TITLE: The Meaning of Heroes (Book One: 20/25)
AUTHORS: Jess (Watcher Giles) and Lara
WEBSITE: http://heroes.darling-moon.com
DISCLAIMER: We only wish we were as successful as Joss Whedon. He and Mutant Enemy own this.

WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE AND CHARACTER DEATHS

The older man in first class sighed angrily when the plane landed at LAX. How dare he? His own child – his spawn – first disgracing himself in Sunnydale then making his failure complete by allying himself to the vampire. And then when he needed information, the boy had been nowhere to be found.

He had been furious to discover – through Travers, of all people – that Wesley was now in Sunnydale with the American woman and their...child. He nearly growled at that thought. The disgrace had reproduced. He would look the child over, however, and if he seemed to be made of tougher mettle than his father, Roger would claim him on behalf of the family.

Travers wanted to know the location of his baby Watcher, and Roger wanted the iron clad control over his disgrace of a child again. It didn't take long to secure the rental the Council had waiting. In a few hours, he would be in Sunnydale, straightening out this mess, and possibly even straightening out that Slayer while he was at it.

"We look like...green demons," Buffy groused, sticking out her tongue.

"Hey!" Lorne said from where he was sitting with Connor, trying to get the squirming little guy into his socks and shoes.

"Sorry. Green mermaid demons."

"No, Fred, I'm not going out there," they heard Dawn saying in the bathroom. "I'm not, and you can't make me."

"Oh, no...if we have to go out there wearing these fashions from hell, so does she," Buffy announced before going over to the door and pounding on it. "Dawn Marie Summers, get your green mermaid butt out here now."

"All right, all right." A moment later, Dawn opened the door, followed by Fred, who was the only one of them actually wearing a normal-looking dress, blue with a skirt that ended just above her knees. "Now I know why Fred wasn't upset at not being included in the wedding."

Just then, Giles knocked on the door, trying to bite back a smile at the sight of the women in his family wearing those dresses. Behind him, Wesley forced himself to look at his shoes to keep from smiling.

"Um..." Giles felt the smile pull at his lips. "The limo is here, so is everyone ready?" He coughed to smother a giggle.

"Yeah," Buffy said, looking at everyone, knowing that an apocalypse probably wasn't going to happen and save them from this hell. "I think we are."

"I just need to get my shoes," Fred said, raising up one of her bare feet. "I'll be downstairs in a moment. Connor, go on with your daddy and papa."

"Doesn't he look smashing?" Lorne asked, setting Connor down on the floor so he could go over to his fathers.

Wesley smiled when he came bouncing toward him, hands up, waiting for him to pick him up. "You look very smart, son," he said, beaming proudly as he picked the boy up. Connor was clutching the ring pillow tightly, having practiced with it all week. "Are you ready to do your very important job?"

"Yep! Buffy says I have natural 'gility, so no problem!" Connor bounced excitedly on his daddy's hip.

"Tony is waiting downstairs for us. Halfreck took Anya to the church an hour ago, so feel free to plot her demise before we get there," Giles mentioned with a chuckle, extending his arms to escort Buffy and Dawn downstairs. Wes held out his free arm to escort Tara. "Shall we?"

As Lorne escorted Willow out of the room, following everyone else, Fred went to the closet and pulled out her shoes, taking them back over to the bed and putting them on. She had just stood up to head downstairs when suddenly, the world tilted, and her stomach felt like it had just been twisted and pulled. Running into the bathroom, she barely managed to reach the toilet before she threw up.

"Fred?" Lorne's voice suddenly called from the bedroom. "Fred, everyone's wonder–oh, sweetie, are you okay?"

She felt his hands on her shoulder, pulling her hair back from her face while she coughed a bit. After a few moments, she tried to get up, so Lorne helped her up, taking her over to the sink to let her rinse her mouth out while he flushed the toilet for her.

"I'm okay," she finally said, taking a deep breath as she leaned over the sink. "I'm just...I haven't told Rupert and Wesley yet, but I've been sick every morning for the last week."

"Fred, why haven't you told–?" When she looked over at him, he broke off as it suddenly dawned on him. "You don't think...?"

"I think so, but I'm not sure. It's not like I could just go to the drugstore with everything that's been going on, and I didn't want to tell them until I was sure."

"Sing for me, sweetie pie," Lorne told her, brushing her hair back from her face.

She looked at him in amazement. "You can...you can tell?" When he nodded, she launched into a few lines of some song that she had heard Dawn listening to on the radio over the last few days. When she reached the end of what she knew of it, she glanced down at herself then back up expectantly.

"You are," he told her, a smile tugging on his lips.

"I am?" She felt her breath catch in her throat, her hands covering her abdomen. "Oh my God..."

"When are you going to tell the guys?"

She shook her head in uncertainty, knowing that today was supposed to be about Anya and Xander. "Maybe tonight. Right now, the others are waiting." Smiling, she took his hand and hurried downstairs to catch up with everyone.

"That's up to Buffy, of course," Giles replied with a smile.

Buffy felt like she had been caught unaware by vampires for a moment. A guy wanting to be her escort while wearing this dress? Why couldn't it have been when she was wearing something cute and short and actually flattering? She put on a smile, though, and stepped forward to take his arm. "Thank you, Tony," she said as they stepped outside to head to the car. She looked back at the others, then leaned over to him and whispered, "This dress doesn't even have a place to secret a stake. And this stupid little purse isn't big enough either."

"I've got you covered," he informed her with a smile, opening his jacket to reveal the four stakes inside. "Mister Giles' orders. We're also outfitted with bowie knives and an extendable baton." He hoped the knowledge would put her a little more at ease despite being stuck in that monstrosity of a dress.

She grinned at him when she saw all the weapons there. "Ohhh, very good, Giles. I'll be looking to you to throw me something if it becomes necessary, Tony, so be ready."

Wes and Giles got everyone else in the limo and settled, knowing it wouldn't take long to get to the church. Wes could tell that Giles was anxious having his family exposed and out in the open like this, but he knew his lover. Giles was determined to give this day to his loved ones, Angelus be damned. He watched the passing scenery, his body coiled for another attack by the bloodthirsty vampire. When they pulled up in front of the church, however, he resisted the urge to snicker – standing there in the doorway was the familiar platinum blonde head. And oh, did Spike look livid.

"Oh, Rupert....you didn't," he said, finally giving in to his urge and chuckling.

Giles smiled, the devilishness clear on his face. "Actually, I didn't. It was the threat of turning you and Connor loose on him that got him here in a tux. We needed another man to balance the party, and he was the only one handy." With an oh-so-innocent shrug, he then stepped from the limo, reaching in to help the ladies out.

Buffy couldn't believe what she saw as they all piled out of the car and headed up into the building. "Oh my God." She so owed Giles for two things today now – knowing that there were weapons to hand and Spike in a penguin suit, looking like he would have preferred to take a chance with sunlight. She could hear Willow, Tara and Dawn giggling behind her as they walked inside. "Spike, you look fantastic."

"Not. One. More. Word. Slayer." Spike growled between clenched teeth. "Bloody sadist of a Watcher, putting me in this nancy boy suit, dragging me out during the day. And to a church of all places! Who pissed in your Wheetabix this morning?!" He glared at Giles as if he might stake him any minute. "All for the whelp? I loathe you, Watcher!"

Everyone just ignored Spike's threats and went into the chapel, the girls splitting up to go to the bridal room while the guys headed to the groom's room where Xander was already waiting. On the way, they passed demons of all kinds, milling around, looking quite out of place in a church of all places. Especially since none of Xander's family was there.

When the girls reached the bridal room, Buffy knocked on the door before opening it up and heading inside to find Anya standing in front of the mirror, wearing her dress and her hair done, but with a cold mask over her eyes. When she saw the reflections of the others in the mirror, she whirled around, jumping up and down for joy.

"Oh, my gosh, you all look beautiful!" she gushed. "I can't believe it's happening. We're getting married!"

"Yes, Papa!" Connor bounced, holding the pillow up excitedly, just as they had rehearsed. Withdrawing the rings from his pocket, Giles set them on the pillow just as he saw the women approaching. "I'll be careful!" he promised, determined that he would make his parents proud.

"Good lad." Giles beamed proudly. "Xander, perhaps you should take your position?" Nodding toward the altar where the priest was waiting, he then extended his elbow toward the maid of honor, knowing they would be the first ones down the aisle. "Halfreck?"

They took their position at the head of the line, followed by Willow and Tara escorted by Spike, then Buffy and Tony. Dawn stood behind them next to Connor to make sure that he made it down the aisle all right with the rings.

