"Where is he?" Buffy asked for the sixth time in the past 10 minutes.
Beside her Willow, Oz and a highly uncomfortable Giles sat at a table in
the Bronze. The music was loud and the crowd was jumping. The Scooby Gang
had gathered at the club to celebrate Xander's birthday. The only one
missing was the birthday boy himself.
"Not here," Willow said grumpily to the Slayer's question. Twirling a straw into her soda, the would-be Wiccan checked her watch. "He's like.really late too. It's almost 9."
Giles cleared his throat and said something that was lost in the noise. When all he got back were confused looks, he repeated louder, "I believe that Xander was visiting his parents this afternoon. He may not be eager to enter this.festive atmosphere right away."
Everyone at the table seemed to slouch a little at the news that Xander had stopped by his parents graves. "Oh yeah, he's going to be such the party guy tonight," Buffy said with a sigh. "I knew this party was a bad idea."
"Wasn't this your idea?" the Watcher asked diplomatically as he took a sip from scotch.
Buffy seemed to slouch even more. "That's how I know it was bad idea."
"Doesn't matter now," Oz put in from beside Willow. "He's here."
Everyone turned toward the entrance of the Bronze and saw that Oz spoke the truth. Xander was making his way through the crush of people, trying to locate them. When waving at him failed to get them noticed, Giles emitted an earpiercing whistle, causing everyone around them, including Xander, to wince. "Nice set of pipes there Giles," the dark- haired boy said as he finally reached their table. "Think I might have popped a brain cell." Giving everyone a warm smile, Xander sat down in between Buffy and Giles. "So, how's everyone doing? Any big mystic evil around I should be aware of?"
"No," Giles replied with a slight smile. "Though I do think that this band, and I use that title cautiously, is attempting to render me deaf."
As the group laughed at Giles, everyone relaxed. "So, 18, eh?" Buffy said with a grin. "Got any big plans to take advantage of your new found 'maturity'?"
"Oh yeah," Xander said with a snort. "R rated movies and voter registration, here I come!"
As the night wore on, Xander was treated to a round of "Happy Birthday", which started out sung by Giles, Buffy, Willow and Oz, and ended with half the Bronze singing as well. "Well, aren't you turning into Mr. Popular," Buffy teased as the cake was brought over.
"God forbid," Xander replied almost quietly. Before Buffy could think of something to say, the cake arrived and all further discussion was halted as the chocolate cake was practically inhaled by Xander and Giles.
"I didn't eat dinner," the Watcher said somewhat sheepishly when they informed him that he had eaten almost as much as Xander. When Xander excused himself to use the washroom, Giles quickly followed him and caught him on the way back. "Xander, a moment please?"
"What up G-man?" the teenager replied the two made their way to the bar.
"I-I was just wondering how today went," Giles said look incredibly uncomfortable.
"It went alright," Xander said, his voice neutral as he eyed his older friend. "Left some flowers. Talked for a bit."
"I see. Well, that's good." Feeling rather ridiculous under Xander's gaze, Giles straightened up and clapped him on the back. "Right. So, may I buy you a drink?"
"You hitting on me, Giles?" Xander said with a smile, grateful the change in topic. "And I still have half a Coke at the table."
"No, I am not hitting on," the Watcher said a glare that was quickly replaced with a friendly smile. "When I was growing up, it was traditional for a boy's father to take him out for his 'official' first pint, on his 18th birthday. And, though I may not be your father, I would be honored if you would allow me to fill the role tonight."
A soft smile came to Xander's face as he looked at Giles. "You've filled that roll for almost 3 years now Giles, what's one more night?" When the older man looked like he was going to tear up on him, Xander grinned mischievously. "And you trying to corrupt a minor? I'm not of age yet."
This time it was Giles who smiled at the change of topic. "Rubbish!" he declared firmly, waving the bartender down. "I find it amusing that a country that claims to be the most free in the world, makes a man able to die for his country, before he is allowed to enjoy a drink with his chums!" As Xander laughed and nodded his head, the older man placed his order. "And you Americans say we British are uptight!"
The drinks arrived and Xander raised the glass cautiously to his nose and winced. "What the hell is this stuff?"
"This is scotch," Giles replied, sniffing his glass as well. "And bad scotch at that. But, as this will be your only drink until you are of legal age," the Watcher paused to let it sink in that it better be, or Xander would have hell to pay. "As this is the only drink you will have for a few years, it might as well be a good on. Or, that apparently unavailable, a strong one!"
