Title: Closure 2/?
Author: Michelle
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. They belong to Joss, Twentieth Century Fox, UPN, WB & Mutant Enemy. This is purely for fun.
Giles looked around as he entered the bus, the near silence almost unbearable. He had expected to hear crying, or maybe even quiet voices soothing each other. There were only silent tears as they leaned against each other for support. Each of them had someone to comfort them. Willow had Kennedy, Xander had Anya, Faith had Robin, and Buffy had Dawn. He felt like an intruder.
Quietly, he slipped into a seat - alone. They probably didn't even notice him. As he tried to get comfortable, his leg hit something on the floor. He bent down and was surprised by what was tucked between the seats. It was his guitar. He thought he'd lost it.
As he opened the case, a voice quietly said, "We found it just before - we found it and brought it along. We kinda thought you'd want it."
"Xander, thank you." Giles caressed the guitar inside the old velvet lined case. "I never expected to see it again."
"It was in the Magic Box. I guess Buffy or Dawn took it home. It was in their attic."
"Thank you," he repeated as he began closing the lid.
"You should sing," Anya blurted out.
"Anya," Xander warned.
"What? He has a pleasant voice. I'd like to hear him sing. I'm sure the others wouldn't mind."
Reluctantly, Giles agreed. It was easier than arguing with Anya. He took the guitar from its case. When he began tuning, the girls from the back crept forward until they were all gathered around, some sitting, some standing. They all looked at him expectantly.
He was silent a moment before he began.
Of all the money ere I had, I spent it in good company, And all the harm I've ever done, alas it was done to none but me And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I can't recall So fill to me the parting glass, goodnight and joy be with you all.
Of all the comrades ere I had, they're sorry for my going away, And all the sweethearts ere I had, they wish me one more day to stay, But since it falls unto my lot that I should go and you should not, I'll gently rise and softly call, goodnight and joy be with you all.
If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile There is a fair maid in this town who sorely has my heart beguiled Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips, I alone she has my heart in thrall Then fill me to the parting glass, goodnight and joy be with you all.
Goodnight and joy be with you all.
He'd kept his eyes closed while singing, afraid to look at any of them. When he opened his eyes, everyone had moved away, except Buffy. She stood next to his seat.
"Wow, Giles," she said quietly as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I had no idea. I've heard you sing, but not like that."
"Buffy, you don't have to-" he began.
"I know, but I didn't know you could put so much into one song." She put her hand on his arm. "It wouldn't hurt to let them see you grieve, too." She looked back at the girls. "Have you cried for any of the Slayers we lost?"
He looked at her as she turned her eyes back to him. "I cried for you," he said quietly.
Buffy stared at him silently before whispering, "I never knew. Why didn't anyone tell me? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know how to tell you, Buffy. There was so much happening." His eyes fell away from hers. He was relieved when she didn't press the issue. He wasn't ready to have that discussion with her, at least not on a bus full of Slayers.
After a moment of silence, Buffy said, "I know you feel their loss too. I heard it in your voice when you sang. You might feel better if you cried."
"I don't have any tears left."
Buffy nodded and gave him a half smile. "I understand, but at least talk to them, Giles. You saved their lives. Let them know you care," she said softly.
"A Watcher shouldn't-" he began.
Buffy cut him off. "When has that stopped you before?" She took his guitar from his hands and pulled him to his feet. "Go."
So he went and talked to the girls and discovered that he still had tears to shed. All the while, he could feel Buffy watching him.