Part Thirteen: They Were So Close!
A loud crash precedes the invasion of two sword-wielding beasts through Xander's bay window. He dives for under the couch, retrieving two swords of his own. Buffy is still hazy but catches the weapon as Xander throws it to her.
The boy wonder is livid!
"You bastards have no idea what you messed up!"
He engages them, as a man possessed. They screwed up the most important night of his young life.
Buffy barely has to lift a finger. Xander has the two beheaded in record time.
The slayer doesn't want to ask the obvious question. No doubt these were presents from Angelus. She can't think about it. Xander notices her sadness. He goes to her.
"It's okay, Buff, I'm actually use to it, now."
"Xander, you're going to have to call somebody to fix the window."
"Yea, I think I better get metal grates."
They look at each other for a moment.
"Xander, thank you. This night was really good. Maybe as good as I've ever enjoyed."
Xander is only half listening. Buffy is going to leave and he knows it. He doesn't like it.
Buffy notices his mood.
"Xander…"
She doesn't have to finish.
It is over. They both know it. The spell has passed. The hourglass to their night of bliss ran out.
There is an Angel in their picture, again, and he is not of the heavenly type.
The window of opportunity has closed.
"Xander, I have to go."
"I know, Buffy. I don't want to know but, I do."
She goes over to him, giving him a very warm peck on the cheek.
She leaves.
On the way home Buffy replays the night. She cannot deny that it was absolute magic.
Did Xander and I almost do it? How about if the monsters didn't interrupt us?
How much would I have resisted if Xander had ask me to spend the night?
Buffy doesn't want to think about that part right now. Thinking about that might bring everything into question. She's just not ready.
How did Xander ever get so charming and, so damn romantic? Then she thinks of Rachel and Cordelia and, how about all those underground connections?
How many women did Xander sleep with?
She finds herself very jealous.
Oh, God am I having serious feelings for Xander?
This thought staggers her for a minute.
I can't. I can't pursue something with Xander.
Buffy starts crying.
It is a familiar story. It's like somebody told her she could have only one look at a good thing. It went sour so that's it. End of the story. The grave is dug. They can bury her with it, now!
Xander is cursing Hellmouth. Such a beautiful night. He spent a magic filled night with the girl he loves. She was there, too, All there! But then the reality of Hellmouth crashes their dream.
But, he still cannot be mad at Buffy. She and Angel didn't split up. It was a tragedy, which separated them. When the slayer loves somebody she goes all the way. Xander has no idea if it could ever be that way between he and Buffy but he has no chance until she has worked through the thing with Angel.
As much as he hates to admit it, unless they can somehow get Angel back she will never stop loving him. She and the vampire might live happily ever after if they get together, again, but she might also choose Xander.
But, she can never give her heart to somebody else as long as his shadow hangs over everything.
Xander is very worried for Rachel. He wants to make sure he can move her to safety if trouble comes up. He pays a visit to Linda and Stacy.
They give him some contacts so he can setup a safe network for her. He has a curious conversation with Linda.
"Xander how serious are you about getting rid of Angelus?"
"I'm serious, Linda, but it's complicated."
"I know, with the slayer and all. Well, you can get rid of him and make her smile at the same time. Stacy and I have this spell and potion we put together. It would restore his soul."
Xander sits down when he hears this. Linda knows the problem. She goes to him.
"Xander, honey, I know how you feel about the slayer and I know how she feels about Angel but, at least you could get rid of Angelus."
"I know, Linda. I know business comes first but the bastard killed my parents. I wouldn't be able to look at him."
"Xander I'm sure you know how both Stacy and I feel about you but, if we can get.."
Xander interrupts. "I know, Linda. Give me a day or so to think about it, okay?"
"Okay, honey." She hugs him, goodbye.
"Damn, what now?"
Xander mumbles to himself. You talk about being torn. I can't believe the bastard will get away with everything. He kills, plunders and terrorizes everybody but he'll come out smelling like a rose. And, she'll go with him! Fuck!
But, hell, if we get him back then I'll know for sure about Buffy.
But, how about my parents?
Xander decides he must get drunk. He must get very drunk.
If he is going to lose the woman he loves with all his heart and soul he is going to get drunk first. He owes it to himself.
He goes to a bar. He has no problem getting served. Actually, he knows the owner. He is a distant relative.
He sits at a table nursing a shot of something or other. There is only one other person in the bar. When she sees the sad look on Xander's face she decides to come over to him.
