Title: Behind The Mask 4/8
Author: Sav
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Joss Owns All
Destitution: WHS
(Summer's Home)
The day passed fairly fast as Buffy and Willow set up the decorations for the party.
"So, is Giles gonna dress up?" willow asked her anxiously.
"Yup. He wasn't at first but, I talked him into it"
Willow smiled.
"What's he going as?"
"I don't know yet. I told him to come home early so we could go shopping"
"You're not gonna get something with him are you? He'll know even with the lights out that it's you"
"Nah, well I mean yes. But what I get with him, isn't going to be what I'll have on at the party. The shopping with him is just to throw him off"
"Smart thinking"
"Thank you"
"What's smart?" Xander asked as he entered the home, his arms full of bags from the local food store.
"Buffy" Willow answered as she helped him by taking a few of the bags out of his arms and headed into the kitchen.
"Well, we always knew the Buffster was a genius"
Buffy flashed him a smile from the ladder she was on.
"thanks Xan. You get the chips?"
"Yup"
"And dip?"
Anya walked in with some more bags in her arms as Xander looked at his girlfriend and answered.
"Yup"
Buffy laughed as Anya frowned at them. She didn't know what they were talking about, but she was sure it was about her.
(Summer's home - several hours later)
Buffy was setting Dawn's cake in the fridge as Giles walked in through the back door.
"hey"
Her smile made his heart skip a beat.
"Good afternoon"
"I see you kept your promise to come home early"
She leaned against the counter, her hands going behind her to rest on the sink. The movement pulled the material of her tank top tighter across her chest as Giles tore his eyes away from the view she was giving him.
Removing his jacket, he answered her.
"Indeed I did. Have I ever lied to you?" He was smiling again as Buffy noticed the great ease he used when moving.
"Not in a few years" She teased then went to him. "Still sore?"
"A little" he answered honestly.
"let me see?"
"Buffy, that really isn't-"
"Why is it you get to care for me, but I cant care for you?"
"I-I'm sorry?"
Not waiting for him to answer, Buffy began unbuttoning his shirt. Giles took a deep breath, and released it softly. His chest muscles tightened as her fingers brushed his skin, while making their way down his shirt.
Once all the buttons were undone, she opened the material and looked at his rib cage.
"Oh, god. Giles, why didn't you tell me how bad you were hurt last night?"
"It's nothing , Buffy" His voice was but a whisper as she looked up at him. His eyes were focused on hers and his hand came up to wipe away a fallen tear from her cheek. "Why are you crying? Has something happened while I was gone?"
"It is something. Look at you"
"It's nothing new"
"What?"
"I've been in this condition sense the day I became your watcher, Buffy. I'm sort of, use to it"
She felt horrible. A sob was trying to escape her as she touched his ribs lightly. "I'm so sorry"
Giles wrapped his fingers around hers, squeezing them gently.
"There's no need to be. Buffy, I'm very concerned about you. Why the tears?"
God how horrible was she to him? He had to ask her why she was crying? He even thought it was because of something else, and not him.
"Hard day" She whispered. Tonight she was going to make it up to him . Tonight she was going to show him just how much he meant to her. But for now, it was time to stick to her plan.
"I'm sorry" He whispered, causing Buffy to look up at him.
"It's ok. You sure, and I mean *really* sure your all right?"
His smile brightened at her concern.
"Yes, Buffy. I'm sure"
With her free hand, she covered his that was holding her other one and squeezed it.
"Ok, then let's go?"
"Of course"
They parted as Giles started to button his shirt.
"You're gonna have fun tonight , Giles. I promise"
Her wicked smile almost stopped him dead in his tracks as he watched her walk out the back door.
Good lord, what was he getting himself into to?