Title: The right time for love.

Author: Sarah

E-mail: taraka66@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and the WB. I’ve just borrowed them.

Summary: Willow and Xander change their friendship into something special.

Author’s notes:  This is set two years after the right time for friendship, so you should really read that one first.  It is now ten years in the future. Xander left after graduation and didn’t return, Willow found him in L.A and they’ve rebuilt their friendship.  I’ve tampered with the timeline subsequently, so everything after Graduation Day Part two doesn’t exist!

The story is written from Willow’s point of view.

Feedback: A really silly question, I love your feedback! It helps me to think of new ideas, and helps my fingers type quicker.

Dedication:  As always to everyone at WXFic and Xanderships, especially Louise, GM, Cri, Bri, Jess, Chad, Emma, Carola, Christi and Laura. You guys rock!

* * * * * * * * *

I unlocked the door to my apartment and went inside, placing my keys on the table and glancing at my answer machine.  The red light was flashing indicating that there was a message waiting for me.   I pressed the button and waited for the messages. 

“Hi Willow. It’s Buffy, I was wondering if you could baby sit for Louise tomorrow night, because I wanted to take Oz out for a surprise.  Let me know if you can’t because I’m sure Giles will. Bye”

I smiled; there was nothing I liked better than to baby-sit for Louise.  She would be eight soon and she was a very energetic child who always made me happy to be with her.

The next message started “Hi Will.” It was Xander’s voice, we spoke three or four times a week.  Our friendship was definitely back on track, even though he was still in L.A. “I’ve got a decision to make.  I really need to talk it over with you.  Could you please phone me either at work or at home as soon as you’ve received this message. It’s really important.  Speak to you later.”

A decision.  That sounded ominous.  It must be really important for him to sound so desperate.   Perhaps he’s met someone.  Someone whom he wants to spend the rest of his life with.  My heart sank a little. 

Neither of us had been involved in any serious relationships since we’d started to be friends again.  Mark and I had broken up not long after I returned from L.A. He couldn’t handle the competition; he couldn’t share me with Xander.  Not being in a relationship hadn’t mattered; I’d thrown myself into my work.  I’d received a promotion last fall, I was now Head of the Computer Science Faculty at Sunnydale High School,  a position I thoroughly enjoyed.

I picked up the telephone and dialled Xander’s office number.  I waited for a couple of minutes before hanging up and trying his home number.  On the fourth ring he picked up.

“Hello.” His familiar voice spoke into my ear.

“Hi Xander, I got your message. What’s so important that you needed to talk to me straight away?” I asked.

“Will.  I’ve been offered the opportunity to run my own branch of the business.  The partners want to spread their client base and they want me to move out of L.A into one of the surrounding towns.”

“Oh.” I sounded a little disappointed. “Where?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t too far away, L.A was far enough.

“Sunnydale.” He said happily.

“Sunnydale?” I asked, unsure whether I’d heard him right.

“Yeah Sunnydale.  My boss seems to think that Sunnydale has the right opportunity for our firm, something to do with the high crime rate.”

“I take it he isn’t aware of the underlying cause of our crime rate.” I replied, suddenly very happy that Xander could be moving back to Sunnydale.

“No, but I don’t think that will be a problem.  There should be plenty of work for one lawyer in Sunnydale.  Even if I do have to dabble in trying to sort out un-natural events!” he teased. “What do you think? Should I take the job?  Will it cause too many problems if I come back?”

“I think it’s a great opportunity for you.  You’ll be your own boss in Sunnydale.  Although it might be a little slow compared to L.A.  I can’t see it causing any problems if you come back.  You’ll be able to spend time with your friends and your favourite niece.” And you’ll be able to spend more time with me, I added silently.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.  My phone bill will be cut in half.  I will be able to talk to you in person instead on the end of a phone line.” I replied happily.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back, although I’m going to need somewhere to stay until I’ve sorted out premises and an apartment.”

“That’s not a problem. You can stay with me, and I’ll help you find somewhere to set up your law firm.  What are friends for if they can’t help out occasionally?”

“You’re great Will.  I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you as a friend.”

“Well whatever it was, it must have been good!” I teased.  “When are you coming down from L.A?”

“I was hoping to come down at the weekend.  I should have everything packed up here by then.  I can move down all the stuff I’ll need when we’ve found the right premises.”

