Title: Masked desire – part 4 (I remember - POTO)

Author: Rippertish

A/N: Hi guys! Thanks for the lovely reviews! I have sooooo much fun reading them that I actually feel sad and lonely after a few days without publishing. hihihi

A/N2: I know that no one really checks the name of the story's chapters. But I decided anyway to give them names of the the Phantom of the Opera songs... I thought it would be fun! I hope you enjoy it! :) This one is called "I remember", you will find out why! :)

A/N3: Special thanks to mischiefmagnet for the AMAZING beta. Thx for you time and friendship! XD

He offered his arm to her and she took it. They walked side by side along the now darkening alleys.

"May I ask your name? I apologise for the late question." He smiled, looking down at her by his side.

Buffy swallowed dryly and answered, a bit tense, "Bianca."

"Lovely name," he replied politely.

Even through her nervousness at this moment she could notice how relaxed Giles was. She had never seen him so at ease before, his smile constantly resurfacing. While they talked, he exuded enthusiasm and innate charm.

They walked to a café near the Rialto Bridge. "A good friend of mine recommended this place. Apparently they make exquisite teas here. I hope their skill extends to coffee."

It was a very cosy little café. They had a nice outdoor dining terrace overlooking one of the canals. The candles that decorated each table gave the place an enchanting atmosphere.

"Buonasera," approached the friendly waiter.

In a refined Italian, Giles placed their orders.

Their talk was light and pleasant. They talked about books, the arts, and even traditional British comedies. After moving to Rome, Buffy had grown to appreciate architecture and fine art. She had read a lot about Rome's construction and history and was able to entertain Giles with quite a vast variety of interesting information. They discussed the magnificent and grand construction of the Coliseum. She explained to him the impressive details of the aqueducts and wider water delivery system, some of which was still in use from ancient times.

He told her about England; more particularly about Bath, the city where he had been spending most of his time. He expounded on the Roman influence in city's architecture and culture.

Surprisingly enough to Buffy, there were no shortage of discussion topics between the two of them; ones that didn't involve sacred duties, demons, or slaying. Time seemed to fly and it did take them a while to notice that their cups were empty.

Buffy felt like ordering another coffee, perhaps a whole meal, just to be able to spend more time talking to him. By now, she had gotten very comfortable speaking in her Italian accent and also calling him Rupert. Yes. At the moment he was Rupert, not Giles, let alone Mister Giles, to her.

A silence fell between them and she wondered again, for a few errant seconds, how badly he would react when she revealed herself to him as Buffy.

Giles donned a wide smile and smoothly stood from the table, holding her gaze. He proceeded to position himself behind her to pull out her chair, a perfect gentleman. She lifted herself and watched idly as he put a generous note on the check plate.

He offered his arm to her again and she took it. "Shall we go for a stroll?"

"Mmm hmm," she answered, feeling pleased with his suggestion.

After a few turns following the course of the canal they spotted a set of gondolas parked in line along the promenade, their gondoliers waiting for customers.

"I'd rather like to believe you wouldn't refuse my invitation." he said motioning to the gondolas.

She said nothing, just watched the gondolas swaying over the water tied at the edge of the canal. He was inviting her for a gondola ride, which usually carried a romantic connotation. She remembered the couple from the previous night that kissed passionately inside the tiny dark boat.

She thought about her relationship with Giles along the years. She thought of the Giles of last night, how he had kissed her, the turmoil of feelings that it had stirred in her.

"I promise not to kiss you," he said, interrupting her thoughts.

She looked up and smiled shyly at him before nodding her consent.

They approached the gondolier and Giles took care of arranging the tour. Buffy was struck by an uncharacteristic shyness that made her feel a bit unsure of herself, almost a little frightened.

This was only Giles after all… He had promised not to kiss her, and it should be safe and fine between them. She didn't need nor want her feelings all messed up during the Carnival in Venice- let alone by Giles, right? She thought about it, but apparently it was too late to worry now. She felt her heart rate speed up of its own accord when she took his hand to hop into the gondola.

They sat side by side and he felt her shiver. It was not from the cold, she knew, but it seemed to subside when he drew himself closer to her and draped his dark cape around her shoulders.

"Do you feel better now?" he asked with a whisper.

"Si, grazie" she thanked him.

After a while she relaxed by his side and they started to enjoy the ride better. The boat was surprisingly smooth and the city seemed to be even more beautiful from this angle. It was a magnificent night; the faint yellow lights from the city were reflected on the water and danced at their own rhythm. While the full moon made sure to claim the sky as hers and colour the water in silver rays. To complete the picture of perfection, a light mist lingered over the surface.

Half of the ride had passed in silent joy. They were relaxed just to be next to each other. Buffy had Giles by her side again and he had this amazing lovely Italian woman who, in a way he just could not explain, brought so much peace to him.

The gondolier broke the silence in a very strong Venetian accent, "Ahead, is the Amore Eterno bridge. It's tradition that the couple should kiss while we pass under it."

Buffy shifted to look at Giles. He smiled at her. "No need to worry, I would not. I did promise you."

The ex-slayer should have been relieved, but somehow she wasn't. In point of fact, she felt rather disappointed. It scared her to acknowledge this feeling but his eyes held hers and she was captured by a mysterious feeling of peace.

Their face started to move towards each other slowly of their own accord. He paused trying to understand why was it so difficult for him to not kiss her, to keep his promise, and especially to repress this longing deep inside him. He had never felt so unable to control his own actions as he had over these last two days, with her.

She saw as he seemed to try to focus even deeper into her eyes, and a frown appeared on the side of his forehead uncovered by his mask...

Under his scrutinizing stare, Buffy dropped her gaze self-consciously.

His hand touched her chin, lightly lifting her face to his. He found that he couldn't stop himself from doing it again- he lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her.

.

I remember, there was mist ...
Swirling mist upon a vast glossy lake ...
There were candles all around
And on the lake there was a boat ...
And in the boat there was a man ...
Who was that shape in the shadows?
Whose is the face in the mask?

(I remember, Phantom of the Opera)

End of Part 4