Holding on for you

*****
28th May 1997
*****

"Hey Giles. What ya doin'?" Willow asked, cheerfully as Giles threw another stack of books onto the pile on the desk.

"Ah, Willow. Just the girl I was hoping to see."

"Really?" Willow asked, grinning. "What can I help you with?"

"I need you to pass on a message to Buffy, that I have too much work to do here tonight, so unless anything important crops up, she doesn't have to report here after school." Giles explained.

"Oh...well, I was kinda hoping for something interesting, but I can do that." She said. "Tell Buffy the meeting is off. No problem."

"Thank you. Now, I really should get on with this. We're rearranging some of the stacks and as you can see, I'm in an awful mess." Giles pointed out.

Willow laughed. "Sure you don't want a hand with that?"

"What? Oh...no...your lessons start any minute and it's really a one man job." Giles told her. "But thanks for offering."

"Anytime. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." Willow said. "Bye Giles."

"Uh...yes, goodbye."

*****

Xander pushed the door to go into the library, but found it was locked. Two signs covered the window preventing him from seeing inside so he banged the door, waiting for an answer.

It opened after a few minutes and Giles stuck his head out. "Xander...didn't Willow tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Xander asked, frowning.

"Meeting's cancelled." Giles said. "I thought you knew."

"No...oh, okay...well, suppose I'll go home." Xander sighed.

"It's almost dark, are you sure you'll make n tin time?" Giles asked him.

"Yeah, I guess. Maybe if I run..." Xander said, walking away.

"No...uh, I'm almost done here, why don't you come in and I'll drop you home when I'm finished?" Giles suggested.

Xander nodded. "Okay."

Giles opened the door and let Xande, le, leaving it to swing shut afterwards.

"Can I help you with anything?" Xander asked, looking at the mess of books on the table.

"Uh...no, I'd rather do it alone, thank you." Giles replied. "Feel free to take a seat...if you can find one."

Smiling Xander pulled out a chair from under the table and sat down. "What's going on?"

Giles said nothing, lost in what he was doing.

Nodding, Xander looked down at his hands, realising Giles was in no mood to deal with h"You"You know what, I think I'll walk. I've got time, I'm sure I'll..."

"Sorry Xander, I'm just confused..." Giles started.

"So am I, but we have to carry on like nothing happened." Xander pointed out, glad they were talking about it and not carrying on with pleasantries.

"No, I mean about the books." Giles said, trying not to smile.

"Oh..." Xander began to laugh. "Okay, lets pretend *that* didn't happen."

"How's your cold?" Giles asked suddenly.

"What? Oh, the cold. I didn't get one. I took a whole load of pills and stuff...not in a bad way...I mean...I'm fine." Xander stumbled.

"You sent Willow to bring back my clothes, I just thought maybe you were sick." Giles explained.

"No...just some time off school to...you know me, I like to sleep in." Xander joked.

"Xander, I thought things were going to get back to normal." Giles confronted him.

Grimacing, Xander looked Giles in the eye. "It will."

"And until then?" Giles asked.

"Until then I'll just have to deal with the fact I want to have sex with you every time I see you." Xander said, sarcastically, turning away.

Eyes lowering, Giles kept back the burning question he longed to ask. Was it all just about the sex? He couldn't deny it was something he himself thought about a lot. But he knew there was more to it than that. There was a deeper attraction, one that had been there since they'd met, but only recently affected him so. And her here they were, in the library, alone...door locked...

The look in Xander's eyes told Giles he felt it too. There was something there between them and neither wanted it to stop. Giles was on the brink of throwing caution to the wind and giving into to what he desired the most, but Xander looked away, breaking the spell.

"Anyway, I should get on." Giles sighed.

"Giles." Xander said, solemnly.

"Yes?"

"I'm dying here. Can't we just...it doesn't have to be anything. Just sex." Xander explained. "I know I'm not...I mean, I'm probably not the best you could have, but I see the way you look at me. We've done it before, why not again?"

"We can't risk it." Giles said, weakly.

Standing, Xander walked over and stood close to Giles. "Do you want me?"

"Xander..."

"Yes or no?"

"Yes." Giles whispered. "I want you every minute of the day and it drives me so crazy that I can't have you and..."

Xander silenced him with a kiss, his hands pulling Giles as close as their bodies could get. Already hard, Xander's hands helped Giles' jacket off, then they flew to the buttons, desperately.

Caught up in the moment, Giles unzipped Xander pants, his own need taking over the sense he prided himself on.

Xander looked behind him at the desk littered with library books and shoved a few of them away, before Giles helped him to sit on the edge. Kissing wildly, their hands investigating each other as they went, Xander slowly lay back while Giles located his wallet, pulling out a ready lubricated condom. Grinning, Xander groaned as Giles slid it over his erect cock, making his way over to the waiting boy on the table.

"Are you sure?" Giles whispered hoarsely.

Xander smiled. "Very."

Pushing at Xander's entrance, Giles slid inside the boy carefully, groaning as he went. Xander bit his lip at the discomfort, his haclasclasping at the books.

"Ow!" Xander cried out.

Horrified, Giles paused. "Did I hurt you?"

"Paper cut." Xander said, sheepishly.

Laughing, Giles pushed back inside, moving into a slow rhythm, soon matched by Xander's hips.

His own cock swelling with needndernder reached down and began to slide his hand up and down the shaft, uttering a low moan at the intense feeling of being filled and jerking off at the same time.

"God, you look so good like that, Xander." Giles muttered. "Can't last much longer."

Xander hissed as Giles nudged his prostate over and over until he came in short bursts all over Giles' chest.

Giles groaned as he came to his own orgasm, coming in Xander with one last thrust.

"Oh,'ve 've done it this time, Mr. Giles." Snyder's sarky voice said, smugly.

Head snapping round, Giles looked at Snyder in terror. "How did you...?"

Xander tried to get up, books flying everywhere as he struggled off the table to get his clothes. "Listen Snyder..." Xander growled. "You're gonna keep your mouth shut about this..."

"You're expelled." Sn smi smirked.

"And Mr. Giles...is back off to his own country to corrupt his fellow British children." Snyder told them.

Dressed, Giles stormed up to Snyder with a menacing look on his face.

"Care to add assault to the charge?" Snyder warned.

"It's alright, Xander...just go home, I'll sort this out." Giles said.

"No." Xander argued. "What are you going to do?"

"Go home." Giles said simply.

"Giles..."

"Please."

With fear filled eyes, Xander grabbed his bag and walked out, ignoring Snyder's smirk as he went.

Once alone, Giles stepped forward.

"I warn you, there are others in the building...if you try anything..." Snyder began.

"I'm not going to do anything." Giles said. "I'll resign peaceably and that can be the end of that."

