Title: Obeying Nature 8/?
Author: Adele
Disclaimer: The characters are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Sandollar Productions, Kuzui Enterprises, 20th Century Fox Television, the WB Television Network, and whoever else may have a hold on them. I do not mean to infringe upon any copyrights.
It didn't take long for Giles to join the gang chatting outside, freshly showered and dressed in jeans and light blue shirt that made Buffy's body tingle.
He seated himself next to her, contentedly listening to the chatter that flowed around the table. Hidden from the view of the others, his hand lightly stroked her thigh. She carefully covered his hand with her own, her thumb stroking the back of his as she took a sip of wine with her other hand. Both avoided eye contact during dinner, worried that if their eyes met they wouldn't be able to hide their feelings. Still, it didn't stop their hands from meeting under the table at every opportunity, silently conveying how much they needed each other.
If the others thought they were a little quiet during dinner, no one commented on it. They were all used to Watcher/Slayer pre-fight preoccupation, so they chatted amongst themselves. Buffy and Giles were so focused on each others' bodies sitting close together, but not close enough, that they completely missed Anya's scrutinizing gaze that followed their every move.
Buffy and Giles did participate enough to cast their votes for an early night. It didn't take long for everyone to finish dinner. After a little after-dinner conversation (and the promised dish clean up by Watcher and Slayer) they called the night to a halt. At Anya's suggestion they agreed to try to sleep as long as possible. That way everyone would be completely rested for the next night's fight. They all headed inside to prepare for bed.
Giles stayed outside, hoping for a brief moment with Buffy. He released a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding when she came back. Both grinned at each other as they heard Xander, Willow and Anya fight over bathroom rights inside. After a quick glance to make sure the others where nowhere near, Giles took Buffy's hand and pulled her close to his body.
"Buffy, I want you to promise me something" he said seriously as he hugged her close.
"Mmmmm?" was all Buffy managed as she revelled in the feel of his body pressed to hers.
"Promise me you'll be careful tomorrow. No heroics. I couldn't bear it if something should happen to you."
Her eyes flew open and began to tear up as she heard his words. For a second she contemplated telling him, but then decided against it. It would make him worry, and that would mean he would get no rest, which would put him in risk during the fight. Instead she only held him close and buried her face into his neck while nodding, "I promise."
After a few minutes, Giles raised his head and gently cupped her cheek. "I love you," he whispered before letting his mouth cover hers. He'd meant it to be a short comforting kiss, but it quickly turned passionate. Both completely forgot were they where, until a triumphant voice broke their torrid embrace.
"I knew it!"
They jumped apart and looked towards the door. Anya was standing there with a smug smile.
Buffy and Giles turned an interesting shade of red, while Anya jumped up and down with excitement.
"Ah, A-Anya, this i-is not what it l-looks like", Giles tried unsuccessfully.
"Oh really? Because from where I'm standing it looks like you and Buffy were kissing. It looks like you'd done it before." Anya replied, in an almost accusing tone.
Giles, frustrated, ran his hand through his hair, and looked to Buffy for help. Before she had a chance to say anything, Anya continued with a soft smile.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
At their disbelieving look, Anya laughed. "I promise. Giles has been alone for too long. I watch him turn away attractive women all the time at the Magic Shop. It was obvious he was waiting for you." She turned slightly towards a surprised Buffy, "And from what Xander has told me Giles is much better than any of your other boyfriends. At least he won't hurt your friends. I am glad that you finally have someone to have orgasms with, both of you. It doesn't make sense that you are trying to hide it, but since you are obviously sneaking around, I promise not to tell Xander or Willow."
At their relieved look, she continued mischievously. "Yet."
"Thank you, Anya. I have always known you were the soul of discretion." Giles said, somewhat ironically, but mostly with relief that they wouldn't have to explain their relationship to the rest of their little gang just yet. Buffy just gave Anya a playful glare that turned into a grateful smile.
Anya turned away from them and regally waved her arm, "You may carry on!"
****
Buffy immediately moved into his arms and stared kissing his neck.
"Umm, Buffy, you r-really need to s-stop", Giles stuttered while his arms indicated differently as they closed around her.
"Don't want to" Buffy mumbled against his skin as her kisses moved towards the v of his shirt.
"Me neither, luv, but when it comes to you I have hardly any restraints left." Carefully he untangled himself from her and looked into her eyes. Buffy relented when she saw how serious he was. His pupils were dilated and his breathing was irregular. With a short kiss to his lips she nodded her head in acceptance, but let her hands run down the front of his shirt.
He closed his eyes with a groan. Buffy felt a small spark of pride at the emotions she was able to stir in him.
"I wish I could stay with you tonight" she said with a slight grumble.
"So do I luv, but we both know what would happen if you did." he said with a rueful smile.
She nodded her head with a twinkle in her eye. "You're right about that!"
They parted with a last hug, denying themselves a kiss, since this time they knew they wouldn't be able to stop. With a regretful look, Buffy turned away from him and walked inside. Giles blew out a frustrated breath and willed his body to calm down. It was certainly going to be a long night.