CHAPTER 11
Willow found herself in Rupert's arms, as he was carrying her across the room. He pushed the door to his bedroom open, never taking his eyes off her. Walking into the bedroom, he sat down on the corner of the king sized bed.
Willow's hand had not been idle in the brief time it took them to arrive in the room. She was busy caressing his smooth chest, feeling his muscles; she noticed how his body radiated heat, his strong and steady heartbeat skipping whenever she happened upon a sensitive area. She decided to test her theory by running her fingernails over the spot in question. ‘Oh... yeah,' she sighed to herself, when she felt his heartbeat increase once more. Unable to keep her fingers still.
Rupert leaned forward and captured her lips with his, her arms went around his neck, keeping him firmly in place. In the back of her mind, she noticed an increase in her own body temperature. She gasped out-loud, pulling back from him, when she felt his hand move slowly from her waist, until he reached the curve of her breast.
He stilled his hand. He wanted to make sure that this is what she wanted before he continued his exploration. Willow looked at him, trying to convey with her eyes the absolute trust she had in him.
Rupert was transfixed, her beauty shone through unlike anything he had ever experienced before, or likely ever would again.
He saw Willow nod her head, giving him permission to touch, in his mind, a living work of art.
Willow's breath increased ten fold as he fondled her gently, his hand leaving trails of fire each place he touched.
She let her hand stray down his body, mapping it, each plain, and curve. She felt him shudder when she moved closer towards his waist. He stared deeply into her eyes, Willow had reached the top of his briefs, she slid her hand lower, ever so slowly...
“NO!” the teenager shouted, as her alarm clock shattered the dream. Grabbing the offending device, she hurled it across the room, watching as it hit the wall and fell to the floor in a broken heap. “AGhhh, I don't believe it,” she shook her head. ‘I was SO close,' she thought as she crossed her legs, her breathing ragged.
“Willow, are you all right honey?” Mrs. Rosenberg asked through the closed door.
“Um, I'm fine mom. I was having a dream, that's all,” she replied, embarrassed by her actions.
“Oh, I hope it wasn't a bad one?” she said though the door.
“Mom, you can come in. It's okay. No, it wasn't a bad dream,” Willow said.
Mrs. Rosenberg opened the door and stepped in, sitting on the edge of Willow's bed she looked closely at her teenage daughter, she took note of the flushed expression on her cheeks. “Well, I came in to let you know that your father and I are going out. We probably won't be back until late this evening, will you be okay?” Mrs. Rosenberg asked, already knowing the answer.
“Sure mom, I'll be okay. I'm going out later too,” she replied, not realizing the smile she had on her face.
‘I wonder if it's Xander?' Mrs. Rosenberg thought. “Well, be careful young lady, and don't stay out too late, you know how we worry. Say hello to Xander for me,” she told her.
“Um, sure, if I see him, he's probably out with Cordelia today,” she answered.
“Okay, bye honey,” Mrs. Rosenberg said, as she gave Willow a quick hug and kiss before getting up. She walked towards the bedroom door, only to turn around when she heard her daughter voice.
“I love you mom, have a good time, tell daddy I love him too,” she said.
“I will, we love you too sweetheart, see you later,” with that she closed her daughter's bedroom door, and brushed away the tears that had fallen on her cheeks. She wondered to herself who on earth here daughter had been dreaming about, especially since it seemed that Xander was seeing Cordelia. Could it be the same person who gave had given Willow the roses she'd seen on the nightstand?
Sighing, Willow thought about going back to sleep, then just as quickly tossed the idea aside. She knew she had a snowball's chance in Hell, to get back to the dream exactly where she had been so rudely interrupted. As she lay on her bed, she went back over the parts of the dream she could remember, blushing. Suddenly, she threw her blankets off and quickly went to her computer, she typed out what she recalled, as it slowly drifted from her memory.
Reading it over for the third time, the young woman knew her feelings were changing towards Giles. ‘Rupert,' she said to herself. How far they went, was still somewhat of a mystery to her, she glanced over to the phone, wondering when he would call. Hoping it wouldn't be while her parents were still in the house. She heard the car horn and walking to her bedroom window she watched as her father backed the car from the driveway and down the street.
Unfortunately for Willow, nature called before Rupert did, as she made a mad dash to the bathroom.
