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The Taken Care Of Series	By : BlackxBellax Category: > Buffy/Giles Views: 4811 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Taken Care Of � Four

Taken Care Of Series � Part Thirteen

Story: Taken Care Of Series

Author: Bek Allen

Chapter: 13/16

Title: Taken Care Of � Four.

Feedback: Yes please. Although, flames will be given to my cat to play with as she sees fit.

~*~*~*~

Buffy smiled as she entered the house. Almost everything seemed perfect now-a-days, Anya and Xander's wedding had happened with the only problem being Mr. Harris passing out in the middle of the ceremony, Willow and Tara had been together since the week before the wedding, Dawn's grades had vastly improved and she had been thinking of taking on a summer job at the gallery, studying the pieces of art and ancient artifacts alongside Giles. Shortly after the reading of the Will, Giles had taken over the gallery and had improved it's business ten-fold, even Buffy herself, had fallen back into the flow of college life and was mentally preparing herself for finals. The only person she felt she had to worry about was Spike. She knew he spent his days wandering aimlessly around the house after he'd done most, if not all the chores.

�Hey! I'm home!� She called out as she hung up her coat. �Dawn? Spike?�

Shrugging her shoulders, she walked into the kitchen to start making dinner. She had only just opened the cupboard to pull out a large saucepan when her slayer-enhanced hearing picked up on a sob coming from the basement, followed by a loud crash and a string of obscenities.

�Spike!?� She flew to the basement door, barely managing to miss a head on collision with Dawn.

Together, they raced down the basement stairs, stopping when they came to the bottom, only to face an overwrought Spike.

�Spike?� Buffy asked, stepping around the punching bag that lay on the floor, it's contents strewn across the ground.

�What is it? What happened?� Dawn brushed past Buffy to where Spike had fallen to his knees on the floor. Looking down, she noticed the piece of ivory paper that was clutched delicately in his hands. �You read it.� She breathed. �Finally.� She knelt beside him and rested her hand on his arm.

�Yeah I read it. Three bloody times.� His words caught on his sobs.

�Read what? Huh?� Buffy's faced filled with confusion.

Spike lifted the letter towards her, when he felt her take it he could hold it in no longer. His resolve broke and he burst into tears, his body shaking, his body shaking with the ferocity of his emotions.

Dawn looked up at Buffy and took a deep breath at the warring emotions on her sister's face. She checked her emotions and pulled Spike to her in a warm embrace. �It's okay Spike.� She whispered softly as he clutched at her tiny body with his vampiric strength.

Buffy looked up from the letter, her eyes overflowing with silent tears. Quietly, she dropped to the floor, wrapping her arms around the blond vampire and Dawn.

�Thank you.� She whispered in his ear, �Thank you for loving her so much and for making her happy.� She squeezed the two of them tighter.

�My pleasure Pet. She was a wonderful lady your mum. I'll always remember that.� He buried his face in Buffy's hair. �You two are more like her then you'll ever know.� He smiled through his tears as he remembered her stubbornness that could rival both Buffy and Dawn's put together.

�Uh, guys?� Dawn choked out. �Oxygen becoming an issue.�

Both Buffy and Spike laughed and released their hold on the younger girl.

�Thanks.� She smiled and brushed away her own tears. �Does this mean I have to call you �Dad' now?� Dawn looked at Spike and smiled sheepishly.

�You read my letter?� Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.

�Dawn! How could you? That was personal!� Buffy chastised as she stood up.

�Yeah, well, Spike wasn't going to read it. He was going to let it go through the washing machine.� The young brunette stood and faced her guardians indignantly. �And besides, I let him read my letter. Fair's fair.�

�I don't care Dawn. It was wrong and you should know better.� Buffy glared at the younger Summers.

�Buffy, it's okay.� Spike smiled. �And no, you don't have to call me �Dad'. Besides, I'm too young to be a dad.�

�No way!� The girls said in unison.

�Too young to be a father to anyone born in the Triassic age maybe.� Dawn eyed him warily.

�You're old enough to be Giles' great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great - � Buffy counted off on her fingers.

�Okay Slayer, we get the point.� He gave a hearty chuckle and turned to tuck the letter under his mattress.

�But, honestly, I'm happy to know you made her feel so special Spike. Out of all the people she could of loved and trusted, I'm glad it was you.�

�Me too.� Dawn smiled and threw her arms around his waist in a bear hug.

