At Last 

To see the artwork mentioned in this story, please
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Rodan's The Kiss
Renoir's Watercan


Part One

Willow smiled, enraptured as Peter Coyote told her the
intimate details of Pierre Auguste Renoir's life in
France 1876. Well, it was a cassette tape of Peter
Coyote, but still, it was great.

She was so glad she'd begged off another night of
Bronzin' to treat herself to one at the museum. The
exhibit was only there for a short time, and she'd
missed the last one. Impressionists had always been
her favorite and to finally get the chance to see of
the works of Renoir and Monet, in person, was too
good to pass up.

She had happily forked over the five bucks for the
private audio tour. Then spent the better part of the
last two hours gazing at the lovely paintings and
dreaming of what life must have been like in France in
the late 1800's. It all seemed so beautiful and
romantic.

She'd spent the last ten minutes trying to look past
the painting and see up the unseeable path in "A Girl
With A Watering Can".

She stood as still as the child in the painting. Her
arms hanging gently at her sides, her head cocked ever
so slightly to the side, eyes barely open, trying to
blur the edges of the canvas and let it melt into the
wall and into her imagination. It was a game she'd
often played with herself. To try and see beyond the
edges of things. To imagine what the artist saw
outside of the canvas.

She was jarred from her reverie when a man bumped
into her.

Instinctively, she pulled off her headphones and
apologized. "I'm sorry," she muttered softly before
looking up.

The man struggled to turn off his cassette player, and
Willow couldn't help but giggle. She reached out and
clicked the stop button for him.

"Thank you," he said shyly, finally meeting her eyes.
"Willow?"

"Hi, Giles."

He smiled down at her. "What are you doing here?"

She shrugged and smiled back.

"Of course, you're here for the exhibition,"
he said with a soft laugh.

"It's great isn't it?" Willow said her eyes sparkling.

"Yes, they are lovely, aren't they?" Giles said
watching her fondly for a moment before turning to the
paintings.

"This is one of my favorites," she said softly.

"Mmmm. Beautiful."

Willow beamed up at him. "What's your favorite?"

"Hmmm. I think I'm more of a Monet-man myself," he
said with a disarming smile.

"Show me?" Willow said hopefully and then immediately
withdrew and looked down, feeling stupid. "I'm sorry.
You're probably here with someone."

Giles gently touched her shoulder. "Willow." She
looked up at him nervously. "I am now?" he said, his
voice at once reassuring and hopeful.

A beautiful smile swept across her face, just as he
had hoped.

"I think it was this way," he said gesturing to the
adjacent room.

They spent another hour enjoying the collection and
sharing their favorite pieces.

Giles returned their cassette players and noticed that
Willow had gravitated from the temporary exhibit and
into the main museum. She stood at the foot of Rodin's
"The Kiss."

Giles sighed in contemplation. The couple was so well
formed, so well fitted; it always left him feeling a
little lonely. He wondered if Willow saw the same
things, felt the same aches?

She had a curious smile on her face as she looked from
the statue to Giles and back again.

"What?" he finally asked.

"It just reminds me of you," she said sheepishly.

Giles snorted. "Ah, yes. Of course."

"Not the pose or-- I don't know. It's just Rodin's
stuff. It always makes me think of you."

"It does?" he asked flattered in a way he couldn't
explain.

Willow shrugged shyly. "There's something about his work
that makes me feel safe, like I do with you." She knew
she should shut up, but the words kept coming. "All of
his people seem so strong, but -- sad too. Like life's
pressing down on them, but they won't give in. No matter
what, they fight it."

She gazed at the smooth, cold statue, but saw flesh and
blood, life in the stone. She turned to look at Giles, her eyes
brimming with emotion.

Giles' heart constricted at the insight in her words.
The truth and compassion in her voice and the tender
admiration in her eyes. "I -- I -- Thank you," he
whispered, staring into the marble, wondering how she
could possibly see a man like him in something so
beautiful.

Realizing that she'd embarrassed them both, Willow
quickly changed the subject. "So, are you hungry?"

"Hmmm? Yes, actually," Giles said, grateful to be on
familiar footing. "You?"

"Famished!"

He chuckled. "Well, then shall we?"

*****

Dinner was comfortable and easy. They spoke freely of
their shared love of art and which artists they would
most like to have met.

Giles regaled her with stories of his time at the
British Museum. For a few stolen hours, they were two
normal people having dinner. No vampires, no demons
or prophecies. Just beautiful art, gentle reminiscence and
tender companionship.

He told of all the wonderful museums there were to see
in Europe, Willow hanging on his every word. Giles
spoke easily about the arts and with a passion she'd
seldom seen in him.

"I'd love to go to Paris someday," Willow sighed.

"You will," he said with certainty.

Willow smiled dreamily. "I hope so." She fiddled with
her desert spoon, not wanting the evening to end. "I
wonder if I missed my chance."

"You're far too young to think that way Willow."

"I guess so," she said a little sadly.

"What chance could you have missed? You've your whole
life ahead of you."

"I had a scholarship the La Sorbonne." When she saw
Giles face darken into a frown, she quickly added.
"But you're right. Paris will always be there."

"I suppose I'd forgotten all the opportunities you
denied yourself to stay here," he said guiltily. "You
could be in Paris right now."

Willow smiled at him and impulsively reached across
the table and took his hand. "But then I wouldn't be
here now."

Giles chuckled lightly and nodded, squeezing her hand
briefly before pulling himself away from his thoughts.
"Speaking of the here and now. It's late, and I should
be getting you back to the dorm."

Reluctantly, Willow agreed. She hated for the evening
to end, but to all good things--

Giles pulled up to the curb in front of her dorm and shut
off the car. "Well, I --- I-- just wanted to---" He
laughed at himself. "Goodnight, Willow."

She opened the car door and smiled back at him. "I had
a nice time too," she said with a grin and a little
laugh. "See ya tomorrow."

"Goodnight," he chuckled. She shut the door and danced
up the steps to the front door. She turned back and
waved. Once she was safely inside, Giles started his
car and drove home.

Part Two

"Anything?" Willow asked hopefully.

Giles sighed and shook his head. They'd been
researching for hours. The rest of the gang had begged
off earlier, leaving Willow and Giles, as usual, to
finish the job.

"Maybe we should take a break," Willow suggested.

Giles removed his glasses and pinched his nose. "I
suppose we might as well." He replaced his glasses.
"More tea?"

"Sure," Willow said with a yawn.

Giles took her mug and walked into the kitchen. Willow
followed close behind, but stayed on the other side of
the counter. As she watched him prepare the tea, her
mind drifted, as it had been doing all day. Her
thoughts falling to last night. She smiled at the
memory.

Giles turned and watched her fondly for a moment. She
looked so far away. He loved the gentle smile in her
eyes and the way it melted to her lips.

Willow felt his gaze and came back to the present. She
smiled sheepishly as he gave her a questioning look.

"Just thinking about last night," she said
tentatively. "It was--" she paused searching for the
right word. She sighed a little wistfully and pushed
down the things she wanted to say. "-- nice."

Giles smiled at her, wondering what she wasn't saying.
"That it was. And thank you."

"Why are you thanking me? If I remember properly, you
paid for dinner."

"A charming companion is worth far more than any
meal."

His eyes met hers and for an instant, all too brief
and gone before it could take hold, something passed
between them. It was just a moment, but it held a
depth of feeling and a tentative sense of future.

Willow blushed and smiled shyly before ducking her
head.

Giles looked at her tenderly before coming back to
himself. The abrupt shift from the possible future to
the all-too real present left him slightly
off-balance. He frowned down into the steeping tea,
wondering what, if anything, had just happened.

Willow clasped her hands nervously. She tried to
relax, to stop her blood from rushing, her pulse from
racing. And from what? A glance, a few kind words. All
that and so much more. She gathered her courage and
looked up. She saw Giles frowning into the tea and her
heart caught.

"M-maybe we can watch some TV?" she said nervously,
trying to bring them back to comfortable turf.

"Hmmm?" Giles muttered as he regarded her. "Oh. Of
course." He smiled at her. "I won't tell if you
won't."

Willow giggled. "Deal. Where's the remote?"

"Remote?"

"The channel changer thingy?"

"Oh. I'm afraid it's a dial," he answered a bit
embarrassed pointing to the small set.

"A dial? Wow!" Willow said as she retrieved it. "It's
like an antique. Cool."

Giles chuckled. "It's not quite that old."

"Can I put it in here?" Willow called from the living
room.

"If you'd like," he answered returning with the tea.

He set the cups down on the coffee table and took a
seat on the sofa, while Willow fiddled.

"Oh, Gigi!" she squealed. "I love this one. Can we
watch it for a while?"

Giles chuckled at her enthusiasm. "That's what breaks
are for."

"Have you seen it?" she said as she snuggled onto the
couch.

"No, I'm afraid I haven't."

"Oh! It's great. Okay, here's the deal. Gigi, she's
this girl living in Paris, and she's in love with her
uncle."

Giles eyebrows knitted in surprise.

"Oh, not her real uncle, just a kind-of uncle."

"A kind-of uncle," Giles echoed with a nod, as he hid
his smile behind his cup.

"Right! So, she's growing up, turning into a beautiful
woman. And Maurice Chevalier sings, and it's just
great."

"Okay," Giles said in obvious confusion.

Willow giggled again. "See to Gaston, that's the man
she's in love with, she's just a child. But she's not,
not any more. And then one day, he sees her for the
beautiful woman she is and falls in love and ---"
Willow sighed dreamily until she heard the soft
strains of the soliloquy coming from the set. "Oh,
this is it! This is where he falls in love."

She curled her legs up underneath her and held her
warm mug in both hands. As Louis Jordan sang, she
closed her eyes and let the words wash over her.

Giles listened to the song a frown creasing his brow.
He tried not to fidget in his seat, but he felt
increasingly uncomfortable and wasn't quite sure why.
He felt a wave of relief when the number finally
ended. He glanced over at Willow, her eyes were still
closed.

"Willow?"

There was no response. He watched her for a moment,
enjoying the soft smile that played upon her lips.
He recognized the look and the deep, even breaths. He
smiled fondly as he carefully stood and retrieved an
afghan and gently covered her.

He stood watching her sleep. It was one of the few
guilty pleasures he allowed himself. It was purely
innocent. He hadn't even realized that he'd done it
the first time, and then it became more of a ritual to
their late night research sessions. He'd watch her for
a few minutes, it always filled him with a sense of
peace - the simple beauty of it.

But tonight, as he let himself indulge, it felt
strangely different. What had been pure, now seemed
somehow indecent. He watched the steady rise and fall of her
chest and noticed the soft curves of her breasts. He
frowned and looked up to her face, but that was no
better. What he had seen before as guileless beauty,
now held more. He found himself mentally tracing the
contours of her face, imagining the warmth of her
skin, the soft touch of her lips.

He swallowed hard as his frown deepened. He shook his
head to dispel the images and marched quickly away
from her and into the kitchen.

'What on earth am I thinking?' he scolded himself. He
was never one to leer at a woman, much less a woman
like Willow. A girl like Willow. He shook his head
again and let out a long ragged breath.

"Research," he mumbled. He could lose himself in the
research and pretend that none of this had ever
happened. Sure of that at least, he strode back into
the living room and gathered a few books.

He sat down in a chair, resting the books in his lap
before beginning. He knew he shouldn't, but he gave
into the urge and glanced at Willow again.

She slept peacefully and Giles smiled to himself, but
there was still that lingering surge of something,
and he looked away.

He sighed and opened one of his books. Before long,
he was a Watcher again, his mind only aware of the
impending evil, as everything else fell away.

Until the morning came.

Part Three

Willow rose with the sun. As first light filtered
through the curtains, she pushed away the last
vestiges of sleep. She felt the warmth of the blanket
fall away as she sat up and yawned.

"Good morning," Giles greeted her.

"Mmmm, mornin'," she said sleepily as she stretched,
turning to face Giles.

He was surrounded by books, his face rough with
stubble, his hair mussed. "Did you sleep at all?" she
asked knowing full well the answer.

He grinned a bit sheepishly. "I think I feel asleep
during the Grekorian Codex, but then with that book,
it's hard to tell."

Willow chuckled and stood. "I'll take over, you get
some sleep."

"No, no, I'm all right," he said through a titanic
yawn.

"Uh-huh." She crossed to his chair and took the book
off his lap.

"Really," he protested half-heartedly.

Willow shook her head and gently took his glasses off his
face. "Sleep."

Giles sighed and looked up at her with mock annoyance.
"Are you sending me to my room?"

"Yes, now move along, mister," she said with a smirk.

The easy banter was a staple of their long research
sessions - both enjoyed it immensely.

"Yes, mother," he yawned again as he slowly stood.

Willow giggled as he swayed slightly. "You need some
help?"

Giles snorted and then smiled fondly at her. His eyes
softened, and he impulsively reached out and brushed
her hair away from her eyes. "I can manage," he said
quietly before realizing his gesture was too familiar.
He pulled his hand back and smiled shyly. "W-wake me
in an hour?"

"O-Okay," Willow managed as he turned away and headed
for the stairs. She watched him leave, wondering if
she was just groggy or did something kind of, in a not
actually-but-almost kind of way, happen?

She sighed and shook her head. 'Don't be silly,' she
chided herself.

Dismissing the thoughts, she put the kettle on and got
back to the business of research.

*****

The rest of the week passed without incident, the big
brewing evil was defeated and all was right with the
Hellmouth.

With nothing else to do, the gang once again found
themselves lolling around Giles' living room. Willow
read the newspaper, while Buffy and Xander argued over
improper hotel building on Boardwalk and Park Place.
Giles took advantage of the time to catch up with his
correspondence.

"That is so not fair," Buffy whined.

"What? Live with it girly-girl. The Xandman is here
collect!"

"But you can't do that."

"What?"

"You have to build evenly. You can't have hotel and
house and then just a hotel!" Buffy yelled.

"Who are you, the building commission?"

"Ohhh!" Willow exclaimed.

"What? What? Something good?" Buffy said excitedly.

"The revival house is showing "Camille" tomorrow,"
Willow said with a sigh.

"Oh. Don't get all bent like that. You got me all
excited," Buffy lamented.

"Do you guys want to go?" Willow asked.

"Is it funny?" Xander piped in.

Willow shook her head. "Not exactly."

"Thanks, but I'm sticking with the funny."

"Buffy?" Willow said hopefully.

"Sorry, Wills. I'm seeing Riley tomorrow. But if you
want to go Sunday, that'd be cool."

"It's one day only. Oh, well." She folded the paper
back up and went into the kitchen.

Giles, who had listened to the exchange, left his
letters and joined her in the other room.

"C-Camille, is-is that based on the book by Dumas?" he
asked as he rinsed his mug.

Willow brightened. "Yeah. It's not as good as the
novel, but Garbo is great, and it's soooo beautiful,"
she said with a dreamy far-away look.

Giles smiled affectionately. "If you -- that is -- if
you wouldn't mind being seen--"

"Do you want to go?" Willow bubbled.

"If you'd like? I've always enjoyed a good romance,"
he added a bit shyly.

"Great! I - I mean good. That sounds like a plan,"
Willow said happily. "Uhm, it's showing all day, so
maybe a matinee? If that's okay? I mean, if it's not,
that's okay too. We can go later, or we don't have to
go at all if you don't-"

"A matinee sounds fine," he said with a chuckle.

"Great! There's a showing at two."

