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Chapter Sixty-One

The end of the week came quickly. Amelia, Peter, and Julian had left for England with promises to keep in touch. Amelia had given Joyce a hug at the airport and thanked her softly. It was an action that didn’t sneak past Giles. Though he was curious, he decided that it was none of his business and let it slide.

They had spent the remainder of the week leisurely and had spent one full afternoon just looking at baby clothes. Giles had rolled his eyes when Buffy giggled and held up a tiny tweed-like suit.

All in all, the week had been enjoyable and he found that, now as he was getting ready for patrol, he wanted nothing more than to just stay home with her. He sighed softly as he descended the stairs to find her pacing nervously.

“You look like I did when we were dating and I would wait for you to get ready.”

She stopped pacing and lifted her eyes. “Yeah, except when you were pacing it was because you were anxious to get…things. Me? I’m pacing because you’re going out there to do my job and…” She walked to him and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m scared, Giles.”

He returned her embrace and kissed her softly. “I’m not going alone, you know.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful?”

His hand moved to her cheek, his fingers lovingly caressing her skin. “I promise. I’ll be back in a few hours and if there are any problems, I’ll call you.”

He bent his head and covered her mouth with his. She trembled in his arms as he quickly deepened the kiss. His tongue flicked against hers and his hands grasped her hips, pulling her tightly against him. She groaned into his mouth, her arms winding around his neck as she returned the kiss hungrily.

Before it got well out of hand, he pulled back and smiled down at her. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

“Uh-huh, okay.” She inhaled slowly and let her arms drop back to her sides. “Come back to me and don’t be hurt when you do. ‘Cause…we so need to finish this tonight.”

He chuckled softly and lightly brushed his lips against hers again. “I agree. Is Willow still coming over?”

“Yeah…” She glanced at the clock and sighed. “In about fifteen minutes. We wouldn’t have had enough time to finish that anyway.”

“No, fifteen minutes is not nearly enough time.” He grinned at her and moved towards the door. “Tell her ‘hi’ and…have a nice evening.”

She stood in the open doorway as he stepped onto the front porch. “Yeah…Giles?”

He turned to look at her as he stepped off the last stair and onto the paved walkway. “Yes?”

“Please, be careful.”

Hearing the worried tone in her voice and seeing her eyes glisten, he quickly made his way back up the stairs and pulled her into his arms. “Buffy, I’ll be fine. It’s not as if I’ve never patrolled before. I’ve even patrolled on my own before, you know.”

“I know.” She sniffled as she pressed her cheek against his chest and fisted her hands in his shirt. “But, I’ve never watched you leave for patrol before. Not without me going with you.”

He pulled back and smiled understandingly at her. “I do know what you’re feeling, darling. But remember, I’m not going on my own. And…I made a promise to you…and Braden.” He kissed her cheek and brushed her tears away with his thumb. “I’ll be back soon.”

She nodded and released his shirt from her grip. “You…should probably go now. You know, before I have another breakdown and make you late meeting Angel.”

He laughed gently and made his way back down the stairs. “Lock the door behind you.”

She rolled her eyes and stepped back inside. “Yes, Mom.”

He shook his head in amusement and walked to the car. After he climbed in, he gave her a quick wave and backed out of the driveway. She watched until the taillights were out of sight and, with a heavy sigh, closed and locked the door.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Angel cleared his throat as he walked beside of Giles through the cemetery. “I’m not sure that I’ve said this before, but…the ceremony was very nice.”

Giles smiled, shifting the crossbow to his right hand as he glanced at the vampire. “I don’t really remember much about it. Oz taped it for us, but we haven’t had a chance to watch it.”

“Oh. Well, it was. Nice, I mean.”

“Thank you.”

Angel shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather duster and smiled. “Buffy’s feeling well?”

“Hm?”

“Morning sickness or anything?”

Giles shook his head. “No, fortunately not. I’m just waiting for the cravings to start.”

Angel smirked and then pointed to their left. “The other night I came across a gang over there.”

Giles arched an eyebrow. “A gang?”

“That’s what they called themselves. Seemed to be just a gathering of a few bored teenagers to me.”

Giles shook his head slowly. “Living on a Hellmouth with vampires and demons aren’t enough for teenagers these days?”

“I think I may have scared them off. They weren’t here last night.”

A twig snapped behind them, causing them both to spin quickly. A boy dressed in black stood before them, his eyes glowing an eerie orange.

“You’re back.” The boy stated quietly, his eyes focused on Angel.

“Do I know you?” Angel stared at him, taking a step to his right.

“Me? Nah. Let me introduce myself.” He took a step forward, the orange of his eyes dimming somewhat. “My name is Novak.”

Giles took in the boy’s appearance and features. He searched his mind for information, but came up with nothing. When he raised his crossbow, Novak turned his eyes towards him and smiled.

“You’re human.”

Giles narrowed his eyes. “Yes. And, obviously you’re not.”

“You’re human and you’re hanging out with a vampire.” Novak shook his head in bewilderment. “Interesting. Who are you?”

“Does it matter?”

Novak chuckled softly. “Well, you’re pointing a weapon at me. I think I should know who the person is who is threatening my life.”

When Giles didn’t answer, Novak exhaled forcefully. “Look, I’m not here to cause problems.”

Angel took another step to his right, catching Novak’s eye. “Why are you here?”

Novak rolled his eyes dramatically. “I’m here because I was summoned.”

Giles tilted his head slightly. “What are you?”

Novak stood proudly. “I’m a Cirjan…from the Cortosa Dimension, not the Sultrav.”

Giles lowered his crossbow slightly, causing the demon to smile at him. “The Cortosan Cirjans are a peaceful race. What were you summoned for? And…by whom?”

The demon’s eyes widened. “You’re a Watcher?”

Angel glanced at Giles and took a step forward as the Watcher completely lowered the weapon. “Uh, Giles?”

“Why would you ask if I’m a Watcher?”

Novak grinned and stepped towards Giles. His grin faltered as Giles involuntarily took a step backwards. “I wouldn’t hurt you. You said it yourself, I’m from a peaceful race. And, I asked if you were a Watcher because…your Council is the only entity that has information about the Cortosan Cirjans. The information you have was given by my ancestors hundreds of Earth years ago.”

“Hm. Yes, well. The questions of why and by whom you were summoned still lie unanswered.”

Novak turned towards Angel quickly, his eyes blazing orange. “Could you stop trying to sneak up on me?”

Angel stopped his movement and looked towards Giles. The Watcher smiled and, with a tilt of his head, motioned for Angel to back away from the demon. When Angel complied, Novak laughed gently and met Giles’ eyes again.

“Pet vampire?”

“No. A friend.”

Novak raised an eyebrow. “Well, that’s different.”

“I’m a different kind of vampire.” Angel grumbled as he leaned against a headstone.

The demon took a deep breath and hopped on top of a monument, swinging his legs in a childlike manner. “Your vampire friend broke up my summoners’ gathering. After they, and…” He gestured towards Angel. “…he left, I found this.” He pulled a small medallion from his pocket and tossed it towards Giles. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s the only thing they left.”

Giles caught the medallion easily and turned it in his hand, studying it as he gestured towards the vampire. “His name is Angel. I’m Rupert Giles.” He looked up and smiled at the demon. “And…they summoned the wrong race. They were attempting to bring a Sultravian. Easy enough mistake to make, I suppose. For a novice.”

Novak surveyed his surroundings. “I’ve never been in this dimension. It’s okay, but it’s a little too harsh for me. I recognized the vampire…um, Angel…from the other night. I was hoping that he might’ve been able to help me.” His eyes flickered as he looked back at Giles. “I’m glad you were with him.”

Giles pocketed the medallion and smiled softly as Novak jumped down from the monument. “Would you like to go home, Novak?”

“Yeah, I kinda would.”

Giles gave him a brief nod and began to speak softly in a language that Angel didn’t understand.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Willow glanced up as her friend began pacing through the living room. “Buffy...”

Buffy looked at the clock for the fifth time in four minutes. “He should be back by now. He’s late...”

Willow turned her wrist and read her watch. “Only by ten minutes. And...it’s not like you can have a perfectly timed patrol every night. He’ll be home soon.”

Buffy ceased her pacing and stared at Willow. “He’s late. Giles is late. Giles is never late...for anything.” She started pacing again with another look at the clock. “What if something’s happened?”

“Angel would’ve called.”

“What if Angel couldn’t call? What if something really bad happened?”

A smile began to form on Willow’s face. “Why don’t you call him?”

“I can’t because...well, what if he’s in the middle of a major fight with a vampire or...something. And then I’d break his concentration by calling him and then...” She looked over at her best friend, somewhat shocked to see her grinning broadly at her. “Why are you smiling at me like that?”

Willow shook her head as she chuckled. “You just remind me of Giles.”

“Huh?”

“Whenever you go on patrol and he thinks you’re running a bit late, he does the same thing. You know, with the pacing, the mumbling, the ‘what ifs’. He got worse about it when you started dating, but...he’s always done it.” Willow picked up the remote and turned the television on. “I always thought it was kinda cute.”

“Great, now I’m turning into Giles?”

Willow snickered. “Yeah, you’ll be speaking with an English accent soon. Just...try to lay off the tweed, okay?”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Will...”

Hearing a key in the front door lock, Buffy’s turned quickly and ran into the foyer. The door swung open and Giles found himself with his arms full of his wife as she launched herself at him.

He grunted with the force of the collision and wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling. “Buffy?”

“You’re home! And...you’re late. I was worried...” She glared at him as he began to chuckle. “It’s not funny, Giles. All I could think about was...”

He stopped her speech with a searing kiss. He stepped into the foyer and closed the door behind them as his tongue gently caressed hers. He allowed her body to slide down his until her feet touched the floor. When her fingers began unbuttoning his shirt, he broke the kiss and leaned back against the door.

“Buffy...”

She shook her head quickly as she pulled his shirt open. “I need to make sure you’re okay.”

Her hands began roaming over his chest, searching for any bumps or bruises. He closed his eyes and lightly bit his lip. She felt his heart rate increase underneath her palms and looked up in worry. Her worry faded when she recognized the familiar expression of arousal on his face. Her hands slowed their frantic exploration of his chest.

“Giles?” She whispered softly, smiling as he opened his eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” His hand lifted to the side of her face.

“No injuries or anything?”

“Not even a scratch.”

She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his sternum. She felt his chest heave as her tongue lightly touched his skin. She felt the rumble of his silent groan when her fingers grazed over his nipple. His fingers cupped the back of her head as her mouth slowly followed the path her fingers had just taken. When her mouth latched onto his nipple, his groan became audible.

“Buffy...”

* * *

Willow stepped into the foyer and stopped suddenly at the sight before her. Giles was pressed against the front door, his shirt completely unbuttoned and hanging open. Buffy was sucking hungrily at his chest as he held her tightly to him, encouraging her to continue. Buffy was also grinding wantonly against Giles’ thigh.

When she saw Buffy reach down to his belt, Willow blushed deeply and backed quickly into the living room. She sat on the couch and glanced towards the back door, planning her escape if Buffy didn’t remember that she was there.

* * *

He pushed from the door, knocking over the umbrella stand in the process, and began to back her towards the living room. When she stumbled, he easily picked her up and growled softly as she wrapped her legs around him. She lifted her head and grinned at him.

“You’re so...hard.” She wiggled gently in his arms, pressing her core harder against him. “Got plans for it?”

His left hand slid underneath her blouse and worked its way up to her bra. He smiled at her as he deftly unclasped it. “Oh, I have a few...I’m just deciding which one to go with.”

She shifted in his arms again, causing him to pause his steps. “Can I choose?”

His eyes darkened as he nodded and slowly began to move towards the living room again. “I don’t know whether to fuck you, or to slide my cock down your throat, or to throw you down and eat you until you scream my name.” He stopped in the doorway, pressing her back against the doorframe. “Or...” He ground his hips against her, smiling as she moaned. “I could just fuck you right here, right now.” His fingers tickled her side lightly. “What do you want, darling?”

Buffy’s eyes suddenly snapped open, wide with panic. “Willow!”

He arched an eyebrow at her. “Willow? Well...”

She smacked his chest and untangled her legs from his waist. “No! Willow’s still here!”

He stepped back quickly, letting her drop to her feet. “What? Where?”

There was a sound of someone softly clearing their throat, causing them both to look towards the couch. Giles pulled his shirt closed as his face reddened deeply.

“I, uh...I tried to go out the back door, but...it’s locked. And, I couldn’t find the key.”

Buffy ran her hand through her hair and gave an embarrassed laugh, which earned her a glare from her husband. She shrugged her shoulders and sighed heavily.

“Sorry. I was just worried about you and...I guess, I kinda forgot...”

He cleared his throat and inhaled deeply. “Yes, well...uh...I, uh...” He shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out the medallion that Novak had given to him. “I should research this...”

Buffy reached out and plucked it from his hand. “Ooh, you brought me jewellery.” When he merely stared at her, she dropped it back into his palm. “What is it?”

“A summoning talisman. It brings forth a race of demons called Cirjan. However, there are two separate factions of Cirjan – the Cortosan and the Sultravian. The Cortosans are peaceful, the Sultravians are...not.”

“So, what does this one bring?”

“Both, actually. It depends on which incantation is used. The group of summoner’s used the incorrect incantation and brought forth a Cortosan Cirjan. An extremely nice fellow, actually. But, I need to find out who precisely summoned him while attempting to summon the Sultravians.”

