Title: Watcher, Slayer, Vampire, Witch 3/3
Author: Katy Hart
Disclaimer: Joss and company own them; I’m just
borrowing for fun.
Giles had been working on wedding plans after sending Buffy to look for Spike. He’d started a guest list and got stuck when he reached Joyce. In all the excitement, they’d forgotten about Buffy’s mother. Before he could think anymore about it, the front door burst open. He looked up, hoping it was Buffy, but saw only Xander and Anya.
“Giles, oh thank the gods you’re here. Something’s gone terribly wrong,” Anya cried.
She dragged Xander into the living room. As they advanced, he bumped into various things.
“Anya, do calm down. What’s the problem?”
“Xander’s blind!”
“Was there an accident at work? Why didn’t you go the emergency room?”
“No, no, Giles. He was seeing fine this morning, well enough that he and I…”
“Anya!” both men cried out.
“Okay, already. Well, Buffy called and asked Xander to check on Willow. Little miss I’m in pain cause my boyfriend dumped me was out getting drunk at the Bronze last night. So he went over to see her and was going to go to work from there. I got a call around lunchtime. Xander’s boss called, Xander was tripping over things, rubbing at his eyes. By the time we got home, he couldn’t see at all.”
Giles looked at the worried couple sitting on his couch.. This was puzzling.
“If it’s not health related, what do you think it is?”
“Willow,” Xander answered. “She’s been doing a lot of magic lately. She mentioned doing a ‘my will be done’ spell to help her get over Oz.” Xander looked startled. “It didn’t click until just now. She said I didn’t see anything. That’s when my vision started getting blurry. Oh no, if my part came true then that means…”
“What, Xander. What did she do? If I was still a demon…” Anya got up to pace.
“She said Spike could kiss her lips and that Buffy and Giles should get married. Where is Peroxide Boy?”
“Buffy went to find him; he disappeared after I asked him to be my best man.”
“You’re marrying Buffy?” Anya said. “About time you two saw the light. I hope having orgasms together will make you both happier.”
“Ahn, honey, I don’t need to hear that. Scary visual place.”
“Get it into your thick head, Xander Harris. Buffy and I are getting married. She would want you to be happy for her.”
They were all distracted by the door opening again. An agitated Spike stalked in, duster swirling everywhere.
“Rupert! I need your ‘elp mate. Someone or something took Red, I mean Willow.”
“You were with Willow all this time?” Giles asked.
“Yeah, had this urge to kiss her, so I went off the find ‘er. Kisses rather well she does. Did she learn that from you or the wolf?” Spike teased Xander.
“Not listening. Bad visual,” Xander chanted.
“You said Willow had been taken,” Giles refocused the conversation.
“Yeah, we was walkin’ to my crypt and got attacked by three vamps. I started fighting, oh the chip let’s me hit demons by the way.”
“Willow?” Giles prompted.
“Yeah, dusted my attacker and was about to get the two holding my girl when this big flash of light came and went. Thought I was dust for sure. Opened my eyes and no Willow. Dusted the other vamps and came ‘ere. Knew you might be able to find something.”
“Well there are a number of translocations spells…”
Giles was interrupted again by the opening of the door. Buffy waltzed in, a goofy grin on her face.
“I couldn’t find…oh, there you are Spike, can’t let you out of my sight for a minute. Oh, Giles, I saw the perfect dress, can I have it please?” she pouted.
“Oi, I got bigger problems, we need to find Red.”
“Willow’s missing?”
“Apparently she disappeared while out walking with Spike,” said Giles.
“Hey, don’t forget about Xander, he’s blind,” Anya pointed out.
“So Will’s missing and Xander’s blind. Care to fill me in?”
“It appears that Willow performed a spell that caused Xander’s disability, caused Spike to want to kiss her, and created the desire for us to get married. Of course the last part is utterly ridiculous.”
“As if. A spell, right. I love you, Giles. I’d marry you spell or not. Now, Spike kissing Will, that’s spellworthy.”
“Oi, that’s my girl you’re talking about.”
“Your girl, Spike. Since when did you like Willow?” Buffy scoffed.
“Since always. She’s all right is Red. Always treated me nice, even when I was mean to ‘er. Brought me blood after I found out ‘bout the chip. Jealous, Slayer?”
“Oh, yuck, no. You couldn’t pay me enough to be jealous. Besides which I have Giles. But if you hurt her, I’ll stake you in an instant.”
“If I hurt her, I’ll provide the stake.”
Once that was settled, Giles proposed going to where Willow disappeared to look for clues. All were in agreement, even Xander who couldn’t see to look.
Willow looked around, disoriented. One minute she was being held by two nasty vampires, the next she was here. Where was here anyway? She looked again and was spooked by a large demon with horns and a long beard.
“Um, hi, what am I doing here?”
“You have much anger and pain. Your magic is strong, but your pain? It’s like a scream that pierces dimensional walls. We heard your call.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll try for a quiet rage. Bye.”