Buffy smiled at Tony as she took his arm. She still hated the dress but couldn't be upset at the company. She was actually glad that Travers had sent him.

Anya took a deep breath before walking over to Wesley while the others entered the chapel. "I just want to say, thank you for doing this. I know we don't really know each other well, and I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with, but still...it means a lot to me."

"You're quite welcome," Wesley told her with a smile. "This day is important to you, so I'm glad I could be a part of it." As the music began to play, he nodded. "Ready to get married?"

As they walked down the aisle, he could see Xander shifting his weight, his dark eyes lit on the lovely woman on is arm. As they approached, the priest addressed him.

"Who gives this woman to this man?"

"I do," Wesley replied, stepping back and joining the men's side behind Rupert. He could see the tip of Connor's tongue against his lips while he concentrated on balancing the rings on the pillow.

As the priest started the ceremony, his eyes flicking over to the "circus folk" that made up the bride's family every so often, Fred, who was sitting with Lorne as the sole members of the groom's family, found her attention wandering from the bride and groom to Wesley and Rupert as they stood together. They looked so handsome in their tuxedos, and she could feel her stomach fluttering.

Covering her hand with his, Lorne leaned over to her. "Are you all right, buttercup?" he whispered.

She nodded, knowing it wasn't morning sickness this time but instead anticipation at telling them the news about the baby. She couldn't wait to tell them. Catching Wesley's eye, she gave him a smile before forcing herself to turn her attention to Xander and Anya.

Wesley lifted his head when he felt the loving pair of eyes on him and found his lips curling up in reply when he saw Fred's smile. He had to force himself to focus on what the priest was saying.

"If there is anyone who thinks that these two should not be married, may you speak now or forever hold your peace." The priest paused briefly, not expecting anyone to interrupt.

"Good God, this is a new low, even for you," Roger Wyndam-Pryce scowled, coming down the aisle toward his son. "Attending a marriage between these things."

Wesley's eyes widened in shock as he felt his stomach plummet into his shoes. "Father! Not now! Sit down, please! We can talk afterwards!" he pleaded with the older man.

"We can talk now since you decided to hide behind this disgrace, get him and his renegade Slayer to fight your battles for you! You were born pathetic, and it's clear that hasn't changed. Maybe if this son I keep hearing about is raised by a real Watcher, instead of a spineless git, he might have a chance to become a man." He was so focused on demolishing the pathetic man in front of him, he failed to hear the dangerous growl from Giles.

Fred watched in shock. This was the man Rupert had told her about – this was the man who had made Wesley's life a living hell. When he started talking to him like he was a child, she found her hands balling into fists by her side, only Lorne's hand on her keeping her from standing up. When he threatened Connor, however, she was on her feet, reaching out for her little boy and pulling him close to her. The pillow and the rings fell to the floor, but nobody noticed or cared. "You stay away from my child, you bastard."

Buffy stepped forward. "You're not welcome here. Get out."

"What is the saying you Colonials are so fond of?" Roger smirked, pretending to think. "It's a free country. This is my family, girl, and I will deal with them as I see fit." He glared at the young Watcher who moved to stand with the Slayer. "And you, failing to call Travers was a mistake."

"It must have slipped my mind," Tony replied dryly, not impressed in the slightest by the man before him.

"We've been protecting him from Angelus' wrath. Unlike the Council, these people don't sacrifice their own," Wesley managed, feeling his body wound tight. He was trembling with the effort to meet his father's gaze, every instinct telling him to back down. "Connor is my son, and he's going nowhere with you." He tried, but his voice broke under the strain of his emotion. Wesley was horrified when he saw his father smile, knowing his son didn't have the courage to defy him.

"I've never hit an old man in my life," Xander began, moving in front of Roger. "But if you keep interrupting my wedding, there's a first time for everything."

Buffy saw Giles about to move forward on Wesley's father and put her arm out, keeping him back. She motioned to Fred, who picked Connor up and moved to stand next to Wesley and Giles, putting Buffy and Tony between them and the hateful man before them.

"We Colonials are also rather fond of something else – called the second amendment and the right to keep and bear arms," she said, holding out her hand. Tony immediately handed over the bowie knife, which she held up. "This isn't a gun, but it's close enough. You even try to take Wesley and Fred's son from them, and I swear you won't have your hands much longer."

"And you know me, I don't need a reason to gut a Watcher," Spike said with a smirk. "Might even be worth the headache to see what kind of candy spills out of this piñata." He tapped the old man on the shoulder, and when he looked at him, Spike vamped out, blowing him a kiss. "Boo!"

Roger flinched instinctively, reaching for a stake. "So this is how it is going to be, Wesley? Getting the older boys at school to fight your battles for sexual favors? So who is the beneficiary of those skills this time? Rupert Giles? Or perhaps young Antony here?"

"Stop saying mean things about my daddy!" Connor yelled at the stranger, not knowing who he was but seeing that he was hurting his father.

Fred gasped in disgust at what Wesley's father said about him, wanting badly to lash out. Rupert beat her to it, however, moving before anyone could stop him and flattening the older man. Seeing the look in Wesley's eyes, she grabbed his arm with her free hand, moving closer to him to let him know that she was there.

Roger, meanwhile, flailed back, stars of pain exploding behind his eyes when he felt the fist impact against his jaw. He looked up into the face of an incredibly irate Rupert Giles. "I believe my question was just answered."

"Yay, Papa!" Connor yelled excitedly, bouncing on Fred's hip.

Lorne could see how horrific this was for Wesley – the vibes coming off him were enough to cause a migraine. This man had done enough damage to his friend to last a lifetime. He wasn't going to get to him now. Getting up, he joined the group standing against this man.

"There are no ten-year-old boys here for you to terrorize, Roger. Grown men with Napoleon complexes have no place in this town. Leave under your own steam or leave on a stretcher. For Wesley's sake, I'm giving you a choice," Giles growled.

"Rupert, you always were a problem child, weren't you?" Roger asked with a smirk. "I always regretted that your father never let me take a lash to you. Knock some of that stubbornness out of you. I'm not leaving without what is mine – my family. You can keep the girl, but my son and grandson are coming with me."

"No," Wesley rasped, feeling tears of shame fill his blue eyes. His shame wasn't for his father, though; it was at himself, that he would stand here, a fully grown man, taking such things from his father, in front of his lovers and family. "My...my place is here now. I think you should leave."

"You heard, Wesley," Fred said, feeling sick at all this – that this man could even be threatening to take the man she loved and her child away from her. "You're not his family, and you're not taking him away from us."

Anya had been so shocked at the interruption to her wedding that it took her until that moment to realize who the man was. She wanted to say something, to warn someone that this was what she had seen, but she couldn't do it.

Because it was already too late.

A figure suddenly darted in from the back of the chapel while Roger began to rant again, and before anyone could really process what was happening, Angelus had grabbed Roger Wyndam-Pryce from behind. "As fun as listening to this is, you're not taking my prey away from me," he growled before sinking his fangs into Roger's neck.

"NO!" Wes cried, instinctively pulling Fred and Connor behind him.

He saw Giles grab Angelus from behind, trying to pull the vampire off of his father. As the fangs tugged back, Roger instinctively jerked forward in an attempt to get away, ripping a big chunk of flesh out of his throat.

Wesley caught him as he went down. "Father! Hang on," he said, pressing the handkerchief to the older man's neck.

"I'm sorry for this," Tony said, needing something he suspected was in the little handbag Buffy had slung over her shoulder. He felt like a heel digging through it without permission but yelped triumphantly when he withdrew the desired item. "Giles!"

At his cry, the older man turned his way, dragging Angelus with him. The moment he did, Tony lit his zippo, spraying the hairspray from the small can Buffy had been carrying right across the flame, causing it act like a flamethrower directed into the vampire's face.

It was then that the chaos started – all the demons sitting in the chapel made a run for it, not wanting to be caught in a fight. Fred immediately turned to Dawn, pulling her over and pushing Connor into her arms. "Take him to the vestry now! Go!"

Dawn didn't even pause to argue, instead running as fast as she could up the stairs, disappearing into the back. Once they were gone, Fred immediately made a grab for the bowl of holy water from the altar just as Tony threw the hairspray fireball at Angelus. Roaring, the vampire lashed out, hitting Tony in the gut and sending him crashing into Buffy. He then made a grab for Giles, trying to pull him off his back and flip him in front of him.

