TITLE: BFFY'S TURN 22/?
AUTHOR: RICK
E-MAIL: amulet@my-dejanews.com
SUMMARY: Things could not be worse. Buffy thinks Xander kidnapped and hurt her mother. Xander thinks Buffy has joined with Angel and those who want he and Oz dead. Xander and Oz have decided to stop waiting for things to happen. They are going to do a little "happening" themselves.
Chapter: 22-But I Still Love you Xander
Before Buffy and Xander return to the struggle they take time out to nurse their wounds, mostly Xander's. Buffy looks at him.
"Xander, before we continue with this you're going to let me fix up your wounds."
The boy doesn't argue. As he watches Buffy tend to him he looks into her eyes. She is doing it very carefully and lovingly. How many times did he dream of Buffy Summers being intimate with him? The Slayer sees him watching her.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Xander?"
"The way you're doing this. It's like..."
Buffy finishes it for him. "Like, I love you or something?"
Xander doesn't answer. Buffy continues.
"You can't believe that can you Xander? You can't believe that I can love you?"
Xander sighs. "Buffy, I can't..."
"You can, Xander. Look, you're right. I don't know what this is all about. Not the way you and Oz do. But I'm not some little schoolgirl either. And I do know you, whether you believe that or not. I know what you've done for me all these years. I know what's in your heart and it's good."
"Buffy, don't do this to me. Not right now."
"Why, Xander? Why don't you want to hear that I love you?"
"Buffy, do you remember how much I was against you and Riley having a relationship? I was against it because he is dangerous. I was also jealous but the main reason was because I knew he could bring shit down on you. You have enough coming at you as the slayer. You don't need anymore grief."
This upsets Buffy. "Okay, Xander, I'll give you this much. Yes you are dangerous. More so than Riley and even Angel. And if I was mildly attracted to you or if I thought you just looked good in a Speedo. Then I would listen to what you're saying. But, Xander, I...I love you with everything that is inside me. I think about you all the time. Everything that I've done since I came here has you in it. Every major point in my life has you right beside me. And, Xander, if it weren't for you I might still be with Spike and Faith."
Xander gets up. "Buffy..."
"Xander, I poured out my heart to you. Are you just going to ignore it?"
She goes to him, turning him around. "Don't try to tell me you don't love me, Xander!"
"Don't tell me what I feel or don't feel, Slayer. Let's go finish this."
Xander walks ahead. Buffy just stares. After a minute she remarks to herself. "Why did I think it was going to be easy? "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A now fully recovered Giles is filled in on what he missed. He addresses Oz.
"So we are probably talking about this going all the way to the top."
Oz anticipates the next move. "So we should go pay Spencer a visit?"
"Yes, and I have a feeling Xander will head to that location as well."
Willow tries to lighten things up a bit. "Giles, if we're about to attack our boss and get him real mad at us does that mean our paychecks might be late this week?"
Oz answers. "They planned to kill us so they probably didn't even make out our checks this week."
"Well now our Mr. Spencer is in real trouble!"
Tara adds to it. "Yea, he can try to have us killed but no way he cheats us out of our pay, the bastard is dead!"
Willow is shocked. "Tara, that's the first time I've ever heard you curse."
Oz keeps it going. "Well, that's the first time anybody's ever tried to cheat her!"
"Go witch, go."
"I'm glad you young people still have your sense of humor."
A very strange feeling comes over Oz as he looks at Tara. For the first time he actually notices her as the beautiful woman that she is. He was blinded by his jealousy. He can certainly see what Willow sees in her. She has a very quiet confidence in herself. She also has warmth about her that isn't overcome by the presence of evil all around her, warmth he could desperately use right now. The Wolf has not had a serious relationship since he left Sunnydale.
Tara notices Oz staring at her. At first she feels very uncomfortable but then, strangely enough, it brings a smile to her face. She is not use to even noticing the gaze of a man. But there is something about Oz that is different. Maybe it's his wolfiness.
Whatever it is Willow picks it up right away. She is shocked to say the least.
"Tara?"
She doesn't answer. Willow touches her shoulder.
"Tara?"
This snaps the witch out of it. "Oh...I'm sorry Will. I was just...actually I don't know what I was doing. I'm sorry...what?"
Willow doesn't answer. She just looks back and forth between Oz and her girl friend.
Joyce just stares ahead. The whole thing was very traumatic for her. Giles looks at her.
"Joyce, I'm sorry you got involved in this."
"Rupert, I don't know what to think. I always thought Xander was the perfect match for Buffy. Then I thought he kidnapped me. But then he rescued me. And now we're running for our lives. It's very confusing."