CHAPTER 12
The phone rang as she stepped out of the shower, so she rushed over to grab it, water cascading down her shoulders. “Hello?” she answered breathlessly.
“Willow, it's me Rupert, I didn't interrupt anything did I?” he asked, hearing her catch her breath.
“No, I was coming out of the shower. I had to run to get the phone before the answering machine did. It's no problem. So, what time are we going to the picnic?” she asked, sitting on the edge of her bed, drying her hair.
“Um,” he cleared his throat, “What about one o'clock?” he replied. ‘Shower, she had to say shower.'
“One's fine, where do we meet?” she asked.
“I'll pick you up around twelve-thirty, if that's all right?” he inquired.
“Great, that will give me some time to take of some things here first,” she replied.
“I'll see you then,” he said.
“See you soon Rupert,” she told him as she hung up.
“I do believe I need a cold shower,” he said out-loud.
“Rupert?” Willow asked when she opened her front door.
“Yes, it's me,” he answered.
“You look... different,” she said.
“Tweed isn't exactly what one would wear for a picnic, don't you agree,” he replied.
“Would you like to come in?” she asked. Willow was in a state of shock. Her mind hadn't come to grips with how young Rupert looked, dressed the way he was. He was wearing faded blue jeans that hugged his hips, and a white long sleeved shirt that was tucked into his jeans, his hair following the dictates of the gentle breeze in the air. There was something else, something different about him. “You're not wearing your glasses,” she said, unaware she had spoken out-loud.
Giles walked into the Rosenberg residence, replying, “No, I have contacts on today.”
Closing the door behind her, Willow brushed past Giles on her way to the living room. “Can I get you something to drink, or are we in a hurry?” she asked, over her shoulder, showing him into the living room.
“Could I have some water please?” he replied. “No, we're not in any hurry.”
“One water coming up, why don't you have a seat, I'll be right back. Would you like some ice?” she said.
“Yes, thank you,” he answered, as he watched her head to the kitchen. He looked around the room it gave off a sense of comfort, in the corner, he saw a piano and wondered if Willow played.
“So where exactly is this place you're taking me to Rupert?” Willow called out, taking the ice tray from the freezer.
“It's about half an hour out of town,” he replied, entering the kitchen.
“AHH,” Willow cried out, dropping the tray scattering ice cubes on the floor.
“I'm terribly sorry Willow, I didn't mean to startle you,” he stated as he bent over to help pick the cubes up. They bumped heads.
CHAPTER 13
“Ouch,” Willow said, rubbing the area where they had collided.
“Are you all right?” he asked rubbing his head. Nodding, the teenager took the ice cubes from Rupert, and tossed them into the sink. She felt his hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him slowly. She gazed into his face, seeing the concern etched on it. Closing her eyes, she tilted her face towards him, anticipating what might happen.
Instead of feeling his lips on hers, her eyes flew open as she felt herself suddenly being lifted up and placed on the kitchen counter top. She was no longer looking up to him, she was in a position where he would have to look up to her.
“I love you Willow,” he divulged before he kissed her.
‘Oh,' she thought.
The growing intensity of the kiss drove all rational thought from her head. Her arms wrapped themselves around the back of his neck without a second's hesitation, as if she had done this countless of times, and not only in her dreams. She felt his lips part, he traced the outline of her mouth, she parted hers, Giles moaned when he felt Willow's tongue explore his mouth.
Willow had heard the moan coming from him, and wasn't sure whether or not she had hurt him somehow. When he moved up, his arms went to her waist, drawing her body closer to his. She knew then, the moan must have meant something good.
‘And good is good,' she mused briefly, as she hooked her legs around his waist, trying to mold her body into his. Giles unexpectedly broke off the kiss, leaving them both breathless. “Noo... don't stop!” shepleaded.
“Willow, we must. Lord knows I don't want to, I don't want to do anything you might regret later. Please tell me you understand,” he asked as he gazed into her eyes.
“I understand Rupert, I may not like it, but I understand,” she detached herself sluggishly, letting her hands drift slowly over his chest, without realizing the impact it was making on him.
“Willow, if you keep that up, I may not be able to control myself...” he told her, reveling in the pleasurable contact.
“I'm sorry,” she said, as she ceased her movements.
Shaking his head, he told her, “There is nothing to be sorry about, I love you so much Willow,” he told her, hugging her tightly, kissing the top of her head. “You could never do anything wrong.”
