More than one person felt it was logical to bring in Dr. Stephen Strange, so I decided to just do it as it does make sense. This chapter is over 5,000 words, so I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 22: Secrets Shared

*****A Week Earlier, New York*****

Nick Fury knew it was time to get close to someone in power in Sunnydale, and he had finally figured out how to do that. He called Clint Barton into his office.

After he went over Romanoff's reports about the hellmouth, he told him his plan.

"We have arranged to have the Deputy Mayor taken out of Sunnydale," Nick said. "Romanoff already made contact with him, and he is scared shitless of the mayor. She convinced him to work with us as only she can do."

"That's good," Clint said, smiling.

"The mayor is the one working to keep the town compliant," Nick shared.

"How is that possible?" Clint asked.

"Are you sure you want to know? It won't make it any easier," Nick said.

"I have to know everything if I'm to do my job," Clint said.

"According to the Deputy Mayor, Mayor Richard Wilkins is a magic user," Nick said.

"No shit?" Clint asked.

"It gets crazier," Nick said. "Upon further research, the same exact face has run the town for a century." He threw down copies of photos from various town events that had Richard Wilkins I, II, III, IV, and V.

"This is unbelievable," Clint said, looking over the photos.

"I know how you feel," Nick said. He handed Clint another folder. "Here's your legend. You will be a former mercenary with a bachelor's degree in political science. This will make it clear that you don't mind getting your hands dirty. The Deputy Mayor is going to recommend you as his temporary replacement."

"What's his excuse for leaving?" Clint asked.

"His mother is very ill," Nick said. "According to Romanoff, the mayor has a soft spot for sons who love their mothers."

"An evil mayor who loves his mom? That's a first," Clint said.

"This entire operation is a first," Nick said. "Be very careful. Oh, and keep this around your neck but out of sight. It may save your life."

Clint opened the small box that the director gave him and was surprised to see a chained cross. "Crosses actually do something?" Clint said.

"They repel vampires," Nick said.

"Seriously? Do I need a string of garlic too?" he asked.

"Nope," Nick said with a smirk. "That one is not true. Holy water, though, is deadly or at least painful to vampires."

"I will talk to my priest before leaving town," Clint said with a smile. "This will be one for the playbooks."

"It will," Nick said. "Romanoff is waiting for you to contact her when you get to town."

Clint smiled and nodded. It would be good to be back with his partner again.

A week later, he was a few days on the job at the Mayor's office. It was an entire new world. The Mayor was like an evil Mr. Rogers, but he was happy to have Clint as Alan's replacement, warmly welcoming him.

The Deputy Mayor, Alan Finch, spent two days explaining the job and left that morning after one final announcement.

"It's Slayerfest. I'm leaving now," Alan said, looking highly anxious.

"What's that?" Clint asked.

"I'd rather not say. Just know that you can't do anything to stop it, and the Mayor isn't behind it," Alan said. He left before the day was over.

Clint debated on whether or not he should just ask the mayor. Finally, he shrugged. "Go for broke."

He knocked on the mayor's office before he left for the day.

"Come in if you've washed your hands anytime in the past hour," the Mayor said. Finding out the guy was a germaphobe was a real kick.

"Sir, before you go, I was wondering if you could explain a comment Alan said before leaving," he said.

"I can try," he said.

"He said today was Slayerfest. I was confused because it's not on the town calendar," Clint said.

Mayor Wilkins chucked. "That would be a sight to see. I wish we could open it to the public. What I wouldn't give to see the action," he said. "I did place a bet with Willy. I think Faith will come out the winner with Buffy Summers dead—hopefully."

"So what exactly is it?" Clint said.

"Alan told you that this town was special, right?" the mayor asked.

Clint nodded. "He said that monsters were real, and that you were a man of great power," Clint said.

"Ah, I'm touched. I'm going to miss that guy," the mayor said. "This town is on what is called the hellmouth. There's an actual gateway to a hell dimension."

"That sounds a bit insane, boss, but what do I know?" Clint said, giving him a careless smile. "So where does this Slayerfest fit in?"

"Well, just like there are forces for evil, there are also forces for good. In this town, a vampire slayer keeps the monsters in check," the mayor explained. "Now since they basically do a public service, I leave the girl alone. Then she had to get killed and resuscitated, thus splitting the slayer line into two. Two slayers in my town is one too many."

"So are the slayers on the payroll?" Clint asked.

"No, of course not," he said. "They're teenage girls. The Slayerfest is a competition open to demons and humans who want to hunt the slayers for sport."

