__Best Friends Forever__
By Catherine



Giles woke up with a blissful expression, as he had every morning for the last month. Well, in fact, it had been the last three. The first two months of the summer had been wonderful, and the last just marvelous: it was the one month during which they had declared their love for each other and become lovers.

* * * * *

ONE MONTH EARLIER

Giles hadn't been able to focus on anything that day. Not even his thriller book or his motorcycle magazine.

"Stop that…it's not like-What are you thinking, old man? I knew; I enjoyed every day of those two months; but I knew, I knew that there would be an end." He sighed. It was the first day without her. Without her presence.

The first day of the College.

Every day of the summer, they passed together; sometimes with the others, but almost of the time just him and her. But it wasn't only the day; it was the evenings too, with dinner, movies, patrols…

"At least I have all those memories," Giles tried to comfort himself.

He was seriously thinking about to having a drink of scotch when there was a light knock at his door.

Opening it, he found Buffy.

"Buffy." He tried to not show his surprise and joy.

"Hi," she said, almost shyly, "May I-" she made a gesture with her hand to indicate the inside of the flat.

"I didn't know you needed to ask," he teased her, allowing her to come into the flat.

He closed the door, turning to her; something in her eyes attracted his attention.

"Buffy? Are you alright?" he asked her with concern.

"Yeah," she said in a small voice. "Well, not really," she whispered.

"Something's wrong?" he asked with concern.

"Well, first day, you know…"

"Yes, first day…" *without you* he wanted to say but instead he said, "…of college."

She nodded, then added, "Yes, that too," in a murmur almost imperceptible but Giles heard it.

"Do you a want a cup of tea?" he asked suddenly, feeling the need to lighten the atmosphere, which was very intense.

Buffy nodded softly.

Buffy sat on the couch, while Giles went to the kitchen to make the tea and prepare a tray.

In the kitchen, Giles couldn't keep himself from asking what was the reason for Buffy's state of melancholy and sadness; more importantly, asking himself why he had the impression, and hope, that maybe she could have felt the same today…*Maybe she missed me too,* he thought with an unconscious smile, but it faded quicker than it had appeared. *Of course, I can always dream,* he sighed.

Buffy was lost in her thoughts when Giles took the tray.

"Buffy?" he said gently.

"Huh?" Then seeing the tray, she smiled, "Thank you."

He served two cups and waited until for her to began to talk to him about what was boring her.

But after a moment, it was more than enough for Giles; he could be patient, but now his nerves were not cooperating.

"So…" he said.

She looked at him and replied, "So?"

Giles put his cup on the table, "Buffy," he looked at her and tilted his head to one side, "I had the vague impression that you wanted to tell me something. Am I wrong?"

She blinked, took a deep breath and opened her eyes to look with such intensity into his that Giles thought it was their own souls who looked upon each other.

"Did…did you miss me today?" she finally asked.

Her question surprised him. He hadn't expected that…from her.

"Buffy," he tried to find the right words, "of course; we passed all these last days together; and…and today we did not. It's a change for us."

"I missed you too, Giles. More than you can think," she smiled. She took his hand in hers.

Giles looked at where their hands joined, *Beautiful sensation,* he thought, but he took his hand away from her. He saw a little hurt in her eyes, but she said nothing.

He got up and walked a little to put his emotions in order; then, after running his hand through his hair, he managed to say, "Buffy, it's normal, and I understand completely how you feel."

"Really?" she said; her eyes were brightening. Her voice seemed so happy.

He nodded, then continued, "Of course, I had the same thing when I began Oxford. It's new, a real change in the life, not like High school. It's totally understandable that…that you feel a little fear about that."

She shook her head, "No, Giles. It's not that."

"Of course, yes. Buffy. For now…I'm…you feel secure with me. To you I'm like… like a security blanket," he said painfully. And what he said after was more painful, "But as I told you, it's a new life where you can form new relationships."

There was no need to explain what Giles meant by 'new relationships'.

Buffy approached him and cupped his face in her hands, "But I don't want to form new relationships, whatever you think by that," she grinned.

