TITLE: At Last
AUTHOR: Monique
RATING: NC-17
SUMMARY: An invitation to a museum gala gives Willow and Giles the chance to start a relationship.
DISCLAIMER: Joss is God, we are but humble servants

Willow smiled, enraptured as Peter Coyote told her the intimate details of Pierre Auguste Renoir's life in France 1876. Well, it was a cassette tape of Peter Coyote, but still, it was great.

She was so glad she'd begged off another night of Bronzin' to treat herself to one at the museum. The exhibit was only there for a short time, and she'd missed the last one. Impressionists had always been her favorite and to finally get the chance to see of the works of Renoir and Monet, in person, was too good to pass up.

She had happily forked over the five bucks for the private audio tour. Then spent the better part of the last two hours gazing at the lovely paintings and dreaming of what life must have been like in France in the late 1800's. It all seemed so beautiful and romantic.

She'd spent the last ten minutes trying to look past the painting and see up the unseeable path in "A Girl With A Watering Can".

She stood as still as the child in the painting. Her arms hanging gently at her sides, her head cocked ever so slightly to the side, eyes barely open, trying to blur the edges of the canvas and let it melt into the wall and into her imagination. It was a game she'd often played with herself. To try and see beyond the edges of things. To imagine what the artist saw outside of the canvas.

She was jarred from her reverie when a man bumped into her.

Instinctively, she pulled off her headphones and apologized. "I'm sorry," she muttered softly before looking up.

The man struggled to turn off his cassette player, and Willow couldn't help but giggle. She reached out and clicked the stop button for him.

"Thank you," he said shyly, finally meeting her eyes. "Willow?"

"Hi, Giles."

He smiled down at her. "What are you doing here?"

She shrugged and smiled back.

"Of course, you're here for the exhibition," he said with a soft laugh.

"It's great isn't it?" Willow said her eyes sparkling.

"Yes, they are lovely, aren't they?" Giles said watching her fondly for a moment before turning to the paintings.

"This is one of my favorites," she said softly.

"Mmmm. Beautiful."

Willow beamed up at him. "What's your favorite?"

"Hmmm. I think I'm more of a Monet-man myself," he said with a disarming smile.

"Show me?" Willow said hopefully and then immediately withdrew and looked down, feeling stupid. "I'm sorry. You're probably here with someone."

Giles gently touched her shoulder. "Willow." She looked up at him nervously. "I am now?" he said, his voice at once reassuring and hopeful.

A beautiful smile swept across her face, just as he had hoped.

"I think it was this way," he said gesturing to the adjacent room.

They spent another hour enjoying the collection and sharing their favorite pieces.

Giles returned their cassette players and noticed that Willow had gravitated from the temporary exhibit and into the main museum. She stood at the foot of Rodin's "The Kiss."

Giles sighed in contemplation. The couple was so well formed, so well fitted; it always left him feeling a little lonely. He wondered if Willow saw the same things, felt the same aches?

She had a curious smile on her face as she looked from the statue to Giles and back again.

"What?" he finally asked.

"It just reminds me of you," she said sheepishly.

Giles snorted. "Ah, yes. Of course."

"Not the pose or-- I don't know. It's just Rodin's stuff. It always makes me think of you."

"It does?" he asked flattered in a way he couldn't explain.

Willow shrugged shyly. "There's something about his work that makes me feel safe, like I do with you." She knew she should shut up, but the words kept coming. "All of his people seem so strong, but -- sad too. Like life's pressing down on them, but they won't give in. No matter what, they fight it."

She gazed at the smooth, cold statue, but saw flesh and blood, life in the stone. She turned to look at Giles, her eyes brimming with emotion.

Giles' heart constricted at the insight in her words. The truth and compassion in her voice and the tender admiration in her eyes. "I -- I -- Thank you," he whispered, staring into the marble, wondering how she could possibly see a man like him in something so beautiful.

Realizing that she'd embarrassed them both, Willow quickly changed the subject. "So, are you hungry?"

"Hmmm? Yes, actually," Giles said, grateful to be on familiar footing. "You?"

"Famished!"

He chuckled. "Well, then shall we?"

*****

Dinner was comfortable and easy. They spoke freely of their shared love of art and which artists they would most like to have met.

Giles regaled her with stories of his time at the British Museum. For a few stolen hours, they were two normal people having dinner. No vampires, no demons or prophecies. Just beautiful art, gentle reminiscence and tender companionship.

He told of all the wonderful museums there were to see in Europe, Willow hanging on his every word. Giles spoke easily about the arts and with a passion she'd seldom seen in him.

"I'd love to go to Paris someday," Willow sighed.

"You will," he said with certainty.

Willow smiled dreamily. "I hope so." She fiddled with her desert spoon, not wanting the evening to end. "I wonder if I missed my chance."

"You're far too young to think that way Willow."

"I guess so," she said a little sadly.

"What chance could you have missed? You've your whole life ahead of you."

"I had a scholarship the La Sorbonne." When she saw Giles face darken into a frown, she quickly added. "But you're right. Paris will always be there."

"I suppose I'd forgotten all the opportunities you denied yourself to stay here," he said guiltily. "You could be in Paris right now."

Willow smiled at him and impulsively reached across the table and took his hand. "But then I wouldn't be here now."

Giles chuckled lightly and nodded, squeezing her hand briefly before pulling himself away from his thoughts. "Speaking of the here and now. It's late, and I should be getting you back to the dorm."

Reluctantly, Willow agreed. She hated for the evening to end, but to all good things--

Giles pulled up to the curb in front of her dorm and shut off the car. "Well, I --- I-- just wanted to---" He laughed at himself. "Goodnight, Willow."

She opened the car door and smiled back at him. "I had a nice time too," she said with a grin and a little laugh. "See ya tomorrow."

"Goodnight," he chuckled. She shut the door and danced up the steps to the front door. She turned back and waved. Once she was safely inside, Giles started his car and drove home.

"Anything?" Willow asked hopefully.

Giles sighed and shook his head. They'd been researching for hours. The rest of the gang had begged off earlier, leaving Willow and Giles, as usual, to finish the job.

"Maybe we should take a break," Willow suggested.

Giles removed his glasses and pinched his nose. "I suppose we might as well." He replaced his glasses. "More tea?"

"Sure," Willow said with a yawn.

Giles took her mug and walked into the kitchen. Willow followed close behind, but stayed on the other side of the counter. As she watched him prepare the tea, her mind drifted, as it had been doing all day. Her thoughts falling to last night. She smiled at the memory.

Giles turned and watched her fondly for a moment. She looked so far away. He loved the gentle smile in her eyes and the way it melted to her lips.

Willow felt his gaze and came back to the present. She smiled sheepishly as he gave her a questioning look.

"Just thinking about last night," she said tentatively. "It was--" she paused searching for the right word. She sighed a little wistfully and pushed down the things she wanted to say. "-- nice."

Giles smiled at her, wondering what she wasn't saying. "That it was. And thank you."

"Why are you thanking me? If I remember properly, you paid for dinner."

"A charming companion is worth far more than any meal."

His eyes met hers and for an instant, all too brief and gone before it could take hold, something passed between them. It was just a moment, but it held a depth of feeling and a tentative sense of future.

Willow blushed and smiled shyly before ducking her head.

Giles looked at her tenderly before coming back to himself. The abrupt shift from the possible future to the all-too real present left him slightly off-balance. He frowned down into the steeping tea, wondering what, if anything, had just happened.

Willow clasped her hands nervously. She tried to relax, to stop her blood from rushing, her pulse from racing. And from what? A glance, a few kind words. All that and so much more. She gathered her courage and looked up. She saw Giles frowning into the tea and her heart caught.

"M-maybe we can watch some TV?" she said nervously, trying to bring them back to comfortable turf.

"Hmmm?" Giles muttered as he regarded her. "Oh. Of course." He smiled at her. "I won't tell if you won't."

Willow giggled. "Deal. Where's the remote?"

"Remote?"

"The channel changer thingy?"

"Oh. I'm afraid it's a dial," he answered a bit embarrassed pointing to the small set.

"A dial? Wow!" Willow said as she retrieved it. "It's like an antique. Cool."

Giles chuckled. "It's not quite that old."

"Can I put it in here?" Willow called from the living room.

"If you'd like," he answered returning with the tea.

He set the cups down on the coffee table and took a seat on the sofa, while Willow fiddled.

"Oh, Gigi!" she squealed. "I love this one. Can we watch it for a while?"

Giles chuckled at her enthusiasm. "That's what breaks are for."

"Have you seen it?" she said as she snuggled onto the couch.

"No, I'm afraid I haven't."

"Oh! It's great. Okay, here's the deal. Gigi, she's this girl living in Paris, and she's in love with her uncle."

Giles eyebrows knitted in surprise.

"Oh, not her real uncle, just a kind-of uncle."

"A kind-of uncle," Giles echoed with a nod, as he hid his smile behind his cup.

"Right! So, she's growing up, turning into a beautiful woman. And Maurice Chevalier sings, and it's just great."

"Okay," Giles said in obvious confusion.

Willow giggled again. "See to Gaston, that's the man she's in love with, she's just a child. But she's not, not any more. And then one day, he sees her for the beautiful woman she is and falls in love and ---" Willow sighed dreamily until she heard the soft strains of the soliloquy coming from the set. "Oh, this is it! This is where he falls in love."

She curled her legs up underneath her and held her warm mug in both hands. As Louis Jordan sang, she closed her eyes and let the words wash over her.

Giles listened to the song a frown creasing his brow. He tried not to fidget in his seat, but he felt increasingly uncomfortable and wasn't quite sure why. He felt a wave of relief when the number finally ended. He glanced over at Willow, her eyes were still closed.

"Willow?"

There was no response. He watched her for a moment, enjoying the soft smile that played upon her lips. He recognized the look and the deep, even breaths. He smiled fondly as he carefully stood and retrieved an afghan and gently covered her.

He stood watching her sleep. It was one of the few guilty pleasures he allowed himself. It was purely innocent. He hadn't even realized that he'd done it the first time, and then it became more of a ritual to their late night research sessions. He'd watch her for a few minutes, it always filled him with a sense of peace - the simple beauty of it.

But tonight, as he let himself indulge, it felt strangely different. What had been pure, now seemed somehow indecent. He watched the steady rise and fall of her chest and noticed the soft curves of her breasts. He frowned and looked up to her face, but that was no better. What he had seen before as guileless beauty, now held more. He found himself mentally tracing the contours of her face, imagining the warmth of her skin, the soft touch of her lips.

He swallowed hard as his frown deepened. He shook his head to dispel the images and marched quickly away from her and into the kitchen.

'What on earth am I thinking?' he scolded himself. He was never one to leer at a woman, much less a woman like Willow. A girl like Willow. He shook his head again and let out a long ragged breath.

"Research," he mumbled. He could lose himself in the research and pretend that none of this had ever happened. Sure of that at least, he strode back into the living room and gathered a few books.

He sat down in a chair, resting the books in his lap before beginning. He knew he shouldn't, but he gave into the urge and glanced at Willow again.

She slept peacefully and Giles smiled to himself, but there was still that lingering surge of something, and he looked away.

He sighed and opened one of his books. Before long, he was a Watcher again, his mind only aware of the impending evil, as everything else fell away.

Until the morning came.

Willow rose with the sun. As first light filtered through the curtains, she pushed away the last vestiges of sleep. She felt the warmth of the blanket fall away as she sat up and yawned.

"Good morning," Giles greeted her.

"Mmmm, mornin'," she said sleepily as she stretched, turning to face Giles.

He was surrounded by books, his face rough with stubble, his hair mussed. "Did you sleep at all?" she asked knowing full well the answer.

He grinned a bit sheepishly. "I think I feel asleep during the Grekorian Codex, but then with that book, it's hard to tell."

Willow chuckled and stood. "I'll take over, you get some sleep."

"No, no, I'm all right," he said through a titanic yawn.

"Uh-huh." She crossed to his chair and took the book off his lap.

"Really," he protested half-heartedly.

Willow shook her head and gently took his glasses off his face. "Sleep."

Giles sighed and looked up at her with mock annoyance. "Are you sending me to my room?"

"Yes, now move along, mister," she said with a smirk.

The easy banter was a staple of their long research sessions - both enjoyed it immensely.

"Yes, mother," he yawned again as he slowly stood.

Willow giggled as he swayed slightly. "You need some help?"

Giles snorted and then smiled fondly at her. His eyes softened, and he impulsively reached out and brushed her hair away from her eyes. "I can manage," he said quietly before realizing his gesture was too familiar. He pulled his hand back and smiled shyly. "W-wake me in an hour?"