“Our intention is not to quash your potential. Quite the opposite. The vengeance you brought to those you love is inspiring. You are ready to join us here in Arash Mahar.”
“Vengeance? You mean the ‘my will be done’ spell? But that went all kablooey. What kind of vengeance would I have for my friends? They are my friends after all.”
“Look,” he commanded.
A portal opened before her. It was kinda like watching T.V. There the gang was in the cemetery where she’d been walking with Spike. The vampire in question was pacing frantically, duster swirling, pointing and yelling. The scene shifted to Anya helping Xander whose focus seemed to be on nothing at all as his hands moved aimlessly about in front of him. Finally the portal shifted to show Buffy and Giles all over each other. They were grabbing, kissing and touching, without a care to who saw.
“Oh, so when I said Xander didn’t see and Buffy an Giles should…Oh! And Spike…you mean my spell went right? But Buffy and Giles together is of the good. They really are right for each other; they just don’t see it. Maybe they will now, if they forgive me. Now, Spike, I always did wonder about him before this. I really like kissing him and there could be more. Guess talking will have to happen. Poor Xand, guess I hafta undo the spell, just for him.”
“Undo the spell? But this is masterwork, artistry. You cannot undo this,” the demon pronounced.
“I can and I will Mr. Grumpy Demon,” Willow stamped her foot and put on her ‘resolve’ face.
The two had a stare down before the demon shrugged and held something out to Willow.
“Very well. But if you ever change your mind, give us a chant.”
He handed her the talisman and waved his hand. Willow found herself a few feet away from her friends. Before any of them could see her, she took a deep breath and chanted.
“Let the healing begin. Let my will be safe again. As these words of peace are spoken, let this harmful spell be broken.”
A soft blue light passed over the group. Buffy and Giles stopped mid kiss, pushing away from each other awkwardly. Xander blinked several times, looking at Anya with relief. Spike stopped pacing and looked around before spotting her.
“Red,” he sprinted over to her.
All eyes turned to Willow as Spike picked her up and twirled her around before setting her down again. She ducked her head shyly before looking at her friends and waving sheepishly.
“Hi guys.”
Xander and Anya forgave her after multiple batches of guilt cookies. Spike stuck with her, assuring her the spell had only confirmed what he felt for her. The only ones still mad at her and not talking to each other were Buffy and Giles. Watcher and Slayer interacted with the others but not each other. Buffy had even returned Giles’ ring via Anya. They were both deep in denial.
When a loud knock echoed at his crypt door, Spike wondered who it was. Red and the Slayer usually just waltzed in, Clem too. He wasn’t prepared for the sight of the Watcher.
“Rupes, ol’ boy. What brings you to my place?”
“Can I come in, Spike? There are a few things I would like to discuss with you.”
The vampire gestured for him to enter. Giles looked around, trying hard not to be disgusted.
“This is just the entrance, best stuff’s downstairs. Got me a bed, some chairs, a telly and a fridge for me blood. Come on down, it’ll be comfier.”
Giles just nodded and climbed down to the lower level. He wondered if letting the vampire go had been the best idea. Despite being unable to harm humans thanks to the chip, this was still William the Bloody. He was surprised to see how well maintained the lower level was; he chose a chair to sit in. Spike offered him a beer. Giles declined and gathered his thoughts.
“Guess this is ‘bout me an’ Red,” Spike said.
“Yes, well,” Giles took off his glasses, polishing them, before putting them back on. “Willow is a rather special person.”
“Absolutely.”
“I care a great deal for her and I wonder what your intentions are, Spike. Do you truly love her; are you even capable of love?”
“I was with Dru for over a century.”
“That only proves loyalty or insanity on your part.”
“Yeah, was a bit obsessive, weren’t it? No matter, I did feel a kind of love for ‘er. Red’s different. She makes me fee like a man again. Like I told the Slayer, if I hurt her, I’ll provide the stake. Don’t you feel that way ‘bout the Slayer?”
Giles just blushed and looked away. He didn’t want to talk about Buffy.
“You do. Have you told her? After the spell, I mean. Does she know you love her?”
“That’s really none of your business.”
“If you wanna go poking into my life, Rupes, I get to pry into yours. Tell her, s’only way you’ll know how she feels. If there’s nothing there, maybe you should think about going back to Merry Old.”
Giles sighed, Spike was right. He and Buffy needed to talk. He needed to tell her he loved her that he had for a long time. A small spark of hope ignited in his heart. He had plans to make. Ignoring his host, Giles got up and left.
“Red will be pleased, hope she holds up her end,” Spike said, making plans of his own for Willow.
Buffy had met Willow at the Espresso Pump to talk about Spike. Willow assured her she knew what she was doing and put an end to the conversation with her ‘resolve’ face. Now they just sat in silence, drinking mochas and Buffy wallowing in denial. Willow knew her best friend loved Giles, she just needed that push to admit it. The two had to get over whatever had kept them from talking.
“You should talk to him, Buffy.”
