AUTHOR: Sandra Pascoe

RATING: FRT

PAIRING: B/G

ARCHIVE: Yes, anywhere you like - just let me know

DISCLAIMER: The characters don’t belong to me … I’m only borrowing them for a short and exceedingly profitless time.

SETTING: Sometime early Season 5 - and "Captain Cardboard" doesn’t exist (if only)!

NOTES: Don’t worry about what the title means … if you’re very good then Giles will give a translation at the end of the story (if he's still alive, of course!).

SUMMARY: A rival magic shop opens and its charismatic owner has certain scoobies singing his praises. Does he have something to hide or is it merely jealousy on Giles’ part? Giles is feeling depressed and alone … but a show of loyalty from a completely unexpected source convinces him that all may not be lost…

Richard Hutchings stepped back into the shadows as he saw the tall, bespectacled man approach the shop. He watched with interest as the man rapped on the door. Hmmm, he thought, strong, intelligent eyes ... too intelligent maybe. Hutchings pulled further back into the darkness as the other man peered briefly through the window before shrugging and walking away. With a slight sigh, Hutchings moved soundlessly to the door, watching with interest the other man’s progress along the street. Smiling, Hutchings began chanting under his breath, his hands moving in a quick complex pattern. His smile widened as he saw the other man pause, shake his head slightly and then move on. Oh, he thought, you are sensitive to magic, aren’t you, Mr Giles? Not to matter, he shrugged, this is one spell you won’t be able to detect. Nothing personal, he grinned, I just need you out of the way.

ONE WEEK LATER:

It was hot … too hot, thought Rupert Giles as he surrendered to the heat and shrugged off his jacket. Slinging it casually over one shoulder, he continued his leisurely stroll along Sunnydale’s main street. It’s been far too long since I simply walked slowly along, taking in the sights and sounds, he thought. It had been something Giles had enjoyed since he was a child and a smile crossed his face as he recalled his Mother’s constant admonition: "Rupert, stop dawdling!" The youthful Giles’ penchant for simply meandering aimlessly along had irritated his Mother no end. She had never understood that the dawdling was merely a symptom … a symptom of Giles losing himself in his thoughts and daydreams. With a strict disciplinarian upbringing, Giles had discovered at an early age that his mind was the one place where he could be free from his parents control and he had taken advantage of this at every given opportunity. As he grew older, he realised that his dawdling and daydreaming habit had a positive effect: he found that he could resolve problems that had been preying on his mind by simply "going out for a dawdle". It seemed to clear his mind, throwing up solutions that no amount of deep thought would discover. Giles sighed, thrusting his hand into his pocket and squinting slightly at the intense glare of the sun. It’s not working today though, he thought ruefully. Today the dawdling had another purpose: Giles simply didn’t want to go back to the "Magic Box". He’d gone out for lunch, hoping that some time away would revitalise him, replenish his waning enthusiasm, but to no avail. He couldn’t seem to shake this lethargy that had settled upon him, the feeling of depression, of isolation and loneliness. He frowned as, across the street, he saw the cause of his current malaise. The new magic shop was brightly coloured and, thought Giles, looked like a typical tourist trap. It had opened quietly with no fuss, simply an advert in the local newspaper, but it was attracting customers in droves, even drawing away Giles’ most fervent regulars. The "Magic Box" was quiet, too quiet and, although there was still a steady stream of mail order business, Giles desperately wanted to avoid doing this months’ accounts for as long as possible. "Hocus Pocus", he thought derisively as he neared the "Magic Box", what kind of name is that for a magic shop?

Anya glanced up hopefully as the door opened, her expression hardening as she saw Giles enter the shop.

"Oh," she said with a touch of annoyance, "it’s only you."

"You were expecting someone else?" Asked Giles wearily as he hung up his jacket.

"Yes," she replied instantly. "I want someone to buy something. I want someone to give me money."

Giles merely grunted in response and Anya sighed.

"Do I have to stay here all afternoon?"

"No," replied Giles instantly as he perused the books, "please go."

"I still get paid, right?"

"Yes." Giles tried to keep his voice even. Taking his problems out on the best assistant he'd ever seen wouldn't help his cause at all. He sighed and glanced up, smiling slightly. "Enjoy your afternoon, Anya."

"I will," replied Anya, practically running for the door. She reached for the handle and then stopped, turning to Giles with a serious expression. "You are alright, aren't you?"

"I'm fine," smiled Giles. "Now, go and enjoy yourself before I change my …"

Anya was gone before he finished the sentence and Giles chuckled briefly before turning his attention to the books once more. Research, he thought, research always helps. Giles thrust his hands in his pockets with a sigh. What am I supposed to be researching though? There was nothing unusual happening, nothing out of the ordinary … no real excuse for me to bury myself in my books. Giles glanced around the deserted shop, his eyes falling on the large pile of paper near the till. Oh well, he thought as a shudder went through him, if things get really bad I suppose I could do some filing.

"Hey, Wills, wait up!" Buffy waved frantically, grinning as Willow shielded her eyes from the sun and frowned across the street at her. Suddenly Willow smiled and waved back, nudging Tara who responded with a half-hearted wave at Buffy. Buffy dashed across the street, almost colliding with the two witches in her haste.

"Okay," she said, catching her breath. "Sudden exertion is not a good idea on such a hot day … so, where are you two going?"

"Oh," shrugged Willow, "we need some more spell ingredients."

"Great!" Enthused Buffy. "Giles will be really pleased to see you … the "Magic Box" is seriously dead at the moment."

Tara and Willow exchanged glances.

"Ummm, Buffy," replied Willow, hesitantly. "We’re not going to Giles’ place."

Buffy gazed between the two, an incredulous expression on her face.

"You’re not serious?"

