Title: Prom
Author: grossepointecopper
Pairing: G/Cordelia, Buffy/Angel, Anya/Xander, Willow/Oz, Wesley/Faith
Rating: PG-PG-13 (A regular Buffy episode)
Time scale: Season 3. My version of The Prom.
Spoilers: I don’t think there are any, but…
Feedback: Yes please. Flames will be used to fire up my rocket launcher and top up my tan.
Summary: Season 3. My version of The Prom (anyone else sensing a pattern?)
Distribution: Well, if you want it, email me, and I’ll probably say yes.
Disclaimer: All belongs to the Almighty Joss, Twentieth Century Fox, UPN, WB & Mutant Enemy. All I own is my mind, and if you want that, you’re even weirder than I am.
Author’s notes: Okay, X and C never kissed/dated, and C is just a scoobie. W and X never kissed, so W and O are still together. Faith never went bad, and Angel stayed. No Ascension. Many, many thanks to my best friend, who beta’d this willingly for me at seven in the morning over breakfast.

1 WEEK TO PROM, GILES’ OFFICE IN THE LIBRARY, 3 p.m.

Giles found the invitation on his desk. He flipped open the thick, cream envelope revealing the pearl pink stationary inside. He carefully unfolded it, and read the engraving. It read:

He could read his slayer’s handwriting where she had filled in the blanks. He smiled, and opened the office door.

“Buffy!” she poked her head out of the stacks. “What is this?”

“Well, we’re all Prom bound, so we figured since you’re chaperoning, you can join us. That is, me, Xand, Will, Cordy, Wes, Faith, Oz, Anya and Angel. Whaddya say?” he sighed long-sufferingly.

“Fine, fine. But I’m not sitting next to Angel.”

“Cool,” she smiled. “Oh, and don’t wear tweed.” he rolled his eyes at her.

PROM NIGHT, CORDY’S HOUSE 5 p.m.

“Why am I so nervous?” she asked herself as she turned every way, trying to see her whole body in the dress. “Because you’re in love with Giles, and you’re hoping he’ll realise he loves you too tonight. Honestly Delia, could you get more pathetic? Not loving him, but wearing a slutty dress to make him notice you? Great plan. Psycho much?” she sighed, and craned her head again. Well, at least you look good. Like that’d even matter if he doesn’t notice. I hope he does. I wonder what he’ll wear. He’d look so yummy in a tux. Down girl. Wouldn’t matter how yummy he’d look if he didn’t love/want/notice you, and you know it. Stop hoping. It probably won’t happen anyway. I really hope I’m wrong, she thought. Giving up, she began to paint her fingernails, dreaming of what the night might bring her. I hope it brings me Giles in a tux.

PROM NIGHT, GILES’ HOUSE 6 p.m.

He smoothed the lapels on his jacket. It was custom made, and he looked good in it. He spread a tea towel on his knee, and started to polish his shoes. What are you hoping for, old man? That tonight Delia will realise her undying love for you? Yeah, right. And those lovely men with the white jacket should be turning up any minute now. Fact is; if she wasn’t going to be there, you would have passed. You’re doing all this for her, and you know it. Way to go, you’ve fallen for an eighteen year old girl. I’m too old for this, as they’ve all not hesitated to tell me several times a day. Part of me wishes I didn’t feel this way, but another part of me would rather love her, and not have her return my feelings than not love her at all. He sighed. “You will go to this…party, and you will have a good time,” he told himself sternly. He looked in the mirror. “Yeah, I’m not fooling anyone am I buddy?” he sat down again. Besides, she’d be disgusted if she knew. You’re 40, and she’s 18. Somehow, I think she’s more likely to pepper-spray me than fall desperately in love. Delusional much?

PROM NIGHT, WILLOW’S HOUSE, TELEPHONE CALL FROM BUFFY, 7 p.m.

“Will?”

“Buff? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Slight change of plans though. We’re gonna meet in two’s, the girls go to the guys’ houses, and have a drink before we all meet at the restaurant.”

“Why?”

“Running late.”