Xander shrugged. "Should we do a toast or something or do we just chug it down?"
Thinking for a moment, Giles raised his glass. "May the best we've seen, be the worst we see," he said formally, clinking glasses with Xander.
Both men down their drinks in one shot, Giles wincing slightly again as he swallowed. Xander stood still for a moment, shook his head, stomped his foot and coughed. "Jesus, Giles!" he croaked out. "People actually drink that stuff for fun?"
"Yes," the older man replied, clearing his throat a few times. "Yes, though I wouldn't think that particular brand of scotch. That was very, very.bad."
Xander nodded his head in agreement as he coughed again. "Well, if you were trying to scare me away from drinking.good job!" Coughing one last time, Xander shook his head. "We should get back to the others. They probably think a couple of sexy vamps grabbed us and dragged us of into the night to be their love slaves."
"Indeed," Giles replied with a smile, straightening his tie. Both men made their way slowly back toward their table, breaking into laughter when Xander broke out a pack of gum to hide the scotch on their breath. Both were still laughing when they reached the table.
"Where have you two been?" Buffy asked sternly, glaring slightly as both Xander and Giles tried to stop laughing. "I was starting to think a couple of vamps grabbed you and dragged you away!"
"I liked my version better," Xander managed to say before both he and Giles started laughing all over again. Both were oblivious to the strange looks they received from Buffy, Willow and Oz.
"Right," Giles said once he had contained his laughter into the odd chuckle. "Well, should we move on to the gifts?"
The gift-giving portion of the evening went smoothly and quickly. Giles gave his gift first, a rather antique looking wristwatch. Xander stared at it skeptically, taking in its worn leather band, the tarnished silver.and the faded inscription on the back. 'To A Good Son.' Knowing that no one else saw the inscription, Xander smiled warmly, his face trying to show how much the gift meant to him. "Thank you," was all he managed to say.
"My father gave it to me on my 18th birthday," the Watcher said, slightly embarrassed. "And, I thought it appropriate.."
Knowing something had passed unsaid between the two, Buffy was hesitant to bring out the next gift, but did so when both Xander and Giles looked at her. "Uh.from Cordelia," the Slayer said abruptly, pushing the small box and card across the table.
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, Xander opened the box gingerly, slightly afraid that it might explode. Inside were a pair of very non- threatening leather driving gloves. Opening the small card, he read the message with a small smile. "For when you're doing your critical donut runs. Love. Your Friend. Cordelia Chase." Xander couldn't help but chuckle at seeing 'Love' and 'Your Friend' crossed out. It appeared that the cease-fire between Cordy and himself was holding for the moment.
The next gift was a combined effort from Willow, Oz and Buffy. Xander knew that Willow had picked the wrapping paper, due to the abundance of frolicking woodland creatures and balloons. The box was quite large, and everyone had to put their drinks on the floor or hold them so that Xander could put it on the table. Tearing away the paper, Xander was again surprised at the gift he received. "Uh.thanks," he said as he saw SONY written in large lettering across the box, a picture of a home stereo directly under it.
"You don't like it?" Willow asked, disappointment plainly written across her face.
"No, no, I like it!" Xander said, putting some enthusiasm in his voice. "I've been meaning to get one for a long time.just never had the cash." Looking over at his oldest friend, Xander planted a smile on his face. "I love it. Thank you Willow."
Willow decided to take Xander's words a face value and grinned. "Uh, excuse me!" Buffy said, doing her best to look offended. "Me and Oz chipped in to you know? How about some props over here?"
Sighing loudly, Xander jumped of his stool a pretended to drag himself to Buffy. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this truly generous gift. I am unworthy to be your friend and every night I thank the stars that you even talk to me." Giving her a toothy grin, the Slayerette tilted his head to the side. "Better?"
"Much!" Buffy said with a grin of her own as she reached over and grabbed her friend in a bear hug. "Happy Birthday Xandman!"
Gasping for breath, Xander smiled down at his blond friend. "Thanks, Buff," he finally said when she released him. He saw Willow with a 'What? I don't get a hug?' look. Scooping his old friend up, Xander spun Willow around twice and then set her back down beside Oz. "You want a hug too?" he asked Oz, giving the other boy a long look.
"Uh, I'm good," Oz said after a moment. "Happy Birthday Xander."
