FF Monsters Can be Men (2/2)

["slyfox_kitkat" <slyfox_kitkat@xxxxxxxxx>]

Monsters can be Men
Disclaimer: See Part 1
Pairings: See Part 1

Ira and Sheila Rosenburg hated Buffy. They couldn't even get her 
name right. That was a fight Buffy wanted to forget. They had 
headed over to Willow's home, where all hell broke loose.

"You're what," Sheila exclaimed.
"I am in love with Buffy. She is my soul mate and she has asked me 
to marry her."
"I hope you declined," Ira sneered.
"No, I didn't dad."
"You better decline, or whatever it is you do. I will not have my 
family named disgraced by a," Ira stuttered, "by a dyke!"

Buffy had remained silent for Willow's sake, but being called that 
pissed her off.

"Excuse me! I am not a dyke. Willow is the first woman I have ever 
felt this way about. Yes I will admit that I was kissed before by 
Faith, but even she knew of my hidden love for Willow. So the next 
time you want to blame someone, don't come knocking on my door, cause 
I am for damned sure not the cause," Buffy said, with an eerily calm 
voice.

Willow stood in utter amazement at Buffy's display.

"Now," Buffy started, "if you want to bash your daughter, don't do it 
in front of me. Cause you know something, I love her damn it! There 
are is one thing I know she loves as much as she loves me and that is 
you two. Now I am giving you two choices, either take the time to 
accept our love and your daughter's ultimate happiness. Or you can 
walk away and stay out of your daughter's life. Now I know she does 
not want that. Hell neither do I, I only want the best for her. Oh 
yeah, and my name is Buffy. Not Bunny or Sunny or whatever the hell 
it is you call me. It is Buffy, Elisabeth Anne "Buffy" Summers."

Buffy walked out of the house, leaving Willow to talk it out with her 
parents. Luckily, for the both of them, they chose to accept their 
love. Buffy still hadn't shaken the fact that Willow's father called 
her a dyke. She was even afraid to call her own father and tell 
him. Back at their dorm room, Buffy sat on her bed crying. That 
word hurt her more than anything did. She laid on her side, 
listening to music. She didn't even hear Willow come home.

"You ok," Willow asked, as she walked closer to the bed.
"I've been called it before. But to hear it from your father, it was 
like a dagger to the heart."

Buffy turned to face Willow.

"I know. It was like I felt your pain. Listen I invited Tara over, 
but if you don't want her over, I can cancel."
"I'll be ok. Sides, I gotta thank Tara for taking care of you when I 
was incapacitated."
"Yeah, she took good care of me. She'll find someone, I know it."
"Well, we could always hook her up with someone I think she would 
like."
"Who?"
"Remember that girl from my lit class?"
"The cute dark hair and light eyed girl?"
"Yes. She came over a couple times to help revise my papers."
"Yeah, she seemed really interested in witch craft."
"Yeah. She even wrote her final paper on the good qualities of witch 
craft."
"That's right. I did see her at those meetings Tara and I attend.  
She still goes. She is always taking notes, and sitting in the back."
"Well, she was asking me about Tara."
"What?"
"Yeah. Seems my friend has a crush on our local blond hair Wiccan."
"What is her name?"
"Her name is Elissa Mitchell."

A knock came from their door.

"Come in," Willow shouted.

Tara walked into the room, smiling.

"Hey Tara, how are you," Buffy asked.
"I'm good. Congratulation on the engagement."
"Thanks. Tara, thanks for looking out for Will when I was out of it."
"Not a problem."
"Hey Tara, do you remember that girl who keeps going to our meetings, 
sitting in the back and taking notes," Willow asked
"Elissa?"
"Yeah. I was wondering, maybe you'd think of becoming friends with 
her."
"I am."
"Well do you like her?"
"Yeah."
"Ok, I promised not to say anything, but I opened my big mouth to 
Willow," Buffy started, "But Elissa is in one of my classes again, 
and she really likes you Tara. What we were wondering is, would you 
consider going on a date with her?"
"Well more of a double date with me and Buffy?"
"I'll think about it."