"They do this with your blessing?" Clint wondered.

"Not particularly," the mayor said. "I have big plans this year. I can't have any demons opening the hellmouth and ruining them. That's where the slayer benefits the town. Two slayers, though, is an overkill. One might get bored and decide to question the way this town is run. We can't have that, so I allowed Mr. Trick to organize fun for everyone."

Clint nodded like the insane man made perfect sense. When he saw the mayor leave for the day, he searched his office, but he didn't find anything in his desk. Then he opened up some cabinets and found some type of demonic looking alter. He pulled out his phone to take a picture.

"This man really is into the dark arts," he muttered, sending a copy to Coulson, Nat, and Fury. He hadn't had a chance to meet up with Nat since arriving, so he hoped to see her later than night.

However, events changed things.

The police scanner the mayor kept on his desk spoke of shots being fired, so he turned it up to listen.

*****Mostly Where We Left Off*****

When Faith woke up from her surgery, Giles was there, not Diane.

"How do you feel?" Giles asked.

"Like I've been shot. How long was I out? How's B and Diane?" she asked.

"It's been a few hours," Giles said. "Buffy had one surgery to remove bullet fragments, but there is a piece lodged in her spine that needs to come out after the swelling goes down some. Tony is flying in a spine specialist. Diane is in considerable pain as the bear trap tore up her ankle quite badly."

"Damn. I can't believe how the night spiraled. Not only did we not get to dance, but we were hunted like freakin' prey!" Faith said.

"Yes, I can imagine it was intense. I saw the video you sent Diane, and I have begun researching the vampire on it. He's reputed to work with a very old and dangerous vampire named Kakistos," Giles said.

"Well, as soon as we get out of here, we'll make him toast," Faith said with a snicker.

"Get some rest. That's the best way for a slayer to heal," Giles told her.

"I will. But before I forget, the chief of surgery here is very cool," Faith said. "I told him that vampires were the reason for all the patients with blood loss, and he believed me."

"Faith, you cannot go around announcing things like that," Giles said with a frown of disapproval.

"Relax. He was totally chill," Faith said. "It would be good to have a doctor we can trust, don't you think?"

"I suppose," Giles said. "Next time let me know before you decide to share. Okay? First, it was a teacher, and now a doctor. You must be more circumspect."

Faith shrugged. "I'll try," she said.

Giles left her to rest and found out that Tony and Pepper had arrived. The teenagers were there still dressed in their finery.

"How's Faith?" Pepper asked, hugging Willow

"She's going to be okay. The two bullets were removed, and no major damage that her slayer healing can't handle," Willow said.

"That's great," Pepper said.

"Where's Buffy?" Tony asked, looking at Joyce, who was sitting next to Phil in the waiting room.

"They just finished her surgery," Joyce said. "She's in recovery. We can't see her for another ten minutes or so."

"What's the prognosis?" Pepper asked.

"They said that she has a bullet shard too close to the spine. They can't operate again until the swelling goes down," Joyce shared.

"Bruce put a call in to a top neurosurgeon, Doctor Stephen Strange," Tony said. "He will be here soon."

"Thank you, Tony," Joyce said, standing and hugging him.

"It's the least I can do," Tony said.

"Tony actually checked himself out of the hospital to be here. Bruce is acting as his doctor," Pepper shared.

"Please, sit," Joyce said. "What's wrong?"

"Are you okay?" Willow asked, anxious.

"It's the shards of metal near his heart," Pepper said.

Tony pointed to the glowing power source in his chest. "This thing isn't just a power source for my suit. It also works as a magnet to keep the shards from my heart," Tony said.

"That's insane," Cordelia said.

"What she said," Xander agreed.

"I'm fine," Tony said. "We'll get to me after we make sure the girls are okay."

"Faith's watcher got hurt, too," Willow shared.

"Is she okay?" Pepper asked.

"Yes," Giles answered. "Her foot was caught in some animal trap that was placed in the yard."

"I saw the footage," Tony said.

"You have cameras at SQ?" Xander asked in surprise.

"Of course," Tony said. "It's how I know about the vampire trapped in the Hulk room."

"What?" the teenagers all said.

Even Oz looked confused.

"Well, I guess the slayers have been keeping that to themselves. Oops," Tony said. "Let's put a pin in it for now."

A nurse came and requested Giles' presence in the ER room.

"The British lady wants to speak to you," the nurse said. "She's ready to be released."