"Oh no...ooooh no. I'm not missing this opportunity." Snyder grinned. "I'm just going to make a call to the police. I'll see you're deported and given a restraining order. You won't be seeing young Mr. Harris again."

Holding back his anger and fear, Giles just nodded. "We'll see about that."

He walked out, leaving Snyder behind, a big smile on his face. "Two down...two to go."

*****

//"Rupert Giles, in light of your behaviour, I see no other choice than to have you deported, effective immediately.//

"Wills, he's going to get fired." Xander sobbed down the phone.

"Xander, calm down and explain it to me. Slowly." Willow said. "Who's going to get fired?"

"Giles! Giles...and it's all my fault." Xander yelled.

"I don't understand, why would Giles get fired?" Willow asked.

"Snyder caught us. We've been...doing stuff." Xander said, trying to minimize the crying enough to explain it to her.

"Stuff?"

"We've been seeing each other. I guess...I mean, doing things. And Snyder caught us in the library." Xander explained, quietly.

There was a stunned silence on the other line before a soft voice replied. "I'll be right over. Don't go anywhere."

The phone went dead before Xander could say another word.

*****

//"There will be no contact between you and Alexander Harris for a period of ten years.//

"I got here as fast as I could." Willow said, as he opened the door.

"I don't know what to do." Xander whispered. "He said it would happen and I didn't listen. What if he gets arrested?"

Willow looked at Xander with a mixture of pain and anger in her eyes. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? You should have told me!"

"I couldn't..." Xander sniffed, his eyes red from all the crying. "You wouldn't have understood."

"But I'm your best friend!" Willow cried.

"Can we focus here?" Xander yelled. "Giles is in trouble because of me."

"Why? Why Giles? I mean...you're not...what did you...? Oh God..." Willow felt her own tears rise as the shock and jealousy finally hit her. "Xander, why did you do this?"

"I love him, Willow. I do. I know he doesn't love me, but I wanted to make him love me. I thought that if I...he'd love me." Xander started crying again and sank to the floor, shaking as tears rolled down his cheeks. "What if they make him go away?"

Over coming her feelings about the situation, Willow knelt beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be okay, he won't leave. The people he works for...they can help him, I'm sure. And who cares if he gets fired, we can still see him after school and stuff."

"I got expelled." Xander whispered.

"Oh God...that's not good. Oh Xander, how could this happen? I just don't understand. Yesterday you were all happy and things were normal and now Giles is..." She broke off at the sight of her best friend's pain.

"I need to see him, I have to go...he'll hate me. I have to see him." Xander babbled, getting to his feet.

"Where are you going?" Willow cried after him.

"To see him." Xander yelled as he ran away. "I have to go."

*****

//"Any breech of this decision, will result in a jail sentence.//

There was no answer at his door, so Xander waited patiently outside, knowing Giles would have to come back sooner or later.

As it grew dark, he took one last look at the door, before leaving for home.

*****

"You've made quite a mess of things, Rupert."

"I suppose I have."

"You understand you are relieved of your position as Miss Summer's watcher and will return immediately to England, as per your sentence?"

"I understand."

"It was all we could do to keep you out of jail."

"Thank you."

"I expected more from you."

"Believe me, Quinton, so did I."

*****

"Alexander Harris, I presume?"

Xander looked at his parents, sitting on the couch. His mother in tears, his father glaring at him, Xander simply looked at the floor.

"The officer asked you a question, Alexander." His Dad hissed.

"Yes, Sir." Xander replied to the officer.

"My name is Sergeant Lewis, I'm here to take a statement. Because you're under eighteen, your parents need to be present during the interview, is that alright?"

"Yeah...that's fine." Xander said, his shoulders slumping. Too tired and confused and scared and angry...he simply sat on the chair opposite the policeman and answered all the questions he could.

*****
1st June 1997
*****

Xander walked up the steps of the high school, his jaw clenched. The place was eerily silent, all the students in class.

Followed closely by his parents, Xander was taken to the principles office where his fate would be decided.

"According to the school board, I'm forced to allow you back into the school...providing your attendance does not drop below 98 per cent and you see the school councillor once a week."

Xander sighed with relief.

"You're damn lucky, boy." Anthony Harris growled. "Now get your ass to class and catch up on everything you've missed, you hear?"

"Yes, dad." Xander replied, throwing a cautionary look at Snyder, who was glaring right back.

As his parents walked away, not even a goodbye for their son, Xander hung his head and went straight to the library. Slipping inside the empty room, he went behind the stacks and curled up in a ball, waiting for the next lesson bell.

*****

"Xander!" Willow said, with fake cheer. "You're back! Did he...?"

"He let me back in." Xander interrupted. "Aren't I the lucky one?"

Willow's fake smile dropped. "School's kinda important."

"Now you sound just like him." Xander said, angrily.

"Who?" Willow asked. "Snyder?"

"Forget it." Xander carried on walking, clenching his jaw as Willow ran to keep up with him. "I know things are a little..."

"I'm not allowed to see him." Xander said, stopping in the middle of the hallway.

Willow frowned. "Giles?"

"Who else?" Xander replied sarcastically.

"I'm sorry..." Willow shied away.

"No...wait...don't...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's just so unfair. I've been grounded forever and I can't go near him. They didn't tell me much...just that he'd be arrested if I went too close. How's that fair, huh?"

"I'm sorry..." Willow lied. "I know you love him..."

"Wanna say it a little louder, Wills? Maybe the whole school should know." Xander hissed.

Stepping back, Willow walked away with tears in her eyes. Xander hadn't been that cruel since he'd been possessed. She couldn't imagine what he was going through, but the heartbreak had to feel something like what she was feeling.

Xander watched her leave, feeling a little guilty, but too angry to do anything about it. He carried on walking, trying to block everything out until he happened to hear Giles' name.

"Oh yeah, I heard he got fired for raping a student." Heather giggled. "I hope they send his ass back to England."

"The guy was just plain creepy anyway. That's why I never go to the library." Brody replied.

"Totally." Heather said, leaning forward so give the jock a better look down her top.

Xander watched with raged disgust.

"I bet he's raped a whole bunch of students. Dirty fucking pervert." Brody sniped

Xander lost it and stormed over, grabbing the football player by the neck and slamming him into the lockers. "You don't know shit so shut the fuck up before I do it for you."

"Whoa, calm down dude, I was just saying..." Brody said, quickly.

Xander let him go and glared at the red-faced boy before walking away; ignoring the weird looks he got from the silenced students.

*****

"Xander, wait...slow down!" Buffy grabbed his arm and spun him round. "Heard you did a number on Brody Parker. Good for you! What he do?"

Xander blinked. "You don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Willow didn't tell you?" Xander asked.

"Uh...no. Wanna tell me?" She urged.

"Giles...he's..."