She begins to cry. Giles tries to soothe her worry. He holds her in his arms. She feels a strange sense of comfort and safety. She stares at him.
"You're not afraid in the least are you?"
"Not afraid, Joyce, but very apprehensive."
Joyce relaxes in his arms. "But, I promise you. I'll stay with you until this is over. And then I'll attempt to explain the whole affair."
Joyce has always had a warm spot in her heart for one Rupert Giles. Especially after their very passionate encounter during the "Bad Candy" episode. She smiles very warmly, reaching her hand up to affectionately fondle his face. Willow has had enough.
"Ah, adult X-rated moment alert!"
"Can't you wait till we're in bed?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giles was right. Xander and Buffy go straight to the headquarters where a now very nervous Mr. Spencer is trying to get some things collected so he can escape the place. He knows that his former charges will be gunning for him. Buffy looks to Xander.
"So what's the plan mystery man?"
"Stroll through the front gate like you own the place. I'll do the rest."
Buffy doesn't even question him. One thing has become clear to her. Xander and Oz know what they're doing. She would trust her life with either one of them. Nevertheless, she embraces Xander in a very passionate kiss. Xander doesn't respond.
"Okay, Xander, you don't love me. It's stupid for me to love you. We have no future together. But, just think. What if this were the last time we ever see each other...alive?"
Xander can't help it. He looks into her eyes...a big mistake.
"You're a real wise ass aren't you?"
"I just know how to get what I want."
They embrace in a wonderful kiss. Xander really puts a lot into it. Buffy staggers out of it. Xander races ahead.
"Phew...wait up, Xander."
The boy has to laugh when he sees her all dreamy eyed. "Are you okay, slayer?"
"Just barely, let's go!"
She walks out into the driveway of the place. One of the guards goes out to meet her. This is all Xander needs. He jumps the one in the guardhouse then walks to Buffy. By the time the other guard sees him Xander has him knocked out also. Our two heroes rush for the building. Just as they are about to break in a window Xander turns to Buffy.
"I never said I didn't, slayer."
"You never said you didn't what?"
"Think about it for a minute."
Buffy follows him in as the alarms go off.
"You never said you didn't love me?"
Xander doesn't answer. She grabs his arm. "Is that what you mean?"
"We have a job to do, Slayer, I suggest you suck it up and get ready to rumble."
"I'm going to get you, Xander. When this is all over I'm going to get you good."
"Yea, yea, yea, let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Oz and company approach the fence. Giles remarks. "I see Xander's already been here."
Yea and I'm sure he left us a road map too."
They follow in Xander's path.
Xander and Buffy wind their way to Spencer's office. When they break in they find him on his way out the back. Xander punches him and he falls back into a chair. He is just about to pursue him when a bullet whizzes by his shoulder and into Spencer. Xander is stunned.
"What the hell?"
When he looks up he sees a tall, very distinguished looking gentleman, maybe in his fifties. He has a gun barrel pointed to Buffy's head. The man calmly gives Xander directions.
"Put your hands in the air and calmly move away from Spencer."
Xander does as told. The man approaches Spencer making sure he is dead. Then he looks back to Xander.
"So you're the famous Xander I take it?"
"And you know my name, why?"
"Well, I was originally supposed to take care of you."
"Who hired you?"
"Spencer."
"Ah...I don't get it then?"
"I had a deal with Spencer for you but, then, as you can see, someone else wanted him dead more."
"I don't understand."
"It's very simple actually but I don't really get into the why of such things. Mostly the when and the where."
Xander tries to make sense of it. "So Spencer wanted us dead for some reason but then somebody wanted him dead even more? Then what about us?"
"Right now that is not my concern."
People coming to the door take their attention. Some twenty commandos escort Oz, Giles, and the two Witches into the room. A very official looking guy follows them by the name of Mr. Mitchell. The man addresses Xander.
"Mr. Spencer is dead?"
"I didn't do it. He..."
Xander motions to the man who shot Spencer but he is no longer there. Buffy and he share a questioning glance. Mr. Mitchell continues.
"It's no grave matter, Spencer was a loose cannon, a misfit. We are sorry that it got out of hand. You have our utmost apologies for the inconvenience this has caused you. I assure you that you are all trusted members of the team. We thank you all for remaining loyal to the agency."
Xander looks at Giles who just shrugs his shoulders. After a few questions the gang comes back to the van where a very worried Joyce greets them. Buffy stares at Xander.
"What, Buffy?"
"Okay, mister know it all man, what was all that about?"
"Buffy, I haven't the slightest idea."
Willow lightens the mood. "Well, I guess we don't have to listen to Tara curse anymore. We're still on the payroll."