He looked at her disbelief, and she added more seriously, "Not when I have you."

He sighed, "Buffy, I think you act like this because-"

"No, let me finish," she cut him off.

He nodded and stayed silent…the reason was he wanted to hear what she had to say and not because her statement had been an order.

She caressed his cheek, then said, "You're wrong, Giles. What I feel is not because of college and all that new stuff. Okay, in a way yes, `cause today I didn't see you," she grinned.

He wanted to say something, but she cut him off again by, "I didn't finish."

So he nodded.

"Giles, I'm so happy when I'm with you. These last months, I mean these last two months in particular, were the most wonderful of my life. At the beginning, I thought it was because we had stopped the Mayor and had had a big firework for graduation," they smiled at that memory. "I accepted Angel's leaving very quickly; in fact, I know that it was the best solution. Even before he left, there wasn't anything except a dear friendship for each other."

Giles blinked in surprise and relief; even in his dreams he had never believed that she could say and feel that. But opening his eyes, looking in hers, he saw nothing but sincerity.

She waited a moment, knowing that he needed to be sure that what she said was real. Watching him smile, she knew that he had no doubt. He believed her.

"So, what I was saying…" she thought, and "Yes…but after some time, I realized that you were the cause of what I felt."

He was listening her very carefully.

"Giles; I didn't mean to say it like that. I know what I'm saying. I mean, it didn't really happen just today. When I wake up the morning, only the thought that I will see you makes me happy and full of courage. Why was this day was so horrible? Because I didn't see you. And I don't know how I managed to contain myself all summer and not rip your clothes and ravish you," she finished her sentence kissing his cheek, then added, "Don't you feel the same, Giles?"

"Bu…Buffy. I…I don't know what to say."

She pulled away, looked at him, feeling very insecure and in some way stupid. She hadn't thought about the possibility that maybe she was the only one to feel that.

She opened her eyes wide at that realization, and said, "Oh my…Giles, I'm sorry. I…" With that she turned her back to him and tried to not run towards the door.

"Buffy," Giles said aloud, but she didn't stop walking.

"Bloody hell, yes!" he yelled.

She stopped, turned slowly and looked at him with hope and fear.

He approached her, and with all his love for her, it was now him who cupped her face in his hands, "Oh yes; I feel the same, Buffy. How could there be another way? I…I lo…" He feared to say the words. "Today was misery for me without you."

She smiled and he was sure he had never seen her so happy.

Then, eyes locked on each other, they brought their lips together and they kissed for the first time.

They had both fantasized a lot about that moment, but it was nothing compared to the reality of their kiss.

"Wow!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Indeed," Giles chuckled.

Always each other's arms, Buffy lifted her head to look at him, "Giles, you…you can say it. You know. `Cause I love you, too." She said with a big smile.

"I had the vague impression of that," he teased her.

"Giles?"

"What?" he asked innocently.

"And you…" she retorted.

"Me what?"

"Giles!"

He kissed her again, with passion.

When they finally parted, he looked at her and said with a serious tone, "I love you more than anything. You're my life, all I want. I love you, Buffy Summers," then he kissed her again.

"So that wasn't a very long talk," she winked at him, "You know in some circumstances, long talk can be good and appreciated." she joked.

"So you want a long comment," he smirked. "Are you sure?" He kissed her again.

"No, you're right. Sweet talk is better. And I'm sure you have your way to show me how you love me, mister."

"Buffy, we don't need to rush-"

"Giles, remember the part 'contained myself all summer and managed not to rip your clothes and ravish you?'"

He nodded happily.

Her hands around his neck, she put her legs around his waist, and said, "I don't want to contain myself anymore."

"Me either love, me either."

With that he walked with her in his arms towards the upstairs, to their bedroom.

END FLASHBACK

* * * * *

Giles was still lying in the bed, eyes closed, and he didn't hear her as she entered the room.

"I hope for your sake, that I am responsible for that smile and…hmm," she licked her lips.

"Always my love, always you. The one and only." He grinned at her.

"Always dreaming, baby," she said, kissing him.