Buffy grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Buffy? Why are you grinning," Tara asked.
"I invited Elissa over to help with a paper for class."
"You didn't," Tara said, swatting at Buffy playfully.
"I didn't know you were coming over."

Three knocks came rapping at the door.

"Come in," Buffy called from her bed.

Elissa opened the door and walked in. She stopped when she saw Tara 
and started to back up.

"I didn't know you were having company," Elissa stuttered
"Elissa, its ok," Buffy said, "You know Tara and Willow. Willow 
invited Tara over, and I invited you over, without even knowing what 
the other was doing."
"Oh, ok. Want me to look over your paper?"
"Lets go to the lounge and discuss, leaving these two alone."

Elissa nodded and Buffy grabbed her binder and walked out of the 
door. They sat on the floor reading each other's essay. Elissa was 
becoming amazed with Buffy's writing ability on the occult.  

"Wow, Buff, this is really good," Elissa exclaimed, "I mean you are a 
really talented writer."
"Thanks."
"Do you write poems too?"
"Some. I've never let anyone see them though, not even Willow. Even 
though, some of the love poems are about her."
"You happy?"
"With her, oh hell yeah."
"Good," Elissa said, her voice seemed sad.
"You really like Tara don't you?"
"Yeah. She is so nice and caring. A lot of times, she is all I can 
think about. We are really good friends."
"That is always a good place to start."
"Yeah, but when I try to talk to her, or I am just near her, I start 
stuttering, unable to get out what I really want to say."
"It'll get easier, trust me."
"I do."
"Come on, let's get out of here. Want to go on a quick sweep, then 
to the Bronze?"
"Sure. You really want to take me on one of your sweeps?"
"Of course. You know all about the weird things of Sunnydale."
"Cool. Let's go!"

Buffy and Elissa headed back to Buffy's room. Willow and Tara were 
still there. Buffy went over and hugged Willow.

"Elissa and I are going on a quick sweep, then head to the Bronze."
"Is it safe for her," Tara asked, with much concern.
"I'll take care of her, I promise."
"I just don't want to see her hurt."

Both Willow and Buffy were watching Tara. She was really protective 
of Elissa. This even shocked Tara. Elissa just shyly stood by the 
door.

"Tara, I will make sure she doesn't get hurt. If she does, you can 
turn me into a frog."
"Willow wouldn't like that too much."
"Damn straight I wouldn't," Willow added.
"Guys, this is my choice," Elissa said, "Besides, Tara, yes you are 
my friend, but its my life. Buffy, I'll wait outside for you."

Elissa walked out of the room and sat in the lounge. Back in the 
room, Buffy was shaking her head.

"She is really hurt," Buffy said.
"Why," Willow asked.
"Because she really likes you Tara, and it just hurts her to be 
around you. And now that you were being protective of her, it most 
likely confused her even more."
"How," Tara asked.
"Tara, I watch her all the time, she is in love with you. She hasn't 
admitted it yet, but I know its true. It is right there in her eyes."
"She is right, Tara, I see it too, and I really saw it right now.  
You are most likely confusing her because she does care so much about 
you."
"Damn it. I'll be right back," Tara said.

Tara ran out to the lounge and saw Elissa sitting alone, crying. She 
walked over and sat next to her.

"Is it true," Tara whispered.
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was scared."
"I could understand that."
"But?"
"I do like you, I can't deny that. But I want to take things slow, 
ok."
"Why were you so protective over me?"
"I don't want anything to happen to you, is that so wrong?"
"I don't have time for this, Tara, I honestly don't. I've been used 
too many times to count. It just hurts, a lot."

Elissa stood up, and wiped her tears.

"Yes, I do love you Tara, that is why it hurts so much."

