Title: Changes 1/2
Author: Savage
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Rating: R
Distribution: Dusty
Disclaimer: Joss owns all
Dedication: For an old friend that I miss
Spoilers: Season 7

Thanks koala! You're the best girl ;-)

(Summers Home)

Walking from the dinning room towards the living room, Giles had a fresh cup of tea in one hand, while the other held a book he was using for research. The storm outside was still raging, lightening flashing across the sky and reflecting through the home briefly as it traveled through the windows around the house.

The Watcher jumped at the sound of thunder clashing just above the home.

"Just the storm ol' man."

He shook his head in disbelief. He was a watcher for goodness sake. Jumping at the littlest sound was ridiculous.

Of course, all the caffeinated tea he was drinking tonight wasn't helping his nerves. But he needed something to keep his eyes open long enough to get through yet *another* book. While the lights continued to flicker on and off in the neighborhood, though for now it seemed they chose to be off, Giles stopped by the front door. He thought he heard something as he was passing by.

He took a step closer and listened.

Nothing.

Maybe he was hearing things?

As he turned to step away, the wind howled louder and slammed against the door, jarring it.

"Good lord!"

Jumping back, Giles swallowed. His heart was beating fast until he realized it was just the wind making all those noises.

"Oh, good show, Giles."

His heart returned to a normal beat, as the watcher cursed himself for being so bloody paranoid. Earlier he had lit candles around the house so there would be enough light for Buffy to see when she finally arrived home. Until she did though, he took up researching. Going through several books and many web pages, thanks to Willow for teaching him how to use 'Google,' to see what was up with the fierce storm outside.

He believed that this occurrence was more than it appeared. It seemed to be worse than anything he had ever seen in Sunnydale and the history of this town proved he was right to be curious about the recent weather event.

He found a passage in the book he still held, pertaining to the First. It told of the evil using weather change and the earth's natural resources to gain power. That was as far as Giles had gotten before he got up to make himself a fresh pot of tea. Turning from the door, Giles started towards the couch where he had placed a large candle on the side stand earlier to read by, when the front door opened, making him jump again.

The tea he was carrying luckily missed him again as some of it sloshed over the side of his cup.

"Buffy!"

Giggling, Buffy entered her home, shutting the door behind her.

"Sorry."

"Quite all right. I'm glad to know my old heart can still withstand a good scare."

Smiling at him, Buffy removed her jacket, putting it on the coat rack by the door.

"You're not old, Giles."

Raising an eyebrow to her, Giles wished he could see her face, wanting to know if she was indeed holding a teasing smile on those beautiful lips of hers, as he imagined she would be. Though he had candles spread out around the home, for the most part, the home was cloaked in darkness. "How was patrol?" he asked as he headed for the couch and took a seat.

"The usual," Buffy answered, her voice sounding tired as she sat down in the lazy-boy across from Giles, resting her head against the back of the chair.

Buffy sighed softly. She was glad to be home.

"Ah, so basically you killed roughly three or four Vampires, headed to the Bronze to meet Willow and Xander for a little, *you* time, then made one more pass, killing another 2 to 3 vampires, before heading home?" he asked casually while keeping his eyes on the book he held open.

"It scares me how well you know me."

"That's what a good watcher does. He knows his charge." Lifting his head, Giles flashed her grin. It was then he saw the purple markings across her cheek. There was even a small stain of blood at the corner of her mouth, as pieces of her wet hair clung to her parts of her forehead. The light from the candles around the room didn't show everything that was wrong with her, but it was enough for Giles to become alarmed.

"Dear lord, Buffy. Are you all right?" Sitting his book down, along with his cup of tea on the table in front of him, Giles sat forward with concern filling his eyes.

"A little sore, but otherwise, yeah," she told him while absently running her fingers along her wrist.

Giles noticed she was touching it softly as his eyes settled on the angry blue and black marks there. Looking back to her eyes, which were now closed, Giles sighed.

"Buffy?"

"Hmm?"

"Promise me you're really all right?"

"I promise," she whispered, not opening her eyes. "Just tired, and sore."

He really wished she would tell him when she was wounded. Lately she refused to even allow him to bandage a cut on her finger, much less something more serious. He assumed it was because they were only beginning to get comfortable with one other again. Little had he known it was because Buffy got butterflies every time he touched her.

"Buffy?" he pressed on.

"Hmm?"

"Wouldn't you like to go upstairs?"

"Hmmmm," she mumbled not opening her eyes.

With a sad smile, Giles watched her falling asleep in the chair. He wanted nothing more than to take her upstairs and cradle her in bed. Letting her know that he was there for her and she was safe. Of course that was wishful thinking, but a man could dream.

Standing, Giles went to his slayer and gently took her tired and worn body into his strong arms.

"Hey..." she half heartily protested then laid her head to his shoulder. Snuggling her face into his neck, Buffy cradled her arms to her chest, careful that her hurt wrist was on top of the good one. She felt safe with him. She knew he would care for her and by morning she would be ok.

Giles took a deep breath as her small body curled into his. He reached down as he bent his knees and grabbed a candle off the table.

