Part Six
Giles had stalled for two days before the incessant pressure from Buffy finally got to him. She had pointed out that if he kept putting it off, Willow might make other plans.
"Such as?" he asked testily.
"Oh, I don't know. Let's see America -- Saturday night -- Maybe something wild and crazy like a date."
"I-is she seeing someone?"
"No, she's not even seeing you, and she won't if you don't suck it up and ask her," Buffy said.
"I-I will. I've been particularly busy this-"
"Giles," Buffy said firmly. "I know *exactly* what you've done all week. What's the deal?"
"I don't know," he said with a sigh. "Perhaps this isn't such a good idea."
"Why? Because you don't really feel that way about Wills, or you do and it scares you."
Giles tried to look affronted, but couldn't pull it off. He sank down into a chair. "I've never been very good at this sort of thing, and I don't want to make a mistake. Our lives are complicated enough as it is. I just don't want to hurt her."
"Anytime you get closer to somebody you risk hurting them, or getting hurt. It sucks, but that's what makes it worth doing, right? I mean look at me. I've loved; I've lost. I've -- Okay, let's not look at me."
Giles smiled gently. "It's --" he shook his head. "I don't know."
"Giles, if there's one thing I've learned living here, it's that you've got to take chances. If you wait too long---"
"I know. You're right." He looked sincerely at his Slayer. "How'd you get so smart?"
"I live with Willow, remember?"
Giles laughed.
"So?" Buffy prompted.
"All right. Once more unto the breach."
"Huh?"
Giles smiled. "Time to take a chance."
*****
"It's open," Willow said as she sat at her computer.
Giles opened the door to her on-campus apartment and poked in his head. "Willow?"
"Giles!" she said gaily. "Come on in." She got up and opened the door the rest of the way and noticed his frown. "Is something wrong?"
"Hmm? No, nothing." Giles nervously looked around the small apartment and made his way over to the window. He pulled back the thin curtain and looked out into the small courtyard.
Willow watched him with curiosity, but tempered it with patience. He'd talk when he was ready. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Hmm?" Giles said startled out of his reverie. "No, no thank you."
Willow nodded, and the strange silence returned.
"So," Willow said leadingly as she leaned against her desk.
Giles looked at her, his face a mask of grim determination.
'Uh-oh,' Willow thought. 'What'd I do?'
Giles looked like he was finally going to say something when he started pacing.
'Oh, this is not good. At least he's not polishing his glasses.' As if on cue, Giles removed his glasses and started to polish them.
"Willow," he started, his voice almost stern. "We've known each other for almost six years now."
"Yeah," she said uneasily.
"And in that time, we've grown closer. What I mean to say is, that we've spent a great deal of time together, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes."
"Good. Sometimes when people spend a great deal of time together, their relationships change. They--" he frowned struggling for an appropriate word. "They --- change," he finished lamely.
"Uh-huh," Willow said, not quite sure where this was going.
He turned and met her eyes, his own face softening a bit. Then he shook his head, having lost his place. "Uhm, six years.. relationships change.. Oh, yes. And so, I was wondering. If you wouldn't find it amiss. If-if you might consider," he heaved a deep sigh and looked to the heavens. "Oh, lord this is not the way I planned this."
"Planned what?"
"Asking you out," he said without thinking.
"You-you're asking me out?" Willow squeaked. "As in date out. That kind of out?"
Giles cleared his throat and stood his ground almost defiantly, ready to face his destiny. "Yes."
"Oh," Willow said, not quite sure how to respond and more than a little shocked.
Gathering his courage, Giles took a step toward her. "I've been invited to a gala at the museum, and I'd be honored if you'd go with me, as-as my date."
Willow's head was spinning. "A gala?"
"Yes, it's a -- it's a f-formal evening. If you'd rather not… I-I," Giles sputtered.
"I'd love to," she said softly.
"Y-you would?"
She smiled radiantly. "I would."
Giles grinned happily. "Good."
He lost himself in her smile again. "Good," he said again, this time barely a whisper.
Part Seven
"Ohmigod, ohmigod," Willow mumbled.
"Sit still," Buffy commanded as she tried to apply Willow's mascara.
"I can't. Buffy. I am so out of my league. A formal?" she wailed again.
"You'll be fine."
"All these snooty-patootie types. They'll be all 'Oh, so nice to meet you, you darling child'," Willow said in a bad imitation of a high society snob.