"You look like you're trying to drown some sorrow?"
"That's very perceptive."
"Would you like some company?"
"Are you a vampire?"
The woman has to laugh. "I don't think so."
"You're not a daemon or a she-goddess or anything?"
"You're a very strange man. No, I'm just a lonely person."
"I would be happy to have you in my company."
"My name is Leslie."
Leslie is about twenty-five years old, medium height with long brunet hair. Her hair is actually quite amazing, very luxurious and flowing. Despite obvious pain, her eyes also have a very inviting quality to them.
"Xander is my name. I'm trying to sit here and get drunk."
"A woman?"
"Yes, a very special woman. Our love is forbidden."
"Why?"
"She was involved with another man. He's out of the picture at the moment but if I tell her what I know it will bring him back into the picture."
Leslie interrupts. "I'll bet you I can finish it. You're torn between not telling her and possibly getting her hand or, telling her because you love her. But, then you risk losing her?"
Amazed at how accurate her guess is, "Leslie, are you sure you're not a sorceress or a witch or something?"
Laughing, Leslie adds, "No, just a very sad Leslie. I am different, though. That's why I'm so sad."
"Let me try to guess yours. Well, let me ask you a question, first. Are you different say, you want love but everyone else wants sex? Or, are you different because you see things and can do things other people can't do?"
"Both, actually."
"Well, Leslie, you've bumped into the right person. Everybody I know is different. I'm different."
"You say that with a certain pain in your voice."
"Pain, yes. Agony, yes. I was hoping this sauce would dull it all."
"What kind of pain, Xander?"
"Well, look at my arm." He shows her the various scars he has from the attacks.
"This scar is from two biker vamps who attacked me. The scar right beside it is from some hairy thing which got me as I was walking home."
"Xander, why would those things attack you?"
"They were sent by my heartthrob's ex. He's a vampire. The information I have is to give him back his soul, to turn him back into the lovable guy she fell in love with in the beginning."
"Xander, either you are crazy or you really are as weird as I am?" She starts looking around.
"Look at that shade over there." He does. She motions at it with her hand. It goes up. She does it again. It goes back down.
"Hold your hand up, Xander." She brings his drink up to meet his hand.
"Very impressive, Leslie. This power has caused you grief?"
"I'm a freak!"
Xander reaches out grabbing her hands. "Believe it or not, Leslie, there are a lot of freaks around. I hang with a whole gang of them.
"Is it a club or something?"
"No, Leslie, it's a very serious group. We fight vampires, mostly. But, there's always some super monster trying to take over the world."
Leslie is crying. "Do you guys need help?"
Xander puts his arm around her. "We always need help. I'll introduce you to people who can teach you how to hone your skill and use it."
"But, Leslie, if you start to help us your life will never be the same. It's very dangerous. In fact, I'm very dangerous to be around right now. My heartthrob is a vampire slayer. She's loads of fun to be around."
"All my life I knew I was suppose to do something. I was suppose to use this power for something. Maybe I found it. "
They hug warmly.
"Alright, now that is out of the way. We can concentrate on the matter at hand which is to get drunk, very drunk. Do you drink?"
"I'm in a bar!"
"That was good, Leslie. Did you use your power to think of that?"
"You're a little crazy, aren't you?"
"Yea, that's my specialty."
"You're funny, though."
"Let's get to work, Leslie."
They down a shot then get another.
"We live on Hellmouth. That means any freak going or coming from hell stops in for a visit."
"What are you, Xander?"
"I'm not sure. Nobody comes right out and tells me. The only thing I know is I can learn different forms of fighting real easy and I heal real quick."
Touching his arms. "Except for the scars."
"Xander, you sound cynical."
"As soon as I met this slayer I fell in love with her. She didn't even see me for a couple of years. I hung in there. I tried to take care of her, watch her back and all. But, her love was this 247-year-old vampire with a soul. Then they made love, which caused him to lose his soul. So now he's a super-evil vampire."
"And, you hate him."
"Well, I don't want to blow you away with stuff, Leslie, it's really grisly."
"Actually, Xander, I think this is the stuff with which I should be involved."
"He killed my mother and my father, turned them into vampires."
"Oh, Xander, that is awful. I'm so sorry. But, she still loves him even after what he did to you?"
"Not the evil part. He's not a bad guy when he has a soul."
"You know how to give it back to him, yes?"
"Yes and I'm sitting on it."
