!-- saved from
url=(0050)http://www.slayerette.org/fanfic/rick/rlctst2.html --
Part Four: And, The Band Played On
Xander is alone in his house. His parents are away on business, as usual. Weary from the pain of Buffy's apparent death He falls asleep, quickly.
It doesn't last long. Something jerks him awake. He senses danger.
Suddenly, a battle-axe comes crashing through his window, aimed straight for his head. He dives to the floor as it loudly embeds itself into his wooden headboard. When he tries to get up a foot connects with his chest, driving the boy into a wicker hamper. He looks up to see a horned monster swinging his size sixteen foot at him. Xander recovers enough to clutch at it as it connects with his mid-section. He twists its leg causing it to fall.
This gives Xander enough time to jump up. The would be assassin gets up, also. For a few seconds they stare at one another. The beast then mounts a roaring attack at him. Xander sidesteps it then makes a beeline to the bed.
He pulls the axe from the headboard and viciously wields it in the direction of the monster. It gets him chest high.
As it bursts to dust, Xander smirks. "Should have went for the axe, stupid."
Xander is pissed off and paranoid, now. He can't go to sleep. He gets dressed, leaving the house.
He has got to find a place where he can think in peace. There must be a logical reason for all of this grief.
The downtown Sunnydale library is a very old building. A huge edifice with high outside pillars, it stands on a hill overlooking the town. After carefully surveying it Xander decides it is a defensible position should anything else choose to attack him? With his back up against the end pillar he can see for a mile in any direction. His back is covered. Whatever comes for him will have to attack him from the front.
All these attacks must have something to do with Buffy. His mind wanders back to the night in the park when he thought he saw Angelus shake his fist at him. Is Angelus mad because I still love Buffy? Do I still love Buffy? Stupid question.
No, it can't be. I've loved Buffy from the very beginning. It has to be something, which has happened recently.
Could it possibly be her? Could it be she is starting to have feelings for me?
At first he dismisses this as ridiculous but, then he remembers the kiss.
That was Buffy. All Buffy, at least until her lips touched mine. Angelus always seems to know what's going on in Buffy's life almost before she does. Is this the source of all these attacks?
One thing Xander feels good about is the fact that he is still alive. Still alive and kicking!
He's getting stronger, too. The bastard is not wearing him down! Whatever the bloodsucker's plan, it ain't working!
Conan the Barbarian's philosophy lives on; "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger."
Amen!
Willow meets Buffy at her house to go to school. As they start to walk the redhead looks expectantly at her.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Willow?"
"Spill it, slayer!"
Acting dumb, "Spill what?"
"Come on Buffy. What is with you and the new Xander? That argument you had with him. It was loaded with passion. Cordelia had her mouth open"
Buffy, realizing Willow is going to pry it out of her, anyway. "Will, do you promise never to tell another living soul?"
"I'll put it in the vault."
"The other night Xander and I were scheduled to patrol together. He came for me at my house. I was a little clumsy climbing down from my room. Xander started making fun of me. He was saying all kinds of crazy things. He was doing something to my shoe. I started tickling him and then he started tickling me. It really felt good. I haven't felt that loose since…Well, for a long, long time.
I had his arms pinned to the ground. I sort of slipped down on top of him. We looked at each other. The next thing I knew I was kissing him.
"Oh my God, Buffy!"
"Kind of shocking, huh?"
"Shocking is not the word, girl. Beyond shocking. Off the meter, shocking! What did he say?"
"I apologized to him. He said it was okay. He said I probably missed Angel. He wanted to make sure we were still friends."
"What does it mean, Buffy?"
"I don't know,Will. It wasn't like patrol. It was more like a date or something.
Xander was tired of brooding. He went back home, got some sleep and actually showed up at school.
He runs into Buffy and Willow at the end of the day. He and Buffy stare at each other for a minute. Xander breaks the silence.
"Are you still mad at me, Buff?"
"Xander, I wasn't mad at you. I was concerned."
"Okay, I accept that.
"You do?"
"Yes, you're the slayer. I'm your friend. You were upset because you weren't there to help me. Right?"
A little surprised at how easily he said that. Yea..That's exactly it."
"Are we Bronzing tonight?"
Both the slayer and the witch say, yes. Xander leaves.
They watch him disappear down the hall.
"Willow, correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Xander have more cuts and scrapes on him than he did the other night?"
"Definitely. He's getting stranger and stranger by the day."
Willow stares at Buffy.
"What, I didn't do anything to him."
Willow, Oz, Xander and Buffy are sitting at their favorite booth at the Bronze. Willow and Oz flirt and coo and kiss and do everything else allowable in public. Buffy and Xander mostly brood. Cordelia comes to the table. This is her first meeting with Xander since she broke up with him.
"Hi, Xander."
Xander looks up. With all that has happened in the last few days, he hasn't even been able to process Cordy's dumping of him. He sighs.
"Hello Cordelia."
"Can we still be friends, Xander?"
"Cordy, a lot has been happening to me the last few days. I don't know if we can be friends or not. For tonight we'll just declare a truce. Have a seat."
Neither Willow nor Buffy even knew Xander and Cordelia broke up. Xander didn't mention it when they saw him earlier.
They all get something to drink and settle in for a night of doing what they usually do at the Bronze, dance and check out the other patrons. Cordelia gets up to go to the ladies room. Oz goes up to the stage. His band is playing tonight
All was normal until a certain black haired beauty entered the doors of the establishment. Dressed in a dark green long-flowing dress, which perfectly highlighted her exquisite features, Rachel walked through the Bronze looking for a certain young daemon fighter.
Wherever she went in the Bronze all heads turned in her direction. In addition to her exquisite beauty, Rachel has a smooth flowing gait about her. One which draws people in her direction. She is quite seductive
Willow and Buffy see Rachel at the same time. Xander has his back to the dance floor. Buffy speaks first.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know. I just hope she's not interested in Oz!"
Xander turns around to look.
"Oh, shit." He turns back around, looking at Buffy. He is very nervous.
"Hey, Buff." She looks at him "Ah..This is going to seem really strange to you but, this woman is a friend."
Just as he is saying this Rachel recognizes him and walks up to their table.
Buffy tenses as she speaks to Xander.
"Hello, Xander." She smiles very seductively at him. Buffy and Willow have their mouths open.
"Could we dance, Xander?"
"Ah..yea..sure, Rachel."
As they go toward the dance floor Xander stops. "Rachel, stay here a minute." He goes back to the table.
"I'm sorry, Buffy. I know she is a vampire. I forgot to tell you. The other night when I was attacked Rachel patched me up. Without her I might not have made it to the hospital."
He goes back to Rachel.
"I didn't get you into any trouble, did I?"
"Maybe but, I'm still glad to see you."
"I'm glad to see you too, Xander."
A slow song comes on. Xander holds his hands out to Rachel.
"You know how to do this?"
"You lead, I'll follow."
Xander puts his head on her shoulder. She does the same to him.
Rachel is a good dancer. They both really feel the music.
Back at the table Willow and Buffy look at each other. Cordelia comes back. She saw the pair dancing. She asks, "What did I just miss, here?"
"A ravishingly beautiful woman, vampire, came to the table, undressed Xander with her eyes, and now is putting him to bed."
Buffy adds with shock. "And turning out the lights."