“I can’t, Will.”
“Why not? I mean, I know my spell had you both all smoochie, but that wasn’t bad was it?”
“No, Giles kisses, definitely of the good. But that wasn’t all, Will.”
“So you hugged and touched, big deal.”
“More than that, Will.”
“More? What? Oh, OH!” The witch blushed as she realized what Buffy meant. “Really. Was it…?”
“It was, wow. No words, Will. That’s why I can’t talk to him, I’m afraid he’ll think he took advantage or something.”
“But, Buffy, you’re not talking at all, and that’s bad. Get over the embarrassment and talk to him. This is Giles, maybe he feels the same way about you.”
“Giles, loves me? Will, that’s…”
“What, Buffy? Do you remember when he saved you from Amy’s mom? How worried he was when Travers fired him? How happy he was at Prom? That was all about you, Buffy.”
Buffy realized how right her friend was, Giles might love her. She had to talk to him, had to tell him how she felt. Even if he didn’t return her feelings, maybe they could just go back to being Watcher and Slayer again. She left her mocha and Willow behind, a plan in mind. Willow just smiled; there was hope for them yet. She went to tell Spike the good news.
Buffy stood nervously at his door, the light of day fading. She’d gone home, put on her best dress; a white number with yellow flowers and spaghetti straps, and got some wine from her mom’s hiding place. Normally she would have walked right in, but now was the time for subtlety. She knocked hesitantly, shuffling her feet. No answer, so she knocked again. She looked in the window, but couldn’t see anything. Buffy was getting worried.
She turned the knob, unlocked, of course. She was really going to have to talk to Giles about that. Buffy was about to call his name when she saw the living room. There were candles everywhere. A bottle of wine sat on the table with two glasses.
“Buffy. I was about to call you, invite you over,” Giles said, walking down the stairs.
She looked him over, amazed at how she could ever have missed how sexy he was. Giles was wearing black slacks, a grey polo with two buttons undone. He’d forgone his glasses, leaving his green eyes unadorned, and he was wearing his earring.
“Is all this for me?” she asked.
“Yes. Buffy…”
“Giles…”
“We need to talk,” they said in unison.
“So, we’re agreed then,” Giles led her to the couch.
“Yes, talking is good,” she agreed, sitting.
Silence filled the room as they looked anywhere but at each other. Then they turned and spoke as one.
“I love you.”
The simple statement hung there as they both looked surprised.
“You do? I never thought,” Giles stammered.
“You do? Since when?” Buffy countered.
“So you don’t regret…?”
“God, no. that was the best…”
“The best?”
“Shut up and kiss me, Giles.”
He pulled her close, intending to be gentle. But all the repressed feelings exploded when her tongue caressed his bottom lip. Passion and hunger took over until they both broke away breathlessly.
“Guess we don’t have to argue over who said it first,” Buffy laughed.
“No, we don’t. Buffy, I want you to have this,” he held out a black velvet box.
She opened it. A small silver ring, holding a perfect round diamond, lay nestled inside.
“It belonged to my grandmother, I want you to wear it.”
“Giles, it’s beautiful. But why? It can’t be…”
“Yes, it is. Will you marry me, Buffy? For real this time.”
“Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes!”
She hugged him tightly. He felt a joy greater than he had under Willow’s spell. He pulled her back and slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Spike will never let me live this down,” he sighed.
“What do you mean?”
“I went to talk to him about Willow and he pointed out that I loved you and I should risk talking to you, no matter what the consequences. He said I would regret it if I didn’t.”
Buffy started giggling uncontrollably.
“What’s so funny?”
“Will pushed me into talking to you when I went to see her about Spike.”
Giles chuckled. “Well, they’ll both be gloating, won’t they?”
Just then, the door burst open, Willow and Spike spilling into the apartment.
“Buffy, I have the best news!”
“Me too, Will.”
“I’m getting married,” they said together.
As they held out their hands, both squealed, causing their respective fiancées to wince. Willow gushed over Buffy’s diamond; Buffy mooned over Willow’s ruby. Giles walked over to Spike, holding out his hand.
“Congratulations. I guess this means you can’t be my best man. You know they’ll want a joint ceremony.”
“Back at ya mate. Really think so? Guess that means you can’t be mine either.”
“What about Angel?”
“The poofter? Never. But I’d love to see his face when he ‘ears ‘bout you an the Slayer.”
“I’d quite forgotten about that.”
“What ‘bout that other Watcher for you?”
“Who, Wesley? No, we don’t know each other well enough.”
The girls babbled on about plans and dresses as the two men looked on, deep in thought.
“You know,” Giles said, “this means there is only one other person we both know who could do job for both of us.”
“You don’t mean…”
The door swung open and Xander and Anya walked in.
“Hey guys, Will called, something about big news. Demons, I hope. Vampires? Hellmouth opening again?” Xander looked around hopefully.
The Watcher and vampire looked at each other in resignation, both uttering two words:
“Bloody hell.”
END