"I know you're the slayer," he began, trying to get his mind off her pressing so close to him. He turned to the stairs and headed up. "And you're more than capable of getting upstairs on your own--"

"Damn right I am," she mumbled into his neck. Her voice holding a sleepy over tone. Giles smiled warmly and headed into her bedroom when he reached the top of the stairs.

"Yes, you are. I'm merely pulling my weight around here is all."

Entering her room, Giles carried Buffy into the bathroom.

"Yeah, cause, rent is overrated."

Chuckling, Giles sat the candle on the sink and maneuvered them so he sat on the side of her tub, with Buffy in his arms.

"I didn't know house guests paid rent when visiting old friends."

Reaching with one hand, while the other held her close to him, Giles turned the water on in the bathtub.

"I'd never ask you for rent."

He felt her smile against his neck as he answered her softly. "I know"

Testing the warmness of the running water, Giles felt her good hand clench the front of his shirt when he leaned forward to lay his hand under the faucet. Smiling at her holding on to him, he heard her answer.

"It was just my subtle way of way telling you, you've been here longer than you said you would be."

"Do you wish me to go?"

Satisfied with the water's temperature, Giles reached down, still careful to hold onto to Buffy and plugged the drain.

"No," she told him strongly and slipped her hand over his shoulder so her fingers rested at the base of his neck, sending pleasant feelings through the watchers body. "I missed you," she continued to tell him while her fingers brushed the soft hair at his neck. "You were gone way too long."

"I missed you as well," he told her, his voice set in a hushed tone. She truly had no idea what she was doing to him, and unless she got off his lap, soon, she was about to find out.

"I'm glad your home, Giles."

"So am I."

"Thank you for helping me tonight."

"I'll always be here to help, Buffy."

It was rare that they ever had a chance to touch. Much less hug one another. So Buffy letting him care for her like this was something Giles would always remember and cherish.

"Ready for your bath?"

"Hmmhmm," she answered, knowing how tired she sounded.

"I know this is the last thing you want to do right now, but I do believe it will help you feel much better."

"I know, I just think I might need some help."

"H-H-Help?"

Giggling, Buffy lifted her head to look at him.

"Why Mr. Giles, I do believe you're stuttering."

"I-I am not," he protested.

Smiling, Buffy stood with his assistance.

"It's ok. I wouldn't want you dropping dead from shock."

Drawling his brows together, Giles looked down at her. "Are you saying that seeing you naked would shock me into a heart attack?"

"Guess we'll never know huh? Cause as soon as I start to do this..." Grabbing the bottom of her shirt, Buffy started to slowly lift it.

"Buffy!"

"See?" She grinned, letting the shirt fall back in place.

"If you need any help, OTHER than that, I shall be but a shout away."

Turning, Giles headed for the door when he heard Buffy giggling then moaned in pain.

"Buffy?"

"I'm ok," she answered, her voice laced in agony. She was sitting down on the side of the tub, with her hand over her rib cage.

"Oh Buffy, you really were hurt badly, weren't you?" Walking to her, Giles kneeled in front of his slayer, his left knee cracking as he did.

"No. It's just-HEY!" She grabbed his hands as they started to lift her shirt, their eyes meeting while their hands tingled.

"I'm your watcher, Buffy. If you're hurt I need to see," Giles told her, trying to sound unaffected by touching her.

"You sure this isn't some ploy to see me naked?" she joked trying to lighten the mood.

Giles glared at her teasing way

"I assure you, I am only interested in you as my slayer. Nothing else. Now if you please?" He gestured to her to move her hands. Buffy felt something pang her heart when he told her in no uncertain terms that there would never be anything between them but a friendship.

"Sure," she whispered, and removed her hands from his way. Giles thought she sounded hurt by his comment but dismissed it as her being in pain. When he moved the shirt up, he saw the bruising and swelling along her ribs.

"Dear god. I think you've broken at least a few of them."

"I'm all right, Giles. By Morning I won't even hurt."

He touched the tender part of her tummy and she grimaced.

"But they DO hurt now."

"Sorry," he apologized then stood. "If you can get into the tub, I shall be right back."

"Where you going?"

"You need some ice for those, and I would imagine some pain medicine couldn't hurt."

Turning, Giles headed downstairs as Buffy released a deep breath then realized that probably wasn't the smartest thing for her to do. Though her ribs didn't hurt as bad as they looked, they were uncomfortable. She eased herself out of her clothes and sank into the tub, realizing once her body settled, that Giles used her favorite oils in the water.

Within minutes he returned to her with a cool glass of water, 2 muscle relaxants, and her ice pack. He laid the ice on the counter then turned back to Buffy and handed her the water and pills.

"Here you go," his voice cracked as he caught sight of her.

Buffy had her knees bent slightly, showing part of her thighs to him as her hand laid over her bruised ribs. The water made her skin glisten as it washed over her, while the suds did nothing to hide the outline of her bosom from him. The soft glow of the candle illuminated the small room and her skin as Giles eyes feasted on her.

"Thanks," she answered him, her tone still groggy. She took the pills and a sip of water before handing it back to Giles, who tore his eyes away from her body and placed the water on the counter.

