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Part One: It's Still Me
Xander was tired getting his arse beaten night after night. He went home from patrol black and blue more often than not. This might not have bothered him as much if he had some undead ashes to justify the aches and pains. During most evenings of patrol this was not the case.
He decided to do something about it. He began to take martial-art training six times a week. He rode a bicycle everywhere he went to build his leg muscles. The slayerette developed a real work ethic. He possessed an uncanny ability to identify and exploit the weakness of his opponent. He easily mastered the moves, which his instructor so painstakingly taught him. His dedication to detail enabled him to develop mental and physical discipline. The stuff that greatly enhanced his chances of surviving a place like Hellmouth.
Xander was starting to gain confidence in his ability to be of real help to Buffy. He was determined to be whatever she needed him to be.
He began to believe it was his destiny to walk the darkness with her, to shed whatever light he could on her midnight path.
It came to him in brief intense bursts. In those shining moments he saw himself beside her linked at a depth were both life and love are defined.
The truth of these moments was staggering! He could barely catch his breath. He didn't know much but he knew he was on the right track. Bring it on!
He kept his new life-style to himself, however. Buffy would only tell him to stop. She was the slayer. She wouldn't stand for anyone else to be in the direct line of fire. She had to deal with enough right now. He would bide his time doing what he could do to help, as always.
Buffy's life was grim. Her Angel was ripped from her at the moment, which should have been their most joyous occasion. She could barely keep her head above water. She retreated into a shell, letting herself out only to do the basics. Her friends could not breach the barrier. Willow tried on many occasions.
Xander did what he could for her. His heart was breaking. Buffy very seldom acknowledged his efforts but, his commitment to her never wavered.
One night the whole gang was on patrol. Nothing much was happening but, the stench of evil was very definitely hanging in the air. Giles, Cordelia, Oz and Willow were casing one end of the cemetery while, Buffy and Xander took the other end.
"It's pretty dark and empty tonight." Buffy stated matter of factly.
"Yea, it is", remarked Xander, looking at her intently. "But, at least most of us can go home and get away from it. It seems you're not so lucky."
Buffy looked at Xander, very surprised by his insight.
"I guess I'm not doing such a good job moving on, am I?"
"It's okay, Buff." He takes a few steps toward her. "You are officially excused for now.
"Well, thank you kind sir. What brought on this episode of supporto-man."
"I have my moments. Listen Buffy, even if it doesn't seem like it most of the time I can see you are in pain. No matter how I feel about you and Angel, I am sorry. I'm your friend. If you are in pain so am I. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on I'm here, free of charge."
Buffy can only stare as Xander walks away. Something about him seemed different. She actually felt a sense of comfort in his words...…..And his presence.
Wasn't that Xander? My friend Xander?
She shakes her head as if to clear some cobwebs
What was that all about, now?
The slayer has little time to dwell on it. The ground rumbles. All at once a number of bodies rise from their graves. They hover about ten feet in the air. The gang stands frozen.
Buffy is the first to speak. "Ah, Giles, what's going on?"
"It appears the vam...Vampires are airborne."
"How is that for an in-depth analysis of the situation. Way to go, G-man!"
The sudden movement of the vamps interrupts any further discussion. They start to fly in the direction of the park. The gang pursues them.
A whole group of teenagers are partying in a remote corner of the park. They are completely oblivious to the oncoming terror. By the time they realize they are under attack it is too late to do anything but, scatter in panic. One vampire swoops down upon a young girl, tearing a gaping hole in her throat as it crashes into her.
Screams of terror can be heard everywhere as Buffy enters the park. Although sickened by the sight of people being attacked, she begins to mount an offensive, one vamp at a time.
Xander and the rest join her.
When Buffy sees them, "Willow, you and Cordelia see if you can get these civilians out of here. The rest of us will try to battle them."
Buffy gets one to chase her. She maneuvers it into a tree. It hits with a thud.
"Boy, you're a smart one." She stakes it in a hurry.
Xander tries to swing upward with his stake but can't reach any of them. He decides to change his strategy. He stands completely out in the open trying to draw one of them. It works. As it approaches he concentrates on its presence. Just as it is about to pounce He viciously swings his stake upward into its chest while sidestepping its path.
The vampire's howl of agony is broken as it turns to dust in the wind.
Buffy is wide-eyed as she witnesses Xander's victory.
"Xander, that was very good!"
"Let's try it together, Buff."
While Willow and Cordelia finish getting the teenagers out of the way, the rest of the vampires concentrate on our heroes.
Giles and Oz team up to nail one.
Buffy and Xander stand very still, waiting for the monsters to come to them. As two more get ready to sweep them they are abruptly torn from their deadly deal by the thrust of stake to undead flesh. The blowing ashes coat a nearby tree before falling to the ground.
"Dam, that felt good." Remarked Buffy as they prepared to wait for more.
For a few seconds she looks at Xander. He notices.
"What?" He nervously puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Nothing, I just...
She doesn't finish. She felt a sudden rush of emotion toward Xander but shakes it off to get ready to face more of the flying vermin.
They make short work of the remaining vampires. Xander's new found confidence was a big boost. It was a real team effort. Unfortunately some lives were lost. The police and others would deal with this tragedy the way they dealt with it in the past; without a clue.
Despite the horror of the lost lives a more extensive disaster was averted.
For Hellmouth that almost equals a victory.
As they begin to leave something pulls Xander's attention to an abandoned building on the grounds of the park. The overhead light shines down toward two broken bay windows on the first floor. As he looks he swears he sees Angelus shaking his fist at him.
"Buffy, do me a favor. Look behind us to that abandoned house."
Looking back she sees nothing. "What about it, Xander?"
"You didn't see..."
He stops short. He decides not to pursue it. They had enough excitement for the evening.
Buffy looks at him. "What, Xander?"
"Nothing, I must just be tired."
Giles hears their exchange. He and Buffy look at each other before continuing. Giles looks back toward the building once or twice more. He has learned from years on the Hellmouth that most things of this nature mean something. He makes a note to himself to ask Xander what he saw.
Buffy and Xander look at each other as they finally leave the park behind. They exchange a very nice smile.
"Nice work, slayer."
"Same to you, sir."
Cordelia sees and hears this exchange. She doesn't like it one bit.
"Xander, do you think you can focus your eyes in my direction?"
Cupping her face in his hand, "Can you give me a little bit of incentive to do so my oh so fare closet partner?"
"That can be easily arranged."
The two ill-mated slayerettes exchange a very nice kiss. They continue walking, arm in arm.
After sighing loudly Cordelia feels the need to share her unique view of the evenings festivities.
"Well, there goes another night of my social life down the drain. When are we ever going to do something normal like going to the movies, or the opera?"
Xander can't resist a comment. "The opera? I don't think normal people..."
The brunet doesn't let him finish. "Xander, please, what would you know about the subject?"
He takes his arm from around her as everyone enjoys a hardy laugh at his expense.
"Hey, it wasn't that funny. You people are all comedicaly challenged if you thought that was funny!"
Buffy looks at him with a weird expression on her face. "We're all what?"
"You know what I mean."
The mood remains light. Even Giles gets into it. "Perhaps we can all go home and, at least, get some normal sleep.
Willow looks at the watcher. "That was actually good, Giles."
As Buffy plops down on her bed her thoughts go back to Xander. There was something very different about him tonight. Something weird. But, it wasn't bad weird. She can't figure it out
What was it she felt in his presence tonight?
Has Xander always been this comforting and caring toward her?
