Life on a Hellmouth - Part Three

Chapter Twenty-One

He rolled onto his side to give her more room as she climbed into the hospital bed with him. She smiled at him as he placed his arm over her hip. “Cozy.”

“Yes.”

He watched as she unbuttoned a few buttons on his pajama top and placed her hand on his chest. There was nothing sexual in the touch and he knew what she was doing.

She sighed softly, feeling his heart beat rhythmically under her hand. “I was afraid I’d never feel this again.”

He lifted his hand from her hip and brushed her silent tear away. “For a moment there, I was afraid of the same thing.”

She met his eyes and took a deep breath. “You shouldn’t have done that, Giles.”

“I had no choice. I couldn’t stand there and watch them...” He closed his eyes against the memory of Cavendale’s words. “I couldn’t.”

They were quiet for a few moments before Buffy quietly spoke. “Who was he?”

“At one time, he was an associate. We were in training together before I was called to be your Watcher.”

She nodded, instinctively knowing that this was as much information that he was willing to provide at the moment. Her fingers unbuttoned the rest of his top and pushed it open. He sighed softly as her hand glided over his skin to rest on his back. She curled against him, feeling his warmth radiate from his body.

He lightly kissed her head and wrapped his arms around her. Within minutes they were both asleep.

There were no dreams, no fears. They slept peacefully in each other’s arms.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He stared into the mirror, his eyes fixed on the reflection of his neck. The wound was nearly completely closed, though he was sure it would leave a nasty scar. He smiled as he slipped on his shirt and buttoned it up.

“Amazing.”

He lifted his eyes and caught her reflection in the mirror. He turned around as she smiled. “What’s amazing?”

He pulled his collar away from his neck far enough for her to see. She examined it closely before meeting his eyes. “It looks good. Not healing as fast as I do, but then again...you only had one pint of my blood.”

He ran his fingers through her hair and tilted her face towards him. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a smouldering kiss. She laughed softly when she felt his lower body begin to respond.

“You are feeling better.”

He nodded slowly, his fingers trailing down her torso. “I’m feeling fine.”

She bit back a moan as he kissed her again, allowing his hips to slowly rock against her sensually. He gently pushed her back against the wall of the small bathroom, pressing his body against hers. She gasped lightly as his lips trailed down the side of her neck.

“Still feeling a little high?”

He chuckled against her skin. “This has nothing to do with your blood and everything to do with you being you.”

“Giles...we can’t. Not here...”

He pulled back and gave her a slight nod. “Then let’s go home.”

He took a step back from her as a knock sounded at the door. He smiled as she smoothed her clothing down and stepped out of the bathroom as the door to his room opened.

“Hi Mom.”

“Hi honey. Are you guys ready to go?”

Giles smiled as he closed the bathroom door behind him and made his way to the bed. He picked up the small bag resting on the mattress and nodded. “Thank you for picking us up, Joyce.”

She narrowed her eyes in concern for him. “Are you sure you should be leaving already?”

He offered her a gentle smile. “I’m fine, really.” He glanced at Buffy, his eyes darkening slightly. “Thanks to Buffy.”

Joyce tilted her head in thought. “Slayer blood mixed with normal human blood...”

Giles took Buffy’s hand and began walking towards the door. “Will have no reaction.”

Joyce looked confused as she stepped into the hall. “But, you...most people would be stuck in the hospital for at least five days. And less than twenty-four hours later, you’re up and walking around...and probably attempting to seduce my daughter in the bathroom.”

Giles’ face reddened as he coughed. Buffy’s eyes widened in surprise. Joyce rolled her eyes at her daughter. “I’m your mother, I’m not an idiot.”

Giles cleared his throat and tried to redirect the conversation as they made their way outside. “A Slayer has the ability to pass on certain traits to her Watcher in times of crises.”

Buffy smiled as she opened the car door for Giles and ushered him in. “Like super Slayer healing when he gets hurt.”

“Huh.” She climbed in the driver’s seat and smiled inwardly as Buffy nudged Giles over and climbed in beside of him. “Is it a permanent thing?”

Giles shook his head. “No, it will wear off once the healing is complete.”

Buffy eyed the wound on his neck, noticing that it had healed even more within the last twenty minutes. “No superhero power for you.”

He chuckled as Joyce started the car. “Not as such.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He stood behind Buffy, his hands on her hips, in the open doorway as she waved goodbye to her mother. As she closed the door, his hands tightened their hold. He quickly turned her to face him and pushed her back against the door.

“Giles!”

He leaned down and kissed her hungrily, leaving her breathless when he pulled back. “I want you. Right here, right now.”

She gasped as he picked her up easily. “Are you sure this has nothing to do with my blood?”

He smiled as he looked into her eyes. “It very well may...a little. Most of it is just you.”

She wrapped her legs around his hips, groaning softly as he pushed his groin against her suddenly aching core.

“This would...probably be easier if we were wearing less clothes.”

He laughed softly, his hands sliding under her shirt and caressing her back. “Mm-hm. But, that would require me to let you go for a minute.” He kissed her again, sweeping his tongue into her mouth briefly. “And, this feels too good for the moment.”

Her head fell back to rest against the door as he continued to move against her. Her fingers were able to get the first two buttons of his shirt undone before someone knocked on the door.

His chest rumbled with his frustrated growl. He met her eyes with an apologetic gaze. She nodded and relaxed her legs, sliding down his body to stand in front of him. He took a deep breath and moved away from her, turning and going towards the couch. She ran her fingers through her hair and opened the door as Giles picked up a book and sat down.

Willow looked at her friend curiously. “You okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

Willow shrugged her shoulders. “You just look a little...odd.”

Buffy laughed. “Thanks.” She looked over Willow’s head and smiled. “Is this the ‘welcome home party’?”

Xander nodded enthusiastically. “Yep, and Deadboy said he’d be here as soon as the sun goes down.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m guessing he’ll be here in about fifteen, twenty minutes?”

Buffy stepped to the side and allowed them in. “Xander, don’t call him that.”

“Can’t help it, I’m still not the biggest fan of Angel.”

Giles looked up from his book and removed his glasses as their friends took their seats in the living room. “If anyone has any reason to not be the biggest fan of Angel, it would be Buffy or myself.” His eyes locked with Xander’s. “He also saved Buffy’s life...as well as mine.”

Xander spoke before he thought. “He was also the first one to step forward and offer to stake you if you became a vampire.”

Buffy stared at Xander. “He did that with my permission, Xander.”

Giles leaned forward and placed the book he was still holding onto the coffee table. “It was also something that was necessary.” He smiled gently at the boy, trying to calm Xander’s nerves somewhat. “He should be respected for his actions.”

Xander nodded nervously and stood to get a drink. Oz cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly.

“So, is it okay if we ask about it?”

Giles’ hand unconsciously rubbed against his neck. “What do you want to know?”

“Who? Why?”

“And did it hurt?” Anya asked quickly.

Giles smiled softly at the ex-demon. “Yes. It was rather painful.” He glanced at Buffy before turning his eyes back to Anya. “In more ways than one.”

Buffy sat on the arm of the couch next to Giles and draped her arm over his shoulder. “It’s...not something that either of us will likely forget anytime soon.”

His hand lifted and took hold of hers. “As for the other questions, we should probably wait until Angel arrives.”

They all nodded in agreement and were silent for a few seconds before Anya spoke with a tinge of excitement in her voice.

“Can I see it?” She looked at the others as they stared at her. “What?”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles grabbed a book and opened it, placing it on the table for the others to see. “His name was Nigel Cavendale. He and I were in Watcher Training together.”

Xander looked curiously at the book. “What is this? A Yearbook for Watchers?”

Giles tilted his head thoughtfully. “Yes, I suppose it is in a sense.”

Anya narrowed her eyes. “What was his deal?”

Giles shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not exactly sure. We were very close at the time. I used to help him with his studies. He seemed quite excited for me when I was called to take Buffy as my Slayer.”

Angel studied the picture carefully. “He was younger than you.”

“Yes, by about fifteen years.”

Angel met Giles’ eyes. “You were a mentor to him.” As he saw the pieces click together in Giles’ mind, he smiled. “He wanted to be your mentor.”

“I imagine that he didn’t seek out vampires to become one of them. Of course, I’ll have to consult with the Council over this.”

“Goody.” Buffy grumbled softly. “Loving the consults with the Council.”

Xander looked at Giles in confusion. “Okay, so we knew that some vampire was after you. What made you go outside in the dark knowing that there was a pretty good chance of him attacking you?”

Giles swallowed nervously, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I had no choice.”

Willow’s brow furrowed. “No choice? You always say that there’s always a choice.”

Giles glanced at Buffy quickly. “Not in this instance.”

“Huh?” Willow’s eyes widened and she looked at Buffy. “Oh. Buffy, are you okay?”

“I didn’t think I was going to be.” Her eyes became teary as she looked at her fiancé.

Giles cleared his throat softly. “Cavendale and his associate captured Buffy and threatened her life. Among other things that I will not discuss with you.” He looked at each of them through watery eyes. “Please respect my wishes and do not ask.”

He waited until they were all in agreement before he continued. “Angel and Buffy were surprised by...” He looked at the vampire. “I’m somewhat fuzzy on these details, would you mind?”

Angel shook his head. “We were patrolling on the west end of town. I lost count after ten. They jumped us from behind. We took out a few of them and then four surrounded me.” He looked at Buffy. “I guess they wanted to keep me busy so they could get you out of there.”

He stood and swallowed nervously. “By the time I was able to get free of them, Buffy was gone. I knew that Giles wouldn’t leave the apartment and I knew by the way we were ambushed that the plan was to use Buffy as bait. I...I got here as fast as I could.”

Oz nodded slowly. “So you killed Cavendale?”

“I did.”

A small grin made itself known on Oz’s face. “Good job.”

Buffy smiled at her ex-boyfriend. “I second that.”

“So, the danger’s over? No more vamps trying to get Giles?” Willow asked.

Angel offered her a gentle smile. “Danger’s over, Willow.”

As they all relaxed, Anya’s eyes darted between Buffy and Giles. Giles took a deep breath and asked, even though he was somewhat nervous of what her answer would be.

“What is it, Anya?”

“You two...I think you should seriously think about sooner rather than later. Remember what I said about bad things?”

Buffy looked at Giles and smiled warmly. He returned her smile and slowly stood up.

“Tea?”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles had three coffee mugs in each hand, his fingers woven in the handles. He turned around to place them on the counter to find Nigel Cavendale standing in the archway that led from the kitchen to the hall. A rush of fear ran through him, the mugs slipping from his hands and shattering on the floor.

Everyone in the living room turned to see what had caused the commotion. Buffy recognized the look of fear on his profile.

“Giles?”

Not receiving a response, or even an acknowledgement that he had heard her, she jumped up.

Cavendale smiled sadly at Giles. “I’m sorry, Rupert.”

Buffy rushed into the kitchen, ceramic shards crunching under her tennis shoes. “Giles!”

He took a step back, blinking his eyes as Cavendale vanished. He slowly looked down at Buffy standing in front of him, worry etched on her face. She felt the tremor in his hand as she took hold of it. She could practically hear his frantic heartbeat.

“Giles?”

He blinked a couple of times, his eyes clearing a little. He looked down at the floor and took a deep breath. “I…I should clean this up.”

She gripped his hand tighter, and reached up with her other hand to turn his head until she was looking into his eyes. “What happened?”

The teakettle whistled shrilly, startling him. His eyes darted towards the living room to find five pairs of concerned eyes looking at him. He quickly looked back at Buffy before lifting his eyes to the spot where Cavendale was standing moments earlier. A sudden wave of nausea flooded over him.

“I…I have…to…”

He rushed out of the room, running towards the bathroom and leaving a very worried Buffy standing in the kitchen. He slammed the door behind him and sank to his knees in front of the toilet, feeling the bile rise through his throat.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Buffy stared towards the hallway for a few seconds, closing her eyes as she heard the door slam. Hearing Willow’s soft voice, she turned and looked into the living room.

“I…I’m not sure what happened.” She replied softly.

“He saw something. Or…someone.”

Everyone turned to look at Angel, but Buffy was the only one to speak. “What?”

“I know that fear. I’ve been there…remember?” He waited until Buffy slowly nodded. “Something decided to show itself to him.”

Buffy turned and ran out of the kitchen, the ceramic shards skidding across the tiled floor. She opened the bathroom door without knocking to find him sitting on the floor, his back against the tub. His knees were raised, elbows resting on them and his hands covering his face.

She moved slowly, kneeling in front of him. She gently ran her fingers through his hair and he took a deep, albeit quite shaky, breath.

“Hey.” Her voice was soft as she continued to stroke his hair. “Are you okay?”

He lifted his head and met her eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Tell me what happened.”

He inhaled deeply and licked his dry lips. “Cavendale. I…saw him.”

Buffy’s eyes misted as her hand moved to caress his cheek. “Giles…”

“He was right there. When I turned around, he was there.”

She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. “He can’t hurt you again.”

He held her tightly, his heart rate calming as she soothed him. “He said…he was sorry.”

She held him as his tears finally came. She didn’t let him go until she felt his fear dissipate and his hold on her body loosen. She pulled back slightly and wiped the tears from his face. He offered her a slightly embarrassed smile and pushed himself up from the floor.

“I’ve probably frightened everyone in there.”

She returned his smile with one full of comfort and love. “Only because they love you.”

He took a deep breath and hugged her again. “We should go back.”

She nodded slowly and pulled the door open.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They walked back to the living room to find it empty except for Angel. The vampire looked slightly nervous as he spoke.

“I...thought it would be easier if you had some time. I was going to leave as well, but I didn’t want you to think...”

Giles nodded, glancing into the kitchen as Buffy led him to the couch. “Yes. I’m sure they were uncomfortable.”

Angel smiled gently as he sat down in the chair. “I don’t think that’s the word I’d use. Concerned is more like it. They care a great deal about you.”

“And I them.” He met Angel’s eyes. “I saw him in the kitchen earlier.”

Angel raised an eyebrow. “I suspected as much. Did he...say anything to you?”

Giles took a deep breath. “He said he was sorry.”

A brief smile touched Angel’s lips. “His soul wants forgiveness.”

“Yes, I rather think so.” He placed his hand lightly on Buffy’s thigh. “I just wasn’t expecting to see him. And when I did, I could only think of...”

He trailed off, shaking his head. “Nigel was a good man and a good friend. It was that person who I saw, not the demon. Of course, I didn’t recognize that when he was standing in front of me.”

Angel nodded understandingly and Buffy turned her head to face Giles. Her eyes fell to the wound on his neck. Feeling her gaze, Giles looked at her.

“What is it?”

She smiled softly and allowed her fingers to trace around the edges. “It’s healing very well. It’s completely closed now.”

Giles’ heart began to quicken its pace. “Yes. The hum is back as well. Such a strange sensation.”

She leaned up and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. Angel listened to their hearts race together for a moment. When he sensed their arousal grow, he stood up and offered them a shy smile.

“I’ll come by tomorrow to say goodbye.”

Buffy looked up at him, returning her smile as she stood and gave him a hug. “That would be nice, Angel.”

He turned his eyes to Giles and extended his hand. Giles stood and accepted the handshake warmly. “Thank you again, Angel.”

“I’m glad I could help.” His smile reached his eyes. “Your wedding...day or night ceremony?”

Buffy and Giles responded simultaneously. “Night.”

Angel grinned at the unspoken invitation and walked out the door.

Giles tilted his head slightly as the door closed. “Well, that was abrupt.”

Buffy smiled as she looked up at him. “He knew.”

He looked down at her as she moved in front of him. “Knew what?”

Her fingers began to unbutton his shirt. “He could sense it...” She licked her lips and placed her hand on his warm chest. “The heat building between us.”

He lifted his hand, his fingers nimbly unbuttoning her blouse. “Normally I would find that slightly embarrassing.”

She leaned forward, kissing his chest as she pushed his shirt to the floor. “Normally?”

“Mm-hm.” Her blouse fell to the floor behind her and his hands slid around her back to unclasp her bra. “Strangely though, embarrassment is not exactly what I’m feeling at the moment.”