"You're quite welcome."

Buffy wished she could see his face better. But since he turned back to face her, his back was to the candle and all she could see was his silhouette.

"Is there anything else you need?"

"Nah, I think I'm ok."

"All right then."

He turned to leave but her voice stopped him.

"Hey? Where you going?"

"Downstairs."

"Oh. But..."

"Yes?"

He moved back to her as Buffy sank further into the tub. The cool air was sending shivers along her skin as she rubbed her arms.

"I just thought..."

"Are you cold?"

"Yeah."

"Would you like me to turn the heat on?"

Boy was that a loaded question, she thought.

"No, that's ok. Can you just . . . ?"

He waited for her to ask him whatever she wanted as he stepped closer again to her.

"Yes?"

"Stay?"

He smiled at her, although she couldn't see it. "Of course."

"Thank you."

Her voice fell softer again as he moved to the sink.

"Would you like me to wash your back?" he asked as he took a wash cloth from the counter and went to her.

"That would be great but, how about one of your famous back rubs first?"

"Anything you like."

He moved to sit beside her on his knees, when he bent down and his left one cracked again. Causing Buffy to look at him as her arms were covering her chest and she slowly sat up.

"You ok?"

"Yes, just old age"

"You are not old. I wish you would stop saying that."

Giles felt something inside him stir as she defended his age.

"Are you sure you should be sitting up?"

His hands touched her neck as his fingers worked their magic. Buffy let out a low moan sending thrills through Giles.

"Probably not, but that feels wonderful."

"Why don't we..." His voice trailed off as his eyes caught site of a large purple mark across her shoulder blade. "Buffy?"

"Hmm?"

Her eyes were closed as she sat a little straighter, trying to ease the ache in her ribs.

"How many vampires did you fight tonight?"

"A lot. Why?"

When his fingers traced one of the many marks on her back, Buffy grimaced.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry. Was there anything else you fought tonight?"

"No, just vamps. There were a lot of them."

Swallowing, Giles continued to move his hands along her neck and shoulders.

"I wish you would take back up with you on patrol."

"I'm the slayer, Giles. I don't need it."

"From the look of your body tonight, I'd say you did."

He felt her sigh then she pulled away from him.

"Buffy?"

"Just my side. I think I should go lay down."

"All right. Would you like to wash yourself?"

Buffy turned her head to him and looked at him wide eyed.

"I-I-I meant- um, that is-"

She giggled as he stuttered.

"I think I better. You seem to be having a hard time with it."

He raised his eyebrow to her. "No pun intended?"

"Huh?"

"N-Nothing."

He stood and reached for a towel as Buffy saw what he meant. Though there was little light, she could make out the tent in his pants.

"Oh," she said quietly as Giles turned back and held the towel in front of him.

"So much for hiding it well," he mumbled as Buffy's eyes looked up at him.

"I wish I could see you."

"I-I'm sorry?"

"Your face. I wish I could see your expression."

"Why?"

"I just wish I could."

He watched her for several moments as she lowered her head and washed herself. She was having a difficult time as he saw her wrenching ever time she had to move to reach something. Taking a deep breath, Giles kneeled next to her again and took the cloth she was using into his hand.

"Let me?"

Turning to him, she saw a smile on his lips.

"Thank you."

"You're quite welcome."

They stayed in silence for most of the time Giles washed her. He started with her back, soaping up the cloth then running it along her spine and carefully over her bruises. She had such a beautiful body, firm and toned. Hard and soft in all the right places. Her skin the color of bronze, her muscles sculpted to fit her tiny frame to perfection.

Shaking his head, Giles tried not to think about slipping into the water and making her his.

Buffy was still thinking about his reaction to seeing her naked when she felt him switch his position so he was facing her. His hand lifted questioningly towards her chest then moved to her arm.

"Giles?"

"Hmm?" He moved the cloth over to her other arm now then across her collar bone.

"Are you staying?"

"Of course. I told you I would."

"I don't mean just tonight."

He looked at her and stilled his hand above her heart. "You mean, for a while?"

"No. I mean, forever."

"Buffy..."

"I've been strong, Giles. I've been everything you ever asked me to be. I've even taken on the motherly role for Dawn...but Giles..."

He saw something flicker in her eyes as he drew his hand away.

"But?"

"I don't know how to say this."

"It's all right Buffy, you can tell me anything."

"I know."

Her voice dipped again as she looked at him. She didn't say anything for a long time until Giles finally spoke up.

"Of course, you don't have to tell me anything you're not comfortable talking about."

She was smiling at him as she laid one of her hands to his.

"How do you know what I'm thinking?"

He chuckled, realizing she was right.

"Excellent point."

"I thought so," she joked as Giles lightly squeezed her hand. "I missed you."

"'I've missed you too, Buffy."

They were silent again, both trying to read the other's expression through the darkness of the room.

"Why are you nervous?" Giles asked, breaking the silence once more.

"How did you know I-"

"I know you," he answered simply with a gentle smile.

"If you know me so well, then why haven't you kissed me yet?"

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