Elissa walked out of the dorm and into the night. Tara sat there, 
stunned by Elissa's words. Tara then got up and ran back to the dorm 
room. Buffy and Willow looked at a frightened Tara.

"Where is Elissa," Buffy asked.
"She ran off."
"Love," Willow said, "go after her."

Buffy nodded and ran out the door. Willow looked at Tara.

"Sit down, we are going to talk," Willow said, sternly.
"Yes, mom," Tara said.
"What did she say?"
"That she loved me so much, it hurt her. What's wrong with me Will?"
"Denial. You don't want to acknowledge you feel anything for her 
because you are afraid you'll lose her. You didn't lose me, Tara, I 
am still here, and I am still one of your best friends."
"I guess you're right. I mean, Elissa is really nice."

Their conversation was interrupted by Buffy nearly breaking the door 
down, carrying in Elissa. She laid her on Willow's bed. Tara 
grabbed the first aid kit and began assessing the damage.

"Buffy what happened," Willow asked, tending to Buffy's cut forehead.
"Elissa fought a vampire, but was jumped by ten more. They beat her 
pretty badly too. I dusted most, but two got away."

Tara carefully stitched up the deep gash on Elissa's left arms. She 
bandaged and salved the rest of the wounds and laid an ice pack on 
her right eye. Tara felt down right guilty for what happened to 
Elissa. She was checking for more injuries under Elissa's shirt, 
like bruised or broken ribs, when she noticed something. She lifted 
the shirt and saw something very wrong.

"Guys," Tara said, "you better come look at this."

Buffy and Willow gathered around Elissa and Tara. Tara lifted the 
shirt for them to see long cuts, some old, some new, and some that 
were scarred over many times.

"Oh gods," Buffy exclaimed, "Some of these look a week old. She 
wasn't in class for a few days the other week."

Willow stared in shock. Elissa started to stir and wake up.

"I feel like I was hit with a truck," Elissa said softly.
"Rest now, ok," Tara said.
"You saw, didn't you?"

Tara just nodded.

"Them?"
"Yes, Elissa, we all saw," Buffy answered for Tara.
"I gotta go."

Elissa tried to sit up.

"No," Tara said.
"I need to get home, my parents will get pissed if I'm not home soon."
"Do they beat you," Willow asked, finally breaking her silence.
"I really gotta go."
"Answer the question," Buffy said.
"Yes! Ok, they do. Just let me be."

Elissa stood up and ran out of the room. Tara was going to go after 
her, but Buffy stopped her. Willow pointed at the bed. She had been 
beaten recently because there was lines of blood crisscrossing one 
Willow's sheets.

"Oh jeez," Buffy said.

Tara just shut her eyes and fell to her knees. She saw all the signs 
staring her right in the face. The eagerness to control her own 
life. Getting courage to stand up for her self, even though it was 
for the wrong reasons. She wasn't mad that she loved Tara, she was 
mad at her parents for trying to stop her for loving Tara.

"Buffy, what does she write about in class," Tara asked.
"Mainly witchcraft and sometimes love. She never wrote about abuse.  
Wait, no, I take that back, she did. It was a poem she written and 
showed me. She is good."
"Do we know where she lives?"
"No. But let's go check it out. I mean she couldn't have gotten 
that far, could she," Willow asked.

They all nodded and ran out of the room. Tara followed her gut 
instincts and headed towards the local shops. She found Elissa 
talking to one of the store owners. Tara saw that she was crying.  
The man raised his hand and smacked her across her already bruised 
face. Tara rushed into the store and tackled the man.

"Don't touch her again," Tara growled.

Tara stood up and stared at Elissa. Elissa ran into Tara's arms, 
crying. Tara tried to soothe the girl, but the man got up and 
knocked them both down. Just then Buffy came into the store.

"Excuse me, but there is a law against striking patrons of your 
store," Buffy said.
"This is none of your business," the man growled.
"Tara, you ok?"
"Yeah," Tara answered, helping Elissa to her feet.
"Good, let's get out of here."