"I'll pick you up at the dorm at say one-thirty?"

"Great!" she said again, before feeling silly and
childish. "I-I'll see you then," she said quickly
moving back into the living room.

'Can I look like a bigger idiot?' she thought to
herself. 'It's just a movie, a matinee. It's not like
it's a date. Get a grip.'

Giles watched her practically run out of the kitchen.
He'd never understand women. He gazed across the
counter at the young redhead and smiled. What was it
about her that made his heart feel lighter? He shook
his head and tried not to think about tomorrow. He
tried to ignore the slight tingly feeling of anticipation.
What was it about that girl?

Part Four

"Oh," Willow gasped softly as she covered her mouth
with her hand and tried to stifle another sob.

Giles shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Even in the
dark theatre, he could see the silvery tears slipping
down her cheeks. He knew it was just a movie, and she
wasn't really in distress, but the sound of Willow
crying disturbed him.

He had to admit that the film was incredibly moving,
and had he not been preoccupied with Willow for most
of it, he might have shed a tear or two himself. But
even as he watched the movie, he found himself
watching Willow watch the movie. She was so animated -
gasping, sighing and continually crying.

He handed her his handkerchief and couldn't help but
chuckle when she blew her nose like a French horn. But
her tears kept coming, and he felt an uncontrollable
need to comfort her. At first, he awkwardly patted her
shoulder, but that didn't seem to have any effect.

After one particularly painful sounding sniffle, Giles
put his arm around her shoulders, and she
instinctively leaned into his touch. She rested her
head gently on his shoulder as her sniffles slowly
subsided. She fit well against him, and he smiled down
at her, shaking his head at his own folly. He reminded
himself that he was just a friend offering a comforting
shoulder, nothing more.

He continued to hold her as the credits began their
roll, and Willow finally straightened in her seat. He
pulled his arm back as she turned to look at him.

She smiled radiantly as she moved forward in her chair
and shifted to face him. "Wasn't that beautiful,
Giles?" she asked putting her small hand on his knee.

He smiled back nervously, not sure what was causing
his discomfort. "Y-yes, it was."

Her smile blossomed even wider. "I'm glad you came."

"Y-- uhm, yes. I--" he stammered as his eyes quickly
darted down to where her hand still rested on his leg.
"I am, too."

Willow pulled her hand back quickly and shifted
nervously in her seat as she fumbled for her purse.

It was a lovely day, and they had decided to leave
Giles' car at the dorm and walk to the theater.

As they walked down the street, the tension was nearly
palpable. 'Ridiculous really. It's not as though
anything happened,' Giles told himself.

Willow walked quickly. Her embarrassment over
embarrassing Giles was soooo embarrassing. She
tried to rein in her runaway thoughts. 'I'm being silly.
We're two friends who went to see a movie. I mean
it's not like I attacked him or something.'

"Would you like to get some ice cream or a soda?"
Willow asked and then frowned realizing how incredibly
stupid that must have sounded. A soda?

"That - that would be nice," Giles stammered.

"Really?" Willow asked in surprise.

"Really," he said with a smile. "Isn't there a place
not too far from here?"

"Oh, yeah. It's just over a few blocks," she said
happily.

Giles smiled at her, glad to see the spark in her eyes
again. "This way?" he asked pointing across the
street.

Willow saw that they had the light and turned to him
and nodded as she stepped into the street. "Yeah, it's
just-"

A car sped through the intersection, running the red
and nearly careened into Willow. Probably would have
if Giles hadn't reached out and pulled her sharply
back.

"Jesus!" Giles rasped. "Willow, are you all right?" he
asked as he held her by both arms.

Her eyes were wide with fear and her body shook with
the rush of adrenaline. "Wow, that - that was close!"

"Are you all right?" Giles repeated as he scanned her
up and down.

"I'm fine, but -- wow," Willow gasped as her breath
came hard and fast.

Giles glared down the street before turning his
attention back to Willow. "You're sure?"

"Yeah. Phew," she laughed nervously. "Thanks. You -
you - good thing you were here." She smiled bravely,
but he could tell she was still shaken. Hell, he was
still shaken.

He let out a long breath and squeezed her shoulders.
"Good." His heart was racing, and he knew if he let go
of her, his hands would start shaking.

"Now, I really need ice cream," she said earnestly.

Giles chuckled and finally released her shoulders.
"And you shall have it."

He looked at the traffic and once the light changed,
he reached down and took Willow's hand. She looked up
at him, and he smiled in reassurance. "Not taking any
more chances with you," he said as he gave her hand a
fond squeeze.

Willow beamed back and Giles looked both ways, twice,
before they ventured into the intersection again. When
they reached the other side, Willow noticed that Giles
didn't let go of her hand. Not that she was going to
complain. His hand was warm and strong. It made her
feel safe. She hoped he'd forget he was holding onto
her, and she could keep the contact.

Giles knew he should let go. Once they'd crossed, he
should have released her hand. But he didn't want to.
He didn't want her to know how much the near accident
had upset him, but more than that he needed to know
she was safe, and holding her hand was the best he
could do for now. So he held it and ignored the other
reasons - reasons he wasn't ready to admit, not even
to himself.

They continued quickly down the sidewalk, hand in
hand, in silence. Finally, Willow had to say
something. "Uhm, Giles."

"Yes?"

"Could you slow down? Your strides are pretty long,
and unless you want me to jog-- Could you---?

Giles laughed a bit self-consciously and slowed his
gait. "Better?"

"Much."

The silence returned, but instead of being partnered
with anxiety, it carried with it a pleasant warmth.
Like any other couple, the couple-that-wasn't strolled
down the avenue holding hands.

A few blocks later, they arrived at the ice cream
parlor and placed their orders. When the time came to
pay, Giles looked down at their joined hands and
smiled a little sadly as he let go. He paid for the
cones and handed Willow hers.

The decided to keep walking, hoping somehow, that the
other would have the courage to reach out. But sadly,
neither did and they walked home as they had arrived,
no more than simply two friends out to a movie.

Part Five

Giles sat reveling in the silence. For once, he had
his apartment all to himself. He swirled the scotch in
its glass, enjoying the subtle sounds the ice made.

He smiled to himself and sighed. Alone was good.

He sighed again.

Alone was lonely.

He shook his head. 'Enjoy it while you can, old man,'
he reminded himself.

He glanced about his apartment, surprised to see
furniture - a chair and no Xander, the fireplace and
no Buffy, the sofa and no Willow.

No Willow.

Why was it that bothered him?

He'd always been a solitary man - sometimes by choice,
sometimes by circumstance. Whatever the cause, he'd
grown accustomed to it. Since the library was gone,
he'd often yearned for more time alone.

He finally had some and found himself wishing Willow
were there.

More and more often, he'd think of something he wanted
to tell her, something he wanted to ask her. He'd see
something he thought she might like or one of a
thousand other things.

They'd been spending a fair amount of time together as
of late. He hadn't stopped to wonder about it, at
least not until now. It had been a subtle shift - the
very occasional dinner had somehow become a frequent
occurrence.

The accidental touches, now more often than not
held intent. Hello was more than a casual greeting and
goodbye was suddenly a parting.

A parting.

The phrase implied many things, not the least of which
was that there was something to part. They certainly
weren't a couple. They'd never even been on a real
date. There had never been anything more than
friendship between them.

Then why did he feel so very lonely now?

Why did he notice what she wore? When she smiled, why
did he wonder if it was for him? For him alone.

Giles shook his head and took a long swig of his
drink. It wasn't improper exactly. They were both
adults. But she was a friend, and that was a dangerous
path.

'Putting the cart before the horse, aren't you?'

She'd given him no indication that she wanted anything
more than their current relationship. 'Don't mistake
kindness for affection,' he warned himself.

Then again, she did love him. He knew that, as she
loved them all. Perhaps it could grow into something
more. Wasn't that the strongest course? A friendship
that --

"What am I doing?" he said aloud, stalking over to his
bookcase.

He stared at the books. He could read and get his mind
off Willow. He realized it had been ages since he'd
read for pleasure. He scanned the shelves, waiting for
a title to call his name.

His eyes stopped on a thick coffee table book he'd
received as a gift some years ago - pictorial study of
French art. Against his better judgement, he pulled
the book from the shelf and returned to the sofa.

He opened it, letting the book chose the page and
smiled to himself. He looked down at the bookplate and
grinned at the memory. Rodin's "The Kiss".

Portents and signs were his business, and he knew
better than to ignore them. This was definitely a
sign.

A very good sign.

*****

"Here's your mail, Giles" Buffy said as she pushed
open his front door. "Oh, the Sunnydale Museum. Looks
like an invite," she said as she held the envelope up
to the light.

"Thank you," he said as he grabbed the mail from his
Slayer.

Buffy shrugged. "So what is it?"

"If you'll give me a moment."

"Okay." She waited a beat. "What is it?"

"Buffy."

"What? My natural curiosity. Some people find it
charming." She caught his glare. "And some don't."

Not wanting to push her luck any further, Buffy
skeedaddled into the kitchen to get some juice.

She heard him heave a deep sigh. "I'm not asking
again, but I would be willing to listen if you wanted
to tell me."

Giles leaned heavily on the counter. "As you know,
I've been doing some consulting work for the museum,
and it seems I've been invited to their Anniversary
Gala."

"So, fancy party, free food. What's the big?"

"It's being hosted by Douglas Farnsworth," Giles said
with obvious distaste.

"And?"

"That's all. I really should attend, but--" he sighed
again.

"This Farnsworth guy's really that bad?"

"Worse."

"Oh."

"And it's formal. I -- I haven't worn my tuxedo since
-- since your prom," he said fondly.

"Well, it is a good look for you," she said with a
smile.

Giles blushed slightly and chuckled. As he looked down
at the invitation, a frown covered his face. "Buffy.
May I ask you something?" he said softly.

"Sure," she said suddenly nervous.

"D-do you think --- Is it --" he struggled, finally
shaking his head. "It's a terrible idea. Never mind."
He turned away and shoved the invitation back into its
envelope.

Buffy quickly left the kitchen and went to his side.
"What is it?" she asked worriedly.

He looked down at her, his eyes mixed with sadness and
hope. "Would it be--- Do you think Willow would go
with me?"

Buffy had to bite back a laugh. He misunderstood her
expression and tried to turn away.

"No," she said grabbing his arm and forcing him to
look at her. "I thought it was a Hellmouthy thing. Let
me get this straight. You want to ask Willow on a
date?"

"Well, not a date exactly," he hedged.

"Giles?"

He dared to look at her. "Yes. Tell me it's a terrible
idea."

This time she did laugh. "Giles. I think it's great."

He was stunned. "You-you do? Really?"

"Yup. And may I be the first to say it's about
freakin' time!"

Giles found himself laughing along with her. Relieved
didn't begin to express how he felt.

Now all he had to do was ask Willow.

Part Six

Giles had stalled for two days before the incessant
pressure from Buffy finally got to him. She had
pointed out that if he kept putting it off, Willow
might make other plans.

"Such as?" he asked testily.

"Oh, I don't know. Let's see America -- Saturday night
-- Maybe something wild and crazy like a date."

"I-is she seeing someone?"

"No, she's not even seeing you, and she won't if you
don't suck it up and ask her," Buffy said.

"I-I will. I've been particularly busy this-"

"Giles," Buffy said firmly. "I know *exactly* what
you've done all week. What's the deal?"

"I don't know," he said with a sigh. "Perhaps this
isn't such a good idea."

"Why? Because you don't really feel that way about
Wills, or you do and it scares you."

Giles tried to look affronted, but couldn't pull it
off. He sank down into a chair. "I've never been very
good at this sort of thing, and I don't want to make a
mistake. Our lives are complicated enough as it is. I
just don't want to hurt her."

"Anytime you get closer to somebody you risk hurting
them, or getting hurt. It sucks, but that's what makes
it worth doing, right? I mean look at me. I've loved;
I've lost. I've -- Okay, let's not look at me."

Giles smiled gently. "It's --" he shook his head. "I
don't know."

"Giles, if there's one thing I've learned living here,
it's that you've got to take chances. If you wait too
long---"

"I know. You're right." He looked sincerely at his
Slayer. "How'd you get so smart?"

"I live with Willow, remember?"

Giles laughed.

"So?" Buffy prompted.

"All right. Once more unto the breach."

"Huh?"

Giles smiled. "Time to take a chance."

*****

"It's open," Willow said as she sat at her computer.

Giles opened the door to her on-campus apartment and
poked in his head. "Willow?"

"Giles!" she said gaily. "Come on in." She got up and
opened the door the rest of the way and noticed his
frown. "Is something wrong?"

"Hmm? No, nothing." Giles nervously looked around the
small apartment and made his way over to the window.
He pulled back the thin curtain and looked out into
the small courtyard.

Willow watched him with curiosity, but tempered it
with patience. He'd talk when he was ready. "Can I get
you something to drink?"

"Hmm?" Giles said startled out of his reverie. "No, no
thank you."

Willow nodded, and the strange silence returned.

"So," Willow said leadingly as she leaned
against her desk.

Giles looked at her, his face a mask of grim
determination.

'Uh-oh,' Willow thought. 'What'd I do?'

Giles looked like he was finally going to say
something when he started pacing.

'Oh, this is not good. At least he's not polishing his
glasses.' As if on cue, Giles removed his glasses and
started to polish them.

"Willow," he started, his voice almost stern. "We've
known each other for almost six years now."

"Yeah," she said uneasily.

"And in that time, we've grown closer. What I mean to
say is, that we've spent a great deal of time
together, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes."

"Good. Sometimes when people spend a great deal of
time together, their relationships change. They--" he
frowned struggling for an appropriate word. "They ---
change," he finished lamely.

"Uh-huh," Willow said, not quite sure where this was
going.

He turned and met her eyes, his own face softening a
bit. Then he shook his head, having lost his place.
"Uhm, six years.. relationships change.. Oh, yes. And
so, I was wondering. If you wouldn't find it amiss.
If-if you might consider," he heaved a deep sigh and
looked to the heavens. "Oh, lord this is not the way I
planned this."

"Planned what?"

"Asking you out," he said without thinking.

"You-you're asking me out?" Willow squeaked. "As in
date out. That kind of out?"

Giles cleared his throat and stood his ground almost
defiantly, ready to face his destiny. "Yes."

"Oh," Willow said, not quite sure how to respond and
more than a little shocked.

Gathering his courage, Giles took a step toward her.
"I've been invited to a gala at the museum, and I'd be
honored if you'd go with me, as-as my date."

Willow's head was spinning. "A gala?"

"Yes, it's a -- it's a f-formal evening. If you'd
rather not… I-I," Giles sputtered.

"I'd love to," she said softly.

"Y-you would?"

She smiled radiantly. "I would."

Giles grinned happily. "Good."

He lost himself in her smile again. "Good," he said
again, this time barely a whisper.

Part Seven

"Ohmigod, ohmigod," Willow mumbled.

"Sit still," Buffy commanded as she tried to apply
Willow's mascara.

"I can't. Buffy. I am so out of my league. A formal?"
she wailed again.

"You'll be fine."

"All these snooty-patootie types. They'll be all 'Oh,
so nice to meet you, you darling child'," Willow said
in a bad imitation of a high society snob.

Buffy giggled. "Believe me. In this dress, nobody's
gonna call you child. I can't wait to see Giles'
face."

"Really?"

"I've got smelling salts, just in case," Buffy said
with a wink.

Willow laughed, some of her tension gone. "Thanks
Buffy."

