Title: Parting Gifts 5/5
Author: Luisa
Rating: R
Disclaimer/Notes: As in Part 1
Part 5: Sealed With a Kiss
After riding home in an awkward silence, Buffy found herself fidgeting nervously as she perched on the edge of Giles' couch. His voice floated out to her from the kitchen asking what she wanted to drink.
"To be honest, Giles, I really don't think I could stomach anything right now. Not after the awful food on the plane combined with bad turbulence and serious lack of sleep."
*Not to mention the butterflies using my insides like a boxing ring*
"Water it is, then" Giles' voice called back.
She could hear the smile in his voice even over the running water. After a minute, he appeared in the doorway with two glasses. Buffy's eyes narrowed as she realised what he was drinking.
"Old habits die hard, I see."
"Buffy" his voice was soft, tired.
"This is simply for medicinal purposes - that is, the calming of my nerves. After all, you did startle me somewhat this evening with your sudden appearance to say the very least."
He moved from the doorway to sit comfortably beside her on the couch, setting the water and whisky on the table in the centre of the room.
"Buffy? You can sit back, if you like. I'm sure you'd be more comfortable if you did."
Instead of doing so however, she jumped up and started pacing nervously around the furniture in silence. The anxiety she'd felt at the airport was returning with friends.
*What if he regrets what he did? The song. The kisses. The declarations. What if he doesn't want to come back to Sunnydale? I can't cope with his rejection now that I've told him how I felt. I'll never be able to speak to him again.*
"Buffy? Whatever is wrong?" Giles asked as he watched her pacing with a worried expression on her beautiful features with concern.
*She didn't mean it old man; doesn't love you. She just wanted someone and you happened to be there. She's trying to find a way to tell you* his doubt plagued him. Giles pushed the thought firmly aside by standing up and engulfing Buffy in his arms as she crossed in front of him.
"Buffy. Please talk to me. I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to admire my new home."
She remained silent, nestled in his embrace and Giles reached an arm from around her to her chin, tilting her face up to his.
"Buffy." it came out as little more than a whisper.
"Tell me what you're feeling. Tell me why you're here. Tell me that. that you meant what you said before"
He looked deeply into her eyes, searching for any sign of regret. All he found however was love and unshed tears of hope.
"Giles," she too whispered.
"I meant every word. I love you, I miss you, I want you to come home. That is if you." she stumbled over the words that terrified her "If you. want to. I can see you've made a life for yourself here, so if you don't want."
He silenced her by pressing his lips tenderly, lovingly against hers. When he pulled back he saw a dreamy smile on Buffy's face. He smiled too.
"My love, is this what's had you worried? I'm sorry. I should have told you straight away that I'm never leaving you again."
Buffy interrupted, "Giles, your life is here, now. I'm not going to be selfish Buffy anymore. I won't let you give up your life for me anymore, no matter how much I love you."
*Why am I trying to convince him to stay? Am I insane?*
"Buffy," Giles insisted, "You are my life. I swear never to leave you again, and I mean it. If I stay here, I want you with me. Because that's impractical, I will follow you home instead." He kissed her temple before continuing, "Wherever you go, Buffy. I will be there. I love you."
She smiled at last, the smile that he had written; 'lit up the room'.
"Really?"
The hope on her face made his heart swell.
*I put that look on her face? She loves me that much?*
His own eyes welling up with tears of happiness, he could only nod his agreement, dumbstruck at the revelation. He tenderly moved his hand from her chin to push a strand of her from her face, his other arm pulling her tighter against him.
"I love you Buffy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Me too" she murmured into his shoulder.
A soft chuckle vibrated through his body, bringing a smile to her face as she imagined how she could enjoy this closeness for eternity. His voice rumbled through his chest next to her ear, penetrating her happy thoughts.
"Is that a Yes?"
She looked up at him in confusion.
"Huh? Did I miss something? What did you ask me?"
He smiled lovingly down at her, his eyes twinkling.
"If you would be my wife."
Buffy couldn't believe it. A week ago, she had been miserably sitting in her room, her soul aching for Giles, fearing she would never see him again, not even contemplating the thought that he might love her too. Now here she was in England, and Giles was asking her to marry him. Her heart skipped a beat before she gave her answer.
"Oh God, Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Oh Rupert I love you!"
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, forgetting her Slayer strength until he began gasping for breath. She lessened her hold, pulling back and gazing into his green eyes.
"I never knew. we've wasted so much time. all this time we could have been together, could have been happy."
She spoke softly, wistfully.