AUTHOR: RICK
E-MAIL: amulet@my-dejanews.com
SUMMARY: Things could not be worse. Buffy thinks Xander kidnapped and hurt her mother. Xander thinks Buffy has joined with Angel and those who want he and Oz dead. Xander and Oz have decided to stop waiting for things to happen. They are going to do a little "happening" themselves.
Chapter: 22-But I Still Love you Xander
Before Buffy and Xander return to the struggle they take time out to nurse their wounds, mostly Xander's. Buffy looks at him.
"Xander, before we continue with this you're going to let me fix up your wounds."
The boy doesn't argue. As he watches Buffy tend to him he looks into her eyes. She is doing it very carefully and lovingly. How many times did he dream of Buffy Summers being intimate with him? The Slayer sees him watching her.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Xander?"
"The way you're doing this. It's like..."
Buffy finishes it for him. "Like, I love you or something?"
Xander doesn't answer. Buffy continues.
"You can't believe that can you Xander? You can't believe that I can love you?"
Xander sighs. "Buffy, I can't..."
"You can, Xander. Look, you're right. I don't know what this is all about. Not the way you and Oz do. But I'm not some little schoolgirl either. And I do know you, whether you believe that or not. I know what you've done for me all these years. I know what's in your heart and it's good."
"Buffy, don't do this to me. Not right now."
"Why, Xander? Why don't you want to hear that I love you?"
"Buffy, do you remember how much I was against you and Riley having a relationship? I was against it because he is dangerous. I was also jealous but the main reason was because I knew he could bring shit down on you. You have enough coming at you as the slayer. You don't need anymore grief."
This upsets Buffy. "Okay, Xander, I'll give you this much. Yes you are dangerous. More so than Riley and even Angel. And if I was mildly attracted to you or if I thought you just looked good in a Speedo. Then I would listen to what you're saying. But, Xander, I...I love you with everything that is inside me. I think about you all the time. Everything that I've done since I came here has you in it. Every major point in my life has you right beside me. And, Xander, if it weren't for you I might still be with Spike and Faith."
Xander gets up. "Buffy..."
"Xander, I poured out my heart to you. Are you just going to ignore it?"
She goes to him, turning him around. "Don't try to tell me you don't love me, Xander!"
"Don't tell me what I feel or don't feel, Slayer. Let's go finish this."
Xander walks ahead. Buffy just stares. After a minute she remarks to herself. "Why did I think it was going to be easy? "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A now fully recovered Giles is filled in on what he missed. He addresses Oz.
"So we are probably talking about this going all the way to the top."
Oz anticipates the next move. "So we should go pay Spencer a visit?"
"Yes, and I have a feeling Xander will head to that location as well."
Willow tries to lighten things up a bit. "Giles, if we're about to attack our boss and get him real mad at us does that mean our paychecks might be late this week?"
Oz answers. "They planned to kill us so they probably didn't even make out our checks this week."
"Well now our Mr. Spencer is in real trouble!"
Tara adds to it. "Yea, he can try to have us killed but no way he cheats us out of our pay, the bastard is dead!"
Willow is shocked. "Tara, that's the first time I've ever heard you curse."
Oz keeps it going. "Well, that's the first time anybody's ever tried to cheat her!"
"Go witch, go."
"I'm glad you young people still have your sense of humor."
A very strange feeling comes over Oz as he looks at Tara. For the first time he actually notices her as the beautiful woman that she is. He was blinded by his jealousy. He can certainly see what Willow sees in her. She has a very quiet confidence in herself. She also has warmth about her that isn't overcome by the presence of evil all around her, warmth he could desperately use right now. The Wolf has not had a serious relationship since he left Sunnydale.
Tara notices Oz staring at her. At first she feels very uncomfortable but then, strangely enough, it brings a smile to her face. She is not use to even noticing the gaze of a man. But there is something about Oz that is different. Maybe it's his wolfiness.
Whatever it is Willow picks it up right away. She is shocked to say the least.
"Tara?"
She doesn't answer. Willow touches her shoulder.
"Tara?"
This snaps the witch out of it. "Oh...I'm sorry Will. I was just...actually I don't know what I was doing. I'm sorry...what?"
Willow doesn't answer. She just looks back and forth between Oz and her girl friend.
Joyce just stares ahead. The whole thing was very traumatic for her. Giles looks at her.
"Joyce, I'm sorry you got involved in this."
"Rupert, I don't know what to think. I always thought Xander was the perfect match for Buffy. Then I thought he kidnapped me. But then he rescued me. And now we're running for our lives. It's very confusing."
