Title: Tangled Emotions
Author: Savage
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Rating: R
Distribution: Dee, Dusty, Ewie, Sandra, ASH
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine but the story, everything else belongs to Joss
Author Note: For Ewie cause I taking to long on frights ;-)
Thanks Chris ;-)

(Magic Box - Night)

"Giles!"

"Oh dear. Buffy-"

Giles felt the stinging sensation across his jaw before the fact that she had actually slapped him registered in his mind. Everyone in the room grew quiet as all eyes watched Buffy and Giles.

"I'm sorry"

His whispered apology was barely audible as he turned his back to her and went to the table, taking a seat. Buffy took a deep breath trying to calm herself. The last thing she remembered was Giles showing up. Then, she was kissing him .Her Watcher. Her father. No, not father... father figure. God, how could he do that to her?

As Buffy struggled with her thoughts, her body was betraying her. Her heart was still pounding from the breath he had stolen from her, her hands sweaty. And that kiss, her lips were still tingling with the most pleasurable sensation she had ever experienced.

"Buffy? Hey Buffy?

"Huh?"

"When you get back from la la land you think we can figure out what the HELL is going on here?"

"Right, yeah"

Glancing towards Giles, she saw his elbows resting on the table with his fingers laced together. His eyes were glued to his hands as she watched him swallow hard several times. The red mark across his jaw showing just how hard she had hit him. Which she hadn't meant to. She was just so shocked to see him there, with his mouth on hers and his tongue sliding along her own. She'd freaked.

Guilt filled her as she looked at him. A small trail of blood slid down the corner of his mouth. She truly never meant to hurt him. He looked so sad with his head down, watching his hands so tentatively.

"Hey Buffy? Wanna stay with us here? I said, what do we do?"

"Uh.."

Giles didn't want to lift his head .He felt horrible for what he'd done to Buffy. But his curiosity was getting to him as to why she wasn't really answering Xander or the others. Looking up, his eyes locked with hers. She watched him swallow again as his eyes went back to the table. His fingers playing with something that she couldn't see.

"I don't know, Xan. Ask Giles"

Turning to the Watcher, Xander and the others looked at him. Giles could feel their eyes on him as he played with the pen in his hand. Panic, for some reason, filled him. His heart began to beat uncontrollably as his breathing picked up. He needed air and he needed it now.

"I don't know"

Standing, Giles rushed to the door and walked out. As soon as he went into the night, the cold air filled his lungs as he took several deeps breaths. He felt as if his body was being deprived of oxygen as he turned his face to the heavens and felt the cool rain that was pouring down, pound him.

Their friends' eyes went back to Buffy as she watched him walk out.

"Buffy-"

"I know Will. I know. Did you do this?"

"No!"

"Will?"

"I said no, Buffy! No Xander! I didn't!"

"You sure?"

"Yes, Anya, I think I would remember"

With their eyes on Willow, she frowned.

"Ok, maybe not, But I think I would feel it!"

"He looks so sad"

Buffy turned to Dawn who was looking at Giles through the window.

"He didn't know what he was doing Buffy. You should go apologize. We need him here. We need to find out what's going on"

"I know"

Watching him, Buffy felt all kinds of things hit her at once. Everything she used to think and feel about Giles was now all jumbled and confused. That kiss had not only thrown her for a loop but him as well. Obviously. He was outside in the pouring rain in nothing more than his t-shirt, looking up into the night sky.

Walking outside, Buffy went to her Watcher and stood silently behind him.

"Hey"

"I'm sorry Buffy. I thought... I mean, all I remember was we were meeting at the shop for Dawn's birthday party and then everything went away. Well, the everything where I knew who you were and how you really felt about me. Then, there we were. On the floor of the Magic Box. Waking up with you on top of me. You were holding my glasses, I-I don't remember why. But, then it all clicked. You looked at me and I looked at you and we knew. We knew we were meant. I'm sorry."

