Title: The Night After
Author: Firephly
Rating: U
Pairing: Willow/Giles
When: Post Season 7
What: A quiet conversation by the campfire...
"What are we gonna do now, Giles?" Willow watched through the licks of fire as he looked up at the countless stars, as if searching for the answer to her question. Although, it wasn't just Willow's question. They all wondered what was next. After seven years together, fighting evil on the Hellmouth, what does one do as a sequel to that?
His sigh portrayed an exhaustion they all felt deep in their bones.
"I suppose we should think about all of the Slayers that were called. They're going to need guidance."
"How many do you think are out there?" She kept her voice low, careful not to wake the others in the tents nearby.
"Dozens at least, maybe hundreds."
"Is there anyone left from the Council to help out?" She hoped that, like Giles, other Watchers had lived through the events of the last several months. They were going to need all the help they could get.
When he didn't answer her right away, she feared the worst. Perhaps most of them had perished either in the explosion or at the hands of the Bringers. But his next comment took her by surprise.
"All of the most senior members of the council were in that building when it -" his voice caught, "- exploded." He swallowed and looked over to Willow. "In fact, the most senior council member to escape that fate was, well, me."
It took Willow a moment to absorb what he said.
"So, you are like, 'the Quentin' of the Council now?" She raised her eyebrows, impressed. She had no idea that Giles had that level of seniority.
"Actually, Quentin Travers was the number-three man at the Council," he clarified, not that it really mattered anymore.
"Wow, Giles, this is big. So you'll be in charge of rebuilding the Council. That is, assuming that you want to."
"I'm afraid it will be essential." He looked tired, but also resigned to persevere. "We cannot just leave all of these new Slayers to their own devices. They'll need guidance and training."
"Don't worry, Giles. I'll help." Willow smiled, wishing she could set his mind at ease. "We'll all help. That's what we do."
He returned her smile through the flames of the campfire.
"I couldn't do it without you."
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