Giles sat behind his mahogany desk, sipping some brandy and reading over Buffy’s most recent letter. His stereo played works from Chopin quietly in the background as his eyes looked over the latest details of life in Rome, of Dawn off in college, and of endless nights of patrolling. Giles sighed as he put down the letter. He could feel the loneliness that the 28 year old slayer tried to keep hidden. Giles hadn’t wanted this for her. She’d given up her dream of a normal life so long ago, no one knew how to help her get it back. He looked at the pictures on his desk. One was taken almost 5 years ago, right after the survived their final battle in Sunnydale, the other was from a year ago taken at Willow’s commitment ceremony. Giles put his brandy down and placed his head in his hands. Very subtly the tune from the radio changed from Chopin to Cream, and Giles found himself remembering the last two times he had played the song “Tales of Brave Ulysses“. Once in his living room while him and Joyce relived their youth and the other the day she died. He hadn’t played it since. Giles mind quickly turned to Watcher mode and looked up from hid desk only to be greeted by the warm smile of a woman from long ago and her gentle voice.
“Hello Rupert,” Joyce said tenderly.
Giles jumped from his seat and moved hastily around to the front of his desk so that he was directly in front of her.
“How? You’re a….um, I mean is it…,”Giles stammered.
“I know, I’m dead and all but it’s really me. You probably expected me to be glowing but I thought you would be more comfortable if I looked like this,” she said flaring her arms just a little. She stood wearing the same clothes she had the night they experienced their second childhood. Including the coat Giles had stolen for her.
“Very Juice Newton,” Giles jokingly said. Joyce laughed at the remark.
“Exactly. I’m actually here for a reason. Some Powers or rather sent me down for a reason,” Joyce said, her tone becoming more serious. Giles leaned back on his desk and removed his glasses to wipe them off before putting them back on. Anything having to do with the Powers made him nervous and this time was no different.
“I’m listening.”
“Before we get down to business, first let me start by apologizing. I was so angry and frustrated about Buffy being a slayer that I lashed out on you and I’m sorry for that. You’re a good man Rupert and I’m grateful that Buffy was able to have you for a Watcher,” Joyce lowered her head for a second before continuing, “I also want to say thank you for being there for Buffy and Dawn. You were the other parent she needed and the way you’ve taken care of them since I couldn’t is so wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a better surrogate.” Joyce smiled brightly at Giles who returned the smile. He always hoped he’d done well enough with the girls so that Joyce would never be disappointed and it was nice to here he’d done something right.
“Now for the reason I’m here. The Powers have decided to grant you a wish. But there are some rules, like you can’t wish for world peace or to change history, or anything like that. You can only wish fro something that’ll alter your life and those around you.”
Giles stood quietly for a moment. What would he wish for? The thought of wishing for Joyce back was already cancelled and he was actually quite happy in his current life. Then Giles glanced down at the letter on his desk. I am, but she’s not, he thought.
“I always knew how much you loved her Rupert, I should have known you’d give this wish to Buffy. But no new shoes, the girl has enough already.”
Giles smiled at this and gave Joyce his wish.
“I want her to be happy. I want her to have that normal life she always dreamed of having with whomever she decides to have it with. And no more having to patrol late at night.”
“It’ll be done. I have to go back now. It was nice seeing you Rupert.”
“I miss you Joyce.”
As Giles spoke Joyce faded away along with the song on the stereo. Giles stood up and polished off his brandy as he began to ready himself to go to bed. As he turned off the stereo, his phone rang.
“Hello, Rupert Giles speaking. Buffy, I just got done reading your letter. No I wasn’t’ asleep yet you just caught me on my way up. Really? Buffy, that’s wonderful news! Of course I’m thrilled, he loves you so much, we always knew that. I understand that you’re ready to settle down, it’s about time. Yes…yes. Buffy I’d be honored.
Three months later, Giles stepped into the dressing room of a church.
“Ladies, I think they’re about to begin plus I would like to speak to the Bride alone for a minute.”
“You heard him ladies. C’mon miss Maid of Honor, lead the way,” Faith said as she and Dawn followed Willow outside of the dressing room.
Buff stood looking more beautiful than Giles ever thought she could look in her stunning white wedding gown.
“Giles, I’m so glad you’re walking me down the aisle. You have know idea how much that means to me. I just hope you‘re not disappointed in me.”
“Buffy, I couldn’t be more proud of you today. I’m honored that to walk you down the aisle. I know he’ll take care of you and you’ll finally have the happiness you deserve.”
Buffy smiled and bowed her head a little.
“I wish mom were here though,” she said quietly.
“Me too,” he replied. Slowly the strains of violins were heard coming through the door. Giles straightened himself and moved to Buffy’s right side. He held out his arm for her and lovingly placed her arm through his.
“Shall we then?”
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