He’s probably the closest contact I’ve had with a man since…” Dawn held her sister’s elbows in response. “You really did find the perfect man, Buffy. He adores you, and Samuel? I’ve never heard of a man that took that much initiative with his children.”
“I may be biased but he WILL make sure you’re safe, okay? He’ll be patient with you, and won’t push. I think he still blames himself, despite my constant reassurance.” Buffy sighed before pulling Dawn into a hug.
“I always was jealous of you. Now, I know why.” Dawn smirked a bit, and was glad for the release in tension. “Let’s take Samuel on a walk tomorrow. I’d like to see Washington, and maybe we can go meet the future president? Mother will be jealous.”
“His wife at least. Julia comes by before lunchtime everyday. You’ll get to see the social aspects of politics firsthand.” Buffy laughed with her sister, and it felt good. How much she’d missed this bond, this friendship. Maybe their mother was right, and Dawn coming to live with them would help the girl more than anything.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:24:42 GMT -5
Flawless
As the weeks passed, a pattern started to embed itself on the household. Dawn would wake in the middle of the night in a sweat and panic, Buffy would soothe her back to sleep, while Will tended to Samuel. Once everybody was back in bed, nobody would wake until the first signs of sunrise, where Willow would make her way to the backyard, and continue to condition her body. Dawn would crawl into bed with Buffy, and the two sisters would take care of Samuel when he woke.
Whenever Willow came inside, she would start breakfast for the family, and be joined by the others and Mrs. Calendar within ten minutes. Dawn was so amazed that this man would do all this, just to make sure that she felt comfortable around him. He was almost emasculating himself by taking on traditional women’s roles. Dawn was comfortable around a man for the first time in weeks.
The sisters would take Samuel on a walk in the afternoon, right after Julia Grant visited for tea. When Will arrived home from work, the family would go about having dinner, and sitting in the den afterwards to talk. Dawn was enjoying this time with her sister’s family immensely. That was…until one morning, she was sick.
Willow had the doctor come by, and talk to Dawnie after the third day. The young girl would be sick in the morning but fine the rest of the day, never a fever but vomit would occur. Buffy hated to think what it might be, after spending time with Tara. The doctor only confirmed what she feared: her sister was pregnant.
Dawn wouldn’t leave her room after that, choosing to stay cooped up inside. The pattern was lost, and the progress the young woman had made over the past few months had completely backfired. How could one horrible act bring about something that was supposed to be beautiful? How could she return home, for fear of Riley Finn discovering that she was pregnant with his bastard child?
Buffy wrote home, informing her mother, whose reply was to show up at their house in Washington. William and Dr. Giles had joined their mother on the trip, and Forrest and Mary were overseeing the plantation. The entire family was there (save for Drusilla, who was not well enough to make the trip…thank god), and Buffy only wished that it were better circumstances that brought them all together again.
“Something on your mind?” Willow looked over from her spot in bed, and noticed her wife had a speculative expression plastered across her face.
“What’s not on my mind is the better question?” Buffy looked over at Willow, and sighed. She had tried to be strong for her sister but it was hard to think that anybody could turn a beautiful thing into something ugly.
“Wanna talk about it?” Willow closed her book, and held it in her lap. “You’ve been quiet since your family arrived today.”
“I just…how could this happen to Dawnie? She’s the sweetest girl I know.” Buffy took Willow’s book from her, and placed it on the bedside table. “I guess I just don’t understand…or my mind doesn’t want to understand.”
“That’s understandable.” Willow smirked a little at her clever answer, as Buffy cuddled into her side.
“I know Dawnie wants to keep the baby…but I can’t imagine what’ll happen if Riley Finn ever finds out.” Buffy started to play with Willow’s nightshirt. “I could kill him.”
“Don’t talk like that, baby.” Willow kissed Buffy’s forehead, and ran her fingers through those soft, blonde locks. “He’ll get what’s coming to him, I’m sure of it. In the meantime, all we can do is be there for Dawn. She can live with us for as long as she needs.”
“She was doin’ so good, though. I think she was startin’ to forget it happened.” Buffy sniffled a little, and relaxed under Willow’s hands.
“I don’t think this is something she’d ever forget…but I know what you mean.” Willow pulled Buffy’s head up to give her a sweet, loving kiss. “We’ll take care of her. I’m sure your mother won’t leave unless she feels all is well.”
“You’re amazin’…ya know that?” Buffy leaned up to give Willow another sweet kiss. “You’ve been so patient and lovin’…and you’ve even womanized yourself a little to help Dawnie cope. I know how hard that is for you, since you’ve come this far to make yourself a man.”
“I’d do anything for you, and that extends to your family. Dawn is family, and I’ll do anything to see that she gets better.” Willow had made sure the doctor visited weekly, to help Dawn cope mentally and emotionally, and not just physically. “I love you, and know how much your sister means to you. I want to see her happy, so that you can be happy.”
“I am happy…even if I haven’t been able to show it lately.” Buffy kissed Willow again, and kept their lips touching softly. “I love you, and want to show you how grateful I am.”
“You already do…” Willow’s hormones were on overdrive. Buffy was deliberately driving her crazy at this point. They hadn’t made love since before Dawn’s arrival. Two months was torture, especially after all the great sex they were having before they’d learned about the situation. “We don’t have to, if you’re not…”
“I want to…believe me, it’s been killin’ me not to touch you, too.” Buffy brought their lips together in a passion that had built up, and not been released for months. She entwined her hands in Willow’s red locks, and made sure their mouths never parted. With all the ugliness this act had been to Dawn lately, Buffy found that she still craved it nightly from the redhead. Yet, she had held back, afraid that her sister would hear them through the walls. Tonight, though…Dawn was sleeping upstairs with their mother. Buffy couldn’t contain that little bit of selfish glee upon finding out the night’s sleeping arrangements. “I want you to remind that this is truly beautiful, that it’s not the ugliness we’ve been surrounded by every day.”
