Buffy and all associated things in the Buffy-verse are, as we all know, the property of Joss Wheadon and Mutant Enemy, Inc. I make no claim on them, other than taking out for a little exercise. The only thing I get here is a few reviews, at least, I hope you guys review! They really do make my day.
Chapter 1
Dawn slowly straightens from when she's leaning heavily on Willow, her mind still trying to process the fact that her father is apparently at the door. She still feels somewhat faint and incredibly reluctant to take the last few steps into the foyer where she will be able to see the man that abandoned them nearly a decade ago.
Willow holds the girl upright, worriedly trying to get a response from her. "Dawnie? Are you alright? Come on, sweetie, speak to me!" Getting nothing, she switches mental gears and sends her thoughts toward Buffy. [Buffy! I need help in the game room with Dawn, and I think your dad's here.]
The redhead winces at the power of the return thought, [WHAT!! On my way!]
"'M'ok, Will." Dawn mumbles. A few seconds later, she repeats in a slightly more normal voice. "I'm ok, now." She pauses, then, in a horribly forced bright tone, adds, "Let's go see my dad." With that, she pulls away from the witch and starts toward the front door.
Willow follows, but readies a holding spell, just in case. Buffy rarely talks about her father and Dawn never does, not in years. Whenever Buffy does say something, it's never with the same love and devotion she reserve for their mother. Actually, it's almost always with a goodly helping of contempt. "This should be interesting." she says under her breath.
***
Hank Summers smiles at the petite young brunette in front of him and asks again, "Are either Buffy or Dawn around?"
Kennedy stands, returning his friendly gaze with a helpless one. She's heard the stories, from both Willow and Buffy herself, about this guy, and she's not sure if she should let him stay or see if she can hit the sidewalk with him. 'Although', she thinks to herself. 'At least he had the decency to actually leave, unlike my dad, who was only there physically.'
"Uh, yeah. I-I think Dawn's in the game room with my fiance and Buffy's working out. Can you wait a..."
"Dad?" Dawn's voice echoes slightly in the large open space. She stands juts outside the game room doorway, making no move to close the distance.
Hank's eyes soften as he sees his daughter. "Dawnie? Is that you? My God, how you've grown! You're even more beautiful than your mother." He crosses to her and enfolds her in a hug that she doesn't return.
Buffy runs into the room as he releases her and the man turns toward his older daughter. The elder Summers looks at her, taking in her appearance, her beauty, the strength written large in her face. He misses the wariness and anger, though. "Buffy. You've turned into the kind of woman I'd hope you would. Strong, beautiful, in charge of your own life, from what I can see. I'm so proud!" He beams at her, still not seeing the anger building.
Buffy shakes off her stupor and holds a hand up as her father moves to hug her. "Dad, what the hell are you doing here and how the hell did you find us?"
Hank's smile dims a little at the blonde's questions, and he stops advancing toward her. "Your grandmother told me where you were when she wrote to me to tell me about Dawn's engagement. When I heard that my baby girl was getting married, I had to come and meet the fellow she's engaged to. I wanted to make sure he's the right one for our Dawnie!" He tries to make the statement a joke, but succeeds only in making Dawn scowl.
"Make sure he's the right one, huh?" she asks, stressing the pronoun.
Buffy signals her to back off, to let her handle this. "Thanks for coming Dad, but I've got this under control. Dawn's fiance is a wonderful person, and they have my complete support. She's perfect for Dawn, so thanks for dropping by. Come by again in another ten or fifteen years, ok?" The Slayer tries to usher him out the door.
He just smiles again. "Nonsense, Buffy. I don't even know when the wedding is. How am I supposed to give the bride away, if I don't even know when or where to show up?" He looks at his watch, then continues. "Listen, I have to go. I just wanted to make sure I had really found you both and to invite you to dinner tonight. Well, both of you and your fiance and your boyfriend, too, if you have one right now, Buffy. Bring your friends here, too, if you want."
"No, that's ok. We already have..." Buffy starts, trying to back out furiously.
Hank shakes his head. "I won't take no for an answer, so I'll see you all at eight at Rembrants down town, ok?" His eyes sparkle as his smile widens impossibly huge. "I have a surprise for both of you!"
With that, he turns and opens the front door, but looks back before leaving. "Nice to meet you all. Hope to see you tonight. Remember, Buffy. Eight o'clock, Rembrants. And Dawn, I can't wait to meet your future husband!" He leaves, closing the door behind him.
All eyes turn toward Buffy. She just stares at the closed door for a full minute, before saying disgustedly, "Aw, crap."
AN Just a teaser to let you know, yes, I was continuing the story. Emerald City was mostly for the proposals, so that's why the new title. I hope you enjoyed!
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