"You can't do that, Xander!"
"Why?"
"Because then you'll never know if she would pick you over him."
"You're amazing, Leslie. You're right. I can't sit on it. I love her. I have to give her back her Angel. But, before that I have to get drunk. And so do you, Leslie."
"Why do I have to get drunk?"
"Because this is the last day your life is going to be safe. After tonight you are a marked woman."
"By the way, Leslie, could I tell you something?"
"Sure."
"You have amazing hair."
"Well, thank you."
"Can I touch it sometime?"
"You have my complete permission to use it for your enjoyment, Xander."
Touching it. "Now that's a real friend. That is..That is something."
They down another shot.
Leslie looks deep within Xander's eyes. "You have great eyes, Xander."
"Touch them if you wish." She does.
After another shot, "Let's take a walk."
They start to walk down the street. Xander stops. "But, if something attacks me, Leslie, can you use your power to get it?"
"I don't know."
"That's okay. I think it's a rule. You can't be attacked if you're drunk."
A car stops for a light beside them as they walk. The radio is blaring. Xander and Leslie begin to dance with each other. The car lingers so they can complete their dance.
"Now, that's what I call a polite person."
"Yes, it is important that when you start a dance you are able to finish it."
"You know, you are very wise, Leslie. You have beautiful hair and you are very wise. We may have to get married."
"Oh, Xander, I hate when that happens."
"Alright, now you like my eyes. What else do you like about me?"
"I like the whole you."
"No, you have to pick something."
Looking at him. "How about..your lips? I'd have to test them."
"That's serious. I hope I don't fall while you're doing it."
Leslie kisses him.
It is nice.
About a block and a half away a solitary figure walks along the mostly deserted street. It is Buffy doing patrol. She notices two people embracing although she can't see who it is.
Leslie and Xander walk on the opposite side of the street, totally unaware of her presence.
"Well, do you like my lips, Leslie?"
"I would probably have to do it a few times to really tell."
"Wow, you really get into it."
"It's the only way I can make a fair assessment."
"Damn it!"
"What, Xander?"
"We can't get married. We don't have a stupid ring."
As Buffy gets closer she has a very puzzled look on her face. One of the two people really looks like Xander.
"What a stupid rule. There must be somebody around with a ring."
They sit on a bench with their backs to the street.
When Buffy sees it is definitely Xander she is incredulous. She comes over to them. Xander has his eyes closed. When Leslie sees Buffy.
"You wouldn't happen to have a ring on you, would you?"
The slayer ignores the question. "Xander!"
Leslie answers. "Oh, you know him? He likes my eyes. I mean my hair. I like his eyes and, his lips. Did you ever taste his lips?"
She still ignores Leslie. "Xander, what the hell are you doing?" She grabs him. Leslie goes to the slayer. "Hey, let him alone. We're going to get married."
Finally responding to Leslie. "I don't know who you are but you have about three seconds to get your hands off of me."
She does. "Xander is my friend."
"Oh no, Leslie, that's Buffy. She's okay."
"Is she your friend too, Xander?"
The slayer still wants answers. "Xander, are you drunk?"
"No, this is Leslie. She can make things move. Show her, Leslie."
"Xander, you are drunk!"
Leslie speaks up, again. "We had to get drunk."
Buffy is getting very tired of Leslie. Again, I don't know who you are. I don't even care but, I'll take care of Xander!"
"No, we're going to get married. We just need a ring."
"Xander, tell your bimbo here she is very close to getting her ass kicked!"
Xander staggers to Leslie. "I forgot what I was suppose to say, Buffy."
"You're not dropping me for her, are you? Leslie approaches Buffy again.
"We have something going."
"No, Leslie, this is the slayer."
"She's the slayer?" Xander nods. "We got drunk to forget you. You don't like his lips, do you?"
Buffy grabs Leslie by the shoulders. The slayer sits her down on the bench.
"Now, you stay!"
"Whatever you doing here, Xander, is crazy!"
Xander, sobering up for a second. "No, what I'm going to do tomorrow is crazy. What I am doing now makes perfect sense."
"Yea, well, what happens if you get attacked while you're in this condition? I'm taking you home."
"We have to take Leslie home first." He goes to her.
"Leslie, Buffy is right. We'll get married tomorrow. I'll call you. Give me your number."
They walk Leslie home. She kisses Xander goodnight. Buffy is shocked. They walk, getting to Xander's house.