"Let it go, Buffy. It's all in the past. Let it go and grasp hold of the future."
His voice was not condemning, but tender and forgiving. He didn't give her a chance to respond, wanting to show her a preview of that future as his lips descended to hers.
Their lips met in a sweet kiss: gentle, exploratory, affectionately bushing against each other, tongues probing delicately. The innocence of the kiss did not disguise the fire that was surging below the surface. She whispered his name as his lips brushed past hers again, feeling the overwhelming sensation of drowning. For the second time that evening, she felt utterly helpless, but this time she liked it.
"More," she moaned as his tongue teased her lips once more.
He willingly obliged, dipping past her parted lips into her waiting mouth. The warmth he witnessed there sent a shudder through him, and he led her back to the couch, lips still fused together. As they sat down he became increasingly aware of his reaction and broke away reluctantly.
"Buffy, we don't have to rush this." he didn't get any further in his reasoning as her mouth claimed his again. She swept her tongue around his cavern, delighting in the sensations he produced in her, then she too, broke away before he could object further.
"Rupert." The name intimate in itself, still sent a tingle down her spine. She smiled at him seductively.
"Is it unreasonable to show my fiancé just how much I love him? Or how much I've missed him?"
He smiled a gentle smile.
"No, it most certainly isn't."
"Come here then."
Without waiting for any further response she pulled him back to her, meeting his lips with renewed passion, parting his lips with his tongue. He let out a groan as he felt shock upon shock vibrate through his body, leaving his skin singing with desire. He pulled her as flush against him as was possible - given that they still sat side by side - wanting to be as close as possible to the woman he desired. They kissed fervently, and Buffy soon solved the problem of not being close enough by climbing onto his lap, straddling him. He broke away from her lips to let out a sharp breath of anticipation.
From where she sat, she could feel his arousal through her trousers and she let out a moan of pleasure, rubbing herself against him. The action drove him wild, and he moved to remove her blouse, before realising their surroundings.
"Buffy, Love." He murmured, unable to stop his wandering hands from moving to her breasts.
"Mmmm?" she only half responded, more intent on undoing his shirt, fixated on the golden hair peeping out from the already undone vee at the top.
"This will be more enjoyable in the bedroom" he mumbled again, nodding his head in the direction of the room, distracted by her curves.
"Mmmhmmm."
She was still only half paying attention, now tugging his shirt free of his pants as she continued to wriggle against him. He gave up trying to communicate with her, but diverting her from her task with another deep ravaging kiss, he swept her into his arms once more and carried her swiftly to the bedroom to continue this more comfortably.
* * * * *
Several hours later, they lay entwined in each other's arms, lovingly exchanging gentle kisses and whispered promises of love following their seemingly endless lovemaking. They lay there for long moments before Giles thought to ask the question that had been niggling his sub-conscious all evening.
"When's your return flight? Please tell me we've got plenty of time before you go back. Naturally, I will go with you, but I cannot guarantee getting on the same flight."
"Again with the longwinded speeches, Rupert. Why don't you just quit after the question?" she teased.
He smiled gently in response, letting her answer.
"I don't have a return ticket."
At his raised eyebrows, she continued, "All part of Willow's scheme. She thought we'd want to fly back together."
He stroked her cheek lovingly.
"How thoughtful of her."
"Mmmm."
She leaned into his touch and they lay silent again for long moments, enjoying the peace that the presence of each other brought.
Eventually, Buffy broke the silence.
"Rupert, I've been thinking."
He let out a low chuckle, "Sounds serious. What have you been thinking about?"
She looked up at him, twisting onto her front and moving closer to him, to do so.
"Well. I was thinking about your letters. Are you going to stop writing them now? For good, I mean." She added, as she remembered the ones he wrote after her resurrection, having vowed never to write again.
Giles looked at her with undisguised curiosity.
"Why? What's brought this on? Would you like me to?"
She turned back onto her side, and laid an arm across his stomach.
"I was just interested. Rupert, I don't mind if you want to write more letters and keep them as memories. Just promise me one thing?"
He looked down at the beautiful young woman in his arms and smiled happily.
"Anything for you my love."
She tucked that piece of information away for future use before presenting her request.
"When you write them, can you read them to me? 'Cause from now on I don't want to miss a single one of your thoughts or feelings. I want to know how you feel."
Giles smiled again.
"If you wish, I would be more than happy to do so."
"Good. That's settled, then."
He watched her expression of contentment for a moment before asking, "Do you want to hear my letter for today?"
"But it's not Saturday" she pointed out, her fingers beginning to lazily play with his chest hair.