Willow looked uncomfortable. "Look, Buffy," she said softly, "it’s just that …"

"No, Wills," interrupted Buffy. "Giles has gone out of his way to help you over the years and it’s not asking much for you to stick by him now. I mean, he gives you a good discount … I know he does."

"It’s not the money, Buffy," replied Willow. "Richard has more stuff … he can get hold of the most incredible things …"

"So could Giles, if you only asked him!"

Willow’s eyes clouded. "Why the sudden concern, Buffy?" She asked, her voice low and dangerous. "Giles has helped you over the years and yet you abandon him when it suits you."

"This is different!"

"It is not!" Willow shouted. Tara frowned and touched her arm. Willow nodded, took a deep breath and then continued, speaking quietly. "I’m sorry if you don’t like it, Buffy, but we’re going to see Richard. Instead of worrying about how we treat Giles, why don’t you look at yourself for once? Haven’t you figured out yet why you’ve been so protective of him recently?"

Buffy narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," replied Willow. "See you around, Buffy."

Willow and Tara walked away and Buffy glanced down with a sigh. What on earth was Willow talking about? Me? Protective of Giles? Well, she conceded, maybe I am … a bit … but for a very good reason. Giles is feeling a bit depressed, why shouldn’t I be protective? Buffy smiled, pleased with her logic. She walked down the street towards the "Magic Box", a noticeable spring in her step. As she walked along, she refused to listen to the inner voice that was providing a completely different reason for her sudden protectiveness.

Anya sighed, resting her head in her hands. She gazed down at her coffee cup and sighed again. I don’t see why Xander couldn’t get the afternoon off, she grumbled to herself, after all, I did. Anya lifted her head up and glanced around the Espresso Pump. There were few customers, the heat appeared to be having an adverse effect upon business, and Anya sighed once more. I should have stayed in the shop, she thought.

"It’s Anya, isn’t it?" The soft, sibilant voice cut into her thoughts and Anya glanced up, her eyes widening as she took in the immaculately suited appearance of the gentleman standing beside her. He was tall with a shock of grey hair and his face was lined but not excessively so. He smiled down at Anya but, she noticed, the smile didn’t reach the deep, blue eyes that seemed to gaze right through her.

"What do you want?" Anya asked harshly, a sudden inexplicable feeling of unease spreading through her.

"May I sit down?"

"If you want," she shrugged.

"Allow me to introduce myself," he continued, clasping his hands together on the table. "My name is Richard Hutchings. I own "Hocus Pocus" … the new magic shop."

"So?"

He leaned forward, gazing intently at Anya. "I have a proposition for you."

Buffy peered through the window of the "Magic Box", looking for Giles. She smiled as she finally spotted him, sitting at the table with a pot of tea in front of him. The smile slipped slightly as she took in his hunched shoulders and the frown on his face. She sighed, trying to repress the surge of anger she felt towards Willow and Tara. How could they do this to him? Right, she said to herself, you’ve got to cheer him up and don’t tell him about Willow and Tara. Buffy took a deep breath and then flung open the door.

"Hi, Giles," she said brightly, her smile widening into a grin as Giles visibly jumped. He tried to glare at her but found himself smiling back instead. The smile was only small and Buffy felt her heart lurch as she saw the tired, depressed look in his eyes.

"Buffy," he said, "I’m beginning to think that you enjoy startling me far too much."

"I like keeping you on your toes," grinned Buffy as she sat beside him.

"So I see," replied Giles. "Would you like some tea?"

"Giles," said Buffy, "it’s like heatwave time out there and you’re still drinking tea?"

Giles glanced at Buffy in surprise.

"Well, of course I’m drinking tea," he replied slightly testily and Buffy frowned.

"Are things really that bad?" She asked softly, trying to keep the worry out of her voice.

Giles shrugged. "They’re bad … but the mail order business is still okay." Giles glanced at Buffy and smiled. "I’m sure things will improve once the novelty of the new shop wears off."

Buffy let out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding. She’d come so close to losing him recently that the thought still terrified her, still caused her to break out into a cold sweat. When Giles had agreed to be her Watcher again, Buffy had happily babbled the information to Willow, who had let slip Giles’ previous intention to leave. Willow had been so distraught at breaking his confidence that Buffy had to make fervent promises to every Goddess in the Wicca pantheon never to mention it again. A sudden thought hit her and she glanced around, puzzled.

"Where’s Anya?"

"I gave her the afternoon off," replied Giles and Buffy grinned.

"Nagged you again, huh?"

"Something like that," he smiled.

They sat together in silence for a few moments, both enjoying the other’s company. Giles sipped at his tea, casting the occasional sidelong glance towards Buffy who was gazing into space, a thoughtful expression on her face. What’s going on in that mind of yours, he thought, or, more importantly, who are you thinking about? It can’t be me … you’re probably deciding where to go tonight … who to go with. Giles glanced at Buffy once more. How long have I loved you … have I always loved you? No, he thought, it was Prom Night … definitely Prom Night. Giles smiled as he remembered turning and seeing her standing there. He’d felt as though someone had hit him on the head with a sledgehammer. I stopped seeing you as a girl that night, he thought … I saw a beautiful woman standing there, smiling at me. Giles frowned suddenly. I was going to ask you to dance, he thought, but then Angel turned up. Is that what I’m going to see when I’m old? Will it always be "I was going to but then…"? Giles sighed and sat back, folding his arms across his chest. Buffy glanced towards him and frowned. I wish I could sort all this out for you, she thought. You’re always there for me, always helping, always guiding … I’m powerless to help you this time though. Why couldn’t it be something simple like Vampires? Or even Ethan Rayne? I’d know what to do then. I hate this … I hate seeing you like this. I prefer it when you smile … I love the way your face lights up. I love your eyes … the way they crinkle when you grin … green depths that I could lose myself in … green except for that wonderful hazel fleck in one eye. I love your lips, your ears … what happened to your earring, by the way? I love your hands, slightly rough and callused with long, graceful fingers … I love everything about you … I love you, Giles. Buffy shook herself from her reverie with a start. Where on earth did that come from? No, that can’t be right … can it? No, she thought, now is definitely not the time to think about this.