"Leaving, I know." Buffy finished sadly. "He came over this morning and told me he had a family emergency and he'd be gone a while. The council are going to send another watcher. It sucks, huh? Just when I was getting to like him as well."

Xander stared. "Yeah...sucks."

"So...why'd you hit Brody?"

"I didn't hit him." Xander argued. "He was just...saying some stuff...'bout Giles."

"Oh!" Buffy smiled. "You could have got expelled again for that. You should be more careful."

"I don't care." Xander muttered.

"I know you and Giles were close." Buffy said. "But I'm sure he'll come back."

"When's he leaving?" Xander asked.

"Now, I think. Pretty much. He was on the way there this morning." Buffy said.

Panicking, Xander ran from the school, down the steps and down the street. He had to get to Giles before it was too late.

Buffy watched with a confused look on her face.

"What you looking at?" Willow asked, stepping beside her friend.

"Xander...he just ran off. I think he's going to find Giles." Buffy said.

"Find him?"

"Yeah, he's leaving today. For England." Buffy explained.

"Oh my God..." Willow said.

"Is something else going on? I get the feeling I'm missing something." Buffy pointed out.

Willow shook her head. "Nothing I can think of."

*****

"Hello, do you have any flights leaving for England?" Xander asked, hurriedly down the pay phone. "Yeah...can you tell me if someone's on a flight? No...he's a friend...I need to know. Please! Okay, fine...when's the next flight? Half an hour? Great...thanks."

Slamming the phone down, Xander scanned the phone booth wall, past the 'call me for hot sex' pictures until he found a taxi company. Picking the phone up and depositing another coin, he dialled the number. "I need a taxi straight away from Sunnydale high school to the airport. Xander Harris. Thanks."

*****

"Please be here, please be here, please be here, please be here, please be here..." Xander murmured as he ran through the airport.

The lady at the desk looked up startled as he reached the desk. "The 12:15 flight to LA then onto England, has it gone yet?"

The lady started typing on her computer as Xander tapped his fingers on the desk impatiently.

She looked up and out the window behind her at the runways. "That's it there."

Xander watched in heartbreaking shock as the plane she pointed at took off the runway and lifted into the air. "No..."

"Were you supposed to be aboard that flight, sir?" The lady d.
d.

Xander just walked away, feeling his head spinning out of control.

Giles was gone. Giles was gone and he wasn't coming back.

*****
19th August 2007
*****

"It's a lot to take in..." Giles said, softly. "Angelus and the Master...and Willow...I just...it's a lot to take in."

Xander nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, I know."

"But you haven't mentioned anything about you." Giles said, a small smile returning to his face. "And you're who I'm most interested in."

Xander blushed. "Well, not much to tell."

"Please."

"I did what you told me, I guess. I tried at school. Didn't pay off so well, but I graduated. I got a few jobs before landing this one in construction. Things went well and I ended up running my own company. I do pretty well for myself these days. A far cry from the ice cream van driver and campus bartender I thought I'd be stuck as."

Giles smiled proudly. "I always knew you'd accomplish great things."

"I didn't." Xander said, nervously. "But if you hadn't have helped me out, I might not be here today. You really changed my life."

"And you changed mine." Giles replied.

Xander misunderstood the words and looked down at his hands. "I'm sorry..."

"No...Xander, I didn't mean in that way. Please don't blame yourself for what happened." Giles said, immediately.

"But it was my fault..." Xander sighed.

"Both our faults, I'd say."es ses smiled.

"But I guess that's in the past now." Xander said, looking back up.

"I suppose it is." Giles added. "But if not for the past, why did you fly all the way over here for?"

Xander thought about the question. "I don't know."

"Youw haw half way across the world for no reason?" Giles asked.

"I never got to say goodbye." Xander told him. "Ten years they told me I had to stay away from you. And I couldn't even say goodbye."

Giles looked at him sadly. "It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

"I thought I'd never see you again." Xander whispered. "I thought you'd hate me."

"Never. I never hated you and I never will." Giles said stubbornly.

"I waited." Xander said, after a moment's silence.

Giles frowned. "I'm sorry?"

"I waited for you." Xander said, quietly.

"For me to what?" Giles asked.

"I know you didn't love me. I knew it then and I know it now..." Xander said.

"What?"

"...But I was so in love with you. And every time I've tried to get on with my life, I just wound up thinking of you. I've never quite...you know..."

"Xander..."

"I know, I know...it was just sex to you, but I've never felt the same way about anyone since. And I knew...I just knew, that one day I'd see you again. And if only for the closure I needed, I knew I had to hold on until then."

"You..." Giles felt tears welling up and forced them back down, refusing to cry. "I..."

"I feel like I'm sixteen again, scaring you in the library by telling you things you really don't want to know." Xander laughed.

"I always believed it was just sex to you. I thought that was all is. Is. I never thought...I wanted it to be more, but I couldn't tell you that. I had no idea you felt that way."

"You wanted more?" Xander asked. "But you always said..."

"It was bad timing on our parts. You weren't ready and I...I was careless. We rushed into everything. But I thought it was what you wanted."

"I did want thaXandXander said. "But I wanted so much more from you. I never knew..." Xander broke off. "I really wish you'd said something."

"I could say the same thing to you." Giles said with amusement.

Xander laughed. "Well aren't we the idiotic ones?"

"Indeed."

"So you...liked me?"

"A great deal." Giles replied. "I always have. And I always will. You're far more special to me than anyone I've ever known."

Xander couldn't contain his relief and joy at Giles' words. "I dreamt about this *so* many times. I mean...ten years of playing this scene out in my head...and this is just *so* much better than that. I was afraid you'd be married and that you'd have forgotten me and...you're lookin me me funny. Am I being weird? Oh God...you *are* married, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not married. Still very much single. I'm just overwhelmed to hear your voice again. I've thought of nothing but you since I came back. And I never expected to see you again. All I dreamed of for you was a happy life."

"And I've had it. A wonderful life with great friends and adventures that'll keep me entertained for years to come. But one thing's always been missing." Xander said, softly.

Giles smiled warmly. "I've missed you."

"Not half as much as I've missed you." Xander argued.

"How long can you stay?" Giles asked.

"A week. I need to get back to work." Xander explained. "I'm going to find somewhere to stay after this..."

"Don't be ridiculous." Giles said. "You can stay here."

"It won't be weird?"

"No...I'd be hurt if you didn't." Giles told him.

Xander smiled. "Thanks. I don't have to stay the whole week."

"I hope you will. There's so much we can catch up on. And I'd love to show you a bit of England. Perhaps a trip to London?"

"That sounds great." Xander replied. "But I don't want to put you out."

"You'd never put me out." Giles told him. "And I want to do this. I just feel ten years younger having you here. It's as if no time has passed at all."

"I know." Xander grinned. "Things just feel so...right, you know? I mean...back before you left. They feel good again."

