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summer_of_giles2010-07-09 03:47 pm
janus-74.livejournal.com) wrote in summer_of_giles2010-07-09 03:47 pm
Entry tags:
FIC: The Place You Can Never Really Leave
TITLE: The Place You Can Never Really Leave
AUTHOR: Tania![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
janus_74
PAIRING: Giles/Anya
RATING: Teen
LENGTH: 1800 words
SUMMARY: AU post-Grave world where Giles is back, again, to help the Scoobies save the world. This is what happens right after that.
NOTES: My offering for the![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
summer_of_giles
Rocks and boulders littered the landscape. A thin cloud of dust was starting to settle over the newly formed crater, evidence of the latest Big Bad they had been able to defeat.
“Why do I feel like every six months I’m coming back here to ward off impending doom?” Giles asked, leaning back on his elbows and surveying the damage.
Buffy looked over at her watcher “Because you refuse to visit us like a regular person? This is the only way I can see you anymore.”
Giles laughed at that, glad to see she could still keep her sense of humour in the face (or aftermath) of impending doom. “I’ll have to consider breaking myself of that habit.” He grinned fondly at her.
It was an odd truth though; first was after he received a message from the coven and he found Willow had turned to the dark magics.
Six months later he returned to help defeat a potential dimensional portal disaster.
This time it was a surprisingly well connected, magically speaking, cult that had made the Hellmouth their home and in the process created a rift that threatened to consume the entire state of California.
Rather routine, really.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure approach. Pulling his thoughts back to the present he nodded to Buffy and they both stood up to face the on-comer.
“Destruct much guys?” Dawn called out, coughing and waving an arm in front of her, trying to get free of the dust cloud.
Seeing that it was Dawn and she was safe they relaxed and started scanning the area for the rest of the group. Xander and Willow could be seen, carefully making their way around the rubble. “I don’t see Spike or Anya do you?” Buffy asked looking in the opposite direction.
“Watcher! A little help over here!”
Giles turned towards the voice and saw Spike supporting a slightly dazed Anya slowly making their way across the clearing.
“Hey Dad,” Spike said as Giles got closer, “ Looks like Step-mum took a little knock on the head” Spike turned to Anya and said quiet enough for only her to hear “ Here you go luv, you’ll be fine in Rupes capable hands.” He grinned and started to walk away from the pair.
Giles watched as both Dawn and Buffy picked their way towards the vampire. He threw an arm over both their shoulders and steered them towards the cars. “No need to worry about Rupes and Anya, they’ll follow in the other car.”
Giles watched the display between Spike and his slayer. He was surprised to see the changes that had occurred since his last visit, where saying things were strained between them was putting it mildly. Now Buffy was surprisingly happy, her and Dawn were getting along better, finding the balance in their relationship and Spike had re-instated himself into their good graces with a soul, of all things. Giles had spent a good part of his non-research time grilling the vampire about his change and how he was coping. Curiosity only – he wasn’t about to report a second souled vampire to the council.
Enough of that, he thought and turned his attention to the lady leaning heavily in his arms. “Anya,” he said, running his hands over her arms checking for injuries. “Are you OK?”
She looked up at him and gave a small half smile. “Just a little head bump and maybe some sore muscles in the morning.” He pulled her closer, inspecting the cut on her hairline. With gentle fingers he brushed her now dark hair away from her face. Not seeing any other injuries he took a white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the small trickle of blood from her forehead.
Since his return there were only a few moments when they found themselves alone, and each time he found he was falling further for her. His coming back reminded him of the last two times they had been together. Really together. Once, betrothed under a spell, the second, near death with the fate of the world looming over them. He found himself making excuses for researching with her, volunteering to gather supplies and offering to make sure she arrived home safely.
But he was trying very hard to keep any feelings just below the surface, for her sake as well as his.
Only Spike suspected anything was different. Had called him on it during one of their question and answer sessions. Asked if he was aware he was acting like a poncy git, suggested just getting bloody well on with it, and ended the conversation speculating Anya probably wouldn’t turn him down.
And *that* was an intriguing idea.
~*~
Despite Anyas insistence that she was all right Giles walked her from his rental car to the front step of her building. “You helped me last time, seems only fair that I return the favour.” he said as she turned the key in the lock of the slightly worn apartment door.