Buffy giggled. "Believe me. In this dress, nobody's gonna call you child. I can't wait to see Giles' face."
"Really?"
"I've got smelling salts, just in case," Buffy said with a wink.
Willow laughed, some of her tension gone. "Thanks Buffy."
"I am gifted," she said admiring her handiwork.
"Not just for that, but--" Willow bit her lip. "Well, for being okay with this."
Buffy smiled. "Who knew I was so mature!"
Willow reached out and hugged her.
KNOCK KNOCK.
"That can't be him; I still have half an hour!" Willow squeaked.
Buffy frowned and left Willow in the bedroom to see who was at the door. "Xander?"
"None other," he quipped as he pushed past her into the apartment. "Where's Wills?"
"She's getting ready. What are you doing here? You were supposed to be with Giles."
He shrugged. "He kicked me out. That is one high strung Watcher."
"What did you do?" Buffy asked tightly.
"Nothing. I just made a few jokes. Funny jokes. At least, I thought they were funny," he said as he went straight to the fridge.
Buffy just shook her head. "Just don't eat everything okay?" she said as she went back into the bedroom.
Willow was just finishing her hair. They decided to pile it high on her head, go for the Audrey Hepburn neck look.
"Don't worry," Buffy soothed her. "It was just Xander."
Willow nodded nervously and took a deep breath. Buffy smiled encouragingly. "Come on, let's use him as a guinea pig."
*****
Buffy opened the bedroom door. "You ready to be dazzled?" she asked Xander and then turned back into the bedroom and motioned Willow to come out. "Wills," she said with a sigh and stepped back in to pull her friend out.
Willow stepped into the living room, and Xander dropped his burrito.
Buffy giggled as Willow beamed. Xander's mouth hung open, and his eyes glazed over.
"What did I tell you?" Buffy said proudly. "Speechless. And note the lack of interest in food. I think we have a winner."
Willow giggled, and the sound seem to wake Xander from his stupor. He slowly walked toward her, his brow furrowed slightly. "Willow?"
"Do I look okay?"
"You-- you look. Wow. I-I ... Wow."
She was more beautiful than anything he'd ever seen. Her dress was an emerald silk sheath. Simple and elegant. The halter top left her shoulders and neck bare, save for a single short string of pearls. The straight, floor length gown accentuated her slim figure, the deep green matching her eyes and making for a beautiful contrast to her red hair.
"Thanks," she said softly placing a kiss on his cheek.
"Don't!" Buffy yelled, scaring the heck out them. "Your lipstick." She sighed and grabbed Willow by the arm. "My perfect sheen is gone. Must reapply, " she said in a tone of mock dismay.
Willow giggled and let Buffy escort her back into the bedroom.
Xander watched them leave. He was filled with mixed emotions. He was happy for her; he knew how long she'd wanted this. But he couldn't help but feel jealousy and regret too. Once, so long ago, she'd loved him, and he'd been a fool. And now, now, she loved someone else. Xander sighed and pushed down his own feelings. This night was about Willow-- and Giles. The lucky bastard.
He didn't begrudge Giles anything. Of all the men Xander knew, if he had to pick someone for Willow, it would be the G-Man. If anyone would treat her the way she deserved, it would be him. But he couldn't help but worry a little. No matter what happened, who the man was, this was his little Willow. She always would be.
He sighed and headed back to the kitchen, but stopped halfway. He cocked his ear toward the door and slowly walked over to it. He paused and strained to hear the muffled sounds. He giggled to himself and opened it. "Hey, G-Man."
"You-you look lovely," Giles mumbled to himself, rehearsing, before Xander startled him.
"I do? It's just something I threw on," Xander said blinking his long lashes.
Giles sighed and cleared his throat. "Is Willow ready?"
Xander smiled and let Giles enter. "Just about. And don't worry about what to say. Trust me, it won't be an issue."
Giles took a deep breath and smiled weakly.
"Hey, Buff," Xander yelled. "Prince Charming's here!"
Giles winced and frowned. "I see you haven't found any new material."
Xander shrugged and settled back, ready to enjoy the show.
"Okay," Buffy said through the door. "Just a sec."
Giles took another steadying breath and fiddled with his tie. He looked anxiously at the door.
Finally, Buffy stepped out. She eyed Giles up and down, making a blush rise in his cheeks. "Definitely a good look for you."
He smiled shyly.
