Disclaimer: All Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters belong to Twentieth Century Fox Studios and Joss Whedon respectively. Their use in this fan fiction is purely for pleasure and pays no profits.

--------Chp 3: The prom--------

A young man ran full throttle through Miller's Woods in Sunnydale, getting hit by branches and barely managing to dodge trees. But his mind was not in the stinging pain the branch hits created on his body but on the…things that were hunting him. He thought he had lost them when he got out of the cemetery but when he took a look over his shoulder he spotted them some meters away still giving chase so he took off into the night as if his feet were on fire. Now he was desperate for help because he knew he was tiring and they were going to catch him soon. Then he recognized a particular boulder and renewed hope filled his steps.

Just a few more meters. Please just a few more.

An impulse of fear made him glance backwards towards his pursuers. It was that moment of inattention that cost him the chase. He ran straight into a downed tree and went flying face first into the damp grass. He was scrambling to get back on his feet when hands grabbed a hold of his jacket and hurled him into a thick tree. He smacked against it, the bark shaving some of the skin of his face, but he didn't get a moment's peace. As the hands yet again pulled him up, a flurry of fist started beating on his face.

Sheer terror gripping him, the young man swung out his own fists in order to defend himself but both swings were easily dodged by his dark clothed assailant. He tried to hit its stomach with a knee shot but his raised leg was arrested by its quick hands grabbing on to it. The thing then growled and with inhuman strength lifted the young man's body and sent it flying over its shoulders--and straight into its blonde companion who pitched a stake while he was still in the air. The stake stroked true and by the time he reached his second assailant he was dust dancing in the wind.

"Boom! Another one bites the dust. What was he, number 7?"

The blonde dusted her red jacket off the remains of her victim while watching amusedly as her partner jumped around with uncontrolled excitement. Her companionship on lonely patrols was something she had dearly missed those dark months, and now valued more than ever. With an impish smile, Buffy shot a sideways look to her dark haired friend while assuming a thoughtful countenance.

"Hmmm. Well I got 5 with this one and I think you were on 3 so…"

"Nu uh girlfriend, that last one counts double. I softened him up."

"Okay but that still leaves you behind anyway. You might as well crown me."

The other Slayer mock glared at the primping petite before her eyes settled on a cabin in a clearing not to far from them. The feature that had called her attention the most were its boarded up windows and the dawning fact that the vampire they were chasing had been headed towards it. With a growing grin the Slayer took out a long stake.

"Looks like the board isn't empty yet B."

The blonde Slayer turned around and discerned what made the other Slayer so happy. A grin of her own now adorned her face as well.

"Got any matches?"

The brunette flipped out a Zippo.

-x-x-x-x-x-

"10 to 8, which makes me, Queen of the night!"

The now dusty Slayers walked out of the woods together leaving behind a burning cabin, they're laughter could be heard all the way to the street they were headed to.

"That's not fair. Those last two practically staked themselves. Plus, I got the muscley big one so I should get bonus points."

And to her they would be well deserved bonus points. That vampire's hair brushed the ceiling! Buffy actually had to jump in order to reach his heart and stake him so not being properly recognized for such an amazing kill made her a bit cranky. The blonde Slayer was actually pouting while the Boston southie took to walking backwards in order to properly face and tease her.

"Twinkie don't be a sore loser, and there's always next night. Though I've been queen three nights in a row so that doesn't say much on your chanc-whoa." Buffy burst into giggles as the other Slayer almost fell down on her ass because of an unseen root.

"A most graceful queen, your slayery highness."

Faith narrowed her eyes in challenge but wasn't able to hold back her amused snorts and snickers. She felt as if she was buzzed and every little thing was suddenly hilarious. It was a strange but lightening feeling and she couldn't help but be in a great mood.

"It feels wicked awesome. You know, being back again. The Chosen two, wiping vamps off the face of the earth. Or the hellmouth first."

"At the rate we're going we may hit a shortage in vampires."

"That could put a downer on slayage." said Faith in a concerned manner. "You think the net would sell us some?"

"Absolutely, that's where I got Angel. He came with accessories too."

