Unforeseen Circumstances
by: Jadedragon
Rated R
Willow looked over at Tara, confusion and worry clouding her feelings. They had become very close very quickly and Tara seemed to fill a void in her life that she hadn't realized was there. Willow's feelings for Tara were the same as those she had for Oz, but she had never been drawn to a woman in this way and was very bewildered and complicated. She felt more than friendship for Tara, but was scared to say anything. Willow had been examining her feelings over the last couple of weeks, searching for clarity
When Buffy and Giles had left to go to the Cherokee Reservation, she and Tara had begun to spend more and more time together. The more time they had spent, the closer they had become. The first time that Tara had shyly taken her hand, had at first shocked Willow, but as she felt the love from Tara she realized she felt the same. Still, it seemed strange to be falling in love with another woman. She wondered what her friends would say. Would they be able to accept this relationship? Would she be able to accept it? As she questioned herself and the beliefs that she had always held, she found her thoughts changing, realizing that love comes in all forms and is too precious to deny. But still she was confused. How could she let Tara know how she was feeling and what would she do if Tara didn't feel the same? Willow fell asleep pondering these questions.
**********
Ethan sat in Rupert's living room watching over his brother. He had been here for almost four hours and his patience was wearing thin. Would Nathan be all right from the scan? Rupert had survived intact but would Nathan? Ethan continued to think about his brother and the possible consequences of the Truth Scan. He was so lost in his thoughts and almost didn't hear his brother's moan as he started to awaken. Quickly he called out for Rupert and moved even closer to his brother.
Slowly Nathan opened his eyes. He realized that he was still in Rupert's home but he was surprised at who was leaning over him.
"Ethan?" he queried.
"Yes Nathan, I'm here," answered the man he never thought he would see again.
"Ethan, can you forgive me?" he asked his brother.
"Nathan, you were under an evil spell cast by an evil man. There is nothing to forgive," Ethan assured him.
"You must be taken to the Council Headquarters to be examined. There we can determine if the scan has damaged you and we can further question you regarding the years you spent under Travers' spells," Reginald told the man lying on the couch. "Ethan would you like to accompany us?"
"Yes, I would," he replied.
Within five minutes only Giles and Buffy were in the condo. They turned the lights off and went to bed, knowing that tomorrow was going to be a tough day.
**********
Willow, Buffy and Giles sat waiting for Dean Buckley to arrive. Across from them was a man in his early fifties who they assumed was Parker's father. Parker was suspiciously absent. Dean Buckley arrived about fifteen minutes later, apologizing for his lateness; he had gotten hung up in traffic. He immediately noticed Parker's absence and called for security to find him and escort him to his office.
"Please, come into my office," he invited the four people waiting for him.
When introductions were made he recognized Giles. "Sir, are you the Dr. Rupert Giles who applied for the Directorship in the Antiquities Department?"
"Yes," Giles answered, self-conscious of being recognized.
"Why are you here?" The Dean asked wondering how he knew Ms. Rosenburg and Ms. Summers.
"Ms. Summers and I recently became engaged," Giles answered.
"Then this is your child, not Parker's?" William asked, hoping this would be the situation.
"No, but I think Buffy should explain the situation concerning Parker," Giles replied to the man who he felt couldn't control his child.
"Let's all sit down and discuss the situation while we wait for Mr. Abrams to join us," the Dean said as he pointed to the chairs arranged before his desk. "Ms. Summers, how did you meet Mr. Abrams."
"I was on my way to lunch and he let me break in line. We started talking and he seemed so nice and now, looking back, I realize that he was just telling me what I wanted to hear. He came across as sad and sincere."
"What do you mean, sad and sincere?" the Dean asked.
"He told me that his father was dead and it had been hard for him to cope with his death," Buffy said as she looked at William.
"He told you I was dead?" William asked in shock.
"Yes, sir," when he didn't say anything else, she continued. "He told me he majored in history because if we didn't understand the past and our failures, we would repeat them. He said it was alright to make mistakes. I thought it was sweet until I realized that he was playing me, later after he had dumped me."
"Ms. Rosenberg said that you overheard him talking to another student on campus. Would you tell us about this conversation?"
"I had just discovered that I was pregnant. I was upset and didn't know what I was going to do. My friends were very supportive and when Willow and I saw Parker on campus, I thought I should tell him. I thought he should know that he was going to be a father. As we got closer we overheard the conversation, we heard him tell his friend that he was being forced to marry another girl that he had gotten pregnant, his father's partner's daughter. He also said that he would continue with his romancing of students, that what his wife and father didn't know wouldn't matter. He didn't care about her child, why would he care about mine? I was in shock and Willow helped me to Rupert's condo. Rupert had been very supportive. When I discovered that I was pregnant, he said would help me in every way that he could. I know you will ask so I'll go ahead and tell you. I have known Rupert Giles for over four years and in that time had come to love him very much. I soon discovered that he loved me too," she finished.
"So your relationship started after you realized you were pregnant?" the Dean asked.
"Our romantic relationship, yes," she replied.
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of two Security Guards with Parker Abrams between them. He looked very angry to be forced to come to a meeting that he didn't want to be at.