She is too tired to think about it any more. She falls asleep feeling just a little bit better than she has in awhile. Her life seemed just a little more manageable. She even managed a smile.
In some dark part of a rat-infested sewer Angelus curses to himself.
"So, the little boy has finally caught her eye. Maybe it's time to see what the pathetic little twerp has inside of him. I'll call a few friends. "We'll make a party of it."
Part Two: Rachel, The Non-violent Vampire
Buffy takes a turn for the worst. The Angel thing really has her down. Her mood shifts between somber and bitter. Xander has been taking patrol with her. She has been all business. He decides to lighten the mood.
He waits outside her house. As she is trying to climb down from her bedroom, she has a hard time finding the shrub she usually uses as a ladder. She very clumsily slips, almost falling, growling and groaning all the way down. She barely makes it to the ground without breaking something. Xander stares.
"What, Xander?"
"Is that a new move you're working on?"
"Very funny!"
He keeps it going. "No, really. You could fool the vamps. We'll let them see you do that. Then, while they are doubled over laughing, we can stake them with ease."
Buffy looks at him with furrowed brow. "Xander!"
"We can even make a song out of it; The clumsy-ass-slayer shuffle."
Buffy tries to stay serious but has to laugh. "Xander, will you stop it. Did you take a goofy pill or something?"
"I'm merely a reporter of life, Buffy. "It's not my fault you're clumsy."
"I am not clumsy!"
"Well, slayer, I hate to tell you this but, I have the whole thing down on video tape. I'm going to send it into that TV program. Maybe it will win the slayer blooper of the year award. Is that show still on?"
Buffy has given up trying to be serious. "Xander, you are crazy. I mean really crazy!"
He stops her. He bends down in front of her, putting his hand on the toe part of her shoe.
"Maybe this affliction of yours is not an internal problem. Maybe it is a shoemaker problem. Where does your toe come to in this shoe? Maybe they are too big."
Buffy has had enough of his shenanigans. She reaches her hand down, tickling him.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
When she sees how ticklish he is she gets him with both hands.
"I'll get the craziness out of you!"..."Got a little problem there, Xander?"
With much difficulty he tries to return the favor. "How about you?"
Xander starts to get her, too. They giggle and wrestle and roll all over the grass. Buffy straddles him, pinning his arms to the ground. Her momentum takes her down on top of him. They look into each other's eyes. The mood turns serious. Before she can even think about it Buffy brings her lips down softly onto Xander's mouth. He immediately leans into her touch. Both become pleasantly aware of just how much of their bodies are touching. For a brief moment they experience a very passionate embrace.
Just as suddenly as it happened it was over. Buffy, realizing what she had done, opens her eyes in shock. She jumps up! It takes her a moment to catch her breath.
"Oh my God, Xander, I am so sorry!"
Xander, also needing time to clear his head. "It's. It's ah...okay, Buff."
Holding his hands in front of him as if trying to stop something. "I understand. You miss Angel. It's...It's alright."
After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, they go to the cemetery for patrol. Neither says a word.
As they are on the way home Buffy feels the need to say something. "Xander, I really am sorry."
"Listen, Buff, we are friends. That's the important thing. You are under a lot of stress... It just happened. We were having a good time. Something you haven't been doing much of lately."
They exchange a very warm smile.
"Thank you, Xander."
Buffy goes into her house. She has one problem with what Xander said. The kiss rocked her. She can't deny it.
But, he's my friend, Xander. My platonic friend, Xander...He's right. It was just a fluke.
As Xander turns the corner to go to his house he is lost in the memory of his encounter with Buffy.
It was everything he thought it was going to be. A true slice of heaven.
Of course, he has to remember. It was Buffy
Buffy Anne Summers.
She of the Buffy and Angel pairing. Even with her Angel gone to the bloodthirsty Angelus, he stood little chance with her.
It was just a fact of life.
He thought it best to just forget the whole thing. Unfortunately for him he didn't forget it sooner. By the time he senses he is being followed it is too late. For a mammoth, clawed, furry beast was bearing down on him. Xander starts to run but is barely able to stay one or two feet in front of it.
Whatever the thing was Xander didn't want to show it where he lived. He runs past his house toward a wooded area. The running wasn't working. The monster was almost as fast him. He decides to find a good place to make a stand against it. He sees an iron pipe lying against a wooden fence. He stops. He picks it up and swings it as hard as he can toward the face of the beast.
It connects with the thing, square in the jaw. As it howls in pain, Xander nails it, again. He follows with a straight kick to the chest.
It never expected a battle like this from Xander. It screams at him.
"You're finished now, boy!"
The monster takes a swipe at him with his claw. It rips a wound from Xanders shoulder down to his wrist.
The boy comes back with a viscous sidekick to its neck. The beast stabs at Xander with It's clawed hand. It plunges into Xanders stomach.
With one hand Xander clutches at his stomach. With the other hand he shakes a stake down from his sleeve. Bending down he hides the stake from the monster's view. Thinking the boy hurt, the beast prepares to finish the job. It rushes him. With all the strength Xander can manage he thrusts the stake upward and forward. It plunges to the heart of the beast.
For a moment it just stands there, blinking in shock.
Finally, it bursts into fire, melting to green goo!
The pain of his wounds overtakes Xander. He falls to the ground.
"Holy shit!"
He is bleeding from his arm and his stomach. That dude was out of Xander's league and he knows it. He is lucky to be alive.
As he is lying there contemplating his luck a woman approaches him. She is about 5'7" tall with long, flowing, jet-black hair. Her features are soft and gentle. She has a very soothing and gentle gait about her. Her presence would lighten up any dark night.
She comes to Xander. Thinking her an aggressor he desperately tries to use the wooden fence to boost him into a fighting stance
"I'm not here to hurt you, young one."
"Good, because I've had enough for one night."
"You are a very good fighter but, you are hurt."
Falling back against the fence. "Tell me something I don't know."
Rachel pulls a clean handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress. She goes to Xander's pack, pulling out a bottle of water. She wets the cloth. Then, she starts to pat Xander's arm wound. She rolls the sleeve of his shirt up to his shoulder so she can see the full extent of it.
Even in his weakened state Xander can sense this woman is not human.
"You're not a normal person, are you?"
"Like, you are?"
"Well, last time I checked I was."
"You don't know too much about yourself, do you?"
He is too out of it to ask what she means. He gets back to the point.
"What are you...A vampire, maybe?"
"Only when I have to be."
Managing a small laugh but, then grimacing as he gets a pain in the stomach. "Good answer. You do know who I work with and what we do most of the time?"
The vampire nods.
"Are you cleaning me up for say...a midnight snack, later?"
"I don't feed on humans. I never have."
"A non-violent vampire. That's neat. In fact, you're neat. What's your name?"
"Rachel. You're Xander, right?"
"You know my name. Why do you know my name?"
"Because I've been watching you."
"Why?"
"Because this shouldn't be happening to you, Xander."
"Well, thank you, Rachel."
Rachel continues to lovingly clean Xander's wounds. Every so often she looks into his eyes. He is smiling very warmly at her. He also has this funny look in his eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that Xander?"
"Let's see, Rachel. First, this ugly monster attacks me. Then I'm laying here thinking that I might bleed to death. I was having a real lousy night. But, then this unbelievably ravishingly beautiful woman comes to my rescue. In her wonderfulness she decides to heal me from my deathbed. And, she smiles at me the whole time she is doing it. I would think I died and went to heaven except for the whole you being a vampire thing.