Willow also ads, "He knows her. She's his friend!"
"Unbelievable," adds the blond slayer.
"I'm not allowed to be jealous, am I?" Nobody answers her.
When the slow song is over a fast one comes on.
"Alright, Rachel, let's see if you can shake and move that stuff you have. And, wonderful stuff it is, I must say."
She does. They do, just about everything.
Buffy, Willow and Cordelia continue to stare at the dancing couple.
Rachel looks familiar to the slayer. She remembers where she saw her before.
"Willow, do you remember I told you Angel was talking to a woman one night in the cemetery. A ravishingly beautiful woman who use to be his ex, I think."
"That's her?"
"Yep."
"Buffy, how did our Xander all of a sudden get to be this heavy person."
"I don't know but, I'm not going to let her hurt him."
Cordelia looks at her. "I hate to tell you this, Buffy, but it doesn't look like she is hurting him at all."
Xander and Rachel are really enjoying themselves.
"Woman, you are good!"
"I have to be to keep up with you."
They dip and weave and dip some more. It is very sensual.
Buffy is fuming. "Are they going to make love right there on the dance floor?"
"They're not far from it."
A slow song comes on. Midway through it Xander and Rachel look into each other's eyes.
"Thank you, Xander."
He doesn't answer. He reaches for her lips.
Buffy sees them. "What is she doing to him?"
Willow answers. "Buffy, it looked like he kissed her first."
After a few really deep kisses, "Xander, how can you possibly be this good of a kisser?"
"You have something going with your sweet lip yourself, my friend."
Rachel sighs. "I better go Xander. "I'm really glad I came here tonight but I may prove to be a lot of trouble for you, Xander. Besides that, you are really confusing me."
"I'm glad you came too, Rachel."
"There's one thing I have to tell you, Xander. Angel is my ex."
"We certainly have some common ties, don't we?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away."
"You know Angelus is our chief enemy?"
"I know. I don't condone what he does, either."
"I think he is really out to get me now, Rachel."
"I will try to help you as much as possible, Xander. I have to go now. Your slayer is staring a hole in him."
"She's just prejudiced against vampires."
"Yea, except she's in love with one!"
"I'll walk you to the door, Rachel."
As soon as Buffy sees Rachel go outside she bolts after her.
"Rachel!"
The vampire closes her eyes. She was half expecting this. Buffy catches up to her.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I met someone I'm attracted to, slayer. What's the problem?"
"You know how he is. Is this a little vampire seduction routine?"
"Is that what Angel did to you, Buffy?"
"I get it. This is payback."
Rachel looks at her in disbelief. "What?"
The slayer goes to her, pushing the vampire toward the street "I'll only warn you once. Stay the hell away from him!"
In the mean time Xander sees what is happening. He runs up to Buffy.
"Buffy, my friend, what the hell are you doing?" He grabs the slayer. Rachel runs away.
The slayer is steaming. "You're stupid, Xander! When it comes to women you are stupid! Do you really think she's interested in you? She's only trying to make me…"
She stops short. "She's a vampire, Xander, she is dangerous!"
"Buffy, if she were going to harm me she had the perfect chance. I was lying helpless on the ground right in front of her."
Buffy, softening a bit. "Xander, don't be ridiculous. "You do know she's Angel's ex?"
"Yes, Buffy, she told me." "Look, I'm not going to marry her. She's lonely. We had a few dances."
"Xander, she had you undressed and in bed with the lights out!"
"Buffy, please. I don't want us to have a big fight."
"Then don't be stupid, Xander."
"Buffy, I don't get into your private life."
"I'll tell you right now. If she gets in my face again she's going down" She storms away. Xander follows her. He runs in front of her.
"Don't say that, slayer. You better not touch her!"
"You heard me, Xander."
"Have we just gone a little bit crazy, here. Need I remind you, Buffy, your main squeeze is a vampire?"
"You heard me, Xander."
Very worried, "Yea, I heard you, Buffy, but I'm telling you to stop this right now." He grabs her arms.
"Get off me, Xander!"
"Come on, Buff, please?"
"Let go, Xander."
When he doesn't she hits him.
By this time the whole gang is out. They all see it.
Xander picks himself up from the ground. He wipes some blood from his lip.
"I get the message." He leaves.
Buffy is shocked. She can't believe she hit Xander. She tries to call to him.
"Xander…"
He doesn't answer.
Cordelia runs up to Buffy. "Buffy, you hit Xander. What is your problem, girl?"
"Oh, you have a lot of guts to get mad at somebody for hurting him! You just dumped him. That made him feel real good."
Cordelia walks away. Willow goes to Buffy.
"Buffy, lets go home."
They walk in silence for a few minutes. Willow can see Buffy trying to fight back tears.
"Willow, talk to me, please."
"Buffy, you hit Xander! You punched him in the mouth."
"I know. I know."
"Why, Buffy?"
"You saw the scene with Rachel… She's a vampire."
"Like Angel, Buffy?"
"So what is that? Is that suppose to be, in my face!"
"I don't know what Xander is doing with her. Well, I mean I know what he is doing with her. But, I don't understand it but, I don't think he is going with her to make you jealous."
"I'm not jealous. It's just...He's out of control."
After a few minutes of walking. "Oh, Willow, what did I do? Is Xander ever going to talk to me, again?"
"Buffy, he is really going to be mad."
"I can't believe I hit him."
The slayer can't hold back her tears anymore. Willow hugs her.
"Buffy, the whole Angel thing is still tearing you apart, isn't it?"
"I can't put it behind me, Willow. Tonight, when I saw Rachel…I just lost it."
They walk the rest of the way to Willow's house in silence.
The redhead wonders if what Buffy did tonight had more to do with Xander than with Rachel. She is so damn beautiful. Buffy had that passion in her eyes, again.
Part Five: You're Driving Me Crazy, Slayer
Xander completely ignores Buffy and Willow the next day in school. He does show for the meeting, however. Rebecca, Giles, Buffy, Cordelia, Willow and Oz are there. Xander sits without looking or talking to anyone. Buffy looks at him but he stares straight ahead.
Giles begins. "The creature who attacked Xander is or, rather was, Melcheck, as most of you already know. Melcheck was two things, an assassin and an enforcer. He was an underworld strongman. We don't know under which title he visited Xander since…"
Xander interrupts the watcher. "Giles, he wasn't going to kill me."
"How did you learn that information, Xander?"
"I forgot to tell you the other day, Giles, a woman helped me. She.."
Buffy interrupts him. "A vampire!"
Xander tries to continue. "Okay, she is a vampire. She.."
This time Giles interrupts him. "You were helped by a vampire?"
"She's a friend, Giles."
Cordelia puts in her two cents. "They're are a little bit more than friends. They were practically making love on the dance floor, last night.'
The slayer adds. "Right in front of everybody!"
"You have a vampire friend who told you Melcheck wasn't suppose to kill you? How would she know, Xander?"
The slayer again answers. "It was Rachel, Giles."
"Rachel, you mean she of Angel and Rachel fame?"
"It was her in the flesh."
Xander pleads her case. "Giles, she's just lonely. She's a non-violent vampire. She has never fed on a human."
Buffy can't resist "Except on you."
Xander, looking at the slayer, hard. "Don't you think you did enough talking last night?"
"It doesn't seem to have done you much good."