"And besides," she grinned wickedly, dropping her hand suggestively lower, "I know for a fact that you haven't had a chance to write anything since getting home tonight."
He laughed and hugged her tightly, letting his hands explore the soft skin of her back once more, answering quietly.
"I haven't written it down yet. It's still in its early stages of composition."
She kissed his chest lovingly.
"Go on then. I meant it when I said I don't want to miss any more of your thoughts or feelings"
He settled down lower in the bed, gasping as her hand followed his movements and made fresh contact with his stirring member.
"Buffy, love, if you keep on doing that, I won't be able to tell you."
She reluctantly withdrew her hand and snuggled into his right side while he turned his head to watch as she settled against him before closing his own eyes and opening his heart to her.
My beautiful Buffy,
Tonight you have made me the happiest man on earth.
Just when I thought I was destined for a life of loneliness, you appeared, lighting up my life once more. I could never have predicted that you would come for me, or that you would love me in return, but you have managed yet again to astound me with your love and kindness.
I am so overjoyed that you have agreed to be my wife, and already cannot wait for that day when we shall be one.
All this time, I have presented my love for you on paper, afraid of how you might react to my love for you. Yet, every written word has been borne from the depths of my heart, despite my fears. and now I have found that you love me as deeply as I love you. the knowledge of this truth driving all fear from my heart.
Buffy dearest, you have placed hope and assurance in the home where doubt and apprehension once lived.
My love, I can feel my heart singing louder than ever before as I revel in this knowledge. You are the most exquisite person I have had the pleasure of knowing, and I thank the Powers That Be for placing you in my life.
My love, thank you so much for coming for me; for believing in me, and for loving me.
But you forget one thing, dearest. You are not taking me home, for my home is right here. Not Bath, not even England. But lying right next to me now. Buffy love, you are my home. For you hold my heart, and wherever that goes I will follow. And believe me, my sweet; I will enjoy every moment I spend following you.
Giles' voice softened as he began to enter the land of Nod.
I love you so very much, Buffy. And although my gift for you has become forgotten - it is worth it for the gift you have given me.
I seal this letter , and my love for you with a kiss.
He bent his head sleepily to hers, placing a kiss on her forehead before ending the spoken letter with his usual signature.
Love always, Rupert
Author: Luisa
Rating: R
Disclaimer/Notes: As in Part 1
Part 5: Sealed With a Kiss
After riding home in an awkward silence, Buffy found herself fidgeting nervously as she perched on the edge of Giles' couch. His voice floated out to her from the kitchen asking what she wanted to drink.
"To be honest, Giles, I really don't think I could stomach anything right now. Not after the awful food on the plane combined with bad turbulence and serious lack of sleep."
*Not to mention the butterflies using my insides like a boxing ring*
"Water it is, then" Giles' voice called back.
She could hear the smile in his voice even over the running water. After a minute, he appeared in the doorway with two glasses. Buffy's eyes narrowed as she realised what he was drinking.
"Old habits die hard, I see."
"Buffy" his voice was soft, tired.
"This is simply for medicinal purposes - that is, the calming of my nerves. After all, you did startle me somewhat this evening with your sudden appearance to say the very least."
He moved from the doorway to sit comfortably beside her on the couch, setting the water and whisky on the table in the centre of the room.
"Buffy? You can sit back, if you like. I'm sure you'd be more comfortable if you did."
Instead of doing so however, she jumped up and started pacing nervously around the furniture in silence. The anxiety she'd felt at the airport was returning with friends.
*What if he regrets what he did? The song. The kisses. The declarations. What if he doesn't want to come back to Sunnydale? I can't cope with his rejection now that I've told him how I felt. I'll never be able to speak to him again.*
"Buffy? Whatever is wrong?" Giles asked as he watched her pacing with a worried expression on her beautiful features with concern.
*She didn't mean it old man; doesn't love you. She just wanted someone and you happened to be there. She's trying to find a way to tell you* his doubt plagued him. Giles pushed the thought firmly aside by standing up and engulfing Buffy in his arms as she crossed in front of him.
"Buffy. Please talk to me. I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to admire my new home."
She remained silent, nestled in his embrace and Giles reached an arm from around her to her chin, tilting her face up to his.
"Buffy." it came out as little more than a whisper.
"Tell me what you're feeling. Tell me why you're here. Tell me that. that you meant what you said before"
He looked deeply into her eyes, searching for any sign of regret. All he found however was love and unshed tears of hope.
"Giles," she too whispered.