"So," said Buffy, trying to drag her mind away from thoughts of Giles, "what do you know about the new magic shop guy?"

"Not a lot," shrugged Giles. "Every time I go over there it’s closed. I’ve yet to meet him."

"I don’t get it," remarked Buffy, leaning forward, elbows on the table and resting her head in her hands.

"What don’t you get?" Asked Giles and Buffy sighed.

"I don’t get why Will … everyone is going over there," she finished lamely.

Giles didn’t reply, merely looked at Buffy with one eyebrow raised. Buffy shifted uncomfortably.

"Okay," she said, knowing she couldn’t brazen it out in the face of the look Giles was giving her. "I saw Willow … she’s getting her stuff at the new place."

"I know," replied Giles softly and Buffy looked at him in surprise. "Well, I guessed."

"Couldn’t you give her a bigger discount or something?"

"A bigger discount?" Giles smiled at Buffy’s slightly puzzled expression. "Buffy, I wouldn’t dream of charging Willow or Tara … or any of you for that matter."

"She gets it all for free?"

"Well, yes," replied Giles, "within reason, of course."

A sudden thought hit Buffy. "Giles, Willow said that this ‘Richard’ guy could get hold of things for her … you don’t think that she’s … you know."

"Dabbling in dark magic?" Giles shook his head. "No, Willow’s too sensible for that."

"Really," remarked Buffy, a sarcastic tone slipping into her voice. "Willow tends to leap into things without thinking … remember when she blinded you?"

"She doesn’t think of consequences, I grant you but … "

"No buts, Giles," replied Buffy. "Look, what if this ‘Richard’ is using dark magic to draw customers to his shop? It makes sense … why else would your regulars desert you so quickly."

Giles smiled and shook his head. "I appreciate your concern, Buffy," he said, "but I’m sure it’s all quite innocent."

"Why won’t you even consider it?" Asked Buffy, ploughing on before Giles had a chance to reply. "And that’s another thing … this isn’t like you."

"What isn’t like me?" Giles frowned.

"This …" Buffy waved her hand around. "This sitting back and letting things happen. Letting it affect you like this … it’s not you at all, Giles."

Giles opened his mouth to reply but shut it again when the door to the shop was dramatically flung open. Giles and Buffy glanced up to see Anya stride in, slamming the door behind her.

"Anya," said Giles, standing up, "what are you doing here?"

"I’ve just seen that new shop guy," said Anya without preamble. "He’s offered me a job … with more money than you’re paying me."

Anya looked at Giles reproachfully and he sighed, aware of Buffy gently touching his arm.

"So," he said softly, "when do you start?"

Anya frowned. "I don’t," she said.

"I will be very sorry to lose …" Giles broke off as her words penetrated his brain. "What do you mean - you don’t?"

Anya took a deep breath. "I didn’t like him," she frowned. "He made me nervous … smiled all the time … and his eyes …" Anya shuddered. "Anyway, Xander’s been teaching me about friendship … he said that you put your friends first and then there’s this weird loyalty thing." Anya looked searchingly at Giles. "Xander says you’re a friend, you’re not just my boss … so, did I get it right?"

Giles stood still, completely dumbfounded, and Buffy squealed with delight, pushing past him to envelop Anya in a bearhug.

"You got it right, Anya," she said excitedly. "You got it more right than a lot of others I could mention."

Richard Hutchings smiled as he saw Willow and Tara waiting patiently outside "Hocus Pocus". Good, he thought, I really need to talk to those two.

"Good afternoon, Willow, Tara," he smiled as he unlocked the door. Ushering them inside he closed the door and locked it once more. Turning to face them, the smile slipped from his face to be replaced by a hard glare.

"You have some explaining to do," he said, his voice low and dangerous. Willow and Tara backed away, fear plainly showing on their faces. "You told me she would be easy … she resisted!"

"I don’t understand," said Willow softly.

"I pushed as far as I dared in a public place … she refused!" Willow and Tara glanced briefly at one another and Hutchings narrowed his eyes. "Look at me!"

The both looked up, instantly trapped by the deep blue eyes that gazed back at them. The eyes grew brighter, boring into them and suddenly their faces went slack, losing all animation.

"Now," he said softly, "listen to me. You will ignore any feelings of loyalty, friendship or trust that you have for anyone except me. I am the only friend you have, the only one who can see your true potential. You will listen to me, you will do whatever I tell you to do. Do you understand?"

Willow and Tara both nodded and Hutchings smiled. "That’s better," he said. "Now, what is so special about Anya? What did you not tell me?"

"She used to be a demon," said Willow in a soft dreamlike voice. "She lost her power."

"What was her name?"

"Anyanka."

"She’ll be suspicious … where would she go?"

"Xander … her boyfriend … or she would go to Giles."

"No!" Hutchings yelled. "I need him to feel alone … I need him depressed … I need him to feel abandoned." Hutchings paused, running a hand through his hair. "On the other hand, if he’s already suspicious then the opposite would work just as well … a little magical distraction and he won’t even think about interfering tonight. Go and bring Xander here … and fetch the Slayer as well."

"Come on, Giles," pleaded Buffy, leaning across the table. "I know there’s something wrong here and so does Anya."

Giles sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Alright," he said. "We need to find out more about this character."

"Richard Hutchings," said Anya with a shiver. Giles frowned at her.

"Anya, can you tell me exactly what you felt, what your instinct was, when he was talking to you?"

