Part Sixteen
"G-Funk!" Xander yelled across the street. "G-opolis!" he said after he dashed across the traffic.
The older man was lost in his thoughts as he stared into the store window and didn't answer.
Xander reached out and touched Giles' arm. "Giles?"
"Oh! Xander!" Giles said startled. "You shouldn't sneak up someone like that."
"But I-- Oh never mind. So whatcha lookin' at?" Xander asked as he peered into the store display.
Giles sighed and frowned.
"Rings?" Xander exclaimed. "Wow. Rings as in... rings for fingers and things."
"I was just passing by," Giles said nonchalantly, at least that's how he hoped it sounded.
"Right. And that would also explain the mixture of undying hope and absolute terror in your eyes," Xander quipped.
Giles frowned and started to protest. "I was merely walking. Just walking and, the.. they caught my eye."
"Okay, just for future reference. That's a really lame excuse."
Giles sighed heavily, and his eyes wandered back to the jewelry display. He knew it had only been a few weeks since the museum gala. And yet, not a day, not a moment had gone by when he didn't think of her. He'd known from their first kiss that there would never be another woman for him.
Xander watched him carefully for minute before speaking again. "You really thinking about it?"
Giles smiled ruefully and looked shyly at the young man. He nodded slowly. "Am I fool?"
Xander laughed kindly. "For loving Willow? Never." It was Xander's turn to smile ruefully. "And I should know." He noticed Giles' smile turn into a frown and quickly amended. "I don't mean... I don't really know what I mean. I mean, I love Willow. I always will."
Giles' frown deepened, and his jaw began to set.
"But-- and this isn't easy for me to say," Xander admitted. "She loves you in a way she never loved me. I don't know if now's the right time for this or not - you'll have to figure that one out for yourself." He took a deep breath and met Giles' eyes. "But... I do know that I can't think of two people who belong together more than you and Willow."
Giles was sincerely moved by Xander's revelation. "Thank you," he said softly. "I ---" he found couldn't finish the sentence and let it trail off into nothingness.
Xander put his hand on Giles' back and nodded in sympathy. "So, you really shopping here or what?"
Giles laughed a little nervously. "Honestly, I don't know. I was just passing by. Honestly," he said with a smile. "But-- but it's all happening so fast. I-I don't want to rush her. I don't want to make a mistake."
"Just follow your heart," Xander said wisely and then began to blanch a little under Giles' intense gaze. "And my heart is telling me... wait... Pizza... yes, definitely Pizza." His eyes went round as he touched his chest. "With pepperoni."
Giles laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Buy you a slice?" Xander offered.
Giles smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Xander. Thank you."
*****
"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Buffy asked Willow as she grabbed a soda from the fridge.
"Nothing. I thought... Maybe if you weren't busy," Willow said hopefully. "You and me. We? Could do something?"
"What's wrong? Did you guys break up? Oh, Wills. I'm so sorry," Buffy said as she ran to her friend's side.
Willow giggled. "Nothing's wrong. Can't I just spend time with my best friend?"
Buffy frowned. "Nothing's wrong?"
Willow shook her head. "We're fine."
"Don't scare me like that," Buffy exclaimed.
"I'm sorry?" Willow said with a smile.
"Why aren't you going to Giles'?" Buffy asked suspiciously.
"No reason," Willow said with obviously forced casualness.
"That was believable... net even. You two are like frick and frack. Not that I have any idea who that is exactly. Heckle and Jeckle! No, that's not-- " Buffy frowned in thought.
"Can't I just spend time with my bestest bud without it having some super-duper significance?" Willow asked innocently.
"Uhm, let me think about that... no!" She sat down next to Willow on the sofa and narrowed her eyes. "Is everything really okay?"
Willow smiled a bit sadly. "Yes, everything is really okay. And that's just it. Everything's perfect. I keep walking around waiting for the other shoe to drop. I mean, let's face it, people like me just don't have the happy riding off into the sunset with Prince Charming kind of endings."
"Why not?"
"Well," Willow frowned in thought. "Cause."
"Gonna have to do better than that," Buffy said with a smile.
Willow sighed. "I'm scared, Buffy."
"Of what?"
"Oh, everything. It's... I'm..." she regarded her friend seriously. "You won't laugh?"
"I promise," she swore. "Unless it's funny and then--- kidding! What is it?"
"I know he loves me. I think. I mean, I know he loves me, but does he love-me love me? I love him so much sometimes I can't breathe," she confessed softly.
"Oh, Willow," Buffy said gently. "He loves you. Loves-you loves you."
Willow's eyes looked at her hopefully. "You think?"
Buffy smiled and shook her head, a bit in awe. "Yeah. I know!"
Willow's face brightened.
"So," Buffy asked. "You gonna call him or what?"
"Nope. I'm gonna spend the night hanging with my bestest bud. And you know why?
Buffy smiled, hoping she wasn't going to actually start crying. "Why?"
"Cause I kinda love her, too."
The two friends smiled at each other and all was right with world.
Part Seventeen
"You will be careful?" Giles said.