"I will take care of her. Let me know if anything happens with the girls," Giles said to Joyce.

Diane was in a wheelchair. "They gave me crutches and a few dozen stiches," she said.

"Faith made it through surgery," Giles told her. "She will be fine."

"I am glad to hear some good news. How is Buffy?" she asked.

"Not so good," Giles said. "She will need another surgery to remove bullet fragments."

"Faith is to be commended for her selfless bravery," Diane said. "She threw herself in front of Buffy."

"That is good to hear," he said. "I hate, though, that the girls had to face such barbarianism."

"It is one for the record books," she said. "Can you tell Faith that I am sorry I don't feel like seeing her tonight?"

"She will understand," Giles said.

He began pushing her toward the exit. When he got to the exit, he said. "I will bring my car around, so wait here until you see me."

She did as he instructed and was soon next to him. All the movement was causing her more pain.

"Would you mind going to the pharmacy and filling the prescriptions they gave me?" she asked.

"Not at all," he said.

"I have one for antibiotics to ward off infection," she said. "They gave me a tetanus shot, of course. The second is for a few days of pain meds."

"I am sorry this happened to you," he said. "Guns and a beartrap. I do not recall any such challenges in previous watcher journals."

"Nor have I," she said. "Of course, the hellmouth in California is the strongest the world has seen in many centuries."

"True," Giles said as he pulled into the pharmacy. She handed him the prescription, and he went inside.

After he returned, Diane thanked him. When they finally returned to the slayer house, the injured watcher was ready for bed.

"Rupert, before I turn in, I need to tell you two things," she said.

"I'm listening," he said.

"First, I am going to resign my position," she said. "I do not want to be on this hellmouth any longer."

"What?" Giles said in shocked. "You want to abandon your slayer? Your injury is not that severe."

"You are not the one in pain," she said coldly. "It is not just today. I feel that I am not cut out for the job. I did it to honor my uncle's memory. I felt that I should, and I am proud to have got to spend time training Faith. I fear she will be hurt by my departure, so I hope you will help her understand. This is not the life I imagined for myself."

"I can't change your mind?" Giles asked.

"It is set," she said. "I will speak to Faith, and I will make arrangements to leave and have a replacement sent in."

"What is the second thing you wish to tell me?" Giles inquired.

"The girls have trapped a vampire in the Hulk room," Diane said. "I discovered it earlier today, and Faith said that she would have Buffy tell you about it."

"I have not been told until tonight. Tony mentioned seeing it on his cameras. The others were surprised, so this must be a slayer thing. Only a slayer could trap a vampire," Giles said. "Did they explain why they trapped a vampire?"

"Faith said that Buffy swore her to secrecy, but since I saw the vampire, she would tell me after the dance," Diane said.

Giles walked down to the room and peered into the room. It was Angelus.

What in the world were the girls thinking? How did he get back? Why would they not slay him immediately? Was it Angel or Angelus? He could see how his slayer would not slay Angel if it was him. Maybe she was not sure.

Time to worry about this problem was later. For now, he needed to be there for his slayer.

*****New York*****

Matt hung up his cell phone and looked at Foggy. "We need to go to California. Buffy is in the hospital. She's been shot," he said.

"Is she going to be okay?" Foggy asked, surprise.

"Willow said her prognosis was good, but she's paralyzed until they get the bullet out. They're hopeful she will walk again," Matt said. He grabbed his duffel bag.

"Last minute flights are very expensive," Foggy said, opening up his laptop to look.

"No need. Pepper has two tickets waiting for us in a nonstop flight at JFK to LAX," Matt said. "Willow said she figured we'd want to be there. Although they think Buffy will be fine, Pepper thought our presence might cheer her up."

"That sounds like a plan to me. I'll get a bag ready," Foggy said.

Matt hoped that Buffy wouldn't have to face a life without the ability to walk. Being blind was bad, but for a girl as physically gifted as Buffy, he knew how much horrible it would be for her if her paralysis was permanent.

*****Sunnydale*****

Buffy was awake and looking at her mother's concerned face. "Mom? What's happened?" she asked. Then she looked around and realized where she was. "I'm in the hospital."

"Yes, you were shot. Do you remember?" Joyce asked.

Buffy's parched throat demanded attention. "I need a drink. I have cotton mouth," she said.

Joyce handed her a cup with a straw. "The nurse left this ice water for you," she said. "Just take it slow."

Buffy took a drink of the water and thought about events that had happened. "The dance. Faith and I never made it," she said.