"Is that important?" Asked Buffy and Giles shrugged.

"It may be," he said softly. "After all, Anya was a demon … it may be that a residual of her demon nature was what made her uneasy."

"Like I sensed something?" Asked Anya, puzzled.

"Yes … now tell me what you felt."

"Well," she replied, frowning, "it was like … like … there were insects crawling over me and … like I couldn’t hear anything else … just his voice. I really wanted to hear his voice but then it was like another voice inside me was telling me that something was wrong. It was like I couldn’t breathe and I had to get out of there."

Buffy’s eyes had widened during Anya’s explanation and she turned to Giles.

"We have to warn Willow," she said urgently. "She was going over there."

"It may be too late," replied Giles. "It sounds like some form of hypnosis … thrall of some kind."

"Like with Dracula?"

"It could be something similar, yes."

"So, Willow’s already in thrall to this guy and that’s why she’s buying her stuff over there?"

"I think there’s more to it than that," replied Giles with a frown. "Why go to all that trouble just to generate sales? There’s something else going on here. We’ll need to research this."

Buffy couldn’t help smiling. It was good to see Giles back in research mode.

"Where do we start?" She said seriously and Giles smiled at her.

"You’re excused the books," he replied and Buffy grinned at him.

"Yay me. So, what do you want me to do?"

"We can’t trust Willow …"

"We don’t know that yet," interrupted Buffy. "Look, just let me talk to her … I won’t tell her anything but I just want to sound her out."

Giles looked doubtful and Buffy sighed.

"Giles, Willow and I had an argument this morning," she continued. "What would be more natural than me going over there to apologise? I’ll tell her that I was worried about you and see where the conversation goes."

"You argued about me?" Asked Giles in surprise, not seeing the smile that crossed Anya’s face as she glanced between Giles and Buffy.

"Well, yes," replied Buffy sheepishly. "I was sort of angry with them for not coming here and then Willow said that I …"

Buffy broke off, suddenly realising what Willow had been implying. God, she thought, how come she knew before I did? You knew a long time ago, the inner voice piped up, you just refused to face it.

"Buffy?" Giles’ soft tones broke into her thoughts.

"Hmmm?" She asked, looking up and Giles’ eyes widened slightly at the dreamy smile on her face. Where did she drift off to then, he wondered.

"M..m..maybe you … um … should see Willow," he stuttered, mentally cursing the fact that his brain and his mouth refused to co-operate whenever Buffy looked at him like that … or when she pouted … or … yes, that’s quite enough of that, he thought. He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"If you find that you can’t trust Willow," continued Giles, not looking at her, "then I need you to find someone to help us with the computer side of things. Try and track down Richard Hutchings on the … um … internet."

"No problem," replied Buffy, standing up. "I’ll see you guys later."

"Buffy?" called Giles as she reached the door. Buffy turned around, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

"Be careful," he said quietly and Buffy smiled, nodding quickly before leaving the shop.

Giles sighed and turned to Anya.

"When does Xander leave work?"

Anya glanced up at the clock. "In 30 minutes … why?"

"Good," replied Giles, walking across to the counter. "Go and meet Xander. Tell him what’s happened. On the way back here, I want you to stop at my place and pick up these books."

Giles quickly jotted down the names of seven books he was convinced he simply couldn’t do without and then handed the piece of paper to Anya. She glanced at it casually and stuffed it into her pocket.

"Don’t forget," admonished Giles. "I really need those volumes."

Xander struggled through the fog and confusion in his mind. He felt as though he was struggling with nothing; drowning in a sea of nothing. Memories were there … he could feel them at the edge of his mind … but whenever he reached out, tried to focus, they danced away, bobbing tantalisingly just out of his reach. Okay, he thought, what’s the last thing you remember? Red hair .. red hair and those eyes … staring into my soul. I fell into them, wanted to lose myself in them, drown in them. Xander moaned slightly and Willow and Tara increased their grip upon him, entering "Hocus Pocus" through the back entrance, supporting Xander between them. Hutchings smiled as he saw them.

"Very good," he said soothingly. "You’ve done well. Now take him to the storeroom … chain him up… and then go and fetch the Slayer." Hutchings smiled as Willow and Tara dragged Xander from the room. "However," he said softly, "I can’t overlook your earlier mistake … you will have to be punished … but not yet. I want the Slayer first."

He rubbed his hands together. Everything was falling into place … I have Willow, Tara, Xander and soon I’ll have the Slayer. Hutchings grinned. All you have, Watcher, is an ex-demon … and you’re no longer strong enough to stop me … I’ve seen to that.

Giles glanced at his watch for the twelfth time in as many minutes and sighed heavily. Come on, come on, come on, he thought, one of you come back and give me some good news. His feet were tapping out a complex rhythm on the floor and his eyes were darting around the shop. Giles felt full of energy, unable to sit still and certainly not able to concentrate on the open book in front of him. A complete change from this morning, thought Giles, when I had no energy at all. This was obviously the effect of having two people like Anya and Buffy standing by me, believing in me. God, I feel good, he thought, I feel like … like … dancing! Giles sprang to his feet, knocking his chair over in his haste. Executing a perfect yet complex two-step he was at the other end of the shop in seconds. Not bad, he thought to himself, but boring … I need something a bit livelier. A smile of delight lit up his face and he bounded across the shop, reaching out and sweeping everything off the counter. Leaping up onto the polished surface, he began to tap dance along the counter, the complicated steps he was employing punctuated with the occasional spin or leap. This is much better, he thought, jumping from the counter and continuing to tap dance his way around the shop. He was on his second circuit when he stopped suddenly, breathing heavily and frowning to himself. What was the name of the dance I liked? The one from that musical, he thought. I know, he grinned, the Timewarp … from Rocky Horror … now how did it go again? Was it step to the right and jump to the left or vice versa? Giles broke into song, dancing a very wobbly version of the Timewarp when his foot caught in the overturned chair and sent him to floor. He landed with an audible thud and then started giggling. That was bracing, he thought, much better than looking through dusty books …what was I looking for anyway? Oh yes, the new magic shop chap … something strange about him …ohhh, has he done what I think he's done? Giles giggled again, sitting up. So, you’re playing with spells are you? First of all, you make me depressed and lethargic and now this … what don’t you want me to see? Oh well, my turn with the spells, he thought, must regain equilibrium. Leaping to his feet, he scanned the spell ingredients, choosing various items and juggling across to the table with them. Now, he thought, looking down at the table, how did that spell go again?