"Yes...I know what you mean." Giles smiled. "Now, you must be exhausted...would you like me to make up the settee for you?"

"Uh...couch, right?" Xander asked, confused.

"Sorry...I forget you're American sometimes." Giles chuckled.

"It's cool. I wouldn't mind getting some sleep. The journey was kinda tiring." Xander sighed.

"I'll make up the couch for you, then." Giles said.

Xander smiled. "Thanks."

*****
20th August 2007
*****

Giles paused at the foot of the stairs as he saw a figure in his kitchen. Breathing in relief, after wondering for a spilt second if it had all been a dream, he walked in, still wearing his pyjamas and dressing gown.

"I made breakfast." Xander grinned, washed and fully dressed.

Giles looked up at the clock and frowned. "You really have changed. You do know it's only seven o'clock don't you?"

"Earlier in California." Xander pointed out. "But I'm an early morning person. Besides, I wanted to make you breakfast."

Giles looked over the pancakes and other sugar loaded treats Xander was making and grinned. "Thanks the Xander I know and love."

Both Giles and Xander pretended not to take the last word any further.

"Surely you miss the American morning...packed full of sugary goodness." Xander said.

"I'm really more of a porridge man myself." Giles replied. When he saw the slight disappointment in Xander's eyes, he quickly added, "But it's a welcome change. Smell's wonderful."

Xander's eyes lit up. "And I made you tea. With your 'proper tea'. And I made it like you do. I hope."

Giles laughed. "Thank you."

"Well, it's the least I could do." Xander told him. "You're keeping me here, it's only fair."

"You know you don't have to do anything. You're always welcome here." Giles pointed out.

"Better be careful, I t jut just take you up on that." Xander threatened.

"I do hope so."

Smiling, Xander passed a plate full of his specialities to Giles, who eyed the food hungrily. "You're quite the cook."

"I'd taste it before you comment." Xander warned him.

Sitting down beside Giles at the kitchen table, Xander watched nervously as Giles took a bite.

"I take it back." Giles said as he swallowed. "I do miss American breakfasts."

Xander laughed and started on his own.

"You eat this way all the time? Because I don't think my blood pressure could take it." Giles joked.

"Nah...I'm usually 'piece of toast as I run out the door' guy." Xander told him.

"Ah, the lifestyle of the hard worker." Giles nodded.

"That's me. Who'd have thought, huh?"

"Me." Giles answered.

"You were the only one." Xander smiled.

"This is wonderful." Giles commented. "And I hope you realise I shall be expecting more tomorrow."

"Then we better go shopping." Xander told him. "I just used practically everything you had."

"That can be arranged." Giles smiled.

"Do you have work?"

"I'm sorry?" Giles asked.

"Work...you remember that...? You get up in the morning, go out, get paid for doing something mind numbingly boring then come home and crash. Work?"

"Ah...no. Not at the moment. I'm between jobs." Giles explained.

"No libraries round here?" Xander asked.

"Contrary to popular belief, I can do more than stack shelves." Giles said, pointedly.

"Yeah...you can lend books out too." Xander joked.

"I work for the watchers council from time to time." Giles told him.

"You're still a watcher?" Xander asked.

"No. Not as such. But I do have a lot more experience and skill than the majority of their staff, so despite firing me, they still come to me for help. It pays well and I can choose my hours."

"Sounds good to me." Xander grinned. "So if you're not working, can you show me round? I didn't exactly do much sight seeing last night."

"I'd be glad to. Though this is Bath's n's not exactly full of tourist attractions." Giles explained.

"Well, I've seen the only attraction I'm interested in." Xander said, looking at Giles.

Blushing, Giles stood up and placed his plate in the sink before turning on the hot water.

"Sorry." Xander muttered.

"No, no. Don't be. It's just been a while since..." Giles broke off.

"I've flirted with you?" Xander asked.

"Since anyone has, actually." Giles said.
ere,ere, let me do the dishes. You go get dressed." Xander offered.

Smiling gratefully, Giles left, the awkward silence between them relieving as he went upstairs.

*****

They pulled up outside Asda in Xander's car and got out, locking the doors. Xander followed Giles inside, grabbing a basket as he went.

"I suppose I better get some real food now that you're here." Giles joked.

"Tell you what, you find the real food, I'll go look at the candy." Xander grinned. Giles frowned. "Oh come on...like you weren't amazed by the different brands when you came to America."

"How do you stay in shape eating the way you do?" Giles asked, interestedly.

Xander smiled at the thought of Giles looking at his body. "Told you, I'm a hard worker now. And I don't *usually* eat like this. I'm just a little excited about trying new candy bars. Sue me."

"How you've changed so much and so little is beyond me." Giles chuckled. "Try Cadbury's. It's far better than the Hershey stuff you Americans eat."

Xander grinned. "I plan on trying everything."

"I feel for your teeth, I really do." Giles said. "I'll meet you in the freezer section."

"You're the boss." Xander saluted, before wondering off to find his food.

*****

After depositing the shopping back at Giles' house, the two went on a small road trip round Bath. Complete with picnic hamper, they stopped at the local park and walked across the expanse of grass until they reached the small lake. As Xander laid out Giles' blanket, Giles placed the hamper down beside it. They sat beside each other, facing the lake as the sun shone brightly above them.

"British weather isn't all it's rumoured to be." Xander said, as he lay back, enjoying the warm feeling on his skin.

"You watch, it'll snow tomorrow." Giles said. "At least you seemed to have brought the weather with you. It was raining all last week."

"You do this often?" Xander asked.

"Sometimes. I come here to think." Giles explained.

"What do you think about?" Xander asked, smiling as he squinted at the older man.

"You mostly. Buffy. Sunnydale." Giles admitted. "I think about my life now and what it could have been. What things would be like if things had been different."

"How would they be?"

Giles smiled. "I'd still be Buffy's watcher. And you and I, we'd..."

Xander frowned as Giles broke off. "We'd what?"

"We'd be happy. Together." Giles said, softly.

"I like that thought." Xander said. "You should think it more often."

"Hungry?" Giles asked, changing the subject.

"Kinda."

Giles grabbed the hamper and took out some of the previously prepared food, passing some to Xander. They ate in silence, taking in the beautiful scenery and fresh air.

As Giles began to pack away, Xander reached over to grab a plate at the same time as Giles did. Their hands met and neither moved, the touch bringing back old memories and new feelings. Xander looked into Giles' eyes, their faces only inches away.

Xander inched forward just as Giles did, their eyes closing and lips meeting in the middle. Xander's hand ran up from Giles' to his arm, holding them together as the kiss deepened.

Giles pulled back and their eyes met again, holding for a number of seconds that neither could measure.

"I didn't want to rush things." Giles said suddenly.

"Ten years is not rushing things." Xander smiled.

"Two days is." Giles argued.

