There was a longer silence as Alec slowly picked up one corner of the cloth to peer at Buffy who was looking right at him.
“Don’t worry, I’m not insinuating anything,” she added hurriedly, “I was honestly just curious,” Taking her words at face value, Alec considered,
“Well, if I had to pick any one reason, I think it would be that I couldn’t fight alongside someone I was involved with,” he replied after a long pause. Buffy frowned,
“But you and Willow…” Alec shook his head.
“Willow usually hangs back or stays out of the fighting completely, I try to make sure of that. You and I are on the front lines,” he shook his head, “I couldn’t fight if I was worried about you,”
“And you’re not worried about me as my brother?” she asked petulantly. Alec shrugged,
“My logic outweighs my emotions on that one; I know you can take care of yourself,”
“And if we were involved?” Alec snorted.
“Goodbye logic, Hello massive overprotective instinct,” he replied wryly, draping the cloth over his face. Buffy considered that,
“So you’re saying that you wouldn’t date anyone that you fought beside, because your protective instinct would overrule your brain?” she asked.
“Mm-hmm,” he replied. There was another long pause as Alec peeked out of the cloth, “Incidentally, why do you ask?” Buffy sighed and looked down.
“I’m thinking about ending things with Spike,” she replied quietly. If she was expecting massive surprise she was sorely disappointed.
“Angel?” he asked simply.
“Yeah,” she whispered. Alec sighed and took the cloth off his face, lifting his head off the rim of the hot tub.
“Spill, sis,” he implored gently. Buffy took a deep breath,
“I think I may still love Angel, and I can’t be with Spike if I do. Plus I keep finding myself worrying about Spike and that chip in his head, wondering if some night I’m going to get into a fight that he can’t help me with. I don’t want him to have to endure that feeling of helplessness,” she looked up at Alec, who was regarding her thoughtfully.
“I’m listening,” he replied quietly.
“I don’t know what I need right now, or who I need to be with,” Buffy sighed and looked very unhappy, “I don’t know anything,” Alec wordlessly sloshed over to his sister and wrapped his arms around her. She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder.
“I don’t know what to do, Alec, I’m so confused,” she whispered. Alec snorted.
“Join the bloody club,” he commented dryly. Stroking his sister’s wet hair he gently placed a reassuring kiss on her head.
“It’s going to be okay,” he promised her. Buffy clung to him desperately.
“Is it wrong to love two people?” she asked. Alec snorted in self-derision,
“Don’t I wish I knew the answer to that one,” Buffy looked up at him.
“What do you mean?” she inquired suddenly. Alec realizing his blunder, shifted around his tactics,
“Well, if I knew the answer to that, there would be a lot of people I could advise,” he replied smoothly. Buffy sighed and leaned against him,
“I suppose,” she mumbled. Smiling slightly, she gave her brother a tight squeeze, “Just don’t you get all weird on me, I need someone I know I can count on,” Alec smiled and returned the hug.
“No worries, luv. I am Mister Reliable,” he commented sardonically. Buffy snorted,
“I KNOW I’ve heard that one before,” she laughed. Alec chuckled and frowned,
“Out of curiosity, how did this conversation begin with you asking me why we didn’t date?” he asked puzzled. Buffy laughed quietly,
“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” she responded. Alec snorted wryly,
“I KNOW I’ve heard that one before,” Alec repeated her words. She laughed and splashed him.
“Oh you did NOT!” Alec cried and splashed her back. Before long the pair was engaged in a truly vicious splashing match.
Competitive to the end.
Alec was in his bedchambers a little while later. It was late; most everyone had either gone to sleep or otherwise retired for the evening. He was strumming his dad’s guitar aimlessly. With a start, he checked his watch; then grinned.
Looks like I win the pool. He thought dryly. There was a knock on the door.
“Come,” Alec called out. The door opened and Xander stepped through it,
“Hey, man,” he commented. Alec frowned, puzzled. What could Xander want at this hour?
“Hey,” he replied cautiously, setting the guitar down next to him, “What’s up?” Xander exhaled and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
“Couldn’t sleep,” he replied. Alec smirked slightly,
“Does Anya have anything to do with this sudden bout of insomnia?” he asked wryly. Xander chuckled,
“Nope, her highnessness is sleeping quietly,” Alecs’ smirk grew,
“Oh, so she DOES sleep,” he commented dryly. Xander laughed,
“Yeah, Thank God for that,” he replied evenly. Alec chuckled and then grew serious,
“So what brings you to my door?” he asked. Xander sighed,
“What happened down there? In the Deadlands?” he asked point-blank. Alec frowned,
“Why?” he asked.