"I'm not going to say anything to you tonight because you're drunk. But tomorrow I'm really going to blast you, Xander."
"I had to get drunk."
"Oh, yea, why?"
"Because of you."
"You're not going to blame this on me."
Xander, looking around. "What happened to Leslie?"
"You were planning for her to come home with you. Oh, that's really good, Xander!"
The slayer is disgusted. "Good night, Xander. I'll be back in the morning to check on you."
Buffy watches him go in. She doesn't know whether to be mad at him or feel sorry for him. Then she thinks of Leslie.
"Arrggh!"
The next morning Buffy comes to his house. She has the key. She wakes him.
"Ah, awaken by a blond goddess."
"Xander, get ready for the meeting. After, you and I are going to have a long talk."
They go to the meeting. Buffy talks to the gang before Giles and Rebecca gets there.
"Last night while I was patrolling down town I see two people sucking face, making fools out of themselves. I walk up and it was Xander and some fashion model. They're both stone drunk. He must collect them. She thinks they're getting married. She keeps asking me for a ring."
Willow and Cordelia have their mouths open. They stare at Xander. He is too busy suffering with a hangover to pay attention.
Giles and Rebecca come in. The meeting starts.
Xander speaks up. "Giles, I think I met a woman last night with some special powers. She wants to use them to help us."
Willow and Cordelia snicker. The slayer looks at Xander.
"Come on, Xander."
"What, she does!"
Giles interrupts. "What is going on here?"
Willow speaks up. "Giles, Xander got drunk last night and picked up some fashion model. Buffy had to kill her."
Everybody laughs.
Giles is annoyed. "Is there a women with powers or isn't there?"
Cordelia interjects. "Apparently she has some power."
Buffy adds, "She was about to take Xander for her stud. She has something."
"Giles, she really does have powers. I'll make sure she gets in touch with you."
The meeting ends. Buffy takes Xander into Giles' office.
"What the hell was last night about, Xander?"
"I'm sorry I didn't know you were going to be patrolling, down town."
"So, the only reason you're sorry is because I caught you?"
"No, that's not what I mean."
"In addition to really hurting me, Xander, that was stupid."
Buffy walks away. Because of the importance of what he has to tell her Xander doesn't notice how hurt Buffy is seeing him with another woman. He walks up to her.
Very warmly and tenderly, "Buffy, wait a minute. First, Leslie really does have a power. The other stuff with her was just us being drunk. What I did last night only makes sense in the light of what I have to tell you today."
"I was trying to drown something." Xander gets tears in his eyes. He tries to sniff them back.
"Buffy, I love you and, because I love you I have to tell you something. I can't not tell you but it's going to kill me to do it."
The slayer warms up to him. She fondles his face. "Xander, what is it?"
"Sit down, Buff."
She does. He kneels down in front of her, taking her hands in his. He gets control of himself.
"Buffy, I…I can get Angel back for you."
The slayer is too stunned for a minute to reply. Finally, she speaks.
"What!"
"I have two friends in the underground with a formula. With Willow's help we can probably get him back."
Buffy is speechless. She falls back in her chair.
Xander continues. "If we can lure him into a fight then we could be there when he changes."
After her initial shock her first thought, surprisingly, is for Xander.
It must have killed him to tell me this.
After Xander told her he walked to the other end of the office. Buffy goes over to him. She can't believe how deeply she feels for him right now. It very much baffles her.
She puts her hands around his neck. She reaches up to kiss him but he backs away from her. This really shocks the slayer.
He just stares at her. "I have to go, Buff."
"Wait a minute, Xander. That's it. We're not going to talk about it or anything?"
"Buffy, please?"
"You can't just spring this on me then leave, Xander! This is not something you can just dump in my lap. What about all the things you and I have been going through together?"
"Buffy, this is Angel we are talking about. You know your Angel? The one who comes up every time you and I have a tender moment."
Buffy is a little upset. "Yea, half the time it's you who brings him up!"
Xander doesn't get it at all. "What the hell is that suppose to mean?"
The slayer is very frustrated at the moment. She was coming to terms with Angel. She was putting the whole relationship into perspective.
She was finally opening herself up to what she had in front of her. All of a sudden Xander throws this bombshell at her. Now he's noble, gallant man. What is she going to do with him?"
She hugs him but he doesn't hug back. If Xander has ever felt worse he can't remember.
He leaves. As Buffy watches him go she gets a pain deep in her heart. Willow goes to her.
