32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40

 

Chapter Thirty-One

 

Buffy smiled at him as he turned into the car dealership’s parking lot.  He raised an eyebrow at her, turning off the ignition.

 

“What is it, Buffy?”

 

“Nothing.”  She chuckled as he continued to stare at her.  “I was just wondering how we’re supposed to get the new car home, if we buy one today.  I mean, wouldn’t it have been easier if we asked Mom to bring us?”

 

He pulled the keys out of the ignition and turned slightly towards her.  “It would’ve been.  However, your mother had a rather large shipment due in today and was unable to leave.  Besides, if we do decide to purchase one of these automobiles, I’ll drive the Citroen home and you can drive the new one.”

 

Her eyes widened in surprise.  “You’d let me drive a brand new car?”

 

“Why wouldn’t I?  Buffy, it’s not as if you can’t drive.”

 

“You never let me drive this car...”

 

“You can’t drive a manual.”

 

She laughed softly.  “Well, there is that.”

 

He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss.  “Come on, shall we see if we can find something to our liking?”

 

She rolled her eyes in amusement and climbed out of the car.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Two hours and four test drives later, they had decided on a dark blue four-door Ford Explorer.  Buffy laughed heartily when the sales manager asked Giles if he wanted to factor in the Citroen as a trade-in.  When the manager gave Buffy a curious look, she waved her hand in a nonchalant manner and grinned.

 

“As if he’d ever get rid of it.”

 

Giles smiled shyly and shrugged his shoulders.  “I am rather attached to it.”

 

The salesman laughed and nodded in understanding.  “It happens.  My wife doesn’t understand it either.”

 

They sat down and filled out the paperwork quickly and Giles pulled out his checkbook.  Because they weren’t financing the purchase, the sales manager gave them a hearty discount much to Giles’ surprise.  Buffy grinned at him.

 

“No discounts in England?”

 

“Not as such, no.”

 

The manager laughed as he added his own signature to the paperwork.  “How long have you been in America, Mr. Giles?”

 

“Four years.”

 

“And three months and twelve days.”  Buffy added with a proud smile.

 

Giles glanced at her and returned her smile.  “Yes, well.”

 

“Plan on staying permanently?”

 

Giles nodded and pulled the check out after signing it.  “We’ve just bought a house.”

 

“Congratulations.  Hopefully, the Explorer will go well with it.”

 

Giles chuckled as he handed their copy of the paperwork to Buffy.  “I’m rather sure it will.”

 

The three of them stood up, the sales manager shaking their hands as he handed Giles the keys to their new car. 

 

“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Giles.”

 

“And you.”  He handed the keys to Buffy and smiled.  “Thank you, Mr. Thompson.”

 

Giles ushered Buffy out of the showroom and led her to the Explorer with the temporary tags already in place.  He opened the car door for her and leaned down to kiss her softly before she climbed in.  He pulled back when she tried to deepen the kiss and chuckled.

 

“Not here.”

 

She huffed at him as she climbed into the driver’s seat.  “You really need to get over your fear of pda’s.”

 

He laughed and leaned inside to kiss her again.  “I have no fear.  I just think it’s tacky to have a full-on make-out session in front of complete strangers.  I’ll follow you home and we’ll drop of the Citroen and then head to the jewellers?”

 

She nodded quickly, smiling brightly at him as he stepped back and closed the car door.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

She took hold of his hand as they walked through the door to the jewellers.  He looked down at her and smiled.

 

“You okay?”

 

“Yep, excited!”

 

He chuckled and led her to the counter.  The lady looked up at him and grinned brightly.

 

“Mr. Giles, nice to see you again.”

 

Giles smiled back at her.  “Hello, Mrs. Jackson.  Your husband rang me yesterday and said that our rings would be available today.”

 

She nodded quickly.  “Yes, they are.  I’ll be right back.”

 

Buffy chuckled softly as the woman practically ran into the backroom.  “You a regular customer here?”

 

He smirked as he looked down at her.   He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted when Mrs. Jackson came back to the counter with a small box in her hands.  She smiled happily at him as she placed the box down in front of them.

 

He took a deep breath and, after casting Buffy a quick glance, he reached out and carefully opened the box.  Hearing Buffy gasp softly, he turned to look at her.

 

“Buffy?”

 

Her eyes remained focused on the rings, but her hand tightened its grip on his.  “They’re...beautiful.”

 

Mrs. Jackson smiled proudly.  “I may be a bit biased, but my husband does beautiful work.  You should probably try them on, just to make sure the sizes are right.”

 

Giles bit his lip nervously and gingerly plucked the smaller of the two rings out of the box.  He lifted Buffy’s left hand and carefully slipped her engagement ring off, replacing it with the wedding band.  He looked into her eyes as he slid the engagement ring back onto her finger, completing the set.

 

“Comfortable?”  He asked softly.

 

She nodded wordlessly and looked back down at her hand.  “It’s...perfect.”

 

He smiled lovingly at her at she reached over and took his ring from the box.  He carefully pulled the black onyx ring from his pinky and moved it to his right hand.  Her soft fingers trembled lightly as she took hold of his hand and slid the ring onto his finger.

 

She noticed that he had removed his Watcher’s ring and looked up at him.  “Isn’t that supposed to be on your left hand?  A sign of loyalty or whatever?”

 

He nodded slowly.  “Yes, but...this ring is more important to me.”

 

Her eyes glistened quickly with tears of happiness before she looked back down at his hand.  “Oh my God...”

 

“What?”

 

She looked back up quickly, hearing the concerned tone in his voice, and offered him a gentle smile.  “It’s just...it looks...”  She sighed softly.  “Wow...”

 

He relaxed and nodded in understanding.  He looked back up at Mrs. Jackson, who was smiling broadly with tears in her eyes.

 

“I think that we’ll take them, Mrs. Jackson.  Please, thank your husband for us.”

 

She nodded quickly, wiping her hand across her eye.  “He’ll be very pleased that you’re so happy with them.  And...they do look quite exquisite on the both of you.”

 

Giles smiled as he looked down at the gold bands on their fingers.  “I must say that I agree.”

 

Buffy pouted as he slowly removed the rings and placed them back in the box.  “But, I want to wear it...”

 

He chuckled, shaking his head as he closed the box and slipped it into his pocket.  “This was purely to make sure the sizes were correct.  You can wear it in two weeks...”

 

Her pout quickly turned into a smile.  “For the rest of my life.”

 

The smile sparkled in his eyes as he nodded.  “Yes.”

 

He handed his credit card to Mrs. Jackson without taking his gaze away from Buffy.  Mrs. Jackson sighed happily at the thought that she had never seen two people more in love, with the exception of her and her husband.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Xander whistled in appreciation as he lightly trailed his finger down the side of the Explorer. 

 

“Damn, Giles...new house, new car...how much does the Council pay to be a Watcher?  I’m thinking a career change for me.”

 

Buffy laughed as Giles shook his head in mild amusement.

 

“I have been saving for a few years, Xander.” 

 

“Big spending spree though...”

 

Giles tilted his head in thought.  “I’m not exactly sure that it’s considered a ‘spree’ if you’re purchasing items of necessity.”

 

Xander narrowed his eyes and gestured towards the Citroen.  “But, you already had a car.  So, this...isn’t really a necessity, is it?”

 

Buffy shook her head as she laughed.  “It is when you want to start a family.”

 

Xander thought for a minute and then nodded.  “Point taken.”

 

Willow climbed out of the passenger seat of the Explorer and grinned at Buffy.  “Have you gotten your rings yet?”

 

Giles and Buffy looked at each other and smiled before Buffy nodded.  “Yeah, we have them.”

 

Willow’s eyes widened.  “Ooh!  Can I see them?”

 

“Absolutely not.”  Giles’ voice was quiet, yet stern.

 

Willow’s face fell.  “Why not?”

 

“Tradition.”  Buffy answered quickly with a grin.  “I’m marrying a traditional guy with traditional values.  Bad luck for anyone to see the rings before the wedding.”

 

“But, I’m not ‘anyone’...I’m me, Willow...your best friend.”  Willow pouted.  “Besides, isn’t it tradition to not have sex before marriage?”

 

“I’m not that traditional.”  Giles looked up quickly to see Buffy, Xander, and Willow staring at him in amusement.  “Bloody hell.  When I want you to listen to me, you never do.  The minute I say something without thinking, all ears on me.”

 

He turned and walked into the apartment, grumbling as the other three broke into laughter.

 

Chapter Thirty-Two

 

Willow shook her head in confusion as she followed Buffy into the jewellery store.  “Buffy?  Why are we here?”

 

Buffy grinned at her friend.  “Tradition.”

 

“Tradition?  Whose tradition?”

 

“It’s a Giles family tradition.”

 

Willow narrowed her eyes.  “Oh, now I understand…in the way that I don’t.”

 

Buffy laughed and gave Mrs. Jackson a friendly wave.  “Giles told me one time that it’s tradition in his family that a week before the wedding, the couple exchange a gift of jewellery.”

 

Willow nodded slowly.  “Oh, okay.  Why?”

 

Buffy shrugged her shoulders.  “I’m not sure.  Giles isn’t even clear on why or how it started.”

 

“So, what are you getting him?”

 

Buffy looked up as Mrs. Jackson placed a small box on the counter in front of her.

 

“How are you, soon-to-be Mrs. Giles?”

 

Willow grinned.  “Come here often, Buffy?”

 

Buffy chuckled softly.  “We got our wedding rings here.”  She turned to the older lady and smiled brightly.  “I’m very well.  How are you, Mrs. Jackson?”

 

“I’m wonderful.”  She glanced down at Buffy’s hand and smiled.  “I see that you weren’t able to get your handsome fiancé to succumb.”

 

Buffy laughed and shook her head.  “No, he’s pretty determined that I wait until the wedding.”

 

Willow watched the exchange in amusement.

 

“Well, it’s not long now, is it?”

 

“Next Friday.”  She looked down at the box and sighed happily.  “May I?”

 

“Of course, dear.  I wouldn’t dream of letting you leave without looking at it first.”

 

Buffy slowly opened the lid as Willow leaned forward to have a look.

 

Buffy exhaled slowly and smiled.  “Once again, your husband has done a perfect job!”

 

Willow tilted her head.  “You got him an earring?”

 

Buffy pulled the earring out of the box and held it up.  It was a small diameter, the size he preferred, but it was a little thicker than he normally wore.  “He doesn’t wear necklaces, a ring would’ve been pointless…”

 

“Why not a watch?”

 

Buffy laughed.  “I thought about it, but he’s as attached to his watch as he is the Citroen.  Besides, you’ve seen how hot he looks when he wears an earring.”

 

She suddenly blushed and looked up at the lady grinning back at her.  “Sorry Mrs. Jackson.”

 

Mrs. Jackson laughed heartily and waved her hand.  “Don’t apologize, I can well imagine it’s a nice look on him.”

 

Willow looked more closely at the earring.  “It is beautiful.  Is that…did you have it engraved?”

 

“Yep.”  She turned it so Willow could read the inscription on the inside.

 

“Semper tui.”  Willow sighed as she looked at Buffy.  “I think you made a good choice.”

 

“I just hope he likes it.”

 

Mrs. Jackson smiled.  “I think Mr. Giles is going to love it.”

 

Willow nodded in agreement as Buffy pulled out her wallet.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Giles looked up from the mountain of books and papers in front of him on the table as the front door opened.  He smiled as she walked in and dropped her purse onto the desk.

 

“Hello, have a nice time with Willow?”

 

“Mm-hm.”  She returned his smile as she took in his appearance.

 

His hair was still wet and slightly curly from his shower and he was dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a light blue button-up shirt.  She grinned as she walked behind him and draped her arms over his shoulders.

 

“A freshly showered Giles.  I like.”

 

He chuckled softly.  “I shower every day, Buffy.  Sometimes even more than once.”

 

She placed a kiss on the top of his head.  “I know.  But do you have any idea how sexy you look with towel-dried hair?”

 

“Well, no…actually.”  He shook his head in amusement.

 

“Well, you do…it’s quite a turn on for me.”  She leaned over his shoulder.  “Whatcha doin’, anyway?”

 

He wrote down another line on the paper in front of him.  “Translating this text into English.”

 

“Oh.”  She placed a soft kiss behind his ear, smiling as his hand stopped writing.  “Important stuff?  Like…prophecy important?”

 

He cleared his throat, trying to regain his focus on the ancient language in front of him.  “Probably not prophecy important, but…um…important nonetheless.”

 

“What’s it say?”

 

“On the fourth day after the…”  He dropped his pen from his grip, groaning as she took his earlobe into her mouth.  “Oh, God.”

 

She released the lobe and whispered into his ear.  “Feel like taking a break?”

 

He pushed his chair back as she moved to his side, her fingers brushing through his damp hair.  He met her eyes as she quickly climbed onto his lap, straddling him.

 

He offered her a smile.  “I, uh…yes, I think I could do with a break.”

 

She leaned forward, removing his glasses and placing them on the table.  She captured his lips, quickly pouring her passion for him into the kiss.  His tongue slipped between her parted lips as his hands threaded through her hair.  She shifted slightly on his lap, groaning into his mouth when she felt him begin to harden underneath her.

 

Her fingers found the buttons on his shirt and quickly began to undo them.  She felt him gasp as her hands roamed across his bare chest.  His left hand moved between them and quickly undid the button on her jeans.  He tilted his head back as she broke the kiss to trail her lips down his throat.  She shivered in anticipation as his right hand moved under her shirt to find the clasp to her bra, his fingers nimbly unhooking it.

 

He leaned forward, moving his lips to her neck as he gently pushed her back against the edge of the table.  His left hand slipped under the front of her shirt, moving to caress her breast.  He pushed himself up slightly, his right hand reaching out to push the books and papers out of his way.

 

Just as he was getting ready to lay her across the table, the front door swung open.

 

“Where’s Xander?”

 

Giles quickly removed his hand from Buffy’s breast and moved back to the chair, turning his head to glare at the ex-demon.

 

“What happened to knocking?”  He growled as Buffy sat up and crossed her arms in front of her.

 

“What happened to locking the door?”  Anya shot back, seemingly oblivious to what she had walked in on.  “Where’s Xander?”

 

He glanced quickly at Buffy and sighed heavily.  “He…is taking care of something for me.”

 

Anya placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes.  “You’re making him your errand boy so you can have orgasms?”

 

Giles took a deep breath, trying to calm himself so he didn’t lose his temper.  “No, Anya.  I had two things to take care of today and they conflicted with one another.  Xander offered to take care of one of them for me.” 

 

“Oh…well, still…”

 

At that moment, Xander walked in through the open door.  “Hey, Giles…all good to…”

 

He trailed off as he took in the sight before him.  He blushed heavily as he noticed Giles sitting in the chair, his shirt completely unbuttoned, and Buffy sitting on the table, her arms crossed in front of her.

 

“Oh, uh…sorry, I…I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

 

Giles rolled his eyes and pulled his shirt closed.  “You didn’t.”

 

Anything Xander was getting ready to say was cut off as his girlfriend threw herself into his arms. 

 

“Why didn’t you tell me that you would be late?  I was worried about you!”

 

Xander looked puzzled as he stared at Anya.  “I’m not late, An.  I was going to meet you at four.”

 

Anya held out her wrist for him to see her watch.  “It IS four!”

 

“An, honey…it’s three.  You didn’t change the time on your watch.”