“Because I lost my best friend down there and the thought is giving me a wiggins,” he answered. Alec sighed and nodded, it was a valid reason.
“Well, we got ambushed by a horde of zombies,” he began, “Willow and I were surrounded, they threatened to kill Angel and Buffy so we had to surrender. Then they took us into different rooms, mummified us and buried us,” he shrugged, “For some reason, I was able to go without oxygen longer than Willow was. When Buffy dug me out I was still conscious. Willow had…” he swallowed painfully at the memory,
“Died?” Xander finished. Alec nodded.
“Yeah,” he whispered. Xander shuddered slightly.
“Must have been pretty awful, man,” Alec nodded.
“Worst feeling in the world,” he replied. Xander nodded.
“You really love her, don’t you?” he asked. Alec frowned at the younger man; there was something in his tone he didn’t like.
“Of course I do, have I somehow left that in doubt?” he asked, sounding mildly defensive. Xander shook his head,
“No, man, it’s cool; just…treat her right, okay?” Alec’s eyes narrowed slightly and he slowly got to his feet. Xander caught the look, “I’m not saying you’re not, Alec, relax. I’m just looking out for her, you know?”
“So am I,” Alec growled. Xander nodded his head emphatically.
“I know, but there’s this weird thing going on between you and Dawn and no one’s sure what to make of it,” he replied. Alec’s narrowed eyes narrowed a little more.
“Are you insinuating something, Xander?” he asked his voice soft and dangerous. Xander shook his head.
“No, I’m not. I just…I know what it’s like when your heart is torn in two directions, and Willow deserves better than that,” Alec had slowly been advancing on Xander, now he was within arms reach of the younger man. Xander began to back away, a little pale.
“Understand this, Xander,” he growled. Xander’s back was hit the wall and he panicked slightly when he realized he was cornered, “My heart truly and completely belongs to Willow, and any man that questions the validity of that love, questions my integrity and honor,” he got closer to Xander, “Are you questioning that, Xander?” he asked his voice gone from scary to downright lethal. Xander blanched and shook his head,
“No, man,” he tried to smile “I mean, hey, your word is good enough for me,” he replied hurriedly. “I just think-”
“Get out,” Alec bit out.
“Gone,” Xander replied without missing a beat. He turned and left the room. Alec sighed and looked down at his arm, already blades were beginning to emerge from the skin. Exhaling hard, he allowed the rage to drain out of him. The blades vanished; as he padded back to the bed and picked up the guitar. He was still too angry though. I need some exercise, he decided and he growled getting to his feet and jerked the door open with a snarl. Willow jumped back in alarm,
“Yikes!” she cried out. Alec tripped over his own feet, so quickly had he put the brakes on his angry stride. He grunted as he landed against the wall,
“Willow!” he whispered in surprise. Willow nodded
“Yes, that is me, Willow is who I am,” she replied, “You okay?” Alec nodded and ran a hand through his hair,
“Yeah it’s just…”
“Xander?” she asked. Alec’s eyes widened,
“How did you…?”
“I saw him leaving your room white as a sheet,” she smiled slightly, “I figured he managed to get on your bad side and since that’s not an easy thing to do when, you know, someone’s not trying to kill you, I figured I better check up on you,” Alec nodded and growled under his breath. Willow sighed,
“Oh boy, what did the great palooka say now?” she asked. Alec sighed,
“He questioned my devotion to you,” he replied. Willow’s eyes widened then narrowed,
“Did he? Well, I think I should march right down to his bedroom and discuss the merits of minding his own damn business,” she snarled. Alec’s eyes widened; she was PISSED! He put a hand on her shoulder,
“He’s got a good reason. He says…that there’s this bond between…Dawn and me,” he confessed looking away. Willow rolled her eyes,
“Well duh!” she exclaimed, exhaling hard and blowing a lock of hair from your eyes, “The two of you have a lot of love for each other, it’s obvious!” Alec’s face whipped around to face her so hard she thought she heard his neck crack. His face had drained of all its color and he looked positively stricken. Willow took his hand in hers,
“Alec, you’ve never, not for one second since the day I met you, made me feel anything less than totally and completely loved,” she smiled teasingly, “I mean you and Dawn haven’t…you know?” Alec’s face slid right into outraged indignation,
“Of course not!” he cried. Willow laughed at his vehemence,
“I know, Silly, I was just giving you grief,” she smiled and patted his face, “The point is, is that you are that girl's whole world. And whether you like it or not, she’s a pretty big part of yours.” Alec scowled,
“And you don’t think this constitutes me betraying you?” he bit out, his voice saturated with self-loathing. Willow’s eyes widened in understanding,
“Is THAT what all this has been about? Is that why whenever Dawn and I are together you walk on eggshells?” she asked incredulously. Alec just nodded. Willow’s heart broke at the sight and at the thought of what the young man had been putting himself through.
