Crossroads (Crossroads #1) The afternoon sun shone into the almost empty room, as dust motes danced across the air. The smell of old leather and paper added to the almost surreal atmosphere. As if the books were waiting. For someone to rescue them from their entombment. But that wouldn’t happen here. Nobody visited the books of the library of Sunnydale High School.
Two young girls sat at the centre table. Both were waiting for the same man. The redhead was using the time carrying out valuable research. The blonde, with her feet on the table, continued distracting her friend with idle talk and gossip. They each had an appointment with the librarian, but he had warned them both that he would be late. A last minute meeting with the principal.
Suddenly the quiet of the room was broken with the sound of footsteps crossing the floor. Both girls stopped what they were doing and looked across at each other. Unless Rupert Giles had suddenly changed his choice of footwear, those nine inch stilettos definitely did not belong to him. They turned to face the newcomer.
What they saw was a beautiful woman in her early thirties, 5’ 10", blonde hair styled in a chignon. Everything from her designer suit to her perfectly applied make-up spoke self-confidence and money. She wore an amused smile as she looked the two girls over. Buffy immediately felt her hackles rise. There was something about the woman that set her on edge. It took all of her willpower not to try to straighten her clothes and fuss with her hair. She didn’t like her one bit.
As the other two continued to attempt to out-stare each other, Willow decided to make the opening move. "May I help you?"
"I’m looking for Rupert Giles." The cultured British accent seemed to suit the stranger.
"I’m afraid he’s not here. We can give him a message if you like." Buffy knew only that she wanted the woman out of there before Giles came back.
"That’s all right. I can wait."
"Are you a new teacher?"
The woman looked over towards Willow. "Which one of you is Buffy Summers?" It was obvious what she thought the answer was.
Buffy was starting to get really annoyed. "Who are you?!"
"Sorry I’m late. Principal Snyder wished to warn me about unsavoury influences again. Another hint at you I believe, Buffy." His head down, Rupert Giles didn’t at first realise the girls weren’t alone.
"Hello Rupert." The voice that he hadn’t heard for so long pulled him up short. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
"Good lord. What are you doing here?"
At the sound of near panic in her Watcher’s voice, Buffy began to worry. "Giles?"
"Hm? Oh, yes. Er, wh-why don’t you two run along? I’ll speak to you later."
"Aren’t you going to introduce us first, Rupert?"
"Yes. Yes, of course. This is Willow, and Buffy." As they all waited, he knew he would have to divulge a little more. He didn’t want to. Not until he had time to get some answers. And to explain. "Girls. This...This is Sylvia Milson."
"His betrothed."
Chapter One
That evening, Rupert Giles paced around his apartment nervously. He was expecting company, and he wasn’t looking forward to it. He ran his hand through his hair again. What was he going to do? What could he say, to make her understand? Oh well, she probably wouldn’t be here for a little while longer. Plenty of time for another cup of tea. He would have preferred something stronger, but now was not the time to have a fuzzy head. He thought back to the meeting that afternoon in the library.
After Sylvia’s announcement, Buffy had looked at him with such hurt in her eyes. She had then run out of the library, without saying another word. He wanted to run after her, but knew he couldn’t. He turned to Willow. Her mouth was hanging open with shock. "Willow?"
She suddenly realised what he wanted. "I’ll, er. I’ll go after her. We’ll talk later, right?"
"Right, yes. Right." The girl slowly walked out of the room. Backwards. As if she were afraid they would both disappear.
Finally alone, the two adults turned to look at each other. For a while, neither spoke. Just took in the changes the past few years had made.
"What are you doing here Sylvia?"
"I thought it was time. Neither of us is getting any younger. Besides, you know what is coming up."
"I know. But, why? You must have known how she would react."
"How was I to know you wouldn’t tell your Slayer about me? Most men do mention their fiancees to the people they work with you know."
"I do wish you’d stop saying that."
"Why? It’s the truth."
"I can’t deal with this right now. Where are you staying?"
"I take it your apartment is out of the question?" At the look of frustrated anger on his face, Sylvia allowed herself another smile. "Ever the gentleman Rupert. Very well. There is a small, but reasonably clean hotel here in town. Not up to my usual standards, but adequate until more permanent arrangements can be made."
"Tomorrow isn’t a school day. I shall call on you then. About 10?"
"Very well. Don’t worry Rupert. She’ll come around."
Around to what? He still wasn’t sure what was going on. After Sylvia had left, he had made some phone calls. He was hoping to have some answers before his meeting with her in the morning. Meanwhile, he had another, more painful meeting to look forward to. How does one explain to one’s Slayer about traditions, and not being completely honest? He just knew she wouldn’t understand.
Buffy stood just outside Giles’ door. She had done some patrolling. But her heart wasn’t in it. She was hurting too much. How could he not tell her? She thought they kept nothing from each other. Not after all they had been through. And yet, he had this whole other life. She wondered if he’d had any intention of ever telling her.
There was only one way to find out. All she had to do was raise her hand and knock. Suddenly, she didn’t want to. She may not like what he had to say. It might have been better not to know. But now it was too late. Now, she needed the whole story. Quickly, before she could change her mind, she rapped on the door.
A few seconds later, Giles’ eye appeared at the peep-hole. When he saw who it was, he opened the door. "Buffy."
"You seem surprised to see me."
"No. No. You’re just earlier than I thought." They continued to look at each other, she questioningly, he apologetically. It took a few moments to realise they were still on his doorstep. "Oh. Come in."
She followed him into the living area. They stood. Waiting for the other to begin. Not knowing where to start.
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
"It’s rather complicated." Giles’ turned half away. Running his hand through his hair. He had thought it would be easier when she was facing him. It wasn’t. Where to begin?
Buffy turned her back to him. "Did she know?" She wasn’t sure why she had asked that. It wasn’t what she wanted to know.
It took Giles a moment to understand what she was asking. "Jenny? No. No, she didn’t."
That hurt a bit more. He wasn’t honest with any of them. She tried to hold back the tears. "Why not? I mean. If you were my...my lover" God how that hurt "well, I’d want to know if you had proposed to somebody else."
"I didn’t."
"What?"
"I didn’t propose to Sylvia." Buffy was even more confused. And Giles just didn’t know how to start, where to start. "Look. Do you want a drink, or something?"
"A glass of that Scotch you keep in your drinks cabinet would come in handy." At Giles’ lifted eyebrow, she found a smile hovering at the edge of her lips. She felt even better to see his adorable grin appear too. Just then a kettle could be heard whistling in the kitchen.
"How about a cup of tea instead? I was just preparing a pot."
"And then we talk?"
"And then we talk."
