__The Most Precious Gift__
By Catherine



Seven months, yes seven today, and in a few days it would be the first Christmas since Sunnydale wasn't Sunnydale the Hellmouth but Sunnydale the crater.

Buffy couldn't believe it, Sunnydale, after all, was the Hellmouth. Anything was possible; but she couldn't believe that it was already Christmas, but also that Giles and her were back together. The last few months had been the occasion of talk, a lot of talking, things were becoming easier between them; the fact they lived together helped a lot in that bonding. They were friends, in fact more than friends. *Yes... we're friends. No, that's not true; we're more than friends.* Buffy was perplexed. *More than friends?!? So what-* She was lost in her thoughts.

"Buffy. Buffy?"

"Hum?" She was surprised. Then with a grin, "Oh, hi Robin."

"Buffy, is everything alright?"

"What?"

"It's just you seemed lost in your thoughts, and I wonder-" talking to her he looked at what she had in her hands, "I'm reassured, I was afraid that your thoughtful face was about some demon problem, but apparently not."

"Excuse me?"

Pointing at what she held in her hands, "It's more about a Christmas gift, for you from what I can see." he winked at her.

"Euh?" was her only response, before realizing what he was talking about.

Looking at her hands and what she held, she blushed. "Oh no... it's for Giles."

"Naturally," he chuckled, walking away from her. He wished her "Merry Christmas, Buffy. But I'm sure it will be."

"No, Robin, I assure you, it's not... it's really for Giles." she said louder.

"Oh! and after all-" she said with defeat. "The next time, Giles, you will do your shopping yourself!" she muttered.

With that she left the store to return in their house. *Our house* this thought bringing about a big smile on her face, which brightened not only her 'outside' but her 'inside' too. *Wait, what? Why?* She stopped walking. *Since when... No, Buffy, don't go in that way! But why don't go there? Maybe it's time... but time to what? To examine my feelings for him... feelings for him?!? Well, I love him. What? Calm, Buffy. Sure I love him like... like... like what? A mentor?*

She shook her head, then pursuing her 'investigation', *One thing that I'm sure, Giles has always been more than a mentor even if I... So what? A friend?*

She shook her head again, *No, be sincere, Buffy, it's more than that. I love him.* Then she realized what she said to herself. "Yes, I love him; I'm in love with him." She was totally dreaming about that new, well, not really new but... revelation. *Yes, it's time, time to accept my feelings.* Suddenly a fear crossed her mind. *But what about him? I know he cares about me, and he likes me... but does he love me?* The shadow on her face disappeared more quickly than it appeared, remembering a night that they had shared, they talked a lot, things which were really usual now for them, but that night, Giles had looked at her in a way that normally he didn't, or did when he thought she didn't see it. In fact, she always saw it but never understood just at now. *Oh my...! So, all this time?!*

Buffy was thoughtful, and a lot of emotions crossed her face, sadness, fear and... hope. Remembering his glances, all his glances at her, she felt loved. Loved like never she wished she could be. That thought brought a love face, pure love and a glint in her eyes, like in her smile. She giggled, looking at her bag. *Hmm, Robin was right, it will be a present for me.* She was delighted by that thought. *I can't wait for Christmas Eve. But for that I need to make some arrangements. Just Giles and me.*

Coming back to the house, she was glad to see that Giles hadn't been there yet; like that she could put her plan at execution. *I must act quickly; he won't be long.*

With that she picked up the phone. *Wait, who should I call? Willow or Xander?*

Xander and Willow lived together in the same house, near the Summers Giles' residence.

*Quickly, Buffy, Giles will be here soon... Willow, she'll inform Xander.*

She dialed Willow's number; after some moments, Willow answered.

"Hi."

"Hi, Will. Buffy. I don't have much time-"

"A problem Buffy? Are you in danger?"

"No, no Will. Everything's all right. But Giles will be here soon."

Willow had a smile. "Oh Buffy! It's about his present... But I thought you had already bought one. Buffy! Don't say me you forget! Giles is-"

"No Willow." Buffy cut her off, "Listen, it's not about his present, well, in fact it is... but here is not the question, and I don't call you for that."