"So Mr. Abrams, now you grace us with your presence," the Dean said in a tight voice, as Parker sat beside his father, the only seat left in the room.
"So the child isn't his. How can you be sure that it isn't another man's?" the Dean continued to question Buffy after Parker had taken his seat.
"Sir, it's been over two years since I was in a sexual relationship," Buffy answered in a slightly embarrassed tone of voice. "My child can only be Parker's."
"But we used a condom!" Parker interrupted.
"Is that true Ms. Summers?" the Dean inquired.
"Yes, he did use a condom, but it broke. He then told me that he was sterile from a childhood accident."
"He said what?" William asked looked at his son in disgust.
"Mr. Abrams, I realize that you are upset, but I have some information to add to this discussion," the Dean said as he tried to get everyone's attention. "Last night I contacted as many of the girls who have made complaints against your son as possible. In every case they described the same methods that Ms. Summers has related. And every time once he had gotten them into his bed, he dropped them and went to the next one. One of the ladies in question also became pregnant but she had an abortion."
This news brought everything to a stand still. Parker looked even angrier if that were possible. Mr. Abrams looked furious that his son could be so callous and unfeeling about his actions. Giles was glad that Buffy never really loved the cad who had left her pregnant. Willow couldn't believe that anyone could be so unfeeling about his children.
"Mr. Abrams, I have come to my decision. You may finish this semester as there is only one week left. But then you will have to find another school to attend. And I will inform each school of your actions on this campus. Your behavior is reprehensible and you are banned from this campus after your exams. I don't want to see your face again," the Dean concluded.
"May I say something?" William asked.
"Yes, Mr. Abrams."
"Ms. Summers, I'm sorry for the actions of my son. If you need anything, please let me know. Also, I would like to know when you give birth so I could meet my grandchild," he said to Buffy.
"Mr. Abrams, I don't know. Rupert and I want to raise this child as our own. We'll have to discuss this between us. Can I call you later?" Buffy asked him.
"Yes, here is my card," he told her as he handed her his business card and got up to leave the Dean's office. "Dean Buckley, I'm sorry for the problems that my son has caused you. Parker, you're coming with me!" he said as he took Parker from the office with him.
"Ms. Summers, again I am sorry for what happened to you and to you, Ms. Rosenberg. Such actions on this campus will not be tolerated. Dr. Giles, we have reviewed your application and were going to call you to set up an appointment sometime next week to discuss it with you. Could you get with my secretary before you leave and make an appointment?" the Dean asked.
"Certainly, I'll be glad to set an appointment with her," Giles told the Dean as he shook the man's hand before leaving his office with Willow and Buffy.
**********
Parker followed his father to his car and got into the passenger side when his father directed him.
"What did you think you were doing? The very idea of my grandchild being raised by those two is ridiculous. My grandchild should be raised by you and your wife."
"But," Parker started.
"No buts! You will do what I say and forget about your extra curricular activities, or you will find yourself cut off without a dime. You will marry Mary this Saturday, then take her on a wonderful honeymoon. Once you get back we will discuss how to handle this Summers woman." William told his son, the anger in his face unmistakable.
**********
"Giles I didn't know you had a doctorate." Willow commented as they left the Administration building after the meeting.
"Several, actually," he told the witch.
"Why don't you use the prefix?" she asked.
"It's just not done in proper British society. It's considered pretentious, unless you're a medical physician," he explained to his friend as he walked with her and Buffy to his SUV.
"Rupert, what are your doctorates in?" Buffy asked.
"Ancient History, Comparative Mythology and Comparative Archeology, plus my occult studies which also equal a fourth doctorate."
"Wow, I knew you were bookguy, but I didn't know you were Dr. Bookguy!" Buffy stated as they reached the vehicle.
Giles gave his lover one of his patented stares guaranteed to stop any questions, then he turned to Willow.
"Can we give you a ride anywhere?"
"No, I'm headed to Tara's room. We're studying together for the psych exam tomorrow. Thanks though." Willow said to the couple a she walked toward the dorm where Tara lived.
"Rupert, why didn't you tell me about your doctorates?"
"It never really came up. It's not like I was hiding it from you."
"I guess, there's just so much I don't know about you, but you know everything about me."
"Buffy, there's so much in my past that is very painful to me. I'd rather just forget most of it ever happened."
"Don't you trust me?" she asked with pain filled eyes.
"Of course, I trust you. I trust you with my very life. I want to tell you everything, just please be patient with me. There are a couple of things that I need to do first, then I want us to go away for a long weekend somewhere we won't be disturbed so we can talk. Then I'll tell you everything. I just hope you still love me once you hear just what sort of I man I really am."
"Rupert, look at me," Buffy said as she took his face into her hands. "The past is just that, past. Your past helped to make you the wonderful man you are today. Nothing you tell me will stop me from loving you!" she said as she held him closely.
Giles felt surrounded by his Slayer's love and was comforted. He knew that he had to talk to his father and put that behind him as soon as possible. He also needed to talk to Ethan, but that could wait, talking with his father about his mother's death was more important. He only hoped that Reginald would soon return from London.