She sighed as his thumb brushed across her erect nipple. “No?”

“No.” He replied softly as he lifted her in his arms, inhaling sharply as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“You gonna pin me against the wall again?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. He kissed her as he climbed the stairs. “I think I would prefer to pin you to the mattress.”

Her eyes flickered with desire as he carried her into the bedroom. “You gonna hold me down and have your way with me?”

He stopped beside of the bed, groaning when she pressed against his erection as she slid down his body to stand in front of him. “Is that what you’d like for me to do?”

She looked into his eyes as she rid herself of the rest of her clothes. “Yes, I would.”

He stared at her as he kicked his trousers to the side. “Yes?”

She licked her lips seductively as she laid her body on the bed. “Oh, yes.”

His chest rumbled with a growl as he climbed onto the bed between her spread legs. He knelt between them and sensually rubbed his hands over her thighs. “Christ, I want you.”

Her hands covered his as she stared into his eyes. “Then take me.”

His hands gripped her wrists and pinned them against the mattress as he pushed forward and leaned over her. He kissed her hungrily, his tongue thrusting into her mouth as he plunged his erection into her warm depths. She lifted her legs, resting her knees against his sides as he began to thrust inside of her with long, hard strokes.

His hands released her wrists, only to lace his fingers with hers. He moved their locked hands to rest on either side of her head and pulled his mouth from hers. He straightened his arms, pushing his upper body up and gazed down at her. He quickened his strokes and rotated his hips slightly, causing her to scream with pleasure.

He smiled down at her as he moved their hands again, placing them above her head. He untangled his right hand from her grip and held both of her hands in his left. His tone was firm when he spoke.

“Put your legs around me.” He groaned as she complied, locking her ankles on his lower back. He abruptly stopped his thrusts, grinning at her as her eyes snapped open in surprise.

“Giles...”

“Fuck me, Buffy.” He tightened his hold on her hands as his right hand gripped her hip.

She moaned, her legs tightening around him. She began to move her hips against him as he held still and watched her. A bead of sweat rolled down his chest as he tried to maintain control of the situation. He groaned loudly as she began bucking against him in earnest.

He suddenly released her hands and shifted slightly so that his hands were resting on the mattress on either side of her torso. He bit his lip and allowed her two more thrusts before he slammed his hips against her, matching her pace.

She screamed loudly as her orgasm crashed violently over her. He grunted as her walls convulsed around him.

“Even more...beautiful...when you...come.”

The sound of his strained voice and the feeling of his erection expanding within her were the culprits of her second orgasm. His body began to tremble as he struggled to hold on.

It was a battle he lost as she came for a third time, sending him over the edge with a loud cry of ecstasy. Her body quivered as her legs released him, allowing him to collapse beside of her.

He rolled onto his back with effort, turning his head to the side to look at her. Her skin was flushed and damp, her breathing was shallow and erratic. He fought to control his breathing.

“My God...”

She chuckled softly and rolled onto her side, placing her head on his heaving chest. “I have no words...to describe that...”

“Nor do I, amazingly enough.” He took a deep breath and placed a kiss on the top of her head. “I need to ask you something.”

She lifted her head to look at him through tired eyes. “Hm?”

“When you’re healing, do you get this...uh...”

“Horny?”

He laughed softly. “For lack of a better word, yes.”

She thought about it for a moment. “Not really.”

His hand caressed her back as he nodded. “I suspected as much. Must be the combination of our blood...something to look into, at any rate.”

She kissed his chest tenderly and offered him a sleepy smile. “Sleep now, research later.”

He didn’t bother to stifle the yawn and held her tightly against him. “Yes. Sleep would be good at the moment.”

“I love you.” She softly whispered and listened to his heart as exhaustion overtook them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He shifted in his sleep, his hand scratching lightly at the healing flesh on his neck. He opened his eyes suddenly and looked towards the stairs to find Nigel Cavendale looking at a picture hanging on the wall.

“Nigel?” He fought down the immediate fear that rushed into his chest.

Nigel turned to him slowly, a sad smile on his face. “Hello, Rupert.” He glanced at the sleeping form in the bed. “She’s okay?”

Giles glanced at Buffy and sighed softly. He carefully eased his body out from under her and reached for his robe. “Yes. She’s fine.”

He tied the robe closed and bent down, kissing her forehead. He turned to Nigel and gestured towards the stairs. He followed his one-time friend down the stairs, at a safe distance.

Giles stopped and turned on the lamp as he entered the living room. He took a deep breath and met Nigel’s eyes. “Are you wanting to talk about something?”

“Are you okay, Rupert?”

Giles shrugged his shoulders and sank onto the couch. “As well as can be expected, I suppose.”

Nigel looked at Giles’ neck, a curious expression on his face. “You heal quickly.”

Giles rubbed his neck absently. “Not usually. Buffy...her blood was involved in the transfusion.”

“Slayer’s blood. I should have remembered that.” A small smile touched his lips briefly before staring at Giles. “Why did you risk your life for your Slayer?”

Giles’ eyes darted towards the loft before returning to Nigel. “Because I’m in love with her.”

“And she’s in love with you?”

Giles nodded slowly. “We’re getting married.”

“Hm.” Nigel shook his head slowly. “You inviting Travers to the ceremony?”

Giles laughed, surprising himself. As his laughter ebbed, he looked at Nigel seriously. “What happened, Nigel?”

Nigel sighed heavily. “I was going for a walk. The next thing I knew, I was surrounded. I don’t remember much after that.” He looked down at the floor and shrugged his shoulders. “I’m sorry for what I put you through.”

Giles leaned forward slightly. “It wasn’t you, Nigel. It was the demon. I understand that.”

“Giles?” Buffy’s voice floated down from the loft.

He looked up and smiled softly. “I’m downstairs, Buffy.” He looked back at Nigel as he heard her crawl out of bed. “Will she be able to see you?”

Nigel nodded. “If you want her to.”

“I think it’s important for her to see you.”

His eyes drifted back to the stairs, hearing her come down a few steps. She buttoned his shirt that she was wearing, coming to a dead stop when she saw Nigel. Seeing her hesitation, Giles stood and walked over to the bottom of the stairs.

“It’s okay, Buffy.”

She continued down the stairs, taking his hand when she reached the bottom. “Well, this is different.”

Giles chuckled softly and led her across the room. “Buffy, this is Nigel Cavendale. Nigel, Buffy Summers, my fiancée.”

Buffy gripped his hand tighter. “Hi...”

Nigel gave her a nod and a smile. “Hello. I, uh...well, I wish we could have met under different circumstances.”

“Yeah...” She glanced up at Giles. “Why can I see him?”

Giles smiled softly at her. “Because I wanted you to. I thought it was important for you to see him the way he should be remembered.”

“And not as the demon who tried to kill him.” Nigel added quietly.

Buffy nodded slowly. “Oh. Um, I don’t want to sound...whatever...but, can I ask you why you came after him?”

Nigel removed his glasses and polished them, almost bringing a smile to Buffy’s face as she wondered if that gesture was taught in Watcher Training. “I admired Rupert. He taught me so much. In a perverse way, I think I was trying to return the favour. I know it sounds diabolical...”

“No, actually...that makes sense.”

Nigel regarded her carefully before speaking again. “For what it’s worth, Ms. Summers, I am truly sorry for the things I did and said.”

Buffy offered him a smile. “I know a little too much about demon behaviour, Mr. Cavendale. I also know that it wasn’t you. I’m not going to deny that it was the most terrifying experience I’ve been through. Watching you...the demon you...almost kill Giles was...” She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to keep her tears at bay. “I wanted to die.”

Giles looked down at her and swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. Buffy leaned into him and looked into Nigel’s eyes.

“What I’m trying to say is...I forgive you, Mr. Cavendale. You, the human you, weren’t to blame.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. “But, if the demon you ever shows up here, we’re going to have a huge problem.”

Nigel chuckled softly. “I don’t think that shall be an issue.” He looked back at Giles and tilted his head. “Rupert...”

Giles smiled and gave him a slight nod. “I forgive you, Nigel. But, I second what Buffy said.”

Nigel returned his nod. “Thank you.” He glanced behind him and sighed softly. “It’s time for me to go.”

Giles held Buffy tighter against his side. “Take care, Nigel.”

The ghost smiled and took a step backward. “Take care of each other. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope I’m not seeing either of you soon.”

Buffy laughed gently, resting her head against Giles. Nigel smiled brightly as he looked at Buffy. “Something tells me that it shall be a very long time before I see either of you again.”

With that said, he took another step back and disappeared. Giles took a deep breath as Buffy spoke.

“Like I said...that was different.”

Giles looked down at her and smiled as he led her back up the stairs. “Yes. It’s not every day that we see a ghost.”

Buffy yawned, climbing back into bed. Giles removed his robe and slipped under the blanket beside of her. She looked into his eyes, concern for him showing in hers.

“You okay?”

He nodded sleepily, laying his arm over her. “Surprisingly so. And you?”

“Mm-m. Tired though.”

He smiled softly pulling her close to him and closing his eyes. “Then we sleep.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Two hours later, the hum under his skin roused him from sleep. He groaned softly as the vibrations went straight to his groin. He opened his eyes to find her sleeping soundly, her back pressed against his chest.

He took a deep breath as his heart began to race. Not wanting to wake her, he carefully pulled his arm out from under her head and slipped out of bed. He watched her shift her body and then settle. Wanting nothing more than to climb back into bed and wake her with a passionate kiss, he breathed a heavy sigh and made his way downstairs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy’s brow furrowed as she rolled over. Opening her eyes to find the bed empty of him, she sat up slowly.

“Giles?”

Hearing no response, she rubbed her eyes sleepily and climbed out of bed. She yawned as she descended the stairs. The lamp at the desk was on, a book lying open on its surface. She noticed a cup of tea on the desk as well. She picked it up and took a sip, grimacing as the lukewarm fluid touched her tongue.

“Tea’s only good hot or iced...” She muttered softly.

She put the cup down and made her way down the hall. She stopped outside of the bathroom door, tilting her head as she heard a soft moan come from inside. She quietly opened the door, smiling in understanding as her eyes adjusted to the light.

His eyes snapped to the door. He was leaning against the vanity, his right hand supporting his weight. His left hand ceased the movement on his erection as he met her eyes.

“Buffy...”

She walked to him and kissed his shoulder before she moved between him and the vanity, and pushed herself onto its surface. She sighed softly, lifting her hand to wipe a bead of sweat from his temple.

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

He leaned into her touch, his hand releasing his cock and resting on the vanity in a manner that left his hands on either side of her body. “I...didn’t want to wake you. You’re so tired. And...this...I, well...I...”

His stammering ended abruptly as she lifted her legs around him and pulled him to her. “So, you woke up horny and thought research and a cup of tea would help?”

A groan escaped his lips as his erection pressed against her bare thigh. “I, uh...was hoping.”

She grinned as she draped her arms over his shoulders and allowed her fingers to play with the soft hair covering the nape of his neck. “Obviously it didn’t work?”

His fingers edged under the shirt she was wearing as he leaned down and pressed his lips to the side of her neck. “Obviously not.”

She moaned softly, scooting closer to the edge. “Find anything in your research?”

His fingers grasped her hips tightly as he gently pushed his erection into her warm depths. “Maybe...” He lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. “I...can’t get enough of you.”

“Is that what your research told you?” She leaned forward, running her tongue along his collarbone. She moaned pleasurably as he began to thrust into her.

“No...” His eyes closed, his fingers tightening on her hips as she sucked the tender flesh into her mouth. “That’s what...my body told me.”

She let go of his skin, her head tilting back as his fingers slid further up the shirt and flicked her nipples gently. “Oh, God...Giles...”

His mouth latched onto her throat hungrily as he rocked his hips harder against her. Her nails scraped along his shoulders, her legs tightening around him as she pushed back against him. She gasped as his teeth nipped at her throat. She moved her hands to his head, pulling him from her neck and plunging her tongue into his mouth.

She swallowed his groan as her inner muscles quivered lightly around him. He increased his thrusts, realizing he wasn’t going to last much longer and wanted desperately to take her over the edge with him. She released his mouth, her hands moving down to his back. She looked into his eyes, groaning at the passion and lust she found in them.

Her hands fought for purchase on his sweat-slicked back as his thrusts gained velocity again. He moaned loudly as he felt himself expand within her. Knowing that she was close, he moved his right hand in between them. His thumb quickly found her throbbing clitoris and expertly began to stroke it in time with his thrusts.

“Giles! Oh...I’m...oh, God...”

She screamed loudly as her juices flooded over him. He matched her scream with one of his own as her convulsing walls sent him over the edge. He held her as tightly as his trembling arms would allow as she came down, resting his head on her shoulder as he fought to control his breathing.

They stayed like that for several moments. Her body shuddered as he slipped out of her still quivering core. He took a deep breath and lifted his head, kissing her lips tenderly as he helped her off of the vanity.

She smiled up at him, reaching up to caress his face. “Better?”

“Mm. Yes.” He pulled her into a hug and sighed heavily. “I...really think that I should research this. As much as I love making love to you, this is....well, it’s...”

“A bit much?” She gently supplied.

“Quite.” He nodded, smiling shyly at her. “Are you okay?”

“Mm-hm.” She took his hand, handing him his robe as she led him out of the bathroom. “But, if I wasn’t the Slayer, I wouldn’t be walking right now.”

He blushed lightly, slipping on his robe and gently pulling his hand from hers in order to stop and turn the kettle on. She chuckled softly and walked over to the desk. She glanced down at the book before turning her head to look into the kitchen.

“Would you like some help with this?”

“Hm?” He turned to look at her. “Oh. I know you’re tired. It’s quite alright...”

She grinned at him, her eyes twinkling. “I want to help, Giles. This...kind of affects both of us.”

He returned her grin, pulling down a second mug. “Very well, then.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Six hours later, little research had been accomplished. Not from lack of trying though. They had attempted in vain to go through texts and Watcher’s Diaries, but Giles had found that he was simply unable to keep his hands off of her.

They had even tried researching in separate rooms, with Giles upstairs and Buffy in the living room. At one point, Buffy had even gone outside with a book. What they discovered was that both of them felt physical pain if they were too far away from one another. The problem was, if they were close enough to stop the pain, the heat and lust built quickly and didn’t ebb until he had found release.

By the time Willow, Xander, and Anya arrived, they had made love three times, she had manually masturbated him twice, and he had found release in her mouth once. As the knock sounded on the door, he found himself hardening again.

He groaned in frustration and threw his glasses on the coffee table. Buffy smiled gently, understanding that his annoyance was not directed towards their visitors. He pulled the light blanket over his lap as she stood.

“I’ll get the door.”

He nodded silently and rested his head against the back of the couch. Her hand reached out and stroked his hair as she walked by him, causing him to shudder.

She pulled her hand back quickly. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He replied gently.

She sighed softly and went to the door, swinging it open.

“Hey, guys.”

She stepped to the side, allowing them to enter. Xander’s eyes widened as he took in her dishevelled appearance.

“You look like hell!”

She smiled numbly, running her hand through her hair. “Yeah. I’d be surprised if I didn’t.”

Willow glanced at Buffy and then Giles. Seeing him looking as bad as Buffy, she sighed. “Have you two slept at all?”

Giles grunted a short laugh. Buffy shook her head slowly. “No, not really.”

Anya rolled her eyes. “Been having lots of sex?”

Xander glared at his girlfriend. “Anya!”

Giles groaned softly as Buffy moved closer to the couch. Buffy regarded him carefully. “Giles, are you okay?”

“Oh, yes. Never better, thank you.”

Willow narrowed her eyes. “What’s going on? Is this about last night?”

Giles lifted his hand, motioning the others into the living room. He waited until they had taken their seats and forced a smile onto his face. “No. We’ll tell you all about what happened last night. Later. Right now, Buffy and I need your help.”

Willow looked worried as her eyes darted between the two. Buffy brought Giles a bottle of water and sat down beside of him. His hand trembled visibly as he took the bottle from her.