Buffy bit her lip and frowned, hands on hips. Where could they be? She'd tried everywhere she could think of but to no avail. She sighed, heading for the University. Get the nerdy guys working then try and find Willow again, she thought. Buffy smiled to herself as her thoughts turned once more to Giles. I can't get him out of my head … wait a minute, isn't that a song? Sure sign that you've got it bad, she thought ruefully, when you link him to songs. Okay, let's sort this out … do I really love Giles? Course I do … but here's the biggie: am I IN love with him? Buffy grinned, well, I've sure got all the signs. Warm fuzzies, sweaty palms, heart pounding so fast it feels like it's gonna burst out of my chest whenever I'm near him and, of course, the dreams. Oh boy, those dreams.

"Buffy!"

Buffy looked up in annoyance, ready to give a piece of her mind to whoever had interrupted her pleasant train of thought. Her face cleared and she grinned suddenly.

"Willow! Tara!" Buffy exclaimed with relief. "Am I glad to see you … I've been looking for you two everywhere!"

"Why?" Asked Willow tonelessly and Buffy sighed. Jeez, she thought, talk about snippy.

"I wanted to apologise for earlier …" Buffy broke off as Willow and Tara both took a step forward, fixing Buffy with a penetrating gaze. She couldn’t tear her eyes away, she was transfixed, pinned, totally unable to move. All rational thought disappeared, she just wanted to lose herself in the swirling colours before her. She didn’t feel Willow and Tara gripping her arms, didn’t feel herself being propelled along. All Buffy could see were the colours, which she watched with all the fascination and wonder of a child.

Giles sighed with relief and dropped into the chair. He felt bone-achingly tired, wanting nothing more than to rest his head on the table and go to sleep. I may be tired, he thought, but at least I’m back to normal. What a strange sensation that was ... it was almost like being drunk. Why would he do something like that? Giles glanced up as the door was thrown open and Anya ran inside, slamming the door behind her. Giles winced and stood up, slightly shakily.

"Giles …" Anya began then she stopped, frowning. "You look terrible."

"Yes, thank you very much," replied Giles testily, putting his hands on his hips. "Now, what’s …"

"Xander’s missing," interrupted Anya. "I went to meet him and he wasn’t there. His boss said two girls had come earlier … one had red hair."

"Willow," sighed Giles, "which means that Buffy’s probably in trouble as well."

"What are we going to do?" Anya started pacing. "We have to find Xander!"

"Anya," replied Giles, trying to stifle a yawn, "you have to calm down."

"Calm down?!" She screeched. "Xander and Buffy are missing, Willow and Tara are weird, you look like you’re dead on your feet and you tell me to calm down?!"

"Anya!" Giles snapped. "This isn’t helping. Now, he cast a spell on me … made me feel full of energy, euphoric, almost like I was drunk."

"Great," replied Anya, "we really need a ‘full of energy’ you. So what did you do?"

"Cast a spell to neutralise the effects."

"Why?"

"Well … because I couldn’t concentrate on anything, couldn’t hold a thought in my head for any length of time … I would have been worse than useless."

"And you’re not now?"

Giles glared at Anya who took a step backwards. She’d heard about his infamous "Ripper" glare but this was the first time she’d experienced it.

"If I hadn’t neutralised the effects of the spell, I would have burnt myself out, collapsed and probably died," Giles replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

"So, what do we do?" Anya asked uncomfortably, tearing her eyes away from the force of the look he was giving her.

"I want to have a look in that shop," replied Giles, heading for the door. "Fancy a little breaking and entering?"

"What if he’s still there?"

"If the shop’s still open then we go right on in by the front door. If it’s closed then we sneak around the back … I think it’s time we found out what we’re dealing with here."

Hutchings fixed the manacle to Tara’s wrist and then stepped back, smiling at his handiwork.

"Four little humans chained to a wall," Hutchings giggled. He raised an eyebrow and walked across to Buffy. Bending over, he peered up at her, frowning slightly.

"Are you back with us, my dear?" He asked softly, smiling as she groaned and lifted her head. She opened her eyes, glancing around groggily before frowning at the figure in front of her.

"What … who are you?"

"Excellent," replied Hutchings. "You do recover quickly, don’t you?"

"Are they alright?" Buffy gazed at the three unconscious figures chained beside her.

"At the moment, yes," replied Hutchings, grinning as he saw Buffy flexing her muscles. "Oh do please try to escape … the chains are quite strong, but it will be interesting to see how they fare against the strength of a Slayer … and it’s not likely you’d get out of this room, anyway."

Giles and Anya crept quietly to the back of "Hocus Pocus", searching for a way in. Giles winced inwardly, certain that the echo of their footsteps could be heard for miles around. His blood was pounding in his ears and he moved slowly and surely, the tiredness making his limbs ache. Locating a window high up in the wall, Giles started to look for something to stand on when he froze suddenly. He could hear voices … one of them sounded like Buffy. Indicating to Anya, Giles pressed himself against the wall, straining to hear.

"You’re not the threat, my dear," he heard. "You may be the Slayer but it’s not you."