She begins to cry. Giles tries to soothe her worry. He holds her in his arms. She feels a strange sense of comfort and safety. She stares at him.
"You're not afraid in the least are you?"
"Not afraid, Joyce, but very apprehensive."
Joyce relaxes in his arms. "But, I promise you. I'll stay with you until this is over. And then I'll attempt to explain the whole affair."
Joyce has always had a warm spot in her heart for one Rupert Giles. Especially after their very passionate encounter during the "Bad Candy" episode. She smiles very warmly, reaching her hand up to affectionately fondle his face. Willow has had enough.
"Ah, adult X-rated moment alert!"
"Can't you wait till we're in bed?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Giles was right. Xander and Buffy go straight to the headquarters where a now very nervous Mr. Spencer is trying to get some things collected so he can escape the place. He knows that his former charges will be gunning for him. Buffy looks to Xander.
"So what's the plan mystery man?"
"Stroll through the front gate like you own the place. I'll do the rest."
Buffy doesn't even question him. One thing has become clear to her. Xander and Oz know what they're doing. She would trust her life with either one of them. Nevertheless, she embraces Xander in a very passionate kiss. Xander doesn't respond.
"Okay, Xander, you don't love me. It's stupid for me to love you. We have no future together. But, just think. What if this were the last time we ever see each other...alive?"
Xander can't help it. He looks into her eyes...a big mistake.
"You're a real wise ass aren't you?"
"I just know how to get what I want."
They embrace in a wonderful kiss. Xander really puts a lot into it. Buffy staggers out of it. Xander races ahead.
"Phew...wait up, Xander."
The boy has to laugh when he sees her all dreamy eyed. "Are you okay, slayer?"
"Just barely, let's go!"
She walks out into the driveway of the place. One of the guards goes out to meet her. This is all Xander needs. He jumps the one in the guardhouse then walks to Buffy. By the time the other guard sees him Xander has him knocked out also. Our two heroes rush for the building. Just as they are about to break in a window Xander turns to Buffy.
"I never said I didn't, slayer."
"You never said you didn't what?"
"Think about it for a minute."
Buffy follows him in as the alarms go off.
"You never said you didn't love me?"
Xander doesn't answer. She grabs his arm. "Is that what you mean?"
"We have a job to do, Slayer, I suggest you suck it up and get ready to rumble."
"I'm going to get you, Xander. When this is all over I'm going to get you good."
"Yea, yea, yea, let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Oz and company approach the fence. Giles remarks. "I see Xander's already been here."
Yea and I'm sure he left us a road map too."
They follow in Xander's path.
Xander and Buffy wind their way to Spencer's office. When they break in they find him on his way out the back. Xander punches him and he falls back into a chair. He is just about to pursue him when a bullet whizzes by his shoulder and into Spencer. Xander is stunned.
"What the hell?"
When he looks up he sees a tall, very distinguished looking gentleman, maybe in his fifties. He has a gun barrel pointed to Buffy's head. The man calmly gives Xander directions.
"Put your hands in the air and calmly move away from Spencer."
Xander does as told. The man approaches Spencer making sure he is dead. Then he looks back to Xander.
"So you're the famous Xander I take it?"
"And you know my name, why?"
"Well, I was originally supposed to take care of you."
"Who hired you?"
"Spencer."
"Ah...I don't get it then?"
"I had a deal with Spencer for you but, then, as you can see, someone else wanted him dead more."
"I don't understand."
"It's very simple actually but I don't really get into the why of such things. Mostly the when and the where."
Xander tries to make sense of it. "So Spencer wanted us dead for some reason but then somebody wanted him dead even more? Then what about us?"
"Right now that is not my concern."
People coming to the door take their attention. Some twenty commandos escort Oz, Giles, and the two Witches into the room. A very official looking guy follows them by the name of Mr. Mitchell. The man addresses Xander.
"Mr. Spencer is dead?"
"I didn't do it. He..."
Xander motions to the man who shot Spencer but he is no longer there. Buffy and he share a questioning glance. Mr. Mitchell continues.
"It's no grave matter, Spencer was a loose cannon, a misfit. We are sorry that it got out of hand. You have our utmost apologies for the inconvenience this has caused you. I assure you that you are all trusted members of the team. We thank you all for remaining loyal to the agency."
Xander looks at Giles who just shrugs his shoulders. After a few questions the gang comes back to the van where a very worried Joyce greets them. Buffy stares at Xander.
"What, Buffy?"
"Okay, mister know it all man, what was all that about?"
"Buffy, I haven't the slightest idea."
Willow lightens the mood. "Well, I guess we don't have to listen to Tara curse anymore. We're still on the payroll."