"Ah! Good. So why-"

Buffy didn't let Willow finish.

"It's about Christmas Eve. I know normally it will be here, but I thought maybe we could do that at your place. And Giles and me could be later," she said with hope.

"Why?" asked Willow incredulously.

"Well. Like I told you, I have the present for Giles, but I would like... some-privacy-to-give-him-it." she said in one breath.

"But I don't know what is the relation with Giles' present... Oh!"

"Willow? Willow? Willow, why are you giggling?"

"Buffy, you want to give him this present... About time."

"Euh... What? Nevermind! So, could you tell Xander about the change and could you too-"

"Dawn will be welcome."

"Thanks, Will. You're the best."

"Buffy."

"Yes, Will."

"I wish you a Merry Christmas."

"Thanks Will. You too. See you later. Bye."

"Bye."

"Okay, phase one is done."

"What phase one?" asked a voice from the entry.

"Gi...iles? You're home!" *Just in time!* she thought.

"Buffy?" looking at her, "Are you alright? You seem a little... preoccupied. Is this about Christmas Eve?"

She nodded.

"Buffy, I know it's not easy, first Christmas-"

"Oh no, Giles, it's not that. It's another thing."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Another thing, Buffy?!?"

"No, it's not about a prophetic thing, even if..." she sighed, *I hope it will be.*

Giles looked at her, she had suddenly a dreamy and happy face. It was wonderful to see her like that; he was glad to see she was fine, really fine and truly happy, and that for a few months. But somewhere in his mind, he was afraid... seeing her like that, like she hadn't been since *Angel! No, even when it was Angel, she hasn't that expression. So... peaceful and love. Love, yes, old man, she's in love, really in love this time. I will lose her forever. It's just a question of time.* he sighed.

Buffy, who came out of her own Christmas Eve, realizing that Giles was become really sad.

"Giles? What is it?"

"No...nothing. Just - It's nothing Buffy." trying to recompose himself, he added "You look really happy. It's wonderful."

"I am, Giles. Really. For the first time, I'm really truly happy."

Giles couldn't help a whispered "Yes." without enthusiasm. *Another reason to appreciate each moment of that Christmas. Carpe Diem Old man.*

"So," he began, "what do you want to do first?"

Buffy thought a little moment, and "Why not a little decorating?" she smiled at him.

"Your wishes are my command, my dear."

"Hmm, I'll keep that in mind." She grinned.

"What?"

"Euh... the boxes, I'm going to take them."

With that, they decorated all the house.

* * * * *

The next few days passed calmly, well, if you didn't count a teenage girl who tried by all the way to find her presents. And the fact that Buffy told her she was dreaming if she thought she would have something, was only increasing her curiosity, so her searches.

Giles enjoyed himself immensely those days. He and Buffy passed a lot of time together. It was not unusual now, but here he assumed himself it was because after the holidays she would tell him the news. And the fact she touched him a lot, left her hands on his arms more than necessary, passed all the evenings with him, couldn't change his mind... even the glances when she looked at him when she thought he didn't see her. Thing was she couldn't surprise him at that, like it was becoming an expert of that little art. For him, even if sometimes (always would be more correct!) he could have sworn there had love in these beautiful eyes, *Love, yes. While I am, in my little fantasy, I could even believe at Christmas she would tell me she's in love with me!* He didn't want to believe that she could really love and want him the way he had so often dreamt.

He managed to do what he had decided and took advantage of those days at the maximum.

* * * * *

Christmas Eve:

"They're late!"

"Oh, you think. I don't think so." she said with as naturally as she could.

"Buffy, one hour is acceptable, two tolerable, but three... it's late!"

"But Giles-"

"Each time I call Willow, do you know what she said to me! 'Giles! We're on our way, don't worry we will be there soon'. Yes." he smirked. "Yes, bloody soon. And Dawn is with them to help with preparations."

"Giles," Buffy tried, seeing him look at her, she pursued, "I know. They're late, maybe you're right."