The Boston Slayer couldn't help but laugh at the thought. The image of Buffy cyber shopping for a souled vampire was too bizarre.

"What was he, Brooding Vampire Ken? Nah but seriously, you should pay the Big Guy a visit. He's been all mopey and silent. And he's making me listen to this guy named Barry." The Slayer grabbed on tightly to Buffy's shoulder and looked at her with seriousness.

"B, I would rather hear you both getting pelvic than have to listen to another round of 'Mandy'."

"Faith!" the blonde blushed.

"What? Just come over for a drink and relax, maybe a little massage and then stuff leads to stuff and—"

"And nothing! The-there is no discussion of pelvises. Or any other body part. But you're right, he has been kind of extra broody this last few days…"

"Uh huh?"

"…and I do feel kind of tired so…"

Faith was staring at her stonily at her stalling.

"Alright, but just for a nap, that's all."

"Nap hehe, I remember when I used to say that."

"Faith!"

-x-x-x-x-x-

In Northern edge of Sunnydale, Mayor Richard Wilkins was standing in the middle of a messy apartment. A slight frown decorated his visage as he looked around the room finding candy on the bed, comic books on the floor and blankets thrown all around the furniture. The disorder was bothering him, both what touched him more was the absence of its maker. Everywhere he looked he saw a memory of her, his little firecracker. Or was she ever?

No, I'd know it if she wasn't truthful. She wouldn't be able to hide it for long.

His Faithy was many things but a good liar. No, he believed something else made her turn on him that night. That Watcher clearly said something strange and out of order. It could have been a spell but at the moment he had no knowledge of one composed of such words. But if it was, he only needed to find out why the Watcher chose to cast it then and how did it change Faith.

Making up his mind, the Mayor started cleaning up the clutter surrounding him all the while thinking about perusing his private library and his new goal.

I will save you.

-x-x-x-x-x-

It was another shining day at Sunnydale High as students laughed and talked about the latest gossips while making their way to their classes. Some of them were speaking anxiously about the next approaching special event which was the Senior Prom. This was going to be a particularly huge and highly attended party compared to other Proms as the class of '99 was the largest graduating class in Sunnydale High history. That also meant there wasn't going to be any scarcity on dates so going stag was most definitely out of the question.

Faith arrived early on the school on her way to the library. Giles wanted to yet again examine her in case there were any after effects from the spell Wesley used. The old Watcher had pardoned his colleague but was still worried of the possible repercussions she could suffer from such an obscure spell and thus had made it a requirement that she checked in at least once a week for a 'physical'.

It was boring and lame but it wasn't like she had anything better to do during the day, and she was making an effort to be more receptive. Anyway, Buffy was going to be by later and Faith had been itching for a spar….and Angel gossip.

The Slayer was weaving around some parked cars hearing students conversing here and there, all about the same thing. Prom. Wondering who's going to ask who, if they already gotten their dresses or tuxes, who would be dateless. By the sound of it, getting caught dateless on the big night would be the ultimate social death. She knew for a fact Buffy was going with Angel, and Willow had her thing with Oz. But as she found out, Xander and Cordelia broke up. And going by the way the boy had been grumbling in the past library meetings, the snobby rich girl may have been the only chance he had at a Prom date. Her guilt for her acts against him made her feel for the guy.

Still, Faith really didn't get what the big deal was. To her it was just another dance. Fun yeah, but not really life changing. Maybe it was a student thing.

Faith passed by a thin blonde telling off some perfectly coiffed guy about his features which to her were sexually pleasing but typical of cheating swine. It would have been a perfectly normal comment to hear from some random high school couple if the girl hadn't abruptly asked the guy to take her to Prom.

"Hey, I'm running out of options for dates. I have to choose between pigs and weasels so it shouldn't surprise you."

"You're a messed up chick! Go take a Midol or something."

"I haven't met this Midol guy. Wait, don't go! Was that a yes or a no?"

This high school was sure filled with crazies. The Slayer was already climbing up the front steps when a harebrained idea came up to her. Maybe she could drain out some of her guilt.

"Hey Blondie!" she yelled as she jogged towards the thin girl. "Yeah you, you want a Prom date?"

