Eskimo Kisses and Bug Eyes

Title: Because You're Mine

Rating: PG

Pairings: Buffy/Neville, Willow/Luna, Faith/Draco, Dawn/Gunn, Andrew/Ginny

Spoiler Warnings: All things Buffy, Angel, and Harry Potter, though anything post Angel season 4 and OotP will be AU (what can I say, I like . . . certain characters who didn't make it).

Summary: No one seems to know what happened between Buffy Summers and Neville Longbottom, but everyone can see they have been miserable for over nine years, ever since the day they separated their twin daughters and vowed never to see one another again. When a secret meeting between Devyn Summers and Delaney Longbottom is arranged, it will be very difficult to hold to that vow, because the girls are just as stubborn as their parents.

Disclaimer: I do not own characters, entities, ideas, etc. from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel the Series, or the Harry Potter series of books. Those were created by Joss Whedon and J.K. Rowling, respectively, and I claim nothing. However, Devyn, Delaney, and the various children of familiar characters are original characters created by me. I don't care if you want to borrow them (though I doubt anyone really would) as long as you do me the courtesy of asking first.

Author's Note: Inspired by Jinni's Parent Trap Challenge, but it's not completely Parent Trap in style in that the girls will have help and the whole summer camp thing . . . not so much here. Also, there's probably going to be more actual danger and less harmless pranking.





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"Devyn Joyce Summers! Get a move on!"

"Coming, Mom!" Buffy Summers couldn't help smiling as her ten year old daughter stumbled to the top of the stairs carrying so many bags that only her blonde ponytail was visible. "I can't believe it, I almost forgot my pants!"

"That can happen when you take eight bags for a two week trip," Buffy said wryly.

Dropping the last of the bags at the top of the stairs, Devyn rolled her eyes at her mother. "Not like you never packed too much, Mom."

"What can I say. We Summers women always go prepared." Buffy shrugged, smiling, before her face turned serious. "Speaking of being prepared, do you have--"

Devyn unzipped the top bag on the pile. "Why do you think I almost forgot pants? Stakes, dagger, holy water, extra crosses, mini-crossbow . . . are you sure I can't take a sword?"

"Positive. I shouldn't let you take the crossbow or dagger, either."

"But you will."

"Yeah. I will. Now come on, Willow will be here any minute." Wither her mother's help, Dev made quick work of her bags, even consolidating a few, and getting rid of one all together (No, she was not taking the make-up Aunt Dawn bought her, ten was far too young). When Willow arrived, Devyn Summers was sitting on the front porch, perched atop a mountain of luggage, one foot tapping a nervous rhythm against the side of the largest suitcase.

"Ready to go, Dev?"

"Am I ever. Are you going to tell me where you're taking me now?"

"Nope, not yet. Can't ruin the surprise. Now, give your Mom a hug while I do something about your luggage."

Devyn wrapped tanned arms around her mother's waist, kissing her cheek and demanding 'Eskimo kisses' with a laugh. Buffy leaned forward, rubbing her nose against her daughter's, relishing the fact that Devyn hadn't yet outgrown this. Hugging Devyn tightly, Buffy whispered "I'll miss you, Hummingbird."

Willow watched Buffy in the rearview mirror as they pulled away, Devyn waving furiously. 'Oh, Buffy, I hope you forgive me for this,' Willow thought, resolve face slipping firmly into place. 'It's for your own good. Nine years has been far too long.'


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"Dad, for the last time, I am not nervous, I do not have any other bags, and I do have everything I could possibly need."

"Delaney Alice Longbottom! How dare you speak to your father that way! Apologize at once, young lady."

Delaney winced. "I apologize for my lack of manners, Gran. Father please forgive me. I should not be so disrespectful. I allowed my excitement to override my manners and good judgement."

Neville Longbottom was barely able to suppress his laughter at his daughter's over-dramatic ten-year-old antics. A glance at his grandmother showed she was having the same problem. "I accept your apology, daughter of mine. Now, give us a kiss." Delaney giggled and Gran Longbottom was unable to stop the smile creeping along her face as the girl jumped into her father's arms, kissing both his cheeks and resting her forehead against his until his face blurred and his eyes fused together in her vision.

"Daddy, you look like a bug," Delaney said, just as she had since she was three.

Neville sighed, a part of their ritual. "We can't all be beautiful like you, Butterfly."

"You'd never be ugly, Daddy. Because you're mine and I love you." After a pause, Delaney pulled away from her father. "OK, now that the mushy stuff's over, can we PLEASE go meet Auntie Luna! I want my birthday surprise." At her father's nod of assent, Delaney scrambled over to Gran's chair and kissed the wrinkled cheek, agreeing to whatever last minute instructions were being whispered into her ear.

Once they were gone, Gran Longbottom stared into the fire, watching as the flames turned from the green caused by the floo powder father and daughter had used to the warming orange glow of normal, everyday, non-magical fires. "Forgive me, dear boy, for what I have done. I simply can not bear the pain I have caused you any longer." Old bones settled back into the high backed chair as she drifted into sleep, the delicious warmth of the fire easing some of the aches in her body.