Giles felt this, though, so he hooked his leg in the vampire's, blocking the move. Pivoting, he turned the tables, planting his foot and putting Angelus on his back. As he reached for his stake to finish the job once and for all, he felt his feet swept out from underneath him. He barely managed to stop himself from falling on his stake. Suddenly, hands closed around his throat, crushing with superhuman strength.

"I may not get them, but I'll get you, old man," Angelus growled, wanting to finish off the bane of his existence, once and for all.

"No!" Fred screamed when Angelus took Rupert down. Without thinking, she scooped up the stake as it skittered across the floor towards her and ran forward. "ANGELUS!"

Her calling his name got his attention for a moment, and as he turned to look in her direction, she tossed the holy water in his face, hitting him directly in the eyes. With a pained yell, Angelus let go of Giles' throat and reeled back just as Fred reached him.

"Stay the fucking hell away from my guys!"

With that, she brought the stake down into Angelus' heart, a cloud of dust exploding around them.

Giles rolled to his side, coughing hard as he tried to suck air into his bruised larynx. He felt hands on him, trying to steady him as he felt himself helped to his knees.

"Giles, you okay?" Xander asked in concern.

"Wesley," Giles croaked. There was no way Roger could have survived the attack. The old man might be a pillock, but he was still Wesley's father, and watching his brutal death wasn't something he wanted for his love.

Fred had fallen over as Angelus disappeared, crashing to the ground. "Freddles, are you all right?!" a stunned Lorne cried as he and Buffy tried help her up, but she just pushed them away.

"Rupert? Wesley?" she sobbed out, stumbling over to them. She collapsed against Giles, her eyes filling with tears when she saw Wesley on the ground, holding his father, blood everywhere. "Oh, God."

Wesley lifted his head numbly when he heard his name. He looked at Fred but wasn't really seeing her. The only thing his eyes were seeing were his father's, the ones passed to him by genes, closing for the last time.

Giles leaned on Fred a bit as he stood, both of them moving toward their lost love. "Wes," he croaked again, stroking the younger man's head. He reached a hand out to take a pulse before looking up at Fred, his green eyes sad. He shook his head.

"He's gone," Wesley whimpered, still cradling his father's head.

Fred knelt down on the ground next to Wesley, wrapping her arms around him and holding him tightly, tears filling her eyes. She had despised what his father had done to him, despised what he had said to him and about him, but this...she never would have wanted this. "I'm sorry, Wesley," she choked out.

Xander looked around at the Scoobies, feeling his own emotions threatening to spill. "Ahn..." He didn't feel right having this happy day when Wes' dad had just been murdered. Guy was a king-sized jerk, but he was still Wes' dad. He smiled, grateful for once that he didn't have to explain things to her when she nodded. "Giles, we don't have to–."

"No!" Wes snapped, his voice cracking. "You're not canceling this wedding, not for me," he took a few deep, gulping breaths trying to calm himself. "This is your day, Xander. I won't ruin it."

"You're not ruining it," Anya said softly, taking Xander's hand. "We can get married later."

"No!" Wesley said, determined. Running his hand over his father's head one last time, he stood on shaky legs. "You can't. He came here to ruin this day for you."

Giles looked up as the priest passed him two sets of large service robes. He knew they would cover Roger. "Wesley, here, luv." He held the edge out to the younger man, determined to help him.

Wesley took the other side of the robes, draping it over his father's body. He was still taking deep, shaky breaths, but for his new family, he had to hold it together. "Go on, Father, continue," he ground out, feeling a fresh wave of tears threatening as Giles and Fred took up vigil next to him.

"Buffy, can you find Dawn? I think Wes could use Connor down here too," Xander suggested, looking over at the other man worriedly. "One sec, Padre, and we'll be all set."

While Willow and Tara retrieved the rings that had fallen to the floor, Buffy hurried into the back of the church to find Dawn sitting with Connor in one of the corners. Connor was crying against Dawn's shoulder, scared and worried and wanting to be there to help his parents against the mean man. Dawn looked up at her sister, glad to see her alive. "Buffy...oh God...is it over?"

"Angelus is gone," Buffy told her, kneeling down next to her. "Connor, your parents need you."

Squirming out of Dawn's arms, he immediately ran out of the vestry. Buffy helped Dawn up, and they followed him back into the chapel. "Daddy! Mommy! Papa!" he cried out, running straight to his parents and throwing his arms around Wesley's legs.

Wesley felt the constriction around his heart tighten. Reaching down, he lifted the boy into his arms, hugging him desperately. He could feel the tears slide down his cheeks. Cradling the boy's head in his hand, he just held him tightly.

"It's okay, Daddy. I'm here," Connor said with a slight hiccup in his voice from his own tears. His little hand raised, petting the back of his father's head as if he were trying to soothe an upset animal.

Watching his lover and their son, Giles could feel his own emotions boiling close to the surface. He felt his pain acutely, but respected Wesley's desire to finish the ceremony. Turning to face the priest, he nodded. "We're ready, Father."

While the priest continued with the ceremony, Fred wrapped her arm around Wesley, turning her head and resting her forehead against his arm. She knew why he wanted to do this, she knew that he wanted to make sure that Xander and Anya could move on with their life without wondering when they could or what else would come along to interrupt. She could feel the tension in him, however. Standing here like this, with his father's body so close by...it had to be killing him.

As if sensing that they needed to finish this quickly, the priest skipped over the rest of the sermon he had been planning to give and went right to the wedding vows, knowing that truly, given what had happened, that was the most important part. Anya seemed almost near tears as they made their pledges, her voice cracking when it was her turn. Xander was obviously trying to hold back as well.

"I know that this is not the sort of day you want to have as the start of your married life," the priest told them after they had exchanged rings, "but if you can come through something like this strong and willing to hold onto each other and support each other, then you can face anything together. Xander, Anya, by the power invested in me by the laws of California and the law of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Giles stepped closer to the newly married couple, leaving Fred and Connor to comfort Wesley for a moment. He turned back, waving Tony and Buffy to follow him for a moment. "Buffy, I need you and Tony to help Fred and Lorne to get Wesley and the others into the limosine. Anya, I assume Roger was the man you saw in your vision?" He didn't need her to nod to know it was. "It's not your fault – you had no way of knowing who it was you were seeing. Why don't you get Halfreck and your few remaining guests to help you put the wedding gifts in the boot of Xander's car. You can open them at the house. Under the circumstances, I think they would understand."

While he continued to issue instructions, Fred moved to stand in front of Wesley, embracing both him and Connor. She wanted to get them both out of there but knew that for right now it was better to stay where they were until they knew what they were doing.

"Mommy, did we stop the bad man?" Connor asked.

Fred swallowed – the image of Angelus disappearing under her hand was something she didn't think she ever be able to forget. "Yes, sweetie. We stopped the bad man."

Wesley had barely heard Connor's question, but it managed to filter through the numbness of his grief, along with Fred's response. He knew how much Connor looked up to his mother -- with Angel's demise, for all intention purposes, they were Connor's parents, biology be damned. "Your mum took care of the bad man. The bad man killed my daddy and tried to kill your papa. Your mum made sure he would never hurt anyone ever again," he explained to their son.

"Mommy did that?!" The boy asked, the awe clear in his voice as he pulled back to look into his father's sad eyes.

"She sure did." He smiled sadly when Connor's little hands wiped the tears off his cheeks.

Fred could see that Connor thought what she had done was amazing and brave somehow, but in a way, all she could think of was the fact that she had just been forced to kill a friend. Wesley had lost his father, and they had a lost a friend. It didn't feel like something she should be looked up to for, but she didn't say anything. It would just complicate things.

Just then, Buffy, Tony and Lorne came over to them. "Fred, Wesley, Giles wants us to head out to the limosine."

Fred nodded and looked up at Wesley, reaching up to touch his face gently. "Come on. We should go," she whispered to him.

"But I...I should stay and..." He stopped when Rupert cut him off.

"I'll take care of your father. Don't worry. Just go out to the limo with the others. I'll be right there," Giles promised.

"See, Daddy? I know you're sad, but we'll be okay. Right, Papa?" Connor asked, looking at his other parent with questioning blue eyes.

"Right."

"Come on," Fred repeated softly, keeping her arm around Wesley as they walked toward the exit. She glanced over her shoulder at Rupert as he stayed behind, the covered body of Wesley's father nearby.

Once they were outside, they went over to the limosine, Lorne opening the door for them. Fred took Connor from Wesley for a moment while Lorne helped him in, then she passed him back over, knowing that he wanted to be with his father. Once they were both settled, she crawled in next to them. A slight wave of nausea came over her as she did, but she forced it down while Dawn, Willow and Tara got into the car as well. Now was not the time.