Chapter Two
The two people sat on the sofa. On the coffee table in front of them sat a pot of tea and two cups. Working together, it hadn’t taken long to prepare everything. Buffy couldn’t remember when she had abandoned coffee in favour of Giles’ favourite beverage. A couple of times, after particularly nasty encounters, she had come back here. He would then make her a cup, informing her it would help her relax. It had. Eventually, it had become a habit, to visit here each night, share a pot and discuss the day’s events. Savouring the feeling of familiarity, neither were keen to break the silence. Giles knew the time of reckoning had come though.
"Sylvia’s family and mine go back a long way. Generations, in fact. Her father and mine were boyhood friends. It was through that friendship that Mr. Milson learnt about Vampire Slayers and Watchers. He applied to become a Watcher, but for some reason was rejected. He wasn’t bitter, but still wanted to be involved. He married the cousin of a Slayer."
"Why?"
"To sire a new Slayer."
"What? Why would anybody want to put their child through that? Didn’t he understand what it meant?"
"Oh yes. But all he could see was the glory, the chance to save the world. Albeit in a second-hand way. When he realised Sylvia wasn’t a Slayer, he moved onto his next plan. He arranged with my father for us to become betrothed."
"But that’s archaic. Nobody does that nowadays."
"Buffy." This was the hardest part. Would she look at him with disgust after tonight? "Watchers are bred."
"What?"
"Unlike a Slayer, the skills a Watcher needs can be enhanced through breeding. So, whenever a Watcher chose a mate, it was one who would help to strengthen those skills. A..after a while, the families of each future Watcher arranged the marriages."
She was shocked. She couldn’t believe what he was saying. It sounded so inhuman. "Is..is that what happened with your parents?"
"Initially, yes. Fortunately, my father came to care for my mother. And she often said that for her it was love at first sight. Mind, at the time, she was only 3, so I don’t know if we can accept that fully." He was pleased to see her answering smile.
"So, your parents were happy to have you betrothed to Sylvia?"
"Not completely. It was a good match, but my father disliked the idea of me being forced into a partnership I did not want. He had seen too many go wrong. So, he had a clause made in the contract. If one of the participants did not want to go ahead with the betrothal, it could be broken."
"How old were you when you found out?"
"Sixteen. Just starting into my rebellion phase. I was pretty pi.... Well, rather upset."
"It’s all right Rupert. You can say pissed to me. I won’t get upset." She was so glad that he hadn’t proposed to Sylvia Milson, that she didn’t notice her use of his first name. She felt rather giddy actually.
Giles had noticed. It had sounded so right. He hoped she would say it again. "Anyway, I hadn’t seen Sylvia or her family in years. She’s six years younger than me. They were coming over for a visit. I was so angry. I had it all planned. Outright rejection, and to hell with them all. Then I met her. She sat there so quietly, Buffy. Didn’t say a word, unless instructed to. Can you imagine what it must be like? Being born a disappointment to your father? Being told all the time you had failed him, because you weren’t special? That the only way to please him was to marry this old man you never knew? And I was old to her."
He remembered that day. It had been one of those rare Indian Summer days that come to the English countryside. After tea, he was instructed to take Sylvia out, and show her around the grounds. They walked along quietly, neither saying a word. He was still angry. But, years of breeding held out. He could not take his anger out on this young girl. She was as much of a victim as he.............
"Sylvia? Did they tell you about what they want to happen? In the future?"
"Yes. I am to marry you, and help you with your Watching duties. Then we shall breed our own Watcher, to carry on the tradition."
"Is this what you want?"
"It’s what will happen. You’ll be as suitable a mate as any other."
He couldn’t believe what she was saying. Hadn’t she ever had a childhood? "Sylvia. I don’t really want this betrothal. It isn’t you. I just refuse to let others plan my life."
She shrugged her shoulders. " Daddy will be disappointed in me. I’m sure he’ll find another Watcher though. Or have another daughter. One that you’ll like."
He couldn’t do it. She had suffered enough. "I’ll tell you what. In twenty five years time, if neither of us is with someone, we’ll talk about it then. If we were going to find somebody else, we would have done so by then. Agreed?"
She looked up at him with more emotion than he had seen all day. "Agreed."
They both sat quietly after that. So much made sense now. His gentle nature couldn’t see the girl hurt any more. So he gave them both a let out. Twenty five years would have seemed so long away. Both of them would have found somebody else. But it hadn’t happened. She turned to him. He was leaning forward, his arms resting on his knees. At first, she thought he was deep in thought. Then she noticed the tenseness, as if he were waiting.
At least she hadn’t run out half way through his sordid little story. How disgusted she must be with it all. With him. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see her leave. Suddenly he felt a warmth on his right hand. A touch. He turned his head, opened his eyes. She looked at him with such trust, such caring. She was crying. But so was he. She gathered him, cradled him. Like the last time they had cried together. When he had gone after Angelus. When he had wanted to die, to be with Jenny. Now he wanted to live. To be with the girl who held him so lovingly.
"What kind of monsters are they? To create a human breeding plan?"
"For years, all that was important was the Slayer. For the Slayer to survive, the Watcher had to be of high intelligence, and physically strong. The only way to guarantee this was to keep the bloodlines as pure as possible. Besides, in those day, arranged marriages were the norm, not the exception."
"It still sounds inhuman. Did they breed out emotion while they were at it?" Feeling, rather than seeing him wince, she rushed on. "I don’t mean you. I know how much you feel. How much you care."
"I suppose I’m a throwback then?" They both smiled at that, and moved away from each other, but still keeping their arms around each other.
"So, this happened twenty five years ago?"
"Yes. I had kept track of Sylvia during the years. She hasn’t been waiting patiently for me. She has been involved with other men. In fact, last time I heard, there was talk of a marriage. I don’t know what went wrong. I’ve made some inquires. I’m waiting for the answers."
"What did she say? This afternoon?"
"Not a lot. I didn’t give her a chance. I was too confused. Too angry at her for what she did. I’m seeing her tomorrow. Hopefully, by then, we’ll know more."
"I’m sorry I didn’t trust you enough. That I believed...."
He placed two fingers against her mouth. "Sh. It’s my fault. I should have told you everything. But it’s hard to explain being created like a machine. Especially here, in this country. I wasn’t sure you’d understand. I was afraid you’d be disgusted."
She gave into temptation, and kissed those fingers causing her mouth to tingle. Taking his hand, she turned it over and placed a kiss on the palm. "You could never disgust me. All you will ever get from me is my support. And my respect." Hearing the words he uttered so long ago repeated to him caused a strange sensation in his heart. Like it was once again coming alive. He moved his hand to her face, cupping her cheek. She turned into it, rubbing against it like a kitten, yet never moving her own hand. They looked at each other. They were now at a crossroads. So many different directions their lives could take. One direction, though was closed to them. They could not go back......