 

“Oh.”  She turned around and looked at the Watcher.  “I found Xander.”

 

Giles glared at her and leaned back in his chair.  “So I noticed.”

 

She grinned broadly and waved her hand at him.  “So, you can finish your orgasm now.”

 

Xander’s face reddened even more.  Buffy’s face dropped into her hands as she tried not to laugh.  Giles continued to glare icily.

 

“Thank you, Anya.  I do appreciate having your permission.”  His eyes darted towards Xander, his glare softening.  “Everything’s alright?”

 

Xander nodded quickly.  “Uh-huh, yeah.  All is of the good.”  He quickly grabbed Anya’s arm and pulled her towards the door.  “Talk to you guys later.”

 

As he stepped outside and pulled the door closed, they heard Anya call out.

 

“Don’t forget to lock the door!”

 

Giles closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath as the door latched.  Buffy lifted her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

 

“What was that?”

 

He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling.  “I said ‘thank you for ruining my fucking break’.”

 

She snickered softly as she reached over and picked up his glasses.  “Was that a literal description?”

 

He met her eyes, unable to hold back his smile.  “I suppose it could be considered as such.”

 

She handed him his glasses and reached up to caress his cheek.  “Mood’s completely broken?”

 

“For the moment.”  He sighed unhappily and put his glasses on.  “I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s not your fault.”  She smiled understandingly and slid off the table.  She bent down and placed a soft kiss on his lips.  “So, what was so important that you had to get Xander’s help?”

 

“Oh…the furniture was being delivered to the house.  I asked if he could supervise.”

 

She nodded as she watched him re-button his shirt.  “And…what were you doing?”

 

He gave her a cryptic smile and shook his head.  “If I told you that, it would ruin the surprise.”

 

“There’s a surprise?”

 

Giles laughed at the probing tone in her voice.  “I’m not telling you.”

 

She gave him a mock-pout and huffed.  “Fine.  Maybe I have a surprise for you too.  But…not gonna tell ya!”

 

He laughed again, reaching onto the table and straightening the books and papers.  “That’s fair enough.”

 

She watched him silently for a couple of seconds.  “I’m…going to go take a shower while you finish up your translating fun.”  She smiled as he turned towards her.  “You could join me…if you want.”

 

He inhaled deeply.  “I do want.”

 

“But you need to finish?”

 

He nodded sadly.  “I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s okay…you can make it up to me by patrolling with me tonight.”

 

He chuckled softly as he watched her walk down the hall.  With another heavy sigh, he picked up his pen and turned the page in the book.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

“So then I told him ‘you know, if you eat this late, you’re gonna get heartburn’.”

 

Giles laughed and stepped over an overturned headstone.  Buffy looked up at him and grinned.

 

“You know, he didn’t get it.  I actually had to explain it to him.”

 

“Well, most vampires can be a little slow on the uptake when it comes to humour.”  He smiled brightly at her.  “Luckily, I’m not a vampire.”

 

“Nope…you’re British.  Which would explain why you, and only you, got Xander’s moon-pie joke.”

 

He shrugged his shoulders.  “I thought it was funny.”

 

“Uh-huh…and you have no idea how scary that is.”

 

She stopped suddenly and placed her hand on his arm.  “Did you hear that?”

 

He shook his head, pulling a stake out of his jacket pocket.  “No, but I have human hearing.”

 

“And I have dog hearing?”  She gripped her stake and pulled him behind her.  “Don’t do anything stupid, Giles.”

 

His eyes scanned their surroundings.  “Because I normally do?”

 

She turned to look at him.  “No, you’re normally extremely level-headed, but…”

 

His eyes shifted to a point directly behind her.  He pushed her out of the way and jammed the stake into the vampire’s heart as it leapt towards the spot where Buffy was just standing.  She dusted herself off as she stood. 

 

“Remember what I just said?”

 

He brushed the dust off of his shirt and stared at her.  “You’re welcome.”

 

She took a deep breath and looked to her left.  “Looks like his friends have come to play as well.”

 

He followed her gaze and gripped his stake tighter as three more vampires stepped forward.  “It would seem so.”

 

The largest vampire snarled.  “Slayer.”

 

Buffy tilted her head.  “So nice that you’ve heard of me.  I’ll call you Slayee number one.”

 

The vampire glanced at Giles.  “Slayer’s daddy.”

 

Giles took one step away from Buffy to give them both some room.  “Watcher, actually.”

 

The vampire laughed.  “Here to watch your slayer die?”

 

“Actually, no.”  He smiled as Buffy hurled her stake at the vampire.  The beast looked stunned as the stake penetrated his non-beating heart.  “It’s much more satisfying to watch her kill you.”

 

Buffy rolled her eyes and pulled another stake out of her pocket.  “Giles…don’t pun.”

 

“It wasn’t a pun.”  He sidestepped the second vampire as it rushed him.  “I was merely stating a fact, my dear.”

 

The vampire turned suddenly and swung a punch that Giles easily blocked before ducking a second one.  As Giles ducked, the vampire used its free hand to grab him around his throat and lift him off the ground.

 

“Gotcha, Watcher.” 

 

Buffy turned briefly from her attack to check on Giles.  Even though a pang of fear rushed through her when she saw the vampire lift him off the ground, she smiled as he turned the stake in his hand and thrust it upwards through the vampire’s ribcage.

 

As he landed back onto the ground, he rolled his eyes.  “What sort of self-respecting demon says ‘gotcha, Watcher’?”

 

He looked up and made his way to the nearest headstone and watched his Slayer battle the last vampire.  He smiled as she blocked a punch and landed a kick to the side of the vampire’s head.  The vampire stumbled back, shaking his head and glanced towards Giles.

 

“Does he just watch?”

 

“Nope, he just dusted your buddy over there.”

 

“But, he’s just going to stand there and watch me kill you?”

 

Buffy slowly shook her head.  “What tv show are you watching?”

 

Confusion shone in the vampire’s yellow eyes.  “Huh?”

 

“Giles?  How am I doing?”

 

He leaned against the headstone.  “You’re ahead in points.  But, really I’d rather you just stake him and get it over with.”

 

The vampire stared at him and growled.  “Somewhere you’d rather be, Watcher?”

 

“Mm, quite.”  He glanced at Buffy and smiled before directing his eyes back to the vampire.  “As soon as she kills you, I can take her home and make love to her.  So, yes…there’s definitely somewhere else I’d rather be.”

 

The vampire’s eyes widened in surprise at Giles’ words.  Buffy took the opportunity and stepped forward, ramming her stake into his heart. 

 

“Who says sex isn’t a weapon?” 

 

The vampire screamed as it exploded into dust in front of her.  She slipped the stake back into her pocket and turned to Giles.

 

“Well, that wasn’t very fair.”

 

Giles chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.  “All’s fair in love and war.”

 

She walked over to him and lifted her hand to brush the dirt from his shirt sleeve.  “So, was that just something to say to throw him off balance, or…”

 

He leaned down and quickly kissed her lips.  He pulled back and smiled gently.  “I meant every word of it.”

 

She grinned at him and took a step back.  “Huh.”

 

He pushed himself off the tombstone and took a step forward.  “Huh, what?”

 

She placed her hand in his, lacing their fingers as they made their way out of the cemetery.  “I thought that slaying only affected Slayers in the areas of horniness and hungriness.”

 

“Well, watching can be quite invigorating as well.”  He laughed softly as she looked up at him.  “And…hungriness isn’t a word.”

 

“And horniness is?”

 

“Well, no.  But…”  His eyes darkened as they walked up to the car.  He looked down at her and pulled the keys from his pocket.  “Are you?”

 

“Hungry or horny?”

 

He unlocked the car and opened the door for her.  “Either.”

 

She allowed her eyes to travel over his body as she slid into the seat.  “I’m definitely not starving for food.”  She met his eyes and licked her lips.  “Take me home, Giles.”

 

He bit back a groan at the look in her eyes and quickly made his way to the driver’s seat.

 

Chapter Thirty-Three

 

“Giles!”

 

She screamed his name, collapsing onto his chest as her third orgasm crashed over her.  He grinned as he took a deep breath and rolled her onto her back again.  He moved slowly within her, giving her time to recover.  He felt the tremor of her body underneath him and looked down at her.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

“Mm, yeah...”  Her fingers shook as she touched his shoulder.  “You going...for the...world record?”

 

“Not exactly.”  He chuckled softly and tenderly kissed her lips.

 

She groaned as he resumed his long, slow strokes.  “Did you...take something?  Or...something?”

 

He shook his head in amusement.  “I don’t need to take anything.  I have you.”

 

She opened her eyes and he saw the confusion hidden under the glaze.  “Am I...am I doing something wrong here?”

 

He tilted his head slightly and pushed harder against her.  “Excuse me?”

 

She bit her lip as her nails raked down his sweat-covered back.  “Oh, God...Giles...”

 

He leaned down, moving his mouth close to her ear as he felt her walls begin to contract for the fourth time.  “You’re doing absolutely nothing wrong.  I just...I don’t want it to end.”

 

“Giles...”

 

He closed his eyes in concentration as her juices flooded him again.  “Oh dear Lord...it feels so good when you come.”

 

She licked her dry lips and, with a shaky hand, pulled his head down to hers.  Even her lips were trembling as she kissed him.  He gently broke the kiss and gazed down at her.

 

“Buffy?”

 

“I...I can’t...take...much more.  Please...Giles...”

 

He smiled in understanding and again moved to whisper in her ear.  “Do you want me to come, Buffy?”

 

“Uh...yeah...please...”

 

He stilled for a second and shifted his body weight.  His fingers caressed the side of her face as he leaned down and kissed her softly. 

 

“Can you put your legs around me?”

 

With some effort, she lifted her legs and locked her ankles against the small of his back.  She opened her eyes and found him smiling down at her. 

 

“Are you sure you’re okay?  I can...I can stop right now.”

 

“You...haven’t come...”

 

He brushed his lips across her cheek.  “That doesn’t matter, Buffy.  If you want me to stop, I will.”

 

She shook her head and lifted her hand to his face.  “No.  I want to...feel you...come inside...”

 

He stared into her eyes for a moment before giving her a gentle nod.  “Okay.  Are...are you...ready?”

 

“Mm-hm...”

 

He placed another quick kiss on her lips before straightening his arms and pushing himself deep inside of her.  He moved with quick, hard thrusts that were almost desperate in nature.  Her hands moved across his sweat-soaked chest as she cried out his name.

 

“Not long, Buffy...” 

 

He groaned loudly as her inner walls began to spasm around him again.  This time he allowed the sensation to take him over the edge with her.  Her name fell from his lips on a moan of ecstasy as his orgasm hit and he exploded violently within her depths.  As his semen flooded her walls, she screamed as she came for the final time.

 

He fell to her side and pulled her spent body into his arms.  He reached down to grab the sheet to cover their drenched bodies, only to find that it had been pushed off of the bed along with the blankets during their lovemaking session.  He was tempted to not bother about it, but then felt her shiver as the air began to cool her skin.  She whimpered lightly as he pulled away from her.

 

“Don’t go.”

 

He offered her a gentle smile and kissed her temple.  “I’m just getting the bedclothes from the floor, darling.”

 

“Oh...hurry then.”

 

He chuckled softly and then climbed out of bed, grabbing the missing sheet and blankets.  He smiled as she shifted on the bed.

 

“You alright?”

 

“Mm-hm.  Wet spot.  Big wet spot.”

 

He took hold of her arm and gently pulled her to his side of the bed.  She looked up at him as he placed the sheet and blanket over her.

 

“Why did you move me to your side?”

 

He walked around to the other side of the bed and slid under the covers beside of her.  “You wouldn’t have been comfortable.”  He grinned as he pulled her into his arms again.  “You were correct, it is rather large.”

 

“You’re going to sleep in the wet spot?  Wouldn’t you rather just change the sheets?”

 

He shook his head slowly and kissed her lips.  “You remember your reaction to seeing me this afternoon after my shower?”

 

She grinned.  “Mm, Giles with sexy towel-dried hair.”

 

He laughed as he nodded.  “That’s how I feel right now.”

 

She narrowed her eyes.  “You think a huge, cold wet spot on the bed is sexy?”

 

He brushed the hair back from her face.  “I find the reason for the huge, cold wet spot on the bed is sexy.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“The fact that I’m able to prompt this reaction from you...”

 

“Oh.  You find it a turn on that you can make me come like that.”

 

“Precisely.”  His hand rubbed soothingly against her back.  “So, no.  I don’t mind at all lying here.”

 

She giggled and placed a kiss on his chest.  They were quiet for a few minutes, content to simply hold one another as their bodies calmed.  He had thought she was falling asleep when her voice broke the silence.

 

“Giles?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Um...have you always been able to do that?”

 

He smirked as his hand moved to rest on her hip.  “Well, not always.”

 

She looked up at him and grinned.  “I wasn’t talking about always always.  I didn’t figure that you would have been able to do that when you were...”  Her eyes narrowed slightly.  “How old were you, anyway?  The first time?”

 

He cleared his throat and took a deep breath.  “Fifteen.  And, no...I wasn’t able to do that at fifteen.”

 

“Tell me about it?”

 

“Buffy...”  He met her eyes and sighed, realizing by the smile on her face that she wasn’t going to be satisfied until he told her.  “Her name was Amelia Dotson, we were at the Academy together, and it was rather a disaster.”

 

“She’s a Watcher?”

 

“She trained to be a Watcher.  She found that she preferred the research, rather than being in the field.  She works at Council Headquarters now, I believe.”

 

Her puzzlement was clear in her eyes.  “This was before you went all ‘I refuse to be a Watcher and I’m gonna show you’?”

 

He laughed at her accurate description and nodded.  “Yes.”

 

“Were you still together when your rebellion hit?”

 

“We were.”  He rolled onto his back, pulling her with him so that her head was resting on his chest.  “I asked her to leave with me.  But, she was dedicated to the Council and refused to leave.”

 

“So you broke her heart?”

 

He exhaled slowly, his fingers caressing her skin.  “Rather the other way around.”

 

She raised her head and looked into his eyes.  “You were in love with her.”

 

“Of course I was.  Well, as much as I could be at seventeen when I left.”

 

“Do you ever wish she had left with you?”

 

He tilted his head thoughtfully.  “At first, I did.  But, if she had come with me, I would have eventually destroyed our relationship...and probably her along with it.”  He looked into her questioning eyes and smiled.  “I wasn’t exactly the most monogamous chap around during my rebellion, as you called it.”

 

She nodded in understanding and folded her arms across his chest, resting her chin on her forearm.  “So when you decided you’d had enough of being a bad boy and went back to your training...did you and Amelia get back together?”

 

“For a short while, yes.  But, I had done too much...been involved in too many things.  It never would have worked and we both knew it.  So, we ended our involvement with no further heartbreak on either part.”

 

Buffy was quiet for a few seconds and then smiled.  Unable to resist, he returned her smile.

 

“What?”

 

Her smile grew.  “So, why was your first time a disaster?”

 

His eyes sparkled as he laughed.  “I was a horny fifteen year old with no clue as to what I was doing.  I was so excited to be having sex that I nearly came before I even started.  It lasted all of a couple of minutes, if that.  She was unsatisfied, to say the least, and I fell asleep shortly afterwards.  It took her a while before she’d give me another chance.”