He cast a quick glance at Willow, blushing again when he found her smiling. “I’ll, uh...I’ll just go get started...researching, that is...”

Willow turned her smile to Buffy as Giles rushed out of the room. “So...I take it he’s okay, then?”

Buffy fought to control her grin. “Um...how much of that did you hear?”

“Huh? Oh, not much.” She watched as Buffy relaxed somewhat before she continued. “Just everything after you said ‘you’re home’.”

Buffy paled quickly. “Oh...”

Willow giggled and stood up. “Now that the front door is free, I think I’ll head home. Tell him that I’m not scarred for life, okay?”

“He’s going to kill me.”

Willow put her hand on Buffy’s shoulder and shook her head. “I’m pretty sure that killing you is not what he has in mind, Buffy. I’m just glad you remembered me when you did. It coulda been worse, you know!”

“Thanks, Will.” Buffy replied sarcastically.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She stood in the doorway silently watching him flip through the pages of a book with one hand. Unsure if he was angry with her or not, she cautiously walked into the room.

“I’m really sorry, Giles.”

“I’m not angry with you, Buffy.” His words were softly spoken, but he didn’t look at her.

“Kinda feels that way.” She replied, just as softly.

He pushed his chair back from the desk and sighed, his eyes still not meeting hers. “I’m embarrassed, not angry. It took me a very long time to be comfortable with kissing you in front of our friends. I can’t say that I’m completely comfortable with it even now.” He paused and ran his hand through his hair. “What happened in there...”

“Anya has seen and heard worse. And...you didn’t act like this then.”

“Yes, but Anya wasn’t here. Willow was.” He stood quickly and walked to the bookshelf. “Besides, that was a completely different situation.”

“Why won’t you look at me?” She whispered as she wrapped her arms around herself.

When he didn’t reply and merely hung his head in the shamefully, she felt the tears begin to well in her eyes. She took a shaky breath and stepped towards the door.

“I really didn’t mean to make you feel like this. I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of Willow.” She wiped her eye. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt tonight.”

She shook her head, dropping her arms to her side, as he continued to stare at the books in silence. “Goodnight, Rupert.”

He closed his eyes at the sound of his given name leaving her lips, opening them as he turned to face her. “Buffy...” He exhaled forcefully, seeing that she had left the room before he turned around. “Damn!”

He lifted his eyes to the ceiling when he heard a floorboard creak. When he heard the bedroom door slam, he closed his eyes. “Idiot.”

Chapter Sixty-Three

With a quick shake of his head, he left the library and quickly ran up the stairs. He stopped outside of their bedroom, his hand resting on the doorknob. He steadied himself and then slowly opened the door.

“Buffy?”

He flinched when he heard something hit the wall in the bathroom adjoining their room. He crossed the room and tapped on the door. “Buffy?”

“What?”

He cursed under his breath at the sound of anger in her voice. “I...can I come in?”

“Why? Are there shampoo bottles that need staring at now?”

He leaned forward, resting his forehead against the door. “I’m sorry. I...”

He jumped back as the door flung open. She stared at him for a brief moment before pushing past him and climbing into the bed. She pulled the blankets over herself and turned her back to him.

“I’m sorry I’m such an embarrassment.”

“What?” He shook his head and carefully climbed onto the bed behind her. “No, Buffy...you misunderstood me. You didn’t embarrass me...I embarrassed me.”

“Yeah, ‘cause you made it so clear that it’s easy to see how I misunderstood you.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder, tightening his hold when she tried to pull away from him. “I handled it badly. I do apologize.”

She rolled over, her hazel eyes dark with something nearing fury. “You handled it badly? Understatement, much?” He opened his mouth to speak, closing it quickly as she continued. “You didn’t handle it at all, Rupert. You ignored it! You...” Her eyes filled with tears, the rest of her statement coming in the form of a whisper. “You ignored me.”

“Oh, Buffy...I...”

A tear spilled over her lashes. “You wouldn’t even look at me. Is what happened so bad that you can’t even look at me?”

“No.” He lifted his hand and gently brushed her tears from her skin. “No, it wasn’t. Please, give me a chance to explain?” When she didn’t try to pull away from him, he swallowed and began his explanation.

“I was in the middle of berating myself for acting like a randy teenager when you came in. And...convincing myself that Willow would never be able to look at me again. And, somehow that led to you...”

She lifted her hand and spoke quietly. “Stop right there.” She took a deep breath, the anger slowly leaving her eyes. “How many times did you have to change trains to follow that highly illogical train of thought?”

“I don’t know. A few?”

“God, you make me so angry sometimes, Giles.”

He fought to hide the smile when he registered that she called him ‘Giles’. “I’m sorry, Buffy. I was...”

“Self-flagellating again. What have I said about that?”

He smiled slowly. “I believe your exact words were... ‘if anyone is going to flagellate you, it’s gonna be me’.”

He began to relax as a smile began to find its way to her lips. “Yeah, I have a way with words, huh?” He closed his eyes briefly when her fingers touched his face. “And...Willow wanted me to tell you that she isn’t scarred for life.”

He opened his eyes and gazed into hers. “I’m sorry I hurt you, Buffy.”

She laid her hand on the side of his neck and gently rubbed her thumb against his jaw. “I’m sorry that I forgot Will was here.” When he smiled, she leaned up and kissed him. “So, how was patrol? Anything I need to document in the Diary?”

He brushed the hair back from her face and then pulled the blankets away from her body. “Can I tell you about it later?”

“You have something more important to do?”

“Mm-hm.” He bent down to kiss her, stopping suddenly. “Unless, you don’t want...I mean, I’ll understand if you don’t...”

“I want, Giles.”

He smiled and resumed the initiation of the kiss. “I like how that sounds.”

Her chuckle ended as he unbuttoned her pajama top. As his left hand massaged her breast, his right reached down and tugged at the bottoms.

“You don’t normally wear pajamas to bed.”

Her fingers unbuckled his belt before moving to his shirt and unbuttoning it for the second time that night. “I was upset with you.”

“And now?” He bent his head and placed an open mouthed kiss between her breasts as his hand pushed her pajama bottoms down her legs.

“And now, I’ll be even more upset with you if you don’t make love to me soon.”

He groaned when her lips found his nipple once again. “Well...we both now how unhappy it makes me when you’re upset with me.”

He pulled his shirt off and tossed it in the general direction of the hamper as her hands busied themselves with getting him out of his pants. After a few impatient tugs, she finally had him undressed. His eyes raked over her nude body as she knelt on the bed in front of him.

She smiled seductively and leaned forward until her lips were millimetres away from his. “Hungry, Giles?”

“God, yes.”

Her tongue snaked out and traced his bottom lip. “What are you hungry for?”

Without another word, he covered her mouth with his and plunged his tongue into her mouth. She sucked the lithe muscle greedily as he pushed her back onto the mattress. He groaned into her mouth when he felt her hand curl around his erection. She squeezed him gently, causing him to thrust his hips involuntarily.

She tightened her grip and tore her mouth from his. “You gonna fuck my hand?”

His fingers slid through her wetness to find her clitoris already hardened. He held it between his thumb and forefinger, stroking it lightly until her hips began to move against him.

“Depends. Are you going to fuck my hand too?” He shifted his hand further down and easily slid two fingers into her. She groaned loudly and bucked her hips. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

He moved his hips slowly, relishing the sensation of her warm hand against his flesh. In contrast to his slow movements, he quickened the pace of his thrusting fingers. Her hips lifted to meet each thrust with a powerful one of her own.

His voice was a gravelled whisper when he spoke again. “If you don’t slow down, you’ll come soon.”

She moved her hand in rhythm with his hips, running her thumb across the head with each stroke. “Oh God, Giles...let me...let me come...”

He eased a third finger into her, gasping as she squeezed the head of his cock. “I’ve no plan to stop you. Keep going...”

Her thrusts became frenzied as she neared her orgasm. Her hand fell from his erection and gripped the sheet. He took the opportunity to quickly change his position and lowered his head between her thighs. She screamed in ecstasy when he sucked her clitoris into his mouth.

He slowed his thrusting fingers and gently brought her back down from her climax. He waited until she opened her eyes before he lifted the glistening digits to his mouth. She groaned softly as his tongue collected her juices from his skin.

He smiled and leaned over her, running his tongue across her lips. He nipped lightly at her bottom lip before pulling back and staring into her eyes.

“I love the taste of you.”

She reached up with a trembling hand, curling her fingers into the hair on the back of his head as she pulled his mouth down to hers. As their tongues mingled with one another, she gathered her strength and rolled him onto his back. Her lips moved to his neck and she flicked her tongue against his skin. She lifted her mouth and scraped her teeth along his earlobe before whispering into his ear.

“I had a few ideas of what I wanted you to do. And...what I wanted to do to you.”

“Mm-hm?” His hands tightened on her hips as she briefly nibbled around his earring.

“Mm-hm.” With a final long lick along his neck, she raised her head and gazed into his eyes. “And now what I want more than anything is to feel you come in my mouth.”

“Oh?” He lifted a hand and brushed it through her hair.

“Yeah...” She reached down and gently stroked him. “Do you mind?”

He grinned and shook his head. “Have you ever known me to turn down fellatio?”

“Well, no...” She chuckled softly and began to slide down his body.

As her chest moved over his groin, his hand reached out and gripped her shoulder tightly. “Stop...”

She looked up at him questioningly. His eyes were dark with lust as shifted his hips lightly underneath her.

“That...feels so nice.”

She didn’t have to look to know that he was talking about the fact that his erection was nestled nicely between her bare breasts. She thought for a moment and then moved off his body.

“Buffy?”

She smiled as she lay down on her back beside of him. “Come here.”

His eyes widened slightly, causing her smile to broaden. She gently tugged on his shoulder to pull him over her.

“You want to, right?”

He glanced down at her breasts and nodded. “Yes. Oh, yes.”

“Will you come in my mouth?”

His jaw clenched, then quickly released as he nodded again. He knelt over her, his weight supported by his knees resting on either side of her. He groaned as he watched her hands gently massage her breasts.

She smiled up at him when she felt his cock twitch against the underside of her breast. “Top drawer.”

He raised an eyebrow and leaned over to pull the top drawer of her bedside table open. “What am I looking for?”

She used his change of position to her advantage and ran her tongue over the head of his erection. She grinned as he swore under his breath.

“A bottle.”

“A bottle?” He wrapped his fingers around an object, pulled it out of the drawer and read the label. “Of...warming gel?”

“Mm-hm.” When he looked down at her, she ran her hand along the smooth skin between her breasts. “Here...”

A grin began to form on his lips as he flipped the lid open and tilted the bottle. His cock twitched again as he watched the slightly viscous fluid dribble onto her skin. He placed the bottle on her bedside table and used one finger to spread the gel between her breasts. He watched her eyes close and removed his finger, instead using the head of his erection to spread the warming liquid.

“Christ...”

Her eyes snapped open and regarded him carefully. “You okay?”

“Um...it’s, uh...”

Her grin returned and she used her hands to press her soft flesh around his cock. “Is it too hot?”

He shook his head slowly, his eyes darkening a couple of shades. “It’s, um...no. It’s not...too hot...”

Her fingers rolled her nipples as she squeezed harder around his shaft. He groaned and leaned forward, his hands moving to the headboard as his hips began to thrust slowly.

“Oh God...Buffy...”

“Good?”

He responded by increasing his pace slightly, dragging his cock across her skin. She tilted her chin down to her chest and flicked her tongue against the glans on the next stroke. He groaned loudly and moved his right hand to the wall to steady himself. He looked down at her as he reached down with his left and covered her hands.

“Harder, Buffy...as hard as you can...”

She complied with his request, squeezing her breasts around his cock hard enough that she was sure she’d bruise herself. His hand curled into a fist against the wall as she continued to use her tongue on him with each thrust. She felt the shaft begin to expand against her skin and met his glazed eyes.

“Close?” At his grunted response, she licked her lips. “Come in my mouth...”

He moved his left hand to her face, using his thumb to caress her lips. “Buffy...” When she pulled his thumb into her mouth and sucked it in time with his thrusts, he trembled. “Christ! Now, Buffy...now...”

She released her hold on him and groaned as he shifted upwards and slid his cock into her mouth. He continued his thrusts, growling her name as she scratched her nails over his hips. She sucked greedily, staring into his eyes as he gave two more thrusts and exploded in her mouth. His thigh muscles quivered as she milked him dry, releasing him only after she had thoroughly cleaned him.

He collapsed beside of her and quickly pulled her against him. “Oh dear Lord...Buffy...”

She lifted her leg over his hip, smiling as his eyes widened. She leaned forward and kissed him gently.

“What’s wrong, Giles?”

“You, uh...you’re...”

“Soaked?” She chuckled as he nodded. “Mm. That kinda happens when my husband makes me come over and over again.”

He grinned and ran his fingers through her hair. “I love you so much, Buffy.”

She gently rubbed his chest as she pushed him onto his back. She draped her arm over him and rested her head over his heart. “I love you too.”

She lifted her head after a few seconds and smiled at him. His fingertips graced over her cheek.

“What is it, Buffy?”

“I hate arguing with you. I hate being angry with you even more.”

He sensed that she wasn’t finished and gently prodded her to continue. “Yes?”

She reached up and twisted a wet lock of hair above his ear around her finger. “I love making up with you.” When he smiled, she released his hair and lay back down on his chest. “And...you need a haircut.”

He chuckled softly and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll put it on my ‘to-do’ list.”

“You do that.” When his chuckle grew into laughter she turned her head towards him and smiled. “Was patrol really okay tonight?”