"O-Okay," Willow managed as he turned away and headed for the stairs. She watched him leave, wondering if she was just groggy or did something kind of, in a not actually-but-almost kind of way, happen?

She sighed and shook her head. 'Don't be silly,' she chided herself.

Dismissing the thoughts, she put the kettle on and got back to the business of research.

*****

The rest of the week passed without incident, the big brewing evil was defeated and all was right with the Hellmouth.

With nothing else to do, the gang once again found themselves lolling around Giles' living room. Willow read the newspaper, while Buffy and Xander argued over improper hotel building on Boardwalk and Park Place. Giles took advantage of the time to catch up with his correspondence.

"That is so not fair," Buffy whined.

"What? Live with it girly-girl. The Xandman is here collect!"

"But you can't do that."

"What?"

"You have to build evenly. You can't have hotel and house and then just a hotel!" Buffy yelled.

"Who are you, the building commission?"

"Ohhh!" Willow exclaimed.

"What? What? Something good?" Buffy said excitedly.

"The revival house is showing "Camille" tomorrow," Willow said with a sigh.

"Oh. Don't get all bent like that. You got me all excited," Buffy lamented.

"Do you guys want to go?" Willow asked.

"Is it funny?" Xander piped in.

Willow shook her head. "Not exactly."

"Thanks, but I'm sticking with the funny."

"Buffy?" Willow said hopefully.

"Sorry, Wills. I'm seeing Riley tomorrow. But if you want to go Sunday, that'd be cool."

"It's one day only. Oh, well." She folded the paper back up and went into the kitchen.

Giles, who had listened to the exchange, left his letters and joined her in the other room.

"C-Camille, is-is that based on the book by Dumas?" he asked as he rinsed his mug.

Willow brightened. "Yeah. It's not as good as the novel, but Garbo is great, and it's soooo beautiful," she said with a dreamy far-away look.

Giles smiled affectionately. "If you -- that is -- if you wouldn't mind being seen--"

"Do you want to go?" Willow bubbled.

"If you'd like? I've always enjoyed a good romance," he added a bit shyly.

"Great! I - I mean good. That sounds like a plan," Willow said happily. "Uhm, it's showing all day, so maybe a matinee? If that's okay? I mean, if it's not, that's okay too. We can go later, or we don't have to go at all if you don't-"

"A matinee sounds fine," he said with a chuckle.

"Great! There's a showing at two."

"I'll pick you up at the dorm at say one-thirty?"

"Great!" she said again, before feeling silly and childish. "I-I'll see you then," she said quickly moving back into the living room.

'Can I look like a bigger idiot?' she thought to herself. 'It's just a movie, a matinee. It's not like it's a date. Get a grip.'

Giles watched her practically run out of the kitchen. He'd never understand women. He gazed across the counter at the young redhead and smiled. What was it about her that made his heart feel lighter? He shook his head and tried not to think about tomorrow. He tried to ignore the slight tingly feeling of anticipation. What was it about that girl?

"Oh," Willow gasped softly as she covered her mouth with her hand and tried to stifle another sob.

Giles shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Even in the dark theatre, he could see the silvery tears slipping down her cheeks. He knew it was just a movie, and she wasn't really in distress, but the sound of Willow crying disturbed him.

He had to admit that the film was incredibly moving, and had he not been preoccupied with Willow for most of it, he might have shed a tear or two himself. But even as he watched the movie, he found himself watching Willow watch the movie. She was so animated - gasping, sighing and continually crying.

He handed her his handkerchief and couldn't help but chuckle when she blew her nose like a French horn. But her tears kept coming, and he felt an uncontrollable need to comfort her. At first, he awkwardly patted her shoulder, but that didn't seem to have any effect.

After one particularly painful sounding sniffle, Giles put his arm around her shoulders, and she instinctively leaned into his touch. She rested her head gently on his shoulder as her sniffles slowly subsided. She fit well against him, and he smiled down at her, shaking his head at his own folly. He reminded himself that he was just a friend offering a comforting shoulder, nothing more.

He continued to hold her as the credits began their roll, and Willow finally straightened in her seat. He pulled his arm back as she turned to look at him.

She smiled radiantly as she moved forward in her chair and shifted to face him. "Wasn't that beautiful, Giles?" she asked putting her small hand on his knee.

He smiled back nervously, not sure what was causing his discomfort. "Y-yes, it was."

Her smile blossomed even wider. "I'm glad you came."

"Y-- uhm, yes. I--" he stammered as his eyes quickly darted down to where her hand still rested on his leg. "I am, too."

Willow pulled her hand back quickly and shifted nervously in her seat as she fumbled for her purse.

It was a lovely day, and they had decided to leave Giles' car at the dorm and walk to the theater.

As they walked down the street, the tension was nearly palpable. 'Ridiculous really. It's not as though anything happened,' Giles told himself.

Willow walked quickly. Her embarrassment over embarrassing Giles was soooo embarrassing. She tried to rein in her runaway thoughts. 'I'm being silly. We're two friends who went to see a movie. I mean it's not like I attacked him or something.'

"Would you like to get some ice cream or a soda?" Willow asked and then frowned realizing how incredibly stupid that must have sounded. A soda?

"That - that would be nice," Giles stammered.

"Really?" Willow asked in surprise.

"Really," he said with a smile. "Isn't there a place not too far from here?"

"Oh, yeah. It's just over a few blocks," she said happily.

Giles smiled at her, glad to see the spark in her eyes again. "This way?" he asked pointing across the street.

Willow saw that they had the light and turned to him and nodded as she stepped into the street. "Yeah, it's just-"

A car sped through the intersection, running the red and nearly careened into Willow. Probably would have if Giles hadn't reached out and pulled her sharply back.

"Jesus!" Giles rasped. "Willow, are you all right?" he asked as he held her by both arms.

Her eyes were wide with fear and her body shook with the rush of adrenaline. "Wow, that - that was close!"

"Are you all right?" Giles repeated as he scanned her up and down.

"I'm fine, but -- wow," Willow gasped as her breath came hard and fast.

Giles glared down the street before turning his attention back to Willow. "You're sure?"

"Yeah. Phew," she laughed nervously. "Thanks. You - you - good thing you were here." She smiled bravely, but he could tell she was still shaken. Hell, he was still shaken.

He let out a long breath and squeezed her shoulders. "Good." His heart was racing, and he knew if he let go of her, his hands would start shaking.

"Now, I really need ice cream," she said earnestly.

Giles chuckled and finally released her shoulders. "And you shall have it."

He looked at the traffic and once the light changed, he reached down and took Willow's hand. She looked up at him, and he smiled in reassurance. "Not taking any more chances with you," he said as he gave her hand a fond squeeze.

Willow beamed back and Giles looked both ways, twice, before they ventured into the intersection again. When they reached the other side, Willow noticed that Giles didn't let go of her hand. Not that she was going to complain. His hand was warm and strong. It made her feel safe. She hoped he'd forget he was holding onto her, and she could keep the contact.

Giles knew he should let go. Once they'd crossed, he should have released her hand. But he didn't want to. He didn't want her to know how much the near accident had upset him, but more than that he needed to know she was safe, and holding her hand was the best he could do for now. So he held it and ignored the other reasons - reasons he wasn't ready to admit, not even to himself.

They continued quickly down the sidewalk, hand in hand, in silence. Finally, Willow had to say something. "Uhm, Giles."

"Yes?"

"Could you slow down? Your strides are pretty long, and unless you want me to jog-- Could you---?

Giles laughed a bit self-consciously and slowed his gait. "Better?"

"Much."

The silence returned, but instead of being partnered with anxiety, it carried with it a pleasant warmth. Like any other couple, the couple-that-wasn't strolled down the avenue holding hands.

A few blocks later, they arrived at the ice cream parlor and placed their orders. When the time came to pay, Giles looked down at their joined hands and smiled a little sadly as he let go. He paid for the cones and handed Willow hers.

The decided to keep walking, hoping somehow, that the other would have the courage to reach out. But sadly, neither did and they walked home as they had arrived, no more than simply two friends out to a movie.

Giles sat reveling in the silence. For once, he had his apartment all to himself. He swirled the scotch in its glass, enjoying the subtle sounds the ice made.

He smiled to himself and sighed. Alone was good.

He sighed again.

Alone was lonely.

He shook his head. 'Enjoy it while you can, old man,' he reminded himself.

He glanced about his apartment, surprised to see furniture - a chair and no Xander, the fireplace and no Buffy, the sofa and no Willow.

No Willow.

Why was it that bothered him?

He'd always been a solitary man - sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstance. Whatever the cause, he'd grown accustomed to it. Since the library was gone, he'd often yearned for more time alone.

He finally had some and found himself wishing Willow were there.

More and more often, he'd think of something he wanted to tell her, something he wanted to ask her. He'd see something he thought she might like or one of a thousand other things.

They'd been spending a fair amount of time together as of late. He hadn't stopped to wonder about it, at least not until now. It had been a subtle shift - the very occasional dinner had somehow become a frequent occurrence.

The accidental touches, now more often than not held intent. Hello was more than a casual greeting and goodbye was suddenly a parting.

A parting.

The phrase implied many things, not the least of which was that there was something to part. They certainly weren't a couple. They'd never even been on a real date. There had never been anything more than friendship between them.

Then why did he feel so very lonely now?

Why did he notice what she wore? When she smiled, why did he wonder if it was for him? For him alone.

Giles shook his head and took a long swig of his drink. It wasn't improper exactly. They were both adults. But she was a friend, and that was a dangerous path.

'Putting the cart before the horse, aren't you?'

She'd given him no indication that she wanted anything more than their current relationship. 'Don't mistake kindness for affection,' he warned himself.

Then again, she did love him. He knew that, as she loved them all. Perhaps it could grow into something more. Wasn't that the strongest course? A friendship that --

"What am I doing?" he said aloud, stalking over to his bookcase.

He stared at the books. He could read and get his mind off Willow. He realized it had been ages since he'd read for pleasure. He scanned the shelves, waiting for a title to call his name.

His eyes stopped on a thick coffee table book he'd received as a gift some years ago - pictorial study of French art. Against his better judgement, he pulled the book from the shelf and returned to the sofa.

He opened it, letting the book chose the page and smiled to himself. He looked down at the bookplate and grinned at the memory. Rodin's "The Kiss".

Portents and signs were his business, and he knew better than to ignore them. This was definitely a sign.

A very good sign.

*****

"Here's your mail, Giles" Buffy said as she pushed open his front door. "Oh, the Sunnydale Museum. Looks like an invite," she said as she held the envelope up to the light.

"Thank you," he said as he grabbed the mail from his Slayer.

Buffy shrugged. "So what is it?"

"If you'll give me a moment."

"Okay." She waited a beat. "What is it?"

"Buffy."

"What? My natural curiosity. Some people find it charming." She caught his glare. "And some don't."

Not wanting to push her luck any further, Buffy skeedaddled into the kitchen to get some juice.

She heard him heave a deep sigh. "I'm not asking again, but I would be willing to listen if you wanted to tell me."

Giles leaned heavily on the counter. "As you know, I've been doing some consulting work for the museum, and it seems I've been invited to their Anniversary Gala."

"So, fancy party, free food. What's the big?"

"It's being hosted by Douglas Farnsworth," Giles said with obvious distaste.

"And?"

"That's all. I really should attend, but--" he sighed again.

"This Farnsworth guy's really that bad?"

"Worse."

"Oh."

"And it's formal. I -- I haven't worn my tuxedo since -- since your prom," he said fondly.

"Well, it is a good look for you," she said with a smile.

Giles blushed slightly and chuckled. As he looked down at the invitation, a frown covered his face. "Buffy. May I ask you something?" he said softly.

"Sure," she said suddenly nervous.

"D-do you think --- Is it --" he struggled, finally shaking his head. "It's a terrible idea. Never mind." He turned away and shoved the invitation back into its envelope.

Buffy quickly left the kitchen and went to his side. "What is it?" she asked worriedly.

He looked down at her, his eyes mixed with sadness and hope. "Would it be--- Do you think Willow would go with me?"

Buffy had to bite back a laugh. He misunderstood her expression and tried to turn away.

"No," she said grabbing his arm and forcing him to look at her. "I thought it was a Hellmouthy thing. Let me get this straight. You want to ask Willow on a date?"

"Well, not a date exactly," he hedged.

"Giles?"

He dared to look at her. "Yes. Tell me it's a terrible idea."

This time she did laugh. "Giles. I think it's great."