"I think this is the first time we've kissed and you haven't told me we shouldn't be doing it." Xander told him.

Giles smiled. "I can't get attached only to lose you again."

Xander nodded. "I know. I'm sorry, I didn't think."

"Perhaps we should go. It's starting to get chilly." Giles said.

Xander got to his feet, hiding the spaced out look he knew he must have been wearing. He couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment.

*****

As night fell, the two tired men settled down to watch television. They hadn't really spoken much since the kiss. The atmosphere had changed. It wasn't awkward, which both had expected. Rather, it seemed more comfortable. As if the moment had been waiting to happen from the second Xander appeared on the doorstep. As they relaxed on the couch, watching one of the many murder mystery shows show at that time of night, Xander unconsciously edged towards Giles, until their arms rested against each other.

Giles said nothing, and pretended not to notice. But the tingling sensation he was feeling at the contact distracted him as much as it distracted Xander.

An hour later, Giles looked around and smiled at the sleeping head resting on his shoulder. Taking a hand, he gently placed it on Xander's arm, waking the man.

"I'll make up the settee for you." He whispered.

Xander simply nodded, his eyes barely staying open.

Giles helped Xander into his newly made couch and pulled the covers over him, like he would a child. He resisted the urge to kiss Xander's forehead, and walked to the stairs, feeling himself succumb to tiredness.

*****
22nd August 2007
*****

Two days later, Giles took Xander to the local pub for a drink, running out of places he could take him. As hr brought the first round, Xander found a spot away from the screaming crowd of men watching the football in one corner.

Giles passed Xander his drink and sat down, holding his own.

"You didn't want to watch that, did you? 'Cause we could move." Xander offered.

"No, no. I don't really follow football. Cricket and tennis perhaps, but not really football." Giles explained.

"I don't suppose you get American football and baseball over here, do you?" Xander asked, interestedly.

"We do, but it's usually on when everyone's asleep." Giles smiled. "It's not very popular over here."

Xander nodded. "I don't really get time to follow sports."

"My time is spent reading or watching television these days. I sometimes wonder how the days pass so quickly with nothing to keep me busy." Giles commented.

"I'm keeping you busy." Xander pointed out.

"Yes, you are. And I'm very grateful for the company. I do hope one day Buffy and Willow will make the journey." Giles said.

Xander smiled. "They wanted to. Buffy can't really afford it, what with looking after Dawn and keeping a house. But she wants to. And Willow. They miss you too."

"We only knew each other for a short time, but I still feel they're a big part of my life. It's odd isn't it?" Giles asked.

"When you go through the things we went through, you get close fast. I've learnt that." Xander told him.

Giles nodded seriously. "Yes, I suppose you do."

"Dawn...how grown up she must be now. I remember her as a ten-year-old girl. Except I don't. I never even met her. I still can't quite get my head round that one." Giles said.

"Imagine how hard it was for her to. She went through a lot. But she's doing well now. Everyone's come through everything and they're all the better for it." Xander told him.

"I wish I could visit. I'm not sure I'm allowed. It wasn't explained to me very clearly, but I assume I'm not allowed to return." Giles said, wistfully.

"We can all visit you here though." Xander pointed out. "I know I will. As long as you'll have me, I mean."

"Of course. You're all welcome, any time." Giles smiled. "I just won't want any of you to leave. I don't want you to."

Xander looked away. "I wish I didn't have to. But the company...everything's in America."

Giles finished his drink and smiled. "Another one for you?"

"My turn to buy them." Xander said, getting up. "Same again?"

"Yes."

"I'll be right back."

Giles watched Xander walk to the bar with a pain in his chest. Xander had been there four days and it wasn't nearly long enough. He'd soon have to say goodbye to the only man he'd ever really loved and he wasn't sure he could wait another ten years.

He wanted the week to never end. But he knew that all too soon it would. And he'd be alone again.

Unless he could convince Xander to stay.

*****

"That was nice. I haven't done that in a while." Xander commented on the way home.

"What?" Giles asked.

"Just...sat and had a drink with someone. I don't have much time for socialising." Xander smiled.

Giles looked at Xander while they walked, shyly moving closer.

"You think the kiss was a mistake, don't you?" Xanderan, an, not noticing Giles move.

Giles blinked and stopped walking, looking around to see if anyone was watching. "Sorry?"

"The kiss. You think it was a mistake." Xander said.

Giles shook his head. "No. I don't."

"Then why won't you talk about it?" Xander asked, softly.

"You haven't either." Giles said weakly.

"Then you're glad it happened?" Xander asked.

"Yes. For the first time I could relax and let it happen, with no thoughts of it being wrong or fears of someone walking in." Giles explained. "My only problem is that I'm becoming too attached. I can't fall in love with you again just to lose you."

"You loved me?" Xander asked, quietly.

"Something that's lasted this long, despite the distance, can only be love. I didn't know it then, not really, but I know it now." Giles said honestly. "But I won't lose you. I can't, not again."

Xander swallowed back tears. "I know...and I won't do that to you. Or me. I don't think I could manage, losing you again. So we should just be friends. Just..." He stopped and looked at Giles.

"Friends." Giles finished for him.

Before either could stop themselves, Xander was in Giles' arms, leaning up as they kissed.

Though neither wanted it to end, drops of rain began to land gently on their skin and they realised they needed to. Giles pulled back and looked sheepishly at Xander.

"Sorry, guess I had a little déjà vu." Xander grinned. "You saying we shouldn't, then us kissing anyway."

Giles laughed. "Won't someone please explain why we can't control ourselves?"

"Maybe we're just too attracted to each other." Xander suggested.

Giles nodded. "I think you're right."

"So if it's okay to kiss and not get attached..." Xander began.

"No."

"But..."

"We can't." Giles said, adamantly.

Xander smiled. "Is that a 'we can't, but lets anyway' or a *we can't*?"

"I think you know the answer." Giles said, pointedly. "Now lets get home before we get soaked."

Xander nodded, reluctantly.

*****

"So...we got soaked." Xander said, standing with every inch of him drenched.

With water rolling down his face, Giles closed the door. "Next time, remind me to take an umbrella."

"I'm wet." Xander moaned.

"I realised." Giles replied.

"Do you remember what happened last time I showed up at yours, drenched?" Xander asked.

Giles smiled, fondly. "Yes, I do."

"Guess I better get changed." Xander said. "You wanna use the bathroom first or should I? Or..."

"You can." Giles interrupted. "I'll put the heating on."

Xander nodded, disappearing upstairs.

Giles watched him leave and wiped the raindrops from his forehead. He wanted so badly just to give in, the hell with the consequences, but he wasn't sure he wanted to face the end of the week, knowing he'd have to live alone after feeling something with someone again.

