canon au } { post-s4, of tanukis and rebuilding relationships

[kiss_evilgoodbye]

Peter: [He had his own window perch. He had claimed it when he got there, and over the weeks it had become a sitting box. Pillows had made their way there, and one day he had gone and pushed a tiny metal handrail into the edge because he kept losing pillows out of the window. The pile near the window had continued to grow not with books that he had read - he put those away as he finished them - but the ones he found as he walked the stacks and he wanted to read. A small tea tray was balanced on top of the pile so that he could hold a pot of tea and his cup without risking water rings on the leather books. And this was pretty much where anyone could find him from after breakfast until dinner]

Buffy: [will just wordlessly wiggle her way into a spot next to him sometime before dinner, peering around at what he's reading as she slips under his arm] Whatcha readin'?

Peter: [he easily shifts to hold her with one arm, his other hand shifting the book to give her room. His eyes never lose his spot] Tanukis. Japanese raccoon dogs. Very fascinating. This author believes that they are a genetic sidestep from werewolves.

Buffy: Didn't Derek know one in New York that was dating a waheela?

Peter: I believe so, but he never really told me about his New York life in full detail. [turns the page]

Buffy: Oh. I think he was friends with a Price.

Peter: Verity. That name I know. He's talked to her a few times on the phone

Buffy: [she nods] I'm surprised they haven't set up shop in Beacon Hills, to be honest. It seems like they would have a field day.

Peter: I'm still intrigued that they have left Japan.

Buffy: I'm sure they like to travel just like the rest of us.

Peter: Maybe. [and back to his book]

Buffy: [settles in, rubbing his chest gently for a moment] So ... there's something I have to talk to you about.

Peter: Oh?

Buffy: About Malia.

Peter: [and you have his attention] Is she okay?

Buffy: Fine. But since a lot of the pack is going off to college next year, Cora and Stiles were thinking that maybe she could come here.

Peter: Why would they think that?

Buffy: Because it would give Malia a chance to be herself and adjust to being part of the world without the pressure of the pack and their expectations.

Peter: [thinks a moment] It would be a better environment for her. Not all the Slayers are well adjusted to the world when they come here, I've noticed. She would find some actual comradery in that.

Buffy: [nods] And she wouldn't have to worry about faking human. No one here would be expecting her to be.

Peter: If she would like to... she would be eighteen and wouldn't need permission from her father anymore.

Buffy: [nods again] They're on spring break right now. Giles could go and set us up as a "school" for her to visit. Have her come out for a few days and see what she thinks.

Peter: That would be nice.

Buffy: Okay. So I will talk to Giles. [a pause] Do you want to bring it up to her?

Peter: I can, but I’d be worried she wouldn't accept because of that.

Buffy: Have you talked to her since Thanksgiving?

Peter: A few times, mostly by text.

Buffy: Why do you think she'll say no?

Peter: [he closed the book and leaned back] I don't know. I just worry sometimes she is better off far from me and she knows it.

Buffy: [shifts a bit so that her chin is resting against his chest and she's looking up at him] Well, it's a big castle. It'd certainly be easy enough to keep your distance if you need to.

Peter: [nods] True.

Buffy: And if she's been texting you that at least means she wants to talk to you.

Peter: That is true. I just don't want to hurt her any more than I already have.

Buffy: Well, while the avoidance technique is a solid one, eventually you're going to have to learn how to do it with her in the room too. This may be a good place to start.

Peter: [he sighs] My presence aside, her coming here is not all that bad of an idea. I will... I'll call her and offer it to her.

Buffy: [smiles softly] Good. I'll handle Giles. [she then shifts a bit so that she's curled up against his shoulder some more] Later.

Peter: Later. [his book down, he warps his arms around her and keeps her close]

Buffy: [she hums softly as she settles, closing her eyes and listening to his heartbeat] How are you doing?

Peter: I'm doing okay. I have a Skype appointment with Sweets tomorrow.

Buffy: Good.

Peter: I just... I miss Derek. I was so used to being under his skin, its odd not being there anymore.

Buffy: I'm sure he misses you too.

Peter: Yeah, but he doesn't need me anymore. He's all grown up. Not the awkward kid I used to remember.

Buffy: Just because he's all grown up doesn't mean he doesn't need you.

Peter: Perhaps. [but he also had both his sisters again, and Dawn... there was little room for Peter in that]

Buffy: [pushes up and looks at him] You're still his uncle and you're still his best friend. And he'll still fight for you harder than the rest of us ever will.

Peter: [he looks at her, and then nods] Even you?

Buffy: Don't get me wrong. I will fight for you with everything I have. But ... there's lines Derek will never cross. [which is to say if he loses it again and they have to take that step none of them want to take, Buffy and Laura will do what they need to do, but Derek won't. No matter what]