Giles didn’t bother switching on the light as he let himself into his apartment. It was late, and he was tired. The past two days had been rather eventful, and all he wanted to do was go to bed, and catch up on some long awaited sleep.

After their training session, he had decided to accompany Buffy on her rounds. It had been a while since they had gone out together, and it had been fun. Well, as much as slaying vampires could be fun. But, it had been nice to spend the time with her. Unfortunately, he was going to feel the effects of their little jaunt in the morning.

As he made his way to the stairs, Giles paused. For some reason, tonight he thought of Jenny. And how he’d found her, in his bed. He hadn’t thought of that in a long time. It must have been discussing her with Sylvia. It brought it all back. He shook off the momentary depression and continued his journey.

There was something. He wasn’t too sure what it was at first. And then it hit him. An aroma. Light but still there. Very familiar. Musky. He slowed down, trying to place this alien odour. Trying to assess whether it meant danger. As he neared the turn in the stairs, he noticed something else. A dim light emanating from his bedroom, so dim as not to be discernible in the living area. His senses were on the alert now. He proceeded more cautiously.

He wasn’t surprised to notice the faint outline in his bed. Had half-expected it, after his thoughts of Jenny. The highlights shown by the light of the candle weren’t brunette however. They were honey-blonde, longer, and thicker than Jenny’s had been.

He stopped at the top of the stairs. And stared. The imagery before his eyes, the faint perfume invading his pores, all began to assault his senses. And remind him that he was, indeed, very much a man.

"Hello Rupert." As the quilt was raised invitingly, Rupert Giles had one clear thought. Clothed or unclothed, Sylvia Milson was...perfect.

...........................................................................................................

Buffy knocked sharply on Giles’ door. They hadn’t made any plans for the day, but she thought he might like company. He spent too much time alone.

The door opened. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Sylvia Milson stood on the threshold wearing nothing but one of Giles’ shirts. And wearing it well. What was going on?

"Oh. Hello. Can I help you?"

"I-I’m looking for Giles."

"He didn’t tell me he was expecting you."

"He isn’t. Exactly. I just thought I’d drop by."

"He’s in the shower."

"I’ll wait." It was obvious the woman didn’t want to let her in. Well, she was equally certain that she wasn’t going anywhere until she’d spoken to Giles.

Sylvia was annoyed she hadn’t won this round. "I suppose you had better come in then."

Buffy followed her into the living room. They stood facing each other. Neither moving. Neither talking. The sound of footsteps on the stairs caused them both to turn.

Giles moved down the stairs drying his hair with a towel. He wore a three-quarter length toweling robe. It was obvious he wore nothing underneath. He looked up as he reached the turn in the stairs. And stopped in surprise.

"Buffy. Wh-what are you doing here?"

"I just came by for a visit. If I’m interrupting anything....?" There was an obvious question in her sentence.

"No. No. Of course not." He looked toward Sylvia.

She reluctantly moved toward the kitchen. "I was jut making Rupert and I some breakfast. Would you care for any?"

"No, thank you. I’ve already eaten. I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea though." Buffy watched the woman move into the kitchenette, then stepped closer to her Watcher. "What’s going on here?" Although she whispered, it was obvious she was upset.

"She was waiting for me when I got home. I couldn’t force her to leave at night, could I?"

She heard the frustration in his voice. Good. She wasn’t the only one upset. "So where did she sleep?"

"In my bed." At her look, he hurriedly continued. "And I slept on the sofa. Truly." This last added at her look at disbelief.

"So, you’re saying she was waiting for you. To seduce you. And you, being the gentleman you are, declined her offer, and slept down here."

"Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying."

"I’m surprised you dared to take a shower, with her in the same room and all."

His mumbled response was so indecipherable, she decided to press for clarification.

"What?"

"I locked the bathroom door." She couldn’t help the smile that emerged at that. Her brave Watcher, so afraid of a woman, he locked the bathroom door. She was relieved to see his answering smile.

"I believe you."

"Thank god. Listen, um, I have to get changed. Will you wait?" At her confirming nod, he hurried back upstairs.

Sylvia returned to the living room, carrying a cup of tea. "Here you are. I assumed you preferred it weak, and sweet."

Buffy recognized the strength and cunning of the woman before her. "Thank you. Actually, I prefer mine strong, and full of body. But, this is fine." Strike one to the Buffster. "Are you going to stay in Giles’ shirt all day?"

"I think it rather suits me. And I do so like to please Rupert. He appears to prefer the ‘loose’ look." She turned to the photo of Jenny sitting on Giles’ desk.

Buffy felt her anger erupting. It was bad enough that the woman was chasing after Giles so much. And that she enjoyed taking jabs at herself. But now she was trashing a dead woman? "Actually, I don’t think it’s so much a look he enjoys, as personality. He likes his women to have one."

It took all of Sylvia’s willpower not to strike the girl. She knew she was the Slayer. But she was also her main obstacle. If Rupert wasn’t involved in her life, he would have been more susceptible to her own charms. She still couldn’t believe he had turned her down. She had almost smelt the lust on him. Yet he had still walked away. And this morning, he had hardly looked at her. She’d tried to give him what he wanted, and it still wasn’t enough.

"I hope you have one of those for me." The two women turned to look at Giles on the stairs. How long had he been there?

"Yes. Of course." Sylvia moved woodenly back to the kitchen area. "Your breakfast is also ready."

"Fine. Fine. I’ll set the table. Are you staying, Buffy?" He hoped Sylvia hadn’t heard the entreaty in his voice. Fortunately, Buffy had. She helped him set the table, and sat beside him while he broke his fast. It seemed another of Sylvia’s skills included an ability with a frying pan. The meal was delicious. He wouldn’t have expected less. But things couldn’t go on. "I expect you’ll be leaving today, Sylvia." It wasn’t a question. Unfortunately, she decided to interpret it that way.

"No, actually. I’ve decided to stay a few more days. Unfinished business, you know." As she got up to clean the table, her two listeners looked at each other with dismay. She wasn’t going to give up that easily. They still had a long battle on their hands.

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