"Ready?" she asked. He could only nod. "May I present Willow Rosenburg."
"Oh, Buffy," Willow said embarrassed from inside the bedroom, causing everyone to laugh a little.
"Come on, Wills."
Willow blew out a long breath, and walked into the living room. Her eyes immediately found Giles, who looked incredibly handsome in his black tuxedo. She smiled hopefully.
Giles' thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest. He'd imagined, well, fantasized, about Willow, and never once had she appeared as lovely as she was tonight. Standing before him like a goddess. It literally took his breath away.
He swallowed and then swallowed again. "W-Willow," he whispered, as he took a few steps closer.
She wore a wrap around her shoulders, one that left some of the dress to his imagination, but it was more than the clothes, or the hair, or the jewels, it was the way she shined. She'd always lit a room, but now she was practically glowing, and it made his knees feel a little weak.
He reached out a hand to her, which she tentatively took, and gasped as he kissed it.
"Oh," Buffy sighed. "You guys are killing me." Could they make a better couple?
That seemed to break the spell as Giles and Willow suddenly came back to themselves, but Giles didn't let go this time. He held her hand and turned to smile at his Slayer.
Buffy smiled back encouragingly and moved to open the door for them. Xander walked behind the couple shaking his head in awe.
"Goodnight," Giles said as he led Willow from the room.
"Have a great time!" Buffy said.
Willow turned back and mouthed a thank you.
Xander and Buffy stood at the door and watched them walk down the hall.
Buffy sighed wistfully. "All grown up now."
"Yeah, Wills is quite the lady."
"I was talking about Giles," she said with a smile.
Xander giggled, but felt himself getting a little choked up. "Yeah," he said hoarsely.
Buffy put her arm around him, and he looked at her with his sad brown eyes.
"Well..." she said softly.
"Well."
"Wanna go bowling?"
Part Eight
The party was being held at Sunnydale's finest hotel in a large elegantly-appointed ballroom. The drive over had been filled with nervous anticipation and more than a little sexual tension.
Relieved to leave the small confines of the car, Giles took Willow's arm as the doorman helped her from the car. They both ignored the snickers Giles' old car had won from the valets.
They entered the hotel, and Giles led them to the cloakroom. He smiled shyly as Willow removed her wrap, exposing her creamy pale shoulders. Giles took the coat check and tried not to stare,' Don't drool. Mature men don't drool,' he chastised himself.
"Shall we?" he asked. She smiled brightly and nodded. Giles put his hand on the small of her back to guide her to the ballroom. He nearly choked. His hand rested on her warm skin. Her gown was cut daringly low in the back, but her wrap had kept it covered. But now he was extremely aware of it. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to get himself under control.
Willow looked up at him curiously. "Are you okay?" As soon as his hand had touched her, her heart skipped a beat. The feeling of his warm hand... Oh boy.
Giles smiled painfully, wondering if she could feel the trembling in his hand. "Fine," he said a bit breathlessly as he removed his hand and took her by the arm.
Willow nodded and then smiled to herself. 'Good call on the dress, Buffy.'
Giles led them into the large ballroom. It was beautiful - all the men in their tuxedos, the women wearing lovely gowns. Willow turned around trying to take it all in. Giles watched her enjoying her wonder, until he saw Douglas Farnsworth making his way across the room.
Farnsworth, accompanied by an older man, approached them both.
Farnsworth grinned like a king before his court. "Hollings, may I present Rupert Giles."
"Ah, Mr. Giles, a pleasure to meet you," the older man said with an engaging smile as he shook Giles' hand. "Are you the same Giles that dated the Ankh from Giza, we received last month?
Giles smiled proudly.
"Didn't know you had it in you," Farnsworth said in his typical backhanded complimentary style.
"I'm not," Willow said as she casually slid into the conversation, placing her hand on Giles' arm. "Rupert has one of the finest minds I ever seen."
"And you would be?" Farnsworth said curtly.
Giles bit back an acid retort and smiled tightly. "Willow, I'd like you to meet Douglas Farnsworth." Willow smiled gracefully and extended her hand. "May I present Willow Rosenberg."
Farnsworth smiled a bit lasciviously and raked his eyes appreciatively up and down her body, as held her hand. If she noticed, Willow gave no sign. Giles, however, had to use all his self-control not to strangle the man.