But on the other hand, he'd waited for this moment a long time. What if he lost this chance and forever regretted it. What if he could convince Xander to stay? Remind the young man of his feelings. Giles was torn. He wanted nothing more than to have Xander in his arms again, feel the things that drove him crazy ten years ago. Things had changed...a lot. But he still wanted Xander with every inch of his heart, soul and body. And if Xander left at the end of the week without much more than a kiss, Giles knew he'd never forgive himself. He knew that, to him, one last time together was worth more than nothing. He could face the heartbreak with one memory to hold onto. Something that could remind him of what he had.

"Giles?"

"Sorry." Giles said, snapping out of his thoughts. "Are you done?"

"Yep. All done." Xander said, wearing his towel round his waist. "Forgot my clothes though. I'll get dressed down here if you like."

"That's fine. I'll only be a minute." Giles said, nervously. He had to wait for the right time. Exactly the right moment. For once, it was going to be him initiating things. For once, he was going to work for what he wanted.

And he wanted Xander.

*****

Walking downstairs, Giles was surprised to see Xander waiting for him, a guilty look on his face.

"Xander?"

"I...think I broke your TV." Xander said, nervously.

Giles laughed. "Don't worry, it always plays up. All it takes is a magic touch."

"I'm usually good with mending things...but it just wouldn't..." Xander broke off as Giles smacked the back of the television and the screen immediately came back on. "Magic touch, huh?"

"I'm just too cheap to buy a new one." Giles smiled.

"Fair enough." Xander said, using the remote to turn it off. "Can we talk?"

"Of course." Giles replied, sitting down on the couch. "What's on your mind?"

"You." Xander said, softly.

Giles nodded. "Ah, one of these conversations."

"Sorry, I know we keep going over this, but..."

"No, I'm glad we're talking about it." Giles interrupted.

"I hate this. I can't stop wanting to touch you. You're here, right in front of me and not to do anything but kiss, its torture." Xander explained.

Giles leaned over and placed his hand on Xander's cheek, then moved forward and kissed him. Xander responded quickly, his own hand slipping over Giles' shoulder, holding them together. Giles let his other hand drift under Xander's sweater, brushing across the warm skin. As the pulled apart, both breathing heavily, Giles whispered. "Is this what you want?"

Xander nodded. "I want you."

Giles smiled warmly. "Stay."

Xander immediately moved back. "What?"

"Stay with me." Giles repeated, softly.

"Giles..." Xander began.

"Xander, I love you. You being here has only made me want you more. I've been waiting ten years to see you again, please don't leave now." Giles professed.

"I wish I could but the business..." Xander began. "Everything I have is in America. Everything but you."

Giles nodded and stood up. "I understand."

"No, you don't." Xander argued. "You don't know how torn I am. I didn't know things would be like this. I thought, ten years is enough to get over someone. I thought if I came here, it'd be my closure and I'd finally be able to get on with my life. I didn't know things would spark so quickly."

"The only reason things have 'sparked' is because we belong together, surely you realise that?" Giles asked.

"I..." Xander broke off and looked away. "This is too fast."

"You were just saying you wanted more from me." Giles pointed out. "You came here for sex, but forget the commitment, is that it?"

"Stop twisting my words!" Xander frowned. "I didn't mean that. Please don't be mad at me. Look, Giles, I...this is not what I came here for, it just hit me. I had no idea I would...fall in love with you all over again." Xander looked up with pleading eyes. "I want more of you, but I can't give you more than the here and now. At least not yet." He finished, whispering.

Giles looked at Xander sadly before encasing the younger man in his arms, holding them together. "I've waited for you for ten years, and if I have to, I'll wait another. You're worth it. And I don't want to ruin your holiday or this opportunity to be with you. I'm rushing things and I should know better."

"I want to be with you. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life right here, but I can't just leave everything now. It would take time."

"You're saying you will?" Giles asked, hopefully.

"I'm saying I want to." Xander smiled. "Is that enough?"

Giles nodded. "As long as you want me, I'm happy."

"Well, feel free to be happy." Xander grinned, pulling back. "Because I've never wanted anyone else."

Giles moved forward quickly, pressing against Xander's body as their lips met. Xander's hands ran immediately to Giles sides, running across his chest until they moved under his clothes. He sank backwards as Giles moved over him, the onset of an erection pushing back against Xander's thigh. A low moan uttered between them broke through the silence of the room, followed by more as Giles helped Xander remove his pants.

The kisses became more erratic, years of wanting and waiting only fuelling their desire. Clothes were shed between kisses, hands running across each other in desperate need.

Giles fumbled around for his pants and pulled out some lube from one of the pockets.

"Someone thought he was getting some tonight." Xander joked.

Smiling Giles looked at Xander, the silent question hanging between them.

Xander answered, taking the lube while Giles moved into a better position. After coating his erection with it, Xander slipped a lubed finger inside Giles, easing into the older man.

Giles could feel the finger pressing inside him, moving gently. As the second finger pushed inside, Xander's other hand slid up his back, sending shivers down Giles' spine.

"Please, Xander, I need you inside me." Giles begged quietly.

Massaging his back with his hand, Xander inserted a third finger into Giles' tight opening, coaxing the muscle to open a little more, ready for him. The moment he was ready, Xander withdrew his fingers, quickly replacing them with his straining hard on. Giles groaned as Xander pushed inside, taking his time. As he began a steady pace, Giles's hips began to move, meeting Xander in the middle.

"God, Xander, I love you." Giles whispered.

Kissing Giles' shoulder, Xander pushed deep inside Giles, eliciting a gasp from his lover. "I love you too."

*****
23rd August 2007
*****

Giles groaned at the discomfort. His leg was trapped under something and he seemed to be half hanging off his bed.

Opening his eyes, he realised he wasn't even in his bed.

The movement woke Xander, and soon the two were awkwardly untangling themselves from each other.

"Not the most comfortable of places to sleep." Giles commented.

"And not exactly built for two either. Next time we're gonna have to try to make it to the bed."

Giles smiled. Next time.

"So what's on the schedule today? Please say it involves a bed with no sleeXandXander grinned.

"Afraid not. I thought perhaps we could take a trip to London. It isn't too far on the train." Giles told him. "Perfect day for it."

"What if it rains again?" Xander asked.

"You'll have to learn to do things the British way. The whole world doesn't stop just because it rains." Giles joked.

"I don't think I'd mind if it did rain." Xander said, suggestively. "Not after last night..."

"If having sex is based solely on the weather, then I can see we're not going to get much done." Giles commented, heading towards the stairs.

Xander laughed. "And I'm complaining?"

*****

It was almost eight am when they reached the station. Giles bought the tickets, despite Xander's insisting. Once sat in their seats, Xander began to regale Giles with stories from high school.

*****

Having seen very little of London the first time round, Xander was transfixed to the window as the train neared it's destination. Giles smiled, glad to be giving Xander a new experience, but also bemused by Xander's enthusiasm. London was hardly his choice of interesting places to go.