Giving Oz a nod in thanks, Xander looked around the Bronze. "So, who's the lucky one that gets to dance with the birthday boy first?" he asked with an almost evil grin.
The group looked at him skeptically, knowing that when Xander danced, lives were threatened. "Well," Giles said first, rising from his seat. "I will take a rain check Xander. If I may, I'd like to get home before my eardrums burst." Giving Xander a firm handshake, the Watcher bid everyone a good night and retreated from the Bronze as fast as he could.
"Uh, well.Willow why don't you go first?" Buffy said, trying to hide a giggle. "You've known Xander the longest."
Everyone but Xander laughed at Willow's fearful expression. "Jeez, feel the love at this table."
"No, no, it's okay." Willow said with a smile. "Just as long as you watch your hands. And your feet. Elbows too."
Mumbling about Willow's lack of funness, Xander followed his friend to the dance floor and started jumping up and down to Blur's Song 2. Willow did her best to stay out of his way, grinning like a fool the whole time. Others on the dance floor moved out of Xander's flailing limbs, giving the energetic boy a wide birth to avoid a hand in the eye.
Buffy and Oz laughed as they watched the two friends dancing. The Slayer also looked for any signs of jealousy from Oz, knowing that Willow and Xander's affair was forgiven, but not forgotten. Oz, as usual, simply smiled as he watched his girlfriend start jumping up and down beside Xander, who's enthusiasm seemed contagious to almost everyone around him on the dance floor. Buffy laughed out loud as she saw Xander and Larry, the jock still wearing his neck brace, doing their best to headbang to the powercords.
Eventually Oz and Buffy joined their friends on the dance floor, and bopped away with the rest of the crowd. After, what Buffy counted as the 6th fast song, a slow song started to make its way out of the speakers. The crowd thinned as couples came together, Oz and Willow among them. Noticing Xander's disappointed look at all the pairs around him, Buffy tapped him on the shoulder and gave him her best shy smile. "May I have this dance?"
Xander turned and looked at his friend, his eyes seeming to search for pity or sarcasm. Seeing neither, or at least not enough to dissuade him, Xander smiled and took Buffy in his arms. Neither Slayer nor Slayerette said anything as they danced. Buffy sighed and rested her head against Xander's chest, enjoying the feeling of being in anyone's arms again. And Xander, well he did his best not to step on Buffy's feet, hold her too tight or do anything else that might ruin the moment. He thought he was doing pretty well too.
Until he fainted.
Buffy didn't notice until Xander's arms slipped off her and he started to pitch toward the floor. Catching him easily, the Slayer carefully moved him off the dance floor and back to their table. "Xander? Xander, can you hear me?"
"What's wrong?" Willow asked as she and Oz rushed to the table.
"I don't know," Buffy replied worriedly, shaking Xander gently. "We were dancing and everything was cool.when I felt his hands slip down I thought he was going to try and cop a feel. Next thing I know he's falling."
"We should take him to the hospital," Willow said, biting her lip with worry.
Suddenly Xander's eyes flew open. He gripped the edge of the table tightly and looked around. "Woah," he said softly.
"Woah is right! What happened?" Buffy asked, her right hand against Xander's back in case he fainted again.
Xander shrugged, his eyes still roaming around the Bronze. "Don't know. One minute I'm doing my best not step on your feet. Then there's like this flash of light and then nothing." Giving his friends a crooked grin, Xander shook his head. "Weird."
Willow still tried to insist that they take Xander to the hospital, which he refused. After much haggling, they finally came to a compromise. Buffy would escort Xander home and if he fainted again, she would carry him if she had to, to the hospital. Willow accepted it reluctantly, still worried. Xander, grumbling that he felt fine, he finally acquiesced when Buffy threatened to drag him kicking and screaming through the streets.
Taking a moment to put his gifts in a bag, Xander hefted the stereo in one arm and started to walk out of the Bronze, saying good night and thank you over his shoulder. He was outside when Buffy caught up to him. "First you don't want to leave, and then you practically run out of there," she said coming to walk beside him. "What gives?"
"Nothing gives, Buffy." Sighing, Xander shifted the stereo into the arm that carried his bag of gifts, and used his free hand to scratch his head. "It's just, if I'm going to be walked home like little dog, I might as well get it over with now."
"Hey," Buffy said softly, putting a hand on Xander's arm to stop him. "We're just worried about you, Xander."