"You'd think this was Willow again, wouldn't you" Buffy said, knowing exactly what he was talking about.

When she woke up on top of him, no one had known who anyone was. And yet when she and Giles made eye contact, they just knew they were together. Both leaning into each other and kissing as if they had been doing it for years. As if it was the most natural thing in the world. And Xander and Anya were all over each other as well. As were Tara and Willow. And the strangest thing, though it seemed right at the time, was Dawnie kissing Spike.

"Is it?"

His question broke her thoughts of her sister kissing the vampire.

"No. I asked. Several times. It's something else"

"I don't know what. We've already been through this once. What it could accomplish again is beyond me"

"Giles? Are you gonna keep your back to me the whole night?"

When he didn't turn to look at her, Buffy sighed.

"I'm sorry"

"No. You were right to-"

"No I wasn't. I just, I freaked"

"Right, because kissing your old and gross Watcher would be-"

"You're my father Giles!"

Swinging around Giles growled at her.

"I am NOT your bleeding father Buffy! I am your Watcher!"

Buffy wasn't prepared for his sudden outburst. She stepped back and looked at him for a long moment.

"I didn't mean biologically-"

"I am in NO way shape or form your father, Buffy Summers. I am your friend and Watcher but that is it. You and the others have bloody well taken it upon yourselves to put me into that role. But I will remind you that I never asked to be label! I'm sorry you had to suffer a fate worse than death by kissing me, Buffy. I assure you, it won't happen again"

Turning from her, Giles walked off into the stormy night. (Magic Box)

Buffy walked back into the shop. Her friends could see the tears in her eyes that threatened to fall.

"Buffy?"

"Not now Xander"

"Where did Giles go?"

"He left. Look, we're all fine, so, let's just go back to my place and stay close tonight. Tomorrow after we've all rested enough, we'll do some research"

"Is Giles coming with us?"

"I don't think so Dawnie"

(Streets of Sunnydale)

Giles walked without any direction in mind. Wondering aimlessly around the streets. Memories of him and Buffy when they thought they were a couple, filled his mind. He had arrived back in Sunnydale a week ago. And all had been going great for his visit. He and Buffy had planned on a party for Dawnie's birthday. Her sweet 16.

Buffy wanted it special for Dawn, and having Giles there would not only make her, but her sister as well, very happy. They had missed the man who used to take so much care of them.

As he walked passed the cemetery, Giles realized he was only a block from Buffy's home. Unconsciously his heart had led him back to her. He never meant to come this way, he didn't want to be anywhere near her or her cruel remarks. He loved Buffy with all that was within him, and NOT in a fatherly way. So the last thing he wanted or needed was to be around her and her snide comments.

And yet, he didn't stop .He keep walking towards her home. He felt like he was being drawn there but he wasn't sure by what or why.

(Buffy's - Living Room)

Buffy had the gang settled into bed. Willow and Tara were in their room while Xander and Anya took the spare bedroom. Dawnie was alone in her room after Buffy threw Spike into the basement. Which was were she was coming from when she felt a urge to go the front door. She wasn't sure what was pulling her towards the front door, but she looked through the peephole and saw nothing. Yet her tummy was quivering. Almost the same as when a vampire was near. But this was different. This wasn't followed by a feeling of dread.

Opening the door, Buffy stepped out onto the front porch. Where she spotted Giles walking towards her. His head was down, looking deep in thought as he approached the house. She didn't call to him. She was too afraid if she did, he would turn around and run. Her heart physically ached when she saw him approaching her. All those feeling she felt for him when she didn't know who he really was were nagging at her constantly since that kiss.

All she could think about was his lips on hers. His tongue sweeping into her mouth, claiming her as his so possessively. His hands, so strong and secure, holding her. Making her feel so safe and warm in his embrace. She couldn't help but feel that being with him was so right. And yet, now, when they were back to themselves, the thought of him being her father keep slipping into her mind. Father figure. Not father, she thought, correcting herself. He was... She forgot what she was thinking about as he came closer. His shirt see through now as it clung to his body. Outlining the muscle tone of his chest.