"Maybe?!?" he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Well, Giles, in fact, we can say that some people are late if they are expected." she finished in a whisper.

"Three bloody hours." Then, what Buffy said, slapped him, "Buffy? Are you trying to tell me something?" he asked with curiosity, "Or are you forgetting to tell me something?"

"Well," she said shyly, and with courage like the legendary slayer she was, she said in one breath "I-told-them-to-not-come-here-tonight-because-I-wanted-to-be-alone-with-you."

Blinking and absorbing what she has just said to him, he retorted in a small voice, "I see."

"Really?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes. Naturally, do you think I didn't see you those few months? Do you think I didn't realize that... that you're happy, I mean in love?" To him, finishing his sentence had been painful; for her, an explosion of joy.

"Really?" she said with enthusiasm.

"Buffy, I'm a watcher and a watcher watches." he said with a little exasperation in his voice.

"Oh, Giles, I'm so happy. I didn't know how to do this, and like always you make things so easy. It was stupid to be afraid and doubt you. You're the smarter man than I know." she smiled.

"Yes, I suppose," he stammered.

She was always smiling, a smile that warmed Giles even if it was like his own heart had been ripped from his chest. *She deserves that. I don't know who he is, but I'm sure he's really good. Be happy for her, it's all I have always wanted for her. A pure happiness.*

After a moment, both of them returning from their 'dreams', they spoke at the same time.

"So, who is that lucky man?"

"Oh, Giles, I love you so much."

"What?!?" they said together.

Giles blinked, and Buffy had a surprised expression.

Giles was the first to speak, "Me? You mean 'Me'? It's me?" He couldn't believe it.

She nodded, "Why? Wait, you thought... so it's why these last days you were so... you thought that I will tell you that-"

"Yes, yes" and in a sigh, "and yes." he said shamelessly, he didn't know why, but he was.

"Oh!"

She had a big smile on her lips, and she began to laugh.

"Buffy! I don't know why it's so funny." he fumed.

She shook her head, "But it's funny, Giles." she giggled.

Looking at him, she saw the hurt in his eyes.

"No, Giles, I meant what I said it's... you were right. I wanted to tell you tonight that I was deeply, madly and truly in love with the smarter, sexier man that I know. But you didn't know it was You."

"Oh! Yes?"

She nodded.

He approached her, she hadn't moved a muscle. Looking in her eyes, taking her face in his hands, he said, "I love you Buffy. More than I can say. You're my life; I live for you, only you. Each heartbeat of my heart is beating for you."

"Oh Giles," she had tears in her eyes, "I love you too, so much. You're my life, without you I am and have nothing."

Little by little, savoring each moment, his lips approaching hers to capture hers in a passionate and wonderful kiss.

That seemed an eternity before they were apart.

"Wow!" Buffy said breathless.

"Yes." Giles added.

"It's... real?" she asked tentatively, "I mean-"

He didn't let her finish her sentence, instead he kissed her again.

"Have I answered at your question?" he whispered to her.

"Without the slightest doubt." She grinned at him.

"Thank you."

She looked at him with an interrogatory eye.

"You have given me the most beautiful and incredible gift."

"And what would that be?" she teased.

"You, you have made my dream come true. I love you."

"And you, Giles, you have made mine true. I love you. Merry Christmas, Giles."

"Merry Christmas, my Buffy, my love."

They were smiling at each other. It was their Christmas where all their dreams were becoming real.

The sat together on the couch, enjoying the presence of each other.

"I don't believe it!"

"Believe it, Giles, believe it." She kissed him.

"Of, yes that too," he said with a smile.

She looked at him. "So, what?"

"That the others helped you with your plan." he chuckled. Seeing him so happy, she laughed and said, "Hmm, yes, partners in crime. They seemed really glad about that, I didn't need to convince them. When I told them what I wanted for Christmas Eve, they nodded so quickly I was amazing."

"I guess we have their blessing."

"And it's nothing to say that."

"And Dawn."

"Don't worry about Dawn. In fact, it's me who would have had some problem if I failed. She's more than happy for us but she reserves herself the right of her 'eiww' just for the form." She shrugged her shoulders.