**********
Willow looked around Tara's room as she entered. She had gotten back before Tara and she sat down to think about her feelings toward the shy witch. As she thought about Tara, she felt a peaceful serenity settle around her. As she examined these feelings she knew that this was a deeper love than she had ever experienced and knew that she had to let Tara know how she felt. She had to take a chance even if Tara didn't feel the same way; she had to tell her. Willow was so scared; this wasn't supposed to be happening to her.
When Tara entered her room, Willow was sitting at the window deep in thought.
"Willow, how d..did the m..meeting go?" she asked.
"Parker has been banned from campus after he finishes his exams this semester," Willow replied in a voice that sounded far away.
"Is B.buffy ok?" Tara asked, wondering what was wrong.
"Yes, she's fine. Dean Buckley had talked to some of the other women who had made complaints against Parker and they had told the same story. Parker's father even offered Buffy any help she needed."
"His f..father was there?" Tara asked.
"Yes. Tara, do you ever think of love and who you'll spend your life with?" Willow asked quietly.
Tara was unsure where this conversation was going, but she could tell something was bothering Willow. "I think about it, e..everyone does sooner or later. Why do you ask?"
"For a long time, I thought that I would be with Oz, that we would marry after college, but when he left it was such a shock that I didn't think I would ever get over it. Then life went on and I found myself changing. We got to know each other and became friends." She said as she turned to Tara. "You have made everything so much better. It was so hard for me, all these changes, not knowing who I was, finding that I wasn't who I thought I was. Tara, I'm falling in love with you and it scares me."
"W..why does it s.scare you?" Tara asked, wanting to comfort the woman she loved.
"I've never loved a woman before and I don't know how?" Willow told her, tears in her eyes.
"W..willow, if it helps, I l.love you too." Tara said as she looked into Willows lovely green eyes, reaching to hold the woman she loved for the first time. "We can f.figure it out t.together, if you w. want."
Willow looked into Tara's eyes and saw there the love she felt reflected in her own. She brought up her hand to stroke Tara's hair away from her face. Slowly they bent their heads together for their first kiss.
End Part 16
The Scooby gang was at the Headquarters with Ria, Timothy and Colin. Keenan had returned to the University of Georgia to take his midterms and arrange to transfer to UC Sunnydale for the remainder of his studies. Keenan had been pleasantly surprised when he had been accepted at UC Sunnydale on a Martial Arts scholarship due to his many championships in the Southern Region. He was looking forward to moving to Sunnydale to help his father at the dojo and his sister in her slaying. Black Raven had returned home when Keenan left, saying he would return if he was needed.
The group had been searching for more information on the prophecy ever since the night when Giles had been rescued from the Qunitas Mountain Range. There were many unanswered questions about how and when the prophecy was to take place, and already there were members in the Council who wanted Buffy and Giles to have a say in the Ruling Council, each having a voice equal to that of the Chairman. Was this what was foretold? They didn't know.
Reginald had the Council Librarians searching for any and all volumes that Branson LeFoy had referenced, used, mentioned or owned. He also had them searching for Council history but had run into a dead end. It seemed that there were few volumes prior to the Dark Seer's collaboration with the Travers' line of Watchers and most were feared destroyed. The Chairman had ordered all of Quentin Travers estates, and there were several, to be thoroughly searched for the missing volumes. He also had all of the homes and property of the Watchers who had willingly joined Travers searched as well. The Senior Mage conducted a similar search of the homes and properties of the Mages that had sided with Travers. But this was proving to be a slow process, each of the residences were protected by spells and breaking such spells was time consuming.
"Giles has anyone thought to search the home of Branson LaFoy, to see if he left any volumes or notes hidden?" Willow asked as they searched, yet again, through the volumes they already had.
"That's one of the first places the Council wanted to look, but his ancestral home burned to the ground in 1789. At the time, it was thought strange because the fire started in the Library. Of course now we know why, someone wanted to destroy any evidence of his works," Giles informed the witch and the rest of the group.
"Not his home in England, the home he had in this country," Willow corrected the Watcher.
"What are you talking about?" Giles asked.
"I found a reference to his home in upstate New York," the witch explained. "LaFoy moved to this country later in his life to escape the Council. He thought emigrating to the New World was the best way to accomplish that."
"Let me see that volume. I hadn't noticed it before," he said as he took the volume from her hands, studying the passage she pointed to. He read what was there and then turned back to Willow. "Can you go on the net and locate where he lived and if the house is still standing?"
"Already on it," she said from the computer Timothy had installed. Everyone moved to stand behind Willow as she searched. "Hey guys, this will take a while. You'll only make it longer by standing over me. Go back to your research," she told everyone crowding around her.
Willow searched for over three hours before she found what she was looking for. LaFoy had purchased a farm in upstate New York near the small village of Daleton. The large farmhouse was still standing and was still in the LaFoy Family. Branson had remarried after he moved and had a son by his new wife. The group was still looking over this new information when the Senior Mage and the Chairman appeared in the room.
"We found a few more volumes of Council History," the Chairman said as a box appeared on the table before the researchers.
"And we have found something that could be quite pertinent," Giles told his father. "It seems that Branson LaFoy moved to the States and had a family here."
"Where did he live?" Reginald asked, amazed at this new information.
"In a small town in Upstate New York, called Daleton," Willow answered him. "The home is now a bed and breakfast run by his descendants. I can make a reservation on line if you like?"