Tara and Elissa started walking towards Buffy. The man grabbed 
Elissa's arm.

"She stays," he growled.

Tara turned towards him; the rage inside her was flaring.

"No she is coming with us. We love her, and would never hurt her."
"Bull shit little girl. Now fuck off. She is my flesh and blood.  
Now get out before you all get hurt."
"No, you are the one who will hurt," Tara said, her teeth clamped 
together, "Let her go, before I do something I regret."
"What are you going to do little girl? She is my daughter, and I 
will do what I see fit. Now get your whore ass out of my business 
before I call the cops."
"I dare you," Buffy growled, "but they won't be arresting us, only 
you."
"Ha. Don't make me laugh, little girl."

Buffy grinned, moving closer to the man, her hands clenched and 
hanging by her side.

"Don't mess with me, I've beaten bigger scum than you."

Buffy was more focused on kicking this guys ass then she was on 
fighting vampires. She cracked her neck and knuckles. Her eyes full 
of fire, and when Tara looked into them, she got chills. Tara shook 
her head and took Elissa's hand, gripping it tightly. Elissa looked 
at Tara.

"Dad, this choice is mine. I can't let you beat on me anymore. They 
care, you don't. End of story."
"No, this is the end of the story!"

He grabbed Elissa by the throat and threw her out of the picture 
window. She crashed to the ground, covered in blood and cuts. Tara 
ran out to her, while Buffy gave the man a roundhouse kick to the 
face. He fell to the floor hard.

"Touch her again, and I will kill you," Buffy growled as she left.

Tara held Elissa's limp body in her arms; tears were streaming down 
her face. Buffy came over and knelt by them. She checked for a 
pulse and found one.

"Come on, let's get her back to the dorm," Buffy said, picking Elissa 
up.
"Why not the hospital?"
"Trust me, ok. If we can't get her to wake up soon, then we'll take 
her to the hospital. I'll explain when we get home."

Just then a car pulled up to where they were. It was Willow. She 
jumped out and opened the door

"Come on," Willow ordered.

Buffy and Tara picked her up and placed her in the back seat. Tara 
sat with her. Elissa's head was in Tara's lap. She gently stroked 
the girl's hair, gazing at her lovingly. As soon as they got back to 
the dorm, they carried Elissa into Tara's dorm room. They laid her 
on the bed and Willow got the first aid kit. Tara cleaned the wounds 
again, gently. Willow looked at Buffy as she was told the entire 
story. Tara finished and stood up to put the kit away.

"You guys can go. I'll call you if anything changes," Tara said.
"You sure? I mean its not a problem, we could stay," Willow said.
"Trust me. I need to do this alone, ok?"
"Ok. If you need anything we are a phone call away."
"Thanks."

Willow and Buffy left the room and Tara knelt by Elissa's side.

"I don't know if you can hear me or not, but I do, ok. I do love 
you."

Then Tara leaned in, gently kissing Elissa's lips.

"I love you."

Tara climbed into the bed and snuggled next to her. She gently 
stroked her hair, watching over the limp body of the girl. She fell 
asleep, for the first time in awhile, contempt. Somewhere between 2 
and 3 am, Tara woke up abruptly to Elissa thrashing from a 
nightmare. She held onto her gently and tried to soothe her. Elissa 
sat right up and screamed.

"Elissa, its ok," Tara said, hugging the girl.

She just snuggled into Tara's arms, crying. Tara rubbed her back, 
gently, trying not to hurt her.

"It'll be ok," Tara whispered.

Elissa looked up at Tara. She leaned up and brushed her lips against 
Tara's. The kiss was meant to be brief, but it deepened. Elissa 
could feel Tara shudder as she let Elissa's tongue explore her own.  
Elissa slowly broke the kiss and stared deeply into Tara's eyes.