“I will, Buffy. I always will.” The redhead went about removing Buffy’s smock gently, brushing her fingertips lightly against that silky skin she’d missed so much. Placing soft kisses against the blonde’s exposed neck and shoulder, Willow proceeded to remind Buffy just how beautiful making love was.
--
It was decided. Dawn would stay with them until she was full and ready to return home, be it next month, next year, or ten years from now. Joyce and crew finally headed back to SunnyDale after two weeks, and only with a constant reminder that they couldn’t let their own lives be disrupted. The wedding between Dr. Giles and Joyce was on hold until Dawn was better, and they both would return with William when the baby was due in six months.
The pattern started to pick back up again, except Dawn would sleep better at night, Samuel was getting bigger (and had started walking), and Buffy was no longer afraid to have sex with her husband on a nightly basis. All in all, it was a better pattern for everybody.
Everybody except Amy.
The young woman didn’t understand what was happening exactly but got the summary from Jenny. Mrs. Rosenberg’s sister was pregnant, and would be living with them until further notice. Dawn was a nice enough lady but Amy was annoyed by her.
What really started to bother Amy was that she was having lustful thoughts about a man that was NOT her husband. Rack would be so upset, and probably hit her if he ever found out. Mrs. Calendar would probably fire her, or talk to Mrs. Rosenberg, or worse, General Rosenberg, the object of her desire. What was it about this man that made all the women want him? Was it his boyish good looks? His charm? His intelligence? His money? His rank? Perhaps, it was the way he adored his wife, and never looked at another woman? Maybe it was a combination of everything.
Amy was determined to find the flaw in him, to help alleviate her own desires. Maybe then, she wouldn’t have to worry about calling out another man’s name during her wifely duties. She still didn’t understand how Mrs. Rosenberg initiated as much sex as her husband. It was written all over her face: General Rosenberg was one helluva lover. Amy was never that interested in it. Maybe Rack wasn’t that great. He just went in, did his business, and got out. Amy didn’t see the excitement in that. What was General Rosenberg doing to his wife that made her want it all the time?
All Amy knew is that she was dying to find out.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:25:17 GMT -5
Obsession
Whenever the two sisters would leave on their walk, Amy would clean their bedrooms. Of course, she did a little snooping while she was in there. She was determined to discover something, a hint as to why Mrs. Rosenberg managed to snag such an eligible husband, and just what made these two googly-eyed and hormonal all the time. Sure, Mrs. Rosenberg was a gorgeous young woman but if a man could have any woman, why her? There had to be something…
Digging through the chests was her goal for the day. She would take breaks between her cleaning, and dig through their personal items. Yesterday, she dug through their wardrobes but only found pretty dresses and nice suits and uniforms. She’d put them there herself. The day before, she had dug through the drawers, and could only describe her behavior as perverse when she spent a little extra time studying the General’s undergarments.
Today, she was rummaging through chests, expecting to find piles of old photographs and newspapers, little keepsakes from the couple’s past. All she found were old cards and letters from South Carolina. There was barely anything of Will’s life before Buffy but there was plenty of Buffy. Amy knew that Will was from California, and that he had been thrown into the war directly out of West Point. She saw his old West Point uniform, and his diploma and official orders but there was nothing of his childhood, nothing of his life before the military.
Amy suddenly felt like she was nearing a big secret. She could feel it in her gut, even if there was evidence to prove otherwise. It wasn’t uncommon for a man with Will’s past not to have anything of his life before West Point. Yet, something was off…and she could sense it boiling in her veins.
Finishing her cleaning in the bedroom, Amy left everything back in place. She would try again tomorrow…maybe she’d try the desk and end tables.
--
Buffy wanted to get Dawn out of the house, to let her breathe a little. They called Amy to watch Samuel for the night, while the Rosenbergs and Dawn joined Julia Grant’s evening social. Buffy had even taken her sister shopping for a dress that would fit her growing belly. The young girl was starting to show at only five months.
“May I have this dance?” A young gentleman asked Dawn, who was left speechless and nervous.
“Actually, I believe she promised this one to me.” Willow held out her hand to Dawn, who took it with a sigh of relief. The redhead led the younger girl to the floor, where a waltz was playing in the background.
”Thanks, Will. I didn’t really expect anybody to ask me to dance. I wasn’t prepared for that.” Dawn wrapped her arm tighter around her sister’s husband. She found she had no trouble being close to him. Buffy was right; he really was the gentlest man. Plus, his hands were so small and soft, and that made him less threatening. She could see her sister smiling at them from the sidelines.
“You’re still a beautiful young woman, and these people know you’re a widow, so that makes you eligible.” Will swayed them across the floor in time to the music.
“How do they know so much about me?” Dawn was shocked to find a few men staring in their direction.
“They only know what they’ve been told. Buffy adores you, so she would talk about you to Julia. Being the busybody that she is…” Will let that hang in the air, as the song ended. “If you’re not comfortable with this, we can leave at any time.”
“Nonsense. You have to mingle. It’s part of the job. I need to learn how to say no anyways.” Dawn followed Will back to Buffy.