When they pulled away, Giles looked at clock. "Buffy," he sighed regretfully, "you need to go; if not, it's certain that you will be late to your classes."

She kissed him again, then said seductively, "Willow will give me her notes."

There wasn't need for any other reason for Giles to take her in his arms and make love to her passionately.

* * * * *

IN ANOTHER ROOM IN SUNNYDALE

"Will, you'll be late. You should go."

"No, I have another thing on my mind." Willow grinned before she provocatively kissed her lover.

"But Will, your classes!"

"Don't worry. I will ask Buffy for her notes."

"Hmmm, so in that case…"

* * * * *

SEVERAL HOURS LATER

Buffy and Giles had passed the day together. Giles hadn't been really agreeable with that but Buffy had her way and convinced him. *And for once…* he thought.

It was Friday, and like most Friday evenings, the entire gang, Willow, Buffy, Xander and Giles passed it together.

Before the evening, Buffy went to her dorm room, which she shared with Willow, who apparently was already on her way to Giles'. She didn't really used the dorm, and a majority of her clothes and things were at Giles', including Mr. Gordo. When she had little by little brought her clothes, Giles was pleased with that, but told her that she didn't need to rush a thing. She answered him that that was what she wanted. Another point occurred him--what would she say to Willow? Their new relationship was so new, that for a while, at least, they didn't want to share it, didn't want to talk about the 'romantic' side of it… She reassured him, and explained that she would tell Willow that she could take some stuff to her mom's, to have more space.

"Even for Mr. Gordo?" he had asked speculatively.

"I will tell her that it's much too dangerous for him to be here, alone all the day." She answered him so quickly that he was sure she had already thought of all the possibilities. She was sure of herself, so determined. And he loved that…so with a falsely annoyed sigh, he agreed. She giggled at his reaction; he chuckled before taking her in his arms and kissed her passionately.

After she found the book she was looking for, Buffy went out of her dorm and walked towards the flat. She was almost outside when she saw Xander.

"Hey Xander!" she shouted at him, "What y'a doing?"

"Hey Buff!" he said walking to her, "Just thinking that I could accompany Will…and you to Giles'." He grinned.

"Huh." Buffy nodded, "Like our white knight," she teased him.

"Yep. For the two beautiful maidens of the campus," he nodded happily.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but apparently I'm the only you will escort," she winked at him.

"Willow's not here?"

"Nope, I think she's already at Giles' now."

"So, young lady, you have the luck to have me only for you. Are we going?" He grinned as he gave her his arm.

Buffy smiled and put her arm around his. "Hmm…How can I resist?" she giggled.

They walked arm in arm to Giles'.

* * * * *

AT GILES'

"Giles." Willow called him, while she entered in his flat, without knocking as usual.

"Bu…Willow. How are you?" Giles was coming out of his kitchen with a tray.

"Fine. Sorry, it's just me, Giles." Willow answered with a soft smile.

"No need to excuse yourself, Willow; I'm glad to see you," he said, putting the tray on the table and sat on the chair. Willow took the couch.

"I'm early. Buffy's not here yet?" she asked.

"No, she said that she should stop at your dorm room before coming here."

"Hmm."

"She…she phoned me, that…earlier," Giles stammered.

Willow looked at him with suspicion.

"To tell me that…that she could be late," he said.

"Hmm.."

"So," he cleared his throat, "how was your class today?"

"Well," she began shyly, "I kinda wasn't really there today." She blushed a little, then finished by, "I…I had a difficulty."

Giles realized the implication and said, "But if you weren't at class today who took the notes?"

"Buffy," Willow answered.

"Well, in fact she told me that you…"

"She wasn't at class today!"

"I think not," Giles answered.

Willow thought a moment and said, "She was with him all the day!"

Giles smiled softly and with all seriousness, he nodded, "Apparently, yes."

Willow looked at him, and said "You know, Giles, I'm a little worried."

He cocked his head at her, "About what?"

"About her new relationship with that guy. You know, Giles, she talks a lot about him, how fantastic he is, how fabulous he can be…and a lot of stuff."