"I think I can live with that." He was laughing.

Looking at the tree, Buffy suggested, "You know it's midnight. Maybe we could open our presents."

"Yes, I think it's a marvelous idea. You first."

She went fast to the tree and took a gift giving her name.

She opened it and discovered a diamond pendant in the form of a heart.

"Oh, Giles. It's beautiful. Thank you." She kissed him with all her love she had for him.

"I'm pleased you like it-"

"Like it! Giles it's beautiful, but if you thought-"

"Even if I thought... I wanted to give you it. It's ancient, it's belonged to my family since always."

"But, Giles, so why?"

"Because you're my family. Even-"

"Stop to think about that. You were so wrong mister. Because you're stuck with me forever."

"Just forever?"

"Forever and after." She nodded.

"Yes. Forever and after; it's wonderful."

"Your turn."

"Excuse-me?"

"Your present. Your turn to open it."

"Oh!"

Giles opened his gift. He was surprised by what there was in it.

"Buffy?!?"

"Robin gave me the idea." She giggled.

He was more and more confused.

"Yes. After all, it's right I asked you if you could buy some of them for me, but I never supposed it could be a Christmas' gift, like normally I would have bought it if I could have."

"You don't like your gift?"

"What? Oh yes, a lot. Thanks my love, I like them."

"Even the color?"

"Black, oh yes. Very good choice. But how did Robin give you this idea?"

She grinned. "To say the truth, Giles, he said it would be a present for me too. And he was right."

"Hmm?" He put his head on one side.

"Yes," She laughed. "Cause now I must verify if they are perfect on you."

"Oh I see," he began with a Ripperish grin, "So, in fact these boxers are a gift for both of us."

"Exactly. Present for Giles and for Buffy!" She grinned.

After a moment of hungry kisses and caresses, Buffy whispered in his ears, "Love me."

"Are you sure?"

Looking in her eyes, he had his answer. Seeing she wanted him as much as he wanted her, he said softly and with love, "Now and always."

With that, they made their own Christmas Eve, in front of the tree, then upstairs.

* * * * *

Christmas Day, the next morning:

"You think it's wise to come in without even knocking," asked an unsure Xander.

"Xander, for the nth time," began Willow, then in chorus with Dawn screamed a "Yes." to him.

"It was just a question," he mumbled.

They entered the house which seemed safe for them. Buffy and Giles went out of the kitchen, and everyone wished each other a 'Merry Christmas'.

Three people were looking at them with intensity, eager to ask but afraid to say a word.

Buffy and Giles didn't miss their look. Sharing a smile, their looked at their friends, family and Buffy nodded happily.

The three other people were smiling with all her heart, so happy for them.

"Wonderful!"

"It was time!" said Xander and Dawn.

"I'm so happy for you two." grinned Willow, then to Buffy, "I want all the details."

"No need!" said two people and simultaneously a "Dear Lord!" was heard in an English voice.

Some moment after, when the excitation of the news decreased, everyone looked at what Santa Claus brought to them.

"Oh!" Dawn screamed. "I can't believe it!"

"What is it?" wondered Buffy.

"Look, Buffy."

Buffy looked at Dawn's present; here in a case were a lovely pair of earrings in diamonds.

"Oh! they are beautiful. But... Giles-" she couldn't finish her sentence, Dawn was in Giles' arms kissing his cheeks.

"Thanks, Giles. You're fantastic."

"You're welcome."

"You're spoiling her too much." Buffy said to him.

"Yes. But I love to spoil all of you. I love you."

"I love you too."

"So, Buffy, what about your gift?"

Putting her arms around Giles' waist, she answered to Willow with a twinkle in her eyes, "I already unwrapped mine."

"Eiww." said Dawn.

"You see," smiled Buffy.

"Yes, I see," he chuckled.

Giles and Buffy hadn't forgotten Willow and Xander who had brought their presents for Buffy, Giles and Dawn.

All the presents were great and made happy all the people in that house.

Buffy and Giles looked at all the people present. For them, their little family and their love for each other was their most precious gift.

* * *