"What's the matter, Buffy?"
"Your used to be best friend, Will, he's remarkable. He's as dense as hell but he's remarkable. He has friends who can get Angel back. So, of course, he thinks he has to stay completely away from me."
"That's great, Buffy!" They hug. "Maybe the new Xander can be soft Xander sometimes."
Willow sees something in Buffy's eyes as she watches Xander leave something very strange. It seems to be a deeper version of the look she always gave Angel when he left her. It's a mixture of awe and fear.
"Are you okay, Buffy?"
"I think I'm in trouble, Will."
"Does it have something to do with the way you were looking at Xander when he left you?"
The slayer closes her eyes. "Will, I have never had these kinds of feelings before. They are very confusing. I loved Angel, I know I did. I may even still have those same feelings for him. But, what I feel whenever I'm around Xander is different. I can't even explain it."
"Buffy, I think you are in trouble, big trouble. What are you going to do?"
"I have no idea, Will."
Part Fourteen: He'd Much Rather Stake Him
Xander walks back to his house, disgusted. A million to one, this was the chance he had with Buffy once the brooding one was back. It was just a pipe dream, anyway. He's lucky she ever looked at him in the first place.
Sadness, loneliness following him around. He got a few kisses, that's all. A few very passionate kisses. Kisses which rocked them both!
All of a sudden Xander gets very pissed off.
You mean to tell me dead boy can match the intensity Buffy and I had the other night?
I think not!
She might go with him, stay with him, love him but it will not be as intense as what they had together. Why the hell doesn't she see that?
Buffy doesn't know what to do. If she ever had one shred of doubt as to whether Xander Lavelle Harris loved her this erased it. It use to bother her that Xander loved her. Especially, when he was around Angel.
But, what about now? What about the time Xander and I spent together? What about that night? I didn't even know where I was half the night. I was lost in his magic. It's not lightweight, either. With Xander, I always feel my back is covered.
But, Angel, my Angel. He is the light for me. Xander said it. He has always been my connection with love.
But, what about the things he did to Xander's parents?
Buffy goes in to see Giles. "Giles, Xander has a formula to get Angel back."
"Oh, Buffy, that's…that's remarkable."
The watcher has mixed emotions, himself. The thought of seeing Angel again doesn't exactly thrill him.
"Xander figures if we could lure him into a fight we can be there when he changes. It will keep Spike and the rest off of him.
"Buffy, Xander came up with this?"
"I know, Giles. I can barely deal with that."
"Well, I guess we should do it soon. If we can save lives by bringing him back then we should do it as quickly as possible. Is Xander around?"
"No, he went home."
"Can you stop to see him?"
"I can stop by on my way home."
"Let's meet tomorrow night. Could you also tell the others?"
Willow comes in. Buffy tells her of the meeting.
"Buffy, also tell Xander to bring the new woman."
"Giles, I don't think we should encourage him to pick up floozies at the bar! She's an older woman and she was all over him!"
Willow stares at her. The way she said that sounded like she was jealous. Buffy responds.
"You didn't see her, Willow. He was very drunk. I think she was going to take him home.
Buffy leaves.
Xander is moping around his house. The doorbell rings. It is Leslie.
"Well, if it isn't my drinking buddy. Come on in."
"Did we make fools out of ourselves last night?"
"The slayer is very mad at us. You must have been telling her we were going to get married."
"Oh, that did happen, then."
Xander decides to see how much he can get away with. "Yep, it all happened."
"It all happened? What else is there?"
Xander keeps it going. He goes up to her acting very serious. "Honey, you don't remember what we did?" He walks away from her.
Leslie gets worried. She goes to him. "Xander, what did we do!"
He turns around "Got ya!"
"You creep!" She reaches to him. He falls on the sofa with her in pursuit. As they are wrestling around Buffy walks in. She sees them. She shakes her head.
I rang the bell, Xander. You didn't answer. I thought maybe you were sleeping. I was going to leave you a message. I should have known better! What is it with you, Xander? This time you're not drunk!"
"No, Buff, this isn't what it looks like. I was just kidding her about last night."
Leslie chimes in, "That's true, Buffy."
"Whatever. Giles would like the two of you at the meeting tomorrow night."
Buffy walks out. Xander catches her on the porch.
"Buffy, could you stay a little while? You could help me tell her about Hellmouth."
The slayer walks away shaking her head. Xander goes to her.
