Chapter Thirteen

 

 

 

Angel couldn’t believe his luck.  This was not the way he expected to end his day, by being caught literally red handed by his father in law, naked, in a pool with an underage girl, who just so happened to be his daughter’s babysitter.  ‘I’m going to hell.’

 

“Rupert, what…what are you doing here?”  He fidgeted on his feet as he continued to hold Buffy’s head under the water with one hand.  ‘I hope she can hold her breath for a long time.’

 

Buffy had no idea what was going on because she had been so swept up in the afterglow of her release that she had no idea who had walked in on them.  Obviously it was someone that Angel wanted her to hide from, if the death grip on her head was any indication.  Since she didn’t know who it was, she wasn’t feeling that sympathetic toward Angel’s discomfort and instead was starting to get annoyed.

 

“I called Saturday and there was no answer and I hadn’t heard from any of you in a week. I got worried so I flew over.” Giles said, his eyes squinting in the darkness at Angel.  He stepped closer to the pool and noticed the clothes on the side.  Seeing a pair of white lacy underwear his eyebrow rose and he looked around looking for the owner of those barely there undergarments.

 

Angel didn’t know what to do, but he knew he had to get Giles out of there before Buffy drowned.  Unfortunately for him, too much time had passed and Buffy started scratching his legs trying to get him to let her go. When he didn’t she bit him.

 

“Ouch!”  He released her immediately and jumped up on one leg, his hand going to the bite mark that was on his leg.

 

Buffy jumped up out of the water, gasping for air and glared at Angel, “Angel what the fu…”

 

Seeing Giles standing there she quickly covered her naked breasts, “Giles…hey, ah…what’s up?” Her face was beat red with embarrassment.

 

Giles took another step closer and upon closer inspection, took a step back, “Buffy? Is that you?”

 

Angel finally recovering from her assault on his leg turned to Buffy then Giles. ‘Holy shit they know each other?  Of course they know each other you putz Giles is Spike’s father and Spike has known Buffy since she was ten! Oh god, I’m fucked!’

 

“Ah…yup it’s me…good old Buffy.” She said happily trying to cover up the extreme mortification of being caught with Angel naked in a pool by the person who was like a father to her.

 

Rupert Giles stood on the patio looking at the two of them.  First his face was one of confusion, until he put the scene together; it wasn’t hard considering that they were naked, then his face changed to one of disbelieve and outrage. “Buffy what are you doing here? And why are you both naked in the pool?”

 

Both Angel and Buffy looked at each other and then opened their mouths to speak, but Giles cut them off.

 

“Wait…don’t answer that.”

 

He looked closely at them, one by one. “Buffy you are to get out of that pool immediately young lady and get yourself home!  Does Riley know you’re here? Probably not.  I don’t know why I even thought to ask. Angelus you will meet me in the library now; there is much to be explained!”

 

His words leaving no room for arguments, he turned and swiftly walked into the house.

 

Buffy breathed a sigh of relief that he left.  She didn’t want to talk to Giles right now.  He was so…proper; he always expected her to be a lady, and he always ruined her fun.  She felt a little bad for Angel; she could just imagine what was going through his head.

 

‘I’m dead!  I am so dead!’

 

Angel jumped up out of the pool and turned to help Buffy out. Not once did he look at her, but he was mumbling again in that language that she had no idea what he was saying. ‘One of these days I’m going to have to ask him about that.’

 

She quietly got dressed as he did, and when she was done she walked over to him lightly rubbing his arm.

 

“Hey.” She softly said, drawing his gaze to hers.

 

He smiled slightly at her as he buttoned up his pants.

 

“I’m sorry. I should have told you that I know Giles. I just didn’t think.”

 

“No it’s okay.  You didn’t know hell I didn’t even know he’d show up on our doorstep.” He smiled at her, his hand coming up and caressing her cheek.

 

At the touch of his hand, she closed her eyes, savoring her last few minutes with him and the sweet memory of their pool playtime.  When she opened her eyes he was staring at her with such love and desire that she felt like she was going to explode.

 

“So I…um…guess I should go home,” she said sadly, not wanting to leave.

 

‘No, stay.’

 

“Yeah I guess so.”  He sadly agreed.