Buffy groaned. "No, tonight. I'm feeling reckless. I think I'll smear myself with pig's blood and go a courtin'!"
Giles rolled his eyes. "Buffy-"
"What? Can't a Slayer poke a little fun? Okay. All right. Duh. Careful is my middle name. Buffy "Careful" Summers," she said with a smile.
"Thank you," he said with a smile.
"You think he needs a little...?" Buffy said as she wiggled her fingers.
Willow giggled and blushed. "Be careful," she said with a grin.
"Sheesh," Buffy said as she closed the door Giles apartment behind her.
Giles made sure it was locked before turning back towards the living room.
Willow just shook her head and slid back down onto the couch.
"What does..." Giles asked as he wiggled his fingers in an imitation of Buffy's gesture, "...mean?"
"It just means, um," she smiled slyly. "Maybe I'd better show you."
Giles arched an eyebrow.
"Sit," she said patting the cushion next to her.
Giles smiled and sat down, but frowned when she stood. "I don't--"
"Shhh, Rupert. Patience," she said in a soft voice that made him weak. She stood in front of him for a moment, enjoying the perplexed anticipation in his eyes. She reached forward and touched his shoulder, instinctively he leaned forward, tilting his head towards hers.
Willow smiled mischievously and put a foot on the cushion next to him. His eyes went round for a minute.
She used his shoulder to steady herself as climbed onto the couch.
"What are you--?" he asked, his eyes growing even bigger.
"Shhh," she whispered as she continued to stand on the sofa. "Scoot forward just a bit?"
Swallowing hard, he obeyed quickly. Willow swung her leg behind him and eased herself into a sitting position on the back of the couch. With Giles now sitting between her legs, she held both shoulder and pulled him toward her. "Sit back."
Slowly, Giles leaned back. He took a deep breath as he felt Willow's thighs along his sides. She gently guided his arms so that they rested easily over her legs, as they stretched out on either side of him.
She held onto his shoulders for balance. "If you move, I'll topple over. So," she said leaning down and whispering into his ear. "Don't go anywhere."
He took a deep breath to try and control the sea of hormones this physical contact was creating and managed a nod. "Not... going anywhere," he said a bit breathlessly. The feel of her small hands on his body, the touch of her legs; it was all driving him to distraction.
Willow sighed contentedly. She let her warm fingers touch the sides of his neck, just below the ears, barely caressing the soft skin, easing their way along the strong muscles of his neck.
Giles closed his eyes and let himself fall under the spell of Willow's touch.
Her fingers gently stroked his skin, feeling his throbbing pulse just beneath her hands. She could even feel his adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed. She leaned forward again, feeling bold, and asked in a sultry voice. "Thirsty?"
Giles shook his head.
"You sure? I could stop-" she smiled as his hands flew up and grabbed hers she started to pull away.
"No," he rasped, clasping her small hands in his. He held them for a moment before putting them back against his neck.
Willow placed her mouth barely an inch from his ear. "If it pleases you," she whispered, loving the feel of his body shiver slightly. She'd never been this forward with him, this suggestive in her movements, but his reactions to her touch spurred her on.
The feel of her soft breath in his ear, the warmth of her fingers, was a wonderful torture. He gave himself over to the sensations, trying to restrain himself from dragging her into his arms.
Willow resumed her simple massage of his neck. Eventually, she let her fingers drift back to the taut muscles of his shoulders. Her long, slender fingers ran over the strong curve of his shoulders and down the length of his arms. She paused to squeeze his biceps, leaning forward to reach his forearms. Her breasts brushed along the back of his neck.
Rupert took a quick breath and tensed.
Willow, unaware of the impact on him of her simple gesture, leaned back. She felt his body tense. "Something wrong? Did I hit a nerve?"
"S-something like that," Giles said uneasily. Her slightest touch was enough to arouse him, much less the feel of her small breasts casually brushing against his neck. He frowned and took her hands in his. "Sit next to me?"
Willow smiled a bit sadly, but slid over and slipped onto the couch next to Giles. She looked at him and then down. "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry, I--"
Giles reached out and touched her face, tilting it to meet his gaze. "You didn't do anything wrong," he assured her. He frowned, quite sure he hadn't the slightest idea how to continue this conversation.
He looked into her wonderful emerald eyes and sighed. The hand that tilted her head, still rested along her cheek. He ran a long finger down her face, to touch her chin and lifting it slightly, he leaned down and kissed her.
Willow's confusion quickly melted into puddles, along with the rest of her. Giles' hand left her chin as his fingers wound their way through her hair. His lips gently coaxed hers to part for him. His tongue barely brushed along the seam of her mouth.
As naturally as breathing, Willow's arms snaked their way around Giles' neck, pulling him down to her.
The taste of her, the feel of her; it was like a drug. A constant battle waged within him. He wanted her desperately, desired her more than any other woman he had ever known. But he could sense her shyness, her inexperience. How he longed to teach her... oh, so many things.