He was stunned. "You-you do? Really?"

"Yup. And may I be the first to say it's about freakin' time!"

Giles found himself laughing along with her. Relieved didn't begin to express how he felt.

Now all he had to do was ask Willow.

Giles had stalled for two days before the incessant pressure from Buffy finally got to him. She had pointed out that if he kept putting it off, Willow might make other plans.

"Such as?" he asked testily.

"Oh, I don't know. Let's see America -- Saturday night -- Maybe something wild and crazy like a date."

"I-is she seeing someone?"

"No, she's not even seeing you, and she won't if you don't suck it up and ask her," Buffy said.

"I-I will. I've been particularly busy this-"

"Giles," Buffy said firmly. "I know *exactly* what you've done all week. What's the deal?"

"I don't know," he said with a sigh. "Perhaps this isn't such a good idea."

"Why? Because you don't really feel that way about Wills, or you do and it scares you."

Giles tried to look affronted, but couldn't pull it off. He sank down into a chair. "I've never been very good at this sort of thing, and I don't want to make a mistake. Our lives are complicated enough as it is. I just don't want to hurt her."

"Anytime you get closer to somebody you risk hurting them, or getting hurt. It sucks, but that's what makes it worth doing, right? I mean look at me. I've loved; I've lost. I've -- Okay, let's not look at me."

Giles smiled gently. "It's --" he shook his head. "I don't know."

"Giles, if there's one thing I've learned living here, it's that you've got to take chances. If you wait too long---"

"I know. You're right." He looked sincerely at his Slayer. "How'd you get so smart?"

"I live with Willow, remember?"

Giles laughed.

"So?" Buffy prompted.

"All right. Once more unto the breach."

"Huh?"

Giles smiled. "Time to take a chance."

*****

"It's open," Willow said as she sat at her computer.

Giles opened the door to her on-campus apartment and poked in his head. "Willow?"

"Giles!" she said gaily. "Come on in." She got up and opened the door the rest of the way and noticed his frown. "Is something wrong?"

"Hmm? No, nothing." Giles nervously looked around the small apartment and made his way over to the window. He pulled back the thin curtain and looked out into the small courtyard.

Willow watched him with curiosity, but tempered it with patience. He'd talk when he was ready. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Hmm?" Giles said startled out of his reverie. "No, no thank you."

Willow nodded, and the strange silence returned.

"So," Willow said leadingly as she leaned against her desk.

Giles looked at her, his face a mask of grim determination.

'Uh-oh,' Willow thought. 'What'd I do?'

Giles looked like he was finally going to say something when he started pacing.

'Oh, this is not good. At least he's not polishing his glasses.' As if on cue, Giles removed his glasses and started to polish them.

"Willow," he started, his voice almost stern. "We've known each other for almost six years now."

"Yeah," she said uneasily.

"And in that time, we've grown closer. What I mean to say is, that we've spent a great deal of time together, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes."

"Good. Sometimes when people spend a great deal of time together, their relationships change. They--" he frowned struggling for an appropriate word. "They --- change," he finished lamely.

"Uh-huh," Willow said, not quite sure where this was going.

He turned and met her eyes, his own face softening a bit. Then he shook his head, having lost his place. "Uhm, six years.. relationships change.. Oh, yes. And so, I was wondering. If you wouldn't find it amiss. If-if you might consider," he heaved a deep sigh and looked to the heavens. "Oh, lord this is not the way I planned this."

"Planned what?"

"Asking you out," he said without thinking.

"You-you're asking me out?" Willow squeaked. "As in date out. That kind of out?"

Giles cleared his throat and stood his ground almost defiantly, ready to face his destiny. "Yes."

"Oh," Willow said, not quite sure how to respond and more than a little shocked.

Gathering his courage, Giles took a step toward her. "I've been invited to a gala at the museum, and I'd be honored if you'd go with me, as-as my date."

Willow's head was spinning. "A gala?"

"Yes, it's a -- it's a f-formal evening. If you'd rather not… I-I," Giles sputtered.

"I'd love to," she said softly.

"Y-you would?"

She smiled radiantly. "I would."

Giles grinned happily. "Good."

He lost himself in her smile again. "Good," he said again, this time barely a whisper.

"Ohmigod, ohmigod," Willow mumbled.

"Sit still," Buffy commanded as she tried to apply Willow's mascara.

"I can't. Buffy. I am so out of my league. A formal?" she wailed again.

"You'll be fine."

"All these snooty-patootie types. They'll be all 'Oh, so nice to meet you, you darling child'," Willow said in a bad imitation of a high society snob.

Buffy giggled. "Believe me. In this dress, nobody's gonna call you child. I can't wait to see Giles' face."

"Really?"

"I've got smelling salts, just in case," Buffy said with a wink.

Willow laughed, some of her tension gone. "Thanks Buffy."

"I am gifted," she said admiring her handiwork.

"Not just for that, but--" Willow bit her lip. "Well, for being okay with this."

Buffy smiled. "Who knew I was so mature!"

Willow reached out and hugged her.

KNOCK KNOCK.

"That can't be him; I still have half an hour!" Willow squeaked.

Buffy frowned and left Willow in the bedroom to see who was at the door. "Xander?"

"None other," he quipped as he pushed past her into the apartment. "Where's Wills?"

"She's getting ready. What are you doing here? You were supposed to be with Giles."

He shrugged. "He kicked me out. That is one high strung Watcher."

"What did you do?" Buffy asked tightly.

"Nothing. I just made a few jokes. Funny jokes. At least, I thought they were funny," he said as he went straight to the fridge.

Buffy just shook her head. "Just don't eat everything okay?" she said as she went back into the bedroom.

Willow was just finishing her hair. They decided to pile it high on her head, go for the Audrey Hepburn neck look.

"Don't worry," Buffy soothed her. "It was just Xander."

Willow nodded nervously and took a deep breath. Buffy smiled encouragingly. "Come on, let's use him as a guinea pig."

*****

Buffy opened the bedroom door. "You ready to be dazzled?" she asked Xander and then turned back into the bedroom and motioned Willow to come out. "Wills," she said with a sigh and stepped back in to pull her friend out.

Willow stepped into the living room, and Xander dropped his burrito.

Buffy giggled as Willow beamed. Xander's mouth hung open, and his eyes glazed over.

"What did I tell you?" Buffy said proudly. "Speechless. And note the lack of interest in food. I think we have a winner."

Willow giggled, and the sound seem to wake Xander from his stupor. He slowly walked toward her, his brow furrowed slightly. "Willow?"

"Do I look okay?"

"You-- you look. Wow. I-I ... Wow."

She was more beautiful than anything he'd ever seen. Her dress was an emerald silk sheath. Simple and elegant. The halter top left her shoulders and neck bare, save for a single short string of pearls. The straight, floor length gown accentuated her slim figure, the deep green matching her eyes and making for a beautiful contrast to her red hair.

"Thanks," she said softly placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Don't!" Buffy yelled, scaring the heck out them. "Your lipstick." She sighed and grabbed Willow by the arm. "My perfect sheen is gone. Must reapply, " she said in a tone of mock dismay.

Willow giggled and let Buffy escort her back into the bedroom.

Xander watched them leave. He was filled with mixed emotions. He was happy for her; he knew how long she'd wanted this. But he couldn't help but feel jealousy and regret too. Once, so long ago, she'd loved him, and he'd been a fool. And now, now, she loved someone else. Xander sighed and pushed down his own feelings. This night was about Willow-- and Giles. The lucky bastard.

He didn't begrudge Giles anything. Of all the men Xander knew, if he had to pick someone for Willow, it would be the G-Man. If anyone would treat her the way she deserved, it would be him. But he couldn't help but worry a little. No matter what happened, who the man was, this was his little Willow. She always would be.

He sighed and headed back to the kitchen, but stopped halfway. He cocked his ear toward the door and slowly walked over to it. He paused and strained to hear the muffled sounds. He giggled to himself and opened it. "Hey, G-Man."

"You-you look lovely," Giles mumbled to himself, rehearsing, before Xander startled him.

"I do? It's just something I threw on," Xander said blinking his long lashes.

Giles sighed and cleared his throat. "Is Willow ready?"

Xander smiled and let Giles enter. "Just about. And don't worry about what to say. Trust me, it won't be an issue."

Giles took a deep breath and smiled weakly.

"Hey, Buff," Xander yelled. "Prince Charming's here!"

Giles winced and frowned. "I see you haven't found any new material."

Xander shrugged and settled back, ready to enjoy the show.

"Okay," Buffy said through the door. "Just a sec."

Giles took another steadying breath and fiddled with his tie. He looked anxiously at the door.

Finally, Buffy stepped out. She eyed Giles up and down, making a blush rise in his cheeks. "Definitely a good look for you."

He smiled shyly.

"Ready?" she asked. He could only nod. "May I present Willow Rosenburg."

"Oh, Buffy," Willow said embarrassed from inside the bedroom, causing everyone to laugh a little.

"Come on, Wills."

Willow blew out a long breath, and walked into the living room. Her eyes immediately found Giles, who looked incredibly handsome in his black tuxedo. She smiled hopefully.

Giles' thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest. He'd imagined, well, fantasized, about Willow, and never once had she appeared as lovely as she was tonight. Standing before him like a goddess. It literally took his breath away.

He swallowed and then swallowed again. "W-Willow," he whispered, as he took a few steps closer.

She wore a wrap around her shoulders, one that left some of the dress to his imagination, but it was more than the clothes, or the hair, or the jewels, it was the way she shined. She'd always lit a room, but now she was practically glowing, and it made his knees feel a little weak.

He reached out a hand to her, which she tentatively took, and gasped as he kissed it.

"Oh," Buffy sighed. "You guys are killing me." Could they make a better couple?

That seemed to break the spell as Giles and Willow suddenly came back to themselves, but Giles didn't let go this time. He held her hand and turned to smile at his Slayer.

Buffy smiled back encouragingly and moved to open the door for them. Xander walked behind the couple shaking his head in awe.

"Goodnight," Giles said as he led Willow from the room.

"Have a great time!" Buffy said.

Willow turned back and mouthed a thank you.

Xander and Buffy stood at the door and watched them walk down the hall.

Buffy sighed wistfully. "All grown up now."

"Yeah, Wills is quite the lady."

"I was talking about Giles," she said with a smile.

Xander giggled, but felt himself getting a little choked up. "Yeah," he said hoarsely.

Buffy put her arm around him, and he looked at her with his sad brown eyes.

"Well..." she said softly.

"Well."

"Wanna go bowling?"

The party was being held at Sunnydale's finest hotel in a large elegantly-appointed ballroom. The drive over had been filled with nervous anticipation and more than a little sexual tension.

Relieved to leave the small confines of the car, Giles took Willow's arm as the doorman helped her from the car. They both ignored the snickers Giles' old car had won from the valets.

They entered the hotel, and Giles led them to the cloakroom. He smiled shyly as Willow removed her wrap, exposing her creamy pale shoulders. Giles took the coat check and tried not to stare,' Don't drool. Mature men don't drool,' he chastised himself.

"Shall we?" he asked. She smiled brightly and nodded. Giles put his hand on the small of her back to guide her to the ballroom. He nearly choked. His hand rested on her warm skin. Her gown was cut daringly low in the back, but her wrap had kept it covered. But now he was extremely aware of it. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to get himself under control.

Willow looked up at him curiously. "Are you okay?" As soon as his hand had touched her, her heart skipped a beat. The feeling of his warm hand... Oh boy.

Giles smiled painfully, wondering if she could feel the trembling in his hand. "Fine," he said a bit breathlessly as he removed his hand and took her by the arm.

Willow nodded and then smiled to herself. 'Good call on the dress, Buffy.'

Giles led them into the large ballroom. It was beautiful - all the men in their tuxedos, the women wearing lovely gowns. Willow turned around trying to take it all in. Giles watched her enjoying her wonder, until he saw Douglas Farnsworth making his way across the room.

Farnsworth, accompanied by an older man, approached them both.

Farnsworth grinned like a king before his court. "Hollings, may I present Rupert Giles."

"Ah, Mr. Giles, a pleasure to meet you," the older man said with an engaging smile as he shook Giles' hand. "Are you the same Giles that dated the Ankh from Giza, we received last month?

Giles smiled proudly.

"Didn't know you had it in you," Farnsworth said in his typical backhanded complimentary style.

"I'm not," Willow said as she casually slid into the conversation, placing her hand on Giles' arm. "Rupert has one of the finest minds I ever seen."

"And you would be?" Farnsworth said curtly.