"I am gifted," she said admiring her handiwork.

"Not just for that, but--" Willow bit her lip. "Well,
for being okay with this."

Buffy smiled. "Who knew I was so mature!"

Willow reached out and hugged her.

KNOCK KNOCK.

"That can't be him; I still have half an hour!" Willow
squeaked.

Buffy frowned and left Willow in the bedroom to see
who was at the door. "Xander?"

"None other," he quipped as he pushed past her into
the apartment. "Where's Wills?"

"She's getting ready. What are you doing here? You
were supposed to be with Giles."

He shrugged. "He kicked me out. That is one high
strung Watcher."

"What did you do?" Buffy asked tightly.

"Nothing. I just made a few jokes. Funny jokes. At
least, I thought they were funny," he said as he went
straight to the fridge.

Buffy just shook her head. "Just don't eat everything
okay?" she said as she went back into the bedroom.

Willow was just finishing her hair. They decided to
pile it high on her head, go for the Audrey Hepburn
neck look.

"Don't worry," Buffy soothed her. "It was just
Xander."

Willow nodded nervously and took a deep breath. Buffy
smiled encouragingly. "Come on, let's use him as a
guinea pig."

*****

Buffy opened the bedroom door. "You ready to be
dazzled?" she asked Xander and then turned back into
the bedroom and motioned Willow to come out. "Wills,"
she said with a sigh and stepped back in to pull her
friend out.

Willow stepped into the living room, and Xander
dropped his burrito.

Buffy giggled as Willow beamed. Xander's mouth hung
open, and his eyes glazed over.

"What did I tell you?" Buffy said proudly.
"Speechless. And note the lack of interest in food. I
think we have a winner."

Willow giggled, and the sound seem to wake Xander from
his stupor. He slowly walked toward her, his brow
furrowed slightly. "Willow?"

"Do I look okay?"

"You-- you look. Wow. I-I ... Wow."

She was more beautiful than anything he'd ever seen.
Her dress was an emerald silk sheath. Simple and
elegant. The halter top left her shoulders and neck
bare, save for a single short string of pearls. The
straight, floor length gown accentuated her slim
figure, the deep green matching her eyes and making
for a beautiful contrast to her red hair.

"Thanks," she said softly placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Don't!" Buffy yelled, scaring the heck out them.
"Your lipstick." She sighed and grabbed Willow by the
arm. "My perfect sheen is gone. Must reapply, " she
said in a tone of mock dismay.

Willow giggled and let Buffy escort her back into the
bedroom.

Xander watched them leave. He was filled with mixed
emotions. He was happy for her; he knew how long she'd
wanted this. But he couldn't help but feel jealousy
and regret too. Once, so long ago, she'd loved him,
and he'd been a fool. And now, now, she
loved someone else. Xander sighed and pushed down his
own feelings. This night was about Willow-- and Giles.
The lucky bastard.

He didn't begrudge Giles anything. Of all the men
Xander knew, if he had to pick someone for Willow, it
would be the G-Man. If anyone would treat her the way
she deserved, it would be him. But he couldn't help
but worry a little. No matter what happened, who the
man was, this was his little Willow. She always would
be.

He sighed and headed back to the kitchen, but stopped
halfway. He cocked his ear toward the door and slowly
walked over to it. He paused and strained to hear the
muffled sounds. He giggled to himself and opened it.
"Hey, G-Man."

"You-you look lovely," Giles mumbled to himself,
rehearsing, before Xander startled him.

"I do? It's just something I threw on," Xander said
blinking his long lashes.

Giles sighed and cleared his throat. "Is Willow
ready?"

Xander smiled and let Giles enter. "Just about. And
don't worry about what to say. Trust me, it won't be
an issue."

Giles took a deep breath and smiled weakly.

"Hey, Buff," Xander yelled. "Prince Charming's here!"

Giles winced and frowned. "I see you haven't found any
new material."

Xander shrugged and settled back, ready to enjoy the
show.

"Okay," Buffy said through the door. "Just a sec."

Giles took another steadying breath and fiddled with
his tie. He looked anxiously at the door.

Finally, Buffy stepped out. She eyed Giles up and
down, making a blush rise in his cheeks. "Definitely a
good look for you."

He smiled shyly.

"Ready?" she asked. He could only nod. "May I present
Willow Rosenburg."

"Oh, Buffy," Willow said embarrassed from inside the
bedroom, causing everyone to laugh a little.

"Come on, Wills."

Willow blew out a long breath, and walked into the
living room. Her eyes immediately found Giles, who
looked incredibly handsome in his black tuxedo. She
smiled hopefully.

Giles' thought his heart was going to burst out of his
chest. He'd imagined, well, fantasized, about Willow,
and never once had she appeared as lovely as she was
tonight. Standing before him like a goddess. It
literally took his breath away.

He swallowed and then swallowed again. "W-Willow," he
whispered, as he took a few steps closer.

She wore a wrap around her shoulders, one that left
some of the dress to his imagination, but it was more
than the clothes, or the hair, or the jewels, it was
the way she shined. She'd always lit a room, but now
she was practically glowing, and it made his knees
feel a little weak.

He reached out a hand to her, which she tentatively
took, and gasped as he kissed it.

"Oh," Buffy sighed. "You guys are killing me." Could
they make a better couple?

That seemed to break the spell as Giles and Willow
suddenly came back to themselves, but Giles didn't let
go this time. He held her hand and turned to smile at
his Slayer.

Buffy smiled back encouragingly and moved to open the
door for them. Xander walked behind the couple shaking
his head in awe.

"Goodnight," Giles said as he led Willow from the
room.

"Have a great time!" Buffy said.

Willow turned back and mouthed a thank you.

Xander and Buffy stood at the door and watched them
walk down the hall.

Buffy sighed wistfully. "All grown up now."

"Yeah, Wills is quite the lady."

"I was talking about Giles," she said with a smile.

Xander giggled, but felt himself getting a little
choked up. "Yeah," he said hoarsely.

Buffy put her arm around him, and he looked at her
with his sad brown eyes.

"Well..." she said softly.

"Well."

"Wanna go bowling?"


Part Eight

The party was being held at Sunnydale's finest hotel
in a large elegantly-appointed ballroom. The drive
over had been filled with nervous anticipation and
more than a little sexual tension.

Relieved to leave the small confines of the car, Giles
took Willow's arm as the doorman helped her from the
car. They both ignored the snickers Giles' old car had
won from the valets.

They entered the hotel, and Giles led them to the
cloakroom. He smiled shyly as Willow removed her wrap,
exposing her creamy pale shoulders. Giles took the
coat check and tried not to stare,' Don't drool.
Mature men don't drool,' he chastised himself.

"Shall we?" he asked. She smiled brightly and nodded.
Giles put his hand on the small of her back to guide
her to the ballroom. He nearly choked. His hand rested
on her warm skin. Her gown was cut daringly low in the
back, but her wrap had kept it covered. But now he was
extremely aware of it. He closed his eyes briefly,
trying to get himself under control.

Willow looked up at him curiously. "Are you okay?"
As soon as his hand had touched her, her heart
skipped a beat. The feeling of his warm hand...
Oh boy.

Giles smiled painfully, wondering if she could feel
the trembling in his hand. "Fine," he said a bit
breathlessly as he removed his hand and took her by
the arm.

Willow nodded and then smiled to herself. 'Good call
on the dress, Buffy.'

Giles led them into the large ballroom. It was
beautiful - all the men in their tuxedos, the women
wearing lovely gowns. Willow turned around trying to
take it all in. Giles watched her enjoying her wonder,
until he saw Douglas Farnsworth making his way across
the room.

Farnsworth, accompanied by an older man, approached
them both.

Farnsworth grinned like a king before his court.
"Hollings, may I present Rupert Giles."

"Ah, Mr. Giles, a pleasure to meet you," the older man
said with an engaging smile as he shook Giles' hand.
"Are you the same Giles that dated the Ankh from Giza,
we received last month?

Giles smiled proudly.

"Didn't know you had it in you," Farnsworth said in
his typical backhanded complimentary style.

"I'm not," Willow said as she casually slid into the
conversation, placing her hand on Giles' arm. "Rupert
has one of the finest minds I ever seen."

"And you would be?" Farnsworth said curtly.

Giles bit back an acid retort and smiled tightly.
"Willow, I'd like you to meet Douglas Farnsworth."
Willow smiled gracefully and extended her hand. "May I
present Willow Rosenberg."

Farnsworth smiled a bit lasciviously and raked his
eyes appreciatively up and down her body, as held her
hand. If she noticed, Willow gave no sign. Giles,
however, had to use all his self-control not to
strangle the man.

"Really, I'm surprise Mr. Farnsworth. Surely you've
read the paper Rupert and Oliver Standish published a
few years ago. Set the Egyptology department at the
British Museum on its collective ear, if I remember
correctly," Willow said smoothly.

"Ah, yes. That was a wonderful piece," Hollings said
with a grin.

"Is Oliver here?" Willow said brightly.

Farnsworth was brought up short. Somehow Willow had
managed to steal the spotlight from him and put it
directly on Giles. He smiled slightly, acquiescing
that she had indeed won this round. He might have been
a bit of a boor, but he knew better than to compete
with a beautiful woman.

"No, I'm afraid he's not," Giles answered.

He'd barely been able to suppress his laughter at the
way Willow had handled Farnsworth. She never ceased to
astonish him. He'd casually mentioned Oliver that night
over dinner after they'd first met at the museum. He'd
never mentioned the paper. She must have remembered
the reference and researched it later. Typically wonderful
Willow.

"Yes, well. Enjoy the evening, Mr. Giles," Farnsworth
said with a slight bow toward Willow. "My dear."

Willow inclined her head slightly and smiled again.
Hollings grinned at them and followed Farnsworth into
the crowd.

Giles turned to Willow and shook his head with a
smile.

"Where did that come from?" Willow said her eyes wide
at her own boldness.

Giles chuckled and took her hand. "You're full of
surprises aren't you?"

"Apparently." She lost her train of thought as she
looked into his eyes. So wonderfully warm, they were
looking back at her with admiration.

"I'm sorry about Farnsworth," he said.

Willow squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don't be. It's
Sunnydale. The Hellmouth attracts all sorts."

Giles chuckled and nodded.

"Mr. Giles!" came a voice through the crowd.

"Oh dear," Giles sighed as he turned and greeted the
new arrival. "Mrs. Sorenson, you're looking
wonderful."

Mrs. Sorenson appeared to be in her late sixties, but
was positively bursting with energy - gray hair, a
quick wit and sparkle in her eye.

She reached out and took his hand. "Rupert, don't you
look scrumptious. And who is your lovely companion?"

"Mrs. Sorenson, I'd like you to meet Willow
Rosenberg."

"Aren't you lovely," the older woman said with sigh as
she took Willow's hand. "I hate to be such a bother,
but would you mind if I stole Rupert, just for a
minute? There are a few people I think he should meet.
Museum business," she said with a shrug. "But don't
worry, I know young lovers don't like to be apart,"
she added with a wink.

Giles coughed uncomfortably, and Mrs. Sorenson just
laughed gaily. "I promise, we won't be long. Can't
leave a beautiful woman like you unattended. Right,
Rupert? They may look like gentlemen," she said
gesturing to the crowd. "But don't let the clothes
fool you. Sharks. The lot of them," she said with a
wink.

Giles looked at Willow helplessly. It was clear that
whatever Mrs. Sorenson wanted, she got. "I'll be
fine," Willow assured him.

Giles smiled his thanks and reluctantly walked off
into the crowd with unstoppable force.

Willow sighed and looked around suddenly nervous.
Without Giles at her side, the confidence she had
started to evaporate. She took a deep breath and tried
keep calm, when a man's voice from behind startled
her.

"Lovely party isn't it?"


Part Nine

Willow turned around toward the voice and smiled in
relief. "Yes, yes it is."

Hollings smiled at her and extended his hand. "Richard
Hollings. I'm afraid we weren't introduced properly.
Douglas can be a bit of a -- well, a bit abrupt
sometimes."

He leaned in and spoke in hushed tones. "I thought you
handled the old coot magnificently." He straightened
and smiled again. "But you didn't hear that from me."

Willow grinned. She liked Hollings. He was easy and
genuine. The tension that had started to take hold
slowly dissipated. "Thank you, Mr. Hollings."

"Richard, please."

"All right, Richard."

A waiter passed by and offered them champagne. "Would
you like a drink?" Richard asked politely.

"Yes, thank you."

He took two glasses off the tray and handed one to
Willow. He raised his in a toast. "To -- is there
something you'd like to drink to?"

Willow thought for a moment. "To firsts," she said
cryptically. "May they not be lasts."

Richard grinned and drank. "Are you affiliated with
the museum? I don't remember seeing you before."

"No, just a guest."

"Ah, well. I hope you don't judge us too harshly,"' he
said amiably.

Willow smiled and shook her head. "I've seen much
worse."

Richard laughed easily.

Somewhere across the room, Giles' arm was being pumped
up and down by another "benefactor". He smiled, but
his eyes were straying. He couldn't help but search
out Willow. Mrs. Sorenson was right. It wouldn't do to
leave a beautiful woman unattended here.

"Yes, well, Rupert is my choice," Mrs. Sorenson said.
"But there are others factors at work, as we all
know." There was a general rumble of agreement in the
group.

"Would you excuse us?" she asked, as she took Giles by
the arm. Once they were out of earshot, she shook her
head ruefully. "Really, Rupert, you could do more than
grunt, couldn't you?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. It's just--" he said his eyes
still scanning the room.

She sighed dramatically. "Very well. I suppose you're
not interested in being curator. After all the teas
I've hosted, the insipid company I've withstood -
and all for you."

"I'm sorry," Giles said finally turning his attention
back to her.

She laughed and shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Find
your lady faire. There's time enough for politicking later."

Giles looked at her, his confusion apparent. She
couldn't help but laugh. "Pleasure first, business
later," she said as she gave him a gentle push into
the crowd.

Still unsure of what was going on, Giles grabbed his
newfound freedom and resumed his search for Willow.
Mrs. Sorenson watched him drift into the crowd a
tender smile on her lips. "True love's the rarest of
antiquities." She sighed a little wistfully and gazed
up at the heavens. "Right, Daniel?" Allowing herself a
moment, Mrs. Sorenson paused and then returned to
business of making Rupert Giles head curator of the
Ancient Arts Department whether he knew it or not.

Giles smiled as the saw Willow across the room. He
stood for a moment, simply awed by her beauty, his
hand unconsciously reaching up and covering his heart.

To say she was a vision did her no justice. Elegant
and engaging, she stood out among the crowd.
Sunnydale's cream of society paled in comparison.

She stood smiling in that most disarming way she had,
sipping delicately from her champagne flute and
occasionally tilting her head back as she laughed. She
reached out and touched the arm of her companion in a
shared gesture on intimacy.

Wait a minute.

A shared gesture of intimacy? What the bloody hell? As
he pried his eyes off Willow and looked to see what
blighter had moved in, he grunted in dismay as he saw
her talking gaily with not one but three men. The
veritable belle of the ball.

Gnashing his teeth, Giles approached the group.
Perhaps it's a pheromone thing, but the younger two
peeled off before Giles arrived. Like young bucks
knowing the stag was back, they fled into the crowd.

Giles' eyes narrowed as he identified the remaining
man. "Hollings," he said tightly as he put his arm
possessively around Willow's waist.