 

Buffy laughed softly.  “Well, at least you had an orgasm and she didn’t turn evil.  I can’t say either of those about my first time.”

 

He ran his fingers through her hair and regarded her carefully.  “You didn’t?  With Angel?”

 

“No...I guess it’s different with girls than it is guys.  Plus, there was no...well, I mean...you’re hot during.  He...wasn’t.  Hot as in temperature, not sexiness.  Maybe the lack of heat had something to do with it too.”

 

“Did he...I mean, that is...was there...”  He reddened slightly.  “Dear God, I can’t believe I’m asking you this.”

 

She grinned at him.  “Technically, you’re stumbling, not asking.”  She leaned up slightly and kissed his lips.  “What are you trying to ask?”

 

He took a deep breath and tried again, this time successfully.  “Was there...foreplay involved?”

 

She smiled gently at him and rested her head back on her forearm.  “At the time, I thought there was.  I know better than that now.  I mean...he touched me and...you don’t really want to know the details, do you?”

 

He shook his head slowly.  “Details?  No, I don’t think so.”

 

“Sorry.”  She offered him an apologetic smile, which he answered with one of his own that merely stated that there was nothing to apologize for.  “All I really know is that I had no clue about making love until you.”

 

He blushed lightly and cleared his throat.  “As I recall, you knew exactly what to do our first time together.”

 

She lowered her head bashfully and shrugged her shoulders.  “I was following your lead.”

 

He moved his fingers under her chin and lifted her face to look into her eyes.  “I love you, Buffy.”

 

“I love you too, Giles.  More than I can ever put into words.” 

 

He smiled as her eyes brightened and she sat up.  “What is it?”

 

She climbed out of the bed and grabbed his shirt.  She smiled at him as she slipped her arms into the sleeves and fastened a couple of the buttons. 

 

“I’ll be right back!”

 

He laughed softly as he watched her run down the stairs.  As soon as she was out of sight, he leaned over and opened the top drawer on his bedside table, pulling out a small box.  He pushed himself up and leaned back against the headboard, smiling as he heard her run back up the stairs.

 

“In a hurry, are you?”

 

She jumped onto the bed and laughed.  “Always in a hurry to get back to you.”

 

“Well, you didn’t have to leave.”

 

“Actually, I kinda did.  I had to go get something.”

 

His eyes drifted towards her hand as she pulled it from behind her back.  “What did you do?”

 

“Got you something.” 

 

She handed him the box, grinning as he pulled a similar box out from underneath the sheet.

 

“I...uh, I got you something too.”  He returned her grin as he placed the box in her hand.  “You remembered the Giles family tradition?”

 

She smacked him on the shoulder playfully.  “Of course I remembered!  Did you expect me to forget?”

 

“Well, no...”  He gestured towards the box in her hand.  “Open it.”

 

She carefully opened the lid and gasped when she saw the contents.  He relaxed when he saw her reaction and smiled.

 

“Do you like it?”

 

She pulled the bracelet out and stared at it.  “It’s beautiful, Giles.”

 

“I...uh, I was going to get you a necklace, but...I didn’t want to buy you another cross.”  He smiled shyly as she cradled the gold hinged bangle in her hand.  “I...thought of you when I saw a similar one.”

 

She turned it in her hand, chuckling when she saw the inscription on the inner surface.  “Semper tui.  Always yours.”

 

He nodded, his smile growing.  “Are you learning Latin?”

 

“No, just this particular phrase.”  She answered cryptically as she looked into his eyes.  “Put it on me?”

 

She held out her left arm, smiling brightly as he placed the bracelet on her wrist.  Their eyes met as he clicked the clasp shut.  He lifted her hand and kissed her wrist lightly. 

 

“It looks beautiful on you.”

 

She glanced down at her arm and nodded in agreement.  Then she looked up quickly, as if she had forgotten something.  She pointed towards the box resting on the mattress beside of him.

 

“Your turn.”

 

He chuckled lightly and picked it up, opening the lid slowly.  His chuckle turned to a soft laugh when he saw the earring.

 

“I, um...you don’t wear necklaces, or rings, and...you’ll never get rid of that watch.  I thought it would look nice on you.”

 

He plucked the earring out of the box and smiled.  “It’s perfect, Buffy.”

 

“You like it?”

 

“I do.  I might just have to get rid of my other earrings.”  He turned the gold hoop in his hands, his eyes catching something on the inside of it.  “You had it engraved?”  He held it at a slight angle, his smile growing wide.  “Semper tui.”

 

“Strange, huh, that we both had the same thing inscribed?”

 

He handed the earring to her and leaned forward so that she could insert it into his earlobe.  “I prefer to think of it as...prophetic.”

 

She kissed his earlobe in the same manner that he had kissed her wrist and then settled down beside of him.  She grinned at him as a heavy sigh escaped her lips.

 

“What?”

 

“I was right...you look so...I love it when you wear an earring.”

 

His hand reached behind her neck and pulled her to him.  He gazed into her eyes for a second before closing the gap and covering her lips with his.

 

Chapter Thirty-Four

 

She opened her eyes sleepily, groaning when she realized that it was the phone that had wakened her.  She wondered briefly why Giles hadn’t answered it, and then she heard the soft snore behind her.  She grinned, happily realizing that she wasn’t the only one that he had completely exhausted.  He shifted behind her and she grabbed the phone to stop the ringing before it woke him up.  She yawned deeply as she lifted the handset to her ear.

 

“H’lo?”

 

“Miss Summers, did I wake you?”

 

She narrowed her eyes and glanced at the clock, not attempting to hide her sarcasm when she spoke.  “No, I’m normally awake at 4:22 in the morning after a hard night, Quentin.”

 

“Ah, busy night then with vampires?”

 

She rolled her eyes.  “Vampires were taken care of easily and we were home fairly early.”

 

“Oh, very well then.  I was wondering if might speak to Rupert.”

 

She rolled onto her back and glanced at Giles sleeping deeply beside of her.  “He’s asleep right now.  I really don’t have the heart to wake him.”  She grinned, unable to stop the thought from leaving her mouth.  “He had a hard night as well.”

 

“Oh?”  He cleared his throat nervously as understanding hit.  “Oh.”

 

“You wanna leave a message for him, Quentin?  I can pass it along to him when he wakes up.”

 

“Oh, yes.”  He cleared his throat again, causing Buffy’s grin to widen.  “Could you let him know that Mr. Watts and his supervisor, Mrs. Clayton, will be arriving in Sunnydale the day after tomorrow?  They will be the Council representatives for your nuptials.”

 

“Uh-huh, okay, I’ll tell him.  Anything else?”  She looked over at Giles again as he shifted in his sleep and tightened his hold on her.

 

“No, no that is all.”

 

“Okay, if he has any questions I’m sure he’ll call you.  Goodnight, Quentin.”

 

Quentin’s reply was cut off as Buffy ended the call.  She placed the phone back on the nightstand and snuggled up against Giles.  He placed a sleepy kiss on the top of her head.

 

“That the phone?”

 

“Mm-hm.”

 

“Important?”

 

“Nothing that can’t wait ‘til morning.  Go back to sleep, honey.”

 

“M’kay.  Love you.”

 

She smiled as his breathing evened out again as sleep overtook him once more.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

She woke to sunlight filling the room and Giles gazing at her in adoration.  She smiled sleepily and rubbed her eyes.

 

“Morning.”

 

“A rather good one at that.”  He smiled and ran his fingertips through her hair.  “How are you?”

 

“Slightly tired...exhausted, even.  But, in a good way.”  She returned his smile.  “Any reason why you waited until last night to show me that?”

 

He chuckled softly.  “No, not really.”

 

“You wanted to see how long it would take for me to stop you.”  She grinned at him, teasing in her accusation.

 

He kissed her lips instead of answering, pulling back to give her a shy smile. 

 

“Don’t expect it to be as easy next time, mister.”

 

His eyes sparkled.  “Is that a challenge?”

 

Her fingers traced his lips.  “More of a promise.”

 

He kissed her fingertips.  “Do I remember the phone ringing last night?”

 

“Mm-hm.  It was Quentin.”

 

He narrowed his eyes in a scowl.  “What did he want?”

 

“To talk to you.  I told him that I wasn’t going to wake you up and that he could leave a message.”  She smiled in a mischievous manner.  “I also kinda hinted as to why we both had a hard night.”

 

He tried not to smile.  “Hinted?  Or told?”

 

“Definitely a hint.  It took him a second, but I’m pretty sure that he got it.”

 

Amusement shone in his eyes.  “And the message?”

 

“Oh.”  She rested her hand against his neck, allowing her thumb to brush along his jaw.  “Mr. Watts and his supervisor will be here day after tomorrow.”  She looked puzzled for a minute.  “Would that be tomorrow?  Or the day after?  Damn time differences.”

 

“I would imagine tomorrow.  Quentin wouldn’t think to use any other time than his own.”

 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.  Is it normal for the supervisor to come as well?  And...why are they coming so early?  I was kinda hoping that they wouldn’t show up until the day before...or the day of.”

 

Giles smiled and pushed himself up.  “It’s standard practice that a Yearling’s supervisor accompanies him on official business.”  He gently pulled her up beside of him, sighing softly as she rested her head against his chest when he wrapped his arm around her.  “They’re coming earlier than you thought in order to observe our interaction.”

 

She lifted her head quickly and looked at him.  “What?” 

 

He smiled softly.  “It’s okay, Buffy.  They need to make sure that I’m not pressuring you into this.  It’s not as if they’re going to interview us or anything.  They just want to make sure that our relationship is genuine, especially considering the fact that we’re intending to start a family.”

 

She narrowed her eyes.  “And you don’t have a problem with this?”

 

He shook his head slowly.  “No, because this practice is done to ensure your safety.  There have been a few instances in the past where a Watcher has taken advantage of his Slayer purely for sexual needs...and marriage was seen as a way of controlling her.  The results were quite devastating.  Considering that I am not using you for my sexual needs and I have absolutely no interest in controlling you, I’m not concerned.”

 

“Well, I don’t like it.”  She huffed, but relaxed in his embrace.

 

“I shouldn’t expect you would.”  His hand rubbed her bare back.  “I wonder who his supervisor is?”

 

“Oh, I know this.”  She sat back up and thought for a second.  “Mrs. Clayton, I think.”

 

He shrugged his shoulders.  “Don’t know her.”  He looked into her eyes and smiled.  “Are you hungry?”

 

“For food or you?”

 

A grin tugged at his lips.  “I was actually talking about food, but I could possibly...”

 

She shook her head quickly.  “No, food is good.  And, it’s not that I don’t want you at the moment, but...I think I’m going to need a little while to recover from last night.”

 

He laughed as he nudged her out of bed. 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Willow examined the bracelet on Buffy’s left wrist and grinned broadly.  “It’s beautiful!  Did he like his present?”

 

Buffy nodded and sighed happily.  “Yeah, he did.”  She glanced towards the front door.  “I wish he’d hurry up and come home.”

 

“Where is he anyway?”

 

“Oh, he went to pick up...something, I can’t remember what exactly.  Something British, I think.”

 

Willow laughed softly.  “Are you nervous?  I mean, about Council people being here?”

 

“I wouldn’t say nervous as much as annoyed.  Giles said that it’s ‘merely protocol and nothing at all to concern yourself with’, but...I don’t know, I guess I just feel like they don’t believe that we could really be happy or anything.”

 

Willow opened her mouth to answer just as a light knock sounded on the front door.  Buffy gave her a puzzled look as she stood.

 

“It’s not a Scooby knock...”

 

“Could be Jehovah’s Witness...”

 

Buffy laughed as she crossed the living room and opened the door.  She tilted her head questioningly at the young man standing in front of her.

 

“Um, Miss Summers?”

 

Buffy took a deep breath and nodded.  “Buffy.  You must be Peter Watts.”

 

“Ah, yes...I...that would be me...”  He sighed softly and extended his hand.  “It’s nice to meet you, Miss...ah, Buffy.”

 

She glanced over his shoulder and smiled politely at the older woman.  “Mrs. Clayton, I presume?”

 

“Hello, Buffy.”  She glanced inside the apartment and smiled.  “Is Mr. Giles at home?”

 

Buffy shook her head.  “He went to the store, he should be back anytime.  We weren’t sure when you were arriving.  Quentin didn’t bother giving us those details.” 

 

She stepped back from the door in a silent invitation for them to enter.  She glanced at her best friend who had risen from the couch and was currently shifting nervously. 

 

“This is Willow, my best friend.”  She led them through the room and motioned towards the couch.  “Have a seat...would you like some tea?  I...only know how to make tea for Giles, but...you can add your own milk and sugar.”

 

Mrs. Clayton smiled softly at Buffy.  “Tea would be lovely, thank you.”

 

Buffy nodded and went into the kitchen, putting the kettle on and then rummaging through the cabinet to find the English cookies that Giles was so fond of.  Hearing the front door open, she smiled and quickly made her way back to the living room.

 

Giles smiled at her, shifting the bag to his other arm as he noticed that they weren’t alone.  “Hello, Willow.”

 

“Hey, Giles.”

 

Hearing the nervous tone in her voice, he narrowed his eyes.  Then he noticed the movement across the room.

 

Peter Watts cleared his throat softly, walking towards Giles and extending his hand.  “Mr. Giles, my name is Peter Watts.”

 

“Rupert.  I don’t like to be called Mr. Giles.”  He placed the bag on the table and shook the younger man’s hand.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Peter.  Thank you for coming.”

 

Peter blushed lightly and then motioned towards the woman standing at the mantle with her back to them.  “I would like you to meet my supervisor, Mrs. Clayton.”

 

The woman turned around and smiled gently.  “Hello, Rupert.”

 

Giles’ eyes widened in shock.  “Amelia.”

 

Willow looked thoroughly confused and glanced at Buffy.  Buffy’s eyes were as wide as Giles’ and she took a deep breath.

 

“You’re kidding me.”  She paused for a moment, jerking the kettle from the stove as it began to whistle.

 

Giles startled when Buffy slammed the cabinet door after pulling out four mugs.  He turned to look at her.  “Buffy...”

 

Buffy turned her angry eyes towards him, but he instinctively knew she wasn’t angry with him.  “What?  Is this another one of Quentin’s ideas of a test?  Or is he just being a funny guy this time?”

 

Peter and Willow shared identical expressions of confusion, Amelia Clayton looked somewhat puzzled at Buffy’s outburst.  Giles quickly made his way to Buffy’s side.

 

Willow was the first to speak.  “Uh, Buffy?  Wanna talk about it?”

 

Buffy glanced at Amelia and Peter before meeting Willow’s eyes.  “Travers sent Giles’ ex to...do whatever the hell she’s meant to be here to do.”

 

It was Amelia’s turn to look shocked.  “You...you know about our past?”

 

Giles cleared his throat, his hand gently touching Buffy’s arm.  “She knows my past, Amelia.  You are part of that.”

 

“She knows all of your past?”

 

Giles nodded silently.  Buffy wasn’t as silent.

 

“Yeah.  I know he wanted to be a fighter pilot, I know he was ten when his father sealed his destiny, I know about Eyghon, I know about the magic, I know about the rebellion, I know about his pain, and...yes...I know about you.”

 

“Buffy, please...”  Giles’ voice was soft and calm.  “Please, don’t.”

 

“You wanna know what else I know?  Quentin Travers can go to hell and...”

 

“Buffy.”  His voice was a bit sterner.