Giles bit back an acid retort and smiled tightly. "Willow, I'd like you to meet Douglas Farnsworth." Willow smiled gracefully and extended her hand. "May I present Willow Rosenberg."

Farnsworth smiled a bit lasciviously and raked his eyes appreciatively up and down her body, as held her hand. If she noticed, Willow gave no sign. Giles, however, had to use all his self-control not to strangle the man.

"Really, I'm surprise Mr. Farnsworth. Surely you've read the paper Rupert and Oliver Standish published a few years ago. Set the Egyptology department at the British Museum on its collective ear, if I remember correctly," Willow said smoothly.

"Ah, yes. That was a wonderful piece," Hollings said with a grin.

"Is Oliver here?" Willow said brightly.

Farnsworth was brought up short. Somehow Willow had managed to steal the spotlight from him and put it directly on Giles. He smiled slightly, acquiescing that she had indeed won this round. He might have been a bit of a boor, but he knew better than to compete with a beautiful woman.

"No, I'm afraid he's not," Giles answered.

He'd barely been able to suppress his laughter at the way Willow had handled Farnsworth. She never ceased to astonish him. He'd casually mentioned Oliver that night over dinner after they'd first met at the museum. He'd never mentioned the paper. She must have remembered the reference and researched it later. Typically wonderful Willow.

"Yes, well. Enjoy the evening, Mr. Giles," Farnsworth said with a slight bow toward Willow. "My dear."

Willow inclined her head slightly and smiled again. Hollings grinned at them and followed Farnsworth into the crowd.

Giles turned to Willow and shook his head with a smile.

"Where did that come from?" Willow said her eyes wide at her own boldness.

Giles chuckled and took her hand. "You're full of surprises aren't you?"

"Apparently." She lost her train of thought as she looked into his eyes. So wonderfully warm, they were looking back at her with admiration.

"I'm sorry about Farnsworth," he said.

Willow squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don't be. It's Sunnydale. The Hellmouth attracts all sorts."

Giles chuckled and nodded.

"Mr. Giles!" came a voice through the crowd.

"Oh dear," Giles sighed as he turned and greeted the new arrival. "Mrs. Sorenson, you're looking wonderful."

Mrs. Sorenson appeared to be in her late sixties, but was positively bursting with energy - gray hair, a quick wit and sparkle in her eye.

She reached out and took his hand. "Rupert, don't you look scrumptious. And who is your lovely companion?"

"Mrs. Sorenson, I'd like you to meet Willow Rosenberg."

"Aren't you lovely," the older woman said with sigh as she took Willow's hand. "I hate to be such a bother, but would you mind if I stole Rupert, just for a minute? There are a few people I think he should meet. Museum business," she said with a shrug. "But don't worry, I know young lovers don't like to be apart," she added with a wink.

Giles coughed uncomfortably, and Mrs. Sorenson just laughed gaily. "I promise, we won't be long. Can't leave a beautiful woman like you unattended. Right, Rupert? They may look like gentlemen," she said gesturing to the crowd. "But don't let the clothes fool you. Sharks. The lot of them," she said with a wink.

Giles looked at Willow helplessly. It was clear that whatever Mrs. Sorenson wanted, she got. "I'll be fine," Willow assured him.

Giles smiled his thanks and reluctantly walked off into the crowd with unstoppable force.

Willow sighed and looked around suddenly nervous. Without Giles at her side, the confidence she had started to evaporate. She took a deep breath and tried keep calm, when a man's voice from behind startled her.

"Lovely party isn't it?"

Willow turned around toward the voice and smiled in relief. "Yes, yes it is."

Hollings smiled at her and extended his hand. "Richard Hollings. I'm afraid we weren't introduced properly. Douglas can be a bit of a -- well, a bit abrupt sometimes."

He leaned in and spoke in hushed tones. "I thought you handled the old coot magnificently." He straightened and smiled again. "But you didn't hear that from me."

Willow grinned. She liked Hollings. He was easy and genuine. The tension that had started to take hold slowly dissipated. "Thank you, Mr. Hollings."

"Richard, please."

"All right, Richard."

A waiter passed by and offered them champagne. "Would you like a drink?" Richard asked politely.

"Yes, thank you."

He took two glasses off the tray and handed one to Willow. He raised his in a toast. "To -- is there something you'd like to drink to?"

Willow thought for a moment. "To firsts," she said cryptically. "May they not be lasts."

Richard grinned and drank. "Are you affiliated with the museum? I don't remember seeing you before."

"No, just a guest."

"Ah, well. I hope you don't judge us too harshly,"' he said amiably.

Willow smiled and shook her head. "I've seen much worse."

Richard laughed easily.

Somewhere across the room, Giles' arm was being pumped up and down by another "benefactor". He smiled, but his eyes were straying. He couldn't help but search out Willow. Mrs. Sorenson was right. It wouldn't do to leave a beautiful woman unattended here.

"Yes, well, Rupert is my choice," Mrs. Sorenson said. "But there are others factors at work, as we all know." There was a general rumble of agreement in the group.

"Would you excuse us?" she asked, as she took Giles by the arm. Once they were out of earshot, she shook her head ruefully. "Really, Rupert, you could do more than grunt, couldn't you?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. It's just--" he said his eyes still scanning the room.

She sighed dramatically. "Very well. I suppose you're not interested in being curator. After all the teas I've hosted, the insipid company I've withstood - and all for you."

"I'm sorry," Giles said finally turning his attention back to her.

She laughed and shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Find your lady faire. There's time enough for politicking later."

Giles looked at her, his confusion apparent. She couldn't help but laugh. "Pleasure first, business later," she said as she gave him a gentle push into the crowd.

Still unsure of what was going on, Giles grabbed his newfound freedom and resumed his search for Willow. Mrs. Sorenson watched him drift into the crowd a tender smile on her lips. "True love's the rarest of antiquities." She sighed a little wistfully and gazed up at the heavens. "Right, Daniel?" Allowing herself a moment, Mrs. Sorenson paused and then returned to business of making Rupert Giles head curator of the Ancient Arts Department whether he knew it or not.

Giles smiled as the saw Willow across the room. He stood for a moment, simply awed by her beauty, his hand unconsciously reaching up and covering his heart.

To say she was a vision did her no justice. Elegant and engaging, she stood out among the crowd. Sunnydale's cream of society paled in comparison.

She stood smiling in that most disarming way she had, sipping delicately from her champagne flute and occasionally tilting her head back as she laughed. She reached out and touched the arm of her companion in a shared gesture on intimacy.

Wait a minute.

A shared gesture of intimacy? What the bloody hell? As he pried his eyes off Willow and looked to see what blighter had moved in, he grunted in dismay as he saw her talking gaily with not one but three men. The veritable belle of the ball.

Gnashing his teeth, Giles approached the group. Perhaps it's a pheromone thing, but the younger two peeled off before Giles arrived. Like young bucks knowing the stag was back, they fled into the crowd.

Giles' eyes narrowed as he identified the remaining man. "Hollings," he said tightly as he put his arm possessively around Willow's waist.

"Hello, there Mr. Giles. Willow and I were-"

Completely ignoring him, Giles turned to Willow. "I'm sorry I was gone so long."

Willow frowned, wondering if Giles had hit his head or something. "That's okay," she said with a quizzical expression. "Richard and I were just talking about Mesopotamian idolatry."

Giles turned his gaze on Hollings. His eyes were cold. "Really?"

Hollings couldn't suppress a smile. "She has a remarkable mind."

"I'm sure it was her mind that you were looking at when I walked up," Giles hissed.

"Giles!" Willow scolded. "I mean, Rupert. Richard was nothing but a gentleman. He ran interference for me, if you must know."

Giles' anger deflated somewhat he turned to Hollings. "I apologize. I--"

"No need," the other man said with understanding. "I think if I were in your shoes, I might have reacted the same way."

His courtly response only fed Giles' shame. "No. I don't know what--. Thank you," he said extending his hand.

Hollings took it all in good humor and grinned. "My pleasure." He turned to Willow and bowed. "And thank you. Now, I fear the rest of the evening can be nothing but a let down."

With another nod to Giles he excused himself. Suddenly, feeling very foolish, Giles looked at Willow sheepishly.

Willow sighed. She should be angry with him. What the hell was that all about? And then suddenly she understood. It was about her. Giles was claiming her, and if she were honest, it felt wonderful. To know it, and to see it - made her heart beat faster.

Giles looked into her eyes and instead of the expected rebuke, he saw what looked an awful lot like love. He cocked his head to the side in confusion, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.

Just when she thought she was on solid ground, he'd look at her with those hazel eyes, and the earth would shift beneath her feat.

Somehow, through the haze of attraction and the surge of emotion, Giles heard the strains of music.

"Would you like to dance?" he whispered, his voice rough with unspoken feeling.

Willow knew she couldn't speak and nodded. He took her champagne glass and set it down on a nearby table. Never taking his eyes from her, Giles led them to the floor just as the band began to play the old standard, "At Last."

The singer's voice was husky, and she sang the song the sort of soul that would have made Etta James proud.

Giles took Willow's hand in his, and rested his other around her waist. His hand being so large and her waist being so small, his fingers wrapped around and touched the bare skin of her back.

Willow loved the feeling of his hand holding hers and placed her other hand on the side of his shoulder. Gently they began swaying to the music.

AT LAST, MY LOVE HAS COME ALONG MY LONELY DAYS ARE OVER AND LIFE IS LIKE A SONG

Their eyes locked on each others'. Volumes of passion and trust passed silently between them.

AT LAST, THE SKIES ABOVE ARE BLUE MY HEART WAS WRAPPED IN CLOVER THE NIGHT I LOOKED AT YOU

Giles released her hand and pulled her closer, both hands now resting on the small of her back as Willow tilted her head back, unwilling to look away even for a moment.

I FOUND A DREAM THAT I CAN SPEAK TO A DREAM THAT I CAN CALL MY OWN I FOUND A THRILL TO PRESS MY CHEEK TO

With a knowing smile, Willow rested her head against his chest and could feel his breath catch at the gesture and feel his heart pounding.

A THRILL I'VE NEVER KNOWN YOU SMILED, AND THEN THE SPELL WAS CAST AND HERE WE ARE IN HEAVEN FOR YOU ARE MINE, AT LAST

As the music faded, Willow leaned her head back and gazed lovingly into Giles' eyes. Her feelings were echoed in his face. His eyes drifted from hers and then down to her lips. She smiled as he leaned down to kiss her.

"Mr. Giles?" a voice said, interrupting them just before his lips touched hers.

Startled, Giles straightened and glared at the intruder. "Farnsworth," he bit out.

Willow groaned softly as he pulled away.

"Rumor has it you're campaigning for head of the Ancient Arts department," he said with a grin, well aware of what he'd interrupted.

"I do have some interest in the post," Giles said tightly. "But as to campaigning-"

Farnsworth raised eyebrow of disbelief. "Yes, of course."

Giles ground his teeth in a effort not to tell this little pissant the exact directions to hell. "Was there something else?"

"No, no. Nothing that can't--" he looked pointedly at Willow and smiled. "Nothing that can't be discussed another time." He looked back to Giles, who was struggling to control his growing anger, and then returned his gaze to Willow again. "My dear." And as abruptly as he had appeared, he left.

"I'm really starting to hate that man," Willow said softly.

"Bloody lech," Giles mumbled and looked down at Willow. "I'm sorry. I hate having to play this ridiculous game. What could I be thinking, wanting to return to this sort of a life?"

"Hmmm. Paying the rent maybe?"

"Willow! I'll have you know-" he scolded her until he saw the gleam in her eye.

Willow giggled, and he couldn't help but smile. She touched his arm gently, and the rush of desire coursed through him again, but he was far too aware of their circumstance and crowd to do anything.

A small forlorn sigh escaped his lips as he gazed into her emerald eyes. "Willow."

Willow tried to keep her smile, but her heart wasn't in it - it was lost a few moments ago, when his kiss had almost been hers. She patted his chest lightly and shook her head ruefully.

He caught her hand with his before she drove him to an act of madness. He wanted so much to take her in his arms and kiss her, and kiss her and kiss her. But it meant too much to him to force now. It was private thing, and he didn't want an audience.

There are precious few times in a person's life when they know exactly what they want; fewer still when what they want, wants them back.

Giles had always found Willow attractive, had always been drawn to her, but something had changed during their dance. Well, perhaps not changed so much as revealed itself. Like bubbles to the surface, his feelings rose up. Undeniable. Bursting forth. Demanding and powerful.