Chapter Three
Giles stood outside the hotel room. He was a few minutes early. If he knocked now, she would probably see it as eagerness. And he wasn’t eager for this interview. The opposite in fact.
"God, Rupert. When did you become a coward?" He half expected an answer. Then he would have proof that he had gone insane. Living on the Hellmouth, being involved with the Slayer and her Slayerettes, he often wondered when he would lose his sanity.
The thought of Buffy and her friends had a calming effect on his nerves. She had left not long after their talk. He had promised to return to the library this afternoon, and report on this meeting. He had a feeling she didn’t trust him. That he was too much of a gentleman to let Sylvia down.
That may have happened, if it weren’t for the telephone call he’d received this morning. Now he knew. Why Sylvia had turned up, and why she wished to enforce the betrothal. And he found himself a little disgusted with her. The strongest emotion, however, was pity. And it was that which tempered his anger. Checking his watch, Giles realised he’d dawdled enough. Time to beard the lion.
The door was opened a few seconds after his knock. She had obviously been expecting him.
"Good morning Rupert. Won’t you come in?" One thing about Sylvia. She always looked perfect. Today, she presented a more casual image, but everything about her still bespoke chic and poise. He couldn’t help comparing her to Jenny. In his mind, perfection didn’t necessarily mean - perfection.
They moved into the living area. "I trust you are in a better frame of mind? We have so many plans to make."
"Sylvia.." How to start. She looked at him expectantly. "I know the truth. I.I know why you came here."
"I came here to organize our wedding Rupert."
"I know about the baby!" God, he hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that. She just annoyed him with her lack of emotion.
"Oh. Well, that’s in the past now. Don’t worry. I can still produce more children for you."
"That isn’t what concerns me." Didn’t she have any feeling left? Why wasn’t she angry, or upset? "Tell me. Did you love him? The father, I mean."
"Yes. I did. But that’s over now."
"Sylvia. There was someone for me. I.I lov.."
"The computer teacher, you mean? Yes. I know all about her. But she’s dead now. So that is no longer an obstacle."
"What about passion? Don’t you want that any more?"
"I’ve had that." Bitterness. That was a start. "So have you. Where did it get either of us? We can have companionship. As well as shared interests. Our relationship will be comfortable. Plus, of course, I know about your sacred duty. I will be of assistance in that area, and not a hindrance."
"I want passion, Sylvia. After experiencing it with Jenny, I want to experience it again."
This said gently.
"Oh, I can give you passion." With this she stepped up to him, and placed her lips against his. At first she was gentle, almost searchingly. But then she became bolder. More aggressive. It wasn’t until she tried to force her tongue through his lips that he pulled away. "See, Rupert. But after the passion fizzles out, there has to be something more. That’s what I’m offering you."
He stepped back and turned away from her. He wasn’t sure why he’d allowed the kiss. Curiosity, perhaps. But now he’d given her the wrong impression. And, unfortunately caused some more turmoil in himself. She certainly knew how to kiss. He turned back to her.
"A few years ago, what you offered would have been more than enough. But, now, I’ve experienced true passion. And love. I want to experience that again. I.I can’t settle for second-best. I’m sorry, Sylvia."
She was obviously not expecting that. "I see. Well, if that’s your final decision."
"It is. I truly am sorry." Again, pity rose inside of him. She was a beautiful, intelligent woman. She could have achieved so much. What a waste.
"If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay a few days. Perhaps see some of the local ‘sites’."
"Oh. O-of course. Although the sites of Sunnydale could be covered in one hour."
"Well, it isn’t often one gets to visit the Hellmouth. Don’t worry. I don’t expect you to accompany me. Go back to your Slayer."
"Very well. It was good to see you again Sylvia." He moved toward the door. "Oh. And don’t forget to make sure you’re..."
"Inside before it gets dark. I will. Goodbye for now, Rupert."
As he left the room, Giles felt a weight lift off his shoulders. That had gone much easier than he’d thought.
Sylvia Milson leaned against the door. When she’d first seen her ‘betrothed’, she’d been disappointed. He was nothing like the rebellious youth she remembered. But, just now, she’d felt a spark. Seen a little of what their future together could be like. A calculating look surfaced on her face. She had some planning to do. And not long in which to do it.
Buffy was just walking down the stairs when someone knocked on the front door. She had an idea who it was. Unfortunately, not the person she wanted it to be. As she opened the door, her hunch proved to be correct.
"Hey, Buffy." Willow had listened to her complaints the previous day, and knew she was confronting Giles that evening. Now she’d come to find out what happened. She looked worried. Whether it was for herself, or Giles, Buffy wasn’t sure.
"Hey. Come on in." What she hadn’t counted on was Willow not being alone. "Xander. Cordelia." As they moved into the family room, she gave Willow a look. What are they doing here? Willow’s answering shrug made her none the wiser.
"Buffy. So. How’d it go?"
"What?"
"He wants to know if you beat up Giles."
"I do not. I know she wouldn’t do that. Even if he did betray her, again. And keep secrets from us again."
"Yeah. That’s why you wondered how he would look with two black eyes."
"Guys!" Those two bickered less when they were mortal enemies. Another reason why they shouldn’t be dating.
"Sorry, Buff."
"How do you know....?" She turned to Willow.
"Well. Xander saw Giles’ betrothed.." Willow couldn’t help the giggle that escaped. Until she saw Buffy’s face. "And he wanted to know who the ‘babe’ was." This time Xander was the recipient of the ‘I’m disgusted with you’ look.
"Well. She did look like a babe. In an old woman with no emotion but lots of money way."
"So you told him?"
"Not straight away." Willow was sorry she told Xander. But Buffy knew she couldn’t keep secrets well, especially from her friends.
Buffy flopped onto the couch. Xander sat beside her, turning toward her, with his elbow on his knee. "Come on. Give. All the juicy details. And don’t leave a thing out."
"Geez. And they talk about girls." Cordelia sat in one of the chairs opposite, disgusted with her boyfriend. True, she wanted all the details too. But she wouldn’t have gone about it the same way as Xander.
"There’s not much to tell. It was one of those arranged thingies."
"Oh. One of those." Willow hoped she sounded as though she understood more than she did.
"Their parents betrothed them when they were kids. That’s all."
"So he’s really gonna marry her?" After Miss Calendar died, Willow wasn’t sure if Giles would find happiness again. She wasn’t sure, though, if she liked the idea of him finding it so soon.
"No. There was a let-out clause. He was going to see her this morning to tell her he isn’t interested. Then we’re meeting at the library."
"Should he?" The three girls looked at Xander with shock. "I mean, he’s not getting any younger. And it isn’t as though he has a big choice of women round here. Maybe this is his last chance. Maybe he shouldn’t let it slip away."