Xander gets up. He goes to Buffy. She gets up, also. They stand toe to toe.
"Leave Rachel alone, Buffy!"
"I'm telling you now, Xander. Keep the vampire Queen away from me!"
"The next time you want to touch her you're going to have to go through me!"
"You forget, Xander, I get off on kicking ass!"
Xander makes a move to grab her. Giles and Rebecca push him away. The watcher is very upset with both of them, now
"Stop it, both of you! Xander, sit down, now!" He does. "Buffy, you sit down, too! I want to see the both of you in my office after the meeting."
"Willow, will you please tell me, calmly, what happened last night?"
"This ravishingly beautiful woman, vampire, stopped the music and turned all the heads at the Bronze last night. She came to get Xander. She undressed him, put him to bed and turned the lights out right there on the dance floor."
Willow continues. "When she left Buffy went after her. Xander tried to stop her so Buffy hit him."
Giles can't believe it. "Buffy hit Xander?" The slayer is embarrassed. She was going to apologize. Instead she added insult to injury.
The watcher is very perplexed. "Something has to be going on. Xander, Rachel, whatever she may have done for you, is dangerous."
Buffy interjects, "He's too stupid to see that."
Xander looks at her then back to Giles. "Tell her to shut up, Giles."
"Enough, Buffy."
Xander looks over to the slayer. He sticks his tongue out at her.
"Giles, did you see what he did to me?"
Giles has had enough. "You two are like little children. Buffy what has gotten into you? Xander carrying on is one thing but I expect much more from you.
Xander had been smirking. At this remark from the watcher he starts to frown.
"Hey, I resent that." This time Buffy smirks at him.
Giles is upset. "Damn it, Xander, this is serious. You could be in a world of trouble."
Both Xander and Buffy drop the kid stuff. Xander replies.
"Too late, Giles. My trouble quotient is as high as I can take right now."
Buffy gets a cold chill down her spine. The pain in Xander's voice was very evident.
Giles informs the group that Xander has to be monitored the same way Buffy is monitored until they can get to the bottom of this.
After the meeting Giles ushers Xander and Buffy into his office. He starts to lecture them.
"I am not going to interfere with your private lives but, I am going to intervene concerning the affairs of Hellmouth. Xander, if your concern for Buffy is genuine, which I know it is, then make that your primary concern."
"Buffy, we have been given this boy as a gift to help us. Don't drive him away."
"I'm going to leave the two of you alone in here. Make a truce or some such thing because you are patrolling together for the rest of the week."
Giles leaves.
Buffy knows she has to make the first move.
"Xander."
He doesn't look.
She tries, again.
"Xander."
He reluctantly looks at her.
"I'm sorry I hit you." He doesn't say anything.
"Are you going to make me grovel?"
"I get your apology. Someday maybe you'll tell me why you did it in the first place?"
She just looks down. Xander can't stand to see her this sad.
"Okay, Buff. Things have really been weird between us this last week, haven't they?"
Feeling relieved that Xander backed off a bit.
"Yes, very weird. Xander, you are a real trip, now."
They look at each other without speaking. She apologized. That's enough for now. Xander breaks the tension. He slides up beside her, putting his arm around her.
"Yea, but you're stuck with me, honey. Are we on for the graveyard, tonight?"
"Xander, the daemons have driven you crazy. Okay, pick me up at 8."
"Can I come over your house for supper, first."
"Nobody is home, Xander."
"Oh, that's even better. Can I watch you get dressed?"
"Xander, don't get weird." He starts to stare at her with a funny look on his face. Buffy responds.
"If you don't stop looking at me like that I'll tell Giles.
"You think I have to listen to what he says?"
She begins to shout. "We'll see big man. "Giles, Xander is trying to put a spell on me so I'll let him come home with me."
Xander tries to put his hand over her mouth.
"Don't touch me, Xander."
"I'll get you tonight in the cemetery when your precious watcher is home drinking tea."
"Oh yea. You forget I'm the slayer. I don't need anybody to beat you up."
"We'll, listen. I could come home with you. You could start beating me there."
They both laugh as they leave the office to go home.
Part Six: Sometimes a Kiss Can Be Much More
When Buffy is around Xander she is a different person. Despite the heaviness of her life he can always find a way to lighten her up. Hell, his life is getting to be as bad as hers. They need each other. Rebecca and Giles have a conversation.
"Where did you find him, Rupert?"
"I assume you are referring to Xander?"
"Yes."
"He, Buffy and Willow have been here since the beginning."
"You do know who he is, don't you?"
"I thought he was just a high school student, Becky."
"Why Rupert, you must be slipping."
"I…well, I'm busy… with the slayer."
Laughing, "I so love it when you fumble like that, Rupert."
They get lost in a kiss. After they break.
"Let's just say he is special. Very special."
Rebecca laughs, again. "He and the slayer put on quite a show, don't they?"
"I'm glad you find it amusing, Becky."
"Oh Rupert Giles, you stuff shirt. He is coming of age and she is noticing him. They should make an excellent pair. I already know one thing. The daemons better watch out!
"If they don't kill each other, first."
"Believe it or not he is good for her. He loves her very much. She is ready to explode. He may be the only one who can save her."
"I would much rather have a more conventional arrangement."
Going to him playfully. "You don't like passion, Rupert? It looks like I'll have to work on that with you. Shall we retire to your to your upper berth?"
They promptly put the lights out and head to Rebecca's car. Giles ancient heap of bolts was, thankfully, still at the garage. If they had to rely on his car their love might go forever unrequited.
Xander waits for Buffy outside her house. When she comes out he doesn't look at her. He very noticeably turns his head to the opposite side. Buffy notices.
"Xander, what are you doing now?"
"Giles yelled at me. He told me not to look at you. You said it, too. So, I'm not looking at you. And, if you could see over here you would see that I am sticking my tongue out at you."
Shaking her head at his craziness. "Xander, you are the strangest person I have ever met."
After a few minutes of this Buffy has had enough. She jumps to the other side of him. He immediately turns his head away. She tries to fake him into looking at her but it doesn't work.
She reaches her hand to his neck. "I'll get you, Xander if you don't look at me." She uses her other hand, too. A wrestling match commences.
"Look at me, Xander."
"Never!"
They fool around. Xander grabs Buffy's hands to keep her from touching his neck. He accidentally backs her into a tree.
"Ouch, Xander."
"I'm sorry." He reaches to her face, gazing intently at her.
"That's okay, Xander."
Both are frozen in the moment. Xander can't help it. He can't take his eyes off her. Her hair reflects the light from the moon. Her golden locks sparkle as stars. She is blond light in the darkness.
Buffy is looking into Xander's brown eyes, drinking in all they offer to her. She is in wonder at the concern and love and caring she sees in them. She knows it is all for her, too. It takes her breath away.
The distance between them is charged space. It crackles and sizzles with angst and pathos and passion. In the pain and anger and darkness of their lives there are few moments of relief. Few moments which could be called magic and wonderful and electric.
Neither of them can help it. They have to breach that distance between them! Xander reaches his lips to hers. Upon contact they both visit a place they have never been. The intensity is amazing.
They push and cling to each other, seemingly with the intention of actually meshing into one. Finally, Buffy has to break.
"Xander, I can't breathe."
Xander steps back realizing he has the same problem.