“From what I understand, you did say no.” Willow wanted to smack herself for that. Closing her eyes, she was afraid of what Dawn would say or do. They’d been making such great strides again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like…”
“No, it’s okay. I know.” Dawn could see the redhead beating himself up, and wanted him to know that she was getting along just fine, thanks to him and Buffy. “You do so much to help me, and I don’t think you know how much that means to me. I’m so jealous of Buffy that it’s not even funny. You’re almost too perfect, Will Rosenberg. My sister is lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Will opened her eyes to see the younger girl gazing at her with adoring, grateful eyes.
“Don’t worry about me. Have fun with your wife. I can tell you’ve been dying to dance with her all night.” Dawn knew he’d held back because he was worried about her. Will must’ve sensed the other guys giving her the eye, and wanted to protect her. It was sweet but she did need to learn to fend for herself.
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to…” Willow didn’t get to finish another word, as she was turned around, and pushed in the direction of her wife. “Okay, okay…I get the point.”
Buffy gladly accepted the few dances before the two decided it was time to check back on Dawnie. The young girl was doing just fine, chatting with a few other younger ladies. Willow just took her wife’s hand, and squeezed gently, showcasing that she was happy to see Dawn doing so well at the party. They were worried on the other girl’s reactions, since it was her first big social gathering since both the rape and the baby news. So far, she was doing just fine. --
Amy put Samuel down in his bassinet. She was amazed at how fast the baby was learning and growing. None of her children had been walking (even with assistance) at this age. Samuel was extremely aware of his surroundings, and responded to voice recognition, even if he didn’t understand the words.
Once Samuel was tucked in again, Amy went to do a little added snooping. She’d discovered the week before that the end tables were locked, and there was nothing of importance in her desk but paper and ink. She remembered her hairpins, and was hoping to do a little lock picking. Unfortunately, she heard the door open before she reached the bed.
“How is he? Was he a good boy?” Buffy walked in to find Amy playing with her hair. She figured that the woman was tired from her long work day, and just wanted to get home to her own family.
“He was great. He’s growing so fast.” Amy was so jealous of this family. They were like the picture of a perfect couple, perfect parents. Rack never took an interest in their girls, except to put them to bed, or read them a story every once in awhile. Maybe their girls would’ve been walking at nine months if he had spent as much time with them as General Rosenberg did with Samuel. Then again, it was different with father and son. If she’d only had a boy…
“He is…and startin’ to get smart like his daddy.” Buffy walked over to peek in the bassinet. Sure enough, Samuel was out cold for the night. “Will is waitin’ downstairs to take you home. He didn’t want you to walk home in the fog.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Amy’s eyes widened. She’d never spent any alone time with General Rosenberg.
“Nonsense. He’s got the carriage waitin’ outside, and he’ll see you home. It’s way too dangerous for you to walk out there this late at night.” Buffy could see the hesitation in Amy’s eyes. “It’ll get you home faster, anyways, so you can see your girls before they go to bed.”
“You are home awfully early. I hope all is well.” Amy was surprised to see them in before ten.
“Dawn was startin’ to feel dizzy, so we left early.” Buffy dug in her purse, and pulled out some paper money. “Here…take this, too.”
“I couldn’t possibly…” Amy was nervous all of a sudden. These people were so nice to her, and here Buffy was, offering her more money.
“You’ve been more than helpful, and we’re more than grateful. Get your girls some new dresses.” Buffy smiled, as she thrust the money into Amy’s hand. There would be no argument. “Now, go home. Get some rest, okay? We’ll see you Monday.”
“Thanks, ma’am.” Amy rushed from the room, ashamed at what she was doing. Was she really willing to risk giving all of this kindness up? All because of her curiosity? Her crush on her boss?
When she stepped into the carriage, and saw General Rosenberg decked fully in his tuxedo, she lost all train of thought. Guilt? What guilt? This man was absolutely gorgeous; no wonder she’d been having those wild dreams. She had to get over this obsession, she had to find what she looking for…otherwise, it would drive her slowly insane.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:27:43 GMT -5
Willow was a little bit confused, as she climbed the front stairs. Amy had talked her ear off in the carriage, and kept asking questions. Willow just gave brief answers, never giving too much away. She hadn’t thought about her life before ‘Will’ in a long time. Still, Amy kept asking question after question, and it confused the redhead. Seeing light peeking from beneath Dawn’s door, Willow decided to check on her before going to bed. It was a big night, after all. She wouldn’t be surprised if the girl was having a relapse of some kind. Knocking lightly, she was surprised to find Dawn answering the door so quickly. “Oh, hey, Will.” Dawn noticed he was still in his tuxedo, so he must’ve just gotten in from taking the housekeeper home. There was something about Amy she didn’t like…but she couldn’t figure it out. “Hey, everything okay? I saw your light.” Willow felt confined, as she started to undo her bowtie and top shirt button, letting herself breathe. “Oh, yeah…I’m okay. Just…they lie when they call it morning sickness.” Dawn rolled her eyes in amusement. “You can go to bed. I know you’re tired, and I’m sure Buffy is cold without you.” “Oh…um, okay. Good night.” Willow couldn’t hide the bright red flush that crept up her cheeks, as she left the young girl to her vices. Making her way into the bedroom, she noticed that Buffy was wearing her nightgown, and just watching Samuel sleep. Willow thought her wife looked extra beautiful, if that was possible. She took off her jacket, and continued to undress, as she moved through the room. Buffy finally looked up with a huge smile plastered on