"Are we nearly there yet?" Xander whined in his best little boy voice.

Giles laughed. "Too old to pull that off now, Xander."

"Never to old to pull *that* off." Xander argued. "I've been annoying people with that one my whole life. Why should I change a life time habit?"

"We're here." Giles said softly, as he looked out the window.

Xander jumped up from his seat, going to grab his things.

"Xander, this is a train, not a subway...there's plenty of time. Perhaps we should wait until the train actually stops..."

Smiling sheepishly, Xander sat back down. "Just excited."

"I can see that." Giles replied.

"Never been anywhere before. Well, except for a little road trip after I finished school and a couple of business meetings in New York." Xander explained. "I always wanted to see things, ya know?"

Giles nodded. "I do. And I want to be the one to show you all the places you want to see."

"You been anywhere special?" Xander asked, interestedly.

"A few countries worth mentioning, yes. I was briefly in India before moving on to Africa while I was with the watchers council. I took a holiday in Brazil one year...and, uh..."

"Wow...you've been around." Xander grinned.

"I suppose I have." Giles smiled.

"So where we going first?" Xander asked. "I mean, there's lots to see, will we fit it all in?"

Giles just laughed.

"Sorry, I'm doing it again, aren't I?" Xander said.

"I'll take you to all the places of interest, you won't out out." Giles assured him. "The train home leaves at 11.15pm."

"Ooh, better get moving then." Xander said, standing to grab his bag as the train stopped.

Giles collected his own before joining Xander as they followed the crowd of people off the train.

*****

It was nearing ten o'clock and they'd seen the majority of the things Xander had hoped to. He tried, unsuccessfully, to get Giles to sneak off in Madam Tussards to have sex amongst the wax statues, but Giles insisted sex in a fake dungeon with stars such as Jack the Ripper was not appropriate.

On the way back to the train station, Xander suggested catching a bus. After watching three perfectly good buses drive by, Giles got annoyed.

"Why exactly are we waiting? Those buses were perfectly acceptable." Giles complained.

"But they're not double-deckers." Xander pointed out.

Giles groaned. "I see."

"Ooh, here's one!" Xander shouted, standing to wait for the bus.

"You've just seen the best London has to offer and you're getting excited about a bus?" Giles smiled.

"It has two levels." Xander replied, as if it explained his behaviour.

"Ah."

They boarded as the bus stopped along side them, and Giles was not surprised to see Xander head straight upstairs.

"It's empty." Xander stated.

"Yes, well, everyone else has probably taken the previous buses or the underground. Besides, it's getting late." Giles explained.

"Ooh, alone...on a bus...no one to see us..." Xander smiled mischievously.

"You can't be thinking about sex." Giles said, horrified.

"Come on, like you never thought about it." Xander joked.

"I certainly have not." Giles protested. "There's a camera right up there."

"So lets give them a show." Xander laughed.

"Xander, I'm enjoying being with you as much as you are, but this is illegal." Giles said.

"So, we'll hide behind these chairs." Xander shrugged.

"Do you actually think there's enough room for two of us there?" Giles asked, gesturing at the space between each chair.

"How about the seat at the back?" Xander asked.

"We could get fined..." Giles argued.

"I'll pay, it'll be worth it."

"Someone might come up. We'll give someone a heart attack if they catch us."

"We'll call 911 and be on our merry way."

"I'm sure the poor heart attack victim would find it very useful if you called 911, Xander." Giles said, dryly.

"Right...999 then." Xander said. "Stop changing the subject. This is on the list of ten things you must do when visiting London."

"If everybody visiting London had sex on a bus, they'd be more like brothels than public transport." Giles pointed out.

"If everyone visiting London had sex on a bus, they'd be happy tourists." Xander argued. "Come on, Giles. It'll be really kinky."

"Kinky?" Giles asked doubtfully.

"Like doing it outside or in your moms bed or something."

"That's disgusting." Giles commented.

"Please Giles?" Xander pouted.

"Don't even think about it, it won't work." Giles warned him.

A hand slipped down inside his loose waistband and rubbed across the flesh it found there.

Giles groaned. "But that might."

*****

Xander lowered himself onto Giles' lap, the prepared cock easing into him. He held Giles' face to his own as they kissed wildly, both forgetting completely about the camera at the front of the bus.

Half hidden by chairs as they sat at the back, Xander continued to move his hips as Giles' hands clutched his waist tightly. Their muffled groans of pleasure too low to alert anyone below of their activities, but noisy all the same, only drove them both on. Knowing they were pleasuring each other made it that much sweeter.

Breaking the kiss, Xander buried his head against Giles' shoulder, moving faster as he neared orgasm. With Giles' hand on his cock, it was only a matter of time before they both came with cries of pleasure.

Giles immediately shot a worried look at the stairway, expecting an angry driver to be watching them.

The coast was clear.

"Oh my..." Giles whispered, barely able to catch his breath.

"I told you it'd be fun." Xander smiled wickedly as he moved off Giles and rearranged his pants.

"Well, I've never done that before." Giles stated, still a little shocked he'd allowed Xander to talk him into such a thing.

"You didn't enjoy it?" Xander asked, suddenly paranoid he'd taken it too far again.

Giles smiled at Xander. "Of course I did. It was wonderful."

Xander nodded. "We'll have to think of somewhere a little more daring next time."

Giles eyes widened. "Next time?"

Xander just laughed.

*****

Too tired to keep his eyes open, Xander lay with his head on Giles' shoulder as they travelled back to Bath on the train. Giles watched him contentedly, thinking of how good it would feel to see this man everyday for the rest of his life.

*****

"Tired?" Giles asked as Xander stifled a yawn.

Throwing the cover over the sofa, Xander nodded.

"Today was amazing. Thank you." Giles told him.

"Hey, you showed me things. I should be thanking you." Xander pointed out.

Giles laughed. "You've shown me more today thanouldould have shown you."

"But...oh." Xander grinned. "I can show you more interesting things if you want. In interesting places too."

"I bet you could." Giles said, smiling. He made his way to the stairs. "Good night Xander."

"Giles?"

"Yes?"

Xander walked up to the older man and kissed him. "Good night."

Giles began to ascend the stairs while Xander watched, wishing he could just curl up beside the man and sleep in his arms. Throwing a quick look at the sofa, he made his mind up. He waited for a few minutes until he was sure Giles was in bed, then climbed upstairs, heading towards the closed door.

Giles didn't seem to notice as he lay in his bed, trying to sleep, so Xander crept in towards the other side of the bed. Slipping inside, Xander tried to be as quiet as possible so not to disturb Giles, but with the bed movement, it was pretty impossible.

And still Giles pretended not to notice. He remained still, his eyes closed.