As if of its own accord, his free hand, which had been gently holding on to her back, traveled down to her hip and then along the soft material of her skirt. It drifted down her thigh, before reaching the bare skin just above her knee. Like a moth to a flame, it was drawn to the heat of her skin.
His warm hand stopped for the briefest of moments, while his tongue dove into her mouth. Without thinking, somehow feeling the need, she sucked it further into his mouth. Giles moaned and leaned even further into her, pressing his advantage as his hand resumed its trailblazing.
Willow's breath, what she had left of it, caught as she felt his hand slide under her skirt and slowly make its way past her knee, barely touching the smooth skin of her thigh.
Inch by inch his fingers moved closer and closer, his mouth covering hers. He leaned her back against the sofa.
Finally his hand reached the juncture of her hip, and his long fingers spread out across her thigh.
"N-no-" she gasped, pulling away from his kiss.
Giles sat up quickly, confused and ashamed. He pulled his hands away and tried to catch his breath. "Oh, god," he rasped, looking away. "I-I'm sorry." He stumbled to his feet and moved away.
"No, I didn't..." Willow said nervously. "I --" She stood and went to his side. "Rupert."
Giles shook his head. "I--I," he stammered.
Willow took his hand and waited until he finally turned to look at her. "I'm sorry," she said shyly. "I didn't mean to..." she trailed off embarassed. "to---"
"What?" he said reaching out and touching her face.
"Oh, Goddess. I'm sorry. I g-got carried away. I'm sorry. I didn't mean t-to start doing---to make you--" She shook her head frantically. "I'm sorry."
"No. You didn't do anything wrong." He pulled himself up to his full height a frown of shame on his face. "I'm the one. I sincerely apologize. I--" he shook his head, unable to articulate his mortification at overstepping so grossly.
"No," she said firmly. "I --" she frowned uneasily.
His own feelings aside, Giles intuitively needed to comfort Willow. "What is it?" he asked gently.
"It's just that--," she started. "Oh Goddess, this is embarrassing."
"Never with me," he assured her.
"I'm--- I'm not as experienced as you are and--"
"Darling-" he said.
"Let me finish," she said quickly before she lost her nerve. "I want you... The gods know - I want you," she said shyly. "But..."
Giles felt his heart swell and collapse within seconds.
"But..." she continued. "I need to go slowly. I know it doesn't make any sense." She looked into his eyes. "I mean, I look at you, and I just want to jump your bones."
Giles chuckled.
"But, at the same time, I think it's important to wait. Does that make any sense?" she asked nervously.
Giles smiled down at her in relief and joy. How could one woman be so innocent and so seductive at the same time? He tenderly stroked her cheek. "Whatever you need. As long as you need."
She smiled and let out a long ragged breath.
"Not going anywhere," he said with a smile.
Part Eighteen
"You're sure you don't mind?" Giles said into the phone.
Willow rolled her eyes. "Rupert, for the last time, I don't mind. It's on my way."
"If I weren't expecting that call from England--"
"It's all right. I'll stop by the magic shop. Run in, run out. It's not a problem," she assured him.
Giles glanced at this watch. "It's nearly two, I should ring off. I'll see you about three then?"
"With bells on... or something," she added with a wink in her voice.
Giles chuckled, but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling he had, maybe it was just the impending storm. "If it's raining, don't bother. It's not that important--"
Willow giggled. "Even as sweet as I am, I won't melt," she said teasingly. "I'll see you at three."
"Goodbye, Love."
"Bye."
Giles smiled to himself as he hung up the phone. They'd been "officially" dating for nearly four months. The weeks had flown by. He couldn't seem to remember a time in his life before Willow. BW, Buffy called it.
He put the kettle on and waited for the phone to ring, his mind drifting off to an afternoon and an evening with Willow.
*****
Giles opened his front door and stood on the stoop. The rain had started to fall about twenty minutes ago. It had begun as a light drizzle and insistently grew into the steady downpour he now watched.
The uneasy feeling from earlier in the day reared its ugly head again. There was absolutely no reason for it. Things couldn't be better really. Perhaps that in itself was the cause. Giles had never been comfortable with nice and easy. The calm had always been a harbinger of a storm to come.
He stood framed in his doorway, watching the large drops of rain fall heavily into the ground. His eyes strained to see her lithe figure appear through the haze. He watched and waited, but still nothing.
With a deep sigh, he went back inside. Leaning somberly against the door, he stared at his empty apartment and glanced at his watch - 3:30.
She was only a half an hour late, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
He tried to tell himself it was just the storm. She was probably stuck in traffic. It had certainly made things easier since she'd gotten her own car, but at times like this, he wished she needed him to drive her. At least that way, he always knew where she was.
'Yes, she's probably just caught in traffic or something,' he told himself. But it was those 'or somethings' that had him worried.
He made another cup of tea, sure by time it was finished, she'd be there.
But it was, and she wasn't.
With each passing moment, his anxiety grew by leaps and bounds.
He tried to read; he tried to reach Buffy, tried to call her apartment. And by 4:00 he was trying not to panic.
