Enter Giles, Stage Right
“Will, I think it’s time we left the Buffster alone on this. She’s back. She’s safe. She kicked some baddy ass. All is right with the world,” Xander smiled as he nudged a nervous Willow in the shoulder.
“But Buffy, what if they come back? I mean, Spike isn’t going to just walk away and leave town.”
“I certainly hope not,” Buffy said with a wicked grin as they opened the library doors and threw their books on the table before sitting down.
The group of three looked up to see the tweed clothed man walk out of his office, “Ah, Buffy, I do believe I asked you to go straight to class today and not stop by the library.”
“What’s the diff,” she said with a shrug.
“The Diff, as you say, is that these last few days have been very dramatic for you and your family. Your mother is scared and is more concerned with your schooling that slaying. She wants you to get into college so that you can get away from the Hellmouth.”
“But Buff can’t leave. She’s now the Big Bad in town.”
“Xander, do you not have a place to be?” Giles said with annoyance.
Xander shrugged and grabbed his books, and tossed a, “Later,” over his shoulder as he headed out the door.
Willow and Buffy stared up at Giles. For a few moments he was quiet until, “I think you’re needed in home room. Both of you.”
After a glance at one another Buffy and Willow stood with their books and walked toward the door. Willow walked into the hall as Buffy stood back momentarily. “Giles, are you okay? I mean, you look a little pale?”
“Perhaps I could use a little tea and some rest. It has just been a very tiring week,” Giles gave her a weak smile.
“Yeah, you’re telling me. So, training tonight?”
“No. I think perhaps an extra night off, even with Spike and Drusilla in town, could do us a bit of good.”
“Okay. And yeah, I could use some down time. Take care of yourself,” Buffy opened the doors to the hallway, “Oh and Giles, open the curtains. It’s a beautiful day. Get some sun in here.”
********
Giles headed through the dark alley behind the movie theatre when he heard a noise behind him. He stood and slowly turned but couldn’t see anyone. He carried on with his journey until he felt a presence again. Turning on his heels he shouted, “Who’s there? I know someone is there. If you don’t show yourself, I will be forced to do something.”
“Like what Rupert,” Angelus said directly behind him, startling him, “whoa Rupert. Take it easy. What are you going to do,” a grin spread over his features, “bite me?”
Giles took two steps back, “I don’t know what you are talking about Angelus. Maybe I should be talking to you. I saw you. Saw you with your mouth between my Buffy’s thighs.”