her face. “Doing a little striptease for me?” Buffy smirked when she noticed Willow blushing. “Just getting ready for bed.” Willow walked closer, and ran her hand through Buffy’s blonde hair before leaning over and kissing her on the forehead. “Dawn was sick.” “I heard her but didn’t want to bother her. You know how she gets embarrassed when we’re there.” Buffy ran her fingertips across Willow’s cheek. “Why don’t you finish gettin’ undressed, and we can play a little.” “Sounds like a good idea…” Willow’s blush crept all over her body, as she hurried to remove her clothes. “Come ‘ere.” “No problem.” Buffy stood, and helped her husband undress before she removed her own nightgown. They met in the middle, and kissed sweetly. Willow wrapped her arms completely around Buffy, as their breasts touched lightly, teasing one another. Kissing her deeper, the redhead felt the blonde moaning in her mouth, as their hands roamed bodies. “Bed…my legs are gonna give.” “Bed.” Willow agreed, as she pulled Buffy along, both of them crashing on the bed in a heap of tangled limbs. The redhead rolled them over until Buffy was on the bottom, and she just stared down at her, smoothing her blonde locks back. “I love you.” “I love you.” Buffy smiled up at Willow, as she pushed the falling red hairs behind her ear, cupping her cheek before pulling her down for a smoldering kiss. Scrambling from underneath her, Buffy unlocked the end table, and pulled out the toy from its box. “Are you sure? You were sore for hours after the last time.” Willow was always weary about using it but it made Buffy happy. She loved the way her wife’s face would scrunch up in the throws of ecstasy. It was pure happiness in her mind. “I’m more than sure…just don’t forget your hands.” Buffy’s eyebrows waggled, as she watched Willow strap the toy onto her hips. When everything was in place, Buffy bit her bottom lip in anticipation, as she felt herself start to get wet. Willow leaned over, and kissed her sweetly again. She always started with sweet kisses before becoming this passionate creature. They rolled around in the bed awhile, content with increasingly heavier kisses. Finally, Buffy crawled on top, and eased herself onto the redhead, closing her eyes in pure pleasure. There was nothing like this, feeling like Willow was digging deep inside her, reaching her very core, her very soul. Buffy continued to ride Willow, as the redhead held her hips, urging her to continue. Leaning up, Willow wrapped her arms fully around the blonde, smashing their lips together in a heated passion. Buffy started to pant and a thin sheen of sweat started to appear on her brow. She was doing all the work this time, and the redhead found she liked the aggressiveness, dominate side of her wife. They were so into it that they didn’t hear the door open until Dawn squeaked. Buffy stopped, and turned her head around to see her sister standing there, looking agape at them, caught in the act. Good thing Willow’s chest was covered by the blonde’s body, so Dawn couldn’t see anything but Buffy’s bare back and butt. “Sorry…sorry.” Dawn ducked her eyes, and turned back to leave the way she came. “Pfft…I was close, too.” Buffy huffed her frustration before planting a deep kiss against Willow’s mouth. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back to finish this…” ”You sure? We can just…” Willow didn’t get to finish her thought, as Buffy leaned over to plant another smoldering kiss against her lips. “…won’t move a muscle.” “That’s what I thought.” Buffy smirked at the half-lidded goofy face on her husband’s face before getting out of bed, and putting on a robe. Making her way to Dawn’s bedroom, she knocked lightly before entering, and finding her sister clutching a pillow on the bed. “Hey.” “Hey.” Dawn refused to look at her sister. She’d sworn after that first night of catching them back in the slave quarters, she would always knock first. After everything that had happened, apparently she’d forgotten that. “You didn’t have to…stop.” “It’s okay.” Buffy walked further into the room, and sat on the bed beside her sister. “Everything alright? Will said you were sick earlier.” “I’ll be fine.” Dawn swallowed hard before she clutched the pillow tighter. “I just…” “I know it’s weird seein’…well that, us…um…we thought you were down for the night, and…” Buffy was suddenly nervous around her little sister. “It’s okay, Buff. I get it. You and Will shouldn’t have to stop makin’ love just because I…” Dawn took a deep breath. “Go…I’ll be okay. I just had a nightmare is all, and I saw your lights still on. I didn’t…I guess I didn’t expect you to be…doin’ that.” “Sorry you had to see it. We try to be quiet…we don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” Buffy ran her hand softly down her sister’s arm. “It’s okay. I get it…go back, and make love to your husband.” Dawn watched as Buffy sighed before nodding her head, and heading to the door. “I did learn one thing, though.” “What’s that?” Buffy asked, turning back to see Dawn’s innocent face. “I now know how you keep Will in line.” Dawn’s knowing smirk was anything but innocent now. “G’night, Dawnie.” Buffy chuckled, as she made her way back to the bedroom. What she found there? Willow kept true to her word; she hadn’t moved a muscle. Buffy made her way back to the bed, and continued to keep Will in line the rest of the night. ------------------ “I’ll only be gone a few days, Buffy.” Willow smiled at her wife’s constant attempts to get her to stay home. “I’ll only be in Chicago. It’s not like I’m braving the West. You’ll see me in a couple days; it’s not like I can avoid going. It’s the National Convention. “ “I don’t have to like it, even if it is your work.” Buffy pouted, and it was adorable. Willow couldn’t help kissing the pout away; she was already late to meet Sam. “I need to go…Sam’s probably wondering where I’m at.” Willow wrapped her arms around Buffy again, and kissed her soundly. “I’m going to miss you…bunches.” “Just come home in one piece.” Buffy reluctantly released herself from Willow’s arms, and smoothed the red hair before placing one final kiss on her lips. “Behave while you’re there.” “Don’t I always?” Willow smiled before stealing one last kiss. “Okay…I’m going. If I don’t go now, I may never make it to the train on time.” “Would that be so bad? You could stay here, and we could lock ourselves in our room?” Buffy smirked, and batted her