Buffy turned to listen to the heavy steps. Someone was running in her direction.

She pulled a stake out and raised it, ready to throw.

Giles staggered to view around the corner, breathing heavily. "Buffy…"

"Giles! Is everything ok?"

"Fine… had…" He was breathing too hard to speak. "Had to tell you…"

"Tell me what? Where's Sharon?"

"We… I… I love you Buffy. I had to tell you. I'm sorry I made you go through this."

Buffy smiled at him shyly, blushing, her heart beginning to race. "You do?"

His breath now calm, he caressed her cheek gently, then gave her a soft kiss. "I do. With all my heart."

"I love you to."

Behind a bush, Sharon fainted.

The End