He looked into Buffy’s eyes, trying to hide his lust for her. “Buffy, can you...”

Buffy nodded slowly and took a deep breath.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy looked over at Giles after she had finished explaining the situation to their friends in as much detail that she thought he would be comfortable with. His eyes were closed, his breathing heavy, and his heart was racing. She ached to touch him, but knew that probably wouldn’t be the ideal thing to do at the moment.

He shifted uncomfortably as a bead of sweat rolled down his neck. She took a deep breath, tearing her eyes away from him and looking back at the Scoobies.

Xander merely nodded silently. Anya was staring at Giles. Willow smiled nervously at Buffy before she spoke.

“How...uh, how far have you gotten in the research?”

Buffy sighed and shook her head. “Not as far as we had hoped.”

Anya turned her head and looked at the open book on the table. “So you have been having lots of sex...”

Giles snorted softly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes, we’ve been fucking like a couple of teenagers in heat.”

His mind registered the extreme silence that fell over the room. He rolled his head towards Buffy and opened his eyes, unable to hide the intense desire and need in his dark green irises. “Did I say that aloud?”

She chuckled quietly and reached up to wipe the sweat from his brow. “Yeah, you kinda did.”

He closed his eyes in embarrassment. “Bloody hell.”

Xander cleared his throat. “So, uh...yeah, research. What is it that we’re looking for?”

Giles opened his eyes and pushed himself up to a sitting position, grimacing as his clothing tightened against his erection. “I would imagine that we should be able to find something in the Diaries. This is obviously a reaction to the transfusion. Look for Watchers who were injured in the line of duty.” He glanced at the stack of books on the table. “I’ve pulled out a few Diaries of Watchers who were romantically involved with their Slayer.”

The three of them stood and took seats at the table. Willow looked over at Giles and Buffy, tilting her head as she picked up one of the books and opened it.

“Any specifics that we’re looking for?”

Buffy bit her lip, glancing at Giles. “I think right now the important thing is to find out how long this is going to last.” She gently traced the slightly raised flesh on his neck with her fingertips, pulling back slightly as his jaw clenched and his breath hitched. “I can’t patrol until this is over.”

Anya narrowed her eyes. “Why not?”

“I can’t leave him alone and he can’t come with me.”

Giles chuckled, leaning into Buffy’s touch. “Oh, I could come with you.”

He sat up quickly, blushing heavily as Anya snorted in amusement. “What I mean is...I could come with you, but...I doubt our endeavour would be very productive because...”

He trailed off, taking a deep breath. “I...think I should go to bed.”

Buffy nodded and stood, taking his hand. She looked at Willow, who offered her a smile of understanding. “We’ll yell when we find something.”

Giles stood, holding the blanket protectively in front of him. “Yes, do. I, uh...I apologize, but the Diaries can’t leave my residence.”

Willow looked at him in confusion until something clicked in her head. “Oh! No, that’s okay...we, uh...we can take them outside, right?”

Giles nodded and smiled appreciatively at her. “Yes, the back patio is fine.”

Xander chuckled as he grabbed a stack of books and quickly ushered Anya outside. “It’s a beautiful day, might as well take advantage of the sunshine.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

They had barely made it upstairs before he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss was full of urgency as his tongue swept into her mouth. Her hands slid under his t-shirt and roamed across his back.

He pulled from the kiss, his eyes slightly glazed as he reached out and pulled her shirt off. He stared into her eyes as he let it drop to the floor.

“God, Buffy. I’m sorry...”

“I don’t think I’m complaining.” She offered him a smile as she removed his shirt and leaned into him, allowing her tongue to flick his nipple.

He hissed softly and moved their bodies closer to the bed. “Maybe not, but I...I know this is hard for you.”

She laughed softly as she carefully pushed his pants down his legs. “Mm. Not as hard as it is for you.”

He bit back a moan when he felt her warm breath across his throbbing flesh. He reached down, grasping her arms and pulling her up to stand in front of him. She maintained his eye contact as she removed the rest of her clothes. Her eyes twinkled and she quickly pushed him onto the bed.

He groaned as she climbed on top of him, brushing her warm centre across his erection. “Buffy...”

She silenced him with a kiss as her hand curled around the shaft. She squeezed it gently, smiling inwardly as she swallowed his groan. She released his lips, her breathing as erratic as his.

“Let me do this, Giles.” She licked her lips and eased herself onto him. Her hands clenched on his chest as her warm heat enveloped him.

He allowed himself a few thrusts into her before wrapping his arms around her back and flipping them over. He smiled down at her, brushing his lips against hers.

“I love it when you’re on top. I love watching you...” He kissed her again before moving his lips to her ear. “I’m sorry, but right now...I think it would be too much for me.”

She moaned softly as his lips nipped at her earlobe. He thrust slowly into her, gasping as her nails raked across his back. He lifted his head and met her eyes. “Are you okay?”

She nodded quickly, her smile showing in her eyes. She lifted her hips up to meet his, moaning loudly as he penetrated deeper into her. His hand lovingly caressed her left hip as he continued his slow thrusts.

“Tell me what you want, Buffy.”

“You know what I want.” Her hands fell from his back and she slowly raised her arms above her head, grasping the spindles in the headboard. “Please, Giles...give me what I want.”

He leaned down and kissed her gently. “I love you.”

She closed her eyes as his thrusts began to gain momentum. “I love you too.”

He pulled back until he was kneeling between her thighs. He ran his hands sensually over her abdomen and then moved them to her legs. He slowly raised her legs, placing her ankles on his shoulders. Leaning back over her, he supported himself with his hands on the mattress on either side of her body.

He waited for her muscles to relax slightly and then plunged into her. She bit her lip to hold in her scream as he slammed into her again and again. He watched her face, his eyes darting to her hands quickly. Her knuckles were white and he wondered briefly if she were going to break the headboard.

He quickened his strokes, pushing her legs a little closer to her body as he leaned forward and pulled a nipple into his mouth. Her hands left the headboard, flying to his head as her back arched into him.

“Oh, God...Giles!”

He pushed harder into her, his teeth holding her swollen nipple captive as his tongue laved it. Feeling her inner muscles begin the familiar quiver, he groaned against her breast. Knowing he was close himself, he thrust harder into her. When her quiver threatened to turn into a shudder he bit down lightly on her nipple, increasing the pressure until she was screaming in pleasure as her orgasm washed over her. He grunted loudly, releasing her nipple as her name left his lips on a loud groan as he came inside of her forcibly.

He allowed her legs to slip from his shoulders before he collapsed beside of her. His lips found hers easily, kissing her softly until their breathing had calmed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow grinned as she looked up from the book she was reading. “Found it!”

She stood up and walked quickly towards the door, stopping suddenly as she heard her best friend scream in ecstasy. She blushed deeply and turned around, walking just as quickly back to the table.

“I’ll...uh...give them a few minutes.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Twenty minutes later found Buffy and Giles still in bed, laughing softly between tender kisses. Buffy ran her fingers through his hair and took a deep breath. He turned his head and placed a soft kiss on the inside of her arm before meeting her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Buffy?”

She smiled shyly. “Do you think...well, what if they heard?”

Giles chuckled softly and kissed her lips. “They might not have, but going by the looks I’ve gotten from a couple of neighbours in the past, there’s a rather good chance that they did.”

She blushed deeply.

It was at that moment that Willow decided to take another chance and walk back into the apartment. She stuck her head inside of the door and listened carefully. Hearing only soft laughter and no moans, she figured it was safe.

She cleared her throat and called up to them. “Buffy? Giles? I, uh...I think I...well, I think I found...something.”

Giles grinned at Buffy and whispered softly. “I think it’s safe to assume that they heard.”

Buffy lightly smacked his chest. “Be right down, Willow.”

They climbed out of bed and dressed quickly, pausing for another kiss before they went downstairs. As they reached the living room, Giles looked at the three sitting at the table. Xander had a cheesy grin on his face. Willow seemed to be having trouble meeting his eyes. And Anya...well, Anya was practically beaming.

He took a deep breath and walked over to the table, leading Buffy by the hand. “Willow?”

She looked up, meeting his eyes briefly before glancing back down at the book. “Hi. I, uh...well...”

He smiled and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. When she looked back up, he gave her a gentle nod. She inhaled deeply, her blush fading as she smiled back at him.

“I found something in Daniel Fisher’s Diary. He mentioned a few other Watchers, so I looked their experiences up as well.” She handed him a legal pad that she had used to take her notes. “Peter Toscano, Glenn McCabe, Peter Lomax, and Nathaniel Lyons documented their experiences too.”

She waited until his eyes had scanned the page before she continued.

“Nathaniel Lyons was the closest I could find to your situation. He was completely drained by a vampire and his Slayer, Carlotta, gave him almost eighty percent of her blood to save him. He exhibited the same symptoms as you, though much more intense.”

Giles tilted his head to the side as he thought. “That would make sense. The intensity would increase exponentially...”

Willow smiled. “You only had a pint. Carlotta gave eight.”

“Yes. Thankfully.” He glanced at Buffy, a smile shimmering in his eyes.

She gave him a mock-pout. “What do you mean ‘thankfully’?”

He turned the page so that she could read Willow’s writing. She read the words carefully, her mouth opening in surprise. “THREE MONTHS?!”

Giles chuckled. “Well, that was three months for Lyons. I had only one pint, whereas he took eight. Which would mean...basing calculations solely on this one piece of information...we’re looking at about ten days.”

Willow nodded quickly. “But, you have to factor in that you didn’t lose as much blood as Lyons. He was completely drained...and the doctor only gave you three pints plus Buffy’s. So, you would’ve only lost about forty percent. Which would be about right, because you were just beginning to fall unconscious when Angel showed up, right?”

“Yes. I believe so.”

“There was also a mention of a vibration...in the veins or something? It was a little confusing...”

Giles nodded. “It’s more of a...hum.”

Xander chuckled. “So you have humming veins and...”

“Horny as a colony of mice!” Anya interjected.

Xander turned his head and stared at her. “I was actually going to say ‘a hypersensitive libido’, but...yeah, okay.”

Giles shook his head as his face reddened. “Yes. Well, that would be one of the symptoms.”

Buffy looked up at him and smiled. “Okay, math-man...do all your factoring and tell me how long.”

“Approximately five days, maybe six.” He replied quickly.

“From now?”

He grinned at the exasperated tone in her voice. “No. From the time of transfusion.”

“Oh.” She sighed softly. “So, we have two days to go?”

He smiled understandingly at her. “At least it’s not three months.”

Xander’s eyes narrowed. “I have a question. If this Lyons guy was in this shape for three months, and Carlotta wasn’t able to patrol for three months...who the hell took care of the demons?”

Giles looked at Xander, impressed slightly with the his question. “In times where the Watcher and Slayer are incapacitated for a substantial period of time, the Council will step in with the next Watcher in line.”

“Oh, okay.” He looked at Willow and gestured to the book. “So, what happened with Lyons and Carlotta?”

“Huh? Oh.” She flipped through a few pages. “Lyons was eventually hospitalized for sleep deprivation and dehydration. He almost died, but made an almost immediate recovery after the three months was up. Four months later, Carlotta had a daughter. Lyons appealed to the Council for retirement. For himself and for Carlotta. They allowed Lyons to retire, but not the Slayer. Carlotta was killed by a Shivdan demon three years later.”

Buffy looked up at Giles and took his hand. “Somewhat happy ending...”

“Yes.” He answered softly, the pain he felt for Lyons creeping into his voice. He turned his eyes back to their friends and smiled gently. “Thank you for your help.”

Xander shrugged his shoulders as he grinned and stood up. “No problem! Just don’t let me see any mini-Gileses running around in nine months...”

“Five months.” Giles spoke quietly.

Xander showed his confusion clearly. “Huh?”

Giles rubbed at his neck. “A Slayer’s gestation is only five months. And her health is only vulnerable for the first month, enabling her to continue her calling while she’s pregnant.”

“Oh, well...don’t let me see any mini-Gileses running around in five months then.”

Giles chuckled softly and Buffy snorted. “Xander, even if I were pregnant...” She glanced at Anya, who was grinning broadly. “Which I’m NOT. But, if I were...the mini-Giles wouldn’t exactly be running around in five months.”

Xander rolled his eyes and laughed. “I know that. I’m just saying...”

Willow laughed and grabbed Xander’s arm. “That we’re leaving now. That’s what you’re saying.” She looked at Buffy and Giles. “If you guys need anything, just give me a call.”

Buffy gave her a hug. “Thanks, Will.”

Anya turned back to them as Xander pushed her towards the door. “You should probably think about sound-proofing this place because...”

Xander interrupted her and pushed her gently out the door. “We’re leaving now, An.” He turned to look at the Watcher and Slayer, giving them an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

As the door closed behind the three of them, Giles looked into Buffy’s eyes and smiled. She returned his smile and leaned up to give him a kiss.

She looked up at him and gestured towards the kitchen. “We should probably eat something while we have time.”

He nodded in agreement, following her into the small kitchen. He moved around her and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out some vegetables while she grabbed the glass container on the counter that held the pasta.

She grinned as he raised an eyebrow. “Carbs. We definitely need carbs.”

He chuckled and began chopping the vegetables.

Chapter Twenty-Five

She looked at him as she took her last bite and pushed her plate aside. “That was delicious.”

“Yes. And it was definitely required.”

He stood up and gathered their plates. As he walked into the kitchen, he felt the hum rush through him. He took a deep breath, dropping the plates into the sink.

He turned to meet her gaze. She smiled, recognizing the desire in his eyes.

“Seems like we finished just in time.”

“It would appear so.”

She watched as he slowly made his way to her. “Two more days?”

His eyes darkened as his heart began to race. “If my calculations were correct, yes.”

“Your calculations normally are.” She stood and took his hand. “What do we do when it’s over?”

He chuckled softly as he led her up the stairs. “My vote is for sleep.”

She giggled...a sound that he found quite adorable.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He fell onto the mattress beside of her, a huge smile gracing his lips. She turned to look at him, her breathing heavy.

“We’re sticky.”

He laughed and then kissed her gently. “That we are. Shower?”

She snuggled up to him, laying her arm across his sweaty chest. “Later. I’m comfy at the moment.”

They were quiet for a few minutes and Buffy spent the time listening to his heartbeat slow until it was beating somewhat normally.

“Giles?”

“Hm?”

She smiled at his contented tone as his fingers lazily caressed her back.

“Do you want children?”

His hand stilled for a second and then resumed its lazy motion against her skin.

“I, uh...well, I never thought it would be an issue. So, I had never given it serious thought before you and I...”

“Have you thought about since we got together?”

“Yes, I have.” His voice was a mere whisper.

She lifted her head and met his eyes. “You have?”

He cleared his throat and pushed himself up slightly, pulling her up with him. He tilted his head and spoke softly. “Do you want children, Buffy?”

She bit her lip nervously. “I do. I mean, I didn’t think there would ever be a chance. Because...well, with me being the Slayer and...” Her eyes misted lightly. “I never thought I’d have the chance to be a mother.” She finished quietly.

He swallowed and closed his eyes briefly. “Because most Slayers tend to have a short life span?”

She nodded as her hand rested against his stomach. “I didn’t really expect to be getting married either.”

He smiled at her and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Well, you are atypical of the previous Slayers.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Is that a good thing?”

His fingers caressed her cheek. “In my opinion, it’s a very good thing.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips. “And, if you want children...we’ll have children.”

Her eyes lit up. “Really? I mean...are you sure?”

He grinned and kissed her again. “I’m sure, Buffy. I can think of nothing more beautiful than having a child with you.”

She returned his kiss, pulling away suddenly when a thought occurred. Giles’ eyes held his confusion.

“What is it?”

“Well...your father and your grandmother were Watchers.”

Giles nodded slowly. “They were.”

“Our children, will they be Watchers too?”

Giles offered her a comforting smile. “If they so choose.”

“But, weren’t you destined to be a Watcher?”

“Yes.” He took a deep breath and continued. “However, my father made the final decision in my destiny. I have no intentions of choosing our children’s fates. Naturally, they would be aware of the calling and of their heritage. But, I shall not go before the Council and tell them that our son or daughter will accept his or her calling. That decision will be up to them, not me nor the Council.”