"I won't lock the church, Rupert; you know that," the priest replied.

When Spike began protesting loudly about having to stay, Giles gripped his collar with lightening fast reflexes and slammed him against the nearest wall, pinning his forearm against the vampire's throat. "Shut up!" he growled, his green eyes flashing dangerously. He knew the horror of this day wasn't over. "You will be quiet and do as you are told. I will move the body into the confessional booth before I leave, and when the sun goes down, Father McKay will move it to the boot of his car, but you will bring the body back to the house. And listen to this next part very carefully. If I find a single bite on that body when you bring it to us, I will personally giftwrap you to the Council, so they can experiment on you as they wish. He was a pillock, but he is still Wesley's father."

"All right! All right!" Spike protested, trying to dislodge the Watcher's grip, seeing the seriousness in the other man's eyes. He wondered if the Scoobies had any idea how dangerous their precious Watcher could be. "I got it! No nibbling Junior's old man! Now hands off the monkey suit!"

When he took a step back, glaring at him, Giles just glared back for a moment before turning to the priest. "We'll return your car in the morning, Father."

She glanced outside, able to see the others getting into the limo. Tony was standing next to the vehicle, and when he saw her looking his direction, he gave her a small wave. With a sad smile, she waved back. Okay, maybe there was more than one thing. Tony was definitely turning out to be a great asset to all of them.

Once Giles finished moving the body into the confessional, she walked over to him and put her hand on his arm. "You ready?"

He nodded, looking toward the door. "Yes. Let's get everyone home," he replied softly. On the way to the door, Xander met them in the aisle.

"Anya and I should be there in about a half an hour," he informed them before looking down at his shoes uncomfortably. "Tell Wes–take care of him Giles," he finished, knowing 'I'm sorry' just wouldn't be enough.

"I will. I'll see you at the house," Giles replied softly, leading Buffy back out to the limosine and getting in. Part of him was relieved that this mess with Angelus was over, but he was angry about the cost. It would take Wesley a long time to get over seeing the murder of his father. Reaching out, he laid his hand on the younger man's leg, letting him know that no matter what happened, he was never alone.

When the limo reached the house, everyone got out to head inside. It had been an automatic thing for the last few weeks, everyone living in the house, sharing floor space and the bathrooms. As they walked in, Willow looked around at the sheets folded and sitting on the chair. "I–uh...guess this means we can all go back to our own places again now, doesn't it?"

"We'll figure that out later," Giles replied, undoing his bowtie. Stepping in front of Wes, he reached up and touched his face gently to get his attention. "Wes, let Fred and Lorne take you upstairs and get changed, all right?" He wanted his lover to get out of the tux that had to have his father's blood on it.

Wes nodded numbly, allowing Fred to take his arm and led him up to the second floor, Lorne following close behind. Once they had disappeared, Giles picked up the phone and dialed the Council's number.

"Quentin Travers, please. It's Rupert Giles."

"Yes, I'm calling to inform you that your messenger is dead. It is my duty to inform the Chairman that Senior Watcher Roger Wyndam-Pryce was killed in the line of duty against the Vampire Angelus. We all saw it happen – there was no chance for him to ingest vampiric blood, so there is no need to destroy the body. We'll need you to send someone to collect him and take him home to his wife. As he's put in enough time, grant him his hero's burial. Also, we were also witness to the demise of the Vampire Angelus. He was dusted by Winifred Burkle...another one of those human civilians you are always so quick to dismiss," he growled into the phone.

Buffy's eyes widened when she heard Giles request for the jerk who had almost ruined Anya and Xander's wedding and had hurt the man he loved so badly. "Giles, what are you doing?" she asked in disbelief.

Tony, having wondered what spin Giles was going to put on this, had expected her reaction once he heard the other man's words and reached out to gently capture her shoulders and draw her back against him, letting Giles finish his call. "I know you trust your Watcher. He's doing no more than you yourself would do for those you love. He's putting aside his hatred for the man he loves," he explained. "Roger Wyndam-Pryce might have been a monster and a prick of the highest order, but he's still his lover's father. Your own record with your father is less than sterling. Would you wish what we witnessed on him? He's not doing it for Roger; he's doing it for Wesley."

Usually, Buffy wouldn't have let anyone except maybe Giles hold her the way Tony was holding her now, but she didn't fight it, instead closing her eyes and breathing in deeply. She hated the idea that that...man would be considered a hero when all he had wanted to do was hurt Wesley, take Connor from his own mother and tear their family apart. But if Giles was doing was doing it for Wesley...she supposed she could deal with that. It just wasn't fair, though.

Travers, meanwhile, sat in stunned silence, digesting what Rupert had just told him. Roger was dead, but Angelus was gone? And a civilian had taken him out. He couldn't believe it. The Council had lost a number of Watchers to Angelus, and a girl who wasn't even a Slayer had managed to dust him? He swallowed, knowing that he had to be formal about this even though he heard the very unformal tone underlying Rupert's words.

"Thank you for your report, Watcher Giles. I will call Watcher Fitzpatrick in Vegas and have him come out to collect the body immediately for return to England." He paused for a moment, not looking forward to the visit he was going to have to make after this.

"We'll expect the pick up tomorrow. Your man can pick him up at my Slayer's house on Rovello." Giles looked up to see Tony whispering something in Buffy's ear. "We've also decided that young Antony can add another element to our group here. I'm filing an official request that he be allowed to remain on the Hellmouth and work with us. He has proven himself invaluable against Angelus, and both myself and Wesley owe our lives to his quick thinking."

There was silence for a moment on the other end of the line, and when Travers spoke again, the formality was gone from his voice, replaced with shock. "Angelus is really gone? After all these years?"

"Yes, Quentin, he's gone."

Travers shook his head, still not quite believing it; he knew, though, that Rupert Giles wouldn't lie about something like Angelus. They had their...difficulties with him, but given his personal past history with the vampire, there was no way he'd say he was gone unless he was. "I take it Antony wants to stay, considering that he hasn't been in contact with us for a while," he stated, trying to return to the formalities at hand. "All right, Rupert, the boy's your responsibility now. Probably better that way, actually. I'd best go and start making arrangements for Roger's funeral. I'll have Fitzpatrick contact you to arrange collection of the body."

He rolled his eyes when Travers suggested that Tony was his responsibility. Apparently, according to the Council, everything that happened in Sunnydale was his responsibility. It wouldn't surprise him if, had Angelus not been destroyed, Travers would have found a way to blame him for Roger's death. The demise of such a powerful vampire, however, in the Council's eyes, made it an equitable loss. "I'll inform him of the assignment change. And for once, have the Council spring for a rental with a GPS and program Buffy's address into it. I know for a fact you have that." He grit his teeth when he heard the sounds from upstairs, still worried about Wesley. "All he has to do is show up, and someone will be here to give him the body. I may be too busy to deal with him."

Travers bristled a bit at the way Rupert spoke to him but decided it wasn't worth it to get into things with him. He could ask Fitzpatrick to glean as much information as he could when he arrived at the house since he knew that Antony wasn't going to be any help anymore. "Thank you for calling, Rupert." He couldn't bring himself to congratulate them on getting rid of Angelus once and for all. "We'll stay in touch."

"I expect nothing less," Giles replied, knowing Travers wanted details about what had happened. However, he had neither the energy nor the patience to deal with the pompous windbag. He hung the phone up without bothering to say goodbye.

Turning, he undid the top two buttons on his shirt, breathing a sigh when the constriction lessened. "Tony, your official assignment as been changed. You are now assigned to the Hellmouth and report directly to me. Travers is sending Fitzpatrick from Vegas to collect Roger," he explained to the others. "Buffy, I think Fred and I are going to have to take Wesley away this weekend if he has any chance of getting past this. Do you think you and the others can watch Connor for us?"

Even though she knew she really didn't have to, Buffy glanced around at everyone, seeing them nodding in agreement. "Of course. Take care of Wesley. We'll make sure Connor is all right."

"Thank you," he breathed, knowing even though they didn't have Angelus hanging over their heads any longer, the next week was going to be rough. "I'll just..." He looked up the stairs, pointing in lieu of anything else to say.

Wordlessly, he headed up the stairs, making a beeline for their room. With a single knock to announce his presence, he turned the handle, opening the door to find Wes sitting on the bed in his boxers, and Lorne putting the tux in a bag. Fred was sitting next to Wes, and Connor was on his opposite side.

Taking a knee in front of Wesley, he touched the younger man's leg to get his attention. "I called the Council. Fitzpatrick is coming to get him, to take him home. The Council will arrange the funeral."