"While your alluring features may attract and satisfy a large part of your fragile species, my needs require a human male. Though the offer is quite flattering and I understand your choice in women partners. They are far more trust worthier."

That one actually left her dumbstruck. She was second thinking her plan when she decided that it wouldn't harm to give Xander a chance and let him choose. Not like he wasn't used to crazy.

"…Yyyeah, no. I meant that I know someone who's free and won't say no, even to you. Trust me, he's desperate."

"Who is this male?"

-x-x-x-x-x-

Hours later, in Giles' office, the Watcher was conducting Faith in some meditation exercises that were suppose to serene her mind and give her a higher awareness to perceive any unnatural phenomena. So far the Slayer was bored out of her mind and the only thing she had succeeded to do was give herself a mild headache for concentrating to much. Her brain just wasn't used to such heavy pondering since she dropped out of high school.

Meanwhile out in the library, Willow, Oz, Buffy and Xander were discussing the dos and don'ts of Prom attire and what kind of dress they though on wearing to it.

"So it was blue and sorta short." Buffy said to Willow while glancing into her old Watcher's office.

"Not too short, but medium. And it had this weird, sorta fringey stuff on its arms."

"Yeah. Do you think they're going to be done there soon?"

Willow caught sight of what Buffy was looking at and thus referring to with her abrupt question. The red head's face clouded up and she began fiddling with the sleeves of her shirt.

"I don't know. They've been at it since this morning." She mumbled.

Xander jumped up in a pronounced shudder that shook up his entire body.

"Uhuhuh, I just shocked myself with a very disturbing image. It could qualify as unholy."

"A demon?" interjected Giles as he walked out of his office and towards a bookcase. Faith followed up behind him and dropped herself in a chair besides Buffy.

"No, just Xander's dirty mind. What's wrong with your head?" Buffy asked the last to the other Slayer who was massaging her forehead with her fingers.

"Nothing, just used it too much." she grinned "Haven't done it since a Bio midterm in tenth grade. Now that's something I don't miss."

"Maybe because you didn't appreciate all the complexity of living organisms." harrumphed Willow while pouting in a sulky manner. She thought 10th grade biology was actually a pretty fun class, without the frog dissection of course.

"I think it's the complexity part that makes it unmissable, Wills. Bio was torture. I was always distracted by Angel thoughts and I think Mrs. Tingle could read minds. Her eyes just pierced me every time I started spacing out."

"I was just too busy finding out about sex. Much more interesting I tell ya." added in Faith with a cheeky grin.

"As fascinating as that is, we need to concentrate on any recent demonic anomalies. Faith, could you look in the main desk for a book with a scarlet leather binder? It's uh an encyclopedia that I believe may tell us more about the sort of spell the Mayor used to become invulnerable."

"Giles, we're talking Prom here. Can't you ever get your mind out of the hellmouth?" whined Buffy as her talking partner got up to rifle through huge stacks of books.

"I'd be delighted to. However, an immortal dark sorcerer is still out there, most probably holding a grudge against us. We may have stopped his Ascension but I doubt the Mayor is going to stay down and quiet. Also we must remember, he did threaten Wesley."

"That is something I'm quite concerned of, Mr. Giles." Wesley entered the library trailed closely by Cordelia. "With such a danger it's safe to say we shouldn't waste any time in such trifling matters as a school dance"

"Well, that's too bad, because I bet you would look way double 'o' seven in a tux." Cordelia commented in a flirtatious tone that made the young Watcher adjust his tie and suit.

"Except, of course, on the actual night when I will be aiding Mr. Giles in his chaperoning duties."

"What? E-Excuse me?" Giles wanted to protest but noticing he was already unknowingly signed up for the task he deferred acceptance. "Fine, fine, fine."

"You should get a dress Faith. You know, we should check April Fools." suggested the blonde Slayer.

"Don't go there!" shouted Cordelia, then noticing their stares she let out a weak smile. "I shop there."

"Don't worry Queen C." the brunette Slayer said without lifting her head from her search of the red book. "I'm not planning on going. I mean, it isn't like it's my Prom so no big deal for me."