“Okay. Can I help?”

“Yeah. Can you call the guys and tell them? Here’s who’s going with who…”

PROM NIGHT, CORDY’S HOUSE, TELEPHONE CALL FROM BUFFY, 7.10 p.m.

“Cordy?”

“Buffy? What is it?”

“Change of plans. We’re gonna meet in two’s, have a drink, and then all regroup at the restaurant.”

“Okay. Where do I go?”

“You go to watcher-mine’s house.”

“Giles?”

“Don’t mean Wesley,” she said cheerfully.

“O-okay. Bye Buffy.”

“Bye,” they hung up.

Okay, now I really need to look great. I’ll be alone with Giles? I need to look really, really great. I think I’ll change. This dress is too…tame.

PROM NIGHT, GILES’ HOUSE, TELEPHONE CALL FROM WILLOW, 7.15 p.m.

“Giles here.”

“It’s Willow.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yeah. There’s been a change in plans. What we’re doing now, is the girls are going to the guys’ houses and having a drink before we all meet at the restaurant, cause Buffy’s running late.”

“Okay.”

“Cordy’s coming to your house,” she said looking at the list of names.

“C-Cordelia?” he gasped. “O-okay.”

“Cool. See you later.”

“Goodbye Willow.”

“Bye!” they hung up simultaneously.

Cordelia is coming here? I’ll be alone with her? I need a drink.

PROM NIGHT, XANDER’S HOUSE, OPENING THE FRONT DOOR, 7.30 p.m.

“Hi!”

“Hey…Anya.”

“You don’t have any bunnies do you?” she asked nervously

“No. Used to, but the cat ate it. That was like two years ago though. Fruit roll up?” she glared at him.

“Cheese Doodles,” she snapped.

“No, I wasn’t calling you a fruit roll up, I was asking if you wanted one.”

“Oh. Sorry. Yes please,” she took one off the platter

“Come in,” she stepped inside. “You look…wow,” she smiled.

“Thank you. You look very handsome,” she said. Xander blushed. “Why have you gone red?”

“It’s called blushing Ahn.”

“Oh. Well what does it mean?” he sighed This is going to be a long night.

PROM NIGHT, GILES’ HOUSE, CORDELIA AT THE FRONT DOOR, 7. 35 p.m.

Okay. This is it. Make or Break time. You look as good as you’re gonna get. Taking a deep breath, she rang the doorbell. Giles opened the door a few seconds later.

“Wow. You look great Giles,”

“Thank you.”

“Is that real Italian leather?” she asked, pointing to his shoes.

“Yes. You look beautiful tonight Cordelia. Please, come in.”

“Thank you. And…would you call me Delia?”

“If you wish me too, certainly,” she smiled at him, and stepped into his apartment. “Would you like something to drink?”

“Do you have Diet Coke?” he smiled, and walked to the fridge.

“Yes. Here you are.” he handed over a glass filled with the soda, and led her into the living room. “Delia?”

“Mm?”

“Are you lot aware that no one in the restaurant you have chosen speaks English? They’re all Italian.”

“Shoot. Really?” he nodded. “Oh well. Buffy’s fault. She’s the one that picked it.” she finished her soda.

“Shall we go?”

“In the words of the slayer: Let’s shall.” he took her arm, and escorted her to his car. “Giles! What happened to the Citroen?” in front of her was a red Jaguar.

“Cashed it in. Getting a bit old. Not the only one of us either.” she glared at him.

“You’re not old.” he rolled his eyes, and held open the passenger door for her. “Thank you.” they drove off into the night.

PROM NIGHT, 8 P.M., MARIANA’S RESTAURANT.

“So,” Xander said, “What’s the betting that the G-man’ll turn up in tweed?”

“10 bucks,” Buffy said. The others placed their bets, with only Anya saying he wouldn’t dare walk in with Cordelia on his arm wearing tweed. Suddenly, they heard murmuring, and looked towards the door. Willow’s mouth dropped open, and squealed.

“Willow baby, close your mouth. You’re catching flies.” Oz gently reminded her. She snapped her jaw shut.