"I...I should call my mother," Wesley replied, numbly. "She should hear it from me."

Fred caught eyes with Rupert for a moment before turning her attention back to Wesley. "Are you sure?" she asked softly, rubbing her hand gently across his back. When he nodded, she got up and got the cordless from its base, bringing it back and holding it out once she sat down again. "We're right here with you."

Wesley took the phone from her with a shaky hand, holding it for a moment to gather his strength. It had been too long since he talked to his mother, and now he had to call with news like this. Slowly, he dialed the number, holding the reciever up to his ear and waiting for someone to pick up. "Geoff, it's Wesley," he told the butler when he heard the familiar voice. "I need to talk to my mother."

Elizabeth Wyndam-Pryce was in the sitting room, working on a section of an embroidery project that she had been forced to pick out and redo at least five times now. She wasn't sure why she was so unsteady. Roger was out of the country in American on some errand for Quentin although there had been something about the way he had informed her of his trip that she hadn't liked. She wasn't even sure where he had been going.

Sighing, she had just begun the section again when Geoff came in. "Your son is on the phone," he told her.

"What?" she asked, not sure she had heard him correctly. Wesley? She hadn't heard from him...it had been several months at least. Why would he be calling now? Putting her frame aside, she stood and went out to the phone, picking up the receiver. "Wesley?"

"Yes, mother, I–I'm sorry it's been so long since you last heard from me." Wesley took deep gulping breaths, concentrating on Fred's hand rubbing his bare back, trying to draw strength from it. "It's been a bad few months. I wish...I wish I was calling with better news. It's about Father. He...he came to see me in Sunnydale."

Elizabeth felt her throat tighten painfully at that. Roger had gone to Sunnydale? To see Wesley? Oh God, that couldn't be good. The only time Roger had ever gone to see Wesley anywhere, whether it was at the Academy or London, was when he was planning on "telling" Wesley just how badly he believed their son had screwed up. "I–he–I take it that didn't go very well. Is he still there, or is he heading home?"

"He's...he's not coming home, Mum. At least not under his own power. We were having a problem with Angelus here. Father didn't know. He was focused on...other things when Angelus surprised us. He's dead." Wesley took a shaky breath, drawing strength from his lovers and his son touching him though he was once again on the verge of tears. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't save him."

"He–he's what?" Suddenly, the floor wasn't there anymore, and a pair of hands grabbed her before she fell, steadying her. Looking up, she saw Geoff there, his arms wrapped tightly around her as he held her up. Her entire body felt like she had just been whacked with something hard, and the knot in her throat was more painful now. She tried to breath. "Angelus...killed him? Is–is that why Quentin sent him to America? Because of Angelus?"

"No, he was trying to find out why the young Watcher Quentin sent hadn't reported back in. The boy was fine; we were forced to bring him in because he made himself a target of Angelus' wrath. Finding me here was just a bonus for Father," Wesley admitted, his voice breaking.

Giles slid his hand up to take the reciever from Wesley's shaking hand. "Elizabeth, this is Rupert Giles. I'm not certain you remember me, but my own mum always spoke highly of you. My condolences for your loss, Ma'am. I've already contacted Quentin, he has a man coming from Vegas to return your husband's body to you. The Council will take care of the funeral arrangements. Just let them know if you would like something special," he explained to the older woman, giving Wesley a moment to collect himself.

"I remember you," she said softly as Geoff helped her to sit down in the chair next to the telephone. It had been so long since she had last seen Thomas and Claire. "You were...you were a child the last time I saw you, right after Roger and I got married. Claire–your mother–she helped me through so much..." She paused for a moment, trying to come to terms with this. Roger was gone. He was really gone. "Is Wesley...is he...is he going to be all right? If Roger found him there, I–he probably..." She couldn't finish her sentence.

"He did," Giles responded, knowing what she meant about Roger finding Wesley in Sunnydale. "With time and a lot of love, he'll be fine. You son has one of the most resilient souls I have ever known." He smiled at Wes lovingly, running his hand over his hair. "I think the more important question is, are you going to be all right?" Wesley had those here that loved him, but Elizabeth was alone. If he had to send Wesley home, even for a little while, he would.

Elizabeth looked up a Geoff, who reached down and took her hand, and breathed in deeply at Giles' question. "I'll be fine," she told him. She was a Watcher's wife – she had been prepared for this sort of call since the day she had married Roger. "As long as I know Wesley is going to be all right. He's been through so much."

"Agreed." Giles sighed – if she only knew. "He has a lot of people here who love him very much. And now that we've delivered the bad news, I think I should give you back to Wes, and he can deliver the good news." Smiling faintly, still running his hand through Wesley's hair, he held the phone back to his lover, nodding his head toward Connor and Fred.

Wes took the phone, now that he had his emotions under control once again, looking at Giles gratefully. "Mum, Rupert is right, there are other things to tell you. I supposed the first is my lovers, starting with my fianc̩e Winifred. She's amazing Рa physicist from Texas. She's beautiful, and she has the truest heart I have ever known."

Fred smiled softly, resting her head against Wesley's shoulder as he talked about her and reaching out to take Rupert's hand in hers. She couldn't get over sometimes that these two men both found her beautiful and said such lovely things about her.

Elizabeth felt the knot in her throat loosening at her son's words. For so long, she had wanted nothing more than for her son to find fulfillment, love and happiness, especially after the way his father had always treated him. "Fiancée? You're getting married? Oh, Wesley, that's wonderful news."

"Yes." He smiled, leaning his forehead against Fred's. "I asked; she said yes. And now that Angelus isn't hanging over our heads, we might be able to start planning."

"I'm so thrilled for you. I didn't even know that–wait...did you say 'lovers'? Plural?"

He chuckled and didn't notice Giles smile, happy to hear the sound coming from him. "Some things never change. I still can't slip anything by you. I did say 'lovers'. The other you just talked to. Rupert Giles. Fred and I are marrying 'officially', then the three of us are going to have a joining ceremony." He paused, waiting to see what she thought of this, before springing the largest of the surprises on her. "I love them both with all my heart."

"Oh, Wesley," she said softly. She knew that had Roger been there, he would have been berating him for this, and a part of her wondered if he had known. An American girl and another man. Both would have been equally wrong in his eyes. But all she could think of was that her son had found love, not once but twice over, and after everything his father had done to him over the years, he deserved it. She squeezed Geoff's hand. "As long as they love you and you love them, that's all that matters. That's all that ever matters. You don't want to spend the rest of your life with someone that–if you've found them, hold onto them with both hands."

"Thank you," Wes whispered, feeling his eyes tearing up for different reasons than for why they had before – the happiness of knowing that one of his parents approved and was happy for him. "There's a much bigger piece of the puzzle too. Here, I'll let him say hello himself," Wesley held the phone down to his son. "Say hello to your grandmother, Connor."

"Granny Trish?" Connor asked excitedly. He had been obsessed with Fred's mum, ever since he had found out that she drove one of the large busses.

"No, not your Granny Trish. This is my mummy. Say hello, son. She's waiting," Wes pushed the phone into his hand.

"Hi Granny! It's Connor! Are you really Daddy's mommy?!" he asked, ignoring the adult's chuckles.

Elizabeth's eyes opened wide when she heard the child's voice on the phone. A grandson? She had a grandson? But...but how? He sounded like he was at least three, possibly older. Was this Winifred's child? "Yes, pet, I'm your daddy's mummy. It's very nice to talk to you. How old are you?"

"Four!" he said. "Mommy taught me how to count that too. One, two, three, four!"

"Very good, Connor," she told him. Even if he wasn't her biological grandchild, she could already tell she was going to love being his Nanny. "I do so want to meet you soon, but can I talk to your father?"

"Okay!" Connor held the phone back out to Wesley. "Granny wants you."

Wesley and Giles had looked at Fred, surprised when Connor started counting. "It looks like he's going to have his mother's head for numbers," Giles teased as Wes took the phone back from Connor. The older man reached out to tickle the boy's stomach, smiling when he got a squirm and a giggle.

"I'm sorry to have sprung him on you like that, Mother. It seemed like the easiest way," Wesley apologized.

"That's all right," she told him. "I was just...trying to figure out the numbers myself there. Is he Winifred's son? You would have still been in England when he was born. Unless there was something you never told us."