"But then, you'd be alone that night. Bored. C'mon Faith, don't be such a fun sucker. Live a little as you say."

"Nah B, that's gonna be your night and someone's got to patrol so I could do the sweeps while you dance. Besides it's a formal and dresses ain't cheap."

"She's right there Buff. I myself am dipping into my road trip fund to procure a shiny new tux, so look for me to dazzle."

"And I myself will be wearing pink taffeta as chenille would not go with my complexion. Can we please talk about the Mayor?

And as if summoned by name, the Mayor of Sunnydale walked in through the doors of the library stunning the gang into silence. Faith, being the nearest, looked up at his entrance and rapidly put down the book she was holding in order to stand ready for a fight.

"So, this is the inner sanctum. Faith told me this is where you folks like to hang out, concoct your little schemes."

At the mention of her name, the Boston Slayer frowned and took a step back. Her movements caught the Big Bad's attention and he settled his gaze upon her.

"And there's my little firecracker. I hope they're treating you well. I would be very cross if something were to happen to you."

"You threatening me?" Faith tried to sound brave but her voice had wavered for a moment.

"Never." He said it with such intensity and vehemence that it left her floored. She broke out of her befuddlement when she felt a hand on her shoulder pull her back gently.

"Faith, you should come over to us." whispered a nervous Wesley as he made to distance Faith from the evil Mayor.

"You Mr. Pryce, You may think you were so smart but I know now what you did back there. And shame on you, messing up my Faithy's mind."

"I ret-turned Faith to her n-natural state of being. T-to her, the real her, you're but a stranger and her enemy." His last words uttered with surging courage as he stood besides Faith.

Wesley's declaration brought a shadow of upset into the Mayor's gloating eyes. The politician took a step forward and at the same time Faith moved to get between the Watcher and him. Her eyes clearly displayed she viewed him as a threat she was prepared to defend against.

"You took away my sweet Faith. That is something I can not forget" said the Mayor somberly but then assumed an upbeat demeanor. "I mean what kind of public servant would I be if I didn't keep my word. And gosh, I was such a strong advocate for good family values during my last campaign. It's like they say, having children makes you no more a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist."

"You never get even a little tired of hearing yourself speak, do you? Worst, you don't seem to get with the times. You lost, we won. Bo ho, get over it." Buffy declared in a peppy manner, her stance in front of the Scoobies one of confidence.

"You're one spunky little girl. I could just eat you to pieces, but I can't anymore right? Well Buffy Summers, you're wrong. If I were you, I'd get set for a world of hurt because misery loves company young lady, and I'll be looking to share mine with you and yours."

The Mayor took a chance to send one last glance at Faith's tense face before turning on his feet and walking out of the library. The gang let out a breath when their big enemy disappeared out the doors. Wesley had to seat down because his knees were failing him. Faith, who looked disturbed herself, had gone back to the desk to deliver the red encyclopedia to Giles.

"Nothing like some mind numbing fear to spice up the day. Say G-man, how come anyone can walk in here whenever they please? Whatever happened to student security?"

"Xander, he's the Mayor of Sunnydale. I don't think he would have problems walking in anywhere. But his visit is most worrisome. Perhaps we should—" An annoyed Buffy interrupted him.

"No, forget him Giles. He's a sore loser and we deserve a little prommy fun. One night of glory without thinking about whiny bad guys and demon cooties. Is that to much to ask?"

-x-x-x-x-x-

Inside a suburban house in Sunnydale a young man set up a VCR and loaded a tape into it. A scene of various couples slow dancing lights up on the T.V. As the sappy song escalated in volume loud snarling and growling were suddenly heard.

There was a caged hairy beast being forced to watch the movie and each scene was making it become more enraged. His agitated trashing around started breaking off the joints in the cage which looked like they might come apart if the beast kept at it.

-x-x-x-x-x-

It was late at night as Faith made a last circuit around Shady Acres Cemetery before heading back to the mansion. Her thoughts were revolving around the Mayor's earlier visit and the disturbing theory that maybe her Other self hadn't been some sleazy lover on the side.