“Hello all,”

“Hi guys!” Giles and Cordelia greeted them all. Anya stretched her hand out, and everyone handed over their money. Giles turned to Cordy, and, eyes twinkling said

“I told you they’d bet on if I was wearing tweed or not.” Faith found her voice.

“Giles, you look great. And Cordy, you look gorgeous.” they smiled at the brunette slayer, before Giles pulled out Cordelia and Faith’s seats. They smiled at him, and sank down gratefully.

“As I was saying to Delia before, do any of you know how to speak Italian? The waiters here don’t speak English.”

“I’ll manage Mr. Giles,” Wesley said. The waiter approached, and Wesley took over, flummoxing the man with his bad Italian.

“Wes? Shut up.” suddenly, he said, in fluent Italian, “Cameriere!

Finalmente, qualcuno che può parlare italiano. Sta avendo un tempo buono?

Sì, noi siamo.

Cosa gradirebbe bere?

Potrebbe portarci due bottiglie del vino bianco e più dolce che Lei ha, tre cole di dieta ed un succo di arancia per la donna dai capelli rossi?

Certamente il signore. È pronto ordinare ancora il Suo pasto?

Non solo ancora, grazie.

Molto bene. Per favore mi chiami quando Lei è. Lei è su tutto molto vestito. È un'occasione speciale?

Il loro Prom.

Io vedo. Grazie signore.

Grazie.” Giles turned to face the table again, and saw everyone staring at him. “What?” he asked.

Buffy said “Where the hell did you learn to do that?” he leaned in.

“Buffy, I can speak hundreds of languages, including five hundred demon. I think I’d be pretty pathetic if I couldn’t speak Italian.” Buffy nodded.

“Wow. Impressive G.” That was Faith. The waiter came back and, winking at Giles put the drinks in exactly the right places. Willow looked longingly at the soda.

“No Willow. I’m not having you on a sugar high tonight.”

“Okay.” Cordy leaned across the table, and whispered

“Giles? Umm, we’re not old enough to drink wine.”

”Well, in England you could quite legally, and I don’t see why they think this way is better. I’m not going to arrest you any minute now, and the waiters here all feel the same way. So, enjoy yourselves while it lasts.” The waiter came back again, and Giles placed their order. When he turned back to the table, eyes twinkling, he said to the others

“He said to tell you that you all look wonderful tonight. Oh, and Faith? He called you ‘Hot Stuff’.” the table laughed, and Faith’s cheeks coloured.

Later, when they were all eating, Anya slammed her fork down on the table

“THAT’S IT!!” she yelled

“Ahn, remember when we talked about not yelling in restaurants?”

“Yeah, but I can’t take it any longer. It’s ludicrous to have these interlocking bodies, and not interlock, especially when it’s clear that you both love each other. Wesley? Faith? I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. The way Xander looks at a cheeseburger. Buffy? Angel? I’ve found a curse. The same, but with no happiness clause. I’ll get in touch with Halfrek tomorrow. Giles and Cordelia? I don’t have all day. Raise your hands if you knew they love each other?” everybody raised their hands, and they flushed a deep crimson. Xander tried desperately to rescue the evening, by saying

“O-Kay. I think we’d better head on to the Prom now, don’t you? Let’s pay.”

PROM NIGHT, SUNNYDALE HIGH GYM, 9.30 P.M.

They all walked into the gym together, and most drifted towards the refreshment table. Cordelia stood by the others, holding a glass of punch, wishing Giles would ask her to dance. Wesley was standing by him, blabbing on about whether it would be proper or not to ask Faith to dance. Giles lost his temper, and slammed his glass down.

“For god’s sake man!” he yelled. The scoobies watched. “She’s eighteen, and you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone! Ask her, and shut up!” he stalked away from Wesley, hearing applause and laughter from the Slayerettes. Wesley flushed, and asked Faith to dance. They walked to the dance floor, where he made a fool of himself flinging his arms and legs about.