�My pleasure.� He smiled and hugged the girl back. �Now, c'mon, this isn't getting that literature assignment done and I've got to heat up dinner.�

�Yes sir.� Dawn smiled and headed up the stairs.

�You cooked?� Buffy asked incredulously.

�I did. Fettuccini cabonara with home made garlic bread and cream sauce.� He grinned as he followed Buffy upstairs. �I figured that, I should get in my hand at cookin' for you lot before the Witches get home and take over the kitchen.�

�But, I didn't see anything when I walked in the kitchen.� Buffy pushed open the door and rushed around the kitchen shutting the blinds.

�Did you even look at the stove?� He asked, pointing to the large pot sitting atop one of the burners.

�Oh.� Buffy smiled and gave him a quick hug. �Thanks Spike. For everything.�

�You're welcome Slayer, now, if you don't mind, I've got to help the Bit with her homework. You can start the salad.�

�Okay� Dad.� Buffy grinned and opened the fridge, pulling out tomatoes, lettuce and onions.

�Argh! I never should of bloody let you read that thing.� He glared at her before yelping as the front door opened, letting in a shaft of late-afternoon sunlight.

�Sorry Spike. Read what?� Giles asked as he walked in through the front door. �Hello Dear Heart.� He smiled as Buffy walked up to him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek before leading him into the darkened kitchen.

�Spike let me read his letter that Mom wrote him before she died. It was so� beautiful and touching. And, I think you have a right to know what's going on. Spike? Do you mind?� She looked to the vampire as he leant against the doorframe.

�Not at all Pet. But, if this is gonna be a big bloody revelation, I suggest you wait until dinner when every body is here, saving us all hearing it over and over again.� He nodded at Giles and bounded up the stairs at Dawn's call for help.

�Am I going to dread this?� Giles asked as he sat at the kitchen table.

�Depends on how you look at it.� Buffy sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. �It's a mixed emotions thing. First I was wigged, then I was sad, then I was shocked, then I was okay, then I was happy, and now, I'm all giddy.� She laughed at the look on his face. �Mom found happiness before she died Giles. And, it makes me so happy that she found that, and the real kick is that, her happiness was Spike.�

�Bloody hell.� He whispered as she giggled.

�All that time when we thought it was me, it wasn't. It was Mom. They even snuck out at nighttime for dates like a couple of teenagers. It was all in the letter. They even exchanged poetry and loving words and, I think they even exchanged vows if I read the letter correctly.� She smiled sadly at the thought of not being able to see her mother at what had to have been one of the happiest moments of her life.

�That would mean that Spike's your and Dawn's stepfather.� He looked at Buffy and raised his eyebrow.

�I know. Dawn's happy about it, and, I think I'm happy about it. I mean, what's not to be happy about it?� She looked up to him and smiled. �My mom was happy Giles. She found love in one of the most unlikely places and it made her so happy. I'm sorry I missed out on seeing it. But, I know she had them, and I know she wasn't lonely and I know she loved him and us, and that she still does. So, yes, I'm happy. Even if that means I have a vampire for a stepfather. I know he won't hurt us Giles. He couldn't do that to Mom. He wouldn't do that to Mom. What do you think?� She looked to him and wiped the tears from her eyes.

�As long as you and Dawn are happy Dear Heart, I shall be happy too. And, oddly enough, I'm happy for Spike, she was an amazing woman and she had an amazing gift of love that, I'm afraid, Hank never saw. I'm glad she got the chance to give that gift to someone else. Even if it is Spike.�

No�l and Miss Kitty chose that moment to run in from the living room, sliding across the hardwood floor in an attempt to stop from slamming into the counter, at the last moment, Miss Kitty bounced from the floor onto the island counter top, leaving No�l barking at the base of the bench.

�I think it's time I took these two out the back for a little bit.� Buffy smiled and kissed Giles slowly on the lips. �Could you please start slicing onions for our salad? Please?� She stuck out her lower lip and looked up at him with big eyes.

�Only if you promise to�� He leant down and whispered something in her ear, making her burst into a fit of giggles.