“Mm, it was. We ran across a Cortosan Cirjan named Novak. Or, rather he ran across us.” He yawned widely and shifted her body slightly. “I’m completely buggered.”

She laughed gently and moved to lie beside of him. She snuggled against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “From patrol? Or...me?”

“Bit of both, I’d imagine.” He kissed the top of her head and sighed. “Mainly you.”

“Busy night?”

He trailed his fingers lightly across her back. “There were a few vampires out and about tonight. Then there was Novak and getting him home safely. And then there was arguing with Angel over sorting books.”

She slowly turned her head towards him and stared at him in bewilderment. “What?”

“He mistakenly believes that a simple alphabetizing of titles is sufficient.”

“What?”

He lifted his free hand and gestured emphatically. “I know. That was precisely my response. Everyone knows that the proper way of sorting is by genre, then author, and then alphabetization by title. Bloody ridiculous!”

“You spent time...patrol time, mind you...arguing with Angel over how to sort a library?” When he turned and looked at her with an expression that was clearly confusion, she started to laugh. “How bored were you?”

He thought back over the events of patrol and his recounting of said events to Buffy. He chuckled softly and shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose that the evening became fairly dull and void of demonic activity in the last hour and a half of patrol.”

She snorted in amusement. “You argued with him for an hour and a half over it?”

“Well, he was quite adamant about being correct. What if you have no idea of the title? You know the author...or...you know what genre you’re looking for? You can’t very well have Bacchanals of the Twelfth Century sitting next to Backgammon for Dummies simply because those are in alphabetical order. What sense does that make?”

Buffy snickered and shook her head. “Well, I’m sure that most people wouldn’t have a copy of Bacchanals of the Twelfth Century and...why would you have Backgammon for Dummies?”

He rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation. “It was an example, Buffy. I personally do not own Backgammon for Dummies. However, if I did, it sure as hell wouldn’t be next to Bacchanals of the Twelfth Century.”

Buffy didn’t attempt to hide her amusement. “And did Angel see the error of his ways?”

He stared into her eyes and gave her a smirk. “Enjoying making fun of me, are you?”

She laughed and kissed him softly. “You do make it easy sometimes. Tell me about Novak.”

He grinned and, after stifling a yawn, began to describe his meeting with the Cortosan Cirjan.

Chapter Sixty-Four

A week later, Buffy was going stir-crazy at night. After she had exhausted all of the videos and DVD’s that they owned, she found herself actually researching to keep herself busy. She was sitting on the couch flipping through pages in a large book and turning the Cirjan summoning talisman in her hand over and over.

“Giles must be proud.”

“Yeah, he’s calling me his protégé.” She lifted her eyes from the book to find Oz and Willow smiling at her. “But, I’m not finding it as nearly as fun as he does.”

She shut the book and placed it on the coffee table, dropping the talisman on top of it. She leaned back against the cushions, resting her hand lightly on her abdomen. “So, what brings you guys around?”

“Giles said you might like some company.” Oz stated simply as he dropped onto a chair.

“Yeah, so we stopped and picked up a few movies and came over…to keep you company.” Willow added cheerfully.

Buffy smiled softly at the mention of her husband’s name. “Where did you run into him?”

“The Bronze.” Oz replied quickly.

“The Bronze? What was he doing there?” She narrowed her eyes and sat forward. “He’s at the Bronze?”

Willow smacked Oz’s arm lightly and shook her head. “No…not exactly. He was in the alley behind the Bronze.”

“Oh. What was he doing in the alley behind the Bronze?”

“Oz…” Willow whined softly. “Now you’ve gotten her all paranoid!”

“Sorry.” He offered the two girls a smile. “You know me, man of few words.”

Willow rolled her eyes. “Sometimes more words are needed.” She looked back at Buffy and smiled. “He had dusted a vampire in the alley and was on his way back out when we came out of the Bronze. Nothing out of the ordinary going on, really.”

“He was alone?”

“Of course he was alone! What, did you think he had taken some girl into the back alley?”

Buffy’s eyes widened. “Is that what he did? Because, I was heading down the ‘where was Angel while my husband was fighting a vamp’ road. And, you take an extreme left turn down a completely different road, so…did he take – ”

Oz shook his head. “See, Will? Sometimes fewer words are better.” He offered Buffy an understanding smile and leaned forward. “No, Buffy. Don’t go down that road because it’s not a road that exists.”

Buffy nodded slowly. “I know. I really do know that. Blame it on the hormones. I’ve actually started getting more emotional at night. I guess because, you know…he’s out there and…”

Willow nodded as Buffy trailed off. “You’re worried about him, it’s understandable. But, really…he was fine. And Angel was right around the corner. They were chasing three vamps and two went one way and one went another. Angel went after the two and Giles took care of the other one.”

Oz grinned as Buffy gently rubbed her stomach. “So, how’s the bambino doing?”

“He’s fine, growing – ”

Willow’s eyes lit up. “He?”

Buffy’s eyes widened in panic. “Or…she. Because, you know…it could be, um…” She sighed heavily. “Damn.”

“You’re having a boy?” Willow asked excitedly.

“Giles is so going to kill me.” Buffy muttered softly.

Oz smirked and shook his head. “Doubt that. Congratulations though.”

“Have you picked a name yet?” Willow grinned brightly.

“Yes.” Buffy sighed in resignation before meeting Willow’s eyes and shaking her head. “But, I’m so not telling you what it is. It’s bad enough that I let it slip...”

“I was looking at baby clothes the other day and I saw the cutest little...”

Buffy interrupted her quickly. “Don’t buy anything yet! Not until I’m six weeks.”

“Huh?”

“I need to be out of the first trimester before anything is bought. Please, promise me you won’t buy anything yet.”

Willow smiled warmly. “I promise, Buffy.”

“Thanks.”

“So, how excited is Giles to be having a son?” Willow asked with a grin.

Buffy smiled at her best friend. “Giles is excited to be having a child. Like...way excited. He’s so adorable...he reads to him every night before we go to sleep.”

“Aww...that is adorable!” Willow giggled softly. “You know what I really love though?”

Buffy picked up a banana that she had placed on the lamp table earlier in the night and began to peel it. “What?”

“The way he’s always touching your belly. It’s so...” Willow gestured with her hands, clearly unable to come up with the right word.

“Protective.” Oz supplied.

Buffy smiled as Willow nodded in agreement. “He is. Protective over him, I mean. In a way, it’s a little annoying. Like this afternoon...we had an argument because he wouldn’t let me move the flower pot outside.”

“He was probably just worried about you lifting heavy objects right now. I mean, it won’t be an issue for much longer.”

“Eight days, but who’s counting?”

Oz chuckled softly. “I’d be the same though. Think about it. He only has a small window...thirty days...to play the protective father of his unborn child. After those thirty days, you and the baby are in the clear.” He shrugged his shoulders and placed his hand on Willow’s thigh. “I see where he’s coming from.”

Buffy thought about Oz’s words and then smiled. “I never thought about it like that.”

“Men like to protect what’s theirs. Not that he sees the baby as a possession, but...he just wants to keep the two of you safe.”

Hearing the door click open, Buffy turned her head and smiled when Giles walked into the living room. “You’re home early.”

“Hm? Oh, yes...”

Buffy narrowed her eyes, standing and walking over to him. “Are you okay?”

He nodded slowly, lifting his hand and placing it on her abdomen. Willow and Oz shared a smile and then stood up. Giles’ eyes darted towards the couple.

“You...don’t have to leave.” He glanced back down at Buffy as he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dropped it onto the table. “Amelia called earlier.”

Buffy narrowed her eyes. “Is everything okay?”

Giles sighed heavily and motioned towards the couch. “Sit down, Buffy.”

She did as he asked and pulled him down beside of her. “What’s going on?”

“There, uh...there was an attack on the Council.” He took a deep breath and continued. “It was controlled fairly quickly, however...”

“Is she alright, Giles?” Buffy asked quietly.

Giles shook his head slowly. “Physically, yes. Emotionally...” He looked into her eyes as he took hold of her hand. “James was killed in the attack.”

Buffy sat up quickly. “Oh my God.”

“Amelia was injured, though not severely. She...was pregnant.”

Willow and Oz exchanged a glance before returning their eyes back to Giles. Willow spoke softly.

“Pregnant?”

He nodded slowly. “Unfortunately, she miscarried on the way to the hospital.”

Buffy’s eyes filled with tears. “Was it...um...were you the father?”

He tilted his head slightly and lifted his hand to her cheek. “No, I wasn’t.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she nodded. “How many people?”

“Three deaths, twelve injuries...four of those are life-threatening.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Who did this?”

“That is what she wants me to find out.”

She raised her hand, placing her palm against the side of his neck. “Are you...are you going to England?”

“I don’t want to. I’m hoping that my contacts in England will be able to do the leg work, allowing me to stay here.”

“But, you might have to go?” When he didn’t answer immediately, Buffy sniffled. “When are you leaving?”

“If I need to go...next week.” His thumb brushed her tears from her skin. “I’m hopeful that it shan’t come to that.”

When she diverted her eyes from him, he inhaled slowly. “Buffy...”

“No...you can’t leave me...” She shook her head quickly. “Please, Giles...don’t leave me...”

His eyes widened and he glanced over at Willow and Oz before pulling her into his arms. “Buffy, I’m not sure where this is coming from, but...I’m not leaving you.”

When she collapsed into sobs against his chest, he looked helplessly at the young couple. “Willow?”

Willow gave him a soft smile. “I’m going to guess baby hormones. She’s been pretty emotional tonight.”

“It’s not just that.” Buffy mumbled against his chest.

Giles pulled back and tilted her face up, forcing her to look at him. “What is it, Buffy?”

“I messed up, Giles.” She sniffled as she wiped her hand across her face.

“Buffy, I’m sure...”

“I told them about the baby.” She gestured towards Willow and Oz.

Giles furrowed his brow in confusion. “They already know about – ”

“No! I told them that he’s a he!”

“Oh, Buffy.” He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her temple. “It’s alright. Listen to me, we didn’t agree to not tell them. We simply agreed to keep it to ourselves for a while.”

“I didn’t mean to.” She cried, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for, Buffy. I’m not upset. In fact, I’m rather relieved.”

She sniffled again and lifted her head to look at him. “You...are?”

He chuckled and leaned down, kissing her softly. “I am. Do you know how many times I’ve almost let it slip when I’m talking about him?”

She shook her head. He smiled down at her and brushed his fingers through her hair.

“Too many times to count.” He gave her another kiss as she began to calm down. “Why don’t we sit everyone down tomorrow and tell them that we’re having a son.”

“Really?”

He nodded and then smiled at Willow and Oz. “Would you two be able to act surprised?”

Oz smirked and Willow grinned brightly as she nodded. “Absolutely!”

“I still don’t want you to go to England.”

Giles took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure I don’t have to. But, there is something I’d like to ask you.”

“What?” She reached over and grabbed a tissue out of the box and blew her nose.

“I’m...I’m worried about Amelia. Her children are staying with James’ parents for the time being, but...Amelia is alone.”

“You want to go to England to be with Amelia?”

He shook his head quickly. “No. I was thinking maybe she...and possibly her children...maybe they could come to Sunnydale for a while.”

Buffy was quiet for a moment. “Would you want them to stay with us?”

“I think that would be rather awkward, don’t you?”

Buffy gave a small chuckle and nodded. “Yeah, I do. But...maybe she could stay with Mom. Because...she’s all alone in that house...and there’s plenty of room.”

“Would you be alright with that scenario?” When he saw the puzzled look in her eyes, he shrugged a shoulder. “My ex-girlfriend and her children staying with your mother?”

She narrowed her eyes in thought. “It’s weird, isn’t it?” When he smiled at her in agreement, she continued. “But, what in our life isn’t weird? Call her, Giles.”

With another light kiss, he picked up his phone and flipped it open. Before he began dialling the number, he looked at Willow. “Would you be able to call Joyce and...”

“Ask if Amelia and her kids can stay? Yeah, no problem.”

Giles walked over to the desk and opened the drawer, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. As he turned the pack in his hand, Oz caught his eye.

“Are you okay?”

Giles glanced over at the couch to find Willow sitting beside of Buffy with the phone in her hand. He nodded slowly and tossed the pack to the young man.

“Would you care to throw those out for me?”

Oz raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

He smiled and punched the numbers into the phone.

Chapter Sixty-Five

They were lying in bed, Buffy’s back pressed against Giles’ chest as his hand gently caressed her stomach. He held her tightly against him and kissed the top of her head.

“Giles?”

“Hm?”

She covered his hand with hers. “Did it bother you that I asked if Amelia’s baby was yours?”

“No.” He sighed softly. “I asked the same question to her.”

She moved her body and rolled over to face him. “How far along was she?”

“Not very.” He traced his fingers down the side of her face. “They had just found out.”

“So, she was pregnant when...you and her...um...”

“Yes, she was.”

Silence fell over the bedroom for a few moments. Buffy bit her lip and then looked into his eyes.

“If it had been yours...”

He interrupted her gently. “Buffy, don’t. Please, don’t do this.”

“But...”

He sighed in resignation. “I don’t know, Buffy. I don’t know what I would’ve done. But, it doesn’t matter, does it?”

“Giles...”

He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. “I’m not sure I would’ve wanted to know if it was mine.”

She narrowed her eyes in surprise. “What?”

“For the first time in my life, I’m truly happy. I’m in love...God, help me, I’m hopelessly in love with you. I’m going to be a father in a few months. And...” He rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. “What would that have done to us?”