"Really, I'm surprise Mr. Farnsworth. Surely you've read the paper Rupert and Oliver Standish published a few years ago. Set the Egyptology department at the British Museum on its collective ear, if I remember correctly," Willow said smoothly.
"Ah, yes. That was a wonderful piece," Hollings said with a grin.
"Is Oliver here?" Willow said brightly.
Farnsworth was brought up short. Somehow Willow had managed to steal the spotlight from him and put it directly on Giles. He smiled slightly, acquiescing that she had indeed won this round. He might have been a bit of a boor, but he knew better than to compete with a beautiful woman.
"No, I'm afraid he's not," Giles answered.
He'd barely been able to suppress his laughter at the way Willow had handled Farnsworth. She never ceased to astonish him. He'd casually mentioned Oliver that night over dinner after they'd first met at the museum. He'd never mentioned the paper. She must have remembered the reference and researched it later. Typically wonderful Willow.
"Yes, well. Enjoy the evening, Mr. Giles," Farnsworth said with a slight bow toward Willow. "My dear."
Willow inclined her head slightly and smiled again. Hollings grinned at them and followed Farnsworth into the crowd.
Giles turned to Willow and shook his head with a smile.
"Where did that come from?" Willow said her eyes wide at her own boldness.
Giles chuckled and took her hand. "You're full of surprises aren't you?"
"Apparently." She lost her train of thought as she looked into his eyes. So wonderfully warm, they were looking back at her with admiration.
"I'm sorry about Farnsworth," he said.
Willow squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don't be. It's Sunnydale. The Hellmouth attracts all sorts."
Giles chuckled and nodded.
"Mr. Giles!" came a voice through the crowd.
"Oh dear," Giles sighed as he turned and greeted the new arrival. "Mrs. Sorenson, you're looking wonderful."
Mrs. Sorenson appeared to be in her late sixties, but was positively bursting with energy - gray hair, a quick wit and sparkle in her eye.
She reached out and took his hand. "Rupert, don't you look scrumptious. And who is your lovely companion?"
"Mrs. Sorenson, I'd like you to meet Willow Rosenberg."
"Aren't you lovely," the older woman said with sigh as she took Willow's hand. "I hate to be such a bother, but would you mind if I stole Rupert, just for a minute? There are a few people I think he should meet. Museum business," she said with a shrug. "But don't worry, I know young lovers don't like to be apart," she added with a wink.
Giles coughed uncomfortably, and Mrs. Sorenson just laughed gaily. "I promise, we won't be long. Can't leave a beautiful woman like you unattended. Right, Rupert? They may look like gentlemen," she said gesturing to the crowd. "But don't let the clothes fool you. Sharks. The lot of them," she said with a wink.
Giles looked at Willow helplessly. It was clear that whatever Mrs. Sorenson wanted, she got. "I'll be fine," Willow assured him.
Giles smiled his thanks and reluctantly walked off into the crowd with unstoppable force.
Willow sighed and looked around suddenly nervous. Without Giles at her side, the confidence she had started to evaporate. She took a deep breath and tried keep calm, when a man's voice from behind startled her.
"Lovely party isn't it?"
Part Nine
Willow turned around toward the voice and smiled in relief. "Yes, yes it is."
Hollings smiled at her and extended his hand. "Richard Hollings. I'm afraid we weren't introduced properly. Douglas can be a bit of a -- well, a bit abrupt sometimes."
He leaned in and spoke in hushed tones. "I thought you handled the old coot magnificently." He straightened and smiled again. "But you didn't hear that from me."
Willow grinned. She liked Hollings. He was easy and genuine. The tension that had started to take hold slowly dissipated. "Thank you, Mr. Hollings."
"Richard, please."
"All right, Richard."
A waiter passed by and offered them champagne. "Would you like a drink?" Richard asked politely.
"Yes, thank you."
He took two glasses off the tray and handed one to Willow. He raised his in a toast. "To -- is there something you'd like to drink to?"
Willow thought for a moment. "To firsts," she said cryptically. "May they not be lasts."
Richard grinned and drank. "Are you affiliated with the museum? I don't remember seeing you before."
"No, just a guest."
"Ah, well. I hope you don't judge us too harshly,"' he said amiably.
Willow smiled and shook her head. "I've seen much worse."
Richard laughed easily.
Somewhere across the room, Giles' arm was being pumped up and down by another "benefactor". He smiled, but his eyes were straying. He couldn't help but search out Willow. Mrs. Sorenson was right. It wouldn't do to leave a beautiful woman unattended here.