"He’s not old!" Buffy couldn’t understand why she was so angry. But what Xander said really annoyed her. "He deserves better than just marrying somebody because they’re handy! He has as much right to happiness as we do."
"Allright Buffy. It was just a thought. I’m sorry." She realised she had overreacted.
"No. I’m sorry. It’s just that woman. She made me so angry. Anyway, I’m going over to the library."
"We’ll go with you." She wished they wouldn’t, but couldn’t find a diplomatic way to say so. She didn’t think Giles would be as forthcoming with them there.
Giles had been at the library for over an hour. He knew they weren’t to meet until after lunch, but he hoped that Buffy would arrive earlier. He looked forward to seeing her after their conversation the previous night. Their relationship had taken a new turn. He was looking forward to finding out which way it would go next.
Although the meeting with Sylvia had gone quite well, he couldn’t help feeling a blanket of heaviness from all he’d found out. He realised how lucky he had been, with his family, and his friends. And Jenny. It didn’t hurt any more to think of her. There was still guilt, and regret. For the moments lost. And mistakes made. But the wrenching pain was gone. And he had the joyous memories. Plus the knowledge that someone saw beyond the tweed and stuffiness, and into the human being underneath. The man. He would always be grateful to her for showing him a glimpse of heaven. Another reason to reject Sylvia. He wouldn’t have been true to Jenny’s love if he’d settled for less.
His inward musings were interrupted by the sound of the library door opening. His greeting smile dimmed a little as he realised his Slayer wasn’t alone. And, by the looks of things, he was in for some intense grilling from the Slayerettes.
"H-hello. What are you all doing here?" He looked at Buffy. She gave an apologetic shrug.
"Come on now, Giles. Don’t be shy. Tell Uncle Xander all." Sometimes he despaired of that young man.
"F-for a start, you are nothing like my uncle. For another, you’re at least a generation too young. And what makes you think I would confide anything to you?"
"Oh, come on, Giles. Don’t get defensive. We’re just concerned about you."
"Xander’s right." That surprised him. He thought Willow would respect his privacy. "I mean, if it was any of us, you’d want to know. And you were obviously shocked yesterday when your ‘betrothed’.." she just couldn’t help that giggle. "When Miss Milson turned up."
"There is nothing to tell. When we were children, our parents signed a betrothal agreement. Now we’re adults, we have decided we won’t suit. So the betrothal is off."
"Yeah. Like she flew thousands of miles just to say, ‘Hey, Rupert let’s not get married’."
"That’s enough Xander." He knew he meant well, but this was beginning to annoy him. "What happened between Miss Milson and myself is private. Su-suffice it to say, the engagement is off."
Buffy felt sorry for her Watcher. She knew how much he preferred privacy, and keeping himself slightly apart. Unfortunately, she and the others wouldn’t let him. She decided to give him a gift.
"At least you were able to sort everything out. When’s she leaving?"
"I’.I’m not sure. She said she wanted to look around first. I won’t be seeing her again though. We said all that was needed this morning." Buffy saw the promise in his eyes. When they were alone, he would tell her everything. "Now. If we’ve finished dissecting my personal life, Buffy I would like to do some extra training today. We didn’t get around to it yesterday."
Xander opened his mouth, but a jab from elbows either side of him persuaded him to close it again. Besides, the Watcher and Slayer had moved off to begin their training. He and the girls exchanged looks of suffering, turned, and exited the library. As such, they missed the gentle squeeze their friend gave to her Watcher’s arm.
Chapter Four
Giles didn’t bother switching on the light as he let himself into his apartment. It was late, and he was tired. The past two days had been rather eventful, and all he wanted to do was go to bed, and catch up on some long awaited sleep.
After their training session, he had decided to accompany Buffy on her rounds. It had been a while since they had gone out together, and it had been fun. Well, as much as slaying vampires could be fun. But, it had been nice to spend the time with her. Unfortunately, he was going to feel the effects of their little jaunt in the morning.
As he made his way to the stairs, Giles paused. For some reason, tonight he thought of Jenny. And how he’d found her, in his bed. He hadn’t thought of that in a long time. It must have been discussing her with Sylvia. It brought it all back. He shook off the momentary depression and continued his journey.
There was something. He wasn’t too sure what it was at first. And then it hit him. An aroma. Light but still there. Very familiar. Musky. He slowed down, trying to place this alien odour. Trying to assess whether it meant danger. As he neared the turn in the stairs, he noticed something else. A dim light emanating from his bedroom, so dim as not to be discernible in the living area. His senses were on the alert now. He proceeded more cautiously.
He wasn’t surprised to notice the faint outline in his bed. Had half-expected it, after his thoughts of Jenny. The highlights shown by the light of the candle weren’t brunette however. They were honey-blonde, longer, and thicker than Jenny’s had been.
He stopped at the top of the stairs. And stared. The imagery before his eyes, the faint perfume invading his pores, all began to assault his senses. And remind him that he was, indeed, very much a man.
"Hello Rupert." As the quilt was raised invitingly, Rupert Giles had one clear thought. Clothed or unclothed, Sylvia Milson was...perfect.
Buffy knocked sharply on Giles’ door. They hadn’t made any plans for the day, but she thought he might like company. He spent too much time alone.
The door opened. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Sylvia Milson stood on the threshold wearing nothing but one of Giles’ shirts. And wearing it well. What was going on?
"Oh. Hello. Can I help you?"
"I-I’m looking for Giles."
"He didn’t tell me he was expecting you."
"He isn’t. Exactly. I just thought I’d drop by."
"He’s in the shower."
"I’ll wait." It was obvious the woman didn’t want to let her in. Well, she was equally certain that she wasn’t going anywhere until she’d spoken to Giles.
Sylvia was annoyed she hadn’t won this round. "I suppose you had better come in then."
Buffy followed her into the living room. They stood facing each other. Neither moving. Neither talking. The sound of footsteps on the stairs caused them both to turn.
Giles moved down the stairs drying his hair with a towel. He wore a three-quarter length toweling robe. It was obvious he wore nothing underneath. He looked up as he reached the turn in the stairs. And stopped in surprise.
"Buffy. Wh-what are you doing here?"
"I just came by for a visit. If I’m interrupting anything....?" There was an obvious question in her sentence.
"No. No. Of course not." He looked toward Sylvia.
She reluctantly moved toward the kitchen. "I was jut making Rupert and I some breakfast. Would you care for any?"
"No, thank you. I’ve already eaten. I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea though." Buffy watched the woman move into the kitchenette, then stepped closer to her Watcher. "What’s going on here?" Although she whispered, it was obvious she was upset.
"She was waiting for me when I got home. I couldn’t force her to leave at night, could I?"