 

They stared at each other for a few more minutes and then Buffy grabbed his head and brought his mouth down to hers, kissing him like she hadn’t kissed him in years. Angel’s arms immediately wrapped around her and drew her petite body closer to his as he once again was sucked in by her passionate assault. He moaned as her tongue played with his and he felt his instantaneous response, as his lower body hummed with anticipation.

 

When she pulled back Angel was breathless and he frowned at her, reaching down he adjusted his now aching hard on. “Thanks that was just what I needed before I go before my jailer.”

 

She laughed, “Don’t be silly, Giles isn’t your jailer.”

 

“He’s going to kill me Buffy.” He said it so gloomily that she couldn’t help but tease him.  He was just too cute and sexy when he pouted.

 

“Ah pooh, no he won’t. Just explain everything to him and I’ll be over tomorrow my usual time and I’ll talk to him.” She pressed against him slinking her arms around his neck, “I’ll tell him that you had no choice that - I seduced you,” she whispered in his ear, and then licked the outer rim, making him shiver with lust.

 

When she pulled back he was grinning at her, “Well that is true.”

 

Smiling at each other, they meet in the middle to indulge in their last kiss of the night, which was as hot and seductive as the first.  When they pulled away, they gazed at each other.  Each of them held the hint of lust and discontent in the their eyes.   Neither wanted to be separated from the other, but each knew that was the way it had to be. They slowly walked to the gate, holding hands, their eyes riveted to one another. Buffy opened the gate and turned around to gaze at him one last time.

 

‘I love you.’

 

“I’ll miss you.” She softly said as her soul screamed at her to stay. She smiled tenderly at him and turned away walking down the path to the driveway.

 

“Buffy, wait.” He called out.

 

She spun around, her heart beating madly. “What?” she asked breathlessly. ‘Just say it and I promise I’ll say it back.’

 

“I don’t want you walking home.” He reached into his left pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He threw them at her and she caught them. “Take the BMW, home, school wherever, I just don’t want you walking around by yourself. Understand? Promise me!”  His eyes were hard and drilling into her, waiting for her promise.

 

Buffy released the breath she had been holding and held back her disappointment; no words of love, just concern for her well being, she sighed, “Okay. Angel I promise.”

 

Nearing the car, she opened the door and then called out over her shoulder not caring who heard her, “I’ll see you tomorrow lover!”

 

‘Yeah if I’m still alive.’

 

Angel watched as she got in and started the car up, and then proceeded to peel out of the driveway.  He flinched at her recklessness and wondered who the hell taught her how to drive.

 

He turned around and faced the house, taking a deep breath his feet started to move him to where he really didn’t want to go.

 

“Okay….I can do this.  I’ll just explain the situation to him.  He’s a smart man; he’ll understand, and if worse comes to worse, I’ll grovel and beg for his forgiveness like the dog that I am.”

 

***

 

Giles was standing in the darkened hallway watching the young lovers at the pool.  He couldn’t believe what he walked in on. Angelus and Buffy!  Giles calculated the last time he saw her, which was last year on her…yes it was her seventeenth birthday. Mentally taking note of the day’s date, that would mean she was still seventeen, granted her birthday was in a couple of days, but still it rankled his fatherly concern that his adoptive daughter was having intimate relations with a man who was eight years older then she.

 

He remembered the first time he had met her; it was six years ago when he came for his annual visit.  Every year he flew to the states to see his children and granddaughter, and visit his brother Wesley whom lived in LA.  He remembered it quite clearly, he had been at William’s dorm badgering him about his poor school grades, when the door had flown open and a little blond haired girl ran in at full speed and jumped on Will’s back, pounding him with her little fists and yelling at him, that he had forgotten her birthday.

 

At first, he thought that William had gotten himself into trouble, until he took a closer look at her and saw that she was too old for that and he relaxed. William went on with the introductions and he learned that she was the sister of one of his friends and that their parents had recently died along with two other brothers.  Giles’ heart had broken at hearing that and, ironically, it had instantly made him think of Angelus. 

 

When he heard how her brother Riley wasn’t much of a guardian, that sparked his own paternal instincts to protect her and help her anyway he could. And he set out to get to know her, and help guide her and her brother in anyway he could. They instantly formed a bond, he and Buffy, and she quickly became like a daughter to him. He would call her all the time, making sure she was going to school and behaving. They talked about her family and how much she missed them.  He felt honored that she felt comfortable with him to talk about that, because he knew from William, that she didn’t discuss that with anyone.  Maybe it was the distance between them that made it easier for her, nevertheless, she became a part of his heart and one of his children, sadly more so then his own flesh and blood daughter. 