eyelashes. “As tempting as that sounds, we’d never get away with it anyways.” Willow couldn’t resist one last kiss before forcing herself out the door. Looking back in the doorway, she waved at Buffy, who had picked up Samuel to have the baby wave goodbye, too. --------- Willow caught the first train home that night, opting not to stay and celebrate with Sam on his candidate nomination. ‘Let us have peace,’ Grant had said. The only thing Willow could think about, standing on the sidelines, was that she couldn’t wait to get back to Buffy and Samuel. That was where her peace was…that was where she was needed. The train arrived in Washington around three in the morning, and Willow was beyond tired. She was excited to be getting home two days ahead of schedule. All she could think about was crawling into her warm bed with Buffy lying there, clinging to her even in sleep. Catching a carriage, she made her way home, and was as quiet as possible coming in the house and up the stairs. “Hey,” she whispered, upon Samuel sitting up in his crib. He was about to throw a fit, and wake up Buffy, there was no doubt. Instead, Willow put down her bags, and picked him up, taking care of him, and letting her wife get some sleep. She took him downstairs to get a bottle of milk after changing his diaper. They stayed in the kitchen for awhile before Willow took him back to the bedroom, and rocked him to sleep. She still hadn’t taken anything but her shoes and jacket off. “Who’s there?” Buffy sat up in the bed, scared upon seeing a shadowy figure rocking in the chair. Clutching the sheet to her body, she tried to calculate how far it would be to get to Samuel before the intruder would get him. “Calm down, baby. It’s me.” Willow kissed Samuel’s sleeping head before getting up, and placing him gently back into the bassinet. “I came home early. Something told me I needed to be home.” “Will!” Buffy jumped out of the sheets, and flung herself to her husband. “Willow.” She grabbed the redhead’s head, and placed kiss after kiss across her face. “Oh, Willow.” “Hey.” Willow blushed under her wife’s adorable greeting. “Sorry if I scared you but you were asleep.” “No…scare me anytime. Just…oh, Will. I’ve missed you.” Buffy squeezed her tight, and kissed her soundly on the lips. “Did I miss anything?” The redhead gathered her wife in her arms before swaying them to and fro. “No, not much. I got a letter from mother, and they’ll be coming up next month for Dawn’s birth. Samuel might be getting colic, so the doctor is supposed to be here in the morning.” Buffy took a deep breath, and relished in the underlying scent of Willow there. “We should get some rest. When Samuel gets back on Wednesday, there’ll be lots of work to get done, seeing as he’s our newest Republican presidential candidate.” Willow smiled, as she could see her wife’s eyes start to open wider in excitement at the news. “Yep. We could very well know the future president of the United States. We’ll find out in November.” “What about you? What will that make you?” Buffy hugged Willow tighter. “Nothing, unfortunately. I can’t make the papers for fear of my brothers or mother finding out about me. It would ruin Sam’s career, and I won’t do that. He has the potential of doing great things for this country.” Willow placed her head in the crux of Buffy’s neck, smelling the light lavender soap she’d used in her bath that night. “I’ll be helping him with his campaign, though.” “I think you’re the greatest man.” Buffy smiled up at her husband before kissing him sweetly. “Let’s get some of that sleep, then. Sounds like you’ll be a busy man soon.” “I know we never…can we sleep without clothes? I know we dress after sex for fear of somebody walking in but…I need to feel your skin against mine tonight.” Willow kissed Buffy’s neck, and rubbed her hands up and down her back. Buffy stepped out of Willow’s arms, and untied her nightgown before letting it fall to the floor at her feet. Moving back to her husband, she began to undress him. That night, they slept skin against skin, as close as they could ever get. A/N: I was learning how to draw by drawing what I saw in comics (not tracing but actually messing up the proportions on my own), and used a scene of Willow/Tara kissage to build a Buffy/Willow (and crappy baby carriage) from the scene.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:28:54 GMT -5
Boobs!
Mrs. Calendar was dusting the hallway around nine in the morning. Since Buffy and Samuel weren’t moving around yet, she figured she would sneak in, and steal their clothes from the night before, so she could get started on the wash for the day. When she walked in the room, she was shocked to find the general’s bags and suit from the previous day lying about. Looking over, she noticed the couple were sound asleep, bare arms wrapped around each other, covers kicked every which way.
Since it was a colder day, Jenny moved over to pull the covers on them. She felt like a mother to these two sometimes. Sighing at the sight of the two girls naked, she couldn’t help but wonder what possessed them to take such a risk in sleeping nude last night. Maybe the excitement upon finding Willow home early was too much for either of them to care?
Seeing that the two weren’t moving anytime soon, she scooped up Samuel from his bassinet, and carried him out of the room with her.
“We’ll let your parents sleep, okay?” Jenny gave the baby a tickle on his nose before she took him downstairs. She knew that those two adored this baby but it would be utter confusion if he were old enough to understand his daddy actually was just another mommy. Jenny understood why Willow did it…but she was still weary of the consequences should she be discovered by the wrong person. They were just lucky it was Amy’s day off…because that girl was starting to get a little too nosy.
--
Noticing Samuel was missing from his crib, Buffy began to panic, especially since that meant somebody had come in to get him. Come into their room, while they were both naked…breasts more abundant than the intruder expected. Willow sat up in bed, sensing Buffy’s anxiety, and rubbed her shoulders briefly to calm her.
“What if it was Dawn? What if…what if she saw somethin’? She could’ve had another nightmare, and she crawled into bed with me the other night. She didn’t know you were home, so she could’ve tried to…” Buffy bit down on her thumb, trying to hold in her dramatics.
