Title: Morning After part 3
Author: Michelle
Rating: FRT
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Summary: What happened in the morning? Sequel to Counterpoint
Setting: Season five, "Checkpoint"
Warning: Character death - not a major character and not graphic
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. They belong to Joss, Twentieth Century Fox, UPN, WB & Mutant Enemy. This is purely for fun.
Previous parts can be found here. - http://www.livejournal.com/users/mrsdrake/tag/morning+after
Buffy took a deep breath before opening the door to the Magic Box. She entered and closed he door behind her before looking around the shop. Willow and Wesley sat at the table with Quentin Travers standing nearby. Xander, Anya, and Tara stood behind the counter and kept watch on the other members of the Council.
"You're late," Travers announced.
"Yeah, I guess I am. Couldn't be helped."
"Did something happen?" Wesley asked.
"Got sidetracked with Slayer stuff," Buffy answered.
"Now that you're here, we can begin," Travers said.
"Not necessary. We don't need your help anymore. You can leave now." Buffy walked through the shop to stand by the table.
"But Glory -" Travers protested.
"Gone," she said simply.
"Impossible," Lydia said from behind her.
"You must be mistaken," Travers said.
"No. She's dead. Gone. Never coming back."
"You're bluffing."
"Really? Why would you think that?" Buffy asked. "I've never had any guarantee that you actually know anything useful."
"If she's dead, how did you kill her?"
"Wasn't me."
"Who?"
"Not important." Buffy sat down next to Willow and looked up at Travers. "You can leave - unless there's some other reason you're staying in town."
"Miss Summers, this is highly inappropriate. You are a Slayer."
"Mr. Travers, I may be a Slayer, but my Watcher and I haven't worked for the Council in a long time. If you want to actually pay us, I might consider letting you in on the details. If not, you can wait for our written report. I'm sure you would like it for your library."
"The Council has never paid Slayers."
"If you want the information today, I suggest you start," she suggested. "Talking about Watchers, I'm surprised you haven't asked about Giles."
"I'm sure Mr. Giles has legitimate reasons for be absent. It's of no consequence. Our meeting is with you."
"I haven't seen him since you left here yesterday," Buffy said.
If she hadn't been watching for it, she would have missed the look that passed over his face. She heard muttered whispers from behind her.
"He left right after you did," Buffy lied. "He called me earlier today and said he'd be out of town for a while."
Nigel and Philip shared a look. "He couldn't -" Nigel began, but Travers cut him off with a glare.
Buffy shot to her feet, almost knocking over her chair. "I knew it!" Buffy exclaimed. "Where is he?" she asked.
"You'll never find him," Travers said calmly.
Buffy took a few steps in his direction. He took a step back. "Where is he?" she demanded.
"Somewhere safe. I assure you he won't be harmed in any way."
"Wish I could say the same for you," Willow muttered under her breath.
"Bring him back," Buffy ordered.
"He violated the Watchers' code. He couldn't be allowed to stay," Travers explained.
Wesley spoke up, "Mr. Giles is not a Watcher."
"Really? Was there another reason he was still here with the Slayer?" Travers countered.
No one answered him.
"You should leave," Buffy said through clenched teeth, "before I do something that is sure to violate a hell of a lot of Watchers' codes."