"Yes, well, Rupert is my choice," Mrs. Sorenson said. "But there are others factors at work, as we all know." There was a general rumble of agreement in the group.
"Would you excuse us?" she asked, as she took Giles by the arm. Once they were out of earshot, she shook her head ruefully. "Really, Rupert, you could do more than grunt, couldn't you?"
"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. It's just--" he said his eyes still scanning the room.
She sighed dramatically. "Very well. I suppose you're not interested in being curator. After all the teas I've hosted, the insipid company I've withstood - and all for you."
"I'm sorry," Giles said finally turning his attention back to her.
She laughed and shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Find your lady faire. There's time enough for politicking later."
Giles looked at her, his confusion apparent. She couldn't help but laugh. "Pleasure first, business later," she said as she gave him a gentle push into the crowd.
Still unsure of what was going on, Giles grabbed his newfound freedom and resumed his search for Willow. Mrs. Sorenson watched him drift into the crowd a tender smile on her lips. "True love's the rarest of antiquities." She sighed a little wistfully and gazed up at the heavens. "Right, Daniel?" Allowing herself a moment, Mrs. Sorenson paused and then returned to business of making Rupert Giles head curator of the Ancient Arts Department whether he knew it or not.
Giles smiled as the saw Willow across the room. He stood for a moment, simply awed by her beauty, his hand unconsciously reaching up and covering his heart.
To say she was a vision did her no justice. Elegant and engaging, she stood out among the crowd. Sunnydale's cream of society paled in comparison.
She stood smiling in that most disarming way she had, sipping delicately from her champagne flute and occasionally tilting her head back as she laughed. She reached out and touched the arm of her companion in a shared gesture on intimacy.
Wait a minute.
A shared gesture of intimacy? What the bloody hell? As he pried his eyes off Willow and looked to see what blighter had moved in, he grunted in dismay as he saw her talking gaily with not one but three men. The veritable belle of the ball.
Gnashing his teeth, Giles approached the group. Perhaps it's a pheromone thing, but the younger two peeled off before Giles arrived. Like young bucks knowing the stag was back, they fled into the crowd.
Giles' eyes narrowed as he identified the remaining man. "Hollings," he said tightly as he put his arm possessively around Willow's waist.
"Hello, there Mr. Giles. Willow and I were-"
Completely ignoring him, Giles turned to Willow. "I'm sorry I was gone so long."
Willow frowned, wondering if Giles had hit his head or something. "That's okay," she said with a quizzical expression. "Richard and I were just talking about Mesopotamian idolatry."
Giles turned his gaze on Hollings. His eyes were cold. "Really?"
Hollings couldn't suppress a smile. "She has a remarkable mind."
"I'm sure it was her mind that you were looking at when I walked up," Giles hissed.
"Giles!" Willow scolded. "I mean, Rupert. Richard was nothing but a gentleman. He ran interference for me, if you must know."
Giles' anger deflated somewhat he turned to Hollings. "I apologize. I--"
"No need," the other man said with understanding. "I think if I were in your shoes, I might have reacted the same way."
His courtly response only fed Giles' shame. "No. I don't know what--. Thank you," he said extending his hand.
Hollings took it all in good humor and grinned. "My pleasure." He turned to Willow and bowed. "And thank you. Now, I fear the rest of the evening can be nothing but a let down."
With another nod to Giles he excused himself. Suddenly, feeling very foolish, Giles looked at Willow sheepishly.
Willow sighed. She should be angry with him. What the hell was that all about? And then suddenly she understood. It was about her. Giles was claiming her, and if she were honest, it felt wonderful. To know it, and to see it - made her heart beat faster.
Giles looked into her eyes and instead of the expected rebuke, he saw what looked an awful lot like love. He cocked his head to the side in confusion, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.
Just when she thought she was on solid ground, he'd look at her with those hazel eyes, and the earth would shift beneath her feat.
Somehow, through the haze of attraction and the surge of emotion, Giles heard the strains of music.
"Would you like to dance?" he whispered, his voice rough with unspoken feeling.
Willow knew she couldn't speak and nodded. He took her champagne glass and set it down on a nearby table. Never taking his eyes from her, Giles led them to the floor just as the band began to play the old standard, "At Last."
The singer's voice was husky, and she sang the song the sort of soul that would have made Etta James proud.