“You’re a father now.” She whispered softly and kissed his shoulder. “And, I really believe we would’ve survived it.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to take that risk.” He opened his eyes and looked at her. “I care about Amelia. I always will. But...my heart belongs to you. I wouldn’t have been able to risk losing you. And I realize that could very well be considered selfish...”

“No. Or, if it is...I think I like you being selfish.”

He pulled her against his side. “That was a ‘what if’ conversation. I thought we agreed on no ‘what ifs’.”

She shrugged a shoulder and smiled. “I think we need ‘what ifs’ sometimes.”

“What if I told you that I desperately wanted to make love with you right now?”

Hearing the soft tone of his voice, she looked into his eyes. “Wanted or...needed?”

He rolled back onto his side, placing his hand on her hip. “It’s actually more of a need at the moment.”

“And if I told you I needed the same?”

He stared into her eyes. Without saying another word, he rolled her onto her back and covered her mouth with his.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles slept lying on his back, snoring softly with his arm curled around her. Her head rested on his shoulder, her arm draped over his stomach. She slept restlessly and as her body jerked, his eyes fluttered and the snoring ceased.

His peaceful ease out of sleep was disturbed when she screamed his name and dug her nails into his side as if she were holding him in place. She sat up quickly as his eyes snapped open in panic.

“Buffy!”

Her eyes focused on him before the tears began to fall. He carefully pried her hand from his side and pushed himself up.

“Buffy?” He pulled her into his arms and held her as she cried. “What is it?”

She shook her head and tightened her hold on him. “Dream. Stupid dream.”

He grunted softly. “Too tight.”

She looked up at him as she loosened her arms. “I’m sorry.”

He gave her a gentle smile and wiped the tears from her face. “So many tears today. Please...talk to me.”

“It was just a dream. A horrible, scary, and...weird dream.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Would you classify it as prophetic?”

“Sure as hell hope not.” She muttered before she looked into his eyes. “Quentin was there. And...Ethan, of all people. I’m not really sure what was going on, but...we were being separated. And then there was just this feeling...”

His hand soothingly rubbed her arm. “What kind of feeling?”

Her bottom lip trembled. “Like I was never going to see you again.”

He immediately pulled her into a fierce hug. “Oh, Buffy.”

“It...it couldn’t be prophetic...could it?” She whispered in a panicked tone against his chest.

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. “I told Quentin that if he attempted anything with my family, I’d kill him. I wasn’t just trying to scare him, you know that, yes?”

“I do. But...in the dream...you couldn’t. You couldn’t do anything. I don’t know why, but you couldn’t.”

“In that case, I’m inclined to believe that it was merely a dream that your subconscious concocted...maybe due to your reaction to the news concerning the possibility of me returning to England for a brief period of time.”

“You really think so?”

“Buffy, there is absolutely nothing that could hold me if you were in peril. I will protect you and Braden with everything in me.”

She sighed sadly and curled into his side as he leaned back against the headboard. “I hope you’re right.”

He looked down at her, easily recognizing how tired she was. “Would you like me to read to you and Braden?”

The corner of her mouth lifted in a half-smile. “I love your voice.”

He returned the smile, reaching over and grabbing the book from his nightstand. “Come on, lay down.”

She scooted down on the bed, leaning her head against his stomach. She yawned as he began reading. Within a few minutes, his soft voice had lulled her back to sleep.

Sensing that she had indeed fallen asleep, he closed the book and placed it on the mattress next to him. He gently ran his fingers through her hair and sighed. When she shifted slightly, he smiled.

“I love you.” He whispered softly and closed his eyes, refusing to move in fear of disturbing her.

Her warmth radiated throughout his body and it wasn’t long before he had drifted off to sleep as well.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next morning, Xander and Willow walked through the front door to find an obviously agitated Slayer and a seemingly flustered Watcher.

“Can’t you just...I don’t know...teleport there?”

Giles’ hand, which was raking through his hair, stopped in mid-motion as he stared at her. “And how, pray tell, do you expect me to teleport there?”

Buffy waved her hand in annoyance. “Open a portal and...”

“End up in another dimension because the coordinates were half a degree off?” He asked angrily.

He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. “Buffy...if I trusted myself enough to open a portal to get me there, I would. But, if I get anything wrong...even the most minute detail...it could be quite disastrous.”

“You’re leaving?” Willow asked suddenly.

Buffy and Giles both turned quickly towards the voice, obviously unaware that they had visitors.

“Will said that if you had to leave it’d be next week.” Xander added as his eyes darted between the couple.

Buffy groaned in frustration and Giles sighed heavily. “I’ll be flying into London, picking Amelia up, and flying straight home. My contacts in England are following a few leads on the perpetrators of the attack.”

Xander looked at him for a moment. “Were Peter and Julian hurt in the attack?”

Giles turned back to the desk as he shook his head. “No, thankfully.”

Xander glanced at Buffy and then spoke softly. “So...why can’t they bring Amelia over?”

Giles turned around slowly and stared at Xander. A smile began to form on Buffy’s face. Giles picked up his address book and began flipping through the pages. He looked back up at the young man and offered him a smile.

“Thank you.”

Xander blushed lightly and shrugged his shoulders. “I wasn’t in a panic like the two of you.”

Buffy narrowed her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, when you panic...your mind has one track, right? You only focus on what’s going on right then. I was on the outside...it made sense to me.”

“Huh.” Buffy smiled at him. “I like it when you don’t panic.”

Xander grinned brightly.

* * *

“All sorted?”

Giles nodded at Xander as he hung up the phone. “Yes. Amelia will be released from the hospital tomorrow morning. Peter and Julian will pick her up and accompany her to Sunnydale.”

Buffy grinned and plopped down on his lap. “Which means you don’t have to go to England right now.”

Xander cleared his throat. “Which also means...Scooby Meeting. What’s the what?”

“Hm?” Giles turned towards Xander, his hand finding its way to Buffy’s stomach.

“Will said we had an important Scooby Meeting today.”

“Oh, yes. Of course.” Giles glanced around the room. “Seems as though we’re missing a few people.”

“Oz had band practice, but I can fill him in tonight.” Willow answered cheerfully.

Xander leaned back on the couch and popped open a can of Coke. “Halfrek’s in town. Enough said. I’ll let An know when I go home.”

Giles nodded and turned his eyes back to Buffy. “You told Joyce?”

“Mm-hm.” She wriggled slightly on his lap to get more comfortable as he continued caressing her abdomen. “Angel?”

He nodded slowly and then leant forward to whisper in her ear. “Stop that.”

She turned her head, placing a soft kiss on his cheek when she felt him begin to harden underneath her. “Sorry.”

“Quite alright.” He looked up when the doorbell rang. “That would be Joyce.”

Xander narrowed his eyes as Willow jumped up to answer the door. “How do you know that?”

He chuckled softly. “Because she’s the only one who actually uses the doorbell.”

“Oh.” Xander grinned. “Well, we knock. That was big step for us. Then you go and spring a doorbell on us.” He lightly tapped the side of his head. “Messes with Scooby minds, you know.”

Buffy snorted in amusement as Giles laughed. Joyce walked into the living room with Angel right behind her.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting laughter, but it’s nice to hear.” Joyce smiled warmly at them.

Buffy climbed off Giles’ lap and gave her mother a tight hug. “Thanks for letting Amelia stay with you.”

Joyce tilted her head as she looked down at her. “I do what I can. And she’s been through so much. Of course her and her children are welcome to stay.”

Giles stood and placed a kiss on Joyce’s cheek. “All the same, we do appreciate it.”

“Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.” Xander called out brightly. “So, now will you tell us what’s the what?”

Joyce and Angel found a seat as Giles sat back down in his chair at the desk and Buffy reclaimed her prior position of sitting on his lap and draping her legs over his thighs. As he laid his arm over her legs, she grinned broadly at their friends and family.

“No demons or prophecies or anything like that. We just wanted to talk to you about the baby.”

“The baby’s alright, isn’t it?” Angel asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

Buffy nodded. “I’m smiling...all is good.”

He gave her a brief nod and a smile.

She turned her head and looked into her husband’s eyes. “You want to or do you want me to?”

He smiled and patted her leg. “May I?”

At her nod of agreement, he turned his eyes towards their small audience. “I’ll forgo my usual verbose explanations and simply state that Buffy is carrying my son.”

Smiles appeared quickly, followed by the expected gushing from Willow and Joyce. Xander grinned and placed his empty soft drink can on the lamp table.

“You know, Alexander is a good name.”

Buffy laughed and leaned against Giles’ chest. “Yeah, it is.”

Angel smirked. “I have a feeling that a name has already been chosen.”

“Mm-hm.” Buffy agreed, but didn’t offer more information.

“Alexander Giles. I like it.” Xander stated hopefully.

Giles grinned and shook his head. “It does sound nice, however...”

Xander frowned and sat back. “Not Alexander.”

Buffy turned and smiled at Giles. “Shall we?”

Giles chuckled. “Go ahead.”

Buffy covered Giles’ hand with hers. “Braden Rupert Giles.”

Joyce’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s a beautiful name.”

Xander caught Buffy’s eye. “What’s wrong with Braden Alexander?”

Willow smacked his shoulder as Buffy laughed.

Chapter Sixty-Six

The following day, Giles paced nervously in front of Gate 10. He glanced up at the arrival board and sighed heavily. On his next pass, Buffy took hold of his arm to stop him.

“Giles?”

He shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced at the board again. “The plane has landed.”

“Yeah, it has.”

He met her eyes and shrugged his shoulder. “What am I supposed to do, Buffy?”

“Be there for her.” She glanced to the gate behind him and exhaled slowly. “People are coming through now.”

He turned around, her hand held tightly in his, and watched the passengers file through the open gate. When he saw her walk into the airport flanked by Peter and Julian, his heart ached for her. He instantly saw her exhaustion and pain.

Meeting her gaze, he took a step forward and released Buffy’s hand. She held his gaze until she was standing in front of him.

“Rupert…”

It was the only word she was able to get out before she crumpled into his arms, sobbing as she held on to him. He held her tightly, speaking softly as she fought to control her breakdown.

“Let it out, Amelia. It’s okay.” His hands held her against his chest and he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll find out who was behind this. I promise.”

He carefully led her towards the exit, not worrying about the stares they were receiving from the other people in the airport. Buffy followed behind them with Peter and Julian.

Peter took a deep breath and looked down at Buffy. “She was holding up remarkably well. In fact, I was rather worried about her. She, uh…this is the first time I’ve seen her cry.”

Buffy nodded slowly. “Giles has a good shoulder to cry on.”

Peter nodded in agreement as he looked over at his boyfriend. “Yes. That he does.”

* * *

By the time they had made the trip from the airport to Revello Drive, Amelia had calmed down considerably. She offered Buffy a small smile as they climbed out of the car.

“I do apologize for…”

Buffy stopped her with a hug and shook her head. “Don’t. I know that what you’ve been through is…” She sighed softly. “I can’t come up with a word that’s bad enough to describe what you’ve been through. But…you’re here and we’ll help you through it. And, Giles always keeps his promises.”

Giles smiled sadly as he pulled the suitcases out of the back of the Explorer. “I do my best to keep my promises.”

Buffy nodded and picked up a bag. “Come on, let’s get you settled in.”

Giles hung back and watched his wife escort Amelia into the house before casting a glance at the two men standing next to him. “How is she, really?”

Julian lightly rocked on his heels, an obviously nervous behaviour. “She, uh…she seems to be in denial. Or at least, she did…before she saw you.”

Giles nodded absently. “I was afraid of that. She seemed rather…composed…on the phone.”

He picked up the remaining bags and started up the walkway, motioning for them to follow with a tilt of his head. “And how are the two of you?”

“Okay.” Peter answered quietly.

Giles turned his head towards him, concern showing in his green eyes. “Peter?”

Peter sighed heavily. “It was…devastating to see. And…Mr. Clayton was trying to get to Mrs. Clayton. He…he was shot right in front of her.”

“Shot? Was this not a demon attack?”

Peter shook his head slowly. “No, sir. They were human. But, it seemed as though they were going directly for the Claytons. The other casualties…they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Quentin.” Giles spoke the name under his breath as if it were a curse.

“Excuse me?” Julian’s eyes widened.

Giles gave a quick shake of his head and ushered the two men inside. “Nothing.”

Peter and Julian exchanged a worried glance as Giles shut the door behind them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After being home for three hours and not seeing her husband, Buffy descended the stairs to the basement, pausing halfway down. “What are you doing?”

Giles grunted as he clipped the chain on the punching bag to the hook hanging down from the ceiling. “An oil change.”

She snorted and continued down the stairs. “Sarcastic, and not funny sarcastic, which normally means you’re frustrated. Need some help with it?”

He swung the bag away from him and turned his head, glaring at her as his hands caught the bag as it swung back towards him. “No.”

She tilted her head and leaned against the wall. “You okay?”

He shrugged his shoulders and walked across the room, intending the set up another piece of training equipment. She quickly made her way to him, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Hearing her sigh in exasperation, he met her eyes. “I guess I’m nervous. And…I have a lot of nervous energy to work through at the moment. Besides, you haven’t really been training that much lately…so, I thought I’d get this ready and we’d resume your exercises.”

“Nervous about what? Amelia being here? Patrol? The dream?”

He picked up a hammer and a handful of nails, sighing heavily. “I don’t know. All of the above, maybe?”