He could no longer deny them, rationalize them or belittle them. He wanted her. He wanted her now and forever. He wanted her in every way a man can want a woman. And yet here he stood, nervous at her touch and unsure of his own voice.

Willow looked into his eyes and wondered if she were dreaming. She'd often had a dream that he would look at her just this way - passionate and loving. She noticed that the couples around them were once again moving to the music and she smiled ruefully.

Giles still held the hand that was wrecking his nervous system and squeezed it a bit shyly and led her from the floor. Truth be known, he wanted to dance with her again, but didn't think anything could match the feeling of their last dance. Not willing to risk having at least one perfect memory, reluctantly, he escorted her away from the music.

The balance of the evening was filled with mundane small talk and the joys of politicking. The magic of their moment having fled, left them both wondering if they'd imagined the whole thing.

Mrs. Sorenson had re-appeared and led Giles to various groups, singing his praises as they went. Giles kept Willow by his side this time, but knew she must be growing tired of the sad little play. Not that she'd given the slightest sign of any displeasure. She smiled warmly at each person, adding her own supportive words and somehow managing to engage those who walked the periphery of each conversation.

She simply could not have been more charming or patient. And Giles found himself falling in love with her again and again. Each gentle touch, each tender smile went straight to his heart. He couldn't understand how he'd stayed away from her as long as he had. But knew this, now that he had her, nothing could ever keep him away again.

He watched curiously as Mrs. Sorenson pulled Willow aside and whispered something in her ear. Willow nodded and smiled, finally a demure blush rising in her cheeks. The older woman laughed warmly and kissed her on the cheek before returning her to Giles' side.

"I think I've done enough damage for one evening," the woman said with a wink. "Even for me. Good night Rupert."

Giles took her frail hand in his. "Goodnight and thank you. I think."

Mrs. Sorenson cast a quick glance and Willow and then turned back to Giles. "Congratulations."

Giles frowned. "I'm sorry. For?"

The older woman laughed and patted his hand. "Good night, Rupert."

As she left them, Giles watched her as she walked for the door. "Strange woman," he said softly.

Willow giggled.

"What's so funny? I get the distinct feeling that I've missed something."

"Maybe," Willow said with a smile that grew into a small yawn.

Now it was Giles' turn to chuckle. He glanced at his watch. It was rather late. "Tired?"

"A little," she confessed. "But if you'd like to stay-"

"I think if I shook another hand, my arm might fall off." He opened and closed his hand in a display of its fatigue. Willow simply reached out and took it in her own.

Giles' eyes rested on their joined hands for a moment - hers so small in his. His fingers brushed against her smooth skin, and he sighed contentedly. It was so easy to love her.

*****

The car ride back to Willow's apartment was quiet, each lost in thoughts of the evening. At the first stoplight, Giles had released the stick and reached across, needed to touch her again. He would hold her hand until he needed to shift and then she would lightly rest her small hand atop his.

Their hands danced this way until Giles pulled up in front of her building. He shut off the car and went round to open her door. He helped her out of the car and stood gazing down at her.

"I--I just wanted to thank you," he started, unsure of what to say. "You were incredibly patient, and I don't think I could have asked for a more charming or more beautiful woman to be at my side. You-"

"Rupert," Willow said so softly, Giles had to lean in to hear her. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"

His answer began with a warm caress of her cheek and slow sensual nod. He put one arm around her waist, letting his fingers delicately drift along the soft skin of her exposed back. His other hand gently traced her cheek, until his long fingers rested under her chin, tilting her head up to meet his.

Willow lost something of herself in his eyes and found it again in his kiss. With infinite tenderness, his lips brushed hers. He pulled her body against hers as his mouth took her lower lip, slowly nibbling on it, until her mouth opened in a gasp of pleasure. Then with stunning swiftness, he took her.

His mouth covered hers hungrily as his hand tangled in her silky hair. She was setting his blood on fire, the feeling of her small tongue brushing along his. He'd never tasted anything so sweet and couldn't seem to get enough.

Willow moaned as he devoured her. She let the waves of passion crash over her, until she was struggling to breath.

After all too short an eternity, Giles forced himself to break the kiss. He looked into her eyes, needing to know he hadn't overstepped, that he hadn't somehow frightened her. But instead of fear, he saw his need returned. He let out a quick relieved breath and kissed her forehead. "Willow," he whispered reverently.

She reached up and ran a slender finger along his cheek. He caught her hand and kissed it.

They stared into each other's eyes, letting the power of the evening sink in. Finally, Willow looked away shyly.

Giles squeezed her hand reassuringly and smiled. He walked her to her front door where they stood awkwardly under the bright florescent lights of the hallway.

"Well," Giles said looking down again at their hands. He knew he had to let go, but couldn't seem to do it.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked tentatively.

Giles nodded and with great reluctance gave her hand back.

Willow put her key in the lock and turned back to Giles. "Goodnight," she whispered as she placed another soft kiss on his lips before quickly dashing into her apartment, the door closing behind her.

Giles stared at the door for a moment, before sighing and somehow managing to walk back to his car. 'Tomorrow,' he thought. 'Cannot come soon enough.'

Willow leaned heavily against the door. She took a deep breath and tried to keep herself from flinging it open and kissing him again. She closed her eyes to better remember and let the memory of his kiss linger.

She'd dreamt of his kiss for longer than she really wanted to admit. It was a childish fantasy in high school that had somehow miraculously become a reality. Sure, it took six years, but she wasn't complaining. Not now.

He'd kissed her.

She sighed again, a dreamy smile on her lips as she pushed away from the door, looking forward to climbing into bed and letting her dreams take her.

She'd been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed the flicker of the television in the dark apartment. As she crossed to turn it off, she saw Buffy and Xander asleep on the sofa. They'd obviously tried to stay up and greet her when she got home from her date.

She giggled softly and covered them with a blanket.

Xander sat with his legs stretched straight out, one arm around Buffy, his head tilted back, mouth open. Buffy leaned on his shoulder, her legs curled under, one hand gripping the remote and the other lost inside a bag of Doritos.

Willow smiled fondly at her best friends before retiring to the bedroom to thoughts of what pleasures tomorrow might hold.

*****

Giles wasn't sure how he managed to walk back to his car; he didn't remember walking down the stairs or crossing the sidewalks. All he could remember was the feeling of her lips on his, the small hand against his chest, and the promise in her voice.

He sat dazedly in his car for a while, leaning against the steering wheel gazing back at Willow's building. He couldn't stop remembering the feel of her lips on his. Abruptly, his view was obscured as a pair of students passed by looking suspiciously into his car.

Realizing he did look a bit odd just sitting there staring, he sat up straight, trying to pull his thoughts back to the present. But it was useless. He pulled on his bow-tie, letting it fall about his neck and undid the top stud, loosening his collar.

His gaze fell to his passenger seat. Empty. He started his car and slowly drove home to his empty apartment; his thoughts never straying from the woman he hoped would fill the emptiness.

*****

The light filtering through the thin curtains of the living room fell on Buffy's face, warming it and gradually waking her. She sighed sleepily and opened her eyes. She blinked a few times to try and place herself. On somebody's shoulder?

She sat up and was relieved to see Xander. Good old Xander's shoulder. They must have fallen asleep waiting for Willow.

"Willow!" she said suddenly concerned, jumping to her feet.

"Wha---?" Xander mumbled, as he was startled awake.

Buffy glared at him. "Willow. Where's Willow?"

"On a date with the G-Man," he said sleepily.

"Hello? It's morning and no Willow!"

Xander frowned and then his eyes widened in dismay.

"Exactly!" Buffy cried.

"But, they wouldn’t -- well, you know--" Xander suggested weakly.

"No, they wouldn't. Not on a first date. Would they?" Buffy said her eyes going wide.

They turned quickly toward the bedroom at the sound of a drawer being slammed. "They--" Buffy stammered. "They wouldn't--" she swallowed nervously. "--here? Would they?"

Xander was speechless, his mouth hanging open at he image of Giles and Willow in bed in the next room.

"I can't stand it," Buffy said suddenly as she moved to the bedroom door. She took a deep breath and motioned Xander to come with her. He could only shake his head.

She knocked softly on the door. "Wills?"

"Yeah, come on in, " Willow said.

Buffy looked nervously back at Xander and covered her eyes before opening the door. "Uhm, hi," she said trying desperately not to peak between her fingers.

"Hi Buffy," Willow said happily.

"Where's Giles?" Buffy said, quickly turning her head away from the bed.

"Uhm, in bed?" Willow offered.

"Oh my God," Buffy rasped. "Wil-low!"

"What? Why are you covering your eyes? Is everything okay?" Willow said as she anxiously went to her friend. "Do we need to phone Giles?"

"Phone?" Buffy said softly as she carefully lowered her hand and dared to look at the bed. She looked back at Willow, a blush rising in her cheeks. "No, nope."

Willow suddenly realized what was going on. "Buffy!" she scolded. "You didn't really think--?"

"Me? No. It was— it was Xander," she said pointing accusingly into the living room. Willow smiled and let the giggle escape her lips.

"Sorry," Buffy said in a small shamed voice.

Willow just shook her head and kept giggling.

Xander then burst into the room, his hand covering his eyes. "Good God! Haven't you two done enough!"

"Xander," Willow chided him.

"What?" He carefully lowered his hand and looked around the bedroom. "I was kidding."

"So," Buffy asked with a waggling eyebrow. "How was it?"

Willow blushed a little. "I'm not one to kiss and tell but--" With a big dreamy sigh, she fell backwards onto her bed arms flung out to the sides.

*****

Giles woke up slowly, rolling over and putting his extra pillow over his face. He stayed for a few minutes in that wonderfully soft place between sleep and wakefulness.

He was having the most wonderful dream about Willow. He'd run his fingers along her soft skin, finally pulling her into a deep kiss.

"Willow," he sighed, the sound of his own voice pushing the last remnants of sleep sway.

For a moment, a wave of fear passed over him. Was it only a dream?

He looked around his room and saw his tuxedo jacket hanging on the back of a chair. He sighed in relief. It had been gloriously real.

She'd kissed him.

It had been better than any dream - the feeling of her in his arms, her lips touching his. The silent promise of so much more.

'Slow down, old man' he chastised himself. 'It was just your first date.' He smiled to himself. 'And what a way to start.'

As the day wore on, Giles' thoughts seldom strayed far from Willow. He'd tried to call her, but only got her answering machine. He wanted to ask her out to lunch. Actually, he'd wanted to ask her over for breakfast, but had thought that might be pushing it.

He swore to himself he was going to take things slowly, didn't want to frighten her away. His feelings for her ran deeper than even he had realized.

He wanted to court her, to treat her the way she deserved - with tenderness and adoration. He wanted their courtship to be special. He wanted her to know how very much he cherished her, their friendship and their new relationship.

He set down the cup he was washing and frowned. Relationship? Did they really have a relationship? He was suddenly struck with a sinking feeling. They'd only gone out once, perhaps he was getting ahead of himself.

She was still young, maybe she wanted to date other men. Giles clenched his jaw. What if she was out with another man right now?

'Get a hold of yourself,' he told himself, but the seeds of doubt had already been planted. It would only be normal for her to want to taste more of life. It was foolish to think she could be ready to love only him - forever. He felt his chest begin to constrict.

Years of experience and loss had taught him what he wanted.

He wanted Willow.

He wanted her to be his forever. But --- But to a young woman, really just entering the world, her life was ahead of her. How could he expect her to feel the same way as he did?

He thought he'd seen it in her eyes, felt it in her kiss. Perhaps it was no more than a spell cast by the splendor of the evening.

The clothes, the wine, the music - conspiring to create a dream world. It had been so easy to feel the power of romance in that setting, to see things as more than they really are. But now in the harsh light of day, what would she see when she looked at him?

Heaving a despairing sigh, Giles leaned against the counter and felt the hope that had lifted his heart just moments ago, slowly fading away.

*****

Lunch was wonderful. Not because of the food, Willow hardly touched a bite, her stomach was filled with dancing butterflies. Heck, she felt so good; the sidewalk was wonderful.

Buffy and Xander had carried most of the conversation. Willow kept drifting off, sometimes in mid-sentence, a dreamy little smile coming to her lips. Like right now. She was staring into her iced tea, stirring it with the long spoon and sighing happily.

"And that is why the elephant sat on the fuzzy little bunny," Xander said. Willow didn't even react. "Wow, she has got bad. Reference to fuzzy-bunny-cide... no response."