Cordelia couldn’t take it anymore. She put her glass on the table, and grabbed Giles’ face in her hands. She kissed him, knowing she couldn’t lie to him any more. She grinned when she felt him responding. How cool is that, she thought.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too,” he whispered back. Suddenly, she saw Herr Snyder standing there.

“Well, what do we have here?” he asked. “I could have you fired Mr. Giles, and expel everyone here. I think I will…” he was interrupted by Giles asking Xander to move from the wall. Giles grabbed Snyder’s shirt, and pinned him to the wall, several inches off the ground.

“Listen to me, you rat-faced little man,” he hissed, “do you not remember what I said last time? When you refused to let Miss Summers back in school? You are an irritating little man, with ears the size of the F.A cup’s handles. You will back off, and if I see you even look at Miss Chase, or any of these students the wrong way again, you will find out what I’m like when I get angry. As for myself, I’m quitting after graduation so I don’t have to see your pathetic face for one moment longer than I have to.” he released Snyder, and turned back to the slayer and the Slayerettes. Snyder ran away, rubbing his neck. “I’m sorry you all had to see that. Herr Snyder was getting on my nerves.” Cordy smiled at him, and fluttered her eyelashes

“My hero,” she simpered. “Ya wanna dance?” he nodded, and extended his arm for her. They swept onto the dance floor gracefully, before executing a perfect waltz.

PROM NIGHT, CORDY’S POV, ON THE DANCEFLOOR

I can’t believe it. He feels the same way about me, and he threatened Snyder to defend my honour. I feel so safe and loved in his arms. I wish I could stay here forever. Well, not literally, cause I don’t think I could tango forever with out getting motion sickness, but I know what I mean. I never thought he could feel the same way, but it turns out he always has. Am I the luckiest girl alive or what? Actually, that excludes the undead, so am I the luckiest girl ever or what?

PROM NIGHT, GILES’ POV, ON THE DANCEFLOOR

I can’t believe she feels the same way. I never imagined she would. I hoped, certainly, but… If it wasn’t for Anya’s sex comments I’d think it was a dream. In my dreams she’s always quiet though, so I know it’s real. I’m rambling now, and I know it. I wish I could stay forever, just holding her in my arms, feeling her silky hair, and feeling her breathe against my chest. I love her so much. I must be blessed for her to love me back.

ANYA’S POV, WATCHING GILES AND CORDELIA ON THE DANCEFLOOR

Finally! God, they must be idiots to not have seen it. I knew from the moment I saw them together. Every time either of them turned, the other was watching them. Stealing glances across the table, accidentally brushing each other’s hands with their own. How gullible can two people get? Even Xander knew (I think). It is pretty obvious, just watching them. They rarely take their eyes off each other. And the others? Well, they’re just stupid. Honestly, I’m working with a bunch of chimps here. Actually, chimps are very intelligent. Xander walked up to her, and she laid her head on his shoulder. Though they are very good looking chimps. I’m pleased they’ve found each other, all of them, but I wish they had picked up on it before tonight.

END OF PROM, SLAYERS AND SLAYERETTES ONLY REMAINING.

The couple swayed softly to their own music. The band had long packed up, and left, as had almost everyone else. Giles and Cordy reluctantly parted, and walked over to the others by the refreshment table.

“Come on then, we should clean this up. After all, a certain blonde slayer did volunteer us to clean up. I don’t know why, but she did.” Buffy blushed.

“I thought I was gonna have a crummy Prom, and I thought I should drag you all down with me,” she admitted. Giles threw a crumpled napkin at her. They cleaned up pretty efficiently, and the couples took to the dance floor one last time. They swayed to the soft tunes of the stereo Willow found, and looked into the eyes of their beloved. The lights flickered, and automatically went out, leaving the couples in darkness. Cordy started to panic, and Giles cast a spell to relight the gym. They all took up their positions with their loved one, and danced until the threat of the early morning rays made them take Angel to his crypt. The remaining lovers smiled at each other, happy that they had all found their one true love. And not a moment too soon, Anya thought. She smiled; happy with the knowledge that she had helped her friends find happiness and peace at long last.

End.