Distribution: Dword, Dee, TL... all my usual archives. Anyone else, who wants it, just let me know where!
Summary: The gang has moved to Cleveland, rebuilt their lives, made new friends and are generally doing good when an innocent request is made that unexpectedly leads to so much more. My response To Gileswench's "Music Lesson" Challenge (#42) on BGWM. Spoilers: Pretty much everything.
Disclaimer: Not mine although I wish they were. The ingenious invention of the Buffy-Verse belongs to Joss, Fox, ME and co. All extra characters and places are straight from my imagination. "Always on My Mind" has Elvis written all over it - no matter what anyone else says. "What If" belongs to Kate Winslet, "Love me Do" is by the Beatles and "I Will Always Love You" is by Dolly Parton.
Feedback: it's like oxygen.
Notes: 1) Emphasis Thoughts 2) Please make sure you read the summary above to understand the setting; otherwise some characters may seem a little ooc.
Thanks: I completely blame... err, I mean thank (I think) Da Wench for the inspiration. Thanks also to Donna, Koala and Angela for your constant encouragement, Sarah for keeping America, 'American'... Sweetdoggie for keeping the characters 'in character', JH for directing me to a 'virtual' Monopoly (R) board and most of all, huge thanks goes to Karesia for the fantastic beta.
Dedication: To my 'Yoda' - I know you've had a pretty rough year, sweetie - so here's sending lots of hugs and B/G goodness and hoping that next year is much, much better! x
Prologue
"Giles..."
The young woman smiled as she realised her voice went unheard.
"Hey, Giles..."
Still there was no response. She tried once more, her voice a little louder this time.
"Giles... would you do me a favour...?"
Her soft request barely registering in his mind, the man in question continued in his reading until a movement off to his left caught his eye.
"Hello... earth to Giles..."
He lifted his head and turned to see a slim brunette waving at him from where she leaned against the door jamb.
"Dawn." A gentle smile formed on his lips and he beckoned her over. "What can I do for you?"
Perching on the edge of the armchair he occupied, she peered over his shoulder, saving her reply for later.
"What're you reading?"
In silent reply, he carefully marked his place before closing the book to show the teen the cover.
"Eww. 'One Hundred and One Ways to Cook a Rabbit'? Giles, that's worse than reading about demon sacrifices."
He chuckled at her clear disapproval for his choice of reading material, before explaining himself. "Ellen and Christopher are going to the country do some hunting - you know how they are - and they insisted upon bringing back some 'fresh' meat for us when they return. I couldn't very well say 'no', now, could I?"
Dawn simply looked at him, horrified. "You mean, we're gonna have to eat an innocent bunny?"
Giles grinned. "Like, I said, we don't have a choice. They are our neighbours after all, and I'm fairly certain they'd be offended if we refused them. Although..." He wrapped an arm around her small waist and pulled her toward him, so that he could whisper conspiratorially into her ear, "I could always cook you something different. We just won't tell Buffy... or any of the others." He chuckled at his own deviousness. "After all, I hear that rabbit is supposed to taste like chicken..." he let his sentence trail off, but picked it up again when Dawn looked at him blankly. "I'm sure they won't know the difference, as long as they have food on their plates."
"Giles!" Dawn tried to sound shocked, but failed and ended up giggling instead. "Okay, I won't tell them if you won't."
He grinned again and patted her knee affectionately.
"It's a deal. Now..." he moved the book onto the free arm of the chair while Dawn righted herself on the other. When they were both done, he continued. "What was it you wanted?"
"Oh. Yeah. Umm... I need some help." She beamed at him again, hoping to win him over with her charm.
He gave an answering smile as he prompted her. "About?"
"It's stupid. Robin-" she hastily corrected herself, "I mean, Principal Wood is making our grade put on this cabaret sort of thing, and-" she stopped as she saw Giles' eyes twinkle in silent mirth. "What?"
"Oh, nothing." Giles kept his voice neutral despite the smile still in his eyes, "Do go on."
"Oh, fine. Okay, I admit, it's not entirely his fault... it's the stupid school's. You know what? They should have told us this was forced on students when I signed up. Anyway... everyone in our grade has to do something. 'Everyone', meaning me." She groaned dramatically at having to admit it out loud. Reluctantly accepting her fate, the teenager continued. "But with this being a hellmouth and all, it's not an ordinary show we're putting on. Oh no. First of all, it's Elvis-themed so we've all got to wear these stupid costumes and sing stupid songs... and then, if that's not bad enough, everyone who's taking part - meaning me -" she added again, unnecessarily, "Has to learn an instrument."
"Ah." Giles was nodding his head wisely, the teasing sparkle still evident in his expression. "I see."
"What? What do you see?"
"I see a young woman being forced to do something educational and therefore something she doesn't want to do; so she decides to drag her guardian along for the ride.... so that instead of suffering alone, we can suffer together."
"What do you...? Hey!"
Dawn slipped a hand between them to jab him in the ribs, grinning as he grimaced.
"So, does that mean you'll do it?"
"Not if you carry on like that," he growled. "Maybe you should ask nicely."
"Sorry, Giles. I keep forgetting how old..." her voice trailed off at his glare and a faint blush stained her cheeks. "Guess I'm not doing very well, here," she reprimanded herself, before throwing an arm around Giles' shoulders and flashing a winning smile at him once more. "What I mean to say is... I would really appreciate it, when you have the time, if you would teach me how to play the guitar. You're so talented... I can't think of anyone else I'd rather learn from. You're like... the 'Yoda' of guitar-playing."
He chuckled at her enthusiasm. "After such a compliment, how can I say 'no'?"
Bouncing on the worn leather, Dawn emitted a high-pitch squeal of happiness before tightening her arms about him and planted a firm kiss of gratitude on his crown. "Thank you, thank you, and thank you!"
"Oxygen!" Was the only hoarse reply that Giles could manage.
"Oops! Sorry." With an apologetic smile, she drew back and stood up. "Seriously though, Giles. Thanks. You're the best." She blew another kiss of appreciation in his direction before skipping out of the room.
"Oh dear lord." It was a phrase that he didn't use so much these days, but Giles felt that this particular situation required it and he groaned it again as he sank into the seat. "Whatever have I got myself into this time?"
Lifting a silent prayer for patience to whomever might be listening, Giles let out a deep, troubled sigh.