 

Darla.  His heart was heavy with guilt and sadness when he thought of her.  They never had a good relationship; she was his first-born, and much to Giles’ surprise, the most troublesome.  Darla never appreciated anything he had ever tried to do for her.  He sent her to the best schools and always made sure she had everything she could possibly want.

 

But that was where he erred.  She became spoiled and a brat.  Always wanting more, always wanting things that she could not have. Always demanding and selfish, it was hard for him to admit, but she was an embarrassment to the family’s good name.

 

Things used to be simple, so he thought.  He and Thomas were best friends who happily married their heart’s desires. He remembered when Mary told Thomas that she was pregnant, it was the same time that he found out that Elizabeth was pregnant. The four of them had gone out to celebrate, and as the women went to bed later that night, he and Thomas had sat in the study of his home and made a pact that their first born, should they be a girl and a boy, would wed. The arrangement had been struck and the paperwork was completed that night.

 

Yes they had been drunk and yes their wife’s were appalled by the idea of an arranged marriage saying that it was barbaric and not fair to the children. But he and Thomas had been adamant, each wanting their families to be joined by marriage.

 

When both Angelus and Darla were born only a week away, they had been ecstatic. And Giles and Thomas looked forward to the inevitable union. 

 

But time passed, and Giles and Elizabeth both grew concerned over Darla’s cruel temperament. It was on her thirteenth birthday that Giles realized he could not burden Angelus with a wife who was so heartless and unkind.

 

They had thrown her a party and she had done nothing but complain about everything, from the food to the gifts that she had received.  He clearly remembered her ridiculing one of her less fortunate guests that had given her a doll.  The doll had been a bit straggly and Darla had yelled at her, saying that she was poor and had no business being at her party and giving her a dirty used gift.  The poor girl had run home crying and Darla had sat back, smiling and laughing.

 

It was later that night that he had sat Thomas down and told him straight out to reconsider the agreement.  That he was embarrassed and ashamed of his daughter and what she had become. He told him that she was not fit to marry a pig, and that he loved Angelus too much to encumber him with a wife such as she.

 

But Thomas shook his head no; steady in his resolve to bring the families together. He laughed, and told Giles not to worry, that although Darla did indeed have a sour disposition that it wouldn’t matter; Angelus was a strong boy and would have no problem keeping Darla in her place and out of trouble. Giles had seriously doubted it and urged his friend to reconsider but he refused.

 

When his wife Elizabeth died three years later, it was the worst day of Giles’ life. He hadn’t thought he could feel any more wretched then he did that day. But he was wrong, and his grief was only enhanced by the impudence of his daughter.

 

It had been the day of the funeral, and they had stood at Elizabeth’s grave in the rain, Darla was sixteen and William was thirteen.  William had been holding on to his hand, crying for the loss of his dear mother and Darla did nothing but mock him, telling him that he was a baby because he was crying.

 

Giles had turned angry bitter eyes to his first born and told her that she was a callous selfish girl, with a heart as cold as stone.  She had looked at him empty and distant, laughing she said flippantly that she didn’t care what he thought and that all she wanted was her mother’s jewelry and her share of the will.  That was all that she cared about and he had been floored.

 

He smirked remembering William’s reaction to her words; he had stepped up to her and slapped her across the face telling her that she was a bitch. He of course had been stunned along with Darla, but he didn’t scold him, he simply pulled him back to his side protectively and hugged him closer, oddly proud that he did what he did.

 

The next incident that stuck in his mind, was when his best friends, Thomas and Mary died.  It was only a year after Elizabeth passed away and Angelus had been seventeen.  Giles had been devastated by their deaths and had immediately insisted that Angelus move in with them, which he did.

 

The night after the funeral Angelus had come into his study wanting to talk to him.  He stood there like a young aristocrat with his head held high, his hardened sad eyes staring back at him like an adult, and told him that he knew Giles had told Thomas he didn’t have to marry Darla, but that Angelus knew it was his father’s wish to combine the families and so he insisted on following through with the arrangement.