With a slight nod of her head as she pushed the door open she asked if he would like to come in.
"I really should go back to the hotel and pack." He indicated the towards the door.
She nodded silently.
"Right then," he patted his pockets to find his keys. "Best get on then.
Before he could turn around she flung herself against his chest. His surprise only lasted a moment before he relaxed and allowed himself this small opportunity to have her in his arms .
He rested his forehead against hers. Before he could speak, Anya broke through his thoughts. “I know you have to leave. I don’t want you to go.”
“Back to my hotel, or England?”
“Either. Both.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, and tucked her head under his chin. On instinct, he brought his hands up to rub her back. “I like how I feel when you’re around,” she mumbled into his chest.
“If I could find a way to stay, I would.”
“But you can’t.” she said looking up at him.
“No, I can’t. I’m so sorry Anya.”
She straightened up and brushed the lapels of his shirt. “So,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’ll see you next apocalypse.”
“You can always call me when you need to talk.” Giles chided, softly brushing an errant strand of hair away from her face.
“Not the same.”
“No, it’s not. Is it?” she shook her head, no. “Will you come to the airport tomorrow?” he asked.
“I don’t think so," her fingers played absently along his shoulders. "I’m not sure I can handle saying goodbye again.”
Giles tried to hide the disappointment he was sure had flooded his face, “I will truly miss you Anya.” He leaned into her and gently kissed her lips after the first light touch heat began to flow between the two, and after a few chaste seconds the kiss became desperate. Each trying to get closer, knowing that in a short time they would be alone again. There was a whimper and a groan, neither knew who had made the noise. Hands began clutching and grabbing at offensive clothing. Fingers became entwined and released, only to find themselves in hair, desperately pulling closer wanting to meld into the other, any space between them was too much.
Slowly he began moving them away from the door, still never breaking contact. Taking his cue, Anya started to unbutton his shirt, tugging it off when the last button popped open, letting it land in a pile on her hallway floor. When she started to unbuckle his belt, he grabbed her hands stilling them.
She looked at him, suddenly unsure if he wanted to continue. Seeing her hesitation he softly kissed both of her palms, and wordlessly lifted her by the waist. With a slight squeal she wrapped her legs around his hips, the sudden contact sending shivers through her body. He started kissing and nibbling his way up her neck, along her jawbone, pausing only when he felt her shiver as he kissed her earlobe.
“Anya?” he whispered
“First door on the left” she answered, aware of his unspoken question. She re-assumed the attack on his mouth, playfully nipping at his bottom lip.
He carried her into the sparsely furnished bedroom, stopping when his knee’s bumped up against the bed. Unhooking her legs, Anya kneeled on the bed in front of him. His fingers traced her face and worked down along her collarbone. Seeing the want in her eyes, Giles softly brushed his fingers over the gentle swell of her breast. Silently she bit her lower lip and leaned into his caress.
“Anya,” he questioned looking into her eyes, ‘are you sure about this?’ was his silent question.
She smiled at his unspoken words. “Rupert,” she punctuated with a kiss. “ we're wearing too many clothes.”
~*~
The sun crept over the horizon as Giles retrieved his discarded shirt from the front room. Standing in the doorway of the bedroom, he watched the steady rise and fall of her chest. He wanted nothing more than to crawl back under the covers with her, he wanted to see her face when she woke up, wanted to kiss her good morning and see her radiating smile. But, as part of their agreement, he was to leave without waking her.
Neither had wanted to say goodbye.
Giles walked to the side of the bed and knelt down on the floor, his face even with hers. He began playing with the hair that was splayed across the pillow, a new habit for him. “I'll see you again soon my dear. I promise.” He whispered as he kissed her cheek. Taking one last look, Giles stood up and walked out the door.
~*~
Giles collected his bag from the security station, checked his boarding pass and started walking towards gate D-17. Leaving Sunnydale before hadn't been easy, but it never left a hole in his heart the way this morning had.
Finding his gate, and seeing that boarding wouldn’t start for another half hour, he scanned the waiting area for an empty seat. Spotting one overlooking the tarmac he weaved his way through the crowd and sat down.
“I thought you weren’t going to come and see me off.” He asked the brunette sitting beside him.
“I’m not.” Anya said, turning in her seat to face him. He noticed the boarding pass tucked into the front pocket of her purse. “Feel like putting up an old friend while she visits?”