Buffy smiled in relief. “So, our child could be a fighter pilot?”

Giles chuckled. “Or even a green grocer, if that is the decision. Our child can be whatever he or she wants to be.”

Buffy tilted her head in thought. “And if they decide to follow in their father’s footsteps?”

“If that is the case, then you and I will stand with them in front of the Council. They will not go alone and take an oath that they would have no real concept of at the tender age of ten. And we’ll teach our ways to them. I’ll not have our children being sent away to boarding school and have them wonder if their father actually loves them or not.”

Hearing the bitterness in his voice, she ran her fingers through his hair and looked into his eyes. “Giles, you know your father loved you.”

His eyes glistened. “As an adult, I know that. As a ten year old boy, I didn’t. I don’t want our children to ever wonder. I want them to know, without a doubt and from day one...how much I love them.”

“I think I just fell even more in love with you.” She sighed softly, a smile touching her lips as she leaned forward and kissed him.

He returned her smile and allowed their bodies to slide back down to the mattress.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles’ calculations had been correct and two days after the Scoobies had researched the issue for him and Buffy, the hum in his veins disappeared. Though it didn’t just disappear quietly. It left in a sudden blast of heat that included a bright flash of light surrounding them. In itself, that would have been worrisome to Buffy. What had worried her more was the fact that the sudden blast occurred as he reached his orgasm. She felt the extreme heat in his semen as he came violently inside of her and the flash momentarily blinded them both.

And then in an instant, the heat was gone. The light was gone. There were a few crackles in the electrically charged air and the faint scent of sulphur. They stared into each other’s eyes as he slowly moved to her side.

“What the hell was that?”

Giles shook his head in bewilderment. “I’m not exactly sure.” He turned his head and looked at her, concern in his eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine and can I just say...WOW, what an orgasm!”

He chuckled, leaning over and kissing her. “It was rather intense, wasn’t it?”

She laughed, her hands trembling as she wrapped her arms around him. “I think ‘rather intense’ is an understatement. Are you okay?”

“Yes, a bit...wired, for lack of a better word, but I’m okay.”

“Wired how?”

He laughed and pushed himself up. “Like I’ve had about ten of your mochas.”

Her nose crinkled as she grimaced. “Like an extreme sugar high...”

“Yes, exactly. But it seems to be dissipating quickly.” He smiled down at her as he pulled out of her embrace. “Take a shower with me?”

She returned his smile and climbed out of bed. “And then a nap?”

He grinned as he followed her into the bathroom. “I’m thinking more of a coma instead of a nap. I’m completely buggered.”

She stared at him, prompting him to silently question her as to why she was staring at him. She shook her head slowly.

“Buggered? I hope you aren’t planning on teaching our kids odd British sayings.”

“Odd? It’s a completely valid word. And it’s not nearly as odd as ‘wiggins’.”

They laughed together as they climbed under the hot spray in the shower.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

True to his word, Giles quickly fell into a deep slumber and stayed there for nearly twenty-four hours straight. Buffy would go up to check on him now and again only to find him sleeping peacefully.

At the moment, she was sitting on the couch with Willow and watching a video that she had brought with her. Though, they were actually talking more than watching. When Willow mentioned Giles’ name, she couldn’t help but notice the gleam in Buffy’s eye.

“What?”

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and reached for the popcorn. “It’s nothing. I just...I love him so much.”

Willow giggled and grabbed a handful of the popcorn. “Well, yeah...nothing new there, you know. But, this...” She raised her hand and gestured towards Buffy. “It’s more than you just loving him.”

“This what?”

“You know, the gleam...the blushing...the giggling. It’s more...so, give. What’s going on?”

Buffy grinned at her friend, knowing that she couldn’t keep a secret from her. “We’re...Giles and I...we’re going to have a baby.”

Willow’s eyes widened immediately in excitement. “You’re pregnant?”

Buffy shook her head and chuckled. “No. But, we discussed children...and whether or not we wanted to have kids.”

“And he does? And you do?” Her smile grew as Buffy nodded affirmatively. “When?”

“That part we didn’t discuss. I have a feeling that he’ll want to wait until we’re married. He’s kinda traditional that way.”

“So, why doesn’t he just tell you what date he wants?”

Buffy’s eyes twinkled. “We’d already be married if it were up to him.”

“Huh?” Willow narrowed her eyes in confusion.

“I’m the one who hasn’t picked a date.”

“But...why? Don’t you want to get married?”

“Of course I do!” Buffy sighed softly. “I just wanted to make sure that he really does.”

Willow tilted her head and reached for Buffy’s hand. “You know he does, Buffy. He would do anything for you.”

“I know.” Buffy smiled brightly. “And, as soon as he wakes up, I’m going to tell him that I’m ready.”

Willow bounced up and down on the couch, unable to contain her excitement. “And then come the baby Gileses!”

Buffy laughed as she nodded. “That’s the plan anyway.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hearing a light squeak on the stairs, Buffy turned her head and smiled. “And he has risen.”

He chuckled softly, running his hand through his hair. “How long did I sleep?”

She glanced at the clock as she stood. “A little over twenty-three hours. Would you like some tea?”

He stared at her. “Did you say twenty-three hours?”

She laughed, filling the kettle and putting it on the stove. “Mm-hm.” She sighed as he walked behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Do you feel rested?”

“That I do.” He placed a kiss on her neck. “Though I have to say that I really don’t like waking up without you in the bed.”

She turned in his embrace, leaning up to kiss his lips. “I’ll have to try to not let that happen very often then.”

He deepened the kiss quickly. She swept her tongue into his mouth, savouring the taste of mint on his tongue.

“So, Buffy...”

Giles pulled from the kiss quickly, darting his eyes towards the voice. “Oh. Willow, hi. I, uh...I didn’t realize you were...here.”

Willow grinned, gesturing towards the bathroom. “Technically, I wasn’t ‘here’...I was ‘there’. But, I’m ‘here’ now. And...it looks like you’re feeling better, so I think I’ll just...” She gestured to the front door. “go ‘out there’.”

Buffy laughed as she gently pulled out of Giles’ arms. “You interested in going patrolling with me tonight?”

Willow’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, cause you’ll have to tell me...uh...what I should say to Oz tomorrow about...that...uh, thing.” She glanced up at Giles, her face flushing lightly. “I’ll see you guys later!”

And with that, she rushed out the door. Giles stared at the closed door, shaking his head. “Such a strange girl at times.”

“She’s Willow.” Buffy chuckled, moving back into his arms. “Now...where were we?”

He sighed in pleasure, leaning down to capture her lips. “Right about here.”

Just as their lips met, the kettle began to whistle. He groaned softly, resting his forehead against hers. She smiled up at him and gently pushed him towards the archway.

“Go sit down. I’ll make us some tea and then we can cuddle on the couch for a while.”

He gave her a silent nod and backed out of the kitchen.

* * *

He pulled her onto his lap, threading his fingers in her hair and deepening their kiss. The cuddle that she had suggested earlier had quickly escalated into an intense make-out session. Not that either one of them were complaining about it.

She groaned as his lips moved to her neck, his tongue flicking out to trace along her scar. “Giles?”

His lips nipped at the slightly raised skin. “Hm?”

“Are you...humming again?”

He chuckled, pulling back and tilting his head up to look at her. “No. No hums. Just you.”

She smiled, her fingers playing with a curl of hair above his ear. “Just me?”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” He grinned at her, his fingers rubbing against her thighs. “You know exactly what you do to me.”

She raised an eyebrow and shifted on his lap, causing them both to groan. “I can definitely feel what I do to you...”

Her fingers trailed down the left side of his neck, stopping just as they reached the scar. “Is it as sensitive as mine?”

“One way to find out.”

She kissed his lips lightly before moving her mouth down his neck. She tentatively touched her lips to the raised flesh, her tongue snaking out to trace along the edges.

“Buffy...” His hands tightened on her thighs as he tilted his head more to the right to give her better access.

She recognized his movement as a request to continue. She allowed only the tip of her tongue to slowly trace over the entire scar. She felt him grow harder underneath her as he moaned in pleasure.

With no further warning, she closed her mouth over the marred patch of skin and laved it with her tongue. His fingers threatened to bruise her thighs as he tightened his grip. She began to suckle the flesh, causing his body to shudder.

“Oh dear Lord...Buffy...”

His heart was racing and he was fighting to control his breathing as she increased the pressure on his neck. His hands let go of her thighs and moved to her hips, holding her against his throbbing erection. She smiled as he struggled to control himself. Knowing it was a lost cause, she pulled the tender flesh into her mouth and nipped a ridge of the scar with her teeth.

He screamed her name as his body betrayed him. His orgasm washed over him forcefully, drenching his sweatpants with semen. He trembled as she released his skin, kissing the scar lightly before moving her lips to his.

“I’ll take that as a yes to sensitivity?”

A chuckle rumbled in his chest as he pulled her into another kiss.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She smiled as he walked into the living room wearing jeans and a sweater. He carried his shoes in his hand, his hair still damp from his shower.

“Hey, feel better after your shower?”

He sat down on the chair and dropped his shoes to the floor. “I feel human again.”

He bent over, sliding his foot into a hiking boot and beginning to lace it up. She looked down at her left hand and sighed happily.

“Giles?”

“Yes?” He put the other boot on.

She took a deep breath and stilled her nerves. “Would you object to me coming off the pill?”

He raised his head as his fingers tied the bow in the lace. “You mean now?”

She nodded slowly, watching for any negative reaction. He licked his lips nervously as he sat back up.

“I, uh...well...no, but...I, that is to say that I...um...”

She smiled lovingly at him as he stuttered. “I know that you’d rather wait until we’re married. That’s the traditional way of going about it. Get married and then the baby...”

“I...well, yes...”

She moved onto the coffee table in front of him, her smile growing. “Do you think five weeks would give us enough time to plan our wedding?”

He stared into her eyes and swallowed. “Depends on what kind of wedding you want.”

She reached out and took hold of his hand. “What kind of wedding do you want?”

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes clearing showing his love for her. “The kind that ends with ‘you may now kiss your bride’.”

She grinned at him. “Is that the Giles way of saying ‘you choose’?”

He shook his head slowly, lacing his fingers with hers. “No. It’s my way of saying that the wedding itself isn’t as important to me as the end result.”

Her eyes began to fill with tears. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?” He reached up and brushed a lock of hair away from her face.

“Always say the right thing at the right time?”

He chuckled softly. “I have a feeling that if you think back over the years, you’ll find that wasn’t always the case.” He brushed a tear from her cheek. “What kind of wedding do you want, Buffy?”

She leaned into his touch, whispering softly. “The one I’ve always wanted.”

“Church full of people, long white gown?”

She shook her head. “No. Very simple...family, a nice clear night, outside...but far away from a cemetery.”

“Then that is what you shall have.” He grinned, leaning forward and brushing his lips against hers. “May I ask why five weeks?”

She blushed lightly. “Oh. Well...it takes six weeks to start ovulating again after coming off the pill. That way, we’d...well, we’d be married before it’s even an issue. And it might take even longer than that...I mean, just because I’m not on the pill doesn’t mean that I’ll get pregnant right away, and...”

He kissed her quickly, interrupting her ramble. Releasing her lips, he pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I didn’t think you were marrying me because you want a baby, you know.”

“Good...” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Because, I’m not. I mean, I want a baby...your baby...and soon, but it’s not the only reason I want to marry you now...”

He chuckled as she rambled adorably. “Buffy?”

“Huh?”

“Get rid of the pills.”

A grin broke out on her face and she leapt into his arms, kissing him soundly.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy hung up the phone and sighed heavily.

“Is everything alright?”

She nodded and turned to look at him. “Will you patrol with us tonight?”

He raised an eyebrow at her as he took a sip of tea. “I had assumed that you and Willow were going to talk. About that ‘thing’ that she needed to tell Oz.”

Hearing the amusement in his tone, she grinned at him. “Saw right through that one, huh?”

“Just slightly.” He set his cup on the table, returning her grin. “Why would you want me to patrol with the two of you tonight?”

“The three of us.”

“Excuse me?”

“Oz wants to come as well. Getting close to the full moon...I guess he wants to get a little action in before he has to spend a few nights in a cage.”

“Ah.” He chuckled softly. “So, I’m to keep Oz occupied so that you and Willow can discuss the ‘thing’.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have worded it like that. But, kinda...is that okay?”

He nodded, as he stood and pulled her into his arms. “We could split up. I’ll take Oz with me. And then, you and Willow would be free to converse until your hearts’ content.”

“I knew you’d understand.” She laid her head against his chest and sighed happily. “It’s nice to hear your heart beating normally again.”

He looked down at her, his brow furrowing. “What do you mean?”

“Even during the ‘resting periods’, your heart was still racing. It would slow, but it was never normal.” She placed a kiss on his chest before looking up at him. “And now it’s normal. It makes me feel safe.”

He pulled back slightly, concern in his eyes. “Buffy, did I...make you feel unsafe?”

She shook her head quickly. “No, that’s not what I meant. I never thought for a second that you’d hurt me. It’s just...it was a frantic time. And the sex was...well, it was terrific...mind-blowing...”

He blushed lightly. “But?”

“I missed the tender parts.” She saw the apology in his eyes and quickly continued. “They were there, I know they were. They just didn’t last as long. Please don’t feel bad about it, Giles. I don’t.”

His voice was soft when he spoke. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and smiled warmly at him. “Positive.”

He leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

“Promise?”

“Cross my heart.”

He slowly captured her lips again, pouring his love for her into the kiss.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The four of them moved to the centre of the cemetery and came to a stop. Buffy looked around at their surroundings.

“Okay, this is where we split up.”

Giles nodded and glanced at Oz. “We’ll cover the west.”

Willow smiled and looked at Buffy. “Which gives us the east.”

She moved to her boyfriend and gave him a tight hug and a light kiss. “Meet back here in an hour?”

Oz smirked. “An hour it is.”

Buffy took Giles’ hand and gazed up at him. “Be careful, okay?”

“You too.” He smiled softly and leaned down, brushing his lips across hers. He pulled back before either of them had a chance to deepen the kiss. “Have a nice talk.”

Letting go of her hand, he turned and motioned for Oz to follow him. Buffy sighed as she watched them walk away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Oz twirled his stake in his hand and kicked a rock across the grass. “So, how are you?”

Giles glanced down at him and smiled. “Much better, thank you.”

“Will and Buffy needed to talk, huh?”

Giles chuckled. “One of the charming things about Willow is her inability to hide.”

Oz grinned. “One of the many things, yeah.”

A comfortable silence fell over them as they patrolled together. Oz stopped and sniffed the air, causing Giles to look at him curiously.

“Just a rabbit.”

Giles nodded and circled around a mausoleum.

“What are they talking about?”

“Hm?” Giles stopped and looked down at the boy. “Oh. I would imagine they’re discussing the wedding.”

“Set a date?”

Giles smiled. “Five weeks from now.”

“Excited?”

“More than you could possibly imagine.”

“Nervous?”

Giles marvelled at Oz’s ability to carry a conversation with little use of words. “Not in the slightest.”

Oz looked up at him, his smile in his eyes. “Good sign. Church wedding?”

“She doesn’t want a church wedding. I must say, it surprised me. I thought all women dreamed of having a huge, formal affair for their wedding. The ‘perfect event’, so to speak.”

“Well, Buffy pretty much walks to the beat of a different drummer.”

Giles laughed quietly. “That she does.”

“And, I have a feeling that as long as you’re there...it’ll be the perfect event for her.”

Giles stopped and looked down at Oz, a warmth of affection for the boy rushing over him. “Thank you, Oz.”

Oz shrugged and smiled up at him. “I call it how I see it. And I’ll make sure that the Dingoes aren’t booked. I’m not missing this.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow stood back as Buffy plunged her stake into a newborn vampire. As the dust settled to the ground, they continued on their path.

“So, what did he say?”

Buffy gave a deep sigh and smiled at her friend. “That the wedding wasn’t as important to him as the end result.”

