Title: The Rogues

Author: Dark Jester

Rating: PG-13

Summary: AU. Xander, Willow, Faith, and an original character all grow up in Boston together.(the summary will change.)

Note: I do not own Buffy, nor any property therein.

The sun shone brightly as a seven year old Faith pulled up to Boston's Carlyle Elementary. Her family had just moved there from Albany and she didn't know anyone. Today was her first day of first grade and she was nervous as hell.

"Now honey, you have fun today. I'll be home before you go to bed."

Faith looked down at her hands, clenched in here lap. "Okay mommy."

As she got out of the car she heard her mother.

"I love you sweet pea. Now go out and make some new friends."

As she walked up the walk she noticed that the other kids were looking her way. She turned back to see her mother wave and pull out. She looked down at herself, wondering what everyone found so funny. She was about to continue walking when her way was barred by two older boys. As she turned around she came face to face with another boy of similar age. She was beginning to get scared.

"Hey new girl. Whatcher name?"

"My names Faith." she answered in a tiny voice.

"Faith. That's a silly name. Why would anyone name their kid Faith?" he sneered.

"It was my grandmother's name. I think it's pretty."

"No body cares what you think, new girl." The boys began circling her. She shrunk back, hoping that they would leave her alone. The lead boy grabbed her pigtails. "My dad says people like you are white trash, just like those two kids over there." He pulled her hair until she was facing two boys who were playing in the sand box.

"So what should we do with our new friend?"

The boys began laughing. They steered her towards a large puddle.

"No, let me go." Faith began struggling, trying to escape the mean boys grasp. It was no good, the boy was bigger and stronger. As they neared the water, the boy let go of her hair but grabbed her arm.

"I think it's time we cleaned this trash."

Just as she was about to be pushed in she heard the sound of two pairs of running feet. Before the bullies could turn around they were propelled into the puddle by the two boys. Faith stood by as the bullies sputtered.

"Harris, James, we'll get you for this."

"Yeah yeah. Go cry to mommy." the tall sandy haired boy said.

The two boys turned and began walking away. Faith felt like she was being abandoned. She turned to go when the brunette boy turned around..

"You want to come with us or what?"

Faith ran to catch up. She fell into step between the two boys. The silver haired boy extended his hand to her.

"Names James. Everybody calls me Frost."

"Alexander."

"My names Faith." she said shyly. She wasn't used to talking to boys.

"Your name is Faith?" Frost said surprised. Faith started tearing up. She had just made two friends and they were about to make fun of her name. "It's kind of pretty.

Faith smiled. He thought her name was pretty. Just then she heard Alexander start making gagging noises and then the sound of someone getting slapped upside the head.

"You new here?" Alexander asked.

"Todays my first day."

"Got anyone to eat lunch with?"

"No, I don't know anyone here."

"Then you'll eat with us." Frost said excitedly. "You can join our club."

Faith grinned. "What's the club about?" Both boys were very silly.

"We haven't worked that part out yet. Friends are just supposed to be in clubs. That's what we do."

"And you want me in your club?"

"Sure. You're our friend, right?" Frost said nervously.

"I would love to be a member of your club." she said as ladylike as possible.

And with that the three entered the school and went to their classes.

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As Faith entered her classroom she saw that the teacher had allowed everyone to choose their own seats. Given that the desks were made for two students each it meant that most were already taken. As she walked through she saw the other girls watching her. She still didn't know why.

The only available desk was near the front and occupied by a little red haired girl. Faith sat herself into the seat and turned to her neighbor.

"Hi, my names Faith. I'm new."

"My names Willow." she said meekly.

"What's the matter? You seem sad."

"Nothing's the matter." she said, her voice catching.

"Faith thought for a second. Even though she was only a little kid she was very quick. "You miss your mommy, don't you?"

Willow turned to her, exposing her cute face. "Yeah. My mommy and daddy are in Europe and couldn't be here today."

"Well that sucks. Want to be friends?"

"You want to be friends with me?" she sounded surprised.

"Sure. Why wouldn't I?"

"No one else does." she said sadly.

"Want to know why?" Faith motioned for her to lean forward. "It's because they suck." she whispered.

Willow giggled.

"What are you laughing at, mousy?"

Willow cringed at the voice behind her. "Leave me alone, Cassandra."

"Now why would I want to do that, mousy?" said the blonde behind Willow. Her hanger-ons laughed.

Willow turned to face Cassandra. "Why do you always have to be so mean to me?"

"Because I can, mousy. You'll never be anything anyone cares about. I mean, how many friends do you have?" she said victoriously.

Faith, while having a problem talking to boys, had no such problem with girls. "She has me." she said, grabbing Willows hand. "Now who are you?"

"Who are you, little girl?" Cassandra said snootily.

"I asked first. Airhead."

Cassandra eyes got big. "Do you know who I am?"

"No. That's what this conversation is about. Weren't you paying attention?" Willow giggled.

Before Cassandra could retort the teacher called the room to attention and class began.

The most evil nice guy in the world, Dark Jester