"That was amazing," Tara said, catching her breath.
"Yeah, it was."
"I really care about you, and love you."
"I know. I owe you so much. He really could have hurt you."
"He did hurt you, and that hurt me. Watching that, I felt sick."
"I'm sorry."
"Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"Fear. I was afraid if people knew that they would treat me 
differently. Yes, my dad beats the hell out of me. He did before I 
went to Buffy's room. Also, I was afraid if I did tell someone, they 
would go all gung-ho and go after my dad."
"Buffy threatened him."
"She is such a good friend."
"Yeah she is."

They laid in silence for a few minutes. Something was clearly 
bothering Elissa.

"Where do we go from here," Elissa asked.
"Stay with me."
"What?"
"Stay with me, be with me."
"You mean it?"
"I am happy with you, yes."
"Good, cause I am happy with you too."

They snuggled into each other. Elissa winced in pain, and Tara 
looked at her with concern.

"Its ok, it doesn't hurt that much, cause you're here."

Tara smiled at Elissa and then they fell fast asleep. The next 
morning, Tara woke up before Elissa and watched the girl as she 
slept. A gentle knock came at her door, and Tara gently got up, 
walking to the door, and opening it. Willow was there.

"Hey," Willow said, softly.
"Hey."
"How's she doing?"
"Better, we both are."
"Is that a bit of an afterglow to you I see?"
"Willow," Tara said, blushing, "yes."
"Good. I want you happy."
"I am. We're still good friends, right?"
"Always."

Willow hugged Tara.

"That is the one thing you don't have to worry about, ever."
"Thanks."

Elissa began to stir, so Willow went to go check on her wounds.  
Elissa opened her eyes, smiling at both Tara and Willow.

"Where's Buffy," Elissa asked.
"She has something to do," Willow said, her gaze turning towards the 
window.
"What," Tara asked.
"Don't worry about it. You know sacred duty and all."
"Wills, what is it?"

Willow sighed.

"Buffy feels guilty about what happened to you, Elissa, last night.  
She always beats herself up when something bad happens. I mean I was 
surprised that she kept her cool about me being kidnapped and all, 
but I think you had something to do with that Tara. You gave her a 
confidence that I'd be ok. But now, she just needs to clear her 
head."
"So where did she go," Elissa asked.
"Most likely to the Magic Box. Our friend, Giles, created a training 
room in the back for her. She probably went to go release some of 
her anguish."
"Willow, is there something else?"
"I think she was going to go to your dad's shop too. She just wanted 
to check something, I don't know. She just gets this way some time.  
She gets really hard on herself if someone gets hurt and she can't 
help them. I guess it has to do with her sacred duty and all."

Just then, a knock came at the door. Tara went to answer it and it 
was Buffy. Tara hugged Buffy and then they walked inside. Buffy sat 
by Willow, and Willow quickly latched onto Buffy's hand with her own.

"You ok," Tara asked.
"Yeah. Just needed to clear my head that's all. I did, however, 
stop by your father's store Elissa. The window was boarded up, and 
there was police tape around it. I asked around and I heard someone 
called the cops on him and arrested him for beating you and on Tara.  
There are many witnesses, and that's why I didn't want to take her to 
the hospital, to prevent a scene like this."
"It's ok. I understand why you did what you did. So, what do we do 
now," Elissa asked.
"Cops will most likely want to talk to you and Tara. Then probably 
me too, cause I did threaten him."
"Well you did what I was thinking," Tara said.
"Heh, did what I am sworn to do, and that is protect the innocent, 
from any type of bad thing. And your dad ranks up amongst the most 
hated list."
"Hey, you guys did something about myself being beaten, more than I 
could. Thank you guys."
"Elissa, I will never let him harm you again, I swear to you."
"Buffy, I know."
"Buffy, you are doing what you always feel is right, and there is 
nothing wrong with that," Tara said.
"Yeah. Hell, if I were there, I would have done the same thing," 
Willow added.