"Hello, there Mr. Giles. Willow and I were-"

Completely ignoring him, Giles turned to Willow. "I'm
sorry I was gone so long."

Willow frowned, wondering if Giles had hit his head or
something. "That's okay," she said with a
quizzical expression. "Richard and I were just
talking about Mesopotamian idolatry."

Giles turned his gaze on Hollings. His eyes were cold.
"Really?"

Hollings couldn't suppress a smile. "She has a
remarkable mind."

"I'm sure it was her mind that you were looking at
when I walked up," Giles hissed.

"Giles!" Willow scolded. "I mean, Rupert. Richard
was nothing but a gentleman. He ran interference
for me, if you must know."

Giles' anger deflated somewhat he turned to Hollings.
"I apologize. I--"

"No need," the other man said with understanding. "I
think if I were in your shoes, I might have reacted
the same way."

His courtly response only fed Giles' shame. "No. I
don't know what--. Thank you," he said extending his
hand.

Hollings took it all in good humor and grinned. "My
pleasure." He turned to Willow and bowed. "And thank
you. Now, I fear the rest of the evening can be
nothing but a let down."

With another nod to Giles he excused himself.
Suddenly, feeling very foolish, Giles looked at Willow
sheepishly.

Willow sighed. She should be angry with him. What the
hell was that all about? And then suddenly she
understood. It was about her. Giles was claiming her,
and if she were honest, it felt wonderful. To know it,
and to see it - made her heart beat faster.

Giles looked into her eyes and instead of the expected
rebuke, he saw what looked an awful lot like love. He
cocked his head to the side in confusion, a hopeful
smile playing on his lips.

Just when she thought she was on solid ground, he'd
look at her with those hazel eyes, and the earth would
shift beneath her feat.

Somehow, through the haze of attraction and the surge
of emotion, Giles heard the strains of music.

"Would you like to dance?" he whispered, his voice
rough with unspoken feeling.

Willow knew she couldn't speak and nodded. He took her
champagne glass and set it down on a nearby table.
Never taking his eyes from her, Giles led them to the
floor just as the band began to play the old standard,
"At Last."

The singer's voice was husky, and she sang the song
the sort of soul that would have made Etta James
proud.

Giles took Willow's hand in his, and rested his other
around her waist. His hand being so large and her
waist being so small, his fingers wrapped around and
touched the bare skin of her back.

Willow loved the feeling of his hand holding hers and
placed her other hand on the side of his shoulder.
Gently they began swaying to the music.

AT LAST, MY LOVE HAS COME ALONG
MY LONELY DAYS ARE OVER
AND LIFE IS LIKE A SONG

Their eyes locked on each others'. Volumes of passion
and trust passed silently between them.

AT LAST, THE SKIES ABOVE ARE BLUE
MY HEART WAS WRAPPED IN CLOVER
THE NIGHT I LOOKED AT YOU

Giles released her hand and pulled her closer, both
hands now resting on the small of her back as Willow
tilted her head back, unwilling to look away even for
a moment.

I FOUND A DREAM THAT I CAN SPEAK TO
A DREAM THAT I CAN CALL MY OWN
I FOUND A THRILL TO PRESS MY CHEEK TO

With a knowing smile, Willow rested her head against
his chest and could feel his breath catch at the
gesture and feel his heart pounding.

A THRILL I'VE NEVER KNOWN
YOU SMILED, AND THEN THE SPELL WAS CAST
AND HERE WE ARE IN HEAVEN
FOR YOU ARE MINE, AT LAST

As the music faded, Willow leaned her head back and
gazed lovingly into Giles' eyes. Her feelings were
echoed in his face. His eyes drifted from hers and
then down to her lips. She smiled as he leaned down to
kiss her.

Part Ten

"Mr. Giles?" a voice said, interrupting them just
before his lips touched hers.

Startled, Giles straightened and glared at the
intruder. "Farnsworth," he bit out.

Willow groaned softly as he pulled away.

"Rumor has it you're campaigning for head of the
Ancient Arts department," he said with a grin, well
aware of what he'd interrupted.

"I do have some interest in the post," Giles said
tightly. "But as to campaigning-"

Farnsworth raised eyebrow of disbelief. "Yes, of course."

Giles ground his teeth in a effort not to tell this
little pissant the exact directions to hell. "Was
there something else?"

"No, no. Nothing that can't--" he looked pointedly at
Willow and smiled. "Nothing that can't be discussed
another time." He looked back to Giles, who was
struggling to control his growing anger, and then
returned his gaze to Willow again. "My dear." And as
abruptly as he had appeared, he left.

"I'm really starting to hate that man," Willow
said softly.

"Bloody lech," Giles mumbled and looked down at
Willow. "I'm sorry. I hate having to play this
ridiculous game. What could I be thinking, wanting to
return to this sort of a life?"

"Hmmm. Paying the rent maybe?"

"Willow! I'll have you know-" he scolded her until he
saw the gleam in her eye.

Willow giggled, and he couldn't help but smile. She
touched his arm gently, and the rush of desire coursed
through him again, but he was far too aware of their
circumstance and crowd to do anything.

A small forlorn sigh escaped his lips as he gazed into
her emerald eyes. "Willow."

Willow tried to keep her smile, but her heart wasn't
in it - it was lost a few moments ago, when his kiss
had almost been hers. She patted his chest lightly and
shook her head ruefully.

He caught her hand with his before she drove him to an
act of madness. He wanted so much to take her in his
arms and kiss her, and kiss her and kiss her. But it
meant too much to him to force now. It was private
thing, and he didn't want an audience.

There are precious few times in a person's life when
they know exactly what they want; fewer still when
what they want, wants them back.

Giles had always found Willow attractive, had always
been drawn to her, but something had changed during
their dance. Well, perhaps not changed so much as
revealed itself. Like bubbles to the surface, his feelings
rose up. Undeniable. Bursting forth. Demanding and
powerful.

He could no longer deny them, rationalize them or
belittle them. He wanted her. He wanted her now and
forever. He wanted her in every way a man can want a
woman. And yet here he stood, nervous at her touch and
unsure of his own voice.

Willow looked into his eyes and wondered if she were
dreaming. She'd often had a dream that he would look
at her just this way - passionate and loving. She noticed
that the couples around them were once again moving
to the music and she smiled ruefully.

Giles still held the hand that was wrecking his
nervous system and squeezed it a bit shyly and led her
from the floor. Truth be known, he wanted to dance
with her again, but didn't think anything could match
the feeling of their last dance. Not willing to risk having
at least one perfect memory, reluctantly, he escorted
her away from the music.

The balance of the evening was filled with mundane
small talk and the joys of politicking. The magic of
their moment having fled, left them both wondering if
they'd imagined the whole thing.

Mrs. Sorenson had re-appeared and led Giles to
various groups, singing his praises as they went.
Giles kept Willow by his side this time, but knew she
must be growing tired of the sad little play. Not that
she'd given the slightest sign of any displeasure. She
smiled warmly at each person, adding her own
supportive words and somehow managing to engage those
who walked the periphery of each conversation.

She simply could not have been more charming or
patient. And Giles found himself falling in love with
her again and again. Each gentle touch, each tender
smile went straight to his heart. He couldn't
understand how he'd stayed away from her as long as he
had. But knew this, now that he had her, nothing could
ever keep him away again.

He watched curiously as Mrs. Sorenson pulled Willow
aside and whispered something in her ear. Willow
nodded and smiled, finally a demure blush rising in
her cheeks. The older woman laughed warmly and kissed
her on the cheek before returning her to Giles' side.

"I think I've done enough damage for one evening," the
woman said with a wink. "Even for me. Good night
Rupert."

Giles took her frail hand in his. "Goodnight and thank
you. I think."

Mrs. Sorenson cast a quick glance and Willow and then
turned back to Giles. "Congratulations."

Giles frowned. "I'm sorry. For?"

The older woman laughed and patted his hand. "Good
night, Rupert."

As she left them, Giles watched her as she walked for
the door. "Strange woman," he said softly.

Willow giggled.

"What's so funny? I get the distinct feeling that I've
missed something."

"Maybe," Willow said with a smile that grew into a
small yawn.

Now it was Giles' turn to chuckle. He glanced at his
watch. It was rather late. "Tired?"

"A little," she confessed. "But if you'd like to
stay-"

"I think if I shook another hand, my arm might fall
off." He opened and closed his hand in a display of
its fatigue. Willow simply reached out and took it in
her own.

Giles' eyes rested on their joined hands for a moment
- hers so small in his. His fingers brushed against
her smooth skin, and he sighed contentedly. It was so
easy to love her.

*****

The car ride back to Willow's apartment was quiet,
each lost in thoughts of the evening. At the first
stoplight, Giles had released the stick and reached
across, needed to touch her again. He would hold her
hand until he needed to shift and then she would
lightly rest her small hand atop his.

Their hands danced this way until Giles pulled up in
front of her building. He shut off the car and went
round to open her door. He helped her out of the car
and stood gazing down at her.

"I--I just wanted to thank you," he started, unsure of
what to say. "You were incredibly patient, and I don't
think I could have asked for a more charming or more
beautiful woman to be at my side. You-"

"Rupert," Willow said so softly, Giles had to lean in
to hear her. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"

His answer began with a warm caress of her cheek and
slow sensual nod. He put one arm around her waist,
letting his fingers delicately drift along the soft
skin of her exposed back. His other hand gently traced
her cheek, until his long fingers rested under her
chin, tilting her head up to meet his.

Willow lost something of herself in his eyes and found
it again in his kiss. With infinite tenderness, his lips
brushed hers. He pulled her body against hers as his
mouth took her lower lip, slowly nibbling on it, until her
mouth opened in a gasp of pleasure. Then with stunning
swiftness, he took her.

His mouth covered hers hungrily as his hand tangled in
her silky hair. She was setting his blood on fire, the
feeling of her small tongue brushing along his. He'd
never tasted anything so sweet and couldn't seem to
get enough.

Willow moaned as he devoured her. She let the waves of
passion crash over her, until she was struggling to
breath.

After all too short an eternity, Giles forced himself
to break the kiss. He looked into her eyes, needing to
know he hadn't overstepped, that he hadn't somehow
frightened her. But instead of fear, he saw his need
returned. He let out a quick relieved breath and
kissed her forehead. "Willow," he whispered
reverently.

She reached up and ran a slender finger along his
cheek. He caught her hand and kissed it.

They stared into each other's eyes, letting the power
of the evening sink in. Finally, Willow looked away
shyly.

Giles squeezed her hand reassuringly and smiled. He
walked her to her front door where they stood
awkwardly under the bright florescent lights of the
hallway.

"Well," Giles said looking down again at their hands.
He knew he had to let go, but couldn't seem to do it.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked tentatively.

Giles nodded and with great reluctance gave her hand
back.

Willow put her key in the lock and turned back to
Giles. "Goodnight," she whispered as she placed
another soft kiss on his lips before quickly dashing
into her apartment, the door closing behind her.

Giles stared at the door for a moment, before sighing
and somehow managing to walk back to his car.
'Tomorrow,' he thought. 'Cannot come soon enough.'

Part Eleven

Willow leaned heavily against the door. She took a
deep breath and tried to keep herself from flinging it
open and kissing him again. She closed her eyes
to better remember and let the memory of his kiss linger.

She'd dreamt of his kiss for longer than she really
wanted to admit. It was a childish fantasy in high
school that had somehow miraculously become a reality.
Sure, it took six years, but she wasn't complaining.
Not now.

He'd kissed her.

She sighed again, a dreamy smile on her lips as she
pushed away from the door, looking forward to climbing
into bed and letting her dreams take her.

She'd been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't
noticed the flicker of the television in the dark
apartment. As she crossed to turn it off, she saw
Buffy and Xander asleep on the sofa. They'd obviously
tried to stay up and greet her when she got home from
her date.

She giggled softly and covered them with a blanket.

Xander sat with his legs stretched straight out, one
arm around Buffy, his head tilted back, mouth open.
Buffy leaned on his shoulder, her legs curled under,
one hand gripping the remote and the other lost inside
a bag of Doritos.

Willow smiled fondly at her best friends before
retiring to the bedroom to thoughts of what
pleasures tomorrow might hold.

*****

Giles wasn't sure how he managed to walk back to his
car; he didn't remember walking down the stairs or
crossing the sidewalks. All he could remember was the
feeling of her lips on his, the small hand against his
chest, and the promise in her voice.

He sat dazedly in his car for a while, leaning
against the steering wheel gazing back at Willow's
building. He couldn't stop remembering the feel
of her lips on his. Abruptly, his view was obscured
as a pair of students passed by looking suspiciously
into his car.

Realizing he did look a bit odd just sitting there staring,
he sat up straight, trying to pull his thoughts back to the
present. But it was useless. He pulled on his bow-tie,
letting it fall about his neck and undid the top stud,
loosening his collar.

His gaze fell to his passenger seat. Empty. He started
his car and slowly drove home to his empty apartment;
his thoughts never straying from the woman he hoped
would fill the emptiness.

*****

The light filtering through the thin curtains of the
living room fell on Buffy's face, warming it and
gradually waking her. She sighed sleepily and opened
her eyes. She blinked a few times to try and place
herself. On somebody's shoulder?

She sat up and was relieved to see Xander. Good old
Xander's shoulder. They must have fallen asleep
waiting for Willow.

"Willow!" she said suddenly concerned, jumping to her
feet.

"Wha---?" Xander mumbled, as he was startled awake.

Buffy glared at him. "Willow. Where's Willow?"

"On a date with the G-Man," he said sleepily.

"Hello? It's morning and no Willow!"

Xander frowned and then his eyes widened in dismay.

"Exactly!" Buffy cried.

"But, they wouldn’t -- well, you know--" Xander
suggested weakly.

"No, they wouldn't. Not on a first date. Would they?"
Buffy said her eyes going wide.

They turned quickly toward the bedroom at the sound of
a drawer being slammed. "They--" Buffy stammered.
"They wouldn't--" she swallowed nervously. "--here?
Would they?"

Xander was speechless, his mouth hanging open at he
image of Giles and Willow in bed in the next room.

"I can't stand it," Buffy said suddenly as she moved
to the bedroom door. She took a deep breath and
motioned Xander to come with her. He could only shake
his head.

She knocked softly on the door. "Wills?"

"Yeah, come on in, " Willow said.

Buffy looked nervously back at Xander and covered her
eyes before opening the door. "Uhm, hi," she said
trying desperately not to peak between her fingers.

"Hi Buffy," Willow said happily.

"Where's Giles?" Buffy said, quickly turning her head
away from the bed.

"Uhm, in bed?" Willow offered.

"Oh my God," Buffy rasped. "Wil-low!"

"What? Why are you covering your eyes? Is everything
okay?" Willow said as she anxiously went to her
friend. "Do we need to phone Giles?"

"Phone?" Buffy said softly as she carefully lowered
her hand and dared to look at the bed. She looked back
at Willow, a blush rising in her cheeks. "No, nope."

Willow suddenly realized what was going on. "Buffy!"
she scolded. "You didn't really think--?"

"Me? No. It was— it was Xander," she said pointing
accusingly into the living room. Willow smiled and let
the giggle escape her lips.

"Sorry," Buffy said in a small shamed voice.

Willow just shook her head and kept giggling.

Xander then burst into the room, his hand covering his
eyes. "Good God! Haven't you two done enough!"

"Xander," Willow chided him.