The inaction killing him, Giles grabbed his car keys off the counter and strode to the front door. Quickly, putting on his coat, he threw the door open.
Willow nearly fell into the apartment.
"Willow!" he cried, as she regained her balance.
"Sorry I'm late," she said with a trembling smile.
Giles pulled her inside. She was soaking wet and shivering. He wrapped his arms around her; his breath suddenly coming in short bursts. "Are you all right?" he asked, not letting her out of his arms.
"I'm f-fine. J-j-just c-cold," she sputtered.
He put her at arm's length and quickly surveyed her for injuries. Aside from looking very cold and wet, she seemed unharmed. "You're sure?"
She smiled through chattering teeth. "Y-y-yup." Then she noticed, for the first time, the look in his eyes - the fear, anxiety, relief and so much more. She smiled again and put her small hand on his chest. She could feel it pounding, his breathing still fast. "I'm fine," she said gently. "I'm sorry."
Giles' eyes were still intense with emotion. He leaned down to kiss her tenderly, but the moment he felt her mouth against his, he pulled her tightly against his body. His warm mouth crushed down on hers, capturing her, as if never to let go.
Finally, assured she was real and in his arms, he reluctantly pulled back.
"What happened?" he asked as he started to take off her coat and rub her arms.
Willow shivered and walked further into the apartment. "I went to the magic shop and as I was going back to the parking lot, it started to rain. I don't know if they'd been waiting for the sun to be covered or what, but out of nowhere these three vampires came up."
Giles grabbed her and turned her to face him. "Did they attack you?" he asked incredulously.
Willow smiled and shook her head, a bit contrite. "No, I hid. And, after forever... they left."
Giles let out a long breath and pulled her back into the safe haven of his arms. "Thank God."
Willow sighed, letting the feel of his strength and love warm her. "This is nice," she said finally. "But, I could really use a warm shower."
"Of course," Giles said with an almost shy smile. "Uhm," he pulled back slightly. "I'll... get you a robe."
"Thanks."
Giles knew he was supposed to be going upstairs now, but he couldn't seem to let go of her. She looked up at him with gentle eyes, eyes that seemed to know everything about him. He smiled tenderly and touched her face. The feel of her cool skin brought back to mind what he was supposed to be doing.
"Why not start the water, and I'll leave the robe on the door?" he suggested.
"Sounds good."
Willow went into the bath and started the shower, as Giles went to find a robe and left it as promised.
As Willow showered, Giles thought.
It wasn't until she came out of the bath, the steam swirling around her like the mists of Avalon, that he decided.
Tonight. Tonight would be the night.
Part Nineteen
"Is something wrong?" Willow asked.
Giles simply stared her. His robe engulfed her, as the steam from the shower danced into the room. Her hair was towel-dried and hung in damp curls around her shoulders.
"No." He shook his head and smiled. "Tea?"
Willow smiled. "When in doubt."
Giles came up to her, taking her arms in his hands. She noticed something enigmatic behind the usual tenderness. He gently rubbed her through the material of the robe. "Better?"
She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. "Now."
Giles sighed contentedly and kissed the top of her head.
"Do you have some sweats or something I can borrow?" she asked softly.
"Of course. Let me see what I can find," he said pulling back and looking into her eyes. Again, she was struck by the flash of something new, indefinable. "Be right back," he said with a brief kiss.
As he went upstairs to rummage for clothes, Willow put the kettle on. Giles returned in short order with a pair of sweats. "I'm afraid you'll be swimming in them."
She took the clothes. "It's all right," she said as she held them up. She closed her eyes and inhaled, a rich smile coming to her face. "They smell like you."
Giles breath caught, as she grinned and went into the bath to change. He let out a long ragged breath and shook his head to clear it.
He went into the kitchen to wait for the tea. A few minutes later, Willow joined him. He couldn't help but chuckle.
"The latest in fall fashion," she said striking a pose. The clothes were ridiculously huge on her.
"You look adorable," he said between laughs.
She frowned in a mock pout and then shrugged, her smile returning. "Well, I'll go home after the tea and change. And don't start with-" she said hoping to head off his protests before he a chance to voice them.
"That's a good idea," he said calmly.
"...tell me I can't... um, it is?" she asked in confusion. "I can drive myself?" she added uncertainly. She was sure he would insist on at least accompanying her.
"Unless you've forgotten how," he quipped turning to take the kettle off the stove.
Willow frowned. What happened to the guy who met her at the door and was ready to bundle her up and carry her away? Who was this tea-steeper and what did he do with her Rupert?
"No, I haven't forgotten," she said petulantly.
Giles turned immediately, recognizing the tone in her voice. "I didn't mean--"
"S'okay," she said with a wave. "I didn't either."
Giles smiled and turned back to the business of making tea, his mind racing. "I'll have dinner read by the time you get back."
Willow frowned again, but forced her voice to sound if not happy, at least mildly pleased. "Great."
"Tea's nearly ready."
"You know, I think I'll just go. I'll be back in about hour?" she said as she went for her purse and shoes.
"An hour's perfect," he replied not even turning to face her.