A few moments later a knock came at the door.

"Ms. McClay," a man called.

Tara got up and answered the door.

"Yes?"
"Hi, I am Det. John Marcus. I am the detective assigned to this 
case. I need to know what happened last night with a young woman 
named Elissa Mitchell who was attacked in her father's shop by her 
father."
"All right. You can come in."

The detective came into the room and noticed the rest of the girls in 
the room.

"Hello, Miss Mitchell. I will need your statement too."

Elissa just nodded. John turned towards Tara and listened to her 
explain the events of the night before. Willow was holding Buffy's 
hand, as they had to relive the other night. The detective then 
turned towards Elissa.

"Ok, Ms. Mitchell, how long has your father been beating you?"
"Since I was ten."
"Why?"
"Because he was always drinking and I could never please him. After 
my mum died, he got worse. He used to beat her too."
"Ok, thank you. If I need anything else, where can I get in touch 
with you?"
"Here."
"All right. Good day ladies."

The detective walked out of the dorm room and shut the door behind 
him. Tara rushed to Elissa's side and held her as she began to cry.  
Buffy and Willow slowly got up.

"We should let you guys be. I have some where I have to be, and I 
need Willow with me."
"Ok. Will we see you later," Tara asked.
"Yeah. I'll stop by later," Willow said.
"I can't. There are things I have to get done tonight. If I have 
time, I'll stop by, but you can always come over and visit."
"Ok."

Buffy and Willow walked out of the room, hand in hand, and headed 
back towards their dorm room. Buffy pulled Willow close to her as 
they got to the door.

"I love you so much."
"I know, as I love you."

They walked into the room, and as soon as the door was shut, Buffy 
kissed Willow passionately. After the kiss, Buffy just held onto 
Willow.

"Babe, what's wrong?"
"I don't know. It's just that I hate seeing people get hurt."
"Buffy, that wasn't your fault and we both know that. Your slayer 
sense is for the un-dead assholes of the world, not living assholes 
like her father."
"At least she will be safe."
"Yeah. Her and Tara make a cute couple."
"That they do. Listen I need to go do some things, then head to 
Giles about some vampire up-rise."
"Buffy?"
"I have to go down to the SDPD, one because I do have a record, and 
because I threatened her father. It is just a warning and they need 
to get my story. Then I do need to go to the Magic Box. Meet me 
there ok? He wants all the scoobs on it."
"Ok. Be careful."
"I will."

Buffy kissed Willow goodbye and headed out to the police station.  
Outside her dorm room, a swift hit to the head and Buffy was knocked 
unconscious. A man picked up her body and threw her in a van. Back 
in Tara's dorm room, Tara was tending to Elissa's cuts. Elissa kept 
wincing with pain. Tara tried her best to be gentle. Elissa stared 
out the window, as Tara was finishing up.

"What are you thinking about," Tara asked.
"Just thanking whom ever it was who allowed me to be in your life."
"I do the same thing too. You are just too special to let go, you 
know that."
"So are you. I fell in love with you the instant I saw you. I know 
that sounds cheesy, but it's the truth. You were always so kind to 
me."
"I did what I would have done for anyone. You just blossomed into 
more."

Tara got up and sat next to her.

"You blossomed into someone I love."

Tara kissed Elissa's lips gently. They laid back on Tara's bed and 
cuddle for a little while, till the phone rang. Tara reluctantly got 
up and answered it.

"Hello," Tara said.
"Tara? It's Willow."
"Hey Will, what's up?"
"Scoobies are needed. Bring Elissa. Buffy was supposed to go to the 
SDPD, but she never showed. They just called me. Giles is on his 
way to pick you and Elissa up. Do not let anyone else but Giles in.  
You hear me!"
"Willow what's up?"
"Her father was released. Some sort of glitch, and they think he 
went after Buffy and might be going after Elissa. Just wait for 
Giles. I'll meet you guys at the Magic Box."
"Ok. See you there."

