I can't help but like the idea of Buffy and Ethan. I like the pairing as much as I like the Buffy/Giles pairing. Ethan's such a rapscallion.
Buffy grimaced as she touched the base of her neck. Having a tattoo removed hurt more than she thought it would. She grabbed her wallet from her purse and headed to the nurse's station. Now to give them every penny she owned. She waited while the nurse finished a phone call.
"Name?" the bored older woman asked.
"Buffy Summers."
The nurse tapped a few keys and looked confused. She glanced at Buffy and then picked up the phone. She mumbled a little, but Buffy wasn't paying attention. She thought she caught sight of a dark haired man in the parking lot. When she craned her neck to get a better look, the guy slipped into a silver BMW.
"Miss Summers?"
Buffy turned back to the nurse. "Yes?"
"Your bill has been taken care of."
Buffy frowned, sure there was a mistake. "What do you mean?"
"Your bill has been paid by a third party."
Buffy grinned. She wasn't broke! She thanked the nurse and headed out of the clinic. She fairly skipped all the way to Giles' flat. When he opened the door she hugged him tight for a second.
Giles gave her a small shy smile and stepped back to let her in. "Hello, Buffy. It's good to see you, too."
Buffy laughed and plopped down on his couch. "Just wanted to thank you," she told him, pointing to her neck, now tattoo free.
Giles smile turned into a grimace. He pointed to a vase of daisies on the desk and held out a envelope to her. "You might want to read this."
Buffy took it cautiously and pulled a small card out. Her eyes widened as she read what was written.
Pet,
Sorry about the inconvenience, but I am, first and foremost, a selfish man. My skin is very precious to me. However, after seeing yours close up, I have a bit of appreciation for it, too. I gave you the ink, so it seemed only right that I pay to remove it.
Yours,
E
She looked up at Giles with distaste. "Eww! He's like the creepy uncle who comes around at Thanksgiving and pinches your butt!"
Giles sputtered for a moment before giving in to the urge to laugh heartily. "A bit colorful, but an apt description."
Buffy shoved the card back into the envelope and tossed it aside. "I seriously hope we never see him again," she said firmly.
Giles didn't respond, other than to offer her tea. He knew deep down that Ethan would likely be back at some point. He had shown a marked interest in Buffy that didn't bode well for the future.