“Are you driving down?”

“Yeah.  I should hit Sunnydale around lunch time.”

“Well I’ll have the guest room made up for when you arrive.”

“Sounds great.  I’ve got to go and make a start on sorting everything.  Thanks Will."

“What for?”

“For being there when I need you.”

“Always.  It’s part of the best friend job description.” I replied.

“I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“See you then.  Bye”

“Bye Will, take care.”

“You too.”  I placed the receiver in its cradle.  He’s coming home.  My best friend is coming home.

* * * * * * * *

The guest room was ready. My heart was pounding furiously in my chest.  I couldn’t believe that in a couple of hours my best friend would be home.  He’d stopped by occasionally in the past two years, but he’d only stopped for an odd day here and an odd day there.

Buffy and Oz had been happy when I told them he was returning.  I think they hoped that we’d finally build on our friendship, take it to a new level.  Although neither of them ever said anything to me about it.

Sure that everything was perfect, I collapsed on the couch and waited for him to arrive.  Ever since I’d called him in the week I’d been waiting for today to come, and it seemed to have taken forever 

A sharp knock on the door indicated his arrival.  I leapt from the couch and dashed to the door.  I opened it and was met by my best friend standing outside, two large suitcases waiting by his feet.

“Hey.” I said as I threw my arms around his waist.

“Hey  yourself.” He said as he returned my hug.

The feel of his arms around me made my heart soar.  I always felt so safe in his arms and not being able to hug him when I wanted to was one of the things I’d missed most.

I finally stepped out of his embrace.  “You’d better come in. I think I’ve given the neighbours enough to talk about for now!”

“Perhaps we ought to give them something to really talk about!” He winked as he leant forward and kissed my forehead.

“You haven’t met Mrs Smith yet.” I replied still reeling from the sensation of his lips on my forehead.

“I’m sure Mrs Smith and I will become good friends.” He continued, a smile spread across his face. He picked up his suitcases and walked into the apartment.

“It’s great to be home Will.” He said as he went into the guest room.

“It’s great to have you home too.” I replied quietly, happy that he was back.  Back to stay.

* * * * * * * *

After school for two weeks, Xander and I looked at a range of buildings, trying to find the perfect place for his law firm to use.  Finally when I thought there were no more empty buildings in Sunnydale, we found the perfect place.

The building wasn’t too far from where I lived and wasn’t too far from the police station.  Which meant it was within easy reach for potential clientele.  The building had two offices on the ground floor and a two-bedroom apartment above it. 

When Xander saw it, I could tell by the look on his face that it was the perfect building.  He’d signed the lease within half an hour of seeing it. 

“What do you think Will?” he’d asked me.

“I think it’s perfect.  Just what you were looking for.”

“All it needs is a lick of paint, a little furniture. Then Alexander L Harris will be ready to practice law.”

“And Sunnydale won’t know what hit it!” I replied, a huge smile on my face.

“Neither will the vamps!” he teased.

* * * * * * * *

I spent the next two weeks of my vacation helping Xander move in.  We redecorated the apartment, and it was the best two weeks I’d spent in a long time.  We spent most of our time talking and joking; our friendship was definitely improving now we could spend time together.  And along the way, I was slowly falling in love with him again.

“Well,” he said, after we’d moved the last piece of furniture in.  Oz and Buffy had helped, whilst Giles had baby-sat Louise.  “I think it feels like home now.”

“Well it’s good to have you back again. We’ve missed your sense of humour.” Buffy teased.

“And I’ve missed the strangeness of living on the Hellmouth.” He replied. “All I need now are a few clients and my move will have been a success.”

“Well I’m sure as soon as the word is out that you’re here you’ll have clients lining up for your services.” Buffy teased.

“I’m sure they will.” I added.

“Let’s hope so, otherwise this could be the shortest job I’ve ever had." 

* * * * * * * * *

I sat at Buffy’s kitchen table whilst she prepared Louise’s lunch box.  I was taking Louise to school today because Buffy had an appointment, although she refused to tell me what her appointment was for.

“How are you and Xander getting along?” she asked, her eyes filled with mischief.

“We’re getting along fine.  We’ve spent a couple of nights together this week.”

Buffy raised her eyebrows. 

