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Interlude-
By the Light of Day
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The morning light in her eyes woke Buffy and she snuggled down further into the blankets, trying to escape the sun's glare.
Wait. I don't get light in my eyes first thing in the morning. What...? Her eyes blinked open and she stared around for a moment before she recognized the familiar furnishings of the loft and remembered.
Oh. Right.
She couldn't fight the smile that spread over her face as she turned over, seeking her Watcher. He lay on his stomach on the other side of the bed, pillow caught up in his folded arms, still asleep, the edge of the blanket fallen to his mid-back. She simply looked for a moment, enjoying the sight of him. The fine lines on his face were eased and he looked more relaxed than Buffy had seen him in quite some time.
She studied his features, the face that had long ago become as familiar as her own, the crease on the right side of his forehead, the strong line of his nose. A faint smile curved his lips and Buffy smiled as well, wondering what he was dreaming of. She couldn't resist the urge to touch the dimples that framed his mouth and reached out with a gentle touch to run her fingers, feather-light, over his cheek.
Giles stirred slightly, stretching. Buffy could see the moment the awareness that he wasn't alone in his bed registered. He froze and, even with his eyes closed, she could see him thinking. She waited, a little afraid of what his reaction might be. His eyes blinked open a moment later and her breath caught at what she saw in the green depths.
"Good morning, love." The sleep-husked burr in his tone sent shivers up her spine.
"Good morning, yourself. Sleep well?"
He almost purred as he stretched again, turning over and ending the movement by reaching out and dragging her on top of him. Buffy squeaked out a surprised, delighted laugh and settled on his chest, legs twining with his. "Extremely well, thank you for asking." He paused, his eyes full of love and gratitude, and stroked her cheek. "Thank you for everything."
Buffy blushed and ducked her head, at a loss for words in the face of this man's simple and fierce devotion to her. She leaned down and kissed him gently, sweetly. They lost themselves into each other for long moments. Suddenly, his stomach growled loudly in the silence. After a moment of startlement, Buffy dissolved into giggles and Giles rolled his eyes with good humor.
"We should go have breakfast," she said, still snickering.
"Later," he said, rolling them both over on the bed. "I have other priorities right now."