My House, My Rules

A/N: I do NOT own Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Summary: This is a 'what-if' situation. What if Buffy refused to leave her home in "Touched" and instead, kicked everybody out? This is season 7 ending—re-amped. Slight BxS.

BIG THANKS to Jhoi Marie Boli For Beta-Reading. I would have never posted this storty without you! Thanks SO MUCH!

"Either you let Faith handle things… or you have to leave," Dawn says finally. Buffy looks at her so-called-friends, only to see them looking at her with the same determination, then slumps. Her eyes fill with hurt and betrayal at the realization that her 'friends' would choose the murderer over the one protecting them. She heads toward the door and opens it. Just before she exits the house, she turns back to face the crowd.

"Everybody, out!" Buffy demands. The crowd jumps in surprise.

"Y—you can't do that," Dawn accuses weakly, everybody nods in hushed agreement. This was the last thing Potentials and Company expected.

Buffy smirks, "Really? Because it looks like I just did." She takes a breath, "Did you guys not hear me? I want everybody out!"

Using her newfound leadership in the group, Faith heads toward the previous boss. "Hold up a minute, B. Where do you expect us to go, it's not like you are going to leave 'your' army in the streets."

"Well since you were going to do exactly the same thing to me, yes I am," Buffy spits back.

"No you aren't, B. First, you don't have the balls. Second, your little undead boyfriend isn't here to help you," Faith begins to circle the blonde slayer. Buffy is about to protest the whole Spike thing, when Faith interjects and puts a manicured finger to Buffy's lips. "Don't deny it, I've seen those lovey-dovey eyes you give him, just like you gave to Angel. But that's for a different intervention. Anyway, my third point is: Your little brat sister still lives here. And Dawnie here won't allow this, isn't that right?" Faith's words cause all heads to turn to the flushed dirty blonde.

Dawn stands in silence as she tries to figure out how to sound confidant. "T-that's right, Buffy, I live here too. And I say, we all stay here without you." The potentials cheer and give a shaking Dawn high-fives.

Buffy's eyes flared with anger, "There is no way in the Hellmouth under the school that I'm going to be kicked out of my own house. I'm the only one here who makes money! I'm the one who pays for everything! I'm the one who lets you guys live here, for free! I'm the one who puts up with your teenage crap! Without me, you guys would all be dead! But if you guys want to get drunk with Faith, fine by me, just do it somewhere else. If you guys don't want my help, then leave. I'll see you in Hell."

"Buffy, you're over-reacting!" Willow protests. She attempts to approach Buffy, but she steps out of the redhead's reach.

Buffy laughs maniacally, "No, Willow, I'm not. I've been letting everything with you guys slide. I've been Mellow-Buffy, but now, I'm Testy-Buffy. And Testy-Buffy wants the ignorant people in her house gone." Buffy puts a gentler tone to her voice for the next few words, "Even you, Xander, … and Dawn."

Dawn gasps, for she did not expect to be kicked out of her own house. Willow blinks. Xander rolls his one eye. "What are you going to do about Spike?" he asks with venom dripping from his voice. "I don't think you're going to let lover boy out of your sight. You know, in case he tries to kill you again."

"I have no idea what to do about Spike. I'll figure it out if he gets back from whatever mission you sent him on. And he's not my lover!" Buffy paused to take a calming breath, "And if everyone will excuse me, I'm going to take a shower. When I get back, I want everybody and all their things gone." With this, Buffy turns from the open door and trudges up the stairs.

. . .

A/N: Thanks for reading! What do you guys think? I know i don't typically stray from NCIS, but i hope you guys like my change! Reviews are love! And i need love!