Buffy giggled and smiled at her friend. It was so nice to see her this happy, even if it did make her a little jealous. Not that she wanted Giles or anything as ew as that, but when she looked at Willow, she remembered how great it felt to fall in love. And Wills had definitely fallen hard. It was all over her. The glazed look in the eyes, the way she kept making little circles on everything with her fingers. And then there was the way the waiter looked at her - like she was cherry pie. Why is it, as soon as you don't need them to look, guys start looking?

Xander tried to smile, but it came out a bit crooked. Not that anyone noticed. Willow was busy sighing, and Buffy was busy sighing at Willow's sighing. Women!

Xander was jealous. Okay, not really, really jealous, just enough in lots of little ways to make his heart ache. He'd never been able to make Wills look like that. Even when she was completely puppy-loving him, she never looked like she did today. Today, she wasn't a girl with a crush. Today, she was a woman in love.

Willow smiled at bit self-consciously as she noticed her friends staring at her. She met Xander's eyes and he grinned. "The Willow has landed. Quick, Buff, before we lose her again."

Willow giggled. "I'm sorry."

"No you're not," Buffy said playfully.

"Okay. I'm not," Willow said as her smile got even wider. "What do you think he's doing right now?"

"Knowing the G-Man as I do. I'd lay odds he's got his nose buried in some book."

"You think so?" Willow said dreamily.

Xander snorted. "Only you Wills. Only you would be turned on by a guy reading a book."

Willow blushed.

"Depends on who's reading. Dylan McDermott reading a book - sexy," Buffy offered.

"Salma Hayek reading a book - definitely sexy," Xander agreed.

"Harrison Ford - skimming through a magazine - sexy," Buffy suggested.

As Xander and Buffy traded sexy readers, Willow drifted off again, her thoughts on one particularly sexy reader.

*****

Knock. Knock.

Giles got up from his brooding spot on the sofa and answered the door. "Buffy?" he asked in surprise, his eyes immediately looking for her companion.

"Hi, Giles," Buffy said brightly as she walked past him into the apartment. She noticed him lingering at the door. "Willow's not with me, if that's what you're looking for."

"Oh, no I was --" Giles started, but was too fatigued for pretense. "Where is she?"

"School."

"School?"

"You know-- readin' writin', rithmatic," Buffy said as she plopped into a chair.

"On a Sunday?"

"You know Wills. Something about.. what did she call it? Oh yeah, studying."

"Oh, yes. Of course, " Giles said with a shake of his head as he closed the door. "Is there something you needed?" he asked when something odd suddenly struck him. "Buffy? You-you knocked? Are you feeling quite well?"

Buffy laughed and nodded. "I'm fine thank you. Just trying to get in the habit. I don't want to walk in on anything. If you know what I mean," she added with a wink.

Giles sighed and sat down heavily. "I wouldn't worry about that too much, " he said softly.

Buffy sat forward, concerned. "Giles, I may not be the sharpest fork in the drawer--"

"Knife," Giles interrupted.

"Knife?"

"Knife in the drawer."

"Oh, right. Anyway, I've seen happy floaty people before, in fact, I just left one. And you look nothing like that."

Giles just sighed.

"What's wrong? I thought everything was great last night?"

"It was," Giles said sadly. "Perfect."

"And that's a problem?"

Giles looked at his Slayer. "It was too perfect. I'm afraid -- Once Willow sees me as I am -- as I really am --" He shook his head ruefully.

"She'll love you all the more," Buffy said honestly. "If that's even possible. Giles, if there is one thing in the world you can count on it's the way Willow feels about you."

Giles looked at her, a spark of hope lighting his eyes. Buffy reached out and took his hand.

"I just don't want to screw this up," Giles confessed with a self-deprecating laugh.

"You won't," she said giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Or I'll kick your ass."

Giles laughed and nodded. "That’s very helpful, thank you. My feelings of inadequacy have somehow vanished," Giles said sarcastically.

Buffy laughed. "Glad to be of service."

Giles sat in the courtyard of his apartment building, trying to enjoy the quiet respite of a Sunday afternoon. He looked at the paper as he sipped his tea, but the words blurred before his eyes. He sighed and snapped the paper open again, hoping to be able to actually read the article he'd been staring at for the last twenty minutes.

He fought the crease for a minute, punching and pulling at the damned thing, finally getting it to behave. He folded the paper over and heard a soft giggle. Slowly, he lowered the paper.

Willow stood on the other side of the small table, a smile in her eyes. "Hi, paper giving you a hard time?"

Giles chuckled and nodded a bit sheepishly. "I-I thought you were at school," he said slowly standing. He wanted to touch her, but felt incredibly awkward.

"Was, but done my duty and now I've got the rest of the afternoon off," Willow said with a bright smile.

Giles opened and closed his hands in an effort to keep them off her. "Uhm, would you like some tea?" he asked abruptly, hoping to have something to actually do.

"Sure, sounds nice," she said easily.

He nodded gratefully and gestured spasmodically toward his apartment. "I-I'll just go and put the k-kettle on. F-for your tea."

Willow smiled gently. "Okay."

Giles smiled back and felt like a complete dolt. A school boy without an ounce of self-control, grinning stupidly at a pretty girl.

"Is everything all right?" Willow asked as she followed him inside.

"Oh, y-yes. Fine."

"That was --- not very convincing," she said plainly, once they were in his kitchen.

Giles set down the kettle and sighed. He turned to face her. "I'm sorry, I'm--" He shook his head. "I'm--"

"Did I do something?" Willow asked nervously.

Giles took an unconscious step closer to her. "No. No. You - you're perfect." He frowned, feeling like a fool again.

Willow reached out and laid a hand on his arm. "What is it? I know something's bothering you."

Giles shook his head and did his best to dispel his insecurities. "It's nothing. Really."

Willow accepted his answer for now and grinned. "Okay." She just kept smiling. "I got your message. I'm sorry I missed you."

"I'm sorry too." Giles said before regaining himself. "I understand you had nice lunch with Buffy and Xander though."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Was something wrong?"

"No," she said softly. "But my heart wasn't really in it."

"No?"

"No," she said, feeling suddenly bold. "It was somewhere else entirely."

Giles felt his pulse quicken. "It was?"

"Yup," she said with coy smile as she took a step closer.

"Anywhere I know?" he said in a voice tinged with hope.

Willow nodded and closed the remaining space between them. Giles breath was short, his eyes beginning to dilate.

Willow reached out and placed a hand on his heart. "I think so," she said softly.

"Willow, I- " Giles said his, voice hoarse. He shook his head and took her face in his hands, pulling her to him. His lips melted against hers softly. The kiss was gentle and sweet.

Reluctantly, Giles released her. He gazed down at this amazing woman, her emerald eyes sparkling.

The tea kettle whistled, interrupting whatever might have come next. With a sigh, Giles turned to remove it from the flame.

Willow stepped back and leaned against the counter and just watched him for a minute. "Thank you for last night," she said finally. "It was wonderful."

Giles turned to face her. "If it was, you made it so."

Willow blushed and Giles grinned, loving the way it traveled down her cheeks to her neck and-- ahem.

He cleared his throat, if not his mind, and poured the hot the water.

"I was wondering if-- What are you doing tomorrow?" she asked suddenly.

"I-I don't know, but don't you have class?"

Willow's grin widened. "Just an early one. I'm out by eleven."

Giles' grin matched hers. "Did you have something in mind?"

"A picnic. Unless there's somewhere else you'd rather-"

Giles shook his head. "There is nowhere on God's green earth I'd rather be than with you."

Willow laughed lightly and took a small breath. "Good."

Willow had insisted on taking care of all the preparations. She'd bought, borrowed and/or pilfered items from friends and family. It had turned out to be a lot of work, and she loved every minute of it.

She loved thinking out what he might like, what he might want, what would tempt him most. She loved just thinking about him - period.

It had been so long since she'd been happy - really, truly happy. And she'd never felt exactly like this before. Not with Xander, not with Oz.

Her heart raced at the mere mention of his name.

Even now, as she sat on the front steps of her building waiting for him to pick her up, her pulse was quicker, and her stomach was full of butterflies.

She nervously fiddled with the basket, re-checking, again, to make sure everything was perfect. She sighed and told herself to relax. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather for a picnic.

Letting the sun soothe her, Willow leaned back against the steps. She closed her eyes, smiling at the prospect of the afternoon to come, tilted her head back and finally managed to relax.

*****

The morning had gone by with excruciating slowness. He'd checked his watch, wound the clocks, even dialed up time. He'd paced, tried reading, and eventually settled on cleaning the kitchen.

No matter what he did, his thoughts always drifted to Willow, a small smile inevitably coming to his lips.

It was odd how much things had changed in so short a time. He'd kept his feelings for her in check for so long, he hadn't realized that once they were released, it would be like opening floodgates.

They were more powerful than he'd dreamt, and it was more than a little frightening. What had been important now became paramount. Wants had turned into needs. Before he'd been able to put his feelings for her away, tuck them neatly under his duty and responsibilities, but now--- Now, they couldn't be ignored, even for a second.

Whether she was actually there or not, she'd become his constant companion - in his heart. And it felt wonderful... and terrifying.

Finally, the time arrived. Giles drove happily toward Willow's apartment, pulling up exactly on time. He shut off the car and spotted her sitting on the steps. His heart skipped a beat. Gods, she was beautiful.

He swallowed hard and started toward her, entranced by the grace of her body and the gentle smile that warmed his heart like the sun warmed the day. He stopped a few paces short and just watched her for a moment.

Willow felt him, felt his eyes on her. Her smiled widened before she opened her eyes. He was just standing there staring at her, unashamed of the naked emotion in his face.

His eyes softened as they met hers. "Hello, love," he said before thinking that was probably a bit forward. He looked away nervously and didn't see her approach. He felt her small, sun-warmed hand slip into his.

He looked down into her emerald eyes. "Hello, love" she echoed just as softly, before standing on tiptoes to brush a light kiss across his lips.

Giles sighed in grateful delight and squeezed her hand. He reached down and picked up the basket as Willow gathered the blanket.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice still a bit unsure.

Willow nodded. "Very."

Giles grinned, and they walked back to his car, placed the items in the boot and started off for the park.

It was a short, silent drive to the park. Giles' free hand had found hers as soon as the car started. The touch of their hands spoke the words neither could quite find yet.

The park was practically empty, with only a few scattered mothers and small children.

Giles set down the basket and took the blanket from Willow. He spread it out in the dappled sunlight under a large tree. He took her hand and gently eased her down onto the blanket.

Taking in a deep breath of the fresh air, Giles knelt down in front of her. He looked like he was about to say something, but then just smiled and sat down beside her.

"Hungry?" she asked innocently.

Giles pushed down the surge of desire he felt and managed a nod.

"Good," she said brightly. "Since I didn't really know what to bring, I brought a little of everything."

Giles chuckled and watched her scoot over to basket, rising up to her knees. Her sundress was made of a thin, flowing material that came to rest just above her knee. But as she had maneuvered herself toward the basket and rested on her heels, the hem had slid up her leg, stopping slightly above her mid thigh.

Giles found himself staring at the creamy skin exposed by the short dress. He frowned a little, knowing he either had to look away or say something, and found he could do neither. Knowing he shouldn't, but unable to resist, he reached out and touched the soft skin of her leg. Willow gasped at the unexpected contact and looked down at his hand.

His long fingers took the hem of her dress and slowly pulled it back down, covering her leg. His hand barely brushed along her skin. The soft touch along her leg made Willow's heart race. A little breathless, she looked into his eyes not quite sure what had just happened.

How could he explain it to her? He couldn't tell her he had to do something, or he'd lose control, throw her onto her back, and ravish her right there in front of God and country.

How could she let him know that his simple touch set her blood on fire? And the shy way he was looking at her now - how it made her want to climb on top of him and...

"I'm sorry," Giles mumbled. "Y-your dress was -" He waved his hand a little, and Willow frowned a bit before the dawn broke.

"Oh!" she smiled shyly. "Thanks."

"My pleasure," he said in voice that was supposed to be calm and composed but the memory of her skin made it came out husky instead.

Willow took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She turned back the basket and closed her eyes.

Giles watched her turn away and chastised himself. One touch of her skin, and he was starting sweat. How was he ever going to survive this day?

Giles had somehow managed to keep his hands on the food and off Willow, for the most part.

They ate lunch and talked casually, not staying too long on any one subject. They just drifted along, letting the afternoon take them wherever it might lead.

When the meal was finally over, Giles stretched out - his long legs extended, crossed casually at the ankles, as he propped himself up on one elbow. A drowsy sort of contentment made him look like a cat.