“It’s okay. It was Jenny, see? Our clothes are gone.” Willow pointed to the floor, where they had stripped their clothes the previous night. “Besides, Dawn would’ve made a point to deal with that revelation instead of taking Samuel and leaving.”
“How can you be so sure? Dawn’s…” Buffy was stopped when Willow planted a sweet kiss against her lips. “Okay…I’ll calm down.”
“That’s better.” Willow kissed her again before relaxing back on the bed, resting her head on her arms. “Now…how about a few more cuddles before we go save Jenny from our rambunctious son?”
“I like cuddles.” Buffy relented, as she wrapped her arm around Will’s torso, and laid her head on the redhead’s chest. “I’m glad that Jenny knows.”
“I know. It makes it easier somehow, having somebody else share the secret. Believe me, I know.” Willow smiled appreciatively at her wife before wrapping her arms around her. “I’m just glad she didn’t panic when she caught us in the kitchen.”
“Well, you were irresistible…and she was supposed to be off duty.” Buffy smirked, as she traced little patterns across the redhead’s toned abdomen. “I always wonder if that’s the reason she stays with us. I’m sure other families could pay her a lot better.”
“Yes but they probably wouldn’t offer her free rent and let her eat meals with us, instead of just serving us all the time.” Willow ran her fingertips lightly across Buffy’s back. “Plus, she’s like our Mary. She takes care of us, mothers us. I think she sees us as the kids she couldn’t have.”
“I’m just glad she’s stayed.” Buffy moved her head slightly to place light kisses across Willow’s collarbone.
“Well, she didn’t run screaming. That was a plus. She just smiled, rolled her eyes in amusement, and said, ‘I thought something was too good to be true with you two.’ I’m not sure anybody else would’ve taken it so well. I can’t begin to imagine what’ll happen if Amy finds out.” Willow took a deep breath, and watched Buffy’s head move with it. “She’s starting to become a liability, I’m afraid.”
“Really? What makes you think that?” Buffy looked up to see Willow’s furrowed brow, indicating that the redhead was in deep thought.
“It was just…that night in the carriage, she kept asking me questions. Personal questions, questions about my time before West Point. She’s trying to figure me out, and the way she looked at me, the way she sat next to me…it wasn’t because she was cold. I felt…violated somehow. I know that’s silly…but…it’s like she was trying to get into my personal space.” Willow looked to gauge Buffy’s reaction but only found the blonde in her own form of deep concentration.
“I never would’ve guessed.”
“It just reminded me of all those girls at West Point, the way they’d flirt, or say something, a light touch here, a look there. It was like she was trying to…get me to notice her, I guess you could say.” Willow’s brow furrowed again, and a frown formed on her face.
“Did you…” Buffy looked up again to see that frown.
“No. Never. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted, and will ever want. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” Willow smiled, as Buffy ran her fingers across her lips.
“You’re such a sweet talker, Willow Rosenberg.” Buffy smirked before she replaced her fingers with her lips. “We need to get up, and save Jenny from Samuel.”
“Ungh…don’t wanna.” Willow pouted a little, and pulled her pillow over her head.
“Okay…you sleep but I’m goin’ to get our baby.” Buffy crawled out of bed. “We can talk more about Amy later, if you want. I think I need time to digest that, maybe talk to Jenny, see if she’s noticed anything.”
“Come back to me…” Willow jutted her lower lip out further.
“Let me go get Samuel and check on Dawn, then maybe…MAYBE I’ll see about comin’ back to bed.” Buffy smirked that seductive smirk that sent shivers down the redhead’s spine.
“Hurry up, then. The sheets are already starting to get cold without you.” Willow rubbed the vacant side of the bed to prove a point. “Oh…it’s starting to form icicles. You’d better hurry.”
“Okay, okay…lazybones.” Buffy wrapped a robe around her body before going to the closet, and throwing a nightshirt and pants at Willow to put on, just in case they had company later. “That’ll keep you warm until I return.”
“Okay…but don’t be surprised if I take them off when you get back.” Willow tried not to smile through her pout but it was proving a hard task.
Buffy chuckled at her husband before going downstairs to retrieve Samuel. She found Jenny feeding him in the kitchen. Smiling, she made her way over to take over the task. Jenny just smiled that knowing smile, and Buffy felt a breath of relief that it really was Jenny that was in the room earlier.
“You took quite a risk.” Jenny raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, well…Will got back early this mornin’, and we didn’t think we’d fall asleep, especially this late.” Buffy gulped, afraid to look at Jenny, the blush creeping up her cheeks. She gave Samuel another bite of food before handing him his bottle. “We’ll be more careful in the future. We’re just glad it was you that was our morning intruder.”
“Yes, well…you don’t want this information in the wrong hands. I fear for you two, thinking of what could happen.” Jenny left the kitchen, both wanting to get back to her work, and afraid to touch upon the subject.
Buffy finished in the kitchen before grabbing some bread, jam, and a pitcher of fresh milk for them to enjoy in bed. It was like brunch in bed, as she carried Samuel on one hip, and the food and milk jug in her other hand. She noticed that Willow had dressed, and laid the food down on the end table before handing Samuel to the redhead, who took him with excitement.
”I’m gonna go check on Dawnie, and I’ll be right back.” Buffy left ‘father’ and son to play, while she checked on her sister. Knocking lightly on the door before entering, she found Dawn fully dressed, and nursing a cup of hot tea at the table in her room. “Kinda early for afternoon tea.”
“The baby was kickin’, and it caused my stomach to hurt, so I’m drinkin’ tea.” Dawn put aside her teacup and saucer before standing to hug her sister. “I’ll be glad when this is all over. You didn’t tell me there’d be swellin’, and all other sorts of unpleasantries.”