“Giles…”

He leaned against the pommel horse and placed the hammer on top of it. He ran one hand through his hair, gently shaking the nails in the other. “You’ve had the dream twice now. And…” He met her eyes and tilted his head slightly. “It scares me.”

She jumped onto the horse and lightly rubbed his back. “Sometimes I have dreams more than once. They aren’t always prophetic. You know, like the one I kept having about the rain washing the doughnut shop away?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes. And that dream was completely absurd. This one, however…”

“Could be a manifestation of my own fears…” She smiled lightly when he arched an eyebrow at her. “Been reading your dream interpretation books.”

When he opened his mouth to respond, she shook her head slowly. “I don’t want to think about this anymore right now, Giles.”

“But, it could be…”

“It could also not be. Quentin wouldn’t be stupid enough to step foot in Sunnydale again and…as much as I dislike Ethan, I really don’t think that he’d hurt you like that. Do you?”

Giles looked down at the floor and took a deep breath. “I’d like to think he wouldn’t. But, if the price is right…who knows?”

She pulled him to her gently and kissed his lips. He deepened the kiss quickly, moving his body between her thighs as he dropped the nails to the floor. When his mouth left hers and attached itself to her neck, she gasped. His teeth scraped across her skin before lightly biting down.

Her hand gripped the back of his head, holding him against her, as her legs wrapped around his hips. “Harder…”

He groaned against her skin as he complied briefly before pulling back to stare at her. As she looked into his darkened eyes, she smiled. “What’s on your mind, Giles?”

“You.”

She chuckled at his simple answer and traced his lips with her index finger. “What about me?”

To her surprise, his eyes began to glisten. When he clenched his jaw, she placed her hand on his cheek. “Giles?”

“I…” He shook his head and took a step backwards, causing her to drop her legs from his waist.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, Buffy. I just…” He groaned in frustration, turning and slamming his fist against the punching bag.

She slid off the pommel horse and wrapped her arms around him from behind. “It’s okay.”

He shook his head sadly and took a deep breath. “It’s not.”

“Giles…”

He turned in her arms, his eyes dangerously dark. “I want you. I want to lay you down right here and…” He swallowed and licked his lips. “I’m angry, Buffy. I’m so fucking angry. And as much as I want to make love to you right this second…I’m scared to.”

“Why?” She looked up at him in confusion.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “I feel like I’m losing control. And…I don’t want Ripper touching you.”

She reached up and rubbed his chest in a soothing manner. “I actually meant why are you angry.”

He opened his eyes and sighed. “I think, perhaps, I’m contemplating your dream too much. I’m angry because I promised you that I would do everything in my power to protect you and Braden. But…if your dream comes to pass…and there’s nothing I can do…”

She leaned forward, tightening her arms around him and placing a tender kiss on his chest. “It could be nothing, Giles.”

He was quiet for a moment before his soft voice was heard. “I need to tell you something.”

She looked up, her eyes worried. “That sounded…bad.”

He gave her a small nod. “I think it is.”

She pulled out of his arms and took his hand, leading him over to the small bench in the corner. As she sat down, she gently tugged on his arm until he sat down beside of her.

“What’s going on, Giles?” She asked quietly.

He hesitated for a moment and then took a deep breath. “I…I had the same dream.”

“What?” She whispered.

His eyes stared at the floor. “The night you had it for the second time…I dreamt it as well.”

“Oh my God.”

“I…I need to speak with Amelia about it. But…I’m sure she’s not…I don’t think she’s able to help me right now.”

“We can get the gang together…research it and…”

“If this happens, I’m not sure I’ll survive it, Buffy.” He interrupted quietly. His hand trembled as it reached up and removed his glasses. “If I can’t protect you and something…”

She pulled him into her arms quickly as his tears began to fall.

“We’ll figure it out, Giles. We will.”

He mumbled softly. So softly that even her Slayer hearing couldn’t pick it up. She pulled back just enough to be able to look up at him.

“What?”

He leaned back, resting his head on the wall behind them. “I should have killed him.”

Not knowing what to say, she leaned into him and rested her head against his chest.

Chapter Sixty-Seven

“So, is this a real meeting or just another announcement?”

Xander turned his head and chuckled. “Anya...”

Giles smiled softly. “No, it’s alright, Xander.” He turned his eyes towards Anya. “This is a real meeting.”

“Okay. I just wasn’t sure. You know...” She gestured towards the seemingly full room. “...with all of these people here and all.”

“I, uh...I believe that we’re going to need everyone’s help on this. And...if you don’t mind, please don’t let Joyce know.”

Willow narrowed her eyes. “It’s bad, isn’t it? I mean, that’s the only time you don’t want her to know what’s going on.”

Giles reached for Buffy’s hand, lightly tracing his fingers across the back of it. “It has the potential to be...well, bad.”

Xander slapped his hands together and smiled. “Okay, so give me a book...for I will be book guy today! What are we looking for anyway? Big nasty demon or a...”

“A dream.” Buffy interrupted quietly.

Xander cleared his throat. “A dream. Okay, like the doughnut shop dream? Because...” He gestured towards the box of doughnuts he had brought with him. “It’s still there...not washed away or anything.”

Giles took a deep breath. “No. This seems to be more of a...prophetic...dream.”

“Oh.” Xander leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, as did everyone else. “So, what is it and what do we do?”

Buffy bit her lip and then began explaining the dream. Giles’ fingers nervously toyed with a pen, his eyes cast down towards the table. When she finished, the room was quiet for a moment before Willow spoke.

“How many times have you had this dream?”

“Twice.”

Willow thought for a moment. “It could just be...you know...something that’s weighing on your mind...or...something.”

Giles’ fingers tightened around Buffy’s hand, his eyes still trained on the table. “I’ve had the dream as well.”

Amelia’s eyes widened. “What?”

Giles finally looked up and sighed. “The night that Buffy had the dream for the second time...I had it as well. Possibly not the exact dream, but close enough to warrant suspicion.”

The room fell silent, all eyes on Giles and Buffy. Xander leaned back in his chair, worry etched on his face.

“But...you’ve had prophetic dreams before, Buff. And we’ve been able to...”

Buffy looked towards Xander and shook her head. “Giles had the dream too, Xander.”

“I could do a locator spell.” Willow offered after a brief moment.

Giles shook his head slowly. “They’re not demons, Willow. Pillocks, yes. Vengeful, more than likely. But, they’re not demons.”

“Do you have a theory, Rupert?”

Giles met Amelia’s eyes and nodded. “I’m rather sure that Quentin orchestrated the attack on the Council in the hopes of me returning to England.”

“And...Ethan Rayne?”

“Ethan knows me. He knows how I react to certain stimuli. Quentin could have possibly enlisted Ethan’s help.”

“To what avail?” Amelia asked in concern.

Giles lightly squeezed Buffy’s hand, his voice barely audible when he spoke. “To break me.”

Peter, who had been quiet up until now, spoke softly. “I’m sorry, sir, but...I’m not quite sure I understand.”

“In Quentin’s eyes, I cost him an active Slayer. I also cost him his job. The feeling that I took from the dream was...” He looked at Buffy as he trailed off.

Buffy turned her hand over, entwining her fingers with his. “It’s not me he’s after. I got the same feeling as Giles did. I mean...it is me, but...it’s not.”

Xander narrowed his eyes. “Huh?”

Giles’ eyes glistened with tears that threatened to fall. “He wants to take what I love away from me. Because...he knows I...I wouldn’t be able...”

He stood up quickly and walked to the window, staring out across the backyard. His fists clenched at his side as he took a deep breath.

Amelia stood and walked over to him. “Rupert...”

“If we can’t stop this...if I lose my wife and son...” He turned his anger-filled eyes to her and spoke softly. “That’s something I can’t come back from.”

“Then we stop it. You...all of you...have averted prophecy before. This is no different, Rupert. In fact, I’m inclined to believe that of all of Buffy’s prophetic dreams, this is the one you will, without a doubt, avert. But, if your anger consumes you, Quentin has the advantage.”

He glanced back at Buffy and exhaled slowly. He gave a slow nod and felt the anger begin to dissipate.

When she noticed him visibly relax somewhat, Amelia smiled. “So...a boy?”

A genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he met Buffy’s eyes. Buffy quickly made her way to him, sighing as he wrapped his arms around her.

She looked up at him, her fingers lightly touching his mouth. “Is that a smile I see?”

His smile widened as he kissed her fingertips. “I believe so.”

She returned the smile with one of her own. “Good, ‘cause...I’ve really missed it.”

Oz was deep in thought when a smirk crossed his features. “Hey, guys?” When all eyes were resting on him, he continued. “How long until the thirty days are up?”

“Four.” Buffy and Giles answered simultaneously.

“So, we keep her safe for four days and nothing can happen. Right?”

Giles chuckled softly, causing Buffy to look up at him. Seeing the question in her eyes, he smiled and ran his fingers through her hair.

“It just sounds so easy, doesn’t it?”

Angel had remained quiet during the entire meeting. He had felt the waves of anger rolling off of Giles. He tilted his head slightly, watching the interaction between Giles and Buffy, smiling inwardly as he watched them relax.

Giles looked up and met the vampire’s eyes. “Angel?”

“I’ll take care of patrol. Stay with Buffy.” He smiled, shaking his head when Giles opened his mouth to respond. “Do you really think your mind would be on patrol?”

Giles instinctively tightened his arms around Buffy. “No. No, it wouldn’t.”

“Stay with Buffy. Do what you can to protect her and your son. I’ll stop by after patrols to let you know what’s going on, okay?”

Buffy had turned in Giles’ arms and leaned back against his chest. She regarded Angel carefully, her hands resting on Giles’ arms. “Are you sure about this?”

Angel nodded slowly. “Buffy, if he’s out there worrying about you...chances are something’s going to happen to him. You know as well as I do that when you’re on patrol and fighting a...whatever happens to show itself...if your mind isn’t in the right place, bad things can happen.”

His eyes flicked to Giles before moving back to Buffy. “Plus...if he’s with you, your chances are better too.”

Giles smiled warmly at Angel. “Thank you.”

With a mere nod, Angel sat back in his chair.

After a few moments, Anya looked around the room. “Okay, so what do we do now? Just sit around and wait for it to happen?”

Surprisingly to the others, Giles chuckled. “We do what we always do. We research and we defeat our foe.”

Anya narrowed her eyes. “What do we research? You said these people were humans, not demons...so...what is there to research?”

Willow grinned. “I’ll run their passports and see if I can track them down.”

Giles nodded and offered Willow a smile. “That’s a good start.”

“Um, sir?” When Giles looked over at him, Peter continued. “Julian might know a way to use a locator spell on Travers.”

Buffy’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Julian nodded slowly. “Yes, but my magic...um, I’m still blocked.”

Giles glanced at Amelia. “Who do we contact?”

She pulled her phone out and flipped it open. “I’ll take care of it.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Giles...”

He moved slowly within her, his lips caressing the side of her neck. The slight swell of her belly rubbed against his stomach and he pushed himself up to look down at her.

She gave him a smile full of love as her fingertips ran through the soft hair on his chest. “Will you do something for me?”

He slowed his hips until they had almost completely stopped rocking against her. “Anything.”

“It’s...you might think it’s silly.”

He smiled down at her. “Chances are I won’t. What would you like me to do?”

She licked her lips and gazed into his eyes. “I...want to feel...um...”

His eyes twinkled and he leaned down, brushing his lips across hers. “What do you want to feel?”

“Your...hand on my stomach.” She looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but complete adoration in them.

He gave her a gentle nod and then pulled out slowly. He smiled as she gasped softly. “Roll onto your side for me?”

When she had moved to her side, he positioned himself behind her. When he had carefully moved her into a more comfortable position for both of them, he slowly entered her. Placing his right hand over her stomach as he began to thrust, he moved his lips to her ear.

“Is this...alright for you?”

“Yes...oh, yes...”

His lips trailed down her neck, his tongue flicking lightly against her skin. “I love you, Buffy.”

“Love you...too...” She groaned as she pushed her hips back against him, driving him deeper inside of her.

His hand covered her belly protectively as he kissed along her collarbone. He groaned against her skin when he felt her inner walls begin the telltale quiver that signalled the beginning of her orgasm.

So involved in their lovemaking, neither of them saw the movement in the corner of the room. Neither heard the single word spoken by the uninvited visitor.

“Quiesco.”

The movement on the bed stopped and the only sound that could be heard was a sad sigh. Ethan Rayne stepped out of the shadows and made his way towards the bed. His hand trembled lightly as he placed it on the back of Giles’ head.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered softly.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Angel snapped his cell phone shut and ran towards his car. Jumping into the convertible, he flipped the phone open and quickly punched in Willow’s number. Willow answered sleepily as the car roared to life.

“Willow...”

“Angel?”

“Call everyone and meet me at Buffy and Giles’ house.”

“Huh?”

The tires squealed as he turned a corner. “Cordy had a vision. Get everyone to the house. Now!”

He closed the connection and tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he ran a red light.

* * *

He ran up the front stairs and turned the doorknob, cursing softly when it opened easily. Swinging the door open, he stepped into the foyer.

“Buffy? Giles?”

He tilted his head, listening for any sound that would tell him that they were home. He closed his eyes briefly, hearing nothing. He took the steps three at a time and ran down the hallway towards their bedroom.

He sniffed, the unmistakable scent of sex still lingering in the air. His eyes filled with tears when he looked into the bedroom to find no one.

“Angel?”

Angel sighed in defeat and slowly made his way back downstairs. He shook his head when he met Willow’s eyes.

“Angel?” Willow whispered softly.