"No, he's mine and Fred's. Fred..." He paused, hating the fact that he was about to lie to his own mother, but he knew they had to stick to the story they had created, especially considering her remaining ties to the Council and Angel's reputation as Angelus. "There's something you should know about her. Five years ago, she was student at UCLA, and her professor, intimidated by her brilliance, sent her to a demon dimension called Pylea. We rescued her, and shortly after, Fred and I began dating. When this professor saw that she was back, alive, he became obsessed with her strength, her will to survive. We went through a lot to try to get him to realize that he would never have her. Fred became pregnant in the meantime, and...a few months after Connor was born, this man attacked me, left me for dead, and took Connor, escaping into a demon dimension called Quor'Toth. I suppose he thought we would never follow since even demons consider this place hell."

Wrapping his arm around Connor, he hugged him tight. "But I'll always follow my son, no matter where he is. With Rupert's help, we went to Quor'Toth, dealt with the man who took him and brought Connor home. However, time passes differently in these dimensions. To us, we were gone three weeks. Fred told us that eighteen hours had passed here. In this dimension, Connor isn't even six months old, but his time in Quor'Toth has aged him to appear four. The Council has supplied us with documents reflecting his apparent age. Despite everything he's been through, he's wonderful, mum – a beautiful boy with a generous heart. Smart, loving...I don't know what we would do without him."

"Love you, Daddy!" Connor said loudly, liking that his father spoke so highly of him.

Elizabeth shut her eyes for a moment. To know her child had gone through so much for his own child, she knew that he was already a hundred times the father that Roger had been. She then smiled when she heard the little boy talking to Wesley. How she wished she could have heard that sort of love between her husband and son. "It sounds like you have a wonderful family, Wesley. That's...that's all I ever wanted for you."

"You're part of that family too, Mother. This young man has been blessed with two wonderful grandmothers." Wesley smiled faintly. "If I remember correctly, Grandmother always used to say it was a grandmother's perogative to spoil their grandchildren. Despite..." He looked around at the people sitting around him. "Despite the heaviness in my heart, I know that I am blessed."

"Live your life," she whispered. "Live your life and don't look back. And maybe we'll see each other soon, yes?"

"I hope so," he admitted, feeling very much like he was Connor's age, wishing to see his mother. "I love you, Mum. I–we'll be staying in Sunnydale, raising our family here, at least until the Hellmouth is closed. I should go, though. With this call and Rupert's two to the council, poor Buffy's phone bill is going to be attrocious."

She understood. Besides, if Giles had called the Council already, she was sure that she was going to be getting a visit sometime soon. "Goodbye, son. Take care of them and yourself. And Wesley...I love you. I should have said it more."

"I know. I've always known," he reassured her. "I'll keep in touch, I promise. Goodnight, Mum." After disconnecting the call, he smiled down at his son. "Your grandmother wants to meet you very much."

"She talks funny, like you and Papa!" Connor giggled, proud when he made his daddy smile.

"That's because she lives in England, which is where your papa and I were born. You and your mum are the yanks!" He smirked at his love while tickling his son.

Fred laughed, glad to see that the phone call to his mother had helped raised his spirits a bit even though she knew this was something that he wasn't going to get over easily. "You do realize that you call us Yanks in Texas, and you'll get yourself strung up," she said, reaching out to ruffle their son's hair before kissing Wesley's shoulder.

Wesley smiled, wrapping his arms around his family. "Come on. Let's get dressed and join the others downstairs before they send a search party," he said, scooping his son up in his arms and dangling him upside down as Rupert tickled him.

"No, Daddy! Papa!" Connor squirmed, trying to escape the fingers as he howled with laughter.

"Forgive an old man," Geoff began, his voice soft, "but thank god. Now you both are free." He had spent too many years watching Roger Wyndam-Pryce terrorize his wife and son. And despite his best efforts to destroy them, they were still people to be proud of. "Did I hear you correctly? Master Wesley is getting married?"

She nodded, getting up from the chair. "To two people, actually," she said, laughing softly when she saw his expression. "He's in a relationship with a young woman and a man he says he loves very much. I could hear it his voice.

"Two?" Geoff was shocked, but he supposed he shouldn't have been. "Well, Master Wesley has always had a lot of love to give and was without an outlet for so long. It doesn't surprise me that it's taken two people to give him that outlet." He knew the boy had always adored his mother, but he was never allowed to show it. Any show of that love, and Roger would punish him for being weak. You only had to kick a dog so many times before it learned to obey outright.

"I certainly think he's been given both of them to make up for Roger." She looked down at Geoff's hand still wrapped around hers. "Just like I was given you. I couldn't have got through these last years without you."

He smiled at that. "He was always taking his anger out on you. That wasn't right. But you and your loving heart, you understood why Master Wesley had to escape. You never complained, not once. If anyone every questions your love for your son, I will kill them where they stand," he promised, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I don't think that will happen...never again." Part of her felt that she should be sad – Roger had died – but now that the initial shock had worn off, she found that she couldn't grieve for the fact that he was gone, that she'd never had face his wrath or be controlled by him again. Geoff was right; they were finally free. "I'm sure that Quentin and some of the others will be here soon. We should be ready to receive them."

"I'll put the tea on and keep watch if you want to go get changed to recieve them," Geoff offered. "I'll leave your sherry on the table outside your door."

Elizabeth nodded, heading for the stairs but stopping for a moment. "You can bring it in if you'd like," she told him before going up to the first floor to her room.

"Papa!" Connor giggled as his daddy came over to open the door. "Help, Daddy!" he pleaded, squirming when his daddy tickled him. Giles immediately heading toward the stairs, still dangling the boy upside down from his outstretched arms. "Anyone want this sack of potatoes?"

Fred smiled as she watched them go downstairs, her hand resting on her stomach. Both Wesley and Rupert were wonderful fathers to Connor, and she knew that she couldn't ask for more for the baby she was carrying either. Lorne came out of Connor's bedroom from putting the little boy's tuxedo away and put a hand on her shoulder.

"You all right, sweetie? It's been a rough day."

Looking over at him, she nodded. "I'm fine."

"What you did at the church..."

"I did what I had to. I couldn't let Angelus take my family away," she told him, not wanting to think about it, before following the others downstairs.

Buffy was reaching out to take Connor from Giles when she noticed the bruising developing around her Watcher's neck – even though he was obviously trying to hide it with the shirt he was wearing. "Are you all right?" she asked. "That looks pretty painful."

Connor's eyes widened when Buffy froze in front of them, looking at his papa. Painful? Concentrating his strength, he contracted his abdominal muscles as if he were doing a dangling sit up and found himself looking into his papa's eyes. Little hands gripped his shirt, pushing the collar aside. "Papa?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm all right, Connor," Giles replied, his voice gentle. On the scale of his injuries as a result of Angelus, this was minor.

"Promise?" the boy demanded, wrapping his arms gently around his papa's neck to hug him.

"I promise," he whispered, rubbing the little back soothingly.

"Woah!" Xander gasped at the display of strength from the four-year-old. "You see that, Tony? I can't even do that! Is that normal?" He looked at the young Watcher to see him shaking his head vigorously.

"That's right – you weren't with us several weeks ago," Buffy said, looking over at Giles, Fred and Wesley. "And Tony wouldn't know the entire story about Connor."

"Our son is actually only about six months old, Tony," Fred said softly, taking Wesley's hand. "He was kidnapped and taken to the hell dimension Quor'Toth by the same person responsible for sending me to Pylea for five years. He was only missing for a little over a week our time, but four years passed for him and the man who took him." She looked over at Wesley and Rupert. "The time there not only aged him, but it changed him too. Made him stronger than a normal human boy and gave him other skills. He can sneak up on Buffy without her hearing him."

"And let me tell you, he has a hell of an aim," Buffy added. Wesley smiled when his son giggled, still happy at the idea that he could sneak up on her.

"Quor'Toth. I've heard that name before," Tony remarked absently, his mind trying to pull up the memory.

"Cassandra," Wes supplied. "We actually used the same spell she used to retrieve Connor."

"I got you, Buffy!" Connor grinned and practically leaped from Giles' arms into Buffy's.

"Oof," Buffy said, her reflexes allowing her to catch him. "You know, it's a good thing I'm strong; otherwise, we'd be on the floor right about now." She smirked at him when he pulled a face on her. "Hey, be good. I'm going to be watching you for a few days, you know. Speaking of which, we were talking about that before you guys came down..." She looked over at Xander.

"Buffy mentioned you wanted to take Wes and Fred out of town for the weekend." Xander withdrew an envelope from his pocket. "Ahn and I started opening gifts already, and since Anya feels like she lost enough money when she had to close early, she doesn't want to use it." He passed the envelope to Giles. "We think you guys should. It's...it's a weekend stay, all expenses paid, at a B&B about three hours from here."