Giles listened to her, amused and with some satisfaction.

She continued, "But I don't know even his name!" she finished, outraged by that.

"Willow, there is nothing to worry about. I think you're curious about that." He smiled to her. "But maybe Buffy wants to keep secret her new relationship, at least for a while. It's her, and, well, maybe also his, wish. So, for now, you-" he started to say but corrected himself, "we need to respect their wish." He took a sip of his tea.

"Maybe you're right," she sighed.

He nodded.

He was drinking his tea when Willow spoke again, "Maybe he's not human after all. Or maybe he is a demon. Or invisible. Or he could use her. Of course, he could not exist at all, and be exclusively in her imagination or-"

Giles almost spit his tea.

"Will-Willow." He tried to stop her babbling.

"What? Giles, are you alright?" she asked.

"Yes…sorry. I'm fine. Thanks." He took a deep breath, then added, "Willow, I'm sure there is nothing to worry about. This man can certainly be trusted, and, I'm persuaded that he's real and that he loves her and…Of course, No! He doesn't use her," he said vehemently.

Willow looked at him strangely, "Man, Giles. You said man. I would have said boy. Giles, at our age, it's more boy than man."

"Hmm…Yes," he muttered.

"And I think you're right," she agreed.

"But do you know what she asked him to do?" she asked him.

"No, I…I don't," he said with some surprise that he tried to hide. *She hasn't asked me yet.* he thought.

"To do a jump in a parachute," she said with a gesture of her head.

"What!?!" That time his cup fell on the floor.

* * * * *

Buffy and Xander were walking calmly towards the flat.

"So, Buff," Xander began, "when will you tell us and introduce your new mysterious boyfriend?"

Buffy looked at him curiously, the she said, "Vamps."

"What!" he exclaimed, "Buffy, I thought that it was over with Angel-" Then he saw her roll her eyes, "Oh…you mean vamps."

"Yep. Just in front of us," she replied. "Do you have your stake?" she asked, already in a slayer mode.

"First rule : Always to have candy with me; second rule : Never go out without a stake."

She cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Okay," he raised his hands in the air, "maybe I should revise my priority of the rules' order," he grinned.

Buffy was fighting the three vamps hard. Two were easily dusted, but the third seemed stronger and decided to not let going things easy.

Xander watched her fight. Then he saw the demon coming.

"Buffy," he yelled, "Demon behind you!"

But Buffy didn't understand what he said; she answered, "Xander"… Kick…"I don't"…Kick…"have the time."…Kick…"I'm a little busy here."… Kick.

"You are a little stubborn, aren't you."…Kick…"Why don't you want"… Kick…"to let me dust you like"…Kick…"like a nice vamp."

"But, Buff," Xander said, watching the demon who was approaching.

Xander blocked the way of the demon.

"Let me go, little boy, and I won't kill you."

"Like you could," smirked Xander with sarcasm, trying to be sure of himself.

But the demon laughed.

They began to fight. Well, Xander dodged more than fought. But the lessons with Buffy seemed apparently have an effect on him.

Buffy managed to dust the last vampire. She turned to see that Xander was fighting a demon. She ran after them, "Xander!"

She watched him take a defensive-attack posture; *Impressive,* she thought. *Xander has learned something from all those times I forced to be the punching bag,* she grinned to herself. *He has adopted some of my postures. And not the easiest.*

Xander tried to have a good opening to get to the chest of the demon. Then, he put his stake in, but, unfortunately, he lost his equilibrium and the stake went into the demon's left hand.

"Oops," he said, looking at his victim. "Bad move."

"Xander!" Buffy screamed, running towards him, then stopping.

They looked stunned at the sight and sound of the demon, "Arghhh!" the demon yelled out before fall on the floor…dead.

She walked to him and said, "Duh! he's dead. You killed him."

Still under the surprise, Xander nodded; and after a moment said proudly, "Of Course, I did! I'm your white knight, remember." He smiled.

"Well, yay, Xander." Buffy told him with a smile too. "And thanks. If you hadn't been here, I don't know how I could have managed with that stubborn vamp and that demon."