"What?" He carefully lowered his hand and looked
around the bedroom. "I was kidding."

"So," Buffy asked with a waggling eyebrow. "How was
it?"

Willow blushed a little. "I'm not one to kiss
and tell but--" With a big dreamy sigh, she fell
backwards onto her bed arms flung out to the sides.

*****

Giles woke up slowly, rolling over and putting his
extra pillow over his face. He stayed for a few
minutes in that wonderfully soft place between sleep
and wakefulness.

He was having the most wonderful dream about Willow.
He'd run his fingers along her soft skin, finally
pulling her into a deep kiss.

"Willow," he sighed, the sound of his own voice
pushing the last remnants of sleep sway.

For a moment, a wave of fear passed over him. Was it
only a dream?

He looked around his room and saw his tuxedo jacket
hanging on the back of a chair. He sighed in relief.
It had been gloriously real.

She'd kissed him.

It had been better than any dream - the feeling of her
in his arms, her lips touching his. The silent promise
of so much more.

'Slow down, old man' he chastised himself. 'It was
just your first date.' He smiled to himself. 'And what
a way to start.'

Part Twelve

As the day wore on, Giles' thoughts seldom strayed
far from Willow. He'd tried to call her, but only got
her answering machine. He wanted to ask her out to
lunch. Actually, he'd wanted to ask her over for
breakfast, but had thought that might be pushing it.

He swore to himself he was going to take things
slowly, didn't want to frighten her away. His feelings
for her ran deeper than even he had realized.

He wanted to court her, to treat her the way she
deserved - with tenderness and adoration. He wanted
their courtship to be special. He wanted her to know
how very much he cherished her, their friendship and
their new relationship.

He set down the cup he was washing and frowned.
Relationship? Did they really have a relationship? He
was suddenly struck with a sinking feeling. They'd
only gone out once, perhaps he was getting ahead of
himself.

She was still young, maybe she wanted to date other
men. Giles clenched his jaw. What if she was out with
another man right now?

'Get a hold of yourself,' he told himself, but the
seeds of doubt had already been planted. It would only
be normal for her to want to taste more of life. It
was foolish to think she could be ready to love only
him - forever. He felt his chest begin to constrict.

Years of experience and loss had taught him what he
wanted.

He wanted Willow.

He wanted her to be his forever. But --- But to a
young woman, really just entering the world, her
life was ahead of her. How could he expect her to
feel the same way as he did?

He thought he'd seen it in her eyes, felt it in her
kiss. Perhaps it was no more than a spell cast by the
splendor of the evening.

The clothes, the wine, the music - conspiring to
create a dream world. It had been so easy to feel the
power of romance in that setting, to see things as
more than they really are. But now in the harsh light
of day, what would she see when she looked at him?

Heaving a despairing sigh, Giles leaned against the
counter and felt the hope that had lifted his heart
just moments ago, slowly fading away.

*****

Lunch was wonderful. Not because of the food, Willow
hardly touched a bite, her stomach was filled with dancing
butterflies. Heck, she felt so good; the sidewalk was wonderful.

Buffy and Xander had carried most of the conversation.
Willow kept drifting off, sometimes in mid-sentence, a
dreamy little smile coming to her lips. Like right
now. She was staring into her iced tea, stirring it
with the long spoon and sighing happily.

"And that is why the elephant sat on the fuzzy little bunny,"
Xander said. Willow didn't even react. "Wow, she has
got bad. Reference to fuzzy-bunny-cide... no response."

Buffy giggled and smiled at her friend. It was so nice
to see her this happy, even if it did make her a
little jealous. Not that she wanted Giles or anything
as ew as that, but when she looked at Willow, she
remembered how great it felt to fall in love. And
Wills had definitely fallen hard. It was all over her.
The glazed look in the eyes, the way she kept making
little circles on everything with her fingers. And
then there was the way the waiter looked at her - like
she was cherry pie. Why is it, as soon as you don't
need them to look, guys start looking?

Xander tried to smile, but it came out a bit crooked.
Not that anyone noticed. Willow was busy sighing, and
Buffy was busy sighing at Willow's sighing. Women!

Xander was jealous. Okay, not really, really jealous,
just enough in lots of little ways to make his heart
ache. He'd never been able to make Wills look like
that. Even when she was completely puppy-loving him,
she never looked like she did today. Today, she wasn't
a girl with a crush. Today, she was a woman in love.

Willow smiled at bit self-consciously as she noticed
her friends staring at her. She met Xander's eyes and
he grinned. "The Willow has landed. Quick, Buff,
before we lose her again."

Willow giggled. "I'm sorry."

"No you're not," Buffy said playfully.

"Okay. I'm not," Willow said as her smile got even
wider. "What do you think he's doing right now?"

"Knowing the G-Man as I do. I'd lay odds he's got his
nose buried in some book."

"You think so?" Willow said dreamily.

Xander snorted. "Only you Wills. Only you would be
turned on by a guy reading a book."

Willow blushed.

"Depends on who's reading. Dylan McDermott reading a
book - sexy," Buffy offered.

"Salma Hayek reading a book - definitely sexy," Xander
agreed.

"Harrison Ford - skimming through a magazine - sexy,"
Buffy suggested.

As Xander and Buffy traded sexy readers, Willow
drifted off again, her thoughts on one particularly
sexy reader.

*****

Knock. Knock.

Giles got up from his brooding spot on the sofa and
answered the door. "Buffy?" he asked in surprise, his
eyes immediately looking for her companion.

"Hi, Giles," Buffy said brightly as she walked past
him into the apartment. She noticed him lingering at
the door. "Willow's not with me, if that's what you're
looking for."

"Oh, no I was --" Giles started, but was too fatigued
for pretense. "Where is she?"

"School."

"School?"

"You know-- readin' writin', rithmatic," Buffy said as
she plopped into a chair.

"On a Sunday?"

"You know Wills. Something about.. what did she call it?
Oh yeah, studying."

"Oh, yes. Of course, " Giles said with a shake of his
head as he closed the door. "Is there something you
needed?" he asked when something odd suddenly struck
him. "Buffy? You-you knocked? Are you feeling quite
well?"

Buffy laughed and nodded. "I'm fine thank you. Just
trying to get in the habit. I don't want to walk in on
anything. If you know what I mean," she added with a
wink.

Giles sighed and sat down heavily. "I wouldn't worry
about that too much, " he said softly.

Buffy sat forward, concerned. "Giles, I may not be the
sharpest fork in the drawer--"

"Knife," Giles interrupted.

"Knife?"

"Knife in the drawer."

"Oh, right. Anyway, I've seen happy floaty people
before, in fact, I just left one. And you look nothing
like that."

Giles just sighed.

"What's wrong? I thought everything was great last
night?"

"It was," Giles said sadly. "Perfect."

"And that's a problem?"

Giles looked at his Slayer. "It was too perfect. I'm
afraid -- Once Willow sees me as I am -- as I really
am --" He shook his head ruefully.

"She'll love you all the more," Buffy said honestly.
"If that's even possible. Giles, if there is one thing
in the world you can count on it's the way Willow
feels about you."

Giles looked at her, a spark of hope lighting his
eyes. Buffy reached out and took his hand.

"I just don't want to screw this up," Giles confessed
with a self-deprecating laugh.

"You won't," she said giving his hand a reassuring
squeeze. "Or I'll kick your ass."

Giles laughed and nodded. "That’s very helpful,
thank you. My feelings of inadequacy have somehow
vanished," Giles said sarcastically.

Buffy laughed. "Glad to be of service."

Part Thirteen

Giles sat in the courtyard of his apartment building,
trying to enjoy the quiet respite of a Sunday
afternoon. He looked at the paper as he sipped his
tea, but the words blurred before his eyes. He sighed
and snapped the paper open again, hoping to be able to
actually read the article he'd been staring at for the
last twenty minutes.

He fought the crease for a minute, punching and
pulling at the damned thing, finally getting it to
behave. He folded the paper over and heard a soft
giggle. Slowly, he lowered the paper.

Willow stood on the other side of the small table, a
smile in her eyes. "Hi, paper giving you a hard time?"

Giles chuckled and nodded a bit sheepishly. "I-I
thought you were at school," he said
slowly standing. He wanted to touch her, but felt
incredibly awkward.

"Was, but done my duty and now I've got the rest of
the afternoon off," Willow said with a bright smile.

Giles opened and closed his hands in an effort to keep
them off her. "Uhm, would you like some tea?" he asked
abruptly, hoping to have something to actually do.

"Sure, sounds nice," she said easily.

He nodded gratefully and gestured spasmodically toward
his apartment. "I-I'll just go and put the k-kettle
on. F-for your tea."

Willow smiled gently. "Okay."

Giles smiled back and felt like a complete dolt. A
school boy without an ounce of self-control, grinning
stupidly at a pretty girl.

"Is everything all right?" Willow asked as she
followed him inside.

"Oh, y-yes. Fine."

"That was --- not very convincing," she said plainly,
once they were in his kitchen.

Giles set down the kettle and sighed. He turned to
face her. "I'm sorry, I'm--" He shook his head.
"I'm--"

"Did I do something?" Willow asked nervously.

Giles took an unconscious step closer to her. "No. No.
You - you're perfect." He frowned, feeling like a fool
again.

Willow reached out and laid a hand on his arm. "What
is it? I know something's bothering you."

Giles shook his head and did his best to dispel his
insecurities. "It's nothing. Really."

Willow accepted his answer for now and grinned.
"Okay." She just kept smiling. "I got your message.
I'm sorry I missed you."

"I'm sorry too." Giles said before regaining himself.
"I understand you had nice lunch with Buffy and Xander
though."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Was something wrong?"

"No," she said softly. "But my heart wasn't really in
it."

"No?"

"No," she said, feeling suddenly bold. "It was
somewhere else entirely."

Giles felt his pulse quicken. "It was?"

"Yup," she said with coy smile as she took a step
closer.

"Anywhere I know?" he said in a voice tinged with
hope.

Willow nodded and closed the remaining space between
them. Giles breath was short, his eyes beginning to
dilate.

Willow reached out and placed a hand on his heart. "I
think so," she said softly.

"Willow, I- " Giles said his, voice hoarse. He shook
his head and took her face in his hands, pulling her
to him. His lips melted against hers softly. The kiss
was gentle and sweet.

Reluctantly, Giles released her. He gazed down at this
amazing woman, her emerald eyes sparkling.

The tea kettle whistled, interrupting whatever might
have come next. With a sigh, Giles turned to remove it
from the flame.

Willow stepped back and leaned against the counter
and just watched him for a minute. "Thank you for last
night," she said finally. "It was wonderful."

Giles turned to face her. "If it was, you made it so."

Willow blushed and Giles grinned, loving the way it
traveled down her cheeks to her neck and-- ahem.

He cleared his throat, if not his mind, and poured the
hot the water.

"I was wondering if-- What are you doing tomorrow?"
she asked suddenly.

"I-I don't know, but don't you have class?"

Willow's grin widened. "Just an early one. I'm out by
eleven."

Giles' grin matched hers. "Did you have something in
mind?"

"A picnic. Unless there's somewhere else you'd
rather-"

Giles shook his head. "There is nowhere on God's green
earth I'd rather be than with you."

Willow laughed lightly and took a small breath.
"Good."

Part Fourteen

Willow had insisted on taking care of all the
preparations. She'd bought, borrowed and/or
pilfered items from friends and family.
It had turned out to be a lot of work, and she loved
every minute of it.

She loved thinking out what he might like, what he
might want, what would tempt him most. She loved just
thinking about him - period.

It had been so long since she'd been happy - really,
truly happy. And she'd never felt exactly like this
before. Not with Xander, not with Oz.

Her heart raced at the mere mention of his name.

Even now, as she sat on the front steps of her
building waiting for him to pick her up, her pulse was
quicker, and her stomach was full of butterflies.

She nervously fiddled with the basket, re-checking,
again, to make sure everything was perfect. She sighed
and told herself to relax. It was a beautiful day,
perfect weather for a picnic.

Letting the sun soothe her, Willow leaned back against
the steps. She closed her eyes, smiling at the
prospect of the afternoon to come, tilted her head
back and finally managed to relax.

*****

The morning had gone by with excruciating slowness.
He'd checked his watch, wound the clocks, even dialed
up time. He'd paced, tried reading, and eventually
settled on cleaning the kitchen.

No matter what he did, his thoughts always drifted to
Willow, a small smile inevitably coming to his lips.

It was odd how much things had changed in so short a
time. He'd kept his feelings for her in check for so
long, he hadn't realized that once they were released,
it would be like opening floodgates.

They were more powerful than he'd dreamt, and it was
more than a little frightening. What had been
important now became paramount. Wants had turned into
needs. Before he'd been able to put his feelings for her
away, tuck them neatly under his duty and responsibilities,
but now--- Now, they couldn't be ignored, even for a second.

Whether she was actually there or not, she'd become
his constant companion - in his heart. And it felt
wonderful... and terrifying.

Finally, the time arrived. Giles drove happily toward
Willow's apartment, pulling up exactly on time.
He shut off the car and spotted her sitting on the
steps. His heart skipped a beat. Gods, she was
beautiful.

He swallowed hard and started toward her, entranced by
the grace of her body and the gentle smile that warmed
his heart like the sun warmed the day. He stopped a
few paces short and just watched her for a moment.

Willow felt him, felt his eyes on her. Her smiled
widened before she opened her eyes. He was just
standing there staring at her, unashamed of the naked
emotion in his face.

His eyes softened as they met hers. "Hello, love," he
said before thinking that was probably a bit
forward. He looked away nervously and didn't see her
approach. He felt her small, sun-warmed hand slip into
his.

He looked down into her emerald eyes. "Hello, love"
she echoed just as softly, before standing on
tiptoes to brush a light kiss across his lips.

Giles sighed in grateful delight and squeezed her
hand. He reached down and picked up the basket as
Willow gathered the blanket.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice still a bit unsure.

Willow nodded. "Very."

Giles grinned, and they walked back to his car, placed
the items in the boot and started off for the park.

It was a short, silent drive to the park. Giles' free
hand had found hers as soon as the car started.
The touch of their hands spoke the words neither
could quite find yet.

The park was practically empty, with only a few
scattered mothers and small children.

Giles set down the basket and took the blanket from
Willow. He spread it out in the dappled sunlight under
a large tree. He took her hand and gently eased her
down onto the blanket.

Taking in a deep breath of the fresh air, Giles knelt
down in front of her. He looked like he was about to
say something, but then just smiled and sat down
beside her.

"Hungry?" she asked innocently.

Giles pushed down the surge of desire he felt and
managed a nod.

"Good," she said brightly. "Since I didn't
really know what to bring, I brought a little of everything."

Giles chuckled and watched her scoot over to basket,
rising up to her knees. Her sundress was made of a
thin, flowing material that came to rest just above
her knee. But as she had maneuvered herself toward the
basket and rested on her heels, the hem had slid up
her leg, stopping slightly above her mid thigh.

Giles found himself staring at the creamy skin exposed
by the short dress. He frowned a little, knowing he
either had to look away or say something, and found he
could do neither. Knowing he shouldn't, but unable to
resist, he reached out and touched the soft skin of
her leg. Willow gasped at the unexpected contact and
looked down at his hand.

His long fingers took the hem of her dress and slowly
pulled it back down, covering her leg. His hand barely
brushed along her skin. The soft touch along her leg
made Willow's heart race. A little breathless, she
looked into his eyes not quite sure what had just
happened.

