I had just finished helping Tara with the dishes, putting the last plate up to dry before I leaned against the counter, "That was a really good dinner, Tara. Honestly, You should not need to be doing dishes as well."
The blond witch flashed me a smile, "I like doing dishes. I find it calming... Besides, Willow and Buffy helped with the dinner."
That surprised me a bit, "Buffy cook?" I asked with a small frown, "And we are all still alive?". Honestly, she isn't 'that' bad... but pancakes was about her level. Not a full on Christmas dinner..
Tara gave me a look, "She isn't that bad at it. Buffy have been getting a ton better. She, Willow and I usually take turns."
"Well, Guess practice do make perfect. Do that mean it's safe to ride with her in a car then?" I then asked.
Tara just shook her head, "No. Never." Her eyes slightly wide.
I chuckled and crossed my arms with a smile. Some things are just a constant I guess.
The witch put the towel away and stretched, "Will you go find Buffy? If I know Xander, it will have to be present time soon or he will annoy Willow until he get his early."
Shaking my head I headed for the back door as I saw Buffy walk outside just after dinner. I found her sitting with her back against a tree in the dark backyard.
"Hey Buff." I said as I got closer, causing her to look up at me.
"Oh... Hey." She said, playing with a straw of grass, she was barely visible in the dark, only light was from the windows and the street light on the other side of the house, "Is it time for presents?"
"Tara thought so." I said before I dropped down to sit next to her, "Are you ok?"
Buffy hesitated for half a second before she nodded "I am... It's just... I miss mom."
Mrs Summers. One that I could not save... I was not here when she died. If I had a way to save her, I would have.
I could have warned her. I should have done so. But I thought I had more time! By the time I managed to get back, it was already to late.
"I'm sorry, Buffy." I finally said, "If I had been here I might had been able to do something."
"It's not your fault." She said and shifted a bit closer, putting her head against my shoulder so I put my arm around her "It's just... It's harder during the holidays."
Not my fault. Maybe.
But I could have done more. Still felt guilty.
"Tell me about her." I said, "I never got to know her, she didn't really like me."
Buffy smiled slightly, "You were the one to kind of push the nightlife into reality for her. I think you might have symbolized the danger I was in to her." she said and then continued at the look I gave her, "I took a course in psychology! I know stuff!"
I grinned briefly, "I do not doubt it."
"We can talk later, ok?" Buffy said as she pulled away and got to her feet, "The others are waiting."
Nodding I got up to follow her inside, "Anytime you want, Paladin."
XXXXXXXX
I yawned slightly and leaned back to relax against the couch, watching TV while playing with a stressball Dawn got me. Well, she wasn't wrong.
All in all, the collection of loot was pretty nice and I think they enjoyed the trinkets I got them as well.
Xander and Tanya left an hour ago while Willow and Tara had retired to their room thirty minutes or so ago.
"I'm heading to bed. Good Night." Dawn finally said and started to make her way towards the stairs.
Buffy stretched and yawned, closing her eyes as she let her head drop back against the couch, "Mmm bed would be nice right about now. Who would know cooking and cleaning was harder work than fighting Polgarans during the mating season?"
I didn't even know Polgarans had a mating season.
Grinning slightly I then yawned, reached for the remote, turned the TV off and got up, "Come on then, Buff?" I said as I offered her my hand to pull her onto her feet.
"Don't wanna move." She complained with a pout but took my hand and let me pull her onto her feet.
I shook my head at her antics with a smile while I lead her up the stars and to her room, "Here Buff room. Buff sleep here."
She grinned and leaned her back against the wall, "Thanks. I could never have found it on my own."
"Good night. Marry Christmas." I said and moved to walk to my room only to find that she didnt let my hand go.
When I turned back to her she had a thoughtful look on her face, biting her lower lip slightly before she looked at me, "Stay?" she then asked.
Oh.
Oh!
"Ah.. Buffy... I have a girlfriend, I told you about her. I'm not sure that would be a good idea." I said finally. I didn't know she felt like that! I'm nowhere near evil enough to be interesting!
How the hell did I even miss that!
"No, no! Not like that..." Buffy quickly said with a blush, "I mean... just sleep." she then added "I just don't want to be alone tonight and you said we could talk later. Please?" she asked, giving me a pleading look.
Oh.. Good. I misread the situation.
I hesitated slightly but then I finally nodded with a small sigh and followed her into her room.
This was such a horribly bad idea.
AN// Many thanks to Avalon Aurora for betaing this section.