"So, I'm your savior. I protected and saved you. I'm a hero."

"Don't push. And you were already a hero. We're a team, remember."

"Yep," he nodded happily. "But this time, I did that by myself…"

"And lucky," Buffy whispered.

"I protect the slayer. I'm good."

"Okay," she said with some exasperation, "Why do I have the impression that we haven't finished hearing of your exploits?"

"Yay for Xander. I'm a warrior. Come on demons. I'm ready." he practically sang.

They were walking again, and Buffy groaned about the fact that the rest of the way to the flat promised to be very long…for her.

* * * * *

AT GILES'

When Buffy and Xander entered the flat, it was to find Willow and Giles pick up the rest of the cup.

"What happened?" asked Buffy.

"Just a bit of clumsiness," Giles replied quickly.

"Yes, my fault. I told him about your wish to go parachuting," Willow added with a grin.

"Duh!" was the first reaction of Buffy, and before she had the time to add something Xander spoke too excited.

"I protected…No, saved Buffy. I fought and killed a demon alone. He didn't know who kicked his ass." Then to Willow, he said, "Baby, you should have been seen your man…" Seeing her reaction, he realized what he was saying.

"Euh…I mean, Willow. Willow…my best friend, since always. My Will!"

Looking around him, he saw Buffy's reaction. She was grinning…happily.

"Buffy?" he began with a questioning voice, "Why…Why aren't you like G-man?"

They looked at Giles, who still had his mouth lightly opened, with the broken cup in his hand.

"Well," he tried to recompose himself, then put the rest of the cup on the table, "Xander! Don't call me like that!" he said, trying to be outraged.

Xander turned to Willow, and in almost accusatory tone, "Willow! You told her!" It was a statement.

"Yes," she answered.

"'But I thought we decided that for a time we will keep that between us," Xander said.

"I know," Willow replied, "But…but Buffy's my best friend. I can't hide things from her. It's impossible. Not in the best friend's code." She said fiercely.

"Thanks!" grinned Buffy.

At the realization of the implication of Willow's words, a thought crossed Giles' mind.

"Buffy?" He inquired.

"Hey, G-m…Giles. Why are you so blank suddenly?" asked Xander.

"Yes?" Buffy answered in a little voice.

"Did you…did you tell her?" Giles asked, but almost sure about the response.

"She's my best friend," she pouted.

"Buf…Buff," Suddenly, Giles remembered his earlier conversation with Willow.

"You knew. So everything you told me was some…joke!"

"Yes. Sorry, Giles. But I couldn't help myself," Willow answered, slyly.

Buffy who was as confused as Xander asked, "Willow, what have you done?

"It was really fun. You should have seen him. It was hilarious."

But the almost Ripper's glare stopped her.

"Maybe, not so hilarious…now," she said in a whisper.

Buffy went to Giles and put her hands in his waist. "My poor baby. Don't worry, I will console you later."

"Yes?" he asked boyishly.

"Yes." And to prove that to him, she kissed him.

"Feel better, now?" she asked.

He grinned, "Yes…until later." He smiled sexily, and she returned his sexy smile.

Xander put his arms around Willow too, and kissed her temples, whispering, "I love you."

"Love you too," she said, and then they kissed.

"Okay, so now everything is clear. No secrets," exclaimed Xander.

"In some ways, I would say it was maybe time," added Giles.

Willow and Buffy nodded.

"By the way Willow, it was your day for the classes' notes."

"No, Buffy. It was yours." Willow shook her head.

"What? No…" Buffy reiterated.

"Buffy, you haven't verified your agenda, again!!! Already last week- " But Willow was cut off by Xander.

"Wait. Don't tell me you two, that you have a sort of…planning for-"

"Oh dear lord!" Giles put his face in his hands.

Buffy and Willow looked at each other, then to them they shrugged before said, with natural, "Of course!"

"We couldn't miss the morning's class so often otherwise," Buffy answered them, "I mean, we could miss the class, but not the notes."

"So, Buffy and I thought it was a better, well…to organize-"

"No need to continue!" Giles raised his hand.