 

Amazingly, Buffy saw amusement in Amelia’s eyes as the Council-lady spoke.

 

“I see that you have the same opinion of Mr. Travers as Rupert does.”  She took a step forward, her gentle smile still showing on her face.  “Buffy, Quentin didn’t send me here to try to tempt Rupert.  In fact, I’m rather sure that Quentin isn’t even aware of the fact that Rupert and I were in a relationship.  I’m merely here as Mr. Watts’ supervisor.  There are no other motives at work here, I assure you.”

 

Buffy stared at Amelia for a moment and then sighed heavily as she relaxed against Giles.  “Better not be.”

 

Giles chuckled softly and bent down to kiss her gently on the lips. 

 

Chapter Thirty-Five

 

The situation had calmed down significantly during the next two hours.  In a surprise to herself, Buffy found Amelia to be quite charming.  She had apologized for her outburst, to which Amelia replied that she completely understood and probably would’ve jumped to the same conclusion had it been her. 

 

She had also found Peter to be a very nice man with an outrageous sense of humour, once his shyness wore down a little.  He was quite attractive and, at the age of twenty-four, demolished all stereotypes of tweed-clad Council members that had been firmly embedded in Buffy’s mind.

 

As Willow chatted with Amelia and Peter, Buffy stood and gently tugged on Giles’ hand.  He followed her into the kitchen and, out of habit, put the kettle back on the stove.

 

“What is it, Buffy?”

 

“I was just thinking that Will and I might take Peter out for a while.  You know, show him around Sunnydale and all that.”  She smiled as his brow furrowed.  “And, that would give you a chance to catch up with Amelia.”

 

“Buffy, you don’t...”

 

“It’s okay.  It’s been years since you’ve seen her.  She’s happily married, three kids...and...”  She reached up and gently pulled his head down.  “I trust you.”

 

She kissed him tenderly, which quickly spiralled into a deep kiss of passion.  Peter blushed lightly, Amelia chuckled softly, and Willow grinned.  She shrugged her shoulders as Peter glanced at her.

 

“You get used to it after months and months of watching them.”

 

Peter gave a huff of amusement and then looked back at the couple as the kiss ended.

 

Buffy smiled up at Giles, her hand lightly resting against the side of his neck.  Giles returned her smile, his fingers wrapped around her hip. 

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Am I sure that I trust you?  Yes.”

 

He chuckled softly and shook his head.  “No, are you sure that you don’t mind...”

 

“I’m positive, Giles.  If it had been twenty years since I’d seen Angel and he was in town, would you be okay with me catching up with him?”

 

“Yes, I would.”

 

“Okay, so...go catch up and we’ll be back later.”  She leaned up, placing her mouth close to his ear.  “And, just so you know...I’m pretty sure I’ve recovered from last night.”

 

He inhaled sharply as she took a step away from him, her grin burning brightly.  He quickly took a step forward, his hands moving to either side of her face, holding her as his lips descended passionately on hers.  He swallowed her groan as his tongue briefly swept into her mouth.  He abruptly pulled back, leaving them both somewhat breathless, as if he had just remembered that they weren’t alone.

 

She backed out of the kitchen slowly and took a deep breath before she turned to the three people sitting in the living room. 

 

“Hey, Will?  Wanna come with me to show Peter around Sunnydale?”

 

“Huh?  Oh...yeah, okay.”

 

Peter looked quickly towards Amelia before meeting Buffy’s eyes.  “I, well...I’m only a Yearling.  I...”

 

Buffy rolled her eyes.  “The Council really needs to come up with some better terminology.  You’re not a deer, you’re a person...possibly even a newbie Council member...but, still, not a deer.  And, you’re coming with us.  I promise I won’t let you get dead.”

 

Amelia laughed loudly and gave a quick nod of her head.  “Go on, Peter.”

 

Peter stood up quickly and grinned.  Giles caught Buffy’s eyes and smiled adoringly at her.  “Do be careful, darling.”

 

She gave him a wink as she picked up the car keys.  “We’ll be back later.  Love you.”

 

“You too.”  He walked to the front door and opened it, leaning down to give her another quick kiss.  “Have fun.”

 

He closed the door behind them and cleared his throat as he turned around to face Amelia.

 

“So...do we pass?”

 

Amelia laughed again, rising to pour another cup of tea from the pot resting on the table.  “I would say definitely yes, but as you know, I’m here only as Peter’s supervisor.  The final decision will be up to him.”

 

“He seems like a nice chap.”

 

Amelia nodded.  “He is.  Quite intelligent as well.  I have to say, though, he was quite nervous about meeting you.”

 

Giles snorted softly.  “Am I that frightening?”

 

“Legendary, more like it.”

 

Giles stared at her quizzically.  “Pardon?”

 

“You really have no idea, do you?  Of your reputation within the Council walls, that is.”

 

He coughed lightly and shook his head.  “I didn’t think there was a reputation at all.”

 

“Oh, Rupert.  Some things never change.”  She smiled brightly at him as he sat down on the couch.  “She refers to you as ‘Giles’?”

 

“Hm?”  He chuckled.  “Oh, yes.  It’s always been ‘Giles’, never ‘Mr. Giles’.”

 

“Not ‘Rupert’?”

 

He grinned at her.  “Only when she’s angry with me.”

 

She laughed softly for a moment and then looked at him.  “Can I ask you a question?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“How did our relationship come up in conversation?”

 

He blushed lightly, twisting the black onyx ring around his finger.  “Oh, uh...she, uh...well, she asked me about my, uh...my first time.”

 

She laughed again as the memory made its way into her mind.  “Oh, yes.  The night of all nights.”

 

The corner of his mouth tugged upwards in amusement.  “Yes, quite.”

 

She shrugged her shoulders lightly.  “You got better though.”

 

“I should hope so.”

 

They were quiet for a few seconds before she spoke again.

 

“She had no issues with leaving us alone tonight?”

 

He narrowed his eyes.  “Why would she?  And...it was her idea.”

 

“I don’t know, most women would worry about leaving their partner alone with an old flame.”

 

“You were more than a flame to me, Amelia.”  He smiled gently.  “And, I have never given Buffy any reason to doubt my love for her...nor will I.”

 

Amelia took a deep breath and stared into his eyes.  “Rupert, you have thought about this, yes?  The consequences of marrying your Slayer and having children?  Weighed all the pros and cons?”

 

“Yes, I have.  The pros and cons were weighed well before I let her know my feelings.  And the pros definitely outweighed the cons.  Marriage was the next logical step.  I love her with all that I am, Amelia.”

 

She nodded slowly.  “I can see that, Rupert.  I truly can.  I’m just worried about you...about her.  Especially if children are involved.”

 

“When.”  At her questioning look, he continued.  “When children are involved, not if.  Buffy and I have discussed this at length, it’s not something we’re rushing into.  We both want children, we both know the possibilities of what could happen.”

 

“And what happens if you’re killed during the first month of her pregnancy?”

 

“I’ll have help.  Our friends have agreed to help on patrols...as well as Angel.”

 

“Angel?  The vampire?”  Her eyes widened as he nodded.  “Buffy’s ex-love?  The one who tortured you?”

 

Giles involuntarily flexed his hand.  “You heard about that?”

 

“There was a memo.”

 

Giles rolled his eyes.  “There’s always a memo.  I’m sure that what you read was worse than the actual events.  The creature who tortured me was Angelus, not Angel.”

 

“Does that help you sleep at night?”

 

“Actually, for a while afterwards...four or five shots of whiskey helped me sleep at night.”  His tone was slightly bitter as he stared at her.  “It wasn’t easy, Amelia.  When Angel returned, it took me a fairly long time to be around him.  I knew the difference between Angel and Angelus...and it was still...”  He took a deep breath, willing himself to calm.  “It took a while, but I got there, in the end.”

 

He shook his head as Amelia opened her mouth.  “Please, don’t.  I’m comfortable where I am in regards to Angel.  Please, don’t make me question it.”

 

She gave him a small nod and fell into silence once more.

 

“I love her.”  He stated quietly.  “I’d give my life for her.”

 

“From what I’ve heard, you nearly have a few times.”  Her eyes drifted to the scar on his neck.  “Was the memo on the Cavendale incident correct?”

 

He stood suddenly and walked over to the breakfast bar.  “I don’t get the Council memos, for some reason.  I don’t know what it said.”

 

“Nigel hunted you down, used Buffy as bait to lure you out.”  She recoiled as Giles spun around quickly.

 

“What did they say about that?  The...bait?”

 

“Just that they captured her and you risked your life to save her.”  She regarded him carefully as he visibly shuddered.  “What really happened, Rupert?”

 

He reached over and grabbed the bottle of scotch, holding it up and silently asking her if she’d join him.  She gave him a nod and he filled two glasses before handing one to her.  He took a long sip and then inhaled deeply.

 

“They captured her.  Held her in front of me.  Told me that they’d let her go if I came out.”  He took another sip, tears welling in his eyes.  “Cavendale said that if I didn’t come out, he’d instruct the vampire holding her to...”  A tear rolled down his cheek and he closed his eyes.  “He said that they would break her neck...and...”  He sank onto one of the stools. “They were going to kill her...and then...rape her...in front of me.”

 

He opened his eyes and stared at her.  “I couldn’t let that happen.  Not to Buffy.”

 

She moved over to him and pulled him into a hug.  “That’s not what we were told, Rupert.  We weren’t given those details.  I never questioned your decision in that incident.  I know the kind of man you are.”

 

“Angel saved me that night.  Did they tell you that?”

 

She shook her head slowly.  “No.  We were told that Buffy managed to break free and staked both vampires before taking you to the hospital.”

 

He smiled sadly.  “Buffy was emotionally unable to do anything.  Angel staked both vampires and then drove me to the hospital.  Buffy donated a pint of blood to aid in my recovery.”

 

Amelia raised an eyebrow.  “You had Slayer blood?”  As he nodded, she grinned knowingly.  “And, how did that work out for you?”

 

He reddened deeply and chuckled.  “If I had known that you were aware of the...uh, side-effects...of that venture, I would’ve called you instead of having our friends research it for us.  It could have saved all of us some embarrassment.”

 

She laughed gently.  “How long did it take?”

 

“Five days.  And then I slept for nearly twenty-four hours straight.”  He looked into her eyes and smiled.  “I can’t say it lived up to the fantasy that most men have.”

 

Her laughter grew louder and, after a beat, Giles joined her.  He swirled the drink in his hand as their laughter died down and looked at her.  Seeing a shadow of seriousness cross her eyes, he tilted his head slightly.

 

“What’s on your mind, Amelia?”

 

She took a sip of her drink and glanced down at her wedding band.  “Have you ever wondered what would’ve happened between us if you hadn’t left?  Or...if I had gone with you?”

 

“I have.  In fact, Buffy and I were just discussing that the other night.”  He gave her a small smile and then continued.  “I’ll tell you exactly what I told her.  At first, there was nothing I wanted more than for you to be with me.  But as time went on, I knew that I would have destroyed our relationship.”  He took a sip of his scotch and sighed.  “I loved you so much, Amelia.  It broke my heart when you decided to stay.  And there were times when I came very close to coming back to the Academy...for you.”

 

“I couldn’t go, Rupert.”

 

He nodded and gave her another smile.  “I know that.  And, I couldn’t come back.  Not at that point, at any rate.  And when I did, the first person I sought out was you.”

 

“You had changed so much in the years that you were gone.  I still loved you, but I knew when you came back that it wasn’t going to work.”

 

“As did I.”  He shrugged his shoulders.  “But, I had to try.”

 

“Do you regret leaving when you did?”

 

He shook his head slowly.  “No.  I regret hurting you, but...it was something I had to do.  The time away taught me so much...about life, about destiny, about...myself.”  Sorrow flickered in his eyes.  “I am sorry for what I put you through.”

 

“I forgave you a very long time ago, Rupert.”  She lifted her hand and touched the side of his face and smiled.  “Do you know how many people you upset when we learned that you were in a romantic relationship with your Slayer?”

 

“I would imagine Quentin wouldn’t have been thrilled.”

 

She laughed softly.  “No, he wasn’t.  But, that’s not what I meant.  Quite a few hearts were broken, female and male, when it was realized that you had given your heart to another.”

 

She grinned at him as he blushed.  “Buffy is a very lucky woman, I hope she realizes that.”

 

Giles stared at her, reading between the lines of her words.  “Buffy would never intentionally hurt me, Amelia.”

 

“But, she has...in the past.”

 

He shook his head quickly and placed his glass on the bar behind him.  “No.  She has hurt me in the past, physically as well as emotionally.  Quite a number of times, actually.  But, it was never her intention.  She wasn’t aware of my feelings for her and I can’t, and shall not, fault her for saying things that caused me pain.  Because...if she knew how her words affected me, she never would have uttered them.”  He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.  “Were you upset when you heard about us?”

 

“I was...concerned for you.  To be very honest, it didn’t surprise me.  I knew your feelings ran deeply for her when Quentin issued his report regarding Buffy’s Cruciamentum.  However, I worried that you would needlessly put yourself in harm’s way in order to protect her.”

 

He chuckled softly at that.  “Rather the other way around.  For a couple of months, I refused to patrol with Buffy.  It wasn’t because I didn’t want to protect her, but I couldn’t risk her by going with her.”

 

Amelia’s brow furrowed.  “Excuse me?”

 

“Buffy would have been distracted by her desire to keep me safe.”

 

“But, you go with her now?”

 

“Sometimes, yes.  She had to prove to me that she wouldn’t worry about my safety before I’d resume patrol.  Once or twice a week I’ll go out with her.  The other nights are spent researching or...tossing and turning in bed until she arrives home.”

 

“I wish you and Buffy nothing but happiness, Rupert.”  Amelia smiled brightly at him.  “And the earring is a dashing look on you.”

 

He returned her smile.  “It’s a pre-wedding gift from Buffy, she...uh, she likes it when I wear an earring.”

 

He glanced towards the door as it opened.  Hearing the laughter, his smile grew as he stood up and walked towards the door.

 

Buffy grinned at him.  “Look what I found, Giles.  A Xander!”

 

Giles laughed as he leaned down to give her a kiss.  He pulled back before either one of them could deepen it and then looked back at Xander. 

 

“No Anya?”

 

The boy shook his head as he shoved his hand in his pocket.  “Nah, she went shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding.  She didn’t want me to go, because she has it in her head that it’s bad luck for me to see it.”  He glanced at Willow and shrugged.  “You don’t have to tell me that she’s got it wrong, but you try telling her that.”

 

Xander looked over at the woman standing patiently next to the couch.  “Okay, I’ve met Giles: the Next Generation and...”  He looked back at Giles with a smile on his face.  “If you had dressed more like him a few years ago, you probably would’ve gotten more play.”

 

Giles straightened.  “I’ll have you know that more than one woman enjoyed the sight of me in tweed, and...I received plenty of...of...play, thank you very much.”

 

Xander laughed and shook his head.  “Uh-huh, okay.”  He gestured towards the lady.  “Gonna introduce me, or am I gonna have to do it myself?”

 

“Oh, yes, of course.  Xander Harris, I’d like you to meet Peter’s supervisor, Amelia Clayton.  An old...uh...friend of mine.”

 

Buffy nudged Xander in the ribs and grinned.  “That’s the Giles way of saying ‘this is my ex-girlfriend’.”

