Buffy walked to the library after class. She needed to see Giles. He’d been different today. Withdrawn. As if the past few days hadn’t happened. She felt hurt. And she wanted to know why.
"Giles!" No answer. "Giles. Come one. I want to talk." A movement in the office caught her attention. "What are you doing here?"
Sylvia Milson moved forward. "Hello Buffy. I’m waiting for Rupert. He shouldn’t be much longer."
"Where is he?"
"He didn’t say. Actually, I’m glad he isn’t here. It gives us a chance to talk. I fear we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot."
Buffy wondered what she was up to now. "I don’t think so. I hate you. You hate me. I’d say that’s pretty much where we’re at."
"But it isn’t helpful to Rupert. His Slayer and his... Well, we shouldn’t always be at loggerheads. After all, we both want what’s best for him."
"And what’s that? You?"
"Would you rather he was lonely?"
"No. I’d rather he was happy."
"And you believe I can’t make him happy? Or perhaps you’re jealous?"
"What?"
"I’m sorry. That’s probably the wrong word. I just meant that after what happened with Angel....."
"What do you know about Angel?" The shock was turning to anger. There was only one way she could have known.
"Don’t blame Rupert. He’s been - concerned. About you. Afraid that you may never get over the guilt.."
"He told you?" Oh that hurt. So much. How could he betray her? To this woman?
"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m just trying to understand you."
"What’s to understand? I’m the Slayer."
"Oh. That’s your excuse."
"Excuse?"
"For being selfish."
Buffy felt battered by the myriad emotions stirred by this woman. She shook her head in denial.
"Why else would you deny Rupert his last chance of a life-mate?"
"Has it occurred to you that you may not be his last chance?"
"His birthday isn’t far away."
That brought her up short. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"He did tell you about the ceremony, didn’t he?" At Buffy’s negative response, she continued. "As a Watcher, Rupert and his life-mate have to perform a certain ceremony. It has to be done before his birthday. If not, he’s doomed to a life of bachelorhood."
"What if he doesn’t love anybody?"
"What does love matter? What happens when you die? He’ll be alone again. They probably won’t let him have another Slayer. The Watcher Council frowns on single Watchers. They prefer the stability of a marriage and family."
Buffy turned away. Was she being selfish?
Sylvia knew her darts had hit home. No need to gloat. "Well, it seems Rupert won’t be returning after all. I’ll catch up with him later." She started to move toward the door, then paused. "Buffy. Please think about what I’ve said. About you and I becoming better acquainted." She continued on through the library doors. It was almost over. And she would win. Perhaps then her father would be proud of her.