"Willow, make a reservation for Buffy and myself for next weekend, if it's available," Giles told the witch as he turned to his father. "I think it would be best if only the two of us go to see if there is any information there," he told his father, expecting his disagreement.
"I agree. Too many people could put them on guard and we might never learn anything of his life there," Reginald told his surprised son.
Giles was shocked that his father agreed with him. It had appeared that everything he had done or accomplished hadn't been enough to make his father proud of him. Even now, after all this time, Giles still wanted his father's approval. In many ways, he was still the same little boy who had been denied the chance to say goodbye to his mother, who had felt abandoned by his father in a boarding school all those years ago.
"Rupert, there are some things I need to discuss with you, privately. Can we take a walk?" Reginald asked his son, bringing Giles out of his thoughts.
Giles realizing that this was leading to the discussion that he both wanted and feared, agreed and followed his father out the back door to the small wooded area behind the building. Neither spoke as they made their way to the bench under the tall trees and sat down.
"I'm very proud of the way I've seen you handle yourself during this crisis," Reginald started.
"Finally after all these years of wanting you to be proud of me, I feel that it's a little too late for that now," Giles told him.
"I hope not, Son."
"Don't call me that! You gave up the right to call me son years ago," he stated in a Ripper tone of voice.
"Rupert, whatever you may think of me, I was trying to do what I thought was best for you at the time," Reginald started.
"Best, what was best for me? You left me all alone in a boarding school and didn't let me attend my mum's funeral," Giles replied in a tight firm voice. "You didn't even care enough to come tell me yourself!"
"Rupert, there are things you don't know about, things I never wanted to tell you," Reginald said in a pain filled voice.
"What are you talking about?"
He looked at his son, regretting what he was going to have to tell him. "There was no funeral, your mum was attacked and turned. I had to protect you so you stayed at school while I hunted down the woman I had loved and destroyed her. Once that was done, I came to see you, but you wouldn't even speak to me."
"How did it happen?" Giles asked in a shocked quiet voice.
"I was in London to finish some research when I received word from Clarence Travers that there had been a break-in at home. I rushed back as fast as I could but there was nothing I could do. The house was torn up and there was blood everywhere and I couldn't find Alicia. I searched for several days before I found her or rather she found me. It was all I could do to escape her and the three other vampires that were with her. I remember something she said before I escaped about the Dark Seer being pleased that I had been captured and them needing you," Reginald told his son. "I had to do everything to protect you."
"But why didn't you explain it to me? I would have understood!"
"Rupert, I knew very little about the Dark Seer at the time, but it was enough to know that I had no chance against such a powerful Mage. There were rumors about him, but no real information on him or what he was doing. Clarence downplayed what I had overheard and tried to persuade me to bring you home immediately, but something kept me from listening to him. I think even then they knew that you had a special destiny."
"But why did you turn away from me? I felt so abandoned and unloved. I needed you and you just left me in that bloody damn boarding school where I had no real friends. If I hadn't met Ethan and Nathan Rayne I don't know if I would have made it!" he informed his father, the pain in his voice all too clear.
"Son, there were some threats against your life and the only way I knew to protect you was to leave you in the boarding school, which was protected by the Council and their Mages. I had already lost my wife; I didn't want to lose my son. I'm sorry I caused you so much pain, but I didn't know what else to do," Reginald told him, pain in his voice and in his eyes.
Giles looked at his father with a new understanding of the situation. He had always looked at it with a child's eye, but now could see it with an adult's understanding.
"Where did you find her?"
"On the grounds of your school where I managed to dust her. The next day I went to see you and you didn't want to see me."
"Dad, I'm sorry," he quietly replied looking into his father's eyes seeing the pain still there from losing his wife.
"I understood your reaction, but I was still scared for your safety. I felt that it was better for you to continue at the boarding school. I didn't trust Clarence Travers and his assurances that you would be safe at home. There has always been animosity between our families and I knew that he had some ulterior motive."
"Why would they want to harm me?"
"At the time I had no idea, but years later, I found references in several prophecies to a `son of Giles' who would bring about changes in the Council. But soon after I found these references, the books vanished mysteriously. I knew something was up but I hadn't shown them to anyone. That was just before I was chosen to be the next Chairman. When it was mentioned that you were one of the possible replacement Watchers for Buffy, I did all I could to assure that you got the assignment. Rupert, I felt that you would be best able to handle the unorthodox Slayer that had been described in Merrick's Watcher's Journal and it would get you out of England."
"Out of England?"
"Yes, there had been several subtle attempts on my life and I was afraid that you were next. The Senior Mage investigated quietly and then small things started happening."
"The prophecy?" Giles asked.
"Yes."
"I wish you had told me all of this years ago."
"I didn't feel that I could. Our relationship was so strained that you could hardly stand to be in the same room with me. You are my only child, I know that I've hurt you, but I want a chance to try and mend our relationship. Do you think we can leave the past in the past and start over?" he asked his son, tears glistening in his eyes.
"I'd like that. I'd like my children to know their grandfather," Giles assured him, as he reached to embrace the man he had hated for over thirty years.
**********
Willow looked over at Buffy as Giles left the building with his father. She knew something was wrong and Buffy looked nervous. She took her aside to see if she needed to talk.