"Giles?"

He looked startled when he lifted his head and looked around.

"Bloody hell"

Turning, he made a move to leave when she called his name.

"I said all there is to say Buffy. Please, let's drop it"

"Something's out there and it's after us Giles. Please stay here tonight, get out of the rain?"

He thought about it and he knew she was right. Something or someone made them forget each other for a reason. And this being the Hellmouth, it couldn't have been a good one.

"Very well" Walking past her, Giles went inside and grabbed a sheet from the hall closet for the couch. Walking back in, Buffy shut the door and locked it.

"You need some dry clothes-"

"They're upstairs. I've been staying here. Remember?"

"I know, I meant-"

"Goodnight Buffy"

Heading upstairs, Giles went to get his clothes out of Buffy's old room, which was Willow's now. He snuck on and grabbed this suite case then went to hall bathroom and hopped in the shower. Back downstairs, Buffy's heart ached. She couldn't believe how cold he was acting towards her. Walking up the stairs she stood outside his door, her hand on the wood, deciding whether or not to go inside and talk with him. She decided too much had happened tonight and went to bed.

(Kitchen)

The next morning Buffy awoke to the smell of food cooking downstairs. After taking a shower, she walked into the kitchen to find Giles packing Dawn's lunch.

"Ok kiddo. Here you go" Taking the bag Dawn smiled.

"Thanks Giles. And breakfast, totally killer"

"Hey Buffy, bye Buffy" Flashing a smile at her, Dawnie turned to leave.

"Hi, bye. Wait! Dawnie? How you getting to school this-"

But before Dawn could answer, she shut the door.

"Xander. He's taking her. Willow and Tara as well. But not to worry" Giles said as he grabbed the gang's dirty dishes and put them in the sink, running hot water over them. "You won't be alone with me for long"

Pain flicked across her eyes as she took a seat at the breakfast bar.

"I didn't say anything"

Giles knew he was being a bastard, but if she wanted him as the father figure then he'd give what she wanted. He always had and always would. That's what a good Watcher did.

"Here's Breakfast. Eat up. You need your strength"

"I'm not hungry-"

"Fine" Taking her plate back, Giles dumped it in the sink and ran the garbage disposal.

"Right now, I meant"

"What was that?" He asked lightly as he filled the sink up with more hot water for the dishes to soak in.

"Nothing"

"I'll take care of those later, unless you would like to?"

"Uh-"

"Whatever you like is fine with me. But I have a job interview to get to, so have a good day-"

"Job? Wait Giles!" She ran to stop him as he grabbed his coat off the coat rack.

"Yes?"

"What about last night? What about research?"

"Oh, no need to bother. It was Ethan"

Turning Giles walked out as Buffy followed. Grabbing his arm when he wouldn't stop.

"What do you mean it was Ethan?"

"What part of "it was Ethan" didn't you understand?"

"Why are you being such a cold hearted-?"

"Because this is how you wanted it Buffy!"

"I did not! I didn't-"

"You did. Now accpet it and let's move on. I have"

Walking off, Buffy watched him as he went to the bus stop and took a seat. Her eyes filled with tears at the thought that her once loving, caring Watcher was now no more. Ethan? He was acting like this because of Ethan! Walking back inside, Buffy grabbed her car keys and purse.

(Bus Stop)

Giles sat at the stop, realizing he was a bit harsh on Buffy. He was just so frustrated that she saw him as the father figure, still, 7 years later. He wanted to make sure she thought of him as something else, anything else but that.

"Hey Mate. Why the long face?"

"Bloody hell"

"What?"

"Ethan, go away"

"Look, it isn't my fault you all screwed this up"

"Screwed what up?"

"Why do you think I called you this morning?"

"To gloat?"