 

Xander looked at Buffy with an expression that clearly said ‘no way!’, to which Buffy merely nodded her head.

 

Giles reddened slightly.  “Yes, well.  That, uh...that was a long time ago.”

 

“Some would even say a lifetime ago.”  Amelia chuckled and stepped forward towards Xander, extending her hand.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Xander.”

 

He shook her hand clumsily and grinned.  “It is.  I mean, to meet you...too...as well.”

 

Willow laughed at her friend’s nervousness.  Giles cleared his throat softly to catch Buffy’s attention.

 

“All went well, I presume?”

 

“Yep.”  She moved in front of him and gave him a hug.  “We showed Peter around town, which took all of ten minutes.  And then we met up with Xander and headed to the Bronze.”  She grinned as she motioned towards Peter.  “He doesn’t mind the music there.”

 

“If it were music, I wouldn’t mind it.”

 

Buffy laughed as Peter snorted in amusement. 

 

“And then we went through a couple of cemeteries.  Dusted a couple of vamps and found this.”  She pulled a charm out of her pocket and handed it to him.  “Thought you would want to see it.”

 

He turned the charm over in his hand, his eyes lighting up.  “Yes, interesting.  The markings seem to be written in ancient Phoenician.  I’ll have to...”

 

“Consult my books.”  Buffy, Willow, and Xander finished for him, much to the amusement of Amelia and Peter.

 

Giles gave them a mock-scowl.  “Funny.  I will, though, have to consult my books...later.”

 

Peter stepped forward, his nervousness gone for the moment.  “Rupert, I must say...Buffy’s slaying abilities are first rate.”

 

Giles beamed proudly.  “Thank you, Peter.  She is a very capable woman.”

 

Peter nodded in agreement.  “That, she is.  And, quite humourous as well.”

 

Giles narrowed his eyes as he looked back at Buffy.  “We’ve spoken about this, Buffy.”

 

“Plunge, and move on.  I know, Giles.  But...”  She sighed in resignation.  “Well, Peter liked my puns.”

 

Xander smiled at Amelia.  “She’s a punning fool.”

 

Giles rolled his eyes before joining in with the laughter of the others.

 

Chapter Thirty-Six

 

Ninety minutes later, Buffy and Giles found themselves alone in the apartment.  Amelia and Peter had decided to retire to their hotel, claiming jet lag.  Giles had no doubt that their claim was true.  Amelia had offered to drive Willow and Xander to their respective homes on their way.  Xander accepted immediately for him and Willow, not really wanting to walk all the way back to the apartment that he shared with Anya.

 

Buffy watched Giles as he walked into the kitchen and tidied up the mess that Xander had created with his odd creation of a peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie sandwich.  She moved over to one of the stools at the bar and sat down, smiling as he grumbled in his cleaning.

 

“Are you okay, Giles?”

 

“Hm?”  He looked up from the counter.  “Yes, it’s just...peanut butter everywhere.”

 

She smiled gently and shook her head.  “That’s not what I meant.”  She gestured towards the bottle of scotch still resting on the bar.  “You were drinking tonight.”

 

“Oh...I had a drink with Amelia.  We were talking...and I thought that a drink would be appropriate at the time.”  He took a deep breath as he looked into her eyes.  He knew she wouldn’t ask what they talked about.  He also knew that she did want to know why he felt the need to have a drink while they talked.

 

“She, uh...we talked about the incident with Cavendale.”

 

She raised an eyebrow.  “You told her?  Everything?”

 

He nodded slowly.  “Are you okay with that?”

 

Her hand reached out to him as she smiled.  He dropped the sponge into the sink and took hold of her hand over the bar. 

 

“I’m glad that you’ve finally talked to someone.  I know it’s hard for you.”

 

He looked down at her hand as her fingers gently rubbed against his.  “I trust her, Buffy.”

 

“I know.”  Her voice was a whisper.  She moved her body until she was kneeling on the stool and leaning over the bar.  She lifted her hand from his and reached up to brush her fingers through his hair.  “I’m glad that you have someone who you trust enough to tell.  I was pretty worried that you were gonna keep it bottled up forever.”

 

“I probably would have.”  He leaned into her touch and sighed.  “It felt...it was a relief to get it off my chest.”

 

She nodded understandingly.  “Maybe the nightmares will stop now.”

 

His eyes darted to hers.  “I...uh...”

 

She leaned forward and kissed his lips lightly.  “Sometimes you talk...or...scream...in your sleep.”

 

“I’m sorry.  I should have spoken with you about them.  I just...”

 

She cut off his apology with another kiss, this one lingering and deepening with passion.  When she pulled back she offered him a smile. 

 

“There’s nothing to apologize for, Giles.”

 

He stared into her eyes for a moment and then placed his hand behind her head, pulling her back to him for a hungry kiss.  She nearly lost her balance on the stool and grabbed the front of his shirt to right herself.  He stumbled forward slightly, grunting softly as he bumped into the bar.

 

She broke the kiss and smiled shyly at him.  “Sorry.”

 

He returned her smile and glanced towards the stairs quickly.  “Maybe we should...take this somewhere else?”

 

She let go of his shirt as she nodded and slipped from the stool.  “I think that’s a really good idea.”

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

He moved slowly within her, his lips placing tender kisses along her neck.  Her hands were pressed flat against his shoulder blades as she held him close to her body. 

 

“Giles?”

 

“Mm?”

 

She shivered as his fingertips grazed her hip and his teeth nibbled at her collarbone.

 

“I like her...Amelia....she’s nice.”

 

“Mm-hm.”  He pushed harder into her, causing her to groan softly.

 

“Is...is she okay?  I mean...about...us?”

 

“Yes...”  He leaned up and looked into her eyes.  “Buffy, I’ll tell you everything you want to know about anything...later.  Please...I don’t want to talk about my ex while I’m making love to you.”

 

As if he were proving a point, he grasped her hip tighter and quickened his stroke, smiling to himself as her eyes fluttered.  She moaned as his erection brushed across her g-spot. 

 

“Oh, God...”

 

“That’s better.”  He murmured softly, leaning down to capture her lips with his.

 

He broke the kiss with a loud groan as her nails raked down his back.  In response, his hips jerked against her body, effectively slamming deeper into her warm depths.

 

“God, yes...Giles, like that...”

 

“You want me to fuck you?”  He whispered huskily.

 

Her glazed eyes opened and met his.  “Yes, God, yes...”

 

He stilled his motion and inhaled deeply.  “How do you want it?  How do you want me to fuck you, Buffy?”

 

She opened her mouth, but could form no words.  He smiled and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

 

“Do you want me to flip you over and fuck you from behind?  Maybe slap your ass while I’m pounding into you?”

 

She groaned and bucked her hips against him.  He chuckled and shook his head, moving back and easing his cock out of her.  She cried out in frustration and glared at him.  He grinned lustfully at her, kneeling on the mattress between her legs and slowly stroking his hard flesh that was coated with her juices.

 

“Tell me what you want, Buffy.”  He licked his lips and stared at her. 

 

She pushed herself up shakily and reached out for him.  He grabbed her hands quickly and shook his head slowly.

 

“Tell me.  Do you want me to take you over there...”  He gestured blindly towards the wall.  “Push your back up against the wall and fuck you so hard that you scream my name?”

 

She moaned at his words and licked her lips.

 

“Do you want me to bend you over the railing and then come all over your back?”

 

“Giles...”

 

“I want nothing more than to please you.  But, you have to tell me what you want.”  He leaned forward and ran his tongue across her lips, causing her to shiver.  “Please, tell me...”

 

She moved the pillows out from behind her and pushed them to the floor.  He smiled lovingly at her as she moved back against the headboard.

 

“Here.  Fuck me right here, Giles.”

 

He gave her a quick nod and lifted her slightly.  She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pressed his hands against the wall above the top of the headboard.  He rocked his hips against her, but not entering her.  He kissed her deeply, allowing his tongue to thrust between her lips.  She returned his kiss hungrily, groaning into his mouth as his hardened flesh brushed across her clitoris.

 

He lowered his left hand from the wall, grasping his erection and guiding it towards her centre as he broke the kiss.

 

“Buffy...”  He whispered softly.  “Open your eyes, darling.”

 

She did as he asked, gasping as he pushed himself inside of her.  He groaned loudly as her heat enveloped him.  He moved his hand back to the wall, bracing himself as he began to rock his hips against her.

 

“Harder...oh, Giles...harder...fuck me...”

 

He rose up on his knees and moved his hands behind her back to cushion her somewhat against the wall.  She shuddered in pleasure at the change of angle and moved her hands to the back of his head, allowing her nails to lightly scratch against his scalp.

 

He moved with hard, quick thrusts, unerringly able to find that rough patch of flesh on her inner wall with each stroke.  His mouth covered the scar on her neck as he pounded into her.  He sucked hard on the flesh, not caring if he left a mark or not.  He knew that if he did, it would fade within a day.

 

As he felt her begin to quiver, he released her skin and spoke softly in her ear.

 

“Do you want me to come with you?  Tell me now.”

 

“No...oh, fuck...”

 

He smiled and closed his eyes, concentrating on maintaining control as her orgasm ripped through her.  She screamed, her hands clawing at his neck, as he continued to pump his cock into her.

 

She fought for her breath as she opened her eyes.  A mischievous smile played at her lips as she uttered one word.

 

“Stop.”

 

He grunted in frustration, but did as she asked.  He stilled his hips immediately and stared into her eyes.

 

“Are you...”

 

His question was never finished.  She pushed him forcefully onto his back on the mattress, his eyes wide.  She glanced down at his throbbing erection, slick with her orgasmic fluids.

 

“I’m fine, Giles.”  She straddled his left leg and ran her tongue along the length of his cock.  “I just want you to come in my mouth.”

 

His hands clutched at the sheets, her name falling from his lips as she quickly engulfed his heated flesh.  Her tongue pressed along the underside of his erection as her head bobbed up and down along his length.  His hissed audibly as her teeth grazed his sensitive flesh.

 

“Oh, Buffy...yes...harder...suck harder...”

 

He groaned in ecstasy as she complied with his request.  Her hands held his hips still as she increased her suction and swirled her tongue around him.  She opened her eyes and looked up at him.  She smiled inwardly and tapped her fingers against his hip in an attempt to get his attention.

 

He opened his eyes and met hers, groaning at the love shining brightly in her hazel irises.  She felt his cock expand in her mouth and pulled back until only the head was remaining between her lips.  She kept eye contact as she sucked harder and flicked her tongue against the glans.

 

His hand lifted and cupped her cheek.  He swallowed hard and choked out one word.

 

“Close...”

 

“Mm-hm...”

 

His breath hitched and he let out a loud moan as he came.  She swallowed all he offered, her own moan muffled as she came against his leg.  His head dropped back to the mattress and his trembling fingers stroked her cheek...his silent request for her to stop.

 

She slowly removed her mouth and placed a soft kiss on his hip before pushing herself up along his body and flopping down beside of him.  He turned his head and kissed her lips as he pulled her into his arms. 

 

She lovingly caressed his chest as she snuggled into his embrace.

 

“We’re...laying the wrong way.”

 

He chuckled.  “Mm.  Can’t move right now.”

 

“Me neither.”  She glanced at his neck and saw the red lines marking his skin.  “Oops...”

 

“Hm?”

 

She lightly traced the lines with her fingertip.  “I...scratched you...”

 

“S’okay.  Pretty sure I left a mark on you too...”

 

She touched the right side of her neck and grinned when she felt the raised and bruised skin. 

 

“Bad boy...”

 

“Only with you, love.”

 

She smiled at the sleepy tone of his voice and snuggled closer against him.

 

Chapter Thirty-Seven

 

Buffy had just finished putting her shoes on when a soft knock sounded at the door.  She emptied her glass of orange juice, placing the glass on the bar as she walked to the door.  Swinging it open, she smiled as she saw the faces of Willow and Xander, along with Peter and Amelia. 

 

“Good morning, guys.”

 

She stepped to the side, allowing them entry before closing the door.  Before she could say anything else, Giles’ voice sounded as he walked through the hallway.

 

“Buffy?  Have you seen my green-striped shirt?  I thought it was in the laundry, but it’s...oh, hello.”

 

Willow’s eyes widened at the sight of a freshly showered Giles, wearing absolutely nothing other than a pair of blue jeans.  “Uh, hi?”

 

Amelia smiled warmly.  “Good morning, Rupert.  I apologize for being early.”

 

“Oh, uh...no.  No, it’s quite alright.  Though, I was expecting to be fully dressed before you arrived.”  He glanced at Willow, his eyes quickly filling with concern.  “Willow?  Are you okay?”

 

“Huh?  Oh, uh...yeah, I’m...good right now.”

 

Buffy chuckled and nudged her friend playfully.  “Where are Oz and Anya?”

 

“Huh?”  She shook her head lightly and looked at Buffy.  “Oh, Oz will be back in a couple of hours.  The Dingoes had a gig in L.A. last night.  And, Anya...”

 

Xander smiled.  “Is shopping for a wedding gift.  I’m hoping that she follows my instructions...”

 

Giles cleared his throat softly.  “Um, Buffy?  I was looking for my...”

 

“Green-striped shirt, yeah.”  She nodded quickly and gestured towards the stairs.  “It’s hanging on the back of my closet door.” 

 

“Thank you.”  He smiled lovingly and walked towards the stairs.  “I’ll just finish getting dressed and be right down.”

 

As he turned to head up the stairs, Xander’s eyes widened and he spoke quickly.

 

“Giles!  Your back!  What happened?  Were you attacked? What...uh...no...no demon because you didn’t go on patrol last night.  There would be no demon attack on you in that case.”  He glanced at Buffy and his eyes fell on the slightly bruised skin on her neck.  He took a step back, blushing heavily.  “And...can we just remember that I’m really not this clueless all of the time?”

 

Giles reddened slightly, having completely forgotten about the long scratch marks down his back that matched the smaller ones on his neck.  “Duly noted, Xander.  Um, however...I am touched by your concern.”  He smiled at Buffy and then reddened deeper when he noticed the knowing grins on the faces of Willow, Amelia, and Peter.  “I, uh...I’ll be right down.”

 

Buffy’s eyes followed Giles as he quickly made his way upstairs and then turned to face Xander.  “You okay, Xand?”

 

“Uh-huh, hunky dory.”  He shook his head in disbelief.  “Too many visuals in my head at the moment.  I think I need to sit down.”

 

Willow rolled her eyes.  “As if Anya’s never left marks on you.”

 

He stared at Willow as he sank down onto a chair.  “That’s different.  That’s...okay, it’s not different...but I really don’t need the images in my head of how those got there...you know?”

 

Amelia laughed softly at the boy.  “It’s a normal reaction, Xander.  It’s nothing at all to be...”

 

There was a crackle in the air and Amelia’s voice ceased as her eyes fluttered and she crumpled to the floor.  Peter was immediately on his knees beside of her as Buffy screamed Giles’ name and rushed to her side.

 

Giles ran down the stairs after seeing Amelia on the floor.  He was almost at the bottom when he faltered, grabbing onto the railing to keep himself from falling.

 

“Giles?”

 

“Magic...”  He gasped as he fought to stay upright.  “Strong magic...”

 

Xander and Willow helped Giles down the rest of the stairs as Buffy checked Amelia’s pulse.

 

Regaining control of himself, he gently pulled away from Xander and Willow and knelt beside of Buffy.  “Is she...”