Giles took Willow's hand in his, and rested his other around her waist. His hand being so large and her waist being so small, his fingers wrapped around and touched the bare skin of her back.
Willow loved the feeling of his hand holding hers and placed her other hand on the side of his shoulder. Gently they began swaying to the music.
AT LAST, MY LOVE HAS COME ALONG
MY LONELY DAYS ARE OVER
AND LIFE IS LIKE A SONG
Their eyes locked on each others'. Volumes of passion and trust passed silently between them.
AT LAST, THE SKIES ABOVE ARE BLUE
MY HEART WAS WRAPPED IN CLOVER
THE NIGHT I LOOKED AT YOU
Giles released her hand and pulled her closer, both hands now resting on the small of her back as Willow tilted her head back, unwilling to look away even for a moment.
I FOUND A DREAM THAT I CAN SPEAK TO
A DREAM THAT I CAN CALL MY OWN
I FOUND A THRILL TO PRESS MY CHEEK TO
With a knowing smile, Willow rested her head against his chest and could feel his breath catch at the gesture and feel his heart pounding.
A THRILL I'VE NEVER KNOWN
YOU SMILED, AND THEN THE SPELL WAS CAST
AND HERE WE ARE IN HEAVEN
FOR YOU ARE MINE, AT LAST
As the music faded, Willow leaned her head back and gazed lovingly into Giles' eyes. Her feelings were echoed in his face. His eyes drifted from hers and then down to her lips. She smiled as he leaned down to kiss her.
Part Ten
"Mr. Giles?" a voice said, interrupting them just before his lips touched hers.
Startled, Giles straightened and glared at the intruder. "Farnsworth," he bit out.
Willow groaned softly as he pulled away.
"Rumor has it you're campaigning for head of the Ancient Arts department," he said with a grin, well aware of what he'd interrupted.
"I do have some interest in the post," Giles said tightly. "But as to campaigning-"
Farnsworth raised eyebrow of disbelief. "Yes, of course."
Giles ground his teeth in a effort not to tell this little pissant the exact directions to hell. "Was there something else?"
"No, no. Nothing that can't--" he looked pointedly at Willow and smiled. "Nothing that can't be discussed another time." He looked back to Giles, who was struggling to control his growing anger, and then returned his gaze to Willow again. "My dear." And as abruptly as he had appeared, he left.
"I'm really starting to hate that man," Willow said softly.
"Bloody lech," Giles mumbled and looked down at Willow. "I'm sorry. I hate having to play this ridiculous game. What could I be thinking, wanting to return to this sort of a life?"
"Hmmm. Paying the rent maybe?"
"Willow! I'll have you know-" he scolded her until he saw the gleam in her eye.
Willow giggled, and he couldn't help but smile. She touched his arm gently, and the rush of desire coursed through him again, but he was far too aware of their circumstance and crowd to do anything.
A small forlorn sigh escaped his lips as he gazed into her emerald eyes. "Willow."
Willow tried to keep her smile, but her heart wasn't in it - it was lost a few moments ago, when his kiss had almost been hers. She patted his chest lightly and shook her head ruefully.
He caught her hand with his before she drove him to an act of madness. He wanted so much to take her in his arms and kiss her, and kiss her and kiss her. But it meant too much to him to force now. It was private thing, and he didn't want an audience.
There are precious few times in a person's life when they know exactly what they want; fewer still when what they want, wants them back.
Giles had always found Willow attractive, had always been drawn to her, but something had changed during their dance. Well, perhaps not changed so much as revealed itself. Like bubbles to the surface, his feelings rose up. Undeniable. Bursting forth. Demanding and powerful.
He could no longer deny them, rationalize them or belittle them. He wanted her. He wanted her now and forever. He wanted her in every way a man can want a woman. And yet here he stood, nervous at her touch and unsure of his own voice.
Willow looked into his eyes and wondered if she were dreaming. She'd often had a dream that he would look at her just this way - passionate and loving. She noticed that the couples around them were once again moving to the music and she smiled ruefully.
Giles still held the hand that was wrecking his nervous system and squeezed it a bit shyly and led her from the floor. Truth be known, he wanted to dance with her again, but didn't think anything could match the feeling of their last dance. Not willing to risk having at least one perfect memory, reluctantly, he escorted her away from the music.
The balance of the evening was filled with mundane small talk and the joys of politicking. The magic of their moment having fled, left them both wondering if they'd imagined the whole thing.
