Title- Admissions 6/7
Author- Veronica
Rating- g
Pairing- G/W
Disclaimer- all belongs to Joss
Feedback- good or bad, gotta have it
Summery- discoveries of love and growth
"Evening, Willow."
"Giles!" she replied in shock. "I didn't know you were home."
"I'm not as young as I used to be, apparently. The jet lag was still affecting me, so I laid down for a while. In fact, I only just woke up." he snickered, keeping the mood light. "I'm afraid your not catching me at my best."
"Hey, you've seen me at my worst. Trust me, this isn't so bad."
she laughed. He loved hearing the sound of her laughter as it echoed in the kitchen. "Would you like some tea? There's still enough left for a couple more cups."
"Yes, thank you. That would be lovely." he replied, and she poured two cups, one for Giles and one for herself. She then filled the pot with water once more and placed it on the stove to heat.
Giles watched her every movement, found he couldn't look away from the young woman who had so captured his heart.
Willow finished what she was doing, turned and seated herself on a stool at the island counter, opposite Giles. He quickly lowered his eyes to his tea and took a sip from it, and set it back down.
"So, how was your time with Buffy? Pleasant, I hope."
"It was okay." she said without much emotion.
"You didn't have a nice time?"
"The walk was nice, and seeing familiar places. But..."
"What is it, Willow?" he asked, hoping he didn't sound like he was prodding her for information, but wanting to shed some light on the conversation he had overheard earlier that evening.
"Its just... Buffy is still Buffy, she hasn't changed at all."
"Yes, she is. You expected her to be different?"
"Yes... no, I don't know." she said a little exasperated.
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
"She is exactly the same... the same as she was when we first met, the same as she was all through high school, college. For example, today she went on about this guy she met and went on about how cute he looked in his leather jacket and, blah blah blah. Just like in school. The only difference between her now and her then, is she looks a little older." Willow finished.
"Ahhh, I believe I understand now."
"Really?" hope sounding in her voice.
"It is called 'growing up', Willow, and I think you expected your friends to grow also."
"That's it exactly."
"Don't forget, they have been here trying to get they're lives back to some sense of normalcy. You've had time away trying to put your life back together, and it has given you a chance to reflect on everything. It's a chance they have not had as yet."
"I know your right, Giles, but I feel like I don't fit in anymore. I know they still love me, but..."
"But?"
"I feel like an outsider now."
"Give it some time, Willow. This is an adjustment that not only you, but all will have to go through. I'm sure that everything will work itself out." he finished, she nodded but remained silent for a moment as she drank some of her tea.
"Giles?"
"Yes?" he asked, and watched her take a deep breath, seemingly to gather some much needed courage.
"I've come to a decision on how I want my life to be, and making that decision doesn't do me much good until I talk to you about it." she said nervously. He could feel the nervous energy that came off her in waves and it filled him with trepidation as he waited for her to continue. "When we talked about my life, my feelings," she paused, "It felt so good to talk to someone, and it lifted some of the weight from my shoulders. But, there is one secret I haven't told you, haven't told anyone."
"What is it, Willow? I'm listening."
"Giles... Rupert, I'm in love with you, and have been for years."