Stopping, Xander closed his eyes and took a breath. "I know that Buffy, and I appreciate it even if I'm not showing it right now. It's just."
"Just what?" Buffy asked when he didn't go on.
Opening his eyes, Xander stared at Buffy and she could see some kind of internal battle being fought behind him. "Nothing," he said finally, starting to walk away. "Don't worry about it, not your problem."
Catching up to him, Buffy stopped him again, this time standing in front of him, her arms crossed. "Well I'm making it my problem," the Slayer said sternly, then continued more gently. "Come on Xander. I want to help."
Xander simply walked around his friend and continued down the street toward his house. He didn't answer Buffy until they were in front of his house. "Look, Buffy. I'm sorry I've been difficult lately. With.everything that's happened in the last few months, I'm trying to deal with it as best I can." Stopping to fish his keys out of his pocket, the Slayerette went on. "I had all these plans for this summer. Hitting the road, seeing America.and yet I'm still here. Doing what I've always done. Bronzing, researching the bad things, waiting for the next crisis to show up."
Looking at her friend sympathetically, Buffy helped him open the front door and put his gifts inside. "I know things are really rough for you right now, but they'll get better."
Buffy was startled when Xander turned around suddenly and moved close to her. "Promise?" He almost whispered, looking down at her.
"Cross my heart," Buffy answered as she stared up into Xander's face, almost losing herself in his dark brown eyes. She was acutely aware at how closely she and Xander were from each other. She thought that if she closed her eyes, she could feel heat radiating from him.
Neither one of them moved or spoke, the silence seeming to cover them both like a warm blanket. "Buffy," Xander said softly, breaking the silence. "Do you still think about Angel?"
Surprised by the question, Buffy took a step back, again realizing how close Xander was to her. "Uh, yeah, sometimes. I mean, he was a major part of my life for a long time, it's pretty hard to simply forget about someone like that, you know?" Seeing something she couldn't identify cross Xander's face, Buffy tried to turn the question back at him. "You think about Cordelia a lot?"
"There's only one person I think about a lot," he replied softly, a smile crossing his face briefly, before becoming neutral. "Thanks for walking me home, Buff. You should probably go now." Taken aback slightly by the dismissal, Buffy could only watch as Xander closed the door in her face. She stood there for a moment, still confused, then turned and started to walk home.
"Not here," Willow said grumpily to the Slayer's question. Twirling a straw into her soda, the would-be Wiccan checked her watch. "He's like.really late too. It's almost 9."
Giles cleared his throat and said something that was lost in the noise. When all he got back were confused looks, he repeated louder, "I believe that Xander was visiting his parents this afternoon. He may not be eager to enter this.festive atmosphere right away."
Everyone at the table seemed to slouch a little at the news that Xander had stopped by his parents graves. "Oh yeah, he's going to be such the party guy tonight," Buffy said with a sigh. "I knew this party was a bad idea."
"Wasn't this your idea?" the Watcher asked diplomatically as he took a sip from scotch.
Buffy seemed to slouch even more. "That's how I know it was bad idea."
"Doesn't matter now," Oz put in from beside Willow. "He's here."
Everyone turned toward the entrance of the Bronze and saw that Oz spoke the truth. Xander was making his way through the crush of people, trying to locate them. When waving at him failed to get them noticed, Giles emitted an earpiercing whistle, causing everyone around them, including Xander, to wince. "Nice set of pipes there Giles," the dark- haired boy said as he finally reached their table. "Think I might have popped a brain cell." Giving everyone a warm smile, Xander sat down in between Buffy and Giles. "So, how's everyone doing? Any big mystic evil around I should be aware of?"
"No," Giles replied with a slight smile. "Though I do think that this band, and I use that title cautiously, is attempting to render me deaf."
As the group laughed at Giles, everyone relaxed. "So, 18, eh?" Buffy said with a grin. "Got any big plans to take advantage of your new found 'maturity'?"
"Oh yeah," Xander said with a snort. "R rated movies and voter registration, here I come!"
As the night wore on, Xander was treated to a round of "Happy Birthday", which started out sung by Giles, Buffy, Willow and Oz, and ended with half the Bronze singing as well. "Well, aren't you turning into Mr. Popular," Buffy teased as the cake was brought over.