Fred looked at the envelope Xander was holding out, her eyes wide. "But–that's your...after everything that happened today, you two should at least have something resembling a honeymoon."

Anya shook her head. "I don't want to leave the shop – not when I can open it full time again. You guys go." She glanced over at her husband. "You need it more than we do."

Xander smiled when Giles took the envelope from his hand. He looked at Fred, taking a deep breath. "Fred, these guys will tell you, there was no love lost between me an Angel, or Angelus. For months, he terrorirized my family, almost killing us more times than we can count. Death I can handle, but he tried to destroy Giles and to break Buffy. And for that, I hated him and always would. Not for myself, but for that summer I slept on Giles' couch, falling off almost every night when the screams would wake me up. Giles has given up almost everything for us, including a little piece of his soul. Today, of all days, I watched you and Wes go through something very painful for us. I'm not...I'm not strong like Buffy, and I don't have any magic like Willow and Tara. Most times, I'm not that smart. But I can accept that Angel was your friend. And to save Giles, you put a stake in his heart without hesitation. I get that that hurts. And Wes, you and I got more in common than I ever would have admitted. We have dads we would have sold our souls to get one sliver of approval from. Ones that take pride in putting us down, trying to make us feel like we don't matter, that we're not humans that deserve love. But we're lucky. We're surrounded by friends and lovers that tell us how much we are loved. And even better, they show us every chance they get." Xander smiled softly. "As much as I don't like my dad, I still love him. Just like I know you loved yours. And for me and Anya, I watched you practically choke on your grief to give this day to us. A weekend away is the least we owe you guys. Each one of you has your own healing to do. Maybe this weekend will be a good start." He shrugged, giving Fred a boyish grin.

Listening to him, Fred felt tears coming to her eyes as she took Wesley's hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you," she told him softly. She moved forward and gave him and Anya a hug for what they were doing for them.

Wesley swallowed thickly, overwhelmed that this amazing group had taken them in so quickly. This was a perfect example of how ignorant the Council was. This family was so tightly woven that nothing got by them. One in turmoil rallied the others without hesitation. Giles wasn't the only one that gave heavily to this family. They all gave and gave...until it hurt. It was that unity that made them so successful on this Hellmouth. He was suprised to realize the similarities between himself and Xander, but the most surprising thing to him was Xander's very astute observation of that fact.

Xander hugged Fred, meanwhile, laughing softly. "Hey, no sweat. You guys are Scoobies now. We take care of our own...no matter what. Even Kermit over there." He smirked, holding Fred's gaze but tipping his head toward Lorne teasingly.

Lorne smiled, looking down at his own hands for a moment. They used children's characters to describe themselves, yet everyone in the room had been forced to grow up a long time ago, even the littlest one now playing with Buffy's hair. It didn't take an anagogic like him to see the pain that each one of them carried in some way, shape or form, and yet all of them managed to continue loving and caring and fighting for what they believed in. "If I'm Kermit, does that make you Scooter?"

Xander grinned unrepentantly, winking at Fred. "Nahhhh, I'm Fozzy." As he moved to join his wife again, he started humming "It's Not Easy Being Green" out loud. Lorne shook his head and smiled, knowing that the young man's generosity was about to visited back on him three-fold.

"Everyone here is amazing," Fred said, looking around. This family had so many people that had special talents - the Slayer, the Witches, the Watchers, the Seers. It made her feel sometimes like she couldn't possibly have anything to bring to such a group, but standing there with Xander, another person like her, she knew that by doing what they could for the people they loved, that would always be enough. "I feel so lucky to be part of all this."

Giles looked around at his family in awe. At times, they could be selfish, like any other human. During those times, he usually shrugged it off, figuring they were entitled. All of them had sacrificed their childhoods to save a world that barely acknowledged their existences. But it was times like this, these selfless moments, that made him look at these young people with such awe.

"So do I," he whispered, echoing Fred's sentiment. "Well, since we seem to be exchanging gifts, perhaps it's time for you to recieve your wedding present from Fred, Wesley, Connor and myself." He smiled, walking over to the pile and withdrawing two envelopes. H passed the blue one to Xander, watching the boy open it. When he looked up at him in confusion, he explained, "Your renovations on the Magic Box were amazing, as are the work you've done here for Dawn's room or repairing any demon damage. You're a very talented carpenter. So the first part of your gift is the deed to a shop I purchased in your name. Both of your names. I heard you and Anya talking about the possibililty of you starting your own construction company. Now you have a base of operations. Right next to the Magic Box."

"Giles..." Xander whispered, stunned by the magnitude of the gift.

"There's more – open the second envelope." He waited, smiling when Xander held up the Home Depot card. "New businesses need supplies. That card has a $20,000 limit." He chuckled softly, seeing the brown eyes in front of him tear up with gratitude. "The third and final piece is contingent on the fact that Fred and Wesley need a car of their own while in Sunnydale. I know you take care of yours. Would you consider giving it to them?"

Without hesitation, Xander withdrew his keys from his pocket and walked over to Fred, pressing them gently into her hand. Giles then took a new set of keys from his own pocket and tossed them to the younger man.

"It's parked around the corner since we couldn't take a chance of you seeing it. It's the blue Ford F-150. And it's yours...and Anya's."

Anya looked at everything they had been given in amazement before looking over at Xander. "This is most definitely worth a car and a weekend at a B&B," she said, throwing her arms around him. "You have your own business, Xander! Now you can start making money too!"

Willow laughed. "Leave it to Anya too see the dollar signs."

Ignoring her, Anya hugged Giles and the others. "Thank you."

"Now there's something you don't hear everyday from Anya Jenkins," Buffy said.

"Anya Harris, thank you very much."

Xander hugged his surrogate father tightly, knowing what Anya had meant. Even though he had been making money already, Giles, Wes and Fred had set things up so he could build a life for his new family. And that meant the world to him. Leave it to Giles to always be looking toward the future. "Thanks, G-Man." He chuckled when Anya corrected Buffy. "Yes, Anya Harris, thank you very much," he said with a smirk, echoing her sentiment.

Wes knew that what Rupert had just done for the boy was amazing. It was the best thing he could do for the young man – give him the means to stand on his own two feet. Standing in front of Buffy, he playfully tickled his son. "What about you, young man? Do you mind if we go out of town for the weekend? Can you stay here and behave for Buffy, Lorne and Dawn?"

"Course, Daddy! I'm a good boy!" Connor grinned, shooting a sly smile toward Buffy.

"You're a very good boy, but you also have your mother's curiousity. Or do I have to remind you about the pancake incident a few weeks ago," Wes teased, playfully.

"Messy! But yummy! But I got my papa, so it was worth it!" Connor protested, still grinning from ear to ear.

"Yes, you did," Fred said, reaching out and ruffling Connor's hair. He was going to need another haircut soon, but they could take care of that once they got back. "However, you be good, and we'll be back sooner than you'll know."

"'Kay, Mommy," he said, bouncing on Buffy's hip.

"Don't worry, we'll take good care of him," Buffy told them. "You go. Have some time together."

Nodding, Fred looked over at her guys and took their hands in hers. "Guess we should go pack?"

Nodding, Wesley moved closer to Rupert, wanting him to lean in so they could speak. "I know you're worried about me, and I love you so much for it, but why don't you let me pack your bag while you talk to Buffy?" he suggested, his voice soft enough for only his lover to hear.

Giles put his hand on the younger man's arm, giving it a thankful squeeze. He knew Wes was right. Stepping back, he waited for them to head upstairs before turning to face his Slayer. "Connor, why don't you and Dawn show Xander the new Playstation?" he suggested, trying to distract the boy so that he could talk to Buffy.

"'Kay Papa!" Connor squirmed free of the slayer's grasp. "Come on, Dawn! Come on, Xander!" he demanded, gripping both their hands tight and dragging them over to the game system.

Giles looked at the amazing woman before him. He was so proud of her. "Step out onto the porch with me?"

Buffy nodded at him and then looked over at Tony, who seemed a little uncertain what to do with himself. "I'm sure they'll be glad to have you play too if you want," she told him before she headed to the porch with Giles. When they stepped outside, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. For once, being outside felt good again. "What's up?"