“Ooooh….” She cooed, reaching out she rested his head on her shoulder, stroking his hair, “No wonder you’ve been such a wreck lately. Feeling all angsty and broody,” Alec slowly wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.
“I don’t know what’s happening to me,” he whispered brokenly. Willow shushed him gently,
“It’s okay, Alec. You and Dawn are you and Dawn. That, in no way, has anything to do with you and me,” she sighed and stroked his hair, “You’ve really been putting yourself through the wringer about this, haven’t you?” she asked gently. Alec nodded and Willow sighed in sympathy, remembering how awful she felt when she’d cheated on Oz with Xander. They’d kissed and she felt terrible about it. From what Alec had told her, he hadn’t so much as even begun to make a move on the younger girl and he was STILL torturing himself.
“I know that you and her are tight, and I’m glad,” she smiled, “If Dawny is as important to the world as everyone says, she needs someone to look out for her and I can’t think of anyone better for the job,” She gently took his face in her hands,
“Alec, when I died, I could sense your pain. It was like…an atom bomb,” she shook her head, “There’s no WAY that much pain could have come out unless what you and I had was genuine,” she kissed his forehead as he closed his eyes wearily. “And that’s good enough for me,” she finished. Alec sighed and nuzzled her face gently; Willow smiled and stroked his hair. “The point is: that if you really love someone, then you feel safe and secure in that knowledge,” she peered into his face intently, “And you listen to me right now, Alec Giles,” his eyes opened slowly, “I really, really love you,” she whispered fiercely. Alec just nodded and held her,
“I love you too, Willow,” he whispered back fiercely. Willow nodded,
“And don’t think for one moment that I don’t know that,” she replied her voice thick with emotion. They held each other a while longer, then parted.
“What about Dawn?” Alec asked worriedly. Willow smiled and patted his face affectionately.
“Buffy had Angel doing the ‘cryptic protect-o’ guy routine. I think Dawn could use the same,” she leveled a finger at him warningly, “But no smacky-mouth activity, all right?” she teased, “Love her from afar,” Alec snorted and rolled his eyes,
“Thank you, but I did read ‘Lolita’ and I wasn’t very happy with the outcome,” he replied wryly as the tension drained out of his face. Willow giggled,
“Good, because I’d have to turn you into a newt,” she made a face, “Plus there’s the whole you being a hundred plus years older than her thing and that’s just icky,” she stuck out her tongue as Alec regarded her wryly,
“I’m a couple of decades older than YOU too, princess,” he replied wryly. Willow smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck,
“That’s okay,” she leaned down to kiss his neck, he made a rumbling sound of contentment, “I like older men anyhow,” she finished laughing. Gently she pushed him onto the bed and pounced on him.
The rest of Alec’s doubts and fears quickly fled.
“‘In the white room, with black curtains in the station’,” a voice sang out from the hallway. Alec opened his eyes groggily and peered over at the clock, it was seven in the morning.
“What is that?” a weary voice called out from next to him. He turned to look at the drowsy redhead next to him.
“Cream,” he replied wryly. Gently he eased the girl from his shoulder and sat up in bed. She wrapped the sheet around her tightly as the voice got closer.
“In the white room…” the voice cried out again. Alec hurriedly tugged on a pair of black sweat pants just as the door burst open revealing…
“Dad?” Alec asked incredulously. Willow ‘eek’-ed and dove under the blankets. Giles was in a serious state of dishevelment, carrying his shoes, t-shirt untucked and his jacket casually tossed over his shoulder. His singing abruptly stopped as he jumped back.