Mrs. Sorenson had re-appeared and led Giles to various groups, singing his praises as they went. Giles kept Willow by his side this time, but knew she must be growing tired of the sad little play. Not that she'd given the slightest sign of any displeasure. She smiled warmly at each person, adding her own supportive words and somehow managing to engage those who walked the periphery of each conversation.
She simply could not have been more charming or patient. And Giles found himself falling in love with her again and again. Each gentle touch, each tender smile went straight to his heart. He couldn't understand how he'd stayed away from her as long as he had. But knew this, now that he had her, nothing could ever keep him away again.
He watched curiously as Mrs. Sorenson pulled Willow aside and whispered something in her ear. Willow nodded and smiled, finally a demure blush rising in her cheeks. The older woman laughed warmly and kissed her on the cheek before returning her to Giles' side.
"I think I've done enough damage for one evening," the woman said with a wink. "Even for me. Good night Rupert."
Giles took her frail hand in his. "Goodnight and thank you. I think."
Mrs. Sorenson cast a quick glance and Willow and then turned back to Giles. "Congratulations."
Giles frowned. "I'm sorry. For?"
The older woman laughed and patted his hand. "Good night, Rupert."
As she left them, Giles watched her as she walked for the door. "Strange woman," he said softly.
Willow giggled.
"What's so funny? I get the distinct feeling that I've missed something."
"Maybe," Willow said with a smile that grew into a small yawn.
Now it was Giles' turn to chuckle. He glanced at his watch. It was rather late. "Tired?"
"A little," she confessed. "But if you'd like to stay-"
"I think if I shook another hand, my arm might fall off." He opened and closed his hand in a display of its fatigue. Willow simply reached out and took it in her own.
Giles' eyes rested on their joined hands for a moment - hers so small in his. His fingers brushed against her smooth skin, and he sighed contentedly. It was so easy to love her.
*****
The car ride back to Willow's apartment was quiet, each lost in thoughts of the evening. At the first stoplight, Giles had released the stick and reached across, needed to touch her again. He would hold her hand until he needed to shift and then she would lightly rest her small hand atop his.
Their hands danced this way until Giles pulled up in front of her building. He shut off the car and went round to open her door. He helped her out of the car and stood gazing down at her.
"I--I just wanted to thank you," he started, unsure of what to say. "You were incredibly patient, and I don't think I could have asked for a more charming or more beautiful woman to be at my side. You-"
"Rupert," Willow said so softly, Giles had to lean in to hear her. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"
His answer began with a warm caress of her cheek and slow sensual nod. He put one arm around her waist, letting his fingers delicately drift along the soft skin of her exposed back. His other hand gently traced her cheek, until his long fingers rested under her chin, tilting her head up to meet his.
Willow lost something of herself in his eyes and found it again in his kiss. With infinite tenderness, his lips brushed hers. He pulled her body against hers as his mouth took her lower lip, slowly nibbling on it, until her mouth opened in a gasp of pleasure. Then with stunning swiftness, he took her.
His mouth covered hers hungrily as his hand tangled in her silky hair. She was setting his blood on fire, the feeling of her small tongue brushing along his. He'd never tasted anything so sweet and couldn't seem to get enough.
Willow moaned as he devoured her. She let the waves of passion crash over her, until she was struggling to breath.
After all too short an eternity, Giles forced himself to break the kiss. He looked into her eyes, needing to know he hadn't overstepped, that he hadn't somehow frightened her. But instead of fear, he saw his need returned. He let out a quick relieved breath and kissed her forehead. "Willow," he whispered reverently.
She reached up and ran a slender finger along his cheek. He caught her hand and kissed it.
They stared into each other's eyes, letting the power of the evening sink in. Finally, Willow looked away shyly.
Giles squeezed her hand reassuringly and smiled. He walked her to her front door where they stood awkwardly under the bright florescent lights of the hallway.
"Well," Giles said looking down again at their hands. He knew he had to let go, but couldn't seem to do it.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked tentatively.
Giles nodded and with great reluctance gave her hand back.
Willow put her key in the lock and turned back to Giles. "Goodnight," she whispered as she placed another soft kiss on his lips before quickly dashing into her apartment, the door closing behind her.
Giles stared at the door for a moment, before sighing and somehow managing to walk back to his car. 'Tomorrow,' he thought. 'Cannot come soon enough.'