"I agree with that," added Xander.

Giles and him were…red.

Watching them, Buffy and Willow giggled softly.

"Oh come on, guys!" Buffy rolled her eyes, "We didn't say it in that sense."

"Yes." Willow nodded, a little red.

In the seconds after that, there could be heard two soft exclamations of "Women!" and two equally soft of "Men!"

Then, everyone laughed at 'that' situation. The good mood and joy in the atmosphere could be felt.

The rest of the evening passed very quickly and peacefully. Xander explained in exacting detail how he managed to defeat the horrible, big demon. When Buffy added that there was some luck to his lack of equilibrium, he smirked at her and with pride, he informed them that it was very calculated…At that, the others couldn't help laughing. Xander tried to take offense at that but failed and joined the laughter rapidly.

Willow and Giles spoke about what Willow had called the little 'fun' conversation. Buffy was laughing harder at the image of Giles' face about the parachute. He tried to impress her with his glare but knew that it didn't help. Between sobbing laughter, Buffy told Willow, "Oh Willow! You're evil!"

Some hours later, they decided it was time to call it a night.

"Buffy, I thought it's unnecessary to ask you if you want to come with us." Xander grinned.

Giles, behind Buffy, put his arms possessively around her waist and added with a devilish grin, "No, she stays with me."

She looked at him, with the same look of love and desire.

"Well, I think that answers too much of my question," Xander shook his head.

"You're the one responsible for that. You asked," Willow teased him, and kissed him on his cheek.

Suddenly, Willow said with some excitement, "I have an idea."

"Which one?" Buffy inquired.

"Why don't we go out together?"

"Duh!" was Buffy's reaction.

"Yes, it's a very interesting and so new idea, baby," Xander joked.

"Willow, what have you in your mind?" Giles asked, ignoring Xander.

"We could get out as couple, I mean as two friends of couple. After all, everyone knows now. I thought that could be a good idea." Willow finished in a blush.

Buffy thought for a moment, looked at Giles who nodded softly at her.

"Will, I…we think it's a great idea." smiled Buffy.

Xander agreed too, and said, "Hey, there is the new restaurant."

"Why, I'm not surprise that he knows that," smiled Willow.

"Because the surprise would be that he doesn't know," grinned Buffy.

"The new restaurant?" asked Giles.

Buffy and Willow looked at each other, and laughed.

"What?" Giles smirked.

That time it was Buffy who said, "And yet I'm not surprised that he doesn't know about it."

And Willow, "Because if he knew, there would be the surprise."

Giles and Xander looked at each other, smiling.

"They know us." beamed Xander.

"Without a doubt." Giles nodded, happily. Then, asked, "So, about that new restaurant?"

"It's located beside the Antiquities store."

"Where I brought my new lamp," Giles said with enthusiasm.

"New is a big word, Giles," Buffy teased him.

"But you said that you like it," he pouted.

She gently kissed his nose. "And I confirm it," she grinned.

"Wait! Buffy has gone to an Antiquities store." Xander began, "There was some demon's activity there, all right."

"Nope. Just some antiquities," she shrugged.

"So, you went to…Why?" he asked incredulously.

"I couldn't refuse it," she winked.

"Okay. No need to explain. Already too much information," said Xander.

"So, don't ask." replied Willow, shaking her head.

And it was the truth; she couldn't have refused it to him. When she proposed to Giles to do something he wanted, she hadn't had the faintest idea that it would be to go there. She had thought that maybe he could think of some things more 'private' but that…She had looked at him with a surprised expression, said, "Are you sure?" He had nodded eagerly with joy. Realizing that she wasn't really enthused by that idea, he had played the card that he knew she couldn't fight…His card.

He had looked at her with his puppy-eyes, saying in a little voice, "But you said we could do what I would like to do." She was lost; and knew it.

Even if she hadn't admitted to him, at least at the beginning, she had really enjoyed their time there.

They decided to dine at the restaurant the next evening. Giles would make the reservations…and maybe a phone call to the Antiquities store, just to find out if they had received any 'new' inventory.