“I think I can be persuaded.” Giles smiled, a sparkle returning to his eyes.
AUTHOR: Tania
janus_74PAIRING: Giles/Anya
RATING: Teen
LENGTH: 1800 words
SUMMARY: AU post-Grave world where Giles is back, again, to help the Scoobies save the world. This is what happens right after that.
NOTES: My offering for the
summer_of_gilesRocks and boulders littered the landscape. A thin cloud of dust was starting to settle over the newly formed crater, evidence of the latest Big Bad they had been able to defeat.
“Why do I feel like every six months I’m coming back here to ward off impending doom?” Giles asked, leaning back on his elbows and surveying the damage.
Buffy looked over at her watcher “Because you refuse to visit us like a regular person? This is the only way I can see you anymore.”
Giles laughed at that, glad to see she could still keep her sense of humour in the face (or aftermath) of impending doom. “I’ll have to consider breaking myself of that habit.” He grinned fondly at her.
It was an odd truth though; first was after he received a message from the coven and he found Willow had turned to the dark magics.
Six months later he returned to help defeat a potential dimensional portal disaster.
This time it was a surprisingly well connected, magically speaking, cult that had made the Hellmouth their home and in the process created a rift that threatened to consume the entire state of California.
Rather routine, really.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a figure approach. Pulling his thoughts back to the present he nodded to Buffy and they both stood up to face the on-comer.
“Destruct much guys?” Dawn called out, coughing and waving an arm in front of her, trying to get free of the dust cloud.
Seeing that it was Dawn and she was safe they relaxed and started scanning the area for the rest of the group. Xander and Willow could be seen, carefully making their way around the rubble. “I don’t see Spike or Anya do you?” Buffy asked looking in the opposite direction.
“Watcher! A little help over here!”
Giles turned towards the voice and saw Spike supporting a slightly dazed Anya slowly making their way across the clearing.
“Hey Dad,” Spike said as Giles got closer, “ Looks like Step-mum took a little knock on the head” Spike turned to Anya and said quiet enough for only her to hear “ Here you go luv, you’ll be fine in Rupes capable hands.” He grinned and started to walk away from the pair.
Giles watched as both Dawn and Buffy picked their way towards the vampire. He threw an arm over both their shoulders and steered them towards the cars. “No need to worry about Rupes and Anya, they’ll follow in the other car.”
Giles watched the display between Spike and his slayer. He was surprised to see the changes that had occurred since his last visit, where saying things were strained between them was putting it mildly. Now Buffy was surprisingly happy, her and Dawn were getting along better, finding the balance in their relationship and Spike had re-instated himself into their good graces with a soul, of all things. Giles had spent a good part of his non-research time grilling the vampire about his change and how he was coping. Curiosity only – he wasn’t about to report a second souled vampire to the council.
Enough of that, he thought and turned his attention to the lady leaning heavily in his arms. “Anya,” he said, running his hands over her arms checking for injuries. “Are you OK?”
She looked up at him and gave a small half smile. “Just a little head bump and maybe some sore muscles in the morning.” He pulled her closer, inspecting the cut on her hairline. With gentle fingers he brushed her now dark hair away from her face. Not seeing any other injuries he took a white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the small trickle of blood from her forehead.
Since his return there were only a few moments when they found themselves alone, and each time he found he was falling further for her. His coming back reminded him of the last two times they had been together. Really together. Once, betrothed under a spell, the second, near death with the fate of the world looming over them. He found himself making excuses for researching with her, volunteering to gather supplies and offering to make sure she arrived home safely.
But he was trying very hard to keep any feelings just below the surface, for her sake as well as his.
Only Spike suspected anything was different. Had called him on it during one of their question and answer sessions. Asked if he was aware he was acting like a poncy git, suggested just getting bloody well on with it, and ended the conversation speculating Anya probably wouldn’t turn him down.
And *that* was an intriguing idea.
~*~
Despite Anyas insistence that she was all right Giles walked her from his rental car to the front step of her building. “You helped me last time, seems only fair that I return the favour.” he said as she turned the key in the lock of the slightly worn apartment door.
With a slight nod of her head as she pushed the door open she asked if he would like to come in.
"I really should go back to the hotel and pack." He indicated the towards the door.