“They’re...gone.”

Willow collapsed into Oz’s arms as Xander and Anya ran up the walkway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles groaned as he lifted his head from the cold cement floor. “Buffy?”

“Ah, nice to see you awake, Rupert.”

Giles’ eyes snapped open, filling with rage when he saw Quentin Travers smiling at him from across the room. He grunted in frustration as he tried to stand up.

Quentin shook his head and chuckled. “Now, now. None of that. Just stay where you are.”

“Quentin.” He growled dangerously. He turned his head quickly, seeing a movement out of the corner of his eye. “Ethan. I’ll fucking kill you.”

Ethan closed his eyes and took a deep breath before walking towards Giles. “Don’t fight it. The more you struggle, the tighter the magic envelops you. Please, try to relax.”

Giles glared at Ethan. “What the fuck have you done?”

“Giles.”

He snapped his head towards Buffy’s voice, his heart lurching when his eyes found her across the room. “Buffy!”

Tears spilled down her cheeks as he began to struggle to get up. “Please, Giles...don’t!”

He stopped fighting against the magic bonds and his eyes softened somewhat. “Are you hurt?”

“Not yet.” Quentin answered for her in a cold tone.

“You fucking bastard!”

“Temper, temper, Rupert. You know where that temper of yours gets you.” He walked over to Buffy and grabbed her arm. “Say goodbye.”

Tears of rage and fear welled in Giles’ eyes. “Quentin, no. Take me. Do what you want with me, but...please let Buffy go.”

Quentin made a show of pretending to think about Giles’ offer before smiling and shaking his head. “No, I don’t think so. It’s not Buffy I want. It’s not you I want. The child, however...”

“NO!” Giles screamed and began to struggle again.

Quentin merely smiled.

“The problem is, in order to retrieve the child some sacrifices must be made. The fact that this will cause you to suffer for the rest of your miserable life is merely a bonus.”

Giles stilled suddenly, his eyes locking with Buffy’s.

“I wonder...did you react this badly when Amelia lost your child?”

Giles darted his eyes towards Travers. “It wasn’t mine. Even you have basic mathematical skills, Quentin. She was eight weeks pregnant.”

Quentin’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “Mrs. Clayton was pregnant when her husband died? Hm. Actually, I was referring to the child she lost after you went on...what is it that you called it? Ah yes...your sabbatical.”

“What?” Giles stared at him in disbelief.

Quentin grinned. “Interesting. You didn’t know?”

“You’re a fucking liar.”

“Such language. Seems as though you’ve been cavorting with too many Americans. But, I assure you...I’m speaking the truth. The child, a daughter if I remember correctly, died shortly after birth. As I recall, Miss Dotson was six months along when...”

“No. No, she would’ve told me.” He shook his head slowly.

“You weren’t there, Rupert. By that time, you were too busy with your...” He gestured towards the man standing next to Giles. “Friends...or lovers...what is he to you these days?”

His grip tightened on Buffy’s arm and he pulled her roughly towards the door. “Now, do say goodbye now. I’m on a rather tight schedule.”

“Buffy!”

She held her free hand protectively over her slightly protruding belly. “I love you, Giles. Please...remember that...”

Anything else she would have said was lost as Quentin pushed her through the open doorway, following her through after giving Giles a wink. Giles screamed her name and began struggling in earnest against the bonds that held him.

Ethan knelt beside of him, whispering a word in an ancient language. The bonds loosened slightly and he placed his hand on Giles’ head.

“Please, Rupert...”

“Let me go...” Giles turned his watery eyes up to Ethan. “Please...let me go to her.”

Ethan shook his head sadly. “He’ll kill you.”

“If he hurts Buffy and Braden...he’s already killed me.” He sat up as the bonds loosened some more. “Why, Ethan? How much are the lives of my wife and child worth to you?”

“I...he’s not paying me with money.”

Giles’ eyes darkened dangerously. “You’re doing this out of the evilness of your heart?”

“Actually...I’m doing this to keep you alive. He promised not to hurt you if I helped him. If I didn’t help him, he was going to kill you. Those were my choices. You either live or die.”

“You should have let me die.”

“Couldn’t do that.” Ethan whispered as he glanced towards the door leading into the next room.

“If you ever cared about me at all…” His tears fell from his eyes as Ethan looked down at him. “Let me go to her, Ethan. Please…before it’s too late.”

Ethan inhaled deeply. “I more than care about you.”

He thought for a brief second and then knelt beside of Giles. He placed his right hand on Giles’ chest as he wrapped his left hand around the back of his neck. He gently pulled him forward, whispering a few words in a forgotten language before pressing his lips against the Watcher’s.

Giles gasped against Ethan’s mouth as he felt a jolt rush through his body. Ethan gave him a small smile as he pulled back, resting on his heels in front of him.

“What…”

“Protection spell. Hurry, I’m not sure how long it will last for you.” He reached down and grasped Giles’ arm, hauling him up to a standing position. “I’ll be right behind you. Go!”

Without a second thought, Giles ran across the room and kicked the door open. With another chant quickly uttered, Ethan followed him into the smaller room.

Quentin spun around from his task of strapping Buffy to the table and narrowed his eyes as he pulled a gun from the waistband of his pants. He aimed it directly at Giles’ chest and grinned.

“Bloody idiot. Now she gets to watch you die.”

As he pulled the trigger, Buffy screamed Giles’ name. Giles flinched instinctively, opening his eyes in astonishment when he felt a small thump on his chest. He watched the bullet fall to the floor and smiled.

Quentin’s eyes widened and he fired off another shot. Giles closed the gap quickly, efficiently knocking the weapon from the older man’s hand. Grabbing him by the lapels of his coat, Giles slammed him against the cinderblock wall.

“Buffy? Are you alright?” As much as he wanted to look over at his wife, he kept his eyes locked on Quentin’s.

Ethan ran over and quickly unstrapped her from the table and helped her sit up. Her eyes narrowed in confusion and relief as she looked at Ethan.

“I’m…okay…”

Giles tightened his grip on Quentin and slammed him against the wall once more, grinning as he cried out in pain. “And Braden?”

“He’s fine. He didn’t do…anything…”

Ethan lifted her off the table and sat down with her on the floor, wrapping her in a protective embrace.

Giles eyes stared into Quentin’s. “I told you what would happen if you attempted to harm my family again.”

His knee made quick and hard contact with Quentin’s stomach. When he doubled over in pain, Giles took the opportunity to push him back against the wall. He smiled thinly as Quentin’s head cracked against the cement, blood splattering against the white blocks.

“I think I’ll rather enjoy ripping you apart. In fact, I think it’s time you found out where the name ‘Ripper’ comes from.”

Quentin cried out as Giles’ fist connected with his face in three quick blows, effectively knocking his head against the wall with each one. He locked his gaze with Quentin’s.

“In case there’s any doubt…I fully intend to kill you.”

With those words ground out, he let go of the man’s lapels and took a step back. He chuckled as Quentin crumpled to the floor, smearing blood down the wall.

As Quentin struggled to get to his feet, Giles kicked him squarely in the ribs. A dangerous grin spread across his face when he heard the snapping of bone. As he landed a third kick, a hand gripped his shoulder and pulled him back.

He spun around quickly, ready to continue his assault on the intruder. Angel ducked quickly, Giles’ quick punch barely missing him.

“Giles!”

His darkened green eyes sparked with fury. “Let me go.”

Angel glanced at the fallen man at Giles’ feet. “You’ll kill him.”

“That’s the plan.”

Angel shook his head slowly, gently pulling Giles away from Travers. “No, you can’t.”

“I bloody well can! He was going to – ”

The vampire interrupted him quickly. “I know, Giles. And trust me, I understand where you’re coming from. But, if you kill him…it’s going to change you.”

“I’ve killed before.”

“Under different circumstances. Giles, this is…I can’t let you kill him.”

Giles took a step forward, glaring at him. “Try to fucking stop me.”

As they stared at one another, Buffy disentangled herself from Ethan and carefully made her way over. She reached out and tentatively placed her hand on his back.

“Giles?”

He turned around slowly, the darkness in his eyes causing her to take a step back.

“Giles, don’t do this.”

His jaw clenched when he heard the man groan in pain. “He doesn’t deserve to live.”

“You’re right.” She agreed quietly and took a step forward, placing her hand on his chest. “But, you do. And if you kill him, I’m going to lose you.” A tear trickled down her cheek. “I’ve almost lost you enough, Giles. Don’t let Ripper consume you again. Please.”

His hand trembled violently as it lifted to caress her cheek. “Buffy…”

“Come back to me, Giles.”

She stared into his eyes, exhaling slowly as the darkness began to fade, leaving the shade of green that was uniquely him. “There you are.”

A tear spilled onto his cheek as he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. When she felt his knees begin to buckle, she held on to him, carefully lowering him to the floor.

“We’re okay, Giles.” She whispered softly as she felt his sob catch in his chest.

She looked up when she saw Ethan move to stand in front of the still-groaning ex-Council member. “Ethan?”

Ethan turned his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Allow me to take care of this for you?”

Angel’s eyes darted between the sorcerer standing in front of him and the couple wrapped in each other’s arms kneeling on the floor. “What’s going on?”

With a subtle nod from Buffy, Ethan’s smile grew and he closed his eyes as he began to chant. The fear was obvious in Quentin’s eyes as he watched the portal open.

“No! No! NO!”

Ethan reached down and grabbed Quentin’s arms, tugging him up from the ground. “Oh, yes.” He glanced towards the portal and grinned. “I’m not really sure where this will take you. The only thing I do know is that it will rid this dimension of you and…once the portal closes, it shall never reopen.”

He turned his head and met Giles’ eyes and smiled softly before returning his stare to Quentin. “You realize that you’re getting the easy way out, yes? And as much as I would have enjoyed watching Ripper in action again, Buffy’s right. So, here we are.”

Without another word, Ethan shoved the screaming man through the portal.

“And there you go. Won’t be seeing you.”

As the portal closed, Ethan took a deep breath and walked towards the door as Giles and Buffy picked themselves up from the floor.

“Ethan?”

Ethan stopped, but didn’t turn around. “Yes, Rupert?”

Giles squeezed Buffy’s hand before releasing it and walking around Ethan to face him. They looked at one another for a moment before Giles pulled him into a hug.

“Thank you.”

Ethan hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry for my involvement in this. I, uh…it seems that even when I try to do the right thing, it’s wrong.”

Giles took a step back, slowly ending the embrace, and offered him a warm smile. “You saved the lives of my wife and child. You did the right thing, Ethan…in the end.”

Ethan reached out and gently touched the spot where Quentin’s bullet had bounced off of his chest. “I…” He cleared his throat, dropping his hand back to his side. “I’m glad the protection spell worked.”

“As am I.” Giles replied quietly. He looked over Ethan’s shoulder and met Buffy’s eyes, asking her a silent question. When Buffy smiled and gave him a nod, he returned his gaze to Ethan’s. “Would you…would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night?”

Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise. “I, uh…I should probably leave soon. But, thank you…for the offer.”

“Ethan…”

He shook his head slowly, dropping his gaze to the floor. “No. I’ve revealed too much as is.”

“It’s just dinner.”

Ethan gave a sad chuckle. “And that would be the problem.”

Giles sighed softly. “I think we…the three of us…should talk. Have dinner with us, please.”

Ethan lifted his eyes and smiled. “And that wouldn’t be awkward, would it?”

Giles shrugged a shoulder as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “No more awkward than my ex-girlfriend, who happens to be my direct supervisor now, staying with my mother-in-law.” He narrowed his eyes in thought. “And I suppose I have some things to discuss with Amelia.”

“He could’ve been lying. He wasn’t the most trustworthy of fellows.”

“There is that.” He tilted his head slightly. “So, dinner tomorrow night?”

Ethan looked over his shoulder and found Buffy’s eyes. She gave him a small nod in answer to his unasked question. He took a deep breath and looked back at Giles.

“Okay. I’ll be there.”

Before Giles could say anything else, Ethan walked around him and out the door. Angel raised an eyebrow as he processed the prior conversation.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting that.”

Buffy walked to Giles and slid her arms around him. “I wasn’t either, but…and it worries me to say this…I’m glad he was here.”

Giles smiled down at her, bending his head and kissing her lips lightly. “Let’s go home.”

Buffy nodded quickly. “Yeah, home sounds wonderful.”

As they walked out, with Giles’ arm protectively wrapped around her, Buffy looked at Angel. “I don’t know where we are, how did you know where we were?”

“Julian was able to do the locator spell on Travers. Oh, and…they’re all at your house waiting for me to bring you home.”

Giles opened the main door of the building and stepped out into the still dark morning. “How long were we here?”

“I’m not sure. I found out you were gone about four and a half hours ago. And…I don’t think you had been gone long then. I could still smell…” He stopped speaking abruptly and smiled nervously. “You weren’t gone long.”

Giles coughed lightly as he led Buffy to Angel’s car. “And, what brought you to the house at that time of night? Was there trouble on patrol?”

Buffy chuckled softly. “Always the research man…”

Angel huffed lightly in amusement at Buffy before answering Giles. “No, patrol was fine. Uh…Cordelia had a vision. And she was quite adamant that I check on you guys immediately. So I did.”

Buffy snuggled against Giles’ side in the backseat of the car, sighing happily as he placed his hand over her abdomen. “Lucky for us you did.”

Angel smiled as he started the car and pulled away from the curb.

