The Dance
By Ripptyd

Author: Ripptyd
Rating: PG
Spoilers: "The Prom" majorly, but parts of season 4 as well
Summary: What if Giles danced with Buffy before Angel danced with her? Giles reflects on their dance.
Disclaimer: I own nothing involving BtVS (Although I wish I did), Joss Whedon, Fox, ETC, own them. I also don't own "The Dance" Garth Brooks sang that song and it was written by Tony Arata.
Feedback: Flames are welcome, but keep in mind, I'm a musician, not an author.
Notes: Lyrics are in < >

Giles sat in his living room trying to find a somewhat decent radio station, when something caught his ear. Country usually wasn't his style, but the beginning of this song was slow and casual. Exactly what he was looking for. He heard the piano start playing almost a haunting tune that would stay in his head for days.

<Looking back on the memory of>

<The dance we shared 'neath the stars alone>

He suddenly found himself remembering the Prom. The people, the music, and most of all, his slayer. He remembered seeing her face as she walked up to get her Class Protector award. He was never more proud than that moment.

<For a moment all the world was right>

<How could I have known that you'd ever say good-bye>

He remembered how nervous he was when he walked up to her asking her to dance. She had accepted without a pause whatsoever. She had placed her award on a nearby table and led him out on the floor quite quickly.

<And now I'm glad I didn't know>

<The way it all would end the way it all would go>

<Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain>

<But I'd of had to miss the dance>

He had started out at almost arms length away from her, trying to do it properly, until she pulled him close to her. She wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, while his arms were awkwardly on her back. She had stood on tip toe to whisper in his ear "Just relax Giles." He immediately did so, letting his hands fall to her lower back.

<Holding you I held everything>

<For a moment wasn't I a king?>

Everyone was involved in their own dances that not many people even glanced their way. The few who did were ignored by them. They swayed with the music, not caring about anything but the dance. She nuzzled her face into his neck, he let out a sigh as her hot breath was against his neck. She had no idea what she was doing to him, or the effect that she had on him. Thank god, or he would have had a lot of explaining to do.

<But if I'd only known how the king would fall>

<Hey who's to say you know I might have chanced it all>

Sadly the dance had ended, way too soon in his mind and he reluctantly let go. When they turned back to their table, Giles saw the one person he didn't want near there that night. Angel. He was looking straight at him, with what had seemed to be understanding. Giles gave a small nod and a tiny smile, and Angel reciprocated, walking towards them. No, not them. Buffy.

<And now I'm glad I didn't know>

<The way it all would end the way it all would go>

<Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain>

<But I'd of had to miss the dance>

He let go of Buffy's arm walking away, not even glancing back, knowing she had seen Angel and that's where her attention was at that moment. He walked out the gym doors, not even caring that he was supposed to be chaperoning the dance. He didn't need or want to see the rest of it.

<Yes my life is better left to chance>

END