"Buffy, are you alright?" she asked her friend.
"I'm worried about Giles. I hope he and his father can work things out."
"What happened between them?"
"Willow, it was a long time ago and I don't feel that I can talk with you about it. It concerns something that happened in his childhood, something that changed his life. He was hurt very badly and I don't want him hurt again. He's been hurt too much!" she told her friend with pain in her voice.
"I want to help. What can I do?"
"Just listening and being my friend helps. I think that I'll try and get him to leave with me when they get through talking. Can you help continue the research while we're gone?"
"Sure. Besides, Timothy is here if we need a Watcher and Mr. Giles may still be here too," she assured her friend.
"Thanks, you're a true friend," Buffy told her as they walked back to the table to rejoin the others in research. About twenty minutes passed before Giles and Reginald returned. Buffy went immediately to Giles and they quickly left the building.
"Willow, what did you find out about Branson LaFoy?" Reginald asked as Giles and Buffy left.
**********
They walked for about thirty minutes before they reached Giles's condo. Quietly they entered and sat on the couch.
"Giles, what happened?" she asked as she took his hand, breaking the silence.
"My father told me what really happened to my mum," he said in a voice filled with pain. "She was attacked and turned. Then she tried to take my father but he escaped. All those years, those lonely years that I hated him, he was trying to protect me," he said as he finally broke down, crying in Buffy's arms.
Buffy held him and stroked his hair as he related the rest of the story. She heard the pain both men felt and the fear that they would continue to be estranged. Buffy had never seen her lover so emotional and was glad that the men had talked. In her minds eye, she could see an eleven-year-old Giles trying to cope with being alone at a boarding school trying to understand why he wasn't allowed to go to his mum's funeral. When Giles mentioned that they had hugged, she was relieved. Buffy knew that it would take time, but the first step had been made.
Buffy finally persuaded Giles that Willow and the others could continue the research by themselves. They talked quietly, making plans for the trip to Daleton, New York the following weekend. It would be good to get away for a weekend just the two of them, even if it did include some research.
**********
Joyce stopped by the Headquarters after she closed the Gallery. It had been a slow day and Colin had been on her mind. When she didn't see Buffy and Giles she asked where they were.
"Buffy and Rupert left about thirty minutes ago. I think they needed some time alone." Colin answered her question.
"I feel that Rupert wanted to tell Buffy what happened to his mum," Reginald started. "Since this may have something to do with the prophecy, I need to tell you what I told him."
Everyone looked at Reginald and quickly retook their seats around the table. Once he began telling the story for the second time that night, his audience listened to every word, not interrupting a single time. When he finished the questions started.
"Mr. Giles, do you think they knew that Giles would be involved in the prophecy when he was in school?"
"I can't definitely say that Willow, but it does appear that might be the case. I don't know how Alicia was turned, but that was strange in itself. Alicia was trained and knew about vampires, she would never have invited someone into our home with words. I can only guess that someone she knew that betrayed her. My guess is Clarence Travers, but I could never prove it. Clarence had dated her briefly before she and I met. She never loved him, but he resented me when we married," he told the group.
"Did Quentin know this?" Timothy asked.
"I don't know, but I would guess so. He has always hated my son and tried everything possible to discredit him and his accomplishments."
"Why was he allowed to fire Giles?" Xander asked.
"At the time that happened, the Senior Mage and I were trying to gather information on Travers and his extra curricular activities. If I had made a move, it would have tipped him off that I suspected something was wrong. We had to be careful because we realized that many of the older families were involved, we just didn't know to what extent nor how deep. I knew that Rupert could take care of himself and soon realized that he would stay in Sunnydale with his Slayer," he explained.
"Why couldn't you let him know what was happening?" Xander asked, anger in his voice.
"Xander, if I had contacted Rupert, he probably wouldn't have listened to me, but Travers would have probably discovered my attempt. He had eyes everywhere, and there were very few men in the Council that I knew that I could fully trust."
"You were still protecting Giles, weren't you?" Tara asked in a quiet voice.
"Yes, I was," he answered and continued answering their questions for another hour before he left to go to his hotel room.
**********
Giles looked at the woman in his arms. She had been very understanding last night, holding him when he broke down, grieving for his mum as he never had. Finally, he felt that he had put the past behind him and could now move on to his future, their future. As she stirred, he had a thought. He wondered what her opinion would be. They had never discussed plans and he had no idea what she would want and if they could even do it in the week or so before leaving for Daleton. But it would be perfect, a perfect beginning to the rest of their lives.
As Buffy stirred she looked up into the eyes of the man she loved. "What time is it?" she grumbled. "And why are you so happy?"
"It's about 8:00 and I have my arms full of the woman I love."
"Hummmm, that's a good answer," she sleepily replied.
"Buffy, do you have any plans for the next week or so?" he asked.
"Just researching and spending time with you."
"Then will you marry me?"
"Rupert, I've already accepted your proposal," she answered, slowly sitting up in bed wondering just what was on his mind.
"Yes, luv, I know that. But will you marry me?"
"I've already said that I would," she answered, getting a bit testy, wanting to know what he was up to.