"No. Because I was doing you a favor-"

"Your favor made me lose Buffy. If you want to continue breathing I suggest you leave. NOW"

"You're the one going all cold hearted Watcher here Rupes-"

"I'm tired of being hurt Ethan. All I ever wanted was Buffy. Nothing in this world would make me happier than knowing she was with me and I could take care of her. But all she sees me as is-"

"That's why I did the spell. So you would have a chance"

"A chance that meant the world to me, only to have her rip my heart out when she realized what she had done"

"You bedded her?"

"No"

"Why not?"

"Go away"

"Not going to happen. Answer the question"

"I mean it Ethan. I'm not in the mood"

"Just go in there and take her Ripper!"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me ol' man. This isn't you. This sulking, angry, wants to make the world pay for his anguish thing-"

"What part of GO AWAY did you not understand?"

"Rupert, look, I owe you. You saved my life in London. So figure this as payback. For now"

His wicked smile made Giles raise his eyebrow.

"What are you up to?"

"What if I do the spell again?"

"No!"

"But-"

"Ethan Rayne"

Both men turned towards Buffy's voice. She was standing behind them with her arms crossed over her chest. Angry swimming her eyes as she looked at Ethan.

"Morning sunshine"

She glared at the sorcerer as Giles grinned but didn't allow Buffy to see it. She was so beautiful when she was angry.

"Last words?"

"Um, sorry?"

"Good enough for me"

Buffy moved to grab Ethan when Giles stood in from of his friend. His hand on Buffy's tummy, stopping her.

"Buffy"

"What are you doing?"

"Leave him alone"

Ethan smiled behind his mate.

"Excuse me? Giles this is ETHAN"

"I know"

"But, he what's making you so mean!"

"No he isn't"

"He is! You said so-"

"I said he was the reason for the spell"

"Which was why you're being mean-"

"No, which was us losing our memories, again"

"But, what about now?"

"No. Not now"

"So, you really do hate me?"

The anguish in her voice made his heart clench. When he didn't answer her, Buffy stepped away from him and ran towards the house.

"Smooth move Ripper"

Turning to Ethan, Giles punched him.

"What I say?"

"Ouch!"

"Go home Ethan. And no more helping!"

Running after Buffy, Giles went into the house.

Ethan held his nose as a grin spread across his face.

"Well. While I'm here..."

Chanting a spell Ethan made sure Buffy and Giles were trapped inside the home and anyone else could get in for 48 hours.

(Buffy's-Living Room)

"Buffy! Buffy, wait!"

Giles had Caught Buffy's arm on the third step. He turned her around and saw her tears falling.

"Oh, Buffy-"

He heart was aching knowing he made her feel so bad.

"I can't believe you hate me. I can't believe I made YOU hate me"

"No, Buffy-"

"I didn't mean it Giles! I mean, I did, at first, I thought for a long time of you as that. It was easier that way, that way I didn't have to explained or acknowledge why I was having such erotic dreams and fantasies about my Watcher. This way I didn't. I couldn't, because I thought of as my father. And as Dawn's. It helped me to forget how much I was in love with you"

Giles stood stunned for the longest moment. He never knew Buffy felt like this for him. Never would have guessed it in a million years.

"I'm so sorry Giles" Her whispered apology sounded so small, it tore at him.

"No, Buffy-"

"I love you. I do. And not as a father. It was just easier for me to think of you like that because it kept you safe. Giles, everyone I ever loved has either died or been sent to hell or left me. You left me "

"Buffy-"

"I'm sorry"

"So am I. God so am I"?

They stared at one another for the longest time before Giles lifted his hand and cupped her face.

"I love you too .For so long and so much"

"I didn't mean to hurt you"

"I didn't mean to hurt you either"

Leaning into him, Buffy took his mouth to hers and kissed him passionately. Ethan watched from the living room window, smiling.

"Better make that 72 hours." he mumbled as he watched Giles lift Buffy into his arms and carry her upstairs. Walking off, Ethan went to find a new friend to make their life a living hell. This one deserved a break.

The End