Willow watched his back for a minute before sighing. "Bye," she said softly just as the door closed.
"Hmm? Oh.. bye, Love," he said finally breaking away from his thoughts and turning to an empty apartment. He frowned for a moment, before shifting his mind into overdrive.
*****
Willow had sulked all the way back to her apartment. Sulked through changing her clothes and even managed to keep the sulk alive on her way back to his Giles'.
She knocked on his door before opening it and letting herself in. Her breath caught at the sight that greeted her.
The table set for dinner, candles lit and wine breathing. Music drifted from the living room, which glowed with the light of a roaring fire.
"Rupert?" she called out.
"Hello," came a deep voice from the stairs. He stepped into the soft light of the room. He was wearing dark slacks and the deep forest green silk shirt she'd given him. He looked fantastic. He grinned and arched an eyebrow, accepting her appreciative smile.
Willow shook head and looked around the apartment. "How did you have the time?"
He approached her slowly. "Where there's a will, there's a way."
"There is?" she asked softly.
He stopped in front of her and leaned down, his lips just above hers. "Oh, yes." He kissed her gently, but even his softest kisses were enough to make her knees weak.
He pulled away and ran finger down her cheek. "A glass of wine?"
Willow nodded. "Something smells wonderful. What are you making?"
"Coq au vin. Is that all right?" he asked as he poured the wine.
"Smells divine," she said, taking a deep breath.
"I wanted this to be special," he said handing her the glass. "For a special woman."
She smiled up at him, seeing that mysterious look in his eyes again. He seemed to be looking right through her and into her soul. It should have unnerved her, the intensity of it, but it didn't. It couldn't - never with him.
They stared at each other until Giles took a deep breath. "Our song," he said, his eyes never leaving hers.
Willow heard the hypnotic melody of Etta James' "At Last" filtering toward them from the living room. It was the same song they'd danced to that first night at the gala.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice soft and yet still rough with emotion.
Willow could only nod as he took her hand and led her toward the living room. His arms went round her waist, as she slipped her hands around his neck. They swayed softly to the music.
Giles guided her effortlessly. They moved as one, the words speaking their hearts. The warmth of the fire bathed them and gave the room a crimson glow. Their bodies seemed to fit together perfectly, like Rodin's lovers in "The Kiss".
His large hands were warm and strong. The way he touched her, held her, his embrace was like his love - gentle and powerful all at once.
Far too soon, the song was almost over.
"I was planning on taking you to a beautiful restaurant," Giles said softly, his hazel eyes darker and deeper than usual. "Wining and dining you." He took a deep breath. "But then I realized that's not what I want."
She gazed up into his eyes. "It isn't?"
He shook his head as the song ended. "There's only one thing I want." He took her hand and held it to his chest. He paused, his eyes filled with emotion. "For you to be my wife."
Giles knelt down before her. "Will you marry me?"
He pulled a diamond ring from his pocket and held it and his heart out to her. Willow gasped and vainly fought back the tears. She nodded. "Y-yes," she whispered.
Giles closed his eyes for a moment and said a silent prayer of thanks to whatever Gods were listening. He slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed her hand, before standing.
"Oh, Rupert," Willow sighed through her tears.
Giles, his own eyes shining, leaned down and kissed her - a tender caress.
He pulled back just far enough to look into her sparkling eyes. "I love you," he sighed and then took her mouth in another kiss.
The kiss lingered, her arms traveling up his chest, loving the feel of the silk and the hard muscles underneath. Her fingers wound into his hair, holding him to her.
Breathless, they pulled apart. Willow's eyes were fever-bright, her desire for him like living thing.
"Rupert," she moaned. "I want--"
"Shhh," he said, placing a finger over her lips and shaking his head. "When I wake up next to you for the first time, it will be my wife I see beside me."
A soft sob escaped her lips. "Oh, I love you," she whispered.
"Thank God," he breathed pulling her to him. "Thank you God."
Part Twenty
"Maid of honor," Buffy said a bit tipsy. "Let's take that apart, shall we?"
Xander nodded, his mouth bursting with food.
"Okay. Honor. Now, that's a good word right? I mean. Honor thy mother and father. You call a judge 'your honor'. Honor Blackman, a fine actress in her day." She took another pull from her champagne flute.
Xander nodded vigorously. "Pussy Galore!" he blurted, a few pieces of corn skittering out of his mouth.
"Xander!" Buffy screamed.
"What?" he said innocently, shoveling more free food into his mouth. "That's who she played in Goldfinger."
"Oh. Anyway," she said, with a roll of her eyes. "So honor's a good thing. Then we have 'of'. Tiny little 'of'. I've got no problem with 'of'. It's the 'maid'. Old Maid..." she frowned. "I can't think of any other maid thingies... see?"
Xander swallowed hard and looked sympathetic and then brightened. "Maid Marian - she rocked."
Buffy smiled. "And she got the guy. Good one."
He grinned. "Best man. Best. None better. Man, that's all me, baby."
"You two seem to be enjoying yourselves," Cordelia said, as she and Wesley slid into empty chairs at their table.