"Buffy, I want Leslie as a friend, our friend. That's my interest in her."
"Xander, you were sucking face with her. Today you were love wrestling on the sofa."
"Buffy, I don't want to have a fight with you."
"Fine, then stop picking up women from bars. Have a little bit of self control!"
"Buffy, I went to the bar to try to drown the sorrow of what I told you."
The slayer gets angry. "If it made you so damn sad, why did you tell me?"
"That is cold blooded, slayer. Are you trying to be funny?"
"I'm getting tired of this heavy stuff with you all the time!"
Xander just shakes his head. "You're too much!"
"I'm too much? My life is simple without you. You think Angel is complicated. He's light faire compared to you!"
"Well, It's perfect for you, then. He'll be back and you can live happily ever after. The slayer princess and the vampire with a soul. Don't forget to invite me to the wedding!"
Xander goes back inside. Buffy is very angry with herself.
This is how I treat him after what he is going to do for me?
Why can't I control myself around him? Why did she have to be here? I really wanted to talk to him. Now he'll be really mad at me. I bet he'll talk to her!"
Leslie talks to Xander. "Are you okay?"
"Yea, just another round with my favorite slayer."
"Did I get you in trouble, again. She is very jealous, Xander."
"I don't think so. I think it's just her nasty slayer temper."
"I have to tell you Xander. I know we were drunk last night but, I really had a good time."
"Me too, Leslie."
"I think your slayer picked up a little chemistry between us. It made her very nervous."
"Well, she knows I love her."
"I'm sure she does, Xander."
"Leslie, we have this small group. We are all friends. We have a lot to say about each other's lives. Don't be surprised if you get flak. There's another girl, Cordelia. She and I use to go together. She dumped me but lately I think she is reconsidering. Don't be surprised if she says something also."
"Do you like her?"
"Leslie, so much has been happening to me I don't really know. I did like her. When I first started going with her she was a real bitch but she really changed. She helps us all the time, now."
"Why did she dump you?"
"Because she said I couldn't love her the way she loved me."
"The slayer?" He nods. She keeps looking at him.
"What?"
"Is she right?"
Getting a little perturbed. "Right about what, Leslie?"
"Are you open to other relationships?"
"I think I am." Xander walks out to the kitchen but then returns to the living room.
"Leslie, the slayer and I are taboo. She is going to get her Angel back. I had a good time last night. I have no idea what that means."
"Okay, Xander. That's good enough."
"Can I make you something that is proven to cure a hangover?"
"I guess so as long as it is not too weird."
"I don't do weird. I was talking about a Bloody Mary."
Leslie, laughing, "I don't think so Xander."
Leslie comes to pick up Xander for the meeting. They walk a couple of blocks. Xander gets that "about to be attacked" feeling.
"Shit, Leslie, we're about to get attacked."
"What?"
A creature comes running out of a small wooded area. It smacks Leslie on the shoulder. She falls against a fence.
Xander front kicks it then follows up with a vicious sidekick.
Leslie screams in shock as it picks Xander up, slamming him into the fence beside her. He jumps up, drop kicking the monster as it rushes him. It slams into a tree. Xander finds a two-by-four. He picks it up, swinging it into the beast's face. He pulls out his knife.
Xander stabs it in the side. It shrieks in pain but manages a viscous backhand to the boy's jaw. The monster rips at him with its claw, slicing his shoulder.
Leslie is frozen in fear.
Xander spins once, nailing the thing with a kick, which rocks it against the fence. The boy then flies into it with both hands on his long stake. He plunges it to the chest of the beast.
It squeals in pain. A light ray bursts from the wound. The monster then collapses in flames.
Xander falls over exhausted.
Leslie goes to him, crying. "Xander, are you okay?" He looks up at her. "I'm so sorry I didn't help you. I was so afraid."
Xander gets up to a sitting position. "It's okay, Leslie." They hug.
"It's terrifying if you 're not use to it."
Leslie is bleeding from her shoulder. Xander has bleeding wounds on his cheek and back.
Leslie is still crying. "Xander, does this happen all the time?"
"Unfortunately. Leslie, let's go to the library. We can get patched up there."
They make it to the library.
When Buffy sees that Xander is hurt she runs to him. Willow and Giles go to Leslie.
"What the hell happened, Xander?"
"Another present."
"I'm sorry."
"Just another night at the office."
Buffy very lovingly cleans Xander's wounds. The one thing the library has is an ample supply of first aide medicines.