“Good lord, Alec,” he exhaled hard, “I thought you were going to be with Willow,” he breathed, his face turning red. Alec rubbed a hand over the back of his neck,
“Actually…” he began. Giles peered past him and his eyes widened as a slim hand came out from the blankets to wave at him.
“Hi Giles,” Willow’s voice came out muffled from the blankets. Giles coughed and averted his eyes,
“Yes, hello, Willow,” he replied hurriedly. Alec grinned,
“Dad, do you know what time it is?” he began. Giles was turning an ever-deepening shade of crimson,
“Yes, well, I have an explanation for that,” he began.
“And that you were singing ‘White Room’ at the top of your lungs?” Alec added. Giles looked ready to die.
“Yes, well if you’ll just let me explain…” Alec cut him off.
“I have an explanation,” he grinned, Giles blanched,
“Alec, surely you can’t believe that I would have done anything inappropriate,” he stuttered. Alec waved it away,
“Oh, I know,” he reassured the older man. Giles sighed in relief, “Ripper,” he finished grinning. There was a gale of laughter from under the sheets as Giles stammered out some sort of retort. Alec snorted and handed Willow’s jeans and underclothes to her under the sheet. She took them and began bustling about. Alec turned back to his father,
“I’m glad you had a good night, Dad,” he chuckled shaking his head. Giles finally regained control over his speech functions,
“Yes, well, don’t forget we have a lot of work to do today,” he admonished his son. Alec nodded,
“Oh don’t worry, I’m all about the pursuit of knowledge,” he replied evenly. There was a snort of derision from under the blankets.
“Sure, he’s all about pursuit,” Willow commented, peeking her head out from the blankets. “Hey, shirtless wonder! Think you can give a girl her bra please?” she batted his eyes at him. Alec snorted and picked up the garment, examining it.
“Hmm, looks like I have managed to remember your measurements accurately,” he commented wryly. Willow growled at him and snapped her hand out, snatching the garment from him and diving back under the blankets. Giles gestured to the squirming lump under the blankets,
“It would appear that I am not alone in my…’good nights',” he scowled at his son who waved him off.
“Yeah, but you’re the respectable one, remember? The role model?” There were twin snorts of derision from Giles and Willow as Willow snaked her hand out and snatched up her t-shirt from the floor. She finished dressing and finally came out from the blankets, her hair a complete mess. She put a hand to her head,
“Oh, not good,” she commented in her “I’m so very cute” voice. Alec smiled and patted her on the rump as she headed towards the bathroom. She shot him a challenging look over her shoulder as she headed haughtily into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
A few minutes later Alec was in the library, his hand stretched out as people placed money into his hand, those that had bet on Giles and lost.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he smiled and nodded courteously to each one of the Scoobies as they rolled their eyes at his slight smugness. Faith was the last to place a wad of money in his hand,
“It figures, like father, like son,” she commented. Alec snorted and tousled her hair,
“Something like that, Faith,” he frowned, “How’s your back?” he asked. She smiled and stretched
“I actually think you may have gotten rid of a crick I’ve had in my back for ages,” she grinned and winked at him, “Better than a chiropractor,” she joked. Alec smiled wryly,
“Therapeutic beatings for everyone,” he assured her. She laughed and headed off as he shook his head chuckling, pocketing the money. He strode over to the table, upon which was a vast pile of books circled by Willow, Dawn, Giles and Marlena. The latter two were glowing, sending each other secret looks. Alec had to visibly struggle not to make a comment. He pulled out an empty chair next to Willow, who looked up at him and shook her head. Alec frowned in puzzlement as Willow gestured to the seat beside herself and Dawn. Alec smiled gratefully and pulled back the chair. Dawn looked up at him and beamed happily. He smiled, and with a newfound confidence reached out and gently chucked her chin affectionately. She giggled prettily as Willow rolled her eyes. Alec sat down between the two; Willow leaned over as he picked up a book and began reading.
“Charmer,” she whispered. He didn’t look up at her, only smiled. She kissed his face before going back to her book. Giles took off his glasses and pointed at a passage in a book,
“Ah,” he declared, gesturing for attention, “I think I may have found something,” everyone looked up.