“Oh, well…” Buffy swallowed hard. How could she tell her sister about that part? She hadn’t actually experienced it firsthand, and Tara was never one to complain about those things unless they were really bad. “It’s worth it in the end, I promise.”
“You’d better be right. I think this baby is tryin’ to kill me!” Dawn was always one to enhance the dramatics.
“Don’t be like that.” Buffy smiled at her sister. “Will came home early; got in early this mornin’, so we’re gonna just spend the day in bed, I think. If you need anything…knock first but don’t hesitate. I doubt we’ll be doin’ anything. We’re both kinda tired.”
“I didn’t hear anything last night…but you have somehow gotten quieter, I’ve noticed.” Dawn smirked at her sister. “Of course, I know you can’t keep your woman paws off your husband, and I’m still jealous of that. It was never that great with Conner that I couldn’t keep my hands off him. Will must be doin’ somethin’ right to make you want it so badly all the time.”
“Yes, well… a lady doesn’t discuss such things.” Buffy’s blush went all the way to her toes. She was surprised her sister was talking so openly about sex. It seemed she was recovering better than expected. “Besides, you didn’t have enough time to enjoy your life with Conner. You were married all of eight months before he went away to war.”
“I remember. I mean…how could I forget somethin’ like that?” Dawn’s face fell slightly, and Buffy wanted to smack herself for bringing up painful memories. “We survived, though…and maybe I’ll get married again someday. Maybe I’ll find MY Will.”
“You will…find your Will. I promise.” Buffy kissed her sister’s forehead before she bid her ado. When she got back to the bedroom, she found Willow leaning over Samuel, and tickling his belly. The giggles erupting from the bed were contagious, as Buffy made her way over, and laid on the other side of the baby, resting her head on her hand to gaze down at him. “Dawn’s about to pop, I think.”
“She still has a month, I thought.” Willow stopped playing with Samuel for a moment.
“She does…but it’s startin’ to hurt more than usual, she said. The baby’s kickin’ a lot, and causin’ her belly to go all rumbly.” Buffy watched as Samuel started to calm down, and his lids started to get heavy. “Looks like somebody’s ready for a nap.”
“Should I call on the doctor?” Willow was concerned now, as she sat up in bed, and poured a glass of milk each for them before spreading jam on her bread slice.
“No…not until she thinks there’s something wrong. She’s in tune with her body, so she must think this is natural. Otherwise, she would’ve mentioned the doctor herself.” Buffy devoured her food, and gulped down her milk. If they were both going to get a nap in while Samuel was out cold, then they’d have to eat quickly, since the baby was dropping fast. “Just let that settle a minute, then we’ll snuggle under the covers. No more icicles.”
“Good…I was starting to get frostbite.” Willow smirked, as she finished chewing her bread. She didn’t eat or drink quite as fast, cause it was always fun to watch Buffy do just that. It was very uncharacteristic of the blonde, and the redhead loved to watch that happen. Once everything was clear, they settled in for the nap, as they watched Samuel fall completely asleep.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:29:28 GMT -5
Mothers and Sons
Dawn was depressed. That’s the only way she could describe her emotions. Sure, the pain was excruciating when the baby was born but when she saw the baby, no spark of emotion came upon her. She felt like she was broken all over again. She couldn’t even love her own baby. Instead, she just stayed in bed all day, barely ate anything, hardly bathed, and couldn’t seem to stop staring at the ceiling.
“Brought you some lunch, thought you might be able to eat somethin’ today.” Buffy was worried about her sister. These past two weeks since the baby had been born, Dawn had almost nothing to do with it. They already had their hands full with Samuel still being a baby, and now they had a newborn to help. Even though it was harder than originally thought, the couple didn’t complain much about their little nephew. He cried a lot more than Samuel, so they weren’t used to that, and poor Samuel seemed sad at the loss of attention from his parents. He always had this cute little pout that reminded Buffy of Willow somewhat when she would pout. It was hard to imagine this baby not being theirs biologically when he did something like that.
When Buffy laid the tray of food and water on the table, Dawn didn’t move. She just continued to stare at the wall. There was a small sigh but that was all the movement the blonde could get from her sister.
“You need to eat, Dawnie. Just a little bit?” Buffy sat down on the bed beside the brunette, and rubbed her upper arm. “We’re worried. We want to help but you’ve got to let us help you.”
Still nothing.
“Would you like us to send for the doctor again?” Buffy took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Would you at least like to give him a name?”
Dawn closed her eyes, and willed herself to move, to say something, anything. She looked at Buffy, and was on the verge of tears. She didn’t know what was wrong with her. She didn’t understand what was happening, why she didn’t love her baby, why she couldn’t force herself to move.
“I’m gonna have Will call the doctor, and get him over here tomorrow, okay? Somethin’s wrong, and we wanna make sure you’re okay.” Buffy leaned over to kiss her sister’s forehead. “I’ll come back later, and bring your son. I can help get you cleaned up, while you get acquainted better.”
Dawn didn’t nod or shake her head. It was as though she were completely numb.
“I need to help Will with the boys. I’ll come back in a few, okay?” Buffy still received no response, and she wanted to smack her sister into action. It was the only thing they hadn’t tried so far.
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“Can you hand me that towel?” Buffy was helping Dawn take a bath. The younger girl seemingly had no energy or strength to do it on her own, and she was starting to smell.
“I’m sorry.” Dawn barely spoke the entire wash, except to say those two words.
“It’s okay. It’s not your fault. We’re gettin’ you help, sweetie.” Buffy rubbed the cloth along her sister’s back. This was so much different than when she’d help their mother when they were younger. “Have you thought of a name for him? ‘Little baby’ can only get you so far. Maybe if he had a name, he wouldn’t cry as much. He’s definitely your child.”