Willow shook her head trying to clear it of the libidinous thoughts that came to mind as he lay back. 'Second date,' she told herself. 'Only the second date.'

Giles took her hand and urged her to join him. Slowly, she eased down, mirroring his pose. For a long moment, they lay there just looking at each other. Eventually, Giles released her hand and then trailed his absently up and down her bare arm.

Willow's eyes traced the length of his body. His handsome face, his tender eyes, concentrating solely on her. His broad shoulders led her down to his long arms and the warm hand that brushed lovingly along her skin. The snug fit of his jeans on his hips gave her pause. She swallowed and continued down his body, along his legs and then back up.

Giles lay mesmerized by the feel of her. She was so incredibly soft. His eyes followed the path his hand made along her arm, but his mind strayed. He wanted so much to touch her, all of her. To feel her pressed against his body, warm and soft. 'Easy old man,' he warned himself. 'Second date. Just the second date.' Even so, his mind couldn't help but wander.

The afternoon was quiet, the birds softly sang and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. Lost in thoughts of the other, the world around them started to fade.

"Sandra!" a woman called out in a beleaguered voice. The world came back.

Giles and Willow both sat up at the sound and looked across the small area of the park they'd staked out. A young mother, not much older than Willow, was standing and calling out to her daughter as her son scrambled about at her feet. The girl, about three years old, had started to totter off at a quick pace to the swings, completely ignoring her mother's call.

The young woman cast a worried glance at her son, perhaps two, as he crawled around the grass.

Willow stood up. "I'll watch him," she offered, sensing the mother's indecision. The young woman smiled gratefully and dashed off toward the playground.

Giles stifled his sigh. He surely didn't want to be interrupted, but what could he do? Willow's offer was thoughtful and he smiled at her as she crossed to the boy.

Seconds after he noticed that his mother had left his side, the boy began to cry.

Giles watched as Willow gathered the child into her arms. She sat down on the grass, cradling him, whispering soothing words and gently caressing his brow. Slowly, the tears subsided, and the crying died away.

Giles felt his chest tighten. The image of Willow comforting the child stirred feelings he'd long since buried. The dream of having a family had been just that - a dream. Until this moment. Suddenly, he wanted to make it a reality. Desperately.

Willow smiled down at the boy and said something that made him giggle. The mother reappeared with her daughter in tow. She thanked Willow, who smiled graciously and gently handed the boy back to her.

Giles watched Willow walk back to their blanket, her hips swaying slightly, her dress flowing about her legs. The sun shone upon her hair as her green eyes met his. She'd never been more beautiful to him. Giles felt a wave of desire crash over him, unlike any other - passion infused with a powerful sense of true love. The need to share his life with this beautiful woman and to have a family with her became as basic as his need for air.

Willow noticed the change in his expression. As she lay back down on the blanket next to him, she cocked her head to the side. His eyes were dark and searching.

"Rupert?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern and confusion. He shook his head and placed a long finger against her lips.

He moved closer to her, his hand touching her shoulder, gently laying her back - his dark eyes never leaving hers. He wanted to spill his heart, to release everything he had for her, but couldn't speak.

He didn't have to. Everything about him spoke of his love. His eyes, his face, his body and finally his lips - his wonderful, warm lips as he leaned down and captured her mouth with his. One hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer to him, as the other gently stroked her cheek. He kissed her tenderly, barely restrained desperation just beneath the surface.

The kiss at the party was passionate - a realization. The kiss in his kitchen was tender - a promise. This kiss was something so much more. She could feel it, taste it. This kiss was his love - deep and abiding and it belonged only to her.

She reached up and caressed the back of his neck, giving silent permission to let go whatever it was he was holding back, to release the things he was afraid of and to claim the others.

As if he could read her thoughts, Giles pulled away slightly, breaking the kiss. It was overwhelming - the power this woman had over him. Finally, giving in to the torrent, he let it sweep them both away.

A universe unto themselves, two hearts, two souls - on a lazy Monday afternoon in the park - became one.

"G-Funk!" Xander yelled across the street. "G-opolis!" he said after he dashed across the traffic.

The older man was lost in his thoughts as he stared into the store window and didn't answer.

Xander reached out and touched Giles' arm. "Giles?"

"Oh! Xander!" Giles said startled. "You shouldn't sneak up someone like that."

"But I-- Oh never mind. So whatcha lookin' at?" Xander asked as he peered into the store display.

Giles sighed and frowned.

"Rings?" Xander exclaimed. "Wow. Rings as in... rings for fingers and things."

"I was just passing by," Giles said nonchalantly, at least that's how he hoped it sounded.

"Right. And that would also explain the mixture of undying hope and absolute terror in your eyes," Xander quipped.

Giles frowned and started to protest. "I was merely walking. Just walking and, the.. they caught my eye."

"Okay, just for future reference. That's a really lame excuse."

Giles sighed heavily, and his eyes wandered back to the jewelry display. He knew it had only been a few weeks since the museum gala. And yet, not a day, not a moment had gone by when he didn't think of her. He'd known from their first kiss that there would never be another woman for him.

Xander watched him carefully for minute before speaking again. "You really thinking about it?"

Giles smiled ruefully and looked shyly at the young man. He nodded slowly. "Am I fool?"

Xander laughed kindly. "For loving Willow? Never." It was Xander's turn to smile ruefully. "And I should know." He noticed Giles' smile turn into a frown and quickly amended. "I don't mean... I don't really know what I mean. I mean, I love Willow. I always will."

Giles' frown deepened, and his jaw began to set.

"But-- and this isn't easy for me to say," Xander admitted. "She loves you in a way she never loved me. I don't know if now's the right time for this or not - you'll have to figure that one out for yourself." He took a deep breath and met Giles' eyes. "But... I do know that I can't think of two people who belong together more than you and Willow."

Giles was sincerely moved by Xander's revelation. "Thank you," he said softly. "I ---" he found couldn't finish the sentence and let it trail off into nothingness.

Xander put his hand on Giles' back and nodded in sympathy. "So, you really shopping here or what?"

Giles laughed a little nervously. "Honestly, I don't know. I was just passing by. Honestly," he said with a smile. "But-- but it's all happening so fast. I-I don't want to rush her. I don't want to make a mistake."

"Just follow your heart," Xander said wisely and then began to blanch a little under Giles' intense gaze. "And my heart is telling me... wait... Pizza... yes, definitely Pizza." His eyes went round as he touched his chest. "With pepperoni."

Giles laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Buy you a slice?" Xander offered.

Giles smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Xander. Thank you."

*****

"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Buffy asked Willow as she grabbed a soda from the fridge.

"Nothing. I thought... Maybe if you weren't busy," Willow said hopefully. "You and me. We? Could do something?"

"What's wrong? Did you guys break up? Oh, Wills. I'm so sorry," Buffy said as she ran to her friend's side.

Willow giggled. "Nothing's wrong. Can't I just spend time with my best friend?"

Buffy frowned. "Nothing's wrong?"

Willow shook her head. "We're fine."

"Don't scare me like that," Buffy exclaimed.

"I'm sorry?" Willow said with a smile.

"Why aren't you going to Giles'?" Buffy asked suspiciously.

"No reason," Willow said with obviously forced casualness.

"That was believable... net even. You two are like frick and frack. Not that I have any idea who that is exactly. Heckle and Jeckle! No, that's not-- " Buffy frowned in thought.

"Can't I just spend time with my bestest bud without it having some super-duper significance?" Willow asked innocently.

"Uhm, let me think about that... no!" She sat down next to Willow on the sofa and narrowed her eyes. "Is everything really okay?"

Willow smiled a bit sadly. "Yes, everything is really okay. And that's just it. Everything's perfect. I keep walking around waiting for the other shoe to drop. I mean, let's face it, people like me just don't have the happy riding off into the sunset with Prince Charming kind of endings."

"Why not?"

"Well," Willow frowned in thought. "Cause."

"Gonna have to do better than that," Buffy said with a smile.

Willow sighed. "I'm scared, Buffy."

"Of what?"

"Oh, everything. It's... I'm..." she regarded her friend seriously. "You won't laugh?"

"I promise," she swore. "Unless it's funny and then--- kidding! What is it?"

"I know he loves me. I think. I mean, I know he loves me, but does he love-me love me? I love him so much sometimes I can't breathe," she confessed softly.

"Oh, Willow," Buffy said gently. "He loves you. Loves-you loves you."

Willow's eyes looked at her hopefully. "You think?"

Buffy smiled and shook her head, a bit in awe. "Yeah. I know!"

Willow's face brightened.

"So," Buffy asked. "You gonna call him or what?"

"Nope. I'm gonna spend the night hanging with my bestest bud. And you know why?

Buffy smiled, hoping she wasn't going to actually start crying. "Why?"

"Cause I kinda love her, too."

The two friends smiled at each other and all was right with world.

"You will be careful?" Giles said.

Buffy groaned. "No, tonight. I'm feeling reckless. I think I'll smear myself with pig's blood and go a courtin'!"

Giles rolled his eyes. "Buffy-"

"What? Can't a Slayer poke a little fun? Okay. All right. Duh. Careful is my middle name. Buffy "Careful" Summers," she said with a smile.

"Thank you," he said with a smile.

"You think he needs a little...?" Buffy said as she wiggled her fingers.

Willow giggled and blushed. "Be careful," she said with a grin.

"Sheesh," Buffy said as she closed the door Giles apartment behind her.

Giles made sure it was locked before turning back towards the living room.

Willow just shook her head and slid back down onto the couch.

"What does..." Giles asked as he wiggled his fingers in an imitation of Buffy's gesture, "...mean?"

"It just means, um," she smiled slyly. "Maybe I'd better show you."

Giles arched an eyebrow.

"Sit," she said patting the cushion next to her.

Giles smiled and sat down, but frowned when she stood. "I don't--"

"Shhh, Rupert. Patience," she said in a soft voice that made him weak. She stood in front of him for a moment, enjoying the perplexed anticipation in his eyes. She reached forward and touched his shoulder, instinctively he leaned forward, tilting his head towards hers.

Willow smiled mischievously and put a foot on the cushion next to him. His eyes went round for a minute.

She used his shoulder to steady herself as climbed onto the couch.

"What are you--?" he asked, his eyes growing even bigger.

"Shhh," she whispered as she continued to stand on the sofa. "Scoot forward just a bit?"

Swallowing hard, he obeyed quickly. Willow swung her leg behind him and eased herself into a sitting position on the back of the couch. With Giles now sitting between her legs, she held both shoulder and pulled him toward her. "Sit back."

Slowly, Giles leaned back. He took a deep breath as he felt Willow's thighs along his sides. She gently guided his arms so that they rested easily over her legs, as they stretched out on either side of him.

She held onto his shoulders for balance. "If you move, I'll topple over. So," she said leaning down and whispering into his ear. "Don't go anywhere."

He took a deep breath to try and control the sea of hormones this physical contact was creating and managed a nod. "Not... going anywhere," he said a bit breathlessly. The feel of her small hands on his body, the touch of her legs; it was all driving him to distraction.

Willow sighed contentedly. She let her warm fingers touch the sides of his neck, just below the ears, barely caressing the soft skin, easing their way along the strong muscles of his neck.

Giles closed his eyes and let himself fall under the spell of Willow's touch.

Her fingers gently stroked his skin, feeling his throbbing pulse just beneath her hands. She could even feel his adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed. She leaned forward again, feeling bold, and asked in a sultry voice. "Thirsty?"

Giles shook his head.

"You sure? I could stop-" she smiled as his hands flew up and grabbed hers she started to pull away.

"No," he rasped, clasping her small hands in his. He held them for a moment before putting them back against his neck.

Willow placed her mouth barely an inch from his ear. "If it pleases you," she whispered, loving the feel of his body shiver slightly. She'd never been this forward with him, this suggestive in her movements, but his reactions to her touch spurred her on.

The feel of her soft breath in his ear, the warmth of her fingers, was a wonderful torture. He gave himself over to the sensations, trying to restrain himself from dragging her into his arms.

Willow resumed her simple massage of his neck. Eventually, she let her fingers drift back to the taut muscles of his shoulders. Her long, slender fingers ran over the strong curve of his shoulders and down the length of his arms. She paused to squeeze his biceps, leaning forward to reach his forearms. Her breasts brushed along the back of his neck.

Rupert took a quick breath and tensed.

Willow, unaware of the impact on him of her simple gesture, leaned back. She felt his body tense. "Something wrong? Did I hit a nerve?"