"It’s Giles, isn’t it?" Buffy sounded angry, defiant and Giles couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face.

"Past tense, my dear … it WAS your Mr Giles. He’s not strong enough to defeat me now."

"Don’t bet on it."

The chuckle that followed Buffy’s statement caused Anya to shudder and Giles reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder in reassurance.

"Enough talk of Mr Giles. He doesn’t matter anymore … soon, he’ll be the last thing on your mind."

"What do you mean?"

There was a sharp intake of breath from alongside Giles as Anya recognised Xander’s voice. Giles quickly covered her mouth with his hand, glaring at her.

"You’ll have other things to think about … pain, terror, death, that kind of thing."

"Why? What is all this about?"

"Oh, it’s quite simple, my dear. It’s what I live on. I didn’t just pick you randomly, you know. You have all been through so much pain, so much death … I can feel it pulsing within you. Every bit of pain you relive, every death you experience again, will feed me, nourish me, make me stronger … would you like a little demonstration before the main event?"

There was a brief pause before an agonised groan reached them.

"Come on, my dear, don’t resist. You’ll only cause yourself more pain … that’s it … remember facing the Master … remember dying."

A rattle of chains and then a scream cut through the night. Giles clenched his fists, wanting nothing more than to rush in and tear Richard Hutchings apart. No, he told himself, calm down. He could feel his nails digging into his palms and the sudden pain cleared his mind. He took a deep breath and then grabbed Anya’s arm, propelling her quickly back to the Magic Box.

"What did you do that for?" Anya was furious. "Why didn’t we just go in and get them?"

"Because I know what he is," replied Giles wearily, "and he’s right … I’m not strong enough to defeat him."

"You really have no idea, do you?" Remarked Hutchings conversationally as he methodically lit a series of strategically placed candles.

"About what?" Asked Buffy, her voice tinged with pain. She glanced towards the others, her heart sinking as she saw that Willow and Tara were still unconscious whilst Xander was drifting in and out. He was lucid one minute and oblivious the next.

"About how powerful your Watcher really is," continued Hutchings, "or could be if he allowed himself to be. I could almost taste the magic within him … but he’s blocked it, erected a strong mental barrier. It will be interesting to find out why he did that." Buffy frowned and Hutchings smiled once more. "Oh, yes, I am expecting him. He’s not strong enough and I’ve no doubt he knows it … he’ll come and he’ll throw his life away in a gloriously futile gesture."

"Giles is strong enough," replied Buffy softly, "you think a little depression will stop him?"

"Depression?" Hutchings raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I’ve upped the stakes since then. Mr Giles has two options with the spell I cast earlier. Either he will realise what’s going on and neutralise my spell or he won’t … in each case the outcome is the same: your Watcher will be exhausted … both physically and mentally. There is no way he can win."

"I’ve never heard of a Hathorian Demon before," frowned Anya.

"They’re very rare," replied Giles, flicking through a book. "Watchers in the past have confronted them."

"And won?"

"In some cases, yes."

"How?"

"By preparing themselves … spending days in meditation … clearing their minds. These demons are adept at finding any weakness and playing upon it. The Watchers had to be completely at peace with themselves … and physically fit as well. Here we are," said Giles, pointing at a passage in the book, "the demon can be defeated by ‘one whose love and devotion is pure and does not waver’."

"That’s you," replied Anya succinctly. She sighed at Giles’ blank expression. "You’re in love with Buffy and that’s certainly never wavered."

Giles gazed at Anya in astonishment. She could be incredibly perceptive at times and yet incredibly naïve as well. It was a combination that irritated, annoyed, amused and fascinated Giles. It’s never dull with Anya around, he thought with a slight smile.

"Y …yes," he replied, realising the futility of arguing. "I will try and shield myself with my faith, trust and … love for Buffy. It should give you the time you need." Giles dropped the book on the table and walked to the back of the shop. Taking the large, double-bladed axe from the wall, he handed it to Anya. "I should be able to distract him long enough for you to get the others out. Now, you must get them outside … while they are still near him he can feed off them, draw strength from them. Ignore what I’m doing … get them out."

"You’re exhausted," remarked Anya. "You’ll never do it. Why can’t I just slice his head off?"

"Because he’s protected," replied Giles. "This is the only way … now, come on."

"I must say," remarked Hutchings as he straightened up, admiring the complex chalk outline on the floor, "I’m rather disappointed."

Buffy didn’t reply and Hutchings glanced briefly towards her. She was glaring at him with such anger and hatred that he began to chuckle.

"Oh, hold those thoughts," he grinned. "I can make good use of them."

Buffy sighed, letting the anger drain out of her. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself.

"So," she said, deciding that her best option was to keep him talking for a while, "why are you disappointed?"

"I’m disappointed in your Watcher," replied Hutchings. "I rather thought he’d be here by now."

"Terribly sorry to keep you waiting." The firm, confident voice echoed around the room. Hutchings swung around, watching with a smile as Giles strode into the storeroom. Buffy’s face lit up, her eyes drinking him in. He was here, he was alive. Her smile slipped as she saw the exhaustion evident behind his confident façade. No, she thought, he can’t do this … Hutchings was right … Giles isn’t strong enough.

"Giles," she said urgently, "you have to leave, you have to …"

"Shhh," replied Giles, briefly touching a finger to her lips as he walked past her. His eyes narrowed as he saw the slumped postures of Willow, Tara and Xander. Taking a deep breath, Giles turned to face Hutchings.

"Well?" He asked, putting an arrogant tone into his voice. "Shall we proceed?"

"Certainly," replied Hutchings, his attention now completely focussed on Giles. "This will be interesting."