How could he explain it to her? He couldn't tell her
he had to do something, or he'd lose control, throw
her onto her back, and ravish her right there in front
of God and country.

How could she let him know that his simple touch set
her blood on fire? And the shy way he was looking at
her now - how it made her want to climb on top of him
and...

"I'm sorry," Giles mumbled. "Y-your dress was -" He
waved his hand a little, and Willow frowned a bit
before the dawn broke.

"Oh!" she smiled shyly. "Thanks."

"My pleasure," he said in voice that was supposed to
be calm and composed but the memory of her skin made it
came out husky instead.

Willow took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
She turned back the basket and closed her eyes.

Giles watched her turn away and chastised himself. One
touch of her skin, and he was starting sweat. How was
he ever going to survive this day?

Part Fifteen

Giles had somehow managed to keep his hands on the
food and off Willow, for the most part.

They ate lunch and talked casually, not staying too
long on any one subject. They just drifted along,
letting the afternoon take them wherever it might
lead.

When the meal was finally over, Giles stretched out -
his long legs extended, crossed casually at the
ankles, as he propped himself up on one elbow. A
drowsy sort of contentment made him look like a cat.

Willow shook her head trying to clear it of the
libidinous thoughts that came to mind as he lay back.
'Second date,' she told herself. 'Only the second
date.'

Giles took her hand and urged her to join him. Slowly,
she eased down, mirroring his pose. For a long moment,
they lay there just looking at each other. Eventually,
Giles released her hand and then trailed his absently
up and down her bare arm.

Willow's eyes traced the length of his body. His
handsome face, his tender eyes, concentrating solely
on her. His broad shoulders led her down to his long
arms and the warm hand that brushed lovingly along her
skin. The snug fit of his jeans on his hips gave her
pause. She swallowed and continued down his body,
along his legs and then back up.

Giles lay mesmerized by the feel of her. She was so
incredibly soft. His eyes followed the path his hand
made along her arm, but his mind strayed. He wanted so
much to touch her, all of her. To feel her pressed
against his body, warm and soft. 'Easy old man,' he
warned himself. 'Second date. Just the second date.'
Even so, his mind couldn't help but wander.

The afternoon was quiet, the birds softly sang and a
gentle breeze rustled through the trees. Lost in
thoughts of the other, the world around them started
to fade.

"Sandra!" a woman called out in a beleaguered voice.
The world came back.

Giles and Willow both sat up at the sound and looked
across the small area of the park they'd staked out. A
young mother, not much older than Willow, was standing
and calling out to her daughter as her son scrambled
about at her feet. The girl, about three years old,
had started to totter off at a quick pace to the
swings, completely ignoring her mother's call.

The young woman cast a worried glance at her son,
perhaps two, as he crawled around the grass.

Willow stood up. "I'll watch him," she offered,
sensing the mother's indecision. The young woman
smiled gratefully and dashed off toward the
playground.

Giles stifled his sigh. He surely didn't want to be
interrupted, but what could he do? Willow's offer was
thoughtful and he smiled at her as she crossed to
the boy.

Seconds after he noticed that his mother had left
his side, the boy began to cry.

Giles watched as Willow gathered the child into her
arms. She sat down on the grass, cradling him,
whispering soothing words and gently caressing his
brow. Slowly, the tears subsided, and the crying died
away.

Giles felt his chest tighten. The image of Willow
comforting the child stirred feelings he'd long since
buried. The dream of having a family had been just
that - a dream. Until this moment. Suddenly, he wanted
to make it a reality. Desperately.

Willow smiled down at the boy and said something that
made him giggle. The mother reappeared with her
daughter in tow. She thanked Willow, who smiled
graciously and gently handed the boy back to her.

Giles watched Willow walk back to their blanket, her
hips swaying slightly, her dress flowing about her
legs. The sun shone upon her hair as her green eyes
met his. She'd never been more beautiful to him.
Giles felt a wave of desire crash over him, unlike any
other - passion infused with a powerful sense
of true love. The need to share his life with this
beautiful woman and to have a family with her
became as basic as his need for air.

Willow noticed the change in his expression. As she
lay back down on the blanket next to him, she cocked
her head to the side. His eyes were dark and
searching.

"Rupert?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with
concern and confusion. He shook his head and placed a
long finger against her lips.

He moved closer to her, his hand touching her
shoulder, gently laying her back - his dark eyes never
leaving hers. He wanted to spill his heart, to release
everything he had for her, but couldn't speak.

He didn't have to. Everything about him spoke of his
love. His eyes, his face, his body and finally his
lips - his wonderful, warm lips as he leaned down and
captured her mouth with his. One hand slid around her
waist, pulling her closer to him, as the other gently
stroked her cheek. He kissed her tenderly, barely
restrained desperation just beneath the surface.

The kiss at the party was passionate - a realization.
The kiss in his kitchen was tender - a promise. This
kiss was something so much more. She could feel it,
taste it. This kiss was his love - deep and abiding
and it belonged only to her.

She reached up and caressed the back of his neck,
giving silent permission to let go whatever it was he
was holding back, to release the things he was afraid
of and to claim the others.

As if he could read her thoughts, Giles pulled away
slightly, breaking the kiss. It was overwhelming - the
power this woman had over him. Finally, giving in to
the torrent, he let it sweep them both away.

A universe unto themselves, two hearts, two souls - on
a lazy Monday afternoon in the park - became one.

Part Sixteen

"G-Funk!" Xander yelled across the street. "G-opolis!"
he said after he dashed across the traffic.

The older man was lost in his thoughts as he stared into
the store window and didn't answer.

Xander reached out and touched Giles' arm. "Giles?"

"Oh! Xander!" Giles said startled. "You shouldn't
sneak up someone like that."

"But I-- Oh never mind. So whatcha lookin' at?" Xander
asked as he peered into the store display.

Giles sighed and frowned.

"Rings?" Xander exclaimed. "Wow. Rings as in... rings
for fingers and things."

"I was just passing by," Giles said nonchalantly, at
least that's how he hoped it sounded.

"Right. And that would also explain the mixture of
undying hope and absolute terror in your eyes," Xander
quipped.

Giles frowned and started to protest. "I was merely
walking. Just walking and, the.. they caught my eye."

"Okay, just for future reference. That's a really lame
excuse."

Giles sighed heavily, and his eyes wandered back to
the jewelry display. He knew it had only been a few
weeks since the museum gala. And yet, not a day, not a
moment had gone by when he didn't think of her. He'd
known from their first kiss that there would never be
another woman for him.

Xander watched him carefully for minute before
speaking again. "You really thinking about it?"

Giles smiled ruefully and looked shyly at the young
man. He nodded slowly. "Am I fool?"

Xander laughed kindly. "For loving Willow? Never." It
was Xander's turn to smile ruefully. "And
I should know." He noticed Giles' smile turn into a
frown and quickly amended. "I don't mean... I don't
really know what I mean. I mean, I love Willow. I
always will."

Giles' frown deepened, and his jaw began to set.

"But-- and this isn't easy for me to say," Xander
admitted. "She loves you in a way she never loved me.
I don't know if now's the right time for this or not -
you'll have to figure that one out for yourself." He
took a deep breath and met Giles' eyes. "But... I do
know that I can't think of two people who belong
together more than you and Willow."

Giles was sincerely moved by Xander's revelation.
"Thank you," he said softly. "I ---" he found couldn't
finish the sentence and let it trail off into nothingness.

Xander put his hand on Giles' back and nodded in
sympathy. "So, you really shopping here or what?"

Giles laughed a little nervously. "Honestly, I don't
know. I was just passing by. Honestly," he said with
a smile. "But-- but it's all happening so fast. I-I don't
want to rush her. I don't want to make a mistake."

"Just follow your heart," Xander said wisely and then
began to blanch a little under Giles' intense gaze.
"And my heart is telling me... wait...
Pizza... yes, definitely Pizza." His eyes went round
as he touched his chest. "With pepperoni."

Giles laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Buy you a slice?" Xander offered.

Giles smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Xander. Thank
you."

*****

"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Buffy asked
Willow as she grabbed a soda from the fridge.

"Nothing. I thought... Maybe if you weren't busy,"
Willow said hopefully. "You and me. We? Could do
something?"

"What's wrong? Did you guys break up? Oh, Wills. I'm
so sorry," Buffy said as she ran to her friend's side.

Willow giggled. "Nothing's wrong. Can't I just spend
time with my best friend?"

Buffy frowned. "Nothing's wrong?"

Willow shook her head. "We're fine."

"Don't scare me like that," Buffy exclaimed.

"I'm sorry?" Willow said with a smile.

"Why aren't you going to Giles'?" Buffy asked
suspiciously.

"No reason," Willow said with obviously forced
casualness.

"That was believable... net even. You two are like frick and
frack. Not that I have any idea who that is exactly.
Heckle and Jeckle! No, that's not-- " Buffy frowned in
thought.

"Can't I just spend time with my bestest bud without
it having some super-duper significance?" Willow asked
innocently.

"Uhm, let me think about that... no!" She sat
down next to Willow on the sofa and narrowed her eyes.
"Is everything really okay?"

Willow smiled a bit sadly. "Yes, everything is really
okay. And that's just it. Everything's perfect. I
keep walking around waiting for the other shoe to
drop. I mean, let's face it, people like me just don't
have the happy riding off into the sunset with Prince
Charming kind of endings."

"Why not?"

"Well," Willow frowned in thought. "Cause."

"Gonna have to do better than that," Buffy said with a
smile.

Willow sighed. "I'm scared, Buffy."

"Of what?"

"Oh, everything. It's... I'm..." she regarded her
friend seriously. "You won't laugh?"

"I promise," she swore. "Unless it's funny and then---
kidding! What is it?"

"I know he loves me. I think. I mean, I know he loves
me, but does he love-me love me? I love him so much
sometimes I can't breathe," she confessed softly.

"Oh, Willow," Buffy said gently. "He loves you. Loves-you
loves you."

Willow's eyes looked at her hopefully. "You think?"

Buffy smiled and shook her head, a bit in awe.
"Yeah. I know!"

Willow's face brightened.

"So," Buffy asked. "You gonna call him or what?"

"Nope. I'm gonna spend the night hanging with my
bestest bud. And you know why?

Buffy smiled, hoping she wasn't going to actually
start crying. "Why?"

"Cause I kinda love her, too."

The two friends smiled at each other and all was right
with world.

Part Seventeen

"You will be careful?" Giles said.

Buffy groaned. "No, tonight. I'm feeling reckless. I
think I'll smear myself with pig's blood and go a
courtin'!"

Giles rolled his eyes. "Buffy-"

"What? Can't a Slayer poke a little fun? Okay.
All right. Duh. Careful is my middle name. Buffy
"Careful" Summers," she said with a smile.

"Thank you," he said with a smile.

"You think he needs a little...?" Buffy said as
she wiggled her fingers.

Willow giggled and blushed. "Be careful," she said
with a grin.

"Sheesh," Buffy said as she closed the door Giles
apartment behind her.

Giles made sure it was locked before turning back
towards the living room.

Willow just shook her head and slid back down onto the
couch.

"What does..." Giles asked as he wiggled his fingers
in an imitation of Buffy's gesture, "...mean?"

"It just means, um," she smiled slyly. "Maybe I'd
better show you."

Giles arched an eyebrow.

"Sit," she said patting the cushion next to her.

Giles smiled and sat down, but frowned when she stood.
"I don't--"

"Shhh, Rupert. Patience," she said in a soft voice
that made him weak. She stood in front of him for a
moment, enjoying the perplexed anticipation in his
eyes. She reached forward and touched his shoulder,
instinctively he leaned forward, tilting his head
towards hers.

Willow smiled mischievously and put a foot on the
cushion next to him. His eyes went round for a minute.

She used his shoulder to steady herself as climbed
onto the couch.

"What are you--?" he asked, his eyes growing even
bigger.

"Shhh," she whispered as she continued to stand on the
sofa. "Scoot forward just a bit?"

Swallowing hard, he obeyed quickly. Willow swung
her leg behind him and eased herself into a sitting
position on the back of the couch. With Giles now
sitting between her legs, she held both shoulder and
pulled him toward her. "Sit back."

Slowly, Giles leaned back. He took a deep breath as he
felt Willow's thighs along his sides. She gently
guided his arms so that they rested easily over her
legs, as they stretched out on either side of him.

She held onto his shoulders for balance. "If you move,
I'll topple over. So," she said leaning down and
whispering into his ear. "Don't go anywhere."

He took a deep breath to try and control the
sea of hormones this physical contact was creating and
managed a nod. "Not... going anywhere," he said a bit
breathlessly. The feel of her small hands on his body,
the touch of her legs; it was all driving him to
distraction.

Willow sighed contentedly. She let her warm fingers
touch the sides of his neck, just below the ears,
barely caressing the soft skin, easing their way along
the strong muscles of his neck.

Giles closed his eyes and let himself fall under the
spell of Willow's touch.

Her fingers gently stroked his skin, feeling his
throbbing pulse just beneath her hands. She could even
feel his adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed.
She leaned forward again, feeling bold, and asked in a
sultry voice. "Thirsty?"

Giles shook his head.

"You sure? I could stop-" she smiled as his hands flew
up and grabbed hers she started to pull away.

"No," he rasped, clasping her small hands in his. He
held them for a moment before putting them back
against his neck.

Willow placed her mouth barely an inch from his ear.
"If it pleases you," she whispered, loving the feel of
his body shiver slightly. She'd never been this forward with
him, this suggestive in her movements, but his
reactions to her touch spurred her on.

The feel of her soft breath in his ear, the warmth of
her fingers, was a wonderful torture. He gave himself
over to the sensations, trying to restrain himself
from dragging her into his arms.

Willow resumed her simple massage of his neck.
Eventually, she let her fingers drift back to the taut
muscles of his shoulders. Her long, slender fingers
ran over the strong curve of his shoulders
and down the length of his arms. She paused to squeeze
his biceps, leaning forward to reach his forearms. Her
breasts brushed along the back of his neck.

Rupert took a quick breath and tensed.

Willow, unaware of the impact on him of her simple
gesture, leaned back. She felt his body tense.
"Something wrong? Did I hit a nerve?"

"S-something like that," Giles said uneasily. Her
slightest touch was enough to arouse him, much less
the feel of her small breasts casually brushing
against his neck. He frowned and took her hands in
his. "Sit next to me?"

Willow smiled a bit sadly, but slid over and slipped
onto the couch next to Giles. She looked at him and
then down. "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry, I--"

Giles reached out and touched her face, tilting it to
meet his gaze. "You didn't do anything wrong," he
assured her. He frowned, quite sure he hadn't the
slightest idea how to continue this conversation.

He looked into her wonderful emerald eyes and sighed.
The hand that tilted her head, still rested along her
cheek. He ran a long finger down her face, to touch
her chin and lifting it slightly, he leaned down and
kissed her.

Willow's confusion quickly melted into puddles, along
with the rest of her. Giles' hand left her chin as his fingers
wound their way through her hair. His lips gently coaxed
hers to part for him. His tongue barely brushed along the
seam of her mouth.

As naturally as breathing, Willow's arms snaked their
way around Giles' neck, pulling him down to her.

The taste of her, the feel of her; it was like a drug.
A constant battle waged within him. He wanted her
desperately, desired her more than any other woman he
had ever known. But he could sense her shyness, her
inexperience. How he longed to teach her... oh, so
many things.