"Buffy, I…
She raises her hand as if begging him to be quiet.
After calming down they walk to the cemetery in silence. What happened was much too heavy for either one to handle right now.
Once inside the cemetery it becomes evident they will have no time to either talk or think about it. They are immediately attacked by two very angry vampires.
They no sooner deal with them when three more step up to the plate. The first thing Buffy notices is how good Xander has gotten in fighting. He is confident and proficient. She also notices a look in his eyes, which is actually scary.
Xander has never shown his new prowess in front of Buffy before but this was definitely the time to unveil it.
Five more appear. Xander has a plan.
"Buffy, let's take turns attacking. First you take one while I hold the others off. Then, I'll take one while you hold them off."
"Sounds like a plan!"
They do it. It works very well but both are taking their lumps.
The vamps keep coming. Xander double kicks one. Buffy stakes it. The slayer flips one with a vicious uppercut, Xander stakes it.
"Buffy, I'm getting very tired."
"Me too, Xander."
Two more fly into them. Xander kicks one into oblivion. He stakes it just in time to see Buffy doing like wise with hers.
They both get up. Xander gasps for breath. He is bleeding from three or four different places. Buffy is blood free but, bone weary.
"Buffy..are…you okay?"
"No, how about you?"
"Never been worse!"
They both sense it is not over. Something is going on. They haven't seen this many vamps in one night since the master was around.
They stand looking at each other, thankful for the few minutes' rest. Buffy has a momentary pain deep within her.
"Is this it? Is this going to be the end? All the slayers before me have died, young. Is this the night I don't come back from patrol?
She looks at Xander who is still catching his breath. She goes to him, putting her arms gently on his. She looks into his eyes, smiling.
"Xander, Angel is my soul mate and main squeeze but,.."
Xander finishes the sentence for her. He was thinking the same thing.
"One more kiss, since this might be our last night?"
They gaze lovingly at one another for just a few seconds. This is enough to recharge that space.
The kiss speaks to the fact that this could be the last one either ever enjoys.
They both stagger out of it, ready to do battle.
"Oh, Baby!"
"Thank you Xander."
"Back at you, slayer."
Three more descend upon them with another five in sight at the other end of the cemetery. One thing hits the both of them. These vamps are not coming from the graves. They are coming into the cemetery from somewhere else, meaning someone sent them specifically just to get our heroes.
Well, isn't that, special!
Xander is ripped to the back with a two-by-four. He barely recovers to stake the assailant. Buffy is fighting three at the same time. She is viciously slammed in the knee with an iron pipe. She falls but rolls out of the way of a follow up swing. Xander is momentarily free. He stakes the bastard.
Looking at Buffy, very worried, "Buffy, look at your knee!"
Three more are right on them. Xander tries to take most of the heat but his problem is weariness. They can barely dispose of them.
They both collapse exhausted and hurt.
"Xander, I…I hear more coming,"
"Buffy…we need… to get out of here. Look at your knee. You have to go!"
"Not a chance! Not without you!"
Xander speaks as he is getting up, "You're the main player, Buffy. You can find somebody like me anywhere."
"Bullshit, Xander! There have been all kinds of slayers. There's only one of you."
They leave the cemetery but are pursued by three more vamps. Buffy is pushed into a tree. She bangs her injured knee. Xander struggles to stake the last one from this wave.
Buffy can hardly walk. Xander is frantic. He can see three more on their tail.
"Buffy, get the hell out of here! Go get Giles and Rebecca!"
"If you think I'm leaving you here you're crazy."
"Damn it, Buffy, you're hurt. You're not going to be worth a damn, anyway. Go for help. I'll wait for you."
Buffy is crying. This goes against every fiber of her slayer soul but she has to admit Xander might be right. If she can only rest for half an hour her slayer-healing power will start to work. She hobbles away in tears.
Xander gets his second wind. He turns around. He starts to charge in the direction of the vampires. Just as he gets to them he takes a detour down a dark alley. He makes sure all three are following him.
Xander is exhausted and hurt but, on familiar turf. He knows every alley, shortcut and hide-a-way in the area. He leads the vamps through a maze of different directions. They split up.
He is able to ambush one of them. After staking it a sudden rush comes over him.
The boy's fear subsides. He calms down.
This is his turf. There are only two left. He is in complete control of himself.
The vamps are at the disadvantage now.
Xander climbs atop a small shed which, overlooks the alley. He conserves his energy, waiting for the undead creatures to come into his sights.
He doesn't have to wait long. They walk right into the trap.
The boy lets out with a blood-curdling scream as he jumps down upon them. He stakes one with a fast swinging motion.
The other vamp wants no part of our hero. It takes off in fear.
Xander returns to the shed roof in case there are others.
In the meantime Buffy hobbles to a phone. She calls Giles. She then heads to a nearby fountain, soaking her leg in the cool water. The slayer can feel her healing power doing its thing.
Within fifteen minutes she is mobile, again.
Time to get back to Xander. Her heart is heavy. Xander is not the slayer. He shouldn't have to face the fire like this.
Buffy has no idea what Xander is, anymore. When they are together, anymore, things are heavy and confusing and…what? The pain she feels now is almost unbearable. He cannot be dead!
The slayer spots a figure running from an alley. It is a vampire. Something must have spooked it pretty bad.
Buffy slowly walks down the alley.
Xander sits perfectly still. He has himself where he wants to be. He hears someone coming down the alley. His scream pierces the silence as he pounces on the figure below.
It is Buffy. Before he can recognize her he has the slayer pinned to the wire fence of the alley.
"Buffy."
"Oh, Xander."
They stare at each other for a few seconds, catching their breath.
"Holy shit, Xander! I…I Thought I was dead. What the hell are you doing?"
"I got tired running, Buff. I grew up around here. I know the turf. I turned the tide on the bastards. I hunted them."
"What?"
"I just waited for them to come by here. Then I jumped down on them."
Buffy has to laugh. "Xander, you're a maniac but, I am so glad to see you."
They embrace warmly.
"I thought I lost you, Xander." She begins to cry.
"Buff, I'm okay. You're the hero all the time, honey. You Can take a break once in awhile."
They walk out of the alley.
"Buff, something happened to me tonight. At one point the fear and terror left. I got real calm. I knew exactly what I had to do."
"Xander, you're scaring me."
"Why, Buff?"
"You're suppose to be my friend, Xander Harris, comedian deluxe. Master of the sarcastic…"
Xander interrupts her. "What do you do about a night like tonight, Buffy. Maybe the old Xander would be dead. Maybe, you too."
Buffy changes the subject. "Xander, before I went into the alley there was a vampire running away in fear. Was he running from you?"
"Yea, I surprised him and his partner."
"Now you're really scaring me. I never saw a vampire running from a human like that."
"At least you don't have to feel bad. I'm still in one piece. You were hurt more than me at the time."
"Speaking about being hurt. You know you are bleeding from four or five different places?"
Buffy takes Xander's hand, leading him to the nearby fountain. She takes her bandana off, soaking it in the water. She begins to clean his wounds. Xander smiles at her. As she gazes into his eyes a funny feeling comes over her. It makes her very uncomfortable.
Xander has added some qualities she finds very appealing. When added to what he already has…
She can't finish the equation in her mind…or her heart.
The boy is driving her crazy!
