Key To My Heart – Chapter Sixteen – Reunion

Giles POV

As the plane landed I was mentally steeling myself. Though I would like to believe I will be welcomed back with open arms, I have no delusions that that will not be the case. I got off the plane and after waiting half an hour, I reclaimed my luggage. My body was slick with sweat as a result of the California heat that I must once again grow accustomed to. The added apprehension of seeing the others again did not help matters. Exiting the airport I quickly looked for a taxi. "Giles!" I turned around at the familiar voice. Xander walked over to me. "Hey," he said awkwardly.

"Hello Xander." Neither of us knew quite what to say. "Um, how…how is everyone?"

He shrugged. "Okay I guess. A few vamps, the odd demon. No apocalypses yet."

"Good, good."

"Here, let me help you with those," he said, reaching for my luggage.

"Oh, really, there's no need."

"It's okay."

We made our way over to his car, and put the luggage in the boot. Or trunk, as they say in this country. We got in the car and Xander drove us quickly to the main area of Sunnydale. I attempted to make small talk along the way. "It was very good of you to collect me."

"It's no biggie."

"I, um, I didn't expect anyone." We lapsed into silence again. "How's the construction work going?"

"It's going good. We're ahead of schedule, so I was able to take the day of and get you."

"You didn't have to."

"I know I didn't."

"Yes, well…" I looked out of the window, seeing the familiar landscape rush us by. "Thank you," I said softly. I don't know if he heard me or not.

After what seemed like both hours and seconds we reached the Magic Box. I walked through the door, Xander following, and heard the familiar tinkle of the bell. They were all there, minus Spike Tara and Dawn. It appeared I wasn't the only one at a loss as of what to say. As always, their expressions told their feelings. Not one looked happy. As I stood their, Xander walked by me and sat down. "Come on Giles," he said. I consciously followed.

"You're back," Buffy said simply, arms folded.

"Yes, it appears so."

"And why, exactly, are you back?"

"Buffy," Willow objected quietly.

"Come on Giles," she continued, "How come you've suddenly decided to grace us with your presence?"

"Glazzior the Impaler is coming to kill you," I said.

"Yeah I know. And you didn't answer my question." Her words were like a blow to the chest. Surely she doesn't think…

"Buffy how can you ask me that?"

"Well there's you abandoning us for starters. There's you not even bothering to answer Willow's message when she called saying we needed you…"

"I did call," I interrupted.

"What?"

"I called as soon as I got it. I spoke with Dawn."

"Oh. She didn't tell me."

"Yes, well, I'm here now. And I know that there are things that must be said."

We locked eyes for a moment. Finally she looked away. "Later," she said. "Right now we have to focus on Glazzior."

"Buffy, he has already sent his warriors here, and I feel it would we be wise to study them first."

"Are they here to kill me?"

"I, ah, I believe not. Glazzior will want you for himself."

"Then we focus on Glazzior."

I took my glasses off and rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Buffy, I really think…"

"I don't care what you think Giles. You can't tell me what to do anymore. You've lost that right."