Xander looks into her eyes as she is doing it. Occasionally she looks back. When she does Xander could swear he sees Buffy looking at him the way she use to look at Angel. He dismisses it as grogginess from his wounds.
Willow and Giles patch up Leslie's shoulder.
Giles speaks. "Now, what happened?"
Leslie jumps right in. "We were on the way here. This huge monster jumped out." Leslie starts crying. Xander goes to her. She continues.
"It was terrifying." She can't continue. The rest of the gang isn't use to anyone breaking down this heavily from the rabble they consider almost daily faire in Hellmouth.
Xander continues for her. "It knocked her out of the way."
"A vampire?"
"No, it was huge and hairy."
"How huge?"
"I don't know, Giles, maybe 6'5"or 6'6", 300 lbs. It looked like an ape, only it had a real hard head. I hit it in the face with a two-by-four. It felt like I hit stone or metal."
"How did you get away, Xander?"
"I was actually able to stake it after a few kicks and punches. It did the light thing then, the fire thing then the ashes."
Giles shows Xander some pictures. He picks one out then shows it to Leslie.
"That's it. I'll never forget that face."
Willow puts her arm around Leslie. "Give it a little while, Leslie, it won't be as traumatic every time."
"You picked Warrick. Xander this is highly unusual."
Buffy speaks up. "Giles, he's been attacked even more times than he tells us."
Giles stares at the youth.
"So far I've been able to handle it. Giles, let's move on. I was about to introduce you to, Leslie. She has some neat powers." Looking at her.
"Are you up for a little demonstration, Leslie?"
"I guess so."
Xander gets up. He is psyched. "It's a little cold in here. You want to shut the windows, Leslie?"
Everyone looks over to the windows. Leslie motions to them one at a time. They all close.
Giles is the first to speak. The excitement on his face is apparent "Very impressive, Leslie!"
She opens them all again.
"Amazing!"
"It didn't do any good when we were attacked. That monster could have killed Xander and I would have just laid there in fear."
Willow tries to comfort her. "That was the first time you ever saw anything like that, Leslie. We were all afraid at first."
Cordelia chimes in, "Most of us still are afraid!"
Giles adds. "Your reaction was quite normal in that situation. You will gain confidence in yourself. That is if you are willing to join us?"
"I'll be scared out of my mind but I'll do what I can."
Xander ads, "You'll train with us. Pretty soon you'll be picking up things like Warrick and tossing them around."
"I'm afraid the power is quite limited."
The watcher feels he has to warn the newcomer. "You are welcome, Leslie, but you do understand you are putting yourself in harm's way by doing so?"
"All my life I've been different. It made me a loner and I was quite unhappy. With you guys I feel like I'm normal."
Cordelia is indignant. "Shouldn't we be insulted?"
Everybody gets a good laugh out of this.
"Moving on, let's discuss our main topic of the evening."
Buffy interrupts. She has been reading the book on Warrick.
"It says here Warrick is, was, over 200 years old. He only goes after creatures or people who alter the balance of good and evil."
Buffy stares at Xander with furrowed brow. She continues. "It also says he has to be summoned by an evil greater than the moon."
Giles interrupts. "He's a hit man, Buffy."
Xander doesn't want to hear anymore. "He's dead, let's move on."
Giles changes the subject, "Xander, does your friend have a formula to return Angel's soul?"
"Yes. And, along with Willow's help we can probably do it. I can get her here anytime."
Cordelia can't resist a comment. "Of course it's a woman!" Xander looks at her.
"Aren't there any men in the underground?"
Buffy answers. "There are. He just never meets any of them!" Giles gets back to the subject. "Buffy, do you think you and Xander can lure Angelus into a fight?"
"We'll try, Giles. That is if Xander can pull himself away from his bar maid?"
Leslie doesn't hear her but Xander does. He goes up to the slayer.
"I think you said enough, Buffy."
"Xander, if you want to be a part of things you have to live up to a certain standard."
"Are you crazy, Buffy? I think you said enough to hurt me. Do you want an all out battle?"
"It's not me sucking face with anyone who is willing."
"No, all you want is a blood sucking vampire to sleep with!"
As soon as Xander says that he knows he went too far.
"You bastard! Don't come anywhere near me, Xander." She runs out of the meeting.
Xander runs after her. He catches up to her but she pushes him away. He runs in front of her.
"Okay, you can go away but just let me tell you I'm sorry I said that."