Buffy giggled, knowing exactly what he had in his mind. At that, he asked innocently, "What?"

"Nothing," she said, and she kissed him.

Then, Buffy looked at Willow, and in chorus they said, "Tomorrow, shopping!"

Xander and Giles looked at each other; Giles asked, "Why?"

"Duh! Giles," answered Buffy, "new restaurant, new dress!" she said as if it were only natural.

"Of course!" added Willow.

"Yes, of course, Giles." Xander grinned.

"What I was thinking!" chuckled Giles.

They said their goodnight and agreed with the fact that Giles and Xander would pick Buffy and Willow at their dorm room. Like that, they could be prepared for the evening, but especially, they could keep the 'secret' about their future new dresses.

* * * * *

THE NEXT MORNING

Buffy and Giles woke up as usual, wrapped in each other's arms.

"Morning, love," Giles said.

"Morning, you," Buffy responded.

Then, they kissed, Giles hold her tenderly and seductively. When the kiss ended, Giles pursued his soft kisses along her cheek, chin, and neck.

Gently, Buffy pushed him and said, "You know that I have rendezvous with Willow."

"Hmm," was his only response, before resuming his 'assaults'.

"Gi…iles!" Buffy tried to speak, "we-you need to stop. If not, I will be late."

"Stop what?" Giles said mischievously.

"You know perfectly what, mister," Buffy replied.

He raised his head to look at her and pouted.

"Useless to pout or try to play your card," she warned him.

"I don't know to which card you are referring," he said innocently.

"Hmm…Anyway, I need to prepare myself."

And with that, she got up.

Giles stayed in the bed, looking at her, "Buffy, I'm sure you have everything you need for the evening."

She kissed him, and said, "But I want to be exceptional."

"Love, you are exceptional."

"You know what I mean."

"Yes," he sighed, "everything is good for shopping."

"Yep." she grinned at him.

"But tonight, my dear, I assure you that you won't need some new dress to be exceptional. I prefer you without."

"Oh, Rupert!" she exclaimed playfully. "But I remember that you like to unwrap too."

She kissed him again.

"Yes, very much."

"So-"

"So, go to buy your bloody new dress."

After a last kiss, she left the bedroom and got herself ready for the day of shopping with Willow.

* * * * *

"Xander, I really need to get up."

"Why?" But Xander knew exactly the reason.

"Remember," Willow said, "shopping with Buffy for tonight."

"You know, you don't have to do that," he said between softkisses, "You will be perfect for tonight like that. I really like the way you are."

"But…I'm naked!" she hit his arm playfully.

"Yes," he smiled sexily.

"Xander…I really want to go with Buffy today."

He sighed, "Where is the Willow who didn't think about her appearance, about new dresses and other stuff." He wanted to tease her, but Willow took his words very seriously.

She sat on the bed, and "Do you…Do you miss her?" she asked with insecurity.

"What?"

"Do you miss the time where I-"

"Willow," he cut her off, "No and yes. We've grown up, and we've grown up together. We had always loved each other, and now, we're in love. We've changed, it's normal."

He held her softly, then added, "It's all right, sometimes maybe I miss her, but what I have now is so much better. I love you, and not just in a friendly way. I love you entirely. I always loved you, who you were; I love who you have became. I will love the you of tomorrow, and after tomorrow. I will love you forever. But now, I know that you are my Willow, totally mine."

She stayed silent; the emotion was too powerful.

After a moment, Xander spoke again, "And you; do you regret the Xander I was? The Xander who liked to chase after you with a rubber snake?" he grinned.

"Xander," she laughed, "that was last week!"

He didn't say anything, just smiled at her. She nodded. "I understand. I think sometimes, I miss him too."

She kissed him tenderly.

"Try the rubber snake again, and that will be a real danger that will pursue you," she warned him.

"I would prefer it was you who pursue me," he winked at her.

After a moment, Willow got up and prepared herself to join Buffy.

* * * * *

AT GILES', SOME MOMENTS LATER

Xander entered in the flat.

"Giles?" he was calling.