Giles had tried to get him to change his mind, the love loss that he had for his daughter was not blind to anyone, including Angelus, who was quite aware of Darla’s selfish and nasty nature, having been on the receiving end of it many times himself.  But he didn’t care; he loved his father and wanted to fulfill his father’s wishes. Both Giles and William had argued with him, vehemently trying to persuade him, from what they believed would be a mistake. But Angelus, like his father, had refused, and eventually Giles gave in, and they married.

 

As he expected, the marriage was a disaster and the guilt he felt for the way Darla treated Angelus was almost unbearable. When Giles found out that she was pregnant a spark of hope had echoed in his heart.  Perhaps a baby would bring out her softer side; perhaps she would change.  But she hadn’t.  If anything she got worse.  She became meaner and more bitter.  More and more she taunted Angelus, throwing the affairs with her numerous lovers in his face, knowing that he would never divorce her for the sake of the family.

 

Giles thought the treatment of her husband was abhorrent but it was the treatment of her daughter that was beyond repugnant and Giles was baffled as to how a woman could be so cruel to her own flesh and blood. She had never wanted anything to do with Kathleen.  She blamed her for the loss of her figure, lovers, and for giving Angelus something that he always wanted: a family, something that, for whatever reason, she herself had never wanted.

 

That was the most disturbing thing for Giles, that she was so adamant about not wanting a family.  She never wanted to marry Angelus.  Oh she lusted after him and loved the money that came with him, but she hated the idea of family.  Giles never understood that.  He and Elizabeth always loved the children and stressed the importance of family to them, so he could never comprehend the origin of Darla’s aversion. 

 

He shook his head clearing the memories that left him feeling like a failure.  His eyes were drawn to the photo on the wall, William, Angelus and Kathy, all hugging and smiling in his backyard in England.  He smiled. These three were his salvation.  These three children showed him that he was not a complete failure at being a parent. They were all wonderful, warm and selfless people.  But he wasn’t blind and he knew that Angelus changed drastically after marrying Darla.  He became a work alcoholic, always thinking about Kathleen’s future, which was wonderful but he lost himself along with way.  The carefree happy young man that he knew disappeared.

 

Which lead his thoughts back to Buffy. Buffy was much like Kathleen and William, and even Angelus himself had once been, warm, caring, and a bit reckless…a free spirit. She was a loving person with a strong sense of will and spirit, a heart as open and pure as the sun, and her soul was both angelic and devilish at the same time. She was most assuredly a handful, he had always thought so, but she was also incredibly attuned to life and knew how to live it to the fullest.

 

The more he though about his adoptive daughter and his son in law, the more he started to think that perhaps she was just what he needed.  Perhaps it would be Buffy that would draw Angelus back into the light of love and life, back to his daughter and family, where he belonged.  And Angelus would undoubtedly give Buffy the security and direction, and the love of a family that she so desperately needed and craved.

 

Watching them outside in the black of night, talking softly to each other, the feather light caresses and touches, the kiss that steamed up his own glasses just by watching, it was plain to see that they had a deep intimacy with each other, an intimacy that went beyond the physical.

 

As he watched Buffy leave and the look of desolation on Angelus’ face, he smiled. Yes it was a very suitable match but one that would have to wait until Buffy was of age.  Of course he would have to scold them for their impetuousness; he couldn’t resist making them suffer a little bit. But eventually he would acquiesce to the union and he hoped that was exactly what it would turn out to be.

 

Seeing Angel walking toward the house with his hands in his pockets, head lowered and shoulders slumped, muttering to himself, Giles turned and headed toward the front library a mischievous smile on his face.

 

***

 

Buffy was amazingly happy and carefree when she got home. She knew why though, it was because she now had a better understanding of where she stood with Angel, and she had a better understanding of her own feelings, which really was the most crucial thing because if she had a better understanding of her own feelings it would make it much easier to get Angel to see things her way.

 

She giggled as she opened the door and stepped inside.  The look on Giles’ face was priceless and honestly she did not for one second feel bad for Angel and whatever he was going through right now.  That man had way too much humdrum in his life, and he needed a little disheveling every now and then. Of course she wouldn’t let him take the blame, because really she was the one that pushed him and she planned on taking full responsibility for her own actions. She didn’t want Giles be angry with him.

 

“Buffy? Where have you been?”