!--META end--
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Buffy and the Slayerettes are Property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. No Copyright Infringement is Intended.
Part Four: And, The Band Played On
Xander is alone in his house. His parents are away on business, as usual. Weary from the pain of Buffy's apparent death He falls asleep, quickly.
It doesn't last long. Something jerks him awake. He senses danger.
Suddenly, a battle-axe comes crashing through his window, aimed straight for his head. He dives to the floor as it loudly embeds itself into his wooden headboard. When he tries to get up a foot connects with his chest, driving the boy into a wicker hamper. He looks up to see a horned monster swinging his size sixteen foot at him. Xander recovers enough to clutch at it as it connects with his mid-section. He twists its leg causing it to fall.
This gives Xander enough time to jump up. The would be assassin gets up, also. For a few seconds they stare at one another. The beast then mounts a roaring attack at him. Xander sidesteps it then makes a beeline to the bed.
He pulls the axe from the headboard and viciously wields it in the direction of the monster. It gets him chest high.
As it bursts to dust, Xander smirks. "Should have went for the axe, stupid."
Xander is pissed off and paranoid, now. He can't go to sleep. He gets dressed, leaving the house.
He has got to find a place where he can think in peace. There must be a logical reason for all of this grief.
The downtown Sunnydale library is a very old building. A huge edifice with high outside pillars, it stands on a hill overlooking the town. After carefully surveying it Xander decides it is a defensible position should anything else choose to attack him? With his back up against the end pillar he can see for a mile in any direction. His back is covered. Whatever comes for him will have to attack him from the front.
All these attacks must have something to do with Buffy. His mind wanders back to the night in the park when he thought he saw Angelus shake his fist at him. Is Angelus mad because I still love Buffy? Do I still love Buffy? Stupid question.
No, it can't be. I've loved Buffy from the very beginning. It has to be something, which has happened recently.
Could it possibly be her? Could it be she is starting to have feelings for me?
At first he dismisses this as ridiculous but, then he remembers the kiss.
That was Buffy. All Buffy, at least until her lips touched mine. Angelus always seems to know what's going on in Buffy's life almost before she does. Is this the source of all these attacks?
One thing Xander feels good about is the fact that he is still alive. Still alive and kicking!
He's getting stronger, too. The bastard is not wearing him down! Whatever the bloodsucker's plan, it ain't working!
Conan the Barbarian's philosophy lives on; "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger."
Amen!
Willow meets Buffy at her house to go to school. As they start to walk the redhead looks expectantly at her.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Willow?"
"Spill it, slayer!"
Acting dumb, "Spill what?"
"Come on Buffy. What is with you and the new Xander? That argument you had with him. It was loaded with passion. Cordelia had her mouth open"
Buffy, realizing Willow is going to pry it out of her, anyway. "Will, do you promise never to tell another living soul?"
"I'll put it in the vault."
"The other night Xander and I were scheduled to patrol together. He came for me at my house. I was a little clumsy climbing down from my room. Xander started making fun of me. He was saying all kinds of crazy things. He was doing something to my shoe. I started tickling him and then he started tickling me. It really felt good. I haven't felt that loose since…Well, for a long, long time.
I had his arms pinned to the ground. I sort of slipped down on top of him. We looked at each other. The next thing I knew I was kissing him.
"Oh my God, Buffy!"
"Kind of shocking, huh?"
"Shocking is not the word, girl. Beyond shocking. Off the meter, shocking! What did he say?"
"I apologized to him. He said it was okay. He said I probably missed Angel. He wanted to make sure we were still friends."
"What does it mean, Buffy?"
"I don't know,Will. It wasn't like patrol. It was more like a date or something.
Xander was tired of brooding. He went back home, got some sleep and actually showed up at school.
He runs into Buffy and Willow at the end of the day. He and Buffy stare at each other for a minute. Xander breaks the silence.
"Are you still mad at me, Buff?"
"Xander, I wasn't mad at you. I was concerned."
"Okay, I accept that.
"You do?"
"Yes, you're the slayer. I'm your friend. You were upset because you weren't there to help me. Right?"
A little surprised at how easily he said that. Yea..That's exactly it."
"Are we Bronzing tonight?"
Both the slayer and the witch say, yes. Xander leaves.
They watch him disappear down the hall.
"Willow, correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Xander have more cuts and scrapes on him than he did the other night?"
"Definitely. He's getting stranger and stranger by the day."
Willow stares at Buffy.
"What, I didn't do anything to him."
Willow, Oz, Xander and Buffy are sitting at their favorite booth at the Bronze. Willow and Oz flirt and coo and kiss and do everything else allowable in public. Buffy and Xander mostly brood. Cordelia comes to the table. This is her first meeting with Xander since she broke up with him.
"Hi, Xander."
Xander looks up. With all that has happened in the last few days, he hasn't even been able to process Cordy's dumping of him. He sighs.
"Hello Cordelia."
"Can we still be friends, Xander?"
"Cordy, a lot has been happening to me the last few days. I don't know if we can be friends or not. For tonight we'll just declare a truce. Have a seat."
Neither Willow nor Buffy even knew Xander and Cordelia broke up. Xander didn't mention it when they saw him earlier.
They all get something to drink and settle in for a night of doing what they usually do at the Bronze, dance and check out the other patrons. Cordelia gets up to go to the ladies room. Oz goes up to the stage. His band is playing tonight
All was normal until a certain black haired beauty entered the doors of the establishment. Dressed in a dark green long-flowing dress, which perfectly highlighted her exquisite features, Rachel walked through the Bronze looking for a certain young daemon fighter.
Wherever she went in the Bronze all heads turned in her direction. In addition to her exquisite beauty, Rachel has a smooth flowing gait about her. One which draws people in her direction. She is quite seductive
Willow and Buffy see Rachel at the same time. Xander has his back to the dance floor. Buffy speaks first.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know. I just hope she's not interested in Oz!"
Xander turns around to look.
"Oh, shit." He turns back around, looking at Buffy. He is very nervous.
"Hey, Buff." She looks at him "Ah..This is going to seem really strange to you but, this woman is a friend."
Just as he is saying this Rachel recognizes him and walks up to their table.
Buffy tenses as she speaks to Xander.
"Hello, Xander." She smiles very seductively at him. Buffy and Willow have their mouths open.
"Could we dance, Xander?"
"Ah..yea..sure, Rachel."
As they go toward the dance floor Xander stops. "Rachel, stay here a minute." He goes back to the table.
"I'm sorry, Buffy. I know she is a vampire. I forgot to tell you. The other night when I was attacked Rachel patched me up. Without her I might not have made it to the hospital."
He goes back to Rachel.
"I didn't get you into any trouble, did I?"
"Maybe but, I'm still glad to see you."
"I'm glad to see you too, Xander."
A slow song comes on. Xander holds his hands out to Rachel.
"You know how to do this?"
"You lead, I'll follow."
Xander puts his head on her shoulder. She does the same to him.
Rachel is a good dancer. They both really feel the music.
Back at the table Willow and Buffy look at each other. Cordelia comes back. She saw the pair dancing. She asks, "What did I just miss, here?"
"A ravishingly beautiful woman, vampire, came to the table, undressed Xander with her eyes, and now is putting him to bed."
Buffy adds with shock. "And turning out the lights."
Willow also ads, "He knows her. She's his friend!"