"I...I can't help but feel as if I'm deserting you," Giles admitted, looking off the porch into the distance. Without Angelus looming over their heads, he felt as if a massive weight had been lifted, but there was still much on their shoulders as a result. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Deserting me?" she looked over at him then over her shoulder through the window into the house where Connor was playing video games with Xander, Dawn and Tony while Willow, Tara and Anya were looking through some of the presents they had brought over from the wedding. "Giles, it's not like you're going away for months or something. You, Wes and Fred need this. And I'm...I'm okay. Surprisingly okay, actually. Angel was gone from the moment he killed Cordelia. I knew that."

"I'm...I'm so proud of you, Buffy," he whispered in awe, "but I wasn't just referring to Angelus. I know it's only a weekend, but without us here are you going to be all right with Willow, with the rest of the motley crew in there?" He followed her gaze, looking in the window. "Lorne can help you with Connor if it comes down to it. He loves the boy as if he were his own." He shrugged, a small smile curling up at the corners of his lips. "And of course, there's always young Tony if you need a distraction."

"Giles!" Buffy said, her eyes opening wide at his implication regarding her and Tony. Sure, she liked him, but...did she like him like him? Oh, she wasn't going to go there now.

"Don't 'Giles!' me." He chuckled, bumping her shoulder with his arm. "Who knows you better than your Watcher? Although Xander does have a point, you do seem to be collecting spares. Technically, though, I collected Wesley."

Shaking her head with a laugh at his smirk, she leaned against the porch railing. "I'm going to be fine. It was...hard when I was here at first, but having all of you here made it easier. Made it better. I know Willow was just trying to help, and I'll always love her. She's my best friend. We'll be fine. We'll all be fine. Especially since we all don't have to live in the same house anymore after this."

"Yes, it has been interesting to say the least, tripping over each other these last weeks." Giles took a deep breath. "Buffy, you know that whenever you need me, I'll always be there for you. If you ever feel we're wearing out our welcome here, however, just say the word. I know Wes and Fred will understand too."

"I know," she told him. "Actually, I sorta figured that you guys would be wanting your own privacy sooner or later. But for right now, I'm glad all of you are here. Gives me back-up in the occasional battles with Dawnie." Her smile widened when she said that.

"Even though she's a hair puller, you can take her," he said with a chuckle. "I actually think the additional floor between you two has minimized the arguments." Standing behind his Slayer, he pulled her back against his chest gently, and wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her. "I don't want you to think, for one moment, that I'm deserting you. I love Wesley and Fred and Connor...just as I love all of you. But as our young Mister Harris so astutely put it – no one else can be 'Watcher's Pet.' You are the center of my universe, my reason for being. Nothing will ever change that."

Closing her eyes, Buffy rested her head back against him for a moment. "I know, but I'm glad you've found happiness. You deserve it. I know you've given up so much for me in the past." Turning, she took hold of his arms to direct him toward the house. "Now, you have a weekend away to get ready for, so go and get ready. We'll be fine, and we won't let Connor near the pancake mix again."

Giles snickered when she mentioned the pancake mix. "You better not, or Dawn will never forgive you." He grinned, his smile immediately falling when he realized they had something else to discuss. "Buffy, you know Spike is bringing Roger here. Quentin is sending a man from Vegas to collect him, but we'll be gone by the time he arrives. The man's name is Fitzpatrick. Just check his ID, and get that pillock out of Sunnydale. I don't want him here when we return. Also, Fred's parents might call. They have your number, and they're determined to come to the wedding although we have no idea when that will be. Just tell everyone we'll be back Sunday."

"Check, check, check and check," Buffy told him, pushing him toward the door.

"Everything'll be taken care of, so don't worry." Stopping, she stepped around him and looked up at him with a smile before rising up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Really. I'm fine, and we'll be fine for a few days. It's not like we don't have people who know how to take care of themselves. So go and take care of Wes and Fred, and let them take care of you."

"I will. Oh, and check the body when Spike brings it here. I meant what I told him. If he's taken a drop, make Fitzpatrick's career and bind Spike for transport to the Council. I will not have that git desecrate Wesley's father." He left the 'even though he deserves it' unsaid.

"Aye, aye," she told him, tossing off a salute as they went into the house. "I'm sure that we have several people inside who would be glad to help me put Spike in lockdown."

"We get to throw Spike in the slammer?" Xander said, looking up hopefully, not even noticing his avatar losing its life in the video game.

"See what I mean?"

"I see the boss has spoken," Giles chuckled. "I'll just..." He trailed off when Buffy arched an eyebrow at him. "I'm going." With that, he turned to make his way upstairs.

Tony walked up next to Buffy, looking up the stairs after Mr. Giles. He could understand why it might be difficult to prioritize. "He has a lot on his plate. Is there anything I can help with? Since I now seemed to be assigned to you as well," he offered with a smile. It was a fate he was more than happy to submit to.

She raised her eyebrows at his comment - she supposed he was right about his "assignment". Somehow, it seemed rather funny that she had not one but three Watchers now when not so long ago, she had thought she didn't even need one. How wrong she had been. "Well...if you don't mind...I know the others are going to want to go back to their places to live now that they can, but I would...it would help me out if you stayed here. At least until Giles, Wes and Fred get back. I could use all the help I can get..." She trailed off and pointed to Dawn and Connor over his shoulder and mouthed 'with them'.

"Don't think I don't know what you're doing," Dawn said, never taking her eyes from the television.

Tony looked down at his shoes, shuffling his feet nervously. He hadn't wanted to admit that he wasn't ready to find his own place. These last few weeks, staying there with all of them, had been amazing since it gave him the chance to get to know this Slayer and his hero, Rupert Giles. He had also gotten a chance to see that Mr. Wyndam-Pryce had not gotten a fair chance by the Council, not by a long shot. Despite the failure he knew the governing body considered him, the man was brilliant in his own right, especially when it came to strategy, and a wonderful father, despite the bullying of his own father.

"I'd be honored. I've grown accustomed to your...couch." He smiled faintly. "If you feel up to it – I know I'm not Mister Giles – but if you feel like getting in a little training..."

Buffy glanced at the other people in the room, seeing their faces at Tony's offer, and gave them a look that dared them to even say a word. No one did. She then looked back over and him and smiled. "That sounds, actually, like a great idea. Between, uh...Glory and then all this happening, I haven't had much of a chance to actually just train."

Still snickering at the patented Slayer Glare – which was almost as deadly as Giles' Watcher Glare – Xander turned back toward the game, humming "Taps" aloud. "Hey, Tony, your Blue Cross all paid up?" he asked, his lips turned up in a smile. No one trained with Buffy but Giles. And as good as he was, Buffy still dented him from time to time. Tony would be lucky to escape with his head intact.

"Excuse me just a second," she told Tony before walking over to the nearby chair and picking up the pillow, which she lobbed directly at Xander, knocking him and his hand. His video game avatar once again died a violent death. With a self-satisfied smirk, she turned back to Tony. "Don't worry. I promise to go easy on you. At least to begin with."

A moment later, Wesley came downstairs, suitcase in hand, with his lovers right on his heels. He turned to face Giles, taking his bag from him. "Let me take that while you deal with the last-minute details." He also took the other man's keys and grabbed Fred's bag, taking all three out to the car.

Giles had a piece of paper in his his hand that he passed it to Buffy. "This is the number where we'll be staying. Young Tony should be able to help you hold down the fort for the weekend, but if you need us, call. Even if it's just to locate the book you need."

"Speaking of holding down the fort, Tony wants to train with Buffy," Xander throw over his shoulder, his eyes still on his game.

"Try not to dent him too much," Giles suggested, biting back his smile.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "I'm not going to put him in the hospital," she told him. "You guys have a nice weekend."

"Thanks, Buffy," Fred said, smiling at her as Wesley came back in from outside. She turned to their son and held out her arms. "Connor? We're going to be leaving soon."

He got up and hurried over to them, hugging her tightly. "Love you, Mommy."

"I love you too, sweetie."

"Daddy, hold your arm out," Connor instructed, wanting to show his mommy and his papa what they had been working on. Bending his arm at the elbow, as if he were making a muscle, Wesley smirked when his son jumped up, wrapping small hands around his extended arm, and pulled himself up as he swung into his daddy's other arm to be held. "See, Papa? See, Mommy? Daddy says I'm gonna be strong and..." His little brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to remember the word his daddy told him.

"Agile," Wes supplied.

"Yeah, I got good balance," Connor stated proudly. He hugged his daddy tight before leaning over into his papa's arms to hug him. "Take care of Mommy and Daddy, Papa." His papa was their protecter, he felt it.

"I'll make you a deal," Giles said with a smile, returning the boy's tight hug. "I'll look after your mum and dad this weekend if you look after Buffy and Dawn for me."

"'Kay, Papa!"

NEXT