A Second Chance

Authors Note: Man, I know I take forever and a day to update, but I have had such a bloody full year. I moved eight hours away from every one I know and had to work hard at my new school. Plus, I now live in middle-of-no-where territory; so just to get to the main road takes twenty minutes. I imagine you can see my dilemma. Anyway, on with the story.

Chapter Eleven:

"I don't know if I've already mentioned this-"

"Since you're you, you've probably already mentioned it twelve times." Matt cut Sonya's complaint off mid-sentence, without so much as a look her way. He arched his brow at the hand timer resting in his palm as he hit the stop button.

"Well, obviously, you don't listen. So I'll please my self and say it again. I hate this stuff." Sonya pouted and dropped to the floor, crossing her legs Indian style. They were training, as always. Matt wouldn't let her off work for a freaking apocalypse… Well, no of course not for an apocalypse. But honestly, she deserved some free time.

"Actually, I've heard that one two dozen times, and I do listen. I just haven't acted quite yet. You need to be two minutes faster by the way." Sonya growled up at Matt. He ignored her and brushed a damp piece of hair out of his face before dropping down to sit next to her.

They hadn't seen the demon around for two weeks, though that was reasonable since it could take on any form. There were two more mysterious deaths in Dublin, and one in Cork. Which had led to the increase of Vampire Slaying Sessions for Sonya. Now, she was not only being trained in the art of "Hit them in the heart. For God's sake, the heart is over there", but also in the art of, "You're going to have to cut of this ones head. Yes, there's going to be blood. It's a head," and "This ones fatal area is it's reproductive organ. Yes, that's exactly what I mean." Followed by vulgar language from Sonya and a 'demons obviously think like human men' comment.

Willow and Oz had found a decent apartment near by, and had moved there with Dean, Terra, and Kennedy. Xander and Kendra rented the apartment below them, well Xander actually rented it, Kendra got to live there free of charge being his daughter and all. The house was a much quieter, now with only Spike and William staying, and Becca living up in Sonya's room.

Sonya played with a faded strand of what once was silver hair. The color had drifted off, leaving the died strands a mix between faded white and their natural hue. Sonya was a little disappointed they hadn't lasted longer, but her mother was filled with pure joy to see them gone. Or, more like going.

"Come on then. Back to training." Matt stood up and brushed off his slacks. Holding out a hand to help Sonya up as well. She smirked, and stood on her own, ignoring the hand. Matt just rolled his eyes, he was used to the teenagers antics. She had turned 15 two days ago, and just loved every moment of being a year older.

Sonya was also pleased that she and Mark were doing okay, though she couldn't help but think something had changed. Mark was distant now, always asking about being a slayer. Sometimes he would just shake his head in disbelief, or get angry and storm off. She didn't think it was going to last much longer, they had both changed. She was becoming stronger, more open-minded. And he couldn't accept that. On the other hand, Becca was making progress with William. And Faith was helping her. Sonya wished she could spend more time with the Rouge Slayer, and her best friend. She was wishful, but she wasn't stupid.

"Matt," she whined, "can't we quit yet?" Sonya busied herself with picking a leaf out of her hair, narrowing her gaze at the offending plant piece. Curious as to how much plant life was currently weaving its self into her hair, she shook it fiercely, sending twig fragments and crumbled leaves drifting back to the dirt where they were meant to be.

"I think not." Matt answered with a shake of his freckled head. She had noticed he had been spending a lot more time over the house, talking with her family and her friends. She thought it sweet of her watcher, and she was becoming close to him, like…well…a friend. She didn't think twice of punching him lightly in the shoulder or arm, or laughing at his 'jokes' that came so rarely. She punched him in the arm now, lightly of course.

"I think you underestimate your strength." He grimaced and rubbed his arm half-heartedly. "All right then. It's still a bit early, nearly an hour left to practice." Sonya grinned knowingly.

"Ice cream then?" Her eyebrows shot up with the corners of her mouth. Matt just snorted and lead the way to the car.

"If we keep ending practice like this, I'm not only going to be poor, I'm going to be fat."

"I didn't think guys cared about being fat. I thought that was why they spent so much time watching the telle, and eating fried foods." Matt narrowed his eyes at her in answer. "I was just joking." Sonya stuck out her tongue in a joking manner.

They both looked at the cell phone guiltily as it began to ring shrilly.

"Think we should answer it? Or, just ignore it this one time?" Sonya watched the phone with a disappointed frown.

"Well…" Matt looked away from the road long enough to glance at the phone that was still giving out a musical ring. "I suppose we can say we didn't hear it. With practice still being in session." Sonya gave a huge grin and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before settling herself back in her seat. Matthew's face became bright red.

TBC