She nodded silently.
"Right then," he patted his pockets to find his keys. "Best get on then.
Before he could turn around she flung herself against his chest. His surprise only lasted a moment before he relaxed and allowed himself this small opportunity to have her in his arms .
He rested his forehead against hers. Before he could speak, Anya broke through his thoughts. “I know you have to leave. I don’t want you to go.”
“Back to my hotel, or England?”
“Either. Both.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, and tucked her head under his chin. On instinct, he brought his hands up to rub her back. “I like how I feel when you’re around,” she mumbled into his chest.
“If I could find a way to stay, I would.”
“But you can’t.” she said looking up at him.
“No, I can’t. I’m so sorry Anya.”
She straightened up and brushed the lapels of his shirt. “So,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’ll see you next apocalypse.”
“You can always call me when you need to talk.” Giles chided, softly brushing an errant strand of hair away from her face.
“Not the same.”
“No, it’s not. Is it?” she shook her head, no. “Will you come to the airport tomorrow?” he asked.
“I don’t think so," her fingers played absently along his shoulders. "I’m not sure I can handle saying goodbye again.”
Giles tried to hide the disappointment he was sure had flooded his face, “I will truly miss you Anya.” He leaned into her and gently kissed her lips after the first light touch heat began to flow between the two, and after a few chaste seconds the kiss became desperate. Each trying to get closer, knowing that in a short time they would be alone again. There was a whimper and a groan, neither knew who had made the noise. Hands began clutching and grabbing at offensive clothing. Fingers became entwined and released, only to find themselves in hair, desperately pulling closer wanting to meld into the other, any space between them was too much.
Slowly he began moving them away from the door, still never breaking contact. Taking his cue, Anya started to unbutton his shirt, tugging it off when the last button popped open, letting it land in a pile on her hallway floor. When she started to unbuckle his belt, he grabbed her hands stilling them.
She looked at him, suddenly unsure if he wanted to continue. Seeing her hesitation he softly kissed both of her palms, and wordlessly lifted her by the waist. With a slight squeal she wrapped her legs around his hips, the sudden contact sending shivers through her body. He started kissing and nibbling his way up her neck, along her jawbone, pausing only when he felt her shiver as he kissed her earlobe.
“Anya?” he whispered
“First door on the left” she answered, aware of his unspoken question. She re-assumed the attack on his mouth, playfully nipping at his bottom lip.
He carried her into the sparsely furnished bedroom, stopping when his knee’s bumped up against the bed. Unhooking her legs, Anya kneeled on the bed in front of him. His fingers traced her face and worked down along her collarbone. Seeing the want in her eyes, Giles softly brushed his fingers over the gentle swell of her breast. Silently she bit her lower lip and leaned into his caress.
“Anya,” he questioned looking into her eyes, ‘are you sure about this?’ was his silent question.
She smiled at his unspoken words. “Rupert,” she punctuated with a kiss. “ we're wearing too many clothes.”
~*~
The sun crept over the horizon as Giles retrieved his discarded shirt from the front room. Standing in the doorway of the bedroom, he watched the steady rise and fall of her chest. He wanted nothing more than to crawl back under the covers with her, he wanted to see her face when she woke up, wanted to kiss her good morning and see her radiating smile. But, as part of their agreement, he was to leave without waking her.
Neither had wanted to say goodbye.
Giles walked to the side of the bed and knelt down on the floor, his face even with hers. He began playing with the hair that was splayed across the pillow, a new habit for him. “I'll see you again soon my dear. I promise.” He whispered as he kissed her cheek. Taking one last look, Giles stood up and walked out the door.
~*~
Giles collected his bag from the security station, checked his boarding pass and started walking towards gate D-17. Leaving Sunnydale before hadn't been easy, but it never left a hole in his heart the way this morning had.
Finding his gate, and seeing that boarding wouldn’t start for another half hour, he scanned the waiting area for an empty seat. Spotting one overlooking the tarmac he weaved his way through the crowd and sat down.
“I thought you weren’t going to come and see me off.” He asked the brunette sitting beside him.
“I’m not.” Anya said, turning in her seat to face him. He noticed the boarding pass tucked into the front pocket of her purse. “Feel like putting up an old friend while she visits?”
“I think I can be persuaded.” Giles smiled, a sparkle returning to his eyes.