"In the kitchen," Giles responded.

Xander went to the kitchen.

"Do you want a tea?" Giles asked.

"Yes, please," answered Xander, "With some cakes too," he finished in a grin.

"Of course," Giles smiled.

They went to the living room and sat.

Something hit Giles. Xander hadn't really spoken since his arrival.

"Something on your mind?" asked Giles.

Xander whispered a little "Hmm…"

"If you want, I'm here. Do you want to talk about it?" Giles asked.

"In fact, yes, Giles."

"I'm listening."

"It's about Willow," Giles looked at him, before he said something, Xander continued, "Everything is perfect. In fact, it's more about me." He took a breath. "Giles, I'm afraid that one day she will realize that I'm not what she needs. I mean, she might realize that maybe it was an error."

"But you've known each other since always. She knows you. And I'm sure Willow is not someone who gets involved with someone and then changes her mind."

"I know that, Giles. It's just that…well, you, you are all the knowledge, the book guy, Buffy is the slayer, Willow has her magic powers. But me; what do I have?"

"Your heart. You bring, like Buffy, Willow and I, something. No doubt about it. You're necessary and useful. And I saw the way Willow looks at you; full of love." Giles tried to reassure him, even if he knew that it wasn't really the real problem.

"But if it's not enough. Willow is so very intelligent, what can I bring her? I so want her to be proud of me; to be with me. What if one day she thinks that I'm stupid or-"

"Old," Giles cut him off without realizing it.

"Huh, Giles?" Xander looked at him, then, Xander understood that Giles too had some fears, "Why do I have the impression that we aren't only talking me?"

"Sorry?" Giles said.

"You too; you have some fears."

"Yes," Giles sighed.

Suddenly, Xander laughed; Giles was perplexed.

"What a pair we are!" Xander exclaimed, shaking his head. "Giles, I also saw how Buffy looks at you. Believe me, she loves you. There is no doubt about that, and I don't think she will ever think of you, at least now, as old. Believe me, I wouldn't want to be the guy who would suggest that to her." He smiled.

Giles chuckled too; Xander was right. "Well, Xander, I think we need to accept that they love us. And stop with foolish thoughts and fears which exist only in our mind."

"I entirely agree."

They were glad to have had that conversation together. They had realized that they could had similar fears and helped each other to overcome them. They were friends.

The rest of the day was quick. Giles had made the reservation at 7 pm; he hadn't had much difficulty making it. Xander asked him how he had managed to do that. At far as he had heard, it wasn't very easy to have a table there. Giles shared with him his little secret. The antique dealer was in reality the father of the owner of the restaurant.

"Giles, you're the best." Xander grinned.

At almost 6 pm, the time when Giles and Xander were supposed pick up them; Buffy and Willow hurried up to finish getting themselves ready for their date.

"Willow, I already told you but you're absolutely beautiful. That dress is perfect on you. Xander will love it." Buffy smiled to her friend.

"Thanks, Buff. And I'm sure Giles will lose his tongue when he will see you," replied Willow.

"I hope." Buffy winked.

At 6 pm, exactly, there was a knock at their door. When Willow and Buffy opened it, it was to find on each side of their door two handsome men in tuxedos, each with one of their favourite flowers.

"Wow!" said Buffy and Willow as one.

"Willow, you're absolutely stunning," Xander managed to say, giving her the flower.

Giles hadn't said a word yet; his eyes were on Buffy. "Buffy, you're breathtaking, my love," he said, giving her the flower.

After a moment, and some soft kisses, Giles said, "Ladies, maybe we should think about going."

"Yes," added Xander.

The restaurant was really incredible. When they entered in, they could hear soft music.

Their table was really nice, with two bouquets, which were waiting for Buffy and Willow.

"Oh, Giles. They are beautiful," said Buffy with a kiss.

"Not more beautiful than you, my love."

"Xander; thanks. It's so wonderful." Willow kissed him.

"No, it's you who are wonderful, my Will."

Before they began to eat, Buffy, Willow, Giles and Xander raised their glasses, and said, "To us. Best friends forever."

* * *