Rachel has to laugh. "You are certainly good with the words, aren't you?"
"Did I mention the fact that you are beautiful?"
"Xander, your stomach is still bleeding. You should go to the hospital."
Getting serious. "Rachel, were you going to let that thing kill me?"
"He wasn't going to kill you, Xander, you didn't let him do anything else."
"Did you send him, Rachel?"
Very hurt. "No, I didn't, Xander, I merely followed him."
Seeing that this hurt Rachel, Xander puts his hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry, Rachel."
"That's okay."
She gets up to leave. Xander gets to his feet. "Wait a minute, Rachel."
He goes to her. He gently caresses her face. She leans into his touch. He steps closer to her.
"Thank you, Rachel."
They stare at each other. Xander is very attracted to her. He can't help himself. He reaches to her lips. She doesn't protest. They enjoy a very nice kiss.
As Rachel is walking away. "Who did send him, Rachel?"
"Somebody very close, Xander."
"Rachel, feel free to come see me at any time. Especially, when I'm in trouble. Yes, that will be it. Every time I am in trouble you bring that wonderful self of yours to me. Bring your beautiful..."
Rachel just laughs as she leaves, listening to Xander mumble to himself.
Xander can barely pull himself from the bed to go to school. He didn't get back to the hospital until very late. As usual, his mother and father weren't. It didn't even bother him any more. He was adopted, anyway.
What did bother him was the fact that his stomach was almost healed. Last night it looked serious. Today it looked like a scratch.
Part Three: Giles Meets a Long Lost Friend
Rupert Giles woke up weary. The feeling was very familiar to him. His job wore him out most of the time. Buffy was his best slayer, ever. But, she was still a young woman in need of training and direction and support.
When she first started to have a relationship with Angel, Giles thought it good. He actually helped. But, then everything turned dark. It turned dark long before that fateful night when he changed to Angelus. It was tearing her apart. Six days a week she hunted and killed every vampire she and the Scooby gang could find. On the seventh day, she laid with one. The basic contradiction of this was not helpful to the situation.
Angel was too needy, for one. His guilt pulled him down. It pulled her down, too. Giles noticed that whenever Buffy spent time with Angel she would lose her edge. This is not a problem for most people. For Buffy, however, it was disastrous. Giles felt his first and foremost duty to Buffy was to try to keep her alive. He viewed every event in her young life through this lens.
Now that Angel was his evil alter self, it was unbearable. Buffy was constantly torn between her duty to put the daemon, Angelus, to dust and the knowledge that if and when she did it she would be putting her precious Angel to dust with him.
This was much too much for Buffy to handle. The watcher was always secretly hoping somebody or something would break the emotional hold the vampire had on her. If it wasn't done soon Giles doubted Buffy would last much longer. This was the chief reason for his constant weariness.
Of course, spending most of his time with teenagers was not exactly his cup of tea, either. This was especially the case with American teenagers. They were so dam arrogant. Oh, to be back in the glorious England, where they, at least, knew the language. The particular brand of English these Americans spouted was a constant source of annoyance to the man in tweed.
His greatest sorrow, however, was the death of Jenny Calender. She was his light in the darkness. He could barely handle thinking about her.
This particular morning, a loud knocking on his door rudely awakened him. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, it would not go away. He pulled himself from the covers.
"That better not be one of those damn kids." He told them never to bother him on a Saturday morning unless it was a life and death situation.
He opened the door ready to blast the interloper who dared to disturb his beauty rest.
Upon seeing who it was, however, all he could do was stare at the visitor with his mouth open.
After remaining silent to allow her presence to sink in, Giles Saturday morning guest reached out to gently touch his face. "Aren't you going to invite me in, Rupert?"
"Yes."…I mean, of course."
The visitor waited but Giles didn't give her room to enter his house.
"I still have my girlish figure, Rupert, but I need a little more room than that to slip by you. Unless, you want me to sort of work my way past you?"
She squeezes her way through Giles to enter his living room.
Giles turns toward his guest with a shocked expression on his face. He finally manages to address her. "Becky?"
"Very good, Rupert. "You remembered my name."
Rebecca was very pleased. She didn't know how Giles would respond to seeing her after so long a time. Well, actually it was a long time in Giles life. To Rebecca it wasn't so long. She had been around for a very long time. She measured time very differently than normal people measured it.
Rebecca was not very tall, perhaps 5'6". She had lush brunet hair which, hung gently to her shoulders. Her features were very pronounced. Her eyes were amazing. They revealed a wisdom and a patience, which came from her understanding of life. You could tell she knew what it was all about.
Also buried in those eyes was a sorrow. A sorrow born of years of dealing with the kind of evil with which all Hellmouth residents were very familiar?
Rebecca could tell from Giles reaction to her surprise visit that he still held some deep affection for her. It was no surprise. They had been very close. She made no secret how she felt for him. He was the best man she knew, hands down. It always puzzled her why they could never manage to stay together. One of them always had leave. Either she was on the path of some super daemon or he had some sacred duty to perform.
At any rate, it became quite evident that neither forgot the other. They exchanged a very warm kiss. Giles was finally able to put together a sentence.
"Becky, how did you find me?"
"Are you kidding, the famous Rupert Giles. I hear you have yourself a world class slayer this time?"
"Yes, she is quite a proficient child."
"Rupert, I heard of your loss." I am very sorry. "I cried for a week when I heard."
"Is that why you decided to pay a visit, Becky?"
"I wish it were, Rupert. But, then again, I think you knew the answer to that one before you asked."
Giles knew that Rebecca's presence was not necessarily a good omen despite how much his heart soared when he saw her at his door.
"I don't really know my exact reason for being here, Rupert, but I'm sure is has to do with your operation here."
"Operation?"
"Well, I understand you have a group of people with various talents who help you and the slayer?"
"Kids." I have a group of kids who help, at times."
"At times?"… Oh, I see. They are American teenagers. I know that doesn't sit too well with your stuffy British self."
Giles just looks annoyingly at her. How well she knows him.
"Would you help me get my things from the car, Rupert?" After that I would be up to taking you out for breakfast. "I know I woke you much too early on a Saturday morning."
Xander had managed to avoid the rest of the gang during the school day. He knew everyone would react strongly to his wounds from the night before. It's not that he didn't like sympathy. It's just that he didn't want to hear it from the resident slayer. Lately, he was walking her home when both patrolled together. She went along with it but, only grudgingly. When she learns of this she will be very upset. Xander was feeling bad enough.
He had to come to the meeting, however. He wanted to know what Giles thought of the attack. As soon as he walks into the library all eyes turn to his direction.
Cordelia was the first to comment. "What happened to your arm, Xander?"
"Ah, I had a little run-in with an angry ugly thing."
Buffy immediately jumps in. "When, Xander? You were fine when you left me."
She goes right up to him, rolling up his shirt sleeve "Xander, you're cut all the way up to your shoulder!" She also noticed a bandage around his stomach. "Xander, you really got messed up." Buffy looks at Xander with more caring and warmth than he can ever remember her doing before. So much so that Cordelia arches her eyebrows.
She catches herself. "I knew I should never have agreed to you walking me home!"
Xander is insulted. "Well, thanks a lot, Buffy."
She is very upset, now. "You and your stupid male ego. Next time I'm not listening to you. It was a stupid idea."
"Yea, okay slayer."
"It's not, okay!"
Xander has had enough. He goes toe to toe with her. "What happened to your compassion? It lasted about ten seconds."