"God forbid," Xander replied almost quietly. Before Buffy could think of something to say, the cake arrived and all further discussion was halted as the chocolate cake was practically inhaled by Xander and Giles.
"I didn't eat dinner," the Watcher said somewhat sheepishly when they informed him that he had eaten almost as much as Xander. When Xander excused himself to use the washroom, Giles quickly followed him and caught him on the way back. "Xander, a moment please?"
"What up G-man?" the teenager replied the two made their way to the bar.
"I-I was just wondering how today went," Giles said look incredibly uncomfortable.
"It went alright," Xander said, his voice neutral as he eyed his older friend. "Left some flowers. Talked for a bit."
"I see. Well, that's good." Feeling rather ridiculous under Xander's gaze, Giles straightened up and clapped him on the back. "Right. So, may I buy you a drink?"
"You hitting on me, Giles?" Xander said with a smile, grateful the change in topic. "And I still have half a Coke at the table."
"No, I am not hitting on," the Watcher said a glare that was quickly replaced with a friendly smile. "When I was growing up, it was traditional for a boy's father to take him out for his 'official' first pint, on his 18th birthday. And, though I may not be your father, I would be honored if you would allow me to fill the role tonight."
A soft smile came to Xander's face as he looked at Giles. "You've filled that roll for almost 3 years now Giles, what's one more night?" When the older man looked like he was going to tear up on him, Xander grinned mischievously. "And you trying to corrupt a minor? I'm not of age yet."
This time it was Giles who smiled at the change of topic. "Rubbish!" he declared firmly, waving the bartender down. "I find it amusing that a country that claims to be the most free in the world, makes a man able to die for his country, before he is allowed to enjoy a drink with his chums!" As Xander laughed and nodded his head, the older man placed his order. "And you Americans say we British are uptight!"
The drinks arrived and Xander raised the glass cautiously to his nose and winced. "What the hell is this stuff?"
"This is scotch," Giles replied, sniffing his glass as well. "And bad scotch at that. But, as this will be your only drink until you are of legal age," the Watcher paused to let it sink in that it better be, or Xander would have hell to pay. "As this is the only drink you will have for a few years, it might as well be a good on. Or, that apparently unavailable, a strong one!"
Xander shrugged. "Should we do a toast or something or do we just chug it down?"
Thinking for a moment, Giles raised his glass. "May the best we've seen, be the worst we see," he said formally, clinking glasses with Xander.
Both men down their drinks in one shot, Giles wincing slightly again as he swallowed. Xander stood still for a moment, shook his head, stomped his foot and coughed. "Jesus, Giles!" he croaked out. "People actually drink that stuff for fun?"
"Yes," the older man replied, clearing his throat a few times. "Yes, though I wouldn't think that particular brand of scotch. That was very, very.bad."
Xander nodded his head in agreement as he coughed again. "Well, if you were trying to scare me away from drinking.good job!" Coughing one last time, Xander shook his head. "We should get back to the others. They probably think a couple of sexy vamps grabbed us and dragged us of into the night to be their love slaves."
"Indeed," Giles replied with a smile, straightening his tie. Both men made their way slowly back toward their table, breaking into laughter when Xander broke out a pack of gum to hide the scotch on their breath. Both were still laughing when they reached the table.
"Where have you two been?" Buffy asked sternly, glaring slightly as both Xander and Giles tried to stop laughing. "I was starting to think a couple of vamps grabbed you and dragged you away!"
"I liked my version better," Xander managed to say before both he and Giles started laughing all over again. Both were oblivious to the strange looks they received from Buffy, Willow and Oz.
"Right," Giles said once he had contained his laughter into the odd chuckle. "Well, should we move on to the gifts?"
The gift-giving portion of the evening went smoothly and quickly. Giles gave his gift first, a rather antique looking wristwatch. Xander stared at it skeptically, taking in its worn leather band, the tarnished silver.and the faded inscription on the back. 'To A Good Son.' Knowing that no one else saw the inscription, Xander smiled warmly, his face trying to show how much the gift meant to him. "Thank you," was all he managed to say.
"My father gave it to me on my 18th birthday," the Watcher said, slightly embarrassed. "And, I thought it appropriate.."
Knowing something had passed unsaid between the two, Buffy was hesitant to bring out the next gift, but did so when both Xander and Giles looked at her. "Uh.from Cordelia," the Slayer said abruptly, pushing the small box and card across the table.