 

“Good pulse, her breathing’s okay.  She’s just...out.”  She looked up at him.  “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, the charge is gone.  I’m not exactly sure what happened, but obviously it was directed towards Amelia.”

 

“Ethan?”

 

Giles shook his head slowly and met Buffy’s eyes.  “It’s not his signature.  But, it’s familiar.”

 

Amelia took a deep breath and opened her eyes.  “Well, that was not enjoyable.”

 

Giles smiled and, with Peter’s assistance, helped her sit up.  “I would imagine not.  How do you feel?”

 

“A little warm...and my chest is rather sore.”

 

He narrowed his eyes and took a nervous breath.  “May I?”

 

She shrugged her shoulders and moved her hands to unbutton a couple of buttons at the top of her blouse.  Giles swore softly as his eyes caught the mystical symbols marking her skin above her breasts.

 

“Giles?”

 

“Buffy, stay with her for a minute.”

 

“What’s going on?”

 

“I...need to be sure.”

 

Buffy nodded quickly and followed him with her eyes as he rushed to the bookcase and pulled an old leather-bound volume from the second shelf.  She glanced back down at Amelia and offered her a small smile.

 

“He’s good with the books.  He’ll find out what’s going on...that’s what he does.”

 

Amelia nodded nervously.  “I know.”  She glanced at Peter and smiled.  “Do you think you could help me to the couch?”

 

“Oh, of course, Mrs. Clayton.”

 

As Peter got her settled on the couch, Giles flipped through a few more pages of the book. 

 

“Goddammit!”  He slammed his hand down on the table and looked up to find everyone staring at him.  He met Buffy’s eyes and shook his head slowly.

 

Fearing the worst, Buffy rushed over and read the passages quickly.  She looked up at him with watery eyes.  “Giles?”

 

“Amelia, I...I need to ask you a question.”  His voice was soft and eerily calm.  He waited for Amelia’s nod to continue.  “Who...who knows about us?  Our past, I mean.”

 

“I’m sorry?”

 

“Is there anyone at the Council who knows of our past?”

 

She glanced at the young man sitting on the coffee table.  “Only Peter.”

 

Giles turned his eyes towards Peter Watts and shook his head.  “He hasn’t recently cast.” 

 

“Rupert, what has happened?”

 

Buffy sat heavily on the chair, her eyes staring at the book.  Willow moved over behind her and read the words quickly.  She inhaled sharply and placed her hand on Buffy’s shoulder.

 

Giles closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  “Someone has cast Primordium on you.”

 

Amelia’s eyes widened in shock.  Xander stared at Giles in confusion.  Buffy fought back her tears.  Peter lowered his head.  Willow silently comforted her best friend.  Giles clenched his hand in anger and stared at the picture of him and Buffy that rested on the mantle.

 

“So...this is a bad thing then?”  Xander asked quietly.

 

Giles merely gave the boy a quick nod, his eyes never leaving the picture.  Amelia’s soft words made him dart his eyes towards her.

 

“I’m not expecting you to fix this, Rupert.”

 

“You’ll die otherwise, Amelia.”  He stared into her brown eyes for a few seconds before turning to look at Buffy.  “Buffy, darling, we...we need to talk.”

 

Buffy nodded wordlessly, stood and walked out the back door.  As Giles quickly followed her, Xander’s confusion grew.

 

“Someone explain what’s going on?”

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

“Giles...”

 

He looked into her eyes, his own glistening with unshed tears.  “Buffy, what am I supposed to do?”

 

She took a deep breath and reached out to take his hand.  Her fingers gently rubbed against the back of his hand.  “I’m not sure there’s much choice in this...”  She reached up with her other hand and caressed the side of his face.  “Are you sure this wasn’t Ethan’s doing?”

 

He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.  “I know Ethan’s magic signature as well as my own.  It wasn’t him.”

 

“Angel?”  She whispered quietly.

 

He opened his eyes and gazed into hers as he shook his head.  “He wouldn’t.  Besides, he doesn’t know about Amelia.  Very few people know.”  His eyes darkened with anger.  “This is the Council’s doing.  And when I find out who is responsible for this...”

 

“Shh.”  She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head against his chest. 

 

“What kind of choice is this?  I either let her die or...”

 

“Save her life.”

 

The rage flickered in his eyes as he pulled away from her.  “Yes.  By having sex with her and risk damaging our relationship.” 

 

She could see the rage building quickly in him, threatening to explode inside of him.  “Giles...”

 

“Fuck!”  He turned and swung his arm, grimacing in pain as his fist collided with the brick wall.  “FUCK!”

 

“Giles!”  She grabbed his hand quickly, inspecting his knuckles.  They were grazed and bleeding, but nothing seemed to be broken.

 

He fell to his knees, his tears finally breaking free as Buffy pulled him into her arms.  She held onto him tightly, her fingers running through his hair.

 

“Giles, stop.  Please stop.”  Her own tears running freely down her face.  “We can try to find another way.”

 

He shook his head, tightening his hold on her.  “There is only one way to stop the Primordium.  Consummation of the first love after the spell is cast.  I was her first love, Buffy.”

 

“I know.”  She whispered softly.  “You know what you have to do, honey.”

 

“I can’t lose you.”  He whispered back.

 

She pulled back slightly, tilting her head up and kissing his lips gently.  “You’re not going to lose me.”

 

He gazed into her eyes and inhaled sharply at the unmistakable look of concern, love, and support shining in her eyes.  “I...I don’t want to do this.”

 

“I know.”  She rested her hand against the side of his neck and offered him a sad smile.  “This isn’t you being unfaithful to me, Giles.  This is you saving Amelia’s life in the only way possible.”  She darted her eyes towards the door as a soft moan of discomfort sounded from the living room.  “How long before she...”

 

He closed his eyes.  “It’s a fairly fast reacting spell.”  His eyes snapped open as understanding clicked in his mind.  “Whoever did this knew she was close in proximity to me.”

 

“Someone who wants to come between us?”

 

His anger shone in his eyes again.  “Quentin.  I’ll fucking kill him.”

 

Buffy shook her head quickly.  “Giles, no.  Listen to me, okay?  First we need to break the spell.  Then we can deal with Quentin.  But, you are not...understand me...you are not going to kill him.”  She placed a finger on his lips as he opened his mouth to protest.  “We’ll come up with a plan, okay?  But, first we need to prove this was his doing.  And, second...I’m not going to let you destroy yourself by taking a human life.”

 

“I’ve done it before...”  He stated quietly.

 

“Yes...and it almost destroyed you then, didn’t it?  I’m not losing you to that asshole.”  She kissed him again and pulled him into another hug.  “I love you, Giles.  I love you so much.”

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

She led Giles back inside.  Three pairs of worried eyes looked at them.  She glanced at Amelia lying on the couch, her eyes closed and her skin flushed.  Giles tightened his grip on Buffy’s hand.

 

Willow glanced down at his other hand, gasping lightly as she took in his injury.  “Giles!  Your hand!”

 

She rushed over to him, gingerly lifting his hand.

 

“I’m fine, Willow.”

 

He didn’t meet her eyes, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by her.  She looked at Buffy, tilting her head in a silent question.  Buffy glanced at Amelia quickly and gave Willow a small nod.

 

“Buffy...”  His voice was no louder than a whisper, but his tone was urgent.

 

She looked up at him, immediately noticing that his skin was flushed with arousal.  She turned back towards her friend and whispered quietly.

 

“The spell is pulling them together.  Can you take the others and just...go somewhere for a while?”

 

“Buffy, I don’t know about this.”

 

“It’s the only way, Will.  You know as well as I do that we can’t let her die. He’d never be able to live with himself.”

 

“And, he’s going to be able to live with this?”

 

For the first time since entering the room, Giles looked down at the redhead.  “I’m standing right here, Willow.”  A ghost of a smile touched his lips.  “And, yes...under these circumstances, I shall be able to live with this.  Granted, it took some convincing from Buffy.”  He turned his eyes to Buffy and took a deep breath.  “I...I can’t resist this for much longer.”

 

She gave him an understanding nod and looked at Willow.  “Please, Will...”

 

Willow nodded slowly and turned to gather Xander and Peter.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

He stared into Buffy’s eyes, his uninjured hand pulling her towards him.  “I love you, Buffy.”

 

She kissed him deeply, pulling from him when she heard Amelia moan softly.  “I love you too, Giles.  I...do you want me to stay?”

 

His fingers were unbuttoning his shirt.  He glanced down to see the spell stricken woman undressing herself as she watched him.  He shook his head slowly as he lifted his eyes back to Buffy’s.

 

“I...I’m not sure it would be a good idea.  This...process...it’s not...”  He took a deep breath and tried again.  “There’s passion.  It’s not real passion, it’s induced by the spell.  But, it looks real...and...”

 

She silenced him with a kiss.  When she pulled back, she saw the tears in his eyes. 

 

“Remember...you are not losing me, Giles.”

 

His fingers unbuttoned his jeans as a tear rolled down his cheek.  “Please...go, now Buffy.  It’s...it’s getting too strong.  Please, I can’t let you see this.”

 

She lifted a trembling hand and wiped the tear away before she whispered  ‘I love you’ and walked out the door.  As she closed and locked it behind her, her own tears began once more as her knees gave out and she fell to the concrete.  Her tears were quickly becoming sobs when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

 

“Buffy?”

 

She looked up to find Willow kneeling in front of her.  “I thought...you were supposed...”

 

“I sent Peter with Xander.  I thought you might need me.”

 

She fell into Willow’s arms.  “We...need to go...I don’t think I can handle hearing...”

 

Willow nodded in understanding and took the car keys from Buffy’s hand.  “Come on, I’ll drive.”

 

Chapter Thirty-Eight

 

“Rupert?”

 

He gazed down at Amelia’s nude form as he kicked his jeans to the side.  He knelt beside of the couch and allowed his fingers to trace over the symbols on her chest.

 

“I...I can’t take you to bed, I hope you understand...”

 

She nodded as she raised her hand and pulled him down for a kiss.  She groaned as his tongue pushed into her mouth and his hand covered her breast.  She returned his kiss, the magic-laden passion spiralling quickly out of control. 

 

He pulled back and looked into her glazed eyes.  His hand travelled down her body, coming to a rest when it covered her pubic mound.  He groaned softly at the wetness his fingers encountered when they pushed between her lips.

 

“Amelia...”

 

“You were always able to make me wetter than anyone else could, Rupert...”  She closed her eyes and moaned when he slipped a finger inside of her.  “More...I need more...”

 

He pushed himself up and settled on his knees between her thighs.  He leaned down, taking an already hardened nipple into his mouth as he pushed his erection into her folds.  Her hands gripped his shoulders tightly as he thrust his hips forward.

 

He lifted his head, releasing her nipple, and looked into her eyes.  His mouth descended on hers in a passionate kiss as he rocked his hips against her.  He slid his hand under her knee, lifting her leg around him so that he could thrust deeper into her.  She broke the kiss and threw her head back against the cushions.

 

“Oh, Rupert...yes...like that...”

 

He closed his eyes and pushed harder against her.  The arousal was so strong for both of them that he knew it wouldn’t be long before she hit her climax.

 

“Mealie?”

 

“Oh, God...Rupert...”

 

“Do you...want me to come inside of you?”

 

She opened her eyes and shook her head quickly. “No...please...”

 

He smiled in understanding and gave her a nod.  He felt a slight tremor from her body and gripped her hip tighter as he slammed his body against her.

 

“I’m so close, Mealie...”

 

She groaned in response, lifting her other leg over his hip to change the angle slightly.

 

“Oh, fuck...”  He muttered softly.  “Come for me, Mealie...”

 

He lowered his head, pulling her nipple into his mouth.  He held the hardened nub between his teeth and flicked his tongue against it.  She screamed as her orgasm hit.  He pulled his mouth from her breast and quickened his strokes as he rode out her climax. 

 

After four more thrusts, he groaned loudly and pulled out of her.  Her hand quickly encircled his wet flesh and moved in fast, hard strokes.  His body trembled as he came forcefully, his semen landing on her abdomen.  His eyes drifted to her chest and he collapsed on top of her as he watched the symbols slowly disappear from her skin.

 

Her fingers brushed through his damp hair, soothing him as his tears came once more.  She placed a soft kiss on his cheek as her own tears began to fall.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

“So, you think Quentin Travers is behind it?”

 

Buffy shrugged her shoulders and looked up from her task of shredding a leaf.  “Giles is pretty certain of it.”

 

Willow sighed softly as she looked into Buffy’s red eyes.  “Are you going to be okay?”

 

“Yeah, I mean…I know that he didn’t want to do this.  It would’ve been different if I came home and found them getting all fleshy with one another.   I’m mad, but not at him.  It’s not his fault.”

 

“Can I ask how he was when you left?”

 

Buffy took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, dropping the leaf stem to the ground.  “Aroused…very aroused.  And…upset.”  She looked down at her hand and twisted the diamond band around her finger.  “He was crying when I left, Will.”

 

“Oh, Buffy…”

 

“He was worried that I was going to leave him.”

 

“He was scared, Buffy.  I think he knows deep down that you understand that this is beyond his control and that it’s nothing more than a spell.  But, his heart sees it as being unfaithful to you…and that’s something that goes against his beliefs.  He loves you so much.”

 

Buffy nodded slowly.  “I know he does.  And I love him just as much as he loves me.  And, I do know that it’s a spell and that if there were any other way to break it, he would’ve figured it out.”  She glanced at her watch and sighed.  “He threatened to kill Quentin.”

 

Willow’s eyes widened.  “What?  He wouldn’t, would he?”

 

Buffy stared at her friend for a moment.  “I really think he would.  What Quentin’s done…if it was Quentin…is so far beyond wrong that there isn’t a word for it.  I think that if Quentin was standing in front of Giles at that moment…I honestly think Giles would’ve killed him.”  She picked up another leaf.  “And I’m not sure I would’ve stopped him.”

 

“Buffy…”

 

“He’s trying to tear us apart, Will.  He always has.”

 

Willow laid a comforting hand on Buffy’s leg.  “He never will, Buffy.”

 

Buffy looked up at Willow, opening her mouth to respond.  Her words never made it out as her cell phone began to ring.  She swallowed her nerves and glanced down at the caller id.

 

Her fingers shook as she picked up the phone and flipped it open.  “Hi.”

 

She heard the tremor in his voice when he spoke softly.

 

“Will you come home?”

 

She glanced at Willow and stood up quickly.  “I’m on my way.”

 

“Buffy…I love you.”

 

She felt the tears sting her eyes when she registered the tone of his voice.  “I love you too, Giles.  I won’t be long, okay?”

 

He whispered an ‘okay’ and slowly hung up the phone.  He heard the shower turn on and then he walked out the front door and sat down on the small concrete bench in the courtyard.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Willow had barely pulled the Explorer to a stop before Buffy jumped out.  She found him sitting on the concrete bench in the courtyard outside of his front door.  Kneeling on the pavers in front of him, she placed her hand on his thigh.

 

“Giles?”

 

He looked up and offered her a sad smile.  “I’m glad you came home.”

 

Her hand moved from his thigh and pressed against the side of his face.  “Where else would I be?”

 

“I…don’t know…”

 

“Are you okay, Giles?  Is…is Amelia alright?”

 

“Amelia’s fine.”  He glanced towards the door.  “She’s, uh…she’s in the shower.”  He looked back into her eyes.  “I took a shower before I called you.  That’s why…that’s why it took so long.”