Xander moved across the bed and lay beside the almost sleeping body. He closed his eyes; content to be sleeping so close to the man he loved. Minutes passed and suddenly an arm moved from Giles' side and with a little help from Xander, they were soon snuggling.

Giles didn't open his eyes; he just smiled, feeling the warm body beside his own and allowing himself to fall to sleep.

*****
24th August 2007
*****

Waking in Giles' arms as the sunlight broke through the curtains, birds chirping in the distance, was Xander's idea of heaven. Everything seemed so perfect...like a dream. He just lay there, smiling to himself. How he was going to miss this.

"You're going tomorrow." Giles whispered.

Not realising Giles was awake; Xander sat up and looked down at his lover. "Yeah...I know."

"Time seems to have gone quite quickly." Giles stated, sadly.

"Always the way." Xander reminded him. "But we have a whole day to enjoy ourselves."

Giles smiled. "Is there anything you want to do?"

"Yeah, you." Xander said, grinning as he lay back down.

"I'm glad to hear it." Giles joked. "After all that walking yesterday, I'm hardly in the mood to go anywhere."

"And I kinda like it right here." Xander told him. "Maybe we should spend the whole day in bed. It's been a while since I've been able to do that."

"Funny, it's all I can do these days." Giles said softly.

"I'm sure you could get a job if you tried." Xander said, his fingers now idly playing in Giles' hair.

"Maybe." Giles agreed. "But my record is always going to follow me. No, I'm happy just helping out the council once in a while."

"But you're all alone here." Xander frowned.

"Ten years of it and you barely notice." Giles lied. "I'm used to it."

"Wish..." Xander broke off. Because they both knew what he wished. It was a common desire between them. But on Xander's part, unlikely to come true.

"So do I." Giles whispered, turning to look into Xander's eyes. "But I want to enjoy you while I've got you, so lets not talk about that."

Xander sighed and snuggled in closer.

*****
25th August 2007
*****

It was an awkward silence and longing looks all day as Xander packed. Giles offered to help, but there really wasn't much to do. Neither of them wanted to start talking, because it meant that sooner or later they'd have to stop.

Xander wasn't sure he wanted to be the one leaving this time.

Giles almost wished he was. He didn't want to be the one watching Xander's back as the man flew out of his life once again.

Xander's eyes caught on Giles' as they stood around, neither speaking. Moments passed before Xander stepped forward, into Giles' arms and held him tightly.

"I'll be back..."

"I know."

"Soon."

"I'll be waiting."

They broke apart and smiled, hiding the pain they felt behind their fake expressions.

"Almost time." Giles said, his eyes leaving Xander's to check the clock.

Xander breathed deeply, as if about to embark on a highly strenuous feat. "Lets go."

*****

Being back in London sparked some great memories for them, despite only seeing a very small part of it. They were in the airport just an hour and a half before takeoff and Xander was becoming increasingly reluctant to go back home. He checked his luggage in and then joined Giles in the seating area. He looked across at the scanners, knowing once he passed this point; he'd be on his way back to his old life. Alone.

"You will come back soon, won't you?" Giles asked, his voice small. He was scared Xander wouldn't need him anymore, that'd he'd got what he came for.

"As soon as I can." Xander replied. "I don't want to spend a second apart, trust me, but..."

"Your job. It's alright. I do understand." Giles assured him.

"Don't forget me." Xander smiled.

Giles laughed. "As long as it isn't another ten years, I'm sure I won't. Past then, I can't promise my memory will be what it is now."

"I don't think I can wait that long anyway." Xander said, standing up.

Giles looked worriedly at Xander. "You're going?"

"It's time."

"A week and still not enough." Giles said to himself.

"I don't think eternity would be enough for me." Xander told him, lifting his hand luggage onto his back.

"I'd be happy with eternity." Giles said, standing and facing him.

"Mind if I kiss you in public?" Xander asked, looking round at all the people.

Giles smiled. "I'd like that."

Xander leaned in, kissing Giles softly. As he pulled back, Giles forced a smile.

"Goodbye, Xander." Giles said.

"Bye." Xander said, quietly, turning and walking away.

*****

After Xander walked out of sight, Giles sat, leaning on his open legs, staring down at the floor. The train back would leave in a few hours and untiln; hn; he wanted to stay exactly where he was, going over the week in his head. If there were anyway he could go back to America, he'd do it. But he no longer had a choice. It was all up to Xander. And Giles could only hope Xander loved him enough to make the sacrifice one day.

People came and went, sitting beside him, behind him. Some tried talking to him, kids bumped into him as they climbed all over the seats, but it wasn't until someone placed their head on his shoulder that he looked up. Familiar black hair blocked his view of the man's face.

"Xander?"

"Guess I couldn't do it..."

Giles felt his heart explode in his chest, he was so overjoyed.

Xander looked up and smiled. "Mind keeping me for a few more days?"

"I...of course...but...you had to get back...your plane..." Giles stammered.

"It's gone. I was so close to getting on it...but then I started thinking about the little bathroom cubicles on there...and then I decided one day I needed to have sex in one of those...which of course led to bad thoughts and I had to come back." Xander explained.

"You came back because you were horny?" Giles asked, slightly disappointed.

Xander laughed. "No, I came back because I can't imagine leaving you again. Not for a second. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And if that happens to include time spent doing naughty things in an aeroplane cubicle, even better."

Giles shook his hen amn amused disbelief. "I'm sure I could arrange that."

"I still have to go back, you know." Xander told him.

"I know."

"I called my secretary at work and told her to look into expanding the company. Within six months I could be heading part of the company from a nice little town round here. You might have heard of it..."

"Actually, Bath isn't really a little town...it's more a...you are talking about Bath, aren't you?"

Xander laughed. "Where else would I want to be?"

"You'd really do that?" s ass asked.

"Wouldn't you?" Xander pointed out.

Giles smiled and kissed Xander happily. "What about your luggage?"

"On it's way to LA right now." Xander said, chuckling.

"What exactly do you plan to wear?"

"Mmm...well, I was thinking I might wear nothing." Xander said, seriously.

Giles nodded in agreement. "I like that idea."

"The train doesn't leave for a while, does it?" Xander asked suddenly.

"Uh...no, why?" Giles asked.

"Not as good as an aeroplane bathroom, but an airport bathroom comes close..." Xander said, suggestively.

"What is it about London that makes you want to have sex everywhere?" Giles asked, quietly.

"Ah, Giles...you know me better than that. It's not London. Just you." Xander said, standing and pulling Giles up with him.

"I don't suppose it'd be much use protesting, would it?" Giles joked.

Xander laughed. "Not really, no."

"I think I'm going to enjoy having you round for a while longer." Giles said, following Xander reluctantly.

"Get used to it, Giles. I'm gonna be around for a while." Xander said with a mischievous grin, as they slipped into the bathrooms.


The End