Giles slowly opened the door and gave a quiet chuckle at Gwen's current state. She had most of her legs out of the water, her shoulders tensed, her eyes narrowed and trained on him as soon as he peeked his head inside. "Nik followed me upstairs. Wouldn't take no for an answer. He's waiting in the hall."
Gwen got quiet. Her body relaxed again, though her heart raced at the thought of having to explain herself to Nik. "I was a bitch to him." She swirled her finger at the surface of the water.
"He said you were upset." He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "Everything alright?" He kneeled beside the tub and pushed a couple hairs out of her face.
She grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. "He brought me to a nice restaurant and it was really romantic. He was holding my hand. And... and he kept looking at me-"
"The way he usually does?"
She nodded. "It was all a little much."
"You know he loves you." He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I know you love him too."
"It wouldn't work, Giles."
He propped his elbow on the edge of the tub, his chin on his fist. "I think you're holding back so it doesn't work. A little bit of self sabotage."
Gwen blinked at him. Oh my god I've been doing this to myself.
"Oh come on, you can't be noticing this just now. Before you realized you loved him you did everything together. You spent 3 extra weeks in Croatia when you weren't filming there anymore. You played his wife in a play he wrote. You helped him learn his lines every season because he's horrible. You even watched a football game with him and wore a jersey." He smiled. "But when you put together what it all meant... you stopped doing that as much. He's been compensating for your lack of effort."
She sniffled and sat up. "I thought it would put distance between us. Because he and I, it's not right. He's still married."
"Not the best marriage, if you ask me." He stood and grabbed a towel, holding it out to her.
Gwen carefully stood and got out, water droplets beading and rolling down her body, onto the floor. "I don't know what he's planning on doing. Nukaaka already hates me, if he divorced her because of me. I think she might send someone to murder me." She dried herself off hastily and threw her robe on.
"She'd do it herself." Giles chuckled. "You know she would."
"Giles." She gave him a look, the pleading desperation seeping into her words. "I don't know what I'd do if he divorced her."
He pulled her into his arms, locking them around her tightly. "Well, then I guess he and I would have to share you."
She sighed, though she was slightly amused. "You're such an asshole."
"Do you want me to go so you two can talk?"
"No, no, that's not fair. I'll get dressed and go talk with him." She rubbed his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"I love you."
She tightened her grip on him. "I love you too."
Giles pulled away, hands on her sides.. "Now go talk to him."
"Thank you." She pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Gwen got dressed while Giles got ready for bed, she slipped on some simple clothes, flats, and a knit sweater. Would she discuss a baby with Giles when she got back? What on earth would he think? Are you really considering a baby?