“Not like that!” I exclaimed. “We’ve been recapturing our youth by watching our favourite videos.  There isn’t a great nightlife in Sunnydale.  We’re getting a little old for going to the Bronze and patrolling isn’t high on my agenda of fun activities. 

“Oh” Buffy said dejectedly “And there I was hoping that you’d finally come to your senses and had decided that Xander is who you want to spend your life with.”

“Well, I think I’m working towards that decision myself.  Although I’m not sure whether he’s moving the same way I am.”

“What do you mean?” Buffy pursued.

“I think I’m falling in love with him again.  The last three months have been perfect.  We’ve spent so much time together, and we’re getting on really well.  And along the way I’ve opened my heart to him.”

“This is a good  thing isn’t it?” she asked.

“Well it is if he feels the same way about me.  But ever since we had that talk in L.A he hasn’t mentioned his feelings once.”

“Well someone’s got to make the first move. Why can’t it be you?”

“Because I can’t.  What if I’m wrong?  I’ll have ruined everything, after I’ve worked so hard to get my best friend back.  I’m scared I’ll lose him again and I don’t think I can handle that.”

“But sometimes you have to take a little risk in order to make yourself happy.”

“I’m happy with what I’ve got.” I replied, hoping I sounded sincere. 

“But you want more, Willow.  You want the happy ending you’ve always dreamed of.”

“Maybe I do. But I’ve learned that life doesn’t always give you the happy endings.  Happy endings only happen in fairy stories, and I don’t want to live a fairy story.  I want to live in the real world. 

Our conversation was interrupted by Louise’s arrival.  Her long auburn hair was plaited and hung down her back.  Her green eyes shone with happiness when she saw me.

“Aunt Willow!”  She shouted as she threw herself into my arms.

“Hey Louise. Are you ready for school?”

“Just waiting for my lunchbox then I’m ready.  Could we stop for Flora on the way?” she asked hopefully 

“I don’t see why not.  Have you gotten anywhere with Zac yet?” I asked about Louise’s favourite boy.

“No.  He’s more interested in baseball than he is in me.” She stated sullenly.

“Well that will change.  It just takes some boys longer to notice girls than others.” I said, talking from experience.

“You mean like Uncle Xander?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” I asked my eyes filled with curiosity.

“Well you spend all of your time together and you aren’t even married.  Isn’t it about time you two got married? You do love each other don’t you?”

“Louise Elizabeth Osborne.  I think you’ve been watching too much television.” Her mother said with mock anger in her voice. “Aunt Willow and Uncle Xander’s relationship is none of your concern.”

“Oh, ok.” Louise replied dejectedly.  “I was just curious that’s all.  Aunt Willow and Uncle Xander have been friends since they were children and I just wanted to make sure they love each other” She tried to explain.

“Well Louise.” I started. “Uncle Xander and I do love each other as friends but not as anything else.” I explained. 

“Well why don’t you have a boyfriend? And why doesn’t Uncle Xander have a girlfriend?” she asked.

Buffy rolled her eyes at me, wishing that she could stop her eight year old’s tirade.

“Well I haven’t met anyone yet who I love enough to spend my life with.  Your Mommy and Daddy are very lucky to have found each other and be happy.  Sometimes it takes grown ups a long time to find the person who makes them happy.”

“Oh.” Louise replied, contemplating her Aunt’s answer.

“Here’s your lunch Louise. Now be good for Aunt Willow and stop asking her awkward questions.”

“Ok Mom. I’ll see you after school.” She leaned up and kissed her mother before grabbing her lunch box and her Aunt’s hand.

“Bye Buffy.  I hope everything goes ok with your appointment.” I call out as Louise pulled  me towards the door.

“Bye Willow. So do I.” Buffy replied quietly. 

* * * * * * * * *

Xander and I sat on the couch at Buffy and Oz’s house, waiting for them to come in from the kitchen.  Louise had gone to bed an hour ago after insisting that Xander and I read her a story.

It had been very interesting watching Xander read to Louise. He’d perched on one side of her bed and I’d sat on the other.  We’d taken turns reading from her storybook until she’d fallen asleep.  As I’d read, I’d felt Xander’s eyes watching me and I couldn’t resist but watch him read to her.  His face contorted to emphasise the expression he was using to depict the wicked King in the story.