‘He said it again!' she thought. “I guess we'd better get going, huh?” she asked, not wanting to break the contact with Rupert just yet.
“Yes, I believe so. Come on,” he said as he lifted her up and off the counter top. He smiled inwardly when he saw that she had some difficulty standing on her legs for a brief moment or two.
Although Willow had lived in Sunnydale her entire life, she didn't recognize the area Rupert had been driving through. After twenty minutes or so, he turned onto a dirt road, where he drove for another five minutes before he finally stopped. Stepping out of the car, Rupert went around and opened the door for Willow.
“We'll have to walk, it's not very far from here. I hope you don't mind,” he said, as he reached for the picnic basket and a blanket from the back seat.
“No, I don't mind,” Willow replied, as she took the blanket from his hands, “I'll carry it.”
“You don't have to Willow, I can manage,” he said, closing the car door.
“I know that,” she replied, as she looked up to him. “I... um, I wanted to hold hands, if that's okay?”
He smiled, “I'd like that,” Rupert said as he took her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze, “Shall we continue?” Nodding her head, they walked side by side in a comfortable silence.
“It's beautiful here Rupert,” Willow said as she looked around.
“I'd like to think so,” he replied. “I found this place quite by accident, now I come here whenever I have the chance,” he explained.
CHAPTER 14
Willow was stunned when they finally arrived. She had never seen a place this wondrous in her life. They were in a glen surrounded by trees, lush green grass swaying in the cool breeze. There was also a vast collection of flowers, and a small pond. She walked over to it, leaving Rupert to unpack the basket, and could see by the rippling surface that it was teaming with fish. Turning around, she looked over to her handsome companion, a huge grin came to her face, before she impulsively ran into his arms.
Rupert caught Willow as she launched herself, and he twirled them around before setting her down carefully. “I take that it meets with your approval?” he asked.
“Oh, Rupert, I can't thank you enough for bringing me here,” she replied.
“I should be thanking you for coming with me,” he told her, before he kissed her.
The rest of the afternoon was a pleasurable experience for them. They ate leisurely, and spoke of her plans for the future and of his early days as a Watcher. Willow shuddered whenever she felt his mouth close on her fingers, as they occasionally fed each other.
It was well past five in the afternoon when they finally decided to pack up and head back into town, they knew better than to be out after dark. Willow took one last look around, not knowing that it would be months before she returned to this special place.
“I'll see you in school,” Giles told her as he dropped her off.
“Okay, I really enjoyed myself today Rupert, thank you again,” she said.
“My pleasure Willow, you should go in now,” he said as he looked at the way the setting sun highlighted her hair.
“Yeah, I guess I should,” although she knew she should leave, she didn't want the date to end, not yet.
Rupert saw her indecision, he reached over and placed his hand over hers, feeling the warmth of her skin. It was getting harder and harder for him to let go, his heart ached each time he saw her in the morning, and he longed for her each night. “Um, I should go. I'll call you later, if that's all right?” he asked.
“Yes, please, I'd really like that,” she replied.
“Goodbye Willow,” he said as he started the car, she backed up and watched him drive off. She stood there until she couldn't see his car anymore. She was overwhelmed with a sense of sadness that seemed to press down upon her.
She walked into her house and checked the answering machine. Three were for her parents the other was Xander saying he would call back later. Going into the living room, Willow sat on the couch. Closing her eyes, Willow went over the entire afternoon. Smiling to herself when she recalled certain events, she looked towards the kitchen, and wondered if she would ever look at the counter top in the same way again.
BRRING... BRRRING... BRRRING...
‘The phone,' she thought.
BRRRING...
“The phone!” she said out-loud, jumping up from the couch and racing to it before the answering machine picked up. “Hello?”
“Hey Wills.”
“Oh, hi Xander,” Willow answered, lacklusteredly.
“Hey, don't hold back Wills, you might hurt yourself.”
“I'm sorry Xander, what's up?” she apologized.
“Nah, it's okay. I tried to reach you earlier.”
“I got your message, I was out with a friend. I fell asleep on the couch, otherwise I would have called you back.”
“I'm your friend Wills, let me think, ah... nope, I don't seem to recall us being together today. Who were you with?” he asked.
“Xander, it's none of your business who I went out with... “ Willow replied, surprised at the anger she heard in her voice, suddenly wishing she could take it back.