She heard the frustration in his voice. Good. She wasn’t the only one upset. "So where did she sleep?"
"In my bed." At her look, he hurriedly continued. "And I slept on the sofa. Truly." This last added at her look at disbelief.
"So, you’re saying she was waiting for you. To seduce you. And you, being the gentleman you are, declined her offer, and slept down here."
"Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying."
"I’m surprised you dared to take a shower, with her in the same room and all."
His mumbled response was so indecipherable, she decided to press for clarification.
"What?"
"I locked the bathroom door." She couldn’t help the smile that emerged at that. Her brave Watcher, so afraid of a woman, he locked the bathroom door. She was relieved to see his answering smile.
"I believe you."
"Thank god. Listen, um, I have to get changed. Will you wait?" At her confirming nod, he hurried back upstairs.
Sylvia returned to the living room, carrying a cup of tea. "Here you are. I assumed you preferred it weak, and sweet."
Buffy recognized the strength and cunning of the woman before her. "Thank you. Actually, I prefer mine strong, and full of body. But, this is fine." Strike one to the Buffster. "Are you going to stay in Giles’ shirt all day?"
"I think it rather suits me. And I do so like to please Rupert. He appears to prefer the ‘loose’ look." She turned to the photo of Jenny sitting on Giles’ desk.
Buffy felt her anger erupting. It was bad enough that the woman was chasing after Giles so much. And that she enjoyed taking jabs at herself. But now she was trashing a dead woman? "Actually, I don’t think it’s so much a look he enjoys, as personality. He likes his women to have one."
It took all of Sylvia’s willpower not to strike the girl. She knew she was the Slayer. But she was also her main obstacle. If Rupert wasn’t involved in her life, he would have been more susceptible to her own charms. She still couldn’t believe he had turned her down. She had almost smelt the lust on him. Yet he had still walked away. And this morning, he had hardly looked at her. She’d tried to give him what he wanted, and it still wasn’t enough.
"I hope you have one of those for me." The two women turned to look at Giles on the stairs. How long had he been there?
"Yes. Of course." Sylvia moved woodenly back to the kitchen area. "Your breakfast is also ready."
"Fine. Fine. I’ll set the table. Are you staying, Buffy?" He hoped Sylvia hadn’t heard the entreaty in his voice. Fortunately, Buffy had. She helped him set the table, and sat beside him while he broke his fast. It seemed another of Sylvia’s skills included an ability with a frying pan. The meal was delicious. He wouldn’t have expected less. But things couldn’t go on. "I expect you’ll be leaving today, Sylvia." It wasn’t a question. Unfortunately, she decided to interpret it that way.
"No, actually. I’ve decided to stay a few more days. Unfinished business, you know." As she got up to clean the table, her two listeners looked at each other with dismay. She wasn’t going to give up that easily. They still had a long battle on their hands.
Chapter Five
Giles offered to drop her off back at her hotel room. He told her that he needed to take Buffy to the library to do some research. He’d almost laughed at the territorial way Buffy had claimed the front seat. He had expected a physical battle from the two women. But this was no laughing matter. He hadn’t liked the speculative look in Sylvia’s eyes when she’d exited the car.
They didn’t go to the library. This wasn’t Watcher/Slayer time. It was their time. Instead, he drove to the woods. When she recognized their destination, Buffy looked at him askance.
"I don’t think you’ll find many teenagers parking here this time of day, Giles."
He smiled. "Oh, I don’t know. From my observations of the youth of Sunnydale, sex is a suitable subject at any time of the day." When they arrived at the favourite parking spot of those youth, Buffy gave him one of her ‘you aren’t always right looks’.
He knew when to concede defeat. "Allright. I admit it. I don’t know teenagers as well as I thought."
They left the car and started to walk through the woods. Giles removed his jacket. For some reason, today he found the tweed uncomfortable. Restricting. He loosened his tie, and felt himself begin to relax. For the first time in two days.
They continued to walk in a comfortable silence. And let the calm and beauty of the day wash over them.
Buffy was the first to speak. "You know, I think this is the first time I’ve been here during the day? It’s really nice."
"Yes. We tend to overlook the normal. Perhaps we should organize more excursions. For all of us."
"What are we gonna do, Giles?"
The change of subject didn’t faze him. "About Sylvia?" At her confirming nod, he continued. "I-I don’t know. She won’t take no for an answer. There must be some way to make her see reason."
"What did you find out the other night?"
"I-I can’t really tell you, Buffy." Before she could object, he rushed on. "It iisn’t that I don’t trust you. It’s Sylvia’s secrets. Do you understand?"
"No." He looked at her expectantly. "Okay. Maybe. A little." The warmth of his smile rewarded her honesty. "I could always beat her up."
Giles couldn’t help the half-laugh that escaped. "I, um, I don’t think we need to resort to that just yet. Don’t worry. We’ll think of something. We always do."
Buffy acknowledged that fact. It was time to change the subject before the whole day was ruined. "Tell me about your past. Not the Ethan stuff, but when you were a child. I realised the other day, you know everything about me, and I know next to nothing about you."
"Oh. Oh dear. Well, where to begin. I was born an only child........"
The two continued their stroll through the woods. Occasionally Buffy would laugh at the tales of Giles youthful antics, but most of the time she listened. During one of his more painful recitals, her hand crept into his for comfort. Afterward, neither wished to break the contact. For once, there was no fear, no possible danger ready to attack. They could be themselves. And they were together.
Giles couldn’t remember when he’d had a more enjoyable day. After he and Buffy had finished their walk, he’d driven her home. Joyce had invited him in for dinner. The three of them had chatted comfortably, and kept each other entertained for the whole evening.
After he and Joyce had realised they could never be more than friends, he had been afraid she would become less relaxed around him. Perhaps a bit hostile. Instead she had shown where Buffy had gotten her generous and giving spirit from. He was always made welcome, and was included in their lives as much as he wished. He wasn’t sure if Joyce was aware of the changing relationship between himself and Buffy. He hadn’t even known himself until recently. He hoped she wouldn’t feel as if he had betrayed their relationship.
The apartment was empty. He’d half-expected to see Sylvia ensconced in it again. She had obviously started to get the message, and was backing off. He still didn’t trust her though. Just then the phone started ringing. He knew who it was, and was reluctant to answer it. Inherent manners won out, however.
"H-hello."
"Rupert. That was quite a bit of research you and the Slayer had to do."
"Her name is Buffy, Sylvia. And that’s none of your business." Oops. Careful there, old boy. "A-actually, her mother invited me in for dinner."
"Mother and daughter? My you are a busy man."
"What do you mean?" He could hear his anger letting loose.
"Oh, come on, Rupert. I’m not blind. Do you think it’s wise to encourage the girl. She’s so young, after all."