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, Xander opened the box gingerly, slightly afraid that it might explode. Inside were a pair of very non- threatening leather driving gloves. Opening the small card, he read the message with a small smile. "For when you're doing your critical donut runs. Love. Your Friend. Cordelia Chase." Xander couldn't help but chuckle at seeing 'Love' and 'Your Friend' crossed out. It appeared that the cease-fire between Cordy and himself was holding for the moment.
The next gift was a combined effort from Willow, Oz and Buffy. Xander knew that Willow had picked the wrapping paper, due to the abundance of frolicking woodland creatures and balloons. The box was quite large, and everyone had to put their drinks on the floor or hold them so that Xander could put it on the table. Tearing away the paper, Xander was again surprised at the gift he received. "Uh.thanks," he said as he saw SONY written in large lettering across the box, a picture of a home stereo directly under it.
"You don't like it?" Willow asked, disappointment plainly written across her face.
"No, no, I like it!" Xander said, putting some enthusiasm in his voice. "I've been meaning to get one for a long time.just never had the cash." Looking over at his oldest friend, Xander planted a smile on his face. "I love it. Thank you Willow."
Willow decided to take Xander's words a face value and grinned. "Uh, excuse me!" Buffy said, doing her best to look offended. "Me and Oz chipped in to you know? How about some props over here?"
Sighing loudly, Xander jumped of his stool a pretended to drag himself to Buffy. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this truly generous gift. I am unworthy to be your friend and every night I thank the stars that you even talk to me." Giving her a toothy grin, the Slayerette tilted his head to the side. "Better?"
"Much!" Buffy said with a grin of her own as she reached over and grabbed her friend in a bear hug. "Happy Birthday Xandman!"
Gasping for breath, Xander smiled down at his blond friend. "Thanks, Buff," he finally said when she released him. He saw Willow with a 'What? I don't get a hug?' look. Scooping his old friend up, Xander spun Willow around twice and then set her back down beside Oz. "You want a hug too?" he asked Oz, giving the other boy a long look.
"Uh, I'm good," Oz said after a moment. "Happy Birthday Xander."
Giving Oz a nod in thanks, Xander looked around the Bronze. "So, who's the lucky one that gets to dance with the birthday boy first?" he asked with an almost evil grin.
The group looked at him skeptically, knowing that when Xander danced, lives were threatened. "Well," Giles said first, rising from his seat. "I will take a rain check Xander. If I may, I'd like to get home before my eardrums burst." Giving Xander a firm handshake, the Watcher bid everyone a good night and retreated from the Bronze as fast as he could.
"Uh, well.Willow why don't you go first?" Buffy said, trying to hide a giggle. "You've known Xander the longest."
Everyone but Xander laughed at Willow's fearful expression. "Jeez, feel the love at this table."
"No, no, it's okay." Willow said with a smile. "Just as long as you watch your hands. And your feet. Elbows too."
Mumbling about Willow's lack of funness, Xander followed his friend to the dance floor and started jumping up and down to Blur's Song 2. Willow did her best to stay out of his way, grinning like a fool the whole time. Others on the dance floor moved out of Xander's flailing limbs, giving the energetic boy a wide birth to avoid a hand in the eye.
Buffy and Oz laughed as they watched the two friends dancing. The Slayer also looked for any signs of jealousy from Oz, knowing that Willow and Xander's affair was forgiven, but not forgotten. Oz, as usual, simply smiled as he watched his girlfriend start jumping up and down beside Xander, who's enthusiasm seemed contagious to almost everyone around him on the dance floor. Buffy laughed out loud as she saw Xander and Larry, the jock still wearing his neck brace, doing their best to headbang to the powercords.
Eventually Oz and Buffy joined their friends on the dance floor, and bopped away with the rest of the crowd. After, what Buffy counted as the 6th fast song, a slow song started to make its way out of the speakers. The crowd thinned as couples came together, Oz and Willow among them. Noticing Xander's disappointed look at all the pairs around him, Buffy tapped him on the shoulder and gave him her best shy smile. "May I have this dance?"
Xander turned and looked at his friend, his eyes seeming to search for pity or sarcasm. Seeing neither, or at least not enough to dissuade him, Xander smiled and took Buffy in his arms. Neither Slayer nor Slayerette said anything as they danced. Buffy sighed and rested her head against Xander's chest, enjoying the feeling of being in anyone's arms again. And Xander, well he did his best not to step on Buffy's feet, hold her too tight or do anything else that might ruin the moment. He thought he was doing pretty well too.