Watching him with Louise helped me to understand that he would make an excellent father some day.  He was so good with her, since he’d come back he’d built a really good relationship with her.

Buffy and Oz coming in from the kitchen brought me out of my reverie.

“It’s quiet in here.” Buffy exclaimed.

“I was just thinking that’s all,” I replied.

“Xander?” she continued.

“Yes, lost in thought.”

“Well Oz and I have a little announcement. Which is one of the reasons we invited you over for dinner tonight.”

“Announcement?” Xander asked.

Buffy and Oz nodded. 

“Does this have anything to do with the appointment you had?” I asked, remembering Buffy’s appointment earlier on in the week.

“Yep,” She replied, enjoying making us wait.

“Well?” I exclaim.  “You’re beginning to have me worried here.”

“Louise has been an only child for so long, but not for much longer.  We’re going to have a baby.” Buffy smiled as Oz grasped her hand in his.

“A baby?” I asked a little shocked.

“Yes a baby.”

“Congratulations!” Xander exclaimed, his face filled with happiness for his friends.

“Congratulations!” I smiled, caught up in the happiness of my friends.

“Does Louise know?” Xander asked.

“Yes,” Oz replied. “And she’s a little nervous, although she’s got seven months to get used to the idea.”

“A baby.” I smiled, although I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of my friends.  They had everything I’d always wanted and I was still so far from achieving any of my childhood dreams.

* * * * * * * *

“Are you ok?” Xander asked as we walked into my apartment. “You’ve been really quiet tonight.”

“I’m fine. I’m just a little tired.” I smiled, although I know I wasn’t making a very good effort of sounding happy.

“It’s great about Buffy and Oz’s baby, we get to be Aunt and Uncle again.” He smiled.

“Yep.  Aunt and Uncle.” I nodded.

“Willow are you going to tell me what’s really bothering you? Or am I going to have to tickle it out of you?”

“Tickle?” I asked warily, we hadn’t tickled each other since high school.  Touching had been off limits since the fluke and we hadn’t re-established it.

“Yep, either you tell me the truth, or I’ll tickle it out of you.”

“I told you, I’m tired. I am happy for Buffy and Oz and Louise. She deserves to have a little brother or sister to play with.” I tried to sound more confident.

“I don’t believe you.  You’re eyes are telling me there is more to this than you’re admitting.  I can’t help if you don’t tell me.”

“What makes you think I need your help?” I ask, my voice tinged with anger. “I’m twenty eight years old, and I’m quite capable of getting on with my life without your help!”

His face fell at my comments.  Why do I always manage to hurt him?  He’s trying to be a good friend to me and how do I repay him? I hurt him.

“I’m sorry you feel like that Will. Obviously you don’t need my help. I’ll go and let you get on with your life.  Bye Willow.”

I stand there watching him go, tears flowing from my eyes and rolling down my cheeks.  I want to stop him, but I don’t think I can.  I’m scared that I’ll tell him the truth and frighten him away.  So I’m making the decision for him just as he made the decision for me ten years ago.  As that thought enters my head, I suddenly realise I’m running away, just as he ran away from me.  I can’t hurt him like he hurt me.  I run after him. Desperate to stop him, to tell him everything. 

I catch him up just as he’s about to get into his car.  “Xander!” I called, but he ignored me, climbing into his car, running away from me, just what I wanted him to do.

I reached the door and grasped it before he can close it.  “Xander.” I said again as I knelt down beside him.

He refused to acknowledge me, but I could see that he was upset as a tear rolled from his eye and down his cheek.

“Xander.” I reach out and turn his face towards mine. 

He allows his head to move with my touch.

“I’m sorry.” I speak gently although I know sorry probably won’t be enough. “I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you.  But I’m scared.”

“Scared?” he asks, his brown eyes finally meeting mine.

“Scared that I’m falling in love with you and I don’t want to get hurt, because loving you before has always hurt me.”

“I would never hurt you again Willow, I love you too much.” He replied, his brown eyes reassuring mine.

“You love me?” I asked, unable to comprehend his declaration.

“I always have. I’ve never stopped.  But I’ve waited for you to be sure.  I thought we were getting there slowly until tonight.  What happened tonight?”

“Buffy and Oz’s announcement made me realise how much I want the happy ending.  The only problem is I can’t have the happy ending with anyone other than you.” e

“Happy ending?” he asked slightly confused.