They shrugged and smiled.
"Where is the happy couple?" Wesley asked. "I'm afraid we've got to get back to Los Angeles soon. And I can't seem to find Angel."
"Right here," the vampire said.
"Ohh!" Wesley squealed, spinning around. "I wish you woldn't do that."
"Do what?"
"Oh, never mind," Wesley said, having been down this path before.
"Where are the bride and groom?" Angel asked. "I'm afraid we've got to get back."
Xander mumbled something unintelligible. Buffy sighed happily and pointed toward the center of the small ballroom. "Dancing. Where else?"
All heads at the table turned toward the dance floor. Even if he weren't in a tux and she in a wedding gown, you couldn't have missed them. They practically floated across the floor, lost in their own world.
Cordelia sighed. "She is a beautiful bride. Must have a latent fashion gene or something. That dress is gorgeous."
"Yeah," Xander agreed a bit sadly.
"Did you see Giles face when she walked in. Looked like he was going pass out right there," Buffy said. "I thought Xander was gonna have to do mouth to mouth."
"They make such a... beautiful couple," Wesley said breaking into tears and turning away. He clutched his handkerchief and waved it, biting his trembling lower lip. "I'm sorry. Allergies."
*****
What was normally an unbearable flight, passed quickly. Giles caught a few hours of sleep, but spent most of the time lost in a waking dream. All he had to do was look down at the woman in his arms. Willow, his wife.
They'd taken the red-eye, slated to arrive at Charles-De-Gaulle Airport at roughly 7 am local time. A taxi ride to the hotel, and their honeymoon would officially be underway. He thought he had learned what true happiness was these last few months, but one glance at the woman by his side, and he knew the best was yet to come.
Closing his eyes, he idly started humming and finally softly singing.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, AND WON'T THAT BE FINE
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, COME THE DAY THAT YOU'RE MINE
COME THE DAY THAT YOU'RE MINE
I'M GONNA TEACH YOU TO FLY
WE'VE ONLY TASTED THE WINE
WE'RE GONNA DRAIN THAT CUP DRY
Willow slowly roused from her sleep, hearing Rupert quietly singing. He felt her stir and gazed down into her eyes, the tenderness in his voice, the meaning of is words... only for her.
WAIT TILL YOUR CHARMS ARE RIGHT FOR THESE ARMS TO SURROUND
YOU THINK YOU'VE FLOWN BEFORE, BUT YOU AIN'T LEFT THE GROUND
He pulled her closer into his arms; his rich voice barely a whisper.
WAIT TILL YOU'RE LOCKED IN MY EMBRACE
WAIT TILL I HOLD YOU NEAR [I thought "DRAW YOU NEAR"]
WAIT TILL YOU SEE THAT SUNSHINE PLACE
THERE AIN'T NOTHIN' LIKE IT HERE
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, AND WON'T THAT BE FINE
THE BEST IS YET TO COME, COME THE DAY THAT YOU'RE MINE
Willow caressed his cheek and pulled him into the softest kiss.
*****
The hotel room was exquisite, filled with beautiful antique furniture. The bedroom and bath were just as elegantly appointed - a huge king size canopy bed and a decadent claw-foot bathtub stood out among the treasures.
Once they were alone, an awkward silence fell. Giles smiled a bit nervously and held open his arms. Willow nestled herself against his chest. They both sighed contentedly.
"Happy?" he asked.
"Mmm-hmmm."
"Would you like to take a shower?"
She pulled back abruptly and looked at him nervously.
He grinned in understanding and stroked her cheek. "It was a long flight. Why don't you go first?"
Willow smiled and shook her head a bit embarrassed at her sudden shyness. "You go," she said, her heart pounding in her chest.
Giles nodded and leaned down for a gentle kiss. "I won't be long."
She watched him disappear into the bath and flopped down onto the bed. She was so nervous, she thought she might explode.
'Get grip,' she told herself. 'He loves you, you love him, There's nothing to be afraid of.' She sighed heavily. "Nothing to be afraid of," she said to the empty room.
A few minutes later Giles came back into the bedroom, wrapped in a thick terrycloth robe. "S'all yours, Love," he said as he rubbed a towel over his wet hair.
Willow nodded and grabbed her suitcase, the big one, and dragged it into the bath, shutting the door behind her. Giles managed to stifle his chuckle, wouldn't do to laugh at your wife on your honeymoon.
He smiled to himself and turned to appreciate the beautiful room. He noticed the tray of fruit sitting by the window.
He looked out onto the left bank of Paris and enjoyed a few bites of food while he waited for Willow.
Twenty minutes later and the door was still shut. He thought about checking on her, but figured that would probably just make her more nervous. He sighed and ate another piece of fresh melon.
He heard the door open and sighed in relief. "Would you l-l-l-...." His voice failed him as he saw his wife emerge from the bath.
She was a wearing negligee - short, green and designed to stop all the higher brain functions of any male in sight.
"Y-y-you..." he rasped.