"I meant every word. I love you, I miss you, I want you to come home. That is if you." she stumbled over the words that terrified her "If you. want to. I can see you've made a life for yourself here, so if you don't want."
He silenced her by pressing his lips tenderly, lovingly against hers. When he pulled back he saw a dreamy smile on Buffy's face. He smiled too.
"My love, is this what's had you worried? I'm sorry. I should have told you straight away that I'm never leaving you again."
Buffy interrupted, "Giles, your life is here, now. I'm not going to be selfish Buffy anymore. I won't let you give up your life for me anymore, no matter how much I love you."
*Why am I trying to convince him to stay? Am I insane?*
"Buffy," Giles insisted, "You are my life. I swear never to leave you again, and I mean it. If I stay here, I want you with me. Because that's impractical, I will follow you home instead." He kissed her temple before continuing, "Wherever you go, Buffy. I will be there. I love you."
She smiled at last, the smile that he had written; 'lit up the room'.
"Really?"
The hope on her face made his heart swell.
*I put that look on her face? She loves me that much?*
His own eyes welling up with tears of happiness, he could only nod his agreement, dumbstruck at the revelation. He tenderly moved his hand from her chin to push a strand of her from her face, his other arm pulling her tighter against him.
"I love you Buffy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Me too" she murmured into his shoulder.
A soft chuckle vibrated through his body, bringing a smile to her face as she imagined how she could enjoy this closeness for eternity. His voice rumbled through his chest next to her ear, penetrating her happy thoughts.
"Is that a Yes?"
She looked up at him in confusion.
"Huh? Did I miss something? What did you ask me?"
He smiled lovingly down at her, his eyes twinkling.
"If you would be my wife."
Buffy couldn't believe it. A week ago, she had been miserably sitting in her room, her soul aching for Giles, fearing she would never see him again, not even contemplating the thought that he might love her too. Now here she was in England, and Giles was asking her to marry him. Her heart skipped a beat before she gave her answer.
"Oh God, Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Oh Rupert I love you!"
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, forgetting her Slayer strength until he began gasping for breath. She lessened her hold, pulling back and gazing into his green eyes.
"I never knew. we've wasted so much time. all this time we could have been together, could have been happy."
She spoke softly, wistfully.
"Let it go, Buffy. It's all in the past. Let it go and grasp hold of the future."
His voice was not condemning, but tender and forgiving. He didn't give her a chance to respond, wanting to show her a preview of that future as his lips descended to hers.
Their lips met in a sweet kiss: gentle, exploratory, affectionately bushing against each other, tongues probing delicately. The innocence of the kiss did not disguise the fire that was surging below the surface. She whispered his name as his lips brushed past hers again, feeling the overwhelming sensation of drowning. For the second time that evening, she felt utterly helpless, but this time she liked it.
"More," she moaned as his tongue teased her lips once more.
He willingly obliged, dipping past her parted lips into her waiting mouth. The warmth he witnessed there sent a shudder through him, and he led her back to the couch, lips still fused together. As they sat down he became increasingly aware of his reaction and broke away reluctantly.
"Buffy, we don't have to rush this." he didn't get any further in his reasoning as her mouth claimed his again. She swept her tongue around his cavern, delighting in the sensations he produced in her, then she too, broke away before he could object further.
"Rupert." The name intimate in itself, still sent a tingle down her spine. She smiled at him seductively.
"Is it unreasonable to show my fiancé just how much I love him? Or how much I've missed him?"
He smiled a gentle smile.
"No, it most certainly isn't."
"Come here then."
Without waiting for any further response she pulled him back to her, meeting his lips with renewed passion, parting his lips with his tongue. He let out a groan as he felt shock upon shock vibrate through his body, leaving his skin singing with desire. He pulled her as flush against him as was possible - given that they still sat side by side - wanting to be as close as possible to the woman he desired. They kissed fervently, and Buffy soon solved the problem of not being close enough by climbing onto his lap, straddling him. He broke away from her lips to let out a sharp breath of anticipation.
From where she sat, she could feel his arousal through her trousers and she let out a moan of pleasure, rubbing herself against him. The action drove him wild, and he moved to remove her blouse, before realising their surroundings.
"Buffy, Love." He murmured, unable to stop his wandering hands from moving to her breasts.
"Mmmm?" she only half responded, more intent on undoing his shirt, fixated on the golden hair peeping out from the already undone vee at the top.
"This will be more enjoyable in the bedroom" he mumbled again, nodding his head in the direction of the room, distracted by her curves.
"Mmmhmmm."