"Ms. Summers will you do me the honor of becoming my wife next Thursday before we leave for Daleton?"
Buffy looked at him like he had gone insane.
End Part 17
Buffy looked at him like he had gone insane. "But, that's just 8 days away!" she said in shock.
"I know. But I can't wait for you to be my wife. I've been sitting here watching you sleep, digesting what my Father told me last night. Buffy, we never know when either of us could be killed." Giles quickly placed his fingers over her lips to quiet her before continuing. "I know that this is a subject that we haven't talked about, but knowing the circumstances of my Mum's death brought back to me just how fragile life can be. I love you like I never thought I could love anyone and I want to spend my life making you happy and I want to start that life as soon as possible. I know that we never talked about what kind of wedding you wanted, but I would like to make the trip next weekend our honeymoon. So, will you marry me, my luv?" he asked the love in his eyes pouring into hers.
"How will we arrange it so fast?" Buffy asked, a hundred things entering her head that would have to be done if they were to marry in eight days.
"I'm sure that everyone will help us. But you haven't given me your answer," he prompted her.
"Yes, of course it's yes. I love you so much, Giles you're everything I could ever hope for in a husband. I just don't know how we'll get everything ready before next Thursday. Oh my God!" Buffy said with an expression of horror on her face.
"What is it?" Giles asked.
"What will Mom say?" Buffy asked in a shocked whisper.
"Why don't we go ask her?"
"Now?"
"We have to start today. I know that it will be quickly planned, but I want it to be a day that we will both remember for the rest of our lives," he told her as he bent down to kiss the woman who would very soon be his wife.
**********
Joyce was taking her coffee outside in the backyard. It was a warm morning for December and she was thinking about what Reginald had told them concerning Giles and his upbringing. His mother's death had been shocking and she had grieved for the young boy who had lost his mother so young. She couldn't imagine her mother not being there when she was growing up. Joyce had been very close to her until her death just before she and Buffy had moved to Sunnydale. If anything happened to her she would want Buffy to have someone beside her to lean on and Giles was the man her daughter loved. She had seen more and more evidence of their feelings since they had returned from Oklahoma. As she continued pondering their relationship, Buffy and Giles entered the backyard from the kitchen.
"Hey Mom!" Buffy called to her mother.
"Buffy what are you doing up so early?" she asked.
"You can blame Giles for that one!"
"Rupert, your father told us what happened to your mother last night. I'm so sorry and if I can do anything to help in whatever way possible, please let me know."
"Joyce, thank you and there is something you can help us with. Buffy and I want to get married."
"I know that," Joyce responded, a puzzled expression on her face.
"Next Thursday."
"But that's only eight days away!"
"That's just what Buffy said. We want to get your help." he said grinning as she interrupted him.
"We have to start immediately. Can you call and get the others to meet us at the Headquarters at 9:30?" Joyce went into planning mode. "There is so much to do if we want to get this planned by next Thursday."
"I'll go and call the gang." Buffy said as she rushed back into the house to make the phone calls. She was relieved that her mom appeared to be onboard and ready to help with the planning.
"Rupert, I want you to promise me one thing."
"What is that?" he asked worriedly.
"Take care of my little girl."
"Always," he promised her before she left to go and get ready.
Giles went inside to call his father at his hotel. Reginald had missed too many important events in Giles life and he wanted his father to be a part of his wedding.
**********
Willow wondered what had happened. They had researched late and had planned to sleep in for a bit until she was awakened by Buffy's phone call. She hadn't given any reason, just asked that she and the rest of the gang meet her, Giles and Mrs. Summers at the Headquarters at
9:30. That was in thirty minutes she realized when she hung up the phone. Buffy had sounded excited, happy even, so it must not be a problem of the demon variety. Willow woke Tara up and they both got out of bed to get dressed. She called Xander before she dressed to tell him about the morning meeting. Anya was grumbling in the background, but Xander said they would pick them up in about twenty minutes.
**********
Joyce rushed to quickly shower and dress while Buffy and Giles made the phone calls to the rest of the gang. Her little girl was getting married to a man she had wanted for herself. She now realized that she could never have had a relationship with him, like he had with Buffy. The love between the two was so strong it was almost tangible. Joyce knew that she was jealous, but she was proud of the way Buffy had matured and she knew that Rupert would do everything in his power to make her little girl very happy. Joyce quickly finished dressing and they were on their way to meet the rest of the group. She called the Gallery on the way and left a message for her assistant that she wouldn't be in.
**********
Timothy hoped that nothing had happened to Rupert and Buffy, the early morning call had alarmed him. He let Ria sleep, they had patrolled until 2:00 am and he would wake her later if he had to. She was quickly adjusting to her new strength and abilities, and he was very proud of his Slayer. Buffy had patrolled with her two or three times and trained with her almost every day, helping her sister Slayer to become more acclimatized to the new role that had been thrust upon her. Ria's fighting abilities had already been excellent, as evidenced by the many championships she had won over the last five years. Timothy had been very surprised by Colin's insistence on learning to kill vampires to help his daughter. Colin and Ria were a wonderful team, having worked together for so many years training in the martial arts, they knew each others moves and worked together so well it seemed at times like they were one person.