"Don’t be ridiculous, Sylvia."
"Am I? It must be hard. A man like you, in such a position of authority. The temptations. That’s why the Council of Watchers encourage marriages. To protect the Slayers."
Giles knew what she was doing. Insinuating. It just made him even more angry.
"You’re completely wrong Sylvia. And if you think I would marry you just to prove how wrong you are, then you don’t know me at all."
"Are you sure, Rupert? And what about the Slayer? What does she think? What signals are you giving her? Think about it, Rupert. Then give me a call."
Giles held the receiver in his hand. He could hear the dead signal at the other end, but couldn’t bring himself to move. The tragic thing was, he was thinking about it. And hating himself all the more.
Chapter Six
Buffy walked to the library after class. She needed to see Giles. He’d been different today. Withdrawn. As if the past few days hadn’t happened. She felt hurt. And she wanted to know why.
"Giles!" No answer. "Giles. Come one. I want to talk." A movement in the office caught her attention. "What are you doing here?"
Sylvia Milson moved forward. "Hello Buffy. I’m waiting for Rupert. He shouldn’t be much longer."
"Where is he?"
"He didn’t say. Actually, I’m glad he isn’t here. It gives us a chance to talk. I fear we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot."
Buffy wondered what she was up to now. "I don’t think so. I hate you. You hate me. I’d say that’s pretty much where we’re at."
"But it isn’t helpful to Rupert. His Slayer and his... Well, we shouldn’t always be at loggerheads. After all, we both want what’s best for him."
"And what’s that? You?"
"Would you rather he was lonely?"
"No. I’d rather he was happy."
"And you believe I can’t make him happy? Or perhaps you’re jealous?"
"What?"
"I’m sorry. That’s probably the wrong word. I just meant that after what happened with Angel....."
"What do you know about Angel?" The shock was turning to anger. There was only one way she could have known.
"Don’t blame Rupert. He’s been - concerned. About you. Afraid that you may never get over the guilt.."
"He told you?" Oh that hurt. So much. How could he betray her? To this woman?
"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just trying to understand you."
"What’s to understand? I’m the Slayer."
"Oh. That’s your excuse."
"Excuse?"
"For being selfish."
Buffy felt battered by the myriad emotions stirred by this woman. She shook her head in denial.
"Why else would you deny Rupert his last chance of a life-mate?"
"Has it occurred to you that you may not be his last chance?"
"His birthday isn’t far away."
That brought her up short. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"He did tell you about the ceremony, didn’t he?" At Buffy’s negative response, she continued. "As a Watcher, Rupert and his life-mate have to perform a certain ceremony. It has to be done before his birthday. If not, he’s doomed to a life of bachelorhood."
"What if he doesn’t love anybody?"
"What does love matter? What happens when you die? He’ll be alone again. They probably won’t let him have another Slayer. The Watcher Council frowns on single Watchers. They prefer the stability of a marriage and family."
Buffy turned away. Was she being selfish?
Sylvia knew her darts had hit home. No need to gloat. "Well, it seems Rupert won’t be returning after all. I’ll catch up with him later." She started to move toward the door, then paused. "Buffy. Please think about what I’ve said. About you and I becoming better acquainted." She continued on through the library doors. It was almost over. And she would win. Perhaps then her father would be proud of her.
Chapter Seven
Giles entered the library an hour later. Snyder had wanted to go over the stocklist. Find out what the book funds were being spent on. Fortunately, he’d been able to pass some of the demonology books off as cook books and history tomes. He wondered of the fool had an ounce of intelligence.
He pulled up short to see his Slayer seated at the library table. "Buffy?"
She turned to look at him. Was this her friend? Or her betrayer? "Hello Giles."
Her listless voice worried him. "B-buffy. What is it? What’s happened?"
"Sylvia was sorry she couldn’t wait any longer."
"What was she doing here?" And then it dawned on him. "Wh. What did she say to you?"
"Not a lot. She just wanted a chat. About things."
He moved forward. The pain she was feeling was almost a physical entity. He hadn’t wanted this. He gentled his voice as he neared her. "What things?"
"Angel for starters."
That pulled him up. "Angel?"
She stood up. The pain couldn’t be held any more. "Did you tell her? About Angel?"
"No! Of course not. I would never.."
"Then how did she know!"
"I don’t know. " He had a sudden premonition. "Who came into the library first? You or Sylvia?"
"She did. She was in your office when I came in."
He removed his glasses. "Of course. That must be it. It’s the only answer."
"Giles. What? How did she find out?"
"My Journal. She must have read it."
"Your Journal? You wrote about me and Angel in your Journal? For other people to read?!" Now she didn’t hurt. She was angry.
He had a feeling that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. "A-at first, um, I made observations about Angel. And his willingness to help us. Th-then, when he lost his soul, I felt future Watchers and their Slayers had to be warned." At her continued belligerent stance, he became annoyed. "I’m a Watcher, Buffy. That’s what I do. Observe and diairise."
"Sure. Slaying stuff. Techniques. But not the personal stuff. I thought we were friends!"
"We were. We are. I haven’t betrayed any confidence. I just recorded the necessary facts."
She knew he was right. And that she was being illogical. But this was her life they were talking about. Not ancient history. "I’m sorry. I’m overreacting. I just - Sylvia talked about something else."
He accepted the change in subject. "What was that?"
"A ceremony. For the Watcher and his life-mate. Why didn’t you tell me?"
He was really going to have to do something about that woman. "Because it isn’t important."
"Not important? We’re talking about your future here. You only have a few months."
"You mean years."
"No, months. Sylvia told me you only had until your birthday."
"Yes. My 44th birthday. That’s a few years away yet."
"It is?" The relief washed over here. There was still time.
He smiled. "Yes. Besides, I meant what I said. It isn’t important. I-it’s one of those trite ceremonies passed down through the generations. I’ve seen Watchers perform the ceremony, and be miserable for the rest of their lives. My grandmother didn’t. And she was extremely happy with my grandfather. If I do perform the ceremony, it will only be with the right person."
"The right person?"
"My true life-mate."
"Oh." The look in his eyes. Was that for her?
Giles looked away. They were treading on dangerous ground here. "Sylvia is a bit of a pest. But some of the things she says do make sense."
"What?" Buffy couldn’t believe what he was saying.
"A-about the stability of marriage. A-and the requirements of the Watcher council."
"We have stability. Who needs more? And who cares about a bunch of old men a million miles away?"
"I do. We need them. I have to think what’s best for you."
She let her rage wash over her. "You’re not thinking about me. You’re thinking about everybody else. Especially yourself!"
"No. That’s not..."
"Don’t lie Rupert! If you want to marry her, fine. But don’t use me as an excuse! If it’s so important to keep in with this council of yours, do it. Go on. Marry her. Make her happy. Make the council happy! They’re obviously more important...."