“Oh my God, that’s so beautiful!”

Buffy grinned as she nodded. “Yeah, it really was.”

“And when can we expect baby Giles?”

Buffy laughed. “I think you’re more in a hurry than I am!”

Willow blushed lightly. “I’m sorry, I’m just really excited for you!”

“Trust me, I’m excited too!” She stopped and perched herself up on a tombstone. “I can’t wait to watch him hold his son or daughter for the first time. He’s going to be such a wonderful father.”

Willow narrowed her eyes slightly as she jumped up beside of Buffy. “Will they be Watchers?”

Buffy turned to her friend, her heart fluttering as she remembered his words. “Only if they want to be. He doesn’t want them to be forced into it like he was.”

“If they do...want to be Watchers, I mean...does that mean they’ll have to go to Watcher School and everything? Which would mean they’d be in England, right?”

“The Academy is in England. But, Giles doesn’t want them to go. He said that he’d prefer for us to teach them.”

Willow tilted her head thoughtfully. “Would the Council allow that?”

Buffy laughed. “I have a feeling that it’s not going to be up for discussion. Besides, maybe our kids would do something different. We won’t hide anything from them, but the final decision will be up to them.”

“So Giles didn’t want to be a Watcher?”

Buffy took a deep breath. “It’s not that he didn’t want to be a Watcher. It’s the fact that his father made the decision for him. He wasn’t asked...he was told what he would be.”

“That’s kinda harsh.”

Buffy nodded in agreement.

“What did he want to be?”

“A fighter pilot.”

Willow laughed. “Really?”

“Yep. Or a grocer...” Buffy inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “As much as I disagree with his father choosing his destiny for him, I’m glad he did. I don’t even want to think about where I’d be if I didn’t have him.” She chuckled sadly. “I probably wouldn’t even be here by now.”

Willow’s eyes widened. “Hey! We’re delving into depressing talk. No depressing talk! This is a happy day, marriage and kids kinda happy!”

Buffy grinned and slid off the tombstone, glancing at her watch. “Very true! We should probably head back...looks like it’s a pretty dead night, anyway.”

Willow climbed down and fell into step beside of her best friend.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles smiled brightly as Buffy came into his view. They met where they had left one another, coming to a stop a few feet apart.

“Anything?”

Giles shook his head. “Nothing.”

Oz raised an eyebrow. “Well, there was a rabbit.”

Willow grinned at her boyfriend. “So, there was something!”

Giles stared at Buffy. “You?”

“One. Newborn, no real excitement. And my spidey-sense isn’t tingling...I’m guessing it’s a very slow night.”

Giles held Buffy’s gaze as Willow spoke. “Bronze, then?”

Oz took her hand and smiled. “I’m down. You guys?”

Giles shook his head slowly, not breaking eye contact with Buffy. “No. I, uh...no, thank you. It’s not really my cup of tea.”

Willow pouted. “But, you had fun last time you were there.”

Giles glanced at Willow, an embarrassed smile gracing his lips. “Yes, well...it’s not someplace I’d like to frequent...uh, frequently.”

Oz chuckled along with Buffy. Willow rolled her eyes.

“Well, we could go to the movies.”

Buffy looked at her friend and smiled warmly. “I think we might head home. I might come back out later to do another round. How about dinner and a movie tomorrow night?”

“Double date?” Willow asked excitedly.

Buffy glanced at Giles, smiling as he gave her a slight nod. “Yep. Maybe even a triple if Xander and Anya aren’t busy.”

“Great! So, we’ll talk to you tomorrow then?”

Buffy slid her hand into Giles’ and grinned. “Yep. Tomorrow. Dinner, movie, and fun abounds!”

Oz gently pulled on Willow’s hand, pulling her towards the direction of the Bronze. “Have a good night.”

“If you should run into any problems, do call.”

Oz gave Giles a nod and then turned and walked away, hand in hand with Willow. As Buffy and Giles made their way in the opposite direction, Buffy began to chuckle. Giles looked down at her, his eyebrow lifting slightly.

“What?”

“You don’t like to frequent the Bronze frequently?”

Giles grinned at her. “I’m reasonably sure that my mind was elsewhere at that moment.”

“Oh? Where was it?”

His grin grew as he let go of her hand and placed his arm around her shoulder. “I have a promise to keep.”

She returned his grin. “I was hoping that’s where your mind was.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

She turned to face him, smiling as he closed the door and dropped his keys onto the table. He returned her smile and stepped towards her. His hand lightly brushed a speck of dust from her shoulder as he looked into her eyes.

“Would you care to take a shower with me?”

“I’d rather go to bed.”

He chuckled softly. “A quick shower…purely for reasons of cleanliness.”

She eyed him carefully. “You don’t look very dirty.”

He took her hand, leading her towards the bathroom. “Humour me, Buffy.”

She laughed as she willingly followed him. “Try not to twist my arm so hard, okay?”

He answered with a grin.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To her surprise, he was true to his word and they had their shower merely to clean the latent dust from their bodies. Now he was watching her move across the bedroom from his spot on the bed. He was leaning back against the headboard, clad only in his robe. He felt his heart begin to race in anticipation as she removed her earrings and placed them on the dresser.

“Buffy?” He waited until she turned and met his eyes. “Come here.”

She grinned at him, making her way to the side of the bed. As she reached for the belt on her robe, he shook his head quickly.

“Leave it on.”

She narrowed her eyes slightly before climbing onto the bed. She giggled in surprise when he grabbed her and pulled her on top of him so that she was straddling his hips.

“Giles!”

“Shh.” He smiled, threading his fingers through her damp hair. “Kiss me.”

She lowered her lips to his, kissing him softly. She groaned in mild frustration when he prevented her from deepening the kiss.

His fingers lightly caressed her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. “Not so fast. We have all night, darling.”

She smiled and mimicked his light touch before leaning down to kiss him again. She allowed him to set the pace, relishing the sensation of his lips moving softly against hers. His hand gently pulled on the belt of her robe, tugging it free. She inhaled sharply as his fingers lightly brushed against her abdomen. He took her moment of surprise as an opportunity to finally deepen the kiss, bringing a soft moan from her as his tongue lovingly caressed hers.

He pushed the robe from her shoulders, causing her to shiver lightly. He pulled from the kiss and smiled.

“Cold?”

“Not exactly.”

His eyes flicked to her breasts, his thumb brushing across a hardened nipple. “You sure?”

Her eyes closed at the tender touch. “Trust me, I’m definitely not cold.”

“Good.” He murmured, leaning forward and covering the hardened nub with his warm mouth.

“Oh, God…” Her fingers tangled in his hair as she held him to her breast. She hissed in pleasure as his tongue bathed her flesh.

She began to move against him, prompting him to grab her hips to hold her still. His mouth released her nipple and he looked into her eyes.

“Sit still.”

“But…”

“Shh.” He held her tightly against his hips. “Sit still and feel what pleasuring you does to me.”

She groaned as he turned his attention to her other nipple. She felt him harden against her through his robe. Her fingers tightened, bunching the lapels in her fists.

“Take it off.”

He chuckled against her breast.

“Giles…please…”

Hearing the desperate tone in her voice, he looked up. He loosened his hold on her hips and gave her a nod.

“Stand up.”

As she moved to climb off of him, he tightened his grip. “No. Stand up here.”

A look of confusion shone in her eyes, but she did as he asked. No sooner had she stood up, his hands wrapped around the backs of her thighs and pulled her forward, closing his mouth over her clitoris.

She screamed his name in surprise, her hands immediately grasping the top of the headboard. He smiled inwardly as he increased the pressure, his tongue laving her flesh and causing her muscles to quiver.

After ascertaining that she was able to maintain her balance, he let his right hand slide from her leg to untie the belt on his robe. He heard her loud groan as he quickly shrugged the robe off of his shoulders. Feeling her legs begin to shake, he slid his hands up to her hips and held her tightly against his mouth as he eased his back to the mattress.

He loosened his hold as her knees came to a rest on either side of his head. His fingers gently gripped her outer thighs, his tongue quickly thrusting inside of her. She moved her right hand from the headboard and tangled her trembling fingers in his hair as she rotated her hips slightly.

“So close…oh, Giles…”

He looked up at her, growling erotically as he moved his mouth back to her throbbing clit and suckled the nub in earnest.

“God! Oh…Giles…I’m…”

He felt the shudder go through her body as her juices flooded over him. He slowed his ministrations until he was lightly kissing her soaking flesh. Her body quivered as she carefully shifted and slid down his torso until she was lying on top of him.

He brushed the hair away from her face, groaning as she pressed against his erection. She looked at him through glazed eyes before she kissed him. Darting her tongue into his mouth, she moaned when she tasted her essence on him.

He wrapped his arms around her and rolled her onto her back. When he was comfortably nestled between her thighs, he broke the kiss and gazed into her eyes. Her hand caressed the side of his face as she took a few deep breaths.

“Well, that was different.”

He grinned at her. “Good different?”

“Mm. Oh, yes. Definitely good.” She took another deep breath and lifted her legs so that her knees were resting against his sides. “God, I love you.”

He smiled, his hand trailing down her torso towards her hip as he slowly entered her. “I love you too.”

Her muscles quivered around him, eliciting a deep groan from his throat as he gently rocked his hips against her. Her fingers gripped his shoulders tightly as the pleasure coursed through her body.

“Oh…you’re going to make me come again…”

He bit his lip as the quivers turned to ripples. “Buffy…”

She met his eyes as he pushed into her with deep, slow strokes. “Make me come.”

He bent over her, latching his mouth onto the bite mark on her neck as he kept his slow place. She screamed as another orgasm ripped through her. His mouth let go of her skin with another groan as he struggled to hold on for just a while longer.

Her nails raked down his chest, scraping across his nipples. He growled lowly, thrusting harder into her. Knowing he was close, she smiled lustfully at him. Her hand moved to the back of his head and pulled him down. On his next thrust, her mouth closed over the sensitive scar on his neck.

He screamed in ecstasy, erupting in her warm depths as her teeth nipped at the ridge of flesh. As she let go of his neck, another wave of semen flooded her walls.

She quickly rolled him onto his back before his arms gave out, collapsing in a breathless heap onto his chest. His trembling arms encircled her, holding her tightly against him as his softening flesh gently slipped from her.

“Dear Lord…Buffy…”

She giggled lazily, pressing soft kisses to his heaving chest. “Hm?”

“The things you do to me…”

She lifted her head, meeting his eyes. “I could, and will, say the same…when my vocab comes back.”

He chuckled softly as her head fell back onto his chest.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She opened her eyes to find him still lying on his back, staring at the ceiling as his fingers lightly traced indistinct shapes against her back.

“Did I fall asleep?”

He met her eyes and grinned. “Yes.”

She blushed lightly. “Sorry.”

His eyes narrowed. “Whatever for?”

“I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.” Her face reddened more.

He offered her a comforting smile. “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I’m quite chuffed over the fact that you were relaxed enough to fall asleep.”

She smirked at him. “Your chuffness…is it because I was relaxed or because you completely wore me out?”

“Maybe a bit of both…” He chuckled. “Besides, it gave me time to think about some things.”

She yawned as she pushed herself up slightly. “What things?”

He looked up at her and sat up beside of her. “Just some things that need to be taken care of in the next few weeks.”

She stretched her back before resting her head against his shoulder. “Like?”

“I need to contact the Council and let them know what’s going on.”

“Fun.” She grumbled before lifting her head and looking into his eyes. “Why?”

“Any change in status of either Watcher or Slayer must be reported as soon as possible.” He quoted from memory. “They are aware of the engagement, but not of the actual wedding date or our plans to have children.” He glanced at her quickly and took a deep breath. “They’ll probably ask me if you’re pregnant.”

She rolled her eyes. “Why is that the first thing that everyone assumes?”

He laughed softly and wrapped his arm around her. “I’m going to have to buy a new car as well.”

“What’s wrong with the Citroen? It’s ‘perfectly serviceable’, so you keep saying.”

“And it is. But, it’s not a very practical choice for an automobile if we’re planning on starting a family.”

“As long as you don’t get a station wagon, all will be good.”

“And then there was something else that I was thinking about.”

She looked up at him when he hesitated. “Uh-oh, is this something bad?”

“Hm?” He saw the worry in her eyes and shook his head. “Oh, no. Nothing bad.”

She waited a second, nudging him when he remained silent. “So, tell me.”

He took a deep breath and smiled nervously. “Would you like to look at houses this weekend?”

Her eyes widened. “Houses? This weekend? Like, tomorrow?”

“Oh, yes.” He chuckled to himself. “Tomorrow is Saturday, isn’t it?”

“Yeah…and you want to buy a house?”

“Well, not necessarily this weekend. For purchasing, I mean. But, yes…if you’re interested, I would like to have a look around. In five weeks, we’ll be married. And…chances are, soon after that there will be a baby on the way.” He gestured at their surroundings with his hand. “While this apartment is fine for us, it’s not ideal for a new family.”

She nodded, following his line of thought. “But…can we afford a house? And a car?”

“We’re not exactly destitute, Buffy.”

She stared at him for a second. “We’re not exactly rich either, Giles.”

He took a deep breath, trying to figure out the right words to use. He sighed, knowing that the only way to say it was to just…say it.

“I have a fair amount of money set aside. You are correct, we’re not rich. But, we certainly have enough money to purchase what we need.”

Her brow furrowed. “You have enough money set aside to buy a house and a car?”

He nodded slowly and inhaled deeply. “My, uh…my father set up a trust fund for me when I was younger. When I was old enough to access the money, I was in the angry and rebellious period of my life. I refused to touch it. I wanted nothing to do with him, much less have any of his money. When I…came back to my senses, as it were…I was being paid fairly well by the Council and had no use for the money.” He swallowed nervously. “I consider using some of the money for my family rather appropriate.”

“Some of the money?”

“Well, I…I would like to keep some of it for our children.”

She shook her head quickly. “No, that’s not what I mean.” She met the confusion in his eyes with her own. “It’s none of my business, I know. But…how much money are you talking about?”

He ran his hand through his hair. “It actually is your business. You’ve been my beneficiary for the past three years.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

“I…I wanted to be sure that if something were to happen to me…well, I wanted you and your mother to be taken care of. So…with Joyce’s permission, I…um…you’re my sole beneficiary.”

He cleared his throat and stared across the room. “To answer your question. The last statement that I received was seven hundred and seventy-two thousand pounds.”

“Can I ask how much that is in American money?”

He glanced at her quickly, his face reddening lightly. “I’m not sure what the current exchange rate is, but…around one and a half million.”

Her mouth dropped open, but no words came out. She closed her mouth and noticed that he seemed slightly embarrassed. When he saw that she had picked up on the emotion, he smiled shyly.

“As I was saying before, we have enough to buy a house and a car. The rest I’d like to put aside for our children. Education is becoming more expensive by the day in America.” He took a breath and leaned over, kissing her cheek softly. “And I’m still rather well paid by the Council. Well enough to support our family.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “Giles, I…don’t know what to say.”

“There’s really nothing to say.” He offered her a warm smile. “Except that you’ll look at houses with me.”

Her eyes glistened as she nodded. He breathed a sigh of relief and pulled her into a hug. He pulled back slightly and looked into her eyes.

“There’s just one more thing, Buffy.”

“What’s that?”

“Can we keep this between us? To be very honest, I didn’t even plan on you knowing about it. I mean, after we developed our relationship…I knew that I was going to have to tell you. But, I…well…before then…”

She interrupted him with a soft kiss. “Our secret, I promise.”

He smiled lovingly at her. “Thank you.”

“But, you’d better buy me a really nice house.”

He laughed at the teasing tone in her voice as he pushed her down to the mattress.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

They sat alone at the table, sipping their water and discussing the three houses that they had inspected that afternoon. He chuckled softly over her enthusiasm and reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. She leaned into his touch and met his eyes.

They shared a warm smile and her hand gently squeezed his thigh when she felt Willow’s presence. He inhaled deeply and allowed his hand to drop, his arm coming to rest on the back of her chair. They both looked up to find Willow smiling brightly and Oz with his ever-present smirk.