"It should never have happened!"
"Look, Buffy, I'm the one who got attacked, okay!" And, I took care of it myself. Does that upset you?"
Buffy is fuming now "You're dam right it does!"
"Well, next time I'll ask the hairy son-of-a-bitch to please wait until I get you."
"Are you trying to be funny, Xander?"
"No, but I dam sure have had enough of your bullshit! I feel bad enough."
Giles has been hearing this exchange. Usually he allows the gang to express their opinions to one another but feels this one has gone on long enough.
"That will be enough out of you two! Buffy, please sit down." She reluctantly obliges
"Xander, will you sit, as well?" He does
"Now, please tell us what happened last night?"
"After Buffy and I split up last night I was a little pre-occupied. I didn't notice that some big, ugly, hairy thing was following me. "When I did finally see it I started running but, it was too fast. I had to make a stand."
Giles interrupts him. "Besides being hairy, What were its features?"
"About 6' 6", or so. It looked like an evil Chewbaka."
"An evil what?"
Buffy answers. "You wouldn't get it, Giles. Get out the picture book."
Giles disappears in the stakes.
Buffy stares at Xander. He can feel her piercing eyes.
"Buffy, do you know how ridiculous you're being?"
"What?"
"I got attacked. I got hurt. I spent half the night in the hospital and you're mad at me."
"I'm not mad at you, Xander. I'm sorry you were attacked but, it never should have happened!"
"Are you talking about the attack or something else, slayer?"
Buffy goes toe to toe with him. "From now on I patrol alone!"
"Oh God, you mean I can't patrol with the great Buffy summers. My life is over!"
Actually shocked and hurt by his response. "What has gotten into you, Xander?"
Giles comes back with the picture book. Willow and Cordelia are still shocked by the intensity of the argument between Buffy and Xander. The two have had words before but this was different. Xander was every bit the match for her. The slayer knew it, too. Buffy looks a little surprised but, not necessarily sad. It was a very strange argument.
Is there a new Xander? If there is are he and Buffy going to go at it like this all the time?
Cordelia didn't like it at all. There was a passion to their argument, which made her very uncomfortable. She also doesn't like the way Buffy has been looking at Xander, lately.
Xander looks at the book. He identifies his attacker as a behemoth known as, Melcheck.
Giles looks incredulous. "Xander, are you sure it was Melcheck?"
"No doubt about it, Giles."
Buffy speaks. "Who is Melcheck, Giles?"
"He is an enforcer. He is hired to teach people lessons."
Buffy can't believe it. "You mean somebody hired him to teach Xander a lesson?"
Giles ignores her question. "Xander, how did you get away from him?"
"Ah, actually, I was able to stake him."
Giles is wide-eyed! "You killed Melcheck? Are you sure?"
"He did the whole burst into flame thingy. Then he melted."
Rebecca had been in Giles office. He was going to introduce her to the gang but forgot with the whole Melcheck thing going on. When she hears Xander say he killed Melcheck she comes out.
"You killed Melcheck?"
When the gang sees Rebecca they immediately tense. Buffy jumps right up to her.
"Who the hell are you?"
Backing up a few steps. "Down slayer. I'm an old friend of Rupert's."
When she calls him Rupert the whole gang look curiously at the watcher. Nobody has called him by his first name since Jenny Calendar
"Yes, I'm very sorry, Becky. I got carried away with this whole Melcheck business.
Turning to the Scooby gang. "This is Rebecca. She is an old friend of mine. She will be with us for awhile. You will find her a very valuable asset to our efforts."
"Becky, these are most of the members of our operation as you called it."
Rebecca walks around greeting everyone. She addresses Giles. "I'm impressed, Rupert. You certainly have collected a very talented group of young people here." She goes to Xander.
"You defeated Melcheck?"
Xander is a bit embarrassed. Rebecca makes it sound like he is a warrior who went to battle and defeated a great foe.
"Well, it was more like I survived. It was him or me. It could have easily went the other way."
Rebecca looks back at Giles. "And, he's even humble about it, very impressive."
Buffy can't help but stare at Xander. It's like he is a different person.
Rebecca goes to the slayer. "I can feel your power, Buffy. I heard so many good things about you."
"Thank you, Rebecca. I can tell you are no slouch in the power department yourself.
Pointing to Xander. "Do you work with him, Buffy?"
The way she said it throws Buffy off. "Ah,you mean, Xander?"
Rebecca nods
"Well, he and I …I mean he patrols with me sometimes."
"It's a natural pairing, you and he. You must exert a tremendous amount of influence on him?"
Buffy doesn't know what to say. This is very confusing for her. What is it with Xander, now?
When the meeting breaks up Xander is still upset at Buffy. He starts to walk out by himself. Cordelia catches up with him.
"Xander, we have to talk."
The boy recognizes the tone. He braces himself for bad news.
"I can't see you anymore."
Xander sighs.
"It's not going to work."
"Why isn't it, Cordelia?"
"You know why, Xander."
"Tell me anyway, Cordy, I forget."
"I saw the way you looked at Buffy in the park the other night. And, the way she was looking at you, even today."
"Are you getting lonely for your friends again, Cordy?"
"Xander, we just have to cool it for awhile."
Xander goes to her. He gently fondles her face. "Honey, please?"
Stepping away from him. "I'm sorry, Xander."
Realizing it's a lost cause. "Fine, Cordy. You want to break up? Okay, it's done. Again, your timing is perfect! Thank you!"
He walks away, disgusted. Cordelia stares as he disappears down the hall. She gets a pain deep within her.
Xander can't believe how bad this day is going. "First the Queen slayer, then the Queen C"
As he walking towards his house he spots two vampires attacking a small blond-haired woman. He runs over to them. To his complete horror the woman is Buffy.
He tackles one of them, staking it immediately. Buffy doesn't seem to be fighting back as the other vamp beats on her. Something must be wrong. He grabs the vamp, pushing it up against a chain link fence. As he is staking it he hears a roar behind him. A third vampire charges toward Buffy. He has a sword. Before Xander can respond the vampire plunges it into Buffy's chest.
"Noooooo!!"
He flies into the undead monster, killing it. Then, he goes to Buffy's side in tears. He cradles her in his arms. He can barely breathe. "Buffy… honey… no. This can't be. I can't lose you!
Xander is jerked from his pain by a loud cackling behind him. The three vampires he had killed are pointing to him and laughing hysterically. When he looks back to Buffy it is not she anymore. It is a skeleton. It crunches to dust in his arms. The laughing vampires disappear.
It was all an allusion!
Xander falls back against the chain link fence, disgusted but also somewhat relieved.
"What the hell is going on?"
Buffy is lying on her bed. She is mad at herself. Xander got attacked. Instead of offering him sympathy, as she wanted to do she got mad at him. Even when she started to check out his wounds she could feel Cordelia breathing down her back!
Xander is confusing her. She has to laugh. When he was telling her off she could actually feel a certain confidence and power in him. This did not make her sad, at all.
O course, she then thought of her Angel. The pain inside was almost constant. Even when it wasn't emotionally paralyzing it was still there. It resided in her like an unwelcome intruder. One she was unable to dislodge.
She was never far from its effect. She didn't even try to let it go. It had her. Gripped her like a vice. It could get tighter but never did it seem to loosen!
Then Buffy did what she did on most nights. She cried herself to sleep.
!--META end--
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Buffy and the Slayerettes are Property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. No Copyright Infringement is Intended.