He tried to control his anger. But it was too much. He grabbed her arms and pushed her against a bookshelf. "Stop it! You don’t understand!"
"Don’t I? Be careful Giles! What would your betrothed say if she saw us now? What would the council say?"
She’d pushed him over the edge. "To hell with them! To hell with them all!" He leaned into her, trapping her body with his. She looked up at him defiantly. He lowered his head and captured her lips with his own.
Chapter Eight
Well, she’d asked for this. She deserved whatever punishment he dished out. Only, she had underestimated her Watcher again. His lips held her prisoner, yes, making sure she had to accept his advances. But there was no real force. No pain. Even now, he did everything in his power to make sure she wasn’t hurt.
It took a moment for him to realise she was returning his kiss, not trying to evade it. He gentled his actions, and released her arms. They moved up and around his neck, pulling him closer to her. He moved his right hand into her hair, cupping her cheek. His left moved down to her waist. He opened his mouth, pulling her lower lip in, sucking on it gently. When he released it, she opened up, accepting his invading tongue.
Angel may have been her first lover, but she knew all about kissing. Or at least she thought she did. Until now. His body heat enveloped her, cloaking her in security, warmth, love. His tongue stroked her mouth, tasting her, learning her shape. She couldn’t help the moan that escaped. His taste was so intoxicating. And completely him. Whatever it was, she knew she’d never get enough of it. Of him.
So absorbed were they in their emotions, their discovery of each other’s passion, they didn’t hear the library doors open. Or close.
Willow and Xander leaned against the outside of the room. Absorbing what they’d just witnessed. Both waited for the other to speak. Afraid to speak what was on both their minds. In the end, Xander broke the silence.
"What is it with her and older men?"
"Must be a Slayer thing."
"Oh, you mean, I’m the Chosen One. The Saviour of the world. So I can’t get the hots for someone my own age?"
"I was thinking more of all she’s done and seen has made her a lot older than her years."
"Oh. Well, there’s that too."
Willow tried to think of something to cheer her friend up. "Well, she is getting closer to her own age."
"Yeah. At least Giles was born in the right century."
"Half-century even." The two friends looked at each other and smiled.
"How come you’re not more shocked?"
"Why aren’t you?"
He thought hard on that. While trying to find the answer he looked through the circular window into the room. Giles’ hands had moved down, cupping Buffy and lifting her. She’d wrapped her legs around his waist. It was obvious she was squeezing pretty hard. "He’s probably gonna have some bruised ribs after that."
"Xander!"
He turned around quickly. "I thought they might have stopped. You know, so we don’t have to stand out here any more." He decided to return to the previous subject. "You know, it kind of makes sense. In a weird twisted hellmouth kind of way. The whole Watcher/Slayer thing is pretty intimate. And it’s not like there’s anybody else round here for either of them."
"Xander Harris. When did you grow up?"
"When I found out that just because you love somebody, it doesn’t mean they love you back. That there are all kinds of love. And if you can’t have the person you love, they can still be your best friend."
Willow felt herself blushing. The way he looked at her, she wasn’t sure he was talking about him and Buffy. She felt that was a subject that was best left unexplored. She decided to take a peak. To see if it was safe to return.
"Oh my god! H-he’s touching her....."
It was the realization that his hand was on her breast that caused Giles to become conscious of where they were, and what they were doing. He eased the kiss gently. He found he couldn’t remove his hand yet though, and continued to knead her, learning her shape, letting her fill his hand. The knowledge that he was causing her heart to race so quickly was intoxicating. The feel of her own hand on his naked chest told him she was enjoying his ministrations. He finally pulled his mouth away from hers and leaned forward until their foreheads touched.
They were both breathless. Both trying to reign in their passions. He started to remove his hand from her breast. The pressure of hers stopped him.
"No. Not yet. Please." He closed his eyes. He was trembling so much, it took a moment to realise that so was she. Dear god, a few moments longer, and neither of them would have been able to stop. They weren’t ready for that. Not yet.
When he felt some semblance of control, he leaned down and kissed her again. Gently this time. Not letting it escalate any further. He removed his hand at the same time that they broke the kiss. They looked at each other.
"Don’t say you’re sorry. Don’t have any regrets." The fear in her voice was real.
Oh, his poor love. She always seemed so strong. So self-confident. "Never."
"Rupert, I lo -"
He placed his fingers against her lips. "Shh. I know." She did what she had wanted to do just a few days ago. She nipped his fingers, then sucked on them to take away any sting. He closed his eyes, swallowed, then removed his fingers. "Buffy, we have to stop." At the disappointed look in her eyes, he amended "For now. There are things that still need resolving. And we really do need to talk."
"I know. But not tonight." She removed her legs and started to move off him. His hands at the base of her spine slowed her movement, causing her to slide along the full length of his body. His arousal was now truly evident. She felt powerful, that she could cause such a response in this man.
She then noticed that her hands were still on his exposed chest. She must have undone his jacket and shirt at some time. Well, it was only fair that she redo them up. The trouble was, her hands were shaking so much, she couldn’t manage the little holes. He very generously took over the duty from her. From the gentle smile on his face, she knew he was pleased with her reaction.
Giles retrieved his glasses from the library shelf. He’d put them there when they’d gotten in the way. He placed them back on his eyes and turned around. And stared straight at Willow and Xander.
Chapter Nine
"W-we were, um. We were..."
"Exchanging spit?"
He glared at Xander. "Yes, well, I wouldn’t have put it quite like that."
"Whatever."
They continued to stare at him. He couldn’t tell how they felt. Were they angry? Did they despise him?
Buffy moved forward. "Willow?"
Willow looked upset. Hurt. "How could you?"
"Willow, I -"
"How could you not tell me how you felt? I told you about all my feelings. I even told you when I had a crush on Giles."
"Wh-what?" Giles didn’t know if he could take many more shocks.
"You had a crush on Giles?" Xander looked towards the Watcher. "What is your secret? If we bottled it, we’d make a fortune."
"Y-you, um, you had a crush on me?"
Willow and Buffy exchanged a smile. "Only a little one. For a couple of weeks, or months."
Giles tried to remember a time when Willow had acted differently. He didn’t notice the goofy smile on his face. "When?"
"Giles! I really don’t want to talk about your other conquests tonight."
He managed to look suitably contrite. "Yes. Yes, right. Um. Neither of you appear upset about what you saw."
"Well, now I know why Willow wasn’t. But, no. It just seemed right. The two of you. Last year, or even a couple of months ago, I would have wigged. Now. It’s cool."
"Ditto."
Both Giles and Buffy realised exactly how lucky they were to have these special people as their friends. They looked at them with real gratitude.