“Sorry we’re late. We had to wait for Xander and Anya.”

Buffy nodded and glanced around. “Get tired of waiting?”

“Huh?” Willow looked confused for a minute and then smiled. “Oh. The lack of Xander and Anya. No, he’s parking the car and since he’s the only one who can barely keep her in check, we left her with him.”

Amusement danced in Giles’ eyes as Buffy laughed. Oz sat down beside of Giles at the round table after pulling Willow’s chair out for her. Giles picked up the flask of water and poured each of them a glass before refilling his and Buffy’s.

Willow took a sip of her water and then smiled at the other couple. “So, what did you guys get into today?”

Anya snorted as she sat down beside of Buffy and pulled Xander down beside of her. Xander shook his head lightly at her. She gave a quick shrug of her shoulders and offered a bright smile. Giles quirked an eyebrow at her.

“Xander said that if I didn’t make any comments about your sex life that he’d...”

“Anya!” Xander interrupted her quickly. “They don’t need to know about that, okay?”

“I quite agree.” Giles chuckled and lifted his glass to his lips.

Buffy looked at her best friend and noticed the expectant look on her face. “Will?”

Willow shook her head in amusement. “What did you do today?”

“Oh!” Buffy grinned and then looked up into Giles’ eyes. “We looked at houses.”

Willow’s mouth dropped open. “You’re buying a house?”

Anya narrowed her eyes at Xander. “Why aren’t you buying me a house?”

Xander gave an exasperated sigh. “One, we can’t afford it. Two, our apartment is just fine.” He turned his eyes away from her and smiled. “Did you find anything?”

Buffy nodded quickly. Giles grinned, knowing without a doubt which house had embedded itself into Buffy’s mind.

“There’s one over on Jamison that I really liked.” She didn’t notice Giles’ grin widen as she continued. “It’s a two-storey brick. Downstairs is the living room, dining room, kitchen...then down the hall, there’s a bathroom and a room big enough to be Giles’ library. There’s a full basement, which would be perfect for a training room. Then, you go upstairs and there’s another full bath and four good-sized bedrooms. There’s a huge backyard that’s fully fenced.” She took a deep breath. “It’s just...beautiful.”

Giles chuckled and glanced around at their friends. “I think she likes it more than she lets on.”

Buffy nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. “You liked it just as much as I did.”

He smiled at her, his eyes sparkling. “This is true.”

Willow giggled happily, sliding her hand into Oz’s. “Are you going to put an offer on it?”

“We were discussing it earlier.” Giles motioned for the waiter. “Quite possibly. It is a beautiful house.”

“Why do you need a big backyard?” Anya asked quickly.

Buffy’s fingers lightly caressed Giles’ denim-covered thigh. “For training on nice days when we don’t want to be cooped up in the basement. We could put a nice wooden swingset in there as well.”

Anya laughed. “Aren’t you a little old for a swingset?”

Xander’s eyes widened. “Yeah, she is. But...kids like swingsets...”

Anya finally caught it. “Are you pregnant?”

Giles shook his head in slight embarrassment. “Anya, could you perhaps ask that question just a tad bit louder?”

Anya waved her hand at him, her eyes focused on Buffy. “Are you?”

“No.” She waited until Anya gave her a quick nod and took a drink of water. “Not yet.”

Anya spluttered the water, much to everyone’s amusement.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dinner was relatively uneventful. Giles mused to himself that whatever Xander’s promise to Anya was must have been quite enticing. He smiled as Buffy took his hand as they walked towards the cinema. Her voice, or more importantly her statement that she really enjoyed going to the movies on a date, brought him out of his musings.

He slowed his pace, causing her to look up at him when the others had pulled ahead of them.

“What’s wrong?”

He smiled softly, shaking his head. “Nothing’s wrong, but...well, there can’t be a repeat of our last attempted viewing of a movie.”

She grinned up at him. “Giles, we’ll probably sit in the back row. That’s where we normally sit when we go out. It’s dark...”

He stopped suddenly and interrupted her quietly. “Buffy, there is a huge difference between sitting in a dark row with no one else around and sitting in a dark row with four other people.”

She nodded slowly. “I know that. I honestly had no intention of trying to molest you tonight, you know.”

“Had?”

She pulled on his hand as she started walking again when the others noticed that they had fallen behind. “Have, okay? I have no intention. Better?”

He stopped again and leaned down to brush his lips against hers. “You can molest me all you want when we get home.”

She blushed lightly and somehow got her feet cooperating again. When they caught up with the others, Xander grinned.

“Thought you had changed your mind about the movie.”

Buffy shook her head quickly. “No, not at all. Just had to talk about something.”

“Setting ground rules?” Anya blurted.

Everyone stared at her. She shrugged her shoulders and smiled. “Xander set the ground rules before we left. That way no one would know that we were setting ground rules.”

“You were doing so well...” Xander muttered as he rolled his eyes.

Giles coughed lightly. “Yes, well...uh, we should...we should probably get there...”

Buffy chuckled as his voice trailed off.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He gave her a wary look as she gently nudged him into the back row. He sighed heavily and made his way all the way down to the end and sat down next to the wall. He caught her eyes as she sat down beside of him.

“Why do I have to sit next to the wall?”

She grinned at him as she flipped up the armrest that separated them. “So you can’t run away.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Buffy...”

She huffed lightly. “Relax, Giles. It’s just for cuddling. I promise, I’ll restrain myself this time, okay?”

Willow giggled softly as Xander choked on a piece of popcorn. Buffy looked up at Giles and smiled sheepishly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I said that as loud as I did.” She whispered softly.

He returned her smile and shifted slightly so that she could lean comfortably against him. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head that stated he wasn’t upset with her. As the lights dimmed, he wrapped his arm around her and held her securely against him.

Thirty minutes into the movie, she reached into the small bucket of popcorn resting between his thighs at the same moment he did. He looked down as their fingers touched and took a deep breath. His fingers gingerly lifted a piece to her lips. He inhaled sharply as her lips touched his fingers. She glanced up at him, grabbing his hand before he had a chance to move it away. He successfully stifled his groan as she slowly licked the melted butter from his index finger.

He bent his head, moving his mouth next to her ear and whispered huskily. “Don’t do that.”

She responded by taking the tip of his middle finger into her mouth and licking it gently. He exhaled quickly and shifted uncomfortably next to her. “Buffy, please...don’t.”

Hearing the almost desperate tone in his whispered voice, she released his finger and turned her head towards him. With their lips almost touching, she looked up at him and whispered softly.

“I’m sorry.”

His hand gently squeezed her shoulder in acceptance of her apology. He licked his lips, fighting the urge to close the minute gap between them. He took a deep breath and slowly moved back from her. He shifted again and found himself wishing that the movie were over.

She rested her head against his shoulder and turned her eyes back to the screen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After the movie had finished, they all had agreed to stop by the Espresso Pump for a coffee. As they sat around the table, Xander cleared his throat softly.

“Hey, Giles?”

Giles took a sip of his cappuccino and placed the mug on the table. “Yes?”

“I have a question.”

Giles chuckled softly and waited a few seconds. When Xander didn’t continue, he raised an eyebrow. “Xander, in order for me to give you an answer, I must know the question.”

Xander reddened in slight embarrassment and smiled shyly. “Yeah, I just...” He took a deep breath and glanced at Buffy before meeting Giles’ eyes. “Well, you know how you said that a Slayer is only vulnerable during the first month of pregnancy?”

Giles nodded and raised his mug to take a sip of his cooling cappuccino.

“Well...um. Most women don’t know that they’re pregnant that early. So...uh...well...”

Giles offered the boy a reassuring smile. “So how do we keep her safe during that first month?”

Xander nodded wordlessly as Buffy looked up at Giles. He quickly glanced down at her before looking back to Xander.

“The Slayer will know at the time of conception. It is imperative that the Slayer notify her Watcher immediately as she will become vulnerable to demon attacks at that point in time.”

Buffy smiled softly. “And that’s a direct quote from?”

Giles returned her smile. “Slayer Handbook.”

She smacked him lightly on the arm. “See? I so need to read this handbook thing.”

Giles chuckled, looking back at Xander and seeing another question in his eyes.

Xander shook his head slowly. “Okay, so...what happens during that month?”

“The Watcher will immediately take over the Slayer’s duties for the period of thirty days. At that point, the Slayer will become invulnerable for the course of her pregnancy.”

Buffy’s face drained of color. “Wait. You? You have to take over patrols?”

Giles looked into her eyes and placed a comforting hand on her thigh. “That is the protocol.”

Her eyes widened. “I can’t send the father of my child out to fight God knows what for a full month.”

He raised his hand and caressed her face. “Every night for four years I’ve sent the woman I love out to do that very thing.”

She shook her head quickly. “That’s different, Giles. I’m the Slayer, I slay. You’re the Watcher, you watch...you train...you don’t go off on your own and slay...”

“Shh.” He pulled her against his chest. “We’ll work something out, Buffy.”

Xander met the eyes of the other three, holding a silent conversation. With a brief nod, he turned back to Giles and Buffy.

“We’ll help.”

Giles opened his eyes and smiled. Buffy lifted her head from Giles’ chest and turned her glistening eyes to their friends.

Willow smiled, reaching over and gently rubbing Buffy’s arm. “We won’t let anything happen to him...or us. And...we could call Angel too. He’ll come and help us for a month.”

Buffy drew a shaky breath and exhaled slowly. “Angel has his own thing going on in L.A., I’m not sure...”

Willow tilted her head slightly. “He also has Wesley, Cordelia, Gunn...they’re all extremely capable of taking care of L.A. for thirty days. There’s not a Hellmouth there, you know.”

Buffy looked up at Giles. He brushed the hair back from her face as he nodded. “It’s a good idea, Buffy.”

“But...what if he won’t come?”

Anya snorted softly. “Of course he’ll come. He’s Angel, you’re Buffy. You may be marrying and having a baby with someone else, but he will always love you. All you have to do is ask and he’ll drop everything and come running. You know that.”

Giles looked away, the truth of Anya’s words burning into him. Buffy felt his body tense, her eyes darting back to him in alarm. “Giles?”

He cleared his throat and turned slowly to look into her eyes. “It’s true. And I...well, you’d feel more at ease if he were here, yes?”

She read the emotions in his eyes and shook her head slowly. “No. But, I would feel better if I knew that he was patrolling with you.”

Giles relaxed and inhaled deeply. “Okay, then there’s our plan.”

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and picked up her mocha. “Still don’t like the idea of you going out on patrol every night.”

Giles chuckled sadly. “Welcome to my world.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

He dropped his keys onto the table and watched her walk to the couch and slump down onto the cushions. He sighed softly and followed her, sitting down beside of her. They were quiet for a few moments before she looked at him.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get so upset earlier.”

He offered her a gentle smile. “There’s nothing to be sorry about, Buffy.”

She inhaled deeply and twisted her ring in nervousness. “Is it worth the risk?”

“Having a baby?” As she nodded slowly, he took her hand in his. “I asked myself a similar question a year ago. When I realized that I wasn’t going to ‘get over’ what I was feeling for you, I asked myself if it was worth the risk of losing you. Do you know what I found out?”

He waited until she turned her hazel eyes up to him. “I found out that nothing is without risk and that I had never truly been happy until I fell in love with you. Was it worth the risk? Yes, I believe so.” He pulled her into his arms and leaned back so that she was lying against his chest. “It scares the hell out of me each night when you leave for patrol. I can’t rest until I know you’re safe. But, the love I feel for you outweighs the fear. And it’s a risk that I would gladly take again...without question.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. “But would you be willing to risk your life to have a baby with me?”

“In a heartbeat.” He answered without thought. “Would you be willing to allow me to take that risk?”

“Are you really okay with asking Angel to help on patrols?”

He brushed a tear from her cheek. “Yes.”

She took a deep breath. “I want to have a baby with you, Giles.”

“Good. Because, I want to have a baby with you.” He smiled and brushed his lips against her temple. “It’s worth the risk, darling.”

She gazed into his eyes before leaning up and kissing him softly. “You are a beautiful man, Rupert Giles.”

He smiled in the bashful way that she found so adorable. He cleared his throat softly and shifted underneath her slightly.

“So, uh...did you have a good time tonight?”

“I did. Um, there’s something else I wanted to apologize for.”

He narrowed his eyes and carefully repositioned her so that he could stretch his legs across the couch. “What?”

“For what happened at the movie theatre.”

He chuckled and leaned his back against the armrest. “Yes, well. I need to keep in mind that it’s not always a prudent idea to feed you popcorn.”

She grinned at him. “I didn’t mean to upset you...”

His eyes twinkled. “I’m reasonably sure that upset is not what I was feeling.”

“You sounded a little upset.”

He laughed lightly. “Desperate would probably be a more accurate description.”

“Desperate?”

“Mm-hm.” He lifted her right hand from his chest and proceeded to slowly lick her index finger, smiling widely as she groaned softly. “If it causes you that much pleasure, imagine what it was doing to me.”

Her eyes darkened with passion. “Tell me.”

He gave her a half-smile. “You know.”

“Mm. I do, but I like it when you tell me.”

“Do you?” His smile grew as she nodded slowly. “What do you want me to tell you?”

She licked her lips. “What it made you feel. What it made you think about.” She leaned forward and kissed his chin. “Talk to me.”

He looked into her eyes, his own beginning to darken at her husky voice. “Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to control myself? Feeling your tongue wrap around my finger...God, I wanted you.”

She grinned at him, pulling his finger into her mouth and sucking it lightly. “What did you want?”

“To slide my cock down your throat.”

Her eyes widened at his bluntness. She let his finger slide from her mouth as she moaned softly.

“I wanted to pull you down on your knees in front of me and fuck your mouth with long, slow strokes.” He inhaled sharply as she pushed her suddenly aching core against his hardening flesh. “I wanted to come in your mouth and then kiss you until I got hard again. God, I love the taste of me in your mouth.”

He gasped as her fingers found his nipples, lightly pinching them as he thrust his hips against her. She smiled down at him as his fingers tightened on her hips.

“More. Tell me more.”

“I wanted to pull you onto my lap and rip your shirt off. Suck your nipples until you come all over me.” He groaned as she pulled her shirt off and unclasped her bra, freeing her breasts. “I wanted to slide my cock into you. You’re always so wet for me...it feels so good when I’m inside of you.”

He closed his eyes as her fingers found the buttons on his jeans and quickly undid them. “I wanted you to fuck me...so hard and fast that you made me scream as I came. And then...”

She looked into his dark green eyes when he opened them. “And then what?”

He raised his hand and caressed the side of her face. “And then I wanted you to kiss me gently...and tell me that you love me.”

She thought her heart was going to explode. Here he was, underneath her and telling her about an explicit fantasy. And he ended the fantasy with the sweetest display of love and affection. She reached down and lightly ran her fingers through his hair.

“Giles?”

“Yes?”

“I had every intention of doing everything you were describing...” She smiled as confusion filled his eyes.

“Did I...did I say something wrong?”

She shook her head slowly and leaned down to kiss him softly. “No, nothing wrong at all. Something so very right.”

His confusion grew. “But, you don’t want to...”

“I want to make love with you, Giles. Right now.” She kissed him again before leaning back up. “You completely amaze me.”

He narrowed his eyes and licked his lips. “I...don’t understand...”

She grinned. “Only you would tell me an utterly dirty fantasy and then end it with complete sweetness.”

“Oh.” He smiled shyly as she climbed off of him and offered him her hand. “Maybe next time I shouldn’t tell you the ending until afterwards...”

She stopped and looked into his eyes, seeing complete love, passion, and...slight disappointment. She moved into his arms and leaned up to take his earlobe into her mouth. She nibbled it lightly before whispering into his ear.

“Come upstairs with me now and you can fuck my mouth for as long as you want.”

He groaned loudly as she pulled out of his embrace. He pulled her back, crushing her lips with his as his hands undid her pants. He broke the kiss and stared into her eyes.

“Here. Now.”

She raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Reduced to monosyllables?”

“Buffy...”