Part One: It's Still Me
Xander was tired getting his arse beaten night after night. He went home from patrol black and blue more often than not. This might not have bothered him as much if he had some undead ashes to justify the aches and pains. During most evenings of patrol this was not the case.
He decided to do something about it. He began to take martial-art training six times a week. He rode a bicycle everywhere he went to build his leg muscles. The slayerette developed a real work ethic. He possessed an uncanny ability to identify and exploit the weakness of his opponent. He easily mastered the moves, which his instructor so painstakingly taught him. His dedication to detail enabled him to develop mental and physical discipline. The stuff that greatly enhanced his chances of surviving a place like Hellmouth.
Xander was starting to gain confidence in his ability to be of real help to Buffy. He was determined to be whatever she needed him to be.
He began to believe it was his destiny to walk the darkness with her, to shed whatever light he could on her midnight path.
It came to him in brief intense bursts. In those shining moments he saw himself beside her linked at a depth were both life and love are defined.
The truth of these moments was staggering! He could barely catch his breath. He didn't know much but he knew he was on the right track. Bring it on!
He kept his new life-style to himself, however. Buffy would only tell him to stop. She was the slayer. She wouldn't stand for anyone else to be in the direct line of fire. She had to deal with enough right now. He would bide his time doing what he could do to help, as always.
Buffy's life was grim. Her Angel was ripped from her at the moment, which should have been their most joyous occasion. She could barely keep her head above water. She retreated into a shell, letting herself out only to do the basics. Her friends could not breach the barrier. Willow tried on many occasions.
Xander did what he could for her. His heart was breaking. Buffy very seldom acknowledged his efforts but, his commitment to her never wavered.
One night the whole gang was on patrol. Nothing much was happening but, the stench of evil was very definitely hanging in the air. Giles, Cordelia, Oz and Willow were casing one end of the cemetery while, Buffy and Xander took the other end.
"It's pretty dark and empty tonight." Buffy stated matter of factly.
"Yea, it is", remarked Xander, looking at her intently. "But, at least most of us can go home and get away from it. It seems you're not so lucky."
Buffy looked at Xander, very surprised by his insight.
"I guess I'm not doing such a good job moving on, am I?"
"It's okay, Buff." He takes a few steps toward her. "You are officially excused for now.
"Well, thank you kind sir. What brought on this episode of supporto-man."
"I have my moments. Listen Buffy, even if it doesn't seem like it most of the time I can see you are in pain. No matter how I feel about you and Angel, I am sorry. I'm your friend. If you are in pain so am I. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on I'm here, free of charge."
Buffy can only stare as Xander walks away. Something about him seemed different. She actually felt a sense of comfort in his words...…..And his presence.
Wasn't that Xander? My friend Xander?
She shakes her head as if to clear some cobwebs
What was that all about, now?
The slayer has little time to dwell on it. The ground rumbles. All at once a number of bodies rise from their graves. They hover about ten feet in the air. The gang stands frozen.
Buffy is the first to speak. "Ah, Giles, what's going on?"
"It appears the vam...Vampires are airborne."
"How is that for an in-depth analysis of the situation. Way to go, G-man!"
The sudden movement of the vamps interrupts any further discussion. They start to fly in the direction of the park. The gang pursues them.
A whole group of teenagers are partying in a remote corner of the park. They are completely oblivious to the oncoming terror. By the time they realize they are under attack it is too late to do anything but, scatter in panic. One vampire swoops down upon a young girl, tearing a gaping hole in her throat as it crashes into her.
Screams of terror can be heard everywhere as Buffy enters the park. Although sickened by the sight of people being attacked, she begins to mount an offensive, one vamp at a time.
Xander and the rest join her.
When Buffy sees them, "Willow, you and Cordelia see if you can get these civilians out of here. The rest of us will try to battle them."
Buffy gets one to chase her. She maneuvers it into a tree. It hits with a thud.
"Boy, you're a smart one." She stakes it in a hurry.
Xander tries to swing upward with his stake but can't reach any of them. He decides to change his strategy. He stands completely out in the open trying to draw one of them. It works. As it approaches he concentrates on its presence. Just as it is about to pounce He viciously swings his stake upward into its chest while sidestepping its path.
The vampire's howl of agony is broken as it turns to dust in the wind.
Buffy is wide-eyed as she witnesses Xander's victory.
"Xander, that was very good!"
"Let's try it together, Buff."
While Willow and Cordelia finish getting the teenagers out of the way, the rest of the vampires concentrate on our heroes.
Giles and Oz team up to nail one.
Buffy and Xander stand very still, waiting for the monsters to come to them. As two more get ready to sweep them they are abruptly torn from their deadly deal by the thrust of stake to undead flesh. The blowing ashes coat a nearby tree before falling to the ground.
"Dam, that felt good." Remarked Buffy as they prepared to wait for more.
For a few seconds she looks at Xander. He notices.
"What?" He nervously puts his hand on her shoulder.
"Nothing, I just...
She doesn't finish. She felt a sudden rush of emotion toward Xander but shakes it off to get ready to face more of the flying vermin.
They make short work of the remaining vampires. Xander's new found confidence was a big boost. It was a real team effort. Unfortunately some lives were lost. The police and others would deal with this tragedy the way they dealt with it in the past; without a clue.
Despite the horror of the lost lives a more extensive disaster was averted.
For Hellmouth that almost equals a victory.
As they begin to leave something pulls Xander's attention to an abandoned building on the grounds of the park. The overhead light shines down toward two broken bay windows on the first floor. As he looks he swears he sees Angelus shaking his fist at him.
"Buffy, do me a favor. Look behind us to that abandoned house."
Looking back she sees nothing. "What about it, Xander?"
"You didn't see..."
He stops short. He decides not to pursue it. They had enough excitement for the evening.
Buffy looks at him. "What, Xander?"
"Nothing, I must just be tired."
Giles hears their exchange. He and Buffy look at each other before continuing. Giles looks back toward the building once or twice more. He has learned from years on the Hellmouth that most things of this nature mean something. He makes a note to himself to ask Xander what he saw.
Buffy and Xander look at each other as they finally leave the park behind. They exchange a very nice smile.
"Nice work, slayer."
"Same to you, sir."
Cordelia sees and hears this exchange. She doesn't like it one bit.
"Xander, do you think you can focus your eyes in my direction?"
Cupping her face in his hand, "Can you give me a little bit of incentive to do so my oh so fare closet partner?"
"That can be easily arranged."
The two ill-mated slayerettes exchange a very nice kiss. They continue walking, arm in arm.
After sighing loudly Cordelia feels the need to share her unique view of the evenings festivities.
"Well, there goes another night of my social life down the drain. When are we ever going to do something normal like going to the movies, or the opera?"
Xander can't resist a comment. "The opera? I don't think normal people..."
The brunet doesn't let him finish. "Xander, please, what would you know about the subject?"
He takes his arm from around her as everyone enjoys a hardy laugh at his expense.
"Hey, it wasn't that funny. You people are all comedicaly challenged if you thought that was funny!"
Buffy looks at him with a weird expression on her face. "We're all what?"
"You know what I mean."
The mood remains light. Even Giles gets into it. "Perhaps we can all go home and, at least, get some normal sleep.
Willow looks at the watcher. "That was actually good, Giles."
As Buffy plops down on her bed her thoughts go back to Xander. There was something very different about him tonight. Something weird. But, it wasn't bad weird. She can't figure it out
What was it she felt in his presence tonight?
Has Xander always been this comforting and caring toward her?
