Title- Admissions of Guilt 11/?
Sequel to- Admissions
Author- Veronica
E-mail- roni.s@sympatico.ca
Pairing- G/W
Rating- G, for now
Disclaimer- Joss owns all in the Buffyverse, I just use them like Barbie's for my own twisted fun.
Spoilers- post Grave
Distribution- if you like it, take it… just let me know where.
Feedback- sure, why not. ;)
Summery- An old nemesis is back, and is seeking revenge on Giles and Willow.
Giles pulled into the lane way, got out of the car and made his way to the door. He stopped briefly to compose himself, and then plaster a smile on his face before walking in the door. He had not wanted to worry Xander when he had spoke to him earlier on the phone, but something had not felt right.
At first, for a good hour or so, he had not been able to feel her, then in a flash he felt her fear. Fear over what he did not know, and wasn't quite sure how to go about finding out without upsetting her… or Xander for that matter. He knew Xander was worried about her enough as it was because of the dream they had all shared, so he saw no need to give him any more cause to increase it.
Giles did not want to admit it to anyone, least of all to Xander; but he rather thought of the young man as a son. He was fiercely loyal, and would bend over backwards for any of them if he needed too. `Fine traits for someone so young.' He thought. Xander was annoying when he'd first met him… `But he kind of grows on you; much like a fungus.' He chuckled at this thought.
Giles opened the door and went in, and the smile he wore was real as he saw two happy faces smiling back him. Willow jumped up and ran to him, enveloping him in a huge hug, which he was only too happy to return.
"I made some dinner. Hope your hungry." She said, eyes twinkling.
"I have to say that I am quite famished. So, luv, what are we having?"
"I hope you don't mind `Lumberjack' stew?" she asked hopefully.
"Sounds wonderful." He replied as Willow took his jacket and went to hang it up in the closet. As she did so, he made his way to Xander in the kitchen. "Well, she certainly seems to be in a joyous mood."
"Yup, she is. That nap this afternoon seemed to really perk her up."
"I'm glad to hear that. I'm afraid her energy level has been a little off for at least a couple of weeks. At first I attributed it to being nervous about coming back to Sunnydale. She was scared of what all of you thought about her. Then the flight, plus adjusting to being here again. It's enough to drain anyone, but…" he let the sentence trail off as Willow walked in and went to the stove.
"I hope your hungry, Rupert. I made lots." She said as she scooped out a bowl and placed it on the table.
"It smells absolutely wonderful." He said, sitting himself down at the table and watching her beam in delight at his compliment.
"There's some tea biskets in the basket on the table. I didn't know if you'd prefer those or crackers; so I also put crackers in the basket too." She said as she set down a bowl for Xander and then herself.
Giles watched as Willow went back to the counter and pick up a teacup, causing a wide smile to spread across his lips.
"Ahhh, you've made tea."
"Well, don't be silly. Of course I did." She replied as she set the cup down. As he looked in the cup, his brows drew together when he noticed the tea was not the right colour. Even the smell was different.
"Uh, Willow?"
"Yes, Rupert?"
"The tea; I-its green."
"That's because it's Green Tea, and its much better for you."
"B-but I rather fancy the Earl Grey." He said, but at his words Willow looked a little crestfallen so he quickly back peddled. "But that's quite alright. I wouldn't mind the idea of trying something new. Don't judge unless you've tasted. Isn't that right, Xander?" he looked to the young man for back up.
"Whipped." Was the reply, with his usual goofy grin.
"Oh, do shut up!"
Willow snickered and handed Xander a soda, then set down a bottle of water for herself. All three dug in to the soup hungrily, but after a few chews Giles and Xander paused. They looked at each other for conformation, and then looked to Willow-who was very obviously enjoying her meal.
Not wanting to upset her, they began to chew once again, albeit much slower and with less gusto than before. It took everything they had just to swallow each bite that they put into their mouths. A short time later Willow got up and scooped herself another bowl and sat down, looking at the other two.
"You know, for two `famished' people, you both are eating awfully slow." She said. Xander's head snapped to Willow, desperately trying to think of something to say, when Giles replied.
"Just savoring each delicious bite, luv." He said, and Xander looked totally greatful to the older man.
"Yeah, don't wanna eat too fast. Could either fill me up or make me sick. So I opted for eating a little slower, then I can have another bowl. Please pass the basket." She seemed to accept this and handed the young man the basket-which he quickly dug into.
He grabbed a handful of crackers and crushed them into his soup, then began eating again. Giles saw this and made a gesture to the basket, which Xander passed to him. Giles immediately dug in and took a tea bisket and buttered it.
"How did you know I love tea biskets?" he asked as he bit into it, and then started stuffing it into his mouth only to grab another.
"I didn't. Just made them to go with the stew. Now that I know, I'll make them more often for you."
"That is quite considerate of you." He replied. But after the fourth bisket he stopped eating and turned to Willow. "It appears, my dear, that I stuffed myself. I find I cannot resist your tea biskets, and gorged myself on them. I-I'm afraid I'm too full to finish your lovely stew. I'm sorry."
"That's okay." She said happily. "That means there will be enough left over for dinner tomorrow night too." And she took his bowl to the sink, while Xander gave Giles a dirty look.
"I'm full too."
"Oh Xander. I think you could finish up the last couple of bites you have left." She admonished. Xander glared at Giles as the older man snickered at his predicament. Xander scooped the last few spoonfuls into his mouth and held up his bowl.
"I fiwissed." He said with a mouthful of food.
"Xander! Please, do use your manners and don't talk with your mouth full." Said Giles, only to receive a scowl and a fist shaking in the air. Willow took the bowl as the young man did his best to chew and swallow his food; once done, he took a huge gulp of his soda, making sure to swish with it first.
"Giles, you haven't touched your tea yet." Said Xander with a smirk. "Willow made it just for you, ya know."
"Take a sip and tell me what you think. I kinda like it myself."
"Of course, dear." And he picked up the cup and sipped. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to screw up his face. "Its delightful."
"You really like it? I'm so relieved. I'll start buying that kind from now on. It really is good for you, much better than the Earl Grey."
"Yes, but please! Don't stop buying the Earl Grey. It would be nice to drink every now and again."
"I don't see any harm in that. Besides, I know how much you like that tea. Just promise me that you'll drink the green tea too sometimes instead."
"That would be wonderful. Thank you." He replied.
"Now that that's settled, I have dishes to do. Why don't you two go into the living room and relax. I'll join you in a little bit."
"Yes, I would like that." He said and the two stood up to leave, causing Xander to speak up.
"Don't forget you're tea, G-man." He snickered.
"Yes, how silly of me. Thank you for reminding me, Xander."
"Oh, think nuthin of it. Just happy to help."