"No, honey, you didn't," Joyce said, looking sad.

"There was something crazy going on. The vampire said it was Slayerfest," Buffy said.

"I have heard," Joyce said. "Let's not worry about it now. Just focus on getting better."

Buffy realized something. "Why can't I feel my legs? What happened? Did they cut off my legs?" she asked in a panic. She pulled back the covers and relief coursed through her when she saw that her legs were still there.

"Honey, you were shot in the back," Joyce said. "A bullet shard is still lodged against your spine. They can't remove it until the swelling goes down. You're scheduled for surgery again this afternoon. Tony called a top surgeon."

"Of course, he did," she said with a tired smile. Closing her eyes, she took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. Not being able to feel her legs was jarring.

"Your friends want to see you. Are you up for it? They won't go home until they see that you're okay," Joyce said.

"Okay," Buffy said, covering her legs back with the blanket and sheet.

Joyce got up and walked to the waiting room. It was after midnight, and everyone looked weary, even Tony. Joyce felt a stab of guilt that the shooting had dragged the poor man out of the hospital. "Tony, you need to go to the mansion and get some sleep. Buffy's awake," Joyce said.

"We can see her?" Willow asked.

"Teenagers first and then adults," Joyce said. She sat down next to Phil, who reached out and took her hand. His presence brought her comfort. "Don't stay long because she needs to rest."

"Okay," Willow said. Oz, Xander, and Cordelia followed her.

"How did she seem?" Giles asked.

"She was a bit foggy at first, but then she remembered," Joyce said. "She had a bad moment when she couldn't feel her legs. At first, she thought they'd been amputated."

"I can imagine," Giles said, feeling sympathy for his slayer.

"Faith told me that being a slayer means superhealing. Shouldn't she be fine?" Phil asked.

"The healing cannot kick in until the shards removed," Giles explained. "Even then, there's a risk that the doctor could sever the spinal cord."

"This won't happen because Bruce found the best," Tony said. "I looked him up. Doctor Strange doesn't know how to fail. He's got an impeccable record for doing surgeries most wouldn't tackle."

"I called him in not just for Buffy, but I'm going to have him remove those shards from your heart," Bruce said to Bruce.

"He's not a heart doctor," Tony said.

"It doesn't matter. He's got the best hand in the business," Bruce said. "Your heart doesn't need surgery, but a cardiothoracic surgeon will, of course, be in there with him in case of problems."

"Don't argue," Pepper said when Tony opened his mouth to do just that. "We're not going to let you die because you're stubborn.

A nurse came to the waiting room. "We've got a room ready for Mr. Stark," she said.

"Your surgery is scheduled for ten in the morning," Pepper said.

"Doctor Strange will be here by nine," Bruce said. "Get some rest."

"I will rest better away from the hospital," Tony said. "I'll be back at eight."

"Fine," Pepper said. "I'll tell the staff." She got up to do that.

"Diane told me that she wanted to resign as watcher," Giles shared with the adults still in the room.

"Seriously?" Tony said. "One measly beartrap and she's already ready to throw in the towel? You Brits are real pansies."

"Tony, that's not very nice," Joyce said, giving him a look of disapproval.

"Good, Joyce. You almost had Pepper's inflection down," Tony said, grinning. "You have to say my name a bit louder, though, if you really want to channel her."

Joyce laughed. "You're incorrigible."

"I know," Tony said with a grin. He turned back to Giles. "Can we bribe her to stay?"

"She says that it's not the life she wants," Giles said. "She is proud of Faith, though. They will send another one."

"Too bad your mother is too old," Tony said. "I really liked that old dame."

"Yes, I cannot say I was surprised that you two got on like a house on fire when you met her," Giles said, smiling. They had taken that short trip to confront Travers for not paying his slayers, and then they had tea with Mother. She had been thrilled to meet America's Iron Man, and she had enjoyed Tony's naughty wit.

"You never talk about your family," Joyce said. "Buffy's never mentioned any."

"Teenagers rarely consider those kinds of things. I'm just Giles, their teacher," Giles said, smiling. "My mother was once a watcher to a slayer. Her slayer lasted three years before dying in battle against several foes. Mother was injured in the attack, and she still uses a cane."

"She has a brilliant wit," Tony said.

"That she does," Giles said, smiling.

Pepper came back. "Okay, let's go see Buffy and then head to the house to get some rest. Joyce, are you staying?" Pepper asked.

"Yes," she said.

