Title: Once In A Lifetime 16/24
Author: Karen Jephson
Disclaimer: Not mine, unfortunately. Want to adopt and treat them better
than their owners, but I don't have enough.
Feedback: Live for it.
Note: To Trich and Gail. Thanks for your nagging, your precise beta, and your
constant encouragement.
Rupert grabbed the jacket Xander had brought round for him earlier. "I appreciate you taking me."
The other man nodded. "No big. You sure you don't want to stay with me?"
Rupert shook his head. "No. I think I need some time alone. It's a lot to take in."
"I know. I figure it'll take a while for us to get over the whole you and Buffy marrying thing." The two men smiled. Xander glanced over his shoulder, making sure none of the women were near enough to hear. "One thing Willow and I were wondering..."
"Yes?" There was a wariness to Rupert's query, as if he knew what the question was.
"You talked about when Buffy realized she was in love with you. But you didn 't say when you fell in love with her. We were wondering because."
"No, I don't think Janice would find this all cool. Especially on a school night." Buffy joined the two men as she responded to Dawn's request. "And you better be in bed when I get back from patrol."
"Nag."
Rupert laughed. "I see some things are the same." He glanced down at the slayer. "Will you be careful out there?"
Buffy nodded, sensing this was a ritual he followed every night. "Are you sure you want to spend the night alone in a hotel room?"
A smirk slipped across Rupert's lips. "Alone, no? But as there's no alternative..." He trailed off, before letting her off the hook and changing the subject. "Besides, it will give me a chance to go through some of Giles' things. Try to learn some more of this man who is your Watcher, then isn't."
Buffy dropped her eyes, the blush gracing her cheeks for both his innuendo and his comment about Giles. "It isn't all his fault, you know?"
Rupert nodded, brushing her cheek with his hand. "I know. But I would like to get to know him better. So, on that note, shall we go?" This queried of Xander.
At the younger man's nod the two of them made their way to the front door. Buffy held it open as she watched them climb into Xander's car. She raised her hand in farewell before releasing a sigh.