Chapter Sixty-Nine

After they had been bombarded with questions and hugs when they walked back into the house, Buffy gently tugged on Giles’ hand and pulled him off to the side. He looked into her eyes and brushed the hair back from her face.

“Are you alright?”

She nodded as she placed her hand flat against his chest. “I just really need to take a shower, you know?”

“Would you...would you like me to come with you?”

She smiled and leaned up on her toes to give him a kiss. “I love you so much.”

His fingers wound themselves into her hair as he deepened the kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, muffling her moan, as he took a few steps forward until her back was pressed against the wall.

She broke the kiss when she felt his hand slide underneath her shirt. “Giles...”

When her eyes darted over his shoulder and then back to his, he cursed under his breath and took a step back. She grinned up at him, brushing her thumb across his lip.

“Forget where we were?”

“No.” He smiled shyly. “Forgot there were other people here.”

She chuckled softly and pushed herself from the wall. “I’m going to have a shower. You...should probably fill them in on what happened. And then...ask ‘em to leave.”

He leaned down, brushing his lips across hers as his hand gingerly caressed her stomach. “I love you.”

She saw a brief flicker of sadness in his eyes, gone as suddenly as it appeared. “What is it?”

“I almost lost both of you.”

She nodded slowly. “But you saved us. ‘Course...then we almost lost you. But, in the end, we didn’t. Lose anyone, I mean. And...after people are gone, I’d like to talk to you about Ethan.”

He dropped his gaze from hers and nodded. “Yes, I suppose you do.”

“Hey, guys?” Xander waited until they had both looked at him before he continued. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but...we kinda need to figure out what to do about Travers and Rayne.”

Giles cleared his throat and spared a quick glance to Angel. “Um, Travers was taken care of. No need to waste time on him.”

Xander’s eyes widened, as did everyone else’s. “You killed him?”

“No.” He inhaled deeply and wrapped his arm around Buffy. “He was transported into another dimension...with no possibility of a return.”

“Oh.”

Willow spoke quickly when she realized that Xander was at a loss for words. “But, we still need to find Ethan. I mean...unless he’s in another dimension now too. Which, you know, wouldn’t be all bad and...”

“Ethan isn’t in another dimension.” He glanced down at Buffy, who gave him a gentle nod of encouragement. “Ethan, in fact, is the one who sent Quentin into...well, we’re not really sure where he is.”

“Huh?” Willow narrowed her eyes in confusion. “But, if he comes after – ”

“You needn’t look very hard to find Ethan. He’ll be here for dinner tomorrow night.”

Everyone, minus Buffy and Angel, stared at him in disbelief. He cleared his throat and met the confused gazes staring at him.

“Ethan helped me tonight. If...if it weren’t for him...well, suffice it to say I wouldn’t be here right now. Ethan effectively saved my wife and son by letting me go. He’s...Ethan isn’t a threat here.”

After a few moments of thick silence, Amelia caught Giles’ eye. “We need to talk, Rupert.”

Giles nodded slowly. “Yes, we do...about a few things, in fact. However, I’m not sure if now is the time for it.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s rather late and I’m sure that all of you are tired.”

There were murmurs of agreement, the loudest coming from Anya who insisted to her boyfriend that Giles was right and it was time to go home. As their weary visitors filed out the front door, Buffy caught Giles’ eyes and gestured towards Amelia.

“Talk to her, Giles. You know as well as I do that you won’t rest until you know.”

He sighed heavily and gave her a nod before softly calling Amelia’s name.

* * *

Giles cleared his throat as he heard the shower start running. He gave Amelia a small smile. “Um, would you care for a cup of tea?”

Amelia sat down on the chair and shook her head. “No. What I would care for, however, is for you to tell me what the hell you’re doing.”

“I’m sorry?” He sat down on the couch and rubbed his hand over his tired eyes.

“Ethan Rayne abducted you and Buffy. He took you to some warehouse and gave you over to Quentin Travers. Why on earth would you think he’s not a threat?”

He exhaled slowly. “Ethan’s involvement...he was doing what he thought was the right thing at the time.”

“The right thing was to...” She trailed off with an exasperated huff. “What were you thinking?”

He lowered his eyes, consciously ignoring the anger in her voice. “He was given two choices. One, he help Quentin by bringing Buffy and me to the warehouse and he’d let me live. Two, he didn’t help Quentin and I would die alongside of Buffy.” He sighed softly and raised his eyes. “He didn’t want me to die.”

“And you have this trust in him now? After everything he put you through, you suddenly trust him?”

“He saved Buffy and Braden. He’s the one who opened the portal and took care of Quentin. He...what he did, he did out of love.”

Amelia’s eyes widened. “Love? Are you saying he’s in love with you?”

He merely stared at her for a minute. “Were you pregnant with my child?”

Amelia’s eyes filled with tears and her hand automatically covered her stomach. “The baby was James’, Rupert.”

He instantly regretted his words and shook his head. “I apologize, Amelia. I didn’t mean to be so blunt. But, the child I’m referring to is not...well...were you pregnant with my child...before?”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

He bit his lip and raked his hand through his hair. “I...when I left the Academy, were you...” He paused for a second before standing up. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked...especially not now, not after everything you’ve been through. I – ”

“Yes.” She interrupted him with a soft whisper. When he turned his head to look at her, a tear spilled onto her cheek. “I was.”

“My God.” He responded in the same soft tone and sat back down.

She wiped her eye and took a shaky breath. “I didn’t know...when you left. I didn’t find out until you’d be gone for almost six weeks. I tried...I tried to find you, but...”

“I didn’t want to be found.” He nodded slowly. “I understand, Amelia. I would’ve come back though...if you had been able to contact me. I would’ve come back for you and the baby.”

“I know.”

He was quiet for a moment and then met her eyes. “I also understand why you didn’t tell me when I returned. I, uh...I was told that the child...well, that it was a girl?”

“Did Ethan tell you this?”

He shook his head and looked down at the floor. “Quentin. He took great pleasure in telling me about the loss of a child I didn’t know about.”

“I named her Katie. Katherine Rose, actually.” She swallowed as she watched a tear form in his eye. “I went into premature labour at six months. She...lived for only a few hours.”

“I’m sorry, Amelia. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you.”

She leaned forward and offered him a gentle smile. “It wasn’t your fault, Rupert. And, I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you about our daughter.”

He pulled her into his arms and held her as his tears began to fall.

* * *

He looked up as Buffy walked into the living room, her white fluffy robe tied tightly around her. She looked at her husband through sympathetic eyes.

“So...he was telling the truth?”

He tilted his head slightly and leaned back against the cushions. “It would appear so.”

“Where’s Amelia?”

“She was rather tired. I, um...called a taxi for her.”

Buffy sighed softly and sat down beside of him. “You don’t have to be so British right now, Giles.” She lifted her hand, her thumb wiping the corner of his eye. “It’s okay to be upset.”

He turned towards her, placing his hand over her stomach. “It was a long time ago, Buffy. I wasn’t there for her or the baby. But, I need you to know that I will always be here for you and our son.”

“I do know that, Giles. I really do.” She offered him a warm smile and kissed the tip of his nose. “And although I get the fact that you’re upset right now, we’re not doing the self-flagellation thing, are we?”

“No.” The corner of his mouth tugged upwards. “No self-flagellation.”

“Good.” She leaned forward and placed a tender kiss on his lips. “Do you want to talk about it? Or...would you rather go to bed?”

His hand caressed her cheek and he gave her a slight shake of his head. “Neither.”

Before she could question him, he pulled her onto his lap and covered her mouth with his. As his tongue massaged hers, his hands quickly untied the belt of her robe. His hands slipped inside the soft cloth, causing her to gasp when he touched her skin.

His hands gripped her hips as she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands over his chest. When he felt her hands move downwards, he pulled from the kiss and shook his head.

“Not yet, Buffy.”

“Huh?” She asked breathlessly.

He moved her until she was sitting flush against his denim-clad erection. He groaned softly as her nipples pressed against his chest.

“I want to feel you like this for a while.”

She grinned at him and draped her arms over his shoulders. “Be glad your jeans are a bit soft. I’d object otherwise.”

He groaned in response as she rocked her hips against him. His fingers tightened on her hips and his head fell back against the back of the couch. She brushed her thumb across his nipple as she leaned forward and placed an open-mouthed kiss on his throat. She smiled against his skin when she felt his low growl.

She lifted her head and met his intense gaze. Before she could say anything, his hand wrapped around the back of her neck and pulled her mouth to his. His tongue quickly plunged into her mouth, coaxing hers into play. His hips thrust upwards as she allowed her teeth to lightly scrape across his tongue as she pulled back to look at him.

His eyes were dark and slightly unfocused as he stared at her. She smiled and shifted her body.

“Lay down, Giles.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. He quickly turned with her on his lap and then reclined with his head resting on the cushioned arm of the couch. She shrugged the robe off, allowing it to fall onto his legs behind her. He maintained the intense eye contact as the backs of his fingers stroked her breast.

She licked her lips, her hand falling to the hard bulge still trapped under the denim, now dampened by her own fluids. “That...can’t be comfortable.”

He closed his eyes, a soft moan falling from his lips as she gently massaged him. When he felt the button pull free and the zipper slowly being pulled down, he opened his eyes and inhaled deeply.

“Buffy...”

She pulled his erection out and began to stroke it slowly. “I...really need you...”

His chest heaved, his fingers gently rolling her hardened nipple. “What do you need?”

“You. I need to feel you inside of me. And...” She groaned as he lightly pinched the nipple held between his fingers.

“And?”

She moved forward and easily guided him into her. She rested her hands on his chest, biting back a moan as he filled her. She stared into his eyes, lifting one hand and touching his lips with her finger.

“And...I really need to see you smile.” She began to move her hips slowly. “Because...when I see you smile...a real smile...I know everything’s gonna be okay.”

He held her hips, guiding her movements as he began to thrust upwards. “Everything...is going to be...just fine. I promise.”

When his hand moved and brushed over the swell of her belly, her movements slowed causing him to look up quickly. “Buffy?”

Her bottom lip trembled just moments before the tears fell. He stopped his thrusts and pulled her to his chest.

“Buffy?”

“Close calls...hate them.”

He rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head as he cradled her to him. “I know. I do as well. But, we’re okay, Buffy. All of us...we’re okay.”

He slowly and carefully rolled their bodies until she was underneath him, his erection still embedded in her depths. “Look at me.”

He supported himself with his left hand on the cushion next to her head and raised his right hand to wipe the tears from her cheeks. When she complied, he offered her a genuine smile.

“I love you so much. And...everything is okay.”

She nodded, sniffling as she reached up and caressed his cheek. He bent down and kissed her lips, gently nudging them apart with his tongue. When she responded in kind, he began to rock his hips slowly against her.

She wrapped her legs around him, raising her hips to match his thrusts. He broke the kiss and smiled down at her. When she returned the smile, he increased his pace slightly.

“Better than okay.” He whispered softly.

She nodded in agreement and squeezed his shoulder. “Harder...”

He shook his head, maintaining his current pace. “If I go any harder...this will be over far too soon...”

She tightened her legs around him as she slid her hands down his back. “Please...”

Hearing the almost desperate tone of her voice, he sighed. “I never could deny you.”

Her nails raked across his shoulder blade as she slammed her hips upwards. “Then don’t start now.”

He groaned loudly and lowered his head until his lips were nuzzling her neck. He pushed harder against her, struggling to hold his orgasm back.

“Giles!”

“Mm...” He mumbled against her skin as he nibbled along her neck.

“God, I want to feel you come...”

“Buffy...”

She turned her head slightly and whispered huskily. “Come for me, Giles.”

His low moan turned into a combination of a scream of ecstasy and a growl as her mouth latched onto the scar tissue that was still prominent on his neck. He lost his rhythm momentarily as she nipped and suckled the sensitive flesh.

“Christ!”

She released his neck, her head falling back to the cushions, as he began to pound into her at a frenzied pace. “Oh God...yes! Giles...so...close...”

He grunted with effort and a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his neck. “Buffy...”

“Come...”

She scratched her nails down his back when she felt him begin to expand within her. “Yes, Giles...come for me...”

He groaned loudly, his back stiffening as he thrust one final time before coming deep inside of her. As his semen splashed her walls, she screamed his name and dug her nails into his back as her orgasm crashed over her.

When his arms began to give out, he rolled to the side to keep from falling on top of her. Her hands slipped from his back before she remembered where they actually were. Giles’ eyes widened in surprise as he rolled from the couch and landed on his back on the floor. Buffy rolled onto her side quickly and looked down at him.

Seeing the complete shock in his eyes, she started giggling. “You okay?”

He gave her a glare before he began chuckling himself. Reaching up, he grabbed her arm and pulled her down on top of him. Her giggles turned to laughter, which he found completely contagious. As they laughed loudly, she pushed herself up, straddling his torso.

“Are you okay?”

He nodded as his laughter turned to a soft chuckle. “I’m fine...a bit...embarrassed, perhaps. Not the most romantic way to bring a rousing round of lovemaking to an end.”

She shrugged her shoulders and brushed his damp hair back from his forehead. “I don’t know...I think hearing you laugh is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.”

“It was worth it to see the smile in your eyes.” He admitted softly.

“There you go again...with the words of the sweet.” She gave him a warm smile before she tilted her head, her eyes widening. “Did you do that on purpose?”

He laughed softly. “No, I most certainly did not. I’m just saying that a moment of embarrassment on my part is worth the smile you give me.”

She leaned down and tenderly kissed his lips. “I love you, Giles.”

“And I you.” He glanced at the clock and shifted her body so he could sit up. “We, uh...we should probably try to get some sleep.”