She is too tired to think about it any more. She falls asleep feeling just a little bit better than she has in awhile. Her life seemed just a little more manageable. She even managed a smile.
In some dark part of a rat-infested sewer Angelus curses to himself.
"So, the little boy has finally caught her eye. Maybe it's time to see what the pathetic little twerp has inside of him. I'll call a few friends. "We'll make a party of it."
Part Two: Rachel, The Non-violent Vampire
Buffy takes a turn for the worst. The Angel thing really has her down. Her mood shifts between somber and bitter. Xander has been taking patrol with her. She has been all business. He decides to lighten the mood.
He waits outside her house. As she is trying to climb down from her bedroom, she has a hard time finding the shrub she usually uses as a ladder. She very clumsily slips, almost falling, growling and groaning all the way down. She barely makes it to the ground without breaking something. Xander stares.
"What, Xander?"
"Is that a new move you're working on?"
"Very funny!"
He keeps it going. "No, really. You could fool the vamps. We'll let them see you do that. Then, while they are doubled over laughing, we can stake them with ease."
Buffy looks at him with furrowed brow. "Xander!"
"We can even make a song out of it; The clumsy-ass-slayer shuffle."
Buffy tries to stay serious but has to laugh. "Xander, will you stop it. Did you take a goofy pill or something?"
"I'm merely a reporter of life, Buffy. "It's not my fault you're clumsy."
"I am not clumsy!"
"Well, slayer, I hate to tell you this but, I have the whole thing down on video tape. I'm going to send it into that TV program. Maybe it will win the slayer blooper of the year award. Is that show still on?"
Buffy has given up trying to be serious. "Xander, you are crazy. I mean really crazy!"
He stops her. He bends down in front of her, putting his hand on the toe part of her shoe.
"Maybe this affliction of yours is not an internal problem. Maybe it is a shoemaker problem. Where does your toe come to in this shoe? Maybe they are too big."
Buffy has had enough of his shenanigans. She reaches her hand down, tickling him.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
When she sees how ticklish he is she gets him with both hands.
"I'll get the craziness out of you!"..."Got a little problem there, Xander?"
With much difficulty he tries to return the favor. "How about you?"
Xander starts to get her, too. They giggle and wrestle and roll all over the grass. Buffy straddles him, pinning his arms to the ground. Her momentum takes her down on top of him. They look into each other's eyes. The mood turns serious. Before she can even think about it Buffy brings her lips down softly onto Xander's mouth. He immediately leans into her touch. Both become pleasantly aware of just how much of their bodies are touching. For a brief moment they experience a very passionate embrace.
Just as suddenly as it happened it was over. Buffy, realizing what she had done, opens her eyes in shock. She jumps up! It takes her a moment to catch her breath.
"Oh my God, Xander, I am so sorry!"
Xander, also needing time to clear his head. "It's. It's ah...okay, Buff."
Holding his hands in front of him as if trying to stop something. "I understand. You miss Angel. It's...It's alright."
After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, they go to the cemetery for patrol. Neither says a word.
As they are on the way home Buffy feels the need to say something. "Xander, I really am sorry."
"Listen, Buff, we are friends. That's the important thing. You are under a lot of stress... It just happened. We were having a good time. Something you haven't been doing much of lately."
They exchange a very warm smile.
"Thank you, Xander."
Buffy goes into her house. She has one problem with what Xander said. The kiss rocked her. She can't deny it.
But, he's my friend, Xander. My platonic friend, Xander...He's right. It was just a fluke.
As Xander turns the corner to go to his house he is lost in the memory of his encounter with Buffy.
It was everything he thought it was going to be. A true slice of heaven.
Of course, he has to remember. It was Buffy
Buffy Anne Summers.
She of the Buffy and Angel pairing. Even with her Angel gone to the bloodthirsty Angelus, he stood little chance with her.
It was just a fact of life.
He thought it best to just forget the whole thing. Unfortunately for him he didn't forget it sooner. By the time he senses he is being followed it is too late. For a mammoth, clawed, furry beast was bearing down on him. Xander starts to run but is barely able to stay one or two feet in front of it.
Whatever the thing was Xander didn't want to show it where he lived. He runs past his house toward a wooded area. The running wasn't working. The monster was almost as fast him. He decides to find a good place to make a stand against it. He sees an iron pipe lying against a wooden fence. He stops. He picks it up and swings it as hard as he can toward the face of the beast.
It connects with the thing, square in the jaw. As it howls in pain, Xander nails it, again. He follows with a straight kick to the chest.
It never expected a battle like this from Xander. It screams at him.
"You're finished now, boy!"
The monster takes a swipe at him with his claw. It rips a wound from Xanders shoulder down to his wrist.
The boy comes back with a viscous sidekick to its neck. The beast stabs at Xander with It's clawed hand. It plunges into Xanders stomach.
With one hand Xander clutches at his stomach. With the other hand he shakes a stake down from his sleeve. Bending down he hides the stake from the monster's view. Thinking the boy hurt, the beast prepares to finish the job. It rushes him. With all the strength Xander can manage he thrusts the stake upward and forward. It plunges to the heart of the beast.
For a moment it just stands there, blinking in shock.
Finally, it bursts into fire, melting to green goo!
The pain of his wounds overtakes Xander. He falls to the ground.
"Holy shit!"
He is bleeding from his arm and his stomach. That dude was out of Xander's league and he knows it. He is lucky to be alive.
As he is lying there contemplating his luck a woman approaches him. She is about 5'7" tall with long, flowing, jet-black hair. Her features are soft and gentle. She has a very soothing and gentle gait about her. Her presence would lighten up any dark night.
She comes to Xander. Thinking her an aggressor he desperately tries to use the wooden fence to boost him into a fighting stance
"I'm not here to hurt you, young one."
"Good, because I've had enough for one night."
"You are a very good fighter but, you are hurt."
Falling back against the fence. "Tell me something I don't know."
Rachel pulls a clean handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress. She goes to Xander's pack, pulling out a bottle of water. She wets the cloth. Then, she starts to pat Xander's arm wound. She rolls the sleeve of his shirt up to his shoulder so she can see the full extent of it.
Even in his weakened state Xander can sense this woman is not human.
"You're not a normal person, are you?"
"Like, you are?"
"Well, last time I checked I was."
"You don't know too much about yourself, do you?"
He is too out of it to ask what she means. He gets back to the point.
"What are you...A vampire, maybe?"
"Only when I have to be."
Managing a small laugh but, then grimacing as he gets a pain in the stomach. "Good answer. You do know who I work with and what we do most of the time?"
The vampire nods.
"Are you cleaning me up for say...a midnight snack, later?"
"I don't feed on humans. I never have."
"A non-violent vampire. That's neat. In fact, you're neat. What's your name?"
"Rachel. You're Xander, right?"
"You know my name. Why do you know my name?"
"Because I've been watching you."
"Why?"
"Because this shouldn't be happening to you, Xander."
"Well, thank you, Rachel."
Rachel continues to lovingly clean Xander's wounds. Every so often she looks into his eyes. He is smiling very warmly at her. He also has this funny look in his eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that Xander?"
"Let's see, Rachel. First, this ugly monster attacks me. Then I'm laying here thinking that I might bleed to death. I was having a real lousy night. But, then this unbelievably ravishingly beautiful woman comes to my rescue. In her wonderfulness she decides to heal me from my deathbed. And, she smiles at me the whole time she is doing it. I would think I died and went to heaven except for the whole you being a vampire thing.