She licked her lips, her hands pushing his jeans and boxers over his hips. Her hand curled around his erection and she leaned forward to flick her tongue across his nipple. She looked up at him and smiled softly.

“Do you want to sit or stand?”

He stared into her eyes, rolling her nipple between his thumb and index finger. She gave him a gentle squeeze and moved slowly to her knees in front of him. She kept eye contact as she carefully finished removing his jeans and boxers and tossed them to the side.

“Is this okay for you?”

He nodded wordlessly, moaning softly as she slid her tongue along his length. She looked back up at him, her hand continuing to slowly stroke him.

“Is the door locked?”

“Yes.” He stared at her for a second before letting his eyes roam across her body. “Take your jeans off.”

She grinned up at him. “Was I naked in your fantasy?”

His eyes sparkled as he shook his head. “Consider it an amendment.”

She stood up in front of him, reluctantly releasing his erection. She gasped lightly as his own hand took over the slow strokes as she quickly peeled her jeans off.

“That is...hot...”

His eyes darted over towards the couch. As she began to kneel in front of him, his free hand grasped her shoulder. She met his eyes, smiling as he gestured towards the couch with his head.

“You’d probably be more comfortable. The, uh...the floor can be hard on the knees...”

“Another amendment?” She followed him to the couch, smiling up at him as she sat down and he stood in front of her. Her hands moved up his thighs to his hips and pulled him closer. “Tell me again.”

He stared at her through glazed eyes and shrugged his open shirt off of his shoulders. His hand lightly touched her cheek, his thumb rubbing across her lips.

“Touch me.”

His eyes closed as her hand closed around the hard shaft and began to stroke him slowly. He felt her warm breath against his heated flesh, opening his eyes he gazed down at her.

“Buffy, please...”

She smiled seductively at him. “Please what?”

He stared at her. “I want to feel your mouth on me.”

She licked the head, smiling as he groaned and thrust his hips gently. “Do you want me to suck it?”

“Yes...yes, I do...”

She dragged her tongue along the underside of his erection. “Do you want me to suck you into my throat?”

“Yes...”

She closed her lips around the glans and sucked lightly before releasing him and meeting his eyes again. “Do you want to fuck my mouth, Giles?”

“God, yes...”

She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his stomach. “Then do it...”

Without another word, she quickly engulfed him causing him to cry out. She sucked him hard and then tilted her head back slightly. He groaned loudly as he slid into her throat. Forcing his eyes open, he watched as she glided her mouth up and down his length.

He leaned over her, placing his hands on the back of the couch on either side of her head. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, moving back to give him the leverage he needed. Their eyes met and after she gave him a silent answer to his equally silent question, he began to thrust his hips slowly against her.

His body shuddered and he groaned loudly as her teeth lightly scraped across his sensitive flesh. He pulled back until only the head was captured in her mouth and encouraged her to lave it with her tongue before gently pushing further into her mouth.

“Christ...”

She increased her pressure and tightened her fingers on his hips.

“Your mouth...so warm, so...” He gasped as she flattened her tongue along the underside of his erection, increasing the friction even more. “Like that...don’t stop...”

His fingers threatened to rip through the leather cushion as his grip tightened. He fought to control his thrusts, worried that he might hurt her.

“Close...so close...”

Her hand moved up to his chest, finding his nipple quickly. Her fingers rolled and pinched the hard nub as she sucked harder on his expanding cock. His right hand released its grip on the cushion and moved to gently cup the back of her head. His fingers tightened in her hair as he continued to thrust into her mouth.

He pulled back suddenly, groaning as she tightened her lips behind the sensitive ridge of the head, holding him in place as she sucked hungrily.

“Buffy! I’m coming...oh, God...”

He gave a loud cry of ecstasy as he exploded in her mouth. She drank greedily, milking him dry with her mouth and tongue. There was one more spasm and as she relaxed her hold on him, he pulled from her mouth and dropped to his knees in front of her. He pulled her head towards him, covering her mouth with his. A growl rumbled in his chest as his tongue swept inside and tasted himself.

She moaned softly as he moved his mouth to her neck. Her fingers wove through his damp hair, holding him to her.

“Giles…”

“Mm…”

“Come up here.”

He pulled his mouth from her neck and looked into her eyes. He gave her a warm smile as he lifted himself up and dropped onto the cushions beside of her. With no further hesitation, he grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap so that she was straddling him. He groaned loudly, feeling her wetness against his skin.

He wrapped his arms around her and leaned forward slightly, placing soft open-mouthed kisses across her chest. He smiled against her skin when he heard her gasp as he flicked his tongue against her hardened nipple. He allowed his teeth to lightly graze across the sensitive nub, causing her to whimper in pleasure.

His hands went to her hips as she began to rock against him. She expected him to hold her still. To her surprise, he used his hold to move her wet core along his quickly awakening flesh. Her hands tightened in his hair, holding him to her breast as she let him set the pace that he wanted. She urgently spoke his name as he lovingly suckled her nipple. His eyes darted towards her face and he groaned at the pleasure he saw in her eyes as she looked down at him.

His fingers clenched on her hips, lifting her up slightly. She groaned in disappointment until she felt him shift underneath her. He released her nipple and tilted his head back to gaze at her.

“Buffy…”

She met his passion-glazed eyes and licked her lips. “Huh?”

“Keep your eyes open.”

“What?”

He smiled at her confusion as his hands pulled her hips down, effectively sheathing himself in her. He halted the movement when her eyes fluttered closed.

“Look at me, Buffy.”

She forced her eyes open, groaning loudly as he pulled her down quickly. “Giles!”

He bit his lip and tried to control his breathing as her inner muscles convulsed lightly around him. He held her still for a moment and then took a deep breath and stared into her eyes.

“You’re close.”

She nodded wordlessly.

“So am I.” He licked his dry lips and gently rubbed his fingers against her hips. “Fuck me…as hard as you can. Make me scream, Buffy.”

“Oh, God…” She raised her hips, closing her eyes as she slammed back down. She repeated the motion, her fingers gripping his shoulders tightly as his hands squeezed her hips.

His head fell onto the back of the couch as she frantically rode him. “Harder…oh, Christ…Buffy…”

She complied eagerly, quickening her pace and angling her hips slightly to increase the depth of his penetration. Her muscles squeezed his throbbing cock as her orgasm threatened to erupt. He pulled her harder against him, feeling the familiar tightening sensation in his scrotum.

“Buffy…come with me…” His hips thrust against her, matching her pace. Just as he felt her inner muscles begin to ripple, he screamed her name and flooded her walls as his orgasm washed over him.

She followed him over the edge quickly, his name leaving her lips on a scream of her own. Her body trembled violently as she collapsed against his sweat-drenched chest. His fingers released her hips and he held her as tightly as the tremors in his arms allowed.

For a few minutes, that is how they remained. Unable to move and fighting to catch their breath. His hands slid down her back as she slowly pushed herself up. Looking into his eyes, she smiled lovingly and then leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. As she pulled back, she lifted her hand and gently wiped the sweat from the side of his face.

“I love you.”

He smiled brightly and pulled her down for another kiss.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

He woke up suddenly, the dream still vivid in his mind. He smiled and placed a soft kiss on the back of her head. He tightened his arms around her slightly and took a deep breath.

“Buffy?”

She shifted in his arms, but didn’t make a sound. He moved his lips closer to her ear and whispered again, this time a little louder.

“Buffy?”

“Mm?” She mumbled sleepily.

“Can you wake up for a minute?”

“Tired.”

He stroked her arm softly. “I know, darling. But, please…just for a minute.”

She rolled in his arms to face him and opened one eye. “Did you take some of my blood without me knowing?”

He chuckled softly. “No. I didn’t wake you up for sex…”

She yawned and snuggled closer to him. “Too tired to have a meaningful conversation, Giles.”

His fingers combed through her hair and he took another deep breath. “Let me buy us the house on Jamison Street.”

Her eyes snapped open and met his. “What?”

“The house on Jamison. It’s…it’s the right one. Do you agree?”

She nodded and wiped her eyes sleepily. “Yeah, it’s perfect for us.”

“Let me buy it for us.”

She saw the glimmer in his eyes and smiled. “What brought this on at…” She glanced at the clock. “…three in the morning?”

He smiled sheepishly. “A dream. A very vivid and wonderful dream.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“We…we were putting the finishing touches on the nursery. It was the bedroom next to ours.” He ran the back of his hand over her abdomen. “You were due to give birth any day.”

She grinned at him, seeing the excitement in his eyes. “Is that all of the dream?”

He nodded slowly. “It wasn’t just the dream. It was the feeling I had…it was home. It was our home and…” He sighed softly, not knowing how to convey his emotions into words. “It’s home, Buffy.”

She leaned forward and kissed him gently. “Call the real estate in the morning.”

He held her tighter as she snuggled back up against him.

“I had a similar dream.” She admitted drowsily.

He smiled as he felt her relax in his arms again. “I love you, Buffy.”

“Mm…you too.” She whispered. “Exhausted.”

He brushed a kiss against her head and sighed happily. “Go back to sleep, darling.”

“M’kay…”

He chuckled softly and closed his eyes as sleep overtook her again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She awoke to find the room brightly lit with sunlight and his side of the bed empty. She yawned as she sat up and stretched. She climbed out of bed and grabbed a t-shirt from the top of the dresser and slid it on. Walking down the stairs, she smiled when she saw him sitting at the table with a cup of tea and papers laid out in front of him.

“You let me sleep in…”

He grinned as he turned to look at her. “Mm, yes. You were sleeping so soundly that I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

She made her way into the kitchen, pausing only to give him a quick good morning kiss, and pulled the orange juice out of the refrigerator. “How long have you been up?”

“A couple of hours. There was some paperwork that I needed to get through.”

“Paperwork?” She walked back in and sat down beside of him with her glass of juice. “I figured you were researching something. Whatever happened with that celestial thing?”

“The celestial activities in correlation with demon behaviour?” He smiled as she nodded, draining the juice from her glass. “Still working on it. Apparently, the heavenly bodies aren’t in alignment as of yet.”

She laughed softly, and then glanced at the papers on the table. “So, what’s the paperwork all about?”

He nervously shuffled the papers into one pile and cleared his throat. “Oh, I…uh…well, I had the money from the trust fund transferred into my account. After we buy the house and a car, I’ll put the rest in a high interest account which we can transfer into a trust fund for our children at a later date.”

“Huh…” She looked up when he turned his head to look at her, his eyes asking what ‘huh’ meant. “I didn’t realize you could do that over the phone. Don’t you have to fill out forms and all that?”

He shook his head as his eyes smiled. “Normally, yes. But, when I moved to Sunnydale, I had the process changed in case I needed to get the money quickly.”

“So, instead of forms…”

“A tangled web of passwords and codes. Quite tedious, really. Nevertheless, the money is now in my bank account.”

“Cool.” She smiled up at him and glanced at the phone. “Have you called the real estate?”

“No. I…I wanted to wait for you. It’s our house, I wasn’t going to call them without you being here.”

She picked up the cordless phone and handed it to him. “It’s not our house yet.”

He smiled as he took the phone from her and grabbed his wallet, pulling the estate agent’s business card out.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She hopped onto the breakfast bar, smiling broadly as he stepped over to her. She had just spoken to the Scoobies and asked if they could come over and now she was on the phone with her mother.

“No really, Mom, you need to sit down.” She rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. “If I’m asked that question one more time, I’m seriously going to scream.”

He chuckled and moved in between her legs and rested his palms on her thighs.

“Okay, you’re sitting, right?” She paused for a second and took a deep breath. “We just bought a house.”

He grinned as she pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it.

“You weren’t sitting, were you?” She laughed softly. “It’s on Jamison, number 232.”

“No, it’s the brick one...three doors down from the corner.”

She lifted her free hand and draped her arm over his shoulder, her fingers caressing the back of his neck.

“It’ll be a couple of weeks before everything is finalized. Which is good, because that gives Giles time to break the lease here.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “No...we probably won’t move in until after the wedding.”

“No, it’s definitely ours. Giles made an offer that the owners couldn’t really pass up.”

Giles smiled shyly. He had offered fifty thousand dollars more than the asking price. The house was definitely worth more than they were asking for, as they were moving across country and needed to sell quickly.

She looked into his eyes and smiled warmly. “Yeah, I’ll tell him, Mom. I’ll talk to you later okay?”

After exchanging goodbyes, she ended the call and sighed as he took the phone from her hand. He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly as he dropped the phone onto the counter. She draped her other arm over his other shoulder and smiled as he pulled back to look at her.

“Happy?” He exhaled slowly as her fingers on her left hand played with the soft tendrils of hair covering the nape of his neck.

“Blissfully.”

She gently pulled him forward, covering his mouth with hers.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The front door opened and Anya snorted at the sight in front of them. Buffy was perched on the bar, Giles was between her legs. Her arms were over his shoulders, her fingers tangled in his hair. His hands were on her outer thighs. And...they were so involved with the kiss that they hadn’t heard the door open.

“Are you wanting us to see you having sex?”

Hearing Anya’s voice, Giles pulled from the kiss and turned around to face her. “Well, no. That’s why we’re not having sex.”

For once, Anya was at a loss for words. Buffy laughed softly as Giles moved slightly away from her. The others filed into the living room and Giles walked around the bar and into the kitchen.

Xander flopped onto the couch, grinning up at Giles when he placed a tray of chocolate chip cookies on the coffee table in front of him. “So, what’s the big?”

Anya’s eyes brightened and Buffy jumped down from the bar, shaking her head. “Don’t even ask, Anya. The answer is still no.”

Giles chuckled and leaned against the edge of the dining table.

Willow shifted anxiously next to Oz. “You gonna keep us in suspense or what?”

Giles glanced at Buffy and gave her a quick nod. She moved to stand in front of him, grinning when she felt his hand lightly caress her lower back.

“We bought the house on Jamison!”

Giles’ smile grew as he listened to Buffy and their friends excitedly discuss the house. He was caught up in a daydream about his future life with Buffy when his mind registered that Willow had asked a question.

“I’m sorry?”

Buffy chuckled and turned her head to look at him. “Where were you?”

He blushed lightly. “Obviously not here. But I’m back now.”

Willow laughed and repeated her question. “Have you started making the arrangements?”

Giles narrowed his eyes in confusion. “Arrangements?”

“For the wedding...”

“Oh!” He shook his head slowly. “No, no we haven’t.”

Willow’s eyes widened. “Giles!”

“What? We have the date set...”

Oz smirked, realizing that Willow was getting ready to go on a tirade. His smirk turned into a full-fledged smile when it began.

“Yeah! And that’s like, less than five weeks away! There’s flowers to order, a minister to hire, invitations to send out, a reception to plan, a church to find, and...”

Giles stared at her in amazement. Buffy cleared her throat softly, catching Willow’s attention.

“Will...this is going to be a simple thing. And by simple, I mean simple. No church, no fancy flowers...” She thought for a minute. “You’re right about the minister, that we’ll need. As for invitations, the majority of people who will be there consist of you guys. I mean, I’ll probably invite my father, because...well, I don’t know why, but I suppose I will. And Angel, Cordelia, Wesley, and Gunn...but other than that...that’s it. I don’t need, or want, a hundred people sitting down and watching us pledge our eternal love to one another.”

“But, what about Giles’ family?”

Giles gave her a half smile. “You are my family, Willow. All of you. My parents are gone, I have no siblings...I’m sure that I have cousins around somewhere, but I’ve never been exceptionally close to them.”

“But...”

Giles shook his head, quickly interrupting her. “All I want is to marry the woman I’m in love with.”

Willow finally relented and, after a few moments, gave him a smile. “You really are an extraordinarily sweet man.”

“Yes, well. Um, you do have a point, nevertheless.” Buffy grinned as he changed the subject quickly.

“I do?”

He nodded and glanced at Buffy. “We do need to call L.A. and speak to Angel. Not only about the wedding, but...well...um...”

“You and Buffy making babies and needing his help for the first month?” Anya spoke up in an attempt to be helpful.

