It was early evening. Giles had gone straight to the library after the day's rehearsals to choose Buffy's monologue. He thought very carefully about it. What wouldn't be embarrassing for a girl of her age to perform in front of her classmates? What would she like to perform?

He settled on a monologue from Romeo and Juliet, thinking the romantic aspect would appeal to a young girl so obviously obsessed by boys and love and dating as was his Buffy. She would read the part of Juliet, expressing her love for Romeo and her great sorrow at their separation.

Giles set to copy the monologue out for her by careful hand. He would also give her a copy of the play, just in the off chance the monologue would spark her interest in reading it.

And then there was the matter of the murder. When he had discussed it with Buffy, Willow and Xander, he had decided the murderer must have been a human. But Buffy still believed it was demon related. Giles decided it would be best to research demons who killed by removing hearts just in case. He opened his books and got to work.

Well into the night's research, he heard a loud slamming noise coming from the corridors outside the library. Cautiously he walked towards the door and peered out.

It was Buffy and Snyder. They were too far away to be heard clearly, but Giles could tell they were deep in conversation. Snyder was holding her arm. Touching her.

Just what was Snyder up to? The man seemed to have some sort of sordid fixation with Buffy. Buffy could certainly hold her own, but then why was she letting him touch her like that? She was a terrible flirt. Perhaps she was trying to convince Snyder to go easier on her. Giles immediately shook his head. He was being foolish – how could he think such things about her!

Giles wanted to confront Snyder, to pull him off her. But he couldn't without causing more problems for them both. He needed an excuse to interrupt. Giles quickly picked up Romeo and Juliet, and the monologue he had copied out for her. He strode out of the library making sure to slam the door loudly, announcing his presence.

When he reached Buffy, Snyder was gone and she was alone.

"Giles!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Buffy," he nodded in acknowledgement, "I-I was just finishing some research in the library. Why are you here at this late hour?"

"I was going through Morgan's locker. The guy with the puppet? Like you said?"

"Oh, y-yes, of course. Did you find anything?"

"Nah. Nothing. I'm leaving too. I'll walk you to your car?"

"Please," Giles agreed.

Silence hung between them. He wasn't sure how to broach the subject of Snyder with her.

Finally, he blurted out, "Buffy. What was Snyder doing with you earlier?"

Buffy blanched. "Ugh, you know, the usual. I'm a troublemaker. A little light threatening."

"I see."

Giles noticed she wouldn't look him in the eye when she spoke. He had the feeling that there was something she wasn't telling him, but he was loathe to push it.

"Are you walking home?" Giles asked as they reached is car.

"As usual," Buffy affirmed.

"W-W-Well, could I give you a ride instead? It's really no trouble. It doesn't seem the gentlemanly thing to do, to leave you to walk home when I have plenty of room in my car."

"Why thank you Giles. It's not often I get the whole gentlemanly treatment," Buffy said playfully, giving him a sweet little half smile.

"Ah, well then," Giles said as he ran around to the passenger door, "It wouldn't be complete if I didn't hold the door open for you, my dear."

Buffy giggled. It felt good to be alone in his car with him. Intimate. Special. She was sure she was blushing and was glad for the darkness. She found herself being handed a book and some papers.

Giles gestured nervously towards them as he started the engine. "Your dramatic reading. I-I copied it out for you. It's from Romeo and Juliet. I hope you find it acceptable."

"Cool. Thanks Giles. Romeo and Juliet huh?"

"Yes. I gave you a copy of the play as well, in case you feel you want to read it for the greater context. But I suggest you simply read out Juliet's monologue for the talent show," Giles explained as he drove her home.

"Okay. I'll practice it in time for next rehearsal, I swear."

He pulled up outside Buffy's house. She didn't immediately get out.

"So," he said, "I'll see you in the library tomorrow? Lunchtime? We can discuss the murder further."

"Yes. Will do. A-And…. Thanks again. For the reading," she said shyly.

Her eyes shone in the moonlight.