�Rupert Giles!� Buffy burst out. �You're supposed to be a mild mannered, British gentleman.�

Giles smiled and lifted her off his lap and rose to start slicing onions. �I'm no more mild mannered then Spike is.�

�You're a real comedienne Honey.� Buffy leaned over and pulled his head towards her for a long kiss. �And, I promise.� She winked at him as she walked outside, No�l and Miss Kitty bounding out behind her.

Buffy grinned as she watched the pets scamper off to play in the grass.

�Hi! Hi! Buffy!� Buffy turned and waved at the twins from next door. �Can we come play with No�l and Miss Kitty?� Bekky asked, already climbing over the fence.

�Bekky, you're spose to wait for an answer.� Matthew proclaimed as he too began to climb the fence.

�It's okay guys. Come on over and play. Does your Mom know you're out here?� She asked as Matthew's head popped over the top of the fence.

�Mommy! We're at Buffy's place playing with the Kitty and the Doggy.� Bekky's ear-splitting call floated through the two backyards and into both houses.

Amanda came rushing out the back door and to the fence. �Are you sure that's okay Buffy, you can tell them to come home if you want.� The woman smiled brightly over the fence as the twins ran across the back yard to play with Miss Kitty and No�l.

�It's okay Amanda. I promise to send them back in a half hour.� She smiled. �They are really no trouble at all.� Buffy smiled and waved to the twins who were teaching No�l the finer points of fetch.

�As long as you're sure.� Amanda nodded to the younger girl.

�Positive. You go on inside and take a break while they're out here blowing off steam. I remember what Dawn was like at that age. Regular ball of energy.� Buffy almost choked on the truth of her words but smiled and waved Amanda on back into the house.

�Alright.� She smiled and looked to where Matthew was trying to coax Miss Kitty out from under a shrub. �Half an hour you two, and no later. The moment Buffy and Rupert send you home, I want you to come straight back, no arguments okay? Thank you so much Buffy.� She waved and wandered back into the house to the chorus of �Yes Mommy.�

Buffy sat on the steps and smiled at Bekky chasing No�l around the backyard with a tennis ball. �Guys, you want a drink of lemonade?� She called out and smiled as they ran up to her, throwing their small arms around her neck.

�Yes please.� Bekky smiled and called for No�l and Miss Kitty to follow.

Buffy rose and took each of their hands, �Well, come on then. We'll go see what Giles has in the kitchen yeah?�

Bekky and Matthew nodded and pushed open the door to the kitchen. �Hi! Hi! Giles!� Bekky greeted him brightly as she let go of Buffy's hand and sat down at the kitchen table.

�Hello Mr. Giles.� Matthew smiled shyly and sat down next to his sister, after two months of friendship with the Summers-Rosenberg-Barret-Giles household, he was still very much in awe of the tall gentleman.

�Ah, good afternoon Bekky and Matthew. Lemonades all around?� He rinsed off the knife he'd been using and placed it in the dish rack to dry.

�Yes please.� They said in unison before breaking into giggles.

Giles smiled and poured the lemonade before handing it to them on the kitchen table.

�I'll go tell Dawn and Spike to wash up for dinner.� Buffy ruffled Matthew's hair as she turned to leave the room.

�No need Buffy, we're here.� Spike smiled as he stepped into the kitchen and turned on the stove.

�Spike!� Matthew jumped up from the table and flew to the vampire, his arms wrapping around his knees.

�Matthew! Hello. And how's my little snack pack doing today?� He picked up the small boy and tossed him over his shoulder.

�Good. I can do that kick that you showed me the other time and I showed the coach at school and he said that I should take a self� self� offence class.� The little boy giggled as Spike swung him up onto his shoulders.

�You mean a self-defense class.� Spike smiled as he put the little boy back into his seat at the kitchen table.

�Yeah, that's it. Learn karte and tae kon do.� He grinned up at the man. �Even Daddy said it was a good idea, but, we looked into it and there was no where to have it in Sunnydale.� He frowned and shrugged his shoulders. �But, will you still teach me Spike?� He looked up hopefully, his eyes wide.

�Sure thing Snack pack. The Tiny Bit too. How about it Bekky?� He looked to the little girl who nodded vigorously.

�Hey! It's the munchkin's from over the fence.� Dawn smiled as she entered the kitchen and leant down to hug Matthew and Bekky.

�Yup.� Bekky smiled. �Oh! I almost forgot!� She slapped her hand to her forehead. �I got an A in Gym class. We were climbing these rope things and out of all of us, I was the only one who climbed all the way to the top.� She grinned at Buffy and Spike.

