The knock at the door was abrasive. It disturbed Giles from his sleep. Awakening, he found himself slumped on his couch still in his bathrobe, tomes strewn over the floor. The knock got louder, more rapid. Disorientated, he stumbled to his feet and made his way to the door. Leaving the security chain on, he slowly opened it, peering through the crack.
"Wow, I know we live in Sunnydale Giles but how many demons do you know that roll up to your door during the day. Also, is that five dollar chain really gonna stop an ancient malevolent force of pure, well...malevolence?"
"Yes, good morning to you to Xander".
"Morning?" Xander retorted, "Giles it's after one. PM that is".
"I've slept all day?"
"Well that's only bad if you slept all night also. So you gonna open the door, as you can see by the lovely tan I'm getting here I only require an invite out of politeness".
"Oh, of course". Giles closes the door momentarily to unlock the chain. As the door opens the full light of the sun hits Giles, highlighting his wearied face. He stands aside, ushering in his guest. Xander enters the house and makes himself towards the living room where Giles offers him a seat. He looks around, half open books littering the furniture with the exception of a Giles shaped space on the couch.
"I see you've been busy", said Xander feeling a witty quip inappropriate under the circumstances. "You found anything tall dark and flamey in your books?" He turned to face Giles, his glasses failing to hide his tired eyes.
"I haven't had much luck I'm afraid". He responded, his voice weak and quiet. Gently, he brushes past Xander and sits in the couch. He takes his glasses off and rubs his eyes. "Please have a seat".
Xander looks around the room in vain. "I'm good, thanks. You're Giles sense not tingling in anyway?"
"Stories of demon bikers, while may be contemporary, are not a new concept".
"But this particualar easy rider". Xander said with enthusiasm. "Can swat Buffy like a fly, but doesn't even engage her in a fight. Sounds strange".
"Yes it is rather odd, I'm sorry Xander. Why are you here?"
"To help". He rubs his hands together frantically, eagerly.
"Well I'm sorry Xander there is not much you can do here I'm afraid. I've looked through all my books and can't see anything of relevence. Now if you'll excuse me". Giles raises from the couch and ushers Xander towards the door.
"Woah wait a minute,"Xander protests, "you throwing me out?"
"I'm sorry Xander, but I really need to rest".
"But this skeleton on steroids, it's dangerous, we need to be the brains to the Slayers brawn".
"Xander it is a very unusual situation however I assure you I am not ignoring this. However I am no use to anyone without rest". By the time Giles had finished his sentence, Xander was standing by an open door. His protests failed her decided to leave the Watcher in peace.
"Alright Giles, you rest that big brain of yours. I'll see you later."
"Yes". It was all Giles could muster as he closed the door. Clearly exhausted he shuffled his way towards the kitchen. He boils some water, making himself a very strong coffee. Returning back to his couch, he picks up one of his half opened books, a large tome bound in leather and looking very old. Sipping at the scorching liquid, his eyes scan the page, resting on an old crude illustration of a demon. Its head, on fire.