"S-something like that," Giles said uneasily. Her slightest touch was enough to arouse him, much less the feel of her small breasts casually brushing against his neck. He frowned and took her hands in his. "Sit next to me?"

Willow smiled a bit sadly, but slid over and slipped onto the couch next to Giles. She looked at him and then down. "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry, I--"

Giles reached out and touched her face, tilting it to meet his gaze. "You didn't do anything wrong," he assured her. He frowned, quite sure he hadn't the slightest idea how to continue this conversation.

He looked into her wonderful emerald eyes and sighed. The hand that tilted her head, still rested along her cheek. He ran a long finger down her face, to touch her chin and lifting it slightly, he leaned down and kissed her.

Willow's confusion quickly melted into puddles, along with the rest of her. Giles' hand left her chin as his fingers wound their way through her hair. His lips gently coaxed hers to part for him. His tongue barely brushed along the seam of her mouth.

As naturally as breathing, Willow's arms snaked their way around Giles' neck, pulling him down to her.

The taste of her, the feel of her; it was like a drug. A constant battle waged within him. He wanted her desperately, desired her more than any other woman he had ever known. But he could sense her shyness, her inexperience. How he longed to teach her... oh, so many things.

As if of its own accord, his free hand, which had been gently holding on to her back, traveled down to her hip and then along the soft material of her skirt. It drifted down her thigh, before reaching the bare skin just above her knee. Like a moth to a flame, it was drawn to the heat of her skin.

His warm hand stopped for the briefest of moments, while his tongue dove into her mouth. Without thinking, somehow feeling the need, she sucked it further into his mouth. Giles moaned and leaned even further into her, pressing his advantage as his hand resumed its trailblazing.

Willow's breath, what she had left of it, caught as she felt his hand slide under her skirt and slowly make its way past her knee, barely touching the smooth skin of her thigh.

Inch by inch his fingers moved closer and closer, his mouth covering hers. He leaned her back against the sofa.

Finally his hand reached the juncture of her hip, and his long fingers spread out across her thigh.

"N-no-" she gasped, pulling away from his kiss.

Giles sat up quickly, confused and ashamed. He pulled his hands away and tried to catch his breath. "Oh, god," he rasped, looking away. "I-I'm sorry." He stumbled to his feet and moved away.

"No, I didn't..." Willow said nervously. "I --" She stood and went to his side. "Rupert."

Giles shook his head. "I--I," he stammered.

Willow took his hand and waited until he finally turned to look at her. "I'm sorry," she said shyly. "I didn't mean to..." she trailed off embarassed. "to---"

"What?" he said reaching out and touching her face.

"Oh, Goddess. I'm sorry. I g-got carried away. I'm sorry. I didn't mean t-to start doing---to make you--" She shook her head frantically. "I'm sorry."

"No. You didn't do anything wrong." He pulled himself up to his full height a frown of shame on his face. "I'm the one. I sincerely apologize. I--" he shook his head, unable to articulate his mortification at overstepping so grossly.

"No," she said firmly. "I --" she frowned uneasily.

His own feelings aside, Giles intuitively needed to comfort Willow. "What is it?" he asked gently.

"It's just that--," she started. "Oh Goddess, this is embarrassing."

"Never with me," he assured her.

"I'm--- I'm not as experienced as you are and--"

"Darling-" he said.

"Let me finish," she said quickly before she lost her nerve. "I want you... The gods know - I want you," she said shyly. "But..."

Giles felt his heart swell and collapse within seconds.

"But..." she continued. "I need to go slowly. I know it doesn't make any sense." She looked into his eyes. "I mean, I look at you, and I just want to jump your bones."

Giles chuckled.

"But, at the same time, I think it's important to wait. Does that make any sense?" she asked nervously.

Giles smiled down at her in relief and joy. How could one woman be so innocent and so seductive at the same time? He tenderly stroked her cheek. "Whatever you need. As long as you need."

She smiled and let out a long ragged breath.

"Not going anywhere," he said with a smile.

"You're sure you don't mind?" Giles said into the phone.

Willow rolled her eyes. "Rupert, for the last time, I don't mind. It's on my way."

"If I weren't expecting that call from England--"

"It's all right. I'll stop by the magic shop. Run in, run out. It's not a problem," she assured him.

Giles glanced at this watch. "It's nearly two, I should ring off. I'll see you about three then?"

"With bells on... or something," she added with a wink in her voice.

Giles chuckled, but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling he had, maybe it was just the impending storm. "If it's raining, don't bother. It's not that important--"

Willow giggled. "Even as sweet as I am, I won't melt," she said teasingly. "I'll see you at three."

"Goodbye, Love."

"Bye."

Giles smiled to himself as he hung up the phone. They'd been "officially" dating for nearly four months. The weeks had flown by. He couldn't seem to remember a time in his life before Willow. BW, Buffy called it.

He put the kettle on and waited for the phone to ring, his mind drifting off to an afternoon and an evening with Willow.

*****

Giles opened his front door and stood on the stoop. The rain had started to fall about twenty minutes ago. It had begun as a light drizzle and insistently grew into the steady downpour he now watched.

The uneasy feeling from earlier in the day reared its ugly head again. There was absolutely no reason for it. Things couldn't be better really. Perhaps that in itself was the cause. Giles had never been comfortable with nice and easy. The calm had always been a harbinger of a storm to come.

He stood framed in his doorway, watching the large drops of rain fall heavily into the ground. His eyes strained to see her lithe figure appear through the haze. He watched and waited, but still nothing.

With a deep sigh, he went back inside. Leaning somberly against the door, he stared at his empty apartment and glanced at his watch - 3:30.

She was only a half an hour late, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

He tried to tell himself it was just the storm. She was probably stuck in traffic. It had certainly made things easier since she'd gotten her own car, but at times like this, he wished she needed him to drive her. At least that way, he always knew where she was.

'Yes, she's probably just caught in traffic or something,' he told himself. But it was those 'or somethings' that had him worried.

He made another cup of tea, sure by time it was finished, she'd be there.

But it was, and she wasn't.

With each passing moment, his anxiety grew by leaps and bounds.

He tried to read; he tried to reach Buffy, tried to call her apartment. And by 4:00 he was trying not to panic.

The inaction killing him, Giles grabbed his car keys off the counter and strode to the front door. Quickly, putting on his coat, he threw the door open.

Willow nearly fell into the apartment.

"Willow!" he cried, as she regained her balance.

"Sorry I'm late," she said with a trembling smile.

Giles pulled her inside. She was soaking wet and shivering. He wrapped his arms around her; his breath suddenly coming in short bursts. "Are you all right?" he asked, not letting her out of his arms.

"I'm f-fine. J-j-just c-cold," she sputtered.

He put her at arm's length and quickly surveyed her for injuries. Aside from looking very cold and wet, she seemed unharmed. "You're sure?"

She smiled through chattering teeth. "Y-y-yup." Then she noticed, for the first time, the look in his eyes - the fear, anxiety, relief and so much more. She smiled again and put her small hand on his chest. She could feel it pounding, his breathing still fast. "I'm fine," she said gently. "I'm sorry."

Giles' eyes were still intense with emotion. He leaned down to kiss her tenderly, but the moment he felt her mouth against his, he pulled her tightly against his body. His warm mouth crushed down on hers, capturing her, as if never to let go.

Finally, assured she was real and in his arms, he reluctantly pulled back.

"What happened?" he asked as he started to take off her coat and rub her arms.

Willow shivered and walked further into the apartment. "I went to the magic shop and as I was going back to the parking lot, it started to rain. I don't know if they'd been waiting for the sun to be covered or what, but out of nowhere these three vampires came up."

Giles grabbed her and turned her to face him. "Did they attack you?" he asked incredulously.

Willow smiled and shook her head, a bit contrite. "No, I hid. And, after forever... they left."

Giles let out a long breath and pulled her back into the safe haven of his arms. "Thank God."

Willow sighed, letting the feel of his strength and love warm her. "This is nice," she said finally. "But, I could really use a warm shower."

"Of course," Giles said with an almost shy smile. "Uhm," he pulled back slightly. "I'll... get you a robe."

"Thanks."

Giles knew he was supposed to be going upstairs now, but he couldn't seem to let go of her. She looked up at him with gentle eyes, eyes that seemed to know everything about him. He smiled tenderly and touched her face. The feel of her cool skin brought back to mind what he was supposed to be doing.

"Why not start the water, and I'll leave the robe on the door?" he suggested.

"Sounds good."

Willow went into the bath and started the shower, as Giles went to find a robe and left it as promised.

As Willow showered, Giles thought.

It wasn't until she came out of the bath, the steam swirling around her like the mists of Avalon, that he decided.

Tonight. Tonight would be the night.

"Is something wrong?" Willow asked.

Giles simply stared her. His robe engulfed her, as the steam from the shower danced into the room. Her hair was towel-dried and hung in damp curls around her shoulders.

"No." He shook his head and smiled. "Tea?"

Willow smiled. "When in doubt."

Giles came up to her, taking her arms in his hands. She noticed something enigmatic behind the usual tenderness. He gently rubbed her through the material of the robe. "Better?"

She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. "Now."

Giles sighed contentedly and kissed the top of her head.

"Do you have some sweats or something I can borrow?" she asked softly.

"Of course. Let me see what I can find," he said pulling back and looking into her eyes. Again, she was struck by the flash of something new, indefinable. "Be right back," he said with a brief kiss.

As he went upstairs to rummage for clothes, Willow put the kettle on. Giles returned in short order with a pair of sweats. "I'm afraid you'll be swimming in them."

She took the clothes. "It's all right," she said as she held them up. She closed her eyes and inhaled, a rich smile coming to her face. "They smell like you."

Giles breath caught, as she grinned and went into the bath to change. He let out a long ragged breath and shook his head to clear it.

He went into the kitchen to wait for the tea. A few minutes later, Willow joined him. He couldn't help but chuckle.

"The latest in fall fashion," she said striking a pose. The clothes were ridiculously huge on her.

"You look adorable," he said between laughs.

She frowned in a mock pout and then shrugged, her smile returning. "Well, I'll go home after the tea and change. And don't start with-" she said hoping to head off his protests before he a chance to voice them.

"That's a good idea," he said calmly.

"...tell me I can't... um, it is?" she asked in confusion. "I can drive myself?" she added uncertainly. She was sure he would insist on at least accompanying her.

"Unless you've forgotten how," he quipped turning to take the kettle off the stove.

Willow frowned. What happened to the guy who met her at the door and was ready to bundle her up and carry her away? Who was this tea-steeper and what did he do with her Rupert?

"No, I haven't forgotten," she said petulantly.

Giles turned immediately, recognizing the tone in her voice. "I didn't mean--"

"S'okay," she said with a wave. "I didn't either."

Giles smiled and turned back to the business of making tea, his mind racing. "I'll have dinner read by the time you get back."

Willow frowned again, but forced her voice to sound if not happy, at least mildly pleased. "Great."

"Tea's nearly ready."

"You know, I think I'll just go. I'll be back in about hour?" she said as she went for her purse and shoes.

"An hour's perfect," he replied not even turning to face her.

Willow watched his back for a minute before sighing. "Bye," she said softly just as the door closed.

"Hmm? Oh.. bye, Love," he said finally breaking away from his thoughts and turning to an empty apartment. He frowned for a moment, before shifting his mind into overdrive.

*****

Willow had sulked all the way back to her apartment. Sulked through changing her clothes and even managed to keep the sulk alive on her way back to his Giles'.

She knocked on his door before opening it and letting herself in. Her breath caught at the sight that greeted her.

The table set for dinner, candles lit and wine breathing. Music drifted from the living room, which glowed with the light of a roaring fire.

"Rupert?" she called out.

"Hello," came a deep voice from the stairs. He stepped into the soft light of the room. He was wearing dark slacks and the deep forest green silk shirt she'd given him. He looked fantastic. He grinned and arched an eyebrow, accepting her appreciative smile.

Willow shook head and looked around the apartment. "How did you have the time?"

He approached her slowly. "Where there's a will, there's a way."

"There is?" she asked softly.

He stopped in front of her and leaned down, his lips just above hers. "Oh, yes." He kissed her gently, but even his softest kisses were enough to make her knees weak.

He pulled away and ran finger down her cheek. "A glass of wine?"

Willow nodded. "Something smells wonderful. What are you making?"

"Coq au vin. Is that all right?" he asked as he poured the wine.

"Smells divine," she said, taking a deep breath.

"I wanted this to be special," he said handing her the glass. "For a special woman."

She smiled up at him, seeing that mysterious look in his eyes again. He seemed to be looking right through her and into her soul. It should have un