 

Riley came out of the kitchen after hearing the door open, seeing his sister staring at the wall in a daze, he walked over to her, touching her shoulder lightly, “Buffy?”

 

She jumped her hand flying over her heart, “Riley! God you scared me.”

 

He smiled at her apologetically, “I’m sorry, you just looked sort of out of it, are you okay?”

 

She smiled at him warmly, and he was taken back, by the sincerity of that smile, “I’m great Riley thanks, how are you?” She asked walking into the kitchen and grabbing a coke she sat down at the counter.

 

Riley followed behind her a little unsure of exactly what was going on.  She seemed genuinely interested in how he was doing and it was so different from the usual fake sarcasm he got from her, that he didn’t know how to respond.

 

Buffy laughed at his expression, “I’m serious Riley, how are you? What’s going on with your life?”

 

Riley watched her then chuckled, “yeah right this is where you seem all sincere and get me to tell you, and then you’re going to make fun of me or laugh at me in some way or another, right?”

 

Her eyebrow crinkled, ‘have I always been a bitch to my brother?’

 

Her facial expression changed and she looked at him seriously, “No Riley this isn’t some ploy to make fun of you, I’m truly interested in knowing how you are.”

 

“Yeah right.”  He spun around looking for her comrades in crime, “Then Xander will jump out and say something to degrade me.”

 

As his continued to search the room, Buffy shook her head at him, feeling awful. “Riley, Xander isn’t here.  And I’m not joking I swear on mom and dad.”

 

He looked at her, hard, trying to ascertain if she was telling the truth.  “You’re serious? You really want to know.”

 

 ‘This was why she was always sarcastic with him he’s so slow.’

 

She rolled her eyes, “Yes Riley I really want to know.”

 

Riley relaxed and smiled at her, he sat down across from her at the counter. “I’m pretty good; actually I think I might be getting a promotion,” he said proudly.

 

“That’s great Riley!  Good for you.”

 

He smiled at her, “Thanks Buffy.”

 

He continued to study her; she was awfully friendly and happy today, maybe a little too friendly and happy. It was definitely a strange occurrence that never happened between them, which led him to wonder just what the hell she’d been up too.

 

He frowned, “Buffy where have you been for the last couple of days? You didn’t come home Friday, you were gone all day Saturday and then yesterday. What have you been getting into?” he asked, bracing himself for her answer.

 

She chuckled, “Don’t sound so scared Riley.  Actually I’ve been working.”

 

‘Yeah working at getting laid.’ She smiled at her thoughts.

 

Riley looked at her with disbelief, “Working? You? Working?”

 

She frowned at him, “Yes me.”

 

He didn’t know if believed her, but she seemed so miffed that he didn’t believe her that she had to be telling the truth, he smiled at her. Finally his sister was doing something productive

 

“Oh… that’s great Buffy, what kind of job is it?” he asked.

 

She smiled, “Babysitting.”

 

Riley blankly looked at her. ‘No he couldn’t have heard her right.’

 

“Excuse me?”

 

Looking at him, her smile gone, she answered him, “I said I was babysitting.”

 

He just continued to stare back at her blankly, and after a few seconds ticked by he began to laugh, loudly. “Babysitting! You’re babysitting!”

 

“What’s so funny about that?” she asked quietly.

 

“What’s funny about that?  Come on Buffy., You, the poster child for juvenile delinquency, is babysitting some poor schmuck’s kid!” He laughed even harder, tears forming in his eyes at the very suggestion. “What are you teaching her?  How to pick locks and steal cars?”

 

He was laughing so hard, his face was red and tears were running down his face.  Buffy sat there, watching him laugh at her, and she was so mad she just wanted to rip his tonsils out and shove em’ up his nose, ‘that would shut him up.’

 

“I don’t think it’s funny Riley. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of a young child.” She leaned forward, “You’re the one that seems to be unable to do that,” she sneered, shutting him up immediately. 

 

He leaned forward and sneered back at her, “Oh yeah, well if the kid’s a brat like you were then you’ll see how much of a pain in the ass it is!”

 

Buffy stood up and slammed her palms down on the table, “Oh yeah…well at least I won’t be an asshole and ignore her and treat her like a nobody!” she screamed at him.