"Unbelievable," adds the blond slayer.
"I'm not allowed to be jealous, am I?" Nobody answers her.
When the slow song is over a fast one comes on.
"Alright, Rachel, let's see if you can shake and move that stuff you have. And, wonderful stuff it is, I must say."
She does. They do, just about everything.
Buffy, Willow and Cordelia continue to stare at the dancing couple.
Rachel looks familiar to the slayer. She remembers where she saw her before.
"Willow, do you remember I told you Angel was talking to a woman one night in the cemetery. A ravishingly beautiful woman who use to be his ex, I think."
"That's her?"
"Yep."
"Buffy, how did our Xander all of a sudden get to be this heavy person."
"I don't know but, I'm not going to let her hurt him."
Cordelia looks at her. "I hate to tell you this, Buffy, but it doesn't look like she is hurting him at all."
Xander and Rachel are really enjoying themselves.
"Woman, you are good!"
"I have to be to keep up with you."
They dip and weave and dip some more. It is very sensual.
Buffy is fuming. "Are they going to make love right there on the dance floor?"
"They're not far from it."
A slow song comes on. Midway through it Xander and Rachel look into each other's eyes.
"Thank you, Xander."
He doesn't answer. He reaches for her lips.
Buffy sees them. "What is she doing to him?"
Willow answers. "Buffy, it looked like he kissed her first."
After a few really deep kisses, "Xander, how can you possibly be this good of a kisser?"
"You have something going with your sweet lip yourself, my friend."
Rachel sighs. "I better go Xander. "I'm really glad I came here tonight but I may prove to be a lot of trouble for you, Xander. Besides that, you are really confusing me."
"I'm glad you came too, Rachel."
"There's one thing I have to tell you, Xander. Angel is my ex."
"We certainly have some common ties, don't we?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away."
"You know Angelus is our chief enemy?"
"I know. I don't condone what he does, either."
"I think he is really out to get me now, Rachel."
"I will try to help you as much as possible, Xander. I have to go now. Your slayer is staring a hole in him."
"She's just prejudiced against vampires."
"Yea, except she's in love with one!"
"I'll walk you to the door, Rachel."
As soon as Buffy sees Rachel go outside she bolts after her.
"Rachel!"
The vampire closes her eyes. She was half expecting this. Buffy catches up to her.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I met someone I'm attracted to, slayer. What's the problem?"
"You know how he is. Is this a little vampire seduction routine?"
"Is that what Angel did to you, Buffy?"
"I get it. This is payback."
Rachel looks at her in disbelief. "What?"
The slayer goes to her, pushing the vampire toward the street "I'll only warn you once. Stay the hell away from him!"
In the mean time Xander sees what is happening. He runs up to Buffy.
"Buffy, my friend, what the hell are you doing?" He grabs the slayer. Rachel runs away.
The slayer is steaming. "You're stupid, Xander! When it comes to women you are stupid! Do you really think she's interested in you? She's only trying to make me…"
She stops short. "She's a vampire, Xander, she is dangerous!"
"Buffy, if she were going to harm me she had the perfect chance. I was lying helpless on the ground right in front of her."
Buffy, softening a bit. "Xander, don't be ridiculous. "You do know she's Angel's ex?"
"Yes, Buffy, she told me." "Look, I'm not going to marry her. She's lonely. We had a few dances."
"Xander, she had you undressed and in bed with the lights out!"
"Buffy, please. I don't want us to have a big fight."
"Then don't be stupid, Xander."
"Buffy, I don't get into your private life."
"I'll tell you right now. If she gets in my face again she's going down" She storms away. Xander follows her. He runs in front of her.
"Don't say that, slayer. You better not touch her!"
"You heard me, Xander."
"Have we just gone a little bit crazy, here. Need I remind you, Buffy, your main squeeze is a vampire?"
"You heard me, Xander."
Very worried, "Yea, I heard you, Buffy, but I'm telling you to stop this right now." He grabs her arms.
"Get off me, Xander!"
"Come on, Buff, please?"
"Let go, Xander."
When he doesn't she hits him.
By this time the whole gang is out. They all see it.
Xander picks himself up from the ground. He wipes some blood from his lip.
"I get the message." He leaves.
Buffy is shocked. She can't believe she hit Xander. She tries to call to him.
"Xander…"
He doesn't answer.
Cordelia runs up to Buffy. "Buffy, you hit Xander. What is your problem, girl?"
"Oh, you have a lot of guts to get mad at somebody for hurting him! You just dumped him. That made him feel real good."
Cordelia walks away. Willow goes to Buffy.
"Buffy, lets go home."
They walk in silence for a few minutes. Willow can see Buffy trying to fight back tears.
"Willow, talk to me, please."
"Buffy, you hit Xander! You punched him in the mouth."
"I know. I know."
"Why, Buffy?"
"You saw the scene with Rachel… She's a vampire."
"Like Angel, Buffy?"
"So what is that? Is that suppose to be, in my face!"
"I don't know what Xander is doing with her. Well, I mean I know what he is doing with her. But, I don't understand it but, I don't think he is going with her to make you jealous."
"I'm not jealous. It's just...He's out of control."
After a few minutes of walking. "Oh, Willow, what did I do? Is Xander ever going to talk to me, again?"
"Buffy, he is really going to be mad."
"I can't believe I hit him."
The slayer can't hold back her tears anymore. Willow hugs her.
"Buffy, the whole Angel thing is still tearing you apart, isn't it?"
"I can't put it behind me, Willow. Tonight, when I saw Rachel…I just lost it."
They walk the rest of the way to Willow's house in silence.
The redhead wonders if what Buffy did tonight had more to do with Xander than with Rachel. She is so damn beautiful. Buffy had that passion in her eyes, again.
Part Five: You're Driving Me Crazy, Slayer
Xander completely ignores Buffy and Willow the next day in school. He does show for the meeting, however. Rebecca, Giles, Buffy, Cordelia, Willow and Oz are there. Xander sits without looking or talking to anyone. Buffy looks at him but he stares straight ahead.
Giles begins. "The creature who attacked Xander is or, rather was, Melcheck, as most of you already know. Melcheck was two things, an assassin and an enforcer. He was an underworld strongman. We don't know under which title he visited Xander since…"
Xander interrupts the watcher. "Giles, he wasn't going to kill me."
"How did you learn that information, Xander?"
"I forgot to tell you the other day, Giles, a woman helped me. She.."
Buffy interrupts him. "A vampire!"
Xander tries to continue. "Okay, she is a vampire. She.."
This time Giles interrupts him. "You were helped by a vampire?"
"She's a friend, Giles."
Cordelia puts in her two cents. "They're are a little bit more than friends. They were practically making love on the dance floor, last night.'
The slayer adds. "Right in front of everybody!"
"You have a vampire friend who told you Melcheck wasn't suppose to kill you? How would she know, Xander?"
The slayer again answers. "It was Rachel, Giles."
"Rachel, you mean she of Angel and Rachel fame?"
"It was her in the flesh."
Xander pleads her case. "Giles, she's just lonely. She's a non-violent vampire. She has never fed on a human."
Buffy can't resist "Except on you."
Xander, looking at the slayer, hard. "Don't you think you did enough talking last night?"
"It doesn't seem to have done you much good."
Xander gets up. He goes to Buffy. She gets up, also. They stand toe to toe.