“Don't take my head off, I still need it you know. I'm just asking, that's all,” Xander said, taken aback at his friends' reaction to the simple question.
“You're right, I shouldn't have reacted that way, sorry. So, what's up?”
“I need your help with a math test on Monday, wadda say?” he asked.
“Okay, what time do you want to come over?” Willow said.
“How about tomorrow around three? I'll bring some munchies,” he commented.
“That's fine, I'll see you tomorrow. I've got to do something right now.”
“No problemo, see you tomorrow,” Xander replied as he hung up.
CHAPTER 15
‘I wonder what time it is,' she asked herself.
It was just past nine p.m., she had slept longer than originally thought. With all she ate on the picnic, she wasn't surprised to find that she wasn't really hungry. Giles had called they spoke briefly before he had to get back to the project he had been working on.
She went around the house, making sure everything was locked, and secured before she going upstairs to her room. Walking into her bedroom, she went to her computer, turning on the lamp by her bed, she proceeded to type her password, bringing her up her journal she began to write.
Saturday,
Hi... it's me,
I think I'm falling in love. Yes, I know what you're thinking, and you'd have every right to think it's Xander... it's not.
I don't want to write his name down just yet.
We went on a picnic this afternoon, it was wonderful. No, it was MORE than that, it was spectacular, I hope we can go there again.
I've already written about the brief kisses we've shared [S]. It was NOTHING compared to the one this afternoon, when he came to pick me up.
It happened in the kitchen of all places.
I didn't want it to end, but being the gentleman that he is, he stopped, but [e.g.] not before I heard him MOAN.
I made HIM moan.
After we broke apart, my hands, little devils that they are, sort of ran down his chest. He said that if I didn't stop, he wouldn't be able to control his actions.
The picnic would have been abandoned, and to tell the truth, I wouldn't have minded one little bit.
I feel things, inside, kinda warm and fuzzy, whenever I'm around him...
Whenever we're together, I can feel my self-control slipping, it's SO hard for me to keep my hands off him. I can't seem to help it.
I want... no desire, need to go farther than we have, the kisses are wonderful, there's not doubt about that, nope, not a one.
But, I need more... I think about kissing him a lot... okay, MORE than a lot, basically, ALL the time... I've dreamt, well, I won't say exactly what. I have to have some secrets... [E.G.]
“Bad Willow” ;^)
He's told me he LOVES me...
ME...
Willow Rosenberg.
Not Buffy...
Not Cordelia.
Or even Miss Calandar, which surprises me. I know they've gone out together, I was happy he had someone to be with, but I'm GLAD he's not dating her anymore.
Me...
But, how do I know if I love him?
I've only my feelings for Xander to help me, and that doesn't or shouldn't really count.
I've loved Xander for ever.
I do know that I don't have the SAME feelings for _______ as I do Xander, they're different somehow.
I don't think about Xander all the time, [S], well, not all the time.
Not as much as I used to.
I can't even remember that last time I wanted to kiss him... hmm.
I need to put all of this into perspective. It's only been a few days.
I have to be careful, or it might blow up in my face. But... it FEELS so right.
She sighed.
Xander will always be there.
Just out of reach.
Xander...
He called earlier... I'm ashamed to say that I almost took his head off, when he asked me who I was with. I said I had been out with a friend.
He told me: “I'm your friend”.
I couldn't believe he said that, of COURSE it's alright for him to go out with Cordelia, no problem. It's inconceivable to him, that I could know anyone else, that there would be someone on this earth that would consider me worthy enough to hang around with. NOT me...
Not his “Wills”...
Willow slowly released the breath she had been holding. Shaking her head, she knew she could never stay angry with him for long. Taking a cleansing breath, she looked over what she had written so far, smiling now and then.
“Okay, let's get back to it,” she said out-loud.
Enough about Xander, he has Cordelia, they suit each other.
She rolled her eyes.
It's not like I can be seen walking hand in hand with ________.
NOT yet.
I have to give Buffy credit I've often wondered how she's able to handle her relationship with Angel. We talk... but there are just some things you can't talk about, even to your best friends.
It must be... no, it's hard on her at times. Never knowing if this is the day some vampire gets the better of her.
Or if Angel might die...
And talk about an age difference, he's so much older than her. He's older than anyone I've ever known, that includes Grandpa Aaron.
Oops, gotta go, sounds like mom and dad are home... talk to you later,
Willow.