Title: Behind The Mask 2/8
Author: Sav
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Joss Owns All
Destitution: WHS
(Living Room)
Giles shrugged his jacket on and called to Dawn again.
"Dawn? Please do hurry it up?"
"Just a minute!"
With a sigh, the Watcher took a seat on the couch, leaning his weary head back against the cushion and closed his eyes. His ribs were still a bit achy from the fight he and Buffy had last night. The Vampires were either getting stronger, or he was getting older. He assumed it was probably a bit of both as he laid his hand to his rib cage and gently applied some pressure on it.
With a groan, he squeezed his eyes shut a little tighter. All though he relieved some of the ache, the bruising was now sending small needles of pain though his chest.
"Hey"
At the sound of her voice, a warm smile touched his lips. Giles opened his eyes and sat up slowly.
"Morning Buffy"
"You ok?"
He saw the concern in her eyes as she sat down on the coffee table in front of him. It sent a wave of pleasure through his body to have her so close. Lately, they'd been through a lot together.
Especially with Joyce's passing.
He moved in with Buffy and Dawn to help them out financially as well as emotionally. Things had been going so well between watcher and slayer the last few weeks, their routine seemed to be that of a old married couple.
They knew the others thoughts, feelings and movements without ever having to say a word.
"Yes, thank you" He smiled
"Right, that's why you look like your about to pass out"
"I most certainly do not" Giles said defending himself.
Buffy giggled.
"Ok, If you say so"
"I do" He told her with a warm grin.
They sat for a few moments, looking into one another's eyes. Both held smiles on their lips as they waited for the other to say something.
"So, tonight?" Buffy asked him, breaking eye contact as she looked at her hands.
"Yes?"
"You're going to dress up to, right?"
"Oh, uh, I d-don't know Buffy..."
"Why not?"
"I think perhaps I'm a bit to old for these -"
"You are not. I wish you'd stop saying that"
Giles looked at her, a little stunned that she was defending his age. Especially sense she was always the one reminding him of how 'over the hill' he was.
"Parties" Giles continued. "I doubt Dawn would appreciate me crashing her fun"
"The party is for all of us, Giles. Not just Dawn"
A small smile touched the corners of his mouth as he asked softly.
"Will you tell me what you're going as?"
"Will you dress up if I do?"
He thought for a long moment before answering her.
"What about Reilly? Wouldn't you rather dress him up?"
"Reilly isn't coming"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Buffy"
"Why? We haven't seen each other in weeks"
"Really?"
"Yeah. I've kinda realize , he isn't the one"
"Ah, I see" He said with a warm smile. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah. Just, kinda sad I hurt him. But, I can't help the way I feel"
"Of course you can't. I'm just sorry to see you alone again"
Buffy smiled at him with inviting eyes.
"I'm not alone"
Giles felt his heart clench. He was going to have to suffer through yet *another* boyfriend that was going to take his slayer away from him.
"Giles?"
"Hmm?"
"I said; I'm not alone. I have you"
"Me?" He looked up at her a little stunned.
"Well, yeah. Don't I?"
"Uh, yes, y-yes of course you do. Watcher/Slayer, always"
He sounded disappointed as Buffy watched his eyes focus on the ring on his pinkie.
"I didn't mean in the watcher/slayer way. I know I have you that way"
With a slight frown, Giles softly asked...
"You didn't?"
"No"
Lifting his eyes back to hers, Giles questioned.
"What way were you referring to then?"
"Friends"
With a grin, Giles nodded.
"Indeed. You'll always have me as a friend, Buffy"
"Same here" She told him with a big smile. "So, what do you say? Come to the party in a costume?"
He chuckled a little, figuring what the hell. Buffy was going to be there alone and so was he.
"Will you help me pick something out so I don't horrified Dawn, if I say yes?"
Buffy laughed.
"Deal"
"Then, deal for me as well"