As if of its own accord, his free hand, which had been
gently holding on to her back, traveled down to her hip
and then along the soft material of her skirt. It
drifted down her thigh, before reaching the bare skin
just above her knee. Like a moth to a flame, it was
drawn to the heat of her skin.

His warm hand stopped for the briefest of moments,
while his tongue dove into her mouth. Without
thinking, somehow feeling the need, she sucked it
further into his mouth. Giles moaned and leaned even
further into her, pressing his advantage as his hand
resumed its trailblazing.

Willow's breath, what she had left of it, caught as
she felt his hand slide under her skirt and slowly
make its way past her knee, barely touching the smooth
skin of her thigh.

Inch by inch his fingers moved closer and closer, his
mouth covering hers. He leaned her back against the
sofa.

Finally his hand reached the juncture of her hip, and
his long fingers spread out across her thigh.

"N-no-" she gasped, pulling away from his kiss.

Giles sat up quickly, confused and ashamed. He pulled
his hands away and tried to catch his breath. "Oh,
god," he rasped, looking away. "I-I'm sorry." He
stumbled to his feet and moved away.

"No, I didn't..." Willow said nervously. "I --" She
stood and went to his side. "Rupert."

Giles shook his head. "I--I," he stammered.

Willow took his hand and waited until he finally
turned to look at her. "I'm sorry," she said shyly.
"I didn't mean to..." she trailed off embarassed.
"to---"

"What?" he said reaching out and touching her face.

"Oh, Goddess. I'm sorry. I g-got carried away. I'm sorry. I
didn't mean t-to start doing---to make you--" She shook
her head frantically. "I'm sorry."

"No. You didn't do anything wrong." He pulled himself
up to his full height a frown of shame on his face.
"I'm the one. I sincerely apologize. I--" he shook his
head, unable to articulate his mortification at overstepping
so grossly.

"No," she said firmly. "I --" she frowned uneasily.

His own feelings aside, Giles intuitively needed to
comfort Willow. "What is it?" he asked gently.

"It's just that--," she started. "Oh Goddess, this is
embarrassing."

"Never with me," he assured her.

"I'm--- I'm not as experienced as you are and--"

"Darling-" he said.

"Let me finish," she said quickly before she lost her
nerve. "I want you... The gods know - I want you,"
she said shyly. "But..."

Giles felt his heart swell and collapse within
seconds.

"But..." she continued. "I need to go slowly. I know
it doesn't make any sense." She looked into his eyes.
"I mean, I look at you, and I just want to jump your
bones."

Giles chuckled.

"But, at the same time, I think it's important to
wait. Does that make any sense?" she asked nervously.

Giles smiled down at her in relief and joy. How could
one woman be so innocent and so seductive at the same
time? He tenderly stroked her cheek. "Whatever you
need. As long as you need."

She smiled and let out a long ragged breath.

"Not going anywhere," he said with a smile.


Part Eighteen

"You're sure you don't mind?" Giles said into the
phone.

Willow rolled her eyes. "Rupert, for the last time, I
don't mind. It's on my way."

"If I weren't expecting that call from England--"

"It's all right. I'll stop by the magic shop. Run in,
run out. It's not a problem," she assured him.

Giles glanced at this watch. "It's nearly two, I
should ring off. I'll see you about three then?"

"With bells on... or something," she added with a
wink in her voice.

Giles chuckled, but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling
he had, maybe it was just the impending storm. "If
it's raining, don't bother. It's not that important--"

Willow giggled. "Even as sweet as I am, I won't melt,"
she said teasingly. "I'll see you at three."

"Goodbye, Love."

"Bye."

Giles smiled to himself as he hung up the phone.
They'd been "officially" dating for nearly four
months. The weeks had flown by. He couldn't seem to
remember a time in his life before Willow. BW, Buffy
called it.

He put the kettle on and waited for the phone to ring,
his mind drifting off to an afternoon and an evening
with Willow.

*****

Giles opened his front door and stood on the stoop.
The rain had started to fall about twenty minutes ago.
It had begun as a light drizzle and insistently grew
into the steady downpour he now watched.

The uneasy feeling from earlier in the day reared its
ugly head again. There was absolutely no reason for
it. Things couldn't be better really. Perhaps that in
itself was the cause. Giles had never been comfortable
with nice and easy. The calm had always been a
harbinger of a storm to come.

He stood framed in his doorway, watching the large
drops of rain fall heavily into the ground. His eyes
strained to see her lithe figure appear through the
haze. He watched and waited, but still nothing.

With a deep sigh, he went back inside. Leaning somberly
against the door, he stared at his empty apartment and
glanced at his watch - 3:30.

She was only a half an hour late, but he couldn't
shake the feeling that something was wrong.

He tried to tell himself it was just the storm. She
was probably stuck in traffic. It had certainly made
things easier since she'd gotten her own car, but at
times like this, he wished she needed him to drive
her. At least that way, he always knew where she was.

'Yes, she's probably just caught in traffic or
something,' he told himself. But it was those 'or
somethings' that had him worried.

He made another cup of tea, sure by time it was
finished, she'd be there.

But it was, and she wasn't.

With each passing moment, his anxiety grew by leaps
and bounds.

He tried to read; he tried to reach Buffy, tried to call
her apartment. And by 4:00 he was trying not to panic.

The inaction killing him, Giles grabbed his car keys
off the counter and strode to the front door. Quickly,
putting on his coat, he threw the door open.

Willow nearly fell into the apartment.

"Willow!" he cried, as she regained her balance.

"Sorry I'm late," she said with a trembling smile.

Giles pulled her inside. She was soaking wet and
shivering. He wrapped his arms around her; his breath
suddenly coming in short bursts. "Are you all right?"
he asked, not letting her out of his arms.

"I'm f-fine. J-j-just c-cold," she sputtered.

He put her at arm's length and quickly surveyed her
for injuries. Aside from looking very cold and wet,
she seemed unharmed. "You're sure?"

She smiled through chattering teeth. "Y-y-yup." Then
she noticed, for the first time, the look in his eyes
- the fear, anxiety, relief and so much more. She
smiled again and put her small hand on his chest. She
could feel it pounding, his breathing still fast. "I'm
fine," she said gently. "I'm sorry."

Giles' eyes were still intense with emotion. He leaned
down to kiss her tenderly, but the moment he felt her
mouth against his, he pulled her tightly against his
body. His warm mouth crushed down on hers, capturing
her, as if never to let go.

Finally, assured she was real and in his arms, he
reluctantly pulled back.

"What happened?" he asked as he started to take off
her coat and rub her arms.

Willow shivered and walked further into the apartment.
"I went to the magic shop and as I was going back to
the parking lot, it started to rain. I don't know if
they'd been waiting for the sun to be covered or what,
but out of nowhere these three vampires came up."

Giles grabbed her and turned her to face him. "Did
they attack you?" he asked incredulously.

Willow smiled and shook her head, a bit contrite. "No,
I hid. And, after forever... they left."

Giles let out a long breath and pulled her back into
the safe haven of his arms. "Thank God."

Willow sighed, letting the feel of his strength and
love warm her. "This is nice," she said finally. "But,
I could really use a warm shower."

"Of course," Giles said with an almost shy smile.
"Uhm," he pulled back slightly. "I'll... get you a
robe."

"Thanks."

Giles knew he was supposed to be going upstairs now,
but he couldn't seem to let go of her. She looked up
at him with gentle eyes, eyes that seemed to know
everything about him. He smiled tenderly and touched
her face. The feel of her cool skin brought back to
mind what he was supposed to be doing.

"Why not start the water, and I'll leave the robe on
the door?" he suggested.

"Sounds good."

Willow went into the bath and started the shower, as
Giles went to find a robe and left it as promised.

As Willow showered, Giles thought.

It wasn't until she came out of the bath, the steam
swirling around her like the mists of Avalon, that he
decided.

Tonight. Tonight would be the night.

Part Nineteen

"Is something wrong?" Willow asked.

Giles simply stared her. His robe engulfed her, as the
steam from the shower danced into the room. Her hair
was towel-dried and hung in damp curls around her
shoulders.

"No." He shook his head and smiled. "Tea?"

Willow smiled. "When in doubt."

Giles came up to her, taking her arms in his hands. She
noticed something enigmatic behind the usual
tenderness. He gently rubbed her through the material
of the robe. "Better?"

She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her
head on his chest. "Now."

Giles sighed contentedly and kissed the top of her
head.

"Do you have some sweats or something I can borrow?"
she asked softly.

"Of course. Let me see what I can find," he said pulling
back and looking into her eyes. Again, she was struck
by the flash of something new, indefinable. "Be right
back," he said with a brief kiss.

As he went upstairs to rummage for clothes, Willow put
the kettle on. Giles returned in short order with a
pair of sweats. "I'm afraid you'll be swimming in
them."

She took the clothes. "It's all right," she said as
she held them up. She closed her eyes and inhaled, a
rich smile coming to her face. "They smell like you."

Giles breath caught, as she grinned and went into the
bath to change. He let out a long ragged breath and
shook his head to clear it.

He went into the kitchen to wait for the tea. A few
minutes later, Willow joined him. He couldn't help but
chuckle.

"The latest in fall fashion," she said striking a
pose. The clothes were ridiculously huge on her.

"You look adorable," he said between laughs.

She frowned in a mock pout and then shrugged, her
smile returning. "Well, I'll go home after the tea and
change. And don't start with-" she said hoping to head
off his protests before he a chance to voice them.

"That's a good idea," he said calmly.

"...tell me I can't... um, it is?" she asked in
confusion. "I can drive myself?" she added
uncertainly. She was sure he would insist on at least
accompanying her.

"Unless you've forgotten how," he quipped turning to
take the kettle off the stove.

Willow frowned. What happened to the guy who met her
at the door and was ready to bundle her up and carry
her away? Who was this tea-steeper and what did he do
with her Rupert?

"No, I haven't forgotten," she said petulantly.

Giles turned immediately, recognizing the tone in her
voice. "I didn't mean--"

"S'okay," she said with a wave. "I didn't either."

Giles smiled and turned back to the business of making
tea, his mind racing. "I'll have dinner read by the
time you get back."

Willow frowned again, but forced her voice to sound if
not happy, at least mildly pleased. "Great."

"Tea's nearly ready."

"You know, I think I'll just go. I'll be back in about
hour?" she said as she went for her purse and shoes.

"An hour's perfect," he replied not even turning to
face her.

Willow watched his back for a minute before sighing.
"Bye," she said softly just as the door closed.

"Hmm? Oh.. bye, Love," he said finally breaking away
from his thoughts and turning to an empty apartment.
He frowned for a moment, before shifting his mind into
overdrive.

*****

Willow had sulked all the way back to her apartment.
Sulked through changing her clothes and even managed
to keep the sulk alive on her way back to his Giles'.

She knocked on his door before opening it and letting
herself in. Her breath caught at the sight that
greeted her.

The table set for dinner, candles lit and wine
breathing. Music drifted from the living room, which
glowed with the light of a roaring fire.

"Rupert?" she called out.

"Hello," came a deep voice from the stairs. He stepped
into the soft light of the room. He was wearing dark
slacks and the deep forest green silk shirt she'd
given him. He looked fantastic. He grinned and arched
an eyebrow, accepting her appreciative smile.

Willow shook head and looked around the apartment.
"How did you have the time?"

He approached her slowly. "Where there's a will,
there's a way."

"There is?" she asked softly.

He stopped in front of her and leaned down, his lips
just above hers. "Oh, yes." He kissed her gently, but
even his softest kisses were enough to make her knees
weak.

He pulled away and ran finger down her cheek. "A glass
of wine?"

Willow nodded. "Something smells wonderful. What are
you making?"

"Coq au vin. Is that all right?" he asked as he poured
the wine.

"Smells divine," she said, taking a deep breath.

"I wanted this to be special," he said handing her the
glass. "For a special woman."

She smiled up at him, seeing that mysterious look in
his eyes again. He seemed to be looking right through
her and into her soul. It should have unnerved
her, the intensity of it, but it didn't. It couldn't -
never with him.

They stared at each other until Giles took a deep
breath. "Our song," he said, his eyes never leaving
hers.

Willow heard the hypnotic melody of Etta James' "At
Last" filtering toward them from the living room. It
was the same song they'd danced to that first night at
the gala.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice soft and
yet still rough with emotion.

Willow could only nod as he took her hand and led her
toward the living room. His arms went round her waist,
as she slipped her hands around his neck. They swayed
softly to the music.

Giles guided her effortlessly. They moved as one, the
words speaking their hearts. The warmth of the fire
bathed them and gave the room a crimson glow. Their
bodies seemed to fit together perfectly, like Rodin's
lovers in "The Kiss".

His large hands were warm and strong. The way he
touched her, held her, his embrace was like his
love - gentle and powerful all at once.

Far too soon, the song was almost over.

"I was planning on taking you to a beautiful
restaurant," Giles said softly, his hazel eyes darker
and deeper than usual. "Wining and dining you." He
took a deep breath. "But then I realized that's not
what I want."

She gazed up into his eyes. "It isn't?"

He shook his head as the song ended. "There's only one
thing I want." He took her hand and held it to his
chest. He paused, his eyes filled with emotion.
"For you to be my wife."

Giles knelt down before her. "Will you marry me?"

He pulled a diamond ring from his pocket and held it
and his heart out to her. Willow gasped and vainly
fought back the tears. She nodded. "Y-yes," she
whispered.

Giles closed his eyes for a moment and said a silent
prayer of thanks to whatever Gods were listening. He
slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed her hand,
before standing.

"Oh, Rupert," Willow sighed through her tears.

Giles, his own eyes shining, leaned down and kissed
her - a tender caress.

He pulled back just far enough to look into her
sparkling eyes. "I love you," he sighed and then took
her mouth in another kiss.

The kiss lingered, her arms traveling up his chest,
loving the feel of the silk and the hard muscles
underneath. Her fingers wound into his hair, holding
him to her.

Breathless, they pulled apart. Willow's eyes were
fever-bright, her desire for him like living thing.

"Rupert," she moaned. "I want--"

"Shhh," he said, placing a finger over her lips and
shaking his head. "When I wake up next to you for the
first time, it will be my wife I see beside me."

A soft sob escaped her lips. "Oh, I love you," she
whispered.

"Thank God," he breathed pulling her to him. "Thank
you God."

Part Twenty

"Maid of honor," Buffy said a bit tipsy. "Let's take
that apart, shall we?"

Xander nodded, his mouth bursting with food.

"Okay. Honor. Now, that's a good word right? I mean.
Honor thy mother and father. You call a judge 'your
honor'. Honor Blackman, a fine actress in her day."
She took another pull from her champagne flute.

Xander nodded vigorously. "Pussy Galore!" he blurted,
a few pieces of corn skittering out of his mouth.

"Xander!" Buffy screamed.

"What?" he said innocently, shoveling more free food
into his mouth. "That's who she played in Goldfinger."

"Oh. Anyway," she said, with a roll of her eyes. "So
honor's a good thing. Then we have 'of'. Tiny little
'of'. I've got no problem with 'of'. It's the 'maid'.
Old Maid..." she frowned. "I can't think of any other
maid thingies... see?"

Xander swallowed hard and looked sympathetic and then
brightened. "Maid Marian - she rocked."

Buffy smiled. "And she got the guy. Good one."

He grinned. "Best man. Best. None better. Man, that's
all me, baby."

"You two seem to be enjoying yourselves," Cordelia
said, as she and Wesley slid into empty chairs at
their table.