Willow smiled, a mixture of innocence and seduction. Slowly, she crossed the room. Giles' mouth opened slightly; his breath, literally taken away.
Willow stopped just a few inches from her husband; her small hand reaching out and touching his chest. The expression on his face gave her all the courage she needed.
Giles swallowed hard. "H-h-hungry?" he stammered.
Willow nodded, her emerald eyes melting him into a puddle of goo.
"Melon?"
She smiled slyly and shook her head. She licked her lips and looked down at his chest. The hand that lay there slipped underneath the cloth of his robe, sliding along his skin, finally resting above his heart.
She closed her eyes, loving his low moan and the throbbing beat of his heart. Slowly, she leaned forward, pushing more of the material way from his chest. She paused, letting her breath play against his body, before placing a soft kiss on his warm skin.
Giles gasped as she kissed his chest. His hands wound their way into her hair, tilting her head up. He gazed down into her eyes and was overwhelmed again by the love he saw. "Willow," he breathed, leaning down to capture her lips.
His hands slipped from her hair, and slid down her back, the feel of her silk negligee was like an aphrodisiac. His long fingers spread out as he reached her waist, just resting below the small of her back.
As the passion of the kiss intensified, both of Willow's hands ran up Giles' chest, kneading the strong muscles. Her touch pushed him further into the sensual haze; his hands dipped down to cup her bottom and pull it up toward him.
She could feel the hard press of his arousal through the thick cloth of his robe. Wanting to feel his body against hers, her hands moved down his chest, grazing the taut muscles of his abdomen, and finally grasped the sash of his robe.
Giles felt the path of fire her hand made as it traveled down his skin. His hazel eyes, dark with lust, met hers as she pulled on the tie, the garment opening to her touch. Her eyes never leaving his, her hands retraced their path up his torso. Her fingernails gently scraped against his nipples, as she moved up to his shoulders and pushed the robe back off his body. Giles reluctantly released his hold on her to let it fall to the ground, pooling at his feet.
Willow moaned softly at the sight of his bare chest, instinctively leaning in and taking one his nipples in her mouth.
Giles let out a short breath, as her teeth grazed his aching flesh. Her body moved against his. She groaned again as the hard length of his cock pressed against her belly. She wiggled a little, loving the feel of him moving along her body.
He knew he had to slow her down, or he'd lose himself too quickly. Giles took hold of her shoulders and pushed her back slightly. She looked up at him, confusion and a tinge of embarrassment filling her eyes.
Giles answered in the only way he could and dove down to take her mouth in a bruising kiss. His arms swept her up easily from the floor, his mouth never leaving hers.
He strode across the room to the large canopy bed. He pulled out of the kiss and set her gently down on the soft mattress. He lay down, half on and half off her, his mouth traveling down her neck. He placed soft kisses along her skin, lingering over her pulse point, suckling the tender skin.
He relished her soft moans of pleasure as his mouth moved to her collarbone and finally to the creamy expanse of her chest. The silky material of her negligee couldn't hide her arousal.
Giles' hand slid up her hip, along her side, finally resting just below her small breast. His thumb grazed the peak of her nipple. The barest touch winning a gasp from her lips.
He smiled up at her. "My wife," he said, his voice a mixture of awe and possessiveness.
"My husband," she sighed.
He grinned and gazed into her eyes as he lowered the strap of her gown down over shoulder. He looked down at her exposed body and flicked his tongue over the hard bead of her breast.
She arched into his mouth, and he greedily took what she offered. His hands slipped beneath her body, lifting it to his mouth, as he engulfed her perfect breast.
His teeth played with her aching nipple even as his hand slid the other strap over her shoulder. He moved to lavish her other breast with same attention - sometimes nibbling, sometimes licking.
Slowly, his mouth moved away from the soft globes of her chest, his thumbs still casually making circles around the crinkled areolae.
Giles worked his way down her stomach, kissing her soft skin, relishing the feel of her beneath him. He pulled the material of her negligee down as he went, until he reached her hips.
He moved down the bed, kneeling before her, his erection tightly pressed to his stomach. He looked into her eyes for permission and grinned when he saw his own passion reflected.
He placed another soft kiss on the gentle swell of her belly before sliding the silk over her hips and revealing her fully. Lying before him was a goddess, his goddess, his wife.
His eyes ran up the length of her, from her long legs, across the seductive vee of her sex, along the pale skin of her chest topped with perfect, small breasts and up to her radiant face. "You are... the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he said softly.
"Rupert," she sighed and he leaned down, resting his body lightly on hers as they kissed. Her small hands ran down his back, pulling him closer.
"May I?" he asked seductively.
She smiled and tilted her head in a question, as he ran a finger down her cheek. "Taste you?" he finished.
She bit her lower lip and nodded.
Giles slid down the bed, his hands running carefully along her body as he positioned himself between her legs. He caressed the soft flesh of her inner thighs. Willow's breath came faster in anticipation. She opened her legs to him, allowing him access to her, to taste her.
He kissed her thighs, each in turn, slowly making his way up to her sex. He breathed in the heady scent of her arousal and felt his cock surge. With infinite tenderness, his tongue swept along her cleft.
