Title: Masked desire – part 5 (Wishing you were somehow here again - POTO)

Author: Rippertish

A/N: Hi guys! Thanks again and again for the amazing reviews! I really do love hear your thoughts about the fic and random stuff also! hihihi

A/N2: Special thanks to mischiefmagnet for the AMAZING beta. Do not miss out on her pre series Giles fic. It's PERFECT! I wish Joss would read that. :)

They were right under the bridge at this moment as their lips moved slowly and sensuously against each other. Their tongues met and played together as they breathed slowly through their noses and the kiss stretched on, seeming endless. Even when the bridge stood far behind them, her fingers were still entangled in his hair while he cupped her neck and caressed her cheek with his thumbs, hands holding her to his lips.

Past the point of no return, the final threshold -
the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn ...
We've passed the point of no return ...

(Point of no return Phantom of the Opera)

After the boat took a few turns, the kiss finally came to an end.

They felt breathless and embarrassed as they peered at each other, and especially regarding the gondolier.

Giles cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Tradition," Buffy said softly, trying to break the awkwardness.

"Mmm… yes… of course," he remarked.

The Gondola had already pulled to the edge of the river as the ride had come to an end. The old Italian boatman started, "the bridge is named 'eternal love' because it's said that a couple that kisses beneath it will never lose each other, no matter how difficult their path in life becomes."

Obviously those words did nothing in the way of helping to reduce the discomfort between the couple, but only Buffy knew the whole extent of it.

Giles offered a hand to help her get out of the boat.

As if their embarrassment wasn't big enough, the gondolier continued, "the two of you carry a very bright aura, I confess I had rarely felt such a thing in my boat. Your souls are drawn to each other."

Giles smiled politely but awkwardly and seemed to dismiss the weird comment. "Thank you," he said, paying the man.

Buffy, on the other hand, allowed her thoughts to linger on the man's words.

They walked side by side now back to the heart of the city. They kept silent, at first unsure of what to say and later simply absorbing the carnival surroundings that filled their eyes and ears. The city had a mystical atmosphere. The private parties had started but they seemed to be content to enjoy each other's company while taking pleasure in more and varied entertainment at every corner they turned.

The narrow streets and alleys were illuminated by golden glowing lights and, although not very bright, were very inviting and filled with colorfully costumed tourists that had chosen to attend the free entertainment acts instead of going to the expensive balls. The city was alive.

Buffy and Giles stopped at a small square where a play was taking place on the improvised stage. They found a little corner with a good vantage for them to stand and watch the play.

The actors performed the well known Romeo and Juliet. Buffy and Giles had missed most of the act but they knew the plot by heart (who doesn't?).

It's always sad nevertheless.

Buffy felt Giles' body tensing up at the climax of the play. She noticed as one discreet tear rolled down from his eye that was uncovered by the mask.

She didn't need any superpower to know that it wasn't only Romeo and Juliet's story that had caused that tear. She knew well of his losses, so many loved ones died before his eyes just like the scene that played in front of them.

She ran tentative fingers on the back of his hand and slowly his hand opened to hers.

Their hands caressed one another.

She watched as he closed his eyes lightly, taking a deep breath in.

He poured his soul into that touch. The square was silent due to the play's sad climax and all of a sudden to Giles there was just the two of them there. The two hands playing together, brushing the skin and running along the fingernails. It was her, Buffy that was there with him, at least for this tiny brief magic moment, it was Buffy Summers, his slayer, that he shared this touch with. He refused to open his eyes, he wanted to be lost in this feeling forever. In his little world, she was there, she held his hand and his heart.

"Buffy," he moaned very, very quietly despite himself.

However, his voice sounded quite clear to her due to her slayer hearing.

She shrugged and withdrew from him, startled and speechless.

He was abruptly brought back to reality and turned to her, the Italian lady. She had her back to him and his hands came up as if to comfort her but he stopped himself before they could reach her arms. "Forgive me, did I?..." he trailed off, unsure if he had really said Buffy's name at loud.

A round of claps broke off as the play reached its end.

As the crowd started to disperse, Buffy took hold of Giles' hand and started to lead him out of the place with urgency. He did not understand her reaction but he followed her, his cape flapping behind him as they seem to increase their speed after the path had become clear in front of them.

She turned the corner and they entered a building that he assumed was a hotel as they had passed quickly through the reception area. Giles looked around, perplexed, trying to figure out what was going on as he suddenly noticed that she was ascending the stairs. He was forced to focus on the steps as she held his hand tight and offered no sign of slowing down.

She stomped down the first floor corridor, pulling him with her. She shifted and produced a key from her dress and with the same hand, she unlocked and opened the door. She still held onto Giles' hand for dear life, pulling them both into the room. Locking it behind her and still facing the door, she finally released a long sigh. She was trying to recompose herself but felt completely unsure of what to do next.

xxxx

End of part 5