 

Riley stood up and slammed his hands down on the table leaning forward, “Oh yeah, well maybe if she was nicer then you wouldn’t have to be an asshole and ignore her; maybe you’d want to talk to her!”

 

They stared at each, red faced and fuming, and then Buffy stood up straight. “You know Riley, I though for once that maybe, just maybe, we could sit down and have a normal healthy brother sister conversation, but I can see now that you are too childish for that.”  She turned away and briskly walked out of the kitchen. “I’ll be in my room.”

 

Riley was about to reply but shut his mouth.  He sat down dejectedly in his chair and felt bad.  He was honestly enjoying their conversation until he laughed at her.  But he couldn’t help it.  The idea that his wild sister was caring for another human being, that was not herself, was just so absurd he couldn’t help but laugh.

 

But she looked really upset that he didn’t believe her and that he laughed at her.  There was definitely something different about her; she did seem …happier and more content.  Just what kind of babysitting job was this? 

 

Riley being a military man, automatically assumed the worse, ‘Something’s going on and I’m going to find out what it is.’

 

***

 

“Rupert I…um…don’t know what to say.” Angel said sitting down on the couch with a glass of whiskey in his hand. He figured the best thing was to just sit here and take his punishment like a man, then go upstairs and hide.

 

“Angelus, what was Buffy doing here and how do you know Buffy for that matter?” Giles had a drink in one hand and was pacing, making Angel feel like the naughty schoolboy being scolded by the teacher.

 

“Um…ahem…well, Buffy’s…” he fidgeted in his seat. ‘Spit it out Angel! You’re a grown man for god’s sake in your own home!’

 

“ummm….”

 

Giles stopped pacing and fixed him with a glare tapping his foot impatiently, “Yes…yes…Buffy’s what?”

 

“She’s Kathy’s new babysitter.”

 

Giles blanched.  Had his son in law lost his mind! “Her babysitter!”

 

Angel nodded and gulped down his drink quickly, then got up and walked over to the credenza and poured himself another one.  He drank that one down, and then turned around to face Giles, the fiery liquid giving him his balls back. “Look Rupert, I know what you’re thinking and believe me, I thought the same thing, at first.  Honestly I tried to stay away from her I swear, just ask Spike.”

 

“William knows about his too?” That Giles found very interesting, knowing how protective he was of Buffy.

 

“Yes in fact it was Spike’s idea!” Angel said.

 

“It was William’s idea that you assault her in your pool?”

 

“Yes…what…NO…Spike was the one that suggested that she baby-sit for Kathy.” Angel ran a hand through his hair and started to pace as Giles sat down, calmly watching him, enjoying his discomfort.

 

“Rupert I, look…I really don’t know what to say here okay! Frankly I’m so embarrassed right now I’m at a loss for words.” He threw his hands up in the air, not knowing what to do.

 

“As you should be my boy, Angelus Buffy is seventeen and I do believe that is illegal.”

 

“I know that.” He said annoyed.

 

“She’s also extremely…wild.”  Giles pointed out.

 

Angel smiled, erotic memories filtering through his mind. “I know that too.” He softly said.

 

Seeing Angelus in never-never land, Giles coughed getting his attention, “Angelus, I know that you don’t know this, but Buffy is like a daughter to me.  I’ve known her since she was eleven and knowing her status with her family and brother, I took it upon myself to watch over her and protect her.  So I feel it is my duty, not only as Kathleen’s grandfather, but also as Buffy’s surrogate father to ask you, just where you plan on going with this…relationship.”

 

‘Okay to the point, that’s good, I can do that.’

 

Angel grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the couch.  He sat down and looked Giles straight in the eye.  “Rupert I understand how you feel, honestly I do. And let me assure you that Buffy has been nothing but the most concerned and mature adult when dealing with Kathy.  In fact, she’s amazing.  Kathy loves her to death and...”

 

‘Do I say it?  Do I tell the man that has not only been a second father to me but also to Buffy what I really want to say?  Yes, I can.’

 

“I love her.” He sat back in the chair, “There I’ve said…okay, I love her! And I don’t care what you say Rupert I’m going to be with her, and if I had it my way, she’d stay with me and Kathy forever. If I could, if I thought it was the right thing to do, I would ask her to marry me when she turns eighteen. But I’m not going to, and you want to know why?”

 

‘This was getting interesting.’ Giles nodded.