She saw the guy upfront, and he had looked too mad for her sake and pretty determined to do something about it. The thought scared her and so did the feelings she unexpectedly felt when he looked at her last. There was a tenderness there she hadn't seen since Professor Dormer, her first Watcher. And he called her firecracker. Her mom used to call her that. She was pondering about asking Giles if it was possible to access her Other self's memories when she sighted Buffy leaning heavily against a gravestone.

"Buffy! Buffy what's wrong? You hurt?" but as she reached the California blonde she found her uninjured.

"Sheesh, you scared me. For a moment I thought the Mayor had come after you."

"…He did." whispered the blonde, her moist eyes lost in the sea of graves. "In a way. He hurt me bad."

"What? B, I'm gonna take you to Fang. You're not talking sense here. He'll fix you up." The brunette prepared to drape an arm around Buffy and help her walk to the mansion when the blonde Slayer released a small sob.

"Angel left me. He left me Faith, and now I can't breathe. I feel like I can't breathe." Buffy fell to her knees, grabbing on to the other Slayer's pants to keep herself off the floor. Faith found herself out of sorts as the blonde burst into sobs and started crying against her legs.

"Ev-verything's h-horrible. I f-feel so cold. And it takes s-so much effort, to just keep m-moving."

"Uhm..I..eh…"

Shit, I suck at this. The brunette thought before settling to sit down against the nearby headstone. Buffy's gripping body followed her movement and rested partially on top of the dark haired girl's lap were she continued to cry her heart out about Angel leaving town after they dealt with the Mayor. The news stunned her since that also meant she was going to be all alone at the mansion. Or would he take her with him? Would she go with him if he asked?

She tried her best to push away her worries in order to console her friend by awkwardly running her hands through the blonde's hair. In the movies that and soothing talk always seemed to do the job so she decided to give it her best try.

"I-I'm here Buffy. I'm staying." She looked away in thought before pinching her lips in determination and repeating herself. "I'm staying."

-x-x-x-x-x-

The next day, Faith was feeling the hurts of being Buffy's outlet for her breakup pain. Both Slayers were aggressively sparring in the open space of the library while Willow, Oz and the Watchers observed silently by the table. Buffy had just finished delivering a combination of punches which the other Slayer struggled to deflect when she quickly switched to kicks and managed to land one in Faith's shoulder. The hit sent the Slayer spinning to the floor where she landed with a pained gasp. It was then that Xander and Cordelia entered the library talking about a demon attack in broad daylight.

Thank you God. Faith thought before staggering up and sitting down to hear Xander and Cordelia's account.

After watching the store security video tape that the two teens brought and identifying the demon as a Hellhound, Cordelia brought up a founded observation that led the Scoobies to the conclusion the beast was targeting people in formal wear. Then Oz recognized on the tape a suspicious looking boy with a remote in his hand. In a matter of time they identified their hellhound raiser. Tucker Wells, some quiet shy boy Oz had chemistry class with. Willow got into his email account easily and after reading through his conversations, to the Scoobies' bad fortune, they found out he was planning to attack the school Prom.

Xander and Willow were already cancelling their much desired Prom plans when they were stopped by Buffy who gave a disturbing speech about making sure there was a Prom for them even if she had to annihilate every one on Earth to make it happen. And like a veil had descended on her, she was suddenly General Buffy sending them out to look for clues and going in her own crazy mission in search for brains. Not for herself, but for the Hellhounds. They found them appetizing.

Faith, who got stuck with Cordelia and Wesley checking out Tucker's house, didn't get back to the library hours later.

"Where's B? She found out were the beasties at?

"Faith, uh yes she did. Got an address from the meat packing plant, where the boy ordered the brains. She already went after him."

"By herself? Why didn't she wait for me? I could have gone with her. Help out."

"She uh wanted everyone to enjoy the night. Rather settled on it, she was."

"Well is not like I had plans."

"I may have an objection to that." stated a third voice.

Faith turned questioningly to the library's door where Wesley stood holding a thin wide box.

"Mr. Giles, could you perhaps give Faith and I a moment alone?"

Giles glanced from the confused Slayer to the young Watcher who was surprisingly serious and composed.