“Buffy and I were talking the other day about how stories always have a happy ending, but I told her life was different.  It never lets you have the happy ending and I didn’t think I deserved to hope for one.  But I realised that I do want the happy ending I dreamt of as a child.  Spending the rest of my life with you.  That would be my happy ending.”

“Well I think we can possibly arrange for your happy ending.” He smiled as he gently took hold of my chin, bringing our lips closer together.  Finally they met and I knew for the first time in my life what complete happiness was.

When our kiss ended, I looked into his eyes and couldn’t believe what I saw. They were filled with a deep and pure love. One that I never imagined I would see in Xander’s eyes. 

“Don’t go?” I pleaded with him.

“I don’t think I could ever leave you again, even if you wanted me to go.”

“I’ll never want you to go.” I promised.  “I love you too much, I want to make sure that we’re in the same rest home when we’re old, not neighbouring ones.”

“Whatever you want Willow.  Whatever you want.” He sealed his promise with another kiss that sent currents of electricity through my body.

We left his car that night and returned to my apartment, sealing our love and our future together.

* * * * * * * *

8 months later.

I picked up Daniel William Osborne from his crib and rocked him gently in my arms.  Baby-sitting for Buffy now had become harder work. Louise wasn’t particularly keen on the latest addition to her family, so Oz and Buffy were trying to ease her relationship with Daniel by spending some extra quality time with her. Which meant Daniel needed a baby-sitter, which is where Aunt Willow and Uncle Xander fitted in.

I rocked him in my arms, oblivious to the fact that Xander was watching me.  I cooed gently to try and soothe him.  I felt Xander’s hand on my shoulder; I turned to look at him.  “I think Daniel’s a little grumpy.  He needs his Mom, but unfortunately she’s not here.”

“Well he’s got his favourite Aunt doting on him.  How many times has he had you run up here tonight?” he asked, his brown eyes sparkling as he looked from me to the baby.

“Four!”

“Well I think he’s learnt that you’re a soft touch Willow.  Buffy, Oz and Louise won’t be long. Their movie finishes in fifteen minutes.  Then they’ll take over and we can go home.”

“I know.” I smile.  Xander and I’d finally moved in together six months ago, we were living over his law offices.  It had been the most magical six months of my life.  Sharing your life with someone you love and someone who loves you back is wonderful, I would never regret my decision to let him into my heart.

I laid Daniel back in his crib and switched on his mobile.  I waited for a second, as the animals carouselled above his head, before I felt Xander’s hand grasp mine and lead me out of Daniel’s room

* * * * * *

I walked into Xander’s office after work. His secretary Jane was chatting on the phone.  She smiled as she saw me.  She nodded her head to assure me that he was free.

I approached his office and knocked on his door.

“Come in,” he called.

I opened the door and walked in. “Hi.” I said as he looked up from his desk and smiled at me.

“Hi.  How’s your day been?” he asked.

“Interesting to say the least.” I replied.

“Well with only five more days until the wedding, I’m sure everything’s going to get a little hectic.  Has Buffy finally decided what colour her dress is going to be?” he asked.

“Yes, but I’m not telling because it will spoil the surprise.”

“I don’t mind what colour she wears as long as she turns up and witnesses her two best friends finally tying the knot.” He teased.

“Well she has had to wait a long time.  It has taken us twenty -five years of friendship to get this far.  I’m pretty sure she never thought we’d make it.”

“I always knew we’d make it. It was just a matter of finding the right time.”

“Are you sure it’s the right time now?” I asked curiously.

“Definitely.  Because I can’t wait any longer for you and me to finally to belong to each other in everyone’s eyes, because we’ve belonged to each other since the day we met.  It was just a matter of waiting.”

“Well we’ve both been very patient.” I smiled reassuringly.

“We have the patience of saints.” He teased.

“It’s a good job we’re patient.”

“Why?”

“Because if we weren’t we would have given up on each other a long time ago, and we wouldn’t have had the happy ending.”

“We deserve a happy ending Will.” He said as he walked towards me.  I leant forward into his embrace and we kissed. 

In five more days we would finally declare our love before our friends and family and the beginning of our happy ending would start.  I knew he was right; it was just a matter of finding the right time.  And now it was the right time to be happy.

* * * * * * *

Willow and Xander fanfiction