"You said it, Xander."
"That's not what's in my heart and you know it. Come on, Buff, we both have things to discuss."
She stops, closing her eyes. She turns around. Xander goes to her.
"You scared me there, Buff."
"Why, because you finally spoke your mind? You were afraid to tell me the truth?"
"You were attacking me. I had to come up with something."
"You went to a bar to get drunk. You picked up another fashion model. Now you want her as part of the group. I come on patrol and she's looking for a ring so you can get married. I saw you kissing. You also kissed her goodnight. She was tickling you on your sofa."
"Do you think I'm an asshole? That's not friendly stuff. That's boy/ girl stuff!"
Xander has his mouth open. "Aren't you missing something here, Buffy? You and I are friends, Right?"
Disgusted, "Is that what we are, Xander? You know, you can sniff a daemon at fifty yards but in some things you are as stupid as hell!"
"Well, thank you."
"You're filled with all this wisdom about me but…Willow is right about you."
"What the hell is that suppose to mean?"
"It means you have this uncanny ability to have something right in front of you without ever having a clue!"
"Look, slayer, we're getting your Angel back for you." He puts his finger in Buffy's face.
"The last thing I want to do is fight with you, Buffy. Maybe we better just talk about the business at hand."
"Yea, okay, Xander. What the hell, keep your head in the clouds. Look, all you have to do is make the initial contact then you can jump in bed with your groupie."
"I..I don't get it."
Buffy interrupts "No kidding!"
"Don't mess with me, Buffy! When Angel comes back you can be all hugs and kisses. This spell won't break if you make like bunny rabbits. I'll always be here to take your shit and, his shit!"
"Anybody else in hell you want back?"
Xander storms away.
Angry with one another or not, the business of Hellmouth must go on.
Xander meets Buffy at her house. He's all business. Buffy addresses him.
"Where's the bar maid?"
"She's not a bar maid."
"A little touchy?"
"Could we call a truce since we both might die tonight?"
"You're right. I forgot you're public enemy number one now. Xander, since when did you get to be more dangerous than me?"
"I don't know but I'll gladly let go of that honor. I think you're better suited for it."
"Not any more!"
"Well, you have that natural slayer nastiness."
"Yea, but you have that bad ass routine."
"But, you have those slayer powers."
"Yea, but you have that quick healing thing."
"Everybody knows you're mean and nasty."
"But, they haven't seen you, lately."
Xander sticks his tongue out at Buffy. She has to stop and laugh. Xander joins her.
After a few more minutes of walking.
"You know, I need a title."
"What?"
"I need a title. You have a title, Buffy, the vampire slayer. I want a title."
"Well, you can't have one."
"I'm going to ask Giles'"
"He's my watcher. He'll do what I say."
"You're a brat!"
"Yea, but at least I have a title."
Xander and Buffy stop as they near the cemetery. They can feel the weight of what they are going to do tonight.
"Buffy, we might be really upset with each other but there is nobody's arms I'd rather have holding me than yours. Could we just…"
He doesn't need to finish. Buffy embraces him.
A sarcastic voice interrupts them.
"Well, look at that, Spike. The pathetic boy wonder in the arms of his forever love. Still can't get her to love you. And, Buffy. She just can't seem to shake her love for me. I can do anything to anybody. She's like a Timex watch. Takes a liken but keeps on ticking."
Xander calmly walks up to him. Buffy is shocked.
"You know, I'm getting tired of you freaks breaking up our tender moments together."
"Oh, yea, what are you going to do about it?"
"You know what I was thinking, Angelus? How about you and me in a fair one?"
"Do you know what would happen to you without the slayer to protect you?"
"I've been feeling my oats, lately. How about you and me tomorrow night?"
"Do you have a death wish, boy?"
"Angel, I'm getting the idea you don't think you can take me. Hey, Spike, I'm calling him out. What do you think enemy to enemy? I think I can take him."
Spike replies. "Well, you did kick Warrick's ass."
"And, those two bikers he sent."
"I have to hand it to you bloke, that was pretty slick. You should have claimed the bikes, though."
"The cops were coming."
Spike looks at Angelus. "What have you got to lose, Angelus. I think he'll make a good lunch snack."
"Damn, Spike, that was harsh. I thought we were bonding here?
Angelus can't get out of it. He looks at Xander with fire in his eyes.
"Tomorrow night!"
They leave.
Go on to Part Fifteen
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