"I, um, have to go - somewhere. I won’t be too long."
"Rupert?" She couldn’t hide her concern. "Will you be allright?" His affirmative nod reassured her. "Good luck." She held his warming smile close to her as he left the library.
Xander looked at the Slayer. "Where’s he going?"
"To destroy a monster. One that’s beaten us both before."
Chapter Ten
Sylvia was ready for him. Tonight, victory would be hers. He would come to her out of guilt. That was allright. And he would hate her. Well, that was allright too. She would have what she wanted. She would be married to the Watcher.
She checked everything one more time. A bottle of wine waited discreetly on the sideboard. Not champagne. That would be too obvious. Just a dry white. To toast a mutually agreeable future. One of Rupert’s favourite operas played on the tape recorder. And the finishing touch. Herself. More casual, with her hair pinned back. But discreetly elegant. This would be approached as a business arrangement. Less threatening for him that way.
She jumped at the knock on the door. She must be more nervous than she thought. Taking a calming breathe, she opened the door, allowing a small smile to play across her lips. "Rupert."
"Sylvia." He had been worried on the way here. Now he felt oddly calm. The rage helped. Remembering what she’d done to Buffy would carry him through. "It’s time to talk, don’t you think?"
She felt a small shiver of apprehension go through her. Something didn’t seem right. He was too self-assured. She shrugged it off. She had won. That’s all that mattered. "Of course. Won’t you come in?"
He stepped past her into the centre of the room. The setup was so obvious, the trappings so perfect. He realised how close she had come to triumph. Thank the gods for his lucky escape. Thank the gods for Buffy. He turned to face her.
"It’s over, Sylvia."
"What?"
"You lost. It’s time for you to leave."
She shook her head in disbelief. "No. You can’t..."
"Yes. You miscalculated. You attacked Buffy. I want you out of Sunnydale tomorrow, or else I won’t be accountable for my actions." He didn’t feel guilty about trying to scare her. Any method that succeeded in disposing of her was welcome.
"Buffy! All you think about is your precious Slayer. Well, I’ll go. Straight to the Council! I’ll tell them! See how long you stay here then!"
"Go ahead. I really don’t care what you tell them. In fact, I shall probably be making a report before you return to England. You can’t hurt me any more. And I will never give you a chance to hurt Buffy again." He looked at her with pity. "You know. I made a mistake all those years ago. Instead of my compassion getting in the way, I should have rejected you outright. At least, you would have been able to get on with living your own life. Instead of trying to live your father’s." He’d wanted her to show emotion before. Well, now she was. And it made her look ugly. Hatred, loathing, self-pity. Everything that was eating away at her heart. Her soul. He’d seen enough. He moved toward the door.
"Rupert, please. He’ll hate me."
He turned to look at her one more time. "That’s the saddest part of this whole tale. A few years ago the Council offered an invitation for you to become a Watcher. Your father rejected it on your behalf. Said you weren’t worthy enough." By the shock on her face, he knew his guess had been right. She hadn’t known. "Oh. I also found out why the Council had rejected him. He was too selfish. He didn’t want to become a Watcher to serve the Slayer and mankind. He wanted the title for his own glory and self-satisfaction. Like father, like daughter." With that final dart, he opened the door and left. They would not be seeing her again. He almost hoped that she would break away from the confining influence of her father. She really had suffered enough. 35 years of purgatory was enough for anybody.
He shook off the remaining gloom caused by the uncomfortable scene. The past was truly over. It was time to move onto the future. His. And Buffy’s.
Chapter Eleven
He didn’t go back to the library. She wouldn’t be there anyway. He headed straight to his apartment. If she was out patrolling, she’d come to him afterward. If not, well, tomorrow was soon enough.
He opened the door, surprised to find a light on in the living room. Surely he’d ensured they were all off that morning. He moved cautiously forward. It was a bit much when a man’s home was no longer safe. First Angel, then Sylvia. Now who?
His ‘visitor’ entered from the kitchen carrying a tray set with the necessary makings for two cups of tea. "I thought you might need a drink after your ordeal." She stopped at his look of surprise. "Did I do wrong?"
He couldn’t get over this new, unsure Buffy. "No. Of course not. I wasn’t expecting you to be here, that’s all."
She moved toward the couch, relieved. "Well, I did patrol for a while. But I couldn’t concentrate."
He sat down next to her, allowing her to pour the drinks. "Well this." he indicated to the pot. "was perfect timing."
She couldn’t help the blush that stole across her face. "Not really. I kept boiling the kettle until I heard your car pull up." His gentle smile told her he understood. "Is it done?"
"Yes. She’ll be gone tomorrow."
"Can she cause trouble?"
"She’ll try. But who cares about a bunch of old men a million miles away?"
She smiled as he threw her own words back at her. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really. Suffice it to say, it was not very pleasant. And, I’m not proud of what I did." He frowned in remembrance of the confrontation.
She leaned forward to smooth away the furrows on his forehead. "You did what you had to do. For her, as well as us." He marveled again at her insight. Her perception. She leaned back. "Xander said we should set some ground rules."
He sighed. Someone else who’d grown up before his eyes. "Xander’s right. What happened in the library cannot happen again." At the look on her face, he amended. "At least, not in the library."
"Snyder?"
"Yes. Among others."
"But here’s okay?" At his affirming nod, she relaxed. "I don’t know how I’m gonna tell Mom."
"Your mother?"
"I’m not ashamed of us Rupert. And sneaking around, hiding our relationship will make it into something dirty. Besides, after I came back, I promised her no more secrets."
"You’re right, of course. I’m just frightened she’ll be hurt. A-and angry. You Summers women have quite a temper, you know."
As he’d been on the receiving end of some pretty good displays of temper by both women, she guessed he knew what he was talking about. "Us not telling her will hurt her more."
His pride for her grew hourly. He once again counted his blessings. For having her as both a Slayer, and now his love. He finally gave into temptation and leaned forward. She met him halfway.
They kissed gently. Reaffirming the feelings that had arisen earlier. He cupped her face with his hands. Splaying his fingers in her hair. She leaned forward. Pressing her hands against his body. They let the passion build slowly. There was no rush. They had all the time in the world.
Eventually, he pulled away. Held himself a few inches from her face. "We need...." He cleared his throat. "We don’t need to rush into anything. Until we’re both ready."
"I know." Surprising, really. How well they did know each other. "But we can still do - stuff, can’t we?"
He smiled, and leaned forward and kissed her nose. "Yes, we can do - stuff."
"Now?"
This time he laughed. He put an arm under her legs, and pulled her onto his lap. "We can do all sorts of - stuff - now."
She shivered. "Like what?"
"Like this." And proceeded to show her.
Onto Crossroads #2: Dear Diary