Giles closed his eyes, focussing his thoughts, chanting softly under his breath. He was aware of Hutchings doing the same, he could feel the build-up of power in the room. It tingled around him, charging the atmosphere and Giles braced himself, preparing for the onslaught that was to come. Giles concentrated on the love within him, keeping Buffy at the forefront of his mind, allowing his emotions to wash over him. It had to be enough, he thought.

Anya waited impatiently outside the storeroom, casting occasional glances inside, waiting for her signal. Giles closed his eyes and Anya immediately sprang forward. She gasped as she saw the four figures chained to the wall. Her attention was drawn to Xander, who was slumped against his chains. If he’s hurt you, she thought …

"Anya!" Buffy’s stage whisper almost caused her to drop the axe. "Quickly!"

Anya immediately set about trying to free Buffy, swinging the axe in dangerous arcs that had Buffy almost cringing against the chains. It seemed like an eternity to Buffy and she kept casting worried glances towards Giles who seemed to be swaying on his feet, the pained expression on his face causing her heart to lurch. Finally, she was free, manacles still attached to her wrists and the chains dangling from them.

"Right," said Buffy, grabbing the axe from Anya, "let’s get the others free and you can tell me what the hell Giles thinks he’s doing."

Giles was hanging on in desperation, trying to shield himself from the waves of hatred and anger emanating from Hutchings. A groan escaped his lips and sweat dripped from his face as he tried to keep Hutchings incessant probing at bay. He was searching for a weakness, for a chink in the mental armour that surrounded Giles. Panic swirled briefly through Giles as Hutchings increased the power of his probes. He swayed backwards, his mental shields weakening before he steadied himself, thoughts of Buffy causing a surge of love that shored up his battered mental defences. He felt Hutchings pull back slightly and relief flooded through him before the realisation struck that Hutchings was merely gathering strength for another, stronger assault. Giles braced himself, taking deep breaths, preparing his barriers and fervently hoping that he could combat the dual enemies of Hutchings and his own exhaustion for a little while longer. The wave came almost before Giles could completely prepare himself and his face twisted in agony. The pressure was immense and Giles felt as though his mind was being squeezed tighter and tighter. He tried to fight back, tried to concentrate on his love for Buffy but it suddenly seemed intangible, out of reach. His shields were breaking down, the exhaustion he’d fought for so long now taking its toll and Giles fell to his knees, clinging desperately to the last shreds of his tattered barriers.

Buffy expertly swung the axe, cutting through the last chain and Tara’s limp form fell forward into Anya’s waiting arms. Buffy dropped the axe and then jumped in shock as an agonised scream cut through the air. Buffy turned, horrified at the sight of Giles, who was on his knees, his head flung back and his face contorted in agony.

"Anya," said Buffy, taking a deep breath. "Get Tara out of here. I’m going to help Giles."

Anya nodded and began dragging Tara towards the door. Buffy took a step forward, biting her lip. She quickly ran through Anya’s explanation in her mind. Love, she thought, love is the key … Anya said Giles was focussing on the love inside him … can I do the same? Buffy dropped to her knees beside Giles. Well, Watcherman, she thought, I hope you’re strong enough to deal with the shock I’m about to give you. Buffy reached out, clasping Giles hand. Her other hand snaked up, gently drawing Giles’ head down to face her. Concentrating hard, Buffy gazed deeply into his eyes, willing him to see the love that was shining brightly, lighting up her face. They both gasped as their eyes locked, minds and memories surging together. Buffy no longer knew where she stopped and Giles began, they were linked together, their love for one another shining like a beacon. Giles felt the influx of strength from Buffy, felt her love bathe and heal his battered mind. God, she loves me, was the one rational thought that ran quickly through his mind before he gathered their combined strength, pushing it out in wave after wave. Hutchings screamed in pain and terror, his body crashing to the floor as he withered under the assault. He writhed in agony, his mind in pieces, blood streaming from his eyes and his ears. He curled up, trying to protect himself but the agony was never-ending. One final convulsion shook his body before he suddenly went limp, his eyes open and gazing blankly at nothing. Buffy felt the link between herself and Giles dissipate as Hutchings died. She mourned it’s loss, wanting to stay there for a few minutes more, not wanting to leave the deep sense of wonder and delight she’d felt. She gazed at Giles, seeing the surprised yet ecstatic expression on his face. Buffy giggled.

"Hey there," she said softly, raising an eyebrow at the weary smile that crossed Giles’ face. Buffy grabbed Giles’ other hand. "I love you."

Giles’ eyes rolled up and he pitched forward, crashing against Buffy. A brief panic surged through her until she felt his heart beating against her. Typical man, she thought with a smile, her arms snaking around him and holding him close, falls asleep as soon as it’s over. She rocked gently, kissing his forehead, one hand caressing his hair. A sharp intake of breath caused her to look up. She smiled as she saw the four stricken faces at the door.

"He’s asleep," she whispered and then held up one arm. "Anyone know a locksmith?"

Giles slept for two days, during which he was never alone. Tara had devised a shift system so that there was someone with him at all times. Giles woke on the third day, immediately getting cranky when Anya refused to let him get up. Giles had fallen back to sleep mid-argument, thereby quite effectively proving her case. Willow had burst into tears when Giles awoke on her shift. Her heartfelt apologies had quite tired him out again and Giles had drifted back to sleep to the accompaniment of Willow’s excited babbling about how busy the Magic Box was. The next time Giles awoke he opened his eyes to see Buffy smiling down at him.

"Hey there, big guy," she said softly. "Think you can manage to keep your eyes open for a little while?"

Giles tried to speak but nothing came out except a dry croak.

"Hang on," said Buffy, heading for the door. "I’ll get you some water."