Timothy put coffee on and started water for tea as soon as he reached the lower level of the Headquarters. He had been amazed that the Scooby Gang had wanted to help when he, Ria and Colin had moved to Sunnydale. Never had he seen such a group, ready to help the Slayer in her duties. He was astounded at the proficiency of their abilities and their devotion to Buffy. Of course, at the time he had thought Buffy and Rupert were dead. And what a group it was, two powerful witches, an ex-demon and a young man with a heart the size of California. Then there was Angel Investigations, an ensouled vampire, a half Bracken demon and a secretary. No wonder Buffy had lasted so long as the Slayer. Her friends provided her with wonderful backup and they now were helping him and Ria. He felt that Ria, too would have the chance to retire with all of them helping.
He was brought out of his reverie when he heard knocking on the door. When he looked up he saw Joyce, Rupert and Buffy at the door and went to let them in. He offered them coffee or tea and saw that they had stopped for doughnuts. They had just sat down when the Scooby gang came in shortly followed by Reginald Giles. Once everyone was settled with coffee, tea and doughnuts, Giles stood and began.
"I'm glad you all are here this morning. Buffy and I need your help planning our wedding."
At first there was stunned silence, then pandemonium broke out with Willow and Xander jumping up and hugging both Giles and Buffy, with Willow jumping up and down in her excitement. Anya and Tara joined their lovers and it was several minutes before everyone was quiet.
"As I was saying," he started again, "We need your help planning our wedding for next Thursday."
"That's just eight days away!" Willow commented.
"That's what I said when he asked me," Buffy told her.
They started making lists of what would need to be done but were stopped by Joyce.
"Honey, what kind of wedding do you want? This is your special day and I want it to be perfect."
Buffy looked at her mother and then at Rupert before she began. "When I was small, I dreamed of a big wedding like you see in the movies with the long trailing white gown, and all the attendants and everything. But now all I really want is to share this special man's life," she said as she looked at Rupert with love in her eyes. "The trappings don't matter as much as saying our vows in front of our closest friends and family. I'd like to have it outside in the sunshine, away from all the slaying and darkness. Maybe in our backyard, mom?"
"Honey, that will be fine. What about your father?"
"What about him? Mom he has missed or forgotten just about every event in my life since we moved to Sunnydale. I will invite him but he won't walk me down the aisle. I'd like you to do that. You know me better and you know just how important this day is to me and to Rupert."
Joyce was shocked that her daughter would want her to accompany her and give her to Rupert, but as she thought further, she realized that this was a way she could truly show her acceptance of their love. "Buffy, I'd be honored to," she told her daughter as she hugged her. "Now lets get back to the planning."
Soon everyone was discussing plans, deciding what to include, assigning duties to each person. Giles drew his father to one side to talk to him.
"Rupert, why did Buffy ask her mother to walk her down the aisle?"
"As you know her parents are divorced. Ever since they moved here, Hank Summers has been what you would call an absent father. He shows very little interest in his daughter and doesn't know of her calling," Giles explained.
"But still, it doesn't seem right," Reginald began.
"He has disappointed Buffy again and again. She didn't want him to disappoint her this time, so she chose her mother."
"Do you think he will be at the wedding? I would like to meet him."
"I don't know. He puts his business and his personal affairs before Buffy. But I want to talk to you about the wedding. Father, you've missed so much in my life that I would like to ask you to be my best man."
Reginald looked at his son. He couldn't believe that Rupert was asking him to be a part of this very important day. He was stunned and didn't immediately answer.
"Do you have a problem with me marrying Buffy?" Giles asked anger creeping into his voice.
"No! Of course not," he assured his son. "I'm just stunned that you would ask me to be by your side at your wedding."
"I don't want anyone else. I want us to start over again, and this could be a good start," Giles told him, smiling.
"Son, I would be honored to stand up with you at your wedding," he informed him.
**********
As the planning continued, Buffy pulled Willow aside.
"Will, I need to ask your help."
"Sure, what do you need me to do?"
"Be my maid of honor?"
"Buffy, of course!" Willow screamed as she hugged her best friend.
Everyone looked at the two wondering what had happened.
"Willow just agreed to be my maid of honor," Buffy told everyone staring at them.
"And my Father has agreed to be my best man," Giles announced.
After congratulations had been said, they got back to planning. Each person was given an assignment, even Ria when she came down stairs surprised to find everyone there so early. Once the wedding was explained to her she was glad to offer her help. They broke up about an hour later, each going their own way to start making the preparations for the wedding, and Buffy and Giles headed to L.A. to see Buffy's dad and tell him about the coming wedding.
**********
As Buffy and Giles entered the large corporate offices where Hank Summers was a founding partner, a woman noticed their arrival from the hallway and watched them. Buffy went immediately to the receptionist who she didn't recognize.
"Is Hank Summers in?" she asked of the young receptionist.
"Mr. Summers is on vacation and not expected back for three weeks," She replied in a bored, haughty tone.
"Where can I reach him?"
"I can't give that information out," she said in the same tone of voice.
"Really," Buffy said getting haughty herself. "Then I will see Mr. Alfred Banks. Tell him Buffy Summers and her fiancé are here."
"And why would he want to see you?"