Buffy laughed at the look of bewilderment on Giles’ face. Giles shook his head slowly and took a deep breath.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy had left to go on patrol after sunset, taking the rest of the Scoobies with her. He was currently sitting at his desk, a book lying open in front of him. He glanced at the phone and sighed nervously as he picked it up. He and Buffy had discussed which one of them would speak to Angel, and they had reached the decision that he would be the one to do it. Buffy simply thought it would be easier for Giles, and Giles had secretly agreed...but it didn’t make it any less nerve-wracking.

He slowly dialled the number and leaned back in his chair. He took a deep breath as Angel answered the phone.

“Hello, Angel.”

“Giles, hi.” His voice held surprise and a hint of fear. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes. Yes, all is well. I, uh...well, Buffy and I...well, we’ve set a date. For the wedding. And...we’d like to invite the four of you to come.”

Angel smiled as he took down the details. “We’ll be there.”

“Good, good. It shall be nice to see Cordelia again.”

Angel laughed softly. “Are you sure you’re okay, Giles?”

“Hm? Oh, yes...I...” He inhaled deeply. “It’s just that I have a favour to ask of you.”

“Yeah? What is it?”

Giles closed his eyes and licked his dry lips. “Buffy and I...we’re going to start...well, we’re wanting to start a family. Sooner...rather than later.”

“A baby?” Angel tilted his head. “She’s pregnant?”

Giles laughed in spite of his nervousness. “No, not yet. But, we’re working on it.”

“Okay...and where does the favour come in to play?”

“I...bloody hell, I’ll just say it.”

Angel grinned. “That’d be helpful.”

“When Buffy falls pregnant, she’ll be extremely vulnerable for the first month. During that month, I’ll have to take over patrols.”

Angel scowled. “Why you?”

“It’s the protocol. The Watcher takes over for the Slayer for the first month.”

“I can’t imagine Buffy would be happy about that.”

Giles smiled sadly. “No, she’s not. In fact, she was so unhappy about it that she nearly backed out of starting a family.”

“What can I do?”

Giles exhaled slowly. “Would it be possible for you to come back to Sunnydale for that month? She...we would feel safer if you were able to help on patrols and such.”

Angel’s smile grew. “Let me know when to be there.”

Giles smiled in relaxation. “Thank you, Angel.”

“Anything to help you and Buffy.” He paused as Giles registered the sincerity in the vampire’s words. “I’ve never seen Buffy happier than when she looks at you.”

“It’s very much reciprocated.” Giles answered quietly.

Angel nodded in agreement. “I know.” He cleared his throat and circled a date on the calendar sitting on his desk. “We’ll see you in a few weeks then.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of you again.”

Angel chuckled. “At least it’s for a non-evil reason this time. Tell Buffy hi?”

“I shall. Goodnight, Angel.”

“Goodnight, Giles.”

He ended the call just as the front door opened. His smile faded as Oz and Buffy rushed in carrying an unconscious Xander, Willow and Anya following behind them.

“What the hell happened?” He stood up quickly, knocking his chair over.

Buffy rolled her eyes as they deposited Xander onto the couch. “You know how it’s not a good idea to run in the dark...in a cemetery with big trees?”

Giles grabbed the first aid kit from beside the desk and ran to the couch. “Yes.”

“Well, Xander learned the hard way. Tripped over a tree root and smacked his head while he was running from a vampire.”

Giles was busy cleaning the scrapes on Xander’s head when the boy opened his eyes and groaned. His eyes focused on Giles and he smiled wearily.

“Aren’t you the one who’s supposed to get knocked out?”

Giles laughed gently, knowing that Xander was going to be just fine.

Chapter Thirty

Two weeks had gone by with relative ease. Xander had a headache for a few days, but there was no lasting damage. Willow and Buffy had written a to-do list of things that needed to be done before the wedding. Giles had been shocked at the length of the list when they had handed it to him. He chuckled to himself as he leaned against the headboard and picked the list up from the bedside table.

Most of the items had been crossed off. He smiled as he picked up the pen and drew a line through ‘house closing’ and ‘break apartment lease’. There were three things left on the list: pick up rings, buy new car, and call Council.

The jeweller had called that afternoon and stated that the rings would be ready for collection on the following day. Buffy and Giles had discussed what type of car they would buy, and after narrowing it down to three different models, they had decided to visit a couple of dealerships before picking up the rings. He took a deep breath and sighed. That left one thing to do.

He glanced at the clock and did a quick calculation. Buffy would be back from patrol in about an hour. He had promised her that he’d call the Council before she returned home. They both knew that he was just putting it off because he really didn’t want to speak to Quentin Travers. They also both knew that, unfortunately, it was unavoidable.

He picked up the phone and quickly dialled a number. The phone rang twice before it was answered.

“Quentin Travers, please.”

“May I ask who’s calling, please?”

“Rupert Giles.”

There was silence for a moment, and then the voice returned.

“Mr. Giles. I, uh...this is Mr. Giles? Buffy Summers’ Watcher?”

Giles chuckled at the awe in the voice. “That is correct. I need to speak to Mr. Travers. Is he available?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. He’s, he’s actually in a meeting at the moment. I could, if you’d like, leave a message for him. To, uh...to return your call.”

“Thank you. Please tell him that it’s fairly urgent.” He paused for a second, hearing the young man inhale sharply. “I need to give him an update on some details.”

The man exhaled slowly, obviously relieved that apparently there was nothing amiss with the Slayer. “I will ask Mr. Travers to call you as soon as his meeting has concluded, Mr. Giles.”

“Thank you, uh...I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Oh, it’s...Watts, sir. Peter Watts.”

Giles smiled. “Thank you again, Mr. Watts.”

Peter shook his head in disbelief as the line disconnected. “I actually spoke to the Rupert Giles!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Buffy closed the door behind her, smiling as she turned off the lamp downstairs. He always left the light on for her so that she didn’t have to walk into a dark room. She glanced up at the loft and wondered if he was still awake. The light was on upstairs, but it was very quiet in the apartment.

She climbed the stairs quietly, her smile widening as she took in the sight of her sleeping lover. He was propped up with pillows behind his back, the blankets pulled up to his waist, and a book lying open on his lap. His chest was bare, which didn’t surprise her at all. In the past few months, he had started detesting wearing a shirt to bed. What brought a soft laugh from her was the fact that he had fallen asleep wearing his glasses.

She quickly undressed and climbed under the blankets beside of him. She rolled her eyes as she glanced down at the book.

“How can you fall asleep reading this?” She reached up and gently removed his glasses, placing them on his bedside table.

He opened his eyes sleepily and smiled. “You fall asleep researching quite frequently.”

She laughed as she leaned forward and kissed his lips. “Yeah, but that’s me. You find this stuff exhilarating.” She combed her fingers through his hair, her voice softening. “You must be exhausted.”

“Mm.” He closed his eyes at her touch and sighed. “It has been a hectic couple of weeks.”

As her fingers trailed down the side of his neck, he opened his eyes. “But...I think I’m waking up now.”

She grinned at him as his hand lifted and brushed through her hair. “Did you call the Council?”

He nodded as his fingers traced her cheekbone. “Left a message for Travers to call me back. How was patrol?”

“Busy night.” She sighed as he removed his hand and reached for his Diary. “Can I give you the details in the morning?”

He looked into her eyes as she pulled his hand back to her. “Well, documentation...”

“Is imperative.” She finished for him, a sparkle showing in her eyes. “I know and I’ll remember all the details in the morning.” She brought his hand to her lips and lightly kissed his fingertips. “But, there’s something else I’d rather do right now...”

“Oh?”

She slid down beside of him and pulled him over her. “Yes. And...it has absolutely nothing to do with vampires.”

He grinned and bent his head to kiss her. “Good to know.”

She opened her mouth to him, groaning as his tongue caressed hers. Her fingers tightened in his hair as she returned the kiss with a passion that equalled his. His hand moved to her breast and, as his palm pressed against her erect nipple, he felt the moan rumble in her chest.

After moving his hand to the soft curls between her thighs and feeling her wetness, he gave a groan of his own and shifted enough to push his pajama pants down and off. He pulled his mouth from hers and stared into her eyes as his fingers circled her clitoris.

“You’re so wet...” He whispered huskily.

She nodded, arching her hips to meet his hand. “Your fault.” He gasped as her fingers touched his erection. “And you’re hard...”

“Yes, and that...would be your fault.” His eyes closed briefly as her thumb rubbed across the head. “Buffy...”

She met his eyes and licked her lips. “Would you mind if we kinda skipped the foreplay right now?”

He shook his head slowly and moved between her thighs. “I want you.”

She grinned and lifted her legs around his hips. “Make love to me, Giles.”

His eyes closed in pleasure as he slowly entered her. He stilled his hips and gazed into her eyes. Her hand lightly stroked the side of his face.

“What is it?”

He offered her a gentle smile. “It...always feels like the first time.”

She returned his smile and shifted her hips slightly. “I know what you mean.”

He leaned down and kissed her as he began to slowly thrust his hips.

They both moaned in frustration as the phone began to ring. He dropped his head to her shoulder, swearing softly. She rubbed his back soothingly with one hand as her other reached to grab the offending object.

She fought to control her breathing as she lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Ah, Miss Summers.”

She rolled her eyes and caught herself before she mentioned his impeccable timing. “Quentin.”

“Bloody hell...” Giles groaned against her skin.

“I trust all is well with you?”

“Yep, all good. Sunnydale is just chock full of demony goodness as always.”

Travers narrowed his eyes at her use of the English language. “Yes, well, I suppose it would be. I had a message to call Rupert. Would he be there at the moment?”

Buffy bit back her laughter. “Oh, yeah...he’s definitely here. Hold on.”

She covered the phone with her hand and kissed the side of his head. “For you.”

He pushed himself up, inadvertently pushing deeper within her, causing them both to groan. He took a deep breath and shifted his lower body to withdraw from her. She tightened her legs, holding him in place. She shook her head when his eyes darted to hers.

“Stay.”

He inhaled sharply and gave her a quick nod as he reached for the phone. Just as he began to lift it to his ear, she quickly rolled him onto his back. Another groan escaped him as she followed his body until she was straddling him.

“Yes?”

“Hello, Rupert. You rang earlier?”

“Yes, yes I did.”

He closed his eyes and clenched his fingers against her thigh as she slowly rocked against him.

“Is this regarding your impending nuptials?”

He bit his lip, fighting the urge to thrust his hips against her. “Uh-huh, yeah it is...”

She chuckled softly and stopped her movements.

Travers cleared his throat. “Is everything okay, Rupert?”

Giles opened his eyes, silently pleading with Buffy not to move. “Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to let you know that Buffy and I have set the wedding date.”

“Oh? And when is the happy day?”

He rolled his eyes at the sarcastic tone in Travers’ voice. “Two weeks from Friday.”

“That soon?” Quentin tapped his pen against the pad in front of him. “Rupert, is your Slayer pregnant?”

Giles barked out a laugh. “No. Not yet at any rate.”

“Yet?”

His fingers loosened on her thigh and moved to her hip. He smiled up at her as he arched his hips, giving her permission to move. He sighed softly as she rocked against him.

“Children are definitely in our plans.”

“Rupert, you are aware of the consequences? The fact that you, as her Watcher, will have to take over her duties for a month?”

“Uh-huh, all taken care of. Well aware of the consequences.” He gripped her hip and thrust harder against her.

“There needs to be a Council representative present for your nuptials.”

“Send Watts.”

“Watts? He’s but a Yearling.”

Giles smiled as Buffy held back a moan. “Thought so. Send Watts.”

“Rupert...”

“Quentin, if you’re going to argue with me over this, can you call back tomorrow?”

“What?”

“I’m...slightly busy at the moment. I don’t...really want to argue with you over this.”

“Busy? Rupert...” Quentin pulled the phone from his ear and stared at it when he heard a distinct female moan come across the line. “Rupert?”

“Send Peter Watts. I’m going now...if you have an issue with my request, call tomorrow.”

Quentin stared at the phone again as Giles disconnected the call abruptly.

***

Buffy grinned down at Giles as he tossed the phone back onto the bedside table and used both hands to hold her hips. “Are you going or...coming?”

“Coming...definitely coming. If you keep that up.” He returned her grin and pulled her hips down against his.

“Don’t plan on stopping...”

His glazed eyes widened as he watched her hands cover her breasts. He groaned as her fingers pinched and rolled her nipples.

“Buffy...”

“Are you as close as I am?” She smiled as he nodded. “Do you want to come together?”

“Yes...”

He gasped as her hand slid down her torso towards their junction.

“Do you want to come now?”

He groaned loudly and nodded again.

“Do you want me to touch myself while I’m on top of you?”

“God, yes.”

His stomach muscles quivered as he watched her fingers circle her hardened clit.

“Feels so....good, Giles...”

“Uh-huh...”

Her fingers began to move quickly, rapidly bringing herself towards her orgasm as he continued to thrust into her. He gave another groan when he felt her inner muscles begin to shudder around him.

“Christ! Buffy...please...”

She stared into his eyes, smiling as she felt him expand inside of her. “Not long...I’m...right there...” She grabbed his hand from her hip and moaned loudly. “Help me...help me make us come...”

His fingers moved with hers and she called his name as her climax started. Her violently convulsing walls proved to be his undoing and he screamed her name as his semen flooded her. He moved their hands away from her quivering clitoris and laced their fingers together as she collapsed on top of him.

He kissed the top of her head as his free hand rubbed her back. She turned her head slightly and pressed a kiss onto his heaving chest.

“God, I love you.”

He chuckled softly and licked his dry lips. “You too.”

She looked into his eyes as he carefully rolled them onto their sides. She gasped softly as his softening flesh slipped from her.

“You’re not upset with me, are you?”

He narrowed his eyes in confusion and brushed her damp hair away from her face. “Why would I be upset with you?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “You were on the phone...”

He laughed and shook his head. “Yes, with my boss who I severely dislike. If I was speaking to someone I like or was having a serious conversation with someone, I might be slightly upset. But, no...I’m not upset with you in the least.”

She smiled brightly. He kissed her softly and then pulled back, revealing a huge grin.

“What?”

“I’m reasonably sure that he heard you.”

She flushed immediately in embarrassment, causing him to laugh. “Giles!”

“Like I said, it was Travers...I don’t exactly care.”

She thought back over the part of the conversation that she was able to hear and sat up quickly, resting her hand on his chest.

“Did he ask you if I was pregnant?”

He covered her hand with his and nodded. “That he did. I told you that he probably would.”

“And what did he say about our plans for children?”

His fingers lightly caressed the back of her hand. “He wanted to make sure I knew the consequences. Which we do. That’s as far as I let him go with that conversation.”

“Oh, okay.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Who is Peter Watts and why do you want him sent here?”

“Quentin said that a Council representative had to be present for the wedding. I requested Peter Watts to come.”

“But...who is he?”

Giles smiled. “He answered the phone when I called to speak to Quentin. He seemed quite pleasant.”

Buffy laughed softly. “Quite pleasant? Does that mean that when you told him who you were, he went all ‘oh my God, you’re Rupert Giles’?”

“Well, no. Not exactly.” He laughed with her. “He didn’t say those words. He asked if I was Buffy Summers’ Watcher. He genuinely seemed like a rather nice fellow. Quentin said he was a Yearling and seemed rather reluctant to send him, but I think it would be good for him.”

“A Yearling? What...is he a deer?”

Giles laughed loudly and pulled her back down to him. “No one has ever made me laugh the way you do...”

She grinned at him, allowing him to pull her into his embrace. “That’s good, yeah?”

He nodded slowly. “Very good.” He reached over and turned the light off before settling down beside of her. “No one has ever made me happy enough to make me laugh the way you do.”

She snuggled up against him, sighing happily. “You know what amazes me about you?”

“What?”

“It doesn’t matter what’s going on...even if we’re arguing...you have the ability to say absolutely the sweetest things to me.”

“It’s not intentional...”

“I wasn’t saying it’s a bad thing, Giles.”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “That’s not what I meant. I just meant that I only say what I’m feeling.”

“See? You did it again!”

“Buffy, darling?”

“What?”

“Go to sleep.”

They shared another round of soft laughter and then settled down for a good night’s sleep.

Part Four

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