 |
| Giles looked at her, his eyes soft. "No, Anya, a man would be lucky to have your love." She began to cry again. "He said that he never loved me. He said that I was nothing but a demon." She covered her face and sobbed. He pulled her into his arms again. "You're not a demon, you're a girl," he said. "You're just a bewildered, confused, lost girl." He kissed her forehead gently. His eyes closed as he breathed in the scent of her hair. Tara came in the door of the suite. Giles quickly put Anya down and stood up. "She's upset," he said hurriedly. "I was just comforting her because Xander broke up with her." "But she's having his baby, " said Tara guardedly. "I'm not," said Anya as she sniffled. "I lied to him and that's why he broke up with me." "Oh," said Tara slowly. "I can understand that." She walked to her room and began to pack. "I'm so sorry about what I said," said Giles as he stood in her doorway. "Please don't leave on account of my outburst." "You were right," said Tara. "I had no business doing the spell. I have no business being here at all. I nearly ruined Buffy's wedding." "What will ruin the wedding," said Giles, "is for you to leave before it even happens. Buffy loves you, and so do we all. We want you here." He took her hand and led her in the other room. "That goes for you, too, Anya. We've all been together through the very worst of times. We owe it to Buffy to be there for the best of them." "Where did everybody go?" asked Buffy, as Spike led her to the empty table. "Las Vegas seems to have made this lot a bit antsy," said Spike with a smile. "Aurelius is probably checking on the food, and everyone else is back in that throng on the dance floor," he said as he gestured over his shoulder. "Please make love to me," said Dawn, as Aurelius buried his face in her shoulder. "I can't," he panted. "We have to stop. This is wrong, we can't do this." "Take me," she asked again as she breathed heavily. "I want you so much." "You're too young, and your sister will kill me if Spike doesn't do it first," he said. "I'll kill you if you don't," she snapped. "I have ruled over millions of people," he hissed. "I have lived for a thousand years. I will not be bested by a little girl." Her eyes blazed. "Don't you ever call me that again," she said through her teeth. Giles, Anya and Tara walked into the restaurant. "This place is really jumping," remarked Anya as she took in the crowded tables and packed dance floor. They made their way to the table. "Ooh, caviar," she said as Spike pulled out a chair for her. "I'm glad that you're here," said Buffy with a smile. "We now have the full Scooby gang in attendance." Anya served herself as large dollop of caviar. "Giles, can you pour me a glass of champagne?" she said. He did so and handed it to her with a smile. He watched her as she brought the flute to her lips and drank a large sip. "Wow!" she said. "That is the most amazing thing I have ever had in my mouth." Giles laughed, a loud boisterous one that made everyone turn to look at him. "Pardon me," he said. "It just struck me as quite funny." Willow and Xander came back to the table. He glared at Anya, but didn't say anything. She slipped something in his pocket as he passed by her. The waiter brought their food just as Aurelius and Dawn emerged from the dance floor. "Took her for a spin, did you?" asked Spike with a grin. "The girl has some amazing moves." "Indeed she does, " said Aurelius, as he helped Dawn into her seat. They ate quietly for a few minutes. "I have an announcement to make," said Buffy. They all turned to look at her. "As much as I hate to say it, being pregnant is making me a bit tired. So Spike and I are going to forgo the usual bachelor festivities and hang out alone tonight." Willow and Xander exchanged a look. Dawn licked her lips as she stared at Aurelius. Giles watched Anya from the corner of his eye. "I'm sure we'll find something to do," said Tara with a smile. -TBC- |
|
 |