They shrugged and smiled.

"Where is the happy couple?" Wesley asked. "I'm afraid
we've got to get back to Los Angeles soon. And I can't
seem to find Angel."

"Right here," the vampire said.

"Ohh!" Wesley squealed, spinning around. "I wish you
woldn't do that."

"Do what?"

"Oh, never mind," Wesley said, having been down this
path before.

"Where are the bride and groom?" Angel asked. "I'm
afraid we've got to get back."

Xander mumbled something unintelligible. Buffy sighed
happily and pointed toward the center of the small
ballroom. "Dancing. Where else?"

All heads at the table turned toward the dance floor.
Even if he weren't in a tux and she in a wedding gown,
you couldn't have missed them. They practically
floated across the floor, lost in their own world.

Cordelia sighed. "She is a beautiful bride. Must have
a latent fashion gene or something. That dress is
gorgeous."

"Yeah," Xander agreed a bit sadly.

"Did you see Giles face when she walked in. Looked
like he was going pass out right there," Buffy said. "I
thought Xander was gonna have to do mouth to mouth."

"They make such a... beautiful couple," Wesley said
breaking into tears and turning away. He clutched his
handkerchief and waved it, biting his trembling lower
lip. "I'm sorry. Allergies."

*****

What was normally an unbearable flight, passed
quickly. Giles caught a few hours of sleep, but spent
most of the time lost in a waking dream. All he had to
do was look down at the woman in his arms. Willow, his
wife.

They'd taken the red-eye, slated to arrive at
Charles-De-Gaulle Airport at roughly 7 am local time.
A taxi ride to the hotel, and their honeymoon would
officially be underway. He thought he had learned
what true happiness was these last few months, but
one glance at the woman by his side, and he knew
the best was yet to come.

Closing his eyes, he idly started humming and finally
softly singing.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME, AND WON'T THAT BE FINE
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, COME THE DAY THAT YOU'RE MINE

COME THE DAY THAT YOU'RE MINE
I'M GONNA TEACH YOU TO FLY
WE'VE ONLY TASTED THE WINE
WE'RE GONNA DRAIN THAT CUP DRY

Willow slowly roused from her sleep, hearing Rupert
quietly singing. He felt her stir and gazed down into
her eyes, the tenderness in his voice, the meaning of
his words... only for her.

WAIT TILL YOUR CHARMS ARE RIGHT FOR THESE ARMS TO
SURROUND
YOU THINK YOU'VE FLOWN BEFORE, BUT YOU AIN'T LEFT THE
GROUND

He pulled her closer into his arms; his rich voice
barely a whisper.

WAIT TILL YOU'RE LOCKED IN MY EMBRACE
WAIT TILL I HOLD YOU NEAR [I thought "DRAW YOU NEAR"]
WAIT TILL YOU SEE THAT SUNSHINE PLACE
THERE AIN'T NOTHIN' LIKE IT HERE

THE BEST IS YET TO COME, AND WON'T THAT BE FINE
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, COME THE DAY THAT YOU'RE MINE

Willow caressed his cheek and pulled him into the
softest kiss.

*****

The hotel room was exquisite, filled with beautiful
antique furniture. The bedroom and bath were just as
elegantly appointed - a huge king size canopy bed and
a decadent claw-foot bathtub stood out among the
treasures.

Once they were alone, an awkward silence fell. Giles
smiled a bit nervously and held open his arms. Willow
nestled herself against his chest. They both sighed
contentedly.

"Happy?" he asked.

"Mmm-hmmm."

"Would you like to take a shower?"

She pulled back abruptly and looked at him nervously.

He grinned in understanding and stroked her cheek. "It
was a long flight. Why don't you go first?"

Willow smiled and shook her head a bit embarrassed at
her sudden shyness. "You go," she said, her heart
pounding in her chest.

Giles nodded and leaned down for a gentle kiss. "I
won't be long."

She watched him disappear into the bath and flopped
down onto the bed. She was so nervous, she thought she
might explode.

'Get grip,' she told herself. 'He loves you, you love
him, There's nothing to be afraid of.' She sighed
heavily. "Nothing to be afraid of," she said to the
empty room.

A few minutes later Giles came back into the bedroom,
wrapped in a thick terrycloth robe. "S'all yours,
Love," he said as he rubbed a towel over his wet hair.

Willow nodded and grabbed her suitcase, the big one,
and dragged it into the bath, shutting the door behind
her. Giles managed to stifle his chuckle, wouldn't do
to laugh at your wife on your honeymoon.

He smiled to himself and turned to appreciate the
beautiful room. He noticed the tray of fruit sitting
by the window.

He looked out onto the left bank of Paris and enjoyed
a few bites of food while he waited for Willow.

Twenty minutes later and the door was still shut. He
thought about checking on her, but figured that would
probably just make her more nervous. He sighed and ate
another piece of fresh melon.

He heard the door open and sighed in relief. "Would
you l-l-l-...." His voice failed him as he saw his
wife emerge from the bath.

She was a wearing negligee - short, green and designed
to stop all the higher brain functions of any male in
sight.

"Y-y-you..." he rasped.

Willow smiled, a mixture of innocence and seduction.
Slowly, she crossed the room. Giles' mouth opened
slightly; his breath, literally taken away.

Willow stopped just a few inches from her husband; her
small hand reaching out and touching his chest. The
expression on his face gave her all the courage she
needed.

Giles swallowed hard. "H-h-hungry?" he stammered.

Willow nodded, her emerald eyes melting him into a
puddle of goo.

"Melon?"

She smiled slyly and shook her head. She licked her
lips and looked down at his chest. The hand that lay
there slipped underneath the cloth of his robe,
sliding along his skin, finally resting above his
heart.

She closed her eyes, loving his low moan and the
throbbing beat of his heart. Slowly, she leaned
forward, pushing more of the material way from his
chest. She paused, letting her breath play against his
body, before placing a soft kiss on his warm skin.

Giles gasped as she kissed his chest. His hands wound
their way into her hair, tilting her head up. He gazed
down into her eyes and was overwhelmed again by the
love he saw. "Willow," he breathed, leaning down to
capture her lips.

His hands slipped from her hair, and slid down her
back, the feel of her silk negligee was like an
aphrodisiac. His long fingers spread out as he
reached her waist, just resting below the small of her
back.

As the passion of the kiss intensified, both of
Willow's hands ran up Giles' chest, kneading the
strong muscles. Her touch pushed him further into the
sensual haze; his hands dipped down to cup her bottom
and pull it up toward him.

She could feel the hard press of his arousal through
the thick cloth of his robe. Wanting to feel his body
against hers, her hands moved down his chest, grazing
the taut muscles of his abdomen, and finally grasped
the sash of his robe.

Giles felt the path of fire her hand made as it
traveled down his skin. His hazel eyes, dark with
lust, met hers as she pulled on the tie, the garment
opening to her touch. Her eyes never leaving his, her
hands retraced their path up his torso. Her
fingernails gently scraped against his nipples, as she
moved up to his shoulders and pushed the robe back off
his body. Giles reluctantly released his hold on her
to let it fall to the ground, pooling at his feet.

Willow moaned softly at the sight of his bare chest,
instinctively leaning in and taking one his nipples in
her mouth.

Giles let out a short breath, as her teeth grazed his
aching flesh. Her body moved against his. She groaned
again as the hard length of his cock pressed against
her belly. She wiggled a little, loving the feel of
him moving along her body.

He knew he had to slow her down, or he'd lose himself
too quickly. Giles took hold of her shoulders and
pushed her back slightly. She looked up at him,
confusion and a tinge of embarrassment filling her
eyes.

Giles answered in the only way he could and dove down
to take her mouth in a bruising kiss. His arms swept
her up easily from the floor, his mouth never leaving
hers.

He strode across the room to the large canopy bed. He
pulled out of the kiss and set her gently down on the
soft mattress. He lay down, half on and half off her,
his mouth traveling down her neck. He placed soft
kisses along her skin, lingering over her pulse point,
suckling the tender skin.

He relished her soft moans of pleasure as his mouth
moved to her collarbone and finally to the creamy
expanse of her chest. The silky material of her
negligee couldn't hide her arousal.

Giles' hand slid up her hip, along her side, finally
resting just below her small breast. His thumb grazed
the peak of her nipple. The barest touch winning a
gasp from her lips.

He smiled up at her. "My wife," he said, his voice a
mixture of awe and possessiveness.

"My husband," she sighed.

He grinned and gazed into her eyes as he lowered the
strap of her gown down over shoulder. He looked down
at her exposed body and flicked his tongue over the
hard bead of her breast.

She arched into his mouth, and he greedily took what
she offered. His hands slipped beneath her body,
lifting it to his mouth, as he engulfed her perfect
breast.

His teeth played with her aching nipple even as his
hand slid the other strap over her shoulder. He moved
to lavish her other breast with same attention -
sometimes nibbling, sometimes licking.

Slowly, his mouth moved away from the soft globes of
her chest, his thumbs still casually making circles
around the crinkled areolae.

Giles worked his way down her stomach, kissing her
soft skin, relishing the feel of her beneath him. He
pulled the material of her negligee down as he went,
until he reached her hips.

He moved down the bed, kneeling before her, his
erection tightly pressed to his stomach. He looked
into her eyes for permission and grinned when he saw
his own passion reflected.

He placed another soft kiss on the gentle swell of her
belly before sliding the silk over her hips and
revealing her fully. Lying before him was a goddess,
his goddess, his wife.

His eyes ran up the length of her, from her long legs,
across the seductive vee of her sex, along the pale
skin of her chest topped with perfect, small breasts
and up to her radiant face. "You are... the most
beautiful thing I've ever seen," he said softly.

"Rupert," she sighed and he leaned down, resting his
body lightly on hers as they kissed. Her small hands
ran down his back, pulling him closer.

"May I?" he asked seductively.

She smiled and tilted her head in a question, as he
ran a finger down her cheek. "Taste you?" he finished.

She bit her lower lip and nodded.

Giles slid down the bed, his hands running carefully
along her body as he positioned himself between her
legs. He caressed the soft flesh of her inner thighs.
Willow's breath came faster in anticipation. She
opened her legs to him, allowing him access to her, to
taste her.

He kissed her thighs, each in turn, slowly making his
way up to her sex. He breathed in the heady scent of
her arousal and felt his cock surge. With infinite
tenderness, his tongue swept along her cleft.

He moaned with delight; she tasted sweeter than he
could have imagined. The vibrations from his mouth
sent a shiver of pleasure up her spine.

His tongue darted out, flicking at the nub of her
clitoris. She gasped as her hips bucked toward him.

His hands slid up her thighs to her hips, grasping
them, pulling her closer to his waiting mouth. His
tongue dove into her, as her hands wound tightly into
the bedspread.

He made love to her with his mouth. His tongue
swirling along her soft folds, up and down, across and
back, sometimes thrusting deep inside her. He could
feel her muscles begin to tense, her hips starting to
shake as the beginnings of her first orgasm welled
inside her.

He bit down slightly on her clit, and she clenched
around him. He held her hips in place as she writhed,
gasping for air, her back arching up off the bed. He
looked up, wanting to see her face, to share her
pleasure.

Gods, she was beautiful.

As the quivering stopped and she lay back again, Giles
greedily lapped at her juices, slipping a finger
inside her and groaned.

Slowly, he moved his finger against the sensitive
walls inside her, felling her pulsate, the spasms of
her orgasm, continuing to cascade through her. Knowing
she was standing on the precipice again, he thrust
another finger into her. She cried out, another orgasm
rushing through her.

"Oh, God," she panted breathlessly as the world
started to come back into focus.

Giles gave her a long languorous lick, causing her to
quake once more, before moving back up to lie with
her. He kissed her mouth gently, staring down into her
hazy eyes.

Soon they began to clear, and the emerald spark gave
way to fire, as she grabbed Giles' head and pulled him
down for a deep kiss.

Eventually breaking for air, Willow grinned and pushed
his shoulder, urging him to lie on his back.

Giles willingly gave in to her demand and lay back.
Willow kissed him gently, trailing soft kisses down
his jaw. Then suddenly, she dipped her head down and
suckled the skin above his Adam's apple, grinning as
she felt him swallow excitedly.

Swept away by passion, Willow drifted down his chest -
nibbling his skin, her nails scraping across his
nipples. She took one between her teeth, loving the
groan that rumbled through his chest.

Unable to resist any longer, Willow moved down the
bed and knelt between his legs. With a wicked grin,
she leaned down and licked his cock from base to tip -
one long wet lick.

"God," he groaned.

She repeated the gesture, her hands squeezing the
broad muscles of his thighs. She nibbled on the base
of him, feeling the skin tauten and seeing his cock
surge up, straining for her touch.

She wrapped her small hand around the base and gently
ran her fingers up the sides of him. She loved the
silky feel of his skin and the hard length - aching
for her.

She caressed him. With each pass, he pulsed - reaching
out to her. With each pass she leaned down closer,
until her mouth was just above him.

Finally, as he surged up, she took him into her mouth.

"W-w-willow," he gasped, fighting desperately not to
come right then.

She squeezed the base, as her mouth moved up and down
- taking more of him in each time, her tongue dragging
along the sensitive underside.

"L-love, don't-" he breathed, reaching down to stop
her before she sent him spiraling over the edge.

Reluctantly, Willow released him and looked up at her
husband. The fear that she'd done something wrong
was pushed aside as she saw the expression on his
face.

Giles swallowed and tried to breathe as she moved back
up to his side. Finally, she lay atop him, trapping his
aching cock between their bodies. She kissed him as
he still struggled to breathe and whispered in his ear.
"Make love to me."

Giles groaned and rolled over, so that he was on top.
"Until the day I die," he pledged before stealing
another kiss.

He reached down between them and guided himself to her
opening, pausing briefly before easing into her. She
was slick with her orgasms, but still so incredibly
tight.

Slowly, he entered her, his eyes shining with wonder
and desire. Willow closed her eyes for a moment,
letting herself relax and adjust to his size. He
nuzzled her neck, placing tender kisses on her skin
until she was ready.

He felt her hands press down on his back, urging him
to start moving. Gently thrusting with even strokes,
he began. He could feel her opening up to him, pulling
him deeper inside.

Willow opened her eyes and met his - love and passion,
awe and ecstasy. Their breathing became harsher as his
strokes became longer, thrusting faster. Willow pulled
her knees back, and he went deeper still.

"Ohhh," she gasped as he filled her.

Giles panted, his eyes growing bright, his hands held
her head as he took her mouth in a demanding kiss.

She felt her muscles start to clench, the implosion
beginning. Her stomach seemed to fill with warmth,
drop down and turn inside out, as the blackness closed
in. She shuddered and arched into him as her orgasm
came crashing down. She cried out his name as the
burst of white swept over eyes.

The feel of her tightening around him, the look on her
face, and the sound of her voice calling out his name
pushed him over the edge. With one final thrust, Giles
buried himself inside his wife, shooting his essence
deep within her.

"Oh, Willow. Oh, God," he gasped as he collapsed on
top of her.

After a few long moments, the world began to
materialize again. Willow stroked his back as he still
gasped for breath. Eventually finding the strength to
move, Giles rolled off the side, pulling her into his
arms.

Giles caressed her cheek, pulling her in for a soft
kiss.

They made love through the afternoon, until sleep
finally claimed them. When they woke in each others
arms, it was as husband and wife.

The best was yet to come.

The End