Rachel has to laugh. "You are certainly good with the words, aren't you?"
"Did I mention the fact that you are beautiful?"
"Xander, your stomach is still bleeding. You should go to the hospital."
Getting serious. "Rachel, were you going to let that thing kill me?"
"He wasn't going to kill you, Xander, you didn't let him do anything else."
"Did you send him, Rachel?"
Very hurt. "No, I didn't, Xander, I merely followed him."
Seeing that this hurt Rachel, Xander puts his hand on her cheek. "I'm sorry, Rachel."
"That's okay."
She gets up to leave. Xander gets to his feet. "Wait a minute, Rachel."
He goes to her. He gently caresses her face. She leans into his touch. He steps closer to her.
"Thank you, Rachel."
They stare at each other. Xander is very attracted to her. He can't help himself. He reaches to her lips. She doesn't protest. They enjoy a very nice kiss.
As Rachel is walking away. "Who did send him, Rachel?"
"Somebody very close, Xander."
"Rachel, feel free to come see me at any time. Especially, when I'm in trouble. Yes, that will be it. Every time I am in trouble you bring that wonderful self of yours to me. Bring your beautiful..."
Rachel just laughs as she leaves, listening to Xander mumble to himself.
Xander can barely pull himself from the bed to go to school. He didn't get back to the hospital until very late. As usual, his mother and father weren't. It didn't even bother him any more. He was adopted, anyway.
What did bother him was the fact that his stomach was almost healed. Last night it looked serious. Today it looked like a scratch.
Part Three: Giles Meets a Long Lost Friend
Rupert Giles woke up weary. The feeling was very familiar to him. His job wore him out most of the time. Buffy was his best slayer, ever. But, she was still a young woman in need of training and direction and support.
When she first started to have a relationship with Angel, Giles thought it good. He actually helped. But, then everything turned dark. It turned dark long before that fateful night when he changed to Angelus. It was tearing her apart. Six days a week she hunted and killed every vampire she and the Scooby gang could find. On the seventh day, she laid with one. The basic contradiction of this was not helpful to the situation.
Angel was too needy, for one. His guilt pulled him down. It pulled her down, too. Giles noticed that whenever Buffy spent time with Angel she would lose her edge. This is not a problem for most people. For Buffy, however, it was disastrous. Giles felt his first and foremost duty to Buffy was to try to keep her alive. He viewed every event in her young life through this lens.
Now that Angel was his evil alter self, it was unbearable. Buffy was constantly torn between her duty to put the daemon, Angelus, to dust and the knowledge that if and when she did it she would be putting her precious Angel to dust with him.
This was much too much for Buffy to handle. The watcher was always secretly hoping somebody or something would break the emotional hold the vampire had on her. If it wasn't done soon Giles doubted Buffy would last much longer. This was the chief reason for his constant weariness.
Of course, spending most of his time with teenagers was not exactly his cup of tea, either. This was especially the case with American teenagers. They were so dam arrogant. Oh, to be back in the glorious England, where they, at least, knew the language. The particular brand of English these Americans spouted was a constant source of annoyance to the man in tweed.
His greatest sorrow, however, was the death of Jenny Calender. She was his light in the darkness. He could barely handle thinking about her.
This particular morning, a loud knocking on his door rudely awakened him. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, it would not go away. He pulled himself from the covers.
"That better not be one of those damn kids." He told them never to bother him on a Saturday morning unless it was a life and death situation.
He opened the door ready to blast the interloper who dared to disturb his beauty rest.
Upon seeing who it was, however, all he could do was stare at the visitor with his mouth open.
After remaining silent to allow her presence to sink in, Giles Saturday morning guest reached out to gently touch his face. "Aren't you going to invite me in, Rupert?"
"Yes."…I mean, of course."
The visitor waited but Giles didn't give her room to enter his house.
"I still have my girlish figure, Rupert, but I need a little more room than that to slip by you. Unless, you want me to sort of work my way past you?"
She squeezes her way through Giles to enter his living room.
Giles turns toward his guest with a shocked expression on his face. He finally manages to address her. "Becky?"
"Very good, Rupert. "You remembered my name."
Rebecca was very pleased. She didn't know how Giles would respond to seeing her after so long a time. Well, actually it was a long time in Giles life. To Rebecca it wasn't so long. She had been around for a very long time. She measured time very differently than normal people measured it.
Rebecca was not very tall, perhaps 5'6". She had lush brunet hair which, hung gently to her shoulders. Her features were very pronounced. Her eyes were amazing. They revealed a wisdom and a patience, which came from her understanding of life. You could tell she knew what it was all about.
Also buried in those eyes was a sorrow. A sorrow born of years of dealing with the kind of evil with which all Hellmouth residents were very familiar?
Rebecca could tell from Giles reaction to her surprise visit that he still held some deep affection for her. It was no surprise. They had been very close. She made no secret how she felt for him. He was the best man she knew, hands down. It always puzzled her why they could never manage to stay together. One of them always had leave. Either she was on the path of some super daemon or he had some sacred duty to perform.
At any rate, it became quite evident that neither forgot the other. They exchanged a very warm kiss. Giles was finally able to put together a sentence.
"Becky, how did you find me?"
"Are you kidding, the famous Rupert Giles. I hear you have yourself a world class slayer this time?"
"Yes, she is quite a proficient child."
"Rupert, I heard of your loss." I am very sorry. "I cried for a week when I heard."
"Is that why you decided to pay a visit, Becky?"
"I wish it were, Rupert. But, then again, I think you knew the answer to that one before you asked."
Giles knew that Rebecca's presence was not necessarily a good omen despite how much his heart soared when he saw her at his door.
"I don't really know my exact reason for being here, Rupert, but I'm sure is has to do with your operation here."
"Operation?"
"Well, I understand you have a group of people with various talents who help you and the slayer?"
"Kids." I have a group of kids who help, at times."
"At times?"… Oh, I see. They are American teenagers. I know that doesn't sit too well with your stuffy British self."
Giles just looks annoyingly at her. How well she knows him.
"Would you help me get my things from the car, Rupert?" After that I would be up to taking you out for breakfast. "I know I woke you much too early on a Saturday morning."
Xander had managed to avoid the rest of the gang during the school day. He knew everyone would react strongly to his wounds from the night before. It's not that he didn't like sympathy. It's just that he didn't want to hear it from the resident slayer. Lately, he was walking her home when both patrolled together. She went along with it but, only grudgingly. When she learns of this she will be very upset. Xander was feeling bad enough.
He had to come to the meeting, however. He wanted to know what Giles thought of the attack. As soon as he walks into the library all eyes turn to his direction.
Cordelia was the first to comment. "What happened to your arm, Xander?"
"Ah, I had a little run-in with an angry ugly thing."
Buffy immediately jumps in. "When, Xander? You were fine when you left me."
She goes right up to him, rolling up his shirt sleeve "Xander, you're cut all the way up to your shoulder!" She also noticed a bandage around his stomach. "Xander, you really got messed up." Buffy looks at Xander with more caring and warmth than he can ever remember her doing before. So much so that Cordelia arches her eyebrows.
She catches herself. "I knew I should never have agreed to you walking me home!"
Xander is insulted. "Well, thanks a lot, Buffy."
She is very upset, now. "You and your stupid male ego. Next time I'm not listening to you. It was a stupid idea."
"Yea, okay slayer."
"It's not, okay!"
Xander has had enough. He goes toe to toe with her. "What happened to your compassion? It lasted about ten seconds."