"Leave Rachel alone, Buffy!"
"I'm telling you now, Xander. Keep the vampire Queen away from me!"
"The next time you want to touch her you're going to have to go through me!"
"You forget, Xander, I get off on kicking ass!"
Xander makes a move to grab her. Giles and Rebecca push him away. The watcher is very upset with both of them, now
"Stop it, both of you! Xander, sit down, now!" He does. "Buffy, you sit down, too! I want to see the both of you in my office after the meeting."
"Willow, will you please tell me, calmly, what happened last night?"
"This ravishingly beautiful woman, vampire, stopped the music and turned all the heads at the Bronze last night. She came to get Xander. She undressed him, put him to bed and turned the lights out right there on the dance floor."
Willow continues. "When she left Buffy went after her. Xander tried to stop her so Buffy hit him."
Giles can't believe it. "Buffy hit Xander?" The slayer is embarrassed. She was going to apologize. Instead she added insult to injury.
The watcher is very perplexed. "Something has to be going on. Xander, Rachel, whatever she may have done for you, is dangerous."
Buffy interjects, "He's too stupid to see that."
Xander looks at her then back to Giles. "Tell her to shut up, Giles."
"Enough, Buffy."
Xander looks over to the slayer. He sticks his tongue out at her.
"Giles, did you see what he did to me?"
Giles has had enough. "You two are like little children. Buffy what has gotten into you? Xander carrying on is one thing but I expect much more from you.
Xander had been smirking. At this remark from the watcher he starts to frown.
"Hey, I resent that." This time Buffy smirks at him.
Giles is upset. "Damn it, Xander, this is serious. You could be in a world of trouble."
Both Xander and Buffy drop the kid stuff. Xander replies.
"Too late, Giles. My trouble quotient is as high as I can take right now."
Buffy gets a cold chill down her spine. The pain in Xander's voice was very evident.
Giles informs the group that Xander has to be monitored the same way Buffy is monitored until they can get to the bottom of this.
After the meeting Giles ushers Xander and Buffy into his office. He starts to lecture them.
"I am not going to interfere with your private lives but, I am going to intervene concerning the affairs of Hellmouth. Xander, if your concern for Buffy is genuine, which I know it is, then make that your primary concern."
"Buffy, we have been given this boy as a gift to help us. Don't drive him away."
"I'm going to leave the two of you alone in here. Make a truce or some such thing because you are patrolling together for the rest of the week."
Giles leaves.
Buffy knows she has to make the first move.
"Xander."
He doesn't look.
She tries, again.
"Xander."
He reluctantly looks at her.
"I'm sorry I hit you." He doesn't say anything.
"Are you going to make me grovel?"
"I get your apology. Someday maybe you'll tell me why you did it in the first place?"
She just looks down. Xander can't stand to see her this sad.
"Okay, Buff. Things have really been weird between us this last week, haven't they?"
Feeling relieved that Xander backed off a bit.
"Yes, very weird. Xander, you are a real trip, now."
They look at each other without speaking. She apologized. That's enough for now. Xander breaks the tension. He slides up beside her, putting his arm around her.
"Yea, but you're stuck with me, honey. Are we on for the graveyard, tonight?"
"Xander, the daemons have driven you crazy. Okay, pick me up at 8."
"Can I come over your house for supper, first."
"Nobody is home, Xander."
"Oh, that's even better. Can I watch you get dressed?"
"Xander, don't get weird." He starts to stare at her with a funny look on his face. Buffy responds.
"If you don't stop looking at me like that I'll tell Giles.
"You think I have to listen to what he says?"
She begins to shout. "We'll see big man. "Giles, Xander is trying to put a spell on me so I'll let him come home with me."
Xander tries to put his hand over her mouth.
"Don't touch me, Xander."
"I'll get you tonight in the cemetery when your precious watcher is home drinking tea."
"Oh yea. You forget I'm the slayer. I don't need anybody to beat you up."
"We'll, listen. I could come home with you. You could start beating me there."
They both laugh as they leave the office to go home.
Part Six: Sometimes a Kiss Can Be Much More
When Buffy is around Xander she is a different person. Despite the heaviness of her life he can always find a way to lighten her up. Hell, his life is getting to be as bad as hers. They need each other. Rebecca and Giles have a conversation.
"Where did you find him, Rupert?"
"I assume you are referring to Xander?"
"Yes."
"He, Buffy and Willow have been here since the beginning."
"You do know who he is, don't you?"
"I thought he was just a high school student, Becky."
"Why Rupert, you must be slipping."
"I…well, I'm busy… with the slayer."
Laughing, "I so love it when you fumble like that, Rupert."
They get lost in a kiss. After they break.
"Let's just say he is special. Very special."
Rebecca laughs, again. "He and the slayer put on quite a show, don't they?"
"I'm glad you find it amusing, Becky."
"Oh Rupert Giles, you stuff shirt. He is coming of age and she is noticing him. They should make an excellent pair. I already know one thing. The daemons better watch out!
"If they don't kill each other, first."
"Believe it or not he is good for her. He loves her very much. She is ready to explode. He may be the only one who can save her."
"I would much rather have a more conventional arrangement."
Going to him playfully. "You don't like passion, Rupert? It looks like I'll have to work on that with you. Shall we retire to your to your upper berth?"
They promptly put the lights out and head to Rebecca's car. Giles ancient heap of bolts was, thankfully, still at the garage. If they had to rely on his car their love might go forever unrequited.
Xander waits for Buffy outside her house. When she comes out he doesn't look at her. He very noticeably turns his head to the opposite side. Buffy notices.
"Xander, what are you doing now?"
"Giles yelled at me. He told me not to look at you. You said it, too. So, I'm not looking at you. And, if you could see over here you would see that I am sticking my tongue out at you."
Shaking her head at his craziness. "Xander, you are the strangest person I have ever met."
After a few minutes of this Buffy has had enough. She jumps to the other side of him. He immediately turns his head away. She tries to fake him into looking at her but it doesn't work.
She reaches her hand to his neck. "I'll get you, Xander if you don't look at me." She uses her other hand, too. A wrestling match commences.
"Look at me, Xander."
"Never!"
They fool around. Xander grabs Buffy's hands to keep her from touching his neck. He accidentally backs her into a tree.
"Ouch, Xander."
"I'm sorry." He reaches to her face, gazing intently at her.
"That's okay, Xander."
Both are frozen in the moment. Xander can't help it. He can't take his eyes off her. Her hair reflects the light from the moon. Her golden locks sparkle as stars. She is blond light in the darkness.
Buffy is looking into Xander's brown eyes, drinking in all they offer to her. She is in wonder at the concern and love and caring she sees in them. She knows it is all for her, too. It takes her breath away.
The distance between them is charged space. It crackles and sizzles with angst and pathos and passion. In the pain and anger and darkness of their lives there are few moments of relief. Few moments which could be called magic and wonderful and electric.
Neither of them can help it. They have to breach that distance between them! Xander reaches his lips to hers. Upon contact they both visit a place they have never been. The intensity is amazing.
They push and cling to each other, seemingly with the intention of actually meshing into one. Finally, Buffy has to break.
"Xander, I can't breathe."
Xander steps back realizing he has the same problem.
"Buffy, I…
She raises her hand as if begging him to be quiet.