 

She leaned up and placed a tender kiss on his lips.  “You didn’t answer my first question.”

 

“I’ll be okay.”  He shrugged his shoulders lightly.  “I…I was thinking.”

 

Her fingers brushed through his hair.  “About?”

 

“What would have happened if you weren’t here?  If the spell had been cast and you weren’t here to witness it…”  He stood up suddenly and began to pace.  “You do realize that was probably the plan.  Cast the Primordium on Amelia in the hopes that you would be somewhere else.  So that you would come home and find us together.  My God, Buffy…what if you weren’t here?”

 

She stood up and grabbed his arm to stop his pacing.  “But, I was here, Giles.  We can’t do the ‘what if’ thing…it’ll drive us both crazy.”

 

“You would have left me.”  He took a deep breath.  “His plan could have easily worked if the circumstances were different.”

 

“I’m not so sure about that.”  She wrapped her arms around him and placed a soft kiss on his shirt-clad chest.  “I’m sure I would’ve postponed the wedding.  I’m even more sure that there would’ve been a lot of yelling and swearing on my part.”  She looked up at him so that he could read the truth in her eyes.  “I’m also sure that I could forgive you for almost anything.”

 

Willow had been watching from the stairs leading to the courtyard.  When she realized that they were okay, she coughed lightly and made her way to the door.  She smiled at them as they raised their eyes to her.

 

“I’m just going to call Xander.  You know, let him know that he can bring Peter back.  If he can…you know, if it’s alright for them to come back now.”

 

Giles gave her a small nod.  “Yes, it’s alright.  Willow…thank you for…well, for taking care of Buffy.”

 

She offered him a warm smile and opened the door.  “That’s what friends are for, Giles.”

 

As the front door closed, Giles softly whispered Buffy’s name.  He inhaled slowly as she looked up at him.

 

“Can I…can I kiss you?”

 

She gave him a genuine smile.  “You never have to ask me for a kiss.”

 

He sighed softly as he leaned down and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Willow hung up the phone after assuring Xander that all was well at the apartment.  She looked up as Amelia made her way into the living room.

 

“Hi…how are you feeling?”

 

Amelia’s eyes widened in surprise at the concerned tone in Willow’s voice.  “I…I’m better.  Thank you, Willow.”  She looked around briefly.  “Is Buffy alright?”

 

Willow nodded and gave the woman an understanding smile.  “She’s good.  She’s outside with Giles.  They’re good, Amelia.”

 

Amelia nodded and sat down in a chair.  “I wanted him to go after her.”

 

Willow shook her head and sat down on the coffee table in front of Amelia.  “I’m sure he wanted to.  I’m also sure that I know the kind of man Giles is.”  She smiled at the woman before continuing.  “He would never let someone he cares about die if there was something that he could do to change it.  As much as he loves Buffy and as much as he probably hates himself right now…he did what he had to do to save your life.  Buffy knows and understands that.”

 

“He’s feeling as though he was unfaithful to her.”

 

“Buffy will set him straight, don’t worry.  She’s not big on condoning Giles’ self-flagellation tendencies.”

 

Amelia smiled at that.  Hearing the door open, she stood as Buffy and Giles walked in, hand in hand.

 

Buffy offered Amelia a gentle smile before releasing Giles’ hand and walking over to her.  To Amelia’s surprise, Buffy pulled her into a brief, but comforting, hug. 

 

“I’m glad you’re okay, Amelia.” 

 

“Thank you, Buffy.”

 

Buffy glanced back at Giles before looking into Amelia’s eyes.  “Listen, we don’t need to go into details, okay?  I don’t need to hear you say that you’re sorry because…like Giles…there’s nothing for you to be sorry about.  We’re okay.  By ‘we’re’, I mean…Giles and I are okay, and you and I are okay.”

 

Amelia couldn’t hide her bewilderment.  “Well, that’s certainly not what I was expecting.”

 

Buffy chuckled.  “You want me to yell at you or something?  Look, what happened wasn’t your fault…”  She turned her head and looked at her fiancé.  “And, it definitely wasn’t your fault either.”  After Giles gave her a brief nod, she turned back to Amelia.  “The important thing is that you’re alive.  And…what we need to do now is to find out who is behind this.”

 

Giles went into the kitchen and put the kettle on the stove.  “I’ve already told you who is responsible.”

 

“We need proof, Giles.”

 

Amelia took a deep breath.  “Who are you considering for this, Rupert?”

 

His jaw clenched in anger.  “Travers.  The magic reeked of him.”

 

Amelia shook her head slowly.  “He’s not that powerful.  He’s able to perform minor spells, but…something like this, he would need help.”

 

His raging eyes stared at Amelia.  “Then he had help.  But, I know without a doubt that he was behind it.”  He glanced at Buffy quickly.  “I may not have proof yet, but I know.”  He turned and started pulling mugs out of the cabinet.  “And God help the person who helped his sorry ass in this.  Fuck with me, fair enough…fuck with my family and I’ll fucking make all of them wish they were dead.”

 

Willow stared at Giles in shock.  Amelia looked concerned for him.  Buffy smiled softly and sighed.

 

“Well, at least you’ve gone from killing them to making them wish they’re dead.”

 

He gave her a half-grin as he turned and met her eyes.  “Well, I can’t very well have you married to someone who is incarcerated for first degree murder, can I?”  He glanced at Willow, who was still staring at him with her mouth hanging open.  “Willow?”

 

She shook her head lightly.  “I just…I’m not sure I’ve ever really heard you…uh…”

 

He blushed lightly.  “Yes, I’m sorry.  My language was uncalled for.”

 

She shook her head again quickly.  “No, it was definitely not uncalled for.  It was very called for.  I’m just not used to hearing you say it.”

 

Giles chuckled softly.

 

Buffy moved into the kitchen, running her fingers along Giles’ back as she slid past him to the refrigerator.  She pulled the milk out and set it on the counter.  She smiled at the other three and took a deep breath.

 

“We need to come up with a plan to nail Travers’ ass to the wall.”

 

Chapter Thirty-Nine

 

They were all sitting around the table filling Anya in on the events concerning the spell that had been cast.  Buffy was sitting on Giles’ lap, her arm casually draped around his neck.  In a gesture that impressed Giles, Anya became livid and actually refrained from making any crude comments about the cure for the spell.

 

Xander nervously fidgeted with a pencil.  “So, how do we prove this theory?”

 

Giles took a sip of water and thought for a moment. 

 

“I would imagine that he’d come to Sunnydale.”

 

Confusion burned in Willow’s eyes.  “If he’s guilty, why would he come here?”

 

Amelia smiled.  “He likes to gloat.”

 

Peter nodded in agreement.  “I don’t know him that well, but I would tend to agree with that statement.”  He offered Giles an apologetic smile.  “I hope you won’t take offense at what I’m getting ready to say.”

 

Giles chuckled.  “I’m rather sure what you say will not surprise me.”

 

“It’s not really a secret that you aren’t Mr. Travers’ favourite person in the Council.  I would imagine that he would want to see, first-hand, your…misery…at losing your Slayer’s love.”

 

Giles nodded and kissed Buffy’s cheek.  “As I stated, I’m not surprised.  In fact, that’s rather…perceptive of you.”

 

Peter blushed lightly at the compliment.

 

Anya sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.  “I could contact D’Hoffryn…”

 

Xander stared at his girlfriend.  “Excuse me?”

 

“Well, I am a retired vengeance demon.  And, in my eyes, this calls for vengeance.”

 

Giles shook his head in mild amusement.  “I don’t think that would be necessary.  But, I do appreciate the thought, Anya.”

 

Anya smiled at him.  “Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”

 

Buffy toyed with the soft hair at the nape of Giles’ neck.  “Well, if he does show up here…that’s not really enough to prove what he did.”

 

“No, it’s not.”  Giles met Amelia’s eyes.  “Is there anyone you trust enough at the Council to contact about this?”

 

Amelia grinned.  “I know a few people.”

 

Anya looked around the apartment and rolled her eyes.  “Giles…the wedding is in four days.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well, you’re moving into the house on your wedding night, right?”

 

“Yes, we are.”

 

She gestured wildly around.  “You haven’t even started packing?”

 

Xander shook his head as the others laughed.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Giles sat on the edge of the bed going through the notes that he had taken that afternoon.  It had taken them six hours, but they had finally formulated a plan that could very well be successful.  He smiled to himself as he tossed the notebook onto his bedside table.

 

Buffy came out of the bathroom and gazed at him.  “What are you smiling about?”

 

“I really think this could work.”  He turned his head towards her, his mouth dropping open at the sight of her nude body leaning against the doorframe.  “My God, you’re beautiful.”

 

She pushed herself from the doorframe and walked over to him.  She leaned down and kissed him passionately.  A groan rumbled in his chest as her tongue sought entry to his mouth.  A flash of that morning’s events entered his mind, causing him to break the kiss.

 

“Buffy…we should talk.  I…you should talk.”

 

She smiled softly.  “And what would I talk about, honey?”

 

“Your feelings about what happened.”

 

She ran her fingers through his hair.  “I’m angry, Giles.  But not at you…not at Amelia.  I want to get proof…and I want him punished for his actions.  As for the sex thing…I don’t know what I feel.  I don’t like that you had to do it.  But, I understand the reasons for it.”

 

“I’m so sorry, Buffy.  I…”

 

She shook her head slowly as her fingers began unbuttoning his shirt.  “No guilt, Giles.  If you keep feeling guilty about what happened, it’s gonna make me start wondering if there was more to it.”  She looked into his eyes as she pushed his shirt off of his shoulders.  “Was there more to it?”

 

“No.”

 

She reached down and unfastened his jeans.  “Then quit beating yourself up over it.  It was out of your control.”  She bent down and kissed him softly.  “You didn’t cheat on me, Giles.”

 

He stared into her eyes for a moment.  When her hand brushed across his groin, he moaned and grabbed her, pulling her onto the bed and turning her body so that she was lying on her back next to him.

 

He leaned up on one elbow and rested his hand across her abdomen.  “Are you sure that you want to make love with me tonight?”

 

“I’m positive.”  She licked her lips and placed her hand on the side of his neck, relishing in the feel of his pulse racing underneath her palm.  “Please make love to me, Giles.”

 

He gently repositioned her so that she was lying in the centre of the bed before leaning down and kissing her lips tenderly.  She chuckled as he moved between her legs.  When he looked at her quizzically, she tugged at the waistband of his jeans.

 

“You plan on taking these off?”

 

“Yes.”  His lips moved to her neck and trailed kisses over her skin until he reached her breast.  He flicked his tongue against her nipple and then looked into her eyes.  “Later.  I plan on tasting your body for a while…if that’s okay with you.”

 

“M’kay…” 

 

She closed her eyes as his lips teased first one nipple and then the other into hard peaks.  He smiled against her skin as he felt her shiver underneath him.  He circled the tip of his tongue around her areola before flattening the lithe muscle and dragging it across her nipple.  She groaned and arched towards him, urging him on. 

 

He suckled gently at her breast, moving his left hand to her hip to still her movements.  He felt her gasp, her fingers tightening in his hair as he pushed her closer to the edge.  He smiled inwardly and moved his mouth to her other breast, giving it equal treatment.

 

“Oh, God…you’re…oh, you’re gonna make me…”

 

He groaned against her breast as her body shuddered under the force of her orgasm.  He lifted his head, smiling lovingly at her as she came down.  She met his eyes and returned his smile.  She murmured his name as he lowered his mouth and allowed his tongue to trace along her ribcage.  He shifted his body, moving further down the bed as he placed warm kisses across her stomach.  She hissed in pleasure as his tongue dipped into her navel.

 

Her hips bucked against him as he moved his hand between her thighs and slipped a finger into her folds.  He growled softly as he felt her wet heat spread across his hand.

 

“Please, Giles…don’t tease…”

 

He carefully slid his finger into her and gazed into her eyes.  “I’d never tease you, darling.”

 

With that said, he added a second finger and began thrusting slowly as his tongue circled her clitoris.  He blew a light puff of air across the hardened nub before covering it with his mouth.  The heat of his mouth was setting her on fire.  Her fingers twisted in the sheets as he sucked harder, bringing her closer and closer to her second orgasm.

 

She screamed as his teeth lightly nipped at the sensitive flesh and her walls began to spasm around his fingers.  He increased the pace of his thrusts and held her clitoris between his teeth as his tongue laved it.  When he felt her fluids gush out around his digits, he lifted his head and took a deep breath.

 

“Buffy…”

 

“I need you, Giles…please…now…”

 

He eased himself off of the bed and quickly shed the rest of his clothing.  He lightly stroked his aching erection as he knelt between her thighs.  She reached up, grabbing the back of his head and pulling his mouth to hers.  She moaned as she deepened the kiss and tasted herself in his mouth.  Her teeth grazed along his tongue as he easily slid his hardened flesh into her.

 

He pulled from the kiss, gazing into her eyes as he moved slowly within her.  “You…are everything to me…”

 

She responded with a smile, her eyes fluttering closed as he continued to build her climax.  He watched her face as he rocked his hips against her.  He felt his heart burn with his love for her as she licked her lips and arched her back towards him.  He smiled softly and then bent his head, his lips finding her throat.  He felt her moan against his lips and she tilted her head back slightly to encourage him.

 

He didn’t need much encouragement and his tongue glided across her throat, tasting the light saltiness of her skin.  Her left hand moved up his arm that was supporting him above her body, gently squeezing his bicep, enjoying the feel of the muscle flexing under her touch.  Her right hand made its way to his neck, her fingertips lightly tracing the raised scar before sliding into the damp curls of his hair.

 

“Giles…”

 

“Mm?”  He murmured against her flesh.

 

“I love the way you make me feel…”  She whispered softly, gasping lightly as his lips nipped her skin.

 

He raised his head, meeting her eyes, and smiled.  “How do I make you feel?”

 

“Beautiful…cherished…loved…”  She raised her hips slightly, changing the angle of his penetration. 

 

“You are, don’t you know?”  His smile grew as she moaned softly.  “You are beautiful…you are cherished…and…you are loved…very much, darling.”

 

A flicker of mischief shone in her eyes briefly.  “And then…there’s the whole other side…”

 

He raised an eyebrow in a silent request for her to continue.

 

Her hips moved against him, matching him thrust for thrust, urging him to move faster within her.

 

“You know…the side where you make me feel…incredibly horny.”

 

He stared into her eyes, keeping up with her rhythm as she continued.

 

“Sometimes…you can just look at me…and I get wet.  So wet…”  She moaned as he plunged harder.  “No one has ever been able to turn me on so…oh, God…so much…and so fast…as you do…”

 

He felt her inner walls quiver around him.  “Buffy…”

 

“I want you to come with me, Giles…I want to feel you…”  She gasped as he pulled out and slammed back into her.  “Feel you…come deep inside of me…”

 

She smiled up at him, seeing the reaction he was having to her words.  She felt his erection expand within her depths. 

 

“I’m so close, Giles…”

 

He grunted softly as he pushed harder.

 

“Come with me…I…”

 

The rest of Buffy’s words were cut off by her scream of pleasure as her orgasm rushed over her.  The sensation of her hot fluids flooding over him was too much and, with his own scream, he followed her over the edge.