"Buffy's friends from New York, Matt and Foggy, will be here around six," Pepper said. "I arranged for a car to pick them up at LAX and drive them here. That was the only nonstop flight."

"Matt's the one who can't see, right?" Joyce asked.

"Yes, but he's a remarkable young man," Tony said. "Bruce, if I'm going to rest, so are you."

"I'm coming," Bruce said, rising to his feet. "Where's Willow's bodyguard?"

Tony's eyes grew alert. "Why? Do you think she's pretty? Do you want me to set you two up?" he asked.

"Why do I bother?" Bruce said, shaking his head.

Joyce bit back a grin. "Tony, don't embarrass the poor man," she said.

"She is keeping an eye on the front entrance downstairs," Pepper said.

The teenagers returned and said goodnight, so the adults went in to give their regards to Buffy.

After all the visiting was over, Buffy was wiped and fell into a dreamless sleep.

When she awoke, she was surprised to see two guys sleeping on each side of her. Of course, Matt had on his glasses, so she didn't know he was asleep. Since he noticed her movements, she realized that he was awake.

"How are you feeling?" Matt asked.

"What time is it? When did you get here? How?" Buffy asked, surprised.

"Willow called. Her mother made arrangements for us to come. Since it was Friday, we don't have classes until Monday afternoon," Matt said. "Of course, it's Saturday morning now."

"It's really good to see you," Buffy said. Then she winced and put her hand to her hair. "I bet I look awful."

"Seeing as I can't actually see you, it doesn't matter," Matt said, smiling.

Buffy's face flushed at her faux pas. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking," she said.

"It's okay," Matt said, reaching out for her hand. Buffy made it easy by grabbing his. "You always look beautiful to me."

Her heart raced at his words. "How can you tell that?" she said.

"Beauty isn't what's on the surface," he said.

"You're very sweet," she said.

"No, he's not," Foggy said, waking up. "Everyone knows I'm the sweet one. How do you feel? Any pain?"

"No," Buffy said. "I'm numb. It's like my legs aren't there. Very disturbing."

"Let's hope it won't last long," Matt said. "Your mom left at six to go home to shower."

"What time is it?" Buffy said.

"It's eight," Foggy said, looking at his watch.

The door of her hospital room swung open, and Buffy smiled to see Faith in a wheelchair. "What are you doing in that chair?" she asked.

"I was shot more times than you! I don't want to hear a word," Faith said crossly. "The stupid nurse wouldn't let me see you unless I was in the chair. I'm so telling Doctor Taub." She said the last loudly for the nurse's benefit. The woman was hovering in the hall.

"Doctor Taub told me to watch out for you," the nurse said. "I'll be escorting you back to your room after your short visit. No more than ten minutes. Breakfast will be in your room shortly."

"Like the food here is eatable. I want to go home," Faith said. "I have the best food at my house."

"You can be discharged after the doctor says you can," the nurse said.

"Hey, cutie. Shut that door," Faith said to Foggy, who had been rendered mute at Faith's presence.

Foggy did as she requested.

"Who's your friend?" Matt asked.

"This is my friend, Faith," Buffy said. "We were both shot last night. Faith was shot flinging her body in front of mine."

Faith looked embarrassed. "No biggie. You would've done the same," she said. "Wait 'til I find that vampire, Mr. Trick. I'm so going to slay his ass!"

"Vampire?" Foggy asked. "Is that new slang for asshole?"

Faith snickered, ignoring Buffy's beseeching look. For some reason, Buffy hadn't yet told her blind hottie about the supernatural. She knew that until Buffy did, things would never progress between them.

"No, doofus. Vampire means vampire," Faith said. "What? Buffy hasn't told you yet? We're slayers of the undead."

"It's what all the cool kids are doing these days," Buffy said breezily, hoping they'll think it was a joke. "Shut up, Faith."

"Hey, I took a bullet for you," Faith said with a smirk. "I get to say what I want for a least a week."

"Buffy, how about you introduce us to your very vocal friend," Matt said.

"Faith, this is Matt and Foggy," Buffy said.

"What kind of name is Foggy?" Faith asked.

"My given name is Franklin Nelson," Foggy said. "Foggy is just a nickname."

"I like Franklin—Frankie is cool," Faith said.

"You are so hot," Foggy said. "I'm sorry. Did I say that aloud?"

Buffy giggled while Faith preened. "I know," she said.

"Jailbait," Buffy said. "Faith is younger than I am, so you will have to wait two years."

"No, I turn seventeen in April," Faith said.