"I've known Uncle Alfred ever since he and Dad started this company. Now will you announce me, or should I just walk back to his office and tell him just how rude you have been to a prospective client!!!" Buffy said.
Before the girl could reach for her phone the woman in her forties, who had been watching the scene from the hallway entered the lobby of the firm.
"Buffy, is that you?" the woman asked.
"Dorothy!" Buffy exclaimed as she hugged the older woman. "I expected to find you on the front desk!"
"Your father thought we needed someone a bit younger to receive customers. I was promoted three years ago, just after you and your mom moved. We still haven't found the correct person," she stated looked at the girl at the receptionist's desk. "Susan, your services are no longer needed. I have never seen anyone so rude to a total stranger. You can finish the day," she told the rude young woman before turning back to Buffy. "Alfred will be so glad to see you."
"Dorothy, this is Rupert Giles, my fiancé,"
"Dorothy, it is a pleasure to meet you," he replied.
"Handsome and British. I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Giles," she replied.
"Please, call me Rupert or Giles."
"Giles? You're called by your last name?"
"I attended boarding schools in England for most of my education. Students are always called by their last names. When I first met Buffy and her friends they all called me Giles."
"You call your fiancé by his last name?" she asked Buffy in surprise?
"I've started calling him Rupert since we've been engaged, though I still call him Giles on occasion," she replied as they came to a door, which Dorothy opened.
"Look who Susan didn't want to let in to see you." she told Alfred who was working on a computer scene with his back to the door.
"I hope you fired her!" he said as he turned around in his chair. Alfred looked to be about the same age as Rupert, with a wiry build and thick black hair. "Buffy? What are you doing here? I thought you would have been at your dad's wedding."
"Wedding? He got married and didn't even tell me?" she exclaimed as Giles led her to a seat.
"Buffy, I'm sorry. I was sure he'd called you."
"It's not your fault. He just forgot me again. I should be used to it my now."
"Why are you here?" Alfred asked wondering who the gentleman with Buffy was.
"Uncle Alfred, this is Rupert Giles, my fiancé. We're getting married next Thursday and I wanted to invite him. Well, that's just another event in my life that he'll miss," she stated in defeat.
"Buffy, I'm sorry. I know you wanted him there," Giles told his fiancé, as he sat beside her holding her in her disappointment.
"Alfred, I'll go and get someone scheduled for the front desk in the morning and the rest of the day. I have the feeling that Susan won't stay," Dorothy told him.
"Thanks, Dorothy. Ask them to send someone with at least five years experience. I don't care what their age is. I'm tired of these young idiots that don't know a phone system from a stereo system," he told her before turning back to Buffy and Giles. "I'm sorry for the reception you got from Susan. Hank and I have argued over the receptionist, he wants eye candy while I just want someone who can do the work. I don't care what they look like."
"That sounds like Dad."
"Rupert, it's nice to meet you. How long have you known Buffy?" he asked in a curious tone of voice.
"We met when she came to Sunnydale. We have been friends for quite sometime. It was only recently that our relationship changed," he told Alfred the story that they would have told Buffy's dad.
Alfred looked at the mismatched couple in front of him. He had seen the love in their eyes for each other as Rupert had comforted Buffy when she had been told of her father's wedding. As different as they seemed, they also seemed to belong together. He was brought out of his thoughts as Susan burst into the room.
"Alfred, Dorothy fired me for a misunderstanding." she started not paying attention to who was sitting in front of his desk.
"Misunderstanding, my ass. You were rude to prospective clients for the last time. I want you out of this suite in the next ten minutes, even if I have to answer the phones myself the rest of the day. Do I make myself clear?" he answered her in a tone of voice, which barely hid his anger.
"Alright. But I'll call Hank when he gets back and I'll have my job back!" she threatened.
"I rather think not. When Hank gets back he'll be opening a new office in San Francisco. If he wants you, it will be his doom. Now leave this office before I call security and have you thrown out!"
When Susan left in a huff, Alfred turned back to Buffy and Giles.
"I'm sorry for her actions. Good help is so hard to find. Buffy, I hate to do this but I have a meeting across town and if I don't leave in five minutes, I won't make it," he told her as he looked at his watch.
"That's ok. But I would like to invite you and Dorothy to our wedding, next Thursday."
"I'm sorry. I seem to be saying that to you a lot this morning. I'm leaving on a business trip next Wednesday. Dorothy and I will be gone for five days."
"Dorothy? You and Dorothy?"
"Yes, we have been dating for about a year now."
"I'm glad to hear it. I always thought the two of you should get together," she told him.
"Thanks, I have to run. If you need anything, anything at all, just call me. I may not be your dad, but I still love you like the daughter I never had," he told her as he hugged her, before he rushed out of the room.
"He's your Dad's partner?" Giles asked.
"Yeah, I've called him Uncle Alfred for as long as I can remember. They were in college together and started this business after they got some experience with other firms. Now their firm is one of the best in Southern California."
"What exactly do they do?"
"They help individuals and corporations manage their money. I don't really understand all of it," she explained as she and Giles left Alfred's office walking back toward the lobby where Susan was just leaving and Dorothy was manning the phones. They talked with Dorothy for a few minutes, then left to go by Angel's office before returning to Sunnydale.
End Part 18