Dawn just looked at Buffy with sad eyes. At least it was something. Buffy finished washing Dawn, and helped her dress in a fresh night smock before combing her hair.
“Ya know, Will loves to comb my hair for some reason.” Buffy made sure to get the wet tangles loose.
“I think he likes any excuse to touch you.” Dawn took a deep breath, and couldn’t believe her neutral tone. She couldn’t even tease her sister.
“He has soft hair, too. I hope Samuel’s red hair will stay soft as he gets older. Some girl will love that.” Buffy looked over at the newborn baby in the basket. “No names at all?”
“Rupert James, I guess.” Dawn started to miss her real father. Before the Riley Finn incident, they had started to form a father/daughter relationship, deeper than the one they already knew.
“You’re really gonna name him after Dr. Giles?” Buffy tried not to laugh, since she didn’t want to make Dawn any worse. “I mean…Rupert is a fine name. We can call him RJ for short.”
“Can I hold him?” Dawn was afraid but she wanted to desperately to feel that motherly instinct. She wanted to feel something, anything. Maybe if she forced herself.
“Of course. You never have to ask to hold your own son.” Buffy went to pick him up from the basket, and handed him gently to her sister. “There ya go, baby Giles.”
“RJ.” Dawn just stared at her baby, her son. He was beautiful, much different than what she remembered upon the last time she held him. He definitely had a Summers nose, and she’d heard him cry. He’d fit right in with the family, except for maybe Samuel, who was way too quiet to be a baby.
“Want me to go?” Buffy was scared to leave her sister alone with the baby. She’d been unstable these last two weeks, and this was the first contact she’d had with the baby since after he was born. “Stay? I…I don’t wanna hurt him.” Dawn really meant it. An emotion…something she could grasp onto, to give her a little hope. Looking down at RJ, the corners of her tight lips swelled a little in a twisted tight-lipped smirk. At least it was something.
“Of course.” Buffy wondered how Will was doing downstairs with Samuel. The redhead promised to watch over their son, while she tended to her sister. They didn’t want to bother Ms. Calendar, and Amy took off early to tend to her own ill children.
Buffy sat down next to her baby sister, and couldn’t help but realize that she wasn’t so little anymore. Not with a tiny bundle of her own in her hands. When did her little sister get so big?
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“This is…quite a shock.” Sam Grant looked down to see his right hand man carrying a baby basket with a baby in it! “Is everything alright?”
“Everything’s fine. Buffy is just helping her sister get acquainted to her own son, Ms. Calendar is in Ohio visiting relatives, and our housekeeper just had one of her own little girls pass away. I had no option but to bring Samuel along with me to work today. He’s really usually quiet, so he shouldn’t be a bother.” Willow laid the basket on the desk, and uncovered the blanket from the sleeping baby’s head. It was cold outside, and she was going to take no chances, especially since Amy’s youngest just died from pneumonia. “If it’s a problem, I can…”
“Nonsense. It’ll be good to have children in this house again. I just hope we don’t upset him too much when we get busy.” Sam was really gunning his campaign, as elections were drawing closer. Two weeks left, and they’d know.
“I brought some things to keep him busy. He’s a good baby.” Willow laid aside her briefcase, and pulled out some files. “These are the polls from yesterday. You’re still ahead but we don’t want to take any chances.”
“I still wish you’d reconsider my offer.” Sam wanted Will to be his presidential assistant, help write his speeches, help him behind the scenes, keep him on track. Yet every time he offered, the young man would decline. It was an offer anybody would want, and this young man had denied him three times.
“I’m just not cut out for the political side of things. I’m more of a problem-solver.” Willow wasn’t sure what she’d do if Sam was elected president. She’d have to find another position if she wanted to stay in Washington, and help support her family.
“I’m sure you have good reasons but I still say you’re a fool.” Sam sighed before returning to work.
“That’s exactly why I can’t accept such a high profile position, General.” Willow wanted it, with every breath she wanted it but she knew that her name, her face would make the weeklies, and eventually, all hell would break loose. Mommy Dearest or one of her brothers would recognize her. There was no doubt in her mind. For now, she would just remain in low profile positions, and never in a spot of leadership.
“When you do decide to make that leap, I’ll be more than happy to give a good word for you. You’re the best man I’ve ever known but you’re right. You’re a little too honest for politics, and that’s what makes you a good man.” If only Sam knew the irony behind that statement. “I wouldn’t want politics to turn you into something rotten. You’re one of the last few good men this country has, and the reason why I agreed to run in this election.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Willow couldn’t hide her blush. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. “We should get some work in while Samuel’s asleep. He should be out for another hour, so that’ll give us time to concentrate before the news people arrive.”
There was no doubt in the redhead’s mind that Ulysses S. Grant would be the next President of the United States, and that she would be out of a job. There would be other job offers and military assignments. She just wasn’t sure if she wanted to continue working military, or go more towards the law aspect. There was enough money saved to afford a comfortable living for her family, and pay her way through law school. Was it what she really wanted, though? Maybe she’d just give it all up, and be a shopkeeper like Xander. She could be a florist. The only thing she did know: she needed to make a decision, and soon.
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postitnote
Descendant of a Toaster Oven
Dr. Erin
Willow Rox my Sox Off!
Posts: 639
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Post by postitnote on Mar 16, 2008 0:30:19 GMT -5
Interlude...as it's 70 chapters long (or will be when I finish it...lol). I'm only up to 47 thus far, so I'll add the others gradually.
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