Until he fainted.
Buffy didn't notice until Xander's arms slipped off her and he started to pitch toward the floor. Catching him easily, the Slayer carefully moved him off the dance floor and back to their table. "Xander? Xander, can you hear me?"
"What's wrong?" Willow asked as she and Oz rushed to the table.
"I don't know," Buffy replied worriedly, shaking Xander gently. "We were dancing and everything was cool.when I felt his hands slip down I thought he was going to try and cop a feel. Next thing I know he's falling."
"We should take him to the hospital," Willow said, biting her lip with worry.
Suddenly Xander's eyes flew open. He gripped the edge of the table tightly and looked around. "Woah," he said softly.
"Woah is right! What happened?" Buffy asked, her right hand against Xander's back in case he fainted again.
Xander shrugged, his eyes still roaming around the Bronze. "Don't know. One minute I'm doing my best not step on your feet. Then there's like this flash of light and then nothing." Giving his friends a crooked grin, Xander shook his head. "Weird."
Willow still tried to insist that they take Xander to the hospital, which he refused. After much haggling, they finally came to a compromise. Buffy would escort Xander home and if he fainted again, she would carry him if she had to, to the hospital. Willow accepted it reluctantly, still worried. Xander, grumbling that he felt fine, he finally acquiesced when Buffy threatened to drag him kicking and screaming through the streets.
Taking a moment to put his gifts in a bag, Xander hefted the stereo in one arm and started to walk out of the Bronze, saying good night and thank you over his shoulder. He was outside when Buffy caught up to him. "First you don't want to leave, and then you practically run out of there," she said coming to walk beside him. "What gives?"
"Nothing gives, Buffy." Sighing, Xander shifted the stereo into the arm that carried his bag of gifts, and used his free hand to scratch his head. "It's just, if I'm going to be walked home like little dog, I might as well get it over with now."
"Hey," Buffy said softly, putting a hand on Xander's arm to stop him. "We're just worried about you, Xander."
Stopping, Xander closed his eyes and took a breath. "I know that Buffy, and I appreciate it even if I'm not showing it right now. It's just."
"Just what?" Buffy asked when he didn't go on.
Opening his eyes, Xander stared at Buffy and she could see some kind of internal battle being fought behind him. "Nothing," he said finally, starting to walk away. "Don't worry about it, not your problem."
Catching up to him, Buffy stopped him again, this time standing in front of him, her arms crossed. "Well I'm making it my problem," the Slayer said sternly, then continued more gently. "Come on Xander. I want to help."
Xander simply walked around his friend and continued down the street toward his house. He didn't answer Buffy until they were in front of his house. "Look, Buffy. I'm sorry I've been difficult lately. With.everything that's happened in the last few months, I'm trying to deal with it as best I can." Stopping to fish his keys out of his pocket, the Slayerette went on. "I had all these plans for this summer. Hitting the road, seeing America.and yet I'm still here. Doing what I've always done. Bronzing, researching the bad things, waiting for the next crisis to show up."
Looking at her friend sympathetically, Buffy helped him open the front door and put his gifts inside. "I know things are really rough for you right now, but they'll get better."
Buffy was startled when Xander turned around suddenly and moved close to her. "Promise?" He almost whispered, looking down at her.
"Cross my heart," Buffy answered as she stared up into Xander's face, almost losing herself in his dark brown eyes. She was acutely aware at how closely she and Xander were from each other. She thought that if she closed her eyes, she could feel heat radiating from him.
Neither one of them moved or spoke, the silence seeming to cover them both like a warm blanket. "Buffy," Xander said softly, breaking the silence. "Do you still think about Angel?"
Surprised by the question, Buffy took a step back, again realizing how close Xander was to her. "Uh, yeah, sometimes. I mean, he was a major part of my life for a long time, it's pretty hard to simply forget about someone like that, you know?" Seeing something she couldn't identify cross Xander's face, Buffy tried to turn the question back at him. "You think about Cordelia a lot?"
"There's only one person I think about a lot," he replied softly, a smile crossing his face briefly, before becoming neutral. "Thanks for walking me home, Buff. You should probably go now." Taken aback slightly by the dismissal, Buffy could only watch as Xander closed the door in her face. She stood there for a moment, still confused, then turned and started to walk home.