“What have you found, Rupert?” Marlena walked over to him, placing an affectionate hand on his shoulder. Giles smiled slightly; Alec, Dawn and Willow sent each other knowing looks.
“Well, in the Kabbalah, the word for truth, in Hebrew anyhow, is ‘Emet,” Alec shot Willow a look,
“The four-letter word for ‘truth” he breathed remembering Oliver’s cryptic question. Willow nodded,
“That would make ‘Met’ the word for ‘death?” she asked. Giles nodded,
“Well, actually Met means ‘dead,’ but yes that’s accurate,” Alec frowned,
“Okay, so riddle number one unlocked,” he shook his head, “What does that have to do with the Wordless Psalm?” he asked. Giles shook his head,
“I’m really not sure, Alec,” he looked up at Marlena. “Marlena, you said you know of an establishment where we could obtain some more information?” Marlena nodded,
“Yes, Rupert, in Greenwich Village, to be more precise,” she smiled at him, “I’ll make sure you get the address,” she promised him. He smiled gratefully,
“Thank you. T-thank you, Marlena,” he stuttered a little, garnering a chuckle from Alec. Giles shot his son a dirty look, who just winked and went back to his book. Willow spoke up,
“So that’s it then? We head back to the city,” Dawn nodded,
“Yeah, I mean, that sounds like what we have to do,” she colored a little, Dawn was still getting used to having a say in things, “I suppose,” she mumbled. Willow reached behind Alec to stroke her hair affectionately,
“You’re absolutely right, Dawny,” she smiled at younger girl. Dawn grinned back at the witch as Alec just shook his head in amazement. Willow never failed to surprise him. Her compassion and understanding were limitless.
Giles cleared his throat, “Yes, well, time is of the essence,” Willow and the others got to their feet,
“I’ll get Xander,” she told him. Alec pulled on his coat,
“I’ll round up the others,” he added. Dawn got her backpack
“I’ll uh…help him…round up the others, that is,” she mumbled. Alec and Willow shot each other wry looks before Alec tousled Dawn’s hair affectionately.
“Thanks, petite, I could use the help,” he lied. She smiled a look of pure sunshine at him. Chuckling quietly, the three filed out of the room to attend to their appointed tasks.
An hour later, everyone was on the bus. Giles and Marlena were saying their goodbyes.
“I’ll call you as soon as I get to the city,” Giles promised. Marlena cracked a wry grin,
“They always promise to call,” she teased. Giles opened his mouth to protest and the woman placed a hand over it.
“It’s all right, Rupert, I know you’ll call,” smiling she leaned in and kissed him. After a while they parted. Marlena focused on something beyond Giles’ shoulder and chuckled. Giles turned to see the faces of everyone on the bus pressed up against the glass, watching them intently. Giles scowled at them, Alec smirked and made a few comments, reluctantly the group dispersed, not before flashing him smiles or thumbs-ups. Giles rolled his eyes and blushed slightly, taking off his glasses before looking back at Marlena,
“Last night was…very special,” he whispered, his voice full of meaning. Marlena nodded,
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” she asked. Giles’ eyes widened,
“What do you mean?” he asked. Marlena threw her head back and laughed,
“Not like that, Rupert. I mean it’s been a while since you’ve been close to someone,” Giles was still blushing but he nodded. Marlena smiled and touched his cheek,
“Then I’m honored,” she replied. Giles cleared his throat and replacing his glasses on his face, took her hand and kissed it. She smiled slightly as he gave her hand a squeeze. He smiled awkwardly,
“Y-yes, well, do take care of yourself,” he stuttered. Marlena nodded,
“You too Rupert,” she replied. Flashing another bashful smile, Rupert climbed up the stairs leading into the camper. Everyone was regarding him with wry looks. He sighed and scowled at them,
“Oh, push off!” he growled. There was a round of laughter as Xander dropped himself into the driver's seat and started the engine. Giles sat down next to his smirking son,
“I say, well done, old man,” Alec commented wryly. Giles shot him an admonishing look before the bus pulled away. Marlena held her hand up in farewell, Giles turned just in time to see it. He smiled and waved back and kept watching her until the bus turned a corner and she disappeared from sight.
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Author's Chapter Notes:
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Thanks! We hope you enjoy the chapter :)
Thanks! We hope you enjoy the chapter :)