�Well done Bekky. I bet your Mom and Dad were very proud.� Buffy bent down and gave her a tight hug.

�Yup.� She nodded enthusiastically and returned to her lemonade.

�I got an A on my spelling quiz.� Matthew smiled at Giles and Dawn.

�Very well done Matthew. I'm sure your parents were incredibly proud.� Giles held out his hand to shake the tiny one the boy had extended.

�Yup. They stuck it up on the fridge and everything. It even has a gold star stuck on the top.� He smiled as Dawn gave him a hug.

�Okay you two,� Buffy smiled and held out her hands. �Time for you to go home. Come on.�

�Awww but we only just got here.� Bekky whined, her face forming a tiny scowl.

�We haven't seen Xander yet.� Matthew frowned. �I wanted to ask if he'd help me make a bird house for our back yard.�

�I promise that on Saturday, you can come over and ask Xander to help you, he'll be home by then and I'm sure he'll help you build a bird house for your back yard.� Buffy smiled as that seemed to please the little blond boy.

�Okay. Come on Bekky. Mommy said it's time to go home now. You know she doesn't like us being out after dark.� Matthew stood up and reached for his sister's hand.

�Okay. But, can we walk home by ourselves tonight?� She looked to Buffy and Giles who shook their heads.

�Sorry munchkin, but, it's dangerous outside after dark and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. Your mommy and daddy would be so sad.�

Bekky sighed and stood up. �Okay.�

�Bye everyone.� Matthew waved to everyone as he led Bekky out the back door.

�See you on Saturday.� Bekky smiled and grabbed Buffy's hand.

�I'll be back in a minute.� She pointed to the table. �Dawn, set the table.� She pulled the door shut and followed the two chattering children to their own back door.

Dawn busied herself setting the table, while Giles and Spike finished preparing dinner.

�Knock, knock.� Xander's dark hair poked around the front door.

�Oh my God! Xander!� Dawn flew around the table and flung the door the rest of the way open.

�Yes, please let us stand out here, in the dark at the Slayer's house. It's not like the demons of Sunnydale want her to live a short and miserable life by maiming and killing her friends.� Anya pushed through the door and set her bags on the floor.

�Hello Anya, Xander. When did you two return?� Giles came out of the kitchen carrying the bowl of salad.

�Pretty much just now. We decided a home cooked meal would be great after that stuff on the plane. Kind of made the High School cafeteria meals look five star restaurant quality.� Xander pulled Dawn to him in a tight hug. �Where are the girls?� He let her go and moved to shake hands with Giles and Spike.

�Yes, I must share with them details from our honeymoon. There was this thing Xander did on the first night, with strawberries�� Anya was silenced as Dawn quickly enveloped her in a warm hug.

�Yes, how was Florida? Fine weather I take it?� Giles blushed slightly at Anya's indiscretions.

�Sunnydale like, with sun and much less demons.� Xander smiled and was almost bowled over by Willow and Tara as they made their way inside out of the darkness.

�Oh hey! You're home!� The redheaded witch smiled and threw her arms around her friends.

�And with presents.� Xander smiled as he released Willow and moved on to wrap Tara in a friendly embrace.

�Yes, Xander said it was custom to return home bearing gifts.� Anya smiled and breathed deeply. �It's good to be home. Florida was just, full of contradictions.�

�Why don't you tell us over dinner, my fettuccini is starting to get cold.� Spike herded them into the dining room. �Niblet, why don't you go and get two extra plates.�

�Where's Buffy?� Willow asked as she sat down between Spike and Tara.

�Yeah, shouldn't she be home by now? She was only taking Bekky and Matthew home.� Dawn looked up to Giles, her brow furrowed in concern.

�I'm sure she's just stopped for coffee with Amanda.� Giles smiled as he poured himself a glass of wine. �Speaking of which. Xander, Matthew wanted to ask you if you'd help him build a birdhouse this weekend.�

Xander smiled. �I'd love to. He's becoming a real mini carpenter. Won't be long now before he's building houses along with the rest of my crew.�

�Yes, we can give them those dreadful mice when we see them.� Anya raised her glass of wine to her lips and sipped thoughtfully. �I hope they like them.�

�Y-you brought the twins m-mice?� Tara looked up from her salad.