He moaned with delight; she tasted sweeter than he could have imagined. The vibrations from his mouth sent a shiver of pleasure up her spine.
His tongue darted out, flicking at the nub of her clitoris. She gasped as her hips bucked toward him.
His hands slid up her thighs to her hips, grasping them, pulling her closer to his waiting mouth. His tongue dove into her, as her hands wound tightly into the bedspread.
He made love to her with his mouth. His tongue swirling along her soft folds, up and down, across and back, sometimes thrusting deep inside her. He could feel her muscles begin to tense, her hips starting to shake as the beginnings of her first orgasm welled inside her.
He bit down slightly on her clit, and she clenched around him. He held her hips in place as she writhed, gasping for air, her back arching up off the bed. He looked up, wanting to see her face, to share her pleasure.
Gods, she was beautiful.
As the quivering stopped and she lay back again, Giles greedily lapped at her juices, slipping a finger inside her and groaned.
Slowly, he moved his finger against the sensitive walls inside her, felling her pulsate, the spasms of her orgasm, continuing to cascade through her. Knowing she was standing on the precipice again, he thrust another finger into her. She cried out, another orgasm rushing through her.
"Oh, God," she panted breathlessly as the world started to come back into focus.
Giles gave her a long languorous lick, causing her to quake once more, before moving back up to lie with her. He kissed her mouth gently, staring down into her hazy eyes.
Soon they began to clear, and the emerald spark gave way to fire, as she grabbed Giles' head and pulled him down for a deep kiss.
Eventually breaking for air, Willow grinned and pushed his shoulder, urging him to lie on his back.
Giles willingly gave in to her demand and lay back. Willow kissed him gently, trailing soft kisses down his jaw. Then suddenly, she dipped her head down and suckled the skin above his Adam's apple, grinning as she felt him swallow excitedly.
Swept away by passion, Willow drifted down his chest - nibbling his skin, her nails scraping across his nipples. She took one between her teeth, loving the groan that rumbled through his chest.
Unable to resist any longer, Willow moved down the bed and knelt between his legs. With a wicked grin, she leaned down and licked his cock from base to tip - one long wet lick.
"God," he groaned.
She repeated the gesture, her hands squeezing the broad muscles of his thighs. She nibbled on the base of him, feeling the skin tauten and seeing his cock surge up, straining for her touch.
She wrapped her small hand around the base and gently ran her fingers up the sides of him. She loved the silky feel of his skin and the hard length - aching for her.
She caressed him. With each pass, he pulsed - reaching out to her. With each pass she leaned down closer, until her mouth was just above him.
Finally, as he surged up, she took him into her mouth.
"W-w-willow," he gasped, fighting desperately not to come right then.
She squeezed the base, as her mouth moved up and down - taking more of him in each time, her tongue dragging along the sensitive underside.
"L-love, don't-" he breathed, reaching down to stop her before she sent him spiraling over the edge.
Reluctantly, Willow released him and looked up at her husband. The fear that she'd done something wrong was pushed aside as she saw the expression on his face.
Giles swallowed and tried to breathe as she moved back up to his side. Finally, she lay atop him, trapping his aching cock between their bodies. She kissed him as he still struggled to breathe and whispered in his ear. "Make love to me."
Giles groaned and rolled over, so that he was on top. "Until the day I die," he pledged before stealing another kiss.
He reached down between them and guided himself to her opening, pausing briefly before easing into her. She was slick with her orgasms, but still so incredibly tight.
Slowly, he entered her, his eyes shining with wonder and desire. Willow closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself relax and adjust to his size. He nuzzled her neck, placing tender kisses on her skin until she was ready.
He felt her hands press down on his back, urging him to start moving. Gently thrusting with even strokes, he began. He could feel her opening up to him, pulling him deeper inside.
Willow opened her eyes and met his - love and passion, awe and ecstasy. Their breathing became harsher as his strokes became longer, thrusting faster. Willow pulled her knees back, and he went deeper still.
"Ohhh," she gasped as he filled her.
Giles panted, his eyes growing bright, his hands held her head as he took her mouth in a demanding kiss.
She felt her muscles start to clench, the implosion beginning. Her stomach seemed to fill with warmth, drop down and turn inside out, as the blackness closed in. She shuddered and arched into him as her orgasm came crashing down. She cried out his name as the burst of white swept over eyes.
The feel of her tightening around him, the look on her face, and the sound of her voice calling out his name pushed him over the edge. With one final thrust, Giles buried himself inside his wife, shooting his essence deep within her.
"Oh, Willow. Oh, God," he gasped as he collapsed on top of her.
After a few long moments, the world began to materialize again. Willow stroked his back as he still gasped for breath. Eventually finding the strength to move, Giles rolled off the side, pulling her into his arms.
Giles caressed her cheek, pulling her in for a soft kiss.
They made love through the afternoon, until sleep finally claimed them. When they woke in each others arms, it was as husband and wife.
The best was yet to come.
The End