"Okay, you will have to wait a year and a half," Buffy said.

"Breakfast has arrived," Tony said as he came into the room carrying a large tray.

"Yes!" Faith exclaimed. "I told them SQ had the best food, so they should let me go home."

"No need. I'm not allowed to eat since I'm having surgery in a few hours, but I knew my girls would be starving."

The tray had was full of pastries and all kinds of fruit. "I couldn't get Pepper to make bacon and eggs, so this is it," he said.

"Thanks, Tony," Buffy said, reaching for some grapes and pastry.

"Boys, how are you doing?" Tony asked, offering them food.

"We should be asking you that, sir," Foggy said, grabbing a pastry. "Why are you having surgery? Are you okay? Did Ironman get shot at?"

"No, I was in the hospital in New York when the shooting took place, but my suit can withstand many bullets," Tony said. "I'm getting the metal shards around my heart removed."

"Will you still be able to be Ironman?" Foggy asked.

"Of course," Tony said. "The power source doesn't have to be around my heart."

"How are you feeling?" Buffy said.

"Okay," Tony said. "Pepper is arranging my room now. I'm on the floor above this floor. How are you ladies doing?"

"So ready to leave. We need to get me out of here before they notice my bullet wounds are nearly completely healed," Faith said.

"Didn't I hear that you told the chief of surgery that vampires were real, and this town was a hellmouth?" Tony asked. "Just read him in completely. It can only help to have a doctor who knows your bodies. I can't have Bruce here all the time. He's working on the cure for Oz, plus he's my new BFF. Rhodey and Happy can't talk science like he can."

"Tony, stop blabbing in front of civilians!" Buffy said, looking worriedly at Foggy and Matt. Matt's face showed no expression while Foggy's mouth was open. He was eagerly following every word out of their mouth.

Tony glanced at the guys. "Hey, you invited them to the hellmouth, so they gotta know the score," he said with a shrug. "They can handle the truth, can't you guys?"

"Of course, sir," Foggy said.

"I didn't invite anyone, so don't blame me. I'm telling Giles! You're so gonna be in trouble!" Buffy said, glaring at him.

Tony laughed. "You know, he's got absolutely no authority over me. He's your watcher, not mine!" Tony said.

"No one can look as disapproving as a Brit," Faith said.

"Then I'm telling Pepper," Buffy said.

"Tell me what?" Pepper asked, arriving in the room. "Tony, you need to get upstairs."

"Pepper, Tony's blabbing secrets to the guys," Buffy said. "They have enough to worry about with school without having to worry about the stuff we do here."

"Tony, how could you be so irresponsible?" Pepper scolding, giving him a look of disappointment.

"Narc," Tony said, glaring at Buffy, who stuck her tongue out at him.

"Faith, it's time for you to return to your room," her nurse said, coming to the door.

Joyce arrived at this point, too. "Boys, it's good to see you again. Did you get any rest?" she asked. "Buffy, how are you feeling, sweetheart?" She rushed to Buffy's side to hug her before anyone could respond to her series of questions.

"Tony brought donuts and ran his overactive mouth about things, so now he's going to go be grounded to his room by Pepper," Buffy said.

"I'm an adult. I don't get grounded," Tony said.

"Let's go, troublemaker," Pepper said, pulling his arm and dragging him to the door.

"Secrets only hurt the ones we love!" Tony called out as he left.

"Man, that guy's such a trip," Faith said, snickering. "Who knew a billionaire turned hero could be so immature?"

"Say goodbye, Faith," the nurse said, grabbing the back of her wheelchair.

"Goodbye, Faith," Faith said with a smirk.

"See you later," Buffy said.

"Buffy's surgery is scheduled for two, so come by after lunch if you want to see her again," Joyce said.

"Will do," Faith said, waving goodbye. "Bye, Frankie! Bye, Matt."

"Goodbye," Matt said.

"See you soon," Foggy said. When the girl left, he sighed. "Why do all the hot ones have to be taken or underage?"

"Story of your life," Matt said, smiling.

"Story of my life," Foggy agreed.

"Mom, did you meet Mat and Foggy?" Buffy said.

"I did when they arrived," Joyce said. "Boys, do you want to go to our place and take a nap?"

"Actually, ma'am, we'd rather Buffy explain what Tony and Faith were saying about vampires and hellmouths," Matt said.

Buffy closed her eyes. She was so going to kill Tony and Faith!

*****To Be Continued*****

I feel like this is one of my more excellent chapters. Reviews make me very happy! Thanks so much!