“Mm, yeah. But...” She climbed off of him and reached down to help him up.

He took the proffered hand and stood in front of her as he tucked himself back into his jeans. “But?”

“We have a couple of things that we should probably talk about.” She lifted her hand and placed it on his chest. “But...they can wait until tomorrow. Or...later today.”

He tilted his head, concern showing in his eyes as he covered her hand with his. “What is it, Buffy?”

“Um...well, there’s...uh...your daughter?” She lowered her eyes and shrugged a shoulder.

Placing a finger under her chin, he tilted her face until she was looking at him again. “I’ll tell you everything you want to know.” He waited until she gave him a slight nod. “And...the other?”

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Ethan. I think...I think he...”

“Loves me?” He supplied softly.

“Yeah...”

His hand cradled her cheek. “Yes. Apparently, he has for many years. I...I wasn’t aware of his feelings.”

“And now you are.”

He regarded her carefully for a moment, reading the silent questions in her eyes. “And I’m in love with you. I harbour no romantic feelings towards him, Buffy. I’m grateful to him...for helping us, in the end. But, contrary to what happened between us all those years ago...I’ve never loved him in that way. I have no intentions of...”

“Do you want to?”

He narrowed his eyes. “I’m sorry?”

She bit her lip. “Intentions are different than wants. Do you want to? You know...be with him?”

“There is only one person I want to ‘be with’.”

“That’s me, right?” She smiled when he chuckled. “It’s just...I know you’re grateful to him. And, sometimes people show gratitude by – ”

“Inviting the person to dinner.” He interrupted gently. “Buffy, I’m not going down that road with him. Not because I feel that I shouldn’t, but because I don’t want to.”

When he reached down to pick up her robe, she spoke hurriedly, but quietly. “What happened before he let you come to me?”

He wrapped the robe around her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I begged him. He told me his reason for helping Travers was to keep me alive. I told him that without you...I told him that he should’ve let me die. And then I begged him to let me go.”

“Did he kiss you?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why would you ask that?”

She shrugged and tied the belt of the robe around her waist. “His reaction when you invited him for dinner.”

“Oh.” He sighed softly and gave her a small nod. “He did. However, it was part of the protection spell.”

“Huh?”

“For a protection spell to include invulnerability for a short period of time, there must be three points of contact. Chest, head, and...”

“Lips? The third point is lips?”

“Not necessarily. But that was the contact he chose.”

“Oh, okay.” She took his hand and began to lead him upstairs. “Did you kiss him back?”

He looked down at her as they climbed the stairs and walked down the hall to their bedroom. “It wasn’t that kind of kiss, Buffy. It was merely to pass the spell to me.”

“So...no tongues involved?”

He chuckled as he closed the door behind them. “No. No tongues, no roaming hands. It wasn’t a makeout session.”

“Okay.”

He pulled his clothes off and dropped them into the hamper, smiling as she slipped the robe off and climbed into bed. “Feel better?”

“Mm-hm.” She slipped under the covers and smiled as he slid in beside of her. “I’ll feel even better once I’m asleep in your arms.”

He didn’t bother to stifle his yawn as he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. “Then allow me to make you feel ‘even better’.”

She relaxed instantly in his embrace and the exhaustion of the evening quickly pushed them both towards slumber. She smiled sleepily when she heard him whisper a soft ‘I love you’. She snuggled closer to him, barely able to return the sentiment before sleep claimed her.

Chapter Seventy

She looked up as he entered the living room and smiled. “You look nice.”

He brushed his hand down the front of his sweater. “It’s not too much?”

“You mean, too date-like?” When he simply nodded, she chuckled. “No, it’s fine.”

He took a deep breath and sat down on the couch. She poured him a drink and handed the glass to him.

“What’s on your mind, Giles?”

“Amelia called while you were in the shower.” He took a sip of the amber liquid.

“Oh?” She sat down beside of him and placed her hand on his thigh. “Is she okay?”

He gently swirled the contents of the glass. “Yes, she’s fine. She just wanted to know what I planned to do about Ethan.”

Buffy narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“She still sees him as a threat. She suggested that I hand him over to the Council.”

She snorted. “And what would the Council do with Ethan Rayne? And...why would they do anything with him? It’s not like he was ever affiliated with them.”

“This is true. However, he did commit a crime against the active Slayer and her Watcher. The Council tends to play lawman in instances such as this.”

“What would they charge him with?” When he turned his head sharply and stared at her, she continued quickly. “You know, if you did turn him in...which I’m guessing you’re not.”

“No. I have no intention of handing him over to them. And he would be charged with two counts of abduction, three counts of gross misuse of magic, one count of attempted murder...” He shook his head and sighed. “And those are just the charges Amelia divulged to me.”

“And if he was found guilty?”

He downed the rest of his drink and dropped the glass onto the lamp table. “At the very least he would be stripped of his magic. It’s a very painful process which many people haven’t the strength to survive.”

“And the very worst?”

He met her eyes and sighed. “They’d kill him.”

They were quiet for a few moments before Buffy spoke again.

“What did Amelia say when you refused?”

“I need to give a written statement to the Council regarding my decision to drop all pending charges against him. In that statement, I have to give reasons why I’ve chosen to do so.”

“Oh. Easy then.”

“They could still override my decision and take him into custody. The final decision is based on the recommendation of the judicial committee.”

Buffy nodded slowly and leaned over, placing a warm kiss on his cheek. “Then you’d better write a damn good statement, huh?”

He relaxed into her touch and smiled. “Thank you.”

She grinned and flicked her eyes towards the foyer when the doorbell rang. “That would be our dinner guest. I’ll go set the table and give you two a few minutes alone.”

“You don’t have to do that, Buffy.”

She gave him a warm smile and stood up. “I know. But, I honestly think it’ll be easier on both of you if I...you know...”

He returned her smile, stood and kissed her softly. “I do know. What I don’t know is what I did to deserve you.”

“That’s easy. You were born.” She grinned and then turned towards the kitchen.

He stared after her as she walked out of the room. With a slight shake of his head, he made his way to the door. He smiled as he opened it to find his old friend standing there, looking more than a little nervous.

“Hello, Ethan.”

“Hello, Rupert.” He raised an eyebrow in a silent question when Giles merely took a step back from the door.

Giles chuckled softly. “Never invite someone into your home if you live in Sunnydale.”

“Ah.” Ethan gave him a nod and walked inside.

He followed Giles into the living room and glanced around. “How’s Buffy feeling?”

Giles poured two drinks and handed one to Ethan. “She’s fine.”

“And the baby?”

“He’s fine as well.” He took a sip of his drink and smiled. “How are you, Ethan?”

“I’m...” He chuckled and downed his drink quickly. “Not used to having casual conversation with you.”

Giles grinned as he refilled Ethan’s glass. “It is somewhat awkward, isn’t it?”

Ethan stared into the glass and spoke softly. “Does Buffy know? About our past?”

“Buffy knows everything about my past, Ethan.”

He looked up slowly. “And she hasn’t a problem with the fact that we’ve...”

“Not as such, no.” He took another sip and sighed, choosing his next words as carefully as he could. “Did you love me then?”

Ethan laughed sadly. “Why do you think I let you fuck me? I knew that I was always your last choice of sexual partners, but I could never tell you no. Even if you didn’t care about me.”

“I cared, Ethan. I may not have been in love with you, but I definitely cared.”

“Did you know that I used to throw people out of the house when you’d get stoned?”

Giles shook his head slowly. “Why?”

“Because I knew that if you were stoned and there was no one else around...” He shrugged a shoulder and downed his drink. “For a while, I could pretend you wanted me.”

Giles opened his mouth to respond, closing it slowly when Ethan’s eyes flicked to a point over Giles’ left shoulder.

Ethan smiled warmly. “Good evening, Buffy.”

She took her place beside of her husband and smiled back at him. “Hi, Ethan.” She looked up at Giles when he took hold of her hand. “Dinner’s almost ready.”

Giles smiled down at her as Ethan sniffed the air.

“Is that…”

Giles chuckled softly. “Yes, it is. As I recall, it was always your favourite.”

“How did you know that?”

Giles laughed and led them into the dining room. “Well, the fact that you always ordered the same thing at every pub we ever walked into was a hint.”

Ethan’s eyes lit up as he took a seat at the table. “Thank you.”

Giles tilted his head towards his wife. “Thank Buffy, she’s the one who prepared dinner this evening.”

Buffy rolled her eyes as she sat down beside of Giles. “With a lot of direction from a certain perfectionist.”

Giles dished out the food and grinned. “I’m not a perfectionist. I just like for things to be…”

“Perfect.” Buffy finished for him, smiling as Ethan laughed softly.

* * *

After dinner was finished and the table cleared, the three of them sat in the living room. Giles recounted his earlier conversation with Amelia to Ethan and, after a moment of silence, Ethan sighed.

“Maybe you should.”

Giles narrowed his eyes. “Should what?”

Ethan shrugged his shoulder and took a sip of his scotch. “Turn me in.”

Giles leaned forward and shook his head. “I will not. A couple of years ago, yes…I very well may have. But, for once…this time, your intentions were not to harm either of us.”

Ethan smiled sadly. “My intention was to keep you alive. I knew what the price would be for your life.” He met Buffy’s eyes and took a deep breath. “I do apologize for what took place.”

Buffy tilted her head and placed her hand over her abdomen. “Okay, I need to ask this.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

“If there hadn’t been a choice, what would you’ve done?”

Ethan swirled the scotch in his glass. “What do you mean?”

“If Quentin had said ‘Okay, Ethan, here’s the deal. You bring Buffy and Giles to me and I’ll let you live’, what would you have done?”

“I’m rather sure he wouldn’t have worded it exactly like that.”

Buffy waved her hand. “That’s beside the point. If your choice was for either us to die or you to die, what choice would you’ve made?”

Ethan exhaled slowly and took another sip. “I would’ve warned you and faced him alone.”

Giles raised an eyebrow in surprise. Buffy smiled softly and nodded.

“Why?”

“I’m tired of causing Rupert pain. It used to be fun…before he fell in love. Well, the pain wasn’t fun…the chaos…now, that was fun.” He smirked as he remembered past events. The smirk slowly faded as he finished his drink. “But, now there’s a wife and a child on the way. And I have no desire to bring chaos to town when he’s this happy.”

Buffy grinned. “Well, I think Ethan Rayne is all grown up now.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes. “I most certainly am not. I still love a good round of chaos-induced frenzy. I just…have no desire to inflict it upon Rupert anymore.” He sighed softly and shook his head. “It’s rather depressing, actually.”

Giles chuckled softly. “I imagine it would be.”

Buffy smiled and leaned against Giles’ shoulder. “So, Giles writes a statement and you get to be…well, you.”

Ethan met Giles’ eyes. “You know they’ll just overrule you.”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. But, I have to try. And…we can send you somewhere safe for the time being. Until we get the final verdict. I’ll fight them on this, Ethan.”

“Don’t know why, after all I’ve done to you.”

Giles offered him a soft smile. “I think you know why.”

Ethan stared at his friend for a few moments before he took a deep breath. “I should probably go. Find a safe haven from people who want to kill me and such.”

“I can cloak your magic. They shan’t be able to follow you. And…I have a friend who owns a rather large property outside of Glasgow. You can stay there and…he’ll help you.”

Ethan darted his eyes between Buffy’s smiling face and Giles’ sincere eyes. “Okay.”

Giles stood quickly and walked over to the desk, scribbling a name, address, and phone number down on a piece of paper. As he handed the paper to Ethan, he spoke a few soft words in Latin.

“Well, that feels weird. Like I’m in a bubble.”

Giles nodded and grinned at him. “That ‘bubble’ will keep the Council from tracking you. Call this number when you get to Glasgow. I’ll call ahead and make all necessary arrangements.” He placed his hand on Ethan’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “And I’ll call you when the Council drops the charges against you.”

Ethan nodded slowly, silently thanking Giles. He jumped slightly when he felt Buffy’s arms wrap around him in a tight hug.

“Ow. Ow!”

She released him quickly and smiled shyly. “Sorry. Sometimes I forget.”

Ethan rubbed his side and laughed. “Just be careful with him.” He gestured towards Giles. “If you hug like that, there’s…”

“Ethan.” Giles interrupted him, a warning tone in his voice.

Buffy laughed as she shook her head. “Don’t worry about him. He can handle me.”

Giles blushed deeply, causing Ethan and Buffy to laugh even harder. “Yes, well. Um…”

Ethan grinned at him. “You still stammer when you get embarrassed? That’s fucking adorable.”

Giles rolled his eyes and handed Ethan his coat. “Call when you get to Scotland, yes?”

“Yes, Ripper.” Ethan shrugged the coat on and turned towards the door. He stopped suddenly and turned back around, muttering ‘sod it’ under his breath before quickly walking back and stopping directly in front of Giles.

Before anyone knew what happened, Ethan wrapped his hand around the back of Giles’ neck and held him, covering his mouth with his own. Giles’ mouth opened in surprise and Ethan took advantage of the opportunity, sweeping his tongue inside.

Buffy’s mouth dropped open, but found she had no words.

Ethan ended the kiss slowly, placing his hand on Giles’ chest as he pulled back and smiled. “Be seeing you, Ripper.”

With that, he turned and gave Buffy a friendly wink and walked out the door.

As the door closed, Giles cleared his throat. “Well, then. I wasn’t quite expecting that.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Me either, but…”

Giles stared at her, causing her to chuckle.

Part Eight

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