Title: He Lost Her
Author: Donna (aka Cashew)
Pairing: B/G
Summary: Giles loses someone he loves.
Spoilers: None really
Rating: G
Feedback: Please
Disclaimer: Joss and co. own all

Rupert Giles sighed heavily, heart aching, furiously blinking back tears. He had known that this day would come and he thought he had been prepared for it. It seems like he wasn't. His golden girl, he shook his head, throat tight. He smiled through his tears, all the times she had defied him, stood up to him and yes, hurt him. Giles smiled mistily, all the times he had helped her up, supported her and all the times he had to stand by and watch her fall.

The first time she had said, 'I love you'. His throat worked convulsively. Her boyfriends, the prom. Watching her turn from him to the arms of another man. Then, this. He quelled his irrational sense of betrayal, she hadn't meant to...

Music started, the congregation stood. He felt her arm slide through his and he looked down at her petite frame. Giles sighed; she looked so beautiful today, as all brides should. A part of him so desperately wanted to pick her up and run, he wasn't ready to let her go. As she smiled up at him, radiant, blonde hair glistening in the sun, he knew that the day had finally come. He had to let her go. Drawing a deep breath, pressing a gentle kiss to her brow, he started down the aisle to the man she had chosen; the man she loved.

The love shining from her intended's eyes soothed his battered heart somewhat. Finally reaching the altar, he pressed a kiss to her palm before handing her over to another man. Sniffling miserably, he made his exit before he could disgrace himself before family and friends, almost running to the back of the church.

She came up next to him, arms wrapping around his waist. Giles clutched her to him, resting his face against her fading blond hair.

She smiled. "Oh Giles, they'll be okay." She soothed.

Giles looked down at Buffy, quickly wiping away a tear. "But, Buffy! My baby's getting married!" He softly wailed.