After calming down they walk to the cemetery in silence. What happened was much too heavy for either one to handle right now.
Once inside the cemetery it becomes evident they will have no time to either talk or think about it. They are immediately attacked by two very angry vampires.
They no sooner deal with them when three more step up to the plate. The first thing Buffy notices is how good Xander has gotten in fighting. He is confident and proficient. She also notices a look in his eyes, which is actually scary.
Xander has never shown his new prowess in front of Buffy before but this was definitely the time to unveil it.
Five more appear. Xander has a plan.
"Buffy, let's take turns attacking. First you take one while I hold the others off. Then, I'll take one while you hold them off."
"Sounds like a plan!"
They do it. It works very well but both are taking their lumps.
The vamps keep coming. Xander double kicks one. Buffy stakes it. The slayer flips one with a vicious uppercut, Xander stakes it.
"Buffy, I'm getting very tired."
"Me too, Xander."
Two more fly into them. Xander kicks one into oblivion. He stakes it just in time to see Buffy doing like wise with hers.
They both get up. Xander gasps for breath. He is bleeding from three or four different places. Buffy is blood free but, bone weary.
"Buffy..are…you okay?"
"No, how about you?"
"Never been worse!"
They both sense it is not over. Something is going on. They haven't seen this many vamps in one night since the master was around.
They stand looking at each other, thankful for the few minutes' rest. Buffy has a momentary pain deep within her.
"Is this it? Is this going to be the end? All the slayers before me have died, young. Is this the night I don't come back from patrol?
She looks at Xander who is still catching his breath. She goes to him, putting her arms gently on his. She looks into his eyes, smiling.
"Xander, Angel is my soul mate and main squeeze but,.."
Xander finishes the sentence for her. He was thinking the same thing.
"One more kiss, since this might be our last night?"
They gaze lovingly at one another for just a few seconds. This is enough to recharge that space.
The kiss speaks to the fact that this could be the last one either ever enjoys.
They both stagger out of it, ready to do battle.
"Oh, Baby!"
"Thank you Xander."
"Back at you, slayer."
Three more descend upon them with another five in sight at the other end of the cemetery. One thing hits the both of them. These vamps are not coming from the graves. They are coming into the cemetery from somewhere else, meaning someone sent them specifically just to get our heroes.
Well, isn't that, special!
Xander is ripped to the back with a two-by-four. He barely recovers to stake the assailant. Buffy is fighting three at the same time. She is viciously slammed in the knee with an iron pipe. She falls but rolls out of the way of a follow up swing. Xander is momentarily free. He stakes the bastard.
Looking at Buffy, very worried, "Buffy, look at your knee!"
Three more are right on them. Xander tries to take most of the heat but his problem is weariness. They can barely dispose of them.
They both collapse exhausted and hurt.
"Xander, I…I hear more coming,"
"Buffy…we need… to get out of here. Look at your knee. You have to go!"
"Not a chance! Not without you!"
Xander speaks as he is getting up, "You're the main player, Buffy. You can find somebody like me anywhere."
"Bullshit, Xander! There have been all kinds of slayers. There's only one of you."
They leave the cemetery but are pursued by three more vamps. Buffy is pushed into a tree. She bangs her injured knee. Xander struggles to stake the last one from this wave.
Buffy can hardly walk. Xander is frantic. He can see three more on their tail.
"Buffy, get the hell out of here! Go get Giles and Rebecca!"
"If you think I'm leaving you here you're crazy."
"Damn it, Buffy, you're hurt. You're not going to be worth a damn, anyway. Go for help. I'll wait for you."
Buffy is crying. This goes against every fiber of her slayer soul but she has to admit Xander might be right. If she can only rest for half an hour her slayer-healing power will start to work. She hobbles away in tears.
Xander gets his second wind. He turns around. He starts to charge in the direction of the vampires. Just as he gets to them he takes a detour down a dark alley. He makes sure all three are following him.
Xander is exhausted and hurt but, on familiar turf. He knows every alley, shortcut and hide-a-way in the area. He leads the vamps through a maze of different directions. They split up.
He is able to ambush one of them. After staking it a sudden rush comes over him.
The boy's fear subsides. He calms down.
This is his turf. There are only two left. He is in complete control of himself.
The vamps are at the disadvantage now.
Xander climbs atop a small shed which, overlooks the alley. He conserves his energy, waiting for the undead creatures to come into his sights.
He doesn't have to wait long. They walk right into the trap.
The boy lets out with a blood-curdling scream as he jumps down upon them. He stakes one with a fast swinging motion.
The other vamp wants no part of our hero. It takes off in fear.
Xander returns to the shed roof in case there are others.
In the meantime Buffy hobbles to a phone. She calls Giles. She then heads to a nearby fountain, soaking her leg in the cool water. The slayer can feel her healing power doing its thing.
Within fifteen minutes she is mobile, again.
Time to get back to Xander. Her heart is heavy. Xander is not the slayer. He shouldn't have to face the fire like this.
Buffy has no idea what Xander is, anymore. When they are together, anymore, things are heavy and confusing and…what? The pain she feels now is almost unbearable. He cannot be dead!
The slayer spots a figure running from an alley. It is a vampire. Something must have spooked it pretty bad.
Buffy slowly walks down the alley.
Xander sits perfectly still. He has himself where he wants to be. He hears someone coming down the alley. His scream pierces the silence as he pounces on the figure below.
It is Buffy. Before he can recognize her he has the slayer pinned to the wire fence of the alley.
"Buffy."
"Oh, Xander."
They stare at each other for a few seconds, catching their breath.
"Holy shit, Xander! I…I Thought I was dead. What the hell are you doing?"
"I got tired running, Buff. I grew up around here. I know the turf. I turned the tide on the bastards. I hunted them."
"What?"
"I just waited for them to come by here. Then I jumped down on them."
Buffy has to laugh. "Xander, you're a maniac but, I am so glad to see you."
They embrace warmly.
"I thought I lost you, Xander." She begins to cry.
"Buff, I'm okay. You're the hero all the time, honey. You Can take a break once in awhile."
They walk out of the alley.
"Buff, something happened to me tonight. At one point the fear and terror left. I got real calm. I knew exactly what I had to do."
"Xander, you're scaring me."
"Why, Buff?"
"You're suppose to be my friend, Xander Harris, comedian deluxe. Master of the sarcastic…"
Xander interrupts her. "What do you do about a night like tonight, Buffy. Maybe the old Xander would be dead. Maybe, you too."
Buffy changes the subject. "Xander, before I went into the alley there was a vampire running away in fear. Was he running from you?"
"Yea, I surprised him and his partner."
"Now you're really scaring me. I never saw a vampire running from a human like that."
"At least you don't have to feel bad. I'm still in one piece. You were hurt more than me at the time."
"Speaking about being hurt. You know you are bleeding from four or five different places?"
Buffy takes Xander's hand, leading him to the nearby fountain. She takes her bandana off, soaking it in the water. She begins to clean his wounds. Xander smiles at her. As she gazes into his eyes a funny feeling comes over her. It makes her very uncomfortable.
Xander has added some qualities she finds very appealing. When added to what he already has…
She can't finish the equation in her mind…or her heart.
The boy is driving her crazy!
!--META end--
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Buffy and the Slayerettes are Property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. No Copyright Infringement is Intended.