"It's alright, I was already going. Have to prepare for the dance as I'll be unfortunately chaperoning." The last words were spoken with an ounce of vexation. "I'll see you both later."

"Later? G, I'm not going…" she trailed off as the Watcher had already departed the library. She then looked to the remaining one. "What's going on Wes?"

"I.. uhm well I had a bit of spare money. After buying the tuxedo. And eh…store was nearby." The British man cleared his throat, walked to her ceremoniously and offered her the white box in his hands. "Here. I bought you this. I hope it's fitting-that it fits you well I mean! as I uh couldn't know for sure."

With shaky hands Faith took off the lid of the box to reveal it's papery inside where a beautiful midnight blue dress rested folded. The glittery black beads sewed on to it along with its satin like cloth caught the light of the library making for a spectacular view.

"Wes…why…"

"I understand this dance it's an important rite of passage for young people here. And even though you're not a student I see no reason to keep you from enjoying it as well."

The Slayer was still looking at the dress in silence, her hand ghosting over the contents of the box while her eyes took on every detail. Her non-response made the young watcher falter from his composed state.

"I-is there something wrong? Do you not like it? Because the store attendant said it w—"

"It's beautiful." She whispered. "I…I just don't know what to say. No one's ever…." She couldn't complete her sentence because of the emotions welling up in her.

"Well I'm glad you like it. You deserve this night as well, now go get ready."

Wesley settled the box on her hands and made his way out of the library.

"Wes!" Faith called making the Watcher stop at the doors. She clenched the gift to her body and sent him a rare gentle smile. "T-thanks. It means a lot."

"Anything for my Slayer." And with nod he was gone leaving behind a smiling Faith.

-x-x-x-x-x-

The Mayor was sitting on his office reading one of the multitudes of old books that covered his desk. Every now and then he would write down some notes in a small notebook at his side. He was going over a particularly interesting chapter about the human senses when a knock was heard from the door.

"You may come in." He replied while setting down his notebook.

A second later a vampire with his game face entered the office.

"The boys are ready to go."

"Gosh darned efficient they are. Some good boys."

The Mayor smiled jovially and picked up a colored wrinkled paper that looked out of place between all the magic texts and official documents. Its header read in funky letters 'Sunnydale High Class of '99 Senior Prom' detailing further down the time and place of the event.

"I'd say our friends are going to be a little busy to receive us properly. But that's no bother. We can let ourselves in, right? No reason to disturb them."

The Mayor grinned back to the vampire who quickly answered with an awkward smile around his fangs.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Faith arrived back at the school in time to catch Buffy dragging some demon corpses across the quad. She jogged to the Slayer as fast as her heels let her.

"Hey, need a hand hiding the evidence?"

"Faith? Wow you look…wow. Where'd you get the amazing dress?"

"It was gift from someone. The question is why aren't you all dolled up?"

Buffy hefted her weapon's pack and took out a black garment bag out of it. Faith raised her eyebrows and smirked at the smiling Slayer.

"Well c'mon chika! The night is young and she wants to par-tey."

After helping Buffy with her dress and make up, both Slayers walked into the decorated school gym looking absolutely breath-taking. Their united beauty made a few guys and girls eye the stunning late-comers admiringly.

Buffy spotted Giles and nodded her success on the night's slaying. The Watcher nodded back before spotting Faith and sending out a knowing smile. Willow then noticed Buffy and ran to greet her.

"Buffy! You made it! a-a-nd Faith too."

"Don't sound too exited." said Faith at the red head's faltering tone.

"N-n-no. I didn't mean—you both look awesome."

"Everything cool?" Oz asked Buffy to veer away the conversation.

"Coolest. Devil dogs are history. How's the prom?"

"Strangely affecting. I teared up when they played 'We Are Family'." answered Oz in his usual straight voice.

"Everything's perfect." Willow beamed at Buffy with happiness.

In that moment an upbeat rock song started playing and Faith jumped up in excitement grabbing a hold of Buffy's arm.

"This song rocks! C'mon girlfriend, let's go break stereotypes and have us some girl-on-girl fun!" In a flash the Boston Slayer had dragged away her friend into the crowded dance floor.