�Yeah, a stuffed Mickey and Minnie.� Xander smiled. �When we were at Disney World, we saw them and they reminded us of them.�

�It was just awful. We were nearly attacked by a six foot tall rabbit.� Anya shuddered.

Willow lifted her fork to her mouth to hide her smile.

�Do you mean Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh?� Dawn asked, her eyes open in wonder.

�She does.� Xander grinned. �It was hilarious. We were stopping along Main Street to watch the parade and he came bounding over to us and I swear, she turned seven different shades of pale before running off in the opposite direction, took me half an hour to catch up to her.�

The table erupted into laughter just as Buffy came in from the kitchen. �Xander! Anya! You're home!� Buffy smiled at her friends as she sat down in her place at the end of the table. �I didn't think you would be back until Friday.�

�We decided to come home a few days early. Figured the Hellmouth would not stay quiet for long, so best get home to help avert any impending doom should it come and try to you know, destroy the world.� Xander smiled and continued to regale them with stories from his and Anya's honeymoon.

The chatter continued throughout dinner and well into dessert. It wasn't until there was a sudden lull in the conversation that Giles noticed Spike had remained quiet for most of the meal.

�Spike? Are you alright?� He asked, looking at the vampire with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

�What? Oh, yeah mate. I'm fine, just thinking is all.� The vampire grinned and looked around the table. �I've come to a decision.� He announced as everyone turned to look at him.

�Is it one that involves a mouse, a dog and a duck?� Anya asked from her place beside him.

�What? No.� He rolled his eyes at the former vengeance demon and continued on. �Matthew was sayin' earlier that, there are no self defense classes here in Sunnydale, so, I was thinkin' why not just start one up? I've got some money set aside from my days with Dru and some from just after those military wankers jammed this chip inside my skull.� He looked around the table again.

�Are you sure this is what you want to do Spike?� Buffy asked from her end of the table.

�What about getting to and from class? You'll die on your first day with all the sunlight.� Dawn looked up from her bowl of ice cream.

�Well, I was thinking, if I hold it in the evening either before or after dinner, I wouldn't have to worry about the burning to a soddin' crisp. And yes, it's really what I want to do.� He looked to Buffy and Giles. �Sunny Hell is just crawling with big uglies and people are just walking around with no clue on how to defend themselves. The death rate would be a lot less if they had any bloody clue on how to protect themselves from the likes of vampires. What do you think?�

�I think that's a brilliant idea Spike. And, I don't know why anyone hadn't thought of it before.� Giles smiled kindly at the blond vampire before looking to Buffy.

�Actually,� Willow spoke up from her place. �They have thought of it before, but, the owner and teacher of the class, died before it could really do any good. Vampires.�

�Well, I think you should go for it.� Xander nodded and clapped Spike on the back. �Saves you sitting around being bored during the day, you could work on lesson plans and teachings and I can help you set up punching bags and things like that.�

�Buffy?� Spike looked to her as she sat silently at the table, sipping at her coffee.

�You'll need help.� She replied. �Someone to run the reception area of the class, to make bookings and such. Dawn will help you. Consider it a part time job.� She silenced her sister before she could even open her mouth to object.

�I take it you like the idea then Pet.� Spike continued to watch her.

�I think it's a great idea. We can look for a suitable place for the classes to be held tomorrow during the day and we can take you to check them out tomorrow night during patrol.�

Spike let out a much-unneeded breath as he relaxed back in his seat.

�Just one thing.� Buffy continued.

�Anything Slayer.� He looked to her again.

�If you plan on teaching little kids, do NOT get all vamp on them. I'll stake you myself if you frighten so much as one child.� Her eyes showed how serious she was.

No matter how many of them said that the twins were pesky and at times, unbearable, they had each grown to love them. The innocence they displayed as well as the strength and determination was enough to win over the entire Scooby Gang who had seen enough death and destruction to dissuade any kind of hope.

�On your mother's grave.� He replied. His eyes baring the truth of his words and promise.

The rest of the table had watched on silently as the Slayer and her former enemy came to an agreement that they knew would never be broken.

�So, it's settled then, Spike's going to be teaching people how to kick his ass. Just great.� Xander spoke up after the silence became too much and the table burst into riotous laughter.

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The Taken Care Of Series