Found

Buffy was glad to be home. She couldn’t wait to shower and then to sleep in her own bed. It had been an exhausting day. But then, her whole life had been one exhausting day after exhausting day, she thought with a smile. The Hellmouth was always an adventure, and she didn’t expect that to ever change.

She saw that Dawn was tucked into bed, and said goodnight to Willow as the witch closed the door to her room. Buffy felt for her best friend. She knew the girl missed Tara, and grieved for her every night. Buffy wished that Willow could find someone to love again, but also thought that some alone time was a good thing. Sometimes one could find answers in the quiet of being alone. Answers that mattered and came to light in one’s heart. There had been one girl, Kennedy, that had briefly been a spark in Willow’s life. But thankfully that didn’t last. No one had really cared for that girl, especially Buffy. Willow had needed someone, and Kennedy had seemed to take advantage of that and latched onto Willow. It was only after a fierce battle with the First that Willow had come to see what Kennedy was really all about. Kennedy had complained and moaned and bickered so much with the group that she had almost got Willow killed. Spike had swooped down at the last moment to take out a Bringer that Kennedy had failed to notice was sneaking up on Willow. Kennedy’s job that night was to protect Willow, but all her sniveling had distracted her. If not for Spike, Willow would probably have been a goner. Not long after the First had been dispatched, Kennedy moved out. No one shed a tear, not even Willow.

Buffy stretched as she wandered downstairs to check on Giles. He had been relegated to the sofa again. Willow had her mom’s old room, Dawn had her room, and Buffy had her own room. That left the guest couch for Giles. Buffy felt bad for him. Too bad he still didn’t have his old apartment. He would be moving into the Magic Box, but for now they thought Allison and Deidra would be more comfortable there.

She saw him sitting on the sofa reading some old book in the dark.

“You know, you really should turn a light on. Your going to go blind like that, and then what would I do? A Watcher that can’t research would not be a good thing.” She fell onto the sofa beside him.

“I thought you were going to shower and then go to bed? You should get some rest, Buffy. You didn’t sleep a lot last night.”

“I know, but I wanted to check on you first. Do you have everything you need? Can I get you anything?”

“No, thanks Buffy, I’m fine. Really. I was just browsing through this book, and then I’ll turn in.”

“Interesting reading?”

He chuckled at her, for he knew all too well how little Buffy truly cared about his books. It amused him that she even pretended to be the least bit interested.

“I’m sure you would find it a trifle boring.” He closed the book and placed it on the end table.

Instead of standing up to head up stairs, Buffy continued to sit beside him. They sat in silence for a moment.

“It’s nice and quiet now, isn’t it Giles?”

He smiled. “Yes, it is. Very enjoyable in comparison to all the yammering before.”

Buffy was truly happy to have her house back and to be rid of all those potentials. They were safe now, and had all returned back to their homelands, to family and friends.

“It is nice to have my house back.”

Giles turned to her. “Sorry that you have to put up with me on the couch, but it’s only temporary.”

“Hush Giles. That’s not what I meant. I like having you here. I want you here.”

“You want me here on your couch?”

As he realized what he had just said, a blush crept up and covered his face and his ears turned beet red as Buffy laughed at him. “I didn’t mean, er…I just meant…”

Buffy rescued him. “I know what you meant Giles. And yes, I want you here in this house. I just wish we had a proper bedroom for you. I wish we had a bigger house with more bedrooms. Or I could just kick Dawn out.” She teased.

“No, I don’t think she’d like that very much.” Giles smiled. “Once we get everything settled, I’ll move into the Magic Box. That will be quite perfect I think.”

“I’m so glad you are staying Giles. Truly” Buffy gazed into his eyes, and her throat caught.

“I’m glad too, Buffy. And I meant it when I said I’d never leave you again. I promise with everything in me.”

Buffy leaned in and rested her face against Giles chest. She heard his heart beating fast as he placed his arms around her and held her tightly to him.

“This is my new favorite place.” She whispered.

“Very nice..” he said. His voice was kind of husky, and the sound of it made Buffy shiver again.

“You’re shaking.” He said with concern. “Are you cold?”

“No. I’m shaking because…well, I’m not cold.”

“Then why are you shaking?” He asked quietly.

Buffy sat up and decided to be brave. She was the Slayer, for god sakes. She could do this. She reached out and put her hands on either side of his face. “I’m shaking because I’m scared.”

“Scared?” he wheezed.

“I’m scared of losing you, of hurting you again. Of never feeling your arms around me. I want you to hold me Giles, and never let go.”

He thought his heart would stop. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come. Finally he just held her even tighter, crushing her to him. He stroked her back with one hand, and cupped the back of her head with his other hand.

“Buffy, are you sure about this?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” She looked at him, and he saw the truth in her eyes.

“Giles. I love you. I really do. I’m not sure when it happened, or how it happened, but it’s true.”

He leaned in and brushed her lips with his own then. Now he was the one shaking. Shaking with desire, and fear, and love. Buffy’s hands had remained on his face, and she pulled him in closer, opening her mouth and inviting him in for a deeper kiss. Her insides were churning, doing somersaults like they never had before. Both of their hearts beat rapidly, and their breathing quickened. Giles laid back on the sofa pulling Buffy down on top of him, never releasing her mouth until they both had to come up for air. When the kiss was finally broken, she stayed lying on top of him, gazing into his eyes.

“Does this mean you love me too?” She asked in a shaky voice and a small smile on her lips.

“I always have, and I always will.” And he pulled her down again for another kiss.

TBC