"…perfect."

"You said something Willow?" asked the werewolf.

"Nothing, I'm just thirsty. Let's go get some punch."

Later on the night, the music was turned off and the Prom committee started the class award presentations. Buffy was standing alone by the punch bowl table serving herself a glass. After dancing to 5 songs straight and boy that girl had stamina, Faith had made herself scarce saying she had to check up on her make up. But she had been gone far too long for that to be true. The blonde Slayer was contemplating looking for the other girl when she though she heard her name called out loud. A spot light shined on her figure and she turned around to be greeted by the staring populace of students. Jonathan, a boy she rescued from committing suicide, was standing at the stage looking at her confused face.

"This is actually a new category, first time ever, I guess there were a lot of write in ballots... and, uh, the prom committee has asked me
to read this."

The small boy took out a wrinkled paper and read.

"We're not good friends."

Buffy prepared herself for some potential embarrassment of a prank after that starting statement.

"Most of us never found the time to get to know you. But that doesn't mean we haven't noticed you. We don't talk about it much, but it's no secret Sunnydale High isn't really like other schools. A lot of weird stuff happens here."

And from the crowd of students emerged shouts of "Zombies!", "Hyena people!" and even "Snyder!" The last one caused a round of laughter around the student body.

"But whenever there was a problem or something creepy happened, you seemed to show up and stop it. Most of the people here have been saved by you." Here he paused in his reading to look up at her in gratitude. "Or helped by you, at one time or another. We're proud to say that the class of '99 has the lowest mortality rate of any graduating class in Sunnydale history."

Jonathan stopped yet again as the last announcement caused the students to break into applause and cheering. After it died down the boy looked down at the paper in his hand and continued reading.

"We know at least part of that is because of you. So the senior class offers its thanks, and ... gives you, uh, this..." After some fumbling about, the short boy produced a small decorated umbrella with a plaque spelling Buffy's name and award title. "It's from all of us, and it's got written here, 'Buffy Summers. Class Protector'."

Buffy was completely stunned and near tears at being recognized. She stepped onto the stage and accepted the award hearing the crowd clap for her. Looking out into the students she saw her friends smiling with joy and cheering her on wildly. She couldn't believe it. She was actually living out her desired High School moment. Recognized by her peers, Buffy never thought the doomed night would turn out to be such a happy event for her.

As she made her way down the stage, the music started playing again. The tunes of a romantic slow song brought all couples together in the dance floor. Buffy caressed her award and watched on with a bitter sweet smile.

"Hey girlfriend, sorry for the lateness. What I miss?"

"Xander lost class clown and I got a toy surprise." Buffy showed Faith the award.

"No way, you got something? Cool! See, things weren't so bad after all."

"They weren't. Anyway, where were you?"

"Here and there. Fixing up my face and stuff. We worked up quite a sweat in the floor."

The blonde narrowed her eyes in suspicion of the ambiguous answer but then decided to drop the matter.

"Yeah well I think the DJ is going to stick to slow sappy songs now so that's all the dancing you'll get for the rest of the night."

"I dunno. I was thinking of asking out the stud by the door but he's looking more at you than me."

Buffy followed her gaze and found Angel standing in an impressionable tuxedo.

"I'll take this." Faith said, stealing away her umbrella and walking away from the staring couple.

"I never thought you'd come."

"It's a big night. As some persistent people say." said Angel while shooting a quick glance to where Faith had gone.

"So that's where she went."

"She can be pretty stubborn when she wants to be. But it's just tonight. It doesn't mean that--"

"I know. I mean…I understand." Buffy says quietly. She looks at Angel with only a small amount of the pain she felt the past day.

"Will you dance with me?" he asked and Buffy folded in his arms. Looking over his broad shoulder while they danced the Slayer saw Faith holding some punch and pocketing a small canister into her dress. The brunette felt her eyes and turned to look at Buffy. Raising her glass in salute she smiled. Buffy mouthed back a silent but deeply felt 'thank you' before resting her head on Angel's chest and closing her eyes to savor the moment.

Things weren't bad at all.

--------To be continued--------