 

As his arms began to give out, she pushed him onto his back, following his body until she was straddling him.  She leaned over his body and kissed him deeply as she raised her hips and allowed his softening flesh to slip from her.  She rested her hand on his chest, grinning at him as she broke the kiss and looked into his eyes.

 

“Your heart’s racing.”

 

“Mm.  I would be surprised if it wasn’t.”  His hand trembled as it brushed her hair back from her face.  “I like it when you talk to me.”

 

She chuckled softly, leaning into his touch.  “I know.  One of these days, I’ll get better with the dirty talk.”

 

He grinned up at her.  “I think you do just fine.”

 

“Not as good as you.”  She shrugged her shoulders lightly, her fingers rubbing soothingly against his chest.  “You have no problems telling me that you want to push me against the wall and fuck me until I scream.”  She smiled when she felt him twitch lightly beneath her.  “Or…how you want to come all over me and lick it from my body before you kiss me…”

 

He groaned softly and took a deep, hitching breath. 

 

She leaned down and kissed him gently before rolling off of him and curling into his side.  “One of these days, I’ll be able to tell you how much I want to…”

 

He turned his head to look at her when she didn’t finish.  “How much you want to…what?”

 

She blushed lightly, causing him to smile. 

 

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Buffy.  What do you want to do?”

 

She averted her eyes from his, suddenly very interested in a picture hanging on the wall.  “You won’t laugh at me?”

 

“I’m rather sure I won’t.”  His fingers caressed the arm that she had draped over his torso.

 

“I…I…uh, well…”  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, whispering softly and quickly.  “I want to rub against your chest until I come on you.”

 

His fingers tightened on her arm and his heart began to pound erratically again.  “What else?”

 

Her mind registered the aroused tone in his voice, but she couldn’t bring herself to look at him.  “I want to clean your skin with my tongue.”

 

He bit his lip and tried to control his breathing.  He felt himself hardening again.  “Keep going.”

 

“I…want your tongue inside of me…while I’m sucking you.”

 

He closed his eyes and swallowed his groan.  “Yes…”

 

“I want to tie you up…and touch myself until I come in front of you…”

 

“Oh God…”  He shifted his body slightly.  “Don’t stop, Buffy.”

 

She glanced up at him and licked her lips. 

 

“I want you to tie me up and…fuck me with your tongue, your fingers…your cock…”  She darted her eyes to his straining erection, genuinely surprised to realize how close he was.  “Are you going to come again, Giles?”

 

“Keep talking and I will…”  He smiled as she turned her eyes back to his.  “Tell me where you want my cock.”

 

“We could start with my mouth…then between my breasts…and then my…my…”

 

“Oh, God…say it, Buffy…” 

 

“I don’t like that word…”  She whispered softly.

 

He smiled understandingly.  “I can’t say it’s my favourite either, but…just to hear you say it once…please…”

 

“My…pussy…”  She said softly, smiling shyly as he groaned loudly.  “And…then, you know…you could…”

 

He stared into her eyes.  “I could…what?”

 

She bit her lip nervously.  “You could…maybe…if you were gentle, and careful not to hurt me…”

 

He licked his lips.  “If you say what I think you’re getting ready to say…I’m going to come…”

 

Her eyes widened slightly.  “I haven’t even touched you…”

 

“Your words are enough…”  He was able to choke out around his gasps.

 

She pushed herself up slightly and looked down at his face.  “Would you be gentle?”

 

“If…”  He prompted softly.

 

“If…”  She licked her lips again and lowered her voice to a whisper.  “I asked you to fuck my ass…”

 

Her name left his lips on a moan.  She felt a warmth on her arm and looked down, astounded to see his semen trailing over his abdomen and her forearm.  She looked back into his eyes and smiled brightly.

 

“You weren’t joking.”

 

He shook his head and took a deep breath.  “No, I wasn’t.”

 

“Just from me talking?”

 

He offered her a smile.  “Words can be very powerful, Buffy…”

 

She blushed and settled back down beside of him.  “Is that why you like to talk to me?”

 

“Mm.”  He grinned at her and rolled onto his side to face her.  “I enjoy seeing your reaction to my words.  It makes me…”

 

“Hotter?”

 

“Very much so.”

 

She smiled lovingly.  “I think I get that now.”

 

He cleared his throat and rested his hand on her hip.  “In answer to your question…I would be gentle.”  He waited until she met his eyes and then continued.  “I’d never want you to do something you’re uncomfortable with…and…I’d never push you.  But…if you want to…at some point…I would be gentle with you.”

 

“I know.  It’s something that…well, I’ve thought about it…with you.”  She kissed his chest and snuggled against him.  “I’m just kinda scared about the pain.”

 

“I understand, Buffy.  Like I said…if you decide you want to try it…we, uh…we will.”

 

“I love you.”

 

He smiled, tightening his arms around her and closing his eyes.  “I love you too.”

 

Chapter Forty

 

Buffy whimpered as Giles rolled onto his back, blindly reaching for his cell phone to stop its ringing.  He flipped it open, yawning as he spoke.

 

“H’lo?”

 

“Rupert, I’m sorry to wake you.”

 

He rubbed his eyes sleepily and gently tapped Buffy’s shoulder.

 

“It’s quite alright, Amelia.  Have you heard something?”

 

Buffy opened her eyes and stretched her body before snuggling back up to Giles and resting her head on his shoulder.

 

“Quentin Travers has just boarded a plane to Los Angeles.  He then has a connecting flight to Sunnydale.”

 

Giles smiled and looked down at Buffy.  “Well, then.  That’s interesting.  Not unexpected, but…interesting.”

 

Amelia laughed softly.  “I’ll let you go so that you can tell Buffy.  I’ll see you in a few hours and we’ll get everything set up.  We’ll pick up your Scoobies on the way.”

 

Giles chuckled.  “Okay, that sounds good.  Thank you for calling.  We’ll see you later.”

 

“Goodnight, Rupert.”

 

“Goodnight, Amelia.”

 

Giles snapped the phone shut and placed it back on the bedside table.  He turned his head and smiled at Buffy.

 

“Quentin’s on his way to Sunnydale.”

 

Buffy grinned.  “How long is the flight from London to here?”

 

“Depends on the layovers in the connecting cities, but…approximately fifteen hours or so.”

 

She nodded and glanced at the clock.  “When are the others coming over?”

 

“Amelia said ‘a few hours’…she’s going to pick up Willow, Oz, Xander, and Anya on the way over.”

 

“Okay.”  She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling in the dim light.  “Any ideas on what we can do while we’re waiting on them?”

 

He grinned as he rolled her onto her back and covered her body with his.  “I’m sure I can come up with something to keep you busy…”

 

She laughed as she wrapped her arms around him.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

Giles sat on the concrete bench outside his front door and lit a cigarette when he noticed Quentin approaching.

 

The older man chuckled as he made his way across the courtyard.  “Taking up smoking again, Rupert?”

 

“Quentin, this is a surprise.”  He inhaled the smoke into his lungs and held it there for a few seconds before allowing the smoke to escape.  “I only smoke occasionally.  The last day or two have been…well…let’s just say I find this soothing for the moment.”

 

Quentin gave him an understanding nod and sat down in a chair that had been placed opposite the bench.  “How do you find Mrs. Clayton?”

 

“Amelia?”  Giles smiled softly.  “She’s lovely.  I hadn’t seen her in over twenty years.”

 

Quentin forced his grin down.  “Ah, I had heard a rumour that the two of you were acquainted.”

 

Giles chuckled and took another drag.  “Oh, we were well acquainted when we were younger.”

 

“Hm, yes.  And…Buffy?”

 

“I can’t say she was thrilled to see Amelia.  She knew about our past, you see.  But, I think she’ll be okay in time.”  He grinned dangerously.  “I probably should thank you for bringing Amelia back into my life.  And I do…thank you, that is.  I probably never would have seen her again if you hadn’t sent her.”

 

“Oh, well…you’re welcome, I suppose.”

 

Giles’ eyes darkened as he took another drag.  “However, I don’t thank you for trying to come between Buffy and I.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Don’t play stupid, Quentin.  It’s not charming.”  Giles’ voice remained cool, almost icy.  His eyes, however, barely contained his rage. “Casting the Primordium on Amelia was idiotic at best.  But, I have to say…you did your homework on this one.  The problem is…I’ve done my homework as well.”

 

“Is Amelia alright?”

 

Giles laughed, never taking his eyes from Quentin’s.  “Amelia is fine.  We made passionate love and all is well.  The problem is, Buffy was standing next to her when the Primordium was cast.  And while sex with Amelia was nice…well, better than nice…the passion was magic-induced.  It wasn’t the real passion that I feel for Buffy.”

 

Giles stared at his boss for a few more moments before speaking one word softly.

 

“Willow.”

 

Willow stepped outside and took a deep breath.  “Aperio.”

 

“Time to ‘ave some fun, Quennie.”  Giles grinned and rested his back against the wall as he lit another cigarette.  “Aperio.”

 

Quentin jerked in his chair, his eyes widening.  “Rupert, don’t…”

 

“Don’t what?  Don’t hurt you?  Don’t…kill you?”  Giles laughed menacingly and leaned forward.  “Let me tell you something, Quentin.  There is only one reason you’re still alive at this very moment.”

 

Buffy walked out and sat down beside of Giles on the bench.  “And that reason is me.”

 

Giles turned to look at her, giving her a smile before turning his cold eyes back to Quentin.  “Here’s the deal, Quentin.  You’re going to tell me why and you’re going to tell me who helped.”

 

Quentin narrowed his eyes.  “And the deal part?”

 

“The deal would be…you tell me what I want to know and I won’t snap your neck right here, right now.  Time’s a wastin’, Quennie.  Tick-tock, tick-tock.”

 

“You wouldn’t dare.  You’d be sacked from your position immediately and thrown into prison.  And where would your pretty Slayer be then?”

 

Giles dropped his cigarette and stood quickly, wrapping his hand around Quentin’s throat.  “Tick-fucking-tock, Quennie.”

 

Quentin’s eyes found Buffy’s, silently pleading for help.  Buffy shrugged her shoulders.

 

“I can stop Giles.  I can’t stop Ripper.”

 

As Giles tightened his grip on Quentin, he smiled.  “Gonna talk now?”  Seeing his answer in the fear showing in Quentin’s eyes, he let go.  “Talk.”

 

Quentin rubbed his throat and coughed.  “Thomas Jenkins and Julian Leicester.  They helped.”

 

“Good.”  Giles sat back down beside of Buffy and picked his cigarette back up.  “Now the why.”

 

“Prophecy.”

 

“That’s not a fucking answer, Quennie.  What prophecy and why did you do this?”

 

“There is a prophecy in the Whaling Chronicles.”  He took a deep breath.  “It states that the, uh…the…”

 

“You’re fucking lying, Quennie.  There are no prophecies in any chronicle.  Prophecies come from Codex, not Chronicle.  What’s the real reason?”

 

Quentin glanced nervously between Giles and Buffy.  “Um, Buffy is the most successful Slayer in history.”

 

“I know that.  Now, tell me something I don’t know.”

 

“That is due, in part, to her skill.  But, mainly her success is due to her Watcher.”

 

Rage flickered in Giles’ eyes.  “You did this because of jealousy?  You fucking pillock!”

 

“I was next in line.  Merrick listed you as his replacement.”

 

Buffy’s eyes widened as she stared at Giles.  “He was supposed to be my Watcher?”

 

“Apparently.”  He lit his third cigarette and glared icily at the man.  “You would have gotten her killed by now.  You never would have had even a father’s love for her.  She’d be dead, and more than likely, so would you.  Not that I would mind that very much.”

 

Quentin opened his mouth, but closed it when he looked into Giles’ eyes.  Giles grinned when he heard the phone ring.

 

“That would most probably be your boss, Quennie.”  Before Quentin could ask, Giles gestured above him and around the courtyard.  “Live streaming video…direct from Sunnydale to Council Headquarters.”  His dangerous grin returned.  “You’re fucked, Quentin.”

 

They sat in silence, staring at each other for a few moments before Amelia walked outside with the cordless phone in her hand.

 

“Rupert?  The phone is for you.”

 

Giles kept his eyes fixed on Quentin as he reached out and took the phone from her.  “Thank you, Amelia.”

 

He placed his free hand on Buffy’s thigh, rubbing his fingers in slow circles. 

 

“Rupert Giles.”

 

“Hello, Rupert.”

 

Giles smiled.  “I trust you’ve been watching?”

 

“Indeed we have.  I want to run something by you before I speak with Mr. Travers.”

 

“Go ahead.”

 

“We’ve asked Amelia Clayton to take over Travers’ role within the Council.  She agreed on one condition.”

 

“And that would be?”

 

His fingers gently squeezed against Buffy’s thigh before moving a little higher.  She placed her hand over his to still his movements and hid her smile.

 

“That you would approve of her being your direct contact to the Council.”

 

Giles’ eyes flickered with his smile, adding much to Quentin’s confusion.

 

“I have no issue at all with that.”

 

“In that case, you will begin reporting to Mrs. Clayton immediately.  And…if you don’t mind, could you put Travers on the line?”

 

“I don’t mind at all.  Good day, sir.”

 

He held the phone towards Quentin and narrowed his eyes.  “Phone’s for you, Travers.”

 

The phone call lasted no longer than two minutes.  Amelia took the phone from Quentin as he stood and straightened his tie.  He cleared his throat and, knowing there was nothing more for him to say, he turned to leave.

 

“Quentin.”

 

He turned back around at the sound of Giles’ voice.  “Yes?”

 

“If you try, in any way, to put my family…or me…in danger again…”  He stood and glared at him.  “I will fucking kill you.  That is not a threat.  It is a promise.  And one that I fully intend to keep.  Is that clear?”

 

Travers swallowed nervously and gave him a quick nod.  He turned quickly and left before anything else could be said.

 

Buffy grinned as she stood up and slipped her arm around Giles’ waist.  He looked down at her and smiled adoringly.

 

“I hope your new boss is someone I can stand to be in the same country with.”

 

“I think you’ll like her.”  He chuckled and glanced at Amelia.  “Congratulations, Amelia.”

 

Buffy’s grin grew larger.  Hearing the front door open, everyone turned to see Xander poke his head out. 

 

“Uh…is it safe to come out now?”

 

Giles laughed and nodded, gesturing for the other three to join them.  “I take it that you were watching?”

 

Anya nodded.  “You scared me.  I didn’t like it.  Don’t do it again.”

 

Giles walked over and hugged her gently.  “I apologize if I frightened you, but it was necessary.”

 

Xander nodded quickly.  “Yeah, and he was just…acting.”

 

Oz shook his head slowly.  “No.  That was no act.”

 

Giles smiled softly at Oz.  Xander stared at Giles.

 

“That…that was Ripper?  The real Ripper?”

 

Giles nodded and cleared his throat.  “Yes.  And, now you can understand why I tend to be the…what was it you called me, Willow?  Ah, yes… ‘the emotional marathon man’.”

 

Willow blushed.  “That was a long time ago, Giles.  And…we all know that you have…emotions.  You just didn’t like to show ‘em, back then.”

 

Buffy sighed heavily and looked around at her friends.  “Anyone else hungry?  I feel like I’ve been slaying…”

 

Giles looked down at her and chuckled, lowering his voice.  “Hungry?  Or…”

 

She met his eyes and gave him a wink.  “Later.  Right now…I’m starving.”

 

 

Part Five

 

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