Giles sighed and shifted himself into a sitting position. He groaned as he felt his muscles protesting against the movement and then Giles glanced down, reddening in embarrassment as he realised that he was naked. He pulled the covers up, fervently hoping that Xander had undressed him and put him to bed. He glanced up as Buffy re-entered the room, carrying a glass of water. She sat on the bed, holding the glass up to his lips.

"Sips only," she admonished and Giles rolled his eyes. Buffy tried to keep the smile from her face but knew she was fighting a losing battle. Giles looked like his old self, his eyes were bright and face was full of colour. In short, she thought, he looks alive now … he looked almost dead a few days ago.

"Hello to you too," said Giles softly when he’d finished the water. Buffy grinned, putting the glass on the bedside table and reaching out, gently touching his face. A smile crossed Giles' face and he sighed with relief.

"What?" Asked Buffy, raising an eyebrow.

"I thought I may have dreamt it," he replied. "You know … that you … I …well…"

Buffy giggled. "You know I quite miss that cute, blushing, stuttering you."

"Oh, he's still here, love," grinned Giles. "You have a tendency to bring out that side of me rather well."

"Goodie," a wicked smile crossed Buffy's face. "Does that mean you still have the tweed?"

Giles chuckled, leaning back against the pillows. Buffy gazed down at him, feeling the inevitable tingling in her stomach. God, she thought, he just looks so cute.

"Giles," Buffy's voice had a serious tone and Giles glanced up at her, frowning.

"Yes?" He asked with a touch of trepidation.

"I do love you, you know," she smiled. "Just in case you missed my earth-shattering announcement by falling asleep."

"I think it was your 'announcement' that caused my brain to finally give up the ghost and gracefully withdraw."

"Was it really that hard to believe?" She asked softly and Giles sighed.

"Yes," he replied, "right up to the moment I looked into your eyes."

"Well, in my defence," said Buffy with a smile, "I never knew how you felt until I looked into your eyes as well."

Giles frowned. "But Anya…"

"All Anya said was that you were using the love that you had inside of you … she never said that you were in love with me."

"Well, in that case, I really think you should hear it properly … I love you."

Buffy felt her eyes tearing up. "Giles, I…"

Whatever Buffy was about to say was interrupted by a rumble from Giles' stomach that was so loud it almost caused the windows to rattle. Giles reddened and Buffy giggled, delighted to see the redness extend to his chest.

"I'll get you something to eat," she chuckled. "We can do all the lovey-dovey stuff later … I'd better give you time to recover your strength or I'll have you falling asleep on me again."

The next day, Giles was feeling more or less like his old self again and he walked jauntily towards the Magic Box, a noticeable spring in his step. It's really amazing, he thought, how your life can completely turn around in the space of a few days. He put his hand in his jacket pocket, fingering the two packages there and smiling broadly. I hope they like them. Still smiling, he opened the door of the Magic Box, eyes widening in surprise. Willow had told him they were busy but he wasn't prepared for the gaggle of people in the shop. He glanced towards the counter, grinning as he saw that Willow, Tara, Anya, Buffy and even Xander were serving … well, amended Giles, getting in each other's way and snarling at one another would be closer to the truth. He made his way to the back of the shop, smiling and nodding at various acquaintances before taking his place at the counter and trying to establish some order amidst the chaos. By the time lunch approached, Giles was feeling quite tired and, aware of the concerned glances Buffy was casting his way, decided to close the shop for an hour. He sighed with relief and sat at the table, watching with a smile as Buffy ushered the final customer out of the door.

"You okay?" Asked Buffy, walking towards him. Giles nodded, smiling broadly as he felt her hands on his shoulders. She massaged gently, leaning down to kiss the top of his head.

"Okay, I need food," remarked Xander, sitting down. "Are we going to order out or what?"

"You never think about anything else, do you?" Smiled Willow.

"Yes, he does," piped up Anya, "he thinks about sex."

Giles couldn't help giggling. "Anya," he said, reaching into his pocket and drawing out a small package. "This is for you."

Anya regarded it suspiciously. "What is it?"

"It's a gift," Giles held it out patiently. Anya glanced towards Xander who grinned encouragingly at her. She reached out, snatching it from Giles and tearing off the paper. Opening the velvet box, she grinned and looked up at Giles.

"This is for me?"

Giles nodded, watching with a smile as Anya carefully took the gold bracelet out of the box. She frowned at the inscription.

"What does this mean?"

"They're runes," replied Giles. "They stand for 'friendship', 'loyalty' and 'trust'. Virtues that you've shown in abundance over the last few days."

"Cool," replied Anya with delight. "So I get a present every time I do something right … I like that."

Giles raised an eyebrow and glanced towards Xander.

"I'll explain it to her later," he replied.

Giles nodded and turned his attention to Buffy, who had wrapped her arms around him and was enthusiastically kissing his ear and neck.

"Buffy," said Giles softly, extricating himself from her embrace and standing up. He held out a package towards her. "This is for you."

Buffy's eyes lit up. "So," she grinned, "I get a pressie as well."

Buffy didn't need to be asked twice. She quickly ripped the paper off, dropping it casually to the floor and receiving a glare from Giles in the process. Buffy merely smiled at him and then opened the box. She took a sharp intake of breath, eyes widening in delight.

"Come on, Buffy," Willow was bouncing in anticipation. "What is it?"

Buffy carefully took the ornate gold locket out of the box and held it up for the others to see. The girls all ooed and ahhed over it whilst Giles and Xander looked on affectionately.

"So, what does 'Omnia Vincit Amor' mean?" Asked Buffy, frowning at the engraving on the front of the locket.

"Turn it over," replied Giles softly, grinning as Buffy read the inscription on the back. Buffy glanced up at him, tears in her eyes.

"Love conquers all things," she quoted, moving forward and wrapping her arms around him. She leant her head on his chest. "You know," she said softly, "I'm beginning to believe that it does."