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| RED HOT |
| by Mazzy |
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| PART I |
| He was finally done after all this time. He�d spent countless hours straightening and un-straightening dusty mason jars and ceramic boxes filled with ancient Greek trinkets and African artifacts and even dried taproot. The light clanging of the front door�s bell jingled. He turned around and began to step down from the wooden ladder to greet the Magic Box�s first customer. She was a striking redheaded woman with long ringlet curls that framed her delicate face and reflected in her jade green eyes. �Good morning,� Rupert stammered as he approached her, then moved behind the counter, careful to present his retail sales-guise. �Is there anything I can help you with today?� As she spoke, a small smile formed from her delicate lips. �Yes, I�m actually looking for a set of Romanian chanting beads, preferably wooden, oh and colorful.� She gazed through the glass of the nearby counter to peer at the gems and stones that lay behind it. �Ah yes, just a moment. I haven�t brought out any of those yet. As you can see from the many boxes, we�ve only just opened up shop.� �Really?� she inquired, sincerely interested. �I hadn�t noticed.� She was being polite, he knew that, and her small kindness made him smile. �Well, it�s quite a lovely shop you have here, and it looks like you have some intriguing items as well.� �Well, thank you. If you�ll just wait a moment,� he stammered unintentionally, �I�ll check the back. Yes, I know just where I�ve left those.� Mr. Giles disappeared into the back of the shop, leaving the woman alone to touch and peer at all the fascinating objects strewn about. She picked up a stargazer and noticed the iridescent reflections of its rays. She marveled at the array of books. One in particular, �Convergence of Multitudinous Planes� beckoned to her. She picked it up and began to flip through its yellowed pages when the handsome shopkeeper returned. �Here we are. We actually have quite a lovely selection.� With his appearance, she quickly placed the book onto the shelf and came closer to inspect the beads. �Oh my, how beautiful.� She was particularly fond of a carved set that featured symbols of the four elements and the primary colors of spells. �This is actually perfect! I�m sure she will love these.� �She? Are these a gift? Because I do have some boxes here.� He began to fumble behind the counter to find an appropriate one. The woman carefully inspected her favored choice, letting the wooden beads run slowly through each one of her fingers as she very quietly spoke an enchantment spell. When the proprietor looked up again and presented her with a box, her spell was done. �Yes, these are for my niece. She�s going to school over at UC Sunnydale, and is actually quite the little magic caster herself. I haven�t seen her in many years. I felt I should have something special for her.� �Well, that�s very thoughtful of you Ms.???� He didn�t want to be obvious, but felt it would be helpful to keep track of some of his customers. It was always wise to know who was buying magic supplies for use on the Hellmouth. �Hoffman, Shannon Hoffman.� She put out her hand and he grasped it firmly. �And you are?� �Rupert Giles,� he spoke warmly. �Giles? Oh are you the Mr. Giles my niece spends so much time with?� She handed him back the bracelet and nodded to convey her intention to purchase it. �Perhaps. Who is your niece?� He began the transaction and looked at her more closely to see if he should have recognized her. �Willow Rosenberg. She�s written to me a little about you. Said you had a comprehensive book collection.� �Remarkable.� his smile grew wider. �It�s nice to see that Willow has a family member who understands her capabilities,� he handed her the bag, �and supports it.� �Yes well, Willow actually comes from a strong line of magic users. Her mother has tried to squelch her interest in it, but as long as I�m in town, I plan to teach her some really useful spells, and also help her to work her spells responsibly.� �That is something I�m sure she could benefit tremendously from. Well, it has been a pleasure to meet you Ms. Hoffman. I�m sure Willow will appreciate those beads.� �Thank you,� she flashed him a dazzling smile and turned to go. After she had walked a few steps, she turned back and her hair flew gracefully in the air. �Oh and you can call me Shannon, Rupert.� She nodded her head flirtatiously and sashayed out of the store. He didn�t take his eyes off her until the jingling of the door�s bell stirred him back to reality. ~*~*~*~*~ It must�ve been about five o�clock when Buffy and Willlow entered the magic shop, but Giles hadn�t noticed the first day�s passing so quickly. Buffy dumped her schoolbooks and called after her Watcher. �Giles? Oh Giles?� She looked around for him. �I�m here for training. Ready to do my best Jackie Chan impression.� �Uh, just a minute.� She heard a small voice coming from above her, where Giles was storing away some books. �Wow,� Willow glanced around the shop. �The place looks great. All these cool old dusty spell books and charms.� The young witch couldn�t resist peeking around the shop and checking out the wares. �I guess, if that�s your thing,� Buffy said off-handedly and then glanced at a hurt-looking Willow, �Oh, and of course, in your case, it is.� As if to change the subject and avoid a mini argument, she quickly got up and began to head toward the training room. �Willow, do me a favor, tell Giles I�m waiting for him. Might as well get warmed up, right?� She reached for her knapsack and disappeared in the back. Moments later, Willow heard the sounds of Giles feet coming down the steps, accompanied by a stern voice that exhibited moderate annoyance, �Really Buffy, I don�t understand why you insist we train twice a day. You�ve made quite a lot of progress�� The Watcher looked up and seemed almost surprised to not see Buffy standing there, but instead, Willow. His face grew into a smile. �Oh Willow, sorry. I didn�t realize�� �She�s already in the back. She wanted me to tell you. I hope you don�t mind me just looking through some of the stuff here. It looks really great Giles.� Willow strode over to the case that held some of the semi-precious stones used for both spells and decoration. She admired the malachite necklace that was neatly displayed. Giles followed her over to the case. �Oh it�s funny that you should be looking over here. I had the good fortune to meet with a relative of yours this morning, an Aunt Shannon, I believe.� Giles drew her attention away from the chanting beads. �Aunt Shannon?� Willow raised her eyebrows in a momentary bit of confusion. �Oh! Oh! Aunt Shannon! Oh and she came here? Why?� Willow paced the floor of the shop as she spoke. Giles realizing he may be giving away a bit of surprise, tried to cover his tracks. �Well, yes, she just arrived in town I believe and well, she was browsing around the area. She seemed rather pleasant and had nice things to say about you. Will she be staying with your folks then?� Giles suddenly felt self-conscious of his specific question and again attempted to cover his tracks. �I mean, I don�t imagine there�s much room in your and Tara�s dormitory room.� �Oh, no, I don�t think so. Um, she doesn�t get along too well with my mother. I don�t even know if she knows she�s here. Maybe I should go see if I can find her. Tell Buffy I�ll see her later. Thanks Giles.� The young woman hurriedly scooped up her books and dashed out the shop, leaving Giles somewhat flummoxed. From the back of the shop and impatient voice called. �Giles! Let�s go!� The Watcher reluctantly succumbed to his Slayer-guide duties. �Don�t get your panties in a twist. It�s not like the world�s ending this very second.� |
| NOTE: This story takes place during the season 5 timeline. It is more toward the beginning/middle of the season. Story features: Giles, Love Interest, Buffy, Spike, Willow and a bit of Tara. Enjoy! |