She was still only half paying attention, now tugging his shirt free of his pants as she continued to wriggle against him. He gave up trying to communicate with her, but diverting her from her task with another deep ravaging kiss, he swept her into his arms once more and carried her swiftly to the bedroom to continue this more comfortably.
* * * * *
Several hours later, they lay entwined in each other's arms, lovingly exchanging gentle kisses and whispered promises of love following their seemingly endless lovemaking. They lay there for long moments before Giles thought to ask the question that had been niggling his sub-conscious all evening.
"When's your return flight? Please tell me we've got plenty of time before you go back. Naturally, I will go with you, but I cannot guarantee getting on the same flight."
"Again with the longwinded speeches, Rupert. Why don't you just quit after the question?" she teased.
He smiled gently in response, letting her answer.
"I don't have a return ticket."
At his raised eyebrows, she continued, "All part of Willow's scheme. She thought we'd want to fly back together."
He stroked her cheek lovingly.
"How thoughtful of her."
"Mmmm."
She leaned into his touch and they lay silent again for long moments, enjoying the peace that the presence of each other brought.
Eventually, Buffy broke the silence.
"Rupert, I've been thinking."
He let out a low chuckle, "Sounds serious. What have you been thinking about?"
She looked up at him, twisting onto her front and moving closer to him, to do so.
"Well. I was thinking about your letters. Are you going to stop writing them now? For good, I mean." She added, as she remembered the ones he wrote after her resurrection, having vowed never to write again.
Giles looked at her with undisguised curiosity.
"Why? What's brought this on? Would you like me to?"
She turned back onto her side, and laid an arm across his stomach.
"I was just interested. Rupert, I don't mind if you want to write more letters and keep them as memories. Just promise me one thing?"
He looked down at the beautiful young woman in his arms and smiled happily.
"Anything for you my love."
She tucked that piece of information away for future use before presenting her request.
"When you write them, can you read them to me? 'Cause from now on I don't want to miss a single one of your thoughts or feelings. I want to know how you feel."
Giles smiled again.
"If you wish, I would be more than happy to do so."
"Good. That's settled, then."
He watched her expression of contentment for a moment before asking, "Do you want to hear my letter for today?"
"But it's not Saturday" she pointed out, her fingers beginning to lazily play with his chest hair.
"And besides," she grinned wickedly, dropping her hand suggestively lower, "I know for a fact that you haven't had a chance to write anything since getting home tonight."
He laughed and hugged her tightly, letting his hands explore the soft skin of her back once more, answering quietly.
"I haven't written it down yet. It's still in its early stages of composition."
She kissed his chest lovingly.
"Go on then. I meant it when I said I don't want to miss any more of your thoughts or feelings"
He settled down lower in the bed, gasping as her hand followed his movements and made fresh contact with his stirring member.
"Buffy, love, if you keep on doing that, I won't be able to tell you."
She reluctantly withdrew her hand and snuggled into his right side while he turned his head to watch as she settled against him before closing his own eyes and opening his heart to her.
My beautiful Buffy,
Tonight you have made me the happiest man on earth.
Just when I thought I was destined for a life of loneliness, you appeared, lighting up my life once more. I could never have predicted that you would come for me, or that you would love me in return, but you have managed yet again to astound me with your love and kindness.
I am so overjoyed that you have agreed to be my wife, and already cannot wait for that day when we shall be one.
All this time, I have presented my love for you on paper, afraid of how you might react to my love for you. Yet, every written word has been borne from the depths of my heart, despite my fears. and now I have found that you love me as deeply as I love you. the knowledge of this truth driving all fear from my heart.
Buffy dearest, you have placed hope and assurance in the home where doubt and apprehension once lived.
My love, I can feel my heart singing louder than ever before as I revel in this knowledge. You are the most exquisite person I have had the pleasure of knowing, and I thank the Powers That Be for placing you in my life.
My love, thank you so much for coming for me; for believing in me, and for loving me.
But you forget one thing, dearest. You are not taking me home, for my home is right here. Not Bath, not even England. But lying right next to me now. Buffy love, you are my home. For you hold my heart, and wherever that goes I will follow. And believe me, my sweet; I will enjoy every moment I spend following you.
Giles' voice softened as he began to enter the land of Nod.
I love you so very much, Buffy. And although my gift for you has become forgotten - it is worth it for the gift you have given me.
I seal this letter , and my love for you with a kiss.
He bent his head sleepily to hers, placing a kiss on her forehead before ending the spoken letter with his usual signature.
Love always, Rupert