"It should never have happened!"
"Look, Buffy, I'm the one who got attacked, okay!" And, I took care of it myself. Does that upset you?"
Buffy is fuming now "You're dam right it does!"
"Well, next time I'll ask the hairy son-of-a-bitch to please wait until I get you."
"Are you trying to be funny, Xander?"
"No, but I dam sure have had enough of your bullshit! I feel bad enough."
Giles has been hearing this exchange. Usually he allows the gang to express their opinions to one another but feels this one has gone on long enough.
"That will be enough out of you two! Buffy, please sit down." She reluctantly obliges
"Xander, will you sit, as well?" He does
"Now, please tell us what happened last night?"
"After Buffy and I split up last night I was a little pre-occupied. I didn't notice that some big, ugly, hairy thing was following me. "When I did finally see it I started running but, it was too fast. I had to make a stand."
Giles interrupts him. "Besides being hairy, What were its features?"
"About 6' 6", or so. It looked like an evil Chewbaka."
"An evil what?"
Buffy answers. "You wouldn't get it, Giles. Get out the picture book."
Giles disappears in the stakes.
Buffy stares at Xander. He can feel her piercing eyes.
"Buffy, do you know how ridiculous you're being?"
"What?"
"I got attacked. I got hurt. I spent half the night in the hospital and you're mad at me."
"I'm not mad at you, Xander. I'm sorry you were attacked but, it never should have happened!"
"Are you talking about the attack or something else, slayer?"
Buffy goes toe to toe with him. "From now on I patrol alone!"
"Oh God, you mean I can't patrol with the great Buffy summers. My life is over!"
Actually shocked and hurt by his response. "What has gotten into you, Xander?"
Giles comes back with the picture book. Willow and Cordelia are still shocked by the intensity of the argument between Buffy and Xander. The two have had words before but this was different. Xander was every bit the match for her. The slayer knew it, too. Buffy looks a little surprised but, not necessarily sad. It was a very strange argument.
Is there a new Xander? If there is are he and Buffy going to go at it like this all the time?
Cordelia didn't like it at all. There was a passion to their argument, which made her very uncomfortable. She also doesn't like the way Buffy has been looking at Xander, lately.
Xander looks at the book. He identifies his attacker as a behemoth known as, Melcheck.
Giles looks incredulous. "Xander, are you sure it was Melcheck?"
"No doubt about it, Giles."
Buffy speaks. "Who is Melcheck, Giles?"
"He is an enforcer. He is hired to teach people lessons."
Buffy can't believe it. "You mean somebody hired him to teach Xander a lesson?"
Giles ignores her question. "Xander, how did you get away from him?"
"Ah, actually, I was able to stake him."
Giles is wide-eyed! "You killed Melcheck? Are you sure?"
"He did the whole burst into flame thingy. Then he melted."
Rebecca had been in Giles office. He was going to introduce her to the gang but forgot with the whole Melcheck thing going on. When she hears Xander say he killed Melcheck she comes out.
"You killed Melcheck?"
When the gang sees Rebecca they immediately tense. Buffy jumps right up to her.
"Who the hell are you?"
Backing up a few steps. "Down slayer. I'm an old friend of Rupert's."
When she calls him Rupert the whole gang look curiously at the watcher. Nobody has called him by his first name since Jenny Calendar
"Yes, I'm very sorry, Becky. I got carried away with this whole Melcheck business.
Turning to the Scooby gang. "This is Rebecca. She is an old friend of mine. She will be with us for awhile. You will find her a very valuable asset to our efforts."
"Becky, these are most of the members of our operation as you called it."
Rebecca walks around greeting everyone. She addresses Giles. "I'm impressed, Rupert. You certainly have collected a very talented group of young people here." She goes to Xander.
"You defeated Melcheck?"
Xander is a bit embarrassed. Rebecca makes it sound like he is a warrior who went to battle and defeated a great foe.
"Well, it was more like I survived. It was him or me. It could have easily went the other way."
Rebecca looks back at Giles. "And, he's even humble about it, very impressive."
Buffy can't help but stare at Xander. It's like he is a different person.
Rebecca goes to the slayer. "I can feel your power, Buffy. I heard so many good things about you."
"Thank you, Rebecca. I can tell you are no slouch in the power department yourself.
Pointing to Xander. "Do you work with him, Buffy?"
The way she said it throws Buffy off. "Ah,you mean, Xander?"
Rebecca nods
"Well, he and I …I mean he patrols with me sometimes."
"It's a natural pairing, you and he. You must exert a tremendous amount of influence on him?"
Buffy doesn't know what to say. This is very confusing for her. What is it with Xander, now?
When the meeting breaks up Xander is still upset at Buffy. He starts to walk out by himself. Cordelia catches up with him.
"Xander, we have to talk."
The boy recognizes the tone. He braces himself for bad news.
"I can't see you anymore."
Xander sighs.
"It's not going to work."
"Why isn't it, Cordelia?"
"You know why, Xander."
"Tell me anyway, Cordy, I forget."
"I saw the way you looked at Buffy in the park the other night. And, the way she was looking at you, even today."
"Are you getting lonely for your friends again, Cordy?"
"Xander, we just have to cool it for awhile."
Xander goes to her. He gently fondles her face. "Honey, please?"
Stepping away from him. "I'm sorry, Xander."
Realizing it's a lost cause. "Fine, Cordy. You want to break up? Okay, it's done. Again, your timing is perfect! Thank you!"
He walks away, disgusted. Cordelia stares as he disappears down the hall. She gets a pain deep within her.
Xander can't believe how bad this day is going. "First the Queen slayer, then the Queen C"
As he walking towards his house he spots two vampires attacking a small blond-haired woman. He runs over to them. To his complete horror the woman is Buffy.
He tackles one of them, staking it immediately. Buffy doesn't seem to be fighting back as the other vamp beats on her. Something must be wrong. He grabs the vamp, pushing it up against a chain link fence. As he is staking it he hears a roar behind him. A third vampire charges toward Buffy. He has a sword. Before Xander can respond the vampire plunges it into Buffy's chest.
"Noooooo!!"
He flies into the undead monster, killing it. Then, he goes to Buffy's side in tears. He cradles her in his arms. He can barely breathe. "Buffy… honey… no. This can't be. I can't lose you!
Xander is jerked from his pain by a loud cackling behind him. The three vampires he had killed are pointing to him and laughing hysterically. When he looks back to Buffy it is not she anymore. It is a skeleton. It crunches to dust in his arms. The laughing vampires disappear.
It was all an allusion!
Xander falls back against the chain link fence, disgusted but also somewhat relieved.
"What the hell is going on?"
Buffy is lying on her bed. She is mad at herself. Xander got attacked. Instead of offering him sympathy, as she wanted to do she got mad at him. Even when she started to check out his wounds she could feel Cordelia breathing down her back!
Xander is confusing her. She has to laugh. When he was telling her off she could actually feel a certain confidence and power in him. This did not make her sad, at all.
O course, she then thought of her Angel. The pain inside was almost constant. Even when it wasn't emotionally paralyzing it was still there. It resided in her like an unwelcome intruder. One she was unable to dislodge.
She was never far from its effect. She didn't even try to let it go. It had her. Gripped her like a vice. It could get tighter but never did it seem to loosen!
Then Buffy did what she did on most nights. She cried herself to sleep.
!--META end--
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Buffy and the Slayerettes are Property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. No Copyright Infringement is Intended.
