Title : Solace

Author : Sophie

Part : 1/1

Disclaimer : Not mine.

Summary : Post 'Lies.'. Short back porch moment. Buffy finds the right words.

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He was sitting on the back porch, his head in his hands. She sat beside him, not sure of what to say.

"How's Dawnie?" he asked.

"She's sleeping. She'll be fine, don't worry."

He nodded. "The trigger is de-activated," he finally said.

"Good."

She didn't question his words. She just believed him.

She asked nonetheless, "Do you want to talk about it?"

He sighed. "I hadn't thought about my mum for decades. Funny how it still hurt to think about her, even after 120 years."

She put her hand on his shoulder, caressing it softly, not realizing she was reproducing his own gesture of two years ago - and ironically, about almost the same reason. Grief over their mother.

"I had nothing to do with what happened tonight. I didn't know."

For some reason, it was very important that he believed her.

He looked at her. "I never thought you did, pet," he said calmly and she smiled, relieved. But the smile disappeared quickly. "I don't know what went through Giles's mind. I know this is a difficult time, but he's been acting strangely. I'm not sure.I'm not sure who he is anymore."

"He's scared, like the rest of us. He does what he thinks is best for you."

She had a humorless laugh. "Well, losing you is the last thing I need now.or ever."

He held her gaze for a moment and what he read in it made his stomach twist.

"I wish she had met you. She would have loved you. She was a nice lady, like your mum. And she was the only woman who ever loved me."

Buffy smiled, put her hand on his cheek. "Not the only one," she said softly.