Epilogue
The final leg. Somewhere over the midwest, heading for home. Beside him, Buffy slept. Actually, beside was a bit of a misnomer. She had started out resting her head against his shoulder, trying to keep away from the ubiquitous draft. But as she fell asleep, she seemed to...sprawl. Now her knees were pressed against his leg, one hand resting on his chest, the other slipped behind his back. Sound asleep. His arm encircled her shoulders, holding her close, keeping the blanket tucked up around her.
Despite the fact that he didn't want to move for fear of waking her, and ignoring that his arm was starting to fall asleep, it was actually oddly comfortable, sitting with her like this. Especially nice because he wasn't trying to comfort her through some crisis. He was simply holding her, holding the girl who meant more to him than any other.
It had been an extraordinary week-one of deep sorrow and unspeakable joy, laughter, love, sadness and memories, all sweetened by Buffy's presence throughout. Her strong arms giving him comfort, her tiny hand giving him strength, her bright smile giving him joy, her compassionate eyes giving him peace. For all the difficulties, all the misunderstandings, all the crises and all the problems which naturally occur when two people are forced into close proximity for an extended period of time, it had actually gone far better than he'd hoped. She'd been correct in saying that they were an oddly compatible pair, in spite of all their differences.
He stroked the hair of the sleeping girl at his side and she snuggled closer. It felt good, having her here, safe and content. It made him feel like he was actually doing it right. His slayer wasn't just surviving, she was thriving. And all the terrible things which had happened paled in the reflection of this strong, resourceful living girl.
Buffy's despair after what happened with Angel, his own devastation at losing Jenny...they were both very real, very painful. But the pain grew less, day by day. And it was blunted somewhat, knowing there was someone there, there and alive, with whom life didn't seem quite so horrible.
He kissed the soft hair resting beneath his chin. Their lives would never be peaceful. At some point, preferably later than sooner, he'd lose her. Or perhaps his carelessness would take him away from her. But for now, they were together, watcher and slayer. Together they made a formidable pair, one to rival the great watcher and slayer pairs throughout history. He and his slayer. He and his Buffy.
"Be proud, Father," Giles whispered to the unseen spirits. "Your son is where you want him to be."
End