Tara hung up the phone. Her face was a ghostly white. Elissa looked 
at her with concern.

"Tara?"
"Your father was released and Buffy is missing. Giles is on his way 
to pick us up. Willow will meet us at the Magic Box."
"Where is Buffy?"
"Wills doesn't know. She said she was supposed to go talk to the 
SDPD because she has been charged before with bogus crimes, and they 
just want to check something out. But she never showed."
"Oh my gods."
"Yeah. Get dressed babe."

Elissa got changed into some of Tara's clothes and waited till Giles 
got there. He quickly took them outside to his car and they sped off 
towards the Magic Box. Waiting there was Willow, Xander, Anya and 
Spike. Willow was pacing like a caged animal. Tara went to go 
comfort her friend.

"Still no word," Tara asked.
"No."

Tara hugged Willow tightly. Willow finally broke down, sobbing.  
After a few minutes, she composed herself, and looked at Tara.

"I just want her to be safe. I mean what if her dad has him?"
"If he does, he will pay, that is a promise," Elissa said.
"Just hold on, ok? Willow, tell me what happened," Tara said.
"Ok. We came back here and Buffy said she had to go to the SDPD then 
to see Giles. Well after a while the SDPD called asking for Buffy.  
I told them she had already left. Then they thanked me and hung up.  
Worried, I quickly got online and hacked into the SDPD mainframe, 
only to find out that Elissa's dad was released. I called Giles and 
told him what happened, and then I called you. I just want my Buffy 
back."

Soon the front door was kicked open, and Buffy's limp body thrown 
inside. A man of a large build walked in.

"Good, cause I want my daughter back," he growled.
"Who the hell are you, mate," Spike growled back.
"Jack Mitchell, pal, now give me my daughter."
"Not bloody likely," Giles snapped back.

Willow ran over to Buffy, only to get knocked back by Jack.

"Willow," Tara yelled, running to her.

Tara helped Willow up. Spike, Xander and Giles charged the guy, 
knocking him to the floor. Tara and Willow ran and got Buffy. Her 
face was covered in blood. Spike got a quick shot in before his chip 
activated. Giles nearly went into "Ripper" mode, but stopped 
himself, grabbing a pair of manacles, and placing them on Jack's 
hands.

"Xander, call the police," Giles commanded.
"Ok."

Xander ran to the phone, calling 911. He told them what happened, 
and a squad car, plus ambulance was dispatched to the location.  
Willow cradled Buffy's body as she started to come to. Elissa walked 
over to her father, looking him in his eyes.

"I just came to tell you that you are no longer my father. I despise 
you. I hate that the real reason my mother is dead is because of 
you! Because even though she tried to leave, you killed her! And 
you tried to kill me too. I hope you rot in hell, you soulless 
bastard!"

Elissa slapped him across the face then ran out of the store. Tara 
quickly went after her. Elissa was sitting on the curb, crying.  
Tara sat next to her, trying to comfort her girlfriend.

"You ok?"
"I'll be fine, now that he is going away for a long time."
"I'll always be here for you, you know that right?"
"Always. I love you."
"I love you too."

Willow and Buffy came out and sat next to them. Tara and Elissa 
looked at Buffy with concern.

"You ok, Buffy," Tara asked.
"Yeah. Just a bit dizzy."
"The ambulance should be here soon to check her out," Willow added.
"Well I have to admit, it's been one hell of a week, don't you 
think," Elissa asked.
"Oh yeah. I can't wait for the next writing assignment," Buffy joked.

The four girls giggled at Buffy's comment.

"Welcome to the Scoobie gang, Elissa. You'll make a fine addition."
"Thanks, Buffy."
"Anytime, Lisa, anytime."

One day a new evil would come to bother Buffy and the Scoobie gang, 
but for right now, two couples just relished in the fact that their 
love was new, and could only grow stronger.

~FIN~?for now