 

“Because even though I love her I want her to experience life to the fullest and do what ever she wants to do,  If she wants to go away to college then that’s what I want for her too.  It would hurt like hell to be away from her, but I would do it, because I want what’s best for her.”

 

Inside Giles was bursting with joy.  He had no idea that things had gotten that far along.  He had seen the attraction, felt the heat between them even from a distance, but to hear Angelus say that he would marry her when he had clearly said in the past that he would never marry again was something that he was not expecting.

 

He had to be sure; he put his drink down, “Angelus. Listen to me very carefully.  I love you like my son and I love Kathleen, you two have filled my life with so much joy that I cannot even describe it.”  His voice lowered, “I know that Darla was horrible to you both and I somehow feel responsible for that.”

 

Angel shook his head, “No Rupert that wasn’t your fault, I knew what I was getting myself into when I married her.”

 

“Yes but nonetheless she was still my daughter and I can’t help but feel somewhat responsible for her actions towards you two, however that’s all water under the bridge, so they say. “

 

He stood up, “Angelus I love Buffy and I know that she is an incredible woman.  I say woman, because all though she is young she has dealt with so much in her young life that she has matured beyond her years, but, that does not mean that she is mentally ready for a relationship of this magnitude.  She’s vulnerable, she’s lonely, and she is extremely needy, all things that would make her easy prey to a man who has a plentitude of experience when it comes to love and sex.”

 

Angel stood up his face a mask of anger, “You think I’m using her? You think I would hurt her?”

 

“No I don’t, I know you Angelus and I know that consciously you would not, but what about the things you can’t control. What about her friends, what about Riley for that matter, do you think that they will just sit by while you a man, her senior of eight years, becomes intimately involved with her?”

 

Angel looked at him, ‘All right, Giles doesn’t know of Buffy’s…activities, well I’m not going to be the one to tell him. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.’

 

Personally Giles didn’t care one snot about her friends or Riley; he just wanted to see the depths of Angelus’ devotion because that was what mattered.  Because in the end he was the one that could hurt Buffy the most, by discarding her and that was what he was worried about.

 

Angel walked right up to Giles and looked him in the eye, his voice was steely when he spoke and his eyes were hard, “Rupert, I don’t give a shit what her friends or Riley has to say.  Buffy and I want to be together, we love each other and I’m not going to let someone other then Buffy herself get in the way of us being a family.”

 

Giles smiled at him, “Good. That’s what I wanted to hear.” 

 

He walked over to the credenza and poured himself another drink.

 

Angel watched him; relaxing when he realized what game Giles had been playing. He smirked at him, “You’re not mad.” He stated.

 

Giles turned around, “No on the contrary I’m quite pleased.  Buffy is a wonderful person and she would make an excellent addition to our family.” He smiled at him and Angel smiled back, glad that things were going so smoothly.

 

“But…”

 

‘Why is there always a but?’

 

Giles eyes hardened, “That still does not make it right Angelus she is only seventeen.  I insist that you wait until she becomes of age, to…proceed in your relationship.”

 

“Don’t worry Rupert, we haven’t…proceeded, that far.” Angel plopped down on the couch, his face a mask of frustration.

 

His eyebrow rose and he studied him, looking for any sign of deceit, “No.”

 

Angel sighed, “No. I told Buffy we had to wait. It didn’t feel right to me.”

 

He looked so unhappy about that, that Giles turned away smirking. “Good. I’m glad to hear that you have not totally lost your senses.”

 

Angel harrumphed.

 

Giles put down his drink and grabbed his bags; “Well I’m going to head upstairs.  I’m extremely tired, I’ll see you tomorrow. Should I pick Kathleen up from school?”

 

“No Buffy does.  They should be home around three-fifteen.”

 

Giles stopped and turned to him, shock on his face, “You let Buffy drive?”

 

Angel frowned, “Yeah.”

 

“Angelus, have you seen Buffy drive?” Giles asked.

 

Angel’s frown became darker, “Yeah.”

 

Giles sighed again and turned, his hand on the doorknob, he stopped again, “Have you um met Riley yet?” he asked.

 

Angel shook his head no.

 

Giles smiled then started to laugh heartily, he walked out of the room, leaving Angel to ponder his reaction.

 

 

 

Chapter Fourteen